How the Popular Polo Vivo Achieved Its New Uprated Crash Safety Rating

04/09/2025

April 2025

Based on the multiple award-winning fifth-generation Polo, Volkswagen Group Africa could easily continue producing one of South Africa’s best-selling passenger car offerings with little concern for evolving this otherwise successful package. Instead, the brand has taken significant steps towards making this proudly Kariega-produced hatchback one of the safest cars in its segment.

Now boasting a 4-star safety rating by the Global New Car Assessment Programme (Global NCAP), the Polo Vivo package’s modern bouquet of safety systems was designed and engineered locally following a strict set of criteria outlined by this leading independent vehicle safety assessment organisation. The mandate of the Global NCAP programme is to promote the universal adoption of the United Nation’s motor vehicle safety standards.

Key to this improved safety rating of the Polo Vivo is the introduction of the following innovations:

Seat Belt Recognition with Audible Warning
This innovative system is designed to detect when someone is occupying an individual seat within the vehicle, notifying the driver via an audible alarm should that person not have their seatbelt fastened at the start of every journey. An integral part of keeping occupants protected in the event of an accident, it’s imperative that all passengers remain buckled up.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

Incorporating a range of modern safety systems, including ABS brakes, modern electronic stability control uses various sensors to monitor driver inputs and the level of control being maintained while the vehicle is in motion. Should this system detect a potentially dangerous situation, including carrying too much speed into a corner or encountering a slippery surface, ESC can apply the brakes on an individual wheel to help bring the vehicle back under control.

“The Polo Vivo is one of the best-selling models in South Africa. It is therefore very satisfying to see the positive and constructive reaction from Volkswagen in offering safety feature improvements for the new version of the car,” said David Ward, Executive President of the Towards Zero Foundation.

Find your new Volkswagen Polo Vivo here.

Dual Front Airbags

The inclusion of airbags for the driver and front passenger across the Polo Vivo range proved to be a critical step in achieving a 4-star Global NCAP rating for Adult Occupancy Protection. Combined with a modern seatbelt system, these carefully engineered airbags are designed to protect the vital organs of front occupants in the event of a forward collision.

Front Side Airbags

Standard on Polo Vivo Style and GT derivatives and optional on Life models, side airbags packaged within the modern Vivo are designed to protect front occupants in the event of a side impact.

ISOFIX Mounting Points
A key modern safety system engineered to keep a child’s car seat, and its occupant secure in the event of an accident, ISOFIX anchorage points establish their strength by being integrated into a vehicle's framework. Polo Vivo’s adoption of this technology helped it achieve an impressive 3-star rating for Child Occupancy Protection.