New Audi Special Editions for SA

Audi has introduced a number of special editions in South Africa as well as enhancing equipment specification for select models. See details below…

Buyers eyeing out the Audi A3, Q2 and Q5 now have some more choice with the addition of special edition models while the A5 and Q2 have also received additional standard equipment.

Special Edition models and equipment upgrades

Audi A3 Comfort Edition

The A3 Comfort Edition is only offered on the 30 TFSI derivative (Sportback and sedan) which is powered by a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbopetrol engine with 85 kW and 200 Nm of torque. Special features include newly-styled 17-inch alloy wheels, partial leather upholstery, LED headlights, front and rear park distance control sensors, black headlining and interior storage package.

Audi A3 Sportback 30 TFSI 85kW S tronic Comfort Edition – R458 720

Audi A3 Sedan 30 TFSI 85kW S tronic Comfort Edition – R468 720

Audi A3 Black Edition

The A3 Black Edition is offered on the 110 kW/250 Nm 1.4-litre turbopetrol and 140 kW/320 Nm 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine derivatives and was created to lift the visual appeal by adding high-gloss trim elements seen on the grille, front bumper, rear diffuser and window trim. These derivatives gain 18-inch alloy wheels, an S Line body kit, partial leather upholstery, black headliner, storage package and LED headlights.  

Audi A3 Sportback 35 TFSI 110kW S tronic Black Edition – R501 721

Audi A3 Sportback 40 TFSI 140kW S tronic Black Edition – R521 721

Audi A3 Sedan 35 TFSI 110kW S tronic Black Edition – R511 721

Audi A3 Sedan 40 TFSI 140kW S tronic Black Edition – R531 221

Buy a new or used Audi A3 on Cars.co.za

Audi Q2 Black Edition

Offered on the 85 kW/200 Nm 1.0-litre turbopetrol and 110 kW/250 Nm 1.4-litre turbopetrol derivatives, the Q2 Black Edition gains high-gloss details including black 19-inch rotor design alloy wheels, gloss black grille, bumpers, rear diffuser and window trims as well as a gloss black C-pillar blade and black headlining for the interior.

Q2 30 TFSI 85kW S tronic Sport Black Edition – R510 569

Q2 35 T FSI 110kW S tronic Sport Black Edition – R557 569

In addition to this, all Audi Q2 derivatives standard equipment list now includes LED headlights, rear parking aid, deluxe automatic air-conditioning and a 10-speaker Audi sound system.

Buyers will also now be able to have the 110 kW 1.4-litre turbopetrol engine in base trim specification, which was previously only offered in Sport trim specification.

Buy a new or used Audi Q2 on Cars.co.za

Audi Q5 Black Edition

The Q5 Black Edition is only offered on the Sport derivatives and includes 20-inch wheels, S Line body kit, high-gloss package for the window trims, grille, front bumper, rear diffuser, gloss-black mirrors housings and roof rails.

Audi Q5 40 TDI 140kW quattro S tronic Sport Black Edition – R787 974

Audi Q5 45 TFSI 185kW quattro S tronic Sport Black Edition – R837 974

Audi Q5 Offroad Edition

For this special edition, the Q5 SUV gains the Audi Genuine Accessories Offroad styling kit which includes a front and rear bumper underbody in Selenite Silver and wheel arches/sill in Stone Grey metallic. Other features included larger 19-inch wheels and LED headlights.

Audi Q5 40 TDI 140kW quattro S tronic Offroad Edition – R745 640

Audi Q5 45 TFSI 185kW quattro S tronic Offroad Edition – R795 640

Buy a new or used Audi Q5 on Cars.co.za

Audi A5 specification update

The A5 range which includes the A5 Coupe, Sportback and Cabriolet now offers additional standard features including LED headlights, front and rear park distance control and Audi music interface.

Buy a new or used Audi A5 on Cars.co.za

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GWM’s new Leisure Bakkie confirmed for SA

China's Great Wall Motors (GWM) revealed its all-new, 3rd-generation Pick-up at the Shanghai Auto Show this week. This is not a replacement for the current Steed range, but a more upmarket offering that's intended to rival the industry's big hitters. What's more, it could arrive in South Africa before the end of 2020…

The boldly styled newcomer does not yet have an official name, but internally it's referred to as the "Pow-Series" and will be offered in 3 distinct flavours: Commercial, Passenger and Off-road. GWM believes this Pick-up (bakkie), which will be built at an all-new factory, will be a match for the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux (the vehicles it was benchmarked against). The company has set itself the difficult goal of becoming the world's 3rd most popular pick-up brand, and will, therefore, enter new markets with this product, including the Americas and previously untapped Asian regions.


With its bold chrome grille and substantial dimensions, the new GWM Pick-Up casts a large shadow. It arguably needs bigger wheels than the standard 18-inch items.

The bakkie itself is an imposing machine with a bold chrome grille on the passenger version that reminds one of the Toyota Tundra. It measures 5 425 mm in length and has a 3 230-mm wheelbase – both these key dimensions are bigger than those of the Ford Ranger. Built on the marque's all-new P71 platform, 2 different suspension configurations will be offered – Commercial versions will feature traditional leaf-sprung rear suspension, while Passenger and Offroad variants get a multi-link arrangement.

Inside the spacious cabin it boasts SUV-like features and fittings – the display unit had expensive-looking (and smelling) leather that extended to the door trims. Features such as adaptive cruise control and lane-change assist, among many others, will be offered.

Under the bonnet you'll find either a 2.0-litre turbopetrol (120kW/360Nm) or a 2.0-litre turbodiesel (between peak torque of 380 Nm or 400 Nm). GWM has revealed that it's also working on bigger engines, but didn't disclose capacities, only stating that the target for the larger turbodiesel engine would be a maximum torque figure of between 480 and 500 Nm! The new GWM bakkie will be available with either a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission. The Off-road version will feature 3 differential locks as well as a new "Tank U-Turn" mode, which allows it to turn very tight corners at slow off-road speeds. The towing capacity for the new pick-up will be an industry-competitive 3 500 kg (for braked trailers).


Off-road variants get 3 differential locks, a winch and snorkel. A portfolio of localised accessories is part of the plan.

Interestingly, GWM also previewed a fully-electric version at the Shanghai Auto Show, although it did not divulge any technical details. It has confirmed that the electric pick-up's development includes right-hand drive markets, so South Africa could very well see this vehicle in the future.

According to the MD of the Australian subsidiary, sales of such a "ute" would likely be slow, but it could be a great way for GWM to change brand perceptions and get an early start. Hybrid (including plug-in hybrid), as well as a hydrogen fuel-cell versions, are also on the cards.

During our visit to GWM/Haval's factory in Baoding we were shown around the company's hydrogen fuel-cell research centre, claimed to be the biggest and most sophisticated in all of China…


Offering luxury SUV-like fittings and features, the new GWM Pick-Up can be specified with a raft of advanced safety features. Credit: Reuben van Niekerk.

While it's unclear exactly when the alternative fuel (and EV) variants will reach South Africa, the rest of the world is not likely to have to wait too long. GWM moves fast these days. Two years ago its Ora EV brand did not even exist, and now the roads in Baoding are full of them. At the Shanghai Show, the Chinese firm showcased its cute new R2 compact EV, which is already on sale…

What is the new pick-up likely to cost in South Africa? "Definitely above R300 000," said the South African MD, Charles Zhao, adding that the current Steed 5/5E and Steed 6 would continue at their lower price points. Our guess would be that higher-spec passenger versions of the "Pick-up" are likely to be positioned around the R400 000 mark.

Evidently, the product of intensive research and benchmarking, not least a very ambitious company, GWM's new bakkie joins a wave of new products that the Chinese giant is pushing out to the world, including South Africa, during the second half of 2020. 

You may also be interested in:

Haval confirms H6 and F7 for South Africa

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SMV Becomes VW’s Longest SUV Ever

Proving that a Tiguan platform can become longer than a Touareg. 

VW’s Touareg is the German brand’s largest SUV that most followers of the brand are familiar with, but for those who require even more interior space and less parking convenience – there’s now something even longer.

Due for its global debut at this week’s Shanghai auto show, it’s called the SMV and is slated for exclusive introduction to the Chinese market within the next two years. Built by VW’s Chinese joint venture partner, FAW, the SMV becomes the longest Wolfsburg vehicle ever offered on the brand’s MQB platform.

Measured bumper-to-bumper, it sizes at 5 100 mm, which is quite a bit longer than a Touareg at 4 878 mm. The SMV’s size is quite an achievement as it manages to be that much larger than a Touareg, despite being built on the smaller MQB vehicle architecture, shared with Tiguan and Golf, as opposed to the MLB structure, underpinning VW’s current third-generation Touareg. The cabin configuration seats six passengers and a driver for a total complement of seven occupants.

Powering the SMV will be a choice of two turbocharged petrol engines, either a 2-litre TSI or 2.5-litre VR6, the latter boosting 217 kW and 500 Nm. Drive is apportioned to all four wheels, via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

As an indication of where VW’s large SUV styling evolution is trending towards, the SMV is notable for its full-length horizontal LED strips running across the grille and tailgate.

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New Nissan Sylphy Revealed

This is the new Nissan Sylphy, as it’s called in China, but for South Africans, the Sentra nameplate is more familiar even though the model is no longer on sale locally due to dwindling sales.

Let’s pretend that C-Segment sedans are hugely popular and then you might be able to imagine the Sylphy being offered in South Africa. The truth, however, is that sedans are dying in the wake of the crossover/SUV craze and it’s the very reason that the Nissan Sentra was discontinued locally in 2017. The Almera, however, is still forging ahead. Unsurprisingly, Nissan SA has confirmed that the Sylphy is not coming to South Africa.

Nonetheless, the Sylphy is an all-new model that adopts a wider and lower-riding stance with improved aerodynamics. The Sylphy wears a black grille with a 3-D V-motion design.

Nissan has not divulged full engine details but it is stated that the Sylphy is powered by an all-new Nissan HR16DE Gen3 intelligent drive engine with an Xtronic transmission which is said to offer a linear, smooth driving experience. Nissan has also reworked the steering, suspension and increased body rigidity in an effort to improve handling performance.

The interior benefits from an 8-inch central display as well as a high-definition 7-inch transistor monitor which communicates information to the driver. The infotainment system provides seamless smartphone connectivity and voice command.

Buy a new or used Nissan on Cars.co.za

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First Electric Aston Martin Rapide E Revealed

Aston Martin has shown its first production Electric Vehicle (EV) at the Shanghai Auto Show. Meet the Rapide E!

The Rapide E is Aston Martin’s first step towards an electrified future with its zero-emission luxury brand, Lagonda, expected to produce a fully electric production crossover by 2022 which will be based on the recently-revealed Lagonda All-Terrain Concept.

Dr Andy Palmer, President and Group CEO, Aston Martin Lagonda, commented: "Unveiling the Rapide E will be a huge moment for Aston Martin. As our first all-electric production car, it is a truly historic step. One that signals Aston Martin is prepared for the huge challenge of an environmentally responsible and sustainable future. As a car company we cannot afford to passively allow that future to come to us; we have to actively chase it. Only by doing this can we learn and prepare, but also preserve those things we love as drivers and car enthusiasts. That's why it was so important to me that in embracing EV technology we should not let go of those unique qualities that define an Aston Martin. I believe Rapide E embodies that desire and paves the way for a hugely exciting future."

Electric Power


The Rapide E delivers both performance and a claimed range of 322 km.  

Gone is the 6.0-litre V12 engine which is now replaced by an 800-volt electrical architecture battery with 65 kWh capacity and wrapped in Kevlar and carbon fibre. A total of 5 600 lithium-ion cells produce 448 kW and 950 Nm which is directed to rear-mounted electric motors with a limited-slip differential.

In terms of performance, the rear-wheel drive Rapide E will sprint from zero to 100 kph in roughly 4 seconds with a top speed of 250 kph.

The Rapide E is said to have a range of 322 km and almost 300 km charge can be achieved in an hour using a 400 V/ 50 kW charger. Faster charging can be achieved by using an 800 V/100 kW outlet which can charge almost 500 km in one hour.    

Particular attention has been paid to enhancing the Rapide E’s aerodynamic performance which ultimately increases range. Aston says that the Rapide E is 8% more aerodynamically efficient than the previous internal combustion model.

On the inside, the previous analogue dials are replaced by a 10-inch digital display provides all vehicle information to the driver including battery charge, motor power levels, regenerative performance and real-time energy consumption. Carbon fibre is used extensively in the cabin to reduce overall weight and improve efficiency. Owners can also make use of a dedicated app to view key vehicle information remotely.

The Rapide E, developed in collaboration with Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE), is the first electric production vehicle to be produced at Aston’s new production facility in Athan, Wales and only 155 units will be available worldwide.

Buy a new or used Aston Martin on Cars.co.za

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GLB is Benz’s new 7-seater SUV

GLB is yet another Mercedes-Benz SUV and has just been revealed at the 2019 Shanghai Auto Show.

Mercedes-Benz believes there is a market for a smaller seven-seater SUV in its product portfolio and has revealed a new vehicle positioned between GLA and GLC.

The concept SUV is called GLB and although it rides on the German brand’s compact SUV platform, there are three rows of seating. Mercedes says that clever cabin engineering makes those rearmost seats comfortable enough for medium sized adults, even on longer journeys, thanks to the second-row seats being 50mm rearwards and 90mm forwards adjustable.

Ranked in overall size the GLB measures 4.62m bumper-to-bumper, with a 2.82m wheelbase contained within those dimensions. That makes slightly more than 200mm longer than a GLA and only a touch shorter than the GLC. r

GLB features the current Mercedes SUV and bakkie design language with a bold twin-bar grille and rectangular headlights, featuring integrated LEDs. The rear shows-off a new tailgate stamping whilst the overall stance indicates raised suspension, higher than either GLA or GLC. Rolling in the wheel arches are aggressive BF Goodrich all-terrain tyres on an all-new split-spoke alloy wheel design, structured around five blades.

Powering the GLB concept is a Mercedes-Benz’s 2-litre turbocharged petrol engine, tuned to deliver 165 kW. That power is split in an 80/20 front axle bias, through Mercedes-Benz’s eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. An off-road mode resets the power distribution to a 50/50 arrangement between the front and rear wheels, for more balanced traction on loose surfaces.

Although the GLB is classed by Mercedes-Benz as a concept, a production version is expected to be released before the end of this year.

Further Reading

Mercedes-Benz GLA Facelift (2017) First Drive

Drag Race: Mercedes S65 AMG Coupe vs Mercedes GLA 45 AMG Edition1

Revealed: Mercedes' Revised GLC Coupe

Revised Mercedes-Benz GLC is a Stealth Hybrid

New Mercedes-Benz GLS – Counters X7

As a response to BMW’s giant X7, Mercedes reveals its latest GLS.

The third-generation of Mercedes-Benz’s largest SUV is due for its public debut at the New York auto show, this coming Friday.

Official images of the new GLS have leaked ahead of the seven-seater SUV’s New York introduction and its shows an evolution of the current GLE design language, albeit in a larger package.

The GLS gains a twin-bar grille and around the rear, there are thinner profile taillights. The entire tailgate has been reshaped too, to feature a concaved recess into which the license plate is mounted – a styling upgrade which does much to reduce the blunt mass which many large seven-seater SUVs can suffer from, viewed from the rear.

Inside the GLS retains its three rows of accommodation, with the latest Mercedes-Benz digitisation technology present. The driver’s instrumentation is served via a large digital screen whilst flanking it is another widescreen, with touch functions, for general infotainment.

Second-row passengers can each also be served by large touchscreens which are integrated into the seatbacks of the front passenger and driver seats, whilst the rearmost passengers, in the third-row, have access to their own USB ports for device integration or recharging. With a wheelbase increase of 60 mm over the second-generation GLS, passengers should be that bit comfier inside too.

The new GLS rides on a stretched version or Mercedes-Benz’s latest Modular High Architecture platform, which should provide adaptive air-suspension thanks to a 48v electrical system. Although exact engine specifications will only be detailed by the end of this week, each third-generation GLS will be all-wheel drive and shift gear via Mercedes-Benz’s own nine-speed automatic transmission.

It is expected that a GLS450 will initially headline the range, powered by a turbocharged 3-litre in-line six. This engine will also benefit from mild-hybridization, with a total system output of 270 kW and 500 Nm. Most of Mercedes-Benz’s latest range of mild-hybrid engines should find their way into the latest GLS powertrain option list and of course, there will be a GLS 63 AMG in due course.

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Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door (2019) Specs & Price

Pricing for the forthcoming Mercedes-AMG GT range has been revealed. Here's how much this 4-door supercar will cost when it launches in South Africa.

Mercedes-AMG will be launching its 4-door coupe in South Africa in the next few months and it'll be available in 2 flavours: GT53 and GT63 S. Powered by a new 3.0-litre inline 6-cylinder petrol engine and the proven AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine with outputs of 320 kW / 520 Nm and 470 kW / 900 Nm, both AMG GT 4-door coupes will be brisk. Both vehicles also feature 4Matic+ all-wheel drive and the slick 9-speed AMG Speedshift transmission, although the 6-cylinder model is the TCT, while the V8 is MCT. Acceleration is brisk, with the flagship model accelerating to 100 kph in a claimed 3.2 seconds, while the V6-powered GT53 does the standard sprint in 4.5 seconds.

"The new AMG GT 4-Door Coupé blends the impressive race track dynamism of our two-door sports car with maximum suitability for everyday use. It has a unique way of embodying our brand core of Driving Performance and, with its systematic configuration, it will attract new customers to Mercedes-AMG," commented Tobias Moers, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

South African options range from Lane Tracking (R13 260), Driving Assistance Package (R32 300), AMG Exterior Chrome package (R16 150), AMG Exterior Carbon package (R62 900), Keyless-Go Comfort package (R13 500), and Driving Assistance Package Plus (R40 800), to name but a few. There are a choice of 10 colours and 11 alloy wheel designs.

Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Price in South Africa (April 2019)

Mercedes-AMG GT 53 4Matic+ Coupe         R1 960 958

Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4Matic+ Coupe      R2 922 530

Further Reading

Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe (2018) International Launch Review

Mercedes-AMG's 4-door GT 4 door Revealed

Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Production Begins

Toyota Prius (2019) Specs & Price

Toyota has introduced a revised version of its 4th-generation Prius petrol-electric hybrid compact car in South Africa. Herewith the model's specifications and price.

The Prius has the distinction of being the first hybrid vehicle to be offered for sale in South Africa (the 2nd-generation version of Toyota’s “Hybrid Pioneer” was introduced in the local market in 2005) and the 4th iteration (which arrived in 2016) introduced the Japanese firm’s New Global Architecture to the market, which also underpins the C-HR compact family car, newly-launched Corolla Hatch and its upcoming sedan sibling.


The revised combination-LED tail-light clusters emphasise the Prius's width.

The facelift serves to simplify and neaten the Prius’ exterior execution, update its lighting elements and introduce practical touches to the interior.

By virtue of its reshaped bumpers (note the revised lower intake at the front, with sunken LED fog lamps at either end), the Toyota’s 35-mm longer than its predecessor. Slimline headlamps – with bi-beam LED elements ­– are complemented by revised combination LED tail-light clusters. The 15-inch aluminium wheels have a redesigned 10-spoke silver covers and the model's available in 8 colours (Fierce Red and Sky Blue metallic are new).


The interior remains a study in futuristic cabin layout, the centre console is colour matched with the black leather trim.

Inside, the centre console, which incorporates 2 cupholders, seat heating switches and a new wireless smartphone charger, is no longer finished in that love-it-or-hate-it white “Bakelite-like” plastic… instead, it’s now Piano Black. The standard spec remains generous; features such as black leather upholstery, smart entry and keyless start, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, a reverse-view camera, park distance control, a head-up display, rain-sensing wipers, a 6-speaker touchscreen Bluetooth-enabled audio system and auto-dimming interior mirror are fitted.

The suite of safety systems includes 7 airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, traction- and stability control, as well as ISOfix child seat anchors.


The centre console is finished in Piano Black and incorporates a wireless charging pad.

As for the petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain (a 1.8-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine combined with 2 motor generators and a nickel-metal hydride battery), that remains unchanged, although Toyota SA now quotes a total system output of 100 kW (as opposed to 90 kW previously). The claimed fuel consumption figure for the combined cycle is 3.7 L/100 km, with CO2 emissions listed as 87 g/km. During our review of the pre-facelift model in 2016, we recorded an average return of about 4.5 L/100 km (although the lowest figure we achieved at one point was 2.8 L/100 km).

Price and after-sales backup

The Prius Hybrid retails for R490 200, which includes a 6-services/90 000 km service plan (with intervals pegged at 15 000 km), a 3-year/100 000 km general manufacturer warranty and a hybrid-battery warranty that's valid for 8 years or 195 000 km.

Interested in buying? Get a quote / Request a test drive

Further Reading:

Toyota RAV4 (2019) Launch Review

Toyota RAV4 (2019) Specs & Price

Toyota Corolla Hatch (2019) Launch Review

Toyota Corolla Hatch (2019) Video Review

Toyota Prius Hybrid (2016) Review

Toyota RAV4 Receives TRD Goodies

The Toyota RAV4 was recently launched in South Africa, but the brand's TRD division has been busy preparing sportier and more offroad-biased kits for the SUV.

There are 5 RAV4 derivatives on offer, catering for different needs and budget, so if you are considering buying the new RAV4 you will have to consider what your needs are and how much you are willing to pay. There are no diesel engines available and buyers have the choice of manual gearboxes or CVT.

While the new RAV4 represents a bold new look for Toyota, the brand's TRD arm has been hard at work making the family SUV look more aggressive and more 4×4 focused. TRD has announced 2 kits for the Toyota RAV4; Field Monster and Street Monster. The former focuses purely on the offroad aspect of the product and bolts on wider wheel arches, new 17-inch alloys wrapped in offroad rubber, mud flaps and finishes it off with TRD decals. 

Street Monster aims for a more JDM-style urban look and boasts a more aggressive front bumper, side skirts and a lowered suspension, improving the stance of the vehicle. TRD has also made available individual items such as 20-inch alloy wheels, performance dampers, custom exhausts and roof racks. 

Should Toyota South Africa make these accessories available for local RAV4 owners?

Further Reading

Toyota RAV4 (2019) Launch Review

Toyota RAV4 (2019) International Launch Review

New Toyota RAV4: 5 Things to Look Forward To

Toyota RAV4 2.2D AWD GX (2016) Review