Volkswagen has announced a raft of new models to be introduced in SA this year including a cheaper Golf, the family-sized Tayron SUV, new entry-level T-Cross derivatives and a special edition Polo Vivo.
Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) announced the model plans at a media event at the company’s car factory in Kariega on Wednesday.
The group also confirmed that it has taken over the distributorship of Ducati motorcycles in SA, and announced it will launch a public campaign to name its new entry-level SUV to be built in Kariega alongside the Polo and Polo Vivo in a R4bn investment which may also spawn a half-tonne bakkie model.
The Polo-based small SUV will be called the Tera in Brazil when it makes its global debut there next month, but will carry a different moniker in SA when it goes on sale locally in early 2027. Starting in March, VWGA’s campaign will ask the public to vote on one of four “African” names it has shortlisted for the car.
The new models arriving in 2025 are:
VW GOLF
In the second quarter of 2025 VW will introduce more affordable 1.4l turbo versions to slot in under the potent GTI and R models.
Undercutting the R836,700 Golf GTI and R996,700 Golf R all-wheel drive, the Golf 1.4 TSI will be sold in four front-wheel drive variants priced from R580,000, all powered by a 1.4l four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with outputs of 110kW and 250Nm, paired to an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission.
The eighth generation of VW’s hatchback was launched globally in 2019 and its midlife update, dubbed Golf 8.5, comprises a revamped infotainment system, a more intuitive operating concept and a refreshed design.
The entry-level Golf Life wears 16” alloy wheels and comes standard with Eco LED headlights, cruise control, 12.9-inch infotainment system with wireless app connect, a six-speaker audio system, ambient lighting and a 10-inch digital instrument cluster.
The Life+ adds items such as driving modes, reversing camera, more ambient lighting colours and Art Velours sports comfort seats package.
The R-Line comes with 17” alloy wheels, heated multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles, sports suspension, three-zone climate control, R-Line seats, park assist, R-Line bumpers and LED plus headlamps.
The range-topping R-Line + offers IQ Matrix LED headlights, an illuminated VW grille badge, electrically adjustable driver seat, active high beams, leather upholstery, heated and cooled front seats, and 18” alloys.
VW has yet to announce whether the updated high-performance Golf 8.5 GTI and R models will be sold locally. It is testing them to see if they are compatible with SA’s low-quality fuel.
The GTI version of the Golf 8.5 has an uprated 2.0l four cylinder petrol turbo engine with power hiked from 180kW to 195kW, with torque remaining at 370Nm. The Golf R’s 2.0l turbo engine is improved from 235kW/400Nm to 245kW/420Nm.
Pricing for the new Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI model range:
* Life: R580,900
* Life+: R604,500
* R-line: R660,000
* R-line+: R688,100
VW T-CROSS
An updated T-Cross compact SUV range was launched in August with a refreshed interior and exterior, powered by a 1.0l three-cylinder turbocharged 85kW petrol engine. They were introduced in Life, Style and R-Line guises priced between R471,400 and R543,800.
VW has added two more affordable derivatives to the line-up: the T-Cross 1.0 TSI 70kW manual and 1.0 TSI 85kW DSG.
As the baseline model in the range, the R400,700 T-Cross 1.0 TSI 70kW comes standard with an 8” Digital Cockpit, App-Connect, multifunction steering wheel, twin front USB ports, 2 speakers, central locking, interior cloth trim, air-conditioner, hill assist, 16-inch wheels and a tyre pressure monitoring system.
The T-Cross 85kW priced at R418,200 adds items such as front and rear LED lights with LED day time running lights, park distance control, stability control and a driver drowsiness monitor.
Like other T-Cross models, the new variants have an elevated 188mm ground clearance.
VW TAYRON
The Tayron will be launched in the second half of the year as replacement for the Tiguan Allspace.
The 7-seater SUV is larger than the Allspace and is positioned between the Tiguan and Touareg.
The Tayron will launch with two equipment lines, with the entry level Life offered standard with three-zone climate control, ambient lighting, nine airbags, driving modes, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connection, digital instrument panel, automatic high beam control, illuminated VW exterior badges, and 17” wheels.
Standard assist systems include adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, rear-view camera system and an exit warning system that prevents a door from being opened if a vehicle approaches from behind.
The flagship R-Line ups the ante with items such as sports comfort seats in Varenna leather, 19” alloy wheels, R-Line bumpers, and LED Plus headlights with dynamic cornering function.
Optional equipment for the Tayron includes IQ. Light HD matrix headlights, a panoramic sunroof and a Harman Kardon 700W sound system.
Further details on the engine offering will be shared closer to launch.
VW POLO VIVO
It’s been 15 years since the Polo Vivo replaced the Citi Golf as Volkswagen’s most affordable model range, and it has become the country’s best selling passenger car.
To commemorate a decade and a half of the Polo Vivo in SA, VW will unveil an Edition 15 model in the third quarter featuring a cosmetic package with a special blue colour, Edition 15 decals, black styling elements and unique alloy wheels. It will be limited to 1,500 units.
More details will be announced closer to the time.
VW TRANSPORTER
The new T7 Transporter was co-developed with the Ford Transit Custom and will arrive in the third quarter with a line up of passenger and workhorse models including the Kombi, Kombi Style, Crew Bus, Panel Van and Pick Up.
Volkswagen says the newcomer offers more space, payload, towing capacity and efficiency. The Kombi and Panel Van versions can be ordered with a high roof and an extended wheelbase, with all-wheel drive available as an option.
BusinessLIVE will be driving the new Transporter at its global reveal in Europe later this month, with more details to follow.
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