Hyundai i30 N Coming to SA in January 2020

In a chat with Cars.co.za, a Hyundai South Africa spokesperson confirmed that the performance variant of the i30 will likely reach our shores in the 2nd half of 2019. Update: subsequent chats have revealed that Hyundai SA will be bringing in its potent performer in January 2020!

Around the middle of 2017, the hot hatchback world was rocked by a new arrival. The Hyundai i30 N has done nothing but make waves since its inception and globally it has been hailed as a fantastic driving machine. There are two versions available, both powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. In the most powerful form, there's 202 kW and 353 Nm on tap and 184 kW and 353 Nm in standard form. That shove goes to the front wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission and Hyundai claims its i30 N can blitz to 100 kph in 6.1 seconds and 6.4 seconds respectively. 

Our overseas driving impression heaped praise upon the newcomer. "On the evidence of this first drive, you’d have to say it has. Hyundai has pulled off some feat in delivering a car that feels so intuitive and enjoyable – not to mention heroically fast when the moment arises – and yet will happily play shopping cart when necessary." That sounds like the recipe for a great hot hatchback, doesn't it? 

Sadly, up until now, the South African hot hatchback scene has been missing this newcomer, but we have some news. Following on a tip, we reached out to Hyundai South Africa who confirmed that a serious business case for the i30 N is currently being built, with the plan for the vehicle to become a halo model for the Korean brand when it arrives in the 2nd half of 2019. Think of what Kia SA did with the Stinger, it wasn't going to be a massive volume seller, but it put the brand in the spotlight for the performance fanatics. Volkswagen SA did a similar move with the extreme Golf Clubsport S.

Critical to the vehicle will be pricing and demand, but given the international hype surrounding this car, there'll be serious demand for it. We don't think there will be many, estimates suggest at most around 50 units earmarked for South Africa. Initial suggestions from the manufacturer point to the lower output model being introduced locally.

Update: However during the local launch of the Tucson Sport, the brand confirmed an arrival date of January 2020 for the flagship 202 kW model. Expect pricing to be quite steep considering the limited number of models being made available.

Interested in one of the most exciting hatchbacks? Best you head down to your dealership and make your intentions known.

Further Reading

Hyundai i30 N (2018) International Launch Review

6 Alternatives to the Volkswagen Golf GTI

Hyundai plans i20 N: Will it Look Like This?

All-New Megane RS Trophy-R breaks Nurburgring Record

Renault Megane RS 280 Cup (2019) Review

Hyundai Tucson Sport (2019) Specs & Price

The popular Hyundai Tucson has again received the Sport treatment and goes on sale shortly in South Africa. Here's how much it costs.

Hyundai's Tucson is a popular model for the Korean brand and has contributed significantly to the brand's market share. Tucson has done well in terms of sales, bested only by the Toyota RAV4, Volkswagen Tiguan and Mazda CX-5. The previous Tucson Sport was well-received, tallying up 516 sales, with the majority of those (374 units) being the manual-equipped model. The rest were the dual-clutch model. 

Now for 2019, there's a new Hyundai Tucson Sport. What's new, you ask? At the front, there's an aggressive lip, while the rear gains a quad exhaust setup integrated into a neat diffuser. The Sport kit also adds sporty side skirts and bigger gloss black 19-inch alloy wheels. In terms of engine choices, you have the option of the 1.6-litre turbocharged motor, which produces 150 kW and 300 Nm. The Sport specification is now offered with the 2.0-litre turbodiesel, which produces 150 kW and 460 Nm. Interestingly, these outputs are more than their standard non-Sport equivalents. In standard trim, the 1.6 turbo offers up 130 kW and 265 Nm, while the diesel produces 131 kW and 400 Nm.

Both the Hyundai Tucson Sport models are based on Elite specification, meaning they're well equipped. There's rear parking sensors, reverse camera, cruise control, automatic air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple Carplay/Android Auto, keyless entry, push button start, electric seats and leather upholstery all around to name but a few. In terms of safety, the vehicle features 6 airbags, ISOFIX mounts, blind spot detection, cross traffic alert, hill assist and electronic stability program.

We'll be driving the new Hyundai Tucson Sport this week, stay tuned for the driving report.

Hyundai Tucson Sport Price in South Africa (July 2019)

The Hyundai Tucson Sport comes with a 7-year/200 000 km warranty, 7-year/150 000 km roadside assistance and a 5-year/90 000 km service plan.

Hyundai Tucson 1.6 TGDI Sport Dual Clutch Transmission   R 654 900

Hyundai Tucson R2.0 Sport Automatic                                   R 664 900

Further Reading

Hyundai Tucson (2018) Launch Review

Hyundai Boosts Tucson with N-line Kit

Hyundai Tucson (2016) First Drive

Hyundai Tucson Sport (2017) Quick Review

Hyundai Tucson Sport (2017) Launch Review

BMW M135i: 4 Rivals It Has To Beat

The controversial switch from a rear-wheel setup to an all-wheel platform by BMW has meant that its new performance hatchback now fights in a different league. For it to succeed, it'll need to beat the following cars.

May the mighty 3.0-litre 6-cylinder turbocharged motor be long remembered as a revelation in the segment as the replacement model does away with 2 cylinders and 1 litre of cubic capacity. Introducing the BMW M135i xDrive. Note the designation, 35i and xDrive. Sadly, that means the 6-cylinder motor is no more and has been replaced by a new 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-pot. On paper it delivers 225 kW and 450 Nm, with all of that shove being channelled to an all-wheel drive setup through an 8-speed torque converter transmission. 

Performance is brisk. With launch control active and the xDrive providing all the grip, the BMW M135i hurtles off the line in a claimed 4.8 seconds. However, this powertrain means it'll be a facing a new bunch of rivals when it launches in South Africa in October 2019. It's not just about performance though, as the new platform focuses on comfort, connectivity and spaciousness. At a price of R705 451, it looks like we're going to have quite the group test to organise. Here are the natural rivals for the all-new BMW M135i xDrive:

1. Volkswagen Golf R (R681 000)

A South African favourite, Volkswagen's entry into the luxury performance hatchback segment has been widely received. Powered by the EA888 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder motor with 228 kW and 400 Nm, the Golf R can blitz to 100 kph in a claimed 4.6 seconds, thanks to its lightning-quick DSG transmission and 4Motion all-wheel-drive tech. Inside, it features an upmarket cabin, but at this price point, some would argue that a Volkswagen doesn't have the required brand prestige to be in this company. 

Read our Golf R road test here

Browse through stock for sale here

2. Audi S3 (R671 000)

So if the Volkswagen Golf R doesn't quite have the badge, then how about its sibling? The Audi S3 has an identical powertrain (228 kW and 400 Nm), identical performance, yet is R10 000 cheaper than the Golf R. Weird. The cabin feels a touch more upmarket than the Volkswagen and of course, there are the 4 rings on the nose, which appeals to the image conscious members of the buying public.

Browse through stock for sale here

Check out our reviews of the Audi S3

3. Mercedes-AMG A35 (R755 198)

Soon to be launched in South Africa comes the all-new Mercedes-AMG A35. Boasting a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder motor with 225 kW and 400 Nm, this pocket performer is said to accelerate to 100 kph in a claimed 4.7 seconds. With the Mercedes-AMG 4Matic all-wheel drive setup providing high grip levels, this is going to be one brisk performer. It should be arriving in SA around the same time as the all-new BMW 1 Series.

Browse through stock for sale here

Read an international driving report of the A35 here

4. Ford Focus RS (R699 900)

Now for something different. For those who prioritise the fun factor over luxury, then consider the Ford Focus RS. It does have the advantage of a slightly bigger engine at 2.3-litres, but boasts all-wheel drive and for those wanting ultimate engagement, a 6-speed manual gearbox. On paper, it pushes out 257 kW and 440 Nm, and sounds good doing it. Dial up the launch start and Ford claims a 0-100 kph time of 4.7 seconds. It even features drift mode for those wanting some tail-happy action, although doing this in public will likely get the attention of the traffic department.

Read our Focus RS review

Browse through stock for sale here

Spy Shots: Mercedes EQ S

Our spy photographers have spotted the next step in Mercedes-Benz's electrification strategy. This is the EQ S and it'll be the most advanced vehicle offered by the Stuttgart-based brand. 

Picture credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien

Right now it may not look like much, but underneath that camouflaged body is a highly-advanced electric and connected S-Class. Badged as an EQ model means it'll have an all-electric powertrain and our spy photographers claim it'll be a rival to the Tesla Model S and the forthcoming duo of Porsche Taycan and Audi etron GT. 

Underpinned by the new Mercedes-Benz modular electric platform, the EQ S will have a flat floor, meaning it'll have impressive cabin space. Our spy photographers said the new EQ S features frameless front and rear doors, and the vehicle is more of a fastback design as opposed to a sedan. Expect the Mercedes-Benz EQ S to feature electric motors on each axle, giving it all-wheel drive. It'll also need commendable range, and some estimations suggest it should be capable of at least 400 km on a single charge. 

There should be incredible levels of tech, connectivity and autonomous driving capability when the EQ S comes to market. With a rumoured intro date of 2021, the EQ S should set new benchmarks in the segment.


The EQ S loses some of its sedan design and adopts a more fastback style

Further Reading

Extreme Limited Edition Mercedes-AMG S65 Final Edition Revealed

Mercedes-Benz S-Class (2018) Launch Review

Mercedes S65 AMG Coupe (2015) Review

VW Touareg Celebrates 1 Million Production Milestone

Volkswagen is celebrating its Touareg premium SUV, which has reached its 1-million production milestone, with a Touareg ONE Million special edition model. 

The new third-generation Touareg came to market last year and over a million units have rolled off the production line at Volkswagen’s Bratislava plant in Slovakia, the only place where the Touareg is built. 

To celebrate this achievement, Volkswagen is offering customers a special edition model aptly named the Touareg ONE Million. The bespoke model can be had in the optional Sechura Beige paint finish and is offered with a choice of either high-gloss 20-inch Bogota wheels or larger 21-inch Adamantium Suzuka wheels. The taillights have been darkened for effect and black glossy wheel arch trim adds to the look while ‘ONE Million’ badging is seen on the sill panels and on the B-pillar.  A R-Line Black Style Package is also on offer…

As for the interior, the seats are covered in Puglia leather coloured with olive leaf extracts. Amber Brown diamond stitching is found on the seats, door inners, steering wheel and gear lever. Even the key fob has received the Puglia leather treatment…

Silver Wave trim elements and the digital Innovision Cockpit give the interior a high-tech and luxurious look and feel. 

It’s unlikely that the Touareg ONE Million special edition will be offered in South Africa but we have reached out to VWSA to get confirmation and we will keep you updated.

Buy a new or used VW Touareg on Cars.co.za

Related Content 

New Volkswagen Touareg Review – Premium SUV Bargain?

Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI Luxury (2018) Review

BMW Putting Final Touches on 2 Series Gran Coupe

The German carmaker has revealed some more info about its forthcoming 2 Series Gran Coupe. Here's what you can expect.

BMW will be pitching its 2 Series Gran Coupe up against the likes of the Mercedes-Benz CLA. Under the skin will be BMW's new architecture which means it'll primarily be front-wheel driven, although some derivatives will feature xDrive. Much like the new BMW 1 Series, it'll also boast advanced tech and connectivity.

From what BMW says, the model you see here is the forthcoming M235i xDrive, which pushes out 225 kW and 450 Nm. Power goes to all 4 corners through an 8-speed transmission and like the M135i, acceleration figures will be under 5 seconds. For those wanting to attack corners at pace, there's a Torsen limited-slip differential too.

The BMW 2 Series will receive its global premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November and will go on sale globally in 2020.

Further Reading

BMW 1 Series (2019) International Launch Review

BMW Showcases All-New 1 Series with M Performance Parts

Front-Driven BMW 1 Series to use i3 Traction Tech

Can BMW Build an AMG-rivalling 2.0-litre Turbo?

Toyota Hilux Aces Stricter Safety Test

Hilux impresses in strict safety tests Down Under…

Toyota’s Hilux is the best-selling vehicle in both South Africa and Australia. That means that the safety rating of Toyota’s hugely popular bakkie is crucial, considering the sheer volume of people who buy and travel in them.

Although South Africa does not have a crash-testing authority or facility of its own, the Australians do – which conveniently serves as a reference for us, due to the similar driving conditions and vehicle specification in both markets. ANCAP also tests right-hand-drive cars.

The 2019 ANCAP crash testing protocol has been revised and updated from last year and made stricter, requiring more safety features to enable a vehicle to achieve the desired five-star rating.

Toyota’s latest upgrades to the eighth-generation Hilux has made its bakkie the first double-cab to score a five-star rating in the revised 2019 ANCAP tests.

A range of collision avoiding technologies were added to Hilux in the past year, including autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection and cyclist awareness. Active lane keep assist and a speed assistance system further boosted the 2019 Hilux’s safety specification. The South African spec Hiluxes are not equipped with the collision avoidance tech, which is paramount to scoring high in modern crash tests. To see what's specced on the local derivatives check out this specs and pricing article.

The Hilux also features dual frontal, side chest-protecting and side head-protecting curtain airbags, in addition to a driver’s knee airbag.

In ANCAP’s different evaluation segments the 2019 Hilux scored 96% for adult occupant protection, 87% for child passenger protection and 88% for vulnerable road user protection (pedestrians and cyclists).

Also read:

Toyota Hilux Legend 50 (2019) Launch Review

Toyota Hilux GR Sport (2019) Launch Review

Hilux Lookalike is Dongfeng's Battery Bakkie

Does Fortuner TRD Preview a GR Model?

Toyota has released details about its Fortuner TRD Sportivo at the 2019 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) and this got us thinking, should Toyota GR make a sportier Fortuner?

 

GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS

 

'TRD' in the name 'TRD Sportivo' stands for Toyota's in-house tuning team – Toyota Racing Development. The new Toyota Fortuner TRD Sportivo sports a number of external updates such redesigned front grille, new muscular front bumper, fresh TRD Sportivo Stickering, new alloy wheels, new fog lamp housing, new spoiler and a new rear-bumper. It is available in six colour options such as Super White, Silver Metallic, Dark Gray Mica Metallic, Attitude Black, Avant-garde Bronze Metallic, and Phantom Brown Metallic. The styling of and the equipment offered in the TRD Sportivo variant varies as per the market.

The Indonesian-spec Toyota Fortuner TRD Sportivo measures 4,795 mm in length, 1,855 mm in width and 1,835 mm in height. It has a ground clearance of 193 mm and a 2,745 mm wheelbase. It is available with a 2.7-litre Dual VVT-i petrol engine and 2.4-litre 2GD-FTV diesel engine. The petrol engine delivers 163 PS of maximum power at 3,400 rpm and 24.7 kg.m (242.22 Nm) of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. The diesel engine produces 149.6 PS of maximum power at 3,400 rpm and 40.8 kg.m (400 Nm) at 1,600-2,000 rpm. 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic are the transmission choices. A 4WD system is optional, and it can be specified only if selecting the diesel engine. Inside, the engine start-stop button carries TRD branding.

 

 

Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 (2019) Price in South Africa

The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 is coming to SA. Here's how much this lithe performer will cost.

The previous generation Porsche Cayman GT4 was an instant classic. Thanks to some thrilling dynamics, glorious engine note and rarity, the Cayman GT4 enjoyed a cult following and is highly sought after amongst the classic Porsche fraternity. Now for 2019, there's an all-new Cayman GT4.

Under the bonnet is a new 4.0-litre 6-cylinder motor which Porsche claims is based on the current 911 Carrera engine. Producing 309 kW and 420 Nm, it's not a slouch and Porsche claims 0-100 kph in 4.4 seconds. With a redline of 8 000 revolutions, the new Cayman GT4 boasts a top speed of over 300 kph, while consuming just 10.9 L/100 km. Porsche claims its new Cayman GT4 is more than 10 seconds faster than the outgoing car.

Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Price in South Africa (July 2019)

R1 467 000 (5 year Driveplan)

R1 417 000 (3 year Driveplan)

Porsche Cayman GT4

 

Ford Confirms Electric F-150 Bakkie

Electric F-150 appears to be massively powerful and a huge departure from the status quo. 

America's most popular vehicle is going electric and it appears that the switch to battery power will bring enhanced driving capability to Ford’s F-150.

For decades the F-150 has relied on V8 engines to haul loads and large multi-axle trailers, but of late the American brand’s most important product has embraced turbocharging in a strategy to find greater fuel efficiency.

As pressure grows to provide electric vehicle options in America, the world’s most important bakkie market, Ford has been given no choice but to respond to a changing automotive landscape.

Earlier this year Ford announced a R7bn investment in electric bakkie start-up, Rivian, and now it has revealed a prototype battery-powered F-150.

Although Ford won’t confirm any specifications pertaining to its electric F-150 prototype, it did showcase the bakkie’s hugely impressive towing capabilities.


The electric F150 towed 453 tons as a demonstration of capability.

Ford’s chief engineer for F-150, Linda Zhang, towed 42 other F-150 bakkies, loaded onto rail cars, with the new battery prototype. That’s 453 tons of hauling capability, which is more than one hundred times greater than the average double-cab turbodiesel bakkie’s tow rating of 3.5 tons.

The best guess of what is powering this F-150 battery prototype would be a Rivian powertrain. The most potent Rivian battery pack and electric motor configuration is worth 562 kW and 1120 Nm, numbers which would make Ford’s F-150 towing stunt possible.

Read about the Rivian/Ford tie up here.

Although an exact introduction date has not been confirmed, Ford is committed to launching this electric version of the F-150, following the release of a hybrid variant, which is due next year.

Rivian has also built a 562 kW kitchen