VS
At a Glance
Power
74kW@6000
77 kW
Torque
133Nm@4000
153 Nm
Fuel
6.1L/100km
6.5 l/100km
Towing
-
1000 Kg
0-100 km/h
10s
12.6 s
Engine
1490cc
1598 cc
Choosing between the Suzuki Swift and the Volkswagen Polo Vivo is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Suzuki Swift delivers 74kW@6000 while the Volkswagen Polo Vivo produces 77 kW. On fuel, the Swift returns 6.1L/100km while the Polo Vivo uses 6.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R163 900 for the Swift and R326 800 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
Suzuki Swift1.5 GLS 2008 - From R163 900
Volkswagen Polo Vivo1.6 LIFE TIP (5dr) 2026 - From R326 800
Performance
Power Output
74kW@6000
77 kW
Torque
133Nm@4000
153 Nm
0-100 kph
10s
12.6 s
Top Speed
175km/h
188 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1490cc
1598 cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
petrol
Transmission
MANUAL
automatic
Number of Gears
5
6
Drive Wheels
FRONT
front
Full Time 4x4
✗
—
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.1L/100km
6.5 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
-
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
-
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
43L
45 l
CO2 Emissions
161g/km
156 g/km
Dimensions
Length
3755mm
3972 mm
Width
1690mm
1682 mm
Height
1510mm
1462 mm
Wheelbase
2390mm
2470 mm
Ground Clearance
145mm
143 mm
Kerb Weight
980kg
1102 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
—
280-952 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
-
1000 Kg
Load Capacity
494kg
—
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
✗
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
-
—
Bluetooth
✗
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✗
—
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✗
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✗
—
Sunroof
✗
—
Heated Seats
✗
—
Electric Seat Adjustment
✗
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
36
3 vehicle / 5 engine
Warranty Distance
100000km
120000 vehicle / 150000 engine Km
Service Plan
S
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
2yr
Service Plan Distance
—
30000km
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Polo Vivo
Fuel Economy
Swift
Value
Swift
Practicality
Polo Vivo
Pros & Cons
Suzuki Swift
Better fuel economy (6.1L/100km)
Lower starting price (R163 900)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (10ss)
No factory service plan
Volkswagen Polo Vivo
Higher towing capacity (1000 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (6.5 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Swift or Polo Vivo?
The Swift uses 6.1L/100km and the Polo Vivo uses 6.5 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Swift 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 Swift or Polo Vivo?
The Swift produces 74kW@6000 and 133Nm@4000 of torque while the Polo Vivo delivers 77 kW and 153 Nm of torque. The Polo Vivo is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Swift and Polo Vivo?
The Swift starts from R163 900 and the Polo Vivo from R326 800. The Swift is cheaper by R162 900 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Swift or Polo Vivo?
The Swift has a braked towing capacity of 0kg 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 Swift 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