Maserati Levante: A bridge too far?

There's something to be said about earning your rightful place among the top players in any industry. There are a few premium and first-class SUVs that have been around the block for some time now, but several are trying to jump on the bandwagon… I am just not sure they have what it takes, at least not yet. After all, brand value is something that takes time to build and has to be earned.

Maserati is one such newbie that entered this segment in 2016 with the introduction of its Levante – a name inspired by the warm, Mediterranean wind that can change from mild to gale force in an instant (similar to that of Cape Town’s South Easter, then?). From its launch until June 2017, 25 000 Levante units were sold in 72 countries around the world, making it the highest-selling Maserati in that time, but the derivative that was originally launched in South Africa was the 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6. And, while it's no slowcoach with its 202 kW, 600 N.m of torque and a 0-100 kph sprint time of 7.3 seconds, it's not the sheer embodiment of a sporty Maserati either.

The 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 powerplant transforms the Levante from a mere fashion statement to a performance SUV.

The Levante S – powered by a twin-turbo direct injection V6 that delivers 316 kW and 580 Nm – is now available on the local market, and, performance wise, the S is a suitably rapid Maserati. Capable of blasting from 0 to 100 kph in 5.2 seconds (replete with an urgent, snarly exhaust note), the S will go on to a top speed of 264 kph.

However, it costs R1 950 000, before you've specified either the open-pore-wood-grain-laced GranLusso or racier-looking GranSport packages, which pitches the S against faster, more powerful V8-engined machinery such as the Porsche Cayenne Turbo (404 kW/770 Nm) at R2 064 000, Mercedes-AMG GLE63 (410 kW/700 Nm) at R2 025 576, BMW X5 M (423 kW/750 Nm) at R2 073 757 and Range Rover Sport Autobiography Dynamic Supercharged (386 kW/625 Nm) at R1 989 435.

Up against a throng of thrusting V8s

Therefore, Maserati, although it offers spirited-enough performance, is outgunned at the price. Perhaps it succeeds at being a first-class SUV, which would position it ahead of anything that the aforementioned German products and the Range Rover Sport can produce… after, all, it is quite affordable compared with a Bentley Bentayga, which starts at around R3 million and a petrol-engined Range Rover, the cheapest of which is the Vogue SE Supercharged (R2 464 811)

In GranLusso trim, the Levante S features sumptuous wood grain inserts and plusher seats, the GranSport is decidedly sportier.

For a start, the Levante has a 3.0-metre wheelbase, which helps makes it slightly longer overall than its major competitors and therefore the Italian juggernaut's cabin is quite roomy… something you look for in a first-class SUV. But supreme comfort is another requirement and I struggled to find a comfortable seating position and not just in the body-hugging, sculpted driver’s seat of the GranSport, but in the passenger and the rear seats as well. Standard equipment includes leather-trimmed upholstery and a multifunction steering wheel, piano black trim, an 8.4-inch MTC+ touchscreen infotainment system, Bose audio with 8 speakers, cruise control, hill descent control, dual-zone climate control, wipers with rain sensor and keyless entry on the front doors. These features are certainly welcome, but don’t scream “super luxury” to me.

Thankfully for Maserati’s sake, the cabin positively exudes style and fine taste, especially when kitted out in signature red leather. And in true Maserati style, the customer has endless options to choose from – a total of 26 interior colour combinations, to be precise. Compared with its competitors, when it comes to looks (both inside and out), the Levante stands out, its interior looks special (right up there with the best), but overall comfort and the “wow” factor, in terms of tech, lags behind.

The Levante's interior certainly has a sense of occasion, but in terms of onboard technology, the Maserati's not a class-leader.

According to the Italian marque's representatives, the Levante S’ standard features list might give its rivals a run for their money, and that is not an outlandish claim: even in cars that sit near the R2-million mark as standard, you'd be astounded by what you have to add (at extra cost) to specify them to a truly grand scale. But, as my fellow motoring scribe Ferdi de Vos opined when he drove the S overseas, “you need to dig deep for exclusivity, with extras (the S) will probably cost close to R2.3 million” too.

For all its tasteful design, the Levante's interior still doesn't feel quite as special as a Range Rover's (or markedly better than the powerful V8-engined competitors priced around the newcomer) and if its driving experience/performance is not any more special than any of the aforementioned cars, does the Maserati badge have enough gravitas to compete with any of them? Think of the Levante as the kook among the local road surfers that still needs to earn its place before it drops in on that big wave.

The Levante S is delightful to drive, tastefully designed (and finished), but in terms of outright performance, for the price, not that fast.

The aforementioned Cayenne Turbo, GLE63, X5 M and Range Rover Sport (let alone its meteoric SVR flagship, which costs R2 281 335, about the same as a well-specced Levante S) are well established in our market. They already make heads turn, hearts beat faster and change the course of conversations. This newcomer, as exquisite as it is, bears the badge of an undervalued brand that has lived in the shadow of Ferrari… Maserati desperately needs wider recognition in order to flourish.

Therefore, it wouldn’t be my first option in this ever-growing segment. Look, if it is exclusivity you are after or standing out from the crowd, then you might be able to justify the hefty price tag of R1 950 000 (remember, that's before options). But in a segment of the market where devaluation is steep even on popular brands' products, how many buyers would be willing to be among the first to take the plunge and fly the flag for Maserati? Not all that many, I fear.

Interested in buying a Maserati?

Find a new/used example on Cars.co.za

Volvo XC40 (2018) Specs & Price

The highly-anticipated Volvo XC40 launches in South Africa in this week and we'll be at its local launch. In the meantime, here's how much you can expect to pay for this baby Volvo SUV.

Volvo is on an incredible streak with its SUV family. The XC90 has won every Premium SUV award in the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – Powered by Wesbank since inception. The XC60 scooped the 2018 World Car of the Year and the XC40 took home the 2018 European Car of the Year. The compact XC40 is promising a lot in the fiercely contested premium compact SUV segment as it launches this week.

The new Volvo XC40 will come to market in stages. Right from the get-go there will be 2 trim levels; a sporty-focused R-Design trim and the more executive Momentum trim. There are 2 engines to choose from at launch; a D4 diesel and a T5 petrol and these are mated to an all-wheel-drive powertrain. The entry-level T3s and flagship Inscription models arrive in the third quarter of 2018, with the T3 units featuring front-wheel drive.

The new XC40 is the first Volvo model to come from a new CMA platform that will also be used for future '40' models and electrified cars.

Volvo is entering the global compact car market and its new XC40 compact SUV will rival the likes of the BMW X1/X2, Jaguar E-Pace and Audi Q3. Production of the XC40 commenced in November 2017 in Ghent, Belgium.

Volvo now has 3 global SUVs including the XC90, XC60 and now, the new XC40. The XC40 is the first model to be produced on Volvo's new modular vehicle architecture, CMA, which will underpin future cars in the 40 cluster including electric vehicles. CMA was co-developed within Geely and provides the economy of scale for this segment.

Key Features

A host of impressive technology from the XC90 and XC60 will make its way into the XC40.

While it may only be arriving towards the end of the year, we're particularly interested in the new T3. It's a 1.5-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder unit producing 115 kW and 265 Nm, while consuming a claimed 6.8 L/100 km and putting out 154 g/km. The rest of the engine lineup are engines we've experienced before in Volvo's products. The D4 is a 2.0-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder unit with 140 kW and 400 Nm, while the T5 packs 185 kW and 350 Nm, and is definitely the fastest model in the range. The diesel engine will be the thriftiest of them all, with a return of 5.2 L/100 km. At launch, both the D4 and T5 will feature all-wheel drive and 8-speed automatic gearboxes, with the option of manual gearboxes and front-wheel drive coming later.

The XC40 features safety, connectivity and infotainment technology seen on the XC90 and XC60 which includes the impressive 9-inch Sensus Connect touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. Safety and driver assistance features on the XC40 include Pilot Assist semi-autonomous assistance system, City Safety, Run-Off-Road protection and mitigation, Cross Traffic Alert with brake support and a 360° camera for safe parking.

Design details include an optional contrasting black or white roof, white mirror caps and wheels. On the inside, Oxide Red leather and 'Lava' carpets made from 100% recycled materials will create a unique interior ambience.

Volvo's tablet-like Sensus Connect infotainment system will be offered on the XC40. It's an excellent system.

The XC40 is packed with innovative storage solutions seen in the doors and under the seats. There are features such as a removable rubbish bin, cubby hole hook and smartphones can also be charged or stored using the dedicated smartphone storage area with inductive charging. A multi-adaptable boot floor will also keep items organised.

Volvo XC40 Price in South Africa

The new Volvo XC40 lands in South Africa with a solid after-sales plan. Every Volvo comes with a 5-year/100 000 km warranty and maintenance plan, 5-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance (including a Skytrax track unit). Please note that the T3 entry-level models are only available from the third quarter of 2018.

Internationally, Volvo offers a subscription service called Care By Volvo, where customers can "subscribe to a car rather than buy it, for a fixed monthly fee which includes the likes of service, maintenance, insurance and other added value benefits". This plan is currently under consideration for a South African market introduction and if all goes according to plan, you'll be able to subscribe to Volvo ownership in the middle of 2019.

T3 Manual Momentum	R489 500
T3 Manual Inscription	R521 300
T3 Manual R-Design	R528 400
D4 Geartronic AWD Momentum	R600 300
T5 Geartronic AWD Momentum	R610 900
D4 Geartronic AWD Inscription	R632 100
T5 Geartronic AWD Inscription	R639 200
D4 Geartronic AWD R-Design	R642 600
T5 Geartronic AWD R-Design	R649 700

Spy Shots: Volkswagen Golf 8

These are some of the first images of the next-generation Volkswagen Golf. Our German spy photographers spotted the prototype of the successor to our 2017/18 #CarsAwards premium hatchback champion while it was undergoing testing. See details below…

Picture credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien

The next iteration (8th generation) of the popular Volkswagen Golf is under development and a prototype wearing very little camouflage was recently spied testing in Europe.

Key styling features

The bodywork appears to be very similar to that of the Golf 7.5, but you may notice that the shape of the front-end is more squared-off, while the rear-end looks longer than the current car's. We expect the Golf 8 will feature, inter alia, slimmer LED headlights and a lower, redesigned bonnet.

The design of the next Golf will be evolutionary, but the car will feature more weight-saving materials in its construction.

These photographs suggest that radical exterior styling changes are not on the cards for the new Golf 8… it is believed that Volkswagen will rather look to introduce refinements to the design, which has, after all, proven to be quite popular thus far. The Golf 8 will be based on a modified version of Volkswagen’s MQB platform and incorporate more lightweight materials that will reduce the premium hatchback's kerb weight significantly (sources say by between 50 and 70 kg).

The Golf's interior will be redesigned and digital displays are expected to be used extensively across the range.

The interior, however, is expected to be extensively overhauled and will likely incorporate digital displays to replace most of the switchgear. The interior spy image shows an Active Info Display that forms part of the instrument cluster and you can expect to see a large infotainment screen (integral to the fascia) on the production version.

Potential engines

Although engine details have yet to be confirmed, it is anticipated that a 1.0-litre (in various states of tune) and 1.5-litre turbopetrol engines will be offered. On the diesel front, 1.5- and 2.0-litre turbodiesels are likely. A 48V mild hybrid system is expected, along with cylinder deactivation and coasting function to further enhance efficiency.

We previously reported that the 2.0-litre turbopetrol Golf GTI will, in all likelihood, comprise 3 derivatives including a standard GTI, GTI Performance Pack and GTI Clubsport. The standard GTI could offer as much as 195 kW, while the Clubsport could see a peak output figure of no less than 240 kW. As for the Golf R derivative, a 300 kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol is likely, but a 3.0-litre VR6 engine with up to 370 kW is not out of the question.

The new Volkswagen Golf 8 is expected to go into production in 2019 and can be expected locally in 2020. We will keep you updated as more details emerge.

Buy a new or used Volkswagen Golf on Cars.co.za

Volkswagen Amarok 3.0 V6 TDI (190 kW) Launch Review

Volkswagen will launch an updated and more potent version of its 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel-engined Amarok double cab in South Africa in 2019, and we’ve just returned from an exclusive pre-launch drive of the 190 kW/580 N.m machine through the deserts of Oman.

Judging by the extreme terrain and relentless heat faced by journalists over the 3 days of the launch, Volkswagen wants you to know the Amarok is one tough bakkie. And this is what impressed me the most about the Amaroks we drove; we were the 5th group of journalists from around the world, which meant that these test cars had already been through 12 punishing days crisscrossing the interior of Oman. And not one of the cars had a squeak, rattle or mechanical issue throughout our trip.

Starting in the capital city, Muscat, we loaded up our luggage in what was already 35°C heat – at 08:30 in the morning. This was to be a baptism of fire for me: I was thrown into a manual-with-the-steering-wheel-on-the-wrong-side car.

An Amarok V6 equipped with a canopy traverses a wadi (a dry riverbed) in Oman.

It was great to experience the manual Amarok, as this variant is available with a low-range transfer case, however this configuration won’t be available in South Africa.

The big news here is that, largely in response to the upcoming Mercedes X-Class, Volkswagen has hiked up the 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel's power output up from 165 kW to 190 kW (200 kW on overboost, for up to 20 sec), while the peak torque has increased from 550 Nm to 580 Nm (available between 1 400 and 3 000 rpm).

The testing ground was Oman. The country's almost the size of Germany, but with a population of less than 5 million, it is home to some incredible, dramatic roads which are traversed entirely by 4x4s, reaching into the most remote regions of the region and providing a lifeline to rural and desert communities. It was to be a harsh test for the Wolfsburg-based manufacturer’s relatively "new kid on the bakkie block".

When your camel runs out of steam, the Amarok's more than willing to take over dune-climbing duties.

The first day saw the convoy tackling an impossibly steep mountain pass, climbing high into the interior of the country from a quick drive on a beach to over 2 000 metres above sea level. The Amaroks coped admirably and we didn’t even have to use low range. Even if they had wanted to, our colleagues in the automatic variants didn’t have that option, as automatic Amarok derivatives are still not offered with low range and won’t be for our market.

Automatic Amarok 3.0 V6 TDIs sold in South Africa feature permanent 4Motion all-wheel drive and to aid off-road prowess, the bakkies are equipped with a significantly lowered first gear, which plays the role of a crawler gear. Additionally, the hill-descent control is customisable, allowing you to set the preferred speed of descent.

"Our" bakkies were modified though; each was fitted with a snorkel to help the car breathe easier out on the dunes. The rear-facing mouth of the device, and the fact that it draws in air from above the roofline and not down in the stream of dust and sand kicked up by the car in front, help to keep the cars going in the desert.

The first day of the Amarok adventure saw the convoy tackling an impossibly steep mountain pass.

Underbody protection was fitted as any trip through rural Oman means crossing countless dry river beds, filled with rocks and boulders. Fairly hardcore offroad tyres were fitted too, and 2 of the vehicles were fitted with winches (neatly hidden in the front bumper) to aid with vehicle recovery (if necessary).

Day 2 saw the convoy head deep into the desert, where only camels and Toyota Land Cruisers survive. For some of the Bedouin people we spoke to, they’d never ever seen a Volkswagen, and perhaps if the German manufacturer hadn't hosted the Amarok media event in their region, they would never have.

Our hosts had set up a training ground for us to experience dune driving at its best, and local guides were on hand to show us the ropes. They were however in a hurry, for some reason, and keeping up with them was a test of bravery and thrashing the bakkies across the sand. I thoroughly enjoyed coaxing my Amarok up and down the dunes; the auto 'box effectively selects the best gear for each off-road situation. It makes the drive on the open sand less stressful for a relative novice. Only one of us got properly stuck (it happened to be the head honcho from VW, who, after a few weeks out here, perhaps become a bit too exuberant with his dune-bashing.)

The Amarok's auto 'box certainly took the stress out of dune driving, especially for a relative novice.

We covered around 1 200 km in 3 days, and around 400 of those were on some of the smoothest highways I’ve ever encountered, so I’m not sure I’m qualified to comment on how the Amarok might fare on our slightly less-than-ideal roads back home.

However, that engine absolutely hauls. The feeling of acceleration is almost what you’d experience in a hot hatch and coupled with SUV-like road manners and ride quality, the Amarok is frankly excellent at eating up mile after mile of tarmac. The way this engine builds speed is remarkable. Who could have predicted that a horsepower war would break out in the world of bakkies? Either way, the consumer is the winner. The Amarok's suspension setup, meanwhile, is perhaps not as soft as that found in the Ford Ranger Wildtrak, but the benefit is that the Volkswagen feels like it can actually go around corners.

The 8-speed automatic operates in the best way, which is to say that you don’t really notice its machinations… at all. Interior space and comfort has never been in short supply in the Amarok, and that hasn’t changed, but unfortunately neither has the fascia, which is feeling a little plain and dated now, although the plastics employed are a good compromise between the soft-touch and rugged-feeling varieties.

The feeling of acceleration produced by the 190 kW Amarok is almost akin to what you’d experience from a hot hatch.

The infotainment system is standard Volkswagen fare, which is to say that it doesn’t look particularly fancy but is comprehensive and easy to use. And, of course, one feature we were particularly pleased about was the aircon. You can definitely rely on the aircon unit in the Amarok to keep you cool through the worst of our South African summers. It frankly kept us alive out there in that Middle-Eastern heat.

Summary

Modern bakkies have to perform a multitude of roles. For many South African motorists, the bakkie is a daily-driver, as well as being a family car and needs to be up to the unique demands of increasingly being seen as a status symbol. When the 190 kW Amarok 3.0 V6 TDI arrives in South Africa, it will sit at the top-end of the market, and especially with the imminent entry of Mercedes Benz into the mix, a flagship bakkie essentially has to be a luxury SUV with a load bed affixed aft of its cab.

The Amarok, which was named the winner in the Leisure Double Cab Bakkie category of the 2017/18 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank, portrays this role better than most, and while comparisons to the upcoming Benz X-Class will be ubiquitous, for now, the Volkswagen rules the roost in providing performance, luxury, ride quality and practicality. As for when exactly the 190 kW version will arrive in South Africa, Volkswagen South Africa can only confirm that it will be at some point next year (2019) and that the new top-of-the-range derivative will be offered in eye-catching Aventura specification. Pricing will be confirmed at a later date.

Interested in buying an Amarok?

Search for a new/used example on Cars.co.za

BMW i8 Roadster Price Announced [Video]

After numerous teasers and speculation, BMW has finally revealed the new i8 Roadster. Take a look at pricing and details for the new i8 Roadster and updated i8 Coupe below.

The BMW i8 Roadster is the third official vehicle in the i-lineup and this topless version forms part of a facelifted i8 range which will arrive in South Africa in the middle of 2018. Some of the changes include redesigned LED headlights, along with new bumpers front and rear and a refreshed range of alloy wheel designs. The electrically-operated fabric roof opens and closes 15 seconds at speeds up to 50 kph and the striking butterfly doors, synonymous with the i8, have been retained. The i8 Roadster is a strict 2-seater and with the omission of the rear seats, additional storage space of up to 100 litres is offered behind the seats.

Outputs and efficiency

The updated i8 Coupe and new i8 Roadster now offer more power and improved electric range.

Both the i8 Roadster and i8 Coupe feature a revised version of the i8's plug-in hybrid setup, which comprises a turbocharged 1.5-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine driving the rear wheels with 170 kW/320 Nm and combined with an uprated electric motor which now offers 105 kW/250 Nm mounted on the front axle. Total system output for both the i8 Roadster and Coupe is 275 kW (266 kW previously). A more powerful 11.6 kWh battery is fitted (previously 7.1 kWh) and electric range for the i8 Roadster is claimed at 53 km while the i8 Coupe can travel 55 km in pure electric mode.

Electric driving is now possible at speeds up to 105 kph (previously 70 kph) and when in eDrive, the electric driving threshold increases to 120 kph. In terms of fuel consumption, BMW claims a figure of 2.1 L/100km for the i8 Roadster and 1.9 L/100km for the i8 Coupe.

The i8 Roadster weighs in at 1 593 kg, some 60 kg heavier than its coupe sibling, and will sprint from zero to 100 kph in 4.4 seconds while the i8 Coupe is marginally faster, completing the sprint to 100 kph in 4.2 seconds. Top speed is rated at 250 kph. A 6-speed automatic transmission is standard as is Dynamic Damper Control. A full charge will take 4.5 hours using a 10 A/230 V domestic power socket.

Styling and equipment

The i8 Roadster can deploy its fabric roof in 15 seconds and is offered with a new Accaro interior trim as an option.

The i8 Roadster rides on new 20-inch light alloy wheels in double-spoke design as standard (optional for i8 Coupe). Model-specific lettering as in 'Roadster' and 'Coupe' is seen on the C-pillars.

Both variants will be offered with new E-Copper metallic and Donnington Grey metallic paintwork. On the inside, a Carpo interior design is standard for both models and in the i8 Roadster will feature an Ivory White and Black combination while in the i8 Coupe features Ivory White. A new Accaro interior trim in Amido and E-Copper will be offered as an option.

Standard equipment includes Navigation System Professional with ConnectedDrive Services, BMW Display Key, Driving Assistant with Surround View and a mode 2 charging cable. The Control Display features a tile-based menu design with live mode. Options include a BMW Head?Up Display with model-specific content, non-dazzling BMW Laserlight with BMW Selective Beam and acoustic pedestrian warning.

Facelifted BMW i8 and i8 Roadster Price in South Africa

eDrive Coupe R2 095 200
eDrive Roadster R2 329 300

Want to buy a BMW i8?

Find a new or used BMW i8 on Cars.co.za

Higher Fuel Prices for SA

Motorists in South Africa can expect further fuel price increases in May 2018 based on unaudited mid-month data released by the Central Energy Fund says the Automobile Association of South Africa (AA)…

Motorists are in for another round of fuel price increases in May 2018 as escalating tension in Syria and the Middle East has sent international petroleum prices soaring in the first half of April.

The Rand also weakened against the US Dollar over the same period and based on unaudited mid-month data, the AA predicts that the petrol price could rise by as much as 41 c/l and diesel by 48 c/l.

“Petroleum prices were largely flat in the first week of April, but spiked sharply as tensions escalated in Syria. The Middle East lies near many of the world's key oil producers, and petroleum prices have historically been sensitive to instability in the region" says the AA.

Rising international petroleum prices is the main contributing factor for the expected increase while the weaker Rand accounts for only 4 cents in the rise according to the AA.

Motorists were hit with a 72 cent increase in April and if these latest predictions materialise, it would mean that fuel prices will have increased by more than R1 in the space of 2 months.

The AA warns that prolonged instability in the Middle East could driver international petroleum prices even higher.

"Several foreign powers have now taken a position in the Syrian civil war. If tensions escalate, or the war itself drags out even further, the outlook for oil prices would become more negative. South Africans should be aware that their fuel budgets might come under renewed strain in the short to medium term," the AA concludes.

Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace (2018) Launch Review

Volkswagen has added a 7-seater variant to its popular family car range, but is the Tiguan Allspace more than just a standard Tiguan with 2 extra seats? We drove it through twisty and muddy hills in KZN to see how different it really is. Read on…

What’s new?

Compared with the standard Tiguan, the Allspace is 210 mm longer overall (to house the extra pair of rear seats), but it has its a distinct design, standard specifications and a modified platform. The wheelbase is longer by 110 mm (for more rear passenger legroom) and the cargo capacity is improved by 115 litres (in 5-seater mode).

The face of the Tiguan Allspace, despite minor changes to the bumper, is immediately recognisable as its own model. The front end is rounder and less sporty in appearance. To put it another way, the standard Tiguan looks quite angular and square from the front, whereas the Allspace has a softer, smoother face.

Softer face of the Tiguan Allspace makes it look different from the standard model.

In terms of the newcomer's rear three-quarter aspect, the Allspace's back window has been extended to give 3rd-row passengers a slightly better view out of vehicle.

And, finally, on the engine front, there is a new 2.0-litre turbopetrol unit that delivers 132 kW and 320 Nm of torque. Those familiar with Volkswagen's engine line-up will recognise these outputs from the now discontinued Scirocco, which utilised this powerplant.

Can you actually fit 7 people in it?

The 3rd row of seats is not suited to accommodate adults, because anyone over 1.7 metres in height is bound to run out of headroom. The 2nd row does slide forward on rails, however, providing a bit of extra legroom for the third row, making it perfectly suited for children (…and the vertically challenged among us).

The rear-most seats are fine for smaller people and luggage space with all the seats in place is still fair.

The seats are practical in their folding arrangement allowing for a 40/20/40 split and even the front passenger seat can be folded flat, which would make it possible to load an 8- or 9-foot surfboard without difficulty. The extra length has meant that the loading area grows to 700 litres in 5-seater mode and 1 775 litres with the middle row folded flat. Even with all the seats up, there’s a reasonable (for this segment) 230 litres of luggage space available.

Loading practicality is one of the Allspace's strongest traits: the rearmost seats can be lowered via a lever in the bay, which is flanked by shopping bag hooks and a handy torch.

How does it drive?

We had a chance to sample the new turbopetrol engine, which felt a little flat considering the power figures it is said to produce. The roads we drove required a lot of slowing down and then overtaking from low speed. The 132 kW didn’t really make its presence felt until you put your foot flat to summon all of the motor's available grunt. The DSG gearbox's mapping has always leaned towards economy (it often uses a higher gear than one might expect, which could be the reason the initial sluggishness).

The new 132 kW turbopetrol engine was previously used in the Scirocco.

Only the entry-level 1.4-litre turbopetrol 110 kW engine comes with front-wheel-drive, the rest of the derivatives has 4Motion all-wheel-drive and a selectable off-road mode. Ground clearance is 208 mm, which is decent for a road-biased SUV and, if you opt for the off-road kit, you get an extra 7 degrees of approach angle.

For a full review of the Volkswagen Tiguan click here

Pricing and competitors

The Allspace gains a few extra standard features compared with the regular Tiguan, but comes with a bit of a price increase for obvious reasons (it has 2 more seats). There aren’t many direct competitors to the VW, save for the Nissan X-Trail 7-seater, but that lacks the Tiguan's engine and transmission refinement. Further afield there’s the much more off-road biased Fortuner and Everest or the more expensive Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento. If value for money is a major consideration then consider the Mahindra XUV500. All things considered, the Tiguan Allspace appears to have carved out a tiny niche for itself in the refined 7-seater family car segment.

1.4 TSI 110 kW Trendline DSG R463 400

2.0 TSI 132 kW Comfortline 4MOTION DSG R523 800

2.0 TDI 110 kW Comfortline 4MOTION DSG R571 100

2.0 TSI 162 kW Highline 4MOTION DSG R604 800

The new Tiguan Allspace comes standard with a 5-year/90 000 km service plan, 3-year/120 000 km warranty, 12-year anti-corrosion warranty and space saver spare wheel. The service interval is 15 000 km.

Looking for a used Tiguan?

Start your search here

5 SUVs We Need in SA

There are many models and variants of cars we don't get in South Africa due to our comparatively small market and right-hand-drive only law. But, are there right-hand drive cars out there that we're missing out on? Here are 5 SUVs that we think would be well-received locally.

South Africa is an isolated automotive market, with specific fuel and vehicle import tariff issues – not to mention us being a right-hand-drive destination too, which is the minority configuration globally. The latter is often tabled as an excuse why South Africans can’t have access to desirable family cars available everywhere else.

There are some very appealing right-hand drive cars we are being denied and to assist in a campaign for greater choice, we’ve done the homework and can now present you the case for some great family crossovers and SUVs which we think should be on sale locally.

Toyota Kluger

Ordinarily, one cannot imagine Toyota dealers having excess receiving and processing capacity to add any more volume to their avalanche of monthly sales. The Japanese brand absolutely rules our local market, with a portfolio of product perfectly tailored to South African customer requirements, across a very broad, accessible, pricing spectrum. But… There’s always room for more, isn’t there?

It’s called the Kluger and despite its strange name, this is a 7-seater crossover which is built on the same platform as a South African favourite which has never returned – the Toyota Camry. As such, unlike most of Toyota’s SUVs, Kluger is not built on a ladder-frame platform. Think of it as a big RAV4 and you’ll be imagining the correct technical reference: monocoque construction and a definite on-road bias with both front- and all-wheel drive options.

There’s no diesel engine but you have a naturally-aspirated 3.5-litre V6 good for 218 kW and 350 Nm, matched to an 8-speed automatic transmission, unlike the 6-speed in Fortuner. There’s a 65 kg mass difference between the front- and all-wheel drive Klugers, accounting for a small margin of advantage regarding fuel-consumption towards the two-wheel drive versions. Inside, it’s massive, a true 7-seater with 529 litres of luggage capacity and comfort levels you’d expect from a sedan.

For the South African market, Kluger would sit between Fortuner and Prado, a niche that is perhaps too small. But think about what is on offer here: a monocoque Toyota 7-seater with all-wheel drive. Surely there must be customers who want all those seats, access to the quality and convenience of Toyota’s vast dealer network, some AWD traction for gravel travelling and who appreciate the high-speed cruising stability and refinement of a Camry platform with some ground clearance. Surely?

Hyundai Kona

Although sibling brand Kia has garnered all the design awards and adulation for its courage in developing an authentic Korean automotive aesthetic, this Hyundai is unlike any that has come before it. It’s more radical in appearance than the production Kia Stonic – and built to specifications which expertly match current buying trends.

Kona is the correct configuration (B-segment SUV) and size, with styling that differentiates it from anything else and all the build quality you have come to expect from a Korean car. What Juke did for Nissan in 2010, Hyundai is most certainly hoping Kona will do for it in 2018. Beyond its daring styling, Hyundai has equipped Kona with those excellent engines of its own making, providing a myriad of choices including a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre (110 kW/180 Nm) or turbocharged 1.6-litre options in petrol (130 kW/265 Nm) or diesel (110 kW/300 Nm) form. Making the most of those engine outputs are 6-speed manual or snappy 7-speed dual-clutch transmissions.

There’s a tiny 1.0-litre turbocharged triple too, but with only 172 Nm, it might struggle a touch with South African distances and topography. The battery-powered Kona, due to go on sale globally later this year, features an astounding 470 km range claim, which could appeal greatly to those South Africans who made their homes grid-independent electricity sources during the days of loadshedding.

South Africans might not have warmed to the asymmetric-door Veloster hatchback, but they’ll certainly take interest in an outrageously styled Hyundai SUV. Hyundai South Africa is still trying to make a business case for the Kona and with the positive exchange rate movements during early 2018, it may have found a way to introduce the Kona locally.

Nissan Pathfinder

Despite its name, the latest generation Pathfinder has not found a path to South Africa – getting lost to the reality of Toyota’s Fortuner and Prado absolutely dominating all and any Japanese SUV sales locally. That is a shame as this latest one has been reconfigured in a way that could make it work here.

Pathfinder is no longer related to the Navara bakkie and therefore features a monocoque construction, which makes it quieter, more agile and stable at speed. The debit is a great deal less capability in truly technical off-road terrain, but with its current marketing impetus being that of a larger 7-seater SUV, that doesn’t matter much. Both engine options burn 95 unleaded, with the 2.5-litre 4-cylinder hybrid using 13% less fuel than Pathfinder’s 3.5-litre V6, with a marginal performance discrepancy, the hybrid’s outputs being 188 kW/330 Nm versus that V6’s 202 kW and 340 Nm.

In time, Nissan’s Terra will surely fill the void of Pathfinder in South Africa, but for those who yearn for what Murano once was and dislike the unnerving body roll which is a feature of all ladder-frame SUVs, there could be an argument made for this Nissan SUV to find a path back into the local line-up.

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

There was a time when Mitsubishi could do no wrong in the South African market if you were shopping for a gravel traveller: Pajero long- and short-wheelbase, Colt double-cab and even that diminutive low-range equipped Suzuki rival, the iO. As SUVs and crossovers have become a default purchase in the local buying market between R250 000 and R600 000, Mitsubishi has cruelly been denied any associated sales momentum.

Perhaps an outlandishly styled crossover – which certainly isn’t the current Outlander – could revive Mitsubishi’s South African market fortunes. Exactly such a vehicle exists, but peculiarly we can’t get it, yet. It’s called the Eclipse Cross and whereas that name was once reserved for a Mitsubishi performance coupe, in 2018 it denotes a Qashqai-size crossover. With suspension bits and wheelbase dimensions borrowed from the larger Outlander, Eclipse Cross is roomier inside than most rivals and not averse to some committed gravel travel, featuring Mitsubishi’s Active Yaw Control, which is what made their Lancer Evos so unbeatable as four-door pseudo supercars.

Powered by a sweet 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol, good for 110 kW and 250 Nm, Eclipse Cross has 175 mm of pothole proof ground clearance, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on-board too. Considering there is a R150 000 segment of opportunity for placement between ASX and Outlander in Mitsubishi’s local line-up, the absence of Eclipse Cross is most confounding. Earlier this year, Mitsubishi South Africa confirmed that the arrival of the Eclipse Cross to South African shores was scheduled for Q4 2018. It was also confirmed that it will slot between the smaller ASX and larger Outlander in the SA line-up.

VW T-Roc

Smaller than Tiguan but built on the same, outstanding MQB platform, T-Roc is for those who seek all the appeal of a VW-badged crossover, yet want the parking convenience of more humble exterior dimensions. T-Roc’s luggage capacity is 65 litres larger than a Golf7 and greater than the Audi Q2 at 445 litres, but slightly short of Mini’s Countryman.

The design is contemporary, and VW offers its full range of compact engines within the model line-up including a 1.0-litre triple (same as you’ll find in the new Polo) and all the way up to the 140 kW, 2.0-litre engine powering the 4Motion T-Roc. With 400 Nm and VW’s 7-speed DSG transmission, the T-Roc 2.0 is a veritable compact crossover pocket rocket, capable of 0-100 kph in 7.2 seconds and more comfortable on gravel roads than you’ll ever experience in anything GTi.

In principle and execution, T-Roc has the making of a runaway success in South Africa – which makes its absence a mystery.

Spy Shots: Suzuki Gears Up For Next Jimny

The lovable and relatively popular Suzuki Jimny has reached the end of its lifespan and reports are suggesting that the fourth-generation Jimny will be revealed towards the end of 2018 with market launch slated for 2019. Production of the current Jimny has reportedly come to an end and Suzuki is now preparing to produce the next iteration. Here’s what we know about the new Jimny thus far…

The Suzuki Jimny has a devoted fan base in South Africa and across the world. This compact off-roader is often lauded for its surprising capability in rough terrain as well as its compact dimensions and cute looks. There is, however, a new Jimny on the way and it will probably land in South Africa in 2019 after it is expected to be revealed later this year.

Its boxy dimensions will largely remain and it is expected to grow in size and Suzuki will retain its body-on-frame construction and 4×4 system which means it will still be very capable in the rough. The Jimny’s on-road handling ability is expected to improve and a major interior revamp is expected too. The interior will likely feature similar styling to the new Swift (due in SA soon) and will incorporate a touchscreen infotainment system.

The new Suzuki Jimny will grow in size, but it will retain its boxy styling with major changes expected inside.

The new Jimny is expected to be powered by a naturally-aspirated 1.2-litre petrol engine while top-of-the-range models will feature a Suzuki’s turbocharged 1.0-litre Boosterjet engine with 82 kW and 170 Nm of torque. Based on the fact that Suzuki SA does not offer the Boosterjet engine in the Baleno in South Africa and it’s not expected in the new Swift either, we will be surprised if it makes to our shores in the Jimny, but we hope it does.

The current Jimny is powered by a 63 kW/110 Nm 1.3-litre petrol but we hope the 1.2-litre engine will offer a bit more grunt. A diesel engine option is not expected.

Suzuki is keeping official details under wraps for now but we will keep you updated as soon as more information becomes available.

Buy a new or used Suzuki Jimny on Cars.co.za

Can Rust Affect Car Crash Safety?

We all know that rust on a car isn’t a good thing and if it isn’t effectively dealt with, your car will eventually meet a rusty end. Do you think rust can affect the crash safety of a car? A non-profit Swedish organisation, Villaagarnas Riksforbund, conducted some tests to find out…

Car safety technology is far more advanced today than it ever was and most new cars on the market offer relatively high levels of passive and active safety. However, many people can’t afford new cars and rather opt for older, used models that suit their budget and needs.

When those older cars were on sale, they too had to meet the safety standards of the day, but the age of the vehicle and the amount of rust it has can seemingly have a negative effect on the car’s ability maintain its crashworthiness over time.

Villaagarnas Riksforbund, a non-profit Swedish organisation, simulated EuroNCAP crash tests (frontal and side impact) on 2 used cars, the Mazda6 (2003-2008) and Volkswagen Golf (2004-2008), both of which exhibited a fair amount of rust. Also, importantly, the crash tests simulated the EuroNCAP guidelines prescribed when these cars were new. The guidelines of today are far more stringent.

The final result revealed that the old and rusty cars could not meet the same level of crash safety that they once exhibited, particularly in the case of the Mazda6.

Results

Mazda6

The Mazda6 scored a weak 4 rating (26 points) on EuroNCAP’s 5-point rating system when it was a new car, but this rusty Mazda6 achieved a weak 3 (18 points) in these latest tests.

The researchers pointed out that “When the Mazda 6 was tested in the frontal test, the car was deformed so that the driver’s seat ended up leaning against the interior of the car and the crash test dummy hit its head in the B-pillar. It was also suggested that passengers were at 20% more risk of being killed in an accident as a result of rust, which is significant.

Volkswagen Golf

The Golf fared much better and lost only 1 point in this test. When it was new, its EuroNCAP safety score was a weak 5 (33 points) and in this test it scored a strong 4 (32 points).

Rust on older cars is common, particularly for cars at the coast but used car buyers are advised to thoroughly inspect the vehicle for rust before buying it and if necessary seek advice on how to manage rust.

Buy a used car on Cars.co.za

Maserati Levante: A bridge too far?

Up against a throng of thrusting V8s

Related content:

Interested in buying a Maserati?

Volvo XC40 (2018) Specs & Price

The highly-anticipated Volvo XC40 launches in South Africa in this week and we'll be at its local launch. In the meantime, here's how much you can expect to pay for this baby Volvo SUV.

Key Features

Volvo XC40 Price in South Africa

Related Content

Spy Shots: Volkswagen Golf 8

These are some of the first images of the next-generation Volkswagen Golf. Our German spy photographers spotted the prototype of the successor to our 2017/18 #CarsAwards premium hatchback champion while it was undergoing testing. See details below…

Key styling features

Potential engines

Related Content

Volkswagen Amarok 3.0 V6 TDI (190 kW) Launch Review

Volkswagen will launch an updated and more potent version of its 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel-engined Amarok double cab in South Africa in 2019, and we’ve just returned from an exclusive pre-launch drive of the 190 kW/580 N.m machine through the deserts of Oman.

Summary

Related content:

Interested in buying an Amarok?

BMW i8 Roadster Price Announced [Video]

After numerous teasers and speculation, BMW has finally revealed the new i8 Roadster. Take a look at pricing and details for the new i8 Roadster and updated i8 Coupe below.

Outputs and efficiency

Styling and equipment

Facelifted BMW i8 and i8 Roadster Price in South Africa

Further reading:

Want to buy a BMW i8?

Higher Fuel Prices for SA

Motorists in South Africa can expect further fuel price increases in May 2018 based on unaudited mid-month data released by the Central Energy Fund says the Automobile Association of South Africa (AA)…

Related Content

Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace (2018) Launch Review

Volkswagen has added a 7-seater variant to its popular family car range, but is the Tiguan Allspace more than just a standard Tiguan with 2 extra seats? We drove it through twisty and muddy hills in KZN to see how different it really is. Read on…

What’s new?

Can you actually fit 7 people in it?

How does it drive?

Pricing and competitors

Related content

Looking for a used Tiguan?

5 SUVs We Need in SA

There are many models and variants of cars we don't get in South Africa due to our comparatively small market and right-hand-drive only law. But, are there right-hand drive cars out there that we're missing out on? Here are 5 SUVs that we think would be well-received locally.

Toyota Kluger

Hyundai Kona

Nissan Pathfinder

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

VW T-Roc

Related content

Spy Shots: Suzuki Gears Up For Next Jimny

Related Content

Can Rust Affect Car Crash Safety?

We all know that rust on a car isn’t a good thing and if it isn’t effectively dealt with, your car will eventually meet a rusty end. Do you think rust can affect the crash safety of a car? A non-profit Swedish organisation, Villaagarnas Riksforbund, conducted some tests to find out…

Results

Related Content