Indian-built Skoda Previews New VW Compact SUV for SA
The Volkswagen Group subsidiary plans an affordable compact SUV for March 2025 and we believe this model previews the all-new AO VW to be built in SA.
What you’re looking at here is a teaser image released by Skoda India of a new MQB A0 compact SUV that will be hitting showrooms in India in 2025. The name hasn’t been decided yet, but Kwiq, Kymaq, Kylaq, Kariq, and Kyroq are in the running.
What has this got to do with Volkswagen Group Africa (formerly Volkswagen South Africa)? Well, it is no secret the carmaker will be changing strategy as its European market for internal combustion engine-powered Polo and Polo GTIs dries up. The focus will be on retaining manufacturing capability and selling cars into the rest of Africa.
VWGA Kariega plant in the Eastern Cape
At the start of November 2022, Volkswagen South Africa announced plans to build a 3rd product – alongside the Polo hatchback and the Polo Vivo – at its Kariega plant in the Eastern Cape. Thanks to economies of scale and modular platforms, developing an all-new vehicle isn’t the outrageously high expense it used to be, as both the VW Group powertrains and MQB platform are off-the-shelf items. The list of vehicles using MQB as a base is extensive, but things like the Audi A1, Q3, Volkswagen Polo, Golf, T-Cross, Tiguan and many more all have one major thing in common: platform.
Virtus = Polo Sedan
Where does India come in? Well, its common knowledge that Volkswagen India and Volkswagen Group Africa have a relationship, our market sources its Polo sedans from the factory in Pune, India. Interestingly, the product is known as the Volkswagen Virtus in its home market. Volkswagen/Skoda have two factories in India which produce numerous Skoda, Volkswagen and Audi products.
It is therefore not unreasonable to think that Volkswagen Group Africa will be using the new Skoda compact SUV blueprint/know-how in India for the new A0 product which will be assembled in South Africa. You could ask why doesn’t VW just source the vehicle from India? Right now, there’s no indication from Volkswagen India of a new product coming.
We expect Volkswagen to follow its naming convention for all of its SUVs and crossovers, so the new A0 entry-level model’s name will start with a “T”. We won’t be surprised if Volkswagen uses its tried-and-tested 1.0-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder petrol engine either. The choice of transmission is still vague, as the Virtus is offered with a 6-speed torque convertor as opposed to the quick-shifting dual-clutch transmission. We won’t rule out a manual gearbox for the new sub-4-metre SUV either.
Of course, South Africans will be excited to hear there’s a potential small bakkie on the cards too…
And then there were 3! Yes, the top trio of finalists in each of the 2024 World Car Awards categories have been announced. Here’s which models made it through…
The 2024 World Car Awards jury has whittled down the list of finalists in each of the competition’s 6 categories to just 3 vehicles. And we can confirm the overall winner to be announced next month will indeed be fully electric.
As a reminder, the World Car Finals (powered by Brembo) boasts a jury of over 100 judges from 29 countries, including Cars.co.za’s very own Hannes Oosthuizen. The winners will be announced at the 2024 New York International Auto Show on 27 March 2024.
The Volvo EX30 is a finalist in 3 of the 6 categories.
So, which models – drawn from an initial list of 70 eligible vehicles across all categories – made the cut? Well, fascinatingly, all 3 finalists in the running for the overall World Car of the Year title are fully electric vehicles: the BYD Seal (aka Atto 4), the Kia EV9 and the Volvo EX30.
Meanwhile, the BMW 5 Series (including the battery-powered i5) will battle it out with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the electric Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV for the title of World Luxury Car. Munich’s premium automaker dominates the World Performance Car category, where the BMW M2 and hybrid-powered BMW XM will take on the electric Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.
The BMW M2 is in the running for the World Performance Car category.
The World Electric Vehicle class will be contested by the BMW i5, Kia EV9 and Volvo EX30 – models that all feature in other categories, too. The top 3 finalists in the running for the World Urban Car gong are the BYD Dolphin, hybrid-powered Lexus LBX and Volvo EX30.
Finally, the Ford Bronco, Ferrari Purosangue and Toyota Prius will square up for the World Car Design of the Year title. In this category, a design panel consisting of 6 “highly respected world design experts” was asked to review each candidate before establishing a shortlist of recommendations for the jurors’ final vote.
Check out the list of finalists in each of the categories below…
World Car of the Year top 3 finalists
BYD Seal/Atto 4 Kia EV9 Volvo EX30
World Luxury Car top 3 finalists
BMW 5 Series/i5 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV
The 8th-generation new BMW 5 Series will be launched to the media this week and we have specs and pricing for the executive sedan. Here’s how much you can expect to pay.
The new BMW 5 Series is an executive sedan going up against the Mercedes-Benz E-Class (also recently facelifted) as well as the Audi A6.
When the new BMW 5 lands locally, the lineup will consist of two models initially, the 520d and the all-electric i5 M Performance. The new 2024 BMW 5 Series and its all-electric i5 sibling have grown in size in comparison with the outgoing generation. The newcomer is longer than before at just over 5 metres, and its wheelbase has increased too, by 20 mm.
Inside, the new BMW 5 Series gains the curved infotainment screen setup that we’ve experienced in other products from the Munich-based brand. In this application, a 12.3-inch digital cluster is connected to a 14.9-inch central screen that runs BMW’s iDrive 8.5 operating system.
New BMW 520d Engine
The first model to reach showrooms will be the diesel-powered 520d. The 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder diesel motor features mild-hybrid technology and has outputs of 153 kW and 400 Nm. BMW claims a 0-100 kph time of 7.3 seconds and it will consume 5.6 L/100 km.
Electric i5 M60
Right now, there’s no confirmation of any other powertrains, other than this diesel and the all-electric i5 M60 xDrive which packs 442 kW and 795 Nm. It’s good for a 0-100 kph in just 3.8 seconds and run to a top speed of 230 kph. It has a range of 516 km based on the WLTP cycle.
Options
A quick glance at the BMW SA configurator shows that customers can choose from 12 colours, 6 wheels and your usual BMW packages like M Carbon exterior (R35 000) and Equipment package professional (R40 000) are on offer.
How much does the new BMW 5 Series cost in South Africa?
The Cars.co.za Consumer Awards (CarsAwards) are back this year and sponsored by Absa. The most extensive automotive awards program in South Africa aims to provide South Africans with the best cars across 13 carefully selected categories.
We understand that not everyone is in the market for the same type of car, so we have categorised every new car in SA into a segment that makes sense. Check out how we select the finalists, test them and ultimately, award the winners!
For this year, we are taking the finalists to Sandton City and displaying them from the 1st – 3rd March 2024. Come down to the mall, meet the Cars.co.za team and check out all the cars on display.
At Sandton City, Absa will be giving away R500 000 for one lucky winner to spend on the car of their dreams. You have to be at Sandton City in order to stand a chance of winning. Follow all the results and info on #CarsAwards on all you favourite social apps.
Stellantis has announced plans to offer a family of new Fiat Panda models, revealing as many as 5 concept cars – including an interesting small bakkie…
Stellantis plans to create an entire family of new Fiat Panda models, marking its announcement with the reveal of a raft of “Panda-inspired” show cars. Perhaps the most interesting from a South African perspective is the inclusion of a small bakkie concept.
But before we take a closer look at the Panda pickup, let’s take a step back. Fiat, which was the best-selling Stellantis brand in 2023, says its new Panda family will comprise “global” models. The first – likely the next-generation version of the standard city car – is scheduled to be revealed in July 2024, followed by the launch of another Panda spin-off every year until 2027.
All body styles will be based on a Stellantis multi-energy platform, which Fiat says will allow the use of “all types of powertrain” (in this case, internal combustion, hybrid and fully electric).
“Fiat is a global brand with 1.3 million cars sold last year and solid leadership in many parts of the world. We are in a global game and our next step will be to transition from local products to a global offer that can benefit all of our customers everywhere in the world,” said Olivier Francois, Fiat CEO and Stellantis Global CMO.
“We are excited to share this glimpse into our future; a very near future, actually, since the first car will be presented in 4 months during the brand’s 125th anniversary celebration. That car will then be followed by one new model every year.”
So, back to the Panda bakkie concept. Referencing the Strada – again the best-selling vehicle in Brazil in 2023 – the Italian automaker says it’s “certain that this type of vehicle can replicate its success at a global level, even in Europe”. Still, we get the impression the production model will be more “lifestyle” than workhorse.
Indeed, Fiat claims its new pick-up concept “responds to the global rediscovery of free time as value for people”, saying the vehicle “blends the concept of a pick-up with the functionality of an LCV [light commercial vehicle] and the comfort of an SUV in a size that is suitable to urban environments all over the world”.
We’re guessing the production version will be far removed from the double-cab concept, which features a bluff front end, intricate lighting signatures, oversized alloy wheels, a high beltline and what appears to be a relatively compact loadbin.
While the current Strada half-tonne bakkie is not offered in South Africa (owing to the fact it’s built in left-hand-drive form only), Stellantis has pencilled in the next-generation version for Mzansi. Should the production version of the Panda pick-up also make it to local shores, Fiat could potentially offer a pair of bakkies in SA.
So, what about the other Panda concepts? Well, there’s a city car (though Fiat says it’s bigger than the current Panda), a fastback, an SUV and even a camper, all of which you can see in the gallery above. As a reminder, the Panda nameplate dates back to 1980, with the current (3rd) generation set to bow out when the new model debuts later this year.
It’s the end of the road for the Korean hot hatch duo as the Hyundai I30N and I20N are axed to make way for electric performance cars.
Yet more vehicles have been given the chop as production of the performance-orientated hatchback duo of the Hyundai I30N and I20N will come to an end in February 2024.
In an official statement, Hyundai said: ‘Production of the ICE N models has ceased for the European market starting from February, in line with our commitment to offering a zero-tailpipe-emission line-up to our customers by 2035 and to operating 100 per cent carbon neutrally by 2045. Going forward in Europe, Hyundai is developing Hyundai N as a pioneer of high-performance EVs. Our customers will benefit from technological developments that will make EVs even more attractive in the future.’
We’re hoping other markets like Australia will keep interest in these two fun cars alive, but we’re not holding out much hope. Pity, as the Hyundai I30N was a thoroughly entertaining product.
The Hyundai I30N was a genuine rival to the traditional hot hatches like the Volkswagen Golf GTI, Ford Focus ST and Renault Megane RS. Both the Focus and Megane have already been cancelled, leaving the iconic Golf GTI to have the market nearly all to itself.
The I20N sadly never came to South Africa, but we reckon it would have been a great rival to the Volkswagen Polo GTI. It packed 150 kW and 275 Nm from a turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine, and power reached the front wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission.
Ineos Fusilier Announced with Electrified Powertrains
The Ineos Fusilier is the brand’s third vehicle, after the Grenadier SUV and Quartermaster bakkie. Here’s a first look.
Following on from the Grenadier and Quartermaster is the Ineos Fusilier, which is physically smaller than the halo model, has reduced offroading capability, but is powered by a choice of either a pure electric powertrain or what the brand calls a range-extender.
No details were given on the engines, but we’d assume the range-extender follows the principle of having a small internal combustion engine which generates electricity, which in turn drives the wheels. We’ve already seen some working examples in the motoring world, with the Audi RS Q e-tron which won the 2024 Dakar rally.
“As we developed this vehicle, we quickly concluded that in order to move towards decarbonization but continue making cars that consumers want to drive, we need a mix of powertrain technologies,” said Ineos Chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe. “That is the reason we are offering an additional powertrain for the Fusilier, one that dramatically reduces emissions but has the range and refueling capabilities needed.”
Under the skin, the Ineos Fusilier makes use of a bespoke skateboard platform and the company reckons this setup is good for 400 km of range. The new Ineos Fusilier is being developed with the assistance of Magna Steyr in Austria. This company has a stellar track record when it comes to the R&D and production of tough offroaders, and if you weren’t aware, the plant in Graz, Austria also makes the legendary Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Right on the factory’s doorstep is the brutal Schockl mountain trail, which all vehicles have to complete, and you can bet the Fusilier will be put through its paces.
The Ineos Fusilier will be launching globally in 2026 and we’re keen to see how the range-extender powertrain works. As a reminder, the Ineos Grenadier is on sale in South Africa, via selected BMW dealerships.
The compact Audi Q2 will be getting an enhanced infotainment system and the brand has confirmed this updated model will be arriving locally in the fourth quarter of 2024.
The Audi Q2 infotainment upgrade comprises the 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit and a new 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen. There’ll also be a new-look 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel and the MMI dial has been replaced by a storage compartment. Previously the digital dashboard was an optional extra and the standard load out was analogue dials.
There’s been a spec change too, with the introduction of traffic sign recognition, lane departure warning and rear parking assist. Two USB-C ports have been added for additional convenience and these replace the single USB-A port.
As a reminder, the Audi Q2 range locally is powered by a 1.4-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine which makes 110 kW and 250 Nm. Power reaches the front wheels via an automatic transmission. Currently, there are three derivatives to choose from, with pricing starting from R608 500.
When will the Audi Q2 infotainment upgrade come to South Africa?
An Audi South Africa representative confirmed the updated Q2 will be arriving in local showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2024.
A facelifted version of the Honda Ballade has quietly landed in South Africa. Here’s how much the updated sedan – including the flagship RS derivative – will cost you…
With all the attention currently falling on the freshly launched Honda Elevate, the arrival of a facelifted version of the related Honda Ballade in South Africa has gone almost unnoticed.
Thankfully, the eagle-eyed experts over at duoporta.com spotted what would otherwise have been an entirely under-the-radar update.
As before, the local Ballade range comprises 3 sedan derivatives, each fitted with the firm’s naturally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine. Just as it does in the Ballade’s platform-sharing Elevate sibling, this 4-cylinder mill sends 89 kW and 145 Nm to the front wheels, though here it’s mated exclusively to a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
So, to the all-important topic of pricing. The Ballade 1.5 Comfort CVT now kicks off at R389 900, while the Ballade 1.5 Elegance CVT is priced at R424 900. The flagship Ballade 1.5 RS CVT, meanwhile, will set you back R459 900.
From what we can tell, the refreshed Ballade – which is known as the City in other markets – is mechanically unchanged from the version that touched down in Mzansi back in November 2020. So, it appears this mid-cycle revision centres on styling changes and perhaps some equipment upgrades (we’ll have to wait on Honda Motor Southern Africa for details on the latter).
A little frustratingly, Honda’s local website currently includes images of only the top-spec RS derivative, though this variant clearly gains fresh front-end styling. The latter overhaul is led by a new grille design, while dispensing with the outgoing model’s chunky slab of chrome-effect trim. In addition, the Ballade RS scores a new front bumper with revised foglamp bezels.
Round back, the changes appear to be a little less pronounced, though this saloon does feature an updated rear bumper design (the relatively subtle RS bootlid spoiler, meanwhile, remains in place). Judging by the images, the Ballade also upgrades to a fresh (again 2-tone) 16-inch alloy-wheel design.
The cabin, too, seems to have benefitted from some tweaks, with the RS model gaining red dashboard trim and red contrast stitching. The lone image on the local website furthermore suggests some silver finishes – such as those applied to the steering wheel and around the air vents on either side of the touchscreen – have been dropped in favour of black finishes.
We’ll update this story with more information on any other specification changes should Honda Motor Southern Africa release official details…
How much does the facelifted Honda Ballade cost in SA?
Honda Ballade 1.5 Comfort CVT – R389 900
Honda Ballade 1.5 Elegance CVT – R424 900
Honda Ballade 1.5 RS CVT – R459 900
A 5-year/200 000 km warranty and a 4-year/60 000 km service plan (with intervals of 15 000 km) are included in the purchase price.
Those who have been clamouring for a new off-roader model priced under R1 million may need to look no further than the GWM Tank 300, which combines highly desirable exterior styling with notable off-road ability and an abundance of luxury features.
Consider this: South Africa is a “4×4 country”. Yet, if you remove our beloved bakkies (think Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max) and the Adventure SUVs derived from them (so Fortuner, Everest and MU-X) from that list of vehicles, well, there aren’t quite as many 4x4s available as you may think.
The diminutive Suzuki Jimny, of which we recently reviewed the new 5-door variant, and the pricey Jeep Wrangler spring to mind, but overall, sub R1 million, there’s not too much going on…
Enter the GMW Tank 300 HEV, which is a dyed-in-the-wool mudslinger with all the axle articulation you require and prices that begin as low as R725 950 (sort of). Its off-roader underpinnings are dressed with a Tonka Toy exterior that evokes the stylings of more vehicles than you could shake a Ford Bronco at.
The result is impressively cohesive and, ultimately, a feel-good new face on the road. Visually, the GWM Tank 300 is a retro-pastiche head turner, despite not having that much SUV heritage to hark back to.
On that note, I’ll preempt some of the conversations to the extent of “you can’t buy pedigree” and “there’s no shortcut to legacy”. It’s true, but having said that, I’d like to point out that GWM South Africa has been operating in Mzansi for 16 years and its Haval sub-brand has been on the market for 6 years. Furthermore, the manufacturer has enjoyed great sales success and garnered notable critical acclaim.
To this point, it was 10 years ago (precisely) when I took a GWM C20R on a road trip from Cape Town to Durban and back, via gnarly backroads and gravel passes, to Hogsback and the Eastern Cape with zero hassle. So, a decade later, when presented with a proper off-roader, well, GWM has my full attention.
We got to sample the flagship HEV (hybrid electric vehicle) derivative, which retails for R851 950 and, as a result, comes with the largest performance payload: 255 kW and 648 Nm of torque. If you opt for either version of the non-electrified 2.0-litre turbopetrol (2.0T), which will be launched in about a month’s time, you’ll have 162 kW and 380 Nm of torque at the disposal of your right foot.
All 3 derivatives in the launch line-up are backed by a 7-year warranty, a 5-year service plan, as well as an 8-year battery warranty. Whereas the petrol-only iterations (Super Luxury and Ultra Luxury) feature an 8-speed automatic transmission, the HEV has a 9-speed auto box. The latter produced fairly creamy ‘shifts on tar and gravel surfaces, both of which we covered extensively throughout the 2-day event.
G-Class inspired interior has the “wow factor”
The cabin architecture feels inspired by that of a Gelandewagen Mercedes-Benz (G-Class), albeit with more plastic surfaces and finishes. I wasn’t offended by it (Mercedes’ Copyright department may beg to differ) – it certainly makes one feel as though you’ve spoiled yourself a little. The 12.3-inch touchscreen, seamlessly paired with the driver’s TFT info cluster, was particularly impressive (and well-implemented).
A sunroof, heated steering wheel, plush seats with massaging functions and, for your ears, a 9-speaker Harman Kardon audio system (complemented with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto), are all standard. What’s more, GWM has installed a 220V plug point, as well as a 12V power outlet at the rear.
Meanwhile, the 60/40-split rear seats can be folded flat to create utility space, and there’s no shortage of grab handles throughout. The front passenger alone has 3(!) places to grip when things get twisty.
To that point, the Tank 300 has a plethora of safety features; it was awarded a 5-star rating by ANCAP (the Australian motor industry body for vehicle safety testing), helped in part by 7 airbags, lane-keeping- and adaptive cruise control, Intelligent Cornering tech and the use of high strength steel throughout its construction. The GWM also comes equipped with bash guard plates, 8 parking sensors, scratch-proof black mouldings and, at each corner, an 18-inch chrome alloy wheel wrapped in Primacy SUV rubber.
LED head- and taillamps are fitted. The ones at the front feature automatic high beams, can go around corners and feature a striking daytime running lamp (DRL) strip that wraps around the sides of the Tank 300’s nose. The clusters at the back, in turn, look great with their black backing. Black roof rails and privacy glass for the 2nd row add further gravitas to the newcomer’s bold, high-contrast aesthetic…
What’s the GWM Tank 300 like to drive off-road?
Back to those off-road credentials, however. It’s worth mentioning the multilink rear suspension, which smoothed out the tarmac of Gauteng and the Northern Province, then impressed us again on the dirt, and finally, once more through the De Wilt 4×4 course.
The Tank 300 crawled over everything the environment could throw at us; we fully used the vehicle’s selectable terrain modes and the “transparent” 360-degree camera system (it makes it easier to position the vehicle when off-roading) and even played with the off-road cruise control function on gradients.
If you’re into numbers, you may like to know that the GWM Tank 300 boasts respectable 33-degree approach- and 34-degree departure angles, as well as 224 mm of ground clearance. It’ll wade 700 mm deep – not a claim, we got to test this, with the knowledge that GWM had fit chassis protection guards underneath. Again, we emerged perfectly unscathed and surprisingly chuffed with the SUV’s abilities.
Summary
To reiterate, the only version of the GWM Tank 300 that is currently on sale is the flagship HEV Super Luxury 4×4 derivative. With a price tag of R851 950 (February 2024) it is not cheap, albeit well beneath that R1-million mark. For that premium, however, you do get a very attractive, feature-laden 4×4 with a classy interior that will make you feel like you’ve really splashed out on a premium product.
It handles well, isn’t shy to accelerate hard when required and then there’s the peace of mind that when the road turns to shrapnel, you’ll almost certainly be able to traverse it in your chunky GWM.
But if you are concerned about the Chinese-made GWM Tank 300 not being a proven product (members of the 4x4ing community tend to be fiercely loyal to the legacy brands), I can’t ease your fears. But I can declare that the 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine impressed me on the day and, as I mentioned at the start, it’s my professional opinion that GWM and Haval have truly emerged as a quality prospect in South Africa.
Still, in terms of robustness and reliability in the more challenging nooks and crannies of the South African gravel network, your favourite bush mechanic might prefer a more familiar engine to operate on in case of an emergency. But then, that’s what tow rope was invented for…
Jokes aside, besides being an unproven entity on and off our roads, I have very little negativity to report. Perhaps an indicator lever that needed to be finessed and the ‘box’s tendency to hold onto its cogs a bit longer (in low range) than I would’ve liked were irksome, but neither quirk made a major blip on my radar.
Overall, the GWM Tank 300 is a worthy and undeniably colourful addition to our portfolio of 4x4s in South Africa and you would not be a fool to take a chance on one – far from it.
