I love cars, it is a given. However, what I love even more is a performance car. They take you down an adrenaline-fuelled road, letting you do the kind of things that you didn't think were possible; the kind of things that are difficult to do with standard cars. This is why I say high-performance divisions of car manufacturers are the harbingers of the kind of joy that is hard to come by in standard cars.

We put together a list of the special divisions of car manufacturers across the globe, and ended up with a big tally. Since the tally was big, we decided to do a 2 part series about the aforementioned divisions. Here's the first:

a. Mercedes-AMG: Often referred to as just AMG, Mercedes-AMG is Mercedes-Benz's high-performance division based in Affalterbach, Stuttgart. Mercedes-AMG specializes in high-performance versions of standard Mercedes-Benz cars and specially built one-off models. This division's overall responsibilities include developing the design, aerodynamics, interior, powertrain, engine, suspension, brakes, electronics; all the way from conception to final approval for production of the complete AMG vehicle, they do it all.

Just so you know, AMG stands for Aufrecht, Melcher and Grossaspach - the names of the two founders i.e. Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher, and Aufrecht's home town (Grossaspach).

AMG first started off as Aufrecht Melcher Grossaspach Ingenieurburo, Konstruktion und Versuch zur Entwicklung von Rennmotoren (Aufrecht Melcher Grossaspach engineering firm, design and testing for the development of racing engines) in 1967. However, it was only in 1990 that AMG signed a co-operation agreement with Daimler-Benz AG. Fast forward two years and the world received its first jointly developed vehicle from this cooperation, i.e. the Mercedes-Benz C 36 AMG, in 1993. Today, the Mercedes-AMG range comprises of over 20 AMG vehicles.

b. BMW M: A subsidiary of BMW AG, BMW M (Motorsport) was originally created to assist the progress of the Munich based luxury car manufacturer's racing program. Soon, BMW M started complementing BMW's line-up with specially modified versions of its models.

The first car produced by BMW M was the M1, which was first unveiled at the 1978 Paris Motor Show. However, the M1 was more of a racecar than an everyday car. So it was really the next M car, M535i E12, that was a M car in the truest sense of the word. That said, the company has rolled out a M version of pretty much every BMW car except the 7 Series, X1 and X3 since 1978.

The M versions of standard BMW cars usually include modified engines, transmissions, suspensions, interior trims, aerodynamics, and exterior modifications and are tested at BMW's facility at the Nurburgring racing circuit.

c. Street & Racing Technology (SRT): Chrysler Group's high-performance ancillary first came into being as 'Team Viper' for the sake of the Dodge Viper. Two monikers and a few years later, the world was introduced to SRT, the group that tunes and makes cars for Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep.

The most famous SRT cars include Dodge Viper, Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, and Chrysler 300 SRT8.

d. Toyota Racing Development (TRD): TRD traces its roots to 1979, when it started off as an aftermarket parts distributor and 'speed shop'. Other than tuning Toyota, Lexus, and Scion cars, TRD also backs Toyota's racing interests. It also produces tuning products and accessories, including performance suspension components, superchargers, and wheels, that are offered as accessories on new Toyotas and Scions. These parts can also be bought from Toyota dealers. However, parts for Lexus cars are now labeled as F-Sport while its performance models are labeled F in order to help discern Lexus's F division from TRD.

Currently, two official branches operate under the TRD brand, namely TRD Japan and TRD USA, and each has a tuning division and a race division.

e. Renault Sport: This French car manufacturer's motorsport, performance and special vehicles division has a handful of names, including Renault Sport Technologies, Renault Sport, Renaultsport, and RST. No matter by how many names it is known across the world, its purpose has been the same since its establishment in 1976, to use its racing expertise to tune and create performance vehicles.

Twingo R.S., Megane R.S., and the GT and GT Line ranges are a handful of vehicles to roll out of RST's stables.

f. Abarth: Founded by Carlo Abarth in 1949, the company was initially manufactured high-performance exhaust pipes and raced Cisitalia cars before it became associated with Fiat in 1952. Following this, the company further diversified its interests into making tuning kits for road vehicles, though primarily for Fiat. Before Abarth was bought by Fiat in 1971, it also worked on building sports/ racing with Porsche and Simca.

The Abarth brand underwent several changes following Fiat's buy out and was almost forgotten over the years till Fiat Automobiles SpA decided to relaunch it with the Grande Punto Abarth and the Grande Punto Abarth S2000 in 2007.

Abarth's current range of cars includes the Abarth 500/595, the Abarth 500C range and the Abarth 695 Biposto.

g. Ralliart: Established as Mitsubishi Motors' high-performance and motorsports division in 1984, Ralliart initially worked not only on the development of high-performance models and parts, but also on the Tokyo-based company's rally racing and off-road racing vehicles. However, Ralliart downsized its business operations in 2010 and has been primarily involved only in the supply of parts and technical assistance to its motorsport customers since then.

Though there have been several Ralliart models, the most notable ones were from the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo Ralliart range, especially Evo V - Evo VIII.

h. Special Operations: Jaguar Land Rover is rather new to the special operations division game since it announced the formation of this division only in June, 2014. Named 'Special Operations', the British luxury auto manufacturer claims Special Operations will "focus on delivering halo vehicles, bespoke commissions, heritage products and branded goods."

The first three cars to roll out from Special Operations' stables will be the Range Rover Sport SVR, which is the most powerful production Land Rover ever, and two limited-edition heritage models, i.e. the Jaguar F-Type Project 7 and the Lightweight E-Type.

i. quattro GmbH: Owned by Audi, quattro GmbH's key duties includes designing, testing and producing high-performance Audi cars. Other than that, Audi's special division also works on roadwheels, sports suspension, and distinctive parts like bumpers, splitters, side skirts, diffusers, & rear spoilers. These parts are chiefly make up Audi's 'S line' trim, which is offered on pretty much the company's entire line-up. Audi RS3, Audi RS4, Audi RS5, Audi RS6, Audi RS7, and the Audi R8 are some of the cars made by quattro GmbH.

The Top 20 Cheapest New Cars in SA 2019

Despite the Rand continuing to strengthen and the economy looking slightly less bleak since Ramaphosa took over the reins, South Africans are still cash strapped in general and the situation will probably remain throughout 2019.

Due to the fact that households inevitably have less disposable income, the majority of car buyers look for good second-hand options, or the very bottom end of the new car market. For those who can still afford a new car in this economic climate, we’ve compiled list of SA’s Top 20 cheapest new cars your hard-earned cash can buy your in South Africa in 2019.

The Chery QQ3 remains the only new car in SA that you can get for a cool R100k… Actually, the price is R99,995, but what can you do with R5 these days anyway? (Even car guards seem to turn up their noses at a R5 tip lately!) The Chery QQ3 offers a 3 Cylinder 0.8L engine which kicks out 38kW (70Nm torque) of tyre spinning power coupled to a 5-speed gearbox and a 35-litre petrol tank. Unfortunately, you don’t get any airbags, but aircon comes standard to keep you from breaking out in a sweat!

The top ten cheapest cars quickly go up from R100k to R150k with offerings from China & Japan mostly dominating the scene, whereas the subsequent ten cars (position 11-20) are from more established brands and range from about R150k to R180k.

The average power output of the top twenty cheapest cars is about 57kW and the first 5 on the list does not offer any safety features except for the FAW, which offers 2 airbags & ABS as standard. At the top end of the list, the Fiat 500 Pop offers 7 airbags and a power output of 63kW and 145nm torque.

SOUTH AFRICA’S TOP 20 CHEAPEST NEW CARS 2019:

(Only the cheapest model(s) from each marque is listed.)

1 – CHERY QQ3 0.8L TE – R99,995

The little Chery claims the sought-after title of the ‘Cheapest Car in SA’ – Unfortunately no safety features, and limited power output. In our opinion an ideal offering for the ‘penny wise dollar foolish’.

2 – DATSUN GO 1.2 MID – R106,900

The Datsun brand was relaunched in SA back in 2014 and the Go has proven to be quite a popular budget choice. The cheapest of the bunch is this one, the Go hatch Mid spec. There is A/C but unfortunately no safety features on offer.

3 – FAW V2 1.3L DLX – R114,995

Although not very good-looking, the Chinese FAW V2 offers quite a lot. There are 2 airbags as well as ABS as standard. Other luxuries such as electric windows and mirrors, remote central locking, and a sound system including a USB port makes this car a pretty good offering at this price point! The FAW also has the highest power output of the top 9 cars.

4 – TATA INDICA 1.4L LGi – R118,995

With so many new budget options from China over the last few years, Tata is one of the more established brands on this list. Not a whole lot on offer here, a bare-basics car that will get you from point A to B in relative comfort, but without airbags or ABS.

5 – RENAULT KWID 1.0L EXPRESSION – R124,900

A looker indeed, and the only brand on the top 10 list which originates from Europe. Even though it might resonate well with heritage-snobs, it still lacks safety features such as ABS, but at least the driver is protected with an airbag. Also, a digital instrument cluster with large colour touchscreen is offered together with Bluetooth and USB connectivity.

6 – KIA PICANTO 1.0L LS – R129,995

This car has a lot of character and has proven to be a popular choice. What the Kia lacks in the boot department (extremely small) it makes up with a rather nice cabin, especially at this price! Still no ABS brakes, and only one airbag, but features a 5-year unlimited warranty.

7 – SUZUKI CELERIO 1,0L GA – R132,900

From this position onwards, all the cars on the list features ABS and 2 airbags, so you can say the Celerio sets the benchmark for safety here. Other than this fact, there is not much to say here – You get A/C, but no radio or any other ‘luxuries’.

8 – CHEVROLET SPARK 1,2L CURVE 140,700

The Chevy Spark is rather well specced, has some safety features in the form of ABS and two airbags, niceties such as A/C, central locking, radio and lots and well… lots of charm!

9 – MITSUBISHI MIRAGE 1,2L GL – R149,900

Despite its advanced age the Mirage still looks relevant compared to the newer models here. The car has been around since 2014, but seemingly hasn’t proven to be very popular in SA. It has 2 airbags, ABS brakes, A/C, central locking and a radio.

10 – BAIC D20 1,3 COMFORT – R149,990

The unproven newcomer, but with a shape slightly resembling a Mercedes B-class and Baic’s slogan ‘happiness can be easy’, it sure looks promising. :-p Quite well specced – and with 75kW / 128Nn on tap, it is the most powerful car you can buy for below R150k in SA at the moment.

11 – HONDA BRIO HATCH 1.2 TREND – R151,600

Recently refreshed, the Brio boasts a 1.2 i-VTEC engine delivering 65kW at 6000rpm and 109Nm torque with a choice of either 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. Safety features include dual front airbags, ABS and EBD and the Brio comes standard with a not too shabby 2 year/30 000km service plan.

12 – HYUNDAI I10 1.1 MOTION – R154,900

The i10 is ever-so-popular for a good reason. It comes with a good amount of ‘bells-and-whistles’ at this price point and the 1,1L engine only consumes 5.7litres/100km. Couple this with Hyundai’s Automotive SA standard five-year/150 000km warranty, as well as a five-year/150 000km roadside assistance and you have a winner!

13 – TOYOTA AYGO 1.0 – R157,600

Dramatically styled and futuristic looking Aygo offers buyers more opportunities for personalisation than its rivals. The 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine is nippy and frugal but this entry-level Aygo does not offer a lot in terms of technology. At least it comes with AUX and USB connections and two speaker radio system… and remember it’s a Toyota!

14 – NISSAN MICRA 1.2 VISIA+ – R159,900

The Micra Active offers great value for money with an extended standard spec list and a variety of safety features such as ABS, EBD, remote central locking and 4 airbags. The 1.2-litre engine, offers a respectable 54 kW / 105 Newton metres of torque. Nissan’s also offers a very respectable 3 year / 90 000km service plan and 6 year / 150 000km warranty!

15 – TOYOTA ETIOS HATCH 1.5 XI – R163,900

A very sensible option from Toyota. Together with the Ford Figo, it offers the biggest engine capacity on this list with a good amount of torque. Fuel consumption is 6.0 l/100km. In terms of features and safety, it comes with everything that you might expect in this price range as well as a good service plan.

16 – VOLKSWAGEN TAKE UP! 1.0 5-DR – R166,800

Volkswagen’s Up! offers impressive build quality and great driving traits in an affordable package, albeit a little pricey compared to rivals. Interior fit is good but VW offers no standard service plan on the Up adding to the cost if you would like to have it included. The Up! is a great little package, but for a few thousand rand more, the Polo is a better package.

17 – VOLKSWAGEN POLO VIVO 1.4 CONCEPTLINE – R173,800

The Polo Vivo is also well thought out and sensible little everyday car. When it comes to transporting luggage, the practicality is easily seen. The standard 270L boot and can be expanded to 635L by folding down the rear bench. The1.4 litre 55kW/132Nm engine accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 12.9 seconds and has a top speed of 171km/h.

18 – PEUGEOT 208 1.0 POP ART – R174,900

The little Frenchman’s interior features good quality materials and creature comforts. The engine has been replaced in the new model with a more efficient 1.2-litre three-cylinder with 50kW and a claimed, but impressive consumption figure of only 4.4 litres/100km.

19 – FORD FIGO HATCH 1.5 AMBIENTE – R175,700

The Figo, which is essentially a toned-down Fiesta is Ford’s ever-popular budget hatchback entry. That stands to reason, because it offers most of the bells and whistles without the much more expensive price-tag of a Fiesta. Couple this with a very lively engine and good service plan, and it is clear to see why this little hatchback is so popular.

20 – FIAT 500 0.9 TWINAIR POP – R179,900

With its innovative two-cylinder petrol engine, Fiat’s 500 TwinAir is notably frugal kicking out 63kW and 145nm torque! (The highest on this list) This trendy little Italian city car has retro charm in buckets, and with 7 airbags and ABS brakes with EBD, the 500 scores a 5-star EuroNCAP rating. If you just have to have a super-mini for below R180k, this is it!

Here they are :

You’ve decided to purchace your first used car – and with an economy still struggling to find its former luster and a rapidly growing new car market, that’s certainly a smart choice. However, the real challenge is the purchase process – the act of matching mechanical and financial wits with the salesperson and driving off into the sunset without getting suckered.

The ideal used car is not the cheapest one you can scrape off your local dealership or get from a private seller on OLX. If its fuel efficiency is poor and it requires heavy maintenance work every other month, then your finances are in for a rough ride. After all, even used cars aren’t exactly short-term investments.

When shopping used, your goal is to find a decently performing car that fits within your budget – and that budget should account not just for the car itself but for operating costs, maintenance costs, warranties, and so on. A used car can either turn out to be a blessing or a nightmare – so to avoid the latter, here are signs to watch out for.

What to Avoid When Shopping for a Used Car

1. Misaligned Body Parts

Misaligned body panels are one of the most commonly observed imperfections in used cars. However, what many sellers try to pass off as minor surface irregularities could be masking something a lot more sinister, such as a major car accident. This is why it’s crucial to ensure that car doors and body panels, as well as the trunk and hood gaps, are evenly aligned.

For instance, a used car with a CAPA (Certified Automotive Parts Association) sticker on one of its parts is a clear sign that the car has undergone collision repair for that part. More obvious issues, such as dents and structural kinks, are easier to spot on the car body. Upon closer inspection, if you notice any irregularities in width between the seams lining the car doors, fenders, or hood, then it surely means that the car has seen worse days than what the salesman claims, and may not be worth the price or risk of ownership.

2. Shady Interiors

Sellers may try to oversell the luxurious outer appearance of a used car to entice buyers. However, they might also be trying to cover up poor interior comfort and design.

If there are rips, stains, or cracks that cannot be easily fixed, then you may need to look for another used car. Analyzing reviews and model pictures of a car when it was new can give you a good idea about its original interior design and the extent of its deterioration.

Also, be aware that stains and discolorations in the car’s upholstery may be signs of past flooding, which could lead to electrical problems down the road. On the other hand, brand new upholstery is also something to be wary of because it may be an attempt to cover up water damage. Examining the interior helps you better assess the comfort factor and quality of materials used, and also plan for more effective utilization of storage space in the car.

3. Dealership Financing Offers That Are Too Good to Be True

Car financing is easy, and a lot of dealerships are hellbent on making that process “easier” by offering you the “best interest rates in the market.” Keep in mind that used car dealers are middlemen hoping for a cool commission while offering you a car loan. They aren’t doing you any special favors just because you’re buying a used car. You should be even more wary if they present a car loan with an interest rate that is extraordinarily better than market rates – generally, only 10% of buyers qualify for 0% or low-interest dealer loans.

If you’re a first-time buyer with a not-so-impressive credit rating, then watch out for special financing offers. They often carry the burden of a huge down payment and a high APR, which can turn into a big financial liability for you down the line. It’s even possible that such a contract could have deceptive terms and conditions in order to conceal other fees involved, such as a prepayment penalty.

Therefore, you should always shop around and research bank rates and local lender rates before signing your car loan. Local lendors represent another good financing alternative, as they typically offer interest rates 1% to 2% lower than bank rates.

4. Pushy Salespeople With Impulsive Negotiation Tricks

Being a used car buyer, you need to keep your emotional and impulsive decisions in check. A little research and business savvy can help you strike the perfect bargain for your used car purchase. Remember, the customer is always king, so do not hesitate to make the seller play by your rules.

A sound ballpark figure is the foundation of a productive negotiation between you and the seller. But first, you must first be familiar with the car’s bottom-line price by consulting websites like CarZar and the like, You can also buy a Used Car Report from CreditUnion to find out what dealers pay for a car. Car Magazines is another option that shows you how much other consumers pay for a new car.

Just like automakers, used car dealerships also like to advertise special rebates and cash back incentives on certified pre-owned cars to attract more customers. Before paying a visit to a dealership, research the incentives offered on its website to see which you qualify for.

5. Manipulated Odometer Clocking

The average mileage on cars hovers around 10,000 per year. If the odometer doesn’t add up with the age and appearance of the used vehicle you’re looking at, then something fishy may be going on. Here are some signs that can help confirm your suspicions regarding a car’s mileage:

• Cars that have been through plenty of motorway journeys should definitely exhibit numerous chips made by stones across the front of the bonnet, grille, and bumper. A car with low miles accrued is not likely to show heavy signs of superficial wear-and-tear. If a car with low mileage has such wear, it could be a sign the odometer has been changed.
• Worn out seat belt webbing, pedal rubbers, and steering wheel. More wear indicates a more heavily used – meaning driven – vehicle.
• Car service records can help you track the maintenance work done on it by the listed garages and confirm the mileage recorded during its last service.

6. Stubborn Steering Gear

Buying a used car with a worn out steering mechanism or damaged linkage is not just financially unwise, it’s extremely dangerous. Here’s all you need to do to make sure your car steering is running smoothly:

• With the car idling, turn the steering wheel right and left to check if there is any slack or clunking noise.
• While taking it out for a test drive on a smooth, flat road, your steering wheel shouldn’t behave shakily and require constant wheel balancing efforts to correct your course.

This could also mean that there are issues with your car’s driveline, tires, suspension, or frame, which means there’s likely to be an unpleasantly high maintenance investment to make somewhere down the line.

7. Malfunctioning Engine Light

Engine lights are the windows into a car’s soul. They give you a live display of your car’s performance and help you guide it more efficiently. So if used car salespeople tell you that a malfunctioning engine light isn’t a big deal, do not simply take them at their word.

Get a mechanic to use an OBD code reader, or get a product like CarMD, to find out the error code. You can then research the specific code and check whether it’s a problem worth worrying about. If the engine light doesn’t come on immediately – or comes on after a long delay – when you turn the key in the ignition, it could be a sign of a seller tampering and trying to hide a problem from you.

8. Shaky Suspension

is a warning often thrown around by mechanics and experienced drivers. It’s the dreaded rapping, banging noise that comes from the engine of a car, especially when it hasn’t warmed up yet. If you feel strange vibrations in the steering wheel, then there may be a problem in the front due to the steering linkage. On the other hand, if you experience vibrations in the car seat, then there could be a problem in the back of the car, such as with a wheel bearing or the condition of a tire.

Check the car suspension by pushing down each fender and quickly letting go. It should rebound softly at least once or twice. If you observe any more rebounds than that, it means you’re dealing with weathered shock absorbers. Hence, you might experience excessive jerks and bounces even while traveling on smooth surfaces at moderate speeds. If you feel the vehicle tends to drift while making turns, then it’s a clear sign your car shocks need to be repaired since they are putting your vehicle at risk of a dangerous rollover.

Additionally, if the suspension in the used car is worn out, then it is a lot more likely to leave behind uneven tire tread marks on the ground. This is a sign that the suspension is failing and there’s an uneven amount of pressure on the tires.

9. Tailpipe in Bad Condition

Customers tend to favor a smooth test drive as the ultimate performance measure for a used car, and they forget to inspect the little things that matter too. A tailpipe is one of these little things that give you an indirect measure of your car’s internal health.

Here are the four different types of smoke patterns that can emerge from the car’s tailpipe:

• Puff of White Smoke While Starting Up. This is a result of condensation, and is no cause for panic.
• Black Smoke After the Car Has Warmed Up. A sign of excessively rich air-fuel mixture due to a dirty air filter, a defective oxygen sensor, or mass-air meter (moderate investment in repairs required).
• Blue Smoke. The result of oil burning (extensive investment in repairs needed).
• Billowing White Smoke. Water logging in combustion chamber due to a blown head gasket, or damaged cylinder head (extensive investment in repairs needed).

As far as exhaust smoke analysis goes, cloudy white or blue colored smoke patterns should be enough to send you looking for another car because of the costly damage they indicate. On the other hand, black or deep grey, or misty white smoke patterns are not such deal breakers since they indicate damage that can be fixed with low to moderate investment in repairs.

10. Insufficient Car Paperwork

An utter lack of service or maintenance records isn’t the hallmark of a reliable and responsible seller – and furthermore, it’s not likely anyone would sell a car at a bargain price if it still performed as good as new and never needed much maintenance.

In case you’re still interested in a vehicle lacking paperwork, it’s recommended that you get your own independent inspection done from a trusted mechanic to diagnose the car properly. You can also get your hands on a comprehensive vehicle history report from sources such as CreditUnion or Natis. This can allow you to check the number of previous owners and failed inspections, and whether it has been salvaged or stolen.

Unfortunately, the practice of car cloning has made it easier for sellers to fool customers. Car cloning essentially means stealing the license plate off one vehicle and placing it onto a different, unconnected vehicle. Therefore, if there are any fines or liabilities associated with the licensed number plate, the owner of the cloned car becomes answerable for the illegality.

If you’re a victim of this crime, you can lose both the car and the money once the authorities find out. If this doesn’t scare you into being thorough with your car paperwork, nothing ever will.

Final Word

Believe it or not, used car scams are far from uncommon, and a little vigilance can go a long way in helping you score the right deal. The last thing you want on your plate is a piece of portable junk that pinches your debt-squeezed account harder. Even if you do not possess exceptional mechanical knowledge, you can still do a little research in advance before heading to a used car dealership to figure out what you need and what you should avoid.

Have you ever gone used car shopping? What else should first-time customers watch out for?