Mercedes-Benz GLA (2020) International Launch Review

Compared with its predecessor, Mercedes-Benz's 2nd-generation rival to the Audi Q2 and BMW X2 emphasises its crossover role a whole lot more. Our international correspondent Greg Kable got behind the wheel of the new GLA, which will appear in South African showrooms shortly…

The first GLA was undoubtedly a success from its launch in 2014; Mercedes sold 1 million units worldwide. However, with all the marketing nonsense that surrounded it stripped away, the high-riding hatchback was, in essence, not much more than a re-bodied version of the 3rd-generation A-Class – the claim to it being a genuine crossover was somewhat empty (in terms of the model's function).

This new one is different, however – and all the better for it. Developed as part of an 8-strong line-up of compact Mercedes-Benz models, it has been given the necessary design and engineering scope to evolve into a much more rounded and talented rival to the Audi Q2 and BMW X2.

While the mechanical similarities to its lower-riding sibling remain, a whole host of unique touches help not only to provide the 2nd-generation GLA with a more standalone character, but to instil the car with the inherent qualities to make it more appealing on many fronts…

The new GLA is a larger car than previously, especially in the height department.

Before we get into the finer points of the GLA driving experience, though, we should consider its altered form. Styling is always subjective, so we’ll sidestep judgement on the new GLA’s bolder appearance. What you should know, however, is that its dimensions have changed: length has been reduced (by 14 mm) to 4 410 mm, while width extends (by 30 mm) to 1 834 mm and the height has increased (by a considerable 104 mm) to 1 611 mm… and that's without the optional roof rails.

By comparison, the Q2 is 4 191-mm long, 1 794-mm wide and 1 508-mm high, while the BMW X2 stretches to a respective 4 360 mm, 1 824 mm and 1 526 mm. Don’t think the reduction in length has greatly reduced its versatility, though. With a 30 mm-longer wheelbase (2 729 mm), the newcomer's interior has grown in size, notably in the rear, where it’s now considerably roomier than before.

At its global launch, the GLA will be offered with a pair of 4-cylinder turbopetrol engines and a single 4-cylinder -diesel engine across 7 derivatives; Mzansi will initially introduce the GLA 200 and 200d.

What's on offer?

The GLA range features both front-wheel-drive and 4Matic all-wheel-drive versions.

The entry point is the front-wheel-drive GLA 200, which utilises a Renault-sourced turbocharged 1.3-litre petrol unit that delivers 120 kW and 250 Nm. It’s joined by the initial range-topping GLA 250 (in front- and four-wheel-drive guises); its turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol develops peak outputs of 165 kW and 350 Nm. The two turbodiesel models, both with the choice of front- or four-wheel drive, use the same turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder powerplant, but in different states of tune. It has 110 kW and 320 Nm in the SA-bound GLA 200d, while it produces 140 kW and 400 Nm in the GLA 220d. The GLA 200 is fitted with a standard 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission supplied by Getrag, while all other new GLA derivatives receive an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission built by Mercedes.

It’s the top-of-the-line GLA 250 4Matic we’re in here, and the similarities to other recent new Mercedes-Benz models can’t be denied. Inside, the fascia, controls and free-standing digital display will be familiar to anyone who has set foot in the latest A-Class hatchback, A-Class Sedan, B-Class, or CLA.

Intuitive user interface

Our highly equipped test car featured optional 10.2-inch twin displays, along with a multicolour head-up display unit in place of the pair of standard 7.0-inch screens, which gave it a rather upmarket air that’s further accentuated by Mercedes-Benz’s latest multi-function steering wheel and lots of brushed- aluminium-look trim.

So configured, it’s all fittingly premium in look and feel, and with the latest in conversational voice recognition and touchscreen functions within easy reach of the steering wheel, it’s quite intuitive, too. The response from the infotainment system and MBUX operating system is particularly impressive, making it easy to set commands on the go.

The MBUX infotainment system is carried over from the A-Class.

Befitting the GLA’s crossover positioning, its front seats are mounted 140 mm higher than those in the A-Class hatchback. In combination with its increased ride height, this provides the GLA with a more commanding driving position. The added height within the body also brings a 22-mm increase in front headroom compared with the first-generation model. It’s an agreeably airy and relatively spacious driving environment by class standards.

The rear gets a fixed seat as standard but, as with the latest B-Class and the new GLB, there’s an optional bench with 140 mm of fore and aft adjustment and, crucially, 116 mm more rear legroom than before. Longer door apertures with less intrusion from the rear wheel arches also ease entry to the 2nd row, although rear headroom has been reduced by 6 mm, due to the new GLA’s more sloped roofline.

Despite the decrease in overall length, Mercedes has managed to squeeze an extra 14 litres of load volume into the load bay, which, with a capacity of 435 litres, now offers 30 litres more than the Q2, but still 35 litres less than the X2.

What's it like to drive?

Out on the road, the GLA 250’s engine provides solid performance. It never feels quite as refined as the 2.0 TSI unit in the Q2, nor as smooth as the engine that powers the X2 xDrive20i. But with little obvious lag and a good deal of low-end torque, it endows the junior Benz crossover with purposeful off-the-line and mid-range acceleration, as reflected in its claimed 0-100 kph time of 6.7 sec.

Scrolling through the various driving modes alters the powertrain's acoustic qualities quite markedly. In Comfort, the exhaust note is nicely subdued and distanced from the cabin. Switch into Sport, though, and it becomes instantly more determined in nature, with a raspy timbre under load and the odd crackle on a trailing throttle serving to engage enthusiast drivers.

With the new A-Class chassis underneath, the drive is far more refined.

Gear shifts, which can be controlled via steering-wheel-mounted paddles, are generally quite decisive, but the transmission can sometimes be caught out as you step off the throttle in automatic mode, leading to the odd less-than-smooth downshift as you decelerate to an intersection. With quite long gearing, it also endows the GLA 250 4Matic with a reasonable, if not outstanding, combined fuel economy figure of 5.8 L/100 km.

It’s the chassis and the improvements to the ride and handling that really stand out, though. The basis for this is the updated MFA platform, which brings increased rigidity and stiffness, as well as a decision to provide all-new GLA derivatives with a suspension featuring a combination of MacPherson struts up front and multi-links at the rear, together with optional adaptive damping control.

Along with the 30-mm increase in the wheelbase, the tracks have also been widened by 36 mm at the front and 46 mm at the rear, giving the new GLA a larger footprint than its predecessor and, in combination with increased volume to the wheelhouses, the ability to offer a wider range of alloy wheel sizes, from the standard 17-inch up to 20-inch.

To this, the GLA 250 4Matic adds a reworked multi-plate-clutch four-wheel-drive system with electromechanical instead of the earlier hydraulic operation, as well as fully-variable apportioning of power to each axle depending on prevailing grip levels. In Comfort and Eco modes, the drive is distributed in a nominal 80% front/20% rear split, while in Sport mode it’s set up to deliver a more rear-biased (30% front, 70% rear) apportioning of the drive. In Off-road mode, it offers an evenly balanced 50/50 front/rear split.

The on-road character alters quite a bit depending on the driving mode, giving the new GLA a broader range of qualities than before and the sort of cross-market appeal it is going to need to post a greater challenge to its premium-brand rivals. The weighting of the electromechanical steering is quite light, but the action is precise, even if it fails to impart much in the way of genuine road feel.

Boot space is in the middle between the smaller Q2 and slightly larger X2.

Despite its raised ride height, the GLA 250 4Matic also manages fine body control and engaging agility. Quick directional changes are met with progressive movements and excellent levels of grip. There’s sheer ease to the driving that makes it very appealing from an everyday point of view.

With a good degree of spring travel (and the optional adaptive damping) the ride is fairly compliant, even with the largest wheel choice and 225/45 R20 Bridgestone Alenza tyres of our test car. Road noise is also well isolated from the cabin. In fact, overall refinement has been greatly improved, which makes the GLA well suited to enjoyable long-distance travel.

The G in the GLA name stands for the German word Gela?nde, meaning terrain. And having experienced the new GLA away from the bitumen, we can vouch for the limited off-road qualities of the 4Matic derivatives, which come as standard with an Off-Road Engineering Package.

Summary

The new GLA has a lot more off-road cred than before.

Without the benefit of proper off-road tyres and mechanical differential locks, the new GLA is never going to take you deep into the jungle or the desert. However, the ability of its reworked four-wheel-drive system to vary the amount of drive to each axle – together with a downhill speed regulation, a unique Off-road mode that alters the intervention of the anti-lock braking system, multibeam LED headlights with an integrated off-road function and a moderate amount of ground clearance – does help it go places few prospective owners are ever likely to consider.

Mercedes-Benz deserves to be complimented on the new GLA. It’s a far more rounded and accomplished car than its predecessor, with greater dynamism and maturity to the way it feels to drive. What's more, it offers a considerably richer and roomier interior and improved levels of versatility and quality throughout.

However, we suspect the ownership experience will hinge greatly on the drivetrain. In four-wheel-drive GLA 250 4Matic guise, it’s convincingly powerful and punchy, with distinct sporting qualities. But we’ll need to spend time in more affordable front-wheel-drive derivatives before we can say if the new GLA has truly hit the target.

Renault Triber 1.0 Prestige (2020) Review

If you're shopping for a new family vehicle on a tight budget and looking for a model that can occasionally seat 7 occupants, Renault's new Triber is likely to be of particular interest to you… It seems to offer impressive value for money, but is the newcomer really up to the task?

We like: Good space utilisation, cabin flexibility, standard features

We don't like: Drivetrain (lack of power and gearing)

Fast Facts

Price: R189 900 (April 2020, no options)
Engine: 1.0-litre 3-cylinder
Gearbox: 5-speed manual
Fuel economy: 5.5 L/100 km (claimed)
Power/Torque: 52 kW/96 Nm

Own a Renault? Tell us about your experience here.

SERIOUS ABOUT BUYING?

Check out full specification details and finance estimates here.
Some Renault dealers regularly offer specials: Have look here.

Where does it fit in?

?
Boasting quasi-SUV styling and neat 15-inch alloy wheels, the Triber manages to look more expensive than it really is.

Affordability is more important than ever in the South African new-vehicle market, which is why the arrival of a sub-R200k 7-seater is bound to garner quite a bit of attention. When said 7-seater also boasts attractive looks and a long warranty, success is just about guaranteed… So, upon the Renault Triber's arrival in Mzansi, it ticks a great many of the necessary boxes straight off the bat. It's aimed at families that need a compact, yet practical, runabout that won't break the bank to buy and run. Its only main rival in the market is the Datsun Go+, which offers more traditional station wagon-esque styling, but if you can stretch your budget or get a good deal on your trade-in, you may also want to consider vehicles such as Suzuki's Ertiga, the Honda BR-V and Toyota Avanza.

Own a Renault? Please tell us about your experience here.

How it fares in terms of…

Design & Packaging

?Renault has packaged the Triber cleverly. From the success of its Captur and Duster models, it knows that a strong SUV-theme does well in the showroom, and so the Triber doesn't look like just another humdrum 7-seater people-mover. In fact, it looks a fair deal more expensive than it really is, which is a major boon in a cutthroat marketplace. With its black plastic cladding, roof rails (with a 50-kg carrying capacity), LED daytime running lights and 15-inch alloys, the Triber looks suitably smart.

The Triber is no longer than a compact hatchback, yet it offers genuine 7-seater capability.

It's a compact little thing, too. It's a smidge under 4 metres in length but inside, Renault's designers have squeezed in not only an attractively finished dual-tone fascia, but genuine 7-seater capability. With a 1.8-metre driver and a passenger of similar height seated behind them, there's still sufficient space for a pair of average-sized adults or teenagers in the 3rd row. Of course, with all 7 seats taken, luggage capacity becomes negligible, but that also applies to larger, costlier 7-seaters. The fact that the 2nd row of seats can slide (to adjust legroom), as well as recline, is a major boon.

Renault expects most owners to use the Triber as a 5-seater most of the time. For this reason, the rear seats can be folded down – or removed entirely. In fact, Renault claims up to 100 possible configurations inside, although we're unsure how it managed to calculate that lofty number. Still, the Triber is indeed a cleverly-packaged car and it offers some smart touches that are particularly surprising at this price level – such as separate air-con ventilation outlets for the 2nd and 3rd rows of seats. With the lattermost row removed, a massive 625 litres of utility space is available.

The rear seats are suitable for teenagers or adults of average height, especially if the 2nd row is adjusted forward.

At this price point, the Triber 1.0 Prestige is extremely well appointed. It comes equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Android Auto and Apple Carplay, a digital instrument cluster and electric windows and -mirrors. An air-conditioned centre console and cooled glove box are provided, but charging options are limited to 1 USB port up front and a 12V socket in the rear.

Another useful storage space is a "secret" drawer underneath the driver's seat. But, perhaps most impressively, the standard features list extends to include "luxury car" items such as keyless entry and -start, as well as a reverse-view camera.

The dual-tone fascia makes the Triber's cockpit look less utilitarian and the touchscreen infotainment system is right up to date.

Overall, then, the Triber has an impressive cabin given the model's price positioning… the interior panels and fittings may be of the hard-plastic variety, but Renault has added some classy touches, such as metallic-look accents and part-LED instrumentation to elevate the newcomer's cabin from humdrum to something… interesting.

Performance & Efficiency

?The Triber is powered by a naturally aspirated 1.0-litre 3-cylinder engine – that's right, there is no turbocharger under the bonnet. The quoted power and torque figures are 52 kW and 96 Nm respectively, and these alone should set some alarm bells ringing, particularly if you intend to regularly drive the Renault with a full complement of passengers on board, and especially so at altitude (which applies to South Africa's biggest car market). The 96 Nm of torque is developed at a fairly high 3 500 rpm (max power is at 6 250 rpm!), so it's an engine that you need to "keep on the boil".

Alas, when attempting quick overtaking manoeuvres, you're likely to stare at the Triber's neat digital instrument cluster in frustration…

Sadly, the Renault's gearing is not particularly well-suited to South African driving conditions (it probably reflects the lower average vehicle speeds of its home market – India). Throttle and clutch modulation is tricky; far too much concentration is required to achieve smooth progress. When it's loaded with passengers and tasked to ascend steep hills (of which there are many in Cape Town), the Triber needs to be geared down rather often. In fact, "riding the clutch" is something you may end up doing quite often in this car, and we can't say that it felt particularly at ease doing that.

The engine is, however, better suited to cruising on the freeway, where it is impressively quiet; it allows the Triber to keep up with fast-flowing traffic quite easily. Fuel economy is also good – Renault claims a combined cycle consumption figure of 5.5 L/100 km, but in reality, you're looking at around 7.0 L/100 km, which is still a good result.

Ride & Handling

?
The Triber's pliant suspension belies the newcomer's budget price. It also traverses uneven/unsealed roads with confidence.

The Triber doesn't share its underpinnings with the Kwid budget hatchback, as you might expect; it's built on its own platform. By virtue of a claimed ground clearance of 182 mm, the Renault's a capable pavement climber or gravel-road traverser, and with a wheelbase of 2 636 mm, there's substantially more metal between the axles than in a Kwid! This is immediately apparent when you drive the Triber over a variety of road surfaces. It rides on bumpy roads and its build integrity seems good, too, given the absence of rattles we discerned when travelling on poor surfaces.

Speaking of freeways, we did drive the Triber at cruising speeds and unlike the Kwid, it feels capable at the national speed limit. One discerns some wind and engine roar at about 120 kph, but the newcomer offers satisfactory performance in terms of its general road-holding.

Price and warranty (April 2020)

The flagship Renault Triber, the 1.0 Prestige, costs R189 900, which includes a lengthy 5-years/150 000 km warranty and a 2-years/30 000 km service plan. Services are scheduled for every 15 000 km/12 months.

Verdict

?
The Triber offers plenty of value as an affordable people-mover, but its iffy powertrain impedes it from being a balanced package.

There is a lot to like about the Triber, not least its value proposition. The cabin is a genuinely good place to occupy and is packed with clever, practical features, in addition to being just plain practical and spacious. It also rides better than we anticipated; from behind the 'wheel, it feels like a bigger, more sophisticated car on the road than, for example, the aforementioned Kwid. And although crash testing has not yet been conducted on this model, the car "feels" more substantial overall, in addition to offering a quartet of airbags and ABS as standard.

It's a pity the iffy drivetrain diminishes the package. During the Triber's extended stay with the team, the usual "acclimatisation" didn't occur, and we continued to lurch and stall our way through Cape Town traffic, cursing the lack of torque, poorly-spaced gear ratios and sticky clutch. We can only imagine that it will be worse at altitude. A rumoured turbopetrol version can't come soon enough…

Looking to buy a new/used Renault Triber?

Find one on Cars.co.za by clicking here

Petrol Price Decrease for May 2020

There is some good news for SA motorists as the petrol price will be coming down in May 2020, but will the lockdown have ended by then so we can take advantage of this decrease?

Due to a massive spat between Russia and Saudi Arabia over oil production, the oil price has been subjected to some massive drops in value. "Coming in the wake of March's record fuel price reductions, South Africa is probably set for a second month of record fuel price drops for some fuel types," the AA comments. "The irony is that this has come at a time where motorists and businesses are severely limited as to how they can use their vehicles," said the Automobile Association (AA).

The forecast suggests petrol will be down by a massive R1.89 a litre, with illuminating paraffin dropping by R1.88 and diesel by R1.17. This is very good, even though the Rand has lost considerable value against the US Dollar. However, these figures are not set in stone and due to market volatility, we could see some radically different figures by the end of April 2020.

The AA press release ended off with a happy note, "But as matters currently stand, when South Africans come out of lockdown at the end of April, fuel prices will be around three Rand a litre lower than when they went in."

VW Tayron X is a Tiguan Coupe

New roof and tailgate for Tiguan platform as VW begins to chase the SUV coupe craze.

VW has revealed images of its latest coupe – and obviously it is based on one of the brand’s popular SUVs.

The Tayron X is a sloping roofline version of VW’s Tiguan platform and the design logic is to harvest the surging tide of demand for anything with elevated ride height and a curvy roof section.

Like the Tiguan, it rides on VW’s proven MQB platform – which runs anything from a Polo to a Caddy to a Q3. Bumper-to-bumper the Tayron X measures 4.62 m, which places it between a standard Tiguan and a Tiguan Allspace.

Height is the dimension where Tayron X expectedly differs from a conventional Tiguan. Measured from the road surface to its roof, the Tayron X stands 1.66 m tall, which is slightly lower than a Tiguan, at 1.67m.

An interesting design detail applied to the Tayron X, for VW brand fans, is its rear illumination. The taillights have an X-shaped LED illumination profile which is different from anything seen on the current Tiguan. There is a possibility of those lights being a clue to what the next Tiguan upgrade could entail, in terms of rear styling.

Powering the Tayron X are a choice of familiar VW petrol engines. At the entry-level there’s the 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, boosting 137 kW.

Most customers will probably opt for the more potent 2-litre turbo motor, which is truer to the dynamic intent of owning and driving a sloping roofline coupe. VW will be offering the Tayron X with a 162 kW version of the EA888 engine, driving through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The Tayron X defaults to a front-wheel-drive configuration, as one would expect from an MQB vehicle platform, with only the option for 4Motoin all-wheel drive.

VW is planning to launch the Tayron X in China, although elements of the design appear very transposable to similarly-sized SUVs of the brand, which sell in all global markets.

Novitec Takes McLaren Senna To Another Level

The McLaren Senna is already an outrageous high-performance hypercar, but Novitec has turned up the wick even higher to make for one insane machine.

Tuners Novitec has turned the already-insane McLaren Senna into something even more menacing. For starters, the power has increased from 588 kW and 800 Nm to 663 kW and 888 Nm, giving it a claimed acceleration of 2.7 seconds to 100 kph and it will hit a top speed of 335 kph. Novitec has used what it calls the 'Novitec N-TRONIC module', which is essentially an electronic engine control unit upgrade for the 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine. There's also a Novitec Race GTR high-performance exhaust system.

The aerodynamics have been left alone as they already probably at their most effective, but Novitec has partnered with Vossen alloy wheels to develop a proper wheel/tyre combination for this specific car. They're of the lightweight variety and are available in 72 different colours. Customers can also spec a variety of customised interiors for the cabin too. Check it out in the below video.

Novitec McLaren Senna Video

More Clearance for Local Suzuki Jimny

German lift-kit boosts the off-road ability of pint-sized local Jimny

The Suzuki Jimny is an amazingly capable little off-roader, but if you want even more 4×4 performance, there are options.

Famed German suspension supplier, Bilstein, is now marketing a lift-kit for the Jimny. Branded as a raise-your-game (RYG) component set, it raises your Jimny’s ride height to improve obstacle clearance in technical off-road terrain.

The Bilstein RYG package features the company’s B8 monotube dampers, which are locally assembled and linked to a set of South African fabricated springs.

Durability is boosted with a set of high-density polyurethane bushes, accounting for the increased leverage forces of raising your Jimny’s ride height.

How much clearance does your Jimny gain with a Bilstein RYG kit? The claim is between 35-45 mm, which in the realm of off-road ability, is a lot. A standard Jimny has a ground clearance of 210 mm, this kit would then take it to around 250 mm.

Although the latest Jimny has prodigious off-road ability, especially with its electronic traction control, having additional clearance is always welcome. This is especially important for owners who enjoy using the Jimny’s off-road ability, but don’t wish to unnecessarily snag and damage the bumpers or lower door sections of their vehicles.

Pricing

Bilstein’s RYG kit is set to retail at R22 625

Opel Corsa SA Engine Details Announced

The Opel Corsa is on its way to South Africa and engine details for our market have been released.

First spotted on Opel's South African website, the details discussed which engines and transmissions we'll be getting, plus an estimated arrival date of mid-late 2020. However, with COVID-19, delays are highly possible.

This is the 6th-generation Opel Corsa and if you weren't already aware, Opel was taken over by PSA (Peugeot Citroen Group) and while concerns are understandable, the French clearly know what they're doing and the new Corsa is flying off European showroom floors.

As a rival to the Volkswagen Polo, Ford Fiesta, Mazda2 and many more, the Opel Corsa has to bring its A-game to compete. The standard specification will have to be high and Opel SA's website says the new Corsa will come with "a wider array of tech features, including glare-free Eco-LED headlights, traffic sign recognition, cruise control, side blind zone alert and a variety of driver assistance systems." There'll also be Opel's IntelliLink infotainment system, complete with a 17.8 cm touchscreen.

In terms of engines and transmissions, Opel SA will be offering a 55 kW/118 Nm naturally-aspirated 1.2-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox as well as a 96 kW/230 Nm 1.2-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder petrol engine mated a 6-speed automatic transmission. We're itching to have a go.

Browse new and used Opel vehicles for sale here.

BMW X8 M On the Way?

The world might not need another SUV but if there’s truth in the rumours doing the rounds, there might be a powerful (and expensive) X8 M SUV in the making.

Rumours of a new BMW X8 flagship SUV have been floating around for about 3 years and the X8 moniker was reportedly trademarked in 2019, hinting at BMW’s intention to bring an X8 to market. Now, in a new report from Bimmer Post, BMW appears to have filed a trademark application for the X8 M moniker, which if true, solidifies the evidence for a high-performance X8 M model. With the X8, BMW could be pushing further upmarket into the ultra-luxurious super SUV segment where rivals such as the Bentley Bentayga, Range Rover Sport SVR, Lamborghini Urus and Aston Martin DBX compete.

Referred to internally as the G09, the new X8 is expected to be shown in either concept or production form at the end of 2020 or in 2021. If the former is the case, the production X8 might only arrive on showroom floors in 2022 with the X8 M following after.

Nonetheless, the X8 is expected to raise the luxury bar substantially and will share its underpinnings with the BMW X7. In terms of design, the suggestion is that the X8 will mostly feature a design of its own and for better or for worse, it’s fair to assume that a monster grille will make its way onto the X8. The X8 is said to be more than just a coupe-roofed X7 and more of a standalone model. It will certainly make it interesting as to how BMW intends to market another huge SUV in its lineup. As for the interior, you can expect the very best fittings and technology in BMW’s arsenal to find its way into the X8. The cabin is also expected to feature 4 individual seats.

As for the X8 M range-topper, power is likely to come from the same twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 engine found in the BMW X6 M which will produce no less than 460 kW and 750 Nm. A zero to 100 kph sprint time of around 4 seconds is imaginable.

Interestingly, other X8 derivatives are reportedly on the cards too, including an M Performance hybrid X8 M45e. In this application, BMW’s 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder engine pairs with an electric motor that can produce a combined output of no less than 298 kW and 542 Nm. An entry-level X8 is also expected.

BMW must be enjoying all the hype being generated around the X8 and the firm has yet to officially confirm (or deny) its plans to bring the X8 to market. If the X8 M does see the light of day, it will likely be the most expensive BMW money can buy. Either way, we will keep you updated as soon as more information becomes available.

Buy a BMW on Cars.co.za

Ford AT44 is a Fat Tyre F-150

AT44 Ford F-150 is finally happening!

Arctic Trucks are globally celebrated for building some of the best off-road vehicles you can buy.

When that Hilux or Land Cruiser need some additional traction and floatation over sandy or snowy terrain, Arctic Trucks are the people who can make a plan. And that plan is usually fitting the largest possible tyres, by completely modifying factory wheel arch specifications and suspension set-ups. The company has also collaborated with Isuzu when it produced the D-Max AT 35.

Strangely, Arctic Trucks has never applied its skills to the world’s most popular vehicle (and bakkie). Ford’s F-150 has always orbited beyond the reach of the Icelandic company’s influence. But not anymore.

There is finally an Arctic Trucks version of the Ford F-150. As with most other Arctic Trucks, it rolls enormous tyres, has massively increased obstacle clearance ability and looks very imposing.

Although there is no set naming convention for this F-150, it is safe to speculate that it will have the ‘AT44’ badge, like most other Arctic Trucks vehicles. That naming convention denotes the size of its tyres, which are 44-inch Nokians, featuring the Finnish brand’s Polar Expedition tread compound.

To accommodate such high-volume tyres, Arctic Trucks have completely reshaped the F-150’s wheel arches with custom fenders. A custom suspension set-up for the F-150 AT44 is still being prototyped but is sure to make this bakkie unstoppable off-road.

The Arctic Trucks F-150 AT44 prototype is powered by Ford’s 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6, boosting 272 kW and 475 Nm. With the added rolling resistance and rotational mass increase of those 44-inch tyres, there is little doubt that Arctic Trucks will also be working on an engine upgrade, for its F-150 AT44.

Volvo Mulls V40 Replacement

Volvo is considering a replacement model for its V40 hatchback. But where would the model fit into the current portfolio?

Volvo globally and in South Africa are in a great space. The current arsenal are all highly-lauded products with most having either won a category or been a finalist in the #CarsAwards-powered by WesBank. It's interesting to note that while the majority of the range comprises SUVs, there are still some sedans and station wagons. The only model missing from the lineup is a hatchback and you may recall the V40 was discontinued back in 2019. Since that announcement, there has been no word on a new model and its understandable, given the push into SUVs and the popularity of the XC40.

UK outlet Auto Express had a chat to Lex Kerssemakers, Volvo’s Senior Vice-President for E Europe, the Middle East and Africa regarding the replacement for this model. “We need to do something more creative,” said Kerssemakers. “That’s why we have decided to not just replace the V40 on a one-to-one basis. There are two things you can’t exclude in the thinking process towards the next generation of V40. The high seating position is really an issue, and we see a lot of people moving from V40 into XC40. I was part of it and ran the project when we started the XC40; that polarisation between high and low was much stronger 5 years ago. Now you see even the die-hard low seating people moving to the higher seats. I personally think they may move back in a while because it’s a different driving experience, but it’s a trend. There’s also the fact that you cannot offer a new car any more – now, already – which is not equipped to be fully electrified."

So what does this mean exactly? Essentially, there could be an electrified baby SUV to rival things like the Mercedes-Benz GLA, BMW X2 and Audi Q2, and if Auto Express' report is on the money, we'll see Volvo's new car going on sale in 2022. If like us, you are wondering how a small SUV would fit in alongside the XC40, then think of it as the BMW X2 to the X1. Volvo hasn't followed the German trend of producing a coupe SUV for every regular SUV it produces, so this venture into a smaller XC40 would see it sail into untested waters.

Browse new and used Volvo vehicles for sale now.

Mercedes-Benz GLA (2020) International Launch Review

Compared with its predecessor, Mercedes-Benz's 2nd-generation rival to the Audi Q2 and BMW X2 emphasises its crossover role a whole lot more. Our international correspondent Greg Kable got behind the wheel of the new GLA, which will appear in South African showrooms shortly…

What's on offer?

Intuitive user interface

What's it like to drive?

Summary

Related content:

Renault Triber 1.0 Prestige (2020) Review

If you're shopping for a new family vehicle on a tight budget and looking for a model that can occasionally seat 7 occupants, Renault's new Triber is likely to be of particular interest to you… It seems to offer impressive value for money, but is the newcomer really up to the task?

Fast Facts

SERIOUS ABOUT BUYING?

Where does it fit in?

How it fares in terms of…

Price and warranty (April 2020)

Verdict

Looking to buy a new/used Renault Triber?

Petrol Price Decrease for May 2020

There is some good news for SA motorists as the petrol price will be coming down in May 2020, but will the lockdown have ended by then so we can take advantage of this decrease?

Related Content

VW Tayron X is a Tiguan Coupe

New roof and tailgate for Tiguan platform as VW begins to chase the SUV coupe craze.

Related content

Novitec Takes McLaren Senna To Another Level

The McLaren Senna is already an outrageous high-performance hypercar, but Novitec has turned up the wick even higher to make for one insane machine.

Novitec McLaren Senna Video

Further Reading

More Clearance for Local Suzuki Jimny

German lift-kit boosts the off-road ability of pint-sized local Jimny

Pricing

Related content

Opel Corsa SA Engine Details Announced

The Opel Corsa is on its way to South Africa and engine details for our market have been released.

Further Reading

BMW X8 M On the Way?

The world might not need another SUV but if there’s truth in the rumours doing the rounds, there might be a powerful (and expensive) X8 M SUV in the making.

Related Content

Ford AT44 is a Fat Tyre F-150

AT44 Ford F-150 is finally happening!

Related content

Volvo Mulls V40 Replacement

Volvo is considering a replacement model for its V40 hatchback. But where would the model fit into the current portfolio?

Further Reading