Head to head
Volkswagen Polo vs Toyota Yaris
Two of the most compared cars by Irish buyers importing from Japan. Here is how they stack up at Japanese auctions right now.
Volkswagen Polo
Toyota Yaris| Volkswagen Polo | Toyota Yaris | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Hatchbacks & small cars | Hatchbacks & small cars |
| Median auction price | €2,643 | €5,061 |
| Typical range | €1,230–€4,363 | €3,923–€6,717 |
| Sold at auction (3 months) | 2,277 | 10,262 |
| Median mileage | 65k km | 66k km |
| Graded 4 or better | 65% | 58% |
| Import duty | 10% | 0% possible (Japan-built) |
The verdict
On price, the Volkswagen Polo is the cheaper buy at auction right now. Choose the Volkswagen Polo if: the second most-imported car from japan, and cheap to run. Choose the Toyota Yaris if: ireland's favourite supermini, available as petrol or hybrid.
Volkswagen Polo
The Polo is a small, well-built supermini that suits city driving and first-time buyers. Japanese auctions offer a steady supply of 1.0 and 1.2 TSI Polos with low mileage, often from older owners who drove short distances. With 2,588 imported from Japan in the first nine months of 2025, it is the second-biggest seller through the Japan channel.
Toyota Yaris
The Yaris is a staple of Irish roads, and the Japanese-market Yaris (including the hybrid) is almost identical to the European car. The latest generation (2020 onwards) is highly efficient and very reliable.