Porsche 911 Range Explained
Are you confused by the Porsche 911 hierarchy? Fear not, as Porsche has put out a video explaining each and every model in the 911 family.
Subaru WRX ES Premium (2018) Quick Review
Judging by its spec sheet, the latest iteration of the Subaru WRX should have 'Scooby enthusiasts' drooling by virtue of its enhanced styling, impressive technology and generous array of interior features. However, does the ES Premium with its (automatic) Lineartronic CVT do the nameplate justice or is its performance too compromised to warrant consideration?
We Like: Macho styling, interior build quality, safety, handling, acceleration
We Don’t Like: Thirsty, CVT dulls engagement, firm ride, pricey
Fast Facts
Price: R631 400 (October 2018)
Engine: 4-cylinder, 2.0-litre turbocharged Boxer
Power/Torque: 197 kW @ 5 600 rpm / 350 Nm @ 2400 – 5 200 rpm
Transmission: CVT
0-100 kph: 6.3 seconds
Top Speed: 240 kph
Boot Space: 460-litres
Serious About Buying?
Check out full specification details and finance estimates here.
Some Subaru dealers regularly offer specials: Have a look here.
What is it?
With sporty, rally-inspired looks, the WRX has visual appeal while still offering a practical cabin.
The latest Subaru WRX sports sedan draws inspiration from its rally roots (just as its celebrated predecessors did), but has donned "a suit and tie" to appeal to a wider audience, while retaining just enough of its boy-racer looks that droves of fans adore.
Visually, the updated WRX has a fair dose of "bad-ass" appeal; this latest iteration features an updated front-end that looks expressively menacing, especially with an STI-aping front splitter fitted. It also rides on stylish 18-inch wheels as standard, in this case dark, which contrasts nicely with the Crystal White Pearl body colour. At the rear, the carbon-fibre diffuser and the beefy quartet of exhaust ends give the WRX some added street cred.
We really like the look of this WRX, let’s see how it performs overall in this test…
What’s good?
Glut of standard interior features
The WRX ES PRemium comes well-specced with a wide range of comfort and convenience features.
There’s much to like about the WRX's cabin, which looks and feels solidly made. The leather sports seats strike an admirable balance between comfort and support, and they're complemented by aluminium pedals, a sunroof, dual-zone climate control, automatically activated headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a rake- and reach-adjustable multifunction steering wheel, electric windows and mirrors and a Harmon Kardon sound system, to name a few.
The 3.5-inch LCD multi-information display in the instrument cluster is flanked by sporty dials and we found the 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system (which includes navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity and voice-activated Siri Eyes Free) a pleasure to use. Furthermore, a strip-like digital panel, which displays information such as fuel economy, boost pressure, acceleration etc, is mounted on the dashboard.
There's just enough space for rear passengers and the load bay is sizable at 460-litres.
Although we applaud the fact that there is ample storage spaces in the cabin, rear passenger space and comfort is average. The boot is said to offer 460 litres of capacity and you can fold the rear seats down for more space, should you need it. Front and rear passengers also have access to cupholders.
It goes without saying then, the WRX is well-equipped, well connected and relatively spacious.
Comprehensive safety technology
A full suite of safety features in the WRX ensures peace of mind while driving.
Safety is a major highlight of the WRX package and Subaru’s Eyesight driver assist technology – underpinned by a set of dual cameras mounted in front of the rearview mirror scan the road and traffic ahead for potential danger – is impressive. Key active safety features include adaptive cruise control (a rarity at this price point, at least as a standard feature), lane-keep assist, blind-spot warning, pre-collision braking and pre-collision throttle management.
In terms of passive safety, the WRX is comprehensively equipped with 7 airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist and electronic stability control with traction control. Isofix child seat mounts are also included.
Performance and Handling
While the WRX is quick, it's not as powerful or engaging as some of the alternatives on offer.
At start-up, the WRX’s 2.0-litre 4-cylinder Boxer (also known as flat, or horizontally opposed) engine barks to life and settles into a hearty thrum emitted by its big-bore tailpipes (although some might tire of the boomy exhaust after a while). With 197 kW and 350 Nm of torque on tap, this performance sedan is somewhat outgunned by most of its rivals, such as the Audi S3 sedan and Honda Civic Type R, both of which offer peak outputs of 228 kW and 400 Nm.
Nonetheless, the WRX is no slouch and while most of our testers disliked the sensation of driving the CVT (more on this below), it’s still acceptably fast when going full tilt and it will probably run a VW Golf GTI close in a traffic light dice (the Subaru has a claimed 0 to 100 kph time of 6.3 seconds). There are 3 driving modes to choose from, including Intelligent (to enhance fuel economy), Sport and Sport Sharp, depending on your driving preference.
The WRX’s suspension and electric power steering characteristics have been enhanced for this updated version and we were particularly impressed by the newcomer's outright handling ability. The steering is sharp, direct and responsive. And, of course, by virtue of Subaru’s all-wheel-drive system, there’s plenty of grip on offer – the WRX can be wielded through corners with supreme confidence. So, in terms of handling thrills, this WRX truly does its name justice.
But be warned, however, that the WRX's ride quality is firm and unforgiving. You will feel just about every bump you drive over…
What’s not so Good?
CVT an acquired taste
The CVT dulls driving engagement in the WRX. We think the manual version is the better bet.
While the CVT in the WRX is arguably one of the better examples of the continuously variable (gear-less) transmission currently on offer in our market and undoubtedly adds a degree of convenience to the driving experience in congested traffic/the daily commute, we feel it ultimately does the WRX a disservice by diminishing its fun-to-drive character. Simply put, the CVT dulls the instantaneous powertrain responses that performance aficionados so dearly crave.
In our experience, there is a fair amount of "delayed accelerative urge" when you apply the throttle pedal vigorously and, despite Subaru claiming improved efficiency with the CVT, we averaged just over 12.6 L/100 km during our test, which seems thirsty, especially taking the current fuel price crisis into account.
For more control and slightly better responsiveness, you can flick the CVT into manual mode and use the steering mounted paddle shifters to make the most from the rorty engine's performance characteristics; in fact, we found this method improves driving engagement markedly.
On the flipside, the CVT may make die-hard WRX enthusiasts cringe, but if you like the look and spec of the WRX and prioritise daily convenience over the ability to extract maximum engine performance instantaneously, then perhaps the traffic-friendlier automatic transmission is a worthwhile trade-off.
Price and Warranty
The Subaru WRX ES Premium CVT is priced from R631 400 while the manual WRX Premium is priced from R581 400. It’s also backed by a 5-year/150 000 km warranty and a 3-year/75 000 km maintenance plan.
Buy a new or used Subaru WRX on Cars.co.za
Verdict
There's much to like in the WRX ES Premium, but if you want ultimate performance, the CVT doesn't deliver the goods…
We like the latest Subaru WRX and while the ES Premium Lineartronic (automatic) has much to offer in terms of kerb appeal, standard features, safety, handling and, to a degree, performance, its overall driving experience falls short of what we think most buyers would want from the WRX package. The fact that it can't match the driving excitement/engagement that may extract from the manual version (which does not come with the Eyesight technology) seems to suggest this derivative is targeted at performance-minded premium sedan buyers, as opposed to performance aficionados; yuppies, not boy racers.
Some may argue that because most performance vehicles are only expected to perform to the limit of their abilities now and again (as opposed to all the time), it's not too much of a compromise to sacrifice some let's call it "instantaneousness" for better general ease of use. They have a point, but the ES Premium Lineartronic's unforgiving ride quality and high fuel consumption will make this car difficult to live with on a daily basis anyway.
Besides that, more performance can be found for similar money in the Audi S3, Volkswagen Golf R or Honda Civic Type R, which is to say that this version of the WRX is quite pricey for the performance that it offers. Add these factors together and suddenly the case for buying the WRX CVT becomes weaker.
Alternatives (Click on the names for specification details)
The Audi S3 sedan is a strong alternative to the WRX and it offers more in way of performance with its 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 228 kW and 400 Nm of torque. It, however, uses a dual-clutch transmission to lay its power down at all 4 corners and is significantly quicker than the WRX with a claimed zero to 100kph sprint time of 4.6 seconds. The Audi S3 quattro is priced from R662 000.
The Golf R is a formidable performer in a compact body and it shares the same outputs with the Audi S3 with 228 kW and 400 Nm of torque developed from its 2.0-litre turbopetrol mill. It's also all-wheel drive and makes use of a dual clutch transmission that ensures brisk acceleration with Volkswagen claiming 4.8 seconds in the sprint from zero to 100 kph. The Golf R is priced from R667 700.
For a dose of front-wheel drive bad-assery, consider the Honda Civic Type R. It has all the wings to make you fly and just like all the alternatives listed above, it too offers 228 kW and 400 Nm from its 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine. However, it makes use of an excellent 6-speed manual transmission. Its ride is not as harsh as the WRX's and it will thump from zero to 100 kph in 5.8 seconds. The Civic Type R is priced from R648 300.
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Jaguar I-Pace (2019) Specs & Price
Jaguar's first all-electric vehicle, called the I-Pace, is expected to arrive in South Africa in 2019. Here's how much it will cost.
The I-Pace is fitted with an in-house designed, liquid-cooled 90 kWh Lithium-ion battery and is capable of rapid charging where it will obtain 80% charge in only 45 minutes using a DC 100kW charger. A 7 kW home charging wall box will achieve the same result in just over 10 hours. Owners will be able to pre-condition the I-Pace before a journey using the vehicle's InControl system or the Remote smartphone app, priming it for both extreme cold or hot conditions.
The I-Pace compact SUV is powered by electric motors driving the front and rear axles with total outputs of 294 kW and 696 Nm of torque. Jaguar says the response is immediate with no lag, which means the I-Pace will offer fast acceleration with the sprint to 100 kph taking 4.8 seconds. With the battery placed centrally between the 2 axles, a 50:50 weight distribution and low centre of gravity are achieved. Ride comfort comes courtesy of a front double wishbone and integral link rear suspension with optional air suspension and adaptive dynamics.
The I-Pace is capable of driving across various terrain and has an electric range of 480km.
The I-Pace also features electric all-wheel drive, All Surface Progress Control (ASPC) and Adaptive Surface Response (AdSR) to tackle more challenging terrain. It has a range of about 480km and with an average daily commute of between 40 and 50 km, the I-Pace will only have to be charged once a week.
In terms of interior features, the I-Pace will be equipped with a Touch Pro Duo infotainment system with a new EV navigation system. 'Smart Settings', using AI algorithms will identify individual driver preferences and will tailor driving and interior setting to preference. More so, I-Pace will be the first Jaguar to provide software over-the-air which means updates will be seamless.
In terms of practicality, the I-Pace offers 890 mm rear legroom as well as a large 10.5-litre central storage compartment made possible by the absence of a transmission tunnel. Rear passengers can also make use of tablet/laptop stowage under the rear seat. Luggage capacity is rated at 656 litres which expands to 1 453 litres with the rear seats folded flat. Jaguar engineers invited a potential customer from Sweden to drive the I-Pace in extreme conditions, watch the video below to see what unfolded.
Jaguar I-Pace Price in South Africa
South Africa will be getting the Jaguar I-Pace in EV400 90 kWh AWD specification, with 4 levels of trim. Pricing for Home Charging Stations will be announced closer to the time of launch in early 2019. Home charging cables compatible with normal wall sockets come as standard equipment
S R1 687 230
SE R1 745 540
HSE R1 829 880
First Edition R1 920 700
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Kia Sorento (2018) Specs & Price
Kia has introduced an updated version of its Sorento Adventure SUV (now available exclusively in 7-seater guise). Herewith the range's specifications and prices
Kia says its facelifted Sorento has been "enhanced", which is quite apt – the new car features a refreshed exterior design, as well as an upgraded interior with more standard features, all of which makes the Korean better value for money.
“The Sorento SUV has been a proud flagbearer for Kia’s design and quality credentials since the 1st-generation model debuted in 2002,” says Gary Scott, CEO of Kia Motors South Africa. “It has not only won red dot and iF Design Awards, but is also a consistent segment leader in the annual JD Power Initial Quality Study.”
For the 2018 model, the Sorento has received a new-look front end, replete with a more detailed grille and new headlamps. (higher-spec derivatives gain projection headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights). At the rear, there are sleeker taillamp housings, as well as a revised bumper design. New-look 18-inch alloy wheels complete the aesthetic revision. Inside, there are changes to the steering wheel, gearshift lever and a new-look instrument cluster with better graphics.
Previously, the Sorento was available in 5- and 7-seater guises, but the revised line-up sees Kia discontinue the former. The 2nd row of seats can fold in a 40/20/40 configuration, while the 3rd row can be folded flat into the luggage bay floor.
Apple CarPlay/Android Auto has made it into the new-look Kia Sorento
The base LS derivative, high-spec SX and SXL have been dropped, with the range now comprising a mid-spec LX and mid-to-high spec EX – both are available in either front- or all-wheel-drive guises.
The enhanced LX derivatives feature a raft of standard specification features that includes, but is not limited to, dual-zone automatic air-conditioning, automatic headlamp control, auto-folding and heated side mirrors with integrated side indicators, electric windows all round and rear USB ports.
The higher-spec EX derivatives feature an auto-defog system, illuminated door scuff plates, rear sunshade blinds, electrically adjustable front seats (with 2-way adjustable lumbar support for the driver’s seat), integrated roof rails and a wireless smartphone charger.
A new 8-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system, with integrated satellite navigation, USB and auxiliary inputs and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility is now standard too.
Kia has called upon its trusty 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine to power the Sorento and it produces a healthy 147 kW and 440 Nm, which is capable of propelling the vehicle from 0 to 100 kph in a claimed 9.4 seconds. The big change is the introduction of a new 8-speed automatic transmission, which replaces the outgoing 6-speed unit.
Kia Sorento Price in South Africa (October 2018)
The new Kia Sorento comes with a 5-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, as well as a 5-year/100 000 km service plan and 3 years' roadside assistance. View its full specs and prices here.
Sorento 2.2 CRDI LX R569 995
Sorento 2.2 CRDI LX AWD R609 995
Sorento 2.2 CRDI EX R599 995
Sorento 2.2 CRDI EX AWD R639 995
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Mazda MX-5 RF – Has Mazda Ruined the MX-5?
The much-loved manual Mazda MX-5 is no longer on sale in South Africa and customers can now only buy the heavier hard-top MX-5 version. In this review, Ernest Page takes the MX-5 RF for a whirl to find out if it can still deliver the thrills…
This new, heavier MX-5 is now the only MX-5 you can buy in South Africa. So, the brief was pretty simple: take the new automatic, hard-top Mazda MX-5 RF to the track and put it through a series of scientific(ish) tests. With the roof adding an extra 40 kg to the top of the car, and the automatic 'box reducing the driver's transmission control, we wanted to find out – has Mazda ruined one of the world's most iconic drivers cars?
Our contributor Ernest Page got the nod for this job thanks to his remarkable ability to get a car sideways. And so he set about putting the RF through a slalom, handbrake turn and good old-fashioned drift test. Watch the video to see what he discovered…
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Audi Is Pressing Ahead With Its Future Plans
Given the diversity of manufacturers in the Volkswagen Group (and their various fields of expertise), what strategy is Audi following to stand out from its sibling brands? We button down Audi’s big plans for an electrified and (by and large) autonomous-driving future.
Each brand within the VW Group has a plan to introduce production electric vehicles by 2020, at least that is if reports are to be believed. So, when you’re in a group that consists of Volkswagen, Porsche, Bentley, Lamborghini as well as brands we don’t get in South Africa (Skoda and Seat), what can Audi do to make itself stand out from its peers? A recent venture to a motor show in Singapore shed a bit of light on how Audi wants to be seen within the group.
By looking at Audi’s concepts, such as Elaine and Aicon, it seems Audi is determined to be the primary innovator. Positioning itself as the VW Group brand that brings ideas to market first certainly suits a premium brand that competes directly with trendsetting marques like BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar. Has the Ingolstadt-based firm got the jump on any of those brands in terms of bringing new tech to market? Well, let’s take a look at a few of these "upcoming" models and see what in store.
Audi e-tron
The Audi e-tron will arrive in South Africa during the 3rd quarter of 2019.
The e-tron is Audi’s first series-production electric car and we expect it to be introduced in South Africa during the 3rd quarter of 2019. It’s not innovative in the sense of being the VW Group's first electric car to market (the European market already has the Volkswagen e-Golf and e-up!). The e-tron does do something different, however. It's an electric model built to be a purpose-made electric car, as opposed to a combustion-engined car with electric bits. It also enters the segment that’s showing positive growth globally. People are stepping out of their 3-box sedans and buying SUVs, so Audi has made an electric SUV that offers enough range for long-distance trips.
400 km of range and fast charged to 80% in 30 minutes.
It's also a rebuff to "range anxiety" and "charges too slowly" detractors. Audi claims the e-tron has an effective range of 400 km per full charge and if you find a fast 150 kW charger, you can get 80% charge within 30 minutes. It’s not quite a 10-minute fuel station stop, but it will cost you about half as much to "fill your tank". Audi arch-rival BMW has electric cars on sale in South Africa, but the i3's 180-km range and compact size limit the hatchback's appeal for commuting. Audi’s major competitor will be the Jaguar iPace, which will beat it to market in SA by a good 6 months. The electric Jaguar will also be cheaper to recharge at charging stations beyond city limits.
Audi Elaine
The Audi Elaine introduces the next level of electric powertrain technology.
Gaze a little further into Audi’s future and you will come across the Elaine. Elaine might sound like the name of your favourite aunt, but that’s sort of the idea Audi has in mind this concept… That's because when you start integrating artificial intelligence into a vehicle, you still need it to come across as "human-like" (something that almost anyone can interact with), which goes a long way to explain why the Ingolstadt-based brand has given this concept a human name.
Audi may have been playing a little bit of catch up with the e-tron, but futuristics ideas start to align with the Elaine. For starters, it uses the next generation of electric propulsion with a projected range of in excess of 500 km. Three electric motors operate the all-wheel-drive system (2 at the rear and 1 at the front); they produce up to 370 kW collectively and are said to accelerate Elaine from 0 to 100 kph in 4.5 seconds. All this in a car that’s effectively an SUV version of the Audi A7.
The real innovation comes in the form of artificial intelligence systems that allow for autonomous freeway driving. Audi says that when travelling on a freeway, the Elaine will be able to drive itself and overtake traffic on its own at speeds of 60 to 130 kph. The driver is free to take over driving duties at any time as well.
An interior not too far-fetched from Audi's current A7 Sportback and A8.
Audi is also almost ready to roll out what it calls AI Zones. Let’s say you’re driving in the city and looking for a parking space. In that scenario, instead of searching endlessly on your own, you can get out of the car (and, basically hand over driving duties) in an AI Zone, from where the car will find a parking space in a parking lot or street all by itself. How it gets past security booms and paid parking services isn’t yet disclosed, but an "e-tag type of thing" could be an interim solution.
Audi Aicon
The Audi Aicon focuses on the future of mobility and beyond driver involvement.
The Audi Aicon concept anticipates a time when cars are there for the sole purpose of mobility. It’s a form of personal public transport, if you will. It has no steering wheel, so it’s fully autonomous and comes with an electric motor located at each corner of the car. With no real need for driver involvement, the Aicon is set up for maximum comfort and efficiency. It is claimed to have a range of 800 km(!) per charge and by virtue of wireless charging capability, it doesn’t even need to be plugged in.
The future of mobility may seem boring for car enthusiasts right now, but for most of the public who sit in hours upon hours of traffic to and from work every day, this sort of thing could take the hassle out of commuting. The Aicon also has some gimmicky bits, such as the ability to adjust the car's interior lighting to suit the types of music being played through the audio system (in other words, "adjust the cabin mood"). And speaking of the cabin, you may have noticed that you get a stool and bar table with some screens to play with… Those screens extend to the door linings as well, which suggests you could interact with whichever feature you want from where you want.
The seats fully recline, allowing occupants to nap on the way to their destination.
The seats recline to lie flat, so, if you want, you could nap on your way to and from work. It won’t be cramped either; the Aicon is about the same length as a LWB A8.
In our lifetime?
Audi’s status as an innovator within the Volkswagen Group is underlined when you consider how much further the Ingoldstadt-based brand has developed electric vehicle and autonomous driving technology than its sibling brands. The Aicon, with all of its "blue sky" ideas, will have level 5 autonomy (steering wheel optional) ready to roll out as soon as 2021. At that point, most other manufacturers will still be bridging the gap between level 3 (hands-off periods) and level 4 (autonomous zones).
The all-out electric push is coming too, and that can be seen in its most basic form – motorsport. Manufacturers such as Audi, Jaguar, Nissan, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz and BMW have all entered into Formula E for 2018/19. If the series proves popular and lucrative, it could be the injection of development that electric and battery power needs to really become mainstream.
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McLaren Speedtail leaks early
Photos of the new McLaren hypercar have leaked online ahead of the vehicle's official reveal later today. Let's check out the McLaren Speedtail.
The McLaren Speedtail is the Woking-based brand's entry into the hypercar segment. McLaren is claiming a top speed of just over 390 kph from a highly modified version and hybrid version of the twin-turbocharged V8 engine that is used in other products in its portfolio.
One interesting aspect of the McLaren Speedtail is its cabin layout. Much like the iconic McLaren F1 from the 1990s, the Speedtail uses a 3-seat setup with the driver in the middle and a passenger either side. There are an array of touchscreens and the cabin can truly be called driver-focused. It appears that conventional wing mirrors have been replaced by cameras too.
McLaren will be building 106 Speedtail models and all have been snapped up despite the $2.1 million price tag. That's almost R31 million. We'll have more details after the official reveal later today.
The McLaren Speedtail adopts the same three-seat setup as the iconic McLaren F1 supercar of the 90s
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Toyota Hilux Invincible 50 – Not for SA
The Hilux is 50 years old and to celebrate the occasion, Toyota and Arctic Trucks came together to develop the special edition Hilux Invincible 50. It will only be sold in the UK and will not come to South Africa.
The Hilux Invincible 50 has enhanced off-road capability with a performance suspension by Arctic Trucks and Bilstein while the new ET05 alloy wheels are specific to this special edition model and come wrapped in all-terrain Goodrich tyres.
With this setup, the Hilux Invincible 50 has a more ground clearance and stands 40 mm higher at the front and 20 mm higher at the rear with more articulation and increased approach and departure angles.
In terms of styling, the model features wider front and rear wings while a double-hoop sports bar is fitted that includes 4 high-power Vision X LED lights, perhaps for hunting rabbits in the English countryside…
Other details include rear Arctic Trucks mud flaps, a Line-X bed liner, a Toyota tailgate graphic and rear parking sensors. There’s a numbered Invincible 50 plaque in the cabin and Invincible 50 chrome badging and detailing are seen on the wings, wheels, doors, tailgate, sports bar, lighting and interior. All Hilux Invincible 50 models are finished in black paintwork. The familiar 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine does service under the bonnet and it comes mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The Toyota Hilux is currently the most-popular vehicle sold in South Africa.
Watch our video review of the Toyota Hilux Dakar below!
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BMW X5: Now with M Performance Parts
BMW South Africa has confirmed that it will be bringing in some tasty M Performance Parts for its soon-to-be-launched BMW X5. How cool does this look?
The fourth generation of the BMW X5 is due to land in South Africa by the end of 2019 and BMW South Africa recently confirmed that it will be bringing in an extensive range of M Performance Parts for the newcomer. BMW SA claims these parts are for, "customers who wish to selectively refine the vehicle's sporty character and give this aspect further emphasise the character."
Not only doe these M Performance Parts look good, but they're actually functional. There are extensive options for some carbon fibre goodness, such as air intake trim elements for the bumper, winglets, a diffuser and even exterior mirror caps.
Development of the full range of M Performance Parts has always drawn on the extensive motor racing expertise of BMW M GmbH. All components are perfectly matched – both with each other and with the specific properties of each model. In this way, they not only give the vehicle concerned a more striking, dynamic appearance but also serve a functional purpose. The features have a positive impact on the vehicle’s aerodynamic properties, for instance, or contribute additionally to the intelligent lightweight concept.
The latest M Performance catalogue has been expanded to include the X5. Note offroad tyres and carbon fibre detailing.
Interestingly, given the BMW X5's offroad abilities, we're happy to see all-terrain wheels make their debut in the catalogue. You can also opt for vented and perforated M Performance brake discs which are larger than the standard units and these callipers are finished in red, giving the car a sportier look. These M Performance upgrades are not just exterior and there's substantial goodness for the cabin too. You can opt for a gorgeous M Performance steering wheel which is finished in Alcantara with cross stitching or go for the carbon fibre option with the shift paddles finished in carbon fabric. There's also M Performance floor mats available.
The BMW X5 launches in South Africa before the end of 2018 and these M Performance accessories will be available in the first quarter of 2019.
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BMW X2 M35i (2018) Specs & Price
German carmaker BMW has revealed the X2 M35i – a performance version of the stylish X2 crossover. Herewith, some details as well as how much it costs.
The new BMW X2 M35i is powered by the most powerful 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine offered by the brand. It offers up 225 kW and 450 Nm, which is sufficient to fling the stylish SUV to 100 kph in a claimed 4.9 seconds. Power goes to all four wheels via BMW's 8-speed Steptronic gearbox, which also features launch control. BMW claims a fuel economy figure of 7.4 L/100 km.
It's not just a powerful engine and some sporty kit fitted to the BMW X2 M35i. Speaking of sporty kit, you'll be able to spot the X2 M35i with its sporty front bumper with large intakes, unique mirrors, large exhausts and unique 19-inch alloy wheels. The real detail is in the performance upgrades, however. There is a remap on the gearbox, with a focus on performance as well as an M Sport suspension. You can also option adaptive suspension, which will likely be well worth forking out for. There's also an M Sport differential fitted to the front axle and bigger M Sport brakes have been fitted.
The BMW X2 M35i goes into global production in November 2018 and we'll see the first units arrive in South Africa in the first quarter of 2019. We have discovered that the vehicle is available to order on the BMW SA website.
BMW X2 M35i Price in South Africa
BMW X2 M35i SAV R815 172
The BMW X2 M35i boasts the most powerful 2.0-litre turbo in the BMW arsenal. With 225 kW and 450 Nm, it's going to be one quick customer