Volkswagen Polo vs Toyota Yaris

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

Volkswagen Polo

1.4 TSI GTI DSG Petrol Automatic

Switch Variant

Change Car A

ZAR 519,900 ex-showroom

⚡ 147 kW (197 hp)

🔧 250 Nm

⛽ 16.4 km/l

Toyota Yaris

1.5 XR CVT Petrol Automatic

Change Car B

ZAR 359,900 ex-showroom

⚡ 88 kW (118 hp)

🔧 145 Nm

⛽ 15.1 km/l

＋

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Quick Winners

⚡ Performance Polo

⛽ Mileage Polo

🔑 Ownership Tie

Overall Comparison Score

🏆 Winner

Polo

/ 100

pts

Yaris

/ 100

Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.

Executive Summary

Both Polo and Yaris are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.

Key Differences At A Glance

Performance Polo +5 pts

Efficiency Polo +1 pts

Safety Equal

Practicality Equal

Ownership Equal

Category Score Breakdown

🏆 Overall Winner

Polo

Performance 12/20

Efficiency 9/20

Safety 20/20

Practicality 10/20

Ownership 12/20

Yaris

Performance 7/20

Efficiency 8/20

Safety 20/20

Practicality 10/20

Ownership 12/20

Pros & Cons

🏆 Overall Winner

Polo

Pros

More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency

Cons

No major weaknesses identified

Best For: Highway Driving Fuel Efficiency

Yaris

Pros

No major strengths identified

Cons

Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency

Best For: General Use

Who Should Buy Which?

Polo

Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency

Yaris

Buyers looking for a balanced all-round vehicle

Full Specification Comparison

Specification	Polo	Yaris
Ground Clearance	151	160
Wheelbase	2564	2550
Length	4053	4180
Width	1751	1745
Height	1461	1500
Kerb Weight	1105	1110
Gross Vehicle Weight	1530	1515
Seating Capacity	5	5
Boot Space	351	286
Towing Capacity	1000	Not Rated
Front Track Width	1522	1490
Rear Track Width	1497	1490
Turning Radius	5.1	5.1

Specification	Polo	Yaris
Engine	1.4L TSI Turbocharged Petrol (GTI)	1.5L Naturally Aspirated Petrol
Engine Type	Inline 3 Cylinder Turbocharged	Inline 3 Cylinder NR
Displacement	1395	1496
Cylinders	4	3
Valves per Cylinder	4	4
Power	147	88
Power @ RPM	5000-5500 rpm	6000 rpm
Torque	250	145
Torque @ RPM	2000-3500 rpm	4800 rpm
Fuel System	Direct Injection	Direct Injection
Turbocharger	Single Turbo	Not Available
Top Speed	230	182
0-100 km/h	6.7	11.2
Compression Ratio	10.5:1	13.0:1
Engine Position	Front Transverse	Front Transverse

Specification	Polo	Yaris
Transmission	7-Speed DSG	CVT Automatic
Drive Type	FWD	FWD
Drivetrain Layout	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive
LSD Available	Not Available	Not Available
Paddle Shifters	Standard	Not Available
Transfer Case	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Differential Lock	Not Applicable	Not Applicable

Specification	Polo	Yaris
Claimed Mileage	16.4	15.1
City Mileage	12	11
Highway Mileage	18	17
Fuel Tank Capacity	40	42
Emission Standard	Euro 6	Euro 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop	Standard	Not Available

Specification	Polo	Yaris
Airbags	7	7
ABS	Standard	Standard
Electronic Stability Control	Standard	Standard
Traction Control	Standard	Standard
Hill Descent Control	Not Available	Not Available
Hill Start Assist	Standard	Standard
Child Safety Lock	Standard	Standard
ISOFIX Mounts	Standard	Standard
Brake Assist	Standard	Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor	Standard	Standard
Engine Immobiliser	Standard	Standard
Alarm System	Standard	Standard
Central Locking	Standard	Standard
Side Impact Beams	Standard	Standard

Specification	Polo	Yaris
Cruise Control	Not Available	Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control	Standard	Not Available
Lane Keep Assist	Not Available	Not Available
Lane Departure Warning	Standard	Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring	Standard	Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	Not Available	Standard
Parking Sensors	Rear	Rear
Rear View Camera	Standard	Standard
360 Degree Camera	Not Available	Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking	Standard	Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert	Not Available	Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition	Not Available	Not Available

Specification	Polo	Yaris
Seat Material	Sport Leather	Fabric
Seat Adjustment	Manual	Manual
Heated Seats	Front	Not Available
Ventilated Seats	Not Available	Not Available
Steering Type	Electric Power Assisted	Electric Power Assisted
Steering Adjustment	Height Adjustable	Tilt and Telescopic
Ambient Lighting	Not Available	Not Available
Folding Rear Seats	60/40 Split	60/40 Split
Front Armrest	Not Available	Standard
Rear Armrest	Not Available	Not Available

Specification	Polo	Yaris
Climate Control	Automatic AC	Automatic AC
Power Windows	All Doors	All Doors
Keyless Entry	Smart Entry	Standard
Push Button Start	Standard	Standard
Wireless Charging	Standard	Optional
Sunroof	Not Available	Not Available
Electric Tailgate	Not Available	Not Available
Automatic Headlamps	Standard	Standard
Rain Sensing Wipers	Standard	Standard
Auto Dimming Mirror	Not Available	Standard

Specification	Polo	Yaris
Infotainment Screen	8-inch Touchscreen	9-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay	Standard	Standard
Android Auto	Standard	Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity	Standard	Standard
Number of Speakers	6	6
Navigation System	Standard	Standard
Digital Instrument Cluster	Digital Cockpit	Full Digital
USB Ports	3	2
Wireless Apple CarPlay	Standard	Standard

Specification	Polo	Yaris
LED Headlamps	LED	Full LED
Daytime Running Lamps	LED	LED
Fog Lamps	LED	Standard
Roof Rails	Not Available	Not Available
Alloy Wheel Design	18-inch GTI Alloy	15-inch Alloy Wheels
Chrome Exterior Finish	Not Available	Not Available
Body Cladding	Not Available	Not Available
Rear Spoiler	GTI Rear Spoiler	Not Available

Specification	Polo	Yaris
Tyre Size	225/40 R18	195/55 R16
Wheel Type	Alloy	Alloy
Front Brake Type	Ventilated Disc	Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type	Drum	Drum
Spare Wheel Type	Full Size Steel	Full Size Steel

Specification	Polo	Yaris
Front Suspension	MacPherson Strut	MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension	Torsion Beam	Torsion Beam
Chassis Type	Monocoque	Monocoque
Power Steering	Electric	Electric
Steering Column	Height Adjustable	Tilt and Telescopic

Specification	Polo	Yaris
Service Interval	15,000 km or 1 Year	15,000 km or 1 Year
Approx Service Cost	Approx R4,200	Approx R3,800
Battery Warranty	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Maintenance Plan	Optional	Optional

Specification	Polo	Yaris
Warranty Years	3	3
Warranty Kilometers	100000	100000
Roadside Assistance	3 Years	3 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty	6 Years	6 Years

Specification	Polo	Yaris
CO2 Emissions	152	116
Start Stop System	Standard	Not Available
Hybrid System Type	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Noise Level	67	68

Final Verdict

🏆 Volkswagen Polo wins with 63 pts vs 57 pts for Yaris

In structured scoring, Polo emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Yaris may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.