The design has been around since 1978, but the evergreen Volkswagen CitiGolf – or at least its interior – has been thrust into the 21st century thanks to a new dashboard and other revisions.
The design has been around since 1978, but the evergreen Volkswagen CitiGolf – or at least its interior – has been thrust into the 21st century thanks to a new dashboard and other revisions.
VWSA mixed and matched bits from the Volkswagen Group’s interior parts bin to design a dashboard/facia that is not only unique to the CitiGolf, but seemingly light years ahead of its predecessor.
All instruments, including a rev counter, speedometer, digital clock and trip recorder, are housed in a cowling directly ahead of the driver. There is a new three-spoke steering wheel and rotary knobs have replaced the sliding controls previously used.
Controls for the headlight beam and indicators – including a one-touch lane-change and overtaking function – are located on a steering column stalk, while another stalk operates the wipers and wash functions for front and rear screens.
Warning lights and buzzers for low brake fluid, low petrol- and oil pressure, engine overheating, low brake fluid level, headlamps on, and handbrake engaged are standard. There is also a service interval reminder to inform the owner when routine maintenance is required.
The interior’s air vents are now individually adjustable and underneath the new dashboard, ducting for air-conditioning has been provided for a fully-integrated look after installation.
The radio and front-loading CD player unit – standard on the flagship Citi Life and Citi.com – is integrated into the new dashboard and coupled to four speakers. Also new on the latest Citi is a lidded compartment and pen holder on the driver’s side and the glove box has additional out-of-sight oddments space. There are also pockets on the backrests of the front seats.
The Citi’s rear seats fold forward to free up more luggage space. The rear parcel shelf is removable and shopping bag hooks have been added.
These shopping bag hangers are neatly integrated into the side shelves at the back to prevent the contents from spilling or sliding around in the boot.
The centre console now features cup holders, a mechanical gear lock located in front of the five-speed lever, and a power point with cover. A transponder immobiliser is standard on all the new Citis, with remote central locking and alarm reserved for all but the Chico 1,4 and Citi 1,6 litre models.
The most obvious new exterior feature is the one-piece side glass in the front doors. By doing away with the original fixed quarter windows, the remote-controlled exterior rear view mirrors could be repositioned further forward.
The familiar Citi tailgate has been updated and the rear wiper positioned in the window. The 15″ alloy wheels – standard on the Citi Life and Citi.com models – have a new six-spoke design.
The new Citi comes with the standard three-year/120 000km warranty. Servicing is required every 15 000km, while the AutoMotion maintenance plan is optional.
Prices:
Chico 1.4 R66 270
Citi 1.4i R75 780
Citi.com 1.4i R82 220
Citi 1.6i R87 360
Life 1.6i R94 210