Toyota SA will soon be producing an all-new model out of the Prospecton plant in Durban.
Toyota SA currently builds the Toyota Hilux, Fortuner and the Corolla locally. The Hilux continues to dominate the local sales charts and it’s popular on the export market too. The Corolla, on the other hand, is the world’s best-selling car and is the only car produced on 5 continents. Sales are huge in the major markets like USA and China, making up a large portion of its global sales numbers.
South Africa has seen a decrease is sedan sales over the last 5-10 years, with crossovers and SUVs scooping up more sales every year. The local-produced Corolla may just have had its day. According to an interview conducted by engineeringnews.co.za with Andrew Kirby, Toyota SA CEO, “Our new Toyota model, including a hybrid version, will replace the Corolla sedan production line at our Durban factory.” This is the first we have heard that the new model planned for the Prospecton plant in Durban will replace the current Corolla. Kirby went one step further saying “I cannot mention the name of the new Toyota model that will go into production in South Africa next year, but what I can tell you is that it is not going to be a sedan."
The new vehicle project is said to cost around R2.2 billion and create 1 399 jobs. The new model will also spawn SA’s first locally built hybrid. Without going too much into speculation, it would make sense for Toyota to locally produce the recently released Corolla Cross. A junior Rav4 of sorts that is built on the Corolla platform. This would mean that a lot of the tooling and production of the current Corolla could be reused to produce the Corolla Cross. It just makes more economic sense to go this route than producing an all-new model.
We reached out to Toyota to try and get some sort of confirmation, but a spokesperson assured us that an announcement will likely be made in early 2021 during Toyota’s ‘state of SA motoring’ address that usually takes place at Kyalami. This year (2020) Toyota used the event to introduce the new Corolla as well as an updated Corolla Quest for the local market.
Suzuki SA recently introduced an updated Ignis to the local market. While the model does incorporate revisions, they're relatively minor – and the 1.2 GLX's asking price is now well above the R200k-mark. Does the Ignis still represent good value as a "budget hatchback"?
We like: Excellent fuel consumption, exceptionally well specced, easy to drive, competent on gravel, still good value.
We don’t like: Lack of stability control, small fuel tank, top-heavy handling
Fast Facts:
Price: R216 900
Engine: 1.2-litre 4-cylinder petrol
Power/Torque: 61 kW/113 Nm
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Fuel consumption: 5.1 L/100km
Boot capacity: 260-947 litres
?Performance: 0-100 kph in 11.6 sec
What’s new?
The Suzuki Ignis has been updated for 2020. The good news is that it has retained it's adorably cute looks!
The Suzuki Ignis burst onto the local scene back in 2017 and thanks to a combination of charming looks, great spec, and excellent economy, it garnered many fans. Plus, in the 2017/18 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank, the dimunitive Japanese hatchback was named the champion in the budget-car category.
Recently, the popular model was updated for the 2020 model year. The changes are minimal, but Suzuki says its refreshed look brings the Ignis more in line with the rest of the Japanese brand's portfolio. The GLX-spec Ignis gains roof rails and a chrome-look grille. When it was first introduced in the Republic back in 2017, the 1.2 GLX derivative retailed for R189 900. This updated equivalent now costs R216 900, which raises the question of whether it can still be justified as a value-for-money purchase?
Two years on from its famous Budget Car category win, it's time to take a look at the 2020 iteration of the Ignis, tested here finished in Lucent Orange.
How it fares in terms of…
Performance
The 5-speed manual gearbox has a positive action and is light to use
Mechanically, the Suzuki Ignis has not changed; it's still powered by the same 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine. We've had considerable experience with this thrifty engine… Granted, it's only a 1.2-litre unit with 61 kW and 113 Nm on tap, but when you consider the Ignis only tips the scales at 925 kg, you don't need much to get it moving.
Thanks to a slick 5-speed manual gearbox, which has a refreshingly light shift action, the Suzuki Ignis feels lively to drive round town; it never feels out of breath/underpowered. The engine is a willing performer (at least at sea level, with a driver and perhaps a front passenger onboard) and it's quite content to be revved out all the way past 5 000 rpm.
Mind you, the engine sounds a bit loud and gruff at the upper end of its rev range, but to remedy that "just hook the next gear and repeat the process". When you're driving at double-digit speeds in town, the Ignis keeps up with traffic with ease. The powertrain's limitations become obvious when the 1.2 GLX is travelling on the open road/freeway, only because overtaking manoeuvres at the national speed limit require the gearbox to be worked with vigour. But when the transmission's this easy to use, it's not major pain.
What's more, the Ignis is particularly frugal. Compact Suzukis tend to be exceptionally light on fuel and the Ignis is no different. Suzuki claims an average consumption of 5.1 L/100 km, and we saw an excellent indicated figure of 5.7 L/100 km. Even though our evaluation of the 1.2 GLX included a stint of spirited gravel-route testing, when the fleet manager sent us a photo of the vehicle's trip computer at the end of its test, the readout was 4.5 L/100 km! The only downside is that the fuel tank (32 litres) is a mite small.
Ride & Handling
The Ignis rides on 15-inch alloy wheels. Ground clearance is a handy 180 mm.
Indeed, we spent some time driving the updated 1.2 GLX on an unsealed road – not something we recall doing during our review of the pre-facelift model. Suzuki claims 180 mm of ground clearance and while there's no 4×4 drivetrain, the little Ignis feels at ease on a gravel route. Granted, it's no Jimny, but it's reassuring to know the hatchback can handle potholed roads or mount a kerb if it has to. The car is shod with 15-inch alloys and while the ride is a touch firmer than we expected, it's on par for the segment.
The vast majority of Suzuki Ignis owners will use their vehicles to commute from suburbs to city centres, and, to be honest, the car feels in its element in this setting. The driving position is good because it feels like you are sitting higher up/in a more commanding position than in an equivalent hatchback or sedan. The steering is not the most direct setup; we found it necessary to make minimal adjustments to keep the vehicle tracking straight. Fortunately, the 'wheel is quick and doesn't require much effort to turn.
Downsides? Well, as mentioned with the seating position, you sit quite upright and that's partly due to the tall body style. This higher centre of gravity does mean that if you suddenly swerve, the vehicle does tend to lean/yaw a little. It's not a dealbreaker, but something to be mindful if you dart into a traffic circle when you're in a bit of a hurry.
Connectivity & entertainment
The infotainment is basic, but functional. However, when you connect your smartphone via USB, the connectivity functionality jumps 10-fold
The revised Suzuki Ignis' interior is a neat, unfussy space to occupy. The Hamamatsu-based firm has added some modern touches to the typically minimalist layout and, at this price point, we can't criticise the quality of the materials. It's a generally well-finished cabin that instantly feels durable. The 1.2 GLX's fascia is dominated by the touchscreen infotainment screen. It has a fairly intuitive interface and, thanks to Android Auto/Apple CarPlay compatibility, you can access the system's top-end functions by simply plugging in your smartphone. We found services such as Google Maps, Waze, Spotify and the function that makes your phone read out WhatsApps while you drive very convenient.
The instrument cluster, which is easily legible, is dominated by the central speedometer and features a comprehensive trip computer, with nice-to-have functions such as a distance-to-empty readout. The steering wheel, in turn, features satellite controls for the audio system as well as hands-free telephony.
Meanwhile, the generous GLX trim level includes features such as push-button start, daytime running lights, climate control, a reverse-view camera, rear parking sensors and front fog lights, all of which add to the value package. The only additional feature we would have liked is cruise control, but at this price point, it's not a must-have.
Our only notable criticism of the Ignis pertains to its safety specification. Granted, the 1.2 GLX does come with 2 front airbags and anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), but we think the addition of electronic stability control would have elevated the Ignis' safety suite to a level comparable with most compact hatchbacks.
Practicality
Rear legroom is adequate for small adults and children
When you first look at the Ignis, you might assume it's tiny inside, but don't let those cute looks deceive you. In some budget cars, larger occupants can bump shoulders, but that's not the case in the Suzuki. Plus, even though occupants sit a bit high, there's sufficient headroom for tall adults and the driver's seat is height adjustable. Rear legroom, on the other hand, is a bit tight, but not unusable.
The load-bay capacity is rated at 260 litres, with 947 litres of utility space said to be available with the rear seats folded down. With those aft seats retracted and the front passenger seat moved forward, you can even fit a full-sized mountain bike in there! The cabin also features plenty of storage compartments for keys and phones etc.
The Suzuki Ignis has a modern and well-assembled interior.
Pricing and after-sales service
Pricing for the Suzuki Ignis range starts at R188 900 and this top-spec 1.2 GLX costs R216 900 (August 2020). There is also an automatic version available for the GLX. The derivative comes standard with a 2-year/30 000 km service plan and Suzuki’s promotional 5-year/200 000 km mechanical warranty, which includes 5 years' roadside assistance.
Verdict
Despite its price going up, the Suzuki Ignis is a charming offering that is not only cute, but cheap to own and run.
The tastefully updated Suzuki Ignis continues right where its predecessor left off. Not only is it charming to look at and drive, but it's not going to cost you a fortune to own and run: the 1.2 GLX is remarkably light on fuel and comes with the enviable backing of vehicle brand that has won the #CarsAwards Brand of the Year title on 2 occasions!
Its cute looks will win it many fans and those who have the chance to take it for a test drive will be impressed by how energetic it feels to drive in an urban environment. The target market for this vehicle is typically younger buyers and the array of connectivity options availed by the advanced infotainment touchscreen is likely to impress them. If you're looking for an interesting first-time new-car purchase that won't break the bank and offers quite the "cool factor", the Ignis should be near the top of your shortlist.
Just a few weeks ago, Ohio-based Lordstown Motors revealed its Endurance pick-up, and while it was a pre-production vehicle, it pointed directly to the forthcoming production vehicle which is due in 2021.
The Lordstown Endurance is being developed as an electric workhorse and this is clearly seen in the latest teaser which shows the Endurance working hard which implies it won’t be marketed as a lifestyle offering.
What makes Endurance unique is that it’s the first commercial vehicle to feature 4 in-wheel hub motors which are rare in a production vehicle but will allow the vehicle to cope better in various terrains. This design reduces the number of moving parts which the brand says will reduce maintenance as well as lowering the overall cost of ownership.
Technical details have yet to be revealed but Lordstown states that the Endurance will pack a combined power output of at least 447 kW and will have a range of roughly 402 km on a single charge. More so, zero to 100 kph will take 5.5 seconds. Approximately 95% of charge can be attained in 10 hours using a Level 2 charger or between 30 minutes and 1.5 hours with a Level 3 DC fast-charger.
For those who need a power source on a job site, the Endurance is equipped 120V socket and 30 camp sockets for plugging in power tools and other equipment. The Endurance can tow a maximum of 3 400 kg.
The Lordstown Endurance is due to go into production in 2021.
Opel has two new vans that can go basically anywhere you would need to make a delivery or collection.
Although the 4×4 bakkie is a favoured all-terrain logistics vehicle, they are heavy on fuel and tyres. A van will always have superior bulk loading capacity and Opel is now offering both its Combo and Vivaro with selectable 4×4 capability.
Using the same production Combo and Vivaro platform, Opel commissioned French off-road traction system specialist, Dengle, to develop these new 4×4 variants. As Opel is now part of PSA, the French connection makes sense.
Steering and suspension components are upgraded, to give these 4×4 Combo and Vivaro vans better ride quality and obstacle clearance off-road.
The Combo sees a significant 90 mm ground clearance gain, to 205 mm, while underbody protection is added to guard the most vulnerable power- and drivetrain bits. Dengle claims that its Opel Combo 4×4 will ascend a 41-degree incline.
With the larger Vivaro, there is a smaller ground clearance gain (up by 20 mm) and only 23.7-degree incline climbing ability. The Vivaro 4×4 does counter with an impressive 1 344 kg payload.
How does the Dengle 4×4 system work on both of these Opels? Well, it is a rotary select design which engages the rear axle when required, via a viscous coupling. An R-Lock feature is integrated within the Dengle set-up, whilst the Combo and Vivaro’s ESP systems have been recalibrated to allow or greater wheel slip, before limiting engine power.
Opel is offering a limited-slip rear differential option for those users who prefer a more mechanical traction interface in sandy or loose terrain.
If you would like to live a slightly more adventurous #vanlife, these new Opels will take you where most crossovers cannot.
Turbocharged 1JZ E30 – One of the best engine swaps we’ve seen
In another episode of the Launch Control series, we see what happens when you toss a turbocharged Toyota 1JZ engine into a BMW E30 chassis.
Marck Williams didn't build this car to go racing, he built it to enjoy it. Starting off with a BMW E30 316 coupe body, over the course of 2 years, Marck rebuilt the car and executed a superb engine swop, fitting and turbocharging a 1JZ motor.
The result is one of the best local builds we've come across. With a 5-speed manual, it's hugely engaging to drive, and with around 300 kW on the wheels, it is properly, properly quick.
New spy photographs of Volkswagen's all-new T7 van have surfaced. Here's what we know so far about the next-gen VW bus.
Picture credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien. We have paid for these photos and at the photographer's request, have watermarked them.
Back in June 2020, spy shots of an all-new T7 bus (dressed in heavy camouflage) tackling the infamous Nurburgring track emerged, which was an odd sight but its a great test of not just engine and performance, but brakes, suspension, ride quality and much more.
At the time, the side rear windows were covered up which implied that VW was putting the panel van derivative through its paces. What's more, is that a well-disguised charging port on the front right fender indicates that a plug-in hybrid is on the cards.
Now, however, these latest spy shots show the passenger version of the new T7 almost undisguised, giving us a good idea of what to expect in terms of styling. It's expected that the panel van version will be revealed and launched alongside the passenger-focused Caravelle.
A plug-in hybrid would give the Volkswagen T7 an advantage as it would be able to travel in a pure-electric mode for a few kilometres. With many European cities banning internal combustion engine cars, having some form of emissions-free capability helps immensely. As far as engines go, the Volkswagen Group has plenty of electrified powertrains to fall back on. We suspect something like the turbocharged petrol 4-cylinder mated to an electric system would be a winner. If you're wanting petrol and diesel, we're pretty confident Volkswagen will be offering such along with the electrified options.
It's worth noting we're unlikely to see an all-electric Caravelle as Volkswagen has promised it will make a production version of the ID Buzz all-electric minivan. We expect the new Volkswagen T7 to be revealed before the end of 2020.
No brand is more closely associated with the #Vanlife movement, than VW.
The German company’s T-Series vans have launched a million adventurous journeys, but not everyone has the budget to embrace its latest T6 California.
For those VanLife acolytes who desire a more affordable sleeper van, VW will soon have a solution. Using the fifth-generation Caddy as a platform, VW’s designers and engineers are attempting to repackage some of the live-in convenience encountered in their larger vans, within a more compact vehicle.
The design goal is to deliver a Caddy to market which is as comfortable to overnight in, as the California.
If you are expecting a clever roof tent with an integrated mattress section, you will be disappointed. VW’s Caddy Camper will feature an attachable tent section, which effectively attaches to the van’s open tailgate, creating a walkable living space. There is a deployable bed option, which measures an adequate 2m in length.
There are not many details about the cabin architecture changes, but VW is expected to source stowable camping chairs and tables, which will not take up too much space when not in use.
VW’s conventional Caddy roof structure is replaced with a panoramic glass surface, which should make for quality star gazing, on a Karoo night. For those who fear the radiation or heat stroke that a panoramic roof can deliver in South African summer conditions, there are dimmable panels.
The promise is that no less than 19 drive assistance and safety features will be standard on the new Caddy Camper. Engine options are 2 turbodiesels, boosting 55- or 90 kW, or a single 84 kW turbopetrol.
VW is expected to reveal the production version of its new Caddy Camper in September 2020.
Hyundai is working on a faster, more nimble iteration of its i30 N hatchback and a prototype has been spied flexing its muscles on the famous Nurburgring. Here's what we know so far.
Picture credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien. We have paid for these photos and at the photographer's request, have watermarked them.?
Hyundai's i30 N has been well-received globally and the brand is working on a facelifted model. Given the advancements in the segment with the imminent arrival of the all-new Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI, new versions of the Ford Focus ST and Honda Civic Type R, as well as the launch of the Renault Megane RS300 Trophy, Hyundai's N division will be hellbent on creating as much a storm as they did when the first i30 N launched.
While the influence of the i30 N in South Africa might be regarded as negligible in our GTI-obsessed market, other regions, such as Australia have reported strong demand for the fiery Korean hatchback. Hyundai Australia previously reported that sales are almost double than what they expected, showing there's demand for an involving and engaging hot hatch.
A mild-styling revision is likely but Hyundai will look to build on the strengths of the current i30 N. Expect a sharper and more dynamic driving experience.
So, what can we expect from the new model? Seen in these latest spy shots, the i30 N has lost some of its camouflage which is an indication that Hyundai is getting closer to completion. We expect a mild front-end revision with a more aggressively-styled air intakes and grille. The rear taillights have also been redesigned and appear to be smaller in size and it also looks like a larger tailpipe is fitted to this prototype too. Perhaps, Hyundai will look to enhance the sound of the exhaust note this time around? Let's hope so…
Mechanically, the key change here will be the introduction of an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission that will be offered alongside the 6-speed manual. Granted, while manual gearboxes are great for engagement, the majority of sales have always leaned towards the 2-pedal setup as it's just easier to drive in traffic. Earlier this year, CarAdvice reported that the updated Hyundai i30 N will also receive some updates to the steering and suspension setup and for those that play the numbers game, there should be an increase in power too.
In 2019, Albert Biermann who leads the performance projects, said Hyundai would "crank a little bit more power out of it when the eight-speed auto arrives." Along with the mechanical performance updates, expect a new-look front end, not too dissimilar to the 2021 Hyundai i30 N-Line you see in the gallery above.
As a reminder, the Hyundai i30 N currently produces 202 kW and 353 Nm from a turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine. Our guess is that Hyundai will look to bump power and torque up to 220 kW and 380 Nm.
As a side note, Hyundai is also updating the i30 N Fastback, which adds the practicality of a boot while retaining the performance and handling dynamics of the i30 N hatchabck. The i30 N Fastback isn't available in South Africa.
The updated i30 N is expected to come to market in 2021 and we should see it fully revealed before 2020 draws to a close.
The world’s only quad-turbo diesel engine will cease to exist after September 2020.
BMW’s quad-turbodiesel engine production will come to an end later this year. It seems the engine has become too expensive and too complicated to be viable any longer. Its use was also limited to 5 models, making it difficult to scale.
The B57S quad-turbodiesel first went into production in the 2016 750d but most will know it from its application in the X5 and X6 50d models, and the X7 50d.
Delivering huge torque (760 Nm) it was perfectly suited to large SUVs, accelerating the X5 variant to 100 kph in just 5.2 seconds with a top speed limited to 250 kph. Efficiency was what the engine was designed for, claiming 7.2L/100 km and with the 80-litre tank fitted to the X5 it was theoretically possible to clock up 1 111 km on a single tank of diesel.
We had the chance to sample the super rare M550d Touring (the same quad-turbodiesel engine) during a trip to Spain where we tested the M2 Competition models on the Ascari circuit. Over the tight and twisty corners outside of the circuit, the punch from down low was a notable highlight as the huge station wagon barrel-rolled its way from one tight bend to the next. Not as quick as the lighter M2 Competition, but certainly mind-bogglingly quick for a diesel.
BMW Romania has sought to give the quad-turbodiesel unit a send-off by producing a limited number of Final Edition models which aside from an array of options fitted come with 'Final Edition' inscribed on the door sills.
This is a Romania only model, but it is expected there may be further swansong variants as the B57S departs on its final tour.
Toyota UK has revealed a special edition RAV4 and it looks fantastic.
When the latest generation Toyota RAV4 was revealed, many (including us) were impressed with its rugged new looks. Now, Toyota UK has revealed the RAV4 Black Edition, which makes the most of those looks and takes it up a level.
The new Toyota RAV4 Black Edition features striking black finishes, both inside and out. The body work is in a Galaxy Black hue and that colour has been applied to the front grille, lower grille, bumpers, skid plates, rear bumper and spoiler. There are some tasteful 19-inch gloss black alloy wheels rounding off the exterior package.
Toyota has even painted the park distance control sensors black, so the only thing that's not black is the Toyota emblem, which is in the traditional chrome finish. Inside, the seats are upholstered in black synthetic leather with grey stitching.
Even if you're not a fan of the murdered look, there's no denying that the appeal of the Toyota RAV4 has been enhanced. Here's hoping Toyota South Africa offers something similar in the near future.
