New practical VW Polo Vivo launched in South Africa – Pricing and features

In response to the growing demand in the local city van segment, VW is reintroducing its popular Vivo Xpress, a small city van built for urban deliveries.

Designed to be a purpose-built solution for the local urban delivery market, VW’s affordable offering was initially introduced in 2016 but discontinued by 2018.

Now, however, thanks to the increased market demand for Light Duty Vehicles (LDVs), it is back ten years after its debut, with a price tag of R279,990.

“There has been a noticeable growing demand in the entry delivery vehicle segment in the South African market over the past few years,” the German automaker noted.

“In response, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is reintroducing the Vivo Xpress to capture this expanding market and will be the only locally built model to compete in the A0 City Van segment.”

Features

Up front, the new Vivo Xpress is essentially a standard Polo Vivo, the German brand’s most popular local offering, but instead of back seats, it features a storage bay similar to the Caddy panel van.

The Vivo Xpress features a secure enclosed loading and storage bay, which negates the need for a canopy, as well as multiple loading bays.

It offers customers the ability to load cargo through its side or rear doors, and allows for both small and larger cargo to be loaded.

VW claims its 490kg payload capacity makes the Xpress one of the best in this segment.

Safety options include Smash & Grab film or optional window guards to ensure cargo safety.

The Vivo Xpress is fitted with both App-Connect and Android Auto, allowing drivers to integrate their smartphones for easy access to navigation, music, and apps during deliveries.

Its 9-inch “Mirgor” radio display features AM/FM reception, Bluetooth, USB connectivity, and a built-in microphone for hands-free use.

Performance

The Vivo Xpress is fitted with the same 1.4-litre petrol motor found in Vivo Life models, capable of producing 63kW and 132Nm.

This power is distributed to its front wheels via its five-speed manual gearbox.

As a Vivo, it achieves the same fuel efficiency as its siblings, averaging 5.9 litres every 100km.

Pricing

Pricing for the Vivo Xpress in South Africa is as follows:

• VW Polo Vivo hatch 1.4 – R271,900
• VW Polo Vivo Xpress 1.4 – R279,990 (New)
• VW Polo Vivo hatch 1.4 Life – R294,300
• VW Polo Vivo hatch 1.4 Life Edition 15 – R302,800
• VW Polo Vivo hatch 1.6 Style – R324,400
• VW Polo Vivo hatch 1.6 Life – R326,600
• VW Polo Vivo hatch 1.6 Life Edition 15 – R335,100
• VW Polo Vivo hatch 1.0TSI GT – R363,100

The city van comes with a standard 3-year/ 120,000km warranty, an anti-corrosion warranty of 6 years, and customers also have the option to add VW’s Easy Drive Service and maintenance plans.