Bucket Seat: New VW Golf now in SA

Following its premiere in February 2025 at the Volkswagen Indaba in Kariega, the new Volkswagen Golf is now available for sale.  

The Volkswagen Golf has a rich history in South Africa, dating back to its 1978 launch with the Mk1 (first generation), which quickly gained acclaim for reliability and performance. Locally assembled at the Volkswagen production plant in Kariega, it became affordable and popular with the South African customers. Its success continued with the launch of the second generation model in 1984, praised for improved quality followed by the third generation in 1993 and fourth generation in 1999, with the latter becoming a top seller in the local market.

The fifth and sixth generation models were introduced with class leading technology and safety, while the seventh generation, launched in 2013, brought further refinement. The Golf’s enduring appeal lies in its blend of quality, performance and design style.

The eight generation model continues this legacy, cementing the Golf as a key model for Volkswagen in South Africa. When the new Golf was launched in South Africa in 2021, it was not offered with the venerable and efficient 1.4 TSI engine variant. However with the introduction of the updated model, the 1.4 TSI engine, producing 110kW has made a return to the lineup to mark the return of the icon.

The new Golf impresses with a next-generation infotainment system, a more intuitive operating concept, a sharper front and rear end design as well as efficient drive systems.

Revamped front and rear and new light design. The new Golf can be recognised by its new front end. Visually defining features include the Volkswagen logo, which is illuminated for the first time on the Golf, and the newly designed LED headlights. The top-of-the-range IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights incorporate a new high-performance main beam with a range of up to 500 m.

The new Golf is available in the Life, Life Plus, R-Line and R-Line Plus equipment lines.

The Golf Life, a perfect blend of style and technology. It features Eco LED headlights for better visibility and efficiency. Stay connected with Wireless App Connect and a Cruise Control System. Inside, it features a 10.3-inch Infotainment Radio, 6-speaker audio system, 10-colour Ambient Lighting Dashboard and 10-inch Integrated Digital Cockpit. The Life derivative comes standard with 16-inch Norfolk alloy wheels.

In addition to the Life standard equipment, the Life Plus derivative features Driver Profile Selection, rear view camera, 30 colour ambient lighting and Art-velours sports comfort seats package.

The R-Line derivative features R-Line seat trim covers with head rest integrated into the seat for a sporty look, body covered bumpers in R-Line style including 17-inch Coventry alloy wheels complimented with LED plus headlamps, Park Assist with Park Distance Control, Progressive steering with sports suspension, Climatronic 3-zone automatic climate control with allergen filter and controls in the rear, keyless entry, Multi-Function heated steering wheel with shifting paddles.

In addition to the R-Line standard features, the R-Line Plus is offered with IQ Matrix LED Headlights with illuminated VW front logo, power adjustable driver seat, active high beam, heated and cooling front seats, Vienna leather seats with R-Line logo in front, padels in brushed stainless steel and 18-inch Leeds alloy wheels.

The new Golf 1.4TSI with 110kW engine is mated to a 8-speed tiptronic transmission. The engine develops maximum torque of 250 Nm available between 1500 – 4000 rpm. The Golf delivers a fuel-efficient 6.3l/100km and accelerates from 0–100 km/h in just 8.5 seconds.

As part of the launch activities, Volkswagen will host a National Dealer Day through our dealer network where customers will get an opportunity to test drive the new entry T-Cross, Tiguan 2.0 TDI and 2.0 TSI in addtion to the Golf 1.4 TSI models.

The Volkswagen Golf comes standard with a 3-year / 120 000 km warranty, 5-year 90 000 km service plan, and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. The service interval is 15 000 km.

Prices (VAT and emissions tax included)

• Golf 1.4 TSI 110kW Tiptronic Life                               R580 900

• Golf 1.4 TSI 110kW Tiptronic Life Plus                        R604 500

• Golf 1.4 TSI 110kW Tiptronic R-Line                           R660 000

• Golf 1.4 TSI 110kW Tiptronic R-Line Plus                    R688 100

Bucket Seat: Volkswagen Tiguan Launch

Since it's introduction, the Volkswagen Tiguan has a been a popular choice of crossover enthusiast around the country, in fact the launch model back in 2007 got people interesting in the segment altogether has it offered the consumer a more spacious yet versatile vehicle at a similar price to the Golf. Over the years, the various models and face-lifts to the Tiguan enjoyed a large share of the market with buyers ranging from people who loved the brand, to those who just felt the Tiguan suited their needs and budget, however over the last few years and the introduction of the Chinese brands to the market, many are starting to sway not only for pricing reasons but also the overall package. There's no denying that the Chinese are taking over strong and with 95% of their cars being SUV's, sales of brands from other countries, especially Germany have been taking some strain. With the new Tiguan model breaking cover in late last year, many were waiting to see what the pricing would be like. This week, I got the opportunity to be one of the first people to drive the new Tiguan at the local launch taking place in the home of Volkswagen Group SA, Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape, here's the low down on the new Tiguan. 

The Tiguan will be offering in 3 engines, the 1.4-litre TSI, 2.0-litre TSI and 2.0-litre TDI, available for us on the launch was only the 1.4-litre TSI as the TDI variant will be arriving on our shores later this year and the 2.0-litre TSI version early next year. Lets talk about styling, VW call this design confident and typically Volkswagen, the front the new Tiguan follows the lines of the new Golf 8 styling cues with curved front face that see's the introduction of the solid light bar which is becoming a trend across all their lines which is a clean and fresh look. The LED integrated headlights tie in neatly with the new grille which has a solid plate unlike previous models with open type vents. This gives the Tiguan a cleaner look from the front. So you must be thinking, how does the engine breather? Well the grille on the bottom half of the bumper has increased in size and depending on the trim choice, the designs vary. Volkswagen is offering the Tiguan in 3 trims, being Tiguan, Life and R-Line, on launch was just Life and R-Line trims. The R-Line is definitely more eye catching with its bolder elements, bigger wheels and chrome detailing, while the Life is more subdued. The rear of the Tiguan see's a horizontal LED strip that runs across the tailgate, connecting the two LED cluster lights, this emphasizes the width of the Tiguan a lot more, showing that the model has grown in size from the older model even though the curves on this new one doesn't make it seem that way. The new Tiguan has three new colours added to its list, being Persimmon Red Metallic, Cipressino Green Metallic and Oyster Silver. 

Stepping on the inside, the Tiguan's cockpit has been completely re-design, with a very modern interior that is dominated by the new infotainment screen that adorns the dash board center. The materials and textures used are good quality and seem robust enough for family usage. The R-Line, again has a bit more flair to it with the dash panel in front of the passenger having a starlight detail with R Logo present. Lets talk about that screen, standard with a 12.0-inch unit but can be upgraded to a 15-inch as an optional extra makes such a big difference to the cabin. With virtually everything accessible from it, apart from driving the car, shows Volkswagen's advancement in technology since the introduction of the Golf 8. The  MIB4 user interface is easy to use, with tiles and icons clear and the touch screen being very responsive. It has wireless app connect with wireless charging available standard on certain trims otherwise there is two USB C ports in front and back. The steering wheel is leather covered and conventional buttons and not the haptic touch ones used in the Golf 8, so makes it much more easier for the driver to use. In saying that, there is still haptic touch controls for the volume below the screen for volume and haptic controls for the sunroof and sun curtain. 

The seats have been upgraded too, with new leather trims and the option of getting the new ergoActive Plus leather seats that have heated and cooling functions as well as a pneumatic four-way lumber adjustment and a pneumatic 10-chamber pressure massage function which is ideal for front passenger and drive over long distances. VW have however limited it to 30-minute duration in case the driver feels too comfortable and falls asleep I guess! Another interior highlight see's the introduction of a Drive Experience dial, what looks like a volume dial is that and so much more, pushing it in engages the driving profiles available for the driver, be it Eco, Comfort or Sport, then there is the drive emotions which change the colour profiles for the car including ambient lighting of where there are 30-colours to choose from. The luggage capacity has increased with the boot space now accomodating 652-litres. The cabin it self is very spacious and the dual zone climate control worked a treat in the harsh Karoo heat without compromising on power output from the engine. 

Speaking of the engine, power output was a big topic of discussion as the engines for the new Tiguan have been downtuned for our market which caused a bit of a stir. VW explains that the fuel quality in SA has been on the decline and hence it didn't make sense bringing the higher tuned engines as it customers would not have enjoyed the full benefit of them. The 1.4-litre TSI I had had plenty of pluck though, even though it only churns out 110kW and 250Nm of torque, the help of the 7-speed DSG box assists the car in optimally changing the gears when driving, if you want to take control yourself, you have the option of using the paddle shifts behind the steering. 

VW have included a host of safety features as standard on the new Tiguan, this includes, Park Assist Plus which parks the car for you. Park Distance Control, Rear camera, Adaptive Cruise Control, Hill Start Assist, Travel Assist, ESC, Lane Assist, Side Assist with Rear Traffic Alert and exit warning. It also has IQ drive which monitors the road in front of you, keeping track of cars around you, and warns you should there be any sudden danger if you're not paying attention. There is the optional extra HD LED Matrix headlights with 38,400 multi-pixel LEDs that was specially designed for the Tiguan giving you brighter lights and and higher resolution of light. 

Overall, the new Tiguan is a very impressive package, whether you choose the Life or R-Line package, they both ride the same and offer a great drive with comfort and stability on all types of road surfances. The 1.4-litre engine did superb in the harsh conditions we drove in, with it being extremely economical for the type of driving we were doing and the load we were carrying. Pricing on the Tiguan is very attractive with it being very similar to the outgoing model, with such an attractive package at a decent price it may sway people to re-consider one of our favourite brands in the market again.

 

Retail Prices (VAT and emissions tax included)

• Tiguan 1.4 TSI 110 kW DSG - R651 500
• Tiguan 1.4 TSI 110 kW Life DSG - R702 800
• Tiguan 2.0 TDI 110 kW Life 4Motion DSG - R755 700
• Tiguan 1.4 TSI 110 KW R-Line DSG - R766 300
• Tiguan 2.0 TDI 110 kW R-Line 4Motion DSG - R834 800
• Tiguan 2.0 TSI 140 kW R-Line 4Motion DSG - R835 900

The Volkswagen Tiguan comes standard with a 3 year / 120 000 km warranty, 5 year / 90 000 km EasyDrive Service Plan including a 12 year anti corrosion warranty. The service interval is 15 000 km. 

Bucket Seat: VW Taigo 1.0 TSI R Line

Volkswagen still remains one of the chart toppers in the monthly NAMSA figures and it’s no surprise why. Apart from being one of the countries favourite brands, the variety of offerings in the various segments make the choices wide for the consumer. With the success of the T-Cross crossover, it was no surprise that the sportier version of the car, the Taigo would also have some fanfare with it. While sales on the T-Cross still trump the Taigo, the appeal of the sleek coupe style crossover has a younger target market but still delivering the performance of its much more mature looking sibling. I got to drive the updated version of the Taigo a few weeks ago and this is what I made of it.

DESIGN

Subtle changes from the original do make a substantial difference to the overall appearance of the Taigo. Most notable would be the solid LED light that runs above the new honeycomb grille and is illuminated at night. The car I had came fitted with the aggressive R Line package which add’s black detailing, including 17-inch blacked out split 5-spoke rims. The profile of the Taigo gives it that fast back look with the sloped roof line and hatch like rear. The design of the rear remains pretty similar and it’s probably a good thing since in my personal opinion it looks great. The rear bumper with the R Line has a very sporty finish with the twin exhaust pipes having cutouts and finished off in black as well. The interior remains mainly unchanged to the launch edition with updates to the VW infotainment OS that will be discussed later.

PERFORMANCE

Powered by that 1.0-litre TSI engine that’s been a star in most models coming out of the Volkswagen stable, its performance in the Taigo is no different with it producing 85kW and 200Nm of torque. With the 7-speed DSG automatic transmission, it makes the Taigo quite frugle with its fuel usage but can be adapted for a more sportier drive with the usage of the paddle shifts. While many think this is suited to the more aggressive driver it could also be quite the opposite as it allows you to dictate when and how the car transitions through the 7 gears. Sitting on 17-inch rims the car handles quite well on the open road and urban streets. The size of it makes it nimble and easy to manoeuvre around. Parking the Taigo doesn’t break a sweat with its PDC’s and reverse camera but one could opt for the auto park function and have the car do it for you!

COMFORT

The Taigo’s interior remains similar to the launch edition model with some extra textures and trims to choose from. The R-Line comes with patterned material seats with the R logo stitched in of the seat, black plastic dash with R-Line sports style 3-spoke multi-function steering wheel. The start/ stop button is located at the top of the center unit where the gear changer is along with the parking assist button, auto start/ stop control and pdc. In front of that you will find the wireless charging tray for mobile devices along with twin USB C charging ports. One of which being for the use of mobile car apps. Yes, unfortunately the Taigo does not have wireless car play or android auto but regardless, I still find myself plugging the device in as the wireless connection does tend to drain the phones battery. Single zone climate control cools or heats the cabin, heated seats are an optional extra that you could have. Space in the cabin is decent, many would think with the lower roof like it would affect the space at the back but it’s still pretty roomy there. Another misconception is that the luggage capacity would be compromised because of that roof but that’s not the case, as it can fill 440 litres compared to the 377 litres of the T-Cross.

VERDICT

While the Taigo might be considered the sporty, more youthful alternative of the T-Cross, it certainly warrants a lot more than that title. In a new segment it stands out as a the front runner offering not only the consumer the name tag but a brilliant car that comes along with it. I admit, the pricing is a bit stiff when compared to the T-Cross but like I said, this does offer a bit more that the other. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Motor	1.0 TSI
Gear Box	7-speed DSG
Torque	200Nm
Power	85kW
Fuel consumption	5.4 liters per 100km
Price	R537,100

Bucket Seat: VW Golf 8 R

It is probably the most anticipated car in the country, could be the last ever Golf R, a badge which took over the monarch from the much famed Golf Mark V R32 when the Mark 6 hit the market. The Golf R rose to fame properly in the outgoing  Mark 7 and 7.5 where it had cult status on the roads and the underground drag racing scenes so when VW revealed the 8 R, many couldn't wait to see what their favourite OEM had to offer in their latest iteration of the hot hatch. Unfortunately, due to a number of factors included the global microchip shortage and Covid, the arrival of the car onto local shores was delayed by over 2 years! It's official launch locally took place in April this year and still to this day there are few and far to be seen on the roads. I had the opportunity to spend time with the car last month to see how VW  have improved the model from the last one and what the big fuss over the car was. As someone who isn't the biggest fan of the Golf models, I was going in with an open mind as it has been one of their best selling models, and has developed a cult status in the city of my birth so it was only fair for me to give it some respect. 

DESIGN

With VWSA only opting to bring two models of the Golf 8 to the country, namely their performance models in the GTI and the R, the styling of the R follows the same sporty cues as the GTI with a low stance, large rims, sleek body kit and large front difuser. Unlike the GTI, the R's grill is a full air-intake with no fancy LED fog lamps. The front headlamps feature VW's new iQ LED lighting house in the winged shape housing which has a solid LED light that runs across the front end joined in the middle by the VW emblem. The profile of the car features a sill that flairs at the rear passenger door to give it that aerodynamic sporty look. The side mirrors are finished in brush aluminium and the rear has the quad tail pipes as quite a prominent feature. The model I had didn't come with the optional extra Akropovic pipes but still looked the part. There is no mistaking this is an R, with badges all around the car and on the brake calipers, it's hard not too. The Golf 8 R comes fitted with 19-inch Estoril diamond cut 5-spoke alloy wheels which are wrapped around Goodyear 235/35 rubbers. The interior of the Golf R is almost a carbon copy of the GTI's with a few colour modifications and badges to suit the R. I'm a big fan of the racing bucket seats which are covered in leather had have the R badge stitched in, definitely looks the part. Overall the 8 R is a stunning looking car and definitely has people turning their heads to get a better look everywhere I went. 

PERFORMANCE

Well, given the reputation it's predecessor had, VW had to up the anti with this one and with the group announcing that the 8 generation of the model being the last one with an internal combustion engine, it would be the cars swansong and it they have to end it on the right note. While there is a face-lift planned for late next year and I'm sure a few special edition models to come, this launch edition packs quite a heavy punch with its 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder TSI motor, giving a total power output of 235kW and a torque reading of 400Nm, all that power controlled by their famed 7-speed DSG gearbox is enough to put a smile on any drivers face when behind the wheel of the car. With the various driving modes, the car can turn from a hot hatch ready to take on the fastest in the streets in R model to a comfortable cruising family car in Eco mode and first up on my list was a long distance test with it, completing a 550km journey I averaged just 8.5L/100km, which is not that far off from the 7.8L claimed on their brochure that is normally tested in ideal conditions. The car can get extremely thirsty when switched into Race mode as I soon found out after refueling the car and spinning around on the weekend with it, from giving me close to 600km on the first tank, I was battling to reach 300km with the second, did I mind it? Of course not! Having done the long distance fuel economy run on the first day, it was time to enjoy this car they way it was meant to be enjoyed! Thrusting down the straights, flinging it through the bends, testing out that 4Motion technology and seeing if it is as adaptive as the Quattro from its sister company. It definitely is a fun sports car and while its center of gravity might not be that low, it still gives the driver a good feel for the road and handles like a champion. The fast changing DSG box helps on most occasions but when you feeling racey, I'd suggest you give the paddle shift a go, limiting this bad boy in to the red lines provides some extra excitement to your driving experience. 

COMFORT

Being a sporty hatch back, you wouldn't expect this car to give you the same level of comfort as a sedan or normal hatch would but truth be told, even with the bucket styled sport seats, the Golf 8 R is pretty damn comfy and it has seat heating for those cold winter days, with steering wheel heating to go along with it! The suspension is stiff but adaptive when in Eco mode to provide you with some level of softness despite the large rims and low profile tyres. I even took the 8 R on some short gravel roads, which it managed quite well at low speeds. The multi-function steering wheel also features the haptic touch sensitive buttons like the GTI, which takes some getting used to when you first use them but you get the hang of it after a while, where I don't like them is on the sunroof controls which become an issue when you're trying to operate it when driving, trying to tilt the roof? You have to get your finger in the exact center to get this right so rather just wait till you at a complete standstill before doing that. The Golf 8 R comes with the same 8.25-inch infotainment touch screen which UI is pretty easy to you but with App-Connect and wireless mobile apps such as Android Auto and Car Play, you very rarely find your self accessing the cars menu other than to check values, using the radio or resetting that damn tyre pressure monitor! Coming back to the seats, I like the band of suede which I presume is colour coded to the cars exterior paint work, the model I had was in Lapiz Blue so the band around the front two seats were blue, I could be wrong and the blue is standard across all cars but it does give the interior a nice contrast from all the black. As far as the new gear selector goes, still not won over it, while I know most of the brands in the greater VW group are opting for these, I still miss the old style gear "knob". 

VERDICT

While the Golf 8R does feel much more mature and sophisticated, there is an animal waiting to be unleashed in that engine and when you let it out, it brings about tonnes of fun. Seeing there they are few and far to be found, I took the car to some VW purists who live and breathe the brand. I honestly though they would be disappointed seeing that not much mods can be done to the car and the high price tag but after going for a few short sprints, they were very much pleased with what the car offered. Most of the cosmetic mods VW had as standard already, so there was no need for them to go out and get large carbon paddles for the gears, or line the car interior with ambient lighting because that was catered for too. Down pipe? Who needs that when VW have Akropovic as an optional extra. No need to change the headlights because you're not getting better that the IQ Matrix LED lights which are based of Audi's technology and being a Durbanite, that Harman Kardon sound system bangs so you can forget about buying that biryani pot sized subwoofer for it. Everything about this car was well thought of when designing, so that it could be the perfect farewell to what is an extremely loved model from the brand. It really changed my perception on the car and what it means to many, while the car is still in high demand and selling for some eye brow raising prices on the second hand market, for the fans, its a winner. 

SPECIFICATION

Engine	2.0-liter, 4-cylinder TSI
Gear Box	7-speed automatic DSG
Torque	400Nm
Power	235W
0-100km/h	4.8 seconds
Price	R918,200*

*base price

 

Bucket Seat: VW Tiguan R 4 Motion

When it comes to midsized family SUV's in South Africa, a firm favourite amongst many is the VW Tiguan. Volkswagen seem to have come up with the perfect formula for the Tiguan, one which appeals to everyone! I've not met one person who doesn't like the car, even with its high price tag, people will still opt to purchase this vehicle by hook or by crook, managing to find a way through various financing options available to them. So while I can understand the fascination created by this car, I really wanted to understand what has people so fixated on the Tiguan, why it makes people get that "must have" attitude towards it, after spending a week with the latest revised R Line version of it, I managed to deduce the following.

DESIGN

Lets start with the looks, I mean the previous model was a really good looking car already but this face-lift is like it went to a plastic surgeon for minor tweaks like some fillers and botox and came out looking like a supermodel. My God this car was fantastic to look at from every angle.  The colour, Deep Black Pearlescent just accentuated the R Line styling package and gave it that menacing look. The details of the design with the chrome beading a subtle red accents made the overall look of the car just so fantastic that at times you couldn't take your eyes of it. The changes include a revised front end with a new headlamp design in keeping to the new VW design language, that has this swooping like shape that extends into the side profile of the car, housed in these enclosures are Volkswagen's new IQ Light system which I'll discuss a bit later. As usual with face-lift models, there are subtle differences to the grille with a larger VW badge and lower bumper and diffuser, with chrome detailing outlining the key shape changes of the front end. Everything looks bolder and smoother than the previous model. On the side profile not much has changed apart from the front changes that wrap around. There is some extra beading in a brushed aluminium prominent on the doors. Moving to the rear, the rear lights also get the IQ light treatment with some new LED's. As per all new VW models, the model badge is now bolder and centrally positioned on the tail. The R Line package has the rear diffuser much lower and neatly designed quad tailpipes to end it off at the bottom. My one gripe would be the choice of rims as that bar some change in colours remains the same from the previous model.

PERFORMANCE

The Tiguan is powered by a 2.0 petrol TSI engine, the same in which you'd find in the new GTI, but this one obviously down tuned to suit the body shape, it produces 162kW with 350Nm of torque. The power to weight ratio in this model is perfect as the motor delivers exceptionally well to propel this large vehicle around, it boasts a 0-100km/h time of 6.5 seconds which for a family SUV is impressive. The marriage between the motor and the 7-speed DSG gearbox is sublime as ever when it comes to VW's. The synergy between the two hardly has the engine overworked as the gear changes are smooth and efficient, that along with the four wheel drive system in 4MOTION make navigatinf with the Tiguan simply a breeze in any circumstance. Though with such great power delivery, especially in Sport model you do tend to get carried away with it and that doesn't help the fuel economy in this thing, so you'll see your range deplete quite drastically in this 60L tank, Volkswagen claim a combined feul average of 8.3L per 100km which is achievable in ideal driving conditions. Car copes well in all types of environments, especially in the urban setting which is probably why it's quite popular for mums on the school run, or any family type environment. Then again with its new age design it also passes off as a swanky business type SUV.

COMFORT 

Like most new models, the Tiguan came loaded with optional extras which I'm sure don't come cheap, VW didn't put the prices on any of the listed extras on my list but when building your car on their website it wouldn't be too difficult to find. My favourites included the new IQ light system with Matrix LED, that's basically adaptive technology and high beam assist, it is a MUST for all new cars going forward. I know I'm pretty much an advocate for this tech but seriously, visibility at night cannot be compromised and once you experience this, there really is no going back. Being the R Line, it comes with a host of sporty features with the kit, also gives the car a more edgy look so that's a definite tick in my books. The large panoramic sunroof is another firm favourite of mine, the sheer size of it is amazing and the amount of natural light you get in the cabin just brightens up everyone's mood, no pun intended. The IQ drive system is another must for driving packages as it includes your safety features such as adaptive cruise control, park assist, lane departure warning and collision warning. VW's premium sound system is now catered for by Harman Kardon, these guys know their sound and have curated a perfect speaker system especially for the Tiguan. With the new touch screen interface, it includes a host of new features, my favourite being in car WiFi which enables wireless mobile phone connectivity for apps such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you don't have to fiddle with cables anymore. Should you wish to plug in your USB's make sure they're USB C as the there are two ports up front as well as in the back for passengers to charge their devices. There is also a wireless charging pad for the front passenger/ driver. The Tiguan comes with dual zone climate control seat heating as an optional extra for the driver and front passenger. Luggage space is plentiful, with standard capacity at 520L and with the rear seats folded extends to 1,655L. 

VERDICT

It's difficult not to see the appeal of the Tiguan, especially for South Africans and their trend shift to SUV's at the moment. It's a great looking car, very trendy and has everything that one requires in this modern age of motoring in terms of technology and power. While the price has escalated significantly over the years, you know you have the backing of the brand on the vehicle which includes great build quality and service, I guess this is why people tend to not argue to the price point and opt for this over other models on the market. With the influx of Asian brands in the market, VW might find it a bit difficult going forward as locals get adjusted to the new models at much more affordable price points. It's definitely thrown a spanner in the works for many of the Germans who still rely on brand loyalty and status preference. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	2.0TSI 4MOTION
Gear Box	7-Speed DSG
Torque	350Nm
Power	162kW
Top Speed	225km
Price	R710,000*

*Base Price