10 Ways To Save Fuel: Get The Most Out Of Every Drop
The rapid increase in fuel prices is having a severe impact on daily life in South Africa and if you are lucky enough to own a car, then you would be wise to exercise a range of fuel-saving techniques to make every drop of fuel last longer. Here are 10 ways to save fuel today!
The rising cost of fuel has a significant negative impact on the household budget and consumers have to find ways to make their money stretch further. One of the easiest ways to save money would be to use less fuel. By far the best (and easiest) way to do that would be to buy a newer, more efficient car, but very few of us are in a position to do that. So… how can you use your current set of wheels more efficiently?
10 Ways to Save Fuel
1. Don’t let it idle – Drive off immediately after starting the car in the morning. Do not let it idle for any length of time, especially when the engine is below normal operating temperature. This will reduce the amount of time the engine has to inhale the over-rich fuel mixture required for starting and idling. Such a mixture is wasteful and contaminates the oil to such an extent that prolonged idling can ruin an engine. Go slow at first, to allow the engine, gearbox and final drive to warm up.
2. Go with the flow – Drive at a reasonable pace in town. Stay with the traffic, because if you slow down too much you will not only be an obstruction but you may also have to change down to a lower gear. A lower gear usually, but not always, means your vehicle will use more fuel.
3. Gentle on the throttle – Accelerate slowly and use the lower gears when you start from a speed below 1 500 r/min to avoid over-stressing the engine. Large throttle openings will obviously increase the fuel flow rate.
4. Drive (slightly) slower – Reduce your habitual cruising speed by 10 km/h. This will result in a measurable drop in fuel consumption because the air resistance increases dramatically with an increase in speed.
5. Anticipate the traffic – Try to brake as little as possible. Braking converts the car’s momentum into heat energy. When you accelerate again the engine has to supply the lost energy to get the vehicle back up to speed again.
6. Avoid roof racks and trailers – Carry excess luggage inside the car as much as possible. A roof rack or a trailer increases the air resistance dramatically but an increase in weight only increases the amount of fuel being used by a significant amount while you accelerate, not while you’re cruising.
7. Check your tyre pressures every two weeks – Soft tyres not only have a negative effect on fuel consumption but are also a major cause of blowouts.
8. Look after your car – Have your car serviced regularly to ensure it is in optimal working condition.
9. Keep score – A record of fuel consumption using the tank-full to tank-full method is a good way to remind yourself about saving fuel. This system works fairly well if you do not let the pump attendant trickle fuel in after the automatic pump was activated. Investigate any unreasonable change in fuel consumption.
10. Windows shut – Driving with open windows or activating the air-con will increase your fuel consumption by a few per cent but you must be fanatic about reducing consumption to drive like that.
The ever-popular Toyota Corolla has been updated! Take a look at what’s changed!
The 12th-generation Toyota Corolla arrived in South Africa back in 2020 and the Japenese firm has given the Corolla a styling and equipment update, but more importantly, the Corolla’s hybrid powertrain has also been enhanced.
What’s Changed?
A larger infotainment system and a new instrument cluster makes its way into the updated Corolla.
You’d be hard-pressed to spot the exterior styling changes but Toyota has updated the grille mesh design, tweaked the fog light bezels and bi-LED headlights with adaptive high beam are now fitted to range-topping Corollas while new alloy wheel designs will be offered too along with some new body colors to choose from such as Metallic Grey, Juniper Blue and Midnight Teal.
In markets where its offered, the Corolla GR Sport will gain new 18-inch alloy wheels, revised rear bumper and under-guard while the interior gets updated upholstery and a GR logo on the push-button start.
Interior changes include revised trim and upholstery with newly embossed patterns that give a 3-D effect while new Dark and Light Harmony upholstery combinations further enhance the cabin ambience. A larger 10.25 inch infotainment display also makes its way into the Corolla as well as a new 12.3-inch, customisable combimeter instrument cluster and a new voice assistance system.
The big news for this particular update, however, has taken place under the bonnet where Toyota’s fifth-generation hybrid-electric system now produces better performance!
For both the 1.8 and 2.0 Corolla Hybrid, Toyota has redesigned the power control unit (PCU) and transaxle motor while also fitting a more powerful and lighter lithium-ion battery resulting in up to 18 kg in weight savings.
As far as outputs go, the 1.8-litre Corolla Hybrid now produces 104 kW / 142 Nm (14 kW more than before) and is 1.7 seconds faster in the sprint to 100 kph at 9.2 seconds. The larger 2.0-litre Corolla Hybrid (not on sale in SA) get a 12 kW power bump to 146 kW and will now accelerate to 100 kph in 7.5 seconds, half a second quicker than before.
Toyota has also tweaked the hybrid control to deliver a more natural and intuitive acceleration feel and powertrain refinement has also been improved with less noise experienced while driving.
In terms of safety, Toyota T-Mate joins the familiar Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver assistance features which can be updated over-the-air. Improvements have been made to the acceleration suppression at low speeds, collision avoidance support, emergency steering assist, lateral collision avoidance and curve speed reduction. A Safe Exit System will now trigger a warning if a door is opened into the path of a car or cyclist approaching from the rear and a Rear Seat Reminder will let you know if you have left something on the back seats.
The updated Toyota Corolla will go on sale in Europe in the first quarter of 2023 and its local introduction in South Africa can be expected thereafter. We will keep you updated as more details become available.
The Ferrari-powered Lotus! Twin-turbo V8 Monster – Incredible one-off build
Ever found a Ferrari engine from a crash and wanted to stick it in a lightweight British Sportscar? Probably not, but that’s precisely why Davie Joubert did in this insane one-off build.
It’s fair to say that South African Dawie Joubert has a taste for speed and a flair for the spectacular. With a background in drag racing, he fell in love with the Lotus Elise but when he finally bought one he found it terribly underpowered.
And so he shoved a Honda K-Series engine in the back but he still felt the car could handle a lot more horsepower. As fate would have it, he was told that a Ferrari 488 GTB had crashed somewhere in South Africa and after a year of trying, he convinced the owner to sell him the wreck, and here is the result.
The car was specifically built to take part in the prestigious annual Simola Hillclimb, which our video guy Ciro just raced in an electric car in May this year, alongside this beast. With the twin-turbo Ferrari V8 under the rear hood sending an insane 571 kW to the rears, and an aggressive aero set-up, the Lotus Ferrari was incredibly quick up the hill. Join us as the owner tells us his story and fills us in on all the juicy details about his incredible car.
The stylish Volkswagen Taigo has finally touched down in Mzansi and we headed to Gauteng to sample the coupe-styled small crossover. Is the Taigo a bit too niche… or is it a perfect gap-filler between the T-Cross and T-Roc? Let’s find out!
With a flamboyant colour palette and unusual proportions that are sure to start many conversations, there’s no denying that the Taigo is a distinctive out-of-left-field offering. We suspect it will garner sales based on looks alone – after all, coupe-SUVs are very much in fashion.
Premium products such as the Audi Q3 and Q5 Sportback (not to forget the Q8), BMW X4 and X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLC- and GLE Coupes can be considered the originators of this trend, but even mainstream brands have begun blending coupe and crossover styling cues.
But if Volkswagen already offers the accomplished T-Cross and slightly bigger T-Roc in its compact family car line-up, is there enough of a gap between them to accommodate the Taigo? Volkswagen certainly thinks there is, because last year, SUVs began outselling hatchbacks in the South African new-vehicle market, which suggests the Wolfsburg-based brand’s SUV push is well justified.
The Taigo is based on the same MQB platform that underpins the Polo, T-Cross and T-Roc, and we’ve always been impressed with the refined packaging and accomplished on-road demeanour that those models offer. Much like the T-Roc, the Taigo is aimed at “self-styled go-getters” (VWSA’s description, not ours), but in terms of dimensions, the Taigo is more comparable with the T-Cross; it’s slightly narrower and lower, but longer, by comparison.
Interestingly, the Taigo might be longer than the T-Cross, but it offers a claimed 440 litres of luggage capacity with the rear seats up, which is 15 litres less than what the latter offers.
As for the interior, if you’ve sat in a T-Cross, the Taigo’s cabin will be instantly familiar. The slightly raised driver’s seat makes ingress/exit easier than in, say, an ordinary hatchback.
Prospective buyers will be wowed by the digital dashboard and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto-compatible touchscreen infotainment system, but upon closer inspection, the Taigo has some of the same foibles as the T-Cross: some interior surfaces look and feel quite premium, but then marginal-quality plastics are apparent in other areas…
Okay, so the finishes vary, but there’s no denying the model’s build quality. We drove the Taigo on some particularly poor roads, but its cabin never exhibited creaks or rattles.
What’s on offer?
The Taigo has one engine-transmission combo and three trim lines: Life, Style and R-Line. The engine is the tried-and-tested 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbopetrol motor, which develops 85 kW and 200 Nm. It’s an auto, with the quick-shifting 7-speed dual-clutch ‘box on duty. It has a 40-litre fuel tank and VWSA claims an average consumption figure of 5.4 L/100 km.
Our launch test unit was the top-spec R-Line derivative, which was loaded with options such as heated front seats, Beats audio system, panoramic roof, Comfort package (reverse-view camera, keyless access, park assist), IQ Drive package (adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning with auto brake) and the uprated Discover Pro infotainment system, replete with a wireless charging pad.
What is the new Taigo like to drive?
Our extended launch drive saw us travelling through the Gauteng, Free State and North-West provinces and the route incorporated extended stretches of open-road driving. The Taigo’s ride quality and cabin insulation impressed us right from the start (the R-Line derivative can be specified with 18-inch Misano wheels, which really look great, but they may result in a slightly bumpier ride).
Despite its large proportions, the Taigo’s not a hefty vehicle. It weighs around 1100 kg and, aided by its well-sorted MQB underpinnings, it feels nimble and agile on its, um, wheels.
Don’t get too excited, however, the VW’s handling is less than sporty (which, to be fair, is the norm in this segment) and besides, its hiked-up ride height does cause a bit of body lean. There is little amiss with the steering setup and feel, however; the ‘wheel action is light, which aids manoeuvrability in town, but weighty enough for when you’re cruising on the open road.
Not all compact turbo engines feel up to the task of propelling family vehicles with much vigour, but the Volkswagen’s 85 kW/200 Nm 1.0-litre motor performs spiritedly. In fact, it’s quite free-revving, which means that you can enjoy working the 1.0-litre triple a little harder.
At low revs, 3-cylinder engines sound a bit gruff, but when you’re pressing on, the VW motor emits a pleasant thrum. Look, the Taigo’s not going to win races, but with 200 Nm available from 2 000 rpm, it can keep pace with traffic and its overtaking ability (from 80-120 kph) is quite acceptable.
What’s more, the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission is a peach. It tends to shift up quite smoothly and does not drop gears frantically when you lean on the accelerator. Granted, the downshifts aren’t rapid, but we found that actuating manual changes by using the steering-wheel paddles resulted in a more engaging experience, especially in cut-and-thrust traffic.
How much does the new Volkswagen Taigo cost in South Africa?
The Taigo is sold with a 3-year/120 000 km warranty, 3-year/45 000 km EasyDrive service plan and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. The service intervals are every 15 000 km.
Volkswagen Taigo Life
R429 900
Volkswagen Taigo Style
R464 100
Volkswagen Taigo R-Line
R486 000
Summary
Given the trend in the new-vehicle market (as in the rest of the world, where SUVs are increasingly preferred to hatchbacks), we can fully understand that manufacturers would want to offer as many crossovers in the compact-car market as they can make viable business cases for.
Although VWSA suggests the typical Taigo customer will value design and comfort above practicality, that notion might be more applicable to the luxury end of the market. However, the Kariega-based company well and truly hits the proverbial nail on the head when it asserts that the newcomer “will be more attainable than a T-Roc and appeal to a more individualistic audience than a T-Cross.”
From my perspective, there’s nothing inherently wrong with the Taigo and, yes, it’s more affordable than the T-Roc, but in terms of its core strengths it does not set itself apart from its #CarsAwards category-winning T-Cross sibling.
Who should you buy a Taigo, then? VWSA says the model’s core market is brand loyalists among the “aspiring middle class” who dream of owning a cool Volkswagen – fair enough, the Taigo is more stylish – “cooler” – than the T-Cross.
So, if you think the T-Cross is a little too mainstream and want something a bit colourful and are prepared to settle for a fractionally smaller load bay and pay a bit more, then the Taigo may just be worth looking into. It looks brilliant in Kings Red Metallic or Visual Green Metallic, by the way.
New Volkswagen Taigo in SA (2022) Specs & Price
The wait is over… Volkswagen’s all-new Taigo compact crossover has arrived in South Africa! See specification and pricing details below.
The new 2022 Taigo compact crossover has launched in South Africa and the newcomer will bolster the Wolfsburg firm’s local crossover/SUV lineup.
Volkswagen’s crossover/SUV range consists of the T-Cross, T-Roc, Tiguan and flagship Touareg. A sportier Tiguan R is also expected to arrive in Q3 2022. As far as positioning is concerned and depending on South African derivative specification, the Taigo will slide in between the T-Cross and T-Roc.
How big is the VW Taigo?
The coupe-styled Taigo will serve as a ‘design choice’ alongside the boxier T-Cross.
The new Taigo is built alongside the T-Cross in Pamplona, Spain and is based on the Brazilian-built Volkswagen Nivus, both of which are underpinned by VW’s A0 MQB platform.
The VW Taigo stands 4 600 mm long, 1 700 mm wide and 1 490 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2 566 mm. That makes the Taigo 365 mm longer than the T-Cross, but the T-Cross is wider at 1 782 mm and taller at 1 584 mm but with a slightly shorter wheelbase at 2 551 mm. The Taigo is, therefore, similarly-sized but unlike the boxy shape of the T-Cross, the Taigo features a stylishly raked roofline that gives it a distinct coupe-like silhouette, essentially making it a compact coupe crossover.
It’s also worth noting that the 2022 Volkswagen Taigo is equipped with Volkswagen’s IQ.Light LED Matrix headlights, a feature typically found on more expensive models.
As far as practicality is concerned the Taigo will offer 440 litres (T-Cross at 455-litres) of luggage space with 60:40 split rear seats for added flexibility and the extended wheelbase affords rear passengers with good legroom too.
The Taigo’s load capacity is only 15 litres shy of what’s offered in the T-Cross at 440 litres.
What does the interior of the Taigo offer?
There are 3 Taigo derivatives on offer in South Africa including the entry Taigo Life, Taigo Style and the top-spec Taigo R-Line.
The Taigo’s interior is familiar and is equipped with VW’s latest-generation infotainment and digital cockpit.
The new Taigo is available in 8 exterior colours – two solid paint finishes, five metallic paint finishes and one pearl effect finish. All body colours except Deep Black Pearl can be combined with a contrasting black roof. Customers can choose wheel sizes from 16 to 18-inch alloy wheels.
Life
LED headlights
LED tail lights
Composition Colour system with 6.5- inch monitor, App-Connect, We Connect Go
Front centre armrest with a USB-C interface
Multi-function leather steering wheel
Electric foldable exterior mirrors with heating function
16-inch Belmopan alloy wheels
Optional features in the Taigo Life are the tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof, removable trailer hitch, IQ.Light LED Matrix headlights, Keyless Entry, 17-inch Bangalore alloy wheels, Comfort Package (Rear View Camera, Keyless Entry and Park Assist), Driver Assistance Package (Park Assist, Lane Assist and Side Assist), Seat heater for front seats, Composition Media with inductive mobile charging and Discover Media (Wireless App-Connect, inductive mobile charging, Active Info Display, Voice Control and Navigation).
Style
Visual exterior changes
IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights
17-inch Aberdeen alloy wheels
Ambient lighting
Front and rear park distance control
Dynamic light assist
10.25-inch digital cockpit pro
Active info display
8-inch Composition media system
Optional features in the Taigo Style include the tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof, removable trailer hitch, Keyless Entry, 17-inch Tokio alloy wheels, 18-inch Funchal alloy wheels, beats sound system, Comfort Package (Rear View Camera, Keyless Entry and Park Assist), IQ.DRIVE Travel Assist Package (Lane Assist, Forward Collision Warning including Autonomous Emergency Braking system and Adaptive Cruise Control), Driver Assistance Package (Park Assist, Lane Assist and Side Assist), Seat heater for front seats, Inductive mobile charging which includes Composition Media Plus and Discover Media (Wireless App-Connect, inductive mobile charging, Voice Control and Navigation).
R-Line with bumpers in R design
R-Line body kit
LED fog lights
17-inch Valencia wheels
R-Line seats
Active Info Display
Optional features in the Taigo R-Line include the tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof, removable trailer hitch, Black Styling Package with black 18-inch Misano alloy wheels, Keyless Entry, 18-inch Misano alloy wheels, beats sound system, IQ.DRIVE Travel Assist Package (Lane Assist, Forward Collision Warning including Autonomous Emergency Braking system and Adaptive Cruise Control), Comfort Package (Rear View Camera, Keyless Entry and Park Assist), Driver Assistance Package (Park Assist, Lane Assist and Side Assist), Seat heater for front seats, Inductive mobile charging which includes Composition Media Plus and Discover Media (Wireless App-Connect, inductive mobile charging, Voice Control and Navigation).
What engine powers the new Volkswagen Taigo?
The Taigo is powered by a 85kW 1.0-litre turbopetrol engine.
The Taigo is offered with a 85 kW / 200 Nm 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine, the same found in the T-Cross, and will be mated with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Fuel consumption is claimed at 5.4 L/100 km and it takes just 11.3 seconds to go from 0 to 100 kph.
How much does the Volkswagen Taigo Cost in South Africa?
Taigo Life 1.0 TSI 85kW DSG® – R429 900
Taigo Style 1.0 TSI 85kW DSG® – R464 100
Taigo R-Line 1.0 TSI 85kW DSG® – R486 000
The Taigo is sold with a 3 year/120 000 km warranty, 3 year/ 45 000 km EasyDrive Service Plan and a 12-year anti- corrosion warranty. The service interval is 15 000 km. Customers have the option to extend EasyDrive Maintenance and EasyDrive Service Plans up to 10 years/ 300 000km.
What rivals will the Volkswagen Taigo have to beat?
The Taigo is poised to steal a few sales from its rivals when it arrives in SA in early June 2022.
The Taigo is the only coupe-styled offering in this segment which means that it will be the go-to car for buyers looking for something with a bit more kerb appeal without necessarily sacrificing practicality which is a key USP for vehicles in this segment.
With Toyota’s Prospecton factory still shuttered, the Hilux lost the crown of South Africa’s best-selling bakkie in May 2022. Here’s a closer look at the segment’s sales figures…
There haven’t been too many months over the past few decades when the Toyota Hilux wasn’t South Africa’s best-selling bakkie. May 2022, however, was one such instance. Of course, there’s an obvious reason for that, with April’s deadly KwaZulu-Natal floods also extensively damaging Toyota’s Prospecton factory, resulting in the facility remaining offline throughout May 2022.
With production of models such as the aforementioned Hilux and the likewise strong-selling Hi-Ace having temporarily ceased, South African sales of new light-commercial vehicles in May 2022 plunged 22.6% year on year to just 9 221 units, despite the overall new-vehicle industry growing 2.1% year on year to 39 177 units.
So, let’s take a closer look at what this means for the composition of the top 10 in May 2022. Despite the fact the Blue Oval brand is gearing up to launch an all-new model later in the year, the outgoing Ford Ranger was the top-selling bakkie last month with 1 548 units registered across the country. The Silverton-built pick-up added more than 400 units to its April tally, moving up one place in the process.
Despite not a single Hilux rolling off the local production line in May, the Japanese bakkie still managed to place second with 1 368 units sold (what June will look like, however, remains to be seen as stock issues will likely intensify for Toyota). The new Isuzu D-Max moved up one spot to third, though it seems its final figure of 1 163 units includes both the latest-generation model and the prolonged lifecycle version badged as the Gen 6.
That means the Nissan NP200 (1 066 units) dropped one place to fourth, despite crossing into four figures in May. The Mahindra Pik Up (688 units) and Nissan Navara (461 units) likewise enjoyed stronger month-on-month performances, retaining their respective fifth and sixth rankings.
Meanwhile, the GWM Steed (368 units) swapped spots with the GWM P-Series (327 units), with the evergreen Toyota Land Cruiser 79 (294 units) and outgoing Volkswagen Amarok (208 units) again closing out the table. It’s interesting to note every bakkie in the top 10 bar the Hilux grew its sales figure month on month in May.
Best of the rest in May 2022
Right, that’s the big dogs out the way, but what about the so-called bit-part players? Well, as is so often the case, the Mahindra Bolero (95) was the best of the rest in May 2022, while the Mitsubishi Triton was next on 62 units (a single unit down on its April performance). The JAC T8 managed 34 units, with the JAC T6 settling for eight registrations. The Peugeot Landtrek dipped to 28 units, while Mazda managed to register just 19 examples of its D-Max-based BT-50. Interestingly, a single Jeep Gladiator was also registered in South Africa in May, ahead of the model’s long-awaited local launch.
Export winners in May 2022
Ford exported 5 368 units of the Ranger in May, quite some way ahead of the Isuzu D-Max (499 units) and Nissan Navara (482 units). Toyota’s Hilux export figure, meanwhile, tumbled to just 123 units, again thanks to the lack of local production. Finally, the Nissan NP200 (34) made up the numbers.
10 best-selling bakkies in South Africa for May 2022
The new-generation Honda HR-V enters the compact family-car fray as a more niche and distinctive small crossover. We drove the new model during its local launch in the Western Cape.
What’s different about the HR-V
The HR-V’s packaging has switched from a practical small SUV to a coupe-styled crossover.
The new HR-V represents a major departure from the Japanese marque’s outgoing model. It has also moved from the military-medium compact family-car segment into the “premium crossover” niche of the market that hosts the likes of the Audi A2 and Q3 Sportback,Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30, Toyota C-HR and Volkswagen T-Roc, to name just some of the most obvious contenders.
The newcomer’s exterior design looks more modern – and, in the metal, it appears taller. Looking at pictures of the previous HR-V (you can see them here), the new model has more presence and style, whereas its predecessor’s design prioritised practicality, hence the MPV-ish design. One thing that remains is the black cladding that runs around the bottom of the car. The new model, however, features gloss black surrounds instead of the matte finish of the old model.
The 1.8-litre petrol engine has been dropped from the range to make way for a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine, which is mated with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). It is the only powertrain in the range, at least for now.
In terms of outright size, the new model is slightly shorter (4 330 mm vs 4 347 mm) and marginally wider (1 790 mm vs 1 772 mm). The new model’s wheelbase is 8 mm longer, which contributes toward the 38 mm worth of improved legroom at the back. What’s more, 26 mm of extra ground clearance certainly makes the HR-V seem like more of a crossover than the previous model was.
The interior has been spruced appreciably too. The cabin design offers more in the way of stylish appeal, while up-to-date passive safety equipment has been included in order to meet the segment’s prerequisites.
What’s the Honda HR-V like to drive?
The HR-V has a supple ride quality and well-weighted steering.
Throughout the past decade, Honda South Africa has had to change its focus somewhat; it’s no longer a volume-selling brand on the local market; these days, it’s more of a niche player. The HR-V fits that mould because the premium compact crossover segment caters for buyers who do not require ultimate practicality, but want to drive something stylish, distinctive and modern.
The HR-V’s ride quality is on the firmer side of pliant, but beyond that initial firmness is a supple suspension that’s generally composed and comfortable. It rides bumps well, even on the top-spec Executive derivative, which is shod with larger (18-inch) wheels – the Comfort version runs 17-inch alloys – and the steering is well-weighted by the standards of a modern electrically-assisted system.
When it comes to zipping around corners, the newcomer certainly does not distinguish itself as a sports SUV, but considering its unassuming powertrain setup, you’re unlikely to get much in the way of driving thrills out of the package even if it had Type-R-tuned handling (which it doesn’t). I would sum up the ride as pretty decent when compared to the rivals I mentioned earlier – it definitely has one of the quietest cabins in its class.
Is there enough power?
The only engine available currently is the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol.
To reiterate, the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine is the only one available in the HR-V at the moment (June 2022). Honda SA considered the turbopetrol engine that is available overseas, but such-equipped versions would have pushed the HR-V’s price too far into the premium sector, where, of course, German brands’ wares dominate. A petrol-electric hybrid version would have made the most sense, because it purports to reduce running costs substantially and we believe that buyers would be more than willing to accept a lack of outright performance if it meant that they’d make fewer trips to the fuel station. That said, Honda SA indicated it would introduce the HR-V hybrid in the next 18 to 24 months.
As for the HR-V’s 1.5-litre powerplant, it produces 89 kW and 145 Nm of torque (it’s the same unit that does duty in the new Honda Fit). The peak power figure is acceptable, but the lack of torque makes progress quite leisurely, which is a pain when you’re trying to execute swift overtaking manoeuvres (at freeway speeds) or accelerate briskly up inclines. Besides, the CVT’s calibration is better suited to pottering around in everyday traffic than to undertaking longer road trips or stints of freeway driving. At higher revs, it has a feature whereby it simulates normal gearshifts, rather than holding on to high revs and making a racket. It’s certainly better for it, but still doesn’t entirely mask the compromised CVT experience.
The upside of that is impressive fuel economy, and it will likely be even better in town or when cruising at speeds below 100 kph. On our 220-km evaluation drive, which comprised mostly open, district roads with 100 kph to 120 kph speed limits, we saw an indicated return of 7.4 L/100 km. I wouldn’t be surprised if an efficiency-minded driver could get that number into the low 6L/100 km range, which is good for a vehicle of this size.
What’s the HR-V’s interior like?
It’s a well-built and nicely specced interior but missing some of the fancy screens modern buyers may want.
In terms of style and equipment levels, the new HR-V’s interior is a nice step up from that of its predecessor. The new 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is more modern (and has a higher-resolution display) than the previous setup. Android Auto and Apple Carplay integrate seamlessly with the native system when you connect your smartphone via a cable to the USB port that’s situated closest to the driver. The 2nd USB port in the front is purely for charging devices, while the Executive derivative comes with a wireless charging pad and 2 extra USB ports in the rear. It’s a pity that Wireless Android Auto or -Apple Carplay aren’t available.
Overall, the fit-and-finish and choice of materials are of premium quality, which lifts the overall feel of the cabin. It feels particularly well put together with very tight shut lines and a solid feel to all the buttons and rotary dials.
I have only one biggish criticism of the interior – it lacks pizazz. For example, the HR-V’s rivals and other SUVs (within the broader segment) have very high-specification infotainment screens and digital instrument clusters, whereas the HR-V’s displays feel a generation behind. The instrument cluster features analogue dials, which helps to make the model more affordable I guess… but this is a niche product, so where is the flair?
The HR-V does make up ground on its rivals in terms of practicality. For a coupe SUV, it’s extremely spacious in the rear passenger area, and while the load bay is claimed to hold only 304 litres, it will easily swallow a pair of large suitcases.
The rear seats can fold flat as well as tumble backwards like this.
Honda’s Magic Seats also make the rear loading area completely flat (when flopped forward) and offer more options, because the seats can either be folded flat or tumbled backwards if you want more loading area behind the front seats.
The major difference in price between the Comfort and Executive can be attributed to the extra safety equipment fitted to the latter. It is equipped with adaptive cruise control with low-speed following, collision mitigation braking, lane-keep assist and departure warning and a lane-watch camera that activates via a button on the indicator stalk or when you indicate, giving you a view of your blind spot. Both derivatives are sold with an aft-facing camera and rear parking sensors.
Honda HR-V pricing and after-sales support
The Honda HR-V is sold with a 5-year/200 000 km warranty and a 4-year/60 000 km service plan. Service intervals are every 15 000 km.
The HR-V is a competent small coupe-SUV, but its current powertrain offering is limited.
The premium compact crossover segment is a tiny pocket of the market and not one that sells up a storm every month. However, the HR-V does make sense for those looking for something with a distinctive design and adequate practicality.
The increased ground clearance will instil a bit more confidence when you’re travelling on gravel roads and the Honda’s ride quality and on-road refinement (especially the hushed cabin) are among the best in the segment.
The engine is lacklustre, but if you’re happy to do things at a modest pace and don’t intend to load the coupe-SUV heavily on regular occasions, it will suffice and provide excellent fuel savings. We just wish a hybrid version was available.
What’s more, the interior is well built and finished with appreciably premium materials. The infotainment system fulfils modern connectivity requirements, even if it’s unlikely to wow many users.
The HR-V appears to be a nonconformist choice, but only because the traditionally-shaped SUVs will still garner more sales, which will make the new HR-V stand out more in a crowd.
New Electrified Mercedes-Benz GLC Revealed
Mercedes-Benz has revealed its new GLC SUV boasting both mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid derivatives. Take a look at what the new GLC has to offer!
The GLC has been Merc’s best-selling model for the last 2 years and over 2.6-million units have been sold worldwide since the GLC nameplate was introduced in 2015. Now, a new GLC has been revealed to build on the success of its predecessor with a range of new hybrid powertrains.
The new GLC has grown in size and this means that interior space has been positively boosted. The front-end design has been refined and a key identifier are the new headlights that now merge with the new grille design which incorporates a chrome surround and a central louvre finished in matt grey with chrome trim. Also take note of the newly sculpted bonnet!
The new GLC features a sharper and more refined look. It’s also larger than the outgoing model.
The Avantgarde exterior treatment is standard and includes chrome window surrounds and new chrome-look simulated under guard. The AMG Line derivatives are identified by a 3D star-studded grille and a selection of wheel sizes ranging from 18- to 20-inches in size are on offer. The rear lights now feature two-section design with a 3D effect and a matching rear simulated chrome under guard houses the chrome-look exhaust tips. Running boards will be optionally available and as well as a host of other equipment, including a Night Package.
Moving inside, the new GLC’s interior architecture is familiar from the new S-Class. That means that a 11.9-inch vertically-orientated, tablet-style MBUX infotainment system is fitted as well as a crisp 12.3-inch instrument cluster. Standard features include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, heated seats and wireless charging, to name a few.
The new GLC’s interior features technology first seen in the new S-Class.
A new feature is what the firm calls ‘transparent hood’ which in conjunction with the optional 360-degree camera allows the driver to “see through the hood” with a virtual view under the car being displayed on the central screen. This will be particularly useful for observing obstacles while driving on gravel or when parking in tight spaces. A full-colour heads-up display is also optional. As always, Mercedes-Benz will offer an extensive list of optional features and the level of specification will only be limited by how deep your pockets are.
As far as practicality is concerned, the GLC’s load capacity is claimed at 620 litres, 70 litres more than the outgoing GLC and the rear seats are split in a 40:20:40 ratio for added flexibility and an optional Load Comfort package allows you to fold the seats down at the convenient push of a button.
What powertrains are offered on the new Mercedes-Benz GLC?
The new GLC features mild-hybrid and PHEV powertrains only.
The big news for the new GLC is that it will only be offered with a choice of either a plug-in hybrid powertrain or a mild-hybrid powertrain with 48-volt technology and an integrated starter-generator.
At market launch, the mild-hybrid derivatives include the petrol-powered GLC 200 4Matic, GLC 300 4Matic and the diesel-powered GLC 220d 4Matic.
The GLC 200 4Matic and GLC 300 4Matic combine a 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to offer outputs of 150 kW / 320 Nm and 190 kW / 400 Nm respectively. The Integrated Starter-Generator (ISG) improves performance by contributing up to 17 kW more power and up to 200 Nm more torque and allows for efficient hybrid driving functions such as coasting which reduces consumption.
The mild-hybrid diesel GLC 220d with its 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine produces 145 kW and 440 Nm of torque.
The GLC plug-in hybrid derivatives include the petrol GLC 300 e 4Matic, GLC 400 e 4Matic and the diesel GLC 300 de 4Matic.
The GLC 300 e 4Matic and GLC 400 e 4Matic employ a 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine in conjunction with an electric motor to produce total outputs of 230 kW/550 Nm and 280 kW/650 Nm respectively while the diesel-powered GLC 300 de 4Matic offers 245 kW and 750 Nm. All plug-in hybrid GLC derivatives are fitted with a 31.2 kWh battery with an estimated electric driving range of over 100km.
High-performance AMG derivatives are expected to be revealed in due course.
The new GLC is features a new 4-link front suspension with a multi-link independent rear suspension with amplitude-dependent damping which is said to enhance ride and noise comfort and handling. Merc’s AIRMATIC air suspension with rear-axle steering will be offered as an option as well an Offroad Engineering Package which increases ground clearance by 20mm and adds underbody protection. A Sport suspension is offered in conjunction with the AMG Line Exterior package.
A Driving Assistance package is also offered for the new GLC and it includes an enhanced adaptive cruise control system which is now able to react to stationary vehicles, active steering assistance with new lane detection, traffic sign assist as well as a new parking package with a 360-degree camera.
Mercedes-Benz has yet to confirm availability of the new GLC in South Africa but you can realistically expect the newcomer on local soil towards the end of 2022 or early in 2023.
Toyota GR Corolla Morizo Edition Loses Weight, Gains Torque
Think the standard Toyota GR Corolla isn’t quite hardcore enough? Well, meet the new GR Corolla Morizo Edition, a two-seater with angrier styling, more torque and less weight…
A mere two months after the long-awaited global reveal of the Toyota GR Corolla hot hatch, the Japanese brand has whipped the wraps off an even more hardcore version dubbed the Morizo Edition.
Seemingly exclusive to the United States, just 200 examples of the GR Corolla Morizo Edition will be produced. Described as a “purpose-built” all-wheel-drive hot hatch, the newcomer ditches its rear bench, gains even more aggressive styling and benefits from additional torque.
So, what does Morizo mean? Well, it’s the name Toyota president Akio Toyoda assumes when he slips in behind the wheel of a performance car. For this special edition, Toyoda himself set the target of tighter handling, a high torque-to-weight ratio and a “highly rigid” body.
While the turbocharged 1.6-litre three-cylinder petrol engine makes an unchanged 224 kW, peak twisting force increases from 370 Nm to 400 Nm (albeit across a slightly shorter part of the rev range). In addition, the Morizo Edition boasts a model-specific close-ratio version of the brand’s six-speed manual transmission.
With a claimed weight of 1 440 kg, the Morizo Edition is around 30 kg lighter than a standard GR Corolla, chiefly thanks to the removal of the rear seats and the addition of a forged carbon-fibre roof. Toyota says the two-seater design – with the rear bench replaced by two braces for extra structural support – furthermore allowed for “additional weight removal in the rear”, with no need for rear door speakers or rear window regulators (even the rear wiper blade and motor were ditched).
What else makes a Morizo Edition? Well, it gains wider Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres wrapped round 18-inch forged alloy wheels, as well as red-painted monotube shock absorbers and a unique suspension tune. Toyota’s GR engineers also increased rigidity by adding two more floor braces and one additional rear strut brace, while the frame gains an additional 349 spot welds and over six metres more structural adhesive than standard.
Inside, you’ll find red-and-black Ultrasuede (a material repeated on the steering wheel) and leather semi-bucket seats with high bolsters and harness holes. On the outside, the Morizo Edition features “functional venting”, along with model-specific front brake ducts.
While Toyota South Africa Motors says it has “requested the [standard] GR Corolla for local introduction”, it seems likely this Morizo Edition will remain exclusive to North America. But we can dream, right?
New vehicle sales in South Africa: May 2022
Though South Africa’s new-vehicle sales for May 2022 increased marginally year on year, the knock-on effects of the KwaZulu-Natal floods made a significant dent in the country’s export figure. Still, SA has a new best-selling vehicle…
South Africa’s new-vehicle industry felt the brunt of April’s KwaZulu-Natal floods in May 2022, according to Naamsa. The knock-on effects of the disaster – including extensive damage to Toyota’s Prospecton facility – along with a raft of compounding factors meant the country’s new-vehicle sales grew just 2.1% year on year to 39 177 units in May (a figure likewise up slightly on April 2022), while export sales plummeted 29.9% to 25 786 units.
Naamsa says an estimated 34 775 units (or 88.8%) of May 2022’s overall figure represented dealer sales. The new passenger-car market at 27 437 units grew an encouraging 13.8% year on year, though it was strongly supported by the rental industry, which accounted for a substantial 10.0% of sales. Meanwhile, with Hilux and Hi-Ace production having been halted, sales of new light-commercial vehicles came in at just 9 221 units, representing a year-on-year decline of 22.6%.
Meanwhile, WesBank lauded the industry for continuing “to show resilience” during May 2022 in the face of market conditions “containing more and more challenges”.
“In uncertain times where volatility is a recurring theme, May presented unnecessary additional challenges to the market, but [it] fought bravely for recovery. Supply constraints were also amplified by the impact of the floods in KZN on one of the market’s largest producers, not to mention the continued disruptions in logistics,” says Lebogang Gaoaketse, Head of Marketing and Communications at WesBank.
New vehicle sales summary for May 2022
Aggregate new-vehicle sales of 39 177 units increased by 2.1% (819 units) compared to May 2021.
New passenger-vehicle sales of 27 437 units increased by 13.8% (3 318 units) compared to May 2021.
New light-commercial vehicle sales of 9 221 units decreased by 22.6% (-2 691 units) compared to May 2021.
Export sales of 25 786 units decreased by 29.9% (-11 013 units) compared to May 2021.
10 best-selling car brands in South Africa for May 2022
With its Prospecton factory remaining well and truly shuttered throughout May thanks to flood damage (with only Hino assembly resuming late in the month), Toyota’s total dropped further from its already contracted April figure. That said, the Japanese firm’s final tally of 6 664 units – largely courtesy of its imported models – was enough to keep it in first place, ahead of the Volkswagen Group. Suzuki, meanwhile, registered yet another record month (crossing the 4 000-unit mark for the first time) to retain a strong third place (a mere 447 units behind the VW Group but actually just ahead of the VW brand). Ford, meanwhile, climbed three places to fifth, just five units ahead of Renault.
1. Toyota – 6 664 units
2. Volkswagen Group – 4 778 units
3. Suzuki – 4 331 units
4. Hyundai – 3 039 units
5. Ford – 2 447 units
6. Renault – 2 442 units
7. Nissan – 2 299 units
8. Kia – 1 972 units
9. Haval – 1 936 units
10. Isuzu – 1 507 units
10 best-selling vehicles in South Africa for May 2022
After placing second in April, the Suzuki Swift became the best-selling vehicle in South Africa in May 2022, with a record 1 764 units (475 of which came courtesy of the rental channel) registered. The Ford Ranger (1 548 units) climbed four places to second, forcing the Toyota Hilux (1 368 units) down to a very unfamiliar third spot. Of course, Hilux production ground to a halt after the aforementioned floods (the likewise locally built Corolla Cross, meanwhile, dropped from fourth in April to clear out of the top 10 in May, with registrations falling to 181). The new Isuzu D-Max climbed five places to fifth, while new entrants for May 2022 included the imported Toyota Urban Cruiser (1 213 units), Volkswagen T-Cross (981 units) and Haval Jolion (975 units).
Top 5 vehicles exported from South Africa in May 2022
Volkswagen’s Kariega-built Polo hatchback was again the export leader, with more than 6 500 units leaving local shores in May 2022. The Silverton-produced Ford Ranger was second (this time on 5 368 units), with the Isuzu D-Max and Nissan Navara each climbing a place to third and fourth, respectively. Again, thanks to the lack of production at Prospecton, the Hilux’s export figure plunged to just 123 units. We should point out, as always, that BMW and Mercedes-Benz did not submit detailed figures, so it’s unclear how many new X3 and C-Class sedan units were exported from SA during the reporting period.
So, what’s next for South Africa’s new-vehicle market? Well, Naamsa points out the market is facing a number of obstacles, from the continued effects of the KZN floods to a “tightening of domestic monetary policy, a further rise in load-shedding and the adverse impact of domestic and foreign factors on business and consumer confidence in the country”.
In addition to the latest rise in interest rates of 50 basis points, which Naamsa notes is the biggest margin seen in more than six years, the depreciating rand along with the soaring oil price continue to “add to inflation risks”, along with more pain at the pumps.
“Although the economy will need to adjust to this new reality, long-term solutions are required in an already unbearable inflationary environment which would worsen, along with negative secondary economic effects,” the organisation said.
WesBank’s Gaoaketse added the fact dealer performance in both the passenger-vehicle and light-commercial vehicle segments outperformed the market in May 2022 “continues to be reassuring” that demand remains in the consumer space.
“This demand is displayed in WesBank’s own data, with applications increasing 9.7% year-on-year. The pre-owned-vehicle market remains robust, with more than double the volume of applications in the used vehicle market than new, as consumers continue to combat availability of stock and affordability,” says Gaoaketse.
