Volkswagen South Africa really pulled out all of the stops for this year’s Johannesburg International Motor Show with a bevvy of long-awaited production models, the company’s Polo R rally car and the futuristic Go! Concept.
Beetle causes a buzz
Probably the star of VW’s JIMS stand, the new Beetle will arrive in the local market during the second quarter of 2012. It will be offered with a choice of two trim lines; Design and Sport, as well as a choice of two TSI engines – a 1,2-litre version developing 77 kW and a 118 kW 1,4 which can be specified with a DSG transmission
Golf Cabrio drops its top
Featuring a soft top that can be opened in just nine seconds at speeds of up to 30 km/h whilst still affording its occupants 250 dm3 of luggage space when stowed, the Golf Cabriolet will be available in South Africa early next year. Just one equipment line will be offered, but specification will be generous and will include smoked-lens LED rear lights, 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, easy-entry function of the height-adjustable comfort seats in front, electric windows all around and matte chrome-effect interior trim accents. A choice of two 1,4-litre TSI engines with outputs of 90 kW and 118 kW will be offered, both of which can be coupled with a DSG transmission.
Tweaked Tiguan
JIMS also saw the introduction of the updated Tiguan compact SUV, a model that has sold nearly 4 300 units on the local market. The styling updates incorporate VW’s latest familial traits, including strong horizontal elements in both the grille and headlamps and a sharper re-style of the C-pillars.
The models will be grouped in “on-road” (front-wheel drive Trend&Fun and Sport&Style 4Motion) trim lines with approach angles of 18 degrees, as well as “off-road” models with a 28-degree approach angle, a redesigned bumper and additional under-body protection (Track&Field 4Motion).
The Tiguan’s three TSI petrol engines (1,4 to 2,0 litres in displacement) serve up between 90 kW and 155 kW. The power in the 118 kW and 155 kW engines has increased by 8 kW when compared with the previous model.
The two turbodiesel engines produce 81 kW (280 N.m at 1 750-2 750 r/min) and 103 kW (320 N.m at 1 750-2 500 r/min) of power.
The Trend&Fun models feature a six-speed transmission whilst the Track&Field and Sport&Style derivatives are fitted with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Polo R revealed
Thanks to new WRC Technical Regulations that make allowances for turbocharged 1,6-litre engines with direct injection, Volkswagen will make its long-awaited return to the WRC in 2013 with the Polo R WRC. With 220 kW and 350 N.m of torque under its belt, the all-wheel-drive Polo R tips the scales at 1 200 kg and will share many of its design facets with the 2012 South African Polo S2000 Rally car.
Go! for tomorrow
Volkswagen’s Go! Concept car, which made its official debut at this year’s Geneva Motor show, gives an insight and interpretation of the firm’s future designs as well as mobility of tomorrow. The Italdesign Giugiaro-designed eco-friendly city car measures just four metres in length and has a 240 km/h zero-emissions operating range from its blue-e-motion electric drivetrain.
