BMW X2 M35i (2019) Review

The BMW X2 hasn’t captured the imagination of South African consumers as much as many expected it would. Will a powerful engine under its bonnet change matters? We drove the new M35i derivative to see if it holds more appeal.

We like: Smashing 4-cylinder engine. More spacious than it looks.

We don't like: Not immediately pretty to look at, uninspiring interior. 

Fast Facts

  • Price: R815 172 (August 2019) R919 472 as tested
  • Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol
  • Transmission: 8-speed auto
  • Fuel economy: 7.4 L/100 km (claimed)
  • Power/Torque: 225 kW/450 Nm
  • Performance: 0-100 kph in 4.9 seconds (claimed)

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Where does it fit in?


The X2 M35i utilises all-wheel-drive only when it's absolutely necessary.  

The X2's packaging is… eurocentric. It’s a chic premium compact crossover that favours design flair over everyday practicality, which is probably why it hasn’t done as well in our market as BMW SA had hoped; to be fair, the same can be said of the Audi Q2, which also has a niche target market. If you want a small car for the city, it’s awkwardly sized, but still not ideal for transporting a family and its detritus to holiday destinations. 

So what about making it a performance SUV or SAV (sports activity vehicle, as BMW calls it)? Well, that’s exactly what the Munich-based firm did by fitting a powerful 2.0-litre turbopetrol and xDrive (all-wheel-drive powertrain) to the X2 and then adding an M Sport differential to its front end.

Interestingly, the turbocharged 4 cylinder under the M35i's bonnet is arguably BMW's first real attempt to create a performance 4-pot since the E30 M3. It will also be the engine to power BMW’s future compact performance cars, such as the M135i xDrive and possibly a few JCW-badged Minis.

How it fares in terms of…

Going fast

Until now, BMW’s turbo-era 2.0-litre engines have not been all that inspiring. The 330i's motor is a bit droney and its engine note is artificially (read: electronically) enhanced. Its acceleration is not particularly linear either, which makes for a meh driving experience, which does not befit a BMW. 


Bored out pipes (by 10 mm) give the M35i a throaty roar that sounds more natural than the 330i.

The M35i's powerplant is a development of the 330i's engine, but has been tinkered with to develop peak outputs of 225 kW and 450 Nm of torque. Those are excellent numbers for a performance hatch, even if it's technically a crossover/SUV! BMW has achieved them by redesigning the motor's cooling system and fitting a larger turbocharger and air intakes. Different pistons and a reinforced crankshaft top off the changes for the M35i unit.

And what a difference those upgrades have made! The M35i's motor delivers rapid acceleration, is eminently tractable throughout its rev range and, significantly, emits an evocative, racy soundtrack. The sound from both the engine and exhaust system are profound and rorty, plus gearshifts are accompanied by percussive bursts from the bored-out exhaust ends. GTI owners will long for a vrrr pha sound the likes of which this X2 flagship delivers.

An 8-speed automatic is the only transmission available in the M35i, at least for now. It does have a habit of finding itself in too high a gear at low speeds, which leads to slow getaways from intersections or traffic circles, but if you engage Sport mode it temporarily addresses the issue. The vehicle also has launch control and it can deliver some impressive sprints from a standstill.

Handling bends?


Special 20-inch rims and M Sport brake callipers feature on the X2 M35i.

While the X2 M35i might not be a sportscar, it's still a BMW, which means it will appeal to driving enthusiasts. And even if some BMW aficionados or purists feel ambivalent about the X2's front-wheel-drive architecture, the M35i's all-wheel-drive capability most certainly increases its handling limits. 

The M Sport differential at the front end aids traction and facilitates smooth, progressive acceleration out of corners. The rear wheels are only called upon to provide propulsion when it's absolutely necessary – so there’s a distinct front-end bias in the way the X2 M35i feels to drive enthusiastically.

The wide, low profile tyres (225/40 20-inch) afford plenty of grip and, should you feel inclined to use them, the steering-wheel paddle shifters provide added driver engagement (the 8-speed auto shifts promptly and crisply in Sport). Overall, the M35i is not stirringly exciting to drive, but it satisfies more than most small SUVs and, by virtue of a lower-than-usual seating position, it feels sportier than rivals such as the Range Rover Evoque.

Looking the part


Simple iDrive and drive mode button layout in the centre console makes it easy to navigate infotainment menus and settings.

The exterior execution of the X2 M35i is not wildly different to that of its standard X2 siblings, which leads us to believe BMW is either leaving room for an even more potent version or, that this derivative is aimed at strongly individualistic, rather than flamboyantly extroverted (or showy), buyers.

The M35i gets 20-inch wheels accented with blue brake callipers and a few grey accents on its front bumper. The exhaust tips are bored out to 100 mm, which makes them 10 mm bigger than those of the standard X2. Make no mistake: the BMW’s a distinctive car with plenty of sporty appeal, but in a segment where you also have a Range Rover Evoque and a Volvo XC40 fighting for the limelight, the X2's looks are probably a bit too fussy.

Appealing interior

BMW SA really went to town when it specified the interior execution of this particular X2 M35i. The outside might be a bit "plain grey", but the inside looks like someone loaded it with water, emptied a few tubes of fizzy tablets inside, closed the doors and then waited to see what would happen…


Effervescent Orange (not the real name, but it should be) leather seats are very comfortable and don't diminish rear legroom. 

Yep, it’s very orange inside the X2 M35i test unit's cabin, but the ability to individualise models' interiors is one of the major drawcards in this segment. The bucket seats fitted in the M35i look the part and are supportive under hard cornering as well as comfortable on longer drives. 

The thick BMW M-Sport steering wheel adds a luxurious feel to the cabin, but beyond that, it’s "fairly standard BMW fare" inside. The flagship X2's interior design is functional and easy-to-use/ergonomically excellent, but it isn’t exciting (or inspiring) once you look past the orange seats and sporty cladding. In a segment in which the ability to stand out is a must, there’s too little of that hey-shoo-wow feeling when you sit inside the M35i.

Aside from that, virtually all the technologies that BMW offers in its compact-car range are fitted, including the slick and smart-looking infotainment system. Consult your options list closely, as the total price can quickly get away from you if you get carried away with adding optional extras.

Rear passenger space in the X2 is better than expected, as is it load bay size, which, at 470 litres, could just about swallow 4 passengers' luggage for a weekend away. One of our testers even managed to load a mountain bike (albeit a dismantled one) in the back alongside a rear passenger.

Price and after-sales support

The BMW X2 M35i costs R815 172, but the recommended retail price for the test unit, as specced, was R919 472 (August 2019). A 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan is included in the asking price.

Verdict


The M35i is the most appealing of all the X2s, but it doesn't feel like a sure-fire winner, which many of its rivals do.

The introduction of BMW's new performance-oriented 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol motor has endowed the (resultant flagship version of the) X2 with serious sporting credentials. First of all, it's a potent performer that emits a memorable soundtrack. Secondly, it handles well for a compact crossover/SUV, replete with predictable limits and enough traction from the all-wheel-drive system to keep driving enthusiasts relatively happy.

The Bimmer's exterior may not be as pretty as that of the Range Rover Evoque or Volvo XC40 (tastes differ, but the X2 certainly has its critics). Even so, the X2 M35i does have nonconformist appeal. Its lower driving position is engagingly car-like, but in premium compact crossovers that’s currently bang on-trend. The personalisation of the interior trim and seats adds some fun to what is a smart, if rather predictable BMW, interior. 

The starting price of R800k is hard to swallow when you consider that rival models from BMW's fellow premium manufacturers are priced similarly to the X2 M35i; some of them arguably offer more universal appeal, better practicality and, once you step inside them, a greater sense of occasion. It’s also hard to ignore something like a Volkswagen Golf R – a time-honoured SA favourite that is likely to appeal to the X2’s prospective clients too. What may go down particularly well, however, is if this new engine finds its way into the Mini Countryman; we'd certainly like to have a go with that.

Related content:

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Concours South Africa: Dino on Top

Some of the most immaculately prepared classic cars in South Africa competed for the coveted "Best in Show" title at the weekend's Concours South Africa, staged at Steyn City in Gauteng. We were there.

Photos by Roarke Bouffe & Duwyne Aspeling

Now in its fourth year and sponsored by Nedbank Private Wealth, the 2019 edition of Concours South Africa saw higher standards than ever before, with the ultimate winner decided not from the traditional Top 10, but from 12 cars, because the scoring was so close. In the end, it was the Campher brothers' immaculate 1971 Dino 246 GT that scooped the top prize. The 3 previous winners were; De Tomaso Pantera (2016), Ferrari F40 (2017), Ferrari 328 GTS (2018). Seems like the judges do like their classics with an Italian flavour…

Contestants started arriving on Friday, off-loading and registering their vehicles at the Steyn City entrance, before driving in convoy to their final parking spots on an immaculate lawn in an 8-hectare area dedicated to Concours this year. Besides the vehicles competing for top honours and class victories, several cars were also on display just for enjoyment. The Daytona Group was there in full force, with several of its modern supercars on show, but the vehicle that probably attracted most attention was a completely unrestored Rolls-Royce Phantom III.


Third place overall went to Neville Forssman's 1960 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint.

Also on display, but not competing, were 2 unrestored uniquely South African legends, in the shapes of the BMW 745i and 333i. Friday's activities closed with the induction of Basil Green and Graham Duxbury into the South African Hall of Fame. 

The next morning saw the gates open at 7 o'clock, allowing participants to prepare their cars for judging, which started at 9 o'clock. It was at this stage that we finally grasped just how competitive this event was. As first-time participants (with our recently restored Opel Kadett Superboss, one of 3 on display), we could only stand and marvel at the level of perfection the competitors were striving for during this prepping period. 


This unrestored Rolls-Royce Phantom III drew lots of attention. It will soon be undergoing a complete rebuild.

There were numerous South African "specials" competing for the overall prize this year. We were particularly impressed with Gavin Roberts' Superboss (a top 10 finisher from the previous year), Wynand Mulder's Ford Cortina XR-6 and Raveen Sewchand Ramlakan's immaculate BMW (E30) 325iS. Among the other contenders, we were sure that the Dino 246 GT would be a strong contender, as would the achingly beautiful Giulietta Sprint of Neville Forssman. Matthew Kreeve's Porsche 356 was also an object of sheer beauty and perfection.

The judging panel had 15 minutes with each car, looking at overall condition (showroom fresh is the target), orginality etc. The judges also checked that the cars' lights worked and that it would start. It was at this moment that our Superboss's recalcitrant personality reared its head again (remember #CarsAwards ?) and refused to start with the judges staring at its engine. For good measure its left indicator also froze. It was a big disappointment for sure, but nevertheless a valuable experience… We'll be back better prepared next year, and with more cars – one of which will be Italian!


A big favourite of the crowd (and the judges) was this Volkswagen Type 2 (split-window Kombi).

Later in the afternoon, the judges announced the top 12 that would go through to the final round (to be judged, again, on Sunday). The final 12 were;

  • 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster (Franco Scribante)
  • 1992 Opel Kadett 2.0 GSi 16v Superboss (Gavin Roberts)
  • 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS (John Sayers)
  • 1990 BMW 325iS (Raveen Sewchand Ramlakan)
  • 1973 Porsche 911T (Timothy Abbot)
  • 1982 Ford Cortina XR6 (Wynand Mulder)
  • 1956 Porsche 356 (Matthew Kreeve)
  • 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia "Step Nose" (Neville Forssman)
  • 1960 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint (Neville Forssman)
  • 1965 MGB Roadster (Thys Venter)
  • 1957 VW Type 2 Split-Window (Wynand – Generation Old School)
  • 1971 Dino 246 GT (Vic Campher)

Come Sunday and with the pressure of competing now off from our shoulders, we could stroll around the magnificent display area and truly appreciate the views. A surprise arrival (not competing) was a prototype Maserati Khamsin (unrestored), a beautiful Aston Martin DB6 and a vintage 1929 Auburn Boat-tail roadster. We were also intrigued by the oldest contender, a 1902 Oldsmobile "Curved Dash", complete with an E-toll tag on its "tiller". 


Extremely valuable, and very pretty… John Sayers' Porsche 911 Carrera RS

A stunningly clean BMW (E36) M3 caught our eye, as did a stock Ford Sierra XR8 (a rare thing indeed).

Just after lunch, it was time for the announcement of the winners. In third place was Neville Forssman's beautiful Giulietta Sprint, second went to a crowd favourite, the "Gusheshe" of Raveen Sewchand Ramlakan and the winner… the beautifully turned-out Dino 246 GT of the Campher brothers. 


Our Superboss didn't make the cut this year, but we'll be back to try again next year.

In the "Show 'n Shine" category it was Gordon Johnstone's 2005 Maserati Gran Sport that emerged victorious, while Class 1B was won by Roger Martin's Jaguar SS 2.5 Saloon, with Class 2A scooped by the very well-prepared 1957 VW Kombi Type 2 from Generation Old School. In Class 2B it was that beautiful 356A of Matthew Kreeve that came out tops while Raveen Sewchand Ramlakan's E30 325iS was the best of the SA specials.

Roll on Concours SA 2020…

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Fresh New Hyundai i10 Revealed

Hyundai has revealed the all-new i10 hatchback ahead of its public unveiling at the 2019 Frankfurt International Motor Show. Here's what's new.

At first glance, you'll see a fresh and updated design, while under the skin there are big changes in the connectivity and active safety departments. This all-new Hyundai i10 is designed, developed and made in Europe. 

"The i10 has consistently been one of our sales drivers and the historic base of growth for Hyundai in Europe, and we stay committed to our customers looking for an A-segment car by introducing this all-new model," says Andreas-Christoph Hofmann, Vice President Marketing and Product at Hyundai Motor Europe HQ. "The All-New Hyundai i10 is the latest example of our democratisation of new technologies for our customers. We are launching it with the tagline "Go Big." to emphasise the feeling that customers will get from this uncompromised city car – it might seem like a small car, but it makes a big statement!"

When compared to the outgoing model, the new i10 has a lowered roof (20 mm) and a wider body (20 mm), and if you're wanting some more visual oomph, 16-inch alloy wheels are available. The cabin has also been given a refresh and is aimed at a youthful audience. The boot boasts a volume capacity of 252 litres and the boot's lift-in height has been dropped by 29 mm, making access a little easier. 

The 8-inch colour touchscreen includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and there's a wireless charging pad to ensure your devices never die. Hyundai is also offering its app as well as LIVE services which range from real-time traffic info to weather. The new i10 also offers up forward collision avoidance tech as well as lane-keeping assist, driver attention warning and intelligent speed limit warning. 

In terms of engines, Hyundai is offering up 2 choices. First up is a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder with 50 kW and 96 Nm. The second engine is a 1.2-litre 4-cylinder which produces 62 kW and 118 Nm. Both engines are available with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automated manual gearbox. 

South African availability is yet to be confirmed, but we'll be joining Hyundai SA on a trip to the Frankfurt Motor Show and will update soonest.


The updated Hyundai i10 features a smart connectivity package complete with Android Auto and Apple Carplay

Further Reading

Dramatic Redesign for Hyundai i10

Hyundai SA Confirms Kona N Performance SUV

Hyundai i30N Coming to SA in January 2020

Volkswagen Urban Coupe Teaser Image

After Volkswagen announced a massive investment into its Brazil facilities, it also teased what the factory will be producing. 

Volkswagen has announced an almost $600 million investment into its operations in and around Sau Paulo. Volkswagen of Brazil then said it would be building a vehicle which was 100% developed in South America and shared the teaser sketch you see here. 

At first glance, we're thinking its a sportier coupe version of either the Volkswagen T-Roc or Tiguan, which should look terrific. Expect a name beginning with a "T" naturally. 

Not much else is known about this product, but Volkswagen said it would combine sportiness with a high-driving position. There was also the suggestion of the Urban Coupe being built for the global market. Watch this space as we should start seeing mules and prototypes hitting the road in the next few months.

Further Reading

Volkswagen T-Roc R: Wolfsburg's First Performance SUV

Volkswagen T-Roc R: Wolfsburg's First Performance SUV

Volkswagen T-Cross (2019) Local Specs & Price

Fuel Price Increase Increase for September

The price of both petrol and diesel will increase as of the first Wednesday of September.

As of Wednesday, the 4th of September petrol will increase by 11c a litre for both 93 and 95 unleaded. Diesel will see a bigger hike as it goes up by 26c a litre at midnight.

Oil prices have steadily dropped over the course of August meaning without currency fluctuations, SA may have seen a drop in fuel prices of between 30 and 50c a litre. Unfortunately, our Rand has devalued badly over the month against the US dollar resulting in a rise in the cost of fuel.

Take not to fill up your tanks before midnight's price hike.

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New Car Sales in SA: August 2019

The new vehicle market continues to decline in tough market conditions which has resulted in yet another disappointing month of new car sales. See the details below…

According to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa),the declining sales trend which has been prevalent for most of the year continued to impact negatively on the new car market with an aggregate decline of 5.1% recorded in the month of August 2019. 

While this decline may be concerning, WesBank Executive Head of Motor, Ghana Msibi sheds some positive light on the matter for consumers, “There are some factors for consumers to be encouraged by. Inflation was at a 7-month low in July giving some analysts hope of a further interest cut before the end of the year. Yet lower oil prices that should be benefitting motorists at the fuel pumps are being stifled by the weakness of the Rand, with fuel price hikes expected during September.”

Take a quick look at the numbers below…

New Car Sales in SA for August 2019

Aggregate new car sales of 45 537 units down by 5.1% (-2 440 units) compared with August 2018. 

New passenger car sales of 29 075 units down by 7.6% (-2 381 units) compared with August 2018

LCV sales of 14 041 units up by 0.5% (+71 units) compared with August 2018

Export sales reached a new monthly record high of 44 566 units up by 37.8% (+12 225 units) compared with August 2018. 

Top 5 Car Brands in SA 

  1. Toyota – 10 156 units

  2. Volkswagen – 7 271 units

  3. Nissan – 5 043 units

  4. Ford – 4 282 units

  5. Hyundai – 2 815 units 

Top 5 Best-selling cars in South Africa

  1. Toyota Hilux – 3 565 units

  2. Nissan NP200 – 2 301 units

  3. Ford Ranger – 2 295 units

  4. Volkswagen Polo Vivo – 2 252 units  

  5. Volkswagen Polo – 2 124 units

Sales Outlook

Household budgets remain under considerable pressure and the effect of reduced spending power continues to drive sales numbers down. Furthermore, business and consumer confidence remain low and the expectation is that matters are due to worsen before they improve. 

Msibi commented further that while sales would be depressed further in the short term, change may come. “But there are glimmers of confidence from other areas of the same pot that should give hope to industry to continue their charge for survival and prepare their businesses to capitalise when the market does eventually turn.”

Exports sales offer further positive results and the outlook is that exports will reach record highs for 2019.

 

Toyota Makes Free In-Car Wifi Available for SA

Toyota South Africa, Vodacom Business and Altron have partnered up to launch a mobile phone application that allows every new Toyota to become a mobile hotspot. And there’s more… free data!

As of Thursday 29 October 2019, all Toyota and Lexus models sold in South Africa will come standard with in-car Wi-Fi, and various other connectivity features. This makes Toyota SA the first manufacturer in South Africa to offer a mobile app that is fully integrated with manufacturer and dealer systems. The app has various features that range from the ability to book services at your local dealer to check your vehicle’s battery health. The system is called Toyota Connect and will be integrated into the existing MyToyota App which was first launched in 2014.

No more telephone bookings

The new system allows owners to book services via the app and secure time slots at a specific branch. Users can even select a specific technician to work on the car, all via the app, and all in real-time. The system comes with a logbook facility that automatically saves a digital log of the cars mileage and service history for tax purposes. As an added safety feature, users will have roadside assistance and built-in impact detection.

What most people are talking about though, is the fact that a new Toyota or Lexus can now effectively be a mobile hotspot for its passengers. The system can be activated via the app and as a once-off, users receive 15GB of free data. Customers can then choose to top up via Toyota Connect or their banking app. This is a huge step forward for the average South African who can now access the internet and download movies or podcasts via the car.


Toyota's built-in app suite now comes with data that can be topped up like a normal cell phone.

For the moment, the data costs still remain as high as ever but when Vodacom Chief Officer William Mzimba was asked about the current, prohibitive data costs, he said that this is just the start of the relationship and more cost-effective, packages will be on offer in the coming months. He also added: “We’re witnessing an increasing number of car buyers ranking in-car technology as important as vehicle performance. They want their cars to be safe, efficient, better equipped and fun. By connecting people to platforms that will manage the complexity of streaming music from the cloud, real-time traffic information and personalized roadside assistance, we can meet these growing demands.”

Altron, specialists in vehicle tracking provided the technology for the system to operate on, calling upon years of experience in the vehicle tracking space. It was however emphasized that vehicle tracking is not the function of this system, however, the knowledge acquired by Altron over the years has proven invaluable in providing a platform for the technology to run on.

When asked about the partnership, Toyota CEO, Andrew Kirby said the following: “This is just the start of an exciting journey. We are thrilled about the imminent addition of benefits such as license renewal, which will allow Toyota Connect users the ability to renew their vehicle license disc via the technology and have it delivered to their address of choice.”

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Classic Car Spring Rally brings Hope

It wasn't only Gauteng classic car fans that had fun this past week, lovers of classic and exotic cars in the Western Cape hosted the Spring Rally, all in aid of a good cause.

The Spring Rally saw owners (and their families/friends) of more than 50 classic and exotic cars come together to raise awareness and funds for Atlantic Hope, a house of safety for abandoned and vulnerable babies. Atlantic Hope was started by Marilyn May, a nurse from Cape Town, and it is legally approved to house up to 6 babies at a time, often for as long as a year.

Some of the cars that lined up for the start at Lourensford Estate's Motor Studio Market this past weekend included such rarities as a Cadillac Eldorado Coupe, Chevrolet Corvette C2 Stingray, Mercedes-Benz SL "Pagoda", numerous Porsches and also a macho-looking Ford Mustang. It's not only participation that raises funds, there was also a raffle with some amazing prizes up for graps from the various sponsors.


Not your usual roadblock – participants were not issued fines, but rather goodie bags containing, among other things, a breathalyser.

The convoy left Somerset-West after the ribbon was cut by none other than Premier Alan Winde, and then set off for its overnight destination in Arniston at the Arniston Hotel. Along the way it encountered what is usually not a very welcome sight, but the organisers had engineered a magnificent party trick by working with local law enforcement to stage a roadblock where it wasn't fines that were issued, by rather goodie bags with snacks and items such as a breathalyser, to raise awareness for responsible driving. 

The lunch stop was at the spectacular Angora Stud and Guest farm which has a motor museum of its own. Here participants dined between numerous vintage Mercedes-Benz's and more.

In the end, the Spring Rally's participants raised R200 000 for Atlantic Hope. The Spring Rally is now in its fifth year and growing fast. According to the organisers the goal is to bring passionate car lovers together, to make it possible to enjoy their special cars on wonderful roads, and to do good. Mission accomplished, then.

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All-New Audi Q3 Now Available in SA [Video]

The all-new Audi Q3 is finally available in South Africa and it represents a compelling offering in the family car/compact SUV segment of the new vehicle market. 

ADVERTORIAL

With a bold new design, a feature-rich interior and a host of advanced safety features, the latest generation of Audi Q3 is available in 3 variants, with prices starting at R565 000.

Only 1 engine will be available initially, the latest 1.5-litre turbo petrol with healthy power outputs of 110 kW and 250 Nm. Fuel consumption, on paper at least, is impressive at under 6.0 L/100km.

The interior features Audi’s latest touchscreen infotainment system which ditches the physical buttons from the previous generation in favour of a touchscreen-only setup. The dashboard design is noticeably angled towards the driver and the screen is brought closer to the driver’s fingertips for ease of use.

The system makes it easy to input addresses into the SatNav and entire words can be written out on the touchscreen instead of entering the address letter by letter.

A fully digital instrument display adds to the modern look and feel of the car and is upgradable to the 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit. Useful tech such as Android Auto and Apple Carplay are fitted as standard as is a wireless charging pad.

The interior is roomier than before and features practical improvements such as a sliding rear bench with backrests that fold in a 40/40/20 split. Each seat can slide forward or backwards individually to increase boot space or rear legroom for passengers. Overall the boot is 20% larger than the outgoing Q3 and a nifty innovation is that the parcel shelf has been designed to fit under the boot floor.

In terms of active and passive safety systems, the Q3 is packed to the gills with the latest tech that Audi has to offer, wtih many features from Audi’s larger and more expensive cars making their way into the Q3.

Audi pre-sense scans the road ahead for potential hazards and will brake the car automatically to help prevent an accident. Radar guided cruise control is also available which will monitor the traffic ahead, maintain a safe following distance and the car will even park itself, while rear cross-traffic alert will help you safely manoeuvre out of parking bays.

With bold LED headlights and taillights, a large single-piece front grille and clever design cues which make the car look more purposeful and more Audi-ish, the Q3 represents a significant upgrade to its predecessor and is a unique offering in this segment. The car will go on sale in early September 2019.

Buy a new or used Audi Q3 on Cars.co.za 

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Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition (2019) Launch Review

The GT-R nameplate turns 50 years old this year and Nissan is celebrating this significant milestone with the introduction of the aptly named GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition, which is available in limited numbers in South Africa. We recently took this, the latest iteration of the R35-generation GT-R, for a drive in Pretoria…

The Nissan GT-R is well-known for its stonking performance ability, tuning flexibility and outright badass kerb appeal. If you have attended previous Simola Hillclimb events in Knysna, you will know exactly what the GT-R is capable of when it is tuned up extensively. It’s stupendously fast!

Given the 50 years of heritage behind the GT-R, Nissan invited us to Pretoria, Gauteng, to not only sample its commemorative GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition, but also to tip our hats to the GT-Rs of yesteryear – cars that have made the nameplate a legend across the world. 

Nissan had every generation of GT-R on hand for us to ogle over, which was a special treat. My personal highlight was seeing the Skyline GT-R Hakosuka in the metal in both coupe and sedan form. The coupe version, as you may recall, was the star of SentiMETAL Episode 3 and is owned by Nissan/Datsun enthusiast, Freek de Kok, from Bothaville in the Free State. We even rode shotgun in some heritage models, including the R32 Skyline GT-R, colloquially known as Godzilla, as well as the R34 GT-R, which just about ripped my face off with its insane off-the-line acceleration. 

But that’s not all, Nissan also had South African racing drivers Wilhelm Baard and Reghard Roets on hand to share insights on the GT-R, as well as their experiences at the Simola Hillclimb and South African motorsport in general.  

Anything new here? 


The current generation GT-R is ageing, but it still offers scintillating performance.  

The R35-generation GT-R isn’t new; in fact, it’s now more than a decade old (it was unveiled on the eve of the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show and went into production shortly thereafter). Despite its age, it remains a formidable supercar and I revelled in the opportunity to finally drive the beast!

The GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition is offered in 3 distinct liveries, but our favourite look is Bayside Blue with white racing stripes – it looks particularly striking in the sunshine. Other colour options include Pearl White with red stripes or Super Silver with white stripes. 

The GT-R’s performance record is undeniably impressive, but I was curious to see what the GT-R would be like to drive on bustling public roads. Could it still live up to its reputation as an "everyday supercar", or would the combination of the R35's brawny dual-clutch transmission, decidedly firm suspension and brutish twin-turbo motor confound and frustrate its driver in anything less than perfect performance-driving conditions?  


The GT-R's cabin has old-school appeal, but it can't hide its age when compared with newer and more modern supercars. 

The interior is wrapped in dual-tone grey leather, while specially designed and embossed sports seats provide the necessary comfort and support, whether your cruising to your playground or driving spiritedly on it. Other 50th-Anniversary details include special trim for the steering wheel and gear lever, embossing and an Alcantara headliner. The instrumentation, dials and controls have a distinct old-school look and feel, which suits the car's persona to a tee. However, some might criticise the interior for being dated and incongruent for a car carrying a price tag of R2 415 000.

It’s worth mentioning that the 2020 GT-R features updated turbochargers, revised suspension and steering and a new brake booster, but outputs remain unchanged for now. With seat belts fastened, it was time to experience the might of the GT-R's turbocharged 3.8-litre V6 engine that generates 410 kW and 632 Nm of torque. A snappy 6-speed automatic transmission, which has also been revised, directs those numbers to all four wheels with Nissan claiming an ambitious 0 to 100 kph sprint time of 2.7 seconds, which can apparently be achieved under "perfect conditions".  

What's it like to drive?


The GT-R is considered heavy by supercar standards, but it's an incredibly fast machine nonetheless. 

At startup, the urgent burble and snarly bark of the engine (when you blip the throttle pedal) evoke an image of a nightmarish monster rudely awakened from its slumber. When the road clears and you mash the accelerator to the floor, the GT-R emits a delightful tone as its all-wheel-drive system digs in and blistering forward thrust ensues. The experience of the GT-R going at full tilt is incredible; its acceleration is simply astounding. 

Speed is one thing the GT-R delivers in abundance, but the effortless way that it delivers that performance is particularly impressive. It's palpably easy to achieve heady speeds and by using the steering-mounted paddles, a driver can execute rapid shifts to unleash the engine's full potential.

The steering setup of the Nissan offers swift and sharp responses to inputs with a light communicative feel that belies the heft of the GT-R (with a kerb weight of roughly 1 740 kg, its heavy by modern supercar standards). However, you don't really feel that weight when you're wielding the 50th Anniversary Edition's 'wheel enthusiastically. Instead, the venerable supercar feels quite nimble and dextrous, which was a pleasant surprise. 

I was also astonished by the GT-R's ability to achieve crazy cornering speeds. The car's grip threshold is so high – surely its full potential could only be unlocked safely on a race track. In that sense, the GT-R's performance is perhaps wasted on public roads, where it feels confined and restricted. 

During our 70-km drive, we were also impressed by the general usability of the GT-R. It never felt intimidating to drive and while it's suspension is firm, the ride wasn't unduly harsh. It's nice to know you can drive the R35 at normal speeds with ease (and in comfort), while you have access to brutal performance should an opportunity arise to exploit it. It can be calm and sedate, but it can also be devastatingly quick, which is admirable…

Final thoughts


The future of the GT-R remains mostly a mystery and we may have to wait a few more years before the next generation comes to the fore.

The GT-R’s rich heritage is something Nissan is extremely proud of – and so it should be. However, there’s no denying that the GT-R is now old-school and heavy compared with more modern supercars. As it stands, Nissan has yet to decide the engineering direction for the next-generation GT-R. Electric and hybrid supercars are de rigueur so there's a chance that future iterations of the iconic supercar will be very different to this one.

With a price tag of comfortably over R2 million, value for money is a somewhat moot point. There are several supercars that cost much more than the GT-R, but, as time ticks by, it becomes harder to justify that 2-bar-plus outlay against the backdrop of a rapidly changing supercar landscape. Having said all that, I remain confident that each and every 1 of the 36 units allocated for our market will find wholly satisfied owners. 

We can’t wait to see what the future of the GT-R holds…

Buy a new or used Nissan GT-R on Cars.co.za

Nissan GT-R – Price in South Africa 

Premium Edition: R2 250 000

Black Edition: R2 360 000

GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition

Pearl White with Red Decals: R2 405 000 

Ultimate Silver with White Decals: R2 405 000

Bayside Blue with White Decals: R 2415 000

The Nissan GT-R is sold with a 3-year/100 000km warranty and 3-year/50 000 km service plan.

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