Indice dei contenuti per August 2023 in CAR

August 2023 | Vol 67.07 | Issue no 798 This month, CAR brings you an exclusive feature on the new Honda Civic Type-R. Codenamed the FL5, it’s one of the most anticipated front-wheel-drive hot hatchbacks having broken numerous lap records internationally including Suzuka and the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Despite its limited numbers in South Africa we simply had to get our hands on one to test it against our VBOX equipment. As you’ll read on page 38 it’s the fastest accelerating front-wheel-drive with a manual transmission we’ve ever tested, but it’s not all about outright performance. The CAR garage sees many interesting vehicles come and go, however, the morning the Type-R arrived the entire team came down to have a look and poke about. This is a rare sight at our…

VOLVO EX30 IS THE CHEAPEST PREMIUM EV IN SA The highly anticipated new Volvo EX30 is the most affordable premium EV in South Africa. Available to order now, the five-model line-up includes a high-performance flagship model, but also a “budget-friendly” entry-level Core Single Motor derivative priced from R775 900. With shrunken styling inspired by its larger EX90 sibling, the new 30 includes a closed-shield grille, digitally rendered Thor’s-hammer headlamp units and split taillights. A 12,3-inch touchscreen infotainment system assumes pride of place in a new interior layout for this Swedish brand that, in this application, introduces a sound bar housed at the base of the windscreen. The Core Single Motor model offers 344 km of range and a 0–100 km/h sprint of 5,7 seconds. RENT AN EV South African company…

IamDamianAdams South Africans love their double-cab bakkies. While braai-side debates around which model is genuinely “best” are guaranteed to last long into the night, regardless of the brand you are most passionate about, one challenge remains for all – how to best secure your bakkie’s load bay. Besides the obvious issues of security and the ability to lock away valuables – from tools and overland camping gear to cycling essentials, or simply on trips to the beach – what solution best suits your needs in terms of water- and dust protection, ease of access and versatility? While it stands to reason that each of the options listed below can still be further customised to suit specific requirements, let’s have a look at the basics. FIBREGLASS CANOPY As the original add-on…

Just when you were thinking Lamborghini couldn’t possibly come up with any more Huracán derivatives, this newcomer is touted as an all-surface supercar that’s as competent on gravel roads as it is on tarmac, thereby adding a newfound level of versatility to this package. Limited to only 1 499 units, the Strerrato (meaning “dirt road”) will slot in between the Tecnica and STO once local deliveries commence in early 2024. South African pricing for this model is R6 625 000 – and that’s before any personalisation options. A bespoke suspension setup and all-terrain tyres are a mere starting point to a revamp aimed at attracting a new set of buyers to the Huracán. The Sterrato has arguably only one direct rival – Porsche’s 911 Dakar, which is priced from R4…

IamDamianAdams *Claimed figures **Tested Price: R669 000 Engine: 2,0-litre, flat-four, petrol Transmission: CVT Power: 115 kW @6 000 r/min Torque: 196 N.m @4 000 r/min 0–100 km/h: 9,21 seconds** Top speed: N/A Fuel consumption: 7,2 L/100km (combined)* CO2 emissions: 165 g/km* Rivals: BMW X1, Volkswagen T-Roc, Volvo XC40 + Spacious cabin, comfortable ride and safety features - CVT blights performance, small boot Previously marketed as the XV across two generations, Subaru’s plans for the continuation of its Impreza-based crossover include a change of designation. Like the model it replaces, the new Crosstrek offers a raised ride height (220 mm), moulded wheel-arch protection, a boxer engine and – as per this Japanese brand’s legacy – permanent all-wheel drive. Re-named to more closely align with the brand’s other current products, such as Forester…

As the saying goes, sports-car racing is a boom-or-bust category. After 2017 the World Endurance Championship (WEC) was in a diabolical state. 2023, however, has proved to be a potential turning point. The exciting pinnacle Hypercar class alone is set to expand even more in 2024, with BMW, Lamborghini and Alpine (all three built to the LMDh rule set) set to join the ranks. Le Mans (as the blue-riband event of the WEC) has also replaced the privateer LMP2 and GTE categories with GT3 cars for 2024 – one of which, the new Ford Mustang GT3 was revealed at this year’s Le Mans weekend. Also shown was Toyota’s hydrogen-powered GR H2 concept, which will participate in the Hypercar category in 2026.…

We have the exciting opportunity to celebrate the current naturally aspirated Porsche 4,0-litre RS family. Could these signify the end of an era? Our September 2023 issue also sees the affordable Toyota Vitz, new Volkswagen Amarok, funky Renault Captur and revised Mercedes-Benz GLC undergo CAR’s full road-test regimen. For this and much more, don’t miss it… Although the programme was prepared at the time of writing this issue, unforeseen factors may result in changes.…

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The Rolls Royce Cullinan Blue Shadow is “a masterpiece of design and engineering, combining luxurious elegance with modern technology,” says its British maker. The unique new deep-blue exterior colour helps to give the car a rich and sophisticated appearance, aimed at enhancing its imposing presence. A stand-out feature of the new Blue Shadow is its bespoke interior trim. While high-quality, hand-crafted leather upholstery is par for the course, its unique colour scheme, naturally including dark blue accents, dominates. The embroidery in the car’s roof lining incorporates thread in five colours to create a unique canopy configuration called Edge of Space. It takes two days to complete the 250 000 individual stitches. There are also 1 183 LED lights, arranged to mimic a starry sky. In Black Badge trim, the Cullinan’s…

LEGO Technic Peugeot 9X8 24H Le Mans race car ±R3 241 In 2019, Peugeot announced its re-entry to the World Endurance Championship, in addition to its intention to participate in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where it would compete in the newly established Hypercar category. As the successor to the race-winning 905 and 908 models, Peugeot’s 9X8 is an outlandishly-styled, wingless race car equipped with a hybrid powertrain capable of delivering 690 kW. While the prospect of a road-legal version remains a no-go even for deep-pocketed enthusiasts, a more accessible way to own the Le Mans race car has now emerged. Collaborating with LEGO Technic, in June, Peugeot introduced the 9X8 24H Le Mans Hybrid Hypercar. This 1:10 replica mirrors the original race car with remarkable accuracy, featuring an…

Performance-focused Hondas have always garnered respect from the broader motoring fraternity. After all, the very first Type R, the 1991 NSX-R, was developed with input from F1 legend Ayrton Senna, and the DC2 Integra Type R is considered by many to be one of the best-handling front-wheel-drive cars ever made. South Africa’s firsthand fascination with the Type R badge was born at the moment the FN2-generation Civic was launched in 2007. It made use of the same highly strung naturally aspirated four-cylinder K20 engine also found in the previous-generation model from 2001. Unfortunately, the new model also gained mass compared with the outgoing car, and together with taller gearing for improved cruising ability, many fans were left feeling a tad frustrated. Furthermore, by the time the FN2 was launched in…

*Claimed figures Price: R1 285 000 Electric motor type: permanent magnet synchronous, front & rear Transmission: single-speed auto Power: 300 kW Torque: 660 N.m 0–100 km/h: 4,7 seconds* Top speed: 180 km/h* Energy consumption: 21,1 kWh/100 km (combined WLTP)* Rivals: BMW iX1, Mercedes-Benz EQA + Impressive performance, clean design, quiet and refined cabin - Steering lacks feel; less usable utility space than the XC40 Recharge Following the addition of the all-electric Volvo XC40 Recharge to the South African market, the Swedish brand has now expanded its EV offering with the swanky C40 Recharge. It’s a niche crossover with swooping four-door coupé styling that maintains all the familiar character one would expect from a Volvo product. This P8 Ultimate variant (the only iteration available in SA) is powered by a twin-motor,…

WilhelmL_CARmag Petridish_Mooks Used regularly for special functions and celebrations, the unique appeal of friends and business partners Anton Lubbe and Werner Viljoen’s function hall outside Pretoria is undoubtedly the collection of rare and wonderful cars lining the walls. Parked alongside an impossibly small Austin are a pair of Fiats and a Citroën Avant. Then, the row of VW Kombis is significant not only for the surfboard mounted on one roof (a long way away from any waves) but also for the especially rare bakkie derivative in the collection. There’s even more rarity within the swarm of Beetles, including an oval-window model. “No car collection happens overnight,” explains Lubbe. “As an apprentice, I worked on and built cars, including the popular-at-the-time Baja Bug.” This came after his love affair with the…

Price: R1 538 591 0–100 km/h: 4,64 seconds Top speed: 250 km/h Power: 300 kW Torque: 500 N.m CAR fuel index: 10,68 L/100 km CO2 : 206 g/km A nicely warmed-up Mercedes, but not quite a white-hot AMG, and possibly leaves too much headroom for the C63Braam Peens For most, the new C43 offers more than enough grip and performance, but it is let down by an overly firm ride and 1,8-tonne massDamian Adams Like a CD salesman setting up a stall outside a vinyl store, the box-fresh C43 is a tough sell alongside such a rich and polished M340iIan McLaren When the current W206 C-Class was launched in 2021, there was really no doubting its revelatory capacity. The glitzy interior, in particular, appeared lifted straight out of the S-Class, a space-age…

PeterPalm12 One of the most popular cars in South Africa in recent years has been the Suzuki Swift. The Suzuki name plate has always had a presence in the local motorcycle market, and its cars were first imported to South Africa by the former Delta Corporation. In 2008, this Japanese brand re-entered the South African market as a direct subsidiary of its parent company. The first model released was the Swift, which has now matured into its third generation. In 2009, the Swift was joined by the SX4, Jimny and Vitara. Both new and pre-owned, the Swift remains near the top of many potential owners’ shopping lists, and for good reason. This car is not too small, not too large, not too low to the ground or too raised. It…

KyleSpliceZA In its 110th year of existence, not only is Aston Martin creating a stir on the Formula One circuit, but the brand broadly acknowledged as the creator of some of the world’s most desirable cars is marking the 75th anniversary of its famed DB badge with what it describes as “a statement car.” The new DB12 builds on the success of its predecessor, the DB11, incorporating that car’s sleek stance, low-slung, seat-of-the-pants driving experience and luxurious interior. The new model, however, offers a greater focus on technology and interior design than the car it replaces. IT’S NOT WHAT YOU THINK… While the car’s model designation might suggest the presence of the brand’s traditional range-topping twelve-cylinder engine, Aston Martin has once again relied on its relationship with Mercedes-Benz to power…

IMMINENT BAIC BJ80 Lotus Emira Maserati Grecale McLaren Artura Nissan Qashqai e-Power Toyota Crown Toyota Supra manual Q2 BMW Z4 Fiat Doblo Jaguar i-Pace Kia Seltos Lexus RX Porsche 911 Dakar Q3 Aston Martin DBS 770 Ultimate BMW M3 CS Hyundai Grand i10 Renault Arkana Subaru Outback XT Volkswagen Touareg Q4 Audi Q8 e-tron BMW M2 BMW 7 Series JAC T9 Land Rover Defender 130 V8 Land Rover Defender 130 Outbound Mazda BT-50 Mercedes-AMG C 63 E performance Rolls-Royce Spectre TBC Aston Martin Valhalla Ferrari Purosangue Jaguar F-Type 75 Lamborghini Urus Performante Land Rover Defender 75 Mitsubishi ASX Porsche 718 Spyder RS Toyota GR Corolla *Please note this list is in no way exhaustive and dates may be affected by production- and delivery delays.…

EK9 1997–2000 Engine: 1 595 cc, normally aspirated, four-cylinder Power: 136 kW at 8 200 r/min Torque: 160 N.m at 7 500 r/min 0–100 km/h: 6,8 seconds* Top speed: 225 km/h* The Civic most fans associate with the brand. Even though we didn’t get the Type R in South Africa, we did get the Civic VTEC, dubbed B16B, in the form of a stripped-out, no-frills road-going race car. EP3 2001–2005 Engine: 1 998 cc, normally aspirated, four-cylinder Power: 158 kW at 8 000 r/min Torque: 202 N.m at 7 000 r/min 0–100 km/h: 6,6 seconds* Top speed: 231 km/h* Affectionately known as the “breadvan” Type R, the EP3 debuted Honda’s legendary K series engine that’s still in use today. More spacious than the EK9, yet still a relatively rapid naturally…

IamDamianAdams *Claimed figures Price: R1 844 600 Engine: 3,0-litre, inline-six, turbodiesel Transmission: eight-speed automatic Power: 221 kW @4 000 r/min Torque: 650 N.m @1 500–2 500 r/min 0–100 km/h: 7,5 seconds* Top speed: 191 km/h* Fuel consumption: 8,2 L/100km (combined)* CO2 emissions: 216 g/km* Rivals: Audi Q7, BMW X7, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Nissan Patrol, Toyota Land Cruiser 300 + Added versatility doesn’t detract from the Defender’s character - 24 different Defender derivatives could prove daunting for shoppers To call Land Rover’s contemporary family tree intricate, would be an understatement. Bookended by the luxurious modern Range Rover lineup, the Discovery SUV purportedly offers customers more practicality, whereas the smaller Discovery Sport has greater curb appeal – but it’s the Defender that best harks back to this British marque’s rugged heritage. Each…

RyanOConnorZA Award-winning radio and TV presenter Ryan O’Connor – or ROC, as he is affectionately known – has dominated the airwaves for 22 years on some of the Mother City’s best-loved stations. Catch him on the Smile 90.4 FM, weekdays, 6 to 9 am. The popularity of Chinese automotive brands is soaring. With one of the largest populations in the world, one shouldn’t forget that the Chinese automotive industry is truly massive when compared with South Africa. Haval, for example, can sell close to 30 000 vehicles per month in its home market. Long-established leaders in fields of technology and production, it was always only a matter of time before this sleeping giant of a market would look to export its wares – including vehicles – to other countries and…

Price: R479 900 0-100 km/h 9,07 seconds Top speed: 191 km/h Power: 115 kW Torque: 230 N.m CAR fuel index: 8,16 L/100 km CO2 : 169 g/km Styling aside, I’m not sure the Omoda offers any more substance or luxury than its similarly-priced Tiggo 7 Pro cousinIan McLaren Despite some lag in their respective workings, it’s refreshing to be greeted by a wall of display screens at this price pointDamian Adams I’d take the X55’s exterior styling with the C5’s premium feeling cabinKyle Kock Available in five trim grades and to the credit of Omoda’s design and marketing departments, one wouldn’t initially identify the vehicle you see in these images as an entry-level Tech derivative. Perhaps its 17-inch alloy wheels are the only giveaway (as opposed to 18-inch variants fitted to its…

It was also Ferrari’s first overall Le Mans win since 1965 The winning #51 car covered 4 569,4 km over 342 laps at an average speed of 194,1 km/h Ferrari has 10 overall wins at the French enduro, behind Porsche (19) and Audi (13) The fastest lap was lap 306in 3:26.984 by Antonio Fuoco in the #50 Ferrari. Teammate Miguel Molina clocked the highest top speed at 347,8 km/h on lap 279 of the race.…

PeterPalm12 Model: Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1,8 Group One 0–100 km/h: 11,3 seconds Top speed: 178 km/h Fuel consumption: 7,45 L/100 km (at 100 km/h) Price: R12 495 CAR test: November 1982 (2 others from 1979 to 1983) The Alfa Romeo Giulietta was mechanically identical to the Alfetta of a few years prior. Only the exterior styling and interior ergonomics of the former were changed for the sake of modernisation. Both cars were then sold side by side in South Africa until 1985. PACKAGING For Alfa, the Giulietta’s styling was certainly a radical departure, but the wedge shape was very much in vogue at the time. Mechanically, with the view towards achieving an altogether more balanced package compared with the Alfetta, the new car’s transmission was relocated to the rear, where…

Notes • The PRICES shown are the latest available at the time of going to press. Our deadline occurred on 19 June 2023. 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 cm3. 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; P/H = petrol-hybrid…

The true joy of sleeper cars lies in their sheer capacity to surprise. They appear unassuming to the untrained eye, yet are capable of sports-car-humbling performance. Showcased in the 1998 action film Ronin, the first-generation D2-codenamed Audi S8 is among the best-known original examples of a sleeper car. With a limousine-like luxury interior and the capacity to effortlessly transport five adults and their luggage, only the S8’s subtle badging and a bespoke set of alloy wheels hinted at the performance credentials that lurked beneath the otherwise familiar package. Fitted with a 250 kW/410 N.m, 4,2-litre naturally aspirated V8 petrol motor and, of course, quattro all-wheel drive, the S8 executed the 0–100 km/h sprint in less than 6.5 seconds. The car was fitted with a five-speed automatic transmission that could be…