Renault has introduced a 4×4 version of its all-new Duster compact SUV which came to market last year. See specification and pricing details for the newcomer below…
The Renault Duster is a popular choice in the compact family SUV segment and offers a degree of ruggedness that its rivals lack. Now, Renault South Africa welcomes the Duster 4×4 to market which features a new 16-inch alloy wheels, aluminium roof bars, front and rear skid plates, a chrome-trim grille and a C-shaped lighting signature.
The look is matched with a 210mm ground clearance, 30-degree approach angle and 34-degree departure angle to tackle more challenging terrains.
Engine Power
The Duster 4×4 is powered by a 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine with 80 kW and 260 Nm of torque and is mated to a 6-speed dual-clutch manual automatic transmission. Fuel consumption is claimed at 5.2 L/100km.
WIth a Transmission Mode Selector, the driver is able to switch between 3 driving modes including 2WD Mode (front-wheel drive/normal driving conditions), Automatic Mode (torque distributed over 4 wheels) and Lock Mode (torque distributed to all 4 wheels), depending on the requirement.
Key Features
The Duster 4×4 features a new and improved interior with a host of useful features.
The Renault Duster 4×4 is offered in Dynamique trim only and comes equipped with features such as onboard navigation, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Multiview Camera for improved visibility while offroading, 4×4 monitor, blind spot warning, hill descent control, rear park distance control and cruise control. Climate control air conditioning is also standard.
In terms of practicality, the Duster offers 478-litre load bay with 40:20:40 split rear seats.
The Duster 4×4 is equipped with 2 airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist and traction control.
Renault Duster – Price in South Africa
Duster 1.6 Expression 4X2 – R255 900
Duster 1.5 dCi Dynamique 4×2 – R288 900
Duster 1.5 dCi Dynamique EDC 4×2 – R322 900
Duster 1.5 dCi Dynamique 4×4 – R327 900
Duster 1.5dCi Prestige EDC 4×2 – R340 900
Options include:
Metallic paint – R2 522
Leather seats – R10 088
The Renault Duster is sold with a 5-year/150 000 kkm warranty, 3-year/45 000 km service plan and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty. Service intervals are at 15 000 km.
Compared with the majority of Adventure SUVs, the Kia Sorento presents a more comfortable and premium-packaged way to transport your family. However, it's not as affordable as its bakkie-based rivals… Can it truly justify its higher asking price? We tested the facelifted entry-level derivative thoroughly.
We like: Comfortable and practicals. Good build quality. Balance of performance/economy.
We don’t like: Lacks killer punch to make it a sure-fire hit.
The Sorento started its model life as a people mover, but styling-wise, it now bears a closer resemblance to an SUV.
This generation of the Kia Sorento was launched in South Africa during 2015. With this facelifted model, however, Kia has refined the range and improved its value-for-money proposition. The Sorento is now offered exclusively in 7-seater configuration and sits atop Kia’s local product offering. The market for 7-seaters is dominated by bakkie-based models (primarily in the forms of the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest). The Sorento differs from these cab-on-chassis products insofar that it offers car-like road manners and an upmarket interior; it shuttles its human cargo around in luxury.
The good
Spacious and practical
Modern 7-seaters are expected to have capacious cabins and facilitate a variety of people carrying/loading combinations. And, the Sorento is no exception. At 5 metres in length, the Kia seats 7 in comfort – there's enough room so that occupants don't need to rub shoulders or awkwardly rest their thighs against one another. We found the back row could accommodate a pair of small adults on a 2-hour long drag up the West Coast. The passenger side middle row could perhaps slide forward slightly more in order to allow easier access to the back, but agile children will be just fine.
Spacious and comfortable in all rows.
In 5-seater mode, the luggage space balloons from 142 litres to 605 litres, which is more than enough space to fit the detritus associated with a weekend family getaway. If more room is required, the 2nd row folds down (in a 60/40 split) to create a flat area capable of holding 1 662 litres!
Furthermore, there are cupholders and storage bins right at the back and the seats can be folded flat via a lever in the load bay or releases located on the seat themselves. This LX derivative does not come equipped with an electric tailgate, but the higher-spec EX does.
Blend of fuel thriftiness and performance
The Sorento’s 2.2-litre turbodiesel and new 8-speed automatic transmission provide smooth and well-rounded power delivery. It’s not a gruff, lumpy or "grumpy-sounding" powerplant as you're likely to get in a bakkie-based Adventure SUV and it doesn’t feel like the powertrain is hampering the power/torque delivery by virtue of its agricultural oily bits. This powertrain could easily do duty in a German/British sedan without any complaint.
Its 2.2-litre unit is good for 147 kW and 440 Nm of torque. Only when the Kia's fully loaded (with 7 adults, or 5 occupants and their luggage, on board), do you notice that the engine needs to rev higher than usual to maintain the Sorento's momentum. For the most, there’s ample torque in reserve for executing overtaking manoeuvres at freeway speeds; sitting steady at 120 kph on the long road is a doddle for the 2.2 CRDI LX.
The new 8-speed automatic transmission offers improved shift quality and keeps the fuel usage in check.
The derivatives average fuel economy is claimed at 6.3 L/100 km, which we found a little ambitious, to be honest. Throughout our 2-week test period with mixed driving conditions and a fair amount of heavily-loaded commuting, the Kia consumed 8.5L/100 km. It’s safe to say an owner could easily get that number into the mid to high 7s, which is good for a people-mover. Most of its bakkie SUV competitors struggle to get under 10 L/100 km.
Refined interior
Kia has developed a reputation for exceptional build quality by improving the fit and finish of its products' cabins. And, we're happy to report that the updated Sorento is a good example of the brand's continuous improvement. The seats are trimmed in high-quality leather (standard across the range), plus the dashboard and critical touch points around the cabin are of the soft-touch variety and sturdily secured. There’s stitching across the dashboard to add a bit of texture to the design, while the steering-wheel rim has been thickened to provide a bit more gravitas to its feel.
On the downside, there is a lot of monotone black in the Sorento’s interior and it could do with a few more inlay options (wood, aluminium or piano black inserts, for instance), but the inside of the Kia remains an upmarket place to occupy.
Classy interior that's exceptionally well put together.
The newly developed touchscreen is Apple Carplay- and Android Auto compatible and it works seamlessly with contemporary smartphones. The top-spec EX gets a wireless charging pad but even so, this LX model still has a 2.1-amp fast charging port located in the front storage bin.
On-road refinement
One of the major selling points of the Sorento (over its bakkie-based SUV challengers) is its pliant ride quality. What's more, it doesn’t exhibit as much body roll in the corners and settles over bumps quicker. You also don’t get that slightly wafty feel through the steering – a characteristic that that Fortuner and Everest owners will know well. It’s very settled on the road and provides a secure, comfortable drive on winding or bumpy tarmac.
The not-so-good
Dirt-road prowess
Apple Carplay and Android Auto are standard and the USB port is a fast-charging 2.1A port.
The entry-level LX is a front-wheel-drive derivative (although it's also available in all-wheel-drive guise, for an additional R40 000), but there is no getting away from the fact that it's (asphalt) road-biased… It just doesn’t feel quite at home on the rough stuff. As well as the Sorento feels well set up for the road, it doesn’t ride as smoothly on gravel and it's prone vibrating harshly over washboard sections of dirt.
If you only ever plan on taking short stints on gravel when venturing on holiday, then the Sorento should cope without a problem, but, if you have a penchant for exploring the road less travelled, you may want to stick with the proven dirt-trackers.
Verdict
A great holiday companion for the annual coast run.
For most large families, the Sorento ticks all the boxes. It’s fairly well-equipped in terms of standard specification and safety equipment (ESP, ABS, EBD and 6 airbags are standard), as well as creature comforts. Having comfortable seating for 7 makes the Sorento 2.2 CRDI LX a great holiday companion in combination with its excellent ride quality, which should mean you can survive long stints without having to stop to stretch out.
In terms of performance, the turbodiesel motor feels a notch above those that power the Kia's bakkie-based Adventure SUV rivals and the updated Sorento certainly feels more car-like and stable on tarmac surfaces. It doesn’t, however, feel at home when tasked with a dirt road.
At R579 995 (March 2019) it’s priced at a similar level to the Fortuner and Everest, but without the 4×4 credibility, which makes it less versatile than those rivals. The Sorento is near-ideal for family holiday excursions: you’ll travel in comfort and arrive in a less-fatigued state. However, for many South Africans, the temptation of the great outdoors (with its myriad dirt roads) is more enticing than a comfortable Eurocentric family SUV. Pity.
Alternatives (click on the names for specification details)
The Fortuner is the segment leader, often racking up 1 000 units a month. At 561 260 it’s more expensive than the Sorento and lacks the road refinement, ride comfort and seamless connectivity options.
The Ford Everest is probably the most comfortable of the bakkie-based SUVs but is still a long way off that of the Sorento. At R607 900 it’s a bit more expensive but with its Sync3 infotainment system has the tech and infotainment system to match the Sorento, but not the cabin quality.
The Santa Fe is effectively the same car as the Sorento, it’s just a little bit more expensive and not quite as well specced. It does look more like an SUV than the people moving Sorento. It’s priced at R599 900
7 Rivals the VW T-Cross Has to Beat
The hotly-contested compact family car segment will be well and truly shaken up later this year with the arrival of the new Volkswagen T-Cross on local soil. Will the T-Cross have its rivals licked in this segment?
South Africans always love a good Volkswagen and based on our recent experience with the T-Cross in Spain, it’s a winner! Don’t believe us? Read Ciro De Siena’s International Launch Review and watch the video above to see what the T-Cross is all about.
SUVs are big business and Volkswagen aims to make the most of the trend by launching a massive SUV assault. To give you some idea, by 2025, the firm reckons that every second Volkswagen sold will be an SUV, with over 30 SUV models on offer around the world.
A part of that strategy involves the T-Cross, a Polo-based compact family car that is expected to land at under R300 000 (for the base model) when it arrives in South Africa in the second half of 2019. In 2020, it will be followed by the introduction of the larger T-Roc, both of which will slot in beneath the already successful Tiguan in Volkswagen’s SUV lineup while the Touareg will remain as the brand’s pinnacle SUV offering.
The T-Cross will feature a stylish and upmarket cabin with many nice-to-have features often seen on bigger cars.
The T-Cross will be offered with a similarly styled cabin as the Polo with coloured dash pads and a digital cockpit (optionally). Despite its compact dimensions load space is claimed at 385-litres (455 litres by sliding the second row forward) and expanding to 1 281-litres with the seats folded down.
In terms of engines, a total of 4 turbocharged engines will power the T-Cross. There are two 1.0-litre turbopetrol, 3-cylinder engines on offer with either 70 kW or 85 kW as well as a range-topping 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine with 110 kW. On the diesel front, a 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine with 70 kW will round off the T-Cross range. All T-Cross variants will be front-wheel-drive with both manual and dual clutch transmissions on offer.
Here are 7 rivals that the new Volkswagen T-Cross will have to beat in the sales race in the compact family car segment…
Ford EcoSport
An all-new Ford EcoSport came to market in 2018 and it’s proving to be a popular choice in this segment with February 2019 sales amounting to 456 units sold locally (it’s the top seller in the segment). Not bad… The EcoSport is powered by a naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine with 91 kW and 150 Nm of torque as well as a turbocharged 1.0-litre petrol engine with 92 kW and 170 Nm of torque. The only diesel option in the range is a 1.5-litre turbodiesel with 74 kW and 205 Nm. A 5-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmission is available to buyers.
In terms of practicality, the EcoSport’s load bay offers 333-litres, expanding to 705-litres. The EcoSport is priced between R254 950 and R346 900.
The Creta is hugely successful in South Africa and in February 2019, it sold 275 units locally. The Creta is powered by a naturally-aspirated 1.6-litre petrol engine with 90 kW and 150 Nm of torque as well as a 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine with 94 kW and 260 Nm of torque. A 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmission is offered. In terms of load space, the Creta pips the T-Cross with a loadbay measuring at 402-litres.
The Hyundai Creta, however, is priced between R349 900 and R414 900.
An updated CX-3 came to market mid-2018 and the stylish compact family car is selling well locally with February 2019 sales coming in at 309 units sold. The CX-3 employs a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engine with 115 kW and 206 Nm of torque and is offered with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. It’s not the most spacious compact family car in the market as its load bay is claimed to offer 264-litres, expanding to 1 260-litres with the rear seats folded down.
The Captur remains a popular and stylish choice in this segment and the arrival of the facelifted model in 2018 will ensure that this French rival remains relevant in our market. Engine options include a turbocharged 3-cylinder, 1.0-litre turbopetrol engine with 66 kW and 135 Nm of torque as well as a 1.2-litre turbopetrol engine with 88 kW and 190 Nm of torque. A 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine is also offered with 66 kW and 220 Nm of torque. A 5-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmission is offered. In terms of space, the Captur’s load bay is claimed at 377-litres, expanding to 1 235-litres with the rear seats folded down.
The Captur is priced between R246 900 and R336 900.
Chinese SUV manufacturer, Haval, has been doing steady business in South Africa since its arrival in 2017 and the H2 compact crossover is considered to be a high-value offering in this segment. It’s powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine with 105 kW and 202 Nm, coupled with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. While Haval hasn’t disclosed load space capacity, the H2’s space offering is on par with rivals in this segment.
The H2 is attractively priced between R259 900 and R319 900.
For the practically-minded buyer, the Suzuki Vitara is a sensible choice in this segment but it’s styling, particularly on the inside, is not as premium as most of the rivals on this list. Nonetheless, the Vitara has much to offer and it’s powered by a naturally-aspirated 1.6-litre petrol engine with 86 kW and 151 Nm of torque and comes mated to either a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. The Vitara is reasonably spacious too with the loadbay claimed at 375-litres and expanding to 1 120-litres with all the seats folded down.
It’s also nicely priced between R281 900 and R374 900.
The Honda HR-V was also updated in 2018 and it’s one of the more pricier options in this segment, which partly explains why its sales numbers are middling (only 79 were sold in February 2019). It is a solid car, however, and buyers have 2 engines to choose from including a 1.5-litre petrol engine with 88 kW and 145 Nm of torque (mated with a CVT) or a 1.8-litre petrol engine with 105 kW and 172 Nm of torque, also mated with a CVT. Both engines are naturally aspirated.
Load space is reasonable at 393-litres, expanding to 1 002-litres although with Honda’s Magic seating system, it’s certainly one of the more practical models in the segment.
Pricing for the HR-V starts at R354 900 and goes up to R419 900.
The next-generation Mercedes-AMG E63 has been spotted undergoing winter testing. Here's what we know so far.
The Mercedes-AMG E63 had a cushy and comfortable life, that is until the latest iteration of BMW M5 arrived. Not only was the M5 faster than both the E63 and E63 S where it counted, but the follow-up BMW M5 Competition drove the final nail into the coffin. Granted, some would say the Mercedes-AMG E63 sounded much better. However, the numbers do not lie, and the AMG engineers have gone back to the drawing bad.
From what we understand, the new Mercedes-AMG E63 will form part of a revitalised E-Class range from Mercedes-Benz. The entire front end has been restyled and if these headlights are anything to go by, we expect it to adopt a similar fascia similar to that of the CLS 4-door coupe. We don't think the E-Class engine range will be dramatically overhauled, rather some refinement tweaks here and there. Inside, we expect the infotainment system to be replaced by an MBUX setup and adopt the giant widescreen.
For the AMG model, we think the E63 will receive a slight power boost to its 4.0-litre biturbo V8 engine. Currently, it produces 450 kW and 850 Nm, giving it a claimed 0-100 kph time of just 3.4 seconds. There could be some changes to the 4Matic all-wheel-drive setup for some dynamic improvements and 9G-Tronic transmission for faster shifts.
The Range Rover and Range Rover Sport are now offered with plug-in hybrid (PHEV) derivatives. See details below…
The new plug-in hybrid Range Rover and Range Rover Sport derivatives are badged as the P400e and both offer total outputs of 297 kW and 640 Nm developed by a 221 kW 2.0-litre petrol engine and 85 kW electric motor. Both derivatives are paired with an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission and 7 kW on-board charger.
The charging point is found behind the badge on the grille with the 13.1 kWh lithium-ion batteries mounted in the floor of the rear load bay. Both vehicles are equipped with Land Rover’s Terrain Response 2 system to tackle difficult terrain. The system has been calibrated to distribute torque from the electric motor to all four wheels from zero rpm which affords the driver greater control in low-speed off-road scenarios.
Two drive modes, including Parallel Hybrid (combines petrol and electric drive) mode and EV (pure electric drive) mode are offered. In EV mode, both derivatives offer 51 km range on electric power alone and a full charge can be achieved in 2 hours and 45 minutes using the optional 32 A wall box. Alternatively, you can also use a standard 10 A home charging cable which takes 7.5 hours to complete a full charge. Both derivatives are offered in standard and long wheelbase body styles.
Key Features
The Range Rover plug-in hybrid derivative is equipped with a host of comfort and convenience features such as a Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, up to 17 connection points, WiFi hotspot for up to 8 devices, 20/24-way front seats with 25 massage programmes, gesture sunblind, air cabin ionisation and an activity key to name a few.
The Range Rover Sport adds an Advanced Tow Assist function, using the Terrain Response 2 rotary controller, which helps the driver with counter-steering for greater accuracy when reversing with a trailer.
Range Rover/Range Rover Sport PHEV – Price in SA
Range Rover P400e – R2 207 300
Range Rover Sport – R1 639 300
A 3-year/100 000km warranty and 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan is standard as well as an 8-year/160 000km 70% state of health warranty.
Volkswagen T-Cross (2019) International Launch Review [w/Video]
South Africans are certifiably SUV-crazy and seem to have an insatiable appetite for anything with a raised ride height and chunky off-roader styling. While brands such as Ford and Renault have been contesting the compact family car segment for a while, with the EcoSport and Duster (as well as Captur) respectively, Volkswagen is oddly late to the party. However, the German brand is about to introduce a mighty challenger in the form of the all-new T-Cross.
A late entry to the compact SUV category, does the T-Cross have what it takes?
What is it?
Based on the modified MQB architecture that underpins the Polo and sporting the same engines and transmissions as the top-selling compact hatchback, the T-Cross is not much larger than its sibling. It’s roughly the same width and just 55 mm longer and 140 mm taller, than a Polo.
However, those figures belie the impressive design and kerb presence of the T-Cross – the newcomer is likely to draw a steady stream of showroom traffic when it arrives. There is no question as to whether this car fits the description of an SUV. The squared-off C-pillars, inspired by those of the Tiguan, give the newcomer broad shoulders. In profile, the car apes its family car sibling and, especially when shod with larger wheels, it looks solid.
It may be hard for an SUV mad country like SA to say no to a T-Cross at its indicative pricing.
I couldn’t quite put my finger on how Volkswagen achieved it, but the newcomer looks much larger in pictures than it is. Viewed in isolation, the T-Cross looks larger than its bigger sibling, the T-Roc, but when parked next to the T-Roc, the truth of its more compact dimensions is revealed.
But, make no mistake, this is a punchy, pocket-sized package.
The roads of the beautiful island of Mallorca, VW’s chosen location for the international launch of the T-Cross, are as perfectly-surfaced as they are narrow. Lined with ancient stone farm walls, local drivers barrel along without so much as a hint of caution, requiring you to squeeze up against the long-standing masonry. In those hair-raising moments, I was mighty glad the T-Cross is only as wide as a Polo…
However, the downside to that scenario is that I cannot accurately report on what the car is like to drive on poor roads, or how it might handle those most loathed adornments of South African asphalt routes: potholes. Ultimately though, it's a Volkswagen and doesn’t ooze bucket loads of charm or character, but it is undoubtedly a car that you could be happy to drive every single day. The ride is firmer than you might hope for in an SUV, but not wooden; it strikes an impressive compromise between comfort and not falling over when you negotiate corners at higher-than-usual speeds.
Underpinned by the Polo platform, the T-Cross has excellent road manners. Albeit we only drove on the smoothest of roads.
In fact, I would say the T-Cross is playful in its setup, and quite good fun to chuck into corners. You can’t get terribly lost on Mallorca and so we headed for the hills, hoping to find some good twisties to test the Volkswagen's dynamism. We were rewarded with a stunning mountain pass and the T-Cross, which has a front-wheel-drive configuration, was composed – even mature – in the way it handled the undulations.
On the highway, the larger low-profile tyres generated a bit of road noise and I did discern a bit of wind noise emanating from around the top of the A-pillars (the upper corners of the windscreen), but there was nothing out of the ordinary (or to be concerned about) in terms on on-road refinement.
The engines
Volkswagen SA has not confirmed which engines SA buyers will be able to choose from, but we suspect all 3 powerplants scheduled for introduction in Europe will be made available here. These include the 1.0-litre TSI 3-cylinder turbopetrol engine, which is currently servicing the Golf, a new 1.5-litre TSI 4-cylinder turbopetrol motor, which will likely make its debut in South Africa in the T-Cross, and lastly, a 1.6-litre TDI 4-cylinder turbodiesel.
SA engines have not been confirmed yet, but it is likely we will get 2 turbopetrols and, perhaps, a turbodiesel option.
The 1.0-litre turbopetrol motor can be paired (internationally at least) with either a 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch DSG ‘box, while the 1.5-litre turbopetrol and 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine are only available with a 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG.
What did we drive?
We had a quick spin in the turbodiesel fitted with the DSG, as well as the 1.0TSI DSG. What was most impressive, however, was the indicated fuel consumption in the 1.0-litre turbo petrol. We averaged 5.8 L/100 km across the trip (which, admittedly, did not include much stop-and-go city driving) but even so, that is a quite an impressive figure, and almost negates the need to "go diesel" if fuel efficiency and running costs are major concerns.
The 1.0-litre turbopetrol proved extremely frugal on our test route.
While the turbodiesel is torquier, the petrol motor is slightly smoother and quieter in operation, and I suspect you’d be happier to drive the latter every day. The 1.0-litre TSI is available in 2 states of tune, with peak power and torque figures quoted at either 70 or 85 kW, with 175 Nm, and while those numbers may seem low, the T-Cross never felt underpowered or sluggish during the evaluation drive.
Interior and creature comforts
The interior has largely been lifted from the Polo, and that’s not a bad thing. When we first drove the Polo last year we rated its interior as the best in class. A large touchscreen dominates the centre console and, if you opt for the Active Info Display, the instrument cluster will be fully digital too.
High-quality plastics abound and, in line with the youthful nature of the car, the dashboard, steering wheel and seats can be customised with a plethora of colours and patterns to ensure that your specified car will be just as funky as you want.
Not much inside the T-Cross to differentiate it from the Polo. Still quite upmarket, however.
As standard, the car is fitted with a touchscreen infotainment system, but the standard fitment of satellite navigation is not confirmed for our market as yet. However, Android Auto and Apple Carplay are standard features, while the lowest cavity of the centre stack features a wireless charging pad. Two USB ports are fitted nearby, with another pair afforded to rear occupants (to ensure kids' electronic devices stay well-charged during long trips).
The T-Cross further features VW’s Dataplug as standard, which automatically connects to a free Volkswagen Connect app on your smartphone (if installed) and disseminates some very useful information about your car, such as whether it’s locked or not, how much range you have left on the tank and when your next service is due. The app can automatically store the location of the T-Cross when you lock it, so that you can use your smartphone to locate your car when you return from one of your marathon shopping adventures… and find you've forgotten where you parked.
The T-Cross rear seatback folds in a 60/40 split and the load bay offers approximately 100 more litres than the Polo hatchback.
Practicality
A neat trick added to T-Cross is the sliding rear bench, which can be moved by as much as 140 mm to either increase legroom for rear passengers (aft) or dramatically increase space in the load bay (forward).
One of the T-Cross’ key rivals, the Renault Captur, has offered this feature for some time and in the Renault, you can conveniently grab the release handle from inside the bay, whereas in the Volkswagen you have to open a rear door and lean in to find it.
A wireless charging bay would be a great addition to the segment if it makes the specification list for local models.
However, the effect is the same and with the rear seats in the most forward position, luggage space increases to 455 litres, which exceeds the Polo’s capacity by just over 105 litres. Sliding the seat all the way forward should make enough space available for a pram, but with the rear bench in its most rearward position, you will struggle to fit a pram in there. That being said, the load floor has 2 positions and in its lowest position the bay offers good depth and it should easily swallow a pair of large suitcases or a month’s groceries.
The rear seats fold flat in a 60/40 split and, as an optional extra (for some reason), the front passenger seat backrest can be made to fold completely flat too, opening up enough space to slide in a medium-sized kayak. Which is handy, I suppose.
Safety
Volkswagen has gone to town with the safety features and, depending on how much extra you’re willing to spend on your purchase, your T-Cross can be fitted with some seriously impressive “big car” tech, such as radar-guided cruise control.
A full range of safety equipment is available on the T-Cross. Even base models are well equipped.
But as standard, the car features Front Assist with Pedestrian Monitoring and City Emergency Brake, which will automatically bring the car to a stop at low speeds. Lane assist (lane departure warning system), hill start assist, and a proactive occupant protection system (a system that closes the windows, tightens seatbelts and applies additional brake pleasure in a potential accident situation), as well as blind-spot detection and lane change assist, are all standard. The full park assist system, which enables the T-Cross to park itself, relying on you only for applications of the brake and accelerator pedals, is available as an optional extra.
Local line-up
While Volkswagen SA has not confirmed the local T-Cross line-up just yet, we did glean some information about the derivatives that will be on offer. The basic spec will feature a height adjustable driver’s seat, as well as all of the above safety features, which is an impressive array of features as standard. The Life trim line, meanwhile, adds a multi-function steering wheel, PDC (front and rear) and 16-inch alloys.
R-Line models and Beats variants will be available after launch.
The Style trim line adds LED headlights, a multifunction leather steering wheel, sport/comfort front seats, ambient lighting, Climatronic climate control and 17-inch alloy wheels. There will also be an R-Line exterior styling pack (aesthetic upgrades only) available.
A sound system designed by Beats, which features a 300 W, 8-channel amplifier and separate subwoofer in the load bay, will also be offered.
Pricing
VW SA has only released indicative pricing and the good news is the T-Cross will be available from under R300 000. Currently, the top-spec (excluding the GTI derivative) VW Polo costs R332 550.
This bodes very well for the new compact SUV, and while we suspect that almost no one will drive out of a new vehicle dealership having spent under R300 000 on a T-Cross, it does mean that, for the price of a top end Polo, you can get yourself a very nicely specced T-Cross.
Entry-level pricing is enticing on the new T-Cross
In the metal, the base-spec T-Cross does look a bit dull. You’re likely to want to add larger wheels, and while you’re at it, you might as well go up to the Life trim level, with all the added interior and safety features that come with it.
Summary
Hot cakes! Get your hot cakes!
It’s very difficult to poke holes in the T-Cross offering. At the moment, the Ecosport rules this segment and with prices starting at R254 000 for a base version of Ford's compact family car, it will remain the more affordable option by quite some margin.
However, it’s hard to argue with the build quality, standard features, engine line-up (and frugality thereof), plus the aesthetic appeal of the T-Cross. VW is arriving very late to this segment, but what the firm has put together is a very complete package, using the best bits of the popular Polo.
While the Ecosport is much-improved post-facelift, the Captur is ageing now. The T-Cross feels like a substantial car, both in terms of exterior styling, the upmarket interior execution, and the composed, solid ride quality it offers out on the (admittedly near-perfect) roads we tested it.
Ford and Renault will continue to offer longer warranties and service plans than Volkswagen, which is pretty much two of the very few bugbears we have with the brand and its products. However, anecdotally at least, the VW will likely hold its value a bit better. Regardless, the words “hot cakes” and “sell” come to mind when driving the T-Cross, and I suspect it will be catnip to local buyers when it arrives late in 2019.
Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan vs Mercedes-Benz CLA: What’s The Difference
With Mercedes-Benz offering both the A-Class Sedan and the CLA, is there actually any real difference between them? We compare the new models visually.
When Mercedes-Benz launched its new A-Class in hatchback guise, it was joined by the CLA, which was essentially the sedan version. The 2 cars share powertrains, cabin styles and features. Now for 2019, Merc has added the A-Class Sedan. The A-Class hatchback has been on the market for 12 months in SA and we do know that the A-Class Sedan is on its way, with pricing already secured. However, and this is where things get confusing, there's also the new Mercedes-Benz CLA coming to SA in 2019.
Mercedes-Benz claims the one is a compact sedan, while the Mercedes-Benz CLA is marketed as a 4-door coupe. While we have yet to drive either car, we do know that the new A-Class sedan and CLA 4-door coupe will be sharing engines and interiors. We have put them side by side, so you can see the visual differences.
Visual Comparison: Mercedes-Benz A-Class sedan vs Mercedes-Benz CLA
While we will admit that the CLA (right) is clad in Edition1 trim, there's no denying the CLA is the sportier of the two vehicles.
Given its 4-door coupe designation, the styling needs to be a little over the top and the CLA features a more pronounced rear.
The side profile highlights the Mercedes-Benz CLA's 4-door designation best. With that sloping rear, expect rear headroom to be a little tight for taller folk.
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class sedan has a more generic sedan design. It looks stubbier at the rear than the CLA
The CLA (above) and A-Class Sedan cabins are remarkably identical and it'll take some tiny changes in the form of trim and materials used to differentiate the two.
We think the A-Class Sedan will use more classic materials such as wood and leather, as opposed to the sportier aluminium and gloss plastics.
Audi is working on a comprehensive update for its A4 sedan which is expected to be revealed early in 2020.
In 2018, Audi quietly introduced a mild model year update to its A4 sedan and while the changes were mostly cosmetic, a full-blown facelift is currently underway to bring the A4 up to speed so that it can effectively compete against the all-new BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Our spy photographers have captured images of camouflaged A4 test mules winter testing in Europe and can be seen wearing a thoroughly revised grilled and a new headlight and daytime running light design. The rear bumper has also been reworked, now sporting rectangular tailpipes.
With the arrival of the new 3 Series, Audi will have to up its interior game and the facelifted A4 is expected to bring a host of changes in terms of design and technology, which will likely follow direction from the A6. Changes to engine options are also expected but details will emerge as development progresses. We will keep you updated as soon as more details become available.
Mahindra has introduced the Thar Adventure Series in South Africa which is aimed squarely at off-road enthusiasts. See specs and pricing below…
The Mahindra Thar has been beefed up with a range of off-road accessories and comes to market as the Thar Adventure Series.
The model is based on the Thar 2.2 CRDe 4×4 SE and comes equipped with Bundu Gear off-road bumpers, a steel canopy, off-road alloy wheels and a snorkel.
"The Thar is a firm favourite among Mahindra and off-road enthusiasts alike for its 70-year pedigree and no-frills focus on off-roading. With the Adventure Series, we have added the most popular Thar accessories at a discounted price to create a model that is sure to find favour with this group of fans," says Rajesh Gupta, CEO of Mahindra South Africa.
The front bumper is fitted with coloured recovery points, a top bar for added grille protection, high-lift jack mounting points and built-in LED lights. A front tow bar or removable winch can also be accommodated on the front bumper. Buyers can also fit special Bundu Gear rock sliders.
The Getec steel canopy and roof section over the front seats can be removed for open-top driving while a rear canvas canopy is supplied as standard.
Standard A-line alloy wheels are fitted with standard tyres but buyers can opt for optional off-road Hankook Dynapro AT tyres suited for off-road driving.
The Thar Adventure Series is powered by a 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine with 78 kW and 247 Nm of torque. A 5-speed manual transmission is fitted along with a Borg Warner 4×4 system and low-range transfer case.
A total of 3 colours are available including Rocky Beige, Rede Rage and DSAT Silver.
Mahindra Thar Adventure Series – Price in SA
Mahindra Thar 2.5 CRDe Adventure Series – R293 999.
A 2-year/50 000 km warranty is standard while a 3-year/80 000 km service plan is offered as an option.
Luxury automobiles built in the world’s largest country have for decades been an automotive novelty and the latest limousine to rise from Russian origins, looks quite convincingly like a Rolls-Royce – literally.
A national pride project operating with the blessing of Vladimir Putin, the brand is called Aurus (no relation to the Toyota Auris) and it has recently shown its first production car to potential European customers.
The car in question is called a Senat and it looks awfully familiar to Rolls-Royce’s Phantom, clearly indicating where Aurus would like to position itself. Unlike some other Russian limousines of the past – such as the ZiL – this Senat features design input from German engineers and the inside appears to be quite contemporary, with TFT instrumentation and an iDrive type infotainment controller dial. It also features rear seats able to recline 45-degrees, to offer supreme comfort to those not tasked with driving.
Powering the Senat is a 4.4-litre bi-turbo V8, which has been jointly developed by Porsche and Bosch. Considering the size and mass of the Senat, which has a rather sizeable 2 700 kg kerb weight, there is also a battery pack beneath the boot, which adds some mild-hybridization. Peak power output for the V8 and its onboard battery drive is 434 kW, which should see the Senat run 0-100 kph in a whisper less than six seconds.
A nine-speed automatic gearbox drives all four wheels, which is not surprising considering the Senat’s Russian origins, where most of the driving year is on treacherously snowed or iced roads. Aurus has committed to delivering the Senat by 2020, with pricing which should shadow Mercedes-Benz’s S-Class. Volume ambitions are high, too, with projected sales of 5 000 Senats per year.
