The battle for the small hatchback segment (no Chinese cars included)
More manufacturers are increasingly turning to SUV’s, leaving the sedan, coupe, and estate / station wagon segments in their wake. Surprisingly, the small hatchback category is still doing well, and with good reason as they tend to be affordable and nimble, practical, as well as very fuel efficient.
So the question begs; which of the current small hatchbacks should be on your radar?
The two leading models in this segment were recently updated, giving us a good leveling field; and no, they are not Chinese. One hails from Germany (made in South Africa), whilst the other hails from Japan.
The first is the Volkswagen Polo Vivo (now in its third generation), which replaced the Citi Golf in 2010, while the Swift (now in its fourth generation) became synonymous with the Suzuki South Africa brand when it re-entered southern Africa in 2008.
Having driven both model iterations recently, no-one can set a foot wrong in purchasing either of these models, as both are excellent. Yet, there is a need to compare the value proposition of these two.
Prices and our model choices
For a full review on both cars, readers can search our recent reviews of the Volkswagen Polo Vivo as well as the Suzuki Swift. More good news is that both models will not see any price increases from their previous iterations.
We will therefore focus on the Polo Vivo Life 1.4L (63kW), with a manual gearbox and priced at R288 500. The reason for this is that the 1.6L and 1.0L TSI range-topping models extend past R300 000, while the base model (R266 600) only has 55kW. So the Vivo Life 1.4L would be our to pick in this range as it has a bit more power and a few more features.*
*We will include tabled comparisons of the complete range throughout this article.
The Swift range in turn sees each of its five models priced between R219 900 and R284 900, with the 1.2L GL+ manual being one of our favourites, priced at R239 900. However, with both GLX models priced relatively similar to the Polo Vivo Life at R264 900 (Swift 1.2L GLX Manual) and R284 900 (Swift 1.2L GLX CVT), we will focus on the Swift range-topping models.
Warranties
The Suzuki Swift is sold with a 2-year / 30 000km service plan, as well as a 5-year / 200 000km warranty, while the Vivo will come with a 3-year / 120 000km warranty, a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty, and a 5-year / 150 000km engine warranty.
Drivetrain and power
Both models have excellent and reliable drivetrains. Each of the five Suzuki Swifts are powered by a 1.2L petrol engine producing 60kW and 112Nm. The Polo Vivo Life produces a bit more power (63kW) from its 1.4L petrol engine. It must be said that both engines feel quite punchy, with the 1.2L in the Swift feeling a bit more nimble, due to the low kerb weight of the Swift (just over 900kg). Both engines gain maximum power and torque in their higher revolutions, so both these hatchbacks must be geared down for steep passes.
Both models prove to be powerful enough in urban areas, as well as on the open road. However, seating more people and luggage, as well as traveling towards the interior of the country will affect any small non-turbo-powered vehicle.
Should buyers rather want a sportier version, the Vivo GT 1.0TSI will be the choice as it produces 81kW, yet is priced at R356 000.
| Volkswagen Polo | Suzuki Swift | ||
| Polo Vivo 1.4 (55kW) Manual | R266 600 | Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL Manual (60kW) | R219 900 |
| Polo Vivo Life 1.4 (63kW) Manual | R288 500 | Suzuki Swift GL+ Manual (60kW) | R239 900 |
| Polo Vivo Life 1.6 (77kW) Auto | R320 200 | Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL+ CVT (60kW) | R259 900 |
| Polo Vivo Style 1.6 (77kW) Manual | R318 000 | Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX Manual (60kW) | R264 900 |
| Polo Vivo GT 1.0TSI (81kW) Manual | R356 000 | Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX CVT (60kW) | R284 900 |
Safety
A key focus point for Suzuki was to upgrade the safety features of their new Swift, which now sees it as the safest vehicle in the segment. Equipped with ABS (and EBD), brake assist, electronic stability control, ISOFIX points and six airbags as standard across the range; it trumps the two front airbags in the Polo Life (four in the Style and GT derivatives). Yet, the Vivo does feature ABS (with EBD), ESC, ISOFIX and tyre pressure monitors as standard.
Compared to all vehicles in this segment, the Swift will be the clear winner when it comes to safety.
| Volkswagen Polo | Suzuki Swift | ||||
| Polo Vivo 1.4 (55kW) Manual | R266 600 | 2 Front airbags, ABS (with EBD), ESC, Tyre Pressure monitors, ISOFIX points | Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL Manual (60kW) | R219 900 | 6 airbags, ABS (with EBD), brake assist, electronic stability control (ESC), and ISOFIX points. |
| Polo Vivo Life 1.4 (63kW) Manual | R288 500 | Suzuki Swift GL+ Manual (60kW) | R239 900 | ||
| Polo Vivo Life 1.6 (77kW) Auto | R320 200 | Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL+ CVT (60kW) | R259 900 | ||
| Polo Vivo Style 1.6 (77kW) Manual | R318 000 | 4 airbags, ABS (with EBD), ESC, Tyre Pressure monitors, ISOFIX points | Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX Manual (60kW) | R264 900 | |
| Polo Vivo GT 1.0TSI (81kW) Manual | R356 000 | Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX CVT (60kW) | R284 900 | ||
Features
Let’s focus here on the Vivo Style 1.6 as well as the Swift 1.2 GLX CVT as only R3 500 separate the two models. The first benefit for the Swift is that it is an automatic, while the manual version would be R20 000 less.
Being the top-spec model in the Swift range, the GLX comes with loads of standard features; such as electric fold-in mirrors, hill hold control, auto stop-start, a reverse camera, 15” diamond cut alloy wheels, a 9” infotainment touchscreen with smartphone connectivity, a 4.2” multi-information colour display, LED headlamps with daytime running lights and LED fog lamps, climate control, a multi-purpose steering wheel and wireless charging.
The Vivo Style 1.6 in turn will also come with a 9-inch touchscreen, 16” Rivazza alloys, SD card reader, USB, and Bluetooth, while the Style model will feature four speakers and two tweeters.
The Vivo sees very little interior upgrades compared to the older second generation, with the touchscreen being the only major upgrade. However, why change something if it works. The interior of the Vivo is simplistic and easy to understand, yet it must be said that the Swift offers a lot more at this price point.
How it is to drive?
Both cars are easy to steer and comfortable to drive, with ample leg- and headroom in both models. Both models also feature similar legroom in the rear as well as equal luggage room.
However, it must be stated that the Swift is more at home in town as its steering is much lighter, with the car having an almost go-kart like feeling to it. The Vivo feels more at ease on the open road.
This brings us to the gearboxes. The Polo Vivo only has one automatic model (Life) in its range. The DSG gearbox has six gears, while the manual has five; except for the GT, which has a welcoming 6th gear.
The Swift also has a new 5-speed manual gearbox, and a new CVT gearbox for those preferring the automatic.
While the manual gearbox in the Vivo feels more “sporty”, the manual in the Swift feels softer and more refined. Not much can be said for the automatic models as we have not tested the automatic Vivo Life yet. We can report that the CVT in the Swift seamlessly glides through its simulated gears. CVTs can tend to be noisy, yet this one works well with the smaller Swift.
Overall, our preferred option would be to the 6th gear in the GT model as it provides just that little bit of comfort on the open roads.
What about fuel consumption?
Neither the Vivo nor the Swift are eager to often visit the fuel pumps, with the 1.2L in the Swift showing the best fuel consumption. Across our launch route (which included slow town driving, open “windy” roads, and passes), the CVT delivered a fuel consumption of 5.6L/100km, with the manual model giving a magnificent figure of 4.9L / 100km.
The Polo Vivo Life is claimed to produce an SUV-like figure of 6.6L/100km, yet the Vivo GT delivered a fuel consumption of 5.5L/100km during our test. However, it must be said that we recently took the 1.4L Vivo from Somerset West to Gqeberha and back (Around 1500km), only visiting the fueling pumps once. The Vivo is astonishing on the open road.
| Volkswagen Polo | Suzuki Swift | ||||
| Polo Vivo 1.4 (55kW) Manual | R266 600 | Claimed: 5.7L /100km | Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL Manual (60kW) | R219 900 | 4.9L/100km |
| Polo Vivo Life 1.4 (63kW) Manual | R288 500 | Claimed 5.9L/100km | Suzuki Swift GL+ Manual (60kW) | R239 900 | 4.9/100km |
| Polo Vivo Life 1.6 (77kW) Auto | R320 200 | Claimed 6.6L/100km | Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL+ CVT (60kW) | R259 900 | 5.6L/100km |
| Polo Vivo Style 1.6 (77kW) Manual | R318 000 | Claimed 6.6L/100km | Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX Manual (60kW) | R264 900 | 4.9L/100km |
| Polo Vivo GT 1.0TSI (81kW) Manual | R356 000 | 5.5L/100km | Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX CVT (60kW) | R284 900 | 5.6L/100km |
Which one should I choose?
This is difficult as we love both cars. Both provide excellent value for money, yet the Swift seems to offer more technology and safety, with the addition of a better service plan. The Swift also proves to be easier and lighter to drive in town, while the Vivo feels more solid on the open roads.
Should you choose the Vivo, we love the range-topping 1.0L TSI, based on its power delivery and fuel consumption, yet it falls behind in terms of technological and safety features. Should you have the odd R71 000 available, the Vivo GT will not be a bad choice.
Based on the price point and value for money, the Swift is the clear winner, yet the Vivo should continue to be one of Mzansi’s favourites as it has a lot to offer in its own right.
