New Ford Fiesta ST vs new Volkswagen Polo GTI

Is the Ford Fiesta ST still the affordable hot hatch to beat? This new one is here to prove that it is – but first it has to see off Volkswagen’s latest Polo GTI...

2018 Ford Fiesta ST

Infotainment

Ford Fiesta ST

Ford Fiesta ST 2022 interior infotainment

Prefer built-in sat-nav? It comes standard on ST-3 trim – unlike the Polo. You also get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring for using your phone’s apps via the screen. It’s an 8.0in touchscreen that’s well positioned, high up on the dashboard, although the graphics aren’t as crisp as the Polo’s and some menus are less intuitive to navigate. A 10-speaker B&O stereo is a £350 option; it sounds decent but lacks mid-range definition.

Volkswagen Polo GTI

2018 Volkswagen Polo GTI infotainment

The glass-fronted 8.0in touchscreen is ultra-sharp and displays smart graphics. It’s quicker to respond to inputs and the menus are easier to fathom than the Fiesta’s, too. Sat-nav (£650) and voice activation (£195) are options, but smartphone mirroring is standard, and you can download an app to show you where your car is parked, itemise fuel costs per trip and provide access to a 24-hour customer service helpline.

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