Peugeot 3008 (2017) Launch Review

The new Peugeot 3008 SUV has arrived in South Africa and we attended the local launch this week to give the stylish French newcomer a drive. Take a look at our first impressions below…

The new 3008 has entered a very crowded SUV/crossover market and at this rate, consumers may begin to feel claustrophobic as there are a plethora of products to choose from. The new 3008 has a challenging task ahead of it to sway buying decisions in its favour against strong rivals such as the Volkswagen Tiguan, Nissan Qashqai, Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage, to name a few. Let's examine what this new 3008 brings to the party, shall we?

Practical French Flair

The 3008 features a futuristic-looking interior with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display and all-digital instrument display.

One thing that the new 3008 has in bucket loads, is style. It has a unique look, completely different from its competitors, which may intrigue buyers who are looking for something more chic and sophisticated.

The exterior is unusually pretty, with angular sections creating a space-age visage. The new 3008 is larger than its predecessor, offering more space for passengers and luggage and is perfectly suited to a family that places priority on practicality. The luggage bay is sizable at 520 litres and with the rear seats folded down, space increases further to 1 670 litres. Interior build quality is of a high standard and having recently experienced the lovely i-Cockpit interior in newer Peugeots such as the 208 and 308, the 3008 does not disappoint.

Apple smartphone users will be pleased to know that Apple CarPlay is offered on the new 3008.

In fact, it encourages the driver and passenger to touch and feel the various switches and surfaces. All the action happens on an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen and although it takes care of most functionality at a touch, alternative switches are present, which some users may prefer to use. Apple CarPlay is offered and Apple users will jump for joy as there is no need to pair a device to the car. Android users have the option of Android Auto, but it's not yet fully available in South Africa. 3D navigation is offered as standard on the GT Line derivatives. One can’t help but feel like a character from the Jetsons while sitting in the new 3008, it’s all very modern.

In terms of safety, the 3008 is equipped with 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist, electronic stability control and traction control, driver attention alert, lane departure warning and road sign detection. ISOFIX child seat mounts are also fitted across the range. The GT Line+ derivative adds features such as advanced brake assist, front collision warning and active blind spot detection.

The Lineup

A 1.6-litre turbopetrol engine will power the 3008 range initially, with a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine coming early in 2018.

The new 3008 is offered with 3 trim lines to choose from including the entry-level Active, mid-spec Allure and Allure+ and the range-topping GT Line and GT-Line+. At launch, we had the opportunity to sample the Allure and the GT Line+. The Allure offers cloth seats on the inside and rides on 18-inch alloy wheels as standard. The GT Line+ is much more visually appealing and comes fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels, leather seats with massage function and a sunroof.

Look at detailed specification for the new Peugeot 3008 here!

All 3008 derivatives are equipped with a 1.6-litre turbopetrol engine with 121 kW and 240 Nm of torque and only a 6-speed automatic transmission is currently offered. Peugeot will introduce a 100 kW 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine in the first quarter of 2018. Thankfully, the turbocharged 1.6-litre unit has adequate power and torque and although it's not particularly fast, it seems to be well suited for open road driving and commutes within the city.

Customisation is something Peugeot has focused on in the new 3008 and the sound of the engine changes depending on the driving mode you choose. In standard mode, a somewhat normal engine tone is apparent with a hiss apparent under harder acceleration. This sound changes when the Sport button is pressed, giving you a completely synthetic growl which is meant to make you feel more excited, apparently. I personally feel that this feature is unnecessary for a car in this segment, as it's not meant to be overly sporty. The focus should rather be on comfort, which is something the 3008 does do very well.

Another comfort feature offered is the choice of different scents you can have in the car. Through the infotainment system, you’re able to select between 3 different scents, some of which are better than others. Again, this may not seem necessary, but for buyers looking for a unique-smelling cabin, this feature may be of interest.

How does the 3008 perform?

The 3008 offers high levels of refinement and on-road comfort, but it is also capable of tackling dirt roads if need be.

On the road, the new 3008 is highly refined, giving you a quiet driving experience, barring the slight wind noise you hear coming off from the side mirrors at highway speed. With the radio on, however, the noise is drowned out, so there's no need to fuss over it. The ride quality is sublime, especially in the GT Line+ variant fitted with the leather seats. The 1.6-litre engine is responsive enough to initiate overtaking with ease and the gearbox is never too busy. Since the new 3008 is called an SUV, Peugeot included a gravel section on our route to demonstrate its off road capabilities. With its raised ride height, the 3008 will navigate gravel roads with ease but it's not a fully-fledged 4×4, so those more challenging off road routes are best avoided.

Overall, the driving experience of the new 3008 lives up to Peugeots aim to provide a premium offering in this segment. It ticks many boxes and is a complete, quality package. In light of recent events surrounding Peugeots sister company, Citroen, one would think consumers would be nervous to buy the product. This is not the case according to the Peugeot marketing team, who have apparently filled their order books for the new 3008 despite entering the market amidst stiff competition. That being said, consumer brand loyalty will ensure that Peugeot gets market share through a loyal customer base as well as new business. The 3008's packaging is somewhat unique in this segment and buyers looking for a more retro SUV offering will in all likelihood find the new 3008 quite tantalising.

We will have the new 3008 on test soon, so be sure to look out for a thorough evaluation coming your way soon.

Peugeot 3008 – Price in South Africa

3008 Active 1.6 THP A/T – R399 900

3008 Allure 1.6 THP A/T – R444 900

3008 Allure+ 1.6 THP A/T – R464 900

3008 GT Line 1.6 THP A/T – R499 900

3008 GT Line 1.6 THP A/T – R569 900

The new Peugeot 3008 is sold with 3-year/100 000 km warranty and a 4-year/60 000 km service plan with the option to upgrade to a full 5-year/100 000km maintenance plan. 3-year/100 000 km Roadside Assistance and a 12-year anti-perforation warranty is also included.

Want to buy a Peugeot 3008?

Find a new or used Peugeot 3008 on Cars.co.za

6 Most Affordable Sedans in SA

Sedans may not be that popular at the moment but they still offer loads of practicality and value, especially if your budget is under 200k. Take a look at 6 of South Africa’s most affordable sedans…

"Death by crossover" aptly describes the state of sedan sales in South Africa. Consumers are smitten with crossovers and sedan sales have plummeted as a result. However, with budgets tightening amid tough economic conditions, the practicality of a small sedan still has merit and the sedan has much to offer small families who are looking for a practical and reliable ride.

Join us as we take a closer look at 6 of South Africa’s most budget-friendly sedans…

Suzuki Swift DeZire Sedan (from R155 900)

The Suzuki Swift Dzire offers buyers 3 derivatives to choose from. The Dzire range starts with the base GA offering (R155 900), followed by the high-spec GL manual (R169 900) and automatic (R186 900) versions. The Swift DZire is powered by a naturally aspirated 1.2-litre petrol engine with 63 kW and 113 Nm of torque. Suzuki claims a fuel consumption figure of 5.2 L/100 km for the manual derivatives while the automatic is said to consume 5.9 L/100 km.

The Swift Dzire has a claimed boot capacity of 300 litres and comes equipped with 2 airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist.

Find a new or used Suzuki Swift Dzire on Cars.co.za

Honda Brio Amaze Sedan (from R170 300)

Three Honda Brio Amaze sedan derivatives are available, starting with the Amaze 1.2 Trend priced from R170 300. The high-spec Amaze 1.2 Comfort manual is priced from R182 500 while the automatic version carries a price tag of R196 300.

The Honda Brio Amaze is fitted with a 1.2-litre 4-cylinder engine delivering 65 kW and 109 Nm of torque and Honda claims a fuel consumption figure of 6.1 L/100 km for the manual derivatives. Claimed fuel consumption for the automatic version is 6.9 L/100 km. The Brio Amaze is said to offer 405 litres of boot space, with a pair of front airbags and ABS with EBD is fitted as standard.

Find a new or used Honda Brio Amaze on Cars.co.za

Tata Bolt Sedan (from R167 995)

Two Tata Bolt sedan derivatives are available to buyers and both feature a manual transmission. The Tata Bolt 1.2T XMS is priced from R167 995 while the high-spec 1.2T XT is priced from R177 995.

A turbocharged 1.2-litre engine, which produces 66 kW and 140 Nm of torque, powers the Bolt sedan. Tata claims an average fuel consumption figure of 6.5 L/100 km and a luggage capacity of 360 litres. The safety features include 2 airbags and ABS with EBD.

Another option to consider from Tata is the Manza sedan. It’s powered by a naturally aspirated 1.4-litre engine with 66 kW and 116 Nm of torque, with a claimed fuel consumption figure of 6.4 L/100 km. Pricing for the Manza starts at R156 995 for the 1.4 Ini while the high-spec 1.4 Ignis is priced from R177 995. ABS with EBD is fitted as standard along with 2 airbags and the Tata sedan's boot capacity is reportedly a sizable 460 litres.

Find a new or used Tata Bolt sedan on Cars.co.za

Toyota Etios Sedan (from R173 900)

The Toyota Etios sedan is available in two derivatives – the 1.5 Xi and 1.5 Sprint. both are offered with a manual transmission and mated with the same 1.5-litre engine offering 66 kW and 132 Nm of torque. Toyota claims an average fuel consumption figure of 5.9 L/100 km.

Pricing starts at R172 200 for the Etios 1.5 Xi sedan and R182 300 for the Etios 1.5 Sprint sedan. Safety features include 2 airbags and ABS with EBD. The Etios sedan has the largest claimed boot capacity on this list at 595 litres.

Find a new or used Toyota Etios sedan on Cars.co.za

Ford Figo Sedan (from R176 900)

The Ford Figo sedan is offered in 3 trim levels: Ambiente (R176 900), Trend (R188 900) and Titanium (R217 900). All derivatives are powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine with 82 kW and 136 Nm of torque, making the Figo the most powerful budget sedan on this list. Ambiente and Trend derivatives are offered with a manual transmission while the Titanium derivative is offered with an automatic transmission only. Ford claims 6.0 L/100 km for the automatic derivative and 5.9 L/100 km for the manual versions.

Boot capacity is rated at 445 litres and safety features include 2 airbags and ABS.

Find a new or used Ford Figo sedan on Cars.co.za

Volkswagen Polo Vivo Sedan (from R186 000)

The Volkswagen Polo Vivo sedan is a popular choice in this segment and buyers can choose between 5 sedan derivatives with either manual or automatic transmissions. At the bottom of the range is the 1.4 Conceptline priced from R186 000. It’s powered by a naturally aspirated 1.4-litre engine delivering 55 kW and 132 Nm of torque with a claimed fuel consumption figure of 6.2 L/100 km. The mid-spec 1.4 Trendline is priced from R195 200.

There’s also a more powerful 1.6-litre engine on offer with 77 kW and 155 Nm of torque. It’s available in either Trendline or Comfortline trim and the 1.6 Trendline derivative is also available as an automatic.

The 1.6 Trendline sedan is priced from R203 000 while the automatic version is priced from R211 200 with a claimed fuel consumption figure of 6.9 L/100 km. The top-of-the-range 1.6 Comfortline sedan is priced at R211 600. The manual 1.6 derivatives have a claimed fuel consumption figure of 6.6 L/100 km.

The Polo Vivo sedan is said to offer 432 litres of boot space and safety features include 2 airbags and ABS with EBD.

Find a new or used Volkswagen Polo Vivo sedan on Cars.co.za

Toyota Yaris GRMN (2017) International Launch Review

Can Toyota successfully produce a hot hatch to rival the likes of the Polo GTI, Clio RS and Fiesta ST? The Japanese brand has come up with a world rally championship-inspired 157 kW Yaris GRMN and international correspondent Dan Prosser finds out if the newcomer is on the right track.

For the past 20 years, car manufacturers competing in the World Rally Championship haven’t really known how to draw a tangible link between their road cars and their mud-splattered competition machines. Not since the late 1990s have they been required by the rules to build road-going versions of their special stage weapons, which has meant that, for the most part, rally cars and road cars have shared scarcely any DNA.

The Yaris GRMN is Toyota’s attempt to make the bewinged beasts that fly over Finnish crests at 160 kph seem more closely related to the showroom models. Unlike its rallying sibling, however, the Yaris GRMN isn’t four-wheel drive, it doesn’t have bundles of power and it isn’t particularly fast.

What is a GRMN?

Still under wraps, the Yaris GRMN is in the final development stages before it goes into European production later this year.

To you and me, GRMN is as unfamiliar as it is clumsy to say aloud. It has actually been around in Japan for several years already, but now Toyota is launching the performance brand in Europe. The badge will be reserved for its sportiest, range-topping models. Toyota won’t confirm anything for the time being, but GRMN versions of the 86 and forthcoming Supra might well be on their way.

Those four letters stand for Gazoo Racing Meister of Nürburgring, which probably sounds more poetic to a native Japanese speaker than it does to the rest of us. Gazoo Racing is the in-house division that runs Toyota’s LMP1 and to some extent, Dakar programme, while ‘Meister of Nürburgring’ refers to the Nordschleife wizards who will test and develop the cars, working partly out of the company’s permanent facility near to the ’Ring.

Is it coming here?

The MN in GRMN stands for Meister of Nurburgring. Many laps have been clocked up in the spicy Yaris' development.

The Yaris GRMN will be limited to just 400 units in Europe, with no units destined for SA. It will cost 29 900 euros (R450 000) and uses a 1.8-litre supercharged 4 cylinder that will develop about 157 kW. Toyota South Africa isn't all that keen on the model anyway as it sees Yaris as a value-based all-rounder in the B-segment. That's not the only deterrent, however, fuel quality issues in South Africa prevent the Yaris GRMN's engine from breathing as cleanly as the Japanese require.

Toyota’s stated objective for the Yaris GRMN is bold: for it to be the lightest, fastest and most powerful car in its class. It remains front-wheel drive, although the body structure has been stiffened and the springs and dampers are bespoke. There is even a Torsen limited-slip differential.

“Every single day people told us this project was too challenging,” says project leader Stijn Peeters. “They told us to stop, but we always had the support of the management.”

Nonetheless, a company the size of Toyota is simply not structured to develop, build and sell a very limited- edition car that’s so different to the base model. Inflexible long-term product strategies and factories that are run with millimetric precision don’t leave much room for short-run projects like this one. In fact, for Peeters and chief engineer Yoshinori Sasaki, the entire project has been a battle from start to finish. You get the feeling that had they pitched four-wheel drive and 200 kW to the board, the idea of a Yaris GRMN wouldn’t have survived the first meeting.

How does it drive?

Toyota has chosen to supercharge its 4-pot rather than turbocharge like many of its competitors. This means instantaneous throttle response.

Production won’t begin until late 2017, which means the car isn’t quite finished yet. Even at this prototype stage, though, it is a huge amount of fun to drive. The Sachs dampers are fixed rate and there are no complicated driving modes or adjustable parameters. The exhaust barks out a snorty, tinny tune, rather than the contrived parping and popping score that accompanies so many small hot hatches. The Yaris GRMN is brilliantly simple.

The specially developed sports seats offer lots of support, although they’re set a little high and the 86- sourced steering wheel doesn’t extend quite far enough. The pedals are also spaced a little awkwardly for heel and toe downshifts. Those things are all determined by Toyota’s unbendable global standards, which means the engineers’ hands were tied. In some ways, an independent garage would be better placed to build this sort of car.

The chassis is just about as focused as they come in this sector. It feels firm, with lots of support at each corner, but there’s enough quality in the damping to deal with most road surfaces. It’s properly taut, this Yaris; it feels just a set of knobbly tyres and some bucket seats away from being a junior rally car.

Bar the bucket seats, the interior isn't as racy as the engine and exhaust. Toyota 86 steering wheel is transplanted into this GRMN.

The Bridgestone tyres don’t generate huge grip, which means the car’s limits are well within reach on the road. That makes it a real blast to drive but, before too long, those modest grip levels might well become a frustration. It might not deliver the strong, boosty acceleration of a turbo unit, but the supercharged engine feels potent enough and very sweet. It also offers instantaneous throttle response, which no turbo engine does, while the LSD works subtly but effectively to give good traction away from corners. The manual gearbox is reasonably slick, the steering is decent enough and the four-pot brakes feel strong.

No matter the price, driving doesn’t get a whole lot more amusing than this. The Yaris GRMN isn’t the lightly detuned WRC monster some will have been hoping for, but it’s a very promising hot hatch…

The sportiest iteration of the Yaris to date lays down a marker for where the Toyota brand is headed.

Spec comparison

	Toyota Yaris GRMN	Ford Fiesta ST200	Renault Clio RS220 Trophy	Volkswagen Polo GTI Auto
Power/torque	157 kW/250 Nm	147 kW/290 Nm	162 kW/260 Nm	141 kW/250 Nm
0-100 kph	6.3-6.5 s	6.7 s	6.6 s	6.7 s
Top speed	230 kph	230 kph	235 kph	237 kph
Weight	1 135 kg	1 170 kg	1 170 kg	1 272 kg

Toyota says the "Yaris GRMN brings the rhythm of rally to the road", and the Japanese firm "created the performance to prove it". The following clip, named The Dance combines the car and professional dancers "choreographed to match its power and precision". Have a look:

Searching for a used Yaris?

Start your search here

Suzuki Ignis 1.2 GLX (2017) Review [Video]

Since coming out tops in the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank, in January, Japanese brand Suzuki has been experiencing growing support in South Africa. Usually known for affordable and conservative small vehicles, it has recently released its most characterful offering yet, the Ignis. But just how good is Suzuki at stepping out of the norm?

We like: individualistic design, spacious cabin, perky engine performance, good fuel economy

We don’t like: lack of self-centering of steering, lack of electronic stability system

Alternatives

Germanic but fun: The VW up!, offered in a quasi-crossover version called the Cross up! is the most obvious rival to the Ignis. It is priced slightly higher (R196 800), but has less power from its 1.0-litre engine, doesn't have a standard service plan and is also missing some features (including rear park sensors). Read our comparative review with the Smart ForFour here.
Almost a 3-pointed star: Another German rival (though with some French genes), is the Smart ForFour. Available for less than R200 000 in Passion specification, the rear-engined ForFour is a quirky offering that beats the Ignis in terms of safety specification (as does the Cross Up!), but lacks its Japanese rival's performance and spaciousness.
Improving Chinese: The GWM M4 is increasingly finding favour in the local market, is similarly priced and offers interesting, SUV-like looks. Its 1.5-litre engine offers more power but is thirstier, and the boot space is limited. You get the best warranty (5-years/100 000km) and it is currently subject to a 10-year anniversary offer (R20 000 discount). It is in the process of being rebadged as the Haval H1. Watch our video here.

Compare the Suzuki Ignis 1.2 GLX with the Volkswagen Cross Up! and Smart ForFour Passion by clicking here

Where does it fit in?

A Suzuki for a new generation, the Ignis is bold yet entirely practical. Buyers can choose from several exterior/interior trim options.

Suzuki's product portfolio has expanded significantly in recent times, but while a car such as the Vitara is by no means dull and the upcoming new Swift looks the part, the brand has thus far lacked something that would appeal to a more style-conscious budget-segment shopper. Enter the Ignis. Part compact hatchback, part crossover, and with a huge dollop of Mini-like customization on offer, suddenly there's a Suzuki that appeals to more than just common sense. It enters what has become quite a sizeable segment of the market, and competes with the likes of the Volkswagen Cross up!, Toyota Etios Cross, Smart ForFour, Renault Sandero Stepway and GWM M4/Haval H1 to name but a few.

How does it fare in terms of…

Packaging and Design

Individualisation options extend to different wheel finishes, foglamp surrounds and grille treatments.

The Ignis is a compact-looking thing, and probably appears smaller on pictures than it turns out to be in real life. By comparison, it is slightly wider, taller and longer than a Volkswagen Cross up!, despite looking quite "pinched", especially from the rear. It's a car that turned plenty of heads during its time with us. This GLX-specification car had a number of optional items fitted, but there are so many variations on offer it really is best to discuss all the possibilities with your Suzuki dealer. In short, there are different grille treatments, decals, wheels, trim etc. and numerous colours to choose from. Whatever you end up selecting, the Ignis is one of the boldest compact cars you can buy, with a cheekiness that makes people smile.
The youthful theme continues inside the Ignis, where a number of trim options are available. Design is functional and trendy.

A bigger surprise awaits inside, where Suzuki's designers were seemingly given free reign to come up with a very attractive layout and great attention to detail, without losing the bold charm of the exterior. Again, plenty of options are offered, and our test car featured a particularly attractive contrasting white/black theme, with splashes of vibrant blue here and there. The plastics used are not quite of the same Teutonic "heft" as those you'll find in the VW up!, but the Ignis is solidly screwed together and remained rattle and squeak free during our test period. It is, however, a pity that it lacks the leather-wrapped steering wheel of some of its rivals, and the door trim (entirely plastic) leaves a somewhat "cheap" impression.

60/40 split rear seats and a bigger boot than expected turn the Ignis into a surprisingly practical small family car.

The seating position is very good, even though the steering wheel lacks reach adjustment. Height-adjustment for the driver's seat partly makes up for that omission. We like the design and functionality of the climate control (yes, indeed, standard fitment) interface as well as the "floating" infotainment interface (more on that later). The spaciousness of the cabin continues for rear passengers, where there is legroom superior to what you'd find in its rivals, even though South African specification cars sadly lack the sliding rear seat offered in some overseas markets. The boot, too, will swallow more luggage than you'd imagine, and still manages to hide a full-size spare underneath its floor. Overall, from a packaging point of view, the Ignis is hard to fault.

Performance and Economy

Slick 5-speed manual 'box allows you to make the most of the engine's impressive responsiveness. The Ignis is fun to drive.

One of the focus areas during the Ignis's development period was saving weight. Suzuki's new generation cars are all incredibly light, yet is said to be every bit as torsionally stiff and strong in crash situations as their precedessors. The Ignis weighs a feathery 850 kg, about 100 kg less than a Volkswagen Cross-up! At the same time, its 1.2-litre engine is significantly more powerful. The Suzuki's 4-cylinder powerplant develops 61 kW and 113 Nm of torque compared with the 55 kW and 95 Nm of its main German rival. Consequently, the Ignis feels very lively to drive. Of course, with a 0-100 kph time of 11.6 seconds you're not going anywhere fast, but it certainly will outpace the up! More importantly, the engine is coupled with a slick 5-speed manual transmission and the engine is free-revving, so it's a fun drive. A minor negative mentioned by some testers was the clutch pedal action, which was described as "floppy".

The light mass also has a benefit for the fuel economy on offer. Suzuki claims a combined cycle consumption figure of 5.1 L/100 km, and we found this remarkably accurate. We achieved an average of around 5.7 L/100 km (spirited driving). So, while Volkswagen claims a consumption figure of 4.7 L/100 km, our experience shows that, in reality, the two cars are evently matched – but keep in mind the Suzuki's performance advantage.

Handling and Ride

The Ignis's ride is on the firm side, but not harsh. Lack of ESP is a disappointment.

In keeping with the Ignis's overall youthful persona, the ride is on the firm side, but hardly skittish or uncomfortable. Given its somewhat top-heavy look, it also fares quite well in the corners, with good body control overall, despite some lean. There are, however, a couple of minor criticisms and they're partly comfort- and partly safety-related. For one, the steering lacks sufficient self-centring, so you have make more corrections than is ideal. And the lack of an electronic stability system is disappointing in this day and age. We were, however, impressed with the brakes, which features EBD (electronic brake force distribution) and EBA (electronic brake assist).

Standard Features

The standard infotainment system can be upgraded to a 6.2-inch touch-screen at extra cost.

Most of the optional items avaiable for the Ignis are with regards to styling/trim, and not functional items. GLX specification is pretty generous, with rarely seen items (at this price level) such as climate control, rear park sensors, LED daytime running lights, push-button start/stop and a height-adjustable driver's seat being welcome features. Additionally, there are also electric windows all-round and a multi-function steering wheel. The standard infotainment system offers good functionality (USB, aux and Bluetooth support), but Suzuki offers a far more attractive touch-screen system as an optional extra. For around R7 000, the 6.2-inch system is a must, is satnav-ready and can run Spotify, too. Also available as an option are rear USB ports.

Where the Ignis falls a little short compared with its rivals is with regards to safety. We've already mentioned the lack of an electronic stability system, but to make matters worse the Ignis only has 2 airbags (dual front). At least rear Isofix child seat mountings are fitted.

Pricing and Warranty

The Suzuki Ignis 1.2 GLX sells for R189 900 (August 2017). For a limited period (until December 2017) the warranty has been extended to 5-years/200 000 km, which is unmatched in this segment. A service plan of 2-years/30 000 km is also included. It is worth highlighting once more that Suzuki is our current Brand of the Year, which would not have been possible if its owners didn't believe the brand offers outstanding after-sales service.

Verdict

Arguably the most controversal angle of the Ignis, but it can't be mistaken for anything else. Pinched looks notwithstanding, it is spacious.

If you've read this far, you'll have realised that we were quite taken with this newcomer from Suzuki. What we like about it in particular is how it manages to combine seemingly opposing talents without compromise. It is compact, yet surprisingly spacious. The engine delivers fun, strong performance, yet the overall efficiency is remarkable. It is priced very well, yet offers an excellent mix of attractive standard features, with the only black mark really being in the safety features department. And, finally, it offers all the peace-of-mind and trust that is part and parcel of purchasing a Suzuki, yet also delivers a refreshing dash of style and character. It's a winner.

Watch #CarsAwards judge Juliet McGuire's video review of the Ignis below:

You may also be interested in:

Renault Sandero Stepway Dynamique (2017) Review

Winners of the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – Powered by WesBank

Volkswagen Move up! (2017) Review

5 Small Crossovers for less than R200k (2016)

Interested in buying a new / used Suzuki Ignis?

Find one for sale on Cars.co.za by clicking here

Volkswagen Offers Performance Parts for Golf R [Video]

The facelifted Volkswagen Golf R has arrived in South Africa, but Volkswagen is already offering up some go-faster goodies which we hope will make their way to our market. Let's see what they entail.

The Volkswagen Golf R arrived with an uprated 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, with 213 kW and 380 Nm. It also features a new 7-speed DSG 'box which allows the new R to slingshot to 100 kph in a claimed 4.6 seconds.

However, Volkswagen internationally has made some performance parts available to its Golf R customers and we're hoping these will eventually make their way to South Africa. The Volkswagen Golf R can be fitted with exclusive Performance packs, which comprise improved disc brakes, semi-slick tyres for track driving as well as an Akrapovic-sourced exhaust system, which will address the lack of an emotional soundtrack.

The Performance brake setup is 2 kg lighter than the standard stoppers and offer better braking power, and can be identified by R-lettering on the calipers. As for the exhaust, it too is lighter than the standard unit by 7 kg, and offers what Volkswagen claim are "completely new acoustics."

We hope that Volkswagen SA considers bringing in these parts, especially seeing as how popular the performance derivatives of the Golf are.

What does an Akrapovic-equipped Volkswagen Golf R sound like?

Would you like to buy a Volkswagen Golf?

Find stock on Cars.co.za now.

BMW 3 Series Edition Models in SA

As of August 2017, BMW will be offering 2 new 3 Series edition models in South Africa as well as additional standard and optional equipment features for the 3 Series sedan.

The 3 Series sedan is a bread-and-butter model for BMW and monthly sales reflect its popularity in the local market. Worldwide, more than 15 million 3 Series vehicles have been sold. In an effort to further entice buyers, BMW is now offering 2 new 3 Series edition models, including the Edition Sport Line Shadow and the Edition M Sport Shadow. The edition models can be ordered in addition to those with existing equipment lines and in conjunction with various available types of engines.

In addition, BMW is also offering additional standard and optional equipment features across the 3 Series sedan range. Take a look at the details below…

Key details for new BMW Edition models

Sunset Orange exterior body colour from the updated 4 Series is now offered on the 3 Series.

The Edition Sport Line Shadow, only offered for the 318i, features black inserts for the headlight and taillight assemblies and black is seen on the kidney grille surrounds and inserts of the lower air ducts. The tailpipes are also finished off in chrome black. As for wheels, the Edition Sport Line Shadow rides on 18-inch light alloys with a double-spoke design in an exclusive Jet Black colour.

The Edition Sport Line Shadow’s instrument panel features a new contrasting seam, upgraded instrument cluster and a new sports steering wheel. The sports seats are upholstered in a combination of cloth and leather and the interior features new Dark Aluminium Carbon trim with Pearl Gloss Chrome accent strips.

As for the Edition M Sport Shadow, offered for the 320i, 320d, 330i, 330e and 340i, key features include black headlight units and dark taillight inserts with a black kidney grille and chrome Black exhaust tailpipes. LED fog lights and black inserts for the lower air intake is also included. The Edition M Sport Shadow rides on 19-inch M light alloy wheels in a double-spoke design which can be finished off in Orbit Grey as an option.

Subtle, yet effective design details give the new Edition models a unique look.

On the inside, the Edition M Sport Shadow features sports seats in black leather with contrasting blue seams. Dark Aluminium Carbon trim strips with Pearl Gloss Chrome accent strips are included and the instrument cluster features improved display functions while the dashboard has contrasting stitching to round off the look. This model is also equipped with an M sports suspension, M aerodynamics package, M leather-covered steering wheel, roof lining in Anthracite, M door sills and Driving Experience Control including SPORT+ mode.

Additional standard and optional features for BMW 3 Series

Customers can now have the optional Cognac leather upholstery in their 3 Series.

All BMW 3 Series derivatives are now offered with LED headlights and LED fog lights as standard. The striking Sunset Orange body colour, offered on the updated 4 Series, will now also be available for the 3 Series sedan.

Trim lines for the 3 Series including Sport Line, Luxury Line and M Sport will now include the contrasting seam on the dashboard. Cognac leather upholstery, additional trim strips and a choice of 17-, 18- and 19-inch light alloy wheels are offered as an option.

The navigation system Professional with the iDrive operating system is supplemented with a Control Display with a touch screen function. Both the standard Radio Professional and optional navigation system Professional now feature a menu display with a tile structure with animated graphics in live mode.

All 3 Series sedan derivatives can now be equipped with the optional multifunction instrument display. The fully digital TFT colour display shows driving-related information in an individually selectable design and the display varies according to the selected driving mode.

Want to buy a BMW 3 Series?

Find a new or used BMW 3 Series on Cars.co.za

Hyundai Elantra 1.6 Turbo Elite Sport (2017) Quick Review

The Hyundai Elantra has been one of the brand's sensible sedan offerings for some time, but now the Koreans have attempted to move its product into a premium and sportier niche. Can a sporty Hyundai Elantra succeed at a premium price point? We get behind the wheel of Hyundai's flagship Elantra, known as the 1.6 Turbo Elite Sport.

We like: Impressive powertrain, refinement, standard features, spacious cabin

We don’t like: ride may be too stiffly-sprung for some, clunky infotainment system

Alternatives:

A segment stalwart: The Volkswagen Jetta 1.4 TSI finds itself in a position where space, premium-ness and value for money come together nicely. It's down on power and doesn't offer as much as the Hyundai Elantra in terms of standard specification.
For premium brand appeal: In the compact sedan market, the Audi A3 4-door is at the top of the pile. However, you pay dearly for this privilege as its far more expensive than its Korean rival and at this price point you can only opt for a 1.0-litre turbo triple cylinder.
Honda Civic 1.5T Sport: The offering from the Far East brings exceptional styling and a peppy powertrain. Sadly, the cabin design and finish are woeful and far behind that of its Korean rival.

Compare the specifications of the Hyundai Elantra to the Volkswagen Jetta, Audi A3 sedan and Honda Civic sedan here.

The new Hyundai Elantra in 1.6 Turbo Elite Sport guise is a handsome vehicle. Note sporty wheels and discrete turbo badge on the grille

Facts & figures

Price: R399 900 (August 2017)
Engine: 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder turbopetrol
Transmission: 6-speed dual clutch
Power: 150 kW (combined)
Torque: 265 Nm (combined)
Fuel consumption: 7.9 L/100 km (claimed)
0-100 kph: 7.7 seconds (claimed)
Top speed: 210 kph (claimed)

What's special about it?

Despite its sporty demeanour, the Hyundai Elantra still retains its sensible and practical capability.

Generally speaking, previous versions of the Hyundai Elantra were regarded alternatives to Japanese compact sedans such as the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. For this all-new model, Hyundai looks to go upmarket by introducing a sporty derivative. This is not a cosmetic touch up (with a set of sportier big alloys here and a boot spoiler there), but rather a purpose-built warm (as opposed to hot) performance sedan. What's this all about, then?

Well, the newcomer's sporty exterior execution speaks for itself: the Sport represents a deliberate overture to premium compact- and business class sedan buyers. Yes, there are more soberly specced Elantras that rival the likes of the Toyota Corolla, Kia Cerato, Mazda3 and the Ford Focus, but this is a completely different animal. Hyundai has lifted the engine and gearbox straight from a Veloster Turbo and bolted into this family sedan. Factor in the sporty visual addenda, both inside and out, and we have a Korean sedan nipping at the heels of some of the more premium players.

The good

Powertrain combination

Not everyone was delighted by the Hyundai Veloster Turbo's engine-transmission combo. It all sounded great in theory: a punchy 1.6-litre turbopetrol mated with a quick-shifting 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox, but it didn't gel… the auto 'box wasn't ideally calibrated to the motor's performance characteristics. However, for the Elantra Sport, Hyundai has installed a 7-speed transmission and optimised the mapping software.

The Elantra is easily the sportiest-looking sedan that Hyundai has launched in South Africa.

The engine pushes out 150 kW and 265 Nm, which admittedly won't trouble the hot hatches of this world, but is enough to give the sedan urgent in-gear shove. Power goes to the front wheels via the aforementioned 7-speed dual clutch 'box and there are shift paddles located behind the steering wheel. What's more, there's a purposeful engine note to the Sport; while it's hardly noticeable in the cabin, its prominent (at full throttle) from outside.

Sporty upgrades

As mentioned above, the powertrain has already imbued the vehicle with a substantial sporty edge, but it'll take a keen-eyed enthusiast to appreciate the real details. Sure, a "Turbo" badge here and a "Sport" badge there aren't enough to make the Elantra a performance car, but bigger brakes and a substantially reworked sports suspension certainly help. Sports suspensions really prove their worth on billiard table-smooth sections of tarmac (or race tracks, for example), but, on the downside, they tend to convey bone-jarring thumps when dealing with cracks or bumps on public roads.

These attractive alloy wheels round off the package nicely

However, Hyundai appears to have struck a good balance between handling prowess and suspension pliancy with the Elantra Sport. During its tenure in the Cars.co.za test fleet, the Korean sedan's damping soaked up most of the road imperfections it encountered with relative poise. We'd say it's firm-but-fair for the daily drive/commute, but it's vastly better than its siblings when you just want to make the most of a sweeping section of road. Power delivery is good, with fun really beginning when the rev needle sits around the 3 000 rpm mark. Make sure you bang the next gear promptly for two reasons. Firstly, there's a bit of a power drop off and secondly, the engine's note becomes coarse as it approaches the limiter.

The Elantra Sport is brisk, as opposed to fast, in a straight line, and when you commit the sedan to corners with gusto, there's enough in terms of front end grip and prompt turn-in to entertain you. Sure, some work could be done on the steering feedback, which is disconcertingly light for a performance car, and pronounced understeer will intrude in extremis, but remember this is Hyundai's first real go at a performance sedan. Imagine what will happen when Albert Biermann (formerly of BMW's M division) and his team at Hyundai Motorsport get hold of the next-generation model?

Sensible at heart

While the sportiness and entertaining driving characteristics of this new Hyundai are praiseworthy, its core role is still to provide comfortable and safe transport for 4 people and their luggage. Does it do this? Yes, absolutely. Occupants remarked on the good head- and legroom availed by the cabin (even at the rear) and the boot was big enough to swallow a 29-inch mountain bike with the rear seats folded down. So, while the Elantra Sport appeals to people who want a bit more go and show from their middle-of-the-road family sedan, it was able to deliver the basics with aplomb.

The sporty theme has been carried through to the interior with red stitching on the steering wheel and gear selector boot

The not so good

The infotainment system

Perhaps we're being a bit harsh here as the standard 8-inch infotainment touchscreen setup does cover all the bases, including a satellite navigation function, USB/HDMI connectivity, Bluetooth telephony and music streaming and so forth, but it's just not very intuitive or user-friendly to use. Sure, owners will get used to the interface/become accustomed to its functionality, but it was even a challenge to find and tune certain radio stations.

Red upholstery is an acquired taste

Unless you like red seats, this trim colour takes some time getting used to. Colour aside, they're comfortable but lack proper side bolstering

Do you like red? If yes, skip this section. If not, you're in for a spot of bother as the standard cabin trim is swathes of red leather. The red seats divided the opinions of our testers right down the middle. International spec Hyundai Elantra Sports offer black seats with red stitching, a classier touch. The red stitching is on SA spec vehicles and can be found on the steering wheel and boot of the gear selector. While there's nothing fundamentally wrong with the cabin, we anticipate that it might be a little too much for a typically conservative audience.

Pricing & Warranty

The Hyundai Elantra range starts with the 1.6 Executive manual at R299 900, with this flagship derivative coming in at R399 900. The price includes a 5-year/150 000 km manufacturer's warranty (with an additional 2-year/50 000 km powertrain warranty), 5 years' worth of roadside assistance and a 5-year/90 000 km service plan. Hyundai South Africa has pegped the service intervals at 5 000 km, 15 000 km and thereafter every 15 000 km.

This new Hyundai Elantra feels reassuringly solid and composed; its one of the few sporty sedans that remains relatively affordable.

Verdict

To put it simply, there is no compact sedan in the new vehicle market that can, for around the R400 000 mark, match the performance and luxury of the Hyundai Sport. Whether the market wants performance derivatives of value-oriented 4-door family cars is a moot point, but a brand that is better known for its sensible family SUVs and compact cars has somehow transformed its middle-of-the-road sedan into something engaging, which is far more than its rivals can say. Granted, there is an Audi S3 sedan, but that's in a different league in terms of performance and price. This new Hyundai Elantra feels reassuringly solid and composed, and we're happy to say its one of the few sporty sedans which is actually relatively affordable.

Sure, the Elantra Sport is not a fully resolved performance sedan per se, but it's definitely a signal of intent by Hyundai. If the hype around the fiery i30 N hatchback is anything to go by, then we predict the next Elantra Sport will be a more rounded product with even more performance. As for this particular product, it's a pleasant reminder that you can find some fun and enjoyment from a sedan without breaking the half-million-Rand barrier.

Watch a Hyundai Elantra Turbo video review:

You may also be interested in:

Hyundai Finally Showcases GTI-Rival [with Video]

Hyundai Tucson (2017) Specs & Price

Hyundai i20 Range Expands in SA

Hyundai Kona SUV Teased

Hyundai Creta & Toyota C-HR (2017) Video Reviews

Hyundai Creta (2017) Video Review

Hyundai Elantra (2017): 5 Things To Know

Hyundai Tucson 1.7 CRDi Executive (2017) Review

Looking for a new/used Hyundai Elantra to buy?

Find one on Cars.co.za today by clicking here

Suzuki previews Swift Sport, Extends Warranty (Updated)

Suzuki has announced it will reveal the Swift Sport at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show and while the award-winning Japanese manufacturer prepares for the local introduction of the new model, it has increased the value proposition of its products by offering an extended warranty on new vehicles sold until the end of the year. Update: some more images and details about the performance Swift Sport have emerged.

Apart from the obvious cosmetic/aerodynamic upgrades sported by the car in the teaser image (released July 24), we know little about the newcomer so far. What we DO know, however, is that it will probably be powered by a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine that delivers 103 kW and 220 Nm of torque, most likely coupled with a 5-speed manual transmission. Without context, those figures look relatively meagre for a modern-day performance car but note that the current naturally aspirated model has 100 kW and 160 Nm, so the torque, in particular, has dramatically been upped.

More importantly, the new Swift Sport could weigh as much as 150 kg less than its predecessor thanks to its light and rigid Heartect platform, resulting in an unmatched power-to-weight ratio at its price-point. The current model accelerates to 100 kph in 8.7 seconds – we would not be surprised to see its successor achieve the same in well below 8 seconds, closer to 7 sec in fact.

Update: Officially the new Suzuki Swift Sport will be shown at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show on the 12th September and we've got a first look at the interior details, such as the cabin and dashboard layout.

It's nice to see a six-speed manual gearbox and a flat-bottomed steering wheel. Performance should be similar to the current model.

Meanwhile, buyers purchasing a new Suzuki vehicle in South Africa will benefit from a promotional extended mechanical warranty of 5-years or 200 000 km, which replaces the previous 3-year/100 000km warranty. The new warranty applies to all vehicles sold from July to December 2017.

The new warranty covers all costs in the case of mechanical failure but does not cover failures resulting from abuse, lack of scheduled maintenance or a vehicle accident.

“Over the past few years, we have worked really hard to further improve our customer service and extend our dealer network to place good Suzuki service within the reach of more South Africans. We have also improved our warranty and service plans to be both easy to understand and as comprehensive as possible. The extension to 5-years or 200 000 km signals the successful completion of the project,” says André Venter, divisional head for sales and marketing at Suzuki South Africa.

Earlier this year, Suzuki was recognised as Brand of the Year in the annual Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank. The result was determined using valuable consumer feedback via the Cars.co.za Ownership Satisfaction Survey and market data supplied by data specialists, Lightstone Consumer.

In addition to the extended warranty, Suzuki has also extended its partnership with the Automobile Association (AA) to offer 5-years free roadside assistance which includes services such as breakdown assistance, help with a flat tyre, battery jump-starting, car lock-out support, emergency fuel and even telephonic directions. The AA will also relay messages to family and friends in the event of an emergency.

Want to buy a Suzuki?

Search for a new or used Suzuki on Cars.co.za

Kia Keen to Sting SA with High-Performance Stinger

The new Kia Stinger fastback sports sedan has not been confirmed for South Africa, but a test unit has been spotted in Gauteng and Kia South Africa is dead-keen on bringing the model to market… Could it actually happen?

Kia is on a mission to change perceptions and step-up to the performance plate and it intends on achieving this with its new rear-wheel drive Stinger fastback sports sedan. The Stinger was shown earlier this year at the Detroit Motor Show and based on its appearance alone, it’s a cracker!

The Stinger is derived from the 2014 GT4 Stinger concept, which, with much effort, morphed into 5-seat sports sedan you see here.

The Kia Stinger was subjected to 480 laps or 10 000 km around the Nürburgring during a rigorous test and development program.

Although the Kia Stinger has cut its teeth on the Nürburgring Nordschleife during a rigorous test and development program, Gregory Guillaume, chief designer, Kia Motors Europe, is quick to point out that the Stinger is a "true gran turismo, a car for spirited long-distance driving. It’s not about outright power, hard-edged dynamics and brutal styling, all at the expense of luxury, comfort and grace. The new GT has nothing to do with being the first to arrive at the destination – this car is all about the journey. It’s about passion."

In terms of engines, the headlining act is a new twin turbocharged 3.3-litre V6 engine that develops approximately 273 kW and enables a 0 to 100 kph sprint time of 4.9 seconds using an 8-speed automatic transmission, making the Stinger the fastest accelerating Kia ever made. When the Stinger goes on sale across the world later this year, it will also be offered with a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine as well as a 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine. All-wheel drive derivatives with Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control will also be offered.

Watch the Kia Stinger attack the Nurburgring below!

Will it come to SA?

As it stands, the new Kia Stinger has not yet been confirmed for South Africa, but according to a local Kia spokesperson, negotiations are currently underway to bring the Stinger to market in South Africa.

"We are still in negotiation with Korea regarding specification and, most importantly, pricing. Until the combination of these factors, i.e. a fantastically specced car at a competitive price, align, we cannot make any decisions. As such, we continue in optimism and pray that we can get the car at the right spec and the right price so that we can, in fact, bring it to SA."

"As for the single Kia Stinger seen driving around Gauteng, it will enter the formal homologation process and will in all likelihood be displayed at the upcoming SA Motoring Experience in September 2017 in an effort to gauge public interest."

Naturally, we will keep you updated as further information becomes available.

Would you like to see the Kia Stinger introduced in South Africa?

Want to buy a Kia?

Find a new or used Kia on Cars.co.za

New Car Sales in SA for July 2017

Although the local automotive industry remains under pressure, aggregate new vehicle sales showed positive improvements while exports recorded strong gains during the month of July 2017. Take a look at a summary of events for new car sales in South Africa.

New passenger car and Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) sales reflected encouraging improvements while new vehicle exports recorded strong gains according to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA).

The passenger car market, which represents two thirds of total sales volume, grew by 6.2%, contributing positively to an aggregate sales gain of 4.1%. Rudolf Mahoney, Head of Brand and Communications at WesBank said, “July’s sales performance can be attributed to positive changes in the underlying fundamentals in the market. We see this in our data, where the demand for new vehicle finance is up 9% this past month.”

WesBank also notes that vehicle manufacturers have taken advantage of a stronger Rand to directly pass value to consumers. This is seen in the number of attractive marketing incentives on offer to buyers in the new vehicle market.

In terms of top performers for the month, Toyota was the most popular car brand and the Hilux was the best-selling vehicle in South Africa. The Volkswagen Polo Vivo recorded strong sales to claim second place ahead of the Ford Ranger. Hyundai's sales figures were impressive too, with the brand currently positioned in fifth place on the overall sales chart with a market share of 6.5%. Hyundai's most popular models are the Grand i10, Creta and Tucson.

New Car Sales Summary for July 2017

Aggregate new car sales of 46 719 units up by 4.1% (1 849 units) compared with July 2016
New car sales of 30 826 units up by 6.2% (1 791 units) compared with July 2016
LCV sales of 13 774 units up by 1.7% (231 units) compared with July 2016
Export sales of 35 486 units up by 22.2% (6 456 units) compared to July 2016

Best selling cars for July 2017

1. Toyota Hilux – 3 100 units

2. Volkswagen Polo Vivo – 2 675 units

3. Ford Ranger – 2 300 units

4. Volkswagen Polo – 1 623 units

5. Toyota Corolla – 1 480 units

Best selling car brands for July 2017

1. Toyota – 10 137 units with a market share of 21.7%

2. Volkswagen – 7 386 units with a market share of 15.8%

3. Ford – 5 561 units with a market share of 11.9%

4. Nissan – 4 917 units with a market share of 10.5%

5. Hyundai – 3 035 units with a market share of 6.5%

New car sales outlook for 2017

According to NAAMSA, the domestic automotive industry, despite, tough economic conditions, is holding up relatively well but it notes that a lack of business and consumer confidence poses an ongoing challenge. Business, Government and Labour therefore need to take concerted steps to create a more investor-friendly environment in order to boost growth.

The recent interest rate reduction if 25 basis points will give consumers some relief while a stronger Rand has contributed to a reduction in headline inflation and new vehicle price inflation.

“With this past month’s 25 basis points drop in the interest rate, we anticipate that the economy is now in a cycle of rate cuts. Failing any shock events on the local or global stage, this is great news for the economy and new vehicle market” says Mahoney.

NAAMSA predicts a fairly flat performance for the overall market in 2017, similar to the levels experienced in 2016. Exports, however, should continue to benefit from global economic growth at about 3.5%.

Peugeot 3008 (2017) Launch Review

The new Peugeot 3008 SUV has arrived in South Africa and we attended the local launch this week to give the stylish French newcomer a drive. Take a look at our first impressions below…

Practical French Flair

The Lineup

How does the 3008 perform?

Peugeot 3008 – Price in South Africa

Want to buy a Peugeot 3008?

Related Content

6 Most Affordable Sedans in SA

Sedans may not be that popular at the moment but they still offer loads of practicality and value, especially if your budget is under 200k. Take a look at 6 of South Africa’s most affordable sedans…

Suzuki Swift DeZire Sedan (from R155 900)

Honda Brio Amaze Sedan (from R170 300)

Tata Bolt Sedan (from R167 995)

Toyota Etios Sedan (from R173 900)

Ford Figo Sedan (from R176 900)

Volkswagen Polo Vivo Sedan (from R186 000)

Related content:

Toyota Yaris GRMN (2017) International Launch Review

Can Toyota successfully produce a hot hatch to rival the likes of the Polo GTI, Clio RS and Fiesta ST? The Japanese brand has come up with a world rally championship-inspired 157 kW Yaris GRMN and international correspondent Dan Prosser finds out if the newcomer is on the right track.

What is a GRMN?

Is it coming here?

How does it drive?

Spec comparison

Related content

Searching for a used Yaris?

Suzuki Ignis 1.2 GLX (2017) Review [Video]

Alternatives

Where does it fit in?

How does it fare in terms of…

Packaging and Design

Performance and Economy

Handling and Ride

Standard Features

Pricing and Warranty

Verdict

You may also be interested in:

Interested in buying a new / used Suzuki Ignis?

Volkswagen Offers Performance Parts for Golf R [Video]

The facelifted Volkswagen Golf R has arrived in South Africa, but Volkswagen is already offering up some go-faster goodies which we hope will make their way to our market. Let's see what they entail.

What does an Akrapovic-equipped Volkswagen Golf R sound like?

Further Reading

Would you like to buy a Volkswagen Golf?

BMW 3 Series Edition Models in SA

As of August 2017, BMW will be offering 2 new 3 Series edition models in South Africa as well as additional standard and optional equipment features for the 3 Series sedan.

Key details for new BMW Edition models

Additional standard and optional features for BMW 3 Series

Want to buy a BMW 3 Series?

Related Content

Hyundai Elantra 1.6 Turbo Elite Sport (2017) Quick Review

Alternatives:

Facts & figures

What's special about it?

The good

The not so good

Pricing & Warranty

Verdict

You may also be interested in:

Looking for a new/used Hyundai Elantra to buy?

Suzuki previews Swift Sport, Extends Warranty (Updated)

Related content:

Want to buy a Suzuki?

Kia Keen to Sting SA with High-Performance Stinger

The new Kia Stinger fastback sports sedan has not been confirmed for South Africa, but a test unit has been spotted in Gauteng and Kia South Africa is dead-keen on bringing the model to market… Could it actually happen?

Watch the Kia Stinger attack the Nurburgring below!

Will it come to SA?

Related Content

Want to buy a Kia?

New Car Sales in SA for July 2017

Although the local automotive industry remains under pressure, aggregate new vehicle sales showed positive improvements while exports recorded strong gains during the month of July 2017. Take a look at a summary of events for new car sales in South Africa.

New Car Sales Summary for July 2017

Best selling cars for July 2017

Best selling car brands for July 2017

New car sales outlook for 2017

Related Content