VS
At a Glance
Power
77 kW
55 kW
Torque
138 Nm
130 Nm
Fuel
5.7 l/100km
5.5 l/100km
Towing
1000 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
—
12.8 s
Engine
1462 cc
1398 cc
Choosing between the Suzuki Baleno and the Volkswagen Polo Vivo is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Suzuki Baleno delivers 77 kW while the Volkswagen Polo Vivo produces 55 kW. On fuel, the Baleno returns 5.7 l/100km while the Polo Vivo uses 5.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R291 900 for the Baleno and R271 900 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
77 kW
55 kW
Torque
138 Nm
130 Nm
0-100 kph
—
12.8 s
Top Speed
—
171 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1462 cc
1398 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Transmission
automatic
manual
Number of Gears
4
5
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.7 l/100km
5.5 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
37 l
45 l
CO2 Emissions
133 g/km
132 g/km
Dimensions
Length
3990 mm
3972 mm
Width
1745 mm
1682 mm
Height
1500 mm
1462 mm
Wheelbase
2520 mm
2470 mm
Ground Clearance
150 mm
143 mm
Kerb Weight
965 Kg
1063 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
314-1057 l
280-952 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1000 Kg
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ 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
✓ Standard
—
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
—
Optional
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
3 vehicle / 5 engine
Warranty Distance
200000 Km
120000 vehicle / 150000 engine Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
—
Service Plan Years
4
—
Service Plan Distance
60000
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Baleno
Fuel Economy
Polo Vivo
Value
Polo Vivo
Practicality
Baleno
Pros & Cons
Suzuki Baleno
More powerful engine (77 kW)
Higher towing capacity (1000 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (5.7 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Volkswagen Polo Vivo
Better fuel economy (5.5 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R271 900)
Less power than rival (55 kW vs 77 kW)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Baleno or Polo Vivo?
The Baleno uses 5.7 l/100km and the Polo Vivo uses 5.5 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 Baleno or Polo Vivo?
The Baleno produces 77 kW and 138 Nm of torque while the Polo Vivo delivers 55 kW and 130 Nm of torque. The Baleno is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Baleno and Polo Vivo?
The Baleno starts from R291 900 and the Polo Vivo from R271 900. The Polo Vivo is cheaper by R20 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Baleno or Polo Vivo?
The Baleno has a braked towing capacity of 1000 Kg and the Polo Vivo can tow 0 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Baleno 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.