Jaguar has announced some updates to its all-electric I-Pace and the good news is it’s confirmed to land in SA in the middle of 2023.
The Jaguar I-Pace was the British brand’s effort at offering an all-electric performance SUV and some would say that it did a good job of being first to market from the legacy brands. It’s won numerous awards across the globe, but in the era when technology moves exceptionally fast, it needs to be kept relevant.
Which is why Jaguar has just announced updates to it. The updated 2023 Jaguar I-Pace gets some small visual updates. You can spot the newer model with its new-look front grille, body-coloured lower door finishers and diffuser and there’s now the option of a contrast panoramic roof. Jaguar is also offering some satin paints and R-Dynamic trim.
There’s a 90 kWh lithium-ion battery that powers a motor on each axle and the I-Pace is good for a 0-100 kph in just 4.8 seconds. A range of 470 km is claimed based on the WLTP cycle. It can be charged using a 100 kW DC box that will give it a range of around 127 km in just 15 minutes. SA customers with 3-phase supply and the 11 kW home wall box will get around 53 km per hour, and a full charge takes 8.6 hours. Single-phase customers on a 7 kW home wall box get 35 km per hour and a full charge in 12.75 hours.
Inside, the 2023 Jaguar I-Pace features the brilliant Pivi Pro infotainment system and wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto is now standard across the range. Over-the-air updates are standard too.
Updated Jaguar I-Pace SA ETA
The updated Jaguar I-Pace is confirmed to land in South Africa in the middle of 2023, but the order books are open now. Pricing will be confirmed closer to the time, but for the record, the current model retails at R2 074 700.
10 best-selling bakkies in South Africa: December 2022
Let’s look at December 2022’s sales figures and pick out South Africa’s best- and worst-selling bakkies for the final month of the year…
South Africa’s new-vehicle market grew 16.2% year on year to 41 783 units in December 2022, while the light-commercial vehicle segment (where volume is driven primarily by bakkies) ended the final month of the year on 10 438 registrations, representing similar year-on-year growth of 16.1%.
For the record, December’s light-commercial figure is 22.5% down on November’s effort, which was clearly reflected in the individual model sales figures, with only one bakkie managing to improve its tally month on month.
The Prospecton-produced Toyota Hilux retained its position at the sharp end of the list of South Africa’s best-selling bakkies, with 2 556 examples registered in December 2022. Despite the Silverton-built Ford Ranger’s transition to a new generation (and the fact only double-cab variants of the fresh-faced model became available locally in December), the Blue Oval bakkie hung onto second place with 1 495 units, well ahead of the Struandale-manufactured Isuzu D-Max (1 183 units).
Despite its advanced age, demand for Toyota’s Land Cruiser 79 remains strong.
Though the Nissan NP200 (718 units) dropped into three figures, the Rosslyn-built half-tonner retained fourth place. The Mahindra Pik Up (460 units) and Nissan Navara (356 units) likewise held steady in fifth and sixth, respectively.
As the only bakkie to grow its sales tally compared with November’s effort, the evergreen Toyota Land Cruiser 79 (314 units) climbed two positions to seventh, meaning the GWM P-Series (292 units) and GWM Steed (279 units) each fell a spot to eighth and ninth, respectively. With 115 units registered, the outgoing Volkswagen Amarok again completed the top 10.
Best of the rest in December 2022
Jeep’s Gladiator improved from just a single sale in November to 20 registrations in December.
So, what about those models that didn’t manage to crack the top 10? Well, the Mitsubishi Triton was again the best of the rest in December 2022, with 77 units registered. Next came the Mahindra Bolero (32 units) and Peugeot Landtrek (28 units), followed by the Jeep Gladiator (20 units).
JAC’s T-badged bakkies (the Chinese automaker reports a combined figure for the recently expanded T6 and T8 line-ups) grew to 56 units, while Mazda could find homes for a mere four new examples of the BT-50.
Export winners in December 2022
After playing second fiddle to the Hilux on the export charts in November, the Ford Ranger returned to the top spot in December 2022, with 5 553 units shipped from local shores. The Hilux (3 152 units) was next, with the Nissan Navara (328 units), Isuzu D-Max (188 units) and Nissan NP200 (94 units) making up the export numbers.
Interestingly, the official Naamsa report shows 74 examples of the Mitsubishi Triton were also exported from SA in the final month of 2022 (nearly as many as were registered locally), along with 14 units of the likewise imported GWM P-Series and a single example of the Steed.
10 best-selling bakkies in South Africa for December 2022
Mahindra’s new medium SUV – the XUV700 – joined our fleet just before the recent end-of-year break. Is the fresh offering from the brand any good? Let’s hit the road.
The best thing about conducting an extended test is that it provides an opportunity to form a more in-depth understanding (and, sometimes, appreciation) of a new model. Our usual 10-14 day tests are quite thorough, but because all testers need to have a chance to drive test cars during the rest of the year, individuals may not necessarily get enough seat time to notice all of a vehicle’s quirks and talents.
While most motoring journalists prefer to test products from established brands (so that they can have benchmarks on which to base their evaluations), I chose to veer off the established path this year and sampled the new Mahindra instead. Due to calendar clashes, we were unable to attend the local debut of the XUV700, but, when I had a small taste of a homologation unit of the model back in July 2022, I was quietly impressed with it. December, then, proved the perfect opportunity to assess the newcomer.
An older XUV500 meets its “successor”, the new XUV700.
The middling and (not to be too unkind) plain-Jane Mahindra SUV range from years ago is gone; it has been replaced by a line-up of thoroughly modern, well-equipped and nicely finished family cars. The Indian brand is on the up; first, it launched the underrated XUV300 (one of the safest models in its class) and now the XUV700. Clearly, Mahindra, which recently adopted a new logo, has done something right – the XUV700 has been voted Car of the Year in its home country, where the waiting list for one is long.
The cabin looks and feels modern and upmarket.
There are 3 derivatives in the XUV700 range and our test unit was the top-of-the-range 2.0T AX7 L. The entry point to the new range is a 5-seater, with the middle and top versions being 7-seaters. Like virtually all medium SUVs that offer 3rd-row accommodation, the Mahindra’s luggage space is limited when all seats are in use. Fortunately, we didn’t need to utilise the additional seats, so they stayed folded flat.
The third row of seats neatly folds away. Note the ventilation controls for rearmost occupants.
Our test unit (finished in the signature Electric Blue hue), ticked many boxes in the design stakes. The XUV700 features a variety of contemporary visual elements, such as bold – and bright – daytime running lights, sweeping LED indicators, attractive wheels, flush-fitting door handles and wrap-around tail lamps.
When you step inside, you’ll soon discover that the cabin’s visual appeal and build quality represent a huge leap forward for Mahindra products. Gone are the days when cheap-feeling scratchy and poorly-fitting plastics, and the overwhelming smell of adhesive, dominated the ambience. The interior has a reassuring solidity and it has all the gadgets and gizmos you’d expect at the price (just over R550k).
3 Things To Like about the Mahindra XUV700
Powertrain
The headline act is the new 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine, which is nicely matched with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain’s peak outputs (149 kW and 380 Nm) translate into effortless performance, both from a standstill and in gear (it produces brisk overtaking acceleration). The ‘box’s mapping software is intuitive enough to know when to kick down and when to hold onto gears.
Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility is standard.
No official performance figures are stated for the XUV700, but our test equipment revealed that 0-100 kph was dispatched in just 9.28 sec; it confirmed our suspicion that the model’s quicker than expected.
But this is not what the XUV700 is about. Instead, you (like me) will be impressed with just how quiet the model’s powertrain is at the national limit. It’s a pity the tyres generate notable noise when they traverse coarser road surfaces, but the grumbling can be easily drowned out by the excellent Sony audio system.
The Mahindra XUV700 meets the Breede River at Bonnievale.
The vehicle arrived with the trip computer readout at 9.8 km/L (10.2 L/100 km) and after our long, open-road journey out to the magnificent Breedekloof Valley, the Mahindra indicated 12.1 km/l (8.2 L/100 km). Yes, the consumption does appear to be a bit heavy, but the XUV700 does offer punchy performance, plus it tips the scales at 1960 kg – so, that’s acceptable in my book. The vehicle has a 60-litre fuel tank.
Sadly, there’s no diesel engine in the local XUV700 line-up, but Mahindra will be launching an off-road-biased variant of this vehicle (the Scorpio-N) later this year; that should include a turbodiesel derivative.
Comfort and Practicality
In our line of work, we get to drive almost every new model from each brand in the market and my wife definitely raised her eyebrows when I announced the new XUV700 would be our chariot throughout the December holiday. See, her last taste of the brand came with the Mahindra Quanto in 2015, which, well, failed to impress her. After the first hour of travelling in the XUV700, however, she exclaimed: “It’s SO comfortable” and “this aircon is saving my actual life” (the temperature reached a baking 35°C at one point).
Exploring the remote farms around Robertson.
The quality of the seats is excellent – they’re neatly trimmed and offer plenty of support; once you have found your ideal driving position, you’ll be hard-pressed to think of a medium SUV (yes, from mainstream brands) that is as comfortable and well-thought-out at this price point. Drawbacks? Well, the steering feels extremely light and it’s not the sharpest (most accurate). While this is a bonus within the confines of a tight parking lot or a narrow street, we often needed to make tiny steering inputs on the open road.
Golf clubs, fishing gear, food, clothes – and there’s room for more
When undertaking long-haul journeys with the family, space and comfort are priorities and, when in 5- (as opposed to 7-seat) configuration, the XUV700’d load bay comfortably swallowed all the things you’d need for a few nights away, as well as golf clubs and fishing gear. The 2nd row of seats is easily foldable (if you need extra cargo space), but if you’re carrying passengers, the seats can be reclined for comfort.
Inside, there’s plenty of oddment space, with 2 cupholders in the centre and a large storage bin (big enough to hold a 1-litre bottle) – in every door. The bin in the central armrest is also impressively deep.
Rear legroom is generous, plus a USB-C charging port is provided.
Safety and Tech Features
The standard spec is impressive across the range; the 2.0T AX7 L comes with a large panoramic roof, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay and fancy-looking digital displays. We appreciated the 2 USB ports and the wireless charging pad that kept our devices topped up, because they were constantly streaming music and running navigation apps (Waze and Google Maps). There’s even Amazon Alexa functionality.
Alexa and an assortment of apps are available.
The AX7 L is distinguished from the AX7 derivative by high-end features such as a 12-speaker 3D audio system from Sony (which is very good, by the way), keyless entry and start, reach adjustment for the steering column, wireless charging pad, 360-degree cameras and additional safety equipment, including a knee airbag, blind-spot monitor and stop&go functionality for the adaptive cruise control system.
It’s great to see this level of assisted driving fitted as standard.
Speaking of safety, the Mahindra was fitted with 7 airbags, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and -keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, tyre pressure sensors and smart pilot assist. Mahindra claims Level 1 autonomy – that’s impressive! – and we experienced the emergency autonomous systems in action when a vehicle ahead of us turned at the last minute, which prompted the XUV700 to alert us of an imminent collision. Had we not braked immediately, the car would have stepped in milliseconds later.
Dislikes?
Despite the many advances that the XUV700 incorporates, there were a couple of niggles that blotted its copybook. We encountered an electronic error on the fuel trip computer – it simply would not display a distance-to-empty figure, so we had to estimate a range based on consumption and tank size.
The list of assisted driving technology features is extensive.
Secondly, the infotainment screen would lag upon start-up and, on a few occasions, it remained off until the vehicle was switched off and back on again. The digital dashboard also refused to boot up once, but nothing a quick off/on couldn’t resolve. We hope that a software update will root out these tech gremlins.
The standard infotainment user experience isn’t the most intuitive, at least initially.
Other gripes concerned the infotainment system’s user experience – its interface requires a bit of familiarisation (it’s not what we’d call user-friendly). Also, the rearview mirror vibrated constantly – even on the smoothest roads – and we reckon that could be fixed by the installation of a sturdier mounting.
Summary
Good-looking, well-priced, comfortable and more – Mahindra has done a good job here.
The evidence in its favour is overwhelming – the XUV700 is a massive step up for Mahindra; it brings new levels of build quality, refinement and comfort to the brand. The timing’s good too, because many consumers are switching from established brands (that are now priced beyond the reach of the average buyer) to up-and-coming brands that offer “more car, for less money”. Haval and Chery are 2 examples!
If the pre-order success is anything to go by (over 1 100 units of the XUV700 had been reserved by the end of December 2022), Mahindra has got a winner on its hands. If you want something that’s a bit more off-road-biased, the XUV700’s more outdoorsy Scorpio-N brother will be launched quite soon…
As of January 2023, the Mahindra XUV700 is priced from R474 999, with the flagship model going to R559 999.
South Africa’s new-vehicle market ended the year on a positive note, with sales in December 2022 growing 16.2%. Here’s what you need to know, including a look at the country’s best-selling vehicles and most popular brands…
In December 2022, South Africa’s new-vehicle industry registered its twelfth consecutive month of year-on-year sales growth, capping a year defined by its steady recovery to just short of pre-pandemic levels. The final month of 2022 saw total new-vehicle sales in the country grow an encouraging 16.2% year on year to 41 783 units, according to Naamsa.
Though this figure is down around 15% compared with November 2022’s effort of 49 413 registrations, it nevertheless represents a sound showing in a month traditionally shortened by public holidays and year-end closures (and thus fewer trading days).
Out of the total reported industry sales of 41 783 vehicles, an estimated 37 479 units (or 89.7%) represented dealer sales, while 7.3% went to the vehicle-rental industry, 1.5% to government and another 1.5% to industry corporate fleets. Both the new passenger-vehicle and light-commercial vehicle markets reflected year-on-year increases, with the former growing 15.4% to 28 793 units and the latter 16.1% to 10 438 units. Meanwhile, December 2022’s export sales grew 24.2% year on year to 26 302 units.
For the record, South Africa’s new-vehicle sales for the full year of 2022 recovered by 13.9% to 528 963 units, though this was still 1.4% below the pre-pandemic 536 612 units sold in 2019.
Gary McCraw, Director of the National Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA), said the sustained growth in SA’s new-vehicle sales “continues to confound forecasters”, before describing December as a “bumper” month.
“We are particularly pleased that the retail sales channel was responsible for delivering 37 479 units or 89.7% of the total vehicles sold in December, which is excellent for the health of these dealers, who are still recovering from the lengthy COVID-19 lockdowns,” McCraw explained.
New vehicle sales summary for December 2022
Aggregate new-vehicle sales of 41 783 units increased by 16.2% (5 839 units) compared to December 2021.
New passenger-vehicle sales of 28 793 units increased by 15.4% (3 840 units) compared to December 2021.
New light-commercial vehicle sales of 10 438 units increased by 16.1% (1 449 units) compared to December 2021.
Export sales of 26 302 units increased by 24.2% (5 130 units) compared to December 2021.
10 best-selling car brands in South Africa for December 2022
Renault was the only brand in the top 10 to grow its sales month on month.
There were no surprises at the very top of the pile, with Toyota (11 250 units) again way out in front, more than double the effort of the again second-placed Volkswagen Group (5 331 units). Suzuki, meanwhile, held steady in third place with 3 058 registrations, finishing what has been an incredibly strong year for the Japanese firm’s local division.
Meanwhile, Hyundai moved up a place to fourth, pushing Nissan down one to fifth. Ford managed to hang onto sixth spot, while Renault climbed three places to seventh (and was the only brand in the top 10 to improve on its November showing). Chinese brand Haval thus fell one to eighth, with Kia again securing ninth and Isuzu sinking two positions to tenth. For the record, Chery found itself in twelfth place, with 1 359 units sold in December 2022.
1. Toyota – 11 250 units
2. Volkswagen Group – 5 331 units
3. Suzuki – 3 058 units
4. Hyundai – 2 770 units
5. Nissan – 2 144 units
6. Ford – 1 948 units
7. Renault – 1 868 units
8. Haval – 1 735 units
9. Kia – 1 650 units
10. Isuzu – 1 607 units
10 best-selling vehicles in South Africa for December 2022
Toyota’s SA-built Corolla Cross was again the best-selling passenger vehicle of the month.
No prizes for guessing the Toyota Hilux again topped the best-selling vehicle charts, with 2 556 examples of the locally produced bakkie sold across the country in the final month of the year. The likewise Prospecton-built Corolla Cross (1 834 units) found itself in a comfortable second place once more, while the Hi-Ace (1 539 units) moved up one to third, resulting in an all-Toyota podium in December 2022.
Amid its switch to a new generation, the Ford Ranger (1 495 units) moved down a position to fourth, while Volkswagen’s Kariega-produced twins, the Polo Vivo (1 421 units) and Polo hatchback (1 365 units), each climbed a place to fifth and sixth, respectively. The Struandale-manufactured Isuzu D-Max (1 183 units) was up one to seventh and the Toyota Starlet (1 036 units) two to eighth, with the latter the highest-placing imported model.
The Toyota Urban Cruiser (945 units) retained ninth, while the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro made its first appearance in the top 10, with 857 units registered in the month. Despite taking fifth place in November, sales of the Suzuki Swift interestingly more than halved month on month to 806 units. Other vehicles just outside the top 10 in December 2022 included the Hyundai Grand i10 (780 units), Renault Kwid (780 units), Nissan Magnite (771 units), Haval Jolion (734 units) and Nissan NP200 (718 units).
Top 10 vehicles exported from South Africa in December 2022
The Ford Ranger topped the export charts in December 2022, according to Naamsa’s official figures.
In December 2022, the Ford Ranger reclaimed the top export spot (having placed third the previous month), with 5 553 units shipped from its Silverton facility. The Volkswagen Polo hatchback (5 447 units) wasn’t too far behind in second, with the Toyota Hilux (3 152 units) likewise dropping a spot, to third. With the Munich-based firm reporting detailed sales figures to Naamsa again in December, the Rosslyn-built BMW X3 (1 748 units) managed to crack fourth.
The Nissan Navara, Isuzu D-Max, Nissan NP200, Toyota Corolla Quest, Toyota Fortuner and Toyota Corolla Cross made up the numbers. It’s also worth noting Mercedes-Benz did not submit detailed figures to Naamsa, so it’s not clear how many new C-Class sedan units were exported from SA last month. For the record, however, Naamsa’s estimate stands a whopping 9 405 units.
1. Ford Ranger – 5 553 units
2. Volkswagen Polo (hatch) – 5 447 units
3. Toyota Hilux – 3 152 units
4. BMW X3 – 1 748 units
5. Nissan Navara – 328 units
6. Isuzu D-Max – 188 units
7. Nissan NP200 – 94 units
8. Toyota Corolla Quest – 52 units
9. Toyota Fortuner – 39 units
10. Toyota Corolla Cross – 16 units
Sales outlook
So, now that 2022 has come and gone, what’s next for South Africa’s new-vehicle market? Well, Naamsa points to the fact the country’s consumer price inflation reached a 13-year high in July 2022, with the South African Reserve Bank raising the interest rate seven consecutive times since November 2021 to its highest level since 2016. It also notes the loftier stages of load-shedding “seemed to have an amplified negative impact” on the South African economy as a whole.
However, the organisation believes the domestic new-vehicle market’s performance will “remain resilient despite weakening domestic economic indicators and a deteriorating global growth outlook”. Naamsa’s concerns include global stagflation, the continued economic impact and disruption of supply chains resulting from the Russia-Ukraine war, and the current pace of tighter monetary policy in major markets. These factors all point to the possibility of a global recession.
In addition, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in South Africa continues to be adjusted downwards and is now expected to be as low as 1.1% for 2023. In view of the close correlation between new-vehicle sales and the GDP growth rate, Naamsa predicts single-digit growth in new-vehicle sales for 2023 as the market “returns to pre-pandemic levels in sales and exports”.
NADA’s McCraw largely echoed Naamsa’s prediction that growth would continue in 2023, though “maybe not at the rate anticipated previously”. He noted many of the factors that “hobbled the motor industry in 2022” would likely still be encountered in 2023.
“The South African retail motor industry has had to face challenges for several years now and [is] proving very resilient and innovative in keeping sales volumes running at a reasonable rate,” concluded McCraw.
It’s official! Mazda has announced the rebirth of the rotary engine, though it won’t be the high-revving screamer you may remember from years gone by…
Mazda was the automaker that took the rotary engine mainstream, though this complex flavour of powertrain was effectively killed off when the RX-8 went out of production in 2012. Now, more than a decade later, the Japanese firm has announced the rotary engine will be “reborn for the electric age”.
But rather than directly powering the wheels, this fresh version of the Felix Wankel’s engine design will power an electric generator in a new MX-30 derivative set to go on sale in Europe.
“Faithful to its multi-solution approach to the global challenges of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, Mazda will introduce a new powertrain option for its MX-30 at the Brussels Motor Show 2023,” Mazda said in a statement, which was accompanied by an image of a new rotary badge.
The RX-8 was the last Mazda to feature a rotary engine.
Described as a “unique plug-in hybrid powertrain”, this version of the MX-30 will feature an electric generator powered by a “newly developed” rotary engine. Mazda has released no other official details as yet, though we expect more information to be provided on 13 January, once the covers have come off in Brussels. In short, it seems the rotary will function as a range extender.
What led to the demise of the rotary engine and why wasn’t it embraced by other automakers (considering it tended to offer strong performance for its given displacement)? Well, the recurring problem was scratching on the inner surface of the engine casing caused by apex seals on the triangular rotor juddering (rather than sliding smoothly) against the inner casing.
Still, Mazda’s engineers believed they solved the problem with a special graphite-aluminium-alloy seal, which they said would also cure excessive oil consumption and a lack of low-down torque. However, after a production run of nearly 50 years (having debuted in the Cosmo Sport in 1967), the rotary was eventually put out to pasture in 2012.
Mazda is due to introduce a number of updated models in South Africa in 2023, including a revised BT-50 double-cab bakkie. Across the pond in Australia, a more rugged BT-50 LE has been introduced. Will we get it in South Africa?
Does the Mazda BT-50 lack rugged appeal in South Africa?
The new Mazda BT-50, based on the new locally assembled Isuzu D-Max, has been on sale since 2021.
Current offerings in the double-cab bakkie segment are decisively rugged in appearance and the Mazda BT-50 bucks that trend with a look that’s far more sophisticated and “upmarket”. This facet might very well be a contributing factor to the BT-50’s lacklustre sales performance in South Africa since its arrival on local soil.
Mazda in Australia has made an effort to close this apparent gap in the BT-50’s skill set with the introduction of a new range-topping LE specification that adds a few more functional offroad addenda that afford the Japanese double-cab with a more rugged appearance.
The most prominent modification for the BT-50 LE is the specially-designed, integrated front bull bar as well as a stainless steel sports bar. The BT-50 LE is only offered in Ingot Silver body colour.
Under the bonnet, the familiar 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine does duty with 140 kW and 450 Nm of torque available and comes paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Will the BT-50 LE be offered in South Africa?
We hope so! However, Mazda South Africa has yet to confirm exactly what updates will be issued for the BT-50 on local soil.
In our big bakkie comparison undertaken in 2021, the Mazda BT 50’s strong performance took us by surprise and we think that a more offroad-focussed and rugged BT-50 will likely appeal to more buyers looking for a capable offroad double-cab as opposed to an urban bakkie queen.
Time will tell and we will certainly keep you posted as local information becomes available!
Toyota Hilux GR-Sport Scores Tougher Looks Overseas
A fresh version of the Toyota Hilux GR-Sport has broken cover in Australia, with the flagship double-cab bakkie gaining wider tracks and more aggressive styling than that of the SA-spec model…
Toyota has unwrapped a new version of its Hilux GR-Sport for the Australian market, with the latest iteration boasting noticeably tougher styling than that of the halo double-cab bakkie available here in South Africa.
While the Australian-spec Hilux GR-Sport features the same engine tune – taking the 2.8-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel unit’s peak outputs from the standard 150 kW and 500 Nm to 165 kW and 550 Nm – as the version offered in South Africa since September 2022, it gains considerably wider tracks as well as a far more aggressively styled front end (improving the approach angle to 30 degrees), complete with a skid plate.
Ostensibly inspired by Toyota Gazoo Racing’s successful Dakar competitor, the front track has been extended 140 mm to 1 675 mm and the rear 155 mm to 1 705 mm, while this version also scores redesigned wishbones and a reinforced rear axle to “cater for the most demanding driving conditions”. As a result, the listed vehicle width comes in at a whopping 2 020 mm. This model is slightly shorter than the one built in SA, measuring 5 320 mm from nose to tail.
The Australian version of the left and the South African model on the right.
The grille, too, differs from that of the SA-spec version, as does the design (not to mention hue) of the 17-inch alloy wheels, which are here wrapped in all-terrain tyres. The black wheels furthermore frame red brake callipers (while the rear drums are replaced with discs) and the load bay features an embossed “GR” logo. Round back, you’ll likely also notice this model’s red recovery points. Interestingly, this version does without a sports bar, an item that is included as standard in SA.
Described as a “hardcore off-roader”, the new Hilux GR Sport 4×4 AT offered Down Under also gains a special suspension tune, seemingly subtly different to that applied to the SA version. According to the Japanese firm’s Australian arm, this includes dedicated monotube shock absorbers (with higher damping force and heat-dissipation capacity), stiffer coil springs and an “optimal” front-rear suspension balance. It also features a “higher ground clearance”, though an exact figure has yet to be revealed.
Inside, you’ll find bright sports pedals and red seatbelts, along with “GR” branding on items such as the steering wheel and headrests. While the SA-spec version features black rather than red seatbelts, it does score plenty of red contrast stitching as well as crimson-coloured trim on the facia and a GR-specific instrument cluster (features not present on the Aussie-spec model).
So, will any of these changes be implemented locally? Well, though we certainly can’t rule out the possibility, it seems somewhat unlikely considering Australia sources its Hilux units from Thailand while South Africa builds its own at Prospecton in KwaZulu-Natal…
The Volkswagen ID.7 will be VW’s first fully-electric sedan and while its reveal is slated for later in 2023, some details have been confirmed.
Volkswagen will be showcasing the new ID.7 at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Its essentially the Wolfsburg-based brand’s first fully-electric sedan which is underpinned by the new modular electric drive matrix (MEB) platform.
The camouflage complete with QR codes is still present, but the basic shape of the vehicle is there, giving you some idea of what it will look like. “With the new ID.7, we are extending our electric model range into the upper segments. The sedan will offer top-class technology and quality. The ID.7 is one of ten new electric models that we are planning to launch by 2026. Our goal? To deliver suitable products for our customers in every single segment,” says Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars.
Interestingly, Volkswagen says it has responded to customer feedback and improved certain areas. Think of the criticism levelled at the brand over the capacitive touchpads, user experience and lack of physical buttons. The new ID.7 is said to feature an augmented reality heads-up display, new 15-inch screen, new ventilation controls and illuminated touch sliders. Of course voice control is standard, and you can say things like “Hey Volkswagen, my feet are cold” and the car will take the appropriate action.
Mechanically, the ID.7 is claimed to have a range of around 700 km based on the WLTP cycle. This is achieved by some trick aerodynamics and a low drag coefficient, allowing it to slip through the air easier. With a wheelbase of 2.97 metres (a bit more than a BMW 3 Series), the ID.7 interior should be spacious.
It’s good to see the sedan design not completely dead in favour of a high-riding SUV or crossover. The new Volkswagen ID.7 will be revealed in the second quarter of 2023.
New BMW i Vision Dee is a Colour-Changing Concept Sedan
The new BMW i Vision Dee concept sports colour-changing technology, a windscreen-wide head-up display and what the firm bills as a “classic 3-box sedan design”…
BMW has revealed its latest concept car at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2023 in Las Vegas, with a firm focus on all things digital. Meet the BMW i Vision Dee, which can not only alter its exterior colour at the touch of a button but also boasts a new head-up display stretching the full width of the windscreen.
Still, what immediately struck us was the concept’s noticeably pared-down design language, which stands in stark contrast to the somewhat more divisive styling of today’s BMW models. Interestingly, the Munich-based firm says it deliberately simplified the show car’s exterior design in order to focus attention on the digital experience.
That said, BMW points out the “classic 3-box sedan design” still forms the core of the German brand and here incorporates new takes on traditional styling elements such as the kidney grille, twin circular headlights and even the famous Hofmeister kink. Equal parts retro and futuristic, if you ask us. The company has said nothing about the concept’s powertrain, but we’re guessing it’s fully electric.
Being a concept car, there’s plenty of wacky tech on display. For instance, the BMW i Vision Dee features a “personalised welcome scenario” that combines graphical elements, light and sound effects. The headlights and closed grille form what BMW calls a common “phygital” (fusion of physical and digital) icon on a uniform surface, allowing the vehicle to produce different “facial expressions”. The concept can even project an image of the driver’s avatar onto the side window to further personalise the welcome scenario.
A closer look at the BMW i Vision Dee’s fresh technology
The concept’s E Ink tech effectively allows the user to design their own livery.
So, what other tech is packed into the BMW i Vision Dee (the latter stands for “Digital Emotional Experience”)? Well, the fresh-faced concept features a full-colour version of the E Ink technology that debuted on the BMW iX displayed at CES 2022. While that model could alternate between black and white only, the newcomer showcases a multi-coloured, fully variable and individually configurable exterior.
The system relies an “ePaper” film applied to the vehicle body, allowing up to 32 colours to be displayed. The surface of the concept is divided into 240 segments, each of which is controlled individually, allowing a wide variety of patterns to be generated and varied within seconds. In other words, design your own livery!
Then there’s the new head-up display, which is projected across the full width of the windscreen. BMW says a “standard-production version” of this display is planned for models of the Neue Klasse family of vehicles from 2025 onwards.
The BMW i Vision Dee furthermore features a “mixed reality slider”, which works in conjunction with the advanced head-up display. Described as the concept’s “central operating control”, the system allows the driver to decide how much digital content they want to see. The 5-step selection ranges from analogue to driving-related information, the contents of the communications system, augmented-reality projection and even “entry into virtual worlds”. Meanwhile, dimmable windows allow the occupants to “gradually fade out reality”.
“With the BMW i Vision Dee, we are showcasing what is possible when hardware and software merge. In this way, we are able to exploit the full potential of digitalisation to transform the car into an intelligent companion. That is the future for automotive manufacturers – and, also, for BMW: the fusion of the virtual experience with genuine driving pleasure,” said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG.
“At the same time, BMW i Vision Dee is another step on the road to the NEUE KLASSE. With this vision, we are looking far into the future and underlining the tremendous importance of digitalisation for our upcoming product generations.”
If the Defender wasn’t capable enough for your adventures, the Land Rover Defender Arctic Trucks should tick the boxes.
The Land Rover Defender has been a runaway success for the British brand, combining luxury and genuine offroad capability in a bold and macho package. A diverse array of petrol, diesel and electrified engines are offered, and its only a matter of time before an all-electric model breaks cover.
Defenders have proven popular among the 4×4 enthusiast crowd, but what if you wanted to live the LR brand ethos and go above and beyond? Granted, in the right hands, the Defender is a capable 4×4 machine, but there are limits. Enter Arctic Trucks, the offroad specialists who have engineered many products from Toyota, Isuzu and more.
What you see here is the Land Rover Defender Arctic Trucks AT35, named after its massive 35-inch tyres. For the record, these are 315/60 tyres wrapped around 20-inch alloy wheels. To allow for such large wheels, there’s a new lift kit for the suspension and Arctic Trucks says its compatible with the OEM adaptive air suspension from Land Rover.
Ground clearance has been increased by up to 360 mm with the air suspension at its highest. In comparison, the stock setup can only muster just 290 mm. The package also includes fender extensions, Arctic Trucks branding, mudguards, winch and electric towbar.
