Volkswagen has a heavy-hitter product in the form of the Polo, which has always ensured that it maximizes good practicality, fuel economy, and being one of the easier vehicles to maintain. It is no wonder you see one everywhere ; their popularity is unmatched, and so is their demand. That is why Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has reached another major production milestone with the production of the one-millionth current-generation Polo at its Kariega Plant.
“This milestone is a proud moment for all of us at Volkswagen Group Africa and reflects the dedication and passion of our employees over many years,” said Urich Schwabe, Production Director of VWGA. “Producing one million Polos in Kariega highlights the trust that global markets place in the quality of vehicles built in South Africa. It also reinforces the Polo’s legacy as one of the most loved and successful models produced at our plant.”
Which Polo was the on millionth car produce and where will it end up?
The milestone vehicle is a smoky grey, right-hand-drive Polo GTI destined for the South African market.
As popular as it is here in Mzansi the same goes for overseas markets as the same very popular Polo being produced out of local soil goes as far as being exported to markets such as Germany, UK, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, whilst 14% of these Polos were for the local market.The current generation Polo accounts for nearly 21% of the 4 803 424 vehicles built at the Kariega plant over the past 75 years.
Plant Kariega is currently the sole global manufacturer and exporter of the Polo to 38 countries, including markets in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. Germany and the United Kingdom are the biggest export destinations for the locally-built Polo. Meanwhile, the current generation Polo accounts for 48% of all Polo models ever manufactured at Plant Kariega, signifying the importance of the model to VWGA.
So, you want one yourself?
The Polo has three variants and two body styles to pick from, right at the base is the Polo Vivo which has three trims to choose from which are mainly : Vivo (Base): Standard 1.4-litre engine, 15-inch steel wheels, and essential safety features like ESC.
Life: Upgrades to body-colored mirrors/handles, 15-inch alloy wheels, and a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel.
Style: Features 16-inch alloy wheels and added safety like side airbags. GT: The sportiest Vivo. It includes a 1.0 TSI engine, 17-inch "Mirabeau" wheels, sports seats, a chrome tailpipe, and a black boot spoiler.
Next is the Polo hatch: Polo (Base): Features LED headlights, a digital cockpit display, and standard App-Connect. Life: The mid-level choice, adding upgraded trim finishes and enhanced connectivity options. R-Line: Takes the standard Polo and gives it an aggressive, sporty exterior with bespoke R-Line bumpers, 17-inch alloy wheels, and premium interior detailing. GTI: The hot hatch of the group. It is distinguished by its red signature grille accents, lowered sports suspension, and a powerful engine.
Then, for those who desire a bit more boot space and a sedan body, there is the option of choosing a Polo Sedan. This model has just one trim to select from, with the option of either an automatic or manual gearbox. As for pricing, the Polo Hatch models start around R373,800, extending up to R585,800 for the GTI, while the Polo Vivo models range from roughly R271,900 to R363,300.