Volkswagen Group to launch a variety of new models in 2026

The Volkswagen Group will launch numerous new models in 2026 alongside updates to some of their top selling models.

Volkswagen Group Africa, which comprises brands Volkswagen, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and Audi are set to for a jam-packed year with numerous new product launches scheduled for 2026.

Volkswagen

Volkswagen’s popular Vivo range will be updated with additional standard specification that includes an enhanced safety package comprising of park distance control, a rear-view camera and an additional side airbag.

A special edition Polo GTI Edition 20 will be offered in celebration of 20 years of the Polo GTI. This model will be differentiated by a black roof and mirror housings, 18-inch Faro alloy wheels and a unique Crystal Ice Blue exterior colour.

The all-new T-Roc is set to land in South Africa in the third quarter of 2026. The new iteration features a more dynamic design that incorporates stylistic features such as a striking silver stripe that extends from the A to D-pillar and a muscular and powerful shoulder above the rear wheel arch. The LED lights are entirely new and both the IQ.Light LED matrix headlights and the standard Plus headlights are linked by a narrow strip of LEDs and the illuminated VW logo. The rear has been redesigned with a full-length LED strip, which is also illuminated in the middle where it meets a red illuminated logo. The interior has been improved by the addition of high-quality materials, a progressively clean design and innovative technologies.

In addition to these new models Volkswagen will also be expanding the Tayron, Golf and Tiguan model ranges with the addition of mild-hybrid derivatives. The drivetrain of these models will incorporate a 1.5-litre TSI engine alongside a 48V 12V DC-DC converter and a seven-speed DSG transmission, offering numerous benefits including reduced emissions and fuel consumption, smoother acceleration and self-charging.

VW Commercial vehicles

VW’s Commercial vehicle division will have a similarly busy year, with the launch of the VW Caravelle, ID Buzz and Vivo Xpress.

Volkswagen will launch the all-new Caravelle plug-in hybrid 4Motion towards the middle of the year. The seventh generation Caravelle will be the first plug-in hybrid in

this segment. One electric drive motor per axle powered by a 19.7kWh battery is paired to a 1.5-litre engine that offers 130kW and 250Nm. The front-axle electric drive motor adds 85kW and 330Nm. The electric drive motor on the rear axle delivers 100kW and 250Nm. In total the system delivers 350Nm.

VW will also be returning to the urban delivery market with the Vivo Xpress. The updated Vivo Xpress provides secure enclosed storage in the rear of the vehicle and a payload of 490kg. The Vivo Xpress is powered by a 1.4-litre engine that offers 63kW.

The Vivo Xpress has been homologated as a commercial vehicle, ensuring the appropriate tax benefits for business owners. Pricing starts at R279 990.

The Amarok range will also be expanded significantly with a variety of new derivatives including a 125kW Style derivative, the Amarok Dark Label and the 222kW Amarok Aventura.

The much-anticipated Caddy automatic will finally join that range in the second half of 2026.

Audi

In 2026 Audi will launch a variety of new models including the Q3 and Q5 as well as the RS5, while the Audi RS e-tron GT Performance will arrive in South Africa in the second quarter of the year.