HomeAdvice Centre Ford Models Ford Comparisons VS Ford Fiesta Models Ford Fiesta ST vs VW Polo GTI: How do they compare?

Ford Fiesta ST vs VW Polo GTI: How do they compare?


The Ford Fiesta ST and the Volkswagen Polo GTI are both popular versions of the Fiesta and Polo respectively, and each has its own benefits. Both are available as new cars or used models, with 2021 models available.

The two cars are in a similar class when it comes to power and size, but how do the two models compare overall? In this piece, we will be looking at how to make choosing between these two great cars a little easier.

The first things that caught our eye.

Sporty cars are all about the power – see how these two rank against each other.

The view from the cockpit should hold up when compared to the outside, and a few comfort options are always appreciated.

Read on to see how the cars look, how you can personalise it, and what options are available.

Although we love the ST and GTI, they aren’t the only options available for the Fiesta and Polo.

From initial prices to On The Road costs, see how these cars fit into your budget.

First Impressions

The standard Fiesta is one of Ford's most popular models, and the Ford Fiesta ST has naturally captured the attention of car lovers as a more powerful upgrade.

The Volkswagen Polo GTI proves a worthy competitor. This new Volkswagen supermini offers a high-tech cabin and a larger engine than the Ford Fiesta ST, as well as enhanced control.

The Volkswagen Polo GTI is now in its 6th generation and designed to look like the original model, but with elevated performance.

Engine sizes

Comparing engine specs is a tricky task, as different values will be important to each customer.

We have decided the best way to help pick a car is to see how each engine shapes up in our handy table, found below.

Both cars are front wheel-drive, and the Volkswagen Polo uses a six-speed dual-clutch, while the Fiesta uses a six-speed manual transmission.

 

Fiesta ST

Polo GT

Cylinders

L3

L4

Displacement

1498cm3

1984cm3

Power

147.1 KW @ 6000 RPM

200 HP @ 6000 RPM

197 BHP @ 6000 RPM

147.1 KW @ - RPM

200 HP @ - RPM

197 BHP @ - RPM

Torque

214 lb-ft @ 1600-4000 RPM

290 Nm @ 1600-4000 RPM

236 lb-ft @ 1500-4350 RPM

320 Nm @ 1500-4350 RPM

Fuel System

Direct Injection

Turbocharged Direct Injection

Fuel

Unleaded Petrol

Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Capacity

42.0L

45.0L

Features (interior)

Steering wheel

The Volkswagen Polo GTI's steering wheel is leather trimmed with a flat bottom and has GTI badging to add a sporty look. The wheel also has buttons to control the car's display options without taking your eyes off the road.

The Fiesta ST's steering wheel is perfectly round and distinctly more high-tech than the Volkswagen. A heated steering wheel is available, along with the car's seats, for added comfort on cold winter mornings. The steering wheel has a variety of controls, so you can use it to adapt your cruise control and control the touchscreen.

Seats

Both cars have 60/40 split seats in the rear, and the Polo's rear seats are foldable to create more boot space.

The seats in both cars are supportive and offer lumbar and height adjustment as standard, as well as adequate leg and headroom. The Polo has a wider bench for its rear seats, making it more comfortable for three passengers to sit in the rear of the car.

Climate control

Both models offer single-zone climate control as standard.

Boot space

Compared to the basic car's 351L boot, the Polo GTI is smaller at 280L, as the battery has gone from the engine bay to the rear.

The Ford Fiesta ST offers more luggage space, as the seats sit flush with the boot when folded, creating a 1,093 L maximum boot capacity.

Miscellaneous extras

Alongside its heated steering wheel, the Ford Fiesta also offers heated seats for the driver and front passenger with three different heat settings.

Heated seat cushions and backrests on the GTI are an optional extra.

Built-in satellite navigation comes as standard in the Fiesta ST-3, as well as Android Auto smartphone mirroring and Apple CarPlay so you can use your phone's apps. The 8-inch touchscreen is high-up on the car dashboard, but the display quality is not as crisp as the Volkswagen Polo's.

The Polo GTI's 8-inch touchscreen is much sharper in comparison with easy-to-navigate menus and a fast response time. Smartphone mirroring comes as standard, as well as voice activation and 24-hour customer service.

Features (exterior)

Car Wheels/tyres

The Volkswagen has electronic differential lock to limit understeering, but this is not enough to beat the grip of the Fiesta ST's tyres.

The enhanced grip and traction of the Fiesta ST allow you to squeeze the accelerator harder and earlier than you can with the Polo GTI.

Exterior style and appearance

The two models are similar in size and appearance, with the main difference being that the Fiesta ST offers more options to personalise.

Lights

Both cars offer full LED headlights either as part of an optional pack or as standard for their newest models.

Spoiler(s) and bumpers

Both the Ford Fiesta ST and the Polo GTI come with a unique body kit that comes with rear and front bumpers, a spoiler and side skirts, as well as 17-inch alloys.

Colours available

The Ford Fiesta ST comes in a huge variety of colours, including Oxford White, Orange Spice Metallic Tri-Coat, Magnetic, Hot Pepper Red Metallic, Outrageous Green, Shadow Black, and White Platinum.

The Polo GTI comes in 5 different colours, including White New, Flash Red, Reflex Silver, Candy White, and Deep Black.

Dimensions

 

Ford Fiesta ST

VW Polo GTI

Length (mm)

4068

4053

Width (mm)

1735

1751

Height (mm)

1469

1990

Wheelbase (mm)

2493

2551

Trim Levels

The Ford Fiesta currently has 11 different trim levels available if you count upgrades on lines such as the ST or Active Editions.

These are:

  • Trend - Standard

  • Titanium

  • Titanium X

  • Active Edition

  • Active X Edition

  • Vignale Edition

  • ST Edition

  • ST-2

  • ST-3

  • ST-Line Edition

  • ST-Line X Edition

 

The VW Polo has far fewer trim levels in comparison, with 4 options available in 2021 including the GTI:

  • Life – standard

  • Style

  • R-Line

  • GTI

Running Costs

The two cars differ by about £1,000 according to their respective sites but depend on the package you choose and where you purchase your car this price could vary.

Ford Fiesta ST RRP: From £ 21,955

Volkswagen Polo GTI RRP: £ 23,255

Fuel efficiency has an added importance when considering a sportier car, as you are making the investment for that bit more "oomph," not to be stuck at a petrol pump every time you want to give your car the space to breathe.

ford fiesta st interiorford fiesta st exterior