Volkswagen T-Roc (2020) Specs & Price

The Volkswagen T-Roc will go on sale in South Africa in November 2020 and local pricing details have now been announced. See what you can expect from the T-Roc below…

The Volkswagen T-Roc is a midsized SUV which slots between the compact Volkswagen T-Cross and the Volkswagen Tiguan. With the SUV market booming, Volkswagen is determined to fill each and every niche. In terms of size, it's similar to that of a Volkswagen Golf, but the T-Roc has a bigger boot (445 litres as opposed to 385 litres in the Golf). Flip the back seats down and you gain up to 1 290 litres.

The new Volkswagen T-Roc is based on the MQB platform which underpins products like the Volkswagen Golf, Polo, Audi A3 and Q2.

South African Derivatives

The South African market will be receiving the Volkswagen T-Roc with 2 engines and 2 levels of trim. Starting off the range is the 1.4-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder motor with 110 kW and 250 Nm. This will be mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and Volkswagen says its good for a 0-100 kph run in 8.4 seconds.

For those looking for a bit more grunt, there's a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder motor with 140 kW and 320 Nm. This time, however, power goes to all 4 wheels via a 7-speed DSG and it'll take just 7.2 seconds to reach 100 kph.

For those wanting even more performance, there's a Volkswagen T-Roc R which is under consideration for our market.

T-Roc Trim

The two levels of trim are Design and R-Line. Design focuses on visual elements, while the R-Design is aimed at the customer seeking sportiness. The Design model comes standard with the 17-inch Mayfield alloy wheel, with 2 options of the 18-inch Montego alloy wheel and 18-inch Grange Hill alloy wheel. The R-Line features the 19-inch Suzuka alloy wheel, which we've seen before on the Tiguan.

The new Volkswagen T-Roc comes standard with the Composition Media radio and App-Connect, complete with an 8-inch touchscreen and 2 USB ports. The Design trim level also features climatronic air conditioning, connectivity via the We Connect Go app, Voice Control, LED tail light cluster, visual underbody guard (black) and Park Distance Control (front and rear).

In terms of the Volkswagen T-Roc R-Line, that comes standard with high-tech systems such as Front Assist area monitoring with City Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Monitoring, the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Lane Assist. Also thrown in are LED daytime running lights in the bumper and dynamic cornering lights, 19-inch Suzuka alloy wheels, the latest generation Active info display, Keyless entry, Mobile phone inductive charging, Adaptive Cruise Control with Front Assist and Vienna leather seats. Some options to look at are the panoramic sunroof, an electronic trailer hitch, smoker's package, Discover Pro navigation system with a 9.2-inch screen, the Beats sound system and the Park Package.

Volkswagen T-Roc Price in South Africa (November 2020)

The all-new Volkswagen T-Roc will come to market with a 3 year/120 000km warranty, 5 years/ 90 000km Volkswagen Service Plan and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty.

Volkswagen T-Roc 1.4 110 kW Tiptronic Design R489 400

Volkswagen T-Roc 2.0 140 kW 4Motion DSG Design R548 300

Volkswagen T-Roc 2.0 140 kW 4Motion DSG R-Line R593 600

This Week’s News You Need to Know

In this week's roundup of the news you may need to know, contributor Brent van der Schyff delves into why Nurburgring lap times don't matter, how Mini has fooled us all and how he's salivating over the prospect of the next-generation Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86.

In case you were napping during the week, the Mercedes-AMG Black GT Black Series is now officially the fastest production car to lap the Nürburgring. A benchmark Nordschleife lap time has turned into THE yardstick for any fast road-going car, be it a hatchback, minibus or sportscar. It's nothing less than flagrant OEM one-upmanship… Ferrari’s Pista, McLaren’s 720s, Lamborghini’s SVJ and most recently, Porsche and their ridiculously quick GT2 RS have all fallen prey to this. Sure, there’s solid merit in the endeavour (apart from generating marketing razzmatazz and viral content) – track-testing can lead to improved vehicle dynamics, but from my perspective, Nürburgring lap-record attempts are silly. Here’s why.

The iconic Nurburgring circuit has long been the place for manufacturers to see who can go the fastest.

Track conditions can differ and change at any time; in fact, they are never perfect (optimal). You only have to consider last week’s Formula 1 race in Istanbul as a fine example. The times from the first session of free practice to the second, both held in dry conditions, were worlds apart. Once the track became a lot grippier in 2nd practice, the cars' lap times improved by 6 seconds purely due to track evolution. That is around a 5.3-km circuit.

Extrapolate those factors over the 'Ring’s 20.83-km distance and you’ll quickly see how things can vary. The schizophrenic nature of a racetrack, although indicative of potential, is seldomly a fair platform to test outright pace, let alone on the public road that is the “Green hell”. Nürburgring lap record attempts have just become a novel thing to do in the pot-hunting game. The solution: get all the cars together, regulated by a body representing the consumer (preferably men with grey beards, long white coats and holding clipboards) to ensure matching conditions, no trickery e.g. boost fiddling (not accusing you, Mercedes), all cars on the same set of rubber, a controlled circuit that has been sufficiently rubbered in on a lovely summer’s day at the coast (not to mention a controlled fuel load) and then we’ll see who can really "wee the furthest".

Also read: Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series Claims Ring Record

Even more power!

We're getting to that point in the Huracan life-cycle where every model is a special edition.

Sticking to the horsepower game, Lamborghini lifted the veil on their latest derangement of a beastly car (call the Pope), labelled the STO (which does sound a bit like a disease that visits once a year). As much as I hate the use of the generic word “bonkers” (Car guys really need to expand the vocabulary here) it IS exactly that. STO is short for Super Trofeo Omologata. Say that after a couple of Negronis and things could get messy. And yes, the Bolognese locals have ensured that it’s more powerful and lighter than the EVO and the Performante. We all see where this is going…a Nürburgring lap record attempt. Oh boy. What have we created? Facepalm. At least with this one, there’s a big old bolshy V10 in the back to kick up a ruckus. Lamborghini is, after all, one of the last manufacturers to still back the dying breed of the V10. Even the Pope has one.

Also read: Lamborghini Reveals Huracan STO

We see what you did, Mini

Mini's latest Countryman has just arrived in SA.

Let's turn the horsepower down a bit. Okay, a lot. The latest iteration of the Mini Countryman has been launched in the Republic. I feel obliged to point out the trickery that has played out since BMW bought the “little” brand and modernised it for 21st-century tastes. Fair play, BMW. In slow increments, these cars have become progressively larger and more purpose-built for the consumer. It must be warranted as there’s demand turning the Countryman into the "mom car" of choice. As a Mini disciple (I still own my first car… a classic Mini Clubman) and as big as they’ve become and as far removed from the original MINI as it is, I’m okay with it. There will also be a 225 kW JCW flagship variant so guess it’s off to the Nürburgring.

Also read: Mini Countryman (2021) Launch Review

The driver's choice

New BRZ packs more power and more torque. Enough to quiet the haters?

The new Subaru BRZ is only being launched in America (for now), but it’s an important development. Why? The (GT) 86 connection; the BRZ shares its platform with the Toyota and the new version of the latter will almost certainly be available in Mzansi in future. Now, you get 2 types of petrolheads: Those who'll valiantly defend the cars' flat-4 engine 'till the last person switches the lights off and those that well… cannot stand them.

Let’s zoom in on the haters' arguments. Reliability issues of the boxer engine (but that rorty sound, though) and the general performance levels of the naturally aspirated mill are anything but overwhelming. But with this new model, the Shibuya-based firm seems to have answered the power question: 23 more kWs and 45 more Nm is a serious blip on the radar. Off to the 'Ring! And with what Toyota is doing these days ala GR Supra and GR Yaris, this is something to watch out for. Why is this a big deal? The BRZ/86 is an affordable gateway to rear-wheel-drive manual fun, a platform that has waned in an era of turbocharging, flappy paddles and AWD. The newcomer/s may even beat a Polo GTI in a sprint at the Reef… maybe.

Also read: 2022 Subaru BRZ Unveiled

The SUV endgame

Spot the author, hidden behind the huge SUV's A-pillar.

Speaking of which, Audi Q7, pssst, don’t tell anyone, but I got to drive it before the local launch. If you zoom in closely on Audi SA's press images, you’ll see me giving my best trying-to-stay-cool-behind-the-wheel look. And I need to confess that the Premium SUV has evolved into quite the refined powerhouse. You can’t fault it. Performance has improved, refinement is at an all-time high and that’s what the market’s craving.

The lofty price tags of these luxury behemoths do make me wince, however. Part of me still loathes the fact that driver-focused cars make up such a small part of the market. Just look at the endless derivatives of SUVs that are on offer in comparison to performance cars and I’m not talking about the X-Men versions of these SUVs (like the upcoming SQ7 version that packs 900 Nm). Oh no, not another Nürburgring lap record attempt!

Also read: Audi Q7 (2020) Launch Review

Closing comment:

SUVs are engineered to dull (if not eliminate) the visceral connection between a driver, their car and the road. But WHY? I understand that as you grow older, you factor in things like back pain in your decision-making criteria/want a more comfortable ride, but petrolheads, who enjoy a dash of a speed don’t quite understand that there’s a large part of the market that doesn’t. I shudder to think I have those in my circle, but it is the truth.

Nissan to Reveal Updated Terra SUV Soon

Nissan’s Terra 7-seater adventure SUV is being updated with an official reveal expected on 25 November 2020.

Why does it matter? Well, we are keeping an eye on developments regarding the Nissan Terra because it’s been earmarked for introduction in South Africa and it might arrive on local soil towards the end of 2021 or in 2022.

The Terra will go head-to-head with popular offerings such as the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Everest, Isuzu mu-X, Haval H9 and the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. The Terra is a ladder frame SUV based on the Nissan Navara, with a facelifted Navara due to hit local showrooms in April/May 2021.

Nissan Middle East is now planning on revealing a facelifted Terra SUV next week and it remains to be seen if the SUV will feature a new face similar to that seen on the latest Navara.

If the Terra makes it to South Africa, it will likely feature the same 2.3-litre turbodiesel engine with 140 kW and 450 Nm of torque and mated with a 7-speed automatic transmission.

Nissan is also planning on introducing the new Magnite compact family SUV earlier in 2021 and we might even see the new Qashqai family car on local soil too.

We will have more details on the updated Terra SUV next week so stay tuned!

Buy a Nissan on Cars.co.za

6 Things You Need to Know: Updated Mercedes-Benz SUV range

Cars.co.za correspondent Ian McLaren takes a closer look at the various updates that Mercedes-Benz South Africa recently made to its impressive SUV portfolio.

1. 40 years of G

Known as the G-Class (Geländewagen is German for “terrain vehicle”), the granddaddy of the modern Benz SUV line-up was introduced in 1979. Hugely capable off-road, this vehicle has nevertheless established a cult-like following among enthusiasts who crave its sheer sense of presence, old-school charm and even the distinct sound its doors make as you slam them closed.

A year after its international reveal, the G 400d "Stronger Than Time Edition is now available in South Africa. Featuring various G Manufaktur custom trim bits, this anniversary G-Wagon is fitted with 20-inch alloy wheels that complement standard AMG- and Night Package upgrades.

Also read: Mercedes-Benz Tweaks G-Class for 2021

A selection of 6 Nappa leather interior colours is available, with Olive Metallic one of 4 exclusive exterior finishes on offer.

As its name suggests, the G 400d is powered by the brand’s impressive 243 kW/700 Nm 2.9-litre six-cylinder turbodiesel engine mated with a 9-speed automatic transmission.

Pricing for the G 400d Stronger Than Time Edition starts at R2 890 000.

2. Return of the Maybach

Complimenting the all-new GLS range is the flagship GLS 600 Maybach derivative. Set to rival the likes of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan and Bentley Bentayga, the price tag for this range-topping model is R2 917 000 (before options, of course).

With rear passenger comfort in this segment paramount, Mercedes-Maybach owners are treated to a set of heated and ventilated reclining back seats with a full complement of modern MBUX infotainment services.

The GLS 600 Maybach is powered by a 410 kW/730 Nm 4.0-litre turbopetrol V8 engine. Air suspension is naturally standard fitment, while 22-inch alloy wheels and the full selection of custom exterior paint finishes complete the suitably upmarket styling.

Also read: Super-exclusive Merc-Maybach S650: a final hurrah

3. New GLE Coupe

Mercedes-Benz SA now offers its new GLE Coupe in 400d guise, with AMG-fettled 53- and 63 derivatives scheduled for 2021. Distinguishable via its standard AMG Sport Pack exterior, including “diamond-studded” grille and 20-inch alloy wheels, the newest GLE Coupe is also fitted with a panoramic sunroof and a retractable tow hitch.

Riding on an (Airmatic) air suspension, the GLE Coupe 400d is powered by the brand’s silky-smooth 2.9-litre, inline 6-cylinder turbodiesel engine mated with a 9-speed automatic transmission.

While Alcantara-clad sports seats are highlights of the GLE Coupe’s interior, it’s difficult not to notice the impressive full-compliment of MBUX technologies, including their corresponding 12.3-inch display screens.

Pricing on the new GLE 400d Coupe starts at R1 814 000.

Also read: Mercedes-Benz GLE 300d 4Matic AMG Line (2020) Review

4. GLC 63S 4Matic+ and Coupe

Boasting a claimed 0-100 kph sprint time of less than 4.0 sec, the new Mercedes-AMG GLC 63S and GLC 63S Coupe siblings feature the brand’s 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system and a host of AMG-specific exterior highlights to ensure they stand out in a crowd.

Each is fitted with a 375 kW/700 Nm bi-turbocharged V8, plus a standard sports exhaust system; you’re likely to hear them before you see them.

A suitably sporty interior includes Alcantara and carbon-look trim throughout, with Nappa leather upholstery completing the look.

While both derivatives cost around R2 million, the sleeker Coupe demands a R200 000 premium over is more traditional, SUV-shaped sibling.

Also read: Mercedes-Benz GLC 220d 4Matic AMG Line (2020) Review

5. Two new compact SUV offerings

As reported, Mercedes-Benz South Africa is optimistic about the continued success of its GLA, not least because the all-new model introduces a host of new technologies to this important segment of the new-vehicle market. Available in 200 (petrol) and 200d (turbodiesel) guises, the 2nd-generation GLA offers neater styling all round, compared with its predecessor, while its new underpinnings facilitate improved levels of versatility.

Also read: Mercedes-Benz GLB (2020) Launch Review

Sharing this platform, though with increased overall dimensions compared with the GLA, is the all-new GLB model, which Mercedes hopes will find favour with those seeking more rugged, purposeful styling compared with both the GLA and larger GLC executive SUV.

A spiritual successor to the GLK, the new model is offered in 250 (turbopetrol) or 220d (turbodiesel) guise, the latter with 4Matic all-wheel-drive.

6. Online orders

In an extraordinary year, during which most South Africans were asked to stay home for a protracted period, Mercedes-Benz South Africa experienced a welcome increase in online sales across its current range of vehicle offerings.

From browsing to configuration and finance options, a customer can order, make payment and receive delivery of their new Mercedes-Benz without ever having to leave home. For more information, visit the Mercedes-Benz Online Store.

New Land Cruiser bakkie is riot proof

What is better than a Land Cruiser Namib? A Max3…

South African ingenuity is highly regarded in the realm of armoured vehicles design, especially when it applies to bakkies.

Combining the inarguable ruggedness of Toyota’s Land Cruiser 70-Series platform with an innovative new cab design, the SVI Max 3 is South Africa’s latest armoured all-terrain offering. And best of all, you can operate one with a standard driver’s licence.

Available in all three 70-Series configurations (single-, double-cab and station wagon), the Max 3’s steel cab is designed and manufactured in South Africa, by SVI. The claim is B6 level ballistic passenger protection, which means it should resist large calibre assault rifle bullets from an AK-47 or R1/FN FAL.

SVI can reinforce the steel cab and its glass elements even further, to a B7 grading, if an owner requires even more blast protection.

The design is completely utilitarian, with squared proportions and surface edges designed to offer excellent bullet resistance, instead of crumple zones or slick aerodynamics. A curious feature is the lack of a conventional front bumper, with the Max 3 featuring a deep grille, framed by edge bumpers at each side.

To compensate for the Max 3’s increased mass, SVI has fitted an appropriate suspension component upgrade and tyres with a greater load rating.

Powering this Land Cruiser platform armoured vehicle is the proven Toyota 4.5-litre V8 turbodiesel, boosting 151 kW and 430 Nm. Perhaps the most appealing element of this SVI Max 3 product concept, is that all the core mechanical service items can be purchased from your local Toyota dealer.

SVI is marketing the baseline SVI Max 3 at R1.6m. And yes, that is quite a bit more than a Land Cruiser Namib edition double-cab.

Motus Group launches online portal

South Africa’s largest automotive retail group has launched motus.cars, which lists all the new, demo and pre-owned cars, available from its 246 dealerships countrywide at a single, online location. What's more, the brand-new portal includes various services and calculators to help buyers make the best-informed purchasing decisions…

PARTNERED CONTENT

motus.cars significantly simplifies vehicle buyers’ online shopping experiences. All the listed vehicles (including commercial vehicles, motorcycles and more than 10 000 dealer-certified pre-owned cars) are owned by the Motus Group, making it a safe place to shop for your next wheels.

What is Motus?

The name Motus might be new but it comes with heritage. Previously known as Imperial, which was established in 1948, the Motus group incorporates dealerships that represent 26 respective vehicle brands in the market. Suffice to say it’s a trusted retail brand in South Africa.

With the rebranding of Imperial to Motus in 2018, the new firm’s business interests were consolidated to create an automotive retail group with a countrywide dealer footprint; motus.cars is the culmination of the rebrand that’s been rolled out over the past 2 years.

“The world is changing and the way people buy cars is continuously changing too. The launch of motus.cars is an investment in future-proofing our business while offering customers a safe and convenient way to buy their next car, SUV and bakkie” says Osman Arbee, Motus Group's CEO.

In an industry-first for an automotive dealer group, motus.cars offers consumers everything they should need in order to make best-informed vehicle purchasing decisions in a simple, safe, and convenient manner in one place. Once interested buyers have decided what they’d like to buy and initial contact has been made, the next step can be taken, such as arranging a test drive at a convenient Motus dealer or applying for vehicle finance.

“motus.cars is the first automotive retail group to launch a true, online brand in its totality,” adds Corné Venter, the chief executive of Motus Retail and Rental SA division.

A new site for a changing market

In a rapidly changing market, automotive retailers need to adapt to a new way of selling cars. Prospective buyers used to visit multiple dealerships when shopping for a car, but lately, would-be purchasers tend to visit one or two showrooms, but conduct most of their car research online…

According to Motus’ data, more than 75% of its customers start their car buying journey online and more than 50% of all Motus Group car sales originate from an online platform.

Shopping for a vehicle no longer needs to be limited to customers’ local areas. They can shop a wide variety of vehicles on motus.cars, which are available at Motus dealerships across South Africa and have their chosen vehicle delivered anywhere in South Africa.

Assured quality of used vehicles

All pre-owned cars listed on motus.cars undergo a stringent quality control process, which verifies histories and eliminates the chances of any stolen or rebuilt vehicles being offered for sale. A comprehensive used-car inspection report is available on selected used cars that ensures that customers are spared unwelcome surprises post-purchase.

motus.cars also stocks ex-rental vehicles, giving customers the opportunity to take advantage of this large volume of pre-owned stock. The inventory includes a vast variety of quality budget cars and the majority of vehicles less than years old, which means mileages are reasonable; in many cases, a service or maintenance plan is still in effect.

Shop for new and used simultaneously

motus.cars offers buyers information about new vehicles from all brands in one place, which eliminates the need to visit various manufacturers’ websites; the models that are of interest can be compared with each other using various comparison tools and filters.

Details of as many as 255 new-car models are available, with detailed visuals of the cars’ exterior and interior, specifications and standard features. Shoppers often start their car buying journey thinking about a new car and then migrate towards a demo or used car when comparing different cars. This is only possible on a website where visitors can compare new, used and demo vehicles across various brands, all on one screen.

The search box on the motus.cars homepage allows visitors to start with a broad vehicle search before using the 13 additional filters (including, but not limited to, province, body type, price, colour, features, transmission, and fuel type) to refine their search.

Users can add cars to their Favourites, which makes browsing easier when narrowing their search. This is an example of functionality that shoppers have become accustomed to when shopping online. The static menu bar at the bottom of the mobile screen, for example, allows quick links to popular search results on the website, while filter buttons and sliders were designed to simplify the use of filters.

Various ways to make an enquiry

Enquiring about a car on motus.cars is easy thanks to 4 contact methods. Car shoppers can choose their preferred channel from an enquiry form, a WhatsApp chat, a phone call or a please-call-me request. Or ask the Live Chat agent to connect them directly with the selling Motus dealer.

Live Chat agents are able to assist visitors in real-time by answering any questions relating to their vehicle needs and wants and will aid in narrowing down their vehicle options in line with their requirements and budget limitations. They are also able to assist visitors by answering any questions relating to all factors of buying a car, the finance documents required and vehicle specifications.

Helpful online tools

To help consumers to make the best-informed car-buying decisions, motus.cars further offers prospective car buyers a number of online calculators to help them determine the respective costs of finance and -ownership. Finance applications are sent to all major banks to ensure customers get the best deals in terms of repayments and interest rates.

The vehicle ownership cost calculator may be particularly helpful to first-time buyers, who can calculate the true cost of owning a car and avoid over-reaching their budget. First-time car buyer tips and tools will assist rookie shoppers in their purchasing decision. In addition, a comprehensive Frequently Asked Question section covers questions ranging from website functionality to finance terms and buyer tips.

“motus.cars is ready to meet the needs of consumers whether that is in the new or used market. If the used car business grows further, we are ready for that market. Motus has the stock, the outlets and the staff to meet those demands,” Venter concludes.

For existing customers, motus.cars allows for the convenient booking of a service or repair appointment at a franchised dealer of their choice.

Visit motus.cars!

2021 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Brings New Levels of Luxury

Is the standard Mercedes-Benz S-Class not good enough for you? Want the ultimate luxury limousine? Say hello to the 2021 Mercedes-Maybach S580.

For those high net worth individuals who think driving is archaic and insist on a chauffeur, the reveal of the latest generation of Mercedes-Maybach is likely to grab your attention. The Mercedes-Maybach takes the already spacious and luxury-focused S-Class and enhances it to focus on passenger comfort.

Physically, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class boasts a longer wheelbase, with an additional 18cm resulting in even more legroom for the rear passengers. For the first time, the rear doors can opened at the push of a button and passengers benefit from cool tech like the active noise cancellation that overrides outside noises in favour of a whisper-quiet interior. Rear passengers get heated, cooled and massage seats, plus these seats can recline flat into beds. The options list is extensive. The Executive Rear Package features tray tables, more wood trim as well as a champagne fridge with matching glasses. There are no less than 5 infotainment screens as well as a removable tablet.

In terms of engine offerings, will be a choice of two powertrains, but it appears this is market-dependent. In S580 4Matic, there's a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 with 370 kW and 700 Nm driving all 4 wheels via a 9-speed automatic, while there's talk of the V12 motor soldiering on, badged as an S650. There will also be a plug-in hybrid model, featuring a 3.0-litre inline 6-cylinder motor mated to an electric setup. The Mercedes-Maybach is not a small car, and it now features rear-wheel steering which radically reduces its turning circle as the wheels on the rear axle can turn up to 11 degrees.

In the Mercedes-Benz Maybach, it's all about the passengers in the rear.

Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, powered by WesBank, Concludes Testing at Gerotek

The final phase of the 2020/21 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, powered by WesBank took place at Gerotek in early November when judges convened at the world-class testing facility to evaluate the finalist vehicles.

The judging panel, which included the Cars.co.za editorial team and a host of judges from all walks of life, tested 39 vehicles in 13 categories.

Their scores are being tabulated by auditors PwC and combined with the feedback of thousands of South African vehicle owners from the Cars.co.za Ownership Satisfaction Survey to decide each category winner (the judges' scores and the survey data will have an equal weighting). The consumer feedback has been compiled in partnership with vehicle information specialists Lightstone Auto.

Have your say and complete our Ownership Satisfaction Survey here

The Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, powered by WesBank, made waves 6 years ago when the awards programme was launched as a comprehensive and statistically significant evaluation of the thousands of models available on the South African new-vehicle market.

The new Entry Level category includes some of the cheapest cars on sale in SA such as the S-Presso and Atos.

Unlike other automotive award programmes, the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, powered by WesBank considers all vehicles that are on sale on a given date (1 October 2020, in the case of the 2020/21 instalment). From this pool, the judges pick semi-finalists and finalists using a rigorous set of criteria, including the feedback from owners and market insight from Cars.co.za’s deep knowledge of the automotive market.

The finalists are then pitted against each other over 2 days at Gerotek, with specific judges assigned to each category. Their inputs are weighted, based on the category, and combined with the customer data from the Ownership Satisfaction Survey to truly find the best vehicle in each category.

This process means that if a manufacturer offers poor service support or sub-par durability, it will show up in the Ownership Satisfaction Survey and act as a counterbalance to excellent on-track and -road performance at Gerotek. Similarly, a car brand may prove to offer exceptional service and durability (based on the gathered survey data), but if its product doesn't stand out above its peers on merit, it could fall short in the final phase.

Toyota's brand new Fortuner was put to the test in off-road and on-road conditions. It passed the slalom test too…

For this year’s programme, 2 new categories were added. Entry Level was the first category to be added and caters for first-time buyers looking to get the absolute best bang for buck. “Budgets are extremely tight in 2020 more so than usual so it made sense to add a category that offers advice at the lowest end of the market, below our usual Budget Car category,” said Ashley Oldfield, Cars.co.za Content Manager.

The price threshold for the Crossover category was lowered, which allowed for the creation of a Premium Crossover category. With demand for crossovers and SUVs increasing every year (because a growing number of buyers seek vehicles that are capable of taking them on adventures by offering increased ground clearance and a modicum of off-road ability), it made sense to split the Crossover category to reflect the market better.

With very little movement in the Performance Car world and prices rocketing to stratospheric levels, the category was removed for 2020/21. Fear not, petrolheads, it may return next year, depending on how many new contenders are added to the segment in the next 10 months or so.

The other category that was removed this year was Premium Hatch, which has also seen little movement in terms of new introductions in 2020, but it could also make a return next year with the Volkswagen Golf 8 and Audi A3 Sportback scheduled to be introduced locally in the near future.

The Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, Powered by WesBank is now into its 6th year and has cemented its place as the premier vehicle awards programme in South Africa, combining real public input on the vehicles that they own (less than 5 years old) and a multi-faceted judging process.

Three of the best hot hatches money can buy. It will be tough to pick a winner here.

“As South Africa’s leader in vehicle and asset finance, it is important to us to align our brand with impactful industry initiatives, particularly those that add value to consumers. There are many aspects to consider when making a major budget-impacting decision such as buying a car. As such, consumers should have access to credible opinions and objective data on the models of cars and features available in the market, to assist them in making an informed purchasing decision,” says Ghana Msibi, CEO of WesBank Motor.

Cars.co.za has more than 65 000 vehicles listed on its site and it welcomes over 5 million monthly visitors. It also hosts South Africa’s top-ranked YouTube channel, while its vehicle restoration programme and car-enthusiast sub-brand SentiMETAL celebrates SA’s automotive heritage.

The 2019/20 #CarsAwards finalists in their respective categories are:

Entry Level

Hyundai Atos 1.1 Motion
Suzuki S-Presso 1.0 S-Edition
Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL

Budget Car

Suzuki Baleno 1.4 GLX
Suzuki Ignis 1.2 GLX
Toyota Starlet 1.4 XR

Compact Hatch

Ford Fiesta 1.0T Trend auto
Suzuki Swift 1.4T Sport auto
Volkswagen Polo 1.0 TSI Comfortline auto

Compact Family Car

Kia Seltos 1.5 CRDi EX+
Renault Duster 1.5 dCi Prestige
Volkswagen T-Cross 1.5 TSI 110kW R-Line

Family Car

Citroën C5 Aircross 1.6T Shine
Mazda CX-5 2.0 Dynamic auto
Toyota RAV4 2.0 AWD GX-R

Adventure SUV

Ford Everest 2.0 Bi-Turbo 4WD XLT
Isuzu M-UX 3.0 4WD
Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 4×4 VX Auto

Executive SUV

BMW X3 xDrive20d M-Sport
Range Rover Evoque P250 R-Dynamic SE
Volvo XC60 D5 R-Design

Premium SUV

BMW X5 xDrive30d M Sport
Land Rover Defender D240 HSE
Volvo XC90 T8 Twin-Engine R-Design

Crossover

Mazda CX-3 2.0 Individual Plus
Subaru XV 2.0i-S ES
Toyota C-HR 1.2T Luxury

Premium Crossover

Audi Q3 Sportback 40 TFSI quattro S Line
Mini Countryman Cooper S
Volvo XC40 T5 AWD R-Design

Hot Hatch

Honda Civic Type R
Hyundai i30 N
Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR

Leisure Double-Cab

Ford Ranger 2.0 Bi-Turbo 4×4 Wildtrak
Toyota Hilux 2.8 GD-6 4×4 Legend Auto
Volkswagen Amarok 2.0BiTDI Highline Plus 4Motion

Sports Executive

Audi A4 40 TFSI Sport S Line
BMW 330is Edition
Mercedes-Benz C300 AMG Line

Also See:

Visit the #CarsAwards Website

2020/21 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – Powered by WesBank; Finalists

Drag Race! Volkswagen GTI TCR vs Renault Megane RS300 Trophy

The hot hatch mega drag race compilation continues with the Renault Megane RS Trophy up against the Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR.

In a world where flappy paddles reign supreme, some manufacturers still offer the challenge and driver involvement of a third pedal and an odd stick-shaped mechanism in the middle of the car, which enables the driver to change gears and control the torque delivery to the wheels the old-fashioned way.

This however, is a terrifically terrible setup when attempting to win a drag race.

And so this race was never going to be entirely fair; a Volkswagen TCR sporting a lightning quick dual clutch gearbox, versus a manual Megane Trophy.

Even though the VW is outgunned here, the driver of the Megane would have to shift absolutely perfectly if he had any hope of securing victory.

Luckily, we have just the man for the job.

In this race, flappy paddle expert Ciro De Siena takes on someone who can actually drive: Ashley Oldfield.

Enjoy and be sure to nitpick the video for all the wrong reasons.

Cars.co.za's Youtube channel is powered by Budget Insurance. For an instant quote, click here.

Lamborghini Reveals Huracan STO

Italian supercar specialist, Lamborghini, has revealed the Huracan Super Trofeo Omologata (STO) which succeeds the Huracan Performante.

Just when you thought the Huracan Performante was all it, Lamborghini ushers in the Huracan STO.

The Huracan STO slots in above the Huracan Evo and retains the marvellous 5.2-litre V10 which produces 470 kW and 565 Nm in this application with those numbers exclusively directed to its rear rubber. Its purposeful look is met with equal performance and the zero to 100 kph sprint will take just 3 seconds while zero to 200 kph is claimed in 9 seconds with a top speed of 310 kph. Three new drive modes are on offer too, including STO (road), Trophy (track) and Rain. Stopping power is provided courtesy of upgraded CCM-R carbon-ceramic brakes which are derived from F1.

The Huracan STO’s performance is made possible not only by its powertrain but also by meaningful weight reduction and aerodynamic efficiency. The extensive use of carbon fibre (more than 75%) for the bodywork has contributed to an overall weight reduction of 43 kg compared with the Performante. The Huracan STO weighs in at only 1 339 kg. Aerodynamically, the Huracan STO is 37% more efficient than the Hurcan Performante while the combination of a rear fin and adjustable spoiler contributed to a significant 53% increase in downforce.

Buyers will have a near-endless choice of colour combinations for the Huracan STO and the images here show off the Huracan STO with a combination of Blue Laufey and California Orange.

The Huracan STO will go on sale in 2021.

Buy a Lamborghini on Cars.co.za