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 Grand Vitara vs Volkswagen Polo: the short answer
Grand Vitara and Polo are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Grand Vitara starts ZAR 13,900 cheaperGrand Vitara from ZAR 359,900 · Polo from ZAR 373,800
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Grand Vitara
Polo
Maximum Power
Grand Vitara77 kW
Polo147 kW
Maximum Torque
Grand Vitara138 Nm
Polo320 Nm
Engine Size
Grand Vitara1462 cc
Polo2000 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
Grand Vitara16.1 km/l
Polo18.9 km/l
Ground Clearance
Grand Vitara0 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.
Suzuki Grand Vitara
1.5 Hybrid GLX AllGrip 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)
Grand Vitara
Strengths
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:General Use
Specification evidence leader
Polo
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?
Grand Vitara
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Polo
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
Grand Vitara
Polo
Model Introduced Year
2026
2018
Generation
Current market generation
Sixth generation Polo on MQB-A0 platform
Facelift History
Current market specification
Facelift in 2022 with updated tech and styling
Facelift Launched Since
2026
2022
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
SUV
Hatchback
Model Year
2026
Current
Production Status
active
published
Segment
SUV
Hatchback
Vehicle Type
SUV
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
-
1247 kg
Spec
Grand Vitara
Polo
Length
4345 mm
4074 mm
Width
1795 mm
1751 mm
Height
1645 mm
1431 mm
Wheelbase
2600 mm
2549 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
0 mm
133 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
170 mm
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
40 l
Boot/Cargo Space
373 l
305 l
Kerb Weight
1210 kg
1247 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1720 kg
1780 kg
Payload Capacity
510 kg
-
Towing Capacity
1000 kg
-
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
-
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.2 m
10.6 m
Front Headroom
1000 mm
-
Rear Headroom
950 mm
-
Front Legroom
1050 mm
-
Rear Legroom
900 mm
-
Spec
Grand Vitara
Polo
Engine
1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated Hybrid
Not Officially Disclosed
Engine Code
K15B/K15C
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Hybrid
Petrol
Hybrid System
Self Charging Hybrid
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1462 cc
2000 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
77 kW
147 kW
Maximum Torque
138 Nm
320 Nm
Combined Power
77 kW
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
138 Nm
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Drive Type
4WD
Not Officially Disclosed
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
Not Officially Disclosed
Top Speed
170 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
0-100 km/h
9.5 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Quarter Mile
16.5 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
63.6 kW/tonne
117.9 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
114.0 Nm/tonne
256.6 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
0.2 kWh
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Lithium-ion
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
12 V
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
Yes
Not Applicable
Spec
Grand Vitara
Polo
Gearbox
4-speed automatic
DCT
Drivetrain Layout
4WD
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
4
Not Applicable
Transmission Type
4-speed automatic
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Clutch Type
Torque converter / CVT
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Type
Floor-mounted selector
DCT
Drivetrain
4WD
4x2
4WD Engagement
Selectable
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Transfer selector
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
No
Not Applicable
Front Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
4-speed automatic
DCT
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Front and rear driven axles
4x2
Rear Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
4
Not Applicable
Differential Type Front
-
Not Available
Differential Type Rear
-
Not Available
Transfer Case Guard
-
Not Available
Spec
Grand Vitara
Polo
Claimed Mileage
16.1 km/l
18.9 km/l
City Mileage
16.0 km/l
15.2 km/l
Highway Mileage
19.0 km/l
22.3 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
40 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6 equivalent
Not Applicable
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Yes
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
16.1 km/l
18.9 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
45
40
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
Grand Vitara
Polo
Airbags
6
6
ABS
Not Applicable
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Not Available
Traction Control
Yes
Not Available
Hill Descent Control
Yes
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Not Available
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Not Available
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Not Available
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
Standard
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
Grand Vitara
Polo
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
Front and rear
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
Standard
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
Grand Vitara
Polo
Seat Material
Synthetic leather
Cloth
Heated Seats
No
Not Applicable
Ventilated Seats
No
Not Applicable
Ambient Lighting
No
Not Applicable
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Standard
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Not Applicable
Driver Seat Adjustment
Manual adjustment
Not Applicable
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Manual adjustment
Not Applicable
Seat Trim
Synthetic leather
Cloth
Steering Type
-
Standard
Front Armrest
-
Centre console
Front Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
-
Not Applicable
Interior Colour Options
-
Black
Fabric Seats
-
Cloth
Interior Courtesy Lamps
-
Digital cockpit, infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, quality cabin materials
Interior Trim Colour
-
Black
Floor Mats
-
Standard
Interior Colours
-
Black
Spec
Grand Vitara
Polo
Climate Control
Automatic climate control
Standard
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
Standard
Load Bed Length
-
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
-
Not Applicable
Boot Space Seats Folded
-
305 l
12V Accessory Socket
-
Standard
Climate Zones
-
Standard
Front Armrest
-
Centre console
Front Power Outlet
-
Standard
Fuel Consumption Combined
-
5.3
Multi Function Steering
-
Standard
Skid Plates
-
Not Available
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control
Standard
Battery Preconditioning
-
Not Available
Bed Extender
-
Not Available
Canopy Fitment
-
Not Available
Centre Console
-
Standard
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
Manual Aircon
-
Standard
One Pedal Driving
-
Not Available
Power Socket 12v
-
Standard
Rear Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Rear Electric Motor
-
Not Available
Regenerative Braking Levels
-
Not Available
Source Model Column
-
polo
Sports Bar
-
Not Available
Tailgate Damper
-
Not Available
Tailgate Lock
-
Not Available
Tow Bar Type
-
Not Available
Trim Level
-
flagship
Variant Role
-
Performance-focused derivative
Vehicle To Grid
-
Not Available
Vehicle To Load
-
Not Available
Spec
Grand Vitara
Polo
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
Grand Vitara
Polo
LED Headlamps
Yes
Not Available
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
Not Available
Fog Lamps
Yes
Not Available
Roof Rails
Yes
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
Spec
Grand Vitara
Polo
Approach Angle
Not Applicable
-
Departure Angle
Not Applicable
-
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
-
Terrain Modes
Snow | Sport
Not Available
Locking Differential
No
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
ALLGRIP / selectable 4WD
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
-
133 mm
Ground Clearance Min
-
133 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
Grand Vitara
Polo
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
Leather Steering Wheel
-
Standard
Steering Wheel Trim
-
Standard
Spec
Grand Vitara
Polo
Front Suspension
MacPherson strut
Not Available
Rear Suspension
Torsion beam
Not Available
Front Track Width
-
1501 mm
Rear Track Width
-
1484 mm
Power Steering
-
Standard
Spec
Grand Vitara
Polo
CO2 Emissions
145 g/km
121 g/km
Hybrid System Type
-
Not Available
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
Petrol
Particulate Filter
-
Not Available
Idle CO2 Output
-
121
CO2 Emissions G Km
-
121
Spec
Grand Vitara
Polo
Service Plan
5 Years / 90000 km
Not Available
Spec
Grand Vitara
Polo
Ownership Role
Suzuki ownership programme
South Africa market model
Price Zar
437500 ZAR
585800 ZAR
Pricing Role
Hagalu Research Team price estimate
Active local lineup
Starting Price
437500
585800
Starting Price Zar
437500
585800
Spec
Grand Vitara
Polo
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 Grand Vitara 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: Grand Vitara 42 vs Polo 60.
Efficiency index: Grand Vitara 67 vs Polo 71.
Safety-equipment index: Grand Vitara 91 vs Polo 81.
Practicality index: Grand Vitara 52 vs Polo 55.
Ownership-cover index: Grand Vitara not separately scored 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
Grand Vitara 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
Polo leads by 4 points
Grand Vitara and Polo are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Performance
Polo +18
Efficiency
Polo +4
Safety
Grand Vitara +10
Practicality
Polo +3
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
Polo
Performance
60/100
Efficiency
71/100
Safety
81/100
Practicality
55/100
Grand Vitara
Performance
42/100
Efficiency
67/100
Safety
91/100
Practicality
52/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexVolkswagen Polo
leads the specification evidence index with 66 pts
vs 62 pts for Grand Vitara
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Polo leads. However, Grand Vitara 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.
Compare
Request dealer offers
Let's discuss your next car
Share your interest so Hagalu can follow up about quotations and available discounts. The dealer confirms stock, price and terms.
✓
We've Got Your Details!
Your enquiry has reached Hagalu for follow-up. Any dealer offer will be confirmed separately by the seller.