2021 Volkswagen Polo dimensions and size guide
2021 Volkswagen Polo
Add comparisonExterior dimensions
2021 Volkswagen Polo exterior dimensions
The 2021 Volkswagen Polo is slightly smaller than the average hatchback in every listed exterior dimension. Its 407.4cm body is around 8cm, or 2%, shorter, while its 175.1cm body width is approximately 1cm, or 1%, narrower. At 145.1cm tall, it is roughly 3cm, or 2%, lower than the class norm. Its 255.2cm wheelbase is around 4cm, or 2%, shorter than average. Length and width combine to create a footprint of approximately 7.1m², roughly 0.2m², or 3%, smaller than the typical hatchback, giving the Polo a modestly more compact overall exterior without any unusually small individual measurement.
Measurements
Length
407.4 cm
Body width
175.1 cm
Height
145.1 cm
Wheelbase
255.2 cm
Footprint
DriveSize footprint is overall length multiplied by body width.
7.1 m²
How the 2021 Volkswagen Polo's exterior dimensions compare with the average Hatchback
Length
7.8 cm shorter than the average Hatchback
Body width
1.4 cm narrower than the average Hatchback
Height
2.8 cm shorter than the average Hatchback
Wheelbase
3.9 cm shorter wheelbase than the average Hatchback
DriveSize footprint
DriveSize footprint compares this car's footprint with the average footprint for the same class.
A positive percentage means a larger footprint and a negative percentage means a smaller footprint. About average means the rounded difference is 0%.
-3%
Smaller footprint than the average Hatchback
Fast facts
Fast facts
Its footprint is 3% smaller than average
The Polo occupies around 0.2m² less ground space than the typical hatchback, which can be useful in compact garages and parking spaces.
Cargo capacity is close to the class norm
Seats-up VDA capacity is 2% above average and maximum capacity is 1% above, even though the Polo's footprint is 3% smaller.
It is 16% lighter than average
At 1,057kg, the Polo weighs approximately 196kg less than the typical hatchback.
Seven regional spaces provide comfortable access
All eight standard parking spaces tested by DriveSize physically fit the Polo, while seven leave comfortable surrounding room.
2021 Volkswagen Polo front view
Cargo space & efficiency
2021 Volkswagen Polo cargo capacity and space efficiency
With all five seats upright and available, the Polo provides 351 litres of published VDA cargo capacity. That is around 8 litres, or 2%, more than the average hatchback, making its everyday cargo result very close to the class norm. Maximum VDA capacity reaches 1,125 litres, approximately 7 litres, or 1%, above average. Allowing for both its seats-up and maximum cargo capacity, the Polo provides about 87 litres per square metre of ground space. That is roughly 5% above average for a hatchback, so its near-average cargo capacity is accommodated within a footprint that is 3% smaller than the class norm.
Measurements
Standard cargo capacity (VDA)
The standard cargo capacity using VDA, the method commonly used globally.
This is the manufacturer's normal published figure; it does not imply a particular seat configuration.
351 L
Largest cargo capacity (VDA)
The largest cargo capacity using VDA, the method commonly used globally.
If only one VDA figure is published, the standard and largest values are the same.
1,125 L
Cargo space vs length
This DriveSize metric divides blended cargo volume by overall vehicle length.
Blended cargo uses 65% of the standard figure and 35% of the largest figure, using VDA where available and SAE otherwise.
152.7 L per m
Cargo space vs footprint
This DriveSize metric divides blended cargo volume by footprint.
Blended cargo uses 65% of the standard figure and 35% of the largest figure, using VDA where available and SAE otherwise.
It helps show how efficiently a car turns exterior area into usable cargo space.
87.2 L per m²
How the 2021 Volkswagen Polo's cargo space and efficiency compare with the average Hatchback
Standard cargo capacity (VDA)
The standard cargo capacity using VDA, the method commonly used globally.
This is the manufacturer's normal published figure; it does not imply a particular seat configuration.
8 L more cargo volume than the average Hatchback
Largest cargo capacity (VDA)
The largest cargo capacity using VDA, the method commonly used globally.
If only one VDA figure is published, the standard and largest values are the same.
7 L more cargo volume than the average Hatchback
DriveSize space efficiency (VDA)
DriveSize space efficiency compares blended cargo volume per square meter of footprint with the class average.
Blended cargo uses 65% of the standard figure and 35% of the largest figure within the selected cargo measurement method.
VDA values compare with VDA class averages, and SAE values compare with SAE class averages. Positive percentages indicate more space efficiency and negative percentages indicate less.
+5%
More space efficient than the average Hatchback
Parking
Will the 2021 Volkswagen Polo fit in a standard parking space?
All eight standard regional parking spaces tested by DriveSize can physically contain the Polo, with seven also providing comfortable surrounding room. Its 2% shorter length and 1% narrower body help it fit easily across most regions. Every other region is comfortable, leaving the European Union as the one tight result. There is comfortable surrounding room in the United Kingdom, China, India, Japan, Australia, the Middle East and USA/Canada.
DriveSize parking fit score
DriveSize compares the car's width and length with typical parking-space sizes by region.
Vehicle dimensions are rounded up and available side or length clearance is rounded down.
Side clearance is based on body width where available; real spaces can vary because of mirrors, walls, pillars, kerbs, bay markings, and nearby cars.
For an average USA / Canada space: body side clearance is 49.5 cm per side, and length clearance is 71 cm at each end.
Body side clearance
49.5 cm
Length clearance (at each end)
71 cm
Usability
2021 Volkswagen Polo usability & manoeuvrability
At 10.6m, the Polo's turning circle is around 0.2m, or 1%, wider than the average hatchback. This is an almost exactly typical result, so it needs about the same amount of room for full turns and changing direction as the class norm. Its 1,057kg kerb weight is approximately 196kg, or 16%, below average, making weight a much larger departure from the hatchback average than its turning circle.
Measurements
Doors
5
Max seats
5
Turning circle
10.6 m
Curb weight
1,057 kg
How the 2021 Volkswagen Polo's usability and manoeuvrability compare with the average Hatchback
Turning circle
0.2 m larger turning circle than the average Hatchback
Curb weight
196 kg lighter than the average Hatchback
DriveSize manoeuvrability
DriveSize manoeuvrability combines turning circle and footprint, with turning circle weighted more heavily.
A positive percentage means more manoeuvrable than the class average and a negative percentage means less manoeuvrable.
About average
About average for a Hatchback
2021 Volkswagen Polo rear view
DriveSize overview: 2021 Volkswagen Polo
Based on its dimensions and capacities, the 2021 Volkswagen Polo may suit drivers who want a slightly smaller-than-average hatchback without giving up typical VDA cargo capacity. Its footprint is 3% smaller than the class norm, while seats-up and maximum cargo figures are both slightly above average.
It physically fits all eight regional parking spaces tested by DriveSize, with seven providing comfortable access. Its turning circle is almost exactly average and its 16% lower kerb weight is its largest usability difference from the typical hatchback.
Very similar length and cargo space make the 2020 Dacia Sandero a natural compact-hatchback comparison.
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FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Vehicle specifications on this page are sourced from official Volkswagen documentation. Unless the page identifies a specific trim, body style, powertrain or market version, DriveSize uses manufacturer-published specifications for the base model as its default reference. DriveSize standardises the published measurements and calculates the comparisons and derived figures shown. Figures can vary by market, model year, trim, powertrain, wheels, tyres and measurement method. How DriveSize sources and calculates these figures.