Volkswagen Polo Vivo I (9N3) photos

The first-generation Volkswagen Polo Vivo launched in South Africa in March 2010 as an affordable replacement for the long-running Citi Golf. Engineered on the proven PQ24 platform, the model was derived directly from the facelifted fourth-generation European Polo (Typ 9N3). Localized and manufactured at the Uitenhage (Kariega) plant, the Polo Vivo was produced in 3-door and 5-door hatchback formats alongside a 4-door notchback sedan. It rapidly established itself as the best-selling passenger car in South Africa due to its value proposition, rugged build quality, and accessible maintenance.

Powering the first-gen Polo Vivo were naturally aspirated 1.4-liter (75 hp and 85 hp) and 1.6-liter (105 hp) four-cylinder petrol engines mated to a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed Tiptronic automatic. Model variants included the ruggedized Maxx with raised ground clearance and body cladding, as well as the sportier GT. Over its seven-year production run, more than 190,000 units of the Mk1 Polo Vivo were manufactured before the second generation arrived in late 2017.