By: Jason Woosey
Volkswagen's Up added some much-needed spunk to its entry-level line-up when it hit our shores in 2015, when it became apparent that an old trade deal essentially makes it import-duty-free, but its appeal was limited by it only being offered as a three-door.
Now VWSA has heeded the market's preference for cars with back doors by launching the Up five-door in South Africa, along with the Cross Up crossover version. Bear in mind, though, that it's not the facelifted version that's being introduced - that one's only due to hit our shores in early 2017 so rather wait for that if you only want the latest and greatest. Yet given how volatile the rand has been lately, waiting could also mean paying a lot more for the new one. It's your call.
So where does this leave the Polo Vivo, you might ask? Good question, considering the five-door Up sells for between R156 300 and R185 000 and the Polo Vivo hatch goes for R163 850 - R199 900. Volkswagen says the two appeal to different customers, with the Up being smaller and more modern and the Vivo being bigger and more traditional in its approach, but ultimately it appears as if VWSA is simply going to let the market forces dictate.
More doors, more models
What's the deal with the five door then? It loses the sporty shape of its three-door sibling in its convenience quest but besides that the two offer identical interior space and the same 251 litre boot. Ditto under the bonnet, where the two share VW's 55kW/99Nm 1-litre, three-cylinder normally aspirated engine. The facelifted model also offers a 66kW turbo, but that has yet to be confirmed for the local line-up.
Those bitten by the crossover bug can now opt for the butched-up Cross Up. Take the Cross Polo stencil and apply here: raised ride height, extra body cladding to give it a more rugged look and some funky cabin trim additions.
All Up models come with air conditioning, power steering, remote central locking, six airbags, ABS and ESC. The Move Up adds a two-speaker audio system as well as electric windows and can be told apart by colour coded exterior mirrors and a different wheel cover design.
New to the line-up is the Colour Up edition, which offers contrasting exterior items in the form of 17-inch alloys, mirrors and decals in Sandstorm Yellow or Fortana Red as well as various high-end interior trimmings.
PRICES
Three-door
Take Up - R152 500
Move Up - R159 600
Five-door
Take Up - R156 300
Move Up - R163 400
Cross Up - R181 400
Colour Up - R185 000