Fancy a Renault Duster Single-Cab Bakkie? [w/Video]

The prototype you see here is a Dacia Duster single-cab bakkie built by Romanian coachbuilder, Romturingia. Recent comments by Renault Commercial Vehicle Romania chief, Hakim Boutehra suggest that it's nearly production ready

Some two years down the line from the double-cab Duster Oroch international launch, we are still waiting for the go-ahead to be given to a South African model. We have however, come across this Duster-based single cab bakkie prototype, which looks rather good. It was built by a Romanian company called Romturingia, who also built 500 single-cab bakkies based on the first generation Duster (2014).

This latest build is based on the second generation Duster and was shown at the IAA Hannover Commercial Vehicle Show. The model retains the new Duster’s styling but adds a load bay. This Duster bakkie is powered by an 81 kW 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine and comes equipped with an on-demand all-wheel-drive system.

We think that a Renault Duster single-cab bakkie would sell well in South Africa and provide some competition to the ageing Nissan NP200 that currently dominates the 1-tonne bakkie market.

Do you think Renault should produce this single-cab Duster bakkie? If Renault can secure right-hand drive production for this single-cab bakkie and the Oroch, we think it'll be sold in South Africa.

BMW’s Unofficial M7 Now Even Better

The alternative BMW 'M7' has just gotten a bit better and faster for 2019.

Alpina, recognized as an independent manufacturer by German authorities, has released the latest version of its B7, a fastest 7-Series you can buy.

With BMW having shown what its next-generation limousine will look like last month, this latest Alpina’s B7 is based on the new 7-Series, with its massive grille. For those who desire what BMW refuses to deliver – an M7 – the B7 is a very compelling alternative.

Although it is powered by a 4.4-litre turbocharged BMW V8, which produces series production output numbers of 447kW and 800Nm, Alpina’s technicians have fabricated some custom bits for the B7 engine. The turbocharger impellers are 4mm larger than BMW’s factory specification units and Alpina adds an intercooler circuit of its own design, in addition to custom engine management software.

Beyond the engine, Alpina’s also updated the eight-speed ZF automatic transmission's mapping to ensure the most urgent throttle response available. Although 0-100kph acceleration improves by a marginal tenth of a second (down to only 3.6 sec), the B7’s top speed has ballooned to a ridiculous 330kph.

Any limousine with a true top speed of 330kph would need some trick aerodynamics to keep it stable and the B7 benefits from a sophisticated collection of air-suspension components carried over from its base 7-Series architecture, and some clever bits from Alpina’s parts-bin.

The slimline headlights and new bumper might look like a fashionable bodykit but there are aerodynamic merits to it all, including a rear diffuser and spoiler combination which claim to induce zero-lift characteristics to the rear axle at speed.

Best of all? Well, those classic multispoke Alpina alloy wheels and the subtle touches, such as 5mm thicker window and windscreen glass, which ensure that even at 330kph, this B7 cruises with the serenity you’d expect from a 7-Series.

2019 Mercedes-AMG C63 Price Announced

Pricing for the facelifted Mercedes-AMG C63 has been announced. Expect to see the newcomer arrive in South Africa shortly!

The most prominent visual change is the now standard Panamericana grille which beefs up the appearance significantly. The outer air inlets and front bumper have been designed while the rear twin tailpipes with high-gloss chrome trim and rear diffuser have also been reworked. As for the interior, a host of new trim and equipment will be offered on the AMG C63 range. The model benefits from a new flat-bottomed AMG steering wheel wrapped in Nappa leather and fitted with new Touch control buttons. A fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster will be available as an option as well as heated and climatised AMG performance seats.

The biturbo 4.0-litre V8 engine continues to do service under the bonnet and outputs remain the same as before. In the AMG C63, it will offer 350 kW and 650 Nm while the more powerful C63 S will pack 375 kW and 700 Nm. The big news, however, is that the previous 7-speed automatic is now replaced with a new 9-speed, wet clutch automatic. Acceleration performance remains the same with the C63 sprinting from zero to 100 kph in 4.1 seconds and the C63 S being slightly quicker at 4.0 seconds.

Track fanatics should be very excited by the new Mercedes-AMG C63 S. The driver has been prioritised in the slight redesign of the cabin, and the first adornments you're likely to notice on the new steering wheel are a pair of rotary controllers located under its spokes. These are programmable and instead of having to glance over to the centre stack to change your drive modes, gearbox and suspension settings, you can keep your hands on the wheel and do everything there instead.

The new steering wheel controls bring added control and driver-focused performance to the C63 S

2019 Mercedes-AMG C63 Price in South Africa

We'll have a final confirmation on specifications and features when the vehicle officially launches.

C63 S Sedan R1 546 600
C63 S Coupe R1 609 100
C63 S Cabriolet R1 728 700

Facelifted Ford Ranger: Production Begins in SA

Ford South Africa has officially begun building the facelifted Ranger bakkie, with the first unit rolling off the line recently. The newcomer brings numerous updates and refinements as it tries to set the bar for leisure bakkies.

The plant, located in Silverton, Pretoria has been churning out Rangers and Everests, and this is set to continue with both the facelifted Ranger, Ranger Raptor and forthcoming facelifted Everest. The first of the facelifted Rangers recently rolled off the line and will be going on sale in the coming months.

"Following the investment of over R3-billion in our local operations and extensive upgrades to our plants over the past 18 months, we are delighted to see the first of the new Ford Ranger models coming off our production line," says Neale Hill, Managing Director, Ford Motor Company Sub-Saharan Africa Region. "This is an extremely important and exciting year for the Ford Ranger, which will also see the launch of the first-ever Ranger Raptor that is undoubtedly one of this year's most highly anticipated new models," Hill adds.

The 2019 Ford Ranger features new engines, yet is more fuel efficient and boasts improved refinement and impressive technology. One of the new engines is a 2.0 Bi-Turbo diesel which is assembled at Ford's engine plant in Port Elizabeth. It produces 157 kW and 500 Nm, which interestingly is up 10 kW and 30 Nm when compared to the current 3.2-litre 5-cylinder. Ford is claiming a 9% improvement in fuel economy when this engine is mated to an all-new 10-speed automatic gearbox.

There will be a single turbo version of this engine and that produces 132 kW and 420 Nm, and is also available with a 10-speed automatic transmission. For those who were fans of the 2.2-litre and 3.2-litre, you can relax as those powertrains aren't going anywhere and will be carried over. The facelifted Ford Ranger lineup will comprise Single Cab, Super Cab and Double Cab body styles. The new Ranger is set to be launched locally in the first half of 2019, to find out more on the new Ranger here's what you can expect.

BMW M140i Finale Edition Revealed

BMW will honour the end of its unique rear-wheel drive hatchback offering with a special edition M140i.

Since its debut in 2015, the M140i has offered something different from all other hot hatchback rivals, which are either front- or all-wheel drive. By remaining true to BMW’s traditional engineering principles of a longitudinally mounted in-line six engine up front, and drive sent to the rear, M140i offers a purist driving experience – combined with the practicality of a hatchback.

The next generation 1-Series will forego its segment USP by using a shared Mini front/all-wheel-drive platform, therefore drawing the curtain on BMW’s legacy of rear-wheel drive hatchbacks. BMW is honouring the poignancy of this inevitable product evolution, with special edition M140i called, rather unoriginally, the Finale Edition.

Although mechanically no different from any M140i which has gone before, the Finale Edition adds a selection of BMW options into a single package. Wheels are grey 18-inchers featuring a dual-spoke design, with the option of black or bi-colour alloys.

Special edition badging confirms that you have in fact purchased a Finale Edition while other external styling add-ons are high-gloss finishing on the kidney grille, darkened light clusters front and rear, with a black chrome tailpipe finish.

Inside, Finale Edition customers benefit from factory fitted wireless Smartphone charging and an electric sunroof.

Any future rear-wheel-drive hatchback from BMW will be powered by batteries, instead of an in-line six combusting 95 unleaded. So, if you desire the novelty of a 250 kW six-cylinder powered hot hatch, with rear-wheel drive dynamics and agility, these Finale Edition M140is are literally your last opportunity to own something of that configuration. Unfortunately, the Finale is an Australian-only model and costs an extra R30 000 over the regular 140i. As its life comes to an end, there may be South African version with similar tweaks in order to help leftover stock out of the dealership floor.

Toyota Supra TRD Concept Revealed

Is the new Toyota Supra too demure for your liking? Well, maybe the Supra TRD will get your attention…

The Supra nameplate has been resurrected and Toyota’s latest rear-wheel-drive creation is expected to hit South African shores in June or July 2019. However, Toyota Racing Development (TRD) has gone to work to create this Supra TRD Concept in an effort to showcase its modification potential.

The Supra TRD Concept is fitted with a carbon fibre front splitter to increase downforce while also reducing lift at high speed. The concept is also equipped with carbon side skirts as well as rear carbon spats and a carbon spoiler mounted on the boot lid. The doors also gain additional aerodynamic garnish to enhance airflow towards the rear. The concept rides on lightweight 19-inch forged aluminium wheels with a mesh spoke design.

While the visual treatment gives the Supra a wider and more aggressive stance, its engine remains unchanged. The Supra TRD Concept is powered by a 3.0-litre twin-scroll turbocharged 6-cylinder engine with 250 kW and 495 Nm of torque which is directed to the rear wheels using an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Do you like the look of the Toyota Supra TRD Concept? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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

Lexus UX (2019) Specs & Pricing

Lexus is launching its new luxury compact UX crossover in South Africa this week. Herewith specification and pricing details…

The Lexus UX is the new kid on the block in the compact crossover segment and it will rival the likes of the BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA, Audi Q3 and the Volvo XC40.

The new Lexus UX is powered by a naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engine with 126 kW and 205 Nm of torque and mated with a CVT driving the front wheels. This engine will be offered in the entry-level EX grade as well as in range-topping F Sport guise. Fuel consumption for both these derivatives is claimed at 6.1 L/100km.

The UX 250h SE hybrid derivative sits in the middle of the range and it also makes use of a 2.0-litre petrol engine in conjunction with an electric motor to develop total outputs of 107 kW and 180 Nm of torque and is equipped with a specially-designed CVT. Fuel consumption for the UX 250h SE is rated at 4.5 L/100km.

Standard Features

The Lexus UX will be offered with generous specification as standard. Look out for our impressions this week!

Standard specification appears to be generous, even for the base-spec UX 200 EX. Key features include LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, synthetic leather upholstery, electric/heated side mirrors, 2-way adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, dual zone climate control air conditioning, wireless smartphone charger, cruise control, 10.3-inch infotainment system with integrated navigation and Bluetooth functionality, an 8-speaker sound system and front and rear park distance control with a reverse camera, to name but a few.

The UX 200 F Sport gains LED Adaptive High Beam headlights, 18-inch F Sport alloy wheels, F Sport scuff plates, a 3-spoke F Sport steering wheel, F Sport leather seats with 8-way adjustment, 13-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound system, remote touch interface, F-Sport instrument cluster, adaptive cruise control and a surround view camera. This derivative also adds Blind Spot Monitor and Lane Keeping Assist. The UX 250h SE follows the specification of the UX F Sport but minus the F Sport-specific details.

The UX is equipped with 8 airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist, stability control with traction control and tyre pressure monitoring. Load capacity is claimed at 272 litres.

We will be driving the new Lexus UX at its launch in Cape Town this week, so look out for our impressions coming your way soon. See pricing details below.

Lexus UX – Price in South Africa

UX 200 EX – R599 000

UX 250h SE – R699 000

UX200 F Sport – R726 200

The Lexus UX is sold with a 7-year/105 000 km warranty and a 7-year/105 000 km maintenance plan.

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

Toyota Reveals TRD Upgraded RAV4

The world’s third most popular vehicle becomes a TRD.

Toyota has revealed a more adventure focussed version of its new RAV4, rather unimaginatively called the RAV4 TRD Off-Road.

This TRD RAV4 is not meant to become a Fortuner rival of sorts, but rather a slightly more confident high-speed gravel traveller. Styling is remarkably similar to the standard RAV4 in Adventure trim, but there are some slight mechanical revisions which justify the TRD Off-Road billing.

Although ground clearance remains unchanged from a factory all-wheel-drive RAV4 at 218 mm, this TRD derivative has better suspension components, designed to absorb harsh gravel road pothole strikes and corrugations at speed.

The RAV4 TRD Off-Road’s shock absorbers have been re-valved to provide superior ride quality on unmaintained roads and new suspension bump stops improve wheel travel, which means you should hear less of an audible ‘thump’ when rolling over – or through – an unexpected road feature at speed.

Toyota’s aim was most certainly not to create a rock-crawling RAV4, but rather one which is superbly comfortable at high-speed dirt road touring.

Distinguished by a slightly restyled grille insert and red TRD logos present in the cabin, this is a derivative which could make a lot of sense to those Toyota RAV4 owners who are dedicated backroad explorers.

A New Turbocharged Boxer Continues the Legacy

A surprise reveal at this week’s Chicago auto show is from Subaru.

As Arctic conditions envelop the northern United States, it made for a poignant environment to reveal new product from the brand which established its reputation by providing honest all-weather motoring solutions.

The car in question is the seventh generation of Subaru’s large sedan, the Legacy, which rides on an all-new platform. Subtle styling hides a structure which is claimed to be 70% stiffer torsionally and 100% more twist resistant around the front axle – hence the promise of superior steering response, compared to the previous Legacy.

Inside, the new sedan’s cabin architecture is dominated by Subaru’s 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, which is vertically orientated – in a manner similar to Volvo’s Sensus system.

Subaru’s all-wheel-drive sedan cars might be niche purchases in a segment dominated by traditional German offerings, but this Legacy is noteworthy for debuting a new engine development – one the brand is desperately in need of.

Powering the new Legacy is a 2.4-litre turbocharged flat-four engine, which boosts 194 kW and 375 Nm. Those are tidy numbers and should offer a vastly improved driving experience, although the only transmission option is a CVT auto. This new 2.4-litre engine is the first turbocharged powerplant offered in Subaru’s Legacy since 2012 and will headline the range, with a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated flat-four powering more affordable models.

As a sedan, you’d expect decent boot-space too and thanks to some slight design revisions, the new Legacy can accommodate 427-litres worth of luggage.

Subaru South Africa has yet to decide whether to offer the new Legacy in South Africa.

New Volkswagen Jetta Powered by GTI

Volkswagen USA has used the 2019 Chicago Auto Show to show off its 2019 Jetta GLI. Featuring the same engine as the Golf GTI and brakes from the Golf R, the new Jetta sadly isn't coming to SA, but it's certainly nice to look at.

"Volkswagen has long been synonymous with small, sporty cars," said Scott Keogh, CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. "The redesigned 2019 Jetta proved once more that its combination of design, technology and value continues to resonate with buyers. The 2019 GLI takes the Jetta foundation and adds performance features from the Golf GTI to give buyers a true sport sedan."

Built on the same MQB platform which underpins many Volkswagen Group product, this new Jetta GLI sits a little lower than a standard Jetta, giving it a sporty stance. There are LED projector headlights with daytime running lights at the front which combine well with the black honeycomb grille and red detailing. Upon closer inspection, you'll see brakes from the Golf R with red callipers wrapped in 18-inch rubber.

In terms of power, the Volkswagen Jetta GLI has the same 2.0-litre turbo motor as the Golf GTI. For those wish to know, it's the direct-injection EA888 TSI. It produces a tidy 170 kW and 350 Nm, and power goes to front wheels via a standard 6-speed manual transmission. The option of a 7-speed DSG auto is available. There's also an all-around independent sport suspension.

Sadly, as cool as the new GTI-powered Jetta is, there is no right-hand drive production available so it will not be coming to South Africa.

Fancy a Renault Duster Single-Cab Bakkie? [w/Video]

The prototype you see here is a Dacia Duster single-cab bakkie built by Romanian coachbuilder, Romturingia. Recent comments by Renault Commercial Vehicle Romania chief, Hakim Boutehra suggest that it's nearly production ready

Related Content

BMW’s Unofficial M7 Now Even Better

The alternative BMW 'M7' has just gotten a bit better and faster for 2019.

Further Reading

2019 Mercedes-AMG C63 Price Announced

Pricing for the facelifted Mercedes-AMG C63 has been announced. Expect to see the newcomer arrive in South Africa shortly!

2019 Mercedes-AMG C63 Price in South Africa

Further Reading

Facelifted Ford Ranger: Production Begins in SA

Ford South Africa has officially begun building the facelifted Ranger bakkie, with the first unit rolling off the line recently. The newcomer brings numerous updates and refinements as it tries to set the bar for leisure bakkies.

Further Reading

BMW M140i Finale Edition Revealed

BMW will honour the end of its unique rear-wheel drive hatchback offering with a special edition M140i.

Related content

Toyota Supra TRD Concept Revealed

Is the new Toyota Supra too demure for your liking? Well, maybe the Supra TRD will get your attention…

Related Content

Lexus UX (2019) Specs & Pricing

Lexus is launching its new luxury compact UX crossover in South Africa this week. Herewith specification and pricing details…

Standard Features

Lexus UX – Price in South Africa

Related Content

Toyota Reveals TRD Upgraded RAV4

The world’s third most popular vehicle becomes a TRD.

Related content

A New Turbocharged Boxer Continues the Legacy

A surprise reveal at this week’s Chicago auto show is from Subaru.

Related content

New Volkswagen Jetta Powered by GTI

Volkswagen USA has used the 2019 Chicago Auto Show to show off its 2019 Jetta GLI. Featuring the same engine as the Golf GTI and brakes from the Golf R, the new Jetta sadly isn't coming to SA, but it's certainly nice to look at.

Further Reading

Volkswagen Jetta GLI