Audi A1 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 62%, worth about R 60 720 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| A1 | Polo | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 530 900 | R 373 800 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 9 279/m | R 6 533/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 81% | 85% |
| Retained after 3 years | 62% | 72% |
| Value after 3 years | R 329 647 | R 268 927 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 201 253 | R 104 873 |
| Value after 5 years | R 248 021 | R 222 698 |
| Our tier | Premium (established) | Strong mainstream |
Audi A1 →
Audi's smallest model shares its platform with the VW Polo and is sold here as a Sportback only. It targets buyers stepping up from a Polo GTI or cross-shopping a Mini. Resale is respectable, though it depreciates faster than the Polo it is based on.
Known for: polo-based premium badge appeal
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 Audi A1 or the Volkswagen Polo?
The Volkswagen Polo. It keeps about 72% of its price after three years against 62% for the Audi A1, a gap of 10 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Audi A1 loses about R 201 253 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 Audi A1 runs about R 9 279 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.