The Amarok/Ranger tie in is getting juicier with rumours of a diesel-powered VW Amarok R to take on the petrol-powered Raptor.
If you weren’t yet aware, the all-new Volkswagen Amarok and all-new Ford Ranger share common elements like platform and powertrains. At the top of the range, sits the halo models, like the Ford Ranger Raptor, complete with a thundering biturbo V6 petrol engine.
If you’re expecting a hot Amarok with the same engine, you’re going to be disappointed as there have been denials that it will happen. However, Volkswagen Australia says a performance model is not off the table, understandable considering VW is not going to be too happy letting your rival having complete market share of the high-performance bakkie segment.
Volkswagen Commercial vehicles Australian director Ryan Davies chatted to CarsGuide about a performance Amarok. The Australian publication was told that the move to a petrol V6 in the Raptor had limitations, as diesel is the segment’s preferred fuel.
“In that, there is an opportunity for us to do something that will meet the market of the Australian buyer,” he said of a diesel V6 Raptor rival, stating that the market share for Amarok is currently 85% for the V6 and 15% for the four-cylinder.
So, if a VW Amarok R were to come to market, what diesel engines would be available? As we know and have experienced, the current-gen 3.0-litre V6 TDI is formidable, with 190 kW and 580 Nm. Ford’s new Ranger will also have a 3.0-litre V6 diesel, developing 184 kW and 600 Nm. Both of these engines comfortably outgun the current-shape Raptor’s 2.0-litre biturbo with 157 kW and 500 Nm.
Could it actually happen? Interestingly, VW’s commercial boss said that Australia is the biggest-selling market for Amarok, so it has some leverage and say in the product planning.
A diesel-powered VW Amarok R would target a different buyer compared to a petrol-powered Ford Ranger Raptor, and while the models share the same platform, differentiation is possible.
“Of course the partnership with Ford will be something we talk about. Ford has already talked about it in the press already, but if you’re going to partner with someone, it’s always good to take two of the best cars in the market and put them together,” he said.
“There’ll be a lot of the same underpinnings, but a lot of the DNA will still be Volkswagen. The styling, the design – it’s Volkswagen to the core. The interior will be appreciated for what Volkswagens are usually appreciated for, especially the quality. It’ll be different.”
As a reminder, both the all-new Ford Ranger and all-new Volkswagen Amarok will be assembled in South Africa at Ford’s Silverton plant.
The Datsun brand has been scrapped for the second time in its 91-year history, with Nissan confirming production has come to an end in India…
Nissan has hammered the final nail into its budget Datsun brand’s coffin, with production having ceased in India.
“As part of Nissan’s global transformation strategy, the company is focusing on core models and segments that bring the most benefit to customers, dealer partners and the business,” Nissan India said in a brief statement, according to Autocar India.
The Japanese company’s Indian division furthermore confirmed production of the Datsun Redi-Go had “ceased at the Chennai plant”, with the publication adding Nissan had earlier stopped building the Go hatchback and Go+ MPV.
In 2020, Nissan pulled the plug on production of Datsun models at its Russian and Indonesian facilities. With its Indian operations now also wound down, Datsun products are no longer produced anywhere in the world.
The last time Nissan registered a Go+ in South Africa was back in November 2021.
Of course, Nissan South Africa had sourced its Datsun wares from the Indian plant. The company’s local website still lists the Go and Go+ as being available, though a glance at recent sales figures suggests stock brought into the country from India has now almost run dry.
Nissan SA last registered a three-row Go+ as long ago as November 2021, along with 105 units of the Go in the same month. That figure fell to 47 in December 2021, 27 in January 2022, 14 in February and just 7 in March. The four-strong Go budget hatchback had been priced from R184 600 to R213 800, while the three-variant Go+ line-up had run from R194 700 to R223 800.
A few years back, Datsun had plans to launch a new budget-beating crossover locally, but that vehicle didn’t ever materialise. Instead, the Nissan-badged Magnite – which was originally destined to wear the Datsun insignia – was introduced to South Africa in April 2021.
The first Datsun was produced way back in 1931, before the badge disappeared in 1986. After a 27-year hiatus, Nissan announced the revival of the marque as a budget sub-brand for emerging markets in mid-2013. The Go, however, had a rocky start, being handed a zero-star crash-test safety rating by Global NCAP the following year.
2022 Volkswagen Polo Review – Still the Compact Champion?
In this review, Ciro de Siena takes a look at the facelifted Volkswagen Polo. If you want to buy the Polo, watch this video.
The facelifted Volkswagen Polo has gone on sale in South Africa and it’s an important model, with the factory in the Eastern Cape supplying both the Polo and GTI for local consumption and export.
With a stellar sales success in SA, expectations of this new model are high. Our video guy Ciro de Siena gets to grips with what’s changed, what’s new and whether this is still the compact hatchback to buy.
Though the second-generation Volkswagen Amarok has yet to be revealed, we now know when the German company’s local division plans to launch it in South Africa…
Volkswagen South Africa has quietly announced plans to launch the new Amarok bakkie locally in the first quarter of 2023.
Mark Handley, Head of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles at VW Group South Africa, confirmed the second-generation Amarok’s local launch timing when commenting on the start of the Spirit of Amarok competition, an amateur 4×4 precision driving championship that takes place in SA every year.
“This year’s competition is a fitting farewell to the current Amarok range, which has sold over 40 000 units since its launch in South Africa in 2010. From the first quarter of 2023, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will launch the second-generation Amarok in the local market,” Handley said.
According to Ryan Davies (who was speaking to CarsGuide), Handley’s counterpart over in Australia, the reveal of the new Amarok will take place in July 2022. That global unveiling, of course, is set to take place right here in South Africa, with VW SA having on more than one occasion alluded to the world premiere as a locally hosted event.
That makes sense considering the new Amarok will be built exclusively in South Africa, rolling off the same production line as the new Ranger at Ford’s Silverton assembly plant. Under VW’s strategic alliance with the Blue Oval brand, the second-gen Amarok will share much with the latest Ranger.
However, Volkswagen says the Amarok will be clearly differentiated from the Ranger, both in terms of exterior styling and interior execution. We also know the new Amarok will be 100 mm longer at 5 350 mm and its body will also be wider than the current version (resulting in additional legroom in the second row, says VW).
The German company has furthermore confirmed its new bakkie will be offered with V6 power, though we expect the current 190 kW/580 Nm VW Group 3.0-litre turbodiesel unit to be replaced by Ford’s powerplant of the same displacement and configuration (which makes 184 kW and 600 Nm in Ranger guise).
Meanwhile, a recent report suggested the twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 EcoBoost petrol engine, which generates a whopping 292 kW and 583 Nm in the new Ranger Raptor, won’t find its way into the upcoming Amarok, as the high-performance derivative is seemingly not included in the platform-sharing deal.
New BMW 7 Series and Electric i7 Revealed
BMW has taken the wraps off its new 7 Series and i7 electric counterpart, showcasing a bolder design direction over its predecessor. See details below!
The new BMW 7 Series has arrived boasting styling that takes it smack-bam into the electric age. Yes, that’s right, BMW has unveiled both the combustion-engined 7 Series and the all-electric i7, with both showcasing some of the latest technology to come from the Munich-based firm.
The design of the new 7 Series is erm…polarising, and based on comments we have seen on social media, public perception is not particularly positive. Nonetheless, the 7 Series adopts BMW’s large illuminated kidney grille which is flanked by thin, slit-like Crystal headlights Iconic Glow while the bonnet adopts what BMW calls a monolithic surface design.
Engines on offer include a revised 3.0-litre in-line 6-cylinder turbopetrol engine in the 740i that develops 280 kW and 519 Nm with 48-volt mild-hybrid assist which adds boost for short periods and helps the 740i run from zero to 100 kph in 5 seconds.
There’s also a range-topping 760i xDrive model with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 (also with mild-hybrid assist) that develops a gnarly 400 kW and 750 Nm of torque. The 760i xDrive is claimed to bolt to 100 kph in 4.2 seconds. Both the 740i and 760i xDrive use a 8-speed automatic transmission.
The all-electric i7 xDrive60 on the other hand, uses 2 electric motors for propulsion using a 101.7 kWh battery. Total outputs are pegged at 400 kW and 744 Nm. Electric range is pegged at approximately 625 km (WLTP). Zero to 100 kph is claimed at 4.5 seconds with a top speed of 240 kph. Using a fast DC charger (up to 195 kW), the i7 will recharge almost 170 km in 10 minutes.
The BMW 7 Series is fitted with 2-axle air suspension and adaptive suspension as standard as well Integral Active Steering and active roll stabilisation.
The new BMW 7 Series showcases the very best technology in BMW’s arsenal.
As is expected, the interior of the new 7 Series is lavishly equipped with technology. Rear passengers are treated to a BMW Theatre Screen measuring 31.3 inches and extends down from the headliner. The rear armrests are also fitted with 5.5-inch touch-operated screens.
The driver is treated to a curved display mounted on the dashboard comprising a 12.3-inch infotainment system with 5G connectivity as well as a configurable 14.9-inch digital instrument cluster. The dashboard also features a BMW Interaction Bar that includes functions such as ambient lighting and air vents, stretching the width of the cabin. The interior ambience is further enhanced with a Sky Lounge panoramic glass sunroof with LED light threads.
BMW South Africa has confirmed that the 740i and all-electric i7 xDrive60 will be offered in South Africa from launch, expected in November 2022.
The boldly-styled 2022 Opel Mokka has arrived in South Africa and we’ve driven the new small crossover. In an already congested segment, what does it bring to the table?
In an era of pretty generic-looking crossovers and SUVs, along comes the new Mokka from Opel. While design is subjective (it comes down to personal taste), there’s no denying this is one bold and interesting vehicle on the eye.
The Opel Mokka is another product from the Stellantis Group that has undergone a complete metamorphosis. The previous-generation model was developed when Opel was still owned by General Motors, and with the massive parts bin at Stellantis’ disposal, the new model has taken more than a few elements from existing products, such as the Peugeot 2008.
Under the skin is the PSA EMP1 platform, which also serves as the basis for the Opel Corsa, and Peugeot 208/2008. The Puretch engine is also shared with a few Stellantis products.
This all-new 2nd-generation Opel Mokka has a lot to live up to, with its predecessor tallying up over 1 000 000 units sold around the world.
What’s on Offer?
Opel is offering its stylish Mokka in 2 trim levels, with one powertrain shared across the range. The engine of choice is a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder turbopetrol engine, which produces healthy outputs of 96 kW and 230 Nm. Opel has fitted its 8-speed automatic transmission, replete with shift paddles located on the steering wheel. As far as fuel economy is concerned, Opel says that its new Mokka has an average fuel consumption of 6.1 L/100 km and a 44-litre tank.
Standard fare is generous, across both the Elegance and the top-spec GS Line. The entry-level derivative features a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a 7-inch digital driver’s display, a multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters, cruise control, cloth upholstery and automatic climate control.
The higher-spec Mokka GS Line adds features such as a larger (10-inch) touchscreen infotainment system and (12.0-inch) digital instrument cluster, leather upholstery and a massage function for the front seats. Incidentally, both the Elegance and GS Line derivatives are equipped with heated seats. The tech in the GS Line is impressive with Matrix LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, active lane-keep assist and forward-collision avoidance.
Given the excellent pairing of a Peugeot-based platform and powertrain, we were expecting punchy performance allied with good levels of refinement from the Mokka – and we weren’t disappointed. The 8-speed automatic transmission is excellent – it shifts up/down with minimal fuss and interruption. We used the steering-wheel-mounted paddles to actuate manual shifts and found they work fine, but don’t feel particularly great and appropriate, given the price tag of the vehicle.
The engine is a good one. It delivers shove in a smooth manner, with that typical grumble we’ve come to know (and like) from a 3-cylinder inline engine. Our test route took us up the N1 and then we drove north, via some fantastic open roads towards the towns of Riebeeck Kasteel and Malmesbury. We were pressing on a bit, which would explain why the indicated fuel consumption hovered in the 8s…
There are 3 drive modes: Sport, Normal, Eco and these do precisely what you’d expect them to. We really liked the neat transmission selector, which substitutes a conventional lever, as well.
Ride quality is acceptable but does border on the firm side, which we’ll ascribe (at least partly) to the sporty-looking 17-inch alloy wheels. The steering feel is light, but not particularly engaging, which is a shame because the car certainly looks sporty enough. We’re not yet convinced about the Opel’s dynamism, so we’re keen to put the Mokka through its paces on some of our favourite roads and report back.
The cabin really looks fashionable and futuristic, plus it appears to be reasonably well assembled. Gripes? At first impression, the rear legroom looks tight, which we think is a bit of an issue, given most compact crossovers/small SUVs are aimed at family-car buyers. Our next gripe came in the form of the complex digital dashboard, which is a bit unorthodox. Its layout can be customised, but it took us a few minutes to find out how to adjust it to our preference.
2022 Opel Mokka pricing & after-sales support
There are 2 Mokka derivatives on offer: Elegance and GS Line. The vehicle is sold with a 4-year/60 000 km service plan and a 3-year/120 000 km warranty. Customers can choose from 6 colours, including this insane Matcha Green.
Mokka Elegance
R469 900
Mokka GS Line
R519 900
Summary
This new Opel Mokka is striking to look at, both inside and out. It’s quite a revolutionary departure from the so-so previous-generation model and, by virtue of utilising the excellent platforms and powertrains from its Peugeot and Citroen Stellantis siblings, the newcomer is a far more resolved product than its predecessor. It’s better in every respect, in fact.
However, to succeed in this ultra-competitive segment, a vehicle needs to be more than good. Our initial impressions suggest the Opel Mokka is a competent, well-equipped and fashionable product that’s likely to apply to upwardly mobile young adults. We look forward to spending more time with the newcomer in the coming weeks.
In the latest celebration of its anniversary, Mercedes-AMG has handed its most compact model the Edition 55 treatment. Let’s meet the A35 Edition 55…
Mercedes-Benz’s high-performance AMG arm was established as many as 55 years ago. To celebrate, the Affalterbach-based division has revealed the new A35 Edition 55.
Like the recently unveiled Edition 55 version of the G-Class, the latest iteration of Mercedes-AMG’s entry-level hot hatch benefits from a raft of special details as well as plenty of extra standard equipment.
Decals bearing the design of the AMG crest run along the all-wheel-drive hatchback’s flanks, while the standard fuel-filler cap is replaced with a chrome item featuring AMG lettering. In addition, the special version of the A35 gains eye-catching 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels with a matte titanium grey finish and a high-sheen rim flange.
Items such as the AMG Aerodynamics Package (which includes components such as a front apron with an enlarged front splitter and a more prominent fixed rear wing), the AMG Night Package and the AMG Night Package II further bolster the equipment list. In addition to the resulting gloss-black elements dotted around the body, the tailpipe trim gains a black-chrome finish while heat-insulating dark-tinted glass is added. Even the badging is finished in black.
Available exterior paint colours include Cosmos Black Metallic and the Digital White Metallic hue you see here, while the cabin gains black and red elements. The AMG Performance seats are upholstered in two-tone leather, with the microfibre-trimmed AMG Performance steering wheel scoring “Edition 55” badging. Other distinguishing features include door-sill panels with red illuminated AMG lettering and black velour AMG floor mats with red contrasting stitching and “Edition 55” lettering woven in red.
Of course, there are no changes to the powertrain, which remains a turbocharged 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine sending 225 kW and 400 Nm to all four corners via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. As a reminder, that’s enough for a sprint from zero to 100 kph in a claimed 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 250 kph.
While the new Mercedes-AMG A35 Edition 55 has yet to be confirmed for South Africa, we wouldn’t be surprised to see it making an appearance on the Stuttgart-based firm’s local website in the coming weeks or months. In Germany, meanwhile, the Edition 55 package has also been applied to the A35 Sedan, the CLA35 and the CLA35 Shooting Brake, and can be ordered until November 2022.
Lexus has whipped the wraps off its first dedicated fully electric vehicle, which arrives as a posher and more powerful version of the awkwardly named Toyota bZ4X. Let’s take a closer look at what the new RZ has to offer…
Meet the new Lexus RZ, the Japanese luxury brand’s first “globally available” standalone fully electric vehicle. The newcomer establishes a fresh design direction set to feature on the company’s upcoming battery-powered models, with the designers taking a new approach to the signature spindle grille.
Previewed back in February 2022 in 450e guise, the new RZ crossover kicks off the Toyota-backed premium brand’s plan to offer a full line-up of battery-powered vehicles “in all categories” by 2030. In fact, by 2035, Lexus aims to be sell only electric cars.
Riding on Toyota’s e-TNGA platform (and effectively taking the form of a more premium, more powerful version of the Toyota bZ4X), the Lexus RZ measures 4 805 mm long, 1 895 mm wide and stands 1 635 mm tall. The newcomer’s wheelbase, meanwhile, comes in at 2 850 mm.
With a 150 kW electric motor positioned on the front axle and an 80 kW item sited at the rear (both fed by a 71.4 kWh battery pack and effectively creating a 230 kW vehicle with all-wheel drive), the RZ features a claimed cruising range of around 450 km.
The RZ gains a new steer-by-wire set-up that Lexus claims enables vehicle control that is “more true to the driver’s intention”. In addition, the electric crossover features a system that uses wheel speed, acceleration and steering angle sensor information to control the front-to-rear drive force ratio distribution between 100:0 and 0:100.
Lexus says the system uses an approximate front-to-rear drive force ratio distribution of between 60:40 and 40:60 to minimise vehicle pitch during launches and straight-line acceleration. When the steering wheel is turned, drive force is biased to the front wheels (between 75:25 and 50:50), while when exiting a corner, torque distribution to the rear wheels is further increased (between 50:50 and 20:80) to ensure ample traction.
Suspension duties are taken care of by MacPherson struts at the front and trailing arm double wishbones at the rear. Lexus has also rolled out new “frequency reactive dampers”, which alter the dampening force on the extension stroke in response to road surface frequency input. The result, claims the firm, is a high level of handling stability without a compromise in ride quality.
Lexus describes the cabin as “spacious” and says it features various “crafted touches”. A panoramic roof (with a clever dimming function) is set to ship standard, while the door trim and console passing between the driver and front passenger seat create what the firm terms a “clean, wide-open feel”.
“We believe that Lexus, an established luxury automaker, should continue pursuing the creation of exciting cars while respecting nature and the global environment to achieve a carbon-neutral society,” said Takashi Watanabe, chief engineer for the Lexus Electrified division.
“The RZ has been developed with the aim of creating a uniquely Lexus BEV that feels secure to ride in, is pleasing to the touch, and is exhilarating to drive. We will continue to take on the challenge of providing customers with new experiences and a uniquely Lexus BEV driving experience.”
Toyota South Africa has stated that the Lexus RZ is under consideration for SA, with no timeline indicated yet.
[UPDATE: Toyota SA has confirmed the RZ is scheduled to launch locally at some point in 2024.]
The stylish new Opel Mokka has arrived in South Africa! Take a look at specification and pricing details below!
The outgoing Opel Mokka didn’t quite penetrate the local compact SUV market but when the new generation Opel Mokka was revealed back in 2020, it was a major leap forward over its predecessor, particularly in terms of styling.
The new Mokka is powered by an all-electric powertrain as well as conventional petrol and diesel engines (market dependent).
In South Africa, the new Opel Mokka is only available with a turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol engine with 96 kW and 230 Nm and is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The electric Mokka has not yet been confirmed for introduction in South Africa.
The Opel Mokka features a thoroughly-modern cabin design.
There are 2 Mokka derivatives on offer in South Africa, including the Mokka Elegance and Mokka GS Line.
The Mokka Elegance is equipped with features such as a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital driver’s display, a multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters, cruise control, cloth upholstery and automatic climate control.
The higher-spec Mokka GS Line adds features such as a larger 10-inch instrument cluster, 12.0-inch digital driver’s display and leather upholstery with a massage function. Both derivatives are equipped with heated seats.
In terms of practicality, both Mokka derivatives feature 60:40 split seats as well as a 310-litre load bay.
In terms of safety, the new Mokka Elegance is equipped with 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist, electronic stability program, hill start assist, blind-spot detection, driver attention alert, lane-keeping assist, speed sign recognition, forward brake assist and cruise control. The Mokka GS Line adds features such as adaptive cruise control, active lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning and forward collision avoidance and mitigation.
What does the new Opel Mokka cost in South Africa?
Opel Mokka 1.2T Elegance – R469 900
Opel Mokka 1.2T GS Line – R519 900
The Opel Mokka is sold with a 3-year/120 000km warranty and a 4-year/60 000 km service plan.
The Hyundai Staria Camper Van shows off an adventurous side and while it’s not likely to leave its home market of Korea, the coolest MPV just got even cooler.
Camper vans are popular in Europe, where people pack their families into these portable houses and make the most of the gorgeous countryside. If you don’t believe us, next time there’s a European cycle race on TV, take note of how many camper vans are parked on the side of the road…
The Hyundai Staria is one of the coolest vans to make landfall in SA. Those futuristic looks are backed by a well thought-out interior, plenty of gadgets and an aggressive price tag that makes everything else in that segment seem pricey. As it stands, Hyundai South Africa offers its Staria in both family bus and Staria Multicab application, with a panel van expected to touchdown in 2022.
Meet the 2023 Hyundai Staria Lounge Camper, to give it its full name. With its 9/11 seat configuration adjusted, it has been redesigned to seat just 4 people, with the back seats being able to fold flat to make space for a large air mattress. It has a small 36-litre fridge, its own water supply in a 40- and 70-litre tank, a small sink and a shower.
There’s an electronically-controlled pop-up tent in the roof that’s probably for children only and for those perfect summer evenings, a deployable awning with LED lights. At the rear, there’s a deployable table for those picnics. If you’re worried about draining the vehicle’s battery, there’s external power connectivity.
Engines on offer for the Hyundai Staria Camper range from the 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel 4-cylinder, the same as the one we get for the SA market as well as a 3.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol V6.
Rivals? Well, this corner of the market is dominated by one vehicle, the Volkswagen California, a vehicle which we’ve had some experience with. It’s cool, but that price of R1.3 million feels a bit steep.
