JOHANNESBURG– Volkswagen Group Africa has confirmed that the new Golf 8.5 GTI will lead its line-up at the upcoming Festival of Motoring at Kyalami, South Africa, which opens to the public next week.
The carmaker announced that six models will be on display, three of which will be making their first appearance locally. The GTI, recently approved for South Africa after delays linked to emissions requirements, will be the headline act. It produces 195kW and 370Nm from a 2.0 TSI engine paired with a seven-speed DSG, capable of reaching 100 km/h in under six seconds with a top speed limited to 250 km/h. Pricing is expected between R880,000 and R900,000.
Also on the stand will be the long-awaited 222kW Amarok, fitted with Ford’s 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine, producing 452Nm of torque. Built in South Africa, the petrol-powered bakkie is anticipated to cost around R1.2 million and will be offered in Aventura trim.
The exhibition will further feature the all-new Transporter, developed in partnership with Ford, and offered in four bodystyles including panel van, Kombi and the premium Kombi Style. The Transporter will come with diesel engines ranging from 81kW to 125kW, with manual and automatic transmission options.
Volkswagen will also use the event to launch the Polo Vivo 15 Edition, a special model celebrating the nameplate’s 15th anniversary. Limited to 1,500 units, the edition features unique styling, black roof accents and 15-inch alloy wheels.
Meanwhile, the Tayron SUV, replacing the Tiguan Allspace, will be unveiled to media three days before the festival. Larger and more spacious than its predecessor, it will debut in three trims with a 1.4 TSI engine.
Rounding off the showcase is the Polo GTI Black, which introduces a dark styling package to the locally built hot hatch, though its 147kW engine remains unchanged.
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