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.
The Kia Carens nameplate makes its return to South Africa, this time as a seven‑seater designed with families in mind. It combines Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) styling with Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) practicality, offering space, comfort and efficiency, Kia says.
Volvo has confirmed that its vehicles will now integrate Google’s Gemini artificial intelligence system. This development builds on the company’s existing collaboration with Google, which already provides Android Automotive OS and Google services in Volvo models.
New vehicle sales in 2026 continued their positive trend in April, with the 47 979 units sold marking the best April figure since 2013. This represents a remarkable performance by local automotive retailers despite a host of economic headwinds and a challenging trading environment.
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Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin
The Kia Carens nameplate makes its return to South Africa, this time as a seven‑seater designed with families in mind. It combines Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) styling with Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) practicality, offering space, comfort and efficiency, Kia says.
The Omoda C4 has been unveiled at the Beijing International Auto Show, marking the latest addition to the brand’s crossover lineup.
JAC Motors South Africa has introduced the T8 2.0L CTi Comfort 4x2 double cab and at R349 900 (VAT included), making it the lowest-priced double cab currently available in the country.
