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Ford Fiesta 1.0 Ecoboost Titanium (A) vs Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TSI DSG (A)
24 Nov 2014|35,407 views
When automakers design superminis, they probably were thinking of making them as affordable as possible. However, with cutesy charms, parking-friendly dimensions and fun-to-drive characters, these cars soon won over more buyers.
Both superminis are equally capable of wooing audiences - though we aren't exactly fans of the quirky colours
That said, carmakers should not forget that the target audience has tight budgets to adhere to. With that in mind, how else could they have bettered these cars other than to fit them with tax-friendlier, smaller capacity engines?
Volkswagen is one of the trendsetters for downsized engines. In fact, the Polo's 1.2-litre unit is the smallest on offer in the Wolfsburg lineup, and one of the tiniest in the market right now.
But just when you wonder how much more petite they can get, Ford came out with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit, which has wiped out 13 international accolades since its debut. Also, thanks to some clever packaging, the new unit is so compact that you can fit it on a single piece of A4-sized paper.
It seems like the American is all ready to take the fight to the German.
That said, carmakers should not forget that the target audience has tight budgets to adhere to. With that in mind, how else could they have bettered these cars other than to fit them with tax-friendlier, smaller capacity engines?
Volkswagen is one of the trendsetters for downsized engines. In fact, the Polo's 1.2-litre unit is the smallest on offer in the Wolfsburg lineup, and one of the tiniest in the market right now.
But just when you wonder how much more petite they can get, Ford came out with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit, which has wiped out 13 international accolades since its debut. Also, thanks to some clever packaging, the new unit is so compact that you can fit it on a single piece of A4-sized paper.
It seems like the American is all ready to take the fight to the German.
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Exterior
Both the Fiesta and Polo have been refreshed recently, albeit with minor changes inside and out. In fact, they could even be mistaken for their predecessors if not for a closer glance.
While the Polo retains a more squarish overall that gives it an unmistakable identity, the Fiesta strikes with a more trendy outfit, thanks to the steeper and more curvy posture. The latter's large 'gapping mouth' grille, however, can be a love-it-or-hate-it affair.
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While there's little doubt that both these cars can earn their crowns in a beauty contest, we think the Polo stands a slightly higher chance of doing so with its conventional good looks.
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Interior
The sweeping lines of the Fiesta follow through into its cabin in the form of a nicely sculptured centre console, which immediately sets off an eventful mood. Ambient lighting - a feature found in more expensive models - also comes standard in the higher grade 'Titanium' Fiesta.
The infotainment system also has more functions, such as Bluetooth connectivity for telephony and music streaming, which are both absent in the Polo. However, it isn't the easiest to work with.
Fiesta (left) has a curvier and stylish-looking interior, while the Polo (right) appears more 'prim and proper'
On the other hand, the Polo's instruments are decked out in a cleaner and neater layout, which makes them easier to read and use on the move. The 5.0-inch touchscreen is much more intuitive, and makes the knobs and buttons in the Fiesta feel dated in comparison.
The sweeping lines of the Fiesta follow through into its cabin in the form of a nicely sculptured centre console, which immediately sets off an eventful mood. Ambient lighting - a feature found in more expensive models - also comes standard in the higher grade 'Titanium' Fiesta.
The infotainment system also has more functions, such as Bluetooth connectivity for telephony and music streaming, which are both absent in the Polo. However, it isn't the easiest to work with.
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On the other hand, the Polo's instruments are decked out in a cleaner and neater layout, which makes them easier to read and use on the move. The 5.0-inch touchscreen is much more intuitive, and makes the knobs and buttons in the Fiesta feel dated in comparison.
That said, do not expect these superminis to be as well-equipped as their bigger and more expensive counterparts. For instance, both cars do without keyless entry and engine push start buttons.
In terms of space, both superminis are almost neck-to-neck, which means they will suffice mostly for four in city commutes and struggle to fit five for longer journeys.
At 281 litres (Fiesta, left) and 280 litres (Polo, right), both boots are equally spacious - though the Polo's wider trunk opening makes it more accessible
In terms of space, both superminis are almost neck-to-neck, which means they will suffice mostly for four in city commutes and struggle to fit five for longer journeys.
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The Drive
Powering these superminis are equally small powerplants - a 1.0-litre and a 1.2-litre unit in the Fiesta and Polo respectively.
With 99bhp and 170Nm of torque, the smaller three-cylinder unit in the Fiesta, surprisingly, is the more powerful of the duo. On the other hand, the Polo's four-cylinder has a milder state of tune, delivering 89bhp and 160Nm of torque.
Fiesta (left) summons 99bhp and 170Nm of torque from its 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit, while Polo manages 10bhp and 10Nm of torque less with its 1.2-litre unit
Expectedly, the Fiesta feels punchier than the Polo on the move. Its three-cylinder engine feels livelier and keen to rev, which makes for a more characterful drive. Likewise, it is also the eager performer, dancing over curves and bends in a more graceful and rewarding manner.
The Polo, on the other hand, prefers to be driven more sedately and will reward the driver as well as the occupants with a soul-soothing and mind-relaxing ride, when worked without a heavy right foot. The downside, though, is a less inspiring experience for the man at the helm.
Powering these superminis are equally small powerplants - a 1.0-litre and a 1.2-litre unit in the Fiesta and Polo respectively.
With 99bhp and 170Nm of torque, the smaller three-cylinder unit in the Fiesta, surprisingly, is the more powerful of the duo. On the other hand, the Polo's four-cylinder has a milder state of tune, delivering 89bhp and 160Nm of torque.
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Expectedly, the Fiesta feels punchier than the Polo on the move. Its three-cylinder engine feels livelier and keen to rev, which makes for a more characterful drive. Likewise, it is also the eager performer, dancing over curves and bends in a more graceful and rewarding manner.
The Polo, on the other hand, prefers to be driven more sedately and will reward the driver as well as the occupants with a soul-soothing and mind-relaxing ride, when worked without a heavy right foot. The downside, though, is a less inspiring experience for the man at the helm.
That said, the Polo will make up with a more impressive fuel economy of 19km/L, while the Fiesta only managed close to 15km/L during our drive.
Polo's seven-speed DSG still has a slight edge over Fiesta's six-speed dual-clutch unit with quicker and more spontaneous cog swops
Conclusion
As far as budget cars are concerned in Singapore, both of these superminis have crossed the $100k barrier. The Polo costs $117,300, with the Fiesta priced marginally higher at $118,999 (both prices as of 7th November 2014).
The Polo's blue-blooded pedigree is almost a sure-fire way to garner likes and orders on our shores. No doubt, it will also win hearts with its clever packaging and, most importantly, its ultra-frugal fuel economy.
The Fiesta, on the other hand, is just as practical but built with one eye on driving fun. And for those looking to spice up their commutes, it is the Fiesta that they must have.
Conclusion
As far as budget cars are concerned in Singapore, both of these superminis have crossed the $100k barrier. The Polo costs $117,300, with the Fiesta priced marginally higher at $118,999 (both prices as of 7th November 2014).
The Polo's blue-blooded pedigree is almost a sure-fire way to garner likes and orders on our shores. No doubt, it will also win hearts with its clever packaging and, most importantly, its ultra-frugal fuel economy.
The Fiesta, on the other hand, is just as practical but built with one eye on driving fun. And for those looking to spice up their commutes, it is the Fiesta that they must have.
When automakers design superminis, they probably were thinking of making them as affordable as possible. However, with cutesy charms, parking-friendly dimensions and fun-to-drive characters, these cars soon won over more buyers.
That said, carmakers should not forget that the target audience has tight budgets to adhere to. With that in mind, how else could they have bettered these cars other than to fit them with tax-friendlier, smaller capacity engines?
Volkswagen is one of the trendsetters for downsized engines. In fact, the Polo's 1.2-litre unit is the smallest on offer in the Wolfsburg lineup, and one of the tiniest in the market right now.
But just when you wonder how much more petite they can get, Ford came out with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit, which has wiped out 13 international accolades since its debut. Also, thanks to some clever packaging, the new unit is so compact that you can fit it on a single piece of A4-sized paper.
It seems like the American is all ready to take the fight to the German.
That said, carmakers should not forget that the target audience has tight budgets to adhere to. With that in mind, how else could they have bettered these cars other than to fit them with tax-friendlier, smaller capacity engines?
Volkswagen is one of the trendsetters for downsized engines. In fact, the Polo's 1.2-litre unit is the smallest on offer in the Wolfsburg lineup, and one of the tiniest in the market right now.
But just when you wonder how much more petite they can get, Ford came out with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit, which has wiped out 13 international accolades since its debut. Also, thanks to some clever packaging, the new unit is so compact that you can fit it on a single piece of A4-sized paper.
It seems like the American is all ready to take the fight to the German.
Exterior
Both the Fiesta and Polo have been refreshed recently, albeit with minor changes inside and out. In fact, they could even be mistaken for their predecessors if not for a closer glance.
While the Polo retains a more squarish overall that gives it an unmistakable identity, the Fiesta strikes with a more trendy outfit, thanks to the steeper and more curvy posture. The latter's large 'gapping mouth' grille, however, can be a love-it-or-hate-it affair.
While there's little doubt that both these cars can earn their crowns in a beauty contest, we think the Polo stands a slightly higher chance of doing so with its conventional good looks.
Both the Fiesta and Polo have been refreshed recently, albeit with minor changes inside and out. In fact, they could even be mistaken for their predecessors if not for a closer glance.
While the Polo retains a more squarish overall that gives it an unmistakable identity, the Fiesta strikes with a more trendy outfit, thanks to the steeper and more curvy posture. The latter's large 'gapping mouth' grille, however, can be a love-it-or-hate-it affair.
While there's little doubt that both these cars can earn their crowns in a beauty contest, we think the Polo stands a slightly higher chance of doing so with its conventional good looks.
Interior
The sweeping lines of the Fiesta follow through into its cabin in the form of a nicely sculptured centre console, which immediately sets off an eventful mood. Ambient lighting - a feature found in more expensive models - also comes standard in the higher grade 'Titanium' Fiesta.
The infotainment system also has more functions, such as Bluetooth connectivity for telephony and music streaming, which are both absent in the Polo. However, it isn't the easiest to work with.
On the other hand, the Polo's instruments are decked out in a cleaner and neater layout, which makes them easier to read and use on the move. The 5.0-inch touchscreen is much more intuitive, and makes the knobs and buttons in the Fiesta feel dated in comparison.
The sweeping lines of the Fiesta follow through into its cabin in the form of a nicely sculptured centre console, which immediately sets off an eventful mood. Ambient lighting - a feature found in more expensive models - also comes standard in the higher grade 'Titanium' Fiesta.
The infotainment system also has more functions, such as Bluetooth connectivity for telephony and music streaming, which are both absent in the Polo. However, it isn't the easiest to work with.
On the other hand, the Polo's instruments are decked out in a cleaner and neater layout, which makes them easier to read and use on the move. The 5.0-inch touchscreen is much more intuitive, and makes the knobs and buttons in the Fiesta feel dated in comparison.
That said, do not expect these superminis to be as well-equipped as their bigger and more expensive counterparts. For instance, both cars do without keyless entry and engine push start buttons.
In terms of space, both superminis are almost neck-to-neck, which means they will suffice mostly for four in city commutes and struggle to fit five for longer journeys.
In terms of space, both superminis are almost neck-to-neck, which means they will suffice mostly for four in city commutes and struggle to fit five for longer journeys.
The Drive
Powering these superminis are equally small powerplants - a 1.0-litre and a 1.2-litre unit in the Fiesta and Polo respectively.
With 99bhp and 170Nm of torque, the smaller three-cylinder unit in the Fiesta, surprisingly, is the more powerful of the duo. On the other hand, the Polo's four-cylinder has a milder state of tune, delivering 89bhp and 160Nm of torque.
Expectedly, the Fiesta feels punchier than the Polo on the move. Its three-cylinder engine feels livelier and keen to rev, which makes for a more characterful drive. Likewise, it is also the eager performer, dancing over curves and bends in a more graceful and rewarding manner.
The Polo, on the other hand, prefers to be driven more sedately and will reward the driver as well as the occupants with a soul-soothing and mind-relaxing ride, when worked without a heavy right foot. The downside, though, is a less inspiring experience for the man at the helm.
That said, the Polo will make up with a more impressive fuel economy of 19km/L, while the Fiesta only managed close to 15km/L during our drive.
Conclusion
As far as budget cars are concerned in Singapore, both of these superminis have crossed the $100k barrier. The Polo costs $117,300, with the Fiesta priced marginally higher at $118,999 (both prices as of 7th November 2014).
The Polo's blue-blooded pedigree is almost a sure-fire way to garner likes and orders on our shores. No doubt, it will also win hearts with its clever packaging and, most importantly, its ultra-frugal fuel economy.
The Fiesta, on the other hand, is just as practical but built with one eye on driving fun. And for those looking to spice up their commutes, it is the Fiesta that they must have.
Conclusion
As far as budget cars are concerned in Singapore, both of these superminis have crossed the $100k barrier. The Polo costs $117,300, with the Fiesta priced marginally higher at $118,999 (both prices as of 7th November 2014).
The Polo's blue-blooded pedigree is almost a sure-fire way to garner likes and orders on our shores. No doubt, it will also win hearts with its clever packaging and, most importantly, its ultra-frugal fuel economy.
The Fiesta, on the other hand, is just as practical but built with one eye on driving fun. And for those looking to spice up their commutes, it is the Fiesta that they must have.
Photos by Low Fai Ming
Car Information
Ford Fiesta 1.0 Ecoboost Titanium (A)
CAT A|Petrol|20.4km/L
Horsepower
74kW (99 bhp)
Torque
170 Nm
Acceleration
10.8sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Ford FiestaVolkswagen Polo 1.2 TSI DSG (A)
CAT A|Petrol|21.3km/L
Horsepower
66kW (89 bhp)
Torque
160 Nm
Acceleration
10.8sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Volkswagen Polo
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