Pick Your Hot Hatch Poison

If you want to buy a hot hatch, then you have some tough decisions to make. Here is a list of the most potent hot hatchbacks that are either currently on offer or heading to South Africa this year. Which one of these potent machines are on your hit list?

Combining good looks, sizzling performance and high levels of handling ability, hot hatchbacks are hugely popular in South Africa. Join us as we list some of the most potent hot hatch products that are bound to get your adrenaline pumping and put a smile on your dial. Pick your poison!

Audi RS3 Sportback

Price: R903 500 (May 2018)

Engine: 5-cylinder, 2.5-litre turbopetrol

Power: 294 kW @ 5 850 – 7 000 rpm

Torque: 480 Nm @ 1 700 – 5 850 rpm

Transmission: 7-speed dual clutch automatic

0-100 kph: 4.1 secs

Top Speed: 250 kph

Fuel consumption: 8.3 L/100km

Watch the Audi RS3 Sportback take on the BMW M2 in a drag race battle below!

Buy an Audi RS3 on Cars.co.za

BMW M140i

Price: R687 940 (May 2018)

Engine: 6-cylinder, 3.0-litre turbopetrol

Power: 250 kW @ 5 500 rpm

Torque: 500 Nm @ 1 520 – 4 500 rpm

Transmission: 8-speed automatic

0-100 kph: 4.6 secs

Top Speed: 250 kph

Fuel consumption: 7.1 L/100km

Watch our video review of the BMW M140i below!

Buy a BMW M140i on Cars.co.za

Ford Focus RS

Price: R712 900 (May 2018)

Engine: 4-cylinder, 2.3-litre turbopetrol

Power: 257 kW @ 6 000 rpm

Torque: 440 Nm @ 1 600 – 5 000 rpm

Transmission: 6-speed manual

0-100 kph: 4.1 secs

Top speed: 250 kph

Fuel consumption: 7.7 L/100km

Watch the Ford Focus RS tear up the streets of CPT in the dead of night

Buy a Ford Focus RS on Cars.co.za

New Honda Civic Type R

Price: R635 500 (May 2018)

Engine: 4-cylinder, 2.0-litre turbopetrol

Power: 228 kW @ 6 500 rpm

Torque: 400 Nm @ 2 500 – 4 500 rpm

Transmission: 6-speed manual

0-100 kph: 5.7 secs

Top Speed: 270 kph

Fuel consumption: 7.5 L/100km

Watch our video review of the new Honda Civic Type R below!

Buy a Honda Civic Type R on Cars.co.za

Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG 4Matic

Price: R812 259 (May 2018)

Engine: 4-cylinder, 2.0-litre turbopetrol

Power: 280 kW @ 6 000 rpm

Torque: 475 Nm @ 2 250 – 5 000 rpm

Transmission: 7-speed dual clutch automatic

0-100 kph: 4.2 secs

Top speed: 250 kph

Fuel consumption: 7.3 L/100km

Watch the Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG take on the Audi RS3 in the video below!

Buy a Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG on Cars.co.za

New Renault Megane RS

Price: TBC, arrives mid-2018

Engine: 4-cylinder, 1.8-litre turbopetrol

Power: 205 kW @ 6 000 rpm

Torque: 390 Nm @ 2 400 – 4 800 rpm

Transmission: 6-speed EDC or 6-speed manual

0-100 kph: 5.8 secs

Top speed: 250 kph

Fuel consumption: 6.9 L/100km

Watch the new Renault Megane RS in action in the video below!

Buy a Renault Megane RS on Cars.co.za

Renault Clio RS 18 F1 (Just arrived in SA!)

Price: R449 900 (May 2018)

Engine: 1.6-litre turbopetrol

Power: 162 kW

Torque: 280 Nm

Transmission: 6-speed dual-clutch transmission

0-100 kph: 6.6 secs

Top speed: 235 kph

Fuel consumption: 5.7 L/100 km

Buy a used Renault Clio RS on Cars.co.za

Volkswagen Golf R

Price: R664 400 (May 2018)

Engine: 4-cylinder, 2.0-litre turbopetrol

Power: 213 kW @ 5 400 – 6 500 rpm

Torque: 380 Nm @ 1 850 – 5 300 rpm

0-100 kph: 4.6 secs

Top speed: 250 kph

Transmission: 7-speed DSG

Fuel consumption: 7.0 L/100km

Watch the VW Golf R go head-to-head against the VW GTI!

Buy a Volkswagen Golf R on Cars.co.za

Striking Lexus LC 500 Limited Edition for SA

Lexus has developed a special blue paint treatment inspired by the wings of the American Morpho butterfly and it will feature for the first time in South Africa when the LC 500 Limited Edition model arrives on our shores in August 2018.

Based on 15 years of research, the new paint treatment, called Morphic Blue, incorporates 300 billion nano-structure pigment flakes that generate iridescence, giving the impression of the colour constantly changing with the light.

Interestingly, Lexus says that the blue hue is imparted by a light effect that’s created by the texture of the liquid coating and that no materials in the coating are actually blue. No blue dyes or pigments have been added.

The paint itself undergoes an 8-month process that includes 12 production steps and 20 quality inspections. A total of 7 layers are applied and only 2 Morphic Blue LC 500’s can be produced in a single day at the Motomachi factory in Japan, the home of the LC 500.

The interior of the LC 500 Limited Edition makes use of semi-aniline leather and Alcantara.

The body colour is matched with an interior featuring a Chrysalis Blue colour scheme that combines orange, blue and white. Semi-aniline leather and Alcantara also feature extensively inside this bespoke LC 500 Limited Edition.

The LC 500 Limited Edition is powered by a naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 engine with peak outputs of 351 kW and 540 Nm of torque and mated to a fast-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission.

Pricing for the LC 500 Limited Edition is yet to be announced, but we will keep informed as soon as more information becomes available.

Buy a new or used Lexus LC 500 on Cars.co.za

BMW M2 Competition (2018) Specs & Price

The BMW M2 Competition will arrive in South Africa in September 2018 and the initial consignment of the 302 kW/550 Nm version of the 2-time #CarsAwards performance car category champion is only 25 units. Prices start at just under R1 million, before options.

The BMW M2 Competition, which was unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show, shares the same biturbo, 6-cylinder 3.0-litre engine that powers the M3 and M4, but has been tuned to deliver peak outputs of 302 kW and 550 Nm of torque, which means it offers 30 kW and 50 Nm more than the standard M2 Coupe, which it replaces.

When equipped with a 7-speed dual-clutch (M-DCT) automatic transmission, the M2 Competition is claimed to sprint from 0 to 100 kph in 4.0 sec, while the 6-speed manual version will reach the benchmark in 4.2 sec. Top speed is limited to 250 kph, but an optional M Driver's Package will take the top speed to a heady 280 kph.

The M2 Competition houses the same cooling system as the M4 Competition which includes a central radiator, 2 side radiators and an extra engine oil cooler. The electromechanical power steering system has been revised and the Active M Differential has been enhanced.

The new BMW M2 Competition will replace the current M2 Coupe and will reach SA in September 2018.

In terms of design, the M2 Competition features a larger, angular black kidney grille, modified front bumper with vents in the lower lip, black chrome exhausts and is optionally available on new 19-inch black alloy wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres.

The interior benefits from new M sports seats featuring illuminated M2 logo seen on the backrests. The model is also equipped with a red push-button ignition while the sport steering wheel has M buttons that store the driver's personalised performance settings. Other neat touches include M2 Competition sill plates and the seat belts feature BMW M stripes.

Prices (as of September 2018, confirmed to Cars.co.za by a source).

M2 Competition 6-spd manual R983 029
M2 Competition M-DCT R1 037 505

Buy a BMW M2 on Cars.co.za

Volkswagen Touareg (2018) International Launch Review

Volkswagen's all-new Touareg will be introduced in South Africa around July or August 2018. The brand's flagship off-roader has often struggled to shine in the shadow of the VW group's other protagonists in the premium SUV segment. Is that about to change? Cars.co.za correspondent Matt Saunders travelled to Austria to drive the new model and see if it's ready for the limelight.

Common platform strategy must work out rather well for the Volkswagen Group, especially for the Volkswagen brand where the positive effect is clear. If your potential customer knows just enough to know that a VW Golf and an Audi A3 share a platform, after all, that knowledge is inevitably going to make the cheaper vehicle in the equation look like the smarter buy. With the new VW Touareg, that positive effect of shared tech across the group is even more favourable.

The new Touareg shares its underpinnings with the Bentley Bentayga and the Lamborghini Urus.

The cars this 3rd-generation luxury SUV is related to are mostly more expensive. The Touareg’s active roll cancellation system uses the same technology you’ll find on a R4-million Bentley Bentayga, and its four-wheel steering system is shared with an even more expensive Lamborghini Urus. But if you bought a new Touareg on the basis that it’s some kind of bargain-hunter’s super-SUV, my guess is that your smug face wouldn’t last very long. The Touareg remains a surprisingly functional and relatively simple sort – and that’s in spite of Volkswagen’s attempts to give it more glitz.

Though the car handles better than its predecessor, it’s a long way from having the agility of a Porsche Cayenne; and while the interior has high-quality materials and high-tech ingredients, the Touareg lacks the richness or design appeal of either a Range Rover Velar or a Volvo XC90.

Powerful and practical

As a pure 5-seater SUV, the Touareg has heaps of room for all passengers.

It will be powered by either a V6 turbodiesel or V6 turbopetrol in Mzansi and, whereas a V8 turbodiesel and petrol plug-in hybrid will be offered overseas at a later stage, they are not confirmed for our market. We tested the torquier V6 turbodiesel, and our test car had 2-chamber air suspension, active anti-roll bars and four-wheel steering, all of which are likely to be optional equipment. Its centre diff-based four-wheel-drive system and 8-speed automatic gearbox, however, will be standard.

The Touareg’s a 5-seater with a luggage bay that’ll swallow up to 810 litres of cargo before you start flopping over backrests. It has plenty of room even for larger adults in both rows, and up front, the cabin looks and feels solid, classy and expensively hewn, though it retains a functional ambience.

The driving experience

Engines available include both V6 turbopetrol and V6 turbodiesel units. A V8 turbodiesel and plug-in hybrid are on their way too, but not confirmed for SA.

The wow factor comes from its large duo of instrument and infotainment screens, which butt up against each other similarly to Mercedes’ most-recent orientation. The system’s complexity makes it less intuitively usable than some; it’s nonetheless slick and impressive. On the transmission tunnel, you’ll find the rotary dials controlling the car’s adjustable-height air springs and its driving modes. Having sampled several of them, you’ll find that Normal and Comfort suit the car best on the road, since they combine the Touareg’s first-rate refinement and isolation with a settled, comfortable ride; and handling that melds intuitive drivability with wieldiness and precision well.

In other modes, the Touareg is agile for a car of its size, but not particularly enticing drive. Our test car’s active suspension and variable-ratio steering systems seemed to take some predictability out of the handling: around tight bends, the steering quickened suddenly (at about a quarter turn of lock) and the extra weightiness felt artificial.

The dual-screen setup is quite similar to what Mercedes-Benz offers in the E-Class and other contemporary high-end models. Still, it looks great.

In a pattern of typical use more typical of a big SUV, the car works very agreeably, a shortage of centre feel on that steering and an inconsistency in its weight and provision of feedback being only minor dynamic bugbears. The engine hauls the car along smartly and with performance in reserve, and it’s quiet and smooth with it, only very occasionally being tripped up by a slightly hesitant transmission.

Summary

By and large, this is the same understated, competent Touareg, known and loved for its fuss-free sense of ease of use since it first appeared in 2003. It’s not likely to be anyone’s must-have vehicular acquisition of 2018, but it is a very nice car and has a rare unpretentiousness among the ever-increasing luxury SUV ranks.

The promotional clip for the new Touareg was filmed in Cape Town and surrounds, check it out:

Interested in buying a used Touareg?

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Isuzu adds X-Rider Black 4×2 to KB range

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):

KB250 Double Cab X-Rider Black 4×2 MT R426 300

KB250 Double Cab X-Rider 4×2 MT R407 800

KB250 Double Cab X-Rider 4×4 MT R454 100

Interested in buying an Isuzu KB?

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Toyota Hilux Dakar Edition Price Announced

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?

Toyota Hilux Dakar Edition Price in South Africa

Hilux 2.8 GD-6 RB Dakar (130 kW / 420 Nm): R535 000

Hilux 2.8 GD-6 RB Dakar AT (130 kW / 450 Nm): R553 400

Hilux 2.8 GD-6 4×4 Dakar (130 kW / 420 Nm): R601 100

Hilux 2.8 GD-6 4×4 Dakar AT (130 kW / 450 Nm): R621 000

Hilux 4.0 V6 4×4 Dakar AT (175 kW / 376 Nm): R662 700

Watch the new Toyota Hilux Dakar Edition TV Commercial

Interested in buying a Toyota Hilux?

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Hyundai i20 1.4 Active (2018) Launch Review

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.

It's got the look

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.

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Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S (2018) Launch Review

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.

Pricing (May 2018)

Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S R1 563 596

Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S Coupe R1 679 605

Volvo XC60 Price Announced for South Africa

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.

XC60 D4 Geartronic AWD Momentum R664 000

XC60 T5 Geartronic AWD Momentum R680 600

XC60 D4 Geartronic AWD Inscription R708 100

XC60 D4 Geartronic AWD R-Design R710 400

XC60 T5 Geartronic AWD Inscription R724 700

XC60 T5 Geartronic AWD R-Design R727 000

XC60 T6 Geartronic AWD Momentum R731 000

XC60 D5 Geartronic AWD Momentum R732 600

XC60 T6 Geartronic AWD Inscription R775 100

XC60 D5 Geartronic AWD Inscription R776 800

XC60 T6 Geartronic AWD R-Design R777 400

XC60 D5 Geartronic AWD R-Design R779 000

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Will It Drift? BMW M5 vs Mercedes-AMG E63 S

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.

Follow Ernest on his social media channels:

https://www.facebook.com/PerformanceWithPage

https://twitter.com/ernestspage

Pick Your Hot Hatch Poison

If you want to buy a hot hatch, then you have some tough decisions to make. Here is a list of the most potent hot hatchbacks that are either currently on offer or heading to South Africa this year. Which one of these potent machines are on your hit list?

Striking Lexus LC 500 Limited Edition for SA

Lexus has developed a special blue paint treatment inspired by the wings of the American Morpho butterfly and it will feature for the first time in South Africa when the LC 500 Limited Edition model arrives on our shores in August 2018.

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Isuzu adds X-Rider Black 4×2 to KB range

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Toyota Hilux Dakar Edition Price Announced

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Toyota Hilux Dakar Edition Price in South Africa

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Hyundai i20 1.4 Active (2018) Launch Review

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.

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Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S (2018) Launch Review

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.

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Volvo XC60 Price Announced for South Africa

The Volvo XC60 has quietly arrived in South Africa and we have pricing and some details for this new SUV.

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)

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Will It Drift? BMW M5 vs Mercedes-AMG E63 S

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?

Follow Ernest on his social media channels:

Further Reading