Turbo power for Scorpions

The National Prosecuting Authority has upgraded its fleet with several new models, including 12 new Golf GTIs manufactured by Volkswagen of South Africa.

The National Prosecuting Authority, which is home to the Directorate of Special Operations (Scorpions), has purchased vehicles worth more than R10-million from the Uitenhage motor manufacturer's Government Sales Division.

Apart from having 12 powerful GTIs at their disposal, the NPA will also soon be tracking down delinquents and carrying out its official functions in Polo 1.6 hatchbacks and Polo Classic 1.6 sedans.

NPA head Adv. Vusi Pikoli said the authority was pleased with the acquisition of the new fleet.

"The typical Scorpions operative is young, educated and upwardly mobile. These new cars (Golf GTIs) fit that image," he explained.

He added that the new superfast Golfs would be used for top-notch special operations.

The Scorpions first bought 110 Golf 4s - among them 10 GTIs - from Volkswagen of South Africa four years ago.

Volkswagen of South Africa sales and marketing director Jolyon Nash said the NPA had signalled its confidence in the Volkswagen brand by again purchasing Volkswagens.

He said: "This signals a partnership that looks set to continue and further expand in the years to come."

As with the Golf 4 GTis, the new batch have been specially modified by Volkswagen's Special Vehicles Unit.

Special Vehicles manager Johan Smit said each of the GTIs would feature engines upgraded from 147 kW to 170 kW, as well as an auxiliary battery.

There was no need for further upgrading, Smit said. "The suspension and wheels are already of a high spec. We recommended that they make use of 17-inch wheels instead of the 18-inch option to cater for bad roads," he added.

The first six GTIs were handed to Adv. Pikoli by Nash at Volkswagen's Uitenhage factory yesterday (Tuesday).