Nissan Navara Single Cab (2021) Specs & Price 

Nissan South Africa has expanded its Navara range which now includes the single cab body style in addition to the Navara double-cab bakkie which was introduced earlier this year. 

Earlier this year, Nissan welcomed a thoroughly revised, locally-assembled Navara double-cab bakkie to market

Now, Nissan’s local Navara range has been expanded to include single cab derivatives which are ready to get to work with a payload of up to 1 144kg. 

What engines are offered for the Navara single-cab bakkie? 

The Nissan Navara single-cab bakkie can be had with either a petrol or diesel engine under the bonnet.  

The naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre petrol engine offers 118 kW and 233 Nm and is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. This engine is offered in base XE trim only and is the most affordable derivative in the range. 

Those who seek diesel power can opt for the 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine with 140 kW and 450 Nm which is also paired with a 6-speed manual transmission and offered across 3 trim lines including the base XE, mid-spec SE and top-spec SE.

Both 2WD and 4WD derivatives are on offer. 

Look at the detailed specifications for the Navara single-cab bakkie here

How much does the Nissan Navara single-cab bakkie cost in SA? 

Pricing is accurate as of October 2021.

NAVARA SINGLE CAB – 2WDIncl VAT
NAVARA 2.5 Petrol XE MT SCR316 700
NAVARA 2.5D XE MT SCR355 700
NAVARA 2.5D SE MT SCR430 700
NAVARA 2.5D LE MT SCR461 700
NAVARA SINGLE CAB – 4WD
NAVARA 2.5D 4×4 SE MT SCR496 700
NAVARA 2.5D 4×4 LE MT SCR534 000

The Nissan Navara is sold with a 6-year/150 000km warranty and a 6-year/90 000 km service plan. 

Buy a Nissan Navara on Cars.co.za

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Ford’s new Tourneo is a Caddy Connect

VW’s small van goes blue oval as the global collaboration begins to take shape.

Ford’s corporate development agreement with VW has delivered a new American badged MPV, that is actually quite German.

The American company’s latest Tourneo Connect is very much a VW Caddy 2021 clone. That means this Ford uses the VW MQB platform, with all its advanced engineering benefits.

Ford’s design team has tried to give the VW-platform Tourneo Connect some separate identity with its grille design and unique wheel options.

The core engineering details are an interesting blend of Ford powertrains and VW platform.

Engine options are either the 1.5-litre EcoBoost turbopetrol, good for 85 kW and 220 Nm, or two 2-litre turbodiesels, boosting 82 kW/280 Nm or 90 kW/320 Nm.

Pairing these engines to their drive wheels, are a six-speed manual gearbox or seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Don’t think for a moment that the latter is a VW DSG, as Ford specifically references the seven-speed dual-clutch being its own PowerShift transmission.

With the move to VW’s MQB platform, the new Tourneo Connect is the first of its lineage to offer all-wheel-drive. Interestingly, the all-wheel-drive option is only available with a six-speed manual gearbox and the more potent 2-litre turbodiesel engine.

It is unclear whether this all-wheel-drive system is VW 4Motion or a Ford development.

Infotainment has been an area of traditional Ford strength. Its various iterations of Sync have been excellent device pairing systems. Strangely, Sync (or any of its versions) isn’t mentioned once in all the technical information relating to Ford’s new Tourneo Connect.

Ford has confirmed that two infotainment screen options will be available: an 8.25-inch on entry-level versions and the 10-inch on mid-to premium-grade Tourneo Connects. The unanswered question is whether this new Ford MPV uses VW’s latest-generation infotainment system or a hybrid version of Sync.

There is mention of the FordPass Connect feature and FordPass Pro smartphone apps, but nothing about which coding it uses to master the infotainment.

There are no current plans for Ford South Africa to introduce the new Tourneo Connect in South Africa at this stage. However, should plans change, we will keep you updated!

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How the AmaFord changes everything

Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series (2021) Specs & Price Announced

Mercedes-Benz SA has quietly loaded up the hardcore AMG GT Black Series specifications and pricing. Here’s how much you can expect to pay for the ultimate road-going AMG vehicle!

Black Series is the name given to the highest tier of AMG products. AMG products themselves are already fast and performance-focused, but when given the Black Series treatment, things are dialled up to 11! Despite recent news that suggests the AMG GT coupe and cabriolet range will be ending by December 2021 to make way for the all-new Mercedes-Benz SL, the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series has quietly snuck into SA with reports of the first units making their way to the new owners. 

This is not your run-of-the-mill AMG GT that has been given a wing and a bit more power. Mercedes-Benz has endowed the motor with a flat-plane crankshaft, new camshafts and exhaust manifolds, a dry-sump configuration and revised firing order in addition to beefing up the twin-scroll turbochargers and intercoolers. As a result, the engine revs to 7 200 rpm, and produces 537 kW from 6 700 to 6 900 rpm and 800 Nm of torque from 2 000 to 6 000 rpm – which represent improvements of 107 kW and 100 Nm respectively on the Mercedes-AMG GT R (430 kW/700 Nm).

The M178 LS2 powerplant is mated with a 7-speed dual-clutch AMG Speedshift transmission, which Benz has recalibrated to deliver more intense shifts (as suited to a track environment), and the copious torque is directed to the rear 20-inch lightweight forged-alloy wheels via a 40% lighter carbon-fibre torque tube.

Mercedes-AMG says the GT Black Series can dispatch the 0-100 kph sprint in 3.2 seconds, hit 200 kph in less than 9 seconds, and go on to reach a top speed 325 kph. Its wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres and, for improved stopping power, the newcomer features enlarged drilled and vented carbon-ceramic discs with 6-piston black-painted calipers up front and 4-piston units at the rear. There’s a trick traction control yellow dial mounted in the centre of the dash that offers 9 settings. Then there’s that look. It resembles one of the GT3 racecars, but these wings and splitters are functional and adjustable. 

Mercedes-Benz SA has loaded the new AMG GT Black Series into its configurator and we get an idea of what’s on offer. Note that this is a Black Series, so personalisation options are minimal with the vehicles already coming to showrooms pretty loaded as far as standard specification goes. From the configurator, you can choose from an array of colours. Some are no-cost options, while the AMG Magmabeam orange costs R151 400. The matte-grey Designo Selenite Magno is R46 600 for example. 

Standard spec includes the AMG Track Package comprising a titanium roll bar, 4-point seat belts. You also get the AMG Exterior Carbon package as standard, as well as Keyless Go, front camera, reversing camera, automatically dimming mirrors, electric folding exterior mirrors, AMG performance steering wheel in Dinamica microfibre, Blind Spot Assist, and Lane Keeping Assist. Given the exclusivity of these Black Series products, there aren’t going to be many around. A source close to Cars.co.za reckons around 12 units are coming to South Africa.

An interesting option for R934k gets you the P One edition, complete with a special model badge, unique interior, AMG wheels with green pinstriping, and a very special two-tone paint finish. 

The Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series P One Edition

How much does the AMG GT Black Series cost in South Africa?

Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series        R7 524 120

Further Reading

End of the road for the Mercedes-AMG GT?

AMG GT Plug-in hybrid with over 600 kW announced

End of the road for the Mercedes-AMG GT?

Is it the end of the road for the Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe? A report says production of the German supercar will come to an end in December 2021.

According to Spanish outlet Motor.Es, production of the Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe will come to an end in December 2021 and the order books have already closed. While nothing official has been confirmed by Mercedes-AMG itself, the brand’s track record of launching of Black Series derivative is followed by the end of production.

With the flagship Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series out and about, and a few confirmed for South Africa, the writing is on the wall. The Mercedes-AMG GT has been quite the car for the German carmaker. Designed as a rival to the ultra-successful Porsche 911, it couldn’t quite match the heritage, but it ran Stuttgart’s finest very close as far as performance went. With its incredible looks and the 4.0-litre biturbo petrol V8 on duty, this was a special vehicle. There were quite a few derivatives on offer, catering for all needs. You could get a base coupe, a stylish cabriolet as well as some hardcore track-focused monsters. 

The Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe also proved to be a great platform to show off just how versatile that V8 engine was. In its lowest state of tune, you had 345 kW on tap. Before the Black Series was unveiled, the performance AMG GT R Pro packed 430 kW. With some substantial modifications under the bonnet, including a flat-plane crankshaft, the AMG GT Black Series punched out 537 kW! 

Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe to be replaced by SL?

So, where to from here? We do not know if there will be a successor to the AMG GT coupe/convertible. We do know the 4-door will be around for a bit longer, evidenced by the launch of the first AMG performance plug-in hybrid. The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E sounds ballistic, thanks to its 4.0-litre biturbo V8 with electrical assistance, delivering a crazy 620 kW and 1 400 Nm. 

What if you were aiming for a two-door stylish yet sporty Mercedes-Benz product? We have good news as the all-new Mercedes-Benz SL is almost ready to be revealed and we expect the covers to be whipped off before the end of 2021, if not sooner. As before, there’ll be an assortment of powertrains on offer, including flagship AMG offerings. There’s no South African ETA on the new Mercedes-Benz SL, but if you’re after a special two-door coupe, then dive into our listings for a low-mileage AMG GT.

Mercedes-AMG GT

Further Reading

AMG GT Black Series fully revealed

AMG GT Plug-in hybrid announced

Lexus NX Looks Wicked with TRD Parts

If you want your Lexus NX to reflect the sporty side of your personality, perhaps some TRD treatment will do the trick? 

The latest 2022 Lexus NX was revealed earlier this year and even in standard guise it looks quite menacing. Lexus’ large, angular spindle grille adds visual drama and overall, the NX looks to be a fit rival for cars such as the BMW X3, Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60

But what if good isn’t good enough? Toyota Racing Development (TRD) offers enhancements parts that give the new NX some extra sporting appeal. 

The front of the NX remains mostly the same except for the fitment of a TRD spoiler which beefs up the look appreciably but is also said to improve aerodynamics and aid steering response. The NX further benefits from flared side skirts and sportier mirror housings while at the rear, customers can opt for a striking diffuser as well as quad sports exhaust system. The look is further complemented with optional, lightweight 20-inch aluminum gunmetal wheels. Other performance-enhancing bits include performance dampers and underbody bracing. 

When will the new Lexus NX reach South Africa? 

Earlier this year, Lexus South Africa confirmed that the 2022 NX will arrive in South Africa early in 2022. While local pricing and specification have yet to be confirmed, buyers can expect the NX to be offered with either a naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre engine, a turbocharged 2.4-litre petrol engine and a NX Hybrid derivative. Other markets also offer a Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) derivative but it’s not likely to reach SA.     

Buy a new / used Lexus NX on Cars.co.za

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Updated Abarth 595 (2021) Specs & Price

The updated Abarth 595 range has touched down in South Africa. Here’s how much you will pay for these entertaining little performance hatchbacks. 

The Stellantis Group has announced the updated Abarth 595 range has gone on sale in South Africa. For those who weren’t aware, the Abarth 595 is essentially the hottest and most performance-focused derivative. The recipe is simple, take the city-slicker Fiat 500 (itself refreshed for 2021) and insert go-faster parts, shove in a turbocharged engine and replace the Fiat logo with that of the Abarth scorpion. 

Updated Abarth 595 Changes

The updated model features upgraded cabins, there’s a new colour palette plus there’s the introduction of a wild-looking Abarth Yamaha Monster special edition. 

The Abarth 595 comes well specced, with niceties like a flat-bottomed steering wheel, updated dashboard and the turbo pressure gauge is now lit in white, which Abarth claims means it’s easier to read. Sport mode is now known as Scorpion mode, and there’s a new dashboard covered in Alcantara, as well as new-look leather seats and a carbon fibre gear knob. Competizione models gain polyelliptical headlights as well as LED daytime running lights as standard. All models in the updated Abarth 595 range feature the Uconnect infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

The array of new colours is impressive, with Abarth playing the heritage card. Rally blue is a matte finish which is said to be inspired by the Fiat 131 Abarth Rally car from 1970, while the 17-inch alloy wheels are a tribute to that of the Lancia Delta Rally Integrale.

As far as engines go, something this wicked-looking needs the powerplant to match. The 1.4-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder is available in two states of tune: 121 kW for the 595 Turismo and 132 kW for the Competizione. Customers have the choice of a 5-speed manual gearbox or an Abarth sequential transmission with shift paddles. 

Sitting at the top of the range is the Abarth 595 Monster Energy Yamaha. It’s a limited edition model with just 2 000 units made. It features a two-tone blue and black exterior with Monster Energy and Yamaha MotoGP branding. Inside there are model-specific sports seats, a race-car inspired flat-bottomed steering wheel as well as a Record Monza active exhaust system. Under the skin is a Koni suspension system with adaptive damping. The infotainment system also features a telemetry system.

How much does the updated Abarth 595 cost in South Africa?

Abarth 595 Turismo 1.4L FWD 6MT                        R399 900

Abarth 595 Turismo Cab 1.4L FWD 6MT                 R439 900

Abarth 595 Competizione 1.4L FWD 6MT                R479 900

Abarth 595 Competizione Cab 1.4L FWD 6MT        R519 900

Abarth Yamaha Monster 1.4L FWD 6MT                  R469 900

Abarth Yamaha Monster Cabriolet 1.4L FWD 6MT   R509 900

Further Reading

Fiat goes electric by 2030

What is Stellantis?

Ford Ranger Raptor Special Edition (2021) Specs & Price

Ford is introducing a Ranger Raptor Special Edition in South Africa and pricing and specification have appeared on the firm’s local website. 

The Ranger Raptor sits at the pinnacle of the popular Ranger lineup in South Africa and a new range-topper has now been confirmed to arrive locally before the end of 2021. 

The Ranger Raptor Special Edition will come to market in limited numbers to ensure exclusivity and it will be sold alongside the standard Raptor and it will feature a number of exterior and interior styling enhancements that will set it apart from its stablemate. 

Key Features 


The Ranger Raptor Special Edition adds a range of exclusive exterior and interior details. 

The Ranger Raptor Special Edition will be offered in either Sea Grey, Frozen White, Blue Lightning and Agate Black body colours, complemented with matte black racing stripes with contrasting red edging seen on the bonnet, roof, lower side body, rear wings and tailgate. The front tow hooks are also finished in red. 

The look is further enhanced with a matte black grille finish which is also extended to the wheel arches, front and rear bumpers and door handles. The Ranger Raptor Special Edition also gains a black integrated sports hoop as well as a lockable Mountain Top black roller shutter, which is also a feature on the recently introduced Ranger Thunder.

On the inside, the special Ranger Raptor gains red stitching found on the steering wheel, instrument panel and door panel finishes. Leather upholstery is standard and a Raceway Grey instrument panel is exclusive to the Ranger Raptor Special Edition. 

The Ranger Raptor Special Edition is mechanically identical to the standard Ranger Raptor which means that it retains the familiar 2.0-litre bi-turbocharged diesel engine with 157 kW and 500 Nm and comes mated with Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission. 

The Ranger Raptor is a formidable offroad vehicle with a specialised suspension system comprising front aluminium double wishbones and a multilink rear suspension with FOX shock absorbers with position-sensitive damping. The Raptor exhibits a 150 mm wider track and stands some 51 mm taller than a standard Ranger. General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tyres are also fitted as standard. 

How much does the Ford Ranger Raptor Special Edition Cost in South Africa? 

Ford Ranger Raptor Special Edition – From R965 300

The Ford Ranger Raptor Special Edition is sold with a 4-year/120 000 km warranty and a 6-year/90 000 km service plan. 

Buy a Ford Ranger on Cars.co.za

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Toyota Rumion (2021) Specs & Price

Toyota South Africa welcomes the Rumion to the local market which is the 3rd Toyota-badged Suzuki product. See specs and pricing for the Toyota Rumion below!

At first glance, the Toyota Rumion looks a lot like the current generation of Suzuki Ertiga – that’s because it is. We were alerted to a social media post by a Toyota SA dealership. Halfway Toyota Fourways shared a post detailing a starting price for the all-new Toyota Rumion. 

We did have an inkling that something was afoot as internationally, Toyota India was contemplating replacing its ageing Avanza with a newer product. As a reminder, Suzuki and Toyota have an arrangement that sees some products switch sides. We’ve seen it already with the Toyota Urban Cruiser and Suzuki Vitara Brezza, as well as the Toyota Starlet and Suzuki Baleno. The deal is rather complex, so read about its intricacies here.  

Our Toyota Avanza Suzuki article in the middle of 2021 suggested that the Suzuki Ertiga will be given the badge-switch treatment, and it will sit underneath the Toyota Innova. That model is no longer offered in South Africa, so we suspect the Ertiga will be rebadged as the new Toyota Avanza – a popular and affordable MPV. As before, we expect there to be no mechanical differences, with some slight cosmetic changes inside and out in order to differentiate it from its donor car. 

Toyota Rumion lineup

Toyota Rumion
Toyota offers 3 trim grades for the new Rumion. 

The Toyota Rumion is available in three specification levels, namely S, SX and TX. S-grade features black exterior mirrors and radiator grille, colour-coded bumpers and high-mounted LED brake light. The interior is finished in cloth with a urethane steering wheel, a 60/40 split-folding second row seating. The air-conditioning system flows through the cupholders allowing for heated or cooled beverages. A 12-volt power outlet, electric windows, tilt-adjustable steering column and air-conditioner are also provided. The S model is shod with 15-inch steel wheels.

The mid-tier SX adds colour-coded door handles, colour-coded foldable mirrors with electric adjustment, chrome treatment for the radiator grille and a rear-window wiper. Remote central locking, a rear-window demister, additional rear 12-volt power outlet, steering wheel controls, park distance control and rear air-conditioner are also added to the SX. This model gets the same 15-inch wheels as the S but has stylised hubcaps over the steel.

The top-spec TX model offers customers an upgrade to keyless entry with push start, chrome door handles, fog lamps and automatic air-conditioner. The audio system is upgraded from a double-din (which features Bluetooth, USB and Aux connections) to a touchscreen, which brings with it a reverse camera and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, while the speaker tally is increased to six. The TX also features a ‘wood-trim finish’ on the instrument panel. The TX exterior is also updated with 15-inch alloy wheels while all models are equipped with a full-size spare wheel.

The Toyota Rumion reproduces the Suzuki Ertiga engine, meaning a 1.5-litre producing 77 kW and 138 Nm. Customers will have a choice of a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 4-speed automatic transmission. Fuel consumption is claimed at 6.2L/100 km.

In terms of safety, all models come with a driver and passenger airbag, ABS, EBD and ISOFIX points. An immobiliser is fitted as standard as well.

How much does the Toyota Rumion cost in South Africa?

Rumion 1.5 S Manual   R245 600

Rumion 1.5 SX Manual  R273 500

Rumion 1.5 SX Auto      R289 200

Rumion 1.5 TX Manual  R301 600

Rumion 1.5 TX Auto      R317 200

Further Reading

Suzuki Ertiga to become new Avanza?

High-spec Ertiga GLX announced

New-look Toyota Hilux GR Sport debuts

Following the unveiling of its Thai “Revo” counterpart last month, the new-look Hilux GR Sport has debuted in Japan, replete with a wider body, a swathe of aesthetic updates and a tweaked suspension. Toyota South Africa must surely be considering this derivative for our market…

After all, the Japanese automotive giant’s GR Sport nameplate made its South African debut with the pre-facelift iteration of the current Hilux, but, whereas that was a limited-edition derivative, the new Land Cruiser 300 range has featured a GR Sport right from the get-go. In other words, the GR Sport is now a fixture in Toyota SA’s line-up, which suggests that there are more versions in the pipeline

Toyota Hilux GR Sport White front

We expected that Toyota Japan would unveil the post-facelift Hilux GR Sport this month, especially considering that its Thailand-based subsidiary introduced the similarly Hilux Revo GR Sport last month in “Low-rider” (ostensibly 2WD) and “High-rider” 4-wheel-drive guises. Well, here it is, folks – right on cue.

In truth, the Japanese Hilux GR Sport looks a bit tamer than its Thai counterpart (we assume it will again be offered exclusively in white, black and red finishes), because it foregoes the latter’s decorative decals and its rectangular black foglamp surrounds are notably subtler. It also looks a little bare without a chunky sports bar affixed behind the cab!

Toyota Hilux GR Sport White rear

The newcomer is marginally wider (by 45 mm) than its standard siblings  – the elaborately flared wheel arches (with gloss black accents) extend the Hilux GR Sport’s overall width to 1 900 mm. Those accents are complemented by various GR Sport badges, a blacked-out grille with bold TOYOTA lettering, as well as matching lower-grille garnishes, side mirrors and rear bumper.

New black 18-inch alloy wheels, complemented by red brake callipers, finish off the look.

Toyota Hilux GR Sport interior

The interior features all the updates that were part of the Hilux’s recent update (including the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay- and Android Auto), but is distinguished by its red contrast stitching on the door trims, leather-and-suede seat upholstery and the GR-Sport-branded multifunction steering wheel, which is fitted with metallic-finish shift paddles and has a decorative red stripe at the 12 o’clock position.

Other Hilux GR Sport-specific cabin details include GR Sport-branded headrests (in combination with red upper bolsters), -instrument cluster and -engine start/stop button, all of which is complemented by dark grey inserts and sporty aluminium-look pedals.

Toyota Hilux GR Sport seats

Unlike its Thai counterpart, which features the updated 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine that offers 150 kW and 500 Nm and is mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission, the Japanese Hilux GR Sport is powered by Toyota’s 2.4-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel motor. The 4-wheel-drive system with “shift-on-fly” off-road driving dial with 2H, 4H and 4L, locking rear differential and hill descent control is unchanged.

Meanwhile, the Gazoo Racing division has again retuned the sportier bakkie’s suspension “for better steering response and flatter handling (with less body roll”, Toyota claims.

Race! Toyota Hilux GR Sport vs Hilux Legend 50

Otherwise, the Hilux GR Sport is much like the Toyota Hilux 2.8 GD-6 4×4 Legend RS Automatic that was featured in our recent Double-Cab 4×4 Bakkie Buyer’s Guide (2021). We assume that Toyota’s Safety Sense package, which includes a pre-collision detection system, road-sign detection, lane departure alert and adaptive cruise control, is included in the Hilux GR Sport package.

Whereas Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) availed 535 units of the previous Hilux GR Sport in Mzansi in mid-2019, that derivative was largely a brand builder for the range, which – at that point – was a year or so away from undergoing the recent upgrade. Seeing as the facelift is still fresh [watch our video review], does that diminish the possibility that the new-look GR Sport will come to the Republic?


Could a South African version of the new-look Hilux GR Sport look more like the Thai version?  

Considering the rapid rate at which Toyota’s arch-rival Ford is rolling out special editions of the outgoing Ranger (such as the new Stormtrak), we couldn’t count against a riposte from the Prospecton-based firm… TSAM has not confirmed whether the new-look Hilux GR Sport will be offered on local soil, but as soon as we learn anything new about this red-hot topic, we’ll be sure to let you know!

Buy a Toyota Hilux on Cars.co.za

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This week’s news you need to know (October 2021, Week 2)


In this week’s automotive news you need to know: The Corolla Nurburgring is the car nobody asked for (but Toyota Thailand is building it anyway), sales of EVs have eclipsed those of turbodiesel cars for the first time in Europe, Hyundai plans to have you looking down at the steering wheel (instead of at the road) and Mercedes-Benz may be attempting another bakkie.

Corolla Nürburgring Toyota – Diluting the mix!

Toyota Corolla Nurburgring

Much like back when we attended primary school – you know, when we were constantly obsessed with the strength of the Oros in our plastic drinking bottles – the same might be happening with Toyota’s performance brands. When our mums used too much water and too little concentrate to mix our orange squash, it would taste rather insipid, which was not lekker. Toyota needs to be careful not to do the same, because its latest “performance” edition is neither fish nor fowl.

> Read more: Toyota Corolla Nurburgring Edition Announced

In case you have been living under a rock, Toyota has traditionally applied TRD (Toyota Racing Development) branding to faster-looking (and sometimes genuinely faster) variants of its models. More recently, however, the Aichi-based firm has emblazoned GR (Gazoo Racing) on their firecracker Yaris and Supra derivatives. The GR cult is alive and well! The GR Sport treatment, meanwhile, sits somewhere in between standard Toyota derivatives and the GR versions, much like BMW and VW do with M Sport and R-Line. By adding another variant, in this case, the Nürburgring Corolla, Toyota has begun to dilute its offering. It needs to stop that in order to keep the current line-up of GR and GR Sport models pure.

EVs outselling diesel cars in Europe – Not quite what it seems

VW ID3

Well, this EV milestone is a little unfair on the turbodiesel market (considering that it’s been crippled by laws that were seemingly written to usher oil-burners into extinction as quickly as possible). Sure, it makes for one banger of a headline in the “EV transformation” story/saga, but if you peel away the layers, you’ll notice that the European EV success has been underpinned by healthy governmental subsidies that made EVs more affordable – and ICE-engined cars pricier.

> Read more: EVs Outsell Diesel Cars For the First Time

Governments have been using levers like rebates, relaxation of taxes and other smart ways to lure in consumers, but just like we saw in China (in that country, as soon as those EV incentives were suspended, sales of electric cars fell). For everyday consumers, it’s always going to boil down to affordability and, in the South African context (where the wealth disparity is as large as it is), I don’t expect EVs to outsell diesel cars anytime soon (unless our Government intervenes).

Hyundai’s steering Wheel display – “Eyes on the road, dummy.”

Hyundai digital steering wheel
*render originally posted on carbuzz

Out of all the silly ideas that have passed through the Hall of Motoring Infamy, this one ranks near (or at) number 1 in my book. Perhaps it’s an early April Fool’s joke – but this time, no one’s laughing. It’s already a tough (if not nigh-impossible) task to get motorists to drive properly despite distractions such as mobile phones, over-ear headphones and, I would guess, deeply engrossing inspirational podcasts. They’re all competing for your attention, so why add to that problem?

> Read more: Hyundai reveals digital steering wheel patent

Perhaps motoring has hit its ergonomic peak, because this digital ‘wheel idea is tantamount to scraping the innovations barrel. The fact that it was even tabled to (and then approved by) the Korean brand’s decision-making board is even more alarming. What we need are safer ways to enjoy motoring. Head-up displays that show only minimal information are perfect and intuitive buttons on the ‘wheel are fit for purpose. Simple. Anything more and you’re playing with people’s lives.

G-Wagon Bakkie – Oxymorons loading…

G-Wagon bakkie

It’s safe to say Mercedes-Benz’s recent bakkie history is nothing worth writing home about; the discontinued X-Class double cab, which shared its platform with the Nissan Navara, was an abject failure – its fate was sealed even before Covid-19 struck. Sure, bakkies have become more “car-like” over the years but they have remained rugged at the core, which is why the Geländewagen single cab (although Benz will have no great volume aspirations) at least has a fighting chance.

> Read more: Mercedes-Benz teases Geländewagen bakkie

Regardless of which way you spin it, super-premium bakkies like the X-Class don’t fit the requirements of the market. They may be powerful (in 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel guise), but they’re not particularly functional and, most of all, they’re much too pricey. They’re like monied city slickers who want to camp out in the wild, but they have no experience and they hate relieving themselves in the bush anyway. At least the G-Class single cab represents a shot at redemption, in some way, for the Three-pointed Star; think of it as a foil to the Land Cruiser 79, NOT a substitute for the piecemeal X-Class. Benz’s G-Class factory in Graz, Austria will probably produce a smattering of single cabs, which commercial operators or rich weirdos will convert into purposeful workhorses or outdoor toys. Given the bitter pill that Mercedes-Benz had to swallow due to the X-Class fiasco, I don’t see the brand taking the mass-produced bakkie route very soon, if ever again.