Sommaire pour February 2024 de CAR

ROTARY REBIRTH The Iconic SP concept car is said to have been designed to “adapt to the new era and respond to the emotions of customers who ‘love cars’ and ‘desire a car that simply embodies the joy of driving’”. The new concept car pays homage to legendary Mazda sports cars such as the rotary-powered RX-7, and showcases a unique two-rotor rotary EV drivetrain packaged to allow for a suitably low centre of gravity. Powered by so-called carbonneutral fuel (likely hydrogen), this innovative setup entails a dual-rotor rotary engine supplying energy to a battery that powers an electric motor. With a slightly larger footprint than the current MX-5, the Iconic SP features pop-up headlamps and butterfly doors. The centrepiece of the concept car’s minimal interior is a row of four…

Volvo has been owned outright by the Chinese carmaker Geely since 2010, when the Chinese bought the Swedish company from then cash-strapped Ford. The EX30 is one of the first models it has produced that relies entirely on Chinese hardware. Previous electric Volvos, such as the C40 and XC40, have used carry-over Volvo bits and pieces but effectively, under the skin, the EX30 is all Geely. It’s also one of the first electric cars to use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery tech. The Core model comes with a 49 kWh battery, which is cheaper and easier to make than the more sophisticated 64 kWh NMC lithium battery that powers the Extended Range and Performance models. This is also why the EX30’s European entry price tag is so low, especially compared…

OMODA C5 GT ETA: NOW Price: R589 900 Engine: 1,6-litre, four-cylinder, turbopetrol Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch Power: 145 kW @5 500 r/min Torque: 290 N.m @1 750 r/min 0–100 km/h: 7,8 seconds Top speed: N/A Fuel consumption: 8,2 L/100 km CO2 emissions: 162 g/km Rivals: Ford Puma, Hyundai Kona, Volkswagen T-Cross, Beijing X55, Haval H6 GT + More power and a dual-clutch transmission - That rear wing could perhaps be a bit of a stretch As evidenced by both monthly sales and braaiside banter, the current batch of Chinese car brands, especially Chery and Haval, have been showing little sign of slowing down the tailoring of their respective models to suit markets outside of their own. In the case of Chery – along with its Omoda and soon-to-be-launched Jaecoo sub-brands – this exercise…

Price: R613 900 0–100 km/h: 12,60 seconds Top speed: 187 km/h Power: 92 kW Torque: 170 N.m CAR fuel index: 6,36 L/100km CO2 : 121 g/km A dynamically capable crossover with high-quality finishes. Positioned on pricing to sit above the upcoming Territory Ian McLaren More niche than I anticipated. The rear passenger leg- and headroom have been sacrificed for the cause Kyle Kock In the pricing section at the back of the March 2022 issue of CAR, the list of models Ford Motor Company of South Africa sold here comprised a seventh-generation Fiesta, a budget-friendly Figo and the still popular-despite-its-age EcoSport compact SUV. Less than one year later, this portfolio had shrunk to include the Ranger bakkie range, its Everest SUV derivative and the Mustang. While this trio continues to sell remarkably…

Price: R1 159 900 0–100 km/h: 11,53 seconds Top speed: 180 km/h Power: 140 kW Torque: 450 N.m CAR fuel index: 9,72 L/100 km CO2 : 212 g/km Likely to remain relatively niche, but I love that Isuzu SA had the confidence to introduce a special version of the D-Max Ian McLaren Great to have Isuzu playing at this level, although the AT35 looks a touch expensive and is perhaps outgunned by its rivals here Kyle Kock South Africa may still have some way to go to replicate the level of extremity the US market enjoys when it comes to customising a pick-up truck. That said, the 2019 arrival of the previous generation Ford Ranger Raptor – followed by the 190 kW V6 TDI Volkswagen Amarok one year later – signalled…

Hatfield Audi Rivonia has been at the forefront of service excellence since moving to their ultra-impressive, multi-storied premises in December 2012. As a flagship Audi Dealer, along with their strategic possession in the heart of Rivonia, Sunninghill and Paulshof’s motoring hub, they have become a multi-award winning dealer for the renowned Hatfield Motor Group. Conveniently situated off the N1 highway via the Rivonia Road off ramp is where they proudly offer all their Audi products and services. Hatfield Audi Rivonia gives you the opportunity to experience all your driving ambitions with an extensive selection of new, demo model and quality pre-owned Audis. Your demands for luxury, elegance, extravagance and performance will all be found in their exquisite vehicles - whatever your specific driving needs may be. Not only are they a…

The venerable Duster compact SUV was sourced as part of an alliance with Romanian car manufacturer Dacia and has been captivating global audiences since its 2010 introduction. With more than 2,2 million subsequent sales globally, its appeal remains its assured stance and rugged, sturdy character. By all accounts, the fact that the Duster places form and function – inside and out – ahead of unnecessary frills and over-engineered fuss only adds to the allure of a vehicle that has proven impressively adept at balancing everyday usability with an inherent sense of adventure. The upcoming third-generation model looks to build on this reputation while injecting newfound levels of sophistication and updated technology. Renault South Africa is looking to launch the newest version of this popular package initially only in 4x4 guise…

From the outset of Geely’s ownership of Volvo, the Chinese brand has seemingly encouraged the Gothenburg-based carmaker to further explore its mandate for creating a range of SUVs built around its sophisticated, minimalist ethos. Topped by the XC90, Volvo’s portfolio of products continues to find favour on the global stage, with the all-new EX30 expected to reaffirm this success (see page 46). The Geely partnership, though, opens possibilities for Volvo to probe previously untapped segments. Sharing its DNA with the Zeekr 009 MPV, also Geely-owned, the new Volvo EM90 is a six-seater luxury people-mover that looks set to challenge the dominance in this category of vehicles such as the Mercedes-Benz V-Class, most notably the all-electric EQV derivative. Under consideration for markets outside China (as well as South Africa), the EM90…

EV PAGES In this section, we highlight local advancement, innovation and news pertaining to the South African market’s adoption of electric vehicles Following warning shots from Volkswagen and Ford about the long-term sustainability of the South African automotive manufacturing industry, Minister for Trade and Industry Ebrahim Patel recently unveiled a White Paper that will address the issues at hand. VW and Ford had noted failing surrounding infrastructure and slow acknowledgement by the government of the need to keep pace with the global shift towards new energy vehicles (NEV). At a media briefing on 4 December last year, Patel commented, “It is a product of constructive engagement with stakeholders, including within government, industry and labour, to chart a viable and sustainable transition path for the industry.” He continued, “South Africa’s automobile…

PORSCHE PANAMERA TURBO E-HYBRID ETA: NOW Price: R4 127 000 Engine: 4,0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 Transmission: 8-speed, dual-clutch automatic Power: 500 kW (combined total) Torque: 930 N.m (combined total) 0–100 km/h: 3,2 seconds Top speed: 315 km/h Fuel consumption: N/A Rivals: BMW 8 Series, Maserati Quattroporte, Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E +Suspension and drivetrain technology, cabin - Price Had I been standing in the same spot in the German town of Leipzig a little more than 20 years ago, the foundations of what would later become one of the most significant new production lines in Porsche’s history would still have been wet. As the birthplace of the Panamera, while it’s been the success of the company’s SUV portfolio that has realised significant profits over the past two decades, the arrival of this…

Petridish_Mooks The owner opened the boot and showed me the folder on his immaculate BMW 2002 tii. We rarely get to page though such a comprehensive and fastidious record of every single element of a car’s history. But such is his approach to car ownership, especially when it’s an icon like the 2002 tii. The BMW’s tiny footprint was dwarfed by the large trees around Stellenbosch. The light Sahara Beige paint made the dainty silhouette stand out and the surroundings suited it perfectly. It is pristine, which is testament to the considerable amount of money the current owner spent on the car even before he bought it in the UK, and subsequently while enjoying it in sunny South Africa. “It is a 1973 pre-August 2002 tii. From August [of that…

Price: R457 900 0–100 km/h: 13,81 seconds Top speed: 145 km/h Power: 75 kW Torque: 130 N.m CAR fuel index: 7,56 L/100 km CO2 : 154 g/km As someone with fond memories of the CitiGolf, I can just about accept the Jimny’s on-road flaws in favour of its old-school charm Ian McLaren Ideal in either an urban or off-the-beaten-track environment; the only concern is the roads in between these two settings Kyle Kock Reunited with its forebears for the cover image of our February 2019 issue, the sight five years ago of a fourth-generation Suzuki Jimny parked alongside a Mercedes-AMG G63 in the CAR garage proved bemusing and frustrating in equal parts. Considering the inherent flaws present in these vehicles’ dated packaging, each exuded the kind of character and charm that…

WRAP UP 4 months 2 132 km 22,1 kWh/100 km Future-first styling; Jekyll-and-Hyde personality Infotainment system quirks This Volvo senses the key fob and your presence in the driver’s seat, so from the moment I was able to get in and drive this car without needing to press any ignition button, I knew this was going to be a long-term test like no other. Even though CAR has previously spent an extended period with an eGolf, it is the nature of this fast-paced new energy segment that, in little more than the two years that followed our electric VW experience, the playing field has changed considerably. VW is aiming to build on the ground work done in South Africa with its all-electric Golf in 2024. The C40 is the coupé…

The tendency for factory teams to dip into and out of motorsport categories is as old as time. More recently and unquestionably in this regard, Formula One’s most damaging post-millennial moments came in 2008 and 2009 when first Honda, then Toyota and BMW departed its travelling circus. Citing the cash crunch as justification was an obvious and credible foil to brands that relentlessly pumped in hundreds of millions in the face of continually elusive on-track success. When company boards shoulder responsibilities to deliver profits to shareholders, a dented bottom line against the tenuous marketing value of also-ran status as vanity projects in the world’s most expensive sport becomes an exceedingly hard sell (not to mention consistent public embarrassment). Like textbook cases of responsible corporate governance, the examples are legion as…

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All the hype surrounding Tesla’s take on a bakkie reached fever pitch towards the end of November 2023. The initial reviews of the Cybertruck paint a picture of awkward styling and, by all accounts, a toy-like appearance. Despite these early criticisms, it sports genuine under-the-skin innovations that could have far-reaching benefits for the automotive sector as we know it. Boasting a brushed-stainless-steel body that Tesla claims is bulletproof, the Cybertruck will be offered in three configurations: a rear-wheel-drive version, which makes do with a single electric motor, built completely in-house; a dual-motor setup that, in turn, makes this derivative technically an all-wheel drive version; and the flagship Cyberbeast model that uses a tri-motor arrangement to produce a claimed 0–100 km/h sprint time of 2,6 seconds! Weighing in the region of…

As a proudly French marque celebrating 125 years of automobile manufacture, the South African office of Renault finds itself in a unique situation. Current CEO Shumani Tshifularo confirmed that while the past few years have realised numerous frustrations with unavoidable delays to launching new products – such as the Clio, Captur and three-quarter-tonner double-cab Oroch bakkie – the most-ever Renaults were sold in SA in 2022. The primary reason has been the value proposition driven by its Indian-sourced products, led by the Kiger compact SUV. “While other brands have noted the popularity of the Kiger and since introduced compelling rival models, with a comprehensive update of this product scheduled for the middle of 2024, we remain confident the Kiger will continue to sell well for us,” smiled Tshifularo. This smile…

As a case study of what a Toyota Hilux double-cab might look like with a widebody kit fitted to it, the sight of Giniel de Villiers’ company car launching over a dune during a stage of the Dakar Rally is a compelling departure point. Since its official participation in this gruelling overland race (celebrating its first overall victory in 2019) Toyota South Africa has been flirting with the idea of marketing the success of its Gazoo Racing bakkie team within its local double-cab line-up. Although the 2013 Hilux Dakar edition added cosmetic upgrades such as a branded stainless-steel nudge bar, side steps and some interior trim updates to an otherwise standard line-up, its rivals – notably Ford – have since taken more assertive steps towards driving home the point of…

TOYOTA STALLION ETA: TBC Price: TBC Engine: 2,4-litre, four-cylinder, turbodiesel Transmission: 5-speed manual Power: 110 kW @3 400 r/min Torque: 400 N.m @1 600 r/min Length: 5 300 mm Width: 1 785 mm Height: 1 735 mm Payload: 1 000 kg Rivals: Hyundai H100; Kia K2700 + The right bakkie at the right time for Toyota South Africa - Local pricing will be key Meet the Toyota IMV 0 Concept, or rather, the Innovative Multi-purpose Vehicle Zero. As in, zero chance that what you’re looking at is not the second coming of the Toyota Stallion. As for the Concept bit, is it still a concept car if I’ve driven the thing? Because I have. Like the IMV 0 itself, there is a lot to unpack here. The experience after arriving at…

Price: R637 955 0–100 km/h: 10,11 seconds Top speed: 180 km/h Power: 100 kW Torque: 320 N.m CAR Fuel index: 5,90 L/100km CO2 : 129 g/km Feels premium enough not to be considered an entry-level derivative. Engine is economical but characterful Ian McLaren Hopefully more brands can extend the lifespan of turbodiesel technology for our market. We’ll happily accept it Kyle Kock It has been mentioned before, but the evolution of the Kia Sportage through its five generations to date can be closely compared with the quantum leaps its Korean maker has made in terms of penetration, overall quality across its range and its reputation in the South African market as a result. From humble beginnings, the Sportage is now considered a class leader by many (including being so voted in…

WRAP UP 6 months 8 867 km 7,62 L/100 km Ride comfort; versatility Expensive alongside some of its newer rivals Ever since the local introduction of the second-generation VW Tiguan in 2016, it has considerably changed the level of the playing field for soft-roading. It was updated in 2021 and, ahead of an all-new version coming to South Africa later this year, looking back it was interesting to note, through-out our time of living with the soon-to-be-replaced Tiguan, how it remains just such a well-rounded product. In the absence of an entry-level Golf in the SA market, Volkswagen’s global best-selling product has all but usurped the role that this German brand’s popular hatchback traditionally fulfilled. Comfortable and spacious, it feels suitably substantial on the road, and even in its entry-level…

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