Latest news with #PoloVivo
TimesLIVE
5 days ago
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
How South Africans are adapting to the rising price of car ownership
Car ownership remains an important goal for many South Africans, even as the landscape continues to evolve. According to WesBank, the cost of owning a vehicle in South Africa has increased by 50.6% since 2021, placing further strain on consumers. While new vehicle prices continue to rise — for example, the starting price of a Polo Vivo now stands at R271,900 — drivers still have a range of options, even as factors such as fuel costs, interest rates and insurance premiums fluctuate. For those seeking more accessible options, there are still paths to vehicle ownership, including pre-owned choices, flexible financing and innovative subscription models. According to AutoTrader research, about 60% of financed vehicles in South Africa are used cars, indicating consumers are seeking more cost-effective solutions. 'The South African automotive landscape is undergoing a significant evolution driven by affordability,' said AutoTrader CEO George Mienie. 'Our data reveals a clear consumer shift towards the used car market, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of local buyers in the face of economic challenges. This trend underscores the industry's responsibility to provide accessible and reliable mobile solutions for South African consumers.' This is reflected in the finance application data from Standard Bank, which shows that though new car finance applications dropped by 30% in February 2025, used car applications remained stable. 'While this might not seem like a sharp decline, it's staggering when you consider 35% to 40% of cars we financed a decade ago were new,' said Derick de Vries, head of automotive retail at Standard Bank Vehicle and Asset Finance. Used vehicles have become increasingly attractive to South African buyers, with used car price inflation easing to 1.7% in 2025, down from 5.6% two years earlier. This shift positions used vehicles as a more value-driven option, particularly as AutoTrader reports a growing interest in older models, specifically those with an average registration age of six years. Which vehicles are they buying? While the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux continue to dominate the used vehicle sales chart, notable shifts show consumers are increasingly looking at more affordable vehicles. There has been a noteworthy decline in the sales of premium vehicles, with used cars such as the Suzuki Swift, Toyota Starlet and Nissan NP200 seeing an increase in recent months. Last month, AutoTrader data showed these models were in the top 10 best-selling used cars, while premium vehicles such as the BMW 3 Series have dropped off. Aside from the cost benefits of buying more affordable, fuel-efficient vehicles, several other reasons exist for this shift in buying behaviour. While used cars offer immediate cost savings compared with their new counterparts, buyers must weigh this against the costs of servicing and potential maintenance, especially for models that have passed their warranty period. Smaller cars, such as the Swift and Polo Vivo, typically offer lower running costs compared with used luxury and premium cars. Image: Supplied AutoTrader offers several resources to help prospective buyers make informed decisions. The online automotive marketplace features price ratings to help consumers compare the prices of used vehicles with those of similar cars available. Additionally, they offer tools such as an affordability calculator, which enables customers to determine suitable vehicle options based on their monthly budgets. However, when it comes to new cars, affordability constraints have forced consumers to enter new vehicle finance agreements with longer loan terms (72-96 months) and opt for balloon payments, which lead to higher overall costs and an increased risk of repossession.
IOL News
6 days ago
- Automotive
- IOL News
Volkswagen SA's locally produced entry-level SUV now a step closer: here's what to expect
The new Volkswagen Tera, to be marketed with a different name locally, will be positioned below the T-Cross. Image: Supplied Volkswagen South Africa is gearing up to build a brand new entry-level SUV at its production plant in Kariega, Eastern Cape. The new model is now a step closer to reality following a recent plant upgrade that saw the facility halt production of its existing Polo and Polo Vivo models for four weeks. VWSA said 60% of the preparation work for the new SUV product had taken place during the December 2024 shutdown period, while the most recent shutdown, from April 14 to May 12, saw the remaining 40% of upgrades being implemented. This included the programming of robots in the paint shop, completing all installations in the Body Shop, and modifying conveyors in the Final Assembly area. This means the production of the new 'AO SUV Entry' project, as it's called, has now entered the commissioning phase, with remaining work set to take place in order to prevent any further production disruptions. VWSA said it was working closely with their colleagues in Volkswagen of Brazil to develop, build and launch this new model. It is believed that the AO SUV Entry product will be closely based on the Brazilian-developed Volkswagen Tera, albeit with a few modifications for the African market. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading The Tera was designed and developed in Brazil, but will be adapted for the SA market. Image: Supplied It is also set to receive a new name for our market, which reportedly will be determined through a public vote. The new entry SUV is closely related to the current Polo, formed around Volkswagen's MQB-AO platform, but featuring unique body panels and interior components. South African specifications will be announced closer to launch, but for what it's worth, the Brazilian model is offered with a choice of normally aspirated and turbocharged 1.0 TSI petrol engines, culminating in the 85kW version also seen in the Polo. plied The interior bears some resemblance to the latest Tiguan and T-Cross models. Image: Supplied It is likely, however, that SA's entry-level models will be powered by the current 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre MPI normally aspirated engines, as they are locally produced. It's too early to speculate on pricing, but VWSA has previously stated that it will slot beneath the T-Cross, which currently starts at R399,900.
The Citizen
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Drive off in a demo Polo Vivo
If you're in search of a car for yourself or a loved one, don't miss out on great savings at the demo car market at South Coast Volkswagen in Margate. Locals and visitors can take advantage of special offers on Polo Vivo demo vehicles. These hatchbacks are in excellent condition and come with attractive discounts, making them an excellent choice for savvy buyers. 'We're offering unbeatable value on demo Polo Vivos with low mileage, with full peace of mind and the trusted Volkswagen quality you know and love. If you've been waiting for the right time to buy, it's now,' said Zane Nadesen, Master Cars manager. 'We're clearing our floor to make space, and that means incredible savings on these sleek and reliable hatchbacks that deliver style and performance in one smart package.' You can purchase the Polo Vivo 1.4 55kW for R235 000 or the Polo Vivo 1.4 63kW Life for R245 000. With limited stock available, now's the time to visit South Coast Volkswagen and secure your deal. Each demo vehicle is Master Cars approved, with quality checks and full transparency. Visit South Coast Volkswagen at Lot 3848 Marine Drive, Margate, 4275 or email info@ HAVE YOUR SAY Like the South Coast Herald's Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
TimesLIVE
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
VW's Kariega plant enters next phase of new budget SUV production
Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has completed the latest round of production facility upgrades at its Kariega plant as it moves forward with preparations to manufacture a third vehicle model from 2027. The new model, a compact A0 SUV known as the Tera in Brazil, will join the Polo and Polo Vivo on the production line. Built on the same chassis as the Polo, the Tera is positioned below the T-Cross in Volkswagen's global SUV line-up. Plans to produce it locally were announced in February during the VW Indaba media event. The vehicle will adopt a different moniker when it goes on sale, with VW planning to open a naming campaign across the African continent in the coming months. By the end of 2024, about 60% of the required production upgrades had been completed during the plant's December shutdown. The remaining 40% was addressed during a planned production pause from April 14 to May 12 this year. This included final work in the body shop, paint shop and final assembly areas. Specific tasks involved:
TimesLIVE
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
Used car sales resilient, with only a slight decline in April
'This trend speaks to the ongoing strength of the used car arena as consumers seek reliable, well-priced options in a changing economic landscape.' While the Ranger topped the model chart, Toyota led the pack at brand level, shifting 5,150 units in April. Volkswagen followed with 4,034, while Ford came in third with 3,151. Interestingly, the Ranger was Ford's only representative in the top 10, whereas Toyota claimed four spots — more than any other brand. All three of the leading brands posted YoY growth, but also recorded MoM declines. Toyota was up 4% YoY and down 1% MoM. Volkswagen had the smallest YoY increase (+3%) but the biggest MoM fall (-6%). Ford enjoyed the strongest YoY growth (+7%) but also saw a 2% MoM drop. Among the top 10, only Kia bucked the trend with a +6% MoM rise while Suzuki held steady. Suzuki also had the biggest YoY surge, growing by 15%. In raw numbers, the Ford Ranger led April's used car sales with 1,724 units. It was followed by the Toyota Hilux (1,435 units) and the Polo Vivo (1,159 units). At a variant level, the Polo Vivo 1.4 remained the country's best-selling used model, clocking in 923 sales. Its turbocharged sibling the Polo 1.0 TSI came in second with 707 units. Rounding out the list were the Hilux 2.8 GD-6 (634), the Ranger XL (539) and the Hilux 2.4 GD-6.
