Hyundai South Africa has confirmed that it'll be launching a performance version of its Kona crossover. While this vehicle doesn't officially exist yet, we had to do some digging.
Officially, this car has not been revealed yet and there's very little info to go on. However, a performance crossover for Hyundai makes a good business case for itself. Locally, the news of the performance i30 N hatchback finally making its way to SA has got the petrolheads excited and the Koreans recently launched updated versions of its hotted-up Tucson Sports, complete with engine upgrades and bold styling.
It was the local launch of the latter where Hyundai SA confirmed that it'll be bringing the Kona N to market in 2020. There are no official details and specifications of this vehicle, but we can make some reasonably accurate assumptions. Given the costs of research and development, it would make no sense to invest in an all-new powertrain and fortunately, the Koreans already have a package which has been well received by the petrolhead community. It is highly likely the Hyundai Kona N will be powered by the same setup as the i30 N hatchback.
Hyundai N boss Albert Biermann (formerly of BMW M) told Auto Express back in May 2020 that the Kona N work has already begun. “I’ve told them [the engineers] to build the car and we’ll see what happens with getting it approved,” said Biermann. “It has to be the i30 N powertrain, really. Of course, we can give Kona different specifications on suspension and steering, although there are some common components we can use in that area as well, because it’ll be front-wheel drive, like the i30 N. But we already know that it has to be that car’s engine and gearbox for the Kona N, yes.”
Final performance is yet to be determined. As in the case of the i30 N, 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. Given those outputs, we estimate the Kona to be capable of around 6 seconds to 100 kph.
The 2nd-generation X3, which BMW codenamed the F25, arrived in South Africa very late in 2010 and immediately found favour with Executive SUV buyers. Bigger, more refined and equipped with all the German marque’s (then) latest technology, it even encroached on X5 territory at the time. Could it be a clever used purchase, too?
The F25-generation X3 was launched at the 2010 Paris Motor Show and was a decidedly more upmarket offering than its popular, if awkward-looking, predecessor. It arrived in South Africa during December of 2010, but initially, only 2 derivatives were offered, with more added in 2011. In its lifespan, around 11 000 of these X3s were sold in South Africa, with its popularity peaking in 2013, when more than 2 000 found new homes. The xDrive20d was, by far and away, the most popular derivative. At the time of compiling this report, there were 220+ used examples to choose from on this site.
Bigger, more refined and decidedly more “premium” this generation X3 is still a stylish SUV today.
Replacing a popular predecessor that sold in excess of 600 000 units worldwide, the 2nd-generation X3 was significantly different from its predecessor – the model was comparatively 83 mm longer, 28 mm wider and offered a little more ground clearance as well.
It arrived in South Africa late in 2010 in 2 flavours: the xDrive20d (135kW/380Nm turbodiesel) and xDrive35i (N55 twin-scroll turbo with 225 kW and 400 Nm). The petrol model was a pricey one, and sales were limited. South Africans immediately favoured the xDrive20d. In both vehicles, drive was sent to all four wheels via BMW’s intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive system and the marque’s (then new) 8-speed automatic transmission.
Available as an option was Driving Dynamics Control, which allowed the driver to select from 3 settings (Normal, Sport and Sport Plus). Although it was a nice-to-have feature, the standard settings of the xDrive20d (for example) would probably suffice for the majority of buyers.
Slightly later an xDrive30d joined the line-up, powered by a brawny 3.0-litre turbodiesel that developed 190 kW and a whopping 560 Nm of torque. The expanded range also gained an entry-level derivative in the shape of the xDrive20i, powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine laced with BMW’s TwinPower Turbo technology. It developed 135 kW and 270 Nm of torque and was offered with either an automatic or manual transmission.
In 2012, another petrol-engined derivative was added, the xDrive28i, but it was never particularly popular. It was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine as well, but produced heightened peak outputs of 180 kW and 350 Nm. It was offered exclusively in automatic guise.
The facelift arrived in 2014 and it was a fairly significant one, particularly around the front-end where the X3 gained a far more sophisticated look.
The facelifted version of the F25-generation X3 arrived in the latter half of 2014 and sported a significantly revised face, among other detail changes. Inside, the driver assistance and infotainment systems were updated, with a highlight being the integrated touchpad on the iDrive controller. The local line-up remained the same, but the engine in the top-selling xDrive20d now pushed out 140 kW and 400 Nm of torque. Refinement also improved.
The optional M-Sport pack was quite popular, but in our view hasn’t dated particularly well. We’re inclined to suggest rather opting for a more tastefully-appointed variant.
Product strengths
? The X3 comes across as a solidly made and still attractive executive SUV. Pay careful attention to specification fitted to used vehicles.
Space and Practicality: If you’re looking for a premium vehicle that also doubles as a family car, then look no further than the BMW X3. This generation of X3 was markedly bigger than its forebear, with excellent legroom (front and rear). In fact, even taller drivers will easily manage the sit-behind-self test in this car. What’s more, the BMW had a large load bay, enhanced with a 40/20/40 split rear seatback that folds down nice and flat.
Though comfort levels are generally high, it’s worth highlighting that the F25’s seats are quite firm, which, coupled with the sportier-than-most suspension set-up, means that the X3 doesn’t quite possess the cossetting occupant comfort of an Audi Q5 or Mercedes-Benz GLC.
The X3 is a practical family vehicle, with a big boot and rear seats that fold flat.
Good spec: You’re unlikely to find a completely stock BMW X3, so shop carefully for the features that you really want. Don’t be distracted by glitzy items such as panoramic sunroofs and heated steering wheels; ensure it has the features you need. The good thing about buying a vehicle such as the X3 in the used market is that the previous owner can’t really hope to recoup costs on a car that has been over-specced. So… you can get a lot of very nice luxuries and technology for a very reasonable price. Make sure, however, that the X3 you buy has received the latest software updates.
Items we’d suggest looking for are: an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, harman/kardon audio system, cruise control with braking function, reverse-view camera, hands-free Bluetooth, a USB interface and dual-zone climate control. Avoid the overly large wheel sizes as these make the already firm ride even harsher… and those tyres are expensive. If you’re looking at the X3 as a family vehicle then the optional Sport suspension is best avoided because it adds extra firmness.
Rear legroom is very good, and the standard fitment of rear ventilation outlets is a real boon.
Good to Drive: Though definitely one of the firmer-riding SUVs, the X3 nevertheless strikes a very good ride/handling compromise. It’s a vehicle that feels lighter on its, um, wheels than its size and weight suggests. As a matter of fact, BMW managed to tune the suspension in such a way that the standard RunFlat tyres, which were (at least partly) to blame for harsh primary ride control in BMWs of the past, are almost unnoticeable.
The engine and transmissions are well matched, too. The xDrive35i is really a performance SUV, with a 0-100 kph time of well below 7 seconds. Even the 2.0-litre turbopetrol delivers a nice balance of performance and fuel economy (but note problem areas lower down). Undoubtedly, however, the star is the xDrive20d. With its 380Nm of torque and nicely geared 8-speed ‘box, it’s a great daily driver with superb long-distance cruising ability.
Product weaknesses
In general, X3 owners seem to love their vehicles. In the Cars.co.za Ownership Satisfaction Survey, 97.6% of owners said that the X3 had lived up to their expectations, a figure that beats stats for the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC. That said, no car is perfect, and there are a few niggles.
The X3 is one of the sportier executive SUVs to drive, but this does mean that it is also a bit firmer, perhaps slightly overly so.
There are a couple of general things to keep in mind when buying any highly sophisticated car in the used market, as you have little to no insight into how it was cared for. When you’re out test driving one of these Bimmers, take note of the following:
N20 petrol engine issues (xDrive20i/xDrive28i): Problems have been reported related to the timing chain mechanism and turbocharger of the N20 engines. In the most severe cases, this can lead to a very costly engine replacement. Listen for a whine from the engine at below 3 000 rpm, or extremely rattly engine sound upon start-up. If there’s any doubt, rather walk away. Do the same if you’re on a test drive and the oil pressure warning light comes on or the vehicle goes into limp mode. Reported N20 engine issues mostly relate to pre-2014 vehicles, though, and we’re told issues generally manifest themselves between 80 000 and 120 000km.
Some electronic issues: As is usually the case with highly advanced cars fitted with a plethora of electronic features, it’s not always easy to remember to check everything during a test drive. Make a list beforehand, and remember items such as the electrically closing tailgate (if fitted), sunroof and even that the LED taillamps are working properly.
Minor build quality issues: The F25 is a well-built car, but you should look out for a faulty glove compartment lid and malfunctioning or leaking panoramic sunroof. The latter issue can, of course, lead to water making its way into the car, which is far from ideal!
High-mileage cars: If you’re looking to buy a high-mileage X3, then you have some extra homework to do. It has been reported that the F25-generation’s shock absorbers last to around 200 000 km before they need to be replaced. It’s also best to change the transfer case fluid every 60 000 km and, in fact, it appears that, as a general guideline, far more regular oil changes are a good idea.
The leathertec upholstery on the driver’s seat can show wear surprisingly early in the car’s life. Check carefully.
What to pay?
There were more than 220 BMW X3s listed on Cars.co.za during the time this article was being researched, so there should be lots to choose from.
Below R200 000: You can get into a F25-generation X3 for as little as R170 000, but those are high-mileage, rough-around-the-edges cars. If your budget is R200 000 and you really want one of these, then it’s best to aim for a neat xDrive20i, which generally trade for lower prices than the xDrive20d. At this price level the turbodiesels are generally of very high mileage. But do make sure that the xDrive20i you test drive doesn’t shown any signs of the timing chain issue.
R200 000 – R250 000: In this price range you can find a bit of everything, even some xDrive35is, but we spotted some well-looked-after xDrive20ds (pre-facelift) for below R250 000. As these vehicles are all out of Motorplan, or about to be, make sure it comes with a full service history at BMW.
This very clean xDrive20d (81 000km) was on sale at BMW SMG Tygervalley for R329 950.
R250 000+: There are still many F25s that trade for above R300 000, and you can have your pick of engine and specification, but in our view, you don’t need anything more than a nicely specified xDrive20d. You can pick up a facelifted xDrive20d for as little as R280 000, but beware mileage and condition. The sweet spot (budget permitting) is a 2015 xDrive20d with around 60 000 km or less on the odo. These sell for around R350 000. Extending the BMW Motorplan is usually a very costly exercise, but ask about options around warranty extension.
Our advice would be to find a low mileage, post-facelift (late 2014 onwards) X3 xDrive20d.
No surprises here… we’d highly recommend a post-facelift xDrive20d with a nice mix of optional extras. The post-facelift car not only still looks modern, it also benefitted from the availability of more modern features (note that many of them were optional and duly specced on many cars sold in South Africa. The xDrive20d is an economical vehicle (expect real-world consumption of around 6.5 L/100km) and it was also no slouch, with a 0-100 kph sprint time of below 9 seconds.
For around R300 000 there are several examples of the xDrive20d listed on Cars.co.za with well below 100 000 km on the odo.
Verdict
Still stylish, the X3 xDrive20d is a refined, luxurious and very comfortable all-round family car.
It is easy to understand why the F25-generation BMW X3 is such a popular vehicle. In facelifted form, it has aged well, and it still offers a very appealing blend of status, performance and practicality. In xDrive20d guise, it also offers a beautiful balance of performance and efficiency, while a nicely specced car will still look more expensive than it really was, and boast most of the latest technologies.
It remains, however, one of the sportier cars in its segment, so for some buyers it might be a little to “firm”, and if that’s the case, you may want to consider the Audi Q5 or Volvo XC60. If you’re budget can stretch a bit higher, you can also consider the newer Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Parts pricing
We asked BMW for the prices (incl. VAT) of some of the major parts for 2 of the most popular derivatives: the 2012 xDrive20i Steptronic (pre-facelift) and the 2015 xDrive20d Steptronic (facelifted). Please note that prices are dependent on the VIN of the particular vehicle, so view these as a guide.
The Ford Ranger Raptor has been on sale in South Africa for years. Well, that's not true, but if you looked at the average Ranger on our roads, you might be fooled into thinking so.
South African bakkie enthusiasts wanted the Raptor nameplate on their cars so desperately than many were willing to sacrifice good taste and fitted fake Raptor kits to their bog-standard Rangers.
Thankfully, Ford SA has finally introduced the real Ranger Raptor to our market. They're having a hard time convincing the South African public that this really is a special car, and not just a Ranger with some stickers and large tyres.
In this video, we set out on a two-day adventure with the Raptor, and we were left in no doubt that this is one special vehicle.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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).
