VS
At a Glance
Power
81 kW
147kW@5100
Torque
152 Nm
280Nm@1700
Fuel
6.5 l/100km
8.9
Towing
—
2500
0-100 km/h
12.2 s
7.9
Engine
1598 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 81 kW while the VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN produces 147kW@5100. On fuel, the Polo returns 6.5 l/100km while the TIGUAN uses 8.9 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R406 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
81 kW
147kW@5100
Torque
152 Nm
280Nm@1700
0-100 kph
12.2 s
7.9
Top Speed
187 Km/h
210
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1598 cc
1984
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Transmission
automatic
MANUAL
Number of Gears
6
6
Drive Wheels
front
ALL
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.5 l/100km
8.9
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
12.1
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
7.1
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
64
CO2 Emissions
155 g/km
213
Dimensions
Length
4561 mm
4457
Width
1752 mm
1809
Height
1507 mm
1686
Wheelbase
2651 mm
2604
Ground Clearance
179 mm
200
Kerb Weight
1253 Kg
1587
Doors
4
5
Seats
—
5
Load Volume
521 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
2500
Load Capacity
—
1510
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
2
6
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
—
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✗
Satellite Navigation
—
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Front
—
Optional
Sunroof
—
Optional
Heated Seats
—
Optional
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
—
✓ 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
Volkswagen Polo
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Polo
Fuel Economy
Polo
Value
Polo
Practicality
TIGUAN
Pros & Cons
Volkswagen Polo
Better fuel economy (6.5 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R406 400)
Factory service plan included
Few notable weaknesses
VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7.9s)
Higher fuel consumption (8.9)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Polo or TIGUAN?
The Polo uses 6.5 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 81 kW and 152 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 R406 400 and the TIGUAN from R424 015. The Polo is cheaper by R17 615 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.