Remaining time, --:--

Forever Golf

Celebrating 47 years of
nicknaming the Golf
in South Africa

For 47 years, the Golf has held a special place in South Africa, inspiring a unique tradition of creative nicknames. From the very first Mk1, affectionately known as The Rabbit, to the latest model dubbed 8 Mashesha, these names reflect the car's journey and its deep connection with you, the people.

The Rabbit

The year is 1978, and the Mk1 just hit the streets of South Africa for the very first time. Despite how the North American version didn’t come here, you chose to nickname the Citi, the Buffel & Olifant variants: The Rabbit. Marking the beginning of a 47-year-old tradition that led to multiple nicknames over the decades.

i20-20

Fast forward to the Mk2. Where you gave us i-20-20, nicknamed after the headlights, which was a play on 20-20 vision. While we were enjoying the drive, the Golf 2 came with a facelift where the big bumpers were introduced, so you called it Jumbo. This nickname was a hit all over the country.

The Vura

The Mk3 came along – where we introduced the unforgettable Vura – mimicking the sound of the VR6 engine. You also called it Veronica With the 6 Kids, AKA Voroso ya R6 (the R6 wors reflecting the price of the boerie at the time), AKA Vur Vai, AKA Vaairus, but to mention a few.

32 Rand

This was a tough act to follow for the Mk4. Still, you nicknamed it 32 Rand. To take it a step further, you chose to honour the late Lesley Manyathela, a prolific South African soccer player who gave us unforgettable 48 goals in his 73 appearances.

5 is Five

The Mk5 arrived. From the shape to stance, you couldn’t get enough. So, you gave it multiple nicknames: 5 is Five, Die Vyf (the 5) and the renowned Vrrr Phaaa that has stuck as the ultimate performance nickname for Golf models to come.

Bum Jive

How could we top this? The Mk6 came along, and because of its rear bumper that stands out, you called it Bum Jive: A classic South African dance reminiscent of the Sophia Town era.

7 Reasons Why

The Mk7 said hold my gear – let me show you something. So, you called it 7 Reasons Why and several other nicknames like R-Mashesha, 7 Duku Duku, which references the former Selimathunzi presenter Dosto Noge’s sign off.