What’s in a name? No, really… We’ve seen all kinds of cool names, or names we somehow associate with performance come up over the years. Sometimes a badge denotes proper performance pedigree, but in the case of the Polo Vivo GT the customer can at least have just the looks.
The GT comes about as a bit of something extra in the Vivo model line-up, not exactly spicy – but perhaps that’s not the point. The GT is the only three-door Vivo in the line-up next to the base 1,4 model, so it’s fitting that this model is billed as something a little sportier than its siblings – well it looks that way anyway.
Essentially the GT is all kit. It looks a little bit better than all the rest thanks to its dual chrome tailpipes, and lower riding height. Volkswagen could’ve equipped it wheels a tad more impressive than its 15-inch alloys (shod in 195/55 R15 rubber). That’s the extent of the exterior modifications, except the conspicuous GT stickers that adorn the rear three quarter panels and tailgate.
Inside, the GT is familiar territory (the Vivo being based on the previous generation of Polo), but with a few noticeable upgrades in the way of silver facia inserts and red stitching ala GTI on the seats, steering wheel and gear knob and handbrake lever. The seats are comfortable and supportive (they’re the firmer sports variants) and are supplemented by bright red safety belts front and rear.
Turn the key and Volkswagen’s tried and tested 1,6-litre normally-aspirated petrol engine fires up – with not much of a GTI burble or any sort of dramatisation. Blip the throttle and there’s no excess noise from the rear despite the pretty exhaust – most of the noise is from the engine itself. The clutch is easily depressed the and gears slot into place with German precision.
Now, don’t let that name fool you into thinking that there’s been any sort of tinkering with the 77 kW, 155 N.m engine – because there hasn’t. In fact, the GT doesn’t need it. The modest figures really are enough to shuffle the three-door body around without much fuss and pesky wheelspin, and the short-ratio five-speed ’box is geared just about right to make the most of what the 1,6 has to offer.
The Polo rides and handles well too – it’s slightly stiffer thanks to lowered suspension and the 15-inch alloys – but not unbearably so. There’s enough weight to the steering to manoeuvre the GT around with confidence and make it feel substantial at highway speed.
This being based on Vivo Trendline specification, the GT is not sparse of nice-to-haves. These include and air-conditioning, driver and passenger airbags, front electric windows, powersteering, ABS with EBD and a rake-and reach adjustable steering column.
It’s no ball of fire, and it’s not particularly special, but what else can you buy this side of R160 000 that has even an inkling of sportiness? That said, Volkswagen has probably exploited another of those little gaps in the market, and though initial opinions seem varied, sales figures over the next few months will tell the real story. Pity VW forgot a service plan in the standard pricing…