PoloDriver

A new version of the best-selling Polo Vivo has been announced by Volkswagen South Africa. The Eclipse special edition is available in both five-door hatchback and four-door sedan body styles, and is powered by a 1.4-litre 63kW (84bhp) petrol engine. Tax-inclusive prices start at R168,600 for the hatchback and rise to R174,600 for the sedan.

Silver-coloured door mirrors
Distinguished by Pure White or Deep Pearlescent Black paintwork, the Eclipse gains silver-coloured door mirrors, 16-inch ‘Mistral’ alloy wheels, ‘Eclipse’ badging, chrome strips on the boot edge, and lowered suspension. Inside, the centre console has a ‘steel graphite’ finish, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, gear lever and handbrake grip, as well as ‘Global’ seat fabric.

Both cars come with a 3-year/120,000km warranty and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty. A 5-year/60,000km Volkswagen Automotion Maintenance Plan as well as a 5-year/60,000 km Service Plan are available as options. A 15,000km service interval is standard.

‘Dominant model’
‘Polo Vivo has been the dominant model in the local A0 hatch segment in spite of the new competitor models being launched. Its key product attributes such as affordability, German build quality, safety, space and comfort have a set an unparalleled benchmark in the segment.

‘These attributes continue to re-affirm Polo Vivo’s unique offering of “affordable and accessible mobility” to the South African customers. The cost of ownership over a 3-year cycle makes Polo Vivo one of the cheapest cars to own in the South Africa market,’ said Petra Hoffmann, Volkswagen Group South Africa Director, Sales and Marketing.

With over 175,000 sold since its introduction in March 2010, the 2005-2009 Mk 4 Polo-based Polo Vivo range has dominated the ‘A0’ hatchback market in South Africa, and is continually in the NAAMSA monthly best-selling car lists. The car, along with its Polo 6C sibling are the only locally-built models in the segment, and have a combined market share of 33 per cent.