VS
At a Glance
Power
74 kW
81 kW
Torque
135 Nm
152 Nm
Fuel
5.8 l/100km
6.2 l/100km
Towing
795 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
—
11.2 s
Engine
1370 cc
1598 cc
Choosing between the Changan Alsvin and the Volkswagen Polo is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Changan Alsvin delivers 74 kW while the Volkswagen Polo produces 81 kW. On fuel, the Alsvin returns 5.8 l/100km while the Polo uses 6.2 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R238 000 for the Alsvin and R416 700 for the Polo. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
74 kW
81 kW
Torque
135 Nm
152 Nm
0-100 kph
—
11.2 s
Top Speed
-
190 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1370 cc
1598 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Transmission
manual
manual
Number of Gears
5
5
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.8 l/100km
6.2 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
45 l
CO2 Emissions
137 g/km
147 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4390 mm
4561 mm
Width
1725 mm
1752 mm
Height
1490 mm
1507 mm
Wheelbase
2535 mm
2651 mm
Ground Clearance
—
179 mm
Kerb Weight
1069 Kg
1189 Kg
Doors
5
4
Seats
5
—
Load Volume
390 l
521 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
795 Kg
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
—
✓ Standard
Traction Control
—
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
2
2
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
—
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
3
Warranty Distance
150000 Km
120000 Km
Service Plan
—
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
3yr
Service Plan Distance
—
45000km
Service Intervals
—
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Changan Alsvin
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Polo
Fuel Economy
Alsvin
Value
Alsvin
Practicality
Alsvin
Pros & Cons
Changan Alsvin
Better fuel economy (5.8 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R238 000)
Less power than rival (74 kW vs 81 kW)
No factory service plan
Volkswagen Polo
More powerful engine (81 kW)
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (6.2 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Alsvin or Polo?
The Alsvin uses 5.8 l/100km and the Polo uses 6.2 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Alsvin is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Alsvin or Polo?
The Alsvin produces 74 kW and 135 Nm of torque while the Polo delivers 81 kW and 152 Nm of torque. The Polo is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Alsvin and Polo?
The Alsvin starts from R238 000 and the Polo from R416 700. The Alsvin is cheaper by R178 700 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Alsvin or Polo?
The Alsvin has a braked towing capacity of 795 Kg and the Polo can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Alsvin or the Polo?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider