SA’s Fastest 4-Cylinder Cars

Downsizing doesn’t have to mean going slower. Here are South Africa’s fastest 4-cylinder cars in the new vehicle market… and some of the models on this list might surprise you.

Emissions regulations might have made engines smaller, but they haven’t made cars slower. Legislate a change and engineers simply show how much cleverer they are, by extracting more power and performance from engine sizes and configurations your grandparents could never imagine.

The result of downsizing has been a proliferation of exceptionally powerful 4-cylinder engines, produced mostly by German manufacturers. This was not always the case, of course. Fifteen years ago, the only true 4-cylinder performance cars you could buy – capable of annoying supercar owners for a few hundred meters – were Japanese, from Subaru and Mitsubishi. In 2018, even Subaru’s once unrivalled WRX STi is no longer a top-5 fastest 4-cylinder car in South Africa.

As the 2nd quarter of 2018 starts, the list of quickest 4-cylinder cars in South Africa has changed with the introduction of a new entity, disposing of some of the established 4-cylinder giant-killers which dominate braai-side arguments and online trolling. We have the list of South Africa’s fastest 4-cylinder cars all tidily detailed and tabulated for you below.

There are some curious omissions. Cars which appear for all the world to be incredibly fast, but just aren’t. There are some 4-cylinder transplants which have been less than successful, such as Jaguar’s F-Type and Ford’s EcoBoost powered Mustang. A notable exception is Ford’s Focus RS, which was destined for inclusion, but is ultimately a tenth off due to its 6-speed manual gearbox, whilst its rivals benefit from the immediacy of dual-clutch gear engagement.

5. Audi S3 Sportback R651 100

To access the full potential of VW’s Golf R, you amazingly pay a bit less and get Audi’s S3 Sportback, featuring the same engine, with its full complement of 228 kW. Somehow Audi technicians feel confident that they can deal with any ‘warm’ climate issues S3 customers could encounter in South Africa.

S3 Sportback is the litmus test for power outputs often being a comparative game of diminishing returns, as those 15 additional kilowatts net absolutely no gain in performance over a Golf R, which is marginally lighter. The Audi S3 runs a 0-100 kph time of 4.6 seconds and tops out at 250 kph.

Audi S3 Sedan (2017) Quick Review

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4. Golf R R664 400

Golf R’s always been a subject of contention locally, due to its feathering of power output: South African market Golf Rs peak at 213 kW, whilst right-hand-drive Golf Rs in the U.K. are good for 228 kW. Ostensibly it’s because of our ‘warmer’ climate conditions, but fuel quality is perhaps closer to the technical truth.

The presence of Audi’s S3 models creates a bit of product rivalry tension, but despite the power discrepancy, our ‘mellower’ Golf Rs are in no way shy when measured against performance benchmarks. A Mzansi-specification Golf R still runs 0-100 kph in 4.6 seconds and a true 250 kph top speed.

Volkswagen Golf R, GTI & GTD (2017) Track Comparison Video

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3. Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG R805 807

There is certainly an argument to be made that no other four-cylinder car has captured the imagination, and created expectation in quite the manner of AMG’s hatchback. It remains the most powerful four-cylinder car you can buy in South Africa, with the hand-built M133 engine boosting to 280 W.

A45 is not a study in how to build the lightest possible performance hatchback, it weighs 1 555 kg, heavier than either Golf R or S3 Sportback, but with an abundance of power and torque (475 Nm), AMG’s pocket rocket certainly does as it was intended to. The optional Drivers Package yields a 270 kph top speed and on a high-friction surface it will run an absolutely phenomenal 0-100 kph time of 4.2 seconds, which puts it very much in a class of its own. But not quite at the top of the four-cylinder class in South Africa.

Drag Race: Audi RS3 vs Mercedes-AMG A45

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2. Alfa Romeo 4C Spider R1 352 900

A forgotten car to most, but a very special one and if you have the money, Alfa Romeo South Africa can most certainly provide you with a new 4C. Exquisitely light, the Roadster weighs only 1 128 kg, making it the lightest car on our list, and the second fastest. Technically, it ties with our number one listing on acceleration, both running a 4.1 second elapsed time from 0-100kph, but the Alfa’s top speed is a touch more conservative, at 258 kph.

Outright speed was never Alfa’s intention with 4C. Featuring a carbon-fibre platform, compact dimensions and limited mass, this was always a car designed to provide unfiltered driver feedback, to explore the nuances of driving which have been forgotten in a world of algorithmic assistance systems. It doesn’t even have power steering… And at 177 kW and 350 Nm, it’s by quite some margin the least powerful car on our list. But its ranking as the near fastest four-cylinder car you can buy in South Africa pays credit to the belief that power is nothing if you don’t pay attention to how many kilograms you are trying to accelerate.

Alfa Romeo 4C (2014) Review

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1. Porsche 718 Cayman GTS R1 122 000

The latest four-cylinder performance car available in South Africa and right to the top of the list. For Porsche traditionalists, the four-cylinder Boxster/Cayman models are troublesome regarding their acoustics. There is simply no way of engineering a four-cylinder engine to replicate the sound generated by one with two additional pots. That said, the 2.5-litre flat-four powering the 718 Cayman GTS does arc some impressive outputs on a dyno graph: 269 kW and 430 Nm.

It’s not the most powerful four-cylinder you can buy, but it is the fastest. Whereas the four-cylinder hot hatches harness their engine performance with all-wheel drive, Porsche prefers rear-wheel drive only for its mid-engined cars, such as 718. The PDK dual-clutch transmission can change gears better than any human, and with the benefit of Porsche’s Sport Chrono package – which sharpens engine and transmission interaction on request – 718 GTS is good for a 0-100 kph run in 4.1 seconds.

True, that 0-100 kph time merely equals the Alfa 4C, but what ranks the latest 718 above all is its runaway top speed of 290 kph. The Porsche might have a lower roofline than any performance hatchback, only two-seats and dedicated aerodynamics, but to extract 290 kph from a four-cylinder engined vehicle, that does take some very committed – and clever – engineering.

Porsche 718 Cayman & Boxster GTS (2018) Launch Review

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Jaguar E-Pace D240 R-Dynamic HSE (2018) Review

Jaguar’s eye-catching new premium compact family car brims with technology, but its arrival in the South African market coincides with the introduction of rival products such as the BMW X2 and Volvo XC40, all of which leaves buyers with some tough decisions to make. We recently tested the top-spec turbodiesel-powered D240 AWD R-Dynamic HSE derivative. How good is it and should you consider it?

We Like: Styling, good build quality, performance and handling, standard features

We Don’t Like: Pricey, thirsty, harsh ride on poor surfaces

Alternatives (prices as of April 2018):

Swedish style: Consider the Volvo XC40 D4 AWD R-Design priced at R639 200.This XC40 is considerably cheaper than the E-Pace D240 R-Dynamic HSE, but it’s not quite as powerful – the Volvo's 2.0-litre turbodiesel delivers peak outputs of 140 kW and 400 Nm. There are a number of options available, but you could spec them additionally and still undercut the baby Jag on price.
German class: Consider our Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by Wesbank Executive SUV category champion, the Mercedes-Benz GLC250d 4Matic AMG Line priced from R782 590. The GLC is technically in another segment to the E-Pace, but its cheaper than its British rival in standard guise. The Benz's 2.1-litre turbodiesel engine offers outputs of 150 kW and 500 Nm. Its standard specification is not as comprehensive as its British rival, so you may have to spend extra to have nice-to-have features too.
Bavarian accessory: Consider the BMW X2 xDrive20d M Sport sports automatic priced from R702 792. The lower-riding X2 offers 140 kW and 400 Nm from its 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine and many desirable features are optional, so, again, you'll need to spend every extra penny to kit it out to the same level as the E-Pace.

Compare the Jaguar E-Pace D240 AWD R-Dynamic HSE with the Volvo XC40 D4 AWD R-Design and the Mercedes-Benz GLC250d 4Matic AMG Line

What is it?

Jag's baby SUV joins a competitive segment where it will rival new models such as BMW's fashionable X2 and Volvo's suave XC40.

The new E-Pace is the latest addition to Jaguar’s growing SUV family. It’s a premium compact family car/small luxury SUV that slots in below the larger F-Pace and serves to not only bolster local sales and attract new clientele to the Jaguar brand, but to boost public perception of the famed Coventry-based marque, especially in a segment that’s becoming increasingly crowded. The E-Pace has some convincing to do, however, as buyers are simply spoilt for choice with a range of attractive competitor products on offer, most notably the new Volvo XC40 and BMW X2. Should the E-Pace deserve to be on your shortlist? We sampled the sporty E-Pace D240 AWD R-Dynamic in HSE trim to find out…

How does it fare in terms of…

Visual attraction?

Slick and powerful styling makes the E-Pace a stylish choice in the compact luxury SUV segment.

The test team members were unanimous in their assessment: the E-Pace's design is strikingly attractive. It shares some design cues with the F-Type (which is a good thing) and it looks powerfully athletic with its high, bulging hindquarters. The E-Pace in R-Dynamic guise adds attractive touches such as an imposing gloss-black grille with the grille surround and side vents finished in satin chrome, while bumper-integrated twin tailpipes emphasise the Jaguar's sporty bent.

Products in this segment are associated with elegance, style and class – and the E-Pace is no different, but the newcomer also communicates power and performance better than any of its rivals… If overt sportiness is what you're looking for, the E-Pace hits the mark. This Jaguar will definitely draw admiring glances, which, some buyers may argue, is its primary purpose.

Performance and efficiency?

You may ask: Is the E-Pace as fast as it looks? The short answer is yes, but not in a "performance SUV" kind of way. This E-Pace builds its momentum quickly and confidently and it has more than enough shove to facilitate high-speed cruising and enable punchy overtaking manoeuvres. There is the initial lag when you hammer the accelerator, but with a claimed acceleration time of 0 to 100 kph pegged at 7.4 seconds, the Jaguar's quicker than most of its rivals in this segment, barring the turbopetrol-engined Alfa Romeo Stelvio.

That’s because the D240 R-Dynamic HSE has a particularly powerful 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine that directs 177 kW and 500 Nm of torque to all 4 of the E-Pace's wheels via a slick 9-speed automatic transmission. The engine has a distinct turbodiesel note at start-up and at higher revs it’s perhaps not the most refined engine in terms of noise, but it’s not an overbearing bin.

The E-Pace D240 offers powerful performance but it's a thirsty option.

The driver can use the steering wheel-mounted paddles to flick through the ratios on spirited runs or simply let the transmission do all the work, which it does well. There are various driving modes at your disposal such as Dynamic, Normal, Eco and Rain/Ice/Snow, the latter of which deals with extra slippery surfaces. The driver can also configure the settings for the steering, throttle and engine depending on their preference. A few added sporty touches include a G-force meter and a lap timer, because, well, why not?

This E-Pace feels brisk and largely unflustered on the road, but fuel efficiency is not its strength. Jaguar claims an optimistic 6.2 L/100 km, but we didn't see indicated figures below 11.0 L/100k m during our test, which was rather disappointing. We drove the rivalling BMW X2 xDrive20d recently too and it returned far better figures (in the region of 7.0L/100 km).

Ride and handling?

The E-Pace is built on the same platform as the ageing Range Rover Evoque and, consequently, employs less lightweight material in its construction than some of its contemporary premium compact family cars. Despite its relatively truncated dimensions, the Jaguar has some surprising heft (it weighs about 1 843 kg) which is, interestingly, heavier than its larger F-Pace sibling. That's also a good explanation for why it "drinks" so much fuel – the engine simply has to work harder to move all that mass. The weight is felt through the steering, but it’s still pleasingly responsive with a solid, planted feel. It feels quite sporty and handles corners with assurance and poise.

It might be compact but the E-Pace is not a lightweight, it weighs more than the larger F-Pace.

The driver’s seating position is elevated and consequently, it feels like you sit on, and not in, the seat, which creates the sensation that the E-Pace is top-heavy, even though it remains mostly stable when cornering at higher speeds. Handling is optimised by virtue of Jaguar’s Active Driveline AWD system, which can split torque between the front and rear axles depending on driving conditions – all torque can be delivered to the rear wheels if required. Under normal cruising conditions, the AWD disengages and the E-Pace is driven via the front wheels until its needed for cornering or slippery conditions. These changes happen quickly and are mostly imperceptible to the driver.

In terms of ride comfort, the E-Pace’s suspension setup is on the firmer side, which suits its sportiness. However, riding on large 20-inch wheels, we did find the ride to be crashier/harsher on bumpy, uneven sections of tar, but, for the most part, comfort levels are good; the E-Pace is well suited to everyday driving on most surfaces.

Interior comfort and features?

Standard specification is good but there's also a myriad of desirable options to choose from. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is worth the extra spend.

The E-Pace’s interior is solidly constructed and although much of the cabin is hewn from premium quality materials, some harder plastic trim elements (around the instrument cluster, for example) are a little less desirable, but that is perhaps where the criticism ends.

The leather-clad dashboard is vast in size and some might appreciate the passenger grab handle that’s familiar from the F-Type. In terms of occupant comfort, the E-Pace does not disappoint; the 18-way electrically adjustable heated/cooled (optional) sports (front) seats, which are wrapped in Ebony Windsor leather, are a particular delight for weary bones. The steering wheel is also adjustable for rake and reach, which makes it easy to find a comfortable driving position.

The infotainment system is easy to use but it can be slow to upload information.

The Jaguar's 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster instantly creates the impression of class and sophistication; infotainment comes courtesy of a 10-inch Touch Pro touchscreen with voice control and the interface has a tiled layout (much like a smartphone) and is therefore reasonably easy to use. Pinch and zoom functionality is also particularly useful when using the standard navigation. Although the system is intuitive and easy enough to use, it can be a bit slow to load information. Furthermore, a wifi hotspot can be created to connect up to 8 devices and up to 5 USB ports are on offer as an option (2 are standard).

Standard equipment includes dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, front and rear park distance control with rear camera, parking pilot, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring and a 380W Meridian sound system with 11 speakers as standard. Nice-to-have optional features fitted include a 360-degree surround camera system (R4 700), head-up display (R15 700) and panoramic sunroof (R14 900).

Practicality?

The E-Pace is a practical choice with a spacious loading bay, which expands substantially with the rear seatback folded down.

The E-Pace fares well in terms of practicality. Load space is claimed at 577-litres, which is substantial, while the 60/40 split rear seats can be folded down to access the full 1 234-litres of utility space. As part our test, we put the E-Pace to work by loading it to the brim with 15 bags of compost as well as larger items such as wooden pallets and surfboards. Needless to say, the E-Pace coped well with a variety of load sizes and the electrically-operated tailgate makes loading a bit easier too.

Passengers will find comfort in the rear, but taller passengers might find the head and legroom to be unsatisfactory.

Rear passenger space is average, with just about enough leg, head and shoulder room for an average-sized adult. What's more, the roofline slopes down towards the rear, which means headroom might be tight for taller aft occupants.

Ample storage spaces are availed around the cabin. The central storage bin is deep and capacious and so are the door pocket mouldings, which can store bottles and other goods. There are also 2 cup holders for front passengers, which can be removed for more oddment space. Rear passengers can also make use of the central armrest, which houses 2 cup holders and a small tray to place oddments while in transit.

Pricing and warranty

Although pricing for the E-Pace starts at a competitive R608 516 for the entry-level D150 AWD derivative, this E-Pace D240 AWD R-Dynamic HSE is priced from R858 213. However, with a number of optional extras fitted, this test unit’s total price comes in at a heady R954 000!

The E-Pace is sold with a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.

Verdict

Th E-Pace D240 R-Dynamic HSE has its appeal, but its steep pricing might force buyers to consider other options.

This E-Pace D240 R-Dynamic HSE, from a product perspective, is quite difficult to fault as it does so much really well. It has attractive styling inside and out and delivers good overall performance and handling while also displaying relatively high levels of comfort and practicality.

However, its poorer-than-expected fuel efficiency is a drawback that buyers will have to factor in, but we also suspect that this engine might not represent the sweet spot in the E-Pace range. We have yet to test other engine derivatives in the E-Pace range so we reserve judgement in that regard for now…

The chink in this particular E-Pace’s armour is its pricing. Although its standard specification is generous compared to those of its rivals, its base price is lofty and further compounded when you indulge in extra options. It’s expensive, but bear in mind that its seemingly cheaper rivals will require a fair amount of speccing-up to match the of this E-Pace. However, if you are looking for a premium compact family car with an emphasis on performance and handling ability, then this E-Pace is well worth a closer look.

Buy a new or used Jaguar E-Pace on Cars.co.za

Effects of 1% VAT Increase on Vehicle Sales

The VAT increase was supposed to have a huge effect on vehicle sales in April 2018… but what really happened?

If you service the bond on a property, you’ll be very aware of the difference a 1% financing surge makes to your monthly financial health. The month of April 2018 was no joke for South Africans as government’s first VAT increase since 1993 took effect, with the value-added tax rate increasing from 14% to 15%.

During April, signs informed grocery and consumer goods shoppers that their purchases had increased by no mandate of management, yet the VAT burden on a tube of whitening toothpaste is incomparable to that of a new automobile. South Africans are voracious new vehicle buyers and the industry feared that an increase in VAT would lead to a market retraction in April. Were they right?

Did a percentile make a difference?

After national sales statistics for April had been tabulated and collated, the numbers were ripe for analysis. On a simple month to month comparison, the influence of government’s new VAT rate would appear obvious: it repelled a great deal of new car purchasing momentum.

For April, new car purchases shrank from 32 176 in March to only 23 928. That’s a startling 25% less activity and in a market where single-digit percentage movements up or down are considered radical. And those are for new passenger cars, excluding South Africa’s huge bakkie market.

The Ranger and Hilux are consistently the 2 best-selling vehicles in the country.

The single- and double-cab market proved even less resilient to the 1% VAT increase. In March it was worth 14 701 new units, decreasing to 10 580 in April, registering a 28% retraction. Again, an absolutely massive downturn.

Although the data appears to tell a quite convincing truth, could the VAT increase solely be to blame for this abrupt retraction in South African new vehicle sales? Comparing these two sequential months, one must be open to the possibility that March could have harvested unnaturally intense sales activity as buyers were actively bringing their purchase decision forward, to avoid the VAT increase. There is no perfect statistical test for whether this was the case, but by comparing April and March sales year on year, there should be a trendline revealing any discrepancy.

There's a new entrant coming the local bakkie market in May 2018, will it make a dent in sales?

When the 2017-to-2018 data is correlated it – amazingly – shows a negligible difference between the months a year apart. In 2017 new car sales fell from 31 034 units in March to 22 452 in April, a decrease of 27%. For bakkies the pattern was similar, volumes contracting from 14 882 to 10 592 which rounds off to 29%. The contraction from March to April in 2018, despite the VAT increase, is almost unbelievably less severe by 1-2%. A year on with a new President and much economic optimism, the VAT increase appears to have virtually no influence on new vehicle purchases if year-on-year pattern data is compared.

What is bizarre, beyond the issue of VAT increases, is why there is such a precipitous drop-off in sales each year from March to April. The only explanation appears to be that South Africans accept that the multitude of public holidays in April destroys trading volumes by about 25% each year.

Are bakkie VAT claims that influential?

Having established that there was no deviation in the year-on-year sales momentum due to government’s 2018 VAT increase, the question remains whether this 1% VAT adjustment, billed as something severe to automotive consumers, has passed completely without consequence.

For the passenger car market, it appears to be the case, with buyers apparently absorbing any price increase. In the bakkie market, VAT is a completely different scenario. SARS allows for a tax benefit where VAT can be claimed back on bakkies – but not all configurations. The issue is that double-cab bakkies fall beyond the realm of a SARS VAT claim, although a coherent argument can be made that not all South African double-cabs are family vehicles (Mining geologists, forestry contractors, civil engineers, hunting and game lodge logistics etc.). SARS remains steadfast that it will not allow double-cab bakkie VAT exemptions. For single- and extended cab bakkies, the incentive remains.

Vat can't be claimed back on a double cab, despite their obvious use in the workplace.

Following this logic, one would imagine that any local bakkie brand with a higher proportion of double-cabs in its sales volume, would suffer due to the VAT increase making the elusiveness of that claim more annoying. Run the numbers and quite the opposite is true.

Consider 2 main rival offerings, who also happen to dominate South Africa’s bakkie market, the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger. Both bakkies saw sales slow from March to April this year, for reasons we’ve explored earlier. The year-on-year numbers tell a slightly different story.

Although the total light commercial market was up by a mere 0.1% year on year in April, Ranger sales were more robust by 19% and Hilux even stronger at 35%. Those are astounding numbers which make a mockery of any VAT increase issue. It also explains the relative superiority of Hilux, which sold 307 more bakkies than Ford last month, illustrating the benefit of trading in bakkie sales volumes which have a greater proportion of VAT claim eligible single-cabs.

The Isuzu KB remains a top-seller in SA with both single cab and double cab offerings.

Perhaps the best example of how immune bakkie trading has been to the VAT increase is the case of Mazda’s BT-50, a bakkie model which is only available in double-cab and has benefitted from no significant upgrade in the more than a year. BT-50 sales increased from 19 units in April 2017 to 106 last month, despite the consequences of a 1% VAT increase being almost unavoidable for Mazda’s bakkie business as it comprises only double-cabs.

Bakkies are the true barometer of South African economic optimism, and not even a 1% VAT increase (on double-cabs) has stalled demand for them. The only deduction to be made is that a great many small business owners and contractors are anticipating a spectacular South African economic recovery in 2018. If South Africa’s most popular vehicle is up by more than a third, year-on-year, despite some VAT increases being levied on the double-cab proportion of Hilux sales, it reveals that South African economic confidence is rebuilding. You can calculate fancy econometric models, or you can simply run some Hilux sales numbers if you really want to know what the state of SA Inc’s business confidence is.

5 Weird and Wonderful China-Only Cars from 2018 Beijing Motor Show

We spent two days at the 2018 Beijing Motor Show and it was an eye-opening experience. Here are five weird and wonderful China-only vehicles that were on display.

Byton Concept

This start-up company is building a car which it claims will "turn the car into the next-generation smart device". It's a high-tech electric SUV with a range of over 500 km. Despite the Chinese backing and market targetting, the company is headed by Carsten Breitfeld who previously worked at BMW's i division.

Qiantu K50

This striking thing is automatically cool because of its logo. Who else would be brave enough to have a dragonfly as a logo? Not only does it look incredible, but it promises serious performance from its electric motor. How does 294 kW and 650 Nm grab you? Qiantu claims a 0-100 kph sprint of 4.6 seconds.

Qoros Mile 1

While Qoros itself is battling to gain a foothold in its domestic market, it's not giving up and showcased the Mile 1 concept. It features an electric powertrain and is made from lightweight materials. It also boasts 5G connectivity and an in-car Artificial Intelligence (AI).

KDC Regalo

Despite the perception that the Chinese copy many Western designs, there were surprisingly few to be seen. This KDC Regalo however, is a blatant copy of a McLaren and is claimed to be an electric-powered sportscar.

BAIC Lite

With traffic and lack of parking being a serious problem in urban areas, carmakers are turning to smaller cars and ride-sharing services for people mobility. This BAIC Lite is an electric city car with a range of 170 km and a top speed of 110 kph. BAIC claims that charging takes just half an hour to reach 80%.

Updated Jaguar F-Pace Due in 2018

Jaguar has updated its F-Pace SUV and a new high-performance F-Pace SVR will join the range! Details below…

The F-Pace, Jaguar’s first-ever SUV, is its most popular model globally. It arrived in South Africa back in 2016 and it has now been updated with a number of technological upgrades as well as the addition of a high-performance F-Pace SVR derivative.

The F-Pace SVR will be powered by a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 with 405 kW and 680 Nm which will result in a zero to 100 kph sprint time in a claimed 4.3 seconds before reaching a top speed of 283 kph.

The F-Pace SVR will headline the range with its 405 kW / 680Nm 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine.

In terms of visual appeal, there are bigger air intakes at the front and numerous vents to draw hot air out of the engine bay. The rear features a unique spoiler as well as 4 fat exhausts. They're of the Active Exhaust variety, meaning you can switch from quiet and subtle to wake-the-neighbours levels of noise. There are new lightweight 21- and 22-inch forged alloy wheels too. In the cabin, there are performance seats with embossed SVR logos and an SVR-branded steering wheel.

As for the rest of the F-Pace range, Jaguar has installed a new adaptive cruise control system with steering assist and lane centering. Furthermore, a Stop & Go feature will also be offered to make driving in heavy traffic less stressful. A new emergency braking system will apply the brakes automatically at speeds up to 160 kph.

All F-Pace’s will feature a 10-inch infotainment system and new 14-way adjustable slimline sports seats will be offered as an option. Other interior changes include a frameless rearview mirror, illuminated tread plates, steel pedals, a suede headliner, carbon fibre door trim and chrome seat switches. Other standard features will include a rear camera, front and rear park distance control, driver attention monitor and lane keep assist. An optional Driver Pack and Park Pack will also be offered.

Fuel tank capacity is also expected to increase (petrol derivatives) to 82 litres (previously 63 litres). All engines will also be equipped with a new particulate filter to help reduce emissions.

The facelifted F-Pace and high-performance F-Pace SVR can be expected in Q3/Q4 of 2018. We will keep you updated as soon as more information becomes available.

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Watch the Jaguar Simola Hillclimb Live

Catch all the action from 2018's Jaguar Simola Hillclimb on this live stream.

Mercedes-Benz X-Class (2018) Specs & Price

The highly-anticipated Mercedes-Benz X-Class double-cab bakkie is officially launching in South Africa next week! Take a look at what the X-Class will cost below…

The new Mercedes-Benz X-Class, which is based upon the Nissan Navara will officially come to market in May 2018. The first deliveries start in the middle of May 2018 but pre-orders for the 'luxury' bakkie are open.

From its market launch, the X-Class will be powered by a 2.3-litre turbodiesel motor available with a choice of two power outputs. In the X220d with a single turbocharger it generates 120 kW and, in the biturbo X250d, 140 kW. Both diesel models will be offered with purely rear-wheel drive or with a selective all-wheel drive. All engines are characterised by quiet, low-vibration running and excellent power delivery coupled with low consumption figures, Benz says. Power is transferred via a 6-speed manual transmission. A 7-speed automatic transmission is also available for the 140 kW X250d and X250d 4Matic derivatives.

A high-torque V6 diesel engine, with peak outputs of 190 kW and 550 Nm, will be released in 2018. The X350d model will come as standard with permanent 4Matic all-wheel drive and the 7-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel shift paddles and Eco start/stop function. The Dynamic Select drive programme switch enables the driving experience to be tailored to individual preferences – from relaxed comfort to engaged sportiness, will be standard.

Excellent off-road characteristics
Fording depth	600 mm
Ground clearance	Front axle 202 mm Rear axle 221 mm for suspension with raised ground clearance
Angle of approach/departure front/rear	28.8°/23.8° 30.1°/25.9° for suspension with raised ground clearance
Maximum tilt	49.8° 49° for suspension with raised ground clearance
Ramp breakover angle	20.4° 22° for suspension with raised ground clearance
Maximum gradeability	100%

From launch, there will be two levels of trim; Progressive and Power. Progressive is more rugged and aimed at the workhorse market, while Power is geared towards the lifestyle end. We'll have full details and specifications when the vehicle launches locally.

Mercedes-Benz X-Class Price in South Africa

Prices effective from 1 April 2018 and include the impending VAT rate of 15% as well as new CO2 tax values. The new Mercedes-Benz X-Class comes standard with the manufacturer’s PremiumDrive, which is a 100 000 km/6 year plan, whichever occurs first. For an additional cost, customers have the option of extending the maintenance plan up to a maximum of 180 000km/8 years, whichever occurs first.

X-Class X220d 4X2 PROGRESSIVE M/T – R642 103

X-Class X250d 4X2 PROGRESSIVE A/T – R694 025

X-Class X250d 4X4 PROGRESSIVE M/T (available in A/T as an optional extra) – R696 785

X-Class X250d 4X4 POWER M/T (available in A/T as an optional extra) – R791 315

Track Battle | Audi RS5 vs BMW M4 CP vs Mercedes-AMG C63 S – Part 2

In Part 2 of our track battle, we take to Killarney International Raceway to see which German performance coupe sets the fastest lap time.

Going head to head in battle are the Audi RS5, BMW M4 Competition Pack, and the Mercedes-AMG C63 S.

The three Germans are closely matched, with the Mercedes offering the most power and torque from its bi-turbo V8, the BMW being the lightest and the RS5 being the only car here with all-wheel-drive.

To compare these three cars in detail, visit our compare tool now:

To see how they fared in a drag race against each other and which we thought was the most fun to drive, check out these previous videos below:

Track Battle | Audi RS5 vs BMW M4 CP vs Mercedes-AMG C63 S – Part 1

Drag Race: BMW M4 Competition Pack vs Mercedes-AMG C63S

Drag Race | Audi RS5 vs Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe

Drag Race: Audi RS5 vs BMW M4 Competition Pack

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Kia Stinger (2018) Specs and Price Announced

After news broke that Kia South Africa would be introducing its Stinger GT in limited numbers, we can now confirm pricing and specification for this model.

The Kia Stinger was developed on the Nürburgring Nordschleife under the guidance of Albert Biermann, Executive Vice President and Head of Vehicle Test & High-Performance Development. That name will sound familiar if you know your BMW M products, as that's where he was stationed before moving to Kia. The Kia Stinger is powered by a 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 engine which packs a 272 kW and 510 Nm punch. Power goes to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Kia claims a 0-100 kph time of 4.9 seconds and it'll run onto a top speed of 270 kph.

“There has been notable interest and excitement in Stinger since we announced its imminent arrival two weeks ago,” comments Gary Scott, CEO, KIA Motors South Africa. “The confidence is well placed. KIA has retained top position in the authoritative J.D. Power Initial Quality Study, and Stinger’s continued global awards certainly reinforce this sentiment. Adding to the well-known attributes of design, quality and value for money, Stinger in the comprehensively specified GT trim, is a showcase of KIA’s engineering prowess. With its competitive pricing, we believe that it will be highly sought-after as well.”

Kia Stinger Specifications

The cabin appears slick and modern, and it comes with all the latest convenience features as standard

SA customers will have a choice of nine metallic exterior colours. The new Kia Stinger rides on 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped with 225/40 19-inch rubber at the front, and 255/35 19s at the rear. Vented Brembo disc brakes are standard and feature quad-piston front callipers and dual-piston rear callipers for stopping power.

In the cabin, the Stinger features contoured seats covered in Nappa leather, and there's a choice between black or deep burgundy leather upholstery. The driver and front passenger’s seats are electrically adjustable, are heated and ventilated, while the driver’s seat also features adjustable bolsters, lumbar support, seat cushion extension and a memory function. The steering column is electronically adjustable for rake and reach.

The infotainment system comprises an 8-inch colour touchscreen with Bluetooth, Voice Recognition, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, a 720 watt Harman/Kardon sound system with 15 speakers and subwoofer. The Stinger's cabin also features a wireless smartphone charging pad and dual automatic air conditioning as standard. Kia's Stinger features a Head-Up Display display with speed, turn-by-turn navigation, audio and cruise control settings displayed. A sunroof is also fitted as standard.

In terms of safety, the new Kia Stinger features park distance control at the front and rear of the vehicle, a reverse camera, electric parking brake with auto hold function, as well as hill-start assist. Blind spot detection system, stability control, ABS, seven airbags, and ISOFIX child seat anchors.

Kia Stinger Price in South Africa

The Kia Stinger comes standard with Kia's unlimited kilometre, 5-year warranty, as well as five years’ worth of roadside assistance and a 5-year/90 000km maintenance plan. Due to the limited number of Stinger available to the South African market from August 2018, the vehicle will not be available through the KIA dealership network. Instead, Stinger will feature a bespoke direct sales experience facilitated by KIA South Africa through the dedicated Stinger website, www.kiastinger.co.za. Customers who register on the Stinger website will receive full details regarding the sales and ordering process later this month and will be able to order their vehicles at the same time.

Kia Stinger GT R859 995.

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Next GWM Bakkies ‘built on Haval platforms’

The next generation of Great Wall Motors bakkies will see a massive jump in quality and refinement, thanks to input from GWM's luxury SUV subsidiary, Haval.

During our visit to the 2018 Beijing Auto Show, we were afforded the opportunity to sit down with Great Wall Motors (GWM) group vice-president of product planning Samuel Chen, who gave us some insights into both Haval's and GWM's future portfolios. The big news is that the GWM Steed workhorse will be underpinned by a modified version of the Haval H9 7-seat adventure SUV (itself confirmed for SA market introduction before the end of 2018).

With commonality and parts sharing between Haval and GWM, we expect the new Steed to shake off some of its workhorse attire and gain a big step up in terms of refinement and luxury. Globally we're seeing a shift towards lifestyle and luxury bakkies, like the Mercedes-Benz X-Class, so having an upmarket Steed alongside a workhorse makes a good business case.

The cabin of the Haval H9 SUV. Elements from this luxury SUV will find their way into the new GWM bakkie, moving it into the luxury lifestyle space

In terms of size, the Haval H9's wheelbase of 2 800 mm is a tad shorter than that of the Toyota Hilux (3 085 mm) and Ford Ranger (3 220 mm). The H9 offers a smart 4×4 system with a low-range transfer case and we expect this to be carried over to the new bakkie. One potential hiccup we anticipate is the lack of a diesel engine. Currently, the GWM/Haval powertrain portfolio comprises 1.5- and 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol motors, and we're not sure the H9's 180 kW and 350 Nm motor will find favour among bakkie fans, at least not in South Africa, where turbodiesel double cabs dominate. The big players in the segment are all opting for V6 diesel engines, but Mr Chen confirmed more powertrains are in development.

“In terms of powertrains, yes, we will have a sort of competitiveness in the local market, in terms of updating its appearance and comfortability – it’s also something we’re also working on,” he said. “This new pick-up that we’re working on, it will have very much an SUV type of interior space, so it’s not so much the old-style typical truck feel anymore. You are driving a pick-up (with a decidedly) SUV interior, so that’s something we’re definitely moving towards,” Mr Chen added.

We reviewed the Steed 6 back in 2015 and had this to say: For your money, you are getting a capable and modern bakkie that comes packed to the hilt with features. The Steed 6 is by no means perfect, but it’s better than you think and does a good job of undercutting its competitors by a significant margin; it represents excellent value.

The new GWM 1-tonne bakkie will share a platform with an all-new Haval SUV, and both will be built on the same line at a new facility in China. Interestingly, Haval is expected to launch its own version of this bakkie too. We estimate that the new Great Wall Motors bakkie will be revealed internationally as soon as next year, with a potential market introduction for SA in 2020.

Want to buy a Haval or GWM?

Browse through stock now

SA’s Fastest 4-Cylinder Cars

Downsizing doesn’t have to mean going slower. Here are South Africa’s fastest 4-cylinder cars in the new vehicle market… and some of the models on this list might surprise you.

5. Audi S3 Sportback R651 100

4. Golf R R664 400

3. Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG R805 807

2. Alfa Romeo 4C Spider R1 352 900

1. Porsche 718 Cayman GTS R1 122 000

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Kia Stinger (2018) Specs and Price Announced

After news broke that Kia South Africa would be introducing its Stinger GT in limited numbers, we can now confirm pricing and specification for this model.

Kia Stinger Specifications

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Want to buy a Kia?

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The next generation of Great Wall Motors bakkies will see a massive jump in quality and refinement, thanks to input from GWM's luxury SUV subsidiary, Haval.

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Want to buy a Haval or GWM?