WeeklySA_AdminSPORTIER SUV: Worldwide market launch will get underway in March with the sDrive18i confirmed for SA
By Ali Mphaki
South Africa’s roads – potholes and all – are gearing themselves to welcome the new second-generation BMW X2 due to arrive early in 2024.
The worldwide market launch get underway in March 2024 with the BMW X2 M35i xDrive performance model, one other petrol option (the BMW X2 sDrive18i for South Africa) and one diesel model.
Sadly, the BMW iX2 will not be offered in South Africa, though in the third quarter of 2024 a second fully electric variant and another diesel-engined example will be added to the line-up.
As to be expected, BMW quickly put foot on the pedal letting all and sundry know the newcomer -with its extrovert design bolstered by its dynamic coupe silhouette – is more exciting, sportier, and more comfortable.
They add that the new BMW X2 offers the “perfect balance of luxury, performance and versatility”.
Whereas more details about the second generation X2 will be released closer to the launch, what we know so far is that the X2 range will be headlined by the X2 M35i with a turbocharged 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine generating up to 233 kW and 400 Nm, allowing for a 0-100 kph sprint time of 5.4 seconds! Buyers can also expect to see the X2 sDrive18i with a turbocharged 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine with 115 kW and 230 Nm, facilitating a 0-100 kph time of 9.0 seconds. But that’s not all, a diesel-powered X2 sDrive18d is also expected and it employs a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel motor with 110 kW and 360 Nm and will hit 100 kph from standstill in a claimed 8.9 seconds.
Typically BMW, be prepared to immerse yourself in the X2’s elegant interior which boast high-quality equipment, innovative technology, and ergonomic comfort.
The interior features an optional large electric glass sunroof and sweeping BMW Curved Display.
Whilst salivating at the prospect of the second-generation X2, 2024 is going to be a sheer busy year for BMW.
Word is out about the coming of the new BMW M5, M3 Touring, updates for the 3-Series, 4-Series and wait for it, the new BMW X3 -built in SA – expected end of the year.
MOTORING:
Briefs
TOYOTA WEATHERS TIDE
Aggregate industry new vehicle sales of 40,329 units reflected a shrinkage of 3,3%, which translated to 1,392 fewer vehicles being sold when compared to the corresponding month in 2022. Toyota, however, was fortunate to swim against this negative current by recording sales of 11,200 units in December for a market share of 27,8% for the month.
HYUNDAI’S AMERICAN DREAM
Hyundai Motor America is on track to end 2023 with record sales. Hyundai Motor Group became the third largest automaker in the world by sales. Representing 25% of global sales, North America is Hyundai Motor Company’s single biggest market.
In 2018, the combined market share for Hyundai was 3.8%. In 2022, it nearly doubled to 6.4%. Hyundai has risen to 5th place from 8th in retail sales in only the last four years.
CHINA LEADS
China is all set to surpass Japan as the world’s leading car exporter for the year 2023. This development, driven by a surge in demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and an expanding global market, marks a significant milestone in China’s automotive industry. According to the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA), China is estimated to have exported a record 5.26 million vehicles in 2023, a staggering 56% increase from the previous year.
VW UP RETURNS
Volkswagen’s upcoming entry-level electric city car, known as the ID 1, will channel the spirit of the Volkswagen Up and could even take its name when it arrives in 2026. The affordable EV is due to follow the ID 2 onto the market in the second half of the decade, rivalling the likes of the upcoming Renault Twingo and the new Citroën e-C3.
Volkswagen confirmed plans for a new entry-level EV last year when it revealed the slightly larger ID2all concept and is now working to bring the ID 1 to production within the next three years as a replacement for the Up, which recently went out of production after 12 years.
FUEL CHANGE
BMW have confirmed that one of their factories will stop producing petrol cars after 75 years with a major change underway. The car giant is investing around £560 million to convert its main plant in Munich to exclusively produce EVs from the end of 2027. BMW have confirmed major production news from their main plant in Munich BMW have confirmed major production news from their main plant in MunichCredit: autocar.co.uk It is putting up four buildings including a new vehicle assembly line and body shop. The German firm has confirmed that it will produce the first of its radical new Neue Klasse EVs in Munich from 2026.
The motor will be produced at the Bavarian facility alongside ICE models. However, by the following year, the plant will be fully dedicated to EVs – although BMW has yet to specify which models it will produce.
SA’S TOP SELLING VEHICLES 2023
- Toyota Hilux – 37,382
- Ford Ranger – 24,618
- Volkswagen Polo Vivo – 23,904
- Toyota Corolla Cross – 22,592
- Isuzu D-Max – 18,962
- Toyota Hi-Ace – 16,465
- Suzuki Swift – 15,974
- Toyota Starlet – 15,713
- Nissan NP200 – 12,721
- Volkswagen Polo – 11,748
ONE MORE THING…..
A BIKER has transformed his motorcycle into a unique hearse – including a sidecar to carry the coffin. Darren Abbey, from Fleetwood, Lancashire, spent two years transforming the former racing bike at a cost of £25,000.
So far the adapted Suzuki GSX R1000, which had a top speed of 186mph when he bought it, has been used in two funerals, presumably those of other bike fanatics. “I’ve done some amazing funerals…families are laughing and crying because it’s a special way to be sent off”, as quoted by The Sun UK.
