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Johannesburg,South Africa – August 29,2025 – Ford’s Territory Dark,an appearance package for the Territory SUV,has been assessed as a prosperous enhancement to the model’s comfort and practicality,though it faces stiff competition in the South African market. The review highlights the vehicle’s spacious interior and driving modes, while noting fuel consumption and driveability as areas for advancement.
The Territory Dark builds upon the existing Territory model, offering a cosmetic upgrade with a focus on aesthetics. It retains the standard four driving modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, and Mountain, catering to a variety of driving conditions. During a 405-kilometer test drive encompassing mixed terrain around Gauteng province, the vehicle recorded a fuel consumption of 9.1 liters per 100 kilometers.
The Territory Dark’s design features include a blacked-out finish on the “Territory” script, enhancing its visual appeal. The vehicle’s interior maintains the spaciousness characteristic of the Territory range, providing ample room for passengers.
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Johannesburg, South Africa – MG Motor South Africa has launched its all-electric Cyberster roadster, signaling a bold move into the premium EV sports car segment.Initial reviews highlight the vehicle’s striking design and accessible price point, potentially disrupting the market traditionally dominated by brands like Porsche.
The Cyberster offers drivers a choice of four regenerative braking modes, enabling convenient one-pedal operation.An augmented sound system is also included, designed to simulate engine noises for drivers accustomed to internal combustion engines. This feature utilizes digital soundscapes to mimic the auditory experience of a conventional sports car.
The MG Cyberster’s ease of acceleration may draw criticism from driving purists who prioritize the tactile experience of a conventional engine and exhaust note. While it may not replicate the visceral connection offered by a vehicle like the Porsche 911 GT3, the Cyberster is engineered for a different audience.
MG positions the Cyberster as a vehicle aimed at a younger demographic, influenced by digital aesthetics and technology. The car’s design and features are intended to appeal to those who grew up with modern technology,mirroring the aspirational appeal that classic MG roadsters held for previous generations. MG aims to deliver a comparable level of desirability at a substantially lower price than established supercar manufacturers.
MG Cyberster test data
Facelifted Volkswagen Golf 8.5 Arrives, But Does the Price Tag Fit?
The latest Volkswagen Golf 8.5 has arrived in South Africa, marking the 50th anniversary of the Golf in Europe. However, the cost of this “garden variety” Golf may surprise potential buyers, especially in a market favoring SUVs.
Return of a Classic
In 2024, Volkswagen celebrated the Golf’s golden anniversary, and South Africa welcomed the return of the “normal” Golf derivative after the Mk 7.5 production ceased in 2019. The Mk 8.5 facelift model comes with its own considerations, particularly the price point compared to its sportier GTI and R siblings.
The Golf 8.5, which features the 1.4 TSI engine, bypasses the particle filter issues that affect the GTI and R models. This compatibility makes it suitable for regions with lower fuel quality. The focus of this version centers on design upgrades rather than performance.
Design and Interior Enhancements
The Mk 8.5 showcases external design changes, including new headlight clusters with standard LEDs, a revised front bumper and grille, a redesigned bonnet, and the addition of an illuminated logo bar. The rear also sees updates with new LED light clusters, which are reminiscent of the Mk 7.5. These changes provide a cleaner aesthetic, avoiding the criticism the Mk 8 initially received.
Inside, the Golf 8.5 boasts notable improvements, most notably the replacement of the touch-sensitive steering wheel controls with more intuitive physical buttons. The updated 12.9-inch infotainment system, using Volkswagen’s MIB4 software, is also significantly enhanced. All models include a 10-inch Digital Cockpit instrument cluster.
On the Road
The Golf’s primary appeal comes from its refinement and the performance of its 1.4 TSI engine. Generating 110kW/250Nm, the engine delivers strong performance for its weight, and the eight-speed Tiptronic transmission, activated by a toggle switch, works well, avoiding low-speed issues. While some hesitation exists when downshifting, the overall driving experience is smooth.
The suspension setup effectively balances comfort and control. The steering provides good feedback, making the Golf engaging to drive. The test unit showed an indicated fuel consumption of 7.2 L/100 km. This is somewhat higher than Volkswagen’s claimed 6.3 L/100 km, but still remains fuel-efficient.
Price and Value Proposition
The most notable drawback is the Golf 8.5โs cost. With a sticker price of R604,500, the Life+ test model, when fully equipped, costs R737,200. As a comparison, this price is only R49,100 less than the top-spec R-Line+ without options. Despite these numbers, the Golf 8.5 offers a superior driving experience compared to similar models, with high comfort and refinement levels. Data from the South African Car Market shows that the average price for a new Golf is R650,000 (Source 2024).
Ultimately, the return of the Golf 8.5 caters to loyal enthusiasts who appreciate a more understated style and may not need the high-performance characteristics of the GTI or R models, or the increased bulk of an SUV. Whether this niche appeal will be enough remains a question.