VS
At a Glance
Power
110 kW
81 kW
Torque
250 Nm
152 Nm
Fuel
6.3 l/100km
6.5 l/100km
0-100 km/h
8.5 s
12.2 s
Engine
1395 cc
1598 cc
Choosing between the Volkswagen Golf and the Volkswagen Polo is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Volkswagen Golf delivers 110 kW while the Volkswagen Polo produces 81 kW. On fuel, the Golf returns 6.3 l/100km while the Polo uses 6.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R580 900 for the Golf and R406 400 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
110 kW
81 kW
Torque
250 Nm
152 Nm
0-100 kph
8.5 s
12.2 s
Top Speed
216 Km/h
187 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1395 cc
1598 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
6
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.3 l/100km
6.5 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
50 l
45 l
CO2 Emissions
143 g/km
155 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4282 mm
4561 mm
Width
1789-2073 mm
1752 mm
Height
1483 mm
1507 mm
Wheelbase
2620 mm
2651 mm
Ground Clearance
—
179 mm
Kerb Weight
1226 Kg
1253 Kg
Doors
5
4
Seats
5
—
Load Volume
381-1237 l
521 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
—
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
2
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
—
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
—
Cruise Control
Optional
—
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
Optional
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
Optional
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
—
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
—
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
3
3
Warranty Distance
120000 Km
120000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
5
3
Service Plan Distance
90000
45000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Volkswagen Golf
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Golf
Fuel Economy
Golf
Value
Polo
Practicality
Golf
Pros & Cons
Volkswagen Golf
More powerful engine (110 kW)
Better fuel economy (6.3 l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (8.5 ss)
Higher starting price
Volkswagen Polo
Lower starting price (R406 400)
Higher fuel consumption (6.5 l/100km)
Less power than rival (81 kW vs 110 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Golf or Polo?
The Golf uses 6.3 l/100km and the Polo uses 6.5 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Golf 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 Golf or Polo?
The Golf produces 110 kW and 250 Nm of torque while the Polo delivers 81 kW and 152 Nm of torque. The Golf is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Golf and Polo?
The Golf starts from R580 900 and the Polo from R406 400. The Polo is cheaper by R174 500 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Golf 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.