Abarth Punto vs Volkswagen Polo
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Volkswagen Polo wins on money kept: 72% retained after three years vs 58%, worth about R 58 963 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Punto | Polo | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 365 000 | R 373 800 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 6 380/m | R 6 533/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 76% | 85% |
| Retained after 3 years | 58% | 72% |
| Value after 3 years | R 209 964 | R 268 927 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 155 036 | R 104 873 |
| Value after 5 years | R 158 922 | R 222 698 |
| Our tier | Weak-franchise mainstream | Strong mainstream |
Abarth Punto →
The hot Punto reached South Africa in very small numbers in the early 2010s with a 132 kW 1.4 turbo. Ten Scorpione limited editions were offered at R365,000 in 2012 through a single Johannesburg dealer. It now ranks among the rarest hot hatches on the local used market.
Known for: rare 132kw hot punto
Volkswagen Polo →
Built in Kariega for local sale and export, the Polo has been SA's benchmark compact hatch since the Playa era of the mid-1990s. GTI versions carry a strong enthusiast following, and used values hold up better than almost anything else in the class.
Known for: class-leading resale and gti heritage
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Abarth Punto or the Volkswagen Polo?
The Volkswagen Polo. It keeps about 72% of its price after three years against 58% for the Abarth Punto, a gap of 14 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Abarth Punto loses about R 155 036 over three years and the Volkswagen Polo loses about R 104 873. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the Abarth Punto runs about R 6 380 per month and the Volkswagen Polo about R 6 533, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.