Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe (2018) International Launch Review
It might share the GT nameplate with what we think is Merc's finest sportscar ever, but the new AMG GT 4-Door Coupe is a substantially different animal. We recently took it for a whirl at the Circuit of The Americas in Texas, USA.
While the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door shares the same 4.0-litre, biturbo engine as the GT R, the mad scientists at AMG decided that their new "4-door coupe" (*cough* sedan *cough*) needed even more power. And so this super saloon boasts 470 kW and 900 Nm of torque, a full 40kW and 200Nm more than the sportscar.
Granted, the saloon is heavier, but how would all of this translate in the real world, and out on the incredible Circuit of the Americas race circuit?
We sent Cars.co.za's Ross McIlroy to Texas to find out.
As part of Indian brand Mahindra's aggressive new marketing efforts in South Africa, a subtly updated version of its XUV500 7-seater crossover has been launched. It remains a high-value offering… that now looks considerably more stylish.
The Mahindra brand has been steadily growing its presence in South Africa during the past 3 years – not only in terms of its product portfolio, but also in setting up a CKD assembly plant in Durban and, perhaps most importantly, growing sales in a flat or declining market. It has, however, struggled a little more to get traction in the passenger car space, and that's where its 2 latest entrants, the facelifted KUV100 NXT and XUV500, compete.
Subtle, but effective enhancements
The XUV500 is, of course, no spring chicken, seeing as it has been around since 2011 and received a mild facelift in 2016, which stripped away some of the flagship Mahindra's quirkier design features. This new model is arguably an even bigger step forward in terms of visual appeal, with a particularly neat new front grille/bumper treatment and modernised rear end. Compared with its predecessors, the subtle use of chrome accents stand in stark contrast to more garish efforts from before.
Inside, too, there have been a few tweaks as well – there is greater coherency of design and better use of chrome accenting. The flagship W10 derivative further features push-button start and a sunroof, in addition to a long list of other standard-spec items. Overall, the XUV500 remains a comfortable, practical car for a family. There is a multitude of storage spaces dotted around the cabin and some of them feature practical rubber matting.
The XUV500's revised grille and bumper treatment bring the big crossover's look up to date.
It's worth pointing out that the XUV500 is around 30 cm shorter than pricier 7-seat vehicles such as the Ford Everest and Toyota Fortuner, which is potentially great news if those SUVs are a tight fit in your garage or parking spot, but it does mean that the Mahindra can't really be seen as a similarly spacious offering, at a much cheaper price. Nevertheless, legroom in the middle row is good, but the 3rd row, as per usual, is really only suited for shorter distances (or for kids). With all 3 rows occupied, luggage space is negligible, but with the 3rd row folded flat, the luggage area is large enough for most families' needs.
No change under the bonnet
The XUV500 is still powered by the same 2.2-litre "mHawk" turbodiesel engine that delivers 103 kW and 330 Nm of torque. Coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission, it is claimed to consume 7.4 L/100 km, which is impressive for a vehicle of this size. Most owners are unlikely to find the engine underpowered, but the Mahindra's not a vehicle that likes to be hustled along, as this tends to confuse the transmission's electronics to some extent, causing the Aisin-sourced 'box to hang onto gears for slightly too long, which induces a strained engine note.
As was the case when we drove the 2017 W8 version, it quickly became clear during our test drive that Mahindra has significantly improved NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) levels, since the original launch nearly 8 years ago. The cabin is quieter, with no rattles and much better suspension damping too. It makes the XUV500 a comfortable long-distance cruiser, seeing as the seats are also particularly comfy, the features list is extensive and the fuel economy good, all things considered.
Rich in features
Neat design and a long list of features make it possible to overlook some of the design quirks that remain.
So, while the styling tweaks are minor (but effective) and there is no change under the bonnet, the XUV500 continues to score strongly as a value proposition. Pricing starts as low as R299 999 for the entry-level W4 6-speed manual derivative, which is very impressive for such a big, 7-seat SUV, which is not shy on standard creature comforts – although it does ride on steel wheels (with plastic covers). All derivatives benefit from a 5-year/150 000km warranty and 5-year/110 000km service plan.
Move up to W6, W8 or W10 spec and you also get alloy wheels, cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, automatically activated headlights and climate control. W8 and W10 versions are further equipped with a neat 7-inch infotainment system with voice command functionality and a reverse-view camera. The flagship additionally features the previously mentioned sunroof, as well as an electrically adjustable driver's seat.
In terms of safety specification, the XUV500 ticks most boxes, depending on which variant you're considering. The W4 and W6 only have 2 airbags, but W8 and W10 variants get 6. From W6 spec and up, all derivatives feature an electronic stability programme, hill hold and hill descent control.
However, the change that should have the biggest impact on the XUV500's sales volumes (around 40 units a month), is the addition of more automatic variants. For this type of vehicle, an automatic (6-speed, in this case), simply makes more sense. We suspect the W6 and W8 autos will quickly become the bestsellers in this line-up.
Verdict
Spacious and practical, the XUV500 offers a lot of car for (relatively) little money.
With a strong reputation (and sales success) in the bakkie segment, Mahindra has a very solid platform from which to grow further, especially seeing as consumers are more cash-strapped than ever before. At the new pricing, the XUV500 offers value for money that's very hard to beat, a design that's far easier on the eye and the peace-of-mind of an excellent manufacturer warranty.
XUV500 line-up and pricing (VAT incl.)
Mahindra XUV500 W4 6-spd manual: R299 999
Mahindra XUV500 W6 6-spd automatic: R359 999
Mahindra XUV500 W8 6-spd manual: R374 999
Mahindra XUV500 W8 6-spd automatic: R403 999
Mahindra XUV500 W10 6-spd automatic: R419 999
Interested in buying a new / used Mahindra XUV500?
There was a time when bigger was better and yes, all the cars on this list have got monstrously oversized, naturally-aspirated power plants – just the way we like it!
Ask any petrolhead. Any real petrolhead. They’ll tell you their favourite engine is of the V8 and V10 variety, naturally aspirated of course. And that’s because there is something so rousing about the noises, emotions and sensations brought about by the unsullied demeanour of a big-bore mill.
Unfortunately, many rookie petrolheads will never experience what some of us did back when bigger was better and power outputs trumped efficiency. Thanks to increasingly stricter emissions laws, the days of free-breathing V8s and V10s are pretty much over (the Ford Mustang, Lexus LC 500, Audi R8 and Lamborghini Huracan are but a handful of survivors) and their glorious soundtracks are mostly a distant memory, save for the occasional car show and exhibition race.
Nowadays, manufacturers are relying on cleverly composed soundtracks piped through speakers to imitate beefier piston-produced prose, but it just doesn’t feel the same – even with huge improvements in performance…
These "manufactured" sound effects, however, are improving in quality, but the experience feels tamer and a little too nannied compared to the feral characters some of us cut our teeth learning to drive and tame. Here are 5 such examples…
BMW M5 (E60-generation)
Believe it or not, but there was a time when certain manufacturers shoehorned engines of leviathan proportions into the bays of their production vehicles. Who can forget the E60-generation BMW M5? It was the first production sedan in the world to employ a V10, the relative performance of which was off the charts. It also boasted a Formula 1-inspired Getrag SMG III single-clutch seven-speed sequential transmission – a nod to the BMW-Sauber grand-prix alliance of the time.
But back to the engine… The uneven-firing naturally-aspirated 5.0-litre V10 was good for 373 kW and 570Nm of torque – enough thrust to pin passengers helplessly back into their seats as it hurtled from standstill to 100kph in 4.2 seconds before topping out at (an ungoverned, if so specified) 328 kph. The entire experience, however, was granular and analogue – a full sensory overload thanks in part to that overly zealous and incredibly vocal soundtrack. The noise emitted by those twin two-barrel exit pipes was apocalyptic; a burbling, off-beat thrum that built in rhythm and decibels before belting out a territorial shrill at a red-lining 7 750 rpm.
Who can forget this feral beast? No other car has caused as much rubbernecking as the C63 AMG – especially in South Africa, where you’d often see one trailing a BMW M3, taunting and playing with it before moving in for the kill. Its free-revving 6.2-litre V8 earned a cult following all over the world and rightfully so: anything AMG-fettled is known to possess frighteningly fast performance and limpet-like handling. Its tenure spanned 8 years where several special editions and performance package models kept the Big-V alive until Mercedes-Benz's AMG division was forced to cull the motor's production owing to stricter emissions laws in 2015.
One particular C63 AMG however, stands out head and shoulders above the rest: the Black Series, a veritable German muscle car. Like all the Black Series models, the wizards at AMG turned the C63's ferociousness up to 10 using a combination of black magic and science. As a result, an extra 22 kW and 20 Nm was liberated from its V8 taking total output to 380kW and 620Nm. By dropping its kerb weight (by 20kg) and improving such attributes as noise, performance and braking ability made for an appreciably supple and fluidic machine – tame when you needed it to be but unruly at the flick of a switch.
The Hummer H3 never really appealed to the masses here in South Africa, but all that changed when General Motors dropped a cast-aluminium Vortex 5.3-litre V8 under its clamshell bonnet and slapped a V8 badge on its boot lid. Suddenly the "underpowered" Hummer gained a personality – a snarling growl and powerful bite to match its burly, military-style physique. Packing 224 kW and 530 Nm, some may have considered it a tad underpowered, especially considering its 2.2-tonne kerb weight, but the Hummer accelerated with alacrity, mincing the 0-100kph dash in 8 seconds flat.
Its top speed of 196 kph, however, was less inspiring, but pretty impressive for a giant block of aluminium. As far as noise-making was concerned, the H3 5.3 and its pent-up aggression forced its driver to belt out and compose original musical scores capable of parting crowds in a theatrical performance akin to what Moses did to the Red Sea. And that’s exactly how it felt from behind the wheel – large, and in charge, and ready to barge everything out of its way!
Sure, it wasn’t as aggressive-looking as some of its Teutonic rivals, but that’s what made the RS4 such an alluring piece of machinery – it’s understated Q-car aesthetic. While it shared its basic engine architecture with the S4, the RS4 benefitted from a slew of go-faster bits sourced from its contemporary 4.2-litre V8-engined R8 supercar sibling: such as revised pistons and con-rods, as well as a new crankshaft and cylinder heads.
The result delivered power and torque outputs of 309 kW and 430 Nm respectively, enough grunt to guarantee a 4.9-second sprint from 0 to 100 kph before reaching a 250-kph limited top speed. The RS4’s trump card, however, was the manner in which it delivered its torque – as much as 90% of the 430 Nm was available from as low as 2 250 rpm. But it was more that peaky 8 250 rpm redline and a Poseidon-like soundtrack that endeared it to enthusiasts. It all came down to a special flap in the exhaust system when Sport mode was selected. No piped-in artificial sound here… Just pure aural theatre.
And, if that wasn’t good enough, the entire performance was accessed through a 6-speed manual transmission complete with all-wheel drive and minimal understeer. Sounds like a winner in our books.
Essentially a re-badged Aussie-sourced Holden SS Ute, the Lumina SS Ute (or bakkie) gained an immediate following here in South Africa thanks largely to its gargantuan muscle-car styling and equally impressive V8 engine: attributes which earned it the nickname the "Kalahari Ferrari". Under its expansive bonnet resided a Corvette-sourced pushrod-powered 6.0-litre V8 that churned forth peak outputs of 270 kW and 530Nm, which is admittedly not much by today’s standards, but the soundtrack emanating from that quartet of shiny tailpipes made it feel far quicker than its 5.4-second 0 to 100 kph sprint time suggests.
So it was a super-bakkie then? Yes and no – while the basic styling followed that of a traditional pickup, SS owners never dared use their beloved Ute as a workhorse or rubble rumbler. Instead, you’ll often see them on breakfast runs and car shows, flexing their muscle and projecting their angst to appreciative crowds. The Ute was and still is a rebel – using one as your daily driver in this day and age won’t make you any friends, but it will cock a snook at the autocratic system that put paid to its kind…
Hyundai will be introducing its new Kona crossover to the South African market this month. Herewith specification and pricing details for the newcomer.
The Hyundai Kona is based on the i30 hatchback but brings crossover appeal to the road and will rival cars such as the Nissan Juke, Renault Captur and Opel Mokka X, among others. The Kona is launching in South Africa this month and Hyundai has confirmed 2 derivatives for our market, according to a dealer bulletin which was sent to us. Let’s take a quick look at what will be on offer in terms specification and pricing.
Engine Choice
Hyundai's first 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbopetrol engine will feature in the local Kona range.
A total of 2 engines will be offered. Hyundai’s first 3-cylinder, 1.0-litre turbopetrol engine will be offered under the bonnet of the Kona with outputs of 89 kW and 172 Nm of torque. This engine will be mated to a 6-speed manual transmission driving the front wheels.
The second engine is a naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engine with 110 kW and 179 Nm of torque and comes mates with a 6-speed automatic transmission as standard, which will power the front wheels.
Key Features
The Kona will be offered with good standard specification including a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
Both Kona derivatives will be offered with Executive specification. A 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with voice-activated Bluetooth and Apple Carplay/Android Auto capability will be offered.
Niceties such as cruise control, electric windows and folding mirrors, cloth seats with contrasting stitching and manual air conditioning are part of the standard package.
In terms of safety, the Kona is well-equipped with 6 airbags as standard and useful features such as park assist with rear camera, blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert, tyre pressure monitoring and Isofix child seat mounts are also standard. The Kona is fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels.
In terms of space, the load bay offers 361 litres, expanding to 1 143-litres with the rear seats folded down.
A total of 5 exterior colours will be available to customers including Chalk White, Lake Silver, Pulse Red, Dark Knight and Acid Yellow.
Honda has launched the new Amaze compact sedan in South Africa. Take a look at specification and pricing for the new model.
Honda welcomes its new budget-conscious Amaze sedan to the local market this week. A total of 3 Amaze derivatives will be on offer in Trend and Comfort trim guises.
Honda believes that the new Amaze, which was developed from the ground up, will appeal to start-up families, young singles and mature motorists. There is no doubt that the Amaze will also appeal to the rental industry and ride services such as Uber.
Engine Choice
A 4-cylinder, 1.2-litre petrol engine does service in the new Amaze and it offers 66 kW and 110 Nm of torque. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard on the entry-level Amaze Trend and Amaze Comfort derivatives, the latter of which is also offered with a new-generation Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
The Honda Amaze weighs only 900 kg, which contributes to reduced fuel economy with Honda claiming a 5.6 L/100 km for the manual and 5.7 L/100 km for the CVT.
Interior and Features
The Amaze's interior is equipped with the basics and is offered in either Trend or Comfort trim.
The Amaze’s dashboard features gloss piano black detail,s while the instrument cluster is equipped with analogue speed and tachometer dials as well as a trip computer.
The seats are upholstered in cloth, but synthetic leather seat covers can be ordered as a no-cost option. A basic 4-speaker sound system is fitted with FM/AM radio functionality, as well as MP3 playback and Bluetooth functionality. USB and auxiliary audio sockets are standard, plus the audio system's functions can be controlled via the multifunction steering wheel. There are storage spaces in all 4 door mouldings and cup holders are located in the centre console and in the rear armrest to service rear passengers. Boot space is claimed at 420-litres, which is 20-litre larger than the previous Brio Amaze model.
In terms of safety, 2 front airbags are standard, as is ABS with EBD. Front and rear inertia-reel seatbelts are fitted and ISOfix child seat anchors are included.
The 1.2 Trend is fitted with 15-inch alloy wheels, a shark fin antenna and a high-mounted brake light, tilt-adjustable steering wheel, manual air conditioning and central locking system. The .2 Comfort adds features such as colour-coded mirrors and door handles, fog lights, auto air-con, electric side mirrors and automatic door locking.
The 1.2 Comfort CVT, meanwhile, comes equipped with gearshift paddles located behind the steering wheel.
All Amaze derivatives are offered with 4 new exterior colours including White Orchid Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic and Radiant Red Metallic.
We are driving the new Honda Amaze at launch this week so look out for our launch report coming your way soon.
Honda Amaze – Price in SA
Honda Amaze 1.2 Trend Manual – R179 900
Honda Amaze 1.2 Comfort Manual – R193 900
Honda Amaze 1.2 Comfort CVT – R208 900
The Honda Amaze is sold with a 5-year/200 000km warranty, 2-year/30 000km service plan and 3-year AA Roadside Assistance package.
The first trial units of the highly-anticipated Ranger Raptor have rolled off the production line at Ford’s Silverton Assembly Plant in Pretoria.
Ford South Africa is gearing up to start full-scale local production of the high-performance Ranger Raptor bakkie which is due for introduction into the South African market in the first half of 2019. The first batch of 10 trial units have already rolled off the production line at Ford’s Silverton Assembly Plant in Pretoria as part of the Tooling Trials (TT) build-up phase.
Ford has invested R3-billion in upgrading the plant in preparation for Ranger Raptor production next year. An additional R160-million investment will ensure that growing demand for the Ranger is met with production expansion expected in 2019.
The Ford Ranger Raptor will be produced in SA for local and international markets.
"This is a momentous occasion for everyone at Ford, as we witnessed our first Ranger Raptor TT unit coming off the line after more than 18 months of extensive upgrades and modifications to the Silverton assembly plant," said Ockert Berry, VP Operations, Ford Middle East and Africa.
"The Ranger Raptor is an exciting and very important model for us, as it pioneers an entirely new dimension for the pick-up or bakkie market and represents the first Ford Performance model to be produced in South Africa, destined for export to customers throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa," Berry adds.
The Ranger Raptor will be powered by a new 2.0-litre bi-turbodiesel engine (built at Ford’s Struandale Engine Plant in Port Elizabeth) which will offer 157 kW and 500 Nm of torque and mated to a new 10-speed automatic transmission.
Nissan has tweaked its popular Qashqai compact SUV for 2019. Here are the changes.
The Nissan Qashqai is a popular model, both locally and internationally. There's a lot to like about it, ranging from its good looks to its value for money offering. In early 2018, Nissan South Africa updated its Qashqai with tweaked styling and technological advancements. However, we can expect an updated model making its way to South Africa in 2019 as Nissan has given the Qashqai some upgrades and it will be going on sale in Europe before the end of this year.
These changes are numerous and there's a new petrol engine, a new double-clutch gearbox and even more connectivity tech. Starting with the engine, the new motor is a turbocharged 1.3-litre petrol engine and if you know your manufacturer deals, you'll be aware that this motor was developed in collaboration with Daimler and is used in the all-new Mercedes-Benz A-Class. It appears that the 1.2-litre and 1.6-litre motors have been dropped. In terms of outputs, this new 1.3-litre turbo is offered in two states of tune: 102 kW and 117 kW, with economy rated around 5.3 L / 100 km.
You have the option of either a 6-speed manual gearbox mated to a front-wheel-drive setup, or a new 7-speed dual-clutch auto. Nissan claims that these new powertrains are more responsive and offer a quieter driving experience. The changes are not just mechanical as Nissan is offering its new infotainment system in the updated Qashqai. This setup boasts Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and can be updated over the air. It still retains the 7-inch touchscreen, but it comes with fewer buttons.
The interior of the updated Nissan Qashqai. The infotainment system now features Android Auto and Apple Carplay
British supercar maker McLaren has made a Track Pack available for its 720S, making even more visceral and agile on a race circuit.
The McLaren 720S is one of the fastest vehicles we've ever tested at Cars.co.za. Not only is it absolutely ballistic in a straight line, but its cornering abilities nearly defy the laws of physics. Somehow McLaren thought it a good idea to add a track pack for 720S, making it even more potent.
McLaren says that the track pack for 720S is developed alongside the new 720S GT3 race car and both cars have been extensively tested on track. The Track Pack for the 720S comprises a weight saving of 24 kg through the fitment of carbon fibre hood air intakes, rear fender air intakes and door mirror casings. There are new lightweight 10-spoke forged alloy wheels, a new carbon fibre active rear spoiler and a sports exhaust. Inside, there are new lightweight carbon fibre racing seats, carbon fibre gearshifters and a titanium bar has been fitted which supports proper 6-point seatbelts for the driver and passenger.
The McLaren 720S Track Pack also features a dedicated Track setting loaded into its drive modes and this includes a telemetry system comprising 3 cameras and a data logger. Realtime data such as lap times and splits can be displayed using the car's infotainment system. The engine has not changed and we're not surprised as the 720S is fast enough. For the record, the twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 delivers 530 kW and 770 Nm, and it can hit 100 kph in a claimed 2.7 seconds.
The new BMW X5 will arrive in South Africa next month and, when it arrives, it will face stiff competition in the premium SUV segment. Here’s a list of the X5’s most formidable rivals…
We recently drove the new BMW X5 on US soil and found the overall product to be quite impressive. The South African market will receive 2 derivatives in the form of the 195 kW/620 Nm X5 xDrive30d and the range-topping X5 M50d with 294 kW and 760 Nm of torque. Both will feature an 8-speed Steptronic transmission.
Here are the rivals that the new BMW X5 will have to beat when it lands in South Africa.
Volvo XC90
The Volvo XC90 represents a turning point for the Swedish brand and it has proven to be hugely successful, both locally and internationally. It’s a multiple Premium SUV category winner in the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank and it was nominated as a semi-finalist in the 2018/19 iteration of the #CarsAwards.
Considered to be the most advanced model in Volkswagen’s stable, the sophisticated new Touareg aims to succeed where its predecessors failed and snatch more sales away from its more glamorously-badged rivals. The Touareg V6 TDI Luxury R-Line is a finalist in the 2018/19 #CarsAwards.
The stylish and luxurious Range Rover Velar is the latest addition to the Jaguar Land Rover SUV stable. It rides on the same platform as the F-Pace and it fills the gap between the Evoque and the Range Rover Sport. It’s a head turner inside and out and has been nominated as a finalist in the 2018/19 #CarsAwards.
The latest (5th-generation) Land Rover Discovery builds upon a solid foundation of luxury, 7-seat practicality, on-road refinement and off-road ability with an injection of the latest in-car safety technology, infotainment technology, weight-saving measures and improved efficiency. This is the best Land-Rover-badged premium SUV that the Solihull-based firm has produced and the Discovery HSE TD6 was nominated as a semi-finalist in the 2018/19 #CarsAwards.
The 2nd-generation Q7 brings sophisticated styling and a stylish, minimalist interior to the premium SUV mix. Onboard technology is impressive and being some 300 kg lighter than the first generation, the new Q7 offers an admirable blend of ride quality and handling dynamics. The Q7 aims to please and it does so with ease.
Porsche’s latest Cayenne has touched down in South Africa and it will look to build on the success of its much-vaunted predecessors. With an attractive mix of performance, practicality and luxury, it’s a strong rival in this segment. The Porsche Cayenne S is a finalist in the 2018/19 #CarsAwards.
The GLE is the most popular Mercedes-Benz SUV worldwide and an all-new version is headed for South Africa early in 2019. It’s bigger and more spacious than before and interior technology has been beefed up with the latest MBUX infotainment system comprising a pair of 12.3-inch screens that sit side-by-side to give a widescreen effect. The new GLE is a primary rival to the new BMW X5 and we look forward to bringing these 2 premium SUVs together for a side-by-side comparison on local soil.
2018 has been a bumper year for new models coming to South Africa and with just over 2 months left in the year, there is still lots of new product to look forward to in the coming weeks. Here is a list of new cars due in SA for the remainder of 2018.
We have created an alphabetical (by brand) list of all the cars that can be expected in SA in the closing months of the year.
Having made its world debut in the UAE, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio, which set a set the lap record for a production SUV at the famed Nurburgring Nordschleife in September 2017, will arrive in the South African market in the 4th quarter of 2018. Powered by a 375 kW/600 Nm 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 mated with an 8-speed transmission and Q4 all-wheel-drive system, the Quadrifoglio utilises its Alfa-Link adaptive suspension and (if specified) carbon-ceramic braking system to delivering stellar performance. It is expected that the initial consignment of Stelvio Quadrifoglios will comprise only 50 units, which will retail for approximately R1.8-million apiece. As was the case with its sedan sibling, you can expect Race and Launch versions.
Other models:
To bridge the notable performance gap between the (147 kW) 2.0-litre and Quadrifoglio derivatives in the Giulia range, a 206 kW Veloce version is on the cards, but unlike in most overseas markets, it will be offered in rear-wheel-drive configuration in South Africa and is expected to arrive in Q4 2018.
Audi's new flagship Q8 luxury SUV will take the fight to the Mercedes-Benz GLE and BMW X6/X7. Given how the market has reacted to an Audi SUV (every 3rd model sold globally is an SUV), a big and bold SUV is a good business choice. Expect an array of petrol, diesel and hybrid versions, and let's not rule out a monster SQ8, which will share componentry with the recently-launched Lamborghini Urus.
Aston Martin is due to introduce its hardcore DB11 AMR soon. It features an upgraded 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged engine with 470 kW and 700 Nm (the standard car produces 447 kW). Thanks to a reworked transmission, the new DB11 AMR is said to sprint from zero to 100kph in 3.7 sec (a 0.2-sec improvement), before going on to a top speed of 334 kph.
Powering the new Continental GT is an all-new version of the W12, which Bentley is famous for. It's still a 6.0-litre turbocharged motor, but this time a dual-clutch 8-speed transmission has been added. This big engine produces 467 kW and 900 Nm of torque, and when you dial up the Sport Launch Mode, the 0 to 100 kph sprint is achievable in a claimed 3.7 seconds thanks to a new all-wheel-drive system. If you want to try test its top-end speed, you'll find yourself comfortably sitting at over 330 kph! The new Bentley Continental GT is expected in SA in Q4 of 2018.
The BMW M5 Competition is due in South Africa soon and it develops 19 kW more power than the standard M5 and although the torque remains the same at 750 Nm, it's available in a wider band: 1 800 to 5 800 rpm. Dynamically it also benefits from a 7-mm ride height drop, 10% stiffer suspension and more negative camber on the front wheels. The result is a claimed 0-100 kph sprint time of 3.3 seconds and, with the M Drivers Package fitted, a heady 305-kph top speed.
The Hyundai Kona is one of the more striking crossovers since the arrival of the Renault Captur a few years ago. Designed by Peter Schreyer, the man responsible for the Kia Stinger and the now-iconic Mk1 Audi TT, the i30-based Kona made its public debut as long ago as June 2017. Hyundai Automotive SA has confirmed 2 derivatives for the local market. It will see the introduction of the brand's first 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbopetrol engine. The 2nd derivative is the tried-and-tested 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol, which will be exclusively available as an automatic. Both models are front-wheel-drive only.
The Jaguar F-Pace range will be headlined by the F-Pace SVR, which is powered by a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 with 405 kW and 680 Nm. The SVR is said to accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in a claimed 4.3 seconds, before reaching a top speed of 283 kph. The F-Pace SVR is expected to go on sale in SA in Q4 of 2018.
The facelifted Kia Sorento features a host of changes inside and out, including a new, quicker-shifting and more efficient 8-speed automatic transmission. Inside, Kia has installed a newly-designed steering wheel, instrument cluster, climate control console, plus a wireless smartphone charge pad, while the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system (with navigation) offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
The crossover/SUV simply offers more "everything" than a traditional MPV. Now, hard on the heels of the new-look 3008, comes this striking 5008. The newcomer looks very stylish and while it shares a name with its predecessor, that's about all they have in common. Claimed to combine luxury, practicality and technology with some offroad ability, this new vehicle will be offered to the South African market in 3 three trim levels (Access, Active, and Allure) with a top-spec and sporty GT Line version, as well as an exclusive GT derivative.
If social media reaction is anything to go by, the all-new Jimny is bound to be a sales success on local soil. It will be powered by an all-new 1.5-litre petrol engine, known internally as the K15B, offering 75 kW and 130 Nm of torque and mated to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. The Jimny will run on a ladder frame chassis with a 3-link rigid axle suspension setup and low range will be fitted as well a part-time 4-wheel-drive system. Estimated pricing will start from R265 000.
