Ford Figo vs Volkswagen Polo Vivo
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Volkswagen Polo Vivo wins on money kept: 72% retained after three years vs 65%, worth about R 55 117 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Figo | Polo Vivo | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 216 300 | R 271 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 3 781/m | R 4 752/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 81% | 85% |
| Retained after 3 years | 65% | 72% |
| Value after 3 years | R 140 499 | R 195 616 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 75 801 | R 76 284 |
| Value after 5 years | R 110 291 | R 161 989 |
| Our tier | Budget & entry level | Strong mainstream |
Ford Figo →
India-built budget hatch and sedan that gave Ford a foothold in the entry level market from 2010 until Ford India closed in 2022. Cheap to buy and fix, it became a popular first car and e-hailing runabout. Later 1.5 three cylinder models are reasonably durable when serviced on time.
Known for: cheap dependable first car
Volkswagen Polo Vivo →
South Africa's best-selling passenger car for much of the past decade, built locally at Kariega on the previous-generation Polo platform. Cheap running costs, a huge dealer network and strong resale keep demand high in both new and used markets. A sedan version was sold until 2018 and a panel van variant is also offered.
Known for: south africa's favourite budget hatch
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Ford Figo or the Volkswagen Polo Vivo?
The Volkswagen Polo Vivo. It keeps about 72% of its price after three years against 65% for the Ford Figo, a gap of 7 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Ford Figo loses about R 75 801 over three years and the Volkswagen Polo Vivo loses about R 76 284. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the Ford Figo runs about R 3 781 per month and the Volkswagen Polo Vivo about R 4 752, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.