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.
Mahindra Bolero MaXX Pik-Up vs Volkswagen Polo-Vivo: the short answer
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Polo-Vivo remains close.
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up starts ZAR 72,900 cheaperBolero MaXX Pik-Up from ZAR 199,000 · Polo-Vivo from ZAR 271,900
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up
Polo-Vivo
Maximum Power
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up60 kW @ 3200 rpm
Polo-Vivo81 kW
Maximum Torque
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up220 Nm @ 1400-2200 rpm
Polo-Vivo200 Nm
Engine Size
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up2523 cc
Polo-Vivo1000 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up17.2 km/l
Polo-Vivo22.2 km/l
Ground Clearance
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up200 mm
Polo-Vivo143 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.
Mahindra Bolero MaXX Pik-Up
1.7T HD
Hagalu editorial rating
4.2/5★★★★★★★★★★
Desk research · Exact variant
Hagalu Editorial Team ·
Editorial assessment, not a customer rating. Not road-tested for this review.
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
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Polo-Vivo
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Polo-Vivo
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
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up
Polo-Vivo
Model Introduced Year
2026
2010
Generation
First South African Bolero MaXX Pik-Up range, launched on 11 August 2026 as a model line distinct from the earlier Bolero Maxitruck
Long-running locally produced hatchback
Facelift History
New South African model line; not a facelift of the historical Bolero Maxitruck record
Periodic feature updates over years
Facelift Launched Since
2026
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Pickup
Hatchback
Model Year
2026
Current
Production Status
Active
published
Segment
Commercial Pickup
Hatchback
Vehicle Type
Pickup
Hatchback
Color Note
-
White, Black, Silver, Grey, Blue, Red
Dealer Stock Note
-
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
Drivetrain Note
-
4x2 configuration for the local line-up
Tare Mass Kg
-
1108 kg
Spec
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up
Polo-Vivo
Length
5345 mm
3972 mm
Width
1800 mm
1682 mm
Height
1895 mm
1462 mm
Wheelbase
3290 mm
2470 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
200 mm
143 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
175 mm
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
60 l
45 l
Boot/Cargo Space
3569 l
280 l
Kerb Weight
1780 kg
1108 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
3480 kg
1570 kg
Payload Capacity
1700 kg
-
Towing Capacity
0 kg
-
Seating Capacity
3 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
1 rows
-
Doors
2 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
7.0 m
-
Front Headroom
1025 mm
-
Rear Headroom
Not Applicable
-
Front Legroom
1010 mm
-
Rear Legroom
Not Applicable
-
Spec
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up
Polo-Vivo
Engine
2.5-litre Turbocharged Diesel
Not Officially Disclosed
Engine Code
m2Di
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Diesel
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
2523 cc
1000 cc
Cylinders
4
Not Officially Disclosed
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves
8
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
2
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel System
Direct Injection
Not Officially Disclosed
Compression Ratio
18.6:1
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
88.9 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
101.6 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
60 kW @ 3200 rpm
81 kW
Maximum Torque
220 Nm @ 1400-2200 rpm
200 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
RWD
Not Officially Disclosed
Transmission
5-Speed Manual
6-Speed Manual
Top Speed
80 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
0-100 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Quarter Mile
22.9 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Launch Control
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
4000 rpm
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
33.7 kW/tonne
73.1 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
123.6 Nm/tonne
180.5 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
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up
Polo-Vivo
Gearbox
5-Speed Manual
Manual
Drivetrain Layout
Front Engine, Rear-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 Available
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
5
6
Transmission Type
Manual
Manual
Clutch Type
Single Plate Dry
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
Standard
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Type
Floor-Mounted Manual
Manual
Drivetrain
Rear-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
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Synchromesh Manual
Manual
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
4x2
4x2
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
5
6
Differential Type Front
-
Not Available
Differential Type Rear
-
Not Available
Transfer Case Guard
-
Not Available
Spec
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up
Polo-Vivo
Claimed Mileage
17.2 km/l
22.2 km/l
City Mileage
14.4 km/l
17.9 km/l
Highway Mileage
20.2 km/l
26.2 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
60 l
45 l
Emission Standard
BS VI
Not Applicable
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Available
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
17.2 km/l
22.2 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
60
45
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
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up
Polo-Vivo
Airbags
0
4
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Not Available
Not Available
Traction Control
Not Available
Not Available
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Child Safety Lock
Not Applicable
Child-seat support
ISOFIX Mounts
Not Applicable
Standard
Brake Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Not Available
Not Available
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Not Available
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Standard
Not Available
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Not Available
AEB
Not Available
Not Available
BA
Not Available
Not Available
Brake Override System
Not Available
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
Not Available
Not Available
Driver Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Not Available
Hill Hold
Not Available
Not Available
Passenger Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Not Available
Not Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Standard
Not Available
Side Airbags
Not Available
Not Available
Stability Control
Not Available
Not Available
TCS
Not Available
Not Available
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Spec
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up
Polo-Vivo
Cruise Control
Not Available
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
Rear
Not Available
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
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
Not Available
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
EV Mode
-
Not Available
Rear View Camera
-
Standard
Reversing Camera
-
Standard
Spec
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up
Polo-Vivo
Seat Material
Stain-resistant fabric
Cloth
Heated Seats
Not Available
Not Applicable
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Not Applicable
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
Not Applicable
Steering Wheel Material
Urethane
Not Applicable
60 40 Split Seat
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Driver Seat Adjustment
Recline, reach and height adjustment
Not Applicable
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Fixed
Not Applicable
Seat Trim
Stain-resistant fabric
Cloth
Front Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Interior Colour Options
-
Black
Fabric Seats
-
Cloth
Interior Courtesy Lamps
-
Simple dashboard layout, touchscreen infotainment in higher trims
Interior Trim Colour
-
Black
Interior Colours
-
Black
Spec
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up
Polo-Vivo
Climate Control
Manual
Not Available
Power Windows
Not Available
Not Available
Keyless Entry
Not Available
Not Available
Push Button Start
Not Available
Not Available
Wireless Charging
Not Available
Not Available
Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Not Applicable
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Available
Not Available
AC Type
Manual
Not Available
Load Bed Length
-
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
-
Not Applicable
Boot Space Seats Folded
-
Not Applicable
Adaptive Dampers
-
Not Available
Fuel Consumption Combined
-
4,5
Performance Data Logger
-
Not Available
Rev Matching
-
Not Available
Skid Plates
-
Not Available
Battery Preconditioning
-
Not Available
Bed Extender
-
Not Available
Canopy Fitment
-
Not Available
Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Difflock
-
Not Available
Front Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Intelligent Battery System
-
Not Available
Load Bed Cover
-
Not Available
Load Bed Light
-
Not Available
Load Bed Steps
-
Not Available
Loadbox Depth Mm
-
Not Available
Loadbox Length Mm
-
Not Applicable
Loadbox Rope Hooks
-
Not Available
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
-
Not Available
Loadbox Width Mm
-
Not Applicable
Mudflaps
-
Standard/available
One Pedal Driving
-
Not Available
Rear Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Rear Electric Motor
-
Not Available
Regenerative Braking Levels
-
Not Available
Source Model Column
-
polo-vivo
Sport Plus Mode
-
Not Available
Sports Bar
-
Not Available
Tailgate Damper
-
Not Available
Tailgate Lock
-
Not Available
Tow Bar Type
-
Not Available
Trim Level
-
flagship
Variant Role
-
Flagship / premium derivative
Vehicle To Grid
-
Not Available
Vehicle To Load
-
Not Available
Spec
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up
Polo-Vivo
Infotainment System
Not Available
SYNC
Apple CarPlay
Not Available
Not Available
Android Auto
Not Available
Not Available
Bluetooth Connectivity
Not Available
Not Available
Number of Speakers
Not Available
Not Available
Digital Instrument Cluster
Standard
Not Applicable
USB Ports
Not Available
Not Available
Infotainment Screen
Not Available
SYNC
Touchscreen
Not Available
SYNC
Infotainment Screen Size
Not Available
SYNC
Connected Services
-
SYNC
Spec
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up
Polo-Vivo
LED Headlamps
Not Available
Not Available
Daytime Running Lamps
Not Available
Not Available
Fog Lamps
Not Available
Not Available
Roof Rails
Not Applicable
Not Available
Exterior Colour Options
White
6
Headlights
Not Available
Not Available
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Body Type
-
Hatchback
Exterior Colour Options
-
6
Load Bed Liner
-
Not Available
Active Exhaust
-
Not Available
Spec
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up
Polo-Vivo
Approach Angle
Not Available
-
Departure Angle
Not Available
-
Wading Depth
Not Available
-
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
Not Available
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
Not Available
Not Available
Underbody Protection
-
Not Available
Approach Angle Deg
-
-
Departure Angle Deg
-
-
Energy Recovery Display
-
Not Available
Front Skid Plate Guard
-
Not Available
Ground Clearance Max
-
143 mm
Ground Clearance Min
-
143 mm
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
-
-
Spec
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up
Polo-Vivo
Tyre Size
7 R16 LT
Not Available
Front Brake Type
Disc
Not Available
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Not Available
Spare Wheel Type
Full-Size
Not Available
Wheel Rim Size
7 R16 LT
Not Available
Handbrake Type
Manual
Not Applicable
Fifth Wheel Prep
-
Not Available
Spec
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up
Polo-Vivo
Front Suspension
Leaf Spring
Not Available
Rear Suspension
Leaf Spring
Not Available
Front Track Width
-
Not Applicable
Rear Track Width
-
Not Applicable
MagneRide Damping
-
Not Available
Spec
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up
Polo-Vivo
CO2 Emissions
Not Available
132 g/km
Hybrid System Type
-
Not Available
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
Petrol
Particulate Filter
-
Not Available
Idle CO2 Output
-
132
CO2 Emissions G Km
-
132
Spec
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up
Polo-Vivo
Service Plan
Optional
Not Available
Spec
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up
Polo-Vivo
Ownership Role
long-deck heavy-duty flagship
South Africa market model
Price Zar
259000 ZAR
363300 ZAR
Pricing Role
top
Active local lineup
Starting Price
259000
363300
Starting Price Zar
259000
363300
Spec
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up
Polo-Vivo
Warranty
4 years / 120000 km
3 years / 120 000 km
Basic Warranty
4 years / 120000 km
3 years / 120 000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This Bolero MaXX Pik-Up and Polo-Vivo 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: Bolero MaXX Pik-Up 38 vs Polo-Vivo 35.
Efficiency index: Bolero MaXX Pik-Up 69 vs Polo-Vivo 80.
Safety-equipment index: Bolero MaXX Pik-Up 88 vs Polo-Vivo 59.
Practicality index: Bolero MaXX Pik-Up 78 vs Polo-Vivo 54.
Ownership-cover index: Bolero MaXX Pik-Up not separately scored vs Polo-Vivo 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
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up and Polo-Vivo 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
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up leads by 12 points
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Polo-Vivo remains close.
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
Bolero MaXX Pik-Up
Performance
38/100
Efficiency
69/100
Safety
88/100
Practicality
78/100
Polo-Vivo
Performance
35/100
Efficiency
80/100
Safety
59/100
Practicality
54/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMahindra Bolero MaXX Pik-Up
leads the specification evidence index with 67 pts
vs 55 pts for Polo-Vivo
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Bolero MaXX Pik-Up leads. However, Polo-Vivo 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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