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.
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Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished EfficiencyPublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
Mazda2
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
Mazda2
Polo
Model Introduced Year
2015
2018
Generation
Current DJ-generation Mazda2, updated for South Africa in 2026
Sixth generation Polo on MQB-A0 platform
Facelift History
The South African range received a feature and styling update for the 2026 model year.
Facelift in 2022 with updated tech and styling
Facelift Launched Since
2015
2022
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Hatchback
Hatchback
Model Year
2026
Current
Production Status
Active
published
Segment
B-segment hatchback
Hatchback
Tare Mass Kg
1070 kg
1247 kg
Vehicle Type
Hatchback
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
Spec
Mazda2
Polo
Length
4085 mm
4074 mm
Width
1695 mm
1751 mm
Height
1504 mm
1431 mm
Wheelbase
2570 mm
2549 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
152 mm
133 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
44 l
40 l
Boot/Cargo Space
250 l
305 l
Kerb Weight
1070 kg
1247 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1527 kg
1780 kg
Payload Capacity
457 kg
-
Towing Capacity
250 kg
-
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
4.7 m
10.6 m
Front Legroom
1063 mm
-
Rear Legroom
881 mm
-
Spec
Mazda2
Polo
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Climate Control
Automatic
Standard
Power Windows
Front & Rear
Not Available
Keyless Entry
Smart
Not Available
Push Button Start
Standard
Not Available
Wireless Charging
Standard
Not Available
Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Not Available
AC Type
Automatic
Standard
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
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
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 Rope Hooks
-
Not Available
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
-
Not Available
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
Mazda2
Polo
Engine
1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
Not Officially Disclosed
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1496 cc
2000 cc
Cylinders
4
Not Officially Disclosed
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel System
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Compression Ratio
13.0:1
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
74.5 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
85.8 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
85 kW @ 6000 rpm
147 kW
Maximum Torque
148 Nm @ 4000 rpm
320 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
FWD
Not Officially Disclosed
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
Not Officially Disclosed
Top Speed
184 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
0-100 km/h
10.5 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Sport
Not Officially Disclosed
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
79.4 kW/tonne
117.9 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
138.3 Nm/tonne
256.6 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
Mazda2
Polo
Gearbox
6-Speed Auto
DCT
Drivetrain Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
4x2
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Standard
Not Applicable
Final Drive Ratio
4.319
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
6
Not Applicable
Transmission Type
Automatic
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
DCT
Drivetrain
FWD
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
Standard
Not Applicable
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Automatic
DCT
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
6
Not Applicable
LSD Available
-
Not Applicable
Clutch Type
-
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
-
Not Applicable
Differential Type Front
-
Not Available
Differential Type Rear
-
Not Available
Transfer Case Guard
-
Not Available
Spec
Mazda2
Polo
Claimed Mileage
16.7 km/l
18.9 km/l
City Mileage
13.4 km/l
15.2 km/l
Highway Mileage
19.7 km/l
22.3 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
44 l
40 l
Emission Standard
Euro stage IV
Not Applicable
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Available
Not Applicable
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
44
40
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
Real-world Mileage
16.7 km/l
18.9 km/l
Spec
Mazda2
Polo
Airbags
6
6
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Not Available
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Not Available
Not Available
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Not Available
Brake Assist
Standard
Not Available
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Not Available
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Front & Rear
Not Available
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Standard
AEB
Not Available
Not Available
BA
Standard
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Not Available
Driver Airbag
Standard
Not Available
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Not Available
Hill Hold
Not Available
Not Available
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Not Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Front & Rear
Not Available
Side Airbags
Standard
Not Available
Stability Control
Standard
Not Available
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
-
Not Available
Child Safety Lock
-
Not Available
Tyre Pressure Monitor
-
Not Available
Brake Override System
-
Not Available
TCS
-
Not Available
Spec
Mazda2
Polo
Cruise Control
Standard
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
Front and rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
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
Standard
Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Not Available
Standard
Reverse Camera
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Not Available
EV Mode
-
Not Available
Park Assist
-
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
-
Not Available
Rear View Camera
-
Standard
Reversing Camera
-
Standard
Spec
Mazda2
Polo
Seat Material
Leather & Cloth
Cloth
Heated Seats
Not Available
Not Applicable
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Not Applicable
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
Not Applicable
Front Shoulder Room
1352 mm
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
1273 mm
Not Applicable
Steering Wheel Material
Standard
Standard
60 40 Split Seat
(60:40)
Not Applicable
Driver Seat Adjustment
Manual (Driver & Passenger)
Not Applicable
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Manual (Driver & Passenger)
Not Applicable
Seat Trim
Leather & Cloth
Cloth
Steering Type
-
Standard
Front Armrest
-
Centre console
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
Mazda2
Polo
Infotainment System
Standard
SYNC
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Not Available
Android Auto
Standard
Not Available
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Not Available
Number of Speakers
6
Not Available
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Available
Not Applicable
USB Ports
2
Not Available
Infotainment Screen
7-Inch
SYNC
Touchscreen
7-Inch
SYNC
Infotainment Screen Size
7-Inch
SYNC
Connected Services
-
SYNC
Spec
Mazda2
Polo
LED Headlamps
Standard
Not Available
Daytime Running Lamps
Not Available
Not Available
Alloy Wheel Design
Black & Machining
-
Exterior Colour Options
Current Mazda South Africa paint availability varies by edition and dealer allocation.
6
Headlights
Standard
Not Available
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Fog Lamps
-
Not Available
Roof Rails
-
Not Available
Body Type
-
Hatchback
Exterior Colour Options
-
6
Load Bed Liner
-
Not Available
Spec
Mazda2
Polo
Terrain Modes
Sport
Not Available
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Ground Clearance Max
152 mm
133 mm
Ground Clearance Min
152 mm
133 mm
Approach Angle
-
-
Departure Angle
-
-
Wading Depth
-
-
Underbody Protection
-
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
-
-
Spec
Mazda2
Polo
Tyre Size
185/60 R16
Not Available
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Not Available
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Not Available
Spare Wheel Type
Temporary spare T125/70 D15
Not Available
Wheel Rim Size
16x5-1/2J
Not Available
Handbrake Type
Manual
Not Applicable
Fifth Wheel Prep
-
Not Available
Leather Steering Wheel
-
Standard
Steering Wheel Trim
-
Standard
Spec
Mazda2
Polo
Front Suspension
Macpherson strut
Not Available
Rear Suspension
Torsion beam axle
Not Available
Front Track Width
-
1501 mm
Rear Track Width
-
1484 mm
Power Steering
-
Standard
Spec
Mazda2
Polo
CO2 Emissions
140 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
Mazda2
Polo
Service Plan
3 Years/Unlimited km
Not Available
Spec
Mazda2
Polo
Ownership Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
South Africa market model
Price Zar
417300 ZAR
585800 ZAR
Pricing Role
flagship equipment and comfort derivative
Active local lineup
Starting Price
417300
585800
Starting Price Zar
417300
585800
Spec
Mazda2
Polo
Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
3 years / 120 000 km
Basic Warranty
5 Years/Unlimited km
3 years / 120 000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This Mazda2 and Polo comparison uses the exact South African derivatives selected above. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: Mazda2 38 vs Polo 60.
Efficiency index: Mazda2 64 vs Polo 71.
Safety-equipment index: Mazda2 84 vs Polo 81.
Practicality index: Mazda2 45 vs Polo 55.
Ownership-cover index: Mazda2 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.
Specification Evidence Index
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 9 points
Polo has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Mazda2 remains close.
Performance
Polo +22
Efficiency
Polo +7
Safety
Mazda2 +3
Practicality
Polo +10
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
Mazda2
Performance
38/100
Efficiency
64/100
Safety
84/100
Practicality
45/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexVolkswagen Polo
leads the specification evidence index with 66 pts
vs 57 pts for Mazda2
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Polo leads. However, Mazda2 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 African models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the exact South African derivatives 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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