Honda CR-V vs Volkswagen Polo-Vivo

In-depth comparison in South Africa covering price, performance, fuel efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership costs.

Honda CR-V

Change Car A

ZAR 689,900 – 819,900

⚡ 190 hp

🔧 240 Nm

⛽ 14.5 km/l

Volkswagen Polo-Vivo

Change Car B

ZAR 245,000 – 305,000

⚡ 63 hp

🔧 132 Nm

⛽ 16.5 km/l

Quick Winners

⚡ Performance CR-V

⛽ Mileage Polo-Vivo

🔑 Ownership Tie

Overall Comparison Score

🏆 Winner

CR-V

out of 100

point lead

Moderate difference between the two models.

Polo-Vivo

out of 100

Executive Summary

CR-V holds a noticeable edge over Polo-Vivo, especially in key ownership areas.

Key Differences At A Glance

Performance CR-V +10 pts

Efficiency Polo-Vivo +2 pts

Safety CR-V +12 pts

Practicality CR-V +4 pts

Ownership Equal

Category Score Breakdown

🏆 Overall Winner

CR-V

Performance 15/20

Efficiency 8/20

Safety 18/20

Practicality 14/20

Ownership 12/20

Polo-Vivo

Performance 5/20

Efficiency 10/20

Safety 6/20

Practicality 10/20

Ownership 12/20

Pros & Cons

🏆 Overall Winner

CR-V

Pros

More powerful engine output
Stronger safety package
More practical for daily use

Cons

Lower fuel efficiency

Best For: Highway Driving Family Usage

Polo-Vivo

Pros

Better fuel efficiency

Cons

Less powerful engine setup
Less comprehensive safety features
Less practical in daily usage

Best For: Fuel Efficiency

Who Should Buy Which?

CR-V

Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Large families needing more practicality and usability

Polo-Vivo

Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency

Full Specification Comparison

Specification	CR-V	Polo-Vivo
Ground Clearance	198	168
Wheelbase	2700	2470
Length	4690	3972
Width	1860	1682
Height	1690	1462
Kerb Weight	1580	1050
Gross Vehicle Weight	2100	1560
Seating Capacity	5	5
Boot Space	522	280
Towing Capacity	1500	800

Specification	CR-V	Polo-Vivo
Engine	1.5L Turbo Petrol	1.4L Naturally Aspirated Petrol
Engine Type	Inline 4 Cylinder Turbocharged	Inline 4 Cylinder
Displacement	1498	1390
Cylinders	4	4
Valves per Cylinder	4	4
Power	190	63
Torque	240	132
Fuel System	Direct Injection	Multi Point Injection
Top Speed	200	177
0-100 km/h	9.5	11.8

Specification	CR-V	Polo-Vivo
Transmission	CVT Automatic	5-Speed Manual
Drive Type	4x2	FWD
Drivetrain Layout	Front Wheel Drive	Front Engine Front Wheel Drive
LSD Available	Not Available	Not Available
Transfer Case	Not Applicable	Not Applicable

Specification	CR-V	Polo-Vivo
Claimed Mileage	14.5	16.5
City Mileage	11	13
Highway Mileage	15	18
Fuel Tank Capacity	57	45
Emission Standard	Euro 5	Euro 5 Equivalent

Specification	CR-V	Polo-Vivo
Airbags	6	2
ABS	Standard	Standard
Electronic Stability Control	Standard	Not Available
Traction Control	Standard	Not Available
Hill Descent Control	Not Available	Not Available
Child Safety Lock	Standard	Standard
ISOFIX Mounts	Standard	Standard
Brake Assist	Standard	Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor	Standard	Not Available
Engine Immobiliser	Standard	Standard

Specification	CR-V	Polo-Vivo
Cruise Control	Standard	Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control	Not Available	Not Available
Lane Keep Assist	Not Available	Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring	Standard	Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	Standard	Not Available
Parking Sensors	Front and Rear	Rear Only
Rear View Camera	Standard	Not Available
360 Degree Camera	Not Available	Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking	Not Available	Not Available

Specification	CR-V	Polo-Vivo
Seat Material	Premium Fabric	Cloth
Seat Adjustment	Manual	Manual
Heated Seats	Not Available	Not Available
Ventilated Seats	Not Available	Not Available
Steering Type	Electric Power Steering	Power Assisted
Steering Adjustment	Tilt and Telescopic	Tilt Adjustable
Ambient Lighting	Not Available	Not Available

Specification	CR-V	Polo-Vivo
Climate Control	Dual Zone Climate Control	Manual AC
Power Windows	All Doors Auto	Front Only
Keyless Entry	Smart Key	Remote Central Locking
Push Button Start	Standard	Not Available
Wireless Charging	Not Available	Not Available
Sunroof	Panoramic Sunroof	Not Available
Electric Tailgate	Not Available	Not Applicable

Specification	CR-V	Polo-Vivo
Infotainment Screen	9-inch Touchscreen	6.5-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay	Standard	Supported
Android Auto	Standard	Supported
Bluetooth Connectivity	Standard	Standard
Number of Speakers	6	4
Navigation System	Optional	Not Available

Specification	CR-V	Polo-Vivo
LED Headlamps	LED Projector	Halogen
Daytime Running Lamps	LED	Not Available
Fog Lamps	LED	Front Only
Roof Rails	Standard	Not Available
Alloy Wheel Design	18-inch Alloy	Steel Wheels with Covers

Specification	CR-V	Polo-Vivo
Approach Angle	19	14
Departure Angle	21	15
Wading Depth	400	300
Terrain Modes	Not Available	Not Available
Locking Differential	Not Available	Not Available

Specification	CR-V	Polo-Vivo
Tyre Size	235/60 R18	185/60 R15
Wheel Type	Alloy	Steel
Front Brake Type	Disc	Disc
Rear Brake Type	Disc	Drum

Specification	CR-V	Polo-Vivo
Front Suspension	MacPherson Strut	MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension	Multi-Link	Torsion Beam
Chassis Type	Monocoque	Monocoque

Specification	CR-V	Polo-Vivo
Service Interval	10000 km / 12 months	15000 km / 12 months
Approx Service Cost	Moderate to High	Low
Battery Warranty	24 Months	1 Year

Specification	CR-V	Polo-Vivo
Warranty Years	3	3
Warranty Kilometers	100000	120000
Roadside Assistance	3 Years	3 Years

Specification	CR-V	Polo-Vivo
CO2 Emissions	165	142
Start Stop System	Standard	Not Available
Hybrid System Type	Not Applicable	Not Applicable

Final Verdict

🏆 Honda CR-V wins this comparison with 67 points vs 43 points for Polo-Vivo.

In structured scoring, CR-V 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Based on structured category scoring, CR-V performs better overall in South Africa. However, final choice depends on driving priorities.

CR-V scores 8 while Polo-Vivo scores 10 in efficiency. Real-world mileage may vary based on driving conditions.

In safety scoring, CR-V scores 18 and Polo-Vivo scores 6. Both offer competitive safety packages in this segment.

CR-V scores 12 versus Polo-Vivo scoring 12. Warranty coverage and ownership value influence this result.

Practicality scoring gives CR-V 14 and Polo-Vivo 10, reflecting cabin space and usability.

Performance category shows CR-V scoring 15 compared to Polo-Vivo scoring 5, indicating stronger overtaking capability.

While resale depends on market demand, ownership and brand positioning suggest CR-V may hold stronger long-term value.

Off-road suitability depends on drivetrain and ground clearance. Refer to the full specification comparison for detailed technical differences.

Efficiency and ownership categories influence running costs. CR-V performs slightly stronger overall in structured scoring.

Value depends on feature set, performance and ownership coverage. Structured comparison gives CR-V the overall advantage.

Detailed Comparison Analysis

The comparison between CR-V and Polo-Vivo in South Africa evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.

Performance: CR-V scores 15 vs 5.

Efficiency: CR-V scores 8 vs 10.

Safety: CR-V scores 18 vs 6.

Practicality: CR-V scores 14 vs 10.

Ownership: CR-V scores 12 vs 12.

Final structured scoring gives CR-V the advantage in this comparison.

Honda CR-V vs Volkswagen Polo-Vivo

Honda CR-V

Volkswagen Polo-Vivo

Quick Winners

Overall Comparison Score

CR-V

Polo-Vivo

Executive Summary

Key Differences At A Glance

Category Score Breakdown

CR-V

Polo-Vivo

Pros & Cons

CR-V

Polo-Vivo

Who Should Buy Which?

CR-V

Polo-Vivo

Full Specification Comparison

Final Verdict

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Frequently Asked Questions

Detailed Comparison Analysis