THE fifth generation VW Polo Vivo remains a mainstay in mzansi.
Having gone under the knife as part of facelift, the Vivo is still a popular choice amongst local car buyers, especially the younger market.
Had a privilege to fiddle with it and probe its popularity. Must say its worth owning one.
Some of facelift on the Vivo 77 KW Life Tiptronic includes the bumper’s grin that is enhanced with redesigned foglamp bezel housing daytime running lights and headlamps.
The Style variant has chrome strips highlighting the grille louvres and an updated Volkswagen emblem. It has updated split-spoke 16-inch wheels for the Style variant nestled in the sharply creased wheel arches along the side.
Round back, not much has changed except the badging arrangement. Replacement is the model sticker which aligns with other Volkswagen badge placement.
Driving from Jozi to the province of Platinum, has become a norm and, imagine how Vivo handled some of the off-road drama, amazing and stability.
Minimal space interior changes are also evident, considering it’s a practical 5-door hatchbacks.
Other features include rear electric windows, Auto Up and Down driver’s side windows, Automatic headlights and Automatic Air Conditioning, and floor mats (Yes, they are an optional extra.), so is the new seating upholstery.
It still uses one of Volkswagen’s D-shaped leather-wrapped steering wheels, which is great for the hands, especially in hot condition.
Part of the great new interior updates is the 9.0-inch Mirgor touchscreen infotainment system with native Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality across the the range and the system is accompanied by 6 speakers.
Boot space remains the same, from 280-952 litres, depended on your style.
Propelling the Polo Vivo Style is the trusty 1.6-litre non-turbo petrol engine churning out 77kW and 153Nm. Power is channelled to the front wheels.
Simply put- it does the job without seeking attention!
Standard Safety Equipment includes:
- Dual front airbags, side airbags included for Style and GT variants
- ABS
- Stability Control
- Traction Control
- Engine Drag Torque Control
The Vivo’s claimed fuel consumption is 6.2 L/100km, but I managed around 7.0 L /100km.
The Polo Vivo includes a 3-year /120 000km warranty, a 5-year /150 000km engine warranty, and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty.
The EasyDrive service and maintenance plans are optional, and several plans are available to suit your budget, needs, and driving distances.
Retailing prices:
| Volkswagen Polo Vivo hatch 1.4 55kW | from R266 600 |
| Volkswagen Polo Vivo hatch 1.4 Life 63kW | from R288 500 |
| Volkswagen Polo Vivo hatch 1.6 Style 77kW | from R318 000 |
| Volkswagen Polo Vivo hatch 1.6 Life Tiptronic 77kW | from R320 200 |
| Volkswagen Polo Vivo hatch 1.0TSI GT 81kW | from R356 000 |
Verdict
Performance 1-10 (6)
Fuel 1-10 (5)
Image supplied (The facelifted bumper of the Polo Vivo 77 kW Life Tiptronic).
