New Nissan Magnite Revealed, Coming to SA

Earlier this year, Nissan revealed the Magnite Concept, but now the Japanese brand has officially revealed the production Magnite SUV.

Nissan is on the road to transformation with its Nissan Next strategy and the brand is focussing on its core competencies which include crossovers, SUVs and Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs). Apart from unveiling the new Ariya electric crossover earlier this year, Nissan also revealed an all-new logo that marks the start of the brand’s new journey into the future.

Nissan also revealed its new small SUV concept called the Magnite which previewed the production Magnite which you see here and is expected to go on sale in India in early 2021 and will take on rivals in the B-segment such as the Ford EcoSport and Hyundai Venue.

It’s no surprise that the grille has a Datsun look to it, as this SUV was actually meant to wear the Datsun badge but it now instead wears a Nissan badge. You might be wondering why this is the case and it makes sense if you consider that Datsun is being scaled-down globally and instead of scrapping the project entirely, it has now been allocated to Nissan.

“The Nissan Magnite is an evolutionary leap in Nissan’s global SUV DNA. With cutting-edge technology onboard, it will be a game-changer in its segment. A bold offering in the sub-four-meter category, we are confident that Nissan Magnite will redefine the B-SUV segment for the industry,” said Rakesh Srivastava, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India.

The Magnite features sleek, full LED headlights as well as L-shaped daytime running lights. The Magnite also wears the new Nissan logo. Also note the rugged plastic cladding around the wheel arches and side skirts which implies that this new model will be able to cope with some gravel travel which is common in India and indeed South Africa too (more on local availability below).

A large 8.0-inch touchscreen has reduced the need for physical buttons. Do you like the look of this?

As for the interior, the overall design is very minimalist with very few buttons present as a result of an 8-inch horizontal infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is fitted and also provides access to other key vehicle information. A first-in-class 7-inch thin-film-transistor instrument cluster is also fitted. Other key features include a wireless phone charger, JBL sound system and a 360-degree camera.

As for what powers the Magnite, Nissan has confirmed that its new SUV will be fitted with an all-new 1.0-litre turbopetrol engine that's claimed to be "one of the most powerful in its class", but Nissan, however, has not yet divulged official outputs but we suspect outputs of either 74 kW and 160 Nm or 86 kW and 170 Nm. This new engine will be mated with a 5-speed manual or a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Is the Nissan Magnite coming to SA?

Yes! Nissan has confirmed that the new Magnite will be launched in South Africa in early 2021!

In a recent virtual roundtable conference, Nissan South Africa's marketing director, Kabelo Rabotho, confirmed that the brand is looking at introducing 2 new compact crossover/SUV products as well as potentially introducing the Navara-based Terra SUV on local soil.

Crossovers and SUVs have become very popular in recent years and if Nissan can price the Magnite competitively, it could very well become one of the brand’s most popular models in South Africa.

We will keep you updated as soon as local pricing and spcification becomes available.

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Isuzu MU-X (2020) Review

The MU-X 7-seater adventure SUV was recently updated for probably the last time before an all-new model, based on the new D-Max, is revealed. We put some long miles on the Isuzu’s odo’ to see how well it still stacks up in a market dominated by the Toyota Fortuner, which itself is due for a facelift.

We like: Quiet cabin, ride comfort on all surfaces, quick-thinking transmission.

We don’t like: Engine on the slow side, interior finishes less than class-leading.

Fast Facts

Price: R712 200 (October 2020)
Model tested: MU-X 3.0 4×4 6AT
Engine: 3.0-litre turbodiesel
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Fuel economy: 7.9 L/100 km (claimed)
?Power/Torque: 130 kW/380 Nm
Luggage capacity: 235/870/1 830 litres

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Check out full specification details and finance estimates here.
Some Isuzu dealers regularly offer specials: Have look here.

What is it?

Bigger wheels and LED light treatment front and rear are the focus of the exterior update.

Many seem to have forgotten that Isuzu was returned to its Japanese parent company as recently as 2018 when General Motors exited the local market. Why? Probably because the brand has been quite successful since. The D-Max (formerly KB) remains a top-seller in its segment and often sneaks into the top 5 vehicles sold in the country (according to the monthly stats). While the D-Max bakkie has been a roaring success, its MU-X sibling hasn’t gained significant traction in the market, which is strange, considering the MU-X is basically a D-Max with an SUV body on its chassis.

The lightly-revised model that’s been introduced in 2020 incorporates a few improvements that are aimed at improving the adventure SUV’s kerb presence, safety specification and interior packaging (including a few new interior design pieces and an updated infotainment system).

How it fares in terms of…

Performance

With recent updates to the Fortuner and Everest engines, the MU-X lags behind in performance.

There is no change to the power unit under the MU-X’s bonnet, which means the tried and tested 3.0-litre turbodiesel soldiers on. Power and torque figures sit at 130 kW and 380 Nm, which are a little short of the major rivals (Toyota and Ford) that now produce around 150 kW and 500 Nm. While the MU-X doesn’t feel ponderous, its powerplant does labour when it needs to muster overtaking acceleration at freeway speeds. It cruises at the national speed limit with ease, with the rev needle hovering nice and low around the 2 000 mark, which is good for fuel-efficiency. Our 1 000 km-plus tour of the Southern Cape yielded an 8.9-L/100 km return, which is decent for a vehicle of this size (and fitted with a bike rack on the towbar).

The Isuzu’s quick-thinking 6-speed automatic transmission seems much more advanced than the engine it’s paired with. It’s quick to shift down when you need to accelerate and its upshifts are very smooth. We found it to be consistently in the right gear more often than many modern autos, which tend to prioritise quick-shifting to higher gears (or needlessly hanging on to them) for the sake of efficiency, often at the cost of drivability.

Comfort and ride

NVH and ride comfort are the strongest assets of the MU-X.

Despite being underpinned by what’s arguably the most workhorse-like chassis in the segment, the MU-X rides comfortably. It’s soft at the rear and deals with bumps and thuds in a lazy – but cushioned – way. There’s a fair amount of body roll under cornering, but that’s to be expected from a vehicle with a ladder-frame chassis – especially one that offers a lot of suspension travel in order to cope with traversing difficult off-road terrain when required. The steering is well-weighted in both road and off-road conditions; it instils confidence in “what’s happening beneath you”.

At speed, the cabin is quiet and peaceful, the grumpy diesel under the Isuzu’s bonnet can’t be heard (okay, perhaps just a light murmur) and the level of wind noise intrusion is low. In fact, we’d go so far to say that the well-suppressed NVH of the MU-X is one of its strongest assets.

Late in 2019, Isuzu added a locking differential to the MU-X in order to meet South African consumers’ demand for the most capable off-road vehicle possible. The locking diff is available as an option on the MU-X, but most buyers will likely specify it just for peace of mind. The MU-X’s off-road abilities have been put to the test many times (including by us) and it has proved as capable as its rivals when the going gets really tricky.

Practicality

A concealed compartment within the load-bay floor is a nice-to-have optional extra.

Like its rivals, the MU-X is a 7-seater with 7 usable seats (adults can fit in the 3rd row). All of the rear seats can be folded flat to free up a vast load floor that can accommodate 1 830 litres of detritus. It’s not quite as big as the class-leading Everest, but when it comes to outright practicality, the MU-X seems easier to live with than the Fortuner, which has rear seats that fold upwards and to the sides. The MU-X’s load sill is quite high, but that’s due to a hidden storage bin (optionally available) that’s nice to have if you want to keep things from rolling around/remove items from sight.

The front door pockets are large (ideal to hold 1-litre water bottles) and although the centre console is a little on the small side compared with those of the Isuzu’s rivals, it’s big enough to hold house keys, a phone and a wallet. The storage space in front of the transmission lever is just about big enough to accommodate a new smartphone, but as phones continue to rival cement blocks in size, manufacturers are going to have to make those spaces bigger. Two glove boxes are specified for further space requirements and all 3 rows get cupholders, which, well should reduce spillages.

Interior specification

The infotainment system is Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatible but not as slick as the Everest’s software.

Aside from the new exterior LED lights and 18-inch wheels, most of the MU-X’s updates are inside. The door switches are now surrounded by a glossy Piano Black finish and the steering wheel buttons have a fresh silver-metallic finish. Interior door lighting has also been fitted to add a bit of ambience when the cabin goes dark.

Even though the seats, steering wheel and transmission lever are trimmed in leather, the MU-X’s dash and centre console arrangement let it down. It has a hard-plastic feel and our test unit had developed a bit of a rattle somewhere behind the infotainment system, which was quite annoying.

The infotainment system is large and simple to understand. It’s also Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatible via a front USB port, while another port is availed at the rear. The infotainment screen doubles as the display for the reverse-view camera, which has become an essential item in modern cars. While the infotainment system has all the functionality you’d want, it doesn’t feel as slick or as modern as Ford’s Sync3 system.

With the facelifted MU-X, Isuzu has added a brake override system to the model’s safety suite. The system cuts the accelerator input if the brakes are applied at the same time, which both reduces the stopping distance and is likely to save panicked drivers who get their feet mixed up in emergencies (this is a real thing – even with advanced drivers).

After-sales service

In the 2019/20 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, powered by WesBank, Isuzu finished runner up in the Brand of the Year category, which should provide peace of mind to prospective buyers. The MU-X is sold with a 5-year/120 000 km warranty and a 5-year/90 000 km service plan.

Verdict

Prospective buyers may be holding out for the next-generation MU-X.

The facelifted MU-X is a small step in the right direction for Isuzu in its strategy to gain a bigger foothold in the bakkie-based SUV segment, which remains dominated by Toyota. The exterior enhancements, such as the bigger wheels and LED lights, give it a more noticeable appearance. The interior updates are subtle and to most potential buyers not a big enough step to really change their minds when comparing the Isuzu to its rivals. What’s more, on-road comfort and refinement (especially noise suppression) are standout features; they make the MU-X so comfortable to drive.

There is, however, no getting past the ageing power unit that is underpowered compared to its competitors; the new engine that is being installed in the 2021 D-Max cannot come soon enough for the MU-X if it wants to consider itself as a true rival to the Fortuner and Everest. Even though the MU-X is around R30k cheaper than the rivals mentioned above, most buyers will see that saving as negligible over the course of a repayment plan.

Spy Shots: 2021 BMW M4 Convertible

BMW is preparing a convertible version of its M4. Take a look.

Picture credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien. We have paid for these photos and at the photographer's request, have watermarked them.?

BMW's M division is not holding back when it comes to the new M. Not only will there be a sedan (M3) and coupe (M4), but the news that a Touring station wagon model has really underlined the Munich-based brand's aspirations to offer an M for all occasions. Now we're told there'll be a convertible version, complete with a fabric folding roof.

Our spy photographers spotted the new convertible undergoing dynamic testing on the Nurburgring recently. Clad in matte-blue paint, with some strategic camouflage hiding the topless elements, there's no mistaking this for anything other than the M4 convertible. In terms of engines, expect a similar lineup to that of the hard-topped versions. A 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-6 engines is in 2 states of tune, 353 kW / 550 Nm and 375 kW / 650 Nm in the standard and Competition versions respectively. When it comes to performance, we suspect the new convertible versions will be fractionally slower, but still capable of blitzing to 100 kph in under 4.5 seconds.

Expect a production reveal before the end of 2020. Despite the shrinking of the convertible market, BMW hopes its new M4 will be able to tempt people away from the Mercedes-AMG C63 and the Audi S5 convertibles. If your budget can't quite stretch to the BMW M range, there's an M440i convertible which should offer fractionally slower performance.

Mahindra Launches KUV XPrez Panel Van in SA

Indian automotive giant, Mahindra, has launched a new practical panel van in South Africa. Meet the KUV #XPrez!

This KUV panel van is based on the KUV100 NXT K2+, which performed relatively well in our most recent Budget Car Comparison and will appeal to buyers looking for an affordable and practical goods-mover. The KUV #XPrez, as it’s called, is converted to panel van spec at Mahindra’s fitment centre in Gauteng, where a flat load bay is fitted to replace the rear seats and comes with 2 cargo nets. Mahindra has also fitted a steel mesh barrier that divides the driver’s cabin from the load bay. The KUV #XPrez joins the recently-launched Kia Picanto Runner in the budget delivery vehicle market.

“In recent years, we have seen a rapid growth in online retailing and general delivery services. This has only accelerated during the lockdown, as we have become more comfortable with our new online lives and the option of ordering in. We have also seen many people start small businesses and side-hustles to replace or supplement their pre-COVID careers, with many of these entrepreneurs looking for a reliable, affordable and spacious delivery vehicle,” says Rajesh Gupta, CEO of Mahindra South Africa.

The rear seats have been removed to create a usable load bay. Ideal for small businesses!

The KUV #XPrez panel van offers 1 350 litres of cargo space with a payload of 350 kg. Mahindra has blocked out the rear windows and added additional metal barries in an effort to improve security.

Standard features include power steering, air conditioning, radio and central locking. In terms of safety, a fire extinguisher is included as well as dual front airbags and ABS with EBD.

The KUV #XPrez is powered by the familiar 1.2-litre petrol engine with 61 kW and 115 Nm of torque and makes use of a 5-speed manual transmission. Fuel consumption is claimed at 5.9 L/100km. Ground clearance is at 170 mm.

Mahindra KUV100 NXT #XPrez – Price in SA

KUV100 NXT #XPrez – R174 999

A 3-year/100 000km vehicle warranty and a 5-year/150 000km powertrain warranty. A service plan is optional.

Buy a Mahindra KUV100 on Cars.co.za

Full Reveal: Hyundai i20 N with 150 kW!

Hyundai has expanded its line-up of N models with the introduction of the i20 N, which produces 150 kW/275 Nm, tips the scales at 1 190 kg (it's said to weigh as much as the i20 WRC car) and can zip from 0 to 100 kph in 6.7 sec. This new rival to the Polo GTI and GR Yaris is available exclusively with a 6-speed manual 'box.

Because the ST version of the Ford Fiesta is not destined for our shores, the Peugeot 208 GTI has been retired and Renault has yet to reveal an RS variant of its 5th-generation Clio, the Volkswagen Polo GTI is the only baby hot hatch in our market, although the Toyota GR Yaris is set to arrive here at some point during 2021… Will the newcomer breathe new life into the shrinking performance-oriented supermini melee?

There is no shortage of Tomato Red accents on the i20 N, especially on the lower edge of the rear bumper.

The newcomer is the first N model to incorporate the Korean brand’s Sensuous Sportiness design language and, as a result, its exterior execution is a lot more expressive than the i30 N's, with almost cartoonish features such as the slanted LED headlamps, triangular black foglamp surrounds, oversized air intake and grille (replete with chequered flag-patterned mesh), as well as a black lip spoiler with red striping.

That eye-catching (perhaps a bit too shouty?) red detailing extends to the i20 N’s broadened side skirts, while the wheel arches are filled ably by 18-inch grey matte alloy wheels, which are nicely contrasted with (again, red) N-branded brake callipers.

The i20 N rides 10 mm lower than its standard siblings and has a beefed-up suspension, it certainly has a purposeful stance.

The Hyundai’s rear aspect is characterised by a WRC-inspired roof spoiler, a beefy rear bumper (with built-in diffuser-like elements and triangular rear fog lights, as seen on the facelifted i30 N with 8-speed N DCT), as well as a large-bore exhaust end.

Under the double-creased bonnet of the i20 N lies a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged and intercooled petrol engine with a 350-bar high-pressure injection rail- and continuously variable valve duration (CVVD) systems. The motor delivers its peak power (150 kW) at a relatively heady 5 500 rpm, but produces peak torque (275 Nm) between 1 750 and 4 500 rpm, which bodes very well for mid-range flexibility.

The installation of the turbocharger is different in the i20 N than, say, turbopetrol derivatives of the Hyundai Tucson.

Hyundai says that by virtue of its WRC-car matching kerb weight of 1 190 kg, the i20 N has one of the best power-to-weight ratios in its class. The newcomer is said to be capable of achieving a maximum speed of 230 kph, but moreover, its 0-100-kph time of 6.7 sec is bound to raise eyebrows, because it is identical to that claimed for the Polo GTI, which produces 45 Nm more, but is heavier than its Korean rival (kerb weight: 1 355 kg).

Meanwhile, the 6-speed manual transmission has been reinforced especially for its installation in the i20 N. Powertrain software offers assistance via a launch-control mode, as well as rev-matching technology, which synchronises the engine to the output shaft and has its own dedicated activation button on the steering wheel. A mechanical limited-slip differential (or N Corner Carving Differential, as Hyundai calls it) is optional.

The handsome 18-inch alloys are shod with 215/40 R18 Pirelli P-Zero with “HN” (Hyundai N) markings.

Other motorsport-inspired features include an electric sound generator and variable muffler control, as well as left-foot braking calibration, a brake pad wear indicator (PWI) and dedicated 215/40 R18 Pirelli P-Zero ultra-high-performance tyres with “HN” (Hyundai N) markings, Hyundai says.

Meanwhile, the newcomer’s chassis has been reinforced in a dozen places, while the suspension features reinforced front domes and knuckles with adjusted geometry, as well as a new anti-roll bar, springs and shock absorbers. The all-new front N Power Sense axle and rear dual-coupled torsion beam axle (CTBA) provide higher stiffness for improved ride and handling performance.

The i20 N's front brake discs are also 40 mm larger than the regular i20's, for better fade-resistance and a more consistent brake pedal feel.

Hyundai has quickened the i20 N's steering ratio and tuned the column-mounted motor-driven power steering system.

As for the i20 N’s interior, it features accoutrements such as front sports seats with integrated headrests, as well as an N steering wheel, -gear knob and metallic-finish pedals. Although the black interior trim (including headliner) is a bit sombre, there is a handful of Performance Blue accents.

The digital instrument cluster features a variable LED red zone, which varies according to engine oil temperature, and the shift-timing indicator, which shows the driver the best time to switch gears.

What's more, the car pictured in this set of press images features the optional 10.25-inch LCD touchscreen navigation system with dedicated N content, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

The red button on the Hyundai's steering wheel is not for starting/stopping the engine, but toggling the rev-matching function.

As is the case with the i30 N, its sibling comes equipped with an N Grin Control System with 5 drive modes (Normal, Eco, Sport, N and N Custom) that allow a driver to adjust the parameters of the engine, electronic stability control, exhaust sound and steering to suit a variety of conditions.

In the N Custom mode, a driver can select from Normal, Eco, Sport and Sport+ settings for each of the mentioned components via a “Spider diagram” on one of the infotainment touchscreen's menus; the onboard system incorporates Performance Driving Data System that saves and displays driving data, including information on power, torque, turbo boost. It also comes with a lap and acceleration timer.

Moreover, dedicated N keys on the steering wheel allow pre-sets to be mapped according to individual needs and, for the bravest (or most skilled) drivers, the electronic stability control (ESC) can be operated in three stages: on, sport and fully off.

Could the i20 N come to SA?

What are the chances of the i20 N being offered in Mzansi? We had to wait a while after the i30 N’s global introduction for the Korean firm’s first hot hatch to arrive here… It will depend on a number of factors, primarily the exchange rate, but what counts against the newcomer is that its target market is comparatively tiny – certainly smaller than the i30 N’s. Having said that, if Toyota could make a case to introduce the fire-breathing GR Yaris in the local market, perhaps Hyundai could do the same for i20 N. As soon as we get more information, we'll be sure to let you know.

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BMW X5 M / X6 M Competition First Edition For SA in 2021

BMW has revealed its X5 M Competition and X6 M Competition First Edition models, of which only 250 examples of each will be offered worldwide. Yes, a few will make it to South Africa too…

If the high-performance X5 M Competition and its coupesque (I just made that word up) X6 M Competition sibling are not quite special enough for you then perhaps a limited edition First Edition model will rouse your interest.

Both of these machines are powered by the familiar 460 kW / 750 Nm 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine but the key differentiators from the standard models are cosmetic.

BMW is offering these models in a new and exclusive Individual Frozen Dark Silver body colour or in the familiar Individual Frozen Marina Bay Blue. The First Edition models ride on M light-alloy wheels (21-inch front, 22-inch rear) and are finished in a Jet Black high-gloss finish. Added features include carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) elements such as the M Carbon exterior mirror caps, M Carbon rear spoiler (X6 M Competition) and an M Carbon engine compartment cover.

As for the interior, it’s lavishly equipped with full Merino leather trim exclusively offered in bi-colour Silverstone/Midnight Blue to match the exterior finish of choice. Sporty finishes include Alcantara inserts on the seat bolsters and contrasting stitching in Sakhir Orange, which also seen on the door panels and instrument panel. The headliner is finished in Midnight Blue.

Carbon trim strips in a market-specific design also feature along with silver-coloured “First Edition 1/250” lettering, which if ordered, also feature on the cover for the cupholders.

As for local availability, X5 M Competition and X6 M Competition First Edition are expected in South Africa in the first half of 2021 but will be offered in very limited numbers to local buyers.

Oh, and if you missed it, watch the BMW X6 M Competition take on the Jaguar F-Type R AWD in a drag race below…

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Best Drifting from 2020 Goodwood SpeedWeek [w/videos]

If you think you’re a brilliant driver, you probably aren't and you're likely to reconsider your skills when you watch these epic drifts that took place at the recent Goodwood SpeedWeek. Watch the videos!

Covid-19 has led to the cancellation of most major events and the Goodwood Festival of Speed was no exception. But not all was lost as organisers still hosted the Goodwood SpeedWeek this past weekend which was packed full of action, including an exciting ‘Driftkhana’ event that pushed driver skills to the limit on a difficult course.

The videos below showcase some of the best runs in the Driftkhana event including a stellar performance by champion drifter James Deane in his BMW M3 (E92) and Vaughn Gitten Jr in the electric Ford Mustang Mach-E 1400.

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Check out the videos below!

SSC Tuatara Claims New World Speed Record

It’s official, the SSC Tuatara has claimed the title as the fastest production car in the world.

The world production car speed record has been snatched away from the Koenigsegg Agera RS, which has held the production car speed record since 2017 with a speed of 447.19 km.

Back in 2007, the SSC Ultimate Aero became the fastest production car in the world with an average top speed of 412.22. Now, 13 years later, SSC is once again writing itself into the history books.

On a very long stretch of road outside Las Vegas, State Route 160 to be exact, the American-built SSC Tuatara, with racing driver Oliver Webb at the helm, smashed an average speed of 508.73 kph after completing 2 runs in opposite directions to become the world’s fastest street-legal production car. On the first run, Webb achieved a speed of 484.53 kph while the second run was faster at 532.93 kph.

Impressively, Webb commented that the SCC Tuatara was “still pulling well” and “wasn’t running out of steam yet” implying that it could have gone even faster! The run was completed using road tyres and normal fuel. More than this, the Tuatara also smashed records for the flying mile and flying kilometre on a public road with speeds of 503.92 kph and 517.16 kph respectively.

The Tuatara is powered by a twin-turbocharged 5.9-litre flat-plane crank V8 that produces 1 007 kW on standard 91 octane petrol but can produce 1 305 kW when guzzling E85 race fuel with 1 735 Nm of torque. Those numbers are directed to the rear wheels using a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Few cars are capable of achieving such high velocities but the only potential challengers to vie for the title are the Koenigsegg Jesko and Hennessy’s Venom F5. Note that Bugatti is no longer interested in achieving world speed records.

Only 100 units of the SSC Tuatara will be produced with a starting price of $1 625 000 or roughly R26 891 377 at current exchange rates and customers are already taking delivery of this super-fast hypercar.

Watch footage of the SSC Tuatara below!

Smaller grille for new BMW M4

'Normal' grille could become hugely popular refit for polarising BMW M model.

BMW has garnered a lot of the wrong kind of attention, with the controversial grille design on its new M4.

For those followers of all things M-car, the latest version of BMW’s most iconic driver’s car looks a bit too daring. Although the car’s overall proportions are fine, it is the grille design in isolation which is considered completely undesirable.

Controversy begets opportunity and triggers innovation, which is definitely proving the case with BMW’s new M4. Those ever industrious German aftermarket auto fabricators have already responded with a possible solution to the new M4’s ungainly centre-front styling issue.

Prior Design has now released some rendering of what it suggests the latest M4 should ideally look like. The German company produces an array of widebody and aero kits, for most leading automotive brands.

With the G82 series M4, Prior has not focused on making the car appear wider but solving its elongated kidney grille problem. The solution is a new front-section, encompassing the bumper and grille surrounds.

The Prior Design concept shrinks those huge M4 kidneys by more than half, neatly grouping them above the licence plate. If you recognise some aspects of this design, that is not accidental, as Prior’s designers have basically copied the current M8 front-end.

A range of grille surrounds are suggested too, including colour coding and a grey border option. Beyond the notably more subdued grille size, this Prior design study also reshaped the entire bumper and its air intakes.

Whereas the new M4 has very slim air intakes at each corner of its front bumper, the Prior design upgrade features huge ducts. These are essentially a copy of the current M8’s front-end.

There is no pricing or production schedule available for Prior’s M4 replacement front-end, but we imagine that demand could definitely trigger a production run. Especially judging from the panic amongst loyal M-car enthusiasts, which has followed BMW’s second-generation M4, since its reveal.

2020 Toyota Hilux: What has actually changed?

Many of you have asked how much has Toyota changed with this facelifted Hilux. Here we highlight some of the key updates.

Despite many pundits often and incorrectly assuming a facelift is just a visual update where a new front bumper is fitted, the changes to the Toyota Hilux are way more than skin deep. This current Hilux platform was launched in SA back in 2016, but the raft of changes brought in with the facelift brings new levels of performance, convenience, and technology.

Toyota Hilux specifications and latest prices

Exterior

The updated Toyota Hilux in Oxide Bronze with the new front end and daytime running lights on display.

Visually, yes there are changes in the form of two new colours, one of which (Oxide Bronze) you can see here. There are new-look slim-line headlamps, an all-new front grille as well as a new-look bumper. Depending on trim, some higher-spec models gain Bi-LED headlamps and LED turn-signals. The Legend models (top-spec) are equipped with new 2-tone 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 265-60-R18 tyres.

There's also a new RS level of trim, but before you all get excited, RS stands for Roller Shutter. This optional accessory package is for the Legend and features a sports bar, rubberised bin as well as the motorised roller shutter for the loadbay.

Engine and performance

When paired with the 6-speed automatic transmission, the updated Hilux boasts outputs of 150 kW and 500 Nm.

The headline change is with regard to the powertrain. Toyota has imbued its GD-6 with more power and torque. The 2.8-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel motor produces 150 kW and 500 Nm, which is 20 kW and 50 Nm more than the previous version. Toyota says the additional power comes courtesy of a larger turbocharger and a new common-rail injection system. It's important to note the 500 Nm is only available on the automatic derivative, than manual models remain at 450 Nm. Speaking of transmission, Toyota says the 6-speed automatic gearbox offers "improved acceleration, especially while towing." What's impressive is the motor's efficiency is claimed to have been improved "by up to 11%"

The updates are not just limited to the 2.8 GD-6 motors, with the 2.4 GD-6 now also boasting the same tow rating of 3.5 tons. There's also been some substantial work to the suspension, with Toyota adding new spring rates, new shock absorbers, and new suspension bushes which will help address comfort issues that afflict most unladen double-cab bakkies. We drove the newcomer in off-road conditions back in early October, you can read our initial impressions here.

Connectivity

Android Auto in the Toyota Hilux

If there was one area where Toyota was lagging, it would be the in-car communication stakes. Ford's Ranger had it licked when it came to 21st-century smartphone connectivity, but finally, the Hilux has caught up. The updated Toyota Hilux now features an all-new 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. This allows for music streaming services as well as access to real-time navigation and traffic info via Google Maps. As a bonus, there's now an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot and complimentary 15Gb data. For the audiophiles, Toyota has introduced a 9-speaker JBL sound system into the Legend models.

Safety

The new safety systems in the updated Toyota Hilux

Toyota has bolstered the Hilux's safety offering with the addition of the Toyota Safety Sense package. This comprises a pre-collision system, road sign detection, lane departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Safety Sense package is standard fare on the Legend 4×4 models.

Interested in the Toyota Hilux? Search for units for sale here:

New Nissan Magnite Revealed, Coming to SA

Earlier this year, Nissan revealed the Magnite Concept, but now the Japanese brand has officially revealed the production Magnite SUV.

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2020 Toyota Hilux: What has actually changed?

Many of you have asked how much has Toyota changed with this facelifted Hilux. Here we highlight some of the key updates.

Exterior

Engine and performance

Connectivity

Safety

Further Reading