Ford Fiesta 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 66%, worth about R 54 722 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Fiesta | Polo | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 322 500 | R 373 800 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 5 637/m | R 6 533/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 82% | 85% |
| Retained after 3 years | 66% | 72% |
| Value after 3 years | R 214 205 | R 268 927 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 108 295 | R 104 873 |
| Value after 5 years | R 169 671 | R 222 698 |
| Our tier | Mainstream | Strong mainstream |
Ford Fiesta →
Sold here from 1997 until 2022 across four generations, including local assembly in the early years. Enthusiasts remember the ST fondly and used STs still fetch decent money. Standard 1.0 EcoBoost cars are common on the used market, though resale trails the Polo it fought for two decades.
Known for: sharp handling and the st hot hatch
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 Ford Fiesta or the Volkswagen Polo?
The Volkswagen Polo. It keeps about 72% of its price after three years against 66% for the Ford Fiesta, a gap of 6 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Ford Fiesta loses about R 108 295 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 Ford Fiesta runs about R 5 637 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.