An array of automakers dominated this week’s local motoring news. With the launch of the Taigo, Volkswagen SA released pricing for its first-ever coupé-styled crossover; Suzuki continued to break its monthly sales figure. Ford, meanwhile, made the motoring news headlines when announcing pricing for the EcoSport Active.
In addition, Land Rover SA and BMW SA made the motoring news headlines with the announcements of the local launch dates of the Defender 130 and iX1, respectively. Overseas, Mercedes-AMG made the motoring news headlines when it finally whipped the covers off its long-awaited hypercar, the AMG One. Benz also introduced the new-generation GLC, while Lexus revealed the all-new RX. Here’s what you need to know about this week in motoring …
Volkswagen Taigo launches in South Africa
The Volkswagen Taigo has finally arrived on South African shores, with the local arm of the Wolfsburg-based carmaker revealing pricing for the coupé-styled compact SUV. Priced from R429 900 for the entry-level Life derivative, the range comprises three models. The mid-tier Style costs R464 100. The top-spec R-Line will set you back R486 000.
All models employ VW’s 1.0-litre TSI engine and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The turbocharged three-cylinder motor produces 85 kW and 200 Nm of torque for a claimed 0-100 km/h sprint time of 11.3 seconds. VW claims an average fuel consumption figure of 5.4 L/100 km.
Suzuki South Africa breaks its monthly sales record … again!
Suzuki Auto South Africa has again broken its monthly sales record, with the local arm of the Japanese car manufacturer announcing it recorded a total sales figure of 4 331 — a whopping 630 vehicles more than its previous record-breaking figure — in May 2022.
The top-selling car in Suzuki SA’s stable was the Swift. However, it was not only the company’s best-selling vehicle. In May, it was the best-selling passenger car in South Africa. A total of 1 764 new Swifts were sold in the fifth month of 2022. Completing the top-five list of best-selling Suzukis were the S-Presso (783 units), Vitara Brezza (530 units), Jimny (428 units) and Ertiga (305 units).
Ford South Africa reveals local pricing and spec for the Ford EcoSport Active
Ford South Africa has announced pricing and specification for the latest addition to the local EcoSport line-up, the EcoSport Active. Based on the EcoSport Trend, the special-edition model distinguishes itself from its stablemates with a “more rugged” appearance. Priced at R393 700, the EcoSport Active ships with a four-year/120 000 km warranty. Customers can purchase a service or maintenance plan of up to eight years of 135 000 km.
SA pricing and spec for updated Suzuki Baleno revealed!
Suzuki Auto South Africa has revealed local pricing and specifications for the soon-to-launch updated Baleno. The local line-up comprises four models, available with the option of two trim levels. These include entry-level GL and range-topping GLX.
The manual and automatic GL models costs R225 900 and R245 900, respectively. The manual and automatic GLX models will set you back R275 900 and R295 900, respectively.
Land Rover unveils eight-seater Defender 130
Land Rover has finally revealed the Defender 130, an eight-seater version of the British automaker’s go-anywhere SUV. According to the firm, “The Defender 130 adds another dimension to the all-conquering family of all-terrain vehicles, with adventuring opportunities for up to eight adults across three rows of full-size seating.”
Providing occupants with the “full-size” eight-seater arrangement, the Defender 130’s bodywork has been lengthened by 340 mm. It measures 5 358 mm bow to stern, 2 008 mm wide and 1 970 mm in height.
In addition, Land Rover SA has announced the local launch date and engine options we will be receiving. The local Defender 130 line-up will comprise two engine options. These include the firm’s D300 Ingenium diesel unit and P400 mild-hybrid powertrain. The latest addition to the Defender range is scheduled to arrive in SA “toward the end of 2022”.
Mercedes-AMG One revealed with 782 kW!
Mercedes-AMG finally whipped the wraps off the production version of the AMG One, a “highly exclusive” hypercar boasting Formula One tech for the road. The AMG One is endowed with a 1.6-litre V6 petrol engine and several electric motors. In total, the hybrid powertrain delivers a staggering 782 kW. Mercedes claims this allows the 1 692 kg hypercar to sprint to 100 km/h from a standstill in 2.9 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 7.0 seconds and 0-300 km/h in 15.6 seconds. The top speed is rated at 352 km/h.
BMW iX1 unveiled!
BMW has unveiled the iX1, the German automaker’s first-ever all-electric all-wheel-drive compact SUV. The iX1 made its global premiere in xDrive30 guise. The e-SUV features two highly integrated drive units on the fore and aft axles for a combined power output of 230 kW. BMW does, however, mention that this figure takes the temporary boost effect into account. The overall torque output is rated at 494 Nm.
BMW SA has further confirmed when the iX1 will arrive on local shores. The iX1 will touch down in SA during the first quarter of 2023.
New Mercedes-Benz GLC revealed with hybrid power!
Mercedes-Benz has revealed the next-generation GLC, with the brand-new Benz midsize SUV sporting an enhanced exterior design, improved interior, “significantly upgraded” standard equipment, and electrified engines. The new GLC is available with only hybrid powertrains. This includes plug-in hybrid and 48 V mild-hybrid units. The model employing Mercedes’ fourth-generation PHEV set-up produces an electric output of 100 kW and 440 Nm of torque. Benz claims an all-electric range of 100 km.
New Lexus RX unveiled!
Lexus has whipped the covers of the brand-new RX, with the Japanese automaker saying the fifth generation has undergone a “complete” renewal. Lexus South Africa plans to introduce the new RX to SA early in 2023. Local pricing and specification will be revealed closer to the launch.
