A pair of images of (what appears to be) the upcoming BMW 2 Series Coupe have been posted on a fan forum; considering the polarising styling of the Concept 4 (the precursor to the next 4 Series) and mixed reaction to the looks of the 2 Series Gran Coupe, the G42 should appease the Bimmer faithful.
Now, a pair of revealing images have popped up on BMW enthusiast site 2addicts. Given the partially revealed car features an M badge on its front bumper as well as a nomenclature on its boot lid, we believe that this is a pre-production version of the G42; it is believed the images were taken (covertly) at BMW Group’s Research and Innovation Centre in Munich.
The 2nd-generation Series Coupé (codenamed the G42) is scheduled to go on sale next year and, unlike the current 1 Series and 2 Series Gran Coupe (GC), which have transverse engine layouts and are based on BMW’s Front Architecture platform, the newcomer will adopt an evolution of the brand’s Cluster Architecture (CLAR) platform and be closely based on the Z4 Roadster.
The M2 and its standard 2 Series Coupe siblings will be produced alongside the 3rd-generation Z4 at BMW’s factory in Leipzig, Germany. We think this M-liveried car might well be the M240i, which will offer 285 kW and 550 Nm if equipped with the M340i xDrive’s turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 engine and 8-speed automatic transmission.
Judging from the dramatic design cues of the Concept 4 and Concept i4 (backed up with the clues we've got from spy pictures of the former), we know that the upcoming 4 Series is most likely to sport some version of the concept cars' gargantuan upright double-kidney grille. Given that BMW has made it quite public that it wants to further differentiate between its rational and emotional models from an aesthetic point of view (like the 3 Series and the next 4 Series, for example) some expected the next 2 Series Coupe would also sport that controversial large-nostrilled front styling treatment…
However, as we can see from these images, the G42-series’ front isn’t beaver-toothed (or bolt-upright), but simultaneously, it does not feature the 2 Series GC's divisive broad kidney grille with 3-dimensional mesh either. In fact, although its headlight and grille treatment is admittedly not as stylised, the “next 2 Series Coupe” appears to have more of a Z4-like front visage.
The rear treatment makes it clear that the photographed car is a coupe, as a result of the steeper rake of the C-pillars – and an M-flavoured one, by virtue of the elaborate diffuser.
Interestingly, the LED tail-light clusters aren’t slim and elongated as on the 2 Series GC – or indeed the Z4 (on which the car is based), but decidedly chunky, with a distinctive horizontal-question mark lighting signature. A pronounced lip spoiler on the boot lid and pair of trapezoidal exhaust tips at the edge of the rear apron complete the look.
Does this sneak peek (who knows – perhaps BMW “leaked” it on purpose) mean that we may get a look at the production version of the car before the end of 2020 (ahead of a release in early 2021)? We'll have to wait and see, but as soon as we have more details, we’ll be sure to let you know…
Jaguar South Africa has quietly loaded up the configurator and spec details of its updated XE sedan. Here's how much it costs.
The Jaguar XE was given a facelift in early 2019, which we covered in detail here. The looks have been changed, giving it a sleeker appearance, while the cabin has been overhauled.
Jaguar SA is offering one engine in 2 states of tune for our market. The 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol Ingenium motors offers up 184 kW and 365 Nm badged as a P250, while a more potent P300 delivers 221 kW and 400 Nm. All models feature rear-wheel drive as well as an 8-speed automatic transmission. In terms of performance, the P250 is claimed to accelerate to 100 kph in just 6.5 seconds, while consuming 5.2 L/100 km. The P300 model will be the brisker of the two, with 0-100 kph dispatched in a claimed 5.9 seconds and it's said to consume 6.7 L/100 km.
There are an array of packages and the usual Jaguar trim levels of S, SE, HSE will be offered. For those wanting a Jaguar XE that looks sporty, there's the R-Dynamic trim.
At this price point, standard specification looks good with things like premium LED headlights with signature DRL and Auto High Beam Assist (AHBA), rain-sensing windscreen wipers, auto lights, climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, electrically-adjustable front seats, smartphone connectivity, USB ports, and a connected Navigation Pro system. Of course you can climb into the options for sportier big wheels, digital dashboard, paint options (Caesium Blue for us please) and much more.?
We'll update this article if there are any updates to Jaguar's answer to the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A4.
The cabin of the Jaguar XE has been updated.
Jaguar XE Price in South Africa (April 2020)
The vehicle comes as standard with a 5-year care (maintenance) plan, which comprises a 100 000-km warranty and paid-up servicing within a 5-year period, whichever ends first.
It looks a lot like the facelifted Toyota Hilux has leaked early, ahead of its official reveal. Here's what you need to know.
These photos come from MilelmotorsBlog and if accurate, show the facelifted Toyota Hilux from a few angles. We already know there's a facelifted Toyota Hilux on its way, but details have been scarce. However, these images shed new light onto looks and first impressions show off a muscular redesign.
We've already touched on potential changes in other articles and we suspect there will be a bump in power to the GD range of diesel engines, while the infotainment system is likely to gain Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
We've already spoken to Toyota South Africa regarding the arrival of the facelifted Hilux. "We will be getting those models but not now. Our timing is quite different to Australia as they don’t source their vehicles from SA. In addition, SA-unique models like the Legend 50 and Dakar models bridge the gap and extend the life of our current Hilux product offerings." Toyota Australia will be getting its updated Hilux as early as July 2020, but the COVID-19 epidemic has likely thrown everyone's plans into disarray.
There will also be an update to the Toyota Fortuner, which you can read about here.
The Raw By Koenigsegg takes a look at what the future holds for the Swedish hypercar brand.
What you see here is the result of a Finnish designer's graduation thesis. Raw Design House is owned by Koenigsegg and the Raw By Koenigsegg is a digital concept car that previews what a potential entry-level hypercar will look like.
It features a 3-seater setup in a carbon fibre occupant cell and is powered by the 3-cylinder Freevalve motor which made its debut in the Koenigsegg Gemera. The aim is to have an output of 700 hp and tip the scales at 700 kg, which is yet another car that has the 1:1 power to weight ratio. The Freevalve tech means there are no camshafts and with this tech, expect 0-100 kph to be in the 3-second ballpark.
Cars.co.za launches long-format South African car show and digital magazine during lockdown
As the nationwide lockdown enters its fourth week, South Africa’s leading online motoring portal, Cars.co.za, has come to the rescue of the nation’s content-starved petrolheads.
The brand, which recently celebrated reaching the 200 000-subscriber milestone on its YouTube channel, has introduced a long-format online car show (anchored by its own Ciro De Siena) and launched a new digital magazine under its SentiMETAL car culture sub-brand.
“We have been working towards this project for many years now – a proudly South African long-format, multi-segment car show that celebrates our country and its rich car history,” says Ross McIlroy, co-founder of Cars.co.za.
“We toyed with broadcasting on terrestrial television, or launching on a streaming network, but with us so close to the finish line, we got blindsided by the global COVID-19 crisis. Our talks, production and the country halted,” he explains.
“But this extraordinary moment in time also creates opportunity. With South Africa ordered to stay home, online content consumption is on the rise and content creation dwindling. As a company that takes great pride in being nimble, we simply couldn’t resist the urge to fill this content void and give South Africa, and the world, something beautiful to watch.
“And so we decided to adapt our long-format car show concept, using some techniques that may have been unthinkable before lockdown, and get it ready in record time to release it for free.
“With this show, we aim to entertain, inform, inspire and hopefully make our audience smile. We have also committed to donating all revenue generated off our Cars.co.za YouTube channel for the rest of 2020 to charitable causes in support of the fight against COVID-19,” McIlroy says.
“This donation will be in addition to our other current relief efforts,” he adds.Cars.co.za will also be making donations to the Solidarity fund and Food Forward SA, with a view to assisting in the combat against the pandemic, as well as helping the vulnerable South Africans impacted most by the lockdown. A further donation has been made to Shout4Masks, a non-profit organisation supplying medical masks to those who are battling this disease on the frontlines.
As for the show, all content was either filmed pre-lockdown or safely under lockdown conditions by Cars.co.za’s presenter himself – Ciro De Siena, “Luckily my apartment block has a huge basement,” De Siena says. “I think we might have filmed the first ever car review entirely shot underground. And in terms of a studio, I didn’t think my lounge would work so well. I missed my crew, however, and a live studio audience would have been nice; my toaster and coffee machine weren’t very enthusiastic!”
New episodes will debut on the Cars.co.za YouTube channel every Thursday at 8pm and remain available for viewing indefinitely.*
* The episode to be aired on Thursday 23 April 2020 will be postponed to Friday 24 April 2020 in support of the scheduled public address by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
SentiMETAL: a magazine aimed at petrolheads
A day after the launch of The Cars.co.za Show, the brand also introduced a new digital magazine, simply titled SentiMETAL, Live To Drive #1. The striking publication features the uniquely South African Alfa Romeo GTV6 3.0 on the cover and consists of nearly 90 pages filled with pure petrolhead-loving content.
"We've noticed a tremendous increase in interest in motoring content, particularly entertaining content, in the past few weeks as people are spending a lot more time on their digital devices," says Hannes Oosthuizen, SentiMETAL project head. "So, about three weeks ago, we decided to launch a SentiMETAL digital magazine aimed at those petrolheads, and I'm really proud of the team for putting it together so swiftly and beautifully," he says.
The magazine is for sale on www.sentimetal.shop. Following payment, the buyer is sent a link to download the magazine and open it in PDF magazine format. It will also shortly be available on global virtual newsstands such as Magzter and Zinio.
In the first issue
Cars.co.za’s Alfa Romeo GTV6 3.0 restoration project in detail
Driving Toyota's late bloomer, the beautiful 2000 GT
Cruising the fabulous Western Cape roads in an ex-Sarel van der Merwe
Porsche 356 Speedster
An in-depth Buyer's Guide on the BMW (E46) M3
Behind the wheel of one of only two Dodge Viper GTS examples in SA
A closer look at the fascinating history of the Harley-Davidson XR750
Future classic: we take Lamborghini's new Huracan EVO for a spin
An odd-ball rear-engined Mercedes-Benz from the '30s: the 130
Furthermore, the launch issue features an overview of local and international classic-car related news and events (including the two SentiMETAL Gatherings earlier this year), updates on contributors' experiences with their own classics, columns by Mike Fourie and Graeme Hurst, as well as an interview with Antony Ashley from Freight Factory about global car shipping and more.
Although Cars.co.za is now a leading brand in the motor industry and has been in existence for a decade, it still embraces its start-up culture.
“The long-format show and digital magazine may be examples of swift, decisive action, but also of embracing experimentation,” says Oosthuizen. “In this Lockdown period, where everyone is spending more time online searching for entertainment and engagement, Cars.co.za has fast-tracked a number of initiatives. It has partnered with Mercedes-Benz, Klipa Denim and acclaimed filmmaker Robert dos Santos to launch a fashion film (produced prior to the national lockdown, but released this week) and even hosted what could be a world first – a virtual “cars and coffee” meet using the Zoom conferencing platform.”
New Toyota Yaris Cross Revealed [w/video]
Toyota has revealed a new crossover based on the Yaris hatchback and it’s called the Yaris Cross!
Finally, the new crossover from Toyota has been revealed and it looks promising! This new model was meant to be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year but the COVID-19 pandemic forced Toyota to postpone the reveal. Toyota, instead, opted to reveal the new model with a digital press conference.
Now, the wait is over and here it is, meet the Yaris Cross, Toyota’s new B-SUV! It’s based on the new Yaris hatchbackwhich is underpinned byToyota's New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform and while it shares its wheelbase at 2 560 mm, the Yaris Cross is longer by some 240 mm and stands 20 mm wider and 90 mm taller than its hatchback sibling. The Yaris Cross is smaller than the CH-R will slot in below it in Toyota’s crossover/SUV offerings.
The Yaris Cross employs a 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. The Toyota Cross Hybrid will be offered in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive formats.
The Yaris Cross takes interior design inspiration from the new Yaris hatchback.
The Yaris Cross’ crossover styling is accentuated with 18-inch wheels and bold wrap-around cladding that gives it some rugged appeal. In terms of practicality, the Yaris Cross is equipped with 40:20:40 split rear seats as well as handy features such as an electric tailgate and an adjustable load space and a belt system to secure goods in the load bay.
The Yaris Cross Hybrid will be built in France alongside the new Yaris and Toyota expects to build more than 150 000 per annum with this new model expected to account for a third of Toyota’s European sales volume.
Europe is a key market for the Yaris Cross Hybrid and hybrids have historically sold poorly in South Africa and therefore it's unlikely that we will see the new Yaris Cross Hybrid in our market. What a pity!
Do you like the look of the Yaris Cross and do you want to see it in South Africa?
Although the most significant news of 2020 for Land Rover fans is the new Defender, there are some automotive specialists who are keen on modernizing the old one.
ECD is an American aftermarket engineering firm who build custom Defenders for discerning clientele. Most of the ECD Defenders are powered by LS3 specification 6.2-litre V8s, sourced from General Motors, but now there is a battery-powered option too.
Despite the previous-generation Defender having some ancient design features, ECD has proven that the classic ladder-frame platform can be successfully electrified.
What makes the ECD Defender so interesting, is that it borrows a battery pack from the best in the business: Tesla. ECD is being coy about how they have managed to get hold of production Tesla-Panasonic battery packs, but 100 kWh lithium-ion power source is claimed to drive this electrified Defender from 0-100 kph in just over 5 seconds.
A crucial part of Tesla’s performance advantage, and range, compared to most rivals, is the electric motor technology it uses. Tesla motors feature Halbach array magnetic tensioning, which produces a lot more power, at lower weight, than conventional electric motors. It is unclear which electric motors ECD is fitting to its zero-emission Defenders.
You might imagine that the ladder-frame chassis would be a nightmare to electrify, but it creates a lot of room and favourable mounting structure for battery packs. ECD simply removes the body structure and then places the battery packs where required.
Detailing and differentiating the ECD electric Defender is a boldly illuminated front, with most of the grille section now comprising a ‘Defender’ LED badge.
Range? ECD say that its battery-powered Defender should be capable of 350 km on a single charge. The first production versions are being currently assembled, with price and launch date unknown.
The mark the 100th anniversary of Italian coachbuilder Zagato, which has produced exclusive Aston Martin models for the past 60 years, 19 pairs of V12 Vantages are being produced by bespoke manufacturer R-Reforged. You can’t you buy just one of them, you must procure the coupe and speedster as pair…
Okay, so there are at least 3 types of limited-edition models that jump to mind: The first, most commonly known kind, is a zhooshed-up version of a production model as it enters the runout phase of its lifecycle (it's usually produced so that manufacturers and their dealers and clear out inventory before a new model arrives).
As opposed to previous Vantages, carbon-fibre body panels hide underneath the 'Heritage Twins' shimmering paint finishes.
The second is for homologation purposes (when a carmaker needs to produce a preset number of road-going derivatives to be allowed to campaign a racing version of a car in series) and the last kind of limited-edition model is created (usually by supercar manufacturers and coachbuilders) to ensure exclusivity; when demand outstrips supply, it increases the car’s market value and collectability.
By just looking at these images of the exquisitely finished Astons, they would seem to fit into the final category, being the products of Aston Martin and Zagato. However, they are also based on models that are no longer in production (variants of the previous-generation Vantage, in range-topping 5.9-litre V12 guise), which is rather unusual.
The speedster version of the 'Heritage Twins is arguably the most eye-catching, thanks to its flying buttresses.
Based on the model introduced in 2005 and discontinued in 2018, the coupe and speedster are skinned in carbon-fibre and bear gold Z badging. The former features Zagato’s “double bubble roof” (reminiscent of the V12 Zagato – introduced in 2011 to mark the 50th anniversary of the DB4 GT Zagato) and the latter, which is not a roadster (it has no roof!), has a pair of flying buttresses.
Aerodynamic adornments in the way of a deeper front splitter, large rear diffuser and a pop-up -spoiler all hint at the cars’ performance potential. Their naturally-aspirated 48-valve 12-cylinder motors (ostensibly mated with 7-speed Sportshift III automated manual transmissions) are each equipped with a new engine management module, inlet manifold and titanium exhaust, which boosts peak power by 64 kW to 447 kW.
The 5.9-litre V12-engined Vantage was one of the finest sounding sportscars ever made; it lives again, thanks to Zagato.
Aston Martin claims the V12 Zagato Heritage Twins by R-Reforged (that's the cars' official name) will accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in under 4.0 seconds and achieve a top speed of 320 kph.
Marella Rivolta Zagato, who manages the Italian design house in conjunction with her husband, Andrea, specified the first 2 cars shown here.
“When I was selecting the body colours, I looked for something that would represent our 100-year heritage and our future. The most symbolic colours are gold and platinum, which are precious metals. Gold, an emblem of purity and distinction, is a tribute to our first century. Platinum is resistant to corrosion and has great catalytic capabilities, which is what I wish for our next 100 years,” she said.
The previous generation Vantage's fascia may look dated, but it's gold-plated (it looks as if it is), who cares?
“Plants, sources of life that have continually renewed themselves since ancient times, are also woven into this idea,” adds Zagato. “Take, for instance, the colour of the speedster, which I have named Oro Angelica. Angelica is an edible plant thought to guarantee long life. It also symbolises inspiration, the driving force of the first 100 years of Zagato’s history. For the coupé, I chose Platino Acanto. The leaves of the acanthus inspired the ancient Greeks to create the Corinthian capital. This plant represents purity and immortality, embodying Zagato’s vision for the future.”
Should you be interested in buying 2 of these Zagatos (more than half of them are already spoken for, at an asking price of about R41 million a pair), you can, of course, spec them exactly the way you want. Bespoke manufacturer R-Reforged, which is notably helping Aston Martin to produce its upcoming Valkyrie hypercar, will build the vehicles at its new facility in Warwick in the United Kingdom.
Provided when the Covid-19 lockdown will be lifted, the 'Heritage Twins will make their public debut mid-year.
R-Reforged claims it can provide an “infinite” colour palette for the exterior and interior specifications of the 'Heritage Twins. Customers can finely customise their cars by discussing their preferences with Aston Martin designers; they're also invited to travel to the production facility in Warwick to watch their cars being made and will receive a special gift box upon delivery of their vehicles.
Customer deliveries are scheduled to begin in the final quarter of 2020. Will we see this pair at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este in October? Time will tell.
Jaguar F-Pace 25d AWD Chequered Flag (2020) Review
The F-Pace has always offered style – and verve – in a segment dominated by buttoned-up continental machinery. As the model's facelift draws near, Jaguar has launched a Chequered Flag special edition? of its executive SUV. We sampled the newcomer just before the country was placed under lockdown…
We like: Styling, strong engine, cabin space, agile handling.
We don't like: Options can get pricey, rivals are cheaper.
Some Jaguar dealers regularly offer specials: Have look here.
Where does it fit in?
The shape is unmistakably that of a Jaguar. Note how nicely the big wheels fill those arches.
?The F-Pace was Jaguar's first offering in the luxury SUV segment and famously won the World Car of the Year title in 2017; since the executive SUV made its arrival, Jaguar has added the smaller E-Pace and more expensive all-electric I-Pace to its line-up. And that's just Jaguar – suffice to say that in the R1-million-plus bracket, you're spoilt for choice with some excellent and luxurious offerings.
When it was launched in South African market in the middle of 2016, the F-Pace range included petrol and turbodiesel derivatives and, after that, the range was bolstered by the introduction of a hardcore SVR performance derivative, which we sampled towards the end of 2019. Roll into 2020 and Jaguar Land Rover SA has launched the Chequered Flag special edition of the F-Pace. There are 3 derivatives available (2 turbodiesels and a turbopetrol), each of which utilises an Ingenium powertrain. Here we sample the mid-spec F-Pace 25d AWD Chequered Flag.
The white/black contrasting theme and twin exhaust outlets give the F-Pace strong aesthetic appeal.
It's been around for a fair while now, but the Jaguar F-Pace could never be described as ugly or boring; its British designers imbued it with a distinct sense of style. The Coventry-based brand claims to have implemented many of the F-Type sportscar's styling cues in the F-Pace's design, which is understandable, given the brand's obsession with motorsport and heritage. The Chequered Flag edition adds extra sportiness with a bespoke front bumper, gloss black detailing, -side vents and -roof rails. A pair of chrome-tipped exhaust ends rounds off the look. So far, so good. Now while the press kit said the derivative has 19-inch alloys as standard, our test unit was shod with 22-inch gloss-black alloys. Not only do they really look the part – they contrast beautifully with the Yulong White finish.
Meanwhile, the F-Pace's cabin feels suitably luxurious (as expected at this derivative's price point, of course), but also offers the kind of sense of occasion that one wouldn't necessarily expect from the cabin of the executive SUV segment's "elder statesman" – after all, many have seen it before. However, there's some personality to the Jaguar's interior – classy touches and fine detailing abound.
There's a visually impressive infotainment system, which doesn't seem particularly user-friendly from the onset, but you soon get the hang of it, plus it is compatible with Apple CarPlay, as well as Android Auto. It's not as slick as the infotainment system we've experienced in the Jaguar I-Pace (with its split-screen setup), but we assume the latter will make its appearance in the facelifted F-Pace, which is expected to be revealed at some point in 2020. The test unit also featured a customisable digital instrument cluster. Unfortunately, it is an optional extra, but wow, it really adds to the appeal.
Android Auto connected and the digital dashboard in its coolest layout setting. Red stitching adds to the sportiness.
Initial reservations about the F-Pace's cabin lacking the "wow factor" have certainly been addressed in this 25d AWD Chequered Flag test unit; vibrant pimento red leather trim (with ebony accents) enhance the derivative's sporty theme and the front seats are not only 10-way electrically adjustable, but additionally feature a heating function. There are some cool subtler touches too, such as the transmission selection knob that rises out of the central stack and the engine start button that pulses red like a heartbeat… We never grew tired of it.
The real ace up the F-Face's sleeve is its superb practicality. When fitted with a tyre-repair kit (as opposed to a spare wheel), the Jaguar's load bay eclipses those of its rivals (Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC) for capacity and even taller rear occupants have sufficient head- and legroom. The test unit further featured dual rear USB charging ports, as well as rear climate control.
Performance & Efficiency
The F-Pace has always been entertaining to drive. It's marketed as being all-wheel-driven, but it's a part-time setup, so you're essentially driving a rear-wheel-drive machine until grip conditions change and the front wheels are brought into play. There is no shortage of grip, so when tackling winding roads you can be a tad aggressive and pretend you're in something that's not a comfort-focused SUV.
The various driving modes offered in the Jaguar F-Pace
The 25d AWD Chequered Flag is powered by a new 2.0-litre twin-turbocharged 4-cylinder diesel engine, which produces peak outputs of 177 kW and 500 Nm. It forms part of Jaguar's new Ingenium 4-cylinder range of powerplant and, on paper, those numbers look impressive. Power is directed to all 4 wheels (when required) via an 8-speed automatic transmission (shifts can also be actuated via steering-wheel-mounted paddles); Jaguar claims a brisk 0-100 kph time of 7.2 seconds and a top speed of 217 kph. The motor emits some characteristic diesel clatter, which, although noticeable from the outside, is remarkably damped when you're sitting in the cabin. If all else fails, drown out the engine noise with the impressive (and voluminous) Meridian audio system.
Given its small capacity, it's remarkable how potent this engine is. A peak torque figure of 500 Nm is not to be underestimated, particularly when you consider how quickly all that twist is produced… and makes its way to the Jaguar's wheels. The twin-turbo setup does well to reduce lag and when there is some, the transmission will simply drop down a gear and ensure that acceleration remains as seamless as mechanically possible. The transmission is, however, mapped for efficiency; in the normal driving mode, it can feel as if the 'box is prone to change up unnecessarily quickly.
With its dynamic driving mode engaged, however, the 25d AWD Chequered Flag's in-gear acceleration is particularly impressive, especially when you need to execute overtaking manoeuvres in the 80-to-120 kph range. The best part is that if you drive conservatively, you'll be rewarded with decent fuel economy… By the time the F-Pace departed our test fleet, we saw an indicated average fuel consumption figure of 7.9 L/100 km, which, while some way off the claimed figure, was impressive for a car of this size and with a considerable performance bent.
Ride & Handling
The Jaguar F-Pace looks incredible on big wheels – our unit featured these 22-inch gloss black beauties.
As we mentioned earlier, our test unit was specified with the optional 22-inch alloy wheels (which add R50 000 to the 25d AWD Chequered Flag's asking price), as opposed to the standard 19-inch units. We're usually sceptical of massive wheels, as their contribution to a vehicle's aesthetic value is usually offset by a reduction in ride quality, but this wasn't the case with the F-Pace. Jaguar also likes to remind everyone that its F-Pace has an aluminium structure, which makes it quite the lightweight (surprisingly, it weighs less than the smaller E-Pace). A lower kerb weight, of course, is of obvious benefit to a car's handling prowess and on top of that, Jaguar has tuned the steering to be quite involving, which is a polar opposite to many of the F-Pace's rivals' numb, uninspiring tillers.
The result is a family SUV that handles relatively nimbly; the Jaguar feels a lot more wieldy than an equivalent product from, say, its sister brand Land Rover. We covered a considerable distance in comfort and refinement, with the F-Pace doing a sterling job of dialling out the road noise. At this price point, one expects luxurious refinement and the 25d AWD does not disappoint in that regard.
Seeing as Jaguar's offering is an SUV, you may want to know about its off-road abilities. Look, the provocatively named Chequered Flag edition is unlikely to venture far from tarred roads, but it's reassuring to know that thanks to its 213 mm of ground clearance, all-wheel drive and integrated off-road driving modes, the F-Pace can venture off the beaten track/on dirt roads now and again.
Rear passengers can charge all the things!
Price and warranty (April 2020)
The Jaguar F-Pace Chequered Flag range starts at R1 030 500 for the 2.0 132 kW derivative, with our 2.0 177 kW unit costing R1 117 300 before options. The vehicle comes as standard with a 5-year care (maintenance) plan, which comprises a 100 000-km warranty and paid-up servicing within a 5-year period, whichever ends first.
Verdict
The Jaguar F-Pace is one of JLR's more interesting products. Not only does it look great, but its driving experience is commendable. Pity about the price.
?Nothing quite spurs you into undertaking a last-minute extended road trip like a looming national lockdown, and we were lucky to get some substantial time behind the 'wheel of the F-Pace 25d AWD Chequered Flag before our President announced that we should all stay at home for a few weeks. This was not our first outing with Jaguar's executive SUV – we doubt it'll be our last – and we didn't discover anything groundbreaking during the assessment. We did gain an appreciation for the new Ingenium engine – it's an absolute peach – and we were reminded of just how good the F-Pace is to drive; it handles well but rides quietly and pliantly. The cabin is tastefully detailed, well-appointed and offers a high level of occupant comfort, plus the luggage capacity/practicality is commendable.
While we'd love to give the 25d AWD Chequered Flag a glowing review, we have to consider where it's positioned, price-wise. Like other car brands that import all the models that they sell on the local market, Jaguar Land Rover is at the mercy of the fluctuating exchange rate, more so than some of their rivals, which earn import rebates because they have production facilities in Mzansi. Jaguar doesn't sell high-volume products; although most of its derivatives are well-specified, they're premium-priced. If you're willing to spend R1.1 million, there are some exciting alternatives, such as the BMW X3 M40i, Audi SQ5 and Mercedes-AMG GLC43 to consider. Those rivals may have less cabin and/or luggage space, but they offer better performance and as much, if not more, prestige.
It’s no secret that the health of the environment is teetering on the edge of destruction as human impact continues to take a dire toll on the only home we have. Despite this, many people and businesses are doing phenomenal work to correct the imbalances that have been commonplace for far too long and those efforts must be celebrated and applauded. ?It’s #WorldEarthDay and Cars.co.za is proud to be positively contributing towards improving the health of the environment and society at large.
With South Africa and indeed much of the world in lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic, perhaps now, more than any time in human history, is the time for deep, critical reflection on the relationship we share with the Earth, this planet we call home.
Today is World Earth Day and we are celebrating the environmental milestones we have achieved thus far to make a positive impact, not only within our own business but also for society at large.
Cars.co.za’s aim is to be a carbon-neutral business and as such, we have launched various initiatives to help us achieve this goal. We are embracing an electric car future and we recently installed an Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station at our Head Office in Johannesburg where we will be able to effectively conduct testing on electric vehicles within the South African context and we will be installing a charging station at our Cape Town office in the near future. To date, we have lived with the all-electric Jaguar I-Pace and we are currently testing the electric Volkswagen e-Golf.
Here are some of the other environmental initiatives that Cars.co.za has been spearheading.
Extensive Recycling Program
Our offices are equipped with recycling stations and we are actively reducing the use of single-use plastics.
Waste recycling is an important component in Cars.co.za’s fight to conserve and protect the environment. Our offices in Johannesburg and Cape Town are currently home to 55 employees and if you consider that the average person can generate as much as 1.2 kg of waste every day, that equates to about 66 kg of waste generated per day across our business and amounts to about 17 tons of waste per annum. We, therefore, view it as our duty and responsibility to manage that waste through recycling.
As such, Cars.co.za has rolled out an extensive recycling program in its office spaces and proactively encourages positive behaviour change to ensure that our waste is effectively recycled. Our offices are equipped with the necessary recycling facilities to ensure that the program is effective and more than this, our employees further contribute by establishing recycling habits within their own homes.
Cars.co.za is also actively reducing single-use plastics by equipping our team with reusable coffee cups and package-free fresh fruit. Our offices make use of Gudsheet toilet paper which is made from 60% sugarcane and 40% FSC wood pulp which contributes towards sustainable afforestation while also being supplied in plastic-free packaging.
Every bit helps and the best part is that you can do it too!
Drive for Trees
Cars.co.za has planted over 7 000 trees to date to help offset our carbon footprint.
At Cars.co.za, we are as passionate about cars as we are about protecting the environment and while we admittedly have an indirect hand in putting cars on the road (which inevitably have a negative impact on our environment), we have taken it upon ourselves to be the change we want to see in the world and have made great strides to offset our carbon emissions by getting our hands dirty and planting trees.
The Cars.co.za team has directly contributed to the planting of trees through an in-office fitness program that plants trees based on individual exercise performance. Put simply, the more we exercise the more trees we plant!
In partnership with Greenpop and Food and Trees for Africa (FTFA), the Cars.co.za Drive for Trees initiative has to date planted over 7 000 trees!
More than this, we have taken this inspiration into our communities and visited Mbonisweni Primary School in Tongaat, KwaZulu-Natal to assist learners and teachers to plant 30 trees that will provide much-needed shade and beautify the school for generations to come.
The Drive for Trees initiative is expected to offset approximately 152 tons of CO2 per annum!
Solar Energy Project in Port Elizabeth
Our solar project in Port Elizabeth is our latest initiative to harness the power of the sun and to supply energy to those in need.
In an effort to further entrench our environmental efforts and to enhance our contribution towards a more sustainable and energy-conscious future, Cars.co.za looked up to the sun.
In 2019, Cars.co.za, in partnership with FedGroup, invested R3-million in the installation of 730, 1 330W solar panels at the Buffesfontein Village facility which is part of the Algoa Bay Council for the Aged in Port Elizabeth.
This old-age facility is home to 399 residents who mostly rely on a state pension to survive and the installation of the 238 kWp solar system not only supplies much-needed energy for the old-age home but energy is also fed into the national energy grid which powers the surrounding communities. This project went live in December 2019 and is expected to offset approximately 355 tons of CO2 per annum!
You are the solution, inspire change
By taking individual responsibility and working together as a team, we can achieve anything and everything. Happy World Earth Day!
By being proactive and committing to sustainable, long-term solutions, maybe, just maybe, we can help turn the situation around and create a world that our children will be proud to call home.
We want to inspire change and Cars.co.za remains fully committed to ensuring this outcome and we encourage each and every person alive today to do their bit, however small, to protect the environment that continues to sustain us. Whether this is achieved through recycling your waste at home, picking up litter at your local beach or helping an animal in need, doing good is always the right thing to do! There is, after all, no Planet B and this Earth is all we have…
