Spy shots of the new Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 Coupe have emerged. Here's what we know about Affalterbach's X6 M rival.
Picture credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien
We're glad to see the big and bold looks have been retained, but petrolheads will be keen to know what sort of performance it packs. From what we understand, it will retain the 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 setup, but producing 450 kW and 850 Nm. With a 9-speed automatic gearbox and a rear-biased 4Matic+ system, it should be good for around 3.7 seconds to 100 kph, which is brisk for a big luxury SUV. At this stage we're not sure if this is standard AMG or AMG S specification.
It's not just about power however, and the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 coupe will also feature big performance brakes as well as an air suspension that's been tuned for performance driving. As for rivals, 2020 will be a big year for performance SUVs as almost all premium brands have new product reaching showroom floors. The Audi RS Q8, BMW X6 M and Porsche Cayenne Coupe Turbo will have AMG's new offering in its crosshairs. Expect the newcomer to be revealed at the 2020 Geneva Motor Show.
Another day, another leak. This time it's the 2021 Mercedes-AMG E63 S which has been spotted.
Thanks to Germancarforum, we get 2 photos of the super sedan. Trademark styling cues such as quad exhausts are clearly visible. We can also see the new-look rear lights.
It's not known if the new model will gain a power increase, but to be fair, the 4.0-litre V8 biturbo fitted to the current car 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.
We already know Mercedes-Benz is in a very advanced stage of development with its updated E-Class, with many speculating it will be released at the 2020 Geneva Motor Show, scheduled for March 2020.
Could Kia launch the Sonet – a sub-Seltos small SUV in South Africa in 2020 – one that would compete directly with the recently-released Hyundai Venue? Well, a pre-production car is expected to be exhibited at India's Auto Expo next month…
If local manufacturers and importers haven’t admitted as much already, they will certainly have noticed that the proliferation of small crossovers (or compact SUVs) has not only impacted sedan sales in South Africa, the flood of newcomers is encroaching on the traditional compact-hatchback market too.
Remember when Hyundai’s entry-level SUV was the iX35/Tucson? That now seems an eternity ago; the Korean brand recently launched the Venue in South Africa to bring its number of compact SUVs/small crossover offerings (below the Tucson in the product line-up to) 3, including the Creta and Kona. Toyota, meanwhile, has the C-HR, Rush, is keeping an eye on the Raize and there’s said to be an upcoming crossover based on the new Euro-spec Yaris as well.
Although the final version won't be a futuristic as the HabaNiro concept shown above, it should be less conservative than this rendering from GaadiWaadi.com.
Kia’s recently launched the Indian-made Seltos in South Africa to slot in below the Sportage and, according to our sources, the newcomer’s selling up a storm in the local market. Recent reports from India suggest Kia is readying a sub-4-meter compact SUV/small crossover (codenamed the QYi), which could be launched in the subcontinent in the latter half of 2020. Kia has apparently registered the name Sonet in several markets, including Australia.
Based on the platform of its cousin, the Hyundai Venue, the Kia “Sonet” will have similarly compact dimensions and, according to indiacarnews.com, youthful, eye-grabbing styling replete with signature tiger-nose grille, integrated ice-cube styled fog lamps and 16-inch alloys (LED lights could be reserved for top-spec derivatives) trim. The website also reports that spy pictures suggest the newcomer will feature a raked rear windshield and characteristic tail-lamp detailing.
The Hyundai Venue's interior and spec provides a clue to the level to which the "Sonet" will be specified.
Its interior architecture should be broadly based on that of the Venue, with features such as a touchscreen infotainment system with latest smartphone connectivity, climate control, front-, side- and curtain airbags, ABS with EBD. Reports suggest it will be a more upmarket offering, feature-wise, than its direct rivals, but given that it may need to come to market with a starting price of (well) under R300k, it’s unlikely that, should the “Sonet” be launched locally, its derivatives will be that liberally equipped.
To take the Venue’s local line-up as a starting point, the 88 kW/172 Nm 1.0-litre turbopetrol engine, mated with a 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, seems logical for a projected local “Sonet” line-up, but Kia may opt for a 1.2- or 1.6-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, which may drive down the landed costs of the new range's derivatives and, in turn, reduce the asking price of at least the entry-level versions. A 5-speed ‘box and CVT automatic are also possibilities.
Could it work in South Africa?
The question remains whether there would be a solid business case for a vehicle such as the “Sonet” in Mzansi… Kia Motors South Africa is preparing to roll out facelifts of the Picanto and Rio during 2020 as well as the new Sorento; if the brand’s sub-Seltos small SUV was viable for local introduction, could it perhaps cannibalise Rio sales? Perhaps.
But remember that Korean cousins Hyundai and Kia’s product line-ups have traditionally competed model for model (with a few exceptions) in South Africa… If the Venue could be successful for Hyundai SA, why couldn’t the “Sonet” be a success story for Kia? We'll be sure to keep you posted.
A new Peugeot Partner is available in South Africa! See specification and pricing details below…
The Peugeot Partner is built to serve and in its latest form, it’s perhaps one of the most stylish panel vans in the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segment.
Key Features
The Peugeot Partner is powered by a 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine with 68 kW and 230 Nm and comes paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.
The load area is tall and wide and offers 4.4 cubic metres of loading space with a load bay that measures 2.1 metres in length. The payload is rated at 1 000kg. The cargo bay can be accessed using the dual rear doors or the dual sliding side door. Longer items are accommodated with a bulkhead pass-through panel.
A pass-through panel in the bulkhead allows for loading of longer items.
A total of 6 anchoring rings are offered to secure cargo and a12V socket and 6 LED lights are also fitted for your convenience. The load floor is also equipped with a protective covering to minimise scuffing.
As for the interior, the Partner is now fitted with Peugeot’s i-Cockpit which is found on its passenger cars. The system includes an D-shaped steering wheel with mounted controls, a head-up style instrument cluster that places all vital information directly in the driver’s vision and an 8-inch touchscreen that takes care of functions such as Bluetooth, Mirror Link, Android Auto and Apple Carplay.
Other nice features include cruise control (with limiter) electric windows, rear parking sensors, automatic drive away locking and automatic locking of the load area.
An electronic handbrake frees up some more space and Peugeot says that the Partner offers 113 litres of storage space in the passenger cabin.
In terms of safety, the Peugeot Partner is equipped with 6 airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist.
Peugeot Partner – Price in South Africa
Peugeot Partner 1.6 HDI – R389 900
The Partner is sold with a 5-year/100 000km warranty, 5-year/100 000km service plan and a 5-year/100 000km Roadside Assistance.
Despite earlier reports, it appears relief is on the cards for SA motorists as the fuel price comes down for February 2020.
The Automobile Association of SA says the price of oil declining since the 2nd week of the year has resulted in decreases across the board for the month of February 2020.
The decreases are as follows: 95 Octane petrol will drop by around 13 cents a litre, with the other reductions marginal: 93 Octane petrol and both grades of diesel by four cents a litre.
"Rising tensions between the USA and Iran in the opening days of 2020 sparked a sharp increase in international oil prices, but the commodity has rebounded quickly. In fact, the oil price has returned to a level we might have expected had the US-Iran flare-up not taken place at all," the AA says.
While the oil price has dropped to its lowest level since the beginning of December 2019, the Rand/Dollar exchange rate is worsening. "We have some concerns over this ongoing weakening in the absence of any overt Rand shocks," the AA says. "It is not a good sign of confidence in the SA economy. We're pleased fuel prices have managed to tread water at the start of a year, a year which is likely to again be extremely economically challenging," the AA concludes.
Alfa Romeo’s product development plans may have been scaled back drastically, but according to a report, the Milanese marque is reportedly planning to resurrect its famed GTA badge when it unveils a beefed-up and lightened version of the Giulia Quadrifoglio super sedan around mid-year.
Under the leadership of the late Sergio Marchionne, there were big, bold plans for Alfa Romeo. Apart from the production version of the Tonale compact family car and another upcoming SUV, the Italian firm had plans to flank the Giulia business class sedan and Stelvio executive SUV with a new Giulia-based GTV sports coupe and a successor to the 8C supercar. Indeed, there were even rumours of an all-new Giulietta, a Premium SUV to rival the likes of the Audi Q7, BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE and Volvo XC90, plus an executive sedan – Alfa Romeo’s first since the underappreciated 166.
But no, as you may have read, Marchionne died and then, in November 2019, FCA chief executive Mike Manley told investors that Alfa Romeo’s portfolio plan had been scaled back significantly. The revised 5-year product outline he presented detailed only updates to the Giulia and Stelvio and the launches of the aforementioned pair of SUVs. The rest of the scheduled models were unceremoniously scrapped.
What’s more, the Fiat Chrysler has since officially merged with the PSA Group, so we assume that any Alfa Romeo products that weren’t at least at an advanced stage of development (when the deal was struck) have been put on ice… indefinitely.
The Giulia Quadrifoglio Racing Edition (offered in Europe) gives a clue to how the GTA version might look.
It’s not like local Alfisti have had much to crow about recently anyway, apart from the fact Alfa Romeo quietly slipped the Stelvio’s Quadrifoglio flagship into South Africa last year, the Giulia range still doesn’t feature Veloce derivatives or the 2019 model-year upgrades (as far as we know), Stelvio sales have been disappointing given the market’s demonstrated appetite for SUVs and the Giulietta’s in the twilight of its product cycle.
But then, Alfa Romeo’s bloom periods never seem to last long anyway. That trend has, however, never precluded the brand from doing what it does best: grabbing the attention of its loyal fans by drawing on the firm’s heritage to build a go-faster version of something that's already in its line-up. And seeing that there’s an event in Milan to mark Alfa Romeo’s 110th birthday in late June 2020, a new halo product is sorely needed.
Well, according to US site Mopar Insiders, Alfa Romeo may well revive its historic GTA nameplate (last seen on the top-flight 147 and 156 derivatives almost 20 years ago) for a limited-edition version of the Giulia Quadrifoglio.
The last Alfa Romeo to wear a GTA badge was the flagship 156 in the early Noughties.
Remember that car? The carbon-fibre-laced and rear-wheel-driven (in South Africa) super sedan powered by a Ferrari-flavoured 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6? Well, of course, you do, because it’s one of very few Alfa Romeos to be regarded as having the measure of its BMW M Division, Mercedes-AMG and Audi RS rivals. It would not be boastful to say that the Giulia flagship gained critical acclaim; not something that can be said of most of its stablemates.
It’s understood the eagerly-anticipated M3 derivative of the G20-generation BMW 3 Series (and its M4 coupe sibling) won’t see the light before 2021… after all, the production version of the 4 Series isn’t even out yet and BMW tends to release those performance twins simultaneously. Therefore, the lull before successors to M3, C63 and RS4 come out leaves Alfa Romeo with an ideal opportunity to shine.
A 460-kW Giulia Quadrifoglio GTA would certainly need beefed-up stopping power…
GTA is an abbreviation for Gran Turismo Allegerita (the last word of which is Italian for lightened) and the newcomer is believed to tip the scales at around 20 kg less than the standard Giulia Quadrifoglio. That meagre weight saving doesn’t sound conducive to a massive boost in performance, but then, why save a lot of weight if the Quadrifoglio GTA’s rumoured to produce at least 460 kW from its highly tuned 2.9-litre V6 powerplant?
To realise an 85 kW boost in peak output (and do so without dramatically shortening the lifespan of the motor) would require more boost pressure from those 2 turbos, obviously, but probably necessitate upgraded engine internals too. The brakes would need to carbon-ceramic as standard and the Quadrifoglio GTA will most likely be sold exclusively with an 8-speed auto transmission, which is probably wise.
Carbon fibre-backed sports seats are signature adornments of top-spec Guilia Quadrifoglios.
So, if Alfa Romeo does unveil a Giulia Quadrifoglio GTA by the middle of the year and if it decides to produce the derivative, the Italian firm may only build around 500 units of the highly-desirable super sedan. Those are a lot of big ifs and even if they’re all answered in the affirmative, here’s the biggest question of them all: Will FCA in South Africa be able to secure a few units for release in the local market? It all remains to be seen.
Suffice to say it’s a tantalising prospect for a car that would cost a small fortune to buy. But you want one anyway, don’t you? Yes, we thought so.
Details of Honda’s Europe-only supermini, the Honda e, have been revealed. We would love to see it in South Africa but that ain’t going to happen…
We don’t typically report on cars that aren’t destined for South African shores but sometimes there are exceptions and the Honda e is one of them.
We absolutely loved the 2017 Honda Urban EV Concept and we were excited that Honda promised to have a production car ready in 2 years. Now, enter the Honda e, which made its world premiere at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show. What a great-looking electric car, don’t you think?
The Specs
The Honda e is only destined for Europe and it sadly won't be offered in South Africa. Insert sad face emoji here…
The Honda e stands some 3 895 mm long, 1 750 mm wide, 1.512 mm high and weighs in at a hefty 1 514 kg. It’s wheelbase measures 2 530 mm. It’s a rear-wheel-drive electric car that boasts a 50:50 weight distribution, low centre of gravity and MacPherson Strut independent suspension for each wheel, all of which is pegged to deliver a fun driving experience.
As for electric power, the Honda e is offered to European customers in 2 flavours including a 100 kW/315 Nm version as well as a more powerful 113 kW/315 Nm variant. The former can sprint from zero to 100 kph in 9 seconds while the uprated version takes only 8.3 seconds. Both derivatives are limited to a top speed of 145 kph. A 35.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack allows for the Honda e to travel up to 222 km (WLTP standard).
Charging can be done using a 100 kW CCS2 fast charger allowing for 80% charge in just 30 minutes. A public 4 kW Public Type 2 charger will take 4.1 hours for a full charge while a 2.3 kW Home Type 2 charger will take 18.8 hours.
How cool is this interior? Note the Side Camera Mirror System.
As for the interior, it’s pretty cool with a full-width digital dashboard which integrates 5 HD displays including an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.3-inch dual touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. Honda’s new AI-powered Personal Assistant is also able to respond to natural questions and commands and improves over time by learning an individual’s voice. The 2 outer screens are used for the Side Camera Mirror System while a Center Camera Mirror system provides a clear view from the rear. Other nifty features include Honda Parking Pilot, Collision Mitigation Throttle Control, Low Speed Brake Function and Lead Car Departure Notification System.
The Honda e is a strict 4-seater and being a supermini, it’s limited in terms of luggage space and only offers 171 litres of space in the load bay which expands to 571 litres with the seats folded down.
We think the Honda e is one of the coolest electric cars in the world, would you agree?
Watch the videos below to see the Honda e in motion!
Nissan Navara Off-Roader AT32 Revealed
Nissan has taken the wraps off a hardcore 4×4 derivative of the Navara bakkie. Meet the Nissan Navara Off-Roader AT32.
Nissan has teamed up with Arctic Trucks, famous for its Iceland 4×4 bakkies, to build the Navara Off-Roader AT32. There's been extensive work done to the Navara to make it even more capable than before.
The entire underbody is shielded with lightweight aluminium material to protect the vital components. There are also 31-inch Nokian tyres which boast dual valves for quick inflation. These tyres are said to improve the economy and "enhance on-road handling without compromising its off-road ability', which is quite a claim for offroad rubber.
There are also bespoke all-terrain wheel arch extensions as well as all-terrain Bilstein performance suspension. If the chunky bodywork and huge tyres didn't indicate what you're looking at, there's special badge on the front wings, arches, side steps, tail gate and mud guards. For those owners wanting even more from their Nissan Navara Off-Roader AT32, an electronic lock for the front differential and an intake snorkel are available, the latter increases the wading depth to 800 mm.
“The Nissan Navara Off-Roader AT32 was a sell-out success and proved incredibly popular with adventurers seeking elegance and toughness,” said Manuel Burdiel, General Manager Europe, LCV Sales and Business Development. “We have upgraded the Off-Roader AT32 so it can maintain its position as the ultimate Navara while bringing new efficiency and becoming fully WLTP compliant. It’s the perfect blend of in-car technology, comfort and extreme off-road performance.”
The Nissan Navara Off-Roader AT32 goes on sale from February 2020 across Europe. Should it come to South Africa?
What if you could blend performance with fuel economy? BMW believes you can and the diesel-powered M340d has leaked. Here's what we know so far.
The European market loves performance diesel vehicles and they sell plenty of them across all segments. In South Africa, we've had the Volkswagen Golf GTD which sold very few units, and if we recall correctly, BMW offered its F10 5-Series with the 35d powertrain. With 230 kW and 630 Nm from a turbocharged 3.0-litre 6-cylinder diesel motor, the performance was brisk with a claimed 0-100 of 5.5 seconds, while consuming just 5.4 L/100 km.
Now thanks to Dutch publication Autoweek.nl, we get some juicy details on the new BMW M340d. The newcomer will come with xDrive and in sedan form it'll hit 100 kph in just 4.6 seconds and go onto a limited top speed of 250 kph. We say sedan form as BMW is also offering this model in a Touring/Estate bodystyle.
The engine of choice is the same as the one found in the X3/X4 M40d and is a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-6 diesel. It packs 240 kW and unlike the SUV duo who have 680 Nm, this M340d has 700 Nm. The consumption claim is very impressive with between 5.3 – 5.7 L/100 km and the new M340d features an engine-off coasting functionality which works at speeds of up to 160 kph.
Right now the most powerful diesel BMW 3 Series in South Africa is the rear-wheel drive 330d, which has 195 kW and 580 Nm from a 3.0-litre straight-6 diesel. It's good for 5.5 seconds to 100 kph and it is claimed to consume 5.5 L/100 km. We should get official details and specifications regarding the BMW M340d xDrive soon.
With big exhausts and subtle M340d badging, this is a bit of a stealth weapon.
Porsche GTS 4.0 Motor for Boxster & Cayman (Updated)
In an apparent snub to downsizing, Porsche will fit its 718 Cayman GTS and 718 Boxster GTS derivatives with a 294 kW naturally aspirated flat-6 engine instead of the current 2.5-litre turbo flat-4. What's more, these 4.0 versions will initially be offered with 6-speed manual 'boxes only, which will thrill sportscar aficionados no end…
Although it's understood that turbocharged Boxster GTS and Cayman GTS derivatives will be sold concurrently with the 4.0s, Porsche will ultimately drop its 2.5-litre flat-4 boxer turbo engine (in GTS versions) in favour of this – a detuned Cayman GT4 4.0-litre flat-6 mill – at the end of the year, when a 7-speed dual-clutch (PDK) transmission may be offered too. To be fair, the 4-cylinder engine wasn't the most popular in the Porsche community, a group of enthusiasts who live for the wail of a flat-6 motor.
Compared with the current 269 kW/430 Nm 2.5-litre turbopetrol, the new 4.0-litre flat-6 boxer motor produces 294 kW and 419 Nm and it'll hit 100 kph from zero in 4.5 seconds and romp onto a top speed of 294 kph. The combination of a free-revving motor and snappy 6-on-the-floor, the Boxster- and Cayman GTS 4.0 should be exhilarating to drive.
Both the Boxster- and Cayman GTS 4.0 feature minor cosmetic detail upgrades and come equipped with 20-inch alloys, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) sports suspension, along with a 20-millimetre lower ride height, and Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with mechanical limited-slip rear differential as standard. Sport Chrono package (with upgraded Porsche Track Precision App) is also fitted, but a sports exhaust and carbon-ceramic composite braking system will be extra-cost options.
Porsche says its new derivatives will reach German dealerships from the end of March 2020; South African pricing is listed below.
718 GTS Pricing in South Africa (January 2020)
The below pricing includes a 5-year Driveplan. A 3-year Driveplan is also available.
