VS

Mercedes Citan vs VW Polo comparison

Compare performance (131 HP vs 207 HP), boot space and price (22,400 £ vs 17,300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes Citan or VW Polo?

Mercedes Citan vs VW Polo: Key differences

Mercedes Citan

  • clearly more trunk space
details

VW Polo

4.2 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • markedly cheaper
  • markedly more power
  • very slightly more efficient
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • clearly lighter
details

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Citan

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

VW Polo is markedly cheaper – starting at 17,300 £ , while the Mercedes Citan costs 22,400 £ . That’s a price difference of around 5,185 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the VW Polo uses 5.1 L/100km and is very slightly more efficient than the Mercedes Citan with 5.2 L/100km. The difference is about 0.1 L/100km.

Polo

Engine and Performance:

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 VW Polo offers markedly more power – delivering 207 HP compared to 131 HP. That’s roughly 76 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Polo is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 6.5 s, while the Mercedes Citan takes 13 s. That’s about 6.5 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the VW Polo delivers slightly more torque with 320 Nm compared to 270 Nm. That’s about 50 Nm more.

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, VW Polo is clearly lighter – 1,143 kg compared to 1,556 kg. The difference is around 413 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mercedes Citan offers clearly more boot space – 551 L compared to 351 L. That’s a difference of about 200 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes Citan carries clearly more – 644 kg compared to 457 kg. That’s a difference of about 187 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The VW Polo is decisively ahead 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.

from £17,300
Polo

VW Polo

  • Engine Type Petrol
  • Transmission Manual, Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 80 - 207 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 5.1 - 6.5 L/100km
details

Frequently compared as well

Toyota Yaris
VW Polo
VS
Choosing between the Toyota Yaris and the VW Polo comes down to whether you prioritise reliability and efficiency or a more refined drive and cabin quality. Both are compact, practical hatchbacks ideal for city life, but the Yaris leans toward excellent fuel economy and low running costs while the …
VW Polo
VW ID.Polo
VS
The VW Polo and the VW ID. Polo are compact hatchbacks aimed at the same city buyers, but they take very different approaches: the Polo remains a refined petrol (with mild‑hybrid options) mainstream choice, while the ID. Polo is Volkswagen’s fully electric small hatch. This comparison focuses on …
Mercedes Citan
VW Polo

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Mercedes Citan

The Mercedes Citan is a clever urban van that dresses sensible practicality in a surprisingly premium suit, making light work of deliveries and family duties without feeling like a workhorse. With a calm, car-like driving feel, clever interior packaging and the Mercedes badge up front, it’s a smart pick for buyers who want function with a touch of luxury and a wink of personality.

details
serpimg_CQHqb8

Reviews Mercedes Citan

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

VW Polo

The Polo is a well-built, comfortable hatchback that blends a refined cabin and composed manners into a compact package. It's easy to live with day to day, offering sensible space, tidy controls and reassuring quality that make it a practical choice for city or longer trips.

details
DB2021AU00726_medium
DB2021AU00728_medium
DB2021AU00732_medium
DB2021AU00735_medium
DB2021AU00736_medium
DB2021AU00741_medium

Reviews VW Polo

4.2 (4 Reviews)
rate
Michel
13 Jun 2026, 15:24:46

Nice, spacious car with many options available (panoramic roof and travel assist).

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): City / Short distance
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

Frequently compared as well

VW Polo
VW Taigo
VS
The VW Polo is the sharp, no-nonsense hatchback that nails everyday practicality — nimble in town, economical to run and pleasantly composed on the motorway. The VW Taigo swaps a bit of luggage room and rear headroom for SUV flair, higher seating and a more eye-catching cabin, so pick the Polo for …
VW Polo
VW T-Cross
VS
The VW Polo is a nimble, wallet-friendly hatch that makes city driving and tight parking effortless, while the VW T-Cross trades the Polo’s sprightliness for SUV practicality — higher seating, a roomier boot and a more commanding road presence. Pick the Polo if you want cheap, lively motoring; …
Toyota Aygo
VW Polo
VS
Choosing between the Toyota Aygo and the Volkswagen Polo comes down to whether you want an ultra-compact city runabout or a more practical small hatchback with extra refinement. The Aygo is ideal for tight urban driving and low running costs, while the Polo delivers greater comfort, safety kit and …
Ford Puma
VW Polo
VS
Comparing the Ford Puma and the VW Polo comes down to choosing between a compact crossover that brings extra practicality and a semi-sporty feel (the Puma) and a traditional supermini that prioritizes refinement, build quality and precise handling (the VW Polo). Both are excellent everyday cars — …
Opel Corsa
VW Polo
VS
Unsure whether the Opel Corsa or the VW Polo is the better match? Compare both models directly and discover differences in power, efficiency, comfort and value for money — all summarized in one easy view to support your decision.
Renault Clio
VW Polo
VS
The Renault Clio and VW Polo are two of Europe's best-selling superminis, each offering smart styling, efficient engines and practical interiors. This comparison focuses on real-world driving, interior space, running costs and tech to help you pick which small car suits you best.
SEAT Arona
VW Polo
VS
SEAT Arona and VW Polo go head-to-head: compare performance, space, features and price in one quick overview to see which model suits your daily driving, budget and lifestyle better. A clear, side-by-side look helps you make the smarter choice.
Hyundai i20
VW Polo
VS
Hyundai i20 and VW Polo go head-to-head: compare performance, space, features and price in one quick overview to see which model suits your daily driving, budget and lifestyle better. A clear, side-by-side look helps you make the smarter choice.
Mercedes Citan
VW Polo

Costs and Consumption
Price
22,400 - 30,100 £
Price
17,300 - 30,800 £
Consumption L/100km
5.2 - 7.4 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
5.1 - 6.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
19.3 - 20.7 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
265 - 280 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
45 kWh
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 - 167 g/km
co2
116 - 148 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
54 L
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
High Roof Estate
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,556 - 2,010 kg
Curb weight
1,143 - 1,378 kg
Trunk capacity
0 - 551 L
Trunk capacity
351 L
Length
4,498 - 4,922 mm
Length
-
Width
1,859 mm
Width
1,751 mm
Height
1,811 - 1,830 mm
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
1,979 - 3,660 L
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
485 - 644 kg
Payload
432 - 457 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol, Diesel, Electric
Engine Type
Petrol
Transmission
Manual, Automatic
Transmission
Manual, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic, Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
95 - 131 HP
Power HP
80 - 207 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
13 - 15.5 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.5 - 15.6 s
Max Speed
132 - 183 km/h
Max Speed
-
Torque
200 - 270 Nm
Torque
93 - 320 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Power kW
70 - 96 kW
Power kW
59 - 152 kW
Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,461 cm3
Engine capacity
999 - 1,984 cm3

General
Model Year
2,021 - 2,024
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
F, E, A
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
VW
What drivetrain options does the Mercedes Citan have?

The Mercedes Citan is offered with Front-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.