Volkswagen Polo Vivo Hatch News Updates
- Volkswagen SA smashes monthly production record at Uitenhage plant!
- CAR magazine’s Top 12 Best Buys of 2019 revealed!

Volkswagen Group South Africa says it has registered a new record for the number of vehicles produced at its Uitenhage plant in a single month.
In October 2019, the factory churned out 16 453 units (comprising Polo and Polo Vivo hatchbacks), besting the previous record of 15 131 units set a decade ago (in October 2009).
By the end of October 2019, the plant’s year-to-date production figure stood at 140 482 units, with some 92 029 of those manufactured for export.
“It is proof of VW SA’s commitment to excellence that the plant was able to achieve this milestone,” said Thomas Schaefer, Volkswagen Group South Africa chairman and managing director.
“I am proud of each and every employee who contributed to making this new record a reality, and I am confident that together we can achieve many more milestones like this one – to the benefit of the economy of Nelson Mandela Bay.
“Our plant is on track to achieve its record production volume of 162 000 units by the end of the year,” he added.

CAR magazine’s distinguished annual Top 12 Best Buys were presented at a gala dinner in Johannesburg on Tuesday evening. Look out for our upcoming April 2019 issue for the full article and rationale behind each decision.
Top 12 Best Buys is our definitive guide to the very best cars in South Africa. As a reminder, here is our judging criteria:
Only vehicles that the majority of the eight-member CAR editorial team has driven: We factor in the findings of road tests and driving impressions we’ve published up until this March issue. Don’t see your favourite in the running? The CAR team might not have driven it yet, with a number of important vehicles (such as the new BMW 3 Series and the fresh Mercedes-Benz GLE) launching locally just too late to meet the deadline.
Ranges, not individual models: Except in the Budget and Performance Car segments, we consider an entire range, not merely one outstanding example. Also, remember that we measure cars against their direct rivals in their classes and then rule on their relative levels of excellence.
We consider all the facets: We look at package, personality, performance and, most importantly in the more value-led categories, price.
The bun fight … and then the vote: We set aside a day for the team to debate, argue and arm wrestle over the contestants. Then we draw up a list of six finalists per award and vote.
So, here are all the winners…
Budget car (under R170 000): Suzuki Swift 1,2 GA

2nd: Kia Picanto 1,0 Street
3rd: Suzuki Celerio 1,0 GA
Small car: Volkswagen Polo Vivo

2nd: Ford Fiesta
3rd: Volkswagen Polo
Midsize car: Volkswagen Golf

2nd: Audi A3
3rd: Toyota Corolla Quest
Premium midsize car: Audi A4

2nd: Mercedes-Benz C-Class
3rd: Volkswagen Arteon
Luxury car: Mercedes-Benz S-Class

2nd: BMW 5 Series
3rd: Porsche Panamera
Performance car: McLaren 720S

2nd: Ferrari 488 Spider
3rd: Porsche 718 Cayman GTS PDK
Small SUV/crossover: Renault Duster

2nd: Ford EcoSport
3rd: Honda BR-V
Midsize SUV/crossover: Volkswagen Tiguan

2nd: Kia Sportage
3rd: Mazda CX-5
Premium midsize SUV/crossover: Volvo XC60

2nd: BMW X3
3rd: Audi Q5
Large SUV/crossover: Kia Sorento

2nd: Ford Everest
3rd: Toyota Fortuner
Luxury SUV/crossover: Range Rover Sport

2nd: Volkswagen Touareg
3rd: BMW X5
Double-cab bakkie: Ford Ranger

2nd: Toyota Hilux
3rd: Volkswagen Amarok
Company of the year: BMW Group South Africa

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