New model releases
February saw an exciting mix of new vehicles announced within the Motus stable.
The Motus group represents a wide variety of leading automotive brands, which means every month there is a flurry of activity around new vehicle model launches, revised designs and spectacular new technology.
“Being part of Motus gives you great insight and perspective on the industry as a whole. Despite recent challenges, it is encouraging to see that our industry’s thirst for innovation, improvement and creativity has not been dampened. This is seen in the number of new products launched within our group each month”, says Osman Arbee, CEO, Motus.
Below is a quick overview of recent model introductions and new developments.
Kia Picanto X-Line added to Picanto range.
Three years after its launch, the evergreen Kia Picanto has undergone a mid-life refresh along with the addition of Kia Picanto X-Line with modern and distinctive crossover styling.
A series of bespoke design details make the X-Line stand out from its siblings, including a redesigned radiator grille encompassing a new interpretation of Kia’s well known ‘tiger nose’, and an aggressive front bumper gives the X-Line a sporty stance, perfectly augmented by its eye-catching LED headlights.
A bespoke and completely redesigned rear bumper completes the picture, with faux skid-plate detailing and full LED rear lights. Crossover-inspired cladding, mud guards and 15-inch alloy wheels gives the X-Line a go anywhere stance.
The Kia Picanto has always been ahead of the pack with its amazing looks and incredible build quality. With its crossover styling the new X-Line brings a fresh spirit of adventure to the compact segment.
Mitsubishi have unveiled their 2022 Outlander along with a new brand identity.
Mitsubishi has revealed the all-new 2022 Outlander Crossover SUV via livestream on Amazon Live. Redesigned from the wheels up, the 2022 Outlander features a new design direction for both this vehicle and the brand, in addition to the premium quality, rugged performance and innovative technology customers have come to expect from Mitsubishi.
The styling debuts the brand’s next generation Dynamic Shield front face and design language, with muscular fenders, bold proportions and 20-inch wheels. Inside the Outlander is a quiet and serene space, showcasing quality and convenience through high-quality materials, seating for seven, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and nine-inch central screen as well as wireless charging capability, Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay.
Full pricing and packaging details will be made available closer to its introduction to the South African market.
Renault announces future plans with a nod to the past.
Renault has revealed its strategy for the next five years and beyond as part of Groupe Renault’s ‘Renaulution’ programme. The plan will see Renault evolving and embracing modernity in the automotive industry to become a tech, service and clean energy brand.
Renault will continue its transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy through electrified and hydrogen solutions, offering the greenest mix of vehicles in Europe by 2021. With regards to technology, Renault will take advantage of the Software Republique, an open ecosystem dedicated to software, data, cyber security and microelectronics which will fuel the Renault line-up with enhanced connected services. Value will come through a wider variety of vehicles in the C-segment, the development of cutting-edge technologies.
The Renault 5 prototype looks to reconnect with this past and draw inspiration to find the spirit of those glorious times without merely replicating it. Instead, it demonstrates how Renault will democratise the electric car in Europe with a modern approach influenced by one of the most popular and essential cars of its era.
Audi unveils second fully electric model range with e-tron GT
With the e-tron GT Audi is demonstrating how fascinating electric mobility will be. The four-door coupe combines emotive design with a powerful drive and dynamic handling.
Presales of two models of the gran turismo with fully electric drive will start simultaneously in Europe in February 2021; the e-tron GT Quattro and the RS e-tron GT.
The e-tron GT is yet to be confirmed for the South African market, look out for the grand arrival on motus.cars.
Audi adds powerful diesel engines to large SUV range.
Audi are adding the SQ7 and SQ8 with a V8 diesel engine to the high-performance SUV segment.
Under the bonnet is the 4.0 TDi, which is the most powerful Audi engine currently available, boasting 310kW and 900Nm of torque. The twin-turbo V8 accelerates both models from zero to 100km/h in 4.8 seconds. A quick shifting eight-speed iptronic gearbox in conjunction with Quattro permanent all-wheel drive aids in transferring power to the road.
The SQ7 and SQ8 TDI are officially available for sale in South Africa in limited numbers as part of a once-off launch opportunity.
Following the success of the Ranger Thunder, Ford has added the special edition FX4 to the line-up.
Ford has added an alluring combination of distinctive style and innovative connected technology to its Ranger line up with the launch of the new Ranger FX4.
Based on the popular 2.0-litre Single Turbo XLT Double Cab, the Ranger FX4 is available in 4×2 and 4×4 derivatives. Offering exceptional capability, unrivalled fuel economy and a superb range of design and functional features including FordPass Connect, which makes its debut on the FX4.
The launch of the Ranger FX4 signals the introduction of FordPass Connect and the FordPass app in South Africa. This app allows command and control of various vehicle functions remotely including locking and unlocking doors, starting the engine to activate climate control, pinpointing the vehicles location and accessing information such as fuel level and oil life. It also allows the driver to search for available parking within South Africa, find Ford dealers across the country, schedule maintenance and service bookings, keep track of past and future services and view the vehicles warranty information.
Land Cruiser 78 back by popular demand.
The Land Cruiser 70-series needs no introduction, having etched an enviable reputation amongst off-roading enthusiasts, game rangers, farmers and other utility-minded users. The rugged construction and infallible Toyota engines have earned it the reputation of a vehicle that just keeps going.
The 70-series is offered in three main guises: bakkie (79), station wagon (76) and wagon (78). Due to reduced demand the 78 was dropped from the line-up in August 2015, with the 76 and 79 continuing sales. Following some specific market requests for this type of vehicle, Toyota South Africa has announced the re-introduction of the Land Cruiser Wagon 78.
The Land Cruiser 78 will be sold on a customer order only basis.
Land Rover to produce one last run of original Defenders.
Even though the new Land Rover Defender has been launched and is on sale across the globe, it seems Land Rover simply cannot let go of the original. Land Rover Classic is continuing the formidable expedition legacy of the original Defender with a limited production run of adventure-ready Defender Works V8 Trophy vehicles.
Based on the re-engineered 2012-2016 Defender Works V8 specification, developed by Land Rover Classic, including 298kW/515Nm, 5.0 litre V8 petrol drivetrain, eight-speed ZF automatic and comprehensively uprated suspension, steering and braking packages, the Trophy vehicles feature a wide range of additional upgrades specifically tailored for off-road use.
Twenty-five examples of the Defender Works V8 Trophy, in a mixture of 90 and 110 Station Wagon body designs, will be exclusively finished in a unique Eastnor Yellow paint colour with matching 16-inch steel wheels.
Fastest Land Rover to date lands in South Africa.
With the addition of extensive carbon fibre detailing, Land Rover has given the highest-performance Range Rover Sport even more attitude. The new SVR Carbon Edition is available now, taking the flagship model to the next level for South African customers.
Under the specially finished bonnet is the most powerful engine in Land Rover’s history, a 5.0 litre supercharged V8 producing 423kW and 700Nm. That’s enough to power the Range Rover Sport SVR from 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds on its way to a top speed of 283km/h.
The Range Rover Sport SVR is the fastest, most powerful and dynamic Land Rover ever produced. Designed, engineered and developed by Special Vehicle Operations, the luxury performance SUV is hand finished in Coventry, UK.
Range Rover Sport SVR Carbon Edition pricing is set at R2 831 000.
Land Rover launches powerful V8 Defender.
Land Rover has launched the powerful Defender V8 as part of a range of enhancements to its 4×4 family. The new 386kW Defender V8 flagship Defender V8 Carpathian Edition provide a unique combination of performance and capability, with bespoke chassis settings delivering new levels of driver engagement and agility both on and off-road.
The powerful new models build on decades of Land Rover V8 heritage as the characterful engine joins the latest range of efficient Ingenium petrol, diesel and advanced Plug-in Hybrid Land Rover powertrains.
The potent new V8 supercharged engine is available in both 90 and 110 body designs and delivers elevated performance and driver engagement without compromising Defender’s unstoppable capability. With unique suspension and transmission tuning, including bespoke spring and damper rates and a new Electronic Active Rear Differential, it delivers more agile and engaging handling with heightened body control, all accompanied by a characteristic V8 soundtrack.
Facelifted Opel Crossland SUV arrives in SA.
Opel South Africa is proud to announce the arrival of the facelifted Crossland SUV that features an updated look and striking new front-end design called the Opel Vizor.
The Opel Vizor can be closely linked to iconic Opel models of the past, however it also makes all Opel’s future ready by providing a space for the sensors and cameras required on modern vehicles.
The Crossland SUV-line up includes the Crossland Edition 1.2 60kW five-speed manual, 1.2 Turbo 81kW six-speed Automatic and the Crossland Elegance 1.2 Turbo 81kW six-speed automatic.
The Opel Crossland is available in dealerships now.
Toyota Hilux Raider models receive specification improvements following recent range update.
The market has evolved and customers have come to expect more from even utility-based derivatives. This in turn meant that mid-tier SRX grade moved closer and closer to traditional Raider territory, somewhat blurring the lines between the mid-grade and top-grade models.
With the introduction of the new high-end Legend model, it provided the opportunity to optimise the model-line up and offer customers more across the board.
There are multiple Raider models to choose from depending on body-style. In single and double-cab format, the 2.4 GD-6 is available in both Raised Body 4×2 and 4×4 configuration, with the choice of either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The 2.8 GD-6 is available as either Raised Body or 4×4 and coupled with the six-speed automatic. The Xtra cab variants feature a simplified two-model line-up.
Details of 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan announced ahead of mid-year launch.
The Volkswagen Tiguan, which was first launched in 2008, will be getting a new look for 2021.
The Tiguan boasts a host of new interior features, a new steering wheel with touch controls is among the key interior highlights while the air conditioning functions have also been digitalised by means of touch sliders and buttons. A first for the Tiguan and the Volkswagen model range is the premium and optional Harmon Kardon sound system, with a 16-channel amplifier, eight speakers and a subwoofer.
New exterior features include a redesigned front bumper while the bonnet is more concise in its appearance and the radiator grille with LED headlights is also wider. New IQ Light, LED matrix headlights feature 22 individual LEDs per headlight, offering enhanced convenience for night-time driving. At the rear, Tiguan lettering is now central below the Volkswagen badge. New exterior metallic colours include Ginger Brown, Kins Red, Lapiz Blue, Night Shade Blue and Dolphin Grey.
Pricing will be announced closer to the Tiguan’s local introduction, which is planned for the second quarter of 2021.