The most powerful Toyota RAV4 has made its debut at the Los Angeles Motor Show and it’s a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)!
The RAV4 is one of the most popular family cars on sale in South Africa and Toyota has now unveiled the most powerful RAV4 ever at the LA Motor Show.
Dubbed the RAV4 Prime, this is a plug-in hybrid vehicle with all-wheel-drive capability and is powered by the same 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine used in the RAV4 Hybrid and combines with a rear-mounted electric motor and a new high-capacity lithium-ion battery pack and booster converter to produce a total output of 225 kW which is 62 kW more than the standard RAV4 Hybrid.
The RAV4 Prime is capable of accelerating from zero to 100 kph in 5.8 seconds and carries a claimes fuel consumption figure of 2.6 L/100km. Furthermore, the RAV4 Prime can travel a distance of roughly 63 km on electric power alone.
Hybrid vehicles are not very popular in South Africa and the RAV4 Prime has not been confirmed for introduction in South Africa.
It’s worth mentioning that the RAV4 2.0 GX Auto is a finalist in the Family Car category of the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards powered by WesBank and you can more details at www.carsawards.co.za.
Audi is expanding its electric vehicle portfolio with another battery-powered SUV.
Debuting at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the Audi e-tron Sportback is set to become available to select markets in 2020 and it combines sloping roofline styling with an advanced electric drive architecture.
Overall dimensions are akin to the long roof e-tron, with the Sportback version measuring 4.9 m bumper-to-bumper, 1.93 m across and standing 1.6 m tall.
Distinguishing the e-tron Sportback’s design are its Digital Matrix LED headlights, which feature 1 m active micromirrors. These electrostatically charged mirrors can pulse 5 000 times a second, allowing for advanced lights which can shape their illumination to beam around objects and even light specific sections of road.
Powering the e-tron Sportback is a 95 kWh battery pack, which energises individual motors on each axle, thereby ensuring that this futuristic Audi adheres to the brand’s Quattro all-wheel-drive heritage.
Total system output rates at 300 kW and Audi claims a driving range of 446 km per charge, which theoretically offers an excellent combination of performance and driveability. The slightly more aerodynamic coupe body shape gives this Sportback a 10 km range advantage over the conventional e-tron.
Performance is brisk. Peak torque calculates to 664 Nm and with the e-tron Sportback’s shifter set to ‘S’, Audi says its latest battery SUV will run 0-100 kph in 5.7 seconds. For optimised range and battery life, top speed is limited to 200 kph.
The e-tron Sportback is configured to accept 150 kW DC fast-charging. If you plug it into one of these high-output chargers, it will re-energise 80% of the vehicle’s battery capacity in only half an hour.
Audi's e-tron Sportback rides on a comprehensive air-suspension and adjustable damper system, which can enact up to 76mm of ride height variation. This is handy for high-speed driving (lowering the vehicle) or when you require additional clearance, on gravel roads.
Aston Martin’s first-ever SUV has broken cover and it looks mighty fine. This is the DBX!
Aston Martin has buckled to the SUV trend and created its first high-riding model, the DBX. If the global success of models such as the Porche Cayenne and Lamborghini Urus is anything to go by, Aston Martin should turn a fair penny for its efforts.
The DBX is a pretty luxury performance SUV that will be built at Aston Martin’s new purpose-built facility in St Athan, Wales. The DBX will be built on the brand’s new SUV platform and will utilise a bonded aluminium construction with a structure that is both extremely light but also notably stiff to ensure maximum performance ability.
Engine Power
The DBX has been built from the ground up as a performance SUV and is expected to deliver in that regard.
The DBX is powered by a Mercedes-AMG-sourced twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine that's been uprated with new turbos, a different compression ratio and updated charge coolers. To produce outputs of 404 kW and 700 Nm of torque. A 9-speed automatic transmission directs those numbers to all 4 wheels effectively with both an active central differential and an electronic limited-slip differential at the rear. An active exhaust system delivers aural pleasure and Aston Martin claims that the DBX will sprint from zero to 100 kph in 4.5 seconds before reaching a top speed of 291 kph.
The driver can engage driving modes such as Sport and Sport+ for enthusiastic on-road driving or Terrain and Terrain+ for off-road driving situations. If you really must, the DBX can wade through water up to 500 mm deep.
Key interior features
An impressively equipped interior with lavish leather finishes sets the tone inside the DBX.
Particular attention has been paid to creating a spacious cabin for all passengers who will be treated to full-grain leather trim and a wealth of in-car tech such as the stylish 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and the 10.25-inch infotainment system. A powerful 800W sound system is also fitted along with 14 speakers.
In terms of practicality, the load capacity is claimed at 832 litres, which is huge, and with the 40:20:40 split rear seats folded down, you gain access to 1 540 litres of space.
Aston Martin has curated no less than 11 optional accessory packs for the DBX to match a variety of hobbies and pursuits. For example, a Snow Pack includes items such as a ski bag, roof-mounted ski rack, snow chains and boot warmers. A Pet Pack, for animal lovers, includes a pet partition, bumper protector and even a portable pet washer. As you would expect, Aston Martin also offers a wide range of customisation options to suit your taste.
This all comes at a price, however, and initial indications point to a starting price of around R2.9-million. The local availability of the Aston Martin DBX has yet to be confirmed.
The hardcore Mini John Cooper Works GP is making its official debut at the Los Angelas Motor Show and it has been confirmed for the South African market in 2020!
The camouflage has come off and so have the boxing gloves. The Mini JCW GP is ready to fight!
This is Mini’s fastest and most powerful car ever and it thumps out 225 kW and 450 Nm of torque from its twin-turbocharged 2.0-litre engine. An 8-speed Steptronic transmission with an integrated differential lock ensures brisk acceleration with Mini claiming a zero to 100 kph sprint time of 5.2 seconds with a top speed of 265 kph. The JCW GP is a potent front-wheel-drive car, like the Honda Civic Type R, but offers 50 Nm more torque and is 0.6 seconds quicker to 100 kph, which is rather significant because the Type R is very, very fast…
Its impressive performance is matched with striking bodywork which includes a large roof spoiler which aids in increasing downforce, a model-specific front apron with a blackband spoiler lip and large air intakes and modified flared wheel arches made of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) which give the car an aggressive and purposeful stance.
The sportiness continues on the inside with 2 sports seats in Dinamica/leather combination with silver sides and red seams. A GP badge is seen underneath the integrated headrests and red seat belts add further colour to the cabin. The vehicle number is seen on the passenger-side trim and the driver wields a JCW leather steering wheel with the rim finished in Nappa leather with a metal centre marking and 3D printed metal shift paddles.
Only 3 000 Mini JCW GP’s will be produced at Mini’s plant in Oxford and customer deliveries are expected to start in March 2020. The JCW GP has been confirmed for South Africa in Q3 of 2020 but it will be offered in limited numbers and pricing has yet to be confirmed. We will keep you updated!
Renault has launched a heavily-revised Kwid budget car to market and we took it for a drive at the local launch in Johannesburg this week to experience the changes in the metal…
Back in 2016 when the Kwid first arrived on local soil, we knew it would be a hit with local buyers. We even called it a “game-changing budget car” at the time…
The Kwid offered cutey-pie looks, came packed with nice-to-have features and was sweetly priced to appeal to first-time buyers looking to get mobile. Since then, the Kwid has racked up over 27 700 sales and it’s now one of the most popular passenger cars in South Africa.
However, it hasn’t been plain sailing for the Kwid. Its lack of safety features (ABS and dual airbags) and poor crash safety ratings have been the source of much criticism since its arrival, and rightly so. In response to the backlash, Renault has now partially rectified the matter by making ABS and dual airbags standard across the range but the poor structural integrity of the Kwid remains an issue.
Despite this though, buyers in this segment are likely to continue prioritising affordability over safety and I will bet my bottom dollar that regardless of what I have to say, buyers will still flock into Renault showrooms to buy the Kwid.
So with that in mind, let’s take a closer look at what you can expect from this refreshed Kwid…
Any major changes?
The Kwid's revised styling has youthful appeal and the Kwid now rides on larger 14-inch wheels.
As you can tell from the pictures, Renault has improved the Kwid’s styling with a revised front-end which now features LED Daytime Running Light strips (standard across the range), integrated headlights and chrome grille inserts. It’s definitely one of the more quirky and funky looking budget cars on the market.
Another welcome change is that the Kwid now rides on larger 14-inch wheels and Renault has also replaced the rear axle in an effort to improve the ride and handling characteristics of the car.
The same 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder engine is found under the bonnet and it offers 50 kW and 91 Nm of torque. Buyers can choose between a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) across all 3 derivatives including Expression, Dynamique and the range-topping Kwid Climber.
The Kwid's interior has been restyled and the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system remains a highlight for buyers in the budget segment.
As for the interior, Renault has fitted new cloth upholstery, a new steering wheel and cheeky details such as the LED illuminated instrument cluster and a new-look dashboard. A highlight is the 8-inch infotainment touchscreen system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality and other notable features include a rear park distance control, rear camera with guidelines, air conditioning, front/rear electric windows and electric side mirrors.
Renault had a fleet of manual Kwid Climbers for the media to drive and the short launch route offered a combination of urban and highway driving.
As I slid into the driver’s seat, I immediately realised that the Kwid was not designed for big-boned people like me. The front seats are small and the cabin is very compact. Taller drivers will feel awkward in the Kwid as there’s no seat height adjustment and the steering can’t be adjusted for rake or reach either. More so, perceived interior build quality and material finishing in the Kwid is still of a poor standard, which is disappointing.
I turn the key and the engine pipes up with its distinct 3-cylinder thrum. With a relatively low kerb weight of around 750 kg, the engine gets the Kwid moving but acceleration is mostly slow and laboured, especially when faced with long uphills. In terms of performance then, don’t get your hopes up, this is an A to B shuffler, nothing more.
To get the most from the engine, you have to continuously work the gears to keep the engine in its powerband and as a result, overtaking requires some careful planning. While we were only 2 people in the car, the Kwid’s performance will be further diminished when it’s carrying 4 people and fully loaded with luggage.
The Kwid is reasonably fuel-efficient though and Renault claims 4.7 L/100km for the manual Kwid, while the AMT version is claimed to consume 4.4 L/100km.
At altitude, the Kwid's performance is sluggish and performance will worsen as passenger and luggage load increases.
In terms of ride and handling, we did notice marginal improvements and the Kwid does feel a little bit more sure-footed on its rubber. Nonetheless, the steering is mostly dead and devoid of any meaningful feel and the Kwid still suffers from excessive body roll when cornering.
We conducted the obligatory “sit behind yourself test” which the Kwid sadly failed. Rear legroom is very tight and the bigger you are the more uncomfortable you will be. The load bay, however, is reasonably spacious and Renault claims class-leading capacity of 279 litres (previously 300 litres) and a full-size spare wheel is now standard and the Kwid's 180 mm ground clearance is useful for mounting the odd kerb.
In Conclusion
The Kwid is now prettier, but don’t be deceived, it’s far from perfect. Renault, however, has done a good job at keeping the Kwid’s pricing within reach of its intended target market while also expanding the automatic offering across the range which is bound to attract more buyers and Kwid sales are therefore likely to strengthen going forward. Slight changes to the wheel size and the rear axle have made minute positive changes to the handling and stability but not enough to make it a confident drive. The deal is further sweetened with Renault’s 1-year free insurance, 5-year/150 000 km warranty and 2-year/30 000 service plan.
Buyers looking for a budget car, however, are advised to take their time in considering all options available to them including shopping in the used car market, which can be done on Cars.co.za here!
New Renault Kwid- Price in South Africa
Kwid 1.0 Expression M/T – R144 900
Kwid 1.0 Expression AMT – R154 900
Kwid 1.0 Dynamique M/T – R154 900
Kwid 1.0 Dynamique AMT – R164 900
Kwid 1.0 Climber M/T – R164 900
Kwid 1.0 Climber AMT – R174 900
The Kwid is now sold with a 5-year/150 000 km warranty, 2-year/30 000 km warranty and 1-year insurance included.
A new version of the Mitsubishi Mirage has been revealed and it is confirmed for an SA market introduction in 2020.
The compact Mirage does fair numbers for Mitsubishi, with around 140 000 units finding homes around the world in 2018. The new Thai-built Mirage has just been revealed and we can confirm it will be making landfall in SA next year.
"The new city-smart Mirage is planned to be launched in SA in 2020 and we expect this fuel-efficient, compact vehicle to further enhance our commitment to a price-sensitive, but fun-seeking road user," says Nic Campbell, General Manager of Mitsubishi Motors South Africa. In terms of engine, we're expecting the same 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated motor to be in service. It produces 57 kW and 100 Nm.
The facelift update has given the Mirage a sharper look and a reworked interior. There are also 15-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the cabin gains soft-feel cloth trim and an updated infotainment system. Reports also suggest that Apple CarPlay/Android Auto has also been introduced.
We'll have clarity on launch date, specification levels and engine choices early in 2020.
Opel Corsa 1.2 Turbo (2019) International Launch Review
Opel has sold more than 13.7 million Corsas and now there's an all-new model, which is better than ever. With a new chassis, potent (yet efficient) engines and notable premium features, the newcomer promises to be one of the world's best compact hatchbacks. International correspondent Dave Humphreys drove the new Corsa at its global launch.
What’s new?
The 6th-generation Opel Corsa is more than just a replacement model; it’s the Russelsheim-based brand’s first all-new offering to emerge following its takeover by the PSA Group. So is it merely a Peugeot 208 with some new badges? Thankfully not, and no, that isn’t a slight at the baby Pug, either. The Corsa uses the same CMP architecture, which allowed Opel to introduce a more grown-up appearance with a 2-box design.
Now 28 mm longer than before, the Corsa is a noticeable 48 mm lower overall, yet the front headroom has increased by 3 mm. It’s easily the most visually appealing Corsa to date and should help it continue to be Opel’s best-selling car.
Opel is signalling the Corsa's sporting pretensions; it's a much lower car than the previous model.
Opel has honed the Corsa's shape in the wind tunnel to achieve (what is currently) best-in-class aerodynamics, but that’s not all that helps make this newcomer more efficient. The adoption of a new platform that uses more high-strength materials has contributed to a notable reduction in weight and, in its lightest guise, the Corsa tips the scales at just 980 kg. Included in that is a range of new all-aluminium engines that contribute to a 15 kg reduction. The result is better fuel economy and lower emissions that see even this most powerful version improve on the returns of the most economical version of its predecessor. Opel will also introduce a fully electric version (the Corsa-e), with a claimed driving range of 330 kilometres.
More relevant to the average buyer is what you can get in this latest Corsa, and the answer is: quite a lot. A long-standing ethos of Opel has been democratising technology, in particular, safety-related items. Continuing in that vein, the Corsa will be the first in the segment to offer LED Matrix headlights, allowing higher levels of illumination at night without the risk of dazzling other road users. Soon after launch, it will get a one-button automatic parking feature for cars equipped with automatic transmissions, in addition to a lane-positioning assistant to help with freeway driving.
The good
The new Corsa looks like a very modern and stylish competitor to the Polo and Fiesta.
A choice of equipment grades will be available and this (GS Line) version tops the range. This spec gains a sportier appearance with bespoke bumpers, 17-inch alloys and a twin exhaust ends. The contrasting roof and door mirror colours add to the premium image, while the cabin gets flashes of colour across the dash. The front sports seats have sufficient bolstering to hold you in place, yet don't lack comfort for everyday driving.
The instrument cluster is available with a configurable digital instrument display, but it isn't as novel or good looking as the 3-dimensional effect that Peugeot offers in the 208, however – the French parent company is evidently keeping some of the better bits for itself. There will be a range of touchscreen infotainment displays ranging in size from 5- to 10 inches. With the larger units, it’s possible to connect your smartphone through Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. A wireless charging pad and USB port (and the option of two more USB ports in the back of the car) ensure all devices can be topped up.
But it’s the overall uplift in the look and feel of the Corsa’s interior that sets this car apart. The previous GM-era Opels featured dull cabins with hard plastics, whereas now the materials used inside, even on the lower-grade models, are of markedly better quality. On the practical side, the Corsa's load bay capacity has also improved, with an increase to 309 litres and, potentially, to 1 081 litres when you fold the hatchback's rear seats down.
Ride and drive
The turbocharged engine works well with the new 8-speed automatic transmission.
Those who have previously driven the outgoing version of the Opel Corsa (a #CarsAwards category winner in 2016/17 with the 1.0T Enjoy) will notice how different this 6th-generation model feels before you even turn a wheel. You feel the 28 mm lower seat height when getting in. The seating position offers plenty of adjustment, as does the multifunction steering wheel. There is more of a driver-focused cabin layout with a windscreen that no longer feels as if its several feet in front of you. Less obstruction by the A-pillar is helpful in town, and there’s decent rearward visibility, too.
The 96 kW 1.2-litre turbopetrol motor, meanwhile, is exclusive to the GS Line and comes mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Typically, 3-cylinder engines emit a characteristic thrum and lack the smoothness of their 4-cylinder counterparts. Still, the Corsa delivers a reasonably refined performance by virtue of improved sound insulation. Only when you press on with more urgency does the 3-cylinder note become more apparent.
The transmission shifts up through its ratios quickly – and with little fuss – which helps to keep engine speeds down and optimise fuel economy. The peak torque of 230 Nm pulls the car along comfortably with sufficient overtaking urge at freeway speeds. If you want to have extra fun, there is a Sport mode that dials up the steering weight a few notches, lengthens out the time between upshifts and digitally plumbs more "engine sound" into the cabin. You can shift gears manually via the steering wheel-mounted paddles too, but Sport works pretty well; it's best left to its own devices.
The GS Line derivative has numerous colourful inlays and the whole range features softer, more premium materials than before.
The Corsa's handling doesn’t disappoint, thanks partly to additional strut bracing at the front, which is exclusive to this GS Line version. That said, it’s worth remembering this isn’t a hot hatch, but the core chassis setup does bode well for the hotter GSi version, which is expected to arrive later.
Other engines in the range will include a base 1.2-litre 55 kW naturally-aspirated 3-cylinder petrol unit, followed up by a mid-range 1.2-litre 3-cylinder turbopetrol producing 74 kW, and this will be available with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or 8-speed automatic transmission.
For a compact hatchback, the Opel Corsa now feels far more mature to drive. The suspension setup takes the edge off poorer road surfaces, and all of the controls are well-weighted. A drive in the 74 kW manual version confirmed that these attributes aren’t exclusive to this current range-topping derivative, so you shouldn’t feel short-changed by choosing one of the more modestly-priced Corsas.
The not-so-good
Occupant space is usually compromised in a compact hatchback and, in the case of the new Corsa, it’s (again) the rear passengers that get the worst deal. Making up for this (a little) is generously sized rear-door apertures, while the 2 outer rear seats come equipped with ISOfix points.
Pricing & Warranty
Pricing for the new Opel Corsa is not currently listed. Opel South Africa has assured us that the Corsa will arrive during 2020, but it's too early to confirm which engines or trim lines will be available. Opel currently offers a 3-year/120 000 km warranty on all its new cars.
The new Corsa could be a real contender when it arrives in local showrooms. Hopefully, Opel SA can get the price right.
Summary
The Opel Corsa's all-new package propels it straight to the sharp end of a segment dominated by the Volkswagen Polo, but contested by a number of excellent offerings. A good engine line-up and the choice of the best equipment options bring large-car tech and quality to a car that has, at times, felt like a good product let down by workmanlike finishes. To reiterate: the new Corsa is not a 208 clone and doesn't have to stand back for anyone.
The petrol price is likely to increase in the next few weeks, while motorists driving diesel vehicles should feel some relief.
The Automobile Association has released its predictions for the next round of increases/decreases after the mid-month fuel price data was released.
Things are not looking good for petrol, with a predicted increase of 11 cents a litre for 95 octane petrol, and a 7-cent rise for 93 octane petrol. On the other hand, there's some good news for diesel as there should a decrease by as much as 18 cents.
"The average Rand/US dollar exchange rate has been essentially flat, contributing a small decrease of about 3.5 cents to fuel prices as it maintains a level around R14.90 to the dollar. The picture for oil is similar, with the international prices of both petrol and diesel having run neck-and-neck for several days last week," the Automobile Association notes. These increases will hurt many who will be conducting longer journeys over the December 2019 holidays.
A new Renault Kwid budget car is launching in South Africa today! Herewith specs and pricing…
The Renault Kwid came to market in 2016 in South Africa and it has proven to be a big hit with budget car buyers. Now, Renault is launching a new Kwid and South Africa is the first country outside of India (where the Kwid is produced) to receive this new model.
Key Features
The new Kwid is now safer and more stylish than ever before.
The Kwid is now 52 mm longer than the outgoing model and is easily recognised by its new grille design featuring a split headlight configuration.
There are 3 Kwid variants on offer, including the base-spec Kwid Expression, Dynamique and range-topping Climber. The Kwid Climber features details such as 14-inch Volcano Grey alloy wheels, roof rails, front and rear skid plates with orange inserts and climber badging seen on the front doors.
On the inside, the Kwid Climber features a sporty steering wheel with orange accents while the seats are upholstered in orange, white and black. Dynamique and Climber derivatives benefit from an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality. The Expression derivative is equipped with a basic radio with Bluetooth functionality. Luggage space is claimed at 279 litres.
Perhaps the best news about the Kwid is that its safety specification has been beefed up and all derivatives are equipped with 2 airbags, ABS with EBD, rear park distance control and a reverse camera with guidelines (Dynamique and Climber).
Engine and fuel consumption
The familiar 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine continues service under the Kwid’s bonnet and it produces 50 kW and 91 Nm of torque. A 5-speed manual or 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) is offered across all derivatives.
Renault claims a fuel consumption figure of 4.7 L/100km for the manual derivatives while the AMT derivatives are claimed to consume 4.4 L/100km.
New Renault Kwid- Price in South Africa
Kwid 1.0 Expression M/T – R144 900
Kwid 1.0 Expression AMT – R154 900
Kwid 1.0 Dynamique M/T – R154 900
Kwid 1.0 Dynamique AMT – R164 900
Kwid 1.0 Climber M/T – R164 900
Kwid 1.0 Climber AMT – R174 900
The Kwid is now sold with a 5-year/150 000 km warranty, 2-year/30 000 km warranty and 1-year insurance included.
A Ford Mustang electric SUV doesn't sound right at all, and yet, the Ford Mustang Mach-E looks desirable. Here's what you need to know.
Ford has launched the Mustang Mach-E, which is an all-electric SUV, which underlines the Blue Oval's plans for an electric future. "At the first-ever Detroit auto show, Henry Ford said he was working on something that would strike like forked lightning," said Bill Ford, executive chairman, Ford Motor Company. "That was the Model T. Today, the Ford Motor Company is proud to unveil a car that strikes like forked lightning all over again. The all-new, all-electric Mustang Mach-E. It's fast. It's fun. It's freedom. For a new generation of Mustang owners."
Strangely, the vehicle was revealed in November 2019, but will only go on sale towards the end of 2020. When it launches, the Ford Mustang Mach-E will be available with standard and extended range batteries, with the choice of either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Range is estimated at 480 km for the latter version and Ford is claiming the all-wheel-drive model will be quicker to 100 kph than a Porsche Macan. There will also be 2 performance versions, with a target performance figure of under 4 seconds to 100 kph for the GT, while the GT Performance Edition is aiming for the 3.5 second to 100 kph bracket. Outputs of 342 kW and 830 Nm are being touted. For those interested, the battery capacities are 75.7 kWh and 98.8 kWh, the latter being the extended range. The FordPass Charging Network is the largest public charging network in the US, and there are more than 12 500 charging stations and 35 000 charging plugs available. Using one of the powerful fast chargers will see the Mustang Mach-E go from 10% to 80% in around 38 minutes.
Inside, there's a Tesla-style central infotainment screen. Ford says this is the next-generation SYNC which features things like machine learning, over-the-air updates, smartphone-like controls and a cloud-connected assistant. The main benefit of an electric car is the addition of a front trunk, or frunk, which adds to the cargo-carrying capacity.
