MOTORING NEWS - As the only locally built model in the competitive A0 segment, the Polo Vivo remains the leader in the entry-level hatch segment.
With the latest offering, the model is set to remain at the top of the log in this segment.
Volkswagen SA attributes the market's loyalty to affordability, build quality, safety, space and comfort.
Polo Vivo also has the best residual value in its segment in the used car market, while the cost of ownership over a 3-year cycle makes it one of the most affordable cars to own.
Nearly 76% of parts are sourced from local suppliers which ensures that parts remain affordable and contributes to the low cost of ownership.
VIVO
"Vivo" means "lively" or "brisk", so it is no surprise the new Polo Vivo is offered in a wide-awake hatch body version, based on the fifth generation Polo which has been enhanced.
Driver assistance and infotainment systems as well as the new TSI engine are all now combined with a 6-speed manual transmission.
Visually, the new Polo Vivo has a sharper front and rear design with fresh colours, new interior materials and new specifications.
The model range comprises three equipment lines, Trendline, Comfortline and Highline.
The hatch body version is also available in a top-of-the-range GT derivative, which is the version shown on our cover.
The exterior mirrors and door handles of the Comfortline and GT derivatives are offered in stylish body colour.
The Trendline, Comfortline and Highline have new interior trims for nicer ambience and feel in the cabin.
Comfortline, Highline and GT derivatives now all have a height adjustable driver seat, which makes it easy to set one's ideal driving position without fuss.
For in-car entertainment, customers have an option of Radio 140G SD/USB/Bluetooth with four speakers (standard on Trendline and Comfortline).
Highline and GT get two extra speakers for sound enhancement as well as a colour touchscreen Radio 340G which includes App-Connect.
Active and passive standard safety features have been enhanced in the new Polo.
ABS, alarm and remote central locking are standard features across the range. Front fog lights are a standard feature in Comfortline, Highline and GT derivatives.
The Volkswagen Polo Vivo has generous boot space. For the hatch body version, the volume of 280 litres can increase to 952 litres with the seats folded down.
The interior of the GT model has touches of red in the cabin design.
DOLCE VITA
The sophisticated design of the Polo Vivo with its clean lines is precise and sharp. The new Polo Vivo is 3 972mm long, 1 682mm wide and 1 462mm high.
The front-end design has a more three-dimensional and sporty look due to a redesigned bumper and larger, lower air intake.
In the rear bumper area, the car's width is emphasised by styling cues, including a cleaner horizontal layout and a wider cut-out for the licence plate.
The trapezoidal outer contour of this area extends towards the rear wheels, which creates a more dynamic design tension.
The rear reflectors, now embedded in the bumper, also support the visual impression of greater width and the rear lights are also new in design.
From the side, the new Polo Vivo can be differentiated by its smart new alloy wheels.
The wheel line-up consists of the standard steel wheels for the Polo Trendline and Comfortline (14") and optional 15" alloy wheel or 16" for the Polo Highline.
The 17" alloy wheel comes standard on the to-of-the-range GT model.
The Vivo is available in the following body colours: Flash Red, Pure White, Reflex Silver, Reef Blue, Limestone Grey and Pearlescent Deep Black .
New layout of instruments and centre console made it possible to introduce ergonomic and visual improvements.
A three-spoke steering wheel and new instrument cluster look catches the eye, while instruments are familiar to the Volkswagen driver.
The infotainment system is found in the centre console, which is ideally positioned with a "modular infotainment system" (MIB) radio system.
The steering wheel and drivers' controls are familiar territory for the Volkswagen driver.
VIVACE
Lively modern engines will mean driving enjoyment and fuel efficiency, as Autodealer's launch drive between Port Elizabeth and Plettenberg Bay demonstrated.
We managed to get into two of the three options of the four-cylinder petrol engines, the 1,4 and the three-cylinder TSI engine.
The power output of the four-cylinder engines range from 55kW to 77kW. Both cars came with 5-speed manual transmissions, while we look forward to driving the top of the range GT with the 1,0 TSI, 81kW engine in 6-speed manual.
During the drive, the 1,4 delivering 55kW on the Trendline variant proved impressive and, oddly enough, seemed a bit livelier than the higher promise of the Comfortline with its 77kW.
The entry-level engine delivers 55kW power output available at 4 800rpm.
This engine has ample power and torque for dynamic and everyday driving.
From 3 750rpm, the engine peaks at 130Nm. In addition to its lively performance, the 1,4-litre engine has impressive published fuel consumption of 5,7 litres per 100km.
The Comfortline has a 1,4 and 63kW engine with 132Nm of torque available at 3 750rpm promising an average fuel consumption of 5,9 litres per 100km.
In the Comfortline Tiptronic and Highline versions, 77kW is delivered by a 1,6-litre engine with a 6-speed manual as well as automatic (Tiptronic) transmission.
With 153Nm of torque at 3 800rpm, this engine promises lively performance. It only takes 10,8 seconds to reach 100km and has top speed of 188km. On average, it has a published combined fuel consumption of 6,2 (6,1 for Tiptronic) litres per 100km.
DETAILS
The standard and optional features are extensive with some variations possible across the different specification lines.
Prices include VAT and emissions tax, and are as follows: 1,4 55kW Trendline - R179 900; 1,4 63kW Comfortline - R192 000; 1,6 77kW Comfortline Tiptronic - R221 900; 1,6 77kW Highline - R214 900; 1,0 TSI 81kW GT - R245 000.
The Volkswagen Polo Vivo Hatch comes standard with a three year or 120 000km warranty and a six year anti-corrosion warranty.
A Volkswagen Automotion Maintenance Plan as well as a Volkswagen Automotion Service Plan are available as options.
Service intervals are every 15 000km.
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