Volvo’s electric strategy is unfolding and with the Swedish firm’s flagship EX90 SUV due for reveal before the end of 2022, it will not only set the “tech tone” for future models but it will also set a new safety benchmark.
Like many car brands, Volvo is going electric and the latest announcement to come from the Gothenburg-based firm is that its forthcoming flagship all-electric SUV will officially be called the EX90. More so, Volvo has also stated that the newcomer will be the safest Volvo ever.
The Volvo brand is synonymous with safety and the new EX90, due to be revealed on 9 November 2022, is expected to raise the safety bar with a host of new technology, including one of the most advanced sensor sets available in the market.
The new Volvo EX90 will be equipped with 8 cameras, 5 radars, 16 ultrasonic sensors and a cutting-edge Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensor, all combining with in-house-developed software and a real-time interior sensing system to offer what Volvo reckons will be the safest Volvo ever made.
“We believe the EX90 to be the safest Volvo car to ever hit the road. We are fusing our understanding of the outside environment with our more detailed understanding of driver attention. When all our safety systems, sensors, software and computing power come together, they create a preventative shield of safety around you – and you won’t even know it’s there until you need it” says Joachim de Verdier, head of Safe Vehicle Automation at Volvo Cars.
The LiDAR sensor, embedded in the EX90’s roof line is able to detect pedestrians up to 250 metres ahead and smaller, darker objects (such as a tyre or part thereof) as far as 120 metres away.
Two cameras inside the EX90 closely monitor the driver’s eye behaviour and the system is able to determine when the driver is fatigued. More so, the capacitive steering wheel is able to monitor steering input, and together, smart algorithms will determine if and when the car will intervene with the appropriate action including a warning signal or in extreme cases, bringing the vehicle to a complete stop.
Powertrain details and feature specifications will be confirmed closer to the EX90’s reveal later this year and we will certainly keep you updated.
We attended BMW Group’s Sustainability through Innovation conference held at its research and innovation centre in Munich, Germany. Here are 5 groundbreaking and innovative technologies we saw.
Sustainable through innovation was the name of the event and it was a fascinating look at how BMW Group’s production processes can be enhanced to be more sustainable and less energy- and resource-intensive. The premise is simple: how can BMW Group build vehicles while respecting climate, resources, quality of life, and social responsibility.
While the below technologies and innovations are advanced and interesting, but cynically you could ask why only now? Why has this only been implemented recently when steps could have been taken a decade ago when it came to reusing and recycling materials from cars that were due to be scrapped? Still, I think its impressive a big corporate decided to make time for introspection and ask if its production methods could be improved upon with specific focus on sustainability.
Vegan interiors
No, the cabins are not made from recycled grumpy vegans, but rather interior trim is manufactured with new materials that look and offer leather-like tactility. Veganism isn’t just about no animals as a food source, but not endorsing the commodity status of animals.
While leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel are still desirable elements in a vehicle, BMW and Mini will be offering vegan interiors as soon as 2023. It’s tricky, as cabin materials will need to be durable, and look and feel premium to the touch. BMW Group reckons its found a substitute for leather on the steering wheel and it feels pretty close to the real thing.
Impressively, BMW claims going leather-free reduces CO2 emissions by 85%. So, what are these new materials? BMW has teamed up with some start-ups and the new interiors will come from biological-based materials. These range from PVC leather made from cork, to Mirum which is a plant-based fiber and fully recyclable, while Deserttex is made from smashed cactus plants.
Plastic parts from recycled fishing nets
Right now, the average BMW and Mini features 300 kg of plastic. The new-generation of BMW vehicles in 2025 will have some of its plastic trim made from 30% recycled fishing nets and ropes. The fishing industry tends to dump its nets into the ocean, which is far from ideal.
BMW teamed up with Aquafil who found a way to process the nets and ropes, and grind them down into a material called Econyl. The nylon nets are cleaned and broken down into their chemical components and the result is Econyl nylon granules which can be used as either a fibre for things like floor mats in the new X1 and iX (which is already happening).
Now technology has been able to make these granules suitable for the plastic injection moulding process and make things like dashboard and door elements. BMW says the fishing net components have around 25% less carbon footprint in comparison to conventional plastics. By 2030, BMW hopes that up to 40% of the plastics used in its vehicles will be from recycled plastics.
Recycled materials
Instead of just crushing old cars, why aren’t certain components extracted, processed and used again, or as BMW Group calls it ‘the vehicle as a source for raw materials.’ BMW says some aluminium components already contain up to 50% secondary raw materials, with the next-generation Mini Countryman featuring up to 70% recycled metals.
By partnering with chemical giants BASF and recycling specialists ALBA, BMW will be using recycled steel, aluminium, glass and plastics in the assembly of its future vehicles which is said to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 30%. From 2024 onwards, all cast aluminium wheels sourced by the BMW Group will be produced using only green electricity. The BMW Group has been sourcing aluminium produced using electricity generated from solar energy since February 2021.
Plant-based cars
Plant-based is not just a diet, but also a great raw material. BMW Group has been using plants and natural fibers in its vehicles for some time. The 2013 BMW i3 featured door trim made from plant-based fibres, the instrument panel comprised eucalyptus wood and the leather was tanned naturally using olive leaves. The learnings from this car have been applied recently, with door trim and armrest of the new BMW 7 Series coming from natural fibres such as flax, hemp and kenaf.
Interestingly, we’re now seeing some motorsport applications with a flax cooling shaft for a Formula E racecar as well as carbon fibre replacements in BMW M Motorsport touring cars. The benefits are numerous as not only are plant-based materials lighter in comparison to conventional materials, but growing such materials helps offset CO2. We got to touch and feel bodywork made from flax and while it won’t have the same strength properties of carbon fibre, it certainly looks the part.
BMW i Vision Circular
This odd-looking concept from BMW is said to demonstrate a fully recycled and recyclable car. Essentially, its a compact and fully electric vehicle for 2040 and is made from 100% recycled materials and can be fully recycled, which BMW dubs the circular economy.
Nissan Qashqai (2022) Launch Review
The 3rd-generation Nissan Qashqai has finally landed in South Africa and Ciro De Siena drove the new model at its local launch event in Cape Town. Is the Qashqai as brilliant as before, even though it has moved upmarket and faces much stiffer competition than its predecessors?
Like waiting for your favourite band’s 3rd album, South African motorists have had to be very patient in anticipation of the 3rd-gen Nissan Qashqai, which was launched in Europe in 2020. However, I can confirm that, after having seen a few and even driven one in real life, the latest iteration of Nissan’s (once segment-defining) small crossover is now very much available on local soil.
Sixteen years ago, the Qashqai arrived on the global motoring scene like a fresh rock band that nobody had ever heard of. Their first release was a smash hit, turning the industry on its head and spawning a dozen copycats.
Nissan’s second “album” continued the legacy and smashed sales records around the world. The Japanese brand must have felt the weight of expectation in creating the 3rd iteration of its pioneering small crossover. Many a rock band has faltered with their 3rd album, disappointing fans by deviating from the formula that endeared them to millions. And so, is Nissan’s 3rd-generation Qashqai a mature and solid offering, or will the nameplate leave long-time fans wanting more?
What’s on offer?
The South African Qashqai line-up comprises a single engine-transmission combination and 3 trim levels of trim, with no diesel option available at all. Additionally, there will be no all-wheel-drive option, it’s FWD only, folks (Nissan’s evidently saving the AWD offering for the upcoming X-Trail). The 1.3-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine employed in the 3rd-gen Qashqai was co-developed by the Nissan-Renault-Mitsubishi alliance. Suffice it to say, you will find this engine at work in a number of products, including the Mercedes-Benz A-Class – because the Daimler Group co-opted the motor for its compact models!
In March 2023, Nissan will launch the ePower Qashqai locally, which the brand is particularly excited about, and which I suspect South Africans will be very interested in as motorists try to reduce their running costs. Nissan’s SA representatives were tight-lipped on any details to do with the ePower (especially the price) but as soon as we have more info, we will, of course, share it with you.
A 1.3-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder powers the new Qashqai
In the meantime, the 1.3-litre 4-cylinder motor is quite a peach. By virtue of strong peak outputs of 110 kW and 250 Nm from its powerplant, the Qashqai never feels anything but spritely (note that the entry-grade 1.3T Visia produces 96 kW and 240 Nm, however). In urban environments, you barely need to brush the accelerator pedal with your right foot to exact eager progress. The engine seems to have been tuned to perform particularly well in urban environments. Without even trying or being conscious of driving economically, we averaged a very impressive 6.7 L/100 km on the launch route (before hitting the freeway), which is very close indeed to the claimed fuel consumption figure of 6.1 L/100 km.
There is a manual ‘box in the 1.3T Visia, but the 1.3T Acenta and -Acenta Plus make use of a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The Qashqai’s CVT impressed me very much. In vehicles equipped with earlier versions of the CVT, burying your foot on the long pedal would prompt the transmission to hold a constant (usually sky-high) engine speed, resulting in a sustained “droning” sound and dreary driving experience so lamented by the motoring press.
The new-generation CVT does a much better job of simulating the driving experience offered by conventional auto ‘boxes.
The CVT in the latest Qashqai has, however, been tuned to allow the engine speed to climb steadily, resulting in a more natural “automatic transmission”-like experience. There even seems to be a kickdown function coded into the software; it works like this: when you step on the accelerator pedal, the transmission responds by jumping into the engine’s peak power band, giving the driver everything the engine has got to give, which results in optimal overtaking acceleration.
When cruising, the ‘box keeps the engine speed low, resulting in a quiet, calm ride and, of course, optimised fuel efficiency. It was a particularly impressive aspect of the drivetrain.
The launch route was not of significant length, but it took in a mix of truly terrible roads (the poorly surfaced stretch around Misty Cliffs) and a highway stint, which showed off the breadth of the Qashqai’s talents.
On the truly awful country lanes that wrap the peninsula, which belie the usually billiard-table smooth roads of the Western Cape, the Qashqai was composed and quiet, its pliant suspension took the rough surface in its stride. After this stretch, I was convinced the new Qashqai could handle just about anything South Africa could throw at it.
Fuel economy and ride refinement are the order of the day
On the highway, I immediately noticed the low level of engine-noise intrusion in Nissan’s newcomer. There was perhaps a touch more wind noise than ideal, but the car might as well have been powered by sails, it was that quiet.
On the freeway stretch, I was able to test out the new Qashqai’s ProPILOT system. This is a self-steering, or lane-centre-keeping system, which, when combined with radar-guided cruise control (featuring active acceleration and brake application), makes for a largely autonomous driving experience.
While not revolutionary from the systems offered by other manufacturers, the system works very well. The Japanese crossover remains bang in the centre of the lane and responds quickly to other vehicles crossing unexpectedly into its path.
The Qashqai is available in 3 trim levels.
While the system will aggressively beep at you if you keep your hands off the ‘wheel for too long, it does allow you to keep a loose grip on the rim, and as it makes tiny steering adjustments on your behalf, the result is a very relaxing driving experience, which I suspect will be much appreciated by drivers when covering long distances, with the system going a long way to combat driver fatigue.
At highway speeds, ample power and torque give the driver the confidence to execute quick overtaking manoeuvres, and the transmission does an excellent job of keeping the engine speed low to minimise that aforementioned “CVT drone”.
The fuel consumption crept up to 7.8 L/100 km during our stint of highway driving (because we had some overtaking to do, plus plenty of slowing down and speeding up), but that’s a respectable figure for a car of this size, luxury and outputs.
Interior
Inside, the new Nissan Qashqai’s fit-and-finish is very good.
I was only able to experience the top-grade Qashqai Acenta Plus, which features a premium-grade leather interior and all the tech and spec that Nissan can bring to the party. All Nissan Qashqais sold in South Africa will be built to European spec and carry a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating.
The Acenta Plus features Nappa leather massage and heated seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, wireless charge pad, fully electric seats (with memory function), dual-zone climate control, ProPILOT autonomous driving, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, intelligent headlights with 12-split capability and slick gear knob, which moves in a way you don’t expect. It sort of slides. It’s difficult to describe, but it’s very cool.
Overall, the cabin is impressive; it’s awash with soft-touch surfaces and stitched leather, with a particularly premium feel to the switchgear. The only element missing for me was a digital instrument cluster, with the analogue dials feeling a bit yesteryear compared to the rest of the cabin.
A digital instrument cluster is reserved for the European-grade Qashqai, sadly.
The centre of the dash is dominated by a 12.3-inch touchscreen featuring satnav, as well as wireless Android Auto and Apple Car Play, while the front-seat design was a highlight for me… I sat particularly comfortably with very little fatigue to speak of. I briefly tested the rear bench, which can’t match the front seats for comfort, but there was a respectable amount of knee room, at least when I sat behind the driver seat set up for me; children could sit there quite comfortably.
In summary, the interior is knocking on the door of the premium brands’ cabins. In fact, I would say it is better built and of better quality materials than you might find in something like the outgoing Mercedes-Benz GLC, and with styling and panache that easily rivals competitors such as the Mazda CX-5.
Nissan Qashqai (2022) Price in SA
The new Nissan Qashqai is sold with a 3-year/90 000 km service plan, 6-year/150 000 km warranty, and 6-year/150 000 km roadside assistance.
The 3rd-generation Qashqai looks set to become another success story for Nissan.
The Nissan Qashqai has grown up a lot. It is no longer the quirky crossover that endeared itself to millions around the world; it has become a mature member of the establishment – with a price tag to match its more upmarket positioning.
It is slightly more compact than the latest Kia Sportage family car, but noticeably smaller inside than the latter’s longer Hyundai Tucson cousin… an offering that doesn’t offer nearly the same level of specification as the Qashqai but does, perhaps in simple terms, represent “more car for your money”.
Any car maker entering a crossover/SUV segment in South Africa right now will have an eye firmly on the Chinese brands. Haval and Chery have disrupted the local market with offerings that offer solid build quality and liberal specification in combination with keen prices. Here’s some context: the top-spec H6 2.0T 4WD Super Luxury (if you can get one of the much-in-demand Havals) costs R589 950 (September 2022), which undercuts the mid-spec Qashqai 1.3T Acenta, while the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro is a similar offering in the basic aspects of size and shape (although the Nissan’s load bay is more capacious), but a top-spec Tiggo 7 Pro 1.5T Executive costs over R200 000 less than the 1.3T Acenta Plus…
However, I do feel there is space for many players in these increasingly fragmented SUV segments – Nissan might have to make sure that they, and their customers, are comfortable with being near the top end of the pricing spectrum.
In many ways, the Qashqai represents a technological tour de force in this segment, with many features that many of its rivals simply can’t match, or in terms of the premium brands, can offer – but at a hefty extra price.
Compared with some of the larger volume-selling small crossovers, such as the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta and Toyota Corolla Cross, the Qashqai aims at a more premium market. It’s priced very keenly compared with the BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA and Lexus UX (the Audi Q3 Sportback begins at R666k, which narrowly undercuts the flagship 1.3T Acenta Plus), but could buyers of those marquee crossovers be genuinely tempted to opt for Nissan’s newcomer?
Perhaps buyers are more likely to compare the Qashqai with family SUVs such as the Haval H6, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4 and Volkswagen Tiguan, most of which are bigger inside than the Nissan and, in an increasingly price-conscious market, motorists might be looking for more bread-and-butter value when spending their hard-earned Rands.
Farewell, V10! Lamborghini Huracán Successor Set for Hybrid V8
The successor to the Lamborghini Huracán looks set to drop the howling atmospheric V10. But a new report claims the high-revving V8 likely to replace it will use forced induction in rather an unusual way…
The Lamborghini Gallardo employed a free-breathing V10 engine. The outgoing Lamborghini Huracán – which debuted back in late 2013 – uses a powerplant of the same configuration. But, according to a fresh report, the Huracán’s replacement will have fewer than 10 cylinders.
Yes, Motor Trend’s source claims the successor to the Huracán is scheduled to hit the market in 2024, dropping the famous naturally aspirated 5.2-litre 10-cylinder petrol engine – which is also used by its platform twin, the Audi R8 – in favour of a twin-turbocharged V8 hybrid powertrain that revs to a heady 10 000 rpm.
The publication claims the as-yet-unnamed Huracán replacement will ride on an updated rather than all-new version of the outgoing platform, while its powertrain will include an axial-flux electric motor positioned between the twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 and the transmission.
Lamborghini’s famous V10 engine badge. Soon to be a thing of the past?
While the V8 engine will likely be closely related to the unit used by the Urus Performante, Motor Trend claims the forced induction element will work entirely differently. According to the publication, the V8 will function like a naturally aspirated engine (with a little electric assistance) until 7 000 rpm, when the turbochargers finally kick in. So, from 7 000 rpm to the redline of 10 000 rpm, the turbochargers will unleash maximum top-end power.
Interestingly, the source being cited does not specify whether the Huracán successor will hang on to a mechanical all-wheel-drive system or whether electric motors will instead be employed on the front axle. Similarly, there’s no indication yet of whether the hybrid system will offer plug-in capability.
As a reminder, the current Huracán is still available in South Africa, with the local range comprising as many as 6 variants, including the box-fresh Tecnica. Pricing starts at R4 575 000 for the 449 kW Huracán Evo RWD coupé and runs through to R7 775 000 for the likewise rear-driven 470 kW Huracán STO. The all-wheel-drive Huracán Evo coupé slots in the middle of the line-up, with a starting price of R5 750 000.
Nissan Qashqai (2022) Specs & Price
The third-generation Nissan Qashqai has just gone on sale. Here’s how much you can expect to pay for the stylish family SUV.
The Nissan Qashqai has been a serious success story, not only locally but globally. First debuting back in 2007, the Qashqai has sold over 3 million units around the world and naturally with this new version, Nissan hopes to keep the sales story going.
Under the skin, the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance CMF-C platform can be found and South African customers have one engine, two transmissions and 3 trim levels to choose from.
The engine on duty is the 1.3-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol, the same powertrain as the one found in the Mercedes-Benz compact range, like the A-Class for example. In this Nissan application, there’s 110 kW and 250 Nm. The entry-level model features a manual gearbox, while the two subsequent derivatives feature Xtronic continuously variable transmissions (CVT). A fuel economy figure of 6.1 L/ 100 km is claimed.
Trim Levels
Nissan Qashqai 1.3T Visia
Standard Equipment:
LED Headlamps
Reverse Camera
8-inch Display Audio
17-inch Alloy Wheels
Cruise Control
Wireless charger
Nissan Qashqai 1.3T Acenta
Standard Equipment (in addition to that included in the Visia)
Dynamic LED Headlamps with Auto Levelling
Autonomous Drive Level 1 (ProPilot)
18-inch Alloy Wheels
12.3-inch Display Audio
Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
Roof Rails
Nissan Qashqai 1.3T Acenta Plus (in addition to Acenta content)
Premium Nappa Leather Seats
Front Heated Seats
Bose Sound System
10 Speakers
19-inch Alloy Wheels
Tilt Reverse Side Mirrors
How much does the new Nissan Qashqai cost in South Africa?
The new Nissan Qashqai is sold with a 3 year / 90 000km service plan, 6 year / 150 000km warranty, and 6 year / 150 000km roadside assistance.
New Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance Revealed with 500 kW
The wait is over! The new Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance has been revealed, now featuring a new F1-inspired plug-in hybrid powertrain!
Purists will undoubtedly miss that lovely and powerful 4.0-litre V8 bi-turbo engine driving the rear wheels. Not only does it tug at the heartstrings from a sound point of view, but its power delivery was guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face.
However, thanks to increasingly tougher emissions regulations, the future is electrified and this new generation Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance forges ahead with a new fully-variable 4MATIC all-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid powertrain. Note that both Saloon (sedan) and Estate (station wagon) body styles are offered (market specific).
Stylistically speaking, there are no major surprises and the design is very much familiar and in line with Mercedes-Benz’s current design philosophy. As a high-ranking model, the C63 S E wears a Panamericana grille with a new bumper design that incorporates large air intakes while the sportiness is emphasised with a pronounced boot lid spoiler and rectangular quad exhaust tips placed beside a chunky rear diffuser. The C63 S E Performance rides on 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels as standard while 20-inch wheels are offered as an option.
The interior design is familiar from the new C-Class but AMG-specific details set the C63 S E Performance apart.
The interior design and execution follows from the new C-Class which launched locally earlier this year but features such as specially stitched AMG sports seats and embossed AMG emblems seen on the headrests add a sporty touch to the interior as does the nappa leather finishes. Second-generation AMG Performance seats are offered as an option.
The now-familiar vertically orientated MBUX infotainment system houses hybrid-specific displays with all vital vehicle information displayed either on the central screen, digital instrument cluster or in the head-up display. The instrument cluster can be customised to your preference and major functions are all accessed via the 2-spoke AMG Performance steering wheel.
How much power does the new Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance produce?
The new C 63 S E Performance brings 500 kW and 1 020 Nm to the road.
The electric drivetrain components comprise of a 400V, 6.1 kWh lithium-ion battery with direct cooling system, powerful 150 kW / 320 Nm electric motor driving the rear axle, electrically controlled limited-slip differential as well as a 2-speed gearbox. Note that the battery is designed for fast power delivery (not range) and it therefore only offers 13 km of electric driving and can be charged via the onboard 3.7 kW AC charger using a charging station or household wallbox. The battery delivers continuous output of 70 kW but has a maximum output of 150 kW for up to 10 seconds. Energy is also recuperated when braking or when lifting off the accelerator and 4 regeneration levels can be selected by the driver including Level 0, Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3.
In the case of the new Mercedes-AMG C63, the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine is the same M139 engine found in the new A45, and is positioned in a longitudinal fashion, as opposed to the transverse setup. More so, it’s not only the most powerful 4-cylinder engine in the world with outputs of 350 kW and 545 Nm but it’s also the first time a production engine has been turbocharged with an electric exhaust gas turbocharger.
The result is a combined total system output of no less than 500kW and 1 020 Nm of torque! This powerful engine is mated with a fast-shifting 9-speed Multi-Clutch Transmission (MCT).
Comparably, the C63’s main rival, the BMW M3 Competition xDrive delivers 375 kW and 650 Nm of torque from its 3.0-litre, twin-turbocharged 6-cylinder petrol engine and claims 3.5 seconds in the sprint from zero to 100kph.
The new range-topping C-Class is heavier (2 111 kg) than the model it replaces but with more torque and virtually no turbo lag, the newcomer is faster than its predecessor. Merc says that the new AMG C63 will run from zero to 100 kph in 3.4 seconds before reaching a limited top speed of 280 kph with the AMG Driver’s Package! A fully-variable all-wheel-drive system includes a Drift Mode and active rear-axle steering is standard. The driver has up to 8 drive modes to choose from including, Electric, Comfort, Battery Hold, Sport, Sport+, Race, Slippery and Individual. Fuel consumption is claimed at 6.9 L/100km.
The arrival of the new Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance in South Africa can be expected in the first half of 2023.
The 75-year-old petrolhead who dreamed of 350 kph… so he hired a runway!
A 75-year-old man called Barry has the bucket list item of going more than 300 kph in his beloved Nissan GT-R. We tagged along for the ride!
At 75 years old, most people would be taking things gently and enjoying leisurely hobbies like lawn bowls, golf and bridge, but not Barry.
Barry owns a 2012 Nissan GT-R, but this is no ordinary R35. The vehicle was shipped off to England for some extensive performance upgrades. The 3.8-litre motor was upped to 4.1-litres, upgraded the rods, pistons, valve springs, and replaced the turbochargers for bigger units. Depending on the map and mode, power outputs range from 800 hp but with ethanol and the most aggressive map, around 1200 hp (over 880 kW) is possible.
We caught up with Barry and his monster GTR as he attempted a top-speed run on the 4 900 metre-long runway of Upington Airport.
Over a year since it arrived in South Africa, the Mitsubishi Xpander has now been updated. See what’s changed and what you can expect to pay for the Xpander below…
The Mitsubishi Xpander is a 7-seater SUV and while it does resemble an MPV, Mitsubishi reckons there’s plenty of practicality and ruggedness for it to combine both roles.
“The Xpander is a true family-style seven-seater, with the space and engine performance to complete the package, which is why we believe it is South Africa’s most affordable seven-seater family vehicle in its class,” explains Jeffrey Allison, General Manager: Marketing at Mitsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA).
Mitsubishi is offering its Xpander with a 1.5-litre engine and the choice of either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 4-speed automatic. Power is rated at 77 kW and 141 Nm, and Mitsubishi claims a combined fuel consumption figure of 6.9 L/100 km for the manual, while the automatic is said to consume 7 L/100 km.
What’s changed?
An updated grille and T-shaped headlights are key identifiers for the updated Xpander.
The latest Mitsubishi Xpander is easily identified by its revised Dynamic Shield front-end design that now incorporates black grille trim as well as T-shaped headlights with an enhanced LED Daytime Running Light (DRL) signature. LED taillights are now also fitted along with a high-mounted brake light.
Mitsubishi has also boosted the Xpander’s SUV credentials by raising the ground clearance from 205 mm to 225 mm with the addition of 16-inch alloy wheels for the manual Xpander and 17-inch alloy wheels for the automatic Xpander.
The Xpander’s interior is fairly rudimentary in design and execution but it’s now more spacious!
It’s worth noting that the Xpander also stands some 120mm longer which has resulted in more cabin space, which is still able to accommodate 7 passengers. Seating flexibility remains with 60:40 split seats for both the second and third row of seats, the latter of which can be folded completely flat to create a larger load bay area. An under-floor storage box is also fitted to keep items out of sight. Mitsubishi has also fitted a central armrest for added comfort as well as an improved rear cooler.
Other nifty features include quick-access storage bins under the seats, 120 W sockets for each row and automatic air conditioning. The SDA infotainment system is Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible and features a wide-field rear-view camera. A multifunction steering wheel with tilt and reach adjustment also offers Bluetooth voice control.
As far as safety goes, the Mitsubishi Xpander has driver and front passenger front airbags, ABS with EBD and ISOFIX child seat mounts.
How much does the Mitsubishi Xpander cost in South Africa?
The new Xpander is sold with a 3-year/100 000 km manufacturer’s warranty and a 2-year/30 000 km service plan. The price also includes 5-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance. Service intervals are set at 15 000 km/1 Year whichever comes first.
While 2025 is still some time away, BMW is working hard on its new-generation of vehicles, dubbed Neue Klasse. We went to Germany to learn more about the new 6th-generation powertrain and battery technology that will power these vehicles.
We’re in the middle of a global arms race when it comes to electrification and battery tech. Granted, this may seem a bit far-fetched locally as South Africa experiences challenges with a stable electricity supply, but the European car brands are forging ahead towards an electric and emission-free future.
BMW is currently hard at work with its new generation of electric vehicles which are set for reveal in 2025. Dubbed the ‘Neue Klasse’ these vehicles feature a brand-new platform and new battery tech. It’s deeply impressive to see how rapidly battery tech has evolved over such a short period of time. If we compare the first version of BMW i3 which we drove back in 2015 to the final model, the physical size of the battery didn’t change, but the range almost doubled.
Old vs New
Now BMW is preparing its 6th-generation electric powertrain. We’ve got considerable experience under our belt with the current 5th-generation electric tech in the BMW iX, BMW iX3 and BMW i4 M50. Under the skin, the batteries are a rectangular prism shape and are neatly packed into a modular frame.
For the 6th generation, the batteries have been substantially upgraded. Physically, the shape has gone from rectangular to cylindrical, and will be assembled in two sizes: 46 mm x 95 mm and 46 mm x 120 mm.
Gen5 battery packs – the Gen6 cylinder batteries won’t need complex packaging.
One of the advantages of this change is the enhanced charging, with the new batteries being able to charge up to 30% quicker. Inside, the chemical composition sees less cobalt and more silicon and nickel, which has resulted in improved energy density and range. BMW reckons 30% more range is possible.
Impressively, the production costs for the new batteries is up to 50% less in comparison to the current 5th-gen batteries and the efficiency in manufacturing will see a CO2 reduction by 60%. Going the cylindrical route has also seen improvements in thermal management. The batteries are being sourced from Chinese battery companies CATL and EVE from 6 factories on 3 continents.
The advancements for Neue Klasse don’t stop there as there’ll also be new 800v architecture that will see rapid charging. Claims of 10%-80% in around 20 minutes are being touted, which is incredible. So, what vehicles are we likely to see come 2025? BMW has not released much info on the brand-new vehicles, but we reckon there’ll be a sedan and an SUV. Don’t expect the petrol- and diesel-powered BMWs to just vanish overnight however, as not all markets (like South Africa) will be able to go fully electric once the ICE ban of 2030 in Europe kicks in.
Hopefully the Neue Klasse won’t look as outrageous as the 2021 BMW i Vision Circular Concept here. Of course, range anxiety is still an issue for many. Right now, the best range offered by an electric BMW is 549-630 km for the iX50, but with the new-generation of electric vehicles we should see at least 800 km available.
BMW iX Video Review – We drive the new flagship EV from BMW
New Mitsubishi ASX Revealed as Rebadged Renault
A lengthy 12 years after the original ASX debuted, Mitsubishi has revealed a new-generation model. But it certainly looks familiar, doesn’t it?
The first-generation Mitsubishi ASX hit its domestic market way back in 2010, before arriving in South Africa the following year. Now, 12 years after the original debuted, the Japanese firm has whipped the wraps off a new ASX.
But it’s not altogether new and it certainly doesn’t look like a Mitsubishi. That’s because it’s actually a rebadged version of the second-generation Renault Captur, a subcompact crossover revealed back in 2019 (though we’re still waiting for it here in South Africa).
Yes, the new ASX is a product of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance (under the so-called “leader-follower” strategy) and rides on the group’s CMF-B platform. Mitsubishi says the new ASX is “supplied by Renault and developed specifically for the European market”. So, it’s not yet clear whether this badge-engineered version will come to South Africa (the local range was updated as recently as January 2022) or indeed other markets outside of the Old Continent.
Still, we do know the vehicle will be manufactured alongside the Captur at Renault’s Valladolid factory in Spain and will reach “select” European markets from March 2023. While there’s no mistaking it for anything other than a rebadged Captur, the ASX does at least gain a hint of Mitsubishi’s “Dynamic Shield” design concept up front, complete with a model-specific grille and the familiar three-diamond logo, as well as a black finish for the lower facia.
A Renault Captur with a Mitsubishi badge? Yes, that’d be the new ASX.
Predictably, the new ASX’s powertrain options in Europe will mirror those of the Captur, which means it will be available in plug-in hybrid form (comprising a 1.6-litre petrol engine, two electric motors and a 10.5 kWh battery), full-hybrid guise (with a 1.6-litre petrol engine, two electric motors and a 1.3 kWh battery) and mild-hybrid form (using a turbocharged 1.3-litre petrol engine mated with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed double-clutch transmission). There will also be an entry-level model employing a turbocharged 1.0-litre petrol engine driving the front axle through a 6-speed manual gearbox.
Inside, as expected, plenty is shared with the Captur. There’s a touchscreen system in the centre of the instrument panel, while Renault’s various driver assistance systems will be offered in Europe.
Interestingly, the original ASX that is still available in South Africa – a 5-strong range currently priced from R379 990 to R459 995 – formed the basis for the Citroën C4 Aircross and Peugeot 4008, though both of the French versions went out of production back in 2017.
