Hyundai Kona under consideration for SA [with Video]
Having secured immediate sales success with the Creta, Hyundai South Africa is considering the local introduction of the Kona, which could slot in between the Indian-built Creta family car and the ever popular Tucson.
Built on a scaled version of the Korean manufacturer's latest compact car platform, the Kona carries on the Hyundai tradition of naming its SUVs after American destinations. "With the Kona, we have created a stylish and highly functional compact SUV, perfectly suited to the needs of customers who pursue challenging, action-filled lifestyles," said Euisun Chung, Vice Chairman of Hyundai Motor Company. "We aim to set new standards for the compact SUV segment, with appealing design, cutting-edge connectivity and class-leading safety features."
Compared with the Creta (also known as the ix25 in some markets), the Kona features bolder crossover-flavoured-hatchback styling and the entire package is altogether more upmarket. Apart from the obligatory dark plastic cladding, the "floating" roof is in a contrasting colour and the front lighting consists of a triple stack of LEDs, which looks very futuristic (the running lights sit at the top of the nose, with the main beams under them). Despite its high-tech good looks, Hyundai claims the new Kona will be very capable in low-grip road conditions; standard versions will be front-wheel driven, but top derivatives will be offered with all-wheel drive configuration.
Kona looks to be a stylish yet practical B-segment SUV. Petrol and diesel engines are available.
This segment of the market prides itself on customisation and the Hyundai Kona offers a number of colour variations and combinations. The two-tone roof is a nice touch. There were no interior shots to accompany this article, but Hyundai claims the Kona has best-in-class interior space, which if true, will give it a competitive edge.
Powertrain
The Hyundai Kona is assembled on an all-new compact platform which is designed to give owners a proper SUV experience, which means an elevated driving position and substantial ground clearance. Kona will be offered with a choice of either petrol or diesel engines, and four-wheel drive is available, but not standard across the range. Some of the engines include:
2.0-liter petrol engine produces 110 kW and 179 Nm. 0-100kph in 10 seconds and a top speed of 194 kph. It comes with a six-speed automatic transmission.
1.6T-GDI engine boasts 130kW and 265 Nm and it's possible to do a 0-100kph in 7.7 seconds and a top speed of 210kph. A 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (7DCT) is standard.
1.0 T-GDI turbocharged three-cylinder engine with six-speed manual transmission and has 88 kW and 172 Nm. \
Technology
It's not confirmed for SA as yet, but we'd be surprised if it didn't come to our market.
The Hyundai Kona features a premium infotainment system which offers various advanced connectivity features, including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It can be specified with a 5-, 7- or 8-inch display (offered as standard or option dependent on market). Further options include DAB digital radio (Europe), HD Radio (North America), rear view camera display, and 4G telematics (North America) for connectivity. A head-up display and a wireless charging pad are also fitted.
The newcomer has been earmarked for right-hand-drive markets (Australia will receive the Kona by September), but not the Africa-Middle East region (under which South Africa falls) – at least not yet. However, considering how briskly the local compact family car segment is growing, we'd think it could fare better (sales-wise) than the upcoming i30 compact hatchback!
The 2017 Subaru Impreza sedan has landed in South Africa and we have specifications and a price for the Japanese newcomer.
25 Years after first arriving in South Africa, the fifth generation of Subaru's Impreza sedan has landed on our shores. Built on a new platform known as SGP (Subaru Global Platform), the new Impreza offers better efficiency, improved safety and enhanced handling. It comes to South Africa on the back of a first prize in the 2016/2017 Japanese Car of the Year Awards and it is the first car to win the coveted Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick ++ award and the Japanese New Car Assessment Programme (JNCAP) Grand Prix Award – the highest safety rating ever recorded by the JNCAP.
According to Ashley Lazarus, Marketing Manager of Subaru Southern Africa, this car is a game changer. “This car has shifted the goalposts and defies the conventions for a car in this segment. It’s a whole new class in terms of driving dynamics, interior tech and refinement and of course, safety. Owners will be surprised at the all-round ability and features of the new Impreza.”
The Subaru Impreza design has not changed dramatically.
Powertrain
An all-new direct injection FB 2.0-litre Boxer engine is the headline act. It's now 12 kg lighter than the outgoing engine and it produces 115 kW and 196 Nm of torque. No manual gearbox is available, but there will be an upgraded Lineartronic CVT gearbox with 7-speed manual mode with shifter paddles behind the steering wheel. Speaking of the gearbox, that unit is 7.8kg lighter too. Like all Subarus, power goes to all four wheels.
The new platform claims enhanced agility and ride comfort, while torsional rigidity has improved by 70% for a more solid driving feel. The electric power steering system is lighter, more compact and quicker to respond and the suspension has also been re-engineered, resulting is reduced body roll.
A new platform and a new engine are the key changes for the 2017 Subaru Impreza
Safety Systems
Subaru is making big claims in terms of safety with its new Impreza and according to the brand, " there is no other car in this segment that offers the levels of primary, active, passive and pre-collision safety that are standard." The new platform offers improved crash resistance, increased cabin strength, better load distribution and enhanced continual rigidity. The new Subaru Impreza also features 7 airbags.
Other safety features include Steering Responsive Headlights; High Beam Assist, and Subaru Rear/Side Vehicle Detection which includes Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. From October 2017, the Subaru Impreza 2.0i-S ES Premium will come with the EyeSight Driver Assist System which can detect other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and other hazards. If a driver doesn't react, the car will take over and brake for you. Integrated into this system is adaptive cruise control, lane sway warning and lane departure warning. The vehicle will also brake on your behalf if you're reversing and haven't seen an obstruction.
The Interior
The cabin of the new Subaru Impreza. Note the all-new touchscreen featuring Apple Carplay and Android Auto.
The Subaru Impreza's cabin has been uprated and there are new materials used for the steering wheel and switchgear. Despite this not being the performance model, there are still numerous sporty touches in the cabin. An all-new 8-inch LCD infotainment screen dominates the dashboard and it boasts numerous connectivity options, in-car applications and media options. SatNav by TomTom is available, as are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system functions like a smartphone and touch, swipe, pinch and pull-control all work here.
South African Options
The 2017 Subaru Impreza is available with a choice of eight exterior colours to suit individual tastes: Crystal White Pearl; Ice Silver Metallic; Dark Gray Metallic; Crystal Black Silica; Quartz Blue Pearl; Dark Blue Pearl; Pure Red and Venetian Red Pearl. The interior colour options are Black or Ivory.
In October 2017, the Subaru Impreza range will be expanded. The 2.0i Lineartronic CVT standard grade model and the EyeSight-equipped 2.0i-S ES Lineartronic CVT will arrive and while they're already available for pre-order, we don't have a price confirmation as yet.
Subaru Impreza Price in South Africa (June 2017)
Subaru Impreza 2.0i-S Premium CVT R399 000
The new Subaru Impreza has a new 5 year / 150 000km warranty period as standard, while a 3 year / 75 000km standard Maintenance plan is upgradable to a 5 year / 150 000km period.
After months of waiting and multiple leaks and teasers, the new Volkswagen Polo has finally been revealed. While we know a fair amount about powertrains already, the official announcement gave us a proper look at the design. We'll get a closer look at the 2017 Frankfurt Auto Show.
Today's reveal took place at Volkswagen's HQ in Wolfsburg, Germany and the new Volkswagen Polo is larger, boasts more cabin space and features more technology. Volkswagen claims the 2017 model year Polo will be offered in five-door hatchback form only, with a choice of up to six engines. The flagship will be the 2.0-litre engine in the new Volkswagen Polo GTI. Expect the usual trim levels: Trendline, Comfortline and Highline, a Beats edition with an upgraded sound system and R-line trim.
Developed from the ground up using Volkswagen's MQB AO platform, the new Polo is 4 053 mm in length, 1 7511 mm in width and 1 446 mm in height. Compared with the outgoing Polo, it is 81 mm longer, 63 mm wider and 7 mm lower. Under the skin, the new platform offers better packaging. There's a claim of a 15 mm increase in front passenger headroom, 30 mm rear headroom, while the boot capacity has been increased to 351 litres.
The cabin has been improved in terms of quality and design. A new dashboard with new steering wheel and new switchgear are the key changes. Volkswagen's Active Info Display is available as an option. Other tech worth noting are wireless smartphone charging pads and keyless entry. In terms of safety and technology, Volkswagen has introduced Front Assist, City Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Monitoring systems as well as a tyre pressure monitoring function and a speed limiter.
A new dashboard with new steering wheel and new switchgear are the key changes. New infotainment screens are available too.
Powertrains
Volkswagen announced that the 2017 Polo will be available with the choice of four petrol and one diesel engine. Every engine features stop/start and a kinetic recovery system for better efficiency. In terms of gearboxes, Volkswagen has announced a five-speed, six-speed and seven-speed dual-clutch unit will all be available. All new Volkswagen Polos will be front-wheel drive.
As far as the engine lineup is concerned, on the turbo petrol side, there will be a 1.0-litre naturally-aspirated motor, 1.0-litre TSI (available in various states of tune), while the 1.2-litre TSI engine could be replaced by the Golf’s 1.5-litre unit (with cylinder shutdown technology, still under consideration for South Africa). In Europe, the 1.5-litre TDI turbodiesel will be superseded by a 1.6-litre TDI unit (local models are currently 1.4-litre units). Meanwhile, the Polo GTI derivative will be powered by 147 kW 2.0-litre TSI lifted straight from the Golf GTI.
When is it coming to SA?
The new Volkswagen Polo will first make an appearance at the 2017 Frankfurt Auto Show in Germany, which is held in September. We can realistically estimate that the new Volkswagen Polo will go on sale in early 2018, but as soon as we hear from Volkswagen SA, we'll update accordingly.
With the 2017 Volkswagen Polo finally revealed, attention now turns to the performance flagship: the Polo GTI. What's new?
The big news for the Volkswagen Polo GTI fans is that the 1.8-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine has been replaced by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged unit. Power has increased to 147 kW, up from 141 kW and the new Volkswagen Polo GTI comes with a standard sport chassis, with the option of a Sport Select Chassis.
Visually, you'll be able to differentiate between this Polo GTI and lesser Polos as it features a specially-designed bumper with spoiler lip and standard fog lights. Trademark GTI touches such as a red stripe on the radiator grille, honeycomb air vent screens and a GTI badge. Optional LED headlights with a red winglet are available, while at the rear, the Volkswagen Polo GTI has a large roof spoiler in high-gloss black, a diffuser in the bumper, GTI-specific dual exhausts, LED tail lights and a GTI badge. Also, the brake callipers are painted red.
The Volkswagen Polo GTI comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, with the option of 18-inch. The cabin boasts typical GTI features such as sports seats with a tartan pattern, a multifunction leather-trimmed sport steering wheel with red stitching, roof lining and roof pillars in black and a GTI gear shift grip.
In terms of performance, the standard Volkswagen Polo GTI does 0-100 kph in a claimed 6.7 seconds for the DSG-equipped model. This new Polo GTI should shave perhaps one or two tenths off this time and we reckon it'll have enough go to match the likes of the recently launched Renault Clio RS Trophy 220.
Not content with leaving a car on the market for more than 6 minutes, Volkswagen has released an updated version of the Golf range, including the venerable GTI, which we're now calling the Golf 7.5 GTI.
While hardcore GTI enthusiasts will easily spot the changes for the new GTI, for the less petrol-headed among us, we detail those changes and take a look at the power outputs for the latest variant. Hint: most changes have occurred in the cabin. In this video, we take the latest GTI to one of our favourite mountain passes outside Cape Town, and drive it up and down repeatedly in a bid to make a video. No one enjoyed themselves in the process. Nope. No fun was had. Zero. Cough.
Aston Martin has showcased the first series production derivative of the new race-inspired performance range. Meet the Aston Martin Vantage AMR.
The Aston Martin Racing (AMR) brand takes inspiration from Aston Martin Racing's participation in the FIA World Endurance Championship, and translates that into a road-going vehicle. In effect, the AMR sub-brand has taken the Vantage, substantially increased its performance and enhanced the visual appeal.
There are 4 striking AMR exterior schemes: Stratus White with an Orange graphic; Ultramarine Black with Blue graphic; Zaffre Blue with Red graphic; and Scintilla Silver with Grey graphic. You can opt for the Halo Pack, which is inspired by the 2016 World Endurance Championship-winning Vantage GTE. It has a combination of Stirling Green paint with Lime Green detailing. The cabins have been upgraded too, and feature leather and alcantara. Lightweight carbon fibre seats are offered and you can specify carbon fibre detailing on the front grille, side strakes, lamp infills and mirror caps on the outside.
A unique paint scheme signifies the Aston Martin Racing sub-brand. V12 engine gains more power.
Powertrain
The engines in the Vantage pack a punch. While the V8 still offers up 321 kW, the V12-powered Vantage now has 444 kW! Expect the V12 Vantage to hit 100 kph from standstill in the low 3-second bracket… Both engines are fitted with automated sequential manual paddle-shift transmissions, or for the purist, 6- and 7-speed manual gearboxes in the V8 and V12 versions.
Aston Martin President and CEO, Dr Andy Palmer, said of the Vantage AMR: "It's a real thrill to see our first AMR model go into production. The Vantage has been an incredible success for Aston Martin, both in V8 and V12 forms. As our most agile and athletic road car, and our long-time representative in the world of GT racing, it is the perfect model with which to introduce the exciting AMR range.
"Unmistakable in look and feel the Vantage AMR will appeal to our most enthusiastic customers. These are people who love our cars for their motorsport pedigree, and for their unmistakable dynamic and emotional qualities. Limited production numbers will undoubtedly make them extremely collectable, but they're so good to drive I'm confident we'll see many of them being enjoyed both on the road and at track events around the world."
Both V8 and V12 Vantage AMR models are available in both Coupe and Roadster body styles in selected markets, with recommended retail prices starting from £97,995 in the UK and €126,995 in Germany. Deliveries are scheduled to commence in Q4 2017.
Audi has unveiled a faster and more hardcore version of its R8 supercar. Imbued with the R8 V10 Plus coupe's powertrain and tech, the R8 Spyder V10 Plus is now the fastest convertible in the Audi family.
The standard Audi R8 Spyder has only just arrived on South African shores, yet Audi Germany has added more firepower to the Spyder and created the Spyder V10 Plus.
Power has increased and the 5.2-litre naturally aspirated V10engine has gone from offering 397 kW and 540 Nm to a mental 449 kW and 560 Nm of torque, available from the 8 700 rpm redline. Audi claims its R8 Spyder V10 Plus shaves three-tenths off its non-Plus 0-100 kph sprint time, which means it'll take just 3.3 seconds. Top speed has increased too with a claimed figure of 328 kph.
The Audi Spyder V10 Plus is now the fastest convertible offered by Audi.
All that shove goes to a quattro all-wheel drive setup via a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox. A clever torque distribution system can send up to 100% of the torque to one axle, should the situation arise. At 1 695 kg, the roof mechanism and body strengthening material add around 140 kg in weight, but importantly, it's 25 kg lighter than the standard Spyder V10.
Toyota South Africa Motors recently updated its compact hatchback offerings with the introductions of the Yaris Pulse and Etios Sprint derivatives. The Etios is well established in the market and buyers know what to expect of the Indian-made car, however, it now offers distinctive styling that offers standout appeal that sets it apart from other budget car offerings. Is that enough to set it apart from the rest, however?
Alternatives:
The default choice (for many). If you weren’t one of the nostalgic buyers to net a limited edition 1.4 CitiVivo, the long-serving Volkswagen Vivo 1.4 Conceptline offers affordable build quality with proven mechanicals. Its standard spec includes air-con, an audio system with Bluetooth, auxiliary and USB ports, remote central locking, ABS and dual front airbags… but that’s about it.
For a run-out bargain. Although Chevrolet will soon exit the market as a result of General Motors’ withdrawal from South Africa, the top-of-the-range Spark 1.2 LT represents excellent value. Backed by a 5-year/120 000 km warranty, the Spark has 4 airbags, an audio system with Bluetooth aux and USB ports, a multifunction steering wheel, 15-inch alloys and rear PDC. A service plan is optional.
For crossover appeal. The recently facelifted Renault Sandero Stepway 66 kW Turbo Expression offers something more than humdrum bargain hatch fare. Replete with SUV-like cladding and roof rails, the Renault has 16-inch alloys, front electric windows, stop/start function, Brake Assist and Traction control as well as remove audio control stalk. A 2-year/30 000 km service plan is included
A surprise package. Although Indian manufacturer Tata’s products once offered marginal quality, the top-spec Bolt 1.2T XT is a revelation. Backed by a 5-year/100 000 km warranty and a 2-year/30 000 km service plan, the spacious Tata has a reasonably perky 1.2-litre turbopetrol engine and comes with nice-to-haves such as climate control and a full-colour touchscreen infotainment system.
The Etios' front end has received a significant makeover, the recessed grille and expansive black inset are eye-catching.
What's new?
The Indian-built Toyota Etios has become a firm favourite in the South African market… For those who need more practicality than what the diminutive Aygo city car can muster, the Etios represents the entry point to the much-respected Toyota brand and has proved a hit with fleet operators (especially in sedan guise) and private buyers alike. The model has undergone a number of detail changes since its first introduction in 2012, but apart from the off-road-inspired Cross derivative, all the derivatives have looked the same. The 1.5 Sprint (in Toyota parlance, the Sprint moniker has always denoted a sporty look, as opposed to a performance version) slots into the middle of range; it replaces the previous mid-spec Etios 1.5 Xs.
The good
Improved looks
The Etios is not the most elegant of hatchback designs; its wheel-at-each-corner stance is exacerbated by the hatchback's relatively high ride height. However, the 1.5 Sprint has shed some of its inoffensiveness and gained aesthetic appeal courtesy of a redesigned bumper with large air dams and integrated fog lamps, plus a wing motif grille (replete with a broad chrome strip). Apart from a reprofiled rear bumper, the newcomer is further differentiated with new twin-spoke 15-inch alloy wheels and a carbonfibre inspired "Sprint" badge. Although kerb appeal is not one of a budget car's major performance areas, good looks help and as such, the 1.5 Sprint is certainly the best looking Etios to be launched in South Africa.
The handsome 15-inch alloys and shapelier rear bumper add some boutique appeal to a stalwart of the budget hatchback market.
Tractable engine
Perhaps mostly by virtue of its low kerb weight (930 kg), the 1.5 Sprint never quite feels pedestrian/underpowered. Although the motor's outputs aren’t particularly lofty (66 kW/132 Nm), the motor delivers fair overtaking ability on the freeway and the 5-speed manual transmission shifts smoothly and positively. Even on steeper sections of road, the Toyota shows few signs of labouring in 5th gear, which is a bonus in a budget car. Suffice to say buyers should find the Sprint’s performance adequate in both urban and open road scenarios, but we must add that with 4 passengers and their luggage aboard, in the thinner atmosphere of the Reef, which saps some engine power, the 1.5 Sprint will perform in a more workmanlike manner.
More conservatively-minded buyers will welcome the natural aspiration of the engine (a turbocharger would add complexity and cost) and the 6.0 L/100 km fuel consumption claim is fair.
Improved refinement
The Etios has always been renowned for its loping gait… its suspension soaks up road imperfections well, which is a boon in a country where there are myriad road conditions, depending on which routes you traverse. The car's interior certainly seems a tad quieter at cruising speeds too, which suggests running improvements to the Etios production methods and the application of more sound-deadening materials. Even the interior plastics, which are pretty shiny and anything but soft-to-the-touch, fit snugly and the panels emitted no rattles or creaks.
Although the central instrument cluster still looks cartoonish, the integrated audio unit is much more sophisticated than it looks.
A few nice to haves
Although the 1.5 Sprint does not come with a multi-function steering wheel or a colour touchscreen audio system, don't judge the piano-black-finished monochrome screen on its drab appearance. It incorporates auxiliary and USB ports behind a discreet flap and offers Bluetooth telephony and audio streaming, of which the latter features are very simple to set up. That means skipping over tracks on your playlist or answering/ending a phone call requires only prods to the chunky buttons on the audio screen, which is not an inconvenience, is it?
Furthermore, electric windows all round are a bonus (having window winders in the rear is the norm), the remote fuel flap and hatchback release levers at the foot of the driver's seat are handy and, oh yeah, there is a central locking button too, which is located on a console to the bottom right of the steering wheel – it's a strange place to put it, but at least it is there.
The bad
Evidence of cost-cutting
Although the Etios remains a strong value package and appears reasonably well-made, there are a few aspects of the Toyota that are irksome. The most obvious disappointment is the gaudy black-and-blue centrally mounted rev counter/speedometer cluster, which looks as though it has been lifted from a cheap children's toy, then there is separate ignition key and central locking fob, which is very old fashioned, the hatchback has to be opened with the ignition key and, finally, the parcel shelf is suspended from the tailgate by a single thin strap only.
With the 60/40 split rear seatback folded down, there is a lot more utility space. A full-sized (steel) spare wheel is provided.
Larger-than-expected turning circle
Considering that the 1.5 Sprint is an urban runabout, which offers an acceptable ride/handling balance, reasonable performance as well as economy (a dream combination for a budget car, to be fair), we did find it surprising that the Etios has a larger-than-expected turning circle (perhaps it is exacerbated by the 15-inch alloys and less-than-speedy steering ratio).
Short service interval
The extensive Toyota dealer network, allied with the Japanese manufacturer's reputation for good customer satisfaction, allied with a standard 3-year/100 000 km warranty and 2-year/30 000 km warranty are certainly pluses in the Etios' favour. However, the service intervals for the 1.5 Sprint (and the rest of the derivatives) are pegged at 10 000 km, which means that if you notch up 30 000 km in the first 2 years of ownership, a trio services will be covered under the plan. After that, services will probably be required less than 12 months apart, unless you plan to run the Etios very sparingly…
The rear bench benefits from standard headrests and three full safety belts, which should please family car buyers.
Verdict
For a private (read: non-fleet) buyer, the 1.5 Sprint 5-door is arguably the pick of the range. Like its predecessors, the Etios provides a commendable combination of performance and efficiency, plus pliant ride quality allied with predictable handling. It may not offer the most luggage capacity, but its loading space is acceptable and the rear seat legroom, plus headroom all round is excellent. On the downside, its utilitarian (if reasonably-equipped) interior is showing its age and there is little in the way of upmarket finishes, plus the product's warranty period is mediocre and the service intervals are short. It is what it is. However, there is still an element of plucky charm to the 1.5 Sprint and it does not have any major faults.
For those who seek practicality from their budget vehicles, the Etios still presents a strong proposition, but with the next generation Volkswagen Polo in the works (and, critically, an upgrade to/replacement for the Polo Vivo expected to follow shortly thereafter), a much-improved Tata Bolt already available and an all-new Suzuki Swift not too far away, the Toyota has its work cut out. The budget B-segment hatchback market is about to heat up…. and the Etios 1.5 Sprint is merely an (albeit very satisfying) appetiser.
Following the May 18 2017 announcement of General Motors' withdrawal from South Africa, the future of the Opel brand, which was recently acquired by Peugeot Citroen internationally, seemed to hang in the balance, at least as far as our market was concerned. However, there is indeed a future for Opel in the post GM-era…
The Russelsheim-based brand will be under new distributorship as of January 2018, but not before GMSA launches the Crossland X family car to the market in November. Speaking at an event in Johannesburg, Bill Mott, Opel's director of international sales operations, announced that the Unitrans-owned Williams Hunt group had been appointed as the dedicated distributor to distribute and sell the Opel brand in South Africa next year.
The name Williams Hunt will be familiar to many of those who own Opels; the company has been a major Opel retailer for many years. However, it won't be a case of business as usual. Whereas GM now has approximately 130 dealers, most of which sell and service Opel products, there will 80 Isuzu dealers and 35 Opel dealers by the time the retail network rationalisation is finished – and the German brand's outlets will all be urban-based.
During this tumultous transition, General Motors will communicate with existing owners to inform them of where their Chevrolet, Isuzu and Opel products can be serviced as of January 1 2018. The Japanese manufacturer's purchase of GM's parts distribution centre and the US multinational's undertaking that it would honour all valid warranties until they lapse, in other words, at least until 2023, provide owners with further peace of mind.
"Opel has had great success in South Africa. Our customers can expect the same quality of aftersales support and no changes to existing warranties," Bill Mott added. "We will ensure that our customers receive outstanding sales and aftersales support as we continue to further grow in the South African market."
In 2016, Opel sales in Europe increased approximately 4% with over 1.6 million vehicles sold, representing the company's best year in terms of sales since 2011. Opel's market share grew in 12 markets, while sales grew in 18 markets.
Notably, 2017 will be the most active year in the history of Opel, with the introduction of the "7 in 17" model offensive. Never before did the car manufacturer launch that many new cars in one single year.
Over the past two years, Opel sales in South Africa have grown 9.6%, compared to an overall market decline of 15.5%.
Bill Mott added: "We view South Africa as an important market. We are confident that the brand will continue to grow from strength to strength globally, and here in South Africa, because of the solid foundation that has been built in the 80-plus years Opel has been here."
Meanwhile, GM will still launch the new Crossland X late in the second half of 2017, while Opel South Africa will introduce the Grandland X in 2018.
Lexus has launched its flagship ‘Luxury Coupe’, the LC 500 in South Africa! The newcomer was introduced to the media in Cape Town this week and we took it for a drive on both road and track to get a sense of what this stylish coupe has to offer…
Rewind back to 2012 and you may very well remember the striking LF-LC concept, marking the beginning of a new chapter in terms of design and engineering for the Japanese luxury marque. Back then, the LF-LC represented a new and exciting future for Lexus design and the production LC 500 is an embodiment of Lexus’ intention to offer vehicles that are both exciting and emotionally impactful. Infused with the spirit of the LFA supercar and design of the LF-LC, the LC500 is claimed to not just be a new car, but rather represents a new future for Lexus.
To realise this future, Lexus developed an all-new platform known as Global Architecture-Luxury or GA-L that spawned the LC 500, but it also lays the foundation for the new flagship LS sedan and future front-engined, rear-wheel drive models.
The LC 500 is therefore unlike any other Lexus before it and it’s now available in South Africa. The local launch took place at the Franschhoek Motor Museum in Cape Town this week where we had the opportunity to drive and experience the LC 500 on road and track. Here’s what we discovered…
Striking design
Based on the LF-LC concept, the LC500 is attractive and sophisticated in the metal.
Photographs can be deceiving, but in the metal, the LC 500 is well proportioned and its styling is arresting. Lexus’ bold spindle grille with a mesh texture dominates the front-end and is complemented with sharp-looking L-shaped daytime running lights and new triple LED headlights. A high waistline and bulging hips give the LC500 a stout appearance from the rear while slim taillights provide a dash of elegance. Large 21-inch wheels fill the wheel arches and the LC 500’s tapering side profile is particularly attractive.
The eye-catching exterior style is matched with a cabin design that’s befitting of a grand tourer with an emphasis on comfort and luxury. The driver sits low with the hip point positioned closely to the car’s centre of gravity, which Lexus says aids effective feedback from the car to the driver. The leatherwork and detailing is impressive and interior build quality is excellent, as we've come to expect from this marque. In terms of design then, the LC500 is the most progressive model to come from Lexus and it’s undeniably appealing to the eye. It is a serious head turner…
Powerful performance
The LC 500 is both a capable grand tourer while also offering dynamic performance when it's required.
Apart from its striking design, Lexus has gone to great lengths to ensure that the LC 500 delivers engaging performance. To meet this end, the LC 500 is powered by a naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 engine with peak outputs of 351 kW and 540 Nm of torque. The engine red-lines at 7 300 rpm and the full brunt of power is unleashed at 7 100 rpm while maximum torque is available from 4 800 rpm. Using a new, fast-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission, the LC 500 is claimed to accelerate from zero to 100 kph in 4.7 seconds and can attain a top speed of 270 kph.
However, outright performance was not the main objective and Lexus rather focussed its efforts on creating a specific blend of performance and handling ability that not only suits the grand touring character of the car but also ensures maximum engagement when the driver decides to be more adventurous.
To achieve this aim, the LC 500 is fitted with the Lexus Handling System as standard which coordinates functions such as the Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS), Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS) and Electric Power Steering (EPS) to ensure optimum handling in all driving conditions. A limited-slip differential further enhances the traction and handling ability offered by the LC 500.
In terms of safety features, the LC 500 is well-equipped and comes fitted with front, side, curtain and knee airbags, ABS with EBD, Hill Assist Control, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Park Distance Control.
The local launch coincided with heavy rain and mist in Franschhoek but that didn't deter the media contingent from putting the new LC 500 through its paces. We had the opportunity to drive the LC 500 on track at the Franschhoek Motor Museum as well as on the well-known Franschhoek Pass.
Press the engine start button and you're welcomed by a marvellous burbling sound as the 5.0-litre V8 engine rumbles into life. As the heavens poured over us, we set off in the direction of Franschhoek Pass. We found the interior to be comfortable and the heated seats provided much-needed warmth – the high-tech nature of the cabin not detracting from its "snugness", thankfully.
The interior is comfortable and luxurious with fine detailing that lifts the overall look and feel of the cabin.
The LC 500 is fitted with a new multimedia system that provides access to audio, navigation and telephonic functionality via a 10.3-inch high-resolution display with an updated user interface. The system is controlled using the latest-generation Remote Touch Interface touchpad control located in the centre console and although it can be finicky if you have never used it before, usability will improve as you familiarise yourself with the functionality.
Franschhoek Pass was under siege from rain and mist which meant that we were unable to unleash the full capability of the LC 500. Ride quality is forgiving and it felt relatively smooth and comfortable. Weighing in at 1 940 kg, the LC500 isn’t light and its weight can be felt through the steering but it felt planted and sure-footed in the wet. While cruising, the LC 500 is very quiet with the engine hardly audible at all in the cabin. Only under harder acceleration does the engine make itself heard, and it's quite entertaining when it does so.
There are 4 driving modes available to the driver including Eco, Comfort, Sport and Sport+. Eco and Comfort are suitable for most driving situations while Sport and Sport+ can be activated when you feel the need for more spirited driving stints.
The LC500's performance is strong and with a vocal exhaust system, driving is a pleasurable experience.
On longer and safer sections of the route, we switched into Sport mode and turned on the taps. The LC 500 accelerates quickly and shifts through the gears seamlessly. We were often looking down at the instrument cluster to see what gear it was in because the shifts are barely noticeable. The 10-speed transmission was impressive and seemed to perfectly match the driver’s intent. You can, of course, use the mounted magnesium shift paddles for manual shifting if you wish.
The second half of the launch comprised of a few laps around Franschhoek Racetrack. The track was absolutely soaked and despite some apprehension and shot nerves (from the driver) the LC 500 demonstrated high levels of safety in challenging conditions and remained composed and true through corners where many vehicles would have left the roadway into the bushes. Before we knew it, the experience was over and we were left wanting more…
For Cars.co.za's Ciro de Siena's views on the LC 500's track ability, see our video at the bottom of this article.
In Conclusion
Lexus deserves applause for the LC 500. Not only does it boast unique and appealing design inside and out, but it also delivers performance, refinement and luxury in a package that sets the tone for future Lexus models.
Perhaps the most appealing aspect of the LC 500 is how it adapts to your driving style. If you drive it with intent, it will follow suit and support and stimulate your senses in a way that few cars can. It’s strength, however, lies in its grand touring ability and it’s not only comfortable and refined but it’s also hugely pleasurable to drive.
The LC 500 competes with established rivals such as the BMW 6 Series (to become 8 Series), Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe, Porsche 911 and Maserati GranTurismo to name a few. The LC 500 might be outdone in terms of outright performance against most of its rivals but as Lexus’ first stab at producing a high-performance luxury coupe, the LC 500 is a breath of fresh air and certainly worthy of consideration for the buyer looking for something a bit different, without sacrificing quality, advanced tech features and look-at-me styling.
Watch our first drive video of the Lexus LC500 at the international launch in Spain earlier this year!
Lexus LC500 – Price in South Africa
Lexus LC500 – R1 729 600
The Lexus LC500 is sold with a 4-year/100 000 km warranty and service plan.
