We cannot deny the facts, the VW Polo Vivo is the best-selling passenger car in South Africa, and since March 2010, VW has sold 193 343 units of the baby VW. A large part of this staggering number is that nearly 76% of Polo Vivo parts are sourced from local suppliers. This ensures that parts remain affordable and contribute to the overall low cost of ownership and applies to both the outgoing and incoming models.
So what has 2018 and the updated Polo Vivo brought us? Well first, it is only available in a hatch version, VW has dropped the sedan. Essentially, VW has taken the 5th generation Polo and rebranded it as the Polo Vivo. The Vivo inherits the updated infotainment system and TSI engine now available with a manual transmission.
From the exterior, the designers have tweaked the Polo Vivo with a sharper front and rear bumper, but to the untrained eye, it will just look like the previous generation Polo.
The interior has been updated with a new centre console and instrument cluster, but the obvious change is the updated 3-spoke steering wheel, but again, to the none-enthusiasts, it might be difficult to notice the changes.
Ultimately, VW has filled the void left by the updated generation Polo with the older generation Polo just renamed the Polo Vivo. The other thing that has updated on this car is the price.
Prices (VAT and emissions tax included)
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
Also worth a look: the Volkswagen Golf and the Volkswagen Touareg.
FAQ
Q: What does the VW Polo Vivo cost in South Africa?
The VW Polo Vivo starts at R179,900 for the 1.4 55kW Trendline and goes up to R221,900 for the 1.6 77kW Comfortline Tiptronic, making it one of the most affordable entry-level cars in SA.
Q: Is the VW Polo Vivo worth buying?
Absolutely, the Polo Vivo offers excellent value with 76% locally sourced parts keeping maintenance costs low, plus it's proven its reliability with over 193,000 units sold since 2010.
Q: What engine options are available in the Polo Vivo?
You get three engine choices: a 1.4-litre 55kW, a 1.4-litre 63kW, and a 1.6-litre 77kW unit, with the 1.6 available with either manual or Tiptronic automatic transmission.
Q: Why is the Polo Vivo so popular in South Africa?
It's the perfect storm of affordability, reliability, and low running costs thanks to locally sourced parts, plus VW's solid build quality makes it ideal for SA conditions.
Q: What's the difference between the old and new Polo Vivo?
The 2018 model gets sharper bumpers, an updated interior with new centre console and 3-spoke steering wheel, plus the latest infotainment system, but it's essentially the 5th generation Polo rebranded.
Should You Buy It?
Yes, the VW Polo Vivo is absolutely worth buying if you want the best budget hatch under R225,000 in South Africa. With prices starting at R179,900, you're getting proven German engineering with the bonus of affordable local parts and service. The fact that VW has sold over 193,000 units speaks volumes about its reliability and appeal to SA buyers. While it might not be the most exciting drive on the block, it's the sensible choice that won't leave you stranded or broke, and that's exactly what most South Africans need in an entry-level car.
