VS
At a Glance
Power
77 kW
63 kW
Torque
138 Nm
132 Nm
Fuel
5.7 l/100km
5.9 l/100km
Towing
1000 Kg
1000 Kg
0-100 km/h
11.2 s
12.2 s
Engine
1462 cc
1398 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 63 kW. On fuel, the Starlet returns 5.7 l/100km while the Polo Vivo uses 5.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R300 900 for the Starlet 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
77 kW
63 kW
Torque
138 Nm
132 Nm
0-100 kph
11.2 s
12.2 s
Top Speed
160 Km/h
177 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
5.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
37 l
45 l
CO2 Emissions
133 g/km
140 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
980 Kg
1066 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
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
—
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ 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
Toyota Starlet
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Starlet
Fuel Economy
Starlet
Value
Polo Vivo
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Toyota Starlet
More powerful engine (77 kW)
Better fuel economy (5.7 l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (11.2 ss)
Higher starting price
Volkswagen Polo Vivo
Lower starting price (R294 500)
Higher fuel consumption (5.9 l/100km)
Less power than rival (63 kW vs 77 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Starlet or Polo Vivo?
The Starlet uses 5.7 l/100km and the Polo Vivo uses 5.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Starlet 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 63 kW and 132 Nm of torque. The Starlet is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Starlet and Polo Vivo?
The Starlet starts from R300 900 and the Polo Vivo from R294 500. The Polo Vivo is cheaper by R6 400 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.