UroHistory - Golf Citi

THE GOLF CITI

The MK1 Golf was first introduced in the South African market in 1978. After a few years of the Golf run, the 1984 Citi model, based on the Golf MK1, went into production at VW's plant in Uitenhage as an entry-level vehicle slotted beneath the subsequent generations of the ever-growing Golf model. Since their introduction, 377,484 Citi's have been produced in South Africa over the last 25 years!

MAKE A STATEMENT IN THE CITI

In December 1983, production was transferred from the Golf to the new derivative, Citi Golf. The Citi only came as a five-door model with no sunroof; the only engine available for it was a 1.3-liter with just a single carburetor, capable of a whopping 65bhp and there were no extras available in catalogue. It was available in three colors: red, blue or yellow. With the colors, the lower section of the bodywork featured a livery stripe with Citi nameplate in radiant white, just like in the original concept. In 1984 black was available as a color option and the 85bhp 1.6 liter Citi Sport joined the line up as a re-incarnation of the GTS model. Sales rose exponentially thereafter with sales reaching 7622 by 1988 given the horsepower bump!

KEEP IT ROLLING, BUT KEEP IT THE SAME

With a very opposite of timeless-design, the Golf Mk2 was gradually being superseded by the Mk3 in South Africa. Here comes the little Citi in for another run with consistent 80's styling now in the 90's and into the early 2000's. For a few months the first three Golf generations were rolling off the production line in the same assembly hall in Uitenhage. But wait, there is more mind twisting history. The Citi Golf was being produced right next to the all-new MK5 Golf! Talk about a weird picture.

A FARWELL TO AN ERA

Finally, on August 21st, 2009, the last of a total of 377,484 Citi Golf models built in Uitenhage since the end of 1983 rolled off the production line as a farewell and an end to an era of VW history. Being a long time continued car, the Citi receive much attention as one of the longest lasting body concepts for a vehicle in VW history. The last 1000 Golf Citi's to come off the line were all being individually numbered as a representation of the last push for the vehicles production. The last advertisement published from VW was sent out in January 2010 as a goodbye to the old model and as a celebration of something great.