Volkswagen South Africa has paid homage to the original Golf 1, with the introduction of a final limited edition Citi, aptly named Citi Mk1. Only 1 000 of these cars will find their way into the hands of South African customers and clients around the world.
According to VWSA, the introduction of Citi Mk1 to the Citi range is a fitting gesture to send off and close the final chapter of the best-ever selling hatchback in South African motoring history, having provided South African motorists with a fun, unique, affordable driving package for 25 years. It has defied all marketing textbook theories on the life cycle of a brand.
Since 1978, the same time the first generation Golf was launched in South Africa, Volkswagen of South Africa has produced 377 484 Citis and a total of 517 384 A1 (first generation) Golfs. The Volkswagen plant in Uitenhage has been the only plant in the Volkswagen Group to have continued building the legendary A1 Golf in Citi guise.
Citi made its first appearance on South African roads in 1984, launched as an affordable car to compete in the entry level segment following the introduction of the bigger and more expensive Golf 2 - otherwise known as the "Jumbo". For 25 years, the Citi range has continuously been refreshed and kept alive with innovative, appealing special and limited editions such as the Designa, CTI, Deco, Sonic, Wolf, Bafana Bafana, R Line, Xcite, Billabong and most recently the GTS.
The latest and last limited edition of the Citi range, the Citi Mk1, is offered with the 1.6i engine which has a power output of 74kW at 5 400 r/min and 140 N.m of torque at 4 400 r/min.
Available only in two colours, Black and Shadow Blue metallic, the Citi Mk1 is fitted with 15-inch, gunmetal-painted alloy wheels and a polished exhaust tailpipe, as well as dark tail-lights, double headlights and a chrome highlight around the grille. The sides boast GT-style stripes in chrome foil. The interior has sport seats with partial leather, leather steering wheel, the original golf ball gear knob, floor mats with Mk1 logo and red stitching throughout.
Two of the last produced Citi Mk1 units will join other Volkswagen classics that are on permanent display at the Autostadt, the Volkswagen Group Museum and Brand Expo in Wolfsburg, Germany and at the Volkswagen AutoPavillion Brand heritage centre in Uitenhage.
Only 1 000 units will be available and each will have a unique number - from 1 to 1 000 - embossed on the passenger side facia and integrated into the uniquely designed exterior Mk1 logo. The Citi Mk1's retail price is R113 500 (VAT included), and like all other Citi models, the Citi Mk1 comes a standard three years/120 000 km warranty, while Volkswagen AutoMotion maintenance and service plans are optional.
Its about time the car has no safety features compared to the new cars on the market even the Chinese cars have more Features and the price is much too high.
