Volkswagen (VW) South Africa is among the automotive manufacturers that enjoy great success locally and internationally. With several years of producing sales-leading models in various segments, VW is a massive player in the car industry.
With a rich history in motorsport, production challenges, and a few scandals, VW presents a unique and entertaining story.
Volkswagen’s origins are steeped in bold engineering and cultural influence; established by the German Labour Front in 1932 to create the “People’s Car,” VW’s early years led to icons like the Beetle through legendary ad campaigns such as “Think Small” and “Lemon”.
Local manufacturing roots took hold in South Africa from 1946, with full-scale assembly in Uitenhage (now Kariega) from 1951. VW’s dedication to local production means every Polo and Polo Vivo still rolls off assembly lines in the Eastern Cape for local and export markets.
This lasting South African presence is further celebrated by milestones like 3 million cars built and regular honours at the Naamsa Accelerator Awards.
VW’s lineup showcases a wide array of locally assembled and imported models, with naming conventions like Polo (hatch, Vivo, sedan), Golf, T-Cross, Taigo, T-Roc, Tiguan, Tayron, Touareg, Amarok, Caddy, Transporter, and Kombi making up the range.
The Polo and Polo Vivo hatchbacks are top sellers thanks to their reliability and competitive pricing (Polo Vivo from R271,900; Polo from R373,800). The Uitenhage/Kariega plant is the only local producer and global exporter of Polo GTI.
Recent years have seen VW focus more on compact SUVs and crossover models, phasing out sedans like Jetta and Passat for the South African market.
| Model | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| Polo Vivo Hatch | R 271,900 |
| Polo | R 373,800 |
| Polo Sedan | R 382,600 |
| Golf 1.4 TSi | R 580,900 |
| T-Cross | R 399,900 |
| Taigo | R 514,500 |
| T-Roc | R 648,900 |
| Tiguan | R 664,500 |
| Tayron | R 811,800 |
| Touareg | R 1,491,300 |
| Amarok | R 593,200 |
| Caddy Cargo | R 466,700 |
| Transporter Kombi | R 1,055,200 |
| Kombi “California” | R 1,720,700 |
Volkswagen consistently ranks as one of South Africa’s top selling automotive brands, frequently outselling most rivals. The Polo and Polo Vivo are regularly among the five best-selling cars in SA, often moving over 4,000 units per month.
For local buyers who value reliability and a strong brand legacy, VW is the “People’s Car” built by South Africans for South Africans.
Before purchasing, make sure to compare the full range of models and prices, then use Hippo to access the best car insurance quotes for your new VW.
VW’s popularity means premiums can vary based on each model’s risk rating and your personal profile. Higher demand models may attract higher insurance rates, so it’s particularly important to compare 12 car insurance quotes side-by-side with Hippo.
Popular models might affect your quote due to theft risk and claim frequency — always check rates and coverage before making a final decision.
Find your VW’s insurance rates quickly and easily online using Hippo.co.za.
Great for long road trips around South Africa, many VW models are comfortable and spacious. If you hire one through a car rental agency, models such as the Polo and Polo Vivo are popular, as they offer numerous features. Generally, they’re economical, reliable, affordable, and well-equipped, making them ideal for car rental companies.
Prices quoted correct at the time of publishing this article. The information in this article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or medical advice
