Mercedes-Benz has teased the updated V-Class which will benefit from visual and tech enhancements. The updates will also extend to the Vito, eVito and EQV models. Here’s what you can expect!
The luxurious Mercedes-Benz V-Class will soon receive an update which will include exterior styling tweaks and interior upgrades. Looking at the single teaser image, the front-end styling execution is fairly significant with a much larger grille, revised air intakes and newly-shaped LED headlights.
While the interior changes have yet to be revealed, previous reports suggest that the updated V-Class will gain a new digital cockpit with dual displays under a single glass panel, much like we’re accustomed to in Merc’s latest passenger vehicles. The V-Class will also gain the latest MBUX infotainment system. Further details will be revealed in the coming weeks.
This particular update is expected to be the last for Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) derivatives of the V-Class and Vito as Mercedes-Benz Vans progresses towards an all-electric future following the announcement of its all-new Van Electric Architecture (VAN.EA) platform which will be solely dedicated to producing all-electric mid-size passenger/camper vans and large commercial vans. The first EV model based on this new platform is expected in 2026.
The new VAN.EA platform will spawn a variety of new electric vans as of 2026.
The VAN.EA platform features a standardised front module, scalable centre module and a rear module with or without an electric motor for all-wheel-drive or front-wheel drive derivatives.
VAN.EA comprises the VAN.EA-P platform which will cater for midsize private luxury vans to be used as VIP shuttles, mobile offices and family leisure vehicles and with electric range expected at over 500km.
On the commercial side, the VAN.EA-C platform will cater for midsize to large commercial vehicles with numerous configurations expected to serve various commercial sectors. These new generation of electric vans will be produced in Jawor, Poland, Düsseldorf, Germany and in Vitoria, Spain.
The new Mercedes-Benz GLC has arrived in South Africa! Here’s how much the 2nd-gen compact luxury crossover will cost you…
The new Mercedes-Benz GLC was revealed back in June 2022 and has just hit the market in South Africa. Let’s take a look at pricing for the 2nd-generation compact luxury crossover.
According to the Stuttgart-based firm’s local division, a trio of powertrain derivatives – all boasting a 9-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel-drive system as standard – is again available in South Africa, though each has gained a mild-hybrid system (comprising a starter-generator and 48-volt onboard power supply). For now, at least, it seems the plug-in hybrid versions offered in Europe are off the table for South Africa, even though the fully electric EQC is marketed here.
So, the X254-generation line-up kicks off with the GLC220d 4Matic, which now starts at R1 211 220. Here, the 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine sends 145 kW and 440 Nm to all 4 corners, while the mild-hybrid system is capable of adding 17 kW and 200 Nm for brief periods of “boost”. The 0-100 kph sprint takes a claimed 8.0 seconds.
Next up is the GLC300 4Matic. Peak outputs for this turbocharged 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol mill stand at 190 kW and 400 Nm, with the mild-hybrid gubbins again temporarily bringing 17 kW and 200 Nm to the power-and-torque party. The all-paw GLC300 will reach 3 figures in a claimed 6.2 seconds and is priced at R1 328 500 (a figure interestingly listed as excluding CO2 tax).
Measuring 4 716 mm from bow to stern, the new GLC is 60 mm longer than its predecessor.
Finally, we have the flagship oil-burner, the GLC300d 4Matic. Priced from R1 410 194, this derivative employs a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel unit worth a heady 198 kW and 550 Nm, again briefly supplemented by the 17 kW/200 Nm mild-hybrid arrangement. Expect the obligatory dash from standstill to 100 kph to take around 6.3 seconds.
Each of the 3 powertrain variants will be available in either the standard Avantgarde model line or specified with the R82 593 AMG Line package. There’s a wide selection of alloy wheels on offer (measuring up to 20 inches in diameter), along with numerous interior upholstery and trim options, plus other individual extras, such as a panoramic sliding sunroof (R29 394), a Burmester surround-sound system (R20 907) and aluminium-look running boards (R9 729).
We also noticed the presence of the “Engineering Package”, which adds rear-axle steering and air suspension for an additional R57 753. As with the new A-Class, 4 distinct equipment packages will be available for the GLC: Advanced (standard), Advanced Plus (R46 550), Premium (R87 610) and Premium Plus (R130 000). As you might have guessed, each comprises a collection of individual options, ramping up in line with pricing.
How much will the new Mercedes-Benz GLC cost in SA?
Mercedes-Benz GLC220d 4Matic – R1 211 220
Mercedes-Benz GLC300 4Matic – R1 328 500 (excluding CO2 tax)
Mercedes-Benz GLC300d 4Matic – R1 410 194
The above pricing includes a 5-year/100 000 km PremiumDrive Platinum service and maintenance plan, as well as a 2-year/unlimited km warranty.
The head of Audi Sport has dropped a sizeable hint an even more powerful RS3 is coming, saying the firm is “not finished” with its iconic 5-cylinder engine just yet…
Audi Sport managing director Sebastian Grams has suggested an even more powerful RS3 is on the horizon, saying the German automaker is “not finished” with the compact performance vehicle nor its 5-cylinder engine.
The comments point to something of a swansong for the turbocharged 2.5-litre 5-pot, since Audi plans to launch its final combustion-engined new car by 2026, before shifting completely to electric vehicles (EVs) by 2033. And it looks likely a more powerful version of this engine will be used in the RS3 rather than the TT, seeing as production of the latter is due to end in October 2023.
“We have a perfect 5-cylinder engine, which is very unique in the market. We have a 6-cylinder engine, and we will improve these technologies into the next step. I do not see a need to completely change the engines,” Grams said, according to Autocar, at an event celebrating 40 years of Audi Sport.
“Honestly, we are really happy that the customers are jumping on that car [the RS3] like hell and we are not, let’s say, ‘finished’ with the car. We have the 5-cylinder and we will definitely increase the 5-cylinder for the next step. We will improve that.
Audi is seemingly not done with its 5-cylinder engine just yet…
“There’s still a way to go. We have done the RS3 Performance Edition, which is faster, which has more performance, which has bucket seats and another calibration. You can see that we will really sharpen our products in the future,” he said.
Interestingly, the high-ranking executive suggested more power could be extracted from the 5-cylinder engine without the need for any sort of electrification. For the record, the current all-paw RS3 Sportback and RS3 Sedan boast peak outputs of 294 kW and 500 Nm, while the aforementioned RS3 Performance Edition revealed for Europe last year makes 299 kW.
Of course, the vehicle at the very top of the power tower in this segment is currently the Mercedes-AMG A45 S, which employs a turbocharged 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine sending 310 kW and 500 Nm to all 4 corners. Whether the next (and possibly final) tweak for the RS3 will take it past its Affalterbach-fettled foe remains to be seen.
Of course, the next-generation A3 is due around 2027 and is poised to completely ditch combustion engines in favour of electric motors. An earlier report suggested the S3 and RS3 badges would live on, though obviously be applied to performance EVs rather than combustion-engined models. So, this rumoured uprated RS3 is likely to be a final farewell for the 5-pot…
The GWM P-Series LTD is the new flagship for the P-Series family. Here’s what you get for your R694 950.
The P-Series bakkie range from Chinese manufacturer GWM has upset the traditional players by offering value for money in a tech-laden product. What you see here is the new GWM P-Series LTD, the flagship derivative and it comes with a number of upgrades to differentiate itself from the rest of the lineup.
The new GWM P-Series LTD is priced at R694 950, a R50 000 premium over the 2.0TD double cab LT 4×4 which was the previous top model. You can spot the newcomer with its rugged look, which comprises an off-road steel black front bumper that looks like it helps with approach angles in offroad situations, a rear bumper that now offers steps for easier loadbin access and all-terrain 18-inch wheels.
A black sports bar, plastic bedliner, aggressive offroad wheel arches, specifically developed snorkel and a winch with 4.2-ton capability are also thrown in. Inside the GWM P-Series LTD gains a 12-volt power accessory in the engine bay as well as a 220V power plug.
New P-Series LTD Off-road System
Under the skin is a new off-road system that allows full control over the drivetrain. The other P-Series models are permanent four-wheel drive, with a torque-on-demand setup that sends power where it’s required if there’s a loss of traction. The P-Series LTD has a system that’s aimed at the more 4×4-conscious buyer looking for increased off-road prowess from their affordable double-cab bakkie.
The new off-road system includes a fully selectable system with a variety of driving modes, including 2H, 4H, Snow, Mud, Sand and 4L. The off-road systems include the Cross-Country Expert Mode and Drive Mode Memory, linking to both front and rear differential locks (new for this version P-Series). Some interesting tech has been introduced like the off-road cruise control and the Trail Turn assist that decreases the turning circle by 3 meters, useful when you need to turn around in the bush.
The engine and transmission remain unchanged, and as a reminder, it’s a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel 4-cylinder motor developing 120 kW and 400 Nm. An 8-speed automatic transmission is standard.
Features
Hill Descent Control
360-degree camera
Tyre pressure monitoring system,
Dual front airbags with side, curtain and front central airbags
7-inch LCD virtual instrument cluster
9-inch multi-media touchscreen offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Bluetooth capability
Wireless phone charging
2x USB ports in the front and 1 for the passengers.
How much does the GWM P-Series LTD cost in South Africa?
P-Series LTD R694 950
A standard 5-year/100 000 km warranty and service plan and 5-year unlimited mileage roadside assistance are included in the price.
Toyota SA rapped over knuckles for ‘misleading’ Corolla Cross ad
South Africa’s advertising watchdog has rapped Toyota SA Motors over the knuckles for a Corolla Cross GR-Sport Hybrid advertisement it ruled was “misleading”…
The Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB) has ruled against Toyota South Africa Motors after a consumer complained an advertisement for the Corolla Cross GR-Sport Hybrid was “misleading”.
Complainant Justin Brown approached the advertising watchdog about a Facebook post (dated 20 February 2023) from Toyota promoting its locally built Corolla Cross GR-Sport Hybrid. The advert in question included the following text: “If you thought the Corolla Cross GR-Sport couldn’t get any better, think again. The Corolla Cross GR-Sport Hybrid is here!”.
As a reminder, the Corolla Cross GR-Sport Hybrid launched in South Africa in February 2023, with production taking place at Toyota’s Prospecton facility in KwaZulu-Natal.
Brown submitted the advertising was misleading since it created the impression the vehicle was available for sale. However, the complainant said several dealerships confirmed there was no available stock, and that the waiting list for the Corolla Cross GR-Sport was “anywhere between 12 and 24 months”.
Toyota SA points to global hybrid battery shortage
In response, Toyota SA Motors initially refuted the claim there was no available stock, saying there had been a “steady inflow of these vehicles to the dealer network”. Still, it explained waiting periods might apply due to a global hybrid battery shortage, which it added should normalise by 2024.
It further pointed out the Corolla Cross GR-Sport Hybrid was indeed launched at the time it was advertised, suggesting the reference to it being “here” was factual, as the vehicle had officially become part of the Corolla Cross range, albeit in limited numbers “due to serving a niche demand”.
Publicis Groupe Africa, the company appointed as Toyota SA Motors’ agency partner late in 2022, echoed this sentiment, saying the post merely announced the addition of the GR-Sport Hybrid model to the overall Corolla Cross model range.
A screengrab of the Facebook post in question.
According to the Japanese firm’s local division, the Corolla Cross production plan at Prospecton included an average of 49 units of the GR-Sport Hybrid per month, with an annual plan of 542 units (for 2023). By comparison, around 1 500 units of the regular Corolla Cross were produced per month on average since launch, with the non-hybrid GR-Sport version sitting at about 141 units a month.
Explaining there was no other advertising actively promoting the sale of the vehicle in question, Toyota submitted it was “not unreasonable” to communicate its arrival despite having to put some customers on a waiting list. But, having considered all the material before it, the Directorate of the ARB ultimately ruled against Toyota SA Motors.
Advertising watchdog explains its ruling against Toyota
“The Facebook page that led to this complaint states that this vehicle is ‘here’. In the absence of any context that suggests the contrary, a reasonable person would interpret this to mean that this vehicle is generally available for purchase. In addition, the advertiser’s website, which is accessible by clicking on the URL provided in the advertisement, reads ‘Corolla Cross GR-Sport. Now Available in Hybrid’,” ARB’s ruling said.
“Neither of these advertisements communicate any sense of potential delays, shortages or long waiting lists (between 12 and 24 months) that might apply. The advertiser appears to concede that this is the case. However, it has not explained why its advertising does not inform consumers of this. It merely submitted that demand outstrips supply at this point and that it was not actively advertising this vehicle,” the watchdog added, saying the matter was further complicated by the fact Toyota had “not submitted any supporting information”.
Clause 16.1 of Section III of the ARB Code sits at the centre of the complaint and reads as follows: “Advertisements should not be submitted for publication unless the advertiser has reasonable grounds for believing that it can supply any demand likely to be created by the advertising”. In addition, ARB considered Clause 4.2.1 of Section II, which reads: “Advertisements should not contain any statement or visual presentation which, directly or by implication, omission, ambiguity, inaccuracy, exaggerated claim or otherwise, is likely to mislead the consumer”.
The hybrid version of the Corolla Cross GR-Sport launched locally in February 2023.
“In the absence of anything to show that the advertiser had reasonable expectations of meeting the demand for this vehicle, the Facebook [post] that gave rise to this dispute is found to have breached Clause 16.1 of Section III of the Code. By the same reasoning, the advertisement appears to be misleading and in contravention of Clause 4.2.1 of Section II of the Code,” ARB ruled.
In light of its findings, ARB ruled Toyota SA Motors was “required to withdraw or appropriately amend its advertising to ensure that consumers are adequately informed of the reality of the situation and the likelihood of prolonged waiting periods”.
Though the post in question still appears on the company’s Facebook page (at the time of writing, anyway), we noticed the Corolla Cross page on Toyota’s website now includes a line below the main image of the GR-Sport Hybrid, reading: “subject to limited stock availability”.
The line-up of the Kia Sonet, which competes in the popular budget crossover segment, now comprises 6 derivatives and Kia South Africa is offering all versions of the model with a 0% deposit car-finance deal, starting from R5 399 p/m.
The Sonet is based on the same platform as the Hyundai Venue, but it is produced at a different plant to its cousin (in Bangalore, which is the same facility that builds the popular Kia Seltos for South Africa). In terms of dimensions, the Sonet is 4 120 mm long, 1 790 mm wide, stands 1 610 mm high and has a 2 500-mm wheelbase, with 190 mm of ground clearance and a claimed load-bay capacity of 392 litres.
Of the range’s half a dozen derivatives, the first 2 are equipped with 6-speed manual gearboxes, while the remaining 4 have either continuously variable- or 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmissions. We previously reviewed the Sonet’s 1.5 EX and the range-topping 1.0T EX+ derivatives (the latter with video).
LX is the base grade of the Sonet range. LX derivatives come equipped with 15-inch steel wheels, remote central locking, multifunction steering wheel, height-adjustable driver’s seat, tilt-adjustable steering column, artificial leather and cloth seat trim, aircon, electric windows (all round), electrically adjustable side mirrors, auto headlamp activation and an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
The latter supports Bluetooth, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and is complemented by a front USB port and reverse-view camera. Rear occupants are availed a USB for charging their devices and a central armrest with cupholders, while the rear bench can be folded flat to free up utility space.
EX derivatives, in turn, can be distinguished by their roof rails, front fog lights, silver skid plates, integrated indicator lenses (in the side mirrors), 16-inch alloy wheels and rear parking sensors. Over and above LX’s interior specification, the EX versions have leather trim on the steering wheel and gear lever.
Finally, the top-of-the-range 1.0T EX+ is additionally equipped with a 4.2-inch TFT LCD supervision cluster, artificial leather seats (with red stitching), electrically-folding side mirrors, an electrochromatic rear-view mirror, cruise control, auto aircon, drive-mode select and combination LED tail lights.
Most derivatives are powered by a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine, paired with either a 6-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmission. The 1.5-litre motor produces peak outputs of 85 kW and 144 Nm of torque. Kia states claimed 0-to-100 kph times of 11.3 sec (manual) and 11.8 sec (auto), with the former said to consume 7.0 L/100 km and the latter 7.2 L/100 km respectively.
The top 2 derivatives, in turn, feature a 88 kW/172 Nm 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbopetrol engine in combination with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Korean carmaker says 1.0 T-GDI derivatives can sprint from 0-100 kph in 11.3 sec and, on average, consume 6.0 litres of fuel per 100 km.
Kia Sonet safety spec
In terms of safety features, the Sonet comes well-equipped for its segment. Standard kit includes ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC) and hill-start assist control (HAC), dual front airbags and ISOfix child-seat anchoring points. The EX+ version additionally features side and curtain airbags.
How much does the Kia Sonet cost in South Africa*?
* Based on May 2023 prices. All Sonets derivatives are sold (from new) with a 5-year/unlimited km warranty and roadside assistance as well as a 4-year/60 000 km service plan.
Mitsubishi Triton Halo AT35 Prototype Unveiled for SA
Meet the Mitsubishi Triton Halo AT35 prototype, which was unveiled at Nampo 2023 and previews the most extreme version of the Japanese firm’s bakkie yet…
The Mitsubishi Triton Halo AT35 prototype has been revealed at Nampo 2023 in the Free State, previewing what the Japanese firm’s South African division describes as the “ultimate iteration” of its double-cab bakkie.
Right now, details are frustratingly thin on the ground. For instance, it’s not yet clear when the production version will hit the market in South Africa, nor how much it will cost. In addition, Mitsubishi Motors SA made no mention of the powertrain and shared only a single photograph of the prototype.
So, what do we know? Well, like the Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 displayed at the same event outside Bothaville, the Triton Halo AT35 was developed in conjunction with Icelandic off-road specialist, Arctic Trucks. For the record, the company’s Russian division unwrapped an AT35 version of the L200 (another badge used on the Triton in some markets) back in 2021.
But back to the SA-spec model. The Japanese firm promises the production model will be an “extremely capable vehicle that is well engineered and backed by Mitsubishi’s factory warranty”.
Mitsubishi says the AT35 is “based on the flagship Triton double-cab 4×4”, so it will surely slot in well above the Triton Heritage (R749 990) and Triton Xtreme (R778 990). We’re guessing it will use the same 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine, which delivers 133 kW and 430 Nm to all 4 wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The Russian branch of Arctic Trucks revealed the L200 AT35 back in 2021.
The Triton Halo AT35 scores a 4×4 Iron Man suspension lift and 17-inch BFGoodrich off-road tyres wrapped round Arctic Truck alloy wheels. As a result, it features a wider track and a ride height increased by “approximately 35 mm” (which, by our maths, boosts ground clearance to 255 mm).
In addition, the bodywork has been “comprehensively modified” and now includes a new front bumper, extended wheel-arches and wider fender liners. Additional accessories come in the form of a snorkel and a roof rack, with the latter housing further items such as a high-lift jack and a spade.
The Triton AT35 on display also features various Ralliart accessories, including special floormats, mudflaps and decals. A rubberised load bin has been fitted, too, along with a Keko sports bar and a Keko tonneau cover. Inside, Mitsubishi has “upgraded” the infotainment to a 7-inch Sony Display Audio system and added “bespoke stitching” to the leather seats.
Considering there’s a next-generation Triton (also known as the L200) just around the corner, this new AT35 iteration may well serve as something of a swansong for the outgoing model. We’ll keep our eyes open for more information (including launch timing and pricing) as well as fresh images…
This is the VW Polo GTI Edition 25, revealed to celebrate 25 years of Polo. While it may be assembled in South Africa, it’s not going to be sold locally.
There will be just 2 500 units of the Polo GTI Edition 25 going on sale from the 1st June 2023 and we’ve reached out to Volkswagen South Africa to find out if SA will get an allocation. It would be fitting, as the vehicle is made right here at Volkswagen’s plant in Kariega (formerly Uitenhage) in the Eastern Cape.
This factory is the sole supplier of the Volkswagen Polo GTI. So, what’s different with the Polo Edition 25? There’s a special colour, called Ascot Grey and the vehicle is sold with IQ. LED Matrix headlights as well as gloss black 18-inch Adelaide wheels. There are also some subtle styling elements like black roof and black mirror caps.
Inside the Edition 25, there are nice-looking sports seats finished in black perforated leather with red detailing, a ‘one of 2 500′ decal on the side sills, and a ’25’ branded steering wheel. Critically, there are mechanical changes too, with a special suspension setup that sees the vehicle sit 15 mm lower which will aid the handling.
The engine is identical to the European-spec motor and as a reminder, its a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol with 152 kW and 320 Nm. A 7-speed dual-clutch transmission sends all of that to the front wheels and Volkswagen says the Polo GTI Edition 25 can hit 100 kph in 6.5 seconds. As a reminder, the SA-spec Polo GTI has 147 kW and 320 Nm, and retails for R527 700.
VW Polo GTI Edition 25 in South Africa?
You’d think given how popular the Volkswagen Polo is in South Africa as well as the local manufacturing, the new model would be an automatic entrant to showrooms. We’ve yet to hear from Volkswagen SA and will update this article with further information.
Update: Volkswagen SA has confirmed the GTI Edition 25 is only for European and Japanese markets.
Mid-month fuel price data from the Department of Energy suggests South Africa could be in for a major fuel price decrease in June 2023.
Somehow amidst all the complications South Africa finds itself in, there appears to be a spot of good news on the horizon. Mid-month fuel price data suggest the local fuel price could drop by over R1 per litre if things track consistently towards the end of the month.
While the local exchange rate has seen the Rand depreciate against the dollar from R18.40 at the beginning of the month to R19.01 at the midpoint of May 2023, the price of Brent Crude has been on the decline. At the end of April, Brent Crude oil was trading above $80 per gallon but has since come down to below $75 per gallon. This equates to a reduction in the price of petrol coming down by R1.13 per litre for 95 octane, R1.11 for 93 octane and diesel by R1.27 per litre for 50ppm and R1.36 for 500ppm.
Mid-month data is only a projection of what is to come with confirmed pricing being available in the last week of May. Here’s a nifty table of the projected fuel price for June 2023.
New Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 Locked in For SA!
The new Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 has finally been confirmed for South Africa, though – rather curiously – the firm’s local division is unable to confirm pricing…
Isuzu Motors South Africa dropped a substantial hint late in 2022 and now the news is official: the latest Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 has been confirmed for the local market in “limited” numbers.
Despite the Japanese firm’s local division saying the new flagship model “is available on special order through Isuzu’s local dealer network” (as in, present tense), it curiously cannot currently confirm pricing. We even called a couple of local dealerships, which were likewise unable to share an official figure.
So, what do we know? Well, developed in collaboration with Icelandic specialists Arctic Trucks, the 2023 D-Max Arctic AT35 will again be locally assembled at Isuzu’s plant in Struandale, Gqeberha. As was the case with the previous-generation version of the beefed-up bakkie, the Struandale plant is the only Isuzu facility in the world accredited by Arctic Trucks to produce the D-Max AT35.
Based on the range-topping V-Cross 4×4 double-cab derivative (which, for the record, is currently priced at R857 700), the AT35 gains its enhancements in a dedicated Arctic Trucks conversion area in the body shop, where Isuzu says its “most skilled artisans and technicians craft the bigger wheel wells and arches to accommodate the large 35-inch tyres and beefed-up suspension”.
After painting, the vehicle follows the normal D-Max assembly line, where it also gains a specially developed suspension lift kit and Bilstein dampers. The final step in the transformation is the “off-line fitment” of larger wheel-arch mouldings.
Besides its increased ride height and wider track, the AT35 gains special chrome badges on its front fenders and tailgate, along with wider-profile side steps, Arctic Trucks mudflaps and 35-inch BF Goodrich all-terrain tyres (wrapped round 17×10-inch AT black alloy wheels). In addition, a standard 18-inch spare wheel is fitted beneath the loadbox, while a ResQ Puncture Repair Kit is also provided. Inside, the bakkie’s leather-trimmed seats score “AT35” logos, a treatment repeated on the gearshift shroud and floor mats.
The “purpose-designed” lift kit and tyres increase the ground clearance from 232 mm to 266 mm and boost the vehicle’s overall height from 1 810 mm to 1 875 mm. The standard bakkie’s claimed wading depth of 800 mm climbs to 865 mm, while the approach angle improves to 33 degrees, the departure angle to 23 degrees and the break-over angle to 34 degrees.
As a reminder, the AT35 is powered by the brand’s 3.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine familiar from other D-Max derivatives. In this latest application, it generates an unchanged 140 kW and 450 Nm, peak outputs that are delivered to all 4 wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 ships standard with a 5-year/120 000 km warranty and a 5-year/90 000 km service plan (with intervals of 15 000 km). We’ll share local pricing as soon as it’s confirmed…
