Latest news with #BMWM3Touring
NZ Autocar
4 days ago
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
2025 BMW M3 Competition Touring vs Skoda Octavia RS+ TSi Comparison
The performance wagon is an enthusiast's favourite, especially for those with more than just themselves to think about. It is practical, family friendly even, yet when the driver finds themselves alone, it delivers substantial fun. Unfortunately there aren't many options and most are reserved for the upper reaches of the premium Euro market. An example is the BMW M3 Touring. It's the first time the M3 has been served up with a bigger boot and this M3 is BMW's RS 4 foil. A pity that the Audi is between drinks; we drove the last of the current generation last year, so a direct comparison seemed pointless. Instead we ask: do you really need to spend six figures to get your fast wagon fix? Can something costing significantly less satisfy the urge? Such a machine does exist, and it's just been revised too. We are talking about the Skoda Octavia RS. We've had coupe, sedan and convertible M3s in times past, and finally now the Touring. You might be used to the angry beaver look of the latest M3 up front, but it's still ungainly. However, the look improves aft of the grille. The Touring is pumped out, its sculpted wheel arches encasing a wider track. The extended side skirts fill in the gaps, bridging the exaggerated front and rear aprons. You'll also notice the XL exhaust tips and the wee Gurney flap on the roof spoiler. Its multi-spoke alloys look menacing though are a nightmare to clean (a good punishment for naughty children). Under the hood lies a serious rendition of the 3.0-litre straight six. This has a pair of monoscroll turbochargers and creates 390kW, helped by 650Nm of torque. Teamed with all-wheel drive and a quick-shifting eight-speed auto, the Touring can supposedly hit 100 in 3.6 seconds. Typical of the M breed, there is a raft of set-up options; the transmission, suspension, steering, brakes and stability control can all be tailored, most through three levels of intent. And you can save your preferred combo to one of the two M buttons on the steering wheel, for quick access. The M3 gets a good stiffening with extra bracing and struts, and tauter suspension settings teamed with adaptive dampers. The all-wheel drive is variable in nature and blessed with a rearward bias. There's also an M differential out back to further enhance that rear-drive feeling. You can select 4WD Sport, which serves up even more drive to the rear, or switch off the DSC completely and then you're in 2WD. Then you can tune the M Traction Control to your liking, through 10 stages of intervention. Along with an onboard lap timer, there's the Drift Analyser to record the duration, angle and distance of your skids. All this fun does not come cheap, however, with a base price of $199,600. The Skoda doesn't have quite the firepower or such a long hardware list but it doesn't ask nearly as much either. The new model starts at $67,990, while the Plus variant is an extra $5k for upgraded seats trimmed in leather and better sounds. The engine department has had an update, the 2.0 TSI making 195kW here, with 370Nm chiming in as well. The RS runs with a seven-speed twin-clutch transmisison, sending the torque to the front wheels alone. Helping ground that output is the electro-hydraulic diff lock. This tempers torque steer and minimises spinning wheels when powering out of bends. With both a power and traction deficit, it can't hope to hold a candle to the hard charging M3, with a stated 0-100km/h time of 6.5sec, if you can get it to stick properly. Helping balance comfort and dynamics are adaptive dampers. Ride in the RS is set 15mm lower than in the cooking version. The revised Otavia also gets a style update with new front and rear bumpers (new diffuser and tailpipes at the back too) and blackened bits. It sits on 19-inch, aero-optimised alloys. Sure, it doesn't sound quite as exciting, but you could have two of these and still go on a lavish holiday for the price of the BMW. The RS can decode demon roads well. Switched into Sport mode, it dives into the action, and holds a line sternly through the bends. It does feel a tad digital however as the torque vectoring function is working to keep things tidy. With 'ESC Sport' engaged, this lessens the intervention of the stability commendants, the front-end unshackled and it's your right foot that manages the show. The RS can take corners at a decent clip, the wheels scrambling to lay the power down as you give it just the right amount of jandal, wary to keep the front from pushing too wide. Through the tighter, twistier sections, it is genuinely engaging, grin inducing. The brakes are decent too with good bite but also a delicate pedal so you don't upset the balance with errant weight transfers. Its steering is quick, while also advising on how hard those tyres are working. The twin-clutch is up and down the cogs quickly and smartly, the paddles there for show really. Its 2.0-litre pulls nicely from 3000rpm at speed, but it's no screamer, being well done by 6500rpm. There's a bit of a rorty note to its delivery but the tyre roar can challenge it at 100km/h on coarse chip. BMW's M3 Touring can charge through the bends in an even more furious manner, but is it a case of being too much of a good thing? It's seriously rapid, much of its talent going untapped without getting unhinged on road. But, when you do get the chance, this is a blazingly quick and talented machine. It has an outright grip advantage with wider tyres at each corner. Sure, it is heavier but with a balanced weight split, it turns in sharply. The helm isn't brimming with feedback but you know it will just stick. With its variable AWD and the M diff working together, you can feed the power in mid-bend and it claws its way around without a hint of pushing wide. And then you can be on the gas hard before the exit. With its rear bias, this helps it tighten the line, making it feel very neutral. And easy. The ride in Sport plus is intolerable, Sport better but still bumpy. The in-between setting for the trans is not quite sporty enough in terms of well timed downshifts while full attack mode is way too racy. So it can be better to paddle it along on the road. There's nothing much wrong with the response of the turbocharged engine. It really comes alive from 3000rpm and it revs quickly to just past 7000rpm, sounding distinctive and powerful through the range. The brakes are almighty, with a strong initial bite yet a tactile feel. The M3 Touring is an impressive performer, though a bit OTT for your drive to the beach house. Road noise can be intrusive and suspension vibrations are amplified here compared with in the Skoda. The Czech is also that bit easier on fuel reserves. It'll average around the 10L/100km mark for a mix of city and motorway miles, whereas the BMW is in the 15s. When drinking heavily, the Octavia got into the 13s, the M3 saw close to 20. The character of the M3 Competition will sit well with those that owned a modified JDM rocket in their youth. The suspension set-up sees the tyres chattering during u-turns, the diff gets a bit grumpy when cold and the brakes squeak. It sits low, the splitters and lower skirts look quite vulnerable, while the big alloys had already met the curb a few times before we had our time with it. The Skoda is preferable as a commuter. Its ride is sumptuous compared with the harsher BMW. And the M3 generates a fair amount of tyre roar even at 50km/h. Neither suffers from any real turbolag at town speeds, the BMW with a heap of low down torque, the Skoda brisk too. Each has quick and light steering, the turning circles about equal. The Skoda doesn't have quite the firepower or such a long hardware list but it doesn't ask nearly as much either. You Could have two of these and still go on a lavish holiday for the price of the BMW. The safety minders know their place, issuing precious few alerts, though the Skoda's lane keeping is more insistent. BMW's active cruise with its Assisted Drive feature is smarter too, virtually taking care of motorway cruising. There are more widgets in the infotainment realm, a better parking camera with a surround view, and more items on the spec sheet, as you would expect for the much greater ask. The Skoda has everything you really want though, the bigger 13-inch screen a bit easier to navigate than the old system. However, a few more buttons on the dash would be nice, while the voice help isn't as proficient as the BMW's. It's a snug fit behind the wheel of the M3, the driving position set deep. The seats are firm, overly so, though have excellent adjustment and are ventilated too. The M3's cockpit wears the sports luxury leather and carbon combo well. Skoda RS has a roomier driving position, the seats with more comfort about them yet they are no less effective in overall support. The Skoda is your more practical performance wagon. It has a larger boot, with a wider, longer load area. The width of the BMW's hold is limited by intrusive suspension towers. However the M3 is not impractical, still with 500L of space, and with a variable split folding seat back too. The opening glass hatch is a nice touch, a 'heritage' trait. The Skoda is more accommodating of people in the rear seats. It's tight in the back of the M3 Touring, the big sports seats up front robbing those behind of leg room, while three across is a genuine squeeze. Most definitely. It's a quick, fun-to-drive car that is also more practical and easier to live with. You get to enjoy all of its potential, the limits easier to access whereas with the M3 Touring, you'll have to try a lot harder. Yet there will still be those with the means that will just want the M3 Touring Competition. It is a weapons-grade wagon but requires you to put up with its much harder edge. BMW M3 Competition Touring$199,600 / 10.4L/100km / 235g/km 0-100 km/h 3.6s Ambient cabin noise 78.0dB@100km/h Engine 2993cc / IL6 / T / DI Max power 390kW@6250rpm Max torque 650Nm@2750-5730rpm Drivetrain 8-speed auto / AWD Front suspension Mac strut / swaybar Rear suspension Multilink / swaybar Turning circle 12.6m (2.1 turns) Front brakes Ventilated discs Rear brakes Ventilated discs Stability systems ABS, ESP, TV Safety AEB, ACC, BSM, LDW, RCTA, ALK, AHB Tyre size f-275/35R19 r-285/30R20 Wheelbase 2857mm L/W/H 4801 / 1903 / 1446mm Track f-1617mm r-1605mm Fuel capacity 59L Luggage capacity 500-1510L Tow rating Not rated to tow Service intervals Variable Scheduled servicing 3yrs / unlimited km Warranty 5yrs / 100,000km ANCAP rating Not rated Weight (claimed) 1865kg Skoda Octavia RS+ TSI$73,990 / 7.2L/100km / 166g/km 0-100 km/h 6.5s Ambient cabin noise 72.9dB@100km/h Engine 1984cc / IL4 / T / DI Max power 195kW@5250-6500rpm Max torque 370Nm1600-4500rpm Drivetrain 7-speed twin-clutch / FWD Front suspension Mac strut / swaybar Rear suspension Multilink / swaybar Turning circle 11.1m (2.2 turns) Front brakes Ventilated discs Rear brakes Discs Stability systems ABS, ESP, TV Safety AEB, ACC, BSM, LDW, RCTA, ALK, AHB Tyre size f/r-225/40R19 Wheelbase 2681mm L/W/H 4709 / 1829 / 1468mm Track f-1543mm r-1534mm Fuel capacity 51L Luggage capacity 610-1700L Tow rating 750kg (1600kg braked) Service intervals 12 months / 15,000km Service plan $1745, 3yrs / 45,000km Warranty 5yrs / 150,000km ANCAP rating ★★★★★ (2022) Weight (claimed) 1563kg
The Citizen
11-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
2025 Toyota GR Yaris pricing unearthed
Ditching a clutch pedal for flappy paddles, the all-new Toyota GR Yaris is nearly in South Africa, and it promises to turn things up to 11! Here is pricing on the potent all-wheel drive hot hatch. Looking for a new or used set of wheels? Find it here with CARmag! Readying for South African arrival, the evolved GR Yaris has some big shoes to fill. It just went on sale in Japan, and it's officially on Toyota South Africa's radar, with local launch timing expected to be confirmed in the coming months. Fortunately, we've got a sneak peek at how much the hot hatch will cost, but before that, here is what makes the refreshed GR Yaris new and improved. Toyota claim the model benefits from real-world lessons learned in motorsport, including rally stages and circuit racing. It features enhanced mechanical upgrades, including Toyota's Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic Transmission (an eight-speed torque-converter auto), a first for the model. But purists can rest easy — a six-speed manual will remain. Related: Road Test Figures: BMW M3 Touring Under the bonnet is the familiar 1.6l turbocharged three-cylinder engine (G16E-GTS), now tuned for 224kW and 400N.m, sent to all four wheels via the GR-Four system. This is a serious bump in power and torque from the outgoing model, 26kW and 40N.m to be specific. Alongside the mechanical tweaks, Toyota has reworked the suspension and steering feel with input from professional racers. One highlight for track-day warriors is the new Aero Performance Package, due later in 2025. It includes a ducted aluminium bonnet, fender vents, a variable rear wing, and underbody aerodynamic aids. The updated MT model retains the 1 280kg dry weight but the new automatic is 20kg heavier overall. Related: LONG-TERM WRAP-UP: Ford Territory 1.8T Trend AT Inside, Toyota has made ergonomic updates too, such as a wider footrest for automatic variants and the option of a vertical rally-style handbrake. 2025 Toyota GR Yaris pricing GR Yaris Rally MT – R897 400 R897 400 GR Yaris Rally AT – R925 300 Official specification is expected closer to its local launch – stay tuned to CAR Magazine's Kyle Kock during his 2025 GR Cup campaign, which will see the media contingent shift from the previous generation GR Yaris in favour of the eight-speed automatic. Click here and browse thousands of new and used vehicles with CARmag! The post 2025 Toyota GR Yaris Pricing Unearthed appeared first on CAR Magazine. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
The Citizen
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
BMW claims South Africa's premium segment crown in Q1
BMW has concluded the first quarter in South Africa on a high, claiming 40.6% market share of the premium segment. Looking for a new or used set of wheels? Find it here with CARmag! According to the latest figures released by the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (naamsa), the BMW brand claimed a dominant 40.6% share of the local premium segment in the first quarter of the year. Staying with the BMW Group, its Mini subsidiary, bolstered by the recent arrival of the new Aceman and Mini John Cooper Works, contributed a 6.2% market share, while BMW Motorrad continued its two-wheeled success story with an impressive 43.9% share in the motorcycle market. BMW credits this success to the popularity of the locally built X3. The fourth-generation model, built at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn in Tshwane, began production in October 2024 and quickly attracted significant pre-order volumes both locally and abroad. In response, the plant reinstated its third shift to keep up with demand, now producing an average of 110 units per shift. BMW South Africa added that this reflects South Africa's strategic role in BMW's global manufacturing network. Related: Road Test Figures: BMW M3 Touring The X3's production ties into BMW's broader electrification ambitions. Globally, the group has delivered over two million electrified vehicles to date — half of which are full battery electric vehicles — and the Rosslyn-built X3 plays a central role in that electric future. Related: LONG-TERM WRAP-UP: Ford Territory 1.8T Trend AT Peter van Binsbergen, CEO of BMW Group South Africa, commented: 'We are grateful for the continued trust and enthusiasm our South African customers and global partners have shown in the BMW Group, supported by our retailer network's firm commitment. Our strong Q1 results, marked by clear segment leadership for BMW and positive momentum across MINI and BMW Motorrad, reflect the compelling appeal of our diverse product range and the passion of our team.' Click here and browse thousands of new and used vehicles with CARmag! The post BMW Claims South Africa's Premium Segment Crown in Q1 2025 appeared first on CAR Magazine. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
The Citizen
27-04-2025
- The Citizen
WATCH: Joburg high-speed chase ends with crashed Ford Falcon being apprehended
Two men and a woman had allegedly racked up more than 30 cases of fuel theft and other crimes in the Johannesburg region, but despite a valiant attempt at a getaway that resulted in a crash, they were apprehended by Anton Koen and his No Jack anti-hijacking team. Other charges of theft and armed robbery are included alongside the reported R120 000 worth of fuel that had been stolen from multiple filling stations, resulting in the uncommon Ford Falcon being flagged in Boksburg. Related: Road test figures: BMW M3 Touring Information was relayed to the No Jack team on their whereabouts, and multiple teams collaborated to apprehend the assailants. An initial attempt to get away had the Falcon scrape past a Ford Ranger and Volkswagen Polo in the security team. What can only be described as a nerve-wracking high-speed chase ensued, which endangered many other road users and pedestrians. Eventual tyre blowouts and fender benders with other road users had the final outcome result in the getaway Ford Falcon crashing into one of the Ford Ranger chase bakkies once it was boxed in with a school bus in the oncoming lane. Not the most logical choice for its rarity, the Ford Falcon EL used in the chase isn't a slouch with its 4.0-litre inline six-cylinder producing 157 kW and 357 N.m, but it's little surprise they chose petrol to steal because it boasted high fuel consumption in its day with averages ranging well above 11 L/100 km. Related: Long-term wrap-up: Ford Territory 1.8T Trend AT No information on what will happen with the assailants has been provided since the SAPS weren't invited to this chase, but it is assumed that they will be processed and charged before facing the full might of South African law. Koen added that some of the chase vehicles sustained damage, but it seems local panel beating shops have offered to cover the repair work free of profit. Click here and browse thousands of new and used vehicles with Car Magazine! The post WATCH: Joburg high-speed chase ends with crashed Ford Falcon being apprehended appeared first on Car Magazine.
The Citizen
26-04-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
This could be what Land Rover's diminutive Defender looks like
Land Rover looks set to leverage the Defender moniker with its foray into the world of electrification. A reported diminutive Defender is in the works as a new electric SUV which has now been spotted under heavy camouflage during recent testing. This all-new model—possibly dubbed the Defender Sport—is shaping up to be the most compact off-roader in the Land Rover stable, and perhaps the most city-friendly Defender ever built too. This is how the electric Defender might look Though official details remain under wraps, spy shots and clever renderings have helped us piece together a rough idea of what this baby brute might look like. Styled by Nikita Chuyko for Kolesa, the speculative render shows a familiar boxy silhouette, reminiscent of the full-fat Defender, albeit scaled down and smoothed out. Related: Road test figures: BMW M3 Touring In the renders supplied by the Defender Sport retains the hallmark round headlights but there is no traditional grille to speak of—just a set of narrow slits in place of air intakes, echoing its combustion-powered sibling. Chunky bumpers, squared-off wheel arches and flared fenders add to the rugged visual DNA, while blacked-out pillars (save for a colour-coded C-pillar) introduce a more youthful, urban tone. The rear is more interesting and draws some inspiration from models like the Hyundai Santa Fe. This prototype has surprisingly low taillights which may not be replicated into the final production model. Beneath all of this boxy bodywork, the upcoming EV will reportedly ride on Jaguar Land Rover's new Electrified Modular Architecture (EMA) platform, which is designed to accommodate 800-volt tech and ultra-rapid 350 kW charging. As expected, the mini Defender should come standard with all-wheel drive with the potential for dual-motor setups to help it maintain its off-road credibility. Other competitors in the electric SUV market This will likely go up against Mercedes-Benz's forthcoming 'Little G' electric G-Class, which is also due to arrive later this decade. Both models aim to bring iconic off-road names into a more compact, electric future. Pricing for the baby Defender is still TBC, but expect it to sit well below the standard Defender 90 (from approximately R1.5 million locally). Since this is all under wraps, there is no confirmation that it will be coming to the local market – time will tell… Click here and browse thousands of new and used vehicles with Car Magazine! The post This Could Be What Land Rover's Diminutive Defender Looks Like appeared first on Car Magazine.
