The departure of the revered/despised/loved (take your pick) Citi Golf has left a huge hole in the entry level segment, a whole that Volkswagen South Africa has now plugged with the introduction of the Polo Vivo.
It’s a uniquely Volkswagen South Africa solution, the same way the Citi Golf was 25 years ago. Take a previous generation car, in this case the old Polo, on which all the bugs had been ironed out. Redesign the exterior, spruce up the interior and use your respected brand name, extensive dealer network and low cost of parts to ensure good residuals.
It sounds like a recipe for success. We drove the 1.4 litre Vivo at launch in the Eastern Cape and our early prediction is that this car is going to sell well. The design is modern VW, a lot like the new Polo in fact, but just a lot cheaper. In fact, it’s a lot cheaper than the previous generation Polo on which it’s based.
The first question that comes to mind is how the hell are VW selling a brand new Polo Vivo for less than they were selling the old Polo. Vivo pricing for the hatch starts at R101 500 for a two-door 55kW 1.4 litre without aircon, radio/CD or ABS and tops out at R144 900 for a 77kW 1.6 litre Trendline (with radio/CD and ABS). The sedan starts at R115 800 with the top-of-the range Trendline costing R150 800.
VW says the reason for this fancy pricing footwork is that 70% of all the Vivo parts are now manufactured locally, which means parts are cheaper and more easily available than what the case was with the old Polo. Some exterior and interior cost cutting is visible to the naked eye, but the overall impression remains one of solid build quality. All cars are fitted with power steering and dual airbags upfront. We would have liked to see ABS standard across the range. Instead it’s a R2000 option on the cheapest models.
Unlike the Citi Golf 25 years ago, the Vivo won’t have the entry level segment to itself. Possibly its biggest competitor, the Indian built Ford Figo, built on the previous generation Fiesta, launches in South Africa in July. Expect pricing to be super competitive and the car better specced than the VW. Add in the Renault Sandero, Hyundai i20, Suzuki Alto and Indian and Chinese entrants and you have a segment that’s going to be red hot this year.
We’re in the process of doing an in-depth evaluation of the Vivo, which you’ll be able to read more of in our May issue of Topcar, plus you’ll be able to see how it stacks up against the Ford Figo, which we’ve just driven in India.
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Best budget car in SA
Recently bought a 55kw, a really good, quality car. Who cares about Figo, Panda, Spark etc? GO VIVO!!!!!!!!!
Old and ugly
The VW Vivo are pre historic!
South african motorists
South African motorists are typical third world country. They buy old VWs polos launched in Europe tens years ago, Chinese cars and Tatas. They do not know nothing at all about cars. Take a look at Asia, Australia, New Zealand and Europe to know about cars!!!! They have cars, tehy do not have VWS!
O Yea?
In Australia the Golf is currently 3rd best selling car, In all of Europe combined Golf is 1 and Polo is 2. In China (the biggest market in Asia) there are 4 VW models in the top ten. And then there is NZ. With only 5,428 the market is rather insignificant compared to SA's 52,338. This info is available at bestsellingcarsblog.com. It seems that VW is quite big all over the world. No wonder they are currently 3rd biggest behind Toyota and GM and growing faster than both.
Have you ever stopped to
Have you ever stopped to think may be there's not as much money in a 3rd world country as a 1st. Besides, listen to yourself. We have chicks to put in our cars, you most probably behind your rusty old thing getting off on the exhaust pipe! Bam!
Ya right
Michael let it go. VW is the world's 3rd largest manufacturer. Not only South Africans buy them, SA is actually quite a small market compared to the rest of the world. To outsell Ford, Hyundai, Renault, Nissan and some other manufacturers of quality cars you have to do something right. This personal vendetta you have against VW is getting boring now. You made your point months ago, we all know that you have this irrational hate for the brand and no logic will persuade you.
VIVO NOT SO GREAT
On the fitst day i drove my car out of the dealership i had a problem with the steering pulling to the left. This car gave me a headace since i bought it and so did the dealer Rustenburg Express Motors give the worst service ever i wil NEVER buy a car there in my life not again!!!! There is no one to speak to and if you leave a message your call does not get returned!! I am returning my car and will demand a new one or i want my money back!!! Dont let people walk over you!! If you pay for a brand new car make sure that is what you get!!!
im inluv with it
i bought polo vivo 2 months back an am luving every moment of it..
vw
for me this one looks good. my dad thinking for the best gift on my birthday and i was planning to request this one. its really cool i think the parts of this specially the brake rotors is great too.
Polo, old and ugly. OUTFASHION
Old and ugly! There are better and cheaper alternatives like the Spark, Alto, Figo, panda, 107, C1, Aygo, Yaris...
polo
probably one of hte vintage looking car that I really adore.. I think it is overpriced but for an vintage enthusiast like me,price is not an issue.. too bad it is only available in two colrs in my area
Similar to the looks of the
Similar to the looks of the Fiat Uno. I'm not sure if this kind of vehicle would be a good fit for everyone. But I guess if you would pay attention to every details of it, then for sure things would have been good.
Ugly old Polo Vivo
Explain me how can an ancient ugly and boxy car like this be the best seller in a country like South Africa?? This old car is in fact a oldfashion VW polo producsed in Germany by VW from 2001 to 2008 with few success. Are the S.A. motorist so blind that they buy things likhe these??? Oh, please!!!!
South African motorists
South African motorists aren't snobs! That's why we buy cars like the Polo Vivo. It's a dependible, no-nonsense car that transports us from A to B! This is the future! Deal with it!
This is a great vehicle to
This is a great vehicle to say the least. Experienced it with some friends and I must say, it was a good thing to have! I just hope that things shall be well in the future in this one.
Looks good to say the least.
Looks good to say the least. I just hope that it would be really good in the long run. I also expect that something good will go in this vehicle to be a good one. I hope all is well with this vehicle today.
vintage
old.. vintage.. and over priced!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Old Polo was an ugly box in Europe
The polo called vivo in S.A. was a flop in Europe when sold between 2001 and 2008. The car was pointed as ugly boxy style and was known of female teachers and nurses mean of transportation. The only country where it was in the top 10 sales was in Germany.
You are obviously a polo fan
You are obviously a polo fan and Polo is obviously a good affordable car. I wouldn't think twice about getting one, Volkswagen is after all one of the best car brands for this category. Needless to say you got me convinced one the new Polo, I hope it's brake rotors are solid enough, it maters for the unfriendly reliefs just like the area where I live.
expensive
I am not a fan of volkswagen.. expensive and not reliable!!!!
Crappy Vivo
I bought my VW polo Vivo in June and 4 months down the line I had returned it to the Dealer ( Palm Motors in White River) 4 timesfor different mechanical faults. First it was the heating system which was just not functional when the car was not delivered to me, a month after it gave me issues with its tensioner, it was vibrating and it started producing some knocking sound. A week later the car produced some clear smoke from its bonet and one air-con pipe had burst, I returned it to the dealer for repaires, but instead of replacing the pipe they tried fixing it and two weeks down the line the same pipe burst again. It also gave me a problem with lose battery terminals and couldnt start. I have had a nightmare with the Vivo.
To make it worse the dealer doesnt even care. I think the VW Polo VIVO is just a sub-standard quality car.
VIVO FROM HELL
I bought a polo vivo on the 16 th july 2010.
Driving out the dealer i heard some knocking sound coming from the right rear hand side uopn leaving the dealership, i returned it to the dealer Southey Street Motors in Kimberley the same day and the sales person said there is nothing I can do you have to make an appointment with the workshop, the vehicle had just driven out the dealership.
The vehicle had been in and out of the dealer from July to December about 14 times, when they said it is some spot welding that was missed, i was told to bring it back in January 2011 for them to book it in at a panel beater Techni colour in Bloemfontein, the vehicle was there till March, I received the the vehicle back and its was still there, I insisted the manager drive with me and identify the sound, he confirmed its there.
I took the matter up with VWSA consultant Shervon, she could not help this was her response " im sorry sir you will have to wait for the production manager to look at the vehicle in May, "
To date I still have not heared anything, polo vivo still knocks all the way.
Think carefully before you buy one,
Crappy Vivo
I bought my VW polo Vivo in June and 4 months down the line I had returned it to the Dealer ( Palm Motors in White River) 4 timesfor different mechanical faults. First it was the heating system which was just not functional when the car was not delivered to me, a month after it gave me issues with its tensioner, it was vibrating and it started producing some knocking sound. A week later the car produced some clear smoke fro its bonet and one air-con pipe had burst, I returned it to the dealer for repaires, but instead of replacing the pipe they tried fixing it and two weeks down the line the same pipe burst again. It also gave me a problem with lose battery terminals and couldnt start. I have had a nightmare with the Vivo.
To make it worse the dealer doesnt even care. I think the VW Polo VIVO is just a sub-standard quality car.
Crappy Vivo
I bought my VW polo Vivo in June 2010 and 4 months down the line I had returned it to the Dealer ( Palm Motors in White River) 4 times for different mechanical faults. First it was the heating system which was just not functional when the car was not delivered to me, a month after it gave me issues with its tensioner, it was vibrating and it started producing some knocking sound. A week later the car produced some clear smoke fro its bonet and one air-con pipe had burst, I returned it to the dealer for repaires, but instead of replacing the pipe they tried fixing it and two weeks down the line the same pipe burst again. It also gave me a problem with lose battery terminals and couldnt start. I have had a nightmare with the Vivo.
To make it worse the dealer doesnt even care. I think the VW Polo VIVO is just a sub-standard quality car.
Although its a good car I
Although its a good car I dont really like it for my new car. Im planning to buy a new one becuase I'm having a major problem with my car transmission. It's really getting on my nerves.
Yaris more reliable
Yaris far better than Vivo, quite more reliable.
Go for teh Yaris
Lethu go for the Toyota Yaris it´s far superior in all terms. It´s more modern, better equiped and better build, more comfortable and ives more plesure to drive.
VIVA VIVO
Im currently driving a 1999 POLO Classic that was bought for me by my parents 6 years ago and im working now and i dont wanna lie the VIVO is on my mind ryt now... but im caught between the two cars (VIVO and Yaris hatch) what d u guys think?
VIVO my friend
VIVO my friend
I love Vivo
i'm waiting for my 2 door Polo Vivo as a first time buyer, i'm so excited !
Got it... Love it
Got my Vivo 1.4 trend 2 days ago, i am impressesed, Been a polo driver for the past 6 years, Vivo is fuel economical and i love the face, opted for the new polo but hate the back design. Radio with bluetooth is a classic , can clearly play tunes of my cell, and make calls. basically i feel very satisfied with my selection
Polo old and not vivo but... dead!!
It´s an old car with a high price. Who buys this??? We have far better alternatives like the fantastic Ford Fiesta, Toyota Yaris, Peugeot 207, Ford figo, Daihatsus, Suzuki Swift, SX4, Renault Clio, Honda Jazz, Mazda 2, Citroen C3, Suzuki Alto, Fiat Grande Punto, Fiat Panda, 500...
This is not for me at all!!!!
Look at the after sales. VW
Look at the after sales. VW anytime
Polo Vivo
What if I want to trade-in my 2004 model Citi Chico for a Vivo?
I am a VW fan.This is my first car but looks so new even today.How much will I pay per month?
Go Vivo
I lyk it....What do u guys think about the new Ford Figo which is coming in June???? Just a question....
OLD CAR BAD PRICE
This is an old car with a high price. Please bring us new and fresh models not old ones that nobody cares!!
VW LOVER
Hi all, I bought my new VIVO end of march, and i'm absolutely loving it. My husband and I are BIG VW fans. You cannot go wrong..My husband started out with the 2006 polo, the the golf 5 and then moved on to the new golf 6, I started on the citi golf and now drive the vivo, and i dont regret it...... We will NEVER leave VW!!!!!!
polo vovi
OH I LIKE IT THE NEW POLO VIVO HOW MUCH DEPOSIT MUST I HAVE TO BUY THE 1.4 OR 1.6 POLO VIVO 5DOOR ITS SMART AND PLEASE EMAIL ME MORE PICTURES & COLOURES AVALABLE
INSTALMENT
CAN I PAY R2000?PER MONTH IN THIS POLO VIVO?
Absolutely not. I was going
Absolutely not. I was going to pay a deposit of R8000 and on top of that they quoted a payment of R2800 p/m FOR SIX YEARS!!!and a residual of R36000!!!crazy!and this is all with a int rate of 15%.that didn't match my calcs.I have an honours degree in accounting so I knew something was off and I declined.later they offered me the same payments just over 5 years,with a R5000 deposit.wonder how that happened???
ndoda uwuthi ukusebenza
ndoda uwuthi ukusebenza incane kakhulu lemali okhuluma ngayo kuleli bhubesi phela umshini lo
Dont care what ppl say!!!!!!!!!!
Im buying this VIVO
Why the wait
what was the reason for waiting so long to start producing 70% of this vehicle locally, why couldnt vw do this a few years ago and create jobs and lower prices? at the current pricing although competitive they are still making a huge profit. i remember just before the tazz was discontinued its cost approx R33000 to produce and sold for over R70000!!!
OH No
besides all this new gadgets, im still a Fan of the CitiGolf. no doubt, im a bit of a daredevil. i dont think the Vivo will give me the thrils i get from my Velocity. That Turbo like sound of the Engine, slick box shape, round sporty headlights. A citigolf makes you feel young forever...bye bye citi...im keeping my Velo.
JUST WONDERING
Hey guys can I get a polo vivo for just R2000 a month, with no deposit.
Buy
I love it I am going to buy it in May. Lucky me.Hola polo vivo
I Like it
Having had the opportunity to drive a 2008 Polo 1.4 for a while as a company car, I have to admit that VW has a solid, good quality car in the old Polo. I am a new VW follower, and I love their cars. It must be said that 170K+ for a full spec 1.6 Polo is a bit high for my pocket, so the Vivo 1.6 trendline comes in at a more affordable price, with the same level of quality one would expect from VW. Remember that the 1.4 and 1.6 trendline share the same engine as the new Polo's... BONUS, considering there is a jump in performance over the old Polo's....Just a pity about the aircons being so pricy - R7800 for Vivo. And VW, how about giving your market some inclusive support in a service plan included. Other, less awesome brands, are giving SP's as standard. Just a thought...
awsomeness!
Thanks for bringing out the vivo, vw my parents almost wanted to buy me a Getz (ugly) now their reconsidering. Was at the vw showroom today and I love it.,, and if feels sturdy, safe and the price is quite good. could have been cool if electric windows could be added.
ABS
Why cant you get ABS brakes in the two door?
polo vivo
I bought one today still waiting for delivery. Can not wait to drive it
Ertjies
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