Johannesburg, South Africa – The Simola Hillclimb, South Africa’s premier motorsport event, will see an exciting mix of global and local talent this year, with seven-time World Rallycross champion Johan Kristoffersson set to make his debut in the event. Taking to the iconic Knysna hill from May 1 to 4, Kristoffersson will pilot Volkswagen Motorsport’s electric Polo RX1e, a formidable competitor in the Modified Saloon Car class. Backed by a roster of homegrown talent, including Jonathan Mogotsi and Daniel Rowe, Volkswagen Motorsport is gearing up for an unforgettable weekend of speed, precision, and thrills.
The Star of the Show: The Volkswagen Polo RX1e
Kristoffersson’s entry is sure to be a highlight of the festival, with the 500 kW Volkswagen Polo RX1e promising to steal the spotlight. Powered by an all-electric, all-wheel-drive powertrain, the Polo RX1e is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in a blistering 1.8 seconds. This makes it one of the fastest cars in the King of the Hill field and a fierce contender for the top spot. The same car that Kristoffersson used to dominate the 2022 and 2023 World Rallycross seasons will be unleashed at Simola, showcasing the incredible performance of Volkswagen’s electric motorsport technology.
“We are delighted that seven-time World Rallycross champion Johan Kristoffersson will make his Simola Hillclimb debut driving Volkswagen’s electric Polo RX1e in the Modified Saloon Car class this weekend,” said Mike Rowe, Head of Volkswagen Motorsport. “The Polo RX1e has already proven itself as a leader on the global stage, and with Johan behind the wheel, it’s poised to make a statement at Simola.”
Local Heroes Joining the Action
Kristoffersson’s presence at the event will be further bolstered by two of South Africa’s rising stars: Jonathan Mogotsi and Daniel Rowe. Both drivers will compete in the Volkswagen Polo SupaCups, providing a perfect balance to the electric dynamo in Kristoffersson’s Polo RX1e. These SupaPolos, renowned for their agility and lightweight design, will also battle it out in the King of the Hill race, adding to the excitement of the weekend’s events.
Volkswagen Motorsport’s local contingent is also joined by Cobus ‘Prof’ Barnard, who will be behind the wheel of a classic Volkswagen Golf Mk.1 GTi on Classic Friday. This marks Barnard’s fourth appearance at the event, and his participation highlights Volkswagen’s long-standing connection to motorsport in South Africa.
Celebrating Over 60 Years of Motorsport Legacy
The 2025 Simola Hillclimb holds special significance for Volkswagen Motorsport, as the company celebrates over 60 years of motorsport history in South Africa. Volkswagen’s involvement in the local racing scene has been pivotal, and the brand’s commitment to developing top-tier talent is on full display with this year’s lineup.
“We can’t wait for the Simola Hillclimb this weekend,” said Rowe. “With Kristoffersson bringing global expertise to the event, backed by strong local talent, it’s going to be a fantastic spectacle. We’re also excited to engage with our fans, offering some great giveaways and exclusive Volkswagen Motorsport merchandise, all while chasing King of the Hill glory.”
A Thrilling Weekend Awaits
The Simola Hillclimb is more than just a race; it’s a celebration of motorsport, speed, and community. For Volkswagen Motorsport, this year’s event represents an exciting chapter in the company’s rich history of racing in South Africa. Whether it’s the electric roar of the Polo RX1e or the thrilling climbs of the SupaPolos, the weekend promises to be packed with action and entertainment.
Fans can look forward to a weekend filled with unforgettable moments, as Volkswagen’s cutting-edge motorsport machines and talented drivers compete for the prestigious King of the Hill title.
