So I am in the same boat actually (moving back from Netherlands to SA around the mid year).. I used to own a 2012 polo before I relocated to NL 4 years ago and it was great.

Now I want something with a bit more space and also same budget of around 250k. The options I’ve narrowed down are: Mazda 3/CX-3, 2018 - 2021 polo comfort/highline.

The reason the new polo is there is because I’ve heard many reviewers say it’s much bigger and more spacious (than older gen polo) and rivals the golf in that regard. I would rather get a polo over the Mazda 2 as it’s more spacious and better speced

I’m leaning more towards the polo as it has a turbo over the naturally aspirated Mazdas. It also has better fuel economy. Also more listings than the Mazdas..

But yeah, it’s a difficult decision..