Índex per December 2024 a CAR

Can it really be time for another December issue of CAR? After a whirlwind year for the South African automotive sector, here is hoping for a more stable, predictable and, indeed, prosperous marketplace in 2025. While a forecast lowering in the prime lending rate in the coming months will certainly encourage new vehicle sales, an altogether more concerted effort from the government is likely required before we establish a balance between what is best for both the consumer and an industry that, despite challenges largest beyond its control, continues to be a key pillar of South Africa’s economy. Speaking at the 2024 SA Auto Week in Cape Town, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s commitment towards the incentive-driven promotion of both the local production of new energy vehicles (NEV) as well as the…

*Claimed figures Price: From R1 545 446 Engine: 3.0-litre, six-cylinder, twinturbo-petrol Transmission: 8-speed automatic Power: 293 kW @ 5 200–6 250 r/min Torque: 580 N.m @ 1 900–4 800 r/min 0–100 km/h: 4.6 seconds* Top speed: 250 km/h Fuel consumption: 8.3 L/100km* CO2 emissions: 189 g/km Rivals: Audi Q5; Mercedes-Benz/AMG GLC; Porsche Macan Roomier than before, remains an engaging drive Some disappointing cabin materials Pretoria might be famous for jacarandas, the seat of administrative government, and a certain blue-hued rugby team, but it has also long been home to something else that is almost as important. It is called the BMW X3, and the reason it’s so crucial is not just because of its size – occupying the all-important premium-midsize SUV segment of the market – but because of its capability.…

6 months 6 617 km 6.51 L/100 km Refinement; comfort Infotainment-system quirks Volkswagen Group Africa’s Kariega plant was established in 2022 and has since become the sole global assembly line for the sixth-generation Polo hatchback. Built alongside its recently updated Polo Vivo sibling, a short flight from Cape Town to Gqeberha allowed us to collect our Ascot Grey long-term test unit from the doorstep of its birthplace. The subsequent return trip afforded us valuable time to become better acquainted with what is still one of the most important models in VW’s modern portfolio. Fitted with several cost options, including 16-inch alloy wheels (15-inch items are standard) and a sunroof (R15 650), on the 800 km drive homeward, I was immediately taken with the car’s IQ. Light setup (R16 600) –…

The sun set over the sweltering final round of the Extreme Festival that delivered some unexpected results, in particular contrast to the lead-jostling performance in Cape Town. Apex career athletes would find themselves disappointed, but the innocuous smile on my face while parking alongside the convoy outside the Gazoo Racing HQ at Zwartkops could not be quashed. Coming out of the parching weekend prior, a brief conversation with Gazoo Racing SA head honcho Riaan Esterhuysen had us hoping for more temperate conditions. Come Friday, with its practice sessions, it was clear our hopeful expectations would not be met. The mercury would climb well above 30 over the weekend, and the track temperature would be a few degrees above this. Off the pace by about a second from the get-go during…

*Claimed figures Price: TBA Engine: 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbopetrol Transmission: 7-speed, dual-clutch Power: 150 kW @ 4 300–6 000 r/min Torque: 340 N.m @ 2 000–4 000 r/min Top speed: 248 km/h Fuel consumption: 7.9 L/100 km* CO2 emissions: 179 g/km Rivals: BMW 3 Series; Mercedes-Benz C-Class; Lexus IS Impressive perceived quality; much improved dynamics over the A4 Lack of turbodiesel Marking the 30th anniversary of a defining model in Audi’s history – and on the back of a new model-naming convention that sees the Ingolstadt firm’s even-numbered models becoming all-electric and odd-numbered ones receiving electrified combustion engines – the A5 was revealed earlier this year as the replacement for its long-standing A4 compact-executive car. While Audi’s product portfolio is one of the broadest out there – encompassing everything from hatchbacks, estates,…

Price: R885 000 0–100 km/h: 8.63 seconds Top speed: n/a Power: 192 kW Torque: 400 N.m/1 750 r/min CAR fuel index: 10.20 L/100 km/h CO2 : 197 g/km The C9 is a willing performer with eye-catching design and a strong emphasis on occupant comfort Kyle Kock This stylish newcomer shows up some of the established compact SUV players in terms of specification Charlen Raymond Brand perception is everything in South Africa. Those doing business here have constructed factories that produce vehicles both for our market and export, and in turn, the reputations have been built over many years. One of the concerns consumers have with the influx of Chinese brands to the local market is just what kind of service they will get and if the products will outlast the five years…

1 206 km 6.5 L/100 km Attractive design; easy-to-use infotainment system Lack of fifth gear impacts cruising comfort and fuel economy It was a straight swap: the keys of the practical and value-packed Suzuki XL6 for its compact-crossover sibling: the Fronx. Needless to say, in light of the solid account the lifestyle-oriented MPV gave of itself over the last six months, the Fronx has a tough act to follow. And having covered more than 1 000 km in the opening month of its tenure, the experience has been pleasant. The 77 kW/138 N.m K15B engine has performed admirably, and the 4-speed automatic transmission is a real peach, especially in traffic, where its quick responses and smooth shift action make light work of round-town darting. Although, a fifth gear would have…

Anyone who has driven a battery electric vehicle (BEV) will have been impressed by the instantaneous throttle response, strong and linear torque delivery, and the lack of drivetrain noise and vibration. In fact, those drivers for whom their vehicle is a means of getting from A to B comfortably and safely – probably the majority – will likely prefer the driving experience of a BEV. Owing to the high cost of their traction batteries, some BEV manufacturers – needing to justify their vehicle’s high price position – maximised this characteristic by fitting more powerful or multiple motors to provide even more acceleration and AWD traction. This expanded the appeal of their vehicles beyond the well-heeled, environmentally conscious early adopters, to include performance-focused buyers as well. Some of these five-seater sedans…

5 seats, 336-1 242 L 6 airbags, ABS, EBD, ESC R11 116 December 2018 (Duster 1.5 dCi Intens) 0-100 km/h: 13.04 seconds Top speed: 169 km/h Power: 80 kW Torque: 250 N.m Fuel consumption index: 5.8 L/100 km Since its arrival in South Africa more than ten years ago, the Renault Duster has carved a niche for itself as a practical, rugged, and budget-friendly SUV. Launched at a time when compact SUVs began gaining traction in the market, it was a one of the few offerings in the segment capable of meeting that hard-to-find combination of affordability, durability, and genuine off-road capability, making it an appealing option for a wide range of consumers. The Duster was offered with multiple engine options, catering to different types of drivers. Entry-level models were…

Email: car@habarimedia.com Mail: CAR, PO Box 180, Howard Place, 7450 OVER TO YOU… Please include your physical address and telephone number. Diverse ideas and opinions are welcome, but publication of your letter doesn’t necessarily mean we agree. Please stick to a maximum of 300 words. CAR reserves the right to edit and shorten letters owing to space constraints. WINNING LETTER A BUG’S LIFE I was intrigued to come across the article, ‘The next 3 Series?’ on page 20 of the November 2023 issue of CAR Magazine and the subsequent news on Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen models. I have owned at least one model from all three of these marques. In fact, I had two VW Beetles and a BMW 525e, as well as a Mercedes hatchback, which I was fortunate to…

Everything changed after World War Two, but not just geopolitically and societally. When it came to all things automotive, there were massive strides in production methods, technology and design. Pre-war cars, although basic by today’s standards, remain some of the most elegantly designed pieces of machinery you will ever see. Cars such as the Bugatti Royale, the Delahayes and Duesenbergs of that era, not to mention Mercedes-Benz’s 500K and 540K, are prime examples of what can be described as forms of automotive art. Ranked right up there is none other than Rolls-Royce, which was founded in 1904 and quickly became the de facto choice of wheels for well-heeled folks who appreciate a combination of luxury and performance in their cars. Unlike some of these aforementioned manufacturers, Rolls-Royce has survived to…

*Claimed figures Price: R850 000 est. Powertrain: 2.4-litre, four-cylinder, turbodiesel Transmission: 6-speed automatic Power: 135 kW @ 3 500 r/min Torque: 430 N.m @ 1 500–2 750 r/min Top speed: 179 km/h Fuel consumption: 8.9 L/100 km* Rivals: Ford Ranger, GWM P Series, Isuzu D-Max, Toyota Hilux Ride comfort; sense of familiarity A more powerful engine is still coming The 2005 arrival of the fourth-generation Mitsubishi L200 bakkie introduced the South African market to a more grown-up, sophisticated and sculpted double-cab proposition, no longer identifying as the Colt but rather the Triton. Its maker’s established reputation for rugged reliability aside, those ‘softer’ exterior lines and a smaller footprint compared to traditional rivals within the then-fast-growing, leisure-focused double-cab market meant that, despite doing little wrong in terms of its ability to…

Price: R404 999 0–100 km/h: 11.57 seconds Top speed: 170 km/h Power: 82 kW Torque: 200 N.m/1 500–3 500 r/min CAR Fuel index: 6.72 L/100 km CO2 : 139 g/km Automatic transmission is a welcome addition that improves refinement and performance Marius Boonzaier A value-packed new-comer to the compact crossover fold. Yet, there are some minor niggles Kyle Kock In its August 2019 road test, we stated the diesel-powered Mahindra XUV300 (in flagship, W8 guise) was a revelation for the Indian automaker’s South African arm, thanks to its punchy power-train and generous amount of standard equipment. We did have a few reservations about the XUV300, however. The most notable is the omission of an automatic transmission. Indeed, the local XUV300 models, whether employing the firm’s 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbopetrol or the torquey (300…

Photos: Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa; Neil Woolridge Motorsport/Ford SA; ABT Sportsline, Markus Berger, Gold & Goose/Red Bull Content Pool; BMW M Motorsport; Sage Lee Voges, ZCMC Media via KTM Media; Olivia Jones Communications PR Consultancy (Supplied); PR Worx (Supplied) TOYOTA GAZOO RACING & DAKAR During a preparation session for the 2025 Dakar Rally, SVR (Shameer Variawa Racing), Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa (TGRSA) drivers Giniel de Villiers and Saood Variawa were involved in an accident that almost derailed the team’s plans. Fortunately, both drivers walked away without significant bodily harm, bar a concussion and a few scrapes and bruises. TGRSA managed to repair the damaged GR DKR Hilux EVO T1U, and Giniel and Saood have been back in training since the incident. The team also competed in the 2024…