Road Review Mercedes-Benz GLE 63 S Coupé 

This car is legally insane!

 This car is the Mercedes-Benz GLE 63 S Coupé kitted with an AMG 4,0-litre V8 biturbo engine whacking out 450 kW and 850 Nm. 

Impressive numbers indeed. However, the numbers themselves do not mean that much despite much beer-fuelled banter around the braai fire. Consider a race car with similar numbers that offers them up only in small band between, say 6 000 r/min and 9 000 r/min. 

Not ideal for negotiating the morning traffic. What makes the numbers significant is how they are delivered and the GLE releases maximum torque from 2 250 r/min with peak power around 5 750 r/min – mean it is not only blisteringly fast but gives and keeps on giving. 

In fact, on the private landing strip used during my test I ran out of road before the GLE ran out of breath. 

Acceleration from 0-100 km/h comes up in 3,9 seconds!

For the first time, the new GLE 63’s 4,0-litre V8 biturbo engine is fitted with an integrated EQ Boost starter-alternator that combines a starter motor and an alternator in a single, powerful electric motor. It provides an additional 16 kW of output and 250 Nm of torque which can be called upon temporarily and also supplies the 48-volt on-board electrical system to use as a power generator and perform hybrid functions. These include boost, recuperate, load point shift, gliding and the virtually imperceptible restarting of the engine with the start/stop function.  

Power is regulated through a 9-speed transmission, which features extremely short shift times and fast multiple downshifts, and delivers an especially emotive gear shifting experience thanks to the double-declutching function. 

For increased efficiency, Mercedes-AMG has also equipped the V8 engines with cylinder shut-off. In the partial-load range, cylinders two, three, five and eight are deactivated, which crucially reduces fuel consumption. When the driver has selected the Comfort drive program, the cylinder deactivation system is available from 1 000 r/min to 3 250 r/min. The transition between these two operating states is so smooth and immediate passengers will scarcely feel it. 

And, herein is the conundrum. The ‘G’ portion of the nomenclature signifies a car with off road capability but, why would anyone want to take this high-rise on steroids off-road? 

Perhaps it is just the ‘old school’ in me but, when I’m nudging over the 200 km/h mark, I like my butt to be mere millimetres from the ground. Talking of that 200 number, from that speed the GLE picks up some buffeting from its own wind both smashing a hole in the air ahead of the car and from the vacuum effect created at the rear. 

It is not hugely significant, rather a touch disconcerting.

Perhaps, even surprisingly, the GLE handles rather well for what it is and will take on tight corners with minimal body roll and even less feeling of wanting to come unglued from the road, even with its 2 445-kilogram mass. 

Being a 4Matic all-wheel drive, it will plough on at initial turn-in but quickly steady and follow steering directions precisely. 

In ‘Race’ mode all bets are off though and ill-considered entry into corners will produce some lurid moments as the ‘nanny’ systems cease to provide assistance to the driver. 

For daily driving and standard use set in ‘Comfort’ mode, the best is tamed and remains absolutely gentle, just the choogling boogies of the V8 a delicious reminder of what lurks within. In this frame of mind, fuel consumption is around 12,9 l/100 km. 

The exterior design of the AMG GLE is muscular and distinctive, with specific radiator grilles with vertical louvres affirming its membership of the AMG model family. The side skirts, exterior mirror housings and flared wheel arches are painted in the vehicle colour and seamlessly blend into the overall look. 

I mulled over the look for a long time and could not get away from the side view appearing a bit like one of compacted cartoon drawings of a car. It is a big vehicle, yet the proportions just did not seem right to me – perhaps just missing that elongated bonnet of the sedan. 

Also, unless you are a tallish driver with the seat position set low, the more vertically challenged (like me) with a higher seat position tend to fall foul of the rake coupé shape, clocking the head on the door frame getting in and out. 

Once inside, it is more spacious than it might convey from the outside, although tall people in the rear seats may be compromised by the sharply dropping roofline.

 

AMG-specific interior appointments and controls lend the cockpit a hallmark AMG atmosphere and the latest generation, three-spoke AMG Performance steering wheel with aluminium shift paddles looks the business. 

AMG seats are upholstered in Nappa Leather, as a standard and individually adjustable ambient lighting also comes as standard, while the second seat row is optionally available with full electric adjustment. 

The vehicle functions are directly visualised on the instrument cluster on the left side and on the touchscreen display on the right, and visually blend into a Widescreen Cockpit. The centre console has an AMG-specific control panel with additional switches with which the 3-stage ESP, manual transmission mode, the adaptive damping adjustment, the optional AMG Performance exhaust system and the suspension level can be controlled.  

Through the voice control – activated with the phrase ‘Hey Mercedes’ – the AI software recognises and understands practically all commands common in infotainment and vehicle control.  

The standard AMG RIDE CONTROL+ air suspension and the adaptively adjustable ADS+ (Adaptive Damping System) can be preselected in three stages - Comfort, Sport and Sport+, allowing a much more obvious distinction between high long-distance comfort and sporty vehicle dynamics.  

Thanks to pneumatic self-levelling, the GLE maintains a constant ride height regardless of the vehicle load. This can be adjusted depending on the driving mode, or manually using a rocker switch in the centre console. The vehicle level is generally lowered by 10 mm in Sport, Sport+ and RACE mode, while in Comfort mode, the vehicle is lowered by 10 mm from a speed of 120 km/h, and raised back to normal level when the speed falls below 70 km/h.

In Trail and Sand modes, the suspension is raised by 55 mm to increase ground clearance on poor surfaces, and automatically lowered to normal level when the speed reaches 70 km/h. This function can also be controlled using the rocker switch. 

The all-wheel drive is controlled depending on the selected stage of the 3-stage Electronic Stability Program ESP – from sporty, with a focus on safety, to highly dynamic. To further improve traction the it has an electronically controlled locking differential at the rear axle as standard. The slip is thus suppressed at the inner wheel on bends, allowing the driver to accelerate out of corners earlier and with more power thanks to the improved traction. 

The GLE 63 Sis equipped with 400 mm x 38 mm brake discs at the front, plus 370 mm x 32 mm discs at the rear. As an option, a high-performance ceramic brake system can be ordered.  

As with all Mercedes-Benz products there are raft of options that can be added to the basic package including the AMG Night Package, MBUX Innovation Package, MBUX Augmented Reality for navigation, AMG Performance Exhaust system and Magic Vision Control among them. 

Base Price - R2 970 920.

 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

 Toyota Land Cruiser enters local showrooms

Toyota’s Land Cruiser gains a Sport model for the first time as the new range of Land Cruiser 300 models make their local debut. 

The Land Cruiser 300 also introduces a new grade line-up, namely GX-R, ZX and GR-S. GX-R remains the utility-focussed model and serves as the entry point to the range, while the ZX replaces the VX-R as the luxury model. 

The GR Sport (aka GR-S) grade gains bespoke exterior styling and trim and 18-inch alloy wheels, while adopting an off-road-biased specification list - without skimping on any comfort or convenience. This model joins the other Gazoo Racing (GR) products, and expands the GR brand into Land Cruiser territory for the first time.  

The ZX model in turn takes on a more 'image-focused' persona, with 20-inch alloy wheels, chrome detailing and luxury-oriented interior trim.

 On the design front, the '300' features a different profile to Its '200' predecessor. While the design is unmistakably angular in execution, it has a greater dynamic presence, while inn profile the newcomer bears a passing resemblance to the 80-series of the '90's - keeping the classic two-box look. 

The rear features large trapezoidal taillamps with stylised light guides which are complemented by large Land Cruiser lettering and the Toyota Insignia.    

The '300' model is a 'ground-up' design, featuring an all-new TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform designated as TNGA-F. The F indicates the first ladder-frame execution of TNGA – a fact that should find favour with off-road enthusiasts. 

An all-new engine line-up propels the newcomer and buyers have the choice of a 3,5-litre V6 Twin Turbo petrol engine or 3,3-litre V6 Turbo-diesel. 

The petrol V6 offers 305 kW at 5 200 r/min with 650 Nm available from 2 000 r/min, while the new diesel delivers 225 kW at 4 000 r/min with 700 Nm available between 1 600 r/min and 2 600 r/min. Top speed is pegged at 210 km/h for both variants. The new engines are mated to a new 10-speed automatic transmission with low-range functionality.   

Fuel consumption figures are listed as 12,1 l/100 km for the Petrol and 8,9 l/100 km for the diesel - with CO2 emissions checking in at 291 and 238 respectively. 

All models boast a comprehensive specification level including LED headlamps with integrated DRLs, keyless entry with auto-door-lock, park distance control, an electric parking brake, climate control with rear zone, power driver-seat adjustment, Multi-Information Display (MID), built-in Navigation (with Tracks 4 Africa support on GX-R), multiple power outlets with charging port, Crawl Control and Drive Mode Select.

 The ZX and GR-S additionally feature power fold-down third-row seating, a power-operated back door with hands-free function, heated steering wheel with wood accents, JBL 14-speaker audio system with DVD playback and 12,3-inch screen, Multi-Terrain Monitor with Panoramic View, seat heating and ventilation for first and second-row passengers, a wireless charger and tyre pressure monitoring. All models have Apple CarPlay/Android Auto functionality. 

The ZX model adds a Wi-Fi enabled rear-seat entertainment system with wireless headphones, while the GR-S model features a high-tech E-KDSS system to maximise off-road capability. Both variants also feature additional drive mode select modes and a Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system for superior vehicle control. 

E-KDSS is an evolution of the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), which links the wheels via hydraulically-supported stabiliser bars – providing wheel articulation and body-roll control. The advantage of the E-KDSS system, is the ability to lock the wheels together for excellent on-road handling and then unlock the stabiliser bars when required to promote excellent wheel articulation (+30 mm versus the current model) for off-road use.  

Toyota Safety Sense is fitted to both the ZX and GR-S grades and offers a full suite of active safety aids with autonomous driving technologies such as Lane Trace Assist and all-speed radar cruise control. The usual supporting functions such as Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Lane Departure Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) with braking, and Adaptive High Beam are also included. 

Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Active Traction Control (ATRC) and Hill Assist Control (HAC), join Trailer Sway Control (TSC), Downhill Assist Control (DAC) and the obligatory ABS, EBD and Brake Assist (BA) driver support systems. 

The GX-R is available with two textile interior trims, Black or Neutral Beige. The ZX model offers buyers a choice of three interior colour schemes with Black, a Black and Dark Red combination or Neutral Beige being the options. The GR-S features GR-specific interior trim with a choice of either Black or a Black and Dark Red combo.  

Model Line-up

Land Cruiser 300 GX-R 3.3D     - R 1 283 200

Land Cruiser 300 ZX 3.3D          - R 1 765 500

Land Cruiser 300 ZX 3.5T          - R 1 797 100

Land Cruiser 300 GR-S 3.3D     - R 1 811 900

Land Cruiser 300 GR-S 3.5T      - R 1 842 900 

All LC300 models are sold with a 9-services / 90 000 km service plan with service intervals set at 12-months or 10 000 km (whichever occurs first). A 3-year/100 000 km Warranty is included across the board. Customers can also purchase service, maintenance plan and warranty extensions from their nearest Toyota dealer.

 Table Mountain a perfect backdrop for Formula E

The backdrop of Table Mountain is being viewed as a welcome addition to the Formula E world series for 2022 and it joins New York’s Statue of Liberty and the Eiffel Tower in Paris as iconic landmarks hosting the mainly street race competition. 

In early July it was announced that Cape Town would become the first Southern African city to host the all-electric Formula E racing series, joining a host of the world’s most iconic cities to present the ABB FIA Formula World Championship. 

The announcement was made by the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) in Geneva following the scheduled meeting to approve the calendar and by Formula E Operations.

The panel included South African Gary Ekerold, the Jaguar Racing Formula E Team Sporting Manager, together with Formula E Co-Founder and CEO Alberto Longo and key representatives of the e-Movement team. 

Jaguar South Africa, Founding Partner to the Formula E Cape Town E-Prix bid, supported the drive to host the first Formula E event in Cape Town. 

Gary Ekerold, Sporting Manager Jaguar Racing, says: “On behalf of Jaguar Racing and the five South Africans involved directly in our team, we’d like to say congratulations to Formula E, e-Movement and obviously Jaguar South Africa as Founding Partner to this bid. 

“Cape Town has put itself in Pole Position to have its share of global tourism, and hopefully this will have positive implications for its economy. It’s been a long time since South Africa has hosted an FIA World Championship single seater racing event [since the 1993 South African Grand Prix], so to go back there and show Cape Town all about e-mobility and electric racing is absolutely fantastic”

Alberto Longo, Formula E Co-Founder and CEO, added: “South Africa ticks the box of every single thing we need in order to host a race of Formula E. To start with I’m sure you’re aware we race in the heart of the biggest cities in the world. 

“We want to go to iconic venues that you can really identify very quickly in one shot on TV, and I think this is one of the main reasons we are in South Africa – because they really offer us one of the best, most amazing locations that we will ever do a race at. Having Table Mountain as a backdrop which is a landmark of the city, the sea, the stadium, I think we are going to be able to put a fantastic event up there. 

“And then the passion of South Africans, the heritage of motor sport there, they just love motor sports. I think it’s a place where every serious and professional motor sport series must do an event. Without saying we have amazing partners there, amazing promoters, and the city has expressed an interest in hosting an event there for a long time, so all the things that needed to happen in order for us to decide on a new venue happened in South Africa”.

Support for the event, both in South Africa and internationally, underlines the role of hosting Formula E races in driving economic development, especially in tourism where it is invigorating the events sector, and providing much-needed job opportunities. 

The event also provides an opportunity for Cape Town and the country to demonstrate its environmental, commercial, and technological credentials on a global scale. Formula E is seen as a catalyst for innovation, investment, and job creation in the much-needed e-mobility and sustainable energy space. 

Iain Banner, Co-Founder and Chairman of e-Movement, says: “South Africans can look forward to a week-long festival of events and activities celebrating sustainability. The race is what I call the celebration. But we’ve come up with what we are calling the e-Fest. And the e-Fest is a five-day program around sustainability and eMobility. So, we’ll have a two-day conference of eMobility where we’ll have all things ‘E’ from one-wheelers to bicycles, possibly even a plane and a boat to showcase to the public what ‘E’ is all about both now and going into the future. 

“We’ve also got a golf tournament which Ernie Els is hosting for us where our drivers and team principals will play with sponsors and others in the eco-system. And then very importantly we’ve got a climate change summit where we’ll be talking about all things sustainable. And a big initiative in taking this to Cape Town is not only to race, but to grow the economy and promote eBusiness as well.

Cape Town Mayor Dan Plato is just as enthusiastic.

“Cape Town is pleased to be chosen as one of the cities to participate in the Formula E tournament. The event will unlock major investment, job creation and tourism potential through identifying Cape Town as the racing destination of the African continent. We look forward to working towards this event. The City has the necessary infrastructure and skills to host an event of this size and we are confident that the event will further cement Cape Town’s global reputation as the World’s Leading Festival and Event Destination.” 

Since its inception in 2014, Formula E has attracted millions of viewers, drawn to the excitement of cars racing the downtown streets of some of the world’s most picturesque cities at speeds of up to 280 km/h. 

Local broadcasters, Supersport and SABC, have committed to promoting the event and have already started to broadcast the Season 7 races in South Africa. 

The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship actively promotes electric mobility and alternative energy solutions to contribute to reducing air pollution, which the World Health Organisation estimates kills more than seven million people a year. Electric vehicles provide one of the most effective solutions to reduce carbon air pollution.

 JAC Motors grows local footprint

Ahead of the imminent launch of the JAC T9 2,5-litre turbo-diesel large body double-cab, JAC Motors South Africa is showing a healthy sales performance on local shores, realising the exact sales numbers for the first semester of 2021 as recorded for the entire 2020 calendar year. 

Since its market inception in 2017, its sales steadily grew despite new car sales declining by 2,8% and 21,9% in 2019 and 2020. 

JAC Motors has grown its local dealer footprint over the last year from 30 to more than 50 dealers countrywide and in Namibia, making it more convenient for customers in the country's outskirts to service their bakkies and trucks.

 

"The South African market is an important right-hand-drive market for the company, which is evident in the latest technology products being available to the local market," says Karl-Heinz Göbel, CEO of JAC Motors South Africa. "Just a few weeks ago, we delivered our new N55 EV battery-electric truck to an ecstatic customer." 

During the first semester of this year, the company recorded year-over-year sales growth of 36,1%, with almost 300 000 units sold in the Chinese domestic market. The sales of commercial vehicles increased to 165 552 units, representing a 16,1% growth. 

Passenger car sales increased by 78.8% during the same period, while electric vehicle sales increased to 55 611 units, a 225,1% year-over-year growth. 

Export sales showed a 125,8% year-over-year growth, signalling JAC Motors' ambition to establish an extensive global footprint. The company exports left and right-hand-drive vehicles to more than 130 countries, including South America, Africa, the Middle East, Central- and South-East Asia and Eastern Europe.                                                                                                         

JAC Motors' sales performance for 2020 in the Chinese domestic market recorded an impressive 7,6% year-over-year increase despite new-vehicle sales declining by 1,4% during the same period, mainly due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

"The inspiring performance of our Brand globally means the latest technology products, such as the exciting all-new T9 2.5-litre turbo-diesel large body double-cab, will soon be introduced in the local market," concludes Göbel.

 New designs for greener future from BMW

Designed by BMW but to be manufactured by an independent third party, the quest for an electric future has taken the Munich, Germany company back to the two and three-wheel drawing board. 

With the unveiling of the electrified bicycle Concept Dynamic Cargo and the e-scooter Concept Clever Commute, the BMW Group engineers are transferring know-how from the automotive sector to concepts for micromobility vehicles.

Bicycles offer great flexibility of use, produce zero emissions and are one of the fastest and most efficient means of transport in urban areas. However, rainy, cold or slippery conditions are usually all it takes for the majority of cyclists to switch to public transport or their car instead. 

The same applies when they need to carry loads that are too large for a standard luggage rack to handle, such as a larger food shop, or to transport children. A wide range of cargo bikes are now available that offer an additional alternative to using the car for urban trips. 

However, many cargo bike concepts are wider and, above all, longer than normal bicycles due to the requirements for transporting loads and/or children. In conjunction with the resulting additional weight and the possible payload, this leads to restrictions of varying degrees compared to normal bicycles, particularly with regard to driving agility and handling.

"Our goal was to develop a concept that retains the agility and driving feel of a normal bicycle while adding innovative, safe transport options," says Jochen Karg, Head of Vehicle Concepts in the BMW Group's New Technologies and China division. "The ‘Concept Dynamic Cargo’ is the first dynamic 'pick-up' cargo bike that combines driving pleasure with flexible use and increased year-round suitability."

The key component of the three-wheeled Concept Dynamic Cargo is the front main frame, which is connected to the rear section via a pivot axle and tilts in corners. The rear section remains stable through all corners without tilting towards the road.

 

This combines with the electrified powertrain – which is activated as soon as the rider starts to pedal and drives the two rear wheels – to make the cargo bike just as easy to ride as a standard bicycle. As well as producing far greater riding stability in all weather conditions compared to two-wheeler designs, the rear wheels with their rigid, non-pivoting axle mounting also provide the basis for a versatile, pick-up-style transport platform. 

This can be fitted with a selection of modular attachments for carrying luggage and/or children. The modular design principle paves the way for many more use cases, too. The non-pivoting design of the transport platform has the additional benefit that the rider is barely aware of any extra weight being carried, enabling safe, stable transportation of all loads while also ensuring a pleasurable riding experience.

The concept is rounded off by a facility for adding a modular system of weather protection. Together with the superior riding safety, which proves especially useful in adverse weather, this makes the Concept Dynamic Cargo an attractive means of transport all year round.

Although the BMW Group will not manufacture the Concept Dynamic Cargo itself, it is already in discussions with potential licensees.

E-scooters offer flexible usability, zero local emissions and the ability to get city dwellers to their destination extremely quickly over short ‘last-mile’ urban journeys. The uptake of e-scooters for private ownership has been relatively slow to date. Robust models that can be ridden safely are difficult to take onto public transport or carry by car due to their size, while small, more portable models suffer from poor riding stability.

With its Concept Clever Commute, the BMW Group is now presenting an e-scooter that folds easily for carrying on public transport and/or by car without compromising on riding stability in any way. 

In public transport mode, the footboard folds up at the sides and the rear wheel pivots into the resulting aperture from below. This mechanism shortens the wheelbase of the Clever Commute substantially so that it can even be carried on an escalator without difficulty. 

This is an important requirement if the journey includes underground transport routes. It can also be rolled along on both wheels in this mode, rather like a trolley case. And the front wheel’s integral hub motor provides an electric impulse that makes it easier to push the Clever Commute up ramps. The e-scooter’s compact dimensions when folded up means it should be possible to take it on all forms of public transport free of charge.

The Clever Commute can be folded up to a size that fits easily into small vehicle boots, with larger boots able to accommodate several of them for family outings. In the BMW Group range, this means that the Clever Commute fits into luggage compartments lengthways from the 3 Series upwards, for example, without any need to fold down the rear backrest, and it can be carried crossways in MINI boots.

With its unique product characteristics, the Clever Commute is a versatile companion in the city and allows any journey to be completed quickly, safely and easily. Its transformability makes it a truly ideal solution for multimodal travel.

Although the BMW Group will not manufacture the Concept Clever Commute itself, it is already in discussions with potential licensees.

Both micromobility concepts have been designed to offer a range of over 20 kilometres. One final very important feature for city use is the battery pack, which can be removed and charged at home.

 Richard Hammond collection on auction

Former Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond is funding his new business venture by offering eight of his personal vehicles to be sold by Silverstone Auctions at The Classic at Silverstone on Sunday, August 1. 

All proceeds are to support his new business venture The Smallest Cog, a classic vehicle restoration business that will be documented in Richard Hammond’s Workshop (working title), a brand-new original docuseries airing on discovery+ UK later this year. 

“The irony of me supporting my new classic car restoration business by selling some of my own classic car collection is not wasted on me” says Hammond. 

He went on to add: “It is with a very heavy heart that they go, as they have a great deal of personal sentimental value, but they will be funding the future development of the business and giving life back to countless other classic vehicles.” 

Several of the classics are personal favourites of Hammond, with classic and limited-edition motorcycles he bought himself for his 40^th and 50^th birthdays on offer, as well as a much-loved family heirloom in the 1959 Bentley S2. 

The other lots include a stunning 1969 Porsche 911T, a 1927 Sunbeam Model 2 motorcycle, a classic 1999 Lotus Esprit Sport 350 which is number 5 of 48 built, a 1932 Velocette KSS Mk1 and a highly collectable 1977 Moto Guzzi Le Mans Mk1. The entire collection is being offered without reserve. 

Separate to his private collection, a widely publicised and beautifully restored Ford RS2000 was also due to go under the hammer the same weekend, but Hammond has deferred the release of this vehicle until the Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show Sale in September 2021 which will be hosted by Silverstone Auctions’ sister company, Classic Car Auctions (CCA). This is to allow more time for The Smallest Cog to complete the car to their exacting standards. 

Nick Whale, Managing Director of Silverstone Auctions, added: “We are delighted to have Richard both attending our sale but also joining us on the rostrum to introduce the collection. These vehicles clearly have a special place in his heart, so I’m sure it is going to be a day of mixed emotions for him, but we are confident we can deliver a keen bidding audience that will do his new business proud, we wish him the best of luck.” 

The Classic Sale at Silverstone is taking place from Friday, July 30 through to Sunday, August 1 in The Wing Building at Silverstone. The Richard Hammond Collection will be offered from 2pm during the Sunday auction.

 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross ups its game

Incredibly silly puns keep leaping into my head as I’m busy trying to write this piece about the updated and refreshed Mitsubishi Eclipse (yes, the new one eclipses the outgoing model) that gets a revised exterior design along with enhanced technology and connectivity features. 

“Through dynamic performance, spirited design and progressive technology, the new Eclipse Cross is crafted to ignite passion. It will inspire customers to be bold and to break away from the norm,” explains Nic Campbell, general manager of Mitsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA).

The new model’s styling is a balance between the sporty wedge shape of a coupé and the practicality, space and comfort of a SUV. With an increased length of 140 mm, the Eclipse Cross has evolved from being “muscularly agile” to “sleekly athletic”. 

The rear has evolved from the previous shape and the split rear tailgate window has been replaced by a sculpted hexagonal design with a single piece of glass. The rear boot end has also undergone a styling change, boasting a sportier look. The rear lamps now have a distinctive three-dimensional Y-shaped design, and extend upward and inward elegantly to follow the shape of the outside of the tailgate glass. 

Additional exterior features include electrically adjustable foldaway mirrors with indicator light, projector LED headlights with levelling device, daytime running lights (DRL), dusk-sensing headlamps, front fog lamps, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, front and rear park distance control.

 

“Spaciousness is one of the greatest strengths of the new Eclipse Cross. Finding a comfortable driving position is easy thanks to electric seat adjustment, now standard for both the driver and passenger seats, whilst maintaining plenty of head and leg room for all occupants,” says Campbell. 

The longer length of the body also means a larger boot capacity of 437 litres, increasing to 1 074 litres with the rear seats folded flat without compromising on the spare wheel tyre size. 

Interior highlights include a Smartphone-Link Display Audio (SDA) featuring Android Auto and Apple Car Play mirroring, trip information, fuel consumption data, vehicle health indicators and air-conditioning comfort display settings.

 

The new Eclipse Cross will be offered in two derivatives. Both are front-wheel drive and feature a continuously variable transmission (CVT). 

There are two engine options, the first being Mitsubishi’s latest 1,5-litre four-cylinder turbo-charged petrol engine offering 110 kW at 5 500 r/min with 250 Nm of peak torque on tap between 2 000 r/min to 3 500 r/min. 

This powerplant is coupled with an eight-step automatic INVECS-III CVT gearbox. 

The second engine option is the 2,0-litre MIVEC DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine that uses a multipoint fuel injection system and offers 110 kW of power at 6 000 r/min and peak torque of 198 Nm at 4 200 r/min. 

Coupled to this engine is Mitsubishi’s six-step INVECS-III CVT. 

Safety features include reinforced impact safety evolution (RISE) body construction, seven crash bags, anti-lock braking system with brake assist (BAS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), active yaw control, hill start assist (HAS), active stability and traction control (ASCT) and rear view camera on the list.

 

The new Eclipse Cross range is priced from R459 995 for the 2.0 GLS derivative and R499 995 for the 1.5t GLS offering. 

“When one considers the Eclipse Cross has a strong SUV heritage and represents all the best attributes of the Mitsubishi brand, this makes it stand out amongst vehicles that offer affordability and very little else. Here you have a unique, high-quality vehicle that is packed with standard features and offers exceptional value for money too,” Campbell enthuses. 

It has a 3-year/100 000 km warranty, a 5-year/90 000 km service plan and five-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance. Service intervals are set at 15 000 km.

 Three options for new Mazda BT-50

In keeping with the naming conventions of its passenger car range, the new Mazda BT-50 – generation three – will feature three derivatives in Active, Dynamic and Individual specification. 

The Active model features a new 1,9-litre diesel engine with automatic or manual gearbox whereas the Dynamic and Individual models host the new 3,0-litre 6-speed automatic. The Individual model is available with the 4x4 drivetrain, whereas all other models are available in the 4x2 drivetrain. 

From the outside, the BT-50 follows Mazda’s Kodo Design language where the prominent front grille, and the 3-dimensional signature wing that extends out towards the side, make it instantly recognizable as a Mazda product.

 The design of the headlights is distinct and sharp, taking in cues from Mazda’s SUV range, while the load-bay has ample room and can handle payloads of one ton. At the back, the tailgate is the key design point, shaped to flow towards the Mazda badge to create a continuity of movement from front to rear. 

Standard exterior features on the BT-50 range include; LED Headlamps, Daytime Running Lamps, Rear Combination Lamps and Front rain-sensing wipers. 

Inside, everything from the dashboard, steering wheel, seats and centre console has been redesigned and the horizontal layout of the instrument panel extends out to the door trim on each side, creating a comfortable and spacious cabin. 

It has door mouldings that wrap around the dash area  and an expansive centre console, while rear passengers get a USB charging port, rear air ducts and grip assist handles.

 

The BT-50 features an instrument cluster with two round analogue meters flanking a 4,2-inch multi-information display in the centre. The front air-conditioning louvres feature sculpted three-dimensional depth. They are accented by a sharp strip of decorative trim that spreads out from the centre of the instrument panel toward the passenger seat. 

The wide cab offers 1 463 mm of shoulder room in the front seats and 770 mm between the driver and front passenger seats. 

The adjustable driver’s seat ensures comfort by also offering six-way seat adjustment and there is a manual lumber support function for the driver seat on the Dynamic and Individual model.

 The rear seats have a tether strap that can be wrapped over the seatbelt to prevent them getting hooked behind the seat when folding the seat back. There is rear centre armrest with cupholders, 1,5-litre bottle holders in the doors as well as clearly marked ISOFIX points, storage compartments and a USB port. Behind the front seats there is a hook, allowing passengers to hang a coat, handbag or anything up to 4 kg. 

The infotainment system comes with a 7-inch or 9-inch display screen, smartphone connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and connectivity information is also delivered to the instrument panel. The Active model has 6-speaker surround sound and 8-speakers on the Dynamic and Individual models.

The BT-50 offers a high level of safety across the range with standard safety features including Auto door lock, Reverse Camera, Smart Advanced Keyless Entry, ISOFIX and Driver, Passenger, Knee (driver), Curtain and Side crash bags. 

It has anti-lock Braking with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) as well as Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) which includes the following functions: Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Launch Assist (HLA), Hill Descent Control (HDC), Roll Over Mitigation (ROM) as well as Trailer Sway Mitigation (TSM), also standard from the entry level BT-50. 

The All-New Mazda BT-50 comes standard with a 3-Year Unlimited Kilometre Mazda Service Plan, 3-Year Unlimited Kilometre Mazda Warranty and a 3-Year Unlimited Roadside Assistance. 

MODEL LINE-UP

Mazda BT-50 1.9L Active 6MT & 6AT 4x2

* Max Power (kW @ rpm): 110

* Max Torque (Nm @ rpm): 350

* 6-Speed manual/automatic transmission

* 7 Airbags SRS: Driver, Passenger, Knee, Side & Curtain

* Auto Cruise Control

* Infotainment System:

 

Mazda BT-50 3.0L Dynamic 6AT 4x2

* Max Power (kW @rpm): 140

* Max Torque (Nm @ rpm): 450

 

Mazda BT-50 3.0L Individual 6AT 4x4

* 4-Wheel Drive (4WD)

* Front Axle Disconnect

 A storm worth tracking

The South African Ford Ranger evolutionary process continues with another limited edition in the form of the Stormtrak that will formally be released during the third quarter. 

“The Ranger Thunder was exceptionally well received when we launched it a year ago, proving there is strong demand for range-topping models that offer something different from the norm,” says Doreen Mashinini, General Manager for Marketing at Ford South Africa. 

“The new Ranger Stormtrak follows the same recipe as the limited-edition Thunder, by elevating the style, sophistication and exclusivity of our most luxuriously appointed model in the Ranger line-up.”

In Stormtrak guise, the Ranger gains design elements, including a black mesh grille with red inserts, a black insert in the lower section of the front bumper, black decals for the bonnet and doors, black roof rails and 18-inch alloy wheels finished in gloss black. 

There are three-dimensional Stormtrak logos on the lower sections of the front doors, as well as on the rear tailgate. The upcoming introduction of the Ranger Stormtrak also sees the addition of a new paint colour, Lucid Red. It can also be specified in Sea Grey, Frozen White and Blue Lightning.

 

Everyday practicality has been elevated too thanks to the standard fitment of Ford’s new Power Roller Shutter for the rear load compartment. This ensures goods can be safely secured in the load bed with ease, complemented by the tailgate locking mechanism being integrated into the vehicle’s central locking system. 

Adding further versatility is the adjustable bed divider kit that makes it easy for the owner to compartmentalise the cargo area according to the size of the items being carried – thus preventing goods from shifting around when driving. A drop-in bed liner provides a useful 12-volt socket for powering accessories such as a camping fridge.

 The interior has had the magic wand treatment as well with illuminated front scuff plates, premium leather seats that incorporate red stitching, as well as the Stormtrak logo on the front seat backrests. Red stitching is used throughout the leather-trimmed cabin, including on the soft-touch dashboard upper, steering wheel and gear lever. 

Standard features include the SYNC3 infotainment system with embedded navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as FordPass functionality that allows the owner to remotely access numerous vehicle features from their phone – such as remote and scheduled starts to either cool or heat the cabin. 

Safety systems and driver aids include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Forward Collision Alert, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Keeping Alert and Lane Keeping Aid, Driver Alert System, and Semi-Automatic Parallel Park Assist. 

The Ranger Stormtrak is powered by Ford’s 2,0-litre Bi-Turbo engine, which produces 157 kW and 500 Nm. It is paired with an advanced 10-speed automatic transmission  and the Ranger’s towing capacity of 3 500 kg remains unchanged, along with the 800 mm water wading depth and 230 mm ground clearance. 

Pricing for the Ranger Stormtrak will be announced closer to launch in late Q3.