Volkswagens locally produced
Polo Vivo has been
awarded a four-star safety rating by the Global New Car Assessment Programme (Global NCAP). Global NCAP is a leading independent vehicle safety assessment organisation which promotes the universal adoption of the United Nation’s motor vehicle safety standards.
The four-star rating by Global NCAP makes the new Polo Vivo one of the safest cars in its segment. This award follows the fitment of additional safety equipment earlier this year including optional side body and side head airbags as well as Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
Volkswagen’s Polo Vivo has firmly established itself as a leader in the entry-level hatch market since its local introduction in 2010. The Polo Vivo, which is locally developed and manufactured at Volkswagen’s Kariega plant in the Eastern Cape, has been South Africa’s best-selling passenger car since its introduction with over 500 000 units sold to date.
The Polo Vivo, which has been specially designed for South African customers as well as other African markets, underwent stringent testing in accordance with Global NCAP’s 2024 test assessment. The exceptional performance secured the Polo Vivo a four-star rating in Adult Occupancy Protection and a three-star rating in the Child Occupancy Protection categories.
Numerous recently added active and passive safety features contributed to the Polo Vivo’s four-star rating including driver and passenger seat belt recognition with audible warning, electronic stability control and dual front airbags for the driver and passenger. Front side airbags are optional on Life derivatives and standard on Style and GT derivatives. All models also met Global NCAP’s requirements for child seat types and Isofix fitment.
Global NCAP’s crash test protocols assess frontal and side impact protection for all models as well as Electronic Stability Control by physically crashing vehicles in a bespoke vehicle testing laboratory according to standardised test methodology.
The test results revealed a structure and footwell area that were rated as stable, and which can withstand further loadings.
