Toyota has announced pricing and specification details for its new Quantum minibus and panel van. Here's how much the new model costs.
The new looks of the latest Quantum have been quite polarising. Not everyone has taken to it, but given how much reliance is on these vehicles to ferry the working class to their jobs, looks probably feature low on the list of priorities. What's new, you ask? There's a new engine, extra convenience, more cargo carrying capacity and additional safety features.
Physically, the overall length and passenger space has increased and there's a bit more leg room and Toyota claims improved seating comfort. At the front, the GL Bus derivative receives some chrome splashings as well as LED daytime running lights, fog lights and colour-coded bumpers. There are also 16-inch steel wheels, as well as new large mirrors which are power retractable on GL spec. There's a choice of 3 colours (Ivory White, Quicksilver Metallic or Light Blue Metallic) for the bus, with the utility-focused panel van and crew cab variants are offered in Ivory White and Quicksilver Metallic.
The new Toyota Quantum range
Quantum Bus
Quantum 3-seater Panel Van
Quantum 6-seater Panel Van
2.8 LWB GL Bus 11-seater
2.8 SLWB GL Bus 14-seater
2.8 LWB Panel Van 3-seater
2.8 LWB Panel Van 3-seater (AC)
2.8 SLWB Panel Van 3-seater
2.8 SLWB Panel Van 3-s (AC)
2.8 LWB Crew Cab 6-seater
2.8 LWB Crew Cab 6-seater (AC)
2.8 LWB Crew Cab 6-seater (Front & Rear AC)
Powerplant
New for 2019 is the addition of a 2.8-litre turbocharged diesel engine which delivers 130 kW and 420 Nm. This engine is available for the vans and 11-seater bus, while the 14-seater bus engine proves 115 kW and 420 Nm. All derivatives have a 6-speed manual transmission.
Other changes
The sliding door width has been increased by 70 mm, making it easier to get in and out, while the sliding door on the panel van has been widened to accommodate Euro-sized pallets to be loaded. Another nice convenience feature is the high-performance air conditioner which provides cool air to the rear passengers.
In terms of safety the new Toyota Quantum boasts Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) as well as Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Hill-Assist Control (HAC). For those who do a lot of towing, the new Quantum now features Trailer Sway Control (TSC) which will automatically detect excessive movement of the trailer and uses the brakes and engine power to help reduce it, keeping you in control. There are also driver and passenger airbags.
The current 16-seater Ses'fikile Commuter is to be renamed Hiace and continue to be assembled on the current Quantum platform at the Toyota plant in Durban. The Hiace Ses’fikile will retain the 2.7 litre petrol and 2.5 diesel engine and drivetrain.
Toyota Quantum Price in South Africa (May 2019)
All Quantum models come with a 9-service/90 000 km service plan with service intervals set at 12-months/10 000km. Toyota’s standard 3-year/100 000 km warranty is also provided.
Quantum 2.8 LWB GL Bus 11-seater R 597 700
Quantum 2.8 SLWB GL Bus 14-seater R 613 500
Quantum 2.8 LWB Panel Van 3-seater R 473 900
Quantum 2.8 LWB Panel Van 3-seater (AC) R 481 400
Quantum 2.8 SLWB Panel Van 3-seater R 509 500
Quantum 2.8 SLWB Panel Van 3-seater (AC) R 517 000
As part of the updates to the Audi A4 sedan range, the brand also introduced a turbodiesel-powered performance S4 into the mix. Here's what you need to know about the 2020 Audi S4 TDI.
The Audi S4 represents the bridge between the hardcore RS4 Avant and the lesser pedestrian A4 range. Seemlessly blending comfort and luxury with performance, the S4 has always been an underrated vehicle. Updated as part of Audi's plan for the A4, the facelifted S4 now boasts turbodiesel power.
The visual changes give the updated S4 some aggression. Coupled to this electric blue paint finish, the updates include bigger wheels, new look front grille as well as a refreshed rear end complete with quad exhausts and a diffuser. It's the engine which has us interested, however.
For the first time, the Audi S4 is powered by diesel. Mating a turbodiesel V6 to a 48-volt electrical system and an electric powered compressor has resulted in what Audi claims beefy acceleration. Essentially the electric-powered compressor keeps the turbo spinning to dial out the turbolag. The 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6 produces 255 kW and 700 Nm – impressive figures indeed. These outputs can fling the S4 to 100 kph in just 4.8 seconds and it'll run onto a top speed of 250 kph.
Power goes to a quattro all-wheel drive setup via an 8-speed tiptronic transmission and there's an optional sport differential for those seeking some driving enthusiastics. There's an S sport suspension fitted as standard, with sport suspension with damper control as an option. Audi will still be offering the petrol S4 with its 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 and this TDI model does not replace it. The petrol S4 produces 260 kW and 500 Nm and does the 0-100 kph sprint in a claimed 4.7 seconds.
The updated Audi A4 range is confirmed for a South African market introduction early in 2020.
German microcar brand is changing direction at 21.
Smart is celebrating an important milestone and massive changes in its future strategy, all at the age of only 21. Mercedes-Benz’s city car subsidiary has seen sales wane in the last few years and admitted that its future is now contingent on e-mobility. Smart even has a new part owner, Geely, to help it refocus.
The Chinese industrial powerhouse has already confirmed that Smart’s future will be battery powered, instead of internal combustion and with Geely commanding 50% of Smart’s equity, what the Chinese product planners want, will be crucial.
To bid farewell to the brand’s petrol-powered cars, Smart has collaborated with German aftermarket engineering specialist Brabus, to build a series of 21 Final Edition ForTwos. Fittingly, these Final Edition range will be limited to only 21 cars.
Finished in a very bold black and yellow bumblebee colour scheme, these Smarts were developed with input from German industrial design icon, Konstantin Grcic – and as such, his name adorns the special edition treadplates, when you open the door. The cabin environment sees a repeat of the bright yellow and matte black colour contrast, with ‘21’ graphics on the headrests, transmission shifter top and parking brake gridle.
The Smart ForTwo Final Edition will become a unique collector’s item, as one of the very few production cars in history, to have different coloured wheels on the front and rear axle.
It's hard to believe, but the BMW i3 electric car has been on sale in South Africa since 2015 – and it has received numerous updates. This week, we relished the chance to drive the latest version, equipped with a 120 Ah battery.
Since its launch, the i3 has become the most popular electric vehicle sold in the country. Granted, it's not like the market is teeming with electric vehicles (EVs) yet, but hundreds of South Africans have "swallowed the red pill" and become early adopters. Since the launch of the electric BMW i sub-brand, more than 600 i3 and i8 models have found homes in Mzansi. Which is impressive, considering there no government incentives or discounts to encourage consumers to buy EVs. Globally, it is a different story; BMW reached its goal of selling more than 140 000 EVs in 2018.
The design has remained the same, but the key updates focus on range which is critical for electric cars
It doesn't sound like much when we say there's a larger-capacity battery, but it's a critical change. When the i3 was launched in SA 4 years ago, it had a 60 Ah battery with an optimal range of approximately 130 km. Following a mild update, the battery spec increased to 94 Ah, which upped the range to 200 km, and now this latest offering boasts a 120 Ah battery, enabling the 2019-spec BMW i3 to travel up to 260 km on a full charge. While this doesn't sound like a big gain, it's impressive when you consider the range increases are from a battery that hasn't physically grown in size.
Oh, and before we forget, the 2019 BMW i3 range now includes an i3S derivative. The sportier version of the compact electric car offers a tad more power and torque, as well as more responsive steering and sportier suspension setups. Whereas the standard i3 produces 125 kW and 250 Nm, the i3S conjures up 135 kW and 270 Nm. BMW claims a 0-100 kph time of 7.3 sec for the standard car, with the i3S being a touch quicker (6.9 sec).
Inside, there aren't that many changes – the cabin still resembles "a cockpit from the future". What's really impressive is the extensive use of recycled materials throughout the i3's interior. The seats, for example, are made from recycled fibres, while the wooden dashboard comes from a sustainable forest. Being a premium offering, the standard specification is great with plenty of luxury and convenience features such as satellite navigation. Options range from an uprated audio system, some autonomous safety features to heated seats, but we wouldn't bother with those.
What's it like to drive?
The updated BMW i3 is still an absolute delight to drive with addictive surges of power
The advantage of driving an EV is that it only has one gear and produces its peak torque instantaneously. In layman's terms, the i3 is simply ballistic from a standstill; it'll take something with serious performance credentials (and grip!) to pull away faster than this diminutive BMW. Its responsiveness and accelerative urge are addictive… We frequently found ourselves taking gaps in traffic that wouldn't normally be possible.
The best way to describe the "i3 driving experience" is to say that it feels like you're at the helm of a well-assembled and luxury golf cart. The steering is direct and light – the car is eager to dart about. Be mindful not to tug too enthusiastically at the steering wheel, however: the car gives a sensation that it is quite top-heavy. You see, the i3 rolls on narrow low-rolling-resistance tyres that are designed to make the car coast more freely down hills and in turn, recoup some energy. Fortunately, the car's centre of gravity is quite low because its battery pack is positioned in its floor.
The interior is beautifully finished and assembled out of recycled materials.
The way that the i3 zips away is very entertaining and will put a smile on your face, but be mindful that, just like a heavy foot will ruin fuel efficiency in a conventional car, eager driving can – and will – limit an EV's range. We chose the longer test drive route that saw us leave BMW's head office in Midrand and head to the Zambesi Auto BMW dealership. The car's GPS seeks to avoid situations that will increase energy consumption and, given the distance of 43 km (in mild traffic and using the i3's least frugal driving mode) we were impressed to arrive with 89% of charge still available.
Nevertheless, we plugged the car in for a quick top-up, which is complimentary for BMW owners using the ChargeNow network. Within 10 minutes the car was registering full and seeing that we were pressed for time, we decided to open the taps and drive back to Midrand as quickly as possible. We've already mentioned that the i3 is scorching off the line, but the in-gear acceleration is also worth a mention. Getting from 60 kph to 100 kph in an overtaking manoeuvre is effortless, but you will find that the vehicle starts to lose overtaking urge once you're at the national speed limit.
How viable is an EV in SA, realistically?
Naysayers will be quick to point out the lack of recharging infrastructure in South Africa, but there have been significant advances in that regard, just in the past year. BMW currently has 58 ChargeNow stations in the country, 6 of which are shared with Nissan. Back in 2015, the Japanese brand signed a memorandum of understanding with BMW and while the first-gen Leaf hasn't quite been a sales success, there's much expected of the 2nd-generation version, which is expected in the local market soon. There are also 5 DC fast chargers located at the following dealerships: Zambezi Auto and Club Motors Fountain (Pretoria), Sandton Auto (Johannesburg), Supertech (Durban) and SMG (Cape Town. The airports are next in line to receive chargers and chances are by the time you're reading this, the majority of SA's airports will have the capacity to charge electric vehicles.
With the free ChargeNow card, BMW i3 owners can pop down to their local dealerships for a quick top-up.
These high-powered chargers can charge an i3 from 0% to 80% in about 45 minutes and, given the advances in the latest BMW i3 battery tech, this equates to an available range of about 200 km on the spot. Jaguar Land Rover has invested significantly in a charging network in our country and the BMW i3 can tap into that. The range claims for the pure electric-only BMW i3 make it worthwhile and if you're doing more than 200 km a day, then you must certainly be in the minority. The Johannesburg-Pretoria-Johannesburg commute comes to 150 km (in total), making it totally feasible and well within range. Of course, you can also charge your i3 at home overnight plugged into the wall of your garage and you'll get a full charge by the time you're ready to hit the road in the morning.
Summary
There's nothing dramatically new about the BMW i3, but the addition of a larger-capacity battery will further allay "range anxiety". We feel the key to owning an electric car and reaping the benefits is by reshaping your life around the car – treat it like a smartphone. Even when your phone's at 50% capacity, many people will plug it in just to ensure they have sufficient battery life in reserve. The same methodology should be applied with electric cars and customers should be taking advantage of chargers at malls and gyms as even a quick 15-minute charge is sufficient for 40 km.
Should you buy one? YES. There are a few Cars.co.za staffers who'd readily take the plunge given their lifestyles. However, the cost is a big barrier to entry and we imagine BMW Group SA is quietly frustrated with the government's reluctance to incentivise EV purchases. To add insult to injury, EVs are subjected to higher import duties than internal-combustion engined vehicles. In contrast with the rest of the world, where customers are offered incentives to go green and buy electric cars with discounts, cash in hand and much more, this seems a very backwards way of thinking…
The BMW i3 continues to be a niche product in SA. Hopefully, our government can address the incentive issue and make electric car ownership appealing.
In this latest episode of The Journey, in partnership with Nissan South Africa, we venture into the heart of the Drakensberg to discover the natural beauty of South Africa's highest mountain range and to conquer the famous Sani Pass to reach the highest pub in Africa. Watch the video!
The Drakensberg, also known as the 'Mountains of Dragons' or uKhalamba, ‘the barrier of spears’ in Zulu, is one of South Africa’s natural wonders spanning over 1 000 km in length with its highest peak, Thabana Ntlenyana, reaching a height of 3 482 metres in Lesotho making it the highest point in Southern Africa.
The Drakensberg is all about adventure and the outdoors and in this episode, the tough and rugged Nissan Navara, with its reputable 4×4 ability, took us on an incredible journey to the highest waterfall in Africa, Tugela Falls, Giants Castle and finally up the famous Sani Pass to the highest pub in Africa in Lesotho.
The Journey team included our very own Journeyman, Gero Lilleike, who was accompanied by special guests Josh Kempen (popular South African singer and songwriter), Lauren Melnick (travel blogger), Richard Haubrich (Instagram_SA) and Andries Groenewald, a proud owner of a 1996 Nissan Sani.
The ever-popular Toyota Hilux celebrates its 50th anniversary in South Africa this year and true to tradition, buyers can look forward to the arrival of the Hilux Legend 50 towards the middle of the year.
*As of 15 May 2019 pictures of the Toyota Hilux Legend 50 began circulating on Facebook. We believe this to be the real thing*
The Hilux is a household name in South Africa and it’s not surprising when you look at the market dominance the Hilux has fostered over the years and the Hilux has been the best-selling vehicle in South Africa for countless consecutive months. Its lineage spans 8 generations since its local introduction in 1969 (production began in 1968), the Hilux is still praised for its reliability, robust offroad ability and excellent value retention in the used car market. Today, the Hilux is built at Toyota's Prospecton plant in Durban for the local market as well as for export.
The Hilux also excelled on the international stage earlier this year with the South African-built Gazoo Racing Hilux, driven by Al Attiyah and Mathieu Baumel, securing Toyota’s first Dakar win in gruelling conditions. Days later, Toyota scooped the coveted Brand of the Year title at the #CarsAwards powered by WesBank.
The 50th anniversary of the Hilux in South Africa is a major milestone and Toyota will celebrate the occasion by introducing a special edition Hilux Legend 50 model. A local Toyota spokesperson has confirmed that the Hilux Legend 50 will come to market in June 2019 and while exact design and specification details are unknown at this stage, buyers can expect a wide range of additional kit as standard as well model-specific design details that will differentiate the Hilux Legend 50 from the rest of the Hilux range. The Hilux Legend 50 is definitely one to look out for if you are a Hilux fan.
We will keep you updated as soon as pricing and specification details become available.
McLaren has revealed a new car. Unlike its utterly outrageous supercar offerings, the newcomer focuses more on comfort and luxury. This is the 2020 McLaren GT.
GT stands for Grand Tourer and unlike McLarens usual offerings, this one is less performance and more comfort and luxury. "The new McLaren GT combines competition levels of performance with continent-crossing capability, wrapped in a beautiful body and true to McLaren's ethos of designing superlight cars with a clear weight advantage over rivals. Designed for distance, it provides the comfort and space expected of a Grand Tourer, but with a level of agility never experienced before in this segment. In short, this is a car that redefines the notion of a Grand Tourer in a way that only a McLaren could." Mike Flewitt, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Automotive
Power comes from a 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 engine and the outputs are impressive. With 462 kW and 630 Nm mated to a 1 530 body, the McLaren GT is still a sensationally quick machine with a claimed acceleration of 3.2 seconds to 100 kph and a top speed of 326 kph. Being a GT, there have to be elements of practicality and the new McLaren features a repositioned engine and exhaust system, allowing for luggage. A golf bag or two pairs of 185cm skis and boots, as well as luggage, can be carried with ease, while a further 150 litres of storage at the front means the new McLaren GT can accommodate a total of 570 litres.
McLaren says you can order the new GT from its dealerships, but pricing is still to be finalised for South Africa. A McLaren dealer confirmed that the first GT will be touching down in SA before the end of 2019.
Ahead of the Volkswagen Golf 8 launch in October 2019, the Wolfsburg-based manufacturer has released 2 teaser sketches.
Volkswagen has released 2 sketches of its forthcoming Golf 8 compact hatchback during its annual shareholder meetings. Interestingly, one of the sketches was of the cabin and it represents a radical new look for the Golf. From what we can see, the layout is completely new and features a digital dashboard merged with the central infotainment setup. There seem to be fewer buttons than before and keen-eyed spotters will notice the new steering wheel as well as the lack of a gear selector.
As for the exterior sketch, it's nothing too radical and we've seen elements of what's here in some of our spy shots. Volkswagen has said the new Golf 8 will be unveiled in October 2019. Don't expect too much in terms of new engines, as the majority of powertrains are likely to be carried over, but seeing as the VW Group is dipping its toe into 48-volt mild hybrid tech, you can bet you'll see it in a Golf.
Audi has released official images and details of its facelifted A4 range and the Ingolstadt-based manufacturer plans to introduce its business class sedan into the local market during the 1st quarter of 2020.
The Audi A4 sedan has received an update for 2020. Due in South Africa in the 1st quarter of 2020, the newcomer has been given an overhaul both inside and out.
Its exterior is integrated into the brand's new design language; the large MMI touch display offers the kind of operating experience customers will be familiar with from their smartphone. Many engine options now come with mild-hybrid systems (MHEV) – efficiency and comfort benefit from this broad-based electrification. This also applies to the Audi S4 TDI, with a V6 TDI under the hood for the first time, a 48-volt main electrical system and an electrically powered compressor (EPC), which lends its beefy acceleration even more spontaneity.
In terms of changes, the newcomer has been given a dynamic and sophisticated new look. The grille has been revised and there are now sharp-looking headlights and taillights. The equipment line concept is equally new: basic, advanced and S line are now available and customers can choose from 12 paint colours.
Inside, there's the new MMI infotainment system we first sampled in the Q8 and A1. It offers smartphone-like functionality and the new look is fresh and modern. There's also app connectivity and those with Android phones and lock/unlock and start the vehicle. The A4 models are available with a host of modern driver assist systems. The optional systems are bundled into the "Tour", "City" and "Park" packages. "Tour" package provides adaptive cruise control including Stop&Go function for automatic distance control. In conjunction with the predictive efficiency assist, it can brake and accelerate the A4.
The new Audi A4 will come with no fewer than 6 turbocharged engines at sales launch in Europe. With outputs ranging from 110 kW to 255 kW from the A4 35 TFSI up to the S4 TDI. All engines comply with the latest Euro emissions rating. New for the Audi A4 will be 3 models with a mild-hybrid system (MHEV) based on 12V, which reduces fuel consumption while improving comfort. In everyday use, Audi claims the MHEV system reduces fuel consumption by up to 0.3 litres per 100 kilometers. The new Audi A4 will be available with a choice of a manual transmission, 7-speed S tronic or 8-speed tiptronic as well as front-wheel or quattro drive.
Audi South Africa confirmed that its updated A4 sedan will be coming to our market in the first quarter of 2020.
JCW badge now worth a 25% power boost on Mini Countryman and Clubman.
Mini has revealed its latest John Cooper Works (JCW) five-door wagons, with more power than ever before. The iconic JCW badging now confirms very compelling 2-litre turbocharged power for both the Mini Clubman and Countryman, boosting a significant performance advantage over the previous derivatives of each.
Credited as the most powerful Minis yet, these new 2-litre JCWs are good for 225 kW and 450 Nm. Those engine output numbers signify healthy gains of 55kW and 100Nm over the previous JCW Countryman and Clubman. As before, the drivetrain is an eight-speed automatic transmission distributing torque to all four wheels.
With the substantial increases in engine output, come commensurate improvements in performance. The slightly lighter JCW Clubman runs a 0-100kph time of 4.9 seconds (1.4 sec quicker than before), whist the gravel travel friendly JCW Countryman competes that same benchmark in 5.1 seconds (1.5 sec swifter).
Balancing the all this additional performance are larger brakes (now featuring four-piston rear callipers) and a mechanically locking front differential, to aid traction when accelerating out of tight radius corners.
Styling upgrades to distinguish the latest iteration of JCWs from their less potent Mini siblings include redesign front and rear bumpers, a pseudo aft diffuser and large 95mm diameter exhaust ends. As with other Minis, the JCWs have Matric LED headlights and the Union Jack illumination patterns LED taillights.
