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.
Volkswagen Polo vs Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster: the short answer
Polo and SL Roadster are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Polo starts ZAR 3,574,450 cheaperPolo from ZAR 373,800 · SL Roadster from ZAR 3,948,250
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Polo
SL Roadster
Maximum Power
Polo147 kW
SL Roadster430 kW
Maximum Torque
Polo320 Nm
SL Roadster800 Nm
Engine Size
Polo2000 cc
SL Roadster3982 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
Polo18.9 km/l
SL Roadster7.7 km/l
Ground Clearance
Polo133 mm
SL Roadster115 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.
Volkswagen Polo
2.0 GTI 147kW DSG
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)
Polo
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published EfficiencyPublished Practicality
Specification evidence leader
SL Roadster
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Performance
Which One's Right for You?
Polo
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
SL Roadster
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
Polo
SL Roadster
Model Introduced Year
2018
2026
Generation
Sixth generation Polo on MQB-A0 platform
Current South African SL Roadster generation represented by derivative SL 63
Facelift History
Facelift in 2022 with updated tech and styling
Current-generation/facelift specification; derivative-specific South African configuration
Facelift Launched Since
2022
Current South African model cycle
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Hatchback
Convertible
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
-
Model Year
Current
2026
Production Status
published
Current South African retail range
Segment
Hatchback
Luxury convertible
Tare Mass Kg
1247 kg
-
Vehicle Type
Hatchback
Convertible
Spec
Polo
SL Roadster
Length
4074 mm
4705 mm
Width
1751 mm
1915 mm
Height
1431 mm
1359 mm
Wheelbase
2549 mm
2700 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
133 mm
115 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
40 l
70 l
Boot/Cargo Space
305 l
240 l
Kerb Weight
1247 kg
1970 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1780 kg
2000 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
4 seats
Doors
5 doors
2 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
10.6 m
6.25 m
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
-
120 mm
Payload Capacity
-
420 kg
Towing Capacity
-
2000 kg
Number of Rows
-
2 rows
Front Headroom
-
960 mm
Rear Headroom
-
960 mm
Front Legroom
-
900 mm
Rear Legroom
-
900 mm
Spec
Polo
SL Roadster
Front Track Width
1501 mm
-
Rear Track Width
1484 mm
-
Front Suspension
Not Available
Independent multi-link suspension
Rear Suspension
Not Available
Independent multi-link suspension
Power Steering
Standard
-
Spec
Polo
SL Roadster
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
-
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
-
Climate Control
Standard
Automatic climate control
Power Windows
Not Available
Yes
Keyless Entry
Not Available
KEYLESS-GO
Push Button Start
Not Available
Yes
Wireless Charging
Not Available
Yes
Sunroof
Not Available
Panoramic glass roof / model-specific roof
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
No
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Available
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Boot Space Seats Folded
305 l
-
12V Accessory Socket
Standard
-
AC Type
Standard
Automatic climate control
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
Standard
Automatic climate control
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
Polo
SL Roadster
Engine
Not Officially Disclosed
3982/V8
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
M177
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol Mild Hybrid
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
48V Mild Hybrid
Engine Displacement
2000 cc
3982 cc
Cylinders
Not Officially Disclosed
8
Cylinder Layout
Not Officially Disclosed
V
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
4
Aspiration
Not Officially Disclosed
Twin Turbocharged
Fuel System
Not Officially Disclosed
Direct injection
Compression Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
8.6:1
Bore
Not Officially Disclosed
83.0 mm
Stroke
Not Officially Disclosed
92.0 mm
Maximum Power
147 kW
430 kW
Maximum Torque
320 Nm
800 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
430 kW
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
800 Nm
Motor Type
Not Applicable
48 V integrated starter-generator
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
1
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Integrated with transmission / rear axle depending on hybrid system
Drive Type
Not Officially Disclosed
AWD
Transmission
Not Officially Disclosed
9-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
Not Officially Disclosed
315 km/h
0-100 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
3.6 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
12.0 sec
Drive Modes
Not Officially Disclosed
Comfort, Sport, Individual
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Yes
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
7000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
117.9 kW/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
256.6 Nm/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Type
Not Applicable
0
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
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
No
Spec
Polo
SL Roadster
Gearbox
DCT
9G-TRONIC automatic
Drivetrain Layout
4x2
AWD
LSD Available
Not Applicable
Yes
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Permanent AWD transfer system
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
Yes
Final Drive Ratio
Not Applicable
Model-specific ratio; Hagalu Research Team reference
Number of Gears
Not Applicable
9
Transmission Type
Dual-Clutch Automatic
9G-TRONIC automatic
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Torque converter
Gear Shift Indicator
Not Applicable
Yes
Gear Shift Type
DCT
Automatic with manual shift mode
Drivetrain
4x2
AWD
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
No
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
0
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
0
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
No
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not Applicable
Yes
Differential Type Front
Not Available
-
Differential Type Rear
Not Available
-
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Gearbox Type
DCT
9G-TRONIC automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
0
Low Range
Not Applicable
0
Axle Layout
4x2
Driven axle configuration: AWD
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Transfer Case Guard
Not Available
-
Transmission Speeds
Not Applicable
9
Spec
Polo
SL Roadster
Claimed Mileage
18.9 km/l
7.7 km/l
City Mileage
15.2 km/l
7.7 km/l
Highway Mileage
22.3 km/l
7.7 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
40 l
66 l
Emission Standard
Not Applicable
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
0 l
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Yes
Real-world Mileage
18.9 km/l
7.7 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
40
66
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
0
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
0
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
0 km
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
0 km
Spec
Polo
SL Roadster
Airbags
6
7
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Not Available
Yes
Traction Control
Not Available
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
No
Hill Start Assist
Not Available
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Not Available
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Not Available
Yes
Brake Assist
Not Available
Ventilated disc brakes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Not Available
Mercedes-Benz model-specific chassis equipment
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Not Available
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Front Parking Sensors
Standard
Front and rear
AEB
Not Available
Ventilated disc brakes
BA
Not Available
Yes
Brake Override System
Not Available
Ventilated disc brakes
Curtain Airbags
Not Available
Yes
Driver Airbag
Not Available
Yes
EBD
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Yes
Hill Hold
Not Available
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Not Available
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Not Available
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Seatbelt Reminder
Not Available
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Side Airbags
Not Available
Yes
Stability Control
Not Available
Yes
TCS
Not Available
Yes
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Yes
ABS EBD
Standard
Yes
Spec
Polo
SL Roadster
Cruise Control
Standard
Adaptive cruise control
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Yes
Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Front and rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Ventilated disc brakes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Yes
Auto Wipers
Not Available
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
EV Mode
Not Available
-
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
Front and rear
Reverse Camera
Standard
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Yes
Park Assist
Not Available
Yes
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Yes
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
Yes
Rear View Camera
Standard
-
Reversing Camera
Standard
-
Spec
Polo
SL Roadster
Seat Material
Cloth
Nappa leather
Heated Seats
Not Applicable
Front heated seats
Ventilated Seats
Not Applicable
Model/option dependent
Steering Type
Standard
-
Ambient Lighting
Not Applicable
64-colour ambient lighting
Front Armrest
Centre console
-
Front Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
-
Rear Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
-
Steering Wheel Material
Standard
Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel
Interior Colour Options
Black
-
60 40 Split Seat
Not Applicable
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Driver Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
Electric adjustment with memory
Fabric Seats
Cloth
-
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
Electric adjustment with memory
Interior Courtesy Lamps
Digital cockpit, infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, quality cabin materials
-
Interior Trim Colour
Black
-
Floor Mats
Standard
-
Interior Colours
Black
-
Seat Trim
Cloth
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Spec
Polo
SL Roadster
Infotainment System
SYNC
MBUX multimedia system
Apple CarPlay
Not Available
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Not Available
Wireless Android Auto
Bluetooth Connectivity
Not Available
Yes
Number of Speakers
Not Available
13
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Applicable
12.3-inch digital instrument display
USB Ports
Not Available
USB-C ports
Infotainment Screen Size
SYNC
MBUX multimedia system
Infotainment Screen
SYNC
MBUX multimedia system
Connected Services
SYNC
-
Touchscreen
SYNC
MBUX multimedia system
Spec
Polo
SL Roadster
LED Headlamps
Not Available
LED High Performance headlamps
Daytime Running Lamps
Not Available
LED daytime running lights
Fog Lamps
Not Available
Integrated LED all-weather lighting
Roof Rails
Not Available
No
Exterior Colour Options
6
Mercedes-Benz model-specific exterior equipment
Body Type
Hatchback
-
Exterior Colour Options
6
-
Headlights
Not Available
LED High Performance headlamps
Load Bed Liner
Not Available
-
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Panoramic glass roof / model-specific roof
Spec
Polo
SL Roadster
Approach Angle
-
Not Applicable
Departure Angle
-
Not Applicable
Wading Depth
-
Not Applicable
Terrain Modes
Not Available
Not Applicable
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
No
Underbody Protection
Not Available
-
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
No
Approach Angle Deg
-
-
Breakover Angle
Not Available
Not Applicable
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
Polo
SL Roadster
Tyre Size
Not Available
255/45 R20
Front Brake Type
Not Available
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Not Available
Ventilated disc
Spare Wheel Type
Not Available
20-inch alloy wheels
Wheel Rim Size
Not Available
20
Fifth Wheel Prep
Not Available
-
Handbrake Type
Not Applicable
Ventilated disc brakes
Leather Steering Wheel
Standard
-
Steering Wheel Trim
Standard
-
Spec
Polo
SL Roadster
CO2 Emissions
121 g/km
334 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
Polo
SL Roadster
Basic Warranty
3 years / 120 000 km
5 Years / 100000 km
Warranty
3 years / 120 000 km
5 Years / 100000 km
Spec
Polo
SL Roadster
Service Plan
Not Available
5 Years / 100000 km
Spec
Polo
SL Roadster
Ownership Role
South Africa market model
Displayed price includes 15% VAT; CO2 tax is separate where listed; five-year/100,000 km service and maintenance plan may be excluded.
Price Zar
585800 ZAR
3948250 ZAR
Pricing Role
Active local lineup
Current South African retail price
Starting Price
585800
4725000
Starting Price Zar
585800
4725000
In depth: how these cars differ
This Polo and SL Roadster 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: Polo 60 vs SL Roadster 100.
Efficiency index: Polo 71 vs SL Roadster 38.
Safety-equipment index: Polo 81 vs SL Roadster 95.
Practicality index: Polo 55 vs SL Roadster 47.
Ownership-cover index: Polo not separately scored vs SL Roadster 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
Polo and SL Roadster 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
SL Roadster leads by 7 points
Polo and SL Roadster are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Performance
SL Roadster +40
Efficiency
Polo +33
Safety
SL Roadster +14
Practicality
Polo +8
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
SL Roadster
Performance
100/100
Efficiency
38/100
Safety
95/100
Practicality
47/100
Polo
Performance
60/100
Efficiency
71/100
Safety
81/100
Practicality
55/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMercedes-Benz SL Roadster
leads the specification evidence index with 73 pts
vs 66 pts for Polo
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, SL Roadster leads. However, Polo 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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