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.
Kia Stinger Underlines Korea’s Performance Ambitions
Korean car manufacturer, Kia, is trying to break into the sportier side of the passenger sedan market with it's new Stinger. It's a rear-wheel drive sports sedan with a powerful engine, which if the marketing material is to be believed, will change how the brand is perceived and interpreted.
It was back in January 2014, almost exactly to this date, when Kia Motors launched its GT4 Stinger concept to the world at the Detroit Motor Show. Not only did it have a cool name, but its styling was striking and it gave us a preview of the direction Kia was headed. Now in 2017, Kia has again used the Detroit Motor Show as a platform to show off its new product. The best part? The Stinger name has been retained. However, in production guise, the Stinger has gained more doors and evolved from a show-stopping coupe into a five-passenger fastback sports sedan. Kia has drawn its sword and is making it abundantly clear that the Stinger opens a new chapter for the brand.
"Unlike any Kia that has come before it, the Stinger really is a dream car for us, and here today in Detroit, that dream is now a reality after years of commitment and hard work from a passionate group of designers, engineers and executives around the world," said Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning, Kia Motors America. "From its GT concept-car origins to the years of tuning and refining on the legendary Nurburgring circuit, no detail was too small to be obsessed over, and the result is simply stunning."
The Kia Stinger has been teased online numerous times and the claims have tickled the fancy of performance aficionados. Of course, the allure of rear-wheel drive, a powerful engine and Nurburgring-tuned handling is strong. Designed in Germany at Kia's Frankfurt studio, the Stinger is claimed to be a "true gran turismo, a car for spirited long-distance driving, is not about outright power, hard-edged dynamics and brutal styling, all at the expense of luxury, comfort and grace," notes Gregory Guillaume, chief designer, Kia Motors Europe.
Performance
The vehicle will be going on sale in the United States late in 2017 and will come with a choice of two engines. Kia claims the engines are not complete and will still require some development, but the outputs indicate some serious intent. There'll be a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with around 190 kW, but the engine of interest is the new 3.3-litre twin-turbocharged V6 with approximately 272 kW. Kia says the more powerful of the two Stingers will hit 100 kph in 5.1 seconds. Power reaches the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. There'll be five different gearbox modes and owners also have the choice of using the steering-wheel mounted paddles.
Another interesting point is that the Kia Stinger will also be made available with an all-wheel drive system with Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control. It'll make the Stinger quite the performer in the wet and it's rear-wheel drive biased in an effort to keep with the driving feel theme. Stopping power comes courtesy of vented Brembo disks with quad-piston front callipers.
A choice of two powerful engines, attractive styling and rear-wheel drive has the petrolheads excited, which is exactly what Kia wanted with its Stinger.
Fast, yet sensible
While the Stinger is a potent performer, Kia has made it clear that it'll still be practical and sensible. The wheelbase of the vehicle is longer than that of the Audi A4, BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, Lexus IS and Mercedes-Benz CLS. It's overall length and width are also larger than its rivals, while the boot space is claimed to be one of the biggest in the segment.
There's been a focus on reducing the noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) and keeping the cabin quiet. Kia has debuted its adjustable suspension and damping system called Dynamic Stability Damping Control in the Stinger. This means the vehicle can be "tuned to respond with more agility through corners as the system softens the front shocks and firms up the rear. Conversely, improved high-speed stability is achieved when the system stiffens the front shocks and softens the rear".
The Kia Stinger boasts a fair amount of safety features. There's a new Driver Attention Alert system which attempts to combat fatigued drivers, Forward Collision Assistance with automatic braking will detect other cars and pedestrians and will help bring the vehicle to a stop. Radar-guided cruise control, Lane Keep Assist and Rear-Cross Traffic Alert are also fitted.
In terms of comfort and connectivity, the Kia Stinger comes with a head-up display, smartphone induction charging pad, Bluetooth hands-free operation and a choice of high-performance audio systems. More details on its specification will be announced as the vehicle is launched internationally.
Market availability
Kia says its Stinger will go on sale in the United States as a 2018 model year product. At this stage, the official word from Kia South Africa is "No information is available at the time of going to press on whether the KIA Stinger will be introduced in South Africa." Given the suffering endured by importers due to the exchange rate, it's going to be a challenge for Kia to build a business case for this flagship offering. Still, if marketing hype and prototype test drives are to be believed, the Kia Stinger is the real deal and definitely a new player in the performance segment.
After seeing plenty of pre-production units and prototypes, the seven-seat Volkswagen Tiguan has officially been announced. Meet the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace!
While the South African market received the all-new Volkswagen Tiguan in 2016, the US market had to do without it, until now. Volkswagen USA launched the new Tiguan and this version now comes with seven seats. For the European market, this vehicle will be called the Tiguan Allspace.
Built on the MQB platform (like the Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3), the Tiguan Allspace features a sliding second row of seats, with the option of a third row. The second-row bench can slide forwards and backwards by 18 cm, with the seat split in a 40:20:40 configuration.
Like the Tiguan, which is already available in South Africa, the Allspace features an optional digital cockpit display, app connection using Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink. It also features numerous safety features such as a rearview camera, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist) with Pedestrian Monitoring; Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert; and Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist). Some of the comfort features on offer range from an eight-way power driver's seat, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.
The third row of seats in the new Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace provides additional passenger carrying capacity.
In the US, the Tiguan Allpsace is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre TSI engine with 137 kW and 300 Nm of torque. The Allspace will be produced for right-hand drive markets and although Volkswagen South Africa have yet to confirm if the newcomer will be made available for the local market, we are optimistic that it will. Given the added practicality of the Tiguan Allspace, it would add to the diversity of Volkswagen's local product offering, which doesn't include a 7-seater compact SUV or lifestyle SUV at this time. We will keep you updated as soon as more information becomes available.
Mercedes-Benz has used the Detroit Motor Show to show the facelifted GLA compact SUV that now features revised exterior styling and updated interior appointments.
The GLA compact SUV has received a number of updates to enhance its visual appeal as well as its overall product offering. The facelifted GLA is currently on display at the Detroit Motor Show and is expected to arrive in South Africa in the second quarter of 2017.
What’s Changed?
'Canyon Beige' as shown here, is the new colour offered on the facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLA.
On the outside, the changes are subtle yet effective and include revised bumpers, new wheel designs and a new ‘Canyon Beige’ joining the colour palette. An off-road comfort suspension system is offered as an option, raising the body by 30 mm for improved performance in the dirt. LED high-performance headlights are available as an option and are fitted as standard on the range-topping AMG GLA45.
The changes are more pronounced on the inside where you will notice new seat covers and chrome control panels and details. Notable interior upgrades include a free-standing 8-inch media display, new instrument cluster and the inclusion of a 360-degree camera. An Interior Package with standard sports seats will be offered, as well as a Night Package which adds 19-inch AMG wheels, black window trim, roof rails and exhaust tips to give the GLA a more striking look.
Customers looking to go all-out in terms of beefing up the styling of the AMG GLA45 might want to consider the AMG Performance Studio Package, which includes a body painted in either Night Black or Cosmos Black with a combination of Matte Graphite Grey and Yellow sections. Light alloy wheels in matte black with yellow rim flanges are fitted and the AMG twin louvre on the radiator grille is painted in black. Yellow accents are seen on the front bumper, side mirrors, side skirt inserts, rear diffuser and on the rear wing. The aggressive look is further emphasised by AMG sport stripes in matte graphite grey on the bonnet, roof, boot lid and along the side of the car.
The interior gains yellow highlights seen on the AMG performance seats, steering wheel, rear bench, dashboard, armrests, floor mats and air outlets. Yellow AMG logos complete the sporty look.
Engine power
For an extra dose of sporty flair, the AMG Performance Studio Package on the AMG GLA45 gives the car more presence.
In South Africa, the current engine offering includes a 1.6-litre turbopetrol engine with 115 kW and 250 Nm of torque as well as a more powerful turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine offering 155 kW and 349 Nm of torque with front-wheel drive and 4MATIC versions on offer. Diesel options include a 2.1-litre turbodiesel in two states of tune with either 100 kW/300 Nm or 130 kW/350 Nm. The local engine offering will likely remain unchanged when the facelifted GLA arrives in the next few months.
The GLA range is headlined by the potent AMG GLA45 fitted with a handcrafted AMG 2.0-litre turbo engine producing 279 kW and 474 Nm of torque. Using a 7-speed dual-clutch sports transmission with shorter ratios, power is sent to all four wheels and the AMG GLA45 will accelerate from zero to 100 kph in about 4.4 seconds before reaching a top speed of 249 kph.
We will keep you updated as local specification and pricing becomes available, so stay tuned!
The Bentley Continental Supersports is the fastest and most powerful production car to come from the British marque and it will be shown at the upcoming Detroit Motor Show.
Bentley has combined ultimate power and luxury to create what the company claims to be the world’s fastest and most powerful 4-seat luxury car. This is the Continental Supersports, and on paper at least, it’s an absolute brute.
Wolfgang Dürheimer, chairman and chief executive of Bentley Motors, said: "The Supersports name is legendary at Bentley. From the very first Supersports of the 1920s, to the Bentley Continental Supersports of 2009 – and now with the third iteration of this iconic model – it is a name which excites, impassions and thrills. Only Bentley could create a car which blends immense performance and unrivalled luxury in this way."
Performance facts
The Continental Supersports is the fastest and most powerful Bentley to date.
Fitted with a redeveloped biturbocharged 6.0-litre W12 engine with high performance turbochargers and a revised charge-air cooling system, the Continental Supersports develops a staggering 522 kW and 1 017 Nm of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels using an 8-speed automatic transmission and as you may expect, acceleration is lighting fast. Bentley says the Continental Sports will sprint from zero to 100 kph in just 3.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 336 kph. A convertible version will also be offered and is capable of zero to 100 kph in 3.9 seconds before reaching a top speed of 330 kph, making it the fastest convertible in the world, according to Bentley.
The Continental Supersports is also fitted with a specifically calibrated and updated torque vectoring system used on the Continental GT3-R to improve handling ability, while a lowered and stiffened suspension set-up provides comfort on long journeys. Stopping power is provided by large carbon ceramic brakes set behind lightweight 21-inch forged alloy wheels.
Design details
The interior features a unique tri-tone design with bespoke finishes and detailing.
Exterior design features include a newly designed front bumper with a carbon fibre splitter while the new rear bumper is fitted with a carbon fibre diffuser. Carbon fibre side sill extensions and bonnet vents add to the overall look. The exhaust tailpipe features a rifled gloss black design and dark-tint headlight and taillights, as well as black-finished detailing found on the front grille, lights rear bumper, door handles and window surrounds complete the exterior styling package.
Optional features include a rear spoiler, front splitter, Supersports badging, side decals and a new black and bright-machined finish for the 21-inch wheels. A gloss-finished, carbon fibre engine cover can also be had as an option. In addition to this, an optional titanium exhaust system is available, offering a delightful soundtrack with the benefit of reduced weight.
On the inside, a tri-tone interior is offered with a new diamond-quilted design for the seats and side door panels in Alcantara. Chequered carbon fibre fascia panels are fitted with 10 veneers and finishes on offer. The interior is completed with Supersports emblem stitching while a Supersports steering wheel and a unique gear lever are finished with Alcantara accents.
The Bentley Continental Supersports will be shown in the metal at the upcoming Detroit Motor Show next week.
We take a look at 7 bakkies that are bound to shake up the market when, or if, they arrive in the near future!
If there’s one segment that continues to thrive amid declining new vehicle sales in South Africa, it’s the bakkie market. Despite tough economic conditions, bakkies are in high demand. The local market, which is led by the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger in terms of sales, recently saw the introduction of the Fiat Fullback and its cousin, the new Mitsubishi Triton, is on its way too. But there are further changes afoot…
More manufacturers are joining the bakkie fray in the hope of securing a piece of this (lucrative) market pie. Newcomers to the market, however, have lots of convincing to do to sway buying decisions into their favour. There are a number of new bakkies that could potentially “rock the boat” when (or if) they finally go on sale in South Africa. Let’s take a quick look at some of the most-anticipated bakkies you can expect in the short to medium term.
1. Mercedes-Benz X-Class
The Mercedes-Benz X-Class bakkie will arrive in South Africa late in 2017 or early in 2018.
Probably the most anticipated bakkie currently in development is the Mercedes-Benz X-Class. The recently revealed Mercedes-Benz X-Class Concept showed the design direction for the forthcoming production version with its bold face and luxurious interior. The X-Class (previously referred to as the GLT) has been spotted numerous times in recent months undergoing testing and the new model is destined for markets in Europe, Australia, Latin America and South Africa.
The Mercedes-Benz X-Class is being developed in partnership with Nissan and the new model will be based on the running gear of the Nissan NP300 Navara. A range of 4- and 6-cylinder engines (including turbodiesels, of course) will be offered with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 7-speed automatic transmission. Multiple trim levels will be available to suit different requirements and an AMG styling pack is also on the cards. It was recently reported that an AMG version of the X-Class will not become a reality due to a lack of demand. The Mercedes-Benz X-Class will go on sale in Europe in 2017 before arriving in South Africa 2017/2018.
The new Nissan Navara can be expected in South Africa at the end of 2016 or early in 2017.
The Navara is Nissan’s answer to the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger but there’s currently no definitive introduction date for the new Navara. From all accounts and considering feedback from Nissan South Africa, you can expect to see the all-new Navara during the first quarter of 2017. The new Navara will be built at Nissan’s plant in Rosslyn, Pretoria, which is being readied to produce the newcomer.
Although local specification is yet to be confirmed, you can expect the new Navara to be powered by a new 2.3-litre turbodiesel engine with either 120 kW or 140 kW on offer. The current 3.0-litre V6 dCi engine will in all likelihood remain, offering 170 kW and 550 Nm of torque. The Navara will be available in 2- and 4-wheel drive guises with the choice of a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed automatic transmission.
You can expect a new Hilux-based double-cab bearing either a Peugeot or Citroen badge within the next five years.
Earlier this year PSA Peugeot Citroen announced its “Push to Pass” growth plan that will see no less than 26 new passenger cars and 8 light commercial vehicles see the light between 2016 and 2021. Interestingly, this plan will spawn a new 1-tonne bakkie that will carry either a Peugeot or Citroen badge.
All indicators point to a partnership between PSA Peugeot Citroen and Toyota to develop the new bakkie, which means it will be loosely based on the Hilux. It’s still early days for the Peugeot Citroen bakkie, so details regarding engines and specification remain a mystery at this point.
The Alaskan is Renault's take on a premium leisure double-cab bakkie. Not a bad looker!
Based on the Alaskan concept shown in 2015, the production-ready Renault seems to be a promising product of the Renault-Nissan alliance. The Alaskan shares its underpinnings with the Nissan NP300 Navara (as well as the Mercedes-Benz X-Class) and slots into the premium-end of the leisure bakkie market.
The Alaskan is powered by a 2.3-litre twin-turbodiesel engine offering either 120 kW or 141 kW. A 2.5-litre petrol and turbodiesel powerplants will complete the engine offering with a choice of a 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic transmission.
As it stands, the Renault Alaskan has not been confirmed for introduction in South Africa, but it seems likely if it gets the go-ahead to be produced in right-hand drive. We can only hope that Renault can make a case for the Renault Alaskan as it will provide more depth in the local leisure bakkie market. If the Renault Alaskan gets the green light in South Africa, an introduction in the second half of 2017 is likely.
The Duster Oroch could be a popular offering in South Africa, but only if Renault brings it here.
The Duster has been a huge success for Renault and if the Duster Oroch bakkie makes it to South Africa, it will surely be a good thing for the French automaker. The Duster Oroch bakkie is a medium-sized double-cab bakkie that slots in between the half-ton and one-ton segment, offering space and performance typically seen in a compact SUV.
The Duster Oroch will in all likelihood be powered by the same 77 kW/148 Nm 1.6-litre petrol engine and 80 kW/240 Nm turbodiesel engine found in the current Duster line-up. Renault South Africa has not yet confirmed if the Oroch will be made available in South Africa. Let’s hope it will.
Mazda and Isuzu have teamed up to develop the new BT-50.
Mazda and Ford collaborated to produce the current BT-50, which was built locally at Ford’s Rosslyn plant and it shares its underpinnings with the popular Ranger. That partnership has now dissolved and to keep itself in the bakkie game, Mazda recently announced a “basic agreement” with bakkie specialist, Isuzu, to develop the next-generation BT-50. Details of the new BT-50 are yet to be revealed, but it’s safe to assume that the new model will be heavily based on the Isuzu KB.
The new BT-50 isn’t expected in the near future, but an arrival date sometime in 2018/2019 seems likely.
The new Mitsubishi Triton will offer more comfort and a smoother ride thanks to its revised suspension.
The new Mitsubishi Triton Sport Utility (SU) bakkie will launch in South Africa in February 2017 and will introduce higher levels of refinement and comfort features. Offroad ability will be made possible with Mitsubishi's Super Select II 4WD system and the Triton's interior will feature more space for passengers.
The new Triton will be powered by a 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine with 133 kW and 430 Nm of torque. Customers will have the choice between a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. The Triton will be offered as both a 4×2 and a 4×4.
A new model joins the Audi family. Meet the Audi Q8, seen here testing in Scandinavia. It's a super SUV which will be taking on the Range Rover Sport and BMW X6.
Picture credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien
We'll get an official first look at this new model at the 2017 Detroit Motor Show, but in the meantime, this prototype gives an indication of what Audi has been up to. Essentially it's an Audi Q7-based model with a rising roofline. 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.
It was an interesting year at Cars.co.za – we drove some exciting cars and some… not so exciting ones. So we asked Ciro De Siena to trawl through his memory banks and pick his most memorable drives of the year, and this is the list he's come up with. We've created a highlights reel for this video, but if you'd like to watch each video, here are all the links:
Mercedes-Benz will be showcasing the facelifted GLA crossover at the Detroit Motor Show next week.
The small GLA crossover from Mercedes-Benz is due for an update and the Stuttgart-based firm has revealed a teaser image (shown above) to entice us before the refreshed model makes its official appearance at the Detroit Motor Show next week.
Changes to the GLA are minimal and you can expect minor styling tweaks to the front and rear bumper while a new headlight and taillight design is likely. On the inside, more trim and colour options will likely be offered and the infotainment system will be upgraded too. Don’t be surprised if you see a larger 8-inch touchscreen display make its way into the GLA with Apple CarPlay and Mirrorlink compatibility. Reports suggest that the Dynamic Select system with adaptive dampers will be standard on all GLA derivatives, barring the entry-level offering.
The range-topping GLA 45 AMG will retain its turbocharged 2.0-litre engine with 280 kW and 475 Nm of torque powering all four wheels through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The sprint from zero to 100 kph will take just 4.3 seconds before hitting a limited top speed of 250 kph.
The facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLA will arrive in South African showrooms in coming months and we will keep you updated as more information is revealed next week, so stay tuned!
Fuel prices are going up on Wednesday 4 January 2017. Take a look at what you will be paying for fuel this month…
South African motorists are in for a bumpy ride in 2017 and to kick off the New Year, fuel prices are going up this week. The Department of Energy has released fuel price adjustments for January 2017 and moderate fuel price increases will take effect as of 4 January.
The main contributing factors for the fuel price increase include the poor Rand/Dollar exchange rate and the higher price of crude oil based on an agreement by OPEC members to slash production by as much as 1.2 million barrels per day. Similarly, Russia and non-OPEC producers have also cut crude oil production by 600 000 barrels per day. The cumulative result has put crude oil prices on an upward trajectory and is therefore impacting negatively on local fuel price forecasts.
According to the Automobile Association (AA), “It is too early to know at what price level oil supply will match demand in the wake of the OPEC decision to cut production". The AA also predicts a tough year ahead for motorists with a number of fuel price increases expected during the year.
The price of petrol 93 ULP/LRP will increase by 50 cents per litre while petrol 95 ULP/LRP will increase by 48 cents per litre.
The price of diesel 0.05% Sulphur will increase by 39 cents per litre while diesel 0.005% will increase by 37 cents per litre.
You can expect to pay the following for fuel in January 2017:
Petrol
Reef: 93 Unleaded – R13.09 per litre / 93 LRP – R13.09 per litre / 95 Unleaded – R13.33 per litre
Coast: 93 Unleaded – R12.71 per litre / 95 LRP – R12.85 per litre / 95 Unleaded – R12.85 per litre
Diesel
Note: Wholesale diesel prices quoted, prices may vary between retailers.
Reef:Diesel 0.05% – R11.43 per litre / Diesel 0.005% – R11.45 per litre
Coast:Diesel 0.05% – R11.03 per litre / Diesel 0.005% – R11.07 per litre
