Compare performance (280 HP vs 207 HP), boot space and price (27,500 £ vs 17,300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Ford Focus or VW Polo?
All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.
Welcome to this exciting comparison between two renowned hatchbacks: the Ford Focus and the VW Polo. Both models offer impressive features, performance, and innovation, but they cater to slightly different audiences. Let's dive into the technical details and innovations of these two popular vehicles and see which one stands out based on your needs.
The Ford Focus comes with a variety of engine options, including petrol mild hybrid (MHEV), diesel, and standard petrol engines. It offers a range of power outputs from 125 to 280 horsepower, enabling drivers to choose based on their desired driving experience. In contrast, the VW Polo is equipped with petrol engines only, providing outputs between 80 and 207 horsepower.
Both vehicles employ front-wheel drive, but the Ford Focus offers more versatility in terms of transmission with both manual and dual-clutch automatic options. The VW Polo matches this by also providing both manual and dual-clutch automatic transmissions.
The Ford Focus has a slightly larger frame with its length stretching up to 4,397 mm, compared to the VW Polo's more compact 4,074 mm length. In terms of fuel economy, the Focus boasts a fuel consumption range of 4.9 to 8 L/100km, while the Polo's consumption ranges from 5.2 to 6.5 L/100km, making both relatively efficient but with the Focus offering more consumption flexibility.
Both models seat five passengers comfortably. The larger Ford Focus offers more trunk capacity at 392 liters, compared to the Polo's 351 liters, making the Focus a better choice for those who frequently carry more cargo. However, the Focus also weighs more, with curb weights starting from 1,330 kg to 1,529 kg, while the Polo is more lightweight with a range between 1,138 kg and 1,372 kg.
The Focus' fuel tank can hold up to 52 liters, allowing for fewer fuel stops on long journeys compared to the Polo's 40-liter capacity. The VW Polo, with its smaller stature and weight, is potentially more maneuverable in tight urban settings.
The Ford Focus impresses with an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds in its top performance variant, whereas the Polo achieves this in 6.5 seconds when opting for its highest-spec model. Depending on the variant, the Focus maxes out between 186 and an impressive 250 km/h, compared to the Polo’s range of 171 to 240 km/h, making the Focus more appealing for speed enthusiasts.
CO2 emissions are an important consideration for many buyers. The Ford Focus emits between 117 to 183 g/km of CO2, placing it in CO2 efficiency classes D and G. Meanwhile, the VW Polo emissions range from 118 to 149 g/km, categorized under D and E classes, making it slightly more eco-friendly overall.
The choice between the Ford Focus and VW Polo boils down to personal preferences and priorities. The Focus offers a wider range of powerful engine options and additional cargo space, ideal for those requiring performance and practicality. On the other hand, the Polo is more compact and efficient, perfect for urban commuting with its lightweight and smaller frame. Both models represent their respective brands exceptionally well, and either would make a valuable addition to your driveway.
Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.
VW Polo is significantly cheaper – starting at 17,300 £ , while the Ford Focus costs 27,500 £ . That’s a price difference of around 10,256 £.
Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Ford Focus uses 4.9 L/100km and is barely more efficient than the VW Polo with 5.1 L/100km. The difference is about 0.2 L/100km.
Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.
When it comes to engine power, the Ford Focus offers visibly more power – delivering 280 HP compared to 207 HP. That’s roughly 73 HP more horsepower.
When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Ford Focus is slightly quicker – completing the sprint in 5.7 s, while the VW Polo takes 6.5 s. That’s about 0.8 s quicker.
There’s also a difference in torque: the Ford Focus delivers markedly more torque with 420 Nm compared to 320 Nm. That’s about 100 Nm more.
Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?
Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.
In terms of curb weight, VW Polo is slightly lighter – 1,143 kg compared to 1,330 kg. The difference is around 187 kg.
Looking at boot space, the Ford Focus offers slightly more boot space – 392 L compared to 351 L. That’s a difference of about 41 L.
When it comes to payload, the Ford Focus carries somewhat more – 560 kg compared to 457 kg. That’s a difference of about 103 kg.
The Ford Focus stands out in the key areas in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.
The Ford Focus remains a clever all‑rounder that balances sharp handling with everyday comfort, making it a strong choice whether your commute is city streets or country lanes. Its practical cabin and sensible running costs mean you’ll spend more time enjoying the drive and less time worrying about ownership, with a playful streak underfoot that keeps things interesting.
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The Polo is a small car with surprisingly grown-up refinement, delivering comfortable packaging, crisp handling and a build quality that punches above its class. For buyers who want a practical, fuss-free hatch that still feels a little premium, it’s a sensible, slightly cheeky choice you’ll enjoy every day.
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Costs and Consumption |
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Price
27,500 - 42,700 £
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Price
17,300 - 30,800 £
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Consumption L/100km
4.9 - 8 L/100km
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Consumption L/100km
5.1 - 6.5 L/100km
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Electric Range
-
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Electric Range
-
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Battery Capacity
-
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Battery Capacity
-
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co2
117 - 183 g/km
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co2
116 - 148 g/km
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Fuel tank capacity
52 L
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Fuel tank capacity
-
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Dimensions and Body |
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|---|---|
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Body Type
Hatchback
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Body Type
Hatchback
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Seats
5
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Seats
5
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Doors
5
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Doors
-
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Curb weight
1,330 - 1,529 kg
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Curb weight
1,143 - 1,378 kg
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Trunk capacity
392 L
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Trunk capacity
351 L
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Length
4,382 - 4,397 mm
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Length
-
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Width
1,825 - 1,844 mm
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Width
1,751 mm
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Height
1,438 - 1,482 mm
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Height
-
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Max trunk capacity
1,354 L
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Max trunk capacity
-
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Payload
495 - 560 kg
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Payload
432 - 457 kg
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Engine and Performance |
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|---|---|
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Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Petrol
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Engine Type
Petrol
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Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
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Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic, Automatic Gearbox
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Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
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Power HP
115 - 280 HP
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Power HP
80 - 207 HP
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.7 - 11.8 s
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.5 - 15.6 s
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Max Speed
186 - 250 km/h
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Max Speed
-
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Torque
170 - 420 Nm
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Torque
93 - 320 Nm
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Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
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Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
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Power kW
85 - 206 kW
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Power kW
59 - 152 kW
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Engine capacity
999 - 2,261 cm3
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Engine capacity
999 - 1,984 cm3
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General |
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|---|---|
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Model Year
2,022 - 2,024
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Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
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CO2 Efficiency Class
D, G
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CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
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Brand
Ford
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Brand
VW
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Deutschland
France
Nederland
Great Britain
Sverige
Danmark
Suomi
Italia
Polska
España