Missed this week’s motoring news? Not to worry, here’s the recap of what you need to know about the past week in motoring …

Updated Toyota Corolla lands in SA

This week, Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) made the local motoring news headlines when launching the updated Corolla sedan and hatchback models, each sporting subtle exterior revisions and boasting enhanced levels of specification and improved hybrid technology. 

Priced from R492 700, the Corolla sedan line-up (see full pricing and spec here) comprises three derivatives, two petrol-electric models and one traditionally-powered variant. The former now features the Japanese automaker’s fifth-generation hybrid system, producing 103 kW (up by 13 kW). The company claims an average fuel consumption figure of 3.9 L/100 km. The 2.0-litre internal combustion petrol model produces 126 kW and 203 Nm, 1 kW and 3 Nm more than before. This model has a claimed fuel consumption figure of 5.9 L/100 km.

Priced from R 481 300, the Corolla Hatch range comprises five variants (see full pricing and spec here). It features the same powertrain options as its sedan sibling, with Toyota ditching the previously-employed 1.2-litre engine for the same units found in the sedan. The 1.8-litre hybrid has a fuel consumption figure of 3.5 L/100 km, while the 2.0-litre petrol has a fuel consumption figure of 6.0 L/100 km. 

Porsche unwraps the 718 Style Edition Boxster and Cayman models

motoring

This week, Porsche made the global motoring news headlines with the reveal of the 718 Boxster and Cayman Style Edition variants. The German marque says these “exclusive” variants are for customers who attach particular importance to a striking design for their vehicle.

So, what sets these models apart from their stablemates? Well, for starters, these editions are “clearly distinguishable” thanks to (no-cost) contrast packages, one available in black and the other in white. Both packages include decorative stripes at the front and “Porsche” lettering on the sides. Depending on the package, the model designations and 20-inch 718 Spyder wheels are finished in either high-gloss black or white. The sports tailpipes are finished in black.

The Style Edition derivatives are based on the entry-level, 2.0-litre four-cylinder versions of the 718 Boxster and Cayman. The mid-mounted engine produces 220 kW and 380 Nm of torque. As standard, the powertrain is coupled with a six-speed manual gearbox. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is optional.

Equipped with the manual cog swapper, the Style Edition models sprint to the three-figure marker from a standstill in 5.1 seconds. Equipped with the PDK, the 0-100 km/h sprint time is 4.7 seconds. The top speed is rated at 275 km/h.  

naamsa announces SA’s best-selling car brands for October 2022

October motoring

naamsa has released the new-vehicle sales statistics for October 2022, with the company saying, “Although the pace of recovery has started to ease, the performance of the new vehicle market remained reassuring considering further headwinds such as the logistical disruptions during the month.”

So, which manufacturer reported the highest number of new-car sales in SA during October 2022? Well, for starters, compared to September 2022, there were some significant changes to the list. However, the top three remained the same, with Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) again topping the list, Volkswagen Group SA coming in second, and Suzuki Auto SA placing third. 

Hyundai, which placed fourth in September, moved down one spot, while Nissan moved up into fourth. Haval, which didn’t make the top 10 last month, claimed the sixth spot. Isuzu moved down one place (into eighth), with Ford claiming seventh. Renault dropped down to ninth (from sixth). Kia took tenth place. Here’s how many cars each manufacturer sold…

  • Toyota – 12 059
  • VW Group – 6 750
  • Suzuki – 4 355
  • Hyundai – 3 146
  • Nissan – 2 649
  • Renault – 2 601
  • Isuzu – 2 287
  • Ford – 2 212
  • Kia – 2 086
  • Chery – 1 352

Honda reveals the new WR-V

This week, Honda made the motoring news headlines when whipping the wraps off the box-fresh WR-V.

The latest model of the Japanese firm’s small crossover features more SUV-like exterior styling. Inside, a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system is present. Further spec includes a rear-view camera with a multi-angle view and, depending on the model, automatic air conditioning and Honda’s ‘SENSING’ suite of safety systems. 

One engine option is employed across the range. This is a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-pot producing 89 kW and 145 Nm of torque, available from 6 600 r/min and 4 300 r/min, respectively. The powertrain is coupled with a CVT.

Bentley Bentayga Odyssean Edition unveiled as the most sustainable Bentayga yet

Odyssean

Billed as the most sustainable Bentayga yet, Bentley has unveiled the Bentayga Odyssean Edition. Limited to only 70 examples worldwide, the Crew-based luxury company says the special-edition variant combines a hybrid powertrain with design and materials that look to the firm’s future. 

So, what makes the Bentaya Odyssean Edition the most sustainable Bentley to don the Bentayga moniker? For starters, it is equipped with the hybrid variant’s V6 petrol engine incorporating an electric motor and a new and improved 18 kWh battery. The automaker says this “delivers a remarkable spectrum of performance, from the calm of near-silent, zero-emission EV mode to thrilling full-throttle acceleration”.

However, Bentley says sustainability is focused not only on the powertrain but also on the cabin materials of the Bentayga Odyssean Edition. For example, the open-pore Koa veneer of the centre console uses 90 per cent less lacquer than high-gloss veneers.

JAC Motors’ local T6 bakkie line-up gains 2.8-litre diesel 4×2 and 4×4 models 

T6

This week, JAC Motors made the local motoring news headlines, announcing that it has added two new derivatives to its T6 bakkie line-up. The latest variants are equipped with a 2.8-litre four-cylinder diesel engine (coupled with a five-speed manual in the 4×2 and six-speed manual in the 4×4) producing 68 kW and 210 Nm of torque, the latter available from a lowly 1 800 r/min to 2 000 r/min. JAC claims an average fuel consumption figure of 7.9 L/100 km for the 4×2 and 10.5 L/100 km for the 4×4. See pricing here.