Global NCAP crash test shows how safe South Africa’s Volkswagen Polo Vivo really is

International crash testing authority Global NCAP has put the Volkswagen Polo Vivo through its full assessment protocol and the recently updated model came out with a four-star rating for adult occupant protection.

However that does come with a caveat as the vehicle that this rating applies to was fitted with the side head thorax airbags which are optional on the Life derivative and standard on the Style and GT models, but not available on the base Vivo.

The voluntary test also saw the pre-facelift Polo Vivo with two front airbags being put through its crash testing paces and that vehicle emerged with a two-star rating.

However it’s not just the airbags that account for the difference in ratings as the facelifted model also brought electronic stability control (ESC) into the picture and upgraded seat belt reminders that now meet Global NCAP’s standards.

The testers’ notes were mainly positive, with the bodyshell and footwell areas rated as stable during the 64km/h offset frontal tests of both vehicles. While protection offered to the driver’s and passenger’s head and neck was rated as good, with adequate chest protection in both cases too, structures behind the dashboard do pose a danger to the driver’s knees, which is a problem commonly exposed by NCAP tests.

Global NCAP found occupant head protection to be weak in the pre-facelift model without side airbags.

Global NCAP “strongly recommends” that customers choose the model variants with higher levels of protection.

As for rear passenger protection, Global NCAP expressed disappointment that the rear central seat only has a two-point belt.

Child protection was rated as good overall, with three stars awarded. ISOFIX anchorages are standard in the Polo Vivo. However, passenger airbags cannot be deactivated to enable safe backwards-facing child seat installation in the front passenger seat.

The Volkswagen Polo Vivo is South Africa’s best-selling passenger model, but it is based on the previous-generation Polo that was first introduced internationally in 2009. While that model received a five-star Euro NCAP rating when it was new, regional model differences and evolving testing protocols mean it is important for older models to be retested in accordance with modern standards.

Boddy Ramagwede, CEO of the Automobile Association of South Africa, commended Volkswagen for voluntarily crash-testing the Vivo under Global NCAP’s protocols.

“These efforts align perfectly with the #SaferCarsForAfrica campaign, which advocates for manufacturers to actively ensure that their vehicles are equipped with essential safety features for consumers,” Ramagwede said.

Watch the Global NCAP crash test video below.

Follow these links for the full Global NCAP reports for the facelifted model with four airbags and the pre-facelift with two airbags.

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