New Opel Insignia GSi Could Make it to SA

Opel will be showing its new Insignia GSi business class sports sedan at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show and although it has not yet been confirmed for South Africa, there is a chance that it will be introduced here in 2018. If this is the case, the Insignia GSi will go head-to-head with the new Volkswagen Arteon, which is expected to arrive in the second half of 2018.

Earlier this year, General Motors announced its withdrawal from South Africa, leaving Opel’s future in Mzansi up in the air. It then came to light that Opel (recently acquired by Peugeot Citroen), would indeed remain in South Africa with distributorship and sales under the auspices of the Unitrans-owned Williams Hunt group as of 1 January 2018.

With Opel’s commitment to South Africa in tact, new products in the form of the new Crossland X crossover SUV (due later in 2017) and the Grandland X SUV (due in 2018) should keep potential buyers interested. However, the potential 2018 introduction of the Opel Insignia GSi may further serve as valuable brand-building tool as the Opel brand navigates through a tricky transition on the local market. Lest we forget that the GSi nameplate (synonymous with performance Opels of yesteryear) is held in high esteem/remembered with great reverence by throngs of Opel loyalists, especially hot hatch aficionados.

If it comes to South Africa, the Insignia GSi will compete in the shrinking business class sedan market where rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 do battle. It’s also where Volkswagen aims to make an impact with the arrival of the new Arteon “fastback” sedan, which replaces the outgoing Passat-based CC.

Opel Insignia GSi and Volkswagen Arteon bring fresh styling

The Insignia's design may be polarising, but perhaps the attention garnered from its potential local introduction may play in Opel's favour.

The all-wheel drive Opel Insignia GSi is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine that produces 191 kW and 400 Nm of torque. These figures are laid to the tar using a new 8-speed automatic transmission and the driver is also able to shift gears with manual shift paddles located behind the steering wheel.

In terms of design, the Insignia GSi features a sporty, lightweight design with large chrome air intakes up front and a rear spoiler which provides some extra downforce at speed. On the inside, sporty touches include integrated leather sports seats, leather sports steering wheel and aluminum pedals. The Insignia GSi rides on striking 20-inch wheels.

The stylish Arteon will bring some flair to the D-segment, offering a degree of agility, refinement and practicality.

As for the new Volkswagen Arteon, the local engine lineup is yet to be confirmed but we expect the range-topping 2.0-litre TSI engine with 206 kW to reach South Africa as well as a 130 kW 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine. Both engine options will be mated to a 7-speed DSG transmission. The Arteon will also be offered with all-wheel drive.

As for the design, the Arteon’s grille with horizontal bars running into the headlights gives the car a wider presence while imbuing it with a sporty character, which is further achieved with flared wheel arches, sharp body lines and curvy hind quarters. On the inside, a roomy cabin with notable technology including Volkswagen’s Active Info Display and optional 9.2-inch Discover Pro infotainment system is to be offered. Watch a short video of the Arteon below.

Newcomers such as the Volkswagen Arteon and the possible introduction of the Opel Insignia GSi are unlikely to shake the foundations of established offerings from BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi, but they may very well steal a few critical sales that will put them on the map in an exclusive segment.

We will keep you updated as soon as more information regarding the Opel Insignia GSi or Volkswagen Arteon becomes available.

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Mazda Reveals CX-8; Should it Come to SA?

Mazda has shown the new CX-8, a larger and more luxurious version of the CX-5 sold locally. Strangely, Mazda has taken the decision to only sell it in Japan.

The Mazda CX-8 is set to hit the market in late 2017. Unfortunately, that market is limited to Japan. The CX-8 will stand as the brand’s flagship SUV in Japan, capable of seating 6 or 7 depending on the seating option specced. It’s bigger than it looks, according to its length and wheelbase figures (4 900 mm and 2 930 mm) it measures about the same size as a Range Rover Sport.

Mazda plans to put a new generation turbodiesel engine inside the CX-8, although it has the same capacity 2.2-litres as the unit in the current CX-5. It’s also a 6-speed, automatic only model.

This is the only image of the car released so far and its Japan-only designation is a bit odd. Perhaps the local Mazda heads could make a case for it if there’s enough excitement about a luxurious Mazda that can take on the Germans and Brit. After all, it’s already a right-hand-drive model.

McLaren 570S Spider (2107) Launch Review Video

McLaren recently took over the sun-soaked town of Barcelona, Spain to stage the launch of its latest creation, the 570S Spider – and we were there to drive it!

The Spider was designed alongside the (MP4-12C) coupe back in 2012 and thanks to the incredibly strong carbon-fibre tub holding the car together, the car didn't require any changes to be made to the chassis, as is normally the case when lopping the roof off a car.

The roof mechanism has added just 46 kg to the 570S, and performance figures remain virtually identical to the coupe's. Interestingly, nobody from McLaren mentioned the price over the course of the weekend. And with the exchange rate being rather volatile in contemporary South Africa, it's impossible to predict local pricing… you'll just have to get hold of your local McLaren dealer.

In this video, we take the new Spider for a long run through the beautiful Spanish countryside, and in the process does his best to tell us what it's like. To be honest, it's more of an experience than a drive…

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Update: 2018 Ford Mustang Performance Figures Revealed [with Video]

The facelifted 2018 Ford Mustang is expected to arrive in South Africa in 2018 and will offer a load of new technology and customisation options and what's better, it will be louder too. Ford has now revealed outputs and performance figures for the updated Mustang, take a look at the details below.

The Ford Mustang is currently the best-selling sports car in South Africa and it topped the global sports car charts in 2016. The facelifted Mustang, due locally in 2018, is sure to resonate well with local Mustang fans. The latest news to come from Ford sheds some light on the performance capability of the updated Mustang.

In terms of engines, a retuned 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine will offer 231 kW and torque has been increased to 475 Nm for better wide-open throttle acceleration. In Drag Strip mode with the Performance Package and the 10-speed automatic, Ford says the EcoBoost Mustang will accelerate to 97 kph (60 mph) in under five seconds.

As for the brawny 5.0-litre V8, it's been extensively reworked and outputs have been bumped up to 343 kW and 569 Nm of torque. The power increase comes from dual-fuel, high-pressure direct injection and low-pressure port fuel injection. It's claimed to deliver a bit more low-down torque, high-rpm power and improved fuel economy. The manual gearbox has been re-engineered and now includes a twin-disc clutch and dual-mass flywheel. However, the headline news is the introduction of Ford's 10-speed automatic transmission to the Ford Mustang range. Ford says that the 5.0 V8 Mustang GT, in drag strip mode, will accelerate to 97 kph in under 4 seconds, making it faster than a Porsche 911 Carrera.

Using a new 10-speed automatic transmission, the latest Ford Mustang will offer enhanced performance.

Carl Widmann, Mustang chief engineer says, "Typically, when you shift gears, you give up time. In Drag Strip mode, the engine torque doesn’t drop when you’re shifting. You get peak engine torque and horsepower straight through thanks to our new Ford-built 10-speed transmission.” Drag strip mode, primarily controlled by the transmission, is designed to provide maximum acceleration and performance for straight-line driving. It delivers significant acceleration boost and eliminates lost time during automatic shifting. Compared with the outgoing 6-speed transmission, the new 10-speed automatic shifts faster with better low-speed tip-in.

A few weeks ago Ford announced that all 2018 Mustangs, including the 2.3-litre EcoBoost Mustang, will be fitted with the track-only Line-Lock feature, which was previously only offered on the 5.0-litre V8 Mustang. What's more, an industry-first animation showing a wheel doing a burnout when Line-Lock is active will be displayed on the new 12-inch digital display.

“We introduced line-lock on EcoBoost Mustangs because we didn’t want those customers to miss out,” said Mark Schaller, Ford Mustang marketing manager. “The number of people choosing EcoBoost power continues to grow globally, and with the increased torque and new features coming on the new Mustang, customers will not be disappointed.”

Don't know what Line-Lock is? Watch the video below to see a 2.3-litre EcoBoost Mustang doing a Line-Lock burnout!

What's New for the 2018 Ford Mustang?

The 2018 Ford Mustang has received numerous changes both in terms of design and technology. The V6 engine is no longer offered, but it was not available in the South African market. "The new Mustang is our best ever, based on more than 50 years as one of the iconic sports cars in America and now, the world," said Joe Hinrichs, president of The Americas. "Tapping Mustang's enormous fan base, we're bringing the new Mustang straight to the people – and introducing the new car across multiple social media channels, reaching millions."

Under the skin of the Ford Mustang, there have been changes in the form of new shock absorbers, a new cross-axis joint in the rear suspension and new stabiliser bars. Making its debut in the Ford Mustang is the new MagneRide active damping technology which will help with ride and handling.

A revised interior with updated features, including a new 12-inch digital display will be offered.

In the cabin, a new 12-inch all-digital display is the big news. It offers three separate views and can be personalised to suit the driver's needs. There are different screens for the modes: Normal, Sport and Track. There is a new feature called Mustang MyMode, which remembers the driver's settings when it comes to drive, suspension and steering. Even the engine tone can be adjusted, which will address the criticisms levelled at the car for lack of V8 rumble. The new active exhaust system is optional, but Ford claims it'll offer a proper soundtrack. The interior gains some new touches which give the cabin a bit more of an upmarket look.

A quick summary of the new features and changes for the 2018 Ford Mustang.

Driver assist technology has been fitted and the new Mustang gets new features like Pre-Collision Assist with pedestrian detection, distance alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist and Driver Alert System. The Ford SYNC Connect with FordPass system makes it debut on the Ford Mustang. It'll link to your smartphone and offers location functionality and the ability to unlock and open the car using a phone.

The facelifted Mustang will also feature a pulsating red start-stop button that resembles the heartbeat of an adult Mustang horse at rest. The start-stop button will pulsate at exactly 30 beats per minute. Last year Jaguar announced a similar feature for its latest models, but the pulsating heartbeat start-stop button fittingly mimics the heartbeat of a Jaguar at exactly 72 beats per minutes. See the video below to see what the Mustang's start-stop button will look like.

The new Ford Mustang range is available in three new paint colours and a choice of 12 wheel designs, which will give this popular sports car a bit more personalisation. While we haven't heard anything from Ford South Africa as yet, we estimate that it will arrive in South Africa in 2018. This new model will go on sale in North America in the third quarter of 2017.

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Fiat launches cash-for-clunkers sales incentive

Fiat has devised a campaign to encourage owners of older, less environmentally friendly vehicles, to scrap their cars and rather consider stepping into a Fiat.

Fiat’s campaign is called "The Big Deal" and the aim is simple – Scrap your old car and buy a Fiat!

Fiat’s local passenger car lineup currently consists of the recently launched Tipo hatchback and sedan, Fiat 500 hatchback and cabriolet, Fiat 500X crossover and the Fullback bakkie. Fiat is also expected to introduce the Fiat Panda compact family car in South Africa soon as well as a 60th-anniversary edition of the Fiat 500. It's worth mentioning that both the Fiat 500 with its 0.9-litre, 3-cylinder engine and the Tipo sedan with its 1.3-litre turbodiesel engine are particularly fuel efficient. The Tipo sedan is one of the most fuel efficient budget cars currently available in South Africa with a claimed fuel consumption figure of 3.7 L/100km.

The Fiat 500 60th Anniversary Edition will arrive in South Africa later this year.

"The Big Deal" consists primarily of a scrapped vehicle deal where a Fiat dealership will offer up to R40 000 upon receipt of a Scrapping Certificate for your old vehicle. This can then be used to purchase a new or used Fiat vehicle.

In order to qualify for the campaign, customers will be required to produce a Scrapping or Deregistration Certificate, Proof of Ownership and proof that the vehicle was registered in the name of the owner within the last 6 months. Customers would be required to scrap/deregister the vehicle at a local traffic department and deregister the vehicle on eNatis and at the South African Police Service.

Vehicles that are eligible for deregistration or scrapping include those that have been declared unfit for operation on public roads, have been stolen and not recovered, have been permanently demolished or have become exempt from registration.

If a customer, for whatever reason, does not qualify for the scrapped vehicle deal, Fiat dealerships offer 2 additional trade-in programs. All Fiat vehicles are sold with a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and service plan.

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Rendering: Next-gen Ford Focus (2018)

Is this what the 4th-generation of the Ford Focus will look like? Set to follow its recently-released Fiesta sibling in about a year’s time (in terms of South Africa, probably towards the end of 2019), the upcoming compact hatchback will be larger, but lighter, feature much cleaner lines and a raft of new on-board technologies…

Our artist's impressions of the newcomer’s front- and rear 3-quarter views (supplied exclusively to Cars.co.za by our Cape Town-based contributor) incorporates styling cues from the Fiesta, but also several clues that we've drawn from spy photographs of disguised pre-production test units, which our spy photographers snapped in Europe.

Whereas major criticisms of the current model’s styling have centred on the hard contours and somewhat clumsy detailing, we expect (as we’ve seen in the subtle evolution of the Volkswagen Golf 7’s exterior design) that the new Focus will feature decidedly more elegantly shaped sheet metal, a more harmonious side-glass silhouette/roof line, as well as narrower panel gaps.

Whereas its predecessor was intended to have break-out styling, the 4th-generation Focus will be elegant and upmarket.

Based on a development of the existing C2 platform, the Focus is expected to be lower, wider and longer (the latter attribute certainly in the case of the sedan) than the current model and we expect that it will make its public debut around the 2018 Geneva Motor Show. As is the case with the Fiesta, there should be a number of trim lines, including the sportier ST-Line and the upmarket Vignale (replete with chrome detailing and LED head- and tail lamps).

In terms of the interior treatment, our spy images confirm that the Focus’ cockpit will be dominated by the full-colour touchscreen, which will feature (at the very least) the SYNC3 infotainment system/app- and communications interface. Apart from improved shoulder and legroom, the cabin will benefit from more soft-touch panels and upgraded trim materials.

The adoption of the large colour touchscreen means that the fascia will be far less cluttered and organic-looking.

The engine line-up has yet to be confirmed, but over and above weight saving measures such as the more extensive use of aluminium and high-tensile steel in the body construction, the Blue Oval will utilise its 1.0-litre EcoBoost turbopetrol engine in various states of tune as well as at least the 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel. The manual transmissions will feature 6 ratios, but it remains to be seen whether the controversial 6-speed dual-clutch Powershift automatic option will be upgraded… or replaced by a 9-speed automatic transmission.

We will update this story as more detail becomes available in coming months (July 2017), but suffice to say that the Focus will face a pair of challenges upon its arrival: the first will be to match the award-winning Volkswagen Golf, impressive newcomers such as the Opel Astra and Renault Megane, as well as established rivals like the Toyota Auris and Kia Cerato.

Moreover, the Focus will be facing a gaggle of new(ish) compact family cars/crossovers that seem tailor-made to pinch sales from traditional C-segment hatchbacks. Could the launch of the crossover-flavoured Active trim for the Focus, replete with a raised suspension, black cladding and other off-roader addenda, help to keep the hordes at bay? We will have to wait and see…

You may also be interested in:

Ford Fiesta (2018) International Launch Review

Rendering: VW Golf 8 & GTI coming in 2019

Volkswagen Golf 1.0 Trendline (2017) First Drive

Toyota Corolla 1.8 Exclusive (2017) Quick Review

Kia Cerato 1.6 EX (2017) Review

Is the VW Golf segment dying?

VW Golf 7 specs and prices (2017) in South Africa

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300-kph Jaguar XJR575 Headed for SA [with Video]

Jaguar has updated its XJ first class sedan with a number of enhancements, but the big news is the introduction of a new flagship XJR575 that will join the range when the facelifted model goes on sale towards the end of 2017.

Jaguar has announced a range of updates to its XJ luxury sports sedan that will arrive in South Africa late in 2017.

The facelifted XJ lineup will welcome the range-topping XJR575, powered by a supercharged 5.0-litre V8 with 423 kW and 700 Nm of torque. With All-Surface Progress Control (ASPC), the XJR575 is claimed to accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 4.4 seconds with a top speed of 300 kph.

Buyers will have the choice of 2 exterior colours for the XJR575 including Velocity Blue and Satin Corris Grey. The model is distinguished by a rear spoiler, side sills, lower air intakes with gloss black surrounds, twin bonnet louvres, updated exterior badging and 20-inch Farallon gloss-black wheels with red brake callipers.

The interior features embossed tread plates and diamond-quilted upholstery offered in either Jet, Jet and Ivory or Jet colour options with 575 branding.

Key features

A larger 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with 4G WiFi will be offered on the updated XJ luxury sports sedan.

The XJ will be offered in both short wheelbase and long wheelbase format. The lineup has been enhanced with improved connectivity with 4G Wi-Fi that can connect up to 8 devices. A larger, 10-inch touchscreen has been fitted and offers better clarity, improved functionality and is equipped with satellite navigation.

Safety has also been enhanced with the addition of Forward Traffic Detection, Lane Keep Assist and a Driver Condition Monitor. Other useful features include adaptive cruise control with Queue Assist, Reverse Traffic Detection, Blind Spot Monitoring 360-degree surround camera system and semi-automated parking assist.

The interior features a variety of handcrafted veneer throughout the cabin while the 3-spoke leather steering wheel adds a sporty touch. A full-width panoramic sunroof extends over the rear passenger seats and sports seats with adjustable bolsters for improved lateral support are offered on the XJR575.

The long wheelbase XJ features 2 reclining ‘airline style’ rear seats with cushion and squab adjustment, 3 massage programs, lumbar adjustments and 2 memory settings. A Rear Seat Entertainment package offers two 10.2-inch high-resolution screens that provide a variety of entertainment and functionality for rear seat passengers. The long wheelbase derivative also has rear leather business tables allowing you to work on the go.

Engine power

The XJR575 will offer 423 kW and 700 Nm of torque from its supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine.

The Jaguar XJ employs a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine with 221 kW and 700 Nm of torque enabling a claimed zero to 100 kph sprint to 100 kph in 6.2 seconds. Jaguar claims a fuel consumption figure of 7.0 L/100 km.

The petrol-powered XJ uses a 3.0-litre supercharged V6 offering 250 kW and 450 Nm of torque. As mentioned previously, the XJR575 features a 423 kW/700 Nm supercharged 5.0-litre V8, but this engine is also available with 375 kW and 625 Nm of torque. All engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic ZF transmission.

A total of 6 derivatives will make up the XJ lineup including the XJ Luxury, XJ Premium Luxury, XJ Portfolio, XJ R-Sport, XJR575 and the XJ Autobigraphy.

Local specification and pricing for the updated Jaguar XJ will be communicated closer to its launch later in 2017, so stay tuned for more details.

Watch Jaguar XJR575 hit 300 kph in the video below!

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The Fairest 4×4 Truck by far?

From the passenger seat of the new Mercedes-Benz bakkie, Calvin Fisher tries to differentiate this premium German product from its Japanese DNA.

Mercedes-Benz has finally graced us with their latest combatant, the X-Class, after years of dangling it like an elusive carrot or render thereof. It's an unlikely fella: a bakkie otherwise known as a compact-truck or ute. But since it's been unveiled in Cape Town, South Africa let's just stick to the term bakkie. Forget the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger, the Mercedes-Benz takes aim at the premium edge of the wedge, based as it is on the Nissan Navara's underpinnings and tasked with putting the VW Amarok V6 in its place (that's relegating it to second place of course). Has Benz done it? In short, it's too soon to say, but let me explain.

Set to swipe the Amarok V6 aside as the best bakkie in SA? We'll have to wait until 2018 to find out.

This is bakkie country

But it's also Benz country, with AMG badges adorning the bootlids of hatches, saloons and SUVs of school-runners to shopping-getters to track-enthusiast cars alike. A Mercedes-Benz bakkie seems like a natural fit and it was a pity that our first interaction with the X-Class was minimal, a mere viewing on a Wednesday followed by passenger rides on Thursday spent on both dirt and asphalt.

But let me cut to the chase – the X-Class is a success in the metal, but not a resounding one. The concept car's flash and pomp has been traded in for a profile strikingly similar to the Navara donor car, including the steep rake where the cabin meets the load bay, as well as that kink in the rear window sills. The Stuttgart-based brand's front-end, lamps and grille addenda constitute a convincing graft job, and the wheel arches have been squared off to evoke Teutonic heft and, when you eventually clamber aboard, you'll be delighted by a cabin reminiscent of those of the marque's SUV models.

Similarities between the X-Class and Navara will be drawn, especially on the surface as the likeness is undeniable.

Despite the bakkie's development by Stuttgart engineers over the last 3 or 4 years, I feel that the hard points it shares with the Navara have ultimately shone through. From my passenger seat, this feels just like the Japanese bakkie. And why shouldn't it since they both ride on the same independent suspension, which is SUV-soft and somewhat of a revolution in this class of vehicle? Engines are similar and the Mercedes-Benz apes the dimensions of the Navara so for what it's worth, the main points of distinction are aesthetics and that aforementioned premium-ness, the latter of which is best appreciated in the cabin. It was fortunate, because that was where I got to flick, flack and twist dials and controls to my heart's content…

The layout is typically Mercedes-Benz, the only oddity is a gear lever located in the traditional position as opposed to Mercedes' usual insistence on the steering column. It's hardly a criticism, but if you're desperately looking for a chink in its armour then I suppose that's it.

But it won't matter, the X-Class is destined to be Mzansi fodder. Not even its price point will hurt its appeal. In Europe the base model will launch at R550 000 and by the time it makes its way to our shores at the end of the first quarter of 2018, it will have crept considerably closer to the million-rand mark, with the options list pushing it well beyond. And you'll see them everywhere. Sure, not in droves like the Ranger and Hilux, but in places you wouldn't expect a humble double-cab, rather a premium SUV, which is what the X-Class is with the benefit of a load bin that can be loaded with a 1.1-ton payload (such as a peloton of very expensive bicycles and gear, or several crates of expensive wines) and will be seen towing a horse-box or trailer between farms, not to mention conducting suburban crawls and climbing kerbs at schools.

It appears Mercedes-Benz has done just enough to the cabin to give it that extra premium touch.

This is a truck designed for well-heeled South Africans, South Americans and Australians alike, and to a lesser extent Europeans, but despite its obvious appeal to the American market, it won't be making its way to Trump land. As for our German driver, when asked if he had roads similar to the ones we were being driven on, the pristine tarmac of the Franschhoek test track and the gravel course that hithers and thithers alongside it his response was simply: "No. But we have potholes." Do with that what you will.

The Mercedes-Benz X-Class has proven that not even sharing the spine of a Japanese bakkie, which itself has also spawned the Renault Alaskan, can diminish the lustre of the Three-pointed Star. That's testimony to the brand's tremendously transformative corporate identity, which can be injected into the visage and living space of anything from a tiny A-segment hatchback to this. The fact that the brand has genuine off-road pedigree and an extensive off-road catalogue means it's not going to be lonely in the company portfolio either. It's an impressive effort, to say the very least.

Watch Calvin's passenger ride in the X-Class below:

Renault Duster EDC Automatic (2017) Launch Review

Renault has bolstered its (already extensive) compact family car line-up with the introduction of a dual-clutch automatic derivative of the Duster. We attended the local launch in Johannesburg to drive the French marque's new addition and these are our conclusions:

The Duster came to market back in 2013 and since then more than 12 500 units of the Dacia-based compact SUV have been sold in South Africa. The model received a facelift in October 2016 which saw a number of visual and practical enhancements being implemented, further strengthening the model's value proposition.

With a 77 kW petrol and 80 kW turbodiesel engine on offer and all 4×2 and 4×4 derivatives mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, the versatile Duster range was sorely lacking the convenience and practicality of an automatic transmission.

That’s no longer the case because Renault has added a dual-clutch automatic Duster derivative to its local offering. The Duster EDC automatic is, however, not immediately available and Renault says that local showrooms will stock the new automatic derivative from mid-August 2017, so buyers will have to wait a few weeks to get their hands on one.

Nonetheless, we attended the launch in Johannesburg this week to drive the Duster EDC automatic. Let’s take a closer look at what it has to offer.

Key features

The Duster EDC offers good fuel economy and will broaden its appeal and strengthen Duster sales locally.

Using a 6-speed electronic dual-clutch (EDC) automatic transmission, the same used on the larger Kadjar, the Duster 's EDC is mated with Renault’s proven 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine that delivers peak outputs of 80 kW with torque boosted up to 250 Nm. Fuel consumption for this derivative is claimed at 4.8 L/100km.

The Duster EDC automatic is offered only as a 4×2 and is available in Dynamique trim, which means it gets the full bouquet of features. Key features include striking 16-inch alloy wheels, satin chrome roof rails and skid plates, a new leather steering wheel, leather gear lever with chrome inserts and the option of leather upholstery.

A 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation is standard and the driver will also appreciate the presence of rear parking sensors, a reverse-view camera and cruise control. A USB and auxiliary port is included for connecting or charging personal electronic devices.

The Duster's interior is well-equipped with features and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation is standard.

In terms of practicality, the Duster is quite spacious with the luggage compartment claimed to offer 475 litres of space. More so, the rear seats can be folded down in a 60:40 configuration to access the full 1 636 litres of utiltiy space. Rear passengers are afforded ample head-, leg- and knee room, but we were disappointed to find that there were no bottle holders in the rear door mouldings, with the front seat pockets being the only available storage for rear seat passengers.

In terms of safety, the Duster is equipped with 4 airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist and stability control with traction control.

The driving experience

The launch of the Duster EDC automatic took place in and around the Cradle of Humankind area on the outskirts of Johannesburg, where the newcomer could demonstrate its capabilities on tar and dirt roads. The EDC delivered relatively smooth transitions between gears under normal driving conditions. Getting up to highway speed was a breeze and the engine never felt strained or laboured during the evaluation drive. Under harder acceleration and in overtaking situations, however, the automatic transmission was a bit sluggish to respond with immediacy, but for the most part, it delivered a pleasant driving experience in most situations.

The Duster delivers good ride on tar and in the dirt, making a suitable vehicle for family weekend adventures.

The roads in this area are of poor quality, but the Duster’s forgiving suspension provided a comfortable, yet sure-footed, ride on the 150 km launch route. When traversing a tar route, bumps and imperfections were ironed out with little effort and on an uneven section of dirt road, the Duster performed exceptionally well. The Duster’s overall ride quality is evidently one of its key strengths, but bear in mind it’s not a 4×4, so its capability is somewhat limited in the rough stuff.

Another strength of this Duster EDC automatic is fuel efficiency. Many manufacturers claim lofty fuel consumption figures but whereas Renault claims 4.8 L/100 km for this derivative, we easily achieved 5.5 L/100 km on our short test drive, which is rather impressive and we wouldn’t be surprised if lower figures are achieved.

Final thoughts

The Duster is not the newest nor most sophisticated offering in its class, but the convenience of an automatic derivative is likely to find favour with many potential buyers. Coupled with its practicality, good ride quality and low fuel consumption, the Duster EDC automatic is well worth considering if you are in the market for a well-specced and reasonably affordable compact SUV. In terms of value for money, the newcomer is attractively priced at R299 900.

We will have the Renault Duster EDC automatic on test soon, so look out for a thorough evaluation in the near future.

Renault Duster prices in South Africa

1.6 Expression 4×2 77 kW petrol R239 900
1.6 Dynamique 4×2 77 kW petrol R259 900
1.5 dCi Dynamique 4×2 80 kW diesel R279 900
1.5 dCi Dynamique EDC 80 kW diesel R299 900
1.5 dCi Dynamique 4×4 80 kW diesel R304 900

The Renault Duster is sold with a 5-year/150 000km mechanical warranty, a 3-year/45 000km service plan (with service intervals at 15 000km intervals) and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty. The only two options available are metallic paint (R2 500) and leather seats (R10 000).

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Lamborghini Huracan Tackles Perfect Road (Video)

Lamborghini unleashed no less than 3 variants of its Huracan supercar on the scenic Transfaragasan highway in Romania. Watch the video!

There are few things better than stretching a supercar’s legs on a winding stretch of tarmac. Lamborghini chose the scenic, 91 km Transfaragasan highway located in Romania for a video featuring not 1, but 3 versions of the Huracan, including the impressive Huracan Performante.

The Huracan Performante made headlines back in 2016 when it set a production car lap record of 6:52:01 at the famous Nurburgring. The Performante employs a 5.2-litre V10 engine with 470 kW and 600 Nm of torque. The sprint from zero to 100 kph takes only 2.9 seconds before reaching a top speed of 323 kph.

The road, with its tight hairpin bends and switchbacks, is certainly one of the best driving roads in the world and it happens to be incredibly beautiful too. Watch the video below to see the Huracan taming the Transfaragasan!

We took the Huracan Spyder and rear-wheel drive Huracan 580-2 for a drive in Cape Town! Watch the video below.

We blasted the Lamborghini Huracan around the Cape Peninsula, give the video a watch below!

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