PoloDriver

Volkswagen South Africa has announced a refreshed version of its best-selling Polo Vivo range. The entry-level Volkswagen now features revised styling as well as new equipment. Four trim levels are now available: Conceptline, Blueline, Trendline and Confortline. GT and Maxx variants of the hatchback will join the revised family later.

Just as with the revised version of the Polo 6R, the enhanced Polo Vivo has a tweaked face. The chrome-trimmed grille now sees the lower strip continue into new headlights to bring into line with newer Volkswagens, while the lower bumper is similar to the outgoing Polo 6R.

A lower bumper chrome insert is available on higher-spec Trendline and Comfortline models. Body-coloured door handles and mirrors are a feature of these versions, too, as well as the performance-orientated GT.

Moving inside, Conceptline, Trendline and Comfortline models boast new interior trims, while Trendline, Comfortline, GT and Maxx derivatives are all now equipped with a height-adjustable driver’s seat. Red and white illumination is now standard for the instrument displays.

Trendline models receive a four-speaker audio system (optional on Conceptline and Blueline cars) with radio/CD/MP3/Bluetooth/USB capability, while GT and Maxx drivers can enjoy an enhanced soundscape with a further two speakers.

The Polo Vivo’s safety and security kit rosta has also been improved. ABS, an alarm, remote central locking are standard on all versions, while Comfortline models and above receive front fog lamps. Speed-sensitive power steering is fitted on all variants, as is air-conditioning.

Conceptline models receive ‘Afrika’ seat trim and 14” wheel trims. Blueline cars get ‘Lakeside’ 15-inch alloy wheels with low rolling resistance tyres, a tailgate spoiler and lowered suspension. Trendline models feature lower bumper chrome inserts, front electric windows as well as ‘Portland’ 14-inch alloys.

Comfortline cars boast ‘Sinalma’ 15-inch alloy wheels and front fog lights. Sporty GT variants add ‘Rocket’ seat trim, a three-spoke leather steering wheel, ‘Cordoba’ 15-inch alloy wheels, a tailgate spoiler and sports suspension. The CrossPolo-style Maxx version is equipped with ‘Budapest’ 17-inch alloy wheels, aluminium roof rails and raised suspension.Cruise control is optional on all new Polo Vivos.

In opposition to the revised Polo 6R, the one thing which hasn’t changed on the refreshed Polo Vivo is the engine range. The 55kW (74bhp) and 63kW (84bhp) 1.4-litre, and the 1.6-litre 77kW (103bhp) petrol engines all remain. As before, five-speed manual gearbox is standard, while a tiptronic automatic unit is available on selected models.

Over 149,500 Polo Vivos have been sold in South Africa since the car was introduced back in March 2010. Based on the facelifted Mk 4 Polo introduced in 2005, both hatchback and saloon (sedan) versions are available. The Polo Vivo is built locally at Volkswagen South Africa’s Uitenhage factory and is the country’s best-selling passenger car over the past four years.

2014 VOLKSWAGEN POLO VIVO PRICES
Hatchback
1.4 55kW Conceptline: R142,700
1.4 55kW Blueline: R148,000
1.4 63kW Trendline: R157,500
1.4 63kW Trendline Tiptronic: R172,800
1.6 77kW Trendline: R171,500

1.6 77kW Comfortline: R177,200
1.6 77kW GT: R177,200
1.6 77kW Maxx: R180,900

Sedan
1.4 55kW Conceptline: R148,700
1.4 55kW Blueline: R154,000
1.4 63kW Trendline: R163,500
1.4 63kW Trendline Tiptronic: R178,800
1.6 77kW Trendline: R169,300
1.6 77kW Comfortline: R177,500

A three-year or 120,000km warranty is included with a five-year or 60,000km maintenance or service plan optional at extra cost.