VW POLO VIVO REPLACES CITI GOLF

Volkswagen South Africa has finally replaced the CitiGolf, almost 26 years after it came into existence. And the replacement is all too familiar with us. It’s actually the previous-generation Polo range, now rebadged the Polo Vivo and manufactured in Mzansi with 70% of parts provided by local suppliers.

Just as VW SA did all those years ago when the Golf 2 came into the scene and became too expensive to be an entry-level car for the masses, the company has now retained its popular old Polo as the entry-model.

Unlike its Citi “parent”, the Polo Vivo seems to be packed with lots of lovely standard features and will give its rivals a run for their money. Competitors of course include the Renault Sandero - incidentally the only other rival produced in Mzansi.

Three body types are available for sale. A 2-door hatch, a 5-door hatch and a 4-door sedan. Engines start from a 1.4-litre with 55kW at 5000rpm and 132Nm at 3600rpm, then another 1.4-litre with 63kW at 5000rpm and 132Nm at 3600rpm. A larger 1.6-litre delivers 77kW at 5250rpm and 155Nm at 3500rpm. VW says the 1.4 will average 6.3 litres per 100km of fuel and the 1.6 6.6 litres per 100km.

Whereas the engines aren’t much to sing home about, the standard features and options are a marvel. At entry in the interior we get things like a three-spoke steering wheel, cup holders, a soft-touch dashboard, power steering, adjustable steering wheel, tinted windows, two front airbags and an immobilizer among others. Options include USB connectivity, Bluetooth, air conditioning and a CD player.

Standard wheels are 5 J x 14 inch steel wheels with 175/65 R14 tyres and centre cap wheel covers in the 2-door while the 1.6 has 14 inch ‘Portland ’ Alloy Wheels and 185/60 R 14 tyres.

There are six colours available (not just red, yellow and blue) including things like Candy White, Silver Leaf, Sunrise Red and Sea Blue.

The Volkswagen Polo Vivo comes standard with a 3 year/120 000km warranty and a 6 year Anti Corrosion warranty.

A 5 year/ 60 000km Volkswagen Automotion Maintenance Plan as well as a 5 year/ 60 000 km Service Plan are available as options.

Pricing is quite key in the entry-level market and that the public can still buy its beloved old Polo, albeit refreshed, as new will be a welcome development. While the top-of-the-range Polo Vivo hatch costs the same at the entry-level New Polo hatch, buyers should be able to decide on engine size and features which exactly suits their image and pockets.

Volkswagen Polo Vivo Pricing

1.4 55kW 2-Door (R101 500)

1.4 55kW (R109 900)

1.4 63kW Trendline (R119 900)

1.6 77kW (R136 900)

1.6 77kW Trendline (R144 900)

Sedan

1.4 55kW (R115 800)

1.4 63kW Trendline (R125 800)

1.6 77kW (R142 800)

1.6 77kW Trendline (R150 800)