Ford Everest vs Toyota Land Cruiser Prado: Quick Comparison

At the recent launch of the Ford Everest, representatives from the Blue Oval made an interesting claim. The positioning of the newcomer sees it take on the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, not the assumed traditional rival, the Toyota Fortuner. We look at the specifications, features and price/warranty to see if there’s any merit in this claim.

When you think of the traditional rivals to the Ford Everest, the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is not the first name that comes to mind. The previous generation of Everest faced traditional opposition in the form of the Toyota Fortuner, Isuzu MU-X, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and if you’re not wanting a bakkie-based SUV setup, then also consider looking at the Land Rover Discovery Sport and Hyundai Santa Fe for diesel-powered all-wheel drive family vehicles.

When car companies make claims that buck conventional assumptions, they have to be investigated and while we haven’t yet had the chance to test the new Ford Everest against the revered-yet-aging Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, the below comparison between the two makes for some interesting reading.

2022 Ford Everest: We drive it at the local launch

Engine, Transmissions & Claimed Economy

	Prado	Everest
Engines Available	2.8-litre 4-cylinder diesel 150 kW and 500 Nm 4.0-litre V6 petrol 202 kW and 381 Nm	2.0 BiTurbo diesel 154 kW and 500 Nm 3.0-litre V6 diesel 184 kW and 600 Nm
Gearbox	6-speed auto	10-speed auto
Fuel tank capacity	87 + 63 = 150 litres	76 litres
Fuel economy	2.8: 7.9 L/100 km 4.0: 11.3 L/100 km	2.0: 7.5 L/100 km 3.0: 8.5 L/100 km
Tow Rating	Unbraked: 750 kg Braked: 2 500 kg	Unbraked: 750 kg Braked: 3 500 kg

Off-road Capabilities

	Prado	Everest
Ground clearance	220 mm	229 mm Sport / 226 mm Platinum
Low-range transfer case	Yes	Yes
Approach angle	31.0	30.3
Departure angle	25.0	23.3
Breakover	21.1	21.9
Wading depth	700 mm	800 mm
Electronic locking differential	Yes	Yes
Off-road modes	Yes	Yes

Tech and Features

	Prado	Everest
Features	TX: Auto dual-zone climate 6-speaker audio Electrically adjustable driver seat Cruise control Park distance control Keyless entry Bluetooth/USB Reverse camera Front seats heated/ventilated Rear seats heated Centre console fridge	Sport: 8-way adjustable partial leather seats for front passengers 8-inch digital instrument cluster 12-inch colour touchscreen Ford SYNC4A (Android Auto, Apple CarPlay) 8-speaker audio Wireless charging pad Front and rear USB-A, USB-C ports Ford Pass app connect Terrain management system Lane-keeping assist, pre-collision alert Cruise control with speed limiter Dual zone climate control Power tailgate Front/Rear parking sensors Tow bar Auto headlamps
	VX: (Above plus:) Memory function for driver seat 14-speaker Premium audio Multi-function display Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Tilt-telescopic steering adjustment Auto wipers Powered 3rd row of seats Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) with 5 offroad modes Downhill Assist Control (DAC) and Crawl Control Drive mode select (Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Eco) Adaptive variable suspension	Platinum: Premium leather for driver and passenger with 10-way adjustment and memory Heated/ventilated front seats Heated rear seats 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster 12-inch colour touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto 360-degree camera 12-speaker B&O audio 400W inverter for rear passengers Adaptive cruise control Active Park Assist with auto parallel and perpendicular park Panoramic moonroof Tyre pressure sensors
	VX-L: (Above plus:) Toyota Safety Sense – pre-collision, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure alert, rear cross-traffic Automatic high beam Power-operated moonroof

Practicality and Space

	Prado	Everest
Length	5 010 mm	4 940 mm
Width	1 885 mm (excluding mirrors)	2 207 mm (including mirrors)
Height	1 880 mm	1 837 mm
Wheelbase	2 790 mm	2 900 mm
Load Capacity	104-974 L	259-898-1818 L

Pricing

Right now, there are just two Ford Everest models from launch. There will likely be further derivatives coming in 2023, but due to shipping and logistic issues, stock could be delayed.

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado	2.8 GD TX	R1 058 500	Ford Everest	2.0 Biturbo 4×4 Sport	R965 400
	4.0 VX	R1 160 400		3.0 V6 4WD Platinum	R1 113 100
	2.8 GD VX	R1 196 400
	4.0 VX-L	R1 209 600
	2.8 GD VX-L	R1 247 000

Summary

Despite its age, the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is still a capable and comfortable family go-anywhere SUV, and with a 150-litre fuel tank, you actually can go anywhere. Some might say it’s getting long in the tooth, but why change what’s clearly a winning formula for Toyota? That being said, there’s a likelihood of a Prado update in 2023, before an all-new model arrives in 2024.

The new Ford Everest has exceptional features and on-paper offroad performance, and some would say that V6 is what the Everest has needed since day one.

Ford SA is expecting delays in its Everest stock arrival due to the lack of car carriers coming from its plant in Thailand and its expected that demand for this new model may outstrip supply. If you want one, best you make contact with your Ford dealer

Farewell, Jaguar F-Type! Special Editions Mark Final Year

Jaguar has handed its F-Type one final update before the sportscar rides off into the sunset. Meet the SA-bound F-Type 75 and F-Type R 75 special editions…

British automaker Jaguar plans to transform into a fully electric luxury brand by 2025. That means the writing is firmly on the wall for models powered by internal combustion engines. Yes, the F-Type is on the way out, though not before one final hurrah.

To mark the end of the line for the 2-seater F-Type – which has been in production since 2013, arriving in South Africa in the same year – Jaguar has revealed an updated version, complete with 75-badged (to celebrate 75 years of Jaguar sportscars) special-edition models.

The tweaked F-Type range – which the Coventry-based firm describes as “simpler and more focused” than before – will be available in South Africa from January 2023 and will again include coupé and convertible body styles.

Jaguar has made a few subtle changes, including upgrading all models to 20-inch alloy wheels and altering the wheel centres and grille badge from red to black (and the “R” and “R-Dynamic” badge accent colours to black and grey rather than red and green).

Special editions mark F-Type’s final year

So, what makes the special editions, well, special? Buyers will have the choice of F-Type 75 and F-Type R 75 models (each boasting Jaguar’s iconic V8 engine), which are distinguished by unique design elements inside and out, are well as what the automaker describes as “carefully curated specifications”.

The special-edition models furthermore gain “discreet badges” on the front fenders depicting the F-Type’s silhouette, along with model-specific 20-inch alloys (gloss-black, 5-spoke and gloss-black diamond-turned 10-spoke designs, respectively). The R 75 also gains wider Pirelli P Zero tyres measuring 265/35/ZR20 up front and 305/30/ZR20 at the rear.

Another feature specific to the F-Type 75 and R 75 models is a silhouette motif on the centre-console finisher, which is repeated on the stainless-steel tread plates. The interior Black Pack, meanwhile, is also included.

Lightweight performance seats are standard on the F-Type 75 and R 75, complete with heating and cooling functions, and finished in Windsor leather. An Ebony suedecloth headliner is likewise standard on the special models.

Interestingly, the F-Type 75 and R 75 also gain under-the-skin upgrades, including rear knuckles fashioned from light aluminium die castings. In addition, the R 75 boasts revised upper ball joints, which Jaguar says “significantly increase camber and toe stiffness”.

The F-Type R 75 can also be specified with Jaguar’s carbon-ceramic matrix braking system, which upgrades to 398 mm and 380 mm front and rear discs with 6- and 4-piston monobloc callipers with a yellow finish.

Saying goodbye to Jaguar’s supercharged V8 engine

From what we can tell, the final F-Type range will include only one engine option: the supercharged 5.0-litre V8 (though in two states of tune), paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

In the lower-output version, the 8-cylinder unit makes 331 kW and 580 Nm. In South Africa, the F-Type 75 will be available exclusively in all-wheel-drive guise, complete with an active electronic rear differential. Jaguar claims a 0-100 kph time of 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 285 kph.

Then there’s the F-Type R 75, which bears a version of the supercharged V8 worth 423 kW and 700 Nm. With this model, the sprint from standstill to 100 kph takes a claimed 3.7 seconds, while maximum speed is electronically limited to a heady 300 kph.

The range in South Africa will include coupé and convertible versions of the all-paw 75 and R 75 special-edition models, along with the 331 kW rear-driven R-Dynamic variants (again available in either of the two body styles).

“For 75 years, Jaguar has been renowned for producing extraordinary sportscars that deliver performance, agility and maximum driver reward. The F-Type special editions hold true to these principles, adding unique interior and exterior design details to celebrate this lineage before Jaguar becomes an all-electric brand from 2025,” says Matthew Beaven, Jaguar Land Rover Chief Designer for Exteriors.

Find a used Jaguar F-Type on Cars.co.za!

GWM’s Ora Cat EV could offer 500 km range for only R600k

Is there finally an EV that could convince more South African motorists to buy a “fully electric” car?

Few models are as broadly marketed, yet generally unaffordable, as (battery) electric vehicles (EVs). Luxury vehicle brands champion their electric vehicles as transformative – the culmination of corporate mission statements and excellent R&D resourcing. Battery cars are purported to be saviours of humanity and guardians of personal transportation freedom in a future where (tailpipe) carbon-emitting vehicles will ostensibly become impossible to own in most global cities.

But that’s not really true. Not even close. Electric vehicles, especially in South Africa, are outrageously expensive and rare. They constitute 1% of the vehicle market and are only attainable by the elite 1% of earners. What’s the average electric vehicle purchase price in South Africa? Not far off R1.5 million. That’s hardly Volkswagen Polo Vivo or Toyota Corolla Cross money, is it?

Fewer Rands – but more kilometres of range

Joy is a cheap(ish) EV, with a proper range for driving beyond the city limits.

Would South African middle-class buyers embrace an affordable electric vehicle? Five years ago, the answer to that question was “maybe?” But even as the Eskom power crisis escalates, triggering greater self-generation independence, South Africa has an increasing number of motorists that are interested in buying hybrid and battery-electric vehicles.

What’s a reasonable electric-vehicle price point? The most affordable electric car in South Africa is Mini’s Cooper SE, which retails for R723 000 before on-road costs. But it has a limited range (a claimed 217 km). What if there was an electric vehicle that’s potentially cheaper than Mini’s Cooper SE EV, with more than double its range? Wouldn’t that be the ideal model to finally power authentic domestic demand for battery vehicles?

The most likely product candidate for an affordable South African market EV is Chinese. That’s hardly surprising, as China is by far the world’s largest EV market and a technology leader in battery-powered vehicles.

GWM, Haval and now… Ora

Looks decent, rolls on 18-inch wheels and comes with a lot of kit.

Ora Cat – a new product venture from GWM’s electric vehicle division – is the hatchback in question. It is about the same size as a Volkswagen T-Cross and built on a dedicated EV platform instead of being a converted ICE design. That means it boasts an optimised cabin architecture and excellent space utilisation, for enhanced passenger comfort. It doesn’t look terrible, either, with more than a trace of Porsche 911 regarding the headlamp design and frunk proportions.

But the Ora Cat’s technical specifications are authentically convincing. GWM’s product planners and design engineers scrutinised true EV usage and found that performance was notably less important than range. This is something that many of us already know, but the motor industry is finally recognising it too: the overwhelming majority of consumers that are considering EVs are not interested in supercar-rivalling 0-100 kph times; they want to know how far they can drive.

The Ora Cat isn’t a light vehicle for its size (1 540kg), but that’s about the same weight as a turbopetrol-powered small SUV. Power and torque outputs are mild, at 126 kW and 250 Nm; performance is sedate, but the range is impressive.

EV buyers more concerned about range than performance

The Ora Cat has some Porsche 911 cues at the front. That’s probably what VW should have done – adopts a retro DKW design.

GMW’s Ora Cat is configurable with two battery pack sizes, 47.8- or 59.7 kWh, which provide estimated ranges of 400- and 500 km respectively. Even the smaller battery option delivers a WTLP driving range of 310 km. To contextualise how impressive that is, consider that, according to those who have first-hand knowledge, the Mini Cooper SE’s real-world driving range is well under 200 km.

The Cooper SE is smaller and less practical than an Ora Cat. Granted, the Mini offers superior performance, but its range is significantly shorter than that of its Chinese rival. And in the market for EVs, range is currency.

An energy source designed for durability

A contrasting roof and cabin colours are the only options with this Chinese EV.

And then there’s the Ora Cat’s battery chemistry. What trick camshaft phasing and variable geometry dual-stage turbocharging was to petrol and diesel engines, battery chemistry is to EVs. And if you are a car fan, it’s time to recognise that variances in battery chemistry have an enormous influence on the efficiency of an EV powertrain.

Unlike European luxury-brand EVs, which mostly run on lithium-ion battery packs, the Ora Cat uses a lithium iron phosphate chemistry. And yes, that’s the same chemistry that Tesla pivoted to earlier this year. What’s the advantage of lithium iron phosphate? Reduced cell degradation over time.

Disadvantage? The power density is less potent than lithium-ion. That matters if you are marketing a 300-kW luxury EV, but not so much when it’s an affordable family EV with mild performance expectations.

Battery confidence at a low price

The Ora Cat cabin is simple and roomy, for passengers. But a bit tight, on luggage space.

Potential customers for GMW’s Ora Cat will be more mindful of recharging speeds and battery-cell life over time, than a few missing kilowatts of power, due to the hatchback’s lithium iron phosphate chemistry. GWM is so confident of its battery sourcing quality that the Ora Cat is marketed with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty, with the battery warrantied for 8 years/160 000 km.

At what price point would the Ora Cat be offered if it was delivered to your local GWM dealer tomorrow? In the UK, the 47.8 kWh battery version sells for the equivalent of R600 000, which is much less than Mini’s Cooper SE EV, which retails for the equivalent of R700 000, before options. And, as is customary for most Chinese-made passenger vehicles (some bakkies too), the Ora Cat has a rather comprehensive standard specification.

Based on the model offered in the UK, the Ora Cat comes with inductive smartphone charging, a pair of 10.25-inch display screens (one for infotainment, the other for driver information), and full Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Comfort features include dual-zone climate control and over-the-air vehicle updates, preventing the administrative burden of unnecessarily visiting a dealership.

Driver-assistance and safety technology features include adaptive cruise control, surround view cameras, autonomous braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, LED headlights (with high beam assist) and lane keep assist. The only option? A dual-tone paint finish.

Is this the perfect South African EV spec?

There are no exposed taillights; the Ora Cat’s brake and indicator illumination are all behind the tailgate glass. Clever.

The GWM Ora Cat has cute styling and very impressive claimed ranges. Its 0-100 kph performance of 8.3 sec isn’t startling, by EV standards, but should give the hatchback a decent turn of speed when required, for urban driving.

Recharging performance is great, too, with the battery levels rechargeable from 15-80% in only 40 minutes, when using an 80-kW DC fast-charging station.

Debits? The luggage space could be better. Although the Ora Cat is built on a dedicated EV architecture, 228 litres of luggage space isn’t amazing for a vehicle 4.25m in length and about the same size as the T-Cross, which has 385 litres of luggage capacity.

If GWM can market the Ora Cat at its R600 000 European launch price in Mzansi, South Africa’s EV market could easily quadruple in a year…

How well is the Land Rover Defender selling in SA?

The Land Rover Defender has just achieved its in best sales month of 2022 thus far. Here’s how well the British off-roader is selling in South Africa…

When combing through South Africa’s new-vehicle sales figures for September 2022, we noticed the Land Rover Defender put in a particularly strong showing last month. So, we decided to take a look back at the SUV’s local sales performance for 2022 thus far.

Turns out September was indeed the Defender’s best sales month of the year to date, with as many as 203 units registered across South Africa. That’s a mighty impressive figure for a vehicle range that starts at a lofty R1 307 594…

After a few jabs at a calculator, we found Land Rover SA had sold 1 003 examples of the L663-generation model over the first nine months of 2022, which translates to an average of 111 units a month. July (162 units) was the Defender’s next best sales performance, followed by June (156 units) and May (155 units).

Interestingly, the Slovakia-built SUV’s lowest monthly total of 2022 thus far came in August, when just 39 examples were sold. The relative inconsistency of the monthly totals suggests the Whitley-based automaker’s local division has – like most brands – been struggling with supply issues.

The local Land Rover Defender range now comprises three body styles: 90, 110 and 130.

Still, it’s fascinating to note the Defender remains Jaguar Land Rover SA’s best-selling product, and by quite some margin, too. Using September as an example, we see the Defender was the only model to crack three figures, with the British group’s next best-selling vehicles being the full-size Range Rover (33 units), Evoque (18 units), F-Pace (17 units), Velar (13 units) and Range Rover Sport (10 units).

As a reminder, the local Defender range comprises as many as 33 derivatives, including three body styles (90, 110 and 130) and various petrol and diesel powertrains. The line-up is topped by the Defender 110 V8 Carpathian Edition, which offers 386 kW from its supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine and starts at R2 745 360 (though is also available in 90 guise, from R2 624 360).

The modern-day (unibody) Defender was revealed in Frankfurt in September 2019, before initial examples of the 110 arrived in South Africa in mid-2020.

Lasizwe Interview: From his late mom’s Jetta to his new Range Rover, here’s his car story

Lasizwe Dambuza, or just Lasizwe to his millions of fans, has become a cultural icon in South Africa, always presenting himself boldly and fearlessly. In this video, he tells us his story, from driving his late mom’s Volkswagen Jetta to why he bought his current Range Rover Velar, and how he got scammed in the middle.

Lasizwe is one of those personalities where, love him or hate him, you probably still want to know what he’s up to or see what he’s wearing to the latest event, or watch his latest video on his YouTube channel

A talented actor, he has attracted a large social media following across multiple platforms and is one of the most successful South African YouTubers, with South African audiences loving his comedy skits covering all aspects of South African daily life.

We were delighted to have Lasizwe join us for Season 1 of Cars.co.za‘s #CarCulture, where he gave us his view of South Africa’s car culture, and took us through his car ownership history.

If you’ve missed the first 4 episodes of #CarCulture, featuring DBN Gogo, Chrizz Beats, DJ Speedsta and our very own Ciro De Siena, check out the playlist here!

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CONTINENTAL ICONS Part 2: Porsche Cayenne

In the second instalment of a 4-part series in celebration of Continental’s 75th birthday in South Africa, we head for the Koue Bokkeveld with Calvin Fisher and his 2010 Porsche Cayenne 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel, a car that has taken him and his family on a number of off-road adventures. To make the Cayenne an even better candidate for a tribute film such as this, it is also the 20th anniversary of Porsche’s first SUV.

Find out more about Continental Tyre’s history and why so many brands fit them as standard.

Words: Wilhelm Lutjeharms, Photos: Justin Pinto

It doesn’t take long to figure out that Calvin Fisher is an automotive enthusiast. In fact, he has taken things a step further by also recently acquiring his motorcycle leaner’s licence. Apart from that, his day job entails being a motoring journalist and content creator. Plus, he has another couple of cars in his garage… This passion is thankfully also shared in, and with, his family.

Where it all started

“I grew up on the Cape Flats and for us freedom meant car keys, a full tank… or actually any amount of fuel. My earliest car memories are of my dad’s Chevy on family road trips – and that has really stuck with me. Those have been such good memories that today I own a Chevrolet 4100 just like he had. If I don’t drive the Cayenne, I do try to spend some time in the Chevy.

“In the early Nineties, the car culture scene I was growing up in was very much on the street. Cars that appealed to me back then were the Nissan Skyline 2.8, Toyota’s Cressida 24-valve and a Nissan EXA Turbo. At the time I didn’t know what these cars were, but I knew I loved them and realised I was forever changed by those experiences.

“Through the years I never really understood the appeal of a Porsche and I was never blown away by them… until I got to drive a 911 for the first time. That experience quickly changed my view! Over the years I got to drive a few more, and I went from respecting the brand to loving it.

“I realised that owning a 911 wasn’t really compatible with being an adult and having kids. I wanted a car that I could still love and use on a daily basis. After the controversial first generation, I think the design department at Porsche nailed it aesthetically with the 957-generation Cayenne. I love it so much that even if I could have any Cayenne, I’ll still pick mine.

Exploring

“My plan was always to go on adventures with this car and before I bought it I decided what I wanted. I decided on a turbodiesel with standard suspension and not air suspension. It is fitted with the 3.0-litre, V6 turbodiesel engine which is similar to the unit found in the VW Amarok. The result is that we’ve done trips to Tankwa Karoo and we’ve camped in various places, always via a lot of gravel roads. Every time she has held up perfectly. All that I’ve done to make these trips possible is to fit a good pair of off-road tyres as well as a roof rack. Inside I’ve also fitted a OneNav Android Auto navigation system that features a 12.1-inch screen that I can use for off-line maps and to listen to my music. I’m a massive nerd and love connecting my phone and having this technology at hand. We really use this car like the way it will be portrayed in a brochure and not parked at the mall.

“The thing that I love the most about the Cayenne is the freedom that comes with it. The fact that if I see a place I know I can get there. It is real 4×4 at the end of the day and I treat it as such. In terms of buying cars, this is probably the first time it has been a sensible decision that has also been a passionate one for me.

“Every car I’ve ever owned I’ve felt the need to tinker on, style or upgrade the performance. Maybe it is an age thing, but I’m at the point now where I don’t feel like doing any of those things. Now, any changes I want to make to this car, it must be to improve it based on my lifestyle. And this is now my lifestyle, going anywhere I want, pitching a tent really quick and camping next to a river.”

The first camping trip

Calvin eagerly shares his first camping experience with the Cayenne, a car he admits is not regularly seen at the nation’s campsites.

“We rolled into this established camping site, with all the locals in their Toyota Fortuners, Hiluxes and Ford Rangers. And there we were, with our Porsche and our tent on the roof. Initially there were some stares and it was a kind of a weird moment. But, we had a jol, enjoyed a braai and a lekker swim. It is definitely not your typical car that you will see at South Africa’s camping sites, but I’m working on that! I now have an on-road wheel and tyre combo as well as an off-road wheel and tyre combo, depending on what I want to do.”

Calvin enjoys his Cayenne equally as much on the gravel as on the tarmac. “Today when we did Gydo Pass, as well as all the twisty roads leading up to it, I put it in Sport mode and she tackles the corners very well.

“There is something incredibly satisfying about owning this car. To me this Cayenne looks brilliant and I can carry my entire family in the car to several adventures throughout the year. That means everything to me.”

Feeling inspired? Want to buy a used Porsche Cayenne? Browse stock now

Mercedes-AMG C63/C43 To Be Assembled in South Africa

The brand-new Mercedes-AMG C63 and C43 will be assembled at the East London facility, for both SA consumption and export.

Mercedes-Benz South Africa has confirmed its brand-new AMG offerings will be assembled locally. Headlining this line-up is the brand-new and recently-revealed Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance with its potent hybrid setup. Gone is the V8 and in its place is a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine driving the front axle and an electric motor on the rear axle.

Combined, the new AMG powertrain punches out a total of 500 kW and 1 020 Nm. Straight-line performance is impressive considering its weight of the new electric setup, with a 0-100 kph dispatched in just 3.4 seconds. The best part? Mercedes-Benz South Africa has confirmed this model will be launched locally in the 4th quarter of 2023.

For those who don’t want to wait that long and want a taste of the new Mercedes-AMG electrified performance, the new C43 will be launching in SA as early as January 2023. This features a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine paired to all-wheel drive and a 9-speed automatic transmission. Outputs of 300 kW and 500 Nm are offered, and the vehicle will sprint from 0-100 kph in just 4.6 seconds. We’ll have pricing and specifications for this model early next year.

The confirmation from Mercedes-Benz that it will be building the AMG derivatives along with the standard W206 C-Class models is a great boost to East London and the immediate suppliers in the vicinity of the plant. This is not Mercedes-Benz SA’s first rodeo when it comes to AMG production, as the plant assembled the V8-powered C63 S and the 6-cylinder-powered C43 since early 2018. The engines from both of these vehicles were imported from Germany to South Africa for final assembly.

Volkswagen Golf 8 R (2022) Launch Review

The first VW Golf 8 R units have arrived in SA and we got behind the wheel of the all-wheel-drive performance hatchback – first at the Aldo Scribante race track in Gqeberha and then in the Western Cape. Has it been worth the wait (*and hype***)?

Let’s get straight to the bad news. Sadly, this R model will only arrive early next year, folks. While we have driven the new Volkswagen Golf 8 R locally this week, the newcomer will only hit local showrooms in the first quarter of 2023. Due to a lack of stock coming from Germany, Volkswagen SA does not have enough units to start retail operations. Pricing isn’t available until then either, but we’ll give you a list-price forecast at the bottom of the article.

Volkswagen’s R performance sub-brand has proven very popular in South Africa. Since its debut back in 2007, almost 6 000 units have found homes in the Republic. That’s not quite on the same level as the GTI lineage, but the R is far more performance-focused. Both the Golf 7 R and 7.5 R were immensely popular, so the new Golf 8 R has quite a legacy to live up to.

What’s On Offer?

With peak outputs of 235 kW and 400 Nm, the South African-spec Golf 8 R offers the model’s maximum outputs, as offered in Europe.

Under the skin sit a revised version of the VW Group’s MQB platform and the latest iteration of the EA888 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine. It produces peak outputs of 235 kW and 400 Nm – no detuning due to hot climate or poor fuel quality here; this is the full-fat version! All that shove is sent to all 4 wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and VW says the new Golf R will sprint to 100 kph in just 4.7 sec. Having said that, we’ve found Golf Rs tend to be a bit quicker than claimed. Could a 4.5-sec 0-100 kph time be possible?

Full specifications of the Volkswagen Golf 8 R

The Golf R comes reasonably well-equipped. Nappa leather, sports seats, a Discover Pro navigation infotainment system, 19-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof and dynamic chassis control are standard, with options including an Akrapovic exhaust, IQ Matrix LED headlights, uprated Harman Kardon audio, adaptive cruise control and the Black Style Package. Customers will have a choice of 3 exterior colours: black, blue and white.

Meanwhile, Drift mode and a higher top speed are offered as part of an extra-cost Performance Pack, but we’ll have more details and pricing for this and the other options early in 2023.

A sign of the times. As in the Golf GTI, the traditional transmission lever has been replaced by a shift-by-wire selector.

The Golf R’s cabin is sporty, tech-laden… and quite minimalistic. R-themed cues include blue ambient lighting and an abundance of blue detailing and R badges. Keen-eyed fans will have spotted the blue R on the multifunction steering wheel (you press that to activate Race mode). Like the GTI, the Golf R has a stubby selector on the centre console, rather than a conventional transmission lever – it won’t be to everyone’s taste, but it does free up some cabin space – and a configurable digital instrument cluster (replete with R-specific display).

The digital instrument cluster of the Golf R features blue highlighting and the R logo.

Rivals? There aren’t many. The Volkswagen Golf R now competes with the likes of the BMW M135i xDrive, Mercedes-AMG A35 Hatch and don’t forget its cousin, the Audi S3.

What Is It Like to Drive?

At the Golf R’s launch event, we made a beeline for a white example purely because we had been told it was one of very few early units fitted with the optional Akrapovic exhaust. Upon start-up, the motor emits a deep throaty rumble, which, in an era of ever-tightening emissions and noise regulations, was a pleasant surprise. While it was oh-so-tempting to hit the blue R button on the multifunction steering wheel to engage the flagship Golf’s raciest drive mode right away, we chose to depart the centre of Cape Town in an altogether civilised manner.

The Golf R sounds quite rorty at startup, but we expect that many buyers will opt for the optional Akrapovic exhaust setup.

In its default settings, the Golf R is an excellent “daily driver” – it blends luxury, comfort, ease of use and, believe it or not, economy. During our highway drive, we saw an indicated consumption figure of just above 8 L/100 km – that’s commendable, given the newcomer’s sporty pretensions/lofty engine outputs. On-road refinement and ride quality are excellent.

Once we’d left the N1 and turned onto a quiet stretch of tarmac, it was time to punch that R button and unleash the Golf R. In an instant, the engine noise increased and the exhaust ends bellowed to let onlookers know a special vehicle was about to grace them with its presence.

In Race mode, the Golf R’s transmission is highly responsive and slots each gear rapidly. Earlier, when the direct-shift gearbox was operating in Comfort mode, things were much more relaxed, as if changes were executed slowly, almost imperceptibly, instead of with a rifle bolt-like action. The gearshift paddles on the steering wheel look and feel the part too.

The Golf R is fitted with attractive 19-inch allows and comes fitted with a beefed-up braking system. The blue brake calipers are particularly eye-catching.

As the Golf R charged through a set of challenging corners (as rain started falling), two impressions came to mind: “Good grief, this is one quick hatchback” and “This car feels utterly planted”. Thanks to the 4Motion all-wheel drive and the clever torque vectoring, it may require some deliberate manhandling or careless antics to get the Golf R out of shape.

Unless you’re a pro driver, you’ll run out of talent and bravery long before you hear this fleet-footed Volkswagen’s tyres squeal. As we reached the bottom of Franschhoek Pass, the rainfall became torrential. Therefore, we slowed to a brisk, as opposed to rapid, pace.

The Golf R’s cabin is tastefully appointed, but we’re not big fans of the multifunction steering wheel’s capacitive touch pads.

Still, in these treacherous conditions, the Golf R’s grip levels remained lofty and we used the opportunity to assess the newcomer’s steering setup. It’s suitably quick and direct, but doesn’t offer very much feedback. If you’re looking for more driver engagement/involvement, try the Hyundai i30 N DCT. There are no doubts about the VW’s sheer pace and precise handling, but much like every preceding R model, there’s a lack of “that ultimate thrill and rush”.

But then again, the Golf R and its Audi, BMW and Mercedes-AMG rivals are designed to deliver compelling performance matched with day-to-day usability that harder-edged hot hatches cannot match. This car is remarkably easy to drive quickly; it covers ground rapidly and you could happily drive it on a long trip with your family. For the average petrolhead, who hardly ever spend time on a track, the Golf R should cover all the performance bases.

As before, the Golf 8 R has an assortment of drive modes, but the most noteworthy one is the Individual setup, which allows you to fine-tune the powertrain and suspension’s responses. Race mode can get a bit much (the ride’s quite firm), Sport is enough to quicken the pulse, but to get the most out of the package, you should toggle the settings to suit your preference.

The Golf R allows drivers to choose between various drive modes and toggle myriad powertrain and suspension settings.

Individual has TEN settings for the adjustable dampers, and you can go even softer than the car’s own Comfort setting. The opposite is true too, with the possibility of stiffening the ride quality beyond the Race setup. Performance enthusiasts may lean towards high performance and rapid ‘shifts for short, sharp driving jaunts, but when you’re traversing poorly maintained roads for hours on end you’ll appreciate the softest possible suspension for optimal comfort.

Downsides? Well aside from the stock shortage problem, and not knowing exactly how much the Golf R will cost when it goes on sale, we do have a few grumbles. The ‘wheel’s fiddly capacitive touchpads are frustrating to use, but to be fair, it’s not a problem specific to this Volkswagen model. Perhaps they become easier to use with familiarisation, but we doubt it.

Then there’s the engine sound, which isn’t very inspiring. The Golf R pumps some artificial noise into its cabin (depending on which drive mode is active) but, unless you’re driving with the windows down, you can’t fully appreciate the motor’s timbre. The Akrapovic plumbing shaves 7 kg off the vehicle’s weight and enhances the sheer volume of the exhaust note, but it doesn’t sound more melodious than the soundtrack emitted by the standard R’s four ‘pipes.

Everyday practicality and on-road comfort remain strengths of the Golf R package, although the ride quality is very firm in Race mode.

How much does the Volkswagen Golf 8 R cost in SA?

It’s at this point of a launch review that we usually confirm the vehicle’s price, the cost of the options, as well as the warranty and service/maintenance plan, but VWSA does not want to share the price of the new Golf R until the model goes on sale in the first quarter of 2023.

The outgoing model cost under R800k when it was discontinued, but we can use the Audi S3 as a good yardstick for the new Golf R, which is traditionally more affordable than its cousin from Ingolstadt. The Audi S3’s list price is R883 000 and we reckon its VW equivalent will cost around R850 000. With all options ticked, a Golf 8 R may cost more than R1 million.

Summary

The days of the performance hatchback may be numbered; if this is to be the final Golf R, it does not disappoint.

We expected the Volkswagen Golf 8 R would be fast, comfortable, have a well-appointed cabin and be the perfect evolution of what’s clearly a successful formula. Well, that it is. The newcomer doesn’t tick all the boxes for ultimate driver involvement, but that’s okay, because this model is not strictly targeted at performance-car buyers. Most Golf Rs will be used as family cars and for commuting, which is why refinement and luxury have been prioritised.

If you’re keen on acquiring one of the last few thoroughbred performance hatchbacks, you will just have to wait just a bit longer, while Volkswagen AG battles to overcome vehicle production-, supply chain and logistical challenges. If you’re impatient and frustrated (as many are), we have a solution, though. At the local drive of the Golf R, VWSA also gave us extensive time behind the ‘wheel of the Tiguan R, which has the same 235 kW engine, 4Motion, plus the option of an Akrapovic exhaust. The best part? It’s available right now.

Mercedes-Benz B-Class Gets Mild Update

The Mercedes-Benz B-Class has received a mild update and local availability is expected in the third quarter of 2023.

Much like the A-Class, Mercedes-Benz’s B-Class has undergone some mild revisions and you can expect to see it on local soil in the first half of 2023.

So, what’s changed, you ask? In truth, not too much. The grille has been mildly revised as are the headlights which can be had in LED guise as an option. The front bumper has also been tweaked and at the rear you might notice the new-look taillight clusters. Mercedes-Benz has also added 4 new alloy wheel designs up to 19-inches in size. The B-Class AMG Line derivatives further gain glossy black wheels with a multi-spoke design.

Changes inside the B-Class are minimal but equipment and upholstery upgrades are most notable.

The interior remains mostly unchanged, however, a Nappa leather steering wheel is now standard as is a 10.25-inch MBUX touchscreen and 7-inch digital instrument cluster. Customers can also opt for a larger 10.25-inch instrument display. New upholstery options, including star-pattern upholstery, is also offered.

The B-Class’s powertrain remains mostly unchanged with the plug-in hybrid B250e gaining a revised electric motor that now produces an additional 5 kW to total 80 kW. This derivative is not on sale in South Africa, however.

When the updated B-Class arrives in South Africa next year, the 1.3-litre turbopetrol engine with 120 kW and 250 Nm will likely be carried over and will be mated with the familiar 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Earlier this year, news emerged that Mercedes-Benz would be rationalising its range and models such as the A-Class and B-Class are due to be discontinued by 2025. This is, therefore, likely to be the final update for the B-Class before it vacates the motoring landscape for good.

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class Gets Update Before Axing

Mercedes-Benz has given its compact A-Class hatchback and sedan an update. See what’s changed below!

Earlier this year, it came to light that Mercedes-Benz would trim its model line and that the A-Class and indeed the B-Class would be axed by around 2025.

So, what you are looking at here is most likely to be the final facelift for the A-Class.

Take a moment to soak it in.

What’s changed with the updated Mercedes-Benz A-Class?

The styling changes are fairly minimal for this round of updates. Can you spot the changes?

Overall, the styling changes are minimal. In a game of “spot the difference”, your eagle eyes might notice that the grille with a star pattern has been updated and is flanked by flat headlamp units (LED headlights are optional). Merc has added 4 additional wheel designs up to 19-inches in size including optional high-gloss black painted light-alloy wheels in multi-spoke design and with a high-gloss rim flange for the AMG Line. At the rear, the LED taillights have been redesigned and a new rear diffuser has been fitted to further enhance the look.

The sportier AMG derivatives, namely the Mercedes-AMG A35 4Matic and the more potent A 45 S 4Matic+, gain revised headlights, an AMG-specific grille as well as the AMG emblem replacing the Mercedes star with a laurel wreath emblem. A new wheel design, rear spoiler lip, revised tail lights, and round tailpipes (twin-flow exhaust on AMG A45 S) round off the exterior changes.

The place you want to be, inside the facelifted Mercedes-AMG A45 S 4Matic+.

Inside, the A-Class is fitted with a 10.25-inch infotainment system and a 7-inch digital instrument cluster. However, buyers who want to amplify the tech experience can opt for dual 10.25-inch wide-screen displays at extra cost. The MBUX operating system has also been enhanced with fingerprint recognition as well as an improved voice assistant.

The compact model also gains a sportier flat-bottom steering wheel finished in Nappa leather and the centre console has also been revised. Standard features across the trim lines have also been bolstered and in an effort to reduce the extensive options list, commonly sought-after features are now bundled together and from Progressive trim upwards, features such as LED headlights, lumbar support, Parking Package and Mirror Package are now standard.

The AMG derivatives gain an AMG Performance steering wheel and AMG Performance seats are now available in sage grey.

As for powertrains, 48-volt mild-hybrid technology with a belt-driven starter generator is now offered across the petrol-powered range.

While we are in the process of confirming local engine availability for the facelifted A-Class, it’s expected that the 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine in the A200 will forge on with 120 kW and 250 Nm as well as the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine in the A250 with 165 kW and 350 Nm, both mated with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. A 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine in the A200d with 110 kW and 320 Nm paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic is also likely to be offered locally, but only in sedan guise.

The AMG A35 4Matic produces 225 kW and 400 Nm from its 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine and now also gains a 48-volt auxiliary power supply and belt-driven starter-generator. The AMG A45 S 4Matic+’s 2.0-litre turbocharged engine is dialled to 310 kW and 500 Nm and both derivatives are paired to an 8-speed AMG SpeedShift dual-clutch transmission.

Mercedes-Benz is also offering an AMG Street Style Edition for a limited period of time but it’s not yet clear if it will be offered in South Africa. We have reached out to Mercedes-Benz South Africa to confirm local availability and a local representative has confirmed the timing for April or May 2023.

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Volkswagen Golf 8 R (2022) Launch Review

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