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.
Suzuki Dzire vs Volkswagen Polo-Vivo: the short answer
Dzire and Polo-Vivo are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Dzire starts ZAR 42,000 cheaperDzire from ZAR 229,900 · Polo-Vivo from ZAR 271,900
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Dzire
Polo-Vivo
Maximum Power
Dzire60 kW
Polo-Vivo81 kW
Maximum Torque
Dzire113 Nm
Polo-Vivo200 Nm
Engine Size
Dzire1197 cc
Polo-Vivo1000 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
Dzire18.2 km/l
Polo-Vivo22.2 km/l
Ground Clearance
Dzire0 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.
Suzuki Dzire
1.2 GL+ CVT
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
Dzire
Strengths
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:General Use
Polo-Vivo
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished EfficiencyPublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
Dzire
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Polo-Vivo
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
Dzire
Polo-Vivo
Model Introduced Year
2026
2010
Generation
Current market generation
Long-running locally produced hatchback
Facelift History
Current market specification
Periodic feature updates over years
Facelift Launched Since
2026
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Sedan
Hatchback
Model Year
2026
Current
Production Status
active
published
Segment
Sedan
Hatchback
Vehicle Type
Sedan
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
Dzire
Polo-Vivo
Length
3995 mm
3972 mm
Width
1735 mm
1682 mm
Height
1525 mm
1462 mm
Wheelbase
2450 mm
2470 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
0 mm
143 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
150 mm
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
37 l
45 l
Boot/Cargo Space
378 l
280 l
Kerb Weight
960 kg
1108 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1450 kg
1570 kg
Payload Capacity
490 kg
-
Towing Capacity
500 kg
-
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
-
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.2 m
-
Front Headroom
1000 mm
-
Rear Headroom
950 mm
-
Front Legroom
1050 mm
-
Rear Legroom
900 mm
-
Spec
Dzire
Polo-Vivo
Engine
1.2-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
Not Officially Disclosed
Engine Code
Z12E/K12
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1197 cc
1000 cc
Cylinders
4
Not Officially Disclosed
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves
16
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
4
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel System
Multi-point fuel injection
Not Officially Disclosed
Compression Ratio
12.0:1
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
73.0 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
85.0 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
60 kW
81 kW
Maximum Torque
113 Nm
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
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Transmission
CVT
6-Speed Manual
Top Speed
170 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
0-100 km/h
12.0 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Quarter Mile
18.0 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Launch Control
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
6500 rpm
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
62.5 kW/tonne
73.1 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
117.7 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
Dzire
Polo-Vivo
Gearbox
CVT automatic
Manual
Drivetrain Layout
2WD
4x2
LSD Available
No
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
No
Not Applicable
Final Drive Ratio
4.3
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
Not Applicable
6
Transmission Type
CVT automatic
Manual
Clutch Type
Torque converter / CVT
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Type
Floor-mounted selector
Manual
Drivetrain
2WD
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
No
Not Applicable
Front Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
CVT automatic
Manual
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Front driven axle
4x2
Rear Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
Not Applicable
6
Differential Type Front
-
Not Available
Differential Type Rear
-
Not Available
Transfer Case Guard
-
Not Available
Spec
Dzire
Polo-Vivo
Claimed Mileage
18.2 km/l
22.2 km/l
City Mileage
16.0 km/l
17.9 km/l
Highway Mileage
19.0 km/l
26.2 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
37 l
45 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6 equivalent
Not Applicable
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Yes
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
18.2 km/l
22.2 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
37
45
Combined Driving Range
700
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
650 km
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
600 km
Not Applicable
Spec
Dzire
Polo-Vivo
Airbags
6
4
ABS
Not Applicable
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Not Available
Traction Control
Yes
Not Available
Hill Descent Control
No
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Not Available
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Child-seat support
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Standard
Brake Assist
Yes
Not Available
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
Not Available
Engine Immobiliser
Not Applicable
Not Available
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Not Available
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Not Available
AEB
Yes
Not Available
BA
Yes
Not Available
Brake Override System
Yes
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Not Available
Driver Airbag
Yes
Not Available
EBD
Not Applicable
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Not Available
Hill Hold
Yes
Not Available
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Not Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Yes
Not Available
Side Airbags
Yes
Not Available
Stability Control
Yes
Not Available
TCS
Yes
Not Available
Knee Airbag
No
Not Available
ABS EBD
Not Applicable
Standard
Spec
Dzire
Polo-Vivo
Cruise Control
Adaptive cruise control
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Applicable
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Not Available
Rear View Camera
Yes
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Not Applicable
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Yes
Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Not Available
Reverse Camera
Yes
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Not Available
Park Assist
Yes
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Yes
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Not Applicable
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
Not Available
EV Mode
-
Not Available
Rear View Camera
-
Standard
Reversing Camera
-
Standard
Spec
Dzire
Polo-Vivo
Seat Material
Fabric upholstery
Cloth
Heated Seats
No
Not Applicable
Ventilated Seats
No
Not Applicable
Ambient Lighting
No
Not Applicable
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Not Applicable
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Not Applicable
Driver Seat Adjustment
Manual adjustment
Not Applicable
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Manual adjustment
Not Applicable
Seat Trim
Fabric upholstery
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
Dzire
Polo-Vivo
Climate Control
Automatic climate control
Not Available
Power Windows
Yes
Not Available
Keyless Entry
Yes
Not Available
Push Button Start
Yes
Not Available
Wireless Charging
Yes
Not Available
Sunroof
No
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
No
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Applicable
Not Available
AC Type
Automatic climate control
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
Dzire
Polo-Vivo
Infotainment System
Touchscreen infotainment system
SYNC
Apple CarPlay
Apple CarPlay
Not Available
Android Auto
Android Auto
Not Available
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Not Available
Number of Speakers
6
Not Available
Digital Instrument Cluster
Digital instrument display
Not Applicable
USB Ports
USB-A / USB-C
Not Available
Infotainment Screen
9
SYNC
Touchscreen
9
SYNC
Infotainment Screen Size
9
SYNC
Connected Services
-
SYNC
Spec
Dzire
Polo-Vivo
LED Headlamps
Yes
Not Available
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
Not Available
Fog Lamps
Yes
Not Available
Roof Rails
No
Not Available
Exterior Colour Options
Multiple Suzuki factory exterior colours
6
Headlights
Yes
Not Available
Panoramic Sunroof
No
Not Available
Body Type
-
Hatchback
Exterior Colour Options
-
6
Load Bed Liner
-
Not Available
Active Exhaust
-
Not Available
Spec
Dzire
Polo-Vivo
Approach Angle
Not Applicable
-
Departure Angle
Not Applicable
-
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
-
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
Not Available
Locking Differential
No
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
Not Applicable
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
Dzire
Polo-Vivo
Tyre Size
195/60 R16
Not Available
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Not Available
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Not Available
Spare Wheel Type
Space-saver spare wheel
Not Available
Wheel Rim Size
16
Not Available
Handbrake Type
Manual parking brake
Not Applicable
Fifth Wheel Prep
-
Not Available
Spec
Dzire
Polo-Vivo
Front Suspension
MacPherson strut
Not Available
Rear Suspension
Torsion beam
Not Available
Front Track Width
-
Not Applicable
Rear Track Width
-
Not Applicable
MagneRide Damping
-
Not Available
Spec
Dzire
Polo-Vivo
CO2 Emissions
125 g/km
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
Dzire
Polo-Vivo
Service Plan
5 Years / 90000 km
Not Available
Spec
Dzire
Polo-Vivo
Ownership Role
Suzuki ownership programme
South Africa market model
Price Zar
312500 ZAR
363300 ZAR
Pricing Role
Hagalu Research Team price estimate
Active local lineup
Starting Price
312500
363300
Starting Price Zar
312500
363300
Spec
Dzire
Polo-Vivo
Warranty
5 Years / 200000 km
3 years / 120 000 km
Basic Warranty
5 Years / 200000 km
3 years / 120 000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This Dzire 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: Dzire 23 vs Polo-Vivo 35.
Efficiency index: Dzire 69 vs Polo-Vivo 80.
Safety-equipment index: Dzire 87 vs Polo-Vivo 59.
Practicality index: Dzire 48 vs Polo-Vivo 54.
Ownership-cover index: Dzire 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
Dzire 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
Dzire leads by 0 points
Dzire and Polo-Vivo are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
Dzire
Performance
23/100
Efficiency
69/100
Safety
87/100
Practicality
48/100
Polo-Vivo
Performance
35/100
Efficiency
80/100
Safety
59/100
Practicality
54/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexSuzuki Dzire
leads the specification evidence index with 55 pts
vs 55 pts for Polo-Vivo
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Dzire 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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