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.
Hyundai ALCAZAR vs Volkswagen Polo: the short answer
ALCAZAR and Polo are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Polo starts ZAR 126,100 cheaperALCAZAR from ZAR 499,900 · Polo from ZAR 373,800
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
ALCAZAR
Polo
Maximum Power
ALCAZAR85 kW
Polo147 kW
Maximum Torque
ALCAZAR250 Nm
Polo320 Nm
Engine Size
ALCAZAR1493 cc
Polo2000 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
ALCAZAR16.9 km/l
Polo18.9 km/l
Ground Clearance
ALCAZAR200 mm
Polo133 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.
Hyundai ALCAZAR
1.5D Elite AT
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
ALCAZAR
Strengths
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Published Practicality
Polo
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
ALCAZAR
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Polo
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
ALCAZAR
Polo
Model Introduced Year
Current local generation year not confirmed
2018
Generation
Current South African ALCAZAR listing; generation notes should be kept tied to the local model year and confirmed derivative data.
Sixth generation Polo on MQB-A0 platform
Facelift History
Model-year updates can affect trim, wheels, screens, safety equipment and colours. Use the latest South African price list when checking a specific vehicle.
Facelift in 2022 with updated tech and styling
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
2022
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Seven-seat SUV
Hatchback
Color Note
Colour availability changes by model year, production batch and dealer stock, check the current colour selector before ordering.
White, Black, Silver, Grey, Blue, Red
Dealer Stock Note
Top grade in the South Africa lineup
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
Model Year
2026
Current
Production Status
active
published
Segment
SUV
Hatchback
Tare Mass Kg
1445 kg
1247 kg
Vehicle Type
SUV
Hatchback
Drivetrain Note
-
4x2 configuration for the local line-up
Spec
ALCAZAR
Polo
Length
4560 mm
4074 mm
Width
1800 mm
1751 mm
Height
1710 mm
1431 mm
Wheelbase
2760 mm
2549 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
200 mm
133 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
Not Officially Disclosed
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
50 l
40 l
Boot/Cargo Space
180 l
305 l
Kerb Weight
1445 kg
1247 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2090 kg
1780 kg
Payload Capacity
645 kg
-
Towing Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
-
Seating Capacity
7 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
3 rows
-
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
Not Officially Disclosed
10.6 m
Front Headroom
Not Officially Disclosed
-
Rear Headroom
Not Officially Disclosed
-
Front Legroom
Not Officially Disclosed
-
Rear Legroom
Not Officially Disclosed
-
Spec
ALCAZAR
Polo
Front Track Width
Not Applicable
1501 mm
Rear Track Width
Not Applicable
1484 mm
Front Suspension
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Suspension
Not Available
Not Available
MagneRide Damping
Not Available
-
Power Steering
-
Standard
Spec
ALCAZAR
Polo
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Climate Control
Not Available
Standard
Power Windows
Not Available
Not Available
Keyless Entry
Not Available
Not Available
Push Button Start
Not Available
Not Available
Wireless Charging
Wireless
Not Available
Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Available
Not Available
Boot Space Seats Folded
180 l
305 l
AC Type
Not Available
Standard
Adaptive Dampers
Not Available
-
Engine Warranty
4
-
Fuel Consumption Combined
5.9
5.3
Hill Start Assist
Standard
-
Performance Data Logger
Not Available
-
Rev Matching
Not Available
-
Battery Preconditioning
Not Available
Not Available
Bed Extender
Not Available
Not Available
Canopy Fitment
Not Available
Not Available
Diff Lock
Not Available
Not Available
Difflock
Not Available
Not Available
Front Diff Lock
Not Available
Not Available
Load Bed Cover
Not Available
Not Available
Load Bed Light
Not Available
Not Available
Load Bed Steps
Not Available
Not Available
Loadbox Depth Mm
Not Available
Not Available
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Loadbox Rope Hooks
Not Available
Not Available
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
Not Available
Not Available
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
One Pedal Driving
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Diff Lock
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Electric Motor
Not Available
Not Available
Regenerative Braking Levels
Not Available
Not Available
Rim Size
18 Inches
Not Available
Source Model Column
alcazar
polo
Sport Plus Mode
Not Available
-
Sports Bar
Not Available
Not Available
Tailgate Damper
Not Available
Not Available
Tailgate Lock
Not Available
Not Available
Tow Bar Type
Not Available
Not Available
Trim Level
top
flagship
Variant Role
Mid-to-high value derivative
Performance-focused derivative
Vehicle To Grid
Not Available
Not Available
Vehicle To Load
Not Available
Not Available
12V Accessory Socket
-
Standard
Climate Zones
-
Standard
Front Armrest
-
Centre console
Front Power Outlet
-
Standard
Multi Function Steering
-
Standard
Skid Plates
-
Not Available
Air Conditioning
Not Available
Standard
Centre Console
-
Standard
Intelligent Battery System
-
Not Available
Manual Aircon
-
Standard
Power Socket 12v
-
Standard
Spec
ALCAZAR
Polo
Engine
1.5-litre Turbocharged Diesel
Not Officially Disclosed
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Diesel
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1493 cc
2000 cc
Cylinders
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Cylinder Layout
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel System
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Compression Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
85 kW
147 kW
Maximum Torque
250 Nm
320 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Drive Type
FWD
Not Officially Disclosed
Transmission
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Top Speed
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
0-100 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
58.8 kW/tonne
117.9 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
173 Nm/tonne
256.6 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
ALCAZAR
Polo
Gearbox
Automatic
DCT
Drivetrain Layout
Front-wheel drive
4x2
LSD Available
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Final Drive Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
6
Not Applicable
Transmission Type
Automatic
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
DCT
Drivetrain
Front-wheel drive
4x2
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Type Front
Not Available
Not Available
Differential Type Rear
Not Available
Not Available
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Automatic
DCT
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Front-wheel drive
4x2
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case Guard
Not Available
Not Available
Transmission Speeds
6
Not Applicable
Spec
ALCAZAR
Polo
Claimed Mileage
16.9 km/l
18.9 km/l
City Mileage
13.7 km/l
15.2 km/l
Highway Mileage
19.8 km/l
22.3 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
50 l
40 l
Emission Standard
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
16.9 km/l
18.9 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
50 l
40
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
ALCAZAR
Polo
Airbags
Driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags
6
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Not Available
Not Available
Traction Control
Standard
Not Available
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Not Available
Child Safety Lock
Not Available
Not Available
ISOFIX Mounts
Not Available
Not Available
Brake Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Not Available
Not Available
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Not Available
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Not Available
Not Available
Front Parking Sensors
Standard
Standard
AEB
Not Available
Not Available
BA
Not Available
Not Available
Brake Override System
Not Available
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Not Available
Driver Airbag
Standard
Not Available
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Not Available
Hill Hold
Standard
Not Available
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Not Available
Not Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Not Available
Not Available
Side Airbags
Standard
Not Available
Stability Control
Not Available
Not Available
TCS
Standard
Not Available
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Spec
ALCAZAR
Polo
Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Front and rear
Rear View Camera
Not Available
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Not Available
Not Available
EV Mode
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
Standard
Reverse Camera
Not Available
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Park Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Rear View Camera
-
Standard
Reversing Camera
-
Standard
Spec
ALCAZAR
Polo
Seat Material
Cloth
Cloth
Heated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Ventilated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Ambient Lighting
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Front Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Steering Wheel Material
Not Applicable
Standard
Instrument Cluster Type
Digital instrument cluster
-
Interior Colour Options
3
Black
60 40 Split Seat
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Driver Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fabric Seats
Cloth
Cloth
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Interior Courtesy Lamps
Cabin trim, seating material, screen layout and driver-assistance equipment vary by derivative. Compare the chosen ALCAZAR grade before assuming a feature is included.
Digital cockpit, infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, quality cabin materials
Interior Colours
3
Black
Seat Trim
Cloth
Cloth
Steering Type
-
Standard
Front Armrest
-
Centre console
Interior Trim Colour
-
Black
Floor Mats
-
Standard
Spec
ALCAZAR
Polo
Infotainment System
SYNC
SYNC
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Not Available
Android Auto
Standard
Not Available
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Not Available
Number of Speakers
Not Available
Not Available
Digital Instrument Cluster
Digital instrument cluster
Not Applicable
USB Ports
Not Available
Not Available
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Standard
Not Available
Wireless Android Auto
Standard
Not Available
Infotainment Screen Size
SYNC
SYNC
Infotainment Screen
SYNC
SYNC
Multi Information Display
Digital display
-
Connected Services
SYNC
SYNC
Smartphone Connectivity
Bluetooth
-
Touchscreen
SYNC
SYNC
Spec
ALCAZAR
Polo
LED Headlamps
Halogen
Not Available
Daytime Running Lamps
Not Available
Not Available
Fog Lamps
Not Available
Not Available
Roof Rails
Not Available
Not Available
Exterior Colour Options
3
6
Body Type
SUV
Hatchback
Led Headlights
Halogen
Not Available
Exterior Colour Options
3
6
Headlamps
Halogen
Not Available
Headlight Type
Halogen
Not Available
Headlights
Halogen
Not Available
Load Bed Liner
Not Available
Not Available
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Active Exhaust
Not Available
-
Spec
ALCAZAR
Polo
Approach Angle
Not Available
-
Departure Angle
Not Available
-
Wading Depth
Not Available
-
Terrain Modes
Not Available
Not Available
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
Not Available
Not Available
Front Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
Not Available
Ground Clearance Max
200 mm
133 mm
Ground Clearance Min
200 mm
133 mm
Off Road Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Off Road Traction Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Crawl Control
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
Not Available
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
Not Available
Not Available
Skid Plates Transfer Case
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Mode Mud
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Mode Normal
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Mode Rock
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Mode Sand
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Mode Snow
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Response System
Not Available
Not Available
Underbody Camera
Not Available
Not Available
Underbody Protection
-
Not Available
Approach Angle Deg
-
-
Departure Angle Deg
-
-
Energy Recovery Display
-
Not Available
Wading Depth Mm
-
-
Spec
ALCAZAR
Polo
Tyre Size
Not Available
Not Available
Front Brake Type
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Brake Type
Not Available
Not Available
Spare Wheel Type
Not Available
Not Available
Wheel Rim Size
18 Inches
Not Available
Wheel Diameter
18 Inches
Not Available
Fifth Wheel Prep
Not Available
Not Available
Handbrake Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Wheel Size Type
18 Inches
-
Wheels
18 Inches
-
Leather Steering Wheel
-
Standard
Steering Wheel Trim
-
Standard
Spec
ALCAZAR
Polo
Service Interval
15000 km / 12 months
-
Battery Warranty
4
-
Maintenance Plan
3 Years / 45000 km
-
Engine Oil Change Interval
15000 km / 12 months
-
First Service At
15000
-
Service Plan Duration
3 Years / 45000 km
Not Available
Service Plan Distance
3 Years / 45000 km
Not Available
Alternator
120A
-
Service Plan
3 Years / 45000 km
Not Available
Service Intervals
15000 km / 12 months
-
Accessory Battery Type
Lead-acid
-
Spec
ALCAZAR
Polo
Warranty Years
5
3 years / 120 000 km
Warranty Kilometers
5
3 years / 120 000 km
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years
-
Basic Warranty
5
3 years / 120 000 km
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Warranty
5
3 years / 120 000 km
Warranty Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Spec
ALCAZAR
Polo
CO2 Emissions
Not Applicable
121 g/km
Hybrid System Type
Not Available
Not Available
Fuel Octane Requirement
Diesel
Petrol
Particulate Filter
-
Not Available
Idle CO2 Output
-
121
CO2 Emissions G Km
-
121
Spec
ALCAZAR
Polo
Ownership Role
Top
South Africa market model
Price Zar
669900 ZAR
585800 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current listed price
Active local lineup
Starting Price
669900
585800
Starting Price Zar
669900
585800
In depth: how these cars differ
This ALCAZAR and Polo 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: ALCAZAR 44 vs Polo 60.
Efficiency index: ALCAZAR 68 vs Polo 71.
Safety-equipment index: ALCAZAR 89 vs Polo 81.
Practicality index: ALCAZAR 64 vs Polo 55.
Ownership-cover index: ALCAZAR 65 vs Polo 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
ALCAZAR and Polo 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
ALCAZAR leads by 0 points
ALCAZAR and Polo are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Performance
Polo +16
Efficiency
Polo +3
Safety
ALCAZAR +8
Practicality
ALCAZAR +9
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
ALCAZAR
Performance
44/100
Efficiency
68/100
Safety
89/100
Practicality
64/100
Ownership
65/100
Polo
Performance
60/100
Efficiency
71/100
Safety
81/100
Practicality
55/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexHyundai ALCAZAR
leads the specification evidence index with 66 pts
vs 66 pts for Polo
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, ALCAZAR leads. However, Polo 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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