For the Volkswagen brand, the letter ‘R’ is associated with the pinnacle in performance. October 2022 and early 2023 will see the launch of the Tiguan R and Golf R in the South African market.
Since the Golf R’s launch in South Africa in 2007, it has sold close to 6 000 units. The new Volkswagen Golf R is said to be the most powerful hatchback that the group has launched to date.
The new Golf 8 R’s drive technology tops everything that has been launched in the Golf model range up until now with a 2-litre four-cylinder engine with 400 Nm and a 0-100 time of just 4.8 seconds.
The Golf has a 4MOTION system with R-Performance Torque Vectoring and it has a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG).
Standard features in the new Golf 8 R include mobile inductive charging, panoramic sunroof, Keyless Entry with safe lock and an electric tailgate and luggage compartment, ‘Discover Pro’ system with satellite navigation, Wireless App-Connect and Voice Control, 19-inch Estoril alloy wheels, Adaptive Chassis Control including driving profile selection, Light and Vision Package including high- beam control light assist, Nappa leather seats as well as a choice of three exterior colours (Pure White, Lapiz Blue Metallic and Deep Black Pearl).
Hot on the heels of the Golf R is the new Tiguan R, touted as Volkswagen SA’s most powerful SUV.
With a power output of 235 kW and 400 Nm, the Tiguan R accelerates to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds. Featuring a 4MOTION all-wheel drive system, the Tiguan R has a top speed of 250 km/h.
The extended technical Tiguan R equipment includes a powerful 18-inch brake system with blue brake callipers (with the R logo at the front), a DCC chassis (with adaptively controlled shock absorbers) lowered by 10 mm and a driving profile selection enhanced for the Tiguan R with an additional R profile.
This sporty mode can be activated by means of a blue R button on the new multi-function sports steering wheel. This is also equipped with separate large paddles for manual control of the 7-speed DSG gearbox.
Isuzu Motors South Africa has introduced its all-new seventh-generation N-Series truck range, representing the most comprehensive update to the company's light and medium-duty commercial vehicle line-up in years.
Euro NCAP has changed the way it tests cars. The 2026 protocols, the biggest revision in three years, restructure the assessment around four stages: safe driving, crash avoidance, crash protection and post-crash care.
A new partnership between TiAuto Investments, SmartOps Fleet and Vodacom South Africa is set to support the rapid growth of South Africa's e-hailing sector, while opening the door to new income opportunities for drivers and investors alike.
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I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys
Woody Allen
Isuzu Motors South Africa has introduced its all-new seventh-generation N-Series truck range, representing the most comprehensive update to the company's light and medium-duty commercial vehicle line-up in years.
GWM has expanded its local SUV line-up with the introduction of the all-new Haval H7. Replacing the outgoing model, the newcomer blends boxy styling, advanced technology and a choice of petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, giving buyers a versatile family SUV with genuine all-terrain credentials.
The iCAUR V-Series family has grown with the arrival of the new V25, unveiled at the 2026 iCAUR International User Summit in Wuhu, China. As the brand continues its international expansion, the V25 is expected to play a key role in attracting buyers seeking a rugged-looking SUV with modern electric technology.
