VS
At a Glance
Power
73kW@5500
81 kW
Torque
136Nm@4200
200 Nm
Fuel
8.1
4.8 l/100km
Towing
800
1000 Kg
0-100 km/h
12.9
9.7 s
Engine
1396
999 cc
Choosing between the HYUNDAI i20 and the Volkswagen Polo Vivo is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The HYUNDAI i20 delivers 73kW@5500 while the Volkswagen Polo Vivo produces 81 kW. On fuel, the i20 returns 8.1 while the Polo Vivo uses 4.8 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R189 900 for the i20 and R363 300 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
73kW@5500
81 kW
Torque
136Nm@4200
200 Nm
0-100 kph
12.9
9.7 s
Top Speed
170
196 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1396
999 cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
inline
Cylinders
4
3
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
manual
Number of Gears
4
6
Drive Wheels
FRONT
front
Full Time 4x4
✗
—
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.1
4.8 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
45
45 l
CO2 Emissions
140
114 g/km
Dimensions
Length
3995
3972 mm
Width
-1710
1682 mm
Height
1490
1447 mm
Wheelbase
2525
2470 mm
Ground Clearance
150
128 mm
Kerb Weight
1056
1092 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
—
280-952 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
800
1000 Kg
Load Capacity
295
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✗
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✗
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
2
4
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✗
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✗
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✗
—
Cruise Control
✗
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✗
—
Reversing Camera
—
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Front
✗
—
Sunroof
✗
—
Heated Seats
✗
—
Electric Seat Adjustment
✗
—
Keyless Entry
✗
—
Alloy Wheels
✗
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
60
3 vehicle / 5 engine
Warranty Distance
150000
120000 vehicle / 150000 engine Km
Service Plan
S
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
2
Service Plan Distance
—
30000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Volkswagen Polo Vivo
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Polo Vivo
Fuel Economy
Polo Vivo
Value
i20
Practicality
Polo Vivo
Pros & Cons
HYUNDAI i20
Lower starting price (R189 900)
Higher fuel consumption (8.1)
No factory service plan
Volkswagen Polo Vivo
Better fuel economy (4.8 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (1000 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Quicker 0-100 km/h (9.7 ss)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the i20 or Polo Vivo?
The i20 uses 8.1 and the Polo Vivo uses 4.8 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Polo Vivo is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the i20 or Polo Vivo?
The i20 produces 73kW@5500 and 136Nm@4200 of torque while the Polo Vivo delivers 81 kW and 200 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the i20 and Polo Vivo?
The i20 starts from R189 900 and the Polo Vivo from R363 300. The i20 is cheaper by R173 400 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 800 and the Polo Vivo can tow 1000 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.