From Humble Beginnings to Mzansi Icon – Evolution of the Polo Vivo

The Volkswagen Polo Vivo, a vehicle deeply connected to the South African market, has been a dominant force in the local hatchback segment since its introduction in 2010. We opened up our archives to see how it has evolved in these 14 years.

The Polo Vivo was introduced in 2010 as a successor to the long-standing Citi Golf. Positioned as a more affordable alternative to the Polo, it quickly became popular due to its value for money, reliability, and practicality. The Vivo was engineered to cater to the needs and preferences of South African drivers, offering a well-rounded package of comfort and performance at a competitive price point.

2010 Polo 1.4i Comfortline Fast Facts

• Price:  R161 900
• Power: 63 kW @ 5 000 r/min
• Torque: 132 N.m @ 3 600 r/min
• Transmission: 5-speed manual
• 0-100 km/h: 13.35 secs
• 100-0 km/h: 2.9 secs
• Top speed: 177 km/h
• Economy: 7.32-litres/ 100km
• C02 Emissions: 142 g/km
• Airbags: 4

The 2014 Polo Vivo facelift introduced several notable improvements. The most prominent change was a refreshed exterior design, featuring a revised front end with a new grille, headlights and bumper. Inside, the cabin received minor updates, including new seat fabric patterns and additional features like Bluetooth connectivity system Mp3 and SD card functionality. In terms of safety, the 2014 model came with enhanced features like anti-lock brakes (ABS) to improve vehicle handling and braking performance. 

2014 Polo Vivo Hatch 1.4 Trendline Fast facts

• Price: R160 900 (Range started at R145 700)
• Engine: 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol
• Power: 63 kW @ 5 000 r/min
• Torque: 132 N.m @ 3 600 r/min
• Transmission: 5-speed manual
• Wheels: 14-inch alloys
• 0-100km/h: 12.2 seconds (claimed)
• Fuel economy: 6.2L/100 km (claimed)

In 2018, the Polo Vivo received another update, with only subtle changes to its exterior. The most noticeable updates include new headlights and taillights, a revised upper and lower grille, and new alloy wheels. Inside, the upper dashboard was upgraded to a soft-touch, rubberized plastic, replacing the hard plastic of the previous generation. This enhancement significantly improves the perceived quality of the interior. Standard cloth seats were offered, with leather seats available as an option.

2018 Volkswagen Polo Vivo 1.4 Comfortline Fast facts

• Price: R196 800 (Range started at R185 900)
• Engine: 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol
• Power: 63 kW @ 5 000 r/min
• Torque: 132 N.m @ 3 750 r/min
• Transmission: 5-speed manual
• Wheels: 14-inch alloys
• 0-100km/h: 12.2 seconds (claimed)
• Fuel economy: 5.9L/100 km (claimed)

Fast forward to 2024, Volkswagen has recently unveiled a refreshed Polo Vivo, with prices starting at R266 600 for the 1.4 55 kW 5MT and climbing to R356 000 for the range-topping 1.0 TSI 81 kW GT Manual. This updated model boasts a reworked exterior, updated interior features, and enhanced equipment.

The base Polo Vivo continues with 14-inch steel wheels, while optional 15-inch “Tosa” alloys are available. The Vivo Life now sports “Ubomi” 15-inch alloys, replacing the former “Estrada” wheels. The Vivo Style has upgraded to “Portago” 16-inch wheels, moving on from the old “Rivazza” rims. Meanwhile, the GT model retains its 17-inch “Mirabeau” alloys.

On the exterior, the Polo Vivo showcases a new front bumper, updated headlight inserts (except for the base model), and centrally positioned “Vivo” lettering on the tailgate, aligning it with other VW models. Inside, you’ll find fresh upholstery and an updated instrument cluster. Notably, all variants now come with a 9-inch Mirgor infotainment system, replacing the previous 6.5-inch setup, and feature front fog lamps with cornering lights.

2024 Volkswagen Polo Vivo 1.0TSI GT Fast Facts

• Price: R356 000
• Powertrain: 1.0-litre, three-cylinder, turbocharged
• Transmission: six-speed manual
• Power: 81 kW @ 5 000 r/min
• Torque: 200 N.m @ 2 000 r/min
• 0-100 km/h: 9.5 sec
• Top speed: 196 km/h
• Fuel consumption: 4.8 L/100 km
• Emissions: 109 g/km

The Polo Vivo has evolved gradually since its debut, with only subtle updates marking its journey. While its design remains largely unchanged, recent revisions have introduced minor tweaks such as updated headlights and grille designs. Despite these modest adjustments, the overall design has stayed consistent, which might be a key factor in its continued success as a best-selling model. This approach suggests that its enduring popularity may be due to the familiar, reliable appeal of its classic design combined with incremental improvements that maintain its relevance in the market.

By Siyavuya Mbaduli and originally appeared in CarMag