Missed this week’s motoring news? Not to worry, here’s the breakdown of what you need to know about this week in motoring …
Mercedes-Benz South Africa reveals pricing for the EQA, EQB, EQC and EQS…
Locally, Mercedes-Benz dominated the motoring news headlines, with the SA arm of the German marque announcing pricing and specifications for four of its EV model ranges.
Priced from R1 169 500, the EQA 250 (see specifications here) has a 66.5 kWh battery, which offers a claimed all-electric range of 493 km when fully charged. The EQA’s single electric motor produces 140 kW and 375 Nm of torque.
The EQA’s seven-seater sibling, the EQB, is available in only 350 4Matic guise in SA. This model is priced from R1 374 500 (see specifications here). The all-wheel-drive EQB’s twin electric motor arrangement produces 215 kW and 520 Nm. Mercedes claims an electric range of 395 to 423 km.
The first Mercedes model launched under Benz’s EQ brand, the EQC, is priced from R1 575 000. Only one model is on offer, the 400 4Matic, which produces 300 kW and 760 Nm. Mercedes claims the EQC 400 4Matic has more than 450 km of electric range.
Billed as the electric S-Class, the EQS sits at the top of the Stuttgart-based manufacturer’s emissions-free saloon line-up. Two variants are on offer locally. These are the EQS 450+ (R 2 615 100) and AMG EQS 53 4Matic+ (R 3 410 100). Both models have a 107.8 kWh battery. However, the 450+ makes do with only one electric motor, producing 245 kW and 568 Nm, while the AMG variant is equipped with two. The AMG EQS 53 4Matic+ produces 484 kW and 950 Nm. Claimed electric range for the 450+ is between 631 and 782 km. On a single charge, Benz says the AMG EQS 53 4Matic+ can travel between 529 and 586 km. See specifications for these models here.
Honda reveals the bold new CR-V
This week, Honda made the motoring news headlines when the firm finally whipped the wraps off the bold new CR-V, with the company saying the box-fresh model boasts “rugged” and “sophisticated” exterior styling, a “sporty” and “modern” interior and “smart” technology. The firm has also introduced hybrid powertrains to the range-topping models.
Speaking of the powertrains, the new CR-V is available with Honda’s 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 140 kW and 243 Nm of torque. The petrol-electric unit comprises a 2.0-litre inline-four petrol and twin-motor hybrid system. This powertrain produces 150 kW and 335 Nm.
Refreshed Hyundai Creta launches in South Africa
The updated Creta has touched down on local shores. Priced from R409 900 to R469 900, the three-strong line-up employs a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 84 kW and 144 Nm. Two transmission options — a six-speed manual and the company’s IVT unit — are available. Premium guise is available with both transmissions. Range-topping Executive trim is exclusively available with the IVT. The South Korean carmaker claims average fuel consumption figures of 6.5 L/100 km for the manual models and 6.3 L/100 km for the IVT-equipped derivative.
As standard, all trim grades feature touchscreen infotainment and manual air conditioning. The Executive model upgrades to artificial leather trim for the seats and a wireless smartphone charging bay. Full pricing and specifications here.
Toyota introduces the Land Cruiser Prado ‘Matt Black Edition’
Referencing the Land Cruiser’s “fine” heritage, the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado “Matt Black Edition” sports various matte black trim bits. This hue has been applied to the front grille surrounds and vertical bars. It has also been carried over to the roof rails, side steps, door mirror housings and the 18-inch alloy wheels.
The interior has also received some updates. Customers are offered the choice between a duo of new leather trims for the seats. The black seatbacks and cushions with side bolsters are trimmed in contrasting grey or saddle tan.
