The facelifted Subaru WRX and WRX STI will arrive in South Africa in the third quarter of 2017. Get the details here…
Subaru showed the facelifted WRX and WRX STI at the Detroit Motor Show and Subaru South Africa has confirmed that the models will be offered in South Africa in the third quarter of 2017. The WRX and WRX STI feature an updated design with enhancements made to performance, comfort and safety.
What’s changed?
The Subaru WRX and WRX STI features updated styling and improved performance.
The facelifted version of the WRX and WRX STI features a sportier front fascia with a revised grille and larger lower grille opening. Night time driving is further improved with redesigned LED Steering Responsive Headlights and roof rack mounting brackets are now included.
The WRX is powered by a 200 kW 2.0-litre turbocharged boxer engine with all-wheel drive and active torque vectoring. The engine mated to a revised 6-speed manual transmission or an optional Sport CVT with manual mode. The WRX also features new front and rear suspension for improved stability and ride comfort. Furthermore, the electric power steering has been revised too and now offers a “smoother, more natural feel” according to Subaru. Standard 18-inch wheels with a new double-spoke design are fitted.
As for the WRX STI, a 227 kW 2.5-litre turbocharged boxer engine is utilised in conjunction with a Multi-Mode Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) symmetrical all-wheel drive system, torque vectoring and a Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control. Suspension on the STI has been revised and the Brembo Performance Brake System has been upgraded with stronger callipers at the front and rear. The STI rides on new 19-inch alloy wheels for the first time, featuring a Y-shaped spoke design and Recaro seats are offered too.
Improved interior and safety
The facelifted Subaru WRX and WRX STI features improved interior quality and finishes.
Interior materials in both the WRX and WRX STI have been upgraded and the models now feature a rear seat armrest with cup holders and redesigned door grips. A larger 5.9-inch multi-function display is fitted for better visibility and the electric boot lid has also been revised to open faster than before. The WRX Premium derivative will feature an upgraded 7-inch STARLINK multimedia system.
In terms of safety, the front structure has been revised to enhance performance in the event of a front-end collision. EyeSight Driver Assist Technology will be offered, including Vehicle Hold (AVH) and the new EyeSight Assist Monitor (EAM). The vehicle hold function will effectively hold the vehicle on all road grades while the EyeSight Assist Monitor will use LED indicators to display EyeSight status and alerts on the windscreen, without the driver taking eyes off the road.
We will keep you updated when local specification and pricing becomes available, so stay tuned
The latest version of the 911 is the first to feature an all-turbocharged lineup (save the track-oriented GT3). Has the greener direction turned the most iconic sportscar into something a bit bland and non-distinct? Our UK-based correspondent, Andrew Frankel, investigates…
There is no car more often unfairly pre-judged than a new 911. This should come as no surprise, for Porsche has been playing with the design of its seminal sports car for almost as long as it has been around. And the only consistent thread amongst every new 911 is that the new one would be radically different from its predecessor. Of course, as we know, they never actually strayed far from the original path.
Still the most recognisable car design on the planet, the 911 has subtly adapted to the times.
With the introduction of the 964 generation in 1989, with its ugly big bumpers, power steering, anti-lock brakes, vaguely coherent interior and, oh the shock of it, four-wheel drive, it was, we thought a 911 too far, too modern, too not like a 911. So when the 993 series went on sale in 1994 it, of course, did not go far enough. A new rear suspension system and a six-speed gearbox was not really enough when what was needed was an all-new car. But when Porsche did provide that all-new car, the 996 of 1998, we fell on that too because, cooled by what you drank rather than what you breathed, that really was a 911 in name alone. The 997 attracted some opprobrium at the time because it really was just a 996 with the benefit of hindsight rather than the new car it was made out to be, and when the 991 was introduced in 2011 with its long wheelbase and electric steering, Porsche was accused, once more, of overcooking it again.
And yet despite these protests, it turns out that time and again, Porsche failed to ruin the 911. Some generations will be more fondly remembered than others, but none has dealt so much as a disabling blow to the world’s most enduring driver’s car, let alone the coup de grace some anticipated.
The effect of turbocharging?
Porsche has been adding exhaust-driven forced induction to 911 engines for over 40 years so, on one hand, there’s little conceptually new here and so, it might logically seem, little to get steamed up about. Except every 911 Turbo has not only been quicker but also less enjoyable than the cheaper, normally aspirated version upon which it was based. But now there is no such car because from now on all 911s, save the GT3 exotica, will be turbocharged. So it’s easy to believe they’d be more powerful, faster and more frugal than before, but better to drive? That was harder to envisage.
The biturbo V6 that powers the Carrera S models.
What else has changed?
True to typical Porsche philosophy, there is far more going on beneath the surface than its visually similar skin would suggest. There are the new 3.0-litre engines of course, each boasting 15 kW (309 kW for the S) more power and 60 Nm (500 Nm for S model) of additional torque over the normally aspirated engines they replace. In addition, the cars are 10 mm lower (20 mm if you opt for sports suspension) and all now have Porsche’s adaptive damping system. The rear tyres are fatter and can be steered too – as an option on the S model. Both manual and automatic versions of the seven-speed transmission have been re-engineered to provide quicker, smoother shifts. They have higher ratios too, to improve economy and cover a reduced rev range. Inside you’ll find a new touch screen and control system that drags Porsche into the modern era.
New infotainment system brings Porsche up to date with its rivals.
Whether you’re going to enjoy driving it a lot or a little depends entirely on you. If you’re the kind of driver who likes to sit back and enjoy very big reactions to very small inputs, I’d get your order in now. For the first time, this is a standard 911 model that requires almost no effort to drive fast. You don’t need to change down a gear or two before overtaking, you don’t actually need more than 1 700 rpm on the clock before it will summon up all the torque it possesses, and it will keep on doing it all the way to 5 000 rpm. The outgoing car not only had substantially less torque, you needed 5 600 rpm on the clock to find it. The downside is that while its throttle response is good for a turbo motor, the new engine lacks that instantaneous answer to your foot, as well as a thick slice of the old unit’s rev-range and, sadly, some sound quality too. Its voice is still unmistakably that of a flat six, but with a mouth full of cotton wool. Simply put, it's more impressive but less exciting.
The pick of the range?
As for the choice between the base Carrera and a Carrera S, the view often held in the past that less is almost always more when it comes to the 911 no longer applies. The Carrera’s straight line performance is actually very good but where it struggles is in issuing a real challenge to a chassis that in many ways has actually moved on just as much as the engine. Grip levels are stupendous such that only those likely to encounter serious low-grip surfaces should even think about buying a four-wheel drive model. But even on a bone dry surface, the Carrera S engine with its additional 37 kW at least feels a match for the chassis in which it is installed. One of the characteristics of original 991 car is that you have to drive it very fast before it comes alive, and this facelifted 911 is no different. But if you do find the right kind of quick, quiet road for which you might imagine a 911 would be born, the Carrera S will devour it in a dazzling display of pace, poise and efficiency.
The newest 911 has thrills that are much easier to access than ever before.
Verdict
Although this is a mere mid-life update to the 911, it seems more changed than most brand new generations. When the 991 was introduced, it brought with it a long wheelbase and electric steering and was a pretty different kind of car as a result, but the change in the car’s character wrought by the turbo engines feels greater.
And there’s no doubt that for die-hard 911 fans, something of the car’s character has been lost. As this 911 is more capable, so it's less distinct and when that happens to perhaps the most distinctive everyday car there is, it’s a crying shame. Others will find less cause for concern: these are those who like the style and image of a 911 but not the fact that it requires you to work at it before it will perform. In these days where instant gratification is all, it's a car that knows where its customer base lies.
3 Highlights from Detroit 2017: What We Really Think of Them
The 2017 North American International Auto Show aka the Detroit Auto Show has come and gone, and here are 3 highlights from the exhibition. We look at how these products will fit into the market and what they bring to the table.
This year's Detroit Auto Show was a low-key affair, with not as much metal exposed as expected. Perhaps a combination of budget cuts, the declining interest in automobile shows or the fact the monster Geneva Auto Show is not too far away were to blame. It's hard to understand as this is Motor City, this is the home of the American "auto industry". Both Ford and General Motors have their headquarters here and other than a facelifted Ford F-150 and a Chevrolet Traverse, there wasn't much coming from the Americans this year.
There were some vehicles that caught our eye, however, and while one is a concept (although its manufacturer will claim its more pre-production than concept) 2 of them are living, breathing, working production automobiles. Sure, there was a fair degree of self-driving autonomy on display, but we all know that those cars are some way from mainstream adoption.
Kia Stinger
If there was a product that will see Kia break its shackles of practicality and sensibility, it's this. This is Kia moving from practical to emotional and aspirational. Former Audi employee Peter Schreyer (the man who designed the original TT) has done tremendous work during his time at Kia and it wouldn't surprise us if he is bestowed with the Korean version of a knighthood. As for the Stinger, we were all worried that the GT4 Stinger concept from 2014 (upon which it is based) would suffer the same fate as most concept cars, you know, that "Looks Amazing, But They'll Never Built It" business. What's worse than seeing something utterly breathtaking and futuristic, then realising that it'll never be mass produced?
Sure, the Kia Stinger has morphed from two-door sportscar to a sensible five-door sedan/grand tourer, but we're okay with it. Power comes from a 3.3-litre biturbo V6 and power reaches the rear wheels, and the car was tested and tuned on the Nurburgring. It's lovely to see a manufacturer make this shift in priorities, even though petrolheads constitute a fraction of the potential customer base. However, we're worried for a number of reasons. Firstly the sedan market has nosedived over the past few years as people move into SUVs and crossovers, and secondly, given the specification level (generous and German-rivalling), it's not going to be cheap. As incredible and significant leap forward for Kia this is, it's going to be a hard sell to try convince a potential Audi S4 customer to head on over to the land of Kia. Valiant effort by Kia, and surely the star of the Detroit Auto Show.
Audi's product line-up (TT and R8 excluded) has become a little generic over the years. The variation in sizes were the only giveaways, and the vehicles have become borderline dull to look at. It's a sad state of affairs when you have to point out that the A4 is an all-new model… it's truly wonderful to drive and beautifully made, but it blends in with traffic far too easily. The SUV range has suffered a similar affliction and it'll take a keen-eyed enthusiast to spot the difference between an old and a new Audi Q5.
The 2017 Detroit Auto Show saw the unveiling of the Audi Q8 concept. Two words: that grille. The entire front end brings some much-needed vibrance to Audi's SUV range and it's this design language we'll see on loads more forthcoming Audi products. It's fresh, its modern and it's unmistakably Audi. As for the Q8 name, expect this to be a luxurious alternative to the Mercedes-Benz GLE coupe and BMW X6. The Q8 will feature a choice of petrol, diesel and hybrid engines, and we won't be surprised to see a fast hot version. It's an exciting time if you're a fan of Audi's SUV range.
Japanese luxury brand Lexus is back in the limelight thanks to its outrageously attractive LC 500 sportscar. Following on from that is the all-new Lexus LS, the brand's take on the luxury top-end of the market. Previous generations had excellent track records and surprised a great many customers. This was Lexus' answer to the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and judging by feedback, it was more than a match for the German duo. Now in its fifth generation, this Lexus LS promises to keep on providing refinement and luxury features that its competitors will find a challenge to match. Did we mention that it looks sensational? It'll also be deceptively fast too, thanks to an all-new twin-turbocharged V6 motor. It also features a 10-speed automatic transmission, which we're keen to sample.
Mercedes-AMG is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and in good spirit, its sporting GT family of sports cars has been updated and expanded to include the new GT C Coupe.
We recently travelled to Portugal to drive the new Mercedes-AMG GT R and if you haven’t read our first drive report yet, do yourself a favour! The GT R is an insanely capable sports car, the best some might say, and it will arrive in South Africa later this year. Mercedes-AMG has now updated and extended its family of GT sports cars, now featuring 6 models, in celebration of the Mercedes-AMG’s 50th anniversary this year.
The big news is that the AMG GT range is expanding with the introduction of the new GT C Coupe, slotting between the updated version of the AMG GT S and the range-topping GT R. Initially, the new GT C will be available as a special Edition 50 model, standing alongside its GT C Roadster sibling. Furthermore, Mercedes-AMG have also implemented visual and technical upgrades to the AMG GT and GT S.
More power, more fun
Both the AMG GT and GT S now benefit from more power and torque.
Power outputs derived from the potent, twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine have been increased for both the updated AMG GT, GT Roadster and GT S derivatives. Both the AMG GT Coupe and GT Roadster now boast an additional 10 kW and 30 Nm of torque to deliver 350 kW and 630 Nm of torque. The AMG GT S now offers 9 kW more at 384 kW with torque increasing by 20 Nm to 670 Nm.
Moving up on the power scale, the new AMG GT C Coupe and GT C Roadster derivatives both offer 410 kW and 680 Nm of torque, while the impressive AMG GT R thumps out 430 kW and 700 Nm of torque.
All models in the AMG GT family now feature the AMG Panamericana grille with 15 chrome-plated vertical bars, also seen on the AMG GT3 race car, as well as the AirPanel active air management system derived from the AMG GT R to enhance engine cooling.
Key features of the Mercedes-AMG GT C Coupe
The AMG GT C Coupe joins its Roadster sibling and will be initially offered as a limited Edition 50 model.
The new GT C Coupe shares a number of technical features with the AMG GT R such as larger wheels, wider rear track and active rear-axle steering. The new model has the same dimensions as the AMG GT R and is some 57 mm wider than the AMG GT and AMG GT S. A wider rear apron improves airflow while the integrated rear aerofoil can be electronically extended or retracted depending on speed and the drive program selected, much like the AMG G and AMG GT S.
The GT C Coupe features AMG Ride Control sports suspension with variable, adaptive adjustable damping which automatically adapts damping at each wheel depending on the particular driving situation, speed and road conditions. An electronically controlled rear-axle limited-slip differential also features on the GT C Coupe, as it does on the AMG GT S and GT R, which improves traction and cornering ability of the vehicle.
The limited AMG GT C Coupe Edition 50 model comes in two exclusive colours including designo grey magno and designo cashmere white magno with black chrome highlights found on the side skirt trim, front splitter, air inlet trim strips on the grille, side air outlet fins, rear diffuser and exhaust tailpipe trim. The cross-spoke AMG forged wheels also feature a black chrome finish to match the body elements.
The AMG GT C Coupe Edition 50 features exclusive details to celebrate 50 years of Mercedes-AMG.
The interior features a contrast between black and silver with exclusive the STYLE Nappa leather in silver pearl and black with grey diamond topstitching. The Dinamica microfibre AMG Performance steering wheel features grey topstitching with “Edition” lettering on the wheel bezel and a 12 o’clock mark in silver pearl. The Edition 50 is fitted with the AMG Interior Night Package as standard which adds steering wheel spokes, shift paddles and doors sill panels all in black. The bespoke look is rounded off with “GT Edition 50” embossed on the head restraint of the AMG Performance seats, while the silver seat belts and black chrome trim further add to the contrast.
More options and equipment on offer
The AMG GT and AMG GT S will benefit from more equipment options including an AMG Exterior Chrome Package, AMG Dynamic Plus package and AMG Interior Night Package. An AMG Exterior Carbon Fibre package will also be offered. A number of light-alloy wheel options will be available in different sizes and finishes. The AMG GT and GT S can also be equipped with the optional STYLE Exclusive Nappa leather trim in diamond-patterned macchiato beige while optional seat climate control will also be offered.
For those with a penchant for track driving, the optional AMG Track Pace app will allow owners to analyse and improve their track performance with a host of useful functions such as lap/sector times and various data such as speed, gear, steering angle, time, position and acceleration. The app is suitable for Apple iPhone and is connected via WiFi. Users will also be able to record video and share their performance achievements on Facebook, YouTube and AMG Private Lounge.
Jaguar's F-Type sportscar has been a success story for the brand since its launch a few years back, but the time has come for it to receive a mild facelift. Here's what the 2018 Model Year Jaguar F-Type has to offer.
The Jaguar F-Type has been facelifted for the 2018 model year and now offers a bit more for the enthusiasts. The range now comprises 28 versions with the option of rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, coupe or convertible body style. The Jaguar F-Type receives the updated Touch Pro infotainment system, pinched straight from the Jaguar Land Rover parts bin. Featuring tablet-like operation, this system is a big leap forward. The design of the Jaguar F-Type has not changed dramatically, but there are slight updates to the front bumpers, while full LED headlights have been fitted.
For the GoPro action camera junkies, the car now features the ReRun app, which according to Jaguar, "combines real-time video from the driver's GoPro with key vehicle performance data including speed, throttle position, gear selection, braking force and g-force. The high-quality video – including unique 'highlights' sections – can be downloaded to the driver's smartphone and shared on social media." That sounds like a lot of fun, actually!
There's also a new special edition, called the 400 Sport. It'll be on sale for just one year and features uprated output of 295 kW from its 3.0-litre supercharged V6 motor. More powerful brakes, configurable dynamics, unique alloy wheels, plus 400 Sport badges round off this limited production model. An R-Dynamic model joins the range and features expanded trim levels for the two V6 versions.
The new Jaguar F-Type range goes on sale from the second quarter of 2017.
Chinese brand GWM looks set to make a number of changes to its local line-up during the course of 2017, including upgraded versions of its Steed 5 and 5E pick-ups.
Last year Great Wall Motors China announced its take-over of the local importer and the establishment of a new company, Haval Motors South Africa. It also unveiled plans to introduce its luxury SUV division, Haval, in South Africa. The latest information suggests that Haval's local availability will commence in May, but also of big importance in bakkie-obsessed South Africa is the news that both the Steed 5 and Steed 5E models will undergo facelifts this year.
Mostly cosmetic
Steed 5 will gain quite a bold new front-end. Image from car.autohome.com.cn
The most obvious exterior change to the Steed 5 and 5E has occurred at the front, where both models gain a bold new chrome grille and more modern bumper design. It would appear the only "major" difference between the 5 and 5E will be that the latter has LEDs incorporated above the foglamps. The design of the rear does not appear to have changed. Consider the fact that the Steed 5/5E has its roots in the design of the previous-generation Isuzu KB!
Big changes inside
Steed 5E cabin borrows heavily from big brother, Steed 6. Image from autohome.com.cn
The current Steed 6 model (itself a development of the Steed 5/5E) has a pleasingly neat and modern interior of good quality, and the good news is that much of that design has been carried over into the Steed 5/5E. Expect local 5E models to have a touch-screen infotainment system, with the 5 being more basic.
In China several new or upgraded engines are available for the Steed 5/5E but as of yet none of these have been confirmed for South Africa. We do, however, expect the latest 2.0-litre turbodiesel powerplant to be offered. We also expect the new Steeds to arrive in South Africa around mid-year.
Choosing the best off-road vehicle for your needs is not easy. However, if you are realistic about the regularity and severity of the off-road activities you are likely to pursue, it's a much simpler task to choose the right recreational vehicle — one that will suit your budget.
There are many different kinds of off-road terrain — and only the exorbitantly expensive single-purpose 4x4s can cope with every kind of obstacle. The rest of the vehicles on the market are compromises and often based on family sedans or hatchbacks or light commercial vehicles to make them more affordable. Many of them are still very capable, provided you stick to dirt roads (even badly maintained ones) and frequently-used tracks. It follows that your choice of vehicle will depend on how you intend to use it.
What kind of off-roading do you intend to do?
The following classification starts off with vehicles that are only really suitable for good dirt roads and progresses up the scale to more expensive and more capable off-roaders. The technical terms used are explained towards the end of the article.
2WD crossovers/compact family cars
These 2WD versions of off-road vehicles (usually based on front wheel drive family car platforms) are surprisingly popular. They offer the good ground clearance and visual appeal of an off-road vehicle without the extra expense and complication of 4WD.
The 2WD Suzuki Vitara is a good example of a compact family car that's dressed up to look trail-ready.
4WD crossovers/family cars
These are front-wheel-driven vehicles that engage the rear wheels automatically via a multi-plate clutch or a viscous coupling when the front wheels start to spin. This is a very convenient 4WD system, but has the undesirable feature that in sand or mud the vehicle has to just about come to stop before 4WD comes into action. The MPV- and car-like qualities of these types of vehicles make them very popular with families.
Vehicles such as the Toyota RAV4 operate in 2WD until conditions require all-wheel traction.
4WD Double-cab bakkies and lifestyle SUVs
These very capable vehicles usually have a solid driveshaft between the front and rear axles, but are equipped with manually selectable high-range 2WD and 4WD as well as low-range 4WD. The lack of a differential between the front and rear axles implies that low-range 4WD should only be engaged on soft ground to avoid drivetrain damage.
Double-cab bakkies might be cumbersome by passenger car standards, but they offer surfeit off-road ability.
Permanent four-wheel drives
These vehicles are characterised by having a 3rd differential between the front and rear axles to avoid driveline stress. This differential is often fitted with a locking mechanism and, in this mode, it requires the same caveat as when driving a part-time 4WD in low range.
The Range Rover's impressive on- and off-road prowess can be attributed to its dynamic permanent AWD system.
Ultimate off-road vehicles
These combine permanent 4WD and dual-range transmissions with manually selectable diff-locks inside each of three differentials (front, rear and central). There are not many such vehicles around, because electronic wheel spin control or automatically engaged limited slip differentials are taking over. The Toyota Land Cruiser, Nissan Patrol and Mercedes-Benz G-Class are good examples.
A general explanation of a typical 4WD system:
Understanding respective driveline components
The differential unit, fitted between the left and right wheels in the same axle, or between the front and rear axles, contains gears that allow one side to rotate faster than the other during cornering. This is necessary to compensate for the fact that the outer wheels travel a greater distance than the inner wheels.
This prevents driveline stress but has one serious disadvantage: the torque each wheel gets depends not only on what the engine can deliver, but also on the grip between the tyre and the road at the wheel with the LEAST traction. The result is that a spinning wheel will cause the vehicle to come to a complete stop because neither wheel will get any torque.
This video explains the controls on a modern bakkie-based 4WD vehicle:
The foregoing description refers to what is known as an open differential, and there are three ways that its behaviour can be modified to suit off-road conditions.
A limited slip differential (LSD) introduces extra friction into the unit, usually in the form of small multi-plate clutches inside the differential unit. These plates are forced together in proportion to the torque being applied and reduces the tendency for one wheel to spin.
A differential lock forces the wheels to rotate at the same speed, but this does not mean that they get the same torque. The torque each wheel gets will be in proportion to the traction that exists at that wheel, because the delivered torque is proportional to the grip. To see this, do the pencil test: Grip a pencil between your fingers on one hand, and try to apply torque with your other hand. You’ll find that the amount of torque you are able to apply with one hand depends on how hard you can grip the pencil with your other hand.
This means that a diff-lock should only be used on soft ground, otherwise the situation may arise that one wheel has lost all traction but the other wheel may have enough traction to take all the torque the engine can deliver, resulting in a broken axle shaft.
Electronic wheel-spin control brakes any spinning wheel in an attempt to regain traction. For ordinary off-road driving, not much wrong with such a system, but it does mean that instead of avoiding wheel spin one should sometimes deliberately provoke wheelspin to get the system to respond, and that’s not the ideal in sand or mud.
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is equipped with multiple differentials to facilitate its legendary "go-anywhere" ability.
Petrol or turbodiesel?
Diesel engines are generally more suitable for off-road use. The absence of an electric ignition system means that they’re less affected by water and in turbocharged form they develop more torque than an equivalent naturally aspirated (non turbo) petrol engine. They consume about 15 to 20% less fuel than petrol engines but will usually require more frequent servicing and most motors require 50 ppm (passenger car-grade) fuel.
Petrol engines are less affected by infrequent servicing and low quality fuel. This makes them a better choice for trips to parts of Africa where fuel quality is suspect. They’re also significantly cheaper to buy and repair.
Manual or automatic?
Many purists prefer the positive control of a manual gearbox, but for general use an automatic is very convenient. However, it’s worth remembering that any vehicle with an automatic transmission cannot be push-started and should only towed for a very short distance without removing the driveshaft.
On the other hand, an automatic transmission is an engine-saver, because it will not allow large throttle openings in a high gear, or excessive revs in a low gear. In addition, most modern units have lock-up clutches that make for a solid drive above 20 kph, so they do not waste as much fuel as the older units.
This explains how you can get stuck while in 4WD mode:
And lastly, new or used?
Off-roaders, when they're used to their full potential, operate under much tougher conditions than their road-biased passenger car counterparts, so it goes without saying that new vehicles — backed by complete manufacturer warranties and service/maintenance plans — offer buyers the peace-of-mind that there are no potentially questionable ownership histories to the vehicles that they're buying.
However, buying a well-maintained used vehicle often represents the best value for money option, if you're wary… In the case of crossovers/family cars, which are operated in ways similar to conventional road-biased passenger cars (most of the time), check that the vehicles' service histories are complete, that the body and paintwork have been well maintained and be on the lookout for signs of excessive wear and tear, which could point to neglect or hard use. If you suspect that the vehicle you're considering has been subjected to off-road routes that are tougher than the vehicle were designed to deal with (rough, unkempt gravel roads for example), excess stone chips in the paintwork, graunched rims and a pockmarked underbody will be dead giveaways. During a test drive, suspension or wheel issues should announce themselves through squeaks or knocks emanating from the vehicle's extremities.
Water splashes look spectacular but extended submersion can be damaging to a 4X4's differentials.
When pondering a more heavy-duty 4WD vehicle be mindful of the fact that knowledge of the off-roader's ownership history and, preferably, the balance of warranty and service/maintenance plans are paramount… out of all these vehicles' components, differentials take the most strain and some all-wheel drive systems' breathers, which vent air pressure that builds up in drivetrain assemblies such as the differentials, transmission and transfer case due to internal friction, can be overwhelmed during water crossings. When driving through water, a vacuum is caused by the drivetrain assembly being cooled rapidly. This vacuum shuts the breather valve, causing air to be drawn into the assembly through the seals. If the seals are still submerged when that happens, water could be drawn into the drivetrain, which can contaminate the oil. Also be wary of the fact that when vehicles' air filters absorb moisture due to being subjected to water, it could lead to "engine breathing problems"; a petrol motor will tend to run too rich and a turbodiesel is likely to overheat due to being starved of air.
When driving through water, a vacuum is caused by the drivetrain assembly being cooled rapidly. This vacuum shuts the breather valve, causing air to be drawn into the assembly through the seals. If the seals are still submerged when that happens, water could be drawn into the drivetrain, which can contaminate the oil. Also be wary of the fact that when vehicles' air filters absorb moisture due to being subjected to water, it could lead to "engine breathing problems"; a petrol motor will tend to run too rich and a turbodiesel is likely to overheat due to being starved of air.
There is stiff competition in the family car market; all-wheel-drive configuration tends to be reserved for more expensive derivatives.
And finally, on the topics of petrol versus turbodiesel and manual versus automatic, turbodiesels used to offer significant torque advantages over naturally-aspirated petrol engines, but now that turbocharging is more common in the case of the latter, the advantage is limited to (purportedly) better fuel consumption. Bear in mind, however, that service intervals with many diesel-engined vehicles are shorter and more expensive, which is not of concern when a vehicle is still under its service plan, but a consideration when it isn't/about to run out of it.
The question of manual and automatic comes down to personal preference. Advancements in the efficiency of automatic transmissions have realised smaller penalties in terms of fuel consumption (compared with manual 'boxes). Manual transmissions are more cost-effective to buy, but bear in mind that the lifetime of their clutches and driveline components will largely depend on how previous owners used/abused their leftmost pedals…
Audi has shown off its new Q8, albeit in concept guise, at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show. This concept previews an all-new flagship luxury SUV as well as Audi's all-new design language.
The Audi Q8 will be the brand's flagship product and combines the space of an SUV, with the style associated with a coupe. Built on the Audi Q7 platform, the Q8 features a number of changes. The looks, for example, open a new chapter in Audi's design language and we'll start to see elements from the front-end making their way across the Audi Q SUV range. From behind, the Q8 looks futuristic, with the entire rear being dominated by a wrap around brake light. A similar rear design can be found on the Lamborghini Asterion and Porsche Mission E concept, favourable company for the Audi Q8 to be in.
Key details
This Audi Q8 concept is powered by an efficient plug-in hybrid setup with 330 kW and 700 Nm of torque. With a displacement of 3.0-litres, the engine makes 245 kW and 500 Nm on its own. The electric motor provides 100 kW and 330 Nm. Power reaches the wheels via an eight-speed tiptronic transmission and Audi claims 5.4 seconds in the dash to 100 kph. The big news is the fuel consumption claim at 2.3 L/100 km, which if achievable, is terrific. The battery has a capacity of 17.9 kWh which provides a range of 60 km and a full charge will take around 2.5 hours.
Given how the market has reacted to Audi's SUVs (every third car sold by Audi is a Q), it makes perfect business sense to expand its product offering. The Q8 is going to be a sportier and more luxurious version of the Q7 and will feature a choice of petrol, diesel and hybrid powertrains. It's built on the MLB platform, which underpins the likes of the Bentley Bentayga and its Q7 sibling.
Audi CEO Rupert Stadler announced that the SUV would be aimed at markets such as the US, China and the Middle East, where big coupe-styled SUVs have proven popular. At this stage, we reckon we'll see a production version of the Q8 on the road in 2018. Audi claims its Q8 concept is 'near production-ready', but we don't think the styling will be as outlandish as this showstopper.
The new car market showed a significant decline in 2016 amid tough economic conditions in South Africa and the outlook for 2017 is much the same, with slight improvements expected in the second half of the year. Take a look at this vehicle sales summary for all the details…
A year filled with struggle and strife is how many will remember 2016 and it was the third consecutive year that the local car industry experienced year-on-year declines. A number of factors including economic slowdown, new car inflation pressure, rates increases, consumer pressure and low consumer confidence all contributed to the bleak picture that was 2016.
The month of December 2016 reflected poor results and can be summarised as follows:
Aggregate new vehicle sales of 41 639 units down by 15.3% compared to December 2015.
New passenger cars sales down by 14.0% compared to December 2015.
New Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) sales down by 17.8% compared to December 2015.
Exports up by 7.0% compared to December 2015.
The best-selling car in South Africa for December 2016 was the Toyota Hilux with sales totalling 3 074 units. The Ford Ranger claims second place on the sales chart with 2 665 units sold last month. The Volkswagen Polo Vivo and Polo remain popular choices with sales of 1 835 and 1 504 units respectively.
Interestingly, the recently introduced Renault Kwid sold particularly well in December 2016 with 752 units sold, making it the best-selling vehicle in Renault's stable.
Summary for 2016
Aggregate sales of 547 442 (lowest level since 2010) for 2016 down by 11.4% (70 206 units) compared to 2015.
New passenger car sales at 361 273 down by 12.4% (51 205 units) compared to 2015.
New Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) sales down by 8.9% (15 573 units) compared to 2015.
Total exports of 344 822 (highest annual export figure on record) up by 3.3% (10 975 units) compared to 2015.
Dealers, in particular, experienced difficulty in 2016 with dealer channel sales declining by as much as 11.4% over the course of the year. The rental market, however, bolstered new vehicle sales somewhat in 2016 with an increase of 15.9% in sales to rental companies.
According to WesBank, proud sponsor of the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank, consumer demand for new cars has declined sharply as a result of increasing new car prices and increasing pressure on household budgets. New car prices, according to WesBank’s average transaction value, increased by 11.03% against used car price inflation of 6.83% and more people are therefore flocking to the used car market in search of value.
What does 2017 hold for the South African automotive industry?
Industry production levels and vehicle exports are expected to show upward momentum in 2017 and new vehicle sales are expected to improve marginally in the second half of the year. GDP growth of approximately 1.5% is predicted for the year (compared to 0.4% in 2016). A number of negative factors including domestic political tension and tax increases could depress the outlook going forward.
Furthermore, volatility and uncertainty in international markets could also have a negative impact. Geo-political tensions and political uncertainty in advanced economies may amplify risk aversion and prompt further confidence shocks.
The National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA) predicts year on year domestic sales growth of between 2.5% and 3.5%. Domestic vehicle production is expected to grow from 604 000 vehicles produced in 2016 to about 641 000 vehicles in 2017 representing an increase of approximately 6.0%. This figure may increase further if vehicle exports expand beyond expectation. Growth in vehicle exports is currently projected at 10.0% or 30 000 units for 2017 with 375 000 export units projected for the year.
Rudolf Mahoney, Head of Brands and Communication at WesBank stated: “We expect 2017 to be another challenging year for the industry, but slightly better than 2016. The Rand/Dollar exchange rate remains fairly stable at the moment, which should mean less aggressive car price increases. The South African Reserve Bank has a more positive GDP outlook for 2017; we also do not anticipate significant interest rate movements up or down, making affordability considerations easier for consumers.”
He adds: “One of the biggest risks will be rising fuel prices, which stand to impact individual’s monthly mobility costs. OPEC (Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Companies) has, for the first time, agreed on production cuts which resulted in an immediate increase in the price of oil. Should the price of oil move anywhere near the historical benchmark level of between $80 and $100 per barrel, compounded by the prevailing weak rand, motorists will see the price of fuel increase to new record highs.”
Consumers will benefit from aggressive marketing initiatives from manufacturers and Mahoney advises that “When looking at buying a car this year, look for the deal, not the car.”
Audi has revealed the latest performance version of its Q5 SUV. Boasting an all-new powerplant, the SQ5 will be the flagship of the new range, which we expect to reach South Africa in the third quarter of 2017.
The headline act of this all-new Audi SQ5 is the engine. Gone is the old supercharged V6 and in its place is a 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged unit. Boasting outputs of 260 kW and 500 Nm, the SQ5 should be able to hit 100 kph from standstill in a claimed 5.4 seconds and it'll achieve a top speed of 250 kph. It's claimed to consume just 8.3 L/100 km. Power goes to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
You'll be able to spot the new Audi SQ5 thanks its bold styling. There are much sportier bumpers, big 20-inch alloy wheels, and some purposeful exhaust tips. You can specify additional equipment such as larger wheels, but the one thing we'd recommend is the adaptive air suspension, which will allow changes to the damping as well as ride height.
Standard specification for the German model looks comprehensive. We'll have to wait for South African introduction to see what "our" cars will get, but we'd be surprised if LED headlights and sport seats don't make it here. This new Audi SQ5 is assembled in Mexico.
