VS
At a Glance
Power
147 kW
63 kW
Torque
320 Nm
132 Nm
Fuel
6.4 l/100km
5.9 l/100km
Towing
1200 Kg
953 Kg
0-100 km/h
6.7 s
12.2 s
Engine
1998 cc
1398 cc
Choosing between the Volkswagen Polo and the Volkswagen Polo Vivo is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Volkswagen Polo delivers 147 kW while the Volkswagen Polo Vivo produces 63 kW. On fuel, the Polo returns 6.4 l/100km while the Polo Vivo uses 5.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R585 800 for the Polo 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.
Performance
Power Output
147 kW
63 kW
Torque
320 Nm
132 Nm
0-100 kph
6.7 s
12.2 s
Top Speed
238 Km/h
177 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 cc
1398 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
manual
Number of Gears
6
5
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.4 l/100km
5.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
40 l
45 l
CO2 Emissions
147 g/km
140 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4074 mm
3972 mm
Width
1751-1964 mm
1682 mm
Height
1431 mm
1462 mm
Wheelbase
2549 mm
2470 mm
Ground Clearance
120 mm
143 mm
Kerb Weight
1247 Kg
1097 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
2
Load Volume
305 l
280-952 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1200 Kg
953 Kg
Load Capacity
500 l
490 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
2
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
—
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
—
Cruise Control
Optional
—
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
Optional
—
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
Optional
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
—
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
3
3 vehicle / 5 engine
Warranty Distance
120000 Km
120000 vehicle / 150000 engine Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
Optional
Service Plan Years
3
opt various
Service Plan Distance
45000
opt various
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Polo
Fuel Economy
Polo Vivo
Value
Polo Vivo
Practicality
Polo
Pros & Cons
Volkswagen Polo
More powerful engine (147 kW)
Higher towing capacity (1200 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Quicker 0-100 km/h (6.7 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (6.4 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Volkswagen Polo Vivo
Better fuel economy (5.9 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R279 990)
Less power than rival (63 kW vs 147 kW)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Polo or Polo Vivo?
The Polo uses 6.4 l/100km and the Polo Vivo uses 5.9 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 Polo or Polo Vivo?
The Polo produces 147 kW and 320 Nm of torque while the Polo Vivo delivers 63 kW and 132 Nm of torque. The Polo is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Polo and Polo Vivo?
The Polo starts from R585 800 and the Polo Vivo from R279 990. The Polo Vivo is cheaper by R305 810 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Polo or Polo Vivo?
The Polo has a braked towing capacity of 1200 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 Polo 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.