When did entry-level hatchbacks become not-so-entry level? Entry-level hatchbacks used to be Citi Golfs, Corsa Lites, Toyota Tazzes and the like. And they were easy to maintain. Or rather, anyone’s uncle who dabbles in being a mechanic could help fix and maintain it.
Now, however, entry-level hatchbacks are the likes of the Polo Vivo and Hyundai i10 – or Grand i10 in this instance. They are expensive when viewed as entry-level and there’s no way you’re letting your family mechanic work on this – especially when still under warranty. I know I sound old here – complaining about how expensive life has become and being nostalgic about things that have come before. That’s not what this is. I’m just painting a picture of where things once were and where they stand now. It’s difficult for entry-level vehicles to be a first-car that parents buy for their kids now. But if this is what you are considering for you, your child or anyone else in your family, here’s what you need to know.
One feels more refined than the other
From my experience with these two vehicles back-to-back, the Polo VIvo is more refined than the Grand i10. It helps that the Vivo is a previous-gen Polo, so it has a solid foundation. The Grand i10 had a lot of squeaks, while the Polo just felt like the better build.
They have a similar level of equipment, but one is considerably cheaper
Both have an impressive interior with the Polo feeling a bit more upmarket. However, the Grand i10 feels more modern. The Vivo, while coming equipped with features such as Bluetooth and App-Connect that gives access to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, has that look of an old Polo, while the Grand i10 has an interface that feels more in line with newer vehicles. Safety features across the board include central locking, ABS and EBD. The cost of the two, however, are vastly different. The Polo Vivo GT, which is the top of the line Vivo, has a base price of R341 800, while the Grand i10 top-of-range is R285 500.
The German driving experience is better
Both vehicles are easy to drive and generally hassle-free. But there is something about the Vivo that is just extra hassle-free. I don’t quite know how else to describe it other than it feels like the slicker driving experience. There is just simply no fuss at all. The 1.0-litre TSI delivers 81 kW and 200 N.m and is mated with a six-speed manual transmission. The Grand i10 comes with the option of a 1.0-litre or a 1.2-litre. And unless you’re going with the four-speed auto, a five-speed manual is the only choice you have. I really missed a sixth gear. The engine revved quite high at higher speeds.
Verdict
Off price alone, the Grand i10 is a no-brainer. As an owner, you will get used to the high revving engine. I do, however, personally prefer the Polo Vivo GT as a driving experience and because of the overall quality of the vehicle.