Volkswagen Golf 8 R (2023) Review

It’s been about 2 years since Volkswagen revealed the Golf 8 R. The 235-kW performance hatchback will finally go on sale in South Africa early next year and given the legacy of its “7.5” predecessor, it has a lot to live up to – let alone eclipse. We give the newcomer a thorough assessment.

We like: Blistering performance, ability to flatter novice drivers, docile enough to be an excellent daily.

We don’t like: Not the most user-friendly infotainment and climate controls, stock shortages and delays.

FAST FACTS

Model: Volkswagen Golf R
Price: TBC (on sale Q1 2023)
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbopetrol
Power/Torque: 235 kW/400 Nm
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch transmission
Fuel consumption: 10.9 L/100 km (tested)
0-100 kph: 4.7 sec (claimed)
Luggage capacity: 374 litres

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The combination of the unique LED light bar and the R logo makes for an intimidating sight.

Where does the Volkswagen Golf 8 R fit in?

We’ve had to wait quite a while to spend quality time with the Golf 8 R and prospective buyers of the performance hatchback will have to hang on for a little longer before they can get their hands on one. Volkswagen SA is scrambling to secure more units before the on-sale date in early 2023, so if you want one, we suggest that you make friends with your local VW dealer before the end of 2022, because demand will spike once the model hits showrooms.

More: Why the Golf 8 R has been delayed in SA?

In terms of kerb appeal, the Golf R really looks the part, even when finished in the most neutral of the colours it’s available in (the other hues are black and blue). The newcomer can be distinguished by its model-specific 19-inch alloys, blue brake calipers, unique daytime running lights and the quad exhaust ends. Subtle R badges are dotted around the bodywork.

By virtue of its all-wheel drivetrain and lofty engine outputs, the Golf R competes in a class above conventional front-wheel-drive hot hatchbacks (such as its GTI sibling). In the absence of the Ford Focus RS (discontinued) and Toyota GR Corolla (not available in ZA – yet), the VW faces off against premium-badged countrymen. The Audi S3 is near-identical to the Golf R mechanically and offers similar performance, but it has a slightly more upmarket cabin. BMW, in turn, made the controversial switch from a 6-cylinder rear-wheel-drive package to a 4-cylinder, all-wheel-drive product and the result was the BMW M135i xDrive. Mercedes-AMG offers its 2.0-litre turbopetrol 225 kW/400 Nm “35” powertrain throughout its compact vehicle range, but for the purpose of this comparison, we’ll highlight the A35 hatch 4Matic.

Compare the Mercedes-AMG A35 hatchback to the BMW M135i xDrive and Audi S3 quattro hatch here.

The view most road users will see: a quartet of exhaust tips and an R badge under the VW emblem.

How the Golf R fares in terms of…

Performance and economy

Suffice it to say this is the most powerful Golf R yet and, best of all, our market gets the most powerful iteration of the model (in other words, Volkswagen has not needed to detune the powerplant to compensate for the Republic’s fuel quality and/or hot weather). As a result, the Golf R’s EA888 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine produces 235 kW and 400 Nm.

When we utilised the Golf R’s launch control function, we recorded a 4.71-second 0-to-100 kph time.

During its tenure in our test fleet, the Golf R dispatched the 0-100 kph sprint in 4.71 sec according to our testing gear, which was just a whisker slower than VWSA’s claim of 4.7 sec. It would not surprise us at all if other motoring titles recorded even quicker times in superior road and ambient conditions.

What’s more, it’s a relief that despite tightening EU exhaust-noise regulations (by 2026, most new passenger cars will be limited to 68 dB), the Golf R still sounds purposeful, if less than sonorous. Our unit was equipped with the optional Akrapovic exhaust, which is lighter than the standard unit by a few kg and adds some gravitas to an already urgent exhaust note.

Annoyingly, when you start the Golf R, it defaults to its Sport drive mode. While that level of programmed urgency will delight performance enthusiasts, it’s not entirely practical for the daily commute. The 7-speed dual-clutch transmission is set up to deliver rapid shifts in Sport mode – and excels at that, but when the car hasn’t yet warmed up sufficiently, the ‘box and electronic handbrake don’t facilitate smooth pull aways. Why can’t it start in Comfort mode (for smoother ‘shifts) and then let the user select a sportier setting at an appropriate time?

The blue R “button” is a wicked feature.

Speaking of gears, the steering wheel’s new-look shift paddles really look the part! Another great touch on the ‘wheel is the blue R button, which allows you to quickly engage the car’s sportiest settings. Forget Race, in the author’s household, it was referred to as the “really?!” button because each time it was pushed, the Golf would be tasked with delivering peak performance, which invariably elicited a complaint from the irate front passenger.

Fuel economy? Well, the Golf R is not a fuel-sipper, but it’s not expected to be one. If you’re keen to live your life a quarter mile at a time, you can expect returns of over 12 L/100 km. Our test period comprised mixed driving, with a final takeaway figure of 10.9 L/100 km.

Ride and handling

One of the criticisms levelled at previous iterations of the Golf R was that the performance hatchback offered almost, well, monotonous levels of surefooted and predictable handling in combination with compelling outputs. The front-wheel-driven i30 N and Civic Type R, by comparison, are said to offer more engagement – although those critics fail to mention that you have to work hard (or push the limits) to get high thrills from the Hyundai and Honda.

Thanks to the clever diff and all-wheel drive setup, this is the finest handling R yet.

As expected, this iteration of the Golf R is as easy to drive quickly as its predecessors; it flatters and cuddles its pilots. However, when you experiment with the VW’s drive modes and ramp up the pace, its sheer dynamism does come to the fore; the quicker the R goes, the more it rewards you. On a slippery road surface, it’ll leave hot hatches for dead.

The secret behind the Golf R’s tremendous handling ability is a brand-new all-wheel-drive system that shuffles power between the axles and the left and right wheels at the rear. Much like in the new Audi RS3, the new torque-vectoring technology can send 100% of the torque to the rear wheel on the outside of a corner (to counteract understeer). Does it work? Oh yes – you’ll find yourself exiting your favourite corners at heady velocities and with a huge grin on your face. The Volkswagen’s cross-drilled brakes, in turn, provide huge stopping power.

Beefed brakes features drilled discs clamped by blue R callipers.

The consensus of the test team was that the Golf 8 flagship’s general ride comfort – despite the sporty suspension setup and 19-inch alloys (shod with 235/35 tyres) – sets it apart from its rivals. There’s excellent body control and, thanks to highly supportive sport seats, you can still feel fresh at the end of a long road trip. Besides, the Golf R loves the open road, where its in-gear acceleration facilitates effortless overtaking manoeuvres. As for the steering setup, the ‘wheel is one of the most direct and lightest to wield, but there’s little feedback.

One of the best things about the Golf R is the customisability of its drive modes. You can, of course, simply toggle between Comfort, Race and Sport, but if you’re serious about getting the most enjoyment out of the car, experiment with the Individual setting. Anoraks (like us) will revel in the system’s detail and adaptability. For example, there are suspension settings that go beyond Comfort and Race, so you can select even softer – or stiffer – ride qualities.

Customise the adaptive damping settings to your heart’s content. There are more options than those included in the standard drive modes.

Apart from the adaptive suspension’s settings, you can adjust steering and throttle responses, as well as the motor’s soundtrack. If you grow weary of the synthesised engine note, which is piped into the cabin, you can switch it off, but retain all the other fun-to-drive characteristics.

Features, tech and safety

The Golf R’s smart-looking, minimalist and modern interior makes a strong first impression. It’s laced with performance elements such as subtle blue stitching and R logos and we don’t mind the small transmission switch and start-button combo – it declutters the centre console.

A clean and minimalist cabin design.

However, we reiterate that current-gen VW cabins don’t seem as substantial and user-friendly as they used to be. The climate-control sliders on the fascia and capacitive touchpads on the multifunction steering wheel look good, but they’re not particularly responsive or intuitive.

We often found ourselves activating the steering wheel’s heating function when attempting to skip audio tracks. Trying to adjust cabin temperature is a fun exercise as there’s no physical dial – you simply slide your finger left for colder and right for warmer. However, you’re unlikely to get it right the first time unless the car’s stationary at the time. Thankfully, VW also provides a smart climate control interface in the infotainment screen’s menu system.

The climate bar at the bottom of the screen is really fiddly to use. Rather select from the smart climate menu.

Next up is the infotainment system, which admittedly looks superb, but requires a lot of familiarisation. Activating the launch control, for example, is a chore. No longer do you simply set the stability control and drive mode in Sport, and go for it – now you have to go looking for the stability setting (it lurks deep within the menu system, hidden under a section labelled Brakes). Also, the infotainment system takes a while to boot up, so once the vehicle is switched on, you have to wait about 30 sec or so for everything to become available.

Despite its gimmicks and quirks, the Golf R’s cabin is a pleasant space to occupy and based on our experience, the SA-spec Golf R will come fully loaded. Our test unit had leather sports seats with heating, a heated steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, adaptive dampers, keyless entry, a wireless charging pad, plus two USB-C ports at the front and in the rear.

Stability control is hidden and took some time to find.

Other interesting features include auto-park functionality, a reverse-view camera, parking sensors, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Options will include the Harman Kardon audio, Akrapovic exhaust and a Black Style package, including Drift mode.

The digital instrument cluster offers a plethora of themes and layouts, all of which you can customise to your heart’s content. We preferred the blue theme in combination with the centrally-positioned R speedo and rev-counter – it felt most appropriate for this vehicle.

The best instrument cluster layout.

As far as safety equipment is concerned, the Golf R features semi-autonomous driving assistance technology, which falls under the IQ Drive banner. Adaptive cruise control, lane assist, side assist, driver alert and autonomous emergency braking were fitted to our unit.

Practicality and Packaging

The Golf R is meant to satisfy performance-car enthusiasts, but it’s unlikely to be bought by consumers who want to use it as a weekend toy only; it needs to be a practical family car too.

In that respect, the flagship of the Golf 8 range succeeds. Front occupants are availed plenty of storage spaces, a clever central drinks holder that can handle differently sized bottles, plus a neat storage area for a mobile phone, which doubles as a wireless charging pad. Interestingly, the sunglasses holder on the ceiling has disappeared.

There’s just about adequate space for tall(er) rear occupants.

The VW’s rear bench offers just about enough room to accommodate a pair of adults; taller occupants are provided adequate headroom but may find legroom a bit on the tight side.

As for luggage space, VW claims the Golf R’s bay can hold 341 litres, which is slightly less than the GTI’s figure due to the presence of the all-wheel drive system on the rear axle.

Compared with other performance hatchbacks, the Volkswagen’s load bay is smaller than those of the BMW M135i xDrive (380 litres) and Mercedes-AMG A35 4Matic (370 litres). Interestingly, the Golf R’s Audi S3 cousin has the smallest load bay of the lot (325 litres). At least if you fold down the test unit’s rear seats, you can get just over 1 200 L of utility space.

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The Golf 8 R is impressive, but we have some reservations.

Verdict

While we don’t have official pricing for the Volkswagen Golf 8 R, we believe we can predict the newcomer’s list price based on its standard features list. We’d be very surprised if the model turned out to be pricier than its closely-related Audi S3 cousin, which, at the time of writing cost R883k (November 2022), but bear in mind that car prices creep up regularly these days, so by the time the R arrives in early 2023, we could see the S3 breach R900k.

More: Want to purchase a new or used Volkswagen Golf? Browse stock now

So, if the Golf R ultimately comes to market with a price tag of around R870k, it would seem a bit of a bargain compared with its Audi, BMW and Mercedes-AMG rivals, the lattermost of which is listed at R998k. The R may not have a premium (or is that sufficiently premium?) badge on its nose and the cabin lacks that high-luxury ambience that its fellow countrymen offer, but we don’t buy performance cars to compare ambient lighting and metallic dashboard inserts.

Deliveries of the R will begin in the first quarter of 2023.

So, should you buy one? Given the legacy of the exceptional Golf 7.5 R, the Golf 8 R has a lot to live up to, let alone eclipse. Does it? Almost. See, while there’s no denying the model’s incredible performance and dynamism – it really is the quickest and most engaging Golf R to date – it’s let down by some cabin quirks. They’re not dealbreakers however, and you’ll learn to work around, or momentarily forget about, them when you engage the VW’s Race mode.

Some argue the Golf R has become a victim of its own success and they may have a point… Achieving a significant improvement on the 7.5R’s complete package was nigh impossible and at least the Wolfsburg-based brand experimented a little with a radical cabin interface. However, that hasn’t quite worked out (based on what VW CEO Thomas Schafer has been quoted as saying) and we’ve seen a Golf 8.5 prototype that has a new infotainment screen.

But, with the future of ICE premium hatchbacks seemingly in the balance, the Golf 8 R, imperfect as it is, seems destined to be one of the last – and therefore, finest – of its kind.

Toyota Corolla Hybrid Hatchback in SA (2022) Launch Review

Toyota has introduced its updated Corolla hatchback and sedan range in South Africa and the Japanese firm has also expanded its New Energy Vehicle (NEV) offering to include the Corolla Hybrid Hatchback which is now available to customers in Mzansi. Gero Lilleike attended the local launch in Gauteng to bring you this report…

If you’ve had the displeasure of visiting your nearest fuel station, you’ll be very well aware that recent and dramatic spikes in fuel prices have had an adverse impact on household budgets and the South African economy. Many consumers are looking to buy more fuel-efficient cars and while Electric Vehicles (EVs) are still, for the most part, prohibitively expensive in South Africa, many buyers are turning to hybrid technology in an effort to reduce fuel consumption and overall running costs.

Demand for hybrids (and EVs) has increased substantially in the last 24 months and current projections indicate that demand will continue to rise sharply in 2023 and beyond. Toyota’s hybrid technology is well established and the Japanese giant is placing increasing emphasis on New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) in an effort to capitalise on this increasing demand.

The locally-assembled Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid has been well-received by local buyers and together with the Corolla Hybrid sedan, accounts for 83% of the firm’s local hybrid / NEV sales while the RAV4 Hybrid is also gaining traction in the local market. In fact, Toyota is currently testing the suitability of the RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid for the South African market and we briefly experienced this powerful PHEV on launch.

Now though, with the revised Corolla hatchback and sedan available in South Africa, Toyota is increasing its local NEV footprint with the introduction of the Corolla Hybrid hatchback which employs the firm’s 5-generation 1.8-litre petrol-electric powertrain.

Before we dive into the merits of the Corolla Hybrid hatchback, let’s quickly run through some of the key changes to the Corolla range.

How has the Corolla range changed?

Toyota is increasing its New Energy Vehicle (NEV) footprint in South Africa.

Apart from updated styling for both the Corolla hatchback and sedan, the biggest change to the range is the worldwide discontinuation of the turbocharged Corolla 1.2T derivatives. For the Corolla sedan range, the entry-level Corolla 1.8 XS derivative has also been discontinued locally.

As such, the Corolla hatchback range now comprises 3 hybrid derivatives (XS, XR, XR with bi-tone styling) and two naturally-aspirated Corolla 2.0 derivatives (XS and XR bi-tone).

Meanwhile, the Corolla sedan range has been rationalised to include 2 hybrid derivatives (XS and XR bi-tone) as well as a naturally-aspirated Corolla 2.0 XR derivative. Lastly, all Corollas are now offered exclusively with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) as the previous manual transmission has also been discontinued across the board.

What about changes to the Corolla’s interior?

The Corolla hatch and sedan benefit from numerous interior equipment upgrades.

The updates inside the Corolla hatchback and sedan are fairly substantial. For starters and in addition to the standard black trim, Corolla hatchback buyers can now opt for a sportier red-black combination while the Corolla sedan can be had with new red inserts (previously blue).

Perhaps more significant is the revised 8-inch infotainment system with soft-touch functionality, 3 new display modes, voice recognition, integrated navigation and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

More so, the updated Corolla hatchback and sedan now also features a larger 7.0-inch combination instrument cluster with a central multi-information display (XS grade) while the range-topping Corolla XR hatch gains a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

Convenience has also been boosted with the fitment of a high-speed wireless smartphone charger as well as 2 additional USB-C ports for rear passengers.

In terms of safety, the updated Corolla is equipped with the latest Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 3.0 driver assistance suite which now benefits from enhanced radars with better detection capability as well as improved cameras with higher resolution and a wider field of view. Other new features include Intelligent Clearance Sonar (ICS) which makes manoeuvring in tight parking spaces safer by automatically applying the brakes if an imminent collision is detected. The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) is now aslo complemented with a Safe Exit Assist feature that detects approaching cyclists or vehicles when a passenger is opening a door.

Take a look at more specification details for the updated Toyota Corolla range here

What engines are offered for the Toyota Corolla?

Hybrid derivatives now dominate the local Corolla offering.

The only ICE offering is the naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engine but it now offers 1 kW and 3 Nm more with outputs peaking at 126 kW and 203 Nm and with a claimed fuel consumption of 6 L/100km.

The new-generation Corolla Hybrid with its Atkinson-Cycle 1.8-litre petrol engine combines with an electric motor to offer a 14% bump in power from the previous 90 kW to 103 kW and with 142 Nm of torque on offer. The hybrid system is also supported by a lighter, newly-developed 18.1 kW lithium-ion battery. As mentioned previously, all derivatives are mated with a CVT. Toyota claims 3.5 L/100km for the Corolla Hybrid hatchback and 3.9 L/100km for the Corolla Hybrid sedan.

How does the Corolla Hybrid hatchback perform on the road?

The Corolla Hybrid hatchback now offers more power and enhanced battery efficiency.

Toyota made both the Corolla Hybrid hatchback and sedan available for driving in the suburbs of Johannesburg. Even though the launch route wasn’t more than 40km in length, we still got a small but sweet taste of what the latest Corolla Hybrids offer.

Upon entering the Corolla Hybrid hatchback, it’s hard not to be impressed by the comfortable, cosseting seats as well as the premium-looking cabin design. At low speeds, such as when navigating a parking basement, driving is done in EV mode and only when throttle input and speed increase, does the 1.8-litre petrol engine kick in to deliver propulsion. Under a firmer right foot, acceleration is both smooth and progressive. The Corolla hatchback rides on Toyota’s TGNA platform and from a handling perspective, it certainly feels dextrous and agile on its rubber.

As highlighted in our previous review of the Toyota Corolla hatchback, ride quality is good overall with a comfortable disposition but the suspension is sprung slightly on the firmer side of the spectrum. This gives the Corolla hatchback a sportier feel, but larger road imperfections or potholes which are prevalent in Jozi’s suburbia can be quite jarring but nonetheless, the Corolla still manages to strike a good balance between sportiness and comfort.

It’s worth mentioning that as a self-charging hybrid, the Corolla is able to recoup energy while coasting and braking which tops up the battery which can then be re-used when cruising around in EV mode. If you consider that low-speed driving is very common in an urban setting, you’re likely to save a substantial amount of fuel in low-speed situations over the lifespan of the vehicle.

As far as overall driving efficiency is concerned, our short drive in the suburbs returned a figure of 5.5 L/100km and we’re fairly confident that with some highway driving in the mix, a figure of around 5 L/100km is not impossible to achieve.

Is a Corolla Hybrid worthwhile?

We are hoping to spend more time with the new Corolla Hybrid hatchback in the near future and only then will we be able to make a clear-cut verdict on whether it’s worth considering as an alternative to a conventional ICE-powered vehicle.

Even so, it’s evident that you can claw back fuel costs by opting for a Corolla Hybrid but the gains will only be fully realised if you own the vehicle for a longer period of time. It’s also worth noting that hybrid vehicles are generally more expensive to purchase than conventional ICE vehicles.

Below is a basic fuel consumption versus cost comparison between the Toyota Corolla Hybrid hatchback and the similarly-priced Volkswagen Polo 85kW 1.0TSI R-Line. Note that the calculations are based on projected real-world fuel consumption figures and not the manufacturer’s claimed consumption figures.

Also, note that the table below is by no means definitive but rather serves to illustrate and demonstrate basic fuel consumption versus cost over a period of time at current fuel prices. Obviously, future fuel prices are likely to be much higher. The table also doesn’t account for the Corolla Hybrid’s fuel-saving over time when driven in EV mode in low-speed situations.

Based on the table below and at current fuel prices, it will take roughly 5 years of ownership of the base Toyota Corolla Hybrid to reclaim the price difference between the Volkswagen Polo 1.0TSI R-Line.

Some food for thought…

Vehicle Price and Fuel Consumption

	Toyota Corolla Hybrid hatchback 1.8 Xs	Volkswagen Polo 1.0TSI R-Line	Difference
Price (November 2022)	R490 300	R445 500	R44 800
Claimed Fuel Consumption	3.5 L/100km	5.4 L/100km	1.9 L/100km
Projected real-world consumption	5.5 L/100km	7.5 L/100m	2.0 L/100km

Projected fuel costs and savings over time

		Toyota Corolla Hybrid hatchback 1.8 Xs		Volkswagen Polo 1.0TSI R-Line	Difference
Ownership period	Distance	Cost (@ R22.87 p/l)	Distance	Cost (@ R22.87 p/l)
0.5 year	10 000 km	550 litres @ R12 579	10 000 km	750 litres @ R17 153	R4 574
1 year	20 000 km	1 100 litres @ R25 158	20 000 km	1 500 litres @ R34 306	R9 148
2.5 years	50 000 km	2 750 litres @ R62 893	50 000 km	3 750 litres @ R85 763	R22 869
5 years	100 000 km	5 500 litres @ R125 785	100 000km	7 500 litres @ R171 525	R45 740

How much does the Toyota Corolla hatchback and sedan cost in South Africa?

Corolla Hatch

Corolla Hatch 1.8 Xs Hybrid – R490 900

Corolla Hatch 1.8 Xr Hybrid – R528 400

Corolla Hatch 1.8 Xr Hybrid Bi-tone – R538 800

Corolla Hatch 2.0 Xr CVT – R517 100

Corolla Hatch 2.0 Xr CVT Bi-tone – R529 000

Corolla Sedan

Corolla 1.8 Xs Hybrid – R 502 600

Corolla 1.8 Xr Hybrid – R 521 800

Corolla 2.0 Xr CVT – R 517 100

The Toyota Corolla is sold with a 6-services/90 000 km service plan (intervals set at 15 000 km). Petrol models carry a 3-year/100 000km warranty, while hybrid models hold an 8-year/195 000 km warranty plan.

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10 best-selling bakkies in South Africa: October 2022

Let’s take a closer look at the list of South Africa’s 10 best-selling bakkies for October 2022, as well the best of the rest and the export winners…

October 2022 saw South Africa’s new-vehicle market grow 11.4% year on year to 45 966 units. The industry’s light-commercial vehicle segment (which includes bakkies) showed year-on-year gains of 14.3% to reach 12 738 registrations.

As you might have already guessed, the resurgent Toyota Hilux was responsible for a fair chunk of those sales (3 336 units, to be exact), retaining its title as South Africa’s best-selling bakkie in October 2022. Production of the Japanese firm’s bakkie range is seemingly fully back online in KwaZulu-Natal and was recently bolstered by the arrival of the 165 kW Hilux GR-Sport derivative.

The outgoing Ford Ranger, meanwhile, returned to second spot after having to settle for third in September, with 1 807 units registered across the country. However, Blue Oval brand’s the Silverton-produced model was a mere five registrations ahead of the Struandale-built Isuzu D-Max (1 802 units), which consequently fell one to third.

Sales of the Nissan Navara grew month on month, but the Rosslyn-built bakkie stayed in sixth place.

The Rosslyn-manufactured Nissan NP200 (1 096 units) and the Durban-assembled Mahindra Pik Up (624 units) held steady in fourth and fifth, respectively, while the likewise locally built Nissan Navara improved month on month to 507 units but still found itself in sixth place.

After disappearing from the top 10 in September, the GWM P-Series (426 units) returned to claim seventh position in October, with the GWM Steed (349 units) retaining eighth, thanks largely to a strong showing in the rental channel (which accounted for 200 units). Finally, the Toyota Land Cruiser 79 (285 units) slipped two spots to ninth and the outgoing Volkswagen Amarok (164 units) one place to tenth.

Best of the rest in October 2022

The Peugeot Landtrek more than doubled its sales month on month, ending on 47 units.

So, what about the segment’s traditionally less popular players? Well, the Mitsubishi Triton – which cracked the top 10 in September – found itself out in the cold again in October, with 66 units registered. The Mahindra Bolero finished the month on 52 units, while the Peugeot Landtrek wasn’t far behind on 47 registrations.

JAC’s T-badged bakkies (the company reports a combined figure for the recently expanded T6 and T8 line-ups) managed 38 units. As was the case in September, the Mazda BT-50 (5 units) and Jeep Gladiator (1 unit) made up the numbers with single-digit sales.

Bakkie export winners in October 2022

Overseas demand for the outgoing Ford Ranger showed little sign of slowing, with 6 312 examples of the bakkie shipped from our shores in October 2022. The Toyota Hilux (4 338 units) was a couple of thousand units behind, while the Isuzu D-Max (344 units) and Nissan Navara (262 units) were far off the pace, ahead of the Nissan NP200 (57 units). Interestingly, Naamsa’s official figures show 45 examples of the imported Triton were exported in October, along with 14 of the P-Series and a single unit of the Steed.

10 best-selling bakkies in South Africa for October 2022

1. Toyota Hilux – 3 336 units

2. Ford Ranger – 1 807 units

3. Isuzu D-Max – 1 802 units

4. Nissan NP200 – 1 096 units

5. Mahindra Pik Up – 624 units

6. Nissan Navara – 507 units

7. GWM P-Series – 426 units

8. GWM Steed – 349 units

9. Toyota Land Cruiser 79 – 285 units

10. Volkswagen Amarok – 164 units

Toyota Corolla (2023) Specs & Price

The Toyota Corolla has been updated for 2023. Here’s how much you can expect to pay and what’s changed.

You can spot the new Corollas only if you look really carefully. The hatch gains a wider foglamp bezel. The sedan grille has received the smallest of changes. Both vehicles gain Bi-LED headlamps and daytime running lights. There are also some small cosmetic additions at the rear, with the hatch gaining some chrome, while the sedan gets a gloss-black piece on the bumper.

The hatch runs on 16-inch alloy wheels and a full-size spare (XS grade), while the XR has 18-inch units plus a space-saver. The sedan XS/XR HEV has 16-inch alloys and a full-size spare, while the XR has 18-inch wheels with a space-saver.

Sadly, the 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine has been discontinued globally. South Africa will be receiving two engines, all running a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The 1.8-litre hybrid petrol engine delivers 103 kW, which is a 14% increase over the outgoing motor.

The new 5th-generation hybrid system makes its debut on the Corolla and Toyota reckons a better driving experience with improved economy is on offer. A new 18.1 kWh battery is standard, which weighs 14% less than the 4th-gen hybrid setup.

The 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine has also seen an increase in outputs, with 126 kW and 203 Nm.

Customers will have 8 colours to choose from for the Corolla hatch, while the Corolla sedan has 7 shades on offer.

Corolla Hatchback Features

LED Auto high beam headlights
LED daytime running lights
Toyota Safety Sense (Pre-crash, Lane-keeping, Adaptive cruise control, Blind spot)
New design display audio (Bluetooth, 6 speakers, reverse camera, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay)
7-inch Multi-Info Display
4x USB ports

XR (Above content plus:)

Bi-LED Auto high beam headlights
Auto rain sensing
Park distance control front and rear with intelligent clearance sonar
12.3-inch Multi-Info Display
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Sporty leather + Suede Seat Trim

Corolla Sedan Trim Features

Bi-LED Auto high beam headlights
Sporty leather + suede seat trim
LED front personal lamp
Toyota Safety Sense (Pre-crash, Lane-keeping, Adaptive cruise control)
New design display audio (Bluetooth, USB-A, 6-speakers, reverse camera, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay)
Front heated seats
Powered driver seat with lumbar support
Multi-function display (7-inch)
4x USB
Wireless charger

XR (The above content plus:)

Auto rain sensing wipers
Blind Spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert and safe exit assist
New design display audio with navigation and wireless Apple CarPlay

How much does the updated Toyota Corolla cost in South Africa?

All Corolla models are sold with a 6-services/90 000 km service plan (intervals set at 15 000 km). Petrol models carry a 3-year/100 000km warranty, while hybrid models hold an 8-year/195 000 km warranty plan. Service and warranty plan extensions can also be purchased from any Toyota dealer (220 outlets).

Corolla Hatchback

Corolla Hatch 1.8 Xs Hybrid – R 490 900

Corolla Hatch 1.8 Xr Hybrid – R 528 400

Corolla Hatch 1.8 Xr Hybrid Bi-tone – R 538 800

Corolla Hatch 2.0 Xr CVT – R 517 100

Corolla Hatch 2.0 Xr CVT Bi-tone – R 529 000

Corolla Sedan

Corolla 1.8 Xs Hybrid – R 502 600

Corolla 1.8 Xr Hybrid – R 521 800

Corolla 2.0 Xr CVT – R 517 100

All-new Honda BR-V in-depth Review – Is it an SUV, an MPV, or both?

In this video, Ciro De Siena walks us through the latest generation of Honda BR-V to hit the South African market.

One look at the all-new Honda BR-V should be enough to prove that the BR-V has largely left its MPV roots behind. The car is distinctly more SUV-styled and at least aesthetically is better for it, and perhaps more appealing.

However, for those seeking ultimate 7-seat practicality on a budget, the BR-V may not offer what it once did. The newcomer offers far more tech than its predecessor, but the question remains, does it offer the same level of practicality?

Honda seems to have attempted to marry the desirability of an SUV with the practicality of an MPV, so we sent our video journalist, Ciro De Siena, to find out if they have been successful.

Looking for a used Honda for sale in South Africa? We have over 1 300 to choose from! Browse stock for sale now.

2023 Honda WR-V Revealed

Meet the 2023 Honda WR-V, another pint-sized city SUV that should be cheap to buy and run.

The new Honda WR-V will be positioned against other pocket-friendly baby SUVs like the Nissan Magnite, Kia Sonet, Renault Kiger and Toyota/Suzuki Urban Cruiser/Vitara Brezza. It’s got a fresh and modern look, with wraparound headlamps at the front and a coupe SUV shape with a typical tapered roofline.

First launched in SA back in November 2020, the Honda WR-V offered a Jazz-based platform and good value. Now, there’s a new model.

Physically, the new 2023 Honda WR-V is 4 060 mm long, has a wheelbase of 2 485 mm, a width of 1 780 mm and a ground clearance of 220 mm. A boot capacity of 380 litres is claimed. There is also a 60:40 splitting rear folding seat for additional practicality.

Under the bonnet is a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine, developing 89 kW and 145 Nm. This engine is paired to a new CVT that’s claimed to offer enhanced acceleration and improved economy. This powertrain is identical to the one found in the new Honda BR-V.

More: What is happening to Honda SA? We look at the figures

There’s a comprehensive safety suite too falling under the Honda Sensing technology, with collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, auto high beam and road departure mitigation system. There are 6 airbags, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution.

During the presentation, two derivatives were presented. The Honda WR-V E and the WR-V RS, with their own identities. The E is more mainstream with its 16-inch alloys, while the RS features a bolder grille, a specific red hue and 17-inch alloys. Inside, the RS gets leather seats with red stitching, while the E makes do with a fabric trim.

At this stage, we have no confirmation that the new Honda WR-V will be coming to South Africa. But, given how many products are sourced from Honda Indonesia and how popular this segment of the market is, we reckon we’ll see the WR-V on SA roads in 2023.

Want to buy a new or used Honda? Browse stock for sale here.

New vehicle sales in South Africa: October 2022

South Africa’s new-vehicle industry put in a reassuring performance in October 2022, despite fresh headwinds. Here’s everything you need to know, including the most popular brands and the best-selling vehicles…

In October 2022, South Africa’s new-vehicle market registered another month of year-on-year growth, with total sales increasing 11.4% to 45 966 units. Note, however, this figure is 3.8% lower than September 2022’s tally.

According to Naamsa, the market’s performance was a “reassuring” one considering “further headwinds” such as the “logistical disruptions caused by the Transnet strike”. Still, the organisation points out the pace of recovery has eased to 13.1% compared with the corresponding period in 2021.

In October, out of the total reported sales of 45 966 units, an estimated 37 983 units (or 82.6%) represented dealer sales, with 13.1% coming courtesy of the vehicle rental industry, 2.4% from government and 1.9% from industry corporate fleets. The new passenger-vehicle market came in at 30 597 units (up 10.4% year on year), again ably supported by the rental industry, which accounted for a “solid” 17.4% of these sales during the month. Meanwhile, 12 738 units were registered in the sector comprising light-commercial vehicles, bakkies and mini-buses, representing a 14.3% improvement compared with October 2021.

Lebogang Gaoaketse, Head of Marketing and Communications at WesBank, says though the market’s performance is indeed “reassuring” in isolation, it needs to be considered in terms of the performance for the rest of 2022 and the easing off of market activity year to date.

“The good news is that sales have breached the 400 000-mark by some margin and that a new-vehicle market of over 500 000 units for the year is definitely possible. In perspective, the year-to-date growth compared to last year is 50 713 units, or a good full month’s sales extra this year, which is good news for the industry and dealers alike,” explains Gaoaketse.

According to the National Automobile Dealer Association (NADA), the sales figures for all segments in October 2022 were “encouraging”.

“The Transnet strike, which played havoc with logistics nationally, particularly at the ports, could not stem the ongoing upswing in the sale of new vehicles in South Africa in 2022,” says NADA Chairperson Mark Dommisse.

“The market is showing unbelievable resilience in the face of negative economic pressures. We, at NADA, are immensely proud of the way our members keep astounding market commentators with their sales in a market which has been rocked by floods, strikes, rising interest rates, load-shedding, high fuel prices, a struggling economy and stock shortages. Their performance is admirable.”

New vehicle sales summary for October 2022

Aggregate new-vehicle sales of 45 966 units increased by 11.4% (4 715 units) compared to October 2021.
New passenger-vehicle sales of 30 597 units increased by 10.4% (2 881 units) compared to October 2021.
New light-commercial vehicle sales of 12 738 units increased by 14.3% (1 590 units) compared to October 2021.
Export sales of 29 508 units increased by 16.1% (4 101 units) compared to October 2021.

10 best-selling car brands in South Africa for October 2022

The Magnite (735 units) helped Nissan climb to fourth place on the list of best-selling brands.

While Toyota hasn’t quite recovered to its pre-flood sales figures, it’s not far off. In fact, with 12 574 units registered across the land in October 2022, the Japanese firm grabbed a hefty market share of 27.3%. Despite a month-on-month drop, the Volkswagen Group (4 904 units) retained second place, just ahead of Suzuki (4 112 units).

Meanwhile, Nissan (3 011 units) climbed one spot to fourth, while Haval (2 602 units) rocketed back into the top 10 to claim a strong sixth place. Ford (2 458 units) was up one to seventh, while Renault (2 011 units) fell three to ninth. Chery ended October 2022 with 1 229 registrations, which saw it just miss out on retaining a place in the top 10.

1. Toyota – 12 574 units

2. Volkswagen Group – 4 904 units

3. Suzuki – 4 112 units

4. Nissan – 3011 units

5. Hyundai – 2 703 units

6. Haval – 2 602 units

7. Ford – 2 458 units

8. Isuzu – 2 187 units

9. Renault – 2 011 units

10. Kia – 1 780 units

10 best-selling vehicles in South Africa for October 2022

The Haval H6 range (which now includes a hybrid) made it into the top 10 in October 2022.

Another month, another best-selling vehicle title for the Prospecton-built Toyota Hilux, which ended October 2022 on a heady 3 336 units. The Toyota brand dominated the podium, with the likewise locally produced Corolla Cross (2 014 units) climbing five spots to second and the imported Urban Cruiser (1 820 units) one to third.

The outgoing Ford Ranger (1 807 units) moved up one place to fourth, sneaking its nose ahead of the fifth-placed Isuzu D-Max (1 802 units). The Suzuki Swift (1 639 units) fought its way back up the table to sixth, while the Volkswagen Polo Vivo (1 583 units) dropped five places to seventh. Recently bolstered by the launch of a hybrid derivative, the Haval H6 (956 units) grabbed the final spot on the table, meaning the Volkswagen Polo hatch – which ended October on 809 units – was unceremoniously booted from the list.

1. Toyota Hilux – 3 336 units

2. Toyota Corolla Cross – 2 014 units

3. Toyota Urban Cruiser – 1 820 units

4. Ford Ranger – 1 807 units

5. Isuzu D-Max – 1 802 units

6. Suzuki Swift – 1 639 units

7. Volkswagen Polo Vivo – 1 583 units

8. Toyota Hi-Ace – 1 239 units

9. Nissan NP200 – 1 096 units

10. Haval H6 – 956 units

Top 8 vehicles exported from South Africa in October 2022

The Ford Ranger again led the industry’s export charge in October 2022.

Ford managed to retain top spot on the list of exporters, with 6 312 examples of the Ranger being shipped overseas from Silverton in October 2022. Volkswagen’s Kariega-built Polo hatchback (5 331 units) was second, while the Toyota Hilux (4 338 units) settled into third place. The Isuzu D-Max, Nissan Navara, Toyota Fortuner, Nissan NP200 and Toyota Corolla Cross made up the numbers.

As always, it’s worth noting BMW and Mercedes-Benz did not submit detailed figures, so it’s not clear exactly how many new X3 and C-Class sedan units were exported from South Africa in October 2022. For the record, however, Naamsa’s estimates stand at 4 400 units and 8 075 units, respectively.

1. Ford Ranger – 6 312 units

2. Volkswagen Polo (hatch) – 5 331 units

3. Toyota Hilux – 4 338 units

4. Isuzu D-Max – 344 units

5. Nissan Navara – 262 units

6. Toyota Fortuner – 92 units

7. Nissan NP200 – 57 units

8. Toyota Corolla Cross – 45 units

Sales outlook

So, what’s next for South Africa’s new-vehicle market? Well, Naamsa warns growth prospects for the balance of the year “remain constrained” as higher interest rates and consequent higher debt servicing costs “weigh on disposable income”. In addition, the organisation points to the “persistence of load-shedding” and the lack of hope the electricity crisis will be alleviated over the near term as further headwinds.

WesBank’s Gaoaketse also touched on the impending impact of interest-rate hikes.

“With the rise in interest rates last month and the economic outlook provided by the mid-term budget, South African consumers are faced with a balancing act of affordability versus a growing need to replace their vehicles, a decision largely delayed over the past two years given the pandemic. It provides a cauldron of opportunity for the motor industry to meet the needs of motorists,” says Gaoaketse.

Meanwhile, NADA’s Dommisse made comment on industry rumours of upcoming vehicle price hikes.

“There has been discussion about impending drastic vehicle price rises, but this was discounted, to a degree, by several representatives of major OEMs speaking at South African Auto Week at the Kyalami Conference Centre last week, who said they believed price rises would stay below the consumer price index,” Dommisse points out.

“We are, however, still expecting increases in the first quarter of 2023, which could slow sales and influence OEMs to incentivise more heavily as they fight for market share. We believe used vehicle pricing will become more realistic as stock levels grow and write-backs become more commonplace,” he concludes.

Switching to the export market, Naamsa says despite “weaker global demand” due to major advanced economies around the world entering a “new era of persistent and structurally higher inflation”, vehicle exports remain on track to reach a level of well over 300 000 units in 2022.

Toyota Taisor Coming as Coupé Crossover?

A recent trademark application has led to speculation Toyota will launch a coupé-style crossover based on the Suzuki Baleno and called the Taisor…

Toyota continues to deepen its collaboration with Suzuki, with the latest reports out of India suggesting the two firms will soon release coupé-styled crossovers based on the Baleno. And the Toyota-badged version may end up being called the Taisor.

While various Indian publications have confirmed Toyota recently applied to trademark the Taisor nameplate in India, the latest information from GaadiWaadi suggests the new badge will be affixed to the rump of the brand’s upcoming coupé crossover. The model in question will be based on Maruti Suzuki’s upcoming Baleno-based crossover, which is codenamed “YTB”.

The new Toyota Taisor is expected to measure less than four metres long and be based on Suzuki’s Heartect platform (which also underpins the likes of the Baleno and Starlet). While details on its positioning within Toyota’s range are not yet confirmed, we suspect it will slot in just above the Brezza-based Urban Cruiser.

Toyota has trademarked the Taisor badge in India.

In India, the newcomer is likely to be powered by Suzuki’s turbocharged 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine, with gearbox options including a 5-speed manual cog-swapper and a continuously variable transmission. However, there’s also talk of the coupé crossover using Suzuki’s K12C naturally aspirated 1.2-litre engine, while we wouldn’t rule out the K15B atmospheric 1.5-litre motor employed extensively here in South Africa, either.

On that note, will the Taisor – should that be the badge ultimately worn by the newcomer – be offered in our market? Well, it’s perhaps too early to say, though considering the local sales success of the Urban Cruiser and Starlet, we certainly wouldn’t be surprised to see another Indian-built, Suzuki-based product join Toyota South Africa Motors’ line-up.

While the Baleno Cross is widely expected to be revealed at the 2023 Auto Expo in January, it remains to be seen when the Toyota version will hit the stage. We’ll keep a close eye on happenings over in India and report back once we have more information…

Ford Ranger Raptor Goes Racing

The Ford Ranger Raptor is one very capable offroad warrior, but what if you wanted to push the limits? Let’s go racing!

The new Ford Ranger Raptor is set to be one of 2023’s hottest additions to the bakkie segment when it launches locally. Sadly, it was meant to be in SA by the end of 2022, but there are major hiccups to the global supply chain network preventing cargo getting around the world timeously. Simply, there are not enough car-carrying vessels to bring both the Raptor and Everest to South Africa from Thailand, where both are being assembled.

The standard Ranger, however, will be built locally at Ford SA’s facility in Silverton and should be on course for a December 2022 showroom introduction.

So, what do we have here then? This is Ford Performance’s project and is essentially a stripped-out Ranger Raptor that will be taking part in some offroad racing. If you want to push the limits in terms of mechanical ability, endurance and reliability, motor racing is a great place to start.

This specific Raptor will be taking part in the Baja 1000 and has already been undergoing extensive testing in Australia, before making its way Stateside.

Now this is where it gets interesting. Not many technical details have been confirmed, but it will be running on a special fuel from Shell comprising one-third blend of biofuel. “Demonstrating low-carbon fuels in performance settings like the Baja 1000 can help bring biofuels and other clean energy technologies to scale more quickly, and help to make them more available and affordable for everyone,” global director of Sustainability, Compliance and Homologation at Ford, Cynthia Williams said.

To go from standard Raptor to racing Raptor, there have been extensive modifications. Most of the comfort features have been removed and in their place comes a large snorkel, fitment of an armoured skid plate, bull bar, huge LED lightbar as well as some offroad racing-grade tyres and wheels. The loadbay has been adjusted to hold spare wheels as well as tools for those repairs on the go. On the side, you’ll notice ARB branding. This company has partnered with Ford to develop offroad 4×4 accessories for the brand-new Ranger.

This is not Ford’s first rodeo when it comes to the Baja 1000, with both the F-150 Raptor and Bronco having entered over the past few years. “By entering this event, we’re building on the hundreds of thousands of kilometers of development testing and pushing the Ranger Raptor to new extremes,” off-road motorsports supervisor of Ford Performance Brian Novak added. “The Baja 1000 is a demanding event and a well-known proving ground for off-road vehicles. We are excited to compete in this extreme event with Ranger Raptor.”

Want to buy a new or used Ford Ranger? Browse stock here

BMW X7 (2022) International Launch Review

BMW’s biggest, most luxurious SUV has been refreshed and will be available in South Africa in 2023. We had a chance to drive the revised X7 at its international launch in Palm Springs, California.

What’s new with the X7

The split-headlight design is carried over from the new 7 Series.

Upon its unveiling in 2018, the X7 represented a step into the unknown for the Munich-based brand, which had achieved runaway success with its X models, but never pushed into the super-luxury market with any of them. Fortunately for BMW, it hit pay dirt with the X7, because the first-class SUV has proved popular, especially in Asian markets, where its bold design (dominated by the then-controversial oversized double-kidney grille) garnered many fans – and buyers.

The quickest way to distinguish the updated X7 from its predecessor is by the split-headlight design, which it carries over from the new 7 Series (G70). M Sport and M Sport Pro packages add a bolder exterior treatment with more blacked-out surfaces, while 23-inch rims are now the largest wheels in the range (up from the pre-facelift’s 22s). As for the rear, a new 3D graphic for the light clusters – and an aluminium strip that links them – are the most significant revisions.

Inside, the X7 comes standard with 7 seats, but it’s optionally available with 6 seats (in a 2+2+2 formation, with a central corridor – of sorts – in the rear). The infotainment system has a new curved display and runs on BMW’s latest iDrive operating system (OS 8). Meanwhile, the love-it-or-hate-it cut-glass transmission lever has been replaced with a simple toggle (to create more space in the centre console), while the vents gain new metallic switches for adjusting airflow.

What’s under the bonnet?

M Sport and M Sport Pro packages add more menace to the body styling.

There are 3 engines in the X7 line-up and all of them have 48V electrical architectures; the mild-hybrid setup facilitates improved efficiency, of course, but also produces up to 200 Nm of torque from a standstill. Globally, the X7 xDrive40i accounts for more than 70% of all X7 sales and the facelifted derivative is equipped with the latest-gen 3.0-litre 6-cylinder engine, which produces peak outputs of 280 kW and 520 Nm of torque (or 540 Nm, when 48V boost is available).

We drove an xDrive40i on the barren flats beyond Palm Springs and, in spite of the extremely well-insulated cabin, the inline-6’s characteristic howl can still be heard when you rev the motor out. The sheer heft of the X7 certainly blunts the powerplant’s performance to an extent; after all, derivatives with nomenclatures that end in 40i are usually quite punchy. The X7 xDrive40i, by contrast, lacks that level of “urgency”, but it does enough that you don’t feel hard done by.

Those in search of no-compromise performance could always beef up the engine bay with an extra pair of cylinders and another turbocharger… Compared with the single-turbo inline-6 of the xDrive40i, the M60i is powered by a twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 that pumps out 390 kW and 750 Nm of torque. It would not be unreasonable to assume that the 8-cylinder is quite thirsty, but the claimed figure (12.1–12.9 L/100 km, depending on spec) seems pretty good for such a bruiser cruiser.

Perhaps the xDrive40d is the ideal choice for those looking to conserve a bit of fuel while wafting around in BMW’s most luxurious SUV. The turbodiesel is good for 259 kW/720 Nm, while fuel consumption is claimed at just 7.7–8.6 L/100 km.

What’s the X7 like to drive?

The X7 hides its size reasonably well, but don’t assume that it’s a match for its sedan equivalents in terms of dynamism.

As before, the X7 utilises adaptive air suspension, but for the revised model it has been retuned to suit a broader range of driving conditions. It can now lean further towards comfort, but also be sportier when required. The new “My Modes” function allows you to individualise more driving options and create shortcuts to saved setups that suit a variety of situations. These can be quickly selected via a button in the centre console and then confirmed via the touchscreen.

I found that the Comfort setting worked best for most on-road scenarios; it enables the X7’s suspension to soak up bumps with aplomb. The overall ride quality is so absorbent/forgiving, in fact, that it arguably rivals that of a Range Rover.

If you’re inclined to drive a sizeable first-class SUV like it’s a hot hatch (okay, let’s say a sports sedan), BMW’s dynamics engineers have done an incredible job of making the hefty X7 feel quite similar to its smaller (but also CLAR-based) premium SUV sibling – the X5 – in terms of cornering ability. It doesn’t feel too large or cumbersome on narrower or twistier roads but, saying that, we did drive the X7 on US roads, which are renowned for being a bit wider than average roads.

We briefly ventured off-road to take some photos in a dry riverbed and, even with its xDrive setup, the big Bimmer does not feel at ease dipping its humungous wheels and tyres in the sand. There is an optional off-road pack available, but whether it will be offered on the local market remains to be seen. The X7 doesn’t feel like it has the chassis or wheel articulation to deal with any serious off-roading. The off-road stint was short, but the Bimmer felt awkward on the rough stuff.

Is it impressive inside?

The transmission lever has been replaced with a switch, while a new curved screen and operating system have been fitted.

The highlight of the facelifted X7’s interior is the introduction of the new operating system and curved infotainment screen. OS 8, as it is called, brings much more functionality and connected features to the X7. Here’s just one example… When we presented ourselves to undertake an evaluation drive in the updated model, we weren’t given a key for the X7, but an iPhone instead. We used that very smartphone to locate the car, unlock it and hook up all the navigation. Connectivity’s improved too… Using a single QR code to connect another device to the car is much, much easier than going through the old-school way of searching for Bluetooth devices and accepting passkeys etc.

The huge central screen, meanwhile, looks incredibly upmarket; in fact, it resembles a high-end frameless TV, but it’s also quite intimidating to use. The main menu is so fast (reactive) and there are so many options to choose from, the system’s almost too much to deal with when driving. Suffice it to say, you will have to set time aside and commit to learning the system before trying to find the fuel consumption readout while driving the X7 in peak traffic.

As for the interior’s sense of occasion, the updated X7’s cabin doesn’t make a tremendous style statement, but it does exude quality. The contrast between the overstated exterior design and the understated interior is dramatic, but at least It’s calm and peaceful inside with negligible NVH levels at cruising speeds. There is no doubt the materials and finishes are of high quality, but they’re not so much better than a top-spec X5 that you would instantly regret not speccing up to an X7.

Summary

Not a game-changing facelift, but it improves the X7 in most areas.

To sum up the BMW X7’s facelift, it’s a major aesthetic exterior update combined with a minor interior digitisation upgrade. The revised version of the Bavarian marque’s first-class SUV impresses with its ability to be a super comfortable long-distance cruiser, but it manages to hold its own when tasked with ascending or descending tight mountain passes.

The big Bimmer’s exterior design sets it apart from the (comparatively restrained) Lexus LX, Mercedes-Benz GLS, Range Rover and other rivals from exotic brands as something of a polarising choice, which is something that X7 buyers, well, deeply appreciate – and crave. What’s more, the interior update brings in a new operating system that’s targeted at a much younger and tech-savvy buyer who’s capable of getting the best out of the connectivity and features.

Volkswagen Golf 8 R (2023) Review

It’s been about 2 years since Volkswagen revealed the Golf 8 R. The 235-kW performance hatchback will finally go on sale in South Africa early next year and given the legacy of its “7.5” predecessor, it has a lot to live up to – let alone eclipse. We give the newcomer a thorough assessment.

FAST FACTS

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Where does the Volkswagen Golf 8 R fit in?

How the Golf R fares in terms of…

Verdict

Toyota Corolla Hybrid Hatchback in SA (2022) Launch Review

How has the Corolla range changed?

What about changes to the Corolla’s interior?

What engines are offered for the Toyota Corolla?

How does the Corolla Hybrid hatchback perform on the road?

Is a Corolla Hybrid worthwhile?

How much does the Toyota Corolla hatchback and sedan cost in South Africa?

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10 best-selling bakkies in South Africa: October 2022

Let’s take a closer look at the list of South Africa’s 10 best-selling bakkies for October 2022, as well the best of the rest and the export winners…

Best of the rest in October 2022

Bakkie export winners in October 2022

10 best-selling bakkies in South Africa for October 2022

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Toyota Corolla (2023) Specs & Price

The Toyota Corolla has been updated for 2023. Here’s how much you can expect to pay and what’s changed.

Corolla Hatchback Features

Corolla Sedan Trim Features

How much does the updated Toyota Corolla cost in South Africa?

All-new Honda BR-V in-depth Review – Is it an SUV, an MPV, or both?

In this video, Ciro De Siena walks us through the latest generation of Honda BR-V to hit the South African market.

2023 Honda WR-V Revealed

Meet the 2023 Honda WR-V, another pint-sized city SUV that should be cheap to buy and run.

New vehicle sales in South Africa: October 2022

South Africa’s new-vehicle industry put in a reassuring performance in October 2022, despite fresh headwinds. Here’s everything you need to know, including the most popular brands and the best-selling vehicles…

New vehicle sales summary for October 2022

10 best-selling car brands in South Africa for October 2022

10 best-selling vehicles in South Africa for October 2022

Top 8 vehicles exported from South Africa in October 2022

Sales outlook

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Toyota Taisor Coming as Coupé Crossover?

A recent trademark application has led to speculation Toyota will launch a coupé-style crossover based on the Suzuki Baleno and called the Taisor…

Related content

Ford Ranger Raptor Goes Racing

The Ford Ranger Raptor is one very capable offroad warrior, but what if you wanted to push the limits? Let’s go racing!

BMW X7 (2022) International Launch Review

BMW’s biggest, most luxurious SUV has been refreshed and will be available in South Africa in 2023. We had a chance to drive the revised X7 at its international launch in Palm Springs, California.

What’s new with the X7

What’s under the bonnet?

What’s the X7 like to drive?

Is it impressive inside?

Summary