In a bid to bring serious power and championship pedigree to the 2025 Simola Hillclimb, Volkswagen South Africa has announced it will field a Polo RX1e, piloted by seven-time World Rallycross champion Johan Kristoffersen, at this year’s ‘King of the Hill’ shootout.
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On 4 May, 2025, Volkswagen’s 2023 World Rallycross title-winning Polo RX1e, with Swedish racing ace Johan Kristoffersen behind the wheel, will compete for top honours in the 15th instalment of the Simola Hillclimb’s ‘King of the Hill’ shootout. (As a reminder, the event kicks off on Friday, 2 May.)
Said Volkswagen Motorsport South Africa in a Facebook post announcing the all-electric rallycross racer and Kristoffersen’s participation:
“We’re bringing serious power and championship pedigree to the Hill with the 2023 title-winning VW Polo RX1e! And behind the wheel? None other than Johan Kristoffersson — a driver who knows how to win and isn’t afraid to show it!”
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The Polo RX1e will be the sole entry in the B8 category for electric and alternative energy vehicles. However, it will still have to prove its mettle against an array of established competitors and previous winners if it wants to claim the ‘King of the Hill’ title.
With its impressive levels of performance, not to mention Kristoffersen behind the wheel, the Polo RX1e should prove a fierce competitor in the 1.9 km hillclimb run. The Polo RX1e’s twin electric-motor powertrain produces a healthy 500 kW and 880 N.m of torque, which allows the 1 230 kg race-bred hatchback to sprint to the three-figure marker from a standstill in a whip-crack 1.8 seconds.
Said Ian Shrosbree, Managing Director of Knysna Speed Festival, which owns the Simola Hillclimb: “We are thrilled to have Johan Kristoffersen joining us for the 15th Simola Hillclimb, and appreciate the immense effort Volkswagen has gone to in order to bring a driver of his calibre and status, along with his championship-winning car, to compete at our event.”
Related: Simola – Running up that Hill
“Petter Solberg’s participation in 2023, which was also courtesy of Volkswagen, was a huge success and elevated the Simola Hillclimb to new heights, both locally and internationally. We have no doubt that having Kristoffersen and the Polo RX1e here will raise the bar once again, delighting the fans and spectators, and providing even stiffer competition for the Modified Saloon Car ‘King of the Hill’ title.”
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