Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

Alastair Shephard

Content Writer

With the Golf arguably being the quintessential hatchback, you’d be forgiven for gravitating towards it immediately when searching for a new, practical family car. However, the new Polo is bigger than ever, and might actually be plenty of car for your needs, at a lower price point. 

In this article, I’ll compare the two on all the critical features, and give you some useful information to pick between the two.

 was the German automaker's replacement for the incredibly successful “car of the people”; the Beetle. Its design brief was simple, to be as compact and efficient as possible, whilst being able to carry 4 adults and luggage. 

Since then it has remained one of the most popular car models to exist, with everyone from new drivers to families enjoying the hatchback's practicality, with the great driveability.

Since its release it has seen 8 major model changes, with the current generation, the Mk8.5 (facelifted Mk8), being launched in 2020. The main shift over time is scale, the current Golf is enormous compared to the original.

Capitalising on the Golf's success, VW wanted to make a smaller version, to appeal to city drivers. Their prior acquisition of Audi in the 1960s gave the VW engineers the perfect car to rebadge; the Audi 50. In 1975 they launched the 

Since then the Polo has gone through 6 generations, with the current model, the Mk6 facelift or Mk6.5 having been in production since 2012. A new model, the Mk7, is expected to be launched this year, so if you want the latest look, hold tight for that.

The two cars fall distinctly into two categories, Hatchback for the Golf, and Supermini for the Polo, although this could be contested with the creation of the even smaller but now discontinued VW Lupo and Up!. 

The Golf's more generous proportions are noticeable when compared side-by-side, except the height, I’ve listed the key stats below:

Interestingly, whilst the Golf is 200mm (8”) longer than the Polo, and a whopping 681kg heavier, its boot capacity is only 30L more, which when you consider the width of the boot area, will make very little difference to usable space.

Currently, the Polo is not available with any hybrid or electric options, with all engines being either solely petrol or diesel-powered. The Golf is available in the GTE version, which delivers nearly 250hp via an electric-hybrid combination.

Until 2020 the e-Golf provided an all-electric option, but this was discontinued in line with the introduction of the ID range of all-electric vehicles, the ID.3 being the Golf equivalent.

Across the Golf’s range of petrol, diesel, mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, there is sure to be something that suits your needs. Power outputs range from an economic 115PS from the 1.5 TSI petrol to over 240 in the GTI. 

Many of these options can be paired with either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG auto gearbox.

On the other hand, the Polo has a tight range of petrol engines, either a 1.0L or a 2.0L are on offer, with power outputs varying from 79hp to just over 200 - the latter from the sporty GTI model. 

Being similar-sized cars from the same brand, the Polo and Golf are very similar in their looks, with only very subtle differences in shapes and colourways of trim. The biggest difference is the proportions of both. 

Whilst the Golf has become more squat; being wide and with a relatively low roofline, the Polo actually looks quite tall. This is backed up by the numbers we saw earlier, where the Polo is only marginally lower than the Golf, but a good bit shorter.

To be sure which you prefer, seeing them side-by-side will be invaluable because the difference really is so small it's hard to spot it at first glance.

Being made by Volkswagen, neither car will disappoint in the build quality department. Whilst the interior panels aren’t covered with soft, quilted leather, they are robust and without any kind of ‘flimsiness’. 

Styling-wise, in my opinion, the Golf presents a more mature, thought-out version of the Polo. Its dashboard design is similar, but more refined, with everything on a touchscreen, that although not loved by all, makes for a sleeker look. 

That’s not to say the Polo is basic or boring though, for its class it looks incredible, especially compared to something like a Fiesta.

Unfortunately, reliability is something that VW has been struggling with in recent years, with a certain few models at least. The Mk8 golf happens to be one of them, in Whatcar?’s recent reliability survey, the Golf placed 34 out of 37, not a good position!

The Polo fared better, landing in the middle of the table, tying with one of its rivals, the Ford Fiesta, and losing out to most others.

Volkswagen offers the same warranty plan as Skoda, in that they offer a 60,000-mile or 3-year warranty. This is great for those driving them on lease but doesn’t offer much reassurance for those buying second-hand. However, you can extend the warranty at a reasonable cost, assuming the car is serviced with Volkswagen dealer garages.

Being flagship models, both have great safety features, and both scoring 5-star ratings in their respective NCAP testing. The table below highlights some key takeaways from both models’ safety features.

Whilst both cars have high ratings across the board, the Polo excels in its adult occupancy rating. This may be down to the fact it has a Side Pelvis airbag for both the driver and passenger, in contrast to the Golf.

With the Golf starting at £27,760, and the Polo £21,210, there’s a significant cost incentive to pick the Polo, this will however come at a slight feature deficit. 

As standard, the Golf comes equipped with features such as a leather steering wheel, wireless phone charging and keyless start, all things the Polo does not have. Whilst there isn’t a huge amount of feature overlap, the lowest spec Polo that matches the basic Golf is R-Line, which starts at £24,550. 

Ultimately, the deciding factor is how you intend to use the car, whilst both offer great driving characteristics and efficiency, the Polo is better suited to around-town driving, and the Golf for longer journeys. The extra weight and wheelbase should offer a more stable platform in the Golf, meaning it is better suited to high-speed motorway work.

That said, the Polo does offer similar luggage and passenger space, along with some great features as standard. If you are looking for something compact and stylish, the Polo is a perfect choice too. 

 has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.

Volkswagen Golf vs Polo

Starting April 1st 2025, drivers up and down the UK will face a car tax hike.

 rise—the government only focuses on high-emission vehicles and older cars. 

This comes as part of the changes to Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), to encourage the adoption of 

 by making high-polluting cars more expensive to own.

Will you be affected by the older car tax increase? We’ll explain everything you need to know below.

The tax increase comes with Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) changes, also known as road tax. If you drive or keep a car on the road, you must pay this tax as an annual fee.

From April 1st, 2025, there will be changes to VED tax for 

. A vehicle's CO₂ emissions primarily determine the amount payable. Basically, the higher the emissions, the higher the tax.

Following the new regulations, the first-year VED of vehicles emitting over 255g/km of CO₂ will double from £2,745 to £5,490. But of course, your tax payment will depend on your specific car.

So, find out if your car is facing a tax rise and add these 

What’s causing the car tax hike in April?

This increase is part of a broader strategy to promote environmental sustainability by discouraging using high-emission vehicles. 

The government projects that this measure will raise approximately £400 million in the coming year, with expectations to reach £1.7 billion by the decade's end. 

Additionally, the policy aims to accelerate the transition to greener transportation options (e.g., 

 and public transport), reducing carbon footprints and improving air quality. 

It's all about being sustainable and building a better future!

What cars are affected by the tax increase (VED)?

59 cars will be affected by the VED tax increase in 2025. 

 that are more polluting than new, greener alternatives. For example, cars with powerful engines and potent emissions will have the steepest tax hikes. 

Here’s a list of all cars facing vehicle tax rise:

How the car tax increase will affect electric vehicles

While the higher tax rates apply to more polluting cars, the new VED structure also introduces changes for electric vehicle owners. 

EVs will no longer be exempt from road tax.

All EVs will be subject to a standard VED, starting at £10 in the first year and £195 annually thereafter. Additionally, EVs with a list price over £40,000 will incur an extra £425 annually for five years, beginning from the second year of ownership. 

These changes are expected to affect approximately 70% of new EVs, potentially influencing new and 

Something to consider if you’re looking for a new car. 

Learn more about the VED tax impacts on electric vehicles here.

The upcoming VED changes mark an exciting step toward a greener future for the UK's roads. 

Whether you already own a car or are thinking about buying one, it's a great time to explore how these updates can fit into your financial plans and eco-friendly choices.

Read more about the UK roads via the Bumper blog

Higher road tax isn’t the only extra cost that comes with owning a car!

, you can split the cost of repairs into monthly payments at no extra cost. 

Apply online for up to £5,000 and choose from 1,000s of trusted repairers. 

Cars Facing Vehicle Tax Rise in April 2025

A car respray typically costs around £2,400 in the UK. It can restore faded or damaged paint, change a car’s colour, and give older vehicles a fresh, like-new appearance.

Here’s what the process involves and what you can expect to pay.

The average cost of a car respray in the UK is around £2,400, though this can vary depending on the extent of damage and required repairs. 

Full repairs before painting can push costs up to £3,000 or even £5,000, while respraying a single panel or bumper may cost just £250–£400. 

 can help you split these costs into interest-free payments.

Below, we take a closer look at the key factors that can influence the cost of a car respray, including the type of paint used, the size of the vehicle, the extent of any repairs needed, and whether you’re respraying the entire car or just individual panels.

A full car respray refreshes your vehicle’s look but is costly and time-consuming. 

Partial resprays suit small areas, though matching paint can be tricky. Full resprays ensure a uniform finish and are worthwhile for extensive fading or multiple scratches. So, it’s best to weigh the pros and cons before you book.

Respraying a car is extremely beneficial to both the car and the owner. 

Now you know how much a car respray costs, let’s look at the main reasons to do it:

A car respray involves thorough preparation, starting with sanding the old paint back to primer or bare metal.

Then, it’s time to start the respray. Each coat of fresh paint is applied, dried, and gently sanded to ensure a smooth finish. A final lacquer layer adds shine and protection. 

Bodyshops often remove panels for better coverage, and areas not being painted are masked off. 

Once complete, you must avoid washing the car for a month to let the paint cure.

A car respray’s duration depends on the area painted. A single panel may take a few days, while a full respray can exceed three weeks. 

Each coat requires proper drying and preparation to achieve a high-quality, professional finish.

How to choose a reputable car respray service

While your closest shop might be great, it’s always a good idea to research all local respray services.

Research local respray services before choosing. Make sure to check reviews, certifications, and warranties.

You can even contact the shop to discuss their experience and past work, and visit in person if possible. Speaking with staff can provide personalised advice on paint options and ensure professional, reliable service.

A car respray can be worth it if your paint is faded, scratched, or damaged, as it restores appearance and protects against potential rust.

So, while costly, it prevents corrosion, maintains value, and can transform your vehicle’s look. This makes it a practical investment for long-term care and aesthetics.

Technically, you can respray your own car, but it's challenging and requires specialist equipment, time, and patience. Mistakes can be costly and devalue your car. 

If you’re determined to DIY, practice on scrap metal first, and consider taking a course or watching tutorials before you begin.

Maintaining your respray job keeps your paint looking new and prevents further wear. 

To maintain your respray, wash and wax your car regularly, avoid harsh chemicals, and protect it from UV damage by parking in shaded or covered areas.

Vinyl wraps are generally cheaper than respraying a car. However, while wraps offer a wide range of finishes and custom designs, they have a limited lifespan and may need reapplication.

A car respray costs more, but you won’t need to worry about re-doing it any time soon.

In the UK, a full car wrap can cost between £1,500 and £3,500. Prices vary depending on vehicle size, wrap material, and installer experience or labour costs.

Car wraps in the UK generally last 5 to 7 years with proper care. 

Exposure to harsh weather or poor maintenance can shorten their lifespan. Car wraps offer some protection against rust, but not as much as a full respray. 

Yes, but only if you respray your car in a different colour. You must inform the DVLA so they can update the 

 registration document, which includes information on your car’s colour.

You don’t need to notify the DVLA if you opt for a vinyl wrap. However, if you get stopped by police, they might inquire why your car’s colour doesn’t match the V5C information.

What car respray colour is most expensive?

In the UK, standard solid colours cost around £1,500–£2,500 for a full respray. Metallic or pearlescent finishes are typically more expensive and range from £2,500–£4,000, while custom or rare colours can exceed £4,000.

Car resprays can revitalise any vehicle, whether for a fresh colour, rust protection, or post-damage repairs.

They offer a long-term solution many drivers choose, but it’s important to consider how much to respray a car and weigh the costs and options before making a final decision. Hopefully, this blog has helped you in this process!

Don’t let last-minute repairs ruin your week.

How Much To Respray a Car? Costs, Benefits & More

Cars aren’t made to break. Years of planning and testing go into designing the perfect model. Given the amount we all spend on purchasing and maintaining our cars, you’d expect them to last. Inevitably, there are certain makes and models that are going to take you right back to the dealership more frequently than you’d like.

With the cost of repairs, as expensive as they are, a reliable car can save you a lot of money in the long run. Luckily for us, 

 has the answer we're looking for: a ranking of the most reliable cars. Owners were asked to rate their satisfaction with the quality of the vehicle and its reliability.

If you're worried about car repair costs, split your bill with Bumper. Apply to spread the cost, interest-free, and choose from 100s of partners nationwide.

The only Toyota on the list, this Hybrid has been on sale since 2017, giving the manufacturer plenty of time to fix any original faults.

Drivers of the VW T-Roc found the main faults to be with the vehicle’s electronics and safety features. There were also issues with the mechanical aspects of the vehicle, namely the engine and the gearbox. 

Of the few owners who expressed a fault, most reported electrical niggles. 

Since their release into the market, EVs have been renowned for having fewer moving parts and therefore fewer issues. However, the owners of the Kia E-Niro did record some faults. Mostly these were due to the electronics of the vehicle. A new model expected to be released later this year should fix any lingering problems. 

Of the few faults reported for the Kia Rio, almost a third were electric faults and some issues with the car’s safety kit. However, fear not, the vehicle comes with an impressive 7-year warranty. 

This British-built vehicle had two main errors of faults recorded, the interior trim and the car’s safety features. 

For the Kia XCeed only some minor faults were recorded, with just over a third reporting issues with the engine, but most were found to be small and covered by the vehicle’s warranty. 

For this well-built, family-friendly model, faults were found by drivers on the electrics, interior trim, exterior paintwork, and safety equipment. 

The robust, Kona had hardly any issues reported. Should an issue arise, the Kona is covered by Hyundai’s generous, five-year warranty. 

Given that this is Skoda’s first large SUV, many considered this a complex challenge, however, this family-sized seven-seater received a reliability rating of 96.23%, making this the top car on the list. There were some minor faults, mostly with the gearbox and interior trim, but these were found to be covered by the manufacturer's warranty. They offer the standard three-year/60,000-mile cover. 

spread the cost of car repairs, services, MOTs, parts and accessories

entering your registration and postcode on our website

. Choose from 1000s of our dependable service partners nationwide. 

What are the most reliable cars to buy in the UK in 2023?

 have had their cars stolen, and a further third have had their cars broken into?

Unfortunately, car break-ins and thefts are more common than you’d expect. However, there are ways to keep an eye on your vehicle, even when you’re not driving—introducing car trackers.

Below, we’re exploring car trackers, how they work, and how to put one on your car to keep it extra secure. 

A car tracker uses GPS technology and cellular networks to track your vehicle’s location. They can also give real-time information about your car’s speed, distance, and direction.

Sometimes, car trackers are also called vehicle tracking systems. 

Many of us depend heavily on our cars, and life would undoubtedly be far more stressful without one.

Car theft can cause financial and emotional burdens. There’s a lot of paperwork to deal with from 

 to hire car expenses. Not only that, but you may even face the loss of your no-claims bonus. 

A car tracker helps you find your car quickly—and even deters thieves if they notice it. 

Alternatively, you can place a sticker (often included with the tracker) on your car to warn thieves that you have the technology.

Car trackers work the same way as your navigation system—they use GPS tracking.

GPS works by communicating with a set of satellites to send a signal from your car. This signal shows the car’s location based on the distance from the satellites, giving you your live location and speed. 

Most car trackers are small rectangle boxes around four inches long and two inches wide.

These are either installed in the car within the wiring or placed in more visible locations, such as the glovebox, 

Car trackers are usually black to blend in with the average car interior. However, if you want a more obvious box, you can find models in grey or white.

How you install the car tracker depends on the type you buy.

Higher-end devices need to be wired into the car’s system. The company often sends out an 

More affordable trackers can be self-installed, usually through a magnet or sticker strip. 

Both offer good coverage but come at different price points and with different lifespans and add-on advantages.

Now you know how car trackers work and what they look like, it’s time to analyse the benefits. Here’s what you can expect:

The general opinion is that car trackers are worth the money. Investing in one helps you protect your car and avoid potential thefts. This will also lower your car insurance premium, saving you money in the long run. 

So, it’s a wise addition to consider, especially if you’ve spent a lot of money on your current vehicle. 

Car trackers vary in price, with some around £30 and others at £200 or more.

Some even use monthly subscription price models, allowing you to 

mobility cars are fitted with location trackers

often if several drivers have access to the vehicle or if none live at the customer’s address. The tracking information is only examined if the Motability scheme believes the car is being misused—and they’ll always talk to the customer before doing so.

Advanced car trackers can detect GPS signals underground, ensuring your vehicle remains visible to police even if hidden in containers or transported across Europe.

Yes. Most car trackers connect to smartphone apps which show you where your car is and its recent journeys.

Most car trackers work over any range and don’t have any limitations. The car location information is also usually accurate to within three metres. 

AirTags are cheaper than some car trackers, but it’s not recommended that they be used as car trackers. They don’t support live tracking for objects that are in motion, so you won‘t have live updates on your vehicle’s journey. 

Car trackers are an excellent modern solution to car theft—and they’re a powerful tool for peace of mind. Whether you travel frequently or live in an area with a high rate of break-ins, a tracker can help you deter theft and monitor your car’s position.

Learn more about looking after your car on the Bumper blog now.

Theft isn’t the only expensive problem car owners face. Last-minute repairs can also put a dent in your budget. 

How Do Car Trackers Work?

 give back if you drive well? That’s true for black box car insurance, and it’s a popular option for new drivers who usually face steep premiums.

If you opt for this insurance, you must install a black box that records your driving habits. The information is sent to the insurance company and directly impacts your premium.

 the safer you drive, the cheaper your insurance is.

Below, we’ll explore black box car insurance, its benefits and drawbacks, and whether it’s the right option for you.

Black box insurance (also known as telematics insurance) uses a small black box that monitors your driving. 

This data creates a driving score and shows how safe you drive. Higher scores are given to safer drivers, and they can lower your insurance premium when it’s time to renew.

Many drivers opt for black box insurance to save money and to adopt safer driving habits. Plus, it makes the roads safer for all—can’t beat that!

Black boxes track a range of driving metrics, including:

Black boxes come with plenty of benefits, and they’re especially popular for inexperienced drivers and those with high premiums. Here are the main advantages:

The advantages of black box car insurance are impressive. However, before you proceed, take a few moments to consider both sides.

Here are some potential disadvantages of black box car insurance:

Black boxes are easy and quick to install and don’t affect your car’s performance. Here’s a step-by-step rundown of a black box fitting:

All done! It’s that simple—you don’t have to roll up your sleeves.

In some cases, an insurer will require you to install the black box.

If this happens, they’ll send the self-fit box by post with simple installation instructions. You should follow these and fit the box within the first 14 days, otherwise your policy will become invalid. 

Your technician will install the black box in a discreet position—usually under the car’s dashboard. The fitting may change depending on your car’s make and model.

However, you can be confident it’ll be out of sight and mind.

Technically, yes, you can remove your black box.

But this would violate the terms of the policy and could lead to your insurance being cancelled. 

Only the insurance company can see your black box driving data.

Companies know privacy is a top concern and ensure your driving data is protected at all times. You can read your chosen insurer’s data protection policy to learn more.

Most black box car insurers allow you to check your driver score via an app. This way, you can see how you’re driving and improve your habits if need be. 

That’s a wrap on the mystery of black box car insurance. This unique policy allows drivers to potentially access cheaper premiums and save money by proving they’re safe on the roads.

Always weigh up the pros and cons before going forward to make the best decision for your driving habits and finances.

High insurance premiums can be an unwelcome surprise, and so can last-minute car repair bills.

What is Black Box Car Insurance?

If you prefer to take some of the stress out of driving by having an automatic, but don’t need a large engine or car, you may find your choice is slightly limited, especially with a budget constraint too. 

Thankfully though, this blog will give some good options for the best small automatic cars in the UK, all for under £5,000.

Whilst the styling may not be to everyone's taste, you can’t dispute the practicality or reliability of a used 

As standard, it offers pretty much the same storage space as a larger family-sized hatchback, but all whilst being only slightly bigger than a supermini.

Even though the Jazz seems to hold its value well, £5,000 will comfortably get you either the 1.3 

CVT drivetrain, or the 1.4 petrol engine. Both will provide long service, provided they are serviced on time, and no gear changing needed!

Expect to get a 2012 car with around 80,000 miles on the clock for £5k, check for service history and 

 the one weakness of most small Japanese cars.

As it’s the best-selling car in the UK, there’s no doubt the 

 works well for UK roads, its compact exterior combined with ample interior space make it the perfect sized car for many. 

The options for automatics are limited, with mainly petrol engines to pick from. 

A post-2013 car certainly looks more modern, but make sure the engine oil has been changed on time, many of these 1.0-litre Ecoboost engines suffered with 

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