With the testing of the all-new Volkswagen Golf 8 all but complete, focus now turns to the performance versions. This is the 2020 Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI undergoing testing!
Picture credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien
What you see here is the all-new Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI undergoing aggressive dynamic testing at the Nurburgring. The second photo shows the new car lifting its rear wheel – a phenomenon that only occurs when you're really pushing hard. So what do we know of the newcomer so far?
Our photographer sources said it'll continue using the EA888 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, however in this new version outputs will be increased. A figure of 300 hp (223 kW) is being thrown around, which is on par with the outgoing Golf R. If 223 kW will be the Golf GTI, how much power will the next-generation Golf R have? For the new Golf R to be competitive, it'll likely have at least 240 kW.
The market has changed significantly since the last Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI made an appearance. The Ford Focus ST has just been launched and features a detuned 2.3-litre turbo motor from the Focus RS, while the Renault Megane RS has received a flagship Trophy-R derivative. It'll be fascinating to see how the newcomer fares against segment newcomer, the Hyundai i30 N too. Let's not forget the addition of the Mercedes-AMG A35 and the new BMW M135i xDrive to the segment either.
From the photos, we can see the all-new Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI has the stereotypical twin exhausts, bigger wheels and a bold new bumper. We expect the new Volkswagen Golf 8 to be revealed before the end of 2019, with an estimated arrival date in SA around the middle of 2020, with the GTI version following soon after.
Getting a hot hatch onto three wheels takes some doing, which means Volkswagen is testing its Golf GTI to extremes
Meet the finalists in the Fun Hatch category of the 2019/20 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank!
Now in its 5th year, the #CarsAwards was conceived to be South Africa's definitive automotive awards programme and is backed, for the 4th year running, by the country's leading supplier of vehicle finance, WesBank.
The Fun Hatch category is guided by both eligibility factors and Pillars of Success.
Eligibility for this category includes a list price that falls between R300 000 and R500 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting (1 September 2019) to ensure that this doesn’t become a category dominated by extravagant and unattainable exotics.
Pillars of Success in this category include drivetrain engagement, handling, sensory appeal and standard features.
The Suzuki Swift Sport delivers loads of fun-to-drive appeal and has gained a cult following over the years. Now, the Hamamatsu-based firm has introduced a new Swift Sport featuring a new turbocharged BoosterJet engine that seeks to up the fun-factor in Suzuki’s feisty compact hatch.
When you think of a “fun hatch”, the Mini Cooper S always springs to mind. No fast small hatchback shootout is complete without the original “go-kart for the road”. For 2019, the Cooper S sports a few styling changes and neat new tech, but it remains a blast to whip around corners.
Volkswagen substantially revised the Polo GTI in 2018. The boy racer image has (somewhat) diminished and in its place is a junior hot hatch – a playful executive, if you will. Some detractors have called the Polo GTI a "Golf GTI lite", which is a trifle unfair, the Polo GTI is, as a matter of fact, powered by a detuned version of the 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder motor from its "Golf 7.5 GTI" sibling. What's more, the Polo GTI also features its bigger brother's trick XDS electronic front differential, which should liven things up in the handling stakes.
The next-generation Honda City/Ballade has been revealed in Thailand. Here's all you need to know about the compact sedan.
While it doesn't appear to have changed dramatically on the outside, the Honda Ballade is said to be inspired by the 10th-generation of Honda Accord. There are LED DRLs, 15-inch alloy wheels and it looks reasonably fresh and modern. The red car you see in these photos is what Honda is calling RS trim. It has been given some sporty touches like LED headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels, aggressive body kit and a few RS badges here and there.
Powering this new Honda Ballade is a new 1.0-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder motor which develops 90 kW and 173 Nm. Power goes to the front wheels via a CVT and it is said to consume around 4.2 L/100 km. There are paddle shifters on the steering wheel as well as cruise control. There's also Android Auto/Apple CarPlay connectivity. In terms of safety specification, the Honda Ballade is comprehensively covered with 6 airbags, ABS, EBD, stability control, hill-start assist as well as a rearview camera.
At this stage, there's no confirmation from Honda South Africa regarding the availability of this new Honda Ballade.
Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Concorde Edition Announced
Aston Martin has released a limited edition DBS Superleggera to celebrate 50 years of the Concorde supersonic passenger jet's first flight.
There'll be just 10 units available and they feature some really interesting touches, both inside and out. With luxury trimmings from Q by Aston Martin, the DBS Superleggera Concorde features bespoke side strakes milled from solid aluminium; a bespoke paint scheme featuring British Airways colours on the roof strake, aero blade and rear diffuser; black tinted carbon fibre roof with Concorde silhouette graphic; the famous British Airways 'Speedmarque' logo in chrome on the front wings; a unique Q by Aston Martin wing badge with black enamel infill; unique and authentic jet black painted Civil Aviation Authority aircraft identifier numbers and bespoke inspection plaques signed by Aston Martin Lagonda President and Group CEO Andy Palmer and British Airways Chairman Álex Cruz.
Inside the cabin, there are Concorde logos on the front seats, a Mach meter graphic on the sun visor, paddle shifters made from titanium from Concorde compressor blades; floor mats in Terence Conran design pattern; seatbelt buckle badges milled from solid aluminium and bespoke sill plaques.
The engine is untouched and for the record, it's the 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 with 533 kW and 900 Nm. 0-100 kph and 0-160 kph are obliterated in a claimed 3.4 and 6.4 seconds respectively. A portion of the sales from each Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Concorde Edition will go to the Air League Trust.
The paddle shifters are made from titanium from Concorde compressor blades, which has to be next-level cool!
Jaguar has released a teaser of its updated F-Type sportscar which is due for a reveal in early December 2019.
Picture credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien
The unveiling will take place on the 2nd December 2019 and from what we can see, the changes will be extensive. The vehicle gains a bit of a redesign, with tweaks to the headlights, bonnet, and body work. There are also updates to the vehicle's cabin, with the latest infotainment system making its way into Jaguar's sportscar.
In terms of engine, there's a lot of talk of the JLR straight-6 engines making their way into the F-Type. Whether that's true or not is another story, but if it is the case, then we'll be bidding farewell to the fantastically-sounding supercharged V6 motors. The 2.0-litre 4-cylinder and 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engines are expected to live on. Jaguar Land Rover has been venturing into the world of mild-hybrid powertrains and it wouldn't surprise us to see at least one derivative with such an engine.
The YouTube teaser you see below features Hot Wheels toys, so we're expecting a partnership of sorts.
It’s a brand new era for the Suzuki Swift Sport: its rev-happy, naturally aspirated 1.6-litre engine has been replaced by a new 1.4-litre, turbocharged Boosterjet mill. While we are fairly certain fans will appreciate the latest iteration of Suzuki’s feisty hatchback, we wanted to live with the range-topper for a while to find out just how much fun it really has to offer…
This Suzuki Swift Sport review will provide you with all the information you need to help you make an informed car buying decision.
We Like: Performance, ride and handling, fun factor
We Don’t Like: Interior not ‘special’ enough, iffy plastic trim, not very spacious
Some Suzuki dealers regularly offer specials: Have look here.
What is the Suzuki Swift Sport?
The Swift Sport now uses turbo power for the first time and is lighter and more agile than ever…
The Suzuki Swift Sport has garnered a considerable fan base over the years and while we will miss the characterful 1.6-litre engine of the previous model, we are excited and intrigued by the brand’s new turbopetrol engine, which has found its way under the bonnet of this playful hatchback.
Built on Suzuki’s Heartect platform, the Swift Sport now combines perky turbo power, reduced weight, a revised chassis and tweaked suspension and brakes, all of which culminate in a potent and fun-filled driving experience that’s hard to beat at this price point.
It’s no surprise that the latest iteration of the Swift Sport has been nominated as a finalist in the Fun Hatch category of the #CarsAwards powered by WesBank. We had a Swift Sport finished in (an almost luminescent) Champion Yellow on test to experience just how much fun it has to offer!
How does the Suzuki Swift Sport perform in terms of…
Performance and efficiency
The Swift Sport punches above its weight and offers nimble performance between robots.
Given its outputs of 103 kW and 230 Nm of torque, you could be forgiven for thinking that the Swift Sport’s new 1.4-litre turbopetrol doesn’t have much to offer in the way of extra performance, at least not compared with its predecessor. That would be an incorrect assumption, however. Yes, the previous Swift Sport offered only 3 kW less, but also had a 70 Nm deficit to its successor. As a result, it had to be revved mercilessly to extract peak performance.
You see, the new Swift Sport weighs in at only 970 kg, which makes it, significantly, 90 kg lighter than its predecessor. The reduced weight translates into a meaningful power-to-weight ratio of 106.2 kW per tonne, all of which renders the Swift Sport a potent little performer that won’t hesitate to take swipes at cars with larger, more powerful engines.
By virtue of its 6-speed manual gearbox, it’s laughably easy to have fun behind the ‘wheel of the Swift Sport. With all that torque coming on song from 2 500 rpm, surging acceleration is never very far away from a driver’s right foot. Suzuki claims a 0-to-100 kph sprint time of 8 seconds, but the newcomer feels even more energetic than that…
The transmission has a direct, positive shift action and while we have yet to test the automatic derivative of the Swift Sport (the first to be offered in the South African market), we suspect that the manual transmission version will offer superior driver engagement.
The Swift Sport’s performance comes to the fore right off the line, from where it pulls strongly and responsively. It zips through traffic easily and, when presented with a freeway, it obliges by getting up to speed quickly. It is, of course, more than happy to venture beyond the national speed limit and hardly ever runs out of puff when overtaking vehicles.
When driven with intent, the Swift Sport accelerates with zeal and tractability is excellent in just about all of the gears, which means that you don’t always have to gear down to “hunt for grunt”. Overtaking manoeuvres are, therefore, easily executed. On top of that, the extra (6th) gear helps to conserve fuel when you are cruising at freeway speeds. Suzuki claims 6.1 L/100 km, but we saw returns of around 7.0 L/100 km, which is good, considering we were driving the Swift Sport rather enthusiastically during the test…
We mentioned the 1.4T’s revvy predecessor and maximum engine speed is perhaps an area in which this new engine could be more fun to play with… The limiter cuts in a mite prematurely (we feel) at a whisper over 6 000 rpm. It seems the Swift Sport’s just hitting its straps when the fun gets zapped by the electronic limiter.
Ride and handling
Agile and surefooted handling is what you can expect from this latest Swift Sport…
Over and above its punchy engine, the Swift Sport handles with dextrous aplomb. We were duly impressed by the high level of composure that the Swift Sport displayed under enthusiastic cornering. The steering is responsive with good feedback and the swiftest Swift will dive into corners with confidence but not at the cost of straight-line stability. Put simply, it’s a hoot to drive every day! Having said that, the 1.4T does seem to have lost a little bit of its predecessor’s tenacious Japanese street-fighter character. The new model doesn’t feel as quite as chuckable or as edgy when driven roughly. This is a more composed and comfortably-handling car, which is both a boon… and to its detriment.
It’s also worth noting that Suzuki could have fitted a sportier steering wheel that’s better suited to a car of this nature. The steering wheel rim feels a bit too thin in hand and the plastic trim inlay detracts from the feel. We think a chunkier wheel with better grip would improve the overall feel of the steering and therefore enhance the driving experience.
Interior quality and features
The Swift Sport’s interior comes well equipped, but we think some of the finishes could be of better quality.
Perhaps the first thing you will notice when sliding into Swift Sport’s cockpit is that the seats are indeed very comfortable with sufficient support and bolstering. The driver’s seat is height-adjustable and the steering column can be adjusted for rake and reach, which means that finding your ideal driving position should be easily achievable.
Perceived interior build quality is good, but we must mention that some of the material finishes could be of better quality. For example, the aforementioned plastic inlay on the steering wheel looks and feels cheap, as does the orange inlay on the dashboard, door trim and centre tunnel, for example.
Also, the 7.0-inch infotainment system looks like an afterthought, but we were pleased to find that it is both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible, replete with an intuitive user interface (easy-to-use menu system). The screen also displays the feed from the reverse-view camera. USB and auxiliary ports are included, as well as nice-to-have features such as cruise control, automatic climate control, electric folding rearview mirrors and front/rear electric windows.
Safety features include a total of 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist and electronic stability control (ESC).
Practicality
There are more spacious cars on offer in this segment, but few are as fun to drive as the Swift Sport.
Space utilisation has never really been a strong point of the Swift platform. Granted, the load bay in the new Swift has grown through the years, but at 242 litres of space, it’s still not generous. As a comparison, the Volkswagen Polo offers 350 litres. Utility space expands to 918 litres when the 60:40 split-folding rear seats are folded down.
As far as rear passengers are concerned, legroom is adequate for average-sized adults, while taller passengers will find the rear bench accommodation cramped and the rear seat cushions less than cossetting…
Storage for bottles and oddments can be found in the door mouldings. The driver and front passenger have access to 2 cupholders, while there’s a central cupholder in the rear.
How much does the Suzuki Swift Sport cost in South Africa?
The Swift (1.4T) Sport costs R315 900, while its automatic counterpart is priced from R335 900. A 3-year/100 000 km warranty and 4-year/60 000 km service plan are standard.
Overall, the Swift Sport doesn’t disappoint and it remains an attractive option if you want some performance at a reasonable price.
Is the new, turbocharged Swift Sport better than the outgoing version? We love how remarkably responsive the newcomer remains despite its switch to forced-induction and we like the fact it is so palpably easy to extract peak performance from its plucky turbopetrol engine. The Suzuki’s admirably engaging to drive while exhibiting impressive road-holding and handling ability through corners. This is a fun car to drive! It’s more refined and faster than the old one, but has lost some of its feistiness in the process.
We also feel that Suzuki could have done a bit more to heighten the sense of occasion inside the Swift Sport’s cabin but at the asking price, you get what you pay for.
Nonetheless, at this price point, the Swift Sport rules the roost. Its closest rival in terms of outputs is the soon-to-be-replaced Opel Corsa GSi with 110 kW and 220 Nm, but it’s significantly more expensive at R365 900. Other options to consider include the Mini One and Abarth 595, but their peak outputs are no match for the Swift Sport’s. So, in terms of smile-per-mile value, the Swift Sport makes a very compelling case for itself; if you are looking for performance bang-for-buck, you can’t really go wrong with this car…
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different Suzuki Swift models available in South Africa?
The 2025 Suzuki Swift in South Africa is available in three main derivatives: the GL, a new mid-tier GL+, and the top-end GLX.
What is the engine and performance of the new Swift?
The new Swift is powered by a Z-Series (Z12E) 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine. This engine produces 60 kW of power and 112 Nm of torque, and is paired with either a 5-speed manual or a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
What is the price of the new Suzuki Swift in South Africa?
The starting price for the 2025 Suzuki Swift is approximately R219,900, with the top-end GLX model priced around R284,900.
What safety features are standard on the 2025 Suzuki Swift?
Standard safety features across all models include six airbags, hill-hold control, ABS, electronic stability control (ESC), and ISOfix child-seat anchors.
What warranty and service plan are included with the Swift?
The vehicle comes with a 5-year/200,000 km warranty and a 2-year/30,000 km service plan.
Opel SA’s super hatches remembered in new SentiMETAL print
The creative team at SentiMETAL has released a stunning new limited-edition print featuring 2 of South Africa's most memorable locally-developed Opels.
Only 50 of these A2 prints will be produced, each individually numbered, and featuring the German marque's iconic motorsport colours (black, grey, yellow and white). The 2 cars featured need little introduction, though the more modern Kadett… the legendary 200t S's story is more complex and less often told.
To find out more about the Superboss, a 125kW firecracker that was developed to beat BMW on the track, watch our video here.
The 200t S (built in Astra sedan and Kadett hatch shapes from 1993 to 1995) followed closely on the Superboss's legend (built from 1990 to 1992) and though motorsport was very much in mind when it was developed, it never actually raced because attention in local motorsport shifted away from Group N and to Super Touring Cars (where an Opel Astra Sedan raced very successfully).
Stunning artwork by Wayne Batty (cars) and Andrew Crawford (layout and design) make this an awesome print.
But to develop the 200t S, Delta Motor Corporation (the then local manufacturer/distributor for Opel) had to dig quite deep. Using the new Kadett/Astra platform, it then borrowed the turbocharged version of the famous red-top 2.0L 16-valve from the European market's Calibra all-wheel drive. But in South Africa, the Kadett (and the Astra) channelled all that 160kW of fury through the front wheels only, resulting in a dangerous cocktail of understeer, torque steer and lift-off oversteer if legend is to be believed (we have a video coming soon…).
Loads of Calibra hardware
The Kadett 200t S also received the stunning 5-stud 16-inch wheels from the Calibra (to cope with the extra torque of 280Nm), and it also got heavy-duty front wheel hubs, steering knuckles and wheelbearings (also from the Calibra). Opel claimed a top speed of 240kph and a 0-100kph time of 7 seconds. Later in the car's lifecycle, power was turned down slightly to 150kW, possibly as a result of heating issues.
Both cars come from a fascinating time in South Africa's motoring history, as well as what was probably Opel at the height of its powers in this country. Will we ever see the likes of the Superboss and 200t S again? Very unlikely…
The finalists for the 2020 European Car of the Year have been announced. Check them out.
Our very own Hannes Oosthuizen forms part of the 60-strong judging panel and the 2020 winner will be announced at the Geneva Motor Show which takes place in March 2020.
The 7 finalists come from a shortlist of 30 vehicles and it'll be fascinating to see if an electric vehicle can pull off a repeat win. In last year's competition, the Jaguar I-Pace walked away with the overall win and a few category wins too. There are 2 electric entrants this year, with the Porsche Taycan and Tesla Model 3.
2020 Car of the Year Finalists
Click on the headlines to learn more about the specific vehicle.
Subaru has announced an electrified version of its Forester, dubbed 'e-Boxer.'
The Subaru Forester is a popular SUV thanks to its excellent all-road capability and practicality. Now for 2019, there's an electrically-assisted version. It's called the Subaru Forester e-Boxer and it comes loaded with tech.
Combining the 2.0-litre direct-injection petrol engine with an electric motor. With its lithium ion battery unit located under the boot floor, the Subaru Forester e-Boxer can be driven on pure electric power at speeds of up to 40 kph. There are 3 driving modes: EV Driving, Motor Assist and Engine Driving. The vehicle also features a 1.8 ton towing capacity and power goes to all 4 wheels via an updated Lineartronic CVT. In terms of safety, the Subaru Forester e-Boxer features Eyesight Driver Assistance tech as well as Rear Vehicle Detection.
Inside, it appears the cabin is largely carried over from what we've already seen from the current range of Forester derivatives.
The Hyundai Vision T Concept is one of the most striking concepts to have hit a motor show's floor. We think it gives us a good idea of what the new Hyundai Tucson will look like.
The Hyundai Vision T Plug-in Hybrid SUV Concept to give it its full name was revealed at the 2019 AutoMobility show in Los Angeles and is the latest concept to show off the all-new design language from the Korean brand. Dubbed Sensuous Sportiness, the Vision T looks bold, and with its matte-green exterior finish is striking.
At the front of the vehicle is what Hyundai calls the Parametric Air Shutter Grille Design, and we're starting to see it rolled out on many of Hyundai's products. We've seen touches of it on the latest iteration of Hyundai Santa Fe, for example. This grille is interesting because it opens and closes. When parked, it's closed, but things get interesting as the vehicle moves as each individual element of the grille moves in a sequence, creating a shimmering effect. It also helps control the airflow to the engine as well as assisting with aerodynamics and fuel economy.
Elements of this grille have already been spotted on the Hyundai Tucson mules which we've reported on and we think that the all-new Tucson will have a variation of it.
Speaking of, Hyundai says its Vision T Concept is powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain but there were no specific details given. Guess Hyundai wants everyone to just look at this car then!
