In the boots of older bigger brothers, somewhere between budget hatch and cross-over, lives this rugged-looking “maxxed”-out Polo.

VWSA has the ability to constantly re-invent its entry-level cars.  Think CitiGolf – a Golf Mk1 born in circa 1974 given a life-extension in 1983 (when “jumbo” Golf Mk2 was launched) and lasted through many variations until 2009!

Then, replacement was due for Polo… and old Polo became Polo Vivo – so successful, that to this day it is the best-selling passenger car in the country.

The idea of taking a hatchback and giving it some high ground clearance, roof rails, chunky alloy wheels and some silver 4x4-looking panels was born – Rover took a 25 hatch, gave it big grey bumpers and rails, and called it the Streetwise… but soon after the company went down – Streetwise was ahead of its time.

Given this treatment, the previous Polo created the first Cross Polo.  Then new Polo was launched, and new Cross Polo.

Then Renault had the same idea with Sandero – the same rugged urban tough (but looks like it can go off-road) appearance to form Renault Sandero Stepway, but at a much lower price – it has seen increasing sales popularity, which means others, including VW, were missing out.

The new VW Cross Polo has become more expensive, while GWM is trying to do a similar Stepway trick with its C20R, but sales have been slow.  Now, following in big brother Cross Polo’s steps… I think you’re seeing the VW re-invention pattern here, where the previous Cross Polo essentially reborn as Polo Vivo Maxx.

Polo Vivo Maxx boasts a number of exterior and interior features that differentiate it from its Polo Vivo siblings.  The exterior features include raised suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels (sharing these big boots with big brother Cross Polo), grey painted exterior mirrors which match the grey side MAXX emblems, twin exhaust tailpipes, and grey-ish roof rails.  In the interior, Polo Vivo Maxx is also sported up – pedals with aluminum inserts, grey paint on the centre console, 3-spoke leather steering wheel with chrome insert and grey stitching, and floor mats with grey stitching.

To keep it simple, the Polo Vivo Maxx is powered by the same dependable capable 1.6-litre 77kW engine as a normal Vivo, but in the place of 1.6 numbering is a MAXX emblem.  A 5-speed manual transmission, driver and front passenger airbags, ABS with EBD, central locking and audio system come standard.

The retail price is now sitting at R 178 800 (up from R160 300 when it was introduced early 2013) meaning that it is barely R10k more than the Vivo 1.6 Trendline, yet the Maxx gives lots more styling and image.

Having re-fired the first Cross Polo’s flame, and going head-on with Sandero Stepway, the Polo Vivo Maxx is another product creation to give the market what it likes.

In the boots of older bigger brothers, somewhere between budget hatch and cross-over, lives this rugged-looking “maxxed”-out Polo.  It is easy to fall in love with its up-in-the-air looks + down-to-earth personality.