Now that the sixth-generation Volkswagen Polo has settled into the South African market, the local arm of the Wolfsburg-based automaker has launched its new Polo Vivo range. And we have pricing and specifications.
Based on the fifth-generation Polo hatchback, the new, SA-built Polo Vivo line-up is priced from R179 900 through to R245 000 (the old hatch range, for the record, ran from R175 800 to R209 500, while the new Polo starts at R235 900 and runs through to R302 200 … before the arrival of the new Polo GTI, anyway).
At launch, the hatchback range will comprise six models (down from the nine in the outgoing line-up), four engine options and three transmission variants, in Trendline, Comfortline and Highline spec, plus Maxx and the top-spec GT.
The entry-level 1,4 Trendline employs a naturally aspirated, four-cylinder petrol engine essentially carried over from the outgoing range, sending 55 kW and 130 N.m (the latter down two units) to the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox. This base derivative sips at a claimed 5,7 L/100 km, runs on 14-inch steel wheels (with a full-size spare) and features a four-speaker audio system (with Bluetooth and USB), black side-mirrors and black exterior door handles.
Next up is the 1,4 Comfortline (look out for a scoop road test in the March 2018 issue of CAR magazine), which uses the 63 kW/132 N.m version of the same petrol-flavoured four-pot linked to the same five-speed manual. Claimed fuel consumption comes in at 5,9 L/100 km. This trim level adds items such as front foglamps, colour-coded side mirrors and exterior door handles, a multifunction steering wheel and a height-adjustable driver’s seat (with different cloth trim).
The 1,6 Comfortline Tiptronic, meanwhile, mates the 77 kW/153 N.m (the latter down two units) 1 598 cc mill with a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, returning a claimed 6,1 L/100 km. This model gains electronic stability control and a tyre pressure monitor.
The 1,6 Highline uses the same engine but mated to the five-speed manual gearbox (resulting in average fuel use of 6,2 L/100 km), with the higher specification level adding 16-inch alloys, a “temporary use” steel spare wheel, a six-speaker audio system, a three-spoke leather steering wheel, a multi-function display and different cloth seat trim.
Next comes the 1,6 Maxx, employing the same powertrain, but with a raised suspension (by 15 mm), 17-inch alloys, aluminium-effect side-mirror caps, roof rails, a colour-painted upper centre console, sports pedals, a special carpet set, sports front seats (with model-specific cloth trim), “Maxx” decals and a chrome-trimmed exhaust outlet.
Lastly, the range-topping 1,0 TSI GT model uses the three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine from the fifth-generation Polo range, sending 81 kW and 200 N.m to the front axle via a six-speed manual ‘box. Claimed combined fuel consumption is 4,6 L/100 km, while model-specific additions include a lowered suspension, unique 17-inch alloys, anthracite sun-visors and headlining, cruise control, yet another cloth seat design, a rear spoiler, a smattering of “GT” badges (and decals along the flanks) and black side-skirts. Be sure to read our first drive here.
Safety features standard across the range include ABS (all models feature discs up front and drums at the rear), driver and front passenger airbags, Isofix child-seat anchors, an alarm with central locking and an immobiliser.
Other things to note include the fact that all models make do with manually adjustable side-mirrors, while electric windows are offered up front only. Leather seats are available as an option on all but the base model, while six exterior colours (Pure White, Flash Red, Deep Black Pearlescent, Reflex Silver Metallic, Reef Blue Metallic and Limestone Grey Metallic) will be offered. The standard warranty covers three years or 120 000 km while service and maintenance plans are available as options.
Pricing:
Volkswagen Polo Vivo 1,4 Trendline: R179 900
Volkswagen Polo Vivo 1,4 Comfortline: R192 000
Volkswagen Polo Vivo 1,6 Comfortline Tiptronic: R221 900
Volkswagen Polo Vivo 1,6 Highline: R214 900
Volkswagen Polo Vivo 1,6 Maxx: R230 200 (pricing for this derivative to be confirmed)
Volkswagen Polo Vivo 1,0 TSI GT: R245 000
