Volkswagen Polo Vivo (2014) Review

The latest generation Volkswagen Polo Vivo spent a week with us. We drove it and tried to find out why it’s still one of the best-selling vehicles in South Africa.

If you are looking to buy a used 2014 VW Polo Vivo, this review will help you make an informed buying decision!

We like:
. Build quality
. Interior space
. Volkswagen brand

We dislike:
. No standard service or maintenance plan
. Lacking in standard features
. Could have more safety features at its price point

Also consider:
Renault Sandero
Suzuki Swift
Toyota Etios
Ford Figo

You can see the head-to-head comparison between the Renault Sandero, Volkswagen Polo Vivo and Suzuki Swift here.

What’s new for the 2014 VW Polo Vivo?

The Vivo comes with new equipment lines and what we have on test here is the 63 kW Trendline. Visually, the new Vivo is differentiated by a slight redesign of the headlights and grill, while most derivatives receive colour-coded exterior mirrors and door handles. The interior gets an all-new gearknob as well as instrument cluster.  Drivers in the Trendline model and upwards now get a height-adjustable driver’s seat. All vehicles now have ABS brakes, an alarm and remote central locking.

What’s the Polo Vivo like to drive?

I’ll give credit to the Vivo as it feels tough, solid and well built. You get the feeling that it’s built to last and survive the harsh conditions in South Africa. The 2014 Vivo rides well and is competent even on the roughest of tarmac. The boot space is to be commended and there’s plenty of room for cargo.

Specification and features

Speaking of options and features, I had the 1.4  63 kW Trendline which comes with a few basic features as standard. There’s a radio with Bluetooth, Mp3, SD card functionality, air-conditioner, central locking, driver and passenger airbags, ABS brakes and that’s about it. Options fitted to this unit included the 14-inch alloy wheels (R2 900), cruise control (R 1 250) and ultrasonic alarm (R1 040).

Summary and Conclusion

I’d like to think the Vivo is not the consumer champion of SA, despite its massive sales successes. Sure, you’re getting into the legendary Volkswagen brand, but the bottom line is that you’re not getting the best value for money. There are plenty of other options out there that offer more car for less money. A car like this would have been great five years ago, but it’s simply not able to compete against the better equipped opposition of 2014/2015.

For example, a fully-equipped Renault Sandero offers loads more features as well as a service plan as standard, for R20 000 less.

Buy a used Vivo on Cars.co.za

Second Opinion

The Vivo defies the odds, it’s more expensive than its rivals and not as well equipped, yet it still tops the sales charts in SA. There’s obviously something to be said for brand loyalty and peace of mind in this segment of the market. It does feel solid and looks well built on the surface, and maybe that’s what attracts purchasers. – Ashley Oldfield

2014 Volkswagen Polo Vivo 1.4 63 kW Trendline Quick Specs

Price R157 500 (Range starts at R142 700)
Engine 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol
Power 63 kW
Torque 132 Nm
Transmission 5-speed manual
Wheels 14-inch alloys
0-100km/h 12.2 seconds (claimed)
Fuel economy 6.2L/100 km (claimed)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Volkswagen Polo Vivo a good car to buy in South Africa?

The Volkswagen Polo Vivo has a strong reputation in South Africa and is a consistent top-seller. It is often considered a reliable, affordable, and practical choice for everyday driving, with a strong focus on build quality. Its popularity also means there is a good market for used models and parts are readily available.

Where is the Volkswagen Polo Vivo manufactured?

The Volkswagen Polo Vivo is proudly manufactured in South Africa at Volkswagen’s plant in Kariega (formerly Uitenhage), Eastern Cape.

What are the engine options for the Volkswagen Polo Vivo in South Africa?

The Polo Vivo range in South Africa is available with several engine options, including naturally aspirated 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre petrol engines. The top-of-the-range GT model features a 1.0-litre turbocharged TSI petrol engine.

What is the Volkswagen Polo Vivo’s safety rating?

The Volkswagen Polo Vivo has a 4-star Global NCAP safety rating for Adult Occupancy Protection and a 3-star rating for Child Occupancy Protection. Key safety features include driver and passenger airbags, ISOFIX mounting points, and in some models, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and side airbags.

Related Content 

VW Polo Vivo (2025) Specs & Price 

Reviews 

Volkswagen Polo Vivo (2018) Review

Volkswagen Polo Vivo GT (2018) Review

Volkswagen Polo Vivo GTS (2016) Review

Volkswagen Polo Vivo (2014) Review

Comparisons

New Polo Vivo vs Old Polo: How different are they?

VW Polo Vivo: 5 Good Alternatives to Consider

2015 Hyundai Accent Gets Styling Upgrade



Following the launch of the 2014 model in South Africa, Hyundai has released details and images of its updated 2015 Accent which, receives styling and packaging updates across its three trim levels to make it a more appealing offer in the competitive sub-compact segment.

2015 Hyundai Accent highlights

For the 2015 model year, the Accent now boasts a new radiator grille, headlights and tail-lights and 16-inch alloy and 14-inch steel wheels. The model will additionally be available with three new exterior colours, including Vitamin C, Pacific Blue, and Misty Beige, as well as new interior fabric patterns. The model also gets a revised LCD audio display that enhances readability with its high-contrast look.

Furthermore, the 2015 Hyundai Accent benefits from packaging updates such as the Popular Equipment Package to Accent GLS which includes features such as steering wheel audio controls, cruise control, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, tilt/reach adjustable wheel and a sliding armrest storage box, while the base GLS will be equipped with an automatic transmission.

2015 Accent models will be equipped with a 1.6-litre aluminium Gamma four-cylinder engine that delivers 103 kW and 166 Nm of torque and delivers up to 8.7L/100 km city and up to 6.2L/100 km highway when equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission.

Audi A9 Concept Teased (Video Update)


Audi is getting ready to show off a new concept car at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show happening towards the end of November 2014.

Preview into Audi’s new styling language

The Audi A9 concept car is said to preview the company’s new styling language, and also serve as a sneak preview for a range-topping A9 model which will ride on the MLB platform as the next-generation Audi A8.

Details are scarce at the moment, but we do know the concept was designed at Audi’s styling centre in Ingolstadt under the guidance of the company’s chief designer Marc Lichte.

Speaking to Auto & Design, Lichte said that “Audi is placing the accent even more firmly on the sporting dimension, something that will characterise the whole upcoming generation of cars.” He further mentioned that these new models will come with an evolution of the single-frame front grille, which will also represent a major step forward in terms of sportiness.

The Audi A9 concept is expected to be unveiled on November 18 during the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show, expect more details on the car then.

Audi A9 Concept Video Tease

Porsche Cayenne GTS Revealed



The Porsche Cayenne GTS has been revealed ahead of its scheduled Los Angeles Auto Show debut.

High mix of sporty features

Set to go on sale later this year, the facelifted Cayenne GTS displays sporting exuberance with its extended wheel arches and revised side skirts that come from the Sport Design package. The package further adds 20-inch alloy wheels in RS Spyder design, tinted LED rear lights, and a 24mm reduced ride height (20mm on the optional air suspension).

Other notable features include a Porsche Active Suspension Management system, a sports exhaust system, high-performance brakes, and added body-colour accents.

The interior includes special sport seats upholstered in leather and Alcantara with “GTS” letters stitched into the headrests.

Performance-oriented Cayenne GTS

Major changes come from under the bonnet, where the old 4.8-litre naturally–aspirated V8 engine is replaced by a smaller twin-turbo 3.6-litre V6 engine that produces 323 kW and 600 Nm of torque – an increase of 14 kW and 85Nm.

The extra power helps the vehicle accelerate from 0-100kph in 5.2 seconds – or 5.1 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono package – before reaching a top speed of 262kph.

Porsche is also set to introduce an entry level Cayenne which will be powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine delivering 220 kW. Connection to the new eight-speed Tiptronic S transmission enables the model to complete the 0-100kph sprint in 7.7 seconds before hitting a top speed of 230kph.

Volvo V60 Cross Country Takes Shape



The Volvo V60 is in for a Cross Country model as soon as next month. This model will add to the Cross Country range that’s currently consists of a V40 Cross Country. The V60 Cross Country will join the XC70 in the raised station wagon department at Volvo.

V60 Cross Country Details

The V60 Cross Country will be shown at this month’s (November 2014) LA motor show for the first time. It comes after Volvo has noticed increased growth in the sales of its XC70, which in some countries sells as well as its V70 station wagon base.

It’s the usual sort of modifications you’d expect as the V60 turns into a Cross Country. The ride height is raised by 65mm and there’s a bunch of plastic bumper pieces fitted to the wheel arches and side skirts. The V60 Cross Country’s will be mostly front-wheel driven with the top spec models being offered in all-wheel drive.

Volvo has hand-picked its Drive-e, super-efficient engines for the V60 Cross Country. Four-cylinder diesel and petrol engines will power the front-wheel drive models whilst the five-cylinder D4 engine will take care of the all-wheel drive model. Outside of Drive-e variants the 186 kW five-cylinder motor is also available.

The V60 Cross Country will go on sale in the US and Canada next month with Europe having to wait until next year. We could expect the Volvo V60 Cross Country to hit our shores by August 2015.

New Car Sales in South Africa for October 2014


New Car Sales in South Africa for October 2014

New car sales in South Africa have remained strong throughout October 2014 despite slow economic growth and pressure on consumer disposable income. The National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA) reports strong gains in major sectors when compared to the same period last year.

Here is a new car sales summary for the month of October 2014.

New  Car Sales Summary – October 2014

  • 59 262 aggregate new vehicle sales up by 4.7% (2 654) compared to October 2013
  • 32 165 export sales up by 33% (7 973) compared to October 2013
  • 40 666 passenger cars up by 1.6% (646) compared to October 2013
  • 15 827 light commercial vehicles up by 14% (1 941) compared to October 2013


Top Selling Car Brands in South Africa for October 2014

Brand Total Sales Market Penetration %
  1. Toyota
 12 049 20.4%
  1. Volkswagen
 9 057 15.3%
  1. Ford Motor Company
 6 674 11.3%
  1. GMSA
 5 238 8.9%
  1. Nissan
 5 047 8.5%


Top Selling New Cars in South Africa for October 2014

Model Total Sales
  1. VW Polo Vivo
 3 491
  1. Toyota Hilux (LCV)
 3 421
  1. Ford Ranger (LCV)
 3 045
  1. Toyota Corolla
 2 398
  1. VW Polo
 2 333


New Car Sales Outlook

NAAMSA advises a cautious outlook for the remainder of 2014 going into 2015. Slow economic growth, past interest rate hikes and above inflationary new car price increases would create a tough trading environment. NAAMSA predicts similar new car sales in 2014 to that experienced in 2013. Export numbers are expected to improve for the remainder of the year and into 2015.

Mercedes-Benz GLA Instagram Car Configurator (Video)


Build your own Mercedes-Benz GLA on Instagram

Online car configurators have become quite the thing in the motoring industry as it gives potential customers the perfect way to spec and learn more about vehicles. You can choose finishes, optional extras, colours and so on and most manufacturers allow cars to be ordered this way too. Usually these online car configurators are web-based, but Mercedes-Benz has come up with a configurator using social image sharing platform Instagram.

With help from agency Razorfish, Mercedes-Benz has introduced @Build_Your_Own_GLA, which lets users create their own custom versions of the GLA. Working just like a car configurator, users are given an opportunity to choose their preferences using the tagging feature to cross link from different accounts which host the different options from paint colour, wheel size, roof and grille. At the end you are taken to your end product which you can like and share as you wish.

“Instagram has been a very important platform for Mercedes-Benz and continues to grow in popularity among the younger millennial consumer that we are trying to introduce the brand to,” says Mark Aikman, department manager of digital marketing and CRM at Mercedes-Benz USA.

“Build Your Own GLA allows us to talk to them where they are and provide them with an interactive experience within Instagram.”

Already at 2000+ followers, this campaign according to Aikman, adds to the automaker’s success of the “Take the Wheel” campaign which generated 87 million Instagram impressions, while the successive #GLAPacked campaign led to approximately 25 000 more followers on the Mercedes-Benz USA handle and a 540 percent increase in brand interest measured by the increase in site traffic to Mercedes’ site.

Watch how you can customise your own GLA on Instagram

Volvo XC60 D4 (2014) Review



The Volvo XC60 went through its mid-life makeover in late 2013, the facelift tweaked the styling and updated the interior gadgets in line with the rest of the range. The XC60 has been a major seller for the Swedish brand and has defied its age by increasing sales year on year globally. We spent a week behind the wheel of this medium to large-sized SUV, complete with Sport Pack.

We like:
. Good looking SUV
. Excellent diesel engine with linear acceleration
. Loads of space and interior finish

We dislike:
. Couldn’t get near claimed fuel consumption
. Multimedia system not intuitive

Also consider:
. Audi Q5
. BMW X3
. Honda CR-V

You can see the head-to-head comparison between the Volvo, Audi and BMW here.

What’s New?

For 2014 the XC60 had some of its exterior modernised. The entire body is now colour coded so the plastic side sills are gone and that alone upgrades the look of the XC60. The front grille and headlights have also been updated, but the main changes take place inside the Volvo. The new digital instrument cluster has been installed along with the choice three different themes.

This digital display by Volvo is easily one of the best as it’s crystal clear to read, and they haven’t tried to squeeze so much info onto the display that it becomes distracting. The entertainment and audio system has been updated to the same spec as was first introduced on the V40 with a seven-inch screen. With the added Sport Package our model here has, it comes with an added power tailgate, special leather wrapped three-spoke steering wheel and an aluminium sill protector.

Top Notch Diesel

Volvo has placed its latest Drive-e diesel engine into this XC60. Drive-e just means the engines are super-efficient yet still powerful. This 2-Litre turbodiesel produces 133 kW combined with 400 Nm of torque. The claimed fuel consumption on this XC60 is an astonishing 4.7L/100km however, we didn’t get close to that figure.

Even cruising along on the freeway at 120kph the instantaneous fuel consumption readout showed around 6L/100km. Our final figure at the end of the week read 7.7L/100km which while being quite a way off claimed, is not bad at all from a 1.7 ton SUV. That aside, the engine is beautiful to live with, the torque delivery is linear and there’s enough grunt to get overtaking done with ease. The eight-speed gearbox is perfectly suited to the XC60 as it works away in the background, quietly and unnoticed. You can just sit back and enjoy the lap of luxury Volvo has supplied.

Living it Up

Volvo interiors always feel well built and this XC60 is no exception. In recent years Volvo has worked hard at adding stylish touches to its cars and the cabin of this XC60 is well thought out. There’s lots of leather and soft touch surfaces as well as brushed aluminium along the door sills, although they seem to attract fingerprints and anyone with OCD will lose their mind trying to constantly keep it free of prints.

Volvo’s multimedia system could definitely be a bit more user friendly as first time users will struggle to navigate the menus and figure out which buttons do what on the centre dash. There is Bluetooth and USB to keep most of the techies happy whilst dual-zone climate control takes care of the temperature. The amount of space you get in the XC60 is awesome, loads of room everywhere, including the rear seats where leg room is massive. The rear seats can be folded flat and the boot has a really nice and wide loading area meaning you can get larger width objects into the rear easier.

Handling and Ride

The XC60 in this diesel spec is just about right, I wouldn’t pick the thirstier and more powerful petrol models as this model defines what the XC60 is about. I wouldn’t call it a sporty SUV, it’s a spacious, well designed and comfortable riding cruiser. The suspension is on the firm side, but that’s so it doesn’t fall over to one side in the bends.

The steering feel is adequate but when it comes to trying to race it through a set of bends it lacks feedback. You’ll probably never race the XC60 through a set of corners though so for what the XC60 does best – comfortable cruising , it manages just fine.

Verdict

I’ll admit to having a soft spot for this Volvo XC60 D4, the engine won me over first, with its smooth power delivery and plentiful torque. Then the space came in handy when I was transporting my bikes all around the Cape to races and trails. It’s a really easy car to live with, the automatic tailgate is great as is the keyless entry and it all comes together in a rather stylish package inside and out.

It does come at a price however, R545 800 for a standard D4 Elite model. The Sport Package adds an extra R10 700 to the price, but the only worthwhile part of that is the power tailgate. It might sound like a hefty sum to pay until you start to weigh up the competitors. Compared to the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 it undercuts them by between R10k to R20k. All considered the XC60 is one of the best mid-large sized SUV’s on the market.

Second Opinion

Volvo’s XC60 in D4 guise is perhaps one of the finest vehicles in its class. The efficient engine delivers adequate power and there’s plenty of space in the cabin and boot. It does lack all-wheel drive, but to be fair, how much offroad driving do you really want to do? In summary, this Volvo scores highly. – David Taylor

Volvo XC60 D4 Elite quick specs

Price  R545 800
Engine  2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel
Power  133 kW
Torque  400 Nm
Transmission  8-speed automatic
Wheels  17-inch alloys
0-100km/h  8.5 seconds (claimed)
Fuel economy  4.7L/100 km (claimed)

2015 Chevrolet Colorado Performance Concept Unveiled at SEMA

Chevrolet has teamed up with Motorcross rider Ricky Carmichael to bring out the Colorado Performance Concept which will debut at this year’s SEMA show.

Chevrolet Colorado Performance Concept designed for active lifestyles

The concept is said to “illustrate the lifestyle-supporting capability of Chevrolet’s new midsize pickup truck,” while also showcasing some of the accessories that may become available in the near future.

With a number of its styling cues coming from the 2015 Colorado, the model additionally features a bespoke matte grey paint complimented by high-gloss silver and yellow graphics, and 17-inch alloy wheels with yellow accents wrapped in rugged Goodyear Duratec tyres. There’s also a matching Super Air Nautique 210 boat and trailer.

The interior features yellow accents and Carmichael’s racing number four embroidered on the front headrests. It also features innovative technology such as Chevy MyLink with a built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, Lane Departure Warning and Forward Collision Alert.

The vehicle also features the company’s patent pending GearOn accessory system, which can hold large items such as bikes, boards and kayaks above the bed and allow smaller items such as tents and sleeping bags in the bed. It can even accommodate 4-by 8 sheets of plywood above the wheelhouses, and use the box’s four permanent and 13 moveable tie-down provisions to allow for a variety of secure and convenient cargo stowage options.

Under the hood of the Colorado Performance Concept is the 3.6-litre V6 engine that delivers 227 kW and returns 9L/100 km on the highway for 2WD models, while also boasting 3175 kg of maximum trailering capability.

“You can’t own a lifestyle product like the Super Air Nautique without the assurance of a strong, confidence-inspiring truck to haul it to your favourite lake,” said Chevrolet trucks senior marketing manager John Fitzpatrick.

He added, “The Colorado rewrites the book for midsize trucks, delivering unprecedented performance and capability for people who need the versatility of a truck in a smaller package than a full-size pickup.”

Ford Teases Next Gen SVT Mustang GT350 (Video)


Ford has been teasing the public with a mystery 2015 Mustang GT350, and it has just confirmed this with a new teaser video which suggests the car will be a serious performer.

The highly-anticipated Mustang GT350 finally a reality?

The teaser video shows Ford performance heritage in various racing series around the world. There’s no mention of the car itself, however, it features short interview segments with Ford executives talking about how important performance is to the company and its future.

The video also shows close up images of what appears to be an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, alloy pedals and a high-performance engine. There’s also hints of a mesh grille and unique alloy wheels.

“Ford Performance and pushing the envelope with our technologies, with our capabilities, demonstrating that on the track or even off-road has been an important part of our DNA,” says Ford Executive Vice President Joe Hinrichs.

Ford CEO Mark Fields added: “It’s very important for us to have the street creed to be able to back up what you see in your vehicles, in terms of performance, with actual results in how we do with racing around the world. We can compete with anybody and win.”

The next generation SVT Mustang GT350 is scheduled to be unveiled just before the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 17th.

Ford performance heritage video

*Pictured is the 2015 Ford Mustang GT