We get behind the wheel of the new Audi e-tron S Sportback – one of the many electric cars the German brand will be offering to the South African market.
Audi South Africa has committed to launching six fully electric cars on the local market within the next three years, and we were excited to be afforded the opportunity to drive the flagship SUV.
While Audi will sell ICE cars in South Africa (such as its RS range) until at least 2033, electric mobility is a big focus for the company and we’re excited to see the roll-out.
The flagship e-tron S Sportback that we sampled offers a stonking 370 kW of power and is good for a 0-100 kph time of 4.5 seconds – but it certainly feels faster, and offers a range of between 350 and 380km.
In this video, we take a detailed look at the newcomer and try to answer as many of your questions as possible.
For a detailed discussion on the future of Audi in South Africa, we hosted Audi SA’s MD, Sascha Sauer, in our podcast studio, and you can watch that video here:
How much does the Audi e-tron S Sportback cost in South Africa?
e-tron 55 advanced R1 990 000 e-tron 55 S line R2 045 000 e-tron 55 Sportback S line R2 115 000 e-tron S Sportback R2 425 000 e-tron GT R2 715 000 RS e-tron GT R3 300 000
French assets in Stellantis want to go electric earlier than most.
Peugeot is accelerating its transitioning to an all-electric vehicle line-up, which leaves very little room, for any future petrol cars, by the end of this decade.
The French brand, which is part of the Stellantis group, has confirmed that by 2030, it will only market electric vehicles in Europe.
A broader theme is how that decision could impact Peugeot’s international business. Like South Africa.
Will Peugeot retain some petrol engines to power its vehicles by 2030, for intentional markets? In theory, it could be the case. But in practice, it could be challenging.
As part of Stellantis global product strategy, Europe will become Peugeot’s market of choice. Peugeot’s strategy sounds quite clever because of favourable incentives toward electric car ownership and its legacy brand equity in Europe.
Smaller markets, like South Africa, could become a complicated issue. It is improbable that South Africa will have the required investment in electric vehicle charging infrastructure by 2030 – a date at which Peugeot’s product portfolio will be nearly wholly electric.
The French brand’s designers and engineers are working towards a future where four dedicated electric vehicle platforms will underpin all its products. And that leaves very little possibility for petrol engines – unless they are part of PHEV vehicle configurations. And what about the diesel double-cab bakkie question?
To engineer vehicle platforms that can be built as hybrids are complex. PHEVs also forego many of the benefits that full-electric platforms bring – such as a frunk and flat floor.
As Peugeot’s focus on electric drive increases towards its European goal of EV-only by 2030, peripheral markets could suffer from powertrain option starvation.
A specific challenge for Peugeot will be containing cost. It is a value brand in many markets, offering French design flair at modest prices.
Electric vehicles are very expensive, due to the implied R&D costs and components. Reconciling Peugeot’s desire for an all-EV product portfolio and entry-level pricing compatible with its compact car legacy, could prove difficult.
Stellantis may end up leveraging some of its other brands, such as Jeep, and Alfa to keep petrol versions going worldwide on legacy ICE platforms.
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has been spotted out testing on public roads. Despite the vast SUV portfolio, Merc still believes the E-Class has its place in the family.
Picture credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien. We have paid for these photos and at the photographer’s request, have watermarked them.
What you see here is the 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. It’s still fairly well camouflaged, but our spy photographers say the development of this model is quite far along and the real heavy-duty camouflage was only used internally at Mercedes. Are we looking at a groundbreaking design for the E-Class?
It’s too early to tell obviously, but naturally, you’d think the E-Class would look like a larger version of the all-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class, which in turn looks like a shrunken S-Class. We’d definitely bank on the all-new 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class not looking like any of the new EQ range, which is due to hit SA in early 2022.
From what we can see here, the design is long and very E-Class. The headlights and grille are just about visible, but we know that the devil is in the details. Inside, expect the full array of connectivity options as well as semi-autonomous driving tech. The new MBUX tablet-style infotainment screen is highly likely.
When it comes to engines, we suspect that the current crop of 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engines will be carried over, although they would have been given hybrid electric tech to help keep emissions down and improve economy. For those who are looking forward to the thundering 4.0-litre biturbo V8 in the AMG model, we have some bad news. Autocar is reporting that a plug-in hybrid 2.0-litre turbo will be offered. This will be a very similar setup to the all-new Mercedes-AMG C63.
Expect to see the all-new 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class revealed in 2022.
Mazda adds hybrid option to its popular compact hatch.
Badge engineering happens. And in a world of escalating R&D costs, you can expect to see it happen – a whole lot more.
Mazda is the latest company to ask for a favour. This time, from Toyota.
Although Mazda has a promising fleet of pure electric and PHEV vehicles on the horizon, it needs to dramatically reduce its fleet CO2 numbers – now.
To help Mazda, it has a new hybrid that looks an awful lot like Toyota’s European specification Yaris. Because it is.
Requiring a Mazda2 hybrid right away, Toyota has allowed its Japanese rival to put a Mazda badge on the Yaris hybrid. The result is an absence of Kodo design, with Mazda badging inside and out.
The Mazda2 hybrid uses a 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine, augmented by a single electric motor. Total system output is 85 kW, which is good enough for a benchmark 0-100 kph sprint time of 9.7 seconds.
Top speed is an undramatic 175 kph, but as with any hybrid vehicle, the true appeal is fuel economy.
The Mazda2 hybrid is claimed to run at 3.1L/100 km, making it a remarkably efficient proposition.
To reduce inefficiency, the Mazda2 hybrid defaults to full EV mode on start-up. Instead of burning fuel, it uses the electric motor at low speeds, to overcome inertia.
Regenerative braking technology also helps to harvest maximum efficiency from this hybridized Mazda2, feeding the recovered energy back into the battery and keeping it topped up.
The shift towards electric mobility is gaining momentum and many manufacturers are looking to the future and introducing electric vehicles (EVs) to the mass market. While electric cars aren’t as common in South Africa as in other parts of the world, things are changing steadily… Here are the major electric car introductions that you can expect to see in South Africa in the near future.
Vast distances, lack of charging infrastructure, range anxiety and the prohibitively high purchase prices of electric vehicles are likely to remain key factors that will continue to stifle the adoption of electric cars in South Africa for the foreseeable future.
However, the wheel is slowly turning and rapid technological developments in terms of fast charging, improved electric vehicle range, design and integration are addressing these concerns. The Jaguar Powerway (in partnership with GridCars) which was the result of a R30-million investment has made a significant difference in bolstering new charging infrastructure in major hubs and along major holiday routes across South Africa. Furthermore, brands such as BMW and Nissan have also collaborated to increase access to public charging infrastructure across the country.
If you haven’t yet done so, watch and listen to our Podcast: Will electric cars work in South Africa?
Earlier this year, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition released an Auto Green Paper on the Advancement of New Energy Vehicles in South Africa, laying the foundation for South Africa to gear up for local electric vehicle (EV) production. The Auto Green Paper is the first step in the process of developing the roadmap towards local EV and EV component production. Watch this space!
With fuel prices consistently rising, demand for electric cars might very well be at the start of a long upward trajectory in the medium to long-term and the arrival of the following products in coming months might be the start of a major shift in public perception towards electric mobility.
Electric Cars Coming to South Africa in 2022
Audi e-tron SUV / e-tron Sportback / e-tron GT – Q1 2022
The e-tron 55 SUV (advanced and s line) offers a total output of 300 kW and 664 Nm and uses a 95 kWh battery system to deliver a range between 369 and 440 km according to WLTP. Zero to 100 kph is claimed in 5.7 seconds.
The e-tron 55 Sportback packs the same battery and output as the above e-tron 55 SUV but features a slightly better range of between 372 and 453 km.
If you want more oomph, you might want to consider the e-tron S Sportback with 370 kW and 973 Nm. I twill dash from zero to 100 kph in just 4.5 seconds and offer a range of between 347 and 378 km.
As for the stylish e-tron GT, it delivers 350 kW and 630 Nm and makes use of a 93.4 kWh battery to deliver a range of between 433 to 472 km. the e-tron GT will sprint from zero to 100 kph in 4.5 seconds.
But that’s not all because there will be a more potent RS e-tron GT on offer too with no less than 440 kW and 830 Nm which will provide rapid acceleration from zero to 100 kph in only 3.6 seconds. Range is claimed at between 433 and 472 km for this derivative.
Mercedes-Benz will launch a flurry of new EV products in 2022 including the EQA, EQB, EQC and the EQS.
The EQA is an all-electric version of the brand’s GLA and there will be multiple derivatives of EQA to come, but the EQA 250 is likely to arrive first. Under the bonnet, there’s a 140 kW electric motor, which gives the EQA a range of 486 km based on the NEDC cycle. For those wanting more, there’ll be an all-wheel drive model, as well as models that have over 200 kW and long-distance versions that are said to offer at least 500 km.
The EQB was revealed in April 2021 and unlike other Merc EV products, it’s a 7-seater! Multiple versions of the EQB will be available including front- and all-wheel-drive versions. Different power outputs will be available too, with European derivatives exceeding 200 kW. Range is claimed at about 420km.
The Mercedes-Benz EQC will be powered by a pair of electric motors, combining to deliver 300 kW and 765 Nm of torque. There’s a motor on the front axle and a second at the rear, making it an all-wheel-drive vehicle. The Mercedes-Benz EQC is expected to offer a range of 450 km.
Merc’s EV offensive will be topped off with the ultra-luxurious, flagship EQS which will be initially offered as either the EQS 450+ with 245 kW or the EQS 580 4MATIC with 385 kW. Range is claimed at up to 770 km (WLTP).
Note that exact South African model specification and pricing details are not yet known and this information will be communicated closer to launch. Buy a used Mercedes-Benz on Cars.co.za
BMW iX3 and i4 – Q2 2022
BMW’s local electric car portfolio is due to expand with the introduction of the iX3 SUV and i4 sedan, both of which are due to arrive in the second quarter of 2022.
The iX3 is essentially an electrified version of the firm’s popular X3 SUV. Powering the 2022 BMW iX3 is an electric motor that’s packaged with the gearbox and electronics in one single housing. Outputs are rated at 210 kW and 400 Nm, and BMW says its updated iX3 is good for a 0-100 kph of just 6.8 seconds. Power consumption is said to be 18.9 – 18.5 kWh/100 km and the vehicle has a range of 460 km based on the WLTP cycle. Fast-charging is available and a 10-minute charge from a 150 kW charger will give you around 100 km of range.
As for the i4 eDrive40 sedan, it will offer 250 Nm and 430 Nm with a claimed range of around 483 km using an 83.9 kWh battery and a zero to 100 kph sprint time of about 5.9 seconds. There is a possibility that BMW will offer an i4 M50 derivative with at least 400 kW and a zero to 100kph sprint capability of 3.9 seconds but with a reduced range of 394 km.
Much bigger tyres and more clearance, for the lavish ‘Cruiser
Toyota’s Land Cruiser 300 is hugely capable. But what if you need a bit more?
The reliable folks at Arctic Trucks have developed an upgrade kit for the 300, with predictably impressive results.
With its traditional ladder-frame platform and lack of air-suspension, upgrading Toyota’s Land Cruiser 300 is an easier task than some other luxury SUVs. With unibody structures.
Big wheels are a theme of utility with Arctic Trucks and the 300 looks like it was always designed to roll those huge 35-inch tyres, mounted on sensible 17-inch rims. Reshaped fender extensions and mudflaps ensure adequate room for the huge tyres.
Supporting the enhanced mechanical traction of those massive tyres, are some suspension modifications. With the change in unsprung weight, due to those enormous tyres, Arctic Trucks have upgraded the front and rear suspension with different dampers and springs.
Where the Arctic Trucks technical expertise comes into play, is calibrating those suspension upgrades to remain within the functional threshold of Land Cruiser 300’s KDSS system. And its off-road traction control algorithms.
But what are the true off-road geometry gains? The Arctic Trucks 300 has a 320 mm wider tracking width – something that could be an issue on narrow off-road trails.
The most significant benefit is 40 mm of additional ride height, giving the Arctic Trucks 300 270 mm ground clearance when edging over obstacles.
Approach and departure angles also gain an impressive 5-degrees at either end of the Arctic Trucks 300. This should enable drivers to confidently venture into challenging and rocky terrain without the risk of leaving bumpers behind on the trail.
Local rally legend, Giniel de Villiers, together with 4×4 Mega World has developed a custom accessory package for the Toyota Hilux. See what’s available below…
Toyota Hilux owners who want to give their double-cab bakkie a new, purposeful look can now consider a new selection of accessories tailored by Giniel de Villiers and 4×4 Mega World.
“The idea with the GDV Racing Toyota Hilux is to offer enthusiasts the opportunity to live their passion. To my eyes, the bakkie is clearly non-standard, but it doesn’t feature any custom bodywork. This gives the car a stylish yet rugged appearance, and together with the changes under the skin, will set this vehicle apart from the regular Toyota Hilux” says De Villiers.
The GDV Racing treatment is offered in 3 tiers, depending on what a Hilux owner wants to achieve.
The first tier is essentially a basic decal kit (with signed Giniel de Villiers decals inside and out) while the second tier adds a stainless steel nudge bar, stainless steel roll bar, ARB intensity lights and Takla seat covers with GDV Racing embroidery.
The third top tier further adds 17-inch Dirty Life alloy wheels shod with 265/70R17 S/T Cooper Max Tyres as well as an adjustable Old Man Emu BP51 suspension system, the latter of which lifts the ride height by 50 mm while the dampers provide enhanced performance offroad.
As part of the deal, buyers will also receive a GDV Racing cap signed by Giniel de Villiers as well as a pair of GDV Racing Oakley sunglasses. The GDV Racing kits are available from selected 4×4 Mega World outlets countrywide.
“The GDV Racing kits can be fitted to either new double-cab bakkies or to cars that have been on the road for some time. We are treating this as a limited edition, however, so prospective buyers should make contact with us sooner rather than later” says Kurt Brunner, head of Business Development at 4×4 Mega World.
The all-new Ford Ranger is out in the open and attention now turns to its comprehensive accessories on offer.
The aftermarket accessories business is big money and naturally, the carmakers want to capitalise on that. With the launch of the all-new Ford Ranger, the Blue Oval said it had been working on a detailed catalogue of add-ons for its new bakkie.
While we’ve yet to hear from Ford South Africa in this regard, Ford Australia has already shared images of the goodies on offer. Divided into three categories of 4×4, camping and touring, these upgrades give the new Ranger a solid level of personalisation.
For the offroad enthusiasts, there’s a steel front bumper, red tow hooks (similar to those on the current Ranger Raptor), front skid plate, colour-coded bull bar, LED spotlights and a snorkel. Ford has worked with offroad specialists ARB to source some of these products.
Other images show a Ford Ranger with front-wheel arch protection, steel rock sliders, and a black sportsbar with a roof rack.
On the touring side of things, there’s a steel ARB front bumper, LED light bar as well as a protection bar in front of the grille, finished in matte black.
For the camping enthusiasts, a rooftop tent, bed canopy and sports bar are on offer.
These images are just the start of the Ford Ranger accessories program and while Ford will do its best to offer its own factory warranty-backed items, there’s no doubt the aftermarket industry will kick off with its own gadgets and gizmos.
As a reminder, the all-new Ford Ranger will be built in Pretoria, South Africa, both for local consumption and the export market. Its engines will come from Gqeberha, South Africa – boosting the local economy. The new Ranger will go on sale in 2022, with the order books opening in the 2nd quarter.
This week’s news you need to know (December 2021, week 1)
In this week’s automotive news you need to know: VWSA comes out guns blazing with new models for 2022, BMW’s design department appears to be overdoing the “creativity boosters”, bakkie special-edition season is well underway and Toyota brings customisation in-house, for the Corolla Cross, of all cars.
Volkswagen’s big reveal in 2022 – Big bang theory
It seems like the South African subsidiary of the German Giant has been shaken from its slumber by the rumble of new models from the East being rolled out of container ships docked at our nation’s ports (with Haval and Hyundai’s wares leading the charge). Volkswagen’s awakening has predictably been followed by a comprehensive response that leaves nothing to chance; the Wolfsburg-based brand’s line-up of new models for 2022 covers virtually all the bases it needs to. It’s a tactical move to ward off threats, protect an existing customer base and attract new business going forward, but what if?
What if recent successes of up-and-coming brands like Haval, which has set the blueprint for other emerging (mostly Chinese) manufacturers to follow, is creating more than just a hindrance for VW? Other established brands will also be concerned by the SUV brand’s competitive pricing and strengthening reputation. South Africans are brand-loyal and VW arguably has the most devoted following of all, but at what point will brand loyalty no longer rule buying behaviour? As affordability becomes all-important (and VW’s unlikely to be a frontrunner in that regard), that moment may happen sooner rather than later.
BMW Concept XM – The design debacle intensifies…
I’ve read that the practice of ingesting micro-dosages of hallucinogenic mushrooms (they’re all-natural and aren’t meant to be consumed recreationally or habitually – before someone gets the wrong idea) has been a popular – if taboo – method of unlocking original ideas in creative or artistic people for some time. Studies have shown it to work when a stale design concept, for example, needs invigoration, but perhaps the designers at BMW have got their micro-dosages a little wrong of late and, as a consequence, extended their minds way beyond the known universe to come up with new creations. I jest, of course.
Long-standing fans of Chris Bangle-era BMW designs (from the Noughties), let alone those who loved the boxy brilliance of Claus Luthe’s creations (from the Eighties) – and everything in between – have abandoned this new age of BMW design. They’ve opted to collect and cherish older Bimmers and reminisce about an era that has long since passed; as if to lock themselves in time capsules. I do feel for them as they’ve been fiercely loyal to the Bavarian brand, but I appreciate BMW’s eagerness to challenge the status quo under the leadership of the BMW Group’s design chief Adrian van Hooydonk and his new(ish) lieutenant, BMW Design head Domagoj Dukec. The Concept XM demonstrates that BMW’s future is bold, fearless and unsubtle. You can either jump aboard or get left behind – it’s up to you.
Isuzu X-Rider Limited Edition – If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em
South African manufacturers have well and truly embraced the “special edition” trend as they strive tirelessly to squeeze as much “bottom line” from ageing products as they can. The word “special” seems incongruous when applied to an 8-year-old model, even one that served its manufacturer well. We all know it’d be cheaper to buy a standard derivative and kit it out yourself (to make it even more special).
Production of the new-generation D-Max will start soon and, to Isuzu Motors SA’s credit, the Gqeberha-based firm has spent considerable time and effort to develop the bakkie to be better suited for local conditions (as opposed to its Mazda BT-50 cousin, which is imported from Thailand). But perhaps, instead of cooking up yet another Limited Edition of old faithful, it should have taken whatever market, design and manufacturing budget it could scrounge to maximise the new bakkie’s prospects in a cutthroat segment. Who knows, Isuzu might have unlocked more profit than a special edition ever could.
Toyota Cross customisation – Custom, papi!
The world of automotive after-market customisation is one of extremes; it features products that have been enhanced with tasteful, high-quality adornments that add appreciable cosmetic value… and then you get products that have been plastered with cheap knock-off bits and pieces, many of which seem bolted on haphazardly. The first follows a rather rigorous and thorough process of design, quality control, testing and problem-solving by specialist companies. The latter merely looks incredibly tacky, probably devalues your car and encourages more companies to make even tackier parts. It’s a mess.
Toyota and other manufacturers are now bringing aftermarket customisation in-house. On the one hand, well-chosen accessories do add to a model’s distinctiveness (dealers especially love it when buyers specify extras on their vehicle orders). On the other hand, I wish that manufacturers would rather ensure that their core products are quality propositions, as opposed to diluting what they can bring to the market by relying on “the icing” to secure buyers’ signatures. I understand there is money to be made, but I’d prefer better cars rolling off the production line. Leave customisation to the specialists, I say.
Bakkie 0-100-0 Testing – Hilux vs Ranger vs Amarok vs Navara vs P-Series vs BT-50
Braking is extremely important for bakkies, but it isn’t ever tested properly. We lined up 6 of SA’s top double-cab 4×4 bakkies to see which one brakes the best in this 0-100 kph and back to 0 shootout.
We lined up 6 of South Africa’s most popular bakkies (pick-ups) and headed far into the interior of the country, where we found a salt plan flatter than a snooker table.
It was the perfect place to stage a 6 bakkie drag race, and if you haven’t watched that video, you absolutely have to.
In this video, we used the opportunity afforded by miles and miles of nothing to do some more scientific testing of the vehicles. 0-100-0km/h testing is a great way of judging a vehicles acceleration and braking force combined. We repeated the process in all 6 bakkies, with Ashley Oldfield behind the wheel and GPS for accuracy and to counteract any speedo error in the different bakkies. Our video guy Ciro De Siena rode shotgun in each car to do the timing.
The result is the video you’ve landed on, and we hope you enjoy it!
