Thai-Built Toyota Hilux Revo GR Sport Shows Potential
Toyota in Thailand has launched the Hilux Revo GR Sport in either high-rider or low-rider guise.
If you think South Africa is crazy about bakkies, perhaps you should visit Thailand. The Toyota Hilux is also produced in Thailand and in that market it’s known as the Hilux Revo and a GR Sport version has now been launched in both high- and low-riding guise.
Earlier this year, we reported that the Toyota Hilux GR Sport was due for reveal in Japan in October 2021 but now the Thai-made Hilux Revo GR Sport has broken cover, showing us what’s possible.
In Thailand, the Hilux Revo GR Sport is offered in both high- and low-riding guise and features the obligatory visual enhancements that a Hilux GR Sport commands.
What’s special about the Hilux Revo GR Sport?
The Hilux Revo GR Sport gains a suspension upgrade as well as beefier styling.
The low-rider Hilux Revo GR Sport is rear-wheel-drive and Toyota has fitted 17-inch wheels with red brake callipers but dropped the suspension by 23 mm to give it that low-rider look. A sporty, beefed-up body kit is fitted with a body-coloured grille surround and a gloss black finish for the air intake surrounds. A GR Sport wouldn’t be complete without its badges and GR Sport decals…
As for the high-riding Hilux Revo GR Sport, it features all-wheel-drive capability with a rear differential lock and its suspension has been upgraded with a reinforced Superflex Suspension which makes it more adept to tackling offroad conditions than its low-riding sibling. IT makes use of larger 18-inch wheels and is also differentiated with a larger grille. The lower bumper also features integrated fog lights and underbody protection while side steps and wheel arch extensions further add to the rugged appeal. Towards the rear, a sports bar is also fitted and the model also gains mud flaps.
Both variants can be had in 3 body colours including black, white and red.
The interior features a sporty look thanks to red stitching seen on the GR-embossed suede-leather combination seats as well as the sports steering wheel with red marking and aluminium pedals The GR start-stop button adds to the interior drama while the familiar 8-inch infotainment screen takes care of entertainment and key in-car functions.
In terms of engine power, the Hilux Revo GR Sport is equipped with Toyota’s updated 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine that now offers 150 kW and 500 Nm and comes mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
While the Hilux Revo GR Sport is market-specific for Thailand, it gives us some idea of what to expect from the latest Japanese Hilux GR Sport which is due for reveal in weeks to come. We expect the Hilux GR Sport to come to market in South Africa sometime in 2022. As always, we will keep you updated as soon as more information becomes available.
This week’s news you need to know (August 2021, Week 4)
In this week’s automotive news you need to know: Tata prepares to take another chance on the SA market, JLR goes on the special-edition offensive, Porsche sends over-the-air software updates to its Taycan and GWM rolls out a Tank to trample on Toyota’s sales numbers.
The return of Tata – Once bitten… twice shy
It seems a lifetime ago when Indian automotive giant Tata inhabited the Republic’s car market. Who can forget those days? I remember them distinctly. A totally unknown brand (to average South African consumers) wanted to compete in a space dominated by local manufacturers Volkswagen and Toyota. Not much has changed, although there is even more competition in the market now than when Tata arrived.
If you want a short synopsis of how things turned out, here goes… Tata gave it a go for a while, but ultimately left with its tail between its legs. Perhaps Tata’s first time here came a little too soon; its products may have been suitable for the Indian market at the time, but even enticingly cheap products cannot survive in a market where people are so devoted to products made by VW and Toyota that they’d rather buy a used Polo or Corolla than a new Tata passenger car. The bar was set high. Let’s hope that, with the mothership acquiring Jaguar and Land Rover, some degree of quality control has rubbed off on Tata’s models.
South African consumers are always on the hunt for good deals and might take a chance on a fledgling brand if it suits their pockets, but there is certainly a limit to how much they are willing to compromise on quality. Would they even give Tata a reasonable second chance? Consider this a warning, Tata. Best you get your ducks in a row as the second South African campaign will not be easier than the first.
Jaguar Land Rover trying to keep things ‘special’
Speaking of the mothership, it seems that every other week a new iteration of a Jaguar or Range Rover model sees the light. Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has redoubled its efforts to keep its products relevant and its customer base entertained – and hungry for more. It’s a tough ask for a premium brand (especially a British car manufacturer that’s trying to safeguard its future in a post-Brexit world). Many marques are either tightening their belts or exceedingly cautious about overextending themselves, product-wise, in turbulent economic times. However, in a rapidly evolving marketplace, “staying current” is a must.
One can argue “it gets tired quickly”, but in the world of premium motoring, there is a certain pocket of buyers that thrive on having that “something different”. They live for braai- or bar speak, the bicep flex, showboating… ag, call it what you will. JLR wants those particular “punters” in its pocket and, judging by the number of Range Rover Velars double-parked in the Atlantic Seaboard, they’re getting it right.
Porsche Taycan Updates – Beware… the machine
Gone are the days of mechanical engineering, analogue dials and carburettors that could be tuned by ear. We’re deeply entrenched in a digital world where programming and tech advancements dominate motoring and, with that, comes more complicated product life cycles, because manufacturers must scramble to keep their wares up to date and notably differentiated from what rival brands are offering.
More updates, changes and technological developments… It’s a situation that, if left unchecked, can cause harm to a brand in the long run when “change fatigue” settles in and products are rushed to market (remember the Golf and ID-series’ software issues?). The VW Group has hopefully learnt from that and has enough shared IP and resources to troubleshoot and test before a release (still only up to a point), but for a start-up or smaller brand, there may not be the same backing and a long history of product recalls and warranty issues could ensue. In a world of ever-higher expectations, that could spell disaster.
GWM Tank 600 has Toyota in its sights
Great Wall Motors (GWM) is making its intentions clear: it wants to disrupt Toyota dominance in the off-roader market and steal a piece of the pie, if not all of it. One can’t exactly blame GWM, especially in Mzansi, where 25% of the market is scooped up by Toyota. GWM’s latest offering reaffirms that objective: the Tank 600 is positioned as a direct rival to the Prado, which is much loved by South African upper-middle-class families.
Stealing market share sounds easier said than done – and it is! The Chinese brand is going to need much more than a handful of good products, ridiculously undercut pricing, a few years of solid after-sales support – and a massive own goal by Toyota – to make any sort of dent in the Japanese giant’s market supremacy. But just like we’ve seen with Haval’s recent gains in the local new-vehicle market, for every new H6 that leaves the showroom floor, there may be a Toyota RAV4 that doesn’t. That, my learned readers, is just the fillip GWM/Haval needs to stay the course.
Cars.co.za Fights Plastic Pollution Across SA
The Cars.co.za team took part in a countrywide environment clean up to raise awareness about plastic pollution. The effort forms part of the global Plastic Hunt which includes a total of 95 teams in 41 countries!
At Cars.co.za, we are not only passionate about cars but we are also passionate about the environment and taking the necessary action to protect it.
The Fight Against Plastic Pollution
Cars.co.za recognises that plastic pollution is one of the major threats to not only planet Earth but also to humanity. We take plastic pollution seriously and that’s why over the years we have implemented a number of initiatives within the spaces that we occupy to reduce the impact that our business has on the greater environment.
These initiatives include an extensive recycling program at our Head Office in Johannesburg as well as our office in Cape Town. More so, in 2021, Cars.co.za took the fight against plastic pollution one step further with the launch of our Ecobrick initiative to further reduce the amount of plastic that’s destined for landfill. Our fight against plastic pollution is ongoing and never-ending.
We believe in being proactive to make a difference and that’s why together with the global Plastic Hunt initiative, we can make a difference and hopefully inspire others to do the same. This year is the second year that the Cars.co.za team has taken part in the global Plastic Hunt and our cleanup efforts for 2021 focussed on areas in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Qubertha.
Cold winter weather didn’t stop the Cars.co.za team from heading out to clean beaches, parks and other public spaces. We not only salute our own efforts to make a difference but also the efforts of people across South Africa and the rest of the world. The truth is that we can all make a difference and sometimes all that’s required is just a bit of energy and some love for the world that we all share.
How can you make a difference?
You can join the fight against plastic pollution by taking responsibility for the waste that you and your family accumulate on a daily basis. Sorting your waste into plastic, paper and glass and recycling this waste at a recycling site in your area is an ideal way to get you started on your recycling journey. You can also start making your own Ecobricks to further reduce your waste!
As a consumer of goods, you can also make a concerted effort to make wiser buying decisions by refusing single-use plastics and proactively reducing the amount of plastic you consume i.e. using reusable shopping bags, water bottles, cups, straws etc.
The fight against plastic pollution is a collective effort and it’s all of our responsibility. The effort you make matters, so make it count.
Cars.co.za, Ford South Africa wrap up Winter Blanket Drive to assist Gift of the Givers
Having helped the Gift of the Givers Foundation deliver 5 tonnes of goods, including blankets, food, care packages and soup-kitchen supplies to the impoverished Western Cape town of Touws River (in in partnership with Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa) in July, leading online motoring portal Cars.co.za initiated a Winter Blanket Drive, which ended on August 6.
Apart from calling on South Africans to make donations to help bring comfort to communities that have been suffering through the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic – not to mention the chilly grip of winter, Cars.co.za kickstarted the fund by pledging to donate all of the 2020 advertising revenue raised by its YouTube channel.
The proceeds of the Cars.co.za Winter Blanket Drive, which was generously supported by the public, enabled the Gift of the Givers Foundation to deliver hundreds of blankets and other relief supplies to communities around the Western Cape, including a delivery made by a convoy of fully-laden Ford Rangers to the town of Riviersonderend in the Overberg area.
“It was a tremendous honour and pleasure for us to join forces with the Gift of the Givers and Ford – two brands that make a positive impact on the lives of many South Africans,” says Cars.co.za‘s Consumer Experience Manager Hannes Oosthuizen. “This is a foundation that deserves the nation’s support, because its efforts benefit all regions of the country.”
Two videos that document the relief effort can be viewed on Cars.co.za’s YouTube channel.
When the Covid-19 pandemic hit South Africa, the ensuing lockdowns impacted many rural towns that depend on revenue derived from tourism (such as Riviersonderend and Touws River). Jobs were lost and several businesses closed, leaving countless people unemployed.
“Riviersonderend, as a town along the Garden Route, was hit particularly hard,” says Ali Sablay of Gift of the Givers. “Community leaders phoned us to say they were concerned about the elderly and children who were going to bed hungry at night. They asked us for urgent assistance and that’s why we wanted to deliver some food aid and relief here.
“The calls keep rolling in for food assistance. In the Western Cape, we visit three communities a day and deliver aid (including food and blankets) to about 60 communities per month.
Drought relief in the Eastern and Northern Cape
“Our other initiative is to help communities endure the devastating drought in the Eastern and the Northern Cape. Every day, our water tanker trucks deliver water to these communities, some of which have not had clean drinking water for the last seven to eight years.
“Water is essential for sanitation and our first target was to ensure that hospitals and schools remain open… To bolster their water supplies, we’ve drilled boreholes where possible.
“We at Gift of the Givers are involved in all the parts of South Africa. We also pride ourselves on supporting healthcare workers – we’ve delivered PPE (personal protective equipment) and CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines to many of the country’s hospitals.
“We’ve also carried out renovations at some of the hospitals in the Eastern Cape so that our healthcare workers can see their fellow South Africans are standing with them,” he concludes.
“Initiatives like this epitomise the ‘Ford For South Africa’ campaign,” says Neale Hill, managing director of FMCSA. “It goes beyond just highlighting Ford’s corporate and product legacy and demonstrates our commitment to this wonderful and vibrant country, and our unwavering dedication to building a promising future for all South Africans.”
“It’s been an absolute highlight of our year working with Gift of the Givers,” says Cars.co.za Head of Video, Ciro De Siena. “Thank you to everyone who helped to make this possible. The Gift of the Givers is an extraordinary foundation and they deserve all of our support.
“So even though our blanket drive has ended for this year, we’d like to encourage you to help this organisation by making a donation – big or small – whenever you can,” he concluded.
Please support the Gift of the Givers Foundation’s ongoing relief efforts by donating into the following bank account – you can indeed make a difference.
Account Name: Gift of the Givers Foundation
Bank: Standard Bank
Account Number: 052137228
Branch Code: 057 525
Branch: Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
The Gift of the Givers Foundation is the largest disaster response, non-governmental organisation of African origin on the African continent. Assistance is provided unconditionally; to the needy, irrespective of human or animal, race, religion, colour, class, political affiliation or geographic location.
This month (August 2021), the organisation celebrates its 29th birthday. Since 1992, Gift of the Givers has delivered life-saving goods and on-the-ground support for innumerable people, collectively valued at some R3.5 billion, in more than 44 countries across the globe.
Mercedes-Benz GLS (2021) Review
The GLS is the most luxurious – and capacious – Mercedes-Benz SUV. Now in its 3rd generation, the GLS needs to prove its worth against vaunted rivals, as well as some high-spec offerings from the Premium-SUV segment. We tested the petrol-powered GLS 580 to see if the Big Benz is as special as its price suggests…
We like: V8 power has its perks on the highway. Acres of interior space.
We don’t like: No real “wow factor” inside, jiggly ride at slow speed.
Fast Facts:
Model tested: Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 4Matic AMG Line
The GLS is the S-Class of Mercedes-Benz’s SUV range. The biggest and most luxurious off-roader it offers.
Simply put, the GLS is the S-Class of the Three-pointed Star’s SUV range, the epitome of everything the German premium brand can offer in terms of luxury, tech and desirability in its biggest format – the 7-seater SUV. Direct competitors come in the form of the BMW X7, the full-fat Range Rover and the recently launched Land Cruiser 300, although the latter’s upcoming Lexus LX cousin (which will be based on the new ‘Cruiser’s platform) would technically be a more natural rival to the Benz.
These are behemoth SUVs, some 200–300 mm longer than Premium SUVs such as the Audi Q7, BMW X5, Lexus RX, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Range Rover Velar, Volvo XC90 models that usually tick the “big enough” box. Some of those are optionally available in 7-seater configurations, which, if you only occasionally need to seat small children right at the back, might be all that you need.
Under the GLS 580 4Matic AMG Line’s bonnet sits a turbocharged 4.0-litre V8, which is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and, alas, suffers from a petrol addiction that even a 12-step programme can’t break. There are 7 seats inside, all of which can be individually raised and folded away, while infotainment and connectivity are taken care of by Benz’s well-known MBUX interface.
How the Mercedes-Benz GLS fares in terms of…
Kerb- and road presence
The 22-inch optional wheels only just fill the wheel arches of the 5-metre-plus SUV.
There’s no doubt the GLS is a gargantuan SUV; it’s 5 207-mm long, 1 823-mm high and has a 3 135-mm wheelbase. You could very nearly fit an entire Peugeot 108 between the fore and aft wheels of the GLS – its wheelbase is that long. As you can deduce from these images, the AMG Line package endows the GLS with a bit more attitude thanks to the chrome strips on the front bumper and exhaust pipe surrounds, which are tied together by the matching side steps. The AMG Line also comes with what’s described as a “sporty engine sound” that ensures that the V8 under the bonnet makes itself heard.
It sounds a little daft, but the smallest wheels on offer are 20-inch alloys; the test unit was specced with 22-inch AMG M-Spoke alloy wheels (a R50 300 option), which fill the wheel-arches appreciably. To their credit, in tandem with the air suspension, they don’t diminish the GLS’ ride quality unduly.
By virtue of German premium marques’ slavish devotion to their respective design languages – Mercedes-Benz is no exception – it can be difficult to distinguish a GLS from a GLE or even a GLC from the front, but from side-on, the GLS’ extended length and heft easily set it apart as the “Big Daddy” in the lineup. Its badge appeal is likely to get the nod of approval from the “mink and manure” set.
Performance and, um, efficiency
The AMG Line comes with a “sporty engine” option that enhances the sound of the V8 under the bonnet.
The Benz’s 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 is effortlessly smooth… and refreshingly lazy. How could laziness be a good thing? Let us put it this way: too many modern (therefore, turbocharged) engines push out huge maximum power and torque figures, but do so in a rather spiky and abrupt manner; the GLS 580, by contrast, builds its way up the rev range smoothly, in a dignified manner.
Make no mistake: it’s not slow, by any means. If you stomp on the accelerator pedal, the Mercedes-Benz will swat away a Golf 8 GTI, but that’s not where the engine’s strength lies. The 700 Nm of torque available between 2 000 and 4 000 rpm promotes truly effortless in-gear overtaking. The motor feels strong and unstressed when it veritably sweeps past slower traffic.
If you plan to tow a horsebox (which, if you’re genuinely interested in buying a GLS, you probably already own) or that Riva Aquarama speed boat, the GLS 580 4Matic AMG Line is rated to tow a 3 500-kg braked trailer and has a trailer manoeuvring assistant, which, thanks to steering intervention, takes all the hassle (or potential embarrassment) out of reversing a trailer.
Take note that while the claimed fuel consumption figure of 11.0 L/100 km doesn’t seem that heavy, we could only make the test unit’s indicated figure dip below 12 L/100 km when cruising at 80 to 100 kph protractedly. We travelled quite a distance (1 200 km) with the Benz during its 2-week tenure in our test fleet. At the end of the evaluation, the GLS’ digital consumption readout indicated 13 L/100 km.
Interior elegance & practicality
The GLS interior is luxurious, but lacks a “wow factor” at this price point.
For various reasons, we have only had a chance to drive the GLS this year, even though the model was released overseas about 2 years ago. As a result, Benz’s top-of-the-range SUV doesn’t feature the latest and greatest interior as shown in the new S-Class, for example. In fact, its design/layout is a little too “copy and paste” – essentially a facsimile of a GLE interior with 2 additional seats in the rear.
The grab handles on the centre console, for example, are quite functional, but they’re straight from the GLE. The interior design can be mixed and matched via the options list to suit the style you prefer… The dash is clad in soft black leather, while the strip that runs the width of the cabin (and surrounds the air vents) can be specced in brushed aluminium, woodgrain, anthracite or even carbon-fibre look.
The MBUX infotainment system with its dual-screen “widescreen” setup is built into the fascia and, even now, some 6 years since its debut, it’s still the industry standard for clarity and graphics. Everything you need in terms of connectivity is built into the system although it would be nice to have wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity instead of the plug-in setup (through the USB-C ports).
The interior doesn’t evoke wonderment in a manner you’d expect from something that’s meant to showcase “the ultimate in luxury”, but the GLS will likely receive the S-class interior when its facelift is due.
At 2 400 litres, you won’t find a bigger load space.
If you plan on ticking most of the options, which is probably the point of buying a GLS, you’ll get numerous nifty comfort features such as USB-C ports in every row and individual seat heaters. All the seats are electrically operated – via buttons on the seats themselves or in the load bay, but they can be a little slow to work if you’re just trying to access the 3rd row, where a manual switch would be much faster.
Passenger space is more than adequate in the 2nd row, even if you’re sitting 3 adults across. The 3rd row of seats is reasonably comfortable, but don’t expect to be able to stretch out. Even with all 3 rows up, the load bay can accommodate 355 litres (the same as a Polo hatchback), but with all the seats down it opens up a monumental 2 400 litres, even more than you’d get in a long-wheelbase Range Rover.
On-road refinement
On a wine farm’s dirt road – probably the place you’re most likely to spot a GLS.
As one would expect of a vehicle of this (considerable) size, the Benz can be a bit awkward to navigate within the confines of a city, such as on narrow streets. Out in the suburbs where the roads are wider, the GLS comes into its own. It’s very quiet inside, even though the GLS 580 4Matic AMG Line rolls on low-profile 22-inch tyres and wind noise is hardly noticeable, even when overtaking at 120 kph.
The air suspension works admirably well, but does jiggle about a little at slow speeds; it is almost as if it’s trying to make too many corrections to keep the body level, especially when the sizeable SUV turns into intersections or traffic circles (similar to the GLE we tested). The suspension proves a lot more neutral when the Benz sweeps through bends or hits its stride on the freeway. In fact, the GLS is surprisingly wieldy when it needs to negotiate a mountain pass in a hurry…. certainly more so than one would expect a vehicle of its size and heft to be.
You can flick through various drive modes to make the Benz’s chassis feel sportier, but we always defaulted to Comfort, as that was good enough when things got twisty without any of the extra suspension firmness that came with the Sport mode. After all, an S-Class-inspired Mercedes-Benz should be all about comfort, not so?
Mercedes-Benz GLS pricing & after-sales support
Don’t expect to find a bargain in the GLS range as pricing starts at R1.8 million for the GLS 400d and go as high as R3.2 million for the AMG GLS 63 4Matic+. The GLS 580 4Matic AMG Line retails for R2 118 460 (before options) and includes a 2-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
Verdict
The GLS is a very competent 7-seater SUV, but it falls short of deserving the title of “King of the SUVs”.
The Mercedes-Benz GLS will suit well-heeled buyers who want as much space as they can get in a luxury SUV. The interior space and, therefore, load capacity are as capacious as you can get at any price.
The turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 feels unstressed and accelerates creamily. It also helps that there’s a V8 burble to remind you (and everyone within earshot) that you’ve got some get-up-and-go in reserve.
The Benz’s interior, while plush and luxurious, doesn’t really feel special enough for a car that’s meant to wow at every touchpoint – after all, you have to part with in excess of R2 million to buy this derivative, yet its cabin can’t match the sense of occasion offered by the Range Rover and even the BMW X7.
The ride is tailored to cruising speeds where the suspension settles down and eschews some of the awkward wobbles it exhibits in town.
For now, the GLS doesn’t quite have enough going for it in the “razzle-dazzle” department to oust the exquisite Range Rover Vogue in outright appeal, but then… it is some R500k cheaper than the British offering. Is that’s something you want to tell people you chose a GLS for, though?
Lexus LC 500 Convertible (2021) Launch Review
The exquisite-looking Lexus LC 500 Convertible has landed in Mzansi. We put the ravishing newcomer through its paces on the sweeping bends around Nelspruit.
Lexus’ design team was set quite an extraordinary challenge to shape what’s arguably the most exotic model in the Japanese premium brand’s line-up. They had to take the distinctively sculpted – and intricately detailed – Lexus LC 500 sports coupe and turn it into one of the world’s most beautiful convertibles and, if these photos are anything to go by, we’d say: “Mission accomplished!”
A vehicle’s design is entirely subjective, yet in the case of the Lexus LC 500 Convertible, we can’t help but admire it from every conceivable angle. It looks incredibly striking, particularly with the roof down.
Is this the most beautiful open-topped sportscar that’s ever been produced by a Japanese car company? Discuss.
Suffice to say it’s an extraordinary-looking road machine with creases and angles in the right places and sensuous proportions, not to mention those gorgeous 21-inch alloy wheels and bold spindle grille.
The drawback of chopping the roof off a coupe is a loss of structural rigidity and, in the past, open-topped variants suffered from excess rattling and body flex – a phenomenon known as scuttle shake.
Lexus reckons it has minimised the problem by redesigning 3 major panels, reinforcing existing bodywork (with additional spot welds), fitting underbody bracing, shifting the car’s weight distribution around and implementing an aluminium/magnesium structure for the fabric roof. Impressively, the Convertible’s headroom and boot space compare quite favourably with those of the LC 500 coupe.
Then there’s that interior! Not only does the LC 500 Convertible’s luxurious cockpit look the part – it creates that must-have sense of occasion, but the craftsmanship and build quality are out of this world. The level of fit-and-finish is near-perfect, and other manufacturers would do well to (or least try to) replicate the immaculate interior detailing.
There are 11 exterior colour, interior trim and roof colour combinations available.
What’s on offer?
There are no derivatives of the LC 500 Convertible, it’s a standalone variant of the coupe. The Lexus’ fabric roof can be opened in around 15 sec and at speeds of up to 50 kph, which is useful when a sudden downpour interferes with your divine drop-top experience mid-journey.
Now, you’re probably wondering what engine sits under the newcomer’s bonnet. While Lexus’ LS “500” first-class sedan uses a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6, the Convertible sports a refreshingly “old school” motor. Yes, this arrestingly styled roadster utilises a naturally-aspirated 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine, which produces 351 kW/540 Nm and propels the car’s rear wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Also, at this price point, you get all the proverbial bells and whistles. The leather seats are 10-way electrically adjustable, wonderfully supportive and heated. There’s also a steering wheel heater and neck heaters for those who prefer “driving topless” during autumn or winter, as well as a 13-speaker Mark Levinson audio system with a pair of USB ports as well as Apple Carplay/Android Auto compatibility.
Safety-wise, Lexus has equipped its LC 500 Convertible with features such as a pre-crash safety system, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, stability control and 6 airbags.
The interior of the Lexus LC 500 Convertible is smartly finished and a tactile delight.
What’s the Lexus LC 500 Convertible like to drive?
If the Lexus drop-top’s vivacious styling is all-but-guaranteed to cause onlookers to stop and stare, the 5.0-litre V8 is more than likely to make them smile when you start it up. It’s a glorious-sounding engine that should enthral motoring enthusiasts who fondly remember the “V8’s glory years”. The start-up sound is gloriously old-school with a traditional rumble, but the downshifts, wow: they really stir our senses.
There’s something wonderfully magical about this free-breathing Lexus V8 engine… Not only does it deliver a sonorous soundtrack as it spins smoothly through its rev range; it delivers its power in a linear fashion. There’s no sudden shove in your back, instead, the powerplant encourages you to “stretch its legs” all the way up to the redline.
If you have the car’s transmission in manual mode, there’s a soft rev limiter around about the 7 000 rpm mark and the digital rev counter changes colour from white, to orange, to red as the revs climb.
Downsides of the Lexus LC 500 Convertible? You’re probably not going to get used to all the attention this vehicle attracts. There will be so few of these on SA roads, “unicorn status” is all but assured.
Lexus’ newcomer is more of a grand tourer than a sportscar.
What’s more, if you drive the Lexus in manual mode and the car’s running in its high gears, you have to really “work the transmission” to summon rapid overtaking acceleration. The 8th, 9th and 10th ratios are for cruising, so there’s very little response when you lean on the accelerator. If you’re in automatic, the powertrain will immediately change down to 5th gear to rediscover the motor’s sweet spot.
When enthusiasts see the LC 500 Convertible’s lofty price tag (R2 345 500 in August 2021) they may instantly compare the Lexus with high-end sportscars, but that’s not what this car’s about. It’s a beautiful, luxurious cruiser; something that rewards a spirited driver, but is eminently useable for longer trips. With this level of comfort and refinement available to occupants, you could drive the length of the Garden Route in the Lexus and arrive at your destination still feeling fresh. The same can’t be said of most high-performance exotica…
Our short drive gave us a good taste of what the 2nd most expensive model in Lexus South Africa’s line-up offers. While its straight-line efforts are brisk, its refinement and cornering capability are the real highlights. Usually, vehicles of this type are compromised by overly firm suspensions, but this is not the case with the LC. As for the scuttle shake? There was none of that, so kudos to Lexus’ engineers.
Those enchanting looks combined with a majestic engine make the Lexus LC 500 Convertible one of the most desirable vehicles on the market.
Summary
With head-turning looks that are out of this world and an old-school (but sufficiently revvy) V8 engine under its shapely bonnet, the Lexus LC 500 Convertible is a very special vehicle. It has the performance to match its athletic image, and while its outright grunt may not be best-in-class (the comparatively-priced BMW M850i Convertible makes 390 kW), there’s more than enough pace to entertain most drivers.
It’s hard to think that this treasure of a vehicle comes from Lexus, a brand that prides itself on its range of luxurious hybrids that are the polar opposite of what the LC 500 and its Convertible sibling represent. Will this be the last truly exciting model to come from the Lexus stable before the motor industry shuts the door on the (non-electrically assisted) internal combustion engine? Only time will tell.
Focus ST Edition is Golf 8 GTI’s best rival – but not for SA
Blue oval hot hatch becomes even more desirable, pity you can’t have it says Ford SA.
Ford Focus ST fans around South Africa, allow us to show you the forbidden fruit: the new ST Edition.
The Golf 8 GTI’s natural rival, which is unavailable locally, has a new variant. Ford is undoubtedly trying to counter interest and possible customer migration to the new VW Golf 8 GTI, with this ST Edition.
It takes a proven hot hatch product evolution theme, with some upgraded suspension bits and new wheels.
Ford is marketing this as the best factory ST you can buy, mostly due to its adjustable suspension set-up. Sourced from Dutch specialist KW Automotive, the ST Edition has two-way adjustable coilovers at all four wheel corners.
Inside those coilovers are twin-tube dampers, which feature superior oil recirculation, making the ST Edition a lot more predictable to place, at speed, on bumpy roads.
This suspension upgrade lowers the ST Edition by 10 mm, compared to a standard ST’s stance. KW Automative’s coilovers allow for 20 mm of total ride height adjustment.
Ford’s product planners want ST Edition customers to make the most of the suspension upgrades, with appropriate tyres. As such, this new limited-edition Ford hot hatch rolls Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, on lightweight 19-inch wheels.
Not only do these tyres provide greater mechanical grip, but Ford claims the ST Edition has 10% less unsprung mass, per corner, compared to the standard ST.
There are no powertrain or exhaust upgrades, which mean the ST Edition is powered by that familiar 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine, good for 209 kW and 420 Nm of torque.
Only available in Ford’s signature hot hatch colourway – Azura blue – the ST Edition won’t become an option for South Africa blue oval fans. Despite being available in right-hand drive.
A pity, as it has everything to be a true Golf 8 GTI alternative. There is even a Nurburgring setting for the KW Automotive suspension.
Mercedes-Benz has a new contender in the small van segment and it’s called the Citan!
Mercedes-Benz has a presence in the large van segment with its Vito and Sprinter products but now a more compact van offering has been revealed. This is the Citan. It’s worth noting that Merc will also bring a more upmarket T-Class van offering to market in the near future (see spy images here).
Interestingly, the Citan is the last commercial vehicle project from Mercedes-Benz to feature an internal combustion engine as all future projects will be electric. An electric eCitan is due for launch in the second half of 2022.
The Citan is underpinned by the familiar Renault Kangoo but has been given the Mercedes-Benz styling treatment. The Citan measures 4 498 mm in length with a wheelbase of 2 716 mm and will be offered as both a passenger Tourer and a commercial Panel Van version.
The Citan can be had with up to 2 sliding doors with a 615 mm opening while two 180-degree rear doors provide easy access to the 3 005 mm load bay. The Citan Tourer however forgoes the 2 rear doors for an optional single tailgate. Towing capacity is rated at 1 500 kg.
On the inside, the Citan features a modern-looking interior design and Merc’s MBUX infotainment operating system makes its way into the Citan via a 7-inch touchscreen which offers voice activation, Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability.
In terms of driver assistance features, the Citan is equipped with Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Distance Assist Distronic (adaptive cruise control), Hill Start Assist and Active Brake Assist. 7 airbags are standard for the Citan Tourer while the Citan Panal Van is equipped with 6 airbags.
What engines power the new Mercedes-Benz Citan?
An all-electric eCitan will come to market in 2022.
The Citan will be powered by a 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine and a 1.3-litre turbopetrol engine.
A 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine is offered in 3 states of tune including the 108 CDI with 55 kW / 230 Nm, the 110 CDI with 70 kW / 260 Nm and the 112 CDI with 85 kW / 270 Nm.
On the petrol front, the 1.3-litre turbopetrol is offered with either 75 kW and 200 Nm (110) or 96 kW and 240 Nm (113).
As for the Citan Tourer, it’s offered with the above 110 CDI engine and both petrol engine variants (110 and 113).
The range-topping petrol and diesel engines will be paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission while a 6-speed manual transmission will be offered across the rest of the Citan range.
Powertrain details for the electric eCitan have yet to be revealed but Mercedes-Benz has stated that it’s expected to offer a range of approximately 285 km (WLTP) and will be able to rapid charge from 10% to 80% in about 40 minutes.
At the time of publishing, Mercedes-Benz South Africa has yet to confirm whether the new Citan will come to South Africa. As always, we will keep you updated as soon as we receive more information, so stay tuned!
A mildly updated version of the Lexus LS 500 is now available in South Africa. We drive the revised first-class sedan on some of Mpumalanga’s most scenic roads.
The Lexus LS is the Japanese premium brand’s answer to the Audi S8, BMW 7 Series, Maserati Quattroporte, Porsche Panamera but, most notably, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. With the local introduction of Benz’s latest first-class sedan (W223) delayed due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic (and the associated semi-conductor shortage), Lexus SA has effectively got the jump on the segment’s benchmark.
Lexus SA offers its updated flagship in 2 derivatives: F-Sport and Luxury. Only minor mechanical updates have been made to the model; Lexus’ engineers focused their efforts on improving the tiniest of product details… There was an emphasis on increasing the luxury, comfort and refinement levels of, let’s face it, an already well-engineered product. It sounds like time-consuming, let alone painstaking, work!
F-Sport trim adds some visual clout in the form of an even bolder mesh grille, 20-inch alloy wheels and F-Sport badging, while the cabin gains derivative-specific steering wheel, pedals, a suede roof lining, as well as an assortment of sporty-looking trim inserts. At this end of the market, it’s arguably easier to count the number of features that aren’t present, as opposed to listing all the standard equipment fitted. Lexus is also one of few brands that offer virtually zero optional extras – what you see fitted in cars on the showroom floor is what you get, and to quote a Smarties advert of the ’90s: “Whatalotigot!”
Some highlights include the 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, a moon roof, front/rear heated and ventilated seats, massage seats, and a huge infotainment screen that’s both Apple CarPlay- and Android Auto compatible. Waze has never looked so good!
As far as safety systems are concerned, the Lexus LS 500 comes packed with a variety of features, including some semi-autonomous driving technology. Here are a few examples: Pre-Crash with pedestrian detection, radar-guided cruise control, lane-departure alert and -keeping assist, as well as no fewer than 10 airbags.
Meanwhile, the “500” in the model designation doesn’t mean that there is a 5.0-litre V8 under the bonnet – Lexus’ flagship is powered by 310 kW/600 Nm a 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged petrol V6 that drives the sedan’s rear wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission. Although the lofty outputs suggest it’s a muscular powerplant, it incorporates an array of refinement and quietness enhancements too, such as Active Noise Control, Engine Sound Enhancement, improved shift timing (for fewer downshifts and better efficiency) and the engine mounts have been rejigged to better inhibit noise and vibration.
Despite its limousine dimensions, the LS 500 offers quite compelling performance figures… Lexus claims a 0-100 kph sprint time of 5.0 seconds, an electronically limited top speed of 250 kph and an average fuel consumption figure of 10 L/100 km for the model. What’s more, there are various drive modes available to the driver that vary the throttle mapping, power delivery and gear-shift patterns.
What’s it like to drive?
Luxury limousines are tricky to evaluate. As motoring journalists, we’d love to tell you about what it’s like to drive an overengineered 2-tonne land-yacht, but we suspect the target market for this Lexus would be more interested to know “what it’s like at the back?” because they have chauffeurs. Driving is so bourgeois! So, in an effort to satisfying motoring enthusiasts as well as captains of industry, here goes…
Unsurprisingly, the Lexus LS 500 is an exceedingly refined first-class sedan – a fact that was underlined while we drove on our short test route in and around the Kruger Park, Mpumalanga. There’s barely a whisper from the engine when you activate the limousine’s ignition system and the car’s quietness at low speed (at least from the driver or an occupant’s perspective) is quite remarkable.
The Lexus cruises, in a word, lavishly… The air suspension does a phenomenal job of ironing out the road’s creases and absorbing the imperfections. However, given the number of nasty potholes we spotted along the route (any of which could easily have buckled a wheel or popped a tyre), we put the LS 500’s 4-wheel steering to work to dodge those hazardous dips. Despite its heft, the Lexus LS 500 can change direction surprisingly well and when you can’t dodge a pothole, those brakes do a damn fine job of bringing 2 tonnes of finely crafted Japanese metal (and swathes of leather) to a halt.
The twin-turbo engine wants for nothing – there really is no need to hanker for an old-school V8. The V6 powerplant presents an impressively smooth power delivery, with minimal lag. It doesn’t feel particularly energetic, but it goes about its business in a very dignified manner. There’s a small pause before it really “opens the taps”, but then there’s a sudden, but polite, lunge as all 600 Nm arrives.
That 5-second 0-to-100 kph dash is probably one of the quietest and uneventful sprints we’ve ever encountered, but the LS 500 feels as if it gains a 2nd wind as it streaks towards its stated top speed.
The Lexus’ automatic transmission has 10 forward ratios – a couple of gears too many, perhaps? While we understand the fuel-efficiency benefit of a 10-speed configuration, the ‘box doesn’t appreciate having to shift down multiple gears in swift succession. Of course, you can counter this by using the shift paddles on the steering wheel, but how many LS owners will ever pilot their cars in that mannert?
Opulence!
One of the biggest drawcards of luxury limousine ownership is that you have the privilege of being chauffeur-driven wherever you need to go (unless you get a craving for ice-cream or other less-than-healthy snacks in the small hours of the morning and need to drive to the nearest fuel station forecourt convenience store… Hey, we’ve all been there).
Well, for those who intend to be chauffeured in an LS 500, we’re happy to report aft legroom is plentiful and the comfort level is out of this world; “business class on wheels” would be a better way to describe it. Occupants can deploy the centre armrest and use it to control functions such as seat heating and privacy blinds. For convenience, there are power outlets so that you can keep your devices charged up.
Summary
The Lexus LS 500 will find favour with those who want one of the quietest and most refined driving experiences on offer. Lexus’ flagship sedan is not only deeply satisfying to drive; being driven around in the LS is one of life’s more pleasurable experiences. There’s so much space and comfort on offer, and while plenty of potential customers in the segment will opt for the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class – when it eventually arrives – the Lexus makes a formidable case for itself, because of its restrained refinement and sheer classiness – it exudes “old money” in a way very few modern cars can.
How much does updated Lexus LS cost in SA?
The new Lexus 500 is sold with a 7-year / 105 000 km warranty and full maintenance plan.
Lexus LS 500 Luxury
R2 204 200
Lexus LS 500 F-Sport
R2 397 900
V-Online is a Chinese X-Trail
Turbocharged and online. Literally.
If you require any more proof of how important automotive digitisation has become – meet the Venucia V-Online.
This new creation from the Dongfeng/Nissan joint venture falls under the Venucia brand and it is unashamedly targeted at the youth.
So keen is Dongfeng to target a youthful market that it has given this crossover a truly ‘online’ naming convention. Unsatisfied with merely having a large infotainment touchscreen in the cabin, Venucia’s product planners wanted to make a statement about their vehicle’s digitised nature – with badging.
The design language and styling are quite daring, with the V-Online featuring an enormous hexagon pattern grille and headlights with a stack of LED daytime running diodes.
Around the rear, the V-Online has a peculiarly shaped and angular tailgate, with a distinct full-width taillight.
Powering the V-Online is a 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine, boosting 142 kW and 260 Nm. Drive is to the front wheels, via a seven-speed automatic transmission.
Beyond its peculiar exterior design, what makes this crossover interesting? Dongfeng has equipped it with the ability to process OTA updates, and that’s about it.
After a spate of new battery-powered models being released this year, it is almost odd to see a new Chinese crossover that uses a liquid fuel energy source.
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