Audi’s pragmatic new CEO, Markus Duesmann, is attempting to balance the brand’s electric vehicle ambitions with its internal combustion inventory.
Like many other automotive companies that trade strongly in Europe, Audi has a frightful set of new emissions regulations to contend with.
The EU’s new Euro 7 engine regulations have been deemed impossible by some. Brussels is attempting to create a significant disincentive for any future petrol and diesel engine development, by setting nearly impossible standards for manufacturers to adhere to.
A 50% emission reduction has been set for internal combustion engines, by 2025. The message from politicians in Europe, to the automotive industry, could not be clearer: go electric, or go away.
Audi boss, Duesmann, has admitted that the company will attempt to keep its current diesel and petrol engines relevant, for the 2025 deadline. But an investment in new internal engine architectures or castings is simply not feasible under Euro 7.
Speaking to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Duesmann has confirmed that Audi will not pursue any new engine development, for petrol or diesel. Engineers in those departments will busy themselves with attempting to keep the company’s current engine portfolio ‘legal’ to 2025 and beyond.
The cost to comply with emissions will be severe, but Audi has no choice. It will cost slightly less to adapt current engines than engineering a completely new line of Euro 7 compliant engines from scratch.
BMW M3 and M4 Competition (2021) Launch Review
There are few – if any – BMW products that create as much excitement as the BMW M3 and M4. The M3 and M4 are meant to be unimpeachable driver’s cars, which is why they are held to lofty standards, but in recent times their esteem has been eroded by the likes of the Alfa Romeo Guilia Quadrifoglio and, in the power stakes, the Mercedes-AMG C63 S. Are these new models everything BMW hoped they'd be? We drove the newcomers at their local launch in Cape Town.
What’s new on the BMW M3 and M4?
The all-new M3 and M4 are, of course, based on the G20-generation 3 Series platform. South Africa will only receive the Competition versions of the Bavarian juggernauts, which means our models are more potent than the standard cars. The Competition cars only come with auto transmissions, but are available in rear-wheel drive, with M xDrive (all-wheel-drive) versions coming towards the end of 2021.
From the outside, it’s pretty easy to see the key points of difference in the new models' design. That perenially controversial front-grille adornment continues to create a mix of opinions and even when you see the cars in the flesh, it’s still a love-it-or-hate-it cue for most observers. The M3 (the sedan), with its blistered rear arches, looks the more purposeful of the 2 designs, whereas the M4’s elongated coupe roofline cuts a smooth, air-piercing profile. On closer inspection, there are numerous air flicks and vents, which were specifically designed to improve aerodynamic stability at high speed, on both cars.
The offending tall kidney grille on the front of the M3 and M4 has polarised opinions.
Under the M3/M4 bonnet’s "power bulges" lurks a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged straight-6 petrol engine connected to a torque converter 8-speed ZF automatic, the latter of which has replaced the M-DCT dual-clutch ‘box used in the previous-generation cars. This change of shifter is the single biggest change on the M3 and M4, making the cars feel like entirely different machines to their predecessors.
Lining up the statistics make for interesting reading. The new models are heavier than the outgoing cars by some 185 kg (both cars tip the scales at 1 800 kg), which is a lot for a medium-sized sedan and coupe with sporting pretensions. They are also slightly longer (122 mm) and ever so slightly wider (26 mm for the M3 and 17 mm for the M4) than the outgoing F80/82 generation cars. In order to produce more speed from the bigger, heavier cars, BMW M has installed a more powerful engine capable of producing peak outputs 375 kW and 650 Nm, which culminate in 0-100-kph times of under 4 sec.
How fast is the M3/M4?
The blistered arches on the M3 make it the more purposeful looking of the two new M models.
Aside from the obvious statistics like the 3.9-second sprint to 100 kph and the 290-kph top speed (with the M Drivers Package), the new M3 and M4 feel less wild than their predecessors. The M-DCT box in the previous sedan and coupe was quite abrupt on full-throttle upshifts, which would lead to sudden breaks in traction and a skittish rear end. You had to have your wits about you – and lightning reactions when driving the F80 M3 Competition anywhere near its limits. The new 8-speed ZF automatic delivers the power without that rabid kick to the rear wheels every time you pull for an upshift on the newly designed (and rubberised) paddles-shift levers. It’s smoother through the gears and, even when provoked, the rear end doesn’t whip around as quickly; it does so progressively, making it easier to control.
As a consequence, the M3/M4 doesn’t feel as brutally fast as those headline numbers suggest. It’s one of those cars where you put your foot down and without fuss, you’re suddenly travelling well beyond the national speed limit. Its high-speed stability is superb and if you had it out on the Autobahn or a closed road, you would feel quite comfortable sitting at 200 kph plus for miles (okay, kilometres) on end.
What’s the M3/M4 like to drive?
It's more poised and balanced than before. A much easier car to drive fast.
In order to get a better feel for the cars' handling characteristics, we were afforded a few laps on track in each model. Before you set off with tyres a screechin', take a bit of time to tinker with the iDrive system to set up your preferred driving modes, for which there is a multitude of options. Most of you will be familiar with modes for the engine, gearbox, chassis and steering characteristics, but you now also have 2 modes for braking (Normal and Sport). The intensity of Sport braking can catch you off guard the first time you experience it, especially if the M3/M4 is equipped with optional carbon-ceramic discs.
On the track, I was expecting the M3 to unleash its Mr Hyde persona, because previous generations of the car could leave you shaken if you dared to provoke them without exercising a modicum of caution. Instead, the newcomer, although devastatingly fast, was poised and balanced – not intimidating at all. It’s the first M3 in a while that I feel you can push to its limits within the first few laps of getting in it.
The asymmetric tyre setup (where the front end is fitted with 19-inch alloys and the rear with 20-inch rims) is meant to give you a more direct front-end while simultaneously providing more traction on the rear when accelerating out of corners. It’s hard to tell if that’s the case after just a few laps, but the hyper-fast steering rack delivers immensely quick turn-in to bends and the suspension doesn’t jolt or feel unsettled by sudden directional changes. In other words, you can feed in the power sooner than before, safe in the knowledge that grabbing an upshift isn’t likely to induce a butt-clenching tank-slapper.
The M cars now use a ZF automatic gearbox instead of the dual-clutch model previously.
BMW's modern turbocharged engines offer marvellously linear performance cars and this 375 kW version is no exception. There’s no huge burst of torque at any point in the rev range, but a progressive surge that shoves you forward right up to the motor's redline.
Out on the road, it’s much easier to get familiar with these Bavarian twins right from the get-go. The steering gives you great directional control, while there’s plenty of grip from the Michelin Pilot Sport 4s. You can upgrade the tyres to the Cup 2s if you feel you want more performance, albeit from a set of essentially semi-slick tyres, which would limit the M3/M4's everyday practicality.
The new M3/M4 is much more forgiving to drive on varied road conditions, even with the damping set to Sport Plus. It rides bumps better and settles on the suspension without wobbling (as heavier cars tend to do). Even when you drive over a good old freeway expansion joint, which is historically the nemesis of BMWs shod with low-profile run-flat rubber, it doesn't feel as if the car's about to split in half.
Overall, it’s an impressively easy car to drive fast, especially one with this much power… and from a brand that has produced quite a few cars of late that seemed to have pent-up anger management issues.
What are the insides like?
The Yas Marino blu/black interior creates a vivid colour pallette with the Sau Paulo yellow bodywork.
All M3 and M4 derivatives in the South African market will be sold with the carbon interior package which, as the name suggests, includes carbon-fibre inserts around the cabin, most notably on the inside of the steering wheel, the transmission-lever surround (plus the iDrive console) and in front of the passenger seat. It’s not wildly different from the look of the standard 3- or 4-Series interior, unless you additionally specify the (R80k) bucket seats, which are 10 kg lighter than the standard ones and offer better structural rigidity and support. You slide in over the side bolsters and are met by what feels like (let's just call it) a crotch support between your legs, just like the 5th belt in a race car. The seats can best be described as slim-fit, so if you’re of a burlier design, you may find them a bit uncomfortable.
Interestingly, the M3/M4 does not have a long options list. There is plenty of standard kit with the only options being the bucket seats, carbon-ceramic brakes, performance tyres and lightweight wheels.
Summary
Some may call the pair more boring than before, but they're now more usable for a much broader range of driving abilities.
After my first experience of the new M3 and M4, it seems BMW has toned back some of the craziness of the previous-generation cars – these cars are eminently manageable. Some may say that the Munich-based firm has made its headline sports sedan and -coupe a trifle boring as a consequence, but the new-generation M3/M4 is a performance sedan/coupe with notably better balance, incredible precision and more usable power delivery than ever before. The dynamics may be catering more to the mass market, but the design certainly isn’t – not with those divisive kidney grilles!
At near as dammit R2 million, the M3 and M4 are no longer the performance bargains they once were; they've become aspirational models with asking prices that are closing in on supercar premiums. The allure of the new M3, especially, is undeniable and we can’t wait to pitch it against its familiar rivals. Paradoxically, this launch drive has also highlighted what a performance bargain the M340i xDrive is.
Kia has revealed its updated Stinger fastback sports sedan which now features more power, enhanced styling as well as a revised interior. See what’s changed below…
We tested the Stinger back in January 2019 and we came away mightily impressed by what Kia had achieved with this V6-powered, rear-wheel-drive car that was hugely entertaining to drive while also being well-mannered as a daily driver.
The Stinger wasn’t all perfect though, and one of our criticisms was aimed at Kia’s choice of some of the interior materials which were not up to standard in a car of this calibre.
However, with this latest update, Kia has looked to enhance the Stinger’s exterior styling while also paying closer attention to lifting the perceived quality of the interior.
Kia Stinger, what’s changed?
The Stinger's interior has been improved with new and better materials while also offering more choice in terms of finishes.
The updated Kia Stinger gains new LED headlight clusters that are more visually impactful, as well as a revised LED daytime running light signature. The rear light clusters have been revised too and also feature a new light signature that runs the full width of the car. The new indicators comprise 10 LED units that are arranged in a grid pattern that resembles a chequered flag.
Kia has also added 2 new allow wheel choices to the mix in either 18- or 19-inch sizes and the Stinger can also be specified with larger, wide-bore exhaust mufflers in bright silver as well as a sportier rear diffuser which beefs up the rear-end design appreciably.
More than this, customers can also choose between 2 new exterior packages including a Dark Package which features a gloss black diffuser surround, black wide-bore muffler tips and a black Stinger badge on the tailgate. The North American market will have the choice of a Black Package with 19-inch matte black lightweight wheels, a rear wing on the boot lid and blacked-out mirror housings and side fenders.
Moving inside, the lower section of the steering wheel features a new metallic finish that matches a new chrome surround seen around the 7.0-inch instrument cluster. A frameless rearview mirror is also fitted.
Depending on the specification, the dashboard and door trim has new contrasting stitching and new aluminium or carbon fibre trim can be specified for the centre console. The 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system has been upgraded with a gloss black finish along the front of the dashboard. A 64-colour mood lighting system is also fitted.
New upholstery choices are also on offer including Nappa leather in Saturn Black, Red or Beige which is offered in addition to synthetic leather choices.
More power for Kia Stinger
A new variable exhaust system has enhanced the aural note of the Stinger's V6 engine.
The Kia Stinger forges on with a 3.3-litre turbocharged V6 but outputs have been bumped up to 274 kW and 510 Nm, a mere 2kW increase. The Stinger, however, forges on with an 8-speed automatic transmission and is capable of a zero to 100 kph sprint of 4.7 seconds and depending on the market, is sold in rear-wheel-drive guise or with all-wheel-drive capability. A new electronic variable exhaust system enhances the sound of the V6 engine. In other markets, a new 4-cylinder 2.5-litre turbocharged engine is also offered with outputs of 224 kW and 422 Nm.
Despite the Stinger being an impressive product, a spokesperson from Kia South Africa has confirmed that the updated Stinger will sadly not be offered in South Africa.
BMW M2 CS vs Mercedes-AMG A45 S – Standing and rolling start quarter mile
We put the wild Mercedes-AMG A45 S against the hardcore BMW M2 CS on the runway for some head-to-head drag races.
Sure, right off the bat, this might be a strange match up. But if you happened to have an A45 S and a BMW M2 CS in your garage at the same time, wouldn't you want to race them? Well, that's exactly what we've done.
We've filmed and published many drag races over the years here at Cars.co.za and we've been shouted at a lot by you, our valued audience, in the comments. For some reason, drag racing really seems to get our favourite petrolheads riled up and so for this video we wanted to comprehensively test these cars against each other.
And so, given that the M2 and the A45 represent a RWD vs AWD issue, we ran the standing start race three times and then switched to a rolling start.
We do hope this offers a fair and equal match-up for these two cars.
The electric BMW i4 has been revealed. While all the details are not readily available, the announcement by BMW gives us a good look at the Bavarian brand's electric ambitions.
During the 2021 BMW Group Annual Conference, the Munich-based manufacturer took the covers off the new BMW i4. “With its sporty looks, best in class driving dynamics and zero local emissions, the BMW i4 is a true BMW. It makes the heart of the BMW brand now beat fully electric,” said Pieter Nota, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Customer, Brands, Sales.
The all-new BMW i4 is an all-electric vehicle that resembles the 4-door Gran Coupe. Don't get confused between this and the yet-to-be-revealed BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, the latter will still be offered with internal combustion engines. BMW will be offering its new i4 in a range of different versions, with the difference being range and power output. BMW also gave us a little teaser, saying there will be a BMW M Performance derivative. An all-electric BMW M car sounds very tantalising and the brand claimed it will offer 'BMW typical sportiness, comfort and sustainable performance.'
As far as range is concerned, the highest distance offered by the BMW i4 is 590 km based on the WLTP cycle. For the performance fanatics, the new BMW i4 will have a power output of up to 395 kW and will accelerate from 0-60 mph in 'around 4 seconds.'
Twenty years since the introduction of iDrive in the E65-generation 7 Series, BMW has previewed the 8th-generation of its renowned infotainment system, which will debut in marque’s upcoming iX and i4 electric vehicles. Here is an octet, fittingly, of interesting facts about the new iDrive 8…
1. Expansive curved display
At the heart of iDrive 8, which is underpinned by a significantly upgraded software package aimed at improving the speed of command recognition, is a pair of screens – a 12.3-in instrument display and a 14.9-in infotainment touchscreen, which are housed in a single curved panel with a resolution of 200ppi. The display is mounted atop the dashboard and angled slightly towards the driver.
2. Reduces buttons, but retains iDrive controller
iDrive 8 might be more touch-input-based than its predecessor, but BMW has persisted with the centre console-located rotary controller, which can be used in conjunction with touch inputs, voice commands and gesture controls. The adoption of iDrive 8 has also allowed the Munich-based firm to reduce the number of physical buttons by half (climate control functions, for example, are inputted digitally).
What’s more, the new iX features capacitive touch controls on its hexagonal-shaped steering wheel, a slider arrangement for gear selection (as opposed to a traditional transmission lever), as well as an updated head-up display unit that incorporates fresh graphics as well as new augmented reality functions.
3. New 3D-graphics & display modes
BMW has introduced an entirely new graphical design language, which is applied across iDrive 8’s menus and apps. The 3-dimensional graphics and layouts are said to bring a “more immersive user experience” and “greater detail” to the plethora of customised display modes that the driver/s can choose from.
The look is supposed to be as information-rich as possible, with a constantly changing flow of info shown in the centre of the digital instrument panel.
Apart from Efficient, Sport and Individual display modes, there is a Calm mode that allows the driver to reduce the amount of information to just the speed of the vehicle, Focus has been designed for what BMW calls “extremely dynamic driving situations,” while Gallery pairs back the level of information to the bare minimum, to prioritise space for apps, widgets and navigation.
4. 'Call me whatever you like'
You can still hail the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant with the “Hey BMW” voice command, but with the updated version of the voice-assistant software, users can give their “digital helper” a name of their choice; the system also makes use of visual prompts on the info displays when handling tasks.
Lastly, all Intelligent Personal Assistant settings can be saved to a BMW ID profile, which has been expanded with better personalisation and functionality.
5. It anticipates where you’re going
Thanks to what BMW calls “Learning Navigation”, the onboard satnav system is no longer passive – in works in conjunction with the more in-depth BMW ID to predict where the driver may intend to travel. BMW’s example of where this may come in handy is during the daily commute. The car will predict that the driver wants to go to the office, but may want the navigation on anyway, to get a sense of traffic and so that they can be warned of any delays ahead. As such, the navigation system will automatically prepare the best route anyway.
What’s more, Autocar reports that "the digital services for the navigation, parking and charging are now fully integrated into BMW’s cloud-based Map system. It uses probability models based on information provided by the widely used HERE map."
6. Higher personalisation
iDrive 8 is not all about crisp graphics and slick functionality, however… The system also optimises the vehicle’s interior ambience and its user/s driving experience/s.
The new My Modes feature, which has replaced the current iDrive’s Drive Experience Control, can be used to alter up to 10 parameters, ranging from the colour of the interior ambient lighting and the weight of the steering to the graphics on the instruments and central touchscreen.
7. It supports 5G
Meanwhile, the new system steps up over-the-air updates significantly, because iDrive8 supports 5G networking with high-data bandwidth for faster software updates.
In line with Volkswagen’s plans to adopt a data-based business model, BMW will allow for the live over-the-air retrofitting of functions. In other words, iDrive 8 will allow owners to upgrade selected functions of their vehicles after they've started using their vehicles. These will include lighting and driving assist systems (including semi-autonomous features) in markets where the technology is supported.
8. You get your own 'welcoming party'
Finally, cars with iDrive 8 will feature a new welcome/start-up programme, powered by ultra-wideband radio technology. The car senses when the driver is approaching the car by communicating with their key/smartphone. Then, when the driver is 3m away from the vehicle, the cabin will light up with soft exterior and interior lighting patterns. The door handles and boot handle illuminate too and, when the door is opened, the iDrive system starts up automatically.
The compact Ford Maverick bakkie is a step closer to production reality. It's been spotted out and about again, clearly showing off its angles and some of its features.
Picture credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien. We have paid for these photos and at the photographer's request, have watermarked them.
The latest set of spy photographs gives us a good idea of the shape, size and proportions of the new Ford Maverick. The newcomer, which will slot in below the Ranger, will be built alongside the Bronco Sport family car at Ford's Hermosillo Assembly Plant in Sonoro. At this stage, there's no word on right-hand-drive production which means that South African availability is in doubt.
A full reveal is expected at some point this year and, as speculated, the Maverick will share at least some styling cues with the Bronco Sport, which should give it a bold and suitably rugged appearance. Given its passenger-car underpinnings, the Maverick will ride lower than the Ranger and because its load bed won’t be required to haul significant loads (because of the Bronco Sport underpinnings), the package’s cabin space – and creature comforts – will be prioritised. The model will be produced in front-wheel-drive guise, with part-time all-wheel-drive possible for high-end derivatives.
In terms of the engine line-up, reports suggest naturally aspirated 121-kW 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol and a turbopetrol 134-kW 1.5-litre 3-cylinder motors will be offered, both in conjunction with an 8-speed automatic transmission, as well as a manual gearbox. There's also talk of a powerful 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo packing 186 kW and 373 Nm.
The Automobile Association (AA) has commented on unaudited mid-month data released by the Central Energy Fund and the fuel forecast for April 2021 shows significant increases looming which will have a severe impact on consumers.
In the 2021 Budget Speech, Minister of Finance, Tito Mboweni, announced a 26 c/l increase in the fuel levy that will come into effect in April 2021. The timing of this fuel levy increase could not be worse as international oil prices have been rising steadily and the Rand-Dollar exchange rate has been eroded, which in itself, does not bode well for local fuel prices.
“As things stand today, petrol is set for a 90 cents-a-litre rise, diesel for an increase of 66 cents, and illuminating paraffin an increase of 62 cents,” the AA says. These fuel price projections, however, do not account for the 26c/l fuel levy increase and the picture could worsen further for the remainder of the month. That means that consumers can expect to pay about R1.16 more for a litre of petrol while diesel could see an increase of 92 cents per litre.
“The rampant upward march of international oil prices has quickened alarmingly in the first weeks of March. The basic fuel price for petrol, for instance, shot up from R6.55 a litre at the February close-out, to R7.40 a litre in the first two weeks of March. Over the same period, the average Rand/US dollar exchange rate weakened by about 30 cents,” notes the AA.
A litre of 95 ULP inland currently costs R16.32 and could cost as much as R17.48 in April 2021 and of that, R6.10 will be taxed through the General Fuel Levy and the Road Accident Fund, accounting for at least 35%. As for diesel, at a current price of R14.12 which could rise to R15.04, the taxed amount will be R5.96 or at least 40%!
The fuel price increase not only has a devastating impact on consumers, but the entire value chain and the economy in general, suffers. South Africans are already battling the economic fallout resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic but the dire economic situation experienced by millions of people is further compounded by corruption and overspending at the hands of the government.
The AA says the government can no longer ignore the knock-on effects of severe fuel price rises. “The cost is not only direct, but throughout the value chain, and is battering consumers from all sides. It requires urgent review to help ease pressure on consumers who are battling to stay financially afloat,” the AA concludes.
With the arrival of the Indian-made Urban Cruiser, Toyota has upped its game in the popular compact family-car segment with an offering that's more practical – and affordable – than the boutique C-HR model. Cars.co.za journalist Gero Lilleike spent a weekend with the newcomer and filed this report…
A couple of years ago, Toyota and Suzuki reached a product-sharing agreement whereby, inter alia, Toyota would supply Suzuki with 2 hybrid vehicles while Suzuki would build Toyotas based on its Baleno and Vitara Brezza, which, as you may have seen, have now arrived in the South African market (as the Starlet and Urban Cruiser). What's more, other shared models could be released in the near future…
The local introduction of the Urban Cruiser follows hot on the heels of the Vitara Brezza; we spent a weekend with the newcomer to find out what it's like to drive and what it offers in terms of features.
Styling of the Urban Cruiser
A raised ride height and protective cladding make the Urban Cruiser suitable for navigating potholed roads and mounting kerbs.
The Urban Cruiser certainly looks the part; it features rugged design elements such as plastic cladding (seen around the wheel arches and side skirts), roof rails as well as light-grey bumper guards. The useful ground clearance of 198 mm will not only help the Toyota hop onto pavements in town – it should prove more than handy when you need to traverse a gravel road now and again.
We drove the range-topping Urban Cruiser 1.5 XR automatic derivative, which additionally features automatic LED headlights with rain-sensing wipers and is shod with 16-inch alloy wheels.
The Urban Cruiser's interior offers most of the basic features that buyers in this segment are looking for.
When you step inside the newcomer's cabin, the first thing you'll notice is the chunky fascia. Hard plastics of varying quality dominate the interior and the perceived build quality is average.
In XR specification, the Urban Cruiser comes equipped with additional features that you won’t find in the XI and XS derivatives. Those key features include cruise control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, 12V sockets, a cooled glovebox and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, to name but a few.
A reverse-view camera is standard and the feed is projected onto the central infotainment touchscreen, which is compatible with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and includes Bluetooth connectivity. It’s a basic system, but it’s very easy to use!
The steering column is only adjustable for rake, but the 'wheel is equipped with mounted controls for the audio system and cruise control. The driver’s seat does offer height adjustment, which is useful.
Space for rear passengers is sufficient but not generous; taller aft passengers are especially likely to find the legroom a bit tight. Toyota claims a 328-litre luggage capacity, which is good, with a full-size spare wheel located under the load-bay floor. Should you need to load larger items, the rear seats can be folded down in a 60:40 configuration, but note they don’t fold completely flat.
What’s the Urban Cruiser like to drive?
The Urban Cruiser offers good general performance with the benefit of returning pleasing fuel consumption.
Equipped with a naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine, the same unit that powers the Suzuki Vitara Brezza, the Urban Cruiser offers outputs of 77 kW and 138 Nm. For a vehicle of this size, those numbers are just about sufficient to propel the 1 140 kg kerb weight with relative ease. However, we do suspect that at altitude, a fully-laden Urban Cruiser might lose its puff on uphill sections.
However, there’s a remedy for this kind of situation thanks to the 4-speed automatic transmission. The driver can engage "L" (low gear), which keeps the transmission in the lowest forward ratio so that you can get the most from the engine at slow speeds (such in creeping in traffic), but you can also engage "2", which is useful for pulling away on low-grip surfaces.
I wasn’t expecting a 4-speed automatic derivative to be particularly exciting to drive, but I was pleasantly surprised by how responsive the Urban Cruiser's powertrain was to inputs, particularly when being launched from a standstill. The Toyota is quite a nippy car in the urban environment and it gets up to highway speed quite easily/with very little fuss.
In terms of fuel consumption, Toyota claims an average figure of 6.2 L/100 km and during our truncated (2-day) test we saw an indicated 8.5 L/100 km, which is higher than we expected. However, we are certain that lower figures are achievable in the long run if the Urban Cruiser is driven with fuel conservation in mind.
What we liked most about the Urban Cruiser was its balance of ride quality and handling ability. Not only does it feel sure-footed with a comfortable ride, but the steering wheel was responsive to inputs, which made it quite fun to hustle the Urban Cruiser through corners. We did, however, notice significant wind noise entering the cabin at highway speeds, which some buyers may find annoying.
Final thoughts
With a Toyota badge on the nose, the Urban Cruiser is likely to be very popular in South Africa.
As an overall product and much like its Starlet sibling, we think that the Urban Cruiser will find favour with many local buyers who are looking for a basic, affordable compact car, or in this case, a crossover. Toyota South Africa aims to sell upwards of 600 Urban Cruisers per month and it will be interesting to see how well it will be received by consumers in the coming months.
Even so, consumers must remember that this is essentially a budget crossover and cost-cutting measures are evident throughout the vehicle's interior, either in terms of fit-and-finish or with the materials used. Ultimately, you get what you pay for… We will have the Toyota Urban Cruiser for a full test soon, so be sure to look out for a thorough evaluation.
How much does the Toyota Urban Cruiser cost in South Africa?
The Toyota Urban Cruiser is sold with a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and a 3 services/45 000 km service plan. Intervals are every 12 months or 15 000 km. Customers can purchase an additional service plan and warranty options via the 220-strong dealer network. Prices are as of March 2021.
Renault is the latest car company to undergo a change in corporate identity.
The French brand has confirmed that it will soon standardize a new logo, the ninth in its history.
With graphic designers and product managers negotiating and refining the new logo since 2019, seeking to deliver an uncluttered identity with no signature or typography.
Renault design director, Gilles Vidal, has guaranteed that all Renaults will wear this new logo by 2024. “A true timeless signature, without superfluous effects or colours, with a contemporary takeover of the lines, an essential part of our graphic heritage."
Renault has been quite conservative with its brand logos. A single design carried the company from 1992 to 2015, yet the rapid deployment of this logo was deemed a task of great urgency.
In this brave new world of battery-powered vehicles, Renault is planning seven new electric models by 2024, the traditional badge doesn’t work that cleanly on a flat body panel. With its new interlaced diamond design, Renault thinks that its corporate identity will be more fittingly displayed on the front of its vehicles.
The other issue is broader awareness and an attempt to signal transformation. As Renault attempt to move to an electric vehicle drivetrain offering, it wishes to distance itself from the company’s petrol and diesel heritage, this new badge being curial in that regard.
