Bye bye Citi-Golf

02 November 2009 - 12:44
By Sapa

Volkswagen has announced the end of South African production of the iconic Citi-Golf - the original Golf 1 - after 31 years.

"Today we are announcing the end of this legend called the A1 Golf or Citi-Golf," David Powels, managing director of Volkswagen South Africa told a press conference, describing the hugely popular car as much a part of South Africa as boerewors sausage.

The last Citi-Golf rolled off the line in Volkswagen's plant Uitenhage, Eastern Cape province in August, he said.

The Citi-Golf replaced the A1 in South Africa in 1984 as an entry-level car for first-time buyers that became famous for its fun image and bright colours.

Over 25 years, Volkswagen produced 377,484 units of the car, making it the most successful hatchback in the history of South African motoring.

Volkswagen will continue to sell the car into early 2010, Powels said.

Volkswagen was tight-lipped on what, if anything, would replace the Citi-Golf, saying only no jobs had been lost in the end of production and that the car maker would "reveal what comes next" by end of March next year.