Colin-on-Cars - Loeb takes Dakar stage win

Dakar 2023 reached its quarter distance mark after a somewhat less dramatic Day 4 as the legends of the sport fought it out for car victory. Sebastien Loeb ultimately emerged victorious for the troubled Hunter team, mere seconds ahead of Stephane Peterhansel’s Audi, his teammate Carlos Sainz Sr. and Toyota Gazoo Racing SA’s overall leader, Nasser Al Attiyah.

There was also a dice throughout the motorcycle Day 4, as Joan Barreda Bort beat Honda teammate Pablo Quintanilla to the win. Daniel Sanders continues to lead the bikes overall, while South African FK Husqvarna rider Charan Moore leads the no back-up service Malle Moto Original class, and his teammate Mike Docherty is a very close second among the two wheeler rookies.

TUESDAY RESULTS CAME LATE

It took until late Tuesday evening for organisers to issue the Day 3 results following that thunderstorm curtailed stage. There was no change to the top of the car results, leaving Prodrive privateer Guerlain Chicherit to take the day from SA Toyota crew Henk Lategan and Brett Cummings, and Orlando Terranova’s Prodrive Hunter. 

Nasser Al Attiyah - overall leader

In the overall results, Nasser Al Attiyah headed a Toyota 1-2 over Yazeed Al Rajhi with Stephane Peterhansel ‘s Audi third. South African Century drivers Brian Baragwanath and Mathieu Serradori sat fifth and sixth ahead of Giniel de Villiers’ Toyota in seventh. All four South African Red-Lined entries were still in the running too.

The major bike results for stage 3 did not change, bar Argentine Kevin Benavides’ KTM receiving a two minute penalty and dropping a place to third behind leader Aussie Daniel Sanders’ GasGas and KTM privateer Mason Klein. 

Joan Barreda Bort

Botswana’s Ross Branch came in 15th, SA riders, Michael Docherty was 39th after a fall, Charan Moore 40th, Stuart Gregory, Kirsten Landman 79th, and Stevan Wilken 103rd. Sunderland led Klein and Benavides overall, with Branch 10th, Rookie leader Docherty 29th and Original leader Moore 36th.

US Red Bull lads, Austin Jones and Seth Quintero were declared a T3 side-by-side prototype 1-2 from Guilaume de Mevius. That left Quintero leading de Mevius overall. SA pair Geoff Minnitt was placed 15th, Eben Basson 17th, with Basson 16th and Minnitt 27th overall. 

Brazilian Cristiano Batista scored a surprise T4 side-by side win from overall leader Marek Goczal and Rokas Bakiuska. Martin Macik’s Iveco took the truck win from Gert Huzink’s similar machine and overall leader Jaroslav Valtr’s Tatra. And Alexandre Giroud took another quad win from Moreno Flores and Juraj Verga. As Giraud led Verga and Pablo Copetti overall.

DAY 4 BATTLE OF THE GIANTS IN CARS

Wednesday’s 425 loop around Ha’il took in a bit of everything, starting in the dunes before moving onto tracks and later returning to the sand. The Dakar giants fought it out up front, as Stéphane Peterhansel and Edouard Boulanger’s Audi led early on from Sebastien Loeb, Al Attiyah, and Carlos Sainz Sr.

It was a tough morning for Century as Serradori and Loic Minaudier picked up a heating problem in and lost an hour before teammate Baragwanath also stopped for almost 50 minutes. Things went even worse for Prodrive, as both Orlando Terranova and Vaidotas Zala’s Hunters retired.

Stéphane Peterhansel

The other two Hunters were however in the thick of it. Loeb passed Peterhansel’s petrol electric Audi to lead at the final waypoint. Teammate Chicherit moved up to third from Sainz, but the second Hunter also hit trouble in the final sector, leaving Loeb to take the day in the team’s second stage win on the trot.

Loeb beat Peterhansel by 14 seconds, as Sainz pipped Al Attiyah for third. Al Rajhi was fifth from Lategan, Ekstrom, and Toyota Hilux trio Lucio Moraes, de Villiers and Eric van Loon. All of which means Attiyah continues to lead Al Rajhi by 18 minutes overall, with Peterhansel mere seconds behind in third from Sainz, Lategan, Moraes, de Villiers and Ekstrom.

A BIG DAY 4 BIKE DICE TOO

On the bikes, Mason Klein moved ahead of Adrien van Beveren’s Honda and left him to fight with teammates Pablo Quintanilla and Juan Barreda through to the mid-stage open section. Botswana rider Ross Branch sat in 10th behind overall leader Daniel Sanders, while Docherty was 30th and Moore 34th. 

The top four fought it out as Barreda a passed Quintanilla for the win in the dying stages. Skyler Howes, Toby Price, van Beveren, Luciano Benavides, Kevin Benavides, and Sanders followed as Klein dropped back. Docherty rode home 25th and Moore 40th. Disaster struck for Hero as Branch ran out of fuel and Sebastien Bühler suffered an engine failure.

Charan Moore

Overall, Sanders leads Howes by three and a half minutes with Kevin Benavides and Barreda Bort both within four minutes of the leader in third and fourth. Price follows from Klein, Quintanilla, and van Beveren. Docherty was provisionally 25th overall and sat a very close second among the rookies, while Moore in 33rd, still leads the Malle Moto Original Dakar no service class. Gregory was still running in 81st at the time of writing, Landman 95th, Wilken 105th and Branch 116th. 

Giroud led Flores and Laisvydas Kancius in the quads, while Lopez was ahead of Joao Ferreira and Jones, with Minnitt 15th and Basson 17th in T3. Yasir Seidan led Rodrigo De Oliveira and Battista in the T4 buggies. Alais Loprais’ Praga truck led Gert Huzink’s Renault and Martin Macik’s Praga.

A short, but tough 373 km stage of mainly sand and dunes once again around Ha’il follows on Thursday as Dakar 2023 reaches one-third mark.

Words: Motorsport Media

https://bit.ly/3GhKtWA

Colin-on-Cars - First Dakar stage provides drama

Dakar 2023 got off to a bruising start as Carlos Sainz and Lucas Cruz’ Audi RS Q e-tron quattro won the 367 km opening car stage and Daniel Sanders’ GasGas won the bike race. 

South African rider Michael Docherty took amateur bike honours on his Husqvarna, but dropped to third on a penalty, while all-SA car entry Brian Baragwanath and Leonard Cremer’s Century CR6-T was the first 2-wheel drive car home in sixth overall. It was a day of attrition and penalties however, with several top competitors cruelly retiring. From the race and many forfeiting positions to mistakes.

Brian Baragwanath/Leonard Cremer - first rear-drive vehicle home

Prologue winners Mattias Ekstrom and Emil Bergkvist hit the ground running to lead the way among the cars early on aboard their petrol-electric Audi. They led Nasser Al-Attiyah and Mathieu Baumel‘s Toyota Gazoo Hilux and Guerlain Chicherit and Alex Winocq’s Prodrive Hunter. Ekstrom still led by mid distance, but Sebastien Loeb and Fabian Lurquin’s Factory Hunter was up to second from flying South Africans Brian Baragwanath and Leonard Cremer’s Century CR6-T.

Ekstrom maintained a reduced minute lead over Loeb at three-quarter distance, with Chicherit fourth from Sainz, Al-Attiyah and Baragwanath. Saudi home hero Yazeed Al Rajhi and Michael Orr’s GR Hilux followed ahead of Orlando Terranova and Alex Bravo’s Factory Hunter Stéphane Peterhansel and Edouard Boulanger’s Audi. South African Gazoo Hilux crews Henk Lategan and Brett Cummings and Giniel de Villiers and Dennis Murphy followed.

Carlos Sainz

It was all change by the finish line, 100 km anon, however. Sainz made the best of a technical final sector to jump into the lead to take the day by 23 seconds over Loeb. Loeb also got the better of Ekstrom to slot his Hunter between the two hybrid Audis, with Chicherit fourth in his private Hunter. 

Al Rajhi also benefited a fine final section to lead the Toyotas home ahead of a delighted Baragwanath in sixth. Terranova’s Hunter ended seventh from Al Attiyah in the first of the factory Gazoo Toyotas, Pole Jakub Przygonski and Armand Monleon’s X-Raid Mini and Peterhansel provisionally came home tenth. 

Penalties for Chicherit, Al Attiyah and Baragwanath however reshuffled the order. That saw Al Rajhi up to fourth from Chicherit, Terranova, Al Attiyah and Baragwanath in 8th.

Of South African interest, Lategan followed in eleventh with de Villiers provisionally 16th. Century crews Frenchmen Mathieu Serradori and Loic Minaudier’s Factory CR6-T and lady racer Laia Sanz and Fabrizio Gerini’s Astara CR6 were classified 17th and 24th at the time of writing. SA navigators Gerhard Schutte was guiding Tom Bell in 54th and Ryan Bland 57th alongside Daniel Schroder among the Red-Lined entries.

Hein Lategan

It was a bittersweet opening day for 2022 bike winners GasGas and for the South African R2 motorcycle riders. Defending champion, Briton Sam Sunderland crashed out of the lead early in the day. Former winner, Aussie Daniel Sanders however made good by winning the day on his Factory GasGas. 

Sanders was however handed a 2 minute penalty to drop to fifth behind Californian Ricky Brabec’s Factory Honda, Factory KTM duo Toby Price and Argentine Kevin Benavides. Spaniard Joan Barreda’s Honda also took a minute penalty to drop to fourth from second on the road. 

Ricky Brabec

Sanders was fifth in a day of penalties, ahead of one of the heroes of the day, US youngster Mason Klein, who led most of the way on his BAS KTM. Chilean Pablo Quintanilla dropped from third to seventh on a 2 minute penalty, ahead  of Adrien van Beveren’s Honda, Skyler Howes’ Husqvarna, and Hero rider Joaquim Rodriguez on tenth.

It was a similar story in the amateur R2 class, where South African youngster Bradley Cox led the way early on before crashing his BAS KTM out off a broken dune and injuring his arm. That left fellow South African Michael Docherty to race on to the R2 win as he finished 17th on his FK Husqvarna, while Cox and Sunderland were casevacced to hospital. 

Docherty was however handed a 15 minute penalty to drop to 26th overall and third in R2. Of the Southern African two-wheeler contingent, Botswana’s Kalahari Ferrari Ross Branch ended 14th on his Factory Hero. Charan Moore rode in 15th among the R2 bikes and second in the Malle Moto no service class after a tough day in the saddle.

Stuart Gregory finished a provisional 38th, lady heroine Kirsten Landman 63rd, and Stevan Wilken was 74th, all those results of course provisional. Argentinians Manuel Andujar and Moreno Flores meanwhile rode home first and third in the quads with Frenchman Alexandre Giroud second.

Elsewhere, Chilean Francisco Lopez Contardo and Juan Pablo Latrach Vinagre’s Red Bull Can Am led the T3 side-by-side prototypes from US Junior teammates Austin Jones and Gustavo Gugelmin, and Seth Quintero and Dennis Zenz. South Africans Geoff Minnitt and Gerhard Snyman were still racing in 21st in their HBE Can Am whilst rookie crew Eben Basson and Abertus Pienaar ran 36th in their GR Rally.

Chileans Francisco Lopez Contardo and Juan Pablo Latrach Vinagre in their Red Bull Can Am led the T4 side by sides from Poles Eryk Goczal and Oriol Mena. Marek Goczal and Maciej Marton came home in 3rd ahead of Pau Navarro and Michel Metge in fourth. Mozambican crew Paulo Oliveira and Miguel Alberty Can Am sat 38th.

In the trucks, Czech team Martin Macik, Frantisek Tomasek and David Svanda’s Iveco led the similar machine of Martin van den Brink, Jan van de Pol and Manuel Torrallardona. Martin Soltys, Roman Krejci and David Hoffmann in their Tatra rounded up third.

Monday’s Day 2 brings a challenging 430 km of racing from the Sea Camp across to Alula. The day starts on fast tracks before hitting the dunes later in the stage.

Words: Motorsport Media

https://bit.ly/3GyGQww

Colin-on-Cars - Cat and mouse in the desert

South African men and machines starred as Dakar Rally 2023 got under way with a short 13 kilometre prologue along Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea beach at the event’s Sea Park start base on Saturday.

Traditionally seen as a game of Cat & Mouse, many consider Dakar’s Prologue results as merely academic. Faster crews may play for a better road position in Sunday’s opening stage, while others just go for broke in search of an easy stage result.

2022 winners, Qatari Nasser Al-Attiyah and Mathieu Baumel opened the road in their Toyota Gazoo Racing Hilux DKR T1+. They were however pipped by second crew out, 9-time World Rally Champion Sebastien Loeb chasing that elusive Dakar win alongside Fabian Lurquin in their factory Prodrive Hunter.

It took a while for the rest of the big guns to filter through, but 14th away, Frenchmen  Stéphane Peterhansel and Eric Boulanger slotted their petrol-electric Audi RS Q e-tron between Loeb and Attiyah. Four cars later, Mattias Ekstrom and Erik Bergkvist’s Audi then put a second on Loeb to take the win and claim pole position for Dakar 2023.

By the time the dust had settled, it was Ekstrom who topped the car Prologue from Loeb, Peterhansel, and Al Attiyah. Dakar veteran Guerlain Chicherit ended fourth in his Prodrive Hunter from Carlos Sainz’ third Audi, Saudi home hero Yazeed al Rajhi’s Toyota Hilux and Jakub Przygonski in the quickest of the Minis.

Of the South Africans, the Gazoo Toyotas of young guns Henk Lategan and Brett Cummings, and Dakar hero Giniel de Villiers and Dennis Murphy will start Dakar 2023 10th and 12th , respectively. Quickest two wheel drive car on the day, Brian Baragwanath and Leonard Cremer will provisionally set off 15th in the all-new biturbo V6 Century CR6-T on Sunday. They came home 32 seconds off Ekstrom’s pace.

South Africans also starred in the Motorcycle Prologue. Australian duo Toby Price was quickest overall  for KTM from Daniel Sanders’ GasGas, and Botswana Hero rider Ross Branch. Joan Barreda’s Honda, Kevin Benavides’ KTM and Joaquim Rodriguez’ Hero followed. 

SA riders however owned the R2 bike class with first, second and fourth in the amateur rankings. Sand specialist Dakar rookie Michael Docherty piloted his HT Husqvarna to a 9 second R2 win over teammate and Malle Moto Original leader Charan Moore, with Bradley Cox fourth on his BAS KTM. Docherty placed ninth overall, Moore 16th and Cox 26th.

SA rider Stevan Wilken came home 41st in R2 on his HT Husqvarna, while Malle Moto duo, Stuart Gregory ended 76th and iron lady Kirsten Landman 79th among the amateur bikers. Dakar’s Malle Moto Original class sees riders riding without any support and servicing their own machines, pitching their tents, and racing Dakar solo throughout.

Opening the road in the morning, Alexandre Giroud took a one second quad victory over Brazilian Marcello Medeiros and Spanish rookie Daniel Vaques. The Side by Sides and Trucks were still racing at the time of writing.

Sunday’s real opening 367 Stage 1 should start to sort the men from the boys. Dakar 2023 will race 5,000 km through the Arabian Desert to 15 January. The real action Starts Sunday. Watch this space!

Words: www.motorsportmedia.co.za

https://bit.ly/3C9BXaD

Colin-on-Cars - Car of the Year contenders announced

The South African Guild of Mobility Journalists’ has announced the list of semi-finalists for the 2022 Car of the Year competition - the oldest car competition in the country, with its inaugural event taking place in 1986.

Over the years, the COTY competition has evolved based on changes in the automotive industry.

Honda Fit

“The impact of COVID-19 on the automotive industry has also seen changes in car launches and the allocation of fleet vehicles over the last year, necessitating modifications to the 2022 COTY competition,” says Graham Eagle, Chairman of the 2022 COTY committee.

This year has also seen the increased importance of online scoring by Guild members. As in 2021, this year will also not see a physical event where winners will be announced; the winners will be announced on the Guild’s digital platforms.

Categories

The 39 semi-finalists represent 10 categories launched between March 31 and December 31, 2021. Four contenders tied with identical scores in the final 35th semi-finalist position and were all included.

Subaru Outback

A total of 65 new vehicles launched in South Africa during this period were considered for this year’s COTY competition.

Energy

For the first time in the competition’s history, the decision was made that vehicles launched with both regular and new energy derivatives would be entered into both their relevant vehicle category and the New Energy Category. Vehicle ranges that only launched a new energy derivative were also included in the ever-growing New Energy Category.

The recently announced 25 juror and trainee juror teams will vote for the 2022 COTY competition finalists in 10 categories.

The categories are: Budget, Compact, Compact Family, Midsize, Premium, Luxury, Performance, New Energy, Adventure SUV and 4X4 Double Cab.

Hyundai Palisade

 Toyota dominates with seven semi-finalists competing in five categories, but there is also strong representation by Audi and Hyundai. Surprisingly, the Performance Category has nine contenders, the most in many years. This year there are no contenders in the Budget category.

Audi A3

Shortly the jurors will narrow the field of semi-finalists to worthy finalists. They are given eight weeks to assess vehicles, after which the final scoring will commence, determining the 2022 SA Car of the Year.

“The overall 2020 SA Car of the Year winner remains the most coveted of all automotive competition titles in South Africa and enjoys international recognition,” concludes Eagle.

https://bit.ly/3fKY7EF

Colin-on-Cars - Audis deliver ominous pace as Loeb chips away at Attiyah’s lead

Dakar Rally Day 8 ended up dispelling a few myths in the car race on the day. But the overall race remained tense as second man Sebastian Loeb continued to hunt leader Nasser Al Attiyah down. Daniel Sanders meanwhile reclaimed the overall bike lead with a dominant performance on the road to Wadi Ad Dawasir.

Sebastien Loeb

If anyone was concerned about the new petrol-electric Dakar Audi RS Q e-Tron’s lack of speed, that was officially dispelled on Monday’s complex 396 km run. Rookie crew Mattias Ekström and Emil Bergkvist put one over Mister Dakar, 14-time winner Stéphane Peterhansel and Edouard Boulanger in an emphatic maiden Audi 1-2. Teammates Carlos Sainz Sr. and Lukas Cruz were fourth. Third overall by over two minutes, Sebastien Loeb and Fabian Lurquin’s BRX Hunter was more likely the main focus of attention on the day. 

Mattias Ekström/Emil Bergkvist

All eyes were on Loeb and Lurquin, because they took more than seven minutes out of Nasser Al Attiyah and Matthieu Baumel’s Gazoo Toyota Hilux’s overall car lead. They now sit under 38 minutes adrift. Attiyah suffered a differential issue and a puncture on the day. That said, the wily Qatari can be said to be preserving his Hilux. To stave the french multiple World Rally Champion off when he needs to, later in the week. Loeb is on the other hand eking all he can out of his Hunter, to close the gap. Still, Attiyah came home outside the day’s top ten.

Climbed

That left Henk Lategan and Brett Cummings as the best of the factory Gazoo Hiluxes in fifth. Teammates Giniel de Villiers and Denis Murphy were ninth and consistent Shameer Variawa and Danie Stassen 12th. De Villiers and Murphy climbed two places overall to seventh overall and still have a realistic shot at a podium, with four full days of desert racing still to come. Variawa and Stassen meanwhile climbed to 13th overall, one place ahead of Brian Baragwanath and Leonard Cremer’s Century. They ended outside Monday’s top 20.

All-South African Century Racing trio, Ernest Roberts and Henry Kohne were provisionally 39th, and Schalk Burger and Henk Janse van Vuuren 52nd. But Chris Visser and Rodney Burke’s splendid run inside the top 20 came to an end with the crew still racing deep in the stage, having lost 3 hours at the time of writing. SA-born navigator Taye Perry ended 15th reading notes in Dakar bike legend Cyril Despres’ Peugeot. And Ryan Bland sat 43rd with Daniel Schroder in their SA-built Red-Lined VK 50.

Drama

There was once again drama before the bike stage even started. Botswana’s triple South African Cross Country champion Ross Branch opted not to further risk his Friday leg injury and joined Daniel Sanders and Skyler Howes in retirement before the start. Ross was just starting to warm up, having ended second by just two seconds to MotoGP refugee sensation on Thursday, before crashing hard on Friday. He rejoined on Sunday but decided to put discretion ahead of valour Tuesday morning.

Sam Sunderland

If Sunday was difficult for bikers Sam Sunderland and Mattias Walkner, they certainly made good on Monday. Taking advantage of their 27th and 23rd starting positions, Sunderland’s Gas Gas led all the way. Walkner moved his KTM into second at 200 km, only for Pablo Quintanilla’s Honda to pip him at the post. Ricky Brabec’s Honda was fourth from KTM duo, rookie privateer Mason Klein and Toby Price. So, Sunderland re-took the overall lead from Walkner, former leader Adrian van Beveren’s Yamaha and Quintanilla.

Rookie

SA riders, Bradley Cox’s KTM was 16th and second in rookie Moto 2, and Aron Mare’s Hero 21st. Mare sits 17th overall, Cox 18th. SA rookie Charan Moore was 44th overall and fifth in the no-service Original class, Botswana's John Kelly 47th and 7th in Original. They provisionally respectively lie fourth and seventh in Original. Fellow ‘Malle Moto’ men, Stuart Gregory was 86th and Werner Kennedy 114th overall. Swaziland’s Walter Terblanche was running 91st on Monday, Mozambican Paulo Oliveira 115th.

In the other Dakar classes, Overall leader Alex Giroud fought Marcelo Medeiros off for the quad win with Pablo Copetti third. The lightweights were still racing as we wrote, with Goczal brothers Marek and Michel fighting it out for Side by Side honours with overall leader Austin Jones in pursuit. Seth Quintero was battling Pavel Lebedev in the prototypes with overall leader Francisco Contardo keeping a watching brief. And Kamaz four, overall leader Sotnikov, Karginov Shibalov and Nikolaiev were in control of the trucks.

Tuesday's mountainous eighth stage is a shortish 287km dash around Wadi Ad Dawasir. The two-week 4,000 km two-week Dakar Rally across the Saudi Arabian Desert finishes in Jeddah on Friday. 

ENDS

Issued on behalf of Dakar 2022 Daily News

For further information please contact info@motorsportmedia.co.za

https://bit.ly/3f8CldI

Colin-on-Cars - Loeb takes day, Attiyah still in control as Flormino wins dramatic bikes

Sunday’s Dakar Rally Day 7 proved a dogfight in the desert as Sebastien Loeb and Nasser Al Attiyah escaped a multi-car dice to see second man Loeb took the day and more than five minutes out of Attiyah’s overall lead.

Nasser versus Sebastian

It was a dramatic day in the bikes as third overall Daniel Sanders crashed out of the race in a crash en route to the day’s racing stage and the other two top men overall were delayed to see Jose Florimo take the day and Yamaha’s Adrien van Beveren to move into the rally lead.

The 402 km race from Riyadh to Al Dawadimi commenced with 100 km of dunes before a less technical, but more navigationally challenging maze of winding tracks. It proved something of a dogfight up front with overall car leaders Nasser Al Attiyah and Matthieu Baumel’s Gazoo Toyota Hilux, and second, third and fourth crews, Yazeed Al Rajhi and Michael Orr’s Hilux, Sebastien Loeb and Fabian Lurquin’s BRX Hunter fighting it out in a group at the head of the car bunch. 

They were joined by Henk Lategan and Brett Cummings’ Gazoo Hilux, and Mattias Ekström and Emil Bergkvist, Carlos Sainz Sr. and Lukas Cruz’ and Stéphane Peterhansel and Edouard Boulanger’s petrol-electric Audi RS Q e-Trons. All of the above were initially in or about the top three in an epic battle that raged for most of the morning. But de Villiers hit trouble and lost 50 minutes and Lategan 40 as he stopped to help his stricken teammate. While Loeb stormed ahead, as he opened his lead up over the pursuing Al Attiyah up front. 

Stephane Peterhansel

Loeb duly took the day by 5 minutes from Attiyah, Sainz, Peterhansel, Al Rajhi and Bernhard Ten Brinke’s Hilux. Shameer Variawa and Danie Stassen’s Hilux and Brian Baragwanath and Leonard Cremer’s Century both had good days to once again keep South African hopes alive in a provisional 12th and 13th. Century trio Chris Visser and Rodney Burke were provisionally 26th, Ernest Roberts and Henry Kohne 40th and Schalk Burger and Henk Janse van Vuuren 53rd. SA navigators Taye Perry was 26th and Ryan Bland 43rd. 

All of which saw Loeb slice his deficit to Al Attiyah to three-quarters of an hour overall, with Al Rajhi handily placed 9 minutes adrift in third. Jakub Przygonski’s Mini, Orlando Terranova’s Hunter, Vladimir Vasiliyev’s BMW and Martin Prokop’s Ford are fighting over eighth, with de Villiers looming large in ninth. Visser is 16th, Variyawa 17th and Baragwanath 18th.

There was huge drama before the bike stage even started. Third rider overall and the winner of stages 1 and 6, Daniel Sanders crashed out in the open section en route to the start. The Aussie injured his left arm and was taken to hospital. That left overall leader, Brit Sam Sunderland to defend Gas Gas honour alone after the team’s two riders had led Dakar 2022 for most of the way through the first week.

Jose Ignacio Conrejo Florimo

Sanders joins Husqvarna star Skyler Howes' in retirement, but there was good news for SA fans as Botswana hero Ross Branch took his joker to return to Dakar aboard his Yamaha on Sunday, after crashing out in Friday’s truncated bike stage. Like MotoGP refugee Danilo Petrucci, who’s KTM Branch followed home in second on Thursday, Ross rejoins and can still qualify for world rally raid championship points handed to the top five in each discipline at the Dakar, for the first time this year.

Aussie Toby Price led early on before he and teammate Walkner faded. So Chilean Jose Ignacio Conrejo Florimo led the way to win for Honda from reigning champion Kevin Benavides’ KTM, Honda teammate, Joan Barreda Bort nursing a shoulder injury, Benavides’ brother Luciano, Lorenzo Santolino’s Sherco and Joaqim Rodriguez’ Hero. Ross Branch ran fifth early in before dropping down the order and fighting back to 13th. SA lads, Bradley Cox’s KTM was 20th and second in rookie Moto 2, and Aron Mare’s Hero 22nd. 

Dakar rookies, SA man Charan Moore provisionally ended 40th, Botswana rider John Kelly 56th and SA's Stuart Gregory 86th and Werner Kennedy 97th. All four are racing in the Original class, without back-up crew and must service their machines themselves. Moore and Kelly, who topped Friday’s ‘Malle Moto’ podium, were fourth and 8th in class on Sunday, Gregory 19th and Kennedy 22nd. Moore sat third overall behind Lithuanian Arunas Gelažninkas in Malle Moto, Kelly 6th. Gregory 13th and Kennedy 24th Sunday evening.

Swaziland’s Walter Terblanche was 100th on Sunday, Mozambican Paulo Oliveira 115th. Overall, it’s all change up front, where Adrian van Beveren, who ended 10th on Sunday, moved into a 5 minute overall lead over  KTM man Mattias Walkner, who ended a troubled 24th on the day. Kevin Benavides sat third from former leader Sunderland’s Gas Gas, Santolino, Pablo Quintanilla’s Honda, teammate Barreda and Stefan Svitko’s private KTM in 7th. All of them are within ten minutes of the lead.

Shameer Variawa

Brazilian Marcelo Medeiros surprised with a quad win over leaders Alex Giroud and Pablo Copetti. Overall truck leader Sotnikov lost time early on, leaving Kamaz teammates Shibalov and Nikolaiev to fend off van der Brink’s Iveco at mid distance. Seth Quinterio led Red Bull teammate Christina Gutierrez and overall leader Francisco Contardo’s Can Am in the Lightweights and Austin Jones was ahead and into the overall Side by Side lead from Marek Goczal with overnight leader Rodrigo de Oliveira in trouble.

Monday’s 395 km 8th stage run across wildly changing terrain from Al Dawadimi to Wadi Ad Dawasir continues the epic two week 4,000 km race on a 6,500 km route across the Saudi Arabian Desert to Friday's finish in Jeddah.

ENDS

Issued on behalf of Dakar 2022 Daily News

For further information please contact info@motorsportmedia.co.za

https://bit.ly/3Gc1qAh

Colin-on-Cars - Audi e-tron can be pre-ordered

Colin-on-Cars - Audi e-tron can be pre-ordered

The ‘e’ in Audi is on its way and South Africa buyers looking to go electric can pre-order the e-tron on their choice from any of the 10 e-tron dealerships nationwide.

The official range, consisting of the Audi e-tron SUV, e-tron Sportback and S Sportback , e-tron GT and high performance RS e-tron GT, starts at R1,99-million, although a special launch edition is planned but Audi is keeping the wraps on the specs and pricing for now.

Outlets

There are three outlets in Johannesburg, another three in Pretoria and two dealerships in both Cape Town and Durban. The 10 Audi e-tron Dealerships will also be equipped to allow for fast electric vehicle charging and will be accessible to the public. This charging infrastructure ranges from DC 50 to 75 kW.

As part of an e-tron purchase, Audi customers will get a complimentary home check by an approved service provider to assess the customer’s individual home charging requirements, to determine the necessary upgrades or installations needed.

Accordingly, Audi will also cover the installation of a 32 Amp industrial socket up to the value of R5 000 to allow for convenient integration of single phase power (the most widely available power available in South African households) and the Audi e-tron charger, to deliver around 7,2 kW of power towards a 100% charge in an estimated 13 hour charging time.

Access

Audi South Africa has partnered with Gridcars to allow e-tron customers access to the growing public charging network in South Africa, which currently consists of more than 280 universal charge point connectors.

In addition, Audi will provide :

- A complimentary Audi branded RFID charge card for use with the Gridcars charging network.

- Complimentary first-year membership to Gridcars charging network and charging portal.

- A once-off charging voucher to allow for a convenient first-time charge at a public charging point.

e-tron SUV and Sportback get four zone climate control, adaptive air suspension, contour ambient interior lighting, power front seats with heating, comfort key with sensor controlled luggage compartment release, lane change and rear traffic assist, rear view camera, parking aid plus, Matrix LED lights with dynamic light design and turn signals, Audi connect emergency call, navigation and infotainment, Audi virtual cockpit plus, Audi smartphone interface, Bang and Olufsen premium sound system with 3D sound, and MMI navigation plus with touch response as standard.

e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT come with all of the above plus a panoramic glass sunroof, power exterior mirrors with heated, memory and dimming function, windshield with heat insulating and acoustic glass and 400 volt boost converter.

The Audi e-tron range will be available for sale in the first quarter of 2022 and will be priced as follows at launch, inclusive of the Audi Freeway Plan (5 years, 100 000 km) and a battery warranty of 8 years, 160 000 km.

Pricing:

e-tron 55 advanced R1 990 000

e-tron 55 S line R2 045 000

e-tron 55 Sportback S line R2 115 000

e-tron S Sportback R2 425 000

e-tron GT R2 715 000

RS e-tron GT R3 300 000

https://bit.ly/32BRaCN

Colin-on-Cars - Audi Q5 Sportback added to the list

The third crossover utility vehicle in the Audi range, Q5 Sportback, is now locally available with three variants plus one SQ5 option available with two engine options.

A 2,0-litre TDI engine is responsible for propulsion in the Q5 Sportback 40 TDI quattro. It produces 140 kW and 400 Nm of torque, and accelerates the large CUV from 0 to 100 km/h in 8,1 seconds on its way to a top speed of 220 km/h.

A seven-speed S tronic and the efficient quattro drive with ultra-technology provide the power transmission for the four-cylinder diesel engine. In normal driving conditions, it directs the torque exclusively to the front wheels. The moment all-wheel drive is required, two clutches instantly activate the rear axle, even predictively in many situations.

With the 2.0 TFSI, a four-cylinder petrol engine, the Audi Q5 Sportback 45 TFSI quattro sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 6,3 seconds and takes it to a top speed of 237 km/h. The petrol engine produces 183 kW and 370 Nm of torque.

Like the two-litre TDI, it uses a seven-speed S tronic transmission and the quattro drive with ultra-technology, while a 12 V mild hybrid system (MHEV) increases the efficiency. Its belt-driven starter-alternator can recover energy when decelerating and store it in a compact lithium-ion battery.

Audi offers the new crossover utility vehicle in the ‘Advanced’ and ‘S line’ exterior trim lines. Differences lie in the Singleframe, the side air inlets and in particular the rear bumper as well as the wheel size and design.

The luggage compartment has a volume of 510 litres, which increases to 1 480 litres when loaded to the roof and with the rear seats folded down. Audi also offers the newest member of the family with the optional rear seat bench plus (standard on the SQ5), which can be shifted laterally and has adjustable seat back angles.

Thanks to its tight setup, the standard sport suspension offers direct contact with the road. Audi also offers an alternative suspension with controlled dampers or the versatile and comfortable adaptive air suspension. It adjusts the ride height over a wide range of 60 mm. The ground clearance can be increased by as much as 45 mm when driving on unpaved roads, while the body is lowered by 15 mm when driving fast.

For the controls, displays and infotainment, the Q5 Sportback takes over from the Q5 with the third-generation modular infotainment system or MIB 3. When fully equipped with the optional Technology Package, the digital Audi virtual cockpit plus (with 12,3-inch display), the MMI navigation plus infotainment system (paired with a 10,1-inch touch display) and Audi connect infotainment services, offer integrated convenience and connectivity to the driving experience.

At the forefront of the range is the Audi SQ5 Sportback TFSI. Its cultivated 3,0-litre petrol engine produces an output of 260 kW and 500 Nm of torque. An actuator in the exhaust system lends the sound tone and richness. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is claimed at 4,9 seconds, with a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited). An eight-speed tiptronic handles the power transmission in the S model, while the quattro permanent all-wheel drive transfers the torque variably as needed to the front and rear axles.

Pricing

Audi Q5 Sportback 40 TDI quattro Advanced    R960,000

Audi Q5 Sportback 40 TDI quattro S line            R1,000,000

Audi Q5 Sportback 45 TFSI quattro S line          R1,050,000

Audi SQ5 Sportback TFSI quattro                       R,1,355,000

https://bit.ly/3wXugk8

 Audi tweaks Q5 range

Audi has given the Q5 a refresh and the sharpened exterior design now emphasises the Audi Q SUV identity and boasts a rear light cluster featuring digital OLED technology, for the first time. 

Up front, the octagonal Singleframe is now shallower and appears wider than before, while the side air intakes have grown in height and are now structured by trapezoidal insets and the upper section of the LED headlamps features a new signature for the daytime running lights. 

The Advanced model comes with chromed vertical ribs in the Singleframe, along with under-ride guards beneath the front and rear bumpers in silver finish instead of black. The S line model comprises a sportier honeycomb structure in the Singleframe and a chrome strip framing the rear diffusor. Both Advanced and S line models also include the high gloss styling package as standard which adds more distinctive design elements to the exterior look of the cars with the roof frame and window slot strips in anodized aluminium.

 

At 4,68 metres, the redesigned Audi Q5 is now 19 millimetres longer – due primarily to its larger bumpers. Its width (excluding mirrors) of 1,89 metres and height of 1,66 metres remain unchanged. 

Audi’s sliding rear bench plus with adjustable backrests is available as an option and enables a luggage space of 580-litres to 1 580-litres. With the normal rear bench, the luggage space measures 520-litres to 1 520-litres. 

Behind the new control setup in the updated Audi Q5 is a new main unit – the third-generation Modular Infotainment Platform (MIB 3), which offers 10 times the computing power of its predecessor, the MIB 2. 

Its basis is a conventional dashboard with a centrally positioned driver information system. The top of the range is the Audi virtual cockpit plus – a high-resolution 12,3-inch digital display with three different graphic layouts – is optionally available with the Technology package. The driver controls the displays via the multifunction steering wheel. Audi smartphone interface is now standard throughout the range. A head-up display is also available as an option.

 

The central 10,1-inch MMI touch display is standard equipment in the Q5. Its menu structure with flat hierarchies makes it extremely easy to use, and is searchable using free text. The driver has the choice of entering characters and letters manually or via voice control, which understands a vast array of everyday terms. 

The upgraded premium SUV comes to market in South Africa in two engine offerings. The Audi Q5 40 TDIhas a 2,0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine that generates 140 kW and 400 Nm of torque. The Audi Q5 40 TDI accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 7,9 seconds. 

The second engine in the range is the Audi Q5 45 TFSI. Its 2,0-litre four-cylinder TFSI engine generates 183 kW and 370 Nm of torque. The Audi Q5 45 TFSI accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 6,3 seconds. 

The mild hybrid system (MHEV) available on this model contributes to the low fuel consumption. A belt-driven starter/generator (BSG) supplies the 12-volt vehicle electrical system, which incorporates a compact lithium-ion battery. The BSG recuperates braking energy and stores it in the battery. The MHEV system enables the Audi Q5 45 TFSI to coast with the engine off, and allows for start-stop mode at speeds below 22 km/h. Overall, this results in a fuel-efficiency improvement of approx. 0,3 l/100 km. 

Both models have a seven-speed S tronic that sends the engine power to the quattro all-wheel drive with ultra-technology, which also contributes to efficiency. In normal operation, it sends all the power to the front wheels. If all-wheel drive becomes necessary, two clutches connect the rear wheels to the driveline in fractions of a second.

 

The optimized Audi SQ5 TFSI sports a V6 3,0-litre petrol engine with an output of 260 kW and 500 Nm of torque that accelerates the top model of the Q5 product line from 0 to 100 km/h in 5,4 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. 

Key standard equipment on the Audi SQ5 includes quattro with self-locking centre differential, red brake calipers with ‘S’ lettering, sports suspension system with damper control,  Audi connect navigation and infotainment, Audi virtual cockpit Plus, Audi smartphone interface, MMI Navigation plus with MMI touch, rear view camera system,  interior accent surfaces painted in glossy black, decorative inserts in matte brushed aluminium, fine Nappa leather with embossed ‘S’, sports seats in front, rear bench seat plus and sports contour leather-wrapped steering wheel with multi-function Plus in a 3-spoke flat-bottom design. 

Pricing 

Audi Q5 40 TDI quattro                         R852,000

Audi Q5 40 TDI quattro Advanced        R871,000

Audi Q5 40 TDI quattro S line               R897,000

Audi Q5 45 TFSI quattro S line             R947,000

Audi SQ5 TFSI quattro                          R1,208,000

 Not always six

Four and two does not necessarily mean six – it means the fourth generation Audi A3 Sportback and second generation A3 Sedan due in local showrooms from August. 

The Audi A3 Sportback and Sedan come in three trim lines. The Standard model offers 16-inch wheels and black detailing around the grille and air intakes. With the Advanced model, the wheel increases to 17-inches and the exterior detailing becomes chrome with Advanced line bumpers. The S line includes a modified and sportier bumper design, sports suspension, illuminated door sills with the S emblem and an S style spoiler on the Sportback. 

The digital daytime running lights of the optional Matrix LED headlights are a further innovation. On the S line model, they consist of a pixel array made up of LED segments in a three by five arrangement that create special light signatures and make the new A3 immediately recognizable.

 

The design is continued in the interior with a new gear shifter, aluminium or carbon inlays, wedge-like door handles, and an instrument panel with a black-finish look. 

With the new S3 models, the front is dominated by the Singleframe with its large rhombus-patterned grille and air inlets, while the housings of the exterior mirrors have a gleaming aluminium look. At the rear end, the large diffuser and the four exhaust tailpipes accentuate the vehicle’s sportiness.

With quattro all-wheel drive, 19-inch wheels, red brake calipers and S model specific bumpers, suspension and other S details, the S3 models are impressive characters within the new A3 range. 

The new A3 models offer more space and functionality combined with compact external dimensions. Measuring 4,34 metres in length and 1,82 metres in width (without mirrors), the A3 Sportback has grown by just over three centimetres compared with its predecessor. The height of 1.43 metres – without the roof antenna – and the wheelbase of 2.64 metres remained unchanged.

 

Depending on the position of the rear bench seat, the luggage compartment holds between 380 litres and 1 200 litres and the loading floor can be inserted at different heights. Upon request and in combination with the comfort key feature, tailgate for the Sportback and the Sedan can also be electronically operated. 

The new Audi A3 Sedan is just over 15 centimetres longer than the A3 Sportback. All other dimensions are identical. At 425 litres, the luggage capacity is the same as in the predecessor model.

 

The cockpit of the new A3 uses familiar elements from the brand’s full-size class models and is equipped with a 10,1-inch touch display as standard, which is integrated in the centre of the instrument panel. It recognises letters entered by hand, provides acoustic feedback and can be controlled using natural voice language. 

The instrument cluster, which the driver operates via the multifunction steering wheel, is now also digital as standard. The optional Audi virtual cockpit plus (as part of the Technology Package) provides additional functions such as the large display of the navigation map. It measures 12,3 inches and enables three different views, including graphics with a sporty look.

 

Individual settings can be stored in up to six user profiles – from climate control and the seat position to frequently selected navigation destinations and frequently used media. The DAB+ digital radio is included as standard and the online or hybrid radio is available as an option. Route guidance is particularly easy and flexible. 

For example, the navigation offers predictions on the development of the traffic situation and high-resolution satellite images. 

The Audi A3 model range also ushers in fully integrated connectivity, the Audi connect portfolio includes a host of online services, which offer advanced infotainment, navigation and Car-to-X services which take advantage of the swarm intelligence to service, safety and convenience built into the connected A3. 

The new Audi A3 can be connected to the user’s smartphone via the myAudi app, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, as well as via the Audi phone box. The latter connects the device to the car antenna and charges it inductively.

In South Africa, there are two engine offerings at launch, with an additional option becoming available later in 2021. The A3 35 TFSI (1.4 TFSI), with 110 kW of power and an eight-speed tiptronic transmission, serves as the entry-level engine.

 

The larger petrol engine, A3 40 TFSI (2.0 TFSI) with 140 kW, follows with seven-speed S-tronic transmission (available only from November 2021 onwards). The performance-led S3 TFSI with quattro offers 213 kW, 400 Nm and a quick-shifting seven-speed S-tronic, the selector lever of which is now designed as a compact shifter and available across the range. The driver can push and pull this to control the basic functions of the automatic transmission.

Pricing

Audi A3 Sportback 35 TFSI                                 R561,000

Audi A3 Sportback 35 TFSI Advanced               R586,000

Audi A3 Sportback 35 TFSI S line                       R601,000

Audi A3 Sportback 40 TFSI S line                       R641,000

Audi S3 Sportback TFSI quattro                         R795,000

Audi A3 Sedan 35 TFSI                                        R576,000

Audi A3 Sedan 35 TFSI Advanced                      R601,000

Audi A3 Sedan 35 TFSI S line                              R616,000

Audi A3 Sedan 40 TFSI S line                              R656,000

Audi S3 Sedan TFSI quattro                                 R810,000

 Ambitious electric plans from Volkswagen

All Volkswagen Group vehicles should be 100% zero-emission by 2050 as the company transforms itself into a software-driven mobility company with a strong focus on its brands and global technology platforms, providing synergies and scale as well as opening up new profit pools. 

“We set ourselves a strategic target to become global market leader in electric vehicles – and we are well on track. Now we are setting new parameters,” said CEO Herbert Diess during the presentation of NEW AUTO, the Group’s strategy through 2030. 

“Based on software, the next much more radical change is the transition towards much safer, smarter and finally autonomous cars. That means for us: Technology, speed and scale will matter more than today. The future of cars will be bright!”

By 2030, the Group plans to reduce its carbon footprint per car by 30% over its lifecycle (vs 2018), in line with the Paris Agreement. In the same timeframe, the share of battery-electric vehicles is expected to rise to 50%, while in 2040, nearly 100% of all new Group vehicles in major markets should be zero- emission. 

Profit and revenue pools are expected to shift gradually from internal combustion engine cars (ICs) to battery-electric vehicles (BEs) and then to software and services, boosted by autonomous driving. The ICE market is set to decline by more than 20% over the next 10 years. 

In parallel, BEVs are projected to grow rapidly and overtake ICEs as a leading technology. At an estimated €1,2-trillion, by 2030, software enabled sales could add around one third on top of the expected BEV and ICE sales, more than doubling the overall mobility market from around €2-trillion today to a projected €5-trillion. 

Individual mobility, based on cars, is expected to still account for 85% of the market and Volkswagen’s business. 

“We intend to install industry leading platforms across strong brands, to be able to have more scale and capture even more synergies in the future”, CFO Arno Antlitz said. “We will scale our BEV- platforms, we want to develop a leading automotive software stack. 

“And we will continue to invest in autonomous driving and mobility services. During this transition, our robust ICE business will help to generate the profits and cash flows to do so.” 

Volkswagen is also committed to reducing material costs by another 7% and is optimising its ICE business with fewer models, a reduced ICE drivetrain portfolio and a better price mix.

 

The comprehensive approach across four key technology platforms is meant to allow Volkswagen Group to generate synergies for all passenger and light commercial vehicle brands as well and can also be partially leveraged for trucks. Synergies are expected to arise in many areas: from a universal BEV product architecture to CARIAD’s global software platform, own cell and battery production at scale, all the way to a mobility platform that bundles a range of services seamlessly. 

The SSP (Scalable Systems Platform) as Volkswagen Group’s next generation mechatronics platform will significantly reduce complexity over time and will extend the consolidation from three ICE-platforms to two BEV-platforms, to finally one unified architecture for the whole product portfolio. From 2026 onwards, the Group plans to start the production of pure electric vehicles on the SSP. 

Markus Duesmann, CEO of Audi, said: “Introducing the SSP means leveraging our strengths in platform management and building on our capabilities to maximize synergies across segments and brands. In  the long run, our SSP will significantly reduce complexity in mechatronics. It particularly is the enabler to manage future challenges in vehicle development, as cars become more and more software-oriented.”

Volkswagen Group’s automotive software company CARIAD plans to develop the leading software platform by 2025, as one software backbone for all group cars. 

“Software plays the decisive role in the transformation from a pure car company to an integrated mobility group. By 2030, software – on the basis of automated driving – can become a major source of income in our industry”, said CARIAD CEO Dirk Hilgenberg. The new unified 2.0 software platform for on-board connectivity and software to be rolled out throughout

Volkswagen also plans to establish a controlled battery supply chain and is introducing one unified battery cell format with up to 50% cost reduction and up to 80% use cases by 2030. Six giga factories in Europe with a total production capacity of 240 GWh by 2030 will help to secure battery supply. 

By 2030, Volkswagen Group will also have systems capabilities for autonomous shuttle fleets, owning some of them and expanding its offerings of mobility services and financing. Mobility as a service and transport as a service, fully autonomous, will be an integral part of NEW AUTO. 

Volkswagen Group is already involved in a self-driving system for autonomous shuttles with its strategic partner ARGO AI. CARIAD will develop level four automated driving capabilities for passenger vehicles. The Group could thus create the biggest neuronal network of vehicles on the streets worldwide. 

With pilot projects in Munich, Volkswagen Group is currently testing the first autonomous buses and is planning to roll out similar projects in other cities in Germany, China and the US. 

Christian Senger, CTO of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: “By the end of the decade, automated driving will completely change the world of mobility. Together with ARGO AI, we are developing an industry leading self-driving system which will enable us to offer completely new mobility services and autonomous transport services. Volkswagen Group is aiming for a significant market share and additional revenue streams in this important future business.”

 The apple of your eye

Just one engine option is on offer for South African buyers of the new Audi Q2 that comes in 17 mm longer than before and showcases apple green as a new body colour. 

Although marginally longer, the wheelbase of 2,60 metres, the width of 1,79 metres, and the height of 1,508 metres remain the same. 

In terms of styling, Audi designers have applied the motif of the polygon, which already characterised the front and shoulder line, to the rear end as well where the bumper has an integrated angular diffuser insert with large pentagons on both sides. 

The front has also been modified and the surfaces below the headlights have a more distinctive shape. The large implied air inlets, which are also pentagonal, also appear even more expressive, especially in the S line trim line. 

In addition to the basic version, Audi offers the advanced and S line exterior trim lines. In the basic version, the attachments in the lower area of the body are grained black; in the Advanced line, they are painted in Manhattan grey, and in the S line, they are painted in the body colour. All lines include mirror housings in the body colour, and the front entries feature aluminium strips. The optional black styling package further enhances the Q2’s expressive exterior design with black accents and elements. 

Even in the standard version, the revised Q2 illuminates the road with LED headlights and Audi will install the new Matrix LED headlights upon request. 

The compact SUV is launched in the South African market with one engine offering. The 1.4 TFSI that powers the Q2 35 TFSI has an output of 110 kW and produces 250 Nm of torque. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h takes 8,8 seconds; its peak is 213 km/h. The vehicle is fitted with an 8-speed tiptronic gearbox. 

In the basic interior, standard or sport seats are available with fabric upholstery or a combination of leather and leatherette (artificial leather). Standard seat upholstery includes script fabric in black. Sports seats are available in index fabric as standard and is finished off in black with rock grey accents. Sports seats can be optionally upgraded with leather / leatherette upholstery or as part of the S line interior package, these are finished off in black colour with rock grey stitching. The upholstery also features embossed S logos on the backrest in the latter offering. 

Customers who order the contour ambient lighting package can choose from 10 colours to add visual lighting personality to the interior of the new Audi Q2. As part of this package, the decorative inserts within the cabin are able to light up as well. 

Audi offers four distinct local equipment packages: 

Comfort Package: electric tailgate; 4-way lumbar support; seat heaters in front; storage and luggage compartment package with two rear USB’s. 

Tech Package: MMI navigation plus; Audi smartphone interface; Audi virtual cockpit. 

Black styling package: only available on the Advanced and S line models and includes Singleframe in black; front and rear bumper trims in black; exterior mirrors in black; side blade in black; 19-inch 10-spoke Y style wheels in black; sports suspension. This package is only available with the Advanced and S line models. 

S line interior package: only available on the Advanced and S line models and includes decorative inserts in matte brushed aluminium; S line emblems; headliner in black fabric; interior aluminium look; pedal and foot rest in stainless steel; scuff plates with aluminium inserts in front and illuminated with “S” logo as well. This package is only available with the Advanced and S line models. 

Standard equipment includes the progressive steering, which becomes more and more direct the further the driver turns the steering wheel. Since the model is front-wheel drive, wishbones and MacPherson suspension struts guide the front wheels and a torsion-beam structure is installed in the rear. 

The sport suspension lowers the body by 10 millimetres (standard with the S line model). The Audi drive select dynamic handling system enables the driver to configure the drive, steering assistance, and other systems in five modes: auto, efficiency, comfort, dynamic, and individual. 

With roughly 20 centimetres of ground clearance, the compact SUV also does well on unpaved roads. The ESC stabilisation control has an integrated offroad mode. 

The new Audi Q2 comes standard with a five year Audi Freeway Plan. 

Audi Q2 35 TFSI                        R545,500

Audi Q2 35 TFSI Advanced       R567,500

Audi Q2 35 TFSI S line               R581,500