Morgan Aero 8: Classic Drive

A Morgan Aero 8 is an incredibly rare sight in South Africa. Only a handful more than 200 of these Series 3 cars were built, and fewer than 5 units came to South Africa. So, when you get an opportunity to test drive one, best you jump at the chance.

Willfully quirky, stubbornly traditional or just plain bizarre, the appeal of storied British marque Morgan’s cars leaves many perplexed. Then again, there is also a mystique about the brand that inevitably draws the attention of those petrolheads seeking something different, such as this 2007 Morgan Aero 8.

When the Morgan Aero 8 arrived on the market in 2000 with its cross-eyed face, it caused a sensation. After all, it was (then) Morgan’s first all-new car since the mid-60s! It was also positioned as Morgan’s first supercar, and was the first of the brand’s cars to step away from the wooden-body-tub-on-top-of-a-steel-chassis construction, using a bonded aluminium chassis instead.

Specifications:

Model: 2007 Morgan Aero 8 (Series 3)
Engine: 4.4-litre, V8, petrol
Power: 245 kW at 6 100 rpm
Torque: 450 Nm at 3 600 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Fuel economy: 11 L/100 km (claimed)
0-100 kph: 4.7 sec (claimed)
Top Speed: 257 kph (claimed)

Morgan worked closely with BMW on the project, including lots of testing at Miramas. And so you’ll find a lot of BMW DNA in this odd-looking machine. Under the centre-hinged bonnet flaps is a BMW-sourced 4.4-litre naturally aspirated V8 that pumps out 245 kW and 450 Nm of torque (sorry, not 210 kW and 430 Nm as I say in the video). Power goes to the rear wheels via a BMW 6-speed manual transmission.

Weighing in at only 1 100 kg, the Morgan Aero 8 delivers stonking performance, with a claimed zero to 100 kph time of around 4.7 seconds and a top speed of just over 250 kph.

And while its quirky looks may recall the past, it was a very up-to-date offering at the time of its launch, with dual front airbags, ABS, climate control, electric windows and so on.

What the Morgan Aero 8 is like to drive

As I edge the Morgan Aero 8’s long nose through early-morning traffic, the stiff clutch is initially quite intimidating. It also takes quite high, so you have to keep your wits about you when pottering around.

It’s also very clear, judging by all the finger-pointing and rubber-necking, that the car is as inconspicuous as Miley Cyrus crashing through a wall on a wrecking ball. You will be noticed.

Interestingly, when onlookers approach me to talk about the car, they either know exactly what it is (usually older gentlemen) or not at all. Either way, this British-made machine has a massive presence.

Parked next to the ocean for the photoshoot, I drink in the details. With the Series 3, Morgan fixed the squinty look front-end by again dipping into the BMW parts bin and emerging with period Mini Cooper headlights. I love the ribbed vents on the long nose, and when viewed from the rear 3-quarter, there is something truly retro-futuristic about it. This colour (also borrowed from BMW) truly pops, too.

The cabin has good space for 2 occupants (including impressive headroom), and there is some storage space behind the seats. The boot isn’t too big, but you should be able to fit 3 large soft bags in there for longer trips. The cabin is a wonderfully “traditional” place to be, with superb craftsmanship on display – the turned aluminium dashboard, light wood finishes and cream-faced VDO dials mark the Morgan Aero 8 out as something truly unique. I wish the steering wheel were a bit prettier, though…

With inboard shock absorbers, rose-jointed suspension and a chassis that is obviously very rigid, the Aero 8 feels very stiff. In fact, on bumpy roads, it can feel too stiff, so I had my concerns when I arrived at my preferred dynamic test route, which is quite bumpy in parts. Somehow, however, the roadster retains traction very well, and the suspension seems to “come alive” when you really start hustling the car.

There is no nanny electronic stability control system, and so while there is a limited-slip differential at the rear and ABS brakes, you are very much in control of your destiny with this car. It also takes time to get used to turning in that long nose, but once you’re familiarised, the Aero 8 is a blast to pilot.

The engine punches hard out of the corners, and the gearbox is wonderfully slick. And, surprisingly, the handling is actually quite benign, with any loss of traction at the rear occurring quite gradually, giving the driver time to correct without having a heart attack first.

It is believed that fewer than 5 of these Series-3 Aero 8s came to South Africa. This 2007 model had less than 19 000 km on its odometer when I drove it (in 2022). It had also very obviously been lovingly cared for in its first 15 years of service; the body was blemish-free, and the forged alloys devoid of scratches.

Clear vinyl was applied to parts of the body that are most likely to get chipped/scuffed, such as the very wide sills next to the doors. Inside, the car – even the BMW-sourced gear lever – looked almost spotless.

Summary

The opportunity to test drive the Morgan came out of the blue – I had prepared to test drive a Jaguar Mk8 (and done all my research on that model), but the day worked out differently. And so, I stepped into the Aero 8 with only my preconceptions, vague memories of British reviews from the early Noughties, and only had the car’s (then) sales listing as a reference. Quite frankly, I half expected it would be similar to my TVR experience – a car built up in my mind as something great, but ultimately disappointing.

Thankfully, the Morgan Aero 8 far surpassed my expectations. It’s a fantastic car to drive with zeal, the build integrity is admirable (considering that this is a low-volume car made by a small independent car firm), and it turns heads everywhere. It is by no means a cheap car, but something truly special and would make a fantastic, interesting addition to a car collection. Plus… you’ll actually enjoy driving it!

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10 best-selling bakkies in South Africa: March 2022

Time to comb through Naamsa’s detailed monthly sales figures once again to identify South Africa’s best-selling bakkies for March 2022. Let’s take a closer look at the numbers…

South Africa’s new-vehicle sales “exceeded expectations” in March 2022, with the industry’s overall figure growing 16.5% year on year to 50 607 units, representing the highest monthly total since pre-COVID days. Domestic sales of new light-commercial vehicles (including bakkies), however, fell marginally (2.7%, to be precise) to 13 795 units.

So, what happened in the traditional bakkie market? Well, since Toyota reported a record sales month (cracking the 15 000-unit mark for the first time) in March 2022, the Hilux predictably led the charge. The Japanese bakkie added more than 1 000 units to its February 2022 tally to end on a whopping 4 561 units. Much of that volume came courtesy of the dealer channel, though 586 units were registered to the government and 199 units were sold via the rental space.

With the launch of a new generation now mere days away, the outgoing Isuzu D-Max (1 378 units) – which will live on in South Africa rebranded as the D-Max Gen 6 – held steady in 2nd place, but it only just held off the Nissan NP200 (1 327 units), which in 2023 will perhaps finally get some competition in the form of the Renault Oroch. The outgoing Ford Ranger (1 052 units) again had to settle for 4th place, but at least found itself on the right side of 1 000 units in March 2022.

The impressively consistent KwaZulu-Natal-assembled Mahindra Pik Up (711 units) remained unmoved in 5th spot, while the Rosslyn-built Nissan Navara (603 units) climbed 2 places to grab 6th. Boosted by 200 sales to the rental market, the imported GWM Steed (493 units) retained 7th place, while its sibling the P-Series (441 units) fell two to 8th.

The evergreen Toyota Land Cruiser 79 (242 units) and outgoing Volkswagen Amarok (144 units) again closed out the table. VW has, of course, already released a number of teaser images of its upcoming second-generation Amarok, which will share a platform with the new Ford Ranger and be built in the same Silverton factory in South Africa.

Best of the rest in March 2022

What about the so-called bit-part players? Well, the Mahindra Bolero (100) was again the best of the rest in March 2022, while the Mitsubishi Triton range – which recently gained a new base model – added a handful of sales to its previous-month figure to total 33 units. The Peugeot Landtrek shed three units to end on 27, while Mazda had to make do with registering just 18 examples of its BT-50 (two more than it managed in February).

Export winners in March 2022

A whopping 6 423 units (up 1 552 units from February) of the Toyota Hilux were shipped from local shores in March, with the Ford Ranger’s export figure coming in at 3 652 units (down 1 060 units from February). The Isuzu D-Max (633), Nissan Navara (436) and Nissan Hardbody (31) made up the numbers.

10 best-selling bakkies in South Africa for March 2022

1. Toyota Hilux – 4 561 units

2. Isuzu D-Max – 1 378 units

3. Nissan NP200 – 1 327 units

4. Ford Ranger – 1 052 units

5. Mahindra Pik Up – 711 units

6. Nissan Navara – 603 units

7. GWM Steed – 493 units

8. GWM P-Series – 441 units

9. Toyota Land Cruiser 79 – 242 units

10. Volkswagen Amarok – 144 units

Buy a bakkie on Cars.co.za

Chery Tiggo 2 Pro: Should it come to SA?

Chery SA has been hard at work building its dealership network and launching its product portfolio, but one model has not yet been confirmed for South Africa. This is the Chery Tiggo 2 Pro.

Chery South Africa has two current offerings, the Tiggo 4 Pro and the Tiggo 8 Pro and we’ve driven both. The Tiggo 4 Pro offers commendable levels of features at a pocket-friendly price, while the Tiggo 8 Pro is a luxury 7-seater family SUV.

There’s still one more vehicle to be launched in South Africa, the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro, which sits between the two. Think of it as the equivalent to the Mazda CX range with CX-3, CX-30 and CX-5. Now while we’re not complaining about the current Chery Tiggo 4 Pro’s aggressive pricing, we do feel that there’s room for an entry-level crossover sitting below that.

Does such a product exist? Meet the Chery Tiggo 2 Pro. At first glance, it looks a bit like the Hyundai Kona with those narrow headlights, but the bodywork has all the makings of an urban crossover/compact SUV. With so many hatchbacks adopting offroad-looking bodywork and a raised ground clearance, it starts to make a business case a bit more feasible.

There’s not really a size clash with the bigger Tiggo 4 Pro. The 4 is 4318 mm long and has a wheelbase of 2610 mm, while the compact Tiggo 2 Pro is 4200 mm long and has a wheelbase of 2555 mm.

As far as engines go, we can see that the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro is offered with the 1.5-litre turbocharged motor, paired with an automatic gearbox. Outputs of 108 kW and 210 Nm are on par for the segment. There’s also a naturally-aspirated petrol engine with 83 kW and 138 Nm. Chery’s international site says the Tiggo 2 Pro has the same engines available.

If the Tiggo 2 Pro were to launch in South Africa, the differentiation will come in terms of features and standard equipment. Both the Tiggo 4 Pro and Tiggo 8 Pro are well equipped, but to keep the price aggressive, we suspect the smaller Tiggo 2 Pro might lose nice to haves like the digital dashboard, climate control and wireless charging.

Then there’s the issue of pricing. As it stands, the cheapest Tiggo 4 Pro is R274 900. Tiggo 2 Pro has the same engine, and same platform, but is physically smaller with a reduced level of features. We estimate it could be successful if it the range was priced in the R235 000 – R285 000 bracket.

Want to buy a new or used Chery vehicle? Browse stock now

Hyundai i30 N and Kona N (2022) Specs & Price

The performance offerings from Hyundai’s N division have touched down in SA. Here’s how much you can expect to pay for the Hyundai i30 N facelift and Hyundai Kona N.

The Hyundai N brand has become quite a force. With guidance and expertise from former BMW M boss Albert Biermann, performance Hyundai products have become serious contenders in their respective segments. Locally, it was just the Hyundai i30 N offered, with a manual gearbox, which while bringing some hands-on engagement didn’t quite resonate with the dual-clutch obsessed petrolheads in SA. Overseas, the Veloster N and i20 N are highly regarded.

Now for 2022 Hyundai South Africa has launched the facelifted Hyundai i30 N and the Kona N, and both are armed with 8-speed dual-clutch gearboxes. Power comes from a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder delivering 206 kW and 392 Nm, and driving the front wheels. There are custom driving modes that allow the driver to change various aspects of the vehicle like steering feel, engine mapping, exhaust note, and more.

There is a launch control function too, to enable perfect starts, while the active exhaust will let people know you’re driving something special.

Physically, the updated i30 N is fractionally longer and lower than the outgoing model, with the new forged wheels saving 14 kg of weight. Both cars are wrapped in performance Pirelli P Zero 19-inch tyres. Both cars also offer in-car telemetry with data like lap times, g-forces and so on.

From what we can see, the specification is full house – there are no optional extras. Both cars come with niceties like heated seats, multifunction steering wheel, wireless charging, climate control, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, while the Kona N boasts a heads-up display.

*This is a developing story as we’re at the local launch for the next two days. Driving impressions will follow soon.

How much do the new Hyundai i30 N and Kona N cost in South Africa?

The performance duo from Hyundai are sold with a 5-year / 150 000 km manufacturer’s warranty, an additional 2 year / 50 000 Km manufacturer’s powertrain warranty, 5 Year / 160 000 km manufacturer’s warranty, 7 year / 150 000 km roadside assistance, and a 5 year / 75 000 km Service Plan

Hyundai i30 N R749 900

Hyundai Kona N R749 900

New vehicle sales in South Africa: March 2022

South Africa’s new-vehicle sales figures for March 2022 are out, with the industry hitting its highest monthly sales total since pre-pandemic days. Let’s take a look at exactly what you need to know…

According to Naamsa, South Africa’s aggregate domestic new-vehicle sales reflected a healthy 16.5% year-on-year increase to total 50 607 units in March 2022, a performance the organisation said largely “exceeded expectations”. In month-on-month terms, this figure is almost 6 400 units up on February 2022‘s effort.

In fact, March’s performance represents the highest monthly sales total since October 2019, shortly before the world – and the automotive industry – was thrown into turmoil by the pandemic. Naamsa said the positive showing (largely driven by the passenger-vehicle segment) could be attributed to “pent-up demand aligned with the increasing normalising of business conditions as well as enticing new model choices in the domestic market”.

However, the organisation also pointed out that export sales recorded a year-on-year decline of 12.4% to 34 285 units in March 2022. For the first quarter of 2022, vehicle exports were thus 4.1% below the level of the same period in 2021.

WesBank, meanwhile, said the industry’s broader performance was “cause for the South African market to be a bit more bullish”, adding it provided an “injection of much-needed buoyancy”.

“In the face of interest-rate hikes, spiking fuel prices, and the ongoing industry challenges of supply, March’s new-vehicle market provided a lot to celebrate. Despite all these challenges, March indicated a positive sign of sustained growth,” said Lebogang Gaoaketse, head of marketing and communication at WesBank.

New vehicle sales summary for March 2022

Aggregate new vehicle sales of 50 607 units increased by 16.5% (7 187 units) compared to March 2021.
New passenger vehicle sales of 33 790 units increased by 27.0% (7 191 units) compared to March 2021.
New light-commercial vehicle sales of 13 795 units decreased by 2.7% (-389 units) compared to March 2021.
Export sales of 34 285 units decreased by 12.4% (-4 861 units) compared to March 2021.

10 best-selling car brands in South Africa for March 2022

Toyota was once again the country’s best-selling automotive brand in March 2022, cracking the 15 000-unit barrier to set its highest ever monthly sales total (smashing its previous record of 13 694 units achieved in September 2019). The Volkswagen Group remained in second, while Hyundai moved up one place to third, pushing Suzuki down one to fourth (despite the latter setting yet another new monthly sales record of 3 347 units). Renault and Ford each climbed a spot to sixth and seventh, respectively, forcing Haval two rungs down the ladder to eighth.

1. Toyota – 15 008 units

2. Volkswagen Group – 6 433 units

3. Hyundai – 3 816 units

4. Suzuki – 3 347 units

5. Nissan – 3 132 units

6. Renault – 2 600 units

7. Ford – 2 235 units

8. Haval – 2 036 units

9. Kia – 1 910 units

10. Isuzu – 1 723 units

10 best-selling vehicles in South Africa for March 2022

Considering the Japanese firm’s massive sales month, it’s no surprise the Toyota Hilux again led the charge as South Africa’s top seller, with total registrations exceeding 4 500 units. The likewise Prospecton-built Corolla Cross again claimed second, with Volkswagen’s Kariega-produced Polo Vivo holding steady in third. The facelifted Polo hatchback climbed three places to fifth, while the Nissan NP200 and Toyota Urban Cruiser returned to the table (at the expense of the Fortuner and Renault Kwid). The Suzuki Swift dropped three spots to tenth but still managed to crack four figures.

1. Toyota Hilux – 4 561 units

2. Toyota Corolla Cross – 2 384 units

3. Volkswagen Polo Vivo – 2 117 units

4. Toyota Hi-Ace – 1 675 units

5. Volkswagen Polo (hatch) – 1 430 units

6. Isuzu D-Max – 1 378 units

7. Nissan NP200 – 1 327 units

8. Toyota Starlet – 1 243 units

9. Toyota Urban Cruiser – 1 196 units

10. Suzuki Swift – 1 118 units

Top 5 vehicles exported from South Africa in March 2022

The Volkswagen Polo hatch retained its spot at the summit of the export table, with more than 9 000 units shipped from our shores. With BMW reporting individual model figures for the first time in a while, we can see the X3 placed second, with nearly 7 000 units exported from Plant Rosslyn. The Toyota Hilux placed third in the exports race in March 2022, with the Silverton-built Ford Ranger down in fourth and the Struandale-produced Isuzu D-Max in fifth. We should point out, of course, that Mercedes-Benz did not submit detailed figures for March 2022, so it’s unclear how many new C-Class sedan units were exported from SA during the reporting period.

1. Volkswagen Polo (hatch) – 9 236 units

2. BMW X3 – 6 852 units

3. Toyota Hilux – 6 423 units

4. Ford Ranger – 3 652 units

5. Isuzu D-Max – 633 units

Sales outlook

So, what’s next for South Africa’s new-vehicle market? Well, Naamsa says while the temporary reduction in the general fuel levy is welcome, escalating inflation risks, ongoing record fuel prices, low and stagnant economic growth and a rising interest-rate cycle will “impact the new market negatively going forward”.

In terms of new-vehicle exports, the industry representative body says it remains “optimistic” about 2022 on the back of “further new locally manufactured model introductions” on the horizon. That said, global growth is “expected to moderate” as the Russia-Ukraine conflict increasingly impacts demand and supply chains, particularly in Europe, which is the domestic industry’s top export region.

WesBank’s Gaoaketse adds though March sales returned a level of excitement to the South African new vehicle market, forecasts for the year may well need to be adjusted down given the aforementioned global conflicts.

“Although March sales are worth celebrating, the market still has challenges to face and shouldn’t be expected to continue displaying these levels of growth. The market will be hoping to arrive at levels of sustainable stability rather than peaks and troughs of volume performance. However, the indications are improving to make this possible,” Gaoaketse concluded.

7 Ways To Extend Your Car’s Life

Maintaining your car is very important and every car owner should learn to do this diligently – not only to increase the lifespan of their vehicle, but, more importantly, to keep them safe.

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Carrying out preventive maintenance in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations (for your car’s specific model) is the best thing that you can do for your vehicle to increase its operating life and, ultimately, save you money on repairs. Cars with a full service history will also be worth more when the time comes to sell them on (or trade them in). A vehicle that is maintained correctly will perform optimally and will also be lighter on fuel than a poorly maintained vehicle.

Here are 7 tips to ensure that your car is properly maintained for a longer life span, from motus.cars, supported by Motus Ford (previously Imperial Ford):

1. Check your air filter

If the engine is the heart of your car, the air filter is arguably the nose! Why? Because the air filter blocks dust, dirt and other impurities from entering your engine through the air-intake system. The problem is that air filters get clogged after a while and, because they can’t clean themselves, they’ll stop working properly. Therefore, get your air filters changed every 12 months or after 20 000 kilometres, whichever comes first. Filters are usually checked with every regular service.

2. Inspect fluids and tyre pressures regularly

Oil and water are very important components of your car and have a habit of wearing and running out if you don’t keep an eye on them. Check these at least once a month – it only takes 10 minutes – or ask a petrol attendant for assistance.

The oil is the lifeblood of your engine because it provides much-needed lubrication for moving parts that work at high speed and at lofty temperatures. Make sure that you use the correct grade of motor oil for your vehicle, because using the incorrect kind or poor quality of oil can cause major problems for your car, such as excessive wear of the motor’s internal components. This may lead to sluggish performance at best – and a catastrophic failure/seizure at worst.

Therefore, it’s important to check your oil level often, preferably every time you fill up with fuel (excessive oil loss may point to a leak in the lubrication system) and be sure to change your oil regularly too, preferably twice a year.

Water helps to regulate your engine’s operating temperature, so make sure that your car’s water level is sufficient and don’t forget to add antifreeze. Antifreeze increases the water’s boiling point, prevents water from freezing and, of course, helps cool your engine effectively. The mixing ratio is usually 50% antifreeze and 50% water. You should replace antifreeze approximately every two years. Take care when opening the water cap, especially when the engine’s hot.

When you stop at a petrol station to have your vehicle refuelled, ask that your tyres’ pressures be checked to make sure that they are inflated correctly. Refer to your owner’s manual to check what tyre pressure is suitable for your car’s tyres. Maintaining the correct pressure will minimise uneven tyre wear, reduce the chance of a tyre failure (blow-out), and optimise fuel consumption. For an accurate tyre-pressure reading, check the pressures when the tyres are cold.

TIP: Watch “How to change a flat tyre”.

3. Check your battery

Get your car’s battery checked regularly as batteries only have a lifespan of approximately three years. Having a fully charged battery is imperative because numerous vehicle components, such as the ignition system (to start the engine reliably on demand), head- and tail lights, aircon, radio, gauges etc draw power from it (and modern vehicles have many more electrical components than those). Batteries’ ability to discharge/charge diminishes as they get older, but if your battery runs down to the point that it’s difficult or impossible to start the car while the unit is still relatively new that may point to a drain on the system (an electrical fault) or a failing/malfunctioning alternator (which recharges the battery).

Batteries can also “die” when there is no failsafe system to stop the unit’s charge from being run down too far. Avoid jump-starting a modern vehicle if you can, because if you get the procedure wrong, you can damage its electric system.

TIP: Read “How to safely jump-start your vehicle”.

4. Clean your car regularly

Cleaning and polishing your car regularly will ensure the longevity of the paintwork, which is the sheet metal’s first line of defence against corrosion (rust), as well as rubber and plastic trimmings, especially if your car is often parked in the baking African sun. Bird droppings or tree sap should be washed off immediately, if possible. Therefore, do your best to keep the car clean for as long as you can: park it indoors, under a roof, or use a car cover so it stays cleaner for longer.

And remember, don’t use household cleaning detergents to clean your car, rather buy cleaning products (car shampoo, a high-quality chamois/sponge and soft drying cloths) that are designed specifically for cleaning cars.

TIP: Watch “How to remove pet hair from your car easily”.

5. Get your tyres rotated and balanced

This will prevent uneven or excessive wearing of tyres, because the longer you can make them last, the less frequently you will need to replace them. Tyres do not wear evenly – so by rotating the front and back tyres (the wheels that propel the car tend to wear faster), you balance the tyre wear evenly and ensure that the set lasts longer. Rotating your tyres on a regular basis (between 5 000 km and 10 000 km) will ensure the best results (and don’t forget those tyre pressures).

Also, make sure your tyres are correctly balanced whenever you have your tyres changed or repaired – a tyre service centre can assist you in this regard, although the service isn’t complimentary (as fluid and tyre pressure checks are at a fuel station, for example). It is important, though – unbalanced tyres cause premature and irregular tyre wear and can damage your vehicle’s suspension. If you feel vibrations while driving, you need to have your tyres balanced correctly.

You should also check your car’s wheel alignment, which can be done upon request when you take your car for a service or by a tyre service centre. It’s important to have your wheels and steering components correctly aligned to prevent premature and uneven tyre wear. Alternatively, you should check your wheel alignment after every 10 000 km. If you notice uneven tread wear on your tyres, the best remedy is to have your front wheels correctly aligned.

TIP: Read “Rotate your tyres to extend their life and improve performance!”.

6. Clean your windshields and replace the wipers

If you do not clean your car’s windscreen properly (the windscreen spray/wipe function may not be sufficient), the accumulated dirt or insect residue on your windscreen not only makes it difficult to see – it can also scratch the glass.

Make sure that your windscreen wipers are functioning properly and that their rubber blades have not perished. Also, make sure that you have sufficient water in your windscreen-washer reservoir (again, a fuel station attendant can help you).

When the rainy season is approaching, be sure to check your wipers and get the blades replaced if necessary. Some motorists replace their cars’ windscreen wipers at least once a year.

TIP: Watch “How to get rid of squeaky wiper blades easily”.

7. Check your brakes

It’s important to check engine oil and coolant levels regularly, but don’t forget about the brake fluid either. Brake fluid is hygroscopic, which means it absorbs water and, if it becomes contaminated with moisture, the car’s hydraulic braking system, which relies on the fluid, will no longer function properly. Replace it timeously. To ensure that your brake fluid is sufficient, consult your owner’s manual and follow the directions to check the level in your car’s brake-fluid canister.

Remember, safety is paramount… If your brakes are making unusual noises or you notice your vehicle’s not stopping as quickly as it should, get the car’s brake pads and disks checked out by a dealer- or reputable independent workshop.

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.

Fuel Price Increases for April 2022

The Central Energy Fund has announced fuel price adjustments for April 2022.

Update: Earlier this month, the South African Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, announced interventions to help bring relief to consumers and the wider industry as steep fuel increases are expected for the month of April 2022.

As a starting point, Phase 1 of intervention will see the General Fuel Levy temporarily slashed by R1.50 per litre from Wednesday, 6 April 2022 to 31 May 2022. The General Fuel Levy for petrol will be reduced from the current R3.85 per litre to R2.35 per litre while the R3.70 levy for diesel will be reduced to R2.20 per litre. The Road Accident Fund Levy and the Carbon Fuel Levy remain unchanged.

This intervention will cost the government around R6-billion in foregone tax revenue for the 2 month period and the cost will be recouped by selling strategic crude oil reserves held by the Strategic Fuel Fund and will therefore not have an impact on the fiscal framework outlined in the 2022 Budget.

Phase 2 of interventions, as of June 2022, as proposed by the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy includes a price cap on 93 octane petrol which will allow retailers to sell below regulated prices. A 3 c/l reduction in the Basic Fuel Price is also on the cards while the Demand Side Management Levy (DSML) of 10c/l on 95 unleaded petrol (inland) is due to be scrapped. Furthermore, the publishing of guidance on diesel prices will also be stopped to promote competition and the Regulatory Accounting System (including the retail margin, wholesale margin and secondary storage and distribution margins) will be reviewed to assess whether adjustments can be made to lower the margins over the medium term. Interventions to reduce price pressure for illuminating paraffin will also considered over the medium term.

“The intention of the temporary reduction of the general fuel levy is to support a phasing in the fuel price increases that we are expecting in the short term. This will go some way in assisting South Africans to adjust to the new reality,” said Godongwana. addressing Parliament on Thursday.

South African consumers have been hit hard in the last few months with unrelenting fuel price increases and for the first time, motorists are now paying over R21 per litre of fuel. However, the fuel price crisis is expected to worsen following the current Russia-Ukraine conflict which has yet to be resolved.

International oil prices and the South African Rand’s performance against the US-Dollar are key factors that determine the monthly fuel price adjustments.

On 24 February 2022, the Brent Crude oil price was recorded at $95.42 per barrel. This was the same day that Russia undertook its military action in Ukraine. Mere days later, the Brent Crude oil price surged to well over $130 per barrel before slowly tapering off to below $100 and then rising once more. International markets, however, remian volatile.

On a more positive note, the Rand’s performance against the US-Dollar has strengthened over the same period.

Fuel price adjustments for April 2022

The Central Energy Fund (CEF) has announced the following increases:

Petrol 95: increase of 36 cents per litre;
Petrol 93: increase of 28 cents per litre;
Diesel 0.05%: increase of R1.53 per litre;
Diesel 0.005%: increase of R1.69 per litre;
Illuminating Paraffin: increase R2.66 per litre

The Government’s temporary R1.50 reduction of the Fuel Levy has helped to take the sting out of the fuel price increase but this levy is due to be re-instated as of June 2022, so the relief will be short-lived.

Apart from motorists having to pay more for fuel at the pumps, fuel price increases have a severe impact on food production (farming) and increases will have a negative impact on food prices, putting even more pressure on already stretched household budgets.

Updated BMW 8 Series (2022) Price Announced

BMW has given its 8 Series a makeover as part of its midlife update. See SA pricing details for the latest BMW 8 Series below!

The new head-turning BMW 8 Series arrived in South Africa back in 2019 and BMW has now implemented a Life Cycle Impulse (LCI) in an effort to keep the model bang-up-to-date in terms of styling and equipment.

The 8 Series is offered in varying body styles including the Coupe, Cabriolet and Gran Coupe with the range being headlined by the M8 Competition.

What’s changed?

The illuminated kidney grille with U-shaped grille slats is the easiest way to recognise the updated 8 Series.

Starting with the exterior changes, all 8 Series model variants (barring the M8) now feature the M Sport package as standard. However, perhaps the most significant styling addition is the ‘Iconic Glow’ kidney grille (also standard) which illuminates when the car is unlocked or when a door is opened. Some might find this feature to be too gimmicky but you will be able to disable the feature if you wish.

The M Sport treatment adds aerodynamically-optimised elements in body colour seen on the front apron, side skirts and rear apron. The latest 8 can be identified by its horizontal slats while the diffuser insert in the rear apron is finished in Dark Shadow metallic. The look is finished off with double-spoke 19-inch M light-alloy wheels with M sports brakes with blue callipers.

The M850i xDrive derivatives gain the M8’s M exterior mirrors and front spoiler attachment while the M850i xDrive Coupe gains an M rear spoiler. Other new features for the M850i XDrive include a powerful M sports brake system, M sports differential and Y-spoke 10-inch M light-alloy wheels. An optional M Sport Package Professional adds a black grille, black callipers, black spoiler and Shadowline headlights.

As part of BMW M GmbH’s 50th anniversary, buyers can also have the optional, classic “BMW Motorsport” logo fitted on the bonnet, tailgate and wheel hub covers. A total of 4 new body colours will also be offered and they include Skyscraper Grey metallic, San Remo Green metallic, M Portimao Blue metallic and BMW Individual Frozen Tanzanite Blue metallic. Additionally, 2 new wheel choices will also be offered.

Moving inside, BMW Individual Merino leather is also standard but the most notable change is the fitment of BMW Live Cockpit Professional which is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, replacing the previous 10.25-inch digital interface.

When will the updated BMW 8 Series come to South Africa?

Pricing and local specifications for the BMW 8 Series and M8 Competition will be communicated closer to launch.

Current powertrains for the BMW 8 Series will be carried over (barring the diesel derivatives) and BMW South Africa has confirmed that local customers can expect to see the new BMW M8 Competition Coupé, the BMW M8 Competition Cabriolet and the BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupé in local showrooms from the third quarter of 2022.

The BMW M8 is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine delivering 460 kW and 750 Nm and comes mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The M850i xDrive employs the same powertrain but is tuned to deliver 390 kW and 750 Nm.

Buyers can also opt for a 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder petrol engine (840i) with 250 kW and 500 Nm while the previous 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine (840d) with 235 kW and 680 Nm has now been committed from BMW’s local pricelist.

What is the price of the BMW 8 Series in South Africa?

BMW 840i Gran Coupe – R1 770 000

BMW M850i xDrive Coupe – R2 280 000

BMW M850i x-Drive Convertible – R2 430 000

BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe – R3 350 000

BMW M8 Competition Coupe – R3 400 000

BMW M8 Competition Convertible – R3 550 000

Buy a BMW 8 Series on Cars.co.za

Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace (2022) Specs & Price

Volkswagen South Africa has quietly released specifications and pricing for its facelifted Tiguan Allspace, despite the fact that its local launch is still seemingly a handful of months away.

While the refreshed Volkswagen Tiguan arrived in South Africa towards the middle of 2021, the 7-seater Allspace version has yet to officially hit the market (and is due only in the third quarter of 2022). However, the German firm’s local division has now added pricing and other details to its website.

Like the updated Tiguan, the refreshed three-row Allspace features tweaked exterior styling as well as additional digital elements in the cabin (including touch-sensitive controls for the climate system). Owing to its redesigned front end, the Tiguan Allspace has grown to a length of 4 723 mm.

The renewed Tiguan Allspace line-up now comprises four derivatives, with three engine options carried over unchanged. As with the standard wheelbase model, the updated Allspace drops the Trendline, Comfortline and Highline trim levels, instead switching to Life, Style and R-Line.

From what we can tell, the rejigged range does away with a pure base model, leaving the Life variant as the entry point. This derivative employs the VW Group’s familiar 110 kW/250 Nm turbocharged 1.4-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine, which drives the front axle through a 6-speed DSG transmission. This powertrain is also offered in R-Line guise.

There’s again also a 2.0 TSI engine available in Style specification. In this case, the turbocharged four-pot makes 132 kW and 320 Nm, peak outputs that are directed to all four wheels via a 7-speed DSG gearbox. The high-output version of this powerplant sits at the summit of the range (also in R-Line trim), generating 162 kW and 350 Nm.

Standard equipment and options

Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace — *The refreshed Tiguan Allspace is 27 mm longer than before.*

The Life model ships standard on 18-inch Frankfurt alloy wheels, while the cabin features the Composition Media 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system (like all variants, with the option of upgrading to the Discover Pro 9.2-inch arrangement for R17 700) and fabric seats. A digital instrument cluster is likewise standard, as are automatic headlamps, tyre-pressure monitoring, a powered tailgate and park distance control (fore and aft).

Upgrades for the Style trim level include 18-inch Nizza alloys, hill-descent control, comfort front seats (heated and electrically adjustable) and Vienna leather upholstery. Finally, the R-Line models gain 19-inch Valencia alloys (with the option of 20-inch Suzuka items in a choice of two finishes), R-Line logos for the front seats, a sports steering wheel, ambient cabin lighting, dark-red taillamps, and the R-Line body kit.

The Black Style Package is furthermore available for the R-Line trim level, adding a black chrome grille, black decorative trim on the side windows, black side-mirror caps and the otherwise optional black-painted Suzuki 20-inch alloy wheels.

How much does the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace cost in South Africa?

All Allspace models come with a 3-year/120 000 km warranty and a 5-year/90 000 km service plan (with intervals of 15 000 km).

Tiguan Allspace 1.4 TSI (110 kW) Life R671 700
Tiguan Allspace 2.0 TSI (132 kW) Style 4Motion R726 000
Tiguan Allspace 1.4 TSI (110 kW) R-Line R719 700
Tiguan Allspace 2.0 TSI (162 kW) R-Line 4Motion R798 000

Volkswagen Caddy (2022) Launch Review

The Volkswagen Caddy has been a mainstay of the South African market for several years. The latest version of the model has finally found its way to our shores, but with stock shortages and lengthy delays plaguing the Wolfsburg-based brand at the moment, how long will the Caddy’s domination of the small van/MPV segment continue?

What’s new with the Caddy?

The new Caddy has wider opening doors than before and easier-to-remove seats.

The old leaf-sprung Caddy is gone – this new version is underpinned by the MQB platform, which underpins the Golf 8 and Polo (as well as numerous other VW/Audi products). It’s bigger inside (in all variants of the expanded lineup) and those who intend to use the new Caddy as a people-carrier may be pleased to know that the rear row has been converted from a single bench into 2 individual seats. That makes the seats much easier to extract and avails more seating options.

Noting the dual-purpose nature of the Caddy (owners buy them for doing business- and pursuing leisure activities), the German small MPV’s design has been updated to a stylish, less appliance-like appearance that could persuade SUV buyers to try out the “van lifestyle” without fear of being expelled from their social circles.

The engines have been reworked to provide more linear power and torque delivery, while the old 5-speed manual has been swapped out for a 6-shifter. It’s notable that there isn’t a DSG (automatic transmission) in the range yet – VWSA appears to be struggling to acquire an allocation of the DSG derivatives, because Mzansi isn’t considered a major Caddy market. Autos are expected to arrive eventually, but the timeline could be anything from 6 months… to a few years.

Search for a used VW Caddy here

Is the Caddy more practical?

There are more tethering points in the rear and a wider load bed.

There are 2 variants available in terms of wheelbase. You get the Caddy Cargo, which is the short wheelbase, or the Caddy Maxi, which is the long wheelbase. The shorter Caddy nevertheless has a longer wheelbase than the previous model (+73 mm) and is also slightly wider (+62 mm). Strangely, the Maxi is actually a bit shorter than the outgoing model (by 25 mm) in terms of overall length and its wheelbase has shrunk by 36 mm. It’s still easily recognisable as a Maxi variant though, as the standard Caddy length is 4 500 mm, compared with the Maxi’s 4 853 mm. The wheelbase difference is 2 755 mm for the Caddy versus 2 990 mm for the Maxi.

The rearmost seats in the Caddy are now individual seats (previously it was a single bench) and weigh just 22 kg. Therefore, they are reasonably easy to lift in and out of the vehicle.

Interior load space has been improved too – the Caddy’s hold is now capable of accommodating a full-size Euro pallet. The limited width of the previous Caddy meant a pallet wouldn’t sit flat in the rear.

What’s more, moving to MQB has had some effect on the load capability, with the Caddy’s payload dropping from around 750 kg to between 650 kg and 700 kg (depending on the variant).

No Composition Media here, just a simple touchscreen fitted with the basics.

You can never have too many storage compartments in a van, but the Caddy has always been particularly nifty in this department. We noted that the Caddy Cargo has a roof compartment, whereas the Caddy Kombi people-mover doesn’t. There’s an odd storage tray (for assorted bits and pieces, we assume) on the dashboard, but it isn’t fitted with a grippy lining that would stop items from sliding around when the MPV’s cornering, however.

Dual sliding doors are available on the Caddy Cargo and the Caddy Kombi variants, while you get a choice of tailgate styles to choose from. You can either have the single tailgate which rises up like a normal hatch, or you can have the traditional split-door configuration with new hinges that allow the doors to open to 180-degrees – this was also a choice on the previous version.

The infotainment system is a down-specced version of what we’re used to seeing in Polos and Golfs, but without being overly complicated, it still incorporates most of the modern features and connectivity that you’d want, such as Android Auto and Apple Carplay, as well as Bluetooth telephony and audio streaming.

What’s the new Caddy like to drive?

With the MQB platform, the Caddy feels more composed on the road and less like a commercial vehicle.

The shift from a commercial-vehicle chassis to a passenger-car platform has made the ride quality of the Caddy measurably better. It’s more composed over bumpy roads and traversing speed bumps doesn’t result in a “pogo-stick bouncing”.

The seating position has generous height adjustability for those who like to be perched up high (in a typical van-like driving position) or lower, for those who prefer a more passenger car-like feel when they’re behind the ‘wheel.

The engines that have been carried over from the previous model include the 1.6-litre naturally aspirated 4-cylinder petrol. This engine is the most popular choice among South Africans due to its proven track record for reliability and relatively low maintenance costs. I see this engine as a city runabout for small businesses, as it’s much better in short bursts than out on the freeway, where the distinct lack of torque (152 Nm) makes overtaking manoeuvres a bit trickier to execute.

The 1.6-litre engine will also struggle if you intend to use the Caddy’s maximum payload capacity or tow big trailers. It did turn out to be quite fuel-efficient on our launch route, however… After 100 km, the 1.6 returned an average consumption figure of 6.5 L/100 km with two passengers and some small bags on board. The new 6-speed gearbox helps to optimise fuel efficiency because the top gear drops the revs appreciably once you’ve reached cruising speed on a freeway.

The 2.0-litre turbodiesel (81 kW/300 Nm) makes more sense for heavier loads or for lifestyle/people-mover buyers. The turbodiesel’s torque band seems much wider than before and the motor pulls smoothly when accelerating from low revs.

The engine seems particularly unstressed, which should make it quite reliable in the long run, but we’ll only really be able to say for sure after the vehicles have been on sale for a while.

2022 Volkswagen Caddy pricing & after-sales support

The Caddy has always proved popular as a reliable choice with a wide dealer network to back it up.

Caddy 1.6i 81 kW Manual	R484 200
Caddy 2.0 TDI 81 kW Manual	R573 800
Caddy Maxi 2.0 TDI 81 kW Manual	R600 400
Caddy Kombi 1.6i 81 kW Manual	R412 100
Caddy Kombi 2.0 TDI 81 kW Manual	R476 100
Caddy Maxi Kombi 2.0 TDI 81 kW Manual	R502 700
Caddy Cargo 1.6i 81 kW Manual	R404 000
Caddy Cargo 2.0 TDI 81 kW Manual	R460 600
Caddy Maxi Cargo 2.0 TDI 81 kW Manual	R487 200

The new VW Caddy is sold with a 3-year/120 000 km warranty, while the Caddy Kombi, Caddy Maxi Kombi, Caddy Cargo and Caddy Maxi Cargo come standard with a 2-year/unlimited km warranty. The entire Volkswagen Caddy range also comes standard with a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. The service interval is every 15 000 km. A 3-year/45 000 km service plan is included as standard, with multiple options available to upgrade the length of the programme.

Check out our specs & pricing article here

Summary

The Caddy seems to be more appealing as a lifestyle vehicle now than as an out and out workhorse.

The new Caddy’s biggest achievement is that it feels considerably more car-like to drive compared with its much-loved predecessor. With the seats in or out, practicality has been improved through the provision of more harnessing points, which make it easier to remove and re-install seats. The overall payload has admittedly been reduced with the shift to a unibody platform, but the space inside is more usable/practical than before.

As a working vehicle, the Caddy will appeal to buyers who seek the strong backup network that Volkswagen offers in South Africa, while the unfussy drivetrains promise to deliver many, many kilometres of loyal service.

If you’re looking to procure a Caddy as a lifestyle vehicle, the lack of derivatives with an automatic transmission might not be ideal, but the manual ‘box doesn’t require any real heavy-lifting to use. The Caddy is sure to store all your surfboards, mountain bikes and family members in a package that looks trendy when parked at the beach… or in the school parking lot.

Morgan Aero 8: Classic Drive

A Morgan Aero 8 is an incredibly rare sight in South Africa. Only a handful more than 200 of these Series 3 cars were built, and fewer than 5 units came to South Africa. So, when you get an opportunity to test drive one, best you jump at the chance.

Specifications:

What the Morgan Aero 8 is like to drive

Summary

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7 Ways To Extend Your Car’s Life

Maintaining your car is very important and every car owner should learn to do this diligently – not only to increase the lifespan of their vehicle, but, more importantly, to keep them safe.

1. Check your air filter

2. Inspect fluids and tyre pressures regularly

3. Check your battery

4. Clean your car regularly

5. Get your tyres rotated and balanced

6. Clean your windshields and replace the wipers

7. Check your brakes

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Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace (2022) Specs & Price

Volkswagen South Africa has quietly released specifications and pricing for its facelifted Tiguan Allspace, despite the fact that its local launch is still seemingly a handful of months away.

Standard equipment and options

How much does the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace cost in South Africa?

Further Reading

Volkswagen Caddy (2022) Launch Review

What’s new with the Caddy?

Is the Caddy more practical?

What’s the new Caddy like to drive?

2022 Volkswagen Caddy pricing & after-sales support

Summary