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Volkswagen South Africa (VWSA) will not be quietly packing away the machinery and equipment as the Golf 1 line comes to an end.

Instead, the company will honour the long-lived model with a final, limited-edition Citi, aptly named the Citi Mk1. Just 1000 of these cars will be sold to enthusiasts in South Africa and around the world.

Volkswagen on Monday announced the end of local 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.

Legend

VWSA in a stratement said: "Citi has provided South African motorists with a fun, unique, affordable driving package for 25 years. It has defied all marketing textbook theories on the lifecycle of a brand. Citi will remain a legend for decades to come".

The Golf 1 was launched in South Africa in 1978 and VWSA has since produced 377 484 Citis. A total of 517 384 A1 Golf models - including the Citi versions – have been made. Volkswagen's Uitenhage plant has been the only unit to have continued building the A1 Golf in the guise of the Citi Brand.

Citi was first launched in South African roads in 1984, six years after the Golf 1 was unveiled. It was created to compete in the entry-level segment following the introduction of the bigger and pricier Golf 2 – the "Jumbo" Golf as it became affectionately known.

Last chance

The last, and limited, edition of the Citi range will have a 1.6-litre, fuel-injection engine with has a maximum power output of 74kW at 5400rpm.

The Mk1 design features 15-inch, painted alloy wheels, a polished exhaust tailpipe, dark taillights, double headlights and chrome highlight around grille. The sides will sport GT-styled stripes in chrome foil.

The cabin has sport seats with partial leather, a leather steering wheel, the original golf ball gear knob, floor mats with the Mk1 logo and red stitching detail throughout.

You can have any colour you like ...

The model will only be available in two colours: black and 'shadow blue metallic'.

Each of the 1000 units to be made will have a unique number embossed on the passenger side dashboard and on the exterior Mk1 logo.

The Citi Mk1 is priced to at R113 500 and includes a three-year or 120 000km warranty.

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