VS
At a Glance
Power
85 kW
147kW@5100
Torque
200 Nm
280Nm@1700
Fuel
5.4 l/100km
8.9
Towing
—
2500
0-100 km/h
9.7 s
7.9
Engine
999 cc
1984
Choosing between the Volkswagen Polo and the VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Volkswagen Polo delivers 85 kW while the VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN produces 147kW@5100. On fuel, the Polo returns 5.4 l/100km while the TIGUAN uses 8.9 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R445 400 for the Polo and R424 015 for the TIGUAN. 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
147kW@5100
Torque
200 Nm
280Nm@1700
0-100 kph
9.7 s
7.9
Top Speed
200 Km/h
210
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
999 cc
1984
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
3
4
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
MANUAL
Number of Gears
7
6
Drive Wheels
front
ALL
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.4 l/100km
8.9
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
12.1
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
7.1
Fuel Tank Capacity
40 l
64
CO2 Emissions
123 g/km
213
Dimensions
Length
4074 mm
4457
Width
1751-1964 mm
1809
Height
1451 mm
1686
Wheelbase
2552 mm
2604
Ground Clearance
106 mm
200
Kerb Weight
1100 Kg
1587
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
351 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
2500
Load Capacity
580 l
1510
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ 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
Climate Control
—
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
Optional
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✗
Satellite Navigation
Optional
Optional
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
Optional
Sunroof
Optional
Optional
Heated Seats
—
Optional
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
Optional
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
3
36
Warranty Distance
120000 Km
120000
Service Plan
✓ Standard
M
Service Plan Years
3
—
Service Plan Distance
45000
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Polo
Fuel Economy
Polo
Value
TIGUAN
Practicality
TIGUAN
Pros & Cons
Volkswagen Polo
Better fuel economy (5.4 l/100km)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN
Lower starting price (R424 015)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7.9s)
Higher fuel consumption (8.9)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Polo or TIGUAN?
The Polo uses 5.4 l/100km and the TIGUAN uses 8.9 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 Polo or TIGUAN?
The Polo produces 85 kW and 200 Nm of torque while the TIGUAN delivers 147kW@5100 and 280Nm@1700 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Polo and TIGUAN?
The Polo starts from R445 400 and the TIGUAN from R424 015. The TIGUAN is cheaper by R21 385 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Polo or TIGUAN?
The Polo has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the TIGUAN can tow 2500. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Polo or the TIGUAN?
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.