With the iconic Citi's retirement at the beginning of this year, Volkswagen South Africa has been preparing a new entry-level contender with the aim of offering affordability, reliability and low cost of ownership. Dubbed the Polo Vivo, VWSA has come across what could very well be a new segment staple.
The Vivo is "German-engineered to exacting international standards", and built at the Uitenhage plant in the Eastern Cape. Thanks to 70 per cent localisation of materials used in the production process, pricing is excellent and parts availability and affordability is optimum. Hundreds of jobs have been created and a vast supplier park in Uitenhage has also been established.
Based on the previous generation Polo, which has remained immensely popular with local consumers, the Polo Vivo is available as a three-door hatchback, five-door hatchback and four-door saloon. Simple touches to the styling have updated the previous generation Polo's looks, which are now more in line with the family design cues exhibited on the Scirocco, Golf 6 and new Polo.
The Polo Vivo enters the market armed with a choice of three four-cylinder engines. The first of two 1,4-litre units produces 55 kW at 5 000 r/min and 132 N.m of torque at 3 600 r/min, while the more powerful version produces 63 kW at 5 000 r/min, with the same torque output.
The range-topping 1,6-litre produces 77 kW at 5 250 r/min and 155 N.m of torque is available at 3 500 r/min. All units are mated with five-speed manual gearboxes.
Features standard across the range are a soft-touch facia, 3 drinks holders in the centre console (one up front, two for the rear), power steering, immobiliser, rake and reach adjustable steering column, tinted windows and twin airbags. Optional extras, available from base level, are air-con, radio/mp3 with USB and Bluetooth connectivity and alarm with central locking.
You can read more about the Polo Vivo in this photo gallery
Polo Vivo hatch
1,4 55 kW three-door R101 500
1,4 55 kW R109 900
1,4 63 kW Trendline R119 900
1,6 77 kW R136 900
1,6 77 kW Trendline R144 900
Polo Vivo saloon
1,4 55 kW R115 800
1,4 63 kW Trendline R125 800
1,6 77 kW R142 800
1,6 77 kW Trendline R150 800
The Volkswagen Polo Vivo comes standard with a 3-year/120 000 km warranty and a 6-year Anti Corrosion warranty.
A 5-year/60 000 km Volkswagen Automotion Maintenance Plan as well as a 5-year/ 60 000 km Service Plan are available as options, with service intervals every 15 000 km.
Sounds and looks very promising. Would like to see if the quality remains.
I would like to see a diesel in the lineup. Maybe the original 1400 diesel?
