Following its recent introduction of the MU-X adventure SUV, Isuzu Motors SA has expanded its KB bakkie line-up with the launch of a limited-edition KB250 double-cab X-Rider Black 4×2 derivative.
The X-Rider specification, which incorporates distinctive styling elements and upmarket features that set it apart from the rest of the derivatives in the KB range, was introduced in 2016 as a 700-unit limited edition run, but sustained demand prompted Isuzu to make it a permanent fixture in its bakkie range early last year.
This new interpretation of the X-Rider theme is billed as a limited edition too. While the KB250 Double Cab X-Rider Black derivative, which is available in 4×2 guise with a 5-speed manual gearbox, features all the usual X-Rider trim accoutrements, it’s painted exclusively in the Black Meet Kettle body colour.
Apart from its noir exterior finish, the front of the X-Rider Black is adorned with a black bumper guard, projector headlamps with integrated LED daytime running lights and fog lamps. These features are complemented by black-finished B-pillars, side steps and a sports bar in the load bay that bears an X-Rider logo on either side, which is also applied to the front doors and rear tailgate. A matching black tonneau cover and 18-inch alloys (with red Isuzu badges) complete the look.
Inside, the cabin is trimmed in black leather seats accented by red bolster stitching and the "X-Rider" logo, which is embroidered on the headrests. Red stitching is also used for the leather-trimmed steering wheel emboldened with the red Isuzu badge, and on the gear lever boot. Piano black trims feature on the vents, audio system, front console and door inserts, the latter of which bear a red "X".
The Isuzu bakkie range comes standard with Isuzu Complete Care, comprising a 5-year/120 000km manufacturer warranty and roadside assistance, a 5-year/unlimited km anti-corrosion warranty and a 5-year/90 000 km service plan. Service intervals are every 15 000 km/12 months.
Prices of the Isuzu KB250 X-Rider derivatives (as of May 2018):
Toyota South Africa has announced a Dakar edition of its Hilux bakkie. See how much it costs here.
Toyota South Africa has introduced a Dakar version of its Hilux double-cab bakkie. Visually, it's different from lesser Hilux models thanks to a new front end, grille, side mirrors and door handles. Oh yes, and there are Dakar stickers too. Inside, the cabin features black trim and partial leather upholstery. The Dakar Edition gets satellite navigation as standard on top of the touchscreen audio system with built-in reverse-view camera and automatic climate control.
There are only two engine options available for the Toyota Hilux Dakar; the popular 2.8-litre GD-6 turbodiesel with 130 kW and 420/450 Nm, as well as the muscular 4.0-litre naturally-aspirated V6, which punches out peak outputs of 175 kW and 376 Nm. You can choose from the 4 colour finishes: Glacier White, Chromium Silver, Graphite Grey Metallic and outrageous Inferno Metallic, seen below.
Inferno Metallic Toyota Hilux Dakar edition. Now where have we seen a vibrant orange paint finish on a bakkie before?
In a market where 5-door hatchbacks and SUVs are all the rage, it makes perfect sense to combine the 2 body styles, doesn't it? With the launch of the i20 Active, Hyundai is the latest brand to have done just that.
The Hyundai i20 has been one of the most popular cars in its segment since introduction in 2009, and that takes some doing seeing as this is a market category that includes the likes of the Volkswagen Polo and Ford Fiesta! Now, for this iteration of Hyundai's compact hatchback's mid-life facelift, the Korean marque has introduced a number of fairly noticeable styling tweaks, some spec refinements and also this – the new crossover-themed i20 Active – as a flagship derivative. Think what CrossPolo is to Volkswagen's Polo and you'll have a perfect view of the i20 Active's positioning.
To turn the standard i20 into the Active, Hyundai has added all the usual SUV-themed design features. You get neat roof rails, 16-inch wheels, a ride height raised by 20 mm, black plastic wheel arch linings and cladding elsewhere, as well as front and rear "skidplates". Interestingly, the new Active derivative actually uses the grille and rear tailgate of the pre-facelift i20, yet it still manages to look fresh…
Red inserts are specific to the i20 Active. Note large touch-screen system that is standard.
Inside, the i20 is distinguished from its siblings by red or blue trim inserts (depending on the choice of exterior colour) on the gear lever console, gearknob and air vents.
Overall, it's a good-looking offering that has plenty of showroom appeal. Build quality appears to be very solid and the facelifted i20s all benefit from subtle upgrades to the trim materials and ergonomics. Included is a neat touchscreen infotainment system that, for an extra R2 500, can be upgraded at dealer level to include navigation. There's also a convenient centre armrest that includes a storage compartment.
In fact, practicality is one of the i20's strengths. The driving position is really good, with a height-adjustable driver's seat being standard. Even with my 1.8m frame behind the steering wheel there was ample legroom left for rear passengers. The luggage bay measures a very decent 285 litres, expanding to 1 001 with the rear seats folded.
Sufficient power
It's an attractively styled newcomer, this i20 Active, and fits perfectly within a popular segment.
The new i20 Active replaces the previous "Sport" in the line-up, but don't expect performance fireworks as a result. It is powered by the same 1.4-litre naturally aspirated engine as other models in the i20 line-up. The engine delivers 74 kW at 6 000 rpm and 133 Nm of torque at 3 500 rpm. Mated with a fuss-free 6-speed manual transmission, the i20 Active feels sufficiently powerful for the daily grind, but turbocharged rivals feel more responsive to throttle inputs, as you'd expect.
More important than outright performance in this segment is fuel economy – Hyundai claims a combined cycle consumption of 6.7 litres/100 km, which seems fair, seeing as after a morning of hard driving (including mountain passes) our car indicated a consumption figure of 8.8 litres/100 km.
We drove the Active on roads of varying quality in the Western Cape, but did not try it on gravel. The extra 20 mm of ground clearance will undoubtedly be appreciated by owners that travel rougher surfaces often, but we're also happy to report that on tarred surfaces and at higher speeds the raised clearance didn't negatively affect the i20's general surefootedness. This car has always had well-balanced underpinnings. You get the sense that it can easily cope with more power. At the same time, it remains comfortable in the cabin and NVH refinement is very good.
Packed with features, but…
The luggage bay is nicely shaped and sized to accommodate a small family's luggage and more. Rear seats are split 60:40.
When it comes to the showroom appeal of the i20 Active, many boxes are ticked. The new infotainment system is going to be a powerful arm-twisting tool for salesmen, but, besides that, you get automatic climate control, electric windows all-round USB/aux and Bluetooth support, rear park assist and auto lights, among other items.
In terms of safety equipment, the news is not as positive. Dual front airbags are included, as are ABS with EBD, but there's no ESP and some competitors also offer a greater number of airbags. At this price (R279 900) we maintain that ESP really ought to be included. Of course, those ESP-equipped rivals can't always match the i20 in terms of other (non-safety) features and particularly the warranty/service plan, so the consumer has to decide what is ultimately more important to them.
Summary
The i20 range's local success is likely to continue even in the face of new additions to the market from the likes of Volkswagen (Polo), Ford (Fiesta) and Toyota (Yaris). The Korean newcomer offers excellent value for money, after all. The new, improved i20 derivatives are all only R5 000 more expensive than their predecessors, of which you can say about half is accounted for by the VAT increase at the beginning of April. And then there is that peace-of-mind back-up – a 5-year/150 000 km general warranty that is further bolstered by an additional 2-year/50 000 km powertrain warranty. This particular model is also supported by a 3-year/60 000 km service plan.
At R279 900, the Hyundai i20 Active offers an alluring ownership proposition with its crossover looks, standard features and excellent warranty/service plan.
Mercedes-AMG has fashioned a Performance Executive SUV all of its own by dropping a biturbo V8 into the award-winning GLC and GLC Coupe. We headed to Zwartkops Raceway to see what it can do.
The battle for SUV supremacy is no longer defined in terms of practicality; no, it's being fought in kW, Nm and 0 to 100 kph acceleration times. Following the arrival of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio, Audi SQ5, BMW X3/X4 M40i and Jaguar F-Pace SVR (to name a few), this new Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 jumps right up to the top (well, equal top) with 375 kW, 700 Nm and a 3.8-second 0 to 100 kph time, which is pretty insane, considering it tips the scales at 1 850 kg. However, the challenge faced by every tar-shredding SUV maker is how to make all of that weight and power go around corners… That’s where the Affalterbach division does some of its best work.
What is it?
Referred to by Merc as a 'hot V' the turbochargers sit in the middle of the engine inside the V.
The GLC's competition includes wares from Alfa Romeo, Audi, BMW, Jaguar and Volvo. All of these brands, bar Volvo, have or are developing performance derivatives of these SUVs. Evidently, there’s enough need for a family car that can engage warp speed (to make sure it'll arrive at Woolies before it closes) that makes it profitable for manufacturers to build high-performance SUVs.
Mercedes-AMG is not one to shy away from a challenge and so, the Affalterbach-based division has tossed in the E63’s 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine, borrowed its rear differential too (but without drift mode) and then swiped the Panamericana front grille from the AMG GT. Sounds like a bit of a mix and match of parts but it all hangs together rather well. The GLC 63 looks menacing from the front and with the wider track has a muscular stance, like a Rottweiler, if you will.
The additions are available in both SUV and Coupe models and the Coupe gets a large rear spoiler lip, which can be deleted if you don’t want it specced. Both have identical performance figures and will only be available in ‘S’ derivative, which means local motorists will be availed the most powerful AMG versions exclusively.
How fast does it go?
Only the Alfa Stelvio Quadrifoglio can match the GLC 63 S in the power and acceleration stakes, but the Merc has 100 Nm more.
Having Zwartkops raceway at our disposal allowed for an intimate assessment of the GLC 63’s skill set. You will not be left wanting for straight line performance. With the 4 Matic all-wheel-drive system, the GLC really bites into the tarmac and launches off the line, with no slippage. The launch control system is now even easier than ever. So long as you are in any drive mode except Comfort (Sport, Sport Plus or Individual) all you need to do to activate a Race Start is mash the 2 pedals to the floor. No more fiddling with 20 buttons in the perfect combination like you would to achieve a Mortal Kombat Fatality.
The 3 modes of traction control available are all vastly different. The default position, which is fully on doesn’t allow any leeway. It will interfere and cut power very quickly, especially if you aren’t smooth and progressive with throttle and steering applications. It’s the most aggressive traction control system I’ve ever felt but is there to save you when surprises are sprung, like a slippery road surface.
Coupe or SUV? With the performance and style of the 63 S, the Coupe makes more sense now than it did before – practicality loss aside.
Sport handling traction mode obviously allows a little more leeway, but you’re not going to find yourself in any real trouble before the system backs off the power. Once all traction control is off the GLC 63 shows a bit more character. Under braking all that weight shifts around and you can use it to pitch the Benz into corners; there’s enough grip (let alone chassis strength) that it doesn’t just fold over into understeer, it will hold its line and you can drive through on the power. You won’t get the rear to play under power despite it being predominantly rear-wheel-driven with a maximum of 50% of power capable of being directed to the front when required.
I somehow doubt the GLC 63 will see too many track days, and just as well, because you’ll cook the brakes in 3 laps and the ceramic options aren’t optimal for everyday driving as they require heat to bite properly…
On the road
A blast around the Cradle of Humankind on the outskirts of Johannesburg allowed for a reasonable examination of what the GLC 63 S is like as a road car. With its air suspension set to comfort mode, it’s certainly one of AMG’s more comfortably-sprung cars. The standard wheels come in 20-inches, but ours were all equipped with the 21-inch options. With a 40 profile, they actually have decent sidewall give when the road surface deteriorates.
Interior of the GLC feels more solid than other models in the Mercedes-Benz range of late.
Only on the most gritty tarmac do you notice road roar from the tyres and small cuts and bumps in the road are dealt with quite well.
As for the interior, the GLC appears to have one of Benz’s more solidly-built cabins. The centre stack that runs from the central air vents through to the Comand controls still creaks like plastic when you prod it, but the aesthetic design and ergonomics remain excellent.
Final thoughts
Only the Alfa Stelvio Quadrifoglio matches the GLC 63 S in the performance stakes, and you can’t buy one of those in SA until the end of this year. I’ve always been a proponent of the SUV as the Coupe has severe practicality restrictions that seem unreasonable in an SUV. However, in something like this, a 63 S, it’s more about design, looks and attracting attention and the Coupe trumps its SUV sibling in that department.
If practicality ranks highly on your requirements list then for the R1.5 million you’re better off looking at something like a (Land Rover) Discovery, (Mercedes-Benz) GLE, (Audi) Q7 or (Volvo) XC90. In SA, we do have a slightly bizarre attraction for big powerful status symbols, therefore the GLC 63 S ticks all the right boxes… if you want to make a statement.
The Volvo XC60 has quietly arrived in South Africa and we have pricing and some details for this new SUV.
The Volvo XC60 will be pitched competitively against key rivals – the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Jaguar F-Pace, Lexus NX, Mercedes-Benz GLC and Porsche Macan. It arrives in SA on the back of a World Car of the Year 2018 victory. "Of the 3 finalists, the new XC60 was my preferred candidate for the overall win," comments Cars.co.za Consumer Experience Manager Hannes Oosthuizen. "It probably is the best example of all that is good about Volvo at the moment – great design inside and out, quality finishes and a strong performance/efficiency balance, without sacrificing the practicality and safety aspects the brand is so famous for."
In terms of trim, the new Volvo XC60 comes to market in Momentum, Inscription and R-Design spec. The range of engines for the newcomer is limited to 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged units, both petrol and diesel. The D4 motor has 140 kW and 400Nm, the T5 puts out 187 kW and 350 Nm, T6 produces 235 kW and 400 Nm, while the top-spec diesel D5 has a mighty 173 kW and 480 Nm.
We had the opportunity to drive the new Volvo XC60 in Spain not so long ago and here, Ciro De Siena takes us through the new offering from the Swedish brand.
Volvo XC60 Price in South Africa (May 2018)
The new Volvo XC60 comes standard with a 5 year / 100 000 km warranty and maintenance plan and a 5 year / unlimited mileage roadside assistance plan.
The new BMW M5 has landed in South Africa and we pitted it against its rival from Mercedes-AMG, the E63 S. Now that both of these monsters feature all-wheel drive, we had to ask ourselves – will it drift?
These 2 models from these 2 brands have been star players in the German horsepower war for decades. It's a war that has gotten so out of hand that both of these carmakers have decided to fit their super-saloons with all-wheel drive. But luckily for us, BMW and Mercedes-AMG have a sense of humour. They've fitted the new M5 and the E63 S with switchable rear wheel drive…something we thought we should test. In this video, we introduce our Cars.co.za Consumer Awards judge, Ernest Page.
BMW is introducing a limited-edition M3 CS to market and only 20 will be offered in South Africa.
Much like the M4 CS, the M3 CS is lighter and faster but will offer the convenience of rear doors. The M3 CS is the final iteration of the current F80 M3 with production ending in June 2018. The M3 CS is currently launching in Europe and it's expected to arrive in South Africa September 2018. The BMW M3 CS is priced at R1 773 500 and a spokesperson from BMW SA has confirmed that orders are in progress and that the current allocation for our market is almost sold out, so if you want one, you'd better move quickly! Being a limited-edition model, only 20 will be up for grabs in our market and 1 200 units will be built by BMW for markets worldwide.
Herewith the key details for the BMW M3 CS…
Key details
Engine performance
The BMW M3 CS packs 338 kW and 600 Nm of torque, good enough for a zero to 100 kph sprint in 3.9 secs.
The M3 CS offers more power than the M3 Competition Package and develops 338 kW and 600 Nm of torque from its twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 cylinder engine. BMW’s M Driver’s Package is standard which means top speed is rated at 280 kph and the M3 CS is capable of a claimed sprint from zero to 100 kph in just 3.9 seconds. A 7-speed M Double Clutch Transmission (DCT) is fitted as standard. Fuel consumption is rated at 8.3 L/100km.
Furthermore, an adaptive M suspension system is fitted as standard and has been tuned to deliver optimum performance on both the road and track. Dynamic stability control with M Dynamic Mode and an active M differential ensure maximum traction.
Styling bits
Beefed up performance is complemented with sporty styling to match the go.
The M3 CS rides on 19-inch Orbit Grey Matt light alloys up front and 20-inch wheels at the rear shod in semi-slick, road-legal Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 rubber as standard while Michelin Sport road tyres will also be offered, if you wish.
The face of the M3 CS features a sculpted fascia with a dual kidney grille, a large central air vent with 2 smaller vents to either side and a bulging bonnet for good measure. Other notable bits include twin LED headlights, carbon fibre front splitter and rear diffuser and a 4-pipe, dual-branch sports exhaust system. The carbon fibre Gurney spoiler lip on the boot lid has been specially redesigned for the M3 CS.
On the inside, the M3 CS wears 2-tone Silverstone/Black leather and Alcantara. Standard features include automatic climate control, a Harmon Kardon surround sound system and Navigation system professional.
Hyundai has announced the specification and pricing of its facelifted i20 range in South Africa. In addition to the subtle mid-life upgrade, there is now also a crossover-flavoured Active derivative.
With close to 90 000 examples sold in the South African market since its initial introduction in 2009, the i20 is one of the mainstays of the Korean giant's local line-up. The current generation i20 was originally launched early in 2015 and has now come under the knife for slight facelift. Several models have also benefitted from added features, but the major news is arguably the introduction of the crossover-themed Active 1.4 which replaces the outgoing Sport and comes in at a more affordable price.
General design changes
Ignoring the Active for now, the rest of the range also benefits from a few styling tweaks, predominantly to the front and rear bumpers, a reshaped grille and different graphics of the head- and taillamps. Inside, Hyundai's efforts have gone into creating a more upmarket look and feel, and so expect to see upgraded materials and finer attention to detail. Under-the-skin changes include revisions to the front and rear suspension as well as the steering, all in an effort to endow the i20 with greater steering precision, comfort and responsiveness. We'll drive the new i20 soon, so look out for our thoughts on these changes.
The Active
With slightly higher ground clearance and typical SUV addenda as part of the design, the new Active derivative fits well into the marketplace.
As crossovers are very much the trend at present, it only makes sense for Hyundai to add such a product to the i20 line-up. Although the only practical benefit of the Active's crossover pitch appears to be a ride height that's 20mm higher than normal, you do also get a more individualistic look. Based on other brands' success stories with similar vehicles, we can see this going down well in the local market.
The Active gets all the usual SUV-addenda, including roof rails, wheel arch linings and front and rear "skid plates" to make it look ready for the urban jungle. It also gets a very different grille/front foglight treatment and inside there is a far more youthful blue/red colour theme. Standard specification is generous on this model and includes; automatic air-conditioning, infotainment system (navigation optional), auto lights, leather steering wheel/gearknob, rear park assist, projection headlamps with LED DRL, different alloy wheel finish, height-adjustable driver's seat and electric windows all-round. It still appears a bit light on safety specification, with only dual front airbags and ABS/EBD appearing on the features list. We'd have liked to see ESP (electronic stability control) included, too.
Other models
The rest of the line-up remains much the same, but there are some specification tweaks. The entry-level 1.2 Motion derivative has gained an infotainment system, while the slightly dearer Fluid gets that and adds a centre armrest and rear park assist. The 1.4 Motion Auto also gets an infotainment system, while the 1.4 Fluid Auto further adds auto lights, a centre armrest, leather steering wheel/gearknob and LED daylight running lights. The 1.4 Fluid manual's specification is similarly beefed up.
Model range and Pricing
i20 1.2 Motion MT – R229 900
i20 1.2 Fluid MT – R241 900
i20 1.4 Motion AT – R254 900
i20 1.4 Fluid AT – R284 900
i20 1.4 Fluid MT – R266 900
i20 1.4 Active MT – R279 900
All derivatives are sold inclusive of Hyundai's excellent 5-years/150 000 km warranty (and addition 2-years/50 000km powertrain warranty), while 1.2L derivatives come with a 2-years/30 000km service plan, extended to 3-years/60 000km for 1.4L offerings. Roadside assistance is also part of the deal, for 5-years/150 000km.
Renault has introduced a new flagship Sandero Stepway Plus derivative in South Africa. Take a look at specification and pricing for the Sandero Stepway Plus below…
Renault’s popular Sandero Stepway Dynamique derivative has been replaced with the Stepway Plus which is now exclusively available in 2 new body colours including Dune Beige and Cosmos Blue. The new flagship derivative is further fitted with specific badging as well as 16-inch wheels with 2-tone flexwheel covers.
Engine Power
The Sandero Stepway Plus is powered by the familiar 0.9-litre, 3-cylinder turbopetrol engine with 66 kW and 135 Nm of torque. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard.
Key Features
The Sandero Stepway Plus represents good value at this price point with generous standard specification.
Standard features for the Sandero Stepway Plus include a 7-inch MediaNav touchscreen with navigation, cruise control, rear park assist with rear parking camera and electrically operated side mirrors and windows.
Safety features fitted include ABS with EBD, Emergency Brake Assist, Hill Start Assist Electronic Stability Control, traction control and 4 airbags. ISOFIX child seat mounts are also standard.
Optional features for the Stepway Plus include leather seats for R10 000 and metallic paint for R2 500.
Renault Sandero Stepway – Price in SA (May 2018)
66 kW Sandero Expression – R171 900
66 kW Sandero Stepway Expression – R186 900
66 kW Sandero Stepway Plus – R206 900
A 5-year/150 000 km warranty and 2-year/30 000 km service plan is standard.
The recently launched E-Pace slots in below its World Car of the Year-winning F-Pace sibling in Jaguar's product line-up. It shares its platform with the desirable (if long-serving) Range Rover Evoque and competes with the BMW X2 and Volvo XC40 in the battle for supremacy between SA's baby premium-badged SUVs.
The F-Pace is Jaguar's best-selling model in South Africa and our track test ace, Ashley Oldfield, reckons it's the best-handling big SUV on the market. Fans of the alphabet will have realised that that E is just before F, and so the E-Pace was designed to be the younger sibling; the more compact of the two. In this video, we test drive the top-spec diesel available in South Africa, the P240D HSE R-Dynamic.
