Will you pay R1 million for a VW Golf 8 R? 

Volkswagen’s Golf 8 R has been revealed and while we are fairly confident the Wolfsburg-based firm will deliver in the performance department, we can’t help but wonder what the R model will cost when it arrives in Mzansi…

Money is always a sensitive topic, but especially so these days – while the Covid-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc on the economy, prices are being pushed up due to inflation and, by virtue of a weakening currency, new-car buyers have to fork out extra to secure the vehicles they want.

Perhaps one of the most highly-anticipated arrivals for 2021 will be the launch of the VW Golf 8 GTI early in 2021, which will serve to whet Volkswagen enthusiasts' appetites for the brand’s range-topping Golf R, which will follow later. Local prices for both the Golf GTI and, of course, the yet-to-be-revealed Golf R remain a mystery at this point, but that doesn’t mean we can’t posture an opinion on the matter…

We have seen numerous spy images of a partially disguised Golf 8 R undergoing testing and now, finally, the Golf 8 R has been officially revealed. 

The new Golf 8 R is the most powerful series-production Golf ever made, boasting an “Evo 4” 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol that delivers no less than 235 kW and 420 Nm with a claimed zero to 100 kph sprint time of 4.7 seconds paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission or 6-speed manual transmission (depending on the market) and making use of a revised Haldex-type all-wheel-drive system. And for the enthusiasts, the new Golf R also has an optional Drift Mode, if you must… 

Now that we know what the Golf 8 R is packing under its bonnet, we are eager to see how Volkswagen will price its new range-topper on local soil.

Volkswagen's Golf 8 GTI will arrive in South Africa first in Q1 of 2021 and the brand will undoubtedly look to maximise GTI sales for a few months before introducing the potent Golf R. That said, the Golf R can be expected in the latter half of 2021 or in early 2022. 

It’s worth keeping in mind that the current, outgoing Golf R develops 228 kW/400 Nm and will dash from 0 to 100 kph in 4.6 seconds, which is disappointingly faster than the new Golf 8 R… 

A quick look at the VW Golf R’s price trajectory


Pricing of the Golf R has increased significantly in the past 6 years. Could the new Golf 8 R breach the R1-million mark? 

Before we look forward to what might be, let’s quickly take a few steps back to trace the pricing trajectory of the Golf R. When the Golf 7 R was launched in Mzansi back in February 2014, it came to market with a (now humble) price tag of R486 200 and packing 206 kW and 380 Nm. 

Then, 3 years later, VW introduced a facelifted Golf 7.5 R (with power bumped up to 213 kW). That iteration of the Golf R was priced at R647 300. 

In 2019, Volkswagen boosted the Golf R’s peak power output by 15 kW up to 228 kW and torque increased to 400 Nm, making it the most powerful Golf R to ever go on sale on the local market. This updated Golf R was priced at R676 000. 

Then in late 2019, the Covid-19 pandemic gathered momentum; South Africa went into full-lockdown by the end of March 2020. In that month, the Volkswagen Golf R was priced at R684 400. 

Right now, in November 2020, the Golf R costs R727 400! That’s almost a 50% increase over a period of 6 years!

A million Rand for a Golf?


In your opinion, what would be a fair price for the new Golf 8 R?  

Now, let’s speculate on the asking price of the forthcoming Golf 8 R. The Golf 8 R is now available for pre-order in Germany with pricing starting at €48 339 which is roughly R901 000 at current exchange rates, which is merely an indication of what's to come considering that the SA-arrival of the Golf 8 R is still a year or more out and if 2020 is anything to go by, lots can happen in a year!

Volkswagen has invested heavily in the development of the 8th-generation Golf and the Wolfsburg-based brand will look to make a significant return on its investment and generate considerable profits from what's likely to be its last ICE-based premium compact model range. With that said, Volkswagen has never been shy to charge a premium for its products and the new Golf 8 R (and indeed the Golf 8 GTI) won’t be any different. 

However, there is a myriad of factors that will feed into the eventual pricing of the new Golf 8 R in South Africa. The key determining factors include the Rand-Dollar exchange rate (to reiterate, this has been a major driver in recent/ongoing new-car price hikes) and the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the economy, inflationary pressures and importantly, import taxes. However, because Volkswagen South Africa produces the Polo hatchback at its Uitenhage plant for local and overseas markets, the export credits it earns will likely help to soften the pricing blow somewhat. 


The interior of the Golf 8 R comes well-equipped with Volkswagen's latest tech. 

It would also be naive to underestimate the impact that the lingering Covid-19 pandemic could have on the production of the new Golf 8 R. As the Golf R features a host of model-specific components such as wheels, bumpers and trim, any disruptions in the supply chain could have a significant negative impact on the cost of production, which will ultimately increase the price of the car on the dealer floor. 

With all these factors in mind, it’s not difficult to imagine that the new Volkswagen Golf 8 R’s price tag could very well approach the R1-million mark when it eventually arrives in South Africa, especially when you consider that the outgoing Golf R is already three-quarters of the way to the mark. 

Perhaps a more conservative estimate is that pricing for the Golf 8 R will come in between R850k-R900k, before options. Even so, we know that Volkswagen will offer a long list of optional equipment on the range-topping Golf 8. Suffice to say that when the Golf R is fully-equipped with all the nice-to-haves, there’s a good chance that you will be looking at an R1-million-or-more Golf R. What a time to be alive! 

Will you buy it? 


The answer is no, but the new Golf R will probably still sell very well when it eventually arrives in SA.  

We put out a poll on the Cars.co.za Twitter page asking our audience the question ‘Would you pay R1-million or more for the forthcoming Volkswagen Golf 8 R?’ 

The response was an unsurprising and resounding, No! 

Volkswagen South Africa, are you listening?

Buy a Volkswagen Golf R on Cars.co.za

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Mercedes-Benz GLB (2020) Launch Review

Mercedes-Benz South Africa has updated its all-important local SUV offering with 6 new derivatives, including the all-new GLA and GLS. Cars.co.za contributor Ian McLaren may have uncovered the pick of the lot, however.

The significance of an extensive SUV range within a modern automotive manufacturer’s portfolio has never been more prevalent. Here's an example to illustrate my point: raised ride-height models make up about 30% of Mercedes-Benz's vast annual global sales aggregate. That figure increases to around 35% within the South African context – the popular (C-Class-based) GLC leads the way in terms of domestic Benz sales. 

With 6.5 million sales recorded since the introduction of the ML-Class in 1997, the Stuttgart-based manufacturer now offers no fewer than 8 SUV-shaped body styles, including fashionable coupé variants of its GLC and GLE models. And then, of course, there exists what Mercedes-Benz likes to the refer to as the "S-Class of SUVs" – the GLS, as well as the modern-day incarnation of the Geländewagen, badged as the G-Class. 

A newcomer to the line-up, the GLB, looks to embody the rugged character of the G-Class, but in an altogether more accessible package.

The ABCs


The GLB sort of resembles a baby G-Class, but it's underpinned by a stretched A-Class chassis. 

As the naming suggests, the GLB slots between the GLA and GLC in the Mercedes-Benz line-up, though there’s a bit more to the story than this. 

Benz produced a GLK (Geländewagen Luxus Kompaktklasse) from 2008 to 2015, but not in RHD guise. This plucky compact SUV found favour for its relative versatility, upright stance and squared-off look. Compared with its contemporaries, it was unapologetically boxy… and better for it. 

A spiritual successor to the GLK, the GLB shares its MFA2 platform with the A- and B-Class models, as well as the 2nd-generation GLA. It is, however, both longer and (47 mm) taller than its GLA sibling and, compared with the B-Class, the newcomer's wheelbase is stretched by 10 mm, which endows it with a welcome level of interior space, including the option of a 3rd row of seats. A further advantage in terms of the GLB’s upright profile is an abundance of headroom, notably for occupants of the first 2 rows. 

Relatively low-slung in its stance (more about that later), both entry to, and egress from, the cabin (via flat door sills) is effortless. The same convenience is afforded to access to the 570 litres of luggage space; this capacity can be enlarged by sliding the 2nd-row bench in a 60:40-split (the backrest of which splits in 40:20:40 configuration). When specced, the pair of 3rd-row seats fold neatly in a 50:50 split into the load bay floor. 


A major plus is that the GLB can be had with 7 seats.

A selection of 18- to 20-inch alloy wheels is available via three optional design packages: Progressive, Style and AMG Line. 

Mercedes-Benz SA offers this new model with a choice of either a 2.0-litre turbopetrol (GLB 250) or 2.0-litre turbodiesel (GLB 220d 4Matic) motor, both mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission. As in the A-Class, the former offers 165 kW with 350 Nm of torque from 1 800 to 4 000 rpm. 

At launch, the 140 kW/400 Nm 220d 4Matic is fitted as standard with the brand’s all-wheel-drive system (with dynamic torque vectoring), which favours, in this application, the front wheels. Average fuel consumption on this heavier of the two derivatives is listed as 5.4 L/100 km.

What’s it like do drive? 


It looks more rugged than it actually is, but is still capable of tacking a dirt road thanks to 200 mm of ground clearance.

Seeing as the GLB was among 6 derivatives that Mercedes-Benz South Africa revealed on the day, the time we spent behind the wheel of the newcomer was limited, but the test drive was nevertheless insightful. Standing proud among the other notably sleeker SUVs in Benz's armoury, I was immediately drawn to the GLB’s feisty-looks and distinct character; it seemed to glance across the lot for approval from its G-wagon brother. 

The caveat to the 220d 4Motion’s standard Off-Road Engineering Package (including a reconfigured ABS braking system and hill descent control) is the GLB’s relatively conservative 200 mm worth of ground clearance. That said, off-the-beaten-track excursions will likely be limited to brief excursions on gravel roads with the odd shallow rock crossing. Despite its low-profile rubber and large wheels, the 220d 4Matic made the most of its healthy helping of torque – available from just 1 600 rpm – to make steady progress over our launch route’s mildly challenging off-road course. 

Despite the GLB's brawny looks, it’s more likely to perform the bulk of its duties on-road. Here, those same low-profile tyres add a level of poise and precision to the driving experience, while a well-weighted steering system and assured suspension setup makes the newcomer easy to manoeuvre around town. Bear in mind, though, that as with other non-AMG-tuned compact Benzes, the ride quality deteriorates notably as wheel sizes go up. 

Rugged outside, spotless inside


A familiar interior if you've seen any of the recent models that the GLB shares its platform with but still modern and techy.

Seated tall within the cabin of the new GLB, there’s a welcome, brand-familiar level of interior sophistication that belies the car’s adventure-seeking exterior. Largely carried over from the A-Class, the newest “B” features Mercedes-Benz’s latest MBUX infotainment technologies, incorporating voice activation and touchscreen technologies. Instrumentation is crisp and easily legible, while a considered use of materials and finishes throughout is at least of par with what the competition is currently offering. Stowage options are abundant throughout the otherwise airy cabin. 

One bugbear is that the Off-Road driving mode is finicky to activate. You have to access a separate display-screen menu (below the Eco, Comfort and Sport settings), which means it isn’t easily (or logically) accessible once the going gets rough. Maybe it will be rectified with a firmware update. 

Summary


If considered as an alternative to the GLC, the GLB seems to suit those looking for something a little different.

More than its impressive off-road adventure pedigree, the popularity of the modern G-Wagon stems largely from its unapologetically brash stance and sheer road presence. Never sold in South Africa, the similarly resolute lines of the GLK came closest within the broader Mercedes-Benz family to mimicking the attributes of the Geländewagen. Perhaps for its bold styling, which is distinctive in a segment awash with cookie-cutter designs, or its instantly likeable plucky character, the GLB has all the attributes to blaze a trail (although not necessarily an off-road one) of sales success. 

While pricing for the pair of GLB derivatives might be viewed as bold, another advantage the newcomer should enjoy is that it should be viewed – in terms of size, practicality and equipment – as an alternative to the popular GLC, rather than an oversized member of the A-Class family.

Mercedes-Benz GLB Price in South Africa (November 2020)

All Mercedes-Benz derivatives are is sold with a 2-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan. 

Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 R831 000
Mercedes-Benz GLB 220d 4Matic   R841 000 

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Mercedes-Benz GLB (2020) Specs & Price

Mercedes-Benz GLB (2020) International Launch Review

Mercedes-Benz GLB 35 AMG Revealed

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Mercedes-Benz GLB (2020) Specs & Price

The distinctive GLB compact SUV, which is optionally available as a 7-seater, has finally been launched in South Africa. The line-up includes a turbopetrol front-wheel-drive and a turbodiesel all-wheel-drive derivative.

Whereas as the recently launched GLA is very much a crossover variant of the A-Class premium hatchback, its GLB sibling has a much more off-road-oriented design, replete with an upright front section, striking LED headlamps (which are standard), muscular shoulder lines and short overhangs front and rear. Along with stylised skid plates on the bumpers, the newcomer features roof rails and all-round protective cladding. 

The GLB is 10 mm longer than the new B-Class; it measures 4 634 mm in length, 1 834 mm in width and stands 1 658 mm tall. Mercedes-Benz claims 1 069 mm of headroom for front-row occupants and 967 mm of rear legroom in the standard 5-seater configuration.

The 2nd row’s backrest splits in a 40:20:40 configuration and offers multi-stage backrest-angle adjustment. The row can be moved fore/aft by 140 mm and, should you order a 7-seater version, in a 40:60 split to either increase 3rd-row legroom or luggage capacity. The two individual 3rd-row seats, if specified, are claimed to seat people of up to 1.68m in height.

The 3rd row features a pair of drinks holders between the seats, as well as 2 stowage compartments with rubberised inserts in the load compartment trim, each housing a USB port. The seats can be lowered so that they are flush with the load compartment floor.

The load bay capacity ranges from 570 litres to 1805 litres with the 2nd and 3rd row folded.

The line-up

The GLB 250 is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 165 kW and 350 Nm. Power goes to the front wheels via an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission and the claimed average fuel consumption ranges between 7.1 and 7.4 L/100 km. 

The GLB 220d is exclusively available with 4Matic all-wheel drive, with fully variable torque distribution. Its 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel (also mated an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission) produces 140 kW and 400 Nm. Its claimed consumption range of between 5.1 and 5.4 L/100 km.

Standard spec includes a leather-trimmed multifunction sports steering wheel, MBUX multimedia system with ext. functions (incl. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility), climate- and cruise control, a tyre-pressure monitoring system, rain-sensing wipers, as well a Light and Sight package. Click here to research the GLB’s wide range of optional features.


The 7-seats of the Mercedes-Benz GLB gives it an advantage in the practicality stakes.

Mercedes-Benz GLB Price in South Africa (November 2020)

All Mercedes-Benz derivatives are is sold with a 2-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan. 

Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 R831 000
Mercedes-Benz GLB 220d  4Matic R841 000 

Further Reading

Mercedes-Benz GLB (2020) International Launch Review

Mercedes-Benz GLB 35 AMG Revealed

Mercedes-Benz GLB 7-Seater Revealed

Mercedes-Benz GLE 400d Coupe (2020) Specs & Price

Mercedes-Benz has launched its GLE 400d Coupe in SA! Herewith specification and pricing details for the newcomer!

The new GLE Coupe has arrived in South Africa in 400d guise and the newcomer is powered by a 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder turbodiesel engine that offers a heady 243 kW and 700 Nm of torque. Mercedes-Benz claims a fuel consumption figure of between 6.9 and 7.4 L/100km while the dash from zero to 100 kph is claimed in 5.7 seconds. 

Buyers can also look forward to the arrival of the potent Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S soon, with its twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine (in combination with the Mercedes-Benz’s EQ Boost 48V starter-generator mild-hybrid system) churning out 450 kW and 850 Nm of torque and a Speedshift 9-speed automatic transmission directing those numbers to the tar via Merc's 4Matic all-wheel drive system. Zero to 100 kph is claimed in just 3.8 seconds! See specs and pricing for the AMG GLE 63 S here!

Mercedes-Benz says that the GLE Coupe’s suspension is now firmer than before, delivering a sportier driving experience. Customers can also opt for the optional air suspension with adaptive damping. 

The German luxury car brand also welcomed the new GLS in South Africa this week!

Key Features


The suave GLE 400d Coupe is now available in SA! 

The interior of the GLE 400d Coupe is equipped with 2 large 12.3-inch screens which takes care of all infotainment with Merc’s latest MBUX system. Sport seats are fitted as standard as well as a new sports steering wheel finished in Nappa leather. 

The new GLE Coupe’s wheelbase is some 60 mm shorter than the GLE SUV but is 20 mm longer than the outgoing GLE Coupe, which affords rear passengers with more legroom. The load bay offers 655 litres of space and with the 40:20:40 split rear seats folded down space increases to a useful 1 790 litres, which is 70-litres more than the outgoing version. 

In terms of driver assistance, customers can choose to fit the optional Active Distance Assist Distronic which is able to detect traffic congestion up ahead and adjust the vehicle speed accordingly.

Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe – Price in South Africa

GLE 400d Coupe – R1 814 000

Buy a Mercedes-Benz GLE on Cars.co.za

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Mercedes-Benz GLS (2020) Specs & Price

The Mercedes-Benz GLS has arrived in South Africa! See local specification and pricing details for the GLS below…

The Mercedes-Benz designates its GLS as an off-road capable "S-Class of SUVs". We'll hopefully be putting that claim to the test, very soon. 

Engine Power


The new GLS arrives in SA with 2 engine choices on offer!

Local buyers have the choice of 2 GLS derivatives. The GLS 400d is powered by a 3.0-litre turbodiesel straight-6 motor, which produces 243 kW and 700 Nm. Power goes to all 4 wheels via the 9G-tronic automatic transmission. In GLS 580 guise, it gains a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 with EQ Boost hybrid technology, producing 360 kW (+16 kW from the EQ system) and 700 Nm. It too features all-wheel drive and a 9-speed automatic transmission.

For what it's worth, the GLS 400d claims a zero to 100 kph sprint time in 6.3 seconds while the GLS 580 is quicker with a claimed time of 4.7 seconds. 

A range-topping Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 is expected to arrive later with 450 kW and 850 Nm on offer from its 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 engine with a claimed 4.2 seconds in the dash from zero to 100 kph. 

“The GLS combines modern luxury with the character of an off-roader,” says Selvin Govender, Marketing Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars South Africa. “It combines powerful highlights of off-road design & capability with an elegance reminiscent of a classic luxury sedan. The interior is a synthesis of modern, luxurious aesthetics, hallmark SUV practicality, and digital high-tech. It’s the best of all worlds.”

Key Features


The GLS offers the latest tech that Mercedes-Benz has to offer. 

Standard wheels are 19-inch units, but you can go up to 21-inch alloys. For those wanting to beef up the look of the GLS you can opt for the AMG Line package (R62 000). For bolt-on MBUX enhancement, you're looking at R25 000 for the Innovation package, while semi-autonomous driving tech is available with 2 packages of R42 000 and R37 300. If you really want to try out the offroad capabilities, it's best to tick the OffRoad Engineering Package for R32 300.  Enhanced air suspension with adaptive damping is fitted as standard. 

The GLS can also be equipped with Active Distance Assist Distronic with route-based speed adaptation which recognises and responds to traffic tailbacks before the driver becomes aware of them and slows the vehicle to 100 kph as a precaution. Once the tailback is clear, the GLS will then accelerate back up to the preset speed. For buyers who will be towing trailers, the GLS can also be equipped with Trailer Manoeuvring Assist.  

With a 60mm increase in wheelbase over its predecessor, the GLS offers generous space for rear occupants All 3 seat rows are electrically adjustable and the third row can be lowered into the floor to increase loading space up to 2 400 litres. The optional Rear Comfort Package adds luxury head restraints as well as a removable 7-inch Android tablet with its own docking station as well as a wireless charging station. The package also includes five-zone automatic climate control for the rear seats.

For even higher levels of luxury, buyers can also consider the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 which is also available in South Africa.  

Mercedes-Benz GLS Price in South Africa (November 2020) 

Mercedes-Benz GLS 400d  – R1 842 000
Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 – R2 025 000

Further Reading:

New Mercedes-Benz GLS – Counters X7

Mercedes-Benz GLS 500 (2016) Review

Another BMW designer leaves for Korea

The movement of talented BMW staff to Korea shows no signs of abating… Talented BMW Designworks designer Won Kyu Kang has now assumed a key leadership role in Kia's design division.  

Won Kyu Kang is the latest BMW senior employee recruited to Korea, where he has now become the head of design innovation for Kia.

BMW has seen some of its best talents resign and join Kia over the last few years. Former M-Division boss, Albert Biermann, was the first. The other significant BMW departure that strengthened Kia’s human capital, was that of Karim Habib.

It is telling that Kang has followed his former boss at BMW, Habib, to Kia. They share common design values and working aspirations, both of which are considered to now be more achievable at Kia, than BMW.

In his new role at Kia, which is based in Korea, where Kang enjoys native language proficiency, and his line of reporting will be to Habib.

Originally trained as an industrial designer, at Hongik private university in Seoul, Kang then pursued further study in American. He is a graduate in transport design, from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, and has 15 years of experience in the automotive industry.

Interestingly, Kang spent ten months working at Hyundai in 2001, between his degrees. His portfolio of work includes the original 4 Series and BMW’s 3.0 CSL Homage concept car.

Although Habib is in the more senior position at Kia, it is clear that Kang is being groomed to eventually become overall director of exterior design. This would be a tremendously proud moment for the Korean brand, to have one of its own responsible for the brand’s global product identity.  

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First look: Facelifted Nissan Navara

The South African introduction of the facelifted Nissan Navara is set for April/May 2021, but thanks to the Japanese bakkie's earlier unveiling elsewhere in the world, we can give you an early look at the revised double-cab.

Suffice to say this is the most advanced Navara ever produced. It features a more comfortable and refined interior, an array of Nissan Intelligent Mobility features and safety systems as well as a revised suspension that enhances the double cab’s on- and off-road driving performance.

Bear in mind the example shown here is the specific Pro-4X grade, replete with a plethora of blacked-out exterior elements and Magma red accents, which will be offered in Australia. The SA-spec Navara, which will be produced at Nissan’s Rosslyn plant, will not be identical…

As expected, the newcomer features the brand’s new thick-rimmed “interlock” grille, which debuted on the Titan pick-up in North America, and is embossed with the bakkie’s model name, Navara.

The design of the revised LED headlamps incorporates a quartet of main beam elements and C-shaped running lights, which is complemented by LED tail lamps with distinctive lighting signatures. On the flanks, the Navara features new side steps/running boards, while the rear features a new rear bumper with integrated step and Navara is emblazoned across the width of the rear tailgate.  

As for the interior (again, this is specifically for the Australian-market bakkie, but many of the features should be carried over to at least the higher-spec versions of the South African-spec Navara), there are numerous improved occupant comfort and convenience features. What’s more, Nissan has improved in-cabin refinement by virtue of adding more sound-deadening insulation.

Apart from a redesigned multifunction steering wheel and updated instrument cluster (now with a 7-inch higher-resolution TFT driver info display), the Navara now comes equipped with an 8-inch Nissan Connect touchscreen infotainment system with integrated satellite navigation that supports Bluetooth streaming audio, voice recognition, smartphone screen-mirroring technology. 

The Navara’s cabin has multiple USB ports, including a Type C port in the console, rain-sensing wipers, speed-sensing door locks and auto-folding mirrors, while the rear seats have upgraded seat cushions and back shapes, as well as a central fold-out armrest with built-in cup holders.

Meanwhile, although the 2.3-litre 4-cylinder twin-turbo diesel engines and their associated transmissions are carried over, the Australian-spec bakkies also feature a tweaked suspension tuning, a strengthened rear axle and a bigger load bed, replete with a flap-type, tie-down hook.

Nissan claims the Navara has an improved payload of up to 1.2 tonnes (dependent on grade) and a 3 500-kg braked towing capability, the latter aided by a new Trailer Sway Control system.

Notably, when in 4-wheel-drive mode, the Navara activates its Active Brake Limited Slip Differential system (ABLS), which manages power delivery and wheel braking between the front and rear axles and between the left and right of the vehicle, depending on traction and speed.

Working with the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and ABS, this system proves its worth when the Navara’s towing large payloads and driving through extremely low-grip terrain, Nissan says.

Lastly, Nissan has endowed its Australian-spec Navara with a host of advanced Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies, although it remains to be seen how many will be offered in the South African market. These include Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, -Emergency Braking, -Driver Alertness, -Lane Intervention, -Around View Monitor (with Moving Object Detection), as well as Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning and Intelligent, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

Look out for the local specifications and pricing details for the revised Navara in the South African market early next year. Nissan South Africa has recently undertaken a huge revamp of the manufacturing plant in Rosslyn, Pretoria, where it will now be able to produce the full model lineup of Navaras. This will likely improve the local offering of the bakkie by including more derivatives and choice for buyers, these include single cabs, double cabs and possibly a king cab. There will be a selection of manual and auto versions locally as well as petrol and diesel engine choices. 

Nissan Navara Specs & Prices in South Africa

Nissan's current special deals on new vehicles

Further Reading:

Navara to get X-Class Upgrades

Bakkies Coming To SA in 2021

More Nissan Navara production could be heading to SA

Nissan Navara Off-Roader AT32 Revealed

Nissan Navara 2.3D 4×4 LE (2017) Review

Lambo man back at Hyundai

One of the world's most influential car designers, Luc Donckerwolke, has rejoined his former employer, Hyundai, after a 7-month break, but the Belgian will now be based in Europe.

Donckerwolke, who resigned as the Korean automotive group's global design chief in April, is now back at Hyundai. The 55-year old Belgian is regarded as one of the greatest living car designers, with an incredible portfolio of vehicles to his name. 

Best known for his work at Lamborghini, where Donckerwolke was responsible for both the Murciélago and Gallardo; he had been with Hyundai since 2016.

Recruited to replace Peter Schreyer as global design chief at Hyundai and Kia, Donckerwolke’s influence on the current production vehicles from both Korean brands, has been immense.

Despite success coming easily to him in his position as chief designer for Korea's most powerful automotive brands, Donckerwolke inexplicably resigned his position earlier this year.

It is entirely possible that the punishing travel schedule between Europe and Korea, has finally triggered the decision by Donckerwolke, to reduce the logistical burden of his professional life.

Realising his value, Hyundai has now created a new position for Donckerwolke, allowing him to be based in Europe.

His new title is that of chief creative officer and the primary responsibility for Donckerwolke will henceforth be the development of Hyundai’s Genesis luxury brand, and the Ioniq electric vehicle product portfolio.

The most significant change for Donckerwolke, in rejoining Hyundai, is that his new office will be German domiciled, at the company’s technical design centre, in Rüsselsheim.

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Golf 8 R revealed with 235 kW, optional drift mode

The R derivative of Volkswagen’s Golf 8 range has finally been revealed. The newcomer – officially the fastest, most powerful series-production Golf to date – is powered by a 235 kW/420 Nm “Evo 4” 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol and is said to sprint from 0 to 100 kph in 4.7 sec courtesy of its revised Haldex-type all-wheel-drive system.

Having seen numerous spy photographs (and videos) of, and published several speculative pre-launch articles about, the Golf 8 R during the past 12 months, we had a good idea of what the newcomer would look like, the powertrain it would have, as well as its performance potential…

While its 235-kW peak power output is about 10 kW short of the mark that some commentators expected, the latest iteration of the EA888 unit still produces peak torque of 420 Nm from 2 100 rpm all the way through to 5 350 rpm, which makes it slightly more potent (by 7 kW and 20 Nm) than the Golf 7.5 version that is currently offered in South Africa. Its 0-100 kph time is about the same (4.7 sec versus 4.6 sec).

When the previous-generation Golf R arrived on the scene, it had fewer rivals than its successor (which will be offered with a 7-speed dual-clutch auto transmission outside North America, where it will also be available with a 6-speed manual ‘box). Still, Volkswagen’s newcomer stacks up well with its still-fresh M135i xDrive and A35 4Matic rivals in terms of outputs. It eclipses the Mercedes-AMG’s 225 kW/400 Nm and Subaru WRX STI’s 221 kW/407 Nm, but it’s slightly less torquey than the BMW (225 kW/450 Nm).

However, the performance figures only tell a part of the story, because the Golf 8 R is claimed to beat its predecessor’s lap time of the Nürburgring Nordschleife by 17 seconds (to be fair, it is a rather long circuit) by virtue of a number of technical upgrades that Volkswagen says “opens up a whole new level of driving dynamics away from public roads and makes the (driving) experience even more fun”.

Apart from Vehicle Dynamics Manager system, which controls the XDS electronically-controlled front locking diff and adaptive dampers, the Golf 8 R’s all-wheel-drive system features the upgraded torque-vectoring system (as fitted to the Tiguan R), which distributes drive variably between the rear wheels, as opposed to than just between the fore and aft axle. Using a pair of electronically operated multi-disc clutches, the system is said to balance output across the axle from 0-100% within milliseconds.

Volkswagen has also increased the front-axle camber (by 1.3 degrees), raised the stabiliser and spring rates (by 10%) and tuned the steering software to exact more direct turn-in. While the front aluminium subframe has been lightened by 3 kg, a 1.2-kg saving of unsprung mass has been achieved with the Golf 8 R’s braking system, which features larger front discs (360 mm units, clamped by two-piston aluminium callipers) and an uprated master cylinder for improved braking feel and response.

Because “stock” will never be sufficient for some buyers, the Wolfsburg-based brand has made an optional R Performance package available, which ups the Golf 8 R’s electronically-limited top speed from 250 kph to 270 kph, adds a more elaborate rear spoiler and swops the standard 18-inch wheels and tyres for 19-inch sports wheels (shod with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 rubber) as standard.

The package also introduces a pair of new drive modes (over and above the standard Comfort, Eco, Sport, Individual and Race): Special, which softens the adaptive damper settings to suit the specific track characteristics of the Nürburgring Nordschleife and Drift mode, which alters the dynamic stability control settings and directs more torque to the rear axle to enable “controlled drifts”.

As before, an Akrapovic titanium performance exhaust system is available, which weighs 7 kg less than the standard system and includes valve control so that a driver can adjust the exhaust volume.

From an aesthetic point of view, the Golf 8 R rides 20 mm lower than its standard siblings, but in time-honoured Golf R tradition, its exterior execution is purposeful, rather than in-your-face or “shouty”. Up front, the sportier bumper has unique air intakes and gloss black accents, while the model-specific grille is adorned with a blue crossbar that illuminates as soon as the Volkswagen’s engine is started.

From the side, the newcomer is distinguished by flared side skirts and matte-chrome mirror caps, while a beefy bumper with a gloss-black diffuser and a quad-tailpipe exhaust system adorn the rear.

The Golf 8 R’s cabin features Nappa leather sport seats (with blue accents and R logos on the backrests), carbon-fibre-look inserts, stainless steel-finished pedals and a shift-paddle-equipped sports steering wheel with a dedicated R button. Other standard features include a digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch infotainment system, both with R-specific displays. A new R-view, for example, displays a horizontally oriented rev counter in the pinnacle and displays gearchange recommendations (when the Volkswagen is driven in manual mode).

So, when can we expect the newcomer to arrive in the South African market? It will go on sale in Europe shortly, but seeing as the Golf 8 GTI will only arrive in Mzansi in the first quarter of 2021, we expect the R version to arrive during the latter stages of 2021 at the earliest, or early in 2022.

Buy a Volkswagen Golf R on Cars.co.za

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New Car Sales in SA: October 2020

The National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa) has released new vehicle sales figures for October 2020, with aggregate sales marginally higher than in the previous month. 

According to the Naamsa, 38 752 new vehicles were sold in Mzansi last month, which represents the 4th consecutive month of sales growth by volume since the easing of the national lockdown in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, albeit that it is 25.4% lower than October last year.

Although market volume increased by 1 516 units over September, sales were relatively worse off in October year-on-year. September sales were down 23.9% by comparison. Segment performance faired more evenly, however.

Passenger car sales were 25.4% down on October 2019 to 26 793 units, a relatively better performance than in September. Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) sales were down 27.8% to 9 644 units compared to October 2019, and a September performance that was only down 8.2%.

Passenger-car market rebounds 

Retailers of passenger cars will have welcomed the consumer demand lifting their market performance to a 7.3% decrease year-on-year. However, LCV sales tumbled 30.7% in the same channel during October.

The October sales results pushed the market through the 300 000-vehicle mark to 303 997 units year-to-date. Soberingly, this is almost 150 000 units less than the same period last year (32.5% down).

“Combined with low interest rates, banks’ lending appetites have supported this market growth. However, levels of sales and levels of demand seemingly don’t correlate,” says Lebogang Gaoaketse, head of marketing and communication at WesBank Vehicle and Asset Finance. “Market activity as measured by finance applications indicate a demand for vehicle finance at levels only marginally lower than October last year.”

This demand is also not unduly different year-on-year in terms of demand for finance for either new or used vehicles, WesBank noted.

Top-Selling Vehicles in SA: October 2020

  1. VW Polo Vivo – 2 259 units

  2. Ford Ranger – 2 203 units

  3. VW Polo – 2 195 units

  4. Toyota Hilux – 1 390 units

  5. Toyota Fortuner – 1 349 units

Top-Selling Brands (Passenger Vehicles) in SA: October 2020

  1. Volkswagen – 6 063 units

  2. Toyota – 5 755 units 

  3. Hyundai – 2 479 units 

  4. Suzuki – 1 963 units

  5. Renault – 1 671 units

Top-Selling Brands (Overall) in SA: October 2020

  1. Toyota – 8 859 units

  2. Volkswagen – 5 771 units 

  3. Ford – 3 738 units 

  4. Hyundai – 2 781 units

  5. Nissan – 2 365 units

 

Outlook for November 2020

“We expect interest rates to remain low for quite some time as Government continues to make every attempt to stimulate the economy,” says Gaoaketse. “This continues to provide a good opportunity to purchase a vehicle at some of the most affordable lending rates.”

However, WesBank warned that demand in the new vehicle market may be waning off the back of Covid-19 as consumers simply have less need for mobility, never mind the affordability implications.

“With fuel sales down between 20% and 25% and public transport demand around 30% lower, consumers are simply moving around less,” says Gaoaketse. He went on to say that the mobility element of household budgets may be shifting more towards property investment as the housing market picks up, thanks to low interest rates and the rising need to work from home.