Wallyscar Iris is a Tunisian built ladder frame crossover

If the Willys Jeep – was a modern budget crossover, this is what it would look like…

The call for an African car remains strong, with the continent’s potential huge customer numbers and lack of public transport creating a vast market.

Establishing a new car company to challenge legacy brands, isn’t easy. But some African entrepreneurs and engineers aren’t afraid of the challenge. And two of them, are the Tunisian brothers, Zied and Omar Guiga, who run Wallyscar.

The name might sound like a misinterpretation of a children’s book, but it is a clever play on Jeep’s product heritage. Operations at Wallyscar started in 2006, and the company’s product offering is a Jeep inspired front-wheel-drive vehicle called the Iris.

Its styling is unapologetically relatable to that of Jeep’s round headlight crossovers, with the ‘Wally’ name being a play on Jeep’s legendary ‘Willys’ roots.

The somewhat original and slightly outrageous styling is made possible by fibreglass bodywork, which won’t be of much value in dissipating crash energy, but it makes the Iris quite cheap to build.

Engineered for Tunisian conditions, the Wallyscar Iris doesn’t mind rolling thousands of gravel road miles.

Although it is front-wheel-drive, there is a separate steel chassis, with the fibreglass bodywork on top, which should make the design very durable. The idea of a steel ladder frame crossover is quite novel.

Iris engine details and price

Powering the Iris is a Peugeot-Citroen sourced 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine, good for 61 kW. It drives the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox, and Wallyscar says the Iris will run a 0-100 kph benchmark sprint in 13.2 seconds and power to a top speed of 158 kph.

The fibreglass bodywork has a removable rear roof section, and although it has four seats there are only two access doors.

Most of the cabin switchgear is recycled Peugeot-Citroen componentry, but you can have comfier seats, an armrest and touchscreen infotainments system as upgrades.

If the idea of a front-wheel-drive, steel frame crossover appeals to you, this African-Mediterranean product offering prices at R190 000.

Ford EcoSport Black (2021) Specs & Price

Ford South Africa has announced a special-edition and value-focused EcoSport. Specifications and pricing below.

The Ford EcoSport is one of the Blue Oval's most popular models and has been the leader in its respective segment. With the addition of the limited-run Ford EcoSport Black, the brand hopes to dominate the market even further.

Based on the EcoSport Ambiente 1.5 Auto, the EcoSport Black receives some cosmetic upgrades in black, hence the name. The front grille and skid plate are finished in black, with black decals on the flanks and bonnet. There's a painted black roof, integrated black roof rails and 16-inch black alloy wheels that replace the basic 15-inch steel rims on the standard model. There are black mirror caps and a black spare wheel cover.

Customers can choose from Diamond White, Moondust Silver, Smoke, Blue Lightning, and Canyon Ridge paint finishes.

As far as engines and gearboxes go, there's a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine producing 91 kW and 151 Nm, which is paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Standard features include electrically operated windows, manual air-conditioning, electric power-assisted steering, rear parking sensors, SYNC with Bluetooth and Voice Control, two USB ports, six speakers and a 4.2-inch screen. When it comes to safety, the Ford EcoSport Black has six airbags (dual front, side and curtain airbags) and dual ISOFIX child-seat mounting points in the rear seats, ABS brakes, Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with traction control.

“The EcoSport is an important part of our product portfolio, satisfying the needs of a wide range of customers, from active individuals to young families that appreciate the space and versatility it offers,” says Doreen Mashinini, General Manager, Marketing at Ford South Africa. “With the EcoSport Black, we have given the EcoSport a sportier and exclusive character that will appeal to customers seeking a stylish vehicle that has a bold and unique personality.”

Want to purchase a new or used Ford EcoSport? Click here

The interior of the Ford EcoSport Black

How much does the Ford EcoSport cost?

All EcoSport models come standard with Ford Protect, comprising a four-year/120 000km comprehensive warranty, three-year/unlimited distance roadside assistance and five-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty. A four-year/60 000km service plan is included, with 15 000km service intervals.

Ford EcoSport Black 1.5 6AT R336 900

All-new Mazda CX-30 Review – It’s certainly pretty, but is it worth it?

Mazda has recently launched the CX-30 locally. As the brand looks to move upmarket and compete with the premium German manufacturers (Audi, BMW, Merc etc.) it's likely to hit some resistance from those brands. Does the CX-30 have enough going for it to push aside those naysayers and carve out a slice of the Premium Crossover segment?

Looking to buy a used Mazda in South Africa? We have nearly 1400 to choose from!

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The Mazda CX-30 has arrived on the South African market and is gunning for a slice of the stylish crossover pie, which now that I think about it sounds like a fusion dish at a hipster Asian restaurant.

Anyway, it's a space that VW recently entered with the T-Roc, but the CX-30's pricing is very curious indeed. For instance, you can buy a Mazda CX-5 for less money, a substantially larger and more practical car. You can also buy a Mazda3 for significantly less money.

So, why would you buy a CX-30? Well, we sent our video guy Ciro De Siena to find out.

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Lexus Shows Deadly Reality of Distracted Driving (Video)

Lexus has released, “Driving Disrupted”, a video that highlights just how dangerous distracted driving is. Check it out!

Distracted driving remains a major problem on our roads and smartphones are one of the worst distractions for drivers.

If you think that distracted driving is a myth, just open your eyes and count how many drivers you see driving while engaging on a smartphone. The results are likely to surprise and disgust you!

How long does it take you to glance at a text message on your phone? The misconception is that this act is only a temporary distraction that lasts a mere second or two. However, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the average ‘real time’ it takes to send or receive a text message is 4.6 seconds. The distraction is the equivalent of driving the length of a football field at 90 kph with your eyes closed. Think about that for a second…

To demonstrate the severity of distracted driving, Lexus has released its “Driving Disrupted” video to highlight how dangerous being distracted can be in the real world.

Participants were coaxed into thinking they were taking a Lexus NX for a test drive when, in fact, they were driving a specially modified vehicle called the NX 4.6. This NX is equipped with electrochromic technology that turns the windscreen from transparent to opaque instantaneously, essentially blinding the driver’s vision for exactly 4.6 seconds. The results are both fascinating and scary. Watch the video below to see how it works!

“Lexus wants to bring awareness to safety behind the wheel by changing perceptions about texting and driving,” said Vinay Shahani, vice president of Lexus marketing. “Even the most advanced safety systems on the road today can’t replace the undivided attention of the driver.”

We urge South African motorists to avoid distracted driving and to refrain from using a smartphone while driving. Your life and the lives of others depend on it… If your vehicle has Android Auto or Apple CarPlay hands-free connectivity, we urge you to use it.

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Hyundai Santa Cruz Bakkie Teased

Hyundai is readying its eagerly-anticipated Santa Cruz bakkie. The Korean brand released some teaser images of its Sport Adventure Vehicle.

We've been tracking the gestation of the Hyundai double-cab project since the concept was shown back in 2015. Now at the end of the first quarter of 2021, Hyundai has released teaser sketches of the Santa Cruz bakkie, or Sport Adventure Vehicle as it calls it, with the claim of 'breaking new ground within the SUV, Truck and Crossover segments by offering a new category of vehicle unlike anything else in the US market'.

“Santa Cruz, with its bold styling, breaks open all-new segment territory, both for Hyundai and the industry as a whole. Open-bed flexibility coupled with closed-cabin security meets the changing everyday needs of its adventure-oriented buyers, while powerful and efficient engines and superb maneuverability ensure it is a pleasure to drive in urban or off-road environments. Our customers will wonder just how they managed before owning one,” said Jose Munoz, president, and CEO, Hyundai Motor North America.

The release went on to say the new Hyundai Santa Cruz will have powerful and efficient powertrain options, flexible open bed, connectivity as well as an all-wheel-drive platform. It will be built in Montgomery, Alabama, but it remains to be seen if the vehicle will be configured and assembled for the right-hand-drive market. Given the love for bakkies in both Australia and South Africa, we suspect that the Koreans will make a plan. Or have they already made a plan?

Hyundai Santa Cruz right-hand drive?

In a report from Australia, Which Car confirmed that Hyundai is developing a range of 1-tonne bakkies for Australia and other markets, which as history has proven, will likely include South Africa which is, as we know, a major market for bakkies. The report also indicates that the one-tonne bakkie will be based on a ladder-frame chassis and will be developed in partnership with Kia, which will also receive its own version of the bakkie. Both 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive variants are on the cards as well as different cab variants.

Hyundai Australia CEO, John Kett commented: “What’s clear to us is that if we’re going to bring a ute out, it had better be a ute. We’ve got past the first hurdle of what it needs to look like, but it needs to be functional as well. That’s the important part. We’re going down that pathway and we’re working towards it. We just have to make sure that when it arrives, it’s a bloody ute.”

As far as engines go, American publication Car And Driver suggested that the Hyundai bakkie will feature engines from the new Santa Fe which includes a 137 kW/241 Nm naturally-aspirated 2.4-litre petrol engine and a turbocharged, 175 kW/352 Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, both fitted in conjunction with an 8-speed automatic transmission. With the news of the Santa Cruz being based on the new Tucson, it could be entirely possible that it could feature a 141 kW/246 Nm 2.5-litre petrol engine or a 1.6-litre turbopetrol engine. It's also been speculated that the Hyundai bakkie will be offered in 4WD guise only.

As far as an official reveal goes, we expect to see the new Hyundai Santa Cruz revealed in the next few months. Can Hyundai's new offering take on the established players and will we see it in South Africa?

As far as profile teaser images go, this is pretty detailed and we think the Hyundai Santa Cruz is handsome.

Mercedes-Benz CLS Given Mild Facelift for 2022

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled its updated CLS. Here's a look at the changes.

Many would think Mercedes-Benz has too many models and the overlaps are quite blatant. In the case of the CLS, internally there's a rival in the E-Class while the AMG GT 4-door stands toe to toe with the CLS 53. It all boils down to personal preference and we'd suspect people who don't want the predictably styled E-Class to go to the CLS for a touch of unique style.

For the 2022 model year, the facelifted Mercedes-Benz CLS has received cosmetic and trim updates. Visually, you can spot the updated grille and more aggressive front bumper. Customers can opt for the new-look alloy wheels and there's a new paint, which you can see here. Called Spectral Blue Metallic, there's no denying it's very pretty! There are exclusive designo matte paints added to the palette; jupiter red, cashmere white magno and emerald green.

The cabin gets a subtle nip and tuck, but the updated CLS gains the new-look Merc steering wheel with its array of buttons and sensor pads. As far as trim options go, there are new upholstery combinations as well as leather options.

2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS Engine Choices

The engine lineup has been carried over. Globally, there's an impressive array of powertrains for the CLS ranging from the 1.9-litre turbodiesel with 143 kW and 400 Nm, to the CLS 53 with its 3.0-litre turbo inline-6 delivering 320 kW and 520 Nm. It's the flagship of the range and capable of hitting 100 kph in just 4.5 seconds, thanks to its all-wheel drive setup and advanced EQ electrification.

The diesel options appear particularly tantalising with a 2.0-litre 4-pot with 195 kW and 550 Nm, and a 3.0-litre inline-6 punching out 243 kW and 700 Nm. The petrol options also look good on paper at least, with a 2.0-litre 4-pot packing 220 kW and 400 Nm. The CLS 450 has a 3.0-litre inline-6 with 270 kW and 500 Nm.

As it stands, Mercedes-Benz South Africa offers the CLS in two flavours; the CLS 400d 4Matic and the CLS 53 AMG 4Matic. We'll update this story if we get confirmation about the updated model's arrival in South Africa.

2021 Mercedes-Benz Specs and Pricing

One of the updates is the introduction of the advanced steering wheel

Hyundai Alcazar Expands Creta Range

The Korean carmaker has revealed its Creta-based new 7-seater SUV. Meet the new Hyundai Alcazar.

The Hyundai Alcazar shares the same platform as its Creta sibling, but physically it's fractionally longer by 30 mm. It also boasts a slightly longer wheelbase to accommodate the third row of seats. The Hyundai Alcazar will be available in 6-seater and 7-seater configurations.

Hyundai India says it has enhanced the Creta platform and focused on ride comfort with a reworked suspension setup. Inside, there are sliding seats, armrests and Hyundai is claiming best-in-segment cabin space. The seats can be folded down to increase carrying capacity.

As far as features go, the Hyundai Creta will feature 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps, 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with BlueLink, Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, 360-degree camera, panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats and seatback trays with cup and mobile holder.

2022 Hyundai Alcazar Engine and Gearboxes

When it comes to engine options, Hyundai will be offering both petrol and diesel engines, with a choice of 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic gearboxes. The 2.0-litre Nu petrol develops 116 kW and 191 Nm, while the 1.5-litre diesel has 85 kW and 250 Nm. There will be three driving modes; Sport, Eco, City. The petrol engine will be the quicker of the two, with a claimed 0-100 kph of under 10 seconds.

Should the Alcazar come to South Africa? This segment has limited 7-seat options and our market already sources the Creta from the same factory where the Alcazar production is based. If it comes to SA, expect to rival the likes of the Suzuki Ertiga, Honda BR-V and Renault Triber.

Want to buy a Hyundai Creta? Browse new and used stock here.

The Hyundai Alcazar in 6-seater configuration

BMW iX Coming to SA in 2022

BMW South Africa has confirmed it will be launching its new iX electric vehicle. Here's what you need to know about it.

The BMW iX is a radically-styled electric Sports Activity Vehicle, and is the first vehicle to be built on a new, modular and scalable toolkit that will underpin future vehicles from the BMW Group.

There's been an intense focus on sustainability in the BMW iX project with the German carmaker claiming there's 'compliance with strict environmental and social standards in the extraction of raw materials, plus the use of electricity from renewable sources and a high proportion of recycled materials in the mix. The resulting carbon footprint is stated in a validation document endorsed by independent auditors. The certificate for the BMW iX xDrive40, for instance, shows its global warming potential is around 45 per cent lower than that of a Sports Activity Vehicle with a comparable diesel engine over 200,000 kilometres of use.'

While questions have been raised about the sustainability of building a green car, BMW is keen to point out the cobalt and lithium for the batteries comes from controlled sources in Australia and Morocco, the cells are manufactured using green power and the aluminium is made using electricity sourced from solar. There's extensive use of recycled plastics and aluminium, while the cabin features FSC-certified wood, leather tanned with olive leaf extracts and other natural materials. Among the raw materials used for the floor coverings and mats are recovered fishing nets.

The new BMW iX will be available in two flavours; BMW iX xDrive50 and BMW iX xDrive40. In the flagship 50 model, there's one electric motor on the front axle and another at the rear. There's over 370 kW on tap and BMW claims a 0-100 kph of just under 5 seconds. The xDrive40 has just over 240 kW and is said to dash to 100 kph in just over 6 seconds.

As far as economy and range go, BMW claims less than 21 kWh per 100 kilometres for the BMW iX xDrive50 and under 20 kWh per 100 kilometres n the case of the BMW iX xDrive40, based on the WLTP cycle. The BMW iX xDrive50 has a range in excess of 600 kilometres in the WLTP test cycle, and the WLTP-calculated range of the BMW iX xDrive40 is more than 400 kilometres. In comparison, the current BMW i3 can only muster 260-310km on a single charge.

The BMW iX xDrive50 can recharge its high-voltage battery at up to 200 kW, while the maximum charging capacity of the BMW iX xDrive40 is 150 kW. Essentially, this means a 10min plug-in time provides 120 kilometres / 90 kilometres of range depending on the model. In both model variants, the high-voltage battery’s charge can be increased from 10 to 80 per cent of its full capacity in under 40 minutes. These claims are predicted, based on the car's current stage of development.

When is the BMW iX coming to SA?

So, when can South Africans expect to see the interestingly-styled, but technologically advanced BMW iX on its roads? BMW South Africa has said it will share more info and details closer to the projected launch date in the first quarter of 2022.

The cabin of the new BMW iX, which is due in SA in the first quarter of 2022.

Compact Crossover Craze in SA for 2021

The demand for compact crossovers is rising in South Africa and car manufacturers are looking to meet strong demand with a host of new compact crossovers that are expected to be introduced on local soil in the coming weeks and months.

The compact crossover segment is flourishing in South Africa and it’s no surprise that the segment is growing at a phenomenal rate. Buyers in this segment are absolutely spoilt for choice!

Established products in this segment such as the Ford Ecosport, Honda BR-V, Haval H2, Hyundai Venue, Peugeot 2008 and Volkswagen T-Cross, for example, will now be under pressure as newer and less expensive products are due to arrive on local soil soon.

Recently, South Africa saw the introduction of the Suzuki Vitara Brezza and the Toyota Urban Cruiser which are the result of a collaboration between the 2 Japanese automakers. However, the segment is due to grow even further in the near future as other brands seek to woo local buyers with their new wares.

Here are new compact crossovers that are due to arrive in South Africa soon!

Nissan Magnite – April 2021

The official introduction of the new Nissan Magnite is imminent and this Indian-built crossover will arrive with a new turbocharged 1.0-litre petrol engine with at least 100 kW and 160 Nm of torque and is expected to be offered with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a CVT.

Local buyers can expect features such as 16-inch alloy wheels, 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, reverse camera and push-button start. Local specification and pricing, however, will be confirmed soon, so stay tuned!

Also see: Nissan Magnite (2021) International Launch Review

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Kia Sonet – Q2 2021

Kia will launch its new Sonet compact crossover locally in this, the 2nd quarter of 2021, and it’s based on the same platform as the Hyundai Venue. While South African specification details have yet to be confirmed, we suspect that the Indian-built Sonet will arrive with the same, 3-cylinder, 1.0-litre turbopetrol engine found in the Venue with at least 88 kW and 172 Nm. A 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch transmission is likely.

Expected nice-to-have features inside the Sonet include a large 10.25-inch infotainment system, digital instrument cluster and even wireless charging. Look out for specification and pricing details in the near future.

Also see: Kia Sonet (2020) International Launch Review

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Renault Kiger – Q3 2021

Sharing its platform with the 7-seat Triber, the Kiger will come to market with some French flair and we are fairly certain that Renault will price its newcomer aggressively to ensure that it claims its share in this competitive segment.

The Kiger will be powered by a 1.0-litre turbopetrol engine with 74 kW and 160 Nm and will be mated with a 5-speed manual transmission or a CVT. In terms of key features, the Kiger will feature an 8-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system as well as a configurable 7-inch instrument cluster. The Kiger’s 205 mm ground clearance will also be useful for traversing gravel roads or hopping the odd pavement in the city. Local pricing and specification details will be revealed closer to launch which is said to be during the 3rd quarter of 2021.

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Jeep Reveals Updated Compass

Jeep has updated its Compass, giving it a fresher look and Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capability.

Jeep, who is owned by the Stellantis Group, has showcased its updated Compass. Earmarked for the European market for now, the facelifted Jeep Compass brings Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capability, some visual tweaks as well as some updated engines.

Visually, you can spot the newcomer with its revised face complete with LED headlights, wide lower grille, big intake as well as subtle changes to the rear. The real changes are in the cabin, with the infotainment system receiving an update. The Uconnect 5 features an 8.4-inch touchscreen display for the lower-spec derivatives, while the top-spec models get a 10.1-inch system. There's also a 10.25-inch digital dashboard, smartphone integration and TomTom navigation.

The rejigged dashboard design has freed up more cabin space, with Jeep claiming around 4 litres of additional space in comparison to the previous model.

The Level 2 semi-autonomous driving technology is impressive and the updated Jeep Compass features driver drowsiness alert, traffic sign recognition, intelligent speed assist, adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection.

As far as engines go, turbocharged 1.3-litre petrol units with outputs ranging from 96 kW to 110 kW available with the option of either a manual or dual-clutch gearbox. A 1.6-litre turbocharged diesel producing 96 kW is also available. All are offering with a front-wheel-drive setup, but those wanting all-wheel drive will have to go the plug-in hybrid route and Jeep is offering a 140 kW and a 177 kW. derivative.

Further details, including South African availability, will be confirmed later this year.

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Wallyscar Iris is a Tunisian built ladder frame crossover

If the Willys Jeep – was a modern budget crossover, this is what it would look like…

Iris engine details and price

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Mercedes-Benz CLS Given Mild Facelift for 2022

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Hyundai Alcazar Expands Creta Range

The Korean carmaker has revealed its Creta-based new 7-seater SUV. Meet the new Hyundai Alcazar.

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BMW iX Coming to SA in 2022

BMW South Africa has confirmed it will be launching its new iX electric vehicle. Here's what you need to know about it.

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Compact Crossover Craze in SA for 2021

The demand for compact crossovers is rising in South Africa and car manufacturers are looking to meet strong demand with a host of new compact crossovers that are expected to be introduced on local soil in the coming weeks and months.

Nissan Magnite – April 2021

Kia Sonet – Q2 2021

Renault Kiger – Q3 2021

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Jeep Reveals Updated Compass

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