Volvo South Africa switches diesel for electric

With turbodiesel derivatives gradually disappearing from passenger-car line-ups, Volvo SA is moving swiftly toward its planned all-electric future by integrating greener technology into its diverse product portfolio. Contributor Ian McLaren looks at the options available to our increasingly efficiency-conscious market.

Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) are no longer bought only by a handful of “early adopters”; the rapid uptake of all-electric vehicles in Europe during the past twelve months has forced Volvo to fast-track its plan to give the brand’s Polestar division free rein to develop an all-electric architecture. In fact, such is the urgency to bring new BEVs to market that Volvo has brought the project in-house. While the progress that Polestar has made to date is paying dividends in terms of this standalone, performance-oriented premium sub-brand’s reputation and early sales success, Volvo’s published target of 50% of total sales comprising EVs by 2025 is looming large.

If that target isn’t ambitious enough, the Gothenburg-based brand’s percentage of BEV sales is supposed to hit 100% by 2030 (with the company aiming for climate neutrality by 2040). Therefore, Volvo Car is committed to easing its customer base – notably in markets that aren’t quite ready for e-mobility – into its vision for a cleaner, more sustainable future. And what’s the best way to do that? Offer plug-in petrol-electric vehicles (PHEVs) in its line-up.

XC40 with 600 Nm

With the all-new all-electric C40 Recharge (built on a BEV platform) yet to be confirmed for our market, the only models within the brand’s recently revised local line-up that don’t feature some level of electrification are the T3 and T4 derivatives of the XC40 range, the former fitted with an inline 3-cylinder turbopetrol engine and the latter with a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol motor.

The exciting news for this quirky premium compact SUV range, however, is the introduction of a battery-powered P8 Recharge Twin AWD derivative. Fitted with a 150-kW electric motor at each axle (in other words, front and rear), this pseudo-all-wheel-drive offering produces 660 Nm of torque and has claimed 0-100-kph sprint time of less than 5 seconds. The operating range for the BEV is listed as 418 km per charge.

XC60 real-world plug-in

The portfolio of the recently facelifted XC60 features an enticing new front-wheel-drive, entry-level model (namely the B5 Momentum priced from R750 000), as well as the introduction of both updated mild-hybrid powertrains (including a 48V battery system that supplements the ICE) and an impressive new plug-in hybrid setup.

The latter features a 3-layer battery package and can run in all-electric mode (battery level permitting) for up to 77 km, before spurring the 233 kW/400 Nm 2.0-litre turbopetrol motor into action. The T8 Recharge can be charged via either a standard household outlet, a wall box home charger or at public-charging facilities. Able to accept up to 170 kW of direct current, Volvo’s pair of T8 Recharge derivatives have the potential to be charged from depleted to 80% in 30 minutes.

The T8 plug-in hybrid drivetrain can be operated in either all-electric Pure mode (when the driver can utilise the car’s “One Pedal” regenerative braking system) or left in Hybrid mode for best-of-both-worlds driving characteristics – zero-emissions driving on battery power only or long-range touring on petrol/electric propulsion. Also available in the updated XC90 line-up, the “EV with a back-up plan” T8 drivetrain is mated with an 8-speed Geartronic auto transmission.

Hey Google

Volvo is the first automotive brand to partner with Google to incorporate the tech powerhouse’s innovative software solution within its fleet. Including such features as Google Play, Google Maps and the voice-activated Google Assist, this new infotainment technology also allows for over-the-air updates and upgrades, as the vehicle’s package evolves.

Crisp and more responsive than the Sensus Connect system it replaces, this sim-operated “personal assistant” is housed within the brand’s existing 12.3-inch, portrait-oriented display. Already installed in the updated XC40 and XC60 ranges, the system will feature in the XC90 from June 2022 (a date from which Volvo Car SA will also introduce a built-in sim service for this system. At the moment, it relies on data from a mated mobile phone).

In T8 plug-in hybrid and P8 all-electric “chord cars”, this software incorporates a virtual driving coach that helps the vehicle’s operator achieve maximum energy efficiency and, therefore, optimal range from each charge.

Volvo customer care

To further entice its customers to go the electric route, Volvo Cars SA includes the installation of a home wall charge box (offering an output of 3.5 kW in a single-phase setup and 11 kW on a 3-phase system). The brand’s innovative new customer care package also allows for use of a T3- or T4 turbopetrol Volvo model for a period of 2 weeks per year (for the first 3 years of ownership), should a customer be wary of tackling longer (holiday) distances in an all-electric Volvo.

Volvo Car South Africa hopes that “chord cars” (plug-in hybrid and all-electric models) will account for 20% of its annual sales in the coming year, and the company’s managing director, Greg Maruszewski, is confident the brand has negotiated the necessary shift in strategy brought on by the deletion of turbodiesel derivatives from our market’s global allocation.

“Our mild-hybrid vehicles boast reduced tailpipe emissions, improved fuel economy and stronger on-road performance, making them ideal stepping-stones to our plug-in hybrids – which add the major advantage of a pure-electric driving mode – and ultimately our all-electric offering. In short, our completely renewed line-up covers all the electrification bases,” Maruszewski says.

Epic Overlanding in the V6 Amarok across Oman – Saying goodbye to the VW Amarok

As the current-shape Volkswagen Amarok comes to an end, we look back on a trip with the mighty V6 derivative through the desert land of Oman.

Oman. A country which truth be told, I knew very little about. What I did know is that is was sparse, dry, mountainous and with a particularly sandy interior. Before the arrival of the Amarok, a Volkwagen would likely not have been your first choice of vehicle for a three-day adventure here.

Back in 2018, Volkswagen invited Cars.co.za for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and I was lucky to get called up to represent the company. VW was celebrating the latest Amarok, featuring a powerful 190 kW V6, which would be arriving in South Africa later that year.

Over three nights we traversed simply epic landscapes, radically steep roads, massive dunes, rocky river beds and delightfully, a natural wadi where we left the cars behind and went for a much-needed swim.

Over the course of the extremely hot and brutal trip, we didn’t have a single issue with any of the Amaroks in the group. We left feeling very impressed, and with wonderful memories.

The next generation of Amarok will be a Ford Ranger under the skin, and so this is the swan song of the Amarok as we know it. The new generation arrives in South Africa in early 2023.

Cars.co.za has the largest selection of used cars online anywhere in South Africa.

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4×4 vehicles need extra insurance

Many people utilise 4x4s merely as passenger cars, but an enthusiast who uses their vehicle’s off-road ability intensively should have an insurance policy that’s specific to their vehicle, which is often fitted with accessories and sometimes travels beyond our country’s borders. If that’s you, Budget offers affordable 4×4 Insurance quotes tailored for you and your vehicle.

PARTNERED CONTENT

Comprehensive 4×4 Vehicle Insurance

Budget Insurance offers only the most comprehensive cover for the most comprehensive vehicles, like your 4×4. This means when you accept a 4×4 Insurance quote, you get cover for any accident damage, theft, and third-party damage, and cover for a few extras on top of that, including:

Up to R10 000 for standard accessories fitted to the vehicle (excluding the sound system)
Reprogramming of the anti-theft system and cover for the vehicle’s keys if they are lost or damaged
The spare wheel, if it’s stolen with the vehicle
The vehicle’s factory-fitted cellphone car kit
The windscreen
Spare wheel cover
The option to increase your Third-Party Liability Cover to R5 million, R10 million, or R20 million

If you want even more extras and goodies, you can choose to add the following to your policy:

Sound system cover
Vehicle canopy cover
Up to R50 000 cover for standard accessories (excluding sound system) fitted to the vehicle for an additional amount
Hail damage cover
Car hire

Also, just because you like to explore the world in your 4×4 – yes, we’re referring to you, Overlanders – that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have the same insurance cover when you cross South Africa’s borders. Budget Insurance will insure your vehicle’s adventures in Kenya, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Assist benefits

It isn’t comprehensive insurance if it doesn’t come with comprehensive assist benefits too, right? Here are all the extra benefits that come standard when you get 4×4 Insurance:

Roadside Assist

● Towing and storage: If you’re in an accident, Budget Insurance will tow your vehicle either to storage or to the nearest approved repairer and pay for the costs of this (within reason). Make sure to call Budget Insurance‘s dedicated tow line number so that they can be sure we get the right people to tow your 4×4.

● Basic assistance: Run out of petrol? Burst a tyre? You can count on Budget Insurance‘s roadside assistance to come to your location to help get you on your way again.

Medical Assist

● Emergency assist line: If you have a medical emergency any time of the day or night and need urgent medical advice, you can call Budget Insurance‘s dedicated line to get help from trained professionals.

Legal Assist

● Basic legal services: Budget Insurance has a team of qualified legal professionals who can help draw up legal documents, assist with courtroom prep, and offer expert advice.

● Tax assistance: Just send Budget Insurance‘s qualified tax experts your relevant personal-income tax documents and they’ll take care of the rest, making sure you’re compliant and submit your tax on time, every time.

4×4 Vehicle Insurance Quote

Start your 4×4 vehicle insurance quote online today to find out just how affordable Budget Insurance‘s Off-Road Insurance is. You can even adjust your monthly payments and excess amounts to suit your own budget.

If you prefer to speak to Budget Insurance‘s professional consultants, give them a call on 0860 10 42 11 and they’ll help you find an Off-Road Insurance quote you can afford.

Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG Edition 55 Revealed

To celebrate 55 years of AMG, there’s a special edition G-Class. This is the Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG Edition 55

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is an iconic and popular luxury SUV, both locally and abroad. The AMG derivative has gathered a cult following, combining rugged good looks, high-end interior and a potent V8 twin-turbocharged petrol engine.

Now, to celebrate 55 years of the AMG brand, Mercedes-Benz has announced a limited edition model of its legendary offroader. It’s called the Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG Edition 55 and will be limited to just, yes you guessed it, 55 units for the US market. For the rest of the world, Edition 55 will be sold as an option pack for the standard G-Class.

“From a two-man start-up in 1967 to a state-of-the-art development site including its own engine manufacturing facility for high-performance vehicles and more than 2000 excellently qualified employees in 2022 – the success story of Mercedes-AMG over the past 55 years is simply impressive. The same applies to the G-Class, which has remained true to itself for over four decades in the course of its unique career. Its long history and still genuine character makes it the perfect first well-wisher for me on our 55th birthday. “

“And just as the G-Class will lose nothing of its original character in its future all-electric variant, Mercedes-AMG is also ensuring the hallmark driving performance made in Affalterbach in its electrified future. The departure into the next 55 years of the company’s history will certainly be as exciting and challenging as the task our company founders Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher set themselves back then,” says Philipp Schiemer, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

So, what’s special about the Mercedes-AMG G63 Edition 55? It is available in one of two colours; Obsidian black metallic and G Manufaktur opalite white. The colours on both sides of the vehicle are coordinated with the AMG emblem and the suggested AMG rhombus.

The vehicle rides on 22-inch AMG alloy wheels with a cross-spoke design and finished in matte grey paint. The AMG Night package and Night package 2 are fitted as standard, and there’s even a chrome petrol cape fitted.

The real goodness is in the cabin, with classy trim updates all round. There’s a red and black contrasting theme, with stainless steel door sill trim with AMG badging that lights up at night. The floor mats feature red stitching and Edition 55 branding. There are also AMG seats which are finished in two-tone Nappa leather and there’s plenty of matte carbon elements around the cabin. The steering wheel also has Edition 55 branding at the bottom.

Want to buy a new or used Mercedes-Benz? Browse stock for sale here

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid E-Four (2022) Launch Review

Toyota continues its strategy to offer more new-energy vehicles throughout its portfolio with the introduction of GX-R and VX petrol-electric all-wheel-drive (E-Four) RAV4 derivatives. But are these newcomers viable options for those looking for an eco-friendlier family SUV? We headed to Johannesburg to find out.

What’s new in the RAV4 range?

Toyota continues to push Hybrid models in SA, but at pricing that isn’t out of reach of its customer base.

While the RAV4 is certainly not new, it’s only been available in petrol-electric hybrid guise in Mzansi since the latter half of last year. It debuted as a front-wheel-drive 2.5 Hybrid GX (with a single, front-mounted electric motor), but Toyota South Africa Motors has now discontinued that derivative and rolled out GX-R- and VX E-Four versions.

Apart from utilising a front electric motor in conjunction with a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder Atkinson-cycled petrol engine to power the RAV4’s front wheels, the newcomers are equipped with another (rear-mounted) electric motor that drives the back wheels (when required).

The E-Four all-wheel-drive system can alter the RAV4’s torque distribution (depending on drive mode) between 100% to the front wheels and a 20/80 (rear-biased) split whenever more traction is required, while an automatic LSD (limited-slip differential)/trail-assist mode further enhances traction. Of course, these derivatives are not serious off-roaders, but the all-wheel grip is undoubtedly a boon to safety.

Peak output figures from the ICE unit are 131 kW and 221 Nm of torque, with the front and rear electric motors contributing 88 kW/202 Nm and 40 kW/121 Nm respectively. This means that the total output is 163 kW. Both derivatives have a claimed top speed of 180 kph, which is academic, but more importantly, they boast admirable stated fuel consumption figures, but more about that later.

The VX variant gets added safety systems included in Toyota’s Safety Sense pack.

Both derivatives come with refreshed LED headlamps, daytime running lights, roof rails and new “smoked” 18-inch alloys. On the VX, you’ll electric adjustment on both the driver and front-passenger seats, front and rear park-distance control, auto high-beam functionality and auto-fold operation for the side mirrors.

However, the biggest party trick you’ll find in the VX derivative is the option to toggle between a conventional rear-view mirror and a digital one that projects the reverse view using external cameras. We think it’s a particularly handy feature for those long-haul journeys that require extra items to be loaded up well above the line of the luggage cover.

The RAV4 comes standard with 5 USB ports to keep devices charged on those extended trips and two 12V connectors in case you’d like to plug in a small fridge to keep the snacks and drinks chilled.

Search for a used Toyota RAV4 here

Both E-Four derivatives also come with a towing capacity of up to 1 000 kg braked and 750 kg unbraked, which should be more than enough to pull along a small camping trailer or larger trailer.

On the safety side of things, the GX-R comes equipped with vehicle stability control, trailer-sway control, hill-start assist and downhill-assist control. The VX additionally features the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) package, which comprises radar cruise control, pre-crash warning, lane trace assist, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

What’s the 2.5 Hybrid E-Four like to drive?

Driving hybrids requires a lighter foot, but the fuel economy rewards are greater.

The 2.5 Hybrid VX E-Four we drove on the evaluation route ably delivered what you’d expect (in terms of overall comfort levels) from vehicles in this segment. The generously appointed cabin has a premium feel and the trim, switchgear and dials look upmarket. The front seats are comfy yet supportive and rear passenger space is ample, even for a 6-foot-tall occupant (I know this because I did the time-honoured test of sitting behind the driver’s seat, which was set up for me). The VX seems like a car with which you and your tribe can tour long distances without needing to stop often to stretch your legs.

However, as suitable as the 2.5 Hybrid E-Four derivatives might be for taking the “fam” on holiday, for the purpose of achieving their claimed economy figures, the GX-R and VX Hybrid E-Fours are better suited to navigating the suburbs and built-up metropolitan areas. It’s just as well… because that is where Toyota’s family car will ply its trade for the overwhelming majority of its service life.

Whereas trips like the daily commute, the school run and the sneaky trips down to the local bakery are inefficient – and cross-country trips flatter fuel economy – in a non-electrified RAV4, the 2.5 Hybrid E-Four is quite in its element in town, where it can lean on its electric motors in pursuit of a claimed efficiency figure of 4.7 L/100 km.

On our trip, we didn’t spend too much time travelling through built-up areas, but we still saw an indicated consumption figure of 5.7 L/100 km before we hit the open roads. Thereafter we managed 6.1L/100 km, which I feel will be the norm versus the (frankly rather optimistic) 7.3 L/100 km claimed for the petrol-only 2.5 VX AWD version (on the combined cycle).

The car feels glued to the road – under cornering, you can feel the all-wheel-drive working. These cars reward a light-footed driving style, but even for a performance-orientated driver (as I am), it’s fun to play with the drive modes to get the best economy out of the RAV4. You have to adopt a different approach to driving, but if you’re considering one of these cars, you’re probably prepared for that already.

How much does the Toyota RAV4 2.5 Hybrid E-Four cost?

2.5 GX-R CVT Hybrid E-Four	R644 100
2.5 VX CVT Hybrid E-Four	R723 300

A six-service/90 000 km service plan is standard with service intervals pegged at 15 000 km/every 12 months. Toyota’s standard 3-year/100 000 km warranty is included and hybrid customers have the additional peace of mind of an 8-year/195 000 km hybrid-battery warranty. Service and warranty plan extensions can also be purchased from any Toyota dealer (220 outlets countrywide).

Summary

Hybrid seems like a great way to save fuel right now while we wait for EVs to become more affordable.

In the South African context, EV ownership is still a foreign concept for many consumers. But, there is evidence that a growing number of buyers are happy to “catch the petrol-electric train” despite the fact that non-electrified versions are comparatively more affordable… Consider that 1.8 Hybrid derivatives have made up about half of Corolla Cross sales so far and, while limited stock availability may have played a role in that statistic, even if some buyers are indifferent to hybrids, they’re not averse to the technology. In many markets, hybrid derivatives of crossover models are in very high demand indeed!

If you’re self-disciplined and always feather the accelerator pedal, coast to stop signs (or red traffic lights) and use the brake pedal very sparingly, a petrol-electric hybrid will reward you with notably better fuel consumption than what you’d achieve in a non-electrified derivative with a similar engine displacement. With every fuel-price hike, the 2.5 Hybrid E-Four in eye-catching GX-R trim becomes an even more attractive option… It’s just a pity, though, that due to the discontinuation of the GX 2.5 Hybrid (which retailed for R560 900), the entry point to petrol-electric RAV4 ownership has risen to R644 100.

New Toyota RAV4 Specs & Prices in South Africa

Find a used Toyota RAV4 on Cars.co.za

South African Used Car Market Insights 2021 vs 2020

The past two years have been a period of chaos for the SA motoring industry. We look at the numbers to see where consumers are shopping.

It’s been a bumpy couple of years for the South African motor industry, with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and stock shortages exacerbating an already bleak situation underpinned by a poor-performing local economy. But the automotive sector is nothing if not resilient.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The used car “sweet-spot” in 2021 remained a vehicle priced between R200 000 and R300 000, with a mileage of just over 100 000km and first registered around three years ago.
Partially due to weaker stock availability (and other market factors), more buyers are acquiring higher-mileage vehicles and at higher prices.
At a brand level, most South Africans are loyal to established names, but there are signs that the German premium brands are receding, while Chinese brand Haval is on the rise.
At a model level, South Africans’ demand for old favourites remains strong, while some models (such as Nissan’s long-serving NP200) are growing in popularity. The highest new entry on the model ranking list is Haval’s smash-hit Jolion small crossover.

The latest data released by leading motoring portal Cars.co.za provides some fascinating insights into the year that was 2021.

“Looking at our headline numbers, most South African car buyers are still searching for cars priced in the R200 000 to R300 000 bracket,” says Cars.co.za Consumer Experience Manager Hannes Oosthuizen.

“The average price (for submitted enquiries) worked out to R236 900, which is slightly higher than the average in 2020. The R200 000 to R300 000 segment alone accounts for 20,6% of enquiries (also called “leads”) submitted on Cars.co.za during 2021, with the segment for cars priced between R150 000 and R200 000 slotting into second place, with a share of 16,34%.

“In third place is the R300 000 to R399 000 segment, with an 11,82% share of enquiries. Deeper analysis shows that higher-price segments have grown fairly significantly compared with 2020.”

Mileage appears to be less of a concern compared with previous years. The segment for vehicles with a mileage of between 100 000 and 194 999 km did, however, garner the most enquiries (20,33%) on Cars.co.za during 2021, and the average mileage was 109 600 km.

Interestingly, there was significant growth in terms of enquiries for vehicles with higher mileage (which at least partly will be stock availability-related). For example, enquiries for vehicles with a mileage between 150 000 km and 199 999 km grew from 11,13% to 12,97%, while requests for vehicles with mileages above 200 000 km rose from 7,28% to 9,1%.

In terms of vehicle age, the overwhelming bulk of enquiries were for vehicles first registered between 2014 and 2018, with vehicles from 2017 slightly edging out the other model years with a share of 8,7%.

“In other words, the used car sweet-spot remains about the same as before – a vehicle that is about 3 years old, with a mileage of just over 100 000 km and priced at around R240 000,” Oosthuizen adds.

South Africa’s favourite Used Car Brands

Based on overall enquiries, there has been little change in the Top 10 ranking of brands, says Oosthuizen, but a deeper dive does indicate that shifts are happening.

“It appears premium brands are slipping slightly, and there is significant movement from 12th place downwards. Remember, it takes time for newer brands to gain traction in the used-car space and for stock of older, discontinued brands/models to work their way out of the system.

That said, Suzuki’s move from 17th to 15th place and Haval’s leap from 30th to 22nd position are the stand-out changes, Oosthuizen notes.

What’s more, even though Chevrolet left the local market in 2017, it is still ranked 10th in terms of enquiries on Cars.co.za, mostly due to the sustained popularity of its Utility pick-up in the used market. The Chevy Ute was the 19th most-requested used vehicle on Cars.co.za last year.

“Interestingly, the budget-friendly Datsun brand slipped from 24th to 27th place, only one position ahead of Porsche,” he adds.

Top 10 Used Car Brands in SA 2021 (based on share of total enquiries on Cars.co.za)

1.	Volkswagen	17,68%
2.	Toyota	16,13%
3.	Ford	9,28%
4.	BMW	8,08%
5.	Mercedes-Benz	7,71%
6.	Hyundai	5,79%
7.	Nissan	4,81%
8.	Audi	4,68%
9.	Kia	3,06%
10.	Chevrolet	2,44%

The rise and fall of models

“Firstly, to provide some context, it is worth noting that there were more than 800 individual model types listed for sale on Cars.co.za last year, but the top 100 account for about 80% of enquiries submitted,” says Oosthuizen.

“As with brands, model rankings change quite slowly, as newly launched vehicles take some time to reach the used market in sufficient numbers to make a notable impact. Similarly, older vehicles that used to sell in large numbers when new, can remain popular for a very long time,” Oosthuizen says, again pointing to the Chevrolet Utility as an example.

The biggest mover in the Top 20 was the enduring Nissan NP200, which vaulted 5 places to 10th, while the biggest loser was the Ford Fiesta, which fell out of the top ten to finish 12th. The highest new entry on the list was the Haval Jolion, which, even though it was only launched in 2021, finished the year in a strong 133th place.

Top 10 Used Car Models in SA 2021 (based on share of total enquiries on Cars.co.za)

1.	Volkswagen Polo	6,54%
2.	Toyota Hilux	5,28%
3.	Ford Ranger	3,68%
4.	BMW 3 Series	3,39%
5.	Mercedes-Benz C-Class	3,32%
6.	Volkswagen Polo Vivo	3,24%
7.	Volkswagen Golf	2.78%
8.	Toyota Fortuner	2.12%
9.	Toyota Corolla	1.63%
10.	Nissan NP200	1.52%

Note that the Isuzu KB and D-Max are recorded as separate models, but as they are effectively the same product (the former’s name changed to the latter in 2018), one could argue that their enquiries should be combined. If that is done, the Isuzu actually leaps into 9th place overall.

RIP Ford Hatchbacks: Fiesta Dead in SA, Figo to Follow

Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa has confirmed that the Fiesta hatchback has been discontinued locally, while also clarifying the (equally bleak) future of the Figo range…

It’s official: the Fiesta is no longer available in South Africa, with Ford’s local division confirming the end of the line for the once-popular supermini. And it doesn’t end there. The Figo range – which comprises both hatchback and sedan derivatives – will soon be discontinued in South Africa, too.

The seventh-generation Fiesta touched down on local shores in mid-2018, while the facelifted version was revealed on the global stage in September 2021. If you were waiting for the refreshed Fiesta to make its way into Ford’s South African dealerships, prepare to be bitterly disappointed.

“We can confirm that Fiesta has been discontinued from the Ford portfolio in South Africa,” the company confirmed to Cars.co.za, without going into further detail.

While the seventh-gen model wasn’t quite as popular in SA as the strong-selling sixth-gen Fiesta (and did without the ST hot hatch, too), it nevertheless gave the Blue Oval brand the necessary presence in the B-segment. However, with production of the pre-facelift model having ceased, local stock has seemingly run dry, with the figure of 65 units registered in November 2021 falling to 28 in December, 15 in January 2022, and just 7 in February.

As a reminder, the last hot-hatch version of the Fiesta offered in South Africa was the 149 kW ST200, which was available in mid-2017 in limited numbers. The fresh-faced, three-cylinder iteration of the current-generation Fiesta ST didn’t ever make it to local shores, much to the disappointment of Ford Performance fans (who were still reeling from the news of the Focus ST’s local passing).

What about the future of the Figo in South Africa?

The Cologne-built Fiesta’s demise in SA leaves the Figo as the sole remaining Ford-badged hatchback, but it won’t be here for long. The Dearborn-based automaker’s local arm has furthermore confirmed that the Figo range (including the sedan variants) is on the chopping block.

“Figo is currently on run-out and will in future be discontinued from the Ford portfolio in South Africa,” the company told us.

Of course, this isn’t quite as surprising as the Fiesta news since production of the second-generation Figo at the company’s Chennai and Sanand factories in India ceased in 2021, with no replacement on the cards. A glance at the latest Naamsa figures suggests Figo stock is likewise almost depleted, with local sales dropping from 124 units in December 2021 to 81 units in January 2022 and 29 units in February.

The departure of the Fiesta and Figo follow the local discontinuation of the Focus range back in 2019, as part of Ford’s global strategy to move investment away from traditional passenger-car models (such as hatches and sedans) and towards the growing SUV, crossover, and bakkies segments. That said, with the locally produced Volkswagen Polo still moving appreciable volumes and the likes of the imported Hyundai i20 and Kia Rio (not to mention the smartly priced Suzuki Swift) continuing to do fairly well for their respective companies, we can’t help but feel the Fiesta’s demise is a little premature…

Buy a used Ford Fiesta on Cars.co.za

Buy a used Ford Figo on Cars.co.za

How will the Russia-Ukraine War affect SA car buyers?

The past few years have proven exceptionally challenging for the car industry. Now there’s another crisis, the Russia-Ukraine war and it has affected the production of a simple yet vital component called the wiring harness.

The car industry has been reeling for the past two years. First there were the Covid-19-triggered lockdowns, which disrupted countless businesses and their supply chains due to the shutdown of factories and ports. That was followed by microchip shortages that have impeded car manufacturers’ outputs… Many had to cut 10 to 20 percent of their production because they couldn’t get hold of enough of these tiny – but vital – components. Suffice to say the global car market was in a tailspin.

Recently, it looked like things were returning to normal; the chip shortage was easing and carmakers were looking forward to some sort of stability, until Russian troops invaded Ukraine. Another tailspin!

At the heart of the problem lies a decidedly unsexy automotive part known as the wiring harness. Modern cars contain kilometres of wiring (especially those equipped with a lot of technology). The wiring harness holds and guides the wires to where they need to go. When the rest of the car is stripped away, it looks like the human body’s system of veins or nerves – wiring goes everywhere.

In the greater scheme of things, it’s not a particularly high-tech piece of equipment, so why is it so important? The problem with the wiring harness is that it is custom-designed for each car model. It needs to twist and turn around each respective car’s tightly-packed components – sometimes with the finest of clearances. The harness for a Volkswagen Tiguan can’t simply be used in a Touareg.

Now, here’s the problem: Ukraine manufactures a large portion of Europe’s wiring harnesses and, because of the crisis, those components are either not being produced, or cannot be exported.

Michael Jacks, Director in European Automotive Research at BofA Securities, estimates that some 30% of European wire harnesses are sourced from Ukraine, and notes that various other supply shocks accompany the crisis. Russia is a major supplier of many of the raw materials needed in cars – aluminium, palladium and nickel, of which prices had already risen sharply before the invasion.

Jacks goes on to say that the share prices of European car manufacturers appear to be factoring in a 10 percent drop in revenues for the next year. Indeed, Europe’s car manufacturers are facing another bleak season. VW and BMW have already halted production at some plants. Others will likely follow.

What does this mean for the South African car market?

We will feel the pain too, but it will be unevenly spread. European car brands will be hit the hardest by the wiring-harness shortage, while some Asian car brands might be largely unaffected. However, the higher prices of those metals will drive up manufacturers’ production costs across the board.

In new cars, expect rising prices, continued shortages and, therefore, long waiting periods for stock. Manufacturers are scrambling to find supplies elsewhere, but for some models, this will take longer than for others. Luxury cars, with high-technology (i.e. extensive wiring), will likely suffer the most and South Africa’s top-selling luxury brands – BMW, Mercedes Benz and Audi – are European.

You can imagine how many kilometres of wiring is fitted to a state of the art electric car such as the Audi e-tron GT

On the used-car front, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has already caused an unprecedented shortage of used cars. Vehicles’ market values normally drop as they get older, but used-car prices have, if fact, risen. The getWorth/Cars.co.za like-for-like used-car price index shows this effect.

Jamie Surkont, CEO of car-pricing experts getWorth, explains: “After Covid-19 hit, the supply of new cars dried up, which caused buyers to migrate from new to used. At the same time, travel bans devastated the rental car industry, which severely reduced the flow of ex-rental cars into the market.

“The result was that there were more buyers chasing fewer cars. Inevitably, that pushed prices up. These are strong forces – the normal trend over a two-year period would be for like-for-like prices to drop by around 10% – instead, they have risen by that percentage.”

On the subject of what might happen in the used-car market in future, Surkont says: “We were expecting to see a normalisation in the used-car market in 2022, with a return to the longer-term price trends. This latest supply shock might mean continued rising prices, at least in certain market segments. Add in the potential for large fuel-price hikes, and we’re in for another volatile year.”

Hannes Oosthuizen, Cars.co.za’s Consumer Experience Manager, points to a recent Cars.co.za analysis of consumer interest in car brands in South Africa, which showed an increase in demand (based on the number of enquiries submitted via the motoring portal) for specific Asian car brands.

“Toyota remains the dominant player and Suzuki has gained a strong foothold locally, but the brands that are on the move hail from China. Haval and, more recently, Chery, have launched attractive, well-priced models that are not only in demand on new-car sales floors, but as used vehicles too.

“Despite being launched only about a year ago, the Haval Jolion was the highest-placed new entry on the used-car enquiry list – based on leads submitted on vehicles stocked on Cars.co.za,” he says.

All these factors will likely combine to accelerate the inevitable change of the South African automotive landscape. “Based on our recent research, the German premium brands are already starting to slip a little in terms of popularity in the used-car space,” Oosthuizen continues.

“In these trying times, value for money is more important than ever before, but so is vehicle availability. At the moment, the Asian car brands appear to have the edge in both respects.”

2023 Mercedes-AMG GT Track Series is the most powerful yet

Move over Black Series, you’ve been replaced. This is the ultimate iteration of the Mercedes-AMG GT, but there’s an unfortunate trade-off…

When Mercedes-AMG released the Black Series for the GT sportscar range, we all thought that would be the pinnacle. Mercedes-AMG doesn’t readily release Black Series models as there’s prestige and reputation at stake. Anything with a Black Series badge is usually the most potent of that model line up.

Take the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series for example. It loses the trademark V8 biturbo rumble that we’ve come to adore and thanks to a flat-plane crank, it loses that AMG sound. This is the only downside as the power bump was significant. 537 kW from 6 700 to 6 900 rpm and 800 Nm of torque from 2 000 to 6 000 rpm – which represent improvements of 107 kW and 100 Nm respectively on the Mercedes-AMG GT R (430 kW/700 Nm).

You’d think that would be enough right? Wrong. Meet the 2023 Mercedes-AMG GT Track Series. It’s based on the Black Series and has the same engine, but Mercedes-AMG has fitted new motorsport-grade fuel injectors, recalibrated the ECU and power has been bumped to 540 kW and 850 Nm. Power goes to the rear wheels via a new Hewland six-speed sequential racing gearbox.

The emphasis is on racing here and the 2023 Mercedes-AMG GT Track Series features tech from the car maker’s GT3 and GT4 racing versions. There are 4-way adjustable Bilstein dampers, steel brakes, 12-mode racing traction control, 120-litre fuel tank, and a stripped-out cabin.

There are more wings on this car than in airports with smart aerodynamics being the order of the day to both aid performance and cooling. Inside, it’s basically a proper race car with a roll cage, plenty of carbon fibre, 5-point racing harness, fire extinguisher system as well as a custom steering wheel and Bosch driving display unit as well as a data logger.

There will be just 55 units built to celebrate 55 years of AMG and this brings us to the downside. The 2023 Mercedes-AMG GT Track Series is only track legal and cannot be driven on a public road. With a price tag of €369,000 (R6 million), it’s not cheap, but you are paying for the performance and the privilege of owning the most powerful AMG GT.

Want to buy a Mercedes-AMG vehicle? Browse new and used cars here.

Spy Shots: 2023 Lamborghini Aventador

Rumours of the death of the V12-powered hypercar have been greatly exaggerated as these spy shots show the 2023 Lamborghini Aventador. Here’s what we know so far.

Picture credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien. We have paid for these photos and at the photographer’s request, have watermarked them.

We’ve been covering the supposed demise of the V12-powered Lamborghini for some time. In fact, in May 2021, Lamborghini held a press conference detailing its electrification plans where it said the last two V12-powered vehicles would be revealed. There was no mention of anything for 2022, and what we see here is likely an electrified V12.

As if the standard Lamborghini Aventador is not powerful enough, electrification should take it even further down the hypercar road. The benefits are immense, not only will the vehicle have an instant torque boost, but if Lamborghini could engineer a pure electric mode, that’ll see it clear some taxing/emission hurdles.

Our spy photographers spotted this 2023 Lamborghini Aventador with yellow stickers on the sides, the giveaway that this model is indeed a hybrid. It’s still heavily camouflaged for now, but the headlights and tail lamps are clearly visible. Also note how gaping those air intakes are.

Power outputs are yet to be confirmed. The last iteration of Aventador was the LP780-4 Ultimae which had a 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated V12 delivering 574 kW and 720 Nm. With electrification in the mix, could we see 600 kW on the table with the 2023 Lamborghini Aventador?

Volvo South Africa switches diesel for electric

XC40 with 600 Nm

XC60 real-world plug-in

Hey Google

Volvo customer care

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