All-new Honda Fit Review – Goodbye Jazz, hello to a proper JDM Honda
Honda has rebadged its popular but ageing Jazz with Fit stickers. It’s also imported from Japan now instead of India, has that made it a more desirable product? We review it over the course of 2 weeks in the Cape.
The Honda Jazz has been a mainstay on the South African market for decades now but for whatever reason, Honda South Africa has decided to retire the nameplate in favour of this, the Fit.
On sale as of June 2021 in South Africa, the Fit has impressed us with its super build quality, ride quality and impressive warranty.
In this video, Ciro De Siena takes an in-depth look at this latest generation of Honda’s venerable practical hatchback, compares it to its rivals and gives you a detailed overview of the interior spec and features, as well as the Magic seats in the rear.
Fiat – the Turin-based carmaker – has hit the refresh button on its 2nd-generation Fiat 500, a refreshed version of which is now available in South Africa. Cars.co.za journalist Gero Lilleike attended the local launch to find out what’s changed…
The Fiat 500 is what you could call a bread-and-butter model for the Italian marque, or better still, “the gift that keeps on giving”. The 2nd-generation Fiat 500 was launched as long ago as 2007 and has undergone numerous updates throughout its model life, so you could say it’s been around the block (more than a few times).
Having received a notable update in 2016, the Cinquecento continues to dutifully serve buyers looking for a more expressive city car with loads of charm. In fact, the 2nd-generation Fiat 500 has notched up in excess of 3 million sales since it came to market 14 years ago.
The business environment at Fiat changed dramatically earlier this year when Fiat Chrysler Automobiles merged with the PSA Groupe to form the world’s 4th-largest automaker – Stellantis.
While Fiat’s product rollout in South Africa has been a trifle underwhelming in recent times, the merger has seemingly injected fresh energy into the brand and that includes its talismanic Fiat 500.
What’s changed?
The 2nd-generation Fiat 500 boutique city car still has charm… even if it’s nearly 14 years old.
In terms of styling, the Fiat 500 remains much the same as before, but Fiat has updated the front-end with a studded lower grille section and a revised LED daytime running light (DRL) design. Moreover, a wide range of new and vibrant colours have been made available across the range.
Inside, the most notable change is the fitment of a larger 7-inch infotainment touchscreen which now offers improved connectivity (courtesy of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility), as well as a fully digital instrument cluster on higher-spec derivatives.
Fiat has rationalised the 500 range, which now incorporates 4 distinct trim lines, each with its own personality reflected in distinct exterior styling elements, updated upholstery and trim.
The Fiat 500 Cult is the entry-level derivative followed by the Fiat 500 Connect, Fiat Sport and the Fiat 500 Dolcevita. The Sport and Dolcevita derivatives are available in hatchback and cabriolet guise.
Under the bonnet, the Fiat 500 forges on with its familiar 2-cylinder 0.9-litre (875cc) turbocharged petrol engine that produces 62.5 kW and 145 Nm of torque, mated to either a 5-speed manual transmission or a Manual Transmission Automatic (MTA), which is exclusively offered in the 500 Dolcevita hardtop and 500C Dolcevita cabriolet. Fiat claims an average fuel consumption figure of 4.0 L/100 km.
What’s the Fiat 500 like to drive?
The interior of the Fiat 500 remains vibrant and youthful.
We started the evaluation-drive section of the launch in the Fiat 500 Sport and the launch route took us through the suburbs of Johannesburg as well on the city’s extensive network of highways.
The cabin has an airy feel thanks to the fixed panoramic sunroof and the Cinquecento’s cabinseemed to exhibit a sturdy build quality. The interior is mostly finished in harder plastics, but there is some soft-touch trim on the insides of the doors. The seats are relatively comfortable and the Fiat 500 Sport does feature a height-adjustable driver’s seat, which makes it easier to find a comfortable driving position.
The small-capacity 2-cylinder turbopetrol engine does have a distinct thrum to it and it somehow sounds quite entertaining under full-throttle acceleration. The manual transmission has a positive action; indeed, gear changes are fun to make and confidence-inspiring. The Fiat 500 is fairly nippy in urban spaces and due to its diminutive size, it’s also easily manoeuvrable in tighter spaces.
The Fiat 500 continues to offer class-less appeal, plus it appeals to young and old alike.
We must highlight the Fiat 500’s pliant and forgiving ride quality. The roads in the suburbs of Johannesburg are generally of poor quality, but the Cinquecento delivered a comfortable ride. In terms of handling though, Fiat’s little firebrand does show its age somewhat… The steering setup is quite vague and bereft of feel by modern standards. Also, during our launch drive, we saw indicated fuel consumption figures of between 7 and 8 L/100 km, which were higher than we expected from the once-award-winning TwinAir motor.
We also had a go in the entry-level Fiat 500 Cult and while it rides on smaller 14-inch steel wheels (with wheel covers), the overall driving experience is much the same. Being an entry-level derivative, the Fiat 500 Cult has a smaller 5-inch infotainment system, manual aircon and a single USB port (as opposed to 2 USB ports offered in the Sport derivative).
As you would expect, the petite Fiat 500’s rear bench is compromised in terms of leg and headroom and the load bay has a claimed luggage capacity of 188 litres, which expands to 688 litres with the 60/40- split rear bench folded down. With that said, the Fiat 500 isn’t as practical as a typical compact hatchback, but if practicality is of major concern, the Cinquecento is probably not the car for you anyway.
Summary
Even though the Fiat 500 can be criticised for being long-in-the-tooth and in need of replacement (its successor is an electric vehicle, which is already available in Europe, but unlikely to be offered in South Africa in the near future), it still manages to offer a certain boutique charm that no other conventional and similarly-priced hatchback can match. With the revised range and keen pricing, Fiat is hoping to attract new customers to the fold; it will certainly be interesting to see if local buyers will respond positively to the revised line-up. See pricing details below…
How much does the updated Fiat 500 cost in South Africa?
Fiat 500 Cult 0.9L
R219 900
Fiat 500 Connect 0.9L
R260 900
Fiat 500 Sport 0.9L
R269 900
Fiat 500 Dolcevita 0.9L
R274 900
Fiat 500 Sport Cabriolet 0.9L
R319 900
Fiat 500 Dolcevita Cabriolet 0.9L
R324 900
The Fiat 500 is sold with a 5-year/100 000 km warranty, but note that a service plan is not standard.
Kia Introduces Pocket-Friendly Entry-Level Sonet LX
Kia South Africa has introduced an LX trim derivative of its stylish and well-appointed Sonet compact SUV. Here’s how much it costs, plus what you get for your money.
Just 3 months after its debut on South African soil, the Kia Sonet gains a new member. The cute Sonet has proven popular, thanks to its good driving manners, a generous level of equipment and value for money.
Speaking of value for money, the new model comes in under the current Sonet EX derivative. What you see here is the Kia Sonet LX, which is available in both manual and CVT options.
Being an entry-level model leads to the assumption that the vehicle is bare and lacking in modern convenience features, but based on the info that Kia has sent us, the Kia Sonet LX still appears to have desirable levels of tech and features.
8.0-inch HD touchscreen infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Remote central locking
Air-conditioning
Bluetooth
Front and rear electric windows
Electric mirrors
6 speakers
15-inch steel wheels
Height-adjustable driver’s seat
Automatic headlamp activation
Rear-view camera
Combination artificial leather and cloth seat trim
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
ABS with EBD
Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)
Dual front airbags
ISOFIX child-seat anchoring points
From our Cars Compare tool, the only advantage the EX has over the new LX is the addition of 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights and rear park distance control.
Under the bonnet, the same 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine is used. It develops 85 kW and 144 Nm, and customers have the choice of a 6-speed manual gearbox or a CVT.
“The popularity of the Kia Sonet has been overwhelming, and we’re delighted that so many customers are choosing Kia’s newest model to begin their SUV life,” comments Stephen Crosse, Sales and Marketing Director of Kia South Africa. “There is nothing ‘entry-level’ about the Sonet LX derivatives when it comes to comfort, convenience and features, and we’re confident that the LX’s value proposition will further bolster the Sonet’s popularity.”
Kia Sonet LX Price in South Africa
The Kia Sonet is sold with an Unlimited Kilometre, 5-year warranty (inclusive of Roadside Assistance), as well as a prepaid 4-year / 60,000 km service plan.
Could the diesel, come to South Africa? Nope, definitely not.
Honda has given its most affordable sedan an upgrade.
The evolved Amaze has debuted in India and features a host of cosmetic and cabin functionality improvements.
Honda has done the expected and integrated new daytime running LEDs to the front of the Amaze, while the taillights are reshaped into a C-pattern.
The cabin sees silver satin trim and a new infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen and integration of both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Convenience is improved on the VX-grade Amaze, with keyless entry and engine starting, while all variants get dual airbags, ABS but no mention of ESP.
Engines are Honda’s 1.2-litre petrol and 1.5-litre turbodiesel.
The smaller engine is good for 66 kW and 110 Nm. It drives the front wheels via a manual or CVT transmission.
What will be of particular interest to South African Honda followers is that 1.5-litre turbodiesel. When configured with the manual gearbox option, the new Amaze turbodiesel draws upon 73 kW of power and 200 Nm of torque.
If you wish to use the two-pedal convenience of Honda’s CVT transmission, power drops to 59 kW, with a reduction in torque down to 160 Nm.
Honda South Africa has not confirmed any dateline for the local introduction of its updated Amaze, or the status of a turbodiesel derivative.
Fiat South Africa has introduced an updated 500 to the market. Here’s pricing and specifications of the cute city slicker.
The Fiat 500 is an iconic city car and despite the market moving quite rapidly in favour of SUVs, the little cutie continues to sell in big numbers. Since its introduction back in 2007, 3 million units have been sold around the world.
Now for 2021, the 3rd generation Fiat 500 has been given a refresh and there are new trim levels, new colours on offer as well as new-look interiors.
The new trim levels are Cult, Connect, Dolcevita and Sport. There’s also a convertible model on offer, badged as the Fiat 500C.
500 Cult
14-inch steel wheels Black exterior mirrors LED daytime running maps Halogen headlights Blue fabric seats Body colour dashboard Uconnect infotainment screen with 5-inch screen + DAB + USB ports Manual air conditioning
500 Connect
The above, plus: 15-inch alloy wheels Side skirts Rear spoiler Foglights Bi-colour options Height adjustable seats Multi-function steering wheel Cruise control Uconnect with 7-inch screen + Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Additional speakers
500 Dolcevita
The above, plus: 16-inch alloy wheels Leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel Glass roof Leather details on the seats 50/50 rear split seats
500 Sport
Sport badging 16-inch alloy wheels Sporty bodykit Seven-inch digital cluster Automatic air conditioning Sporty interior trim
Fiat 500 Powertrain
The updated Fiat 500 is powered by the 0.9-litre 2-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, which delivers 62.5 kW and 145 Nm. Fiat SA claims a 0-100 kph of just 11 seconds and fuel consumption is rated at 4 L/100 km.
Customers can choose from a 5-speed manual gearbox or an automatic transmission. All four trim levels are available as hatchbacks, with the 500C convertible being available in Dolcevita and Sport trim levels only. The manual gearbox is earmarked for Cult, Connect, and Sport hatchbacks, as well as the 500C Sport, while the auto is reserved for 500 and 500C Dolcevita models.
When it comes to safety, the Fiat 500 comes with 7 airbags, ABS, Hill Assist, and Electronic Stability Control.
How much does the updated Fiat 500 cost in South Africa?
Nissan has confirmed that the all-new, 3rd-generation Qashqai will go on sale in South Africa towards the end of 2021. Our UK correspondent recently visited the acclaimed Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire, England, to shake down the Japanese brand’s compact family car and filed this first-drive impression.
The combination of an elevated driving position, stylish, rugged looks and down-to-earth running costs made the original Nissan Qashqai a huge global hit following its arrival in 2008. Its popularity continued unabated with the arrival of the 2nd-generation in 2014 and, as the production run of that model concluded just a few weeks ago, a scarcely believable 5 million Qashqais had found homes across the globe.
Nissan revealed its 3rd-generation Qashqai in February this year. Last month, I became more acquainted with it at one of the world’s harshest proving grounds – Millbrook. For openers, I would respectfully suggest that rival manufacturers assume the brace position because things are going to get a little uncomfortable for them…
What’s new?
As with almost all new models, the Qashqai is longer, wider and taller than its predecessor.
Pretty much everything. The Japanese manufacturer has updated the Qashqai formula with sharper styling and a much more modern infotainment system.
Like the generations before it, this Qashqai was styled by Nissan’s London studio, developed at its Cranfield Technical Centre and gets assembled in its Sunderland factory. It is slightly larger than before, being 35-mm longer, 32-mm wider and 25-mm taller, while its wheelbase (the distance between the front and rear wheels) is 20-mm longer.
This new Qashqai rides on the Common Module Family (CMF) C-platform, which is shared with Mitsubishi and Renault. It allows for a range of electrified powertrains – none of which (according to Nissan SA) are heading to South Africa, at least for now.
The platform is claimed to feature more lightweight materials and utilise advanced stamping and welding techniques in its construction to increase body rigidity and reduce kerb weight. The bonnet, front fenders and doors are made from aluminium and are 21-kg lighter, while the tailgate is made from composite, which saves 2.3 kg.
To improve visibility, Nissan engineered thinner A-pillars and mounted the wing mirrors on the doors instead of the A-pillars. Elsewhere, rear knee room has grown by 28 mm to 608 mm, while headroom has been increased by 15 mm. The load bay is a significant 74-litres bigger due to the lower load floor and the redesigned rear-suspension configuration.
Exterior
Quite a vast update for this Qashqai as modern family SUVs push the styling boundaries.
The new Qashqai sports a considerably more bold and chiselled appearance than the previous iteration, but it remains unmistakably identifiable as a (bang-up-to-date) Nissan.
Up front, it features a completely redesigned front end emblazoned with the now-familiar V-Motion grille along with full LED matrix headlights and signature boomerang-shaped daytime running lights. Deep creases along the full waistline of the car and lower down on the doors enhance the styling improvements.
It arguably still looks conservative next to the new Hyundai Tucson, but may steal admiring glances from drivers of other rival family cars, including the now-ageing Kia Sportage and BMW X1.
Interior
Plenty of soft-touch surfaces within the cabin, something you don’t get much of in this segment.
The previous-generation Qashqai was on sale for 7 years, but during that time, its interior design had become quite dated. The touchscreen was one of the most noticeably outdated aspects, as it was small and had rather basic graphics. In line with current trends, the new touchscreen now sits proud of the dashboard. It’s bigger and is complemented by a fully digital instrument cluster on most models.
There are extra soft-touch materials on show and double-stitching, which give the Qashqai a welcome uplift in quality. Granted, you won’t feel like you’re in an Audi or a BMW when behind the Nissan’s ‘wheel, but the freshness of the more upmarket interior will certainly impress current Qashqai drivers.
The infotainment touchscreen is not only bigger, but where it’s located – atop the dashboard – is likely to be closer to the driver’s eye line. It’s arguably a safety feature, because it means your eyes are away from the road for less time, while information can also be displayed on the digital dial cluster and, on top-spec Tekna versions, a large head-up display in the windscreen.
Fortunately, Nissan has chosen to keep physical dials and buttons for the climate control panel, rather than burying the climate settings in the touchscreen menu. You’ll find that physical controls are much easier and more intuitive to use while you’re driving. In fact, proper buttons still have their place throughout the Qashqai’s cabin. It’s good to know that common sense is becoming more, um, common.
Nissan’s infotainment systems were lagging behind, the new system brings it up-to-date.
The latest Qashqai has a longer wheelbase, which has improved the space in the rear (20 mm more knee room, 28 mm more shoulder room and 15 mm more headroom), all of which makes it feel spacious at the back. What’s more, the new car has doors that open wider than its predecessor. That makes it easier to install bulky child seats and for children (and granny) to get in and out.
Inside, there are more storage spaces, so you’ll find plenty of places to stash your odds and ends. Meanwhile, the front cup holders have been relocated so you’re less likely to knock over your drink when changing gear.
The Qashqai offered plenty of luggage space when it was launched, but the previous generation model was soon overtaken by more practical rivals. A re-jigged rear suspension design has resulted in a bigger load bay with a lower floor than before. Compared with its predecessor, this model offers an additional 74 litres of space (with the rear seats in place) for a claimed capacity of 504 litres.
The load floor is reversible and can be raised or lowered, depending on what you need. Raising the floor allows you to have a completely flat surface when the rear seats are folded. Doing so frees up around 1 435 litres of utility space, which is more than useful!
Trim grades
No details were forthcoming from Nissan South Africa regarding the intended trim grades for the new Qashqai when it arrives in early 2022, but there is little reason to believe that the manufacture will depart from the existing local range of Acenta, Acenta Plus and top-spec Tekna derivatives.
It may be that 1 or 2 special editions of the new Qashqai could make their way to Mzansi along the lines of the outgoing Midnight Edition, but that remains to be seen.
Powerplants and drivetrains
Nissan SA is going to have to make a brave decision to either use old engines or source them from within the Renault group.
Here in the UK, the 1.5-litre dCi diesel has been discontinued for the new Qashqai and the entire line-up utilises a tried-and-tested 1.3-litre turbopetrol unit (now equipped with fuel-saving 12V mild-hybrid technology), offered in 104-kW and 119-kW states of tune.
The Nissan Qashqai e-Power hybrid is due to be launched in Britain in 2022. It’ll use a 1.5-litre petrol engine as a generator to charge the battery and an electric motor to assist with powering the driven wheels. Combined, the pair of power sources produce 140 kW, so we’d expect the hybrid to offer the fastest acceleration in the range. Regenerative braking, like you get in a Nissan Leaf electric vehicle, will mean you’ll be able to drive the car using just the accelerator – the Qashqai will slow down as soon as you take your foot off the rightmost pedal.
However, Nissan South Africa did confirm that it will not be offering the 12V mild-hybrid unit to South African buyers. Indeed, other than that confirmation, no further information was made available when requested regarding petrol or diesel engines and accompanying drivetrains for the new Qashqai.
The 1.2-litre petrol engine currently available with the outgoing South African Qashqai is ageing somewhat, so perhaps – and this is, of course, mere speculation – either a non-hybrid variant of the 1.3-litre engine or the all-new 1.5-litre e-Power Hybrid could make its way to South Africa to replace it.
As is the norm with new car launches, we’ll just have to wait and see what information is contained when Nissan South Africa eventually makes it available closer to the time of order books opening.
On the road
The ride comfort remains the major strength of the Qashqai.
Compact family cars aren’t designed to be the best-handling cars on the road and the Qashqai’s popularity shows that handling is quite a way down the list of priorities for many buyers.
However, the new model is significantly better to drive. Clearly, Nissan has favoured smoothness and stability over driver involvement, which for a family-centric car isn’t at all surprising. Admittedly, there’s little steering feel and the manual ‘box could be a tad more precise, but refinement is truly exceptional. Furthermore, a 60-kg weight reduction helps the new Qashqai feel a little more agile than before.
Front-wheel-drive derivatives get a standard rear suspension setup and, for the majority of the time, the car rides supremely well. It’s never uncomfortable over crusty surfaces and remains composed even when I tried (very hard, I might add) to get it unsettled over Millbrook’s “alpine route”.
Safety
While the new Qashqai’s safety rating hasn’t yet been confirmed by the crash-test experts at Euro NCAP, it would be surprising if Nissan’s newcomer scores anything other than the full 5 stars. Why? Because Nissan has fitted a comprehensive array of safety features as standard, the likes of which you’d often be expected to pay for by other manufacturers – well, on UK models anyway.
There are systems that monitor your blind spots, check that the driver is awake and alert, and scan for any traffic crossing your path behind you. The auto emergency braking function includes junction-assist and pedestrian- and cyclist detection, while the high beams are automatically activated and the lane-keeping system prevents you from leaving your lane accidentally. That’s on top of all the features that are now obligatory, such as ABS with ESC, ISOFIX child seat points and a full suite of front, side and curtain airbags.
While we have seen a few South African manufacturers take a somewhat, well, thrifty approach to the safety and well-being of passengers within their cars, Nissan SA is not one of them. Buyers should expect much of the above technology to accompany their new Qashqai when it goes on sale later this year.
Summary
In a busy segment, Qashqai will hope to gain back some of its market share with this new model.
Nissan will hope that this latest Qashqai continues the global success of its predecessors and there is little reason to suppose that it won’t. The manufacturer has updated its phenomenally successful formula with sharper styling, a much more modern infotainment system and a ride quality so refined it arguably belongs in a higher (and more expensive) class of car.
Yes, the new, 3rd-generation Qashqai is the best it’s ever been. Okay, so the Peugeot 2008 is funkier inside, but what matters most is that the millions of people who love the Qashqai will love this one even more. Besides, I am most grateful to Nissan for keeping the Qashqai around long enough so that I can finally spell its name correctly on the first attempt…
Chery – A 2nd Bite of the SA Market
Chinese brand Chery is making a comeback in South Africa and has announced a corporate shift, an all-new business strategy, plus a raft of modern products that will be introduced in the local new-vehicle market in the near future.
Chery is a brand that some South Africans know well. At one stage, the Chery QQ was SA’s cheapest new car, but it was probably one of the best examples of why Chinese models weren’t taken seriously before 2010. Chery South Africa has now been established as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the automotive giant; previously, Chery models had been distributed by a dealer group (Imperial) under licence.
There have been dramatic improvements in the quality – and sales figures – of Chinese models in South Africa in 2020/2021. With Haval SA shooting up the new-vehicle sales charts by virtue of the strong uptake of its outstanding value-for-money offerings, it was only a matter of time before other Chinese manufacturers (of right-hand-drive vehicles) took notice and attempted to pull off a repeat performance.
Interestingly, a number of members of the new Chery SA team are all ex-Haval SA employees and they’re confident that they can replicate a Haval-like performance with Chery. With a head office in Bryanston, Johannesburg, Chery SA will soon be introducing its Tiggo range of compact crossovers/SUVs in Mzansi.
But the brand’s business interest in South Africa goes far beyond launching new products. There will be a big investment in developing the dealership footprint, as well as establishing Knock-Down (KD) assembly plants. Essentially, the cars will arrive in the Republic in kit form, with a local workforce completing the final assembly of the vehicles. This will mean job creation, which is always a good thing.
The timeline for Chery SA demonstrates urgency and eagerness to make inroads in the local automotive market. The first phase of the plan starts from now and will continue until 2023, during which time the firm hopes to retail 10 000 units. From then (2023) to 2026, Chery will start pushing into the rest of Southern Africa, while the 3rd phase will see the planning of the aforementioned KD facilities.
Right now, the focus is on appointing the first 30 dealerships in South Africa, with the first new vehicles due to make landfall in the final quarter of 2021. Chery SA will be backing up their new wares with a comprehensive warranty/service plan, 24-hour roadside assistance, and will establish a large parts warehouse.
Chery products coming to our market
As far as products go, Chery SA has quite an array of vehicles earmarked for South Africa. First to land will be the Tiggo 4, a compact family car that’s roughly the same size as a Kia Sonet. It will be available in manual and automatic guise, as well as with naturally-aspirated and turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engines. Expect this model to reach South African showrooms in the 4th quarter of 2021.
The Tiggo Cross and Tiggo 7 will be launched in Mzansi in the 3rd quarter and 2nd quarter of 2022 respectively, and they’ll be pitched in the family car segment. Interestingly, a bakkie is on the cards for SA too. It’s due in the 2nd quarter of 2023 and will be called the Tiggo Pup. For the big SUV fans, the Tiggo 8 will be touching down early in 2022 and it seems roughly the same size as the Hyundai Santa Fe.
Final specs and prices have yet to be confirmed, but at the presentation, we had a chance to inspect the vehicles on display. While styling is completely subjective, there’s nothing too radical-looking in the line-up. The Tiggo range appears fresh, with upmarket-looking interiors. When he looked inside the vehicles, the levels of fit and finish we saw were comparable with those of established brands’ products.
The level of specification in the Tiggo 8 Pro, in particular, looked quite impressive, with plenty of tech features and digital user interfaces on offer. While we weren’t allowed to drive the vehicles, we rode to and from the launch venue in a base-spec Tiggo 4 Pro and found the vehicle’s on-road refinement (especially the hushed cabin) quite impressive.
Can Chery SA duplicate or eclipse Haval’s market performance? Time will tell, but if similar strategies are followed and the market receives products that are well priced, boast enough features to satisfy the connected generation and there’s good support from the after-sales division, we don’t see why not. We look forward to bringing you road tests and video reviews of the all-new Chery South Africa range.
New C-Class All-Terrain is the thinking driver’s GLC.
Most Mercedes-Benz gravel travel vehicles are classed as SUVs or crossovers. But there is a product niche that makes more sense than either of those for an adventurous family.
Mercedes-Benz has expanded its All-Terrain offering with a new C-Class version. It takes inspiration from the E-Class All-Terrain, and offers that rarest of things: a station wagon with additional ground clearance and all-wheel drive.
Nothing too wild, but entirely adequate for exploring the Karoo backroads.
So, what makes this new All-Terrain different from a regular C-Class? You’ll notice some exterior trim, and there is a range of 17- to 19-inch wheels, with individual spoke designs, unavailable to four- and two-door C-Class derivatives.
The most significant upgrade is ride height. The All-Terrain has 40 mm more ground clearance than a C-Class sedan, which gives it 197 mm of underbody clearance – not too far off many hardcore off-road wagons.
With its raised ride height and skid plates, the All-Terrain is easily as competent off-road as any compact SUV that isn’t low-range equipped.
Traction is delivered via Mercedes-Benz’s 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, which is capable of a 45/55 front-to-rear torque split when required. The C-Class All-terrain features hill-descent control and some other marginal off-road driver assistance systems.
With 1 510-litres of luggage capacity, the C-Class All-Terrain is impressively capacious, with the rear seats folded down. It is also rated to tow 1 800 kg.
Although Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that C-Class All-Terrain will be available with a 2-litre turbopetrol engine, featuring mild hybridization, it has not detailed exact power outputs.
Golf 8 GTI vs BMW 128ti – Drag race and rolling race
We’ve been waiting a full year to get this drag race done and we had to go all the way to Gqeberha to film it. Can the new hot hatch entrant in the form of BMW’s 128ti beat the might Golf 8 GTI in a drag race? We put them head-to-head.
In this latest epic drag race, that we staged recently at the Aldo Scribante circuit outside Gqeberha, the latest Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI takes on the BMW 128ti over a quarter-mile.
With the BMW 1 Series now riding on a front-wheel-drive platform, these cars are more similar than ever. Both cars have 2.0-litre, 4-cyl turbo engines with almost identical power outputs, however the BMW is a touch lighter.
So, which one would take victory over 400m? Only one way to find out…
Land Rover will further bolster its stylish Velar offering in early 2022 with some new features and will also bring the limited-edition Velar Auric Edition to market. See details below…
The new limited-Edition Velar Auric Edition will arrive in South Africa in early 2022.
Now, a new limited-edition Velar Auric Edition will join the range in early 2022. Its name is derived from Latin with ‘Auric’ meaning ‘Gold’. The Velar Auric Edition is based on the Velar R-Dynamic S but comes equipped with its own unique set of features to set it apart from the rest of the Velar range.
The Auric Limited Edition features Auric Atlas finishes seen on the grille, badges, bonnet, door and front fender vents. The Auric Edition is available in 3 exterior colours including the exclusive Charente Grey, Ostuni Pearl White and Santorini Black. More so, 20-inch Mercurial Gloss Sparkle Silver alloy wheels are fitted while 22-inch Pincer wheels are also offered.
As for the interior, buyers can choose from a range of trim finishes according to preference such as Winsor leather or sustainable Kvadrat premium textiles. As you would expect, the Auric Edition is equipped with Land Rover’s configurable Interactive Driver Display which is used in conjunction with the Pivi Pro infotainment system.
Further updates for the Range Rover Velar
The 2022 Velar will gain Cabin Air Purification Plus which builds on the existing Cabin Air Ionisation but now automatically senses when CO2 levels are too high and introduces fresh air and you can now schedule an air cleaning cycle with the new Purify Cycle feature. Owners will also be able to monitor air quality using the central touchscreen.
Using Over-The-Air-Software updates, the Velar will also be introducing wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
In addition, the Velar will also receive an expanded range of Driver Assistance Systems including a rear camera and adaptive cruise control with steering assist which will be fitted as standard across the range.
Customers will also be able to choose from a range of exciting SV Bespoke body colours from the Premium Palette selection which includes Tourmaline Brown, Amethyst-Grey Purple and Petrolix Blue. More so, SV Bespoke also offers a Match To Sample service which allows you to blend your own unique colour, matched to any sample.
It’s worth noting that the previous Yulong White body colour will be replaced with Ostuni Pearl White and Lantau Bronze will be available across the range.
See pricing details below…
How much does the Range Rover Velar cost in South Africa?
