VW California Coast Review: Is this the Ultimate Family Car?
The latest T6.1 Volkswagen California Coast is now available in South Africa and it’s squarely aimed at outdoor enthusiasts. Our resident adventure motoring journalist, Gero Lilleike, drove from Cape Town to the heart of the Garden Route to test the full range of the California’s camping capability in the wilds of the Tsitsikamma forest. Is this the ultimate family car and should you buy it?
The VW California Coast is a fully-equipped family camper van with a host of useful outdoor-orientated features. In fact, in many ways, it’s a home on wheels and a pretty fancy one at that.
Volkswagen sells approximately 18 000 California’s globally every year, making it a top choice in the camper van market.
In an effort to effectively test all the features that the California Coast has to offer, we set off on a camping road trip from Cape Town to Nature’s Valley in the heart of the Garden Route.
It might not be fast, but it can make you rich, depending on the price of Bitcoin.
The electric car revolution is underway, but trikes (2 wheels up front, one at the rear) remain unpopular.
For commuting and shorter distances, the trike makes a lot of sense. It can be lighter, with less mechanical drag, and a much smaller turning circle.
One car brand that has endured with the trike concept, is Daymak. The Canadian company has a proven record of building light electric vehicles, since 2002.
Its latest concept is the Spiritus, due for delivery in 2023. Beyond the Batmobile looks, what makes this three-wheeled electric vehicle so interesting, is its potential to make you money. And we don’t mean, as a two-seater Uber.
Daymak is all about crypto and realising that technology early adopters like some non-physical currency, the Spiritus can mine for it. Really. It can.
The car is equipped with an RTX 3070 Geoforce GPU or even multiple RTX 3070 and Ge Force 3070 GPUs, This hardware is embedded into the Spiritus to enable its array of autonomous driving functions.
With all that processing power, the Spiritus can also mine for crypto, which it will be configured to do. Daymark promises that its Spiritus will have the ability to operate between 60- to 500MH/s, mining from the best available pools, switching independently – or allowing an owner to direct the digital extraction effort.
Spiritus owners will choose in which cryptocurrency to deposit what they have mined, and Daymark will offer its own Nebula wallet, to help with seamless transactions.
You need a lot of power to mine crypto and the Spiritus has an interesting battery chemistry. It uses a lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt battery, good for only 36kWh, supplemented by 100W solar roof panels.
Being a small car, the electric motor is rated at 75kW and range is estimated to be 290km. Top speed is conservative, too, at only 140kph.
If you need something more substantial, Daymak is planning to offer an 80kWh battery pack, which might cope better with that cryptocurrency mining venture.
But how much money will your Daymak Spiritus make you?
At the 500MH/s, Daymak reckons you’ll be pocketing R350 per day. What a deal! It makes the R270 000 (estimated) purchase price, seems like a bargain.
VW California Coast (2021) Review w/Video
The California Coast, which is jam-packed with a plethora of outdoor-orientated features, came to market earlier this year. The T6.1-based newcomer is squarely aimed at outdoor enthusiasts and our resident adventurer, Gero Lilleike, drove the family camper van from Cape Town to the heart of the Garden Route to test the full range of its camping capability in the wilds of the Tsitsikamma forest. Would the VW California Coast suit you? Let’s find out!
We like: Engine performance, practicality, features, nothing like it in SA
We don’t like: No electrically-powered tailgate, more front out-of-sight storage needed, interior longevity is a concern.
Fast Facts
Model Tested: Volkswagen California Coast
Price: R1 232 600 (as of July 2021)
Engine: 2.0-litre bi-turbodiesel
Power/Torque: 146 kW /450 Nm
Transmission: 7-speed DSG
Fuel economy: 8.0 L/100km
Fuel tank: 80-litres
What is the VW California Coast?
The California Coast is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream.
Volkswagen AG sells approximately 18 000 units of the California every year, making it a top choice in the camper-van market. In fact, in many ways, it’s a home on wheels and a pretty fancy one at that.
In an effort to effectively test all the features that the VW California Coast has to offer, we set off on a camping road trip from Cape Town to Nature’s Valley in the heart of the Garden Route.
What camping features does the Volkswagen California Coast have?
The California Coast is fitted with a fully-equipped kitchen including a basin, gas stove and refrigerator.
Perhaps we should rather ask, what doesn’t it have? The Volkswagen California Coast has a staggering number of features that an outdoor-loving family will appreciate.
Perhaps the coolest feature is the roof tent. It’s accessed via a shutter door above the front seats and the tent itself is easily pushed upwards once you have unlatched the safety buckles and latches. Once up, the roof tent offers sleeping space for 2 people and is fitted with a thin mattress and springs that ensure relative comfort. It’s admittedly not as comfortable as a conventional bed, but it’s better than sleeping on a hard floor! There’s also a 12V socket and a light in the upper compartment for your convenience. In fact, there are numerous 12V sockets and adjustable lights throughout the cabin.
All windows, including the front windows, are equipped with retractable blinds, which not only reduce the amount of light entering the cabin, but provide some privacy.
Moving into the rear of the cabin, the VW California Coast offers a seating bench for 2 (with 2 storage trays beneath it), which can be folded flat to create another bed in combination with the rear deck. The rear deck can also be angled upwards to create a lounging effect, which is great if you just want to relax and read a book.
The second-row bench folds down to create a ‘double bed’ and the rear deck can also serve as a recliner.
The VW California Coast is also equipped with its own kitchen, which includes cupboards (finished in Bright Oak wood-effect trim) with ample storage space as well as a small washbasin (linked to a grey-water tank), gas stovetop and a 42-litre fridge to keep drinks and other foodstuffs cold. What’s more, a fold-away table is provided that can be neatly stored alongside the storage shelf. It’s worth mentioning that the fit-and-finish of the cupboards and kitchen fittings is of good quality.
Additional storage cupboards are located at the rear of the cabin, which is also where you will find the shower and the connection point for the gas bottle, which fires up the gas stovetop. Plus, the family camper van benefits from having a separate water tank that feeds both the shower and aforementioned washbasin. The water isn’t heated though, so in winter you will be showering Wim Hof style.
A new multi-colour digital display mounted on the ceiling (at the front of the cabin) serves as a control panel for many of the vehicle’s key functions. It allows you to check water and battery levels, set alarms, adjust lighting (including wake-up lighting) and it will even tell you the inclination of the surface on which the vehicle is parked (level the vehicle to ensure you don’t have to sleep at an odd angle).
Other useful camping features on the VW California Coast include 2 camping chairs (stored on the inside of the tailgate), an awning affixed to the side of the vehicle and a fold-out table, which is cleverly stored on the inside of the one-touch sliding door. Okay, so, yes, it doesn’t include a toilet, but this family camper can is ready, set and gung-ho to set off on the adventure of your choosing.
What’s the front of the cabin like?
Volkswagen’s Active Info Display and Discover Pro Navigation infotainment system is standard.
From behind the ‘wheel, one can see that the Volkswagen California Coast’s fascia incorporates the updates introduced with the T6.1 generation Kombi and Caravelle; it’s a generally upmarket and aesthetically pleasing design. Standard features include the brand’s configurable active information display and a Discover Pro Navigation infotainment system that includes integrated navigation, Bluetooth, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality. There are also 2 Type-C charging ports close at hand, as well as an optional wireless smartphone charging docking slot.
All the seats in the Wolfsburg-based brand’s family camper van are upholstered in cloth, while the entire floor is trimmed in a durable plastic that should withstand the rigours of camping in the outdoors. The front seats also feature armrests, which add some additional comfort on long-haul trips and the column of the redesigned multifunction steering wheel can be adjusted for rake and reach.
It’s also worth noting that the front seats can be swivelled to face the rear cabin, which creates a more social seating arrangement once you’ve arranged at your destination.
In terms of standard safety equipment, Volkswagen has fitted features such as crosswind assist, trailer assist, side assist, rear traffic alert, manoeuvre braking function, lane assist, hill start assist, hill descent assist, park assist and a tyre pressure monitoring system. There are 6 airbags, as well as a reverse-view camera with static guidelines. ABS with EBD and brake assist is also standard.
What’s the VW California Coast like to drive?
With 146 kW and 450 Nm on tap, the California Coast isn’t short on grunt and it delivers good overall performance.
We experienced this 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine in the range-topping Caravelle a while ago and, in conjunction with a 7-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission, it remains an impressive powerplant.
With 146 kW and 450 Nm of torque at its disposal, the Volkswagen California Coast offers ample shove, even when the vehicle is heavily loaded; it can execute overtaking manoeuvres quickly and easily at highway speeds. The engine is also refined and quiet in operation. It’s definitely not a clunky old-school diesel engine! In terms of fuel efficiency, Volkswagen claims 8.0 L/100km and we averaged roughly 10 L/100km during our test period. Also, by virtue of the family camper van’s large (80-litre) fuel tank, you can travel roughly 800 km before you need to stop to refuel, which is great!
Suffice to say the Volkswagen has a tall and long body, which means that it’s prone to exhibiting body roll when cornering, but at least we found the general ride quality to be comfortable, even though the suspension is relatively firmly-sprung. The 4Motion all-wheel-drive configuration provides more driving confidence in wet conditions as well as better traction when you drive on unsealed surfaces. The Volkswagen California Coast also has a rear differential lock, which you can engage with the press of a button; it will help you free yourself (ahem, the vehicle) should you encounter a “sticky situation”.
What gripes do we have with the Volkswagen California Coast?
An electrically powered tailgate would make life so much easier. The tailgate is heavy and cumbersome to close.
While we are hugely impressed by the overall versatility and flexibility of the Volkswagen California Coast, we do have a few criticisms… Firstly, the fact that the rear tailgate isn’t electrically operated is an obvious oversight. The tailgate is heavy and takes a fair whack of strength to close and we suspect it will be a common gripe with owners.
The front cabin would be improved by the provision of some additional out-of-site storage spaces, because the glovebox is surprisingly small. We also found the voice control function of the infotainment system to be frustratingly slow at interpreting and executing simple commands.
While the family camper van’s cabin easily withstood the rigours of this adventure, we can’t help but wonder how the interior, particularly the cloth seats and headliner, will hold up to years of rigorous use. An avid outdoor enthusiast raised the point of cooking inside the vehicle and the impact that the steam, moisture and even oil could have on the headliner and upholstery. It’s something to think about…
How much does the Volkswagen California Coast cost in South Africa?
The Volkswagen California Coast is priced from R1 232 600 and includes a 3-year/120 000 km warranty and a 5-year/60 000 km maintenance plan.
Volkswagen has a winner here! Yes, it’s pricey, but there’s nothing like it on the market…
In many ways, the Volkswagen California Coast is perfectly fit for its purpose. It’s loaded with all the useful features that you would want or need from a family camper van and it provides the necessary connectivity and comfort features to ensure a pleasant journey to your destination.
Perceived build quality is good too; we think the model will serve its intended outdoor-orientated market very well. In fact, it does not have a direct rival in the South African market. The main rival to the Volkswagen California Coast is the Mercedes-Benz V-Class Marco Polo, but it’s not offered locally.
If you’re not convinced by the newcomer, you can obviously buy a new or used Volkswagen Transporter and shed blood, sweat and tears to convert it into your very own camper van, but the process will be very expensive and, frankly, stressful.
Therefore, if you are looking for a hugely capable family-orientated camper van, this Volkswagen California Coast is the answer. It’s definitely worth a closer look, provided you can afford it, of course.
Right to Repair starts today – Everything you need to know
The Right to Repair guidelines, which took effect on 1 July 2021, represent possibly the largest change to the way new cars are sold and maintained in South Africa in decades. There are very important new rules and regulations in place which South African motorists and franchised car dealerships need to understand and follow going forward. Some of the issues are complex and we do have some concerns, which we’ll outline in this article.
What is the Right to Repair?
After years of lobbying the government, the Right to Repair Campaign (RTRC) sought to bring South African practices in line with current legislation that is in place across much of Europe. After extensive consultations with stakeholders and interested parties, the Competition Commission of South Africa has published new guidelines relating to the motoring industry, which franchised dealers must follow, or face punitive measures in cases brought to the Competition Commission by consumers.
The underlying legal basis is the existing Competitions Act, Act 89 of 1998.
It is important to note that these new guidelines do not affect, replace or negate existing consumer protection as enshrined in the Consumer Protection Act, a detailed explanation of which you will find here in our recent podcast with the highly regarded consumer journalist and veteran #CarsAwards judge, Wendy Knowler.
The new Right to Repair (RTR) guidelines only apply to the sale, servicing and repairs of new and used vehicles that are still within their original warranty period.
How does the Right to Repair work?
This is a complex and far-reaching new framework for buyers and sellers, and perhaps the best way to explain the intricacies is to follow the story of a fictional new car buyer. So allow us to introduce you to Luke Skywalker, who has arrived from a galaxy far, far away and would like to buy a new Volkswagen Polo to enjoy in his retirement.
Luke walks into a franchised VW dealership on 1 July 2021 and takes a look around. He falls in love with a 1.0TSI Comfortline R-Line and decides to buy it on the spot, through a finance deal.
When he sits down with the salesperson, the dealership’s representative must separately disclose the price of the vehicle (which includes the manufacturer warranty, which in this case is valid for 3 years or 120 000 km, whichever elapses first) and the cost of the service plan.
Previously, this would have been bundled together, and Luke would not have been able to see what the service plan would have cost on top of the price of the vehicle itself. Before RTR came into force, Luke would also not have had the option of servicing the car outside of the franchised dealer network. If he did so, his car’s warranty could be voided (partially or completely).
And so Luke decides to finance the car without a service plan and his journey of looking after his own car begins. The first thing Luke should do is familiarise himself with the vehicle’s service schedule, which would be included in the handbook of the car or, if he is still unsure, he can ask the dealer to provide a document outlining the service intervals and service descriptions for the vehicle.
It is also very important at this junction for Luke to familiarise himself with the warranty schedule of his new car, in other words, to know exactly which parts and systems are covered by the manufacturer warranty and, more importantly, which aren’t. For example, if the alternator (a part that is almost always covered by a manufacturer warranty) breaks down within the warranty period, then Luke must go directly to the dealer he bought the car from (or another franchised VW dealership) for the purposes of repairing or replacing the part at their workshop.
However, if Luke “burns through” the clutch in the warranty period (a part which is most often not covered under warranty) then Luke now has some options, which we’ll go through below.
The next step is to find a trustworthy independent service provider (ISP, or third party workshop), which is where things can get quite tricky.
We highly advise that Mr Skywalker only takes the car to a MIWA-accredited service centre, preferably one that specialises in servicing and repairing Volkswagen models. MIWA is the Motor Industry Workshop Association of South Africa. They have roughly 3 000 accredited service providers that are all held to high standards of workmanship and importantly, carry liability insurance for defective parts or faulty workmanship. More information can be found here: www.miwa.org.za
At this point, liability insurance becomes vitally important. This is because if poor workmanship or the fitment of an inferior part causes damage to a part or system that is covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, the franchised dealer is within their rights to refuse to repair the part or system at their cost. This means that Luke will have to claim from the ISP, and the ISP will have to claim from their insurance.
In the example where Luke has burnt his clutch out before the RTR guidelines kicked in, he would have no choice but to pay the dealership for the parts and for the repair. Any other action would have resulted in voiding the warranty.
However, now Mr Skywalker can ask the dealership for a quote on the parts and repair. He can then shop around for a better price on the parts and the labour, and then make the choice himself. If he goes the third party route, he will not lose his vehicle warranty.
In this instance, it is likely that by pursuing the 3rd-party route, Luke will save money compared with opting to have the repair done at the franchised dealer.
However, let’s say the new clutch that was installed fails and damages the gearbox. The gearbox is a warranty item and so Luke takes it to the franchised dealer. The dealer assesses the issue and finds that the clutch was faulty (or installed poorly) and caused damage to the gearbox.
The dealer is within their rights, according to the new RTR framework, to refuse to repair or replace the gearbox. This means Luke has to go back to the ISP and make a claim there, where, hopefully, the insurance claim process goes smoothly, the workshop’s insurance pays out and Luke’s gearbox is swiftly replaced so that his car doesn’t stand there like a 2-tonne paperweight.
It is not clear in the guidelines if the 3rd-party workshop should replace the gearbox, or if Luke should be paid out and take the money to the dealership to replace the gearbox. However, there is the potential for real headaches here for Luke, where he could be caught in a Bermuda triangle of different parties pointing fingers at each other, never mind the sheer amount of paperwork and phone calls it would likely require to resolve this issue.
So, on with the story. For the next few years, Luke’s Polo ownership runs relatively smoothly and he sticks to the service schedule of the car, ensuring that the service book is stamped along the way.
Two years after buying the car, he decides that his car isn’t “doing it” for him anymore – he’s tired of having to fold the seats down to fit his lightsabre in the load bay. And so he decides that he wants to upgrade to an SUV… time to trade-in or sell the Polo, then.
Luke heads back to the dealer from which he bought the car and asks for a trade-in price. At this point, the dealer has the power to set the trade-in amount, and it remains to be seen as to whether dealers will choose to devalue cars that haven’t been serviced “in-house”. Equally, if Luke sold it privately, interested buyers might not be willing to offer what he’s asking because the car was serviced via 3rd party service centres.
Luke decides to take the dealer’s offer and upgrades to a Volkswagen Tiguan. Luke’s Polo hits the showroom floor and, as the car still has 1 year left on the warranty, the next buyer will have to make the same choice; whether to buy an in-house dealership service plan – or service the car privately.
How will Right To Repair affect me financially?
If you opt-out of buying a manufacturer service plan at the point of purchase, it is important to remember that you will now have to have the finances available when the time comes to service the car.
Traditionally, with the service plan cost bundled into the purchase price, the buyer would not “feel the sting” of servicing costs as they would simply be paying one complete instalment per month to the bank.
That being said, it is worth remembering that by financing your service plan, you are effectively paying interest on that amount for the duration of the finance period. In this sense, even if servicing the car yourself costs exactly the same amount as servicing through the dealer, it would still be cheaper as you are saving 5 or 6 years’ worth of interest.
How much will a service plan cost under Right to Repair in South Africa?
Well, this is a great question. We spent some time on the phone today chatting to franchised dealers, and as of 1 July, it appears they are not ready to separate the service plan from a new car’s price at the point of purchase. The reason for this is that dealerships do not set the price for service plans on new vehicles; this is set by “head office”, in other words, the car companies (OEMs).
We spoke to salespeople at Toyota and BMW dealerships in Cape Town and they admit they are in a tricky situation. If a customer walks in today and asks for the service plan to be unbundled, they would not necessarily be able to help. We are awaiting official replies from the respective car companies/OEMs and will add their comments to this article as soon as possible.
What does Right to Repair mean for the industry?
It is certainly early days, but the ripple effects from the new RTR guidelines are going to have deep and far-reaching effects on the industry… and some of those changes are already happening.
For instance, motor retail group Motus offers MotorHappy, a 3rd-party service plan product for new vehicles and vehicles still under warranty. The motorist pays one fee per month, and the plan includes all scheduled services, and a list of parts (consumables such as oils and spark plugs) that will be replaced under the plan. More information can be found here: www.motorhappy.co.za
We spoke to a MIWA-accredited workshop owner who says the RTR guidelines are having the desired effect, in that they are giving consumers more choice, and bringing down the cost of repairs, mostly because the OEMs’ franchised dealerships are having to reduce their parts and labour prices to be more competitive with the rest of the market.
The big losers here are the OEMs, as in the past they have made generally large margins on parts.
How will I know if I am being sold genuine parts?
Reputable and MIWA-accredited dealers should only fit genuine parts in your vehicle, and you are entitled to – and definitely should ask for – a list of those parts and their parts numbers to be included on your invoice. A thorough paper trail will definitely be a valuable tool should a dispute arise.
The reality is that many parts in your car, especially consumables such as filters and spark plugs, are not made by OEMs. They are made by brands such as Bosch and NGK for the big car brands. Independent workshops will often fit exactly the same part to your car that the franchised dealer would have fitted, except the part arrived in a white box instead of a box with a BMW logo on the side.
It is hugely important to ask which parts are being fitted to your car, especially in the event of a large part replacement, like a clutch.
How will an independent service provider know what to do with my car?
In markets like the USA and most of Europe, Right to Repair has been in place for at least 12 years now. In that time, car manufacturers have made all the important info available online… Wiring diagrams, parts replacement instructions, service schedules, major service requirements, technical drawings and other critical documents are all available to third party workshops to assist them in servicing cars.
It is unclear how this will work in South Africa. There is no specific agreement or guideline in place which compels local subsidiaries of car brands to provide this information to local independent service providers (ISPs). However, according to the owner of the ISP we spoke to, it is very easy to find all this information online already as there are dedicated online services that are in the business of collating all this information and providing it to workshops for a fee.
One of the issues that the workshop owner we spoke to was worried about was the issue of special tools. Very often, modern cars require proprietary tools to enable the mechanics to execute certain repairs. The guidelines state that the OEMs will have to make these tools available to ISPs, but the fear is that they will be prohibitively expensive.
How will a digital record of my car be kept?
One of the more useful aspects of car dealers handling all servicing and repairs up until now is that a thorough service history of used cars was available at the touch of a button, by simply running the car’s VIN number through the manufacturer’s database.
A motorist who chooses to use an ISP to service their vehicle may ask: How will the servicing information be recorded for my car? This issue has not been fully resolved, however, we have been told that a system is being built, which will allow ISPs to log services and service histories with the manufacturer, in a common system that all interested parties can access.
In summary
Make no mistake, the Right to Repair is a seismic shift in the motoring landscape of South Africa. Franchised dealers and OEMs are going to have to adapt and change their business models to be more competitive. Ultimately, and we suspect very soon, consumers will have far more choice at the point of purchase, as to whether they want to opt for an OEM service plan, a service plan that may be offered by the group company which owns the dealership or with an aftermarket service like MotorHappy.
We feel that what motorists really want is headache-free motoring. And the business model that offers the best combination of price and fewest headaches will almost certainly become the dominant way of doing business in years to come.
If you are about to buy a car and are leaning towards opting out of the OEM service plan, we strongly advise you to do extensive homework and conduct thorough research into how much it will cost to properly maintain the car that you’ve bought, and make an effort to select a reputable specialist who can look after the car. In fact, it might be better to find a specialist before buying the car!
Generally speaking, however, more choice was never a bad thing for the consumer.
Take a look at how new car sales performed in South Africa in June 2021.
Despite a shift in national lockdown regulations for the worse in June 2021, local car sales appear to be gaining momentum. This is according to the data published by naamsa in its monthly wrap up of national vehicle sales.
Reflecting on the new vehicle sales statistics for the month of June 2021 naamsa said that the recovery in the new vehicle market is gaining momentum and in line with industry expectations, notwithstanding the country moving from level 2 to level 3 in mid-June and subsequently to adjusted alert level 4 lockdown restrictions at the end of June 2021.
New Car Sales in SA June 2021
Aggregate new vehicle sales of 38 030 units up by 20% (+6 387 units) compared to the 18 808 units sold in June 2020.
Passenger car sales of 24 482 units up by 28% (+5 348 units) compared to the 19 134 units sold in June 2020.
Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) sales of 11 208 units up by 9.6% (+986 units) compared to the 10 222 units sold in June 2020.
Export sales of 28 384 units up by 20% (+9 576units) compared to the 18 808 units expired in June 2020.
Top 10 Best Selling Car Brands in South Africa for May 2021
Toyota – 9 630 units
Volkswagen – 5 530 units
Ford – 3 273 units
Hyundai – 2 450 units
Nissan – 2 120 units
Suzuki – 1 992 units
Haval – 1 809 units
Isuzu – 1 664 units
Kia – 1 557 units
Renault – 1 456 units
Sales Outlook
The new vehicle market continued its gradual recovery during the month of June 2020 in the face of a number of challenges, but also opportunities. Ongoing stronger sales through the dealer channel signals improved consumer and business sentiment, rental companies are re-fleeting again while the delayed replacement cycle, due to lockdown restrictions in 2020, are catching up in contributing to improved new vehicle sales.
However, of concern is the persistent electricity supply disruptions, port delays, and the third Covid-19 wave of infections being experienced. The vaccine rollout is slow and a third wave of the pandemic threatens to dent the momentum in consumption in the country, especially if the adjusted alert level 4 lockdown restrictions are extended for longer than the initial two-week period. Compared to the first six months of 2020, the new vehicle market was now 40,1% above the corresponding period last year, but compared to the pre-Covid-19 first six months 2019, the new vehicle market was still 11,7% below the corresponding period 2019, highlighting that a full recovery would be protracted until around 2023.
The Quattro returns with 600kW
An electric version of the Audi Quattro classic.
Is there a car that more timelessly defines 1980s German performance motoring, than the original Sport Quattro?
Despite its immense success over the last three decades, Audi has never managed to deliver a true successor to the original Quattro. And with the Ingolstadt company committing to an electrified future, that is even more unlikely.
This has created the opportunity for E-Legend to do, what Audi can’t: revive the Sport Quattro silhouette, with battery power.
The EL1 is designed to contain a multitude of styling details, tracing to the original Quattro. It even has vent slots, in the bonnet, bulky wheel arches and the square front section. This is exactly what an Ur-Quattro should look like, in 2021.
Why hasn’t Audi done this? Good question. But part of the answer is crash safety. The EL1 will be a low-volume car, with only 30 units being assembled. That allows E-Legend the luxury of not having to crash test it – hence the boxy proportions.
Powering this EL1 is a 90kWh battery pack, driving three electric motors and all four wheels. Three-way adjustable suspension will please owners who want to vary ride quality and firmness, between daily driving and track day use.
Peak system output is 600kW, but the EL1 is much heavier than an original Quattro, at 1 680kg yet surprisingly light for an electric car. Despite the mass, it should be good for 0-100kph in only 2.8 seconds.
The car’s platform is carbon fibre, which gives you an indication of just how heavy that 90kWh battery pack is, and E-Legend claims a usable range of 400km. Top speed? Quite mild, at 225kph.
The 2022 Volkswagen T-Roc has been spotted on the roads of Europe, meaning the facelifted version is on its way. Here’s what we know so far.
Picture credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien. We have paid for these photos and at the photographer’s request, have watermarked them.
The Volkswagen T-Roc was launched in South Africa late in 2020, but the model has been on sale in Europe for quite some time, with its debut back in 2018. There’s it’s safe to assume a facelift is due based on current lifespan and production cycles.
What you see here is the 2022 Volkswagen T-Roc in the sporty R-Line trim. We expect the facelift to incorporate subtle visual updates like a reworked grille, potentially with the same LED lightbar on the new Golf 8 GTI and updated Polo GTI. The new IQ Matrix headlights should make an appearance and we’re certain we can see restyled LEDs at the rear.
Inside, the 2022 Volkswagen T-Roc is likely to receive the latest iteration of infotainment system and we wouldn’t be surprised to see it gain even more semi-autonomous tech which Volkswagen collectively calls its IQ.Drive. Some trim and upholstery upgrades are also possible.
As far as engine and gearbox options go, the SA-spec range features the 1.4-litre petrol mated to an 8-speed Tiptronic and a 2.0-litre petrol with a 7-speed DSG. The latter derivative also has the benefit of 4Motion all-wheel drive. The international market has an array of petrol and diesel engines with 3-cylinder and 4-cylinder options available. There’s also a flagship R version, sharing the same powertrain as the Golf R.
We suspect the engine line-up will not change, with Volkswagen having plenty of choice when it comes to modern punchy yet frugal powertrains.
Based on how advanced this prototype looks, we think the 2022 Volkswagen T-Roc will be formally revealed before the end of 2021.
This is Mercedes-AMG’s ultimate performance SUV, with a price tag of just under R3 million. For that premium, one would expect the blisteringly fast, in-your-face Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe to be brilliant. Is it?
We like: Thundering performance, magical soundtrack, gloriously advanced cabin, handling
We don’t like: Hard ride, prodigious fuel consumption, expensive compared to rivals, polarising styling
Fast Facts
Model Tested: Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe
Price: R2 970 920 (before options)
Engine: 4.0-litre turbocharged 8-cylinder petrol hybrid
Power/Torque: 450 kW/850 Nm
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Fuel efficiency: 12.6 L/100 km (claimed)
Load capacity: 655–1790 litres
0-100 kph: 3.8 sec (claimed)
What is it?
Since the SUV has become the dominant body style in the luxury-vehicle market, it has spawned numerous variants. It sounds ludicrous, but we now have coupe-styled SUVs, performance SUVs and… coupe-styled performance SUVs, which is what you see here. In the eyes of purists, this Frankensteinian creation shouldn’t exist, but it does!
By textbook definition, this isn’t a coupe either. After all, the tall GLE Coupe features 4 doors and a tailgate. It’s hardly the low-slung 2-door car that has come to define “coupe”. Despite the odd naming convention, Mercedes-Benz offers 2 SUV coupes in its portfolio, the GLC and GLE. This GLE 63 S 4Matic+ sits at the apogee of the range.
So what exactly is this, then? Take one of the most powerful hand-built AMG engines, bolt it to the front of a boldly-styled SUV and load up the cabin with every conceivable luxury and sporty adornment. With an eye-watering price tag of almost R3 million, does the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe tick all the boxes (strike the right chords)?
The performance SUV segment is rife with protagonists vying for top honours. There are several pillars of success, such as performance, value for money (as crazy as it sounds), levels of tech and connectivity, as well as exclusivity.
What is Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe like to drive?
Mercedes-AMG offerings are distinguished by their powerplants. In this application, the Affalterbach-based division’s 4.0-litre biturbo V8 petrol mill produces peak outputs of 450 kW and 850 Nm. There’s also some smart electric assistance on hand: the EQ Boost 48-Volt ISG (Integrated Starter Generator) adds 16 kW and 250 Nm.
The EQ system helps the turbos spool up to deliver their boost as quickly as possible. Not only is the powertrain more responsive, its start/stop functionality operates with class-leading smoothness, which means there are no frustrating interruptions when the engine resumes. It’s also very satisfying to see and feel the system in action.
When you ease off the accelerator pedal, the engine will switch to coasting mode, which will top up the battery’s charge. When you re-apply the pedal, the charge indicator will show that the electric motor is helping the Benz to maintain momentum. All of this tech is aimed at reducing emissions and improving fuel economy, but surely if you can afford to buy this beast, you should be able to keep it nourished? That being said, when you’re making the most of that wonderful motor, expect to see consumption figures in the teens. After our sprint test, we saw 16 L/100 km..
Technology aside, does the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe live up to the AMG ethos of being a raw, wild and rapid performance machine? Mercedes-AMG claims this derivative can accelerate from 0-100 kph in just 3.8 sec, which is exceedingly fast for a 2.4-tonne luxury SUV. In reality, with the AMG Trackpace telemetry activated, we achieved the 100-kph benchmark from standstill in 4.0 sec, but grip was admittedly limited by virtue of the road being wet.
Sprinting from a standing start is one thing, but the GLE 63 S Coupe is even more impressive when it bolts from 80 to 120 kph, such as when you need to overtake slower traffic on a freeway. In its sportiest shift mode, the 9-speed automatic transmission will kick down quickly in response to firm stabs to the accelerator and rapid thrust and a sonorous V8 bellow will ensue. What drama! The ‘Benz simply hunkers down and charges like a deranged animal. Keeping your right foot buried would be illegal, and the scary part is the vehicle will barely be stretching its legs…
Not only does the transmission respond quickly when left to its own devices, it selects the appropriate gear most of the time, which we’d imagine is not so easy when there are all of 9 forward ratios to choose from! If you feel that more control is needed, you can actuate shifts with the steering-wheel-mounted paddles, which make each manual up- or downshift a tactile pleasure. In true AMG form, shifts that occur at high revs elicit percussive bangs from the quad exhaust tips and, if you suddenly come off the throttle in Race mode, there’s a barrage of crackles and pops.
The GLE 63 S Coupe is not just a straight-line specialist, however. When scything through a series of tight bends, the ‘Benz utilises its adaptive air suspension, all-wheel-drive system and active roll stabilisation to corner with very little body lean to speak of. The sheer level of grip that’s available is nothing short of exceptional; few sportscars – let alone SUVs – feel this planted when cornering at high speeds. If you apply the power to rocket out of corners, this all-wheel-drive behemoth even exhibits an ever-so-slight hint of rear-end bias. What witchcraft is this?!
Drawbacks? The steering does let the side down somewhat because it’s not quite “sportscar sharp” – you’re likely to find yourself making micro-adjustments with your inputs through the ‘wheel. The ride quality is also firm and like most of AMG’s offerings, road noise is relatively high; bear in mind that the vehicle rides on massive (22-inch) alloy wheels, wrapped in 285/40 ZR rubber. Thankfully the high-quality audio system can drown it out with ease.
What’s the interior like?
When you step inside the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe (if yours is specced anything like our test unit), you’ll feel like you’ve just arrived in “carbon-fibre heaven”.
The fascia is dominated by the Widescreen Cockpit – a ginormous MBUX system that combines a digital instrument cluster with an infotainment screen. The instrument cluster is quite superb; it displays vital info through a choice of various themes. Our favourite was “Supersport”, because it’s such a radical departure from traditional layouts.
If there’s a drawback to MBUX’s excellent graphics and interface, it’s that there are multiple ways to accomplish the same task. Don’t forget the “Hey Mercedes” voice command, which can be used to activate many in-car functions. And, if this would be your first experience of MBUX, it can be quite daunting initially; talk about information overload!
The rest of the cabin looks and feels suitably upmarket, with extensive use of quality leather, contrast stitching and the provision of virtually every feature you’d hope to find in a R3-million vehicle. Our test unit was specified with heated and ventilated front seats replete with massage functions; when you’ve been driving for a long period, it is oh-so-satisfying to say “Hey Mercedes, massage seats on” and have the seat gently knead your lumbar region.
As far as connectivity goes, the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe comes with plenty of USB-C charging ports, a wireless charging pad, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. For audiophiles, a Burmester audio system is on offer; when you’re not in the mood to lap up the V8’s theatrics, it offers exceptional sound quality.
Annoyingly, as is the case in many modern Mercedes-Benz models, most of the cabin looks and feels well-made, but, upon closer inspection, there are a couple of cheaper touches you won’t find in any of its rivals. It is frustrating that Mercedes-Benz’s build quality is less than optimal – our test unit’s cabin emitted a few rattles and squeaks.
Is the GLE practical?
In terms of passenger space and load-bay capacity, the differences between the GLE and GLE Coupe are notable. Despite its plunging roofline, the coupe is claimed to offer fractionally more luggage capacity than its conventional sibling. If you need more space, you can always fold the rear seats down to transport larger items, such as mountain bikes. As a matter of fact, the sportscar-inspired GLE Coupe boasts the roomiest load bay in the entire segment!
The GLE Coupe can seat 4 adults in comfort – yes, rear occupant space is generous. The feeling of spaciousness is enhanced by the panoramic roof, which lets in more light. It’s great to see the faults of the 1st-gen model have been addressed by the provision of more rear legroom… and we think there’s a touch more space for the front row too!
How much does the GLE 63 S Coupe cost?
The Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe range kicks off with the GLE 53 derivative (R1 939 040), with this flagship offering coming in at R2 970 920 before options. A 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan is standard.
Verdict
With the automotive world shifting to responsible consumption/sustainability through electrification, something as ostentatious as the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe represents a statement of defiance. Not everyone is going to like its exterior styling and not everyone is going to enjoy the artillery-like aural salvos emitted by its exhausts.
Granted, the Benz’s extreme capabilities are enthralling. Few SUV-based vehicles can lunge towards the horizon with such ferocity and, paradoxically, attack tight corners with verve. It feels unnatural to be coaxing the GLE 63 S Coupe into twisty bends at high speeds, but AMG has engineered its flagship coupe-styled SUV to cope admirably with extreme lateral forces. It has truly remarkable, physics-defying handling for such a big, heavy vehicle. Then there’s the cabin, which is jaw-droppingly advanced and eye-catching, even though there are a few quality niggles.
So, should you buy one? Suffice to say the competition is stiff in this segment and when you’re paying this sort of money, you’re justified to demand nothing short of near-perfection. While the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe ticks most boxes comfortably, there are a couple of minor issues that won’t sit well with customers. Some will want more a more comfortable ride quality, while others may not take kindly to the iffy fit and finish of some cabin elements.
We think the Audi RS Q8 can do everything this Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe can, while costing substantially less than the ‘Benz, which is a knock-out blow. As we’ve proven in our drag race, it’s also fractionally faster…
These are teaser images of the all-new Opel Astra, giving us a preview of what the new hatchback is about.
*Update: Opel has released further images of the forthcoming Astra, giving us a better look at the proportions. The new Opel Astra has almost completed its testing processes, which range from extreme temperature variations as well as electronic and safety tech evaluations. Interestingly, Opel has confirmed a plug-in hybrid version too.
“The demanding test programme of the All-New Astra is going exceptionally well”, says Astra Chief Engineer, Mariella Vogler. “The development team – which, by the way, comprises of more female engineers than ever before – has created an uncompromisingly cool new generation of Astra that will thrill our customers.”
Seeing teaser images of the all-new Opel Astra has raised the eyebrows in the Cars.co.za office. Let’s be honest, the C-segment hatchback has taken a dive over the years, with customers favouring high-riding vehicles instead. Case in point, the Volkswagen Tiguan was the German brand’s best-selling model in 2020.
As for the Opel Astra, the Stellantis Group has big plans. Just a reminder that PSA (Peugeot Citroen) took ownership of Opel/Vauxhall and turned its fortunes around in a quick period – impressive stuff. Despite the vehicle’s sharing platforms and engines, it appears Opel is standing on its own two feet again and there’s a raft of new product on the way.
All-New Opel Astra to be electrified
Naturally, the all-new Opel Astra will offer electrification. Paul Willcox, Managing Director, Vauxhall, said: “The All-New Astra will open an exciting new chapter in the 41-year history of our popular compact model. We are confident that the next generation Vauxhall Astra will make a powerful impression and attract new customers to the brand, especially now Astra will be electrified for the first time.”
From the other teaser images, we can see a headlight that looks quite similar to that of the all-new Opel Mokka. Inside, the cabin of the Opel Astra features the new generation of Pure Panel digital cockpit with two widescreen displays. We don’t have much else to go on, but we do know the all-new Opel Astra will be available in 5-door hatchback and sports tourer estate.
No ETA was given, but we think the Opel Astra will be revealed before the end of 2021.
Swedish automaker, Volvo, has revealed its Concept Recharge, which illustrates what will be possible in terms of design and technology in the next generation of electric vehicles from Volvo.
Volvo has made a commitment to become an all-electric car brand before the end of the decade. South Africa will receive Volvo’s first all-electric SUV, the XC40 Recharge, in August 2021 but there’s much more to come!
While the XC40 Recharge is based on the current ICE-powered XC40, the Concept Recharge revealed today provides insight into what the next-generation of electrified Volvos will offer in terms of design and technology.
“Our Concept Recharge represents a manifesto for the all-electric future of Volvo Cars, as well as a new type of vehicle. It displays new and modern proportions that go hand-in-hand with increased versatility and shows what technology can enable in terms of design” said Robin Page, Head of Design at Volvo Cars.
Volvo’s first-generation of electric cars, such as the forthcoming XC40 Recharge, share the same floor as the combustion-engined XC40 and is therefore proportioned accordingly to accommodate both a battery and combustion engine.
However, the Concept Recharge, which represents the next generation of electric cars from Volvo, presents a flat cabin floor. Without a combustion engine, the battery pack is placed underneath the floor and the wheelbase has been extended to provide greater interior space.
More space and better design for Concept Recharge
Volvo’s next generation of electric cars will maximise space and feature the latest infotainment and safety technology.
Without the limitations of a combustion engine, designers were able to optimise the seat design as well as refine the roof profile and lower the hood of the vehicle, which have led to improvements in aerodynamic efficiency.
Stylistically speaking, the Concept Recharge follows the theme of ‘less but better’ with a clean design and with unnecessary elements removed. The Concept Recharge wears a shield-like front-end which is complemented with a new interpretation of Volvo’s familiar Thor’s Hammer headlight design and a vertical signature lighting at the rear.
As for the interior, a large 15-inch standing touchscreen is fitted and shows what Volvo’s next-generation infotainment system could look like. The system will better integrate Android Auto in a more seamless manner while reducing the number of touches required to execute actions. Google has actually been part of the development of the new infotainment system so expect it to provide better phone and infotainment capabilities than ever.
“Inside the Concept Recharge, we create a truly Scandinavian living room feeling. The interior integrates our latest user experience technology with beautiful, sustainable and natural materials. Each part of the interior is like a piece of art and could stand alone as individual furniture in a room. We use the latest technologies but not for their own sake. We always focus on the benefits that technologies can bring” says Page.
Volvo is well known for producing some of the safest cars in the world and the firm plans to continue doing so with its forthcoming fleet of electric vehicles. Concept Recharge is equipped with a LiDAR sensor, developed by Luminar, which is placed on the roof of the vehicle which allows it to effectively scan the environment around the vehicle and process the data which is then used to deliver a seamless (and safe) autonomous driving experience. This system will work in tandem with radar and cameras in order to provide much better vision and move towards that autonomous future widely talked about.
In conclusion, Page commented, “With the Concept Recharge we continue the rich roots of Volvo’s design DNA in a modern and fresh way as we move into our all-electric future. It represents everything we believe customers expect from a pure electric Volvo and we’re excited to take this philosophy into our next generation of cars.”
