Honda HR-V (2022) Review

Whereas its predecessor was a conservative compact family car, the new Honda HR-V is more of a stylish small crossover. However, the once-popular Japanese brand is now increasingly viewed as a boutique offering in our market – is the new HR-V impressive enough to stand out in a hotly-contested segment?

We like: Good spec, safety tech and cabin space, relaxed cruiser, Magic Seats

We don’t like: Underpowered engine, variable fit-and-finish quality, expensive

FAST FACTS

  • Model: Honda HR-V 1.5 Executive
  • Price: R554 500
  • Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol
  • Power/Torque: 89 kW and 145 Nm
  • Transmission: CVT
  • Fuel consumption: 6.0 L/100 km
  • ​​Luggage capacity: 304–1 274 litres

Serious about buying/selling?

Some Honda dealerships regularly offer great deals. See our New Car Specials!

Looking to sell your car? You can sell your car to SA’s biggest dealer network

Search for a new or used Honda

Where does the Honda HR-V fit in?

The HR-V is Honda’s compact family car, which slots above the WR-V and BR-V, but below the CR-V. There’s one powertrain in the range and 2 levels of trim: Comfort and Executive. The key difference between the two is that the latter has an advanced safety package fitted.


The LED tail-light clusters, connected by a light bar, are very fashionable right now.

This segment of the market is booming, with well-established brands’ models competing against aggressively priced wares from newcomers such as Haval and Chery. By using the Cars.co.za Buyer’s Guide and our Comparison Tool, we’ve narrowed down the rivals to the HR-V based on price and other selling points, such as powertrain, after-sales and features.

Compare the Honda HR-V to the Haval H6 and Chery Tiggo 7 Pro here.

Compare the Honda HR-V to the Hyundai Grand Creta and Toyota Corolla Cross here.

You could also look at the Kia Seltos, Volkswagen Taigo, Opel Mokka, Jeep Renegade, Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, Mazda CX-30, Suzuki Vitara, and Subaru XV to name but a few.


A fresh design has endowed the Honda HR-V with a more distinctive kerb presence.

How the Honda HR-V fares in terms of…

Design and Packaging

It’s certainly quite an interesting vehicle to look at with its colour-matched front grille and the LED light bar that brilliantly spans the tailgate at night – both elements are very trendy.

Size-wise, the new-generation Honda HR-V is much the same as the outgoing model, but clever repackaging has resulted in improved occupant space… Rear legroom is good for tall adults, plus the pair of sunroofs will no doubt add to the feeling of airiness in the cabin.


For the first time, the HR-V features hill descent control.

Magic Seats – a seating system that allows the rear bench to fold completely flat (to make it easier to fit bulky or oddly shaped items in the load bay), remains a highlight of the HR-V.

From the driver’s point of view, the cabin ambience is pleasant, and the fascia design ergonomically sound. Some of the cabin materials and fixtures feel high-end (such as the ventilation outlets and climate-control knobs), but some aren’t quite upmarket enough for a vehicle at this price point.  

The touchscreen infotainment system incorporates most expected functions, but Android Auto/Apple CarPlay connectivity enhances that appreciably. A wireless charging pad and two USB ports are provided at the front, while the rear features two USBs (to charge devices).


The Honda HR-V cabin architecture is well thought out.

One of the main reasons that this flagship Executive derivative has such a premium asking price is because it comes fitted with additional driver-assistance technology. Grouped under the Honda Sensing suite, the test unit’s active safety features included autonomous collision-mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and road-departure mitigation.

To put it as simply as possible, these systems will intervene if the vehicle drifts out of its lane or detects that a front collision is imminent (and deems that the driver hasn’t reacted to onboard warnings in time). There are 6 airbags fitted, whereas the Comfort derivative has 4.


The buttons operated the electric tailgate, stability control, park distance, and driver-assistance controls.

Another interesting safety-focused feature is the LaneWatch camera, which is automatically activated when the vehicle’s indicator is on and provides the driver a view of their blind spot.

Other noteworthy features are the 8-speaker audio system (there is a 4-speaker setup on the Comfort), automated tailgate, keyless entry, push-button start, hill-descent control, electronic handbrake, steering wheel controls, and auto high-beam headlights (always a plus).

Performance and Efficiency

The outgoing HR-V was available with either a 1.5- or 1.8-litre petrol engine, the latter of which delivered a good blend of performance and fuel economy. In the new HR-V, however, there’s only a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol motor with 89 kW and 145 Nm; power goes to the front wheels via a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).


Cabin quality is a bit inconsistent. Those HVAC controls feel substantial.

Those outputs look mediocre “on paper” and indeed, the HR-V feels gutless compared with its rivals, most of which are turbocharged (in other words, offer their peak torque outputs at low revs). The engine does not propel the 1 300-kg Honda with any meaningful urge and, to make matters worse, the CVT blunts performance further. Executing an overtaking manoeuvre at freeway speeds can be a rather noisy affair – the engine sounds strained beyond 3500 rpm.

The rate at which a car can accelerate from 80- to 120 kph is a good indicator of in-gear performance, but the Honda… ambles. We appreciate that compact family cars are meant to be practical first and fleet-footed last, but we conducted our test at sea level, with a single occupant on board. In Gauteng (where the Honda will lose 17% of its power due to the thinner air), a fully occupied (and loaded) HR-V is likely to be frustratingly slow to pilot.


Clear instrumentation along with the test unit’s (good) indicated fuel-economy figure.

Having said that, if you’re in no hurry whatsoever, the CVT will keep the HR-V’s engine revs very low and facilitate relaxed cruising. That, of course, benefits fuel economy. While some way off the claim of 6 L/100 km, we felt that dipping under 8 L/100 km was a fair result.

We assume that Honda SA chose the 1.5-litre non-turbocharged powerplant for the sake of offering the HR-V at a reasonably competitive price, but the Civic’s 127 kW/220 Nm 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine would have been a better fit. We understand that a petrol-electric hybrid version is on the cards for South Africa in the near future, but alas, it will be pricey.

Ride and Handling

Despite its frustrating lack of urge, the HR-V isn’t bad to pilot… once the newcomer is well up to speed. If you adopt a laid-back driving style, it cruises in a quiet and refined manner, which is okay for the daily commute, but unlikely to attract younger buyers to the model.


The HR-V’s multifunction steering wheel, replete with assisted-driving tech buttons.

The ride quality is fair, with the 18-inch tyres doing a good job of soaking up most of the road imperfections. On some surfaces, we experienced higher-than-expected road noise, but that can be drowned out by the in-car entertainment system. Mzansi’s roads are generally in a poor state, so we’re happy to report that the HR-V comes fitted with a full-sized spare wheel.

The steering setup is well-weighted; it evokes the feeling of piloting a reassuringly substantial vehicle. An interesting inclusion is Honda’s Agile Handling Assist system, which cleverly brakes the inside wheel when you’re going around corners – it sharpens the handling slightly.

It’s a gimmick in something as leisurely paced as the HR-V, but the tech does work – the car feels a bit more wieldy than a small SUV should. Now if only it had a bit more gusto…


18-inch wheels, shod with reasonably plump tyres, contribute to a fair ride quality.

Price and After-sales support

The Honda HR-V is sold with a 5-year/200 000 km warranty and a 4-year/60 000 km service plan. Service intervals are every 15 000 km.

Honda HR-V Comfort CVTR469 000
Honda HR-V Executive CVTR554 500

Some Honda dealerships regularly offer great deals. See our New Car Specials here!

Looking to sell your car? You can sell your car to SA’s biggest dealer network here

Search for a new or used Honda here

Verdict


If the competition wasn’t so stiff and a punchier engine was available, the HR-V would be easier to recommend.

So, should you buy one? The new Honda HR-V is an unremarkable offering. Apart from more adventurous styling and slightly better occupant space – it does not move the game forward in any area, at least not enough to position it near the top of its segment. The Executive derivative’s driver-assistance tech is great and would appeal to buyers who want to “buy down” from medium- and executive SUVs, but at R554k, it’s not a steal.    

Given the exceptionally strong rivals the HR-V is up against, we can easily recommend at least 5 other models that are nicer to drive, better finished and offer more value for money.

If you are prepared to accept the newcomer’s pedestrian performance (Honda’s traditional clientele won’t mind) and can negotiate a good deal from a Honda dealer, then perhaps it is worth a closer look, but we think the competition is just too stiff for the HR-V to thrive.

Mercedes-AMG A35 and CLA35 Edition 55 (2022) Specs & Price

Yes, Mercedes-Benz is launching yet more Edition 55 models in South Africa! Here’s how much you’ll pay for the Mercedes-AMG A35 (hatch and sedan) and CLA35 Edition 55…

We’ve already brought you local pricing for the Mercedes-AMG A45 S and CLA45 S Edition 55. Now special anniversary versions of the A35 hatchback, A35 sedan and CLA35 have appeared on Mercedes-Benz South Africa’s configurator.

Conceived to mark 55 years of the AMG brand, the special models gain all sorts of extra kit. But how much extra do you have to cough up? Well, the Edition 55 package adds R216 200 to the base price of R943 903 in the case of the A35 hatch, though also forces the selection of the R21 000 Premium Package and R2 000 auto front-passenger airbag deactivation system. A spot of arithmetic takes the total to R1 183 103.

It’s a similar story with the saloon version of the A35 (which starts at R977 296), though here specifying the R6 400 keyless-go comfort package is also required. That leaves the A35 Sedan Edition 55 priced from R1 222 896.

The only difference with the CLA35 (which has a base price of R1 067 448), meanwhile, is the auto front-passenger airbag deactivation system forced by the selection of the package costs slightly less at R1 800. As a result, the CLA35 Edition 55 starts at R1 312 848.

Performance, of course, is unchanged from the standard models, with both the A35 and CLA35 employing a turbocharged 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol mill, which delivers its 225 kW and 400 Nm to all four wheels via an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. The result is a sprint from standstill to 100 kph in a claimed 4.7 seconds in the case of the A35 hatchback, 4.8 seconds for the A35 sedan and 4.9 seconds in the case of the CLA35. All three models are electronically limited to 250 kph.

What do you get for splashing the extra cash?

You’re no doubt wondering what the Edition 55 package includes. Well, as with the A45 and CLA45 versions, the AMG Aerodynamics Package, AMG Night Package and AMG Night Package II are all part of the deal, along with a paint colour choice of Cosmos Black metallic or Digital White metallic, and decals (featuring the traditional AMG emblem) running along the sides of the vehicle.

The 19-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels feature a matte-titanium grey colour and a high-sheen rim flange, while the AMG fuel-filler cap is finished in silver chrome and branded with the requisite “AMG” lettering.

Inside, the AMG Performance seats up front are upholstered in red-and-black leather, while the AMG Performance steering wheel is trimmed in microfibre and gains an “Edition 55” badge. The kit furthermore includes door-sill panels with red illuminated “AMG” lettering and black floor mats made of velour with red contrasting stitching and “Edition 55” lettering.

You’ll also notice plenty of brushed aluminium trim elements in the cabin, with accents in black and red. Finally, the price includes an AMG indoor car cover in black with a silver-coloured AMG logo at the height of the upper edge of the windscreen.

How much do the A35 and CLA35 Edition 55 cost in South Africa?

Mercedes-AMG A35 Hatch 4Matic Edition 55: R1 183 103
Mercedes-AMG A35 Sedan 4Matic Edition 55: R1 222 896
Mercedes-AMG CLA35 4Matic Edition 55: R1 312 848

Mercedes-AMG CLA35 Edition 55

Suzuki Brezza Revealed for 2023

The Suzuki Brezza is the updated version of the Vitara Brezza and after quite a few teasers, it’s finally been revealed. Here’s all you need to know about it.

First things first, note the name change. Maruti Suzuki says this model will lose its Vitara prefix and will become just the Brezza. Could there be a new Suzuki Vitara around the corner?

This is the new Suzuki Brezza which essentially a facelifted model of the Vitara Brezza. Under the skin it shares the same platform as the outgoing model. Physically, the newcomer is identical in size in comparison to the current-shape Vitara Brezza.

The first thing that’s changed is the look. The styling has been substantially revised both inside and out, and the new design is quite different from anything else in the current Suzuki stable. There’s more of that offroad-looking plastic cladding around the body and skid plates. There are new LED headlights, a slick new grille and at the rear are new LED taillights.

The cabin has been completely overhauled, but we can see design elements and features from the brand-new Suzuki Baleno have been adopted. The new 9-inch touchscreen infotainment screen and heads-up display are tell-tale clues for example. There are new climate control buttons and it appears the model on display is the top-spec derivative.

The new Suzuki Brezza will also feature premium features like an electric sunroof, wireless charging pad, 360-degree camera, Arkamys premium audio system and USB port connectivity.

As far as engines go, there’s a new motor. The 1.5-litre DualJet motor features mild-hybrid technology and produces 76 kW and 137 Nm. Power goes to the front wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed automatic. It is unclear at this stage if this cleaner motor is earmarked for our market.

Speaking of, we reached out to Suzuki SA who said they were studying the product for our market. We’ll update this article when we hear more.

Some Suzuki dealerships regularly offer great deals. See our New Car Specials here!

Looking to sell your car? You can sell your car to SA’s biggest dealer network here

Search for a new or used Suzuki here

Further Reading

Suzuki Vitara Brezza S-Edition Review

2023 Kia Seltos Announced

The facelifted model of the stylish Kia SUV has just been announced. Here’s a look at the updated 2023 Kia Seltos.

Time sure is flying. It feels like the Kia Seltos is still a fairly recent introduction to the South African motoring market, but a quick check through the archives shows that 2.5 years have passed since its local debut. We’ve been impressed right from the get-go, with it grabbing a #CarsAwards finalist position due to the Seltos offering a great blend of engines (petrol, diesel and turbo-petrol), plus its packaging puts it in the bigger portion of the segment. 

Now there’s an updated model. The 2023 Kia Seltos gets a number of changes, both inside and out. At face value, we can see a revision to the front end, with new-look headlights, daytime running lights, and a new grille. At the rear, there’s a light bar stretching its way across the rear of the vehicle – a common design element that’s very popular these days across all brands. 

2023 Kia Seltos

The interior of the 2023 Kia Seltos is where you’ll see blatant updates. The cabin sees the traditional gear lever replaced by a rotary switch. It’s not too dissimilar to that found in the Kia Sorento, one of our favourite of the 3-row family SUVs. The dashboard has been restructured to accommodate the two new 10.25-inch digital screens. It’s great to see physical buttons for the climate control as a current trend is to integrate everything into the infotainment screen these days. 

There is no word on the tech available or what engines will be offered. We understand that Kia globally likes to reveal vehicles in stages, with the first look being all about the design. This is what’s happening now, with technical details coming soon at the Busan Motor Show in South Korea, which takes place in July 2022. 

We reached out to Kia South Africa and a representative said the introduction date has not been confirmed for the new 2023 Kia Seltos yet. We’ll update this article as we learn more about the SUV. 

Some Kia dealerships regularly offer great deals. See our New Car Specials here!

Looking to sell your car? You can sell your car to SA’s biggest dealer network here

Search for a new or used Kia here

Further Reading

Kia Seltos diesel review

Jaguar Preparing Ultra-Luxury EV SUVs for 2025

A fresh report out of the UK suggests Jaguar will come out swinging in 2025 with three electric sports crossovers. Here’s what we know so far.

The report from UK publication Autocar says the British brand Jaguar will be planning three brand-new electric sport crossovers from 2025. Interestingly, Jaguar will also be positioning itself into the ultra-luxury segment and targeting the high net worth individuals who’d typically fall into Bentley clientele.

The report suggested the three new offerings would punch through the £100 000 (R2 million) ceiling, comfortably higher than anything currently offered by Jaguar in SA. Currently, it’s the flagship Jaguar F-Pace SVR that is priced around that mark.

Read More: Jaguar F-Pace SVR Edition 1988 Coming to SA

Along with the new 3-vehicle line-up will come a new strategy for Jaguar to go from a mainstream British alternative to BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz to an exclusive, premium, limited-run manufacturer. Underpinning the new models will be a new single platform called Panthera. This will feature state-of-the-art electric motors, 800v charging, and a comprehensive connectivity suite.

The news should please Jaguar fans as the brand has been awfully quiet over the past few years, with minimal new product and/or updates. Autocar says this is down to its management team being “acutely aware of the risks associated with completely overhauling a company with such strong traditions as Jaguar; and are determined to “have something great to show” before they take the wraps off their new models.”

Some Jaguar dealerships regularly offer great deals. See our New Car Specials here!

Looking to sell your car? You can sell your car to SA’s biggest dealer network here

Search for a new or used Jaguar here

Further Reading

All-new platform coming for Jaguar

Jaguar I-Pace Review

Mercedes-AMG A45 S and CLA45 S Edition 55 (2022) Specs & Price

Edition 55 versions of the Mercedes-AMG A45 S and CLA45 S have appeared on Mercedes-Benz South Africa’s configurator. So, let’s take a look at the price and what you get for the extra money…

Mercedes-AMG marks its 55th year of existence in 2022 and has given a handful of its performance models the aptly named “Edition 55” treatment to celebrate. And it seems the special-edition versions of the A45 S and CLA45 S are coming to South Africa.

Yes, we spotted these two fresh models on Mercedes-Benz SA’s configurator, suggesting order books have opened (we understand orders will be taken until the end of the year). So, how much extra will you pay? Well, the A45 S starts at a heady R1 233 243, while the Edition 55 package adds a further R216 200 (and also seemingly forces the selection of the R21 000 Premium Package and R2 000 auto front passenger airbag deactivation system) to the price. By our maths, the total thus comes to R1 472 443.

What about the CLA45 S version? Well, the “standard” (for want of a better term) model starts at R1 347 787, while the Edition 55 kit again adds R216 200 and furthermore requires the selection of the R21 000 Premium Package, the R6 400 keyless-go comfort package and the R1 800 auto front-passenger airbag deactivation system. The grand total? A whopping R1 593 187.

Let’s take a look at what you get for the extra outlay. In both cases, exterior paint colour choices are limited to Cosmos Black metallic and Digital White metallic. There are also decals running down the flanks of the vehicle (featuring the traditional AMG emblem), along with 19-inch AMG cross-spoke forged wheels in a matte-titanium grey hue.

The AMG Night Package, AMG Night Package II and AMG Aerodynamics Package are all also included, along with a centre cap (branded with “Edition 55”) for the each of the wheels, an Edition 55 fuel-filler cap (finished in a silver-chrome colour) and a special AMG indoor car cover.

Inside, you’ll find AMG Performance seats upholstered in 2-tone (red and black) leather. The AMG Performance steering wheel, meanwhile, gains an “Edition 55” badge, as do the black floor mats fashioned from velour with red contrasting stitching. The cabin upgrade is rounded off by door-sill panels with red illuminated “AMG” lettering and various trim elements finished in dark brushed aluminium, with accents in black and red.

The Edition 55 package incorporates no performance upgrades, though we doubt many buyers would require more power than already offered by these two high-performance compact cars. As a reminder, each employs Affalterbach’s turbocharged 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine, which generates lofty peak outputs of 310 kW and 500 Nm. Delivered to all four wheels through an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, that’s enough for a sprint from 0-100 kph in a claimed 3.9 seconds in the case of the A45 S and one-tenth tardier for the CLA45 S.

How much do the A45 S and CLA45 S Edition 55 cost in SA?

Mercedes-AMG A45 S 4Matic+ Edition 55: R1 472 443
Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S 4Matic+ Edition 55: R1 593 187

Mercedes-AMG A45 S Edition 55

Sell your car fast, easily and safely on Cars.co.za


Do you want to sell your vehicle? Cars.co.za’s new Sell Car service makes it easy for you to offer your vehicle to more than 1 500 pre-qualified dealers nationwide… and it’s completely free.

When you want to dispose of – or replace – your vehicle, you’re probably looking to sell it on or trade it in. Selling your vehicle privately may enable you to attain a better price than what you’d get on trade-in, but it is a laborious process that is not without costs.

Selling a vehicle privately may not be suitable or convenient for you, but what if you could sell your vehicle easily and safely, so that you can be free to shop around without worrying about how much the dealer that stocks the car you want will offer for your vehicle?

Indeed, you don’t have to travel from dealer to dealer to hunt for the best price for your current vehicle… A new service by Cars.co.za makes it easy (and free) to offer your vehicle to a growing list of more than 1 500 pre-qualified dealerships countrywide, each of which seeks quality used vehicles.

Advantages of Cars.co.za’s new car-selling platform

  • It’s free!
  • Uploading your vehicle is simple and quick – you can even do it on WhatsApp!
  • No spam, only serious dealer offers
  • Accepting or declining offers remains your choice

Cars.co.za’s Sell Car service is simply the easiest, fastest and most effective way to market your vehicle to more than 1 500 pre-qualified dealers nationwide.

“The service represents a quick, simple and safe way to offer a vehicle to hundreds of dealers (who are looking to increase their inventory) and, best of all, it costs the seller absolutely nothing,” says Anthony Kouderis, the project leader of Cars.co.za’s Sell Car service. “Plus, dealers contact owners directly, which saves time and effort.”

Consumers can upload their vehicle details here using any platform – desktop, mobile or app. If you can’t upload the details yourself, you can connect with us on WhatsApp and we’ll do the heavy lifting for you. The number to use for Whatsapp is 064 709 3190.

Since the Cars.co.za Sell Car service went live, more than 1 500 dealers nationwide have activated it. A seller may receive multiple offers on their car from Cars.co.za’s network of trusted dealer partners within 48 hours of uploading their vehicle’s details. A seller can then decide which offers (and dealers) they’d wish to connect with.

Importantly, direct contact with the dealer is only established at the seller’s discretion, thereby protecting them from any spam-related communications.

How it works

Once a seller has successfully uploaded their vehicle on the platform it will appear on participating dealers’ systems for a period of 48 hours, during which dealers can make offers on the vehicle. Those dealers will receive stock alerts that notify them when a prospective model that meets their stock requirements has been loaded on the system.

Should the seller receive one or more offer(s), an email and SMS will be sent to them, which will include a link to a dashboard that contains a list of offers. To reiterate, the seller’s listing will be live for 48 hours, during which they may receive offers for their vehicle. Upon connection, the seller’s details are shared with the dealer and vice versa.

Sellers can contact dealers directly via the dashboard once a connection is established. However, offers are subject to a vehicle inspection and sellers are under no obligation to sell their vehicles to the connected dealers. They can reject offers and provide feedback as to why they rejected them, which provides dealers with feedback on their offers.

A seller will also have an opportunity to re-activate their vehicle listing if they have not received any offers or did not like the offers they received (which would have expired).

“When every Rand counts, and dealers are so fiercely trying to source good stock, this service is ideally suited to satisfy both sellers and dealers,” Kouderis concludes.

Click here to access Cars.co.za’s Sell Car service – it’s FREE

Big Power Supra Street and Strip build – Is this the fastest road-legal Supra in SA?

The Toyota Supra is an icon in the motoring world, but one South African has taken his to another level.

This red monster is named El Jefe, or The Boss. Featuring extensive mechanical work under the hood, this Supra is capable of over 800 kW on the wheels. Impressively, it’s completely road-legal and is often driven to events, participates and then is driven home.

Watch the video and enjoy this fantastic build!

Want to buy a new or used Toyota Supra? Browse vehicles for sale now.

Further Reading

Meet the 9-second Toyota DragLux

Additional Driving Laws Proposed for SA

The Western Cape provincial government has put forward a proposal to change some of the driving laws in SA. Here’s what they entail.

The report from BusinessTech says the provincial government of the Western Cape has put forward potential road safety laws in order to protect labourers who go to and from work on the back of bakkies. 

Accidents involving workers on the back of bakkies are too common and there’s no safety systems designed to protect them. A recent incident in the Western Cape saw 35 farm workers badly injured. The proposed changes revolve around the strengthening of road traffic regulations, focusing on labourer transport. 

Other suggestions include the introduction of a speed limit of 80 kph for vehicles carrying passengers in the open load bay as well as investigating the possibility of a national government subsidy for rural public transport like busses for workers. 

 The DA’s Western Cape spokesperson on Agriculture, Andricus van der Westhuizen said, “Whilst the Western Cape Provincial Government has sought to strengthen rural transport in the province, the responsibility for traffic regulations is a national competency under the National Department of Transport,” van der Westhuizen said. “The ANC National Government must, therefore, seriously consider the abovementioned proposals in an effort to improve safety protocols for farmworkers.”

There are other changes afoot, with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) investigating the possibility of speed reduction in urban areas, with a focus of the roads near schools and popular cycling routes. If all goes according to plan and it is approved, motorists will face a 20 kph reduction on all roads. So a current 60 kph road in a residential area would then drop to 40 kph, while a national highway will drop from 120 kph to 100 kph. 

If there are updates to this story, or if the legislation goes through, we’ll keep you posted. Do you think the proposed changes will help improve road safety?

Further Reading

Five new cars for sale under R3000/pm

Three new cars we want in SA right now

BMW Announces switch to Android Automotive OS in 2023

BMW looks set to switch to a new operating system for its infotainment setups, with rollout tipped for 2023.

Android Automotive Operating System (OS) is not to be confused with Android Auto – an in-car mirror of your phone’s functionality. We’re talking about a full Google-powered car infotainment system integrated into a vehicle.

We’ve already had a first taste of the system when we drove both the Volvo XC60 T8 Recharge plug-in hybrid and the XC40 P8 Recharge electric vehicle. Our first impressions were not overwhelming, but to be fair, the previous Volvo Sensus system set the bar rather high.

Google in the Volvo XC60

Now, BMW has joined Volvo, Polestar and other brands as they’ve ditched their native OS for a Google-powered system. The news comes directly from BMW, who used the Automobil-Elektronik Kongress to announce its new plan. Not much detail was shared, but it will be interesting to see how its rolled out as not every model in BMW’s portfolio has received the brand-new Operating System 8, which we’ve sampled in the BMW iX and BMW i4 M50.

BMW’s Senior Vice President of Connected Company and Development Technical Operations, Stephan Durach, added “We are integrating the best aspects of all worlds – that could be our own in-house developments, Open Source or commercial software products, depending on what the specific solution looks like.” He went on to say the company wants to make sure “our customers always enjoy a unique, customized digital experience in their vehicle.”

The great thing about Android Automotive OS is its open and customisable, and therefore BMW can create something that incorporates the best of Google (likes Maps) but still retains a BMW-like user experience.

You’d think a brand-new infotainment system would take some time to roll out, but BMW says the first cars equipped with Android Automotive OS will be revealed in March 2023. Watch this space!

Further Reading

The curved display is coming to more BMW models

BMW i7 and 7 Series revealed

BMW X7 gets new look and more tech