Suzuki Ertiga (2019) Launch Review

Suzuki has launched the new second-generation Ertiga 7-seater MPV in South Africa. Is the Ertiga still the sensible choice in the budget MPV segment? Gero Lilleike took it for a whirl in Johannesburg this week.

Suzuki's sales, both locally and globally, have surged in recent times and the first-generation Ertiga has amassed over 758 000 sales worldwide since going on sale in 2010.

Now, Suzuki has introduced an all-new 7-seat Ertiga to market. It goes up against the likes of the Toyota Avanza, Honda BR-V and Mahindra Xylo and it's built on Suzuki's new Heartect platform. The Ertiga is now longer, wider, taller and lighter than the model it replaces and features a new, more powerful, naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine that offers 77 kW and 138 Nm of torque with a choice of either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. There are 3 Ertiga derivatives on offer, the base GA manual, full-fat GL manual and the GL automatic.

Own a Suzuki? Tell us about your experience here.

How does it drive?

Comfortable, spacious and practical, the new Ertiga has a lot going for it.

We sampled the new Ertiga GL manual at altitude with a mix of city and highway driving in and around the bustling city of Johannesburg.

There are no fireworks under the bonnet and the Ertiga's performance is best described as average. The Ertiga has sufficient shove to get along at an acceptable pace, but acceleration is sluggish if you dwell for too long in higher gears and you have to gear down regularly to keep the engine ticking over in its sweet spot. The performance will likely diminish further with a full complement of passengers and luggage onboard. It is effective, however, as an A to B people mover within city limits.

With that said, overtaking on the highway requires some forethought as acceleration is not as punchy as you might hope it to be.

Suzuki claims a fuel consumption figure of 5.5 L/100km for the manual and 6.0 L/100km for the automatic derivative. The manual gearbox is a highlight as it shifts in a positive and direct manner without being notchy or vague.

Like the outgoing generation, another highlight is the Ertiga's ride quality. It's comfortable to drive and manages to deliver a smooth and pleasant ride. The engine is refined and the steering is nicely-weighted, providing ample feedback through the tiller. Due to its boxy stance, a fair degree of body roll is experienced through corners, however.

What's the interior like?

Interior appeal has improved considerably in this new generation Ertiga and build quality is good.

The interior, in our opinion, is a big leap forward over the previous generation Ertiga. The outgoing Ertiga was offered with a rather, dare I say, ugly beige interior. Thankfully, Suzuki has come to its senses and now offers the Ertiga with a black cabin which is more aesthetically appealing. Perceived build quality appears to have improved too.

At first glance, you might think that the central screen is a touchscreen infotainment system, but you would be mistaken. It's actually, as Suzuki calls it, a touch panel, housing a rather basic radio system with Bluetooth functionality. It looks fancy, but it's not really. Nice try, Suzuki…

The driver has mounted audio and Bluetooth controls as well as a neat space to store a smartphone along with a USB/Aux input close at hand. Two ventilated cupholders and ample in-door storage are available to passengers and a front and rear 12V socket is also useful.

Space for second and third-row passengers is generous. Even adults can sit comfortably in the third row.

In terms of practicality, the Ertiga shines brightly indeed. Second-row passengers are afforded generous space in all directions, and for added comfort, the seats can recline, which is a boon for long distance travelling. There are also dedicated rear air conditioning vents mounted in the roof for those seated in the rear.

The third row of seats are easily accessed by flicking a latch on top of the second-row seat, which then slides forward to allow passengers easy access. Surprisingly, space in the third row is ample, even for adults, which is mightily impressive.

With all the seats in place, the luggage bay offers 153-litres of space but it has a 2-part removable floor which, when removed, makes the load floor deeper, taking the load capacity up to 199-litres.

Obviously, load space for larger luggage increases substantially when you fold the third and second-row seats down.

In terms of safety, the Ertiga only offers 2 airbags for the driver and front passenger which could be seen as an oversight for a vehicle designed to carry up to 7 people. ABS with EBD is also standard as is rear parking sensors on the GL derivative.

All-in-all, the Ertiga is a very practical vehicle that is bound to serve both private and fleet owners well.

Should you consider buying the Ertiga?

If you are in the market for a 7-seater people mover then the Ertiga should definitely be on your shortlist.

The short answer is, yes! As you would expect with most new-generation cars, prices go up and this too is the case for the new Ertiga. It is, however, good to know that the new Ertiga has improved appreciably overall which helps to justify its new asking price. The Ertiga is attractively priced against the Toyota Avanza and Honda BR-V (both of which are ageing) and in our opinion, this new Ertiga makes a very strong case for itself in this segment. The Ertiga represents good value as buyers are getting a whole lot of car for their money. Our pick of the range is the Ertiga 1.5 GL manual priced at R239 900.

We will have the new Ertiga on test soon so look out for our thorough evaluation soon.

Suzuki Ertiga – Price in South Africa

Ertiga GA manual – R214 900
Ertiga GL manual – R239 900
Ertiga GL auto – R254 900

The Ertiga is sold with Suzuki's promotional 5-year/200 000km warranty and a 4-year/60 000km service plan.

Buy a new or used Suzuki Ertiga on Cars.co.za

New VW Golf GTI TCR Unleashed

GTI fans will be licking their chops to drive the latest, and probably the last, Golf GTI derivative to come from the popular 7th-generation Golf. This is the Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR!

The eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf is on the way and an official reveal is expected to take place much later in 2019. Nonetheless, Volkswagen recently revealed its latest addition to the Golf GTI family, the GTI TCR.

The Golf GTI TCR shares its name with the TCR series racing car but this road-going TCR version develops no less than 213 kW and 380 Nm of torque from its turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine which is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Zero to 100 kph is claimed at 5.6 seconds while top speed is 260 kph (optional).

In terms of outputs, the GTI TCR slots in below the limited edition GTI Clubsport S which offers 228 kW and 380 Nm but with a zero to 100 kph time of 5.8 seconds (top speed 260 kph), the GTI TCR is marginally quicker.

Sports seats and sporty red interior details match the performance credentials of the Golf GTI TCR.

The Golf GTI TCR rides on 18-inch Belvedere forged alloy wheels as standard and is equipped with a front-axle differential lock and perforated disc brakes.

Exterior features include LED headlights, black exterior mirror housings, sill extensions, front splitter, a TCR roof spoiler and a rear diffuser. Additional styling options include a carbon mirror housings, black painted roof, honeycomb decor side panel foils and 19-inch wheels.

The interior features sports seats with a new microfibre fabric design, a perforated sports steering wheel and seat belts with red edging.

Is the VW Golf GTI TCR coming to SA?

Sadly the answer is, no. A local Volkswagen South Africa spokesperson has confirmed that there are currently no plans to introduce the Golf GTI TCR in South Africa. Let’s hope that plan changes…

Buy a new or used Volkswagen Golf GTI on Cars.co.za

BMW 3 Series (2019) Launch Review

The eagerly-awaited G20-generation BMW 3 Series has been launched in South Africa. The 3 is BMW's bread-and-butter model, which means it was critical for the Bavarian brand to build on the strengths of its business class sedan (as well as address the F30's shortcomings). Does BMW's newcomer now stand well clear of its rivals? Read on…

What's changed?

Following on from the successful F30, the BMW (G20) 3 Series offers 50:50 weight distribution, a lower centre of gravity and a wider front track. Apart from notable mechanical changes, the 3's wheelbase is a tad longer, which benefits interior space, and the newcomer is based on the brand's CLAR platform, which has led to increased body rigidity (torsional stiffness). The design is unmistakably BMW, mostly due to the imposing grille and striking side profile. The look is upmarket and smart, and when adorned with large rims and an eye-catching paint finish, the new 3 looks the part!

BMW sold in excess of 15 million units of the G20's predecessors, therefore it's imperative that it continues the 3 Series' tremendous run of form. The German manufacturer is claiming its 8th consecutive year of record sales and is predicting a similar performance for 2019…

Own a BMW? Tell us about your experience here.

The new-look 3 Series is unmistakably BMW, yet shows off an advanced look

South African 3 Series strategy

Sadly, South Africa no longer produces the 3 Series (the E30, E36, E46, E90 and F30 generations rolled off the line in Rosslyn). The G20 is sourced from BMW Group's plants in Munich, as well as San Luis Potosi, Mexico. BMW now produces the X3 executive SUV on local soil, however.

From launch, there are 2 derivatives available: a 320d and a 330i. From September 2019, the BMW 3 Series line-up will be expanded with the introduction of a 320i, M340i xDrive, and 330d. The introduction of a plug-in hybrid 330e is unconfirmed at this stage. There has been no confirmation from BMW in terms of the ETA of the M3, but we estimate a reveal in 2019, with a South African market introduction in 2020.

The BMW 3 Series has always been referred to as the dynamic leader in the luxury sedan segment and the G20 simply has to deliver.

Engine line-up

We had the opportunity to sample both the petrol-powered 330i and turbodiesel 320d. Long gone are the days when a 30i designation meant there was a straight 6 under the bonnet… Instead, the 330i is powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged mill, assembled using BMW's modular engine architecture. Power is rated at a healthy 190 kW and 400 Nm, which is sufficient to sling this Bavarian from 0 to 100 kph in a claimed 5.8 seconds. The diesel-powered 320d is a brisk performer with its 140 kW and 400 Nm, and will achieve the same sprint benchmark in a claimed 6.8 seconds.

Both variants are driven by their rear wheels and power is channelled to the tarmac via an 8-speed automatic transmission. Now in its 3rd iteration, the ZF-sourced transmission has received updates in the form of shorter gearing for the lower ratios, faster shift times, and an improvement in overall refinement. Fear not, the satisfying thud as you click through the gears using the steering wheel-mounted paddles has been retained.

While the engines are not all-new, BMW claims they've been refined and deliver more power and torque, reduced fuel consumption and emissions, and are physically lighter. Speaking of fuel consumption, the 330i is said to consume 6.4 L/100 km, but the 320d is your economy champion, with a claim of just 4.6 L/100 km. Granted, we were pressing on during our test route and didn't use the Economy mode, yet we still achieved mid-5s.

The digital dashboard is a massive step up for BMW and we love this look!

The cabin and tech

One area in which BMW really needed to improve dramatically on the F30-generation 3 Series was the business-class sedan's cabin execution. Outgunned by the Audi A4 with its Virtual Cockpit digital instrumentation and solidly-made, minimalist layout, as well as the technology on offer in the revised Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the outgoing 3 Series' cabin felt underwhelming and outdated. This has changed and now we'd argue that BMW has taken the digital dashboard concept and leapfrogged its rivals to boot. The traditional round dials have been replaced by some fresh and modern looking gauges and while our OCD was mildly tweaked by the idea of a counter-clockwise rotating rev counter, it really looks the part.

The cabin is well finished and luxurious

On the centrally-mounted infotainment screen, you're likely to immediately notice the all-new (7.0) user interface. Looking decidedly like (and offering a user experience akin to) a tablet device, it's clearly meant to woo tech-savvy users. The system boasts gorgeous graphics, a slick, intuitive interface and is receptive to both touch inputs and gestures, which means you can change tracks and adjust the volume by moving your left hand. A fair degree of semi-autonomous driving tech has been introduced as well, and while you can take your hands off the wheel for a few seconds and the car will automatically accelerate/brake and follow the road, the tech is still in its infancy and best used on highways (with clear road markings).

The cabin receives a massive makeover and can no longer be accused of being stale

What's it like to drive?

For decades, an engaging driving experience has been part and parcel of 3 Series ownership – we'd even go so far as to say it was a pillar of its success. While most premium-badged sedans in the market have prioritised luxury and comfort above all else, BMW maintained there had to be a fair degree of sportiness to the "3 Series driving experience", but without overtly impacting on comfort. As a result, the 3 has always been a suitably premium sedan with a rear-wheel-drive layout (in SA), a spirited engine, and suspension- and steering configurations tuned to facilitate dynamism.

Everything has been meticulously thought through, both inside and out

The good news for prospective buyers of the G20 3 Series is that BMW's business-class sedan is still a capable and spirited performer. Even in something as simple as a 320d, you can make the most of the punchy engine, which sounds most unlike a turbodiesel, by the way… BMW's engineers have all but dialled that nasty diesel clatter we've come to associate with oil-burners. With a wider track at the front and notably sharp steering, the car responds beautifully and the steering is reassuringly direct. The 'wheel rim itself is still a tad too thick for our liking, however.

Switch from Comfort to Sport, and the steering firms up nicely. The Comfort setting makes the 'wheel's action nicely light for town driving, which we appreciate, but when you feel like wielding the 3 at pace (and you will), the Sport mode adds a weightier feel to the tiller. Grip levels are impressive; we frequently found ourselves approaching personal limits long before the car showed signs of losing grip, which speaks volumes of the sedan's inherent handling balance. Also, thanks to the 50:50 weight distribution and sporty suspension, the car feels agile and eager to respond to inputs.

Pick your tyres and wheel size carefully, as they can affect the ride quality. Or invest in the adaptive dampers.

The G20-generation 3 Series' general on-road refinement is good too, but we did notice something on our evaluation drive. The 330i demonstration unit was fitted with the M Sport suspension and shod with bigger wheels, which were, predictably, wrapped in low-profile rubber. On excellent quality smooth tarmac, the newcomer's ride quality is superb. However, on poor tarmac, which is rutted or cracked (or has tree roots burrowing underneath it), you'll feel some harsh jolts through the cabin. The ride is firm, so be mindful when speccing your wheels and although we haven't sampled it, we'd suggest ticking the options box for adaptive damping. There was also a fair amount of road noise, but that is a tyre issue, not a 3 Series one.

Is this the best business class sedan?

The pervading impression that the G20 instils is one of accomplishment. It seems everything (inside and out) about the 3 Series was meticulously thought out and engineered. Because the product brief for the new 3 Series was so… pernickety, ostensibly every decision affecting its development was finely calculated (almost as if with minimal emotional attachment). One does not simply mess with the formula for BMW's bread-winner model…

We spent a considerable amount of time behind the wheel of the BMW 320d and 330i. 320d is our pick for now.

While we're really excited by the prospect of driving the M340i xDrive and, eventually, M3 derivatives of the G20-generation BMW 3 Series, we're happy to report that the volume-selling versions are more than capable of delivering driver-focused thrills, irrespective of their trims or powerplants. We have particularly fond memories of the 320d, which gently carved through some gorgeously-crafted ribbons of asphalt of the Western Cape.

At times, we've encountered halo model derivatives that completely overshadow their base-spec brethren (we see you, Alfa Romeo Giulia), but, even though we've yet to sample the next-generation M3, which is still a while away, or a production version of the M340i xDrive (it'll come to SA later in 2019), even the 320d is an admirable driving tool. And, as for its petrol-powered 330i sibling? While we did enjoy the linear power delivery of the 330i's smooth motor, we're pretty certain the best efficiency is to be had with the oil-burning derivative. Incredibly, they retail for the same price.

Given the advances to the popular Mercedes-Benz C-Class (traditionally, an arch-rival to the 3 Series), we thought we'd have a bit of a closer fight on our hands, but if first impressions are anything to go by, the Three-pointed Star has its work cut out for it when we eventually do the comparison test. We've yet to sample the facelifted version of the Audi A4, but it now seems a bit staid and sterile compared with the G20. You can bet Benz, Audi and other premium marques are hard at work trying to develop next-generation models that will match the G20. The 3 Series is back, and how.

Its a big leap for the 3 Series and an even bigger leap for the segment.

BMW 3 Series Price in South Africa (March 2019)

BMW 330i

Standard Model R649 000
Sport Line Model R672 600
M Sport Model R697 400
Sport Line Launch Edition R664 000
M Sport Launch Edition R694 000

BMW 320d

Standard Model R649 000
Sport Line Model R672 600
M Sport Model R696 400
Sport Line Launch Edition R664 000
M Sport Launch Edition R694 000

Opel Introduces Limited-Edition Corsa 120 Years

To celebrate Opel's 120 years, the local arm of the brand has released the Corsa 120Year Special Edition, which goes on sale from the middle of March 2019.

The Opel Corsa is a solid player in the compact car segment. In 1.0 T Enjoy spec, it bagged a category win in our Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank event in 2017. However, the game has moved on significantly, and there are updates to established players and new contenders for the plucky Corsa to deal with.

With the market challenges in mind, Opel has launched the Corsa 120Y Special Edition, which is based on the Corsa Enjoy, but with a few additional features. It retains its 1.0-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder motor which produces 66 kW and 170 Nm. It should be reasonably frugal at the pumps, with a claimed consumption figure 4.6 L/100 km.

Safety & Convenience:
Rear-view Camera
Front & Rear Park-Assist
ABS / ESP / HSA
Driver & Passenger, Front Seat Side & Curtain Airbags
ISOFIX Child Seat Anchorage
Anti-Theft Alarm & Immobiliser
Remote-Controlled Central Locking

Connectivity:
7-inch touchscreen Opel IntelliLink Infotainment System with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
6 Premium Speakers

Styling:
16-inch Gun Metal Silver Alloy Wheels
Upgraded 'Allure' Cloth Trim
Unique 'Opel' Door Sill Plates
Stylish Beltline – Chrome Moulding
Velour Floor Mats with Embroidered '120Y' Logo

Economy:
Urban (l/100 km) – 5.6
Extra-Urban (l/100 km) – 4.1
Combined Cycle (l/100 km) – 4.6

Opel Corsa 120Y Special Edition Price in South Africa (March 2019)

R259 900

Suzuki Ertiga (2019) Specs and Price

The second generation of the Suzuki Ertiga has launched in South Africa. Here are the specifications and pricing for the budget-friendly people carrier.

The Suzuki Ertiga is an affordable and sensible MPV. Now in its second generation, the 7-seater has just gone on sale in South Africa.

“Our engineers and designers have worked hard to create an MPV that truly delivers on its paper promises. There is more space, and even adults can comfortably use the third row of seats. There is also more power from the new 1.5 litre engine and it sports a higher specification level throughout the range,” says André Venter, divisional manager for sales and marketing at Suzuki South Africa.

The Ertiga has grown in length by 130mm, lifted the roof by 5mm and the vehicle is now 40mm wider, all of which makes for more space. The second row of seats can fold down 60/40 style and third row in a 50/50 fashion and when both sets are down, up to 2.820 metres of space is available with the front passenger seat also folded flat. Does anyone need to transport curtain rails?

“We believe that a true seven-seater has to comfortably accommodate adult passengers in the third row. With the deep floor, more hip space and larger shoulder room, an adult passenger of up to 1.75 m will be seated comfortably, even on longer journeys,” says Venter.

Features

The Suzuki Ertiga 1.5 GL cabin

Despite its budget background, the Suzuki Ertiga comes reasonably well appointed. From launch there'll be 2 levels of trim: GA and GL. There's a new instrument cluster with a multi-information trip display, with the GL models featuring steering-wheel mounted controls. This steering wheel is also height adjustable. There's an integrated radio with Bluetooth and USB connectivity too. For those requiring power sockets, there are 2x 12V units fitted. Suzuki has also thrown in 2 air-conditioned cup holders.

In terms of safety, the Ertiga range all features 2 airbags for front passengers and ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution (EBD). Suzuki has also added ISOFIX-approved seat anchors for child seats and a reverse parking sensor system for the GL model.

Engine

The new Suzuki Ertiga features a new engine. It's the K15 1.5-litre petrol engine which puts out 77 kW and 138 Nm, with power going to the front wheels via the choice of a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 4-speed automatic.

Suzuki Ertiga Price in South Africa

Three versions of the Suzuki Ertiga will be available from launch. All three models are sold with Suzuki’s promotional 200 000 km / five-year mechanical warranty and a four-year / 60 000 km service plan.

Ertiga GA R214 900
Ertiga GL R239 900
Ertiga GL auto R254 900

Tata’s Altroz is an Indian Polo

Despite having to deal with the nightmare of its souring investment in JLR, Tata is forging ahead with development of its Altroz hatchback.

The Indian automotive giant has confirmed an evolution of the Altroz, revealed at the Geneva auto show this week. Imagined as an Indian Polo rival, the Altroz is built on Tata’s Agile Light Flexible Advanced (ALFA) platform.

Tata claims that its ALFA engineering project allows for a modular approach to body styles and engine options (even electrification) on a single platform. It’s an industrial engineering copy of the principles which underpin most of VW’s vehicle architectures such as MQB, which serves as a platform to no less than five Audis and fourteen different VW models.

The styling features a dual-headlamp design, flared wheel arches, door creases and strangely asymmetrical windows, with the front doors housing much more glass than the rear doors. Inside there is fully digital instrumentation and a 7-inch infotainment screen which sits atop the dash, framing the centre-vents.

Powering Altroz is a 1.2-litre petrol engine, good for 75 kW and 140 Nm. Classified in terms of size the Altroz is 55 mm shorter, 26 mm narrower and 7 mm taller than VW’s current eighth-generation Polo.

Although the compact hatchback segment is defined by an aspiration to become everything VW as achieved with Polo, the reality is that Altroz’s price positioning will likely be closer to Hyundai’s i10 or Suzuki’s Baleno when it launches to select global markets towards the end of this year.

Mercedes-Benz Adds CLA Shooting Brake to Niche Product Line

The CLA Shooting Brake allows Merc to cover every possible gap in the premium compact segment.

The Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake was revealed at this year’s Geneva International Motor Show and adds a sense of practicality to the CLA range. This new model develops on the CLA 4-door Coupe with the obvious addition of a bigger boot. The load space is claimed at a more than reasonable 505 litres.

The CLA models are angled towards the sporty buyer so it sits on a wider track and has a lower centre of gravity than the regular A-Class and A-Class Sedan. This imbues the CLA Shooting Brake with an agile driving experience according to Merc. There is adaptive damping and multiple driving modes to choose from but Merc remains adamant that the new car is comfortable and extremely quiet when required.

The interior is identical to the CLA and also features the latest MBUX infotainment system that responds to ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice commands.

As for the engine derivatives available for the Shooting Brake, Merc has chosen the unit from the CLA 250, which delivers 165 kW and 350 Nm of torque from the 2.0-litre turbopetrol. More engines will be available by the time the model launches in Europe during September this year and don’t count out an AMG 45 or 45 S model.

As for local availability, we are still waiting for confirmation but with this being an extremely niche model and South Africa's aversion to station wagons, it is unlikely this model will arrive in SA.

Audi RS5 Sportback (2019) Specs & Price

The Audi RS family has been bolstered with the introduction of the RS5 Sportback in South Africa. See specification and pricing details below…

Just like its coupe sibling and RS4 Avant, the RS5 Sportback harnesses the same twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre V6 engine that produces 331 kW and 600 Nm of torque and together with an optimised 8-speed automatic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive, a zero to 100 kph sprint time of 3.9 seconds is achievable. Top speed is limited to 250 kph.

Equipped with an RS sports suspension, the RS5 Sportback sits some 7mm lower than the Audi S5 Sportback.

The RS5 Sportback’s interior is finished in black and can seat up to 5 people. Luggage space is generous too with a full 1 300 litres at your disposal with the 40:20:40 rear seats folded down. With the seats up, the load bay offers 480 litres.

A flat-bottomed RS multifunction steering wheel and stainless steel pedals add a sporty touch. Other nice-to-haves include a Bang & Olufsen sound system, automatic climate control and Audi’s pre sense basic, side assist and parking system plus with a rear-view camera.

Audi RS5 Sportback – Price in South Africa

Audi RS 5 Sportback 331kW quattro tiptronic – R1 312 000

The Audi RS5 Sportback comes standard with a 5-year/100 000 km Audi Freeway Plan.

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

New Audi RS4 Avant in SA – Specs & Price

The Audi RS family has grown with the introduction of the RS4 Avant in South Africa. See specification and pricing details below…

Blending practicality and performance, the RS4 Avant is powered by a twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre V6 engine that produces 331 kW and 600 Nm of torque and together with an 8-speed automatic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive, a zero to 100 kph sprint time of 4.1 seconds is achievable. Top speed is limited to 250 kph but an optional RS package takes that figure up to 280 kph.

Audi claims a fuel consumption figure of 8.8 L/100km which Audi says is a 17% improvement over the outgoing model while also being some 80 kg lighter. Equipped with an RS sports suspension as standard and a mechanical centre differential lock which can send torque to the rear and front axles as required, the RS 4 Avant offers agility and stability in spirited driving situations.

Luggage space is generous too with a full 1 510 litres at your disposal with the 40:20:40 rear seats folded down. With the seats up, the load bay offers 505 litres. The tailgate can be opened by using a kick motion under the rear bumper provided that a key is detected. An electronic tow bar is offered too and the RS4 Avant can tow up to 2 100 kg.

Key standard features include LED headlights and tail lights, 20-inch forged alloy wheels, RS exhaust and Audi drive select dynamic handling system. The interior benefits from Audi Virtual Cockpit and MMI Navigation Plus as standard as well as RS sports seats in Nappa leather with diamond stitching and lumbar support. A flat-bottomed RS multifunction steering wheel and stainless steel pedals add a sporty touch. Other nice-to-haves include a Bang & Olufsen sound system, automatic climate control and Audi’s pre sense basic, side assist and parking system plus with a rear-view camera.

Audi RS4 Avant – Price in South Africa

Audi RS 4 Avant 331kW quattro tiptronic – R1 211 500

The Audi RS 4 comes standard with a 5-year/100 000 km Audi Freeway Plan.

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

World Car Awards 2019 – The Top 3 Finalists

The top 3 finalists in the prestigious World Car of the Year awards programme have been announced, and it serves to highlight the rise of the electric car. Have a look at those in line to drive away with the world's most coveted motoring awards below.

Selected by a high-profile jury consisting of 86 of the world's motoring journalists, including Cars.co.za's Hannes Oosthuizen, one of only 2 South Africans on the panel, the final 3 vehicles in contention for the overall title are the Audi e-tron, Jaguar I-PACE and Volvo S60/V60.

The Geneva International Motor Show this week served as the venue for the announcement, and it's an apt one, given the vast number of electric vehicles on display. In the past few days the Jaguar I-PACE was also announced the European Car of the Year, and is arguably at this point the frontrunner for World Car glory, believes Oosthuizen, who drove it late last year for WCA evaluation purposes.

The judges are only allowed to score vehicles they have driven, and award points in sections labelled Value, Safety, Environment, Emotional Appeal, Market Significance etc. The final winners will be announced on April 17 at the New York International Autoshow.

Other categories

Judge Hannes Oosthuizen tips the Aston Martin Vantage for World Performance Car.

The World Car of the Year programme has several other categories, too, including for Performance Car of the Year, where the 3 finalists are; the Aston Martin Vantage, McLaren 720S and the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door. In the World Luxury Car category the BMW 8 Series will be joined by 2 Audis, the new A7 and Q8, in the title fight. The World Urban Car title will be hotly contested by the new Hyundai Santro, Kia Soul and Suzuki Jimny.

The World Car Design of the Year title will go to one of the following; Jaguar I-PACE, Suzuki Jimny and Volvo XC40. And, finally, the World Green Car battle will be between the Audi e-tron, Hyundai Nexo and Jaguar I-PACE.

You may also be interested in;

Winners in the 2018/2019 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – Powered by WesBank announced

Suzuki Ertiga (2019) Launch Review

Suzuki has launched the new second-generation Ertiga 7-seater MPV in South Africa. Is the Ertiga still the sensible choice in the budget MPV segment? Gero Lilleike took it for a whirl in Johannesburg this week.

How does it drive?

What's the interior like?

Should you consider buying the Ertiga?

Suzuki Ertiga – Price in South Africa

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New VW Golf GTI TCR Unleashed

GTI fans will be licking their chops to drive the latest, and probably the last, Golf GTI derivative to come from the popular 7th-generation Golf. This is the Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR!

Is the VW Golf GTI TCR coming to SA?

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BMW 3 Series (2019) Launch Review

What's changed?

South African 3 Series strategy

Engine line-up

The cabin and tech

What's it like to drive?

Is this the best business class sedan?

BMW 3 Series Price in South Africa (March 2019)

BMW 330i

BMW 320d

Further Reading

Opel Introduces Limited-Edition Corsa 120 Years

To celebrate Opel's 120 years, the local arm of the brand has released the Corsa 120Year Special Edition, which goes on sale from the middle of March 2019.

Opel Corsa 120Y Special Edition Price in South Africa (March 2019)

Further Reading:

Suzuki Ertiga (2019) Specs and Price

The second generation of the Suzuki Ertiga has launched in South Africa. Here are the specifications and pricing for the budget-friendly people carrier.

Features

Engine

Suzuki Ertiga Price in South Africa

Further Reading

Suzuki Ertiga (2014) Driven

New Suzuki Ertiga Revealed [w/Video]

Comparison: Honda Mobilio vs Suzuki Ertiga

Tata’s Altroz is an Indian Polo

Despite having to deal with the nightmare of its souring investment in JLR, Tata is forging ahead with development of its Altroz hatchback.

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