Porsche Macan (2019) Launch Review

With more than 400 000 units sold since its introduction 5 years ago, the Macan has become one of Porsche's most important models. On the face of it, the Zuffenhausen-based brand's mid-life refresh is subtle, but remember, a number of small incremental gains can add up to a significant overall improvement when they're added together.

It's quite easy to "belittle" the Macan as Porsche's interpretation of (let's say) sibling brand Audi's Q5 executive SUV, but that would be a wholly unfair assertion. It would also be – as our spirited drive in the newcomer on some of the best roads in South Africa illustrated – an inaccurate assumption. The Macan has always been tasked with being the most dynamic and sporting vehicle in its segment, but this is increasingly a tough call given the arrival of performance derivatives of the BMW X3/X4 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, to name just a couple of examples. So, much of the focus with this "facelift" has been on introducing tweaks that would create a bigger gap between the Porsche and its (would-be) competitors.

It's good to see that Porsche prioritises driving experience even for its "entry-level" SUV and, to be clear, it remains a defining characteristic of the Macan, but let's be honest here; very few owners are likely to drive their luxury crossovers at breakneck speed across mountain passes just for the thrill of it. I suspect that most would-be Macan buyers will find the revised vehicle's updated design, enhanced standard features list, greater personalisation options and much-improved connectivity the real highlights of this revision.

Own a Porsche? Tell us about your experience here.

Updated looks

New headlamps and revised front bumper/air intakes combine to give the Macan greater visual impact.

The design changes that feature on the "new" Macan bring this executive crossover into line with other recent introductions from the brand. Arguably the most obvious change is the new LED tail-light panel that stretches the width of the car. At the front, there is also a greater emphasis on creating the perception of width, with the more vertically emphasised side intakes playing a major role in achieving that goal.

The headlamps are also significantly revised. LED headlamps with those characteristic four LED dots (daytime running lamps) are standard. You can also optionally specify PDLS (Porsche Dynamic Light System) that can automatically switch between main and dipped beams, among other things, and then there's also PDLS Plus that dynamically adjusts the main beam range.

Porsche has introduced 4 new colours for the Macan, with the vibrant Miami Blue that's shown in most press material (main image of this article) being a definite head turner. You can also now choose from 5 different colours for your "switchblades", which is what Porsche calls the plastic inserts running along the lower half of the doors. Finally, there are a number of new wheel designs on offer, in sizes ranging from 18 to 21 inches.

The vehicles available for our launch drives were quite conservatively specified in terms of colours and rim choices, but nevertheless managed to turn heads. Play around with Porsche's online configurator and you be quite surprised just how cool you can make the "baby" Porsche SUV look.

Quality and Connectivity

The fascia is dominated by the new 10.9-inch display screen and note the revised ventilation outlet positioning.

Given the younger owner profile of the Macan, a thoroughly up-to-date cabin with all the latest tech was a must-have. Porsche even had to shuffle some architecture around to accommodate the impressive (and standard) new 10.9 inch PCM infotainment screen. The previous Macan featured vertical ventilation outlets flanking the infotainment system, but given the size of the new screen, those vents had to move. They're housed beneath the screen now, neatly integrated into the fascia. Connect Plus is standard in the new Macan, giving drivers access to a number of Internet-based services. Also included are Apple CarPlay and voice control, the latter not only for navigation inputs but also for music and some vehicle functions.

Interestingly, while the new infotainment system lends the Macan interior a very modern look, the transmission tunnel still features a multitude of physical buttons – a hint at the car's age within a Porsche line-up that is being updated very quickly. Personally, I like the sense of precision that pressing these buttons give. In fact, it's worth highlighting the overall feeling of solidity in the Macan's cabin. You're always reminded that you're behind the steering wheel of something substantial.

Rear legroom is decent, provided those seated in the front are not too tall.

The driving position is spot-on with the steering wheel offering a wide range of adjustability (Porsche is now offering the 911's GT sports steering wheel on the Macan, as an option). Many years ago a designer at Audi told me that one of the best ways to create the sense of being in a very performance-vehicle is to have a high transmission tunnel – and the Macan certainly has that.

And yet, despite this focus on creating a very sporting driving environment, the Macan's cabin is not impractical. The load bay is of a very decent size, in fact, and rear legroom is certainly acceptable provided those in front are not too tall.

Punchy performance

The Macan has a lower centre of gravity than most other crossovers/SUVs, assisting it in delivering class-best handling.

At launch Porsche is offering 2 derivatives. The base Macan is powered by an enhanced turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine that delivers 180 kW and 370 Nm of torque. The "S" gets a new twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 that punches out 260 kW and 480 Nm. Both derivatives feature the 7-speed dual-clutch (PDK) transmission and all-wheel drive.

We were given the opportunity to drive the 4-cylinder Macan during the launch event and while we obviously look forward to giving the "S" a drive at a later date, the base version still provides more than adequate performance. Porsche claims a 0-100kph time of 6.7 seconds and a 225-kph top speed. Left to its own devices the 7-speed 'box will try and get to its higher gears as quickly as possible for optimal efficiency (8.1 L/100km claimed), so if you'd like your car to deliver immediate throttle response, then it may be wise to always make sure the transmission is in one of its sportier modes. Of course, you can always shift manually, and the PDK reacts very swiftly to inputs. And the sound? Well, it obviously doesn't emit the kind of note that will please Porsche purists, but there's quite a lot of Vrrr-pah, and that seems to go down well in South Africa anyway, doesn't it?

The Macan's boot is surprisingly large given the overall compact appearance of the vehicle.

As ever, Porsche's Sport Chrono is a worthwhile optional extra. It costs just over R20 000 and allows the driver to better tailor the drivetrain to their specific requirements. In addition to Normal, Sport and Sport Plus driving modes it is also possible to set up your own Individual Mode. The Sport Chrono Package can now also be operated via a mode switch integrated into the steering wheel (as you would on many top-end supercars), and there is a Sport Response button that immediately boosts the responsiveness of the Macan to a maximum for 20 seconds.

Sadly we didn't get to drive the "S", but with a 0-100 kph time of 5.1 seconds and a 254-kph top speed, it promises to be thrilling to drive.

Dynamism delivered

Now offered on the Macan is a steering wheel which incorporates the Sport Chrono mode switch.

Terms such as "steering precision", "turn-in behaviour" and "improved lateral dynamics" are not ones you'll often find used as prominently in a press release for a compact executive crossover, but it's very clear that further fine-tuned handling was a high priority for Porsche. No wonder the local importers so confidently directed us to some of the best driving roads in the Western Cape, including several mountain passes.

There really is a beautiful precision and directness to the steering that one doesn't often find in vehicles of this type. Body roll and jaw movement are impressively controlled in the corners and yet the Macan is not overly stiff when the road surface deteriorates. The upshot of its lower centre of gravity (compared with other SUVs) is that the suspension doesn't have to be so stiff to counter roll in the corners, and that's certainly the impression it makes in its more comfortable modes – despite its handling prowess, this remains a comfortable daily driver.

With mixed-size tyres, fine-tuned brakes, more rigid engine mountings and other tweaks, the Macan drives like a welll-sorted sports sedan.

There has been an awful lot of detail work under the skin. At the front axle, for example, the spring forks are now made of aluminium, not steel. The new design is not only more rigid, which improves the steering precision, but also reduces the unsprung mass of the vehicle by around 1.5 kg.

Unique in this segment is the use of mix tyres, ranging from 235/60 R18 to 265/40 R21 on the front axle and between 255/55 R18 and 295/35 R21 on the rear axle. This detail also improves steering precision and turn-in, Porsche claims. If you want to further expand the ranges of dynamism and comfort available, then note that PASM active damper control, height-adjustable air suspension and Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) remain optionally available. When fitted with the Sport Chrono Package, there is a separately selectable PSM Sport mode that allows drivers to really push the limits of the Macan's abilities, but while PSM keeps a watchful eye in the background.

The transmission tunnel still features a vast number of physical buttons.

Porsche's fettling also aimed to improve the Macan's braking "feel". It threw out the previous steel brake pedal and replaced it with what it calls an "organic sheet" unit, made of moulded, glass fibre-reinforced thermoplastic sheet material with a plastic rib structure. The pedal is only 300g lighter, but Porsche claims that combined with the shortened lever arm, brake response is more immediate and the feel enhanced because there is a very precise pressure point, courtesy of the more rigid connection to the brake master cylinder. On the "S" derivative there are larger front brake discs and it can also be specified with Porsche's PCCB ceramic brake system.

Out on the passes around the Western Cape, the Macan (even in entry-level guise) feels more like a sorted sports sedan than an SUV. But arguably it's greatest talent is that it combines its obvious dynamic talents with a comfortable, quiet and luxurious experience away from the twisties.

Summary

The Macan is an attractively priced sports-SUV, particularly so if you attach significant value to the badge on its nose. But thankfully the Macan doesn't come across as a product of badge-engineering at all. In terms of the cabin's look and feel from the behind the steering the wheel, the way the controls respond to driver inputs and, most importantly, the manner in which it delivers both thrilling dynamics and general comfort, this is a very impressive little machine and worthy of the Porsche badge. It's likely to continue its healthy contribution to the company's bottom line.

Pricing

The Macan sells for R849 000 and the "S" for R1 049 000, both inclusive of the 3-Year DrivePlan.

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All-New Renault Koleos: A Complete Overview [Video]

An all-new generation of Renault’s flagship SUV is now available in South Africa. Sporting a thoroughly modern design, a premium interior and impressive tech, the Koleos is a powerful presence in the local family-car segment.

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The newcomer's exterior design incorporates pure vision LED headlights and C-shaped daytime running lights, while the tail lights are also LED units. The car rides on 18-inch alloy wheels as standard and, overall, has a muscular, true-SUV aesthetic.

Inside, the Koleos' fascia is dominated by an 8.7-inch touchscreen multimedia infotainment system, while the instrument cluster is also digital. With GPS navigation, Android Auto and Apple Carplay compatibility, as well as voice recognition as standard, the infotainment system is comprehensive indeed. There are even nice touches, such as cup holders that heat or cool your drinks, and a reverse camera makes parking manoeuvres easier.

The Koleos is designed to add comfort and convenience to your lifestyle. Renault claims best-in-class seat comfort: the front seats are 6-way electrically adjustable and aft passengers are afforded generous kneeroom. The rear seatback splits 60:40 and can easily be folded forward to create additional luggage space if required.

True to Renault’s history, the Koleos offers uncompromised safety with a 5-star EuroNCAP safety rating, 6 airbags and a host of active safety technologies. Standard features such as blind-spot warning and front and rear parking sensors help keep you safe out on the road.

And of course, it wouldn’t be an SUV without the ability to head offroad. With 210 mm of ground clearance, drivers can tackle the rough stuff with ease with the help of All Mode 4×4-i Transmission with 3 drive modes.

The all-new Koleos is a spacious and comfortable mid-size SUV and the first of a host of new Renault models due in South Africa over the upcoming months.

Check out Cars.co.za for detailed information on specs and pricing and for a written review from our first drive at the local launch of the Koleos.

Triton Absolute is Mitsubishi’s Raptor Rival

Forget about the Athlete, what you want is a new Triton Absolute.

Look and learn. This appears to be what Mitsubishi’s marketing staff have done with regards to the success Ford has achieved with the hype around its Range Raptor.

There appears to be no saturation point for limited-edition bakkies and to ensure the latest Triton is not forgotten amidst the interest generated by Ford’s Ranger Raptor and Toyotas Hilux GR Sport double-cabs, Mitsubishi’s built an Absolute.

Debuted in Bangkok, Thailand, this week – the Absolute is a significantly more stylized version of the facelifted fifth-generation Triton, which is due to launch in South Africa within the next month. Built as a customer and marketing research project, Mitsubishi has given itself a year to gauge public opinion on this radical Triton, using that timeframe to evaluate a possible business case for these bakkies.

The Absolute’s design details are thoroughly different from a current production Triton. On the roof, you’ll find a carry-rail system which also features integrated LED spotlights, whilst the wheel arches are noticeably more flared, a requirement for the larger off-road specification beadlock wheels and Falken Wildpeak tyres.

Mitsubishi’s Triton Absolute has a notably more aggressive stance than the company’s production Tritons, rolling a wider track and standing 50mm taller too – courtesy of a reconfigured suspension set-up, allowing for greater wheel travel when traversing technical off-road terrain.

Other exterior upgrades include a blackened-out grille, front and rear skid plates which feature three red accent inserts each, chrome details and even a carbon-fibre tailgate. Yes, a carbon-fibre tailgate – which means that loading and unloading braai wood and mountain bikes will require a lot less effort with a Triton Absolute than most other bakkies, with steel tailgates.

Mitsubishi is unwilling to divulge exactly what the suspension upgrades entail which has gained Triton Absolute its 50mm ride height increase, but they do say there is an overall improvement in ride and handling too – which means that it might be something a bit more sophisticated than a simple spacer kit.

Engine and gearbox details have not been specified either, but much the same as Toyota’s Hilux GR Sport, conventional wisdom dictates that Triton Absolute will be powered by a standard 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel, boosting 133 kW and 430 Nm – like its less elaborately styled siblings.

Ferrari Creates One-Off Racer

Ferrari has created a one-off special sportscar for a lucky customer. Meet the Ferrari P80/C.

The client is apparently a massive Ferrari collector and commissioned the one-off vehicle. The brief was simple: create a modern sports prototype inspired by the iconic 330 P3/P4 and 1966 Dino 206 S.

The project started in 2015 and according to Ferrari, the Ferrari P80/C project had the longest development time of any Ferrari one-off made to date. Typically, the Ferrari one-off program is essentially a current production model with a new-look skin, but the P80/C is something completely different. Using a 488 GT3 chassis as a basis, the P80/C is an out-and-out track car with performance its primary focus. There's extensive work done in the aerodynamics department, giving this Ferrari plenty of grip.

The customer also requested the car fulfil two roles. Firstly, a track racing setup which includes a massive wheel and 18-inch wheels, and secondly an exhibition package which features large 21-inch wheels but removed the big wing and aerodynamics, to highlight its actual shape. As for the price? Typically one-off Ferrari projects make no mention of how much money changed hands, but you can bet it was millions of Euros.

Ferrari P80/C Technical Video

BMW’s Electric Offensive Begins

While the majority of the car makers have plans for electrification, one brand has lagged behind. BMW looked promising after i3 and i8 made production, but the brand has been rather quiet, until now.

After the BMW i3 and i8 came to life and proved that electrification was a plausible lifestyle, the brand went a bit quiet. However, BMW is still backing the electrical horse and released photos and information regarding its new electrically-powered vehicles. At the time of writing, there were 3 electric BMWs undergoing testing in Sweden.

What you see here are the BMW iX3, i4 and iNext being put through their paces in the cold. The freezing weather is a great test for batteries, electric motors, suspension setups and traction control, and much more. First up, we have the BMW iX3 which boasts the 5th generation of BMW electrification tech. With a claimed range of over 400 km, the iX3 takes the fight to the Audi e-tron and Mercedes-Benz EQC. The iX3 will be assembled by the BMW Brilliance Automotive Joint Venture at the Chinese production location in Shenyang.

Next up we have the BMW i4. This 4-door coupe is positioned in the premium midrange segment and has a claimed range of over 600 km. BMW is claiming a 0-100 kph time of 4 seconds and a top speed of over 200 kph. It will be assembled at BMW's factory in Munich in 2021.

Finally, the BMW iNext. It's a luxury Sports Activity Vehicle and BMW claims it has the technology for highly automated driving (Level 3). Based on the BMW Group's future modular construction system, it's going to form the basis and face of BMW's future strategy. A range of 600 km is the claim and this flagship electric vehicle will be assembled at BMW's Dingolfing factory in 2021.

Aston Reveals Gorgeous DBS GT Zagato

Aston Martin has revealed renderings of its gorgeous GT Zagato pairing. Details below…

James Bond’s favourite car company has revealed the latest in its collaboration with Italian master coachbuilder, Zagato. Following from the DB4 GT Zagato Continuation model, due for delivery toward the end of this year, 2020 will see a limited run of DBS GT Zagato cars too.

This latest limited-edition Aston Martin pays homage to the 1960s era DB4 Zagato, and as such it features the distinctive double-bubble roof and overall bodywork unfamiliar to any current DBS. Unlike the DB4 GT Zagato, it is a thoroughly more advanced and engineering execution – using Aston Martin's latest engine and vehicle platform technology.

Aston Martin has confirmed that the DBS GT Zagato will be an evolution of its Superleggera platform, which means a 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 with at least 533kW. The overall configuration will be rear-wheel drive, with an aft-mounted ZF 8-speed automatic transmission converting the surge of torque from that twin-turbocharged V12 into rolling momentum.

The business strategy with these Zagato cars is to offer customers an official Aston Martin resto-mod DB4, the opportunity to buy two stunning designs – one classic, the other very contemporary – in one paired transaction.

As part of the DBZ Centenary Collection, the DB4 GT Zagato and Aston’s vastly more modern DBS GT Zagato, will be sold as a pair, for the price or R110-million. To guarantee exclusivity, Aston Martin will be producing only 19 examples of each.

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

Porsche Cayenne Coupe Price for South Africa

The recently-announced Porsche Cayenne Coupe has a special link to SA. The campaign comprising videos and still images was shot right here in South Africa and we have pricing for this model.

The new Porsche Cayenne Coupe is based on the existing Cayenne, but features a slightly different look. According to Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG, the new Cayenne Coupe, "includes all the technical highlights of the current Cayenne, and its more dynamic design and new technical details position it as more progressive, athletic, and emotional."

There'll be just 2 engines offered. Kicking off the range is the 3.0-litre V6 turbo with 250 kW and 450 Nm, enabling it to hit 100 kph in 6 seconds. The second engine can be found in the Cayenne Turbo Coupe and is a 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 boasting outputs of 404 kW and 770 Nm. It's capable of a brisk 3.9 second claimed run to 100 kph.

Porsche Cayenne Coupe Price in South Africa

The Porsche Cayenne Coupe is expected to arrive in South Africa around the last quarter of this year.

Cayenne Coupe R1 303 000
Cayenne Turbo Coupe R2 277 000

Porsche Cayenne Coupe Campaign – Filmed in Cape Town, South Africa

New BMW Z4 Price for SA

After months of speculation about BMW's forthcoming Z4, the new model has now been revealed and will be arriving in SA in March 2019. Here's pricing!

The new BMW Z4 will be a driver's car! That's the claim being made by BMW and given what's gone into the new Z4, we can believe it. A local BMW representative has confirmed that the new Z4 will reach South Africa in March 2019.

"The vehicle concept of the new BMW Z4 is geared consistently towards agility and driving dynamics," explains Jos van As, Head of Application Suspension. "The high level of body stiffness and the very rigid suspension attachment provide the perfect basis for a set-up that guarantees the performance qualities of a genuine sports car in terms of steering precision as well as longitudinal and transverse acceleration."

The First Edition of the new Z4 Roadster has now been revealed and will be shown in M40i form with a Frozen Orange metallic paint finish. The 2-seat Roadster features a low centre of gravity, 50:50 axle load distribution, wide tracks and a compact wheelbase.

The new BMW Z4 is due in 2019 and will offer 250 kW in M40i guise.

The big news is the debut of the M40i's 250 kW 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder turbopetrol engine in the Z4, which will give it some serious driving credentials. The new Z4 M40i will also feature a lowered sports suspension with electronically controlled dampers, M light alloy wheels, M Sports brakes and an electronically controlled lockable rear axle differential. Zero to 100 kph will take just 4.6 seconds.

In terms of styling, the Z4 wears a kidney grille in mesh design with large air intakes at the wheel arches as well as an integrated spoiler on the rear lid.The Z4 M40i First Edition features black mirror caps, a fabric soft-top roof in anthracite with a silver effect and rides on 19-inch light alloy wheels with a bi-colour double-spoke design. Adaptive LED headlights with matrix function complement the front-end design.

Inside, the Z4 is adorned in Vernasca black leather trim with decorative stitching, electrically adjustable seats with memory function and a Harmon Kardon Surround Sound System. BMW Live Cockpit Professional is fitted to offer the latest in infotainment technology.

BMW Z4 M40i Driving Impression here – Yes, it is a driver's car!

BMW Z4 Price in South Africa

sDrive 2.0i 145 kW / 320 Nm R759 442

M40i 250 kW and 500 Nm R1 036 698

Buy a used BMW Z4 on Cars.co.za

BMW Z4 M40i Video

BMW 8 Series coming to SA: We have M850i price

We have the price for the all-new BMW 8 Series, which is due to make landfall in South Africa around March 2019. Check how much this gorgeous coupe will cost.

BMW has officially taken the covers off its new 8 Series; after an all-too-brief appearance in the South African market in 1991, BMW's first class coupe will return to the local market in March 2019. As ever, its looks are head-turning – it's overtly sportier than the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe.

The BMW 8 Series has finally been revealed in production form. Focused on performance, luxury and state-of-the-art technology, The G15-generation 8 Series will be manufactured at BMW's Dingolfing factory, which also assembles the 7 Series. BMW SA has confirmed that we'll be getting the new 8 Series in 850i xDrive specification.

As these images demonstrate, the new 8 Series is low-slung and looks both exotic and muscular, yet the newcomer has an elongated sinuousness to it. It's not a small car either, with measuring 4 843 mm in length, 1 902 mm in width, 1 341 mm in height and a wheelbase of 2 822 mm.

Because its '80s precursor was heavily criticised for being grand but not particularly entertaining to drive, this BMW would be judged a failure if it didn't offer engaging driving dynamics. Overseas, there's a diesel 840d xDrive, which is a 3.0-litre 6-cylinder turbodiesel pushing out 235 kW and 680 Nm. It'll do 0-100 kph in a claimed 4.9 seconds, but despite its performance ambitions, it'll consume around 6.0 L/100 km.

However, the headline engine features in the M850i xDrive, which is destined for our market. It is a new 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 motor that produces 390 kW and 750 Nm, which is said to propel the big coupe from standstill to 100 kph in a claimed 3.7 seconds. It is claimed to consumed an average of 10.0 L of petrol per 100 km.

In both derivatives, power goes to all four wheels via BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system. The transmission is a new version of the 8-speed Steptronic and features shift paddles on the steering wheel. In the SA-bound 850i xDrive, the 8 Series features a rear-wheel drive bias, a performance-tuned rear differential lock and a launch control system.

The 8 Series cabin does not look dramatically different to those of contemporary large BMWs, but the luxury details are exquisite.

In terms of technology, BMW's Laserlight headlights are available as an option, there's a new iDrive system and some of the new noteworthy features range from wireless charging, smart key like the one we've experienced in the 7-Series, heads-up display and an 11-speaker sound system (upgradeable to 16 speakers). Being a flagship offering, the BMW 8 Series has an opulent cabin execution: slick new-look instrumentation has debuted. The front sports seats are all-new and feature, inter alia, heating and cooling functions.

What's more, BMW has fitted the 8 Series with an array of driver assistance systems, including Personal Co-Pilot, which BMW claims, "relieves the strain on the driver in monotonous situations, such as traffic jams or slow-moving traffic. They additionally enhance comfort and safety both in urban traffic and on longer trips by providing targeted assistance in complex traffic situations." Essentially, the car will be watching for hazards when a driver's concentration is not at its highest. The new 850i xDrive features cruise control with braking functionality, as well as collision and pedestrian warning with city braking. Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go and Lane Keeping Assist and more safety features can be optionally specified.

We'll have more details about SA specification closer to the launch in March 2019. As it stands, it looks likely there will be an M8 and a convertible version of the 8 Series following on too.

BMW 8 Series Price in South Africa

This is the basic price, with CO2 tax included.

BMW M850i xDrive Coupe R 1 887 827

Watch the new BMW 8 Series in action:

Will Speed Limiters Really Arrive by 2022?

Europe has voted to make speed limiters mandatory in new cars. Does this mean our free-driving days are coming to an end?

If you are a regular visitor to Cars.co.za, it stands to reason that you like driving, and would (most probably) regard government agencies tasked with monitoring your right to own and operate a private vehicle as bothersome.

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to sign the licence points demerit system into law soon. In principle, it’s a punitive system that has proven effective in countries such as Germany and the UK. There's no fault with attempting to emulate the road safety standards in European countries…

The EU is targeting safer roads by mandatory speed limit enforcement from your car.

What has not been atop our google newsfeeds, however, is a far more radical, and potentially disruptive, political intervention that will directly target the cars we drive, or, more to the point, the cars we will drive in the very near future. In late February, the European Parliament voted unanimously to enforce a law that will require vehicles operated in its legislature to be factory-fitted with speed limiters.

The technology is called Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) and it doesn’t use any brake-intervention technology to trim a vehicle's speed. What ISA does, after harvesting GPS data about the road you are on, is to limit the power output of a car's engine. It also uses onboard cameras to reinforce its intuition about speed limits, through the utilisation of road-sign recognition technology. Unlike systems that merely annoy the driver by buzzing a warning about exceeding the speed limit, ISA provides an active nannying intervention – and that’s potentially a huge issue.

Hypothetically lethal ISA interventions

If the EU parliamentarians who voted for mandatory ISA fitment within the next 3 years get their way, there could be unintended consequences for drivers and road users. The ISA systems will have to feature an override function, and it is understood that this will merely require sustained throttle pedal pressure to supersede. It'd be mildly annoying in most driving conditions, but for overtaking, ISA could, theoretically, cause lethal delays.

Overtaking with a speed limiter could be tricky, to say the least.

Imagine this scenario: while you're undertaking a journey in your car, you encounter a line of trucks that are rolling along under load, at a few kph under the speed limit. You wish to overtake and realise that a sustained burst of acceleration will be required. This action is very likely to momentarily push you past the speed limit before you can settle back into your lane and ease off the throttle.

With an aggressively engineered ISA system, there could be a few seconds of delay before your throttle pedal action is rewarded with a burst of full engine power as your intent overrides the system. This is a potentially fatal scenario, given the traditional timeframe most drivers use to calculate a safe margin of overtaking. An ISA system that limits engine power could make overtaking an irrational gamble in future.

Traffic enforcement won't applaud this, but when overtaking slower traffic it's unavoidable to exceed the speed limit, even if only for a few seconds.

Does Volvo know something we don’t?

The car company most closely associated with safety innovation as its marketing anchor, Gothenburg-based firm Volvo, has responded to the EU parliament’s political direction by announcing that from 2020, all cars produced by the Swedish manufacturer will be limited to a 180-kph top speed.

For Volvo, there is no potential revenue risk in this decision. Its products are favoured for their Scandinavian design, comfort and inoffensive social image. Speed is not a Volvo selling point. Safety is. But a 180-kph speed limit could be argued as generous.

“We want to start a conversation about whether car makers have the right or maybe even an obligation to install technology in cars that changes their driver’s behaviour, to tackle things like speeding, intoxication or distraction,” says Håkan Samuelsson, Volvo’s CEO.

From 2020, all Volvos will be limited to 180 kph.

The conflict is, of course, that all luxury automotive brands have increased the issue of in-cabin distraction to a nearly unmanageable level with enormous touchscreen infotainment interfaces. Drivers are given every possible opportunity to be distracted by interaction with digital media. That said, Volvo’s 180-kph limit is probably a fair compromise, allowing a sufficient margin of speed for drivers to manage emergency acceleration.

Volvo is perhaps being slightly disingenuous about its position on the restriction of vehicles' top speeds. Polestar has been rerolled from Volvo’s erstwhile performance car subdivision to its standalone electric car sub-brand. What's more, Volvo has confirmed that the 180 kph limit will not apply to any Polestar products, which are being marketed as performance-orientated electric vehicles.

The unintended consequences: South Africa’s reality

What happens in Europe is important to South Africa, as all our most popular luxury and performance vehicles are German. If those brands are forced to adhere to increasingly draconian factory-fitted speed restriction technology, your road trip might take a lot longer than anticipated in future.

There are crucial differences between South Africa and Europe in terms of geography and population density. In Western Europe, villages are separated by just a few kilometres in most cases. The idea of madly speeding along on narrow roads with ancient brick walls only a few centimetres from your wing mirrors makes little sense. It’s a world away from the open expanses and sparseness of the Northern Cape, for example.

South Africa, unlike Europe has vast distances between towns, meaning your journey could take a lot longer than anticipated.

In South Africa, the distances between towns can be vast. And those roads are (mostly) uncrowded, so perhaps road traffic authorities could be convinced to tolerate higher-than-average speeds (within reason) on rural asphalt routes (road conditions permitting, of course)? However, bear in mind that driving on those roads at dusk or dawn is dangerous, because wild animals are more likely to cross roads in dim light.

Here's a thought… From 1995 to 1998, road users in Montana were only beholden to a "reasonable-and-prudent" speed restriction on highways. The relatively unpopulated US state wanted its citizens to get home before sunset, to avoid vehicle collisions with wildlife. The law was deemed too vague, creating confusion between drivers and highway patrolman alike, and was repealed in 1998. It did prove that difference in animal and pedestrian behaviour, average driving distances and daylight hours were all factors worth considering when legislating how people should drive.

There is another element to arguing against mandatory speed limiters on South African cars. Local emergency response services are overwhelmed (both law enforcement and medical) and swiftly-driven private vehicles are often the only lifelines for patients that have to be transported to care facilities within the golden hour. A similar thread of logic can be woven into the issue of responding to crime incidents – especially rural lawbreaking.

What does Germany teach us?

The country that potentially has the most to lose if mandated speed limiters are universally introduced, is Germany.

Virtually all German passenger-vehicle brands (not only the premium-badged ones) turn a tidy profit by marketing vehicles that are renowned for their ability to effortlessly run to their 250-kph factory fitted limiters. And most Teutonic car companies offer customers the option of lifting those electronic governors to 280 kph or beyond, at extra cost. Speed has been a quintessential leverage for the German car industry since the late 1970s, around the same time Germany introduced the demerit driving licence system, which now looms large for South African motorists.

The Germans have the most to lose with an enforced speed limit.

The Bundesrepublik is one of the world’s most densely populated countries, but even with huge traffic volumes and terrifying wet driving weather for most of the year, road traffic fatalities are remarkably low. This issue becomes even more perplexing when you factor in the presence of unrestricted portions of the German national highway system: those legendary bits of autobahn where you can go as fast as you’d like. In truth, the unrestricted zones make up a little more than half the total autobahn network – but you never see reckless behaviour on them or hear of catastrophic accidents.

In my time as a motoring journalist, which has involved the curiosity of high-speed autobahn driving, I know of only 2 fatal high-speed testing incidents. The first was in 2009, when a midnight headlight test session went awry in a Porsche 911 cabriolet prototype, resulting in the death of the driver. The following year, a camouflaged Mercedes ML rolled after impacting a stationary Mazda, resulting in the death of the smaller car’s driver.

The evidence provided by Germany’s autobahn is irrefutable: speed restriction is not an overriding solution in reducing road use fatalities. Those unrestricted bits of autobahn are less lethal than restricted highways in most other parts of the world and the lesson from Germany is that diligent and disciplined drivers, in excellently maintained vehicles, can use high-speed public roads without increased risk to themselves or others.

How does this all link to South Africa’s demerit system? Much like the EU legislation concerning factory fitment of ISA to new cars, which will have to be negotiated between individual EU member states, it completely discounts the issue of digital distraction. As infotainment touchscreens become bigger and entice drivers to use more of their Smartphone functionality on the move, there appears no demerit point penalties for digital distraction.

Politicians are excessively keen to legislate vehicle speed, but there is no political awareness concerning driver distraction. For ISA technology to ever become an applied issue for South African drivers, it will have to pass muster in the European Union first. One suspects that Germany, as Europe’s most populous and powerful nations, will not allow speed limiting legislation to pass all that easily. At least not yet.