The long-awaited Mercedes-AMG One is due in 2021 and a marketing campaign shows F1 champion, Lewis Hamilton, having a go in a prototype of the new One hypercar.
The campaign, which is called ‘After Work with Lewis Hamilton’ shows a One prototype dressed in an interesting camouflage and is driven onto track by the 7-time F1 champion, Lewis Hamilton.
Hamilton has been involved in the development of the One hypercar and his experience in Formula 1 is contributing towards the final development of the One.
"I can still hardly believe that there will soon be a hypercar with a Formula 1 engine. We won the world championship with this engine in 2015, and I was involved in its development for a long time. I was able to drive the Project ONE during the filmwork for the new campaign, and I'm very proud of the extraordinary effort Mercedes-AMG has invested in this project. This car is absolutely unique,"
As a refresher, the AMG One is fitted a 1.6-litre V6 hybrid petrol engine with electrically supported turbocharging derived from the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 racing car as well as 4 electric motors that generate a combined power output of 740 kW. The AMG One is capable of revving at up to 11 000 rpm and boasts a top speed of over 350 kph.
Apart from bringing the AMG One to life, a new technology label will be launched too and it will be called E Performance which represents the electrification of Mercedes-AMG.
"Developing the Project ONE was a very great challenge which we addressed as a team, and now we are firing the next stage for roadgoing approval: This car will strengthen our position as a high-performance luxury brand. Moreover, the Project ONE will emphasise the proximity between Formula 1 and Mercedes?AMG more than ever: we have the same motorsport genes, and believe in a direct technology transfer. The special disguise of the Project ONE also gives an initial outlook on our electrically powered future, which begins in 2021. The colour red will play a central role for our new technology label E PERFORMANCE," says Philipp Schiemer, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
When Hyundai Automotive SA launches its facelifted i30 N with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission next year, the Korean firm’s maiden hot hatch will offer considerably wider appeal in a market where buyers prefer automatics, such as the upcoming Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI and BMW 128ti. All three of them will be in Mzansi by mid-2021…
When the i30 N – Hyundai's 202 kW/353 Nm hot hatch and the poster child for the Korean firm's fledgeling N division – was launched internationally in mid-2017, it rocked the premium hot hatchback establishment, which has always been dominated by the Volkswagen Golf, Renault Megane RS (Renault Sport), Honda Civic Type R and, for a while, the Opel Astra OPC. However, South African performance aficionados had to wait patiently for the Korean hot hatch to make its local arrival… Hyundai Automotive SA eventually launched the i30 N, in limited numbers, in February 2020.
At the time, the Korean firm's local subsidiary was at pains to point out that it would sell only as many units as it could procure and that there was no guarantee that the exclusive hot hatch (still listed for R679 900) would remain available for the foreseeable future. Many believed the model would be a "halo car" marketing exercise much in the way that Kia Motors SA did with the limited-edition Stinger sports executive sedan.
The revised i30 N can be distinguished by its V-shaped DRLs, as well as its revised grille and bumper.
However, the i30 recently underwent a facelift and so did its i30 N flagship, but fear not, the i30 N isn't going anywhere. In fact, Hyundai Automotive SA has confirmed that the updated version will be in local showrooms by mid-2021 and that it will include (or might even be limited to), the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (N DCT) version, which is bound to be more popular than the 6-speed manual derivative. Owners who recently bought an i30 N are unlikely to be too upset by the aesthetic updates incorporated in the facelift, because the cosmetic changes are quite subtle.
At the front, Hyundai has fitted new LED headlamps with V-shaped daytime running lights and the reshaped grille features sharper edges, a revised mesh pattern and loses the chrome surround. The bumper, meanwhile, has shapelier air intakes that incorporate air curtains for better airflow and reduced turbulence into the car’s front wheel housings.
The N logo has also been integrated onto the wheel caps of new 19-inch forged alloy wheels with a dark satin grey matte finish (if the i30 N is outfitted with the Performance Package). By virtue of being 14.4 kg lighter (in total) than the current cast-alloy wheels, they reduce the vehicle’s unsprung mass and are shod with high-performance Pirelli P-Zero tyres, which Hyundai says were developed especially for the i30 N.
Although its power output has barely changed, the N DCT version of the i30 N offers an additional 39 Nm of torque.
At the rear, the large wing spoiler with the distinctive N triangular brake light remains, but the tail-light clusters feature a new LED signature, while the bumper features an enlarged black cladding with a more pronounced diffuser between the pair of large exhaust pipes.
Performance-wise, the i30 N now delivers a smidgeon of extra power (206 kW vs 202 kW), but notably more torque (39 Nm) to 392 Nm. For improved acceleration in the mid- and high-speed range, the Hyundai delivers its maximum twist (392 Nm) between in a wide band – 1 950 to 4 600 rpm), while it develops peak power at 5 200 rpm.
While the maximum speed of 250 kph is unchanged, the N-DCT version of i30 N is claimed to accelerate from 0 to 100 kph 0.2 sec faster than its predecessor (5.9 sec).
Note the much larger diffuser on the post-facelift car's rear bumper, replete with U-shaped red striping.
As before, the new i30 N is equipped with Rev Matching, Launch Control, a rear stiffness bar, electronically controlled suspension (although the damping and steering systems have been retuned for improved ride and handling performance, Hyundai claims.
The aforementioned Performance Package includes an electronically controlled limited-slip differential (eLSD, although it does feature on the current SA-spec car), as well as beefed up front brakes (of which the discs have been increased from 345 to 360 mm).
However, the introduction of the N DCT 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, of which manually actuated shifts can be actuated by using the paddle shifters mounted on the multifunction steering wheel or taps forward or pulls on the i30 N’s transmission lever, is the biggest development.
The new 19-inch five double-spoke forged alloys reduce the i30 N's unsprung weight.
The N DCT is a wet-type transmission, which means it uses oil to cool – and reduce friction on – the clutch components. Incidentally, that type of setup is widely believed to be more reliable, in the long run, than “dry-clutch” dual-clutch transmissions.
What’s more, the N DCT 'box offers i30 N drivers a trio of new N performance modes:
N Grin Shift (NGS) is activated at the push of a button on the steering wheel, after which a countdown begins before the i30 N produces a 20-second burst of maximum power.
N Power Shift (NPS) engages when the car accelerates with more than 90% of throttle, thereby mitigating any reduction in torque by using upshifts to deliver maximum power.
Finally, N Track Sense Shift (NTS) automatically engages a sportier shift pattern for the transmission (by selecting the right gear and shift timing for optimal performance).
To appease track-day enthusiasts, the i30 N's Performance Driving Data System features updated graphics.
N ‘Grin Control’
As with the previous generation i30 N, the drive-mode selection system (which Hyundai calls the N Grin Control), incorporates Eco, Normal, Sport, N and N Custom pre-sets that adjust the parameters of the engine, the suspension, electronic stability control, eLSD, exhaust sound, steering, and transmission for a variety of driving conditions. In the N Custom mode, drivers can select from Eco, Normal, Sport and Sport+ settings for each of these components to match driving preferences and road conditions.
As much as the i30 N has been praised since its launch in the local market, its interior execution has erred on the side of conservatism (at least by hot-hatch standards). That still applies, but to a lesser extent… The Hyundai’s seats are trimmed in black artificial suede and leather with Performance Blue contrast stitching and the instrument cluster includes an active variable LED red zone and shift indicator, but apart from the sporty, metal pedals, the revised hot hatch features seatbelts with Performance Blue accents.
As if the N Division hasn't take a leaf out of the M Division's books already… the N Light Seats feature illuminated plates.
Hyundai now offers optional lightweight monoform front sport seats on the i30 N that offer pronounced side and lumbar bolstering and are 2.2-kg lighter than the standard items. The N Light Seats are trimmed in premium leather and Alcantara and features Performance Blue stitching as well as an illuminated N logo on an integrated headrest
Meanwhile, the newcomer comes with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. It incorporates the Performance Driving Data System (with updated graphics), which saves and displays driving data (including power, torque, boost) and includes a lap and acceleration timer.
It remains to be seen whether the facelifted i30 N with N DCT will come to South Africa, but we wouldn't bet against it.
The new i30 N has been upgraded to include more Hyundai SmartSense active safety and driver assistance features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian detection, Lane Following Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, as well as Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist. These additional systems may not be of much – if any – consequence to our market, however. Local versions of the i30 N are equipped with ABS, stability control and front-, driver knee-, side- and curtain airbags.
A showdown's looming
The i30 N DCT will certainly have its work cut out when it arrives on local soil. BMW aficionados are eagerly anticipating the arrival of the 128ti – a new mid-range derivative of the 1 Series, which is fitted with a limited-slip diff, M Sport suspension and a 180-kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol motor.
The 128ti, which is scheduled to arrive during the 1st quarter of next year, is claimed to bolt from 0 to 100 kph in 6.3 sec and marks BMW's first serious stab at the traditional front-wheel-drive hot hatchback market. Although Mzansi won't get the full-fat 195 kW/400 Nm version as offered in Europe, the newcomer's outputs are almost identical to that of the Golf 8 GTI. See also: BMW 128ti: How it compares with GTI & i30 N
Although news about the Volkswagen Golf 8 has been dominated by the recent release of the R model, the next iteration of the Wolfsburg-based's brand's iconic hot hatch is scheduled to arrive a little later than the Bimmer (around the 2nd quarter of 2021). Although the GTI offers slightly less power (26 kW) and torque (22 Nm) than the i30 N DCT, our international correspondent Dave Humphreys reports that the newcomer's handling balance and overall dynamism is arguably better than its ever been: Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI (2020) International Launch Review
We can't wait to line the Hyundai, BMW and VW up for comparison. Here's a breakdown of what the market's headlining hot hatches produce:
Despite the relentless onslaught of the SUV, Volkswagen is preparing an all-electric sedan.
The 5th electric car from Volkswagen's ID range will be hitting showrooms around 2023 and it will be a sedan. Unofficially dubbed the Volkswagen ID.6 according to AutoCar, the newcomer is essentially going to be a production version of the Volkswagen Vizzion Concept, but we won't be surprised if we see elements from the ID Space Vizzion Concept either.
Built on Volkswagen Group's modular and scalable MEB platform, the ID.6 promises around 700 km of electric range. The secret to this impressive range is "improved lithium battery cell efficiency, a reduction in rolling resistance and new aerodynamic developments" according to AutoCar. There's also talk of 200 kW fast charging, which will allow about 230 km of range to be loaded in just 10 minutes.
There's a potentially sportier GTX model with a two-motor setup that will hit 100 kph in about 5.6 seconds. The single-motor derivative should be able to reach 100 kph in around 8.5 seconds.
Why a sedan though? Despite SUV sales still surging ahead, Volkswagen believes the Chinese market will be key to the ID.6's success. Production of the vehicle is likely to take place at the VW facilities at Emden (earmarked for ID.4 and ID.5 in 2022) and Zwickau.
Chinese production will take place as part of the joint-venture deal with SAIC and FAW in 2024. Emden is currently home to Passat and Arteon, and this facility is currently being converted from ICE production to EV production. Volkswagen is bolstering the facilities and by the time the work is complete, there'll be capacity for up to 300 000 electric vehicles by 2023.
Does this mean the end of the road is nigh for the Passat and Arteon? Despite the latter's recent update, sales have been sluggish with the updated Tiguan, T-Roc and T-Cross headlining the sales charts. Given the timings, we suspect the Arteon and Passat will bow out in 2023, to coincide with the launch of the new all-electric range.
The Aston Martin and AMG business strategy is set to strengthen, as many had predicted.
With former AMG boss, Tobias Moers, now in the position as Aston Martin CEO, it was only a matter of time before Mercedes-Benz started increasing its influence.
The British luxury automotive brand is in trouble. With Brexit, it risks complicated tariffs on its engine supply chain, which it mostly sources from Germany.
Aston Martin is also struggling with the complexity of electrification and reviving its Lagonda brand. Moers understands the luxury high-performance car customer better than most, having built AMG into a dominant brand.
Mercedes-Benz has announced that it wishes to attain a 20% shareholding in Aston Martin and for the British company, that German proportion of ownership, could mean better engines.
AMG already supplies its 4-litre turbocharged V8 engine architecture to Aston Martin, but not in the most potent states of tune. At a recent industry event, the company’s Canadian chairman, Lawrence Stroll, preposed a future supply chain of bespoke AMG engines, for Aston Martin’s models.
Mercedes-Benz will carefully analyse the risk of giving Aston Martin engines with different outputs to its own. There is a very low likelihood that AMG will supply Aston Martin with more powerful engines.
The more probable outcome is recalibrated software and exhaust systems, to deliver slightly different throttle response characteristics and a specific Aston Martin sound signature. The engines may also have different torque delivery characteristics too.
It is also possible that AMG is more willing to share a customized version of its petrol engines, for Aston’s use, due to the German brand transitioning to greater electrification. As fewer of its V8 petrol engines will be required in future, the planned production output needs to go somewhere – and Aston is an ideal destination.
As battery packs and electric motors become a more important and integral element of AMG’s next-generation powertrains, it will be less bothered sharing platforms such as the 4-litre turbocharged V8, with others. Aston Martin has also committed to equipping petrol motors to certain models within its range after the 2030 great British cull of internal combustion engines.
Following leaked images on Instagram, Mitsubishi has now released an official teaser image and some details for its new forthcoming Outlander which is due to go on sale in February 2021.
An image leak appeared on Instagram account, allcarnews, earlier this week and while the quality of the images are poor, they do reveal what the new Outlander will look like. Following the leak, Mitsubishi has now released a shadowy teaser image of the new Outlander as well as providing a few additional details.
Mitsubishi has revealed that the new Outlander will make its debut in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico in February 2021 before going on sale in other international markets. The brand says that the new Outlander was developed under the Japanese “I-Fu-Do-Do” philosophy which means 'authentic' and 'majestic' and features the brand's latest Dynamic Shield front-end.
“The OUTLANDER is an iconic SUV for the company, so when we developed the next-generation model, we took inspirations from our rich SUV heritage to realize a bold and confident styling with a solid stance that excites our customers,” said Seiji Watanabe, Division General Manager of Design (Head of Design), MMC. “The all-new OUTLANDER is the first model epitomizing the new generation of Mitsubishi design and the frontrunner of our design strategy.”
The image leak on Instagram shows a bold design for the new Outlander. Do you like it?
Back in 2019, Mitsubishi revealed its Engelberg Tourer Concept which is a twin motor, 4-wheel-drive, Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) concept and it appears that the new forthcoming Outlander has taken inspiration from the concept which is clearly evident in its front-end design and at the rear. Note the split headlight design which also features on other Mitsubishi products such as the Eclipse Cross and Triton double-cab bakkie.
While we wait for the full reveal of the new Outlander, perhaps the Engelberg Tourer’s interior also provides clues as to what’s coming from the production Outlander and if that’s the case, the new Outlander will feature a thoroughly modernised interior compared to the outgoing model.
The new Outlander is will be larger than the current model and is expected to be powered by a Nissan-sourced engine which will likely be a 140 kW 2.5-litre engine. A plug-in hybrid model will also be offered in select markets.
We will keep you updated as soon as official details are revealed.
The 2019 Engelberg Tourer concept provides clues as to what to expect from the new Outlander.
The Suzuki Jimny has a cult following around the globe. With its cute looks and go-anywhere attitude, there's a clear reason why these little SUVs are so adored. Suzuki South Africa recently assembled every generation of Jimny to celebrate the model's 50th birthday, and David Taylor was there for the family reunion.
There's something incredibly likeable about this plucky, non-conformist vehicle. Often bought by the heart and not the head, the Jimny is not a perfect multipurpose offering – at all. It demands compromises by virtue of its minuscule fuel tank and lack of functional luggage space, but then, if you slide behind its simple controls and set off on a journey, all objectivity flies out the window. And if you venture off-road, well, you'll be a convert.
The Jimny story started officially in 1970, but its origins go back a bit further to 1967. The Japanese car market has the Kei car segment, essentially a market for ultra-compact (by modern standards) and affordable commuter-focused motoring. The Kei car aimed to revolutionise the car world, by offering a back-to-basics vehicle whose sole purpose was transportation. A tiny outfit called Hope introduced its ON360, a small 4×4 that would comply with Kei car regulations. It was a dismal failure, with just 15 units manufactured, and build quality was reportedly awful and mechanical reliability even more so. Hope, in an effort to try to recoup its costs (and pride), put the ON360's plans up for sale and Suzuki snaffled them.
The modern Suzuki Jimny leads the older generation models
Suzuki LJ10
From the ashes of the ON360 came the Suzuki LJ10 in 1970, equipped with a ladder-frame chassis, solid axles, leaf-spring setup, all of which had been substantially revised from those of the original design. It was an instant winner, proving as capable as the bigger offroaders of the day, like the Toyota Land Cruiser and Nissan Patrol, but costing far less in terms of the initial purchase price and ownership costs.
The powertrain specifications are laughable by today's standards. Power came from a 2-stroke petrol motor producing 18 kW and it had a top speed of 70 kph. Subsequent versions included the LJ20 (1972), LJ50 (1975), LJ80 (1977) all had power upgrades of 21 kW, 24 kW and 31 kW respectively. Incidentally, the LJ80 featured a 4-cylinder 4-stroke engine in place of the motorcycle-derived 2-stroke engine.
Despite its comical proportions, the Suzuki LJ was remarkably composed on the rough stuff.
Enter the SJ
The 2nd-generation model, dubbed the SJ410, first rolled off the production line in 1981 and was in service until the 3rd generation of Suzuki's plucky off-roader was launched in 1998. Both the SJ410 and updated SJ413 become instant cult classics. Both of these derivatives retained their incredible offroad prowess, but many customers were using them as daily drivers, with occasional off-road use. With this shift, luxury features such as air conditioning, electric windows and radios were introduced in the early 90s, along with a coil-sprung front suspension for additional comfort.
Power was increased to 33 kW / 74 Nm from a 970 cm³ motor in the SJ410, with the SJ413 gaining a 1.3-litre motor with peak outputs of 45 kW and 96 Nm. The latter had a top speed of 140 kph.
The Samurai was one of the most entertaining drives of the day.
JB43 Series
Our first taste of Suzuki Jimny locally came from the JB43, which made its debut in 1998. The marketing slogan was simple, "smart in the city, tough in nature." Power came from a 63 kW/110 Nm 1.3-litre 4-cylinder and featured a revolutionary (for the time) automatically locking front hubs as well as a dial to activate the 4×4 transfer case. The coil-spring suspension was a tad more road-biased, but still remarkably capable off-road.
It proved popular right the way up to the launch of the 4th-generation Jimny and during its 20-year tenure, it received numerous spec updates and facelifts, but the fundamental basics remained the same.
A vehicle we're quite familiar with at Cars.co.za – the JB43
JB74
This is the Jimny as most of us know it. It retains its incredible off-road capability, boasts the most potent engine ever fitted to a Jimny and looks great. The 1.5-litre petrol mill produces 75 kW and 130 Nm, but because the body tips the scales at 1 095 kg, performance is more than adequate.
First revealed in 2018, this iteration of Jimny has proven immensely popular with demand far outstripping supply. South Africa is but one of several countries where there's a waiting list, but Suzuki Auto SA assures us that the delay between placing an order and taking delivery has come down dramatically, despite Covid-19's best efforts. Interestingly, Mexico was allocated just 1 000 units and all were snapped up within 72 hours.
As far as family photos go, this one's a goodie. Long live the Suzuki Jimny!
Driving Experiences
Admiring the classic Jimny models is one thing, but driving them requires flicking a switch (or two) in your brain… There are no electronic driver aids on offer in any of the older models, of course, which meant that they delivered just the purest driving experience. Suzuki had booked out the ADA off-road facility near Hartebeespoort Dam to ensure we could really put the legends through their paces on some challenging terrain.
Comprising some excellent off-road trails with a spectacular backdrop through an abandoned slate mine, ADA's technical sections provided a great test for the Jimny family's capabilities. The stints in each of the Jimny models were brief, but exceptionally memorable. Every model had its quirks and charms, making it easy to understand why these cars have become highly sought-after on classified websites.
Wading through an abandoned slate mine was no problem for the little LJ.
The Suzuki LJ50 aka Genesis may be the smallest and simplest vehicle in this line-up, but it's not the easiest to drive. Firstly, the clutch pedal has an exceptionally short travel and offers little in the way of modulation, and secondly, it's very stiff, requiring a strong left leg to operate. Once you're rolling and have selected 4H, the little LJ proved very nimble, hopping and skipping across the rocks. With its 2-stroke motor eagerly revving away and my nerves settled, you start to appreciate just how simple yet capable it is. Not bad for a 50-year-old veteran!
The highlight of the day was driving the SJs from the '80s. The Samurai, which is old enough to be called a classic, but modern enough to remain easy to drive, was exceedingly fun to pilot. Both offered a wonderfully analogue driving experience, requiring strong arms to make the most of the unassisted steering. There's something immeasurably satisfying about stepping out and locking the front hubs, then engaging 4-wheel drive.
A convertible Jimny… can you get any cooler?
After driving the 3 older members of the Jimny family, the 2 newer JB-series models felt incredibly luxurious and technologically advanced by comparison. While the older models have immeasurable charm and their coolness factor is "off the chart", I have heaps of admiration for the relentless march of progress. The contemporary Jimny is much improved, but still retains those qualities that have endeared the model to so many.
Audi South Africa has announced specifications and pricing for its updated A5 coupe, A5 Sportback and S5 Cabriolet. Here's what's changed, plus what you can expect to pay for these stylish offerings.
The Audi A5 range has been updated and has landed in South Africa. The range comprises 2-door coupe, 5-door Sportback and there's a convertible model for those wanting to enjoy top-down motoring.
Visually, the front end has been given a mild tweak, with the honeycomb grille looking flatter and wider. There are ventilation slits above the grille and these are a nod to the iconic Audi Sport quattro from 1984. As far as customisation goes, Audi is offering 12 exterior paint finishes as well as 5 different shades of leather in the cabin.
Speaking of cabin, this is where Audi has spent the most work. The interior gets an update, with the new MMI touch interface dominating proceedings. There are new graphics and Audi claims the user experience resembles that of a smartphone. Audi has introduced the latest generation of connected services to the new A5 range too. This comprises online connectivity to Audi's roadside assistance, which is available at the touch of a button. There's also real-time info for navigation and Google Earth is intergrated into the car. You can also link the myAudi app from your phone to the vehicle. The vehicle also comes standard with Audi's smartphone interface, which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
For those wanting to experience top-down motoring, Audi has brought in the S5 cabriolet. The roof can be opened in 15 seconds at speeds of up to 50 kph, useful for those surprise rain showers.
In terms of engines, Audi has availed petrol and diesel options for the A5, while a fiery 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 headlines the S5. The 40 TFSI motor is a 2.0-litre turbocharged mill with 140 kW and 320 Nm, while the 40 TDI offers the same power and capacity, but there's more torque at 400 Nm. The S5 produces 260 kW and 500 Nm, and is good for a 0-100 kph in just 4.7 seconds. All models offer automatic transmissions, and every model bar the entry-level petrol derivatives feature quattro all-wheel drive.
The Audi S5 Cabriolet brings style and performance to the party
Specifications
The exterior design is available in two options, a standard variant in the entry-level model and the S line trim line across the range. All models offer Matrix LED headlights and the dynamic indicators as standard. The standard model offers:
17 inch cast aluminium wheels
Door sills with aluminium inserts in the front
Black matte radiator grille with a chrome frame
Black matte grained side air intakes and rear diffuser
Tailpipe trims in aluminium silver matte and a bar tailgate in chrome
The S line models will offer a differentiated exterior design which includes:
18 inch cast aluminium wheels
Front sills with aluminium inserts, illuminated and with S lettering
S line emblem on the front fenders
Widened side skirts in body colour finish
Sports suspension
S line-specific radiator grille in titanium black and chrome framed
Side air inlets in matt black grained with matt aluminium silver
S line-specific rear diffuser in titanium black matt
Rear trim in aluminium silver matt and bar tailgate in chrome
The S models also come with their own unique look which includes:
19-inch S style contrast grey wheels
Red brake callipers
Exterior mirror housings in aluminium look
Larger rear spoiler
S model bumpers
S sports suspension
Audi South Africa has simplified its optional extra offerings and put them into packages. The packages include:
Technology (MMI navigation plus with MMI touch; Audi connect full functionality; contour ambient lighting)
Sport (flat bottomed multi-function steering wheel in 3 spoke design with shift paddles; sport seats; black lining)
The cabin of the updated Audi A5 range. Note the upgraded infotainment and connectivity screen.
Audi A5 and S5 Price in South Africa (December 2020)
The Audi A5 and S5 range is now available at all Audi dealerships and is sold with the 5 year / 100 000km Audi Freeway plan. The below prices are inclusive of all taxes.
A limited-edition Carroll Shelby Signature Series is now on offer in South Africa and only 3 are available!
For those wanting the ultimate muscle car in South Africa, this may be it. Shelby South Africa has announced that 3 Carroll Shelby Signature cars will be offered locally. Only 50 units are available worldwide with the majority of the allocation reserved for the North American market.
Each car will be entered into the official Shelby Registry, ensuring authenticity, and the conversions will be done at Shelby SA’s official Mod Shop in the Western Cape.
The Carroll Shelby Signature Series has been developed over 2 years and each car features a new aluminium fender that widens the body to accommodate the one-piece forged monoblock wheels and MagneRide suspension. A new Brembo braking system with 6 piston calipers up front and 4 at the rear ensure notable stopping power and additional cooling channels for the brakes were also exclusively developed by Shelby.
Perhaps the most tantalising development has taken place under the bonnet where the 5.0-litre V8 engine gains an Edelbrock supercharger which takes total power output to 597 kW! The sound of the powerful V8 is personified with the fitment of a Borla exhaust system with 4 custom exhaust tips.
Other eye-catching bits include a metallic ram air hood, spoiler, diffuser and a new tail panel between the rear lights.
On the inside, Shelby branding is on the door mats and door sills as well on the Shelby guages. Elsewhere, Shelby branding is also seen on the radiator cap, coolant tank and oil cap. Customers can also remove the rear seat and replace it with a harness bar, if you so wish.
How much does the Carroll Shelby Signature Series cost you ask? Well, you will have to fork out R2 708 000 to have one, but you better move fast because there are only 3…
At the recent Jimny 50th celebrations held in December 2020, Suzuki South Africa surprised many by revealing the first Brezza on SA soil. Confirmed for an early 2021 introduction, the Brezza sits just below the Vitara. Here's what you need to know about the compact SUV.
With the high level of specification, modern powertrain and subsequent pricing jump, the Suzuki Vitara has moved into a premium space. There's now a substantial gap between the Ignis and the Vitara as the top-spec Ignis retails for R240 900, while R310 900 will get you behind the wheel of an entry-level Vitara. Suzuki South Africa reckons this hole can be plugged by the Brezza.
It's an Indian-built vehicle assembled by Maruti and will be coming to market powered by a 1.5-litre K-Series naturally-aspirated motor with 77 kW and 138 Nm. We expect it to be light on fuel, much like the rest of Suzuki's offerings.
The vehicle is front-wheel driven and while transmission details were not confirmed, a manual gearbox and an automatic transmission is available for the Indian market. We suspect Suzuki SA will bring both. Physically, the vehicle is a touch smaller than the Vitara, but a quick walkaround and glance inside the cabin highlighted similarities to the base-spec Vitara. There was the new touchscreen infotainment system, for instance and rear legroom looked adequate.
After the recent Toyota Hilux launch, the Japanese brand has given some other models its updated 150 kW 2.8 GD-6. The first of these is the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and here's how much you can expect to pay.
There are two engines for the South African market. The updated 2.8-litre turbocharged diesel 4-cylinder now produces 150 kW and 500 Nm, and is the same unit found in the updated Hilux. The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado features a 6-speed automatic transmission. The updated motor features a bigger, heavy-duty turbo as well as upgrades to the cooling, combustion chamber and intake manifold, all of which serve to improve performance and economy while retaining that Toyota reliability. Fuel economy is claimed at 7.9 L/100km.
The iconic 4.0-litre petrol V6 is carried over, and in this application, generates 202 kW and 381 Nm. It too features a 6-speed automatic transmission and it's said to consume 11.3 L/100 km. Both engine derivatives have 87-litre main fuel tanks and 63-litre secondary tanks.
The Prado is an exceptionally capable offroad vehicle, with a ground clearance of 215 mm and approach/departure angles of 31 and 25 degrees respectively. The towing capability has been improved to 3-tonnes, which is in line with the same updates that occurred on Hilux and Fortuner earlier this year.
There are 3 levels of trim offered in the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado range; TX, VX and VX-L. There are also 10 colours to choose from, plus it appears Android Auto/Apple CarPlay has made its way into the Prado. The spec upgrades for the VX-L model, which sits at the top-of-the-range makes use of paddle shifters and driving mode buttons.
