VW Polo Vivo replaces Citi
March 12th, 2010 
Kyle VW Polo Vivo
VWSA's answer to the Citi void
VWSA have finally launched their replacement for the Citi, although it isn’t a Citi replacement apparently. And the secret which VWSA have been trying to keep is a, well it’s a Polo. VW have done their old trick of rebranding a now older generation platform, which is no problem considering the success of this particular platform.
VW are out of the A00 segment, which you can loosely describe as all the sub-100k cars made of cardboard, a segment the VW dominated with their Citi, because that wasn’t made out of cardboard but actually drive nicely. The Vivo is positioned in the A0 segment, with the cheapest model, a 2-door hatch with a 55kW 1.4L petrol engine coming in at R101 500. Prices range all the way up to R150 800 for a 1.6L 77kW 4-door sedan, yes the Vivo comes with a boot if you are so inclined. All in all there are three engine options, the two already mentioned and another 1.4L, but that one produces 63kW and is probably the best one. We drove the new Vivo in PE at the launch, and were reasonably impressed. It is aggressively priced considering the build quality and performance of the Vivo. There is also a 3 year/120 000km warranty as standard with 5 year/60 000km maintenance and a similar service plan as options available. For the bottom end of the A0 segment then, I would say that the Vivo could quickly become a segment leader, it is just a well rounded package.
VWSA have glued a new badge onto the Polo
The full launch drive will be in the next issue of Drive, but for now I will say that the Vivo is a refined and handsome enough design, in a sort of understated manner. The new VW design language is vaguely there but unfortunately doesn’t really shine through, the new Polo is the better looking car. The performance is sprightly, with the 1.4L and 1.6L motors being actually quite closely matched. The manual gearbox does have a somewhat sticky clutch but the cogs still slot in easily, combined with a comfortable ride, VW have a potential winner on their hands. The steering is light, not ideal at higher speeds where the front wheels don’t feel all that sure, but for the slow speed city driving for which the Vivo is presumably intended the handling is commendable.
The Vivo then is a valiant effort by VWSA to replace the venerable Citi, and for the modern world I’d say it works. Unfortunately the Vivo has nowhere near as much character as the Citi, and I wouldn’t expect a 30 year run either, but for here and now it does what everyone has been asking for. It has modern safety features, power steering and you can spec air-con if you want. And for that you have to pay more money, which is disappointing but ultimately unavoidable.
There are new headlight surrounds on the Vivo
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