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smart #3 vs VW Polo comparison

Compare performance (272 HP vs 207 HP), boot space and price (42,000 £ vs 17,300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – smart #3 or VW Polo?

smart #3 vs VW Polo: Key differences

smart #3

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • markedly more power
  • somewhat quicker 0–100 km/h
  • barely more trunk space
details

VW Polo

4.1 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly cheaper
  • significantly 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.

By Achim Sedelmaier

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

#3

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

VW Polo is clearly cheaper – starting at 17,300 £ , while the smart #3 costs 42,000 £ . That’s a price difference of around 24,733 £.

Polo

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the smart #3 offers markedly more power – delivering 272 HP compared to 207 HP. That’s roughly 65 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the smart #3 is somewhat quicker – completing the sprint in 5.8 s, while the VW Polo takes 6.5 s. That’s about 0.7 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the smart #3 delivers a bit more torque with 384 Nm compared to 320 Nm. That’s about 64 Nm more.

#3

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, VW Polo is significantly lighter – 1,143 kg compared to 1,810 kg. The difference is around 667 kg.

Looking at boot space, the smart #3 offers barely more boot space – 370 L compared to 351 L. That’s a difference of about 19 L.

When it comes to payload, the VW Polo carries very slightly more – 457 kg compared to 450 kg. That’s a difference of about 7 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The VW Polo has the upper hand 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 : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 80 - 207 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 5.1 - 6.5 L/100km
smart #3
VW Polo

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

smart #3

The Smart #3 turns the brand's cheeky city-car attitude into a grown-up compact SUV, pairing sleek styling with a surprisingly roomy, well-made interior. It's a brilliant pick for buyers who want electric ease without dullness — practical enough for daily life, but still lively enough to make parking and grocery runs feel a little fun.

details

VW Polo

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.

details
smart #3
VW Polo

Costs and Consumption

Price
42,000 £
Price
17,300 - 30,800 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
5.1 - 6.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
16.3 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
455 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
62 kWh
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 g/km
co2
116 - 148 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,810 kg
Curb weight
1,143 - 1,378 kg
Trunk capacity
370 L
Trunk capacity
351 L
Length
4,400 mm
Length
-
Width
1,844 mm
Width
1,751 mm
Height
1,556 mm
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
1,160 L
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
450 kg
Payload
432 - 457 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Petrol
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
272 HP
Power HP
80 - 207 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.5 - 15.6 s
Max Speed
180 km/h
Max Speed
-
Torque
384 Nm
Torque
93 - 320 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Power kW
200 kW
Power kW
59 - 152 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
999 - 1,984 cm3

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
Brand
smart
Brand
VW
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.