By Mabuyane Mabuza
If you’re a VW fan, 2025 is set to be an exciting year. Volkswagen Group Africa has unveiled a range of new models and updates, with some familiar favourites refreshed and new additions joining the lineup.
So, what do the Germans have in store?
The highly anticipated new Golf is on its way, along with the updated T-Cross,
Transporter, and the all-new Tayron. These models were revealed at the annual
Indaba last week, giving us a first look at what’s to come. While we didn’t get the chance to drive them just yet, we did get up close – and they certainly make a strong impression.
Golf
The new Golf features subtle but noticeable updates—staying true to Volkswagen’s
design philosophy of evolution over revolution. Key highlights include an illuminated Volkswagen logo, a first for the Golf, along with redesigned LED headlights. The top-tier IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights offer a high-performance main beam with a range of up to 500 metres, according to Volkswagen Group Africa. Under the bonnet, the Golf retains VW’s trusted 1.4 TSI engine, paired with an 8- speed Tiptronic transmission for a smooth and refined drive.
Prices
Golf 1.4l TSI 110kW Tiptronic Life R580 900
Golf 1.4l TSI 110kW Tiptronic Life + R604 500
Golf 1.4l TSI 110kW Tiptronic R-line R660 000
Golf 1.4l TSI 110kW Tiptronic R-line + R688 100
T-Cross
Since its 2019 launch, the T-Cross has been Volkswagen’s best-selling SUV, with
over 36 000 units sold. Now, the range is expanding with two new derivatives: a 1.0 TSI manual and a 1.0 TSI DSG, both offered as base models. These options blend performance, style, and advanced features, catering to customers looking for a compact yet versatile SUV. The engine, well-proven in the Polo range, ensures reliability and efficiency.
Prices
T-Cross 1.0 TSI 70kW Base R400 700
T-Cross 1.0 85kW Base DSG R418 200
Tayron
The seven-seater Tayron sits between the Touareg and Tiguan in Volkswagen’s SUV
line-up. Engineered and built in Wolfsburg, Germany, it benefits from technology first developed for the Touareg. Features include interactive IQ.LIGHT HD matrix
headlights and seats with a pneumatic 10-chamber pressure point massage function.
Transporter
In all versions of the new-generation Transporter, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles ensures the payload matches its volume capacity, now up to 1.33 tonnes. For heavier loads, it can tow up to 2.8 tonnes, depending on the variant—an improvement from its predecessor’s 2.5 tonnes. Roof load capacity has also increased from 150 kg to 170 kg. The seventh-generation Transporter is powered by three newly developed 2.0-litre four-cylinder TDI engines with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and a choice of front-wheel or 4MOTION all-wheel drive, depending on the derivative.
