Missed this week’s motoring news? Not to worry, here’s what you need to know about this week in motoring …
Suzuki Fronx confirmed for SA introduction
This week, Suzuki Auto South Africa made the motoring news headlines when the local arm of the Japanese manufacturer announced that the Fronx is scheduled to arrive on SA shores “soon”. So, what do we know about the Fronx? For starters, it shares its platform with the Suzuki Swift and Baleno. However, for the Fronx, the manufacturer has geared the steering, suspension and driving performance towards customers who prefer a more engaging drive. Local pricing, engines and specifications will be made available later.
Haval Jolion S arrives in SA
The Haval Jolion S has launched in South Africa, with the latest addition to the local Jolion line-up boasting sportier styling and — the most significant talking point around the sportier Jolion — a more powerful turbocharged engine producing 130 kW and 270 Nm. That’s an increase of 25 kW and 60 Nm over the standard model. Power and torque are delivered to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Full pricing and spec here.
New BMW 7 Series & first-ever i7 launches in SA
This week, BMW made the local motoring news headlines when the SA arm of the German marque launched the latest iteration of its luxury saloon. The seventh-generation 7 can be had with the option of two internal combustion engines and, a first for the 7, an all-electric powertrain. Starting with the former powertrains, the 740i’s six-cylinder petrol produces 280 kW and 540 Nm and the 740d’s six-pot diesel 210 kW and 650 Nm. Spearheading the 7 line-up is the i7 xDrive60. This all-electric model’s twin electric motor arrangement produces 400 kW and 745 Nm. BMW claims an electric range of “up to” 625 km. Full pricing here.
Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4Matic+ launches in SA
This week, Mercedes-Benz made the local and global motoring news headlines, with the German automaker launching the EQS 53 4Matic+ (see pricing here) alongside a preview of the EQE and revealing a limited-edition AMG SL 63. But let’s start with the EQS 53…
Mercedes-AMG reveals SL 63 ‘Motorsport Collectors Edition’
Limited to only 100 units, the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 “Motorsport Collectors Edition” was built to mark the end of the 2022 Formula One season. This special-edition model reflects the look of the firm’s W13 E Performance Formula 1 car. The exterior and interior feature several model-specific elements, the most notable of which is arguably the performance roadster’s body paint, and standard equipment.
Aston Martin DBS770 Ultimate revealed as most powerful Aston Martin ever
This week, Aston Martin made the global motoring news headlines when the British luxury marque whipped the wraps off the DBS 770 Ultimate, the most powerful production car the firm has ever built. Limited to only 499 units (300 coupés and 199 Volantes), the DBS 770 Ultimate features an uprated 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 producing 566 kW and 900 Nm. It also comes equipped with several other model-specific items.
Ford Everest handed the Wildtrak treatment
Nearing the end of the week, Ford made the motoring news headlines when the New Zealand arm of the Blue Oval brand revealed the first-ever Everest Wildrak. Like its double-cab Wildtrak bakkie stablemate, this Everest sports several Wildtrak-specific exterior and interior elements. Under the bonnet sits Ford’s V6 diesel engine.
