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…
Happy World Earth Day!
Track-Ready Tuned Tesla Model 3 Revealed
Can you really tune an electric car and make it faster? RevoZport believes you can and has revealed a crazy aerodynamic package for the Tesla Model 3.
It can't be easy to be a tuner with electric cars coming to market. You can't tweak the electric engine much, although tuners are trying to sharpen power delivery and increase battery capacity for extra performance. So attention is being turned to aerodynamics and suspension to improve performance. RevoZport's electric arm R-ZENTRIC has released a special aero package for the Tesla Model 3 and we think it looks incredible.
The goal was to make the Tesla Model 3 a high-performance track attack racer without impacting on the car's range. Cleverly the focus was on aerodynamics and drag reduction. By fitting active aerodynamics, the car will adapt to the driver's demands. Put your foot down and all the spoilers and wings retract to reduce drag and increase the range. The kit comprises an active front spitter that extends or retracts depending on whether you require downforce. There's also a huge carbon-fibre diffuser underneath the car with an active panel at the rear. When the panel is deployed, there's downforce which works in tandem with the front splitter to keep the car hunkered down. These 2 elements are controlled by a G-force sensor.
There's plenty of carbon fibre thrown in too, with a ducktail boot spoiler as well as a lightweight bonnet. Rounding off the package are lightweight forged 21-inch wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sports sticky rubber. To help it corner more effectively, the tyres at the rear are wider than those at the front.
While many petrolheads lament the dawn of the electric era as the beginning of the end of the fun times, it's good to see that tuners are already getting their hands on electric cars and making them more engaging to drive. We may lose the sound and feel of an internal combustion engine, but the feel of going fast around a twisty corner should never be lost. If the acceleration feeling of an electric car puts a smile on our faces, we're looking forward to seeing what comes next.
The lightweight alloy wheels wrapped in high-performance track rubber, as well as the active aero, mean this Tesla Model 3 will be super quick around a circuit.
Mercedes-AMG is ready its next iteration of the E63 S super sedan and our spy photographers have spotted a less disguised prototype leaving the Nurburgring.
Picture credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien. We have paid for these photos and at the photographer's request, have watermarked them.
The Mercedes-AMG E63 S is slowly losing its camouflage, meaning we're expecting a reveal pretty soon. That being said, we were hoping to get a reveal earlier this year at the 2020 Geneva Motor Show, but with these latest images its clear AMG is not finished with the car yet. As far as powertrains go, we're thinking the 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo unit will be carried over as before, but how much power will it make is the real question.
The current Mercedes-AMG E63 S delivers a thumping 450 kW and 850 Nm making it good for 3.4 seconds to 100 kph. Interestingly, we do know this powertrain is capable of 470 kW and 900 Nm, evidenced by the mighty Mercedes-AMG GT63 S 4-door. Power will go to all 4 wheels via a 9-speed gearbox and like before, it will offer front axle decoupling resulting in monstrous smokey drifts as the rear wheels are overwhelmed by that V8.
We already have some idea of what the next-generation Mercedes-AMG E63 looks like thanks to this leak.
The Chinese market gets some interesting models from Volkswagen and yet another has been revealed. Meet the Volkswagen Viloran business minivan.
The Volkswagen Viloran is built on the MQB platform by SAIC Volkswagen joint venture and is the biggest product to use this architecture. It's over 5 metres, 2 metres wide and has a wheelbase of 3.1 metres giving it a strong focus on passenger space.
It's claimed to seat 7, but we're particularly interested in the 2nd-row captain chairs which look extremely comfortable. The cabin has been given a serious luxury look with plenty of leather and massage seats. There's also virtual cockpit and a panoramic roof. It's said to be safe too, with an adaptive cruise control system, traffic jam assistant, auto park, lane-keeping assist and auto brake.
In terms of engines, the Volkswagen Viloran has the option of a 2.0-litre turbocharged motor with around 160 kW and 350 Nm, as well as a 136 kW / 320 Nm variant. Power goes to the front wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
It's destined for China-only, but if you want the next best thing, then look towards a Volkswagen Kombi/Caravelle.
Calvin Fisher has scoured all the available streaming services available in South Africa to list the best car flicks to make your lockdown fly by.
I know. You're bored. I am too, but relief is in sight. I've spent the last few days combing DSTV Now, Amazon Prime and Netflix to bring you this list of awesome movies and documentaries that you can watch RIGHT now! What qualifies a "car movie"? Well, I've kept it simple so whether the car is the star of the show or simply features prominently, I reckon it's in here. So, no movies with just one cool car chase – sorry Jason Bourne. And while John Wick and his wicked Mustang would totally qualify, it sadly doesn’t exist on the aforementioned streaming services. So, with the stage set, action!
1. Grand Tour (on Amazon Prime)
Modern Top Gear was born from the loins of this crusty old trio: Messrs Clarkson, Hammond and May. Naturally, their Amazon series, the Grand Tour, is a master class in motor-vehicular mayhem. Even if the modern version often takes the jokes too far, the cinematography is outstanding to watch. Binge all 3 seasons. Immediately.
2. Days of Thunder (on DStv Now)
You can thank Multichoice's pop-up Tom Cruise channel for this one. This is clearly the inspiration for Will Ferrell's Talladega Nights, which sadly can't be found on the aforementioned services. And that's okay because Days of Thunder is an absolute classic. Think Top Gun with cars. In fact, just think Cars – minus Owen Wilson's Lightning McQueen.
3. Wheelman (on Netflix)
This one’s a hidden Netflix gem that deserves to be watched. It stars getaway driver Frank Grillo at the helm of a four-door E46 BMW – notice I didn’t say M3. Pundits reckon it's a naturally aspirated 3.0-litre straight-6 similar to an SA-built 330i of that era, but that is beside the point. Frank manages to make the compact Bavarian saloon look as cool as any muscle car.
4. Fast and Furious: Hobbes and Shaw (on DSTV Now)
I get it… you’ve got Fast and Furious fatigue, we all do. This spin-off featuring The Rock, Idris Elba and Jason Statham, however, doesn’t even try to take itself seriously and comes choc-full of the hottest metal you can imagine. Brainless. Stimulation. Guaranteed.
5. Formula One: Drive to Survive (on Netflix)
If you are limited to watching just one F1-themed docu-series then this has to be it. It comes with a compelling storyline and an excellent presentation likely to enthral aficionados and newcomers. This is top-shelf content, folks. Boredom be gone. In fact, I'd say you'll enjoy this more than your average 2020 F1 race. Especially now that the season in on pause.
6. Joy Ride (on Amazon Prime)
This one stars the late Paul Walker, but is not a Fast and Furious movie. Rather, he partners up with the zany Steve Zahn as brothers on a rollercoaster of a thriller written by JJ Abrahams. They’re on a cross-country road trip in a 1971 Chrysler Newport (not your typical muscle car). The film is made in the spirit of 70s thriller, The Duel – so it involves a killer in hot murderous pursuit.
7. Senna (on Netflix)
This is the ultimate tale of 3-time world F1 drivers' champion Ayrton Senna, one of the greatest and arguably, most iconic F1 racing drivers of all time. It follows his illustrious career right up until the moment he died at Imola in 1994. It's been brilliantly cobbled together from interviews, old footage and unaired content, into the most riveting and emotional narrative you could hope for.
8. Baby Driver (on Netflix)
This is an Edgar Wright flick, director of the Simon Pegg trilogy of Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz and The World's End. He also did Scott Pilgrim and has mastered the cinematic jump-cut sequence, making his approach to a classic heist movie (and its talented getaway driver) that much more exciting. They make a red Subaru WRX sedan do very interesting things to the beat of the soundtrack, which is worth the price of admission alone.
9. Hot Fuzz (on Amazon Prime)
Look, we have to talk about this. Edgar Wright again, with the Simon Pegg-Nick Frost dream team in a British crime comedy. It makes it into my list for the way they turned boring Vauxhall Astra police cars into action superstars. Handbrake turns. J-Turns. It’s all here. Like a classic Top Gear skit turned Hollywood blockbuster.
10. Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee (on Netflix)
I love cars obviously, but I also love coffee and come on, who doesn’t like to laugh? This Jerry Seinfeld creation, born on YouTube and now lovingly produced for Netflix, has the lot. There are 3 seasons to enjoy with exotic metal and a hilarious list of Hollywood’s funniest to keep you coming back.
11. 6 Underground (on Netflix)
This Ryan Reynolds’ vehicle is the closest you’ll come to Ronin – an explosive Michael Bay heist film with double-crosses, carnage and a plethora of wicked metal including, but not limited to, the Ferrari 488 and a particularly drifty green Alfa Giulia Quadrifoglio. The latter enjoys an extended car chase scene so gratuitous it reminds me why the man’s films are referred to as Bayhem. Thankfully more in the vein of Bad Boys than those ridiculous Transformers movies.
12. The Italian Job (on Netflix)
Mark Wahlberg, Jason Statham and Charlize Theron star in this old-school heist film and must club together to take the fight to Edward Norton after a wicked betrayal in the opening act. Luckily they have a trio of heavily-modified Mini Coopers with which to wreak havoc. If you've ever enjoyed a gymkhana, this movie has all the handbrake turn, parking lot tomfoolery you could hope for.
13. Smokey and the Bandit (on Netflix)
Can you name a more iconic duo than Burt Reynolds and his black Pontiac Firebird Transam? Smokey and the Bandit lives in that rarified air between Cannonball Run and The Dukes of Hazzard. This is still great entertainment despite being over 4 decades old. And if you don’t know who Burt Reynolds is, please hand in your petrolhead licence at once
14. Initial D (on Netflix)
It’s the legendary tale of Takumi Fujiwara and his Hachi Roku – the infamous 4AGE powered rear-wheel-drive Trueno hatchback. This car alone has one of the largest followings ever and is responsible for a significant part of drift culture. Needless to say, I am a massive massive fan of the Initial D anime series and this live-action version, while just average, stars your favourite JDM icons, including R32 Skyline GTRs, Mazda RX-7s and Civic Type Rs.
15. Wired Cars (on Amazon Prime)
There’s no denying that technology is becoming increasingly relevant in motoring, so when a technology magazine like Wired decides to do a series on the motorcar, you can count on a fresh perspective. They don't disappoint with these snappy videos, including a look at the cars from movies like the Fast and Furious franchise, investigate weird driving laws, tackle texting and driving and imagining a future with driverless cars.
The Dreamer – A Fashion Film in Partnership with Mercedes-Benz and Klipa Denim
Cars.co.za teams up with Mercedes-Benz and Klipa Denim to produce a branded fashion film that exudes African-Haute-Couture-cum-James-Bond in the Maluti Mountains
Local film director Robert dos Santos has unveiled his latest fashion film – an African inspired cinematic Western that moves boundlessly through the vast mountains of Lesotho.
Explaining his vision behind the film, Dos Santos notes "Lesotho is an unknown gem within the Southern African region. The moment you cross the border you are thrown into an incredible and beautiful landscape filled with the most remarkably beautiful people."
The colour and fashion pieces used in the film were inspired by the design of the Mercedes-AMG GT.
Shooting the film was a journey in itself with a flight to Lesotho having to be abandoned and turned around 10 minutes after take off from Lanseria due to poor weather, moving heavy and expensive film gear 2500m up a mountain, and shooting alongside a shear cliff face.
Dos Santos continues, "The idea to create a fashion film in Lesotho was inspired by a conversation and a trip I experienced with my friend and colleague Jono Kyriakou. I approached Cars.co.za, known for making beautiful car and travel films, with the idea and happily the brand didn’t hesitate to partner with us on the project."
He adds, "With Cars.co.za's help we reached out to Mercedes-Benz, a staple in the fashion industry, who came on board with their incredible GT sports car to help us to realise our vision."
Lehlohonolo Kwape wears a one-of-a-kind outfit that was created by Klipa Denim specially for use in this film.
Inspired by the bright yellow AMG as seen in the film, a one of a kind outfit was created by local fashion house Klipa Denim. The colour and pattern of the fashion pieces were inspired by the car, itself. The leather trimmings were inspired by the saddle and reins of the horse, while the overall design was inspired by the African landscape.
Speaking of his rationale behind the fashion films he creates, dos Santos concludes, "For me fashion films should be likened to runway fashion, it has nothing to do with practicality but everything to do with feeling. Our film tries to balance and encapsulate these emotions in a mixture of subtle power and windswept elegance."
About
Robert dos Santos has produced and directed local and internationally nominated fashion films and commercials, with his most recent fashion film 'Light' having played in festivals in the UK and USA.
