VS
At a Glance
Power
85 kW
70 kW
Torque
148 Nm
175 Nm
Fuel
6.0 l/100km
5.3 l/100km
Towing
250 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
10.4 s
10.8 s
Engine
1496 cc
999 cc
Choosing between the Mazda Mazda2 and the Volkswagen Polo is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Mazda Mazda2 delivers 85 kW while the Volkswagen Polo produces 70 kW. On fuel, the Mazda2 returns 6.0 l/100km while the Polo uses 5.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R371 300 for the Mazda2 and R373 800 for the Polo. 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
85 kW
70 kW
Torque
148 Nm
175 Nm
0-100 kph
10.4 s
10.8 s
Top Speed
184 Km/h
187 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1496 cc
999 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
3
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
6.0 l/100km
5.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
44 l
40 l
CO2 Emissions
140 g/km
121 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4080 mm
4074 mm
Width
1695 mm
1751-1964 mm
Height
1515 mm
1451 mm
Wheelbase
2570 mm
2552 mm
Ground Clearance
—
106 mm
Kerb Weight
1070 Kg
1067 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
250 l
351 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
250 Kg
—
Load Capacity
—
575 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
—
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
Optional
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
3
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
120000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
3
3
Service Plan Distance
unlimited
45000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mazda Mazda2
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Mazda2
Fuel Economy
Polo
Value
Mazda2
Practicality
Mazda2
Pros & Cons
Mazda Mazda2
More powerful engine (85 kW)
Lower starting price (R371 300)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (10.4 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (6.0 l/100km)
Volkswagen Polo
Better fuel economy (5.3 l/100km)
Less power than rival (70 kW vs 85 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Mazda2 or Polo?
The Mazda2 uses 6.0 l/100km and the Polo uses 5.3 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Polo 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 Mazda2 or Polo?
The Mazda2 produces 85 kW and 148 Nm of torque while the Polo delivers 70 kW and 175 Nm of torque. The Mazda2 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Mazda2 and Polo?
The Mazda2 starts from R371 300 and the Polo from R373 800. The Mazda2 is cheaper by R2 500 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Mazda2 or Polo?
The Mazda2 has a braked towing capacity of 250 Kg and the Polo can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Mazda2 or the Polo?
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.