We recently had the privilege of test driving the Volkswagen Polo Vivo GT which could possibly be the perfect vehicle for those who are not willing to break the bank when searching for value, quality and a more premium feel. It is also the only Vivo with a turbocharged engine and an impressive starting price of R248 200 with a 3 year/120 000km warranty. (A maintenance plan is optional.) The Polo Vivo competes with the Mazda 2, the Renault Clio and the Opel Corsa which all offer a similar price tag.
The Vivo boasts contemporary finishes as well as new and improved safety features. The GT beautifully mimics its previous fifth generation Polo and has inherited the famous chassis and luxurious interior trimmings however some new, sportier features have allowed it to transcend its predecessor such as new headlights, taillights, an improved grille and new alloy wheels. Standard features such as body-colored side mirrors, a rear tailgate spoiler, black side molding, chrome trimmed exhaust and GT lettering as seen on the tailgate, side sills and grille are standard styling features on the GT.
The Bluetooth-enabled audio system and 340G touchscreen arrangement complete with App Connect system is worthy of being mentioned. The App-Connect effectively links to smartphones and allows for the utilization of select apps and navigation, together with MP3 playback and USB ports to connect devices. It is important to recognize the praiseworthy fact that 70% of this vehicle is made up of locally sourced materials.
The Polo Vivo GT offers a turbocharged 3-cylinder 1.0 litre petrol engine with 81 kW and 200Nm of torque which is more than sufficient for your daily commute. A combination of speed and elegance has been created with the lowered suspension and sporty pedals and seats. The suspension is much firmer, and the ride is harsher, but we really didn’t mind, it shouldn’t be something you should be too concerned about. Corners can be taken with confidence while the lowered suspension reduces body roll and reach adjustment on the steering column allows for an optimal driving position for driver. The multifunctional steering wheel is also covered in leather. A top speed of 196km/h can be achieved with reduced CO2 emissions of 109g/km. The Vivo GT offers an entertaining drive due to its burst acceleration, mostly useful in traffic and overtaking which it does effortlessly. We managed to average close to 6.0 L/100km during our test and a range of close to 800kms on a tank which was well received.
The interior is quite snug and having the Polo Comfortline and the GT back to back really made me notice the difference. Our test vehicle offered leather seats which was nice and made me think GTI but it does cost an extra R 9 350. The driver and passenger were offered electric windows but the rear passengers were still forced to manual window winders, no fun there but really shouldn’t be the case on a car that costs 245K. The GT offers just 2 airbags with ABS, EBD and stability control. Brake Assist and traction control are not offered.
The Vivo makes use of a single piece folding rear backrest and exposed metal backing, it still serves convenient access to an incredible amount of utility space. The Polo Vivo comes with 280 litres of boot space which is about 10 litres more than the old Vivo and with the backrest dropped this goes up to 952 litres, but we really didn’t like the fact that the seats weren’t split to allow you to use that extra space while still being able to carry a third passenger.
Purely based on our road test, we firmly believe this model will continue to remain at the peak of car sales for all the right reasons. We really enjoyed the punchy performance combined with low fuel consumption which is definitely a bonus when the cost of petrol stands at R16/L. The Polo Vivo is really something that we would consider as a daily driver. Based on a model which topped car sale charts, it guarantees success.
Also worth a look: the Volkswagen Golf and the Volkswagen Touareg.
FAQ
Q: What does the Volkswagen Polo Vivo GT cost in South Africa?
The Volkswagen Polo Vivo GT starts at R248,200 in South Africa, making it one of the most affordable turbocharged hatchbacks you can buy locally with that premium German badge.
Q: Is the Volkswagen Polo Vivo GT worth buying?
Absolutely, especially if you want a turbocharged engine without breaking the bank, the Polo Vivo GT delivers 81 kW and 200Nm of torque for under R250,000 with a solid 3 year/120,000km warranty.
Q: How powerful is the Polo Vivo GT engine?
The Polo Vivo GT packs a turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine producing 81 kW and 200Nm of torque, which is more than enough grunt for daily driving and weekend adventures.
Q: What are the main competitors to the Polo Vivo GT?
The Polo Vivo GT goes head-to-head with the Mazda 2, Renault Clio, and Opel Corsa, but it's the only one in this price bracket that offers a turbocharged engine as standard.
Q: Does the Polo Vivo GT come with a warranty?
Yes, the Polo Vivo GT comes standard with a 3 year/120,000km warranty, and you can add an optional maintenance plan for extra peace of mind.
Should You Buy It?
The best turbocharged hatchback under R250,000 in South Africa is definitely the Volkswagen Polo Vivo GT at R248,200. If you're after value, quality, and that premium German feel without emptying your wallet, this is your car. The 81 kW turbo engine gives it proper punch, the interior feels more expensive than it is, and 70% local content means you're supporting local manufacturing. Sure, the suspension is firmer and the ride a bit harsher, but that's the price you pay for sporty handling. With rivals like the Mazda 2 and Renault Clio lacking turbo power at this price point, the Polo Vivo GT is a no-brainer purchase for anyone wanting performance and prestige on a budget.
