Torque Magazine

Is the R5.5-Million Continental GT S the Most Beautiful Coupé in SA?⁣
⁣
There is a strong case to be made that the is arguably the most beautiful coupé currently being sold in South Africa. ⁣
⁣
Its muscular rear haunches, sweeping grand tourer silhouette, and commanding road presence capture a rare visual balance that modern automotive design rarely achieves. But beneath that exquisite exterior lies a lineage forged in a unique duality. ⁣
⁣
Bentley’s history is inextricably linked with both uncompromising opulence and a ferocious racing pedigree, tracing back to the legendary "Bentley Boys" who dominated the in the 1920s. That historic DNA - blending high-society luxury with raw track dynamics - finds its latest expression in the newly arrived Continental GT S and open-top GTC S.⁣
⁣
Aimed squarely at the performance-oriented driver, these S-badged twins introduce a darker, more aggressive edge to the grand tourer. The exterior trim replaces traditional bright chrome with gloss-black detailing across the matrix grille, lower front spoiler, side mirrors, and rear diffuser, paired with tinted light clusters and quad tailpipes for the standard sports exhaust.⁣
⁣
Under the long bonnet sits a highly advanced plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. It pairs a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine with an electric motor packaged into an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, backed by a 25.9 kWh battery. ⁣
⁣
Total system outputs stand at a monumental 500 kW and 930 Nm of torque. Thanks to an optimized launch control system, the coupé rockets from 0-100 km/h in a blistering 3.5 seconds (3.7 seconds for the GTC S) before flatlining at a top speed of 308 km/h. When required, it can travel up to 80 km on pure electric power alone.⁣
⁣
Crucially, the S package brings a dramatic chassis overhaul previously reserved for top-tier Speed and models. To sharpen handling, it adopts twin-valve dampers, all-wheel steering, an electronic limited-slip differential, and a 48V active anti-roll system. ⁣
⁣
Inside, the cabin remains a sanctuary of British craftsmanship, specified with two-tone leather and tactile "Dinamica" fabric across primary touch points. ⁣
⁣
This apex grand tourer comes at a premium: the is priced from R5 532 000, while the soft-top starts at R6 085 000, both including a three-year/unlimited kilometre warranty.

: Opel Kadett 200iS - South Africa's Police Pursuit Legend⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Imagine having a big brother who was always a straight-A student, the best athlete at school, someone you could effortlessly summon at the onset of any playground dispute. The Opel Kadett 200tS was precisely that formidable big brother to the . ⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Whereas the commanded up to 160kW under the driver’s right foot, the 200iS had to make do with a more modest 95kW from its naturally aspirated SOHC engine. Affectionately known as “igundane” (the mouse) in some parts of Mzansi, the 200iS might have been smaller in power, but it certainly punched above its weight.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Interestingly, the came fitted with the same torquey 2.0-litre 4-cylinder motor that originally powered the 1987 Kadett 200 GSi 8V. This powerplant delivered 95kW and a somewhat peaky 180Nm at 4,600rpm. While many might scoff at those figures today, in 1994, they only told half the picture. Paired with a perfectly spaced 5-speed manual gearbox, the 200iS could scamper from 0-100kph in 9.49 seconds, complete the standing kilometer in a whisker over 30 seconds at a terminal speed of 167.1kph, before eventually maxing out at 201kph. By comparison, the same motor in the 150kg lighter 200 GSi achieved a 0-100kph time of just 8.02 seconds, while the standing kilometer was passed with the 8V traveling at 175.1kph – clearly demonstrating how much the additional weight of the Kadett F platform handicapped the 200iS in outright sprints.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
However, the 200iS boasted remarkably strong in-gear acceleration, most notably in 4th gear. This is where it could easily outpace more powerful rivals like the , , and Toyota with its superior in-gear tractability. And when the 200iS didn’t quite have enough firepower, its big brother 200tS was always near to back it up when it came to ‘brag’ racing.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Its firm chassis was a true revelation for a car of its class. Coupled with independent front and rear suspension, the 1,098kg proved extremely agile and solid. These attributes made it the chosen ‘performance car’ of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Flying Squad. In the hands of those trained drivers, these Kadetts were a genuine terror for any criminal on the run, showcasing their real-world pursuit capabilities.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
The 200iS spawned some genuinely good cars in the Opel lineup, including the 99kW and the 115kW . While the 200iS might not have received the widespread respect it deserved for being a great all-rounder (a quality the Mk3 couldn’t quite match), it certainly became a stronger performer once modified. When launched in 1994, the 200iS was priced at R73,971. This made it significantly cheaper than the R112,050 and the R146,694 . One can only wonder if Opel had decided to shoehorn the ‘Big Boss’ or ‘Superboss’ motor into the 200iS how different its legacy would have been today.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
The , an unsung hero of the hot hatch era and a formidable performer on South African streets, stands as a true Mzansi Hero.

: Honda Civic Type R (FN2) - Love It or Hate It, You'll Remember It⁣⁣
⁣⁣
The third-generation Honda Civic Type R (FN2) arrived in 2007 with a mixed reception. This was the first Type-R that Honda SA brought to South Africa, meaning we had unfortunately missed out on the revered original and the brilliant . ⁣⁣
⁣⁣
A primary point of contention for the was its engine, largely carried over from the , which meant it offered no outright speed advantage over its predecessor. Furthermore, its chassis was technically a step backward, as the EP3’s sophisticated fully independent suspension setup was replaced with a less complex independent front, torsion beam/trailing arm rear arrangement for the , unlike the fully independent suspension found in the and versions.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
While these details might have seemed disappointing on paper, on the road, the FN2 presented a somewhat different story. It provided South Africans with their first taste of the K20 - a 2.0-litre DOHC i-VTEC engine. This motor produced 148kW at 6,800rpm, but a seemingly low 193Nm of torque at 5,600rpm, at a time when its chief rivals had already embraced forced induction and boasted significantly more power. ⁣⁣
⁣⁣
The i-VTEC system, however, was not as overtly manic as the screamers of yesteryear. Instead of a distinct "crack" at 5500rpm, there was a more gradual, yet still very noticeable, changeover at the same RPM. The power delivery was remarkably linear, akin to a turbocharged car, and the engine's willingness to rev was undeniable, spinning eagerly to its 8,000rpm redline while emitting a distinctive, zingy din that the newer cannot hope to replicate. It was paired with a super-slick 6-speed manual transmission.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Performance figures included:⁣⁣
⁣⁣
◾ 0-100kph: 7.75 seconds⁣⁣
◾ Top speed: 233kph⁣⁣
◾ 1 km sprint: 28.11 seconds (beating the Mk5)⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Handling, however, proved disappointing by Type-R standards. Compared to rivals like the , the FN2 often found itself trailing on twisty roads. While the Championship White edition, launched in 2009 and featuring a standard limited-slip differential, offered some improvement, the FN2 never truly felt quick through corners. The front end would go precisely where pointed, but the rear could become light, particularly at higher speeds, demanding constant alertness from the driver when pushing the FN2 hard. The ride was also notoriously firm.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Inside, the trademark black and red bucket seats were no longer manufactured by , as with previous versions, but designed in-house by Honda. Similarly, the -made steering wheel was replaced by a Honda-produced version.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Today, nearly two decades after its launch, one of the most appealing aspects of owning an is the vast array of modification options available for its K20 engine, with tuning possibilities extending beyond forced induction to impressive naturally-aspirated upgrades. Despite its flaws, its unique lines, distinctive interior, and triangular exhaust pipes ensure it remains a head-turner, a car you either love or hate. ⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Coupled with 's renowned reliability, this car is practically bulletproof. While it may not appeal to everyone, it holds a strong draw for those who appreciate its futuristic styling, high-revving engine, and stiff, edgy handling. When it launched in 2007, it sold for R266,000. In 2025, a well-maintained example would command a significantly different price.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
The Honda (FN2), a polarizing yet thrilling hot hatch that delivered a unique driving experience, stands as a true Mzansi Hero.