VS
At a Glance
Power
77 kW
81 kW
Torque
138 Nm
200 Nm
Fuel
5.4 l/100km
4.8 l/100km
Towing
1000 Kg
1000 Kg
0-100 km/h
11.2 s
9.7 s
Engine
1462 cc
999 cc
Choosing between the Toyota Starlet and the Volkswagen Polo Vivo is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Toyota Starlet delivers 77 kW while the Volkswagen Polo Vivo produces 81 kW. On fuel, the Starlet returns 5.4 l/100km while the Polo Vivo uses 4.8 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R310 700 for the Starlet and R363 300 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
81 kW
Torque
138 Nm
200 Nm
0-100 kph
11.2 s
9.7 s
Top Speed
175 Km/h
196 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1462 cc
999 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
3
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
manual
manual
Number of Gears
5
6
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.4 l/100km
4.8 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
37 l
45 l
CO2 Emissions
127 g/km
114 g/km
Dimensions
Length
3990 mm
3972 mm
Width
1745 mm
1682 mm
Height
1500 mm
1447 mm
Wheelbase
2520 mm
2470 mm
Ground Clearance
150 mm
128 mm
Kerb Weight
975 Kg
1092 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
314- l
280-952 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1000 Kg
1000 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
—
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
4
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
—
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
Optional
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
3
3 vehicle / 5 engine
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
120000 vehicle / 150000 engine Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
4 services
2
Service Plan Distance
60000
30000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Volkswagen Polo Vivo
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Polo Vivo
Fuel Economy
Polo Vivo
Value
Starlet
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Toyota Starlet
Lower starting price (R310 700)
Higher fuel consumption (5.4 l/100km)
Less power than rival (77 kW vs 81 kW)
Volkswagen Polo Vivo
More powerful engine (81 kW)
Better fuel economy (4.8 l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (9.7 ss)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Starlet or Polo Vivo?
The Starlet uses 5.4 l/100km and the Polo Vivo uses 4.8 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 Starlet or Polo Vivo?
The Starlet produces 77 kW and 138 Nm of torque while the Polo Vivo delivers 81 kW and 200 Nm of torque. The Polo Vivo is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Starlet and Polo Vivo?
The Starlet starts from R310 700 and the Polo Vivo from R363 300. The Starlet is cheaper by R52 600 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Starlet or Polo Vivo?
The Starlet has a braked towing capacity of 1000 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 Starlet 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.