Budget hatchback safety shootout: Polo Vivo vs. Ford Figo vs. Suzuki Baleno

By Ané Theron

There's more and more focus on vehicle safety these days, especially in South Africa, where our road-death statistics read like something from a horror film. We compare three hatchbacks priced around the R200 000 mark.

Safety on a budget

Contender no. 1: The Polo Vivo 1.4 Comfortline, R196 800

The Vivo is known being an all-round value package, with sound mechanics and excellent resale value. Being kitted out and built on the fifth-gen Polo's platform, it's a little car that is always sought after, whether it's used or new. With plenty of soft-touch surfaces, a generously-sized boot of 280 litres and a reputable history in SA, the new Vivo is fast becoming a garage staple for many South Africans. However, there's not much legroom for rear passengers, and out of the three contenders here, it's also the least spritely, with 63kW and 132 Nm.

Safety wise, it's fitted with ABS and EBD, but stability control is optional. It gets two airbags, Isofix child seat anchorage points on the outer rear seats, and it has satellite controls on the steering wheel, so your eyes can stay on the road at all times. The doors lock automatically as you start driving. It has a 3-year/120 000 km warranty.

Contender no.2: The Suzuki Baleno 1.4 GL, R207 900

The Baleno is one of my favourite budget buys. In this comparison, I selected the entry-level Baleno GL instead of the smaller Suzuki Swift. The Baleno is priced just under R208 000 but gives you access to a vehicle that is decidedly more spacious and able to function as your all-in-one family car, which can swallow up to 355 litres of luggage with all seats up. It is also extremely frugal, fun to drive, and is well-equipped with safety features. It has ABS brakes, EBD, Brake Assist, two airbags, and Isofix anchorage points identical to the Vivo's, but no auto-locking function as you drive away. It also features steering wheel mounted switches for easy access to the radio/sound system. The Baleno’s warranty is for 3 years / 100 000 km.

Contender no 3: The Ford Figo Hatch 1.5 Trend, R192 200

The Figo Is by far the most energetic of the three competitors, since it comes equipped with a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder, naturally-aspirated engine that is capable of 88kW and 150 Nm. Given its low kerb weight, power-to-weight ratio is excellent, and you’ll probably want to drive it like you stole it.  And despite being so satisfyingly frisky, it’s just as light on fuel as the Baleno, with around 6 litres per 100 km combined. Standard safety spec includes ABS but no EBD or Brake Assist, but two airbags are standard.

The downside to the Figo is that there are no satellite controls on the steering wheel and no Isofix mountings, but it does have something the others don’t, although it’s not a deal-maker (or breaker): follow-me-home headlamps. Brake assist would have been a much more sensible addition…

On the plus side, the Figo has the best warranty of 4 years / 120 000 km.

Verdict

Even though the Polo Vivo is going to outsell the Suzuki Baleno by many, many units per month, the Baleno packs more of a space, safety and value punch. If power is your main concern, the Figo will be your best bet. Also consider the practical (and for its price, powerful) Toyota Etios if you want a practical, reliable, and not-so-little city runabout.

You don't always have to buy a new car...

Always remember that buying a used car with a couple of thousand kays will mean that you pay considerably less than when you're buying new. Keep a close eye on the AutoTrader website's used section if you're in the market for a pre-loved car in good nick.

Other small car safety shootouts?

If you want to read more about our previous entry-level hatchback safety shootout which features the more affordable Renault Sandero, VW Up and Toyota Aygo, click here.