Solaris / Accent I (RB) vs Polo V (sedan): which is better?
Hyundai Solaris / Accent I (RB) (2010–2017) vs Volkswagen Polo V (sedan) (2010–2020): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Hyundai Solaris / Accent I (RB)
Volkswagen Polo V (sedan)Specifications
| Hyundai Solaris / Accent I (RB) | Volkswagen Polo V (sedan) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2010–2017 | 2010–2020 |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 1.6 | 1.6 |
| Power, up to | 123 hp | 110 hp |
| Torque, up to | 155 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | front-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 370 mm | 4 390 mm |
| Width | 1 700 mm | 1 699 mm |
| Height | 1 470 mm | 1 467 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 570 mm | 2 552 mm |
| Ground clearance | 160 mm | 163 mm |
| Fuel tank | 43 L | 55 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 13 675 ₸ | ≈ 13 675 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Hyundai Solaris / Accent I (RB)
Pros
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Local assembly: Russia
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Hyundai/Kia Gamma 1.6 engine (G4FC, G4FG): catalytic converter breakdown and debris entering the cylinders — scoring
- Hyundai/Kia automatic: jolts on 2–3 shifts and when braking
- Small tank: 43 L
Engine (Hyundai/Kia Gamma 1.6 (G4FC, G4FG)): catalytic converter breakdown with debris entering the cylinders — scoring; timing chain stretch after 150k km; knocking when worn (valves adjusted with shims).
Gearbox (Hyundai/Kia automatic): kicks on the 2–3 shift and when braking; solenoid and clutch pack wear at high mileage.
Volkswagen Polo V (sedan)
Pros
- Japanese Aisin automatic
- Local assembly: Russia
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Engine VW 1.6 MPI (CFNA, CWVA): cold piston slap
- Gearbox Aisin 09G (VW 6-speed automatic): harsh 2–3 and 3–4 shifts
Engine (VW 1.6 MPI (CFNA, CWVA)): piston slap when cold; oil consumption on early engines.
Gearbox (Aisin 09G (VW 6-speed automatic)): shocks on 2–3 and 3–4 shifts; valve body and solenoid wear.
Which one to choose
- Solaris / Accent I (RB) — if you care more about: power, torque, wheelbase.
- Polo V (sedan) — if you care more about: ground clearance, fuel tank.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: Solaris / Accent I (RB) or Polo V (sedan)?
Solaris / Accent I (RB): up to 123 hp, Polo V (sedan): up to 110 hp.
Which has more ground clearance?
Solaris / Accent I (RB): 160 mm, Polo V (sedan): 163 mm.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Solaris / Accent I (RB) — about 13 675 ₸, Polo V (sedan) — about 13 675 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.