Mzansi's favourite has been spotted undergoing testing again, this time giving us an even closer look. This is the 2021 Volkswagen Golf 8 R.
Picture credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien
We're another step closer to reality for the next-generation Volkswagen Golf 8 R. What you see here is a prototype undergoing testing near the Arctic Circle recently. With only light camouflage, we know this is the Volkswagen Golf 8 R thanks to its high-performance brakes, blue calipers and quad exhausts at the rear. We do think the final design is not 100% complete – this unit looks far too mainstream for a flagship performance derivative.
Let's discuss that new powertrain. Thanks to a leak, we know the new Volkswagen Golf 8 R will be powered by an updated 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder motor producing in excess of 245 kW. Again power will go to a 4Motion (all-wheel-drive setup) via a dual-clutch transmission and it should go faster than 4.5 seconds to 100 kph. Given this sort of performance, it's going to be fun watching the new Golf 8 R take on the new BMW M135i xDrive and the Mercedes-AMG A35 4Matic as well as its Audi S3 cousin.
Expect to see the all-new Volkswagen Golf 8 R revealed in 2020, with a South African arrival date in 2021. The Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI is confirmed for SA landfall towards the end of 2020.
You can make out the 4 exhausts, a trademark piece of design of the Volkswagen Golf R.
Polish vehicle specialists Carlex have revealed two extreme versions of the Mercedes-Benz X-Class.
Meet the Carlex Off-Road Final Edition and Extreme Final Edition – two very hardcore versions of the Mercedes-Benz X-Class.
With insane modifications to the bodywork and the cabin, Carlex has given these X-Classes a bold look. There's an extreme body kit, a roof light bar with LEDs, skid plate, tonneau cover, side sills and chunky rubber.
Carlex has given the X-Class Final Edition interiors a rework too, with leather trim in either red or black. There's also a carbon-look dashboard and unique dials.
Signs are pointing towards a petrol price decline at the end of February 2020. Here's what we're potentially looking at. Fingers crossed!
According to the Automobile Association (AA) who often comment on unaudited mid-month fuel data, "Petrol is currently showing a drop of between 14 and 25 cents a litre, diesel around 55 cents, and illuminating paraffin 66 cents."
This is due to the decline in international oil prices which are proving stronger than the weakening Rand, which has moved from R14.30 to R14.85 against the US dollar.
"In the case of illuminating paraffin, the landed price of the fuel dropped by over 90 cents in two weeks. Similar positive effects have been noted on the other main liquid fuels."
Let's hope the trend of the declining oil price continues and pray the Rand is able to show some resilience. We'll update you as soon as we hear more.
Check out these radical BMW M2 Competition art cars designed by Futura 2000.
The BMW M2 Competition looks pretty good in standard guise but artist Futura 2000, in collaboration with BMW M GmbH, has done some striking work on 3 M2 Competition models. One of the hand-painted M2 Competition art cars was recently shown at the Frieze Los Angeles.
Markus Flasch, CEO BMW M GmbH, adds: "We are very proud of having been able to gain such an internationally well-known artist as FUTURA 2000 for the collaboration on the three unique one-offs of the BMW M2 Competition. I'm already looking forward very much to seeing how he transforms our M2 into the edition intended for our customers. With his unique, constructive and rebellious style, Futura is perfectly suited to a young and wild automobile such as the BMW M2 Competition."
Futura 2000 commented, "The BMW M2 Competition is dynamic, extroverted and, to a certain degree, pleasantly provocative. I consider it a great honour to be able to add a special touch to this vehicle." Each of the 3 limited-production models will bear Futura 2000’s unique signature.
The instrument panel and centre console of each car features a special design and the bi-coloured Dakota leather M sports seats are in black and ivory with polar blue contrast stitching. An M Alcantara leather steering wheel is fitted with a grey centre mark. The doors sills feature a limited edition number and a Futura signature.
On the outside, each BMW M2 Competition has its own paint design and rides on 19-inch jet black light alloy wheels.
Do you like the design of these special BMW M2 Competition models?
Renault has introduced a budget-friendly, flexible mini-SUV that is purported to give you that "off-roader lifestyle", but with enough room to accommodate up to 7 occupants. We headed to KwaZulu-Natal to try out the new Triber at its local media launch.
What is it?
Having skimmed through all the Indian literature on the Triber, which was launched there in 2019, I didn't find this newcomer as easy to categorise as I expected. It is built in India, has 7 seats, a slightly raised suspension (182 mm of ground clearance) and a higher driving position. Now after that, you’d think Avanza, Ertiga, BR-V etc. But no, this is comparatively shorter, but equally practical and feels better suited to family use than the airport shuttles or UberX vehicles that so many travellers find themselves sentenced to.
The seats can be removed, so the rear row can be popped out without any tools, all of which opens up 625 litres of luggage space. Renault claims there are 100 combinations of seat positions for the Triber, so it should easily be able to accommodate whatever object/s you need to fit in it…
Is it a raised Kwid?
At 3.99 metres in length, it's still a small, hatchback-sized car but it offers 7 seats.
Renault South Africa went to great lengths to explain that the Triber is not built on the Kwid platform but its own, specially designed platform. It is, however, built in the same factory as the Kwid in India. It doesn’t drive, handle or ride like a Kwid so for the most part, the firm's claim is believable.
What engine does it have?
There’s a 3-cylinder, naturally aspirated 1.0-litre petrol engine under the bonnet. The chassis has actually been designed to use a tiny 3-pot engine so that it allocates more of its 3.99-metre length to accommodating passengers and hauling detritus. It produces 52 kW and 96 Nm, which is not nearly enough to propel it with any zeal when fully loaded. I know this because it couldn’t propel me and 1 passenger up a hill without necessitating frantic shifts through the gears; it felt as if I was starring in a Fast and Furious movie.
There is apparently a turbo unit on the way, which is possibly due in Mzansi by the end of the year. The current engine will eventually get you to where you want to go, but bear in mind it won’t do it quickly. The 5-speed manual is the only gearbox on offer, with an AMT (automated manual) coming mid-way through 2020. The ratios of the manual 'box are not convincing and make it difficult to drive the Triber smoothly – 1st gear requires a lot of clutch-riding to get moving and 3rd gear is too long (drops the revs too low).
What is it like to drive?
The Triber's small engine tries hard to move it around, but ultimately it looks oomph.
As I mentioned above, it's nicer to drive than a Kwid, for what it's worth. It rides quite well over bumpy road surfaces and doesn’t shake and rattle like it’s all about to fall apart. There’s noticeable body roll when cornering, but it is not disconcerting and feels similar to some of the aforementioned competitors. The steering could be a lot more communicative… at slow speeds, it’s overly light and vague. At higher speeds, it weights up a bit more and that makes it easier to place the Renault on the freeway.
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 it’s stable enough in terms of general road-holding.
What’s it like inside?
The rear row of seats can quickly be removed making it very adaptable.
At this price point (the Triber's asking prince is under R200k), the Renault’s extremely well appointed. The Dynamique and Prestige derivatives come equipped with a modern hi-res touchscreen that is compatible with Android Auto and Apple Carplay. There’s a digital instrument cluster and electric windows and -mirrors. There’s only 1 USB port up front and a solitary 12V socket in the rear. Air-conditioning is available in all 3 rows of seats, which is certainly a must-have at the height of summer. It’s effective at providing refreshing ventilation, but does cause a bit of drag on that already-overworked engine. There’s even an air-conditioned centre console and similarly cooled glove box.
As for the materials, as expected at this price point, it’s all coarse plastic. But, the panels seem quite sturdy and the fit and finish pretty good. The armrests on the doors have some soft cloth and that’s about the only bit of soft material in the cabin (aside from the seat stuffing).
As for the seats, they are reasonable. I'd prefer a bit more side support around the thighs and back, but they were comfortable enough over the 300-km route we drove.
There is a lot of kit in the Triber for a price that's very keen.
Practicality is where the Triber really excels, however. Renault expects that most owners will lop out the rear row of seats and run the Triber as a 5-seater (with a comparatively humungous load bay) for most of its life. The 6th and 7th seat can be installed individually as and when required. The 2nd row folds and tumbles forward, but requires fettling by hand tools if you want to remove them entirely. There's good head- and legroom in the rear (for both the 2nd and 3rd rows), which makes the Triber a very usable 7-seater.
How safe is it?
That will be a big question on a lot of prospective buyers' minds. Two airbags are standard in the Expression and Dynamique derivatives, while the Prestige gets side airbags for a grand total of 4 'bags. ABS with EBD is standard, but there isn’t any stability control. Rear park distance control is fitted and the Prestige version features a reverse camera.
No official crash testing has been done on the Triber yet, but Renault SA says that will happen later this month with the results to be published at a later date. Renault is expecting a much better Global NCAP rating than the Kwid received, so we’ll reserve judgement for now.
Summary
Expect the Triber to sell well, even with its underpowered engine.
The Triber is priced extremely keenly and offers an exceptional amount of space, practicality and equipment. It feels more like a family mini-SUV than the Suzuki Ertiga, Toyota Avanza and Honda BR-V. A lot of that is down its styling, choice of exterior colour and small-on-the-outside, big-on-the-inside feel.
The drivetrain lets the package down due to its lack of power and torque, muddled gear ratios and tricky clutch operation. It’s certainly going to suffer in Gauteng where the altitude will rob further power from it. A turbocharged motor is on the cards, but that could only arrive around the end of the year.
The Triber’s road manners are decent, it’s stable at speed and rides bumps well. The steering could be more communicative at low speed but that's expected in this segment.
It shines in the practicality departments with flexible seating, air-conditioning outlets for all 3 rows and loads of hidey-holes in the cabin for storage.
I suspect that, like the Kwid, the Triber will find many homes in SA due to its keen price, modern features and sheer value for money. I’d still wait for the turbo though.
Pricing
Renault Triber Expression 1.0-litre ENERGY – R164 900
Renault Triber Dynamique 1.0-litre ENERGY – R174 900
Renault Triber Prestige 1.0-litre ENERGY – R189 900
In terms of after-sales service, the Triber comes with a 2-year/ 30 000 km service plan and a 5-year/150 000 km mechanical warranty. Services take place at 15 000 km intervals.
The updated 2020 Mitsubishi ASX has landed in South Africa. Here are detailed specs and pricing for the newcomer.
The Mitsubishi ASX has been a solid performer for the Japanese brand and has been on sale in SA for the past 8 years. Now for 2020, the Mitsubishi ASX has been given some updates. both inside and out.
"The new ASX has an even more attractive appearance front and back as well as a variety of improvements and performance spec," says Nic Campbell, General Manager of Mitsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA).
The updated Mitsubishi ASX gains a new bonnet, LED headlights, LED daytime running lights as well as a new-look grille and front end. The back sees the introduction of LED lights. There are also new 18-inch alloy wheels and a new range of colours.
Inside, the updated ASX gains a modern infotainment system 8-inch screen along with Apple Carplay and Android Auto. It also features a panoramic glass roof.
In terms of engines, the 2020 Mitsubishi ASX is powered by an updated version of the 2.0-litre MIVEC motor offering up 110 kW and 197 Nm. A 5-speed manual gearbox and a 6-speed CVT are available. For those wanting to tow, the AX boasts an improved rating of 1 260 kg (braked) for the manual transmission and 750 kg for the CVT (unbraked).
Mitsubishi ASX Price in South Africa (February 2020)
The ASX is covered by Mitsubishi Motors' Manufacturer's Warranty of 3 years or 100 000km, a 5-year / 90 000 km Service Plan and a 5-year / unlimited mileage Roadside Assistance. Service intervals are scheduled at every 15 000 km or once a year.
Fiat has revealed its new Strada, and the compact double-cab is a looker.
The latest version of Fiat’s own bakkie has all the design flair you’d expect from an Italian brand. An oversized hexagonal pattern grille dominates the front view, flanked by large, sweptback, headlamps.
New Strada’s bonnet has two distinct ridges, which flow into the bakkie’s A-pillar. The cab’s doors appear proportionally large, especially at the rear, which should allow for ease of ingress and passenger debussing.
Fiat’s latest Strada also has an interesting roof rail design. It is part of a single moulding that includes the loadbin roll bar, the latter which will in all not be a structural safety component, but rather only an additional tie-down point for securing items in the rear.
There are no interior images of the Strada available as yet, but the expectation is that most of Fiat’s current budget passenger car componentry is present.
In terms of mechanical specification, Fiat has confirmed its new Strada will retain the previous-generation 1.4-litre naturally-aspirated engine for an entry-level derivative. The company will also be assembling the new Strada with its more advanced 1.3-litre petrol engine.
Both engines drive the front wheels via a five-speed automatic transmission. The new Strada is Fiat’s counter to Renault’s Oroch, competing for sales in the South American compact bakkie market.
There is not confirmation that Strada will make a return to South Africa, although orders books for its Brazilian customers are opening in March.
BMW has quietly upgraded its flagship Z4 roadster’s turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-6 to produce a peak power output of 285 kW (up from 250 kW) and Toyota will do the same in due course with its GR Supra, which, of course, shares its powertrain with the Bimmer…
You can always do with a smidge more power, can’t you? Late last year, it was widely reported that BMW would introduce a higher-output version of the engine in its top-of-the-range M40i derivative of the Z4 range. It was expected to be phased into the global market during the 1st quarter of 2020 and upon a recent visit to BMW SA’s website, we noticed that according to the latest product brochure, the M40i now produces 285 kW (an extra 35 kW), while the motor's peak torque figure (500 Nm) remains unchanged.
The performance characteristics of the motor are a little different, however. Maximum power is now available in a narrower band (5 800-6 500 rpm instead of 5 000-6 500 rpm, but the peak torque range is notably wider: from 1 800-5 000 rpm instead of 1 600-4 500 rpm.
The M40i version of the BMW Z4 is now more powerful, but the manual 'box option of the 2.0-litre version is not on cards for ZA.
As a result, the Z4 M40i – equipped exclusively with an 8-speed automatic transmission – is claimed to shave 0.4 of a second off its 0-100 kph time (from 4.5 seconds to 4.1 seconds), but as far as we can ascertain, the listed asking price of the Z4 flagship (just over R1 million, excluding delivery and before options) remains virtually unchanged.
What’s good for the goose…
By now it’s common knowledge that the Toyota GR Supra, which was recently named the winner of the Performance Car category of the 2019/20 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank, is mechanically similar to the BMW roadster – the models were developed in tandem by Toyota and BMW.
Toyota Australia has been the first to show its hand – this week the firm confirmed that the GR Supra coupe would receive that 35-kW upgrade as well, although the lack of stock availability in that market means that upgraded versions will only be made available towards the latter half of 2020 and probably at a slight price premium.
The visceral Toyota GR Supra was recently crowned the 2019/20 Performance Car category winner in the #CarsAwards.
Apart from an improvement in the claimed 0-100 kph time of the GR Supra (4.3 seconds is officially claimed for the SA-spec model, so we expect a faster time of closer to the 4-second mark), the 2020 model features a number of upgrades compared with the current version.
Toyota has fitted lightweight aluminium chassis braces in the GR Supra’s engine bay to increase lateral rigidity and tweaked the coupe’s (adaptive) suspension tuning. Furthermore, there have been recalibrations of the electric power steering, electronic stability control and active differential to sharpen up the sportscar’s handling.
We’ll confirm the expected local introduction date of the upgraded GR Supra as soon as more information becomes available…
The Seltos arrived in South African showrooms towards the end of 2019, but this week we finally got our chance to sample Kia's stylish compact family car on local soil. Is this handsome newcomer that "smartly-positioned sub-Sportage model" many have been waiting for?
Our first taste of the Seltos came in India, where we also got to step inside the mighty Kia plant in Bangalore, which is assembling the SA-spec units. Kia South Africa is set to have a strong year in 2020 with a multitude of new product launches in the pipeline. One of those new models will be the Kia Sonet, which is positioned just below the Seltos.
Underpinned by the same platform as the Indian-built Hyundai Creta, the Kia Seltos looks impressive and imposing in pictures. And, in the metal… it's much the same. First impressions suggest it's physically larger than most offerings in the compact family car segment, which is growing so densely populated that we may need to create another subdivision just to classify the comparatively larger Creta, Seltos, Haval H2 and the upcoming Volkswagen T-Roc (no name just a few of the more obvious examples).
So how would one describe the Seltos' ideal buyer? Well, imagine you have a 6-year old premium SUV out of warranty. The cost of ownership and servicing of said vehicle is high and the cost of the replacing it is prohibitive. Between R300 000 and R450 000, there are exceptional SUV-styled vehicles on offer and the Seltos will be taking on the likes of the Mahindra XUV300, Volkswagen T-Cross, Renault Duster, Honda HR-V and Suzuki Vitara. In fact, you could name another half dozen vehicles that sit in this category.
What's on offer?
The GT-Line derivative of the Seltos is a very good looking SUV.
Kia believes its Seltos is aimed at younger, tech-savvy consumers. There are 4 derivatives, with a 5th set to join the ranks later on. The first wave of Seltos offerings consists of petrol-driven derivatives, with a turbodiesel version coming later. The 2 petrol engines are the 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder with 90 kW and 151 Nm and the 1.4-litre turbopetrol (exclusive to the flagship GT Line, which punches out 103 kW and 242 Nm). Both manual gearboxes and automatic transmissions are available across the range.
The newcomer is 4 315 mm long, 1 800 mm wide and 1 620mm high; numbers that eclipse those of the majority of its rivals. Load capacity is rated at a respectable 433 litres.
The list of standard features looks generous, irrespective of which grade you pick. All derivatives offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and feature USB ports for front and rear passengers. Every Seltos comes with 6 airbags, ABS, EBD, rear PDC and a reverse-view camera. The EX+ and GT Line derivatives also have stability control.
The EX derivative kicks off the range and comes with air-conditioning, automatic headlights, electric mirrors, cloth upholstery, steering wheel-mounted controls, electric windows, cruise control, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system linked to a 6-speaker audio system.
The EX+ version additionally features leather trim, auto-folding mirrors, a centre-console armrest with an integrated storage box, as well as 17-inch alloy wheels.
The Kia Seltos cabin is well finished and irrespective of model, specification is generous.
Finally, the GT Line flagship comes equipped with bonus visual addenda in the form of red detailing on the bumpers, bigger alloy wheels, chrome edging and (what Kia claims is) a Terrain Mode. This mode controls the ESC and is said to help with traction on non-sealed road surfaces. It's not all-wheel drive at all and, having had past experience with comparable systems, we find it more of a sales gimmick than anything else. This top-rung offering also has a sportier steering wheel, driving modes and stainless steel pedals.
Interestingly, Kia South Africa claims the top-spec GT Line derivative has proven the most popular so far in terms of sales, so much so there's now a considerable waiting list…
What is it like to drive?
During the media launch of the Seltos, we had the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the stylish GT Line and the 1.6 EX+. First up was the GT Line. Before we'd even opened the door, we stopped to admire the Kia's fresh, modern looks… this really is a striking vehicle and the design is unlike anything we've experienced from the Korean brand. When you climb inside you immediately get a sophisticated vibe from the cabin. There's extensive use of high-quality materials – you can see Kia has worked hard to eradicate that made-to-a-cost feeling that often pervades vehicles in this segment. Kia is a repeat winner for quality in the JD Power survey and it's easy to see why.
Once we'd left the morning traffic behind, the Seltos hit its stride on the freeway. The 1.4-litre turbopetrol's sweet spot starts at around the 1500 rpm mark and the 7-speed dual-clutch 'box shifts cogs promptly and efficiently. The motor performs in a linear, smooth way and acceleration is seamless. Kia claims a 0-to-100 kph sprint time of 9.7 seconds, which feels more than adequate for driving in various traffic conditions, but we look forward to putting a test unit through a more thorough evaluation when we review it.
Refinement and low noise levels are the order of the day on the open road.
After lunch, we climbed aboard the naturally-aspirated 1.6 EX+. Having been spoilt with the early torque delivery of the GT Line derivative, we weren't looking forward to the comparatively lethargic naturally-aspirated motor, but we were pleasantly surprised by its performance. How wrong we were: this 1.6-litre (non-turbo) engine delivers credible acceleration and was only somewhat sluggish when climbing hills of the steepest variety. It was well aided by the automatic transmission, which quietly goes about its business to make the most of the engine's performance characteristics. Better yet, our unit's consumption was sitting at an indicated 7.6 L/100 km, which is good for a vehicle of this size.
There's a lot to like about the Seltos' build quality and the fit-and-finish of its interior. NVH levels are good, with minimal wind noise at the national speed limit. The suspension is firm but composed, and the GT Line's ride does not suffer unduly because of its larger alloy wheels. The steering feel is reassuringly heavy and instils a "premium SUV feel".
Verdict
We think the Kia Seltos is a striking and strong entry into the hotly-contested compact SUV segment. Roll on the group test!
The arrival of the Seltos had been eagerly-anticipated. Hyundai recently expanded its small crossover/compact SUV line-up and its sister brand Kia seemed to be playing catch-up, but the wait is over! Not only is the new Seltos a solid, well-finished product, there is no skimping on standard features. The newcomer is one of the roomier vehicles in its class and, let's not forget about that stellar Kia warranty, which covers Seltos owners for 5-years/unlimited km (with roadside assistance) and a 5-year/90 000 km service plan.
Should you buy one? Based on our first impressions, Kia is on to a winner here, especially when it comes to packaging and space utilisation. We can't wait to conduct a group review in which we pit this newcomer against many of its established rivals, including the #CarsAwards – powered by WesBank – category winner, the Volkswagen T-Cross.
Kia Seltos (2020) Price in South Africa
1.6 EX R353 995
1.6 EX auto R371 995
1.6 EX+ R389 995
1.4T-GDI GT Line R444 995
Unless you are active in the local commercial vehicle sector, you probably don’t know that Kia trades a fair bit of bakkie volume in South Africa.
The Korean brand’s K-Series is marketed as a light-commercial vehicle and there are two locally variants, the K2700 and K2500.
Designed as a cab-forward mini-truck with optimal loadability without requiring a special driver’s licence, the K-Series is a popular workhorse. And now there is a battery-powered version.
As the proliferation of electrification continues in 2020, Kia has surprised many with its latest battery-powered vehicle.
Instead of providing an all-electric passenger car, they’ve electrified the K-Series. Although this design is hardly new (the current K-Series debuted back in 2005), it has great potential as a short-range logistics vehicle.
The K-Series EV is has a 58.8 kWh battery pack, which provides enough energy density to power an electric motor which produces a very potent 135 kW. Packaging for the battery pack is interesting as you can see it has been placed where the traditional long-range fuel tanks would be on a truck, below the front section of the loadbed.
Kia’s unusual EV min-truck also features a rather decent cabin specification, with a touchscreen infotainment system and the brand’s latest passenger vehicle steering wheel design, featuring only two spokes with an array of satellite controls on each.
Initial distribution fo the Kia K-Series EV will be limited to Korea, but with 211 km of range and decent performance from its 135 kW electric motor, this could be a great inner-city workhorse for the South African market too.
