CLAWS SHARPENED
Peugeot 2008
The Peugeot 2008 compact SUV, a best-seller in the B segment SUV market for more than three years, has sharpened its claws with a recent update – taking a step forward in terms of design, technology, and electrification, with the new E 2008 (not yet available locally) now offering a range of up to 406 km.
The new and broader front-end design features the new Peugeot emblem and includes a specific lateral pattern that connects to the headlamps to reinforce the vehicle’s stance. On the Active, the front is embellished with a horizontal pattern in gloss black, and on the upmarket Allure and GT, it has a vertical pattern in the same colour as the bodywork.
The new 2008 adopts the new Peugeot signature light, characterised by three vertical light claws integrated into the gloss black inserts on the bumper. On the GT versions, the striking effect of the three claws is extended to all three light modules of the full LED headlamps.
The rear LED lights have also been redesigned, and the symbolic three claws now comprise three superimposed horizontal double slats. The Peugeot monogram now also runs across the entire width of the boot lid.
The GT comes with a black bi-tone roof as standard, and all the new models feature black mirrors, regardless of the body colour (six colours are available) chosen. The new alloy wheels have a disruptive design, and all the designs feature a four-spoke wheel centre stamped with the Peugeot crest to elegantly conceal the wheel nuts.
Inside, the modernised i-Cockpit in the Allure and GT versions now has a newly designed 10” digital instrument cluster, with a 3D display on the GT. The Active retains its analogue instrument cluster. All models now have a 10” central touchscreen.
The signature compact steering wheel is retained and displays the new logo in its centre, and the six-speed manual transmission models feature a new gearshift knob for improved ergonomics.
The range of PureTech three-cylinder 1.2-litre petrol and four-cylinder 1.5-litre BlueHDi diesel engines are carried over, but a new 48V hybrid powertrain is coming next year, consisting of a 100 kW PureTech petrol engine coupled with a new six-speed dual-clutch electrified gearbox with an electric motor.
The 2008 will go on sale overseas in September with a three-trim level line-up and four engines, including the new 115 kW all-electric motor, and is expected to be released here early next year.
SMALL EV, BIG POTENTIAL
Volvo EX30
Volvo Car South Africa has confirmed its latest model, the recently revealed fully-electric EX30 SUV, is destined for local roads – at a starting price of R775,900. This number renders the EX30 one of the most affordable full-size electric vehicles in South Africa.
Having just made its global premiere, the new small SUV represents the cornerstone of the electrification growth ambitions of the Swedish brand. It debuts as the fastest-accelerating Volvo ever, completing the zero to 100 km/h sprint in a mere 3.6 seconds in 315 kW Twin Motor Performance guise, even though it weighs 2,318 kg. It has a battery capacity of 69 kWh and energy consumption of 15.7 kWh.
According to Volvo, the extended-range version of the Single Motor (rear-wheel-drive) powertrain can cover up to 480 km. Despite these impressive performance and range credentials, the new EX30 will be one of the most accessible models in the local Volvo line-up.
The stylish EV newcomer, set to arrive in early 2024, is priced similarly to a comparable internal combustion engine SUV, and pre-orders for the five-strong local model line-up have already opened.
With a high seating position and space for up to five occupants, the new EX30 rides on Volvo’s purpose-built modular Sustainable Electric Architecture. It measures 4,233 mm long, 1,836 mm wide, and 1,555 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,650 mm, and is only 192 mm shorter from nose to tail than the XC40.
The interior design is modern, minimalistic, and rich in recycled and renewable materials like the recently launched C40 Recharge. Connectivity is seamless thanks to state-of-the-art features such as a 12.3” high-resolution central display (running the latest Android-powered infotainment system), a digital key, over-the-air update functionality, and a first-of-its-kind audio-system soundbar.
Both Single Motor and Twin Motor derivatives of the EX30 will be available in South Africa, while battery choices will include high-voltage 51 kWh and 69 kWh units. Three trim levels (Core, Plus, and Ultra) will be offered, though even the base grade will provide generous levels of standard equipment.
The new all-electric small SUV makes no compromises on the safety front, offering the latest driver-understanding system and various safety innovations, including new collision-avoidance technology – a special safety feature that helps to prevent so-called ‘dooring’ accidents, by alerting you when you are about to open your door in front of a cyclist, scooter, or runner.
BYD ENTERS SOUTH AFRICA
Atto 3
Another Chinese automotive giant is set to enter the South African market this month. BYD (it stands for Build Your Dreams) will be launching the brand locally by introducing its Atto 3 compact electric crossover.
Known as the BYD Yuan Plus in China, the Atto 3 was first showcased in August 2021 at the Chengdu Auto Show, whereafter, production of right-hand-drive models was confirmed. In October last year, the Atto 3 was displayed at the Paris Motor Show, and it is now on sale in several European markets, including the Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, Belgium, and the United Kingdom.
Based on BYD’s new all-electric e-Platform 3.0, the Atto 3 is equipped with an electric motor delivering 152 kW and 310 Nm of torque to the front wheels, powered by a BYD lithium iron phosphate (LFP) Blade battery enabling an acceleration time from zero to 100 km/h of 7.3 seconds, according to BYD.
The Atto 3 rides on a MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link independent rear suspension and is available with two battery pack options: A 49.92 kWh unit for a range of up to 345 km (WLTP standards) or a 60.48 kWh pack rated for 420 km (WLTP). With a 400-volt electrical architecture, the Atto 3 supports AC charging of up to 7 kW or 11 kW (optional) and DC fast charging at a maximum rate of either 70 kW (standard) or 80 kW (extended range).
BYD states the interior design of the compact SUV was inspired by fitness culture and features aesthetics resembling gym and sports equipment. The central 12.8” infotainment screen (with an optional larger 15.6” screen) can be rotated between portrait and landscape orientations.
Measuring 4.45 m in length and 2.05 m wide, with a 2.72 m wheelbase, the five-seater Atto 3 offers 440 litres of luggage space, which can be expanded to 1,138 litres with the rear seats folded flat. It also has an imposing array of safety and driving assistance features as standard, which helped the Atto 3 achieve a five-star rating in the Euro NCAP safety tests, and become the number one vehicle in the electric segment.
BYD is the biggest manufacturer of electric vehicles (EVs) in China and second only to Tesla worldwide. After GWM, it is also the second Chinese brand to offer an EV locally.
NEW VISUAL LANGUAGE
Renault Rafale
Playing on its aviation history and simultaneously introducing a new visual language for its products, Renault has recently launched the new Rafale in the D-segment of the burgeoning SUV Coupe market. Already well represented in the C-segment with the Megane E-Tech full-electric, Arkana E-Tech full hybrid and Austral E-Tech full hybrid models, the Rafale, in essence, replaces the Koleos as the diamond brand’s new flagship.
Rafale is a French word that describes a powerful flurry or a gust of wind but also has an aeronautical reference. Aviation has played an important part in Renault’s history: the Caudron-Renault Rafale, which flew at a record-breaking 446 km/h in 1934, is only one example (and interestingly, France’s current top jet fighter is also named Rafale).
The Rafale also ushers in a new era in Renault’s design led by Gilles Vidal. As an advanced coupe SUV, it looks vibrant and dynamic and features the new radiator grille and signature light pattern introduced on the new Clio E-Tech full hybrid. Built around the brand’s hallmark diamond, the grille comprises small diamonds around the central emblem.
The Rafale shares the latest-generation CMF-CD platform with the new Austral and Espace. As such, it is 4.71 metres long and 1.86 metres wide, standing 1.61 metres high, with a long wheelbase at 2.74 metres, and uses the same drivetrain as the Austral E-Tech full hybrid. However, the Rafale also features Vehicle Motion Control 2 (VMC 2), an upgraded electronic system governing the rear wheels.
The E-Tech full hybrid powertrain with “series-parallel” architecture consists of a three-cylinder 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine – delivering 96 kW and 205 Nm of torque – and two electric motors.
The main electric motor delivers 50 kW and 205 Nm. It is powered by a 2 kWh/400V lithium-ion battery for full-electric driving. The secondary electric motor is a 25 kW and 50 Nm High-voltage Starter Generator (HSG) that starts the engine and powers gear changes in the multimode, clutchless gearbox. A high-performance E-Tech 4×4 version with a chassis fine-tuned for intelligent new-generation undercarriage management, delivering up to 224 kW of power, is also in the pipeline.
The Rafale features a new Solarbay darkening glass roof and new interface graphics on the two OpenR screens. The seats include a high-tech rear armrest for passengers in the back and a huge choice of colours and materials, including three-colour overstitching in the esprit Alpine trim model and a new steering wheel. The new Renault Rafale E-Tech full hybrid will be available in Europe mid-2024. While under consideration, it is not yet clear whether it will be introduced locally.
Report by Ferdi de Vos
