A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
iCAUR 03T vs Volkswagen Vivo Xpress: the short answer
03T has a large lead in Hagalu's source-backed catalogue index over Vivo Xpress.
Vivo Xpress starts ZAR 359,910 cheaper03T from ZAR 639,900 · Vivo Xpress from ZAR 279,990
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
03T
Vivo Xpress
Maximum Power
03T135 kW
Vivo Xpress63 kW @ 5000 rpm
Maximum Torque
03T220 Nm
Vivo Xpress132 Nm @ 3750 rpm
Engine Size
03TNot Applicable
Vivo Xpress1398 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
03TNot applicable — electric consumption measured in kWh/100 km km/l
Vivo Xpress16.9 km/l
Ground Clearance
03T190 mm
Vivo Xpress143 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
iCAUR 03T
2WD
Hagalu editorial ratingNot yet rated
No complete editorial rating is published for this exact variant. This is not a zero score.
Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Specification evidence leader
03T
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
No obvious weak spots to flag.
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished EfficiencyPublished Practicality
Vivo Xpress
Strengths
Nothing stands out clearly here.
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:General Use
Which One's Right for You?
03T
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Vivo Xpress
Buyers who prefer this derivative's confirmed specification mix
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
03T
Vivo Xpress
Model Introduced Year
2026
2026
Generation
South African May 2026 local specification sheet for the current 03T generation.
Second-generation Polo Vivo-derived two-seat city panel van
Body Style
SUV
Panel Van
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
Published
active
Segment
Electric SUV
A0 City Van
Vehicle Type
Passenger vehicle
Light Commercial Vehicle
Facelift History
-
Current locally built Vivo Xpress launched in South Africa in February 2026
Facelift Launched Since
-
2026
Facelift Version Ending
-
Current
Spec
03T
Vivo Xpress
Length
4433 mm
3972 mm
Width
1916 mm
1682 mm
Height
1741 mm
1462 mm
Wheelbase
2715 mm
2470 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
190 mm
143 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
165 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Tank Capacity
Not applicable — battery electric vehicle
45 l
Boot/Cargo Space
450 L rear seats up; 1,238 L with rear seats folded; 40 L rear storage box
952 l
Kerb Weight
1600–1950 kg
1063 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2173 kg
1530 kg
Payload Capacity
350–650 kg
490 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
2 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
1 rows
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.9 m
5.3 m
Front Headroom
1020 mm
1004 mm
Rear Headroom
990 mm
Not Applicable
Front Legroom
1060 mm
1042 mm
Rear Legroom
970 mm
Not Applicable
Towing Capacity
-
953 kg
Spec
03T
Vivo Xpress
Engine
Battery electric drive; no combustion engine
1.4-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
Engine Code
Not Applicable
CLPA
Fuel Type
Electric
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
Not Applicable
1398 cc
Cylinders
Not Applicable
4
Cylinder Layout
Not Applicable
Inline
Valves
Not Applicable
16
Valves per Cylinder
Not Applicable
4
Aspiration
Not Applicable
Naturally Aspirated
Fuel System
Not Applicable
Electronic Fuel Injection
Compression Ratio
Not Applicable
10.5:1
Bore
Not Applicable
76.5 mm
Stroke
Not Applicable
75.6 mm
Maximum Power
135 kW
63 kW @ 5000 rpm
Maximum Torque
220 Nm
132 Nm @ 3750 rpm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Electric traction motor
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
1
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Rear axle
Not Applicable
Drive Type
RWD
FWD
Transmission
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
5-Speed Manual
Top Speed
150 km/h
177 km/h
0-100 km/h
10.5 sec
12.2 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Eco, Normal, Sport, Custom
Not Officially Disclosed
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
59.3 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
124.2 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
65.69 kWh
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
64.2 kWh
Not Applicable
Battery Type
LFP
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Electric Range
431 km
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
6.6 kW
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
30 min (30-80%)
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Spec
03T
Vivo Xpress
Gearbox
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
5-speed manual
Drivetrain Layout
2WD
Front-engine front-wheel drive
Transfer Case
Not applicable to conventional BEV reduction drive
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Not applicable — no conventional stepped gearbox
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
1
5
Transmission Type
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
Manual
Clutch Type
Not applicable to conventional BEV reduction drive
Single dry-plate clutch
Gear Shift Indicator
Not Applicable
Standard
Gear Shift Type
Electric shift gear
Manual
Drivetrain
2WD
Front-wheel drive
4WD Engagement
Not applicable to conventional BEV reduction drive
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Not applicable to conventional BEV reduction drive
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not applicable to conventional BEV reduction drive
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not applicable to conventional BEV reduction drive
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not applicable — no conventional stepped gearbox
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
5-speed manual
Low Range Ratio
Not applicable to conventional BEV reduction drive
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not applicable to conventional BEV reduction drive
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Electric drive axle(s); configuration depends on derivative
Front-wheel drive
Transmission Speeds
1
5
LSD Available
-
Not Available
Differential Lock
-
Electronic Differential Lock
Final Drive Ratio
-
3.882:1
Front Differential Lock
-
Electronic Differential Lock
Rear Differential Lock
-
Not Applicable
Spec
03T
Vivo Xpress
Claimed Mileage
Not applicable — electric consumption measured in kWh/100 km km/l
16.9 km/l
City Mileage
Not applicable — electric consumption measured in kWh/100 km km/l
12.7 km/l
Highway Mileage
Not applicable — electric consumption measured in kWh/100 km km/l
20.8 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
Not applicable — battery electric vehicle
45 l
Emission Standard
Zero tailpipe emissions (BEV)
Euro 4
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not applicable — battery electric vehicle
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not applicable — no combustion engine
Not Available
Real-world Mileage
Not applicable — electric consumption measured in kWh/100 km km/l
16.9 km/l
Charging Type
AC and DC charging; V2L external discharge 3.3 kW
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
Not applicable — battery electric vehicle
45
Combined Driving Range
431 km
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
18.3 kWh/100 km
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
292 km
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
344 km
Not Applicable
Charging Port Type
-
Not Applicable
Spec
03T
Vivo Xpress
Airbags
Dual front, front side and side curtain airbags
2
ABS
Yes
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Standard
Traction Control
Yes
ASR
Hill Descent Control
Yes
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Not Applicable
Brake Assist
Yes
Not Available
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Direct tyre pressure monitoring
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Body anti-theft alarm and anti-theft horn
Electronic immobiliser
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Driver and front passenger seatbelt reminders
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Front parking sensors
Not Available
AEB
Automatic emergency braking
Not Available
BA
Yes
Not Available
Brake Override System
Yes
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Not Available
Driver Airbag
Yes
Standard
EBD
Yes
Standard
Hill Hold
Yes
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Standard
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front pretensioner seat belts
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Yes
Standard
Side Airbags
Yes
Not Available
Stability Control
Yes
Standard
TCS
Yes
ASR
ABS EBD
Yes
Standard
Child Safety Lock
-
Standard on rear side doors
Engine Immobiliser
-
Electronic immobiliser
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
-
Not Available
Knee Airbag
-
Not Available
Spec
03T
Vivo Xpress
Cruise Control
Adaptive cruise control
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Lane keeping assistance
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Lane keeping assistance
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Blind-spot detection
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Front and rear parking sensors
Not Available
Rear View Camera
Reverse camera
Not Available
360 Degree Camera
540° HD panoramic image
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Automatic emergency braking
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Automatic highbeam control
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Auto speed-sensing front wiper
Manual intermittent wipers
Rear Parking Sensors
Rear parking sensors
Not Available
Reverse Camera
Reverse camera
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Not Available
Around View Monitor
540° HD panoramic image
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Blind-spot detection
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
Forward collision warning
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
-
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
-
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
-
Not Available
Park Assist
-
Not Available
Spec
03T
Vivo Xpress
Seat Material
Leather seats
Fabric
Heated Seats
Not fitted to 2WD local sheet
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
Yes
Not Available
Ambient Lighting
Multi-colour ambient light
Not Available
Steering Wheel Material
Leather steering wheel
Polyurethane
60 40 Split Seat
Foldable second-row seats
Not Applicable
Driver Seat Adjustment
6-way power adjustment
Manual standard front seat
Passenger Seat Adjustment
4-way power adjustment
Manual standard front seat
Seat Trim
Leather
Iceberg cloth
Spec
03T
Vivo Xpress
Climate Control
Power air conditioner
Manually controlled air conditioning
Power Windows
Yes
Front power windows
Keyless Entry
Remote central locking; passive keyless access equipment-dependent
Remote keyless entry
Push Button Start
Electronic engine start/stop or EV power-on control
Not Available
Wireless Charging
50 W wireless phone charging
Not Available
Sunroof
Panoramic sunroof with anti-pinch
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Powered tailgate optional on applicable hatch/SUV bodies
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Automatic rain-sensing wipers optional or equipment-dependent
Manual intermittent wipers
AC Type
Power air conditioner
Manually controlled air conditioning
Spec
03T
Vivo Xpress
Infotainment System
15.6 in touchscreen infotainment
9-inch Mirgor radio
Apple CarPlay
Wireless Apple CarPlay
App-Connect
Android Auto
Wireless Android Auto
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Standard
Number of Speakers
8
4
Digital Instrument Cluster
9.2 in LCD cluster
Analogue instrument cluster with multifunction display
USB Ports
1 USB Type-C plus 3 USB ports
Standard
Infotainment Screen
15.6 in
9-inch
Touchscreen
15.6 in
9-inch
Spec
03T
Vivo Xpress
LED Headlamps
Yes
Not Available
Daytime Running Lamps
LED daytime running lights
Standard
Fog Lamps
Rear fog lamp
Front fog lights with cornering function
Roof Rails
Body style and optional package dependent; not confirmed for this exact derivative
Not Available
Exterior Colour Options
Carbon Crystal Black; Toronto Red; Starlight Silver; Cyan Grey; Khaki; White
Pure White; Ascot Grey; Wild Cherry Red Metallic; Smokey Grey Metallic; Reflex Silver Metallic; Reef Blue Metallic
Headlights
Yes
Not Available
Panoramic Sunroof
Panoramic sunroof with anti-pinch
Not Available
Spec
03T
Vivo Xpress
Terrain Modes
Eco, Normal, Sport, Custom
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
Not applicable to conventional BEV reduction drive
Not Applicable
Approach Angle
-
13.5 deg
Departure Angle
-
19.4 deg
Wading Depth
-
Not Available
Locking Differential
-
Electronic Differential Lock
Breakover Angle
-
11.1 deg
Spec
03T
Vivo Xpress
Tyre Size
245/55 R19
175/70 R14 84T
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Drum
Wheel Rim Size
19 in
14-inch steel
Spare Wheel Type
-
Full-size spare wheel
Handbrake Type
-
Manual handbrake
Spec
03T
Vivo Xpress
Front Suspension
McPherson Strut
Suspension struts and wishbones
Rear Suspension
Multi-Link
Suspension struts toe-correcting torsion beam and trailing-arm axle
Spec
03T
Vivo Xpress
CO2 Emissions
Not applicable — battery electric vehicle
140 g/km
Spec
03T
Vivo Xpress
Service Plan
5 years/100,000 km service plan in the official South African press material; confirm final booklet.
Optional Volkswagen EasyDrive Service Plan or Maintenance Plan
Spec
03T
Vivo Xpress
Ownership Role
Current local retail price; confirm quotation inclusions, warranty and service plan with iCAUR South Africa.
Locally built two-seat urban delivery vehicle
Price Zar
639900 ZAR
279990 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current South African retail price
Current South African retail price including VAT and emissions tax
Starting Price
639900
279990
Starting Price Zar
639900
279990
Spec
03T
Vivo Xpress
Warranty
Vehicle warranty 8 years/200,000 km; high-voltage battery warranty 8 years/160,000 km in official South African press material.
3 years / 120 000 km; engine 5 years / 150 000 km; anti-corrosion 6 years
In depth: how these cars differ
This 03T and Vivo Xpress comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: 03T 51 vs Vivo Xpress 30.
Efficiency index: 03T 99 vs Vivo Xpress 65.
Safety-equipment index: 03T 93 vs Vivo Xpress 47.
Practicality index: 03T 64 vs Vivo Xpress 55.
Ownership-cover index: 03T not separately scored vs Vivo Xpress not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Model imagery
03T and Vivo Xpress image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
03T leads by 27 points
03T has a large lead in Hagalu's source-backed catalogue index over Vivo Xpress.
Large difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
03T
Performance
51/100
Efficiency
99/100
Safety
93/100
Practicality
64/100
Vivo Xpress
Performance
30/100
Efficiency
65/100
Safety
47/100
Practicality
55/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexiCAUR 03T
leads the specification evidence index with 75 pts
vs 48 pts for Vivo Xpress
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, 03T leads. However, Vivo Xpress may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
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