New Car Sales in SA: August 2020

The National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA) has released new vehicle sales figures for August 2020.

The SA vehicle market remains under pressure with only a minor increase in sales over the previous month.

Compared with July 2020, 1 119 more vehicles were sold in August 2020. A total of 33 515 vehicles were sold in stark contrast to August 2019 where 45 484 vehicles were sold. The market appears to be showing serious strain as a result of Covid19. The expected rebound seen in Europe, where sales in July 2020 were the best of the entire year, has not manifested in our local market. Here are the headline sales numbers courtesy of NAAMSA.

New Car Sales Summary: August 2020

  • Aggregate new vehicle sales at 33 515 units down by 26.3% (-11 969 units) compared with August 2019

  • +3.3% (1 119 units) up on July 2020

  • New passenger car sales of 19 545 units down by 32.6% (-9 458 units) compared with August 2019

  • +1.9% (+640 units) up on July 2020

  • Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) sales of 11 336 units down by 19.3% (-2 719 units) compared with August 2019

  • +1.8% (213 units) up on July 2020

  • Exports of 23 337 units down by 46.9%% (-20 623 units) compared with August 2019

  • -5.5%  (-1 369 units) down on July 2020

Top-Selling Car Brands in South Africa for August 2020

  1. Toyota – 7 743 units

  2. Volkswagen – 5 181 units 

  3. Ford – 2 810 units 

  4. Hyundai – 2 460 units

  5. Nissan – 2 198 units

Sales outlook

New vehicle demand improved slightly compared to the performance of the previous two months as South Africa’s lockdown restrictions eased further to Level 2 in August 2020. However, activity in the new vehicle market is expected to remain low for the remainder of the year due to the uncertainties relating to the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic and as consumers and businesses continue to adapt to short-term budget pressures. Furthermore, not only will the economy have to contend with the consequences of the economic lockdown, it now has to deal with further rolling blackouts which comes at the worst possible time for the South African economy. Eskom announced that the heightened risk of load-shedding will haunt the South African economy for another year. All this point to an already hard-hit economy with no expectations for a quick recovery any time soon.

“We don’t anticipate that we will see any marked recovery any time soon. This is probably our new normal for a while,” explained Mark Dommisse, Chairperson of the National Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA).

“Many of our potential buyers, be they businesses or members of the public, remain under massive financial pressure while also facing the unknown in terms of future business and employment prospects. Relatively few are in a position to commit to vehicle repayments over increasingly longer periods.

“We trust that the SA Reserve Bank keeps interest rates low for an extended period of a least two years to enable markets to recover. This could form one of the major building blocks for the government as they look to stimulate the economy. Inflation remains low, but there are noticeable increases in household expenses and fuel costs, all of which will have an inflationary impact in the short to medium term.

“As an industry, we realise that the difficult times will continue, and we must plan around the changed economic scenario. Motor traders in South Africa have been a resilient group when facing setbacks in the past and we remain optimistic in the longer term,” concluded Dommisse.

 

Audi Q2 Facelift Announced

The compact Audi Q2 has been updated for 2021. Here's a look at what's changed.

The Audi Q2 was revealed 4 years ago and the Ingolstadt-based brand claims it was a huge success. For 2021, Audi has given it an update. 

The changes are considerable and as a result, the Audi Q2's length has grown a tiny bit, but the real changes can be seen at the front, with a new-look nose with the option of LED and Matrix LED headlights. Customers can also opt for the advanced and S Line trim levels, which give more visual punch. Audi claims the S Line Q3 is "even more expressive." 

The Audi Q2 colour palette has been expanded and there are 5 new colours, with considerable customisation options available. 

Audi has reworked the interior of the Q2 and the compact SUV features new-look air vents and gear knob. Naturally there are a ton of options on offer and Audi has sports seats, power tailgate and trailer hitch to name a but a few. The infotainment system has been updated and the new MMI and Audi Virtual Cockpit is available. There's also a Bang & Olufsen Premium audio system with 14 speakers available. Safety-wise, Audi has introduced some safety packages with advanced tech like Audi pre-sense which scans the road ahead of you, while things like automatic parking is available as an option. Cleverly, the traffic sign recognition works in conjunction with the adaptive cruise control and the car will automatically slow down to match the limits.

In terms of engines, Audi is offering 3 petrol engines and 2 diesel engines. The 1.5 TFSI punches out 110 kW and 250 Nm, and there's cylinder deactivation available which will assist in economy. Speaking of, Audi is claiming 5.4 L/100 km. A 6-speed manual gearbox and a 7-speed S tronic is available. There's no mention of the other engines, but Audi did say there will be more information towards the end of 2020. 

Under the skin, Audi has introduced progressive steering which is said to 'increase the handling and vehicle dynamics on winding roads.' A sports suspension which lowers the body by 10mm is available as an option. There's also damper control available. There are 3 new alloy rim designs, ranging from 16-inch to 19-inch in size. 

We'll update you as soon as we hear more information regarding the 2021 Audi Q2.

Further Reading

Audi Q2 (2017) First Drive

Audi SQ2 Confirmed: First photo revealed

Audi Q2 1.4T FSI Sport S tronic (2017) Review

Audi Q2 (2017) Test Drive & Review Video

Carlex Land Rover Defender Yachting Edition 

Polish tuner, Carlex, has given the Land Rover Defender a once over to create this Yachting Edition. Do you like the look? 

Remember the Mercedes-AMG G63 Yachting Edition by Carlex shown earlier this year? Well, now the Polish aftermarket specialist has gone to work on the new Land Rover Defender to create the Defender Yachting Edition. 

See specs and pricing for the new Land Rover Defender in SA

Using the new Defender 110 as a starting point, Carlex has taken inspiration from maritime design and applied a brushed surface, much like your dog’s brushed aluminium drinking bowl. The ‘Yachting Edition’ decals seen on the lower front doors and the custom rear spare wheel cover are clear signifiers that this is no ordinary Defender. 

The exterior shine is matched with 2 interior executions of your choice. The first combines luxurious white upholstery with wood finishes, much like you would expect to see on a yacht while the second option adopts gold-coloured upholstery with brushed aluminium trim finishes to complete the look. Note the wooden deck finish seen in the load bay and on the rear seatbacks.

Do you like the look of this Carlex Land Rover Defender?

Buy a Land Rover Defender on Cars.co.za

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Land Rover revives Defender Hard Top

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Peugeot 3008 Updated for 2021

Peugeot has released details and images of the updated 3008 and the good news is it's confirmed for SA in 2021. 

The Peugeot 3008 has been quite the success story for the French brand, with over 800 000 units rolling off the production line. A few notable awards such as European Car of the Year, plus a #CarsAwards-powered by WesBank finalist position aren't to be taken lightly. It's crucial then Peugeot doesn't radically alter 3008 and impact on its success. 

At first glance, you'll spot the updated design on the front end. Now resembling part of the new generation of Peugeot family, the 3008 looks related to the 208 and 2008. The front gains some aggression and there are plenty of scoops, plus the newcomer has LED headlamps as well as hook-shaped daytime running lights. For those wanting more visual punch, there's also a sportier GT version that rides on some gorgeous 19-inch alloy wheels.  

On the subject of lights, Peugeot has introduced integrated the fog lights into the main LED units, and the rear gains full-LED tech too. 

Inside, the updated Peugeot 3008 receives an update to its very cool digital i-Cockpit. There's a 12.3-inch digital setup which is completely customisable and the new central infotainment screen is 10 inches in size. As before, specification is expected to be high, but we'll have to see what the South African-spec offers. For the European market, you get nice things like adaptive cruise control, front and rear cameras, panoroof, massage seats, automatic tailgate as well as some advanced safety features. Naturally, it's also well connected with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and there are 3 USB ports.

In terms of engines, Peugeot is offering both petrol and diesel options, with the 1.2-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder motor with 96 kW kicking off the range. It's available with the choice of a manual or automatic gearbox. For those wanting more, the 1.6-litre turbocharged motor is on offer, but that's available exclusively with an automatic transmission and punches out 132 kW. Diesel fans will be accommodated by a 96 kW 1.5-litre turbodiesel mated to either a manual or automatic transmission. There's naturally going to be some electrification too, with Peugeot offering 2 hybrid models which can travel up to 59 km on pure electric power.

Peugeot South Africa confirmed the new model is coming to SA in 2021 and we'll advise on local specifications and pricing as soon as we have them.

Further Reading

Peugeot 3008 (2017) Video Review

All-New Peugeot 2008 Announced

Peugeot 208 Revealed

Will Peugeot South Africa Turn the Corner?

Peugeot 3008 GT Line+ (2018) Quick Review

Audi Q3 Sportback (2020) Specs & Price

The Q3 Sportback will be on sale imminently. It’s an ever so slightly less practical but more stylish version of the standard Q3 Crossover.

The Q3 Sportback is Audi's answer to vehicles such as BMW's X2, the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe and to an extent the Lexus UX and Range Rover Evoque. 

The Q3 Sportback is set to go on sale in SA during September 2020. It will sit above the standard Q3 in terms of price and performance. The major difference with the Q3 Sportback is the lower rear roofline that slopes downwards giving it a coupe-like look. The sloping roof accounts for 29 mm less height than the standard Q3.  

The Q3 Sportback is available with a 2.0-litre 40 TFSI turbopetrol engine, which is also fitted with quattro all-wheel-drive, something the standard Q3 models has. The 40 TFSI puts out 132 kW and 320 Nm of torque, imbuing the top-of-the-range Q3 Sportback with added performance. Zero to 100 kph takes 7.8 seconds with the standard S-tronic gearbox. The other engine on offer is a direct transfer from the standard Q3 – the 35 TFSI. Its 1.4-litre turbopetrol is good for 110 kW and 250 Nm.

A sports suspension is fitted as standard on the Q3 Sportback along with progressive steering that speeds up the more lock you apply to make it feel more dynamic in sharper bends. It also features several driving modes that configure the suspension and drivetrain for off-road driving as well as sportier driving.

In terms of practicality, the Q3 Sportback can hold 530 litres of luggage, only 20 litres less than the standard Q3, and retains the sliding and reclining rear seats of the standard model. The sloping roof will make it more difficult to stack taller items towards the rear of the loadbay area. Option packs can be added to snaz up the interior with electrically adjustable Alcantara sports seats, stainless steel pedals and interior ambient lighting. Audi has grouped many of its popular options into packs that can be selected. The options are grouped into Comfort, Technology, Sport, Parking, S line interior and Black styling. Audi’s local configurator helps you select which options are in which group.

The infotainment system and interior design mimic that of the standard Q3. The instrument cluster features a digital 8.8-inch digital layout but we would highly recommend forking out for the Virtual Cockpit which allows you to customise what you see in front of you in very crisp, hi-resolution. The Technology package features Audi’s most up to date infotainment system, comprising of a 12.3-inch touchscreen, complete with navigation although, with Android and Apple capability, it’s simpler to use your phone’s apps, which are easily displayed on the car’s touchscreen. Apple Carplay is even available wirelessly on the MMI navigation plus system. Part of this smartphone interface option includes the Bang & Olufsen premium sound system.

Certainly one of the most useful packages on offer is the Parking package which combines 360-degree cameras with park assist (automatic parking), removing most of the hassle from tight parking and accidental collisions.

Pricing

Audi Q3 Sportback 35 TFSI S tronic:  R693 000

Audi Q3 Sportback 40 TFSI quattro S tronic:  R737 000

Both models come standard with the 5-year/ 00 000km Audi Freeway plan.

Related content

Audi Q3 Video Review – Best in Class?

Audi RS Q3 Sportback Revealed

New Audi Q3 Sportback For SA

Hotter BMW M8 CSL Coming?

There's a strong rumour BMW will be enhancing the current M8 to create an M8 CSL. Here's what we know.

First reported on Spanish website Motor.es, the BMW M8 CSL is reportedly set for introduction in 2022. It's suggested the twin-turbocharged V8 motor will be replaced by an advanced hybrid 6-cylinder motor, reportedly delivering 521 kW. 

The supposed BMW M8 CSL will boast a new look, with a front bumper dominated by huge air intakes and the source suggested there'll even be a vented bonnet. What's really interesting is that recently, an odd-looking BMW 8-Series mule was spotted around the Nurburgring, with many suggesting the engine was located mid-mounted. 


It's quite obvious the rear seats have been deleted and in its place is an engine.

Given how Mercedes-AMG is already working on an electrified version of its AMG GT63 S, it makes perfect sense for the Bavarian brand to follow. We'll be watching this closely and will update you when more information on the BMW M8 CSL emerges.

Further Reading

Spy Shots: 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT73e

AC Schnitzer Upgrades BMW M8

BMW M8 Gran Coupe Revealed

BMW M8 Competition Made Mental by Manhart

New Mazda BT-50: More details emerge

Proper bakkie bits for new Mazda double-cab.

Anticipation for Mazda’s third-generation BT-50 bakkie range is steadily building, as the Japanese brand ramps-up production.

This new BT-50 is a mechanical twin of the latest Isuzu D-Max and with the global launch schedule now commencing, we have gained greater insight into the Mazda’s specification and available accessories.

Powered by an Isuzu 3-litre turbodiesel engine, the new BT-50 has impressive hauling statistics. All double-cabs, irrespective of transmission choice or whether they are 4×4 or 4×2, have been certified to tow 3 500 kg.

Loadbox carrying capacity is on the double-cab cab is a notable 1 106 kg, which should provide all the capacity any leisure user would need, for Safari travel in the SADC region.

An interesting specification to note is that Mazda will not be offering any of its BT-50 double-cab 4x2s with the six-speed manual transmission option. If you want to select gears yourself, that is only available on the 4×4 variants, which also offer the six-speed automatic drivetrain.

Off-road capabilities are competitive, with 240 mm of ground clearance and an 800 mm water fording ability. The new BT-50 also tallies an approach angle of 30.4-degrees and can leave a technical obstacle at 25.3-degree, without doing damage to its rear section bodywork or bumper.

Mazda is clearly targeting the new BT-50 as a lifestyle and light adventure double-cab bakkie. To provide customers with a broad option of customization, it will offer a generous selection of accessories.

One of the most impressive new BT-50 accessories is a wraparound steel bullbar. Designed to not interfere with the BT-50's engine cooling, sophisticated parking sensors or safety scanning cameras, this bullbar also offers mounting points for additional spotlights.

For South African Mazda BT-50 fans the option of a robust factory bullbar would be very desirable. Especially one that is structured to protect the vehicle’s entire front section in the event of an animal strike – and can illuminate a gravel road more effectively, at night, with those spotlight mounting points in use.

Related content

Mazda launches new BT-50 double cab

Bakkies Coming To SA in 2021

All-New Isuzu D-Max: More Details

Meet the Toyota Lunar Cruiser

Last year Toyota has announced its intention to build the ultimate SUV, a space utility vehicle, and now it has a name…

The Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has ambitions of making a moon landing by 2030 and it requires a vehicle for astronauts to drive on the surface. Toyota has vast experience in conquering tough terrain with vehicles such as the Land Cruiser and you should therefore not be surprised that the forthcoming space vehicle has been named the Lunar Cruiser.

As Japan’s largest automotive company, Toyota was an obvious candidate for this project and the renderings you see here provide some indication of what the Lunar Cruiser will look like.

Requirements are strict and call for a pressurised vehicle, capable of travelling vast distances while supporting two astronauts within its cabin. That last detail means that Toyota’s engineers will have to find extremely clever packaging solutions for the moon rover’s interior, as astronauts move about with their spacesuits on.

The Lunar Cruiser is expected to be powered by fuel-cells and have a driving range of 10 000 km. The interior will also feature 13m² of work and living floor space. In terms of overall size, Toyota says the project specification is for a vehicle 6 m in length, 5.2 m wide and 3.8 m tall.

From the images Toyota has revealed of its first concept rendering, we can deduce that the Lunar Cruiser will also be six-wheel drive and features very interesting tyre and wheel technology.

Traditional pressured rubber tyres would not work on the moon and Toyota appears to be opting for a one-piece wheel design, where the entire structure is metal and designed in a way to allow for some flex.

A large deployable solar panel, using the latest solar energy harvesting technology, should help the Toyota Lunar Cruiser to augment its on-board fuel-cell provided range. The last vehicle to drive on the moon was back in 1972 and was extremely limited in range. With the Lunar Cruiser, the expectation is that it will allow for unprecedented exploration of the moon surface.

The development of the Lunar Cruiser is expected to be complete by 2029 with the moon mission taking place in 2030. 

Buy a Toyota Land Cruiser on Cars.co.za

 

Updated Nissan Patrol (2020) Specs & Price

The updated Nissan Patrol is now available in South Africa! Check out specs and pricing below…

It’s almost been a year since the ageing updated Nissan Patrol was revealed and the good news is that it has finally made it to South Africa. 

The burly luxury offroader from Nissan now wears an updated face which incorporates Nissan’s V-motion grille which is complemented with a new boomerang-shaped LED headlight design and C-shaped daytime running lights. A similar light design is seen at the rear with integrated sequential turn signals, which is a first for Nissan. The Patrol rides on 18-inch alloy wheels. 

On the inside, passengers are treated to new quilted leather seats that feature added padding while the front seats are conditioned and come with electronic lumbar support. An 8.0-inch colour touchscreen is fitted along with comfort and convenience features such as climate control air conditioning, push-button start and keyless entry. Nissan has also managed to improve Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) which has resulted in a quieter cabin. 

Nissan has also equipped the Patrol with Intelligent Mobility driver assistance technology in an effort to enhance safety and features include emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, intelligent cruise control and intelligent driver alert.

The Nissan Patrol is powered by the familiar 5.6-litre V8 that develops 298 kW and 560 Nm of torque and equipped with a 7-speed automatic transmission. Equipped with Intelligent 4×4 and a 4-wheel limited-slip differential, the Patrol is near-unstoppable when it comes to tackling rough terrain with a total of 4 drive modes to choose from. Nissan says that the Patrol’s suspension has also been improved while also reducing vibration which should bode well for passenger comfort. 

Nissan Patrol (2020) Price in South Africa

Patrol 5.6L V8 – R1 515 700

The Nissan Patrol is sold with a 6-year/150 000 km warranty and a 3-year/90 000 km service plan. 

Buy a Nissan Patrol on Cars.co.za

Related Content

Nissan Patrol 5.6 LE Premium (2018) Review

Nissan Patrol Gets New Look

Toyota Yaris Cross Gets GR Treatment

Toyota has revealed some sporty upgrades to its Yaris Cross.

This is Toyota’s new B-SUV and is underpinned by Toyota's New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform. Despite it being marketed as a popular compact family vehicle, Toyota's Gazoo Racing has released a catalogue of GR accessories to give the car a sporty look.

At first glance, we're getting a rally vibe and it should come as no surprise as the GR Yaris is expected to be participating in the World Rally Championship soon. The red mud flaps are an amusing touch, but the real changes can be found in the bumpers, side door decals, sporty exhaust and black 18-inch alloy wheels. 

Gazoo Racing is also offering a branded sunshade as well as a luggage mat for the cabin.

There's no mention of mechanical changes, and the standard car offers the 4th-generation hybrid powertrain consisting of a new 3-cylinder 1.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine which combines with an electric motor to produce a maximum power output of 85 kW.

Further Reading

New Toyota Yaris Cross Revealed [w/video]

Updated Toyota Yaris Shown

Spy Shots: Toyota Yaris-based Crossover

Toyota Reveals Rally-Inspired GR Yaris