IOL Motoring - April 2021 - Issue 5

IOL

MOTORING ISSUE 5 APRIL 2021

CELEBRATING PERFORMANCE

Content

P4 - P7 Audi SA launches new cars P8-P13 9 coolest cars P14 The new KIA EV6 P16-P17 Volkswagen T-Roc

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P18-P19 Ford Ranger Raptor P20-P21

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BMW 128ti P22-P23 Car news P24 Matchbox is back

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CONTACT US PUBLISHER Vasantha Angamuthu vasantha@africannewsagency.com MOTORING EDITOR Pritesh Ruthun pritesh.ruthun@inl.co.za EXECUTIVE LIFESTYLE EDITOR Nelandri Narianan nelandri.narianan@inl.co.za

PRODUCTION Renata Ford renata.ford@inl.co.za BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Keshni Odayan keshni.odayan@inl.co.za DESIGN Dimpho Mokhoanatsi dimpho.mokhoanatsi@inl.co.za

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SALES Charl Reineke charl.reineke@inl.co.za ENQUIRIES info@anapublishing.com

Editor’s note

WELCOME to the latest edition of IOL Motoring. In this edition, we’re taking a look at cool cars that you can buy right now, or at least in the very near future.

In this edition, we’re celebrating performance, spearheaded by Audi’s recent unveiling of 15 new models for South Africa. We also highlight some of our favourite electric vehicles.

While only 1,8% of South Africans have previously owned an electric vehicle (EV), 13% have driven one and a substantial 68% want to own one. This is one of many findings of the Electric Vehicle Buyers Survey, which was conducted by AutoTrader in partnership with Generation.e. We chatted to George Mienie, AutoTrader CEO, who said: “We found that there is huge potential for the adoption of EVs in South Africa.

However, we need to overcome perceived disadvantages – such as the lack of charging infrastructure, charging time and initial purchase cost (which I think is the biggest barrier right now). It’s a littleknown fact that South Africa has one of the highest charging stations per EV in the world. We have one charging station per four EVs and the rest of the world has one in 20. Whilst the penetration of EVs is low in South Africa, I can safely say that the charging infrastructure is there!”.

For now, let’s tuck into some juicy petrol (and diesel) machinery.

We trust you enjoy the read.

Cheers

pritesh

New Audi Performance models

1. AUDI RS4 AVANT

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PRITESH RUTHUN AND WILLEM VD PUTTE 2020 was a year that most car manufacturers would like to forget as the Covid-19 pandemic shut down the world and had an almost catastrophic impact on the global automotive manufacturing industry.

It was no different in Ingolstadt, Germany, as Audi postponed and grappled with how to deal with the production and release of new models.

Fortunately, things have eased somewhat and South Africa seems to be a much better place now with Audi introducing a swathe of 15, that’s right 15, new or updated vehicles in one foul swoop.

They’re no ordinary models, though, and when you see what’s landed it seems that they’ve come out the ring corner swinging, taking the performance fight to the heart of its German BMW and MercedesBenz counterparts who have pretty much been the go-to choice until now.

Introducing the models, Audi reiterated that the trend of people preferring to buy down continues, but that there were very active buyers in the top echelons of the industry and performance vehicles were part of that purchasing pattern. In fact, performance vehicles constitute 5% percent of car sales locally which is why we’re one of the world’s top consumers of BMW M and Mercedes AMG products.

That trend will probably continue and Audi wants a part of the action. It is looking at selling more than 600 RS and R units by the end of the year. To do that, it has increased its RS and R dealership network to 20 outlets, out of a total of 38, in the country.

The big winner here is the top-end consumer who has a stable of thoroughbreds to choose from, not forgetting, of course, that Porsche is also in the mix.

Here’s a quick look at the models Audi has launched in South Africa, which you can buy from April 1:

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3 Dynamic photo, Colour: Tango red

Arguably one of the most iconic sports wagons made, the Audi RS4 Avant returns to do battle with the recently introduced BMW M3 and ageing Mercedes-Benz C63S. It’s powered by Audi’s V6 twinturbo 2.9-litre petrol engine that makes 331kW and 600Nm in this iteration.

According to the boys in Ingolstadt, the RS4 Avant can sprint from 0-100km/h in 4.1 seconds, thanks to its slick-shifting 8-speed automatic gearbox and quattro all-wheel drive. It’s electronically limited to 250km/h, but if you ask and pay for it, the top speed can be raised to beyond 270km/h. Expect extreme performance and handling, as well as a hi-tech and high-quality interior as standard.

There are numerous options available to create a bespoke RS4. It’s priced from R1 296 000 and comes with a sports exhaust system as standard.

2. AUDI RS5 Audi has released the facelifted RS5 coupé and Sportback in South Africa and both models will be available to order from April 1. For two-door enthusiasts, the RS5 comes at the same time as BMW’s M4. The Sportback is seen as the ideal alternative (from a style perspective) to the BMW M3.

The Audi RS5 is powered by the group’s 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine with 331kW and 600Nm on tap. It’ll go sub-4 from a standing start, with Audi claiming 0-100km/h in 3.9 seconds. Top speed is 250km/h but ask about the optional packs available that unlock more performance.

As standard, both RS5 models come with Matrix LED headlights, fine-nappa interiors and Audi’s Dynamic Ride Control system with magnetic shocks. For the family man, the Sportback ticks all performances and practicality boxes, while as a two-door, the coupé certainly stands out as one of the most attractive Audis designed. Prices are R1 394 500 for the two-door and R1 409 500 for the five-door hatch (Sportback).

3. AUDI SQ7 4

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Remember the all-conquering Audi Q7 V12 TDI? Think of the new SQ7 as the spiritual successor to that model (albeit with 8 cylinders instead of 12 pots). The new SQ7 is coming in limited numbers (only 25 destined for South Africa, according to Audi SA), as the diesel engine production line that builds this V8 engine has been shut.

The SQ7 offers 310kW of power and 900Nm of torque, which is sent to all four wheels via quattro and an 8-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. It can sprint to 100km/h from a standstill in 4.8 seconds and will keep many hot hatches honest between the traffic lights.

Audi has priced the SQ7 at R1 679 500 and it comes with all the luxury specification you would expect at this level, including Bang & Olufsen 3D sound. You can have it as a seven-seater too, if you have a large family.

4. Audi RS7

7. AUDI SQ8

9. Audi TT RS

If the RS6 wagon doesn’t meet your requirements from a style perspective, but you want something that’s bonkers fast from the four rings, the new RS7 Sportback is made for you. Arguably one of the most exciting cars to look at in Audi’s line-up, and ticking many boxes in terms of practicality too, the RS7 blends so much together to create a car that’s supercar on one end and dad-mobile on the other.

As standard on South African RS7 models, you will get 22-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic glass sunroof and the electric rear spoiler that rises as speeds increase to improve aerodynamic efficiency on the rear of the car. It’s packed with features and trimmed to perfection using high-quality leathers and aluminium and carbon pieces. Powered by the group’s 4.0-litre V8 that you find in the RS6, and with 441kW and 800Nm on taps, it will blitz the 0-100km/h sprint in just 3.6 seconds. Prices start at R2 173 000 before you pick a cool colour and add any additional features.

Like the SQ7, the SQ8 is powered by a V8 twin-turbo turbodiesel engine that punches out 310kW and 900Nm. Using a similar drivetrain, it too offers an 8-speed torque converter transmission with quattro all-wheel drive and adaptive driving modes that shift the character of the vehicle, depending on the type of driving you’re doing.

Only 65 SQ8 units are destined for South Africa, as Audi will no longer build V8 diesels. The car is one of the fastest diesels you will probably be able to buy for a long time to come, serving a 0-100km/h sprint time of 4.8 seconds before topping out an an electronically limited 250km/h. The SQ8 is priced at a premium compared to the SQ7, coming in at R1 848 500, but you get an abundance of premium features as standard, including a thumping audio system, a digital instrument cluster as well as Matrix LED headlights and adaptive suspension.

South Africa is one of the largest markets in the world when it comes to TT RS sales, both in coupé and convertible format, so the brand is placing specific emphasis on this model as it looks to capture more performance car sales in the country. As the most compact sports models you can buy from Audi, both cars offer class-leading acceleration performance thanks to the 2.5-litre turbo in-line five that powers them. This World Engine of the Year has the potential to rocket the TT RS from a standstill to 100km/h in just 3.7 seconds (coupé) and 3.9 seconds (convertible) making it one of the fastest accelerating cars you can buy in SA for around R1 million. Prices start at R1 062 000 for the hard-top, while the cabrio version will set you back R1 113 500 before you starting picking those cool green colours you want. We expect the TT RS to become a cult classic, particularly as Audi moves toward electrification in its sporty models. If you have petrol in your veins, this is the car you should buy and plan to keep!

5. Audi RS Q3 The RS Q3 was not available for us to soak up at the Audi Experience, due to delays in production and logistics.

However, it will go on sale from April 1. The conventional SUV model will retail for R1 094 000 while the fastback Sportback version will set you back a cool R1 128 000.

It’s powered by a 2.5-litre turbocharged in-line fivecylinder petrol engine that produces 294kW of power and 480Nm of torque which is good to propel both models from a standstill to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 250km/h. All RS Q3 models will come with Virtual Cockpit Plus (Audi’s extended digital instrument cluster) and an RS-specific sports exhaust system that unlocks more growl. Audi expects the RS Q3 models to start arriving from the third quarter, but again, this is all dependent on the global superconductor shortage, the pandemic’s impact on lockdowns.

6. AUDI RS6 Perhaps the most hotly anticipated Audi model to date, if you’re a petrolhead, the facelifted RS6 Avant has come to town and it’s looking for a fight. No, really, take one look at the Audi RS6 Avant and you can see its intent to eat up the road. It’s powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 that makes 441kW and 800Nm, which is sent to all-four wheels via a quattro drivetrain and a sports differential with allwheel steering. It’s one of the most advanced handling packages fitted to an Audi. Thanks to its brute force and grip, it’s able to annihilate the 0-100km/h sprint in just 3.6 seconds. Inside, the cabin is lavishly appointed in fine Nappa leathers while the safety and comfort technology is on par with what you’d get in BMW’s M5 and Merc’s E63.

Prices start at R2 070 000 before you start ticking the options list but you do get a five-year maintenance plan as standard like you get with all new Audis sold in SA.

8. AUDI S8 If you are used to private jets and travelling in ultra luxury, and tremendous speed on the road is what you crave, the Audi S8 is for you. The luxury sedan is finally on sale in South Africa from next month and you can have it with the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 that’s normally fitted to Audi’s range-topping RS cars. The V8 is slightly detuned in the S8 but the numbers are amazing. Bury the accelerator pedal from a standstill in the new S8 and you’ll arrive at 100km/h 3.8 seconds later. It’s built for grip, with quattro all-wheel drive and adaptive suspension that reads the road ahead and damps the ride accordingly. The S8 is one of the most hi-tech and feature-rich cars that Audi has made. It comes as standard with so much technology that you will have to read the manual on this one when you take delivery.

All Audi S8s come with all-wheel steering, a quattro sports differential and premium interiors and technologies. It’s one of the most expensive Audis sold in South Africa, priced at R2 484 000, but it’s also packing 420kW and 800Nm, giving you the ability to outrun almost anything that’s not a supercar.

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10. Audi RS Q8 8

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11 Audi R8 10

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Finally, the fastest SUV around the Nurburgring goes on sale in SA, almost two years since it launched globally. The RS Q8 will take on the BMW X6 M Competition and the Mercedes-Benz GLE 63 S in terms of rivals, but don’t rule out the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S e-hybrid if you’re shopping in this segment. Powered by a 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine and shunted by an 8-speed torque converter with all-wheel drive and steering, its one of the most advanced vehicles on sale in SA with an ICE engine. Audi says it shares several components with Lamborghini’s Urus, and that’s probably true, but the Urus does offer more performance punch from its engine and it sounds much nicer than this Audi that’s fitted with a petrol particulate filter. The RS Q8 accelerates from a standstill to 100km/h in just 3.8 seconds before coming to a soft-limiter and 250km/h. Audi will raise the top speed of the car for you if you pay for the optional driver’s package. Pricing, well, it starts at R2 354 000, but you will spend closer to R2.6 million looking at the options that you will fit to create a really cool car.

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The Audi R8 is one of the best-handling, most engaging and satisfying cars to drive. From its first iteration more than a decade ago to the latest generation model with V10 engine and dual-clutch auto transmission, it’s not for the faint-hearted and it’s built to be driven more like an Italian exotic than a German sportscar. I put the latest R8 coupé and spyder to the test at the Ascari race track outside Ronda in Spain a couple of years ago and came away impressed at how fast and stable it was in the rain. Local models come with one engine choice, the rangetopping V10 with 449kW and 560Nm on taps that will propel you from a standstill to 100km/h in just 3.2 seconds (coupé) and 3.3 seconds (spyder). Prices start at R3 336 000 for the hardtop while the soft-top will cost you a cool R3 592 000. We look forward to testing the models in the coming months to see if Audi’s performance claims are genuine.

9 COOLEST

cars

BY JASON WOOSEY, WILLEM VD PUTTE AND PRITESH RUTHUN

Independent’s motoring team picks nine of the best (and coolest) cars you can buy in Mzansi...

Toyota GR Yaris

Porsche Taycan Turbo S A FEW years back I could never have imagined that I’d ever get excited by an electric car, but the Porsche Taycan Turbo S managed to change my mind in just 2.8 seconds.

Instant thrust is a term that comes to mind here.

Pulling 1.2g from a standing start, the Turbo S actually accelerates faster over the first few metres than the force of gravity, which means you’re picking up speed more rapidly than a skydiver in free fall.

Porsche claims it’ll surge from 0-100km/h in 2.8 seconds, and I’m not arguing with that. Acceleration from standstill, using Launch Control, is simply exhilarating.

The car’s two permanently excited synchronous electric motors, one mounted on each axle, collectively produce 460kW - although 560kW is briefly available on overboost. Of course, it’s the torque figure of 1050Nm that excites us the most here. The engineers have also done all the things you’d expect to make this car corner like a Porsche should. You still feel connected to the road and the low centre of gravity enabled by positioning the batteries in the chassis ensures that it hugs tarmac the way you’d expect from a sports car built in Stuttgart. The Taycan also excels as a comfortable, mile-gobbling grand tourer and the ride comfort is quite cushy, thanks to the standard three-chamber air suspension system, which can also raise the car to tackle large speed bumps. As for the driving range, Porsche claims it’ll get around 400km between charges in regular driving and 340km on the open road. The Porsche Taycan Turbo S is expensive, though, retailing at a shade under R4 million.

Set to hit Mzansi around midyear, the Toyota GR Yaris is no ordinary ‘hot hatch’. This little firecracker was essentially created as a homologation model for Toyota’s next-generation WRC car, which means you’re literally getting a rally car for the road, complete all-wheel drive and the world’s most powerful production threecylinder engine. The vehicle’s purpose-built 1.6-litre, three-cylinder powerplant produces 200kW at 6500rpm and 370Nm from 3000 revs. And despite the fitment of all-wheel drive, the car weighs a mere 1280kg, thanks to the extensive use of lightweight materials such as aluminium for the bonnet, doors and tailgate and a new type of carbon fibre polymer for the roof.

With a power-to-weight ratio of 156kW per tonne, the Yaris GR is said to be capable of a 5.2-second 0-100km/h sprint, while the top speed is electronically limited to 230km/h. But only purists need apply here as the only gearbox option is a six-speed manual with rev matching on the up and down shifts.

You also get to decide exactly how much torque goes to the rear wheels, that being up to 70 percent when Sport Mode is dialled in. Switch over to Track Mode and you have a 50:50 split for the ultimate in balance, while normal mode sees 60 percent going to the front. The chassis has been given a complete overhaul too, with the standard Yaris’s boring torsion beam being replaced by a multilink set-up. This is certainly no ordinary hatchback, and nothing like a GTI either. We love that about the GR Yaris. Just don’t expect it to come cheap.

Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe The next-generation Mercedes-AMG C63 will have allwheel drive and just four cylinders. The good news is that thanks to a hybrid system and some battery boost, it will actually be more potent than today’s car. But we’ll sure miss that rumbly V8 engine, which for us is an important part of the entertainment factor.

Which means that the current C63 S is possibly your last chance to buy a compact AMG with a V8 engine and rearwheel drive. Its 4-litre twin-turbo V8 is paired with a ninespeed MCT multi-clutch gearbox and the engine produces a wholesome 375kW and 700Nm, which is still at the sharp end of its class even towards the end of its production cycle.

In fact until the recently launched BMW M4 came along and matched it, it was the perkiest.

Expect to blast from 0-100km/h in just 3.9 seconds.

But with all that power going to the back wheels, this car can bite you in the corners if you don’t know what you’re doing. Sure, it handles better than some of its tail-happy predecessors, but you will still need to stay on the right side of caution in this one. A really cool feature in the C63 S is the dynamic engine mounts, which aim to address the ‘conflict of interest’ between comfort and handling by reducing vibration from the engine and transmission unit.

It certainly does the trick because despite how brutal the engine is, you never feel shaken and stirred in the cockpit.

At R1 922 000, the C63 S Coupe represents the end of an indulgent era, and an exciting one at that.

Ford Mustang

Land Rover Defender

It’s undoubtedly the world’s most recognisable name in motoring, something akin to CokeCola and it’s also one of a handful of cars that attracts likes and purchases across all ages, race groups and sex.

Say Mustang and everyone knows.

It’s been an icon since the 60s and has appeared in all manner of media simply because, well, it’s a Mustang. It’s certainly one of the top three coolest cars ever built and while there is now a more “civilised” 2.3-litre EcoBoost version available locally and the electric Mach-E overseas, it’s the 5.0-litre normally aspirated V8 that you want. The raw power and noise emanating from the exhausts is a petrolhead’s dream, because you get the impression that the whole design of the vehicle was built around the engine. It’s quad exhaust system has active valve technology that allows you to manage how much noise you want, so you can be neighbour friendly on start-up and go full tilt on the highway. It pushes out 331kW and 529Nm and is coupled to Ford’s 10 speed automatic transmission. Unfortunately Ford no longer has a manual option, that’s reserved for the Mustang Bullitt, but you do get paddles but because there’s so many gears you sometimes struggle to connect to the correct ratio. And while the general impression is that the Mustang is something to go tearing around the track with, it’s a lot happier on long stretches of tar touring the country. In Sport Mode suspension and throttle response is tightened up somewhat which makes it ideal for tackling long bends such as the Long Tom Pass but you’ll have to be wary when corners are tight because despite it being a sports car it’s a bit hairy when things become tight.

It’s fitted with a host of electronic safety features should things go awry but ultimately it’s a Grand Tourer rather than a nimble racer.

Initial impressions of the interior are that it’s quite luxurious but on closer inspection the plastic dashboard trim and door finishes detract from the exterior design while the buttons and switchgear could feel more solid.

Even so the badge counts for much and in terms of kerb appeal there’s not much to beat it neither the exhaust growl which makes the ‘Stang a hugely enjoyable car to drive.

Years ago when Top Gear still had the original three protagonists they had a Cool Wall and there was much deliberation on which car should go where.

There was one though that all agreed on and that was the Land Rover Defender.

Even though it hadn’t changed much in 70 years with the same niggles, panel gaps and uncomfortable seating there was always something that people found both enduring and frustrating about this icon. It took Land Rover a long time to reintroduce the Defender after it had been taken off the market and it’s understandable why. They had to get this much-loved 4x4 just right without making it too similar to the fluid designs of their other products.

The Defender had to stand out. And it does. The team of designers managed to get it to look modern while still incorporating design elements of the original both from the outside and one or two throwbacks in the interior.

Land Rover says it’s their most capable 4x4 yet and they’re not wrong.

It has every conceivable modern offroad aid that will lift the suspension, engage diff lock as and when needed, all terrain mode settings across the offroading spectrum and you can even “see through” the bonnet to see where you’re going in difficult terrain. technology and comfort and that’s better than anything that was conceived and built in the 1940s and only occasionally facelifted over its lifetime.

Does it still belong on the Cool Wall?

Absolutely.

BMW M8 Here’s not much on the road that beats the look of BMW’s M8 Competition.

Apart from its gorgeous looks, it’s also pretty much the pinnacle of BMW’s performance packaging. In the M8 Competition BMW have managed to get everything just right from the exterior design, the interior finishing and fittings to the engine crammed under the sleek bonnet. A 4.4-litre twin turbo V8 lurks under that bonnet that’s good for 460kW and 750Nm and powers all four wheels in default mode via an eight-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission. The subtle curves and indents on the body belie the blistering pace that will get you to 100km/h in 3.2 seconds and even out at 305km/h should you dare.

Larger rear tyres and four wheel steering make this a superb car to spend time on the track but you’ll need to have your wits fully about you especially if you decide to select rear wheel drive and switch off traction control. It’s just as happy too as a Grand Tourer in normal driving mode with the adaptive suspension taking road imperfections in its stride while it cruises along effortlessly. All this while ensconced in top-end BMW comfort and luxury with exclusive M Sport seats, dual tone leather and Alcantra trim, fibre elements and an M-specific instrument cluster. Being able to switch between grand luxury and crazy performance comes at a price though and at well over R3-million it’s not aimed at your average motorist, but those that can should. There are only a handful of cars on the road today that will get people to stop in their tracks and take a second look but the M8 does it every time.

Honda Civic Type R

Lamborghini Huracan My friends, we’ve come to the end of the road as far as naturally-aspirated supercars go. If you take a quick look at what’s available in the supercar segment these days, most vehicles are turbocharged or electrified or both. This is where Lamborghini’s venerable Huracan steps in to satisfy purists with its naturally-aspirated V10 that revs beyond 8000rpm.

We’ve had the opportunity to assess the Huracan on a couple of occasions in Cape Town and each time we’ve come away impressed at how brutally quick these vehicles are, but also how well engineered they are. Gone are the days of misfires, poorly made interiors, wonky air-conditioners and shoddy mechanicals. In fact, the latest Huracans feel as solid and as wellengineered as the latest Audi R8, which it shares its DNA with.

Whether you opt for an EVO or a used Performante, as the Perfomantes are all sold out, you’ll be driving one of the best raging bulls ever made. All models come double clutch transmissions that shift on-point each and every time and you can opt for rear-wheel drive only models if you feel particularly brave.

The latest version of the Huracan, the STO, looks as though it’s been driven straight from the World Endurance racing scene and onto a dealership floor thanks to its outrageous raceinspired styling. The STO sports one of the largest single-piece body parts on any car ever made, as Lamborghini wanted the entire front end of the car to offer a clam-shell type design that pivots to open on two lightweight 3D-printed hinges.

A range-topping STO is ideal for any dream garage thanks to its manic 470kW/565Nm engine that can catapult it from a standstill to 100km/h in just 3 seconds. More impressive, the STO can accelerate from 0 to 200km/h in just 9 seconds before topping out at 310km/h.

Honda’s Civic Type R is arguably part supercar, part hot hatch, part muscle car. It’s blisteringly quick, sure, but to get the best performance from it, you really need to nurse the accelerator to avoid spinning up its drive wheels on a hoon.

Recently fecelifted for the 2021 model year, with subtle changes to its exterior styling, the Civic Type R is one of the last remaining front-wheeler extreme hatchbacks that pull no punches when it comes to performance. The car’s 2.0-litre turbocharged VTEC four-cylinder engine can be criticised for not sounding as exotic as Honda’s four-pots of the past, but with 228kW and 400Nm on taps all can be forgiven when you jump on the loud pedal.

The Type R also sports a six-speed manual gearbox, something that’s extremely rare these days, particularly in the performance car scene as manufacturers look to chase faster 0-100 times rather than create cars that offer tactile engagement. Even with its clutch and manual cog setup, the Civic Type R can scamper from 0 to 100km/h in 5.7 seconds and on to a top speed 272km/h. If you’re considering something practical for a daily drive, but with blistering pace and presence for those weekend escapades, the Civic Type R offers eveything you could possibly need. You might argue that it’s heavily compromised with the manual gearbox and the front-wheel drive setup compared to newer generation cars such as the Golf R and A45S, but as far as unique motoring experiences go, you won’t get more unique than a Type R at its price point.

Jaguar I-Pace The Jaguar I-Pace has won so many awards that the company has probably had to build a new wing at its headquarters to store all its trophies. Lots has been written about it, as it truly put electric cars on the map in the premium car segment on a global scale when it was launched three years ago.

Teslas might be faster and they might offer longer ranges, but we can tell you that the Jaguar offers more than enough speed and more than enough range to satisfy the most demanding drivers out there. And of course, Teslas aren’t sold in South Africa, and aside from the ultra expensive Porsche Taycan that we simply adore, the I-Pace is the best electric car you can buy in South Africa right now. In fact, I would argue that it’s the best SUV you can buy in South Africa right now too, if you can afford it.

If you’re in the market for a premium vehicle for you dream garage, step into the future now with the I-Pace. It offers a unique blend of performance, practicality and luxury that you won’t find in any vehicle with a petrol or diesel engine.

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KIA EV6

“The GT version of EV6 demonstrates our technological leadership through its combination of outstanding high-speed charging and acceleration performance like a super sports car,” says Albert Biermann, president and head of R&D Division for Hyundai Motor Group.

KEEPING IT TOPPED UP

KIA has officially launched its new EV6 allelectric car, which is neither a crossover, nor is it an SUV …

The EV6 is KIA’s first venture into electric cars on a mainstream, premium level and has adopted a rather unusual, albeit striking design direction for the vehicle looks part MPV, part SUV and part hatchback, depending how you look at it.

SEVERAL TO CHOOSE FROM

The EV6 offers buyers a choice of multiple fully-electric, zero-emission powertrain configurations, including long-range (77.4kWh) and standard-range (58.0kWh) high-voltage battery packs.

EV6 GT-line is available with long-range and standard-range battery packs, while EV6 GT features the long-range battery pack. This is also Kia’s first electric vehicle to be available with twowheel (2WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) options – the latter offering enhanced dynamic capability in even the most challenging conditions, they say.

The 2WD 77.4kWh EV6 can travel over 510 kilometres on a single charge on the WLTP

combined cycle. With a maximum 605Nm torque available on the AWD version, the EV6 can accelerate from 0-to-100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds.

The 77.4kWh battery pack is paired with a 168kW electric motor powering the rear wheels, and for AWD models two electric motors, powering the front and rear axles, produce a total of 239kW. The 58.0kWh EV6 can accelerate from 0-to100 km/h in 6.2 seconds, with a maximum 605Nm torque available on the AWD version. The 58.0kWh battery pack is paired with a 125kW electric motor powering the rear wheels; AWD models feature two electric motors, powering the front and rear axles and producing a combined 173kW. Equipped with 430kW dual motors, the EV6 GT takes electric performance to another level. With a maximum 740Nm torque, the AWD GT version accelerates from 0-to-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds and can reach a top speed of 260 km/h. With the addition of electronic-Limited Slip Differential software to the EV6 GT version only, drivers can enjoy confident control and dynamic ride and handling in all conditions.

The EV6 offers 800-volt and 400-volt charging capabilities, without the need for additional components or adapters. The car is capable of a high-speed charge from 10 to 80% in 18 minutes on all variations or a top-up charge of 100km of driving range in less than four and a half minutes when pairing 2WD with the 77.4-kWh battery option.

KIA says the car’s charging system is more flexible than previous generation BEVs thanks to an Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU).

The ICCU enables a new vehicle-to-load (V2L) function, which is capable of discharging energy from the vehicle battery. The V2L function can supply up to 3.6kW of power.

The EV6 can also tow trailers weighing up to 1600kg as long as it maintains more than 35% battery charge for the duration of your journey.

LUXURY AND TECHNOLOGY EVERYWHERE

KIA’s EV6 brings a suite of new technologies that aim to enhance safety, connectivity and infotainment. Its high-tech infotainment system, for instance, includes two 30cm high-definition screens. Curved displays have thin film panels that utilise new structure and advanced technology for reducing impact of light.

The EV6 also features an augmented reality head-up display system, which projects driving information onto the base of the windscreen in the driver’s line of sight. The system displays alerts from the car’s Advanced Driver Assistance System, details of vehicle speed, and turn-by-turn navigation instructions.

Then, for audiophiles, a powerful 14-speaker Meridian surround sound audio system is also available, a first for a KIA BEV. The audio system features several of the British audio pioneer’s proprietary digital signal processing (DSP) technologies. The speaker system also offers Active Sound Design, a newly-developed feature by KIA which provides drivers with audible feedback to the speed the car is travelling and controlled via a user interface. Expect it to offer high levels of safety kit.

SOUTH AFRICAN EV6 CUSTOMERS

KIA SA confirmed the EV6 was under consideration for the South African market.

However it’s only bringing one car to South Africa this year to conduct internal studies on the feasibility of running these cars here. Uptake of BEVs have been slow in South Africa as the technology is fairly new and the electric cars that are available here aren’t exactly the most affordable.

We believe the EV6 GT, however, is the ideal car for the South African (who can afford it) because it offers a decent amount of range to prevent any form of range anxiety and it has enough performance punch to scare Porsches and Ferraris from a dig.

Follow me on social media for updates on EVs in South Africa and the latest updates on the KIA EV6.

JASON WOOSEY VOLKSWAGEN set an interior benchmark with its fourthgeneration Golf more than 20 years ago that had rivals, often unsuccessfully, scrambling to catch up. While this wasn’t the most dynamic vehicle around, the Golf 4 had a truly classy cockpit that just looked and felt like it belonged in a larger and more luxurious vehicle.

These classy vibes have followed through in most of the products that the German car manufacturer has released since, and as such every time we jump into a modern VW, we expect to be impressed by the cabin furnishings.

Premium vibes lacking inside

But when we stepped into the company’s latest SUV offering, the T-Roc, something felt amiss.

While there was no faulting the overall build quality or the design and layout, the upper and lower dashboard plastics were of the hard and scratchy variety that not only looked cheap, but felt that way too. We’re willing to forgive the T-Cross for its similar transgressions, but it’s much harder to justify in a more premium product like the T-Roc. However, there is at least a kind of high-tech ambience, thanks to the digital instrument cluster and the decently sized infotainment screen, with our test car being optionally upgraded to the 20.3cm Discover Pro with App Connect, which boasts crisp graphics and good all-round usability.

Thankfully the cabin also avoids being altogether bland, depending on which model and spec combination you choose. In the base Design derivative, for instance, you can choose blue or orange trim for the dashboard if the corresponding exterior colour is chosen. The R-Line we had on test, though, only offers Caribou Grey dash trimmings, although you can opt for a white and grey seat upholstery combination that does lift the ambience a bit.

On the outside: it’s got the look

While the cabin was a letdown, we were impressed with the T-Roc’s exterior, which looks classy and purposeful. This is largely thanks to a coupé-inspired C-pillar as well as available two-tone colour options and huge wheels across the board, with Design derivatives rolling on 18-inch alloys as standard and the R-Line upgrading to 19” rims. Incidentally, the T-Roc is closely related to Audi’s Q2, although you’d never say so as both have unique exterior panels.

Let’s take a spin

The interesting thing about the T-Roc is that even though it is slightly cheaper than it’s Q2 cousin, commanding between R489 400 and R593 600 versus the Audi’s R504 000 - R602 800 price range, the VW actually sweetens the deal with bigger engines. Whereas base Q2 models make do with the 85kW 1-litre turbo triple, the T-Roc Design entry model comes with the 110kW 1.4 TSI turbopetrol, which is the flagship engine in the Audi. The T-Roc’s R-Line range-topper, meanwhile, upgrades you to a version of the familiar 2-litre TSI unit, producing 140kW and 320Nm. The front-driven 1.4 TSI is paired with an eight-speed torque converter autobox, while the 2.0 TSI comes standard with 4Motion allwheel drive and a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch tranny complete with “flappy paddles” on the steering wheel.

Given that it’s a detuned GTI engine saddled with the extra weight of an AWD system, the T-Roc R-Line does not exactly feel like a hot hatch on stilts, and yet it felt impressively crisp and responsive and performance was certainly effortless. VW says it will surge from 0-100km/h in just 7.2 seconds and that is certainly impressive for an SUV that doesn’t parade around with a performance badge. Around corners the T-Roc feels fleet footed for an SUV and the 4Motion AWD system will keep things tidy as you approach the limits. The ride is firm but not uncomfortable, and we suspect it would feel a lot cushier with wheels smaller than the 19” units fitted to our car.

What features come as standard?

The 2.0 TSI R-Line 4Motion is fitted with dual-zone automatic climate control, auto headlights, Active Info Display (digital instrument cluster), automatic tailgate, Radio Composition Media infotainment system, highbeam control, leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel and park-distance control. However, advanced driver assist features such as Adaptive Cruise Control with Front Assist, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Traffic Alert are optional.

VERDICT Although the cabin looks cheaper than you’d expect at the price point, the Volkswagen T-Roc does gain back plenty of ground with its other attributes, including funky exterior styling, modern cabin tech and good all-round performance and dynamic ability. It also offers better value than its Audi Q2 cousin.

IOL Motoring

WILLEM VD PUTTE

FOR

DR ANG ER RAP TOR

I’M going to stick my neck out here and say that Ford’s Ranger Raptor is probably the most well balanced double cab currently on the market.

Here’s the caveat though. For what it’s been designed to do and for my needs and lifestyle I wouldn’t entertain anything else.

Don’t get me wrong, I like the opposition bakkies but if I could fork out the money, the Raptor would have pride of place in the garage.

We recently returned our long termer and I was lucky enough to put it through some tough and hectic situations that included mud, rocks, soft sand, river beds, water crossings, towing and general 4x4 challenges.

Would another bakkie have done it? probably, but you would have had to spend a good few thousand rand to get it on a par and it wouldn’t be as good.

For our first experience we managed to wangle a cross provincial trip to Giyani to drive the Klein Letaba river before the summer rains came.

Accompanying us were two 4x4 mates who I have experienced some of the most hardcore offroading with, including various trips to Lesotho in -19 degree weather, as well as an eight-hour journey up a 6km donkey track.

They both have well modified vehicles for extreme off-roading and having spent time with us in soft sand, water, and driving technical sections over rocks towing an off-road trailer, they came away suitably impressed.

It’s things like proper steel rock-sliders that can take the weight of the car, decent underbody protection, the low gearing in low range in Rock mode, Tracks4Africa on the Sync3 infotainment system, the Fox suspension set-up as well as the BF Goodrich 285/70 R17 all-terrain tyres and uncompromising front and rear recovery points that set it above the rest.

There’s some footage of the bakkie going full tilt along the river bed with the four wheels bouncing like mad things while the cab merely stays the course thanks to the suspension set-up.

It was again the case at the end of the year, fully loaded travelling in the Richtersveld along the Orange River when we had a spot of bother that needed us to drive 200km on some of the worst corrugated roads in the country.

It was the second day of the adventure and the Raptor was fully loaded with 80 litres of spare diesel, 100l of water, wood and charcoal for 10 days, spades, toolboxes and recovery equipment.

I drove the whole way mostly with the speedometer in triple figures around bends and gentle curves in a plume of dust with my partner

holding on tight mostly with her eyes closed.

The Raptor held its line almost perfectly until we managed to get cellphone reception and solve our dilemma, and that is solely because of the suspension. Had it been any other double cab, we would have had to drive a lot slower or else all four wheels would have been facing the sky.

Having had the Raptor for six months and almost 15 000km I managed to get around and often people would ask whether the two-litre twin turbo is enough. The short answer is yes. With 157kW of power and 500Nm of torque coupled to a 10 speed automatic transmission with paddles should you need it, there wasn’t one occasion where I wished I had a lot more power.

There’s no mistaking it on the road either, it stands out from the rest not only because it’s big but also because the ratios from the grille through to the rear lights are all in proportion.

The cabin proved to be a comfortable place to spend time in, even with the outside temperature touching 52-53 degrees. The unique Raptor seats provide good support all round especially when you’re flinging the vehicle in and out of dirt road corners on the odd occasion you select Baja Mode.

Ford’s Sync3 infotainment touchscreen has been around for a good few years now but I reckon it’s still one of the better ones out there.

It’s logical and easy to use and for someone like me who prefers the road a lot less travelled, Tracks4Africa makes planning and executing trips a lot easier without having to plug in a GPS. Consumption depended largely on terrain and use, on long freeway drives we averaged 9.5l/100km and during 3 500km in the Richtersveld and West coast almost 15l/100km, bearing in mind we drove mostly soft sand and gravel with the tyres on 1.2 bar heavily loaded and towing a fully kitted off-road trailer.

Like any car there are one or two things that detracts from the otherwise pleasant experience.

I would suggest that the next generation Raptor is fitted with front park assist. Because of its size, it’s a bit of a mission when parking in tight spots with walls or other vehicles and I tended to err on the side of caution often getting out when I had a lot more space to move in.

I would also suggest having a custom towbar made to ensure that whatever you are towing is level behind the Raptor, especially if it’s loaded.

They’re minor things really and easy enough to overcome which is why I said that Ford’s Raptor is currently the most well-balanced double cab on the market.Drive360

The new 128ti will be going head-to-head with the Golf GTI soon, but the new BMW deserves more than just being compared to its closest German rival

and “ti” badge (which can be deleted) come in black.

SO, IT CERTAINLY HAS THE LOOKS BUT WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

The new

BMW128ti WILLEM VD PUTTE

The world may be awash with SUVs, crossovers and double cabs but it’s heartening to see manufacturers still taking a keen interest in a hot hatch.

Made popular by VW with its GTI in the late ’70s and early ’80s, most manufacturers followed suit with their versions of front-wheel drive hatchbacks that would attempt to rip up the tar from traffic light to traffic light.

Sure, you can buy a big fire-breathing, twin turbo-charged V6 or V8, but nipping around corners in a compact car provides oodles of entertainment and gets the adrenalin pumping just as hard.

That’s certainly the case with BMW’s new 128ti which people are saying will be going head to head with the Golf GTI when it comes to South Africa later this year.

That may be so, but the 128ti deserves more than just being compared to its closest German rival.

The “TI” later changed to “ti”, stands for “Turismo Internazionale” and highlights the sporty models in their range from the 1960s and includes models such as the BMW 1800TI, BMW 2002TI, BMW 323ti Compact and 325ti Compact of the late ’90s.

So there’s a rich heritage to draw from and this latest iteration certainly doesn’t disappoint in the looks and performance stakes.

Taking design pointers from the M135i xDrive, BMW added specific “ti” covers and trim moldings, side skirts and a “ti” badge ahead of the rear wheels in red. If the car is ordered with the Melbourne Red or Misano Blue metallic paint finishes, the accents

Well, under the bonnet sits a slightly detuned version of the BMW M135i xDrive four-cylinder 2.0 litre TwinPower Turbo technology mill which in the 128ti gives you 180kW and 380Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via BMW’s brilliant eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission with paddle shifters, should you want to take things over yourself.

It will get to 100km/h in 6.3 seconds and even out at a limited 250km/h which is fast enough to be sure.

The standard M Sport suspension lowers the car by 10mm with stiffer springs and shocks and there’s also a Torsen mechanical limited-slip differential as well as firmer anti-roll bars and anti-roll bar mounts with higher preload.

Sliding behind the wheel the sport seat fit snuggly providing ample support while cruising along the highway and powering through corners. Oh yes, the dash has the dial markings moving in the traditional direction rather than the confusing anti clockwise dials of some of its siblings.

You can definitely feel the stiffer suspension even in comfort mode but it’s not jarring and switching to sport tightens everything even further.

Acceleration, although not blistering, is more of a controlled affair, showcasing the LSD and transmission while switching to the paddles provided the same sensation.

Accelerating hard into and out of corners there’s inevitably some torque steer but not disconcertingly so but you will have to keep your hands firmly planted on the steering wheel if you intend to drive hard through lots of twisties.

The car feels solidly planted but once you get close to the red line it does become twitchy despite a remapped electric power steering system, especially if the road surface becomes a bit bumpy.

Slotting the transmission into the sport setting there’s a pleasant exhaust growl, some of it piped into the cabin but I reckon its set up for EU levels and personally I’d like a lot more snap, crackle and pop from the back end.

After driving it hard the 128ti returned with impressive fuel consumption figures of just over 9L/100km.

The BMW 128ti is priced at R687 418.

DRIVE360

NEWS 30 years of making fast cars go faster THE year 1991 was a great year for John Hennessey, the founder and owner of Hennessey Performance.

He modified his 3000GT VR4 daily driver and competed in the Pike’s Peak Hill Climb and Nevada Open Road Challenge races. The year continued with Hennessey setting a class record at the Bonneville Salt Flats and winning the Unlimited Class at the Silver State Classic open road race in Nevada. He also married the love of his life, Hope, who founded the business with him after they returned from their honeymoon.

BIRTH OF AN ICON Building a world-renowned tuning business on the foundation of strong family support, Hennessey company has created more than 12 000 customer cars since it was founded 30 years ago and has evolved into a global brand manufacturing its own hypercar.

FAST CARS, FAMOUS CUSTOMERS Soon after founding the company, he turned his attention to boosting the performance of the now-iconic Dodge Viper. In 1997 his 650hp Hennessey Viper Venom GTS became the first to break 320km/h). By 2010, the business had built its own hypercar, the Hennessey Venom GT. Based on the chassis of a Lotus Exige, the 1 244hp (928kW) monster weighed just 1244kg and was powered by

a turbocharged Hennessey V8 that set a production car Guinness World Record for the fastest 0-300km/h time (13.63 seconds) in 2013, then followed that in 2014 with another world record, becoming the fastest production car in the world with a 436km/h top speed.

Truck tuning emerged as a new customer-led trend in 2012 with the 600 horsepower Hennessey Velociraptor beginning a generation of “hypertrucks” from 1 000 horsepower supercar slayers to 6x6 conversions. Alongside the monsters of the road, the Hennessey team continued its muscle car work with models such as its 1000hp ZL1 Camaro – named The Exorcist. Today, along with producing more than 500 customer cars a year, the Hennessey team is focused on the bespoke Hennessey Venom F5 hypercar. The car boasts 1 355kW from its Hennessey-built 6.6-litre twinturbocharged V8 engine and targets a top speed of over 500km/h. IOL MOTORING

Would you like to see Caterham Seven launched in SA? IN 1973, Caterham Cars (a dealership run by Graham Nearn that specialised in selling Lotus Cars) acquired the rights to manufacture the Lotus 7 from its creator, Colin Chapman. Nearn built a respectable business, one that would see its name on the wing of a Formula 1 car, but the business changed hands frequently as the car evolved and consumers tastes changed. Japanese consortium VT Holdings, however, believes the Seven should live on well into the future, so that future generations can continue to enjoy a machine that embraces the spirit of driving. Caterham Cars has been acquired by the Japan-headquartered

automotive group from its current owners, Tony Fernandes and Kamarudin Meranun.

DEALERSHIP HERITAGE The company assumes custodianship of the British sports car brand, having been the Japanese importer for the Seven since 2009. It currently sells over 120 cars in the country annually.

As one of Japan’s largest retailer groups with over 200 showrooms nationwide and investments in the UK, Spain, Thailand and South Africa, VT Holdings is also the importer for a collection of two and four-wheeled brands including Royal Enfield and Lotus in its home market. Would you like to see the Caterham Seven launched in South Africa?

We’ve reached out to VT Holdings to see if the company would consider South Africa as a viable market, so watch this space ... IOL MOTORING

You can now get the VW Amarok V6 in bullet-resistant form SOUTH African armoured vehicle specialist SVI is now doing bullet-resistant conversions on the 190kW Volkswagen Amarok V6 TDI. The conversions take about 12 weeks, SVI says, and customers can choose from various options, with the SVI B4 package (handgun protection level) starting at R433 000 and the B6 conversion (which can stop bullets from assault rifles such as the AK47 and R1) priced from R655 000. The more affordable B4 package is touted as the “perfect anti-hijack solution” and only adds 280kg to the Amarok’s kerb weight, versus 650kg in the case of the B6 package.

However, it appears clients tend to opt for the B6 protection level, which is described as the “ultimate civilian level of armoured protection”.

According to SVI, the conversion entails stripping the interior to the bare metal and building the vehicle up as an armoured unit. Steel armoured plates and composite materials are used for the body and 38mm-thick armoured glass replaces the original glazing. The suspension is upgraded to cope with the extra 650kg. The vehicle looks identical to the standard Amarok on the outside.

SVI also offers packages for the Ford Ranger models. IOL Motoring

BMW’s ferocious new M3 and M4 twins BMW launched the new M3 and M4 in Cape Town this week after unveiling the vehicles under lockdown late last year.

The new M3 and M4 sport the controversial front end styling that we first saw on the 4 Series in 2020, but it does offer more aggressive styling elements that set it apart from the regular sedans and coupés. We haven’t seen the car in person yet, but we’ll be testing both models in two weeks, at Gerotek, so be sure to follow us on social media so you don’ miss a beat of the action.

WHAT’S NEW South Africa only receives the Competition models, which produce more power (375kW and 650Nm compared with 353kW and 550Nm on the standard models).

The pair do away with the quick-changing DCT that we know and love, as BMW M engineers have reverted to a torque converter automatic again.

BMW’s also going the AMG route when it comes to traction control, with up to 10 different levels of electronic stability intervention available as standard.

For now, we’re only getting the rear-wheel drive models, but there will be all-wheel drive xDrive versions at some point in the future. You’ll be able to switch the

four-wheel drive models to rear-wheel drive mode like you can in the current M5.

RACE INSPIRED The latest generation BMW M3 and M4 are the fastest compact passenger models of their kind thanks to the use of numerous motorsportbred materials in their construction. The 3-litre straight six that powers them, for instance, is highly upgraded compared to the previous generation M3 and M4, particularly in the areas of cooling and turbo piping.

Prices for the BMW M3 Competition and M4 Competition are R1 860 000 and R1 940 000 respectively, as standard, and all models come with a five-year/100 000km full maintenance plan. IOL Motoring

A REPLICA of the first Matchbox vehicle.

Matchbox back with new collections PRITESH RUTHUN MATTEL, owners of Matchbox, known for its authentic and realistic vehicles and diorama play sets, is relaunching the brand in South Africa.

To mark the occasion, Matchbox is celebrating the most iconic car manufacturers in Europe, across the UK, Germany, France, Italy and Russia. The new European or “Best of ...” line features vehicles from famous car manufacturers including Land Rover, Audi, Mercedes-AMG, and Porsche.

FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS Matchbox was founded in 1947 by Leslie Smith and Rodney Smith. The two got to know each other during their time in the Royal Navy during World War II. Upon returning from the war, they formed Lesney Products and set up shop in an old pub, The Rifleman, in Edmonton, North London.

Rodney, however, left in 1951 to pursue other interests and Jack Odell became a partner with Leslie. Odell worked for The Die Casting Machine Tools which made and sold die-casting equipment, but soon joined Lesney Products fulltime.

Odell’s daughter, Anne, needed to bring an object to school that could fit in a matchbox.

He made a miniature version of the larger Aveling Barford Road Roller that became the first in the 1953 Matchbox die-cast line.

CHANGING OWNERSHIP HANDS The Lesney company built Matchbox into a massive brand despite increasing competition from brands such as Hot Wheels and Micro Machines. In 1992, Tyco bought the brand for $135 million but in 1997, Tyco was bought by Mattel for $755m.

Mattel continued to build a connection to the Matchbox collector culture through collectibles.

The brand also worked with Nickelodeon, Warner Bros, Coca-Cola, the NBA, several feature films and TV studios to create collectible cars and trucks.

In 2009, it introduced interactive talking robot trucks.

MATCHBOX FOR EVERYONE Roberto Stanichi, global head of vehicles at Mattel, said: “With this year’s relaunch, we’ve identified the values that have made Matchbox so enduring and focused on encouraging kids to explore through realistic play.”

In developing the new “Best of…” collection, Matchbox designers worked with car manufacturers to determine which models would best represent each country. From Germany’s Audi R8 to France’s Renault Kangoo Postal Service van, popular models were selected along with vehicles such as fire trucks and ambulances.

Matchbox Best of Europe vehicles and playsets are available in toy stores.