It's official, the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series is indeed the fastest production car to lap the famous Nurburgring in Germany!
Back in 2018, Lamborghini’s Aventador SVJ arrived at the gates of the ‘Green Hell’ to take care of some business, to dethrone the Porsche 911 GT2 RS and lap the ‘ring quicker than the then-record of 6:47.30. The Aventador SVJ did just that, posting a record time of 6:44.97.
A few weeks ago the boffins at AMG arrived at the Nurburgring to ‘test’ the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series, which apart from the Mercedes-AMG One, is the most powerful V8 AMG model ever produced, boasting 537 kW and 800 Nm developed by its twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 mill. Now, Lamborghini’s record has been beaten by the AMG GT Black Series which officially lapped the ring in 6:43.61 to become the 'King of the Ring'.
Previously, the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series had already proven its performance at Hockenheim where it proved to be faster than the McLaren 720S and Ferrari’s Pista.
This generation of the Audi Q7 may not have garnered the same sort of attention as the previous (1st-generation) model, but with this new facelifted version, Audi has enhanced the design, improved connectivity and added 4-wheel-steer to the package. We drove the revised premium SUV at its local launch in the Western Cape…
What’s new?
The vertical slats in the grille differentiate the facelifted Q7 from the earlier version.
First of all, how do you tell the facelifted Q7 apart from the 2015 Q7? Whereas the original iteration of the 2nd-generation model had horizontal grille slats, the newcomer's slats are vertical. Obviously, that’s not the only visual clue to the Q7’s new design, but it's the easiest one to spot.
The whole front end is altogether more chiselled and shapely, especially with the optional S-Line trim, which incorporates a chrome blade across the Q7's front bumper and a blacked-out radiator grille. As with all the latest Audi models, the LED headlights now feature a signature light display that is instantly recognisable in a rear-view mirror.
The rear end is also equipped with a chrome blade, but unlike the Q8, which has a dazzling light show between the rear lamps, the Q7 merely has a metal strip spanning the width of the tailgate.
What's more, four-wheel steering has been added in order to keep up with market trends; the feature endows the Ingolstadt-based firm's premium SUV with greater agility and a tighter turning circle, while also improving its high-speed stability.
The final inclusion for the facelift is an updated infotainment system that mimics those fitted to almost all other contemporary Audi products.
It strikes a perfect balance between performance and comfort.
None of the really oily bits have been changed for the facelifted model, so under the bonnet you get the same V6 turbodiesel badged as a 45 TDI. It’s capable of producing 183 kW and 600 Nm of torque and is claimed to propel the Q7 from 0 to 100 kph in 6.9 sec. Executing repeated acceleration runs isn't really the point of a large SUV like this, but it gives you a decent indication of how potent this turbodiesel unit is.
Once the minimal initial delay from the throttle at pull-away disappears, the power delivery is smooth and continuous as you ride a wave of torque through the 8 gears in the Tiptronic transmission (a conventional auto). The modern auto ‘box is so refined these days that you’re hard-pressed to notice any of the shifts unless you pin the accelerator and hold it there. While not as potent as some of its rivals, the Q7 turbodiesel balances performance, economy and driveability perfectly. If it's performance that you are after then the SQ7 will be arriving in 2021 with 900 Nm on tap.
All the demonstration units at the launch were equipped with the optional air suspension, which is, frankly, a must-have in this segment. The system allows for up to 90 mm of vertical travel depending on the drive mode you select (off-road raises it and dynamic lowers it, or you can tweak it yourself with the dashboard button), but, left to its own devices, the suspension delivers a refined, comfortable and stable ride quality. Even in Dynamic mode, where the Q7 is unlikely to spend much of its life, the ride is cushioned and confident, with less body roll than in the "softer" modes.
Wheel sizes can range from 19-inches to 22-inches but over sharper bumps, the knocks are predictably more intrusive on the bigger wheel sizes.
Interior update
The new infotainment screen replaces the old pop-up screen that would raise out of the dash.
Audi’s new infotainment system was the focus of the interior update. It’s not entirely new (it’s been around for 3 or 4 years), but the 2015 Q7 had the older system with the screen that popped up out of the dashboard. The newer setup is very easy to get your head around and offers loads of customisation that will allow you to tailor the system to how you want it. You can now also utilise wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto.
The infotainment system is equipped with an embedded sim card, which enables live apps such as real-time traffic updates and weather updates en-route. It further has the ability to call Audi services or emergency services if you’re in an accident or require assistance.
Interior space remains the same as the previous version's and is still right at the top of its class if you want to store as much as possible in your car. The load bay is quoted to hold 865 litres and, if you fold down the rear seats (7 seats are optional), 2 050 litres of utility space becomes available.
Audi optionally supplies the rear seat bench plus as part of the Comfort Package; all 3 seats can be moved individually fore/aft and the backrest angle adjusted; if you specify the 3rd row, a pair of seats can be electrically deployed at the push of a button in the load bay/inside of the C-Pillar.
Summary
A worthy contender in the pricey premium SUV segment.
Design is subjective, but Audi has successfully restyled its Q7 to make it stand out markedly from its immediate predecessor; it now looks interesting (or distinctive) enough to be seriously considered in a segment where the ability to make a statement is a major selling point.
Whereas many of its rivals have chased performance and handling gains – sometimes to the detriment of ride handling and plushness – Ingolstadt's premium SUV perfectly balances performance and comfort. It feels stable and comfortable on the road, allied with impeccable road manners that make you feel entirely in control of what the sizeable SUV is doing… even at speed, on a twisty piece of road.
The update to the interior infotainment system is very welcome and gives the cabin a modern feel, replete with all the smartphone connectedness you may need. While the asking prices of these premium SUVs seem unfathomable to most of us, the premium demanded for the Q7 is in line with those of its rivals; the newcomer certainly warrants its place in this ultra-competitive segment as the sensible, comfortable and practical choice.
Audi Q7 price in South Africa (November 2020)
45 TDI quattro tiptronic
R1 328 500
45 TDI quattro S line tiptronic
R1 388 500
The Audi Q7 is sold with a 5-year/100 000 km Audi Freeway (maintenance) plan.
Renault has launched a limited edition Kwid in South Africa with unique styling details and added standard features. See specification and pricing details below!
The Kwid has been a huge success for Renault in South Africa and it’s now one of the brand’s best-selling models with over 30 000 units sold since its local introduction in 2016.
Buyers looking for a bit more from the Kwid can now consider the Kwid Ultra Ltd Edt which is distinguished by its black and white two-tone look and 14-inch diamond-cut black alloy wheels. Decals along the Kwid's skirts further add to the look.
Moving inside, the Kwid Ultra Ltd Edt is equipped with a larger 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system which offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as Bluetooth connectivity. A reverse camera and rear parking sensors are also fitted as standard. The load bay offers 279 litres of space.
The Kwid Ultra Ltd Edt is powered by Renault’s familiar 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine with 50 kW and 91 Nm of torque and mated with a 5-speed manual transmission.
In terms of safety, the Kwid is fitted with 2 airbags and ABS with EBD.
As a limited-edition offering, only 100 Kwid Ultra Ltd Edt units will be offered in South Africa.
Renault Kwid – Price in South Africa (November 2020)
Renault KWID Expression – R162 900
Renault KWID Expression AMT – R172 900
Renault KWID Dynamique – R172 900
Renault KWID ULTRA LTD EDT – R174 900
Renault KWID Dynamique AMT – R182 900
Renault KWID CLIMBER – R183 900
Renault KWID CLIMBER AMT – R193 900
The Renault Kwid is sold with a 5-year/150 000 km warranty, 2-year service plan, 1-year insurance and 6-year anti-corrosion warranty.
Isuzu’s new D-Max has been keenly anticipated but customers are in for more frustration.
The Japanese bakkie brand has announced that its production of new D-Max is being halted for 3 months. Although 2020 has been a year of unprecedented disruption in the global automotive industry, this announcement by Isuzu is unwelcome to followers of the brand.
Thailand is the production hub for both new D-Max and Mazda’s BT-50. These bakkies are mechanical twins, with only a few minor surface styling and cabin design differences. Despite their similarity, Mazda has not announced any disruption to its production pipeline, for new BT-50.
Why is the new D-Max production being ceased for the next three months? The official reason given by Isuzu is that one of its most important component suppliers for the new bakkie has been forced into a lockdown, by Covid regulations.
Although Isuzu is not at liberty to say exactly which supplier this is, or what bit of the new D-Max they can’t source from anywhere else, the location has been confirmed as Europe.
An educated guess would be that this European supplier that has been forced to cancel its shipments to Isuzu’s Thai facility for the next few months, is a technology leader. As bakkies have become more sophisticated, integrating autonomous safety technologies and road scanning sensors, they are a lot more at risk of supplier disruption.
The new D-Max has sophisticated road-scanning cameras and radar, to allow for its autonomous braking functions. These are features that have not been available on any D-Max bakkie before, and could be part of a new supplier network that Isuzu has tried to integrate. Covid’s European lockdown has clearly shown the risk of sourcing new technology components, from afar.
With an upgraded Hilux settling into the global market, this three-month production disruption could not have happened at a worse time, for Isuzu.
The local Isuzu D-Max is only set to go on sale in SA in the first half of 2022. The local division does not anticipate that this parts delay will affect local production.
Nissan has given its Micra hatchback an update, see what’s changed below!
The new Nissan Micra was launched locally in 2018 and the Japanese firm has now updated its city car.
The current Micra trim grades include the Visia, Acenta and Tekna but now Nissan is adding 2 new grades called N-Design and N-Sport.
Customers can also customise their Micra with 2 colour finishers (front and rear) or opt for LED headlights. Tekna and N-Design derivatives gain new 16-inch, two-tone “Genki” alloy wheels.
The Micra N-Design’s interior features black cloth seats with grey accents with leather-look finishers for the front panel, kneepads and inner doors. Buyers looking for a more vibrant interior can opt for an Energy Orange interior and a range of matching accessories to customise the look even further.
As for the Micra N-Sport, it rides on 17-inch Persa alloy wheels and features gloss black front, side and rear finishers with black mirror caps. LED headlights and LED foglights are also standard. Inside, the seats feature Alcantara inserts as does the dashboard.
"With the refreshed line-up for 2021, we have refined what we know people love about Micra. We've made it easier for customers to match themselves to the ideal grade and to then add their own unique flair through customisation options on top," said Ekaterina Apushkina, General Manager Marketing City Cars, Nissan Europe.
Engine Choice
The Micra’s engine lineup is expected to remain unchanged with a 66 kW / 140 Nm 0.9-litre turbopetrol engine as well as a more powerful 84 kW / 180 Nm 1.0-litre turbopetrol engine. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard across the range.
The arrival of the facelifted Micra in South Africa has yet to be confirmed by Nissan South Africa and also note that the above specification might differ depending on the market. We will keep you updated.
With the updated Audi Q5 confirmed for South Africa in 2021, attention turns to the performance derivatives. Audi recently revealed its SQ5 and here's all you need to know about it.
The facelifted Audi Q5 brings some fresher looks, clever lights and the cabin receives a more modern infotainment system. Revealed back in June 2020, the facelifted Audi Q5 range is due to land in SA in 2021. The current engine offerings for the Q5 will carry over which means the Q5 will be offered with a choice of a petrol and diesel engine and all Q5’s feature Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive.
In terms of engines, a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine in the Q5 45 TFSI offers 185 kW and 370 Nm of torque, while diesel fans can go for the 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine in the Q5 40TDI, with outputs of 140 kW and 400 Nm. What if you wanted more?
The recently-revealed Audi SQ5 TDI comes out swinging with a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel motor, packing a 251 kW and 700 Nm punch. Audi reckons it'll sprint to 100 kph in just 5.1 seconds and will carry on to a limited top speed of 250 kph. Power reaches all 4 wheels via an 8-speed tiptronic gearbox.
You may assume a TDI motor may not sound desirable, but Audi reckons its actuator in the exhaust system will give it a proper sound. The engine has been thoroughly revised, with forged steel pistons, upgraded injectors, uprated intercooler and a lighter compressor wheel in the turbo. A 48-volt mild-hybrid system has also been added. All of this means sharper performance, increased responsiveness and improved efficiency.
Interestingly, there's yet to be any mention of the petrol-powered derivative. Audi's RS and S division usually offers customers the choice of either a diesel-powered SQ5 or a petrol-powered SQ5. In South Africa, currently, the SQ5 is only offered in petrol flavour, with a meaty turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 delivering 260 kW and 500 Nm. 0-100 was dispatched in 5.4 seconds and it too had a top speed of 250 kph.
We'll update this post if we get confirmation from Audi South Africa regarding SQ5 availability. The Audi SQ5 is a rival to the BMW X3 M40i and Mercedes-AMG GLC 43.
With a facelifted Picanto waiting in the wings, Kia has sweetened the deal on its budget-car range by offering buyers 2 free tanks of fuel every month for the first 6 months of ownership (if they buy one before 31 December 2020)*.
The 3rd-generation Kia Picanto – a former #CarsAwards – powered by WesBank finalist – came to market in 2017 and the affordable city car remains a popular choice for first-time new car buyers in the South African market. Kia has done its bit to improve the value offering of the Picanto range (prices begin at R184k and range to R250k)… In mid-2019, it introduced a standard 2-year/30 000 km service plan and 6 months later, introduced a range of detail upgrades throughout the range, followed by the addition of a 1.0 Runner panel van variant a few months ago.
Pricing for the Kia Picanto begins at R184k, with the entry-level Start specification now featuring 2 front airbags and ABS.
However, with a facelifted version of the Picanto scheduled to be introduced in South Africa early in 2021, Kia has come up with an attractive runout deal for the current pre-facelift model. In what is sure to appeal to cash-strapped buyers looking to minimise running costs, if you purchase a new Picanto before the end of year, Kia will comp you 2 free tanks of fuel for free every month for the first 6 months* (from date of registration).
Recent spec update
Earlier this year, Kia added specification across the range, most notably on the entry-level Start, which gained an additional airbag (for the front passenger, in addition to the one mounted in the steering wheel) and added ABS and EBD, which will please safety-conscious buyers.
The Picanto Start derivatives include standard features such as 13-inch steel wheel with cosmetic covers, power steering with steering adjustment, manual air conditioning, radio with Bluetooth and a USB/Aux input. All Start derivatives are powered by a 3-cylinder, 1.0-litre petrol engine that produces 49 kW and 96 Nm of torque and comes mated with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
The entire Picanto range now benefits from increased feature specification.
Over and above Start specification, the mid-spec Picanto Street adds features such as electric windows, a multifunction steering wheel and a height-adjustable driver’s seat. What's more, the Street specification has now been bolstered with the addition of an 8-inch colour touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The side mirrors are also heated, while the 14-inch steel wheels boast a revised cover design.
Street derivatives are powered by the same 1.0-litre engine as their Start stablemates, but buyers can also opt for a perkier 1.25-litre petrol engine with 61 kW and 122 Nm of torque. Both engines are available in conjunction with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
Kia Motors South Africa claims the Picanto is "renowned for having one of the best resale values in South Africa".
The Picanto Style offers a few more nice-to-haves such as a 3-spoke leather-trimmed steering wheel and leather-clad gear lever. This derivative is now distinguished by integrated turn signals in the side mirror housings, which are also now electrically foldable. Fourteen-inch alloys are standard.
The range-topping Picanto Smart, which is offered exclusively with the 1.25-litre engine and a choice of 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, features LED daytime running lights, sporty-looking alloy wheels, a full leather interior, as well as a sunroof, which is certainly a rarity in the budget car segment. Meanwhile, park-distance control and a reverse-view camera are available at extra cost.
As before, the Picanto is sold with a 5-year/unlimited km warranty (including roadside assistance), as well as a 2-year/30 000 km service plan.
* Fuel calculated at full tank capacity of 35 litres, with cost per litre being R14.83 at two tanks per month. Please note that this is dependent on driver behaviour and the type of traffic customers travel in on a daily basis.
The largest member of the Mini family has been updated. We spent a few days driving the Countryman on some spectacular roads in Mpumalanga and Limpopo to find out if it's retained its fun-to-drive nature and charm…
This author can recall the South African launch of the 1st-gen Countryman in 2010; traditionalists weren't happy because the Oxford-based firm's crossover was anything but "mini". The lineup was fascinating: the naturally-aspirated Cooper (with a lethargic motor unable to provide much in the way of driving thrills) was best avoided, the Cooper S boasted All4 – the brand's all-wheel-drive setup – and a JCW version rounded out the range.
The 2nd-generation model landed in 2017 and, thankfully, the 1.6 petrol motor was replaced by a turbocharged motor. Interestingly, Mini continued to offer a manual gearbox on both Cooper and Cooper S derivatives. There was a turbodiesel version too, as well as the 225-kW JCW flagship.
For 2020, the Mini Countryman has been given a facelift and a mechanical upgrade, but the SA line-up has been trimmed to Cooper, Cooper S and John Cooper Works (JCW). All derivatives feature turbocharged petrol engines and automatic transmissions, while the JCW range-topper is offered in conjunction with all-wheel drive. The Countryman is an important model for Mini; the brand claims it accounts for almost 30% of global sales.
What's New?
You can spot the new model with its UK-flag tail lights. Cooper S derivative gains twin exhaust pipes.
The cosmetic changes are quite subtle – in fact, you have to look closely to spot them. There's a new-look front end with redesigned headlights and radiator grille, while the rear gains Union Jack-inspired tail lights and an updated bumper. LED headlights and fog lights are standard, plus there are new exterior colours and alloy wheel designs to choose from. Inside, the Countryman's cabin gains a new compact digital instrument cluster, while a sports steering wheel is standard equipment and the Mini Connect infotainment system benefits from upgraded functionality and connectivity.
The engines have been carried over, but Mini says they're now Euro 6d compliant. The Mini Countryman Cooper features a turbocharged 1.5-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine, delivering 100 kW and 220 Nm, while the Countryman Cooper S adds 500 cm³ and another cylinder to deliver 141 kW and 280 Nm from its 2.0-litre 4-cylinder motor. The Cooper is good for a 0-100 kph in a claimed 9.7 sec, while the Cooper S is said to reach the same speed in a spirited 7.5 sec. Both derivatives feature 7-speed dual-clutch transmissions and steering-wheel paddles are optional on the Cooper S.
The updated Countryman cabin gets a refresh', with the key change being the new minimalistic central speedo/rev counter.
What's it like to drive?
We had the chance to drive 2 derivatives of the updated Mini Countryman range over a 2-day period. First up was the Cooper and, despite it being the entry point to the range, its 3-pot motor offers up plenty of excitement. Granted, it does have that trademark rough idle, which is typical of 3-cylinder engines, but once you're climbing through the rev range, things smoothen out appreciably. There's a lovely engine note, which inspires you to use the throttle pedal enthusiastically. With 100 kW and 220 Nm on tap, the motor's more than sufficient to propel the large Countryman briskly.
We suspect that despite the 3-cylinder Cooper's charm, the Cooper S will attract the bulk of Countryman customers. With a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder motor packing 141 kW and 280 Nm, it certainly is the faster of the 2 derivatives on paper, and yet… it doesn't feel that much quicker than its 1.5-litre sibling. It may produce 41 kW and 60 Nm more (and should feel substantially quicker), but that doesn't translate into real excitement.
A close-up of the new all-digital speedometer.
Mini has given the Cooper S some aural theatrics in the form of an assortment of exhaust pops and bangs on the overrun, as well as a delicious turbo flutter when you ease your foot off the accelerator. Strangely, these sounds are hard to hear from inside the cabin, which is a pity. In Sport mode, the Cooper S gets some synthesised engine noise piped into the cabin, which sort of makes up for it (unless you are a diehard purist).
The real star of the show here is the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Not only is it quick to react, but each shift is silky smooth and unlike some rivals, which are programmed for efficiency at the expense of experience (they tend to change up too quickly), this transmission will hold on to those ratios a touch longer so you can make the most of the engine. It's a pity shift paddles are optional, because the Cooper S is better for having them.
In terms of ride quality, Mini suspension setups are traditionally on the firmer side and the Countryman is no exception. It's particularly thumpy at low speeds and on bad roads, but as the speed picks up, things improve. It's happiest at the national speed limit on a highway. Be aware that ride quality will suffer further if you decide to opt for larger wheels. Not that many buyers will mind all that much… the larger alloys really look the part.
The Mini's overly quick steering is also a minor annoyance. We understand that Mini has tried to make the Countryman as nimble and fun to drive as its smaller siblings, but the laws of physics still apply and you're quickly reminded that the Countryman is a sizeable car. You'll learn to adapt to the steering setup eventually and when you get it right, the Countryman is one of the more entertaining vehicles in the segment to "fling around".
The Countryman does not have a spare; it relies on run-flat tyres and a repair kit. That's alright if you pick up a small puncture, but should you hit a bad pothole, which can split the tyre's sidewall (it happened to us on a bad section of road during the launch), you'll require roadside assistance.
Summary
Many have suggested that the Countryman is a pointless vehicle, but we disagree. Not only do the sales figures easily justify the Mini crossover's existence, but there are bound to be die-hard Mini fans who are reluctant to trade in their Coopers on bigger BMW-branded SUVs when they want, or need, to "upsize". The Countryman is ideal for Mini customers who need a bigger car to accommodate a family and its associated paraphernalia.
To put it another way, the Countryman is those who want a vehicle with a modicum of practicality, but have no appetite for mainstream compact crossovers – staid "shopping trolleys" or "school-run 'mobiles" that cannot offer an immersive driving experience. Does the target customer care that the Countryman and BMW X1 are mechanically similar and share the same UKL2 platform? Unlikely. That being said, if you find the Mini too predictable and need the space, the funkier Clubman is more than up to the task of ticking the practicality and fun-to-drive boxes with ease.
The recent update adds some exterior flair to the Countryman range, while the new-look dashboard is easy on the eye. The engines are as punchy as ever and the biggest Mini still manages to be pleasant and enjoyable to drive. At the dawn of the electric era, Mini finds itself is in an interesting position… The Mini Cooper SE, which recently went on sale in SA, is the cheapest electric vehicle in our market. In the next few years, the entire Mini lineup will be overhauled and new models will feature electrified powertrains. Get your petrol-powered Minis while you still can…
Mini Countryman Price in South Africa (November 2020)
Cooper Countryman R599 624
Cooper S Countryman R631 004
John Cooper Works ALL4 Countryman R867 890
According to the Automobile Association (AA), which sends out comment on the unaudited mid-month fuel price data, South African consumers can look forward to potential drops in petrol and diesel, while illuminating paraffin could rise.
We've had a good run with the price of fuel coming down gradually throughout 2020 and as we head into the final month of the year, it looks like SA consumers will see yet another decrease. The SA Rand has been performing well, but unfortunately there has been a sharp spike in the price of international oil.
"Petrol is set to drop by up to 36 cents a litre, but by contrast, diesel will likely only see a four-cent drop. Meanwhile, illuminating paraffin is showing an increase of almost ten cents a litre." is what the AA is predicting. It's great to see some decreases, as the international prices have increased substantially in the early parts of November 2020. "Fortunately, the Rand has fended off most of these increases, and has appreciated strongly against the US dollar, dipping below R15.50 to the dollar on November 10," added the AA.
We're hoping the numbers stay on their current trajectory and we get another drop in the fuel price as we close off this year.
Audi has launched its updated Q7 in South Africa! See specification and pricing details below!
Audi’s Q7 arrived locally in 2015 and now an updated Q7 has reached South Africa with notable upgrades inside and out as well as under its skin.
What’s changed?
The updated Q7 is more purposeful in its styling execution and boasts improved dynamic ability.
The updated Q7 is easily recognised with its large octagon-shaped single-frame grille which features 6 vertical slats and the bold grille is flanked by Matrix LED headlights (optional). The rear-end has also been refined with a chrome strip connecting the slimmer LED taillight clusters. The Q7 in S line guise gains a blade in the front bumper, titanium black radiator grille with slats in aluminium silver matte, rear high-gloss finishes, underbody protection, roof rails and 20-inch wheels.
As for the interior, the Q7 can be had in 5 or 7-seat guise and with an increase in length of 11 mm, the Q7 has more space inside. As a 5-seater, the Q7 offers a load bay measuring 865 litres, expanding to 2 050 with the seats folded down. An electrically operated tailgate is standard with foot-activated functionality.
Two large touchscreens take care of all infotainment and vehicle functions while 4-zone climate control is standard while a high-end Bang &Olufsen Premium Sound System is optional. The infotainment system is equipped with Audi’s MMI Navigation Plus with an embedded SIM, Wif-Fi hotspot voice control while additional functionality can be accessed via the MyAudi app. Audi’s Virtual Cockpit is standard equipment but a head-up display is optional.
A total of 3 packages are available to South African buyers including Comfort, Black styling and S line interior.
Engine power
Just one engine is offered in SA, but in the case of the Q7, that's all you need…
The Q7 45 TDI is the only engine on offer locally. It’s a turbocharged 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine offering 183 kW and 600 Nm of torque with an 8-speed automatic transmission sending power to all 4 wheels. Zero to 100 kph is claimed in 6.9 seconds with a combined fuel consumption figure of 8.0 L/100km.
Audi has enhanced the Q7’s all-wheel steering to provide better handling. When coupled with the optional adaptive air suspension, ride quality improves substantially and the driver is able to adjust the ground clearance which is useful if you ever want to take your Q7 offroad.
We are currently driving the updated Q7 at its local launch so look out for our launch report this week.
Audi Q7 – Price in South Africa
Audi Q7 45 TDI quattro tiptronic – R1 328 500
Audi Q7 45 TDI quattro S line tiptronic – R1 388 500
The Audi Q7 is sold with a 1-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100 000km Audi Freeway plan.
