27 January 2022 ~ 1 Comment

Viva la Vivo! Second-generation Polo Vivo celebrates 100,000th production milestone

Viva la Vivo (as Coldplay very probably wouldn’t sing)! Volkswagen South Africa has a reason to celebrate, as the 100,000th example of the current Polo Vivo rolled off the production lines at its Kariega (formerly Uitenhage) factory. Based on the Series 5 Polo, the milestone car was a 108bhp Polo Vivo GT finished in Flash Red.

The 100,000th Polo Vivo arrives just four years after production of the second-generation model began in 2018. Over 354,000 examples have now been made at Kariega, the first-generation Polo Vivo made from 2017-2017, based on the fourth-generation Volkswagen Polo built from 2005-2009. A unique model only sold in South Africa, the Vivo replaced the Mk 1 Golf-based Citi Golf, introduced in 1984 as a cost-conscious and fun entry-level car.

Sales chart topper
It’s very safe to say that the Polo Vivo is popular: the best-selling car in South Africa since its introduction in 2010, over 350,289 Polo Vivos have been sold up until December 2021, Its most popular year was 2019, when Volkswagen South Africa sold 29,618 Polo Vivos in a single year. October 2018 was the car’s most popular month, when 3,009 examples were registered.

Alongside the Polo Vivo, the current sixth-generation Polo is produced at Kariega. The latest model not only joins the Polo Vivo in its production home – it often appears below the Vivo in the sales charts taking second place. Kariegan-built Polos are exported to all global right-hand-drive markets, and Volkswagen South Africa additionally supplements production for left-hand-drive markets.

‘A proud moment’
‘This milestone means a lot to our team, both in production and in the rest of the company,’ said Ulrich Schwabe, Production Director at Volkswagen South Africa. ‘Given the challenges of our industry and of the Covid-19 pandemic, this achievement is a proud moment that sets the tone for a successful year ahead. I am grateful to every Volkswagen South Africa employee for their dedication, and the part they played in making this milestone a reality.’

As well as a road car aimed at younger and more cost-conscious buyers, the Polo Vivo has also taken to race tracks as the star of the one-make Engen Volkswagen Cup racing series, and has pounded rally routes in S2000 guise, contesting the South African National Rally Championship. A phenomenally successful model for Volkswagen South Africa, the Polo Vivo’s appeal shows no signs of dimming yet. 

For 2022, Volkswagen Polo Vivo prices start at R232,500 for the 1.4-litre Trendline, rising through Comfortline and Highline trims to the range-topping 108bhp GT, which costs from R314,300.

2017 Volkswagen Citi Vivo (South Africa)

POLO VIVO: A POTTED HISTORY

2010 Polo Vivo hatch and saloon launched in South Africa, replacing the Citi Golf.

2011 Polo Vivo S2000 rally car takes on 2011 South African National Rally Championship.

2011-2014 Polo Vivo circuit racing cars star in Engen Volkswagen Cup race series.

2011 103bhp Polo Vivo GT launched.

2011 More fuel efficient Polo Vivo Blueline introduced.

2012 Polo Vivo Zest added to the range.

2013 Polo Vivo Maxx launched with off-road styling and 103bhp 1.6-litre engine.

2014 Refreshed and updated Polo Vivo introduced.

2015 Special edition Polo Vivo Eclipse introduced.

2015 Style-conscious Polo Vivo Street hatchback launched.

2016 Polo Vivo Xpress light commercial launched.

2016 Polo Vivo GTS replaces Polo Vivo GT.

2016 Polo Vivo production boosted by additional Kenyan manufacture factory.

2016 Polo Vivo Storm introduced based on 1.4-litre 84bhp Polo Vivo Trendline.

2017 New Polo Citi Vivo revives Citi Golf colour schemes and spirit.

2018 Second-generation Polo Vivo launched based on Series 5 Volkswagen Polo.

2018 New Polo Vivo Maxx revealed.

2019 Polo Beats-like Polo Vivo Sound Edition introduced.

2019 Polo Vivo Dune concept unveiled at 2019 Festival of Motoring.

2020 Special edition Polo Vivo Mswenko goes on sale.

2021 Polo Vivo Black Style launched to offer a more distinctive appearance.

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