The facelifted Mercedes-Benz A-Class has arrived in South Africa, in both hatch and sedan form. Here’s what the entry point to Mercedes ownership will cost you now…
Plenty has been written about the uncertain future of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class nameplate. Regardless, a facelifted version of the Stuttgart-based firm’s compact model has touched down in South Africa, again in the hatchback (W177) and sedan (V177) body styles.
We’ve already brought you local pricing for the refreshed Mercedes-AMG A35 and A45 S derivatives, and now we’ll turn our attention to the common-or-garden variants. At launch, local buyers have the choice of a trio of derivatives: the A200 hatch, A200 sedan and A200d sedan. For now, at least, it seems the A250 powertrain has been ditched.
According to Mercedes-Benz SA, the updated version of the W177-generation A200 hatch will kick off at R796 560 in standard Progressive form, though upgrading to the AMG Line trim level will add R29 000. The V177-gen A200 sedan, meanwhile, will be priced from R851 560, while specifying the AMG Line equipment level will likewise cost an additional R29 000.
As before, the A200 moniker denotes a turbocharged 1.3-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine, sending an unchanged 120 kW and now 270 Nm to the front axle courtesy of a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. So, what about the optional extras? Well, the A200 rides on 17-inch 5-twin spoke light-alloy wheels as standard, with the option to upgrade to 10-spoke items (R5 310) or 18-inch versions. A panoramic sliding sunroof will cost you R16 400, while various upholstery and interior trim options are on offer.
While the Advanced package ships standard, buyers will have the choice of 3 additional extra-cost packs, each containing different mixes of individual options. The Advanced Plus package will cost you R30 000, while the Premium package will come in at R65 000 and the Premium Plus package at R119 000 (with the latter “not compatible” with the entry-level Progressive grade). In addition, the standard comfort suspension can be upgraded to the AMG Ride Control Suspension set-up for an extra R24 000.
And the oil-burning model? Well, A200d Sedan starts at R920 299, employing a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine worth 110 kW and 320 Nm. Mercedes-Benz claims this derivative is capable of sipping fuel at rate of 4.5 litres per 100 km.
How much does the updated Mercedes-Benz A-Class cost in SA?
Mercedes-Benz A200 Hatch – R796 560
Mercedes-Benz A200 Sedan – R851 560
Mercedes-Benz A200d Sedan – R920 299
The above prices include a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan as well as a 2-year/unlimited km warranty.
Ram Rampage Debuts as New Unibody Bakkie from Stellantis
A little smaller than a Toyota Hilux, the new Ram Rampage is a fresh-faced unibody bakkie from the folks over at Stellantis. And the hottest version makes 203 kW…
Stellantis has whipped the wraps off the new Ram Rampage, a unibody double-cab bakkie designed and developed in Brazil, with a little help from North America.
From what we understand, the Rampage has been developed for the South American market, where unibody bakkies are big business. So far, there has been no official mention of producing the newcomer in right-hand drive. As an aside, though Stellantis plans to start building vehicles in South Africa, it has yet to reveal exactly which models it will manufacture here.
Riding on the same Stellantis platform as the likes of the Jeep Renegade and Alfa Romeo Tonale, the Rampage is 5 028 mm long and 1 886 mm wide, while standing 1 780 mm tall (with a wheelbase of 2 994 mm). It’s not exactly compact, then, despite not being quite as large as a Toyota Hilux, which measures 5 325 mm from snout to tail.
What about engine options? Well, buyers in Brazil will have the choice of 2 motors, each displacing 2.0 litres, employing 4 cylinders and standard with a 9-speed automatic transmission plus all-wheel drive. The Multijet turbodiesel iteration generates 127 kW and 380 Nm, allowing the oil-burning Rampage to complete the 0-100 kph sprint in a claimed 10.9 seconds (before topping out at 186 kph).
The 3 versions of the Ram Rampage on offer in Brazil.
Then there’s the Hurricane 4 petrol unit, which offers a healthy 203 kW and 400 Nm (and breathes out through a dual-exhaust system). Equipped with this turbocharged mill, the sportiest R/T version of the Rampage completes the obligatory sprint to 3 figures in a claimed 6.9 seconds before running out of puff at 220 kph (figures that change to 7.1 seconds and 210 kph in lower-specced versions with the same engine).
A trio of variants – Laramie, Rebel and the aforementioned R/T – will be offered in Brazil, each with its own visual identity and equipment level. The flagship R/T, for instance, features firmer springs and dampers, a lower ride height (by 10 mm) and 19-inch wheels shod in 235/55 tyres. The Rebel has somewhat of an off-road persona (and ships with 235/65 R17 all-terrain rubber), while the Laramie appears more road-biased with its 18-inch rims and 235/60 tyres.
The Rampage’s load capacity (the bay is fitted with a plastic lining as standard) comes in at 1 015 kg in the case of the diesel variants and 750 kg for the petrol derivatives. Inside, you’ll find a 10.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display, along with 2-zone air-conditioning and an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, while options include a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and ambient lighting.
Safety, meanwhile, is taken care of by 7 airbags, electronic stability control, body roll mitigation, auto high beams, tyre-pressure monitoring, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking and a raft of other driver-assistance features.
Omoda C5 Review: A Fancy Chery or Premium Car Contender?
We recently tested the new Omoda C5 to find out if there’s substance to the Chinese newcomer. Is the new Omoda C5 worthy of your attention or should you look elsewhere? Watch the video!
The brand-new Omoda C5 has joined the popular coupe crossover segment with the aim of offering a premium drive at a more reasonable price. We sent Ashley Oldfield to test and review it in order to find out if it’s any good.
Omoda has placed itself as the premium arm of the Chery organisation. It shares much of its underlying parts with other Chery models but where it ups the ante is in the interior, the design and the wealth of on-board technologies.
Is it going to be a hit with the SA buyers that are flocking to Chinese brands at the moment? Let us know what you think once you’ve watched the video!
Why you should consider an extended vehicle warranty
Is your car’s warranty near the end of its term, but you don’t want to – or can’t – replace the vehicle? Budget Insurance’s Extended Vehicle Warranty allows owners to get up to 2 more years of unlimited cover on most mechanical and electrical components.
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If you bought your current vehicle as a new, demo or slightly used example, you may have benefited from the car’s comprehensive manufacturer warranty, under which normal mechanical faults or failures will be repaired at no cost (to you) by a franchised dealer’s workshop. However, the validity of a car warranty is limited by the vehicle’s age (years, usually 3 or 5) and mileage (such as 100 000 km, for example).
Many buyers regard the expiry (or imminent expiry) of their vehicles’ warranties as a cue to replace their cars with newer ones, but that’s not always an option. An owner may choose to set funds aside to pay for future repairs to their vehicle after its warranty has ended, but it’s also possible to extend the peace of mind offered by a warranty by buying insurance cover against unexpected – potentially costly – repairs.
In other words, an extended vehicle warranty can be purchased to cover the cost of repairs/maintenance for an extended period after a car’s manufacturer warranty has ended. It’s especially useful if you expect a lot of wear and tear on your vehicle, travel long distances, or often traverse badly surfaced roads…
An extended vehicle warranty that comes into effect as soon as your car is out of its original warranty presents the most seamless way to have insurance cover (against the cost of repairing major mechanical and electrical components) in place as soon as you need it, but there are various options available for older vehicles that cover the repair or replacement of particular components up to a certain Rand value.
If your vehicle’s mileage is less than 250 000 km (recorded on its odometer) from the date that it was first registered, Budget Insurance’s Pre-owned Vehicle Warranty, for example, can cover 32 major components until the vehicle is 20 years old or has 400 000 km on the clock, whichever comes first.
Types of mechanical repairs covered by an extended warranty
The specific types of mechanical repairs covered by your extended car warranty will depend on the terms and conditions of the policy. However, an extended warranty typically covers engine components, transmission, suspension and electrical systems repairs, such as:
Fuel system repairs. This could include the fuel injectors, fuel pump and components
Cooling system. This can include the radiator and water pump.
Electrical systems, like the battery or starter
Brake systems, like the brake pads and callipers
Suspension, including the shocks
Transmission repairs, like the transmission gears, clutch and torque converter
Engine repairs, like the engine block cylinder, pistons and other internal components
4 Reasons to take out an extended warranty for your car
Overall, an extended car warranty can provide peace of mind against unexpected repairs-related costs. However, some great reasons to consider investing in this policy are:
1. Cover expensive repair costs. As your car gets older, the likelihood of mechanical failure increases. The extended car warranty can help cover the cost of these repairs.
2. Budgeting for repairs. An extended warranty can help you budget for repairs with a fixed monthly or annual cost.
3. High-kilometre vehicles. If your car has a high kilometre, the extended warranty can help with the cost of wear and tear.
4. Cost-effective. It’s the smart way to protect both your vehicle and finances.
How to qualify for an Extended Vehicle Warranty
Through Budget Insurance’s Extended Vehicle Warranty, you can enjoy up to 2 more years of unlimited cover on most mechanical and electrical components. To qualify, your car should have no more than 120 000 km on the clock (its odometer’s mileage reading), and the manufacturer’s warranty must still be in effect. If it’s already expired, you’ll need to look at taking out a Pre-owned Vehicle Warranty instead.
If you time it just right, you can get an extended warranty with Budget Insurance. Call Budget Insurance on 0861 00 19 17 to get an Extended Vehicle Warranty in place so your car never misses a day of cover.
The extended-warranty options offered by Budget Insurance
Budget Insurance‘s Better-Extend 1, -2, -3, and -4 cover (whichever suits you) extends a manufacturer’s existing warranty and allows you to enjoy nearly the same level of cover you’ve had up until now.
The company offer 4 tiers of cover depending on your car’s engine size. Each option offers the same level of unlimited cover for most components, except for your car’s engine, which starts at R50 000 and goes up to R100 000 in cover. You can find out which components Better-Extend Warranties cover here.
Get in touch with Budget Insurance today
Applying for an Extended Vehicle Warranty is a wise choice (if you can afford it). Apply for a quote online for an Extended Vehicle Warranty or Pre-owned Vehicle Warranty from Budget Insurance to give yourself peace and mind and financial protection from unexpected costs; it may save you money in the long run.
We have pricing for the new fully electric Mercedes-Benz EQE Sedan, including the Mercedes-AMG EQE 43 4Matic! Here’s how much you’ll pay in South Africa…
Wondering how much the new Mercedes-Benz EQE Sedan will cost in South Africa? Well, pricing for this fully electric executive saloon (not to be confused with the SUV version wearing the same EQE badge) has finally be added to the local Mercedes-Benz configurator as the German company continues its EV offensive.
As expected, the local V295-generation line-up comprises a pair of derivatives at launch, slotting in below the EQS Sedan. The first is the EQE 350+ Sedan, which starts at R1 724 650 (a figure that comes in a little lower than the indicative pricing released at the start of 2023). As a reminder, this variant employs a permanently excited synchronous motor at the rear, drawing power from a 10-module 90 kWh (useable) lithium-ion battery pack.
The EQE 350+ Sedan’s peak system outputs stand at 215 kW and 565 Nm, while the WLTP single-charge range tops out at 654 km. According to the Stuttgart-based firm, the 0-100 kph sprint is seen off in 6.4 seconds, with top speed limited to 210 kph. With a maximum DC charging capacity of 170 kW, Mercedes-Benz says moving the battery’s state of charge from 10 to 80% at a fast charger would take approximately 32 minutes.
In the case of the EQE 350+ Sedan, the Electric Art exterior pack ships standard, while upgrading to the AMG Line exterior package adds R102 200 to the price. The Night Package costs R22 000, while Mercedes also offers a trio of equipment packs: Advanced (included), Advanced Plus (R81 300) and Premium (R145 600).
The Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ Sedan fitted with the AMG Line exterior package.
Individual options include larger alloy wheels (up to R49 000 for 21-inch AMG items), a panoramic sliding sunroof (R34 000), climatised front seats (R18 000), a head-up display (R22 000), a Burmester surround-sound system (R26 000) and an increase in the AC charging capacity from the standard 11 kW to 22 kW (R20 500).
What about the Mercedes-AMG EQE 43 Sedan? Well, the lower-powered version of Affalterbach’s take on the saloon (no sign of the 505 kW EQE 53 4Matic+ yet) kicks off at R2 112 950. The 43-badged model features an “AMG-specific” electric motor on each axle and is thus all-wheel drive.
Maximum system outputs stand at 350 kW and 858 Nm, while the sprint to 3 figures takes a claimed 4.2 seconds (with top speed pegged at 220 kph). Like the EQE 350+, the EQE 43 employs a 90 kWh lithium-ion battery, though here it yields a WLTP range up to 534 km.
A pair of optional equipment packages is also on offer for the Mercedes-AMG EQE 43 Sedan, though here they cost less: R37 800 in the case of the Advanced Plus and R61 100 for the Premium package. In addition, Mercedes-Benz SA offers a few AMG-specific options, such as a high-performance ceramic composite braking system (R90 000) and red-painted brake callipers (R14 500). There’s also the MBUX Hyperscreen for the price of R155 000.
How much does the Mercedes-Benz EQE Sedan cost in SA?
Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ Sedan – R1 724 650
Mercedes-AMG EQE 43 Sedan – R2 112 950
The above pricing includes a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan as well as a 2-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, plus a separate 10-year/unlimited km warranty on the battery.
New Mitsubishi Triton Shows its Face in Fresh Teasers
The new Mitsubishi Triton has shown its face in a fresh set of teaser images and a video, with the Japanese brand also confirming an official reveal date…
Ready for the all-new Mitsubishi Triton? Well, the wraps will officially come off the 6th generation bakkie on 26 July 2023, though the Japanese automaker has dropped a handful of teaser images (and some video content) in the meantime, giving us an early look at its upcoming rival to the likes of the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max.
Billed as an all-new “global strategic model” (and known as the L200 in some markets), the next-gen Triton is set to feature what Mitsubishi describes as a “beefed-up body” and “powerful, horizontally themed styling”. Of course, we’ve already have a bit of a preview in the form of the XRT Concept.
A look at the new Mitsubishi Triton’s profile.
As you can tell from these latest teaser images (showing the double-cab body style), the bakkie’s front end is defined by a combination of daytime running lights (apparently resembling the “sharp gaze of a hawk”) and new “3-dimensional headlights”. The video below also gives us an early (but shadowy) look at the new Triton’s cabin, complete with a tablet-like infotainment screen standing proud of the dashboard. For now, Mitsubishi remains mum on the new Triton’s powertrain options.
“The all-new Triton has been completely re-imagined under the design concept ‘Beast Mode’, or audacious and daring,” said Seiji Watanabe, division general manager of design at Mitsubishi Motors.
“While expressing the toughness and powerfulness expected of a pick-up truck, the all-new Triton combines agility with the brand’s robust design to create an imposing look. Tough and reliable, the all-new Triton will make customers want to go on any adventure,” promised Watanabe.
The new Triton – which we expect to be closely related to the next-gen Nissan Navara, considering the 2 brands are part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance – will be fully revealed at a special event in Thailand in July (and will surely spawn a new Pajero Sport, too). Check back for more details then…
Is the 2023 Volkswagen Amarok simply a clone of the Ford Ranger, or is there more to the Wolfsburg-based brand’s 2nd-gen double-cab? We review the PanAmericana 4Motion-grade 3.0TDI V6 derivative, which, like its siblings, is built in South Africa.
We like: Plush cabin, great infotainment system, most off-road capable Amarok ever.
We don’t like: Some ergonomic quirks, price premium over its Ranger Wildtrak cousin.
Where does the Volkswagen Amarok PanAmericana fit in?
The new Amarok is happiest on a dirt road
The 2023 Volkswagen Amarok joins the hotly-contested double-cab bakkie market at one of the busiest times for the highly popular segment. If you’ve had your eye on purchasing a double-cab bakkie, now is a good time to take the plunge – new and updated models are arriving at local showrooms in their droves.
The all-new Amarok recently made its debut and the 2nd-generation model brings significant upgrades in terms of powertrain, connectivity, and capability. If you weren’t already aware of it, the new iteration of Volkswagen’s double-cab is built here in South Africa – at Ford’s Silverton factory, located near Pretoria.
4Motion implies that Amarok is 4×4 capable; in fact, it has an automatic 4-wheel-drive system.
Ford produces the 2023 Volkswagen Amarok on behalf of the Wolfsburg-based brand (with which it has a strategic partnership) and the model shares quite a few components with the new-generation Ranger. Still, if there was one platform you’d want your new product to be based on, you’d struggle to find a more modern and complete package than the P703-series (or “T6.2”) Ranger. A good starting point, then!
By undertaking collaborative projects, Ford and Volkswagen have benefited from sharing research and development costs, as well as utilising proven technology. The winner is, of course, you the consumer, who benefits the most from the 2019 Ford-VW global alliance cooperation agreement. Such a venture isn’t always a success… Just ask Mercedes-Benz, whose X-Class version of the Nissan Navara faltered.
What a great-looking truck! The V6 badge on the grille is very subtle.
Will Volkswagen fare better? Perhaps it will – the brand makes full use of Ford’s manufacturing capability and the new Amarok is available in single and double-cab body styles, with an array of 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder turbodiesel engines that should a variety of lifestyle buyer- and commercial customer needs.
Is it a simple case of changing a few things from the Ford Ranger to produce the 2023 Volkswagen Amarok? Absolutely not. As you can see, the new Amarok has quite a unique look. At first glance, you may notice the bakkies have identical wing mirrors, door handles and a roofline, but that’s about it. The bumpers are different, as are the wheel arches and headlights, plus the VW’s grille is big and imposing.
The PanAmericana off-road pack adds offroad tyres, underbody protection and subtle decals.
Right now, the class of 2023 double-cab bakkies is more competitive than ever and, if you’re shopping for top-spec derivatives, there are a number of quality offerings that rival the Amarok PanAmericana.
It may be based on the Ranger, but there are quite a few unique design elements
The 3.0TDI V6 double cab PanAmericana 4Motion is powered by a Ford-sourced 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel. Its peak outputs of 184 kW and 600 Nm isn’t far off the outgoing model’s 190 kW and 580 Nm. The first-gen Amarok V6 was easily one of the quickest double-cab bakkies, but it had an Audi-derived engine. The new model’s motor offers slightly less performance, but improved fuel economy/lower emissions.
Indeed, the derivative is anything but sluggish. According to our test equipment, the Amarok accelerated from 0 to 100 kph in a decidedly brisk 8.74 seconds (VW claims the bakkie has a top speed of 180 kph). If full-bore sprinting doesn’t impress you, the bakkie’s lively throttle responses and abundance of in-gear shove certainly will. The software that governs the 10-speed automatic transmission does a good job of optimising the engine’s performance characteristics (it does not “hunt”). Plus, we’re delighted to report that the motor doesn’t clatter excessively; you hardly ever discern mechanical vibrations in the cabin.
Pick one of the many offroad modes when the going gets tough
That 10-speed automatic transmission is a marvel. You’d think the transmission has at least 2 too many ratios, and it sometimes hesitates on downshifts if you suddenly summon the engine’s full performance, but in general, the ‘box just quietly gets on with its job. There are no shift paddles on the steering wheel, but you can actuate cog-changes manually by using a button on the side of the transmission lever.
As far as fuel efficiency is concerned, the 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel-powered Amarok returned an average consumption figure of 11.4 L/100 km (VW claims 8.4 L/100 km), which may seem a trifle high, but is more or less in line with other big-engined diesel bakkies. The theoretical range of the 80-litre tank is 952 km.
Interior tech and refinement
The cabin shares many elements with the Ranger, but it’s arguably the most modern and stylish cockpit in the segment.
Volkswagen SA has priced this Amarok a bit higher than its Blue Oval cousin – the Ford Ranger Wildtrak – and, considering the premium for the German bakkie, buyers expect a lofy standard specification, as well as a more premium feel and -cabin ambience. Fortunately, VWSA has ticked those boxes. While the Aventura grade is geared for luxury-car buyers, the PanAmericana spec is aimed at off-road enthusiasts.
When you climb inside the Volkswagen’s cabin, you’re greeted with a visual feast. One would expect this car-like layout and such upmarket finishes in a plush SUV – not a double-cab bakkie. Highlights include the digital instrument cluster and vertical infotainment touchscreen. It looks like a clone of Ford’s system, but on closer inspection, the ergonomics are a bit different (the Ranger’s fascia has more buttons).
This row of switches is a key differentiator between the Amarok and the Ranger.
While the portrait-orientated screen and layout does take a bit of time to get used to, it’s impressively advanced. Admittedly its derived from Ford’s SYNC4 system, but Volkswagen has given it its own “skin” and theme. That awkward moment when Ford builds a better infotainment system for a VW than VW…
Buyers expect a R1 million-plus bakkie to be nothing short of fully-equipped – and the PanAmericana doesn’t disappoint in that regard. Luxury items include Harman Kardon audio, IQ Matrix headlights, a wireless charging pad, USB-A/USB-C ports, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay and heated leather seats (with 10-way adjustable driver’s seat). There’s even a 230V power outlet for rear passengers.
Harman Kardon audio is a luxury touch.
Criticisms? Well, we have some, but they’re only related to the Amarok’s in-cabin user experience. There are no physical climate-control buttons – instead, you have to touch the infotainment screen to bring up the climate menu, then slide your finger along the temperature range to achieve your desired setting.
Rear passengers will appreciate the 240V power outlet, which is ideal for charging digital devices.
That kind of configuration may distract drivers while they’re at the ‘wheel; perhaps Volkswagen expected users would get into the habit of activating the Amarok’s voice control to request changes to the cabin’s temperature. By contrast, most contemporary VW models feature fiddly capacitive touchpads on their steering wheels, but thankfully the Amarok has old-school buttons. Also, we’ve grown fond of the Ford Pass mobile phone app (remote start, digital key etc), but frustratingly, there’s no Volkswagen equivalent.
Thankfully, the Amarok’s multifunction steering wheel is devoid of capacitive touchpads – it features conventional buttons.
Ride, handling and safety
The driving experience of the 2023 Volkswagen Amarok is refined, despite the body-on-frame chassis and leaf springs over the rear axle. While the hardware is “off Ford’s shelf”, Volkswagen has tuned the suspension for optimal ride comfort. Granted, the VW’s double-cab bakkie configuration comes to the fore on poorly surfaced roads, but we’d argue the refinement and comfort levels put it above its peers.
Here’s another awkward moment, this time for the Blue Oval – Ford has built a nicer-to-drive Ranger than the Ranger it sells – but, to put it in context, you’re paying a bit extra for the Amarok’s superb comfort.
The Amarok PanAmericana offers plenty in the way of safety tech.
That extra money has clearly been spent on improving refinement, because precious little road- and wind noise intrude into the cabin. Granted, the off-road-oriented tyres tend to rumble, but it’s no dealbreaker.
The pliant ride quality and hushed cabin is complemented by a surprisingly light steering setup that makes the sizeable Amarok fairly easy to manoeuvre in tight parking lots or narrow suburban streets. Some testers did note that they would appreciate a bit more heft the bakkie’s steering feel, however.
The 360-degree camera view is excellent.
Suffice it to say, the Amarok 3.0TDI V6 double cab PanAmericana 4Motion is equipped with a multitude of safety features. The display of the 360-degree parking camera setup is remarkably clear and the vehicle benefits from tech such as front/rear parking sensors, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high-beam, tyre-pressure monitoring and rear-cross traffic alert. Apart from ABS with EBD and brake assist, the Volkswagen comes equipped with 7 airbags.
Off-road capabilities
No review of a 4×4 double-cab would be comprehensive without an assessment of the vehicle’s off-road abilities! The PanAmericana-grade Volkswagen Amarok ships standard with an advanced 4-wheel-drive system that offers its driver a variety of drive modes to choose from to suit all kinds of roads and terrain.
Every mode has an appropriate graphic
Whereas most drivers are likely to use the 3.0TDI V6 double cab PanAmericana 4Motion’s 2-wheel-drive (2H) by default – certainly when roads are completely dry – the Volkswagen also offers 4-wheel-drive autmomatic (4A), which is ideal when you’re traversing roads that offer varying levels of grip – 4A brings the front axle into action when the vehicle’s sensors detect that one or more wheels are slipping.
Given that heavy rain was lashing the Cape when we tested the VW (making roads water-logged and muddy), 4A was often called into play. Four-wheel drive – in high- and low range – are also available.
4A is very useful in adverse weather
Unsurprisingly, the 2023 Volkswagen Amarok’s off-road-related stats are on par with the best models in the segment; it has a ground clearance of 235 mm, approach/departure angles of 30 and 26 degrees, as well as a wading depth of 800 mm. Apart from an electronically activated rear diff lock, the bakkie offers hill-descent control and an assortment of drive modes, each with their own unique graphics and settings.
On top of Normal, Eco and Towing drive modes, the latter of which optimises the vehicle’s stability when a user has attached a trailer to the vehicle’s tow bar, Slippery, Snow/Sand and Mud modes are available for trickier off-road conditions. To reiterate, the PanAmericana is the most offroad-focused Amarok derivative and it comes fitted with chunkier Goodyear Wrangler 255/65 R18 tyres as standard.
Off-road tyres make the Amarok more sure-footed in the trickiest off-road conditions.
We have some experience of driving the new Amarok “away from the beaten track”, as they say, (we did some intensive off-roading during the model’s international launch in South Africa), but how would the bakkie fare on wet farm tracks when you don’t utilise fancy drive modes or low-range? We found out!
Amarok on a serious off-road course in December 2022.
When we traversed the muddy, rutted dirt roads with the PanAmericana (with no more than 4A activated), the bakkie impressed with its unflappable composure and high levels of grip (aided by the test unit’s knobbly Wrangler boots). The newcomer made light work of basic off-tar driving, so in the right hands – and with the appropriate mode selected – the Amarok should be very capable off-road.
Elegant and capable, but so is the Ranger Wildtrak…
Price and after-sales support
The Amarok 3.0TDI V6 double cab PanAmericana 4Motion costs R1 084 600 (there are no optional extras), which includes a 4-year/120 000 km warranty, 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan with 15 000 km service intervals. The range starts from R599 000 and goes up to R1 138 200 for the Aventura.
Verdict
The 2nd-generation Amarok is a big leap forward for the marque and customers are unlikely to be disappointed.
While some purists will be upset that the 2023 Volkswagen Amarok is based on a Ford product, the development of a new bakkie would have cost VW billions in R&D; bear in mind, a double cab is not a core product in the brand’s line-up. On top of that, most European carmakers are phasing out models powered by internal combustion engines, so Volkswagen was unlikely to green-light an all-new vehlicle that it would not be permitted to sell in many countries after 2030 (due to EU emissions regulations).
By utilising the admittedly good bits of Ford’s top-selling bakkie, Volkswagen Commercial has fashioned an upmarket and competent 2nd-gen Amarok. Cleverly, VW and Ford’s product-planning departments have carefully chosen different grades and trims, to avoid stepping on each other’s toes (too much).
Volkswagen has taken some of the best elements from the already-excellent Ford Ranger Wildtrak and incorporated them in a slightly posher Amarok 3.0TDI V6 double cab PanAmericana 4Motion package. The plush look-and-feel of the newcomer’s cabin and aspects such as comfort, smoothness and a quieter, more refined driving experience will win over many fans. But such things come at a premium.
We think the PanAmericana (R1 084 600) and Wildtrak (R996 500, excluding a service/maintenance plan – both prices correct in June 2023) will appeal to slightly different markets; the Volkswagen seems more overtly off-road oriented, but we think it will resonate more with buyers of luxury family cars than its Ford cousin, which may see more action as an outdoor adventurer/workhorse. Make no mistake though, the 2023 Volkswagen Amarok will be more than up to the task – and just as capable as its “rugged” brother.
Is the SA-built Amarok classed as a VW or Ford export?
The new Volkswagen Amarok is built by Ford in South Africa. But does it count as a VW export or a Ford export? The answer isn’t quite as simple as you might think…
When combing through South Africa’s new-vehicle sales figures for May 2023, we noticed no number was listed in the “exports” column for the new Volkswagen Amarok. Of course, as part of a wide-ranging global alliance, Ford builds the 2nd-generation Amarok (alongside the Ranger) on behalf of VW at the Silverton factory here in South Africa.
In fact, Silverton is the only facility in the world currently producing the new Amarok, which has already launched in overseas markets such as Australia, where 645 examples were sold last month. So, where do these export units fall if not under VW’s tally (after all, the Wolfsburg-based firm ships Kariega-built Polo hatchbacks to nearly 40 different countries around the globe)?
Well, we asked VW Group South Africa for comment, but the German firm’s local division told us Ford is “responsible for the exports”, adding the Blue Oval brand is “best placed to comment on the export arrangement of the new Amarok to international markets”.
Ford exports Silverton-built Ranger units to more than 100 global markets.
Logic might suggest Amarok exports would thus be included with those of the closely related Ranger, which is shipped off to more than 100 markets around the world, but it’s seemingly not quite that simple. So, we approached Ford to clarify. Though the Dearborn-based firm’s local division was at first reluctant to comment on what it termed a “VW-related” matter, it eventually told us its May 2023 Ranger export figure of 6 274 units as reported to Naamsa was “Ford only” and thus didn’t include any Amarok units (and even double-checked with its logistics department when we asked again).
So, where are these Amarok units located in the figures? In a bid to find out, we next got in touch with Lightstone Auto, the company that runs the platform for the delivery of Naamsa’s new-vehicle sales statistics, including exports of new vehicles from South Africa. Lightstone told us though VWSA obviously receives its local Amarok stock from the Silverton plant, the German company’s local division is “not affiliated to the export programme of Ford Motor Company SA”. Contrary to Ford’s stance, Lightstone suggested it was safe to assume Amarok exports were thus “reflected in the new-generation Ranger export units”.
This prompted us to go back to VWSA, which informed us the partnership with Ford is “managed by our Commercial Vehicles colleagues in Hanover [Germany]”, adding Volkswagen SA is “not privy to the partnership agreement between the two companies” and “therefore cannot comment on the export arrangements out of Silverton”. That said, VWSA proposed sending a few of our questions to VW Commercial Vehicles’ communications department in Hanover, an offer we gladly accepted.
VW Commercial Vehicles confirmed to us production of the new Amarok had commenced on 19 September 2022, with “several thousand” units (it opted not to provide an exact number) having already reached a number of countries. It added the new Amarok will eventually be sold in “over 70 markets globally”, with the biggest export markets expected to be Australia and “all EU countries” (such as Germany, the UK, Sweden, Austria, Belgium, France, Italy, Spain and Portugal).
The new VW Amarok has launched in Australia, which is expected to again be a top market for the nameplate.
Asked whether Ford is responsible for the entire export process, from start to finish, VW Commercial Vehicles’ communication team in Germany explained the agreement as follows: “Depending on [the] export market, there are specific regulations of utilising logistic synergies and legal requirements. In short, different export markets, different agreements”.
Though the brand says it “cannot comment” on whether export credits – also known as duty credits, with which local manufacturers can more cost-effectively import other models not built in the South Africa – go to Volkswagen or Ford in the case of the locally built Amarok, it did finally confirm “exported Amaroks are technically classified as Ford exports”. Again, though, this seems to be at odds with Ford’s insistence its Ranger export figure contains no Amarok units.
Ultimately, however, neither VW nor Ford was able to provide an Amarok export figure for May 2023, which we find utterly bizarre considering such numbers are freely available for virtually every vehicle (bar the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, for which Naamsa provides estimates) manufactured in South Africa. And, of course, this brings us neatly back to our original, still-answered question: where are Amarok export figures listed in the official Naamsa document?
Meet the Renault Rafale, a new coupé-SUV billed as the French firm’s fresh flagship. A high-performance, all-paw version is in the pipeline, too…
The new Renault Rafale coupé-SUV has been revealed, positioned at the very summit of the French automaker’s passenger-vehicle range, endowed with a hybrid powertrain and ushering in a new design direction.
Measuring 4 710 mm long and 1 860 mm wide (and standing 1 610 mm tall), the new Rafale – the name is both a French word meaning “gust” and an aeronautical reference – looks set to compete in the D-segment. It rides on the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance’s latest-generation CMF-CD platform, sports a wheelbase of 2 740 mm, weighs from 1 653 kg and boasts a luggage compartment able to swallow a claimed 647 litres.
Renault describes the newcomer as featuring a “slightly raised fastback-style body” and claims the coupé-style roofline is cleverly curved to provide “plenty of headroom in the back seats” without impinging on the size of the rear screen. The Rafale boasts a multi-link rear suspension arrangement as well as rear-wheel steering, and will be produced at the Palencia plant in Spain.
Designed from a blank sheet of paper, the Renault Rafale is the first production vehicle entirely conceived according to the new visual language that Gilles Vidal has brought in as head of design. That said, like the recently refreshed hybrid version of the Clio hatchback (tweaked under Vidal’s guidance), the new Rafale features the Boulogne-Billancourt-based automaker’s latest lighting signature up front.
The Rafale ushers in a new design language for Renault.
Renault claims the Rafale’s 147 kW full-hybrid petrol powertrain, which includes a “clutchless multimode” automatic transmission, puts its range “among the longest and its CO2 emissions among the lowest in its segment”. The powertrain combines a turbocharged 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol mill (96 kW/205 Nm) with a pair of electric motors.
The main electric motor makes 50 kW and 205 Nm, and is powered by a 2 kWh lithium-ion battery that allows full-electric driving. The secondary motor is a 25 kW/50 Nm high-voltage starter generator that starts the engine and powers gear changes in the clutchless dog box. There are 4 levels of braking regeneration on offer.
The multimode transmission combines the main electric motor’s 2 ratios and the internal combustion engine’s 4 ratios. It automatically selects the powertrain’s mode, which can be all-electric, all-combustion, dynamic hybrid (the engine and motors power the wheels together), e-drive (the motor power the wheels and the engine charges the battery) or regeneration (the motor taps into kinetic energy).
In addition, the company says a “high-performance variant” with 221 kW and all-wheel drive is on the cards, promising it will offer “driving pleasure and performance levels never seen before in Renault’s line-up”. Most of the power boost will come from 2 technical adjustments: an additional electric motor on the rear axle (that will power the wheels directly) and the shift to a plug-in hybrid set-up.
The cabin is defined by a “darkening” panoramic glass roof measuring 1 470 mm by 1 117 mm. The fully active system is able to darken each of its segments on demand, either voice-controlled via Google Assistant or using a physical switch. The interior also features plenty of recycled materials as well as a digital cockpit comprising a 12.3-inch driver’s display and a 12-inch portrait-style touchscreen, complemented by a 9.3-inch head-up display.
So, will we see the Renault Rafale in South Africa? Well, the French firm’s local distributor told Cars.co.za there are “no plans for [a] local launch yet” (though the inclusion of that final word suggests it may well arrive at some point further down the line).
It’s a double-blow for enthusiasts as BMW M also confirms the end of the road for the dual-clutch transmission as well as the manual gearbox.
It was always going to happen, wasn’t it? In an interview with TopGear, Head of Development at BMW M, Dirk Hacker confirmed that the last manually-equipped BMW M product will be the current-generation M2. Yes, they are engaging and offer that pure driving experience, but in the era of really great automatics? That’s a tough sell, especially for those who daily high-performance machinery and crave the convenience and ease of use.
So, how long have we technically got to enjoy a three-pedal modern BMW M car? The current-generation M2 has just gone on sale and there’s likely to be a Competition derivative in the next few years, an LCI/facelift and then a hardcore, limited-run CS version by 2030.
Your last chance to own a manual BMW M car is right here
For fans of the dual-clutch transmission in BMW M cars, there’s no plans for that either. TopGear asked BMW about the switch from the quick-shifting DCT units to an 8-speed conventional automatic. Hacker replied, “Around the M5 there was a big discussion, not only for the automatic transmission, but also for other things. And the decision was not only because of cost, but also because of comfort [to go with automatic], because we got a lot of reactions about manoeuvring, parking, no rolling if you leave the pedal and so on,” he said.
Essentially, this means the automatic transmission is better than the DCT in daily-driven scenarios, which is likely where the overwhelming majority of these cars will be used.
