The Polo 1.0 TSI 70kW manual and Polo GTI derivatives went on sale at the beginning of January 2022 and from the end of February 2022, South Africans will now be able to purchase the Volkswagen Polo 1.0 TSI 85kW DSG.
The Polo Life 1.0 TSI 85kW DSG comes standard with a digital dashboard display, Park Distance Control (front and rear), electric folding mirrors, lumbar support for the driver and front passenger, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel with shift paddles as well as 15-inch Essex alloy wheels.
The Polo R-Line 1.0 TSI 85kW DSG distinguishes itself from the other Polo versions by its striking ‘R’ design. In addition to the standard features of the Polo Life, the Polo R-Line is offered with 16-inch Valencia alloy wheels, Composition Media infotainment system with inductive mobile charging and a two-zone climatronic air-conditioning system.
Recommended Retail Price (VAT and emissions tax included)
Polo 1.0 TSI 70kW Manual R311 800
Polo Life 1.0 TSI 70kW Manual R350 000
Polo Life 1.0 TSI 85kW DSG R370 700
Polo R-Line 1.0 TSI 85kW DSG R421 900
Polo GTI 2.0 TSI 147kW DSG R489 400
The new Volkswagen Polo comes standard with a 3 year/120 000km warranty, 3 year/ 45 000km EasyDrive Service Plan and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty.
The service interval is 15 000km. Customers have the option to extend EasyDrive Maintenance and EasyDrive Service Plans up to 10 years/ 300 000km.
Starting 2022 off on a strong note, Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) celebrated a production milestone this week, with the 100 000th unit of the current Polo Vivo rolling off the production line at the plant in Kariega (formerly Uitenhage).
The Vivo is built exclusively in Kariega for the South African market and this milestone comes just over four years after the plant began manufacturing the current Vivo model in 2018.
Prior to this, VWSA built the first generation Vivo from 2010 to 2017, with a total of 254 683 units built in this generation. This means the plant has built just over 354 000 Vivos to date.
In turn, South African consumers have shown their appreciation consistently for this uniquely South African vehicle: the Vivo has been the best-selling vehicle in the passenger car market every year since its introduction in 2010.
A total of 350 289 Vivos have been sold between 2010 and 2021, of which 251 726 were during the first generation and 98 563 of the current model (up until December 2021).
The best annual sales performance for the current Vivo model was recorded in 2019 when VWSA sold a total of 29 618 Vivos in one year. In terms of monthly performance, the Vivo proved most popular in October 2018, when 3 009 Vivos were sold in a single month.
The Vivo is one of two vehicles currently being built at the Kariega plant, the other being the Volkswagen Polo. The Polos built in Kariega are exported to all right-hand-drive markets worldwide, while VWSA also supplements production for left-hand-drive markets.
“This milestone means a lot to our team, both in Production and in the rest of the company,” said Ulrich Schwabe, Production Director at VWSA. “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 VWSA employee for their dedication, and the part they played in making this milestone a reality.”
Stock shortages continued to thwart South Africa’s new vehicle market during October. However, the market continued to show a robust performance, despite the volumes being lower than September.
According to naamsa | the Automotive Business Council, 41,035 new vehicles were sold during October, an increase of 6.1% over the same month last year. Although September sales were the second-best volume month this year, October sales were 4.9% slower than last month. It is also important to note the context of October sales within the four months this year that have sold more than 40,000 units.
“The new vehicle market appears to be recovering strongly, demand out-stripping current supply constraints,” says Lebogang Gaoaketse, Head of Marketing and Communication at WesBank. “The second half of the year has performed strongly since the mid-year lockdown restrictions, with the market trading above 40,000 units a month for the past three months.”
WesBank’s own data indicates a resurgence in the South African motor industry. “While we have seen high demand for pre-owned vehicles over the last two years, a slow shift back towards new vehicles may be currently underway,” says Gaoaketse. “Compared to a year ago, applications for to WesBank for new car deals rose 1.8% during October, while applications for pre-owned deals declined 5.9%. In addition, the bank’s used-to-new ratio has shifted over the 12-month period from 2.25 used vehicles financed for every new vehicle a year ago, to 2.08.”
However, the issue of supply is a global factor that skews the overall market picture. “Until global manufacturing stabilises off the back of the pandemic and resolves its micro-chip shortages, consumer and business purchase decisions will be swayed by availability and necessity,” says Gaoaketse. “The good news is that South African car dealers are in a much more sustainable position than a year ago.”
South Africa’s new passenger car market was up 3.1% to 27,496 units, displaying a robust consistency throughout the year. The Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) market remains far more volatile. While it was down 10.9% in September, the segment bounced back to increase 15.9% during October to 11,188 sales.
A similar trend played out in the dealer space with passenger car and LCV volumes up 2.7% and 16.5% respectively. The market once again benefited from a sizeable volume of rental sales, with 5,002 passenger cars and 730 LCVs selling into fleets.
“Although the market looks in better shape, affordability continues to be a major consideration,” says Gaoaketse. “Significant fuel price hikes this month and the prospect of interest rates potentially increasing with the return of inflation are factors for consumers to consider when purchasing their next vehicle.”
Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) celebrated another production milestone today, when the 400 000th unit of the current Volkswagen Polo rolled off the production line in Kariega (formerly Uitenhage).
By the time the 400 000th Polo rolled off the production line, the plant had produced a total of 61 635 Polos and 10 373 Polo Vivos this year.
This is a proud moment for our team, who have proven their dedication to delivering for our customers in abroad and in South Africa.
– Ulrich Schwabe, Production Director, VWSA
This achievement comes less than four years after the plant began manufacturing the current Polo model in September 2017. Of the 400 000 Polos manufactured locally since 2017, 73 786 vehicles were made for the local market and 326 214 were built for export. The Polos built in Kariega are exported to all right-hand-drive markets worldwide, while VWSA also supplements production for left-hand-drive markets.
“This is a proud moment for our team, who have proven their dedication to delivering for our customers in abroad and in South Africa,” said Ulrich Schwabe, Production Director at VWSA. “I would like to thank every employee, whether on the production line, in the office or working from home, for continuously striving for excellence. This milestone could not have happened without their contributions.”
I had the pleasure of receiving the facelifted Citroën C3 1.2T Pure Tech Shine (6-speed automatic) on test almost immediately after it launched and all I wanted to do, was to take it out of the city and onto back roads which would challenge it further.
– Vuyi Mpofu, MD: Driving In Heels SA
Ordinarily, I would start a review by talking about a vehicle’s aesthetics. In the case of the facelifted Citroën C3 however, I am going to get straight down to business and gush about the best thing about the compact hatchback – its driveability.
Granted, this is a bold statement to make and coming from me, it’s no small accolade. The truth of the matter though, is that the products from Citroën (and Peugeot) are long overdue for as much attention by the South African public as that given to the offerings from Asia and other European countries. Not only are these French vehicles teeming with features and technologies (many of which come as standard items), they genuinely are worthy competitors to mainstream hatchbacks on the market.
I didn’t have a particular destination in mind but I had a full tank, so why not!
– VUYI MPOFU, MD: DRIVING IN HEELS SA
Climbing into the driver’s seat and firing up the 1.2T 81kW litre engine, I pointed the C3’s headlights towards the freeway in search of back routes towards either Mpumalanga or Kwa-Zulu Natal. No, I didn’t have a particular destination in mind but I had a full tank of fuel, so why not!
My wicked little plan for the C3 included finding out how well its suspension and comfy seats would hold up on not-so-well-tarred South African roads
– VUYI MPOFU, MD: DRIVING IN HEELS SA
At the event, I had been most impressed by the little car’s ride quality and heightened levels of occupant comfort, but my wicked little plan for the C3 included finding out just how well its suspension and comfy seats would hold up when pushed along not-so-well-tarred South African roads. After all, the majority of South Africans looking for a reliable set of wheels would take into consideration just how well the little Frenchie would cope on neglected roads that lead to grandma’s house.
The narrow ribbon of road leading to Bronkospruit provided me with just the testing environment I was looking for; given the road’s numerous potholes of varying size and depth, unevenly laid tarmac, and other annoying anomalies. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that the Citroen C3 is an SUV nor was I trying to ‘break’ it. On the contrary, I had so much faith in its capabilities to tackle its most fierce rival – the VW Polo, that I simply had to do all I could to prove its competence.
Thankfully, and I say this with real heartfelt gratitude, Citroën hasn’t tried to disguise the C3 as a sporty offering
– VUYI MPOFU, MD: DRIVING IN HEELS SA
With a slight growl from its 1.2 turbocharged engine and sailing re-assuredly on 16” heels, the C3 was up for the challenge and showed no signs of strain during any part of the 90-minute drive.
From purring contentedly along the straights to cornering confidently in and out of the twisties, the C3 raised eyebrows from the road users I easily overtook as I hurtled towards nowhere in particular. The C3’s light, electric-powered steering system makes the compact hatch agile and light-footed but not in a ‘gone with the wind’ type of way.
Suffice to say I drove the C3 pretty much the way I drive all test units – as if I stole it
– VUYI MPOFU, MD: DRIVING IN HEELS SA
Thankfully, and I say this with real heartfelt gratitude, Citroën hasn’t tried to disguise the C3 as a sporty offering. It irks me when manufacturers put little race-car-inspired touches to cars that have no business impersonating anything vaguely racy. Instead, the French manufacturer has done a rather good job of taking the C3 to what could be the edge of its performance capabilities, without venturing into true sporty mode. Anything more than what the C3 currently is, it would put in a different vehicular segment altogether.
Suffice to say, I drove the C3 pretty much the way I drive all test units – as if I stole it – which means a hard and fast drive. Driving in this fashion allows me to test a car’s handling, performance, and, well, the effectiveness of the braking system – which explains why I do a test run on my own and on abandoned / infrequently travelled roads. Apart from limiting encounters with other motorists, I don’t relish the prospect of having a squeamish, or screaming passenger when I am at work!
Given that the C3 has something of a ‘wolf in sheep’s clothing’ type performance, it would be a good idea to mention safety features
– VUYI MPOFU, MD: DRIVING IN HEELS SA
Also, a feisty drive allows for a 360-degree test of a car’s fuel efficiency (spirited drive vs. city driving) and having sprinted for 300km in one direction on the first day, I was happy to note that my return trip resulted in 7.8-litres of fuel consumed per 100kms. This translates to much less fuel used by anyone else who buys the C3 because chances are slim that they would drive the way I do; at least I hope no one does!
Given that the C3 has something of a ‘wolf in sheep’s clothing’ type performance, I think it would be a good idea to mention safety features roundabout now. These include ABS, EBA, EBD, TCS, ESP, 6 airbags across the range, Microdot, dedicated Apps connected to the car and Safety Film and Tracking solutions, (optional).
After driving for 2 hours consecutively, I was pleasantly surprised when the coffee break timer popped up, alerting me to take a much-needed break.
– VUYI MPOFU, MD: DRIVING IN HEELS SA
The Shine model I drove is equipped with Citroën Speed Limit Recognition and Recommendation technology, which reads speed limit signs and communicates them via the driver’s display. Another safety necessity for South African drivers, is cruise control which monitors speed limits and recommends adjustment to speed accordingly. After driving for 2 hours consecutively, I was pleasantly surprised when the coffee break timer popped up, alerting me to take a much-needed break.
Interior-wise the Citroën C3 offers a well-specced and ergonomic space for the driver and a roomy cabin for other occupants. The rear-seat area allows for taller passengers to enjoy a comfortable long-distance drive in terms of both leg and headroom.
For a compact hatch, the C3 has rather large windows which surprisingly don’t look at odds with the overall design of the car. These come in handy when it comes to all-round visibility, a much-needed element when parking in tight spots or when driving on high traffic roads.
Speaking of parking mishaps the Citroën C3 features AirBump technology which helps prevent pesky scratches, dents, and dings in parking lots from opening doors too wide or shopping trolleys in much need of wheel alignment.
Granted, word on the street isn’t overly encouraging especially when talking about resale value and depreciation
– VUYI MPOFU, MD: DRIVING IN HEELS SA
Available in Six distinct and exciting exterior colors the Citroën C3 stands out in a crowd and can be jazzed up further by choosing from Onyx Black or Opal White contrasting roof colors.
For a B-segment compact hatchback, the 3rd generation Citroën C3 is worthy of attention for anyone on the market for anything other than a VW Polo.
Granted, word on the street isn’t overly encouraging especially when talking about resale value and depreciation but it may surprise you to learn that almost all hatchbacks are taking a beating on this front; given the infiltration of small SUVs with price tags marginally higher than that of the hatchbacks.
MODEL RANGE & PRICING
Citroën C3: 1.2 Pure Tech Feel 60kW 5-speed Manual Transmission – R 269 900.00
Citroën C3: 1.2 Pure Tech Shine 81kW 6-speed Automatic Transmission – R 324 900.00
All models come with a Citroën Serenity three-year/three-service service plan that can be upgraded to a 5-year/100 000km maintenance plan.
*CITROËN SERENITY
Offered across the entire Citroën passenger car range and covers:
Warranty: 5 – Year / 100 000 km Warranty
Manufacturer’s Service Plan*: 3 Years / 60 000km Service
Peace of Mind: Courtesy Car, Citroën Parts Basket, Complimentary Vehicle health check.
Microdot – Quick and easy Identification in the event of theft
Customer Experience: A personalized service you can enjoy
Safety: 6 airbags across the range, Microdot, dedicated Apps connected to the car, and Safety Film and Tracking solutions, (optional)
Thank you so much for being part of the panel Vuyi. We appreciate it and hope to see more of you throughout the year.
– Zimkhita Kweza, Junior Producer, Ignition gt
The next episode of Ignition GT featuring our Editor Vuyi Mpofu debuts on Saturday 20th Feb at 10:30am on DSTV channel 189.
In it, she has a hilariously animated discussion with the panel about the decals on the VW Mswenko and gets taught how to pronounce ‘Peugeot’ when talking about the Peugeot 2008.
Volkswagen has updated the Polo Vivo model range by adding a stylish special edition to the range
With 261 285 units sold since its market introduction in March 2010, the Volkswagen Polo Vivo hatch has been the best-selling passenger car model in South Africa for the past decade. Being the only locally manufactured model in the competitive A0 segment, the Polo Vivo has been a dominant brand in the entry-level hatch segment in spite of new models being launched on a regular basis.
Polo Vivo’s key product attributes such as affordability, German build quality, safety, space and comfort have a set an unparalleled benchmark in the segment. The cost of ownership over a 3-year cycle makes Polo Vivo one of the most affordable cars to own in the South African market.
Image courtesy of Quickpic
Image courtesy of Quickpic
Image courtesy of Quickpic
Image courtesy of Quickpic
“The Polo Vivo Mswenko, which is based on the 1.4 63kW Comfortline manual, is a fashion-inspired derivative which features unique styling details and serves to appeal to customers that are dynamic and young at heart,” said Mike Glendinning, Sales and marketing Director for Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA).
In the interior, the Polo Vivo Mswenko differentiates itself from the rest of the range with unique standard features
Mswenko (pronounced m-swe-nkoh) is the isiZulu expression for the slang word “swag”. Swag is an expression of attitude and confidence. A self-confident and stylish person is said to have swag. Mswenko, which is unique to South Africa, refers to a person’s style, attitude and general demeanour.
In the exterior, the Polo Vivo Mswenko is easily recognisable by the Mswenko side decals, a chrome tip exhaust, 16-inch Portago alloy wheels in Anthracite, a black painted roof, privacy glass and mirror covers in two colour variants.
In the interior, the Polo Vivo Mswenko differentiates itself from the rest of the range with unique standard features such as the new Ocean Blue seats, Anthracite headliner, silver dashboard inserts, App Connect, six speakers and a leather package (leather multi-function steering wheel, gearshift lever and gear knob).
Image courtesy of Quickpic
Image courtesy of Quickpic
Image courtesy of Quickpic
This special edition model will only be available in the following exterior colours; Pure White, Reflex Silver, Limestone Grey and Reef Blue. The Polo Vivo Mswenko will be available at Volkswagen dealers from October 2020.
The Polo Vivo Mswenko comes standard with a 3 year/120 000km warranty and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty. A Volkswagen Maintenance Plan as well as a Volkswagen Service Plan are available as options. Service interval is 15 000km.
Recommended Retail Price (VAT and emissions tax included)
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