Introducing ‘Mswenko’, the Volkswagens special edition Polo Vivo
There is no doubt that the Polo Vivo is the bestselling car in South Africa, selling around 261 285 units since its introduction in 2010. If you ever stuck in traffic, you would notice that every second to third car is a Polo Vivo. One of the things that make the Polo Vivo is its reliability and quality.
The Polo Vivo will however be getting an exciting new and stylish special edition. Introducing the Polo Vivo Mswenko (pronounced m-swe-nkoh) which is the isiZulu slag word for ‘swag’.
Mike Glendinning, Sales and Marketing Director for Volkswagen Group South Africa says that the Polo Vivo Mswenko, which was based on the 1.4 63kW Comfortline manual, is a fashion-inspired derivative which will feature unique styling details and serves to appeal to customers that are dynamic and young at heart.
The question that pops up first in your mind is, what does it mean to have swag. Well, swag in essence is an expression of attitude and confidence. It is the way you carry yourself, for one to have swag with they must have both self-confidence and style. This is what ‘Mswenko’ represents, a word that is only found in South Africa.
On the exterior of the Polo Vivo Mswenko is the instant recognizable Mswenko side labeling. Other features include a chrome tip exhaust, 16-inch Portago alloy wheels in Anthracite, a black painted roof as well as privacy glass and mirror covers which are available in two colour choices. The Polo Vivo Mswenko will only be available in exterior colours such as Pure White, Reflex Silver, Limestone Grey, and Reef Blue.
In the interior, the Polo Vivo Mswenko will feature some unique characteristics as it comes standard with new Ocean Blue seats, an Anthracite headliner, silver dashboard inserts, App-Connect, six speakers, and a leather package; which includes a leather multi-function steering wheel, gearshift lever, and gear knob.
The Polo Vivo Mswenko will be available from October 2020 at all Volkswagen dealerships.
Pricing
Polo Vivo Mswenko 1.4 63kW Comfortline R246 900
The Polo Vivo Mswenko will come standard with a 3 year/120 000km warranty and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty.
Also worth a look: the Volkswagen Golf and the Volkswagen Touareg.
FAQ
Q: What does the Volkswagen Polo Vivo Mswenko cost in South Africa?
The Polo Vivo Mswenko is based on the 1.4 63kW Comfortline manual which typically retails for around R280,000 to R290,000, but expect to pay a premium of R15,000 to R20,000 for the special edition features like the 16-inch Portago alloys, chrome exhaust tip, and unique Ocean Blue interior.
Q: Is the Polo Vivo Mswenko worth buying over the regular Polo Vivo?
If you're after some extra style points and don't mind paying a bit more for exclusivity, the Mswenko's unique touches like the anthracite alloys, black roof, and special interior make it a solid choice for younger buyers who want their Polo to stand out from the crowd.
Q: What makes the Polo Vivo Mswenko different from other Polo Vivo models?
The Mswenko gets exclusive 16-inch Portago alloy wheels in anthracite, distinctive side labelling, a black painted roof, chrome exhaust tip, privacy glass, Ocean Blue seats, and special mirror covers, plus it's only available in four specific colours: Pure White, Reflex Silver, Limestone Grey, and Reef Blue.
Q: What does Mswenko mean and why did Volkswagen choose this name?
Mswenko is isiZulu slang for 'swag', representing attitude and confidence, and Volkswagen chose this uniquely South African term to appeal to dynamic, young-at-heart customers who want their car to reflect their personal style.
Should You Buy It?
The Polo Vivo Mswenko is definitely worth considering if you want the best-selling hatchback in South Africa with some extra personality. At an estimated R305,000 to R310,000, it's a fair premium over the standard Comfortline for what you get: proper alloy wheels, a sportier look with that black roof, and an interior that actually feels special with those Ocean Blue seats. The Polo Vivo's proven reliability and excellent resale value make this special edition a smart buy for young professionals or anyone who wants their daily driver to have a bit more swag than the usual white Polo Vivo taxi. Yes, you should buy it, especially if you can negotiate closer to R300,000.
