Distribution of the new Polo Vivos to the various VW dealerships around the country had already started, with an intensive marketing campaign to start on Sunday.

Speaking at the Johannesburg media launch of the new Vivo, VWSA communications GM Matt Gennrich noted that all the changes to the Vivo design evident in the new models were made at VW’s local plant in Uitenhage.

 

The newly launched Polo Vivo model range had four new equipment lines, namely Conceptline, Blueline, Trendline and Comfortline, while the hatch body version would also be available in a sporty GT and rugged Maxx derivatives.

 

“Volkswagen has given the new Polo Vivo a fresh and exciting look with the addition of new headlight design and grille with chrome inserts. The redesigned front end, with the VW badge in the centre, is noticeable when one sees the new Polo Vivo for the first time,” VWSA said in a statement.

 

The company added that the exterior mirrors and door handles of the Trendline, Comfortline and GT derivatives were also now offered in body colour.

 

Further, the Conceptline, Trendline and Comfortline ranges had new interior trims, while a new gear knob with leatherette gearshift had also been introduced, VWSA sales and marketing director Petra Hoffmann said.

 

The Trendline, Comfortline, GT and Maxx derivatives also now had a height adjustable driver seat.

 

The new Polo Vivo also featured a new instrument cluster with red and white illumination, and offered customers four speakers, the option of CD and radio with MP3 capability, as well as Bluetooth and USB capability.

 

Meanwhile, Hoffmann also noted that active and passive standard safety features had been enhanced in the new Vivo.

 

“ABS, alarm and remote central locking are now standard features across the range, while front fog lights are a standard feature in the Comfortline, GT and Maxx derivatives,” the automotive manufacturer said.

 

The new Polo Vivo model range was offered with two four-cylinder petrol engines of 1.4 and 1.6 liters. The power output of these engines ranged from 55 kW to 77 kW.

 

Both engines were available with five-speed manual transmission as standard. An optional tiptronic transmission was also available with a 63 kW 1.4 ℓ engine.

 

Hoffmann also noted that the price of the new Polo Vivo hatch and sedan would remain in line with that of the original Polo Vivo, starting from R142 700 for the hatchback models and from R148 700 for the sedan.

 

PASSENGER VEHICLE MARKET

Meanwhile, Hoffmann pointed out that the passenger vehicle market seemed to have reached its lowest point and would not decline further.

 

She added that there were various factors that played into this, including increased sales to rental companies and improved consumer sentiment as inflation seemed to be easing.

 

However, while the downward trend had stopped, the market was not expected to show a significant improvement, but was rather expected to plateau.

 

Hoffmann stated that VW currently had a 23.5% market share in the passenger vehicle market.

 

During August specifically, more than 5 000 Polo and Polo Vivo cars were sold.

 

“They are also the two best selling passenger vehicles in the South African market,” she added.

 

Hoffmann noted that the new Polo Vivo was expected to have a positive impact on sales going forward as the feedback from customers had been favourable.

Source : www.engineeringnews.co.za