VS
At a Glance
Power
61 kW
63 kW
Torque
115 Nm
132 Nm
Fuel
5.9 l/100km
5.9 l/100km
Towing
850 Kg
1000 Kg
0-100 km/h
12.9 s
12.2 s
Engine
1197 cc
1398 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 61 kW while the Volkswagen Polo Vivo produces 63 kW. On fuel, the i20 returns 5.9 l/100km while the Polo Vivo uses 5.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R309 900 for the i20 and R294 500 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
61 kW
63 kW
Torque
115 Nm
132 Nm
0-100 kph
12.9 s
12.2 s
Top Speed
169 Km/h
177 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1197 cc
1398 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Transmission
manual
manual
Number of Gears
5
5
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.9 l/100km
5.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
37 l
45 l
CO2 Emissions
135 g/km
140 g/km
Dimensions
Length
3995 mm
3972 mm
Width
1775 mm
1682 mm
Height
1505 mm
1462 mm
Wheelbase
2580 mm
2470 mm
Ground Clearance
170 mm
143 mm
Kerb Weight
950 Kg
1066 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
311 l
280-952 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
850 Kg
1000 Kg
Load Capacity
520 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
—
✓ Standard
Traction Control
—
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
2
2 (opt 4)
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
—
Optional
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
—
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
—
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 7 drivetrain
3 vehicle / 5 engine
Warranty Distance
150000 vehicle / 200000 drivetrain Km
120000 vehicle / 150000 engine Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
4
2
Service Plan Distance
60000
30000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Volkswagen Polo Vivo
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Polo Vivo
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Polo Vivo
Practicality
Polo Vivo
Pros & Cons
Hyundai i20
Well-rounded specification
Less power than rival (61 kW vs 63 kW)
Higher starting price
Volkswagen Polo Vivo
More powerful engine (63 kW)
Lower starting price (R294 500)
Higher towing capacity (1000 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (12.2 ss)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the i20 or Polo Vivo?
The i20 uses 5.9 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 i20 or Polo Vivo?
The i20 produces 61 kW and 115 Nm of torque while the Polo Vivo delivers 63 kW and 132 Nm of torque. The Polo Vivo is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the i20 and Polo Vivo?
The i20 starts from R309 900 and the Polo Vivo from R294 500. The Polo Vivo is cheaper by R15 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 850 Kg 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.