All the New VW Cars Coming to South Africa in 2025

This year’s Indaba brought together media, industry leaders and organisations like NAAMSA to unpack Volkswagen’s strategy and showcase its upcoming lineup. Even with a competitive local market — where Suzuki recently overtook Volkswagen’s long-standing second-place spot in national sales — the brand is far from slowing down. Instead, Volkswagen is ramping up with fresh energy, cutting-edge upgrades, and a deeper commitment to South African drivers.

In fact, 2024 saw Volkswagen’s highest-ever production numbers, with 167,084 units coming off the line — a clear sign that local demand remains strong. But the real headline? The announcement of a brand-new Entry A0 SUV that’s going to be built in Kariega, following a R4 billion investment into plant upgrades. This isn’t just good news for VW fans — it’s a win for the local economy and job creation too.

The Volkswagen lineup: What to expect 

2025 is shaping up to be a turning point for Volkswagen Group Africa. While global markets are shifting towards electric vehicles (EVs), South Africa’s appetite for reliable, fuel-powered rides is still going strong. That’s why VW’s focus remains sharply tuned to what South African drivers want — whether it’s value-packed hatchbacks, smart delivery vehicles, family-friendly SUVs or sporty upgrades.

So what’s rolling out in the months ahead? Expect new special editions like the Polo Vivo Edition 15, performance models like the Golf 8.5 1.4TSI, an upgraded T-Cross, the spacious new Tayron, and even the quirky-cool ID Buzz — VW’s all-electric Kombi-inspired minibus, landing soon after a successful trial run with DHL.

Whether you're buying your first car, upgrading your fleet, or dreaming of your next adventure vehicle, Volkswagen’s 2025 line-up is made with Mzansi in mind — stylish, smart, and built for our roads.

Polo Vivo: The Edition 15

Expected to arrive in Q3 2025, the Edition 15 Polo Vivo celebrates 15 years of this proudly South African favourite. Limited to just 1,500 units, this special model stands out with exclusive design details – think unique alloy wheels and eye-catching Edition 15 decals along the side skirts and bonnet. 

Final pricing and specs will be revealed closer to launch, so stay tuned!

Golf 8 1.4TSI 

If you’re a Golf fan, you’ll be glad to hear that the new midsize Golf 8.5 1.4 TSI is on its way to showrooms across South Africa. The model features its trusted 110 kW / 250 Nm turbocharged 1.4-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine, mated to a smooth 8-speed automatic gearbox.

You’ll also get to choose from four trim options: Life, Life+, R-Line and R-Line+. Some of which feature updates to the infotainment system, ambient lighting modes, upgraded seating, and refreshed design elements—especially in the sportier R-Line and R-Line+ trims.

Pricing:

• Golf 1.4l TSI Life  – R580,900 
• Golf 1.4l TSI Life+  —  R604,500
• Golf 1.4l TSI R-Line  —  R660,000
• Golf 1.4l TSI R-Line+ — R688,100

T-Cross Additions

Not too long ago, VW rolled out a facelifted version of their T-Cross – and now, two fresh derivatives are joining the lineup. These new trims include the 1.0 TSI 70kW manual and the 1.0 TSI 85 kW DSG, both serving as the new entry points in the range. The 85 kW model offers a fuel-efficient 5.6 L/100km and reaches a top speed of 193 km/h, while the 70kW delivers 5.9 L/100km with a top speed of 180 km/h. Plus, a series of design and interior updates are set to shake things up across the range. 

Pricing: 

• T-Cross 1.0 TSI 70kW Base —  R400,700
• T-Cross 1.0 85kW Base DSG — R418,200

Final Thoughts 

As Volkswagen South Africa looks ahead to 2025, it's clear the brand is making headway on evolving their range to meet consumer needs, local investment, and innovation. From exciting new models and trims to major production milestones and job creation, VW’s momentum continues. 

Whether you’re a longtime fan or just keeping an eye on the latest automotive trends, there’s plenty to look forward to from the people’s car brand in the months to come.

*Pricing correct at time of publication.