VS
At a Glance
Power
66kW@4000
55 kW
Torque
220Nm@1500
130 Nm
Fuel
5L/100km
5.5 l/100km
Towing
1100kg
-
0-100 km/h
13.5s
12.8 s
Engine
1396cc
1398 cc
Choosing between the Hyundai I20 and the Volkswagen Polo Vivo is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Hyundai I20 delivers 66kW@4000 while the Volkswagen Polo Vivo produces 55 kW. On fuel, the I20 returns 5L/100km while the Polo Vivo uses 5.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R204 900 for the I20 and R271 900 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.
Performance
Power Output
66kW@4000
55 kW
Torque
220Nm@1500
130 Nm
0-100 kph
13.5s
12.8 s
Top Speed
174km/h
171 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1396cc
1398 cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
DIESEL
petrol
Transmission
MANUAL
manual
Number of Gears
6
5
Drive Wheels
FRONT
front
Full Time 4x4
✗
—
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5L/100km
5.5 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
-
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
-
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
45L
45 l
CO2 Emissions
110g/km
132 g/km
Dimensions
Length
3995mm
3972 mm
Width
-1710mm
1682 mm
Height
1490mm
1462 mm
Wheelbase
2525mm
2470 mm
Ground Clearance
150mm
143 mm
Kerb Weight
1115kg
1063 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
—
280-952 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1100kg
-
Load Capacity
295kg
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✗
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✗
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
2 (opt 4)
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
Optional
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✗
—
Cruise Control
✗
—
Adaptive Cruise Control
-
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✗
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Front
✗
—
Sunroof
✗
—
Heated Seats
✗
—
Electric Seat Adjustment
✗
—
Keyless Entry
✗
—
Alloy Wheels
✗
Optional
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
60
3 vehicle / 5 engine
Warranty Distance
150000km
120000 vehicle / 150000 engine Km
Service Plan
S
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Hyundai I20
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Polo Vivo
Fuel Economy
I20
Value
I20
Practicality
I20
Pros & Cons
Hyundai I20
Better fuel economy (5L/100km)
Lower starting price (R204 900)
Higher towing capacity (1100kg)
Few notable weaknesses
Volkswagen Polo Vivo
Quicker 0-100 km/h (12.8 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (5.5 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the I20 or Polo Vivo?
The I20 uses 5L/100km and the Polo Vivo uses 5.5 l/100km on the combined cycle. The I20 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 I20 or Polo Vivo?
The I20 produces 66kW@4000 and 220Nm@1500 of torque while the Polo Vivo delivers 55 kW and 130 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the I20 and Polo Vivo?
The I20 starts from R204 900 and the Polo Vivo from R271 900. The I20 is cheaper by R67 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the I20 or Polo Vivo?
The I20 has a braked towing capacity of 1100kg and the Polo Vivo can tow 0 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the I20 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