PoloDriver

The Polo Dune lives again! The faux-by-four Polo Dune (or CrossPolo in Europe) which was introduced to the UK in 2004 lives again in South Africa as the Polo Vivo Maxx. Volkswagen South Africa has this week announced details of the new high-riding model, which it hopes will bolster sales still further of South Africa’s best-selling passenger car.

Only available in hatchback guise, the Polo Vivo Maxx borrows much from the previous UK-only Polo Dune, including raised suspension and aluminium roof rails. It also has painted exterior door mirrors and special ‘Maxx’ decals. There are no new bumpers or plastic cladding parts, though. In a nod to the new CrossPolo available in South Africa and mainland Europe, the Polo Vivo Maxx is fitted with that car’s 17″ ‘Budapest’ alloy wheels.

Inside, the Polo Vivo Maxx gets aluminium pedals, a titanium-painted centre console, front electric windows, manual air-conditioning, three-spoke leather sports steering wheel with grey stitching, radio/MP3/CD system with four speakers, and grey-edged floor mats. Driver and passenger airbags, ABS with EBD, an immobiliser and central locking also add to the equipment count. Only one engine choice is available – the 1.6-litre petrol engine developing 103bhp (more than was ever offered on the Polo Dune) from the Polo Vivo Trendline and GT powers the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox.

The Polo Vivo Maxx costs R160,300 (VAT and emissions tax included). In 2012, Volkswagen South Africa sold 34,873 Polo Vivos, which is manufactured at the company’s plant in Uitenhage, alongside the current Polo and CrossPolo (6R).