Motoring News of the Week and Polo Vivo 1.4 | #eBizMotoring | Thegandra Naidoo

News of the week:

• Citroen has introduced an all-new C1 in the country.
• Priced from R168 990, The New Citroën C1 heralds a new era of city motoring, where the emphasis is on practicality and efficiency tailored for the urban environment, but without sacrificing driver enjoyment.
• Citroen dubs it as the model with  a cheeky personality, eager road manners, unrivalled manoeuvrability and low operating costs, getting around has never been so much fun.
• It reached South African showrooms on 01 November, and like its predecessor (of which more than 780 000 examples were sold worldwide) continues to offer an upbeat solution to urban mobility requirements, in a thoroughly contemporary package.
• South African customers can look forward to the new PureTech engine mated to a five-speed manual gearbox.
• This 1.2L, 3-cylinder, 61kW petrol engine achieves fuel consumption of 4.3-litres/100 km on the combined cycle, while emitting just 99g/km of CO2.
• Rewarding performance is ensured thanks to 116 Nm, endowing the C1 with 0-100kph acceleration of 11 seconds and a top speed of 170kph. Servicing is only required every 20 000 km.
• There will also be a budget version with 1 litre engine from 2015. It will retail from R139 900.

Road test: Polo Vivo 1.4

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.

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

What’s new for 2014?

The 2014 Volkswagen Polo 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 gear knob 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.

Tough and Solid to Drive

I’ll give credit to the Volkswagen Polo 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 Volkswagen Polo 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 Volkswagen Polo 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.

Second Opinion

The VW Polo 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. 

  2014 Volkswagen Polo Vivo 1.4 63 kW Trendline quick specs

 

Thegandra Naidoo in conversation with eBizRadio’s Nick Snow

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