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.

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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.

Next-gen Mercedes-Benz C-Class Loses V6 & V8 Motors

Reports are suggesting the next-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class will only have 4-cylinder petrol and diesel engines.

Picture credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien. We have paid for these photos and at the photographer's request, have watermarked them.

A report by Mercedes-Benz page JESMB suggests the all-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class will be powered by 4-cylinder motors, with the big V6 and V8 motors have been put out to pasture. Other Mercedes-Benz product portfolios will continue to use these motors, so there's no need to panic for now.

The report claims the new model will continue to be assembled in Merc's facilities of Bremen, East London (South Africa), Beijing and Tuscaloos. Customers will be receiving their new cars in spring 2021, which we assume is a European spring so around the first and second quarter of 2021.

In terms of engine lineup, there'll be 7 models with 4 diesels and 3 petrol engines to choose from. Kicking off the range will be the C180d with 90 kW, followed by the C200d with 120 kW. There'll be a C220d with 145 KW and finally at the top of the pile will be the C300d with 182 kW (with Integrated Starter-generator (ISG) of 15 kW). The motor is the OM654, a modular diesel engine designed by Mercedes-Benz in 2016.

For those wanting a petrol-powered Mercedes-Benz C-Class, there will be a C180 with mild-hybrid belt-driven starter generator tech to develop 116 kW (with an additional 12 kW thanks to the hybrid system) as well as a C200 using the same tech to produce 146 kW (plus 12 kW). There will also be a C350 model producing 202 kW (and 16 kW) from a M254 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder and 48-Volt ISG. There will also be a plug-in hybrid model using the same M254 engine, but the electric motor's output has been increased to around 100 kW and it will have a WLTP range of over 100 km on pure electric. We'd assume all models will feature the 9-speed automatic transmission.

What about the AMG models, you ask? Well, it appears the V8 turbo engine is gone, as is the V6 turbo motor. Replacing them will be the M139 motor, the same as the one used in the A45 S. In C43 AMG 4Matic application, it will be tuned to deliver 290 kW. The C63 AMG will also get the 2.0 M139 motor, but will gain an AMG EQ-Power hybrid module. The report suggests that there will be 2 output versions, one with 355 kW and the S model packing 390 kW. Expect the AMG models a few months after the debut of the base-spec Mercedes-Benz C-Class models.

Is this the cabin of the next-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class?

We have over 1800 Mercedes-Benz C-Class units for sale. Browse stock now.

Hyundai Veloster N with DCT Teased

Hyundai has dropped short teaser video showing the Veloster N featuring a DCT.

While some purists prefer to extract a car’s performance using a manual transmission, others prefer an automatic to get the job done.

We recently sampled the manual Hyundai i30 N on road and track and a major highlight was the quality shift action offered by that transmission. We know that an 8-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) will make it into the i30 N in due course, but Hyundai has dropped a cheeky teaser video of the Veloster N fitted with an 8-speed DCT.

We also know that the Veloster N is under consideration for South Africa but if you consider how long it took for the i30 N (it arrived earlier this year) to reach our shores and with all the global uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the arrival of the Veloster N remains to be seen.

The standard Veloster is a bit of a performance dud but thankfully the Veloster N appears to be yet another impressive product from Hyundai’s successful N Division and draws power from same turbocharged 2.0-litre engine used in the i30 N with 205 kW and 353 Nm of torque. A 6-speed manual transmission will now be joined with the option of a DCT and the accompanying steering-mounted shift paddles. While zero to 100 kph in 6.2 seconds is achievable with the manual, the DCT should be marginally quicker.

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Watch the teaser video below!

Volkswagen Golf 8 Gets Tuned

Volkswagen played it safe with the exterior design of the Golf 8 but that creates the opportunity for tuners to bring the new Golf to life.

Many Golf fans might be disappointed by the look of the new Golf 8 and while South Africans have to wait until the end of 2020 to get their hands on the latest Golf, some tuners are already developing styling kits for the new Golf 8.

The creation you see here is by German tuning specialists, JMS Fahrzeugteile, who have taken a standard Golf 8 and turned it into something far more striking. Note the subtle red GTI-style detailing and the extended spoiler lip adds an additional 3 cm to the front apron. Flared side sills add a dash of aggression to the overall look. At the rear, a custom diffuser is fitted and it can be adapted to suit either a single or double custom exhaust system.

JSM also decided to fit 19-inch, Y-spoke Barracuda Tzunamee EVO light-alloy wheels with a brushed gunmetal finish and red racing bolts. You’ll notice that this Golf 8 is sitting low thanks to a coilover suspension from KW.

The JMS Racelook Exclusive Line styling package is expected to go on sale in September 2020 and in addition to the kit, there may be some performance enhancements and bespoke exhaust options in the works too.

What do you think of the look of this Golf 8 by JMS?

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Tell us what you think of this look for the Golf 8!

Toyota RAV4 Gains More Tech

Toyota South Africa has given its RAV4 SUV some tech upgrades. Here are some details, plus how much the Toyota RAV4 range costs.

Since it's launch, the Toyota RAV4 has proven immensely popular not just in SA, but on a global scale. In light of recent customer feedback and what Toyota terms 'ever-evolving market requirements', the RAV4 gains some upgrades.

The changes are all in the tactile and feature departments, with the GX-grade RAV4 models receiving leather steering wheel- and shift-lever coverings.

The VX-grade of Toyota RAV4 gets an update to the Adaptive Cruise Control system. It now caters for all speeds, where previously it only operated at speeds above 40 kph. There's also an update to the Lane Keeping System. All new Toyota RAV4 models will gain smartphone integration in the form of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Want to purchase a Toyota RAV4? Browse new and used examples for sale here.

Apple CarPlay (Pictured) and Android Auto allow for app integration like maps, streaming music and of course, your Toyota app.

Toyota RAV4 Price in South Africa

All RAV4 models are sold with a 6-services/90 000 km service plan (service intervals at 12 months or 15 000 km) and a 3-year/100 000 km warranty. Toyota Connect telematics service and in-car Wi-Fi connectivity (with a complimentary once-off 15 GB) also feature as standard.

RAV4 2.0 GX 2WD – R445 600*

RAV4 2.0 GX CVT 2WD – R457 500 *

RAV4 2.0 GX-R-CVT AWD – R541 800 ^

RAV4 2.0 VX CVT 2WD – R541 600 *

RAV4 2.5 VX AT AWD – R618 400 ^

* Available with upgraded multimedia system as of 6 April 2020

^ Multimedia roll-out will be in the form of a running change

Lexus Adds Torque Vectoring to LC

LC becomes lighter and more dynamic.

If you are in the market for a naturally-aspirated V8 grand tourer, the options are few. Amongst those is the Lexus LC500 and the Japanese luxury brand has announced some upgrades for its strikingly styled grand tourer

Starting inside, Lexus has finally added Android Auto to the big coupe's infotainment capability, with full screen mirroring.

There aren’t any substantial exterior styling changes, but the available colour palette has been improved. Lexus will now offer its formerly exclusive Nori Green Pearl paint finish as an option for all LCs and there’s a new Cadium orange hue, too.

Lexus can also now supply a contrasting wheel colour on your LC coupe, with a darkened 20-inch alloy wheel design.

Beyond the new swathe of colours, Lexus has applied some mechanical engineering improvements to the LC range. The suspension components are updated with a new rear stabilizer bar and the electronic absorber controls have now software parameters.

Perhaps the most exciting news for Lexus fans who regard the LC coupe range as a driver’s car, is a new ACTIVE Cornering Assist function. This is effectively the Lexus name for torque vectoring and should enable any LC to exhibit sharper lateral dynamics, by trimming the brakes on its inside wheels, when cornering.

The new suspension components have also enabled Lexus to trim the LC coupe’s weight by 10 kg and further enhancing the LC’s driver appeal is a reprogrammed ten-speed automatic gearbox.

Lexus drivetrain engineers have tested and validated new software, which will hold gears for longer during peak acceleration. The gearbox has been tuned to more regularly gear down to second gear, at lower-speeds with a lot of steering angle, to allow appropriate acceleration through the apex of corners.

More Clearance for Local Suzuki Jimny

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

Pricing

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Opel Corsa SA Engine Details Announced

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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.

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Ford AT44 is a Fat Tyre F-150

AT44 Ford F-150 is finally happening!

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Volvo Mulls V40 Replacement

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Next-gen Mercedes-Benz C-Class Loses V6 & V8 Motors

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Hyundai Veloster N with DCT Teased

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Volkswagen Golf 8 Gets Tuned

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Toyota South Africa has given its RAV4 SUV some tech upgrades. Here are some details, plus how much the Toyota RAV4 range costs.

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