The fresh-faced Volkswagen Polo Vivo has launched in South Africa, with the updated variant of the German marque’s SA-built, budget-based compact hatchback sporting an array of interior and exterior upgrades. Here’s what you can expect, including pricing and spec, of the revised local Polo Vivo range…
So, for starters, what changes have been made to VW’s best-selling small hatchback? Well, it is good to know that, although the exterior and interior have been handed a few enhancements, the updated Polo Vivo’s pricing has remained the same as the outgoing model’s.
How much does the updated Volkswagen Polo Vivo cost in South Africa?
Comprising five derivatives, the facelifted Polo Vivo is priced from R266 600 to R356 000. Included in the asking price is a three-year/120 000 km warranty, bolstered by a five-year/150 000 km engine warranty. Like before, a service plan does, however, remain optional.
- 1.4 55 kW MT — R266 600
- 1.4 Life 63 kW MT — R288 500
- 1.6 77 kW Life AT — R320 200
- 1.6 77 kW Style MT — R318 000
- 1.0TSI 81 kW GT MT — R356 000
Updated Volkswagen Polo Vivo engines
Locally, the updated Polo Vivo can be had with the choice of three engine options, a 1.4-litre, four-cylinder, naturally aspirated turbo-petrol unit, available in two states of tune (55 kW/130 N.m and 63 kW/132 N.m); a 1.6-litre atmospheric four-pot producing 77 kW and 153 N.m, and a 1.0-litre turbo-triple churning out 81 kW and 200 N.m of torque.
The 1.4-litre engine is exclusively available with a five-speed manual gearbox. The 1.6-litre powertrain, however, is available with either a manual shifter with the same number of cogs as the latter variant or a six-speed self-shifter, making it the only automatic option in the line-up. The flagship, 1.0 TSI derivative, which is endowed with 81 kW, is only available with a six-speed manual ‘box.
Updated Volkswagen Polo specifications
As standard, entry-level, ‘Vivo’ level of specification includes items such as a multi-function steering wheel, a 9.0-inch infotainment display with App Connect and Bluetooth, ‘Iceberg’ cloth upholstery, and 15-inch ‘Tosa’ alloy wheels. Life trim grade upgrades to ‘Halftone’ cloth trim, gains lighting for the luggage compartment, and sits on 15-inch ‘Ubomi’ alloys. Style spec includes ‘Quad’ cloth trim, sports pews for the front occupants, a multi-function display, and a six-speaker audio system. The range-topping, GT variant gains 17-inch ‘Mirabeau’ wheels, a black roof and mirror caps, and “GT” badging, among other items.