Audi Q7 vs Volvo XC90 Video Review and Comparison

Ciro de Siena compares the Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90: two towers of family transport that are both popular in their own right and offer much the same in terms of comfort and features. Which one comes out on top?

Right now, if you are looking to cart your family around in tech-laden, leather-lined comfort, you are spoilt for choice. So, what separates the Q7 and XC90, and, assuming you have no predilection for Audi or Volvo products, which one should you buy?

To try and answer this tricky question, we set out for the day with a the new Audi Q7 3.0TDI Quattro, and a Volvo XC90 D5 Inscription. This comparison looks at and rates the two SUVs on ride quality, engine performance, cabin quietness, comfort, features, price, optional extras and load space.

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Audi A4 (2016) Specs & Price

The B9-generation Audi A4 has been introduced to the South African market. Here are the key specifications of the new range…

The new A4 is larger than the outgoing model, but has shed as much as 120 kg due to utilisations of new materials.

The aerodynamics have been improved and it now boasts the best drag coefficient in its class at 0.23 cd.

Two turbopetrol engines are available, while a turbodiesel model and a quattro version will arrive soon. The upgrades to the engines have focused on increasing power (up by 21%) and reducing fuel economy (by up to 25%). All models are available with S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmissions.

Engine range consists of:

1.4 TFSI turbopetrol with 110 kW and 250Nm – manual and S tronic – 4.9 L/100km

2.0 TFSI turbopetrol with 140 kW and 320 Nm – S tronic only – 5.4 L/100km

Coming in April:

2.0 TFSI quattro turbopetrol with 185 kW and 370 Nm

2.0 TDi turbodiesel with 140 kW and 400 Nm – 4.9 L/100km

The space inside the cabin has grown by 11 mm more head- and shoulder room. The interior length has grown by 17 mm and the rear legroom is up by 23 mm.

Technological highlights of the new A4 include the Audi virtual cockpit, the Audi Matrix LED headlights, the Audi smartphone interface, as well as Audi phone box, which connects certain smartphones to the on-board antenna and charges them inductively (available mid 2016), the Bang & Olufsen sound system with 3D sound, Audi connect services, the head-up display and new driver assistance systems.

Audi's connect services runs off a data sim that will need to be installed in the car. The system will integrate your smartphone with the car via a Wi-Fi hotspot and result in internet access and functions such as Google navigation and internet search capability.

Improved safety systems are now available

The systems available in South Africa include Audi active lane assist, Audi pre-sense, Audi side assist, the City Assistance package and the parking assistance package. Standard assistance systems include Audi pre-sense city, secondary collision brake assist and the adjustable restraint system.

The City Assistance package will include the following: Parking system plus, reverse camera, Audi side assist, rear-cross traffic assist, Audi pre sense and exit warning systems.

Standard equipment:

Audi A4 1.4T FSI manual and S tronic:

16-inch alloy wheels
Xenon Plus headlights
Keyless start/stop
S tronic gear selector with Multi-function three-spoke steering wheel
MMI Radio plus with Bluetooth
Driver information system
Tyre pressure monitoring
Partial leather upholstery
Cruise control system
Rain sensor
Automatic air-conditioning
Front centre armrest
Space saving spare wheel
Electrical interface for external use AUX-IN and USB

Audi A4 2.0T FSI S tronic:

In addition to above standard equipment:

17-inch alloy wheels
Audi Drive Select

Equipment lines: Sport and Design

The Sport line will contain the following, over and above the standard equipment:

17-inch wheels with a 5-spoke Y design
Radiator grille in twilight and inlays in chrome
Inlays in aluminium ellipse
Rear diffusor in twilight
High gloss package
3-spoke multifunction leather steering wheel
Sports suspension
Front sports seats
Tailpipe trims in chrome

The Design line will contain the following, over and above the standard equipment:

17-inch wheels with a 10-spoke crystal design
Radiator grille in dark chrome high gloss and inlays in chrome
Diffusor in dark chrome matt with diffusor clip in chrome
Inlays in aluminium ellipse
High gloss package
3-spoke leather steering wheel with multifunction
Tailpipe trims in chrome

Previously:

The prices and specifications for the next generation of Audi's A4 sedan in South Africa have appeared on the manufacturer's website ahead of the range's local launch in the last week of February 2016.

From launch, the Audi A4's engine line-up will comprise turbopetrol and turbodiesel four-cylinder motors, but those who want more grunt, the fiery S4 is scheduled to arrive later this year. The only manual gearbox can be found on the bottom of the range A4 1.4T FSI and the rest of the lineup features the popular S Tronic seven-speed twin-clutch transmission. From experience, we'd lean towards the clutchless option every time.

Despite being the entry-level A4, the 1.4T FSI comes with a fair amount of kit as standard, such as eight-speaker MMI Radio Plus system with Bluetooth connectivity, multi-function three-spoke steering wheel, rain sensor, cruise control, automatic climate control as well as 16-inch alloy wheels. Being an Audi, the list of options that you can specify for your car is rather extensive too. The range will only feature sedans, with no plan to bring in the Avant station wagon to the South African market.

There are two trim levels: Sport Line and Design Line.

Sport Line gives you 17-inch wheels in a 5-spoke Y design, a dark grey radiator grille with inlays in chrome, rear diffuser in dark grey, high-gloss package, 3-spoke multifunction leather steering wheel, sports suspension, front sports seats, tailpipe trims in chrome.

Design Line has 17-inch wheels in a 10-spoke crystal design, a dark chrome high-gloss radiator grille and inlays in chrome, diffusor in dark chrome matte with diffusor clip in chrome, high-gloss package, 3-spoke leather steering wheel with multifunction and tailpipe trims in chrome.

The top-spec 2.0T FSI quattro also gets an all-wheel drivetrain as well as 18-inch wheels.

We'll be driving the new Audi A4 on the 25th and 26th of February – look out for the first drive report soon.

Audi A4 Price in South Africa (February 2017)

Click here for the latest pricing of the Audi A4 in South Africa

Derivative	Price
Petrol engines
1.4T FSI manual (110 kW/250 Nm)	R476 500
1.4T FSI S Tronic (110 kW/250 Nm)	R494 500
1.4T TSI Design S Tronic (110 kW/250 Nm)	R523 500
1.4T FSI Sport S Tronic (110 kW/250 Nm)	R527 500
2.0T FSI S Tronic (140 kW/320 Nm)	R536 500
2.0T FSI Design S Tronic (140 kW/320 Nm)	R553 500
2.0T FSI Sport S Tronic (140 kW/320 Nm)	R557 500
2.0T FSI Quattro S Tronic (185 kW/370 Nm)	R666 000
Diesel engines
2.0 TDI S Tronic (140 kW/400 Nm)	R559 000
2.0 TDI Sport S Tronic (140 kW/400 Nm)	R580 000
2.0 TDI Design S Tronic (140 kW/400 Nm)	R576 000

Mini Convertible and Clubman (2016) First Drive

The Mini Cooper's Convertible and Clubman offshoots are niche offerings that exude cool and funky attitudes aided by a playful chassis tuned for optimal driver enjoyment. We had a quick blast at the local launch to get a feel for the newcomers.

Topless driving

First we stepped into the Mini Cooper S Convertible with the top down on a windless day in the Cape; had it not been at the height of summer, it would have been perfect drop-top weather. The S badge means that it has the 2.0-litre turbo motor that produces 141 kW and 280 Nm. After about 10 minutes of roof-down scalp-frying, we slowed down to 30 kph and pressed the button to close the roof. It takes just 18 seconds to get the roof up or down (according to Mini).

Improved chassis

The previous-generation Mini Convertible suffered from a lack of body stiffness (because there’s no solid roof to add rigidity) and, as a result, it wobbled and shook a bit when driven enthusiastically, especially on less than perfect roads. The new one has certainly improved in this department and the Cooper S model I drove felt more tightly packaged and less prone to emit creaks and vibrations through the cabin and windscreen. The Convertible is actually bigger than its predecessor in every direction: it is 98 mm longer, 44 mm wider and 1 mm taller. The wheelbase has been lengthened by 28 mm as well and there’s more luggage room in the Mini's boot. You can load 215 litres in the boot when the roof is up and 185 litres when the roof is down.

Engine and gearbox

Mini offers the Convertible with six-speed gearboxes. You can opt for either a six-speed manual or automatic and, in the Cooper S Convertible, a six-speed sports automatic. The standard Cooper is powered by a 100 kW, 220 Nm three cylinder turbopetrol motor, but we didn’t get a chance to sample it. Driving enthusiasts will be pleased to know that the Cooper S has quite a bassy backing track. Back off the throttle and let it coast and the exhaust tips will pop and splutter until the car comes to a standstill. The Convertible still feels nimble and, quite rapid, when you drive it quickly, but the ride quality is rather stiff by compact car standards; the question of whether it will become annoying or tiresome in the long run would require a longer evaluation to answer.

Interior comparison

The Convertible and the Clubman feature a full range of Mini’s connectivity options, including Bluetooth, USB and auxiliary input and navigation can be ordered as well. There are plenty of options to choose from as well: you can spec up your Mini with a reverse camera, park assist and a head-up display. In terms of personalising the exterior, the Convertible and Clubman are available in 15 and 12 exterior colours respectively. Wheel options are abundant and range from 16-inch to 19-inch. The Cooper S models are also available with a John Cooper Works aero kit to give them more street cred.

Clubman drive

The Mini Clubman is a strange model in the Mini lineup. It has historical significance as the first Clubman model appeared in the 1960s. In its current guise, it’s difficult to categorise, because it’s not quite a hatchback and definitely not a panel van. You must really want a Mini to choose a Clubman as a family car.

A photo posted by Cars.co.za (@carssouthafrica) on Feb 23, 2016 at 10:51pm PST

Cool factor

The Clubman still manages to be cool, however. There’s something about the rear doors that open like those of a delivery van that’s different and stylish and the car's overall shape is actually quite pleasing to the eye. The rear lights on the panel doors don’t actually function as brake lights but only illuminate when the headlights are switched on. The brake lights are in actual fact those red reflectors on the rear bumper and the high-level light below the roof spoiler.

The Clubman has also grown in size compare with its predecessor. Compared with the Mini 5-door it is 270 mm longer, 90 mm wider and has a 100 mm longer wheelbase. The rear has three individual seats, while the luggage bay can accommodate 360-litres (a little bit smaller than a VW Golf) and when all the seats are folded down offers 1 250 litres of utility capacity. The rear seats spilt and fold in a 40:20:40 configuration for an added bit of extra functionality.

A photo posted by Ashley Oldfield (@ashleyoldfield) on Feb 25, 2016 at 12:39am PST

Different gearbox available

The Clubman utilises identical engines and outputs to the rest of the Mini lineup, but because of its bigger platform, it can accommodate an eight-speed transmission. It is available as an option on the Cooper S Clubman and its main advantage is a fuel economy improvement. The claimed fuel consumption for the six-speed manual is 6.4L/100km and eight-speed 5.9L/100km. The 0-100 kph time is also one-tenth faster at 7.1 seconds for the eight-speed auto.

Driving time

The Mini Clubman’s extra size isn’t noticeable out on the road and the handling remains fun when you push on. The tyres reach their adhesion limits long before the chassis feels like it’s at its performance limits. I’m personally still not a fan of the electronic steering setup in the Mini range as the steering can feel a bit vague and disconnected from what the front wheels are doing when the going gets faster. The soundtrack isn’t as good as in the Convertible either, there’s no excited popping and burbling of the exhaust in the Clubman which, could certainly have added to the Cooper S’ fun factor.

Mini Convertible and Clubman Pricing

Convertible

Cooper Convertible 6-speed manual R368 000

Cooper Convertible 6-speed auto R385 310

Cooper S Convertible 6-speed manual R435 360

Cooper S Convertible 6-speed auto R452 539

Clubman

Cooper Clubman 6-speed manual R343 513

Cooper Clubman 6-speed auto R361 513

Cooper S Clubman 6-speed manual R417 872

Cooper S Clubman 8-speed auto R436 346

Budget 2016: Motorists slapped with levies, higher emissions tax

Although Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan’s 2016 Budget included personal income tax relief of R5.5 billion for lower- and middle-income earners, motorists will feel the brunt of a 30c/L fuel levy hike, a new tyre tax as well as an increase in CO2 emissions tax.

Consumers would have been relieved that personal income tax brackets have only been partially adjusted to compensate for inflation, that monthly medical tax credit allowances were upped and that there was no hike in VAT, at least not for the immediate future.

However, although ongoing oil price weakness and marginal improvements in the Rand/Dollar exchange rate will see reductions in fuel prices in March 2016, there will be an increase of 30c/L in the general fuel levy to R2.85/L for petrol and R2.70/L for diesel on April 6 2016. The Road Accident Fund levy will stay the same on R1.54/L.

What’s more, a new tyre levy of R2.30/kg per tyre will take effect on October 1 2016 for the purposes of financing recycling programmes, which, although it will benefit the environment, which is laudable, will further drive up the cost of vehicle ownership.

Not only will it be more expensive to fit your vehicle with a new set of tyres, but in terms of replacing a vehicle, new vehicle prices, which are already expected to increase by up to 20% in a little over a year due to the Rand’s weak exchange rate, will be further affected by a hike in the government’s carbon dioxide emissions tax.

The rate will increase from R90 to R100 for every gram above 120g/km for passenger vehicles, and from R125 to R140 for double cabs.

Given the recent interest rate hike and the impact of Budget 2016’s fuel and tyre levies and higher taxation on vehicles’ carbon emissions, the only way to reduce the running costs of a vehicle is by saving fuel.

Want to save on fuel? Consider this…

Most Fuel Efficient Cars in South Africa

Fuel Efficient Driving Techniques

For more detail on Minister Gordhan’s 2016 Budget Speech, click here.

Mercedes-AMG C 43 Coupe Revealed

Mercedes-AMG welcomes a new member to the C-Class family, the C 43 4MATIC Coupe.

As part of the growth strategy of Mercedes-AMG, a new and exciting product will make its debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor show next week. Mercedes-AMG will showcase the C 43 Coupe that marks the introduction of a new series of ‘43’ models.

Mercedes-Benz South Africa has confirmed that the C 43 4MATIC Coupe will be available in the third quarter of 2016.

What makes it special?

Well, performance is a good place to start. The C 43 Coupe is powered by a high-revving 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo engine that develops 270kW and 520Nm. Power is sent to all four wheels via the AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive system with a front to rear torque bias of 31 and 69 percent. Power is transferred using a 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission with a double-declutching function and short response times.

As is to be expected, performance is swift with 0-100 kph achieved in 4.7 seconds before reaching an electronically limited top speed of 250kph.

The C 43 Coupe features AMG Ride Control sports suspension, adopted from the Mercedes-AMG C 63, with three-stage adaptive variable damping. Five driving modes are available to the driver depending on your preference and three-stage Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is also fitted.

Stopping power is provided by large internally ventilated compound brake discs with perforations. The discs are 360 mm in diameter up front while the rear discs are 320 mm in diameter.

In terms of styling, the C 43 Coupe rides on 18-inch AMG light alloy wheels with 5-spoke design and they are painted in high-gloss black with a high-sheen finish. The model features a diamond radiator grille with chrome-plated pins and a louvre in high-gloss black with AMG lettering. A silver chrome front splitter is also fitted. The rear apron features a matt iridium silver diffuser insert and two chrome-plated tailpipes.

On the inside the C 43 Coupe features a flat-bottomed, multifunction sports steering wheel wrapped in black leather and finished off with contrasting topstitching. The sports seats feature improved lateral support and are upholstered in ARTICO leather and DINAMICA microfibre. The instrument panel is also trimmed in ARTICO, as are the armrests, door panels and centre console. Aluminium trim pieces in the instrument panel and doors provide contrast in the cabin. The instrument cluster features two round tube-shaped dials as well as a 4.5-inch multifunction colour display with a Racetimer and a 280 kph scale with a chequered-flag design.

The Mercedes-Benz C 43 coupe will be a great addition to the coupe range as it bridges the gap between the normal models and the fire-breathing AMG derivatives. If your budget can't stretch to the V8-powered C 63, then this is likely to offer the best bang-for-buck value in the range.

Volvo V40 Gets Facelifted

The Volvo V40 is receiving some love with cosmetic and trim changes for the 2017 model year.

Volvo’s popular V40 and V40 Cross Country derivatives are being updated and the changes will include cosmetic and trim enhancements. The V40 range will still offer three diesel and three petrol engines across four trim levels. The facelifted Volvo V40 and V40 Cross Country can be expected in South Africa in the third quarter of 2016.

What’s changed?

The most noticeable change on the updated V40 and V40 Cross Country is the inclusion of Thor’s Hammer. The impressive light signature was first introduced on the Volvo XC90 and is now also a feature on the S90 sedan and V90 station wagon. The front of the vehicle will also feature new grille designs and an all-new Volvo Iron Mark.

Five new colours will also be available to customers and these include Amazon Blue, Denim Blue and three existing colours used on other Volvo products including Bursting Blue, Mussel Blue and Luminous Sand.

New trim level nomenclature (Momentum and Inscription) will be used on the updated V40, first seen on the XC90. A total of eight new wheels designs will be offered with the updated V40 and V40 Cross Country derivatives.

Taking inspiration from the Volvo Concept Estate, a new upholstery called City Weave will be offered as well as a new Charcoal or Blond steering wheel option. A number of new interior panel trims will also be available to customers and these include Milled Aluminium, Black Grid Aluminium and Stealth Aluminium. The doors panels will feature accent trim colours with contrasted stitching and a black headliner will be offered as an option for the first time for all models in the range. In addition, R-Design and Inscription derivatives will get new tread plates and a new key fob with the new Volvo logo will be available too.

The Volvo On Call smartphone app has been updated but is still in the development and planning phase for release in South Africa. The app allows for remote access and controls a wide range of in-car features. New functionality for the app includes calendar and navigation integration as well as PC-based use.

In an effort to improve the in-car experience, Volvo’s CleanZone technology will work to keep air in the cabin fresh and clean by filtering air before it enters the cabin.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Facelift: New vs Old – Side by Side Comparison

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class has received a facelift for 2016. Changes include tweaks to the exterior and interior, as well as Adaptive Suspension being made available as an optional extra.

We thought the best way to detail these changes was to play a giant game of Spot the Difference, so we lined up an outgoing model against the new generation for this video review.

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Interested in a new Mercedes Benz A-Class? Find one here

Interested in a used Mercedes Benz A-Class? Find one here

For a detailed spec sheet of the 2015 Mercedes Benz A220d, click here

Read our first drive of the new A-Class here

Read our article – Five Improvements: Facelifted Mercedes-Benz A-Class

More Volkswagen up! Models Heading for SA, Facelift here in 2017

Volkswagen will introduce a facelifted version of the up! in South Africa early in 2017, but before that 5-door, crossover and individualised models will join the model lineup.

Volkswagen will use the Geneva Motor Show (3 to 13 March 2016) to showcase a facelifted up! with a host of updates including visual, mechanical and technological changes. Since being launched in South Africa, the up! has sold well and it was a finalist in the annual Cars.co.za Consumer Awards as one of the best budget cars in Mzansi. This facelifted model builds on an already excellent product and the improvements will certainly be welcomed by buyers.

Volkswagen South Africa has confirmed that the facelifted up! can be expected to arrive in the local market by the first quarter of 2017. Prior to the arrival of the facelifted up!, Volkswagen will introduce new 5-door versions of the up! in May 2016 in the form of the Cross up! crossover and the eye-catching, highly-personalisable Colour up!, which will diversify and bolster the up! range significantly.

Exterior changes

Styling changes include revised front and rear bumpers as well as redesigned headlights with LED daytime running lights. The side mirrors integrate the turn signals and the rear features a new diffuser and modified taillights. Buyers can choose between 13 body colours, nine different decals, three roof colours, coloured wheels, ambient lighting and design and colour packs.

On the inside, the facelifted up! gains two new infotainment systems including a 3.1-inch monochrome display as well as a 5-inch colour display that integrates with your smartphone. The system also caters for a rear camera and comes with DAB+ digital radio functionality. Furthermore, a 300 W Beats Audio system is also fitted with seven speakers. This is also the first up! to feature Pure Air Climatronic automatic air conditioning.

New engine

One of the main reasons people consider the up! is because it returns excellent fuel economy and this facelifted model is fitted with a new 3-cylinder 1.0-litre turbo engine that is claimed to achieve a decent 4.4 L/100km with a range of 800 km. The new engine produces 66 kW and 160 Nm of torque, representing a major improvement over the current 55 kW / 95 Nm three-cylinder unit with a claimed fuel consumption figure of 4.6 L/100km. The facelifted up! is said to be capable of completing the 0–100 kph sprint in 10 seconds and go on to a top speed of 185 kph.

Volkswagen SUV Concept Teased

Volkswagen has released teaser images of a new small SUV Concept that will be shown at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.

The concept appears to be quite close to production-ready. At this stage Volkswagen has not disclosed the name of the concept, yet, but rumours suggest that the concept will be called the "T-Cross".

Reports also indicate the concept is based on an adaptation of the MQB platform and Volkswagen intends to have a production model ready by 2018 that will slot under the Tiguan as a “trendy affordable SUV”.

Styling features

The images show sleek LED headlights complemented by square LED daytime running lights. The concept also features bright yellow paintwork with plastic cladding on the lower section of the bumper and wheel arches. Aluminium underbody protection adds a degree of ruggedness to the concept and the wheels are two-tone alloy examples.

Although Volkswagen has not released any images of the interior, the company says that it has much in common with the recently revealed BUDD-e Concept. That means that the interior layout will be rather simple with fewer buttons and dials, with most of the functions accessed via touchscreens.

We will keep you updated as more information becomes available.

Five Things Toyota Changed With 8th-Generation Hilux

The Hilux has been around for 7 generations and, on the eve of the 8th-gen bakkie's introduction to the local market, we review the changes that the newcomer brings

The Toyota Hilux has achieved unrivalled sales success in South Africa. From its humble beginnings back in 1969, the Hilux has always been the go-to choice for offroad enthusiasts and light commercial applications. Despite the growing popularity of the Ford Ranger and other rival bakkies, the Hilux continues to be a dominant force in the market for Toyota.

New engines

Let’s start with powerplants. While there was nothing wrong with the venerable 3.0-litre D4-D turbodiesel, the quest for better fuel economy and refinement has driven the development of new engines. The 2.7-litre four cylinder and 4.0 V6 petrol engines continue, but Toyota SA claims with revised mapping and management, their fuel economy has improved by 10%.

There’s a 2.4-litre GD diesel engine that produces 110 kW and 343 Nm, with a second option having the same power, but more torque at 400 Nm. The new 2.8-litre GD-6 motor has peak outputs of 130 kW and 420 Nm, with the second torque option coming in at 450 Nm. For those who want a petrol Toyota Hilux, the new 2.0-litre makes 102 kW and 183 Nm… However, you can get this engine in workhorse models only.

In terms of transmission, there’s a new six-speed automatic as well as a new six-speed manual.

4×4 and offroad ability

The Toyota Hilux is a tough and formidable vehicle in the hands of an experienced 4×4 driver, and the 8th-generation is set to continue this heritage with some new systems. The Hilux 4×4 systems are now activated with a circular knob as opposed to the old-school second gear lever. In 4×4 models, drivers can easily switch between 4WD high, 4WD low range and 2WD just by turning a dial.

The downhill assist is a new feature. It manages braking pressure and prevents rear wheel lockup on steep descents.

Finally, the revised suspension has meant that the new Hilux is able to traverse seriously rocky terrain thanks to offering better wheel articulation than its predecessor.

Cabin improvements

Given the Hilux double cab's popularity with leisure- and family vehicle buyers alike, it makes perfect sense that Toyota would upgrade the bakkie's cabin substantially. Refinement and the ergonomics/driving position are said to have been improved in favour of driver comfort. There’s also more rear legroom in the double cab version compared with before.

In terms of gadgetry, there’s a new-look infotainment system that resembles a 7-inch tablet. The trim has been improved and the entire fascia looks more modern and arguably better than those of some of Toyota's passenger vehicle offerings.

Safety

The Toyota Hilux may be as tough as nails, but safety is a priority in every new car regardless of make or model. Toyota has introduced driver-side knee airbags in the SRX, SR and Raider models. These do duty alongside the well-known features such as anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist and driver/passenger airbags.

Isofix mounts are fitted to the double cab models as well as a three-point safety belt in the centre seat. SR, Xtra Cab and Double-cab Raider models will receive trailer-sway control, which’ll keep your "Venter" stable when travelling at speed.

Under the skin

While the Toyota Hilux doesn’t look radically different to the outgoing model, the real changes have happened underneath the sheet metal. Bakkies aren’t the most refined and comfortable of vehicles because they’re mostly workhorses, but Toyota claims improved noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) in the 8th-gen Hilux levels thanks to enhanced soundproofing between the cabin and the engine bay. New window seals and deflectors also help to keep noise levels down.

Toyota developed a stronger ladder-frame chassis for the new model. It’s meant to be more durable and more rigid, which will aid handling. For those who intend to make full use of the load bay, there’s a new floor and tailgate with stronger hinges.