
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
TopGear South Africa launches its first-of-a-kind test track, which is straight out of the BBC TopGear handbook. The test track is located on the Brakpan/Benoni Airfield.
The 3.5-kilometer track is a first for TopGear South Africa for being outside the UK and which in true TopGear fashion will feature a number of challenging tests.
It is aimed at testing high speeds, cornering capabilities and the braking of performance cars. TopGear South Africa will also bring the Reasonably Priced Car segment, which the TopGear audience is familiar with. This segment will see South African celebrities attempt an on-screen fast timed lap around the track.
Also announced at the launch was the establishment of the TopGear Awards revealing the best cars in various categories. Secondly, the TopGear Speed Week 2023, which will take place at the end of October. Speed Week is a large performance feature to find the best performance car in South Africa.
Lerato Matebese, Publishing Editor at Clipping Point Publishing, comments: “A long time coming, finally launching the TopGear SA test track, is another feather in the cap of our continuous growth strategy.
“The facility allows us to put each car through the same, rigorous test to see how they would perform bone-stock from the dealer floor. While this will be great for car debates at the braai or carwash, it also puts into perspective each car’s performance credentials in a controlled environment.”
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.