2025 Aston Martin Vantage Facelift Announced With Almost 500 kW
Here’s the 2025 Aston Martin Vantage Facelift which has been given an update both in terms of looks and performance.
The 2025 Aston Martin Vantage facelift was announced overnight and the new model gets revised styling and a substantial power bump.
Let’s talk about the performance. The AMG-sourced 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 packs 489 kW and 800 Nm, with power driving the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. In comparison to the previous model, there are gains of 112 kW and 115 Nm, making this Vantage one quick customer.
Aston Martin is claiming this is the most driver-focused and fastest Vantage in the nameplate’s 74-year history. The power increase comes curtesy of larger turbochargers and modifications to the engine block itself. A 0-100 kph time of 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 325 kph is being claimed by the British carmaker, thanks to a new launch control system. Other noteworthy changes included improvements to the suspension setup and intelligent adaptive dampers have been installed.
The 2025 Aston Martin Vantage facelift has 21-inch forged wheels wrapped in trick Michelin Pilot Sport 5 S rubber. Customers can opt for carbon ceramic brakes which will save 27 kg of weight.
Let’s be blunt for a second, when it comes to design, Aston Martin knocks it out the park and the updated Vantage is no different. This is one gorgeous and striking car. Aston Martin has fitted a gaping grille and new-look Matrix LED headlights, as well as large exhaust pipes and wide rear bumper.
Climb inside and you’ll encounter a new 10.25-inch infotainment system, sporty seats, enhanced dashboard and an 11-speaker audio system.
When will the 2025 Aston Martin Vantage Facelift come to South Africa?
Production of the newcomer will commence in the first quarter of 2024, with customer deliveries beginning in the second quarter of 2024.
The facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLE has officially arrived in SA, with all derivatives now featuring mild-hybrid powertrains. Here’s a look at pricing for the updated SUV…
At the start of 2023, the facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLE was revealed. Now, the updated V167-generation SUV has quietly arrived in South Africa.
The refreshed range kicks off with the GLE300d 4Matic, which starts at R1 964 600. Note this model is also offered in 7-seater form, pushing the starting price to R1 984 000.
While the pre-facelift version of this derivative used a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine generating 180 kW and 500 Nm, the updated model’s more powerful oil-burner gains a 48-volt system and integrated starter generator, effectively rendering it a mild hybrid. Peak outputs improve to 198 kW and 550 Nm, with an additional 15 kW and 200 Nm (courtesy of the mild-hybrid gubbins) briefly available.
Again fitted with a 9-speed automatic transmission as standard, the GLE300d’s claimed 0-100 kph time thus falls from the outgoing model’s 7.2 seconds to just 6.9 seconds, while the top speed rises from 225 kph to 230 kph.
Meanwhile, priced from R2 075 400 (or R2 094 800 in 7-seater form), the GLE450 4Matic now makes 280 kW and 500 Nm courtesy of its turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-6 petrol engine, resulting in a 0-100 kph sprint time of 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 250 kph, according to Mercedes-Benz.
Finally, the new GLE450d 4Matic replaces the old GLE400d, with its upgraded 2.9-litre 6-cylinder turbodiesel heart now generating 270 kW and a whopping 750 Nm. With pricing starting at R2 041 500 (or R2 060 900 for the extra row of seats), the German automaker says this derivative is also capable of reaching 3 figures in 5.6 seconds, with a maximum speed of 250 kph.
Depending on the model, the updated GLE can be specified with the AMG Line exterior package for an additional R65 800, while the Night Package (R16 900), AMG Line interior package (R27 900), Exclusive trim package (R9 600) and Driving Assistance Plus package (R42 200) are also available.
Other options include various alloy-wheel designs (measuring up to 22 inches in diameter), Nappa leather for the dashboard (R32 000), a head-up display (R23 200), power-closing doors (R11 800), the Off-Road Engineering package (R12 600) and air suspension with adaptive damping (R38 300).
GWM P-Series in SA: service plan doubled to 10 years!
Haval Motors South Africa has quietly doubled the GWM P-Series bakkie range’s standard service plan length to a whopping 10 years. Here are all the details…
Haval Motors South Africa, which distributes the Haval, GWM, Ora and Tank brands locally, has quietly doubled the GWM P-Series bakkie line-up’s standard service plan length to 10 years.
Previously, the Chinese bakkie came standard with a 5-year/100 000 km service plan, but the wholly owned subsidiary has now extended this arrangement to 10 years or (an unchanged) 100 000 km. Hat-tip to our learned colleagues over at duoporta.com for alerting us to this fascinating upgrade!
As before, service intervals for the 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine – which does duty across the range – are set at 10 000 km or 1 year. So, for new P-Series owners who cover an average of up to 10 000 km per year, servicing would effectively be covered for a full decade.
The service-plan upgrade applies to all 17 derivatives in the current P-Series range, including the commercial single-cab, commercial double-cab and so-called passenger double-cab variants. In addition, of course, the P-Series continues to ship standard with a 5-year/100 000 km warranty.
Having touched down in Mzansi back at the end of 2020, the P-Series portfolio welcomed a new top-spec LTD derivative in May 2023. As Haval Motors SA hinted at last year, the range is likely to expand further in 2024, with the flagship GWM Shanhai Cannon – which may well wear a different badge once it arrives in SA – pencilled in for a local launch within the next few months.
In April 2023, a facelifted version of the P-Series bakkie – which is also known as the Cannon, Ute or Poer, depending on the market – was unveiled in its domestic market of China, sporting fresh front-end styling and an extensively overhauled interior. It’s still not clear whether this updated model in on the cards for SA.
In 2023, the Chinese-built GWM P-Series ranked 7th on the list of South Africa’s best-selling bakkies, with 4 462 units (a year-on-year increase of 6.7%) registered. In January 2024, the Chinese bakkie placed 6th on the table, with 351 units sold.
As promised, the petrol-powered models have been revealed. Here’s the 2024 Mini Cooper engine details and when they’re arriving in SA.
When the new-generation Mini Cooper range was revealed in Germany back in September 2023, the focus was on the electric derivatives. Understandable, as the brand has already said it would be ditching internal combustion power from 2030.
However, 2030 is still six years away and Mini will continue to use its petrol-powered engines and what you see here is the new 2024 Mini Cooper engine lineup. The headline act is the new Mini Cooper S which is powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine which makes 150 kW and 300 Nm. This will be the quickest Mini offered (well, until the nutcase JCW model appears) and is claimed to hit 100 kph in just 6.6 seconds.
The second engine is a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol motor with 115 kW and 230 Nm. This will be badged as the Mini Cooper C and can dash to 100 kph in a claimed 7.7 seconds. It’ll be the least thirsty of the two, with a claimed consumption range of 6.5 – 5.9 L/100 km. The Cooper S economy figures sit at a claimed 6.7 – 6.1 L/100 km.
There’s no mention of the type of transmission which will be paired to the 2024 Mini Cooper engine, but given what we see here, we can only assume the manual transmission has been ditched completely in favour of an automatic gearbox.
Inside, the cabin has been given a minimalist design and there’s a focus on new materials. The central circular infotainment system features the new Mini Operating System 9 and we’ve already had a first taste from our Munich visit in September 2023. It’s sensational, both in terms of usability and visual appeal. You’ll also notice there’s no gear selector, instead you’ll select your gear via a neat and discrete drive selector integrated into the dashboard.
When will the 2024 Mini Cooper launch in South Africa?
The all-new Mini Cooper’s retail operations for South Africa will commence in April 2024. Pricing and specifications for our market will be released closer to the time.
The recently facelifted Mercedes-AMG A35 sedan combines punchy performance with suitably premium packaging. Is this “junior AMG” any good? We get behind the wheel.
We like: Easily accessible performance, sleeper exterior styling, futuristic interior
We don’t like: Patchy build quality, cramped rear legroom, not the final word in driver engagement.
The Panamericana grille was introduced as part of the A35 sedan’s recent facelift.
When you think of compact Mercedes-AMG models, the fire-breathing A45 S, which punches out 310 kW and 500 Nm, is the first thing that comes to mind… Its motor is a benchmark for series-produced small-capacity turbo engines. However, the A45 S’ asking price is prohibitively high (for a premium hatchback); if you glance at examples listed on our site, you’ll see units priced at just under R1.5 million!
But what if you want an AMG-fettled Mercedes-Benz, but your budget can’t quite stretch that far? Well, the Mercedes-AMG A35 is available in sedan and hatchback guises. Like the A45 S, it has a punchy powertrain (including 4Matic all-wheel drive), a luxurious and futuristic cabin, plus suitably muscular styling. It may be down on power compared with its big brother, but it’s considerably more affordable.
There are a few performance-oriented “compact executives” available on the market – unsurprisingly, they all hail from Germany. The Mercedes-AMG A35 competes with the Audi S3 (also available in hatchback and sedan configurations), BMW M135i and M235i Gran Coupe, plus the Volkswagen Golf R.
The AMG aerodynamics package includes a neat boot spoiler that matches the diffuser on the rear bumper.
How the Mercedes-AMG A35 Sedan fares in terms of…
Design and Packaging
For the 2024 model year, Mercedes-AMG has updated its compact car range with visual tweaks, an upgraded cabin and a beefed-up powertrain, with 48V mild-hybrid tech, and a new auto transmission.
Our test unit looked suitably sporty and came specified with a handful of cosmetic add-ons – courtesy of the optional AMG aerodynamics package – that enhanced its visual appeal. In stock standard guise, the Mercedes-AMG A35 is rather understated, which may appeal to the very few buyers who still appreciate subtlety. The Panamericana grille debuts on this facelifted model (it should create an intimidating sight in other road users’ mirrors) and we loved the aero flicks at the front, as well as the subtle boot-lip spoiler.
Rear legroom is limited in the A35 sedan, the bench is only really suitable to seat small children.
Sedans are regarded as old-school family cars, but the 4-door A35 is more of a “style choice”. Because the A-Class is a touch smaller than the C-Class business class sedan, is not nearly as spacious inside.
Considering the ‘Benz has a 2 729-mm wheelbase, its so-called passenger cell is no bigger than that of a small crossover – plus there’s no raised roofline. Therefore, adult occupants will find the rear head- and legroom in short supply, but the bench should be comfortable enough to seat small children. On the plus side, there are individual air vents, as well as a USB charging port, for added comfort and convenience.
When it comes to boot space, the Mercedes-AMG A35 outguns the Audi S3 sedan (370 litres vs 325 litres) but, for what it’s worth, the BMW M235i Gran Coupe has the highest claimed capacity (430 litres).
The centre console no longer features a neat touchpad – it has been replaced by this tray.
Performance and Efficiency
Meanwhile, the Mercedes-AMG A35’s 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine has been augmented with a 48V auxiliary power supply and a belt-driven starter-generator (RSG). The derivative’s claimed peak outputs are 235 kW and 400 Nm, which is 10 kW more than the pre-facelift A35 we drove back in 2020.
When the A35 sedan is ready to execute a launch start, this displayed on the digital instrument cluster!
What’s more, a new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission has replaced the pre-facelift’s 7-speed unit. The best way to assess the new powertrain is against the clock, for which we duly utilised our test equipment. With Race Start activated, the A35 galloped from zero to 100 kph in 4.74 seconds. That was quicker than the claimed 4.8 seconds – the brief power boost provided by the mild-hybrid tech clearly did the trick!
The steering wheel-mounted drive mode selectors must rank among the greatest things that Mercedes-AMG has created (or, at the very least, implemented). With the left jog wheel you can configure settings such as manual-shift mode, stability control and the loudness of the sports exhaust. The right ‘wheel, in turn, allows you to toggle between the drive modes. So, if you’re in the mood to drive with verve, you can quickly select “Sport” when you arrive at your favourite ribbon of twisty tarmac and then “put foot”.
Dial S+ for Send it (we joke, of course… Sport Plus is the raciest drive mode available)
Another great aspect of the A35 is its “configurability”. If you engage the Individual drive mode, you can combine your favourite steering, drivetrain and suspension settings to suit your preference. So, if you want the softest ride quality, with the loudest exhaust note, but optimal fuel efficiency, the car’s settings can be configured to suit. The other available drive modes are Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus and Snow.
The A35 features a 51-litre fuel tank and, based on its claimed fuel economy figure of 7.3 L/100 km, it has a range of 699 km. But if you enjoy the sportier modes, you’re likely to see returns closer to 10 L/100 km.
Even the preset drive modes (such as Comfort) can be customised to an extent.
Ride and Handling
In terms of the ride-handling balance, keep in mind that buyers expect the A35 to perform two distinct roles. Petrolheads may fantasise about driving fast all the time, but the ‘Benz must be smooth, refined and comfortable on the daily commute. Secondly, it has to provide heightened driver engagement and compelling performance when required. To make the assignment tougher, buyers further expect the A35 to switch between those roles seamlessly. After all, Mercedes-AMG embodies luxurious performance.
The A35 sedan’s suspension tuning is firm, not rock hard, but it doesn’t fare particularly well on uneven roads.
Does it succeed? Yes and no. The A35 sedan’s firm/sporty suspension exhibited poor bump absorption on badly maintained roads. Plus, when driving on rough tarmac at higher speeds, the Continental tyres (fitted to the 18-inch wheels) proved noisy – we drowned out the hum with the excellent audio system. When traversing a smooth road, these issues aren’t as apparent. So are they deal-breakers? Not at all.
Once you’ve escaped the city traffic and want to test the A35’s handling prowess, the ‘Benz duly delivers the goods. The 4Matic all-wheel drive smartly distributes torque between the two axles; the traction is so abundant that it would require very foolish driving antics to make the sedan “misbehave”. We do wish the steering setup conveyed a bit more feel – it’s quick, light and inspires confidence, but it isn’t engaging.
The new AMG multifunction steering wheel adds a real sense of occasion to steering the A35 sedan.
To be fair to the A35, the author drove the stonking A45 S, on the very same road, the day before he sampled this test unit (the cars arrived at the same time). Whereas the A45 S delivers an enthralling, hands-on driving experience, the A35, by comparison, feels oh-so-close to a compelling driver’s car… Perhaps ‘Benz didn’t want its “junior AMG” to get too close to the flagship and dialled things back a bit.
If you want even more seat-of-the-pants dynamism, have you considered the Honda Civic Type R? It may not be a Mercedes-AMG, but it offers one of the most sensational driving experiences for similar money.
Comfort and Features
The red and black leather trim adds an element of theatre to the sporty interior.
When you climb inside the A35 sedan for the first time, you will probably be wowed by its futuristic- and racy-looking cabin. For 2024, Benz has redirected several user inputs to the large infotainment screen and, therefore, the convenient touchpad and wrist rest have been replaced by a shallow storage tray.
These photographs show the vehicle in its sportiest mode with the corresponding “widescreen” themes. If it’s a bit much, you can always change the instrument cluster to a more conventional and calmer layout.
The A35 sedan’s sportiest instrument cluster readouts can result in information overload.
It all looks intimidatingly high-tech, but the learning curve is not very steep – you’ll soon be swiping and pinching through the array of menus. The MBUX voice control continues to be one of the best in the segment; a variety of functions is a mere command away. If you say: “Hey Mercedes, I am hot”, the A35 won’t emit a synthesised wolf whistle, but its climate control will summon a blast of chilled air in seconds.
Downsides? The cabin may look incredibly posh and highly advanced, but it’s not constructed from the fanciest materials. There’s some cheap-feeling plastic in places and our test unit’s dashboard creaked every time we drove over a speed bump, which doesn’t feel appropriate for a vehicle in this price bracket.
Select this display configuration if you want to see the speed, rpm, power and torque outputs simultaneously.
To Mercedes-Benz SA’s credit, the pricy A35 has a long list of standard equipment (not that you can’t spec up the car to your heart’s content by diving into the options list). Smartphone integration for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless device charging pad, a reverse-view camera with parking sensors, a tyre pressure monitor, auto wipers, hands-free access and (gorgeous) ambient lighting are included.
To reduce manufacturing complexity (and make it easier for a buyer to specify their A-Class), the Three-pointed Star has grouped its most popular options into packages. As it turned out, our test unit came fitted with options to the value of R135 000. These included the AMG Aerodynamics Package (R23 826), AMG Night Package (R12 174), AMG Leather pack (R15 913), as well as the Premium Plus package (R78 261), which included items such as the head-up display, panoramic sunroof and extra MBUX features.
Buying an A35 sedan is the most affordable way into the New Mercedes-AMG Club.
Mercedes-AMG A35 sedan price and After-sales support
The list price below includes a 2-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan, but Mercedes-Benz SA states “you shall be entitled to exclude” the latter from your vehicle purchase.
Mercedes-AMG A-Class A35 sedan 4Matic
R1 176 273
Mercedes-AMG A-Class A35 hatch 4Matic
R1 285 854
Mercedes-AMG A-Class A45 S hatch 4Matic+
R1 440 693
Verdict
The A35 Sedan is the gateway to the Three-pointed Star’s Affalterbach-based performance division. With commendable performance and reasonably good handling ability, the A35 does the basics right and, as a refined, luxurious compact executive car, it doesn’t disappoint. It also represents a more mature buying decision than an outlandish hot hatch, such as the Civic Type R or, to some extent, Subaru WRX.
However, should you buy one? The performance, technology and privilege of getting behind the ‘wheel of a new Mercedes-AMG model are major drawcards. But, if you are after a bit more driver engagement and outright value, you cannot ignore its rivals – they are that good. And, ultimately, the A45S might be the A35 sedan’s greatest foe, for once you’ve driven that 310-kW machine, you’ll dig deep to obtain one.
Here’s your first look at the Toyota Corolla Cross facelift which we think previews what will be coming to SA by early 2025.
The Toyota Corolla Cross facelift has just been formally revealed in Thailand. As a reminder, it made its debut in that particular market back in 2020 and an update was due. The Toyota Corolla Cross touched down in South Africa towards the end of 2021 and by our estimates, we think this new look model will be hitting SA showrooms by early 2025.
What’s changed? The biggest change can be found at the front of the vehicle, with a new-look redesigned grille in a body-coloured finish and honeycomb pattern. There are new LED headlights with sequential indicators too. Toyota has added a new colour; Cement Gray Metallic.
Climb inside and the biggest change can be found with the addition of a conventional electronic handbrake replacing the foot-operating parking brake. The Thai market model gets a new panoramic frameless roof with electric sunshade. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.1-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is included.
Further convenience items include wireless charging pads, USB-C ports at the front and rear, dual-zone climate control and new features added to the semi-autonomous safety tech. Toyota Thailand is offering a choice of either black or dark rose trim.
It appears the powertrain lineup is carried over. Toyota’s offering its 1.8-litre self-charging petrol hybrid engine with 90 kW and 163 Nm, as well as a conventional 1.8-litre naturally-aspirated petrol that makes 103 kW and 172 Nm. The hybrid is said to use only 4.3 L/100 km, with the latter engine consuming 6.8 L/100 km. Both automatic and manual transmissions will be available, but the hybrid makes use of an E-CVT.
Toyota Corolla Cross Facelift in South Africa?
We estimate the Toyota Corolla Cross Facelift will be unveiled locally and be sold from early 2025. As a reminder, our Corolla Cross units are assembled at Toyota’s factory in Durban.
Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series (2024) Launch Review
Does the addition of the Hilux-sourced 4-cylinder engine, mated with a 6-speed auto transmission, add a new dimension to, or detract from, the Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series’ cult status? Nicol Louw went on a safari in the Limpopo province to find out.
Throughout the past 4 decades, the Land Cruiser 70 Series has well and truly proven itself as a vehicle “capable of conquering Africa”. Suffice it to say, Toyota has applied changes to the J70 Land Cruiser rather sparingly – the Aichi-based brand is, understandably, reluctant to tamper with a winning formula.
This facelift to the J70 encompasses more than the usual cosmetic and specification updates, however. For 2024, the Land Cruiser 70 Series incorporates the Hilux’s 2.8-litre 4-cylinder GD-6 turbodiesel engine – arguably, most importantly – in conjunction with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The 2024 Land Cruiser 70 Series’ front-end styling takes inspiration from the J40-generation model.
The introduction of the gearbox is particularly significant because, although an automatic transmission conversion was available in the aftermarket for J70s powered by the 4.5-litre V8 turbodiesel engine, it never had the approval of Toyota Japan… and was simply too expensive for most owners to consider.
So, could this new introduction be the Land Cruiser 70 Series that we have all been waiting for?
What is new with the Land Cruiser 70 Series?
In terms of the newcomer’s appearance, Toyota’s designers have tapped into the Land Cruiser heritage; the front, in particular, draws inspiration from the J40-generation model. Gone are the square headlights – they’ve been replaced with round units – and the bumper has grown into a larger, one-piece slab.
The revised front-end treatment includes round headlamps and a one-piece black bumper.
The bonnet, in turn, now sports a pair of power bulges, which reminds me of the Land Cruiser 300‘s “clamshell hood”, and it slopes upward towards the windscreen. Other updated elements include the dark-coloured alloy wheels and cosmetic changes to the rear section of the station wagon variant.
Inside, the centre console shows the biggest update: the automatic shifter sits on a raised platform made of black plastic and off-set cupholders have been added. The unit is best described as, um, “functional”.
The Land Cruiser 70 Series’ interior remains largely unchanged, but the transmission lever is mounted quite high.
The dashboard, with that famous digital clock still in place above the updated infotainment touchscreen, will be quite familiar to 70 Series aficionados. It is a pity there is no knob for the volume adjustment, but ‘Cruiser owners may appreciate that the manual, lever-operated climate control system remains in situ.
The station wagon variant, meanwhile, gains USB ports, cruise control and carpet trim, while the pick-up must make do without those creature comforts – indeed, it has a rough vinyl floor covering. Both body styles get a new Hilux-sourced steering wheel with rake- as well as reach adjustment.
A VX derivative, which will offer a modicum of luxury (including leather upholstery), a bull bar and other external cosmetic trim additions, will be available soon, Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) says.
The 2.8GD-6 4-cylinder motor promises much better fuel consumption (and longer tank range) than a V8-powered derivative.
The battle of the engines
The main question is: How does the 2.8-litre motor stack up against the 4.5-litre V8? Very well, in fact – it only produces 1 kW less (150 kW), but trumps the larger unit by 70 Nm (500 Nm). The fact that it is also lighter, more fuel efficient (and, therefore, kinder to the environment) made its introduction a no-brainer.
Will loyal supporters of the V8 be willing to relinquish that baritone burble and naughty induction noises in favour of a more refined powertrain? Well, they have a while to make up their minds… According to TSAM vice president Glenn Crompton, the V8 engine will be offered in the Land Cruiser 70 Series for at least the next 2 years. That is good news for the off-roading diehards who also prefer shifting manually.
The 4-cylinder-engined Land Cruiser 70 Series easily cruises at the national speed limit and has overtaking grunt in reserve.
What is the Land Cruiser 70 Series like to drive?
Although we travelled more than 600 km in the Land Cruiser 70 Series during the launch event, it barely took 10 meters (not much more than exiting the parking lot at Toyota HQ in Sandton) to realise the benefit of the automatic transmission. The turning circle still matches that of an oil tanker, but moving from “P” to “D” is so much simpler than giving your left calf muscle a workout – are we getting soft?
As expected, stop-start traffic is much easier to contend with and the Toyota’s acceleration on the onramp joining the N1 north was surprisingly brisk, considering the 2.8GD-6’s reduced engine capacity.
Consumers can look forward to a “luxuriously specced” Land Cruiser 79 VX derivative.
In short, this is the most user-friendly and sprightly 70 Series I have experienced. Cruising at the national speed limit is a doddle and it’s easier to perform overtaking manoeuvres at those speeds than in the stick-shift 4.5-litre V8. I would go so far as to say that the 2.8GD-6 would outperform its V8 counterpart in most on-road scenarios. Think of it as a tougher Hilux with a firmer suspension… and more wind noise.
Subjectively, the station wagon’s suspension felt more pliant, but the ride quality was far from supremely comfortable – the downside of having two solid axles. It is, however, possible to consider the LC76 as a more robust family alternative to the popular Fortuner (sans some of the luxury and safety equipment).
The Land Cruiser 70 Series features an updated touchscreen infotainment system, but the digital clock remains.
And off-road?
The Toyota comes into its own where paved roads end and the going gets tough. There were numerous opportunities to view wildlife in the Lepogo resort and the Land Cruiser 70 Series offered excellent all-round visibility courtesy of its large glass areas (ah, one of the lasting benefits of a 40-year-old design).
A short off-road section presented a chance to engage low range (with the traditional short lever on the transmission tunnel, of course). Again, the automatic transmission came into its own and made it almost too easy to traverse obstacles in our path. The 2.8-litre engine provided a metered and smooth torque response with more than enough poke in reserve, although some lag was noticeable at pullaways.
The provision of an automatic transmission may not please 4×4 fundis, but it makes simple off-roading a doddle.
The test route was not an “all diff-locks engaged” type of challenge, but I am sure that this new-for-2024 powertrain would take a Grade 5 course in its stride. My only real gripe was that the Toyota’s aircon struggled to keep the cabin cool at low engine speeds when the ambient temperature was about 35°C.
How much does a Land Cruiser 70 Series cost in SA?
All Land Cruiser 76, 78 and 79 derivatives come with a 3-year/100 000km warranty. A service plan is optional, however.
Single cab
LC79 4.0 Petrol S/C 5MT
R765 500
LC79 4.2 Diesel S/C 5MT
R829 000
LC79 4.5 Diesel V8 S/C 5MT
R956 200
LC79 2.8 GD-6 Diesel S/C 6AT
R917 100
Double Cab
LC79 4.0 Petrol D/C 5MT
R864 600
LC79 4.2 Diesel D/C 5MT
R920 800
LC79 4.5 Diesel V8 D/C 5MT
R1 039 200
LC79 2.8 GD-6 Diesel D/C 6AT
R1 009 000
Station wagon
LC78 4.2 Diesel SW 5MT
R900 100
LC76 4.5 Diesel SW 5MT
R1 076 800
LC76 2.8 GD-6 Diesel SW 6AT
R999 900
LC 76 2.8 GD-6 VX Diesel SW 6AT
TBC
Summary
I was sceptical when I heard about the Hilux’s 4-cylinder engine being transplanted in the Land Cruiser 70 Series, but I am now convinced the 2.8 litre more than plays its part in contemporising the J70 model. There is no doubt that the market yearned for an automatic version and it has transformed the vehicle.
The fact that the ol’ Cruiser’s 130-litre fuel tank was barely below half full after the 600-km trip, which included some off-roading, speaks for itself (there is no claimed fuel consumption figure, but 10 L/100 km should be attainable). Welcome to a new, downsized era for the Land Cruiser 70 Series – it’s great.
If you don’t agree, go for a test drive. You won’t have to drive far to appreciate that new auto ‘box…
The 6th-generation Honda CR-V has been launched in South Africa. Here’s how much you can expect to pay for it and what you get for your money.
The Honda CR-V is one of those legacy products that continues to perform well in terms of sales globally. The battle for segment supremacy between it, the Toyota RAV4, Volkswagen Tiguan and Mazda CX-5 is set to continue.
Under the skin is an enhanced version of its global architecture platform, with a focus on ride quality, handling and refinement. The new car is 115 mm longer and 10 mm wider in comparison to the outgoing model, and the wheelbase has increased by 40 mm, which will enhance cabin space which is great as the CR-V features 7 seats. There’s been some under the skin work to the suspension, which is said to have been retuned for additional comfort. Honda has also added active noise cancellation to drown out road noise.
Honda South Africa will be offering its new CR-V in two levels of trim; Exclusive and Executive. Both models are front-wheel driven and are powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine which has outputs of 140 kW and 240 Nm, and the vehicle has a continuously variable transmission. Honda says this engine has been updated to improve its efficiency and enhanced power delivery.
Honda CR-V Grade Walk
Executive
Black leather seats with 8-way driver adjustability and heating
18-inch wheels
HD 9-inch colour touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Wireless charging pad
7-inch colour TFT display
CR-V-first Hill Descent Control
Anti-lock disc brakes with EBD and Brake Assist
Honda Sensing with front sensor camera and radar for forward collision warning and collision mitigation
Updated adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist
8 airbags
Exclusive
19-inch wheels
Panoramic sunroof
Sportier body styling
10.2-inch all-digital instrument cluster
Driver heads-up display
How much does the new 6th Gen Honda CR-V cost in South Africa?
The new 6th Gen Honda CR-V ships with a 5-year/ 90 000 km service plan, 5-year/ 200 000 km warranty and 3 year’s of AA roadside assistance.
How well is BAIC selling in SA? The latest sales figures
Chinese firm BAIC has suddenly started reporting individual model sales figures to Naamsa. Here’s how many vehicles the brand sold in South Africa in January 2024…
Though the BAIC brand established itself in South Africa as long ago as 2016 (with its first model launching the following year), the Chinese firm has only just started to report individual model sales figures to industry representative body Naamsa, beginning with January 2024.
So, just how well is BAIC South Africa – the local subsidiary of the Chinese state-owned BAIC Group, which traces its roots back some 66 years – selling in Mzansi at the moment?
The Beijing X55 was BAIC’s best seller last month.
Well, BAIC registered 295 new vehicles across the country in January 2024, ranking 18th on the list of SA’s best-selling automotive groups overall. For the record, that’s 2 units more than Honda managed last month and 7 units short of Mazda’s total. It was also enough to put BAIC in 14th place in the passenger-vehicle segment.
Though the Chinese brand once offered the D20 hatch and D20 sedan as well as the X25 crossover in South Africa, its local range currently comprises just a pair of nameplates: the B40 Plus (which is known as the “BJ40” in some markets but was christened “B40” instead when it landed in SA in October 2021) and the Beijing X55 (which touched down in November 2022).
Just 17 units of the B40 Plus were sold in SA in January.
In January, the Beijing X55 accounted for more than 94% of the company’s registrations, finishing the month on 278 units. The B40 Plus, meanwhile, had to settle for just 17 units. Interestingly, all 295 new vehicles were sold via the dealer channel.
As a reminder, the 3-strong Beijing X55 range (with each derivative employing a 130 kW/305 Nm turbocharged 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine) kicks off at R429 900, while the B40 Plus portfolio comprises 5 variants, running from R574 500 to R699 500. The latter model is available in turbopetrol and turbodiesel guise, with each engine displacing 2.0 litres.
Long promised, the B80 (known as the BJ80 in some parts of the world) has yet to launch in Mzansi.
BAIC South Africa has been threatening to launch the B80 – which bears more than just a passing resemblance to the Mercedes-Benz G-Class – for quite some time (back in August 2022, the company suggested the launch was planned for October of that year), but this model has yet to materialise.
In mid-2023, the company announced it had 38 dealerships nationwide, adding that it hoped to reach 50 outlets “by the end of 2023” (the current number is unknown as BAIC SA’s website was down at the time of writing). BAIC SA also said plans were “underway to increase the production capacity” of its assembly plant in the Coega industrial development zone in Gqeberha, which has reportedly seen very little action since the joint-venture operation with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) commenced back in 2016.
Audi RS3 Engine Swap on a VW Tiguan: Brutal-Sounding Family Car Sleeper
One of the most eye-catching cars from 2023’s VW Campfest, this Tiguan family car packs some serious punch courtesy of the Audi RS3 engine at its heart. Watch the videoand listen to this VW Tiguan RSR purr!
The raucous Tiguan ‘RSR’ as it is named also has a customised body kit which pays particular attention to the beading around the doors and bumpers creating a fully-blacked-out design the owner was going for.
The build also included an air suspension kit that allows the car to sit really low for show purposes. Check out the video and let us know in the comments what you think of this Tiguan build…
