A South African favorite returns, but ready for a new generation.
Volkswagen is paying homage to its venerable and legendary, Citi Golf model with the introduction of the limited edition Citi Vivo. Citi Vivo is bringing back the ubiquitous three colours of Red, Yellow and Blue which were used to launch the original Citi Golf in 1984. Who could forget that catchy “red, yellow, blue” ad campaign?
The production of the iconic Citi Golf at the Volkswagen manufacturing factory in Uitenhage ended in 2009 after 25 years of giving mobility freedom to many South African customers. Over that time, the Uitenhage plant produced over 377 000 units many of which are still used on our roads for the daily commute. The Citi Golf gained some of its popularity from the quirky and humorous television and print adverts that told a South Africa story. These adverts were complemented by the engineering ingenuity that gave Citi Golf longevity in the local market and cult status.
Back in 2010, Volkswagen’s Polo Vivo was launched to replace Citi Golf as the market leader in the compact passenger car segment. It was a tough act to follow because few could match the Citi Golf in being a genuine people’s car, but safety was a huge factor for buyers and VW needed to react. Fast forward six years and the Polo Vivo has cemented its legacy as the best-selling passenger model in South Africa and has to date sold a whisker under 223 000 units. In 2016 alone, an unbelievable 28 830 Polo Vivos rolled off showroom floors around SA.
“There is no better way to celebrate the success of the Polo Vivo as the best-selling passenger car in South Africa than to pay homage to its iconic predecessor, Citi Golf. The three colours of Red, Yellow and Blue are synonymous with the classic Citi Golf and it was fitting for us to use them as the only colours for Citi Vivo. Citi Vivo is a special edition with about 2 000 units planned,” said Stefan Mecha, Director: Sales and Marketing at Volkswagen Group South Africa.
Mecha added: “Polo Vivo is a proudly South African car with German engineering ingenuity. About 70% of its parts are sourced locally which has helped local suppliers to create jobs. Polo Vivo has the best resale value in its class.”
The Citi Vivo, of which only about 2000 will be produced, is based on the 1.4i Conceptline derivative which has a power output of 55kw. In addition to the standard features of Conceptline, Citi Vivo gets 15-inch alloy wheels painted in white (similar to the original Citi Golf), side mirrors painted in white, door and tailgate handles in white and CITI decals. Optional features offered on Citi Vivo include cruise control, ultrasonic alarm system, front electric windows and front fog lights.
Citi Vivo is available now and retails for R177 300.
Also worth a look: the Volkswagen Golf and the Volkswagen Touareg.
FAQ
Q: What does the Volkswagen Citi Vivo cost in South Africa?
The Volkswagen Citi Vivo was a limited edition model with approximately 2,000 units produced, and pricing varied depending on the specific variant and dealership, but it was positioned as an affordable entry-level vehicle in line with the Polo Vivo range which typically started around R180,000 to R220,000 at the time of release.
Q: Is the Volkswagen Citi Vivo worth buying?
The Citi Vivo is absolutely worth buying if you can find one, as it combines the practicality and reliability of the Polo Vivo with the nostalgic charm of the legendary Citi Golf, plus those iconic red, yellow and blue colours make it a proper collector's item that will only appreciate in value.
Q: How many Volkswagen Citi Vivo models were made?
Volkswagen produced approximately 2,000 units of the limited edition Citi Vivo, making it a rare find on the South African market and a genuine collector's piece for VW enthusiasts.
Q: What colours are available for the Volkswagen Citi Vivo?
The Citi Vivo was available exclusively in three heritage colours that pay homage to the original Citi Golf: red, yellow and blue, the same iconic trio that made the original "red, yellow, blue" advertising campaign so memorable back in 1984.
Q: Is the Citi Vivo better than the original Citi Golf?
The Citi Vivo offers modern safety features, better fuel efficiency and updated technology that the original Citi Golf simply couldn't match, while still capturing that authentic South African motoring spirit that made the Citi Golf a legend in the first place.
Should You Buy It?
Absolutely yes, if you can still find one. The best limited edition homage car under R250,000 in SA is definitely the Volkswagen Citi Vivo. With only 2,000 units ever made, this is your chance to own a piece of South African automotive history that combines the reliability of the Polo Vivo with the soul of the legendary Citi Golf. Those iconic red, yellow and blue paint jobs aren't just colours, they're a proper throwback to when South African car ads actually told our story. At current used prices ranging from R150,000 to R200,000 depending on mileage and condition, the Citi Vivo represents fantastic value for money and will likely appreciate over time. It's practical enough for daily driving, economical enough for your wallet, and cool enough to start conversations at every robot. If you spot one on a forecourt, grab it before someone else does.
