Toyota Invests R6.1 billion in Local Hilux and Fortuner Production
Toyota announced this week that it has invested more than R6.1 billion to produce its popular Hilux bakkie and Fortuner SUV at its Prospecton plant in Durban.
Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) is responsible for manufacturing no less than five models in South Africa, including the Hilux, Fortuner, Corolla, Corolla Quest and Quantum as well as certain Dyna and Hino models. Hilux and Fortuner production, however, represents 80% of TSAM’s total production volume for both the local and export market, with exports accounting for more than 50% of production in 2016. Toyota says that more than 55 000 Hilux and Fortuners will be exported to 74 countries in Africa, Europe and Latin America this year alone.
The investment includes supplier tooling (R1.9 billion), in-house tooling (1.4 billion) and in-house facilities and buildings (R2.9 billion). In addition to this investment, Toyota’s suppliers have invested over R1.7 billion resulting in growth in its supply chain and creating at least 2 000 new jobs. As a result, production capacity at Prospecton has increased from 120 000 to 140 000 vehicles per annum.
Apart from producing and supplying light-commercial vehicles to international markets, TSAM will also export new components to production facilities in Thailand where the Hilux and Fortuner are built too, further solidifying export growth.
TSAM President and CEO Andrew Kirby said, “This latest announcement gives evidence of a company that is defiantly committed to South Africa by strategically investing in the people, tools and equipment to produce cars and commercial vehicles of world-class standard that are not only destined for the domestic market, but will also fly our flag high on the international stage thanks to a robust export plan. But it is in fact more than that – it’s also a celebration of the pivotal role that both Hilux and Fortuner play in the overall development of the South African motor industry”. TSAM President and CEO Andrew Kirby at Toyota’s Prospecton Plant.
Toyota isn’t the only car manufacturer to invest in production operations in South Africa. Ford recently announced an investment of R2.5 billion that will see the new Ford Everest produced on local soil at its Silverton production facility in Gauteng, creating an additional 1 200 jobs. Similarly, BMW also recently announced a R6-billion investment to build the new X3 SUV by 2019 at its Rosslyn assembly plant, where production of the popular 3 Series sedan will come to an end.
The importance of labour stability
While the news is certainly positive and can easily be regarded as a vote of confidence in South Africa, one needs to realise that major investment decisions such as these are made many years in advance. Maintaining this level of investment (and attracting new ones) will require South Africa to continue to demonstrate labour stability.
Dr Johan van Zyl, Chairman of Toyota South Africa and Chief managing Officer of Toyota Motors Europe reiterated the importance of stability on the production line: “Although we are justifiably proud of the achievements of the motor industry in growing production and especially exports post-1994, we must remember that South Africa currently produces less than 1% of the 90-million vehicles made worldwide each year.
“We have to remain world competitive not only in terms of wages and productivity, but also regarding labour stability. I cannot stress enough the importance of engagement – engage, engage and engage again – the need to employ dispute resolution as the first and ultimately only line of defense rather than resorting to strike action as the solution.
“Nevertheless I am confident that a fair and equitable labour agreement can be reached and rest assured, that no matter what, Toyota will do its utmost to continue to put its customers and South Africa first.”
With the Alltrack version of the new Caddy, Volkswagen attempts to marry the convenience of a delivery van with the comfort of a crossover and the rugged appeal of an SUV. Is it trying to sit on too many chairs at the same time?
We like: Fuel economy, practicality, car-like interior
We don’t like: Price, easy to stall
Alternatives:
For greater practicality: If you're looking at a Caddy in the first place, then clearly practicality and overall spaciousness are important facets. If that's the case, then you must consider the Ford Grand Tourneo Connect 1.6 TDCI Titanium. It sells for similar money, but makes use of a long-wheelbase platform, so there's significantly more space in the back. Plus, for less than R2 000, you can add two extra rear seats.
For more style: Similarly, if you are considering this Alltrack derivative, you clearly want a degree of stylishness. The Nissan X-Trail 1.6 dCi XE may not match the Caddy's overall cargo carrying ability, but it is spacious enough for a family and can also be specified with third-row seating.
For greater value: If it's a particular combination of turbodiesel engine, manual transmission, delivery van-like practicality and SUV styling cues that you want, then the Caddy Alltrack is unique and your only option. We think, however, that the long-wheelbase Caddy Maxi offers truly outstanding versatility (with the sacrifice of some style), for only slightly more money.
Jack of all trades?
While status-obsessed South Africans have largely eschewed trusty station wagons and van-based vehicles, Volkswagen has made a concerted effort with the new-generation Caddy to make the product more appealing to families. We were mightily impressed with the long-wheelbase version of the new Caddy (read the review here), but if that vehicle is too utilitarian in design, the Wolfsburg-based brand believes the Alltrack, as tested here, could be the answer. Unlike the Maxi, however, the Alltrack is only offered in the short-wheelbase body which makes us wonder… Has too much versatility been sacrificed in the pursuit of (some) style? And… at the price, can it successfully battle a crossover such as the X-Trail, an MPV such as the Citroen C4 Picasso or even Ford's decidedly more spacious Grand Tourneo Connect? Let's find out…
How does it fare in terms of…
Practicality
Optional "wing-style" rear doors don't offer a significant advantage. Boot space limited with optional third-row seating.
The reason why you would consider a Caddy in the first place is likely to be versatility. Sure, this particular derivative may be smartened up with various SUV-inspired addenda and luxury car features inside, but at its core, the Caddy retains the packaging of a delivery van.
The boxiness of its design and the height of its roof are the main reasons for its palpably practical cabin. In standard guise, it comes as a five-seater, but for R8 000 extra you can get a rear bench fitted as well. Our test unit had this option fitted, but to be frank, if it is ultimate spaciousness and people-carrying ability you're after, then the long-wheelbase Maxi is definitely a better bet. We removed this optional bench and left it at the office for most of the test unit's tenure at Cars.co.za. In this, five-seater guise, the Caddy Alltrack offers a deep, spacious boot that can accommodate some very bulky objects. If you want to load up even larger items, the second row of seats can be folded, double folded or also completely removed.
Besides cabin space, the Alltrack also offers a number of convenient storage systems. A very practical shelf is positioned above the front occupants' heads and makes for a good place to put books, magazines and maps etc. Sliding drawers are placed underneath the front seats, too.
Performance & Efficiency
From behind the steering wheel, the Caddy is remarkably car-like to drive. (European spec shown)
The manual version of the Caddy Alltrack utilises the well-known and widely used 2.0-litre turbodiesel Volkswagen engine. In this application, it develops 81 kW and 250 Nm of torque, the maxmum of which is available from only 1 500 rpm. A typically solid-in-feel five-speed manual transmission sends power to the front wheels. The engine impressed during the duration of the test term, offering good mid-range grunt and excellent fuel economy. Volkswagen claims a combined cycle consumption figure of 5.8 L/100 km for this model, while we achieved (with relative ease) 6.5 L/100 km.
With regards to refinement, the engine also generally impressed; its audible "dieselness" actually suits the character of the vehicle. What owners will have to get used to, however, is the clutch action. It is very light and quite springy, which combined with a little bit of lag low down the rev range makes the Caddy quite easy to stall. For ultimate comfort (and more power), you may want to seriously consider the DSG version, which is priced at R30 000 more.
Comfort & features
Sliding rear doors offer easy access. Legroom is acceptable for second-row passengers.
The Alltrack is the flagship of the Caddy range and, as such, comes with an extensive list of standard equipment. Firstly, the sliding doors arrangement is standard, and they do make access to the second row of seats easier – especially when it comes to fitting child seats. Those seated in the second row may not have vast legroom on offer (it is sufficient, however), but the perception of space is heightened by the copious amount of headroom. Little ones will also appreciate the flip-up tables attached to the front seatbacks.
It is, however, at the front where the usual Volkswagen focus on passenger comfort really shines through. Firstly, though the plastics are generally hard, the clever use of chrome accents and cloth inserts create an upmarket ambience. In fact, at first glance, you could be in a "normal" Volkswagen passenger car. In that regard, Volkswagen's efforts to move the Caddy away from its utilitarian origins have been very successful. And then there are the features…
Standard on this model are; cruise control, a touch-screen "Composition" media interface with USB/aux and Bluetooth support, remote audio controls, auto lights and wipers, height-adjustable front seats (with heating) and electrically adjustable and heated rear-view mirrors, among other items. The seats, by the way, deserve a special mention, as they are very comfortable. The driving position, aided by the standard rake/reach adjustable steering and height-adjustable seat, is also spot-on.
So, in terms of features, there's precious little that is lacking from this Caddy, and yet its impressive overall occupant comfort is not dependent on these "luxury" items. The Caddy's general ride refinement, as well as the quiet cabin, are major factors to consider, too.
Safety
A number of safety features are offered on the Caddy, including optional front/rear PDC with rear-view camera.
The Caddy Alltrack is likely to do duty as an oft-used family car, therefore a good safety specification is paramount. Historically speaking, the most advanced safety features on the market have not generally found their way to these utility van-based products. But… the Caddy Alltrack is different.
Included as standard are: ESP, automatic post-collision braking system, Rest Assist (fatigue detection), six airbags, hill-hold assist, automatic headlights with separate daytime running lamps and a coming/leaving home lighting function. You can also get front and rear park distance sensors (R6 500 for both) and even a reverse-view camera (R9 000, including the front and rear sensors). Note, however, that if you want a rear-view camera, you can't have the so-called rear "wing-doors", which are a R1 600 option.
In a 2015 EuroNCAP crash test, the new Caddy scored 84% for adult occupant protection, and 78% for child occupant protection, neither of which are poor by any means, but still not as good as Volkswagen's own new Touran MPV (not offered here).
Verdict
The Caddy Alltrack is quite a pricey vehicle and will appeal to a very select clientele. If you want something entirely versatile, the long-wheelbase Caddy Maxi is the one to have. However, we appreciate this Alltrack version's blend of family friendliness, versatility, features and refinement. It would suit families with a very active, outdoorsy lifestyle that require lots of "gear" to a tee. With its SUV-inspired styling (not least the bright orange paint finish of our test unit), it turned plenty of heads, so it's unlikely to embarrass mom and dad (or the kids) on the school run. In the end, it appears that everyone, indeed, wins.
Pricing and Warranty
The Volkswagen Caddy Alltrack 2.0 TDI sells for R387 600 and comes backed by a 3-years/120 000 km warranty and 3-years/60 000 km service plan. Service intervals are scheduled for every 15 000 km.
The new Peugeot 3008 has been revealed and it will make its official debut at the Paris Show later this year before arriving in South Africa in the first quarter of 2017.
The crossover SUV segment has grown substantially in recent years and the segment is hotly contested by products such as the Toyota RAV4, Nissan Qashqai, Volkswagen Tiguan and even the recently launched Renault Kadjar, among many others. With that said, the 3008 has always been a fringe player and its successor will need to attract a bigger clientele… If the above images are anything to go by, it may have won half the battle on looks alone.
Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect from the new Peugeot 3008…
The new 3008 features the latest-generation Peugeot i-Cockpit that is futuristic and equipped with technological features centred around the driver. A new, more compact steering wheel is fitted with two flat sides for better grip and the driver has access to an 8-inch tablet-like touch-screen infotainment system with six piano key "toggle switches" to control functions such as radio, climate control, navigation, vehicle parameters, telephone and mobile apps.
The new 3008 will also be equipped with a 12.3-inch high-resolution instrument display that can be configured and personalised according to your taste via a button on the steering wheel and a total of 5 display modes are available to the driver. Interior materials include leather, brushed chrome, carbon and cloth.
The new Peugeot 3008 features a digital instrument cluster and 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
With an 80 mm longer wheelbase, this latest 3008 has a more spacious cabin too. Peugeot claims 520 litres of boot space and the car features a "Magic Flat" folding rear seat as well as a two-position sliding floor. The front passenger seat folds flat too, allowing you to load items up to 3.0 metres long. A hands-free tailgate will be offered as an option and can be operated with a simple swipe of the foot under the rear bumper.
More than this, there will also be the option to include an electrically assisted folding scooter (e-Kick) or bicycle (e-Bike) that’s stored on a "docking station" in the boot, allowing for charging while the car is running. Quite a nifty inclusion from Peugeot, we’d say…
Expressive exterior design
The new 3008 is at least 100 kg lighter than its predecessor and adopts a number of design cues that define its expressive looks. The vertical nose features a wide chrome-trimmed grille complemented by narrow halogen headlights (LED headlights are optional) and numerous air intakes.
The bonnet is long and flat, leading to the more upright windscreen and flanked by chrome inserts. The new 3008 features a "Black Diamond" gloss black roof (optional) with stainless steel trim that gives the car a unique look and the rear-end features LED taillights with Peugeot’s familiar three-claw lighting signature. Roof rails and large wheels (17 to 19-inch) round off the look of the new 3008.
Engine options and features
The 3008 will be offered with a range of petrol and diesel engines, mated to either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. Petrol engines include a 97 kW 1.2-litre and a 123 kW 1.6-litre engine.
The diesel engine range comprises four options including a 1.6-litre engine in two states of tune offering 75 kW and 89 kW, as well as a 2.0-litre diesel engine offering either 112 kW or 134 kW.
The 3008 will also feature Advanced Grip Control, giving it capability in off-road situations. A total of 5 modes will be offered including Normal, Snow, Mud, Sand and ESP OFF, all selected using a knob on the centre console. Hill Assist Descent Control (HADC) will also give the driver more control when descending steep hills by limiting the speed to 3 kph.
Buyers can choose from a range of petrol and diesel derivatives with varying power outputs.
Other safety features to be included are active safety brake, distance alert, active lane departure warning, driver attention warning, automatic adaptive headlights, speed limit sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, active blind spot monitoring, park assist and Visio Park (360° all-around vision).
The new Peugeot 3008 will be built in France at Peugeot’s Sochaux plant. South African pricing and specification details are yet to be confirmed, but we will keep you informed as soon as these details are made available, so stay tuned!
Suzuki Super Carry Bakkie coming to SA in June 2016
Suzuki South Africa will enter the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segment for the first time with the introduction of the new Super Carry compact bakkie. The Super Carry will arrive at Suzuki dealerships across the country in June 2016.
Suzuki is best known for its reliable passenger cars, with the Swift, Vitara and Jimny being particularly popular in South Africa. Suzuki South Africa is now venturing forth into the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segment and will soon introduce the Super Carry compact bakkie to market in June 2016.
The Super Carry bakkie, now in its 11th generation, has been around since 1961 and has been particularly popular in Japan and other markets. The Super Carry is built in India and South Africa will be the first international market to receive the new model. The Super Carry will appeal to small business owners looking for a capable, affordable and reliable workhorse to ‘carry’ out daily business duties, with the support of Suzuki’s established dealer network.
What does the Super Carry offer?
The Super Carry comes with a payload of 750 kg and features a cab-over design with a large load bay measuring 2.18 x 1.49 metres. The Super Carry also has a ground clearance of 175 mm and a turning circle of 8.6 metres, which makes it capable of manoeuvring in tighter spaces.
The Super Carry can comfortably seat two people and the raised seating position offers increased visibility for the driver.
A 1.2-litre engine with a total of 54 kW and 101 Nm of torque will power the new Super Carry with a 5-speed manual transmission powering the rear wheels.
“We’re delighted to introduce the Suzuki Super Carry to the SA market. It arrives at a time when cost efficiency, affordability and value for money are key requirements for small businesses and entrepreneurs seeking an efficient, versatile and robust utility vehicle” says Charl Grobler, manager of product planning and sales at Suzuki Auto SA.
Suzuki Super Carry price in South Africa
Suzuki Super Carry – R129 900
The price includes a 3-year / 100 000 km warranty.
Is the Adam S, the hottest Adam derivative in Opel’s arsenal, hot and exclusive enough to justify its R330 000 asking price? Let's find out.
We like: Good fun at the price, quirky styling, great standard specification
We don’t like: Some brash stylistic touches in the cabin that won't appeal to all tastes, only 50 units available
Alternatives
For a more mature, practical hot hatch: Peugeot 208 GTI – Peugeot’s little GTI may not be the first choice when you’re browsing this market, but this 3-door hatchback is the most powerful in its segment with 147 kW and 275 Nm from its turbocharged 1.6-litre 4-pot. It’s priced below the Opel Adam S and boasts a more spacious cabin, plus a bigger boot as well as comprehensive specification.
For oodles of boutique appeal: Mini Cooper 3-door hatch – The original boutique fun car, now powered by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo with 100 kW and 220 Nm. It may be down on power, but it’s just as entertaining to drive. It’s not as comprehensively equipped as the Adam S so to match the Opel's spec, you’ll need to fork out a bit more.
For more outright thrills: Abarth 595 – The Abarth 595 is a riot to drive thanks to a race-tuned suspension and a reworked version of the Fiat 1.4-litre turbo motor that's more powerful than that of its German rival. It may cost a bit more than the Opel Adam S, but it feels more engaging and is a more unique, exclusive proposition.
We’ve evaluated the entire lineup of Opel's boutique compact car range and suffice to say that we are impressed with the Adam. However, seeing that the asking price for a hot hatchback has inflated considerably (you’ll find yourself forking out more than R400 000 to get into a new example), the "junior hatchback" segment deserves a closer look. If you're looking for small car offering zesty performance for less than "hot hatch" money, the Adam S appears to be a good example.
How does it fare in terms of…
… Kerb Appeal?
There’s no mistaking the Opel Adam S for its lesser siblings. It’s only available in three colour combinations; one of which is the gunmetal grey and red combo that you see here. Opel has added a more attention-grabbing body kit, bolted on some 18-inch alloy wheels (as well as a purposeful-looking roof spoiler) and made the Adam's oval exhaust end poke out the rear valance. It may scream boy racer, but we don’t think it’s that tacky.
A similar treatment has been applied to the cabin. The shapely Recaro sports seats grip front occupants with aplomb and there are splashes of red on the steering wheel, gearknob and handbrake lever. Drilled aluminium pedals and some liberal splashes of S badging around the cabin add to the appeal.
Two-tone paint with red accents and big wheels make the Opel Adam S stand out from lesser Adam models
… Driving Thrills?
So it has the show, but does it have the go? General Motors' parts bin has a vast array of engines in its arsenal and the 1.4-litre turbocharged four cylinder, which does duty in many GM products, takes pride of place under the Adam S's bonnet. In this application it produces 110 kW and 220 Nm. Those figures may not sound like much, but when you factor in the car's kerb weight of around 1 100 kg, the power-to-weight ratio is pretty good and conducive to an enthusiastic driving experience.
Zero to 100 kph comes up in about 8.5 seconds, but that only tells a small part of the Opel Adam S' story. Real fun is to be had when you coax the S into a series of demanding corners. Thanks to some big brakes from the previous generation Opel Corsa OPC and suspension trickery, the Opel Adam S is a hoot, yet not intimidating to drive fast. There’s a stiffer anti-roll bar and firmer springs at the front, while the rear benefits from a more-rigid torsion beam rear axle.
What does this all mean in the real world? When you sit snugly in those Recaro seats, the driving position makes you feel as if you’re part of the car. The engine loves being revved hard, but you’ll find there’s generally enough torque on tap to negate the need for constant downshifting. However, the buzzy noise emitted by the motor is so addictive that you'll probably find it irresistable to perform extra downshifts anyway and, if you listen carefully, you’ll hear a soft sututu from the turbo wastegate as you come off the throttle.
The shift action is fairly slick, but the transmission is still afflicted by that "Opel curse" where the first to second shift during hard acceleration is notchy. This Adam offers so much more than just straight-line sprinting, however. You’ll love how this derivative makes you feel as a driving enthusiast… the interactions between the car and the road are transmitted through the steering wheel and the bottom of the driver's seat. You can be doing 70 kph on a winding country road and it’ll still be a thrilling, hands-on experience. If nothing else, the S proves you can enjoy yourself with a modest power output and without breaking the speed limit.
… Specification levels?
Opel Adam S steering wheel features hands-free communication buttons as well as cruise control with limiter
As the S sits atop of the Adam pile, its specification is generous. The donor car for the Adam S was the Adam Jam Xtreme. This means climate control, cruise control and the rather good Intellilink infotainment system come standard. There’s Bluetooth, USB and auxiliary connectivity too. The Opel Adam S is not shy on safety features either and features blind spot alert, ABS and electronic stability control; the car can even park itself.
… Value for Money?
The Opel Adam S makes a good case for itself when you compare it against its rivals. If you want a faster and bigger car, then the Peugeot 208 GTI looks like a seriously good deal at just over R300 000. However it doesn’t quite have the same "character" and boutique appeal as the Adam S. You can look to Fiat and its Abarth 595 which is more involving to drive, more exclusive, but more expensive.
Finally, there’s the old favourite; the Mini Cooper. It’s the first time a Cooper has been turbocharged and this new 1.5-litre 3-cylinder engine injects some enthusiasm into a model that’s always been overshadowed by its brawnier, yet significantly more expensive, Cooper S sibling. The Cooper is a very desirable proposition, but its down on specification compared with the Opel Adam S.
At R330 000, the Opel Adam S looks like quite the toy, which, to be fair, is exactly what's it is menat to be and judging from the envious glances from 1.0-litre Adam owners, it should have a loyal following. Only 50 will be imported into South Africa, so if a fast little Opel is what you're looking for, this is it.
The Opel Adam S is a nifty little plaything. Its performance, packaging and character justify a R330 000 asking price.
Summary
The Adam S costs a not-insignificant R330 000, but it represents a comprehensively-equipped and potent little car for the money. It’s great fun to drive, but its ride quality’s not overly sporty, meaning you could easily use the Opel for daily commuting. If you want more exclusivity, then it would be advisable to head to your Abarth dealer and if you’re wanting more performance from your boutique hot hatchback, then Peugeot should be your port of call.
Having said that the Opel has loads of character and certainly looks the part. You’ll love how the seats wrap around you and how much fun the car is to drive, regardless of how fast you are travelling. As mentioned earlier, it’s an exclusive package and only 50 will be available in South Africa. There’s no word on when an Corsa OPC will reach our market, so, for the foreseeable future, this is the closest thing you’ll get to a real hot hatch from Opel.
Aston Martin has showcased its Vanquish Zagato concept at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este on the banks of Lake Como in Italy this past weekend.
British luxury sportscar marque Aston Martin and Italian design house Zagat, collaborated to create a special Vanquish Zagato concept, which is the fifth car to be produced by the firms' partnership in more than 5 decades.
Aston Martin's chief creative officer Marek Reichman said: "Over the years, we have developed and refined our own design language and we have always gone that little bit further with our special series cars like CC-100, One-77 and Aston Martin Vulcan. The Vanquish Zagato Concept shows how our two companies can come together and push the definition of Aston Martin design."
Design details
The bodywork of the Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato concept is shaped entirely from carbonfibre and fewer split lines are visible due to the use of large one-piece panels. The round taillight reflectors, which incorporate "bladed" LED technology (also found on the Aston Martin Vulcan), are classic Zagato touches.
There is a retractable rear spoiler as well as a quad-exhaust system, the outlets of which are set in carbonfibre sills. The Vanquish Zagato concept further features a "double-bubble" roof and the wing mirrors are inspired by those of the One-77.
On the inside, the concept features Herringbone carbonfibre combined with anodised bronze and aniline leather on the fascia, vents and dials. A Z-stitch pattern is embroidered on the seats and door sections while the trademark Zagato "Z" is embossed on the headrests and stitched into the centre console.
The Vanquish Zagato concept is powered by a naturally aspirated 6.0-litre V12 engine that has been beefed up to produce peak power of 441 kW.
The Toyota Hilux is not known for blistering performance, but this supercharged Hilux double cab produced by local tuning firm, RGMotorsport, offers a lot more go than most bakkies…
The standard Toyota Hilux 4.0 V6 double cab Raider offers 175 kW and 376 Nm of torque and RGMotorsport, a local tuning company based in Johannesburg, got hold of the latest 4.0 V6 Hilux and supercharged it, arguably making it the fastest Hilux on the continent.
The idea of a Hilux with more than 300 kW seems incredible, but not for RGMotorsport.
Compared with the standard model's outputs, this supercharged V6 Hilux offers massive bumps in power, to 327 KW (+ 152 kW) and torque, to 545 Nm (+ 169 Nm). Those are impressive numbers for a bakkie and official acceleration figures were recorded at the Gerotek testing facility near Pretoria.
From standstill, this supercharged V6 Hilux automatic accelerates to 100 kph in only 7.6 seconds before reaching a top speed of 227 kph. Note that Toyota claims a leisurely 9.4 seconds for the standard V6 Hilux.
More impressive, however, is the supercharged Hilux’s in-gear acceleration where it’s capable of accelerating from 80 kph to 160 kph in only 12.2 seconds (10 seconds faster than the standard Hilux 4×2 Lux double cab). Acceleration from 60 to 120 kph takes just 6.0 seconds, which is notably quicker than the standard version’s 9.6 seconds.
The cost to convert a Hilux or Fortuner to this spec starts at about R105 000 and all RGMotorsport conversions come with a 6-month/20 000 km warranty.
Watch the supercharged Toyota Hilux in action below!
BMW has revealed a very special concept at the Concorso d’Eleganza, the 2002 Hommage. This striking, but fiercely potent little machine, celebrates the 50th anniversary of the debut of the original 02 range.
The original 02 series is considered BMW’s first compact coupe and kicked off a successful era for the German car maker. The 2002 Turbo, on the other hand, was this model range's flagship and harnessed turbo power – the first for a series-production car in Europe. It is this firecracker that is celebrated by the new 2002 Hommage concept.
“The eye-catching design of the BMW 2002 Hommage employs a very dynamic, striking use of forms for its own take on what is, for me, one of the most iconic vehicles in BMW history,” says Karim Habib, Head of Design BMW Automobiles. “At the same time, it encapsulates BMW’s major motor sport triumphs, which were made possible by turbo technology”.
A particularly striking feature of the car’s flanks are the widened wheel arches, which add stature and presence. In the process, they recall the homologated version of the BMW 2002 turbo, which needed broad extensions bolted onto its body to accommodate a significantly wider track. The wheels are 20-inches big and cast from lightweight alloy.
The BMW Motorsport livery of the front apron and its “turbo” lettering in mirror writing casts the mind back to the original decals of the 2002 turbo, as does the exterior mirror cap on the driver’s side.
Much like the Hommage concept from last year, there’s no plan to put this vehicle into production. Hence, there are no engine details at all but we can imagine something like the straight-six 3-litre from the M2 doing a decent job. With the 2002 Hommage concept BMW has once again the Concorso d’Eleganza as a marketing ploy to get people excited about its brand. Job very well done in that regard!
BMW 2002 Hommage Video
Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine (2016) First Drive
Volvo adds a plug-in hybrid model to its already solid XC90 line-up. How much of an impact can this plug-in model make, and perhaps more importantly, will it set a trend?
As a team, we at Cars.co.za rate the Volvo XC90 very highly. It's a well-equipped 7-seater SUV, packaged in a svelte, stylish package and is bristling with technology. Furthermore, the Swedish machine undercuts its rivals on price. That's why the XC90 is the Premium SUV of the Year in our Cars.co.za Consumer Awards.
As good as the XC90 is, our testers found that the 2.0-litre turbopetrol and turbodiesel motors had to be worked hard to get the big SUV moving and, as a result, the respective test units' fuel consumption figures suffered. Volvo has addressed this with the introduction of the XC90 T8 Twin Engine derivative, which is the halo model in the range. The theory is simple: the front axle is powered by a traditional petrol engine while the rear makes do with an electric motor. The result is a vehicle that offers all-wheel drive capability, but which can operate on petrol- or electric propulsion, or use a combination of both.
Let’s talk numbers. Up front is a 2.0-litre turbo- and supercharged four-cylinder petrol engine that produces outputs of 235 kW and 400 Nm. The electric motor delivers 65 kW and 240 Nm, and together there’s 300 kW and 640 Nm on tap, which sounds like quite a lot! Power reaches all four wheels through an eight-speed Geartronic automatic transmission. Performance is claimed to be swift, with zero to 100 kph being dispatched in 5.6 seconds. The real number to be interested in is the efficiency claim: the Volvo XC90 T8 is said to be able to sip just 2.1 L/100 km and emit just 49 g/km of CO2.
That claim of 2.1 L/100 km sounded incredibly optimistic, so we put it to the test on a short urban route. Climb in, seatbelt on and turn the engine start knob, and… there's nothing but eerie silence. The dials lit up and that was it. “Right, the car’s on, engage drive and away you go”, were the reassuring words of Volvo’s local PR. With a gentle prod of the accelerator pedal, the Volvo XC90 T8 "slipped its moorings" and set off.
Volvo says that this XC90 can drive 40 km and at speeds up to 125 kph on electric power alone, and given the fact that we did the first 10 km on battery only, it certainly feels believable. Five driving modes are offered; AWD, Pure, Hybrid, Power and Off Road. Pure is electric-only mode, while hybrid is a nice blend of petrol and electric driving. If you select Power mode, both motors work hard in an effort to sling you towards to the horizon briskly.
The Volvo XC90 T8 is easy to charge is it does not require a special cable adapter.
The vehicle captures braking energy anyway, but you can force the T8 to harvest more intensely by putting the vehicle into braking mode, which is done by moving the gear selector from Drive into Brake. If you then take your foot off the accelerator, the vehicle starts decelerating without brake pedal inputs.
While most hybrid vehicles have their batteries in the boot, which impacts load space, the Volvo XC90 T8’s batteries have been placed in the area underneath the centre armrest. While this keeps the array safe and isolated from accidents, the real bonus is that the XC90 retains its seven-seat capability.
How to charge?
It’ll take a keen eye to spot the differences between a conventional XC90 and this T8 plug-in hybrid version. There’s a tiny T8 Twin Engine badge on the rear and there’s the tell-tale electricity flap on the left flank for the plug-in charger. Speaking of which, the plug-in charging process is dead simple… You do not need a special adaptor fitted to your premises as the process requires just plugging the cable into a two-pin electrical adaptor. A built-in control unit ensures that there’s no overheating or anything untoward. The vehicle will be fully charged in just three hours; it really is idiot proof to charge the Volvo XC90 T8. Cabling is supplied by Volvo and do not fret if you can’t charge your vehicle as you simply revert to full petrol mode.
So, could the XC90 T8 succeed? There’s no faulting the technology in the confines of a city where it seamlessly switches from electric to petrol without any hesitation. The launch route demonstrated that this is a brilliant car in heavy traffic and our fuel consumption figure of 3.9 L/100 km (achieved without too much effort) indicates just how economical this vehicle is. With some real focus (and less heavy-handedness on the accelerator pedal), you can achieve figures of below 3.5 L/100 km.
Our test route was a short urban one and we have further questions that can only be answered after a thorough road test. What is the fuel consumption if you spend the majority of time on the open road… and what's the XC90's performance like with the battery completely drained?
It’s not the first luxury SUV hybrid to go on sale as Lexus has been at this game for quite some time now with its RX450h and Porsche has its Cayenne S e-hybrid, but it's the first plug-in hybrid on the market. Incidentally, BMW is about to join the fray with the X5 xDrive40e. Spec-for-spec, the Volvo XC90 T8 is the most affordable of the lot (of the current crop of SUV hybrids) and offers greater range, as well as more features.
Volvo XC90 T8 Price in South Africa
The T8 engine is available in three specification levels and comes standard with a 5-year/100 000 km warranty, 5-year/ 100 000 km Volvo Plan and Tracker Connect
Strong rumours are circulating that Renault's performance division, RenaultSport, is preparing to announce the arrival of the ultimate Clio. We have leaked photos of the new car which insiders are suggesting will boast at least 184kW of firepower.
As you can see, this Renault Clio looks significantly more aggressive than the standard performance model. It features a wide body kit and an outrageous rear wing, as well as the trademark yellow RenaultSport paint. The real talking point, however, is the powertrain. Whereas the standard Renault Clio RS pushes out 147kW from a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder motor, this hotter model has an uncomfirmed 180+ kW… but from what engine?
The first engine rumour is that RenaultSport engineers have managed to squeeze out 186kW from the existing 1.6-litre motor. The second is that the motor from the RenaultSport Megane RS275 Trophy has been transferred into the Clio's engine bay! In terms of transmission, the Renault EDC transmission is potentially at its limit in terms of torque management, so rumours are rife that the six-speed manual 'box from the Megane will make an appearance. If this is the case, RenaultSport enthusiasts will be leaping for joy as they've been lamenting the lack of a manual gearbox and the performance from the six-speed EDC has not been as stellar as hoped.
This new RenaultSport Clio is expected to be unveiled at the Monaco Grand Prix, an event which Renault and RenaultSport use to showcase its cool concepts and forthcoming models. Watch this space, we'll see something official from Renault soon.
