For 2020 SEMA360, Toyota teased the GR Supra Sport Top featuring a 2-piece targa composite roof that can be taken off and stored in the boot. Other modifications include a large rear wing, stainless steel rear diffuser and a strengthened body to ensure optimum rigidity.
Powering the GR Supra is a 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder turbopetrol engine producing 250 kW and 500 Nm and mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Toyota has not yet revealed whether the one-off GR Supra Sport Top will feature any power upgrades.
Take a look at the 2 videos below showing how this special car comes to life…
Building a Removable Roof for the GR Supra: Episode 1
The first prototypes of the all-new Audi RS3 sedan have been spotted on public roads. Here's what we know so far about the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45's nemesis.
Picture credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien. We have paid for these photos and at the photographer's request, have watermarked them.
Updated: Chasing the newly-launched Mercedes-AMG A45 S will not be easy for the next-gen Audi RS3, but as a report from Auto Express claims, the newcomer could potentially have around 310 kW from its iconic 2.5-litre 5-cylinder engine.
In an exclusive interview with Auto Express, Audi Sport’s Sales and Marketing chief, Frank Michl, described the upcoming RS 3 “one of the success stories of the brand. I think [the RS 3] is one of the most emotional Audi Sport cars and is a major part of the brand’s DNA, even going back to the original quattro. You can be sure that for every future RS model we will always take forward the good aspects and characteristics.” He added the new model is still some months away from a reveal, but the source says the official debut is set for September 2021.
The Audi RS3 is a rival to the Mercedes-AMG A45 S, but in sedan guise, it's fair to compare like-for-like and the CLA 45 S becomes the real opponent. Audi revealed its 4th-generation A3 Sportback and while there's considerable interest in the mainstream consumer models, petrolheads are chomping at the bit for news regarding the S3 and particularly, the fearsome RS3.
Powered by the 2.5-litre turbocharged 5-cylinder motor, the Audi RS3 has proven popular for its immense power, in-gear prowess and engine sound. There's simply nothing quite like the iconic howl of an RS3 going at full throttle. For 2021, Audi will continue to use the 2.5-litre turbocharged 5-cylinder, but outputs should increase from the current 294 kW and 480 Nm, to over 300 kW and 500 Nm. Its Affalterbach-based rival packs 310 kW and 500 Nm, so matching those numbers would make for an interesting on-paper comparison. As before, the Audi RS3 will use quattro all-wheel drive and a quick-shifting S Tronic transmission. With that combination of potent engine, all-wheel drive and dual-clutch transmission, the current RS3 sedan hits 100 kph in a claimed 4.1 seconds. We're hoping the newcomer will shave a tenth or two off of that.
What you're looking at here is the sedan version of the Audi RS3, arguably the best application of the powertrain. We've already seen Audi RS3 Sportback prototypes towards the end of 2019, but the presence of the sedan finally confirms there will be a 4th-generation A3 body style. We're likely to see a reveal of the production Audi RS3 before the end of 2020, with a market introduction in SA sometime in 2021.
Apart from introducing more crossovers and electric models in the future, the next-generation 3-door Mini is coming in 2023 and its design is expected to be thoroughly modernised.
Car designers have a tough job, particularly those tasked with taking a brands heritage, such as Mini, into the future. The classic, boxy shape of the 3-door Mini is widely recognised and much-loved around the world, but how does one preserve that design heritage and take the model into the future in a meaningful way?
Mini will be grappling with this challenge as it works on the next-generation 3-door Mini. In an Autocar interview with Mini brand boss, Bernd Körber, stated that “What’s important is that the entire portfolio needs to have the DNA of Mini. After more than 60 years, it’s necessary that Mini makes a bold step ahead, but it also has to stay true to its core, and that’s the three-door hatch. What you’ll see in 2023 is that we’ve clearly modernised it by taking a big step – the biggest step in the last 20 years – but it will be unmistakably a Mini.”
There’s no doubt that the process needs to be negotiated carefully to achieve the right balance. The approach to the design is an important one as Körber highlights by using the Porsche 911 as a reference, “Don’t screw with an icon” he says, “The 911 has to be carefully developed over time because it’s what Porsche stands for. It’s similar for us, and similar in that at one point Porsche had to make a step beyond what it was associated with, and now they have a much broader portfolio.”
However, when it comes to the iconic 3-door Mini hatch, designers need to proceed with more caution.
Mini design chief, Oliver Heilmer, sums it up, “The closer we’re coming to the next generation of what Mini is known for – the three-door hatch – the more careful we need to be to not change too many things in a single step. We’ll keep what is well known for being a Mini: that’s not just design features but the proportions, compact feel and friendly personality.”
We will keep you updated as more details become available.
Take a look at what double-cab bakkie products are expected to arrive in South Africa in 2021.
Double-cab bakkies remain hugely popular in South Africa and buyers can expect a host of new or facelifted product to reach the local market in 2021. As you can expect, Covid-19 has had an adverse effect on production and product timings and this will likely persist for some time to come. Nonetheless, take a look at what you can expect to see in South Africa in 2021!
Which one of the following bakkie products are you looking forward to most?
Ford will look to update its popular Ranger bakkie in 2021 before production of the all-new Ranger begins at the brand’s production facility in Silverton towards the end of 2021 or early in 2022. We suspect that the Ranger update will follow from the recently-revealed Australian-spec Wildrak X which will see a host of visual enhancements and equipment upgrades come to market. We further expect this update to become available in the first or second quarter of 2021, but Ford SA declined to provide exact timings.
New Peugeot LandTrek
The French carmaker will look to enter the highly-competitive double cab bakkie segment with the Landtrek due in the fourth quarter of 2021. The Landtrek is likely to be offered in 3 body styles including single-cab, double-cab and chassis cab, catering for both the workhorse and lifestyle market. It’s expected to come to market in 4.2 and 4×4 guise with both a petrol and diesel engine choice including 2.4-litre turbopetrol engine offers outputs of 157 kW and 320 Nm of torque while a 1.9-litre turbodiesel engine develops 112 kW and 350 Nm of torque. A 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmission are expected.
Mazda revealed its new BT-50 earlier this year and while it’s based on the new Isuzu D-Max, it features styling more in line with Mazda’s passenger cars. It’s expected to arrive in South Africa in the first half of 2020.
The BT-50 will share the engine found in the D-Max which is a 3.0-litre turbodiesel unit with 140 kW and 450 Nm of torque and buyers will be able to choose between either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, in 2- and 4-wheel-drive guises, the latter with a locking rear differential.
Following a R3-billion investment to upgrade its Rosslyn plant in Pretoria, Nissan will look to produce the facelifted Navara as of 2021. The Navara is expected to receive exterior and interior updates before the next-generation Navara comes to market from 2022.
In addition to suspension upgrades, perhaps the most notable improvement is an updated 2.3-litre diesel engine which now features not one, but 2 turbochargers. Outputs remain the same at 140 kW and 450 Nm. The Navara also benefits from a new 6-speed manual transmission which is said to offer easier and more refined gear shifts with improved synchronisation and reduced vibration. The 7-speed automatic transmission has also been reworked to improve comfort, refinement and responsiveness.
It’s been on the cards but unconfirmed for a few years that Renault South Africa is trying to get its hands on the 1-tonne Duster Oroch double cab and Alaskan leisure bakkie. In March 2019, it was confirmed that both these models would reach South Africa in 2021 in facelifted form. However, considering the Covid-19 pandemic and the resultant global impact its had on the motoring industry, it remains to be seen whether the duo will see the light of day locally.
Based on the Nissan Navara, the Renault Alaskan makes use of a 4-cylinder 2.3-litre twin-turbodiesel engine, which offers peak outputs of 140 kW and 450 Nm of torque and is mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission. The Duster Oroch, on the other hand, is equipped with a choice of 2 naturally-aspirated petrol engines and a turbocharged 1.5-litre diesel engine, however, it’s not yet clear which of these would be offered locally.
The new D-Max’s styling will be much bolder than the current model and the now-dated interior will be significantly overhauled and will be equipped with the necessary tech and comfort features to make it competitive in this segment.
In terms of engine power, the new D-Max is fitted with a thoroughly updated 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine that not only more refined than before but also offers outputs of 140 kW and 450 Nm (in the Australian market), however, the local specification has yet to be confirmed.
It’s been a long time coming but Mazda will finally introduce the new CX-30 SUV in South Africa in February 2021.
Mazda had plans to bring the CX-30 to local market early in 2020 but Covid-19 happened and a delay was inevitable. Now, Mazda has confirmed that the CX-30 will launch locally in February 2021.
The CX-30 compact SUV will slot in between the brand’s CX-3 crossover and CX-5 family car and is built on the same platform as the new Mazda3 while also sharing the same engine offerings and suspension.
Mazda’s appealing Kodo design philosophy shines through with a coupe-like silhouette enhancing the CX-30’s kerb appeal appreciably. The interior is typically Mazda in its design execution which is to say that it’s neat with a minimalist design and comes equipped with an 8.8-inch infotainment system as well as a Bose sound system.
Instead, Mazda will persist with a 88 kW / 153 Nm 1.5- and 121 kW / 213 Nm 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine for the CX-30 when it arrives and it will be offered in conjunction with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.
Local specification and pricing for the CX-30 has yet to be confirmed but we will keep you informed as soon as official information becomes available.
Driving this Festive Season? Here’s What You Need to Know
The 2020 festive season looms and while the second wave of Covid-19 grips the country, many South Africans will still be travelling to destinations across Mzansi. Here's some important information to be aware of before you hit the road!
The Christmas holiday season is upon us and many holidaymakers will be heading out onto South African roads to destinations around the country for rest and relaxation. However, with the second wave of Covid-19 infections currently ripping through the country, extra precautions need to be taken to keep yourself, your family and those around you safe from potential infection.
More so, traffic volumes on all major routes are also expected to increase over this period and as a road user, it's your responsibility to ensure that you do what is necessary to get you and your family to your destination safely. Busy holiday periods are a notoriously dangerous time to be on the road and every year, hundreds and thousands of lives are lost on our roads. With planning and preparation, you needn't become a statistic…
To help you prepare for your trip, we have compiled a list of holiday tips for you to consider before you depart, along with the necessary emergency numbers should you need them.
Things to do before leaving for holiday
Covid-19 related precautions
Make sure all occupants in your car/vehicle have masks and even pack a few extra masks in case you need them.
If you are a taxi operator, all occupants (including the driver) must wear a mask at all times while in transit.
Minibus taxis are also advised to have windows open to ensure adequate ventilation and to adhere to the 70% passenger limit set out by government in the Covid-19 regulations.
When stopping in a public space, such as a fuel station, be sure to wear your mask at all times and sanitise/wash your hands often, especially after touching public spaces.
Make sure that hand sanitiser is widely available in your vehicle for all passengers to use freely. It's also advisable to carry your own sanitiser on your person so that you can use it as and when you need to.
Take note of the current Covid-19 curfew which is from 4:00 am to 11:00 pm daily and plan your journey accordingly. Failure to adhere to the curfew may lead to a fine or even possible arrest as you will be contravening Covid-19 regulations.
Make sure your car is in full working order before you depart
Check that your brakes, fluid levels and all your lights and indicators are working properly. This is particularly important for older used cars.
Be sure that you have a spare tyre as well as a wheel spanner and car jack in case you need to change a tyre.
Check that all your tyres, including the spare, are inflated correctly and have sufficient tread.
Be sure that all seat-belts and baby-seats are in working order and the correct size.
Have your car serviced if necessary.
If you are towing a trailer or caravan
Ensure the rearview mirrors on your car are properly adjusted.
Check the tyre pressure of the trailer/caravan's tyres.
Check that the lights and indicators of the trailer/caravan are working correctly.
Ensure the towbar and the towing equipment is secure.
Plan your route beforehand
Be sure you know exactly where you are going and how to get there. Getting lost can be very dangerous, as well as time-consuming. Use the website Google maps (maps.google.co.za), or conventional maps to check and plan your route.
Make sure you have the necessary cash available for any toll roads and fuel.
Let a friend or loved one know where you are going, what route you are taking and what your estimated time of arrival will be. Also, let your family know when you have arrived at your destination safely.
Plan your stops carefully and book accommodation in advance if required. Getting accommodation en route can be difficult during the peak holiday season.
Check the weather report before you embark on your journey (www.weathersa.co.za).
Take note of potential roadworks along your route and plan accordingly.
2-litre bottle of water (for emergency drinking, or to be used for the car if necessary).
Hand sanitiser
First aid kit.
Motor oil.
Food (padkos).
A fully-charged cell phone.
Cell phone car charger.
Traditional map, or GPS navigation system, or both.
Emergency triangle and a flashlight.
Get your documents in order
Make sure your driver's license has not expired and that your vehicle license disc is still valid.
If you have an AA membership, make sure it has been renewed.
Check your car insurance policy and be aware of exactly what is covered, what emergency services they provide and what their emergency numbers are.
If you are crossing any borders, make sure your passport or other required documents are up to date and that you have them with you.
Things to consider while on the road
General driving rules
KEEP LEFT, PASS RIGHT.
Do not overload your vehicle.
Don't drink and drive.
Drive with your headlights on, even in the day.
Obey the speed limit.
Don't use your cellphone while driving. Always use a hands-free kit or connect you phone via Bluetooth.
Avoid distracted driving including eating while driving etc.
Every person in the car must be wearing a seatbelt.
Avoid fatigue while driving
Take breaks often or every 200 km.
If you are feeling tired, rather find a place to rest and do the trip in multiple phases.
The effects of caffeine and other stimulants used to keep you awake are only temporary. People often feel more tired once the initial effects wear off. Use such stimulants carefully, and remember they are not a substitute for quality rest.
Navigation devices and applications
There are many GPS Navigation systems available to keep you on the right track during your trip.
The cost of one of these navigation devices will generally range from around R1 000 upwards.
These navigation systems can also point out places of interest, restaurants along the way and places to rest.
If you have a smartphone, download the Trip Advisor app for travel-related information.
Useful South African emergency numbers
Emergencies
10111
Ambulance
10177
The AA
0861 000 234
National 24-hour emergency
112
Crime Stop
086 001 0111
The Cars.co.za team wishes you a safe and wonderful festive season. Please drive safely and take care on the roads. See you in 2021!
Fake exhaust sound for Transit
Limited edition van? Absolutely a thing, now.
Ford has revealed a new project with its British performance partner, MS-RT.
Although most Ford performance car enthusiasts would expect a more focussed Fiesta or Focus ST, this limited edition project aims to deliver the ultimate Transit Connect.
The market for stylized compact vans might be very niche, but MS-RT have done a stellar job of giving the Transit Connect a more meaningful presence.
Only 30 of these R120 specification Transit Connects will be built and they will all be panel vans, finished in white, with contrasting black and red graphics.
In the tradition of all things fast and Ford, the Transit Connect R120 rolls multispoke OZ alloy wheels.
MS-RT has trimmed the R120 cabin with leather seats, featuring red stitching, and a smaller diameter composite sports steering wheel
Although Ford has not instructed MS-RT to fiddle with the Transit Connect R120’s 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine, it has added a quad-exhaust system.
Best of all, German aftermarket supplier Maxhaust, has supplied an artificial sound augmentation device.
This syncs with an app that Transit Connect R120 owners can access, allowing them to adjust the exhaust sound augmentation delivered by the R120’s speakers.
The bakkie market is awash with tuners and armouring smiths, but it appears Ford itself is offering the most hardcore iterations of its products.
Bakkie tuning has levelled up of late and many are now offering bulletproofing and armour. We've been privvy locally to what SVI Engineering does and in early 2021 we'll be meeting its locally-armoured Ford Ranger.
However, if you're wanting something that's on another level and need a fleet, then allow us to introduce the specialities that can be found on the Ford Global Fleet Sales website. Don't bother trying to contact your local dealership about these, you'll have to go directly to the mothership. Pricing isn't mentioned either, and we suspect they won't sell to an individual.
Using the Ranger and Everest as platforms, Ford has created some near military-grade vehicles. With names like Ranger Armoured Assault Vehicle and Ranger Light Tactical Vehicle, these vehicles are built to survive just about everything this side of an airstrike. There's also a cash-in-transit vehicle based on the Ranger.
It's clear Ford has gone all out with the accessories too, with a loadbed with jumpseats, racks for guns, and there's enough armour to soak up small arms fire. Oh, and if you want to shoot back, there's a rear gunner compartment. You can also throw in emergency lights, uprated suspension and some solid-looking grilles. It appears the engines are untouched, so you can expect the older-spec 2.2-litre and 3.2-litre turbodiesels under the bonnet.
The subtly updated BMW 5 Series executive sedan will soon be available on the local market. Whereas the line-up no longer has a 3.0-litre 540i derivative, marking the first time a 5 Series range won't feature a straight-6 engine in the Republic, it will gain the thumping M550i xDrive, which combines 390 kW of V8 muscle with all-wheel-drive traction.
BMW SA has put the January 2021 price list for its refreshed executive sedan range on its website – and it makes for interesting reading! Setting aside the revamped M5 Competition flagship for the moment, it's clear that the Bavarian marque has had a rethink of its G30 LCI line-up, because the range now begins with the 530i and 520d, which are powered by 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol and -diesel engines respectively.
Whereas the 3.0-litre straight-6 turbopetrol-engined 540i used to split the 4- and 8-cylinder derivatives, it has been substituted by the “thinking man’s [sic] M5” – the all-wheel-drive 390 kW/750 Nm M550i xDrive, powered by a twin-turbo V8. This suggests demand for a tastefully appointed mid-range 5er has all but dried up – we assume that driving enthusiasts who crave BMW’s iconic inline-6 will flock to the M340i xDrive.
BMW stopped short of going full X7/7 Series on the updated 5 Series' grille, but it has indeed been enlarged.
The easiest way to spot the updated model is by its revised double-kidney grille (now effectively a single piece), which is wider, higher and drops down further into the bumper. The LED headlights are slimmer in design and feature either 2 U- or L-shaped daytime driving lights – depending on which version of the LED headlights are fitted – either the standard ones or those with adaptive cornering function, non-dazzling matrix technology (including High-beam Assistant) and outer daytime driving lights that double as turn indicators. BMW Laserlight is also optionally available.
At the rear, the 5 Series’ new LED tail-light clusters feature black edging and an L-shaped graphic that combines the rear- and brake lights into a single feature, while the exhaust-end finishers are trapezoidal in shape on all derivatives. Other updates include a beefed-up M Sport body kit.
Updated switchgear (including on the multifunction steering wheel) and a larger infotainment display are the most obvious tweaks.
When the G30-generation sedan was launched in South Africa in 2017, it featured the M Sport package as standard. The updated 530i and 520d, however, come without it (perhaps to ensure the asking their asking price (yes, they technically cost the same before you add CO2 emissions tax) remain under R1 million on the official price list. The sportier look costs R66 900 and R56 700 for the turbopetrol and -diesel versions respectively and it incorporates an M Aerodynamic package, M Sport suspension, BMW Individual high-gloss Shadowline and 19-inch double-spoke alloys.
The M550i xDrive comes with the top-spec LED headlights, the M Sport package’s body kit and Shadowline trim and additionally features M Sport brakes (optionally available with red calipers), Adaptive M suspension and M Differential and, of course, Bicolour Jet Black Y-spoke 19-inch alloys.
This 540i is shod with BMW's optional lightweight, drag-reducing Individual Air Performance Wheels.
The interior updates are arguably more noteworthy: automatic climate control with extended features is standard throughout the range, as is the 10.25-inch Control Display (upgradable to a 12.3-inch unit, which is standard in the M550i xDrive); the switchgear on the centre console and the standard sports leather steering wheel has been revised, while the options list includes features such as fully electrically adjustable front seats with/without heating, ventilation and massage function, head-up display and instrument panel trimmed in Sensatec material.
The M550i xDrive comes equipped with a handful of additional accoutrements over its 4-cylinder brethren, including front sports seats, 4-zone climate control and a Harman Kardon surround sound system.
The 5 Series comes standard with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with BMW Live Cockpit Plus.
The hardware update is significant: The BMW Live Cockpit Plus and the optional BMW Live Cockpit Professional are underpinned by the brand’s Operating System 7 and includes Intelligent Personal Assistant, together with a host of extra digital services, including a cloud-based navigation system that updates traffic date in real-time. The 5er further supports Android Auto (in addition to Apple CarPlay) and remote software upgrades.
Meanwhile, the introduction of a 48V starter-generator and a 2nd battery on the 4-cylinder derivatives significantly increases the amount of brake energy that can be regenerated and stored. This energy is used not only to power the sedan’s electrical system and ancillaries, but to produce an 8 kW electric boost to aid either overtaking- or off-the-line acceleration. The mild-hybrid setup also benefits efficiency by assisting the engine when driving at constant speeds and improves comfort when the Auto Start-Stop and coasting functions are in use.
The M550i xDrive looks just mean enough not to steal the limelight from its M5 Competition sibling.
The 530i’s 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol is mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission (as are all the engines in the local G30 5 Series). It produces 185 kW/350 Nm, is claimed to accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 6.4 sec and said to consume, on average, 6.7 L/100 km.
The 520d’s 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel motor produces 140 kW/400 Nm, is claimed to accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 7.5 sec and said to consume, on average, 5.2 L/100 km.
Do you really need that M5 Comp?
The M550i xDrive, however, is an altogether different proposition. Its twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 produces 390 kW from 5 500 to 6 000 rpm and 750 Nm from 1 800 to 4 600 rpm (peak torque is available in a 2 800-rpm spread). The super sedan transmits its copious propulsive force to terra firma dynamically via an xDrive all-wheel-drive system and the result is an astonishing 0-to-100 kph sprint time of only 3.8 sec and a 250-kph top speed.
To put those figures into context, the M5 Competition produces 70 kW more power, but exactly the same torque as the M550i xDrive (750 Nm, albeit over a wider spread of revs – 1 800 to 5 860 rpm) for a 0-to-100 kph sprint time of 3.3 sec and a 305-kph top speed. But here’s the clincher: The former costs about R2.3 million and the latter “only” R1.5 million.
Compared with the M5 Competition, the M550i xDrive takes 0.5 sec longer to get to 100 kph, but it delivers just as much torque!
In terms of driver assistance systems upgrades in the updated 5 Series range, the latest iteration of the optional Integral Active Steering can aid manoeuvring by turning the 5 Series' rear wheels as required at speeds under 3 kph and the Lane Departure Warning system (included with the optional Driving Assistant) now features a lane-return function by means of steering assistance.
The updated Steering and Lane Control Assistant included as part of the new Driving Assistant Professional package utilises navigation data to anticipate when a lane change will be required along a route, and this can then be performed "with ease" using the Lane Change Assistant. There is also an “automatic formation of emergency lane” function, which steps in to guide the car to an appropriate side of its lane in a freeway traffic jam.
This frontal view provides a rare glimpse at what a 5 Series looks like when it's not festooned in an M Sport trim package.
The Parking Assistant’s range of functions has been extended with the addition of the reversing assistant, which takes control of the steering while reversing for distances of up to 50 metres. A Drive Recorder function lets drivers shoot and store videos of the scene around the vehicle (a feature that insurance companies will love) and the 3D visualisation of the surrounding area in the instrument cluster provides an enhanced overview of traffic situations, the status of driver assistance systems and possible courses of action they offer.
BMW 5 Series price in South Africa (January 2021)
The prices below include CO2 emissions tax, as well as a 2-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
Honda recently welcomed its keenly-priced WR-V to the South African market and while the newcomer joins a hugely popular – but hotly contested – compact family car segment, the Japanese firm looks to further capitalise on the small-crossover craze. Gero Lilleike recently put the WR-V through a gruelling test to bring you this review…
We Like: Practical city runner, build quality, composure at highway speed, rear legroom
We Don’t Like: Sluggish acceleration, less-than-ideal ground clearance, no automatic version
Only 2 derivatives are available locally – an entry-level 1.2 Comfort and the range-topping 1.2 Elegance – the latter of which is on test here. We’d say the WR-V is fairly attractive, if you like lots of "brightwork", as the Honda features a bold chrome-look bar up front along with LED headlights and -daytime running lights. The WR-V is also recognisable by its distinctive C-shaped taillights and rides on 16-inch alloy wheels.
For this test, we took the WR-V on a 1 500-km fishing adventure to the Orange River, which (for those of you who don't know) forms a natural border between South Africa and Namibia. This extensive test would not only reveal the WR-V’s strengths, but also its weaknesses…
How it performs in terms of…
Performance and economy
Without turbocharging technology, the WR-V's performance might be problematic for some buyers, particularly at altitude.
Most would consider the WR-V a near-ideal small crossover for a life in the city, but how would it fare on a longer out-of-town journey? We were keen to find out and with fishing rods and supplies on board, we set course for the border town of Vioolsdrift, which skirts the mighty Orange.
The WR-V's naturally-aspirated 1.2-litre petrol engine delivers workmanlike performance. With middling outputs of 66 kW and 110 Nm, it lacks the urgency that many of its turbocharged rivals provide and it's offered exclusively with a 5-speed manual gearbox, which drives the front wheels.
Within the proverbial urban sprawl, the Honda motor's performance is acceptable, but overtaking acceleration is less than inspiring. However, once the WR-V gets up to speed, it cruises along quite effortlessly; we were particularly pleased with how composed the WR-V felt at highway speeds.
The steering wheel, although palpably easy to twirl, has a positive feel to it and while engine noise is generally well suppressed in the cabin, we did notice a fair amount of wind noise (ostensibly generated around the Honda's side mirrors), which was a minor annoyance.
Considering the WR-V's peak power is developed at a heady 6 000 rpm, you really have to wring the 1.2-litre motor’s neck to get the most out of it. Overtaking manoeuvres, therefore, require careful planning. The WR-V also loses puff on long uphill sections of highway… as a consequence, you will have to work the stubby manual gear lever (which is perhaps the smallest gear lever on the market) often to keep the 4-pot on the boil. We expect buyers will feel the WR-V’s performance drop off at altitude (Gauteng), particularly when the vehicle is loaded with luggage and passengers.
Our test pushed the WR-V well beyond its comfort zone and we discovered that it's more of a city slicker than an outdoor conquerer.
To be fair, we drove the WR-V on terrain best suited to high-riding SUVs and although the WR-V coped reasonably well in the harsh conditions, it's happiest when traversing various grades of tarred roads. The 173 mm of ground clearance is adequate to deal with odd gravel routes with a fair degree of composure, but the Ford EcoSport, for example, has 206 mm of ground clearance, which is far more useful on more rigorous terrain.
In terms of fuel efficiency, Honda claims a combined consumption figure of 6.4 L/100 km and during our test, the trip computer returned an average of 7.9 L/100 km. With a 40-litre fuel tank, the WR-V has an optimal range of just over 500 km.
Interior execution and practicality
Simple but well-equipped, what more do you want? General build quality is good too.
In terms of interior appointments, the WR-V’s cabin offers just about every feature you can reasonably expect to get at this price point. There’s a good balance between hard and soft-touch surfaces and perceived build quality is admirable. The seats are upholstered in cloth and this top-spec 1.2 Elegance derivative gains a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, as well as a pleasing leather finish on the gearknob.
The interior’s design is clean and uncluttered with a neat 7-inch touchscreen providing Android Auto, Apple Carplay and Bluetooth functionality. A reverse-view camera is a useful addition, as are rear parking sensors. Other nice-to-have features include cruise control, keyless entry, push-button start, electric windows and automatic air conditioning; the latter's touch-panel controls afford the lower fascia a luxurious feel.
Rear legroom is a highlight in the WR-V as is the loading flexibility afforded by Honda's 'Magic Seat' system.
As far as practicality is concerned, the WR-V retains Honda’s "Magic Seat" system, which is designed to accommodate tall and long objects by simply folding the rear seatback into the desired position. The load bay has a 363-litre capacity and offers up to 881 litres of utility space with the 60:40 rear seats folded down, which is slightly bigger than in the Ford EcoSport, but not quite as spacious as the Renault Captur.
For added convenience, front occupants are availed with cupholders, while the door mouldings feature small bottle holders. A small central bin can also be used to store valuable items, such as smartphones and wallets, out of sight.
It’s worth mentioning that we were particularly impressed by the generous amount of legroom afforded to rear passengers – most adults should be able to get comfortable on the back bench.
In terms of safety, the WR-V has 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, as well as brake assist, but electronic stability control is unfortunately not included.
Pricing and warranty
The Honda WR-V 1.2 Elegance costs R319 900, which includes a 5-year/200 000 km warranty and a 4-year/60 000 km service plan.
The WR-V will appeal to some but not to all, but as a city runabout, it ticks many boxes and is worth a closer look in this segment.
The WR-V is a practical and likeable compact family car and in 1.2 Elegance guise, in particular, it's well equipped with enough features to satisfy most buyers in this segment. The WR-V's performance is sluggish compared with punchier turbocharged offerings in this segment, although the Honda's simpler naturally aspirated motor and manual 'box combination undoubtedly contributes to the keen asking price. Still, we suspect that many potential buyers, especially those living at the Reef, will find the WR-V’s performance only adequate, especially when it's fully loaded.
If like me, you are an adventurous type who enjoys travelling off the beaten track now and again, the WR-V is limited by its nominal crossover-like ground clearance. Moreover, Honda doesn't offer an automatic/CVT option, which limits the model's appeal in the broader market.
That's where the bad news ends. For those unconcerned with outright acceleration and gravel travel, the WR-V offers much as a city runabout, especially when you consider that it’s notably cheaper than the Ford Ecosport 1.0T Trend (R339 300) and the Renault Captur (R331 900).
The WR-V is also backed by a comprehensive 5-year/200 000 km warranty for added peace of mind and we would imagine that the WR-V would be as bulletproof (mechanically speaking) as its Jazz sibling, which bodes well for long-term ownership. Other options to consider include the Opel Crossland X 1.2 Enjoy (R321 000), Hyundai Venue 1.0T Fluid (R330 900) or the pricier Volkswagen T-Cross (R345 700).
