New Maserati MC20 Cielo Revealed With Retractable Glass Roof
Remember the Maserati MC20 revealed almost two years back? Well, the Italian company has now released a spyder version, complete with a retractable glass roof. Meet the new MC20 Cielo…
When Maserati unwrapped its MC20 “super sports car” back in September 2020, there were already murmurings of a spyder model (as well as a fully electric version) being in development. Now, the spyder has finally arrived, and it’s called the MC20 Cielo.
What’s in a name? Well, the Italian word “Cielo” translates to “sky”, which Maserati says highlights the fact this is a model “devoted to driving pleasure in the great outdoors”.
The MC20 Cielo employs the same mid-mounted, twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 Nettuno petrol engine as its coupé sibling, producing a heady 463 kW and 730 Nm (delivered to the rear axle courtesy of an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission). Expect a 0-100 kph time of around 3.0 seconds.
However, the MC20 Cielo is set apart by what the Modena-based firm describes as a “specification unique to the segment”: a retractable glass roof featuring Polymer-Dispersed Liquid Crystal technology that allows it to be transformed from clear to opaque at the touch of a button. Nifty stuff.
The butterfly doors familiar from the coupé carry over to the MC20 Cielo.
Maserati claims the roof is “best in class” in terms of its thermal insulation, while its opening and closing speeds come in at a handy 12 seconds each. According to the automaker, the fancy roof gubbins add just 65 kg to the spyder’s overall mass, while the carbon-fibre chassis “guarantees uncompromising torsional rigidity”.
Interestingly, the butterfly doors remain, while the launch version features a new three-layer metallic paint colour known as “Acquamarina” (and shown in the accompanying images). In addition to various safety systems already employed by the coupé, the MC20 Cielo adds items such as autonomous emergency braking, traffic-sign information and a new 360° camera (which will surely be rolled out to the coupé soon enough).
The MC20 Cielo furthermore gains a version of the optional High Premium Sonus Faber audio system “specifically optimised” to fit the unique acoustic and positioning needs of the spyder’s cabin.
No word yet on whether the MC20 Cielo is destined for South Africa, but considering a few units of the coupé were set aside for our market, we wouldn’t be surprised if the same applied to the spyder.
Mazda CX-3 (2022) Review
The Mazda CX-3 has been facelifted and updated, seemingly for the last time in this model’s product cycle. Also introduced to the line-up is a flagship 2.0 Hikari derivative, which is the subject of this review. Is the CX-3 still a leading small crossover/compact family car, or has the segment moved on? Let’s find out.
Eyeing out the Mazda CX-3? This review will help you make an informed buying decision!
We like: Still an attractive car, engaging to drive, good safety and convenience features
We don’t like: Impractical small load bay, starting to feel its age, expensive
Although the Mazda CX-3 has been on the market for 7 years, its exterior design is still very attractive.
Mazda appears to be evolving into an “SUV brand” quite quickly. While the Japanese firm rolls out a slew of new CX models, it’s worth revisiting the entry-point to its crossover range – the CX-3. Market trends suggest customers are foregoing B- and C-segment hatches in favour of their high-riding siblings, which is why the Mazda2 and Mazda3 are sadly falling by the wayside; you’ll now find those models’ customers in the CX-3 or CX-30.
The CX-3 has been around for a while (this author was present at the model’s introduction in November 2015), but, like most of Mazda’s products, the compact family car’s product cycle has been extended through the introduction of numerous update programmes over the years.
The most recent upgrade included a bigger infotainment screen (from 7- to 8-inch), rear seatbelt warnings, as well as a wireless charging pad. As for the flagship Hikari derivative, it now comes with a comprehensive array of advanced safety tech, but more about that later.
At this lofty price point (just north of R500k – in May 2022), there’s a tremendous variety of models to choose from. The Korean brigade is well represented with Hyundai offering the Venue, Kona and Creta, while Kia offers the Sonet and Seltos. Volkswagen’s line-up will soon comprise the T-Cross, Taigo and T-Roc. You could also consider the cool Opel Mokka.
Of course, you’d be foolish to forget about the very keenly priced Haval Jolion and H6, plus the latest Chery Tiggo 4 Pro and Tiggo 7 Pro appear to offer commendable value. Interestingly, for the price of this flagship CX-3 (R509 000), you could also get into a newer, more spacious CX-30…
The top-of-the-range 2.0 Hikari derivative features adaptive LED headlamps as standard.
Like so many of Mazda’s models, the CX-3’s design has dated remarkably well – it still looks reasonably fresh, but we feel it needs the right – preferably metallic – exterior finish to “pop”. We’d recommend Soul Red (in which the test unit was finished); it’s simply sensational.
Compared with some newer rivals, the CX-3 wasn’t styled to resemble a shrunken SUV – it presents as a “hatchback on stilts”, which, given its 155-mm ground clearance, is what it is.
In Hikari trim, you get quite a few extras that distinguish your top-rung CX-3 from its lesser siblings. These include eye-catching 18-inch alloy wheels and adaptive LED headlamps.
From a packaging point of view, the CX-3’s 246-litre load bay is its biggest drawback.
Interior features and Practicality
Mazda doesn’t skimp in terms of standard features. Even the entry-level Active comes equipped with niceties such as cruise control, electric parking brake, push-button start, USB ports and so forth.
The CX-3’s instrumentation and fascia layout betray the model’s advanced years, yet the build quality is still top-notch.
In flagship 2.0 Hikari guise, however, it’s easier to mention what features are left out than which ones are fitted, but we’ll list the most major standard features here: leather trim, sunroof, head-up display, 7-speaker Bose audio system (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible with two USB ports), reverse-view camera, as well as front/rear parking sensors.
Meanwhile, the comprehensive safety package includes (but is not limited to) blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning and smart city brake.
The 2.0 Hikari derivative is pricey (at R509 000 – in May 2022), but its advanced safety equipment set it apart.
At low speeds (between 4 and 30 kph), the latter can detect a risk of collision, warn the driver and prepare the braking system to deliver maximum stopping power when the driver brakes.
If the driver does not take evasive action, smart city brake simultaneously applies braking effort and reduces engine output to avoid a collision – or reduce the severity of an impact.
Rear legroom is tight, it’s only acceptable if the rear occupants are small children.
As far as practicality in concerned, the CX-3 is one of the smaller models in its segment and it shows in the snug interior packaging. The load bay has a claimed capacity of just 264 litres (although you can fold the rear seatback down) and it won’t hold a family-sized cooler box on account of its low height. And, unless you’re transporting children, rear legroom is limited.
Performance and Efficiency
As with other petrol-engined Mazda products on the local market, the CX-3 utilises a direct injection naturally aspirated (non-turbocharged) 4-cylinder engine. The Hikari derivative’s 2.0-litre unit produces peak outputs of 115 kW and 206 Nm, which seem reasonably potent. Power is directed to the model’s front wheels via a 6-speed torque-converter automatic ‘box.
In the past, a 2.0-litre engine would have given a small crossover a clear advantage; in the age of turbocharging, it no longer does.
Now, while the CX-3’s proven engine/transmission combination is likely to prove very reliable, its performance is rather… workmanlike. Perhaps we’ve become accustomed to the low-end urge of turbocharged motors, but the less powerful 1.2-litre 3-cylinder turbopetrol in the Opel Mokka, for example, feels way more energetic – plus it offers a bit more torque. In fact, almost all the Mazda’s segment rivals feel a bit more engaging and punchier to drive.
The engine tends to get quite vocal as it reaches the upper end of its rev range… and it’s not a pleasant noise. It makes the CX-3 sound as if it’s struggling, even though it’s not lethargic. Mazda says it’ll hit 100 kph from standstill in just under 10 seconds, which is about on par for this segment.
The CX-3’s torque-converter-type automatic transmission shifts slickly, but if you want more performance from the Mazda’s drivetrain, don’t expect eager responses.
To the 2.0 Hikari’s credit, however, the test unit indicated an average fuel consumption of 7.4 L/100 km, which, if not highly frugal, compared well with the claimed figure (6.7 L/100 km).
Handling Ability and Ride Quality
It’s a pity that a product that is as sporty-looking as the CX-3 doesn’t have a more engaging drivetrain. Granted, compact family cars are usually unexciting to drive, but considering Mazda’s long-held brand philosophy (to build fun-to-drive cars), it’s a bit of a letdown.
If you want more driver engagement, you can utilise the steering wheel-mounted paddles to actuate manual gear shifts.
The 2.0 Hikari does redeem itself in the steering-, handling- and ride quality stakes, however. It tips the scales at just under 1 300 kg and feels sufficiently planted and wieldy. Like all of Mazda’s passenger cars, the steering setup is admirable – drivers are likely to appreciate the light and direct feel. There are gearshift paddles located on the ‘wheel, which are nice to use.
The ride quality is fair too. Despite the fitment of sporty 18-inch wheels, the suspension strikes a good balance between sportiness and ride comfort (the profiles of 215/50 R18 tyres aren’t too low – which means that their sidewalls offer a little more absorbency, or “give”, when traversing potholes). Therefore, those who will use the Mazda on the daily commute (the overwhelming majority of owners, we suspect) will find it adequately refined and forgivingly damped.
The top-of-the-range Mazda CX-3 comes fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels shod with .
Price and after-sales support
Prices of the Mazda CX-3 derivatives start from R373 400 and go up to R509 300, for this flagship 2.0 Hikari derivative. The vehicle is sold with a 3-year/unlimited km warranty and a 3-year/unlimited km service plan.
The flagship Mazda CX-3 has its merits, but it competes with its newer, roomier CX-30 sibling on price.
The CX-3 has had a good run over the past 7 years; we’ve tested it on a few occasions and know of several owners who adore the compact family Mazda (despite its known practical shortcomings). It’s interesting to note that the model has been discontinued in Europe and the ‘States; rumours abound that an all-new 2nd-gen model will be unveiled later this year.
Compared to the market it entered in 2015, the CX-3 now competes with a glut of smartly packaged small crossovers, many of which are laced with features and attractively priced.
While the Mazda’s 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine is old-school, it’s not a deal-breaker, but the limited luggage space and lofty asking price of the 2.0 Hikari (R509 000 – in May 2022) are drawbacks, considering what else is on the market. This derivative’s added safety features are nice-to-haves in this segment, but buyers are looking for value first and foremost.
The CX-3 is simply too small and too expensive to best the current crop of fashionable and turbocharged compact family cars. If you can get an excellent deal on a demo unit, it’s worth a look, but, the newer and bigger CX-30 just makes far more sense at a similar price point. Also, consider one of the many models featured in the 2022 Crossovers Buyer’s Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Mazda CX-3 still sold new in South Africa?
The Mazda CX-3 was officially discontinued in South Africa in the first quarter of 2024. While it may still be available as a new vehicle on some dealership floors until stock is sold out, it is primarily available on the used car market.
What engine was used in the Mazda CX-3 in South Africa?
The Mazda CX-3 in South Africa was powered by a 2.0-litre, naturally aspirated Skyactiv-G petrol engine. It produced 115 kW of power and 206 Nm of torque, and was available with both a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic transmission.
What are the key features of the Mazda CX-3’s interior?
The Mazda CX-3 was known for its stylish and well-built interior. Key features included a MZD Connect infotainment system with a rotary dial controller, a head-up display on higher-end models, and high-quality materials, giving it an upmarket feel.
What are the main competitors of the Mazda CX-3?
The Mazda CX-3 competed in the compact crossover segment against rivals such as the Hyundai Creta, Toyota C-HR, and Volkswagen T-Cross. It was praised for its sharp handling and premium design.
8 Used Performance Car Bargains for the Price of a BMW 2 Series
New cars are wonderful but in case you haven’t noticed, they’ve become hellishly expensive, especially if you want some meaty performance. However, if you want ultimate performance bang for your buck then the used market has so much to offer! We list 8 used performance bargains to consider under R800 000!
If our clickbaity headline caught your attention and you asked yourself why the BMW 2 Series is being dragged into this fray, then, welcome!
Allow me to set the scene for you. Not too long ago, I reviewed the new BMW 220i M Sport for Cars.co.za (you can read the review here). The new 2 Series is a great driver’s car but the 220i ultimately lacks the necessary engine punch to properly exploit its capable chassis.
For the record, a new BMW 220i M Sport is currently priced at R772 590, before options, and offers 135 kW and 300 Nm from its 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine. Quite frankly, that’s a lot of money to pay for comparatively droll engine outputs. Even the pricey Volkswagen Golf GTI offers much more grunt for less money!
With that said, the BMW 2 Series is not the only product to suffer from this high price, low-performance syndrome — it’s happening across the new vehicle market!
However, there is one superpower that every car buyer has at his or her disposal and that is the power of choice!
As new car prices soar ever further beyond financial reach and into the realm of dreams, you can choose to consider a plethora of options available to you in the used car market and it’s here where you can find significantly more performance and kerb appeal for your money and in some cases, you will even have some change left over to buy ice-cream for your family and maybe even another car!
Cars.co.za currently has over 66 500 used cars for sale and in this article we list just 8 used performance bargains for you to consider (there are many, many more), all priced under R800k. More so, every car listed here has significantly more power and performance on offer than our guinea pig, the BMW 220i M Sport! Sorry, BMW…
Please feel free to browse used cars on Cars.co.za and share your ultimate performance bargain with us on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram!
8 Used Performance Car Bargains For Sale on Cars.co.za
BMW M2 Coupe
This is a lifeline for the BMW lovers out there and if you want a scintillating driver’s car, this is it! For the same money as a brand new BMW 220i M Sport, you can step into a used BMW M2 Coupe!
BMW fans can also consider cars such as the M3, M4 and M5, so there’s certainly lots of choice available in this price range.
While we wait in anticipation for the new AMG C63 to come to market, you might want to consider a used Mercedes-AMG C63 V8 bruiser. Other options to consider include the Mercedes-AMG E 63, SL and SLK.
For something a little different (and cheaper) you might want to consider the Honda S2000. It’s a highly sought after modern classic and finding a clean and unmolested S2000 isn’t easy, but they are out there! Make sure to read our in-depth Honda S2000 Buyer’s Guide for everything you need to know about buying and owning an S2000.
The Ford Mustang is a popular sports car choice the world over and if you are keen to go this route, be sure to opt for the V8-powered Mustang for maximum thrill and kerb appeal.
The rising price of fuel not only eats into disposable income – it pushes up the costs of goods and services. Driving battery-electric cars is a sure-fire way to avoid “the forecourts”, but they’re prohibitively expensive… Fortunately, there are several highly fuel-efficient small-capacity petrol and hybrid cars on the new-vehicle market!
PARTNERED CONTENT
Adopting a frugal driving style can dramatically improve your vehicle’s fuel consumption and, therefore, save you a considerable amount of money, but driving a vehicle that is inherently light on fuel is another way to reduce your monthly fuel bill. For the benefit of motorists who cannot afford to purchase a battery-electric vehicle, motus.cars, supported by Motus Ford (previously Imperial Ford), brings you a list of the 30 most fuel-efficient petrol cars (under R500 000) in the SA new-vehicle market.
The new Honda Fit (previously Jazz) is cheap to run in petrol or hybrid guise.
Pathways to lower consumption
The motor industry has become obsessed with “efficiency” as it manages its transition from internal-combustion engines (ICE) to all-electric propulsion. However, “efficiency” is not a new concept; manufacturers have been endeavouring to lower fuel consumption ever since governments began instituting emissions standards in the Nineties. As a rule of thumb, smaller vehicles tend to be more fuel-efficient than their larger counterparts because they have comparatively low kerb weights and are fitted with smaller-capacity engines, let alone fewer features (all of which add bulk), as well as narrower tyres. Conversely, the bigger and heavier a car is, the larger its engine and the higher its fuel consumptions tend to be.
There is a case to be made to upgrade to a modern car just because it’s statistically likely to be more fuel-efficient than its immediate predecessors. Modern small cars aren’t just “econoboxes”; they utilise some of the latest engine technology – several of them have small-capacity motors with turbocharging (it enables them to deliver what torque they produce at low revs), but quite a few of them are still naturally aspirated. Non-turbo engines tend to feature on cars that cost less than, or just over, R200 000 (from new) in our list, such as (but not limited to) the Renault Kwid and Triber, 5 of the Suzuki models we’ve listed, Honda Amaze and Ballade, Hyundai Grand i10, Kia Picanto and the Toyota Agya.
The Renault Kiger (and its Nissan Magnite cousin) utilise small-capacity turbocharged engines.
As for the small-capacity turbocharged engines, they feature on most compact hatchbacks on this Top 30 list, but also on several of the compact family cars, such as the Ford EcoSport, Volkswagen T-Cross, Renault Kiger and Nissan Magnite.
But how do bigger vehicles, such as the Toyota Corolla and Corolla Cross, boast admirably low claimed consumption figures of 3.5- and 4.3 L/100 km? Until recently, the answer would have been: “they’re probably turbodiesels”. But no, whereas diesel engines are likely to remain the powerplants of choice for bakkies and off-roaders, they’ve fallen out of favour for passenger cars because of concern over the particulates they emit (over and above other harmful gases).
Instead, the Toyota Corolla 1.8 Hybrid XS, Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 Hybrid XS and the Honda Fit Hybrid employ hybrid technology, which combines an internal combustion engine with an electric motor mated with a high-voltage battery, which has a particularly high energy density to facilitate more rapid self-charging. These models rely on electric power for executing pull-aways, creeping along in congested traffic and, if necessary, supplementing the petrol engine’s propulsion.
The Eco readout on the Corolla Hybrid’s infotainment screen shows the flow of energy in the power unit.
They’re conventional hybrids (not plug-ins, of which there are quite a few on the market – but they’re far more expensive than R500k), which means their batteries are replenished only by harvesting kinetic energy (regenerative braking). To put it simply, when a hybrid car coasts it uses its own momentum through the drivetrain to spin a generator that generates electricity, which, in turn, feeds into the high-voltage hybrid battery. It’s like free petrol, or, more accurately, free energy.
The recent spate of fuel-price increases has only increased consumer interest in “electrified vehicles”. In many overseas markets, hybrids are the most popular derivatives (in terms of sales) in their respective model ranges and, until recently, Toyota, which has promoted petrol-electric technology since it launched the pioneering Prius two decades ago, has sold as many hybrid versions of the new Toyota Corolla Cross as it has of conventionally powered derivatives…
Seeing as it may take a while before battery-electric vehicles (with no combustion engine element) will become a common sight on South African roads (due to a number of factors), “hybrid” seems to be the efficiency tech in the ascendancy.
The Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0TSI 70kW Comfortline is the 10th-most efficient petrol car.
Top 30 fuel-efficient petrol cars under R500k
This list was compiled in May 2022. Figures are determined by manufacturers’ claimed fuel consumption figures and, for the sake of brevity, we’ve only listed the most affordable version of each model.
The Opel Crossland 1.2 people-mover has a claimed consumption of only 5.1 L/100 km.
Practical ways to save fuel
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.
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.
Easy on the throttle – Accelerate slowly and use the lower gears when you start from a speed below 1 500 rpm to avoid over-stressing the engine. Large throttle openings will obviously increase the fuel flow rate.
If you stick to the speed limit you will avoid incurring fines – and excessive fuel consumption.
Drive (slightly) slower – Reduce your habitual cruising speed by 10 kph. This will result in a measurable drop in fuel consumption because the air resistance increases dramatically with an increase in speed.
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.
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.
Remember to check your car’s tyre pressures regularly.
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.
Look after your car – Have your car serviced regularly to ensure it is in optimal working condition.
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.
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.
Hyundai Grand Creta Review – A great family car or a compromised SUV?
Looking for a family car on a budget, but with 7 seats? We dig down into the details of the new Hyundai Grand Creta
The Hyundai Grand Creta occupies a curious place on the local market. Thanks to its 7-seat configuration, it doesn’t really have any direct rivals; the Tiguan AllSpace is quite a lot more expensive, the Renault Triber is significantly cheaper, and MPVs such as the Suzuki Ertiga and Toyota Rumion are in a completely different segment.
And then there is the outlier which is proving very popular, the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro, which is roughly the same price but on the surface at least, represents “a lot more car” for your money
In this review, our video guy Ciro De Siena tries to make sense of this package from the successful Korean brand.
We take a detailed tour of the pricing and specification for the Grand Creta, a tour of the cabin, the middle row of seats and the third row of seats, as well as highlight a major issue with the boot space.
We also compare the two engines available in the range and the two trim levels, as well as detail the relevant fuel consumption.
Don’t Expect a Full-Fat GR Hilux Soon, Says Toyota Exec
Do Hilux buyers really want a high-performance Hilux variant that would go toe-to-toe with the new petrol-powered Ford Ranger Raptor V6? A high-ranking Toyota executive says the answer is no … for now.
The head of Toyota’s commercial-vehicle division in the United Kingdom says customers simply aren’t calling for a high-performance, full-fat GR version of the Hilux positioned to take on the new Ford Ranger Raptor.
The flagship Raptor that tops the Blue Oval brand’s new Ranger line-up employs a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 EcoBoost petrol engine worth up to 292 kW and 583 Nm (depending on the market). The most powerful Hilux, meanwhile, is the new GR Sport, which in SA-spec form is set to generate uprated peak outputs of 165 kW and 550 Nm from its 2.8-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel heart.
Gareth Matthews, Toyota GB Light Commercial Vehicles manager, told Auto Express the Hilux GR Sport would remain the flagship derivative for the foreseeable future, saying customers are not “complaining that the 2.8-litre diesel is underpowered”.
“There isn’t a good enough case for us to look beyond that for a performance version. The GR Sport has the looks that customers want while still having the right payload weight, so we’re meeting the demands of performance fans there,” Matthews explained.
If Toyota were to build a GR Hilux (perhaps using the 3.3-litre turbodiesel from the Land Cruiser 300 as a base), it’d surely come only with the next generation of the popular Japanese bakkie, which is still a few years away.
The executive furthermore suggested Toyota had no plans to ditch diesel as the Hilux’s primary fuel source, despite plenty of industry buzz about upcoming hybrid and fully electric bakkies.
“It’s difficult to move away from diesel, because of the payload weights and towing capacity that’s needed for a pickup. For us, full electric doesn’t meet that requirement yet, while heavier vehicles are turning more towards fuel-cell technology, which could be a better alternative,” Matthews told the publication.
As a reminder, the new Hilux GR Sport that is expected to hit the South African market later in 2022 will likely ship standard with various upgraded suspension components, a raft of styling updates (inside and out) and choice powertrain tweaks to push the engine’s outputs to the aforementioned figures (up 15 kW and 50 Nm).
Volkswagen Golf 8 R 20 Years Is The Most Powerful Yet
To celebrate 20 years of Golf R, Volkswagen has built the most powerful Golf ever. Meet the Volkswagen Golf 8 R 20 Years.
It’s crazy to think that 20 years have passed since the first 6-cylinder powered Golf made its debut back in 2002. It was quick, with around 180 kW driving all 4 wheels and popular too, with Volkswagen claiming that it sold three times the number it had planned. Since then, more than 260 000 Golf R models have been sold around the world. To celebrate, Volkswagen has made the most powerful Golf R yet and the simple teaser campaign had us puzzled.
The 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder outputs have been increased, going from 230 kW and 420 Nm, to a mighty 245 kW. It appears torque stays the same. It’s not just about the power though as Volkswagen has fitted the car with something called Emotion Start, which is likely to upset those who live around you first thing in the morning. Turn the key and enjoy what Volkswagen calls “heightens the anticipation of a typical R driving experience.”
The quick-shifting DSG transmission has been reprogrammed to deliver a bit more physical involvement. Pull the gearshift paddle to change up in one of the Sport modes and Volkswagen says the gearchange will be more engaging. We suspect this means it’ll give a satisfying feel, like a bolt-action rifle. There’s also a tweak to the engine’s turbo that is said to keep it preloaded to allow for faster power development and acceleration.
The standard Golf R is good for a 4.7 second run to 100 kph, and while performance figures for the Golf 8 R 20 Years have yet to be announced, we reckon it’s probably down to 4.5 seconds.
Visually, you get a more aggressive spoiler on the roof, 19-inch Estoril wheels finished in blue, subtle 20 badges, not so subtle blue R badges, while the cabin gets carbon-fibre trim and a subtle blue R badge on the steering wheel
The standard Volkswagen Golf 8 R is expected to touch down in South Africa in the 3rd quarter of 2022.
Alfa boss confirms work has begun on a modern take on the iconic Alfa Romeo Convertible. The catch? It will be electric.
During an interview with Auto Express, the current Alfa CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato highlighted the brand’s recovery plan for the next few years. It’s critical to note that desirable and ‘fun’ products can’t be produced until there are some volume products.
While Giulia and Stelvio are good products, they hardly sell in big numbers. The Alfa Romeo Tonale smaller SUV was recently revealed and there’s hope that it can snatch sales from the likes of the X1/Q2/GLA. The Italian brand is also looking at a B-segment SUV that will be revealed next year. Right now, the Alfa boss is trying to build a sustainable and successful product base.
“We have to act from now. Tonale is first, then there will be more (cars coming) in 2023 and 2024. And then, between 2025 and 2026 we can ask, ‘Where are we?’ The conclusion will be that we are sustainable, that we exist in three regions in the world, and that we are known for our performance and quality.” said Imparato. “But we will think about doing it [Duetto] far before then. I will not tell you an exact date, but it will be far before.”
So, what do we know about the all-new Alfa Romeo Convertible? There will only be electric powertrains and the product will make use of the soon-to-be-launched Stellantis electric platform dubbed STLA. It’s available in three size options, but Alfa will use the two biggest options. There will be battery sizes of 87 kWh and 104 kWh, and electric motors will offer outputs ranging from 125 kW to 180 kW. Rear-wheel and all-wheel drive options are on the table.
Despite many attempts at revitalising Alfa Romeo, it appears that under the guidance of Stellantis, we may have progress. We’ll be watching closely!
BMW has revealed the new M4 50 Jahre Edition, a special version of the M4 Competition conceived to celebrate – you guessed it – 50 years of the M division. Just 5 units are destined for South Africa…
The BMW M division recently unwrapped the new M4 CSL to mark 50 years of existence. But the performance division’s anniversary celebrations are by no means over, with the M3 Touring also on the horizon. Now the new M4 50 Jahre Edition has also hit the scene.
Interestingly, the Munich-based automaker has actually revealed 50 Jahre editions of both the M3 sedan and M4 coupé, though only the latter has been earmarked for South Africa (the M3 version was “designed exclusively for the US and Canadian automotive markets”, says BMW). In fact, just 5 units of the two-door model will make their way to our shores.
First things first, there are no changes to the oily bits. That means the M4 50 Jahre Edition’s twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline-six makes the same 375 kW and 650 Nm as the Competition model on which it’s based. Power goes to all four wheels (only xDrive versions of this special model will come to SA) through an 8-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission.
As a result, the vital statistics are unchanged. BMW claims the M4 50 Jahre Edition will reach 100 kph from standstill in 3.5 seconds, before topping out at 290 kph.
So, what makes a BMW M4 50 Jahre Edition special?
BMW says exterior paint-colour options for the newcomer include “style-defining” hues from the history of BMW M, complemented by M forged wheels in a “similarly exclusive colour scheme” along with “striking accents” in the cabin.
The paint colours on the table are Carbon Black, Macao Blue, Brands Hatch Grey, Imola Red and San Marino Blue. The 19-inch M forged wheels on the front axle and 20-inch items at the rear feature a double-spoke design, available for the first time in Orbit Grey Matt or Gold Bronze matt. All 5 units set aside for South Africa, however, will be finished in San Marino Blue with Gold Bronze matt wheels.
Inside, you’ll find special touches such as door sill panels bearing the lettering “Edition 50 Jahre BMW M”, along with a metal plaque on the centre console with the lettering “M4 Edition 50 Jahre BMW M” and a corresponding imprint on the headrests of the M carbon bucket seats up front.
BMW Group South Africa has yet to announce when these 5 units will touch down, but we’ll keep our eyes peeled and ears to the ground…
Mercedes-Benz Takes Aim at Ultra Luxury Market
Mercedes-Benz aims to become a “dedicated pure-play luxury car company” and will strategically target higher profitability by elevating its product portfolio and securing its place in the Electric Vehicle (EV) market.
It’s a fascinating time for car manufacturers. With the global electric mobility movement well underway, the survival and success of any car brand will depend on its ability to adapt to dynamic market conditions and, perhaps more critically, how each brand decides to position itself in a fast-changing mobility ecosystem.
For Mercedes-Benz, the ambition is to become the world’s most valuable luxury car brand and to do this, the firm has announced that it will recalibrate its product portfolio and allocate up to 75% of its investments into producing products that will return the largest profits.
More profit in ultra luxury cars
Exclusive models such as the Limited Edition Maybach S-Class by Virgil Abloh will help Mercedes-Benz achieve its goal of becoming the world’s most valuable luxury car brand.
Mercedes-Benz has divided its business into 3 key luxury offerings including High-End Luxury, Core Luxury and Entry Luxury.
To meet its strategic goals, Mercedes-Benz will focus on its Top-End Luxury vehicle portfolio which is expected to see its sales share increase by up to 60% by 2026. This includes products in both the Mercedes-AMG stable and the Mercedes-Maybach product line as well as all-electric Mercedes-EQ products such as the EQS and EQS SUV. The S-Class, G-Glass and GLS product ranges and all limited edition and exclusive collaboration vehicles are also included in this product segment.
The Mercedes-Maybach product range is set to expand with the arrival of the EQS SUV in 2023 as well as an ultra-luxurious Mercedes-Maybach SL, which is soon expected to be previewed in concept form. Also, a notable collector’s car to come in limited numbers is the Limited Edition Maybach S-Class by Virgil Abloh. Only 150 will be made to honour the late designer’s talents. More so, further ultra-exclusive vehicles will also be offered in the new “Mythos Series” which will see low-volume, high-worth vehicles come to market with even greater luxury and exclusivity.
The firm’s Core Luxury segment includes the C-Class and E-Class sedans as well as their SUV counterparts. This segment is important because this is a high-volume segment and the firm will look to fast-track electrification. The new E-Class is due in 2023 and will set the course for this segment while a new EQE SUV is due to be revealed later this year.
As for the Entry Luxury segment, which includes the A-Class (hatchback and sedan), B-Class (MPV), CLA (sedan and shooting brake) and the GLA and GLB crossovers, Mercedes-Benz says it will cut the range down from 7 models to 4. It’s not yet clear which vehicles will be discontinued but the remaining models will receive a technological boost with the new, forthcoming MB.OS (Mercedes-Benz Operating System) which is expected to be launched in 2024.
The Vision AMG concept previews the forthcoming high-performance electric future of Mercedes-AMG.
As for Mercedes-AMG, an exciting electric future awaits with the dedicated AMG.EA platform to underpin all future AMG models. The latest Vision AMG Concept offers a glimpse of what’s coming in 2025.
