Global NCAP results for the latest VW Polo Vivo impress
As far as South African monthly vehicle sales are concerned, the Polo Vivo continues to dominate the local passenger car market. In November alone, an impressive 2,999 brand-new Polo Vivos found owners across South Africa, cementing its position as the country’s best-selling passenger car.
As we have learned during our time with the new Polo Vivo, its appeal lies in a proven formula; built in South Africa for South Africans, it offers solid build quality, enhanced safety, excellent road manners, and an attractive price point.
Speaking of safety, the Polo Vivo has recently been crash-tested by the Global New Car Assessment Programme (Global NCAP), earning recognition as one of the safest cars in its class after achieving a 4-star rating in Adult Occupancy Protection and a 3-star rating in Child Occupancy Protection categories.
The impressive safety rating can be attributed to its active and passive safety features, such as driver and passenger seat belt recognition with audible warning, electronic stability control, dual front airbags for driver and passenger, and front side airbags, which are optional in the Life variant and standard in Style and GT models.
According to VW SA, the new Polo Vivo has also met Global NCAP’s requirements for child seat types and ISOFIX for added convenience and peace of mind.
It’s worth noting how far the Polo Vivo has come. The pre-facelift model, with only two front airbags, earned a modest two-star rating for adult occupant protection and included a disappointing two-point seatbelt in the rear centre position. While the latest version launched this year showcases the significant benefits of enhanced safety systems, it still lacks the ability to disable the passenger airbag when a rearward-facing child car seat is installed in the front seat.
“The Polo Vivo is one of the best-selling models in South Africa. With a disappointing result for the old model, it is satisfying to see VW offering safety feature improvements for the new version,” says David Ward, Executive President of the Towards Zero Foundation.
In a fiercely competitive segment, the Polo Vivo holds its own against competitors like the Toyota Starlet, Suzuki Swift, and Suzuki Baleno. However, its combination of safety, quality, and driving dynamics ensures it stays ahead of the pack in the sales charts every month.
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