Volkswagen Polo wins Best Urban Car under $30K

We often look towards the expensive end of the DCOTY field to wow us with a mind-blowing all-in-one package, but it’s arguably the other end of the spectrum that serves up the most well-rounded offering.

That’s because small cars must provide a balanced level of equipment, provide as much safety technology as possible, and remain efficient on the move. And here’s the kicker – they must provide all that for an attractive price.

Granted, small cars (across the board) are as expensive as they’ve ever been in 2024, but entry-level shoppers can rest easy by knowing that even though they come pricey – price tags are generally supported by corresponding levels of equipment, performance, and safety. That means even though you’re paying $30,000 for one of these vehicles, you’re getting a well-rounded vehicle.

It should be noted that all of our finalists are only available in a single specification under our $30,000 price marker. This means there’s no savvy shopping within each individual model range for the right variant – what you see is what you get. But, thankfully, what you get as standard is a polished product.

Even though Drive judges have always considered affordable cars as part of the annual Drive Car of the Year testing, 2024 marks the arrival of a new category that places Urban Cars Under $30,000 under the microscope.

Unlike before, the award is body-type agnostic which means we had sedans, hatchbacks, and even SUVs in the running for the coveted category award. But regardless of body style, our formula examins which car is the best offering at its price point for navigating the urban jungle.

Tight manoeuvrability into small parking spots, efficient engines, ownership affordability, and spacious yet compact dimensions are the aim of the game with this lot. It’s a lot to ask at an entry-level price point, but manufacturers are up to the task as this year’s testing proved.

With that, here is your Drive Car of the Year 2024 Best Urban Car Under $30,000.

Drive's pick: Volkswagen Polo 85TSI Life from $29,490 MSRP

Volkswagen is a brand best known for its relative refinement compared to its price-point rivals and it’s extremely evident from the cheapest car in its wide-ranging showroom line-up.

The Volkswagen Polo was last updated with a facelift in 2022 which upped its price perilously close to the $30,000 mark. Its styling only received a minor update, but its level of equipment shot up: you’re now getting automatic LED headlights, LED tail-lights, an 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster, 8.0-inch infotainment screen, wireless charging, auto wipers, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, illuminated vanity mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, and new safety technology. When you’re buying at the entry level it’s reassuring to see such a healthy level of items on the spec sheet.

Within the last year Volkswagen discontinued the manual-only Polo, meaning a single powertrain is available across the mainstream range – excluding the GTI variant. It pairs a turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Power outputs are 85kW and 200Nm, which are sent to the front wheels.

It doesn’t just impress on a spec sheet either. The Volkswagen Polo leans toward the “premium” level in terms of interior feel and finish, while its driving experience is as polished as they come.

With regard to the former, the Polo impresses with sturdy-feeling fabric covering its seats, hard-wearing plastics for the dash and door cards, as well as soft-touch leather at hand-placement points. The 8.0-inch infotainment system is free from fuss in terms of operation, and comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

It’s also surprisingly spacious, for its segment, in the second row despite its diminutive exterior dimensions. Notably, it stocks a 351-litre boot and a temporary spare wheel.

To drive, the Volkswagen Polo is perky, composed, and engaging. The 85kW/200Nm engine outputs enough grunt for overtakes in traffic and pulls up to the speed limit swiftly. Its ability to dispatch potholes and drive over speedhumps without upsetting the cabin ambience is a key highlight of how the Polo drives and its light steering effort makes the small body a cinch to navigate into a tight parking space.

To top it off, it’s affordable to own. Pairing a real-world fuel economy of around 6.0 litres per 100km and flexible servicing packages, ongoing Polo ownership needn’t break the bank. This is in addition to a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and 12 months of roadside assistance coverage every time you service within the Volkswagen network.

For these reasons, the Volkswagen Polo represents the best of its segment in 2024 and is crowned our Drive Car of the Year Best Urban Car Under $30,000.

Find out everything you need to know about all the Drive Car of the Year 2024 category winners at our DCOTY content hub.