Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster: Classic Drive

It is not only a Mercedes-Benz icon from the 20th century, but a symbol of automotive design and engineering excellence. We drive a gorgeously restored 300SL Roadster in Franschhoek.

IMAGES: Charles Russell

Sometimes you just have to stand back and admire a car. Take your time to walk around the vehicle and appreciate its voluptuously curved sheet metal. That is the effect the 300SL Roadster has on people. Like all of us, the owner of this iconic car is a Mercedes-Benz enthusiast as well as an aficionado.

Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster frontal view

However, with the – very dark – clouds threatening an immense downpour at any moment, I wondered if we would be allowed to take the car up the scenic mountain pass, merely one kilometre from the owner’s house, the perfect setting for our planned sunset shoot. I needn’t have worried, his words settling any doubts: “Let’s take it out then, she is not made of sugar”!

This is undoubtedly one of the most famous Mercedes-Benz models ever produced. It is also one of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful cars to have graced our roads. I ask its owner where his interest in the car started (he also owns a few other 1950 and 1960s Mercedes-Benz models and Bentleys). He smiles and says: “It is a car I’ve always liked, and then there is the fascinating Mercedes-Benz post-war story. And the Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster is such a fundamental part of it”.

As he reverses the car out, a funny sensation comes over me. I simply want to stare at the car. I fall in love with it again… with every single aspect, design feature and line. To appreciate this beauty fully, you want to grab a garden chair in which to relax while you are admiring each respective element. For a moment the urge to drive the 300SL almost disappears.

Specifications

Model: Mercedes-Benz 300SL (W198 II)
Engine: 3.0-litre, inline-6-cylinder petrol
Power: 160 kW at 5 800 rpm
Torque: 275 Nm at 4 600 rpm
Transmission: 4-speed manual, RWD
Weight: 1 330 kg
0-100 kph: 10 sec (claimed)
Years produced: 1957–1963

The history of this Mercedes-Benz 300SL

However, not driving it would be such a miscarriage of the designers, engineers and technicians’ intent, who designed and manufactured these cars between 1957 and 1963 – it would border on the criminal.

After acquiring the car about 15 years ago, it was sent to Kienle Automobiltechnik in Germany for a full restoration. During any such restoration project at Kienle, the owner is part of the process and can give his input at certain stages. For example, the owner chose the light green exterior colour of the car. It is very close to one of the SL’s original colours, however, there is a subtle metallic tint to the paintwork, which somehow suits the car perfectly.

The darker green wheel hubs make a pleasant contrast to the exterior colour and at the same time complement the interior hue. The dark green soft top, the hard top (which fortunately we did not need that day) and even the very neat luggage set which can be found underneath the slopping rear luggage compartment are pleasantly complimentary in tone.

By pressing on the tip of the door handle which sticks out, you grab the longer piece and pull the door open.

After Kienle did its two-and-half-year, 2 000-man hour nut-and-bolt restoration the results can be seen throughout the spotless cabin. This restoration (with some innovations) might be too new for some enthusiasts, but it has been so classically and masterfully done, that you simply can’t fault anything.

During a conversation with Marc Kienle, son of Klaus Kienle the founder of the company, he sums up the most satisfying aspect of restoring such a car: “For us it is to have a 300SL perfectly but originally restored and to bring t it back to the street in not only an optically perfect but also a technically perfect condition so that our customers can drive the car and use it for what they are, a reliable sports car”.

As your eyes take in what is basically a brand-new 60-year-old cabin, the most notable modern upgrade is the air-conditioning system which has been installed, but, even this has been executed in a very classy manner. The system is positioned below the centre console, and if you were not a 300SL devotee, you would probably not have picked up this addition.

Behind the wheel

As you drop into the leather-upholstered seat you are encircled by the dark green hue. The view over the long bonnet allows you an uncluttered view of the front corners of the car, and I immediately think about the engine which had to be tilted to allow this perfect view and create that double, sleek bulges.

As the 300SL “Gullwing” production came to an end in the 1957 – the same year the Roadster’s production started – Mercedes-Benz could implement what it had learnt from the Gullwing as well as its racing programme on the Roadster. These included reshaping the petrol tank, moving the spare wheel (which provided more luggage space) and updating the rear suspension layout, thereby addressing the tricky on-the-limit handling which was endemic to the coupe.

Tipping the scales at around 100 kg more than the coupé, the Roadster’s final drive ratio was shortened while the optional ‘competition’ camshaft from the coupé was part of the standard equipment on the Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster.

I start the engine by turning the key in the ignition and engage first gear by moving the slender gear lever into place. Within the first few hundred yards it dawns on me how solid and rattle-free the cabin is – dare I say it, better than in some modern cabriolets. Admittedly the mountain pass is billiard smooth, but despite these conditions, the car feels as if it rolled off the production line a few days ago.

The gear lever slips through the cogs with relative ease, although you need to be careful when you first operate the gearbox, to ascertain exactly where each gear is located.

Suddenly my focus turns to the slight burble which is emitted from the chromed, flat exhaust tip. The exhaust note has a constant, relatively deep sound, but put your foot down and the exhaust note changes to an even deeper sound, and, as you approach the upper part of the rev range there is another change in the tone, which borders on a full-throated growl.

Behind the 'wheel of the Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster

When the mood takes you, and even in this car it will, the engine flies through the rev range like no other Mercedes-Benz I’ve driven from this era. There is no slack or hick-up through the rev range, just a smooth sweep of the needle as it passes the numbers. I watch the revs rise relentlessly to just over 5 000 rpm, although the owner regularly pushes the engine to just before 6 000 rpm – close to the red line of the engine.

The tractability on offer from the engine is also much better than I thought a 60-year-old car could offer. Leave the gearbox in fourth gear at 2 000 rpm, put your foot down and it will elegantly start to pick up speed. You sense this is an old engine, but the way in which it works makes you think twice about its age.

Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster rear tracking shot

As I guide the SL through one of the best pieces of tarmac South Africa has to offer, the cream-rimmed steering wheel feeds enough information back to me.

After the shoot, there is a chance to press the throttle to the floor with abandon and I marvel at the way the 300SL picks up speed – something which is simply not in line with a car developed in the 1950s!

This Mercedes-Benz 300SL is no trailer queen

Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster front tracking shot

Fortunately this 300SL is not a trailer queen, as the owner drives it regularly. Apart from short trips through the stunning Winelands in South Africa, he also takes it on much longer 1 000 km round-trips along the coast. No wonder it has already done more than 12 000 km since its full restoration.

One of the most notable trips this car did, was before it was finally loaded onto the ship for its return journey to South Africa. The owner drove it through Austria, Italy, France and Switzerland. Most notably, he took it over the tight and hairpin-heavy Stelvio mountain pass.

On 8 February 1963, the final Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster left the factory in Sindelfingen. A total of 1 858 Roadsters were built. Fortunately, this particular car has only just started its new life*, and will definitely be keeping many connoisseurs happy long after we’ve gone.

It is as if Kienle has added a soft layer of modernism throughout the car, but not in an intrusive way that tinkers with the aura, culture and respect that surrounds the Mercedes-Benz 300SL.

Summary

How fast this car must have felt back in the late-1950s! Looking back we have to appreciate the fact that Max Hoffman, the official importer of Mercedes-Benz cars into the USA, had a larger vision as a businessman. He convinced the board of Daimler-Benz at the time that they should built the 300SL, both the road version of the original race-car as well as the Roadster.

Without this car, automotive history wouldn’t have been the same and many an enthusiast would have been poorer for the lack of this experience.

* Since I wrote this article, the car has left our shores.

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Find exclusive car-themed merchandise at the SentiMETAL Shop

Datsun Go vs Suzuki S-Presso – Drag Race!

Which car is faster on the quarter-mile drag strip, the Datsun Go or the Suzuki S-Presso? In our third and final budget car drag race series, we lined up these pint-sized budget cars to find a decisive answer. Watch the video!

In our latest drag race series, we put SA’s favourite budget cars against each other in a drag race showdown to determine which budget car is the fastest. In our third and final drag race, the Datsun Go goes head-to-head with the Suzuki S-Presso. Which one will win? Watch the video to find out!

If you missed the previous videos in this series, here they are!

Renault Kwid vs Datsun Go – Drag Race!

Renault Kwid vs Suzuki S-Presso – Drag Race!

Buy a budget car:

Buy a Suzuki S-Presso on Cars.co.za

Buy a Datsun Go on Cars.co.za

New Ford Ranger Stormtrak revealed

The eye-catching Stormtrak derivative of the new-generation Ford Ranger has made its debut at the 2023 Bangkok International Motor Show in Thailand. Here’s a first look!

While Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA), which produces the new Ranger at its Silverton factory, was busy launching its single-cab and supercab derivatives this week, the Blue Oval unveiled the brand-new Ford Ranger Stormtrak in Thailand – at the 2023 Bangkok International Motor Show.

Considering that FMCSA is still in the primary phase of rolling out its new bakkie in our market, it’s hardly a surprise the firm’s product communications specialist Felix Sebata told Cars.co.za that the Stormtrak was “not confirmed for South Africa”. However, considering that Ford Australia introduced a styled-up Wildtrak X derivative to its (still new) Ranger line-up recently, it’s not inconceivable that the Stormtrak version may debut in our market much earlier in the bakkie’s life cycle than when its predecessor did.

FMCSA launched the Ranger Stormtrak in the final stages of the previous bakkie’s run. It was one of several special derivatives (including the FX4, Thunder and Raptor Special Edition) that debuted in 2021. Surely those derivatives were merely special/limited edition units to generate Ranger sales during the twilight of the bakkie’s tenure in the market (while FMCSA tooled up to produce the new one), not so?

Well, whereas Ford Australia launched the previous Wildtrak X a year before the new-gen bakkie arrived, the 2023 Wildtrak X is making its debut only a year after the new Ranger went on sale Down Under. And that’s quite illuminating, because the Blue Oval is clearly keen to gain as much market share as it can while new models of its arch-rivals’ bakkies, the Toyota Hilux and Mitsubishi Triton, are in the pipeline.

Does that suggest that the Stormtrak (or another special version) of the new Ford Ranger could debut in Mzansi sooner rather than later? We think that’s quite possible and will certainly keep you updated!

As before, the new Ford Ranger Stormtrak is a sportier version of its Wildtrak sibling and the newcomer features derivative-specific body decals, a bold black grille, 20-inch wheels and a flexible rack system. The new 20-inch alloy wheels feature a new design, a red insert and are wrapped in larger 255/55 tyres. The new grille has LED lights built-in as well as performance LED headlights, giving it more presence.

Inside, red details abound. These include Stormtrak stitching on the backrests of the front seats and red stitching on the multifunction steering wheel and transmission lever.

Ford Thailand also released some images of an accessorised Stormtrak, showing off the comprehensive array of goodies available, like the configurable sports bar, extended side steps, and roller shutter door.

The Thai-spec Stormtrak is powered by the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder bi-turbodiesel, which produces 154 kW and 500 Nm, with power going to all four wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission.

South Africa Ford Ranger Lineup

To recap (as we approach the end of March 2023), FMCSA has been hard at work rolling out the new-generation Ranger to showrooms. The double-cab derivatives of the Ranger were introduced first and the Silverton factory is ramping up production. The locally-built single-cab and supercab derivatives are going on sale shortly too, while the imported Ranger Raptor has just gone on sale.

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

The latest Ford Ranger prices and specifications

Mitsubishi Triton XRT Concept Shown; New Electric Bakkie Confirmed

Mitsubishi is showcasing the Triton XRT Concept at the Bangkok International Motor Show, previewing the forthcoming next-generation Triton bakkie. Mitsubishi has also confirmed a fully electric pick-up is in the works…

Earlier this month, as part of the announcement of its 3-year mid-term business plan, Mitsubishi released the first official teaser shot of its next-generation Triton. The bakkie is one of 16 new models – including a mysterious fully electric pick-up – planned for global markets for the next 5 years.

Dubbed “Challenge 2025”, the mid-term business plan is intended to “establish a stable revenue base through selection and concentration” of the Japanese company’s regional strategy. It will furthermore see Mitsubishi – which is a member of the Alliance along with Renault and Nissan – further increase its expenditure on electrification.

Now, though, Mitsubishi is using the Bangkok International Motor Show to showcase the Triton XRT Concept, which hints at what’s to come from the new Triton.

Even though the Triton XRT Concept is wrapped in camouflage, the underlying design imparts a strong visual impact with a large sculpted bonnet, slim LED units and a large upright grille. The squared-off wheel arches are filled by chunky off-road tyres and the concept also shows a rear sports bar.

The new Triton is expected to be fully revealed this year. “The all-new Triton is going through final touch-ups in preparation for its release, as we have performed rigorous endurance tests around the world while also incorporating the know-how gained from rally activities. With the new vehicle launches as the centrepiece, we will continue our drive toward further growth,” said Takao Kato, president and chief executive officer, Mitsubishi Motors.

The earlier teaser image of the Triton shows the next-generation bakkie – with its front-end lighting signature on full display – alongside a similarly disguised PPV (that’s “Pick-up Passenger Vehicle”, so surely the next-gen Pajero Sport), a 3-row SUV and an MPV, which are all listed as internal combustion models in the “global” section.

We already know the new version of the bakkie will be developed alongside the next-generation Nissan Navara, though official details (including powertrain plans) are still decidedly thin on the ground.

The new Triton and Pajero Sport (the latter seemingly tipped for a 2025 unveiling) are also listed in the “growth drivers/leverage regions” section, with these markets due to gain 12 rather than 16 new models over the next half-decade. Under Mitsubishi’s classification, South Africa finds itself part of a broader leverage region.

And the new battery-powered bakkie? Well, it’s listed in both sections, which suggests it may well be on the cards for African markets as well. However, it appears the electric bakkie – which, judging by the teaser image, won’t necessarily be based on the new Triton – will hit the market only at some point after 2025.

The disguised “Pick-up EV” is show alongside a new likewise-electric 2-row SUV and a hybrid-powered 2-row SUV. Mitsubishi also lists the new ASX (based on the Renault Captur), an Alliance BEV, a hybrid Xpander and a hybrid MPV. Interestingly, the new Colt – effectively a rebadged Renault Clio – does not appear in the leverage-region section.

We’ll keep our eyes open for more details of the next-gen Triton as the bakkie’s reveal nears…

Ford Explorer is a Volkswagen ID.4 clone

The Ford Explorer electric vehicle is the Blue Oval’s part of the deal with Volkswagen. Here’s a first look at what’s on offer.

What you see here is the new Ford Explorer electric vehicle, but under the skin its something quite familiar. The Ford shares its underpinnings with the Volkswagen ID.4 as part of the big agreement between the two brands, which saw collaboration productions like the Ford Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok, and the Volkswagen Caddy and Ford Tourneo Connect.

This won’t be the last group project either, with Ford planning a sporty EV on this platform too, which we’ll assume will be based on the Volkswagen ID.5.

Not all details are available immediately, but the new Ford Explorer is a 5-seater electric SUV that will be built in Germany for the European market.

As far as powertrains go, there’s a 170 kW single motor paired to a 77 kWh battery that supports 170 kW charging. This model has a range of 539 km. If you’re wanting something with a bit more punch, there’s a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup with 250 kW and a range of 491 km.

Inside, the main talking point is a huge 14.6-inch portrait infotainment system and Ford says it’ll come with comfort features like a driver’s massage seat, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and a hands-free power tailgate.

More details about this product will be released soon. Right now, Ford is gauging reactions and perception of the design, and despite it sharing the MEB platform from the Volkswagen ID.4, we think it looks quite different to the donor vehicle.

BMW iX M60 (2023) Price & Specs

A M Performance version* of the BMW iX* (with 455 kW!) has stealthily joined the local range. Here’s how much the iX M60 – the most expensive electric BMW in SA – will cost you…

Keen on the fully electric BMW iX but crave more power than the 240 kW offered by the xDrive40 derivative and the 385 kW generated by the xDrive50 variant? Well, the Munich-based firm’s local division has you covered, having quietly added the new iX M60 to the line-up.

Yes, the new BMW iX M60 features an electric motor on each axle, together churning out up to 455 kW and a whopping 1 100 Nm. For the record, peak power sits at 397 kW for the most part but can be temporarily increased to 455 kW. Similarly, maximum twisting force comes in at 1 015 Nm in Sport mode, though is boosted to 1 100 Nm with Launch Control activated.

All that oomph is enough for the all-wheel-drive iX M60 to complete the 0-100 kph sprint in a claimed 3.8 seconds (in defiance of its near-2 700 kg unladen weight), before topping out at 250 kph. The lithium-ion battery pack, meanwhile, boasts a net capacity of 105.2 kWh, allowing a claimed single-charge range of up to 561 km.

*The BMW iX M60 is the most expensive fully electric model in the German firm’s local range.*

So, what will the iX M60 cost you? Well, thanks to a heads-up from our studious friends over at duoporta.com, we know the starting price stands at R2 975 000. That’s a lofty enough figure to make the iX M60 the most expensive fully electric BMW available in South Africa right now (yes, it costs a little more than even the i7 xDrive60 M Sport).

Still, the battery-powered SUV ships standard with plenty of features, including a panoramic glass roof, BMW Laserlights, 22-inch M aerodynamic alloy wheels, tyre-pressure monitoring, high-beam assist, 4-zone climate control, BMW Live Cockpit Professional, a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround-sound system, Driving Assist Professional, Parking Assist Professional and soft-closing doors. In fact, the only paid extra listed on BMW SA’s configurator at the time of writing was the option to switch to blue seatbelts for R6 000…

How much does the BMW iX M60 cost in South Africa?

BMW iX M60 – R2 975 000

The purchase price includes a 2-year/unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty, an 8-year/100 000 km battery warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.

Buy a used BMW iX on Cars.co.za!

Mercedes-Benz GLA/GLB Updated for 2023

The Mercedes-Benz GLA and GLB have been given a mild facelift for 2023. Here’s a quick look at the changes.

The updated Mercedes-Benz GLA and GLB follows on from the recent updates to the rest of Merc’s compact range; the A-Class and CLA. The raised GLA/GLB gets similar updates with the slightest change visually to the exterior, additional features and the powertrains gaining mild-hybrid technology to the engine lineup.

Visually, you can spot the newer models with a new-look front bumper with slightly more aggressive intakes and new-look grille. The daytime running lights and headlights have been changed too, along with the taillamps. Mercedes-Benz says there’s a new paint finish and four new alloy wheel designs, with customers able to choose from 17- to 20-inch.

The entry-level cabin has a 7-inch digital dashboard and 10.25-inch central touchscreen, with the dual 10.25-inch display units for the higher-spec models. The MBUX system has been updated to include wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and a smarter voice assistant.

An additional illuminated USB-C port with faster charging has been added to the cabin and the newer models get a new-style of leather wrapped steering wheel. The standard seats feature Artico manmade leather. Mercedes-Benz has improved the safety tech with upgrades to the Driving Assistance Package and Parking Package with a new 360-degree camera. Trailer Manoeuvring Assist makes its debut in both models.

When it comes to engines and transmissions, both the GLA and GLB gain mild-electrification for the petrol-powered derivatives, while the diesel powertrains are carried over. The hybrid petrol system helps reduce consumption and emissions, while offering up to 10 kW for a short period.

As a reminder, both the Mercedes-Benz GLA and GLB are available with an assortment of engines. For the petrol fans, there’s the 180 (100 kW 230 Nm), 200 (120 kW 270 Nm), 220 4Matic (140 kW 300 Nm), 250 4Matic (165 kW 350 Nm) and 35 AMG (225 kW 400 Nm).

Diesel fans are well catered for with 180d (85 kW 280 Nm), 200d (110 kW 320 Nm), 200d 4Matic (110 kW 320 Nm) and 220d 4Matic (140 kW 400 Nm).

South African engine lineup will not include all of these options, based on what the current selection looks like. All models are available with a dual-clutch transmission with either 7- or 8-speeds, depending on engine. A flagship GLA 45 AMG performance derivative is expected in the near future. We expect the updated GLA and GLB to be hitting South African showroom floors in 2023.

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2023 Mercedes-Benz GLB Review

Audi To Rename Its Cars

The Ingolstadt-based brand has a new naming strategy to differentiate between internal combustion engine and electric power.

Rumours have been plentiful about Audi’s new naming structure, but finally Audi has confirmed it. At Audi AG’s Annual Media Conference, CEO Markus Duesmann said the new next-generation Audi A4 will be sold as the A5, while the A6 will become the A7.

Essentially, Audi products with odd numbers (3, 5, 7) will be powered by internal-combustion engines, while the even numbers (2, 4, 6, 8) will have electric powertrains. We’re already seeing this with the launch of the Audi Q8 e-tron, and it wouldn’t be too far-fetched to image the ICE-powered Q8 to become the Q7/Q9.

But what about the current-generation electric vehicles with the e-tron name? Well, Duesmann has confirmed it won’t be dropped, which is interesting, as Mercedes-Benz is considering offloading its EQ brand with new vehicles due in 2024, while BMW will continue to use the ‘i’ as a way of showcasing its EV range.

We’re expecting a quiet year locally for Audi South Africa, but Audi global has quite a few products on the way, with a successor to the Audi A4 earmarked for a global debut at some point in 2023. The Audi A6 is due for an update soon too. Audi is expected to continue to build ICE-powered vehicles until the early 2030s even though it won’t introduce any new ICE models beyond 2026.

More: Living with the Audi e-tron GT

“We are on the verge of the biggest product initiative in our history. By 2025, we will have launched around 20 new models, more than 10 of which will be all-electric. We have set the course to go 100% electric. By 2027, we seek to offer an all-electric vehicle in each core segment. We recently decided to launch an additional electric entry-level model below the Audi Q4 e-tron as well. The upcoming Audi Q6 e-tron model series is the first to be based on the new Premium Platform Electric. With it, e-mobility is coming from Ingolstadt for the first time.” said Markus Duesmann during the recent Audi Annual Media Conference.

Want to purchase a new or used Audi? Browse stock for sale here.

BMW i4 eDrive35 M Sport (2023) Price & Specs

BMW South Africa has quietly launched an entry-level version of its i4. Here’s how much the i4 eDrive35 M Sport – for now the least expensive fully electric BMW offered in SA – costs…

The BMW i4 has been on the market in South Africa since mid-2022, though just a single derivative – an M Performance variant called the i4 M50 – has been available locally. Now, that’s changed with the introduction of a new entry-level version called the i4 eDrive35.

Available exclusively in M Sport trim, the rear-wheel-drive i4 eDrive35 arrives as the least expensive fully electric BMW in the local range (until the launch of the new iX1, we suspect). Big thanks to our eagle-eyed friends over at duoporta.com for alerting us to the new variant’s stealthy arrival.

So, how much does this version of the Munich-based firm’s electric gran coupé cost? Well, the i4 eDrive35 M Sport starts at R1 293 300, which makes it R352 900 less expensive than the 400 kW i4 M50 (which, incidentally, was the M division’s best-selling model globally in 2022). That starting price furthermore sees the newcomer slot in just below the iX3 M Sport, which kicks off at R1 306 400.

The i4 eDrive35’s base price is actually listed as R1 285 000, but the BMW SA configurator forces the selection of the R8 300 Parking Assist Plus package.

*The i4 eDrive35 features a rear-wheel-drive configuration.*

So, what’s there to know about the new model’s powertrain? Well, like the i4 M50 (and indeed the i4 eDrive40 that is not available locally), the i4 eDrive35 employs BMW’s 5th-generation eDrive technology. Here, the rear axle is powered by an integrated electric motor generating 210 kW and 400 Nm, allowing a 0-100 kph sprint in a claimed 6.0 seconds and a top speed of 190 kph. The lithium-ion battery pack has a net capacity of 67 kWh, translating to a claimed range of up to 483 km (for the record, that’s 18 km more than the all-paw i4 M50).

Produced at BMW Group’s plant in Munich, the i4 eDrive35’s list of standard features includes items such as bi-tone 18-inch M aerodynamic alloy wheels, tyre-pressure monitoring, a Leather “Vernasca” Black interior (with decorative stitching), high-beam assist, BMW Live Cockpit Plus and the widescreen display.

The list of options, meanwhile, includes larger wheels (up to 20 inches in diameter, for R25 700), various paint finishes (up to R52 800) and special interior trim finishes (up to R13 600). There’s also the M Sport Package Pro (R24 500), the Deluxe Package 2.0 (R37 700, which includes a glass sunroof and uprated audio system) and the M Carbon Exterior Package (R83 600).

How much does the BMW i4 eDrive35 M Sport cost in SA?

BMW i4 eDrive35 M Sport – R1 293 300

The purchase price includes a 2-year/unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty, an 8-year/100 000 km battery warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.

Buy a used BMW i4 on Cars.co.za!

Toyota GR Corolla vs Volkswagen Golf R

A mega battle between two of the world’s largest carmakers is about to go down in South Africa. In one corner you have the new Toyota GR Corolla and in the other, the Volkswagen Golf 8 R. Which one of these hatchbacks will win the fight? Let’s square them up!

South African hot-hatch enthusiasts are in for a treat as 2 formidable performance hatchbacks are due to arrive in this second quarter of 2023.

First up, is the Volkswagen Golf 8 R. Yes, it’s been a painfully long wait but Volkswagen’s range-topping Golf is due to go on sale very soon (April 2023)! We have tested the VW Golf R on local soil.

Toyota is stepping up to the plate to take the fight to the Golf 8 R and the Japanese firm recently confirmed that its beefed-up GR Corolla will be offered in South Africa in limited numbers in the second quarter of 2023.

This ultimately means that these potent hot-hatchbacks will meet on the tar for a showdown but how do they compare on paper and how do they differ?

While we have yet to sample the new GR Corolla on local soil, we will have to reserve judgment on its performance delivery and handling ability. Nonetheless, this comparison will give you a good idea of how these vehicles stack up against each other in terms of on-paper performance and key interior features. Note that pricing details for both cars have yet to be confirmed.

This article will be updated as soon as more details are confirmed, so stay tuned!

Toyota GR Corolla vs Volkswagen Golf R

Engine, Performance and Efficiency

	Toyota GR Corolla	Volkswagen Golf 8 R
Powertrain	1.6-litre, 3-cylinder, turbopetrol	2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbopetrol
Power	224 kW @ 6 500 rpm	235 kW @ 5 350 rpm
Torque	370 Nm @ 3 000 – 5 500 rpm	400 Nm @ 2 100 – 5 350 rpm
Transmission	6-speed manual, AWD	7-speed dual-clutch, AWD
Fuel consumption (Claimed)	TBC	7.8 L/100km
Zero to 100kph	5. 0 secs	4.8 secs
Top Speed	230 kph	250 kph
Kerb weight	1 475 kg	1 476 kg

Performance Prediction

The Volkswagen Golf R looks to be stronger on paper but both cars are quite evenly matched. The 2023 Toyota GR Corolla employs an uprated iteration of the 3-cylinder, 1.6-litre turbopetrol engine that powers the GR Yaris and as was proven in the GR Yaris, this powertrain shouldn’t be underestimated by any means.

The GR Corolla, with less engine displacement minus 1 cylinder compared to its Golf R rival will undoubtedly have its work cut out. Both cars feature all-wheel-drive but a key difference is that the Corolla GR will be offered exclusively with a 6-speed manual which means that the driver will have to initiate perfect shifts to get the most out of the powertrain while the driver in the Golf 8 R will enjoy the convenience of a fast-shifting dual-clutch transmission.

The GR Corolla employs an electronic multi-plate clutch all-wheel-drive system capable of quickly shuffling drive between the front and rear axles and the selectable AWD system allows for 60:40, 50:50 and 30:70 front-to-rear torque split settings, depending on the driver’s preference.

The Golf 8 R’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system offers R-Performance Torque Vectoring which is linked to the Vehicle Dynamics Manager (VDM), electronic centre and rear differential and Adaptive Chassis Control to deliver precise and agile dynamic handling ability.

We think that the Volkswagen Golf R will have an edge over the Toyota GR Corolla but we can’t wait to line both of these cars up on the drag strip! Which car do you think will win?

Interior Comparison

Note that the GR Toyota Corolla is offered in 3 trim levels namely, Core Grade, Circuit Edition in range-topping Morizo Edition guise. We suspect that Toyota South Africa will introduce the Circuit Edition locally and we have therefore included this derivative in the comparison table below to give you a more accurate indication of what to expect.

	Toyota GR Corolla	Volkswagen Golf 8 R
Infotainment system	Yes, 8.0-inch	Yes, 10-inch
Digital instrument cluster	Yes, 12.3-inch	Yes, 10.25-inch
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, voice control, USB, wireless charging	Yes to all, 2 x USB ports	Yes to all, 2 x USB-C ports
Sound System	JBL, 8 speakers	Harmon Kardon (optional)
Rear View Camera	Yes, with parking lines	Yes, with guidelines
Cruise Control	Yes, adaptive	Yes, adaptive
Air Conditioning	Yes, single-zone climate control	Yes, 3-zone climate control
Panoramic Sunroof	No	Yes
Front and rear park distance control	TBC	Yes
Upholstery / electric seats	Suede/leather combination, 6-way adjustable driver seat, heated seats. Heated leather steering wheel.	Nappa leather heated sport seats, heated leather steering wheel
Safety Features	10 airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control, pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, blind spot alert, rear-cross traffic alert, tyre pressure warning system, road sign assist	9 airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control, Parallel Park Assist, blind spot monitor, rear traffic alert, lane keep assist, travel assist, tyre pressure monitoring system
Load Capacity	TBC	341 – 1 200 litres
Seat Configuration	60:40 split	60:40 split

Interior execution

The GR Corolla’s interior execution follows from the Corolla hatchback but adds numerous sporty details such as aluminium sport pedals, GR badging on the headrest and steering wheel, red stitching/seat inserts and a GR-themed instrument cluster.

Comparatively, the Volkswagen Golf 8 R’s cabin exudes more of a tech feel but is no less impressive in catering to the driver’s needs. However, the Golf 8 R’s capacitive touchpads and sliders on the steering wheel and centre console are not very user-friendly and the infotainment system does take a fair degree of familiarisation to get used to.

See our full review of the Volkswagen Golf 8 R here!

Based on the above comparison, what would you rather want to own, the new Toyota GR Corolla or the new Volkswagen Golf 8 R?

We will update this article as soon as pricing and other details are revealed.

Buy a Toyota Corolla on Cars.co.za

Buy a Volkswagen Golf on Cars.co.za

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