Snippets:
- Renault gives its KWID some much needed ABS, plus Android Auto
- The Jaguar I-Pace wins World Car of the Year 2019
- It’s the end of the road for the Mitsubishi Pajero with Japan‘s Final Edition
Nissan Navara and Mercedes-Benz X-Class divorce
Sorry to be all doom and gloom, but this could very well spell the demise of the just recently born X-Class double cab. Mercedes-Benz are close to pulling the plug since most of their joint projects are losing money.
But perhaps they should go knock on Ford’s door for their next bakkie, just as VW have with the follow-up to their Amarok? Speaking of which…
Ford and Rivian pair up
Remember Rivian? That EV double cab concept maker from a few months back?
Well, so does Ford and now it looks like the two firms have struck a deal. Well, we say a deal but what we really mean is that Ford have invested $500m into the Electric Vehicle startup, itself already backed by Amazon.
What we now have is a bona fide rival to the likes of Tesla, and we can’t wait to see what the fruits of this union will bring. An electrified Raptor springs to mind.
Hyundai invites us into a smaller Venue
"Small in size, but it’s big on practicality and personality.”
So said Mike O’Brien, Hyundai's VP at the New York Auto Show when discussing what is in effect a Ford Ecosport rival. Smaller than a Kona, yet similar in styling, we can confirm that the Venue will be coming to SA later this year. The car in our photos is an American spec version whereas ours will be built in India.
New Toyota Aygo prices
Toyota have revised their entire line-up of their diminutive city car, now in five distinct flavours. Also, in six colours - White, Silver, Ash Grey, Cherry Red, Caribbean Blue or Black, and can be further paired with an orange canvas top. More power? Sure. A whole 2kW – don’t spend it all at once.
Pricing:
Aygo
| R171,900.00 |
| Aygo X-Play Black | R174,200.00 |
| Aygo X-Clusiv | R174,800.00 |
| Aygo X-Cite (Black roof) | R198,900.00 |
| Aygo X-Cite (Orange roof) | R198,900.00 |
All come standard with a 3-year/100 000km warranty. A range of service plans is available for purchase from Toyota.
Range Rover blitzes the Sport SVR with a Springbok Edition
That’s right, the folks at SVO (Special Vehicle Operations) in the UK have done up an SVR in tribute to Mzansi’s rugby team and that naturally means a Pantone-correct green paintjob.
The collaboration is in fact a three-way affair between Land Rover South Africa, the aforementioned folk at SVO and the South African Rugby Union (SARU). In the Springbok Edition you’ll find green mood lighting in the cabin, custom Springbok logos and yellow brake calipers.
Jurie Roux, CEO of SA Rugby had this to say;
"This project is the first of its kind for the Springboks and I’m sure there will be many excited conversations among the players who will get the opportunity to drive it."
That’s right, dear SUV fan. You can’t get one, unless you play for SA.
Toyota Hilux Special Edition
Warning – it hasn’t been confirmed for South Africa just yet, but this is a new Europe-wide update for the beloved Hilux.
And you’re going to need an eagle eye to spot the changes; dark or grey finishings to some of the exterior details such as handles and bezels – that sort of thing. The interior too is blackened except for a new white instrument cluster.
Furthermore, there’s nothing to see here that hasn’t already rolled out on last year’s Dakar Edition.
Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Volante
Well, you can’t accuse Aston Martin of boring cars, can you?
"The DBS Superleggera produces a spectacular and relentless level of performance and so for the Volante, we focussed on bringing that extra level of sensory overload that only an open-top Super GT can deliver inside the cabin.”
That’s verbatim from the mouth of Marek Reichman, Executive Vice President & Chief Creative Officer at Aston Martin who went on to add;
“With the unique dynamics, beautiful yet brutish design and the unmistakable harmonics of Aston Martin's 5.2-litre V12 engine, we believe we have delivered a unique and unforgettable driving experience that is synonymous with the traditions of the Volante name."
In our words, their flagship has taken its top off and we’re all very, very excited.
You NEED to see this
Someone has built a life-size Honda Civic Type R out of 320,000 Lego blocks.
Hey - you do you, man.
