VS
At a Glance
Power
70 kW
63 kW
Torque
160 Nm
132 Nm
Fuel
TBA l/100km
5.9 l/100km
Towing
-
953 Kg
0-100 km/h
—
12.2 s
Engine
electric cc
1398 cc
Choosing between the Dongfeng BOX and the Volkswagen Polo Vivo is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Dongfeng BOX delivers 70 kW while the Volkswagen Polo Vivo produces 63 kW. On fuel, the BOX returns TBA l/100km while the Polo Vivo uses 5.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R389 000 for the BOX and R279 990 for the Polo Vivo. 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.
Specification
Dongfeng BOXE3 430 2025 - From R389 000
Volkswagen Polo Vivo1.4 Xpress F/C P/V 2026 - From R279 990
Performance
Power Output
70 kW
63 kW
Torque
160 Nm
132 Nm
0-100 kph
—
12.2 s
Top Speed
140 Km/h
177 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
electric cc
1398 cc
Engine Layout
—
inline
Cylinders
—
4
Fuel Type
electric
petrol
Transmission
automatic
manual
Number of Gears
-
5
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
TBA l/100km
5.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
43.9 kWh l
45 l
CO2 Emissions
-
140 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4020 mm
3972 mm
Width
1810 mm
1682 mm
Height
1570 mm
1462 mm
Wheelbase
2663 mm
2470 mm
Ground Clearance
—
143 mm
Kerb Weight
1342 Kg
1097 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
2
Load Volume
—
280-952 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
-
953 Kg
Load Capacity
375 lkg
490 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ 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
—
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
—
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 8 battery + high voltage par
3 vehicle / 5 engine
Warranty Distance
150000 vehicle / 200000 battery + high vkm
120000 vehicle / 150000 engine Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
Optional
Service Plan Years
5yr
opt variousyr
Service Plan Distance
100000km
opt variouskm
Service Intervals
—
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Volkswagen Polo Vivo
2 / 4 categories
Performance
BOX
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Polo Vivo
Practicality
Polo Vivo
Pros & Cons
Dongfeng BOX
More powerful engine (70 kW)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
Volkswagen Polo Vivo
Lower starting price (R279 990)
Higher towing capacity (953 Kg)
Less power than rival (63 kW vs 70 kW)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the BOX or Polo Vivo?
The BOX uses TBA l/100km and the Polo Vivo uses 5.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the BOX or Polo Vivo?
The BOX produces 70 kW and 160 Nm of torque while the Polo Vivo delivers 63 kW and 132 Nm of torque. The BOX is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the BOX and Polo Vivo?
The BOX starts from R389 000 and the Polo Vivo from R279 990. The Polo Vivo is cheaper by R109 010 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the BOX or Polo Vivo?
The BOX has a braked towing capacity of 0 Kg and the Polo Vivo can tow 953 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the BOX or the Polo Vivo?
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