In a delightful twist for car enthusiasts, Volkswagen has announced that the updated Polo Vivo GT will not see any price increases, making it an enticing option for potential buyers. This decision feels like an early Christmas gift, especially since improvements have been introduced without extra cost.
The most striking enhancement in the new Polo Vivo is the incorporation of a nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which replaces the outdated 6.5-inch black-and-white unit. This new feature supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring that the Polo Vivo remains competitive in the current market when it comes to connectivity.
A Stylish Upgrade
Recently, The Citizen Motoring had the opportunity to spend a week with the flagship Polo Vivo GT. This model now showcases “Vivo” lettering beneath the Volkswagen badge on the tailgate, along with “GT” badges on both the grille and tailgate, mirroring the aesthetics of its Golf and Polo GTI counterparts. While these changes add a modern flair, the absence of the previous silver GT decals on the front doors is somewhat disappointing. These decals are used to enhance the sporty appearance of the vehicle, and their removal may prompt buyers to explore aftermarket accessories to regain that sporty edge.
The Polo Vivo GT continues to come equipped with 17-inch Mirabeau alloy wheels and LED daytime running lights. Notably, the new Black Package replaces the silver side mirror caps with black ones, creating a sleek look that complements the Wild Cherry paint of our tester.
Sporty Interior Design
Inside, the Polo Vivo GT impresses with its sporty ambience, highlighted by bold red accents on the cloth seats. Combined with alloy pedals and grey stitching on the black leather steering wheel and gear lever, the interior delivers a lively driving experience.
However, the presence of manual window winders in the rear and the lack of a standard reverse camera reveal the Polo Vivo’s age, alongside the omission of a sunroof, which is constrained by structural considerations. On the safety front, the GT now includes side airbags, bringing the total to four, along with electronic stability control, a tyre pressure monitor, and a lights and vision package.
Performance and Handling
The standout feature of the Polo Vivo GT remains its robust three-cylinder 1.0-litre TSI turbo petrol engine, which produces 81 kW and 200 Nm of torque. Power is delivered to the front wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. Although some low-end turbo lag is common across VW models equipped with this engine, it compensates with impressive acceleration and a broad power band, particularly in the second and third gears.
The Polo Vivo GT is designed for performance, offering decent power, smooth shifting, and excellent handling. This combination creates an enjoyable driving experience that effectively distracts from any minor inconveniences, such as rear window wipers.
At a price point of R356,000, the VW Polo Vivo GT occupies a unique space in the hatchback market. While many hatchbacks can get you from point A to point B, the Polo Vivo GT does so with an undeniable sense of style and flair.
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