25 Years after it first appeared on South African roads, Volkswagen has finally decided to discontinue their much-loved Citi Golf. The familiar box-on-wheels made its first appearance in 1984, six years after the original MK1 model was let loose in SA dealerships. Launched as an affordable alternative to the then much more expensive Golf MK2, the Citi became an instant cult classic that found affection with everyone from cash-strapped adults to young-up-and-comings looking for a trendy set of first wheels. Now to commemorate their Citi’s long and proud history, VWSA has decided to build no more than 1000 special edition models. Simply called the Citi MK 1, it comes bolted to a 74-kilowatt 1.6-litre motor and boasts an interior fitted with partial leather sports seats, a leather steering wheel and an aluminium golf ball gear lever. Only available in two colours, Black and Shadow Blue metallic, the exterior of the Citi MK1 also comes loaded with 15-inch, gunmetal alloy wheels, a polished exhaust tailpipe, dark taillights, double headlights and chrome highlight around grille. On the sides have been stuck special GT-styled stripes in chrome foil. Priced at R113 500, the last Citi Golf ever made certainly isn’t cheap but, I must admit, that there is something deeply cool about its limited-edition exclusivity. Enough to put a lump in my throat? You betcha…



Ben, I hear what you’re saying about all the limited editions but this new MK 1 really is the Citi’s swan song. Just take a look at this exert from VW’s official press release:
“At the Volkswagen of South Africa production plant in Uitenhage, it was an emotional day for the employees when the last Citi, Citi Mk1 001, rolled off the production line to mark the official end of the A1 production. Thousands of employees attended a special event to bid farewell and pay tribute to the legend and the people who have been crafting the A1 (Citi and Golf 1) by hand for more than 30 years. Over 120 employees, who are still employed by Volkswagen of South Africa, have worked for more than 20 years on the A1 production line.”
Hmm, just took a look at the site (http://www.goodbyeciti.co.za/#/Intro) and it seems this is really the end…
Farewell to a legend!!!!
The Citi’s departure leaves me with mixed feelings because although it was shamefully outdated in terms of safety and refinement, it still offered an entertaining drive and fairly spritely performance for the price. Anyone who’s ever diced a 1.6 Velociti or even the rare 1.8R will know how a big-engined Citi could shuffle…
I waited 30 years for this day…..finally VW has done something right
Good &*^* Riddens! about time this Piece of **** was removed from the road!
i drive a 1997 citi golf, it is the sexiest little car and i wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. my heart is sore but i know i dont just drive a car, i drive a legend. good bye to the golf 1, those who drive you will always love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I still can’t believe that VW decided to take that move, i drive 1.4i, and 5 years in time i still can’t find a car that can replace this legend, Wat ever you have put up to replace this legend should really be better replacement.
I always tell my frinds that all that it take a big commitment to over turn this legend, i’ve driven mine on rough terrain, off road and on tarred road and it always gives me the feeling that i am flying without wings.
My friend has purchased one of the MK1′s and it was a shame. The aircon, back wiper, clutch and one of the door handles were all either not working or functioning badly.
whats the difference really, all the new models are exactly the same. look at the interior, gear ****, the dash board still the same.
I’m happy that this junk will be of the road, this car was a piece of junk that was not even worth the money.
Bye bye ****!
Not really appealing for a car so I think it’s good to dispose of it.
I gave my first blowjob in a citi.
Is that you Anthony?
Oh Anthony!!!
all I can say is that i am the proud owner of the mark 5 city golf a for me as a massage therapist it is thee best make of car ever designed I am a city woman for life my car is very spacial to me I love it I am VW driver for life
thank you.
I owned two CitiGolf, a Chico and a Rhytm. I stll has the Rhytm. In my opinion these are the best cars ever made. They might not be very comfortable, but they are so reliable and just indestructable. I LOVE my Citi and it is a shame that VWSA decided to take them off the market.
Ben
November 3, 2009 at 8:36 amI must be honest and say that I’m a little skeptical about this “limited edition” Citi.
Over the past few years, I remember VW releasing a number statements about the last roll out of the loved Golf.
but sure enough, year after year, they keeping churning them out.
There was something about Bosch not wanting to play the game, then something about the vehicles safety, or lack thereof.
Being a marketing man myself, I must say that this smells like a ploy to sell 1000 slightyl upgraded Citis, and it wouldnt be the first time.
Do any of these names ring a bell: 1.8 Citi Golf, Citi Rox, Velocity, Citi Storm, TenaCiti, Citi Sport…just a few which have been released of late
I love the Citi but I think they will around for a few more years