The new Kia Sportage has finally arrived in South Africa to woo local family car buyers. Take a look at the specifications and pricing details below!
The Sportage has done brisk business locally and now with the arrival of an all-new 5th-generation Sportage, Kia will look to claim a larger share of the family car segment.
The new Sportage measures 4 515 mm in length, 1 865 mm in width and 1 645 mm in height, while its wheelbase is 2 680-mm long. That makes it larger than the model it replaces and Kia promises a cabin far more generous in terms of legroom (966 mm), headroom (1 000mm) and luggage space (591 litres).
What engine powers the new Kia Sportage?
A single turbocharged engine option is offered with 5 trim levels to consider.
The new Kia Sportage is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine which is mated with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Total outputs are 132 kW and 265 Nm of torque.
Kia is offering a total of 5 derivatives to choose from including the base LX, mid-spec EX and then 3 derivatives for the range-topping GT-Line trim including the base GT-Line, GT-Line Plus and GT-Line S.
What features are on offer?
A curved 12.3-inch touchscreen display is a highlight inside the new Sportage.
Starting with the base Sportage LX, standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights with LED daytime running lights, cloth upholstery, multi-function leather-clad steering wheel (with rake and reach adjustment), dual climate control airconditioning, electronic side mirrors and windows and a curved 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a reverse camera, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto functionality, Bluetooth and Voice Recognition and 2 rear USB-C ports.
Safety features include 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist, electronic stability control, hill start assist, downhill brake control, trailer stability assist, blind spot collision warning and ISOFIX child seat mounts.
The mid-spec Sportage EX includes all the features offered in the LX but adds features such as a gloss black grille, front parking sensors, 18-inch alloy wheels, cloth/leather combination upholstery, electronically adjustable front seats with heating function, heated steering wheel, electronic folding rear 40:20:40 split seats, rear privacy glass and rear heated seats.
Jump into the Sportage GT-Line and the standard specification grows further to include deluxe scuff plates, alloy pedals, electric tailgate, paddle-shifters, artificial leather and suede combination upholstery and additional driver assistance features including lane follow assist, lane keep assist forward collision assist.
The Sportage GT-Line Plus further adds larger 19-inch wheels, gloss black exterior trim, LED interior lighting and a panoramic sunroof.
The range-topping GT-Line S further includes ventilated front seats, interior mood lights, electronic shift-by-wire (E-SBW) with a rotary gear-shift dial, intelligent front lighting system, smart cruise control (adaptive) and forward collision avoidance assist with junction turning function.
How much does the new Kia Sportage cost in South Africa?
Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi LX – R539 995
Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi EX – R593 995
Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi GT-Line – R649 995
Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi GT-Line Plus – R677 995
Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi GT-Line S – R734 995
All Sportage models are sold with a 5-year/unlimited km warranty, 6-year/90 000 km service plan inclusive of Roadside Assistance.
Proton has been absent from the South African new-vehicle market since 2012, but it’s returning to the Republic – with a different game plan. Why should you consider one of Proton’s new-generation offerings and is the brand likely to achieve more success this time around? We attended Proton’s big media “reintroduction” in Gauteng to find out.
Proton is Malaysian and Chinese
Proton’s X50 uses a Geely platform and a Volvo engine.
There are 2 models that come to mind when I think of Proton in South Africa. The first one is the Gen2 coupe-styled sedan, which immediately grabbed my attention because it wore a badge on its rear that read “Lotus Engineered”. At the time, Lotus was a red-hot brand by virtue of the reputations of its Elise and Exige sportscars; they were known as some of the best-handling cars in the world and, as a gullible young adult, I was genuinely hopeful that under the skin of the affordable Proton Gen2 lurked a handling god that could outmanoeuvre a Volkswagen Golf GTI or Renault Megane RS of the day. Sadly, every review I read convinced me the only Lotus-engineered part of the Gen2 may have been the badge itself.
The other Proton that lurks in my memory banks is the Satria Neo – a Rally-inspired hatch with all the exterior cladding a Fast and the Furious fanatic could ask for but, but endowed with a power output that could hardly match that of a paper plane. Still, certain motoring journalists entertained the idea that the Satria Neo had its place (as some sort of guilty pleasure, because of the smile it put on your face when you looked at it). Hmm.
Forgive my nostalgic musings about Proton’s past; I’m just setting the scene for what Proton used to be and why the modern version of the brand aims to be nothing like its former self.
The Malaysian brand sold 49.9% of the company to Chinese powerhouse Geely (a brand that also came and then left South Africa) and began a massive overhaul of the Malaysian production plant. Geely also donated all its chassis and engine tech courtesy of Volvo (another brand owned by Geely) and has since begun launching Proton in markets where it can focus on right-hand-drive models, while Geely focuses on left-hand-drive products and battery-electric vehicles.
Proton is aiming high in SA
The X70 is a few years older than the X50 and uses the higher-output Volvo engine.
Proton was previously considered an affordable (or entry-level) brand, but that’s not the case anymore. The “new” Proton wants to be synonymous with affordable luxury and it’s targeting buyers that would usually consider mid-premium brands such as Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Subaru and Volkswagen. No mention was made of the Chinese duo of Chery or Haval, because Proton considers itself more upmarket than those brands and has priced itself according to that “tier”.
The heads at CMH (Combined Motor Holdings – the local distributors of Proton) expect the brand’s pricing to hold for some time to come, which may see the new models come into play as “premium bargains” towards the end of the year (providing the Rand/Dollar exchange rate doesn’t take a massive hit in the meantime).
What are the cars like?
The X50 looks modern and rides well with a very good drivetrain underneath the bonnet.
The brand marks its return by introducing a pair of SUVs, but has also committed to introducing 2 sedans and a 3rd SUV during 2023 – expect one of the sedans to be a Saga – the very first car to roll off the Malaysian line.
Of the 2 models that are available now, the X50 is the more affordable offering. It’s a compact family SUV that is similar in size to a Kia Seltos or Hyundai Creta. The X50 is underpinned by the modular Volvo chassis used by the XC40 and several other Geely products. The engine is also sourced from the Volvo XC40 T3. The 1.5-litre 3-cylinder turbopetrol motor delivers either 110- or 130 kW and 226- or 255 Nm of torque, depending on the grade you choose.
The engine and 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmissions are the standout features of the Proton X50. We drove it for a few kilometres around the Cradle of Humankind outside Johannesburg and it’s easy to tell that the drivetrain is well-suited to the car and better at managing power delivery than Haval and Chery models. It’s also more efficient than the Chinese models; Proton claims average fuel consumption of 6.5 L/100 km, which does not sound overly optimistic…
The 2nd model is the X70. It’s a larger SUV (about the size of a Volkswagen Tiguan, Toyota RAV4,Chery Tiggo 7 Pro or Mazda CX-5). The X70 seems like a harder sell in South Africa considering it was introduced abroad as long ago as 2018; while it’s still quite modern, it has elements that betray its age: the touchscreen looks a trifle undersized and there are more physical buttons inside than what modern cars have, although that may be a positive thing for some buyers.
It uses the higher-output 130 kW 1.5-litre turbopetrol and is said to consume 7.8 L/100 km on the combined cycle. Both SUVs ride well and their suspensions seem to absorb larger road imperfections with aplomb. The chassis feels stiff with little side-to-side roll/flex when you corner or roll over a diagonal speed bump. Both cars have quiet cabins (it suggests above-average NVH suppression) and, although we only did a little mileage in them, they appear to be solidly built.
Interior luxury and quality
The X50’s interior features Nappa leather for the seats and door inserts.
The models we got to drive (and look through) at the Proton media event were all top-spec versions, so I can’t speak to what lesser derivatives would be like inside or whether they’d be comparatively meagerly- or well equipped, but “new brands” tend to err on the side of the latter and specify cars liberally to make strong showroom impressions/sweeten the purchasing propositions for buyers who are looking for that extra bit of value for money, which is the vast majority of them, nowadays. A large panoramic sunroof in both models will no doubt please South African buyers, while Nappa leather trim is very nice to have – apart from the seats, it features on the door panels and certain areas on the dashboard.
The interior design looks clean and uncluttered with a hint of “fighter jet” design to the side air vents. I could only spot 1 USB port in the front and 1 in the rear, along with a 12C outlet in the X70, but full specs will be revealed at a later date.
Anything the Proton might be missing?
The X70 features an electric tailgate, whereas the X50 does not.
When I had a quick chat with some of the Proton and CMH crew, they noted that there were some updates in the pipeline that would improve the onboard tech in the X50 and X70. Initially, Android Auto is available (apparently), but not Apple Carplay. However, newer software that will enable CarPlay compatibility (and some other features) will soon be available – new Proton owners will be required to visit a dealership to install the update.
I noticed that neither model had a wireless charging bay for a smartphone (although it is on the accessories list), but aside from that, both cars come fully-loaded. The X50 is equipped with semi-autonomous Level 2 features, which means it gets lane-keep assist, automatic parallel parking and adaptive cruise control. There’s also a 360-degree camera, but the X50’s infotainment screen didn’t display a particularly high-res feed; the X70’s display was much clearer…
The after-sales agreement
The Proton models are backed by a good warranty and service plan.
Proton in Malaysia has been very hands-on in launching this project in South Africa and CMH has convinced the manufacturer that it needs to offer excellent service – both pre- and post-sale. They assured us that parts supply would be generous and rapid, with most of the frequently used spares available immediately. CMH has also handpicked 26 dealers to distribute Proton nationally with the intention of increasing that tally to 35 dealers by 2024.
Proton is also offering a decent warranty on its cars. The warranty is valid for 5 years/unlimited km and it comes in combination with a 5-year/80 000 km service plan.
Proton has high hopes for the South African market as it sees the Republic as a major avenue for brand expansion. There was plenty of excitement from the contingent of Malaysians that were sent to Mzansi to help with the local launch and also from the CMH representatives, who are looking to add another successful brand to their stack. It will be an interesting story to follow in the coming months; the sales figures will be the measure of success, but for now, the Saga continues.
As we approach the middle of the month, we can take a look at the available data and make some predictions on the fuel price. As it stands, South Africa will benefit from further price decreases!
Thanks to the data published by the Central Energy Fund on the 13th September 2022, we can start making some predictions on the price of petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin. There’s good news as the current trajectory indicates a reduction in the price of petrol, but unfortunately the price of diesel could increase.
South African motorists have had a great run of two back-to-back months of price reductions that have helped take the sting out of the cost of living. So, how is October shaping up? Based on the CEF’s release, we’re looking at a petrol 95 decrease of R1.44 per litre, petrol 93 decrease of R1 35 per litre, while diesel may increase by 66 cents and 73 cents per litre for 0.05% and 0.005% respectively. Paraffin is pointing towards a 7 cents a litre increase.
It’s important to note these are predictions based on the current economic factors like exchange rate and price of the product at the global market. Fingers crossed things remain stable and steady over the coming weeks and if this happens, motorists can enjoy some relief at the pumps if they drive petrol-powered vehicles.
We’ll update this article towards the end of September 2022.
The wraps have come off the new Ford Mustang, with the seventh-generation pony car gaining evolutionary styling changes and an overhauled interior, and thankfully retaining the option of a V8 engine…
Meet the new Ford Mustang. Seemingly riding on an updated version of the outgoing model’s platform, the seventh-generation Mustang likewise uses tweaked versions of its predecessor’s petrol engines. The big news, of course, is the fact the familiar 5.0-litre V8 powerplant lives on.
As with the sixth-generation Mustang, the newcomer will be available in coupé and convertible body styles, with the engine line-up again comprising the aforementioned V8 and an updated version of the turbocharged 2.3-litre, 4-cylinder engine. Manual and automatic transmissions will be offered, depending on the market.
Though the Blue Oval brand has yet to confirm peak power and torque outputs of either of the engine options, it does promise the fourth generation of its Coyote 5.0-litre V8 (which, for the record, makes 330 kW and 529 Nm in outgoing SA-spec form) will deliver the “most naturally aspirated horsepower of any Mustang GT” thanks to a new dual air-intake box and dual-throttle body design.
The 6-speed manual gearbox lives on the new Ford Mustang (in some markets, anyway).
In North America at least, the V8 lump will again be offered in conjunction with a 6-speed manual transmission (complete with a rev-matching function), though customers will have the option of specifying a 10-speed automatic transmission if they prefer two pedals to three. From what we understand, the manual cog-swapper won’t be available with the EcoBoost unit.
The new Mustang will feature six drive modes (normal, sport, slippery, drag, track and a customisable setting), while a Performance Pack will be optional in some markets. The latter adds a range of track-inspired features, such as a front tower brace, Torsen limited-slip differential, active suspension, wider rear wheels and larger brakes (390 mm front and 355 mm rear Brembo items), plus the option of Recaro seats and an active exhaust. In addition, the GT Performance Pack includes brake ducts and an auxiliary engine-oil cooler.
The seventh-generation Mustang furthermore gains a quicker steering ratio along with a “segment-first” electronic drift brake to “unlock the rear-wheel-drive drifting capability” of the new model. Called the Performance Electronic Parking Brake (with the “visual appeal and functionality” of a traditional, mechanical hand brake), this feature ostensibly allows novice drivers to learn and improve their drifting skills.
A look inside the new Ford Mustang’s cabin
The pair of screens can optionally be connected behind a single piece of glass.
While the exterior design changes are fairly subtle (Ford calls them “edgier”), the Dearborn-based firm has made significant alterations to the Mustang’s cabin, rolling out what it describes as a “fighter jet-inspired digital” interior and the “most technologically advanced, driver-centric cockpit of any Mustang to date”.
In standard form, the facia features a pair of curved displays, with Ford promising the 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster is highly customisable. Interestingly, the digital instrument cluster can be optionally configured to flow into a 13.2-inch SYNC 4 centre stack behind a single piece of integrated glass angled toward the driver.
The American automaker has ditched some physical buttons (such as those for the radio and climate control) and integrated them into a digital display. Other changes inside include a new flat-bottomed steering wheel, which Ford says “provides more space when getting seated”. The company has also introduced something it calls Remote Rev, which – as the name suggests – lends the owner the ability to rev the car’s engine remotely using the key fob.
In North America, upholstery choices include cloth, Micro Suede vinyl inserts, synthetic leather upholstery and leather seat inserts. Top-spec models offer a leather-trimmed steering wheel as well as a choice of colour accent stitching and a unique upholstery perforation across the seat inserts. Other features and options include wireless smartphone charging, new overhead USB ports and a B&O sound system.
Of course, there’s plenty of safety kit on offer, from speed-sign recognition, adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist to evasive steer assist and reverse brake assist. The Performance Package, meanwhile, adds active pothole mitigation, which monitors suspension, body, steering and braking input and adjusts suspension response accordingly.
The exterior styling of Ford’s fresh-faced Mustang
Note the less aggressive front styling of the EcoBoost model on the left.
Ford claims the new model’s upper grille design shape was influenced by the original 1960s design, while the roofline and shortened rear overhang also remain true to the proportions of the first generation. The extended rear deck houses a fresh tri-bar lighting arrangement as well as a redesigned diffuser. The V8-powered GT is differentiated from the 4-cylinder model by larger, more aggressive grille openings. The apex model’s aerodynamics are optimised further with the addition of new bonnet vents and a redesigned front splitter.
In its domestic market, the new Mustang will be available in a choice of 11 exterior colours, including two new shades (Vapor Blue and Yellow Splash). Customers also can choose from three Brembo brake calliper hues (black, red or blue), while newly designed alloy wheels range in size from 17-inch items to 19-inch versions (with the option of upgrading to 20 inches on the GT).
“Investing in another generation of Mustang is a big statement at a time when many of our competitors are exiting the business of internal combustion vehicles,” said Jim Farley, CEO of Ford Motor Company. “Ford, however, is turbocharging its ICE growth plan, adding connected technology, opinionated derivatives, and hybrid options to our most profitable and popular cars – all in the Ford Blue family – on top of investing $50-billion in electric vehicles through 2026.”
The new Mustang will be built at Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Michigan, with sales in the United States commencing in 2023. Though right-hand-drive production has been confirmed, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa has yet to indicate exactly when it plans to launch the new Mustang locally.
The Mustang’s (short) modern history in South Africa
Back in August 2014, Ford announced its engineers had finished construction of the very first right-hand-drive sixth-generation Mustang, confirming the production version would be exported to more than 25 right-hand-drive markets, including South Africa.
In December of the following year, the Mustang officially launched locally, with the range comprising six derivatives. There were fastback and convertible body styles, manual and automatic transmissions, and 4-cylinder and V8 engines. In July 2019, the refreshed Mustang arrived, with the line-up gaining Bullitt special edition. The Mach 1 followed in 2021, before the California Special arrived in 2022.
The outgoing Mustang range in South Africa – representing the only true passenger car from Ford still offered locally – currently comprises just three variants, all powered by the V8 engine: a fastback, a convertible and the aforementioned California Special.
The long-awaited new Toyota Hilux GR-Sport has finally hit the market in South Africa, boasting an increase in power and torque! Here’s how much it costs…
The Toyota Hilux GR-Sport is finally here, inspired by the Japanese firm’s Dakar Rally success under the Gazoo Racing banner. What you’re looking at is the torquiest series-produced Hilux ever offered in South Africa.
Yes, the 2.8-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine used in this version of the Prospecton-built Hilux has been suitably massaged (via a “special ECU calibration”) to liberate some extra power and torque (unlike the similarly new Corolla Cross GR-Sport, which makes do with that model’s standard outputs). While the standard version of the Hilux’s 2.8-litre powertrain offers 150 kW and 500 Nm, the GR-Sport’s peak outputs sit at 165 kW and 550 Nm. Top speed remains unchanged at 175 kph, while Toyota doesn’t list a 0-100 kph time (but does say it improves by 0.65 seconds).
Available exclusively in the double-cab body style, the Hilux GR-Sport (or Hilux GR-S, for short) ships standard with the Japanese firm’s 6-speed automatic transmission and 4×4. With a starting price of R865 400, it’s interestingly not the most expensive derivative in the range, with the three RS versions priced higher (topping out at R917 900). For the record, the GR-Sport price represents a R40 500 premium over the Legend model.
So, besides the extra oomph, what goes into the making of a Hilux GR-Sport? Well, there’s a model-specific GR-Sport grille painted in high-gloss black and fitted with bold “Toyota” lettering. In addition, this model rides on 17-inch alloy wheels (as opposed to the 18-inch items used by the Legend) wrapped in taller-profile 265/65 R17 rubber to “offer enhanced off-road performance”. Toyota South Africa Motors furthermore says the “GR-inspired suspension” in the form of new monotube shock absorbers and stiffer coil springs promises “improved off-road handling and comfort”.
The new Hilux GR-Sport is available in 4 exterior paint colours.
Of course, there are plenty of GR logos scattered around the exterior (on the grille, flanks, rear and the styling bar) along with the requisite decals, which we believe are optional. The bumpers are based on the Raider design (rather than Legend) and include wider black overfenders with contrasting inserts. Black side-mirror caps, black door handles, black side steps and the aforementioned styling bar are all also included.
Inside, you’ll find items such as red facia trim, red contrasting stitching, GR graphics for the model-specific instrument cluster, a GR-branded start button, GR-branded carpets and a Gazoo Racing plaque behind the gear lever. The seats are trimmed in a combination of leather and Alcantara, while the front headrests boast GR logos. There’s also a bespoke leather-trimmed steering wheel and aluminium pedals with rubber inserts. Carbon-fibre trim replaces the brushed finish familiar from Legend models.
From what we can tell, a tonneau cover also comes standard, along with rubberising for the load bay. The Hilux GR-Sport is available in a choice of 4 exterior paint colours: Glacier White, Arizona Red, Attitude Black and Graphite Grey Metallic.
How much does the new Toyota Hilux GR-Sport cost in South Africa?
Toyota Hilux GR-Sport – R865 400
A 3-year/100 000 km warranty and a 9-service/90 000 km service plan are included in the purchase price.
After some delay, the Audi RS3 has finally touched down in South Africa. We headed to Gauteng to get behind the ‘wheel of what’s claimed to be the segment leader; was it worth waiting for?
At the pinnacle of the Audi A3 range sits the RS3 hatchback and sedan – a pair of performance-focused offerings that are pitched directly against M- and Mercedes-AMG models from Munich and Affalterbach respectively. With the all-new BMW M2 set to be revealed next month (October 2022, with a local introduction in 2023), and a Mercedes-AMG A45+ S due to be facelifted soon, the Audi RS3 will hog the limelight in the global and local markets for the remainder of 2022.
The RS3 is available in Sportback and Sedan guises. The latter is pictured here.
What’s New?
The newcomer is available in a choice of either Sportback (5-door) or sedan (4-door) body styles, and Audi South Africa’s online configurator shows that an excellent number of colour- and wheel choices are available. Audi SA has bucked the trend of offering a bewildering array of options and trimmed the goodies down to a far more manageable list. We took a look at these options in comparison with those of the RS3 Sportback’s nearest rival, the Mercedes-AMG A45 S, here.
Both RS3 variants share an updated version of Neckarsulm’s iconic 2.5-litre 5-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, which develops 294 kW and 500 Nm, with peak torque being increased by 20 Nm for this generation. As before, the powerplant is mated with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Detractors will be quick to point out that the engine has not changed dramatically, but remember the European Union is cracking down on vehicle emissions (including the noise they generate). Without getting mired in the technical reasons, suffice it to say there was simply no way a power boost could have happened without taking a hit on emissions taxes, which would, of course, be passed onto consumers.
Matrix LED lights with model-specific detailing are standard.
There’s a very real possibility this iteration of the Audi RS3 may be the very last as European-based manufacturers transition to an all-electric future. While battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) have their place and appeal, we’re going to light a candle and pour one out for this iconic motor.
The performance claims for the RS3 are impressive, with 0-100 kph said to be dispatched in 3.8 seconds and, if you option the Audi RS Driver’s Package, a top speed of 290 kph is possible. There are uprated brakes, as well as a new suspension setup and the entire car sits wider and lower than its non-RS counterparts.
The introduction of an innovative rear torque splitter is one of this model’s standout features. Quattro all-wheel drive has always been integral to Audi’s RS models, but now, thanks to some mechanical witchcraft, the RS3 can also direct all its shove to only one of its rear wheels if required. To put it another way, the RS Torque Splitter affords “sideways action on demand”. We’re not going to say it’s a drift mode, but some fun tail-out antics are certainly possible!
An intricate and sophisticated cabin design awaits.
Step inside, and you’re greeted by one of the more intricate and sophisticated cabin designs in the premium compact car segment. A conventional dial arrangement is ditched for a longitudinal graph-style rev counter and speedometer. We’ve first seen this in other models, such as the Audi RS Q3 and, while we didn’t gel with the layout immediately, it’s undoubtedly a conversation starter.
What’s the Audi RS3 like to drive?
With a tasteful exterior finish and fitted with sporty rims, the Audi RS3 looks, in a word, sensational.
Fears of the RS3 losing its glorious soundtrack were quickly dispelled when we exited the OR Tambo International airport complex and joined the R21 highway at the ‘wheel of Audi’s newcomer. Even in its default drive mode, there’s a deeply satisfying rumble that permeates the cabin – you don’t even need to apply full throttle to extract aural satisfaction. A good start, then!
We’ll get onto the performance aspects a little later in this write-up… we had the chance to pilot the new RS3 around the Zwartkops circuit outside Pretoria, but given that the vast majority of customers are going to drive these cars on their daily commutes, it’s worth dispensing some words on the model’s general on-road demeanour.
In short, the RS3 is an accomplished “daily driver”. It stands head and shoulders above the firmer-than-necessary Mercedes-AMG A45 S in terms of in-car comfort and ride quality. Its MQB underpinnings continue to impress and undoubtedly supplement the refinement of the hyper hatch/performance sedan.
Audi is said to have improved the braking performance of the standard discs and pads, but you could specify these carbon-ceramic units.
Despite being fitted with sporty 19-inch wheels (wrapped in Pirelli low-profile rubber) and having a performance-oriented suspension setup, the RS3 does not ride like a box cart; in fact, you could be fooled into thinking you’re driving a bog-standard A3 derivative. There’s no thudding or bouncing over ruts and other undulations on the asphalt – the RS3 does a fine job of soaking up the bumps.
There’s genuine day-to-day usability here, with few compromises other than the RS3’s thirst for unleaded. Audi claims an average consumption of 9.0 L/100 km, but that’s optimistic, given how you often you’re likely to make the most of the 2.5 TFSI’s capabilities. After a few laps around the Zwartkops circuit, many of the launch units were down to 25% fuel capacity – an indication that when if you’re inclined to have a heavy right foot, the Audi will empty its 55-litre tank rather quickly.
Testing a vehicle on a race track is a great way to put its talents under the microscope in a safe and controlled environment; it also presents an opportunity to find out what the car is truly capable of. Under the supervision of an excellent instructor, I first got a feel of the layout and then gave it a “full send”. Cars.co.za’s track-test ace (and part-time racing driver) Ashley Oldfield would have approved, methinks.
Although ovoid tips seem to protrude from the rear bumper, they’re just for show – the real exhaust ends lurk behind them.
The engine’s power delivery is outrageous: opening the proverbial taps results in a surge of power as the RS3 thrusts towards the horizon, with both exhausts bellowing a glorious battle cry. There’s hardly any power dropoff as you approach the red line either – it feels as if Audi Sport GmbH’s creation constantly coaxes you to make the most of each and every ounce of power available. Pull the right gearshift paddle (to change up a gear) and repeat, until you come to a corner.
Thankfully, the RS3’s new anchors are very capable; at least, they scrub off speed in a reasonably controlled manner. It’s good to have some reassurance, as we were barrelling down Zwartkops’ back straight on the wrong side of 175 kph! There’s some yaw and a slight hint of the rear wanting to overtake the front, but it’s manageable. After a few hard laps, the brakes still felt good and responsive. If you’re keen on track days, consider the optional carbon-ceramic setup for longer-lasting stoppers.
In the RS3’s default drive mode (Comfort), the steering setup is on the lighter side, but when you select Dynamic, there’s some artificial weighting added to the tiller action, which doesn’t feel quite right. Thankfully, the steering is accurate and direct. The figure-hugging sports seats are excellent: they’re both comfortable and supportive.
These sculpted sports seats look good and are supportive.
As for the aforementioned torque splitter, which allows for power to be sent to each of the wheels on the RS3’s rear axle separately, can you feel its effect? Yes, absolutely.
To put it simply, when you power out of a bend, the vehicle analyses a number of factors, including the steering angle and wheel speeds, after which it instantly sends more shove to the outside rear wheel. It works well – believe me! The RS Torque Splitter is an absolute treat… I’d go as far as to say this is what the RS3 needed all along, especially to even things up in the handling stakes when the model inevitably gets compared with the outgoing (and upcoming) BMW M2.
Whereas previous models tended to feel a bit nose-heavy (had a tendency to understeer) when pressing on, this is a revolution for the RS3 package; it really makes the vehicle feel a whole lot more nimble in the corners.
The 2.5-litre 5-cylinder turbopetrol motor continues to steal the show.
There’s even a drive mode that will make the RS3 direct its engine torque primarily to the rear axle, to impart an old-school rear-wheel-drive driving experience. While outrageous tail-out antics are unlikely to ensue (and that’s not the point, anyway), the driving experience does feel rear-biased, which will please the purists.
Ultimately, Audi’s newcomer vehicle feels far more alive and engaging when it’s carving up a series of bends than ever before and while most owners will be spending their time blasting between sets of traffic lights in a straight line, it’s nice to know that if you’re looking for true cornering talent, the Audi RS3 can be added to the list of exceptional vehicles.
Summary
This generation of the RS3 is arguably the best one yet.
This was not Cars.co.za’s first experience with an Audi RS3 – this author is in the privileged position to have driven pretty much every 5-cylinder turbopetrol-powered Audi RS model that has been sold in South Africa. Watching the car get incrementally better with each successive generation/update has been a fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable experience.
So, has the new RS3 been worth waiting for? With this internal-combustion engine (ICE) model expected to last until 2030, Audi has saved the best for last. This is one of the finest driver’s cars from Audi Sport that we’ve sampled in recent years. Not only is it brutally quick and sure-footed on a race track; it delivers a comfortable and luxurious ride in everyday driving conditions. Finally, the excellent engine-transmission combo is matched with a sorted chassis and suspension.
Audi SA says that the 1st batch of vehicles (around 140 units) have all been snapped up, but it’s hoping to secure a 2nd consignment as soon as possible. Pandemic-related production delays, exacerbated by a component shortage (the VW Group’s wiring harnesses used to come from Ukraine, for example, and, of course, those elusive semiconductors) and limited right-hand-drive market allocation have delayed the local arrival of many products from Audi and Volkswagen.
Audi Germany did offer its South African subsidiary some RS3 units at an earlier juncture, but these were missing critical features such as sunroofs, parking sensors and so on, and there’s no chance a premium brand would ever offer a stripped-out derivative purely to get the vehicle to the Republic as soon as possible – the backlash would have been brutal. In conclusion, then, if you’re in the market for a complete hyper hatch, get your name on Audi SA’s waiting list.
Proton, the Malaysian carmaker is back in South Africa after a hiatus and is launching its X50 and X70 SUVs in September 2022. Here’s what’s on offer.
We reported earlier this year that the Malaysian carmaker was making a return to South Africa with an arsenal of new products and CMH Group would be handling the dealerships and distribution.
As a reminder, the Malaysian brand is owned by Chinese carmaker Geely since 2017. Geely also owns Volvo, Polestar and Lotus, and has a stake in Mercedes-Benz.
We understand that CMH will have at least 25 Proton dealerships.
So, what can South African motorists expect? There’ll be two SUV models; the Proton X50 and the Proton X70. All are powered by a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine but there are 2 states of tune available including 110 kW / 226 Nm and 130 kW / 255 Nm for the range-topping derivatives. A 7-speed dual-clutch transmission is standard across both vehicle ranges. We suspect this motor is similar to the one found in the XC40 T3.
Proton X50
Dimensions of 4 330 mm, 1 800 mm x 1 609 mm puts it in Toyota C-HR and Kia Seltos territory. Buyers have the choice of 4 trim levels including Standard, Luxury, Executive, Premium.
The X50 1.5T Standard includes features such as, 4 airbags, 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, fabric upholstery and an 8-inch infotainment system with a reverse camera. The X50 Luxury adds features such as automatic headlights, fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and leatherette upholstery. Opt for the Executive derivative and the specification is boosted further to include 18-inch alloy wheels, a larger 10-inch infotainment screen with a 360-degree camera and a tyre-pressure monitoring system. The range-topping 1.5 TDGI Premium derivative gains the 130kW engine as well as driver assistance systems, a panoramic sunroof and a 2-tone exterior.
How much does the Proton X50 cost in South Africa?
X50 1.5T Standard – R449 900
X50 1.5T Luxury – R499 900
X50 1.5T Executive – R535 900
X50 1.5 TDGI Premium – R579 900
The Proton X50 is sold with a 5-year/unlimited km warranty, 5-year/80 000km service plan and 5-year roadside assistance.
Proton X70
Dimensions of 4 519mm, 1 831mm, and 1 694mm puts the Proton X70 in the same bracket as the Volkswagen Tiguan and Mazda CX-5.
The bigger Proton X70 is offered in 4 levels of trim including Standard, Executive, Executive AWD and Premium AWD. Note that all X70 derivatives are powered by the
The X70 Standard is fitted with halogen headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, fabric upholstery, 8-inch infotainment system, 6-speaker radio, air purification system and 6 airbags. The Executive derivative adds LED headlights with Daytime Running Lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, welcome lights, electric tailgate, leatherette upholstery, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, ventilated front seats, 8-speaker radio system and a 360-degree camera. This Executive derivative can be had in all-wheel-drive guise too and then features such as driver assistance features, tyre pressure monitoring system, 19-inch alloy wheels, Nappa leather upholstery and a 9-speaker radio with amplifier and subwoofer. The range-topping X70 1.5TDGi Premium further adds a panoramic sunroof to the package.
How much does the Proton X70 cost in South Africa?
X70 1.5 TDGi Standard – R529 900
X70 1.5 TDGi Executive 2WD – R579 900
X70 1.5 TDGi Executive 4WD – R629 900
X70 1.5 TDGi Premium 4WD – R639 900
The Proton X70 is sold with a 5-year/unlimited km warranty, 5-year/80 000km service plan and 5-year roadside assistance.
Yes, it’s a new era for Ferrari as the Italian supercar firm has finally revealed its first-ever high-riding supercar. Meet the Ferrari Purosangue!
Just about 4 years after Ferrari announced plans to build a high-riding “utility vehicle” (the Italian company isn’t a fan of the term “SUV”), the Maranello-based supercar firm has now unleashed the Purosangue. In fact, Ferrari insists that this is not an SUV and Ferarri CEO, Benedetto Vigna commented on the matter, saying, “We’re not calling it an SUV. We’re not even talking about SUVs.”
Call it what you want, the five-door Ferrari, which the automaker promises is a “genuine game changer” – features narrow lighting elements that flow into a slim upper grille positioned beneath the clamshell-style bonnet. The lower part of the front bumper is dominated by gaping air intakes, which is necessary to provide cooling for the glorious full-fat V12 engine that stays true to Ferrari’s rich history. At the rear, the purposeful quad exhaust system sings the V12 song for all to hear. The Purosangue rides on 22-inch front and 23-inch rear wheels.
In fact, the naturally-aspirated 6.5-litre V12 engine develops a heady 533 kW and 716 Nm of torque and is paired to an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission which lays down power to all four wheels. Ferrari says that the Purosangue is good for 3.3 seconds in the sprint from zero to 100 kph and top out at about 310 kph. Ride and handling is aided by a Multimatic active suspension system with True Active Spool Valve (TASV) technology that incorporates 48-volt actuators that manage damper stroke, pitch and roll.
As you’d expect, the interior is focused mostly on the driver, but even so, there are 2 individual rear seats (as opposed to a rear bench), accessed by rear suicide doors that open at 79-degrees and with an approximate load bay capacity of 470 litres.
The Purosangue – an Italian word meaning “thoroughbred” – is expected to go up against the likes of the Lamborghini Urus and Aston Martin DBX, and in a way will function as a replacement for the since-departed GTC4 Lusso.
While Ferrari has previously made noises about the importance of keeping the Purosangue “exclusive”, there’s no doubt the arrival of an SUV will boost Maranello’s global sales figures, just as the Urus has done for Lamborghini and the DBX for Aston Martin.
We can’t wait to drive it!
On that note, first deliveries are expected in 2023 but availability in South Africa has yet to be confirmed. We’ll keep you updated!
Chinese brands that have thrived since returning to SA
Some brands that left the South African market are returning… There was little sadness when they departed, but now that they’re back, they have MUCH better cars.
Comebacks rarely live up to expectations, but for some car companies, it has been rewardingly profitable to return to the South African market.
After leaving in the 1980s and returning in the late 1990s, Renault has navigated its aftersales issues and finally blended the appropriate product matrix for local conditions: the Duster and enticingly affordable Indian-sourced models. If you leave bakkies out of the equation, Renault is the country’s 3rd biggest car brand in terms of new-vehicle sales.
Suzuki has done even better since returning in 2008 and although it took a while to really hit its straps, the brand now consistently sits near the sharp end of South Africa’s top-selling car brands list (according to Naamsa’s monthly sales stats).
And then there are the Chinese brands. There was a period in the late Noughties when South Africa was nearly experiencing a Chinese brand introduction each month. Most of these were awful continuation bakkie models, loosely based on 1980s Japanese bakkies.
The Chinese reality check has happened
This is how things started for Chery, in South Africa. With the rather poor QQ3…
Nearly all the Chinese brands failed in South Africa, but GWM endured and eventually found massive success with its SUV sub-brand Haval. And that’s triggered a lot of interest from some other Chinese car companies.
The South African car market has consistently shrunk since its peak of 714 340 units in 2006. Projections for this year are a market of 505 000 cars. It’s not a happy story. South Africa’s population has grown, but the demand for new vehicles has not kept pace with demographics. The regression of new vehicle sales is directly attributable to a gradually eroding economy, wage stagnation and obliterated purchasing power.
Despite a shrinking market, some brands that disengaged from South Africa are keen to return. Who are they? And, perhaps more pointedly, why?
Chery on top
Chery’s SUVs have been transformative for the brand in the South African market.
The most notable Chinese reintroduction to South Africa has been Chery. In 2008, when Chinese brand mania was sweeping across South Africa, I visited the company’s original R&D facility near its headquarters in Wuhu.
Young Chinese engineers, somewhat shy but not inherently awkward in their spoken English, were clearly benchmarking European and American standards when I observed them 14 years ago. At the time, it was a very divergent approach from what was assumed of Chinese technical teams, who had established a reputation of merely imitating exterior design and using the cheapest components to achieve cost goals.
In 2018, Chery opened an advanced European R&D facility in Frankfurt. The location was not accidental, with Chery being very transparent in its desire to leverage German engineering talent to identify the best value components within the country’s enviable automotive component supply chain. Ironically, 2018 was also the year in which Chery quietly ceased operations in South Africa…
Not only price – the cars have become much better
During Chery’s initial misadventure in South Africa, it had no stellar products. Or even average ones, for that matter. The QQ compact hatchback was an awful Daewoo Matiz clone. But when Chery returned in November last year with its new-generation Tiggo SUV range, the potential I saw among those junior engineers back in 2008 had been realised.
The Tiggo range has been expanded from the Tiggo 4 Pro to the 7 Pro and 8 Pro, and market reaction has been overwhelming. August 2022’s new-vehicle sales statistics rank Chery as South Africa’s eighth biggest vehicle brand.
What’s changed? South Africans have not become wealthier since 2018 when Chery left the country. The change has been greater technical expertise and product maturity, not to mention better marketing confidence, with Chery’s SUV strategy being ideal for the South African market.
Instead of attempting to undercut the excellent value offered by Korean compact hatchbacks from Hyundai (i10) and Kia (Picanto) or even the VW Polo Vivo, Chery’s gained traction in the higher-margin market for crossovers and SUVs, priced between R300 000 and R500 000.
Proton is Geely’s Trojan horse
The real reason Geely spent money on Proton (and Lotus).
What is the best car quiz question if you want to confuse hot hatch know-it-alls? Name the rarest hot hatch. That would be the Proton Satria Neo R3 Lotus Racing, of course.
For many years Proton was a nearly undetectable presence in the local market. Buoyed by immense petrochemical revenue income, the Malaysian government has been keen on diversifying its economy with broader industrialisation. And creating consumer products, such as automobiles, was foundational in that strategy.
The Satria Neo might have been an underwhelming average car, but it had a brand association that VW Polo GTI and Clio RS owners could only dream of: Lotus. From 1996-2017, Proton owned the British car company, and more importantly, its incredibly valuable engineering consultancy – renowned for having helped some of the world’s most established brands engineer their best road cars.
Recognising the value that has been unlocked with its purchase and ownership of Volvo, Geely bought the controlling share in Lotus from Proton, in which it also holds nearly half the equity. Why? Geely wanted to leverage the technical expertise within its acquired European brands (Lotus and Volvo), to bring European calibre refinement to its vehicles.
How does that play out for South Africa? Geely is the most significant Chinese brand without a direct presence in South Africa and Proton will function as a proxy in that role. After leaving South Africa in 2015, Proton returns with its X50 and X70 SUVs this month.
Powered by 1.5-litre 3-cylinder turbopetrol engines and featuring 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmissions (you might recognise them as the same units that power the Volvo XC40 T3), these Proton X-Series SUVs are built on Geely’s best internal-combustion vehicle platform.
What about the biggest Chinese car company, SAIC? That’s MG…
MG’s ZS EV has 320 km of range and costs only R520 000 in Australia. Imagine how it could change the South African BEV market…
In the mood for some more nearly unbeatable car quiz trivia? What was South Africa’s first crossover? Really. No, whatever you guessed is wrong.
Yes, it was the terrifically named MG Streetwise, marketed rather unsuccessfully in South Africa without any legal action from KFC.
MG has been perhaps the most unfairly troubled of all British automotive brands. And there is no shortage of troubled British car companies: Aston Martin, Jaguar, Lotus, McLaren, TVR and many names now consigned to history. But MG’s different. Aside from the quite awful MG Streetwise, the MG TF was an authentically fun mid-engine value sportscar, deserving of greater success if not for the presence of Mazda’s MX-5 and the Toyota MR-2.
But MG has reinvented itself and become more, um, streetwise. After the last British-built MG rolled out of the brand’s Longbridge facility in 2016, the company transformed. Being acquired by the biggest Chinese car company, SAIC, will do that.
With perhaps the best automotive acronym and a decent brand legacy, MG’s revival has been remarkable. In South Africa’s global mirror market, Australia, the rejuvenated MG brand is a top-10 sales performer. And much like resurgent Chery and Proton, it is all about offering compact and mid-sized crossovers and SUVs.
MG markets 2 core models: HS and ZS. And like the latest South African market product from Chery and Proton, these are compact crossovers and SUVs. MG disengaged from South Africa in 2016, but considering its success in Australia, a return to the local market would seem logical. Especially, with the promise of MG’s double-cab bakkies.
Will these returning brands bring pricing down across the market?
MG’s Extender bakkie could add another value option to local buyers.
What does all of this mean for you, the average South African consumer, who’s evaluating that R300 000 to R500 000 product choice? Quite a lot, actually.
The local market is getting smaller and Chinese brands are crowding it with compelling models offered at tremendously keen prices.
There is a kernel of truth in the assumption that Chinese brands, especially those who are returning to the Republic, are doing what Hyundai and Kia did in the late 1990s and early 2000s – essentially buying market share with artificially low pricing. But that’s a clever strategy when you know the future product pipeline will be on a trendline of improvement, allowing you to retain customers initially conquered by an exceptional value offering.
For car buyers, it is a big win: More choice and better specification, at keener prices than what long-entrenched manufacturers command for comparable products. The return of Proton and MG, allied to Haval and Chery’s significant market share, will force South Africa’s legacy car brands to re-evaluate their strategy, adjusting price or specification to enhance their offerings in the R300 000 to R500 000 price range.
Who loses in all of this? If you are an Asian brand that happens to be a pure importer, without the benefits of local manufacturing to offset some tariff costs with government incentivised credits, doing business is becoming much tougher.
And the other losers? Could be those very committed longstanding MG Streetwise and Proton Satria Neo hatchback owners, because we doubt that re-established MG and Proton dealers will have the servicing resources you need to keep your modern “classic” going.
Audi RS3 Sportback and RS3 Sedan (2022) Specs & Price
It’s been a year-long wait but the new Audi RS3 Sportback and RS3 Sedan have finally blasted into South Africa. Here’s how much these 294 kW high-performance models will cost you…
Audi South Africa has announced the arrival of its new RS3 Sportback and RS3 Sedan, revealing local pricing for the pair of high-performance derivatives. So, how much are you looking at here? Well, the RS3 hot hatch kicks off at R1 215 000, while sedan body style starts at R1 245 000.
As a reminder, both employ the Ingolstadt-based firm’s turbocharged 2.5-litre, 5-cylinder petrol engine, which offers the same 294 kW of power as its predecessor, but also 20 Nm more for a peak torque figure of 500 Nm. The result, says Audi, is a 0-100 kph sprint time of just 3.8 seconds (three-tenths quicker than before) when using launch control (a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission is again standard). Top speed, meanwhile, is electronically limited to 250 km/h, though can be optionally increased to 290 km/h if you tick the “RS Dynamic package Plus” box.
The RS3 twins also debut what Audi calls the RS torque splitter, which replaces the previous rear-axle differential with an upstream multiple-disc clutch package. Here, an electronically controlled multiple-disc clutch is used on each of the drive shafts to distribute torque between the rear wheels in a fully variable manner. According to the German automaker, this system results in “greater stability and agility” as well as a “significant” reduction in understeer.
The latest version of the standard RS sports exhaust system, meanwhile, features a fully variable flap control arrangement that supports intermediate positions, which Audi claims “broadens” the engine’s sound characteristics even further. There’s also a new RS Performance driving mode “designed specifically for the racetrack” and optionally available Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R semi-slick tyres.
Another fresh addition is the so-called RS Torque Rear mode, which effectively lends the RS3 the ability to drift (on closed roads, we should point out). In this mode, the torque splitter induces what Audi describes as “considerable oversteer” by transferring all of the rearward drive torque to the wheel on the outside of the curve.
What features ship standard on the new RS3 twins?
The RS3 Sportback and RS3 Sedan both come standard with Matrix LED headlights, complete with darkened bezels that feature digital daytime running lights around their outer downturned angles. LED taillights (including dynamic indicators) and door-entrance LEDs (with the “RS” logo projection up front) are also included in the purchase price.
Both models ship standard on 19-inch alloy wheels in a 10-Y spoke design, though 5-Y spoke items are optionally available. While the Black Styling Package is also included, local buyers furthermore have the option of specifying the Black Styling Package Plus or the Aluminum Styling Package Plus. A total of eight exterior colours are available, including the RS-specific Kyalami Green and Kemora Grey hues.
Other standard features include a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system, the Audi smartphone interface, Audi connect e-call functionality, a reversing camera and park assist.
Inside, the RS3 Sportback and RS3 Sedan both boast the 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit plus, replete with RS-specific graphics. A new shift indicator light is offered and also integrated into the optional head-up display. You’ll find a 10.1-inch touchscreen display in the centre of the facia.
Look around and you’ll also see plenty of carbon-fibre trim (in the instrument panel) as well as RS sports seats with contrast stitching. The seat upholstery is optionally available in fine Nappa leather with RS honeycomb stitching and glossy black, red or – for the first time – green contrast stitching. RS Design packages in red and green are available to match and include floor mats with contrast stitching and RS embroidery, as well as seatbelts with matching coloured edges.
Audi RS3 Price Packages
How much does the new Audi RS3 Sportback cost in South Africa?
Audi RS3 Sportback – R1 215 000
How much does the new Audi RS3 Sedan cost in South Africa?
Audi RS3 Sedan – R1 245 000
Both models ship standard with the 5-year Audi Freeway Plan.
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