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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Toyota has revealed some sporty upgrades to its Yaris Cross.
This is Toyota’s new B-SUV and is underpinned byToyota'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.
Mercedes-AMG A35 4Matic Sedan (2020) Launch Review
What if you want a brand-new compact Mercedes-AMG sedan, but your budget can't quite stretch to a CLA 45 S? Well, the Affalterbach-based brand has something up its sleeve just for you in the shape of the A35 4Matic. We headed to the Mercedes-Benz Advanced Driving Academy at Zwartkops to put the brand's new compact "35" offerings through their paces.
What is it?
Mercedes-AMG has broadened its portfolio to include the 35-range of compact cars. Given the sizeable differences in power and torque between the 250 derivatives in Mercedes-Benz's A-Class and CLA line-ups and the headlining 45 S and CLA 45 S 4Matic+ derivatives, which now cost comfortably in excess of R1 million, the Affalterbach-based brand has introduced the 35s in South Africa to offer a more sensible compromise between performance and attainability.
There are serious rivals to the A35 4Matic hatchback, A35 4Matic sedan and CLA 35 4Matic: the BMW M135i and M235i Gran Coupe xDrives are already on sale, and Audi Sport should introduce its S3 hatch and S3 sedan in early 2021.
Visually, you can spot a 35 by virtue of an AMG-specific grille, bigger wheels (18-inch rims are standard) and a neat 2-pipe exhaust system at the rear. There are subtle Turbo 4Matic badges on the flanks and AMG logos adorn the nose and tail. Inside, you get sportier seats, a great-looking sports steering wheel complete with drive mode selectors (like those found the in the C63) and, for those who love their tech, the MBUX "Hello Mercedes" infotainment system.
For detailed specifications on this vehicle, click here.
Is it fast?
The A35's powerplant is closely based on that of the 250, but it emits all the right racy noises to please hot-hatch fans.
All models in the 35 family share a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine that generates peak outputs of 225 kW and 400 Nm. It's essentially the A250's powerplant, but with a few upgrades, such as a twin-scroll turbocharger. Drive is chanelled to all 4 wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and Mercedes-AMG reckons the hatch, sedan and CLA versions will dispatch the 0-100 kph sprint in just 4.7, 4.8 and 4.9 seconds respectively (in each case, the top speed is electronically limited to 250 kph). Impressively, these acceleration times are almost on par with the first-generation A45, which had a claimed 0-100 kph of 4.6 seconds. How's that for progress?
We had the opportunity to safely sample the vehicles' Race Start launch control functionality on the Zwartkops race track. The function is now even easier to engage than before: simply turn a dial to engage Sport+, put your left foot on the brake and plant your right foot fully on the Benz's accelerator pedal. The Race Start graphic will appear on the dashboard and the engine revs will climb. Release the brake when you're ready and the A35's 4-wheels will duly grope the asphalt and launch the vehicle toward the horizon. Mercedes-AMG says the 35 model is driven mostly by its front wheels for efficiency, but when needed (like a Race Start), the vehicle can send up to 50% of its torque to the rear axle.
What's it like to drive?
The Mercedes-AMG A35 cabin features all the gadgets and gizmos you'd ever need, including the MBUX infotainment system.
For those who haven't driven on the Zwartkops Raceway before, the circuit is an entertaining ribbon of tarmac that offers quite a few interesting corners. After a quick out lap (to reacquaint ourselves with the layout and to test the Race Start function), it was time to put the hammer down. There are various driving modes, which alter the engine and transmission's responsiveness, steering feel and the settings of the suspension's adjustable dampers (if specified).
Based on our first impressions, the A35 4Matic is a surprisingly punchy compact sedan that offers commendable levels of grip. In Sport+ mode, the variable exhaust is wide open and enthusiasts will be pleased to hear that the newcomer emits all the prerequisite pops and bangs with every gear change. You can let the car shift cogs automatically, or take control yourself with the steering wheel-mounted shift paddles. The benefit of doing the latter is that it eliminates the box's habit of kicking down automatically in response to sharp applications of the accelerator pedal (in sportier drive modes). In general, the 'box is responsive and shifts up crisply. Downshifts are satisfactorily brisk too.
The steering setup is light and sharp – there's much delight to extract from twirling the tiller, even in the tightest of corners. What's more, thanks to the all-wheel-drive system, you'll find yourself clipping corner apexes and feeding in the power sooner with each passing lap. There's very little understeer – an issue that plagued the 1st-generation A45 – because the system smartly apportions torque between the axles. If you're over-eager you'll feel a little squirm, which will put a smile on your face. It's all completely manageable, which will perfectly suit those who purchase a 35 as their first serious performance vehicle. It's wonderfully predictable, which is what we think the majority of consumers will want.
We were impressed with the brakes too, which allowed the A35 down to scrub off speed without fuss. The entire 35 compact family features 350-mm brake discs with 4-piston monoblock fixed calipers at the front and single-piston sliding calipers at the rear. Sadly, being a track launch with no public-road driving, we're not in a position to pass comment or judgment on the ride quality. We'll be driving the A35 extensively across all grades of tarmac when we get it for testing.
Summary
Seeing as there is no 45 in the A-Class Sedan range, the A35 4Matic is the flagship version in the line-up.
Despite completing just a few laps in the A35 4Matic sedan, our interest in the new "entry-level AMG" is well and truly piqued. To reiterate, with the new A45 S and CLA 45 S 4Matic+ derivatives priced over the R1 million mark, they're no longer within reach of premium compact car buyers – they're exclusive specialist cars. Having said that, the new 35 compact range has more than enough going for it to keep the Mercedes-Benz and AMG fans happy.
There's enough straight-line performance on offer to see off the front-wheel-drive hot hatch brigade, while those seeking cornering thrills won't be disappointed either. If you want more hardcore performance, then look to the Mercedes-AMG A45 S and Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S, which are VERY quick cars. For the daily commute (with occasional high-speed jaunts sprinkled in between), the A35 4Matic is likely to be punchy and engaging enough to please most buyers.
Inside, there are plenty of luxury and sporty touches that will please the digitally-connected target audience, and we think these models will steal more than a few sales from the aforementioned flagship offerings.
Mercedes-AMG 35 price in South Africa (September 2020)
All 35 models are sold with a 2-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
