The facelifted Volkswagen Polo Vivo for 2024 is the latest evolution of a successful formula that dates back to the first Citi Golf that appeared 40 years ago.
Take a previous generation product, whose manufacturing equipment is largely amortised, and sell it at a high value price point that undercuts the more modern equivalent sold alongside it.
It’s certainly been a successful formula for Volkswagen South Africa (VWSA), with over 425,000 Polo Vivos sold in Sub-Saharan Africa since the first version was launched in 2010.
It also happens to be Mzansi’s top-selling passenger car, with 24,618 sold last year, and with the last two months seeing sales in excess of 2,400 units, don’t be surprised if it exceeds that number in 2024.
The current Polo Vivo has been with us since 2018, but it’s based on the fifth-generation Polo that was first introduced internationally in 2009.
In our eyes it’s not looking too bad at all for a 15-year-old design, but as with the Citi Golf, constant but subtle evolution will be the key to keeping its success story alive.
So a nip and a tuck, with a few new injections of botox were in order for 2024.
Firstly, the new Polo Vivo falls into line with VW’s latest model naming strategy, with “Comfortline” replaced by “Life”, and “Highline” making way for “Style”, while the GT continues at the top of the range.
The base version, previously called “Trendline” is now simply referred to as the “Polo Vivo”.
Admittedly the new Polo Vivo doesn’t look all that different to its predecessor at first glance, but look closer at the lower bumper and you’ll see a new design reminiscent of the latest Polo, with taller outer edges for the bottom grille, which incorporates new ‘boomerang’ elements.
New headlights with improved illumination appear from the Life model upwards.
Volkswagen’s latest 2D logo also appears on the front grille as well as tailgate, and below that we see ‘Vivo’ lettering in chrome in another nod to the brand’s latest products.
The 2024 model’s design has also been enhanced by a fresh array of wheel designs. These include the locally-designed ‘Umoni’ alloys on the Life variant, while the Style rolls in 16-inch ‘Portago’ and the GT on 17-inch ‘Mirabeau’ alloy wheels.
Further to that, the GT gains a black roof and mirror caps as well as revised GT badging, with lettering resembling the classic “GTI” typeface.
VWSA is also offering a Black Style Package for the base and Life models, which - for R5,000 extra - gives you a black painted roof and mirror caps and black 15-inch Tosa wheels.
The cabin continues with the theme of subtle evolution, with new infotainment, a redesigned analogue instrument cluster and fresh locally-developed seat upholsteries for all four derivatives of the Polo Vivo.
Style and GT models have sports seats with larger, body-hugging bolsters.
Across the entire range you’ll also find a brand new 9.0-inch (22.86cm) touchscreen infotainment system. Interestingly it was developed in conjunction with VW’s Argentinian arm, for their facelift of the first-generation Amarok, but it has Vivo-specific graphics, including images of the actual car in certain sections of the menu.
Although its graphics are not exactly cutting edge the new infotainment system is very straightforward and easy to operate, and the icons on its main menu are also configurable.
The engine and gearbox options remain as before, with each derivative boasting its own unique combination.
- Polo Vivo 5-speed manual - 1.4-litre, 55kW/132Nm
- Polo Vivo Life 5-speed manual - 1.4-litre, 63kW/132Nm
- Polo Vivo Life 6-speed auto - 1.6-litre, 77kW/153Nm
- Polo Vivo Style 5-speed manual - 1.6-litre, 77kW/153Nm
- Polo Vivo GT 6-speed manual - 1.0-litre turbo, 81kW/200Nm
We drove the 1.4-litre Life manual from the launch event, held at VWSA’s Kariega factory, to Jeffrey’s Bay, and the 1.6 Life auto on the journey back to our overnight accommodation in Qgeberha.
The 1.4 Life provided adequate performance, and don’t be fooled by its meagre power output as this well-proven normally aspirated MPI engine has more torque than you might expect from such an engine.
The 1.6 auto was also an agreeable experience all round, providing that you’re not expecting DSG-like levels of responsiveness.
Things can get a bit noisy in the cabins of both versions at higher revs as the sound deadening package used in Polo Vivo models appears to be of the cost-cutting variety, but this is certainly not a deal breaker in our minds, given the value on offer here.
The rest of the driving experience is as refined, if not more so, than you could expect at this price point, with the Polo Vivo offering a comfortable ride quality and sure-footed handling and steering that inspires confidence when the roads gets twisty.
The only nitpicks for me, in the manual model, were a slightly cramped footwell and a notchiness in the gear shift when changing into fifth.
All round, the Polo Vivo is a car that you can comfortably tackle the open road with.
What features does the 2024 Polo Vivo come with?
As mentioned, there are new model designations, and VWSA has added new safety features to the mix.
Electronic Stability Control is now fitted across the range along with Tyre Pressure Monitor as standard, as well as Hill Start Assist.
For the first time ever the Vivo is now available with side airbags for the front occupants. These are optional on the Life and standard on the Style and GT derivatives, bringing the airbag count up to four.
As for comfort and convenience features, the Polo Vivo base model comes with the aforementioned 9.0-inch infotainment system with App Connect, Bluetooth and USB connectivity.
Other standard features include a multi-function steering wheel, front electric windows, reach and a height-adjustable steering wheel.
The Life specification grade adds cruise control to the list of standard features, as well as a reverse camera with rear Park Distance Control, auto lights and wipers, front centre armrest, height adjustable driver’s seat and ‘Halftone’ seat upholstery.
In addition, the 1.6 Style adds a multi-function display and front sports seats, with ‘Quad’ cloth upholstery. The sound system is also upgraded to a six-speaker unit.
The 1.0 TSI GT, in addition to its aforementioned exterior styling package, gets sport pedals, leather-covered gearshift knob and ‘Senary’ cloth seat trim.
While service plans remain optional, the Polo Vivo does come with a new engine warranty that’s valid for five years or 150,000km, in addition to the standard warranty of three-years or 120,000km.
VERDICT
The changes might be subtle, but they do add up to a more complete package that is sure to keep the Volkswagen Polo Vivo at the top of South Africa’s sales charts for years to come.
Best of all, despite the extra features that have been added, the 2024 Polo Vivo models come in at the same price point as their equivalent predecessors.
Volkswagen Polo Vivo Pricing for August 2024
- Polo Vivo 1.4 55kW Vivo - R266,600
- Polo Vivo 1.4 63kW Life - R288,500
- Polo Vivo 1.6 77kW Life Tiptronic - R320,200
- Polo Vivo 1.6 77kW Style - R318,000
- Polo Vivo 1.0 TSI 81kW GT- R356,000
IOL Motoring