Following a teaser this week, official images of the new BMW M3 and M4 Coupe have leaked online ahead of the reveal which is scheduled to take place tomorrow.
Update: But, as is to be expected, images have leaked online ahead of the official reveal. You'll immediately notice that both the M3 and M4 Coupe wear BMW's new oversize kidney grille which has been the source of hot debate on social media. The images also reveal 2 interesting hues with the M3 in green and the M4 Coupe in yellow. Both feature agressively-sculpted bonnets and airvents while a boot-mounted spoiler and quad exhaust system communicates performance intent from the rear.
As for engine power, the new M3 and M4 Coupe will be powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder engine with outputs of 352 kW and 600 Nm while the Competition derivatives will pack no less than 375 kW. Both all-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive layouts will be available. The interior teaser image confirms that a 6-speed manual shifter will be on offer alongside 8-speed automatic transmission which will please the purists out there.
Stay tuned as more details and official images will be revealed this week!
Toyota showed off its upcoming hybrid hypercar at this past weekend's 24 Hours of Le Mans.
We'll admit it, we almost had forgotten about Toyota's hypercar project, with most of our attention focusing on the upcoming Corolla GR and C-HR GR.
Things had been rather quiet when it comes to the Toyota GR Super Sport, with the last bit of info centering around its canopy setup. However, this weekend's running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans gave Toyota a chance to show off one of the prototypes. The appearance comprised a demonstration lap at what looks to be quite near to the limit as well as taking part in the ceremony to return the Le Mans trophy.
Its the dynamic aspect which we're most interested in. For it to qualify as a hypercar, it will need hypercar performance and the initial specifications look mouth-wateringly good. Using learnings from the current iteration of Toyota's TS050 hybrid endurance racers, we're expecting a hybrid-assisted, mid-mounted 2.4-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine. Outputs could be as high as 1000 hp / 745 kW.
Why a hypercar though? The back story to this vehicle's creation stems from the FIA World Endurance Championship regulations which say you will need to build road-going versions in order to qualify for the new hypercar category. Rumours suggest there'll be at least 20 units going on sale with a high price tag to match.
The car looks a lot smaller than what we imagined, with the pictures showing 2 occupants sitting quite close to each other.
Toyota welcomes the new Starlet hatchback to South Africa! See specs and pricing details below…
The new Starlet hatchback was announced earlier this month and Toyota hasn’t wasted any time in bringing this new hatchback to market. Production of the current Indian-built Toyota Etios came to an end in March 2020 and this new Starlet will fill the void and is immediately available to local buyers from Toyota dealerships countrywide.
The new Starlet is the result of a collaboration between Toyota and Suzuki which was formally announced in 2019. The Starlet is the first alliance product to reach South Africa but other products such as the Suzuki Across, which is a rebadged RAV4 hybrid, have already been revealed and further rebadged models are expected in the future. The Starlet name, however, isn't new and dates back to the 1973 Toyota Starlet hatchback which was produced until 1999 in Japan. This new modern-day Starlet therefore effectively revives the nameplate.
It’s no surprise then that the Starlet is essentially a rebadged Suzuki Baleno with the key differences seen in its grille and wheel designs.
Apart from its similar styling, a major common feature between the Starlet and Baleno is the engine under the bonnet. The Starlet is powered by the same 1.4-litre petrol engine offering 68 kW and 130 Nm of torque and mated to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. In terms of fuel efficiency, claimed returns of between 5.1- and 5.4 L/100km can be expected, depending on the transmission.
Key features
The Starlet shares its interior design with the Suzuki Baleno.
The new Toyota Starlet will be offered in 3 trim grades including the entry-level Xi, mid-level Xs and range-topping Xr derivative.
The Starlet Xi rides on 15-inch steel wheels and is fitted with body-coloured door handles, electric side mirrors, electric windows, manual air conditioning, 60:40 split rear seats and a basic radio with Bluetooth and USB connectivity and 6 speakers. The Starlet Xs features all of the above but gains larger 16-inch alloy wheels.
As for the top-spec Starlet Xr, this derivative gains LED headlights with Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), chrome door handles, chrome beltline finishers, a roof spoiler,and rear privacy glass. Moving inside, the Xr gains a leather-wrapped steering wheel, smart entry with push-start button, colour multi-information display, a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, cruise control and rear parking sensors along with a reversing camera.
In terms of safety, the Starlet is equipped with ABS with EBD, brake assist, vehicle stability control and a minimum of 2 airbags (Xi and Xs) and up to 6 airbags in the range-topping Starlet Xr.
Toyota Starlet – Price in South Africa
Toyota Starlet 1.4 Xi – R204 900
Toyota Starlet 1.4 Xs – R215 200
Toyota Starlet 1.4 Xs – R235 700
Toyota Starlet 1.4 Xr – R258 500
Toyota Starlet 1.4 Xr AT – R272 500
The Toyota Starlet is sold with a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and a 3-year/45 000 km service plan.
Mazda has added a new powertrain to its compact crossover.
The Japanese brand’s attractively styled CX-30 now features a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine.
For years Mazda was virulently anti-turbocharging as engineers at the company believed that the volumetric efficiency of a naturally-aspirated engine was superior in real-world driving.
Mazda’s reluctant pivot into turbocharged engines has been driven by emission laws, instead of fuel-consumption targets. Powering most of its mid- to large-sized turbocharged vehicles, are 2-litre four-cylinder engines configured for various outputs.
In the Mazda3 Turbo hatchback, this engine is good for 186kW and 434 Nm, which are entirely decent outputs for a contemporary 2.5-litre performance orientated road car engine. Product planners at Mazda realise that its target audience for CX-30 is less bothered with outright acceleration performance, and the engine has been slightly detuned for its new crossover application.
The CX-30's turbocharged 2.5-litre engine boosts 169kW and 420Nm, which are competitive statistics for its market segment. Those numbers should give Mazda’s crossover very brisk performance and strong overtaking acceleration. This engine will be paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Distinguishing this more powerful version from other CX-30s, are its gloss black mirrors and darkened 18-inch ally wheels. Discreet ‘turbo’ badging is applied to the tailgate and framing the rear bumper are larger diameter exhaust tips.
Inside the CX-30 Turbo, chrome accents contrast with a dominant black cabin architecture, whilst there is a soft-touch dash. Infotainment is controlled via an 8.8-inch screen, whilst a 12-speaker Bose sound system relays whichever media you choose to enjoy.
Although Mazda has not confirmed the exact global rollout of its CX-30 Turbo, the launch market for this new crossover variant, will be North America.
Do you want to see the CX-30 Turbo in South Africa?
Pricing for the updated Mini Countryman has been released. See which models are confirmed for South Africa, plus engine details below.
Visually, you can spot the new model with its tweaked front bumper, redesigned radiator and LED headlamps, which are now standard. The rear gains a new-look rear apron as well as the LED lights in Union Jack design. There are 2 new colours, new alloy wheels and a Piano Black exterior.
The Mini Countryman has always been touted as the most practical model in the range. It boasts 3 fully-fledged seats at the rear, and if you fold down these in a 40:20:40 fashion, you get access to 1 390 litres of space. Standard boot space is rated at 450 litres. Inside, Mini has given the Countryman an extended range of standard kit such as a sports leather steering wheel. An optional digital instrument display is available for the new Mini Countryman, giving it a high-tech look. There's also a reworked infotainment system as well as new-look buttons. The new Mini Countryman is equipped with a SIM card that is permanently fitted in the car, giving you connectivity options such as Alexa and Mini Connected.
For the performance fans, the 225 kW John Cooper Works ALL4 Countryman is confirmed for SA.
South African model lineup
Mini South Africa has trimmed the Countryman lineup, with the diesel model falling away. For 2020, Mini is offering the Countryman in Cooper, Coopers S and John Cooper Works flavour.
Kicking off the range is the Cooper Countryman, which comes to market with a turbocharged 1.5-litre 3-cylinder motor. It develops 100 kW and 220 Nm. Power goes to the front wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch tranmission. Mini says this model reaches 100 kph in just 9.7 seconds and has a claimed top speed of 203 kph. In terms of economy, Mini claims 6.3 L/100 km.
Next up is the Cooper S. It is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder with 141 kW and 280 Nm. It too features a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox and Mini claims a 0-100 kph of 7.5 seconds as well as a top speed of 226 kph. When it comes to fuel economy, Mini says its Cooper S Countryman returns 6.7 L/100 km.
For the performance fans, Mini is introducing the John Cooper Works ALL4 Countryman with a potent 2.0-litre turbocharged motor. With 225 kW and 450 Nm, as well as all-wheel drive, Mini claims a 5.1 seconds to 100 kph. Top speed is rated at 250 kph and it features an 8-speed automatic transmission. Given the performance, fuel economy is claimed at 7.6 L/100 km.
The Ford Ranger FX4 Max is more than just a sticker kit…
South African bakkie enthusiasts will recall the local introduction of the Ranger FX4 in 2017 (we pitted it against the Nissan Navara), but that FX4 was essentially a dressed-up Ranger XLT with no meaningful technical upgrades over the standard Ranger. It looked good, but it was, meh…
Australia is big on bakkies too and much like the recent unveiling of the Ranger Tremor in the U.S, which is the closest thing to a Ranger Raptor on offer there, Ford has taken the opportunity to develop the Ranger FX4 Max for the Australian market and it slots in below the range-topping Ranger Raptor.
So, what’s special about it?
With it's uprated suspension, the FX4 Max has more to offer offroad without compromising on its load carrying and hauling ability.
Well, the Ranger FX4 Max features an uprated suspension with 2.0-inch monotube Fox shocks (front and rear) and rides on unique 17-inch alloy wheels shod with 32-inch BF Goodrich off-road tyres, however, unlike the Ranger Raptor, the FX4 Max retains its rear leaf spring suspension. The Ranger Raptor’s towing ability is compromised due to its high-performance rear coil-spring suspension and can only tow 2 500 kg. The Ranger FX4 Max, however, can still tow up to 3 500 kg and carries a higher payload of 981 kg (748 kg in the Raptor), so that’s a major highlight. Ground clearance is at 256 mm.
From a styling point of view, the FX4 Max gains a similar grille to the Raptor with bold FORD lettering, steel hoop side steps and a full-length sports bar. On the inside, the Ranger FX4 Max features leather upholstery with suede accents, steel pedals, leather steering wheel, gloss black trim detailing and like we saw on the Ranger Tremor, an auxiliary switchboard with 6 switches mounted on the central dashboard.
Importantly, the Ranger FX4 Max employs the same bi-turbocharged, 2.0-litre diesel engine found in the Ranger Raptor with 157 kW and 500 Nm of torque and mated with Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission.
The Ranger FX4 Max will be offered in limited numbers at first and if it proves popular with Australian buyers, Ford might make the derivative a permanent fixture in the Ranger’s lineup. In Australia, pricing for the Ranger FX4 Max starts from $65 940 which converts directly to about R780 113. This is an Australia-only ranger derivative, so don’t expect to see the FX4 Max on local soil anytime soon.
For something a bit different to the standard Ranger or Ranger Raptor, you might want to take a closer look at the Ranger Thunder which was recently introduced in South Africa.
JLR’s bold electrification strategy has stalled, due to the global health pandemic.
The company has committed to a hybridized future, with an emphasis on electric vehicles too, but the development of those is proving to be a challenge.
For both Jaguar and Land Rover, future powertrains are an issue. The I-Pace is currently a one-off electric model that is unlikely to be netting the company a healthy profit, yet. The components on an electric vehicle are expensive to source and Jaguar will struggle to achieve economies of scale, until more or even most of its product portfolio has a similar electric powertrain architecture.
The most profitable vehicles, for both Jaguar and Land Rover, are its V8-powered models.
Jaguar was supposed to have publically shown its all-electric replacement for the XJ limousine by now, but that reveal has been pushed out to the end of this year. The same can be said for Land Rover, which was hoping to wow its customers with a battery-powered Range Rover concept, which has also seen its development delayed.
For JLR’s new boss, Frenchman Thierry Bolloré, he takes over at a very difficult time for the company. It is attempting a complicated and expensive transition from internal combustion to battery powertrains, whilst dealing with the challenge of Brexit too.
The original schedule for a global reveal of an electrified XJ and Range Rover were originally datelined for August and September, deadlines which have (and will) be missed.
The crucial problem is that JLR’s most profitable business, the assembly and export of V8-powered SUVs and sportscars, was severely disrupted by the global health pandemic. This is has left it short of R&D budget, straining the development of its all-electric XJ and Range Rover models.
The Suzuki Baleno is a value-packed vehicle offering big-car feel for less money than a Polo. However, it was always missing one thing – stability control.
The Baleno was recently facelifted towards the end of 2019, introducing a new infotainment system complete with Apple Carplay and Android Auto. The Baleno also acquired some new styling additions in the form of LED lights a new front bumper design and a revised grille.
The rear end featured a new tailgate-mounted spoiler giving it a sportier look from what was originally a fairly plain design.
For this latest update, ESP is added across the range as standard fitment. You get traction control and stability control included in this system which bolsters the Baleno’s safety equipment levels. Previously, not having ESP seemed to be a major downside to the Baleno’s high-value offering and often stopped it from being included in the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank. The awards system places a high value on safety especially in a segment where families are often transported.
The entry-level GL Baleno comes fitted with 2 airbags, ABS, EBD and brake assist as well as the new ESP suite. The GLX builds on this with a total of 6 airbags.
The engine remains the same, fuel-efficient 1.4-litre petrol. It puts out 68 kW and 130 Nm of torque and with a 5-speed manual transmission claims to use 5.1L/100 km. The 4-speed auto is claimed at 5.4L/100 km.
The improvements to Baleno are no doubt a prequel to Toyota SA's announcement that it would bring the Toyota Starlet to SA in October. The Starlet is a carbon copy of the Baleno but features a Toyota badge on the front and rear.
Suzuki Baleno Pricing
Baleno 1.4 GL M/T – R221 900
Baleno 1.4 GLX MT – R259 900
Baleno 1.4 GLX AT – R274 900
The Baleno is sold with a 5-year/200 000 km mechanical warranty and a 4-year/60 000 km service plan.
The Volkswagen SUV offensive continues with the Wolfsburg-based manufacturer teasing yet another offering.
Update: Volkswagen has confirmed the name of its new SUV. The Taos will be a sub-Tiguan crossover. "We’re thrilled to announce the name for the newest member of the Volkswagen family," said Hein Schafer, Senior Vice President for Product Marketing and Strategy at Volkswagen of America. "It was important to choose a name that really embodied the nature of the car and the town of Taos, New Mexico was a perfect fit. It’s a small city that offers big things—from outdoor adventure to arts and design and great cuisine."
With a reveal date set for the second week in October, this new compact Volkswagen is said to be classed as compact-sized and is smaller than the Tiguan.
Volkswagen has confirmed this model will be launched in the United States. “We’re excited to share the first glimpse of the newest member of the Volkswagen family,” said Scott Keogh, president and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America. “Great things come in small packages, as Volkswagen has proven throughout the years with its iconic Beetle, Golf and Jetta. This next car will be no exception.”
The German brand already has quite a portfolio of vehicles in the SUV category. Our market alone receives the T-Cross, Tiguan, Tiguan Allspace, Touareg, with the T-Roc joining the lineup towards the end of 2020. Overseas, there's the Volkswagen Nivus and numerous China-only models like the Tayron and Tiguan X. Let's not forget that these models are also offered with performance engines and badged as R, while there's even a convertible model for the T-Roc. Volkswagen is trying its hardest to cover all the bases with its SUV family.
Judging from this teaser image and video, we're guessing this is an all-new model as no vehicle in the current lineup features daytime running lights in this layout. As always and is customary with Volkswagen SUVs, expect a variety of powertrains, but given the brand's history with diesel, it's unlikely the oil-burner will be offered Stateside.
We'll keep an eye on this one and will update as soon as we hear more.
Bentley has followed up the Continental GT Mulliner Convertible, which it unveiled earlier this year, by releasing an equally exquisite hardtop version of the bespoke car – designed and built by the oldest coachbuilder in the world.
The pair forms part of Bentley Mulliner’s new Collections portfolio and the coupe will make its debut at Salon Privé in the UK later this month.
Like the convertible version, the Continental GT Mulliner features a "Double Diamond" grille, which was inspired by Bentley’s Diamond-in-Diamond interior quilting concept. The bespoke grille’s silver-on-black mesh is complemented by diamond-patterned (and branded) fender vents, while the mirror housings, equipped with Mulliner welcome lamps, are finished in Satin Silver, as are the Mulliner-branded illuminated tread plates.
The Continental GT Mulliner will be available with either a twin-turbo V8 or a twin-turbo W12 powerplant.
The newcomer is available in literally dozens of exterior paint finishes, but if a customer still can’t find the exact colour they want, Bentley’s artisan paint specialists can fashion a bespoke colour (matched to any item or sample) for them. All-new 22-inch, 10-spoke polished alloy wheels (painted and polished in a silver-black scheme and equipped with self-levelling "B" wheel badges, of course) complete the look.
Inside, the standard Mulliner Driving Specification brings the aforementioned Diamond-in-Diamond quilting to the Continental GT Mulliner's cossetting seats, doors trims and rear quarter panels. Buyers can choose from 8 custom-made tri-colour schemes on the Mulliner palette for the look of the leather and stitching, with a combination of primary and secondary hide joined by a 3rd colour through a flowing design line.
The graphics of the Bentley's digital instrument cluster were designed to complement the Breitling watch in the centre console.
According to Bentley, it takes almost 400 000 stitches to deliver this quilting across the cabin of the car, with each diamond containing no fewer than 712 individual stitches – each one precisely aligned to point to the centre of the diamond it creates.
The diamond theme continues with the milled metallic finish of the centre console, which is flanked by Grand Black walnut veneer with chrome overlays that flows into the doors, where it is completed by a discreet Bentley ‘B’ motif. And, if the Grand Black finish is not to a buyer’s taste, they can choose from a range of 87 other contemporary, colourised veneer options that can be matched to the interior or exterior of the car.
This example of leather quilting (from the inner door) demonstrates the custom-made tri-colour scheme.
The roof of the cabin is trimmed along its full length with indented hide, or smooth hide to match the seat backs if the fixed glass roof is selected. The floor mats are edged with micro-piping to match the tri-colour scheme and have chrome Bentley ‘B’ retention caps.
As is customary in a contemporary Bentley interior, a Breitling clock sits proudly in the middle of the centre console, but in this case, the brushed-metal finish of the timepiece is complemented by the design of the main gauges of the digital instrument cluster “where careful skeuomorphic design and digital textures make the virtual dials look like (they’re made from) real metal,” Bentley says.
Mulliner branding features on the embroidered headrests as well as the burr wallnut veneer on the front passenger's side.
Meanwhile, the Continental GT Mulliner’s interior features 7 distinct LED mood lighting themes and, as is the case with its Convertible sibling, the newcomer can be specified with a "Naim for Bentley" audio system, which comprises 18 speakers and 2 Active Bass transducers driven by a 2 200-watt, 20-channel amplifier and 8 DSP sound modes (with Active Bass).
Buyers can order their car with either a 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8, or a 6.0-litre, twin-turbocharged W12 powerplant, both in combination with Bentley’s 48V electric active anti-roll technology – Bentley Dynamic Ride. Those who opt for the V8 version will be able to waft from 0-100 kph in 3.9 seconds and achieve a 318-kph top speed, while the W12 derivative’s stated 0-100-kph time is 3.7 seconds (with a top speed of 333 kph).
The GT Mulliner's exterior appearance is greatly enhanced by the 22-inch alloys, which match the grille's dual-tone finish.
The Crew-based manufacturer says it will begin taking orders for the Continental GT Mulliner (both coupe and convertible) from October 2020, with deliveries expected to commence early next year. We also expect the revised Bentley Bentayga Speed to arrive in Mzansi next year.
And, when customers take delivery of their exclusive, largely hand-built Mulliners, they will receive a leather key in a sumptuous, Mulliner-branded handcrafted presentation box that, wait for it… matches the 3-colour interior configuration that they specified. Opulence indeed!
