VS
At a Glance
Power
147 kW
110 kW
Torque
320 Nm
250 Nm
Fuel
6.4 l/100km
7.6 l/100km
Towing
1200 Kg
1900 Kg
0-100 km/h
6.7 s
9.2 s
Engine
1998 cc
1395 cc
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 147 kW while the Volkswagen Tiguan produces 110 kW. On fuel, the Polo returns 6.4 l/100km while the Tiguan uses 7.6 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R585 800 for the Polo and R785 200 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
147 kW
110 kW
Torque
320 Nm
250 Nm
0-100 kph
6.7 s
9.2 s
Top Speed
238 Km/h
207 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 cc
1395 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
6
7
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.4 l/100km
7.6 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
40 l
55 l
CO2 Emissions
147 g/km
173 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4074 mm
4539 mm
Width
1751-1964 mm
1843 mm
Height
1431 mm
1631 mm
Wheelbase
2549 mm
2676 mm
Ground Clearance
120 mm
201 mm
Kerb Weight
1247 Kg
1384 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
305 l
652-1650 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1200 Kg
1900 Kg
Load Capacity
500 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
8
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
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
Optional
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
Optional
Optional
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
Optional
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
Optional
Optional
Tow Bar
—
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
3
3
Warranty Distance
120000 Km
120000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
3
5
Service Plan Distance
45000
90000
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
More powerful engine (147 kW)
Better fuel economy (6.4 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R585 800)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (6.7 ss)
Few notable weaknesses
Volkswagen Tiguan
Higher towing capacity (1900 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (7.6 l/100km)
Less power than rival (110 kW vs 147 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Polo or Tiguan?
The Polo uses 6.4 l/100km and the Tiguan uses 7.6 l/100km 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 147 kW and 320 Nm of torque while the Tiguan delivers 110 kW and 250 Nm of torque. The Polo is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Polo and Tiguan?
The Polo starts from R585 800 and the Tiguan from R785 200. The Polo is cheaper by R199 400 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 1200 Kg and the Tiguan can tow 1900 Kg. 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.