Volkswagen's bold plans: new Golf GTI, T-Roc and Amarok models set to launch in South Africa
Volkswagen SA are bringing a host of new models to the market including the T-Roc.
Image: Supplied
Despite the turbulent and troubled times the local vehicle manufacturing industry is facing, Volkswagen is steaming ahead with several new car releases over the course of the next 12 months.
It’s fitting that the ever-popular Golf GTI begins proceedings in the next month or two.
It’s been an on-and-off affair as a result of South Africa’s fuel quality, but finally the vrrrphaa affectionados have their way.
It’s fitted with their 2.0TSI petrol engine that provides 195kW and 370Nm powering the front wheels via a seven-speed DSG transmission and reaches 100km/h in a claimed time of 5.9 seconds.
T-Roc
Arriving in quarter three is the new T-Roc, one of the brand’s most popular SUVs, which has sold more than two million units since its launch in 2020.
The second generation has grown bigger and comes with improved interior quality as well as technology upgrades.
Larger footprint
Built on Volkswagen’s latest MQB evo platform, the same architecture that underpins the current Tiguan and Tayron, the T-Roc’s overall length now measures 4,373mm, an increase of 122mm over its predecessor. The wheelbase has also increased by 28mm to 2,631mm, improving interior space.
The wider stance allows larger wheels, with alloy sizes increasing to up to 20 inches, compared to a maximum of 19 inches before. The extra length and wheelbase improve rear passenger room and contribute to a more balanced profile.
Boot size increases by 30 litres to 475 litres when loaded to the height of the rear seatbacks.
The new T-Roc has grown bigger and comes with improved interior quality as well as technology upgrades.
Image: Supplied
Updated exterior
Volkswagen has retained the T-Roc’s familiar shape but tweaked the details. The distinctive silver trim line running from the A-pillar to the D-pillar remains, as does the pronounced shoulder line over the rear wheel arches.
The most obvious visual changes are found in the lighting. The front features newly designed LED headlights, with standard LED Plus units or optional IQ.Light LED matrix headlights. These are linked by a slim LED strip that runs across the nose and now incorporates an illuminated Volkswagen logo.
At the back, a full-width LED light now stretches across the tailgate, again incorporating an illuminated VW logo at its centre.
Interior
Inside, material quality has improved, with a newly developed fabric surface applied to the dashboard, adding both visual texture and a softer feel. The layout is cleaner, mirroring the approach used in the Tiguan and Tayron.
The new Digital Cockpit Pro features a large, rectangular display, placing driver information more prominently and clearly. A windscreen head-up display is also available, a first for the T-Roc.
Volkswagen has also carried over its latest driver interface and operating systems from larger models, helping standardise the digital experience across the SUV range.
Seating comfort has been improved with an electrically adjustable 14-way ergoActive front seat with a massage function available in R-Line models.
With seating for five, improved luggage capacity and a noticeable uplift in interior execution, the second-generation T-Roc positions itself as a more complete all-rounder while remaining compact enough for urban and family use.
Polo and Amarok
There are also two new Polo derivatives on the cards.
The Vivo Xpress and Polo GTI Edition 20 are set to be released in the next month or two.
The locally assembled Xpress is a light commercial vehicle with the rear seats removed to create a cargo hold, while the Polo GTI 20 Edition celebrates the hot hatch’s 20th anniversary.
Three new Amarok derivatives are planned for the second quarter of the year. These include the 125kW Style model, the 222kW Adventura and the Dark Label.