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.
A dispute over the payload ratings of Jetour’s T1 and T2 SUVs has developed further following weighbridge testing in Gauteng, with the Automobile Association (AA) questioning some of the results and Jetour South Africa maintaining that its revised figures have been independently verified.
Chinese vehicle manufacturers continued to record significantly stronger growth than established OEM brands in South Africa during the second quarter of 2026, according to TransUnion's Q2 2026 Mobility Report.
Ford has broadened its Tourneo Custom line-up in South Africa with the introduction of the new Kombi and the flagship Titanium X AWD.
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I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys
Woody Allen
Ford has broadened its Tourneo Custom line-up in South Africa with the introduction of the new Kombi and the flagship Titanium X AWD.
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