The Volkswagen Tiguan family is expanding yet again. After a reveal of the facelift and subsequent R model, Volkswagen has taken the wraps off of the Tiguan X SUV coupe.
Earmarked as a China-only model for now, the Volkswagen Tiguan X coupe was first leaked to the public in patent images in July 2020.
It's unmistakably a Tiguan from the front, but from the side adopts that gradual rear sloping style that's so stereotypical of these SUV coupes. There's a sporty spoiler on the roofline, while the rear gains new-look tail lights that are different to the conventional Volkswagen Tiguan. There's a lightbar connecting the 2 sets of rear lights, a design element that's in fashion currently.
What you see here is the flagship offering, badged as a 380 TSI 4Motion. Under the bonnet of the Tiguan X is a 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged petrol motor with 165 kW and 380 Nm. Power goes to the Volkswagen 4Motion all-wheel-drive system via a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The range kicks off with a 2.0-litre TSI which has 140 kW and 330 Nm. It too features the same 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
The flagship offering you see here features the popular R Line exterior pack. There's a subtle R on the front grille, as well as more aggressive-looking bumpers and bigger wheels. Built on the MQB platform and using a long-wheelbase Tiguan as a base, the Volkswagen Tiguan X is assembled in China by Volkswagen/SAUC joint venture.
As for as Volkswagen SA's compact family car line-up is concerned for the immediate future, the next addition will be the T-Roc, which will arrive towards the end of 2020 to slot in between the T-Cross and the 5-seat Tiguan ranges. Could there be room for a Tiguan X in a market? What we do know is Volkswagen SA confirmed the facelifted Tiguan is due in the first quarter of 2021, while the performance Tiguan R will arrive towards the end of 2021.
The New Normal, Podcast 3 – Time to revise your car insurance?
In the 3rd instalment of a 3-part series – brought to you in association with Absa – Wendy Knowler chats with Edite Teixeira-Mckinon, the CEO of the Ombudsman for Short-Term Insurance and Tony van Niekerk, the editor of Cover, about the impact of lockdown on car-insurance policies. With dramatic changes to South Africans' motoring habits, consumers are well-advised to revisit the type of cover they take out on their vehicles.
In part one of the series, Knowler – a respected consumer journalist and long-time #CarsAwards judge – discussed consumers’ current Covid-19 appetite for car buying (and how the industry was responding to it) with Naamsa CEO Mike Mabasa and Henry Botha from Absa Vehicle Finance. In part two, Knowler spoke about the buying/trading-in process and how it has changed to comply with the need for physical distancing with NADA chairperson Mark Dommisse and Absa’s general manager of dealer relationships, Fulu Mandane.
Now, in the final part of the series, Knowler sets the scene for the discussion by saying that the pay-as-you-drive motor vehicle insurance model had come into its own during "hard lockdown", when several insurers had launched “km-driven-per-month” policies. The wider impact of Covid-19 is that many people will be doing a lot less mileage for the foreseeable future (surveys reveal that most consumers are opting to shop very close to home too). That means our risk as insured people is reduced and should result in lower insurance premiums…
Fewer cars on the road mean lower risk
Edite Teixeira-Mckinon said the Ombudsman for Short-Term Insurance had registered an initial drop of about 30% in complaint volumes relating to motor-insurance claims and even though there had been an uptick in the number of complaints sent to the office as lockdown levels reduced, with regards to vehicles, the number of complaints were lower compared to the pre-lockdown period.
“With fewer vehicles on the road, there will be fewer accidents, fewer claims and, therefore, fewer complaints to our office. And hence these new products that are coming out. The pay-as-you-drive products have been around before, but in a very reduced number – I don't think it's anything compared to what we see now in the number of products are being offered by insurers,” she said.
Tony van Niekerk, the editor of the insurance industry magazine, Cover (pictured left), said the South African insurance industry had, as a matter of fact, been very proactive during lockdown: “Many insurance companies simply either provided an immediate discount in premiums saying, ‘we will drop your premiums’ or ‘we will give you a bigger bonus back based on those premiums.’ The insurance firms responded because they could immediately see that there was a reduction in drivers’ risk.”
Covid-19 has accelerated 'pay as you drive'
One of the ramifications for motor vehicle insurance under The New Normal is that the pay-as-you-go insurance model will now become increasingly prevalent as users’ opt to insure their actual risk as related to (more or less) the amount of time they spend on the road.
“The amount of time you spend on the road has always been a factor, although previously, for the most part, it was sort of on an honesty basis. In other words, the insured would ask you how much do you drive and you would put on your application: 'I drive X kilometres', insurers would simply use that number to rate your risk,” Van Niekerk explained. “And then, only if they see that has changed, would they increase your premium, or if, obviously you have more incidents, they would increase the premium.
“With technology that we've got nowadays, we are able to estimate that more accurately. The flip side of that is that somebody who drives a lot, might actually pay more because of they might fall on the wrong side of the risk rating, where their stipulated mileage was previously more average,” he added.
Instant savings? Better to enquire first
Teixeira-Mckinon (pictured left) warned that even if insurers were said to offer premium payment holidays to their clients, it was not necessarily a given that those reliefs would apply to all their customers. She also stressed that if a client wanted to change the stipulations of their insurance policy to get the benefit of reduced premiums, they’d have to be wary of not using their vehicles contrary to the cover/premium they were paying.
“In most cases, you need to call your insurer and ask them (about payment holidays). If you do change the type of cover or the stipulated type of use of your vehicle from business to private, for example, because you may be working from home and attend fewer meetings at the office, remember that under private use, there is a limit to the number of times you can use your vehicle to go to meetings or meet clients,” she said.
Third-party cover is bare-minimum
Be mindful not to chase a premium reduction without realising the full impact of the change in the cover. For example, if there are 2 vehicles in a household, you may decide to use one of those vehicles predominantly and choose to change the cover for the other vehicle to just 3rd party, fire and theft.
“(But then) if you're on the road with that vehicle, you're not going to be covered for your accidents. So be very careful if you do change the cover, that you don’t find yourself in a situation where you're not covered and having to pay not only for your own damages, but maybe a third party's damages as well," Teixeira-Mckinon said.
To reduce your premiums by tailoring your policy to actual usage patterns is wise, but don't negotiate yourself into a difficult position.
Knowler added: “And, with a third party claim, if they're not happy with what the other person's insurer has paid them, they can't lay a complaint with the Ombudsman for Short-Term Insurance because they aren't the client. I’ve had to tell consumers in those situations: ‘Sorry, there's not much recourse.’”
“Other than legal recourse and, if it doesn't fall within the jurisdiction of the small claims court, you have to go to the Magistrate's Court and it's very costly at the end of the day, Teixeira-Mckinon concluded.
Knowler also quizzed Van Niekerk about consumer behaviour with regards to motor vehicle policy cancellations and broached other topics, all of which are included in the 15-minute podcast.
Renault has released a teaser image of the next-generation Sandero.
Now in its third generation, the Renault Sandero and Sandero Stepway will be revealed soon.
Interestingly, the vehicle is sold not as a Renault in Europe, but rather as a Dacia and the Romanian brand has become successful for the years. Both the Sandero and Stepway have proven popular in South Africa and offer decent levels of standard equipment and space at a good price.
Now Renault/Dacia is preparing to revealed the new model. Originally built on the Renault platform, the newcomer will move to the modern CMF-B platform which currently underpins the Clio 5 and Captur. Renault/Dacia will have its work cut out for it in an effort to cut costs and keep the list price down, without impacting on quality and features.
In terms of engines, the current Sandero and Stepway is offered with the 0.9-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder motor and we're expecting this motor to be carried over. That being said, Renault does offer a few powertrains for its Clio 5, and we suspect some of them may make their way into the Sandero. A naturally-aspirated 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine with 56 kW is offered with a 5-speed manual transmission. There's also the option of a new turbocharged 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder engine in the mix with 73 kW and 160 Nm.
We've reviewed and tested numerous Renault Sandero and Stepway models over the years and have always been satisfied with what they offer for the price.
We'll keep an eye on this and update as soon as we hear more, as Renault Dacia is also planning to reveal a new Logan alongside the new Sandero and Stepway.
Need a car for life in the outdoors? The new Volkswagen Caddy California has been revealed, check it out!
Earlier this year we reported that Volkswagen was working on a lifestyle vehicle based on the new Caddy (which is due to arrive in SA in 2021). Think of this new Caddy California as a more affordable alternative to the much larger T6 California, but just as awesome, in a more compact kind of way…
While it looks like a regular Caddy on the outside, this Caddy California is rigged and ready to take you into the wild. Your sleeping quarters come courtesy of a fold-out bed and you can even sleep under the stars if you opt for the optional panoramic sunroof. There are also dimmable LED lights fitted for added convenience. The mattress folds up and can be stored in the load bay when it’s not in use with additional space for other camping necessities such as a camping table and camping chairs.
In addition, customers can also opt for a specially designed modular tent that attaches to the Caddy California and this setup is ideal for family camping trips where additional sleeping space is required. The Caddy can accommodate 2 people while 2 people are accommodated in the tent.
The Caddy California is also equipped with a mini kitchen unit that can be pulled out of a compartment in the load bay and comprises a gas stove with a windshield and a lower tray for storing cooking and eating utensils. Extra goods can be stored in 5kg storage bags placed at the rear side windows for easy access.
The Caddy California will be offered in both short and long-wheelbase formats and will be powered by either a 55 kW or 90 kW turbodiesel engine. All-wheel drive capability will be optional.
As for the driver’s cockpit, it will follow the design of the new Caddy and will be offered with a digital instrument cluster as well as a 10-inch infotainment system. More so, up to 19 driver assistance systems will be available for the Caddy California, including a Travel Assist System.
South African’s love being in the outdoors and we think that the Caddy California would be right at home here in Mzansi. However, it remains to be seen whether Volkswagen South Africa will introduce it locally. The new Caddy, however, is due to be introduced next year. Do you want to see the Caddy California in South Africa?
We will keep you updated as soon as we have more details to share.
German manufacturer BMW is preparing to update its entire X portfolio over the new few years. Here's the 2022 BMW X3.
Picture credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien. We have paid for these photos and at the photographer's request, have watermarked them.?
According to our spy photographers, the BMW X3 mule you see here was spotted cruising around the streets of Munich. Given the fact there's a BMW plant in SA which churns out the X3 for both local and international market, we're surprised these photos weren't taken in Pretoria.
From what we can see, the front end is going to receive a big update, with the bumper getting an all-new design. It remains to be seen whether the trademark kidney grilles will grow in size like the X5 and X7, or adopt something radical like the 4-Series setup. Expect more modern daytime-running lights too. At the back, there are some changes and we're expecting some subtle updates.
Our photographer source says the cabin is getting a big update too, as the infotainment screen and dashboard were camouflaged. This is understandable as the BMW X3 is one of the few models in the Munich-based brand's portfolio that has yet to adopt the all-new BMW iDrive OS 7.0 with its digital dashboard, new-look graphics, and generally all-round slicker user experience.
In terms of engines, BMW is likely to roll out its entire powertrain arsenal for the X3 in an effort to broaden its appeal. For the SA market, we can expect petrol and diesel offerings, with engine sizes ranging from 4- to 6-cylinder, while the overseas markets are likely to get plug-in hybrid tech as well as an inevitable pure electric model. Let's not forget about the high-performance offerings either, with an X3 M and X3 M Competition eventually making an appearance sometime after the mainstream offerings.
This segment of the market is moving at a solid pace. Locally the Mercedes-Benz GLC range was updated towards the end of 2019, but an all-new model has been spotted testing. There's a new Audi Q5 set to land in early 2021, so BMW's timing with the updated X3 and badging it as a 2022 model is about right. Let's not forget about the Swedes either as the Volvo XC60 still commands a few sales.
We'll update this article as soon as more information and more photos come to light.
The most noticeable change is the new frameless grille which is also found on the 3008 and the model gains new LED headlights and a hook-shaped daytime running lights while the rear also gains newly-designed LED taillights.
Inside, the 5008 gains Peugeot’s latest i-Cockpit comprising a 10-inch infotainment system and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and customers will have a choice of various interior trim options. More so, the 5008 will also be equipped with useful safety features such as a night vision system, adaptive cruise control with stop and go function, lane-keeping assist, traffic sign recognition and emergency brake assist.
In terms of engines, the current 121 kW/240 Nm 1.6-litre turbopetrol engine and 110 kW/370 Nm 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine are expected to be carried over locally in conjunction with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Other markets such as Europe have more choice with a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder engine and 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine also being offered.
Peugeot South Africa has confirmed that the updated 5008 will reach South Africa in 2021 but exact timings have yet to be confirmed (Q2 is likely). We will keep you updated as soon as local pricing and specification details are confirmed.
The Hyundai Tucson is a perennially popular family car, but distinctive design has never been its main selling point. However, when the all-new model makes its world debut later this month, we’re all but guaranteed to be bowled over by its avant-garde appearance and futuristic interior.
We recently published renders of the all-new Tucson, which is likely to be introduced in South Africa during the first half of 2021 and speculated about the powertrain and peak outputs of the rumoured N variant of the next-gen model. Click here to review that story.
Hyundai has integrated the daytime running lights within the elaborate grille design; the frontal look is thoroughly distinctive.
We expected the brand’s “Sensuous Sportiness” design language to influence the look of the upcoming Tucson, but when SangYup Lee, the Senior Vice President and Head of Hyundai Global Design Centre, was recently quoted as saying that the 4th-generation Tucson would make people “freak out”, he clearly wasn’t joking…
In teasing the all-new Tucson, which will be officially unveiled on September 15, with these stylised images, Lee adds: “(The new) Tucson’s advanced, experimental design is true to its pioneering spirit and raises the game in the industry’s most competitive segment.”
Virtually all the Korean brand’s latest models sport expansive, cascading grilles with a distinctive pattern, with narrow headlamp clusters/indicator elements that merge into a single design element. The new Tucson is no exception – its LED daytime running lights are cleverly integrated into the jewel-like grille, and only revealed when activated by the driver.
The lighting signature of the new Tucson is characterised by a wraparound LED light bar and jewel-like tail-light clusters.
The newcomer is notably wider than its predecessor and based on a stretched wheelbase; the extra length, combined with the longer bonnet and short overhangs give the family car a coupé-like profile. From the side, angular body panels feature “Parametric Dynamics” (such as swage lines that run at different angles but “meet at one point”), the wheel arches are squared off and the C-pillars feature metallic-look accents that blend with the window trims. It's certainly a design that emphasises athleticism, so we can imagine that an N model based on this family car will look really purposeful!
The Tucson’s rear-end, meanwhile, incorporates a strike plate-adorned bumper, triangular LED tail-light clusters, a light bar that spans the width of the tailgate and a subtle roof spoiler.
As for the interior, Hyundai says its “dual-cockpit layout offers personalised space intuitively optimised for a high-tech user experience… an interspace with an integrated interface”.
Although it looks like a black-and-white photograph, this "interior image" is but a sketch – finer details have yet to be revealed.
Setting the firm's purple prose aside for the moment, it's fair to say that if the exterior execution of the Korean firm’s new family car is astounding, well, then its interior is positively mind-blowing. For example, Hyundai has not just replaced an analogue instrument cluster with a digital one – it’s discarded the binnacle entirely and replaced it with a display panel that's embedded in the dashboard.
Meanwhile, the pronounced dashboard ridge features a pair of metallic trim lines that extend through the upper door trims (so creating a wraparound effect for each of the front occupants), while the “floating” fascia, which sprouts from the elevated centre console and merges with the slim vents in the middle of the dashboard, is dominated by a large, tablet-like touchscreen. Very futuristic!
We’ll be sure to bring you official details as and when they become available later this month.
As production of the Toyota GR Yaris performance hatch kicks off in Japan, Toyota SA says the model is still on the cards for an SA introduction.
The GR Toyota Yaris looks to be one of the most entertaining performance hatches. First revealed at the beginning of 2020, the GR Yaris packs a punch with a 3-cylinder, 1.6-litre turbocharged engine that offers up 192 kW and 360 Nm but there is also a high-power version that offers 200 kW and 370 Nm. Unlike most hot hatchbacks which use a front-wheel drive setup, the GR Yaris is all-wheel drive.
Toyota's Gazoo Racing division reckons this Yaris is good for a 0-100 kpg in 5.5 seconds, which is likely down to its 1 280 kg weight and trick all wheel drive. This new GR Yaris features an all-wheel-drive system that can split power between the front and rear axle depending on the situation via modes such as Normal (60:40), Sport (30:70) and Track (50:50). An optional Circuit Pack, which comprises a Torsen limited-slip differential on both the front and rear axle, performance-tuned suspension and 18-inch forged alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4s 225/40R18 tyres is also offered for the GR Yaris. Based on this, we think it's going to be one compact circuit carving machine.
Now production has officially kicked off at Toyota's Motomachi factory and the first production vehicle recently rolled off the line. Toyota Gazoo Racing has an entire section of the Motomachi factory and it will be exclusively building GR sports cars. Unlike conventional car factories which use conveyors to move vehicles along the line, this factory features a series of individual assembly cells, connected by automatic guided vehicles.
However, everyone's plans in 2020 went down the drain due to the COVID-19 pandemic and now as the world has turned a corner, we thought we'd reach out to Toyota South Africa regarding the GR Yaris availability. A spokesperson confirmed that "it is still on the cards for SA for 2021" but expressed some concern over timing and exchange rates, the latter not being favourable. So, there you have it, GR Yaris is still very much on Toyota SA's radar, but its arrival will depend on the South African Rand's performance against foreign currency.
The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class has been revealed and it's expected to arrive in South Africa in the first quarter of 2021!
The S-Class represents the pinnacle of the Mercedes-Benz product line and apart from being an important part of the brand’s history, it also serves as the spearhead, as it were, for showcasing the latest and greatest technology currently in Merc’s arsenal.
This is important because the technology that’s infused in the S-Class, will likely find its way into the next generation of the brand’s extensive model lineup.
We have seen spy images and teasers in the past few months and Mercedes-Benz has already revealed what to expect from the new S-Class' interior and after months of waiting, the official reveal has now taken place.
Large, intuitive touchscreens dominate the interior, featuring the latest generation MBUX operating system with up to 3 screens taking care of just about everything you can think of. The setup includes a large 12.3-inch central screen which has contributed to fewer buttons present in the cabin as well as a 12.3-inch configurable instrument cluster. Rear passengers can also have access to two 11.6-inch screens mounted on the front seatbacks as well as a 7.0-inch tablet in the rear centre console which forms part of the optional Business Centre Console package. Rear passengers can now also summon MBUX by using the 'Hey Mercedes' command and each passenger has access to their own individual media options. The range of comfort and convenience features on offer in the S-Class is next-level luxury for passengers. In fact, Mercedes-Benz states that the interior fulfils the claim of a “third place,” a private refuge between home and work. As such, passengers have access to a range of 6 Energising program options depending on the passenger's personal needs. The S-Class can also be had with a top-end Burmester 4D surround sound system with a total of 30 loudspeakers and 8 resonators for crisp clear music quality.
As for the steering wheel, it's also new and features capacitive hands-off recognition made possible with a two-zone sensor pad located on the rim of the steering wheel which can sense if the driver's hands are on the 'wheel or not. The new S-Class also features an augmented reality navigation heads-up display.
In terms of safety, the new S-Class is the first series-production car to be fitted with rear-seat airbags for added passenger protection in the event of a frontal accident. More than this, the Pre-Safe Impulse Side will be able to raise the S-Class’ body by up to 8 centimetres immediately before an impending side collision which will benefit all passengers.
The tech-laden cabin of the new S-Class is mightily impressive.
The W223 S-Class will be produced on Merc’s revised MRA (Modular Rear-wheel drive Architecture) platform and it will be the first model to be built at what Merc believes is the most modern automobile production facility in the world, Factory 56.
The S-Class is powered by a range of hybridised powertrains with 48-volt technology as well as the choice of a plug-in hybrid setup while an all-electric EQS is also in development which will take square aim at Tesla.
The S-Class range starts with the S500 which is powered by a 3.0-litre inline-6 turbopetrol engine with an integrated starter-generator with EQ Boost and outputs of 320 kW and 521 Nm of torque directed to all-four wheels. The EQ Boost allows for additional power and torque bursts of 16 kW and 249 Nm for short periods. The headlining powerplant in the S580 is a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 that's good for 350 kW and 700 Nm. Both derivatives make use of a 9-speed automatic transmission.
The optional E-Active Body Control utilises 5 multi-core processors, more than 20 sensors and a stereo camera to predictively respond to varying driving situations and the system is able to make damping and spring force adjustments at each wheel by analysing the driving situation 1000 times per second. Rear-axle steering, which will also be offered as an option, is expected to enhance the handling and manoeuvrability of the S-Class.
As you can expect, there will be a host of advanced driver assistance systems on offer. As part of the Driving Assistance Package, features such as Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Steering Assist, Active Parking Assist while a Parking Package with a 360-degree camera will be optional.
Timing for the local introduction of the new S-Class in South Africa has yet to be confirmed.
The Cars.co.za Podcast, Ep4 – SA Youtuber Liberebil’s new venture & what his next car might be
Ciro was delighted to be joined in studio by popular SA Youtuber Niyaaz Isaacs, the face and voice behind the Liberebil Youtube channel.
In this wide-ranging interview, Ciro and Niyaaz discuss the unreliability of BMW M cars, why Honda fans love model codes so much, why Maseratis need to look like Monica Bellucci, how to fix engines before they break, why he wants to buy his mom a Mercedes SLK, driving an electric Golf, what Niyaaz might buy next and of course his new venture, a build shop in Paarl focusing on American muscle trucks.
You can also enjoy this episode on your favourite podcast platform, we'll paste the links here as soon as it's uploaded.
