New Renault Austral Revealed with Hybrid Tech

Following many teasers, Renault’s Kadjar replacement, the Austral, has now been revealed. See details below!

The new Renault Austral is built on the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance’s third-generation CMF-CD platform.

The name comes from the Latin word ‘australis’ and Renault claims this word resonates in many European languages. Austral conjures up the vibrancy and heat of the southern hemisphere. It’s a name that invites travel and is perfect for an SUV. Its harmonious balance of sounds that are easy to pronounce and international” said Sylvia Dos Santos from Renault’s marketing.

Renault Austral: Styling and Interior Features

The Austral features a strong, muscular design that Renault calls ‘Sensual Tech’.

The Renault Austral shares the same mechanics as its sister car, the Nissan Qashqai but adopts a ‘Sensual Tech’ design language that combines curvy body lines with strong geometric lines. The heavily sculpted bonnet adds to the Austral’s strong presence as does the LED headlights with diamond patterning and the bold front grille and lower bumper section. The Austral is a good-looking SUV…

More so, the Austral Esprit Alpine derivative features a distinctive sporty execution with a Satin Shale Gray body colour, grille bar with Satin Gray sport blade, 20-inch diamond-cut black Daytona aluminium wheels with ‘Alpine’ branding, Satin Black roof rails and decor details finished in Diamond Black, Extra Glossy Black and Ice Black. Esprit Alpine badges are seen on the side of the Austral. This derivative gains interior features such as Alcantara upholstery with carbon-fibre twill fabric, blue stitching and piping, a Nappa leather-wrapped steering wheel with Alcantara inserts and blue, white and red stitching, aluminium pedals and door sills bearing the ‘Alpine’ logo.

The Austral features a tech-forward cabin with 2 large screens making up the OpenR screen.

The Austral features a technologically advanced cabin with a large anti-glare OpenR screen that combines a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12-inch vertically orientated infotainment touchscreen system. A new 9.3-inch Head-Up Display is projected through the windscreen and puts vital information in the driver’s line of sight. The centre console, or as Renault calls it, the ‘cruising console’, features a comfortable hand rest as well as an inductive charging slot for a smartphone as well as storage space. Various trim finishes are used depending on the specification chosen including real wood, leather, Alcantara, padded textiles and gloss black and satin chrome elements. Interior lighting or ‘Living Lights’ is also part of the package.

What powers the new Renault Austral?

The Austral welcomes a range of full-hybrid and mild-hybrid powertrains to market.

The Renault Austral features a range of electrified powertrains. The headline powertrain is a new full hybrid, self-charging E-TECH powertrain with a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder turbopetrol engine paired with an electric motor and a 400V, 1.7 kWh lithium-ion battery. Combined power is rated at 146 kW and Renault claims a fuel consumption figure of 4.6 L/100km.

Renault will also offer 2 additional mild-hybrid powertrains including an entry-level 1.3-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine combined with a starter motor and 12V-lithium-ion battery that offers 103 kW with a manual transmission or 120 kW with an automatic transmission. Lastly, the mid-range powertrain option is a Mild Hybrid Advanced engine that makes its debut in the Austral and according to Renault, serves as a “genuine alternative to diesel”. It combines a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine (manual transmission) with a 48V lithium-ion battery and starter motor that generates 97 kW and Renault claims a fuel consumption figure of 5.3 L/100km. All 3 powertrains feature regenerative braking.

The Austral is front-wheel drive but higher grade derivatives feature Renault’s third-generation 4-wheel steering system which enhances comfort, agility and manoeuvrability.

In terms of driver assistance features, the Austral is well equipped with features such as Active Driver Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control with ‘Stop & Go’, Lane Centering, GPS data and mapping, 360° around view 3D camera; Automated Park Assist; Blind Spot Warning and Lane Departure Prevention, Rear Automatic Emergency Braking; Rear Cross Traffic Alert; Matrix LED Vision smart lighting and Occupant Safe Exit.

The new Renault Austral is due to go on sale in the last quarter of 2022. Renault South Africa has stated that the Austral is under consideration for South Africa but has not been confirmed for introduction locally. We will keep you updated if anything changes.

Suzuki Celerio (2022) Launch Review

The 2nd-generation Suzuki Celerio entry-level car has touched down in South Africa and we headed to Gauteng to drive the newcomer.

Suzuki Auto SA is in an enviable position right now. With a range of value-focused offerings, the Hamamatsu-based manufacturer has tallied up a commendable number of sales over the past two years. In fact, Suzuki has fought its way up the national new-vehicle sales charts to rank as the 3rd best-selling brand in South Africa last month (February 2022).

With the evergreen Swift and well-thought-out Vitara Brezza commanding most of the sales, attention turns to the entry-level segment of the market. Enter the Celerio, now in its second generation.

What’s changed?

A lot actually. The new Celerio adopts the same HEARTECT platform as the one that underpins the Swift compact hatchback. The outgoing model was truly a diminutive car, but this new model is longer, wider, and features a larger load bay, with a claimed capacity of 295 litres.

There are two trim levels, both of which is powered by a 49 kW/89 Nm 1.0-litre naturally-aspirated 3-cylinder petrol engine paired with either a 5-speed manual gearbox or an automated manual transmission (AMT). In terms of expected fuel efficiency, Suzuki claims its new Celerio’s average consumption is 4.2 L/100 km (for the AMT derivative), with the manual version being a touch thirstier at 4.4 L/100 km.

Inside, the cabin looks reasonably fresh and the trim materials appear substantial and hard-wearing. There’s a nice reassuring feel about the interior – at first glance, nothing looks cheap, nasty or flimsy.

Standard equipment?

The new Suzuki Celerio is available in two grades: GA and GL

Celerio GA

14-inch steel wheels
Audio controls on the steering wheel
Info display with fuel consumption
Air conditioner
Rear parking sensors
Engine start stop
ISOfix child-seat anchor points
Immobiliser

Celerio GL

15-inch alloy wheels
Body-coloured door handles and mirrors
Front fog lamps
Electric mirrors front + rear
Multifunction steering wheel
Rev counter
Remote central locking
7-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity
USB port

The Suzuki Celerio has the basics covered as far as safety is concerned, with 2 airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS) and an electronic stability programme, the latter being a welcome addition to the segment.

What is it like to drive?

You’d think that a peak output of 49 kW would be woefully inadequate in the cut and thrust of Gauteng traffic… Don’t forget, the thinner air on the Highveld causes a 17% power reduction in naturally-aspirated engines. Yes, we drove a car that had effectively had around 41 kW on tap – surely that’s a record for the lowest power output in cars that are currently on sale in the new-vehicle market?

And yet, thanks to clever packaging that limits the 2nd-gen Celerio’s kerb weight to just 805 kg, Suzuki’s entry-level hatchback can, in actual fact, keep up with traffic. The newcomer’s power-to-weight ratio is commendable, with Suzuki claiming segment honours here.

Suffice to say, the Celerio feels a lot more sprightly than you may expect. While it does run out of grunt once you’re travelling at triple-digit speeds, which, to be fair, is to be expected given the 1.0-litre’s modest outputs, the Suzuki never feels like it’s struggling. You will be working that gearbox hard to get the most out of the powertrain at highway speeds, but thankfully, the shifter has a light, easy action.

Manufacturers’ fuel economy claims for their models are often very optimistic; as a consequence, most of their stated figures are near-impossible to match in real-world driving conditions. However, in our experience, Suzuki models can be nearly as light on gas as their maker claims. This newcomer is no different… Despite some frenetic driving in urban areas, the Celerio 1.0 GL manual we drove indicated a figure of 5.2 L/100 km! This figure should drop into the 4s without too much effort. In a time when the petrol price is rocketing upwards, the arrival of a truly cheap-to-run city car is certainly welcome.

We came away impressed with the newcomer’s on-road refinement too. The 3-cylinder engine admittedly makes itself heard when you rev it hard, but, for the most part, the cabin is sufficiently quiet and reasonably well insulated from road- and wind noise. On our launch route, the plump 15-inch tyres fitted to our test unit’s alloys worked hard to absorb the undulations of some awful stretches of tarmac.

As for the ride and handling balance, we’d like to point out that Suzuki has given its Celerio 170 mm of ground clearance, which makes the Japanese hatchback quite adept at clambering onto pavements and dealing with those types of potholes that bear a closer resemblance to pits than cavities. What this generous ride height doesn’t do, however, is facilitate sharp and direct handling… The Celerio’s body rolls more than necessary due to the higher centre of gravity. It’s not a deal-breaker, but be prepared should you need to execute a swerve. There’s a solid and reassuring feel to the steering setup, though.

But what we appreciated most about the Celerio was that it didn’t feel like a cheap car to drive. The lower end of the passenger-vehicle market is littered with vehicles that look cheap, feel cheap and have poorly composed road manners and very vague handling. Most budget-oriented cars also offer very little refinement; most car companies would rather fit a fancy touchscreen than sound-deadening material!

How much does the new Suzuki Celerio cost in South Africa?

Celerio 1.0 GA MT	R174 900
Celerio 1.0 GL MT	R194 900
Celerio 1.0 GL AMT	R209 900

All prices include VAT. Every derivative comes with Suzuki’s 5-year/200 000 km mechanical warranty, 5 years’ roadside assistance, as well as a 6-year/unlimited km anti-corrosion warranty. GL versions also come with a 2-year/30 000 km service plan.

Summary

Has Suzuki Auto SA launched another winner… or has its compact car line-up become too convoluted? We’d answer yes on both counts. There’s no doubt that the new Celerio brings some upmarket feel to a segment that’s awash with mediocre models, but its pricing positions it too close to an already accomplished offering from Suzuki: the Swift. Even Suzuki SA’s staff will tell you, the answer is always Swift!

Mini Pat Moss Edition Confirmed for SA

To celebrate an exceptional female driver’s talents, the British brand has announced a tribute model. This is the Pat Moss Edition!

Pat Moss took a classic Mini to victory in the Tulip Rally in May 1962. This race took place from the Dutch municipality of Noordwijk to the French Riviera and back, quite the feat! Pat Moss and co-driver Ann Wisdom paved the way for an extraordinary career for the classic Mini. In 1964, 1965 and 1967, the British small car secured outright victory in the Monte Carlo Rally.

To celebrate this victory, the Mini Pat Moss has been built. Limited to just 800 units and available across the 3-door and 5-door range, this special edition feature a number of unique design elements. The Mini Pat Moss Edition is available in Cooper S flavour with 141 kW and John Cooper Works with 170 kW.

One of the coolest visual elements is the ombre-style roof. Mini calls it the Multitone roof and we just love the colour gradient effect. Other noteworthy design elements is the tulip logo on the C-pillars and side scuttles, as well as the Pat Moss name on the nose. The wheel hub covers feature an exclusive design with a graphic based on the tulip.

On the sides, the route of the 1962 race is detailed, while a horizontal white bonnet stripe is quite radical in comparison to the typical bonnet stripe layout.

Inside, there’s a signature on the piano black surface of the passenger area, the sports leather steering wheel features a tulip graphic on the lower spoke and there’s a cool abstract graphic of engine pistons.

We have an assortment of Mini vehicles for sale. Browse new and used stock here.

Will the Mini Pat Moss Edition come to SA?

Mini South Africa confirmed that this model will be hitting our shores in limited quantities from the 3rd quarter of 2022. We’ll have pricing closer to the launch.

Updated Mahindra XUV300 (2022) Specs & Price

Mahindra has updated its XUV300 compact SUV which now offers higher levels of standard specification as well as the introduction of an XUV300 Special Edition (SE). See details below…

Mahindra’s XUV300 compact SUV has received a specification update across all trim levels (W4, W6 and W8) while XUV300 W4 Special Edition (SE) has also been added to Mahindra’s local lineup.

The XUV300 competes in a burgeoning segment where rivals such as the Toyota Urban Cruiser, Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger and Chery Tiggo Pro 4, to name just a few…

What’s changed?

The XUV300 now features a black-themed interior replacing the previous ivory and beige colour scheme.

The most notable change to the XUV300 can be seen inside where all derivatives now gain a dark interior with a black dashboard and black cloth or leather upholstery. The XUV300 W8 derivatives gain black leatherette upholstery. Previously, the XUV300 was offered with an ivory and beige interior but listening to customer feedback, Mahindra has now opted for black.

Another major change is the fitment of an updated 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system which replaces the outgoing 7-inch system. The new system is Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible in the W4 SE, W6 and W8 derivatives.

The W6 trim level now adds a rear window wiper, demister and integrated navigation and cruise control. As for the XUV300 W8 includes features a sunroof, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, a leather steering wheel and a tyre pressure monitoring system. The W8 trim level also includes a height-adjustable driver’s seat, self-dimming rear-view mirror and automatic headlights.

Mahindra has mostly left the exterior design unchanged but the Indian firm has taken the opportunity to introduce newly-designed 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels fitted to W6 and W8 derivatives. The XUV300 W4 derivatives are fitted with steel wheels with wheel covers while the new W4 SE gains its own unique 16-inch alloy wheels with black and silver detailing. More so, all derivatives are now equipped with a full-size spare wheel.

What engines are offered for the Mahindra XUV300?

The XUV300 offers both petrol and diesel engine choices, but only a manual transmission is available.

Buyers have the choice between a petrol and diesel engine.

The range starts with a 3-cylinder 1.2-litre turbopetrol engine offering 81 kW and 200 Nm while the 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine provides 86 kW and 300 Nm of torque. All derivatives are mated with a 6-speed manual transmission. No automatic transmission is available for the XUV300.

In terms of safety, the XUV300 carries a 5-star Global New Car Assessment Programme (GNCAP) safety rating and is equipped with at least 2 airbags (up to 7 airbags in W8 trim), ABS with EBD, brake assist, electronic stability control and hill hold assist (W8).

How much does the Mahindra XUV300 cost in South Africa?

XUV300 W4 1.2 Petrol – R234 999

XUV400 W4 1.2 SE Petrol – R244 999

XUV300 W6 1.2 Petrol – R261 999

XUV300 W6 1.5 Diesel – R281 999

XUV300 W8 1.2 Petrol – R316 999

XUV300 W8 1.5 Diesel – R336 999

The XUV300 is sold with a 5-year/150 000km warranty. The XUV300 W4 derivatives include a 3-year/50 000km service plan while the W6 and W8 derivatives are covered by a 5-year/90 000km service plan.

Buy a Mahindra XUV300 on Cars.co.za

Volkswagen Virtus is Polo Sedan For SA

The world premiere of the Volkswagen Virtus took place in India today and the model will arrive in South Africa later in 2022 as the Polo sedan. See details below…

Volkswagen has revealed its updated Polo-based Virtus sedan in India. The Virtus made its first debut in Brazil in 2017 and was initially produced for South American markets. Now, the Indian-built Virtus is due to go on sale in India, effectively replacing the ageing Vento, and will be exported to no less than 25 countries. The Virtus is underpinned by the firm’s MQB A0 platform, the same that underpins the Polo, and it will be built at Volkswagen’s Chakan production facility in Pune, India.

Volkswagen Virtus is Polo Sedan for South Africa

The Virtus will go on sale in India before reaching other global markets, including South Africa.

For us here in South Africa, the Virtus will be badged as the Polo sedan and while the locally-assembled Polo hatchback recently received an update, the Virtus serves as the update for the booted Polo.

As far as design is concerned, the Virtus features familiar Volkswagen design cues with modern-looking LED headlight units with LED daytime running lights and 2 chrome accent strips that run across the width of the bonnet. The large lower bumper section is also neatly framed in chrome and also houses the fog lig units. The rear-end also features a stylised lower bumper and large light housings that give add to the perceived width of the car. With GT trim elements, the Virtus adopts a slightly more sporty approach.

The Virtus will feature Volkswagen’s latest digital technology.

As for the interior, the Virtus’ interior features a dominant horizontal design with a wrap-around effect. In addition to ventilated leather seats and electronic sunroof, the model gains Volkswagen’s 8.0-inch Digital Cockpit as well as a large 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. A wireless smartphone charger will also be offered as well as 4 USB ports for front and rear passengers. An 8-speaker sound system is standard across the range.

Safety features include up to 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control with traction control, brake assist, hill hold control, electronic differential lock and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

As for practicality, the Virtus is said to be the biggest car in its segment standing 4 561 mm long, 1 752 mm wide, 1 507 mm tall and with a generous wheelbase of 2 651 mm. Boot space is claimed at 521 litres and the rear seats are split in a 60:40 configuration for added flexibility.

What engines power the Volkswagen Virtus?

The Virtus will be offered with 2 engine choices including Volkswagen’s 1.0-litre turbopetrol engine with 85 kW and 178 Nm of torque (Dynamic Line) mated with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission as well as the range-topping 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine (Performance Line) with 110 kW and 250 Nm which will be mated with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

A spokesperson for Volkswagen South Africa has confirmed that the Virtus will come to South Africa in 2022 and will be badged as the Volkswagen Polo sedan. The exact specifications for South Africa will be confirmed closer to launch. Stay tuned!

Buy a Volkswagen Polo sedan on Cars.co.za

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New Cars For South Africa in 2022

Suzuki Jimny Range Expands – SA Price Revealed

The Suzuki Jimny line-up has grown to five derivatives, with two fresh GL variants having quietly joined the range in South Africa. Here’s how much the newcomers cost…

Suzuki Auto South Africa, which posted yet another record sales month in February 2022, has expanded its Jimny range with the addition of a pair of mid-spec GL models.

When the fourth-generation version of the plucky little off-roader arrived in South Africa in 2018, the line-up comprised three derivatives: the base GA in five-speed manual form and the flagship GLX in both manual and four-speed automatic guise.

Back then, the Jimny was built exclusively in Japan, though with the Kosai facility struggling to keep up with surging global demand, waiting lists here in South Africa soon exceeded a year. However, Suzuki Auto SA recently started sourcing its Jimny stock from Maruti’s Gurgaon production line in India, which assembles the vehicle from what the company describes as “100% Japanese-sourced parts and components”.

With a larger, more reliable stream of vehicles now coming in from the subcontinent, local sales of the Jimny have picked up nicely, with the 394 units registered in February helping Suzuki Auto SA hit a new monthly sales record of 3 240 units. In fact, the Jimny was the third most popular Suzuki in February, behind the likewise Indian-built Swift (1 313 units) and Vitara Brezza (664 units).

So, what about the new GL derivatives? Well, they’re mechanically identical to their siblings – so, the naturally aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder K15B engine still delivers 75 kW and 130 Nm to all four corners, with a choice of manual (R336 900) and automatic (R357 900) cog-swappers – but they gain some extra kit over the admittedly basic GA model.

These upgrades include electric windows, electrically adjustable side mirrors, alloy wheels, audio controls on the steering wheel, Bluetooth functionality and remote central locking. While the single GA variant makes do with a 2-year/30 000 km service plan, the GL features the higher-spec GLX’s more generous 4-year/60 000 km version. A 5-year/200 000 km promotional warranty applies to all models.

As a reminder, the range-topping GLX trim level is distinguished by automatic LED headlamps, automatic climate control, cruise control, touchscreen system (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality), a leather-trimmed steering wheel and a rear cargo “convenience package”, which includes an additional 12-volt socket, rear interior light and flat-floor luggage box.

Search for a used Suzuki Jimny here

How much does the Suzuki Jimny cost in South Africa?

Suzuki Jimny 1.5 GA – R318 900

Suzuki Jimny 1.5 GL – R336 900

Suzuki Jimny 1.5 GL AT – R357 900

Suzuki Jimny 1.5 GLX – R356 900

Suzuki Jimny 1.5 GLX AT – R377 900

Ford Mustang California Special Revealed

Ford has announced a special edition of its iconic muscle car. Meet the Ford Mustang California Special.

The dream of cruising the open road in a Ford Mustang is a common one and now the American carmaker wants to make those dreams a reality.

When the first Mustang hit the roads back in 1964, many regional dealers came up with their own personalised designs. Inspired by the 1967 Shelby GT notchback coupe was the California Special, which came with a blacked-out grille, fog lights and race stripes as well as a Shelby-inspired spoiler. Ford was so impressed, it commissioned a production run.

“The California Special is a huge part of the Mustang’s legacy in America and it symbolises so much of what Mustang stands for: The joy of driving and the freedom of the open road. Those ideals resonate just as strongly with driving enthusiasts in Europe, so it’s about time customers here got to experience the unique California Special blend of style, performance and driving fun,” said Matthias Tonn, Mustang chief programme engineer, Ford of Europe.

The all-new Ford Mustang California Special is available with unique badges, 19-inch alloy wheels and funky decals. Incorporating GT/CS logos, the stripes run from the front to rear wings and feature a hidden “California Special” script that is almost invisible in low light conditions but becomes much more prominent in stronger sunlight.

Of course, a Mustang has to have proper power and there’s no replacement for displacement as the Coyote 5.0-litre V8 is offered. This engine packs 330 kW and 529 Nm. Visually, there are some big tyres with 19 x 9-inch and 19 x 9.5-inch rear wheels are finished in Carbonised Grey to complement the front splitter, side skirts, and rear diffuser. Under the bonnet, a strut tower brace features a California Special badge.

Customers can opt for either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 10-speed automatic gearbox. For the manual model, Ford claims 0-100 kph in 4.8 seconds, with the auto a touch quicker at 4.5 seconds.

Inside, the Mustang California Special is designed to help liberate all the fun of the open road whatever the weather, with bespoke California Special detailing adding exclusive appeal. Standard comfort technologies include heated and cooled front seats, a 12-inch customisable instrument cluster, and advanced SYNC 3 connectivity.

The Ford Mustang California Special has been confirmed for both the US and European markets. We’re hoping to hear confirmation from Ford SA soon.

Suzuki Celerio (2022) Specs & Price

The new-generation Suzuki Celerio has touched down in South Africa. Here’s what you can expect to pay for the compact city hatchback.

The new Celerio is built on Suzuki’s HEARTECT platform, the same which underpins the Swift and S-Presso and features a rounder, more bulbous design than the outgoing Celerio.

With a length of 3 695mm and width of 1 655mm, the Celerio is both longer (+95mm) and wider (+55mm) than the current Celerio.

From what we can see, there two levels of trim: GA and GL. The Suzuki Celerio is offered with a choice of either a 5-speed manual gearbox or an automated manual transmission (AMT).

The engine of choice is a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol motor which delivers 49 kW and 89 Nm.

Initial details suggest the GL model comes with a number of convenience options such as 15-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured door handles and mirrors, front fog lights, electric mirrors, electric windows all-round, Bluetooth connectivity with steering wheel controls, remote central locking, 7-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, USB port.

We’ll be driving the all-new Suzuki Celerio in Gauteng this week, look out for more info and our impressions soon.

How much does the new Suzuki Celerio cost in South Africa?

2 year / 30 000 km service plan 5 year / 200 000 km promotional warranty

Celerio 1.0 GA MT R174 900
Celerio 1.0 GL MT R194 900
Celerio 1.0 GL AMT R209 900

Cars.co.za confirms Cape 1000 participants. Here’s how to follow the action.

The inaugural Cape 1000 starts this Wednesday, 9 March at 08:30 at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. Cars.co.za, which is a co-sponsor of the inaugural event, will be participating with two vehicles.

South Africa’s own “Mille Miglia”-styled classic car event was announced late last year and pays homage to the iconic Mille Miglia, a historic 1 000-mile race that took place in Italy from 1927 to 1957. The historic Mille Miglia saw some of the best racers of the time battle it out on the scenic roads of Italy – legends such Tazio Nuvolari and Stirling Moss will forever be closely associated with the Mille Miglia.

“Classic car culture is alive and kicking in South Africa,” says Hannes Oosthuizen, Consumer Experience Manager at Cars.co.za. “We are thrilled to partner with the Cape 1000’s organisers, and look forward to bringing all the glamour and excitement of this event to our audiences, across all our platforms, including Youtube.

“We were initially planning on competing in the event with our restored Ford Capri Perana, but as the vehicle could not be completed in time, we’ve had to make alternative arrangements,” says Oosthuizen. “Luckily there is a neat 1967 Citroën DS19 in the greater SentiMETAL collection, which will be driven by Cars.co.za’s own Ciro de Siena in the Classic category for cars produced before 1977.”

Cars.co.za will not only film the entire event to produce a full-coverage video to be released on Youtube afterwards, but also a documentary of De Siena’s attempts to complete the near-1 600km event in an unfamiliar 55-year old car, and to win. “Where do I even begin,” ponders De Siena.

“Firstly it is an absolute honour to be asked to be a part of the inaugural Cape 1000. Having grown up hearing stories and seeing old footage of people taking beautiful cars on unnecessarily long drives through Italy for no apparent reason, I have always wanted to do something like this myself.

“And that’s the thing, this is nothing but the love of motoring made visible. I know there will be joy and adventure and excellent camaraderie along the way and that’s what makes it all worth it.

“I will be participating in a stunning and iconic Citroën DS, a car that is significantly older than I am and excitingly features no air-conditioning. But I do love a challenge and I will be aiming for nothing less than victory!”

Ciro has had to receive driving lessons in order to learn how to operate the Citroën DS.

Oosthuizen will also be competing, as a navigator, in one of the oldest cars in the Cape 1000, a 1957 Austin-Healy 100/6. “I’ve always wanted to do a Mille Miglia style event, and the Cape 1000, which will take in some of the country’s best roads and scenery, seems like a great event to start with. I’m thrilled to do it in a Mille-Miglia class car, too! Hopefully I don’t get distracted by the scenery and let my driver down.”

*The ’57 Austin-Healy will be passengered and navigated by Cars.co.za’s Hannes Oosthuizen*.

How to follow the event

“We encourage petrolheads to follow the Cape 1000 not only on social media (on Instagram @TheCape1000) but also in real life by travelling to the selected locations to meet up with these exquisite machines,” organiser Ross Crichton says. Cars.co.za will also be posting updates on the event from its own social media channels.

Instagram: @carssouthafrica
Twitter: @CarsSouthAfrica
Facebook: @CarsSA

Registration takes place on Tuesday, March 8th at the Victoria & Alfred Hotel from 14:00 to 17:00. “Visitors are more than welcome to come and have a look at the cars,” says Crichton. “There is another opportunity at the Waterfront the next day, the 9th of March, from 8:00 am at The Silo Museum when cars will start leaving the V&A Waterfront at timed intervals.”

From the Waterfront the route takes participants on a scenic tour of the Western Cape that lasts four days, with Hermanus, Franschhoek, and St. Helena Bay being stopovers before the participants return to Cape Town on the 12th of March.

In addition to the starting point, enthusiasts who want to meet up with The Cape 1000 cars can also head to the following spots;

9 March : 08:45 – Camps Bay, Victoria Road
9 March : 11:00 – Clarence Drive, Gordon’s Bay
10 March : 09:00 – Gearing’s Point, Hermanus
11 March : 08:30 – Franschhoek Main Road, Franschhoek
12 March : 15:15 – Silo Museum, V&A Waterfront

About The Cape 1000

The first year’s entry list includes 36 spectacular cars, ranging from a 1956 Porsche 356 to a modern-day McLaren 720S. The event is run over the course of four days (five nights) and includes regularity stages, non-competitive track events and “a healthy dose of grand touring” according to the route planners, Dave Alexander and Di Dougmore.

The categories are;

1927-1957: Mille Miglia Specific
Pre-1977: Classic
1977-1996: Modern Classic
1997-2021: Sports

The Cape 1000 is organised by Super Car Lifestyle (which also hosts Round Table Cannonball Run, Concours South Africa etc.) together with Cars.co.za, SCL Travel, Silvercrest Super Car Insurance, and Mix 93.8FM.

Beneficiaries of the Cape 1000 include the Motorsport Legends Benevolent Fund and Quadpara Association of South Africa (QASA).

5 tips for first-time car buyers

Learning how to drive and passing your driver’s licence test are major milestones. Once you have that little card in your hands – the next step is to get your own set of wheels, because you can’t keep borrowing friends and family members’ cars forever! Here’s how to start your search.

Buying your first car can be quite daunting – that’s why motus.cars, supported by Motus Nissan (previously Imperial Nissan), have put together these 5 tips to help you through the process smoothly…

1. Do your research before, and during, the car-buying process

Buying your first car is a considerable financial commitment, which is why you should do your homework. It will help you to understand the purchasing process, the responsibilities that come with car ownership and to know which specifications and features you need to look for in a vehicle to ensure that it will suit most, if not all, of your needs.

Friends or family members who have bought and owned vehicles may point you in the right direction and dealers’ sales staff are trained to help you with your car-buying journey, but much of the info you need is available online!

Car-buying research includes searching for the make and model of your desired car and making sure there aren’t any major consumer complaints, recalls, or safety-related defects related to that product. Remember, just because you like the look of a vehicle on a dealership floor – or in an online ad – doesn’t mean it’s a good first-time car.

It’s important to keep your emotions in check when researching your first vehicle. Make a list of the most important features that the car needs to have (such as its seating configuration, the type of transmission (manual or auto) and minimum safety equipment, such as ABS and a driver’s airbag) and stick to it.

Also research the fuel consumption and costs of maintenance (including the price of new tyres, brake pads, plus services and general repairs). That way, you can calculate how much car ownership will cost you every month.

2. Establish a budget

Be realistic with your car budget. Buying a vehicle is big step, but it’s only the first step; you have to keep the car on the road too. That’s why you should look for the best example of the most affordable vehicle that meets your needs right now – and for the foreseeable future. While the best option would be to pay cash, that’s not always possible.

Most car buyers need financing to buy a car. Remember, apart from the monthly repayments, you’ll need to budget for insurance, maintenance, registration, repairs and of course fuel (that’s why it’s important to research a car’s fuel consumption, even though it’s usually an optimistic estimate). South Africans spend more on fuel than on new cars.

With this in mind, it may take you some time to figure out what car you can truly afford, but, trust us, it’s worth it.

3. Look for certified pre-owned vehicles

We all dream of buying a spotless brand new car, but they’re usually prohibitively expensive for first-time buyers. A certified pre-owned vehicle is the best kind of used car you can buy because it will have been pre-checked and prepared for sale by a reputable dealer. It’s likely to have been reasonably well-maintained too, so if you encounter a problem with the car shortly after you’ve bought it, you will have recourse with the business that sold it to you!

It’s always advisable to buy a used car from a name you can trust. Visit your nearest Motus car dealership and let the outlet’s sales team assist you in finding a pre-owned vehicle that’s right for you. You can shop with peace of mind knowing that all the cars you are browsing are owned by Motus.

With motus.cars you can even book a test drive online. Simply click on the car you’re interested in, fill in the enquiry form and remember to tick the “book a test drive” box. Remember to take your valid driver’s licence along with you!

4. Inspect the car, inside and out

Take as much time as you need to conduct a visual inspection of the inside and outside of the vehicle you’re interested in buying. Used cars are never in immaculate condition – how could they be, if they’ve been driven by other people, even only for a short while? – and you may want to enquire whether a dealer would be willing to either address an issue that you have spotted, if necessary, or be willing to adjust their asking price accordingly.

It is also vitally important to find out the history of the vehicle – ask questions like:

How old is the vehicle? It may still have a balance of an active manufacturer warranty and service plan.
What mileage has the car done… and has it been serviced timeously, per its official mileage schedule?
Does it have a full-service history and papers? If it doesn’t, strongly consider looking at another car.

Once a dealership’s salesperson has answered all your questions about your prospective purchase to your satisfaction (remember, even minute details are important to clear up before you sign an offer to purchase), you’ll probably want to take the car for a test drive. If so, please see: About to take a test drive? 8 things to check

5. Secure financing

When applying for a finance agreement to facilitate the purchase of your first car, try to put down a deposit of at least 20% of the purchase price if possible (sometimes a 10% minimum will be required). By paying a deposit, you will demonstrate, to an extent, that you’re likely to pay your instalments regularly AND the more money you put down, the smaller your monthly repayments will be. Use this calculator to work out what your repayments will be.

Before you approach a bank for a loan, check with the dealership… They may offer their own financing options that could suit you better and, since all the payments and purchases come from one place, it makes things a lot simpler.

Don’t be daunted by the prospect of applying for vehicle finance. All dealerships have a specialist on their staff who is there to help clients make finance deals happen. What’s an F&I Manager? A guide to vehicle finance & insurance

Visit motus.cars for more info, tips and, if you’re thinking of selling your car (or trading it in on a new one), let motus.cars provide you with a vehicle evaluation. You can also join the conversation on Facebook and YouTube.

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5 tips for first-time car buyers

Learning how to drive and passing your driver’s licence test are major milestones. Once you have that little card in your hands – the next step is to get your own set of wheels, because you can’t keep borrowing friends and family members’ cars forever! Here’s how to start your search.

1. Do your research before, and during, the car-buying process

2. Establish a budget

3. Look for certified pre-owned vehicles

4. Inspect the car, inside and out

5. Secure financing

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