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.
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.
13 oldest vehicles you can still buy new in South Africa
Though now uncommon, a vehicle generation sometimes lasts well in excess of a decade. But which date back the furthest? These are the oldest new vehicles still on the market in South Africa (and how they’re selling)…
If we were to venture an educated guess, we’d say the average lifecycle of a vehicle generation today has shortened to around 5 years. Platforms, powertrains and designs all have to keep pace with rapidly evolving customer tastes and ever-tightening regulations.
But there are still a few outliers that have soldiered on for more than a decade sans fundamental updates. While most have benefited from an update or three along the way (some with multiple facelifts), they’re technically still in the same generation as the very day they launched.
So, we decided to comb through South Africa’s automotive market and identify the oldest new vehicles still on sale today (big thanks to our esteemed colleagues over at duoporta.com for helping us fill in a few gaps). For the record, we’re basing each model’s “age” on the year it was introduced to the local market, rather than its global reveal date.
Right, let’s take a closer look at the 13 oldest vehicles you can still buy new in South Africa in 2022, along with their respective sales figures for the month of September.
13. Toyota FJ Cruiser – 2011 (11 years)
Though Toyota’s retro-styled FJ Cruiser went into production back in 2006, it reached the South African market only in 2011. However, it’s still on sale here today despite having been axed in most countries around the world (including its domestic market of Japan back in early 2018). Locally, the FJ draws its urge from Toyota’s familiar 4.0-litre V6 (1GR-FE) petrol engine, which delivers 200 kW and 380 Nm to all four wheels through a 5-speed automatic transmission. Starting price: R797 100 Units sold in September 2022: 26
12. Mitsubishi ASX – 2011 (11 years)
Yes, the original GA-generation ASX has been on the South African market since late in 2011 (a year after its global reveal), though Mitsubishi Motors SA has tweaked the range a number of times since then. Still, despite gaining a fresh face, it’s essentially the same vehicle from 11 years back. Every derivative in the 5-strong range uses the brand’s naturally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engine. Interestingly, the ASX formed the basis for the Citroën C4 Aircross and Peugeot 4008, both of which have long since gone out of production. While a second-generation ASX has been revealed for Europe, it’s little more than a rebadged Renault Captur and has yet to be confirmed for a local introduction. Starting price: R379 990 Units sold in September 2022: 75
11. Mahindra XUV500 – 2011 (11 years)
The XUV500 is another 11-year-old new car, having hit local roads soon after its reveal in India in 2011. It’s been facelifted twice since then, with the local range expanding to five derivatives at one point. Today, however, only the W6 and W8 AT variants are on offer, each powered by Mahindra’s 103 kW/330 Nm 2.2-litre turbodiesel unit. From what we understand, the new XUV700 scheduled to launch in South Africa towards the end of 2022 will finally replace this out-of-date model. Starting price: R429 999 Units sold in September 2022: 14
10. GWM Steed 5 – 2011 (11 years)
Though the Steed 6 has come and gone and the Steed 7 remains on sale in some overseas markets (both incidentally wore the Great Wall Wingle moniker in China), a version of the Steed 5 is still on the market in South Africa. Tracing its roots all the way back to the model introduced locally in 2008, the current range comprises six derivatives. Since the P-Series covers the leisure-bakkie segment, most variants in the Steed 5 line-up take the form of single-cab workhorses (though there are two double cabs on offer). Starting price: R233 950 Units sold in September 2022: 365
9. Ford Ranger – 2011 (11 years)
Yes, there’s a new one just around the corner, but the P375-generation Ranger is still available at the time of writing. Production of the original T6-based Ranger commenced at Silverton in 2011, though the Blue Oval bakkie received a mid-cycle update in 2015 as well as a second refresh in 2019 (complete with new powertrain options). Comprising single-, extended- and double-cab body styles, the outgoing line-up features a whopping 44 derivatives. The new P703-generation Ranger is expected to launch locally before the end of the year. Starting price: R340 400 Units sold in September 2022: 1 604
8. Volkswagen Amarok – 2010 (12 years)
The original Amarok sports even more grey hairs than the Ranger above, having arrived in local dealerships some 12 years back. Like the Ford, however, an all-new model will soon succeed it, this time based on the latest Ranger and produced alongside it here in South Africa. Though the Amarok line-up once included the single-cab body style, today’s outgoing range features only dual-cab models, powered by either the 132 kW/420 Nm 2.0 BiTDI unit or the Porsche-derived 190 kW/580 Nm 3.0 V6 TDI lump (which will cost you R1 096 300 in flagship Extreme guise). Starting price: R778 600 Units sold in September 2022: 168
7. Toyota Land Cruiser Prado – 2009 (13 years)
South Africa received the J150-generation Prado right from the start back in 2009. Since then, this member of Toyota’s Land Cruiser family has received a couple of facelifts, including an update at the end of 2020 that saw the venerable 3.0 D-4D powerplant replaced by a 150 kW/500 Nm version of the more modern 2.8 GD-6 motor (the 202 kW/381 Nm 4.0-litre V6 petrol unit, meanwhile, continued unaltered) and the switch to a fresh infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Currently, the long-in-the-tooth Prado range comprises five derivatives. Starting price: R1 058 500 Units sold in September 2022: 292
6. Nissan NP200 – 2008 (14 years)
As the only surviving model in a half-tonne segment that once included the likes of the Ford Bantam, Chevrolet Utility and Fiat Strada, Nissan’s Rosslyn-produced NP200 still does a fair old trade in South Africa, despite having been on the market for close to 15 years now. Interestingly, the current range has been whittled down to just two derivatives, each employing Nissan’s ancient atmospheric 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder petrol mill, which offers the front axle 64 kW and 128 Nm through a 5-speed manual cog-swapper. Starting price: R212 500 Units sold in September 2022: 1 198
5. Fiat 500 – 2008 (14 years)
The original Fiat 500 (or Cinquecento) that debuted back in 1957 ended up staying in production for 18 years. The second-generation model, however, isn’t far behind, with the first units having rolled off the line in 2007. The Type-312 Fiat 500 launched locally the following year and is still on the South African market 14 years later, though a fully electric successor is now offered in Europe. The SA line-up has been pruned back to just four derivatives, each using a tiny turbocharged 2-cylinder motor displacing 875 cc. Peak outputs stand at 63 kW and 145 Nm. Starting price: R223 900 Units sold in September 2022: 8
4. Mahindra Bolero – 2005 (17 years)
Mahindra’s Bolero has been plying its trade in South Africa for around 17 years, having been introduced way back in 2005. Known as the Bolero Camper in India, the local range is made up of single- (including a dropside configuration) and double-cab body styles. While the 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine in the Maxitruck Plus derivative offers a paltry 46 kW and 195 Nm, the version powering other variants makes 74 kW and 238 Nm (or 235 Nm in the dual-cab models). Staring price: R187 999 Units sold in September 2022: 32
3. Kia K2 Series – 2004 (18 years)
It’s no coincidence the very oldest models still available new in South Africa are light-commercial vehicles, which by nature tend to have a longer production run than their passenger-car brethren. The K2 Series is one such example, having been on the market since 2004, around seven years after Kia Motors SA was founded. The K2500 and K2700 (which fall under the Bongo nameplate in some markets) soldier on today, offering a total of four derivatives between them. Starting price: R366 995 Units sold in September 2022: 21 (K2500) and 169 (K2700)
2. Hyundai H-100 – 2004 (18 years)
Considering Hyundai’s H-100 and Kia’s K2 Series are closely related, it’s no surprise the former has been around in South Africa for just as long as the latter. Known as the Porter in certain other markets, the local H-100 range features six derivatives, each drawing its urge from a 58 kW/167 Nm naturally aspirated 2.6-litre diesel powerplant (unlike the K2 Series units, which are available with displacements of 2.5 and 2.7 litres). Starting price:R329 900 Units sold in September 2022: 154
1. Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series – 2002 (20 years)
The most senior of them all? No prizes for guessing that title belongs to Toyota’s Land Cruiser 70 Series family, which has been sold in South Africa in its current form for two decades. Of course, the J70 model actually dates back far further than 2002, with production of the successor to the 40 Series having commenced as long ago as 1984. Today, there’s still robust demand, particularly for the Land Cruiser 79 bakkie range. The 76-badged station-wagon body style is also still available, as is the 78-badged “Troopy” (though technically only on a customer-order basis). Starting price: R692 400 Units sold in September 2022: LC76 (12), LC78 (0) and LC79 (403)
The Golf 8 R was revealed in November 2020, but Volkswagen South Africa (VWSA) recently confirmed that local sales of the flagship derivative will only begin during the 1st quarter of 2023. What are the reasons for the massive delay and may local-market preferences have something to do with it? Here’s what we have found out.
Cars.co.za’s social media channels light up with comments from irate and frustrated fans of the VW brand (and petrolheads in general) whenever we mention either the Golf 8 GTI or Golf 8 R. The former arrived in South Africa belatedly and, by the time that the R lands here, it will be more than 2 years since its global reveal back in late 2020.
User responses such as “VWSA doesn’t respect us” and similar sometimes ruder, sentiments have dotted our social media pages in response to Golf R-related posts. But why has it taken so long for the Golf R to reach our shores? In this article, we look at the many factors that have delayed the arrival of the desirable all-wheel-drive hot hatchback.
At the local debut of the Volkswagen Tiguan R, where we also had a quick drive in the Golf R, VWSA’s Head of Group Communications, Andile Dlamini had this to say about the current stock supply issues: “Many questions have been asked about why does it take us (VWSA) almost 3 years to get the car into the country? As you know, there are issues around semiconductors, but what has exacerbated the issue now is the supply of leather.
“What we are working on is to get as many cars into the country as possible, so that we have enough volume to bring to the market. The current plan is that Golf R retail will start in Q1 and we’re confident by then that we’ll have enough volume to meet the demand,” he added.
Production Slowdown
The source of the delays begins, well, at the beginning: production. Making a car is no longer a straightforward process especially if it’s a mass/mainstream model that’s earmarked for the global market. Teams of data scientists pore over Excel spreadsheets, trying to optimise and enhance production, while balancing costs of labour, materials, and so on.
The production line where vehicles are assembled is continually moving and workers are expected to install specific parts/modules to units being produced within a limited time period, while still maintaining safety and quality standards.
Generally, car making follows the just-in-time production model. Basically, if you’re building 10 Golfs in 24 hours, you will have 10 engines, 10 dashboards, 10 sets of wheels and so on ready for that day. The supply chain to the factory does not create surplus or plan too far ahead, and the factory doesn’t have the floor space to stockpile a massive inventory of parts sourced from around the world.
There’s additional complexity due to the components for vehicle assembly not being available right next to the factory. Companies such as Faurecia and Aptiv, plus many others, supply parts for vehicle assembly across all brands and, you guessed it – they’re battling with their own supply issues.
VW factory in Wolfsburg
A modern vehicle requires kilometres of cabling to link all its electronic elements, commonly known as the wiring harness. Ukraine-based firms used to supply those to the Volkswagen Group (VAG) until war broke out in that country (in fact, VAG was one of the biggest clients of those firms, which is why its production has been disrupted so severely). Car firms have had to scramble to enlist new suppliers elsewhere, but such a switchover is complex and time-consuming.
You’ve probably worked out the net result of delays/shortages of components – if the parts required for building completed vehicles are not available on time, then production grinds to a halt. Right now, the Volkswagen plant in Wolfsburg, Germany that produces the Golf and Tiguan is on short time, which is where workers’ hours and pay are reduced proportionately. The factory is still making vehicles, just in far fewer numbers and at a slower rate.
The other major problem affecting the motor industry is the semiconductor chip shortage, which is ongoing. The majority of these chips are sourced from Asia (Taiwan in particular) and demand for these comes from more than just the automotive sector. Products such as smartphones and laptops also require chips and, just to compound things, a few semiconductor chip production facilities have suffered fire damage, which has resulted in reduced factory outputs.
Some things – as minor as switches or buttons – have not been readily available either. Components made in China have been delayed for a long time because the Chinese government has a habit of locking down entire suburbs of its big cities if just a single Covid-19 case is detected.
The harbour of Shanghai is a global hub for raw materials and has been closed either entirely or running on severely limited capacity. Now that things are improving, the subsequent clearing of the backlog has played havoc with shipping schedules. Don’t forget the container trucks that are delivering parts and components to the harbour too, they’ve also been subject to delays.
Some brands have attempted to work around this, by “de-contenting” or “de-speccing” vehicles for specific markets to get the production line moving/cars to customers sooner. Stellantis has tried this with its Peugeot lineup, by removing digital instrument clusters, wireless charging pads, sunroofs, electric tailgates and even the audio system in exchange for a cheaper purchase price and/or reduced cost or free services.
South Africans don’t want de-specced cars
Both Volkswagen and Audi have done this too in some markets, like Australia, but the South African market is very particular when it comes to these features. At the recent local debut of the Audi RS3, representatives from that brand told us South Africa could have had the RS3 sooner, but it would lack key features such as a panoramic sunroof, leather trim and digital dashboard. When you’re paying top dollar for a premium product, you expect a long list of standard features.
These switches need semi-conductor chips, as does the digital dashboard behind it
This is one of the reasons why the European market has already received the Golf R. If you look at VW UK’s configurator, the Golf R offered there rides on much smaller (18-inch) wheels, has fabric upholstery and lacks a number of features that are standard in the SA-spec vehicles. Could you imagine a “stripped out” Golf R landing in SA? The social media backlash would be brutal and VWSA knows Golf R customers want highly-specced vehicles.
It’s interesting to note that when you try to configure a European Volkswagen, you’re greeted by this message: “We’re sorry that due to global supply chain issues and a few component shortages, delivery times on some of our model lines are currently longer than we would like. The crisis in the Ukraine is also disrupting supply of certain components. While our primary concern is for the humanitarian crisis in the area, the situation may lead to further delays. We hope you will appreciate we are working hard to mitigate the impacts and deliver vehicles as quickly as possible.”
Fabric seats are not good enough for SA customers
In the case of the Golf GTI and Golf R units destined for South Africa, production has been affected by a combination of a shortage of wiring harnesses, semiconductors and other components. What’s more, we recently learnt that there’s a shortage of leather for sports seats too. We understand the lack of Vienna leather seats in the Golf GTI has forced Volkswagen SA to offer retro-looking tartan Jacara seats and those units will be hitting local showrooms soon.
Minimal units of the Golf GTI have made landfall in South Africa and that’s despite the fact that VWSA delayed its retail operations for the 8th-generation hot hatch to build up a good supply of vehicles for the purpose of executing a thorough product rollout. There’s no point in hosting a launch event for us and other media outlets to generate hype and leads, with only 50 cars in storage. They’d be gone in a few days, and you’d have many frustrated customers.
The fallout – GTIs are being ‘flipped’
Sadly, the Golf 8 GTI continues to be hampered by production issues and units are trickling into our market. Although the GTI’s recommended retail price is R717 600, we’ve seen units listed at around R900 000 online (see the screenshot of Cars.co.za listing page above). Such is the law of supply and demand, that the same is likely to happen to the Golf R.
The media fleet units of the Golf R that we drove locally in early October 2022 have been sitting in storage because an insufficient number of vehicles have been produced or made their way onto a car carrier for shipping to the Republic. There’s a strong likelihood that the few units that do arrive early next year will be snapped up by opportunistic buyers (car flippers) and sold at huge markups, either privately, via consignment or as stock at independent car dealers.
A poverty-spec Golf 8 R just won’t do.
Summary
The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted virtually the entire world, not least the motor industry. It brought the world’s production of everything to a standstill through lockdowns, which had created shortages, backlogs and bottlenecks and there’s very little to indicate that the situation will improve much over the coming months. The just-in-time production model is under scrutiny as car brands take their learnings from the pandemic/Ukraine conflict and seek deeper efficiency.
We’ll feel the knock-on effects for some time to come. While VWSA continues to be plagued by stock issues across its portfolio, the Kariega-based firm is by no means the only one struggling to satisfy the demand for specific models.
Ford South Africa, for example, is struggling to get car carrier ships to Thailand where the Everest and Ranger Raptor are being assembled, so expect delays/shortages of those products. There’s still a massive waiting list for the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 and other imported Toyota vehicles.
So, what are your options? Well, you’re most likely to have watched Ciro De Siena and Ashley Oldfield test the Volkswagen Golf 8 R to whet your appetites. If you’re keen on R ownership, you’re in for a wait as VWSA attempts to secure more stock before beginning retail operations in the first quarter of 2023. If you’re impatient and willing to stretch the budget, then consider the Volkswagen Tiguan R, which also has the 235 kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine.
Volkswagen South Africa has finally added a turbodiesel derivative to its Tiguan range. Here’s how much the Tiguan 2.0TDI 4Motion R-Line costs…
With all the focus on the freshly launched Tiguan R, Volkswagen South Africa has quietly further expanded its Tiguan range with the long-awaited addition of a 2.0TDI derivative.
The arrival of the turbodiesel option takes the local Tiguan range – which touched down in facelifted form in mid-2021 – to six variants, including the aforementioned 235 kW Tiguan R. Of course, the Wolfsburg-based firm’s local division also offers the 7-seater Allspace (though currently only with petrol power), with that range comprising a further five derivatives.
Priced from R783 100, the Tiguan 2.0TDI 4Motion R-Line slots into the line-up just below the 2.0TSI 4Motion R-Line, which costs R1 000 more. As its name suggests, the oil-burning Tiguan boasts VW’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system and ships standard in R-Line form.
The 2.0-litre turbodiesel motor generates 130 kW and 380 Nm, peak outputs that are delivered to all four wheels through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. According to the German automaker, the 0-100 kph sprint time comes in at 8.3 seconds, while consumption is a claimed 6.6 litres per 100 km.
The R-Line trim level includes items such as 19-inch Valencia alloy wheels, 3-zone climate control, ambient interior lighting, Vienna leather seats, the active info display and a Composition Media Radio with App Connect. Of course, the exterior R-Line package is also part of the purchase price.
The list of options, meanwhile, includes 20-inch Suzuka alloys (R13 700), a Harman Kardon sound system (R12 200), a head-up display (R11 200), Matrix LED IQ headlights (R14 800), a panoramic sunroof (R17 000), a raft of driver-assistance features and the Black Style Package (R29 600), amongst others.
How much does the VW Tiguan 2.0TDI 4Motion R-Line cost in SA?
Tiguan 2.0TDI 4Motion R-Line – R783 100
The purchase price includes a 3-year/120 000 km warranty and a 5-year/90 000 km service plan.
Pricing and specification details for the Volkswagen Golf GTI Jacara Edition have appears on VWSA’s local configurator. Here’s the lowdown on this model.
The main difference between the GTI Jacara Edition and the standard Golf GTI can be found in the seating arrangement. The standard model Golf GTI comes with leather Vienna sports seats that offer heating functionality and electronic adjustment. The Jacara features fabric seats of the same name.
Why would Volkswagen offer this model? Right now, Volkswagen Group (and many other brands) are battling with component shortages across the value chain. One of the critical shortages that has emerged of late is in the trim and upholstery department. There simply isn’t enough leather around to make Vienna seats for customers.
There are also major supply issues affecting the Golf GTI, so to help ease waiting times for vehicles, Volkswagen SA has ordered the Jacara fabric trim for its seats. These particular seats lose their heating functionality.
Much like the standard Volkswagen Golf GTI, the GTI Jacara Edition still comes with an array of standard features, with the options including things like an uprated Harman Kardon audio system, bigger wheels, and the safety equipment which falls under the IQ banner. Some standard equipment highlights:
8.25-inch Composition Media Radio
18-inch Richmond Alloy Wheels
Innovision cockpit
Seat trim covers in Jacara fabric
LED headlights
Adaptive Chassis Control DCC
Ambient lighting, exterior illuminated styling elements at the sides and in the front
Engine and Performance
Seats aside, its the same Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI as we know it, with a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol producing 180 kW and 370 Nm. Power reaches the front wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and Volkswagen claims a 0-100 kph time of just 6.4 seconds.
How much does the Golf GTI Jacara Edition cost in South Africa?
Due to the lack of leather seats and seat heating functionality, the Jacara Edition comes in a bit cheaper than its standard counterpart. The GTI comes with a 3-year/120 000 km warranty and 5-year/90 000 km EasyDrive service plan.
10 best-selling bakkies in South Africa: September 2022
Here’s a look at the list of South Africa’s best-selling bakkies for September 2022, which shows some movement on the podium as well as – rather unusually – a new entrant to the top 10…
September 2022 saw South Africa’s new-vehicle market put in another resilient performance, with industry sales increasing 10.8% year on year to 47 786 units. The country’s light-commercial vehicle segment (which includes bakkies) enjoyed even stronger growth, closing the month with year-on-year gains of 14.9% to reach 12 573 registrations.
So, what does that mean for our list of SA’s best-selling bakkies? Well, the Prospecton-built Toyota Hilux – which recently had its range bolstered by the arrival of the 165 kW GR-Sport derivative – was once again the star of the show, with 2 842 units registered in September. Though this figure was down somewhat on the number of registrations achieved in August, it still suggests Toyota’s factory in KwaZulu-Natal is almost back to full production capacity.
Meanwhile, the Struandale-produced Isuzu D-Max (1 968 units) came just short of cracking the 2 000-unit mark (its maker reports a combined figure that includes Gen 6 sales) but managed to climb one spot to second. That saw the outgoing version of the Ford Ranger – which will soon be replaced by the likewise Silverton-manufactured new-generation model – fall a place to third, with 1 604 units sold.
Toyota’s Land Cruiser 79 enjoyed another strong month, moving up to seventh place.
Though the Nissan NP200 (1 198 units), Mahindra Pik Up (666 units) and Nissan Navara (450 units) each lost a few sales compared with their performances in the preceding month, they managed to hang on to their fourth, fifth and sixth places, respectively. The Toyota Land Cruiser 79, however, put in an even stronger showing than it did in August, with its 403 registrations seeing it climb a position to seventh.
The GWM Steed (365 units) thus fell one place to eighth, while the Volkswagen Amarok (168 units) found itself a spot higher than usual in ninth. Finally, the Mitsubishi Triton (which is now offered in limited-edition Heritage form) entered the top 10 despite a sales figure of only 72 units, largely thanks to registrations of the normally popular GWM P-Series mysteriously plunging to a mere 36 units in September 2022. We can only speculate the Chinese brand’s local division is experiencing a few supply headaches at the moment.
Best of the rest in September 2022
The GWM P-Series (seen here in single-cab guise) found itself outside of the top 10.
So, what about the bit-part players? Well, JAC’s T-badged bakkies (the company reports a combined figure for the T6 and T8 models) ended the month on 72 units, while the Mahindra Bolero managed a final tally of 32 units, putting it just behind the aforementioned P-Series. The Peugeot Landtrek contributed 21 sales to the Stellantis cause, putting it ahead of the Mazda BT-50 (7 units) and Jeep Gladiator (2 units).
Export winners in September 2022
Ford was once again at the very top of the export table, with a whopping 9 829 examples of its P375-generation Ranger shipped to overseas markets in September 2022. That puts it ahead of the Toyota Hilux (6 820 units); the Nissan Navara (596 units) and Isuzu D-Max (329 units) were next, while the Nissan NP200 (65) once again made up the numbers.
10 best-selling bakkies in South Africa for September 2022
As the world moves towards a future where new energy vehicles will feature heavily, even South African buyers appear to be changing their purchasing habits in favour of hybrids and EVs.
South Africans’ appetite for new-energy vehicles, especially full-electric vehicles (EVs), has increased significantly during the past year. This is based upon in-depth analysis of the used-car data of Cars.co.za, which attracts around 2 million unique users a month (according to Narrativ), and the new vehicle content that have drawn the most user interest on the leading automotive portal.
“To put it simply, the demand for used hybrid or full-electric vehicles on our site outstrips supply,” says Hannes Oosthuizen, Consumer Experience Manager at Cars.co.za. “Finding a pre-owned BMW i3, for example, is no simple task and, when you do find one, expect to pay a premium…”
Pure EV demand has risen 155% year-on-year locally.
“When we compared data from the first six months of 2022 with that of the corresponding period in 2021, we discovered that demand (calculated with the use of several key indicators) for hybrids went up by 67.7% Year-on-Year (YoY), while demand for full EVs increased by a staggering 155.5% YoY,” Oosthuizen says. “It is worth keeping in mind, however, that these increases come off a relatively small base,” Oosthuizen adds.
“Of course, Demand is also stimulated by Supply, and this has been the case in the past year as a result of greater product availability. The introduction of a number of hybrids by South Africa’s most popular brand Toyota, in particular, drove up interest to some extent.
“We have seen tremendous interest in the new hybrid models of Haval as well. Interestingly, when it comes to this Chinese brand in general, we have seen a demand increase of 367.7% YoY, indicating that there is far more demand relative to stock availability.”
The cost of fuel has played a part in creating a demand for new energy vehicles.
“Another very important factor to keep in mind is the rapid increase in the price of fuel, and the fact that fewer turbodiesel models are being introduced – particularly at the affordable end of the market,” Oosthuizen says.
“Of course, we’re still waiting for the arrival of truly affordable EVs in the new-vehicle market, but when we analyse the behaviour of our site visitors who put through enquiries (on any vehicles), we find those people are increasingly researching hybrids and EVs in their purchasing journeys.
“This is a clear indication that consumers who are genuinely in the market for a new car, are considering new-energy vehicles much more strongly than before,” he concludes
October 2022 will see the petrol prices drop but diesel prices will increase, putting further strain on a struggling South African economy. See the details below.
Motorists in South Africa (particularly petrol-dependent motorists) will breathe a sigh of relief in October 2022 as petrol prices have been slashed significantly! The prices of diesel, however, are increasing again, which will impact negatively on the economy.
During September 2022, the average Brent Crude oil price decreased from $94 per barrel to $89.74 per barrel. However, during the same period, the Rand depreciated against the US Dollar from R16.70 to R17.55, ultimately resulting in higher contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices of petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin.
The fuel price adjustments in South Africa for October 2022 are as follows:
Petrol (93 ULP / LRP) decrease by 89 cents per litre
Petrol 95 ULP / LRP ) decrease by 102 cents per litre
Diesel (0.05% sulphur) increase by 10c per litre
Diesel (0.005% sulphur) increase by 15 cents per litre
Illuminating paraffin (wholesale) decrease by 61 cents per litre
While the petrol price decrease will be celebrated by motorists driving petrol-powered cars, the increase in diesel prices will have a negative impact on the economy as diesel is primarily used in industry, for the transport of goods and food, as well as in the generation of electricity. With a negative global economic outlook over short-to-medium term, future fuel price increases are likely to continue to have an adverse impact on the already inflated cost of living, not only in South Africa, but abroad too.
The potent Volkswagen Tiguan R has touched down in South Africa and we’ve had a go in the 235-kW medium SUV, which costs a whisker under R1 million. Is it any good? It should be. Here’s our first drive report from the Western Cape.
The concept of a performance-oriented family car (medium SUV) sounds a bit daft, doesn’t it? However, these types of vehicles have proven highly popular throughout the past few years.
Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz offer performance derivatives of their family SUVs and we wouldn’t be surprised if those models comfortably outsell their sedan, hatchback and convertible equivalents. Like it or not, the SUV remains the dominant vehicle body style in the market. Also bear in mind that Volkswagen sells more Tiguans than any other model in its portfolio.
Big wheels. Big brakes. Big performance.
Volkswagen has successfully combined its much-lauded MQB modular platform with the latest iteration of the EA888 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, a 7-speed direct shift automatic gearbox (DSG) and an all-wheel drivetrain to create the Golf R, T-Roc R (not destined for our market, sadly) and the Tiguan R, the latter of which has now arrived in the Republic and will be hitting local showrooms soon, with the Golf 8 R following in the first quarter of 2023.
The view of the Tiguan R that you’re likely to see in your rearview mirror… shortly before its shoots past you.
This is the first time that Volkswagen has offered a pukka high-performance Tiguan derivative. The pre-facelift model was offered with the 162 kW 2.0-litre engine from the Golf GTI 7.5 and it had an all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup, but although it was certainly brisk, it was not an R model and didn’t deliver the delicious exhaust pops we’ve come to associate with performance VWs.
The new Volkswagen Tiguan R is quite the opposite and comes out swinging with the EA888 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol motor punching out peak outputs 235 kW and 400 Nm. As in its Golf R sibling, all that grunt is channelled to all four wheels via a quick-shifting DSG. The Wolfsburg-based brand claims a 5.1-second 0-100 kph sprint time and you can distinguish the apex Tiguan by its unique wheels, quad exhaust ends, bold R badging and blue brake calipers.
A sporty and well-appointed cabin.
As expected at this price point (R999 900), the Tiguan R’s standard specification is generous – Volkswagen SA has kept the newcomer’s extras list very short. Options include a sonorous Akrapovic performance exhaust system, eye-catching 21-inch alloy wheels, an uprated audio system courtesy of Harman Kardon, as well as additional semi-autonomous safety features.
Standard kit includes 20-inch alloys, a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry, dynamic chassis control, Nappa leather trim, a Discover Pro touchscreen infotainment system with built-in satnav, USB-C ports and a wireless phone charging. Customers can choose from 6 exterior colours.
What’s It Like to Drive?
The Tiguan R packs 235 kW and 400 Nm!
At first glance, the R’s cabin looks much like that of a standard Tiguan derivative, but on closer inspection, you’ll notice subtle performance touches such as the R button on the multifunction steering wheel, the enlarged gearshift paddles and blue stitching on the seats and gear selector.
When you start the engine, it produces a subtle-but-purposeful rumble that sounds far from standard. Our test unit had the Akrapovic exhaust setup, which adds more pronounced gearshift pops and the occasional burble on downshift; it also rode on the optional 21-inch wheels.
The launch event’s test route consisted mainly of long stretches of rural road in the Western Cape’s Swartland region, but rest assured, we carved up a few corners along the way too.
First things first. Just how potent is the Tiguan R “off the line”? Well, once we had found a suitably quiet spot on the open road, we conducted a “mandatory” test of the launch-start system.
Herewith the launch sequence. Hit the R button on the ‘wheel to engage Race mode, set stability control to Sport, keep your left foot on the brake and flatten the accelerator pedal. A message that indicates launch control is active comes up, the engine revs hold steady at 3 500 rpm and, when you’re ready, release the brake. There’s a fraction of hesitation and then the Tiguan R flings itself towards the horizon with gusto, with a lovely bang accompanying each up change.
The straight-line theatrics seem indulgent in a buttoned-up product like the Tiguan, but they’re very entertaining. Launch starts aside, the Tiguan R’s real strength is its ability to muster rapid overtaking acceleration. With 400 Nm on tap from 2 000 rpm via a bolt-action dual-clutch ‘box, it’s never a chore to dispatch slower traffic, even in the non-sporty drive modes. Race opens the exhaust valves and enhances power delivery, so (of course) we used that mode most of the time.
The Tiguan R is fiendishly quick in a straight line, but it can corner quickly and confidently too.
What about cornering ability, though? We’re glad you asked – there’s so much more to performance than a potent engine and raucous exhaust. Volkswagen’s R division has gone to great lengths to make this Tiguan R handle like a performance derivative; the torque-vectoring system directs power to where it’s needed, and monstrous brakes, well, they stop on a dime.
The Tiguan R also sits a bit lower than its sibling derivatives, which lowers its centre of gravity, improves the overall handling balance, and helps to reduce body roll under hard cornering. The steering setup is excellent, with a quick, sharp turn-in (for an SUV) and a light ‘wheel action.
The ride quality is decidedly firm in Race mode.
Any gripes? The larger (21-inch) wheels definitely firm up the ride quality, but thankfully adaptive dampers are fitted to the Tiguan R to decrease the likelihood that you’ll help your chiropractor pay off their holiday house. When traversing poor-quality tarmac while operating in Race mode, the Tiguan R’s suspension thuds (we felt a few impact jolts inside the cabin) – rather use Sport or Comfort instead. Even better, there’s an Individual mode that allows drivers to adjust each of the car’s characteristics, including engine power, noise, suspension setup etc.
We tweaked all the settings to Race but left the suspension in Comfort and the result was near perfect. Anything else? The cabin is a genuinely pleasing space to occupy (the driver’s seat position is excellent), but the Tiguan R suffers the same material and ergonomic issues (such as the fiddly capacitive touchpads on the ‘wheel) that have frustrated us about other VW products.
How much does the Volkswagen Tiguan R cost in SA?
Tiguan R 2.0 TSI 235 kW DSG 4MOTION R999 900
The Tiguan R comes standard with a 3-year/120 000 km warranty, 5-year/ 100 000 km EasyDrive Maintenance Plan and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. The service interval is 15 000 km.
Summary
Given the Golf R’s supply constraints, the Tiguan R makes a serious case for itself.
Volkswagen SA wants to ensure that when its Golf GTI and -R customers’ families grow, they won’t leave the brand. With the Tiguan R, Volkswagen hopes to retain some of those young-at-heart petrolheads who still want an engaging driving experience, but with added practicality.
One of the best aspects of the Tiguan R is its dual nature. You could easily drive it daily, when it would excel as a family vehicle (even in its docile drive modes, it offers credible performance). However, if you like to experience a driving thrill now and again, you’ll take delight in hitting that R button for a quick burst of power and noise. The school run has never been this fun.
The Tiguan R retains all of the best elements of Volkswagen’s family car (medium SUV), but it also has a compelling fun-to-drive factor – with minimal compromise as an ownership proposition. Given the limited availability of the Golf 8 R, which will only arrive during the first quarter of 2023, the Tiguan is arguably the more sensible offering of the two R models. Yes, it’s probably a bit more expensive than its hatchback sibling (will be), but critically, it’s available right now.
