The Renault Mégane RS 300 Trophy has – rather unexpectedly – returned to SA, though only 55 units will be available. Here’s what you need to know, including pricing…
Back in mid-2020, the Renault Mégane RS 300 Trophy officially touched down in South Africa, though with only 7 units available, it soon quietly left the local market. Now, somewhat unexpectedly, a mildly updated version of the French hot hatch is back, this time limited to 55 units.
Of course, we already know the end is near for the Mégane RS (and indeed the Renault Sport name as a whole), as the Boulogne-Billancourt-based automaker further shifts its focus towards electric vehicles. Indeed, the new Ultimé edition – based on the RS 300 Trophy – is the official swansong, with Renault SA previously saying the special version would hit local roads at some point in 2023. Now, however, the brand’s distributor tells us it is “unable to confirm” the Ultimé for a local launch.
Production of the Mégane RS 300 Trophy is set to end later in 2023.
Anyway, back to the RS 300 Trophy. How much does it cost in South Africa? Well, every 1 of the 55 units set aside for SA will feature the 6-speed dual-clutch transmission (and thus not the 6-speed manual version), with pricing set at R899 900. For the record, that’s exactly R100 000 more expensive than the EDC model that arrived in June 2020. For the sake of comparison, the 180 kW Volkswagen Golf GTI is currently priced at R744 200 (or R727 500 in Jacara form), while the 206 kW Hyundai i30 N starts at R779 900 and the outgoing 228 kW (and manual-equipped) Honda Civic Type R at R857 500.
As a reminder, the Mégane RS 300 Trophy employs a turbocharged 1.8-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine sending an unchanged 221 kW and 420 Nm to the front axle through the aforementioned dual-clutch gearbox. The obligatory 0-100 kph sprint takes a claimed 5.7 seconds, with the maximum speed limited to 255 kph (according to the official spec sheet, though a figure of 260 kph is mentioned elsewhere in the press material).
Standard features include the (stiffer) Cup chassis, a Torsen mechanical limited-slip differential and 4-wheel steering. Inside, you’ll find a 7.0-inch touchscreen (complete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality), along with items such as Alcantara seats (with red stitching) and a sporty leather-trimmed steering wheel. Buyers will have the choice of 3 exterior colours: Pearl White, Liquid Yellow or Orange Tonic.
How much does the Renault Mégane RS 300 Trophy cost in SA?
Renault Mégane RS 300 Trophy EDC – R899 900
The French hot hatch ships standard with a 5-year/150 000 km mechanical warranty, 6-year anti-corrosion warranty and a 5-year/90 000 km service plan (with intervals of 10 000 km).
Made in SA? Haval and GWM Mulling Local Production
The head of Haval Motors South Africa has revealed the Chinese firm is considering the possibility of producing vehicles locally…
After just 5 years in the local market, Haval is easily the most successful Chinese automotive brand in South Africa. So, what’s next for the fast-growing firm? Well, the company’s boss – who oversees Haval and GWM operations in SA – says it would be a “wasted opportunity” not to pursue the possibility of local production.
Conrad Groenewald, Chief Operations Officer of Haval Motors South Africa, made the comments when speaking to Cars.co.za video journalist, Ciro De Siena, in an exclusive interview.
“If you look at the government policies in the automotive [sector] in South Africa, I think it’s a wasted opportunity not to pursue it,” Groenewald said, when asked whether GWM and Haval products could one day be produced on local soil.
“It is something that we’re engaging with the stakeholders at the moment to look at the possibilities of producing locally in South Africa. When that will happen, I can’t tell you at this point in time,” added Groenewald, who has been in the role since July 2022.
Currently, 7 major automakers run full manufacturing plants in South Africa: BMW, Ford, Isuzu, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Toyota and Volkswagen. Indian brand Mahindra, meanwhile, has an assembly facility in KwaZulu-Natal and Chinese firm BAIC one in the Eastern Cape.
Though GWM’s main manufacturing plants are in China, it has a number of KD assembly facilities around the world.
Groenewald, who was with Ford for nearly 20 years (including a 3-year stint in China and, more recently, almost 5 years as director of sales operations at Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa), admits setting up manufacturing facilities locally would require a “big investment”, but appears hopeful the idea will come to fruition.
“It does take a lot of time to get that done, but it is something that we’re not blind to. It is an opportunity that we’re looking at pursuing and hopefully we can capitalise in a way that the other OEMs [original equipment manufacturers] are doing with export business into other markets.
“I think as GWM Global is growing their footprint outside China, the South African market and our manufacturing capabilities in South Africa can play a greater part in their global strategy,” he added.
In addition to its several full-scale manufacturing plants in China (and latterly Thailand), GWM also owns KD factories (which assemble vehicles using “knocked-down” kits) in countries such as Ecuador, Malaysia, Pakistan, Tunisia and Bulgaria.
Haval Motors SA’s sales performance in 2022
Regardless of whether or not local production becomes a reality, Haval Motors SA has lofty ambitions in terms of its sales volumes in South Africa. In 2022, the Chinese group posted total local sales of 22 644 units, an improvement of 18.79% compared with 2021. It thus climbed a place to 9th overall, while also pushing its market share from 4.10% to 4.28%.
“To be blatantly honest, we would like to be in the top 5 brands in South Africa in the not-too-distant future. We’re going to work towards that road presence and then a national sales company that can represent the expectations of customers of what they can see or want to see from a top-5 player in South Africa,” Groenewald concluded.
As a reminder, Haval Motors SA was founded as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Chinese group in 2017, replacing GWM South Africa (which had instead acted as a local distributor).
Chinese brand, Haval, has been on a roll with its Haval Jolion and H6 selling up a storm locally and the SUV brand is now addressing fuel consumption concerns with the introduction of the Jolion HEV hybrid model. Watch his video review!
Haval continues its onslaught on the new car market in South Africa with this, the Haval Jolion HEV! Is it worth the extra spend? Watch our video review for insight!
Join our video journalist, Ciro De Siena, as he takes us on a thorough tour of the brand new Jolion Hybrid. The Jolion is now one of the most popular passenger cars on our roads and it’s a best-seller for Haval.
Haval is hoping that rising fuel prices might drive more motorists to consider new energy alternatives, such as this Jolion HEV Hybrid.
What powertrain does the Jolion HEV have?
The Jolion Hybrid utilises the familiar 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine that’s used in the rest of the Jolion range but in this case is paired with an electric motor to generate 140 kW and 375 Nm of torque with a claimed fuel consumption figure of 5.1 L/100km.
But at a significant price premium, is it worth the extra spend? And how does it compare to its key rival, the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, which is quite a lot cheaper?
Watch the video!
How much does the Jolion cost in South Africa?
Model
Price
Jolion 1.5T City
R347 950
Jolion 1.5T City Plus DCT
R372 950
Jolion Pro 1.5T Premium DCT
R391 150
Jolion Pro 1.5T Super Luxury DCT
R427 950
Jolion Pro 1.5T Ultra Luxury DCT
R464 950
Jolion Pro S 1.5T Ultra Luxury DCT
R498 950
Jolion Pro 1.5 HEV Ultra Luxury DHT
R519 950
Standard models come with a 5-year/100 000 km warranty and a 5-year/75 000 km service plan, with the Jolion Pro models upgrading to a 7-year/200 000 km warranty (with the hybrid derivative furthermore scoring 8 years or 150 000 km of coverage for the battery).
According to Cars.co.za, the Haval Jolion is considered a good car to buy as it is a popular choice in the compact SUV segment. It offers an appealing blend of style, standard features, practicality, and value-for-money.
Is the Jolion a fuel-efficient car?
While Haval claims a fuel consumption range of 5.1-8.1 L/100km, the article notes that the car has been criticised for higher-than-expected fuel consumption in real-world driving situations.
Is the Haval Jolion all-wheel-drive?
No, the article specifies that the Haval Jolion is offered exclusively as a front-wheel-drive car.
The new Volkswagen Polo GTS revealed in South America looks very much like the GTI built here in South Africa but is missing much of the performance…
Volkswagen in Brazil has taken the wraps off the new Polo GTS, a so-called “warm hatch” boasting the looks of the full-fat GTI but without much of the extra oomph.
While the Polo GTS that has just debuted in South America is not expected to launch in South Africa, it’s nevertheless an interesting understudy to the GTI (a derivative incidentally not offered in Brazil) built exclusively at VW’s Kariega facility in the Eastern Cape.
As a reminder, the SA-spec Polo GTI makes 147 kW and 320 Nm courtesy of a turbocharged 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine, which drives the front axle through a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission as standard. The B-segment hot hatch will complete the 0-100 kph sprint in a claimed 6.7 seconds, before topping out at 238 kph.
The Polo GTS, meanwhile, employs the VW Group’s familiar 110 kW/250 Nm turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol unit, which here interestingly drives the front wheels via a 6-speed torque-converter (rather than dual-clutch) automatic gearbox. The obligatory dash to 3 figures takes a claimed 8.3 seconds, with maximum speed pegged at 206 kph.
Though the powertrains are certainly distinct, the GTS looks very much like the GTI, borrowing signature styling elements such as the red detailing line (and lighting element) that runs the width of the grille and into each Matrix LED headlamp. Indeed, the front end – including the bumper, air intakes and even the honeycomb-style daytime running lights – appears to have been lifted directly from the hot hatch, with just the badge switched from “GTI” to “GTS”.
The new Polo GTS does a good impression of the SA-built GTI…
It’s a different story round back, however, as the Polo GTS features an older taillamp design still used in some South American markets. That said, Brazil’s top-spec Polo does score a more aggressive rear diffuser (with body-coloured detailing), a rear spoiler and a dual exhaust outlet. The “GTS” emblem is centred below the brand logo, while the side-mirror caps are finished in black, a hue also applied to the 18-inch alloys (featuring a wheel design used on the pre-facelift Polo GTI).
Inside, the Polo GTS boasts red stitching on the steering wheel as well as on the single-piece sports seats (complete with the “GTS” emblem) and the leather-trimmed dashboard detail. In addition to the use of Eco, Normal, Sport and Individual driving modes, the GTS driver also has the option of deactivating the traction control system.
While we don’t expect to see the Polo GTS hit local roads, it’s worth noting Volkswagen South Africa does offer the Polo Vivo GT, which makes 81 kW and 200 Nm from its turbocharged 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder heart. This locally built Vivo GT is scheduled to receive an update in 2023, though details have yet to be announced.
As an aside, the GTS badge was used in South Africa not that long ago, when it was applied to the previous-generation Vivo in 2016.
We chat with the Chief Operating Officer at GWM Haval South Africa to see what the brand has in store for the future and if there are any surprises up ahead.
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GWM and particularly the company’s sub-brand, Haval, has been an incredible success story in our market. We sat down with COO Conrad Groenewald to discuss the future of these brands in South Africa.
In this wide-ranging interview with our video journalist, Ciro De Siena, Conrad Groenewald reveals that Ora and Tank will be introduced to South Africa in 2023, which are two very exciting launches for the company, the likes of which will almost certainly disrupt the market.
Groenewald was quite vague on the future of the P-Series and GWM’s bakkie offering in general, but it seems that there will be some new products introduced in that segment too.
Mercedes-Benz SA has kicked off its 2023 product offensive with the introduction of the new all-electric EQE business sedan, which is due to go on sale in March 2023. Our long-standing journalist, Gero Lilleike, attended the launch event in Johannesburg where he also had the chance to sample the German firm’s latest electric wares…
Mercedes-Benz South Africa is broadening its Electric Vehicle (EV) offering on local soil with the arrival of the new svelte EQE business sedan which is scheduled to go on sale towards the end of the first quarter (March 2023).
The German firm’s local EQ range consists of the EQA, EQB, EQC and the pinnacle EQS. The incoming EQE will be offered with 2 derivatives for local buyers to consider including the EQE 350+ with 215 kW and 565 Nm, as well as the Mercedes-AMG EQE 43 4MATIC with 350 kW and 858 Nm. Range is claimed at 645 km and 535 km respectively.
The Mercedes-Benz EQE is the latest addition to Merc’s growing EQ range.
Mark Raine, Co-CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director of Passenger Cars unveiled the EQE with local media in attendance while also presenting the firm’s intention of further entrenching its customer-centric business approach while also enhancing its operation through investment and digitisation in an effort to drive its luxury strategy into 2023 and beyond.
What’s it like driving a Mercedes-Benz EQ electric car?
Sadly, we didn’t get a chance to sample the new EQE on the road but Mercedes-Benz, with the help of the AMG Driving Academy, provided us with a brief opportunity to sample the latest-generation EVs from the brand. This was a good opportunity to drive the EQA, EQB and EQS back-to-back. Here are some of the takeaways from the experience.
Mercedes-Benz EQA
I thought it best to start at the entry point into the EQ range with a short stint in the EQA.
Both are powered by an electric motor over the front axle with 140 kW and 385 Nm of torque on offer and it uses a fixed-ratio automatic transmission and is fitted with a 66.5 kWh lithium-ion battery range claimed at between 402 and 429 km.
With a 0-100 kph sprint time of 8.9 seconds and a top speed of 160 kph, the EQA is perhaps the more pedestrian EV offering from Merc but its performance in an urban environment is impressive. The EQA feels very nippy from robot to robot and its overtaking prowess on the highway is notable. Our quick drive in the EQA also highlighted its comfortable and resolved ride quality on Johannesburg’s generally poor and deteriorating road surfaces.
Mercedes-Benz EQB
After driving the EQA, I hopped into the larger EQB SUV which arrived locally in December 2022. The EQB will appeal to buyers looking for something more practical and more powerful than the EQA.
The EQB is offered with 3 trim variants to choose including the EQB Progressive (R1 379 000) , EQB AMG Line (R1 432 000) and EQB Edition 1 (R1 523 400).
Unlike the EQA, the EQB is powered by 2 electric motor, one for each axle, producing total outputs of 215 kW and 520 Nm of torque. Power is directed to all four wheels via an automatic transmission.
Its acceleration is notably quicker and Mercedes-Benz claims 6.2 seconds in the sprint to 100kph but note that the EQB’s top speed is also 160 kph. The EQB is fitted with a 66.5 kWh lithium-ion battery and Mercedes-Benz claims a range of between 395 km and 423 km.
Range can be “farmed” through adjustable regenerative braking and with more power at the driver’s disposal, overall performance for a vehicle of this size is more than sufficient and overall ride quality is equally impressive with a smooth and highly-refined driving experience.
It’s worth mentioning that Merc’s interior design and perceived interior build quality across its EQ range deserve praise and live up to the firm’s promise of delivering a luxurious and technologically advanced cabin and driving experience. This fact is personified in the pinnacle of the EQ range, the EQS…
Mercedes-Benz EQS
The EQS is a technological tour-de-force and my drive in the EQS 450+ (from R2 620 500) was both an overwhelming and exquisitely comfortable and luxurious driving experience.
The EQS 450+ makes use of a rear-mounted electric motor that develops 245 kW and 565 Nm. Merc claims a zero to 100 kph time of 6.2 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 210 kph. A high-voltage, 107.8 kWh battery pack is fitted and offers a claimed range of between 631 km and 782 km. That gives the EQS the longest claimed range of any electric vehicle (EV) currently on the market in South Africa!
Ride quality in the EQS is just superb, as it should be and just about every luxury and comfort feature you will ever need is present and at your service. While the acceleration of this electrified luxobarge is fast, smooth and stately, it’s not overtly brash.
That description can rather be attributed to the more potent Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4Matic (R3 415 250) which was on hand for sampling too.
This brute of an EV produces a hefty 484 kW and 950 Nm from its 2 electric motors and is significantly faster with a claimed zero to 100 kph sprint time of 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 220 kph. You can, at additional cost, ramp power and torque up to 560 kW and 1 020 Nm respectively by opting for the Dynamic Plus Package. Insane! If you do that, you will rocket to the horizon from a standstill to 100kph in 3.4 seconds!
It uses the same 107.8 kWh battery pack as the EQS 450+ but range is claimed to be slightly less at between 529 km and 586 km.
The launch in the AMG EQS 53 is brutal and comically accompanied by gaming-themed sound effects that add some drama to an otherwise mute acceleration process. Artificial electric sounds are fed into the cabin to create a more entertaining soundtrack too.
Our brief driving experience in Mercedes-Benz’s latest EQ products was not only enjoyable but eye-opening too. The level of technology, luxury and comfort on offer across the EQ range is simply staggering and those buyers who are able to splash out and buy any one of these EQ products are in for a proper treat!
The rumours were true! Ford has revealed the first-ever Wildtrak version of the Everest, handing its adventure SUV a trim level previously reserved for the Ranger…
Back in mid-2022, we reported on patent images suggesting the new Ford Everest would receive the Wildtrak treatment, a specification previously reserved for the closely related Ranger bakkie. Now, exactly that has happened.
Yes, the Blue Oval brand’s New Zealand division has just whipped the wraps off the first-ever Everest Wildtrak, confirming the newcomer will hit that market by July 2023. As you might have guessed, it will be available there exclusively in conjunction with the flagship 184 kW/600 Nm 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6 engine (driving all 4 wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission as standard).
So, what makes an Everest Wildtrak? Well, this top-spec version of the Dearborn-based automaker’s 7-seater SUV features what Ford describes as “a range of design and styling enhancements” that emphasise the vehicle’s “off-road attitude”.
Like the Ranger equivalent, this high-spec iteration of Ford’s ladder-frame SUV will be available in the Wildtrak-only “Luxe Yellow” exterior paint colour, the first time this hue has been offered on the Everest (though the line-up will also include black, white, grey, aluminium and orange paint options). The Everest Wildtrak furthermore scores a model-specific grille and front bumper, along with 20-inch alloy wheels with “Bolder Grey” detailing.
A closer look at some of the Everest Wildtrak details, inside and out…
The latter colour has also been applied to elements of the front bumper, the grille surround, the fender vents and the side-mirror caps. Meanwhile, the “functional” side steps feature steel inserts and the alloy roof rails add “extra practicality”. The requisite “Wildtrak” lettering is included on the front doors, tailgate and bonnet.
Inside, the Everest Wildtrak features oodles of leather trim as well as power-adjustable front seats (10- and 8-way for the driver and front passenger, respectively) complete with heating and cooling functions, not to mention yet more “Wildtrak” logos embroidered into the seat backs in “Cyber Orange” stitching. The ebony leather-and-suede seat trim likewise features contrast stitching in this orange hue, which is also carried over to the rear seats, centre armrest, instrument panel, door trim, dashboard and gear-shifter.
In New Zealand, the Wildtrak derivative will ship with a 12.4-inch fully digital instrument cluster and a portrait-oriented 12-inch touchscreen. It will also feature a 10-speaker audio system and wireless smartphone charging as standard.
“The 2022 Everest set new standards for performance, comfort and versatility in the 7-seat, mid-sized SUV segment. Now, we’re giving customers all that, wrapped in an SUV that looks as comfortable pulling up outside a hip hotel as it does on the trails,” David Grice, Chief Programme Engineer for Ranger and Everest.
In South Africa, the Everest range – which is imported from Thailand – currently comprises only Sport and Platinum variants. We’ve asked Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa whether the Everest Wildtrak is destined for local shores and will update this story once we hear back…
Update: Ford Motor Company of SA says it is unfortunately unable to share any details on a potential local introduction of the Everest Wildtrak, adding “information about future vehicle programmes will only be confirmed closer to local launch”.
Cars.co.za contributor and seasoned motoring journalist Lance Branquinho put the Toyota Hilux GR-S (GR-Sport) through its paces during the recent end-of-year break. Here’s what he discovered about one of South Africa’s most desired double cabs.
South African upper-middle-class families go on vacation with Toyota Hilux double cabs. I don’t need to tell you that. It’s self-evident.
Which vehicle type and model were you competing with most for the best shopping-mall parking bays during December and the beginning of January? Exactly. A double cab and usually, a Hilux.
The 4-door version of South Africa’s most popular vehicle range occupies more parking space in coastal towns and inland water resorts than any other vehicle. But how good is the Hilux as a leisure vacation vehicle?
I don’t have a spouse, kids or pets to transport during the annual vacation break. My priority is to haul outdoor activity gear… mostly mountain bikes and, occasionally, surfboards. In theory, the Toyota Hilux GR-S (GR-Sport) should be my ideal vacation vehicle: it’s all-terrain capable and has a generous load box. But is it really that good, as a passenger car, when you aren’t stacking the load box with stuff?
A double-cab doesn’t offer safe storage for your laptop bag, but you can hide it underneath the fully lowered front passenger seatback.
Toyota Hilux GR-S in the role of ‘a car’
Despite its popularity, the double-cab (DC) bakkie has several flaws as a family car. And that applies to all DCs, not the Hilux specifically.
However, there are things that the Hilux does differently from its rivals. And some of Toyota’s “tried and tested” (some would say “dated”) features make a lot of sense when living with a double-cab bakkie.
South Africans are deeply image-conscious, especially regarding the vehicles that they are seen to be driving. And during the summer break, the fixation with how they appear in public, well, borders on an obsession. You know exactly what I mean: those crowds of young men who cruise the parking areas and boulevards of coastal resort towns (at 15 kph) in double cabs. Often, their parents’ double cabs.
The double-cab bakkie may have commercial-vehicle underpinnings, but it’s a statement vehicle in the local market. South Africa is one of the few global markets where a rare specification double-cab bakkie can outshine an Italian supercar or the latest Mercedes-AMG. And although the Hilux isn’t rare, the GR-S is.
Appearance and aesthetic interpretation are deeply subjective. I think the current Hilux has an awkwardly oversized grille and those red GR-S fender graphics look, um, terrible. But what do I know? There’s an enormous waiting list for these bakkies, and Hilux remains South Africa’s most popular vehicle.
My opinion of what the Toyota Hilux GR-S is like to travel and live with may, however, be less subjective.
Forward collision detection hardware looks awkward but is very useful. The blacked-out grille is an acquired taste.
Toyota Hilux GR-S’ power matters, when you need it most
The most headline-grabbing difference between the GR-S and its fellow 2.8-litre Hiluxes is its higher peak outputs (by 15 kW and 50 Nm). Do those slightly higher numbers matter? Of course, they do.
Nobody enjoys long drives to their holiday destination; our country’s highways are fraught with danger (including stationary vehicles, wandering animals and the ill-judgement of road users), especially so during the festive season. When you want to overtake a train of slower vehicles, every advantage helps.
First, the bad news. When you require mild acceleration, such as when cruising around town, there’s no difference between a 150kW Hilux 2.8-litre and the 165 kW GR-S. But, at sustained peak throttle loads, when you are trying to overtake 2 or 3 trucks at 120 kph, the GR-S’s 165 kW makes its presence felt.
The 6-speed automatic transmission is very average. I don’t think you necessarily need the 10 gears that Ranger offers, but 8 gears might be the ideal spread of ratios. I’ve driven examples of every self-shifting bakkie that’s been sold in South Africa since the mid-2000s. None of them has equalled or surpassed the 1st-generation Amarok’s ZF 8-speed transmission for its calibration, smoothness and responses.
The jagged shift gate might be an ancient design, but it works brilliantly when you need to park in a hurry.
Why the Toyota Hilux GR-S’ jagged shift gate is so clever
The Toyota Hilux GR-S’s 6-speed automatic transmission might be average when compared with those of its rivals, but there’s a little bit of Toyota genius to its shift gate.
Most double-cab bakkies with auto boxes have covered shift gates, which is to say the transmission lever moves forwards and backwards in a direct mechanical line. It’s an elegant layout, but not always that effective because you must press a trigger button on the shifter, to move the lever.
Toyota uses a jagged-pattern shift gate, which moves up and down, yes, but also diagonally. Mitsubishi is another brand with a jagged-pattern shift gate, on its Triton. For interior design aestheticists, it looks awkward. But it works so much better than the covered shift gates on most other double-cab bakkies.
Why do I say that? If you drive a double-cab, you are going to do many 3-point turns. It’s a simple reality of a bakkie’s titanic dimensions and poor turning circle, narrow urban roads, and shrinking parking bays. Three-point turns require rapid Drive-Reverse-Drive shifting, and the Hilux GR-S’s auto transmission can be slam-shifted through that jagged-gate pattern without fear that you’d engage the wrong gear.
“But does it matter?” Yes, it certainly does. When you are trying to keep calm and retain optimal posing value while a family in their white rental car impatiently waits for you to vacate the parking bay that they dearly want to occupy, the Hilux’s jagged-pattern gate shifting is an enabler. You can slam that shifter down and it will always find Reverse, without accidentally slipping into Park or Neutral respectively.
It’s the same action when you want to re-engage Drive. You never have to look down or at the digital shift guide in the driver-info display of your sporty silver- and red-accented instrument binnacle. It’s pure haptics. You can feel and know, with intuitive confidence, that you are in the gear you want to be. This is not always the case with some of the newer bakkies, especially those that feature electronic shifters.
Analogue instrumentation is showing its age in a market with digital displays. The cabin needs more USB ports, too.
Toyota Hilux GR-S: the theft issue
Popularity can be a curse. Successful as Hilux is for Toyota as a business, it has created a theft issue, which is troubling for Hilux owners. It’s the dark side of Hilux’s status as South Africa’s most successful model. It also reveals some of the unhappy aspects of operating a double-cab in the family-vehicle role.
During my time with the Toyota Hilux GR-S, Toyota deployed a security upgrade to counter keyless-start jamming. That meant a visit to the local dealership… during the festive season (sigh). Toyota Tygervalley were typical of the Japanese brand’s franchisees: busy, but comprehensively professional and efficient.
I dropped the Hilux at 07:30 and it was ready for collection by midday. Before I left, the service agent explained all the work that had been undertaken – it was a welcome, transparent human interaction in a world where the service experience is mostly digitising and creating discrepancies of understanding.
Manual tailgate locking. Annoying? Mostly. But also remote-jammer proof.
Tailgate central locking in the South African context
It is a very South African irony when a lack of features becomes an advantage due to the country’s security and crime issues.
A double-cab bakkie that doesn’t integrate the load-box tailgate into its central locking system, is a fail. You are going to rush and forget that something valuable is loaded under that tonneau cover, and if the tailgate doesn’t lock in unison with your key fob action for the doors, well, it’s a theft waiting to happen.
No, the Toyota Hilux GR-S doesn’t feature a tailgate with central locking. But it’s a win. If remote signal jamming is your fear, the Hilux GR-S tailgate can be locked and unlocked by using a key. As our parents did with their bakkies.
You simply remove the traditional ignition key, which operates the doors and tailgate, from the key fob. And that enables the Toyota Hilux GR-S to use legacy technology to defeat the ebbing tide of (let’s just call it) increasingly technologically advanced automotive criminality in South Africa.
THe GR-S proves, yet again, that 17-inch wheels are best for South African roads and terrain.
There’s a correct wheel size for bakkies. Trust us.
The Toyota Hilux GR-S validates as a South African all-purpose family vehicle: it’s better than it should be when you need to execute a 3-point turn quickly and charmingly immune to nefarious signal jamming.
But what’s it like to drive? For the reality of South Africa’s depreciating road network: much better than a luxury crossover.
Bakkies should never roll on statement wheels. The current trend towards 19-, 20-, and 21-inch double-cab wheels is a false economy. A generous sidewall beats a design statement every day, or at least within the context of the real-world double-cab driving experience.
The cushioned ride quality, pothole-strike survivability and superior traction for off-road driving (when slightly deflated) make the GR-S’ 265/65 R17 tyres the only ones you should have on a Hilux double-cab.
It’s reasonably fuel-efficient too. After all, you are unlikely to be using the 165 kW power peak all of the time… Driven mildly, and largely unladen, we averaged 9.7 L/100 km over the festive-season test period.
Crucial off-road function buttons, such as diff-lock and ESP, should be easier to reach – not hidden.
Dislikes
South Africa is a warm-climate country – to put it mildly – and that means that a vehicle’s cup holders get used to capacity on journeys, be they long or short. Especially during summer.
The issue with Toyota Hilux GR-S’ cupholders is their location. If you position a large hydration bottle in the centre console’s right cup holder, you’ll find it obscures the diff-lock engagement button. And that’s not great, because when you need to trigger a differential lock, you don’t want to fumble to find it. In a technically challenging off-road scenario, where the diff-lock might be required in a hurry, you are likely to feel anxious and don’t want to have a bottle obscuring your access to that “magic traction” button.
Toyota should consider moving such a crucial function to a more ergonomic position, such as closer to the ‘wheel. There’s space next to the starter button. Hopefully, the next-gen Hilux’s diff-lock button will be placed there because the cup holders are where they should be/can’t realistically be repositioned.
No vehicle rolls with more presence – from urban to rural South Africa – than a Hilux.
Summary
The Toyota Hilux GR-S has more power than any other Hilux. It also has clever coil springs and dampers, delivering more compliant ride quality. But curiously, it still has drum brakes at the rear.
For decades, double-cab bakkies had rear drum brakes because they were often used in the utility role. But that is no longer the case, is it?
Bakkies are more powerful and hardly ever loaded to capacity, but they run at high cruising speeds. And that’s where rear disc brakes will prove a genuine benefit compared to drums, which are okay when there’s weight on the rear axle, but not great in all other scenarios. And Toyota knows this, because the Australian specification GR-Sport, which was recently revealed, is fitted with disc brakes at the back.
Not the most expensive Hilux you can buy, but unquestionably the most rewarding to drive, the GR-S is a worthy halo derivative for South Africa’s most popular vehicle range. But it will be even better if the Australian specification becomes standardised on local Hilux GR-S double-cabs later this year…
Priced at R891 400, the Toyota Hilux GR-S is R54 000 cheaper than Toyota’s most expensive Hilux, the 2.8GD-6 double cab 4×4 Legend RS auto. And I don’t know if the latter’s bigger wheels or JBL premium audio system really justify the extra outlay. You can buy a lot of diesel for R54 000…
The all-new 7th-gen BMW 7 Series has gone on sale in South Africa and, for the first time, the first-class sedan range features an all-electric derivative – the i7. We spent some time behind the ‘wheel of the G70-generation limousine’s flagship offering.
Since its debut back in 1977, the BMW 7 Series has been the Bavarian brand’s answer to the mighty Mercedes-Benz S-Class and subsequently, the Audi A8 and Lexus LS (as far as our market is concerned, anyway). Despite the rise in popularity/prominence of the high-riding SUV, there’ll always be a market for a long-wheelbase sedan that boasts state-of-the-art technology, with comfort and luxury in abundance.
What’s New?
The 7th-gen 7 Series is now in South Africa and it’s a tour de force.
BMW has overhauled the 7er for its 7th iteration; it comes to market endowed with outrageous, in-your-face styling, deeply impressive tech (for the driver and other occupants) and an all-electric version.
The exterior styling is a huge talking point. Suffice it to say, should a new BMW 7 Series appear in your rearview mirror while you’re driving somewhere, its humungous grille will fill up most of the lens. Yes, the styling is, well, an acquired taste. Given the model’s vast dimensions, it’s a seriously imposing limousine and we won’t be surprised if some owner lands up nicknaming their car “the battleship.”
The 2-tone colour option adds to the visual statement and while traditional markets with a typical older customer profile may shun such a flashy look, BMW has revealed that China is the biggest market for the 7 Series (buyers on the Mainland have a predilection for long-wheelbase sedans) and the average age of the model’s customers there is 38, so they will want something that makes a bold statement.
The two-tone paint will appeal to buyers who want an extroverted look.
Physically, the new BMW 7 Series is longer and wider than ever, and extensive work has been done on the suspension setup, with BMW prioritising overall ride comfort. Given that the Bavarian marque’s claim to fame is “sheer driving pleasure” and so on, it’s hard to imagine a car as comfort- and luxury-oriented as the new 7 would be engaging to drive. It’s a conundrum; a sporty driving experience would be counter to passenger comfort and so, BMW sought a compromise – “the best of both worlds” – but did it work?
Everything in the new BMW 7 Series feels beautifully premium and well-finished.
The biggest changes appear inside the lavish cabin, where iDrive Operating System 8 makes its debut. There’s a curved infotainment screen that incorporates a digital instrument cluster. Initially, it’s all a bit intimidating and unlike anything that we’ve sampled. There’s a LOT to take in, but we found that if you can’t find a setting or button, simply say “Hey BMW” and request the setting. That gets the job done.
We could fill this article with the standard features and specification details of the new BMW 7 Series, but you’d get bored and mentally overloaded really quickly, so we’ve used multiple images instead.
BMW SA offers the G70-generation 7 Series with petrol-, diesel- and pure electric powertrains.
BMW South Africa offers the new 7 Series with a choice of 3 derivatives, which are available in a trio of trim packages. For those who insist on petrol power, the 740i features a 3.0-litre 6-cylinder turbopetrol engine in conjunction with 48V mild-hybrid tech. It produces 280 kW and 540 Nm, and thanks to all-wheel drive, the 740i is capable of hitting 100 kph in a claimed 5.4 sec, while consuming 8.1 L/100 km.
If you think diesel power is the answer to your limousine needs, the 740d is powered by a 3.0-litre 6-cylinder turbodiesel engine (also augmented with 48V mild-hybrid tech) and the middle-of-the-range derivative develops 220 kW and 670 Nm. It’s said to consume around 6.5 L/100 km, which is still brisk, with a claimed dash to 100 kph of just 5.8 sec. The diesel version will arrive around the middle of 2023.
If that grille’s not prominent enough for your taste, it can be specified with built-in illumination.
Finally, sitting at the top of the pile is the all-electric i7. With a 101.7 kWh battery powering the front and rear axles, this electric flagship puts out a mighty 400 kW and 745 Nm of torque. Impressively, it’ll hurtle from a standstill to 100 kph in just 4.7 sec and it has a claimed range of up to 625 km on a full charge.
All 7th-gen 7 Series derivatives in our market have xDrive all-wheel drive and automatic transmissions. Sadly, the twin-turbocharged V12 engine in the M760Li has been nixed by ever-stricter emissions laws.
The i7 might be the flagship, but there are diesel and petrol options available too.
Unlike most new-car media launches, where you arrive at the location, have a press conference and are allocated a car to evaluate on a predetermined route, BMW SA chose to put those who attended the new 7 Series event in the back of the vehicle for the first leg. First impressions count and, just when you think you’ve seen it all in this industry, along comes a vehicle that redefines an eye-opening experience.
We were ensconced in the all-electric i7, which marks an exciting new chapter for BMW’s flagship sedan. You get in, push a button and the doors close automatically. There’s a touchscreen control panel built into the armrest of the door that allows you to adjust your seat position, access massage functions and climate control settings, plus deploy the optional 31-inch infotainment screen from the roof lining. Much like in a business-class seat in an aircraft, it’s possible to set the seats in near-horizontal positions.
If driving is a chore, how about having a nap in one of the fully reclining rear seats?
So, with the individual rear seat delivering cold air to my posterior and a gentle massage to my lower back while I watched a choice of either YouTube or Amazon content on the big screen, it was hard to stay focused and not give in to total relaxation. One journalist admitted he was so comfortable, he had a nap.
One of the important things to note about electric vehicles is that they’re incredibly quiet, which makes users more aware of other noises, such as road- and wind noise, but, in the new BMW 7 Series, the level of refinement is extremely high, with barely a whisper of the infamous South Easter buffeting the BMW.
Occupants of the individual rear seats can watch content on the optional 31-inch theatre screen.
While both the 740i and the i7 were available to drive, we spent most of our time behind the ‘wheel of the latter. Like its rivals, BMW has opted to incorporate a full EV in a legacy (or ICE) range, but in the not-too-distant future, most all-electric models will be based on dedicated electric platforms (as is the case with the iX). That’s why BMW is developing the Neue Klasse with 6th-gen powertrain and battery tech.
It’s probably a good thing that the i7 is encased in a conventional 7 Series body because so many (admittedly dedicated) electric vehicles’ exterior designs have been fussy and polarising. BMW has received criticism of the iX, but people won’t know the i7 is an all-electric vehicle unless you tell them.
The BMW i7 seems to float over the road in quiet and relaxed comfort.
When you get in, you’re greeted by probably the most advanced instrument- and infotainment setup in a production model. When you start the i7, you’re greeted by the usual electric-car sound… silence, other than the ventilation system and a little chirp from the infotainment screen. Engage drive, and off you go.
One of the most remarkable things about the i7 driving experience is it behaves more like a conventional petrol/diesel vehicle than an electric vehicle. See, most EVs have this habit of decelerating the moment you lift off the accelerator pedal (to recover energy/increase the range). This results in a rocking horse motion, which, in some extreme cases, can induce motion sickness unless you adjust your driving style.
The new iDrive system is highly advanced; it will take some time to get used to.
You can set the i7 to be more proactive in this regard, but given the immense range it offers, we left the BMW to its own devices; the adaptive cruise control, aided by navigation data, gently applied the brakes on our behalf. It won’t replenish much battery charge, but the driving experience is vastly smoother.
The BMW i7 only has one shift paddle (on the left-hand side of the ‘wheel). It’s marked “boost” and we tested it when the road was straight and clear… For 10 seconds, the car delivered its utmost power and torque and it was eye-opening to experience just how brisk this large limousine is; it positively hurtled towards the horizon. This is accompanied by a sporty graphic on the curved screen and a sporty sound!
Rear passengers can utilise the touchscreen control panels located in the doors.
Granted, there is the possibility that all of the tech, gadgets and novelties in the BMW 7 Series will detract from the overall driving experience, but when we drove the i7, it delivered a deeply impressive ride quality on a variety of road surfaces, which is a credit to its novel dual-axle air suspension and adaptive suspension setup.
The steering setup does feel a bit artificial, but you can add a bit more feel and directness if you activate one of the sportier drive modes. Truth be told, on the winding road down to Cape Point, we did hustle the all-electric Bavarian juggernaut along at a brisk pace – it manages to hide its weight and feel reasonably nimble, but the laws of physics do apply; a 2.6-tonne sedan doesn’t excel at rapid changes in direction!
But, if you don’t care about driving precision and finesse, and just want overall comfort, relaxation and the feeling of riding on a proverbial cloud, then you’d struggle to match the competency of the BMW i7.
The styling is polarising, but we like the image that the G70-generation 7 Series projects.
How much does the new BMW i7 cost in South Africa?
BMW 740i
BMW 740d xDrive
BMW i7 xDrive60
Design Pure Excellence
R2 160 000
R2 280 000
R2 825 000
M Sport Package
R2 235 000
R2 355 000
R2 900 000
M Sport Package Pro
R2 275 000
R2 395 000
R2 940 000
Prices include a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
Summary
The new 7 Series – particularly the i7 – is one of the most advanced vehicles we’ve ever sampled.
We’re well into the era where high-end luxury vehicles are digital tech fests, but this BMW i7 feels like the most advanced first-class sedan, which is its raison d’etre. Given its multitude of gadgets and gizmos, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and it will take time to understand and appreciate all the 7’s functionality.
There are some great “rich-kid toys” to show off to people, including the BMW 7 Series’ doors, all of which can open and close by themselves, the hazard light button that activates lighting throughout the cabin, the rear entertainment package (and those touchscreen control panels), plus the incredible Bowers & Wilkins audio system that incorporates speakers in the seats.
BMW is claiming level 3 autonomous driving capability too. It’s a massive step forward and a glimpse into the future, not just for BMW or the luxury car segment. This is anything but a tool to get you from A to B.
Where can a premium manufacturer go after introducing a car like the i7? Granted, we have yet to drive the all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQS, but there’s a strong likelihood that it will prompt similar questions…
Given the absolute luxury and comfort offered in the rear, as well as the i7’s remarkably nimble road manners, we found ourselves feeling quite perplexed. Is this a car you want to drive – or be chauffeured in? We look forward to taking a deep dive into this highly-advanced, ultra-comfortable high-end sedan.
Mercedes-Benz CLA Handed Facelift and Mild-Hybrid Engines
Mercedes-Benz has handed its CLA a subtle facelift that includes an updated cabin and a shift towards mild-hybrid petrol powertrains…
The C118-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA has gone under the knife, gaining subtly revised exterior styling, an updated cabin and the addition of mild-hybrid gubbins for the standard petrol models. The Mercedes-AMG CLA35 likewise gains a light form of electrification, while the range-topping 310 kW powertrain of the CLA45 S is unchanged.
As with most mid-cycle updates, the 2nd-generation CLA’s facelift includes items such as a renewed front-apron design, a revised grille (with a star pattern in the case of standard models) and a redesigned rear diffuser. High-performance LED headlamps, meanwhile, are now standard and furthermore score “modernised graphics”.
Fresh paint colours have also been added to the range, including “hyper blue” (a hue exclusive to the CLA) and “spectral blue”, while 3 additional alloy-wheel designs (up to 19 inches) have been rolled out. As standard, the updated CLA rides on 17-inch 5-spoke wheels in vanadium silver or 5-double-spoke items in high-gloss black with a high-sheen finish.
Updated CLA moves to mild-hybrid petrol engines
Petrol engines (including the CLA35 pictured above but excluding the CLA45) gain mild-hybrid tech.
Though the engine range for South Africa has yet to be confirmed, all previously standard petrol mills in the updated CLA (expect that of the CLA45 S) are now electrified. As such, the 4-cylinder units are equipped with a 48-volt on‑board power supply as well as a new belt-driven starter‑generator. During braking and acceleration, the starter-generator recuperates what would otherwise be lost energy and supplies it to 12-volt on-board network and the 48-volt battery.
So, in the case of the CLA200 currently offered here in SA in pre-facelift form, the turbocharged 1.3-litre engine still makes 120 kW, though an additional 10 kW is briefly on offer thanks to the mild-hybrid tech. The turbodiesel lumps, however, are unchanged; the CLA 220d remains a 2.0-litre oil-burner generating 140 kW and 400 Nm.
In Europe, Mercedes-Benz furthermore offers a plug-in hybrid version of the sleek sedan (badged as the “CLA 250 e”), which upgrades to an improved high-voltage battery that offers a higher usable energy content (and thus better electric range). The power of the electric motor has also increased by 5 kW (to 80 kW) and again works alongside a 120 kW turbocharged 1.3-litre petrol unit.
A peek inside the facelifted CLA’s cabin
Various minor changes have been made in the CLA’s cabin.
Inside, you’ll again find a free-standing double screen, though it now incorporates a 7-inch and a 10.25-inch display as standard (a pair of 10.25-inch displays creating a wide-screen effect is an option). The steering wheel is upholstered in Nappa leather, but is also available in Artico synthetic leather. Look closely and you’ll also notice new trim elements available in a dark carbon look, open-pore brown lime wood or brown microfibre.
Comfort seats ship standard in a combination of synthetic leather and fabric (black as standard or sage grey as an option), with the latter upholstery comprising 100% recycled materials. Different interior colour schemes are available for each of the equipment lines (as many as 5 in the case of the AMG Line).
Though standard kit levels will obviously vary by market, Mercedes-Benz says the CLA’s equipment list has been “significantly upgraded”. In Europe, for example, the base CLA comes with items such as high-beam assist, a reversing camera and a USB package, in addition to a leather tiller and LED headlamps. The Stuttgart-based firm says “other functional equipment” is bundled into packages “based on real customer behaviour”.
The CLA also features the latest generation of MBUX, complete with newly designed display styles, a revised telematics system and “improved performance”. A fresh feature is wireless connectivity with smartphones via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. There’s also an additional USB-C port as well as increased USB charging capacity, while all USB ports are now illuminated.
Mercedes-AMG CLA35 and CLA45 S also updated
This is the new AMG Street Style Edition of the facelifted CLA45 S.
The pair of CLA models fettled by the folks from Affalterbach also score a few updates. The CLA35, for instance, upgrades to a new AMG-specific grille with vertical slats, while also gaining a reshaped front apron and a round badge with the AMG emblem. Inside, there are new upholstery covers for the standard sports seats.
Redesigned light-alloy wheels for the 35-badged model includes 10-spoke 18-inch items in black and optional 5-twin-spoke 19-inch wheels. The CLA45 S, meanwhile, rides on 19-inchers as standard, with a 2nd design in the same size available as an option.
While the all-wheel-drive CLA45 S sticks with an unchanged version of its high-output 310 kW/500 Nm turbocharged 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder engine, the likewise all-paw CLA35’s 225 kW/400 Nm 2.0-litre unit gains a 48-volt electrical system and a belt-driven starter-generator (and again a temporary power boost of 10 kW). However, Mercedes-AMG has added a new limited-run version of the CLA 45 S called the “AMG Street Style Edition”, complete with fluorescent orange accents.
