The Volkswagen Polo Vivo has been one of the best-selling cars in South Africa since its release in 2010.
A combination of good build quality, solid safety ratings, and a large cabin compared to its competitors make the Vivo an attractive offer.
However, Toyota is hot on its heels with the new Agya, which sees the most expensive spec still being cheaper than the least expensive Vivo.
So, which one is better?
For this comparison we will be using the Polo Vivo Trendline 1.4 and the Toyota Agya 1.0 AT with audio, as they are the closest in price.
Performance
Under the hood of the Polo there is a 1.4-litre petrol engine that delivers 55kW of power and 130Nm of torque, mated to a manual 5-speed gearbox.
A 1-litre petrol engine delivering 49kW of power and 89Nm of torque is fitted to the Agya, along with a 4-speed automatic gearbox.
The Polo pulls ahead in power figures – which allows it to do the 0-100km/h sprint in 12.8 seconds – but this also means it has a higher fuel consumption, coming in at a combined 5.7l/100km, according to Volkswagen.
The Agya, on the other hand, takes 16.3 seconds to do the 0-100km/h sprint, but enjoys better fuel economy at a claimed rate of 4.8l/100km.
Features
Feature wise these cars are very similar, trading punches only on the little details that the companies decided to add or withhold.
Luckily, most of the important options that we have come to expect in 2021 are shared by both as standard.
This includes:
- ABS
- Aircon
- Bluetooth
- Central locking
- Dual front airbags
- Immobiliser alarm
- Electric power steering
The Polo has some standout features over and above this, however, which the more affordable Agya does not offer as standard.
This includes VW’s MIB infotainment system – which offers Bluetooth, auxiliary, and USB inputs – along with the “traditional” cloth trim which is reminiscent of the early Golf’s interiors.
Along with the immobiliser system, the Volkswagen also gets interior monitoring. Sensors inside the cabin scan for movement when the car is off and locked, and if it picks something up the alarm will sound.
Additional features include a leatherette gearshift and 280 litres of cargo space.
Only the front windows are electric in the Polo, though, whereas the Agya offers front and rear electric windows.
The top-of-the-line Agya comes with all the bells and whistles available to it, most notably the 4-speed automatic transmission and Toyota’s double din audio system.
An optional touchscreen system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality is available for an extra fee as a dealer-fitted option.
It also gets LED lights on the front and rear, which is a large improvement over that of the Polo, and increases visibility at night significantly.
As standard across the range the Agya comes with a push start button, 260 litres of cargo space, and Toyota Connect app support – which sends important data to you and your registered dealership, and enables Wi-Fi connectivity inside the car.
Price
The Volkswagen Polo Vivo Trendline 1.4 5-speed manual has the more expensive starting price of R218,100.
With that you will receive a 3-year/120,000km warranty and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty.
The Toyota Agya 1.0L AT with audio starts at R196,300.
With that you will receive a 3-year/100,000km warranty and a 2-services/20,000km service plan.
VW Polo Vivo
Toyota Agya
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