Volkswagen Polo Vivo Scores 4 Stars in Global NCAP Crash Test

​Volkswagen’s popular hatchback, the Polo Vivo, has achieved a 4-star safety rating in crash tests conducted by Global NCAP. This is a significant improvement compared to the previous generation model, which had secured a 2-star rating. While the Polo Vivo has been discontinued in the Indian market, it continues to thrive in several global markets.

The recent crash test was part of the Safer Cars for Africa campaign, launched in 2017 to advocate for improved vehicle safety across the African continent.

Crash Test Results: Adult and Child Occupant Protection

In the tests, the Polo Vivo scored:

• 23.98 points out of 34 for adult occupant protection.
• 28.63 points out of 49 for child occupant protection.

Adult Protection

The crash tests revealed that the head and neck protection for both the driver and passenger was rated as good. While the chest protection was deemed adequate, the driver’s knees were marked as marginal, as they could impact hazardous structures behind the dashboard. Passenger knees, however, showed good protection.

The driver’s tibias demonstrated good and adequate protection, whereas the passenger’s tibias were rated as good. The footwell area and bodyshell were rated as stable, with the latter capable of withstanding further loads.

Side Impact and Side Pole Impact

In side-impact tests:

• The head protection was rated as weak.
• The chest showed marginal protection.
• The abdomen received an adequate rating.
• The pelvis displayed good protection.

During side pole impact tests, the hatchback demonstrated:

• Good head protection.
• Marginal chest protection.
• Adequate abdomen protection.
• Good pelvis protection.

The inclusion of side airbags as optional equipment aligns with Global NCAP’s safety requirements.

Standard Safety Features

The Polo Vivo comes equipped with:

• Front airbags.
• Seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters.
• Seatbelt reminders.
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
• ISOFIX child seat mounts.

However, the lack of 3-point seatbelts for all seating positions as a standard feature is a notable omission.

Volkswagen’s Future in India

Despite the Polo Vivo’s success in global markets, Volkswagen has no immediate plans to reintroduce the Polo to India. Instead, the brand is reportedly developing a new sub-4-metre compact SUV that will share its platform with the Škoda Kushaq & planning to have the polo get a comeback in India according to Volkswagen-Skoda's India 2.5 strategy.

This upcoming SUV is expected to target India’s most competitive segment, going head-to-head with models like the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, and Tata Nexon.

Given that the Polo faced criticism for its relatively limited cabin space compared to its rivals, Volkswagen’s focus on a compact SUV seems well-aligned with the growing demand for high-riding, spacious vehicles in the Indian market.

Conclusion

The 4-star Global NCAP rating underscores Volkswagen’s commitment to safety with the Polo Vivo, marking it as a strong contender in its segment globally. While its absence in India is lamented by enthusiasts, Volkswagen’s future strategy with a compact SUV indicates the brand’s adaptability to market trends.

Also Read: Toyota's Ninth Generation Camry To Be Launched Tomorrow: All Things Confirmed​