Toyota will be entering a new Supra into the Nurburgring 24 Hour Race this weekend. There's a nugget of info that has us very interested, however.
Motorsport is a great test of a car's reliability and durability as it pushes a vehicle to its limits for an extended period of time. However, the Nurburgring 24 Hour race event takes this to a new level and is extremely taxing and demanding to both vehicle and driver. With each lap comprising 25 km of distance, an altitude change of 300 metres and over 170 corners, a vehicle will be under serious strain.
A perfect place to refine and hone current technologies, then. We saw Hyundai put its pre-launch I30N hot hatches at this very event in 2017. Toyota Gazoo Racing has announced it will be participating in the 2019 event and has entered a new Supra to race alongside a Lexus LC.
Interestingly, in the press release from Toyota, the cars racing will "incorporate and refine parts and advanced technologies intended for future road cars." Does this mean we could be getting a hotter and faster Supra? Maybe. We already know that the Gazoo Racing hierarchy indicates a potential for a faster and more focused model. The current Toyota Supra is badged as GR, with the flagship performance models tagged as GRMN.
The new Toyota Supra will be launching in South Africa in the 3rd week of July 2019.
Initial predictions and estimates from the Automobile Association (AA) for SA suggests that road users are in for some relief in the next month or two.
The AA of SA is suggesting there's a decrease in the cost of petrol and diesel. With a prediction of as much as 91 cents per litre and 70 cents for the diesel, things are looking better for the motorists.
"The story of the month is definitely oil," says the AA. "Crude laboured above $70 a barrel for large portions of April and May, as the tug-of-war continued between the OPEC countries, which favour ongoing output restrictions, and the USA, where production is steaming ahead."
"South Africans are not getting full value though, thanks to Rand jitters in the wake of the ANC top leadership trading jibes over the future of the Reserve Bank," the AA comments."After a period of sustained price stability, the Rand weakened substantially against the US dollar, taking some of the shine off oil's retreat."
We'll keep you posted as we head closer to the end of June 2019.
Toyota Hilux vs Ford Ranger (2019) Comparative Test
Toyota Hilux or Ford Ranger? This is a question that thousands of potential South African bakkie buyers grapple with. For some, it’s an easy choice, but for many, it’s a trickier decision to make. For this comparative review, we set the Hilux and Ranger loose on the Welgelegen 4×4 Farm? in Stellenbosch to determine which one is the better buy…
At Cars.co.za, we like a good ol' bakkie battle and the rivalry between the Hilux and Ranger is as fierce as they come. With monthly sales figures running into the thousands, these 2 bakkies are considered to be the most popular Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) on sale in South Africa.
The last time we put the Hilux and Ranger together for a comparative test was way back in 2016 and at the time they were both really closely matched in almost every way, including price. Now, however, things have changed and there’s more to separate these classic rivals. The Hilux range received a significant update in 2018 and the facelifted Ranger was recently introduced with a pair of 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine options as well as a new 10-speed transmission. It is, therefore, the perfect time to bring these 2 bakkie giants together for another showdown.
For this comparative test, we managed to get our hands on the Ranger 2.0 4×4 XLT (automatic) and Hilux 2.8 GD-6 Raider 4×4 (manual).
Despite the differences in transmission, this comparative review provides useful buying advice if you are considering a Ranger or Hilux double-cab bakkie; we've paid particular attention to the contenders' kerb appeal, interior execution and standard features, engine performance, ride quality and handling, off-road ability and pricing and warranty details.
Is the mid-spec Ranger XLT strong enough to trounce the high-spec Hilux Raider? Let’s find out…
Both bakkies have recently received facelifts, noticeably changing the front end design.
How they compare in terms of…
Kerb Appeal?
Hilux
Raider spec Hilux really does look the part with the rear roll-over hoop.
Raider-spec adds notable road presence to the Hilux. The 2018 Dakar-inspired update includes welcome changes including a squared-off grille replete with a stylish chrome surround. The chrome look is carried over to the door mirrors and -handles, giving the Toyota a more sophisticated and polished look. The 2.8 GD-6 Raider 4×4 is also equipped with LED headlamps and daytime running lights as standard and rides on handsome 18-inch alloy wheels. Note that a rubberised load bay and sports bar is standard, but a tow bar is optional at an additional cost of R7 500.
Ranger
The Ranger XLT lacks a few styling finishes in comparison to the Hilux.
While the aesthetic changes to the latest Ranger are more subtle than those applied to the Hilux, they are nonetheless effective! The most obvious change is the central bar, which effectively splits the grille into 2 halves, while the lower bumper has been revised to strengthen the 2.0 4×4 XLT's overall front-end design. The chrome treatment gives the Ford some flash, but it does not detract from its macho appeal. The derivative rides on smaller 17-inch alloy wheels and looks a bit naked without a sports bar or a rubberised load bay (optional). A tow bar, however, is standard.
Verdict: Overall, we think the Hilux Raider looks more impressive than the Ranger XLT in the metal; it simply has more kerb appeal in stock form. Perhaps the smaller wheels and absence of a sports bar and naked load bay gives the impression that the Ranger XLT is a more basic offering (which it isn’t, but more on that later). Nonetheless, styling is subjective and you will ultimately have to decide which look you like most.
Interior execution and features?
Hilux
Cloth seats at this end of the are a bit of a letdown. *auto model pictured.
The Hilux’s interior has an upmarket appearance and its build quality is very good. However, the touchscreen infotainment system is rudimentary and while it does offer navigation and Bluetooth, it isn't Android Auto or Apple CarPlay compatible (which is an ongoing gripe with the Toyota range).
The 2.8 GD-6 Raider 4×4 comes with cloth upholstery as standard (leather is optional; speccing it will cost an additional R12 500) and other interior features worth mentioning include a rake/reach adjustable steering wheel with mounted controls, height-adjustable driver's seat (manual), cruise control, single-zone climate control, a USB port, electric windows/side mirrors and a reverse-view camera.
Ranger is impressively specced with modern infotainment and leather seats.
While Ford's interior material/trim does not quite match that of the Toyota (some of the plastics panels feel of marginal quality, for example), the perceived build quality (fit) is still good. The Ranger, however, strikes a significant blow in this match-up by offering an impressive, easy-to-use SYNC3 touchscreen infotainment system that includes Bluetooth, voice control, navigation, as well as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.
Moreover, the 2.0 4×4 XLT is also well-stocked with standard features, the most notable being leather upholstery, a multifunction steering wheel (rake adjustable only, we must add), height-adjustable driver's seat (manual), rain-sensing windscreen wipers, keyless access, two USB ports, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, electric windows/side mirrors and front and rear park distance control with a reverse-view camera.
Verdict: The Ranger scores a win in terms of connectivity and its high level of standard specification adds significant value to the overall package. By contrast, the Hilux’s infotainment system is no match and it can’t beat the Ranger XLT in terms of standard features. It’s a big win for the Ranger!
Engine performance?
Ford has downsized its new Ranger bakkie to just 2.0 litres, while the Hilux remains 2.8 litres.
Hilux
The Hilux employs the familiar 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine with 130 kW and 420 Nm of torque. By all accounts, it’s a dependable motor that offers solid general performance be it on- or off-road. The Hilux accelerates with purpose and even though it doesn't have the most refined engine in its segment, its performance is difficult to fault. Mechanical integrity is one of the main reasons why the Hilux has such a devout following in Mzansi.
While we didn’t have an automatic on test on this particular occasion, we have tested the Hilux 2.8 GD-6 automatic extensively in the past and found the transmission to be well-matched to the engine, while also offering prompt and (relatively) smooth shifts. Toyota claims an average consumption figure of 8.5 L/100 km for the 2.8 GD-6 Raider automatic and our previous tests returned reasonable real-world figures of just over 10 L/100 km.
Ranger
Many people are sceptical about Ford’s new 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine (just as they had misgivings about the Amarok's 2.0-litre mill), but despite its smaller capacity, the new motor just about matches the Hilux’s outputs with 132 kW and 420 Nm. We can report with confidence that it outperforms the Hilux in the real world by offering superior mid-range acceleration, while also being quieter and more refined. The single-turbo engine is a peach!
Furthermore, the Ranger's new 10-speed transmission is very responsive to throttle inputs and always seems to be in the right gear to match on-road conditions. It’s also wonderfully smooth in operation. Importantly, though, the Ford trumps the Toyota in terms of fuel efficiency too. Ford claims an average consumption figure of 7.5 L/100 km and we saw returns of around 9.5 L/100 km, which is commendable.
Verdict: The Ranger convincingly beats the Hilux in 3 key areas including performance, fuel efficiency and transmission performance.
Ford's new single-turbo engine is smooth and its 10-speed 'box delivers excellent shifts.
Ride & Handling?
Hilux
The 2.8 GD-6 Raider 4×4's ride quality is good on asphalt as well as gravel road surfaces. However, the Hilux is more firmly sprung than the Ranger; its ride quality is not as pliant. What's more, we found the rear end to be somewhat jittery, something that most bakkies suffer from (but improves when the load bed is laden). We do, however, like the Hilux's well-weighted steering feel as it inspires confidence, especially when venturing offroad.
Ranger
One of the key upgrades the Ranger received during its recent model-year update was a revision of its suspension setup – and it has paid dividends. Whether crossing tar or off-road routes, the Ford’s ride is more forgiving than (and offers superior driving comfort to) the Toyota. The former's steering is lighter in feel and, depending on your preference, this can be beneficial when navigating the bakkie in tight city confines.
Verdict: We found the latest Ranger to ride more comfortably on various surfaces and, therefore, it scoops another win against the Hilux.
Off-road ability?
Hilux
The Hilux has always had impeccable off-road skills.
The Hilux is mightily impressive off-road and while we'd have preferred to tackle the off-road course with an automatic, the manual version of the 2.8 GD-6 Raider 4×4 performed admirably. Adorned with a rotary knob to easily switch between 2H, 4H and 4L, along with a centre and rear differential lock, the Hilux is virtually unstoppable when the going gets tough. The ground clearance of 286 mm makes it easier to deal with trickier obstacles.
Ranger
Both bakkies proved very capable on the off-road track at Welgelegen.
Much like the Hilux, the Ranger offers impressive off-road ability and the automatic transmission made off-roading even easier, because you only have to focus on steering and throttle control. The Ranger is also equipped with a shift-on-the-fly rotary knob for 2H, 4H and 4L as well as a rear differential lock to tackle tougher terrain. The Ranger’s ground clearance, however, is notably lower than the Toyota's (237 mm vs 286 mm).
Verdict: We know from extensive testing that the Hilux and Ranger are hugely capable offroaders and while both impressed us with their off-road abilities during this comparative test, we feel that a draw is the fairest call we can make seeing that we had different transmissions on test here.
Pricing and Warranty?
Hilux
The Hilux 2.8 GD-6 4×4 Raider manual is priced from R616 600 and if you want the automatic version then you can expect to pay R637 500 – an extra R19 900. The Hilux is sold with a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and 9 services as standard.
While the Hilux Raider 2.8-GD-6 4×4 should ideally be compared with the Ranger 2.0 Bi-Turbo 4×4 Wildtrak – not the 2.0 4×4 XLT – the reality is that the former and latter's powerplants and abilities are well matched. However, the well-specced Ford offers better value for money than the Toyota.
To illustrate this: if you opt for the Hilux 2.8 GD-6 Raider 4×4 Automatic (R637 500) and specify leather seats and a tow bar, its total price will total R657 500, some R87 300 more than the Ranger XLT 4×4 Automatic. In this comparative review, the Ranger outshone the Hilux in terms of performance, refinement, fuel efficiency, ride and handling and standard specification. It’s also worth noting that the Ford has a longer warranty.
Is the prestige of the Toyota badge enough of a reason to buy the Raider (at a premium) instead of the XLT, though? Remember that Toyota is not a top seller without reason. Since the inception of the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank (and its crowning Brand of the Year category), the Japanese marque has won the title twice in 4 years, while Ford is yet to make the podium on any occasion. Brand of the Year means the marque in question excels at its sales processes, ownership satisfaction with its products, after-sales service, and achieve good resale values.
Therefore, in terms of sheer value-for-money, the Ranger 2.0 4×4 XLT wins this comparative test, but, based on feedback we've received from thousands of South African vehicle owners, the Hilux 2.8 GD-6 Raider 4×4 remains the better long-term ownership proposition.
Don’t agree with our verdict? Share your opinion with us!
Renault reveals its latest version of the Alpine A110S – and it’s even lighter.
There aren’t many cars that can rival Porsche’s 718. If you want a mid-engined sportscar, you ordinarily have to pay supercar money for the privilege of having an engine between the axles, instead of on top of one of them.
Renault is finally giving Porsche what they have never had: a proper compact mid-engined rival to the 718 (Cayman). The car in question is the brand’s revival of its Alpine sub-brand and named A110. If you are a Renault follower, and aware of its classics, that naming convention will make complete sense.
The A110 is a mid-engined chassis unique to Alpine and powered by the same 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder which sits up front in Renault’s highly regarded Megane hot hatches. It’s light and fast – and now Alpine has revealed the A110S, which is even lighter and faster.
Alpine engineers have added an assortment of technical upgrades to the A110 with this new ‘S’ derivative. At each wheel corner there are revised spring rates, hollow anti-roll bars and recalibrated dampers which create a median 75% stiffer suspension set-up. The A110S also rides 4 mm lower than Alpine’s factory specification A110.
Larger Brembo brakes, which are optional on the A110, come as standard fitment on the A110S and it also rolls a stickier compound of Michelin high-performance tyre. For those drivers confident in their abilities, the car’s electronic stability control can also be completely disabled…
The A110S is more powerful than a standard A110, with power boosted from 185- to 215 kW. That increase in engine output equates to 0-100 kph in 4.4 seconds.
Best of all is how light the A110S is. With a carbon-fibre roof, which saves 1.9 kg in weight, this mid-engined Renault sportscar registers a kerb mass of only 1 114 kg.
Availability in select markets is scheduled for the fourth quarter of this year, with indicative pricing of R1 250 000. Renault SA was originally excited about bringing Alpine models to SA, however hasn't been able to make a business case work for it with current exchange rate fluctuations.
Five Times Carmakers Over-customised Cars for Hobbies
Carmakers try their hardest to produce vehicles to suit customer's lifestyles. Sometimes they go above and beyond and cater for very specific hobbies. Here are 5 instances where manufacturers went overboard.
Cars come in all shapes and sizes, to suit various needs and roles. If you're wanting to carry 7 people plus luggage to the airport on a daily basis, then there's a shuttle bus for that. If you're a single person doing small distances to work and back, there's a compact car for you. If you need to tow things and go offroading, then guaranteed there's a large SUV or double-cab bakkie that will fulfil that need. What we're saying is that cars are engineered to suit people's lifestyle and generalisations are applied.
However, there are times where cars have been created or modified to suit very exact needs, or rather should we say built for a very specific demographic. Granted, some of these are one-offs and concepts, while others are priced beyond the realm of reason, but it's impressive and incredible to see what can be done.
Jamie Oliver's Land Rover Discovery Kitchen
Chef Jamie Oliver teamed up with Land Rover to create a kitchen on wheels. Based on a current generation Land Rover Discovery 5, this unique creation features a pull-out preparation table, toaster, slow-cooker, ice cream maker, olive oil dispenser and even a rotisserie skewer.
Skoda Karoq Velo
Skoda is a Czech vehicle brand owned by the Volkswagen Group and it has a record of supporting major cycling events and teams. It has made a cyclist's dream vehicle, based on the Karoq compact SUV. Inside, there's a toolbox, drinks cooler, high-pressure hose, washing machine and a work station to service your bike.
Range Rover by Holland & Holland
For those wanting the ultimate in luxury and comfort, even beyond what Range Rover can offer, look no further than Holland & Holland. The company has created a version of the Range Rover for hunters. Not only has the interior been overhauled and given a seriously luxury upgrade, but it also features gun racks and storage for hunting rifles.
Nissan X-Trail 4Dogs
Just when you think you've seen it all, along comes a car for dog owners. Based on the Nissan X-Trail, the X-Trail 4Dogs edition features a modified boot area complete with access ramp, snack dispenser, 360-degree pull out shower, hairdryer, doggy bed, and clipping points for a safety harness. The boot is upholstered in premium wipe-clean leather so any stray dirt or pet hair can easily be cleaned or removed.
Bentley Bentayga Fly Fishing by Mulliner
This is an interesting tie in, as we reckon that owners of Bentaygas are hardly likely to take their prized SUVs offroad. However, Bentley feels there's an opportunity to appeal to the fly-fishing community and turned to its coachbuilding arm, Mulliner. The Bentayga's boot has been modified into one gorgeously trimmed fly-tying workstation and storage area.
Spy Shots: Audi A3
The next-generation of Audi A3 has been spotted testing in the Alps.
Picture credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien
What you see is the next-generation Audi A3, carefully camouflaged. Our spy photographers tell us that the A3 prototypes were in the Alps mountain range undergoing brake testing on the technical and twisty sections of road. Anyone who has driven extensively in a mountainous are knows how much the brakes get worked when you're trying to keep the car in control on a downhill.
In terms of engines, we think the range will receive revised and enhanced versions of the current powertrains as well as the inevitable plug-in hybrid / e-tron. There should also be an S3 and an RS3, but the performance variants are at least 18 months away. When it comes to interiors, we think the new Audi A3 will adopt the latest cabins seen in the A1 and Q8. That means a new-look infotainment software, which we've experienced in the aforementioned cars.
We're still some way away from seeing a production-ready Audi A3, but we expect a reveal before the end of 2019.
The CitiGolf is a bona fide icon of South African motoring – close to 377 000 units of the legacy Golf Mk1 units were produced in Volkswagen South Africa's Uitenhage plant. Here are 5 of the most influential versions ever made…
With a heritage that spans 25 years, the CitiGolf is somewhat of a phenomenon here in South Africa. In 1984, the original Golf Mk1 (the successor to the Beetle) was superseded by the Mk2 (also known as the "Jumbo Golf"), which boasted bigger dimensions and a plethora of improvements. But, because the Golf had moved upmarket, it was no longer as affordable and this left a chasm in Volkswagen South Africa’s entry-level portfolio.
While the company did consider introducing the Polo to the local market, the local subsidiary of the Wolfsburg-based brand ultimately decided to continue its Golf 1 production line (which had been amortised) and repackage the Mk1 as an affordable car for students and first-time buyers. And so the CitiGolf concept was born. During its tenure, the CitiGolf was available in various states of tune and colour options, and Volkswagen sold more than 1 200 units a month – every month – for a quarter of a century. Think about that for a moment… While there were a number of stand-out derivatives produced over the years, including Sonic, Deco, Designa, Citi.com and Ritz, the following 5 CitiGolfs stand out as the most influential.
5. CitiGolf Sport 1985-1989
With a colour scheme inspired by Dutch artist Piet Mondrian, the "Eighties" CitiGolf was available in the choice of three bright primary hues: blue, yellow and red, while other colours (such as silver, black and pink) were introduced at a later stage. Powered by 1.3-litre carb-fed 4-cylinder, these versions sold appreciably well owing to their economic engines, affordability and bright, endearing colour-ways. The line-up lacked an out-and-out performance model for a few years, but that changed when the CitiGolf Sport was introduced to the market. Responsible for kick-starting a lineage of performance-focused CitiGolfs, the Sport was initially powered by a 64 kW 1.6-litre (also with a carburettor), but was later upgraded to a 70 kW 1.8-litre motor mated with a short-ratio 5-speed manual gearbox — it was pretty rapid for the time (capable of a sub-11 sec 0-100 kph dash).
4. Citi Life 1999-2003
After the CTi (see below) was discontinued in the mid-Nineties, it wasn’t until the Citi Life was introduced in 1999, that a veritable performance-orientated derivative was again available to the public. In terms of DNA, it followed very much a similar recipe to that of the CTi with blacked-out tailgate- and B-pillar foiling, a rear spoiler, colour coding, mudguards and 15-inch alloy wheels. It truly looked part.
Engine-wise, it received a fuel-injected 1.6-litre 4 cylinder — it was a nippy little lump that produced 74 kW and 140 Nm of torque. It also benefitted from upgraded brakes and new exhaust system, all of which yielded a fairly impressive 10 sec 0-100 kph sprint time. The Citi Life underwent a mid-life facelift in 2003 when Volkswagen SA introduced a string of changes to freshen up both the Citi’s exterior and interior design cues. To give a few examples: it was rebranded with updated "Life" fender logos and a "Citi 1.6i" gel sticker on the tailgate, received new front windows, relocated wing mirrors, a rear-screen wiper, and repositioned indicators (on the front fenders), while its interior sported a completely new dashboard (see VeloCiti).
3. VeloCiti 2005-2009
The VeloCiti heralded a new dawn for the CitiGolf concept in South Africa. Its sporty facade, new badging philosophy and trendy, metallic colour options found favour with the younger generation and stimulated yet another resurgence in sales in the entry-level segment. It sported the brand’s recent facelift, which implemented several changes to the exterior and interior, most notable of which was the completely re-designed dashboard (something it borrowed from the Skoda Fabia). It was available in 2 states of tune: a 62 kW 1.4-litre and 74 kW 1.6-litre, both controlled by MP9 management systems and accessed via a short-ratio 5-speed ‘FFZ’ transmission. 2006 heralded another facelift with such changes as newly remodelled tail-lamp clusters with circular insets (to go with Volkswagen’s new design language) and a new front bumper with lower apron grille.
2. CitiGolf CTi 1990-1995
*Image courtesy of Car Magazine.
Considered by many local Volkswagen aficionados as the best CitiGolf of all, the CTi quickly gained cult status owing to its GTI-derived DNA and sportiness. As such the CTi received myriad enhancements to differentiate itself from its lesser siblings such as a rear spoiler, blacked-out tailgate foiling, CTi decals on the lower rear doors, 15-inch alloy wheels and colour-coded wing mirrors. The interior too benefited from semi-leather/tartan cloth seats, sporty instrumentation binnacles and a trio of VDO ancillary gauges to monitor oil pressure, amp voltage and fuel pressure gauges. It all looked very authentic; very GTi. Its biggest drawcard was undoubtedly the K-Jetronic-fuel-injected 1.8-litre 8-valve motor that pumped out 82 kW and 153 Nm of torque. It was a screamer and – at the time – the fastest CitiGolf ever produced with a top speed of 180 kph. It's a collector’s piece!
1. CitiGolf 1.8i R-Line 2006 (Limited Edition)
Fettled by Volkswagen South Africa's motorsport division, the Citi R-Line was a reincarnation of the original Mk 1 GTi and CTi. Like the GTi and CTi that came before it, the R-Line also befitted from a 1.8-litre 8-valve engine — albeit with radically tweaked internals such as a smoothed-out cylinder head, a re-profiled 272-degree camshaft and chip-tuned ECU. With maximum outputs of 90 kW and 162 Nm, the 900 kg Citi R-Line was no slouch in a straight line – Volkswagen South Africa a claimed the R-Line had a 0-100 kph sprint time of 8.5 seconds.
Furthermore, it looked the part, with an aggressive body kit, pin-striped grille, limited-edition alloy wheels and R-Line badges rounding off the visual treatment. As to how many were ever produced, nobody quite knows… There was, however, a limited run of standard Citi 1.8i units, boasting identical performance figures but far more demure packaging, that followed shortly after the launch of the R-Line.
Latest long-roof 3 Series could be BMW’s most attractive station wagon, yet.
BMW has revealed its bigger and better sixth-generation 3 Series Touring – which you still won’t be able to buy from your local South African dealer.
The new 3 Series Touring is 76 mm longer bumper-to-bumper, 16 mm broader across and 8 mm taller than the previous generation BMW compact station wagon. What those dimensions yield in terms of usable cabin architecture, is 1% more utility space, with total luggage capacity now rated at 500-litres.
Crucially, the load area has a 112 m larger overall aperture, with a lower lip, to ensure easier manoeuvring of items in and out of the rear of a new 3 Series Touring.
BMW’s engineers have also standardised an electric fifth-door and powered 40/20/40 rear seat split function. Further improving convenience, of those who just love loading things into cars, is the ability to open the fifth door's window only, for loading lighter shopping, instead of having to open the entire tailgate.
Mechanically the 3 Series Touring shadows all the new features available in its sedan sibling. Overall weight distribution is at parity, with an equal 50/50 split between the axles. There’s a 41 mm longer wheelbase too, balanced by a wider track, to improve both handling stability and cornering agility.
Engine options are similar to what you’ll find in the latest 3 Series sedan, with two turbocharged four-cylinder powerplants. The 330i is powered by a 2-litre petrol, boosting 190 kW and 400 Nm, whilst 320d compresses diesel for peak outputs of 140 kW and 400 Nm.
Those who desire the most responsive possible driving experience from their 3 Series Touring can specify an M Sport package, which lowers the ride height by 10 mm and adds adaptive M suspension, which includes electronically-controlled dampers.
A car with terrifically balanced proportions and admirably practicality, the BMW 3 Series Touring will not be available to South African buyers. This is a shame.
Alfa Romeo tops at Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este again (gallery)
Following success in several other high-profile events, the Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B that emerged victorious at the recent Concorso Eleganza Villa d'Este could be the world's most celebrated car.
Could David Sydorick's 1937 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B be the most exquisite car in the world? Not only did it win the Trofeo BMW Group for "Best of Show" at this year's prestigious Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este in Italy, but also the audience-voted Coppa d'Oro. But that's not all… It also won "Best of Show" at last year's Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and "Best of the Best" at the Peninsula Classics in Paris in February. It's a truly magnificant machine that after all of these awards must be just about priceless.
It's not the owner's first win at Villa d'Este. Sydorick already won the title of “Best of Show” with another Alfa Romeo from his collection in 2015. “I have won a lot of prizes with my automobiles, but this vehicle really fulfils all my desires. The Best of Show here at Villa d’Este is like receiving a knighthood,” were the words of a delighted Sydorick at the award ceremony.
This 8C 2900B is one of only 30 vehicles built in this series and sold by Alfa Romeo between 1937 and 1940. The chassis of the immensely successful racing cars provided the platform and an inline all-alloy 8-cylinder engine provided the power. The advanced engine (for the time) featured 2 overhead camshafts and twin-supercharging to deliver 180hp (around 134kW). Independent suspension and a rear-mounted gearbox were additional advanced features. This particular car is the first of just five vehicles with a long wheelbase and is clothed in stunning Superleggera coachwork by Carrozzeria Touring.
BMW unveiled its Garmisch concept car at Villa d'Este, a stunning remake of the original concept that went missing in 1970.
The glamorous Concorso Eleganza Villa d'Este, which takes place annually on the banks of Lake Como in Italy, celebrates 50 of the world's most stunning cars every year, and this year the variety was jaw-dropping. BMW (a co-sponsor of the event) even recreated one of its historic concept cars, the Marcello Gandini-penned "Garmisch", a striking prototype sedan that went missing in 1970, for special display against the backdrop of the historic Villa d'Este.
Full list of winners
Trofeo BMW Group – Best of Show by the Jury
Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B, Berlinetta, Touring, 1937, David Sydorick (US)
CLASS A: GOODBYE ROARING TWENTIES: THE BIRTH OF THE CONCORSO
Class Winner
Vauxhall 30 / 98 Type OE, Boattail Tourer, Vauxhall, 1925, Peter Goodwin (US)
Mention of Honour
Lancia Lambda Serie VIII, Four-Seater Torpedo, Lancia, 1928, Anthony MacLean (CH)
CLASS B: FAST FORWARD: A QUARTER CENTURY OF PROGRESS
Class Winner
Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B, Berlinetta, Touring, 1937, David Sydorick (US)
Volkswagen has announced a diesel engine for its T-Cross compact SUV, but it's not for SA.
When we drove the Volkswagen T-Cross at its international launch, powertrain options ranged from petrol and diesel. With the vehicle due to land in South Africa in September 2019 we can confirm, thanks to a quick chat from someone in the Volkswagen SA communications office, that our market will only be getting petrol engines. These range from a turbocharged, 3-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol engine with 85 kW and 200 Nm of torque to a range-topping 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine with 110 kW. There's talk of a 70 kW version appearing later too.
However, the European market will be getting a new diesel-powered derivative along with the aforementioned petrol units. Packing 70 kW and 250 Nm from a 1.6-litre turbocharged diesel 4-cylinder engine, the oil-burning T-Cross is claimed to consume 5.3 L/100 km. In terms of acceleration, it'll hit 100 kph in 11.9 seconds for the manual-gearbox equipped T-Cross and 12.5 seconds for the 7-speed DSG derivative.
VW SA has only released indicative pricing and the good news is the T-Cross will be available from under R300 000.
