New VWs Coming to SA in 2020

New special editions and a boosted bakkie are all part of VW’s local product strategy for 2020.

The largest of all German automotive companies is investing massively with deep electric powertrain R&D.

A flood of new VW battery cars and technology features are expected in the next few years. Amidst all the marketing noise, it can be confusing to understand what is global, and what is local, within VW’s planning.

There is no question that VW is going big in 2020, but how does that impact the German brand’s local strategy and product schedule?

After being given access to the company’s local planning specialists, we have some official dates and details about what VW will be doing, and when, in South Africa during 2020.

Electric Golf and ID.3

The e-Golf is been used as a testbed for VW's electric plans in SA.

Battery-powered vehicles are going to be VW’s global business of choice in future. South Africa is way behind the international curve of charging infrastructure and government policy regarding the taxation and incentivisation of electric vehicles.

Despite this, VW is keen to show South Africans what it can offer in terms of electric mobility. A limited fleet of e-Golf models have arrived in the country and will be clocking mileages and acting as awareness vehicles.

Later in the year, VW hopes to introduce a fleet of ID3 electric cars too.

Crossing the Ts

The T-Roc will land in SA sometime in Q3 of 2020.

VW’s T-Cross has been an astounding success since its local introduction late last year. The portfolio has now been broadened with a 1.5 TSI derivative. This 110 kW engine should appeal to those T-Cross customers who regularly load their crossover with a full complement of passengers, and luggage.

Very much at the opposite end of the model range, VW will be introducing the sub-R300 000 T-Cross Trendline during the second quarter of 2020. This is the most modest version of T-Cross, with a 70 kW version of the 1-litre engine.

The keenly anticipated T-Roc will debut in Q3, and it should be a rousing success. Golf sales have been edging lower as most traditional Golf customers have begun opting for Tiguan. VW brand fans who have Golf-money to spend, but don’t want the size of Tiguan, should flock to T-Roc in droves, as it offers a more compact Golf-based crossover experience.

VW will also offer the facelifted Tiguan, towards the end of 2020, sharpening-up the appearance of an SUV which has established a local pathway for the brand’s compact crossover and SUV success.

Goodbye to GTI

The swansong of the Golf 8 range, the TCR is limited to just 300 units in SA.

VW is preparing for the arrival of its immensely important Golf 8 later this year, and that means the current Golf range will be tapered.

It is a tradition that VW always produces a very special GTI derivative, to celebrate the end of any Golf model lifecycle. And with Golf 7.5, is it no different.

VW has confirmed that its local consignment of 300 GTI TCRs will be arriving during Q2. Each of these very special Golf GTIs will feature a numbered certificate of authentication, which should make them collectable for owners intent on keeping their cars as an investment.

The GTI TCR is good for 213 kW and will have some unique styling trim. With the GTI badge having such a strong following in South Africa, these cars might be the status-symbol hot hatches of 2020.

Hello to Golf 8

The Golf 8 should arrive right at the end of 2020, replete with new VW branding.

The company’s crossover and SUV strategy has radically changed its volume dependency on Golf, but this remains the most important legacy car in VW’s product matrix.

Golf 8 will become available locally in the last quarter of 2019 and should usher in a new era of digitisation for VW. Intuitive Smartphone pairing, superior App integration and driver assistance technologies will be hallmarks of the Golf 8.

The cabin is served by huge dual-screens, which promise to be of the highest calibre in terms of luminosity. A weakness of many cabin function screens has been their inability to remain clear and full of contrast when bathed in harsh African sunlight.

VW has been developing a new generation of infotainment and instrumentation screens, which are fantastically legible, especially in challenging local lighting conditions.

Vivo special edition

SA's most-popular passenger vehicle is set to get another special edition variant.

Amidst all the latest platform and technology deployments that VW is planning for 2020, it has not forgotten of the humble Vivo.

The perennial South African passenger car favourite is due to gain a special edition variant. VW is the South African budget-car special edition expert, having perfected its marketing strategy over decades, starting way back with Golf 1.

It is unclear exactly what specification changes will be applied to create this Vivo special edition. Our best guess would be some unique graphic elements, a possible infotainment upgrade or perhaps even a raised-ride height Vivo Cross edition.

Ballistic bakkie

The 190 kW Amarok has been on the cards for a few years now, but it looks set to finally arrive during Q3 of 2020.

VW might not be a volume player in the local bakkie market, compared to the likes of Ford or Toyota, but Amarok is inarguably South Africa’s most awarded premium double-cab.

If you seek a bakkie with unmatched overtaking performance and high-speed cruising ability, the Amarok V6 is unrivalled. These 3-litre turbodiesel double-cabs are so popular, that VW sells them at a ratio of 70/30, in relation to the 2-litre bi-turbo Amarok.

That ratio could shift to 80/20 when VW finally introduces its 190 kW version of the Amarok V6. Scheduled for Q3 it will become South Africa’s most powerful turbodiesel bakkie, a position which might go unrivalled for years, as Mercedes-Benz’s X350d is soon to be discontinued.

Volkswagen Touareg R: A car of many firsts

Volkswagen has unveiled its 1st plug-in-hybrid R model. Not only is the Toureg R the new flagship of the brand’s Premium SUV range – it’s the most powerful offering in Volkswagen’s passenger-vehicle line-up.

With peak outputs of 340 kW and 700 Nm, the Toureg R is not quite in the league of headlining performance SUVs such as the Audi RS Q8 (441 kW/800 Nm), BMW X5M Competition (460 kW/750 Nm), Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid (500 kW/900 Nm) and its fellow Geneva Show debutant, the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe (450 kW/850 Nm). However, outright on-road performance has never been an objective of the Touareg range… What makes the Touareg R’s arrival notable is that it indicates the direction Volkswagen’s R brand is heading, plus it debuts a host of new technologies.

The Touareg R is the only derivative in the range that can be ordered in Lapiz Blue Metallic.

Apart from being the 1st Volkswagen R- (and all-wheel-drive) model to feature a plug-in hybrid drive, it marks the 1st time a hybrid product has been the most highly-powered car in Volkswagen’s range.

Jost Capito, the managing director of the R brand, is quoted as saying: “We are currently vigorously expanding the Volkswagen R range. Following the compact CUV models – T-Roc R and T-Roc Cabriolet R-Line – we are introducing another sport utility vehicle within a very short space of time.”

The Touareg R’s powertrain consists of a 250 kW 3.0-litre V6 turbopetrol combined with a 100 kW electric motor and a 14.1 kWh lithium-ion battery. The newcomer’s 8-speed automatic transmission (with Tiptronic) sends power to all 4 wheels via a centre differential lock with asymmetric dynamic torque distribution (Torsen traction) and the 4Motion permanent all-wheel drive can dynamically apportion a maximum of 70% of the propulsion to the front axle and up to 80% to the rear.

The Touareg R is not dedicated to on-road performance, it has off-road driving modes and is available with an off-road package.

All-electric drive up to 140 kph

When the battery is sufficiently charged, the newcomer always starts in the all-electric E-Mode and, according to a report, the Touareg R can travel up to 48 km on battery power alone. On the other side of the coin, the newcomer can travel up to speeds of 140 kph in E-Mode, but only in short bursts… we assume.

Can tow braked trailers of up to 3.5 tonnes

The Touareg R has been homologated to tow a 3.5-tonne trailer and is claimed to be capable of coping with this maximum weight even in E-Mode. The new model is also said to be the 1st plug-in hybrid SUV in the world to be offered with the (optional) Trailer Assist manoeuvring system, which works in conjunction with Park Assist to help a driver to easily reverse a trailer into a parking space.

The newcomer retains the adaptive air-sprung suspension of its standard stablemates.

Assisted driving at up to 250 kph

Although this is only applicable to Autobahn users, it’s still well worth a mention… Driving assistance systems that help drivers to keep their premium cars to track neatly in their freeway lanes at cruising speeds are now ubiquitous, but they don’t all work up to 250 kph! Indeed, by combining adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping system, the optional Travel Assist will allow the driver of a so-equipped Touareg R to cruise at it the flagship's electronically-limited top speed with driving assistance; they only need to keep at least a hand on the ‘wheel.

R model accoutrements

The Toureg R’s exterior detailing is purposeful, but not showy. The package includes R-style bumpers and body-coloured lower-door sections and wheel-arch garnishes, plus a black grille, -air intakes, -window trims and -mirror housings. R logos appear on the grille, side strakes and tailgate, the LED tail-light clusters are darkened, the exhaust tips are trapezoidal and 20-inch Braga alloys standard.
Interior features include the Innovision Cockpit (with the 12-inch Digital Cockpit instrument cluster and the 15-inch touchscreen Discover Premium Infotainment system, automatic activation and operation of the IQ.Light LED matrix headlights (interactive camera control of dipped and main beam headlights), a tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof and as well as 4-zone climate control.

The Touareg R has all the luxuries expected of the premium SUV's flagship derivative, including the expansive Digital Cockpit.

According to Volkswagen, the driver can access specific information about the Touareg R’s hybrid functions by observing the energy flow displays in the Infotainment system (showing the battery’s energy reserve, energy supply to the drive system, and battery-charging status) and the electric-range monitor (it shows the electric range, driving profile and the potential to increase the range by non-critical deactivating systems, which saves energy). The combined power meter and rev counter on the Digital Cockpit display shows the status of the hybrid system and displays the consumption (under acceleration) or feed-in (under deceleration) of electrical energy, along with the hybrid mode. The remaining electric range and the fuel range are also shown.

R model-specific interior details include Silver Wave aluminium trim on the dash panel and door, High Gloss Black and Silver Look centre console trim, Vienna leather trim, front comfort seats with an R logos embroidered in each of their head restraints, stainless steel load-sill protection, a new-generation multifunction steering wheel (heated, with shift paddles, R logo, and a button to activate the optional Travel Assist system), illuminated stainless-steel sill panel trim with R logo, brushed stainless steel pedals and white background lighting. The stitching on the leather seats is finished in Crystal Grey, as are the edging strips on the textile floor mats and the decorative seams on the armrests, selector lever and door trim.

This example of the Touareg R is specified with the optional black Puglia leather trim.

Apart from the aforementioned extra-cost Trailer- and Travel Assist systems, the Touareg R is optionally available with 21- or 22- inch alloys, black Puglia leather trim (with diamond stitching and Sepang Blue piping), a 780-watt Dynaudio sound system, Night Vision and Front Cross-Traffic Assist.

The current Touareg line-up in SA consists of three 3.0-litre turbodiesel derivatives. Could Volkswagen South Africa add the Touareg R to its local line-up in the near future? We'll have to wait and see.

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 1.5 Turbo (2020) Spec & Price

Mitsubishi has launched its eagerly-anticipated turbocharged derivative of the Eclipse Cross. Here's how much the new Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 1.5 Turbo costs as well as some detailed specifications.

When Mitsubishi launched its Eclipse Cross back in February 2019, it was quick to point out that we'd have to wait for the most potent engine. The new 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder packs 110 kW and 250 Nm, mated to a CVT.

The Japanese brand claims a 0-100 kph time of under 9 seconds in Sport mode and thanks to some built-in CVT steps, the driver is given that DCT feeling through the steering wheel paddles. It's also said to be pretty efficient, with a claim of 7.7 L/100 km.

Standard features

Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel

Multi-function Leather Steering Wheel with Audio and Cruise Control

Bluetooth with Hands-free Voice Control

Paddle Shifts

Electric Windows (front and rear, with Auto up/down function)

Automatic Air-conditioning with Rear Passenger Vent Duct

Leather Seats, including Heated Front Leather Seats

Slide and tilt-adjustable rear seats with 60/40 split

Electric Adjustable Driver Seat and Heated Front Seats

Accessory Sockets and USB Ports

Electric Adjustable Fold-away Mirrors with Indicator Light

LED Headlamps with built-in LED DRL (Daytime Running Lights) linked to the Automatic Dusk Sensing function

LED Fog Lamps

Rain Sensing Windscreen Wipers

Front and Rear Park Distance Control

Rear View Camera

18-inch Alloy Wheels

Full-size spare wheel

7 Airbags

ASTC (Active Stability and Traction Control)

Mitsubishi Eclipse Price in South Africa (February 2020)

The new Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 1.5T comes with a warranty of 3 years or 100 000 km, a 5-year / 90 000 km service plan and 5-year / unlimited mileage roadside assistance.

Eclipse Cross 2.0L CVT (two-wheel drive) R409 995

Eclipse Cross 2.0L CVT (AWD) R449 995

Eclipse Cross 1.5 T CVT (two-wheel drive) R459 995

Volkswagen dominates 2019/20 #CarsAwards [Video]

Volkswagen cemented its position as the most successful manufacturer in the history of the #CarsAwards when it collected no fewer than 6 out of 13 category wins, as well as the coveted Brand of the Year title, in the 2019/20 iteration of the leading automotive awards programme.

Jaguar F-Pace Chequered Flag Specs & Price

Jaguar South Africa has introduced a special edition of its F-Pace SUV. Here are specification and pricing details for the Jaguar F-Pace Chequered Flag edition.

You can spot the new Jaguar F-Pace Chequered Flag model with its sporty bumper, gloss black detailing on the grille, vents and door cladding as well as its 19-inch 5-split alloy wheels, which are also finished in gloss black.

The cabin features plenty of luxury materials and the vehicle comes with plenty of standard features such as 10-way electric front seats with driver memory, Apple CarPlay, Touch Pro Navigation Pack, Meridian Sound System, reconfigurable 12.3-inch Interactive Driver Display and the Touch Pro infotainment system. There is also unique Chequered Flag treadplates.

There are 3 2.0-litre engines to choose from, with 2 diesels and 1 petrol. The oil-burners boast outputs of 132 kW and 177 kW, while a turbocharged petrol model packs 184 kW. The latter gives the F-Pace a claimed sprint time of 7 seconds dead to 100 kph. All Jaguar F-Pace Chequered Flag editions come with automatic transmissions and all-wheel drive.

The cabin of the Jaguar F-Pace Chequered Flag.

Jaguar F-Pace Chequered Flag Price in South Africa (February 2020)

Jaguar vehicles come standard with a 5 Year Care Plan giving peace of mind with a 100 000km warranty and servicing within in 5 year period, whichever comes first. The below prices include VAT but exclude CO2 tax.

Jaguar F-Pace Chequered Flag 2.0 132kW AWD diesel R1 030 500

Jaguar F-Pace Chequered Flag 2.0 177kW AWD diesel R1 117 300

Jaguar F-Pace Chequered Flag 2.0 184kW AWD petrol R1 125 200

BMW M340i xDrive (2019) Review

As the flagship of the G20-generation BMW 3 Series range (until the M3 arrives next year), the M340i xDrive delivers compelling performance, but without the extroverted looks and compromised ride quality of a fully-fledged M car. However, with a price tag of R1 million, is the "M3 Lite" still a performance bargain?

We like: Return of the old-school 6-cylinder thrill. Planted and composed drive.

We don't like: Base price is steep. The xDrive blunts driving fun (a little).

Fast Facts

Price: R1 002 211 (R1 183 760 as tested)
Engine: 3.0-litre turbopetrol straight-6
Power/Torque: 285 kW/500 Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Fuel consumption: 7.7 L/100 km (claimed)
???Load capacity: 480 litres

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Where does it fit in?

The M340i's elaborate front bumper, replete with enlarged inlets and swathes of black mesh, is one of the few cues to its performance potential.

For those not looking for ultimate thrills in terms of performance and handling in the business-class sedan segment, there are a few enticing derivatives that sit a tier just below full-factory RS-, M- and Mercedes-AMG models. They still deliver adrenaline-spiking performance, but are packaged in a purposely-understated manner. Audi has been offering the S4 for several generations of the A4; Benz has the C43 and BMW the M340i. For a long time, the Audi was the only all-wheel-drive sedan in the line-up, but the M340i now comes standard with xDrive and the same goes for the C43 (4Matic).

What you get with an M340i is a high-end 3 Series derivative of which the oily bits and underpinnings have been fettled by the Bavarian marque's famed M division – it's powered by an updated version of the BMW Z4 40i/Toyota GR Supra engine. It sounds like an ideal recipe for a pukka driver’s car with that sleeper style that’s preferred by more introverted/less-flashy buyers.

How it fares in terms of…

Performance

The M340i is powered by a beefed-up 3.0-litre 6-cylinder turbopetrol engine, which produces 285 kW and 500 Nm of torque, mated with an 8-speed sport automatic transmission. BMW claims a 0-100 kph time of 4.4 seconds and, just to put that into perspective, the previous-generation M3 achieved that sprint benchmark in 4.1 seconds (if you happened to buy a manual version, 4.3 seconds). The straight-6 revs freely for a turbocharged motor, very close to 7 000 rpm, in fact, which provides a very linear feel to the M340i's acceleration; it’s not harsh or punchy, the rev-gauge readout climbs continuously until that red line before the 8-speed auto whips another gear into action.

The Bimmer's dark grey trapezoidal exhaust tips look purposeful, but alas, they are ornamental (M performance-spec or not).

Ten years ago, the E90-generation 330i derivative sported a high-revving naturally aspirated 3.0-litre straight-6 engine. It was a pleasure to rev, with long gears that really let you explore the flexibility of the motor's performance. This M340i feels like that all over again; it’s like BMW has looked to its storied (some would say glorious) past, remembered who it is and then rebooted its greatest hits. It’s brilliant, and even the soundtrack, although slightly tamed by the turbo, sounds like a howling BMW straight-6 of yesteryear. An M Sport exhaust is fitted as standard and, at this price, it should be.

There’s very little lag from the turbo and by scrolling through the driving modes (Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus) you can dial in the rate at which you want to snipe through traffic. We found that the Bimmer reacted quickly to throttle inputs even when in Comfort mode, but still favours economy over biff-bam-wallop performance by shifting through the gears quickly at low rpm.

Ride/handling balance

The M340i's 19-inch Pirelli P Zero rubber facilitates tenacious grip, the blue-callipered M Sport braking system is standard.

Courtesy of the aforementioned M division, the M340i is equipped with M Sport suspension, M Sport differential, variable sport steering and M Sport brakes. The xDrive system that controls the all-wheel-drive distribution is rear-biased, particularly when you flip to Sport and Sport Plus modes. It works in tandem with stability control to make sure that things never get out of hand.

As a consequence, the M340i never feels on-edge (as if it's threatening to snap into lurid oversteer) in extremis. To put it another way, the sedan never feels "loose" or like its struggling for traction; there is surfeit grip and, no matter at which point of the corner you give it a bootful of throttle, it seems to comply without resistance. If anything, it makes the car feel less like a BMW and more like an Audi…

The M Sport differential goes a little way towards masking that stereotypical all-wheel-drive push by distributing power appropriately to whichever wheel will help the BMW to turn-in better. The rim of the M Sport tiller can feel a little too chunky for some drivers' tastes, but the steering setup offers reassuring heft and it’s both accurate and sufficiently responsive.

The 8-speed automatic doesn't shift as dramatically as a dual-clutch transmission, but it's much easier to live with in congested traffic.

For a performance BMW derivative, the M340i is very neutral in the way it handles, there are no demons lurking under the so-called throttle pedal or inside the sedan's chassis, for that matter.

The 10-mm drop of the M Sport suspension setup makes the sedan look more purposeful and facilitates a little less body movement in the corners. Combined with the adaptive M suspension (R9 900 option), the M340is ride quality remains pliant over all-but-severe abrasions. Having experienced a (G20) 3 Series with adaptive damping, it’s a must-have to smoothen out the M Sport's choppy ride.

Interior appointment

The fascia design might not be as stylish as that of a Mercedes-AMG C43, but the ergonomics are sound and driving position good.

BMW cops a lot of bad press for its interiors; some say they're staid and samey. However, there are myriad options and colour combinations to spruce up the look; you can experiment with the online configurator to find a combination that suits your taste to a tee. Ours had optional M striped seatbelts (R4 400) and ambient lighting pack, which adds the cool puddle-lamp M stripes. Back inside, the attractions are dominated by the 2 huge screens, the infotainment screen in the fascia and the digital instrument cluster. Actually, if you count the head-up display on this model, there are 3 screens.

While the M340i's interior neither has the cool minimalism and inherent solidity of the Audi A4 or the standout style and flashy finishes of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class (again, taste is subjective), the cabin is ergonomically sound, well put together and feels suitably expensive. You’d probably be right if you said the materials in the 3 Series look and feel more expensive than they do in a C-Class.

Generously sized cupholders and a wireless charging pad are sops to practicality; this is a business-class express, after all.

The technology is impressive, but the lack of Android Auto compatibility and the subscription-model for Apple Carplay are drawbacks. After all, those are features that come free on many cheaper cars. Beyond that, you can spec real-time traffic alert, connected apps and there’s even a Drive Recorder, which is like having a built-in dash-cam. A wireless charging pad is also available, as are USB ports.

Understatedness

Reviews of premium/luxury cars usually recount how onlookers' heads swivel in admiration when they see the test unit or note the plethora of positive comments made by passers-by, but the M340i is trying its level best to fly under the radar, albeit extremely quickly. Its M brethren can lap up all the envious looks, while it gets on with the business of being just about all the car you’ll ever need…

Contoured front seats with blue contrast stitching are matched by (optional) M-striped safety belts. Very tasteful.

BMW's newcomer just about manages to avoid any (ostensibly unwanted) attention. Aside from the M Sport kit, 19-inch alloy wheels and the subtle badging, there’s not much to tell the M340i apart from other M-Sport-grade 3 Series derivatives. It remains a great sleeper (to use petrolhead parlance) with showstopping abilities lurking under its relatively unassuming/demure sheet metal.

Price and after-sales support

The BMW M340i xDrive retails for R 1 002 211, which includes a 2-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.

Verdict

The addition of straight-6 power and xDrive all-wheel-drive has transformed the 3 Series. The M340i has many talents.

There's no doubt about it: the BMW 340i xDrive is the most complete 3 Series derivative in the current range. The 6-cylinder turbo feels like it instantly livens up the driving experience and endows the new G20 with a distinct character. The engine is the highlight in a very accomplished car; thanks to its high-revving nature and long gearing, it feels very much like a blast from the (classic BMW) past.

On the downside, performance-car aficionados will find the M340i's ultimate abilities tame for a BMW, but that's mostly as a result of the xDrive all-wheel-drive system. When driven enthusiastically, the M340i corners determinedly; its sorted chassis and accurate steering make it palpably easy to place. With all the grip you can safely boot it out of any corner in full confidence that it will stay planted.

Its R1-million base price is hard to swallow (let alone stomach), but the Mercedes-AMG C43 costs about the same. The outlier at the moment is the Audi S4, which is certainly older than the Bimmer (in fact, a facelifted model will arrive in South Africa eventually), but is some R140 000 cheaper than the competition. Can the BMW justifiably command that much of a premium over the 4 rings? Hmm.

Toyota C-HR Facelift (2020) Specs & Price

The updated Toyota C-HR arrives in South Africa this week. Take a look at what's changed and how much the latest C-HR costs…

The compact and stylish Toyota C-HR was launched to the SA market back in 2017. It was the first model to be launched locally featuring the brand's new TNG platform, offering excellent ride and quality traits, as well as being exceptionally modular. It underpins everything from the latest Euro-spec Yaris, to the Corolla Hatch and right up to the RAV4 SUV.

Now there's a slight facelift and we can share pricing for the newcomer. Visually, it gains a slight change at the front end, but the real updates can be found in the cabin. The most welcome change is the introduction of Apple CarPlay- and Android Auto compatibility which allows you to operate your favourite smartphone apps through the car’s touchscreen and bypass Toyota's own infotainment and navigation software. This is standard across the range.

There's also the addition of Toyota's advanced safety system on the top-spec model. This includes niceties like adaptive cruise control, auto emergency brake, rear cross traffic alert to name but a few. Levels of safety have been increased across the range, with the addition of more airbags. The first iteration just had 2 airbags and now this has been bolstered to 6.

Toyota South Africa has confirmed that – at least for the moment – the C-HR will continue to be offered with a 1.2-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine with 85 kW and 185 Nm, with the choice of a 6-speed manual gearbox or a CVT. A hybrid powertrain is still a potential, but not immediately available.

Apple Carplay and Android Auto makes its way into the Toyota C-HR. Note, this is an EU-spec car.

Toyota C-HR Price in South Africa (February 2020)

The Toyota C-HR is sold with a 6 services /90 000 km service plan, with service intervals set at 15 000 km. A 3 year/100 000 km warranty is also provided.

Toyota C-HR 1.2T R371 700

Toyota C-HR 1.2T Plus R403 000

Toyota C-HR 1.2T Plus CVT R415 100

Toyota C-HR 1.2T Luxury CVT R476 600

Mahindra Scorpio S11 Specs & Price

The Mahindra Scorpio has been given a mild update in the form of a more potent diesel engine mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. Here are some specification details as well as pricing.

The Scorpio S11 gains the 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel mHawk engine which delivers 103 kW and 320 Nm. Previously, it could only muster 88 kW.

It's just as robust offroad as before, with a rugged ladder frame chassis, shift-on-the-fly tech and available in both 4×2 and 4×4. There's 195 mm worth of suspension travels and 180 mm of ground clearance for those wanting to venture off tar.

The vehicle comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, a bonnet scoop, clear reflector headlamps and LED rear lights, while the cabin sees the addition of Mahindra's latest 7-inch touchscreen with satnav. There's also Bluetooth phone connectivity, reverse camera and parking sensors. Finally, there's a leather steering wheel with controls for infotainment, voice command and cruise control.

The cabin of the Mahindra Scorpio S11

Mahindra Scorpio S11 Price in South Africa (February 2020)

The vehicle is sold with a 4-year / 120 000 km mechanical warranty and a full 5-year / 90 000 km service plan.

Mahindra Scorpio S11 6-speed 4×2 R329 999

Mahindra Scorpio S11 6-speed 4×4 R349 999

Volvo reveals updated S90/V90

As the South African market awaits the belated arrival of the S60 business-class sedan, Volvo has released details of its (very mildly) updated bigger brothers: the S90 executive sedan and its V90/V90 Cross Country station-wagon variants.

Whereas the S90 was launched in South Africa just over 3 years ago – in 2017, followed by the Cross Country (CC) version of the V90 estate a few months later – it remains an underappreciated offering in the executive sedan/estate segment of the market. At the time, the S90 was launched in conjunction with attractive Volvo Versatility Finance incentives (such as guaranteed future value deals, which are still in place) and we’ve reviewed several derivatives of the Swedish brand’s S90 and V90 CC ranges.

To underline how highly we rate the Swedish offerings, the S90 D5 R-Design was twice a finalist in its category of the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank. Now, as part of a running update (rather than a full facelift), Volvo has upgraded a number of features in the S90/V90 CC. Those familiar with Volvo Car SA’s local range will know that the standard V90 is not offered here.

The redesigned bumper and new fog lights can be clearly seen on this example of the updated V90 Cross Country.

In terms of aesthetic tweaks, the fronts of the cars now sport redesigned bumpers with new fog lights, while the V90 and V90 CC additionally feature a revised full-LED tail-light cluster, as well as sequential turn indicators. Fresh ranges of exterior colours and wheel designs have also been availed.

Inside, the Bowers & Wilkins audio system, which is regarded as one of the most impressive in-car sound audio setups, has been “comprehensively upgraded” with an improved amplifier, automatic vehicle-noise cancellation and a setting “that mimics the sound of your favourite jazz club”.

The distinctive lighting signature of the revised L-shaped LED tail-light-clusters.

Another new interior feature is the Advanced Air Cleaner (with a PM 2.5 particle sensor). It was initially developed for the Chinese market and allows drivers to monitor interior air quality via the infotainment screen. Volvo says the system “can clean the cabin air of almost all tiny particles within a few minutes.”

In terms of materials, exclusive tailored wool-blend seats (introduced on the XC90 facelift) are now available in the S90/V90, while a leather-free interior is optional for the top trim-grades. A wireless charging pad has been fitted and two USB-C charging points have replaced the 12V outlets in the back.

The Bowers & Wilkins audio system has an updated amplifier as well as vehicle-noise cancelling technology.

Meanwhile, Volvo will offer 48V mild-hybrid versions of the 2.0-litre turbopetrol and 2.0-litre -diesel motors. Such derivatives will be named with a “B” instead of a “T” or “D”, as in B4, B6 and B6, but, at the time of writing, it was not clear whether such derivatives will be offered in the South African market.

We’ll update you on the expected date of the local introduction of the updated S90/V90 CC ranges, as well as specifications and prices, as soon as more information becomes available.

New Volvo Specs & Prices in South Africa

Honda BR-V Updated in SA (2020) Specs & Price

Honda has given its 7-seater BR-V compact SUV an update. See the specification and pricing below.

What’s changed?

The main cosmetic change for the BR-V is that new LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) are now seen in the lower section of the headlight units.

Changes to the BR-V’s feature specification is more significant and the mid-spec Comfort and top-spec Elegance derivatives now come equipped with rear park distance control. The BR-V Elegance is now also fitted with a 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen with an integrated reverse parking camera.

Honda has also improved Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) levels by adding more sound insulation material.

The BR-V, however, still features the same 1.5-litre petrol engine with 88 kW and 145 Nm of torque and is offered with either a 6-speed manual or Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Honda BR-V – Price in South Africa

BR-V 1.5 Trend Manual – R258 800

BR-V 1.5 Comfort Manual – R291 500

BR-V 1.5 Comfort CVT – R310 300

BR-V 1.5 Elegance Manual – R314 400

BR-V 1.5 Elegance CVT – R333 000

The Honda BR-V is sold with a 5-year/200 000 km warranty, 4-year/60 000 km service plan (BR-V Comfort/Elegance only, optional on Trend) and 3-year AA Roadside Assistance.

Buy a Honda BR-V on Cars.co.za

New VWs Coming to SA in 2020

New special editions and a boosted bakkie are all part of VW’s local product strategy for 2020.

Electric Golf and ID.3

Crossing the Ts

Goodbye to GTI

Hello to Golf 8

Vivo special edition

Ballistic bakkie

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All-electric drive up to 140 kph

Can tow braked trailers of up to 3.5 tonnes

Assisted driving at up to 250 kph

R model accoutrements

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Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 1.5 Turbo (2020) Spec & Price

Mitsubishi has launched its eagerly-anticipated turbocharged derivative of the Eclipse Cross. Here's how much the new Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 1.5 Turbo costs as well as some detailed specifications.

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Jaguar F-Pace Chequered Flag Price in South Africa (February 2020)

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Volvo reveals updated S90/V90

As the South African market awaits the belated arrival of the S60 business-class sedan, Volvo has released details of its (very mildly) updated bigger brothers: the S90 executive sedan and its V90/V90 Cross Country station-wagon variants.

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Honda BR-V Updated in SA (2020) Specs & Price

Honda has given its 7-seater BR-V compact SUV an update. See the specification and pricing below.

What’s changed?

Honda BR-V – Price in South Africa