Updated Range Rover Evoque and Discovery Sport (2021) Specs & Price
Land Rover has updated its Evoque and Discovery Sport and will also introduce the special edition Range Rover Evoque Autobiography and the Discovery Sport Black to the local market in early 2021. See all the details below…
Land Rover has rolled out some updates for the Range Rover Evoque and Discovery Sport. In terms of interior technology, both vehicle ranges now benefit from the introduction of Land Rover’s Pivi infotainment system which is faster and more responsive and can be updated over-the-air via WiFi. The system will be offered as the standard Pivi system or Pivi Pro which features integrated navigation (offered on S-specification). Two smartphones can be connected simultaneously and Spotify is now integrated into the menu for the first time.
Other notable updates include a new Cabin Air Filtration System which cleans the air in the cabin and the Discovery Sport also gains a Rear Collision Monitor as well as a 3D Surround Camera which will complement the ClearSight Ground View and ClearSight Rear View Mirror systems.
For those who venture into the outdoors regularly, a second-generation Activity Key will also be available which now features an LCD watch. The device is shock-resistant and waterproof.
Apart from technological upgrades, new special edition models will also come to market in early 2021.
A new range-topping Range Rover Evoque Autobiography with distinctive exterior styling and a luxurious interior will be offered. More so, an Evoque Lafayette Edition with a Nolita Grey contrasting roof will also come to market with a carefully curated set of options and will be available with a new 147 kW 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine (D200) which will, in fact, replace the 132 kW D180 offering in both the Evoque and Range Rover Sport lineups.
More so, a new Discovery Sport Black will also be offered and will be powered by a new 213 kW turbocharged 2.0-litre (P290) petrol engine.
Range Rover Evoque Autobiography – Price in SA
Range Rover Evoque Autobiography – From R1 090 500
Land Rover Discovery Sport Black – Price in SA
Land Rover Discovery Sport Black – From R1 058 400
The Japanese automotive giant announced a new Starlet hatchback, targeted at Toyota’s ambitious African expansion plans.
Although the Toyota badge takes pride of place in the middle of its grille, this Starlet is a true example of badge engineering. There is virtually no trace of Toyota in its components or mechanical engineering.
This new Starlet is the result of Toyota’s agreement with Suzuki and is, in fact, a Baleno underneath. As more automotive companies seek economies of scale and cost benefits from cooperation, badge engineering is a reality that will become commonplace.
For Toyota to develop a new compact hatchback for African markets and their robust conditions, it would not be cost-effective. Suzuki’s Baleno is a proven vehicle, with its design strongly influenced by Indian road conditions, which are broadly similar to most African markets.
The cooperation between Toyota and Suzuki is, therefore, a logical conclusion and gives African consumers, a tidy new hatchback choice – with a legendary name.
Although Toyota South Africa has not commented on any local possibility of the new Starlet, it does look quite tidy. The only notable specification change between Toyota’s Starlet and its Suzuki donor platform concerns the engine.
The Suzuki’s Baleno's 1.4-litre engine, good for 68 kW is also carried over to the Starlet, both producing a similar peak torque value of 130 Nm. Starlet buyers will have the option on both a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission
In terms of overall size, this new Starlet measures nearly 4m bumper-to-bumper and is 1.74m across and stands 1.47m tall.
With its own grille and wheel design, the Starlet is slightly differentiated from Toyota’s Glanza, which is its exact twin-vehicle in India, also based on the Baleno.
Following the reveal of the new second-generation Mokka crossover in June 2020, Opel has now revealed additional combustion engine derivatives that will be offered alongside the all-electric Mokka.
When the new Mokka was shown earlier this year, many people, including us, were really impressed by the styling on offer and it also features an electric drivetrain with a 50 kWh lithium-ion battery and outputs of 100 kW and 260 Nm and with a range of about 322 km.
At the time, Opel confirmed that the new Mokka was under consideration for our market in 2022 but it remains unlikely that we will see the all-electric Mokka on local soil. However, Opel has now announced internal combustion engine derivatives for the new Mokka which will make a stronger business case for a South African introduction. The good news is that the styling will be near-identical to the electric Mokka and we may even see some sportier trim come to market such as the two-tone GS Line trim you see here.
The new Mokka will be offered with a choice of 2 petrol and 1 diesel engine option.
A 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine will offer 74 kW and 205 Nm of torque and will be mated with a 6-speed manual transmission. A more potent turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol engine will also be available with 96 kW and 230 Nm but in addition to a 6-speed manual, this engine will also be equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
A 1.5-;itre turbodiesel engine will round out the new Mokka range with 81 kW and 250 Nm and will be offered in conjunction a 6-speed manual transmission only.
Inside, the UK-spec Mokka provides passengers with access to a 7-inch or top-spec 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. The interior look is further enhanced with a 12-inch digital instrument panel.
Other nice features include advanced cruise control, active lane positioning, 180-degree rear-view camera and automatic park assist. Specification for South Africa is likely to differ though and local engine and feature offerings will only be confirmed closer to the Mokka’s local introduction in 2022.
Hyundai unveils facelifted Kona & N-Line derivative
Of the 3 compact family cars that Hyundai offers in South Africa, the Kona is probably the most niche model. The Korean manufacturer has released details of its updated crossover, including a new performance-inspired N Line derivative, which sets the scene for the introduction of a fully-fledged Kona N.
The Kona, which is based on the i30 compact car's platform, is quite popular in Europe and although it was only introduced in Mzansi relatively recently (in late 2018), it's been in production since 2017, which means the facelift is just about on cue.
To bring the model's looks up to date, Hyundai has introduced a significantly revised front end, replete with a longer bonnet, a fresh grille design and widened LED daytime-running lights. A silver-grey skid plate cups the lower air intake, while vertical aerodynamic inlets feature on the outside edges of the black bumper. The two-tone execution, with black mirror housings, looks particularly fetching.
Hyundai has added a number of silver-grey accents to the Kona's cladding; the crossover now looks quite a bit sleeker.
At the rear, revised tail-light clusters feature horizontally-stretched graphics. The shapelier rear bumper, meanwhile, features a large skid plate that ties in neatly with the front-bumper execution and additional side-skirt garnishes. Overall, the updated Kona is 40 mm longer than its predecessor and comes with 16-inch alloy wheels; redesigned 17- and 18-inch rims are optional.
Inside, the Kona gains an electronic handbrake, ambient LED lighting (for the centre cup holder as well as the driver and front passenger's footwells), updated speaker- and vent surrounds, as well as a selection of new colour and material options. In Europe, the car's infotainment system has increased to an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple Car Play compatibility as standard.
As expected, the Kona interior in the press material features the digital instrument cluster and the upgraded infotainment system.
The emergence of the all-new i20, of which we recently drove a pre-production unit, sees the compact hatchback's 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster being transplanted in the Kona. The infotainment system can be upgraded to a 10.25-inch unit, which supports a split-screen function, multiple Bluetooth connections and the extended features of Hyundai’s cloud-based navigation system.
Although the new N-Line derivative probably won't be of much consequence to the South African market, it does offer clues to what the upcoming Kona N will might look like (…only wilder). Compared with its standard sibling, the N-Line eschews black cladding in favour of a sportier bodykit and features an (ostensibly Audi A1-inspired) trio of mesh-covered mini air intakes above the front grille.
There's a lot more in the way of air inlets in the N Line version's frontal aspect.
Apart from bespoke alloys, the N Line features a rear diffuser and a dual-outlet sports exhaust, while the black leather interior trim is accented with red contrast stitching, metal pedals and N logos.
Meanwhile, Hyundai has upgraded its 1.6-litre turbopetrol derivative's peak power output to 145 kW, which is available in either 2- or 4-wheel-drive guise in conjunction with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic overseas. On the South African market, Hyundai offers a 1.0-litre turbopetrol derivative with a 6-speed manual and a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol version with a 6-speed automatic 'box.
The N Line's rear bumper features an elaborate diffuser inset, which is complemented with dual exhaust pipes.
As for the driving experience, the refreshed Kona features a recalibrated steering system (for more linear responses to 'wheel inputs), plus a more comfort-oriented suspension setup. The firm says: "Next to springs and dampers, the stabiliser bars have been modified for better isolation. The rear bump stop was also modified, bringing benefits for primary ride and lateral body control."
Hyundai South Africa's product pitch for the Kona is quite different to its counterparts in Europe; local derivatives are much more soberly specced for optimal value for money. Although the local subsidiary has yet to confirm the arrival date of the updated Kona, we expect local versions to carry over at least the cosmetic updates next year, probably during the 1st quarter (or half) of 2021.
We know there's a facelift coming for the market-leading Toyota Hilux, but the most anticipated ALL-NEW bakkie heading for Mzansi is the next-generation Isuzu D-Max. It will go on sale in the 2nd half of 2021, but it's already available in Australia, where our correspondent Matt Campbell has put the newcomer through its paces. How does it compare with the current crop of bakkies in South Africa? Has Isuzu taken a significant step forward? Read on…
First, a disclaimer: the new-generation D-Max that will be sold in South Africa will be built at the Japanese firm's plant in Port Elizabeth and will undergo an extensive local development programme to adapt its powertrain and underpinnings (including suspension tuning) to suit the requirements of the Republic (not least its plethora of road conditions, which range from fine to atrocious, depending on where you're driving). What's more, the units that are sold in Australia are liberally specified, especially with passenger-car-like safety technology. Local units may feature fewer high-end features – and indeed some class-leading considerations – that have been made available in other markets, but it will essentially be the same bakkie, which is why we were keen to find out what it's like to drive.
The combination of a dark-grey grille and other exterior accents work particularly well with the vibrant orange paintwork.
So, what’s new?
Pretty much everything. Isuzu’s global team has made a huge effort to leave no stone unturned for this new-generation D-Max. It’s not like the "facelifted facelifts" of old. In fact, the Australian version is unique in its specification, with a number of specific inclusions that will help it compare better with lifestyle-focused offerings in the line-ups of the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux and other models.
The Japanese brand says the all-new D-Max has been “completely redesigned from the ground up”: the chassis has been thoroughly reworked, and there is new suspension front and rear – the latter of which is now a 3-leaf setup, yet still manages payload of 1 000 kg or more on most derivatives. To read more about the specifications, be sure to revisit All-New Isuzu D-Max: More Details.
In Australia, the top-of-the-range derivative is called the X-Terrain, which is designed to be a Ford Ranger Wildtrak competitor.
If you just compare the versions Down Under with those sold in Thailand, you’ll immediately notice the increased standard safety equipment for the Australian market. That list incorporates automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane keeping assistance, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control on automatic derivatives – not all of those features are guaranteed to be offered in other markets, including South Africa. It's a shame, really, as it sets the D-Max apart. Still, local specification is still being finalised, so watch this space.
Isuzu says it has paid extra attention to customer feedback for the new bakkie's ride and handling settings, and the evidence is clear when it comes to the D-Max’s newfound road manners – it’s as if the Japanese contender has been to finishing school and graduated with honours. Indeed, there’s a lot that’s better about the new D-Max…
The D-Max's on-road refinement has always been near the top of the segment and Isuzu has improved it even futher.
What's it like to drive?
The new D-Max's electric power steering system is both light and accurate on the road, and still tractable off-road. What's more, the suspension is considerably more, well, considered when it comes to handling bumps and lumps. You can still tell you’re driving a vehicle with a 1-tonne payload and towing specs of up to 3 500-kg (braked capacity), but it is a vast step forward from the agricultural underpinnings of its predecessor.
The more pliant ride quality is particularly noticeable when driving the Isuzu at freeway speeds when it's carrying little or no cargo on its load bed. There is markedly improved suspension control over uneven tarred surfaces and, in terms of overall refinement (wind- and engine noise suppression), it arguably still trails the Ford Ranger, but not by much and matches its other rivals in this regard.
The new D-Max doesn't mind loose gravel; for tougher courses, 4×4 versions feature standard diff-locks and upgraded software.
As for off-roading, we didn't tackle anything more serious than a rough dirt road during the initial evaluation (the Isuzu will be put through a strict test regimen on a 4×4 course at a later date), but the vehicle's stabilty at (for the most) average dirt-road speeds was admirable, with minimal shaking and rattling of the cabin (and its occupants) on rutted sections.
There are still disc brakes at the front and drums at the rear, and Aussie versions have steel wheels on base grades (in 17 inch size), while higher grades get alloys in either 17- or 18-inch design.
The new model has a ground clearance of 240 mm, with a maximum wading depth of 800 mm.
It looks the business
Australia has even seen the introduction of a new flagship derivaitve, named the X-Terrain, which is designed with the Ford Ranger Wildtrak squarely in its targets. It has plenty of standout features, including dark grey highlights all around the vehicle, and the top-grade version gets a leather-accented cabin trim and dark headliner… that's straight off the "Wildtrak checklist", isn't it?
But even the average D-Max derivative offers vastly more kerb appeal than the existing bakkie, which wasn't exactly fashion-forward, even when it was brand new. What's more, the KB/D-Max's interior execution was lacklustre, with hard, scratchy surfaces and a staid design. The new one, by contrast, feels fresh, which is possibly as much as some buyers will need to get them over the line.
Higher-grade derivatives feature a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless smartphone screen-mirroring tech.
But it’s more than just the cabin design. The front seats are very comfy, plus there’s reach and rake adjustment for the steering wheel, and height adjustment for the driver’s seat – the X-Terrain even gets electric driver's seat adjustment. The rear-occupant space, in particular, is competitive in double-cab derivatives; in terms of knee- and headroom, the Isuzu feels more spacious than the Toyota Hilux, for example, although it doesn't offer as much shoulder room as in the back of a Volkswagen Amarok. In Aus, all D-Max double cabs are equipped with separate vents for rear passengers.
For interest's sake, there are 4 trim levels available and all of them are well equipped and presented… but the prices have gone up substantially to compensate for all the additional technology and equipment. An example is the media setup, which is a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone mirroring technology in the base grades (Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay – a first in the bakkie segment, we understand), while the higher derivatives get a 9.0-inch screen with sat-nav. The latter really looks the part, especially alongside the 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster.
The newcomer's cabin is notably spacious, with better-than-average rear leg- and headroom.
The Isuzu is also eminently practical, with storage options in the cabin comprising outboard cup holders in the dashboard, big cup/bottle holders between the seats, plus door pockets that are large enough to accommodate a 1-litre bottle. There’s a dual glovebox, while high grade versions are additionally equipped with a closable dash-top box.
But Isuzu hasn’t gone the whole hog inside – even the top-spec version misses out on some desirable options like an auto-dimming rearview mirror, seat heating/cooling, and electric adjustment for the front passenger seat. A few of those items have shown up on the equipment list of the D-Max's cousin, the next-gen Mazda BT-50, however – be on the lookout for a driving impression of that soon.
Improvements to the engine comprise improved refinement and efficiency, the motor's power and torque outputs are middling.
What’s the engine like?
Isuzu says the D-Max's 3.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel is an all-new motor – the engine code (for those who care) is 4JJ3-TCX. Despite the “re-engineered” engine apparently stepping things up for the Isuzu brand, it hasn’t taken huge leaps and bounds in terms of its outputs. The maximum power output is 140 kW (at 3 600 rpm) and peak torque is 450 Nm (from 1 600 to 2 600 rpm).
Those are modest increases for what is now a "large capacity" turbodiesel bakkie and, even though the engine's ostensibly more refined than the motor it replaces, it still sounds rather strained under firm acceleration. Toyota in Australia recently upgraded its 2.8-litre unit to 150 kW and 500 Nm, while the 2.0-litre Ranger Bi-turbo reins supreme with a comparatively huge 157 kW and 500 Nm.
Isuzu is not chasing ultimate engine outputs with its 3.0-litre D-Max motor – but then, the Japanese manufacturer never has.
Suffice to say, some buyers may want more. There’s also an argument, though, that you might want less, especially for the sake of long-term reliability under sustained hard use. Maybe not as little as the current entry-level single cab 250 Base unit with 58 kW and 176 Nm, but in some markets there will be also be a 1.9-litre twin-turbo and it will likely come with a smaller price tag than the 3.0 litre.
The transmission choices remain a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic for the 3.0-litre in Australia, but with the choice of a 4×2 rear-wheel drive or the selectable 4×4, the latter now with a standard rear differential lock in conjunction with hill descent control and tweaked traction- and stability control settings. In our brief experience of the manual 'box, we found the shift quality positive without an overly long throw, while the automatic transmission shifted reasonably crisply, although it did exhibit a tendency to hunt a little in the higher gears in some traffic conditions.
Summary
All the signs are there that the new-generation D-Max will continue the success story of its predecessor, which certainly has a loyal following in South Africa. The overseas indications are very promising, and if all the hard work that Isuzu has put into making the Australian version as good as it is ends up being carried over to the South African-spec bakkie (which it should, even though local specification has yet to be confirmed), it will no doubt do very well for the brand. If anything, the new model has the potential to grab an ever bigger slice of the lucrative lifestyle market than before.
The National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA) has released new vehicle sales figures for August 2020.
The SA vehicle market remains under pressure with only a minor increase in sales over the previous month.
Compared with July 2020, 1 119 more vehicles were sold in August 2020. A total of 33 515 vehicles were sold in stark contrast to August 2019 where 45 484 vehicles were sold. The market appears to be showing serious strain as a result of Covid19. The expected rebound seen in Europe, where sales in July 2020 were the best of the entire year, has not manifested in our local market. Here are the headline sales numbers courtesy of NAAMSA.
New Car Sales Summary: August 2020
Aggregate new vehicle sales at 33 515 units down by 26.3% (-11 969 units) compared with August 2019
+3.3% (1 119 units) up on July 2020
New passenger car sales of 19 545 units down by 32.6% (-9 458 units) compared with August 2019
+1.9% (+640 units) up on July 2020
Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) sales of 11 336 units down by 19.3% (-2 719 units) compared with August 2019
+1.8% (213 units) up on July 2020
Exports of 23 337 units down by 46.9%% (-20 623 units) compared with August 2019
-5.5% (-1 369 units) down on July 2020
Top-Selling Car Brands in South Africa for August 2020
Toyota – 7 743 units
Volkswagen – 5 181 units
Ford – 2 810 units
Hyundai – 2 460 units
Nissan – 2 198 units
Sales outlook
New vehicle demand improved slightly compared to the performance of the previous two months as South Africa’s lockdown restrictions eased further to Level 2 in August 2020. However, activity in the new vehicle market is expected to remain low for the remainder of the year due to the uncertainties relating to the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic and as consumers and businesses continue to adapt to short-term budget pressures. Furthermore, not only will the economy have to contend with the consequences of the economic lockdown, it now has to deal with further rolling blackouts which comes at the worst possible time for the South African economy. Eskom announced that the heightened risk of load-shedding will haunt the South African economy for another year. All this point to an already hard-hit economy with no expectations for a quick recovery any time soon.
“We don’t anticipate that we will see any marked recovery any time soon. This is probably our new normal for a while,” explained Mark Dommisse, Chairperson of the National Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA).
“Many of our potential buyers, be they businesses or members of the public, remain under massive financial pressure while also facing the unknown in terms of future business and employment prospects. Relatively few are in a position to commit to vehicle repayments over increasingly longer periods.
“We trust that the SA Reserve Bank keeps interest rates low for an extended period of a least two years to enable markets to recover. This could form one of the major building blocks for the government as they look to stimulate the economy. Inflation remains low, but there are noticeable increases in household expenses and fuel costs, all of which will have an inflationary impact in the short to medium term.
“As an industry, we realise that the difficult times will continue, and we must plan around the changed economic scenario. Motor traders in South Africa have been a resilient group when facing setbacks in the past and we remain optimistic in the longer term,” concluded Dommisse.
Audi Q2 Facelift Announced
The compact Audi Q2 has been updated for 2021. Here's a look at what's changed.
The Audi Q2 was revealed 4 years ago and the Ingolstadt-based brand claims it was a huge success. For 2021, Audi has given it an update.
The changes are considerable and as a result, the Audi Q2's length has grown a tiny bit, but the real changes can be seen at the front, with a new-look nose with the option of LED and Matrix LED headlights. Customers can also opt for the advanced and S Line trim levels, which give more visual punch. Audi claims the S Line Q3 is "even more expressive."
The Audi Q2 colour palette has been expanded and there are 5 new colours, with considerable customisation options available.
Audi has reworked the interior of the Q2 and the compact SUV features new-look air vents and gear knob. Naturally there are a ton of options on offer and Audi has sports seats, power tailgate and trailer hitch to name a but a few. The infotainment system has been updated and the new MMI and Audi Virtual Cockpit is available. There's also a Bang & Olufsen Premium audio system with 14 speakers available. Safety-wise, Audi has introduced some safety packages with advanced tech like Audi pre-sense which scans the road ahead of you, while things like automatic parking is available as an option. Cleverly, the traffic sign recognition works in conjunction with the adaptive cruise control and the car will automatically slow down to match the limits.
In terms of engines, Audi is offering 3 petrol engines and 2 diesel engines. The 1.5 TFSI punches out 110 kW and 250 Nm, and there's cylinder deactivation available which will assist in economy. Speaking of, Audi is claiming 5.4 L/100 km. A 6-speed manual gearbox and a 7-speed S tronic is available. There's no mention of the other engines, but Audi did say there will be more information towards the end of 2020.
Under the skin, Audi has introduced progressive steering which is said to 'increase the handling and vehicle dynamics on winding roads.' A sports suspension which lowers the body by 10mm is available as an option. There's also damper control available. There are 3 new alloy rim designs, ranging from 16-inch to 19-inch in size.
We'll update you as soon as we hear more information regarding the 2021 Audi Q2.
Polish tuner, Carlex, has given the Land Rover Defender a once over to create this Yachting Edition. Do you like the look?
Remember the Mercedes-AMG G63 Yachting Edition by Carlex shown earlier this year? Well, now the Polish aftermarket specialist has gone to work on the new Land Rover Defender to create the Defender Yachting Edition.
Using the new Defender 110 as a starting point, Carlex has taken inspiration from maritime design and applied a brushed surface, much like your dog’s brushed aluminium drinking bowl. The ‘Yachting Edition’ decals seen on the lower front doors and the custom rear spare wheel cover are clear signifiers that this is no ordinary Defender.
The exterior shine is matched with 2 interior executions of your choice. The first combines luxurious white upholstery with wood finishes, much like you would expect to see on a yacht while the second option adopts gold-coloured upholstery with brushed aluminium trim finishes to complete the look. Note the wooden deck finish seen in the load bay and on the rear seatbacks.
Do you like the look of this Carlex Land Rover Defender?
Peugeot has released details and images of the updated 3008 and the good news is it's confirmed for SA in 2021.
The Peugeot 3008 has been quite the success story for the French brand, with over 800 000 units rolling off the production line. A few notable awards such as European Car of the Year, plus a #CarsAwards-powered by WesBank finalist position aren't to be taken lightly. It's crucial then Peugeot doesn't radically alter 3008 and impact on its success.
At first glance, you'll spot the updated design on the front end. Now resembling part of the new generation of Peugeot family, the 3008 looks related to the 208 and 2008. The front gains some aggression and there are plenty of scoops, plus the newcomer has LED headlamps as well as hook-shaped daytime running lights. For those wanting more visual punch, there's also a sportier GT version that rides on some gorgeous 19-inch alloy wheels.
On the subject of lights, Peugeot has introduced integrated the fog lights into the main LED units, and the rear gains full-LED tech too.
Inside, the updated Peugeot 3008 receives an update to its very cool digital i-Cockpit. There's a 12.3-inch digital setup which is completely customisable and the new central infotainment screen is 10 inches in size. As before, specification is expected to be high, but we'll have to see what the South African-spec offers. For the European market, you get nice things like adaptive cruise control, front and rear cameras, panoroof, massage seats, automatic tailgate as well as some advanced safety features. Naturally, it's also well connected with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and there are 3 USB ports.
In terms of engines, Peugeot is offering both petrol and diesel options, with the 1.2-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder motor with 96 kW kicking off the range. It's available with the choice of a manual or automatic gearbox. For those wanting more, the 1.6-litre turbocharged motor is on offer, but that's available exclusively with an automatic transmission and punches out 132 kW. Diesel fans will be accommodated by a 96 kW 1.5-litre turbodiesel mated to either a manual or automatic transmission. There's naturally going to be some electrification too, with Peugeot offering 2 hybrid models which can travel up to 59 km on pure electric power.
Peugeot South Africa confirmed the new model is coming to SA in 2021 and we'll advise on local specifications and pricing as soon as we have them.
The Q3 Sportback is set to go on sale in SA during September 2020. It will sit above the standard Q3 in terms of price and performance. The major difference with the Q3 Sportback is the lower rear roofline that slopes downwards giving it a coupe-like look. The sloping roof accounts for 29 mm less height than the standard Q3.
The Q3 Sportback is available with a 2.0-litre 40 TFSI turbopetrol engine, which is also fitted with quattro all-wheel-drive, something the standard Q3 models has. The 40 TFSI puts out 132 kW and 320 Nm of torque, imbuing the top-of-the-range Q3 Sportback with added performance. Zero to 100 kph takes 7.8 seconds with the standard S-tronic gearbox. The other engine on offer is a direct transfer from the standard Q3 – the 35 TFSI. Its 1.4-litre turbopetrol is good for 110 kW and 250 Nm.
A sports suspension is fitted as standard on the Q3 Sportback along with progressive steering that speeds up the more lock you apply to make it feel more dynamic in sharper bends. It also features several driving modes that configure the suspension and drivetrain for off-road driving as well as sportier driving.
In terms of practicality, the Q3 Sportback can hold 530 litres of luggage, only 20 litres less than the standard Q3, and retains the sliding and reclining rear seats of the standard model. The sloping roof will make it more difficult to stack taller items towards the rear of the loadbay area. Option packs can be added to snaz up the interior with electrically adjustable Alcantara sports seats, stainless steel pedals and interior ambient lighting. Audi has grouped many of its popular options into packs that can be selected. The options are grouped into Comfort, Technology, Sport, Parking, S line interior and Black styling. Audi’s local configurator helps you select which options are in which group.
The infotainment system and interior design mimic that of the standard Q3. The instrument cluster features a digital 8.8-inch digital layout but we would highly recommend forking out for the Virtual Cockpit which allows you to customise what you see in front of you in very crisp, hi-resolution. The Technology package features Audi’s most up to date infotainment system, comprising of a 12.3-inch touchscreen, complete with navigation although, with Android and Apple capability, it’s simpler to use your phone’s apps, which are easily displayed on the car’s touchscreen. Apple Carplay is even available wirelessly on the MMI navigation plus system. Part of this smartphone interface option includes the Bang & Olufsen premium sound system.
Certainly one of the most useful packages on offer is the Parking package which combines 360-degree cameras with park assist (automatic parking), removing most of the hassle from tight parking and accidental collisions.
Pricing
Audi Q3 Sportback 35 TFSI S tronic: R693 000
Audi Q3 Sportback 40 TFSI quattro S tronic: R737 000
Both models come standard with the 5-year/ 00 000km Audi Freeway plan.
