Infiniti has kicked it up a notch with the introduction of the QX80 luxury SUV in South Africa. The 8-seat QX80 SUV is the brand’s most premium offering to date and comes packed luxury and a host of safety and technology features.
Engine Power
The QX80 is powered by a proven 5.6-litre V8 engine that offers 298 kW and 560 Nm of torque mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) and manual shift mode. Fuel consumption for the QX80 is rated at 14.8-litres / 100 km on the combined cycle. The QX80 also features Infiniti’s All-Mode AWD system which allows the driver to select Auto, 4H or 4L mode as well as Hill Descent Control, lockable rear differential and the choice between four on road and off road settings.
The QX80 rides on large 22-inch aluminium-alloy wheels with a ground clearance of 233 mm. The QX80 can also tow trailers and boats with a maximum tow capacity of 3 500 kg.
Exterior Features
The Infiniti QX80 has an imposing presence with a distinct grille flanked by automatic LED headlights, indicator lights and fog lights. Adaptive Front Lighting System and High Beam Assist are part of the package as is LED taillights. The side mirrors are heated and power adjustable with integrated LED turn signals. Other notable features include integrated front and rear wheel arch splash guards, body colour running boards, roof rails, a tinted power glass moon roof and a power rear lift gate.
Interior Features
The plush interior features a 10-way power adjustable seat for the driver with memory function and 2-way lumbar support while the passenger seat is 8-way adjustable. The seats are also climate controlled with a heating and cooling function. The second and third row of seats are 60/40 split foldable for versatility.
For infotainment, an 8-inch WVGA colour touchscreen display with Infiniti Controller is fitted as standard. A 30GB Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System with 10GB Music Box and Bluetooth Hands-free Phone system is also standard.
The QX80 features an Around View Monitor which offers a virtual 360 degree view of the vehicle using front, side and rear cameras. A front and rear sonar system incorporates a Moving Object Detection (MOD) system which helps the driver detect objects moving around the vehicle.
For music lovers, the QX80 comes fitted with a 15-speaker Bose Cabin Surround Audio System with two sub-woofers and rear mounted speakers. Two 7-inch color monitors mounted on the front headrests will keep the kids entertained with games and movies.
Safety Features
The QX80 comes packed with safety features including Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control, Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) with Forward Emergency Braking, Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW), Backup Collision Intervention (BCI), Intelligent Cruise Control, Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and Distance Control Assist (DCA). Blind Spot Intervention (BSI), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), Front Pre-Crash Seatbelts and Hydraulic Body Motion Control is also included.
Infiniti QX80 Price in South Africa
Infiniti QX80 Premium – R1 238 000
Metallic Paint – R3 000
The price includes a 3-year / 100 000 km warranty and a 5-year / 100 000 km Maintenance Plan.
Top Five City Cars in South Africa
Our cities are becoming more and more populated as urbanisation continues to migrate people from rural areas to the ‘thrill’ of the big city. Road builders cant keep up with the pace of growth and that leads to heavy traffic jams and fuel being wasted in bumper-to-bumper driving.
For most of us the car is the only suitable mode of transportation and means we can be flexible with our time we dont have to wait for trains or flag down a taxi every time we want to pop to the shops. As I said, traffic can be a nightmare and as weve been told, Cape Town is South Africas most clogged up city in South Africa. So whats the best car to get you by on the daily commute to and from the city?
The car has to be small, able to fit into that tight parking space that the Corolla driver can’t quite make. A city car also needs good visibility to quickly manoeuvre into that curb-side parking bay and not stress about how far back you can still go. It has to be nippy as well as theres no point having to foot-flat everywhere just to keep up. Plus its more fun with a bit of power when the traffic parts. Finally, the perfect city car needs to be fuel efficient. Big cars use a lot of fuel accelerating from a standstill and even with start/stop technology theyre no match for a lightweight small capacity engine in the city.
Side factors that play a role are things like styling and trendiness as city slickers are more likely to want something vibey and attractive as opposed to a car that’s mundane and run-of-the-mill. Here is our choice of five of the best city cars on the market at the moment.
Top Five City Cars
Opel Adam – From R185 500
The Opel Adam ticks all the boxes mentioned above, its a small hatchback with perfect city proportions. It has a self-park system that can Alley Dock or Parallel Park so thats parking taken care of. With its 1-Litre turbo engine its also pretty quick around town and doesnt guzzle too much fuel along the way. Read our review of the Opel Adam here
Volkswagen up! – From R135 500
The VW up! makes great sense for the budget conscious city driver. The up! comes in at just under R150k and has a reasonable amount of spec for your money. Its quite stylish for a VW and although it only has a naturally aspirated three-cylinder engine, it still feels quick off the mark thanks to its lightweight chassis. Watch our video review of the VW up! here.
Mini – From R303 500
The Mini now comes in many shapes and sizes but the original three-door Cooper is still the best Mini you can buy. With the 1.5-Litre turbo its got good power and its a superb handling front-wheel drive hatch. It can be customised with all sorts of paint colours, wheels and stripes so it stands out of the crowd. Read our review of the Mini here.
Fiat 500 – From R175 400
The Fiat 500 might be getting a little long in the tooth but it has somehow maintained its funky/retro styling without looking dated. Its especially fun to drive and has a great engine note to spur you on behind the wheel. Despite being naturally aspirated, it can still match just about all the cars on the list in fuel consumption.
BMW i3 – From R525 000
Weve thrown the BMW i3 in here as a bit of a curve ball but its still a great choice for a city car. The range extender (rex) makes the most sense and nearly doubles the range to around 300km per tank. The i3 is built from a whole load of renewable and recycled materials but still looks fresh and new. It also showcases what we can expect from our city cars in the future, if only it didnt cost R595 000 Read our first drive of the BMW i3 here.
Mitsubishi Mirage gets Bluetooth
Mitsubishi’s first supermini car, the Mirage, now offers Bluetooth connectivity as standard on its GLX and GLS derivatives. Being a newcomer in a highly competitive segment isn’t easy and the Mirage has had some bad press in the past and finds itself clawing away in a bid to win the confidence of buyers in South Africa. Including Bluetooth into the mix is certainly a star on the Mirage’s bonnet and should be received favorably. You can read our review of the Mitsubishi Mirage here.
The Mirage Offering
Three derivatives are on offer namely GL, GLX and GLS. A 3-cylinder, 1.2-litre petrol engine powers all three derivatives and offers 57 kW and 100 Nm of torque with a combined fuel consumption figure of 4.9L/100km.
Standard features for the GL model include:
Keyless entry
Radio/CD Player
Colour-coded bumpers
Third rear brake light
Electric power steering / Tilt adjustable steering
Multi-information display
Front electric windows
Manual air conditioning with pollen filter
14-inch steel wheels with full size spare wheel
The Mirage GLX adds the following features:
Fuel efficiency indicator
15-inch alloy wheels with full size alloy spare wheel
Colour coded mirrors and door handles
Electric side mirrors
Multi-function leather steering wheel
Accessory socket
USB port
The top-spec Mirage GLS further includes:
Keyless Start
Rear electric windows
Automatic climate control
Front fog lights
Rear spoiler with integrated third brake light
Pricing includes a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and a 2-year/30 000 km service plan with service intervals set at 15 000km. Mitsubishi also offers a zero-deposit finance option of R1 999 per month which includes 12 months comprehensive insurance which should sit well with budget conscious buyers.
Volvo S90 to Replace S80
The apparent success of the Volvo XC90 since its reveal last year (2014) has convinced the head honchos at Volvo that an S90 is the perfect name for the new S80. The S90 will seemingly aim at the luxury sedan market competing with the BMW 5-Series, new Jag XF and Merc E-Class.
Volvos S80 has always had a creamy soft ride that makes every journey comfortable but its certainly never been a drivers car. Volvos scalable architecture will be used as the base for the S90 much the same as the XC90, the platform is flexible in a similar fashion to VWs MQB platform that houses much of VW and Audis small cars.
S90 will make room for Limo model
With the S90 effectively steeping down a segment, it leaves room for a new Volvo to fill the gap at the top end of the luxury sedan market or Limousines. What vehicle it announces to fit in there isnt known yet but we could hear about it quite soon.
The S90 is penned to be built in both sedan and estate models shown above. Power will probably also come courtesy of the new range of 4-cylinder turbo motors, top of which is the 2.0-Litre supercharged and turbocharged T8 unit that combines with electric power to produce 294 kW and 640 Nm.
Mahindra Bolero Maxitruck Plus available in South Africa
There’s a new bakkie in town and it’s called the Mahindra Bolero Maxitruck Plus. Mahindra South Africa has expanded its bakkie lineup with the Bolero Maxitruck Plus which offers a larger payload and attractive pricing for those looking for an everyday workhorse to get the job done.
Rugged Capability
Perhaps not the prettiest bakkie on the street, the Bolero Maxitruck Plus puts looks aside and rather focuses on the task at hand. With its extended wheelbase and payload of 1 150 kg, the Bolero Maxitruck Plus is a working mans bakkie and is built to carry just about anything that needs moving, that’s what bakkies do after all.
Powering the Bolero Maxitruck Plus is a 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine that offers 46 kW and 195 Nm available from 1 400 rpm. A five speed manual transmission is fitted and together achieve a combined average fuel consumption of 7.0L/100km.
The Bolero Maxitruck Plus rides on 15-inch steel wheels with a 170 mm ground clearance. Leaf spring suspension with hydraulic dampers at both ends and hydraulic power steering should make life on the road a bit easier and more pleasant.
Inside, you are met with cloth upholstery, a two tone instrument panel and an auxiliary port. An immobiliser is fitted as standard.
The addition of the Maxitruck Plus to our Bolero pick-up range confirms Mahindras commitment to providing South African buyers with authentic, robust and functional vehicles that are tough, reliable and affordable, says Ashok Thakur, CEO of Mahindra SA.
Mahindra Bolero Maxitruck Plus – Price in South Africa
Mahindra Bolero Maxitruck Plus – R127 995
The price includes a 2-year / 50 000 km warranty with service intervals every 10 000 km.
Next-generation Ford Figo Spyshot
While the Cars.co.za editorial team was on the road, we spotted some camouflaged cars filling up with petrol. What on earth could they be?
Ford Figo Spyshot
Upon closer inspection, it turns out that these two are in fact the next-generation Ford Figo which are here undergoing local testing. There was a hatchback that was about the same size as the outgoing model, with the sedan being about the same dimensions as a Toyota Etios sedan. The sedan looks remarkably like the Ford Figo concept I saw in India in 2014.
Despite heavy camouflage and not a single badge on the car, the main giveaway was the trademark Ford grille which has been seen on the new Focus and Fusion. I managed to get a peek inside and the centre console looks much like the current generation Fiesta, with the sedan boasting an automatic transmission.
Mazda3 Review (2015)
We review the 2015 Mazda3 2.0 Astina to find out if it’s a hatchback worth considering in this competitive segment.
In this 2025 review of the Mazda3, we examine the pros and cons of considering the Mazda3 as an option if you’re looking for a stylish and well-appointed hatchback.
Mazda3 – Quick Specs
We Like: New styling, handling and sporty feel
We don’t Like: Interior a little dull and the automatic can be sluggish
Also consider: Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Hyundai i30
Mazda is well on its way to getting back on track in South Africa. Its new models have been well received with the CX-5 selling well and the new Mazda2 is looking like a real winner in its segment.
The Mazda3 has long been a rival for VW’s Golf and Ford’s Focus. It has lost some of its popularity in recent times due to some iffy styling and average value for money offerings. We spent a week with the top-of-the-range Mazda3 2.0 Astina Hatch to determine what improvements have been made.
Where does a Mazda3 fit in?
Mazda is aiming the Mazda3 at the more premium end of the C-Segment hatchback market. Across the range it’s pretty well-specced and Mazda places a high priority on driving dynamics, making sure the driver has a particularly good handling car that does more than just ferry things and people from A to B. The new design theme Mazda employs on all its cars seems to be paying off quite well as the Mazda3 looks quite slim and athletic, with a visually longer bonnet and coupe-like shape.
Naturally aspirated engines
Mazda seems entirely sold on its natural aspiration technology that it calls SkyActiv. It claims that a high compression ratio petrol engine produces more power and reduces fuel economy. While other manufacturers have gone the small capacity, petrol engine route combined with a turbocharger, Mazda has done things a bit differently. The model on test here has a 2.0-Litre petrol engine capable of 121 kW and 210 Nm. The power figure is good and because it’s naturally aspirated, the Mazda3 has great throttle response and a smooth, linear power delivery. It does lack a bit of mid-range kick that turbo cars generally provide and that lack of kick sometimes backs you out of an overtaking manoeuvre.
Fuel economy is claimed at 5.9L/100km and during our week, we saw mostly high 6s to early 7s, which is acceptable for a combined run. The Astina model only comes with a 6-speed automatic that’s not as sharp as a dual-clutch box but gets the job done without too much fuss. I would still opt for the manual, however, as it’s more fun to drive.
Inside the 3
There’s a lot to like about the Mazda3’s interior, it feels well-built and solid in most places with a mix of soft-touch and durable plastics. It is however a little on the bland side when compared to the athletic looking interior and sporty nature Mazda is aiming at. The Mazda3 in Astina spec is incredibly well kitted.
You get a 7-inch touchscreen that can also be controlled via a rotary knob in front of the centre console. The screen works as your go-to place for connecting your phone via Bluetooth, using the navigation, connecting to apps for global radio stations and fine tuning the Mazda3’s vehicle settings.
It’s quite an easy system to get the hang of and works quite intuitively. Also standard on the Astina model is a heads-up display that shows your speed at eye level with the road. This system isn’t the best as it’s not all that clear and seems like a bit of an afterthought.
In the spirit of delivering a safe car to the public, the Mazda3 comes standard with 6 airbags as well as ABS, EBD, stability control and traction control. Euro NCAP also gave the Mazda3 a 5-star rating for safety.
Ride and Handling
This is where Mazda aims to please and the 3 delivers well. It’s not over-complicated and it relies simply on good weight distribution and responsiveness. It’s not mega hot hatch stiff but it feels grippy through the bends and communicates the chassis’ happenings right back to the driver’s fingertips and bum.
It doesn’t stick to the tarmac beyond belief but lets you play with the limits quite freely, it never feels out of control or if the limit is hit that you’re headed for a big accident. It’s a fun driver’s car without all the modern-day electronic wizardry that sometimes feels like it’s driving the car for you. On an everyday drive to work the ride is supple if a little soft and it doesn’t particularly enjoy big hits like potholes or sharp speed bumps as they intrude into the cabin with a knock.
Mazda3 – Verdict
The Mazda3 plays well to its strength as a driver’s car, something for the enthusiast that likes the feel of a revvy naturally aspirated engine with some good old-fashioned road holding dynamics. It’s well specced and offers good value for money when compared to its rivals. It’s worth a look in the ultra-competitive C-Segment if you’re after something a little different and stylish. If you don’t absolutely need an automatic, go for the manual option and you’ll derive a lot more enjoyment from the Mazda3.
Second Opinion
The Mazda3 is a good-looking car that offers offers both comfort and solid driving ability. The ride is blissfully smooth and the car feels well-planted on the road. Cruising is where the Mazda3 excels, and if you enjoy cruising then the 6-speed automatic does a fair job of it and long-distance driving in the 3 should be a pleasant experience. Performance is brisk but not blistering and even so, the Mazda3 has loads to offer in terms of features and styling. This is a car well worth consideration in this segment of the market. – Gero Lilleike
Mazda3 Pricing in South Africa
*Note that 2015 pricing for the Mazda3 is shown here
The Mazda3 offering starts at R232 900 for a 1.6-Litre Original, our top-of-the-range 2.0 Astina automatic model comes in at R326 300.
Is the Mazda3 available as a sedan and hatchback in South Africa?
Yes, the Mazda3 is available in South Africa in both sedan and hatchback body styles. Both versions offer the same engine and trim level options, with the choice of body style catering to different customer preferences regarding practicality and design.
What engines are available in the Mazda3 in South Africa?
The Mazda3 in South Africa is powered by a 2.0-litre, naturally aspirated Skyactiv-G petrol engine. It produces 121 kW of power and 213 Nm of torque. This engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission across all models.
What are the main safety features of the Mazda3?
The Mazda3 has a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating. Standard safety features include seven airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and Hill Launch Assist. Higher-spec models come with a comprehensive suite of i-Activsense safety features, such as Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane-keep Assist, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
Is the Mazda3 a good alternative to premium brands?
The Mazda3 is often seen as a strong value-for-money alternative to entry-level premium brands like the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series, and Mercedes-Benz A-Class. It is praised for its high-quality interior, refined driving experience, and sleek design, which give it a premium feel without the premium price tag.
Three Unusual Reasons Why The Nissan NP200 Stealth Is Awesome (Video)
Small bakkies are becoming mightily impressive – and not just in terms of what they can carry. However at 800kg, which is the largest payload capacity in the segment, the Nissan NP200 is not exactly found wanting.
Where South Africas most popular sub-tonne bakkie could improve is the looks. In plain, workhorse white, the vehicle has a distinct commercial look about it and it comes as no surprise that many small business owners have chosen the NP200 as their vehicle of choice.
The thing is, we spend most of our time sitting inside the bakkie, so thats where we really need the car to shine. And in an age of constant connectivity, what we really care about is safely making a handsfree call over Bluetooth. And a USB port would be nice.
Thankfully all these concerns have been addressed with the Limited Edition Nissan NP200 Stealth. Based on the NP200 which sells incredibly well in South Africa, the Stealth has the same 1.6 engine, the same impressive load capacity and the same 6 year/150 000km warranty of any other NP200, but it looks really, really cool.
Customised body paint, wheels and decals separate it from any other NP200 on the road, and for the same price as the normal NP200 1.6 S, Nissan will throw in a huge list of extras, all of which are featured in our video.
But we thought at that price, perhaps owning this little bakkie is in some ways better than owning a small car. Which weve tried our best to demonstrate
If you are interested in purchasing a Nissan NP200 Stealth, click here:
Volkswagen likes to produce a concept of what an extremely mad GTI would look like. As part of the Vision Gran Turismo concept idea, VW has produced a GTI Supersport Vision GT that will make its way to the Gran Turismo Playstation game eventually.
Worthersee Special
The bonkers GTI may also be shown in physical form at the Worthersee show in Austria in June 2015. In 2014 VW revealed the GTI Roadster concept that turned the GTI into a coupe and a low slung sportscar. This GTI Supersport is a follow up to that, and details have now been revealed.
The car is fitted with a brutal VR6 TSI engine that offers 370 kW and 665 Nm of torque mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Those figures will keep most people glued to the game. A 0-100kph sprint time of 3.6 seconds and a top speed in excess of 300kph is nothing to scoff at either. The car also features 4MOTION all-wheel drive to keep you on track for longer.
In terms of design, the GTI Supersport Vision GT rides low on an aerodynamically optimised body. The front end features vertical light modules, large air intakes, roof edge spoiler and diffuser. The car can be raced in ‘Reflex Silver’, ‘Gran Turismo Red’, ‘Lapiz Blue’ or ‘Oryx White’.
Volkswagen GTI Supersport Vision GT Video
Merc Adds Five New Models to C-Class
A year on from the international launch of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Merc is expanding the range of the premium sedan. Both the sedan and estate will benefit from the extended model range.
Entry Level C-Class
The new entry model will be called the C160 and is actually a 1.6-Litre unit. It puts out 95 kW and 210 Nm. Its not horribly slow either as Merc claims it will accelerate from 0-100kph in 9.6 seconds with a six-speed manual gearbox. The C160 will also use just 5.2L/100km.
The C200 and C220d models will be made available with 4Matic Mercs four-wheel drive system. No engine changes are made to these models though.
The four-cylinder engines will have a new most powerful model added to the range with the C300. The 2-Litre turbo has had the wick turned up to 180 kW and it can get to 100kph in 5.9 seconds. Fuel consumption comes in at 6.3L/100km.
C450 AMG
For those who have been wondering if Mercedes was ever going to produce a high powered C-Class, the wait is over. Thanks to a petrol V6, the C450 AMG can churn out 270 kW and 520 Nm. To put that power down on the ground Merc has decided it will be fitted with 4Matic. Zero to 100kph flashes up in 4.9 seconds and fuel consumption is claimed at 7.6L/100km.
The new C-Class models can be fitted if required with new options such as a head-up display and a touchpad. Mercedes-Benz has also very recently extended the range of equipment and appointment options, which now include a heated steering wheel and a revised choice of trims.
Lets hope that some of these new models make their way to South Africa, especially the C450.
