2017 Suzuki Swift GL v Volkswagen Polo Urban Comparison Review | Hatch match-up
Forget supercar rivalries. Class warfare exists to an even greater degree in one of the cheapest new vehicle segments, where pricing really is the greatest source of power for competitors such as the Suzuki Swift GL and Volkswagen Polo Urban.
These five-speed manual-equipped, five-door entry-level light hatchbacks each retail for exactly $16,990 driveaway – not a dollar more, and not a cent less. And speaking of actual power, both deliver a 66kW output from their 1.2-litre four-cylinder engines.
There is a difference, however: the Swift is a brand new model, while this Polo is in its final months before a larger and likely-pricier next-generation model lobs locally. And the approaches of each differ markedly.
While Suzuki is attempting to deliver semi-premium engineering with its fresh entrant at the expense of equipment, Volkswagen by contrast is throwing every bit of equipment at its older offering for a reduced pricetag.
While in this class every penny counts, with the recommended retail costs of this box-fresh Japanese and ageing European holding a mirror to each other, the question is which light hatch philosophy wins out – less is more? Or more for less?
TESTEDSuzuki Swift GL ($16,990 driveaway)
Volkswagen Polo Urban ($16,990 driveaway)
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OVERVIEW
Suzuki’s semi-premium engineering philosophy has delivered a Swift with an 870kg kerb weight. It isn’t tinny and it is safe, so clearly money has been spent on using more expensive body construction methods and materials to keep the mass down.
Reducing weight unlocks everything from increased performance to greater frugality, and the GL’s fuel consumption figure of 4.6 litres per 100 kilometres is class leading. Complete with sporty seats and a flat-bottomed leather-wrapped steering wheel, this petite Oriental express also promises to be a driver’s delight within a mundane class.
Volkswagen’s six-year-old model, however, has continued its run as the segment benchmark even in its twilight years. The Polo started from such a high standard back in 2011 that it continues to remain the light hatch to which others are judged.