VW Golf 8 GTI vs Toyota GR Yaris – Quarter Mile Race
We put Volkswagen’s favourite hot hatch up against the rally-inspired Toyota GR Yaris in a rolling drag race. See who wins in this quarter-mile shootout.
In this rather epic shootout, the new Toyota GR Yaris takes on the new Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI in a 400m showdown.
While the two aren’t natural rivals, they are quite possibly the most hyped hot hatches of all time, and when we had the opportunity to put them head-to-head, we couldn’t say no.
So, here we go, a rolling start race between two of SA’s hottest hot hatches, enjoy and be sure to let us know how upset you are in the comments. We know you wanted to see a standing start race too, but the Yaris would have walked that easily.
Jaguar XF R-Dynamic Black in SA (2021) Specs & Price
Jaguar is now offering the XF R-Dynamic Black in South Africa! See specification and pricing details below…
Jaguar’s XF executive sedan is quite the looker in standard form but the British firm has upped the ante with the XF R-Dynamic Black.
Stealthy looks for Jaguar XF R-Dynamic Black
Gloss black details on the XF give it a distinctive, stealthy look.
It’s based on the Jaguar XF R-Dynamic S derivative but adds a range of unique features that give it a distinct look. Fitted with a Black Pack, unique features include a gloss black finish for mirror caps, side sills, grille, grille surround, window surrounds, fender vents and rear badges. A panoramic roof is standard as is privacy glass. A full range of body colours are offered for the XF R-Dynamic Black.
The XF R-Dynamic Black rides on 19-inch gloss black wheels with red brake callipers.
As for the interior, the Jaguar XF R-Dynamic Black is fitted with Satin Charcoal Ash veneers and bright metal pedals as well as Premium Cabin Lighting which provides a total of 30 colours to choose from. As far as infotainment is concerned, the Pivi Pro infotainment system does offer Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard but Jaguar will soon offer wireless app connectivity via a Software-Over-The-Air (SOTA) update.
The Pivi Pro system also allows for 2 smartphones to be connected via Bluetooth simultaneously and smartphones can be charged with an optional wireless charging pad. A cabin air ionisation system with PM2.5 filtration ensures that cabin air quality is maintained.
In terms of engines, the Jaguar XF R-Dynamic Black is offered with either a diesel or petrol engine, both of which are mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine offers 147 kW and 430 Nm of torque while the 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine develops 184 kW and 365 Nm of torque.
How much does the Jaguar XF R-Dynamic Black cost in South Africa?
Jaguar XF R-Dynamic Black D200 – R1 122 000
Jaguar XF R-Dynamic Black P250 – R1 118 600
Pricing includes a 5-year/100 000km warranty and Jaguar Care Plan.
Audi has taken the potent 2.5-litre 5-cylinder turbopetrol motor from the RS3 and TT RS and shoved it into a Q3 to produce this: the RS Q3. Is it an overwrought (and -priced) family car or a practical performance machine for just over R1.1 million? Whichever way you see it, we struggled to keep the smiles off our faces…
We don’t like: As expected, it’s thirsty when you access its full performance potential, pricey options
Fast Facts:
Model Tested: Audi RS Q3 quattro
List Price: R1 116 000 (before options)
Engine: 2.5-litre 5-cylinder turbocharged petrol
Power/Torque: 294 kW/480 Nm
Transmission: S tronic dual-clutch gearbox
Fuel efficiency: 9.0 L/100 km (claimed)
Performance: 0-100 kph in 4.5 sec (claimed)
Load capacity: 530-1 525 litres
What is the Audi RS Q3?
This is not a run-of-the-mill Audi Q3. Note the big wheels, bigger brakes and subtle RS badging.
What happens when you take an Audi Q3 – a competent premium crossover that offers a pleasant driving experience, a modern high-tech cabin and a fair dose of practicality – and wedge the 2.5-litre 5-cylinder turbopetrol from the Audi RS3 Sportback/Sedan and TT RS into its engine bay? It sounds like a brazen, almost Frankensteinian, attempt to blend the best traits of a performance- and a family car.
Well yes, that’s exactly what the RS Q3 is. It’s not Audi’s first attempt at making a weapons-grade family car; its predecessor – the 1st-gen Audi RS Q3 – was revealed at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show and came to South Africa in 2014, armed with a 228 kW/420 Nm 2.5-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. Back then we thought it was a wild but charming machine, hindered only by its overly firm ride quality.
Now we have an all-new generation of Q3 and, consequently, an all-new RS Q3. Impressively, the model’s performance has been dialled up even further – it’s now a more potent offering in every respect.
The Audi RS Q3 is available in 2 derivatives: quattro and Sportback quattro. The primary difference between the models is the body style and exterior detailing. The Sportback version offers the coupe-SUV look, while the quattro (tested here) is more traditionally styled. There’s not much between them otherwise, but the RS Q3 Sportback does command a fractionally higher premium (it’s R34k dearer).
Those large-bore oval exhaust ends emit a sonorous 5-cylinder howl.
Which models are rivals to the RS Q3?
At the time of writing, Mercedes-AMG had not yet launched its GLA 45 S in South Africa, but the Three-pointed Star’s local website did hint that its arrival was imminent. With peak outputs of 310 kW and 500 Nm from a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine, the GLA 45 S is the Audi RS Q3’s arch-rival.
BMW offers the X2 M35i xDrive, which is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder punching out 225 kW and 450 Nm, for a bit less money than the Audi RS Q3. Ingolstadt’s offering comfortably outguns the Bimmer in terms of outright performance and practicality, however.
If performance isn’t that important, you could always consider a fully-loaded Volvo XC40 T5, but with 185 kW and 350 Nm, the Swedish offering won’t come close to matching the sheer pace of the Audi.
Whereas the entry-level Porsche Macan is more affordable than the RS Q3, it’s much less powerful. To move up to the comparable 280 Nm/450 Nm Macan S, who will need to shell out close to R1.3 million.
Finally, Volkswagen will launch its Tiguan R in South Africa in early 2022. It’ll come to market with a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol motor with 235 kW and 420 Nm driving all four wheels. We don’t know what the R model will cost yet, but we estimate that it will have around the same (or slightly lower) asking price than the Audi RS Q3.
When you engage the RS drive mode, the Audi Virtual Cockpit’s display assumes a performance-specific layout.
How does the RS Q3 drive?
Audi’s compact RS models share a characterful engine: it’s a 2.5-litre inline 5-cylinder turbopetrol motor, which, in its current state of tune, produces peak outputs of 294 kW and 480 Nm of torque.
It’s quite remarkable to see an engine of this vintage still being produced (its earliest incarnation debuted in the previous-gen Audi TT RS in 2009), because ever-stricter emissions laws are ushering most performance-oriented ICE powerplants to the exit… Our outfit for the inevitable funeral of this 5-pot has already been chosen; it’ll be a truly sad day for the car community when the motor’s time is up.
When you stab the Start button, you’re greeted with a subtle rumble. It’s polite enough to not annoy the neighbours, yet there’s enough urgency to the note to remind you this is no ordinary Q3 derivative.
The 21-inch alloy wheels are complemented by RS high-performance brakes with red callipers.
Engage Dynamic mode, switch the stability control- and transmission settings to Sport, then point the Audi RS Q3 at the horizon. Flatten the accelerator pedal with your right foot (while holding your left foot hard on the brake pedal) and you’ll feel the Ingolstadt-based brand’s smallest performance SUV tense up as its Launch Control system primes itself for action.
Then, when you release the brake pedal, there’s a brief pause before the Audi RS Q3 positively catapults down the road. Audi claims the model can accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 4.5 sec, but we could not achieve a time of better than 4.7 sec. Still, that sort of 0-100 kph time is blisteringly quick by family-car standards and the best part is the evocative soundtrack. However, compared with other 5-cylinder Audi Sport models, the RS Q3 tones down the aural drama. Perhaps stricter emission- and noise regulations are to blame for that, but at least the “thrum” is still there and more prominent under full acceleration.
Why is the 5-cylinder motor so beloved? Because it produces a purposeful and urgent “warble”; the exhaust note of the S3’s 2.0-litre 4 cylinder mill is, by comparison, less mechanical/more synthesised. When you engage Dynamic, the RS Q3’s exhaust system adjusts to produce a notably deeper tone. Of course, each gear shift is accompanied by a percussive pop from the Audi’s gaping oval tailpipes.
The Audi RS Q3’s Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel is a tactile pleasure.
Don’t be blinded by the RS Q3’s astonishing straight-line performance, however – thanks to quattro all-wheel-drive, which apportions torque dynamically to the 21-inch wheels that can make the best use of it, Audi’s performance family car can corner with tenacious sure-footedness… at rather heady velocities. The vehicle’s grip reserves are so high that one would need to drive recklessly fast to exhaust them.
Even on cold, damp roads, the RS Q3’s tyres exhibited very little lateral slippage; if you coax the RS Q3 into bends with too much speed, it will respond with a touch of manageable, safety-first understeer.
Meanwhile, you can use the steering wheel-mounted gearshift paddles to actuate manual gear changes; we found the transmission tended to change up quickly in response to user inputs, but sometimes there was a small hesitation before it would execute a down change. When in doubt, let the vehicle’s gearbox shift by itself!
If you make the 5-cylinder scream like a deranged sports fan (in other words, at maximum volume) more often than not, you’ll pay dearly at the fuel pumps. At the end of the RS Q3’s tenure in our test fleet, we saw an indicated consumption figure of 12.5 L/100 km. We do believe that Audi claimed figure of 9.0 L/100 km is a bit optimistic, but it’s definitely possible to use less petrol than we did!
These sports seats with the red inserts (and matching seatbelt accents) are a fun touch.
For all its performance potential, can you live with the Audi RS Q3? Of course, you can. One of the main benefits of modern performance vehicles is that they come with switchable drive modes. The mode you will use most often, such as when you’re commuting, is Comfort, when the engine responsiveness is dialled back, the exhausts are muted and the transmission changes gears smoothly and casually.
And the best part? Compared with its predecessor, the RS Q3’s ride quality is relatively forgiving; considering the model rides on large 21-inch alloy wheels shod with low-profile tyres, the optional adaptive dampers (which form part of the extra-cost Adaptive Chassis Control package) make the Audi’s suspension feel notably more pliant. It’s a R18k option that’s well worth considering, if not a must-have.
What’s the RS Q3 like in terms of Comfort & Tech?
A wireless charging pad and both types of USB ports ensure constant connectivity.
The test team deeply appreciated the Audi RS Q3’s adaptability/range of customisation. If you dive into the Drive Select menu and select Individual, you can personalise the setup to your heart’s content. For example, you can set the adaptive suspension, powertrain and steering to Comfort while leaving the intensity of engine sound cranked all the way up. Simply find your favourite combination and save it!
This preset is available via the Audi RS button on the steering wheel. We tailored RS1 for everyday driving, with all systems but the engine sound set to Comfort, but RS2 was set up for optimal sportiness.
Once you’re accustomed to using Android Auto, you may not use Audi’s native infotainment system all that often!
Contemporary Audi models are well-executed luxury products in many respects. By virtue of being a flagship offering, the Audi RS Q3 is comprehensively equipped, and its asking price reflects that. Many may baulk at the idea of paying R1 million for a small SUV/family car, but the reality is new-car prices have shot up dramatically over the past few years and, to be brutally honest, this is no ordinary SUV.
Engine and performance aside, the Audi sports a very special cabin – a subtle reminder that this is an RS model, not a specced-up run-of-the-mill Q3 derivative. The graphics of the Audi Virtual Cockpit are model-specific – there are quite a few performance readouts available like G-force, tyre-pressure sensors, performance data and more. You can customise your viewing experience to your heart’s delight.
Adults can sit comfortably on the rear bench, but taller occupants may find headroom a bit tight.
Standard features include the brilliant Audi Matrix LED headlights, a smart-looking digital instrument cluster (Virtual Cockpit), 21-inch wheels, sports seats, a Sonos audio system, a reverse-view camera, dual-zone climate control, RS logo puddle lamps, cruise control, auto lights and -wipers. Android Auto/Apple CarPlay compatibility is available too.
Our test unit came loaded with options, so much so that it added R192 880 to the RS Q3’s asking price. These ranged from add-ons such as a trailer hitch (R11k), a panoramic sunroof (R20k) and a wireless charging pad (R5k), to visual upgrades including the carbon-like trim inserts (R5k), diamond-turned alloy wheels (R6k) and red RS interior styling package, which includes the accented seatbelts (R17k).
Other noteworthy options include a top-speed limiter increased from 250 kph to 280 kph (R28 900, which seems a pointless option in a country where there aren’t any autobahns with delimited sections), a 360-degree camera (R7 500), the aforementioned adaptive chassis control (R18k), and some semi-autonomous safety in the form of lane departure warning/lane change assist for R11k.
Verdict
Could a vehicle offer the best of both worlds? We think the Audi RS Q3 does just that.
Is there any logic to wedging a 294 kW/480 Nm engine into a family car, even a premium all-wheel-drive one? If your vehicular requirements end with safe, practical premium family transportation, then no.
But then, this is not really an Audi Q3 in the strictest sense. The RS Q3’s target clientele is very specific. If you have your eye on a compact performance car (such as the TT RS or the upcoming Audi RS3 Sportback/Sedan, for example), but fear that your partner will complain about those cars’ limited practicality or that your mates may brand you as an immature speed freak, then the RS Q3 offers you the thrills without the drawbacks, with some adulting thrown in with a usable load bay and decent rear legroom. Did we not mention the test unit’s big performance envelope and addictive in-gear soundtrack?
Despite missing some of the visceral fizz-pop of its fellow 5-cylinder RS siblings, the RS Q3 makes a strong case for itself as a fast-yet-sensible premium family car (provided you spec it wisely). Petrolheads can thank their lucky stars some car companies are still willing to create such wacky models… This will probably be the last RS Q3, unless Audi finds a way to extends the life of its legendary 5-pot motor.
Win a Golf 8 GTI Experience with your best Vrrr-pah!
Ever since the 8th iteration of VW’s iconic hot hatch recently touched down in SA, enthusiasts have been clamouring for anything and everything Golf 8 GTI. If you’d like to win a Volkswagen Driving Academy experience at the wheel of the new GTI (or one of the other cool prizes up for grabs), enter below…
South Africa is one of the biggest markets for the Volkswagen Golf GTI in the entire world – and for good reason. Since 1982, every generation of the Wolfsburg-based marque’s legendary hot hatch has been offered in the local market and, more recently, in various guises, including Clubsport, Clubsport S and TCR.
It goes without saying that the Golf GTI has a cult following, so much so that its fans popularised a uniquely South African onomatopoeic neologism vrrr-pah! that mimics the characteristic pop that a DSG-equipped Golf GTI emits when its pilot actuates an up-change while their foot is firmly planted on the accelerator…
Producing peak outputs of 180 kW and 370 Nm of torque from its 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine, which is mated with a quick-shifting and beautifully refined 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DSG) and an XDS electronically-controlled limited-slip differential, the Golf 8 GTI is said to catapult from 0 to 100 kph in 6.4 sec.
Cars.co.za’s track test ace Ashley Oldfield recently reported that the new Golf 8 GTI’s performance “is surging – and refreshingly linear; the engine produces acceleration right the way to the rev limit and then smoothly transitions to the next gear without any fuss or so much as a hint of hesitation.”
Win a track experience with a Golf 8 GTI
Wouldn’t you love to have a go in the new Golf 8 GTI – and even better – on a race track? Yeah, we thought so! We’ve partnered with Volkswagen South Africa to launch a competition in which you can win a driving experience in the new Golf 8 GTI as part of a Volkswagen Driving Academy dynamic driving course at Zwartkops Raceway on September 22 2021. Our very own Ciro De Siena will fly up to Gauteng to attend the event with the winner.
The Volkswagen Advanced Driving Course Academy allows drivers to experience the latest Volkswagen products, with a professional driving instructor in each vehicle at all times and a medic on-site, so that you can improve your driving while having fun AND receive a certificate on successful completion of your advanced driving course.
How to enter
It’s simple… All you have to do is take a short video of yourself doing your best version of the famous Vrrr-pah! sound. Whatsapp your videos to 065 719 8063 to enter and, if you’re selected as a winner, we’ll be in touch. The day of driving experience will be filmed by Cars.co.za and the winner must agree to have the video released on our Cars.co.za’s YouTube channel. Please also remember to read the COMPETITION RULES below.
Meanwhile, the winner and the 2nd and 3rd runners up (plus a partner of their choice) will get VIP access to the upcoming Golf 8 GTI Customer Launch – how cool is that? The launch events will be held on 2 October 2021 (Cape Town), 9 October 2021 (Durban) and 16 October 2021 (Johannesburg). The 2nd and 3d runners up will also receive GTI-branded merchandise, including either a men’s or women’s polo shirt, a hat and socks.
The competition closes on 8 September 2021. If the winner we select doesn’t live in Gauteng, we’ll provide flights from (and to) your closest city, a shuttle to and from the track, as well as 1 night’s accommodation.
And to finish with a flourish, herewith Ashley Oldfield’s initial verdict on the new Golf 8 GTI: “(The newcomer) represents a marked evolutionary improvement over its predecessor… The new model’s improved power delivery, better handling and more luxurious interior will only add to the mass appeal of the package.”
Don’t delay, enter the competition now!
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WINNER SELECTION
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Porsche Taycan Gets Tech Update
The all-electric Porsche Taycan has received an update. See what’s changed!
For this latest round of updates, Porsche has left the Taycan’s styling intact, after all, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it!
So, what’s changed on the Porsche Taycan?
New colours, more tech and improved efficiency encapsulates this update.
However, when the updated 2022 Taycan eventually arrives in South Africa buyers will be able to choose from some truly vibrant colours via the optional Paint to Sample and Paint to Sample Plus palettes which offer no less than 65 colours including Rubystar, which you see in these images. Other colours include Acid Green, Moonlight Blue Metallic, Riviera Blue, Viola Metallic and the list goes on. This is in addition to the 17 standard colours.
Moving inside, perhaps the most notable change is an updated infotainment system which now includes Android Auto capability but note that it’s not yet wireless which is odd for a car that’s so technologically advanced. Porsche’s Voice Pilot voice recognition system has also been updated to better identify and act on instructions and the navigation system is also said to be more streamlined in calculating routes and now also features enhanced graphics.
As an option, the Taycan can also be equipped with Remote Park Assist. With this feature and used in conjunction with the Porsche Connect app, the Taycan can enter and exit a parking space without a driver and it’s also able to execute parallel parking manoeuvres.
In terms of the Taycan’s electric powertrain, range performance is expected to improve due to “extensive technological developments”. In the all-wheel-drive Taycan, the front electric motor can now be ‘decoupled’ when driving in Normal and Range mode and the rear electric motor can be deactivated when coasting or standing still.
Porsche has also placed its focus on improving operational efficiency by enhancing thermal management and charging capability. The Taycan now has a Turbo Charging Planner which prepares the battery for optimal performance by heating the battery which allows for primed fast charging and reducing charge times while still maintaining a high charge level. Furthermore, heat expelled from electrical components is more efficiently used for battery temperature regulation.
The local arrival of the updated Porsche Taycan has not yet been confirmed but we expect to see it on South African roads in 2022. We will keep you updated as soon as more information becomes available.
Developed by Special Vehicle Operations (SVO), the special edition Range Rover Sport SVR Ultimate will be offered in 3 body colours namely Maya Blue Gloss, Marl Grey Gloss and satin-finished Ligurian Black. These colours are in contrast to details in Fuji White seen on the side vents, bonnet and tailgate lettering. The paintwork features fine white glass flake particles in the base coat resulting in a magnificent sparkle. The paint job is matched with a contrasting Narvik Black roof.
The limited-edition Range Rover Sport rides 22-inch split 5-spoke forged alloy wheels with black brake callipers.
On the inside, the Range Rover Sport SVR Ultimate features SV Bespoke details such as chrome-finished badges on the B-pillar, black anodised metal gear shift paddles and Ultimate edition treadplates. Lightweight performance seats wrapped in Windsor leather and contrasting suede cloth are also fitted.
In terms of performance, the Range Rover Sport SVR Ultimate is powered by the familiar supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine that produces 423 kW and 700 Nm and it will sprint from zero to 100 kph in just 4.5 seconds before reaching a top speed of 283 kph.
Pricing details will be revealed closer to launch early in 2022.
A new coupe-like Haval H6S family car is due to be introduced in China soon. Do you want to see it in South Africa?
The success story of Haval in South Africa is nothing short of phenomenal. Since its local arrival in 2017, Haval has been climbing the sales charts and scalping some big brands along the way, such as Renault and Kia, with Suzuki firmly in its sights. The Chinese firm is currently ranked 7th and is achingly close to claiming a spot in the Top 5 best-selling car brands in Mzansi.
Following the successful local introduction of the Haval Jolion compact SUV, Haval recently welcomed the new H6 to market. We are eagerly waiting to test the new H6 but based on the pricing and specification of the new H6, we have a sneaky suspicion that the H6 is going to sell up a storm in the months to come.
Enter the Haval H6S, a sporty coupe version of the H6
Spoilers and an expressive tailpipe design gives the H6S a sporty look.
The H6S is initially destined for the Chinese market and is said to take design inspiration from sharks, hence the double rear spoiler and edgy line work. Note that there’s also an integrated spoiler in the boot lid. At the front, the H6S gains a bold design with a large bumper, mesh-like grille and air intakes that look like gills, perhaps… Dual exhaust outlets are found at the rear, with pronounced edging which emboldens its rear end.
The sportiness is carried into the interior with Alcantara wrapped bucket seats and the H6S is equipped with a large 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and heads-up display.
Unlike the standard H6 which employs a 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine with 150 kW and 320 Nm, the hybrid H6S combines a 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine with an electric motor to produce a heady 179 kW and 530 Nm, driving the front wheels via a 2-speed automatic transmission. Haval claims a fuel consumption figure of 4.9 L/100km.
The Haval H6S doesn’t appear to have any direct rivals other than the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (which is not on sale in SA yet) but perhaps the Volkswagen T-Roc and Hyundai Tucson N Line are the closest rivals in terms of styling.
Further details regarding the Haval H6S are expected soon and it’s not yet clear whether it will be produced for right-hand-drive markets.
Would you want to see this Haval H6S in South Africa?
Haval has transformed into a substantive local brand despite the challenges, and with South Africans buying down, Chery is also keen to reengage with the local market.
Forget about the memory of awful Indicas and Indigos. The new Tata passenger vehicle range will trend towards compact crossovers – and we’ve now seen the first image of exactly such a vehicle, from Tata.
It is called the Punch and is an evolution of the Indian company’s HBX Concept. What size is it? Tata hasn’t confirmed dimensions, but the HBX Concept was 3.84m long and served as the base for this new Punch.
Engines? The standard configuration for this segment is a three-cylinder and the expectation is that Tata will equip the Punch with 1.2-litre triples, both naturally aspirated and turbocharged.
These engines are already in service with the Altroz, where a naturally-aspirated 1.2-litre is good for 63 kW and 113 Nm, with the turbo version boosting 81 kW and 140 Nm.
The only gearbox that Tata has available with its 1.2-litre engines, is a five-speed manual.
The updated Q5 will be touching down in South Africa on the 1st September 2021. Here we list some of the changes, the model line-up and how much you can expect to pay for the 2021 Audi Q5.
Visually, the updated Q5 wears a more refined face that incorporates a revised octagonal single-frame grille design flanked by newly designed LED headlights (Matrix LED optional) with a new, integrated Daytime Running Light (DRLs) signature. More so, the air intakes adopt a more vertical design approach which exudes more sportiness which is reminiscent of the brand’s RS models. Moving to the rear, a new diffuser element with a horizontal fin is seen as well as a new trim element between the rear light clusters. Talking about the rear light clusters, Audi has introduced digital Organic Light Emitting Diode or OLED lighting technology which now features on the Q5 for the very first time. OLED’s are said to be far more efficient than conventional or even LED lighting solutions.
The interior of the Q5 remains mostly familiar and now features a new 10.1-inch MMI touch display with acoustic feedback while the previous rotary/push control in the centre console is no more and has been replaced with a storage bin. The Q5 is also equipped with the third-generation Modular Infotainment Platform (MIB 3) which is said to offer 10 times more processing power than the previous MIB 2 system.
The Audi Q5 interior
Audi Q5 Engines and Performance
Audi South Africa is offering the updated Q5 SUV in both petrol and diesel derivatives, with a flagship performance SQ5 sitting at the top of the pile. Every Q5 features quattro all-wheel drive as well as a 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch gearbox. Starting us off is the diesel 2.0-litre with 140 kW and 400 Nm. Audi claims 4.9 L/100 km and the vehicle is good for a 0-100 kph in just 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 218 kph.
For those wanting some petrol, the 2.0-litre develops 185 kW and 370 Nm, and is brisker to 100 kph at 6.3 seconds and it will reach a top speed of 237 kph. It’s slightly heavier on juice at 6.9 L/100 km. Finally, the SQ5 packs 260 kW and 500 Nm from its 3.0-litre turbocharged V6. It’s quick, with a 0-100 kph sprint time of 5.4 seconds and it has a limited top speed of 250 kph.
The Audi SQ5 will be the fastest model in the lineup
How much does the facelifted Audi Q5 cost in South Africa?
The new Q5 range will officially go on sale in South Africa from 1 September 2021 and comes standard with a five year Audi Freeway Plan:
Ford’s globally popular compact hatchback is due a facelift having not undergone any significant changes since this generation’s introduction in 2017.
Picture credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien. We have paid for these photos and at the photographer’s request, have watermarked them.
Ford South Africa may be moving towards an SUV and bakkkie future but its Fiesta remains a favourite in the compact hatch segment, even if sales are a fraction of the heights they were some 5 to 10 years ago.
The Fiesta used to be the segment-leading Polo’s closest competition but rivals have taken over its spot offering newer, more advanced tech at similar prices. Then, there’s the compact SUV segment, which has further cut Fiesta sales leaving it languishing down on the sales charts. There is hope though as the facelift looks to be ready for 2022.
These spy shots don’t reveal any major design changes for the updated model beyond some new front bumper and light treatment as well as a new rear light signature. We can be fairly sure that nothing new is going on with the chassis either as this generation is expected to run until 2024/25. Minor suspension tuning may take place, but fundamentally this chassis has been around since the 2008 Fiesta was launched (barring a few tweaks to the suspension here and there).
With the Fiesta being produced by Ford Europe, the question of what will happen to the Fiesta after 2024/25 is up for discussion. Ford Europe has committed to an electric future from 2030 in Europe so the next model may be all-electric or be scrapped for something entirely different. Outside of Europe, Ford would have to decide if it’s worth selling an ICE Fiesta in markets where it can exist or whether the cost is worth it.
Ford has already canned its ST models locally, causing some strife with local fans of the brand but poor fuel quality and expensive import costs have made it difficult to make a business case for the ST brand. Check out our favourite ST models here.
Ford Fiesta engines
The entire Fiesta range is powered by the 3-cylinder turbopetrol engine, which will in all likelihood continue in the facelift model too. A 48V hybrid model would certainly be on the cards for Europe but globally, the standard, non-electric assist models would be more popular.
Ford South Africa has still yet to confirm if the facelifted Fiesta will be sold in SA.
