Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
Executive Summary
Both Elantra and Polo Sedan are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Key Differences At A Glance
Performance
Elantra
+1 pts
Efficiency
Polo Sedan
+9 pts
Safety
Equal
Practicality
Elantra
+1 pts
Ownership
Elantra
+8 pts
Category Score Breakdown
🏆 Overall Winner
Elantra
Performance
7/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
11/20
Ownership
20/20
Polo Sedan
Performance
6/20
Efficiency
9/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
10/20
Ownership
12/20
Pros & Cons
🏆 Overall Winner
Elantra
Pros
More powerful engine output
More practical for daily use
Better long-term ownership value
Cons
Lower fuel efficiency
Best For:Highway DrivingFamily Usage
Polo Sedan
Pros
Better fuel efficiency
Cons
Less powerful engine setup
Less practical in daily usage
Shorter warranty coverage
Best For:Fuel Efficiency
Who Should Buy Which?
Elantra
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
Polo Sedan
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Full Specification Comparison
Specification
Elantra
Polo Sedan
Length
4680
4475
Width
1825
1751
Height
1415
1467
Wheelbase
2720
2564
Ground Clearance
130
147
Kerb Weight
1355
1180
Seating Capacity
5
5
Boot Space
473
351
Gross Vehicle Weight
-
1590
Towing Capacity
-
1000
Front Track Width
-
1522
Rear Track Width
-
1497
Turning Radius
-
5.1
Specification
Elantra
Polo Sedan
Engine
1.5 MPI CVVD
1.0L TSI Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol
Inline 3-cylinder TSI
Displacement
1497
999
Cylinders
4
4
Power
85
70
Torque
143
160
Fuel System
Multi-Point Fuel Injection
Direct Injection
Turbocharger
No
Turbocharged
Top Speed
180
182
0-100 km/h
11.2
11.5
Power @ RPM
@ 6300 rpm
5000 rpm
Torque @ RPM
@ 4500 rpm
2000 rpm
Valves per Cylinder
-
4
Compression Ratio
-
10.5:1
Engine Position
-
Front Transverse
Specification
Elantra
Polo Sedan
Transmission
IVT Intelligent Variable Transmission
6-speed Tiptronic Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
FWD
Drivetrain Layout
FWD
Front Wheel Drive
Paddle Shifters
No
Standard
LSD Available
-
Not Available
Transfer Case
-
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
-
Not Applicable
Specification
Elantra
Polo Sedan
Claimed Mileage
17.5
16.0
City Mileage
14.0
12
Highway Mileage
21.0
19
Fuel Tank Capacity
47
46
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
-
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
-
Standard
Specification
Elantra
Polo Sedan
Airbags
6 (Front, Side, Curtain)
6
ABS
Yes
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Standard
Traction Control
Yes
Standard
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Standard
Central Locking
Yes
Standard
Hill Descent Control
-
Not Available
Child Safety Lock
-
Standard
Brake Assist
-
Standard
Alarm System
-
Standard
Side Impact Beams
-
Standard
Specification
Elantra
Polo Sedan
Cruise Control
Yes
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Standard
Parking Sensors
Front & Rear
Rear
Rear View Camera
Yes
Standard
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
-
Standard
360 Degree Camera
-
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
-
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
-
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
-
Not Available
Specification
Elantra
Polo Sedan
Seat Material
Leather-Look
Sport Leather
Seat Adjustment
Power Driver
Manual
Heated Seats
Front
Front
Steering Type
MDPS Electric
Electric Power Assisted
Steering Adjustment
Tilt & Telescopic
Height Adjustable
Folding Rear Seats
60/40 Split
60/40 Split
Ambient Lighting
Yes
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
-
Not Available
Front Armrest
-
Not Available
Rear Armrest
-
Not Available
Specification
Elantra
Polo Sedan
Climate Control
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Automatic AC
Power Windows
All
All Doors
Keyless Entry
Yes
Smart Entry
Push Button Start
Yes
Standard
Wireless Charging
Yes
Standard
Sunroof
Electric Sunroof
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
-
Not Available
Automatic Headlamps
-
Standard
Rain Sensing Wipers
-
Standard
Auto Dimming Mirror
-
Not Available
Specification
Elantra
Polo Sedan
Infotainment Screen
10.25-inch Touchscreen
8-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Standard
Android Auto
Yes
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Standard
Number of Speakers
8 Bose Premium
6
Navigation System
Yes
Standard
Digital Instrument Cluster
10.25-inch Digital Cluster
Digital Cockpit
USB Ports
2 USB-A + 1 USB-C
3
Wireless Apple CarPlay
-
Standard
Specification
Elantra
Polo Sedan
LED Headlamps
Full LED
LED
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
LED
Fog Lamps
LED
LED
Alloy Wheel Design
17-inch Alloy
16-inch Alloy Wheels
Roof Rails
-
Not Available
Chrome Exterior Finish
-
Not Available
Body Cladding
-
Not Available
Rear Spoiler
-
GTI Rear Spoiler
Specification
Elantra
Polo Sedan
Tyre Size
225/45 R17
195/60 R15
Wheel Type
Alloy
Alloy
Front Brake Type
Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Drum
Spare Wheel Type
Full Size
Full Size Steel
Specification
Elantra
Polo Sedan
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Multi-Link
Torsion Beam
Chassis Type
Monocoque
Monocoque
Power Steering
Electric
Electric
Steering Column
-
Height Adjustable
Specification
Elantra
Polo Sedan
Service Interval
15000 km / 12 months
15,000 km or 1 Year
Maintenance Plan
3 Years / 45000 km
Optional
Approx Service Cost
-
Approx R4,200
Battery Warranty
-
Not Applicable
Specification
Elantra
Polo Sedan
Warranty Years
5
3
Warranty Kilometers
150000
100000
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
3 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
-
6 Years
Specification
Elantra
Polo Sedan
CO2 Emissions
126
118
Start Stop System
-
Standard
Hybrid System Type
-
Not Applicable
Noise Level
-
67
Final Verdict
🏆Hyundai Elantra
wins with 56 pts
vs 55 pts for Polo Sedan
In structured scoring, Elantra 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.
