Volkswagen South Africa has just announced what they have up their sleeves for the 2019 Festival of Motoring, taking place at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Johannesburg. The festival will run from 22-25 August 2019, with Volkswagen SA adopting an upbeat, family-fun carnival theme for their set up, including virtual games and performances. Festival goers will be treated to a selection of never before seen cars, along with track and off-road experiences in various VW models.
“Volkswagen will be creating the ultimate playground for motor enthusiasts at the fourth-annual Festival of Motoring with never-before-seen vehicles on South African soil,” said Andile Dlamini, Head of Group Communications.
The all-new Volkswagen T-Cross will make its national debut at the Festival before the official media launch in September. Joining the new SUV is the electric VW ID.R Pikes Peak race car that recently dominated the global motor racing scene by breaking records at the Nurburgring-Nordschliefe, the Pikes Peak climb and the Goodwood Festival of Speed Hill Climb. Volkswagen will also display the new Vivo Sound Edition as well as a locally inspired concept car.
Festival goers will also be able to experience the new 228kW Volkswagen 7.5 Golf R at full throttle on the track, as well as the VW Touareg Black Style SUV, the Arteon sedan, the Tiguan Allspace and the Polo Vivo GT. The offroad 4x4 obstacle course at the other end of Kyalami Circuit will allow Festival of Motoring spectators to experience the new Amarok V6. Volkswagen will also be displaying the upcoming Amarok Canyon for the first time in South Africa.
“Volkswagen will be out in full force at the Festival of Motoring this year and we look forward to Volkswagen customers and fans experiencing and enjoying what we have on offer,” concluded Dlamini.
Make sure you book your tickets soon, and don’t forget to share your Volkswagen experiences on social media using the #VWRideWithUs and #SpiritOfAmarok.
FAQ
Q: What Volkswagen models were showcased at the 2019 SA Festival of Motoring?
Volkswagen SA brought out the big guns with the T-Cross making its national debut, the record-breaking electric ID.R Pikes Peak race car, the 228kW Golf R, Touareg Black Style, Arteon sedan, Tiguan Allspace, Polo Vivo GT, and both the Amarok V6 and upcoming Amarok Canyon for proper 4x4 action.
Q: Could you drive the Volkswagen cars at the Festival of Motoring?
Absolutely, festival goers could experience the Golf R at full throttle on the Kyalami track, test the Touareg, Arteon, Tiguan Allspace and Polo Vivo GT, plus tackle the off-road 4x4 obstacle course in the Amarok V6.
Q: What was special about the VW ID.R at the festival?
The electric ID.R Pikes Peak race car was a proper legend, having recently smashed records at the Nurburgring-Nordschleife, dominated the Pikes Peak climb, and conquered the Goodwood Festival of Speed Hill Climb before making its South African debut.
Q: When did the Festival of Motoring take place in 2019?
The 2019 Festival of Motoring ran from 22-25 August at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Johannesburg, giving petrolheads four solid days of automotive heaven.
Q: What was Volkswagen's theme at the 2019 festival?
Volkswagen SA went all out with an upbeat, family-fun carnival theme complete with virtual games, performances, and what they called "the ultimate playground for motor enthusiasts".
Should You Buy It?
This article covers the 2019 Festival of Motoring showcase, not specific car purchases, but if you're considering any of the Volkswagen models featured, here's the deal. The Golf R at around R650,000 is still one of the best hot hatches you can buy in SA, delivering 228kW of pure adrenaline. The T-Cross, which debuted at this festival, became a solid compact SUV option starting around R320,000. The Amarok V6 remains a top bakkie choice if you need serious towing power and aren't afraid of the R700,000+ price tag. For most South Africans though, the Polo Vivo GT at around R280,000 offers the best balance of VW quality and affordability. The festival was a great showcase, but your wallet should guide which of these beauties ends up in your driveway.
