Ford South Africa has announced that production of the Everest SUV has commenced at its Silverton plant in Gauteng, South Africa.
Ford's Silverton Assembly Plant in Gauteng has started production of the Everest SUV and the big news is that the facility now produces two vehicles (Ranger and Everest), for export and local consumption. Ford South Africa exports the Ranger to 148 markets around the world.
“The start of local production for the Ford Everest is another major milestone for FMCSA’s Manufacturing division in implementing Ford’s Global Facility and Process Standards,” says Ockert Berry, VP Operations. "We are confident that the locally produced Ford Everest will deliver outstanding results for us, our employees and, most importantly, our customers,” said Berry.
Ford Everest range to expand in SA
The Everest will be produced for the South African market, and exported to countries across Sub-Saharan Africa and forms part of a R2.5-billion investment plan, which has created at least 1 200 new jobs. Now that the Ford Everest is being made in South Africa, the SUV's range will be expanded with an additional six models. Customers will have the choice between two engines, manual and automatic gearboxes and three trim levels. Both two- and four-wheel drive options will be available. You can also look forward to the Everest 2.2 TDCi XLS and XLT being introduced before the end of the year. This motor produces 118 kW and 385 Nm of torque and can be had with either a manual or automatic transmission.
“The Ford Everest has been a very popular addition to our local line-up, but thus far has only been available in the two high-specification 4×4 models which were fully imported from Thailand,” says Tracey Delate, General Marketing Manager, FMCSA. “Local production has now enabled us to expand the offering with an additional six model derivatives, two engine choices, three trim levels, the option of manual and automatic transmissions, as well as two and four-wheel drive versions. The addition of the 2.2 TDCi XLS and XLT models will appeal to family and lifestyle buyers, offering exceptional value for money matched to an outstanding level of standard safety features, smart technologies and proven all-terrain capability,” Delate adds.
We'll have more details regarding pricing and specification closer to the launch before the end of 2016.
Opel’s small crossover, the Mokka, has only been available in South Africa for a year and a half, but a facelifted version is due soon. Why? It’s because the Mokka has been on sale in Europe since 2012, where it has sold particularly well. Replete with a significantly upgraded interior and more onboard technology, X could mark the spot for the second-generation Mokka, which will be available in South Africa in early 2017. Our UK-based correspondent shares his impressions…
A little more than 600 000 units of the Korean-built compact crossover have found homes across Europe during the past 4 years, but time waits for no man (or small crossover, for that matter): today the Mokka faces a plethora of strong rivals (more than it did when it was new), including the Renault Captur, Mazda CX-5, Honda HR-V, Suzuki Vitara, just to name a few…
When it made its debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, the Mokka X became the first Opel model to introduce the “X” segment identifier for the Russelsheim-based firm’s future SUV and crossover vehicles. As before, it’s versatile, capable and practical, plus now, it’s slightly better looking and comes with upgraded connectivity, a nicer cabin and more efficient and quieter engines.
Whereas the pre-facelift Mokka has a somewhat generic appearance, the new one’s appreciably more eye-catching.
No more meh
The compact proportions of the new Mokka X – it’s only 4.28 metres long – mean it’s larger than a Nissan Juke, but smaller than a Qashqai. The newcomer’s designer, Mark Adams, endowed the X with a stronger, bold look courtesy of a wing-shaped horizontal front grille and the dominant, sharp double-wing signature of the LED daytime running lights. At the rear is another double wing signature in the tail light clusters (LEDs are optional).
On the inside, the Mokka X has a completely new dashboard inspired by the latest Astra with far fewer buttons. Fortunately, the heating, ventilation and aircon controls have been kept away from the interactive touch screen and stand intuitively alone mid-dash. Otherwise, with there being no changes to the body structure, it’s pretty much as it was.
Four tall adults can be carried in reasonable comfort. The window design remains poor, with the usual unfortunate effect on visibility. In the back, the rear seats benefit from wide opening doors that simplify the fitment of a child seat, though that sharply rising waistline is likely to restrict the view out for smaller occupants. As for luggage, there’s no high boot lip to negotiate and beyond it is a useful 356 litres of carriage space about the same as you’d get in a Mini Countryman, but 30% more than you’d get in a Nissan Juke…
Opel took a major leap in terms of infotainment with the introduction of the Astra and does so again with the Mokka.
On the technology front, Opel SA could introduce “adaptive forward lighting” LED headlamps, which adapt automatically to common driving situations, on top-of-the-range derivatives. The latest IntelliLink information-entertainment system, which will be available with either the 7- or 8-inch touchscreen display, is well worth the wait. The upgraded infotainment system will also feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as (at least as far as the European market is concerned) Opel OnStar security, guidance, emergency and protection services.
Advanced safety features include forward collision alert, following distance indication, traffic sign assistant, lane alert and lane departure warning.
Targeted at the “lifestyle” set
Mokka X buyers are most likely to be lifestyle enthusiasts rather than car enthusiasts. They will care little that this car isn’t quite as sharp and wieldy as a compact hatch, nor that it isn’t as practical as a compact SUV/Crossover. Instead, the Opel offers a potentially pleasing compromise between the two.
Whereas the standard luggage capacity is useful, the Mokka X’s utility space is particularly impressive.
More good news for Mokka X buyers is that there’s an all-new 1.4-litre direct injection turbocharged motor that produces peak power of 112 kW. The engine is available with either a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission.
Meanwhile, the newcomer’s on-road behaviour is reasonable enough. The automatic gearbox acts unobtrusively and the manual operates smoothly although the throw is a little long. The steering is precise and firm without being too heavy.
The ride quality varies according to road conditions, but Opel could have devoted more attention to the damping at higher speeds; on bumpy tarmac the car is a trifle bouncy. Apart from that, it’s up to the job, managing to mask the car’s high centre of gravity to a reasonable extent.
Nevertheless, on country roads, no matter how smooth, there’s still too much body roll through the twisty bits carried over from the old model. To experience the Mokka X at its best you’ll need to drive it on dual-carriageways or in town, which is where most owners will use the car most of the time, anyway.
In terms of exterior execution, the Mokka X treads the fine line between SUV machismo and urbane sophistication.
Summary
The Mokka X isn’t going to be the new crossover class-leader – indeed, far from it. The quality of the ride and corresponding handling won’t find many mainstream competitors shaking in their veldskoene but is worth adding that, should General Motors South Africa choose to specify the newcomer as liberally as it did with the new Astra, at least from a connectivity/infotainment point of view, the Opel could trump its rivals in that regard.
Price-wise, it should remain an attractive proposition with reasonably generous specifications. As is often the case, the best value will be found at the less expensive end of the local Mokka X line up, even though traditionally, the small crossover range has been rather limited.
Early models are rolling off the production line at its factory in Zaragoza, Spain; expect the newcomer in local showrooms around mid-January 2017.
Earlier this year, Volkswagen showed a special edition Polo Beats model at the Geneva Motor Show. Local pricing has been announced.
The Volkswagen Polo small hatchback is hugely successful in South Africa and it’s consistently in the Top 5 best-selling cars in the country every month, alongside its sibling, the Polo Vivo. The Polo is well-known for its reliability and no-fuss, go-anywhere credentials, making it a popular option for young and older buyers alike. In contrast to its success, there are the nay-sayers who believe the Polo is unexciting, boring and ordinary. Well, the Polo Beats is singing a different tune and the naysayers will just have to fall into tune and groove to the music.
What is the Polo Beats?
Yes, on the face of it, this is a standard Polo, but with a twist. The special edition Polo Beats will certainly appeal to younger, trendy buyers and it’s kitted out with various exterior styling features to make it stand out from its Polo siblings. Notable features include a snazzy set of new 16-inch ‘Portago’ alloy wheels, red side mirrors, dark red tail lights, decorative decals along the skirts as well as a Beats badge on the B-pillar.
The most impressive feature however, is found inside. Beats Electronics, founded by famous American rapper / musician, Dr Dre, has gone to town in the Polo Beats, offering a powerful 300-Watt audio system to keep heads bopping on every drive. The Beats sound system includes an 8-channel amplifier with a digital signal processor and seven high-end speakers including two tweeters in the A-pillars, two woofers in the front doors, two broadband speakers in the rear as well as a subwoofer placed in the spare wheel well in the boot. The Polo Beats is also standard with the composition Media Radio with USB – interface for iPod/iPhone, AUX-in jack, Bluetooth connectivity and App Connect.
If that’s not music to your ears then the Polo Beats will also offer other unique interior features including specially designed Beats sports seats and door trims, as well as coloured seatbelts and a leather steering wheel.
What will the Polo Beats cost?
Official pricing has just been confirmed with the Polo Beats being based on the Polo 1.2 TSI Comfortline (R246 700). That means the Polo Beats will offer 66 kW and 160 Nm of torque from its 1.2-litre engine with a claimed fuel consumption figure of 4.9 L/100 km.
Being a special edition model, there's a slight premium on the price tag. The Polo Beats is priced at R260 700. Volkswagen also noted that the up! will also be launched with a Beats model later this year.
Car Prices 2016 vs 2015: How Much More Are You Paying?
How much more are you paying for your car in 2016 vs the same time last year?
Car prices are determined by many factors such as inflation, exchange rates and manufacturing costs. It’s unlikely that we’ll ever see car prices decrease, but it’s interesting to see which manufacturers have increased their prices more than others.
It seems that after a year of weakenings in the exchange rates the rand has rallied back to the same level it was 1 year ago (R13.80 to the US dollar and similarly 15.50 to the Euro). Most of our imports are paid for in these two currencies – even Japanese and Chinese imports are often traded in US Dollars so it’s a reasonable comparison to make for most manufacturers.
Manufacturers that produce vehicles locally (Toyota, Nissan, Ford, Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and GM) have a little shelter from the exchange rate as they benefit from the Automotive Production and Development Programme (APDP) incentive scheme, so you would expect their prices to not have inflated as much.
However, there are many intricacies and dealings that go on behind the scenes that have an effect on vehicle pricing for each manufacturer, so these figures don’t tell the whole story. It is, however, still interesting to see how much more cars are today than they were a year ago. We have chosen cars that sell reasonably well on the local market and have been on sale for a year and haven't been through a facelift in that period.
Foton is a relative newcomer to the bakkie market and therefore many buyers still compare buying a Tunland to taking a leap of faith. But how big a leap does it need to be? We found the top-spec Chinese bakkie old-school in some ways, and pleasantly luxurious in others
Lifestyle family car buyers favour double-cabs for a variety of reasons, not least value for money and utility. While the competition in the segment grows tighter by the day, manufacturers realise that exterior paraphernalia, colloquially known as “bakkie bling”, represent extra value to showroom visitors, many of whom would probably want to specify some “off-roader bits” at extra cost anyway.
Distinctive looks are supplemented by sporty adornments such as a chrome-look roll bar and running boards.
The bold, colourful plastic body wrap (applied by the Foton’s distributor for marketing purposes) helped the otherwise plain-white Tunland draw admiring glances throughout its tenure in Cars.co.za’s extended test fleet, but the Luxury’s “bakkie bling” will be of most interest to prospective buyers…
Standard fog lights, running boards, colour-coded mirrors and door handles (the former with integrated indicator lenses, the latter amended by chrome accents), a chrome-look roll bar, as well as a tonneau cover gave the Foton good kerb appeal. Why a chrome-look nudge bar, which would have complemented the roll bar beautifully, was not fitted remains a mystery, but check with local dealers to see if there are Tunland demonstration units that might already have them fitted.
The dark faux wood interior inserts and shiny trim strips aren't garish, but arguably out of fashion…
If you are considering purchasing a double cab, note the relatively sparse exterior specifications of other bakkies listed as new for around R410k and compare it with the Foton’s standard fitments, as well as…
An interior awash with nice-to-haves
Whereas “luxury” and “SUV” are commonly associated with one another, “luxury” and “bakkie” sit together less comfortably, especially at the value end of the double-cab market. Some offerings have basic steering wheels, cloth/vinyl seats and basic radio/CD/MP3 audio systems (if standard), but the Tunland comes equipped with leather upholstery (with adjustable lumbar support for the front seats), a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, electrically folding side mirrors (with a demisting function) as well as rear PDC system (with audible warnings); quite a comprehensive package.
Streaming music from a smartphone via Bluetooth is just as easy as… loading a CD into the audio unit!
However, bakkies that are of a newer design than the Foton certainly have comparatively more “car-like” interiors. The Tunland’s fascia and dashboard designs are rooted in the bakkie’s commercial vehicle origins and although that shouldn’t ultimately deter too many buyers, it does show up the Chinese firm’s attempts to make the interior look more upmarket, because chrome-look trims and faux wood are a bit passe nowadays, let alone in a bakkie cabin. Exposed screw heads in the door handle housings and steering column are obtrusive: why not hide them under plastic caps, for example?
Having said that, the Foton’s cabin quality held up well (for the most part) during the test. We initially judged the audio system on its plain appearance (it still has a CD slot!), but it offers USB and auxiliary inputs and can stream music from a smartphone via Bluetooth, plus it’s easy to set up and use. Furthermore, the multifunction steering wheel’s controls work well and the integrated handsfree system’s microphone (mounted on the inside of the A-pillar) relays clearly audible dialogue.
The rear seats in the Tunland don't offer generous legroom, but can accommodate 3 adults at a squeeze.
The front seats are comfy and the cabin is spacious enough to accommodate up to 5 adults at a squeeze, even if the rear legroom is comparatively tight. Voluminous cupholders in the centre console are big enough to accommodate a pair of large takeaway coffees, the lidded oddment storage spaces (at the bottom of the fascia) is ideal for storing sunglasses and other valuables from prying eyes.
But a one-touch up/down function on the driver's window and more than one 12V outlet would not have gone amiss. The only glitch we encountered was with the ventilation control knob, which stopped working toward the end of the test. We also noted that the shift-on-the-fly 2H/4H/4L push button console did, at times, refuse to obey inputs (yes, we adhered to the maximum speed limit for shifting between 2H and 4H). Switching the ignition off and on again “resolved” the problem.
Lugging detritus? The load bay easily swallowed a quartet of bar stools.
Willing to work hard
The Foton was one of the first vehicles to join Cars.co.za’s extended-test programme and its arrival was perfectly timed to facilitate a staffer’s house move (and the repeated loading/loading it requires). It’s a sizeable bakkie, which is advantageous in terms of its spacious cabin and broad, deep loading area.
Removing the standard tonneau cover requires loosening 4 g-clamps, lifting the cover’s frame and a pair of braces off the load bay’s edge and sliding the cover out of a groove behind the rear screen. One person can do it, but refitting it is much easier with assistance. We were impressed with the quality of the cover’s components and installation, although as the pictures of a trip to a hardware store suggest, the tonneau' does not limit practicality in all scenarios.
With a load bay capacity of 965 litres, the Foton easily hauled a load of building supplies.
We did notice sporadic creaks emanating from the left rear suspension (it could have been caused by the load bed straining against the chassis), but otherwise the Tunland performed dutifully. As a source of everyday transport, however, the bakkie’s exterior dimensions were, as expected, disadvantageous in congested parking lots, where the wide turning circle made parking a bit tricky. Having said that, the manoeuvrability problem is not limited to the Foton, but endemic to most modern double cabs.
Old school motor, but frugal
The 2.8-litre Cummins engine at the heart of the Foton is a proven quantity, but it’s neither as refined, nor significantly more powerful, than its (smaller-capacity) competitors. Apart from the somewhat noisy engine, the bakkie’s 5-speed transmission is notchy, especially from a cold start and we found that when trundling below the urban speed limit (60 kph), we’d flit between the second and third gears of the Tunland just to keep the motor “on the boil”. The motor always performed tirelessly, however.
The instant consumption readout isn't particularly helpful, but L/100 km is a click of the trip computer button away.
An extra ratio would undoubtedly have facilitated cruising in freeway conditions, but, having said that, Foton’s claim of an average consumption figure of 8.3 L/100 km is quite conservative. The highest indicated figure we saw was 8.1, which was most impressive (if the trip computer is accurate). In addition to the frugal performance, the bakkie rides as comfortably as any product of its generation, the road-holding is relatively neutral and predictable and the “snatchiness” of the brakes at low speed (to which we alluded in the review of this Tunland derivative) did not require all that much familiarisation.
Meanwhile, the Foton offers more than capable off-road capability. We’ve already praised the bakkie’s shift-on-the-fly functionality, but a diff-lock is conspicuous by its absence… It suggests that Foton conceived the bakkie as an urban-based family vehicle that will only be called into action as a 4×4 lifestyle vehicle now and again. It is rated to tow braked trailers of up to 2 500 kg, incidentally.
The rightmost (ventilation control) knob felt a little flimsy to operate; the shift-on-the-fly buttons are chunky.
Verdict
Underpinned by a prudent design and reasonable build quality, the Foton Tunland 2.8 double cab 4×4 Luxury is undeniably an attractively-packaged bakkie, especially insofar as aesthetic accoutrements and luxury interior features are concerned. After all, in a market where other fringe players that are priced below it don't feel as substantial, and more sophisticated/newer products priced above it feel relatively stripped down, a generous standard specification undoubtedly adds to showroom appeal.
However, the Tunland isn’t flush with features in every respect. On the safety front, auto-locking doors, front airbags and ABS with EBD are standard, but that’s not a class-leading specification (there’s neither traction- nor stability control).
When the time came for the Tunland to make its video star turn, the bakkie didn't hesitate to make a splash.
Then factor in Foton’s limited dealer footprint compared with those of top-selling bakkie brands, the military medium 3-year/100 000 warranty and limited (albeit 5-year) 70 000 km service plan and one could not begrudge conservative, brand-loyal buyers (especially in the bakkie market) for favouring used examples of established products over the newcomer.
Yet this test highlighted that Foton deserves to be considered based on its new-out-of-the-box proposition. Apart from the annoying ventilation knob malady and shift-on-the-fly quirk, the Tunland “did not put a wheel wrong”. If this product is a harbinger of future Foton products, even those that incorporate incremental improvements, the brand deserves to grow its presence in the cutthroat double-cab market. Dismissing the Tunland as just an astute used buy would be patently unfair.
Isuzu has announced a facelifted version of its Isuzu KB bakkie and here are some details about this model.
The facelifted version of the Isuzu KB bakkie has gone on sale and while we attended its launch in Namibia (look out for a First Drive report of the newcomer soon), here are some key facts and details about this new vehicle.
What's new?
New front fascia design including changes to bonnet, radiator grille and fog lamps
Redesigned headlamps with projector and integrated LED day time running lights on LX models
Updated tailgate styling on extended and double cab models.
Reverse-view camera integrated to tailgate handle on LX double cab models
4×4 decal on load box
LX models get new-look 18-inch alloy wheels
16-inch styled wheel features on the rest of the range
Instrument cluster design with improved functionality and shift indicator for manual models.
Rear park assist camera is now integrated into the rear tailgate handle on all LX double-cab derivatives.
“The new KB looks a lot sleeker and streamlined with a new instrumentation cluster design, improved sound system while maintaining all the key Isuzu characteristics we have come to love. In addition to the new look, 3.0 4×4 LX Double Cab customers will benefit from additional value as these models now come standard with a towbar, sportsbar, roofrails and power adjustable leather seats,” says Brian Olson, vice President Vehicle Sales, Service, and Marketing General Motors Sub-Saharan Africa.
In terms of engines, the trusty 2.5-litre and 3.0-litre diesel engines continue to be offered. The top-of-the-range 3.0 pushes out 130 kW and 380 Nm, while consuming 7.9 L/100 km for 4×4 double cab and extended cab models, dropping to 7.7 L/100 km for the 4×2 versions. The single cab 4×2 also returns a figure of 7.7L/100 km, with the 4×4 single cab version consuming 8 L/100 km. The second engine is the 2.5-litre which has 100 kW and 320 Nm. Both workhorse 250 modes come with the Direct Injection 4 Cylinder 2.5 Diesel engine which produces 58 kW and 170 Nm and fuel consumption is rated at 7.9 L/100 km.
Another important change is a refined suspension which helps deliver a smoother ride. This change comes from over 100 000 km of testing completed by local engineers. Hi-Rider 4X2 models receive new front and rear dampers while 4X4 models received revised rear dampers only.
Isuzu KB Price in South Africa (February 2017)
Isuzu has a complete customer care programme aimed at giving customers peace of mind by covering all aftersales related worries under one programme. Isuzu Complete Care covers:
All routine maintenance, regular servicing and roadside emergencies
New Vehicle Warranty – Standard 5 Year or 120 000km
The bloodbath in the South African new car market continues with another big decline recorded in September. All five segments of the market recorded double-digit (or near double-digit) declines in percentage terms. On the other hand, the swing towards used cars continues unabated.
According to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa), only 47 399 new vehicles were sold in September, representing a 14.3% decline compared with the same period in 2015. Thus far this year total industry sales are down 11.3%.
"It is not really unexpected," said Rudolf Mahoney, Head of Brand and Communications, WesBank Marketing. "We forecasted at the start of this year that the market would shrink by around 12% in 2016. It seems like we are heading in that direction," he continued.
"If you look at WesBank's own data," he said, "it is clear that the trend to used is continuing." According to Mahoney there has been a 17.8% decline in new vehicle financing applications, but a 6.7% increase for used cars. Increasingly finance applications are also turned down – currently less than half of the applications that WesBank receives are successful.
Consumers under pressure
Affordability is a major factor that is driving consumers to exploring the used car market, Mahoney explained. New car prices have dramatically increased over the past 12 months, with the average price of a new financed car in September coming to R293 343, a whopping 18% more than last year. Household income has simply not kept pace with not only rising new vehicle costs, but all rising prices, so consumers are forced to either postpone their purchases, or look at the used-vehicle market. But even there prices are rising because of strong demand – the average deal value for a used car in September was R191 236, an increase of 8.7%
“History has shown that the performance of the new vehicle market is cyclical, and we are nearing the bottom of this cycle. However, in the medium term the future of the market will be determined by the verdict from the international ratings agencies,” said Simphiwe Nghona, CEO of Motor Retail at WesBank. “A downgrade in the country’s debt rating will have a number of far-reaching consequences that will have direct and indirect impacts on vehicle prices and consumer budgets.”
The top sellers
Passenger Cars
In total 31 957 new cars were sold in September, a decline of 14.4% compared with the same month last year. The top selling passenger vehicles were;
Volkswagen Polo Vivo — 2 822 units
Volkswagen Polo — 2 426 units
Toyota Corolla/Auris/Quest — 2 061 units
Ford Fiesta — 1 190 units
Toyota Fortuner — 1 180 units
Ford EcoSport — 987 units
Toyota Etios — 947 units
Renault Sandero — 625 units
Toyota Avanza — 572 units
BMW 3 Series — 487 units
* Note that Mercedes-Benz and the AMH brands (Hyundai, Kia etc.) do not report detailed sales figures and their model listings are therefore not included.
Light Commercial Vehicles
With only 12 879 LCVs sold in September, this segment of the market recorded a sharp decline of 14.8% compared with the same month last year. Many businesses have cut back on capital investments and prefer to rather spend more on maintenance in the current economic climate. The top sellers were;
Mitsubishi has revealed a dramatically updated Outlander at the Paris Motor Show, and has added a Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) variant to the line-up
We rate the Mitsubishi Outlander highly – it was a semi-finalist in the Leisure Vehicle category of the inaugural Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – but its design was, admittedly, an acquired taste. The Japanese marque chose the Paris Motor Show to unveil the facelifted version, and it addresses the design criticisms very effectively indeed… Look at the pictures and judge for yourself.
Mitsubishi has already confirmed that the updated Outlander will arrive in South Africa early in 2017 and it has also stated that the new Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) version is undergoing technical tests and is the subject of a market study for possible local introduction. The Outlander PHEV can be distinguished from its petrol-engined siblings by its unique bumper extensions and side garnishes, as well as striking bi-tone 18-inch wheels.
More upmarket interior
The upgrades extend beyond the exterior, with Mitsubishi claiming a more premium-class cabin, as well as a reinforced, stiffer body. The steering wheel, control interfaces and information displays have all been improved, Mitsubishi says. The stiffer body, with its recalibrated suspension settings are claimed to improve on-road dynamic performance, while the fitment of improved dampening materials have made the cabin quieter.
The company made no announcement regarding the powertrain of the current petrol-engined model, so we expect that to continue unchanged. The PHEV model, however, is said to boast an extended range solely on electric power, as well as smoother transition between driving modes. Mitsubishi claims a consumption figure of 4.95 L/100 km. Also offered is a 100 Volt on-board socket which can supply up to 1 500 Watt of electricity to power a variety of equipment or appliances – such as a camp fridge.
The Audi R8, which showed the world that Porsche isn't the only German marque that's brave enough to build a supercar – and that lofty performance potential does not need to be synonymous with driver discomfort, is back. Quattro GmbH has dispensed with the V8 and fitted a more powerful V10 in its flagship derivative. Is it still a great everyday sportscar, though?
We like: Screaming V10, sublime comfort and refinement, thrilling to drive.
We don’t like: Steering controls can get in the way when cornering, not as much of a bargain as before.
Alternatives
For something with more prestige: McLaren 570S – if it’s a supercar with a more exotic badge you’re after, the "baby Mac" is a solid choice and offers rear-wheel-drive thrills. Its base price of approximately R3.6 million is not preposterous, but a moderately specced-up one will cost more than R4 million.
If you just wanna go fast: Nissan GT-R – it’s harder and arguably faster, but you won’t be doing any long journeys in this without a good physio at your disposal… We exaggerate, yes, but it is an old-school supercar in some ways.
For something with looks that can kill: Mercedes-AMG GT S – not as fast a sportscar as the rivals mentioned above, but there’s still plenty power and torque available and has oodles of kerb appeal.
What’s different?
The new Audi R8 hasn’t changed much in terms of styling, it sports more of an enhanced, evolutionary look. It’s still lip-pursingly gorgeous, but it’s donned a new more modern suit. It’s now only available as a 5.2-litre V10 model; the 4.2-litre V8 was discontinued to make way for the introduction of a twin-turbo V6 unit in the near future. Audi has spent its budget on improving the R8's chassis, interior and tech gadgets in what it believes is a much-improved supercar. We spent some time on-road and then on-track with this R8 V10 Plus, just to see how much better this new model is.
How does it fare in terms of…
Performance?
It’s an invisible line – the border between sportscars and supercars. When does something stop being fun and playful and become seriously quick and a treasure trove of sensory overloads? Or is it simply down to the price? It’s probably not the latter, but something intangible that you feel in your gut the very first time you bury the throttle or feather the steering in towards an apex. A supercar is just that bit more of everything: faster, grippier and louder. It sends adrenalin to all parts of your body in a manner that fizzy foam cascades from a full bottle of Coke when you deposit Mentos into its contents.
Evolutionary design is still so purposeful and eye-catching to gawk at
Audi has persisted with natural aspiration when every brand around it has seemingly bolted on a turbocharger, supercharger or electric motor to their cars' powerplants. As a result, Audi has a unique spot in the supercar market. If you’re after sudden hits of torque and short intense power bursts then you’re better off shopping in Turboland but, if it’s instantaneous throttle response and linear power delivery right up until the 8 500 rpm redline you're after…
The purity of the sound produced by the R8 V10 Plus is enough to make you forget about its (relatively) peaky performance characteristics. There’s nothing quite like a high-pitched wail from a V10 to get you involved in the experience and urge you to explore the car's limits. Those limits will test your mettle as the quattro system will send the R8 leaping from 0 – 100 kph in just 3.2 seconds and hit a top speed of 330 kph – that’s in excess of the magical 200 mph mark.
The original R8 was the car that demonstrated that sportscars could be used every day – and in veritable comfort. With the extra power, a V10-only lineup (at least for the time being) and an upgraded chassis, there was always the risk that it may have crossed over into the realm of outright supercar. We need not have worried, however, this is an Audi and a composed (but adaptable) ride quality is what drivers expect. The car’s impressively comfortable around town and easily capable of pottering around in traffic. It’s stiffly sprung, even in comfort mode, but it absorbs rough surfaces or potholes reasonably well.
New R8 V10 Plus can be identified by its solid rear wing.
On anything but a racetrack, the R8 is an accomplished, multi-talented driving tool. Thread it through a mountain pass and the pliant suspension soaks up the road conditions, while the quattro system makes sure you never feel outmatched. For a 449 kW brute, the R8 can really be manhandled with confidence – it won’t, as the saying goes, chew you up and spit you out. The grip seems endless and the front end eager to hold tight when you stomp on the power.
There never seems to be a moment when you feel like things are on a knife-edge or that you should probably tone it down a notch. Keep focused and keep hitting those apexes and adding power, it will make you feel like a very special driver as your input mistakes are forgiven with a small correction to the steering wheel.
It's not all good news, however. Purists might complain that the R8's forgiving nature will possibly enable a relatively unskilled driver to match the speed of a seasoned driving veteran (in some circumstances) when at the wheel of this supercar. Although that is unlikely to be true, the Audi's safety-first, always-planted and by-default neutral behaviour (all advantageous on a public road), preclude it from being a wholly engaging, visceral and challenging track car.
Feel good factor?
Step inside the R8 and may think the cabin's a bit bland, as least from a visual point of view. That’s because Audi has crammed everything onto the steering wheel or the instrument cluster. Everything happens in front of you as there’s no separate infotainment screen (it can take a bit of getting used to), but it is a very pretty screen! We feel Audi has put a few too many buttons on the R8's steering wheel, they tend to get in the way of your palm when you're twirling the tiller. For example, we often found the radio station had changed or a display had scrolled into a different setting after negotiating a sharp corner.
Among the multitude of buttons is a chequered flag button, which is a new addition. This button accesses performance modes within the R8 V10 Plus (additional modes to the drive select modes). These modes focus on achieving maximum traction from the stability control programme, while adapting the throttle, steering, suspension and exhaust flaps for utmost excitement.
Chequered flag button acts like a shortcut button to access all the best parts of the R8 in one click
The R8 feels more luxurious and spacious compared with to its Lamborghini Huracan cousin, which we drove earlier this year. The driver’s seat is more accommodating and larger fellows will feel more comfortable in either of the front seats. Overall, the Audi has a less constricting cabin with better visibility out the windows and rear view mirror, all of which underlines the fact that the R8 is not totally unsuited to the daily commute.
Pricing & Warranty
The Audi R8 V10 sells for R3 089 000 and comes backed by a 1-year/unlimited km warranty and 5-years/100 000 km maintenance plan.
Verdict
There wasn’t too much debate as to whether the new R8 was going to be good – it was already an excellent sportscar. What the Ingolstadt-based manufacturer managed to do was finely tune just about every area of its supercar: from the engine to the super-fast dual-clutch gearbox to the chassis and handling characteristics and just make them a little bit better. Even its designers evolved the R8 into an even prettier car. As a starter supercar (if there is such a thing), this new R8 V10 plus is a brilliant piece of machinery, capable of making any driver feel like a superstar behind the wheel. It isn’t daunting to drive quickly either… it’ll get your adrenaline going, but it won’t make you sweat in fear of running out of talent and suffering a "vehicular misadventure".
The Department of Energy has announced that on 5 October 2016 the retail price of 93 octane petrol will increase by 44 c/litre, 95 octane petrol by 43c/litre and diesel by 23c/litre.
What's the biggest reason for the increases? Well, for once, it was not the weak rand/dollar exchange rate. Although the national currency declined last month, it recently made a decent recovery. "The Rand declined early in September against the US dollar, but has since strengthened. Only around eight cents of this month's increase will come from Rand weakness. It is oil strength which has been the major contributor," said the AA.
It's interesting to note that the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has reached a preliminary agreement to limit oil production, the first time this has happened since 2008. If this deal goes through, outputs could be curtailed by up to 700 000 barrels a day which will stimulate international petrol prices. However, non-OPEC countries could up production and affect the price negatively. It's all a case of supply and demand.
The AA is more concerned about our currency. "If the Rand remains volatile, South Africans will be more exposed to changes in the oil price, and we advise motorists to continue to economise in the absence of a clear picture of what effect the OPEC decision may have," the Association concluded.
