After some teasers and a handful of leaked images, this is the BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe and here's all you need to know about the Mercedes-Benz CLA fighter.
Built in Leipzig, Germany for the global market, the BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe will be publically revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2019. It's an interesting design, taking cues from the latest 1 Series as well previous generation of Gran Coupe.
In terms of dimensions, the sports sedan is 4 526 millimetres in length,1 800 millimetres in width, but stands just 1 420 millimetres tall. Thanks to the 2 670-millimetre wheelbase, there's plenty of interior space as well as a 430-litre load compartment
Built on the new BMW front-wheel-drive platform, the 2-Series Gran Coupe shares more than a few things with the 1-Series hatchback, including the potent 35i xDrive powertrain. Speaking of engines, the BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe will be available with 3 engines from launch; 2 petrol and 1 diesel.
Kicking off the range is the 218i Gran Coupe with a 1.5-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder petrol motor with 103 kW and 220 Nm. The 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder we've experienced in the M135i xDrive and X2 M35i makes an appearance here and it delivers 225 kW and 450 Nm. Power goes to all 4 wheels via an 8-speed automatic gearbox and with launch control dialled up, it'll hit 100 kph in a claimed 4.8 seconds. For those wanting a diesel, the 220d 2.0-litre has 140 kW and 400 Nm, and is said to consume 4.5-4.2 L/100 km.
We've got no word on local availability as yet, but the German market launch is in March 2020.
This is the all-new European spec Toyota Yaris and it looks to be one of the most advanced vehicles in its segment. But will it come to South Africa?
The Toyota Yaris has proven popular over the years, but the switch from the European Yaris to the Thai-built version raised some eyebrows. Now there's an all-new Yaris which Toyota is claiming is the world's safest car.
Underpinned by the Toyota's New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform and using the all-new TNGA 3-cylinder, 4th generation 1.5-litre hybrid powertrain, the all-new Toyota Yaris is said to boast new levels of efficiency and refinement. No outputs or further details have been given.
Let's talk about those looks though! The new Yaris adopts some elements from the C-HR, which we don't see as a bad thing. Physically, Toyota has reduced Yaris' overall length by 5 mm, but at the same time increased its wheelbase by 50 mm and widened it by 50 mm, which Toyota says ensures the car is agile and manoeuvrable in city driving and parking.
Final specification for our market is yet to be confirmed, but the car you see here boasts a heads-up display, wireless charger, heated steering wheel as well as advanced driver systems such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping asistance and a centre airbag – a first for the segment.
Photos of what appears to be the all-new Toyota Yaris have surfaced online. Here's what we know so far.
Not so long ago, we ran a spy shot story showing what appeared to be the all-new Toyota Yaris GR testing at the Nurburgring. It was one of the very few times we've seen the next-generation Yaris, until now. Thanks to Automotive Uzone, we can get a good look at the new model.
What you see isn't the sporty GR model, but rather something resembling an entry-level compact car. Like the Toyota C-HR, the new Yaris shares the contrasting roof. Under the skin, both vehicles share the TNG platform, something we've experienced in the new Corolla and RAV4 too. TNG is a great platform, not only for its tremendous versatility but also its refinement.
Interestingly, Toyota South Africa makes do with the Thai-built Yaris, which is cheaper to import into our market. However, we feel it's a tad underwhelming and hope that we get the European-spec model. It's a bit early to talk about powertrain, but expect a hybrid setup in some of the higher-spec models, while some naturally-aspirated petrol engines should cover the rest of the range.
As for the 2020 Toyota Yaris GR Sport you see below, it's heading into quite a freshly contested segment, with a soon-to-be-revealed Hyundai i20N, Opel Corsa GSI and Suzuki Swift Sport all vying for a slice of the pie.
Earlier in 2019, it was widely reported that this – the 3rd-generation TT – would be the final iteration of Audi's iconic sportscar. The range was recently updated, so it won't be discontinued very soon, but we have to ask: Is the front-wheel-drive coupe still worth considering if you're in the market for something stylish, sophisticated… and quick?
We like: Still looks fresh and modern, highly-advanced cabin, reasonably practical, excellent specification, fun to drive briskly
We don't like: A front-wheel-drive performance Audi breaks tradition, some odd options
In Turbo Blue, the Audi TT is a sharp-looking and attractive coupe.
Where does it fit in?
The revised Audi TT range, which was mildly updated for 2019, comprises just 2 derivatives: the TT 45 TFSI S tronic you see here, as well as the more potent TTS. The entry-level derivative makes do with a front-wheel-drive setup, while the TTS has (quattro) all-wheel drive. It's likely that an updated TT RS, powered by a near-300 kW 2.5-litre 5-cylinder motor, which we rate as one of the finest-sounding engines, will follow later on.
How it fares in terms of…
Kerb appeal
You'd be hard-pressed to spot any of the updates. Our test unit came with the optional S Line upgrade.
At first glance, it doesn't look like the TT's appearance has changed all that much by virtue of the facelift, but Audi has endowed the coupe's front-end with a 3D grille and large air intakes to "emphasise the vehicle's width". Our test unit came specified with the optional S line exterior package (R24 896*), which enhances the 45 TFSI S tronic's road presence through the addition of aerodynamic addenda and a slight reduction in ride height. The package comprises a front splitter, more elaborate intakes at the front with a wider diffuser at the rear – we wouldn't suggest it's a "must-have option" for a vehicle already as striking as the TT, but it sure adds to the 3rd-gen coupe's desirability. Another change for this version of the TT is an updated standard features list (we'll address that later). By the way, we really like the new colour palette – our unit was finished in Turbo Blue.
The TT always been an interesting car to look at; every generation of the car has sported great lines. The first "Bauhaus-inspired" TT is likely to be remembered as an iconic design, while this 3rd-gen model incorporates the best elements from the 1st and 2nd iterations. Those angular, strobe-like DRLs and the Audi's haunched, wide-set body are imposing in a rear-view mirror. The directional indicators are standard fare and add a classy touch to the package. The test unit came with the highly-advanced Matrix LED headlights which, at R14 234*, are a tad pricey, but once you use them, most other headlights' efforts seem pitiful by comparison. They're smart and totally automated, so you're unlikely to dazzle other road users.
Performance
While this is the entry-level TT with just 169 kW, it delivers enough shove to be interesting
Under the bonnet is the tried-and-tested EA888 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder motor. With peak outputs of 169 kW and 370 Nm, it promises brisk performance, which we were eager to exploit! While Audi's performance models are known for their prodigious grip (courtesy of the aforementioned quattro drivetrain), the 45 TFSI S tronic is one of the few entirely front-wheel-driven sporty offerings in the brand's line-up. Our test data indicated a 6.5-second 0-to-100 kph sprint time ( with launch control dialled in) and the TT completed the 1/4 mile in 14.42 seconds, which demonstrates that while the entry-level version can battle for traction off the line (as its front wheels scrabble for grip), there's no lack of in-gear acceleration. In Dynamic mode, the car emits lovely gearshift pops and bangs, which add some much-needed theatre to the otherwise generic engine note.
Even in entry-level guise, the TT has always been enjoyable to drive and when this 3rd-gen model was launched, it saw off more powerful rivals to win the Fun Car category of the 2015/16 #CarsAwards. It goes to show that power isn't everything – a sorted chassis, balanced suspension setup and well-tuned progressive steering make a great recipe for a driver's car. The 45 TFSI S tronic is not a scalpel-like sportscar, but feels it perennially poised and corners beautifully. Despite the front-wheel-drive setup, the little Audi only understeers appreciably after sanity- and bravery limits have been exceeded. You can press on easily and while there will certainly be faster hot hatches, it's hard to fault the forgiving handling traits of the TT.
Ride and comfort
The sporty seats of the Audi TT look and feel luxurious, and do a damn fine job of hugging you. Rear seats have almost no legroom sadly
The TT's dual nature is undoubtedly its strongest trait. Although the Ingolstadt-based brand's coupe is required to involve and delight its driver while performing spirited blasts along the coastline or on a deserted mountain pass on the odd occasions, it also, perhaps more importantly, needs to be a forgiving car to drive every day… Well, if you have zero aspirations to develop and indulge your "inner racing driver", you'll be delighted to read that the TT offers a sophisticated and refined ride quality. When you're plodding in traffic on a dreary morning on the way to work, the 45 TFSI S tronic offers a comfortable and cosy cabin; the seats cushion you nicely. Our test unit came with heated seats (a R5 800* option), which did a sterling job of negating the last of winter's clutches. Cleverly, the heating controls are integrated into the side vents – yet another excellent piece of design.
These 19-inch alloys are attractive and offer a good blend of performance and ride quality.
There are 3 alloy wheel designs to choose from, all of which are 19-inch in size. Our test unit's alloys were wrapped in 245/35 Bridgestone tyres, which offered fair grip and reasonably little road noise. When you task the TT to travel longer distances, you get the impression that Audi focused on the coupe's comfort and refinement. Indeed, the 45 TFSI S tronic can cover large swathes of tarmac over extended periods in an untiring fashion.
Interior design and practicality
Audi's Virtual Cockpit has been out for some time but it's still winning fans thanks to its slick interface and ease of use
Upon the introduction of the 3rd-gen TT, its cabin set a benchmark by doing away with the traditional central infotainment screen and utilising the digital instrument cluster (Audi's Virtual Cockpit) to display all the information a driver needs right in front of them (that may annoy the passenger, but it's not about them, it's about you and your car). What's more, the gorgeous turbine-style vents allow you to set the interior temperature and blower speeds. As for the rest of the cabin, it's a stunning example of minimalism and the optional aluminium cabin trim finish is well worth considering.
Despite its 2-door coupe body style, the 45 TFSI S tronic comes equipped with a pair of rear seats with belts, but we can't see anyone other than a toddler in a child seat being able to make use of them. They make for excellent additional storage compartments, but the boot is reasonably sized for a compact coupe, anyway. There's enough room for 2 nights' luggage (for you and your partner), which we confirmed during a weekend away.
The boot is a fair size – you may be pleasantly surprised by how much it can accommodate. Need more space? Put stuff on the rear seats.
The 45 TFSI S tronic's standard features list is reasonable, which is not always the case with German premium marques' wares, but you can spec yourself a really nice TT if you can afford it… Our test unit came optionally specified with the uprated Bang & Olufsen audio system, which produced a glorious sound (a must-have for audiophiles). Audi Drive Select (with its distinct driving modes) is now standard, as is the smartphone interface, which includes nice-to-haves such as Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility and 2 illuminated USB ports. Audi navigation, parking aid plus and electrically-adjustable front seats are standard too. Strangely, a reverse-view camera is not stock, but our vehicle had one (an extra R6 971*).
Price and warranty
The Audi TT Coupé 45 TFSI S tronic retails for R670 000 (*October 2019), which includes a 5-year/100 000 km Audi Freeway (maintenance) plan.
Verdict
For around R600k, it'd be easy to opt for a similarly-powered hatchback, but the Audi TT trumps them all when it comes to style and luxury.
Compact sportscars appear to be on the endangered-species list, but in the case of the Audi TT, unfairly so. While it's not the fastest small coupe, the 45 TFSI S tronic offers plenty of accessible performance, style, refinement and build quality… Why would you need to stretch your budget to the TTS? While so many people splurge on big-wheeled SUVs to make a statement, there is something distinguished, yet ever-playful, about the TT.
Should you buy one? It's hard to argue against the Volkswagen Golf GTI, which shares its underpinnings and powertrain with the 45 TFSI S tronic. It has the advantage of being a practical 5-door hatchback, but it doesn't quite have the marquee value/snob appeal of the Audi. Whereas the GTI is mainstream, the TT will appeal to those who value individualism and understatement – it could serve as a tasteful testament to their success…
You'll love the Audi's timeless looks, its advanced digital user interface and the gorgeous, minimalist cabin that exudes quality. Given its tight-fitting packaging, the TT is not a chore to drive daily, plus it offers the convenience of a self-shifting transmission and reasonable fuel economy. However, when the mood takes you (and road conditions permit), you can select Dynamic mode, make the transmission bang down a cog or 2, and enjoy a sufficiently wieldy and energising driving experience. If ever a model range has made a strong case for its entry-level derivative, the TT is it.
Citroen Returns to South Africa
French brand Citroen makes a return to South Africa and with it comes 3 new products and a comprehensive after-sales warranty. Let's see what's on offer.
After a short absence, Citroen makes a comeback to South Africa. When the announcement came back in December 2016 that the focus would be on Peugeot and Citroen was to be sacrificed, petrolheads and customers were a bit disappointed. Citroen's offerings were quirky, but the cars were generally of good quality and drove nicely. The issues were in the aftersales department where every French car cliche was bandied about.
Naturally, SA consumers will be extremely wary and cautious of Citroen after-sales, despite its return and arsenal of fresh product. Dubbed Citroen Serenity, each new Citroen will come with a 5-year/100 000km warranty service plan as well as roadside assistance. A courtesy car, competitively priced parts basket, microdots, complimentary vehicle health check as well as licence renewal reminder are also thrown in as additional value. You'll be servicing them at Peugeot dealerships as the 2 brands will be again sharing retail space.
What's New?
From the brand relaunch, there'll be 3 products offered to the South African market. It appears they're being pitched at a youthful market and have a funky image to them. Kicking off the range is the Citroen C3, a Polo-sized compact hatchback. Available in 2 levels of trim (Feel and Shine) with 2 petrol engine choices, the C3 comes to market priced aggressively. The 1.2 PureTech engine delivers 60 kW and 118 Nm, and is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. The other C3 boasts a 1.2 PureTech Turbo motor with 81 kW and 205 Nm, and features a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The C3 Aircross makes do with the 81 kW / 205 Nm PureTech Turbo motor and is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. It is also available in 2 levels of trim (Feel and Shine). With some offroad cladding and raised ground clearance, it's essentially an SUV version of the C3.
Finally, for those wanting big space and luxury, there's the C5 Aircross. Again, it's available in 2 levels of trim (Feel and Shine), but this time it boasts the 1.6-litre THP turbocharged petrol engine with 121 kW and 240 Nm, and has a 6-speed automatic transmission.
More photos of the soon-to-be-launched BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe have been released and we're expecting a full reveal sometime this week.
BMW has teased a few more photos of the forthcoming 2 Series Gran Coupe and we believe a full reveal is due any day now. The 4-door compact coupe will share a lot with the current 1 Series, itself about to be launched in South Africa. We suspect most of the latter's engines will be carried over too, with an M235i xDrive sitting at the top of the pile. With a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder producing 225 kW and 450 Nm, it'll be brisk and should be able to hit 100 kph in under 5 seconds.
The compact premium coupe is aimed at those wanting something different and something smaller than the current 3 Series. The chassis is engineered for front-wheel drive, but the flagship version will feature xDrive. The teaser images show off the aggressive front end as well as some interesting tail lights at the rear. These lights look a lot like they're from the X4 – which is a compliment, believe it or not!
We'll update this post when the all-new BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe is revealed in its entirety.
Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography (2019) Launch Review
The SVAutobiography simultaneously adds further luxury, as well as 405 kW of supercharged V8 muscle, to the award-winning Range Rover Velar. We headed upcountry to race it against a train… obviously!
It's been said that on the day the 2nd-ever automobile was built, motor racing was born. And since then, car enthusiasts have looked for any reason to race anything on wheels. It's no surprise, then, that in 1930, the Rover Light Six garnered media acclaim by being the first car to beat a luxury train from St Raphael to Calais at an average speed of about 60 kph. That’s 1 200 km in just 20 hours – impressive even by today's standards!
Now, almost 90 years later, Range Rover has released the Velar SVAutobiography, which is a potent performance SUV in anyone's book. I headed to Pretoria to pit the newcomer from Solihull against its forebears' railroad rival and relive the glory days of rail-versus-automobile racing.
Step into luxury
The Velar versus Rovos rail – a classic race for the ages.
To step onto the Rovos Rail, a luxury train that caters to the whims of its upper-crust clients, was like stepping into a time where luxury-train travel was the premium mode of transport. Of course, these days, "luxury travel" takes on a whole new meaning and Range Rover caters for that market.
The Velar's interior, which is trimmed in sumptuous twin-stitched, perforated and quilted Windsor leather, is the model of modern luxury. Unlike the Range Rover's slightly more hardcore cousin, the Jaguar F-Pace SVR, the SVAutobiography's (heated and cooled) front seats are supportive and firm, yet comfortable enough for long-distance travel and offer 20 ways of electrical adjustment, so it's easy to find the perfect driving position.
The massage function is now a standard feature and other changes include the sports multifunction steering wheel, which is equipped with a pair of very intuitive rotary selectors through which, inter alia, Range Rover’s Touch Pro Duo system can be operated.
The same award-winning design
Red brake calipers sit inside the special, 22-inch rims.
From the outside, the Velar looks even more impressive than the Launch Edition. Twenty-one-inch wheels are standard, but massive 22-inch wheels (shod with 265-profile tyres) are optionally available. At the rear, the exhaust has been lightened by 3.5 kg per side and the quad tailpipe outlets are integrated with the SUV's rear bumper design. The brakes, developed by Brembo, are of larger diameter to provide extra stopping power. The red brake callipers also feature Land Rover lettering, but for those who want something a bit more discreet, gloss black callipers are also available.
The obsession with detail continues underneath the car: the SVAutobiography's undertray is to have been redesigned to allow for better airflow and overall stability at high speeds. The bumpers, grille and side mouldings have also been slightly tweaked to differentiate the flagship derivatives from the already striking “Standard” Velar. What's more, the SVAutobiography is available in half a dozen incredibly striking colours…
That engine
Even with 405 kW, there are still off-road modes available.
The biggest change is the inclusion of the stonking supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine (the same as found in the F-Type R) and it produces peak outputs of 405 kW and a more-than-adequate 680 Nm. Even with the active-exhaust button deactivated, a prod of the throttle prompts a gloriously old-school V8 rumble, with the supercharger providing backup vocals. The noise is so intoxicating that I found myself stomping the accelerator repeatedly just to enjoy the ear-massaging soundtrack. The engine emits a melange of cracks and pops as the transmission shuffles through its 8 forward gears and even with the exhaust flap closed, it's still quite a loud car. At cruising speeds, however, the noise is never intrusive or boomy.
What is it like to drive?
The SVAutobiography is said to dispatch the 0-100 kph sprint in 4.5 seconds and, given the right piece of tarmac, it’ll reach a top speed of 274 kph. I tried a few standing starts and the car readily catapulted to the national speed limit with dismissive ease. This Velar seems to distort one's sensation of speed; the force with which you're pressed into those cosseting seats provides the best indication of how much throttle input you are deploying.
The calibrations for the AWD system, active rear-locking differential, transmission shift pattern, steering response and air-suspension have been tweaked and tuned specifically for this SVAutobiography (Dynamic Edition). It is said engineers at Land Rover's Special Vehicle Operations spent 63 900 hours fine-tuning the unique calibration to optimise the ride, handling and responsiveness. And responsive is exactly what this juggernaut is.
The supercharged V8 engine has become synonymous with guttural sound and stupendous throttle response.
I found the optional 265/22 tyres tracked unevenly over undulations on roads that weren't perfectly smooth. In my opinion, the smaller 21-inch wheel and tyre combination would be better suited for those willing to forego some outright kerb appeal in favour of a more forgiving ride quality.
The Velar SVAutobiography also feels like it has "itchy feet" when cruising at the speed limit. Call it an infantile notion, but this derivative seems to inspire the desire to travel at lofty speeds, so potential buyers may need to set up a fund for the slew of speeding fines that they're likely to incur.
Verdict
The quad tailpipes have been lightened by 3.5 kg per side for better performance.
At R1 743 325, the Range Rover is pricey, but less so than a Porsche Cayenne Turbo, mind you. However, BMW is about to flood the market with X5/X6 50i models, but thanks to a limited run of just 1 year, the SVAutobiogrpahy promises an element of exclusivity above and beyond the badge.
This head-turner of a Velar is not as discreet as other Range Rovers – this is the one you buy to be seen in. And, with those bite-the-back-of-your- hand looks and a goosebump-inducing soundtrack, you won't only be seen when you pull into the train station… you most certainly will be heard too.
Some of the rarest (and quirkiest) cars in Johannesburg journeyed to the Cars.co.za offices in Bedfordview this past Sunday to enjoy a morning of petrolheaded fun. As ever, this SentiMETAL meet delivered a number of surprise attendees!
Photos by Vaughn Humphreys and Hannes Oosthuizen
Following the recent record meet in Cape Town, which saw more than 120 cars come together, much was expected of the second Johannesburg SentiMETAL meet and it didn't disappoint. The company's HQ was the designated meeting spot and the more than 100 parking bays quickly filled with a staggeringly diverse selection of cars. The SentiMETAL Opel Kadett Superboss and Porsche Cayman R were there to receive to guests, and first to arrive was none other than the Opel's old-time foe, a beautiful white BMW (E30) 325iS (Gusheshe). Ultimately no fewer than 4 Superbosses and 3 Gusheshes participated in the event, illustrating once again the rising cult following of these cars.
Older cars started making their appearance too, with a beautiful Alfa Romeo GT Junior followed by a baby-blue Porsche 356 driven by former CAR Magazine editor, John Bentley. Porsche was well represented, with numerous examples of its 911 (including a stunning 930 Carrera 3.2 and a 964 Turbo), but the transaxle generation was there too, in the shapes of a neat 924 and 928.
Centre of attention – this immaculate BMW (E28) M5 caused many a heart to flutter. Photo by Vaughn Humphreys
But the brand with the biggest presence was undoubtedly BMW. The Bimmer enthusiasts arrived in their droves, in anything from 2002 ti's, to various E30 variants, E36 M3s, a stunning silver E46 M3 and very rare M5 Tourings (E34 and E61). A classic red E24 6 Series and an immaculate E28 M5 also turned many heads.
Speaking of rare German metal… an elegantly attired family showed up in a Mercedes-Benz (W124) E36 AMG Convertible, a car we had never seen in the metal before. Parked not far from the E36, were 3 Italian cars from the '80s that you are unlikely to ever see on South African roads – a Lancia Thema 8.32, Gamma Berlina 2500ie and a Maserati Quattroporte from 1984. The Thema 8.32 was quite a hyped car back in the day, as one of the first genuine supersaloons it featured a V8 engine borrowed from the Ferrari 308 and a rear wing which deployed automatically (unheard of at the time of its launch).
Icons wherever you look – a Lamborghini Diablo flanks a Ford Mustang fastback. Photo by Vaughn Humphreys
But that's not all that Team Italy had to offer… A silver Lamborghini Diablo rolled in, causing many a guest to choke on their croissants. Following soon after was an immaculate Alfa Romeo GTV6 2.5, rare Alfa Romeo 159i and a cute little Fiat 500 Giardiniera (station wagon), the latter with a beautifully presented picnic basket in the boot. Oh, and then there was a race-ready-looking replica of a Fiat 131 Abarth, as well as 2 Maserati GranSports.
Those with an interest in American muscle were drawn to a brutal-looking Chevrolet Camaro Z28 with a massive bonnet bulge, bright-orange Pontiac GTO and a stunning candy-apple red Camaro. And for the fans of British? Well, an Ariel Atom is always a crowd-puller, and Gavin Spiller's racing Rover SD1 also drew plenty of attention.
Cute wagon pairing – Austin Mini and a Fiat 500 Giardiniera. Photo by Vaughn Humphreys
Inbetween ogling the machines on display, guests could visit the Cars.co.za coffee shop for refreshments, to catch up on the Rugby or Moto GP and peruse some of the SentiMETAL series of merchandise. Those participants keen to stretch their cars' legs departed at 11 o'clock for a leisurely drive to Muldersdrift and lunch.
"We want to be a home for the South African car lover, so to see guys show up with the families, and enjoy the day together was very gratifying," said Cars.co.za's Hannes Oosthuizen, SentiMETAL project manager. "In a way these meets are similar to what you'll see at RadWood car meets in the US, and more recently in the UK. It's relaxed, without pretence or politics and just focused on the shared passion for cars," Oosthuizen said. "That's why, as at this SentiMETAL meet, you're likely to see something like a Diablo or Porsche 356 parked within spitting distance of a tastefully modded Datsun 280 ZX and a Japanese cult icon, the Toyota AE86 Trueno."
The next SentiMETAL Meet & OutRun is scheduled for Cape Town in mid-November.
Audi RS 7 Sportback (2020) International Launch Review
The latest Audi RS7 Sportback is a blisteringly fast car that doesn't leave you wanting more, because it comes laden with tech and hardware that make the driving experience even more exciting than its predecessor did. Almost a full year before it’s due to land in South Africa, Dave Humphreys put the Ingolstadt thunder wagon through its paces.
What’s new?
When the current generation of the Audi A7 made its debut, it was revealed that its all-new platform enabled it to utilise mild-hybrid electrification, and the RS7 Sportback is no different. Quite how the performance-car purists will view engine-off coasting and cylinder deactivation remains to be seen. Unlike the previous RS7 Sportback, this latest version gets the same kind of swollen bodywork that we’re more used to seeing on the RS6 sedan. Only the bonnet, front doors, roof and the fastback tailgate are carried over from the standard A7; every other piece of bodywork is new and bespoke to the RS7 Sportback. Flared arches add a total of 40 mm to the overall width and buyers can specify up to 22-inch wheels.
The RS 7 Sportback packs a 4.0 twin-turbo V8 with quattro all-wheel-drive keeping it stuck to the ground.
Those in the premium seats up front get to enjoy the figure-hugging and RS-embossed leather sports seats, which do a decent job of holding you in place. Whereas the first RS7 Sportback made its debut as a 2+2, this time around Audi is offering a 3-seat rear bench from the off, with the pair of outer seats aping the design of the fronts. The rest of the cabin is almost a button-free zone, following the trend of other top tier Audi models like the A6, A8 and Q8. Sections of Alcantara and red contrast stitching remind you of the sporty intent. The steering wheel also gets RS1 and RS2 buttons for shortcuts to your favourite chassis and drivetrain settings. Speaking of powertrains, the RS7 Sportback gets the twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 mated with a quattro all-wheel-drive system replete with a sport differential and an 8-speed Tiptronic transmission.
The good
Optional 22-inch wheels just about fit inside the flared arches.
The star of the "RS7 Sportback Show" is the Audi's thumping powertrain. Its turbocharged V8 pumps out a healthy 447 kW and a locomotive-like 800 Nm of torque. But it’s the way that the quattro system relays that to the tarmac that sets this car apart. On paper, the 3.6-second time to sprint from 0 to 100 kph from rest seems fast; in reality, it feels even quicker. Dialled-in electric car quick, almost. Performance aside, you can have your RS7 Sportback dripping in tech… From Matrix LED headlights with laser light elements and a trio of digital displays in the cockpit, not to mention a myriad of driver assistance systems and the latest LTE connectivity, you could spend hours just playing with the gadgets before selecting Drive.
Ride and drive
As a driver's car, the RS7 Sportback can play 2 very different roles. If you drive it in a normal, everyday fashion, you’d barely realise that you’re piloting an executive saloon that can embarrass any supercar more than a few years old. The mild-hybrid system does its best work here by using its 48V belt alternator starter to enable the engine to shut down earlier as you slow to a stop. It can do so from 21 kph and below, while the restart is much smoother than traditional stop-start systems. It can even shut off the engine while cruising at speeds of up to 160 kph for short periods.
The dual personality of this RS 7 makes it easy to live with and brutally fast when you need it to be.
The task of navigating city traffic is far from laborious thanks to light steering and a dynamic all-wheel-steering system that can turn the rear wheels up to 5 degrees in the opposite direction to the fronts at low speeds, which reduces the turning circle by up to a metre. On the highway, the rear wheels can turn in phase with the fronts by 2 degrees to add stability when changing lane, for example. As you cruise along, the V8 engine can shut off combustion in half of its cylinders when on part-throttle, temporarily turning the RS7 Sportback’s unit into a V4. Factor in the muted exhaust note in some of the driving modes and the comfort of its adaptive air suspension and you’ll find Audi's newcomer can be every bit the luxury car.
However, the real reason you’ll likely to want one is to be able to unleash that phenomenal performance. Fully press the throttle pedal and the transmission wastes no time in skipping down a few ratios, while increased turbo boost pressure helps maintain your skull’s contact with the leather upholstered headrest – the hard acceleration doesn't seem to ease off until you’re waaaaay past the South African national speed limit. Despite already riding 20 mm lower than an A7, when the speed exceeds 120 kph, the air suspension reduces the car’s ride height by another 10 mm to aid aerodynamic efficiency. A neat spoiler also deploys automatically from the end of the tailgate to add some more downforce to the rear of the car.
Updates have been made to the Virtual Cockpit layout with new graphics and crisper screens available.
The RS7 Sportback isn’t merely a plush Autobahn-stormer; in the bends and twisty stuff, it hangs on very well considering its 2 065 kg kerb weight. That quattro transmission and rear-wheel steering give you lots of confidence through fast-flowing sweepers or when blasting out of hairpins. Even though up to 85 per cent of power can go to the rear axle, it doesn’t feel very rear-wheel drive unless you’re pushing very hard.
For the majority of the time there’s a 40:60 front-to-rear split, and frankly, with 447 kW on tap, having all 4 wheels in play at all times is reassuring and will flatter many drivers. The standard brakes are excellent, but if you want to beef them up, enormous 440 mm carbon-ceramic options are available, which you'll need if you want to fully derestrict it (to enable a 304-kph maximum speed, as astonishing as that number sounds).
The not-so-good
We’re not saying the mild-hybrid system is a bad thing as such, but applying this technology to a performance-oriented car like the RS7 Sportback is kind of like offering someone a Band-Aid when they’ve just had their arm torn off. In its optimum scenario it can switch the engine off for a maximum of 40 seconds, but replenishing the 10Ah battery sufficiently for another burst can take up 20 minutes, which means that you'll spend a lot more time just lugging around a system that saves, at best, 0.8 L/100 km from the car's average fuel consumption, which is a claimed 11.4- to 11.6 L/100 km.
Verdict
The raft of performance 4-door coupes has meant that the RS 7 has a lot of competition.
Now that Audi is giving the RS Sportback suitably aggressive styling to match its impressive performance, it’s even more desirable. However, with some equally potent rivals, some of which make better use of electrification through plug-in systems, this car doesn’t have the segment all to itself.
Pricing & Warranty
Pricing for the Audi RS 7 Sportback will be confirmed closer to the car’s planned introduction in Q4 of 2020. Currently, all Audi models are sold with the Freeway Plan, consisting of a 5-year/100 000 km cover. This includes servicing and maintenance costs excluding fluid top-ups, cracked of broken glass and tyres wear. There is an option to extend it by up to 10 years or 300 000 kilometres.
Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition Specs & Price
The ultimate Range Rover Velar has launched in South Africa. See how much the range-topping Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition with V8 supercharged power costs.
Developed by Land Rover Special Vehicles, the Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition is powered by a 405 kW / 680Nm 5.0-litre V8 supercharged motor. It'll accelerate to 100 kph in just 4.5 seconds and charge on to a top speed of 274 kph.
Visually, you'll be able to spot the Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition with its massive air intakes, unique wheels and quad exhausts. There's also a colour – Satin Byron Blue – unique to the Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition. The vehicle rides on 21-inch forged aluminium wheels which happen to weigh the same as the 20-inch rims on the base model. If customers wish, they can go for the optional 22-inch units.
The cabin of the Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition features twin-stitched, perforated and quilted Windsor leather and the seats are 20-way adjustable heated and cooled units with memory and massage functions as standard. The cabin also gains a unique sports steering wheel and a sophisticated knurled finish for the rotary gear selector and Touch Pro Duo infotainment circular control dials
Under the skin, there are special tuning setups for the all-wheel-drive system, active rear locking differential, 8-speed transmission, steering and air suspension to give it a more focused driving experience. Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations spent 63 900 hours tuning the driving characteristics of the Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition. For some added character, the exhaust is a bespoke unit which gives the vehicle some added V8 thunder.
The cabin of the Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition is classy and luxurious
Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition Price in South Africa (2019)
The Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition will be on sale for just one year and the price includes VAT and CO2 tax.
Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition R1 743 325
