Why Volkswagen is, and will always remain, a Household Name in South Africa

• The Kariega plant has built 3 million vehicles since it began operations in 1948. The 3-millionth vehicle was recently celebrated. A “proudly local” Polo Vivo.
• Though the first Volkswagen at the plant rolled off the line in 1951 (a Beetle), Kariega has produced many iconic models across decades. Including the Beetle, Type 2, multiple generations of Golf, Jetta, Citi Golf, various Audi models, and many more.
• Since 1996 Kariega has been manufacturing the Polo, and since 2010 the Polo Vivo. The plant recently completed the production of 2 million Polos, the two-millionth Polo rolled off the line in 2025.
• The current Polo (facelifted version since 2021) has reached a production milestone of 500 000 units.
• In 2024, VWGA set a new production record: 167,084 vehicles built. It’s the highest annual production output since the plant’s inception.

These milestones reinforce Volkswagen’s deep roots in South Africa, its sustained contribution to local manufacturing, employment, and exports.

Here are some of the key Volkswagen models available now in South Africa, covering everything from affordable hatchbacks to family SUVs and premium offerings. 

Hatchbacks & Small Cars

• Polo Vivo Hatch: South Africa’s everyday staple, offering unbeatable value and reliability.
• Polo: A step up in refinement and technology; a favourite first car, with the iconic Polo GTI leading the performance charge.
• New Golf 8.5: Needs no introduction! The ultimate all-rounder, perfectly balanced in design, performance, and everyday usability.

Compact / Small T-SUV Range

• New T-Cross: The ideal entry-level SUV for urban living and lifestyle versatility.
• Taigo: A stylish coupe-inspired compact Crossover, blending hatchback agility with SUV confidence.

Mid-Sized SUVs & Family Options

• T-Roc: A well-balanced compact crossover that combines everyday versatility with signature VW comfort.
• Tiguan: The go-to choice for families needing added space, flexibility, and refinement.
• Tayron: The new 7-seater replacing the Tiguan Allspace. Modern, spacious, and built for bigger families.

Premium & Larger Models

• Touareg: Volkswagen’s showcase of luxury, technology, and long-distance comfort.
• Amarok: One of South Africa’s most respected double cabs, delivering robust capability, premium finishes, and versatility for work, family, and adventure.

And beyond passenger cars, Volkswagen’s broader commercial and utility vehicles include the likes of the new Transporter Kombi, California and and Caddy. These offerings remain available to meet diverse customer needs.

 Local Manufacturing: A Foundation of Trust

With decades of production history at Kariega, Volkswagen has proven its commitment to South Africa, not just as a brand, but as a reliable local manufacturer. That means better parts availability, easier servicing, confidence in resale value, and the reassurance that their vehicle was built locally and to global standards.

Broad Portfolio: An Offer for Every Buyer

Whether a young professional needs an affordable hatchback, a family needs a spacious SUV, or a customer wants a premium performance hatchback, Volkswagen’s current range covers all bases. This versatility strengthens its appeal in the South African market.

Global Standards, Local Relevance

The locally built Polo, and Polo Vivo, combine Volkswagen’s global engineering and safety standards with the adaptability required for South Africa’s roads and consumer needs. The success of Polo exports, with Kariega now the exclusive global supplier, demonstrates that South African-built VWs meet global demand and quality standards.

• Volkswagen has announced a major investment in the Kariega plant: a R4 billion upgrade to prepare for a third model to be built alongside Polo and Polo Vivo, expected from 2027.
• This new model is expected to be an SUV, signalling Volkswagen’s recognition of the growing SUV demand in South Africa and globally. 
• As the brand leans into local manufacturing + global export, Volkswagen in SA looks well-positioned to offer value, quality, and continuity for years to come.