Absa First-time Buyer Guide to Vehicle Finance

Start your journey to vehicle ownership with the help of our Street Smart video series, brought to you by Absa Vehicle Finance. In the first instalment, Fulufhelo Mandane from Absa discusses what you need to consider before you start shopping, the costs of ownership and your various finance options.

You’ve recently graduated, started a new job, are moving to a new town or city or grown tired of relying on the public transport system and you’re now ready to buy a new set of wheels. You’ve probably started doing the research and still have a couple of questions about getting a car…

We asked Fulufhelo Mandane, Absa’s head of dealer relations for Gauteng and Limpopo, to answer a number of questions to help demystify the financial side of buying a car…

What do you need to consider when car shopping?

Mandane: Your monthly budget, the amount of money you’ve saved up and the cost of the car you’d like to buy are among the first considerations, as well as the amount you can afford to buy a car. If you decide to finance your car through the bank or another finance provider or lender, you’ll probably try a finance calculator to see how much you can afford based on your income.

Your monthly income minus expenses will equal your disposable income, which you can use as an estimate of the instalment you can afford and provide clarity on the price of the vehicle you can buy while still living within your means. Bear in mind that many customers are declined for finance because of their affordability and how well they maintain their financial commitments.

How you’ve been managing your other financial obligations will influence the bank’s decision on the credit amount you can realistically afford. Annually you can get a free credit report from a reputable credit bureau to check your credit score and status. The credit score provides an indication of how likely you are to repay your financial obligations, it’s always better to have a good score.

Car finance comes with a set of items to consider such as the total cost of owning a car and paying a deposit or having a balloon at the end of the contract. What are the cost implications?

Mandane: Once you’ve looked at your budget, savings and credit score, you can decide how to finance your car. You can either pay a deposit or take a balloon payment as part of the finance contract.

The first option means you will probably have to delay the car purchase until you’ve saved enough money to use as a deposit. An upfront deposit payment means you end up borrowing less money from the bank to buy the car and they may grant you a more favourable interest rate.

The balloon payment is a lump sum payment that you must pay at the end of your car finance-contract term to settle the loan, but it will attract more interest and fees. It may also take longer to reach your break-even position (where the car’s value is equal to your loan’s outstanding balance). This will be carried over to a new car if you trade in the old one before reaching break-even position.

A question to ask yourself is “how will you pay for the balloon amount when it becomes due?” Your expenses might have increased by the time the payment becomes due. Another option to cover yourself long before the due date is to save towards the balloon amount.

Loans can be optimised to suit a customer’s affordability, what are the options for a car loan?

Mandane: The interest rate granted on your car finance contract is based on a number of risks applied during the credit assessment period. A customer can either choose a linked or fixed interest rate.

A linked interest rate fluctuates as and when the Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee decides to change the repo rate. Consequently, your loan’s monthly repayment amount will change as the repo rate is changed. Changes can be expected quarterly, or the rate can remain flat for some time.

A fixed interest rate may be higher, and it remains constant throughout the vehicle finance contract term. The instalment amount also remains the same allowing you to budget with greater accuracy.

A minimum term of 24 months or up to 72 months can be chosen to repay the loan, with the term of the loan affecting the monthly repayment amount.

Which finance option is better?

Mandane: The popular ways to finance a car is through a car finance loan, cash or through a personal loan.

A personal loan option attracts a higher interest rate because the loan is unsecured (the lender doesn’t retain the title to the car as security) and the term is usually shorter than a car loan. Because a car loan is secured, it is usually offered at lower interest rates and over longer contract periods. The car becomes easily tradable as the finance for the old car can be transferred to the new car.

The conditions of the loans also differ, for instance, a car loan has comprehensive insurance for the car as a condition and full ownership of the car is transferred once the car loan is paid off.

Another option is to pay cash for the car and take full ownership of it immediately, plus you pay no interest to the bank, but a car loan will give you more vehicle options depending on affordability.

Always read your contract and understand the terms and conditions for your own benefit.

What else needs to be considered in the total cost of owning a car?

Mandane: One of the conditions of being granted a car loan is that you will need to have the car insured through comprehensive insurance from an insurance provider. You also need to budget for fuel (of which prices fluctuate), annual license disc renewal, parking costs (where you live or work) and you’ll need to regularly service and maintain your car through a professional dealer or service centre.

No more AMG V8 for Aston Martin Vantage

The future will be quiet, for Vantage.

Aston Martin is facing a challenging future. The esteemed British sportscar brand has always traded on two attributes for its success: loud engines and dramatic design.

Stylists and designers will have no issue carrying the brand’s distinctive proportions and vehicle presence into the future, quietness could be a problem.

Adaptive exhaust valving and booming engine acoustics are an integral part of the Aston Martin driving and ownership experience. But those V8 and V12 engines, might not survive for much longer.

The man who is deciding to convert most of Aston Martin’s product portfolio to electric, is ironically, someone who knows the value of dramatic engine sound signatures.

Tobias Moers moved from AMG to Aston Martin, with a mission to revive the fortunes of this iconic British brand. Moers proved his acumen in the realm of high-performance car company management at AMG. But replicating that success at Aston Martin could be difficult.

Aston Martin has committed to having a fully electrified vehicle portfolio by 2030. And the changes could be coming much sooner.

For a brand that has always been defined by its large-capacity petrol engines, the risk of transiting from V8 and V12 powertrains to batteries, is enormous.

Moers has confirmed to European business media, that the next generation Vantage and DB11 will forego their V8 and V12 engines, for electric motors.

The packaging advantages of this change will see Aston Martins with superior interior room and load capacity. A much lower centre of gravity will make the battery-powered Vantage and DB11 performance cars, more stable at high-speed.

Issues? Weight and product differentiation. Shouty cars are part of the Aston Martin DNA. Without the crackle-and-pop V8 and V12 exhaust acoustics, will customers still be drawn to Aston Martin?

Aston Martins aren’t the lightest of performance cars and the move from petrol to battery power will make them much heavier, blunting dynamic agility.

Interestingly, Aston Martin will be converting its front-engined vehicles to battery-power, but the mid-engined hypercars, will be hybrids. So, if you desire some internal combustion engine drama, there might still be an option from Aston, in the immediate future.

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross in SA (2021) Specs & Price

The updated Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross compact family car has arrived in South Africa. See specification and pricing details below!

The Eclipse Cross first came to market back in early 2019 and now Mitsubishi welcomes a revised model to market to take on rivals in the compact family car segment. At the time, we tested the Eclipse Cross 1.5 T GLS and the naturally-aspirated Eclipse Cross 2.0.

What’s changed?

The previous split rear windscreen is no more.

The previous iteration of the Eclipse Cross divided opinion with its split rear windscreen and bold lighting design. Now, Mitsubishi has revised the design, incorporating the brand’s familiar ‘Dynamic Shield’ design language seen on the grille design and also features twin-oval headlights for a more sophisticated look. At the rear, the previous split tailgate is no more and the Eclipse Cross now features a more conventional rear design with a hexagonal theme. The rear lights feature a striking 3D Y-shape design. The Eclipse Cross rides on 18-inch alloy wheels.

Standing some 140mm longer than the model it replaces, the Eclipse Cross’ load bay offers a generous 437 litres which expands to 1 074 litres with the split rear seats folded down.

Key interior features include an 8-inch Smartphone-Link Display Audio (SDA) system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, Bluetooth and voice control, fully adjustable multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters and electric seats with leather upholstery. A heads-up display is also offered.

Safety features include 7 airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control with traction control, hill start assist, active yaw control and a rear view camera.

What engines are available for the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross?

Engine choice remains the same with 2 engines on offer to buyers.

A total of 2 derivatives are available to buyers, both being front-wheel-drive and equipped with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Buyers can choose between a 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine with 110 kW and 250 Nm of torque or a naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engine with 110 kW and 198 Nm of torque. The former is equipped with an 8-step CVT while the latter engine is paired with a 6-step CVT.

How much does the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross cost in South Africa?

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 2.0 GLS – R459 995

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 1.5T GLS – R499 995

Pricing includes a 3-year/100 000 km warranty, 5-year/90 000km service plan and 5-year/unlimited km roadside assistance.

Buy a Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross on Cars.co.za

The fastest way to get to 100 kph for R300k

If you only have a budget of R300k, it’s not easy to find something in the new-car market that will complete the 0-100 kph dash in under 10 seconds, but what if we look to the classifieds to find some tasty pre-owned machines that can hit three figures on the speedometer much faster than that, but for less money?

R300k is not a lot of money when you’re car shopping in the South African new-vehicle market. Yes, you can get a Toyota Urban Cruiser or a Kia Sonet, you can even get a fantastic looking Peugeot 208 at that price, but none of those is going to satisfy your appetite for ferocious performance like a bombastic V10 (and yes, you can get a used V10 for under R300k).

There are obvious risks associated with owning an older performance car (particularly the increased likelihood that it will break down on you), but that’s what you buy into if you want to play this game. Parts may be hard to find, you’ll likely need a specialist mechanic and nothing will be cheap to replace or repair. If you want to go fast, for less than R300k, these are the most interesting ways to do it. Click the vehicle headings for a look at current stock availability.

1. Subaru WRX (2007-2010)

Back in 2007, Subaru and Mitsubishi were delivering power and performance at a fraction of the cost of the premium-segment models. Hot hatches were only just beginning to raise their game and if you wanted something that could launch from a set of lights and drop just about anything off the line, you wanted a turbocharged Subaru Impreza. With peak power of 195 kW and 343 Nm of torque, the WRX was a performance bargain in its day, but now, you can pick a decent one up for under R200k, for a car that does 0-100 kph in 5.3 sec – which is about the same time it takes to slurp a tank of fuel.

2. Chrysler 300C SRT8 (2012-2014)

I did say this list would be… interesting. The Chrysler 300C SRT8 featured a 6.4-litre V8 delivering 347 kW and 631 Nm of torque. It was a performance bargain at the time, costing nearly half as much as similarly-powered performance sedans. Performance claims suggested a 0-100 kph time of 5 seconds flat and a top speed of 280 kph. It’d be best to be on good terms with your local fuel station, though.

3. BMW 750i (2009-2012)

This list clearly doesn’t account for fuel costs as this is another drinker. The BMW 750i came to market with a 4.4-litre turbocharged V8 that had its wings clipped at 300 kW and 600 Nm of torque. The super-limo segment isn’t really renowned for retaining value, but these have surely got to their low point right? Right!? It’s an absolute sleeper equipped with all the modern features you could ask for (except Apple Carplay and Android Auto) and one of the most comfortable rides you’ll ever experience for under R300k.

4. Jaguar XFR (2007-2015)

These are quite difficult to find in the classifieds sections, especially good examples for less than R300k, but they do appear from time to time. Jaguar’s finest supercharged 5.0-litre V8 sits under the bonnet of this Big Cat and the lump directs its instantaneous (and devastating) power to the sedan’s rear axle. 375 kW peak power with 625 Nm of torque shot the XFR from 0 to 100 kph in just 4.9 sec. Cars.co.za Consumer Experience Manager Hannes Oosthuizen had one of these as a long-term test car (for a year) and he claims it was possibly his favourite long-term test unit ever. High praise indeed.

5. Volkswagen Scirocco R (2011-2015)

In all honesty, you could buy a Volkswagen Golf R of a similar age at the same price – and you probably should – but that all-wheel-drive hatchback just wouldn’t be as cool as the Scirocco R. The original hot hatch formula was applied to the Wolfsburg-based brand’s compact coupe – front-wheel-drive in combination with a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol motor that punches out a healthy 188 kW and 350 Nm of torque (more than a brand new Golf GTI). The result? Acceleration that elicits epic amounts of torque steer, but is said to get you from 0 to 100 kph in 5.8 sec thanks to that DSG ‘box (well, while it lasts).

6. Audi RS4 (2006-2008)

What you’re looking at here is the B7-generation RS4 quattro, noted for being the first RS4 for 5 years (at the time) and being propelled by a naturally aspirated 4.2-litre V8 with real heart and a soundtrack for the ages. It’s not short on grunt either (with 309 kW and 430 Nm of torque), but the real treat is the 6-speed manual gearbox and the 8 200 rpm redline. Zero to 100 kph came up in just 4.8 sec.

ICYMI: Modern Classic: Audi RS4 (B7) Buyer’s Guide

7. BMW 135i Coupe (2010-2014)

The 135i Coupe is renowned for being the last genuinely good-looking car that BMW produced (subjectively speaking, of course). The 135i had just the right amount of power for a short-wheelbase rear-wheel-driven coupe. Well, the twin-scroll single-turbo 3.0-litre inline 6 (from 2010) delivered enough grunt to make the diminutive Bimmer feel fast and yet still provide lively thrills in the corners. You get 225 kW and 400 Nm of torque, and yes, you can get that from a hot hatch these days, but not for R300k. It’s a bit of a classic in the making in my books; its claimed 0-100 kph time was 5.2 sec.

8. Mercedes-Benz CLS 350 (2011-2014)

This is one of the more radical suggestions, I admit, as you can pick up any number of Benzes for under R300k, but the 2nd-generation (“4-door coupe”) CLS will stand out like nothing else on offer at this price range. There’s an unstressed naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 under the bonnet that will cruise from a standstill to 100 kph in 6.1 sec, but will waft along at any speed in great comfort.

9. Renault Megane RS 265 (2012-2015)

It’s amazing to think that you can pick up one of these Megane Renault Sport IIIs for under R250k. The ultimate driver’s hot hatch from pretty much the late 2000s until this generation ended in 2016, the Megane RS is quite simply incredibly fun to drive. If they ever come up, see if you can get your hands on a Trophy edition as they are very special, but don’t expect to enjoy driving it on your congested commute (the Cup specification is perhaps a bit more bearable to drive on poor roads). Renault’s 2.0-litre 4-pot turbopetrol mill was good for 195 kW and 360 Nm of torque with a 0-100 kph time of 6 sec.

10. BMW M5 or M6 (2003-2010)

Look, don’t hold me to the reliability of a sub-R300k BMW M5 (sedan) or M6 (coupe or convertible), but they are available. Has BMW made a better engine than the F1-inspired S85 V10? The last time I spoke to BMW engineers, they were convinced it was their best work (admittedly, that was a few years ago). The screaming 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V10 revs to 8 250 rpm and dishes out a lusty 373 kW and 520 Nm of torque, if you’re willing to rev it out. Don’t judge it by today’s lofty power standards – the E60/E63/E64 M5 and M6 were special, even if they were only ever sold locally with SMG ‘boxes.

Mini Cooper Anniversary Edition Revealed

To celebrate 60 years of collaboration with the Cooper Family, Mini has created a special edition vehicle. Meet the Mini Cooper Anniversary Edition, and just a handful of units are coming to South Africa.

John Cooper was born 98 years ago, but the real history begins 60 years ago when he took his classic Mini to a legendary race victory. His expertise with Mini’s products resulted in the Mini Cooper in 1961.

To celebrate the partnership, Mini has created the Mini Cooper Anniversary Edition and the vehicle is a tribute to John Cooper’s legacy. Sadly John Cooper is no longer with us, having passed away in 2000.

There’ll be just 740 units available globally and South Africa will receive just 6. 74 refers to the starting number 74 which was the classic Mini Cooper’s number during its first successful race appearance.

The Mini Cooper Anniversary Edition will be in British Racing Green metallic and Rebel Green, as well as Midnight Black metallic. All paint finishes are combined with a roof, exterior mirror caps, door handles and surrounds for the headlights and rear lights in white. Other exterior trim elements are offered in Piano Black high gloss.

It wouldn’t be a sporty Mini without the traditional stripes and these are white on the bonnet, with a red accent line. The 74 is on the bonnet and doors of the vehicle. The vehicle features John Cooper Works Trim with adaptive dampers, 18-inch JCW light alloys. Inside, the Cooper name logo is present on the door sill trims, on the side scuttles, on the C-pillars, and on the center spoke of the Nappa sports leather steering wheel.

The cabin features John Cooper Works sports seats in Dinamica/leather Carbon Black finish, an anthracite-coloured headliner, stainless steel pedal set and interior trim in Piano Black high-gloss. The red ring from the original John Cooper logo adorns the luggage compartment lid and the interior surface on the passenger side. On the driver’s side, the interior surface features the signatures of John, Mike and Charlie Cooper. The inside of the driver’s door frame features an emblem with John Cooper’s signature, the handwritten note “1 of 740” and the words “60 YEARS OF MINI COOPER – THE UNEXPECTED UNDERDOG”.

The Mini Cooper Anniversary Edition is available across all current powertrains, but the SA-spec units will come with the JCW engine. For the record, the 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-pot churns out 170 kW and 320 Nm.

When does the Mini Cooper Anniversary Edition arrive in SA?

Mini South Africa confirmed there’ll be 6 units with the JCW engine arriving in the last quarter of 2021. Pricing will be announced closer to the time.

End of the road for Audi A1

The Audi A1 won’t survive another generation.

Audi’s CEO, Markus Duesmann, has confirmed that the A1 will be axed when it reaches the end of its current model lifespan according to a report from Automotive News Europe.

The second-generation Audi A1 was revealed in 2018 which means it still has a few years of life ahead of it.

However, the business case for any small hatchback, from a luxury car brand, is becoming very difficult to justify.

Enormous pressure is being applied on cities to embrace electric vehicles, which has seen a huge offering of large battery-powered cars. These SUVs, crossovers and sedans, can operate in congestion or emissions taxed CBDs, with much lower cost, than a small petrol- or diesel-powered hatchback.

This is exactly the issue that Audi is trying to deal with. Although Ingolstadt has committed to electrification, with its very impressive new e-tron GT proving the point, there are limits to the viability for all models.

Duesmann commented that “A lot will depend on the final Euro 7 target. We know that offering combustion engines in the smaller segments in the future will be pretty difficult because the costs will go up. Therefore, we won’t have a successor to the A1. If the new Euro 7 rules are not too harsh, it will allow us to invest more in e-mobility.”

The problem is that small car platforms, simply cannot absorb the R&D and production costs, to electrify. They would become prohibitively expensive, as a result.

With the large margins and much higher prices of large SUVs and crossovers, brands have been able to make customers absorb more of the production cost, relating to electric vehicles. This is clearly evident in the list pricing of vehicles such as Porsche’s Taycan.

The A1 is simply an impossible prospect for Audi, in terms of electrification. VW retains some viability with its platform twin, the Polo, due to the sheer volumes it can assemble and sell. A next-generation Polo is assured, but this current version of A1, is dead in the water.

Will Audi surrender its market share in the compact vehicle segment? Unlikely. What the German brand is expected to do is revive one of its most celebrated model names: A2.

For followers of all things Audi, the A2 is keenly remembered as a wonderfully advanced compact city car of the early 2000s.

Audi can easily revive the A2 name, which has a legacy for technical innovation and advanced design, as a new battery-powered model range. It would then effectively replace the A1, and deliver a slightly larger vehicle, as Audi’s entry-level product offering.

Let’s see what happens…

Porsche Macan (2022) Specs & Price

Two and a half years since Porsche SA introduced a facelifted version of the Macan, the Zuffenhausen-based brand has rolled out another update to its executive SUV range, which includes detail upgrades as well as a consolidated line-up of derivatives.

From an aesthetic point of view, the Macan looks much like before, but eagle-eyed observers will spot that black trim on the front bumper has been redesigned, the LED daytime running lights have been repositioned and the dark cladding strips on the flanks of the vehicle feature a 3Dtextured surface.

At the rear, Porsche’s smallest SUV now features an enlarged diffuser that stretches the width of the bumper, while larger alloy wheels (19-inch for the Macan, 20-inch for the Macan S and 21-inch for the Macan GTS), LED headlights with the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) and Sport Design side mirrors and are standard across the range. What’s more, Porsche has availed 7 new alloy wheel designs and there are 14 exterior colours to choose from.

ICYMI: Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT is the World’s Fastest SUV

The Macan range now comprises a trio of derivatives; the previous line-up’s Turbo has been dropped, but, technically, only in name, because the Macan S now features the outgoing Macan GTS’ 2.9-litre twin-turbo petrol V6, while the updated Macan GTS matches the old Turbo’s peak outputs of 324 kW and 550 Nm (also produced by the aforementioned powerplant).

All versions of the Porsche Macan feature the firm’s 7-speed dual-clutch (PDK) automatic transmission as well as the Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel-drive system.

The standard Macan is powered by a newly developed 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol motor, which produces 10 kW and 30 Nm more than before. With its new maximum outputs of 195 kW and 400 Nm of torque, the Macan is claimed to accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 6.2 sec (with the optional Sport Chrono package) and go on to a top speed of 232 kph.

By virtue of switching from a 3.0-litre single-turbo V6 to a 2.9-litre twin-turbo unit, the Macan S now produces 20 kW and 40 Nm more for peak outputs of 280 kW and 520 Nm. The S version is said to accelerate from standstill to 100 kph in 4.6 sec (with the optional Sport Chrono package) with a top speed of 259 kph, while the range-topping Macan GTS is comparatively 0.3 sec quicker (with the standard Sport Chrono package) and 13 kph faster.

Meanwhile, the damper characteristics of the Porsche Active Suspension Management (standard on the Macan S and GTS derivatives, but optional on the Macan) have been re-adapted and the flagship version features a 10-mm lowered sports suspension with air springs as standard.

Porsche says the sports air suspension is 10% and 15% firmer on the front and rear axle respectively while the optional GTS Sport package (available exclusively on the GTS version) incorporates 21-inch GT design wheels with performance tyres, Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus and the Sport Chrono package.

Inside, the Macan features the new multifunction GT Sport steering wheel from the 911, a shorter transmission lever, an analogue clock atop the dashboard (as standard), plus optional leather upholstery and contrasting seam packages (available in Gentian Blue, Papaya or Crayon).

The user interface now incorporates touch-sensitive surfaces instead of tactile buttons, as well as a 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment unit with Porsche Communication Management.

Buyers who specify the GTS Sport package on the updated GTS derivative will benefit from 18-way power-adjustable front sports seats, Race-Tex and extended leather upholstery (with contrast stitching and GTS lettering in Python Green) and carbon-fibre interior trim.

South African deliveries of the updated Macan will commence in January 2022.

Prices of Porsche Macan (2022) in SA:

Macan	R1 050 000
Macan S	R1 271 000
Macan GTS	R1 551 000

Prices include a 3-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.

Audi RS3 Revealed; Coming to SA in 2022

After a lengthy teaser campaign and far too many spy shots, this is the all-new Audi RS3. Featuring class-leading performance and the magical 5-cylinder engine, the 2022 Audi RS3 is confirmed for the 2nd half of next year.

Being a flagship performance product, focus is on the engine and claimed figures. While some will complain that the 2.5-litre 5-cylinder engine produces the same power as before, some clever tweakery has resulted in more torque. Figures of 294 kW and 500 Nm are on offer, with the 2022 Audi RS3 being said to sprint to 100 kph in a claimed 3.8 seconds and onto an optional top speed of 290 kph.

As we’ve mentioned before in a prior article, the all-new Audi RS3 will feature what’s called the RS Torque Splitter which cleverly sends power around the axles and wheels. In left-hand curves, it transmits the torque to the right rear wheel, in right-hand curves to the left rear wheel, and when driving straight ahead to both wheels. It gets better, as the RS Torque Splitter can send all engine power to just one wheel. There’s also Drift Mode.

The all-new Audi RS3 features a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox as well as a sporty exhaust system with fully variable flap control, plus Audi is offering an RS sports exhaust for even more noise.

Under the skin, the newcomer features newly-developed shock absorbers and a valve system that helps the suspension cope with rebound/compression, with Audi offering adaptive damper control as an option. The larger wheel camber, i.e. the wheels are angled more toward the road, results in a more precise steering response and increased cornering force. Compared to the Audi A3, the wheels on the front axle of the new RS 3 have just under one degree of additional negative camber.

At the rear, there’s a four-link design with separate spring/damper arrangement, subframe, and tubular stabilizer bar. The wheel carriers, which are stiffer than those of the Audi A3 and S3, absorb the increased lateral forces generated by the torque splitter. The RS‑specific progressive steering varies the gear ratio depending on the steering angle – as the steering angle increases, the gear ratio becomes smaller and steering more direct. It also assists based on speed and can be varied via Audi drive select.

The setup of the springs and shock absorbers is markedly stiff, and the body is 10mm lower than on the S3 and 25mm lower than on the A3.

As far as brakes go, the new RS 3 comes with bigger and newly-developed 6-piston steel brakes, with ceramics being available as an option.

Visually, you can spot the all-new Audi RS3 with a gaping front bumper which features a new-look honeycomb grille and new-look headlights and daytime running lights. The LEDs will light up the letters R S and 3 as well as a checkered flag when you lock and unlock the car. When the vehicle’s driving, there’s a checkered flag. The rear is dominated by large twin oval exhausts and an integrated diffuser. The new Audi RS3 rides on 19-inch alloy wheels with a host of optional wheels available.

Inside, the new Audi RS3 looks very sporty. The Audi virtual cockpit plus is standard and boasts telemetry like g-forces, lap times and acceleration from 0‑100 km/h, 0-200 km/h, quarter-mile, and eighth of a mile. A heads-up display is available for the first time on the RS3.

The RS sport seats with RS embossing and contrasting stitching really look the part and are available in Nappa as an option. The new-look 3-spoke RS steering wheel features zinc shift paddles and a 12 o clock stripe.

When is the new Audi RS3 coming to South Africa?

Audi South Africa confirmed its new performance model will be available in sedan and Sportback derivatives and should be making landfall around the middle of 2022.

Range Rover Evoque edges closer to Velar

More size for Ranger Rover’s smallest SUV.

Land Rover has made its smallest Range Rover, a bit bigger.

Although its introduction rankled legacy Range Rover owners, a decade ago, Evoque has been a significant story for Land Rover. It has allowed the Ranger Rover brand, to sell in greater numbers and conquer an entirely new realm of customers.

One of the Evoque’s advantages is that its size – or lack, thereof. Compared to a traditional low-range enabled Range Rover, the Evoque has always been much smaller. And that makes it much easier to park or drive around a crowded urban environment.

But what if you need a bit more, from your Evoque, and don’t want a Velar? Land Rover’s solution is the new LWB Evoque.

Based on the second-generation Evoque, this LWB version is 4.53m long, compared to the standard SUV’s 4.37m. That additional length is mostly between its axles, with the Evoque LWB having a 160mm longer wheelbase.

With the greater overall length and a more generous wheelbase, this Evoque LWB should offer excellent comfort ergonomics, for its second-row passengers. This is, of course, exactly the invention from Land Rover, especially for the Chinese market, where LWB luxury vehicles, in all segments, enjoy robust demand.

Land Rover has not divulged any changes in core mechanical specification, beyond size, with this new LWB Evoque. Expect engine offerings to remain the same, although the new variant does showcase slightly different front styling.

The redesigned grille and bonnet shutline, could be a clue to Land Rover’s forthcoming Evoque refresh, with this LWB version being the vehicle to debut it.

Electric G-Class Coming to Munich Motor Show

A report is suggesting we’ll be seeing an electric G-Class at this year’s IAA Munich car show. Here’s what we know so far.

Mercedes-Benz is rapidly expanding its electrification program and the EQ badge is being rolled out to its entire product portfolio. We’ve already seen the production versions of the EQA, EQB, EQC and EQS which are confirmed for South Africa in 2022. Now, according to MBPassion blog, the mighty Mercedes-Benz G-Class will be going electric and we’ll see it at a motor show in Germany before the end of 2021.

This news shouldn’t come as a surprise as Daimler CEO Ola Kallenius mentioned this back in March 2020 in an interview with CarAdvice. “Yes, the G is going to go electric, we have kicked off the concept work for this, so in a few years you’ll be able to go electric with the G as well,” Mr Källenius said.

An electric G-Class will be quite the opposite to what the product is known for. The Mercedes-AMG G63 features a potent 4.0-litre biturbo V8 petrol engine, while the G400d boasts the strong straight-6 diesel. Let’s not forget the advanced 4×4 system with its 3 differentials either. So, what’s on the cards for the electric G-Class? We suspect that that 4×4 system is non-negotiable and Mercedes-Benz will incorporate the electric powertrain around it. An electric motor on each axle would likely be the best solution and given the G-Class size, a large battery which is good for at least 500 km is expected.

The downside is of this is the weight. Electric cars are typically heavier than their ICE counterparts and given the dimensions of the current G-Class, the electric G could be very heavy. As it stands, the current G63 tips the scales at 2.5 tons.

Be on the lookout for the electric G-Class at the IAA Munich Mobility Show which replaces the Frankfurt Motor Show. It takes place from the 7th September to the 12th September in the Bavarian city of Munich. As far as names go, we won’t be surprised to see it badged as the EQG concept.

Want to buy a new or used G-Class? Browse stock now

Absa First-time Buyer Guide to Vehicle Finance

Start your journey to vehicle ownership with the help of our Street Smart video series, brought to you by Absa Vehicle Finance. In the first instalment, Fulufhelo Mandane from Absa discusses what you need to consider before you start shopping, the costs of ownership and your various finance options.

Related content:

No more AMG V8 for Aston Martin Vantage

The future will be quiet, for Vantage.

Related content

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross in SA (2021) Specs & Price

The updated Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross compact family car has arrived in South Africa. See specification and pricing details below!

What’s changed?

What engines are available for the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross?

How much does the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross cost in South Africa?

Related Content

The fastest way to get to 100 kph for R300k

Related content

Mini Cooper Anniversary Edition Revealed

To celebrate 60 years of collaboration with the Cooper Family, Mini has created a special edition vehicle. Meet the Mini Cooper Anniversary Edition, and just a handful of units are coming to South Africa.

When does the Mini Cooper Anniversary Edition arrive in SA?

Further Reading

End of the road for Audi A1

The Audi A1 won’t survive another generation.

Related content

Porsche Macan (2022) Specs & Price

Two and a half years since Porsche SA introduced a facelifted version of the Macan, the Zuffenhausen-based brand has rolled out another update to its executive SUV range, which includes detail upgrades as well as a consolidated line-up of derivatives.

Prices of Porsche Macan (2022) in SA:

Related content:

Audi RS3 Revealed; Coming to SA in 2022

After a lengthy teaser campaign and far too many spy shots, this is the all-new Audi RS3. Featuring class-leading performance and the magical 5-cylinder engine, the 2022 Audi RS3 is confirmed for the 2nd half of next year.

When is the new Audi RS3 coming to South Africa?

Further Reading

Range Rover Evoque edges closer to Velar

More size for Ranger Rover’s smallest SUV.

Related content

Electric G-Class Coming to Munich Motor Show

A report is suggesting we’ll be seeing an electric G-Class at this year’s IAA Munich car show. Here’s what we know so far.

Further Reading