A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Black Badge Ghost
Polo Sedan
Maximum Power
441 kW
70 kW
Maximum Torque
900 Nm @ 1700 rpm
175 Nm
Engine Size
6749 cc
999 cc
Claimed Mileage
6.33 km/l
18.9 km/l
Ground Clearance
118 mm
130 mm
Boot / Load Bay
500 l
460 l
Airbags
8
6
Kerb Weight
2505 kg
1125 kg
Seating Capacity
-
-
Warranty
4 years; regional conditions apply
2
= leads in this spec
The Bottom Line
Black Badge Ghost has a slight advantage, but Polo Sedan remains highly competitive.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Black Badge Ghost
+64 pts
Efficiency
Polo Sedan
+43 pts
Safety
Black Badge Ghost
+17 pts
Practicality
Equal
Ownership
Black Badge Ghost
+18 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
🏆 Overall Winner
Black Badge Ghost
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger safety package
Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Highway Driving
Polo Sedan
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Less comprehensive safety features
Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to:Fuel Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
Black Badge Ghost
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
Polo Sedan
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Black Badge Ghost
Polo Sedan
Model Introduced Year
2022
2018
Generation
Second-generation Black Badge Ghost in Series II form
AW/BW Polo-based sedan – current generation since 2018
Facelift History
The current-generation Black Badge Ghost debuted globally in 2021, was introduced in South Africa in 2022 and evolved into Black Badge Ghost Series II in October 2024
Facelift update in 2022 with refreshed styling and updated infotainment
Facelift Launched Since
2024
2022
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Four-door performance-luxury saloon
Sedan
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
active
published
Segment
Full-size performance super-luxury saloon
Sedan
Vehicle Type
Internal-combustion passenger car
Sedan
Color Note
-
White Silver, Reflex Silver, Deep Black, Flash Red
Dealer Stock Note
-
Top grade in the South Africa lineup
Tare Mass Kg
-
1125 kg
Spec
Black Badge Ghost
Polo Sedan
Drivetrain Layout
All-wheel drive with all-wheel steering
Front Wheel Drive
Transfer Case
ATC 13 transfer case
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Electronic differential lock (EDS); no mechanically lockable differential
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
No
Standard
Gearbox
8-speed ZF automatic
7-Speed DSG
Final Drive Ratio
2.81:1
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
8
7
Transmission Type
8-speed ZF automatic
Automatic
Clutch Type
Torque converter
Not Applicable
Drivetrain
All-wheel drive
FWD
4WD Engagement
Rolls-Royce all-wheel drive
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
No
Standard
Gearbox Type
8-speed ZF automatic
7-Speed DSG
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
All-wheel-drive power delivery with active rear-axle steering
FWD
Transmission Speeds
8
7
Gear Shift Type
Satellite Aided automatic gear selection via column stalk with Low button
7-Speed DSG
LSD Available
-
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
-
Not Applicable
Differential Type Front
-
Not Available
Differential Type Rear
-
Not Available
Front Differential Lock
-
Not Applicable
Rear Differential Lock
-
Not Applicable
Transfer Case Guard
-
Not Available
Spec
Black Badge Ghost
Polo Sedan
Claimed Mileage
6.33 km/l
18.9 km/l
City Mileage
5.10 km/l
14 km/l
Highway Mileage
8.08 km/l
20 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
90 l
45 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6e (B6e)
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Automatic start/stop: Yes
Not Applicable
Average Fuel Consumption
15.8 l/100km
5.3 l/100km
Claimed Fuel Consumption
15.8 l/100km
5.3 l/100km
Fuel Efficiency
15.8 l/100km
5.3 l/100km
Real-world Mileage
6.33 km/l
18.9 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Consumption
15.8 l/100km
5.3 l/100km
Combined Consumption L 100km
15.8 l/100km
5.3 l/100km
Fuel Economy Combined
15.8 l/100km
5.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Litres
90
45
Combined Driving Range
570-584 km (calculated from 90 L and 15.4-15.8 l/100 km WLTP)
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
822 km
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
576 km
Not Applicable
Spec
Black Badge Ghost
Polo Sedan
Airbags
8
6
ABS
Four-channel Anti-lock Braking System
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Dynamic Stability Control
Standard
Traction Control
Dynamic Traction Control
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Rear child-safety locks
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
ISOFIX child-seat mounts
Standard
Brake Assist
Dynamic Brake Control
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Vehicle immobiliser
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Front seatbelt warning sensor
Not Available
Front Parking Sensors
Park Distance Control, front and rear
Not Available
AEB
Collision Warning with Brake Function; pedestrian/bike warning with brake function
Not Available
BA
Dynamic Brake Control
Standard
Curtain Airbags
Front Head Protection System
Not Available
Driver Airbag
Driver airbag
6
EBD
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Vehicle immobiliser
Standard
Hill Hold
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Front-passenger airbag
6
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front and rear three-point pretensioning seatbelts; front force limiters
Not Available
Side Airbags
Front side-impact airbags
Not Available
TCS
Dynamic Traction Control
Standard
Knee Airbag
Active front knee protection
Not Available
ABS EBD
Four-channel Anti-lock Braking System
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Front seatbelt warning sensor
Not Available
Stability Control
Dynamic Stability Control
Standard
Alarm System
-
Standard
Central Locking
-
Standard
Brake Override System
-
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
-
Standard
Anti Theft Alarm
-
Standard
Driver Front Passenger Airbags
-
6
Driver Passenger Airbags
-
6
ESC With Traction Control
-
Standard
Spec
Black Badge Ghost
Polo Sedan
Cruise Control
Dynamic Cruise Control; Active Cruise Control fitted to the referenced current vehicle
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Active Cruise Control
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Lane Departure Warning with Active Return
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Lane Departure Warning with Active Return
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Lane Change Warning with Blind Spot Detection
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Park Distance Control, front and rear
Rear
Rear View Camera
Rear View Camera
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Surround View Camera with 3D view
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Collision Warning with Brake Function; pedestrian/bike warning with brake function
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Driver Attention Alert System
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Speed Limit Information
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
High-Beam Assistance
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Rain-sensing variable-speed windshield wipers
Standard
Rear Parking Sensors
Park Distance Control, front and rear
Rear
Reverse Camera
Rear View Camera
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Active Cruise Control
Not Available
Park Assist
Park Assist and Reversing Assistant
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Surround View Camera with 3D view
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Lane Change Warning with Blind Spot Detection
Standard
Forward Collision Warning
Collision Warning with Brake Function
Not Available
Auto Lights
-
Standard
EV Mode
-
Not Available
Emergency Braking
-
Not Available
Parking Distance Sensors
-
Rear
Parking Sensor
-
Rear
Pre-Collision System
-
Not Available
Rain Sensor Wipers
-
Standard
Rear View Camera
-
Standard
Reverse Camera Type
-
Standard
Reversing Camera
-
Standard
Surround View Camera
Surround View Camera with 3D view
Not Available
Spec
Black Badge Ghost
Polo Sedan
Seat Material
Leather, Duality Twill or Bespoke alternatives
Fabric/Leatherette
Heated Seats
Heated front seats; rear-seat heating available
Not Applicable
Ventilated Seats
Front and rear seat cooling available
Not Applicable
Ambient Lighting
Illuminated Fascia with Black Badge infinity motif
Standard
Steering Wheel Material
Heated full-leather multifunction steering wheel
Not Applicable
60 40 Split Seat
No
60/40 Split
Driver Seat Adjustment
Heated, electronically adjustable front seat with memory
Manual
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Heated, electronically adjustable front seat with memory
Manual
Seat Trim
Technical Carbon and Placed Perforation available
Fabric/Leatherette
Seat Adjustment
-
Manual
Steering Type
-
Electric
Steering Adjustment
-
Tilt and Telescopic
Folding Rear Seats
-
60/40 Split
Front Armrest
-
Rear Centre Armrest
Rear USB Ports
-
2
Instrument Cluster Type
-
Standard
Interior Colour Options
-
4
Adjustable Driver Seat
-
Manual
Fabric Seats
-
Fabric/Leatherette
Armrest Front
-
Rear Centre Armrest
Driver Seat
-
Manual
Interior Courtesy Lamps
-
Composition Media infotainment, rear camera, cloth seats, air conditioning
Leather Accented Seat Trim
-
Fabric/Leatherette
Interior Colours
-
4
Seat Fold Type
-
60/40 Split
Front Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Spec
Black Badge Ghost
Polo Sedan
Climate Control
Automatic four-zone climate control
Single-zone Automatic
Power Windows
Front and rear power windows with one-touch up/down
All Doors
Keyless Entry
Comfort Access keyless entry
Standard
Push Button Start
Push Button Start
Not Available
Wireless Charging
Wireless smartphone charging
Standard
Sunroof
No
Standard
Electric Tailgate
Power open/close luggage compartment
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Rain-sensing variable-speed windshield wipers
Standard
AC Type
Automatic four-zone climate control
Single-zone Automatic
Automatic Headlamps
-
Standard
Adaptive Dampers
-
Not Available
Climate Zones
-
Single-zone Automatic
Electric Folding Mirrors
-
All Doors
Engine Start Button Illumination
-
Not Available
TPMS
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
Standard
Engine Start Stop
Push Button Start
Not Available
Engine Start Stop Button
Push Button Start
Not Available
Front Armrest
-
Rear Centre Armrest
Fuel Consumption Combined
-
5.3
Hill Start Assist
-
Standard
Panoramic Roof
No
Standard
Performance Data Logger
-
Not Available
Power Mirrors
-
All Doors
Push Button Start
Push Button Start
Not Available
Rear Seat Split
-
60/40 Split
Rear Wing
-
Not Available
Rev Matching
-
Not Available
Seat Type
-
Fabric/Leatherette
Skid Plates
-
Not Available
Spare Wheel
No spare wheel
Full Size
Telescopic Steering
-
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt Steering
-
Tilt and Telescopic
Voice Command
-
Standard
Voice Command Support
-
Standard
Accelerator 0 100
-
10.9 sec
Air Conditioning
Automatic four-zone climate control
Single-zone Automatic
Battery Preconditioning
-
Not Available
Bed Extender
-
Not Available
Canopy Fitment
-
Not Available
Centre Console
-
Rear Centre Armrest
Common Rail Injection
-
Direct Injection Turbocharged
Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Difflock
-
Not Available
Digital Speedometer
-
Standard
Front Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Intelligent Battery System
-
Not Available
Intelligent Keyless Entry
-
Standard
Lift Gate
-
Not Available
Load Bed Cover
-
Not Available
Load Bed Light
-
Not Available
Load Bed Steps
-
Not Available
Loadbox Depth Mm
-
Not Available
Loadbox Rope Hooks
-
Not Available
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
-
Not Available
Manual Aircon
-
Single-zone Automatic
Mirror
-
All Doors
One Pedal Driving
-
Not Available
Passive Entry Start
-
Standard
Powered Tailgate
-
Not Available
Rear Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Rear Electric Motor
-
Not Available
Regenerative Braking Levels
-
Not Available
Remote Central Locking
-
Standard
Rim Size
20-, 21- and 22-inch approved fitments; 22-inch part-polished seven-spoke forged Black Badge wheels
16-inch Alloy
Roof Rack Compatibility
-
Not Available
Sonar
-
Rear
Sound System
16
6
Source Model Column
-
polo-sedan
Sport Plus Mode
-
Not Available
Sports Bar
-
Not Available
Steering Column Adjustment
-
Tilt and Telescopic
Sub Frame
-
Monocoque
Surround View Monitor
Surround View Camera with 3D view
Not Available
Tailgate Damper
-
Not Available
Tailgate Lock
-
Not Available
Tow Bar Type
-
Not Available
Trim Level
-
top
Unlocking
Comfort Access keyless entry
Standard
Variant Role
-
Mid-to-high value derivative
Vdc
-
Standard
Vehicle To Grid
-
Not Available
Vehicle To Load
-
Not Available
Walk Away Auto Door Lock
-
Standard
Walk Away Lock
-
Standard
Wireless Charger
Wireless smartphone charging
Standard
Load Bed Length
-
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
-
Not Applicable
Boot Space Seats Folded
-
460 l
Loadbox Length Mm
-
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
-
Not Applicable
Spec
Black Badge Ghost
Polo Sedan
Length
5545 mm
4440 mm
Width
1998 mm
1699 mm
Height
1573 mm
1467 mm
Wheelbase
3295 mm
2552 mm
Doors
4 doors
4 doors
Front Headroom
1030 mm
-
Payload Capacity
625 kg
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
90 l
45 l
Kerb Weight
2505 kg
1125 kg
Towing Capacity
0 kg
-
Rear Headroom
990 mm
-
Front Legroom
1060 mm
-
Rear Legroom
1075 mm
-
Ground Clearance (Default)
118 mm
130 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
118 mm
-
Boot/Cargo Space
500 l
460 l
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
3130 kg
1555 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
-
Minimum Turning Radius
6.5 m
5.3 m
Spec
Black Badge Ghost
Polo Sedan
Engine
6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol in high-power configuration
1-litre Turbocharged Petrol
Cylinders
12
3
Valves
48
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel System
Direct Injection
Direct Injection Turbocharged
Compression Ratio
10.0:1
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Type
AWD
FWD
Top Speed
250 km/h
183 km/h
Engine Code
N74B68A
Not Officially Disclosed
Cylinder Layout
V
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Twin Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Bore
89 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
90.4 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Low
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
4
Not Officially Disclosed
Launch Control
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Engine Displacement
6749 cc
999 cc
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
7-Speed DCT
0-100 km/h
4.7 sec
10.9 sec
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Maximum Power
441 kW
70 kW
Maximum Torque
900 Nm @ 1700 rpm
175 Nm
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
176 kW/tonne
62.2 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
359.3 Nm/tonne
155.6 Nm/tonne
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
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
Black Badge Ghost
Polo Sedan
Apple CarPlay
Apple CarPlay compatibility
Standard
Android Auto
Android Auto compatibility
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Bluetooth wireless technology
Standard
Number of Speakers
16
6
Digital Instrument Cluster
SPIRIT digital instrument interface
Standard
Infotainment System
SPIRIT infotainment operated by touch, controller and voice commands
9-inch Touchscreen
Infotainment Screen
10.25-inch Central Information Display with touchscreen and SPIRIT
9-inch Touchscreen
Touchscreen
10.25-inch Central Information Display with touchscreen and SPIRIT
9-inch Touchscreen
USB Ports
USB Type-C ports
2
Navigation System
-
Standard
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Apple CarPlay compatibility
Standard
Voice Recognition
-
Standard
Infotainment Screen Size
10.25-inch Central Information Display with touchscreen and SPIRIT
9-inch Touchscreen
Infotainment Display
-
9-inch Touchscreen
Rear Usb
-
2
Audio Speakers
16
6
Audio System
-
6
Display Audio
-
9-inch Touchscreen
Front Rear USB Charge Ports
-
2
Multi Information Display
-
Standard
Connected Services
-
Standard
Voice Control
-
Standard
Smartphone Connectivity
-
Standard
Wireless Android Auto
Android Auto compatibility
Standard
Spec
Black Badge Ghost
Polo Sedan
LED Headlamps
Rolls-Royce LED headlights
LED
Daytime Running Lamps
Series II daytime-running-light treatment
LED
Fog Lamps
Front fog lamps
LED
Roof Rails
No; vehicle not approved for roof loads
Not Available
Headlights
Rolls-Royce LED headlights
LED
Panoramic Sunroof
No
Standard
Exterior Colour Options
Bespoke colour commissions available
4
Alloy Wheel Design
-
16-inch Alloy
Chrome Exterior Finish
-
Not Available
Rear Spoiler
-
Not Available
Roof Type
-
Standard
Body Type
-
Sedan
DRL
Series II daytime-running-light treatment
LED
Fog Lights
-
LED
Front Fog Lights
-
LED
Led Headlights
Rolls-Royce LED headlights
LED
Auto Headlights
-
Standard
Automatic Headlamps
-
Standard
Daytime Running Lights
Series II daytime-running-light treatment
LED
Electric Blind Sunroof
-
Standard
Exterior Colour Options
-
4
Exterior Mirror Electric
-
All Doors
Front Fog Lamps
Front fog lamps
LED
Headlamp Levelling
-
LED
Headlamps
Rolls-Royce LED headlights
LED
Headlight Type
Rolls-Royce LED headlights
LED
Load Bed Liner
-
Not Available
Rear Spoiler
-
Not Available
Active Exhaust
-
Not Available
Spec
Black Badge Ghost
Polo Sedan
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
-
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
Not Available
Locking Differential
Electronic differential lock (EDS); no mechanically lockable differential
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
Rolls-Royce all-wheel drive with all-wheel steering
Not Applicable
Approach Angle
-
-
Departure Angle
-
-
Underbody Protection
-
Not Available
Hill Descent Control
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Approach Angle Deg
-
-
Breakover Angle
-
Not Available
Departure Angle Deg
-
-
Energy Recovery Display
-
Not Available
Front Skid Plate Guard
-
Not Available
Off Road Descent Control
-
Not Available
Off Road Traction Assist
-
Not Available
Crawl Control
-
Not Available
Rear Skid Plate Guard
-
Not Available
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
-
Not Available
Skid Plates Transfer Case
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Mud
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Normal
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Rock
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Sand
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Snow
-
Not Available
Terrain Response System
-
Not Available
Underbody Camera
-
Not Available
Wading Depth Mm
-
-
Ground Clearance Max
-
130 mm
Ground Clearance Min
-
130 mm
Spec
Black Badge Ghost
Polo Sedan
Tyre Size
255/35 R22 102Y front and 285/30 R22 104Y rear; 255/40 R21 102Y front and 285/35 R21 105Y rear; 255/45 R20 105Y front and 285/40 R20 108Y rear; 255/45 R20 105V M+S all-round
195/55 R16
Front Brake Type
Power-assisted ventilated disc brakes
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Power-assisted ventilated disc brakes
Drum
Spare Wheel Type
No spare wheel
Full Size
Wheel Rim Size
20-, 21- and 22-inch approved fitments; 22-inch part-polished seven-spoke forged Black Badge wheels
16-inch Alloy
Handbrake Type
Electromechanical parking brake acting on rear discs
Not Applicable
Wheel Type
-
16-inch Alloy
Brake Type Front
-
Ventilated Disc
Brake Type Rear
-
Drum
Spare Tyre
No spare wheel
Full Size
Tyre Type
-
195/55 R16
Wheel Diameter
20-, 21- and 22-inch approved fitments; 22-inch part-polished seven-spoke forged Black Badge wheels
16-inch Alloy
Autonomous Emergency Brake
-
Not Available
Brakes
-
Ventilated Disc
Cornering Brake Control
-
Standard
Fifth Wheel Prep
-
Not Available
Hydraulic Brake Assist
-
Standard
Spare Wheel Size Type
-
Full Size
Steering Wheel Cruise Controls
-
Standard
Tyre Pressure Display
-
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitoring
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
Standard
Wheel Material
-
16-inch Alloy
Wheels
-
16-inch Alloy
Spec
Black Badge Ghost
Polo Sedan
Front Suspension
Black Badge Planar Suspension with electronic dampers and self-levelling air struts
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Black Badge Planar Suspension with electronic dampers and self-levelling air struts
Torsion Beam
Chassis Type
-
Monocoque
Power Steering
-
Electric
Steering Column
-
Tilt and Telescopic
Front Spring Type
-
MacPherson Strut
Rear Spring Type
-
Torsion Beam
Chassis Material
-
Monocoque
Front Suspension Type
Black Badge Planar Suspension with electronic dampers and self-levelling air struts
MacPherson Strut
MagneRide Damping
-
Not Available
Rear Axle Type
-
Torsion Beam
Rear Suspension Type
Black Badge Planar Suspension with electronic dampers and self-levelling air struts
Torsion Beam
Suspension
-
MacPherson Strut
Front Track Width
-
Not Applicable
Rear Track Width
-
Not Applicable
Spec
Black Badge Ghost
Polo Sedan
CO2 Emissions
359 g/km
118 g/km
Hybrid System Type
-
Not Available
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
Petrol
Particulate Filter
-
Not Available
Euro Emission Standard
-
Euro 6
Idle CO2 Output
-
118
CO2 Emissions G Km
-
118
Spec
Black Badge Ghost
Polo Sedan
Ownership Role
High-power owner-driver expression of the Ghost saloon
Performance
Black Badge Ghost +64
Efficiency
Polo Sedan +43
Safety
Black Badge Ghost +17
Practicality
Level
Ownership
Black Badge Ghost +18
Moderate difference between the models.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Overall Winner
Black Badge Ghost
Performance
100/100
Efficiency
29/100
Safety
99/100
Practicality
63/100
Ownership
44/100
Polo Sedan
Performance
36/100
Efficiency
72/100
Safety
82/100
Practicality
63/100
Ownership
26/100
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost
wins with 71 pts
vs 57 pts for Polo Sedan
In structured scoring, Black Badge Ghost emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Polo Sedan may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
On our scoring the Black Badge Ghost edges ahead overall. That said, the right choice depends on what you actually use the car for — the breakdown above shows exactly where each one wins and loses.
Efficiency scores: Black Badge Ghost 29 vs Polo Sedan 72. In the real world, diesel variants of either car will beat the claimed figure on long highways and fall short in Joburg traffic.
Safety scores: Black Badge Ghost 99, Polo Sedan 82. Check each model page for NCAP ratings and which trim levels include AEB and blind-spot monitoring — those features aren't always standard.
Long-term ownership scores: Black Badge Ghost 44, Polo Sedan 26. Service intervals, parts availability in SA, and whether a service plan is bundled all factor in — check the individual variant specs for that detail.
Practicality scores: Black Badge Ghost 63, Polo Sedan 63. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Black Badge Ghost 100, Polo Sedan 36. This looks at real-world pace — 0–100 kph, highway flexibility, and how either car feels when you actually need to overtake on an N-road.
Resale varies with colour, spec, and market timing, but Japanese brands — and Toyota specifically — have a strong track record in SA. Check current used prices for both on AutoTrader to see the real gap right now.
Ground clearance and 4WD availability are what matter most here. Scroll to the spec table above to compare both side by side — if either model offers a 4WD variant, that's the version worth comparing.
Fuel, insurance, and service costs are the big three. Diesel variants of both models typically save R800–R1,500/month in fuel at current SA pump prices. The Black Badge Ghost edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The Black Badge Ghost scores better overall, but neither car is a bad buy here. It comes down to what features matter to you — check the full spec table above to see exactly what you gain and lose at each price point.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
The comparison between Black Badge Ghost and Polo Sedan in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Black Badge Ghost scores 100 vs 36.
Efficiency: Black Badge Ghost scores 29 vs 72.
Safety: Black Badge Ghost scores 99 vs 82.
Practicality: Black Badge Ghost scores 63 vs 63.
Ownership: Black Badge Ghost scores 44 vs 26.
Final structured scoring gives Black Badge Ghost
the advantage in this comparison.
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