Mahindra Pik-Up S11 Automatic (2020) Specs & Price

Mahindra has launched a new range-topping Pik Up S11 in South Africa and its now available in automatic guise!

Mahindra is on the rise and according to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA), Mahindra grew by 28.7% last year, making it the fastest growing car brand in South Africa for 2019.

New Automatic Transmission

The Mahindra Pik Up is now offered in automatic guise and South Africa is the first country to get this new automatic transmission.

On the back of this success, Mahindra will look to introduce a wide range of updates across its range in 2020 and the first order of business for the year is the introduction of the S11 Automatic Pik Up in both 4×4 and 4×2 guise as well as offering the S11 Pik Up automatic in Karoo special edition guise in both 4×4 and 4×2 formats.

"South Africa is the first country in the world to officially launch the all-new Pik Up Automatic, which is only fitting, since it was the testbed for this model. There has been an overwhelming demand for an automatic transmission in our bakkie range, and we believe we have the perfect answer with the S11 and S11 Karoo AT," says Rajesh Gupta, CEO of Mahindra South Africa.

The S11 Pik Up is equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission and is paired with Mahindra’s tried and tested 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine with 103 kW and 320 Nm of torque and carries a claimed fuel consumption figure of 7.9 L/100km.

The new automatic transmission is only available in the double cab Pik Up body style and is launched with S11 feature specification which builds on the specification offered on the S10 derivatives.

In terms of offroad ability, the S11 Pik Up benefits from a 210 mm ground clearance and all double cab models are fitted with a mechanical differential lock. A heavy-duty Cushion suspension system allows for a carrying capacity of 995 kg in the 4×4 derivative and 1 095 kg in the 4×2 derivative.

Standard Specification

A new 7-inch touchscreen with navigation is offered in the S11 Pik Up.

Visually-speaking, the S11 Pik Up automatic gains a new grille and bumper design with updated headlights. Colour-coded side mirrors are also included with integrated indicators while a reverse camera is now offered for the first time in the Pik Up range.

As for the interior, The S11 Pik Up comes standard with a new 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth capability and integrated navigation. The new reverse camera view is also displayed on this screen. Automatic climate control is also standard as is a multifunction steering wheel with mounted controls for the infotainment system, telephony and cruise control. The windows are electrically operated and front and rear 12V sockets are also included.

The S11 Karoo automatic special edition adds unique decals seen on the side panels as well a nudge bar and styling bars. A custom, lockable roller deck system is also fitted as standard on the load box (rubberised load bay is standard on other derivatives). Custom-designed and offroad-ready alloy wheels are also fitted as standard on the Karoo derivative with a blacked-out design and chrome detailing.

As a side note, the S6 and S10 Karoo derivative now feature updated decals while the S10 Karoo also benefits from branding on the steel roll bar as well as a new tonneau cover and new alloy wheels.

Mahindra Pik Up Double Cab – Price in South Africa

Mahindra Pik Up S6 4×2 – R312 499

Mahindra Pik Up S6 4×2 Karoo – R322 499

Mahindra Pik Up S6 4×4 – R342 499

Mahindra Pik Up S6 4×4 Karoo – R352 499

Mahindra Pik Up S10 4×2 – R347 499

Mahindra Pik Up S10 4×2 Karoo – R352 499

Mahindra Pik Up S10 4×4 – R377 499

Mahindra Pik Up S10 4×4 Karoo – R382 499

Mahindra Pik Up S11 AT 4×2 – R384 999

Mahindra Pik Up S11 4×2 Karoo AT – R399 999

Mahindra Pik Up S11 AT 4×4 – R414 999

Mahindra Pik Up S11 4×4 Karoo AT – R429 999

The Pik Up is sold with a 4-year / 120 000 km technical warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km warranty. A Roadside Assistance plan is also standard.

Buy a Mahindra Pik Up on Cars.co.za

Living with the Volkswagen T-Cross

After covering more than 2 300 km with the Volkswagen T-Cross during the end-of-year break, our extended test of the Wolfsburg-based brand's compact family car has come to an end.

The best thing about conducting extended tests during the holiday period is that we are afforded opportunities to form a more in-depth understanding (and, sometimes, appreciation) of models that are new to the market. That’s not to say our usual 10-14 day test isn’t thorough – because all testers need to have a chance to drive test cars during the rest of the year, individual editors may not necessarily get enough seat time to notice all of a vehicle's quirks and talents.

Since its arrival on local showroom floors towards the end of 2019, the T-Cross has lit up the sales charts for Volkswagen; it's notched up impressive numbers right from the get-go. It’s not as if the rest of the segment's offerings are sub-standard (we understand that Kia’s new Seltos is also flying out of dealerships), but there’s something alluring and reassuring about a product of the Volkswagen brand.

We were availed a 1.0 TSI Highline DSG (with a number of options fitted) for the extended test. You can’t ignore the Energetic Orange exterior finish, nor the orange dashboard inserts and white seat accents, which add some vibrancy to the German crossover. The colour scheme forms part of the Styling Package, the first of the options. Keyless entry, a Beats sound system, Park Package and Infotainment Package were also fitted to "our" car; we nicknamed it Tangerine.

While we didn't have plans to travel very far, the Volkswagen T-Cross encouraged us to explore – we did road trips around the Western Cape and a highlight was heading to Ceres with the family for the annual summer picnic.

3 Things To Like about the T-Cross

Practicality

4 adults and all the picnic paraphernalia were squeezed into the T-Cross.

For a vehicle that's essentially based on the Polo compact hatchback, there's a surprising amount of interior space, both in terms of cargo-carrying capacity as well as rear legroom (space-utilisation is a strength of the MQB platform). The real party trick is the sliding rear bench, which can either increase legroom or increase luggage space. If you're a person who cycles a lot, we would recommend considering the removable trailer hitch option (R4 300).

We also appreciated the well-thought-out cabin layout. The T-Cross offers a plethora of storage compartments for keys, wallets and phones. The door pockets are generously sized (they can hold large bottles of water with ease) and, given the connectivity options, such as Android Auto and USB, the potential for a crow's nest of cables was high… However, the wireless charging pad is located in a convenient central storage area to store your phone out of sight.

Performance

If you try really hard to drive the T-Cross conservatively, you can get incredible consumption figures from the 1.0 TSI Highline DSG.

The 1.0-litre turbopetrol (85 kW/ 200 Nm) is the only engine in the range (for the moment), but we enjoyed its punchiness. The eager 3-cylinder motor, in combination with a dual-clutch 'box, delivered energetic in-gear performance; it's a surprisingly nippy runabout. You don't even have to engage the sportiest of settings to get the most out of the powertrain and we made extensive use of the shift paddles on sportier driving stints. Sadly this author broke his right arm in a mountain bike crash and was forced to drive the T-Cross in full auto mode for the last week of the test. Volkswagen claims a 0-100 kph sprint time of 10.2 seconds, which may not sound fast, but it feels more than adequate.

The driving position is great because you sit higher up (in more of a perched position) than you would in a Polo, but at no point does it feel like you're in a bigger, comparatively cumbersome, car. Fuel economy is where the vehicle excels, but, as ever, the claim of 5.3 L/100 km is a little optimistic. After travelling a total of 2 300 km and came away with an indicated figure of 6.6 L/100 km, which we think is quite fair.

Connectivity

Android Auto was used every day. With Google Maps, Spotify and WhatsApp functionality, there's no need to touch your phone will driving.

We applaud onboard technologies that contribute to a reduction in driver distractions. Even though it's a relatively expensive option (R22 850), the extended infotainment package is well worth looking into as it adds app connect, voice control, a navigation system, a digital instrument cluster, as well as 2 additional USB ports.

Infotainment systems with Android Auto and Apple Carplay compatibility have revolutionised the way users access in-car media-playing-, navigation- and telephony functions… In the T-Cross, we simply plugged in our smartphones (via a USB cable) and let the software do the rest. Having your WhatsApp messages read out to you, receiving route guidance from Google Maps and connecting to streaming services such as Spotify greatly enhance the user experience, plus a driver never needs to take their eyes off the road. In fact, it became almost second nature for us to start the car and plug in our phones right away. We did notice if we skipped music tracks too quickly the system had a tendency to lag…

One of the 4 USB ports being used. Note the wireless charging pad and phone cradle below it.

Dislikes?

Kudos to Volkswagen for designing something as fresh and cleverly-packaged as the T-Cross. It would have been far easier for the marque to clad a Polo with plastic accoutrements, raise its ride height nominally and fit roof rails and sell that as a baby SUV, but we don't think it would have made as big an impact. Remember the Cross Polo? That being said, no car is perfect and we were irritated by the Android Auto's tendency to lag in its responses to track-skip inputs.

Furthermore, some may be a little disappointed with some of the marginal interior finishes, which, if not flimsy, aren't quite up to Volkswagen's usual high standards. For example, the plastic lever to fold down the rear seats came loose and while it easily clicked back into place, this is a high-use item that should have been strengthened for durability. The ride quality was a bit firm, which we'll attribute to the 215/45 R18 orange alloys, but you can spec smaller wheels.

Buyers Advice

To reiterate, the Volkswagen T-Cross is a stylish and well-executed compact family car/small crossover. At the time of writing, there was just the 1 powertrain available: the 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbopetrol mated with an automatic transmission, but the Wolfsburg-based firm will be introducing further derivatives in 2020, including a 70 kW version with a manual gearbox, as well as a flagship 1.5-litre offering, which has peak outputs of 110 kW and 250 Nm.

So if you’re considering the Volkswagen T-Cross as your next car, there will be more options in the imminent future. If you venture to a dealership to check out the newcomer and find yourself uncertain if its compact dimensions will quite suit your needs, Volkswagen will be launching a new compact SUV, called the T-Roc, which will slot in between the T-Cross and the Tiguan, later this year.

Aston Martin DBS Superleggera (2020) Quick Review

What can you learn from spending one day with Aston Martin’s quintessential super GT offering? Gero Lilleike seems to believe much can be learnt from such an experience, so we set him the arduous task of reporting back from his one-day-stand with the DBS Superleggera…

To say that my year got off to a good start is an understatement, especially when you consider that my first evaluation drive for Cars.co.za was in this: Aston Martin’s flagship, the DBS Superleggera, or as I like to refer to it, the SuperleGero…

I remember when my esteemed colleague, Ciro De Siena, was invited by Aston Martin to drive the DBS Superleggera in the picturesque town of Berchtesgaden in the German Alps back in 2018. I was so jealous!

Now, almost 2 years later, the DBS Superleggera is on sale in South Africa and with a (starting) price tag of R5 649 000, this is by far the most expensive car that I’ve ever piloted, and perhaps even the fastest. More than that though, this is also the first time that I would drive an Aston Martin! Talk about a baptism by fire.

The full experience

The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera features purposeful and muscular styling which hints at its performance ability.

The huge gaping grille, bespoke 21-inch wheels and muscular rear haunches of the DBS Superleggera communicate serious performance intent and that first impression alone is enough to make your palms sweat before you even climb behind the Aston's 'wheel. Admittedly, I don’t think the Midnight Blue hue does the bodywork much justice as it diminishes the impact of the lines and bulges. Either way, this is an incredibly sexy car in the metal; a real head-turner…

Having ensconced myself in the leather-rich and driver-centric cockpit, I took a moment to familiarise myself with all the exotic switchgear. It took me a few seconds to realise that there’s no transmission lever and the push-start button and other drive functions such as drive, reverse, park and neutral all have their own buttons and are uniquely located across the centre of the fascia. For a while, I sat in silence and soaked it all in.

The headliner is finished in lavish Alcantara and while the leatherwork exudes an air of premium quality, the interior is not as striking as the quilted leather finish that's available for the DBS Superleggera (watch the video below to see what I mean). Somehow the interior has an old-school feel to it and perhaps that has something to do with the number of buttons and control layout in the centre fascia. The digital instrument binnacle, however, looks modern yet simple and I particularly liked the meaty feel of the flat-bottomed steering wheel in my hands. As for the infotainment system, I never used it as all my attention was focused on driving and enjoying the DBS Superleggera.

Where the magic happens…

Then the moment came. I pushed the start button and all hell broke loose as the DBS Superleggera’s soulful 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine barked and cracked to life. At that moment, my heart skipped a beat. It sounds heavenly!

I engaged Sport mode using the button on the steering wheel and pointed the DBS Superleggera down an empty stretch of road and, when road conditions permitted, planted the accelerator pedal to the floor. With 534 kW and a humongous 900 Nm on tap from that V12 reactor, Aston Martin sought the expertise from ZF to produce an 8-speed transmission specifically for the DBS Superleggera to withstand all that torque, particularly in 1st and 2nd gears.

At full tilt, the revs hit the limiter quickly, but once you actuate quick, snappy shifts using the long column-mounted shift paddles, the full might of the powerplant is unleashed. The engine positively wails when pushing on and from 2nd to 3rd, all the available torque comes on song. Acceleration is blisteringly quick from there on out and the DBS Superleggera just keeps piling on the pace at an astonishing rate. The steering is light and feathery to wield but feedback is direct and positive, as you would come to expect from a car of this calibre.

The DBS Superleggera's rear-end likes to step out on occasion…

Sadly, we have to take Aston Martin's word that the DBS Superleggera will reach a top speed of 340 kph, but I can attest to the claimed 0-100 kph sprint time of 3.4 seconds as it really did feel frightfully fast, but that might have something to do with the fact I recently spent a few weeks driving the Suzuki Ciaz, which is a much more sedate and utilitarian offering. The coupe's rear can be quite twitchy; you'd need to have your wits about you if the back-end lets go, which happens quite easily…

Despite its hugely impressive engine output, the DBS Superleggera is a grand tourer after all (albeit a very powerful one) and while the ride has some firmness to it (the suspension can be firmed-up even more by toggling the suspension settings on the steering wheel), it’s supple enough for everyday driving and that’s important.

It’s true prowess, however, lies in its tar-munching ability and one does get the distinct sense that this is a car that yearns to be driven (at spirited speeds) over longer distances. In fact, the longer the road, the better. We were limited to a 200-km evaluation, but I can only dream of taking the DBS Superleggera on a long-distance haul. Had I been extended THAT opportunity, well, I may very well have disappeared, never to be seen again…

Watch Ciro De Siena drive the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera in Germany in the video below!

Infotainment Boost for Land Cruiser in SA

Toyota's Land Cruiser now a touch more sophisticated.

By far Africa’s most popular luxury SUV, the Land Cruiser 200 remains the only choice for true overland adventuring in luxury.

Despite its comparatively aged design, the relative simplicity and robustness of the Land Cruiser 200 makes it more reliable for self-supported ventures to truly remote locations.

Toyota is aware that even its unrivalled Land Cruiser 200 is not immune to technology and infotainment trends.

Ensuring that its enormously loyal Land Cruiser customers do not feel that their entertainment needs are not being met on those two-week Safaris into Mozambique, Botswana, Namibia or Angola, Toyota has announced an upgrade.

The Land Cruiser 200 VX-R now features an expanded infotainment offering. Audiophiles who are also Toyota luxury SUV customers will be heartened to know that the Land Cruiser 200 now has a 14-speaker JBL audio system.

Superior speaker placement and sound distribution will make your favourite long-distance driving podcast or playlist that much crisper as a listening experience.

Beyond the improved JBL audio, second-row Land Cruiser 200 VX-R customers are in for a treat. Toyota has improved the rear-seat entertainment configuration by adding two 11.6-inch screens.

These screens are fed via multimedia inputs, facilitating whatever media you wish to play for second-row passengers.

Aside from the audio and entertainment upgrades, everything else about the Land Cruiser 200 remains the same. That means a steel ladder frame chassis and virtually unbreakable suspension.

Power is provided by a 4.5-litre V8 turbodiesel, boosting 195 kW and 650 Nm. Toyota’s V8 diesel is proven with decades of harsh use in all African terrain and conditions. Its reliability is beyond reproach.

Pricing

2020 Land Cruiser 200 VX-R – R1 510 100

Toyota Reveals Baby Supra

Almost a year after its reveal, Toyota has announced details around its 2.0-litre Supra.

While we'd happily fork out the cash for a Toyota Supra with its BMW-sourced 3.0-litre straight-6 turbo motor, there were rumours floating around that there'd be other engines for the Supra and we were interested.

The new mill is a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder motor developing a reasonable 190 kW and 400 Nm. Power goes to the rear axle via an 8-speed ZF-sourced automatic and 0-100 kph is dispatched in a claimed 5.2 seconds, with a limited top speed of 250 kph. Not bad, on paper at least.

Here's where things get interesting as Toyota is claiming this model is 100 kg lighter than the 3.0 and due to the engine's positioning closer to the centre, helps secure the fabled 50:50 weight balance. So while this 2.0-litre Supra may not be as fast as its bigger brother, it should be an absolute joy to drive, exactly what this car is all about. "To achieve agile steering and stable cornering, we worked very hard to reduce the new car's weight, while aiming for a 50:50 weight balance," said GR Supra Chief Engineer Tetsuya Tada. "This presented us with huge challenges, but we did not want to compromise on our targets." The best part? Visually, it's identical to the bigger-engined version.

What you see here is the Fuji Speedway edition and there'll be just 200 units earmarked for European customers. It features this shimmering white finish, with contrasting 19-inch matt back alloy wheels and red door mirror housings. Toyota says that since the 5th generation Supra's debut, over 1 150 units have been sold in Europe. SA sales have been small, with just 4 sold over the December 2019 period.

Kia Commits to Electric Future

Kia has announced its ‘Plan S’ which is a mid- to long-term strategy to increase overall market share by embracing electrification, mobility services, connectivity and autonomy.

Kia will shift from combustion engines to electric propulsion and the company has committed to launching a dedicated Electric Vehicle (EV) to market in 2021 while also introducing 11 EV’s to market by 2025 in an effort to grab 6.6% of the global EV market (excluding China). Reports indicate that the Kia Imagine Concept (pictured above) will go into production in 2021.

The company will also look to achieve a global annual EV sales target of 500 000 units and look to sell 1 million eco-friendly cars by 2026. Importantly, Kia will invest at least $25-billion to achieve these goals.

“As the auto industry undergoes turbulent changes, today is also an opportune time for Kia Motors to radically transform itself into a global enterprise dedicated to spearheading customer value-led innovations,” said Kia Motors President and CEO Han-woo Park. “Kia Motors will actively innovate to take on the challenges ahead, identifying and capitalizing on new opportunities to propel the company forward.”

Kia Motors President and CEO Han-woo Park presents Kia's 'Plan S' to the world.

The Plan S strategy focuses primarily on leading the popularization of EVs, expanding mobility services for electric and autonomous vehicles and entering the Purpose Built Vehicle (PBV) market.

Kia will innovate in areas such as brand identity, corporate identity, design identity and user experience, to name a few, so that customers can directly feel, experience, and understand the company’s evolution to become a leader in EVs and mobility solutions.

“Plan S is a bold and enterprising roadmap for Kia’s future business transition, buttressed by the two pillars of electric vehicles and mobility solutions. Our approach is to put customers first, and Kia will reinvigorate its brand innovation by developing products and services that offer new experiences for customers” said Park.

Kia’s new brand system is expected to be revealed in the second half of 2020, watch this space!

Buy a Kia on Cars.co.za

New Hyundai Creta: What to Expect

Hyundai’s popular compact family car, the Creta, is due to be replaced with an all-new model in Q4 of 2020. Take a look at what you can expect!

The images you are looking at here are of the Hyundai ix25 for the Chinese market which is also known as the Creta in other markets, including our own. Naming aside, the ix25 provides us with insight into what you can expect from the Creta when it arrives on local soil later this year.

Built on the same modified platform as the recently-introduced Kia Seltos and in terms of dimensions, the new Creta stands longer, wider and higher than the current model and its wheelbase is also some 20 mm longer which bodes well for improved interior space. The ix25’s load bay is claimed at an impressive 444-litres…

The Creta's interior is moving upmarket and the new vertical infotainment system is a highlight.

Key styling features include a bold new cascading grille design that’s now larger and is further distinguished by slim LED daytime running light strips and vertically-stacked LED headlights which give the car a refined appearance. A split taillight design is also seen at the rear. A brushed-aluminium-look skid plate adds some rugged appeal to what we think is a good-looking car.

On the inside, Hyundai has taken a more upmarket approach and perhaps the most striking feature is indeed the large vertical 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system which has effectively reduced button clutter as functions such as climate control are now accessed via the screen. A newly-designed, multi-function flat-bottom steering is also fitted as is a new digital instrument cluster. Other key features include a panoramic sunroof, push-button start, electronic park brake with auto-hold function, ventilated seats and a 360-degree camera system.

Advanced driver assistance systems include Driver Fatigue Reminder (DAW), Lane Keeping Assist (LFA), Front Collision Warning Braking System (FCA), Lane Departure Warning (LDWS) and Full Speed Domain Adaptation Cruise (ASCC).

It must be noted, however, that specification for South Africa has yet to be revealed and it will likely differ from what is offered in the Chinese ix25.

Engine Choices

A few engine options are likely for the new Creta and the current 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines are likely to be replaced by an 84 kW naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine and an 84 kW 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine. There’s also a strong possibility that the same 1.0-litre turbopetrol engine found in the recently-introduced Venue will also be offered in the new Creta with 88 kW and 172 Nm on offer. A 6-speed manual and 7-speed dual-clutch transmission are also likely.

The new Creta has been confirmed for local launch in Q4 of 2020 and we will keep you updated as soon as local specification and pricing details become available.

Buy a new or used Hyundai Creta on Cars.co.za

Next-Gen Toyota 86 To Receive Turbo Power

The Toyota 86 as we know it will change dramatically when the next-generation of the compact sportscar is revealed.

UK publication Autocar is reporting the Toyota 86 will undergo quite a metamorphosis for its second generation. The changes are tremendous, firstly the platform used will be a variation of the acclaimed TNGA setup, which underpins things like the Corolla hatch, recently-revealed Yaris GR and the RAV4 family SUV to name but a few.

Secondly, and this will please the petrolheads, the addition of a potent turbocharged motor. The current iteration of 86 is an entertaining little thing to throw about, but you always had that feeling in the back of your mind that the chassis was capable of handling a bit more shove.

As for engine specifics, there's talk of using a flat-4 setup as before, but this time it's the 2.4-litre turbocharged powerplant used in many Subaru products. It produces 194 kW and importantly, 375 Nm, which is substantial. It will also have to tread a fine line in undercutting the Supra but still providing adequate thrills. Expect a slick manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive to feature. Autocar is suggesting a reveal date of 2021 and as for the name, GR will be used to bring it in line with the current Gazoo Racing family.

Suzuki Shows Sierra Marine Jimny

Suzuki shows a new off-road bumper design with the Sierra Marine Jimny…

Suzuki markets a broad portfolio of cars, but the brand’s global image is defined by only one: Jimny.

The compact 4×4 is hugely respected by Suzuki’s rivals and loved by its loyal followers. In a world of crossovers with little true adventure vehicle ability, the Jimny has remained true to purpose and won great acclaim.

Suzuki’s fourth-generation Jimny has been enormously popular since its launch in 2018. As such the Jimny doesn’t require clever marketing to keep interest stirring around its potential, but Suzuki decided that a novelty show version would be fun to do, regardless.

Allowing its product management team some liberty, the result was a disarmingly cute 2020 Tokyo auto show display version, called the Jimny Sierra Marine Style.

This show vehicle featured an array of off-road upgrades and styling refinements. Most notable amongst these is a new front bumper, with heavy-duty recovery shackles and corner treadplate steps, for those who wish to use the bumper as a viewing platform.

Jimny Sierra Marine Style also rolls larger volume Yokohama Geolandar tyres, which allow for superior ride-quality on gravel roads and a better margin of deflation, for boosting traction in dune terrain.

Below the doors, Suzuki’s technicians added side steps and atop the roof, there are some clever slick stowage compartments. Jimny Sierra Marine Style has a full-length roof box, with a low-drag profile, flanked by side pods, to neatly transport fishing rods.

Recognising that ardent anglers often require additional lighting, there are integrated LED framing the front the Jimny Sierra Marine Style’s roofline.

Suzuki has left the Jimny Sierra Marine Style’s cabin relatively untouched, but for some composite grab handle trim and an updated infotainment system, with three individual display screens.

Although only a concept, the Jimny Sierra Marine Style has some very clever accessory integrations, which could possibly become factory options in future.

Lamborghini Urus ST-X Due in October 2020

Lamborghini has confirmed an ultra-light Urus confirmed for Q4. See details below…

With the product portfolio expanding to include an SUV, Lamborghini has been able to conquer new markets and customers. This is especially true in geographies where its low-riding supercars are inappropriate for the available road infrastructure.

The Urus has presented Lamborghini with image and legacy issues. Purist followers of the brand questioned the presence of a four-passenger, high-riding, Lamborghini. And although Lamborghini’s engineers have ensured that the Urus has a driving intensity unlike most rival performance SUVs, there is no denying its size and weight.

Lamborghini has always prided itself at the rawness of its supercars, but providing agile driver feedback in an SUV that weighs more than 2-tonnes, is very difficult. A celebrated tradition of Lamborghini’s product maturity with each model it produces, is lightweighting.

The company’s Superleggera nameplate has been applied to its mid-engined supercars, denoted the lightest and most extreme versions. But how does lightweighting square with something such as the Urus: which is so large?

Last year Lamborghini revealed its Urus ST-X, which is supposed to be a Superleggera-type SUV. Only Lamborghini would be as committed and daring, to attempt an ultra-lightweight version of its luxury SUV.

Designed to eventually support a one-make racing series, the Urus ST-X tallies some impressive numbers and is very unique in its purpose.

No other premium or performance car brand has thought of delivering a lightweight version of its SUVs. As such the ST-X joins a proud lineage of lightweight Lamborghinis.

According to Lamborghini, the ST-X will be an amazing 550kg lighter than the current Urus. At a targeted production weight of only 1650kg, it will become by far the lightest high-performance SUV of all.

Although the 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 engine remains unchanged, delivering 478 kW and 845 Nm, a 25% reduction in vehicle mass should deliver dramatic benefits to acceleration, deceleration and cornering agility.

Lamborghini has confirmed that the production version of its ST-X will debut in Italy, during the last weekend of October 2020.

Mahindra Pik-Up S11 Automatic (2020) Specs & Price

Mahindra has launched a new range-topping Pik Up S11 in South Africa and its now available in automatic guise!

New Automatic Transmission

Standard Specification

Mahindra Pik Up Double Cab – Price in South Africa

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Living with the Volkswagen T-Cross

After covering more than 2 300 km with the Volkswagen T-Cross during the end-of-year break, our extended test of the Wolfsburg-based brand's compact family car has come to an end.

3 Things To Like about the T-Cross

Practicality

Performance

Connectivity

Dislikes?

Buyers Advice

Further reading:

Aston Martin DBS Superleggera (2020) Quick Review

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