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Saturday / 9 November 2024
HomeFeaturesVW’s cheapest car in South Africa just got a big update – This is what it’s like to drive

VW’s cheapest car in South Africa just got a big update – This is what it’s like to drive

VW has officially ushered in the updated Polo Vivo, making several improvements to the already popular hatchback.

The company recently held a launch event for the new Vivo at its home in Kariega (formerly Uitenhage), where we were given the opportunity to experience the car on a drive around the Eastern Cape.

Something old, something new

There are few cars that South Africans are more familiar with than the Polo Vivo, as it has consistently been one of the country’s most popular passenger vehicles since its debut back in 2010.

The beauty of the Vivo lies in its relative simplicity, as it serves as a back-to-basics starter hatchback for Volkswagen’s varied selection of vehicles in South Africa.

The launch entailed a drive from the carmaker’s factory in Kariega all the way to Jeffrey’s Bay before turning around and heading back to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth).

I was handed the keys to a bright red entry-level model, which is now simply called the Vivo with no additional qualifier.

The trim levels in the line-up have been renamed with this update, as the Trendline name has been dropped while the Comfortline and Highline are now called the Life and Style, respectively.

However, fans will be happy to know that the range-topping model still bears its GT credentials.

Since it is a facelift and not a new generation, the VW’s engine options are also the same as before.

The base Vivo is fitted with a 1.4-litre,  naturally-aspirated petrol engine which produces 55kW and 130Nm.

Admittedly, 55kW is not a lot of power to work with, but the Polo’s small stature means it still delivers a spirited performance.

The steering is appreciably light and sharp, and the hatch handles itself in the corners quite nicely thanks to the inclusion of electronic stability control (ESC) across all derivatives.

The star of the package has to be the smooth clutch and five-speed manual transmission, which allows for snappy gear changes.

Out on the open road, you will usually need to shift down and plan your overtakes, but the responsive gearbox makes this process much easier.

VW Polo Vivo GT with its U-shaped DRLs

Of course, all of this is true of the pre-facelifted models, but there are some cool new additions to the Vivo that make the latest version well worth your time.

Naturally, the hatch retains its recognizable silhouette, but a lot of work has been put into the new front bumper to make the car look more muscular and aggressive similar to the Polo GTI.

At the same time, the automaker has not simply copied the design, as the lower bumper has these new black “boomerang” inserts around the fog lights – a visual trait that will henceforth be unique to the Vivo.

Depending on the trim level, you’ll also see alloy wheel designs ranging from 15 to 17 inches in size, U-shaped daytime running lights, and new headlights with a more square shape intended to look more modern than the older circular ones.

At the back, there’s a revised radio aerial, and the tailgate now displays large Vivo lettering that’s meticulously engineered to not reflect light in such a way that you can’t read the badge.

As for the interior, there are new seats with one of four different colour patterns, depending on which Vivo you go for.

Safety improvements were a big focus for this update, which is reflected in the fact that the Style and GT’s front seats now come with front-side airbags that shield the entire side of a person’s body similar to the curtain airbags seen on larger vehicles.

My favourite addition to the Polo, however, has to be the new 9-inch infotainment screen dominating the centre console.

The screen is responsive and intuitive to use, and VW has gone the extra mile by creating unique graphics for the user interface rather than lifting the system out of one of its other cars.

You can drag and drop icons to re-arrange them to your liking, as well as easily check the vehicle’s health status by tapping the relevant shortcut.

Connecting to Bluetooth is super quick, and there is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, letting you pull up your navigation and music apps.

Adding to this is the fact that even the base model Vivo now has a multifunction steering wheel, including a button for voice commands to quickly search for a song or input a destination without physical interaction.

Unfortunately, the smartphone-pairing functions do require a wired connection, which highlights that there isn’t a lot of storage space for loose items.

Having said that, the hatch’s options aren’t bad for a small car, as the door bins can comfortably take a water bottle and there are two large cupholders below the touchscreen.

There’s also a cubbyhole behind the cupholders, which is where you’ll store your phone as this is where the USB port for the infotainment system is located, but it can be a little tricky to reach any items you place here if there are any drinks in the cupholders obstructing access.

You still have physical knobs for the air conditioning, but the large touchscreen has done away with the volume switches, so you’ll either need to use the steering wheel or drag a volume slider on the display.

Final thoughts

Volkswagen has taken a smart approach to the Polo Vivo for the latest update by focusing on improving the hatchback’s safety and equipment offerings – the two things most relevant to its target audience.

The Vivo is likely to be the first car that many South Africans will experience, and so young drivers and their parents will be happy with the inclusion of things like front seatbelt detection, front-side airbags, and ESC.

At the same time, young adults are exactly the demographic that will appreciate the new touchscreen with its sleek user-friendly design and smartphone connectivity, which helps to keep the Vivo fresh for modern buyers.

The best part about all of this is the fact that the update has not increased the price tag on any of the Vivo models, which still start at R266,600.

It means you are strictly getting more bang for your buck than before, and it reflects a conscious effort on the manufacturer’s part to help cash-strapped South Africans during these difficult financial times.

All in all, the VW Polo Vivo is as enjoyable as ever, and it’s definitely one that should be on your shortlist when deciding on a budget-conscious model for you or your family.


2024 VW Polo Vivo


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