Toyota Fortuner (2021) Review

South Africa’s best-selling SUV received a thorough facelift late in 2020, which included the introduction of an updated turbodiesel motor. Does the revised 2021 Toyota Fortuner improve the Fortuner’s value proposition? We racked up some big miles with the Japanese Adventure SUV during the festive season. Here’s what we found.

This 2021 Toyota Fortuner review will provide you with essential information to make an informed buying decision.

We like: Fits all family lifestyles, peace of mind, better urgency from the engine.

We don’t like: Unconventional 3rd-row seat setup, ride quality not best in class.

Fast Facts:

Price: R806 300 (January 2020)
Model tested: 2.8 GD-6 4×4 VX
Engine: 2.8-litre turbodiesel 4-cylinder
Power/Torque: 150 kW/500 Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Fuel consumption: 7.9 L/100 km (claimed)
?Top speed: 180 kph

What’s new on the 2021 Toyota Fortuner?

The updated tail-light clusters are the quickest way to distinguish the Fortuner from its predecessor.

We’ve covered the updates to the 2021 Toyota Fortuner and Hilux ranges quite extensively on Cars.co.za, but here’s a quick refresher on the important parts of the facelift’s um, facelift. To enable the venerable 2.8 GD-6 4-cylinder turbodiesel to match the outputs of the (Ford) Ranger and Everest, Toyota’s updated the venerable motor (mechanically and electronically) to produce 150 kW and 500 Nm of torque.

The love-it-or-hate-it brown interior from the pre-facelift Fortuner has been discarded and replaced by much-more-palatable black trim. In terms of electronic accoutrements, Toyota’s 7-seater Adventure SUV gains a more connected infotainment system and this new-for-2021 VX derivative comes equipped with modern intelligent safety features that also improve the vehicle’s general driving experience.

The exterior execution has had a touch up too – in the forms of new lighting designs front and back, while a metallic trim strip has been added to underscore the side glass, C-pillars and tailgate screen; think of it as a belt for the Fortuner’s waistline. Those with a keen eye will also notice the lack of badging on the back of this model; that’s not part of the facelift offering, merely how this unit was delivered by Toyota.

How does the 2021 Toyota Fortuner fare in terms of…

Performance

Ample on-road performance isn’t usually a prerequisite for an off-road-oriented SUV, but because the Fortuner has an upgraded engine, the revised powertrain is probably worth addressing right off the bat. It’s the same upgrade as the Hilux received (insofar as the extent of its mechanical improvements) and, in the SUV variant, it certainly benefits the vehicle’s driveability. The added urgency when overtaking is the most notable improvement; to put it another way: getting around slower traffic at higher speeds requires far less planning and anxiety because the Fortuner now has greater reserves of oomph to call on.

The 6-speed automatic transmission, meanwhile, does a good job of selecting the right gears at the right time, although the ‘box does tend to kick down a little early when the Toyota is required to climb hills (as opposed to using the low-down torque to “pull itself up” inclines). Aside from the extra noise from the engine and additional fuel being burnt during these kickdowns, there are no real downsides.

Around town, the off-the-mark acceleration feels eager – it’s a notable improvement on the sluggish performance of the pre-facelift 2.8 GD-6. While fuel consumption is claimed to be better with this update, we found that the Fortuner would often climb above 10.5 L/100 km in town. While on long journeys, when the Toyota cruised at the national speed limit for protracted periods, the readout settled at 9.0 L/100 km.

Ride comfort

The Fortuner is still a bit shaky on harsh gravel roads, but impressively capable when used as a 4×4.

One of the areas in which the Fortuner has been unable to match its Ford Everest archrival is ride comfort. As a rule, a bakkie-based SUV, which consists of a body mounted on a ladder-frame chassis, can’t hold a candle to the pliant suspensions of monocoque designs (such as the Land Rover Discovery, BMW X5 etc). Unlike the Hilux, the facelifted Fortuner hasn’t had any adjustments to its damping to help settle the rear-end better over bumps. It still exhibits a fair amount of body roll when cornering at speed and, on dirt roads, the Toyota can feel as if it’s crabbing across the surface (while the cabin reverberates).

A more circumspect owner won’t have a problem adjusting to these idiosyncrasies by simply reducing the speed, but it remains a weak point of the package; there is certainly room for improvement.

Practicality

Family-car buyers favour rugged 7-seater SUVs because they cover all the bases at a price point that doesn’t (or at least didn’t) break the bank. All 7-seats in the VX spec Fortuner are upholstered in black leather, which feels comfortable and hard-wearing. The 2nd-row seats can be tumbled forward and folded upwards to provide more loading space.

Other manufacturers prefer to have the 2nd row of seats fold flat into the floor instead, which gives users an easier load space to work with, but not as much height to load into. It’s a bit of a “whatever works best for you” scenario. The 2nd row also slides fore and aft on rails and even when set as far forward as the bench will go, it provides more than enough legroom for passengers.

The 3rd row of seats, in turn, fold upwards and against the sides of the load bay, which is a Fortuner tradition and, frankly, this configuration continues to confuse us. Granted, you get a lower loading height compared with Adventure SUVs in which the rearmost seats fold down into the floor, but then, because the seats are stored to the side in the Toyota, it limits the maximum load-width of the luggage area.

Foibles aside, the Fortuner still has one of the largest load bays of all new vehicles on sale in the Republic, which is a trump card in itself. The 3rd row was often occupied during the Toyota’s tenure in our test fleet and, aside from the lower-than-average seating position, the rearmost seats provided sufficiently comfortable accommodation on long journeys.

Interior and tech

It’s nice to finally have Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatibility in a Fortuner.

The VX-spec Fortuner sits atop the range and, as a result, comes equipped with more buttons to play with. Front seat heaters are standard on this derivative, which will be welcome on cold winter’s days. The 8-inch infotainment screen is now Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatible, although it would be nice if it had more than 1 USB port. As soon as someone else wants to charge a device through the USB port, you lose your smartphone-mirroring function. You could use USB adaptors in some of the 12V ports dotted around the cabin, but it’s pretty standard fare to have at least 2 USB ports these days.

The new safety features, which were introduced on the Hilux and have now been carried over to the Fortuner, are very welcome. The pre-collision detection system is the most notable new addition, while lane departure warning and road-sign recognition are nice-to-have features. They come over and above standard features (across the range) such as ABS, EBD, brake assist, stability control and traction control.

Adaptive cruise control with distance control is also part of the new safety package for the VX derivative, which certainly takes the hassle out of trundling through busy towns along the national freeways.

2021 Toyota Fortuner: Price and After-Sales Support

Toyota has the largest number of franchised dealers in the country, providing peace of mind for owners that worry about finding a workshop while on holiday “well off the beaten track”. Toyota also has a notable track record for reliability and has twice won the coveted Brand of the Year title at the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, powered by WesBank.

The 2.8GD-6 4×4 VX retails for R806 300, which includes a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and 9-service/90 00 km service plan, both of which can be extended at the dealer at extra cost.

Verdict

The new Fortuner improves enough to continue its reign at the top of SA’s SUV sales chart.

The facelifted 2021 Toyota Fortuner certainly shows improvements in some areas of its package where its predecessor was middling or perhaps even slightly behind the opposition. Its powertrain is far better than before and more closely matched with that of the Everest. The black interior is less polarising than the previous brown getup and the updated infotainment system will be welcomed by the majority of users. Improving the safety features and adding adaptive cruise control to this top-spec derivative will certainly make those looking for more value for money think twice before opting for an Everest instead.

The Fortuner remains the SUV you buy that answers the question “what if?” What if I need 7 seats, reliability, good service, decent performance, to go off-road and remain respected on the school run? Well, the facelifted Fortuner is the answer if you still want to have some money left after completing the purchase, although, having said that, the VX’s price is starting to become head-scratchingly expensive…

Buy a used Toyota Fortuner on Cars.co.za

Frequently Asked Questions

How many seats does the Toyota Fortuner have?

The Fortuner is a 7-seater SUV with three rows of seats, designed to accommodate a driver and up to six passengers.

What is the ground clearance of the Toyota Fortuner?

The Toyota Fortuner has a ground clearance of approximately 225 mm to 279 mm, depending on the model year and specific variant. This high clearance makes it well-suited for off-road driving and navigating rough terrain.

What are the engine and transmission options for the Toyota Fortuner?

The Toyota Fortuner is available with two diesel engines, with some derivatives featuring 48V mild-hybrid technology to improve efficiency. Engines include a 2.4-litre and 2.8-litre turbocharged diesel engine. Transmission choices typically include both a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic gearbox, with some variants offering a 4×4 drivetrain.

What are some key features of the Toyota Fortuner?

Key features of the Toyota Fortuner include a high-strength body-on-frame chassis for durability, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, leather seats, automatic climate control, and a suite of safety features such as multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, and traction control. Higher trims may also offer a premium JBL sound system and a powered tailgate.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the Toyota Fortuner?

The Toyota Fortuner has a fuel tank capacity of 80 litres.

#CarsAwards – Best Premium SUVs in SA

Meet the finalists in the Premium SUV category of the 2020/21 #CarsAwards powered by WesBank!

Now in its 6th year, the #CarsAwards was conceived to be South Africa's definitive automotive awards programme and is backed, for the 5th year running, by the country's leading supplier of vehicle finance, WesBank.

Best Premium SUVs in SA

Luxurious SUVs may primarily appeal for irrational and emotional reasons such as design and status, but at their core, they are some of the most sophisticated and capable vehicles on the market. Blending station wagon spaciousness with high-tech off-road equipment and powerful engines, as well as luxuriously trimmed cabins and prestige badges was always going to be a hit with image- and practicality obsessed buyers.

This category is guided by both eligibility factors and Pillars of Success.

Eligibility factors for this category include a list price between R1 000 000 and R1 500 000 (as of October 1, 2020) to ensure a healthy measure of exclusivity and status. Eleible vehicles in this category must a large SUV of the BMW X5/Mercedes GLE category, but crossover derivatives such as the BMW X6 and Mercedes GLE Coupe are also included. All-wheel-drive must be standard.

Pillars of success for this category include powertrain technology, luxury, brand strength, design and quality appeal, driving dynamics and space and practicality.

Visit www.carsawards.co.za for more information. In no particular order, the finalists are as follows:

BMW X5 xDrive30d M-Sport

The BMW X5 is the sheer embodiment of a premium SUV. The G05-generation X5, which was introduced at the end of 2018, improved on several facets of its predecessor, plus the range includes some potent diesel engines, an all-new infotainment system and more. BMW won this hotly-contested category in the 2019/20 #CarsAwards, but will the X5 be able to defend its title?

View specification details for the BMW X5 xDrive30d M-Sport

Land Rover Defender D240 HSE

Land Rover’s all-new Defender has finally arrived in South Africa. In addition to offering an impressively-equipped and technologically advanced cabin, the Defender offers formidable performance both on tar and off-road. The new Defender has all the premium appeal that this category demands, but it offers even more, making it a strong contender in this category.

View specification details for the Land Rover Defender D240 HSE

Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine AWD

Since the inception of the #CarsAwards, the Volvo XC90 has won the Premium SUV category no fewer than three times, albeit with different derivatives. Could the facelifted model unseat the BMW X5 in the 2020/21 programme to win a fourth trophy? The T8 features Volvo’s hybrid technology with a 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine paired with a battery-powered electric motor.

View specification details for the Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine AWD

See last year's #CarsAwards winners here!

Sporty Hyundai Tucson N Line Revealed

Following the reveal of the all-new Tucson family car last year, Hyundai has now revealed a sportier Tucson N Line.

When the new Hyundai Tucson was revealed last year, it ushered in bold styling, underpinned by Hyundai’s ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design language which arguably makes it the most striking offering in the family car segment. South Africa will receive the new Hyundai Tucson in the second half of 2021.

Now, however, Hyundai has revealed the Tucson N Line, boasting sportier exterior and interior styling. The Tucson N Line, however, will not feature any major performance upgrades and according to Hyundai, the Tucson N Line will be available with the 110 kW 1.6-litre turbopetrol engine offered in the new Tucson, including the Tucson Hybrid / Mild hybrid, but excluding the low-power diesel derivative. A fully-fledged Tucson N is also likely and it could pack as much as 254 kW.

In terms of styling, the Tucson N Line wears a striking grille design that’s both taller and wider than the standard Tucson and features “parametric jewels” for a unique effect while the lower section features larger air intakes and a rectangular bumper section finished with silver skid plates. The rear end gains a longer spoiler with fins for a sportier look. A red reflector band and diffuser further adds to the sportiness of the Tucson N Line as does the twin-tip exhaust system. An Electronically Controlled Suspension (ESC) will be offered as an option in an effort to enhance comfort and performance by adjusting damping force based on parameters such as speed, road surface, cornering, acceleration and braking.

The Tucson N Line rides on 19-inch alloy wheels and a total of 7 exterior colours will be offered as well as two-tone options with a Phantom Black roof in conjunction with 5 body colour choices.

The Tucson N Line features a few sporty touches but it's not over the top.

On the inside, the Tucson N Line gains an exclusive colour pack along with N Line seats upholstered in black suede and leather with red stitching. Red stitching is also seen on the door trims and armrest. An N steering wheel is also fitted and further N details on the centre console while also featuring metal metals.

Other key interior features include a fully digital dual-cockpit comprising a 10.25-inch open instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch AVN touchscreen with Hyundai Bluelink connected car services. Other nice-to-have features include 3-zone climate control and ventilated front seats with front and rear heating function.

The Tucson N Line is due to go on sale in Europe in the second quarter of 2021 and it has not yet been confirmed for South Africa.

Buy a Hyundai Tucson on Cars.co.za

It’s okay to desire a 4-cylinder BMW

The upcoming local introduction of the BMW 128ti, a true front-wheel-drive addition to the hot hatch brigade and a car that’s probably closer to the top-selling Volkswagen Golf GTI in its product pitch and -packaging than anything else on the market, should really be a big deal.

Only it isn’t, at least not in the eyes of many BMW aficionados. You could blame that on the fact the current 1 Series is, fundamentally, the least sporty iteration of the premium compact hatchback that BMW has produced. With its front-, as opposed to rear-wheel-drive platform that prioritises practicality and refinement, the 128ti will plug a yawning hole in the range’s line-up, which is footed by a far-too-sensible 118i and headed by an all-wheel-driven M135i xDrive, which delivers the requisite vrrr-pahs and sheer grunt but, in the opinion of many critics, stops short of being truly involving to drive.

Before the 128ti, BMW hadn’t built a performance-oriented hatchback (except for in Oxford, of course, but it wore a Mini badge).

The 128ti has racy, but tasteful detailing that’s more in keeping with M cars from a more restrained and dignified BMW era (which explains why it wears a ti badge – componentry aside, it’s not quite shouty enough to wear an M badge by today’s standards, is it?). And, of course, Bimmer’s newcomer owes much of its exposure to being labelled a “Golf GTI rival” by the motoring media.

ICYMI: Detailed specs and more pictures of the BMW 128ti

But let’s say that, in a crazy alternate universe, Volkswagen decided not to produce an 8th-generation Golf GTI, for whatever reason. In that case, would anyone care about the 128ti, a front-wheel-drive BMW – “as was the dour 2 Series Active Tourer”, detractors might whisper – powered by a 180 kW/380 Nm (in our market) 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol, mated with an automatic transmission?

Only 7 road-going BMW 530 MLEs are thought to exist worldwide. View our SentiMETAL video featuring Luis Malhou’s car.

No, because for a multitude of South African Bimmer fans, a 4-cylinder engine is something that powers a BMW derivative that they can afford, as opposed to a BMW derivative that they want…

Within the domestic context, history strongly favours the BMW inline-6. The E12 was the first 5 Series range to be assembled in the Republic (production began in the mid-Seventies); the original 5er featured 4-cylinder engines too, but the characteristic wail and compelling performance of the Munich-based brand’s inline-6 motors truly established the Bavarian brand in South Africa.

There was an inline-6 in the engine bays of legendary BMWs that were developed, built and sold exclusively in South Africa: the 530 MLE (arguably the world’s first unofficial M-car); the 745i – a first-class sedan with a supercar (M1) engine; the 333i and 325is. It made the brand a powerful force in sanctioned motorsport (production and modified), street- and drag racing, drifting and even spinning.

Cars.co.za’s SentiMETAL lifestyle brand has 2 classic 325is units in its heritage fleet. Watch Ciro De Siena drive our “Evo 1”.

In the early Nineties, the proliferation of double-overhead camshafts (expanding the 24-valve configuration to BMW motors beyond those in M cars) and variable valve timing (VANOS) gave rise to potent 2.5-, 2.8-, 3.0-litre engines in the brand’s ranges. And when BMW began making turbopetrol engines again, it started with a 3.0-litre inline-6 (N54), which debuted in the pre-facelift E92 3 Series Coupe.

Of course, there have been brilliant 4-cylinder BMW engines before! The brand’s 4-pots from the Seventies and Eighties included its first turbocharged petrol- and F1 world title-winning engines, but by the time the brand was well-established in South Africa, we missed out on iconic 4 cylinders, such as those in the E30-generation M3, which dominated touring-car racing, and its 318is contemporary.

Although local BMW fans could aspire to own a 333i or 325iS, they missed out on the visceral original M3 and its rorty 4-pot motor.

The 1st-gen M3 was built exclusively in left-hand-drive guise so that BMW could compete in Group A of the DTM; its free-revving 2.3- and (later) 2.5-litre 4-cylinder motor produced up to 175 kW in its top (road-car) spec. As for the latter, it was BMW’s “contribution” to the 16-valve hot-hatch craze in the late ’80s/early ’90s – its peppy M42 1.8-litre mill developed peak power of 100 kW at 6 000 rpm.

But back in the Republic, during that era, apart from the inline-6 motors in the 320i, 323i, 325i, 333i and 325iS, the E30-generation 3 Series sported merely sensible 1.6- and 1.8-litre 4-cylinder engines.

The E30-generation M3’s motor was based on the block of the long-serving M10 engine and the head of the M5’s S38 mill.

Then, when BMW’s inline-6 was really hitting its stride, the 1.8-litre 4-cylinder motors in the entry-level E36-gen 316i and E46-gen 318i just made up the numbers. They weren’t sparkling to drive and sounded abjectly miserable. Despite early hiccups, the 4-pot’s torquey turbodiesel counterparts did attract a cult following, because if you were desperate to buy into the brand during the production span of the E90-gen 3 Series (’05-’12), you’d have considered selling your gran to the pirates to get a 320d, if only to avoid buying the lumbering 320i with its valve-stem-seal-eating N46 2.0-litre petrol.

Fortunately, that 110-kW 320i (which BMW SA produced in bulk, also famously in bare-bones Start spec… sorry to remind you of that) arguably represented the low point of the BMW 4-cylinder petrol engine, because turbocharging has truly given it a new lease of life. And, thanks to inflation, growing complexity and downsizing, 6-cylinder BMW motors have not only become scarcer, but the derivatives that they’re fitted to are prohibitively expensive. See also: Has the 3 Series ‘lost its soul’? It’s a fair question.

The 318i and 318is were two of the little gems in the E36-generation 3 Series, but BMW didn’t capitalise on their initial success.

BMW has unquestionably produced excellent small turbopetrol engines of late, but by virtue of the brand’s pursuit of higher refinement and efficiency, the 4-pots still play supporting roles in the current (G20-gen) 3 Series and other models. The 330i, for example, produces a hearty 190 kW/400 Nm, but its motor’s digitally enhanced soundtrack has no sense of theatre, unfortunately.

Which brings me nicely back to the plucky 128ti, which will soon sit slap-bang in the middle of the local line-up of the 3rd iteration of the 1 Series. Having honed its skills of producing spirited and engaging front-wheel-drive models fitted with transversely mounted 4-cylinder engines with Mini, the BMW Group is finally ready to let its main brand reap the benefit.

The new 128ti is a hot hatch; it does not need to be in the shadow of the M140i… or even the contemporary M135i xDrive.

You see, the 2 previous iterations of the (exclusively rear-wheel-drive) 1 Series were always meant to be topped by derivatives with longitudinally-mounted inline-6 engines under their bonnets, including the 135i, 1M, M135i, M140i and, in terms of the outgoing 2 Series, the sublime M2, M2 Competition and M2 CS. Even though the 4-cylinder motors weren’t treated like the proverbial red-haired stepchildren in the previous (F20-gen) 1 Series, they weren’t the starring attractions either.

And therefore, I hope the F40-gen 1 Series will finally come into its own with the arrival of the 128ti in the coming weeks, which will have a configuration and handling/performance balance that is better suited to the model’s design than the somewhat overwrought M135i xDrive. Yes, it will indeed be a rival to the Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI; I can think of no better benchmark for BMW’s debutant.

Prospective 128ti buyers will appreciate the sports steering wheel and M-branded stainless-steel-finished pedals and footrest.

I remember how I passed my driver’s licence test while at the ‘wheel of my mum’s metallic green E36-generation 318i back in late 1995 or early 1996… Compared with the previously mentioned 8-valve 316i, that pint-sized sedan had such a sweet-revving little 1.8-litre 4-cylinder 16-valve engine and the 1.9-litre unit that followed it (in the 318is) was even punchier.

Evidently, BMW does have the ability to produce sweet 4-pot petrol motors, you just have to wait for the right one to come along. No pressure then, 128ti.

M5 CS: BMW’s fastest-ever production car

BMW M has officially revealed the M5 CS, which not only represents the pinnacle of its iconic super sedan, but is the most powerful and fastest-accelerating car the brand has ever produced…

As Cars.co.za reported recently, the boss of the Bavarian marque’s performance division, Markus Flasch, partially revealed the M5 CS on Instagram late last year, when he highlighted the sedan’s characteristic brushed gold-bronze grille surround, side strakes and forged alloy wheels, plus he divulged a few tantalising details about the (then upcoming) super sedan.

The M5 CS has been fitted with the upgraded suspension from the M8 Gran Coupe Competition.

So, we had a good idea of what the newcomer would look like, knew that its engine would produce 467 kW, which is marginally higher than the M5 Competition’s 460 kW, as well as the fact the Clubsport would be 70 kg lighter than its sibling by virtue of incorporating numerous lightweight parts.

Those details have now all been confirmed, but the claimed performance figures of the super sedan, which is powered by a 750-Nm 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission, is nonetheless stupefying. BMW claims the M5 CS can bolt from standstill to 100 kph in 3 sec dead, from 0 to 200 kph in 10.4 sec and go on to an (electronically-limited!) top speed of 305 kph.

BMW has applied a number of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic panels to its ultimate super sedan.

The attention to detail in the newcomer is also pretty astonishing. Yes, the engine produces only 17 kW more than the M5 Competition (467 kW at 6 000 rpm and 750 Nm of torque from 1 800 to 5 950 rpm), but BMW has fitted the motor with a redesigned oil pan with an additional sump and indirect charge-air cooling, plus stiffer engine mountings (with spring ratings of 900N per mm, Autocar reports).

Over and above a recalibration of the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system, the M5 CS’ suspension tuning is more focused than that of its M5 Competition sibling. For one, the newcomer’s shock absorbers, which were developed for the M8 Gran Coupe Competition, trim the super sedan’s ride height by 7 mm and are said to reduce fluctuations in wheel loads. In combination with new spring bearings for the damper control measures, the M5 CS is evidently optimised for sharper on-the-limit handling (no wonder it has Nurburgring silhouettes in its front-seat headrests, but more about later…).

BMW's reworked the M5 CS' front and rear suspension geometry, while 20-inch P Zero rubber help it to hug the road.

The gold-bronze-finished 20-inch alloys are shod with 275/35 front and 285/35 rear Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres and, if you look through their spokes, you’ll notice the standard M carbon-ceramic braking system. It comprises 6-piston fixed red calipers (fore) and single-piston floating calipers (aft), plus BMW claims it weighs 23 kg less than the steel-disc setup that features on the M5 Competition.

To reduce the sedan’s kerb weight to just over 1 800 kg (1 825-kg DIN), the M5 CS’ bonnet, front splitter, side-mirror caps, rear spoiler, rear diffuser, M Power engine cover and intake silencer are all made from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP). In fact, some elements feature exposed carbon fibre, the manufacturer says.

The M5 CS' interior is awash with racy red detailing, leather trim, carbon-fibre inlays and Alcantara.

Meanwhile, the L-shaped lighting elements of the standard BMW Laser headlamps shine yellow when on low- or high beam (or when the welcome light comes on). Apart from M5 CS badging, the door sills are illuminated with M5 CS badges and various trim elements have a Shadowline finish.

Flasch had hinted that the M5 CS would have a bespoke treatment at the back of the cabin and sure enough, the newcomer features 4 individual M carbon-fibre bucket seats as opposed to a pair for sports seats and a bench. Those in the front have integrated headrests embossed with an outline the Nürburgring Nordschleife, while electric adjustment and heating are standard.

The M5 CS is BMW's first super sedan since the E34-gen M5 to be offered with a 2+2 seating arrangement.

BMW has also fitted an Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel. The red-accented shift paddles and M buttons tie in with the seats’ side inserts, the contrast stitching, centre console highlights and CS logo on the carbon-fibre-pattern fascia trim. Alcantara headlining complete the package.

Suffice to say the M5 CS will be produced in very limited numbers; only 5 units have been earmarked for the South African market and deliveries will begin in the 3rd quarter of 2021.

New Audi Cars for SA in 2021

Audi is expected to have a very busy year in 2021 with a long list of new or facelifted product due to reach South Africa. See what’s coming from the German luxury brand!

2021 is set to be a bumper year for Audi and fans of the brand have much to look forward to as a flood of product is expected to reach the South African market, mostly in the first half of the year. In fact, a wide range of performance-orientated RS Audis will look to satisfy those with a need for thrilling performance.

Also see: New Cars for SA in 2021

See what’s on the way below!

First Quarter 2021

Audi RS Q8

Covid-19 prevented the introduction of Audi's potent RS Q8 SUV last year and it will now be introduced early this year. It will bring massive firepower to the road with a 441 kW/800 Nm 4.0-litre bi-turbocharged engine that will ensure a zero to 100 kph sprint time of 3.8 seconds before smashing a top speed of 305 kph. Pricing will be confirmed closer to launch.

Other products to be introduced in the first quarter include the new Audi S8, RS6, RS7, RS Q3, RS Q3 Sportback, SQ7 and SQ8. Facelifted products due in the first quarter include the S4, S5, RS4 and RS5. Audi has already welcomed the updated R8 supercar to the local market.

Buy a used Audi Q8 on Cars.co.za

Second Quarter 2021

Audi Q2 Facelift

Audi’s compact Q2 has been given a thorough update and now boasts a new-look front end with the option of LED and Matrix LED headlights. Customers can also opt for the advanced and S Line trim levels, which give more visual punch. Audi claims the S Line Q3 is "even more expressive." The interior has also benefitted from the refresh with a host of desirable optional features available. The current 1.0-litre and 1.4-litre turbocharged engines are expected to carry over locally. Local specification and pricing details will be communicated closer to launch.

The facelifted Audi Q5 is also expected to arrive in the second quarter of 2021.

Buy a used Audi Q2 on Cars.co.za

Third Quarter 2021

New Audi A3 / S3

Audi’s premium A3 hatchback will be sold in Sportback guise only and will later be joined by the new A3 sedan. The best news is that there will be a successor to the iconic RS3 too, complete with its monstrous 2.5-litre 5-cylinder motor. Rumours suggest power will climb from the current 294 kW and 480 Nm, to over 300 kW, going to all 4 wheels via the quattro setup. The new S3 retains its 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder motor and packs 228 kW and 400 Nm. Look out for pricing details closer to launch.

Buy a used Audi A3 on Cars.co.za

Fourth Quarter

New Audi Q5 Sportback

The new Q5 Sportback will make landfall in the final quarter of the year to take on the Merc GLC Coupe and BMW X4. There are just 2 engines on offer: a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder with 195 kW and 370 Nm, while the range-topping SQ5 features the 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 producing 260 kW and 500 Nm. Both models feature automatic transmissions as well as quattro all-wheel drive. Local pricing and specification will be revealed closer to launch.

Buy a used Audi Q5 on Cars.co.za

Living with a Honda Ballade RS

What happens when an avid mountain biker goes on holiday with a traditional family sedan, instead of something with proven ability on gravel roads? Cars.co.za correspondent Lance Branquinho did just that with Honda’s new Ballade and learnt that you don’t know you miss some things until they are gone. Or reappear.

Time waits for no-one, so the saying goes… In 2000, a Honda Ballade was very much the average South African family vacation vehicle. Twenty years later, I have to explain to strangers what it is.

This Japanese compact sedan is no longer a favourite of South African families. If a vehicle doesn’t have some lower-door cladding, a raised ride height and chunky tyres, well, nobody seems interested.

Double-cab bakkies, SUVs and crossovers are now the dominant modes of family motoring. But what about a month spent at the 'wheel of Honda’s new Ballade? Does it rekindle a familiarity of something that was once entirely adequate… or trigger frustration?

3 things to like about the Ballade

The new-generation Honda Ballade offers a much more presentable, functional and user-friendly touchscreen interface.

Timely infotainment upgrade

I am, by and large, technology-agnostic, but I do recognise that a quality infotainment setup can make a very meaningful difference to the contemporary in-car experience. That said, Honda has been quite poor with its touchscreen offerings. The graphics on Honda’s infotainment systems tend to look like something from a late 1990s console game, with menus about as intuitive as a French cuisine recipe… in French.

The Ballade features Honda’s latest infotainment system and, suffice to say it's vastly superior to that of its predecessor. Goodbye to bizarre cosmic graphics, hello to legible icons and slicker interfacing.

Look, I'm unlikely to ask too much of an infotainment system. All I need it to do is to pair with my smartphone and make it easy for me to select the AM band on the radio. Thus the new Ballade proved entirely competent at fulfilling my limited infotainment needs. It never caused frustration, which was a refreshing experience, considering my technophobic lack of user intuition.

Although the Ballade faltered in its ability to provide convenient storage for my mountain bike (but more about that later), it has some ingenious touches within the cabin’s architecture… The parking brake lever is flanked by a pair of utility slots for coins and smartphones. If you feel like a fool for putting your smartphone in the cupholder (like most of us do), these storage spaces are brilliant.

Honda avails a pair of slots (1 on either side of the parking-brake lever) to house the driver and front passenger's smartphones.

Endearing transmission

The Ballade’s powertrain is anything but revolutionary. Whereas many vehicles priced around R400k in the local market are turbocharged, this Honda is powered by an atmospheric 1.5-litre petrol engine.

The peak outputs are 89 kW and 145 Nm, which are hardly stirring. And then there is the gearbox, which, well, doesn’t actually have any gears. "Transmission" is a more accurate description – the Ballade utilises a continuously variable example (CVT). Have you ever met a car enthusiast who likes a CVT? Exactly.

Living with Ballade for a month forced me to reconsider some biases, though. During the usual 7-day test cycle, the droning nature of a CVT is bound to be annoying, but that is largely due to unfamiliarity.

By the time I had been driving the Honda for 2 weeks, I found the CVT’s constant rev-range performance pleasing. And quiet. Refined. I have been a CVT transmission sceptic for many years and scoffed at engineers when they attempted to explain its benefits: less internal friction, lower maintenance and smoother performance…

The Honda's unbothered driving experience is a boon. Cars with modest power outputs and conventional planetary-geared auto 'boxes, by contrast, tend to spike shift points and create surges of engine noise.

A raised ride height has its place, but the on-road stability and manoeuvrability of a compact sedan are just as valuable.

The inherent stability of a sedan

I did not venture onto dirt roads with the Ballade often. Although gravel routes link some of South Africa’s greatest venues and adventure locations, it is hardly the natural terrain for a compact family sedan.

After a year of driving mostly bakkies, SUVs and crossovers, it felt rather peculiar to spend a few weeks in a model with a much lower ride height than those (comparatively tall) vehicles. You have to relearn a sense of dimensional awareness with the car, anticipate where its corners are when you're parking and be particularly mindful of high kerbs in the claustrophobic urban environment.

The raised ride height of a bakkie, SUV or crossover delivers a more confident field of view. There's no question about that. But it also makes for an inherently less agile vehicle. You can’t undo the physics that control lateral stability and raising a vehicle’s centre of gravity makes it more susceptible to body roll and pitch.

Despite its incongruous ‘RS’ badging, the Ballade reminded me how much we take a lower centre of gravity for granted. It tracked with such confidence, despite its humble platform, suspension and tyres.

The Ballade's rear seatback doesn't split and fold forward, which made it tricky to transport a mountain bike in the car.

Dislikes?

Limited practicality

Okay, I admit it: I'm a bakkie person… My legacy outdoor activities include mountain biking and water sports and the gear required to pursue those hobbies doesn't fit conveniently (if at all) in a mid-sized family sedan. Some sedans have folding rear seats, but the Ballade isn't one of them. It's simple: rear benches with hinges and 2-piece structures add to the production cost and, therefore, asking price of a vehicle.

Despite the Ballade not having a tailgate or seats that fold, I was determined to make it work as a utility vehicle. My intentions were swiftly defeated, however. The only way that I could get my mountain bike into the Honda was by removing both wheels, but they did, for the record, fit rather tidily in the boot.

Having carefully draped a towel or blanket over the rear seats and floor, I gingerly eased the bike frame into the cabin through one of the rear passenger doors. It managed to fit. Just. But I also needed to slide the front passenger seat as far forward as it would go on its rails. If you have mountain bikes or surfboards to transport, the Ballade isn’t ideal, but that could be said of most similarly configured sedans.

The Ballade's name is as historic as that of the Prelude, although the RS badge would be better suited to the venerable coupe!

Buying advice

Believe it or not, the Ballade was once SA’s premier premium front-wheel-drive family sedan. It combined daring design, brilliant Honda engines – and a strange association with Mercedes-Benz – in the Republic. Over the past 2 decades, however, the Japanese brand (like so many others) has gained a much more diverse product portfolio, with much less of an emphasis on the traditional sedan business.

No, the new Ballade does not have the cachet of is 1980s or 1990s forebears. But it is an entirely honest compact family sedan.

Toyota dominates the shrinking mid-sized value market for sedans in South Africa with the Corolla Quest. Honda, meanwhile, now appeals mostly to retirees or buyers who see some sense in its lower sales volumes. How is it advantageous that Honda isn’t a huge brand in South Africa? Well, in theory, you are more likely to get a service booking, on schedule, at a Honda dealership. In theory.

Honda has a great reputation for reliability and that makes its products terrific long-term ownership propositions, something that should mitigate the steep depreciation from a relatively high purchase price.

To reiterate, if you have many outdoor toys and use them frequently, the Ballade isn't for you. That holds true for most of its rivals as well. You will be much better served with a comparable crossover or SUV. But if you live a very urbanised routine and want to drive something dependable with 4 doors that isn’t a Toyota, the Ballade offers a much better experience, overall, than one might expect at 1st acquaintance.

Brabus Unleashes A45 S

Do you find the Mercedes-AMG A45 S not thrilling enough? Does its 310 kW and 500 Nm not excite you? Brabus has the answer.

German tuner Brabus has a superb reputation for taking AMG's products and enhancing them even further. The Mercedes-AMG A45 S is the latest vehicle to receive the Brabus magic touch. The standard car's outputs of 310 kW and 500 Nm are extraordinary, allowing the hatchback to blitz to 100 kph in a claimed 3.9 seconds. It's undeniably fast, and it makes a mockery of older supercars, while retaining all the comfort and practicality you'd expect from a Mercedes-Benz hatchback.

Brabus has taken the world's most power mass-produced 4-cylinder motor and cranked up the juice. With the Brabus magic, outputs are now at 331 kW and 550 Nm, and the German tuner says its interestingly-named B45 is good for a 3.7 second run to 100 kph. The electronic top speed limiter has remained and if the road is long enough, 270 kph is possible. The B45 sits lower to the ground thanks to a custom adjustable suspension and at each corner, you'll find 20-inch Brabus wheels.

Inside, Brabus is offering customised leather and aluminium pedals.

You (and us included) are likely to be concerned about the mechanical reliability of extracting so much power from a compact motor, but Brabus is offering a 3-year / 100 000km warranty to help allay fears.

Brabus B45 Video

Bloodhound LSR On the Rocks, Again

The Bloodhound Land Speed Record (LSR) is looking for a new backer as Covid-19 throws a spanner in the spokes of the ongoing world speed record attempt.

The Bloodhound LSR project is looking for a new owner. The project has faced many challenges in recent times and while funding is an ongoing pressure, the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has not only caused major delays for the project but fundraising efforts have also been severely impacted. As a result, current owner and Chief Executive, Ian Warhurst, is now stepping away from the project.

After committing to the project in 2018, Warhurst and the Bloodhound LSR team conducted high-speed testing in 2019 on Hakskeen Pan in the Northern Cape, South Africa, achieving a peak speed of 1 011 kph which was more than the 805 kph target for testing. The run validated computer modelling and ultimately proved that the Bloodhound has the legitimate record-breaking ability. The goal for the overall project is to set a new land speed record which currently stands at 1 228 kph set in 1997 by the ThrustCC and driven by Andy Green, a former RAF pilot, who was expected to drive the Bloodhound into the history books once again.

The next phase of the project includes the fitment of the Nammo monopropellant rocket that will allow the car to reach a top speed of over 1 287 kph on the specially-prepared surface on Haksteen Pan which is essentially a dried up lake bed. The Bloodhound LSR team is aiming to achieve the record in 2022. The rocket installation and the cost of taking Bloodhound to South Africa and breaking the 800 mph or 1 287 kph barrier will cost roughly £8 million or over R167-million.

Andy Green commented, “In my opinion, the Bloodhound team has built the best Land Speed Record Car ever. It made our 628 mph test run look easy! We’re now raring to get to 800 mph+, to showcase this technical marvel and to invite a global audience to join in an incredibly exciting adventure. After the horrible 2020 pandemic year we have all just experienced, the world needs a good news story, and Bloodhound is ready to deliver it”.

It remains to be seen if the project can be rescued but it will be a sad state of affairs if the Bloodhound LSR is scrapped after so much effort has gone into it. Do you think a high-speed record project such as Bloodhound LSR is worth it?

#CarsAwards – Best Adventure SUVs in SA

Meet the finalists in the Adventure SUV category of the 2020/21 #CarsAwards powered by WesBank!

Best Adventure SUVs in SA

We’re looking for the ultimate recreational vehicle to transport a family and all their holiday and lifestyle gear in comfort to almost any destination, on- or off-road. Off-road ability is emphasized, in combination with practicality, comfort, and long-distance cruising.

This category is guided by both eligibility factors and Pillars of Success.

Eligibility factors for this category include a list price between R600 000 and R800 000 (as of October 1, 2020) and pricing must include the cost of all necessary optional features to meet the eligibility criteria.

Eligible vehicles must be equipped with Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a minimum of 6 airbags, split/fold rear seats, a minimum ground clearance of 200 mm and all-wheel-drive ability.

Pillars of success for this category include performance, space and practicality, in-car entertainment, comfort and all-surface ability.

Visit www.carsawards.co.za for more information. In no particular order, the finalists are as follows:

Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 4×4 VX Auto

South Africa’s favourite adventure SUV and current #CarsAwards category champion has received an update for 2020 and while it gains minor styling tweaks, engine outputs have increased appreciably. More so, Toyota has updated the Fortuner’s spacious interior, which features enhanced connectivity features as well as offering improved safety specification.

View specification details for the Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 4×4 VX Auto

Ford Everest 2.0 Bi-Turbo 4WD XLT

Ford’s Everest is a spacious, well-specified and capable 7-seater variant of the Ranger bakkie and the range received a thorough update during 2019. South Africans have a love affair with large, rugged SUVs and Ford has served up exactly what they’ve been asking for… a macho, versatile machine that can tackle the rough stuff and transport a large family in comfort.

View specification details for the Ford Everest 2.0 Bi-Turbo 4WD XLT

Isuzu MU-X 3.0 4WD

The MU-X is based on the underpinnings of the soon-to-be-replaced Isuzu D-Max and is, of course, powered by the Japanese bakkie’s bulletproof turbodiesel motor. The MU-X was updated during 2020 with most of the updates focused on improving interior feel and luxury. Renowned for excellent after-sales service and reliability, Isuzu is also one of the most respected brands in South Africa.

View specification details for the Isuzu MU-X 3.0 4WD

See last year's #CarsAwards winners here!

Toyota Fortuner (2021) Review

Fast Facts:

What’s new on the 2021 Toyota Fortuner?

How does the 2021 Toyota Fortuner fare in terms of…

2021 Toyota Fortuner: Price and After-Sales Support

Verdict

Frequently Asked Questions

How many seats does the Toyota Fortuner have?

What is the ground clearance of the Toyota Fortuner?

What are the engine and transmission options for the Toyota Fortuner?

What are some key features of the Toyota Fortuner?

What is the fuel tank capacity of the Toyota Fortuner?

Related Content

#CarsAwards – Best Premium SUVs in SA

Meet the finalists in the Premium SUV category of the 2020/21 #CarsAwards powered by WesBank!

Best Premium SUVs in SA

BMW X5 xDrive30d M-Sport

Land Rover Defender D240 HSE

Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine AWD

Sporty Hyundai Tucson N Line Revealed

Following the reveal of the all-new Tucson family car last year, Hyundai has now revealed a sportier Tucson N Line.

Related Content

It’s okay to desire a 4-cylinder BMW

The upcoming local introduction of the BMW 128ti, a true front-wheel-drive addition to the hot hatch brigade and a car that’s probably closer to the top-selling Volkswagen Golf GTI in its product pitch and -packaging than anything else on the market, should really be a big deal.

Related content:

M5 CS: BMW’s fastest-ever production car

BMW M has officially revealed the M5 CS, which not only represents the pinnacle of its iconic super sedan, but is the most powerful and fastest-accelerating car the brand has ever produced…

Related content:

New Audi Cars for SA in 2021

Audi is expected to have a very busy year in 2021 with a long list of new or facelifted product due to reach South Africa. See what’s coming from the German luxury brand!

First Quarter 2021

Second Quarter 2021

Third Quarter 2021

Fourth Quarter

Living with a Honda Ballade RS

3 things to like about the Ballade

Timely infotainment upgrade

Endearing transmission

The inherent stability of a sedan

Dislikes?

Limited practicality

Buying advice

Related content:

Brabus Unleashes A45 S

Do you find the Mercedes-AMG A45 S not thrilling enough? Does its 310 kW and 500 Nm not excite you? Brabus has the answer.

Brabus B45 Video

Further Reading

Bloodhound LSR On the Rocks, Again

#CarsAwards – Best Adventure SUVs in SA

Meet the finalists in the Adventure SUV category of the 2020/21 #CarsAwards powered by WesBank!

Best Adventure SUVs in SA

Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 4×4 VX Auto

Ford Everest 2.0 Bi-Turbo 4WD XLT

Isuzu MU-X 3.0 4WD