Ford has teased a Mustang-inspired electric SUV. Here's what you need to know.
This official image from Ford shows off the profile of the new car. The date on the image suggests a full reveal on the 17th November 2019, which puts it around the same time as the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show.
There's not much to go on, but it appears that Ford will be making a Mustang-inspired fully electric SUV which pundits reckon will be built as an electric vehicle from the ground up.
The Audi A7 is on its way to South Africa and we've uncovered pricing on the local Audi website. Here's how much you can expect to pay.
The design has been refined with a more sloped roofline and a rear-end that doesn’t look as droopy and sad as it did before. Many loved the A7’s design and it was certainly the most recognisable model in the range, but I wasn’t a fan. This new A7 looks more resolved and has a more natural 4-door coupe look to it.
The highlight of the A7 is the new interior, it really moves the game on and is a big step up. It was a big decision to move away from the MMI rotary knob system but the 2 touchscreen system that replaces it, is excellent. Not only does the cabin look fresh and modern but its infotainment and basic functions are easier to access.
According to Audi SA's configurator, we only have one engine to choose from. It's the 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol V6 with 250 kW and 500 Nm. Power goes to a quattro setup via an S tronic transmission and Audi claims 0-100 kph in just 5.3 seconds.
We've also had a look at the options available and you can customise your A7 quite extensively. The S line exterior package is available for R31 350, as well as the Black styling package for R10 450. The vehicle rides on 20-inch alloys but there are 3 more wheel designs to choose from, some of which are 21-inch in size. The Matrix LED headlamps are standard, which is great as these are arguably the best headlights on the market.
Inside, you can opt for sportier seats with uprated leather trim as well as an audio upgrade in the form of a Bang & Olufsen sound system for R93 800. An all-wheel steer is an option too, at R33 050.
Audi A7 Price in South Africa (October 2019)
The new Audi A7 comes with the Audi Freeway plan (5-year/100 000 km) as standard.
Best Compact Family Cars in SA – #CarsAwards Finalists
Meet the finalists in the Compact Family Car category of the 2019/20 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank!
Now in its 5th year, the #CarsAwards was conceived to be South Africa's definitive automotive awards programme and is backed, for the 4th year running, by the country's leading supplier of vehicle finance, WesBank.
The Compact Family Car category is guided by both eligibility factors and Pillars of Success.
Eligibility for this category includes a list price that falls between R300 000 and R400 000 (prices as of 1 September 2019) and including the cost of all necessary optional features. Eligible vehicles must be equipped with ABS, Electronic Stability Control (ESP), a minimum of 4 airbags, split/fold rear seats, air conditioning and a service plan.
Pillars of Success in this category include engine flexibility, fuel economy, space and practicality, design and quality appeal, comfort and safety.
The Suzuki Vitara – a multiple #CarsAwards category winner – recently received an updated look and an all-new engine. Given Suzuki’s consistently excellent ratings in the Cars.co.za Ownership Satisfaction Survey, the Japanese firm’s compact family car is a strong contender.
Volkswagen has made a belated entry to the compact family-car segment with the T-Cross, which went on sale just in time to qualify for the #CarsAwards. With funky looks, spaciousness and a solid engine line-up, the T-Cross garnered more than 1 000 pre-orders prior to its launch.
In late 2018, the plucky Renault Duster was replaced by an extensively reworked model (with a fresher face and improved levels of build quality) to continue the rich legacy of its predecessor. Powered by a potent, yet extremely frugal turbodiesel motor, the Duster is a strong candidate.
BMW is hosting its second M Festival at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit from 26 to 27 October 2019. Gero Lilleike attended the media day, which marks the start of the festival, to sample the new 1 Series premium hatchback!
Local BMW fans are in for a treat at the 2nd-ever M Festival this weekend, where the public will be able to view and test drive various BMW products while also being entertained with music, food and activities for the whole family. We had the opportunity to sample a range of new BMW products that are now available in South Africa.
New BMW 1 Series in SA
The new 1 Series is here and it now features a front-wheel-drive layout. BMW will initially offer the new 1 Series in 118i guise as well as the M135i xDrive. The 118i is powered by a 3-cylinder, 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine with 103 kW and 220 Nm of torque and mated with a 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch transmission that drives the front wheels. Zero to 100 kph for the 118i is claimed at 8.5 seconds with a top speed of 213 kph. Fuel consumption is claimed at 5.7-5.0 L/100km.
For more performance, buyers can opt for the M135i xDrive, which is a rival to the Mercedes-Benz AMG A35, Audi S3 and Volkswagen Golf R. Power is delivered courtesy of a 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine producing 225 kW and 450 Nm of torque. Using an 8-speed sport transmission and equipped with all-wheel drive, the M135i xDrive will dash from 0 to 100 kph in 4.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 250 kph. BMW claims an average fuel consumption figure of 7.1-6.8 L/100km.
Key features
The new 1 Series cabin can be equipped with a wide range of useful features, including BMW's Live Cockpit Professional.
The new BMW 118i rides on 16-inch light-alloy wheels as standard as is cloth upholstery. You can, of course, upgrade to 17/18-inch wheels and leather upholstery if you wish. Connected Package Professional is standard with integrated navigation but nice-to-haves such as BMW's Live Cockpit Professional is optionally available. Buyers can opt for the base-level 118i or choose between Sport Line and M Sport trim.
The new BMW M135i xDrive rides on 18-inch, double-spoke, light-alloy wheels (but 19-inch rims are optionally available). The interior features a combination of Trigon cloth and black Alcantara as standard while Dakota leather is an option.
The flagship derivative features an M steering wheel and BMW’s Connected Professional infotainment system. Gesture control, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, BMW Live Cockpit Professional and a Harmon Kardon Surround Sound System can be had as an option. M Sport brakes and M Sport suspension is standard (Adaptive damping is optional).
Other key standard features include cruise control, climate control, front and rear electric windows, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers and integrated navigation. Safety features include 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist and stability control with traction control.
What’s the new 1 Series like to drive?
The 118i proved to be relatively comfortable on poor road surfaces and overall performance was reasonably good.
We drove the new 118i on public roads in Gauteng, more specifically, The Cradle of Humankind. The roads in this area are of poor quality and provided a good test for the 1 Series' ride quality. We found the 118i's suspension to be suitably pliant and it handled the uneven road surfaces well. The ride is mostly comfortable without being too firm and the cabin, as you would expect from a premium product, exudes good build quality; the cabin seems well insulated from wind, road and engine noises. In that respect, the 1 Series' interior is much improved over its predecessor's.
In terms of performance, the 3-cylinder, 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine has just about enough shove to satisfy most non-performance-oriented 1 Series buyers' needs. Acceleration off the line is good, if undramatic, and the 118i gets up to highway speed in an effortless, refined manner. The steering is light in hand and quite responsive to inputs, but it does have an artificial vagueness to it that takes a little bit away from the driving experience.
It's worth mentioning that the 1 Series' cabin is a bit more spacious too now that it's front-wheel drive and BMW claims load space at 380 litres which expands to 1 200 litres with the rear seats folded down. Those figures are on par with other products in the premium compact hatch segment such as the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Audi A3. As for the M135i xDrive, we sadly weren't able to drive it on the day (read our international driving impression), but we look forward to testing the new 1 Series more thoroughly when it joins our test fleet in the near future…
BMW 1 Series – Price in South Africa
118i – R481 910
M135i xDrive – R705 452
A 2-year/unlimited warranty and a 5-year/100 000km maintenance plan is standard.
BMW is hosting its second M Festival at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit from 26 to 27 October 2019. Gero Lilleike attended the media day, which marks the start of the festival, to sample the eagerly-awaited new M340i xDrive.
Local BMW fans are in for a treat at the 2nd-ever M Festival this weekend, where the public will be able to view and test drive various BMW products while also being entertained with music, food and activities for the whole family. We had the opportunity to sample a range of new BMW products that are now available in South Africa.
BMW M340i xDrive in SA
While we wait for the official reveal of the new M3 (which is scheduled for 2021, although a "leaked image" of the super sedan surfaced this week), the potent M340i xDrive is the flagship derivative of the G20-generation 3 Series and it’s now officially available in South Africa. It's powered by a beefed-up 3.0-litre 6-cylinder turbopetrol engine that produces peak outputs of 285 kW and 500 Nm of torque and drives all 4 wheels through an 8-speed sport automatic transmission. BMW claims a 0-100 kph time of 4.4 seconds and a fuel consumption figure of at 7.7 L/100km.
Key features
A nice place to be, whether on the road or at the track.
The M340i xDrive rides on 18-inch, double-spoke light-alloy wheels, although 19-inch wheels (in 4 distinct designs) are optionally available. BMW's M Division weighs in with the M Sport suspension, -differential and -brakes and variable sport steering, all of which are fitted as standard.
In terms of infotainment, BMW’s Connected Package Professional (with integrated navigation), along with Live Cockpit Plus are also fitted as standard, while features such as gesture control and Apple CarPlay preparation can be additionally specified.
The sports seats are covered in a combination of suede cloth and artificial leather and other key features include cruise control, climate control, front and rear park distance control, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers and adaptive LED headlights.
Safety is taken care of with 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist and stability control with traction control.
What’s the BMW M340i xDrive like to drive on track?
The M340i xDrive offers a good balance between offering scintillating performance and everyday usability.
It must be said at the outset that the M340i xDrive looks purposeful in the metal; we couldn't wait to take it for a run on the track. We only had one hot-lap around Kyalami at the 'wheel of the new Bimmer and it was a thrilling one! We dialled it straight into Sport mode and put the hammer down!
This is a very quick car. The M340i xDrive simply piles on the pace… in a cultured, refined manner. The car felt particularly nimble on track and it dove into corners with intent and precision. Power delivery is smooth and progressive and we were struck by the Bimmer's ability to be both a saint and a sinner… In one sense it's a comfortable, refined tar-devouring sports sedan, but it can dish out serious performance when it's tasked to do so.
The 8-speed sports transmission was responsive to throttle inputs and snappy shifts were quickly executed using the steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles. The xDrive system predominantly apportions power to the rear wheels under most conditions and through some of the corners at Kyalami, the rear-end felt delightfully playful. Up to 50% of power can, however, be shifted to the front wheels if necessary to add traction upon corner exits.
In the blink of an eye, our lap was done and we were left wanting more. While the forthcoming M3 will undoubtedly offer a more hardcore performance experience, the M340i xDrive perhaps manages to strike a more accessible balance between performance and everyday usability.
We will hopefully have the BMW M340i xDrive on test in the near future, which means you can expect a thorough evaluation soon. More importantly, though, we are also keen to pit the M340i xDrive against its Mercedes-AMG C43 and Audi S4 rivals; it should be an interesting showdown…
BMW M340i – Price in South Africa
BMW M340i – R981 711
BMW 3 Series M340i xDrive M Performance Launch Edition – R1 006 211
The BMW M340i is sold with a 2-year/unlimited warranty and a 5-year/100 000km Maintenance Plan
Here is a new supercar concept you can drive, albeit virtually.
Jaguar has channelled its proud sportscar history with a striking new digital supercar.
Revealed during a live stream event at the Tokyo Auto Show, it is called the Vision Gran Turismo and combines many historically relevant design elements.
Jaguar’s design team combined influences from the brand’s legendary C-, D- and E-type racing cars. The overall proportions are extreme low and wide, and in some respects it could be considered a contemporary interpretation of the JX220 supercar – although the side profile is more grand tourer, than mid-engined supercar.
The cabin features holographic projection technology and beautifully shaped oversized pedals. There is also an exposed linkage for the drive selector. Although the Vision Gran Turismo is only a digital construct for now, Jaguar’s engineering team has created functional technical parameters for the car.
The electric drivetrain uses three motors, for a total system output of 750 kW and 1 200 Nm. Jaguar has configured its Vision Gran Turismo concept car to have two of these electric motors driving each of the rear wheels, whilst a single electric motor sits on the front axle.
With an abundance of power and only 1428kg of kerb weight, Jaguar claims the Vision Gran Turismo concept car will be good for 0-100 kph in a shade under 2 seconds, before powering to a 320 kph top speed. Some of the iconic design features include a lifting canopy, to allow driver ingress and debussing. There is also a huge active rear wing, to enact ample downforce when required.
If you wish to experience this futuristic vision of where Jaguar projects that its supercar design will trend, you can download it soon. The Gran Turismo Sport for will be available for Sony PlayStation 4 users from the end of November 2019.
New Volkswagen T-Cross vs Volkswagen Polo – Which one should you buy?
The recently-launched Volkswagen T-Cross has proven quite popular since its launch, but should you buy it over a Volkswagen Polo hatchback?
The Volkswagen T-Cross was a sales success before the first tyres even touched showroom floors, such was the interest from local buyers in this little SUV.
But rather interestingly the price range of the T-Cross lineup overlaps with the price range of the Polo in our market, and so many buyers are likely to be asking themselves, which one should I buy?
Join Ciro De Siena as he tests both cars side-by-side. In this video, you shall learn many things, including details about the boot space and general practicality of the two cars, details of the current and upcoming engine options, a fuel consumption comparison, ride and handling and extensive details on the pricing and interior options on the T-Cross.
BMW is hosting its second M Festival at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit on 26 – 27 October 2019 and our very own Gero Lilleike attended the media day this week to sample the brand’s latest M products on track.
Local BMW fans are in for a treat at the second-ever M Festival which is taking place at Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit this weekend, 26-27 October 2019, where the public will be able to view and test drive various BMW products while also being entertained with music, food and activities for the whole family.
We had the opportunity to attend the media day which marks the start of the festival and sampled a range of new M products which are now on offer in South Africa.
BMW X3 / X4 M Competition in SA
The first M Competition versions of the X3 and X4 are now available in South Africa! Note that our market will not receive the X3 M and X4 M.
Both the X3 M Competition and X4 M Competition are powered by a new 3.0-litre, straight-6 twin-turbocharged engine developing 375 kW and 600 Nm. Power is directed to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration from zero to 100 kph is claimed at 4.1 seconds with a top speed of 280 kph when you opt for the optional Drivers Package.
Key Standard Features
Both the X3 Competition and X4 Competition offer similar standard features. 21-inch V-spoke wheels alloy wheels and an M Sport exhaust system are standard as is an M Sport steering wheel.
Navigation System Professional is standard along with features such as real-time traffic information, wireless charging and gesture control. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity is optional, however.
Other key features include leather upholstery, climate control air conditioning, cruise control and rear park distance control with a rearview camera.
Standard safety features include 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist and electronic stability control with traction control.
With a new 3.0-litre, straight-6 twin-turbocharged engine developing 375 kW and 600 Nm, these super SUVs will be family weapons.
BMW X3 / X4 M Competition – Price in South Africa
BMW X3 M Competition – R1 510 686
BMW X4 M Competition – R1 605 686
A 2-year/unlimited warranty and a 5-year/100 000km Maintenance Plan is standard.
After a wave of leaks just hours before the event, the Volkswagen Golf 8 has finally been revealed. Here's all you need to know.
We had a good chance to look at the exterior and design of the all-new Volkswagen Golf 8 thanks to numerous leaks and spy shots, and we're impressed. Not only has the Golf retained its iconic shape, but the 8th iteration brings a fresh and modern appeal. Volkswagen claims this is the Golf's biggest transformation in 45 years and since the Volkswagen Golf was launched, over 35 million units have been sold.
Underpinned by an updated version of the MQB platform, the Volkswagen Golf 8 boasts a huge technology upgrade under the skin. The main reason behind these MQB platform changes is to focus on the electrification. In terms of dimensions, the new Volkswagen Golf 8 is 29 mm longer, 10 mm narrower and 4mm taller, with the wheelbase being just 1mm shorter.
The Volkswagen Golf 8 interior is a big step up
The overhauled interior is advanced and does away with many buttons, instead focusing on touchscreens. Dubbed Innovision (the same name given to the Touareg's advanced interface), this dashboard is a huge leap forward.
The new Volkswagen Golf 8 will also feature Car2X connectivity which allows it to talk to other vehicles and traffic infrastructure. The example used was an emergency vehicle whose lights and siren have not reached the Golf 8's driver's attention, but with Car2X, the vehicle will talk to the Golf 8 and alert the driver long before he's seen the approaching emergency vehicle. It sounds like quite a system and we're keen to try it out. Volkswagen calls it Swarm Intelligence.
The trim levels have changed with Trendline, Comfortline, Highline being replaced by Golf, Life, Style. There will also be R-Line.
Engines
The 180 kW Volkswagen Golf GTE will be the fastest Golf until the GTI and R are revealed early next year
The Volkswagen Golf 8 will be offered with an assortment of petrol and diesel engines, as well as some mild and plug-in hybrids. The hybrid tech in question is the 48V, which we've seen on some Audi models. Dubbed eTSI, the engine boasts a 48V lithium ion battery and a belt starter generator, which Volkswagen claims improved consumption by up to 10% on the WLTP cycle. The Volkswagen Golf 8 eTSI range will be available in 3 states of tune: 81 kW, 96 kW and 110 kW.
There will also be non-electrified motor with outputs of 66 kW, 81 kW, 96 kW and 110 kW. The first outputs are from the 1.0-litre 3-cylinder, while the 110 kW motor is the 1.5-litre turbo 4-cylinder engine.
There will also be 2 plug-in eHybrid derivatives with outputs of 150 kW, while the sporty GTE punches out 180 kW from a 1.4-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder with an electric assist. Both of these models feature a new 13 kWh lithium ion battery, giving a range of around 60 kilometres with zero emissions. The diesel options have outputs of 85 kW and 110 kW, and in comparison to the outgoing diesel units, consumption is lowed by up to 17% according to Volkswagen.
Those wanting to know about the performance variants will have to be patient as they're coming later in 2020.
A manual gearbox and DSG will be offered, but it remains to be seen what the SA market will get. Speaking of…
Availability
The Volkswagen Golf 8 will be arriving in SA towards the end of 2020
The Volkswagen Golf 8 has already begun production, with German and Austrian dealerships scheduled to receive their units in December 2019. Other European markets such as UK, France, Italy and Spain will get their Golf 8s in the first quarter of 2020. South Africa will be getting its Volkswagen Golf 8 units towards the end of 2020.
Arguably one of the most loved hyper hatchbacks, the Audi RS3 has a cult following. Our spy photographers have spotted the all-new model on the roads.
Picture credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien
With its potent 2.5-litre 5-cylinder turbocharged engine, the Audi RS3 has enjoyed immense popularity. Now the all-new model has been spotted testing by our spy photographers. It looks like the 5-cylinder engine has been retained, along with the massive RS sports exhausts, big brakes with red callipers and wider wheel arches.
However, the 5-cylinder engine is going to need a boost in outputs if its to compete with the recently-launched Mercedes-AMG A45 S which has 310 kW. We know this engine can take the extra grunt, tuners have been extracting huge numbers, but the question will be can such enormous numbers be consistantly reliable over a longer period of time? There's also the issue of efficiency and emissions, as all manufacturers are under the cosh to be greener. It would not surprise us in the slightest if we see a version of Audi's mild-hybrid system make an appearance here and operate in the same way as the Audi RS6/RS7, where it shuts down the engine temporarily while coasting.
As for performance, we expect the all-new Audi RS3 to breach the 4 second barrier in the 0-100 kph sprint and while top speed will be limited to 250 kph, there will no doubt be an option to push it beyond 275 kph.
We're still some way away from seeing the production-ready Audi RS3 as we still haven't seen the all-new Audi A3, but we expect a reveal before the end of 2019.
