The legend is back - VW introduces updated Golf GTI
Volkswagen will introduce the updated Golf GTI to the South African market in the last quarter of 2025. Well over 2.3 million GTIs have been sold worldwide.
- Product News
- 2 September 2025
South Africa is exporting one of its most successful racing formulas to Germany.
Volkswagen Motorsport announced a partnership with Maraco Management, a Marketing, Racing and Consulting agency, to bring back motorsport in Germany through the Polo Cup Series in 2026.
“Partnering with Maraco Management to introduce the Polo Cup Series in Germany is an exciting milestone for Volkswagen Motorsport. This partnership reflects our commitment to nurturing emerging talent, advancing motorsport technology and expanding our footprint globally. We are eager to provide drivers with the tools, training and the support they need to succeed both on the track and in their careers, as we continue to build on Volkswagen’s rich motorsport heritage,” says Mike Rowe, Head of Volkswagen Motorsport.
The series will feature a Polo GTI Cup powered by a 2-litre; 220kW turbo-charged engine equipped with a sequential 6-speed gearbox. These cars are proudly built at the Volkswagen plant in Kariega and will be supplied by Volkswagen Motorsport South Africa.
As part of the partnership, a driver exchange programme is being developed between Volkswagen Motorsport South Africa and Maraco Management. This programme will give young talent the opportunity to grow in the sport.
“This partnership highlights the strength of international collaboration in motorsport, bringing together diverse expertise, innovation and a shared passion for racing. It showcases how working across borders can create powerful synergies and drive progress in the sport, setting the stage for groundbreaking achievements and a truly global impact,” says Thorsten Williams of Maraco Management.
Additionally, Volkswagen Motorsport South Africa will provide technical support while Maraco Management will offer driver coaching, media training, data coaching and sports mental training; ensuring that every competitor is equipped with the skills needed to excel on and off the track.
“This partnership marks an important step in strengthening Volkswagen Motorsport’s presence in global motorsport. The Polo Cup Series in 2026 will be a key development for both brands and for the future of motorsport,” Mike concludes.
Volkswagen will introduce the updated Golf GTI to the South African market in the last quarter of 2025. Well over 2.3 million GTIs have been sold worldwide.
Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles is back in the country and has just introduced its all-new Tiago.
The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) notes that August continued the positive trend for new-vehicle sales in South Africa, reflecting strong consumer demand and activity across the market.
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A light on my car’s dashboard came on, and instead of fixing the problem, I waited for the bulb to burn out. Crisis solved.
Jarod Kintz
The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) notes that August continued the positive trend for new-vehicle sales in South Africa, reflecting strong consumer demand and activity across the market.
Although the tariff clouds are gathering over the South African economy with serious implications for the local automotive export industry, local sales of new vehicles are soldiering on at a decent pace.
Automechanika Johannesburg successfully hosted its final CEO Breakfast for 2025 at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, bringing together senior automotive industry leaders for strategic discussions as the co-located Festival of Motoring roared into life.