Audi RS6 vs BMW M5 Competition vs Mercedes-AMG E63 S: How Do They Stack Up?

2021 will be a stellar year for petrolheads as age-old rivals square up once again for supremacy. In the battle for German sports sedan supremacy, the latest iterations of Audi RS6, BMW M5 Competition, and Mercedes-AMG E63 S have all touched down in South Africa. We take a look at what's on offer and how much you can expect to pay to get behind the wheel of one of these luxury Teutonic torpedos.

Despite the onslaught of the performance SUV, German carmakers are traditionalists and know their client base well. A performance SUV may be all the rage, but a sedan is dynamically superior. The South African car landscape in 2021 has been blessed with the facelifted BMW M5 Competition, the all-new Audi RS6, and the updated Mercedes-AMG E63 S all arriving within a few months of each other. While engine sizes and power delivery have varied over the years, the class of 2021 all feature all-wheel drive and turbocharged V8 petrol engines.

While we start working on the logistics of getting these three luxury monsters together for a shoot-out, feast your eyes on what's on offer. We'll be looking at performance and price (correct as of March 2021), and start the speculations.

Audi RS6 (R2 070 000)

The Audi RS6 Avant, or station wagon to you and me offers something quite different to the rest of the sedans. There's no sedan option available, but if the idea of an estate doesn't work for you, then consider the Audi RS7. Essentially the same performance and powertrain in a sleek fastback 4-door coupe body. Speaking of powertrain, there's a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine pumping out 441 kW and 800 Nm. All this grunt is delivered to the 4-wheel-drive quattro setup via an 8-speed automatic.

Audi claims a 0-100 kph sprint time of 3.6 seconds and it'll sprint to a limited top speed of 250 kph. This top speed can be increased to 280 kph, with one of the option packs.

Audi RS6 detailed specs and latest pricing

Want one? Buy new or used Audi RS6 units for sale here.

BMW M5 Competition (R2 328 224)

Powering the updated BMW M5 Competition is a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine, and it delivers a whopping 460 kW and 750 Nm. BMW's all-wheel-drive xDrive system is on duty here, but you can disable the front axle for some spectacular powersliding drift action. With its launch control function dialled in, BMW claims its performance sedan will sprint to 100 kph in just 3.3 seconds and it has a claimed top speed of 305 kph. It features an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

BMW M5 Competition detailed specs and latest pricing

Want one? Buy new or used BMW M5 Competition units for sale here.

Mercedes-AMG E63 S (R2 436 440)

The latest iteration of Affalterbach's finest landed in SA and brings 450 kW and 850 Nm to the party. Many would argue the 4.0-litre biturbo V8 petrol engine is one of the finest sounding powertrains in the world and having experienced such a broad spectrum of engines, we're not going to argue. Load the Race Start function and the updated Mercedes-AMG E63 S is claimed to sprint to 100 kph in just 3.4 seconds and will run to a top speed of 300 kph. Like the BMW M5 Competition, the Mercedes-AMG E63 S features 4Matic all-wheel drive, but the car can be switched to rear-wheel drive, but good luck trying to tame all 850 Nm…

Mercedes-AMG E63 S detailed specs and latest pricing

Want one? Buy new or used Mercedes-AMG E63 units for sale here.

Summary and predictions

	Engine	Power	Torque	0-100 kph	Weight
Audi RS6 Avant	4.0 V8 Twin-turbo	441 kW	800 Nm	3.6 sec	2075 kg
BMW M5 Competition	4.4 V8 Twin-turbo	460 kW	750 Nm	3.3 sec	1970 kg
Mercedes-AMG E63 S	4.0 V8 Biturbo	450 kW	850 Nm	3.4 sec	2048 kg

The class of 2021 could not possibly be closer in terms of engine outputs and performance. If we were betting folk, we'd bet the BMW would be off the line the quickest, but the superior torque of the AMG would start reeling in its compatriot for a photo finish. The Audi RS6 is the dark horse here as a few international publications have seen it go quicker than claimed in 0-100 kph testing.

We'll be putting all three through their paces in 2021. Strap yourselves in everyone, we're in for a treat.

How car depreciation affects the value of a car

If you are looking to buy a new or used car, it’s important to consider the effects of depreciation before you buy the car. This article offers some insight into car depreciation and highlights key factors you should consider before buying your next car.

What is car depreciation?

Car depreciation can be defined as,

The rate at which a car loses its value over time.

Different car brands will have different rates of depreciation.

Why is depreciation important to consider?

Depreciation will cost you money over time,
Depreciation affects the re-sale value of a car.

*Tip: Reliable and well-established car brands will generally have a lower rate of depreciation (Think Toyota, VW, BMW, Merc).

Also read: Rent to Own Financing & Blacklisting

How does car depreciation affect you?

If you buy a new car, the moment you drive it, it will be worth a lot less than what you just paid for it. Here are some facts,

Depreciation is the largest expense you will incur over a five year car ownership period,
Most cars depreciate at a rate of 15% – 20% per year,
The rate of depreciation is most severe in the first year of ownership and can be as high as 50% in some cases,
The rate of depreciation decreases as the car gets older,
Your car will generally be worth half of what you paid for it after owning it for 5 years.

*Tip: To avoid the brunt of depreciation consider buying a used car with low mileage.

Example of car depreciation:

BMW is considered to be a luxury brand and holds a strong position in the market. The depreciation on a BMW is therefore generally considerably less when compared to other brands.

BMW 3 Series (2022): (R731624)	Year 1	Year 2	Year 3	Year 4	Year 5
Value:	R731 624	R621 880	R541 035	R486 932	R443 108
Depreciation %:	15%	13%	10%	9%	8%
Total Loss:	R109 743	R80 844	R54 103	R43 823	R35 448

This table clearly demonstrates how a car loses value over time. Over 5 years, the total loss due to depreciation adds up to a staggering R288 516. Let’s look at the factors that affect the rate of deprecation.

Look for used cars for sale here

What factors will affect car depreciation?

Many factors influence the rate of depreciation for any given car. Here are some factors to take note of, especially if you plan on selling the car,

Make of the car – Reputable car brands with notable track records will hold value better over time.
Model of the car – Popular models will generally have a lower rate of depreciation.
Age of the car – New cars generally lose value faster than older cars.
Warranty period – If you sell a car that is still within its warranty period, the re-sale value will be higher.
Accident history – Cars that have been in accidents will have considerably lower re-sale values.

What can you do to minimize the effects of depreciation?

You can’t avoid car depreciation but you can minimize its effects. When buying a new car or used car consider the following,

Buy a car with neutral external colors such as black, white and silver. These colors will most likely still be popular in a couple of years and will therefore sell for more.
Buy a car with comfort and safety features such as central locking, alloy wheels, CD/MP3 player, navigation equipment, parking assistance, anti-lock braking system. Useful features improve re-sale value.
Buy a car that has good fuel economy.
Keep your car clean and well serviced. You will get better re-sale value if your car is well kept.
Try keeping your mileage as low as possible, this will increase the re-sale value of the car.
Park your car in a garage and consider buying a cover for protection. A well maintained car will sell for more.

Summary

Depreciation is inevitable. The most you can do is to buy a car that has a good reputation in the current market and maintain it to the best of your ability, that way you will get a better return when you decide to sell the car.

Yaris Cross Gets More Adventurous

Toyota's Yaris Cross has gained a gravel-travel look in the name of adventure…

The Yaris Cross is another example of how well Toyota evaluates the market.

As the traditional hatchback business fades, being overtaken by demand for crossovers, Toyota has simply evolved the Yaris platform into a crossover.

Within Toyota’s product hierarchy, the Yaris Cross sits below CH-R, and has definite appeal for those customers with a desire for a small crossover with Toyota’s proven reliability.

Like the CH-R, Yaris Cross has surprisingly daring styling and exterior design for a Toyota. Nearly a year after its original reveal, the Yaris Cross is now available with an Adventure treatment.

Although this new Yaris Cross trim level does not increase the vehicle’s 170mm of ground clearance or equip it with more off-road appropriate tyres, Toyota has added some small exterior detailing changes.

A rear bumper scuff plate is added and at the front silver trim surrounding the lower bumper section can be seen. Toyota has also included what appears to be a faux diffuser framing the lower front bumper, although it's sure to be purely cosmetic, instead of aerodynamically functional.

The Yaris Cross Adventure is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol-hybrid engine, producing 87kW. A clutch-pack sends that power to the rear wheels, as needed, making the Yaris Cross all-wheel drive when required. It might not be capable of exploring rugged terrain, but high-speed gravel driving and some mild sand tracks should be well within its capability.

A black roof and wing mirrors are also part of the Adventure configuration, with both its roof rails and alloy wheels finished in a dark grey colour.

Inside the Yaris Cross Adventure, you will find a darkened headliner, black dashboard accents and even some gold coloured detailing in the door panels and fascia panel.

Available in right-hand drive markets such as Australia, the Yaris Cross, especially in Adventure trim, would make for a great junior RAV4, in South Africa. With the local market not being a destination for the current Yaris platform (unless you want the rare GR), that appears unlikely to happen.

Buy a Toyota Yaris on Cars.co.za

Volkswagen Taigo Confirmed for SA in 2022

Volkswagen South Africa has confirmed the 6th member of its T-named SUV will be landing in SA in 2022. Let's meet the newcomer, called the Volkswagen Taigo.

Based on the Volkswagen Nivus which is assembled in Brazil, the new Taigo is a CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle). Volkswagen claims the newcomer will feature an elevated seating position combined with a sporty coupe silhouette.

Not many specification details are known at this point, but we do know it will be assembled at the Volkswagen Group plant in Pamplona, Spain and will hit European markets at the end of 2021. What you see here is the near-production version and there'll be a formal reveal and debut later in 2021.

Volkswagen will be launching its Taigo with economical TSI engines, LED headlights as standard, a number of assistance systems, and a fully digital cockpit. VW SA says the new Taigo will be positioned in the A0 SUV segment with pricing and specs to be announced closer to the launch date. The vehicle is built on the A0 MQB platform.

The South American-spec Volkswagen Nivus. Will the Taigo be exactly the same? We'll know soon enough.

The Volkswagen Nivus is powered by the 1.0-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder motor with 95 kW and 200 Nm. This engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. In terms of safety spec, it boasts 6 airbags and adaptive cruise control, as well as autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection. In terms of features, it has what Volkswagen calls "VW Play", which is an infotainment system designed specifically for the Latin American market. This system features Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as a 10gb hard drive to store content.

This stylish compact crossover looks rugged and actually capable of handling something a bit more than just a gravel road, thanks to what appears to be decent ground clearance. Despite its compact size, boot space is claimed at 415 litres.

We'll update you with more information as we receive it.

Kia EV6 Fully Revealed

The arrestingly-styled EV6 represents a number of firsts for Kia; not only is it the company’s 1st standalone battery electric vehicle and the maiden product to wear the brand’s updated logo – it incorporates the firm’s new “Opposites United” design language.

The EV6 is underpinned by Hyundai Kia’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) and will the first of 7 EVs (they’ll all named EV followed by a number suffix) that Kia intends to launch by 2027 as part of its Plan S product strategy. Physically, the new model is 4 680 mm long, 1 880 mm wide, and 1 550 mm tall, plus has a wheelbase of 2 900 mm.

Thanks to the flexibility of the Hyundai/Kia E-GMP platform, the EV6 is available in an assortment of options. Standard and long-range batteries are available, and customers can choose between rear and all-wheel drive. The entry-level model features a 58 kWh battery with a rear-mounted motor and its good for 125 kW and 350 Nm. The all-wheel drive version of this entry-level model produces 173 kW and 605 Nm, and Kia claims a 0-100 kph sprint of just 6.2 seconds.

Go for the bigger 77.4 kWh battery and you get more range and a more powerful engine. The rear-wheel drive option has 168 kW and 350 Nm, while its all-wheel drive sibling packs 239 kW and 605 Nm. The sprint time is down to 5.2 seconds and the range is claimed at 510km using the WLTP combined cycle.

The flagship EV6 GT model comes with all-wheel drive and the bigger battery has some serious firepower. An output of 430 kW and 740 Nm is claimed and 0-100 kph is obliterated in 3.5 seconds. A top speed of 260 kph is claimed along with a range of 405 km.

Perhaps the most impressive stats regarding the EV6 are not its performance, but rather the charging. This new E-GMP platform boasts 400V and 800V capability, the latter allowing for quick charging times. Kia reckons it can go from 10% – 80% in just 18 minutes. If you're pressed for time, 100 km of range is possible in under 5 minutes. There's some clever engineering at play here, with things like energy-efficient heat pumps that scavenge waste heat, regenerative braking with six levels as well as vehicle-to-load charging. Essentially, your car could power your house during load-shedding. The car is also able to charge other electric vehicles.

Inside, the futuristic cabin features a minimalist layout with a 12-inch digital dashboard and 12-inch infotainment screen. Kia says there'll be over-the-air updates and real-time services. The car also features lightweight seats made from recycled plastics.

As for South African availability, nothing is set in stone yet, but Kia South Africa is keen to get a few units in for testing and feasibility studies. Watch this space!

Toyota Corolla Quest Range Updated in SA

Toyota has updated the locally-assembled Corolla Quest range in South Africa. See the changes below as well as pricing!

The new Toyota Corolla Quest came to market last year and remains a dominant player in the C-segment sedan market.

The Corolla Quest range is powered by a naturally-aspirated 1.8-litre petrol engine that offers 103 kW and 173 Nm of torque and can be had with either a 6-speed manual or a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

What's Changed?

The Corolla Quest remains the go-to choice in this segment.

The newly-named Corolla Quest Plus derivative kicks off the range and is equipped with a matte black grille, 15-inch steel wheels and features such as Daytime Running Lights, color-coded electric side mirrors, air conditioner, electric windows, steering-mounted controls and a basic audio system with Bluetooth and USB functionality.

The mid-range Corolla Quest Prestige has received an upgraded 6-speaker, touchscreen DVD audio system, reverse camera, cruise control, leather steering wheel, leather/fabric combination upholstery and 16-inch alloy wheels.

The top-spec Corolla Quest Exclusive gains an automatic air conditioner, a TFT-colour instrument cluster, leather seats and LED headlights and rain-sensing wipers.

Toyota has also added Smart Entry (keyless entry with push-button start) across the entire range and Toyota Connect is also standard on all derivatives.

Customers can now also choose a new Oxide Bronze exterior body colour in addition to the current colour palette.

How much does the Toyota Corolla Quest cost in South Africa?

Quest Plus – R 278 400

Quest CVT Plus – R 298 000

Quest Prestige – R 315 600

Quest Prestige CVT – R 326 600

Quest Exclusive MT – R 332 900

Quest Exclusive CVT – R 343 900

The Toyota Corolla Quest is sold with a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and a 3-services/45 000 km service plan.

Buy a Toyota Corolla Quest on Cars.co.za

Mazda unveils ‘bush-spec’ BT-50

While Mazda South Africa is preparing to introduce the new-generation BT-50 double cab bakkie on the local market soon, the Hiroshima-based firm’s Australian subsidiary has introduced Thunder flagship derivatives that look a lot more purposeful than their urbane siblings…

While the South African bakkie market saw a number of notable model introductions last year (2020), including the upgraded Toyota Hilux and new GWM P-Series, 2021 is going to be comparatively quiet for the double-cab segment… The new most notable models that will be introduced this year are the Mazda BT-50, a Nissan Navara facelift and, right at the end, hopefully, the Peugeot Landtrek.

That’s not to say that the main protagonists in the market, Toyota and Ford, haven’t tinkered with their popular Hilux and Ranger line-ups in the meantime: the former recently reintroduced the Raider specification and the latter has introduced Thunder, XL Sport and FX4 derivatives.

And that brings us to the first sticking point… Even if Mazda Southern Africa decided to co-opt the accessories that Mazda Australia’s in-house engineering team sourced and adapted for their top-of-the-range BT-50 Thunder derivatives, the firm would have to call those beefed-up bakkies something else in Mzansi, because there’ll definitely be no stealing of Ford’s Thunder.

The handsome and significantly more sophisticated BT-50 was launched in Australia last year (as was the next-generation D-Max, upon which the Japanese bakkie is closely based); our correspondents Down Under have already driven both the Mazda [read more] and Isuzu [read more]. Although we will have to wait until 2022 for the (locally-produced) D-Max to become available in South Africa, we understand that the local introduction of the BT-50 is a matter of a few months away…

Meanwhile, the BT-50 Thunder will be made available Down Under in double-cab 4×4 manual and 4×4 automatic guises; the derivatives are based on the top-of-the-range versions in that market and feature, as standard, dual-range 4×4 systems in addition to switchable rear diff locks. But before we whip the hardcore off-roading enthusiasts into a frenzy, the BT-50 Thunder is not going to leave the serious off-road machinery in the dust (and Mazda doesn’t claim that it will, to be fair); it’s merely a styling exercise.

From the front, the BT-50 Thunder can be distinguished by its single-hoop steel bull bar, a branded strike plate and a Lightforce dual-row LED lightbar. The newcomer’s 18-inch black alloy wheels are complemented by colour-matched chunky wheel-arch trims and side steps.

Plus, apart from the fitment of a premium sports bar, the Mazda features an electric roller tonneau on top of, and “Thunder” decals on the sides, of the tub.

The entire BT-50 range is powered by a 3.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine that produces 140 kW and 450 Nm of torque, the latter between 1 600 to 2 600 rpm. The 6-speed manual version is said to consume an average of 7.7 L/100 km and the 6-speed automatic 8.0 L/100 km.

Could there be enough local interest in hardcore-looking BT-50, once it arrives? You tell us.

Update: Mercedes-Benz EQS Interior Goes Official

If you think the new S-Class will showcase Mercedes-Benz’s most impressive digital user interface, you are mistaken… The S-Class’ upcoming all-electric EQS sibling will offer a dashboard-spanning MBUX Hyperscreen equipped with technology that learns users' behaviour.

Update: Mercedes-Benz has released official interior images of its forthcoming EQS electric luxury sedan. The EQS will feature Merc's latest 56-inch MBUX Hyperscreen spanning the entire width of the dashboard and features 12 actuators that ensure intuitive touch functionality with haptic feedback. However, the base EQS derivative will be equipped with the familiar system offered in the new S-Class comprising a 12.3-inch floating display and a 12.8-inch screen placed directly ahead of the driver.

Mercedes-Benz will also offer a choice of 2 seats, Comfort and Sport, as well as a 710-watt, 15-speaker Burmester sound system and a HEPA filter that is designed to keep dust, pollen and other micro-particles outside the cabin. A host of Energising Comfort programmes will be available to maximise interior comfort and now incorporate sounds such as Forest Glade, Sounds of the Sea and Summer Rain to soothe your soul. A 3-stage Power Nap programme can also be selected when you need to rest. With Power Nap, the driver's seat is set in a rest position, the windows and roller blinds are closed and the air conditioning, mood lighting and audio is primed for sleep. Upon awakening, the EQS will provide a refreshing soundscape and fragrance while returning the seat to the upright position and opening the blinds. Sounds like something out of a fairy tale, right? The EQS is due to be fully revealed in April 2021.

Earlier this year, the Three-pointed Star released details of the futuristic new setup, which, in contrast with the well-known Widescreen Cockpit, is not a rectangular panel that stands proud of the Benz' fascia. Instead, the MBUX Hyperscreen is a 1.41-metre-long curved unit with OLED technology that houses the digital instrument cluster, central media screen, climate control panel, as well as a media display for the front passenger, in a continuous glass panel. Watch the latest teaser (above) to see why and how this technology was developed

The Mercedes-Benz Vision EQS previews the brand's upcoming EV sibling to the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

The curved plastic panel, which is moulded 3-dimensionally, is coated in a triple-layer process dubbed Silver Shadow to create a “high-quality surface impression”, reduce reflections and make cleaning easier, Benz says. Like iPhones, it utilises tough but flexible Gorilla Glass. A continuous plastic front frame, with integrated ambient lighting installed in the lower part, makes the MBUX Hyperscreen appear to float on the car’s fascia, while traditional turbine-style air vents are slotted through the panel on either side.

The MBUX Hyperscreen incorporates 4 displays (including the climate control panel), 3 of which are touchscreen areas.

The system comprises 8 CPU cores, 24 GB of RAM (with 46.4 GB per second memory bandwidth) and is supported by a multifunction interior camera and a light sensor, the latter of which dynamically adjusts the brightness of the screen according to ambient light conditions, while a dozen actuators provide haptic feedback to the touch-sensitive areas.

Using artificial intelligence (AI) that is said to learn the user’s preferences and display the appropriate car functions when they are needed, the MBUX Hyperscreen has a “zero-layer” menu system that avoids the need to scroll through complex sub-menus or give voice commands, which will undoubtedly appease critics of the Sindelfingen-based brand's older (somewhat clunky) Comand systems.

By virtue of replacing the traditional fascia, the central infotainment/media screen of the MBUX Hyperscreen is sizeable.

To reiterate, the front passenger is afforded their own display, which is customisable for up to 7 different profiles (although note that the entertainment functions of this area are only available during the journey, depending on country-specific legal regulations). If the passenger seat is unoccupied, the screen simply displays animated stars.

Meanwhile, the MBUX Hyperscreen’s AI software can learn drivers’ habits and automatically perform their favourite functions. It’s set up to recognise the person driving the car (by using its interior camera) and store information on up to 7 people’s driving habits.

The MBUX Hyperscreen has a subtle surround, LED under-illumination and includes an all-digital climate control interface.

Here’s an example: if the vehicle’s regular driver habitually calls one of their phone contacts while driving home on, let’s say, a Tuesday evening, the system will display a prompt at the appropriate date and time from then on. However, if someone else is driving the car on a Tuesday evening at that particular time in future… they won’t be shown the prompt.

The system is also useful for suggesting to perform certain vehicle functions at particular GPS positions… If a user drives an MBUX Hyperscreen-equipped vehicle and regularly needs to drive through a steep garage entrance, for example, the system will remember the GPS position at which the user utilised the air suspension controls to increase the vehicle’s ground clearance. If the vehicle approaches that GPS position again, the advanced MBUX software will automatically propose you engage the lift function.

The MBUX Hyperscreen is likely to be offered on the EQS SUV variant, which is scheduled to debut in 2022.

Factors That Affect the Value of Your Car

Here are the main factors that will determine the value of your car when you decide to sell it.

So, you’ve had your car for a few years and now you are thinking about how much it’s worth and how much you should sell it for. The information in this article will help you get clarity on the matter, with the help of vehicle finance specialists, WesBank, so that you can get the most for your car when you decide to sell it.

Here are the main factors that have a direct impact on the value of your vehicle.

Depreciation

The first major factor that impacts the value of your car is depreciation. Most modern cars are depreciating assets, which is to say that they lose value over time. In fact, depreciation can be defined as the rate at which a vehicle loses its value over time and it’s worth noting that different car brands will have different rates of depreciation based on various factors such as brand / model demand/appeal, age, history and so forth.

Therefore, when it comes to placing a value on your used car, you need to factor in depreciation within the context of your particular vehicle.

Vehicle market demand

If your car is high demand, it’s likely to fetch a higher or more competitive price on the used car market. It’s worth doing some research on your car in the used market and the best way to do that is to browse for similar used cars on Cars.co.za with the same model year and similar mileage. This process will give you an indication of what your car is worth on the used car market.

Vehicle condition

Factors such as mileage and the physical condition of your car will have a direct impact on the resale value of your car. High-mileage vehicles generally command a lower asking price. However, if you have looked after the mechanical integrity of your vehicle and have an up-to-date service history, then you are in a stronger position to justify a higher asking price, within reason, of course. Similarly, it goes without saying that a poorly maintained vehicle that’s riddled with dents and scratches will command a far lower resale value.

WesBank states that “Keeping your car clean and in tip-top shape is probably the best way of ensuring it retains value over the years. That small scratch might not be a big deal now, but accumulating many small scratches will detract from a car’s appeal when it’s time to sell. Do your best to keep the appearance and mechanical condition of your car as clean and neat as possible during your ownership cycle."

Exterior and interior details

Things such as the colour of your car, upholstery (cloth, leather, combination) and general interior trim will have an impact on the value of your car. It’s known that neutral colours sell better than more flamboyant colours such as luminous blue, as in the example above.

WesBank highlights that excessive aftermarket accessories could have a negative impact when it comes to selling your car. “Part of the joy of owning a car is making it your own, often with personal style additions. However, this can have an extremely negative impact on its resale value, especially when some custom add-ons are permanent. You may see your oversized rims, outrageous body kit and banging stereo system as improvements, but it’s almost guaranteed that the next owner or more importantly, the dealer where you ultimately trade-in, may not."

Good to Know

Retail price

This is the recommended sale price of your vehicle. Retail prices are generally higher to include profit margin and dealer expenses such as overheads, marketing, insurance, staff and so forth. The retail price is the amount you can expect to pay for a new car.

Trade/market price

This value is always lower than the retail value and it's the recommended trade price for a vehicle and it may vary depending on the demand for a particular vehicle. The trade value is the value that should be considered if you are selling your car or if you are trading your vehicle in.

This Week’s News You Need to Know (March 2021, Week 4)

In this week's automotive news you need to know: Audi sends it large with its RS range in South Africa, Mazibuko plans to make SA's first electric bakkie, MG is eyeing a return to our fine Republic and why the Volkswagen Group chose Bentley to go "full-electric" by 2030…

Audi’s 15 performance model drop – Performance car clearance sale

In case you were in a coma for the past week and have just woken up, Audi has unleashed 15 performance variants in the South African market. I must say it looks every bit a market-capitalization moment following recent news that Audi would no longer pursue developments of its performance variants (pour one out for my dead homie). These then, folks, are the last of their kind, the swansong of RS grunt and ostensibly the final opportunity to acquire the very last batch of performance-oriented, internal-combustion-powered machinery from the Ingolstadt-based brand's performance division.

Read: Audi launches 8 new RS models into SA

You may ask: "But why’s that a big thing?" Market dynamics, my friends. With the announcement that there will be no further RS-model development, current examples are exceedingly likely to increase in value and these 15 examples should hold their value rather well in years to come. Audi would have been foolish not to opt in with this big-bang approach and I’m not sure about you, but this EV revolution is starting to feel a lot more real now. Who’s chopping onions in here?

Mazibuko electric vehicles – an African Renaissance story

A locally-developed electric vehicle that caters for South African bakkie demands? It sounds like a tall order, but like most who have a front-row seat watching this story unfold, I’m on the side of support and cheering for Mazibuko to get this ambitious endeavour over the line. The intrinsic potential is huge. What the firm's CEO, Nhlanhla Mazibuko, is going to need to do is convince those who have the right-sized wallets (and there are a number of them in this great land) to invest in the fledgeling project, just like we saw during the worst of the Covid-19 pandemic, when the likes of Patrice Motsepe, Nicky Oppenheimer and Johann Rupert each dropped a cool billion in a manner comparable to how I buy my cortado in the morning. Further investment will be key to Mazibuko's chances of success…

Read: Mazibuko M1B is a Mzansi-made battery bakkie

What better way to fast-track the electrification of South African motoring than um, driving the process from within? From bakkies, SUVs to the taxi industry, the potential is certainly there. I don't know how I feel about the taxi industry going electric just yet, as an exhaust note that announces the imminent arrival of a minibus is a safety device for pedestrians. Soon we’ll have to rely purely on the hooter, a loud-yell of gaatjie! and a Distruction Boyz album blaring out of the back if we hope to survive! Regardless, opportunity awaits and this could well be the African Renaissance that Thabo Mbeki envisioned.

A possible MG return to South African – The colonial eclipse

South Africans love their bakkies – the monthly new-vehicle sales numbers speak for themselves. With Chinese-owned Morris Garages (MG) gaining serious traction in markets like Australia and the United Kingdom, SAIC needs to capitalise on the hard yards that GWM and Haval have already done in South Africa and relaunch its brand here. From my point of view, MG's holding company SAIC is sitting on an untapped goldmine and is poised to steal notable market share in South Africa's SUV and bakkie market (just as it has Down Under). You see, competition is healthy; it invariably benefits the consumer.

Read: MG Extender aims to be Hilux rival

"But it’s not a real MG." Well, you may be quite correct, but the world's A LOT different to what it was in MG's heyday. Brands that operated in hokey ways died because they did not move with the times. SAIC bought the brand, modernised production (underpinned by Chinese manufacturing might) and kept the design department based at the firm's spiritual home in Longbridge. Rule Britannia… sort of.

Bentley – the sleeper cell in the VAG camp

With Porsche still being the clear golden child/teacher's pet/favourite offspring of the Volkswagen Group (VAG), we’ll leave the Zuffenhausen-based brand well out of this conversation. Perhaps it's best to just let them get on with publicly showing Ferrari how it all should be done. Let’s shift our attention to the next-best-thing, 102-year-old Bentley Motors.

Read: New Bentley Continental GT Speed

The Crewe-based brand has played a strange game; it's flirted with GT racing and managed to make its cars' cruise-liner-like shapes look not-so-ridiculous on race tracks (it even grabbed a few trophies). In short, Bentley has largely shed its "old man’s cruiser" image. Now the GT programme is shelved (sorry, Jordan Pepper) and all brands are moving into the hybrid/EV game at, um, full charge, the Winged B's evolution is set to speed up. Of the 3 VAG vanity brands, Bentley is best positioned to rival Aston Martin for the hearts of eco-conscious sportscar owners; the sleeper cell is about to be activated!

Late last year, Bentley said all of its products would be plug-based (either hybrid or BEV) by 2026 and 4 years later, all Bentleys will be entirely electric. The next GT Speed will be quick – and dead quiet.

Audi RS6 vs BMW M5 Competition vs Mercedes-AMG E63 S: How Do They Stack Up?

Audi RS6 (R2 070 000)

BMW M5 Competition (R2 328 224)

Mercedes-AMG E63 S (R2 436 440)

Summary and predictions

Further Reading

How car depreciation affects the value of a car

If you are looking to buy a new or used car, it’s important to consider the effects of depreciation before you buy the car. This article offers some insight into car depreciation and highlights key factors you should consider before buying your next car.

What is car depreciation?

Why is depreciation important to consider?

How does car depreciation affect you?

Example of car depreciation:

What factors will affect car depreciation?

What can you do to minimize the effects of depreciation?

Summary

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How much does the Toyota Corolla Quest cost in South Africa?

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Here are the main factors that will determine the value of your car when you decide to sell it.

Depreciation

Vehicle market demand

Vehicle condition

Exterior and interior details

Good to Know

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This Week’s News You Need to Know (March 2021, Week 4)

In this week's automotive news you need to know: Audi sends it large with its RS range in South Africa, Mazibuko plans to make SA's first electric bakkie, MG is eyeing a return to our fine Republic and why the Volkswagen Group chose Bentley to go "full-electric" by 2030…

Audi’s 15 performance model drop – Performance car clearance sale

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Bentley – the sleeper cell in the VAG camp