WeeklySA_AdminEDITION: VW takes centre stage with festivalgoers out to experience latest models, enjoy family-friendly activities and celebrate an exciting future of mobility and innovation…
By Ali Mphaki
Th roar returns to the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit next weekend August 28 to 30 as the ninth edition of the Festival of Motoring prepares to set the definite benchmark for the South African automotive experience.
This year’s event is anchored in a powerful new theme; Driven by Purpose, Defined by Legacy.
Just like in previous chapters festivalgoers can look forward to experiencing latest models, enjoy family-friendly activities and celebrate an exciting future of mobility and innovation.
Whereas the 2025 festival had Chinese brands as the star of the show, this year will see traditional brands once more flexing their muscle with Volkswagen, among others, most likely to take the centre stage showcasing their most comprehensive displays in modern times. Festivalgoers will clap their eyes for the first time on the Volkswagen the all-new T-Roc through the vibrant House of Roc experience, an immersive brand destination designed to capture the model’s spirit of individuality, confidence, innovation and contemporary style.
At the heart of the House of Roc, visitors will have the opportunity to experience the all-new T-Roc up alongside an exciting model line-up that includes the Tayron, Amarok Dark Label and the iconic Golf GTI which will showcase its dynamic performance on the racetrack.
The Volkswagen stand will also feature a host of interactive experiences, including a kids’ zone, karaoke, tattoo bar, live DJs and a Volkswagen merchandise store creating an energetic festival atmosphere for visitors of all ages. Festivalgoers will also be able to experience Volkswagen’s excellence through complimentary test drives and exhilarating hot laps around the legendary Kyalami circuit in the Golf GTI, Amarok 222kW, T-Roc and Audi RS3. Niels Wichmann, Head of Volkswagen Brand and acting Sales and Marketing Director, Volkswagen Group Africa, said:
“Volkswagen is proud to once again be part of the premier celebration of automotive excellence in South Africa. In 2026, Volkswagen celebrates 75 years of building and selling vehicles in South Africa. This year also marks 30 years of the Volkswagen Polo, 30 years of Polo Cup, and 20 years of the Volkswagen Polo GTI. These milestones reflect our brand’s strong local manufacturing and motorsport heritage.”
Wichmann added: “We invite all our customers and friends of the Volkswagen brand to join us to experience our latest models, enjoy family-friendly activities and celebrate an exciting future of mobility and innovation.”
The festival has grown to become the largest supported auto-show in South Africa and on the continent. Since its inception it has been driven by a vision to create a vibrant automotive community where industry leaders, passionate motoring enthusiasts and dream-car seekers come together for three days of action-packed excitement and family fun.
The 2026 pit line-up features a dynamic mix of leading manufacturers, established favourites and exciting new entrants, includingToyota SA, Jaecoo, Omoda, Icaur, GAC, Suzuki, BAIC, GWM, Javal, Tank, Ora, Chery, Lepas, BMW SA, Mahindra, Geely, Dongfeng, Changan and LCV.
Organisers have ensured a flexible hassle-free access to the venue with Gautrain offering complimentary rides to Kyalami. Various ticket packages are available.
