T-Cross holds a noticeable edge over Polo-Vivo, especially in key ownership areas.
Key Differences At A Glance
Performance
T-Cross
+1 pts
Efficiency
Polo-Vivo
+1 pts
Safety
T-Cross
+14 pts
Practicality
T-Cross
+2 pts
Ownership
Equal
Category Score Breakdown
🏆 Overall Winner
T-Cross
Performance
6/20
Efficiency
9/20
Safety
20/20
Practicality
12/20
Ownership
12/20
Polo-Vivo
Performance
5/20
Efficiency
10/20
Safety
6/20
Practicality
10/20
Ownership
12/20
Pros & Cons
Polo-Vivo
Pros
Better fuel efficiency
Cons
Less powerful engine setup
Less comprehensive safety features
Less practical in daily usage
Best For:Fuel Efficiency
🏆 Overall Winner
T-Cross
Pros
More powerful engine output
Stronger safety package
More practical for daily use
Cons
Lower fuel efficiency
Best For:Highway DrivingFamily Usage
Who Should Buy Which?
Polo-Vivo
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
T-Cross
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Full Specification Comparison
Specification
Polo-Vivo
T-Cross
Ground Clearance
168
175
Wheelbase
2470
2563
Length
3972
4108
Width
1682
1760
Height
1462
1572
Kerb Weight
1050
1200
Gross Vehicle Weight
1560
1635
Seating Capacity
5
5
Boot Space
280
385
Towing Capacity
800
900
Front Track Width
-
1524
Rear Track Width
-
1500
Turning Radius
-
5.2
Specification
Polo-Vivo
T-Cross
Engine
1.4L Naturally Aspirated Petrol
1.0L TSI Turbocharged Petrol
Engine Type
Inline 4 Cylinder
Inline 3 Cylinder Turbocharged
Displacement
1390
999
Cylinders
4
3
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Power
63
70
Torque
132
160
Fuel System
Multi Point Injection
Direct Injection
Top Speed
177
181
0-100 km/h
11.8
11.5
Power @ RPM
-
5000-5500 rpm
Torque @ RPM
-
2000-3500 rpm
Turbocharger
-
Single Turbo
Compression Ratio
-
10.5:1
Engine Position
-
Front Transverse
Specification
Polo-Vivo
T-Cross
Transmission
5-Speed Manual
7-Speed DSG Automatic
Drive Type
FWD
FWD
Drivetrain Layout
Front Engine Front Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
LSD Available
Not Available
Not Available
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
-
Standard
Differential Lock
-
Not Applicable
Specification
Polo-Vivo
T-Cross
Claimed Mileage
16.5
15.9
City Mileage
13
12
Highway Mileage
18
17
Fuel Tank Capacity
45
40
Emission Standard
Euro 5 Equivalent
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
-
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
-
Standard
Specification
Polo-Vivo
T-Cross
Airbags
2
7
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Not Available
Standard
Traction Control
Not Available
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard
Brake Assist
Standard
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Not Available
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Hill Start Assist
-
Standard
Alarm System
-
Standard
Central Locking
-
Standard
Side Impact Beams
-
Standard
Specification
Polo-Vivo
T-Cross
Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Rear Only
Rear
Rear View Camera
Not Available
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
-
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
-
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
-
Not Available
Specification
Polo-Vivo
T-Cross
Seat Material
Cloth
Fabric
Seat Adjustment
Manual
Manual
Heated Seats
Not Available
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Not Available
Steering Type
Power Assisted
Electric Power Assisted
Steering Adjustment
Tilt Adjustable
Height Adjustable
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
Not Available
Folding Rear Seats
-
60/40 Split
Front Armrest
-
Not Available
Rear Armrest
-
Not Available
Specification
Polo-Vivo
T-Cross
Climate Control
Manual AC
Manual AC
Power Windows
Front Only
All Doors
Keyless Entry
Remote Central Locking
Smart Entry
Push Button Start
Not Available
Standard
Wireless Charging
Not Available
Not Available
Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Not Applicable
Not Available
Automatic Headlamps
-
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
-
Not Available
Auto Dimming Mirror
-
Not Available
Specification
Polo-Vivo
T-Cross
Infotainment Screen
6.5-inch Touchscreen
8-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Supported
Standard
Android Auto
Supported
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
4
4
Navigation System
Not Available
Not Available
Digital Instrument Cluster
-
Digital Cockpit
USB Ports
-
2
Wireless Apple CarPlay
-
Not Available
Specification
Polo-Vivo
T-Cross
LED Headlamps
Halogen
LED
Daytime Running Lamps
Not Available
LED
Fog Lamps
Front Only
Not Available
Roof Rails
Not Available
Standard
Alloy Wheel Design
Steel Wheels with Covers
16-inch Alloy
Chrome Exterior Finish
-
Not Available
Body Cladding
-
Standard
Rear Spoiler
-
Not Available
Specification
Polo-Vivo
T-Cross
Approach Angle
14
-
Departure Angle
15
-
Wading Depth
300
-
Terrain Modes
Not Available
-
Locking Differential
Not Available
-
Specification
Polo-Vivo
T-Cross
Tyre Size
185/60 R15
205/60 R16
Wheel Type
Steel
Alloy
Front Brake Type
Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Drum
Spare Wheel Type
-
Full Size Steel
Specification
Polo-Vivo
T-Cross
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Torsion Beam
Torsion Beam
Chassis Type
Monocoque
Monocoque
Power Steering
-
Electric
Steering Column
-
Height Adjustable
Specification
Polo-Vivo
T-Cross
Service Interval
15000 km / 12 months
15,000 km or 1 Year
Approx Service Cost
Low
Approx R4,800
Battery Warranty
1 Year
Not Applicable
Maintenance Plan
-
Optional
Specification
Polo-Vivo
T-Cross
Warranty Years
3
3
Warranty Kilometers
120000
100000
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
3 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
-
6 Years
Specification
Polo-Vivo
T-Cross
CO2 Emissions
142
118
Start Stop System
Not Available
Standard
Hybrid System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Noise Level
-
67
Final Verdict
🏆Volkswagen T-Cross
wins with 59 pts
vs 43 pts for Polo-Vivo
In structured scoring, T-Cross emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Polo-Vivo may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
