Inhaltsverzeichnis für September 2024 in CAR

Arriving at the 2003 Geneva International Motor Show, the mandate from my then-editor, the late John Wright, was to capture as much of the event as possible using my trusty Nikon SLR camera, a sturdy tripod and an allocation of 35 mm Fuji Provia 100F film. Along the way, I was to gather official press packs from each show stand and deliver them to the satellite DHL station in the media centre for shipping to our Cape Town office. Among the things I best remember from that first experience of a European auto show were just how much walking I did over two days, how obnoxious my fellow media can be when it comes to ‘getting the shot’, the shooting pain in my lower back from carrying otherwise superbly high-quality…

For the revised eighth-generation Golf R, Volkswagen has turned up the wick on the halo hot hatch’s EA888 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine to 245 kW and 420 N.m, increases of 10 kW and 20 N.m over the previous model. According to VW, the Mk8.5 Golf R dispatches the 0–100 km/h sprint in 4.6 seconds, two-tenths of a second quicker than the outgoing Golf R, before topping out at an electronically governed 250 km/h. However, specifying the R-Performance package deletes the limiter; bumping the maximum speed up to 270 km/h. In addition, selecting this option the new Golf R gains Drift and Special driving modes. Volkswagen maintains the latter was specially adapted to the conditions at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. A GPS lap timer and G-meter – displayed on the 10.2-inch Digital Cockpit…

Hosted annually on the three centuries-old grounds of the Goodwood Estate in West Goodwood Estate in West Sussex, England, the Goodwood Festival of Speed’s steady rise in popularity has broadly coincided with looming pressures placed on traditional motor shows and motorsport events. Established in 1993, while the subsequent cancellation of the British Motor Show tempted long-established automotive fans from this market to attend the Festival of Speed, the combination of disappointing visitor numbers at other established European-based exhibitions (including the since-cancelled Geneva Show) and the prevalence of spectacular online footage from a weekend away in the English countryside, has made Goodwood a must-visit destination for global automotive enthusiasts. The vision of the estate’s custodian – the Duke of Richmond and Gordon, Charles Henry Gordon-Lennox – the Goodwood Festival of Speed…

*Claimed figures Price: TBC Powertrain: 77 kWh battery with a single electric motor Transmission: single-speed automatic Power: 150 kW Torque: 310 N.m Driven wheels: rear 0–100 km/h: 8.5 seconds* Top speed: 160 km/h Range: 531 km* Rivals: BMW iX3; Mercedes-Benz EQB Feels suitably future-focused; 500 km worth of claimed range Some interior controls and functions are unnecessarily fiddly Including the recent announcement of a name change to Volkswagen Group Africa (formally VWSA), the burden of responsibility on the VW Group’s South African office to balance a global EV mandate from Wolfsburg against the needs of the African continent has never been greater. As the Kariega Plant tools up to begin production of a ‘third model’ compact SUV set to cater to markets (ours included) that are still some way off…

Price: R986 062 0–100 km/h: 8.89 seconds Top speed: 208 km/h Power: 110 kW Torque: 320 N.m CAR fuel index: 6.36 L/100km CO2: 132 g/km The updates are welcome, if not groundbreaking, inclusions to an already capable package Gareth Dean GLA remains a key player in its segment, but there are some keenly priced rivals out there Kyle Kock Mercedes has given its second-generation GLA a subtle mid-lifecycle refresh that introduces a welcome dash of cosmetic and technological updates. However, will these changes significantly impact what we already consider a capable and appealing mainstay of the premium-compact SUV segment in South Africa? Given that the second-generation GLA is already quite an eye-catching member of its segment, the external updates are understandably subtle. Up front, the headlamps (now high-performance LED units)…

WRAP UP 3 months 2 456 km 7.56 L/100 km Comfortable seats; supple ride quality; generous standard specification Cruise control a noticeable omission; wind noise at motorway speeds Arguably positioned towards young-ish professionals with kids (although having offspring, to the disappointment of an elderly aunt, remains undecided for my future), the Elevate and I seemed a perfect would-be match. And it was. Throughout its three-month stint in CAR’s long-term test fleet, the Elevate did an admirable job of fitting in with my mostly city-focused lifestyle. However, during the extended test period, the Elevate wasn’t confined to Cape Town and its surrounding suburbs. Following this year’s memorable SUV Shootout, I headed back to the Northern Cape to visit a carenthusiast friend in Calvinia. Following the weekend, he joined me on the…

At the heart of the seventh-generation M5 beats BMW’s M Hybrid system equipped with a (430 kW/750 N.m) 4.4-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 and an electric motor producing 145 kW and 280 N.m. Combined, the M5’s hybrid configuration churns out 535 kW and a whopping 1 000 N.m. Although more powerful than its predecessor, the seventh generation is not quite as quick to the three-figure marker (3.5 vs. 3.3 seconds). Despite this, it matches its forebear’s top speed (305 km/h, when the M Driver’s package is specified). In addition, the Bavarian brand maintains it completes the 0–200 km/h sprint in 10.9 seconds. However, the new M5’s most significant drawcard is its claimed fuel consumption. On the combined cycle, the M Hybrid system sips a mere 1.6 L/100 km, while the 18.6 kWh…

Price: R415 900 0–100 km/h: 9.86 seconds Top speed: 180 km/h Power: 108 kW Torque: 210 N.m CAR Fuel index: 8.04 L/100km CO2: 161 g/km Chery products are evolving at such a rate, the Tiggo 4 already feels a generation behind some of its stablemates in terms of refinement Ian McLaren The introduction of dual-clutch transmission does more for the Tiggo’s drivability than significantly improving fuel consumption Kyle Kock In 2021, the Tiggo 4 Pro was the vehicle that introduced the South African buying public to a reinvigorated Chery brand. Three years on, together with the similarly packaged Haval Jolion, the smallest member of an ever-expanding portfolio of Tiggobranded SUVs continues to lead the increase in the popularity (and local market share) of Chinese-sourced automobiles. Vastly improved wares compared with…

WRAP UP 6 months 7 578 km 6.84 L/100 km Affordable pricing; reasonable fuel economy when driven considerately No rear parcel shelf; instability in crosswinds; lack of auto-locking doors Nearly all the MPVs that have come through CAR’s test fleet have featured seating configurations that can accommodate six or seven passengers, excluding the driver. So, we were pleasantly surprised when the XL6 arrived for testing in time for the December 2023 issue. As its name suggests, there’s room for six here. My family immediately took to the long-term XL6; with two boisterous boys sitting on separate seats, or one of them occasionally taking to the third row, there was enough space to prevent any sibling territorial squabbles, so journeys were generally always peaceful. Thanks to the large doors and windows,…

Human factors have been determined as the cause, or at least a contributory factor, in more than 90% of vehicle accidents. They include the failure to recognise a developing situation; poor decisionmaking, often related to inappropriate speed or overtaking; driving when distracted, under the influence, or fatigued; driving recklessly; and a lack of appropriate skills. Autonomous vehicles thus have the potential to significantly reduce accidents and the associated costs of human injuries and fatalities. In addition, the reduced need for driver policing and training, and the elimination of the need for drivers of service vehicles will provide substantial cost savings. Despite the timeline to introduction proving longer than antici pated, these benefits ensure continual technical development while regulations are addressed to allow more on-road testing and, ultimately, widespread adoption. Standardised definitions…

Know how much you can spend on a car, but haven’t made up your mind which one to buy? We recommend some options. 5 seats, 278–719 L 6 airbags, ABS, EBD, ESC R5 596 October 2021 (Mini Cooper Hatch 5-door) 0–100 km/h: 8.2 seconds Top speed: 180 km/h Power: 100 kW Torque: 220 N.m Fuel consumption index: 5.5 L/100 km The original Mini has become a symbol of 1960’s British culture. First produced by the British Motor Corporation (BMC) and later British Leyland, the brand was sold to BMW in 1996 as part of the German automaker’s acquisition of the Rover Group. With the intent to rejuvenate the brand while retaining the car’s distinctive character, BMW launched the first Mini Hatch in 2001, igniting a successful revival that’s still going…

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The Tourbillon is the first Bugatti in 20 years to not employ the Molsheim manufacturer’s iconic W16. In its stead, the new-generation hypercar boasts an 8.3-litre V16, which – engineered with assistance from Cosworth – incorporates two electric motors, coupled with an 800 V, 25 kWh battery, for a peak power output of 1 342 kW. However, in true Bugatti fashion, the internal combustion engine remains the star attraction, with the 735 kW/900 N.m ICE’s redline sitting at an eardrum-rattling 9 000 r/min. However new age the powertrain may be, the interior is an analogue affair, with only a single digital screen present, hidden in the front facia and deployed in mere seconds. According to Bugatti, it was crucial to use as many “timeless” components as possible. The most notable…

Billed as a modern masterpiece, Aston Martin’s latest limited-edition offering was originally conceived from a personal commission by Aston Martin F1 driver Fernando Alonso. Following the release of the Valour, Alonso wanted a more track-focused version of the car. The result was the Valiant. Only 38 examples will be made. “The Valiant is born from my passion for driving at the limit and I have enjoyed working closely with the Q by Aston Martin team on both the design and technical specification, and believe we have created a masterpiece,” said Alonso. Beneath the Valiant’s sculpted bonnet, the 5.2-litre V12 beating heart produces 548 kW and 753 N.m of torque. Power is directed to the road exclusively via a six-speed manual gearbox. The Valiant is brought to a halt by a…

Tonka toy looks give impression of indestructibility; on-road manners neatly paired with 4x4 ability; competitive price Long waiting list; limited number of First Edition-spec cars It’s been 14 years since the previous-generation Land Cruiser Prado was launched locally, and to say the new model has been eagerly anticipated is something of an understatement. The Prado can trace its history to when the Land Cruiser 80 Series was introduced in 1990, and its luxurious appointments necessitated the need for a more spartan variant. This model adopted many of its design cues from the J70 Land Cruiser from 1984, with a few revisions to the cabin, suspension and trim to make it more contemporary. Over the past 34 years, the Prado has established itself as a firm favourite in the Toyota line-up…

*Claimed figures Price: R1 862 100 Engine: 3.0-litre, six-cylinder, turbopetrol Transmission: eight-speed automatic Power: 210 kW @ 4 750 r/min Torque: 450 N.m @ 1 750-4 000 r/min 0–100 km/h: 8.8 seconds* Top speed: 160 km/h Fuel consumption: 12.8 L/100 km* CO2 emissions: 300 g/km Rivals: Jeep Gladiator; Toyota LC 79 Old-school charm; impressive 4x4 capability Expensive compared to more established 4x4 bakkies The Baviaanskloof Mega Reserve in the Eastern Cape Province is one of the most picturesque locations in the country. However, it isn’t easily accessible. To reach this stunning destination, you’ll need a proper off-roader; a 4x4 that won’t be at the mercy of the environment in which it’s placed. There are several that meet the proviso of favouring outright terrain-tackling ability over bells, whistles and comfort-related frills,…

Price: R707 700 0–100 km/h: 10.28 seconds Top speed: 190 km/h Power: 138 kW Torque: 318 N.m CAR Fuel index: 8.40 L/100 km CO2: 161 g/km The Territory admirably fills the gap left by the Kuga in a very important segment Kyle Kock A welcome addition to the family-SUV segment. Not the cheapest, though Marius Boonzaier Compare the CAR guide of the magazine from a decade ago to the one at the back of this issue, and you will no doubt notice just how significantly manufacturers’ lineups have changed – or, rather, adapted to the ever-changing automotive sphere – over the past 10 years. For example, trace your index finger down the column showing Ford South Africa’s 2014 product portfolio and you will see a far broader product offering, comprising…

Price: R467 500 0–100 km/h: 9.24 seconds Top speed: 187 km/h Power: 90 kW Torque: 172 N.m CAR Fuel index: 8.30 L/100 km CO2: 126 g/km Has the sharpest teeth of the three-pot brigade, if finances don’t allow for a real hot hatch Kyle Kock Peppy it may be but better value can be found lower down in the i20 range Marius Boonzaier The old adage ‘Race on Sunday to sell on Monday’ has rung true for some of the legacy brands in the automotive industry. But with a history spanning less than 60 years, Hyundai is a relative new kid on the block. With a minor motorsports outfit that initially helped this brand dip its toes into rallying, Hyundai’s ambitions were perhaps a little too lofty when it aimed…

Notes • The PRICES shown are the latest available at the time of going to press. Our deadline occurred on 10 July 2024. Readers should check with a dealer before making a decision. • The HP payment calculations are based on a 10% deposit, current prime interest rate @ 11.75% and a 5-year (60-month) repayment period, with no residual value at the end. • Under ENGINE we list the number of cylinders and the cubic capacity in cm 3. Here, V = V-shaped engine layout; H = horizontally-opposed engine layout; The absence of an initial symbol implies an in-line engine layout. • FUEL SUPPLY abbreviations are P = petrol-engined; D = diesel-engined; T = turbocharged, a compressor driven by exhaust gases; S = supercharged, a compressor driven by the engine;…