Mercedes-Benz has moved over to the dark side and revealed details of the X-Class Edition 1.
Despite disappointing overall sales Mercedes-Benz is increasing the marketing effort behind its X-Class double-cab bakkie. The premium German car brand has released images and details of the X350d Edition 1.
Mercedes-Benz usually launches AMG models with an Edition 1 variant, as an incentive supporting exclusivity by including optional extras and unique styling components. In the case of X-Class, adding an Edition 1 option more than a year after its launch appears curious.
The X350d Edition 1 is powered by 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine with 190 kW and 550 Nm of torque and is mated with a 7-speed automatic transmission.
Love Black?
Black detailing gives the X350d Edition 1 a menacing appearance.
The X350d Edition 1 is expected to trade at a 10% price premium over an X350d Power and what you get for that increased purchase price, is a lot of black detailing.
Edition 1 sees the X350d’s grille, lockable plastic tonneau cover, door and tailgate handles, wheels and all model designation badges finished in black. This new special edition X-Class will also only be available in 3 primary colours: white, grey and you guessed it, black. This Edition 1 bakkie also features grey vinyl go-faster stripes on the bonnet, tailgate and around the front quarter panel badging.
Showing off its Edition 1 attributes inside, are heated front seats, rear privacy glass (with an electrically operated sliding window) and Edition 1 badging.
Due for to commence delivery and sales in one of the world’s most important bakkie geographies – Australia – from July 2019, plans for this Edition 1 in other X-Class markets are unknown. Would you like to see the X350d Edition 1 on offer in South Africa?
BMW has dropped a teaser for the forthcoming 8 Series Gran Coupe which is expected to be revealed in June 2019.
We recently sampled the 8 Series Coupe at its local launch in M850i guise and came away impressed with the overall product and of course, its 390 kW/750 Nm 4.4-litre V8 engine. The 8 Series Convertible was also introduced earlier this year and now our attention shifts to the 4-door 8 Series Gran Coupe.
We have seen spy shots of the 8 Series Gran Coupe testing at the Nurburgring but now BMW has released a teaser image and has confirmed that the latest 8 will make its world premiere at the BMW NextGen event to be held in Munich on 25-27 June 2019 before being launched worldwide in September this year.
You can expect high levels of luxury and technology inside the 8 Series Gran Coupe and rear passengers will have ample space thanks to an extended wheelbase and it will employ the same twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 engine as its coupe sibling and mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission in conjunction with all-wheel drive.
The highly-anticipated M8 Gran Coupe, which was shown in concept form at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, is currently in development and it will top the 8 Series range when it arrives in 2020.
We will keep you informed as soon as more information becomes available.
Mercedes-AMG welcomes the CLS 53 4Matic+ to South Africa! Take a look at the specification and pricing details below…
The Mercedes-Benz CLS, which is built on the E-Class platform, is a stylish 4-door coupe that's available in 2 flavours locally, now including an AMG version in the form of the CLS 53 4Matic+.
The CLS range kicks off with the CLS 400d, which is powered by a 3.0-litre turbodiesel inline 6 cylinder engine and it produces 250 kW and 700 Nm. Mated to a 4Matic all-wheel-drive setup, the CLS400d can sprint from zero to 100 kph in a claimed 5 seconds flat. Despite its impressive performance, it's quite frugal and Merc claims it'll sip just 5.8-6.0 L/100 km of diesel.
For those seeking more performance can consider the Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 4Matic. The 53 is powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged 6-cylinder engine which offers 320 kW and 520 Nm. It also features a clever 48-volt onboard electrical system mounted between the engine and the 9-speed automatic gearbox. The integrated starter/generator (ISG), an alternator/starter motor and flywheel combo contribute 16 kW and no less than 250 Nm to the engine’s already imposing output. The CLS 53 features an AMG Speedshift TCT 9G gearbox and is claimed to sprint from zero to 100 kph in a claimed 4.5 seconds.
The interior of the Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 4Matic+ is both sporty and sophisticated with luxury finishes including an optional Widescreen Cockpit.
As for the interior, an optional Widescreen Cockpit is offered which adds luxury and visual appeal to the interior with the digital instrument dials and a large central infotainment display creating an impressive user interface.
An AMG CLS 53 4Matic+ Edition 1 is also on offer and features a Copper Art interior design which includes copper-colour highlights, black Nappa leather upholstery with contrasting copper stitching which is also seen on the instrument panel, armrests, door panels and floor mat piping. There are also carbon fibre trim elements and a performance steering wheel with Edition 1 badging.
Look out for our launch review of the Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 4Matic+ coming your way later this week.
Mercedes-Benz CLS Price in South Africa (February 2019)
The Mercedes-AMG E53 4Matic+ has arrived in South Africa and is now offered in both coupe and cabriolet guises. See specification and pricing below…
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class range has been expanded to include a new performance model which effectively replaces the E43 and slots in below the fiery E63 S. It's called the E53 and it boasts an advanced and electrically-assisted bi-turbo straight-6 engine.
High-tech engine
A powerful, electrically-assisted 3.0-litre 6-cylinder does service in the E53 with 320kW and 520 Nm of torque.
The 53 is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre engine of extraordinary complexity. Deep breath. It’s an in-line 6-cylinder turbopetrol, mounted longitudinally, the exhaust outlets pass through a single, large, twin-scroll turbocharger. To cover the inevitable turbo lag from this, there is also an electrically powered compressor, located on the other side of the block, just before an intercooler right next to the inlet ports, which can help suck air through the induction tract while the turbocharger builds up enough boost.
It makes 320 kW and 520 Nm, which is a lot in itself. But in addition to both of these forced inductors, mounted between the engine and the 9-speed automatic gearbox sits an integrated starter/generator (ISG), an alternator/starter motor and flywheel combo, which can contribute 16 kW and no less than 250 Nm to the engine’s already imposing output.
All of this power goes to the E53's rear wheels most of the time, with a standard all-wheel-drive system on all models diverting it to four wheels when the rears threaten to slip. Performance is impressive for a big luxury barge. Expect zero to 100 kph to come up in a claimed 4.4 seconds and it'll run onto a top speed of 250 kph while the Cabriolet is only 1 second slower. Fit the optional AMG Drivers Package and it'll go to 270 kph. The new Mercedes-AMG E53 features a 9-speed automatic gearbox. In terms of fuel consumption, Mercedes-AMG claims a combined figure of 8.7 L/100 km for the E53 Coupe while the E53 Cabriolet claims a figure of 8.8 L/100km.
As for the interior, an optional Widescreen Cockpit is offered which adds luxury and visual appeal to the interior with the digital instrument dials and a large central infotainment display creating an impressive user interface. Buyers can choose from a variety of trims and finishes to suit your taste, see pricing below.
Look out for our launch review of the Mercedes-AMG E53 4Matic+ coming your way this week!
In this review, Ciro De Siena explores the all-new Toyota RAV4 in depth on Cape Town's scenic roads.
It may come as some surprise to you that in 2018, the Toyota RAV4 was the 5th best selling car in the entire world. There is a lot at stake here and Toyota must have felt some pressure to get this one right.
So, have they? We take a detailed look at the interior, the infotainment system, the ride quality and all-important boot space. We also discuss the engine and transmission choices for the new range and the fact that there will be no diesel or hybrid variants available in South Africa.
Isuzu has inadvertently built a bakkie for Darth Vader. Meet the XTR!
As the global bakkie market shows absolutely no signs of product saturation, Isuzu is the latest brand to add a special edition double-cab derivative.
It’s called the XTR and Isuzu’s designers and engineers have attempted to create a Japanese double-cab bakkie with enormous presence and improved off-road ability.
The appearance is striking, with substantial black protective cladding added to the wheel arches and D-Max grille, which transforms into something unlike anything seen on any other bakkie.
Contrasting with the black plastic protection bits are green brake callipers and fender details. This green theme is repeated in the XTR’s cabin too, with lime steering wheel stitching and similarly hued ‘XTR’ seat logos.
Rolling Isuzu’s XTR along are 17-inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli Scorpion all-terrain tyres and the stance is substantially more imposing than a conventional D-Max double-cab 4×4. An off-road appropriate suspension kit from Pedders raises ground clearance to 250mm and improves ride quality in severely technical off-road terrain.
One detail concerning the Isuzu XTR which might underwhelm South African followers of the Japanese bakkie brand, is its engine. This most purposeful Isuzu double-cab is powered by the brand’s latest turbodiesel engine technology, which is significantly downsized, at only 1.9-litres of capacity. Peak power rates 120 kW, supported by 360 Nm of torque.
The Isuzu XTR is initially planned for delivery in the United Kingdom, but other bakkies markets where Isuzu does a brisk trade – such as South Africa – should be ideal candidates for it too but its arrival in SA has yet to be confirmed.
How to watch the 2019 Jaguar Simola Hillclimb event
This weekend marks 10 years of the Jaguar Simola Hillclimb event. If you can't be in Knysna this weekend, here's how to watch it.
Kicking off on Friday with Classic Car and ending with the King of the Hill on Sunday afternoon, the Jaguar Simola Hillclimb has become one of the most prestigious motorsport events in South Africa.
There'll be an array of hot machinery racing up the hill, ranging from electric Jaguar I-Paces to some monstrously tuned Nissan GTRs. Our very own Ashley Oldfield will be racing up the hill in the Bakkie and SUV categories in the recently-launched Jaguar F-Pace SVR.
All three days of the race, starting on Classic Car Friday and wrapping up with the King of the Hill Finale on Sunday Afternoon, will be available online for any viewer with an internet connection. Twelve cameras will be placed alongside the 1.9km Simola track to catch every moment of action, while a dedicated camera at the start will broadcast every competitor’s launch off the line. The broadcast will be running 24-hours a day.
Watch the Jaguar Simola Hillclimb now
New Car Sales in SA: April 2019
For the first time this year, new car sales in South Africa have registered positive gains! See the full sales summary below…
New vehicle sales have been under considerable pressure recently with negative sales trends persisting for months on end. April 2019, however, is the first month of the year that yielded a modest, positive result with 0.7% improvement compared with the same period last year. Exports remain very strong with significant gains of 53.8%. While the passenger car market showed some improvement with 3.9% gain, the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) sector took a knock with a decline of 8.1% compared with the same period last year.
New Car Sales Summary: April 2019
Aggregate new car sales of 36 794 units up by 0.7% (+266 units) compared with April 2018.
Passenger car sales of 24 989 units up by 3.9% (+935 units) compared with April 2018
LCV sales of 9 810 units down by 8.1% (-866 units) compared with April 2018
Export sales of 33 090 units up by 53.8% (+11 571 units) compared with April 2018
New car sales will remain under pressure for months to come due to low levels of consumer and business confidence, pressure on household income and low domestic.global economic growth prospects. However, based on the outcome of the forthcoming local election, a positive uptick in sentiment is possible and sales in the second half of 2019 could very well improve. Exports are expected to remain strong with further growth expected during the year.
Ghana Msibi, WesBank Executive Head of Motor said, “Household budgets are continuing to remain under pressure and consecutive months of petrol price increases will no doubt begin to take their toll. Combined with the natural uncertainty ahead of May elections, the April sales performance becomes even more reassuring as these conditions could easily have resulted in the continuing decline trend.”
“The April sales performance remains good news for the industry. We expect May sales to remain under pressure due to the elections and given whatever certainty from their results, South Africans will begin making informed vehicle purchase decisions during the second half,” concluded Msibi.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recently hosted the Spirit of Amarok Media Challenge in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga which put 30 of South Africa’s motoring media through their paces behind the wheel of an Amarok 3.0 TDI V6 in an effort to find the most competent 4×4 media pair in the country.
In a display of focused, skilful and precise driving, Cars.co.za journalist and photographer, Gero Lilleike and driving partner, Ferdi De Vos, claimed overall victory in the world’s first-ever Spirit of Amarok Media Challenge held last week. It was also the first time that the Amarok V6 (which is the #CarsAwards Leisure Double Cab Bakkie champion) was used in competition leading up to the Spirit of Africa and Spirit of Amarok events.
The Spirit of Africa and Spirit of Amarok 4×4 events are curated by South African motorsport and rally legend, Sarel van der Merwe, a man who knows a thing or two about kicking up dust and getting the most out of a vehicle in challenging terrain.
Sarel van der Merwe needs no introduction. He is a South African motoring legend…
The Spirit of Amarok is a renowned amateur 4×4 championship event with international status that brings qualifying teams from across the world together to compete for the coveted Wolf Trophy which symbolises the prowess of the Volkswagen Amarok.
Teams from Namibia, Botswana and South Africa will compete in the Spirit of Africa event (currently taking place) with the top 2 teams progressing to compete in the Spirit of Amarok International event held in August 2019 where the best teams from countries such as Australia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Taiwan, China and Russia gather to battle it out for ultimate 4×4 bragging rights.
The technical 4×4 challenges require precise driving to successfully navigate the course without being penalised.
The Spirit of Amarok Media Challenge saw 30 local journalists (15 two-person teams) completing a range of difficult challenges including technical driving challenges, high-speed challenges and a tricky reverse blindfold slalom challenge.
For the technical challenges, teams are required to navigate a number of 4×4 courses in a predetermined time and all teams start each challenge with 100 points. The challenges are set against a mountainside with the tracks featuring steep gradients and loose rocks which make driving particularly difficult. Poles are strategically placed throughout the courses and if these poles come in contact with the vehicle, points are deducted. Teams are also penalised for arriving late or early at the finish line, so precise driving through the poles and planning is essential in achieving maximum scores.
The Amarok V6 is powerful and fast, making for a thrilling drive in the high-speed challenges.
The high-speed challenges are also timed and take place on flatter terrain. Driver’s are required to drive through the course as fast as possible. The team with the fastest time gets maximum points and poles are also placed throughout the high-speed courses which demand a high level of driving precision to navigate successfully at speed without being penalised.
Driving blindfolded while following verbal instruction is not easy…
The final blindfold reverse slalom challenge required effective communication and teamwork. The driver is blindfolded and is required to reverse the Amarok V6 through a slalom course under the verbal direction of his/her driving partner, ending with the Amarok being placed between the finishing gates. While many teams failed at the task, Gero Lilleike and Ferdi De Vos were the only team to complete the challenge without hitting any poles.
With its powerful 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine with 165 kW and 550 Nm of torque, the Amarok V6 performed admirably throughout the day and tackled the most difficult 4×4 tracks with absolute confidence. A major highlight of the Amarok is how user-friendly it is in off-road situations. The driver simply presses the off-road button and then the Amarok's gear and throttle calibration are automatically primed for offroading while hill descent control and the offroad-ABS are activated. With the rear differential lock engaged, the Amarok was virtually unstoppable on the steep and rocky mountainside. The Amarok, once again, proved its capability in tough conditions.
“Consistency played a big part in this victory, but we also played off our strengths which helped us secure the win in the end,” said Gero Lilleike.
Andile Dlamini, Head of Group Communications at Volkswagen and Sarel van der Merwe announced Gero Lilleike and Ferdi De Vos as the first 2019 Spirit of Amarok Media champions and handed over the floating Wolf Trophy. Cars.co.za looks forward to defending the title in 2020!
The Top 5 standings are as follows:
Gero Lilleike (Cars.co.za) / Ferdi De Vos (RoadTrip Magazine) – 829 points
Sean Parker (Wheels24) /Brent van der Schyff (Motor Magazine) – 784 points
The sportiest iteration of the compact BMW X2 has arrived in South Africa. Here's how much it costs.
BMW South Africa has just announced the arrival of its sportiest version of the youthful X2. Called the BMW X2 35i, it'll be the fastest and most dynamic version of the compact SUV.
It's powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine. With 225 kW and 450 Nm, this motor is the first M Performance 4-pot engine and when mated to all-wheel drive it's good for a 0-100 kph sprint of just 4.9 seconds. In terms of gearbox, the new BMW X2 M35i features an 8-speed Steptronic and the vehicle is fitted with launch control.
The BMW X2 M35i has been fitted with an M Sport suspension setup specially tuned for this model and this setup also features an M Sport differential installed on the front axle. Customers can opt for an adaptive setup too. There are also M Sport specific brakes with fixed callipers in Dark Blue metallic.
There are plenty of M Performance elements both inside and out.There are full HD headlights, fog lights and continues with the double kidney grille in Cerium Grey and the newly designed side air intakes of the same colour at the front for best possible cooling of brakes and engine. The exterior mirrors have been upgraded by special caps, likewise in Cerium Grey. At the rear, the X2 M35i boasts a distinctive M rear spoiler and an M Sport exhaust system with two tailpipes. The exhaust system is said to produce a particularly sporty sound. There are 19-inch M Sport light alloy wheels as standard with the option of 20-inch M Sport light alloy wheels.
Being the sportiest of the X2, the M35i features an appropriate cabin. Based on the M Sport package, the X2 M35i features an M Sport leather steering wheel with shift paddles and door entry trims at the front bearing the lettering “M35i”. The optional M sports seats at the front are said to offer perfect lateral support for both driver and front passenger in sharp bends, but also the highest level of comfort and safety through integrated headrests. The BMW X2 M35i standard specification is generous at this price point and some standout features range from BMW ConnectedDrive Services, preparation for Apple Car Play, Intelligent Emergency Calling, Real Time Traffic Information (RTTI), TeleServices, comfort telephony with wireless charging, navigation and LED headlights.
