Next Volkswagen Amarok to be built in SA

Last year it was announced that two of the world's biggest vehicle manufacturers had formed an alliance and would be cooperating on a number of projects, including the next Amarok, which will be built at Ford's Silverton plant. Now it's official!

Renders of the 2022 Amarok were created by Duwyne Aspeling of Cars.co.za

Given how the motoring landscape is rapidly changing and nimble brands such as Tesla has come to the fore and disrupted the status quo in the automotive market, it makes perfect sense for 2 of the biggest established players to form a product-, as well as a tech-focused, alliance.

Formally confirmed at the 2019 Detroit Auto Show, the relationship and agreements between Volkswagen AG and Ford Motor Company are in line with the brands' shared goals to satisfy customer demand and "boost competitiveness in an era of rapid change." It's a fascinating alliance in that it does not entail cross-ownership and will be managed by a joint committee led by the respective brands' bosses (Volkswagen recently appointed a new brand CEO). This is not a merger, nor is it an acquisition.

Ford and Volkswagen have now signed agreements that will expand their global alliance to meet the needs of customers around the world.

“In light of the Covid-19 pandemic and its impacts on the global economy, it is vital to set up resilient alliances between strong companies,” said Volkswagen Group chief executive Dr Herbert Diess. “This collaboration will efficiently drive down development costs, allowing broader global distribution of electric and commercial vehicles, and enhance the positions of both companies.”

Both Ford and Volkswagen will be developing commercial vans and medium-sized bakkies for global markets, the first of which should be hitting showroom floors as early as 2022. It is expected that demand for bakkies and vans will climb in the next 5 years.

Notably, the next-generation Volkswagen Amarok will be based on the Ford Ranger and it has been confirmed that the new Amarok will be produced at Ford's Silverton plant in South Africa from 2022.

Thomas Sedran, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles commented: “What is important for both partners is the utilisation of the same platform. At the same time, we will both be able to fully deploy our strengths. Through custom designs and interfaces we will clearly differentiate the two models. For us as Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, our sights with the Amarok successor are on our main markets, above all in the EMEA economic area (Europe, the Middle East and Africa). Ultimately it is our customers who will benefit, as without the cooperation we would not have developed a new Amarok.”

The light commercial sector is a profitable one and both brands offer players in this segment. Both the Ford Transit portfolio and Volkswagen Transporter/Caddy family have proven popular and both brands will be venturing into these segments. Ford will be working on larger commercial vans for Europe, while Volkswagen is working on a city van, which we could see as early as 2021. The commercial part of the deal is predicted to be profitable for both parties, with pre-tax operating results in the green from 2023.

The next Volkswagen Amarok will be built at Ford's Silverton plant in South Africa. Read more about the newcomer here.

The alliance is expected to produce up to 8 million commercial vehicles collectively during the above-mentioned product life cycles.

“This alliance comes at a time of tremendous enthusiasm about the intersection of increasingly intelligent, connected vehicles in an ever-smarter world,” said Ford CEO Jim Hackett. “This creates a huge opportunity to innovate and solve many of the world’s transportation challenges and deliver extraordinary benefits to customers – even as companies need to be selective about how they use their cash.”

There's far more to this alliance than just commercial collaboration, however. Volkswagen and Ford will collaborate on autonomous vehicles, electric vehicles, and mobility services. Given Volkswagen AG's experience with electrification thus far, it's Ford who will benefit greatly. Making use of Volkswagen's MEB platform, Ford will look to develop and engineer a new electric vehicle (expected in 2023) in addition to its Mustang Mach E, which could see as many as 600 000 units delivered in Europe.

In turn, Volkswagen will benefit from Ford's extensive foray and research into autonomous driving. As such, both companies will work with Argo AI to develop capable and autonomous vehicle businesses based on Argo AI's self-driving technology. Last week, Volkswagen closed its investment in Argo AI, a Pittsburgh-based company. Ford also has ownership and development interests in Argo AI and the result will be the large-scale deployment of critical autonomous technology.

“In 2022, we will be deploying a self-driving vehicle fleet in real conditions for the first time. This test will be the first level-4 deployment using our fully-electric ID.Buzz vehicles. We’ll be collaborating closely on this with ARGO. In addition, I’m sure that ARGO is going to take a leading role in the development of self-driving systems in the entire industry, from which Ford and we will benefit greatly”, said Thomas Sedran.

Buy a new or used Ford Ranger on Cars.co.za

Buy a new or used Volkswagen Amarok on Cars.co.za

Ford Figo Freestyle (2020) Specs & Price

Ford South Africa has expanded its Figo portfolio and the newcomer brings some offroad ability and crossover styling to the segment. Here are specifications and pricing of the Ford Figo Freestyle.

At first glance, the Ford Figo Freestyle looks quite rugged and capable. Given the market's love for SUVs, it's clear that customers are after the SUV lifestyle, but don't necessarily have the money. The answer is the compact crossover, a popular segment in the market. Think of things like the Volkswagen Polo Vivo Maxx, Toyota Etios Cross and the Renault Sandero Stepway.

There are two models on offer, with a shared engine. The motor on duty is the 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine and it delivers 91 kW and 150 Nm. Power reaches the front wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox. There's a 42-litre fuel tank and the claimed fuel economy sits at 5.5 L/100 km. In terms of performance, it has a top speed of 175 kph and a 0-100 kph claimed time of 11.8 seconds.

Trim Levels

Ford Figo Freestyle Trend

15-inch alloy wheels
Painted grille
Roof rails
Freestyle badge
Decals
Increased ride height
Rear parking sensors
Wheel arch cladding

Ford Figo Freestyle Titanium

Trend plus the following features:

Auto wipers
Auto headlights
Keyless start
Reverse camera
Climate control
6.5-inch infotainment system with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay

Ford Figo Freestyle Price in South Africa (June 2020)

The new Ford Figo Freestyle comes with a 4-year/60 000 km service plan. In terms of warranty, Ford SA is offering a 4-year/120 000. There are 6 colours to choose from, with the metallic options costing R990.

Ford Figo Freestyle 1.5 Trend R 226 700

Ford Figo Freestyle 1.5 Titanium R 247 500

Land Rover Defender (2020) Specs & Price

The eagerly-anticipated Land Rover Defender is due to go on sale in South Africa in coming weeks. Take a look at the specification and pricing details below.

The Land Rover Defender is almost in South Africa and while many manufacturers are experiencing production and delivery delays due to plant closures as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Land Rover has managed to secure the planned arrival of the Defender on local soil. This, however, hasn't come without its challenges. In the U.S. for example, it has emerged that there is a significant shortage of Defender supply to dealers, all as a result of production coming to a halt at the production plant in Nitra, Slovakia which was shut down for at least 8 weeks. The South African market is considerably smaller than the U.S. and Land Rover South Africa is therefore unlikely to experience any significant supply shortages for the Defender.

Land Rover South Africa commented, "Due to the extremely positive reaction of customers and media to the New Defender, customer demand has been very strong. Based on current production schedules Land Rover South Africa expects a stable supply of Defender 110 units for 2020. Defender 90 production and first customer deliveries have been delayed for reasons beyond our control. We anticipate Defender 90 will be available to order from September 2020."

What's on offer?

When the new Defender goes on sale in South Africa (in July 2020), it will be available with 4 accessory packs (Explorer, Adventure, Country, Urban) and, as mentioned, will initially be offered in the form of the long-wheelbase Defender 110, with the short wheelbase Defender 90 expected at a later date.

In terms of engines, a petrol, diesel and hybrid will be offered for both 110 and 90 body styles, while trim levels will range from the top-of-the-range Defender X models, as well as Standard, S, SE, HSE specification packs. There will also be an exclusive First Edition model.

Kicking off the range will be the D240, with its 2.0-litre 4-cylinder twin-turbocharged diesel motor. It produces 177 kW and 430 Nm, and is capable of a 0-100 kph sprint in 9 seconds. Next up is the P300 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol motor with 221 kW and 400 Nm. It's a touch brisker, with an 8 second claimed sprint time to 100 kph. Finally, the P400 is a 3.0-litre 6-cylinder turbocharged petrol packing 294 kW and 523 Nm, and it will be the quickest Defender with a 6 second sprint to 100 kph. All vehicles feature all-wheel drive and all have automatic gearboxes.

As for off-roading credibility, the Defender has 291 mm of ground clearance. The long-wheelbase 110 has an approach angle of 38-degrees, a 28-degree break-over angle and a 40-degree departure angle (in off-road mode). It will also wade through water 900 mm deep. We're looking forward to getting behind the wheel of the new Land Rover Defender so stay tuned for more info.

Land Rover Defender Price in South Africa (March 2020)

Defender 90 177kW D240 Standard – R948 000

Defender 90 177kW D240 S – R996 500

Defender 90 177kW D240 SE – R1 060 200

Defender 90 177kW D240 HSE – R1 156 600

Defender 90 177kW D240 First Edition – R1 142 200

Defender 90 221kW P300 Standard – R948 000

Defender 90 221kW P300 S – R996 500

Defender 90 221kW P300 SE – R1 060 200

Defender 90 221kW P300 HSE – R1 156 600

Defender 90 294kW P400 Standard – R1 078 400

Defender 90 294kW P400 S – R1 113 800

Defender 90 294kW P400 SE – R1 172 500

Defender 90 294kW P400 HSE – R1 268 900

Defender 90 294kW P400 First Edition – R1 254 500

Defender 90 294kW P400 X – R1 486 700

Defender 110 177kW D240 Standard – R999 000

Defender 110 177kW D240 S – R1 042 800

Defender 110 177kW D240 SE – R1 099 500

Defender 110 177kW D240 HSE – R1 198 700

Defender 110 177kW D240 First Edition – R1 199 500

Defender 110 221kW P300 Standard – R999 000

Defender 110 221kW P300 S – R1 042 800

Defender 110 221kW P300 SE – R1 099 500

Defender 110 221kW P300 HSE – R1 198 700

Defender 110 294kW P400 Standard – R1 129 400

Defender 110 294kW P400 S – R1 164 800

Defender 110 294kW P400 SE – R1 224 300

Defender 110 294kW P400 HSE – R1 320 700

Defender 110 294kW P400 First Edition – R1 310 400

Defender 110 294kW P400 X – R1 498 400

BMW M8 Posts Ballistic Nurburgring Time

Despite its size, the BMW M8 Competition has posted an impressive time on the Nurburgring. Watch the insane speeds as it makes its way around the Green Hell.

German publication Sport Auto has taken the new BMW M8 Competition around the Nurburgring. With experienced test driver Christian Gebhardt and the running Pirelli P Zero rubber, the BMW M8 Competition completed a lap of the Nurburgring in 7min32.79, which is staggeringly quick.

In comparison, that's faster than a Pagani Zonda F, Porsche 911 GT3 RS, Ferrari F12 Berlinetta as well as some early Koenigsegg models like the CCX and CCR. Interestingly, the BMW M5 Competition managed a 7.36 with the same driver behind the wheel.

The BMW M8 Competition is on sale in South Africa with a price tag of R3 300 272. It's powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 motor delivering 460 kW and 750 Nm. Power goes to all 4 wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission and it's capable of hitting 100 kph in a claimed 3.2 seconds.

GLB 45 AMG leaked in sketches

Seven seats and lots of power. Is it necessary? You bet…

Although camouflage has kept the new GLB 45 AMG disguised during its final validation testing, we now have a better idea of the styling upgrades this new crossover will offer.

The GLB is an interesting compact performance vehicle from AMG. Unlike most of Mercedes-Benz’s large SUVs, the GLB rides on a smaller platform, yet retains the ability to seat seven occupants. In its segment, this seven-seater configuration makes it rather unique.

Patent registration drawings which have now been filed with US authorities, detail some of the exterior design changes between GLB 45 AMG and its slower siblings.

As one would expect, the 45-series GLB features many of the styling elements seen on AMG’s 35 version, which has already been launched. The brand’s Panamericana grille dominates GLB 45’s front aspect, framed by an oversized bumper section, with deep aero ducts.

Those large air intakes are entirely necessary, as AMG’s GLB 45 is powered by the world’s most potent 2-litre engine. AMG’s M139 engine boosts 310 kW and it requires a high-volume of cooling airflow, facilitated by the huge grille and bumper design, seen in these GLB 45 patent sketches.

The crossover’s rear section is dominated by a large functional diffuser, which should accelerate airflow under the GLB 45 AMG, reducing rear-axle lift at very high speeds. Home in on this diffuser a bit and there are quad exhaust ends, which has always been a mark of distinction on AMG’s most potent vehicles.

Perhaps the easiest way to tell the GLB 35 and 45 apart, is from the rear, where the more potent version has those iconic four exhaust ends, while the ’35 only features two exhaust outlets.

These patent drawings indicate that Mercedes-Benz is in an advanced stage of its global homologation process, for the new GLB 45 AMG. Official images of AMG’s potent new seven-seater performance car should start leaking soon.

Mazda Teases All-New BT-50 Bakkie

Mazda Australia has posted a teaser photo of what looks a lot like the all-new BT-50 bakkie on Instagram. Here's what we know about the newcomer.

With the dark shadowy image you see here, the tagline of "Something huge is coming. Tune in on 17 June, 11am AEST? (Australian Eastern time) for the global launch of a once in a generation Mazda. Set? your reminder now," was at the bottom. Cryptic indeed, but there's no denying that trademark shape of a bakkie.

The all-new Mazda BT-50 has been a long time coming, we at Cars.co.za last sampled one back in 2017!

So what do we know about the newcomer? The big news is the all-new Mazda BT-50 will be built using the new Isuzu D-Max platform. This marks the end of the 48-year relationship between Ford and the Japanese brand as previous iterations of the BT-50 were built on the Ford Ranger platform. The question you're all wondering is just how different will the new Mazda BT-50 be compared to the Isuzu D-Max?

Also read: Next Mazda BT-50 vs New Isuzu D-Max: What's the Difference?

If CarAdvice is on the money, it's understood that there "will be no significant under-the-skin differences between the new Isuzu D-Max and the new Mazda BT-50." Under the bonnet is likely to be a revised version of Isuzu's current 3.0-litre turbodiesel motor packing 140 kW and 450 Nm.

Watch this space as the reveal is scheduled for the 17th June 2020. We'll be watching. Mazda South Africa has indicated that it does plan to bring this new-generation BT-50 to South Africa but can't confirm as to when it will arrive. Despite the Isuzu D-Max similarity and local manufacturing plant in Port Elizabeth, Mazda will continue to import its future BT-50 bakkies from Thailand.

We tried to work our digital magic in an effort to see more detail…

Super-exclusive Merc-Maybach S650: a final hurrah

A V12 sits at the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz’s engine line-up, but probably not for much longer. In light of this, the 6.0-litre bi-turbo V12-engined S650 Maybach Night Edition is a rousing send-off for the W222-generation S-Class. It may be the last first-class sedan of its kind.

Anticipation is building steadily ahead of the official unveiling of the W223-generation S-Class. Last month, Mercedes-Benz revealed the front-end design of its next-generation first-class sedan during an online presentation featuring Daimler chief executive Ola Kallenius, who confirmed that the new first-class sedan would still be revealed (and go into production) this year. Click here to read that report.

The S650 Night Edition comes shod with "smoked" 20-inch alloys and features distinctive badging on its front fenders.

Meanwhile, it was reported that the Three-pointed Star’s archrival, BMW, would phase out its 6.6-litre V12 engine, which features only in the M760Li xDrive, later this year. Another version of the motor will live on in Rolls-Royce models, but it was telling that the Munich-based brand did not install it in the new 8 Series. Mercedes-Benz, meanwhile, has not made a statement about the future of its V12, but Mercedes-AMG famously stopped producing models equipped with the 463 kW/1 000 Nm M279 powerplant when it launched the S65 Final Edition last year.

Based on our information, the next-generation S-Class (and its Mercedes-Maybach derivatives) will be underpinned by a 48V mild-hybrid electric architecture. Engines will include a 3.0-litre inline-6 turbopetrol and a 2.9-litre inline-6 turbodiesel, but the headlining powerplant will probably be a beefed-up AMG twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 (with electric assistance) – not a V12.

Dual-tone Nappa leather upholstery really "pops" in combination with the violet interior lighting.

The S600 sedan, coupe and cabriolet and Mercedes-Maybach S650 remain the only V12-engined Benzes on sale today, but they won’t be available for much longer. If you are one of the lucky few (15, in North America only) to procure the S650 Maybach Night Edition, you will – in all likelihood – have the privilege of owning the last V12-engined Benz to be officially released.

Powered by the aforementioned handcrafted 6.0-litre bi-turbo V12 engine producing 463 kW and 1 000 Nm, the long-wheelbase Night Edition is festooned in distinctive black and carbon-fibre elements and, if you are in a hurry to get somewhere, whisk you from 0 to 100 kph in 4.6 sec. If you are at all concerned with its average fuel consumption, this is clearly not the car for you.

Lashings of carbon-fibre trim combine nicely with the ebony/piano black trim and metallic switchgear.

Its key exterior accoutrements include a Maybach (as opposed to a standard S-Class) grille featuring the brand’s lettering, “smoked” 20-inch forged wheels and a carbon-fibre rear spoiler, but the Obsidian Black sedan’s lavishly-appointed and -styled interior is the starring attraction.

In addition to the S650 standard specification, which includes the LED intelligent-light system with ultra-wide-beam headlamps and adaptive high-beam assist, Magic Body Control, Airmatic adaptive air suspension, a head-up display, driver-assistance package, night-view assist plus and a Burmester 3D surround sound system, the Night Edition’s interior is finished in exclusive Nappa leather (a combination of Porcelain and Black) matched with interior carbon-fibre trim.

Quilted leather and a Burmester 3D surround sound audio system; nothing less than the best for Benz's flagship S-Class.

Apart from the wood/leather-trimmed steering wheel, leather-covered door sills and seat consoles, extended interior ambient lighting, all 4 seats feature a massage feature, while rear occupants can recline in a pair of executive seats with a 43-degree recline angle and electrically-powered calf rests. It goes without saying that a rear entertainment system is availed.

The package is completed by Night Edition leather floor mats and a black boot mat with contrast edging; Night Edition badges adorn the sedan’s front fenders and interior trim.

Audi A6 (2020) Specs & Price in South Africa

Audi South Africa took to digital platforms to showcase the new A6 to the local media. Here's how much it will cost, as well as details regarding the S6.

Taking the fight to the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the new Audi A6. It has been on sale since early 2020 but with its official launch being delayed by the local lockdown, this is the big sedan's official debut and introduction of a new engine to the range.

The Audi A6 is available in 2 engine variants, both diesel. The A6 40 TDI S tronic (7-speed dual-clutch) features a 2.0-litre TDI which produces 140 kW and 400 Nm. Audi is claiming a sprint time of 8.4 seconds and it'll run to a top speed of 237 kph. This model is also exclusively front-wheel-drive. The second model is the 45 TDI (available from June 2020), which features a 3.0 TDI producing 183 kW and 600 Nm. The engine is mated to a tiptronic gearbox (8-speed torque converter) with all-wheel-drive. The 2 models are further diversified with Matrix lights as standard on the 45 model while the 40 model makes do with LED lights.

The more performance-focused Audi S6 makes do with a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine with 331 kW and 600 Nm, which petrolheads will recognise as the same outputs as the RS4/RS5. Audi Sport claims 4.5 seconds to 100 kph, with a limited top speed of 250 kph. If you're wanting even more, well you're going to have to wait for the thundering Audi RS6 Avant which is due in the first 3 months of 2021. To further enhance the comfort and efficiency of the Audi S6, it is fitted with a 48V mild hybrid system. The S6 can coast between 55 and 160 kph and the start-stop kicks in from 22 kph. In real-world driving, the system reduces fuel consumption by up to 0.7L/100 km.

The Audi A6 is available with 2 packages: Comfort (R30 000) and Sports (R29 200), while the S6 has the option of the Black Appearance package (R10 450). Standard equipment levels are very high at this price point, but you can further upgrade the A6 with options such as 21-inch alloy wheels and a panoramic roof. It is great to see things like MMI navigation plus as well as smartphone interface fitted as standard. The comfort package comprises 4-zone automatic air-conditioning; comfort key; operating buttons in black glass with haptic touch; front seat heating and storage. The sport package includes the S line exterior package; contour ambient lighting; high-gloss styling package and sports suspension. S6 buyers have exclusive access to adaptive air suspension with electronically controlled dampers.

Audi has enhanced its online platform to make use of virtual showrooms and vehicle configurations. This is to help alleviate some of the foot traffic in dealerships during Covid19.

The A6 range comes standard with the 5-year/100 000 km Audi Freeway plan.

Audi A6 Price in South Africa (June 2020)

Audi A6 40 TDI S tronic R919 500

Audi A6 45 TDI quattro tiptronic R 1 100 00

Audi S6 TFSI quattro tiptronic R1 401 500

More details: Facelifted 2020 Toyota Hilux

Okay, the updated Toyota Hilux range is coming to South Africa, but just how fast is the flagship derivative powered by the beefed-up 2.8-litre turbodiesel motor? And, what will the single- and Xtra-cab derivatives look like in more affordable specifications?

Toyota unveiled its updated bakkie's new look last week and although the newcomer is expected to go on sale in overseas markets in a couple of months' time, the South African market will have to wait a little longer, because Toyota SA, which produces the Hilux (and its Fortuner sibling) at its Prospecton plant, has a different product cycle.

Is this what future Raider versions will look like? Note the squared fog lamp housings and silver-grey bumper and wheel-arch inserts.

When reports of the new-look Hilux began to surface, Toyota SA told us: "We will be getting those models, but not immediately. Our timing is quite different to Australia's; they don’t source their vehicles from South Africa. Unique-to-SA derivatives such as the Legend 50 and Dakar bridge the gap and extend the life of our current Hilux offerings." When we pushed for a date, it was suggested that whereas Australia was likely to receive this facelifted Hilux in August, South Africa's units would follow "months" later.

From a mechanical point of view, the biggest development is the upgrade of the range-topping 2.8-litre 4-cylinder (GD-6) turbodiesel engine through the introduction of "multiple new components" as well as "enhanced cooling" measures. As a result, the motor, which produces 130 kW and 420 Nm (manual) or 450 Nm(automatic) in current guise, will deliver a maximum power output of 150 kW, but while the 3-pedal version's peak torque remains unchanged, the self-shifter will churn out a peak torque figure of 500 Nm.

In Xtra-cab configuration, the top-spec Hilux will look like this in the Thai market. It's a very handsome design.

And, while Toyota suggests that the GD-6 engine's claimed combined fuel consumption has been improved "by up to 11%" and that "accelerator response" has been tuned to "deliver greater driver control", it's interesting to note that the top-of-range Hilux engine's peak outputs (150 kW and 500 Nm, when mated with an auto 'box, remember?) are now near-identical to that of the Ford Ranger's flagship 2.0-litre bi-turbo 4-cylinder diesel motor, which is also exclusively mated with a (10-speed) auto 'box: 157 kW/500 Nm.

'Faster than a Ranger Raptor'

While it's been considered a trifle vulgar to claim 0-to-100 kph times for bakkies in the past, Ford stated in 2018 that its 157 kW/500 Nm Ranger Raptor flagship derivative was capable of dispatching the benchmark sprint in 10.5 seconds. Then, when Toyota revealed details of its a range-topping Invincible X derivative of the updated Hilux, which will introduce the upgraded 2.8-litre turbodiesel unit in the European market, the Japanese firm claimed that the 150 kW/500 Nm newcomer could accelerate from 0-100 kph in 10 seconds flat. Because the Raptor is 143 kg heavier than its Wildtrak sibling, we assume the latter will be a little quicker than 10.5 sec to 100 kph, but still, the gloves are off!

The Australian market anticipates mid-spec derivatives will feature chrome grille surrounds and L-shaped fog lamp housings.

As to what the South African-specification new-look bakkies will look like, well, we can only speculate. The highest-spec versions we've seen are the European-spec Invincible X and Thailand's Hilux Revo Rocco (shown above). They all feature smaller, slimmer headlamp clusters with LED elements and the large trapezoidal grille with a black surround and thicker crossbars, but additionally silver-grey accents in the forms of a grille garnish bar, skid plate, square foglamp housings as well as vent-like wheel-arch inserts.

By contrast, the first examples of the new-look Hilux that were shown featured contrasting silver-grey (or chrome-look) grille surrounds and L-shaped black bumper accents/foglamp housings, but matching revised tail-lamp clusters (with a more distinctive lighting signature).

Could Revo Rocco/Invincible X look come to SA?

Judging by the current derivative hierarchy in the South African market, the next-gen Raider (when Legend 50 is replaced) might closely resemble the high-spec European and Thai versions of the new-look Hilux, while the mid-spec would be more akin to the existing SRX spec we know well…

Whatever turns out to be the case, the South African-spec Hilux won't look identical to either of those examples; it might even be a mix of the two. As for the workhorse specification of South Africa's top-selling bakkie, it's likely to feature black-on-black grille treatments and (predictably) little in the way of aesthetic garnishes (shown below).
The workhorse (or base) specification for the Thailand market.

Meanwhile, the Hilux's suspension has been revised through the implementation of tweaked shock-absorber tuning, new bushings and an improved leaf-spring design, which is said to improve ride comfort on rough roads when carrying low loads. There have also been revisions to some derivatives' towing capacities (to be confirmed at a later date).

And, finally, a few details of the leisure double cab's interior specification; inside, the higher-spec Hilux will feature an updated instrument cluster with a 4.2-inch multi-info display between the speedometer and rev counter (it apparently incorporates a digital speed readout) as well as an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with enhanced voice recognition functionality, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. We assume a reverse-view camera and satellite navigation will feature too.

Volkswagen Amarok XL Revealed for Australia

Volkswagen Australia has revealed it's factory-endorsed' Amarok XL and XXL models, which offer even more carrying capacity.

The Volkswagen Amarok already boasts one of the biggest load bins in the segment, but if you feel you require more length, then how about an Amarok XL or Amarok XXL.

The conversion is done by South Australian-based Adaptive Manufacturing, with the original work completed by Dutch outfit Veth Automotive. Impressively, this aftermarket conversion comes with Volkswagen Australia's 5-year warranty.

What exactly does this conversion entail? Well, the Amarok XL wheelbase has been extended by 310 mm, taking it all the way to 3 405 mm. Want even more space? How about the Amarok XXL then, with an extra 650 mm additional wheelbase, taking it t0 3 745 mm.

With this conversion, the loading length is now rated at 1 865 mm for the Amarok XL and the 2 205 mm for the XXL. In comparison, the standard Amarok load length sits at 1 555 mm.

The extended wheelbase has meant extensive modifications to the prop shaft, electronics and brake lines. The electronic stability control has also needed a recalibration to deal with the increased weight and dimensions.

Back in 2019, Volkswagen SA was investigating the possibility of an Amarok XL and displayed a unit at the NAMPO agricultural expo to gauge public interest. It appears there wasn't sufficient interest, so the project wasn't green-lighted.

Back in 2019, Volkswagen SA presented an Amarok XL to the NAMPO event to gauge interest. Pic via VWSA Facebook.

Next Volkswagen Amarok to be built in SA

Last year it was announced that two of the world's biggest vehicle manufacturers had formed an alliance and would be cooperating on a number of projects, including the next Amarok, which will be built at Ford's Silverton plant. Now it's official!

Further Reading

Ford Figo Freestyle (2020) Specs & Price

Ford South Africa has expanded its Figo portfolio and the newcomer brings some offroad ability and crossover styling to the segment. Here are specifications and pricing of the Ford Figo Freestyle.

Trim Levels

Ford Figo Freestyle Trend

Ford Figo Freestyle Titanium

Ford Figo Freestyle Price in South Africa (June 2020)

Further Reading

Land Rover Defender (2020) Specs & Price

The eagerly-anticipated Land Rover Defender is due to go on sale in South Africa in coming weeks. Take a look at the specification and pricing details below.

What's on offer?

Land Rover Defender Price in South Africa (March 2020)

Further Reading

BMW M8 Posts Ballistic Nurburgring Time

Despite its size, the BMW M8 Competition has posted an impressive time on the Nurburgring. Watch the insane speeds as it makes its way around the Green Hell.

Further Reading

GLB 45 AMG leaked in sketches

Seven seats and lots of power. Is it necessary? You bet…

Related content

Mazda Teases All-New BT-50 Bakkie

Mazda Australia has posted a teaser photo of what looks a lot like the all-new BT-50 bakkie on Instagram. Here's what we know about the newcomer.

Further Reading

Super-exclusive Merc-Maybach S650: a final hurrah

A V12 sits at the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz’s engine line-up, but probably not for much longer. In light of this, the 6.0-litre bi-turbo V12-engined S650 Maybach Night Edition is a rousing send-off for the W222-generation S-Class. It may be the last first-class sedan of its kind.

Related content:

Audi A6 (2020) Specs & Price in South Africa

Audi South Africa took to digital platforms to showcase the new A6 to the local media. Here's how much it will cost, as well as details regarding the S6.

Audi A6 Price in South Africa (June 2020)

Further Reading

More details: Facelifted 2020 Toyota Hilux

Okay, the updated Toyota Hilux range is coming to South Africa, but just how fast is the flagship derivative powered by the beefed-up 2.8-litre turbodiesel motor? And, what will the single- and Xtra-cab derivatives look like in more affordable specifications?

'Faster than a Ranger Raptor'

Could Revo Rocco/Invincible X look come to SA?

Further Reading:

Volkswagen Amarok XL Revealed for Australia

Volkswagen Australia has revealed it's factory-endorsed' Amarok XL and XXL models, which offer even more carrying capacity.

Further Reading