When it comes to affordable motoring that sacrifices nothing in comfort and luxury the VW Polo Vivo has been the gold standard. The ethos is simple, as the new Polo comes in, the model it replaces receives a budget-spec trim level, similar to the way the Citigolf was perpetuated for many, many generations. Since its inception in March 2010 the Vivo has gone on to sell 193,343 units. Now watch how quickly they’ll blast past 200,000 with this latest instalment.
So what is it exactly?
The new Polo Vivo then is essentially a Mk5 Polo (the outgoing model) with mildly tweaked head- and tail-lamps and grille. It comes just two months after the release of the sixth-gen MQB-platform Polo, making Volkswagen's small car offensive very aggressive. So let’s be clear, the new Polo is a premium B-Segment hatchback where the Vivo has the task of capturing the (A0) segment below. Where are the sacrifices then, you ask? Well the new Vivo still derives power from the naturally aspirated MPI 1.4 and 1.6 litre engines of ‘old Vivo’, save for the range-topping turbocharged 1.0l TSI GT. That means the Vivo retails competitively between R179,900 and R245,000 without posing a threat to the technologically-superior new Polo at R235,900 and R302,200.
The range explained
The Trendline base model comes standard with aircon, electronic windows upfront, a four-speaker audio system with Bluetooth and dual front airbags and ABS. The Comfortline trim comes in two flavours, a 1.4 Manual or 1.6 Tiptronic, and enjoys a multi-function steering wheel, height-adjustable seats and fog lamps. The Highline pack further adds a six-speaker touchscreen infotainment system, 16 inch alloy wheels, leather helm and stability control. Opt for the flagship GT with its 6-speed manual and you’ll receive cruise control plus a host of aesthetic enhancements such as stickered lettering, sportier seats and pedals and a rear spoiler so... vroom. Presumably to further fortify the sportier credentials of the 81kW/200Nm underfoot. Get yours today in a base red or white, a metallic silver, blue and grey or if you’re brave a pearlescent black.
We ask you
How about it? Is there still enough reason to buy the new Polo now that the Vivo, its cheaper sibling has gotten this good? Personally, if space wasn’t an issue we’d opt for the four-door UP instead.
Pricing:
| 1.4 55kW Trendline | R179,900.00 |
| 1.4 63kW Comfortline | R192,000.00 |
| 1.6 77kW Comfortline Tiptronic | R221,900.00 |
| 1.6 77kW Highline | R214,900.00 |
| 1.0 TSI 81kW GT | R245,000.00 |
*The Polo Vivo is sold with a 3-year or 120 000km warranty
*VW Automotion Maintenance Plan plus Service Plan are optional
*Service intervals are 15 000km
