News to know

1. Taigo loading

VW SA has outlined more details about its inbound Taigo. Power will come from a 1.0 TSI engine, with DSG as standard. Life, Style and R-Line are the three model grades on offer. Semi-autonomous driving technologies will be offered as a part of an option bundle. Pricing is to be confirmed.

4. Updated UX

Lexus has improved its baby crossover. The revised UX is purportedly more rigid and quieter on the road. Its multimedia system has been enhanced and certain functions can now be operated via smartphone. Stylistic tweaks round it off. Local arrival is unconfirmed.

2. Chery expands

The new Tiggo 7 Pro has landed, slotting between the 4 Pro and 8 Pro on the hierarchy. It costs upwards of R409,900. Power comes from a 1.5 T motor, paired with a CVT. A digitised interior and a full suite of driver assistance systems are standard.

5. What a Sport

The new Range Rover Sport is landing later this year. Most obvious are the aesthetic changes. Under the skin, a tauter chassis features. The interior takes a minimalist approach, while power will come from petrol, diesel and hybrid sources, with a twin-turbocharged V8 at the top.

3. Silverton sunshine

Ford’s Silverton assembly plant is now sourcing 35 percent of its electricity completely emissions-free, directly from the sun. This project is the result of a long-term power purchase agreement with SolarAfrica, with the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) carports for 3,610 vehicles.

6. Clever car

Volkswagen’s electric ID.5 has earned top plaudits in EuroNCAP’s driver assistance test, which goes beyond the classic crash test, with an evaluation and classification system in the area of comfort and assistance systems. The car’s technologies were rated “very good” and reached 4 out of 4 possible points.