Polo Vivo Eclipse in South Africa with 1.4-litre engine
South Africa’s best-selling car, the Polo Vivo, is joined by a special edition Vivo Eclipse model. With new competition in the segment, not least from Volkswagen’s own Up!, a handful of styling changes might rejuvenate it enough until a new model arrives.
The Vivo Eclipse comes two bodystyles (hatch or sedan) and paint choice is limited to the same number with either white or black. Silver wing mirrors and 16-inch alloy wheels wrap up the exterior changes while a lower ride height adds a touch a menace to the stance. Inside it’s a case of partial surface enhancements with a steel graphite centre console and incomplete leather trim applied to the steering wheel.
Under the hood it’s all rather conventional, the Vivo Eclipse won’t win any technology awards with the 1.4-litre engine unlikely to make an indelible impression with 63kW and 132Nm. Gearbox is a five-speed manual. The Polo Vivo remains the only product not to have forced induction.
“Polo Vivo has been the dominant model in the local A0 hatch segment in spite of the new competitor models being launched on regular basis. 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,” said Petra Hoffmann, Director: Sales and Marketing at Volkswagen Group South Africa.
Hoffmann added: “Polo Vivo Eclipse offers excellent value for money without compromising on core product essentials that customers expect from Volkswagen. In a Polo Vivo, customers are getting an A class car for the price of an A0 car, a difficult proposition to ignore in this heavily contested segment of the market. Polo Vivo also has the class-leading residual value in its segment in the used car market. The cost of ownership over a 3-year cycle makes Polo Vivo one of the cheapest cars to own in the South Africa market.”
Pricing: Polo Vivo Eclipse
1.4 63 kW Eclipse Hatch R168 600
1.4 63 kW Eclipse Sedan R174 600
