Jeep has announced it will put its Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept, which it unveiled earlier this year, into production. The newcomer, which is expected to have a Hemi V8 under the bonnet, will be "available (in the US) early 2021".
It has been many years since the Wrangler last featured a V8 motor – almost 40 years, in fact. When Jeep unveiled the Rubicon 392 Concept in July, it had enthusiasts of the iconic US brand in a proverbial froth. However, because the barrel-chested off-roader was unveiled shortly before the official release of the reimagined Bronco, many dismissed the move by Jeep as a ploy to steal some of Ford's limelight… and nothing more.
But Jeep has now used its Instagram account to announce the 392 was #NotAConcept. It posted a video showing a Wrangler ripping across a dry riverbed while emitting a distinct, full-throated exhaust note: "Some concepts are so powerful they storm into reality.? Preproduction model shown."
Of course, many enthusiasts will hope that Jeep will simply slap a "V8" badge and number plates on the Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept before shipping it off to showrooms, because it is reported to have a 6.4-litre Hemispherical (Hemi) V8 motor, which has peak outputs of 335 kW and 610 Nm and is mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Jeep claims a 0-100 kph time of under 5 seconds, which is simply astounding!
Aesthetically speaking, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept really looks the part with its bronze-accentuated tow hooks, badging, springs, shocks and wheels. The half doors are unmistakably Jeep and the entire package looks ready to tear up the asphalt, gravel, sand, you name it!
It's not all about that stonking V8, though… The production version should also feature the concept's full-time 2-speed transfer case, Rubicon Dana 44 axles (with electric front- and rear-axle lockers), 17-inch wheels shod with 37-inch mud-terrain tyres and a Jeep Performance Parts 2-inch lift kit from Mopar. The automatic transmission has been beefed up from the Grand Cherokee SRT to use taller 3.73:1 gear ratio.
Will Jeep produce the Wrangler V8 in right-hand-drive guise? That remains to be seen, but if there was even the remotest chance of the newcomer being introduced in South Africa, we imagine there would be more than a handful of enthusiasts lined up to order one…
As the market's perennial top-selling bakkie, the 8th-generation Hilux has undergone continuous refinements since its launch in 2016, but lately, it has arguably lagged a few of its rivals in terms of all-round leisure-vehicle appeal. With the latest facelift, Toyota brings its mainstay bang-up-to-date.
We like: Refinement, extra power, feeling of solidity, off-road ability, improved infotainment
We don’t like: Roller-shutter malfunctioned during test, lack of reach-adjustment on steering column
Fast Facts:
Price: R851 100 before options (November 2020)
Engine: 2.8-litre turbodiesel 4-cylinder
Power/Torque: 150kW/500Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Fuel consumption: 8.0 L/100 km (claimed)
Top speed: 175 kph
What is it? ?
Riding on new 18-inch wheels and sporting more aggressive wheelarch extensions, the Hilux has a sportier side profile.
The fact that the Toyota Hilux has been updated so frequently since its launch in 2016 is not only indicative of fierce competition in this market segment, but how quickly requirements for particularly the leisure-bakkie niche are evolving. Ford's popular Ranger and the evergreen VW Amarok (a multiple CarsAwards winner) are the Hilux's most serious rivals, but soon it will also have to contend with the all-new Mazda BT-50 and Isuzu D-Max. So, Toyota's engineers have come up with a raft of changes to the Hilux, resulting in what is far more than just a mere cosmetic update.
But let's be honest here, aesthetics are important in this segment! In previous updates, the Hilux discarded its awkward-looking "over-bite" front-end, but this latest version is certainly the most head-turning Hilux we've ever driven. In fact, we used it as a workhorse during our most recent SentiMETAL Gathering, which attracted hundreds of classic and collectible car enthusiasts… and the Hilux (which was supposed to be "hidden" behind a gazebo) proved to be one of the most photographed cars there!
Futhermore, the Hilux seemed to lag some of its rivals in terms of refinement, onboard infotainment and safety tech and those elements have also been addressed in this latest round of improvements. Now, the question is whether this flagship Hilux is worth its heady pricetag?
How it performs in terms of…
Performance and ride/handling
As was the case before the 2020 update, the automatic Hilux has a torque (50 Nm) advantage over its manual counterpart.
With a new, enlarged turbocharger, as well as a revised common-rail injection system, the Hilux's power has been upped by 20 kW to 150 kW, and torque (in this automatic derivative) by 50 Nm to a meaty 500 Nm. The cooling system and intake manifold have also been upgraded with the aim to ensure the Hilux's reputation for reliability remains undiminished.
Toyota has also fettled the 6-speed automatic transmission to deliver improved acceleration, particularly when towing (it claims). On the road, the new Hilux does indeed feel more responsive, though it's hard to say how much of this is down to the extra power, or the revised transmission. Either way, what we particularly enjoyed is that it reacts more promptly to throttle inputs, and does so in a smooth and refined manner. In fact, testers enthused about the refinement. It comes as no surprise, then, to learn that a balance shaft has been installed to minimise noise and vibrations.
Toyota claims an average fuel consumption figure of 8.0 L/100 km, which interestingly is 0.5 L/100 km less than what was claimed for the 2.8GD-6 Raider Auto we tested back in 2016. In the real world, you're more likely to average around 9.5 L/100 km. This compares favourably with the fuel consumption of the bi-turbodiesel 2.0-litre Ford Ranger derivatives.
Hilux being off-road tested during the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards evaluations at Gerotek. It remains a segment frontrunner.
The focus on refinement is also evident in the way the Hilux now rides, handles and, in particular, cruises. The Hilux features revised spring rates, new shock absorbers and suspension bushes, as well as revised leaf springs, with a focus area being ride comfort when unladen (a common problem with double-cab bakkies). While the suspension now deals with, and settles after, a bumpy section much faster, it has lost none of its robust feel. The Hilux remains a bakkie that feels like it can be driven at speed over (or through) just about anything in its way. It's also in such tough conditions that the solidity of the cabin (not a rattle to be found) impresses hugely.
During recent #CarsAwards testing at the Gerotek facility, the Hilux was subjected to quite a challenging off-road evaluation by the judges. It's an area in which the Hilux has always put in a class-leading performance, and the latest changes have certainly not impacted its performance in a negative way, although its weak-chin forebear arguably offered a better angle of approach. Oh, and be wary of those fancy-looking running boards!
Exterior design & Packaging
Imposing new "face" is another big step forward in giving the Hilux the necessary "macho" appeal this segment requires.
To reiterate, Toyota had already significantly enhanced the appearance of the Hilux at the time of its previous upgrade, but this latest facelift embues the bakkie with a lot more presence. The new slimline headlights, combined with the black trim around the more angular grille give the Hilux a fierce-looking face. We also like the new wheel arch extensions (and how they flow into the front foglamp surround) and the LED tail lamps.
This particular model's RS moniker may lead you to expect something more overtly "sportly" from the Hilux, but it turns out that RS is an abbreviation for "Roller Shutter". This is in reference to the electrically operated roller-shutter tonneau cover fitted to this model. It's a smart-looking system that brings with it a swoopy roll-over hoop, as well as plug points and LED lighting in the load bay. The system offers vastly improved security compared with a traditional canvas tonneau cover, but it's arguably less practical, seeing as it eats into cargo space and not easy to remove. During the test, the system also stopped working for no apparent reason, but a friendly Toyota technician sorted it out quickly enough.
Rear legroom is about average for this segment.
Inside, in terms of packaging, there are no major changes to speak of. Front passenger space is very good, but rear legroom is probably only about average for this segment. Interestingly, we experienced a front-left flat tyre during the bakkie's tenure in our test fleet, which necessitated fitment of the spare. During the wheel-change, we noticed that the standard jack is probably a bit too small for the Hilux, as we had to jack up well beyond the yellow warning (maximum recommended lift) line. Thankfully we were stranded on a solid, flat surface and not out in the sticks!
Interior execution and features
Detail refinements have been made and new tech fitted (including an Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatible infotainment system).
The big news inside is tech-related. First of all, the Hilux now features an all-new 8-inch infotainment system that is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This allows for music streaming services, as well as access to real-time navigation and traffic info via Google Maps. As a bonus, there's now an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot and complimentary 15 Gb of data. The touchscreen console still incorporates hard buttons for major functions, which makes it easier to use the system on the go. Secondly, Toyota has also introduced a 9-speaker JBL sound system as standard.
Also included in the price on this model is the Safety Sense package. It consists of a pre-collision detection system, road-sign detection, lane departure alert and adaptive cruise control. The latter feature is particularly welcome on longer road trips.
Price and after-sales service
The Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 Double-Cab 4×4 Legend RS Auto sells for R851 100 (before options, November 2020). The price includes a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and a service plan that covers the first 9 services.
Striking new LED tail lamps further elevate the aesthetic appeal of the refreshed Hilux.
With this latest round of (rather far-reaching) improvements, the Hilux is now arguably the most well-rounded offering in the local market. The stylistic improvements give it considerably more kerb appeal, an important factor in the leisure double-cab segment where "image" is key. The extra grunt from the 2.8-litre turbodiesel motor is certainly welcome, but the overall refinement (drivetrain and ride) is even more noticeable. And, finally, the Hilux now offers a comprehensive suite of infotainment and modern safety features that will stand it in good stead when its new rivals arrive on the market. None of these improvements have come to the detriment of the Hilux's usual strenghts and, combined with the fact that Toyota is our current #CarsAwards Brand of the Year (based entirely on owner feedback), we can't but give the revised Hilux an enthusiastic double thumbs-up!
Ferrari has revealed the spider version of its plug-in hybrid SF90 Stradale coupe. See details below…
Ferrari revealed its SF90 Stradale plug-in hybrid coupe last year boasting impressive outputs 574 kW and 800 Nm developed by its mid-mounted, twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine. Additional firepower is harvested and stored in a 7.9 kWh lithium-ion battery, adding 162 kW to the SF90’s total system output of 735 kW. Two electric motors drive the front wheels, giving the SF90 all-wheel-drive capability, a first for Ferrari.
The SF90 Spider adopts the same powertrain and is claimed to achieve a zero to 100 kph sprint time in 2.5 seconds with a top speed of 340 kph using a lightning-fast 8-speed DCT.
The SF90 spider features an electrically retractable hardtop that can be retracted in 14 seconds and only occupies 100 litres of space and is some 40 kg lighter than a conventional hardtop. An optional Assetto Fiorano package sheds a further 21 kg with carbon fibre and titanium construction. This package reduces the SF90 spider’s overall weight to 1 670 kg or 100 kg more than the coupe version.
What would you rather have, the SF90 Stradale coupe or this SF90 spider?
A new Renault Kangoo is coming to market next year!
If you’re a business owner, you are probably familiar with all the offerings available in the panel van market and the Renault Kangoo is a familiar nameplate. The Kangoo is a rival to other products such as the Volkswagen Caddy and Opel Combo. Perhaps that package that arrived on your doorstep this morning was delivered in a Kangoo.
Now, Renault has partially revealed its next 3rd-generation Kangoo which is due to go on sale in Europe and other markets in 2021. Renault has yet to reveal what will power the new Kangoo, but both petrol and diesel options are likely in conjunction with manual and automatic transmissions, depending on the market. A battery-electric Kangoo is also expected.
The Kangoo is designed to fulfil a variety of requirements, including family and business duties, and it will therefore come to market with 2 main derivatives including the Kangoo (high-spec) and Kangoo Express (entry grade) in either passenger or van variations. A short- and long-wheelbase option for each is also expected.
As shown in the images, the new Kangoo features a bolder and more design, in line with Renault’s current model lineup.
On the inside, the new Kangoo has been modernised and now gains a touchscreen infotainment system and a new multifunction steering wheel. As you can expect, the Kangoo will offer sufficient storage solutions through its cabin.
In terms of practicality, the Kangoo will offer notable loading capacity and Renault’s Easy Side Access and Easy Inside Rack elevate the practicality of the new Kangoo even further. Other nice-to-haves include a digital rearview mirror and trailer swing assist.
As for local availability, it’s still too early for Renault SA to confirm when the new Kangoo will reach South Africa but if we had to hazard a guess, late in 2021 could be a possibility or 2022, which is probably more realistic. Nonetheless, we will let you know when we know, so stay tuned!
Toyota Hilux Legend RS Review – A significant refresh of the Hilux formula, but does it work?
The facelifted Toyota Hilux has just been set loose in SA and it's ready to put some space between it and its rivals. We review the top-of-the-range Legend RS model.
The fact that the Toyota Hilux has been updated so frequently since its launch in 2016 is not only indicative of fierce competition in this market segment but how quickly requirements for particularly the leisure-bakkie niche are evolving. Ford's popular Ranger and the evergreen VW Amarok (a multiple CarsAwards winner) are the Hilux's most serious rivals, but soon it will also have to contend with the all-new Mazda BT-50 and Isuzu D-Max. So, Toyota's engineers have come up with a raft of changes to the Hilux, resulting in what is far more than just a mere cosmetic update.
In this review our video journalist Ciro De Siena takes the refreshed Toyota to a 4×4 proving ground and, while surviving an onslaught of horseflies, manages to thoroughly test the improved engine, off-road handling and standard-fitted roller shutter.
Looking for a used Toyota Hilux? We have over 1100 to choose from!
Honda has introduced the new, 8th-generation Ballade in South Africa. We drove the Japanese compact sedan at its local launch (in Cape Town) to find out what it has to offer…
The Honda Ballade is a well-known nameplate in South Africa; it was first launched locally back in 1982. The new Ballade has moved upmarket and, in terms of price, it now straddles the B- and C- sedan segments where the Toyota Corolla and its Quest sibling hold significant market share.
The rise of crossovers and SUVs has pretty killed off the compact sedan market (unless you're an Uber driver), but there are still a few sedans available and yes, many of which serve in the e-hailing service or rental fleets. At just under R400 000, you can opt for either a Toyota Corolla or the pocket-friendly Corolla Quest. Volkswagen's Polo sedan, Fiat Tipo, and the Hyundai Accent occupy the lower end of the pricing bracket.
Does the Ballade have what it takes to attract new customers to the fold and increase its market share in this segment? Perhaps, but let’s take a closer look at what the new Ballade has to offer… See also: Honda launched its new WR-V compact SUV in South Africa this week!
What’s on offer?
The Ballade range is now headlined by a new RS derivative which boasts some sporty visual enhancements.
The new Ballade is built on the same platform as the outgoing Ballade, but it’s 110-mm longer, 55-mm wider and sits 10-mm lower (the wheelbase is unchanged). The range comprises 3 trim grades: the entry-spec Comfort, mid-spec Elegance and, for the first time, range-topping Ballade RS.
The Ballade RS sure sounds like a sporty name, but RS actually stands for "Road Sailing", which highlights the Ballade’s smooth cruising ability. Honda's RS trim is similar to product lines such as Volkswagen’s R-Line or Toyota’s GR Sport; it focuses on cosmetic execution, not performance.
The bold and broad chrome wing on the face of the Ballade is its most defining feature and the RS is decked out with styling enhancements such as a boot spoiler, faux carbon-fibre diffuser, 16-inch alloys, a sunroof, honeycomb grille and LED headlights. Comfort and Elegance versions are a bit more demure; they ride on 15-inch wheels with halogen headlights, but LED daytime running lights and taillights are standard on all derivatives.
The Ballade's interior is well-equipped with features, especially in RS guise.
As for the interior, Honda has taken a minimalist approach to the Ballade’s interior execution and we think it looks fairly smart. New seat designs provide more comfort and while Comfort and Elegance derivatives feature cloth upholstery, the Ballade RS' cabin sports leather trim instead.
Meanwhile, the Honda's perceived interior build quality is good. All derivatives feature a multifunction steering wheel, electric windows, cruise control and auto aircon, while the Elegance gains an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, voice control and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. The RS also features automatic walk-away locking, a reverse-view camera and a 7-inch multi-information display.
On the safety front, the Ballade is equipped with 6 airbags as standard, as well as ABS with EBD, brake assist and electronic stability control. Rear parking sensors are standard on Elegance and RS derivatives.
What’s it like to drive?
The new Ballade is only offered with a CVT in SA and it delivers good performance overall.
For this new Ballade, Honda is pressing on with its naturally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine, but it’s been enhanced for better performance (89 kW and 145 Nm), as well as efficiency. All versions of the newcomer feature Honda’s improved CVT transmission, which has been augmented by what the brand calls "G-Design" shift control with integrated artificial "gears" or "steps", which can be selected via steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles.
On our drive through the Cape Winelands, the new Ballade’s powertrain delivered good overall performance. The engine didn’t feel underpowered and, with the mounted paddles, you can effectively manipulate the CVT to deliver the desired result, whether it be for making swift overtakes or keeping the engine ticking over in its power band (helpful on an uphill). It’s also quite a refined setup; while some CVTs have been criticised for being overly noisy/droney, the same can’t be said for Honda’s combo. It’s actually relatively pleasant to drive without being intrusive or offensive.
Granted, the Ballade’s performance will be somewhat compromised at altitude (Gauteng) but we suspect it will only become more pronounced when all your aunties, uncles, kids and all their luggage are crammed into the Ballade. For the most part, performance should be adequate for the average commute. In terms of efficiency, Honda claims a combined fuel consumption figure of 5.5 L/100km.
Another highlight of this new Ballade is its ride quality! It dealt with poor road surfaces very well; the suspension is pliant/forgiving almost all of the time. Moreover, the steering feels responsive and communicative, which helps when you are pitching the Ballade through corners at speed…
We would have liked to spend more time driving the Ballade, but we should have it on test soon – expect a thorough review in the near future.
Honda Ballade – price in South Africa (November 2020)
The Honda Ballade is well worth a test drive!
As mentioned, pricing for the Ballade has shifted further up the pricing ladder, but the Ballade undercuts the new Corolla (from R380 200) and is aggressively priced against offerings such as the Hyundai Accent auto (From R324 900) and Volkswagen Polo sedan auto (from R309 100).
The new Honda Ballade is sold with a 5-year/200 000 km warranty, 4-year/60 000 km service plan as well as 3 years of AA roadside assistance.
Toyota is going after VW's Vivo business – in a big way.
* TRD version shown in images only available in the Philipines.
Its bakkies and SUVs might dominate the South African automotive landscape, but Toyota is bolstering its passenger car offering too.
Shortly after the launch of Starlet, the company’s local business unit has teased a new entry-level hatchback offering.
Toyota South Africa posted a Facebook content item teasing its ‘new model’, with the corresponding footage showing the company’s Agya (pronounced 'ug-ya'). The Agya is set to go on sale locally as soon as November 25 2020.
Since the Tazz was discontinued, Toyota has never quite managed to dominate South Africa’s entry-level hatchback market (the Etios never lived up to the success of the Tazz/Conquest). With Agya, which is also branded as Wigo in certain markets, the idea of a contemporary Tazz could become very real.
Much like the Starlet, this Agya is not strictly a Toyota design. It is engineered by Daihatsu, the compact car specialist which left South Africa in 2015 and has significant Toyota ownership.
The Agya has benefitted from a product update earlier this year and it is a delightfully small car, perfect for urban use. Measured bumper-to-bumper it is only 3 660 mm long, 1 600 mm across and stands 1 520 mm tall. These dimensions make it 200 mm longer and 60 mm taller than Toyota's current smallest model the Aygo. It's still some way short of the Polo Vivo by 300 mm in length.
Those compact dimensions mean it is very light, at only 880 kg. Powering the Agya are two engine options, both naturally-aspirated petrols.
The 1-litre three-cylinder engine is good for 49 kW, whilst a larger 1.2-litre four-cylinder produces 65 kW. Both engines can be paired with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. South Africa will receive only the 1.2-litre variant but no mention has been made on whether both gearboxes will be offered.
With Agya and Starlet in Toyota’s local product portfolio, the company will have its most comprehensive value hatchback offering in decades.
The Agya will take over from the Aygo as the latter is being phased out. With the Agya being sourced from India, Toyota will aim to be extremely keen with its listing price and will likely hit the sales charts at under R200k.
Honda has introduced its WR-V in South Africa. We travelled to Franschhoek in the Western Cape to attend the media presentation of the Japanese brand's new compact crossover and find out what it has to offer!
The newcomer (a rival to the Ford EcoSport, Renault Captur and Hyundai Venue) is the 4th softroader in Honda's line-up after the BR-V, HR-V and CR-V. Honda South Africa has high hopes that the WR-V, which shares its platform with the Jazz and BR-V, will sell briskly in a downsizing market.
The WR-V features typical Honda styling cues, such as its chrome-wing grille flanked by LED headlights (Elegance trim), LED daytime running lights and C-shaped taillights. It has a handy ground clearance of 177 mm and rides on 16-inch alloy wheels as standard. Roof rails add further flair to the overall design and a total of 4 exterior body colours are available, including Platinum White, Radiant Red, Lunar Silver and Modern Steel.
What’s it like to drive?
The WR-V's performance lacks the punch offered by its turbocharged rivals.
Buyers have the choice of 2 WR-V derivatives in either 1.2 Comfort or 1.3 Elegance guise. Both are powered by a naturally aspirated 1.2-litre petrol engine with peak outputs of 66 kW and 110 Nm of torque. The new model is exclusively available with a 5-speed manual transmission (curiously, there are no immediate plans to introduce a CVT automatic transmission) and Honda claims a combined fuel consumption figure of 6.4 L/100 km.
With a mere 110 Nm on tap, the WR-V quickly runs out of puff on long uphill sections, but to its credit, it gets up to (and maintains) highway speeds easily enough. The 5-speed manual transmission was specifically developed for the WR-V and the stubby gear lever has a positive action.
The ratios are closely spaced, which means you'll be gearing up and down fairly often to squeeze the best from the engine, especially on uphills. It’s also worth noting the WRV’s performance at altitude (Gauteng) will be a bit more sluggish than during our trundle on the Cape's backroads.
In terms of handling, the WR-V felt surprisingly sure-footed at speed and, unlike some of its rivals, the newcomer's steering provides a modicum of feedback through the 'wheel… While our test drive was brief, we look forward to having the WR-V on test so that we can get fully accustomed to it.
What about the interior?
Perceived interior build quality is good and in Elegance guise, the WR-V comes well-equipped with standard features.
Like it’s larger siblings, the Honda WR-V’s interior appears well-screwed together. Yes, harder plastics dominate, but they are hard-wearing.
The range-topping 1.2 Elegance is equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system (with 6 speakers), which is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, plus it supports Bluetooth telephony and music streaming, as well as app-based navigation. The Comfort derivative, however, is fitted with a more rudimentary 5-inch touchscreen setup, albeit with Bluetooth functionality.
Other convenience features include a multifunction steering wheel, fabric upholstery, electric windows, auto aircon and rear parking sensors. The Elegance derivative gains additional nice-to-haves such as a reverse-view camera, keyless entry (with push-button start) and cruise control.
The most impressive aspect of the WR-V, however, is its sheer practicality. Not only does it offer a relatively spacious load bay (Honda claims a capacity of 363 litres), it features Honda’s "Magic Seat" system (as featured in the Jazz), which means the rear seats can be configured in myriad ways to accommodate the load you need to transport. With the 60:40 split seats folded down, load space increases to a useful 881 litres.
The best part of all is that rear leg- and knee room is truly generous for a car of this size and taller passengers will certainly appreciate the extra space at the back. In terms of safety, both derivatives of the WR-V come equipped with 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, as well as brake assist.
Honda WR-V Price in South Africa (November 2020)
The WR-V joins a competitive segment but aggressive pricing will bode well for its market acceptance in SA.
The Honda WR-V is competitively priced against its equivalent rivals in such as the Ford EcoSport (from R297 400), Renault Captur (from R289 900) and the Hyundai Venue (from R301 500).
1.2 Comfort R289 900
1.2 Elegance R319 900
The WR-V is sold with a 5-year/200 000 km warranty, 4-year/60 000 km service plan and 3-year AA Roadside Assistance.
The iX is not due on sale for another year, but BMW is keen to show the world what its all-electric premium SUV looks like.
Along with many premium manufacturers, BMW is pushing ahead with all-electric vehicles and specifically premium electric SUVs. We’ve already seen the iX3, which is based on the X3, revealed earlier this year but the iX is its own platform and designed to be an electric car from the conceptual phase.
BMW plans to have 5 EV models on sale by the end of 2021 and 25 in total by the end of 2023. The adoption of electric vehicles since the worldwide lockdown due to Covid19 has increased throughout Europe unexpectedly quickly and the manufacturers that are further ahead down the electric pathway are set to make early gains in market share that could be long-lasting.
The iX is about the same length as a BMW X5 and similar height to an X6 with the same wheel size as you would find on an X7.
Electric power and range
The BMW iX is equipped with a battery of over 100 kWh (similar to that of the Tesla Model S and Jaguar i-Pace). The power unit also uses no rare earth raw materials so according to BMW is manufactured in a sustainable manner. The power unit is capable of producing 370 kW which will push it along to 100 kph from a standstill in 5-seconds flat. There’s no mention of how much the iX weighs but with a powerful battery like that it’s likely to tip the scales at well over 2-tons.
In terms of efficiency, the iX claims 21 kWh per 100 km which equates to 600 km of range on the WLTP cycle. The figures provided are not official yet but are based on the car’s current state of development.
Impressively the BMW iX can accept DC fast charging of up to 200 kW. Charging the battery from 10-80 percent at 200 kW occurs in under 40 minutes. Connected to a home charging system, it takes around 11 hours to recharge the battery from flat.
Design features
BMW is still seemingly convinced by the polarising front end grille on its latest cars.
The kidney grille will no doubt be another talking part in the iX’s design. The kidney grille is completely blanked off as there is no need for it to be used as a cooling device anymore. Its role has turned digital and here it functions as an intelligence panel. Camera technology, radar functions and other sensors are integrated into the grille behind a transparent surface. The iX is also fitted with 5G capability allowing it to process data faster than ever and improve certain live functions. The automated systems such as parking features and automated driving have been improved with the latest updates.
Interior feel
BMW has decided to give the iX a lot of open space in its design. There is no centre tunnel which allows for more legroom in the front and rear while allowing BMW designers to create a new centre console that looks like a huge floating armrest.
The infotainment screen and surrounds look devoid of any button clutter at all, ushering all interaction to the centre rotary dial or the touchscreen system. It looks clean and minimalist which BMW is calling ‘shy tech’. The shy tech approach for the interior can be seen in a number of features, including speakers integrated out of sight, thinly-styled air vents, heated surfaces and the recessing of the BMW Head-Up Display’s projector into the instrument panel so it is almost invisible.
Coming to SA?
BMW plans to put the iX into production in the second half of 2021. There is no information yet on whether it will be available locally yet but with the positive push from BMW to move towards electric, there is the intention to spread its electric lineup beyond Europe. SA will first see the iX3 on sale locally in Q4 2021 with perhaps this iX only arriving in 2022.
Ford Thailand has given the Ranger a quick visual update and an insane powertrain warranty.
Ford Thailand's timing was impeccable with the updates you see being announced as the updated Nissan Navara broke cover.
The biggest change is the new-look grille, with the two-nostril setup. Mechanically, it appears the 2.0-litre biturbo engine and 10-speed automatic gearbox has been unchanged. For the record, there's 157 kW and 500 Nm on tap. Impressively, Ford Thailand is offering an incredible 10-year/150 000 km powertrain warranty.
It is important to note these updates apply to the Thai-spec Ford Ranger. If you want a similar front-end, then look to the SA-built Ford Ranger Thunder. We suspect Ford South Africa will release the Thunder look for the entire Ranger portfolio before the all-new next-generation Ranger production kicks off in either late 2021 or early 2022.
As a reminder, the next-generation Ford Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok will be co-developed and will share a common platform. Given South Africa's love for bakkies, both brands have heavily invested in their South African production operations. With this in mind, the idea of next-gen Ford Ranger ladder-frame chassis units leaving the Silverton factory and heading for Volkswagen's Uitenhage plant for next-gen Amarok bodywork and final assembly is not as radical as you might think.
