Toyota has released a new compact van called the Proace City. Developed in conjunction with PSA (Peugeot Citroen), the newcomer looks to do battle with the light commercial segment. Should Toyota SA bring it to South Africa?
Toyota has developed the Proace City alongside Groupe PSA (Peugeot Citroen). Available in 2 lengths: short at 4.4m and long at 4.7m, the Proace City can be customised to suit the customer's requirements.
The customisation options are quite comprehensive. There's a maximum volume from 3.3 cubic metres (short model) to 4.3 cubic metres (long version with Smart Cargo option). The Toyota Proace City is one of few vehicles in its class that can accommodate two Euro pallets. Adding the Smart Cargo system option gives best-in-class load length capability of 3.1m for the short version and 3.4m for the long, while the maximum payload is another class-best figure at one tonne (both versions).
For those who need to carry even greater or heavier loads, the van can tow braked trailers up to 1.5 tonnes. Asymmetrical rear doors (glazed or unglazed) or a top-hinged tailgate can be specified.
In terms of engines Proace City will be available with a range of petrol and diesel powertrains offering a power spread from 56 kW to 97 kW, with the choice of 5 or 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmissions.
The Toyota Proace City is being marketed as a safe city panel van and it boasts a number of active safety features such as Pre-Collision System, Road Sign Assist, Lane Keep Assist, Cruise Control and a “coffee cup warning” that recommends the driver takes a break if they have spent a long time at the wheel. The content is increased with Automatic High Beam, Sway Warning and an extended Road Sign Assist system, while the most comprehensive package further adds Adaptive Cruise Control and a Blind Spot Monitor. All models also come with eCall for automatic connection with the emergency services in the event of a serious accident.
Comfort features include an 8-inch touchscreen to access audio and smartphone functions, with MirrorLink, Apple CarPlay (including Siri assistant) and Android Auto (including Google assistant), plus Bluetooth, and USB/Aux-in connections. It can be used with navigation and online functions, including 3D mapping, voice command recognition and connected traffic information (via Tomtom Traffic).
Panel vans aren't the most popular commercial vehicles in South Africa as single-cab bakkie with accessories do the majority of the work. Do you think there's a business case for the Toyota Proace City?
Jaguar has set its most powerful SUV loose in South Africa! It’s called the F-Pace SVR and it will make its local debut this weekend at the Jaguar Simola Hillclimb event with our very own Ashley Oldfield behind the wheel! See details below…
Fitted with a powerful supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine that offers 405 kW and 680 Nm of torque, the F-Pace SVR is capable of splintering performance and can accelerate from zero to 100 kph in 4.3 seconds and run to a top speed of 283 kph.
The F-Pace SVR will compete in the Jaguar Simola Hillclimb this weekend and our very own race ace, Ashley Oldfield will be pushing the newcomer to its limits.
The F-Pace SVR rides on 21-inch wheels as standard (22-inch optional) and its performance is complemented with a throaty soundtrack thanks to the fitment of Jaguar’s Variable Valve Active Exhaust System and also features a specially-calibrated 8-speed automatic transmission and uprated suspension.
The F-Pace SVR's interior offers luxury and comfort with the Touch Pro Duo infotainment system being a highlight.
More than this, a sports-tuned electronic differential, adaptive dynamics and torque vectoring by braking ensures that cornering capability is maximised. Equipped with a unique dynamic driving mode, gear shifts, throttle and steering response are sharpened to deliver a more engaging driving experience. With all-wheel drive and features such as All Surface Progress Control and Adaptive Surface Response, the F-Pace SVR can negotiate various terrain and weather conditions.
Key interior features include slimline performance seats, SVR steering wheel with aluminium paddle shifters and a Touch Pro Duo infotainment system comprising a 10-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch high-definition instrument cluster. A 4G WiFi hotspot can also connect up to 8 devices if required.
Labelled South Africa's premier motor show, the Knysna Motor Show looks set to draw 400 classic and vintage cars to the Knysna High School Sports Fields this weekend (Sunday, April 28).
This, the eighth Knysna Motor Show, is organised by the Garden Route Motor Club and sponsored by Sanlam Private Wealth. The glamorous event takes place on Sunday 28 April from 9am to 4pm and prices for tickets are very reasonable at R50 (adults), R10 (teenagers under 18) and kids under 12 are admitted free. The setting is close to the picture-perfect Knysna lagoon and the vehicles on display are there on invitation… so expect to see some of the finest machinery in all the land. Besides the cars, you can also expect to see some rare vintage motorcycles.
“The wonderful thing about this show is that, as far as possible, it caters for everyone’s motorised tastes. The cars range from the mega-expensive to affordable, as do the motorcycles. From the dawn of the motorised age 100 years ago and more, to the techno marvels of more recent times. But they have all been chosen because there is something about them that gives them a unique place in motoring history,” says chief organiser Peter Pretorius,
Show highlights
The only Pagani Zonda in South Africa will be on display.
Whether you like modern exotics such as the Pagani Zonda or Lexus LFA, or you fancy the older classics more, there will be something for everyone in Knysna this weekend. Expect to see up to 6 examples of Mercedes-Benz's marvellous '50s 300SLs on display, joined by up to 10 of the marque's fabulous 190SLs!
Bentley is celebrating its centenary this year, and suitably there will be more than 20 vintage and classic Bentleys on display, the earliest being the 3.0L examples from 1922. Bentley South Africa will also be showing off some of its new models, such as the Bentayga and Continental GT.
Another major anniversary this year is the 60th birthday of Mini. Again, there will be more than 20 Minis, including the iconic Cooper S model that was so successful in rallying between 1964 and 1967.
But that's not all. Morgan turns 110 this year, so organisers expect around 18 of these iconic cars to be on display.
This 1958 Pontiac Bonneville is likely to be one of the main attractions.
Showgoers always seem to love the American cars from the 1940s and 1950s, particularly those that display lots of fin and chrome. Cars on display will include a beautiful 1958 Pontiac Bonneville, a 1959 Cadillac Coupe de Ville, and movie star classics such as the late 1960s Plymouth Road Runner and a Hudson Hornet from the 1950s.
If you love your cars to be even older, there will also be a colourful display of pre-1945 cars.
For more information contact Peter Pretorius (email on [email protected], or cell phone on 082 321 4724).
I want an SUV with good off-road ability for R300k. What Should I Buy?
Mark from Rondebosch wrote to us asking for some advice:
Hello Cars.co.za team. I currently own a 2010 turbodiesel Land Rover Freelander, which is approaching 150 000 km. I bought it with under 100 000 km on the odo' and have been happy with it as I often venture off the beaten track on weekends away. I’d like to trade in for another one, and I’d be keen to hear what else I should consider before making a purchase. I’m looking to keep my spend under R300 000. Thanks so much.
Ciro De Siena’s answer
Ciro opts for something slightly softer and with less status, but more space and much less mileage.
Hello good Sir. First off, I think you’re playing the used car market very well, and at that mileage, it is probably a good time to get out of your current car. You’re also a rare species in that you actually use your SUV to do what it was built for. Weirdly though, this actually makes it harder to advise you; if you were just interested in climbing pavements outside the cricket, my job would be a lot easier.
The exact car I’m going to suggest could be sold by the time you have a look at it, but it gives a good idea of what’s out there. My suggestion is this 2016 Nissan X-Trail 1.6dCi SE 4×4. I found one on our site with super low mileage, just 34 000km on the clock for R312 500, but I’m sure you could knock the dealer down a bit:
I’ve spent some time with this exact variant and I was very impressed. The diesel engine is punchy and virtually runs on the idea of diesel, I achieved under 6.0 L/100km when I drove it on mostly open roads, which is phenomenal for a car of this size. Admittedly I didn’t take it offroad but Nissan’s intelligent offroad system is actually quite smart and it should be able to keep up with your current car on the rough stuff, keep in mind there’s no low range though, but it does have impressive ground clearance. It’s also a fair bit larger than your current car so you can pack more camping gear in. Nissan also offers a strong 6-year/150 000 km warranty so you should have around 3 years of cover left. The only issue for you might be that this model was only offered with a 6-speed manual transmission, but it's a good manual box and the clutch is a doddle to operate.
Good luck!
Ashley Oldfield’s options
Who could turn down the one car to rule them all?
I too have ownership experience with a Freelander and it often amazed people by just how good an off-roader it was. The obvious choice then, would be to stay within the brand and see if you could trade in for its successor, the Land Rover Discovery Sport. Thing is, you won’t get into one for less than your budget, they start at around R350k currently.
So I have another proposal for you: how would you feel about stepping into the one car to rule them all? The car that does everything extremely well. The Land Rover Discovery 4. Your mileage won’t decrease from your Freelander if I’m honest and the fuel consumption will likely be a bit worse, but you could venture further off-road in more comfort and esteem.
Okay, how about something Japanese and virtually unbreakable? The Subaru Forester 2.5 XS Premium CVT. It’s capable off-road, comes in under budget and you’re likely to get one with under 75k on the clock, and for a Subaru, that’s still showroom condition. Fuel consumption will be a gripe as it’s a bit on the thirsty side (anything under 10L/100 km should be celebrated).
There are the rather obvious bakkie-based SUVs out there too, but having driven a comfortable Freelander, these will seem like veritable tractors on the long road compared to the Freelander.
Mike Fourie’s (non) alternative
Mike thinks things would be better with a good mechanic by your side and staying put.
Hello, Mark, is your Freelander still reliable and in good condition? If so, you should also consider hanging on to it. Although I appreciate that it will probably be easier to trade in now than in a couple of years’ time, you must factor in what you could expect to get on trade-in when determining your budget for the replacement vehicle. There are a number of sites that can offer you an estimate of what you can expect a dealer to offer you for your current vehicle, plus there are various car-buying businesses that may offer you slightly more than a dealer. Your search engine is your friend!
But, when replacing an older vehicle with another older vehicle, it’s often a case of swapping a known quantity (you know your Freelander’s quirks, strengths and weaknesses) for an unknown quantity that does not have the back-up of a warranty or service plan in case things go horribly wrong. Fortunately some dealers offer guarantees (if short ones), but whatever you decide to do, consider shopping around for an aftermarket bolt-on warranty – your Freelander is getting on a bit, but there are policies that will cover cars for breakdowns (up to a certain value) to the age of 15 years and odometer readings of 300 000 km. Should you decide to replace it, you could also set money aside (some policies require monthly premiums, others a lump sum payment) to invest in (let’s just call it) insurance for your new vehicle against potential mechanical maladies. MORE
Not sure what car to buy?
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Namibian Road Trip with a BMW X3 xDrive30d
BMW Driving Experience South Africa now offers multi-day tours that explore some of the most scenic landscapes in Southern Africa… Regular Cars.co.za contributor and #CarsAwards judge Ernest Page recently travelled to Namibia to traverse our picturesque neighbouring country in an off-road-optimised X3 xDrive30d.
Launched in South Africa in 2018, the 3rd-generation X3 has been well received; the Executive SUV was a finalist in the 2018/19 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank. However, the (G01) X3 is very much a road-biased luxury off-roader – to withstand the rigours of the Namibian landscape, the South African-built X3s utilised for the trip were kitted with special off-road features developed by BMW Driving Experience.
The upgrades to the X3 include a raised overall ride height (by about 50 mm, the manufacturer says), full aluminium underbody protection with an increased departure angle, higher-profile all-terrain tyres (available for customers to order at any BMW Dealer), a pre-air filter (with protective mesh grille) to prevent desert sand from entering the engine inlet, plus a full-sized spare wheel firmly fixed in the vehicle's load bay.
The convoy of BMW Driving Experience South Africa X3s stops to confer during the Namibian journey.
"It was an epic, awesome, adventure. Look, 'epic' and 'awesome' are often used hyperbolically and I'll be the first to admit that I have, in the past, used exaggerated words to help paint a picture of what was an otherwise memorable, even if relatively ordinary, situation," Ernest told Cars.co.za. "But now, as I reflect on those 4 days in Namibia, I can say without question, they were [expletive] awesome – and, in a word, epic!"
Herewith Ernest's travelogue:
Day 1: Arrival
I prepared for my flight to Windhoek for days… I packed a fresh new suitcase with a selection of clean laundry to choose from. You see, it was going to be my first “international” launch and I wasn’t about to blot my copybook by virtue of having a lack of wardrobe options. I knew this media event would be long, intense and involve lots of driving. My naivety left me wondering: “What is there to see in Namibia? Is it really all that special?"
In a country known for its protracted droughts and lack of water, a thunderstorm is a spectacular sight.
Well, upon my arrival in the Namibian capital, I was interrogated by its immigration officials for as long as 45 minutes! Once they finally let me step into the general area of the arrivals hall, however, I realised that this was going to quite an adventure. I hugged the BMW PR and we shared a nervous laugh before I jumped aboard a specially-modified X3 xDrive30d. Our first leg was a 100-km trek towards the rocky outcrops of Ai Aiba lodge. Most of the roads were gravel and even though this was supposed to be a simple 1st leg, storm clouds gathered ominously in the distance.
Suddenly the heavens opened and it felt as though our convoy drove into the full might of the deluge. The roads became perilously slippery as deep puddles formed on the sodden clay road surface. Soon puddles became river crossings that even purpose-built off-roaders might find intimidating.
It was good forethought of BMW to modify its fleet of X3s for harder off-road conditions. The rainwater pooled rather quickly…
Our fearless leader – instructor Bernie Williams – went first, and nervously told us over the "radio" we can go, but progress needed to be slow, so as to prevent water from flooding the cars' engine bays. Most drivers were total novices… so mild panic set in and that meant more speed – not less.
But “when in doubt, go flat out” doesn’t apply to off-roading. The fronts of our X3s looked submerged from the outside and I could feel the BMW's body being pushed sideways by the pulsing currents. This wasn't a rehearsed water crossing. This was real life. This was an actual adventure.
Fording was probably not an activity BMW had in mind when it developed the X3, but the executive SUV coped well with the water.
Hours later at dinner, we sat around our table and frantically posted social media updates with what little Wifi was available at the venue. We were duly proud of what had achieved in our “softroaders” that day. The route was only going to get tougher, however.
We ended the night with a game drive and I saw animals I had never seen in the wild. Suffice to say Namibia is much wilder than the Western Cape!
The X3 seems a sizeable SUV, until it passes in close proximity of an elephant…
Day 2. Journey To Swakopmund
Our road to Swakopmund took us on some winding and twisty gravel roads which, unlike South African routes, are not interrupted by civilization every couple of dozen kilometres. Along the way, we stopped at our lunch venue, where those who opted to do the full 8-day trip would stay over, but for us, it was merely a quick pause to refresh, before we hit the road again. There wasn’t much to see along those roads, but what little there was showcased Namibia's landscape: rich colours, textures and ancient rocks that were placed there many, many thousands of years before.
Namibia's beauty is quite difficult to describe – it's not obviously pretty or easy to explain. Yet, it's something that needs to be experienced first-hand to be believed. Just before arriving in Swakopmund, we drove through a river bed that had been dry for ages; we stopped to see an old, abandoned copper mine; the history of the place was palpable. The suffering too. Again, Namibia managed to paint a vivid picture without saying much at all.
Much lower tyre pressures, intense concentration and all-wheel xDrive make sand dune sojourns possible in an X3!
Day 3: Driving on dunes
Talk about a crash course in serious off-roading! On the penultimate day of our trip, we headed straight into the legendary Namibian desert.
Perhaps it was my own insecurity about being inexperienced in driving on anything other than hard blacktop, but I could have sworn that the seasoned locals were sneering at us city slickers in our fancy-pants X3s. A quick tyre pressure drop and some oysters on the beach (yes, really) and we were off. But we had a problem… I was already stuck in the sand and we hadn't crested a dune yet. After some clever (read: frantic) back and forth, we managed to get out without needing to call for help. However, if this was any indication of what to expect I was in deep, deep trouble.
Maintaining momentum is paramount when you traverse loose sand, which, of course, leads to spectacular sand sprays.
Make no mistake: off-road-course dunes and genuine desert dunes are totally different things. There is nothing as far as the eye can see and I guess if one got lost in there (with no cellular signal and little sense of direction to help you), it would be a real problem! But our convoy stayed tight and with guidance over the "radio", I started getting increasingly comfortable behind the 'wheel. By the end of the "duning", we were really playing!
To kick up giant sand clouds is especially thrilling, but the most important task of all is: do not get stuck. Fortunately, we remained under the "watchful eye" of a pair of tow vehicles, but they were seldom called into action. On the way back, we drove along the Namibian coastline. Our convoy leader regaled tales of how the area had been overfished of late; the irony of "bombing" up and down the coastline wasn’t lost on me.
The rear bumper of the "Namibian adventure" X3 shows the modifications to the standard car (… and a few battle scars).
Day 4: The drive home
The BMW Driving Experience SA'sNamibia tour is offered to a maximum of 12 participants per group. According to BMW, the 8-day package includes a 1 300-km route incorporating "breathtaking countryside, spectacular wildlife (from Windhoek to the Atlantic Ocean), driving exploration of the magnificent dunes of the Namib desert, a visit to an indigenous village and historic cave paintings, as well as a variety of culinary delights."
Most guests will be Europeans looking for a proper Southern African adventure. At a cost of between R75k to R100k (including flights to Windhoek and back – the trip is tailorable to customers' needs), the programme might be a bit steep for most ZAR-earners, but bear in mind a 4-day trip is also optionally available. The schedule is well thought out and planned, but with so many variables in play, each one of these sojourns will be different.
"For someone who has been on a great many new vehicle launches in a short (3-year) career, this has to rank right up there with the best ones," Ernest concludes. For more info on the BMW X3 adventure, visit: http://www.bmwdrivingexperience.co.za/index.html#/tours
Renault has facelifted its Alaskan double-cab bakkie. Based on the Nissan Navara, it's likely that this model will be coming to South Africa.
The double-cab market is quite congested at the moment and manufacturers are doing the most to keep their respective bakkies up to date. Renault has facelifted and updated its Alaskan double-cab bakkie and here are some of the changes.
The payload and carrying capacity has increased to 1.1 tons, while the towing capacity of 3.5 tons has remained the same. The reason behind the payload increase is due to the introduction of an all-new 5-link rear suspension, as well as rear disk brakes and an automatic emergency braking system.
Renault has also improved the Nissan-Renault alliance engine. There's a new selective catalytic reduction system and the latest pollution-control technology fitted to the 2.3-litre twin-turbo diesel. Overseas it is available in 2 states of tune: 120 kW and 140 kW, with torque rated at 425 Nm, which is 22 Nm than before. In terms of transmission, a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed automatic are available.
Inside, the 2020 Renault Alaskan receives the latest infotainment system from the French brand, which offers up Android Auto and Apple Carplay, as well as a 360-degree camera, as well as a new Trailer Sway Assist feature. Additionally, the Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist have been improved and offer a new dynamic control system.
Will it come to South Africa? Not so long ago, Renault SA confirmed that it would begin selling both the Duster Oroch and Renault Alaskan in 2021 locally. Read about that announcement below.
Is it the end of the road for the Mitsubishi Pajero? Mitsubishi has confirmed that the model will be discontinued in August 2019 and has announced a Final Edition version for the Japanese market.
To celebrate 37 years of Mitsubishi Pajero, the Pajero Final Edition is limited to just 700 units. It boasts additional equipment such as a sunroof, roof rails, electric front seats and leather upholstery. Customers can also add in a rear spoiler, spare tyre cover and Pajero-branded mudflaps.
The engine in the Pajero Final Edition is a 3.2-litre 4-cylinder diesel engine with 140 kW and 441 Nm on tap. It's mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission and there's a 4-wheel drive system with a locking rear differential. Customers will receive a Mitsubishi-branded watch from Citizen when they purchase a Pajero Final Edition.
Locally, the Mitsubishi Pajero and Pajero Sport are still on sale.
Ford Motor Company has invested $500 million into electric pick-up startup Rivian. What does this mean for the market?
In news this week, there was a $500 million investment into Rivian by Ford Motor Company, with the primary deal being both companies working together to design and engineer an all-new, next-generation battery electric vehicle. The keyword there is vehicle. At this point, Ford has not confirmed that it will be assembling an electric bakkie.
“This strategic partnership marks another key milestone in our drive to accelerate the transition to sustainable mobility,” said RJ Scaringe, Rivian founder and CEO. “Ford has a long-standing commitment to sustainability, with Bill Ford being one of the industry's earliest advocates, and we are excited to use our technology to get more electric vehicles on the road.” "As we continue in our transformation of Ford with new forms of intelligent vehicles and propulsion, this partnership with Rivian brings a fresh approach to both,” said Jim Hackett, Ford president and CEO. “At the same time, we believe Rivian can benefit from Ford’s industrial expertise and resources.”
Rivian's electric pickup platform has intrigued the motoring industry as a whole, and its launch products 5-seater R1T bakkie and 7-seater R1S SUV are looking very promising. With over 500 km of electric range, plus offroad capability, Rivian's offerings should hit the market towards the end of 2020.
It's a smart decision from Ford to partner up with Rivian. As part of its $11 billion EV investment and confirmation of 2 fully-electric vehicles, Ford can pay Rivian for access to the near-complete electric bakkie platform instead of having to develop its own, which could take between 2-5 years of research and development. Investing in a small startup has massive benefits. Not only will Rivian be agile, but they've already done the majority of the groundwork without being hamstrung by corporate management. Rivian simply does not have hurdles and hoops to jump through, and critical business decisions can be completed quickly.
Rivian will remain an independent company but will see Joe Hinrichs, Ford’s president of Automotive, will join Rivian’s seven-member board.
Can you drift the ultimate luxury Jaguar? We answer this question as #CarsAwards judge Ernest Page (who's also our resident stunt driver) gets to grips with the new Jaguar XJR575.
The Jaguar XJ is a car that's been around for nearly a decade now, and while the British Prime Minister still loves hers, the world has definitely moved on.
But kudos to Jaguar for producing one last hurrah for the current generation in the form of the completely bonkers XJR575. With nearly 600hp and rear wheel drive, supplied by a supercharged V8, this car is decidedly old-school in terms of luxury and the driving experience it offers.
As Ernest Page found out, there are definitely two sides to this car. Watch as he treats the tyres like disposable razors and gets familiar with the back seat comfort of this luxury British limo.
Aston Martin has dropped the top off its DBS Superleggera and created the Volante. Here's all you need to know about this striking performer.
Executive Vice President & Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman said: "DBS Superleggera produces a spectacular and relentless level of performance and so for the Volante, we focussed on bringing that extra level of sensory overload that only an open-top Super GT can deliver inside the cabin. With the unique dynamics, beautiful yet brutish design and the unmistakable harmonics of Aston Martin's 5.2-litre V12 engine, we believe we have delivered a unique and unforgettable driving experience that is synonymous with the traditions of the Volante name."
The new Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Volante is powered by a 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12, which produces 533 kW and 900 Nm. These numbers give it tremendous performance, with 0-100 kph dispatched in just 3.6 seconds and it'll run onto a top speed of 338 kph. Power goes to the rear wheels via an 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox.
Chopping the roof off a car results in some packaging and handling issues, which Aston Martin claims to have solved. The roof takes 14 seconds to open and 16 seconds to close. The roof has also been thoroughly tested in the harsh winter of the Arctic circle and subjected to 100 000 open/close tests.
The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Volante deliveries are expected to start in Europe in the 3rd quarter of 2019 and it'll cost £247 500 (R4.6 million). Given South Africa's appetite for Aston Martin products, it wouldn't surprise us to see a few examples making their way to our shores.
