The new Ford Ranger Raptor is on its way to SA but its burly F-150 Raptor counterpart recently took to the Nürburgring for some drifting action. Watch the video!
Ford has made a performance bakkie a reality and the Ranger Raptor, which is due in South Africa next year, promises exceptional off-road performance. It’s produced in Thailand but will also be produced at Ford’s Silverton plant in Pretoria in the future, which is good news for the local economy.
Many bemoan the Ranger Raptor for offering only 157 kW and 500 Nm from its 2.0-litre bi-turbodiesel engine, not exactly the figures that spring to mind for ultimate performance, but fitted with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a good dose of trickery, Ford is confident in its ability. We can’t wait to see if Ford’s promise holds true…
However, the video below features the large-and-in-charge F-150 Raptor packing a bi-turbo 3.5-litre V6 engine with 336 kW and 691 Nm of torque. Those are some big numbers! The video features Formula Drift Racer, Vaughn Gittin Jr, who intended to drift his Ford Mustang RTR drift car around the world-famous Nurburgring. Rain, however, changed his plan and he thought the Ranger Raptor would be a good alternative for some wet fun on the tarmac of the Nordschleife.
Watch the video to see the Ford F-150 Raptor run wild!
Ford has launched its new Freestyle budget car crossover in the Indian market and we believe it is a newcomer that the Blue Oval could offer in South Africa too. Let’s take a closer look…
Ford calls its latest Freestyle crossover a Compact Utility Vehicle (CUV) and it’s based on Ford’s entry-level Figo hatchback. Like the Figo, it’s produced at Ford's Indian plant in Sanand, Gujarat. Before we make a case for the Freestyle to come to South Africa, let’s see what it offers…
Key features
A raised ride height and body cladding give the Freestyle some rugged appeal.
The launch of the Freestyle in India heralds the introduction of a new 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder engine with 71 kW and 120 Nm of torque. The familiar 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine producing 74 kW and 215 Nm also does service in the Freestyle. Both engines are paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox.
Although the Freestyle shares its platform with (and bears some resemblance to) the Figo, its design is differentiated by its headlights, wide striking grille and C-shaped foglamp surrounds. The Freestyle also gets some extra crossover treatment in the form of plastic cladding, as well as functional roof rails and a tailgate-mounted roof spoiler. The rear-end is further differentiated with a redesigned bumper and taillights. Furthermore, the Freestyle features an increased ride height with a ground clearance of 190 mm, which is some 16 mm higher than that of the Figo.
The Freestyle shares its interior styling with the EcoSport and is offered with the latest SYNC3 in-car infotainment system.
The Freestyle is offered in Ambiente, Trend and Titanium derivatives and the interior design is similar to that of the new Ford EcoSport. High-spec derivatives are equipped with a 6.5-inch touchscreen with SYNC3, which offers Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, while safety features include up to 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, active rollover prevention, hill launch assist, electronic stability program and traction control.
So what makes it suitable for South Africa?
Compact crossovers are hugely popular in South Africa and there’s a strong business case for affordable crossovers in the lower-end of the crossover spectrum. Current offerings in this segment include cars such as the Toyota Etios Cross, Renault Sandero Stepway, the previous Volkswagen Polo Vivo Maxx and the forthcoming Hyundai i20 Active, which is due to launch in South Africa in May 2018.
We think the Figo-based Freestyle crossover will sell well in South Africa. Would you agree with us?
South Africans love exploring the outdoors and it’s also worth noting that roads in South Africa are generally in poor condition and many people access rural areas on gravel too, which means that the higher ride height and additional cladding makes this type of vehicle suitable for South African conditions.
Also, Ford already imports the Figo and Ecosport from India anyway, so why not add the Freestyle to the local lineup? It may very well be that the costs of importing the Freestyle to South Africa will result in an unfavourable local pricing structure. However, we believe there is merit in offering the Freestyle on local soil provided that its price is competitive. It’s also worth mentioning that international reviews of the Freestyle are very positive, highlighting the Freestyle's good performance and excellent ride quality.
We reached out to Ford South Africa for comment and there are currently no plans to introduce the Freestyle in South Africa. That situation can, of course, change. Would you like to see the Freestyle in South Africa… Should Ford's South African subsidiary reconsider and launch it here?
Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below!
The new Lexus ES has made its debut at the Beijing Motor Show and the mid-size luxury sedan has been confirmed for arrival in SA in Q4 of 2018.
The new 7th-generation Lexus ES sedan has been officially revealed at the Beijing Motor Show and now rides on a new chassis that promises even better performance and refinement.
The new ES will be offered as the ES200, ES250, ES 350 and the ES300h with a self-charging hybrid system. The ES can be expected to reach South Africa towards the end of 2018 (Q4) and the local lineup will be confirmed closer to launch.
Key details
The new ES is larger with emphasis placed on comfort, refinement and performance. We can't wait to drive it…
Built on a new Global Architecture – K (GA-K) platform, the latest ES is larger than before and is some 65 mm longer, 45 mm wider and sits 5mm lower than the outgoing ES. Its wheelbase has increased by 50 mm with the front and rear tracks widened by 10 mm and 37 mm respectively.
A key design change is a lower bonnet with a downward slant as well as a fast roofline that emphasises the ES’ lower stance. The chiselled rear-end features LED taillights that wrap around the quarter panels. There will be 3 different 17- and 18-inch wheel designs on offer for the ES while F-Sport versions will ride on 19-inch wheels similar to those seen on the LC 500 Coupe.
A driver-orientated cockpit with a large infotainment interface makes its way into the new ES.
The interior, based on the Lexus Future Interior concept, will feature a driver-focused cockpit with the central display, instrument cluster and head-up display placed closely together in the driver’s field of view. Passengers can expect a roomier cabin thanks to the ES’ larger dimensions.
Although comfort and refinement are still important cornerstones for the ES, Lexus engineers have placed increasing emphasis on transforming the handling and performance capability of the new ES. The chassis is more rigid and the use of high-tensile steel reduces weight while enhancements to the new multi-link rear suspension and rack-mounted electric power steering all contribute to enhanced handling and performance.
“We want every kind of driver to feel a sense of complete control when they are behind the wheel of the ES. It’s a level of comfort that goes beyond merely delivering a smooth ride” says Yoshiaki Ito, chief test driver for Lexus.
Powertrain details for the ES have yet to be revealed but reports suggest that a 3.5-litre V6 will find a home under the bonnet of the new ES with as much as 224 kW and paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid version will likely employ a 2.5-litre petrol engine pairing with an electric motor, much like the current ES 300h.
We will keep you updated as soon as local specification and pricing for the new Lexus ES, which we expect will replace the current car as well as the slow-selling GS executive sedan range in South Africa, are announced.
Hyundai's top-selling i20 compact hatchback has been smartly updated and the refreshed range will be introduced in South Africa in May 2018, replete with a new flagship Active crossover derivative.
The Hyundai i20 is a popular choice in the B-segment hatchback market and the South Korean carmaker has given the i20 a makeover to ensure that it can effectively compete against rivals such as the Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Polo, Renault Clio, Kia Rio, Mazda2, to name a few.
Key changes
Exterior and interior styling
The i20's styling has been suitably enhanced. Will the attractive dual-tone paint finish be available in South Africa? We hope so.
The most prominent styling change can be seen up front with a redesigned front bumper and cascading grille. The rear bumper has also been reworked and combination taillights complement the new look. The tailgate integrates the license plate and top-spec i20 derivatives will ride on either newly designed 16-inch alloy wheels (it remains to be seen if this design will be offered on the local market, however) or 17-inch items.
The interior specification of the i20 will remain much the same as on the current car, but for the introduction of upgraded materials.
As for the cabin, the major improvements in terms of the interior concern the introduction of smarter-looking, soft-touch plastics, updated upholstery patterns and a locally-sourced Bluetooth-enabled touchscreen infotainment system with satellite navigation and a smartphone mirroring function.
On Fluid derivatives you can expect features such as electric windows all round (with 1-touch function for the driver), a multifunction steering wheel, electric folding and heated side mirrors, single-zone climate control, a cooled glovebox, remote boot unlock and rear parking sensors.
Engine line-up
The current line-up of 1.2- and 1.4-litre naturally aspirated engines will continue. There won't be a 1.0-litre turbopetrol version.
Whereas the i20 line-up in the European market will feature a 1.0-litre turbopetrol engine and a 7-speed dual clutch transmission (7DCT), the local market will continue with the 61 kW 1.2- and 74 kW 1.4-litre naturally aspirated 4-cylinder petrol engines, mated with 5- and 6-speed manual gearboxes respectively, although the latter powerplant will also be available in conjunction with a 4-speed automatic transmission.
In terms of safety equipment, dual front airbags (with passenger deactivation function), plus ABS and EBD will be standard, as will crash-sensing door unlock function, follow-me-home lighting, alarm and immobiliser.
The new flagship Active derivative adds purposeful-looking crossover accoutrements to the i20 package.
Although we expect that the Sport derivative, fitted with a performance-enhancing chip (which boosts the 1.4-litre engine's performance to 85 kW and 160 Nm), a stainless steel CAT back exhaust system, sporty rear spoiler and 17-inch wheels, will remain available in the refreshed i20's line-up, the flagship position of the Korean marque's compact hatchback range will transfer to the new crossover-flavoured Active derivative.
Although we expect the standard specification of the Active version to be similar to that of the 1.4 Fluid, its eye-catching exterior execution includes restyled bumpers fore and aft, black side cladding and door mouldings, plus satin chrome roof rails. Inside, the newcomer may feature a 2-tone interior scheme, or, at the very least, sporty contrast-stitching. Although the Active derivative does not feature all-wheel-drive capability, its ride height is 20 mm higher than a standard i20's, which means that it should cope better with light off-roading, including dirt-road driving conditions.
We will keep you updated as soon as full local specification and pricing details become available, but we expect that the current 7-year/200 000 km drivetrain and 5-year/150 000 km vehicle warranties and 3-year/60 000 km service plan will remain standard.
BMW has used the Beijing Motor Show to showcase its Concept iX3 which previews the brand’s plans to produce a fully-electric X3 SUV.
The BMW Concept iX3 draws styling inspiration from the new X3 which is produced at the firm’s plant in Rosslyn, Pretoria. The Concept iX3 provides clues as to what the production version could offer.
The front-end shows a closed-off double-kidney grille with blue accents similar to the BMW i Vision Dynamics concept. Blue accents are further seen along the side skirts and rear diffuser which provide attractive contrast with the Moonstone Silver paint finish. Light alloy wheels with an aerodynamically optimised design further add to the concept's futuristic look.
The Concept iX3 is fitted with BMW’s fifth-generation electric drive system which offers 200 kW from its electric motor while a high-voltage 70 kWh battery will allow for a range of more than 400 km. A newly developed Charging Control Unit can be hooked up to fast-charging stations generating up to 150 kW. A full charge will take only 30 minutes using a fast charging station.
The Concept iX3 forms part of BMW’s greater electrification iNext strategy and a production version is expected in 2020.
Our German spy photographers have captured revealing images of the new Audi A1 Sportback undergoing testing uncamouflaged. Take a look at what you can expect from the new A1 below…
Picture credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien
The new Audi A1 is expected to be officially revealed this year and these latest spy shots show the new A1 undergoing final testing in Europe. Based on these images, the new A1 will adopt a sporty stance thanks to sharp lines seen on the bodywork, aggressive grille treatment, tailgate-mounted spoiler, modern-looking taillights and integrated diffuser. You will also notice that a larger C-pillar will replace the previous third quarter window. The new A1 will be built on Volkswagen’s MQB modular platform.
Interior details are scant but you can expect a higher quality cabin with premium materials as well as additional technology such as Audi’s digital Virtual Cockpit, an updated MMI infotainment system and a host of driver assistance systems.
The A1's styling will be more assertive and will be offered with a range of engine choices.
Official engine details have yet to be confirmed but it’s likely that the Audi A1 will be offered with a 114 kW 3-cylinder, 1.0-litre engine at the bottom of the range. A turbocharged 1.4-litre engine is also likely in various states of tune with either 92 kW, 110 kW or 140 kW. Finally, a 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine with either 185 kW or 220 kW is likely to power the S1 and RS1 respectively. All-wheel drive is expected to be offered as an option on certain models.
The new A1 can be expected in South Africa in 2019 following its official reveal later this year. Perhaps it will be shown at the Paris Motor Show in October 2018? Either way, we will keep you updated as more details become available, so stay tuned.
Will Mercedes get its next small sedan right? The tasteful proportions and upmarket interior of the long-wheelbase A-Class L Sedan (specific to the Chinese market), offer a good preview of Benz’s next 4-door compact sedan.
Given our foreign correspondent Andrew Frankel’s mixed, but mostly positive, feedback on the 4th-generation A-Class premium compact hatchback (expected to be introduced in South Africa in the 3rd quarter of 2018), the successor to the 1st-generation CLA promises to be a far more resolved product than the current car.
Reports suggest the A-Class Sedan will be one of several products derived from the A-Class platform, including the B-Class, CLA, CLA Shooting Brake, the GLA… as well as a rumoured GLB compact SUV/crossover! Whether there could be a viable business case to introduce BOTH the CLA and A-Class Sedan in South Africa remains to be seen, as neither the CLA nor Audi A3 Sedan has been particularly popular in the local market… at least compared with their hatchback counterparts.
LED technology has facilitated the installation of compact, slimline headlamp clusters; they certainly emphasise the diamond grille.
The first generation CLA has been widely criticised for its overly firm ride, cramped rear quarters and marginal build quality (at least by Benz’s lofty standards), but fortunately, the A-Class L Sedan won’t be burdened by a lack of aft leg- and headroom. That’s because the newcomer has much gentler-sloping C-pillars and a 60-mm longer wheelbase than the new A-Class (to incorporate longer rear doors and, consequently, larger footwells) ostensibly for added aft passenger comfort as well as ease of ingress/exit.
Apart from its elongated rear doors, the A-Class L Sedan provides a strong indication of what the new model will look like if and when it goes on sale in South Africa. The only difference is that the version we’ll get/could get will be 60 mm shorter than the L Sedan; its overall length will be approximately 4.6 metres, which is notably longer than the A3 Sedan (which is 4 458 mm) and not far off the current-generation C-Class business class sedan (come to think of it!), although the Benz’s claimed boot capacity is a little less than the aforementioned Audi's (420 versus 425 litres).
The proportions of the A-Class L Sedan are pleasing to the eye. The longer rear doors accentuate the stubby boot section, though.
Inside, the A-Class L Sedan features the expansive stepped dashboard and a 10.25-inch Mercedes-Benz User Experience-enhanced touchscreen infotainment system, plus a quintet of turbine-style metallic air vents (a trio of which are below the central display), as the hatchback. It goes without saying that the interior shown in the car at the Beijing Show is the smartest incarnation of the A-Class’ interior.
The car’s ride quality will depend on a number of factors, including trim-line-specific suspension tuning, but we expect that, given the luxurious appointment of the sedan, a multi-link rear suspension will be offered over the torsion-beam setups of entry-level A-Classes.
We belive the likely South African line-up (if the model's introduction does take place around the middle of 2019) will include A200 and A250 1.3- and 2.0-litre turbopetrol derivatives equipped with 7-speed dual-clutch transmissions, with A200d and A220d turbodiesels available at a later date. It is unclear whether the A-Class Sedan will get A35 and A45 AMG versions; they'd certainly be in the pipeline for the hatchback and CLA ranges…
Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury SUV Concept Revealed
What do you get when you blend an SUV with a sedan? You get this, the Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury Concept which is currently on display at the Beijing Motor Show.
The recent leaked images of the Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury Concept caused a stir on social media with many people shunning its styling. The front-end is dominated by a super-size grille and large air intakes but its styling gets more controversial in its side and rear profiles where the blend between SUV and sedan becomes more apparent, if not awkward. The turbine-look wheel design is perhaps equally questionable…You can decide for yourself whether you like this concept, or not. Nonetheless, official details have now been revealed.
SUV and sedan design combine to create something odd and different, but also beautiful. Would you agree?
Looks aside, the concept was created as an electric vehicle that features 4 compact, permanent-magnet synchronous motors and fully variable all-wheel drive. Total power output is pegged at 550 kW while the 88 kWh battery allows for an electric range of over 322 km. Fast charging allows for 100 km of range to be acquired in only 5 minutes. Charging is achieved using a conventional domestic socket, public charging station or contactlessly transmitted by an electromagnetic field below the car.
Lavish interior design
In true Maybach fashion, this concept is all about unique luxury and comfort, especially for rear passengers who are treated to fully adjustable diamond-stitched Nappa leather seats in Crystal White. Rose Gold and Pearl Grey coloured trim adds a tranquil contrast to the interior design.
Rear passengers have a wide range of comfort features at their disposal. Tea anyone?
Rear passengers can also drink tea! Yes, there is a dedicated tea service back there with the tray made from “Magic Wood” ebony and housing a high-quality tea set. When you are done with your tea session, simply push a button and the tea service electronically retracts into the centre console under a sliding cover in high-gloss black.
Comfort is further enhanced with mood-specific music choices and passengers can select various relaxation programs with music, lights, fragrance and massage functions combining to offer ultimate relaxation.
The driver has access to Widescreen Cockpit with two 12.3 inch digital displays serving as the instrument cluster and infotainment system. Dark ebony or “Magic Wood” trim is used, merging Western and Eastern influences.
Reports indicate that Mercedes-Maybach may introduce an SUV at some stage in the future and it's unlikely to follow direction from this concept, but rather use the GLS as a starting point instead.
The Volvo XC40 has just launched in South Africa and its thrown straight into the ring to compete against some stiff competition. Here are 5 rivals that the Volvo XC40 needs to beat if it is to succeed in the local market.
It seems that Volvo can't put a foot wrong at the moment. Buoyed by investment from Geely and lauded globally (the brand has bagged several #CarsAwards category wins), Volvo's SUVs have elbowed their way into the limelight on sheer merit. The XC90 took the premium SUV market by storm, its XC60 executive SUV sibling recently won the 2018 World Car of the Year title and the new XC40, which has been named the European Car of the Year, is now available in South Africa. Volvo is on a roll…
The BMW X2 slots between the X1 and X3. It rides on the X1 platform, but interestingly, it's physically lower and shorter than the vehicle upon which it's based. At first glance, the combination of sportier coupe/hatchback looks and lower-than-expected ground clearance gives the impression that it's not an SUV.
Locally, BMW has opted for a range of 4-cylinder engines, with the choice of either turbopetrol or turbodiesel powerplants. You can choose the sDrive20i which has peak outputs of 141 kW and 280 Nm of torque or the xDrive 20d with its 140 kW and 400 Nm. The range will be expanded shortly, with the addition of a 1.5-litre turbocharged, 3-cylinder engine doing duty in the X2 sDrive18i, which is also front-wheel driven. We've had some experience with this engine before as it does duty in some Mini products. Power is rated at 103 kW and 220 Nm.
The only model to feature all-wheel drive capability is the diesel X2 20d. The new X2 undoubtedly brings style and personality to the lower end of BMW's SUV family. If people shun the traditional X1, but want something that does almost the same job, then the X2 is your port of call.
Jaguar's 'honey-I-shrunk-the-F-Pace' also launched in South Africa recently and the newcomer looks good. With visual elements lifted straight from the F-Type sportscar, it's hard to ignore its motorsport heritage. However, a sports SUV it is not. Being from the Jaguar Land Rover family has its benefits as its pretty capable when the tarmac ends. The 4-cylinder, 2.0-litre petrol engines produce 184 kW and 221 kW, while the oil-burning 2.0-litre turbodiesel engines offer up 110 kW, 132 kW, and 177 kW. All-wheel drive is standard on all derivatives.
Despite being surprisingly heavy, it's actually good to drive, with quick and responsive steering and if you haven't opted for the biggest wheel size, it will provide good ride quality too. When loaded with optional kit, the E-Pace becomes a pricey proposition.
Positioned to compete in the burgeoning premium, compact crossover segment, the Q2 targets affluent, younger buyers that place a priority on design appeal, quality, and the latest technologies. This means that practical concerns such as spaciousness, versatility and value for money take a back seat to premium finishes, individuality and a vast… vast optional extras list.
There are many petrol and diesel engines to choose from, ranging from an 85 kW / 200 Nm 1.0-litre 3-cylinder to a 2.0-litre TDI with 105 kW and 340 Nm. Surprisingly, there's no option of a quattro derivative. Being based on the A3's underpinnings was never going to make it especially bad, but the Q2 feels tight and taut most of the time, with excellent steering. Overall, the cabin is beautiful and well-made, the steering sharp and the chassis capable.
Recently facelifted, the Lexus NX brings impressive levels of luxury, refinement and build quality to the segment. The new engine naming structure means the 200T badge has been dropped. In terms of engines, the entry-level NX300 E is now front-wheel drive (previously all-wheel drive) with the use of a 6-speed transmission. It’s still powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine with 175 kW and 350 Nm of torque which also powers the EX and F-Sport derivatives. The hybrid NX 300h combines a 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor to produce outputs of 150 kW and 210 Nm of torque.
The F-Sport kit really makes the Lexus NX stand out. Some may not like the gaping angular grille, but its uniqueness may win it some hardcore fans. The ride quality is firm, yes, but hardly unbearable and when the tarmac switches from potholed B-roads to the national highway, you'll appreciate how quiet, smooth and refined the Lexus NX is.
One of the vehicles which started this compact premium SUV craze lives on, thanks to some facelifts. Launched back in 2011, the Evoque is stylish, modern and capable offroad. The mind-blowing looks aren’t just skin-deep. Underneath the gorgeous bodywork is one of the neatest and most stylish car interiors. It’s flawless in terms of ergonomics and everything is right where you expect it to be. There is an array of 4-cylinder petrol and diesel engines to choose from, with our personal choice leaning towards the diesel.
JLR has offered the Evoque in a bewildering array of spec and trim levels, and of course, you can go to town with some options, with a price tag to match! Much has been said about the Evoque’s off-road skills and thanks to Range Rover’s terrain response system it has the ability to adapt to different surfaces. Finally, it is the only vehicle on this list which offers a convertible body style.
Other vehicles worth considering are the Mercedes-Benz GLA/GLC and Volkswagen Tiguan.
Renault Kwid Climber Limited Edition in SA
Renault has launched a limited edition Kwid Climber in South Africa and only 200 units are on offer. Herewith the details…
The Renault Kwid is selling strongly in South Africa and following the introduction of the Kwid Dynamique AMT earlier this year, Renault SA is now introducing a limited edition Kwid Climber to the mix with 200 units available to local customers.
Key design details
Rugged body cladding and orange detailing gives the Kwid Climber its unique look.
The Kwid Climber is offered in Electric Blue or Planet Grey and features a 2-tone exterior with exterior body cladding seen on the doors and wheel arches while bumper over-riders further add to the rugged appeal. The bumper protectors will help prevent scratches and scuffs. Roof rails with orange accents are also fitted along with muscular-style wheels to round off the look. ‘Climber’ insignia is also seen on the doors and rear windscreen.
The orange 2-tone theme carries over to the interior. Navigation is standard, a boon in this segment.
On the inside, the Kwid Climber features a piano black fascia with orange contours and ‘Climber’ insignia on the 2-tone seat headrests to match the exterior styling. Orange accents are also seen on the door trim, side air vents, 2-tone gear knob and steering wheel.
A 7-inch MediaNav touchscreen infotainment system is standard offering navigation, Bluetooth connectivity and radio.
Other standard features include air conditioning, electric windows and height adjustable front seats.
Engine power
The Kwid Climber utilises the familiar 3-cylinder, 1.0-litre petrol engine with 50 kW and 91 Nm of torque and mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. Fuel consumption is claimed at 4.7 /100km.
Renault Kwid – Price in South Africa (April 2018)
Renault Kwid Expression – R127 900
Renault Kwid Dynamique – R137 900
Renault Kwid Dynamique AMT – R147 900
Renault Kwid Climber – R 148 900
The Renault Kwid is sold with 5-year/150 000km warranty and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty. Service plans are optional.
