2009 VW Citi
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As you can see, the 1st generation VW Golf (A.K.A Rabbit in the US) is still in production, and available.
In south Africa.
It starts at the equivalent of about $7500. And actually uses tooling from the US plant.
Click on the link for more on the real “cheap VW”…
It isn't South America, it's South Africa, Vince..
That would be South AFRICA, not South America.
You guys are right, sorry.
I was just reading an article where they also mentioned the old Kombi still being made in Brazil, that's how I got confused…
Sorry.
More like the VW Shitti if you go by quality.
Wow, never thought the world "out there" would notice this fossil is still for sale over here (I'm from South Africa). The VW Citi story is an epic one – the original CitiGolf was first introduced in 1984 just before the launch of Golf 2. Through the years it had numerous updates and upgrades and countless special editions but truth is, it's a POS. It lacks the safety spec, build quality and design integrity of its modern rivals. Rumour has it that the very popular current generation Polo might take its place when the new Polo (launched in Europe earlier this year) is introduced here.
All things said though, it remains a popular choice as entry level vehicle under R100000 (about R12500) as VW has a very loyal following in SA amongst younger buyers.
Nice one Vince – BTW – how did you come across this?
Not much difference between this and the new ones.
My first car was a 1980 Rabbit. A neighbor gave it to me in 1987 with 210,000 miles on it. Aside from a replacement radiator and lots of broken interior bits, it would have probably lasted forever. I still think this looks good. It's a classic shape. It would sell well in the U.S. if it weren't for the 1970s crash standards.
Do they still make the Plymouth Horizon, Dodge Omni, and Hillsman versions?
"The Citi is fresher and younger than ever before, while still holding on to its well-loved, legendary shape."
I didn't need to read anything past this….but I did anyway.
I'm most angry about the lack of actual pictures of the car instead of 4 pieces of photoshoped garbage that is called the "gallery."
Interesting…In Canada you can also buy a "City" Jetta and City Golf, which are the previous generation models (1999-2005?), as well as the current models.
My first new car was a 1982 Rabbit the thing broke down on me on the interstate when I was drivincg it home rom the dealership on the day I bought it. I kept it for a few months because it spent more time being repaired than I drove it. It was my first and last VW product. Now I drive a Honda Civic Si sedan and I love it.
I think this is one of the best looking VWs made today, honestly.
Classic VWs were great looking vehicles. I think this is a beautiful car.
Now VWs are overweight, overcomplicated piles of shit that are some of the least reliable vehicles that you can purchase.
Where did VW go? They are no longer the peoples car.
Anon 8:07,
A 1982 Rabbit was based on a mid 70s design. The diesels were especially bad. Compared to today, back then nothing was reliable. Not even Hondas. I had an 80 Accord that, while never broke down on the interstate, had a completely faded burgundy interior and was rusted-through by 1987. Unlike vintage Hondas, which have mostly all rusted back into the ground, there is a huge collector's market for old VWs.
These were pretty good back in the day. A classic in fact.
"Anonymous said…
Anon 8:07,
A 1982 Rabbit was based on a mid 70s design. The diesels were especially bad. Compared to today, back then nothing was reliable. Not even Hondas. I had an 80 Accord that, while never broke down on the interstate, had a completely faded burgundy interior and was rusted-through by 1987. Unlike vintage Hondas, which have mostly all rusted back into the ground, there is a huge collector's market for old VWs.
August 4, 2009 9:18 AM"
But at least the Honda was still running.
Those A1 Golfs were cool…would be nice to see parts from these available in the US to update the back-then models. All the appliancey concerns asides, these beasts had character.