Indholdsfortegnelse for October 2015 i CAR

ACCORDING to Kia, the design, which has been led by its European design studio in Frankfurt with input from the brand’s Namyang, Korea, and Irvine, California, design centres, is inspired by the interplay of sharp angles and smooth lines seen on modern fighter jets. The frontal aspect sees the headlamps migrate from the grille to the upper bonnet, while the profile exhibits a more angled, rakish silhouette with larger rear “haunches” and overhangs that are longer up front and shorter at the rear. There are hints of the 2013 Provo concept in the rear aspect, especially in the taillamp treatment with its narrow light clusters bridged by a chrome strip. Kia hasn’t divulged any info regarding powertrains, but there could be some carryover from the recently launched Hyundai Tucson, possibly…

ENGINES No engines will be carried over from the current-generation Astra and the new car will feature a completely revised engine portfolio, with outputs ranging from 70 kW to 147 kW. Petrol engines will include 77 kW 1,0-litre and 107 kW 1,4-litre turbopetrols. The latter all-aluminium engine weighs 10 kg less than the current 1,4-litre turbo, which has a forged steel block. In term of diesel powerplants, there will be a 1,6 CDTi offered in a range of outputs that kick off at 70 kW. CHASSIS Based on General Motors’ D2XX compact car platform that underpins the new Chevrolet Cruze, the new Astra is almost 50 mm shorter (with 20 mm trimmed from the wheelbase) and 26 mm lower than its predecessor. The bodyshell is also 20% lighter thanks to…

3,0 CSL Hommage R A spiritual successor to the 3,0 CSL “Bat-mobile” racecar, this concept (pictured below) features similarly widened wheelarches, air deflectors, wings and a livery that’s a contemporary take on the M division’s colours. The interior is made almost entirely of carbon-fibre (including the roll cage) save for the “instrument panel” that boasts a wood-like finish – a further nod to the original racer. A display behind the fighter-jet steering wheel displays the vehicle’s vital stats, as does the driver’s helmet visor. M4 GTS While still in concept form, there’s a very strong chance that a GTS version (above) will slot in above the production BMW M4 as a more focused performance car. Highlights: • Direct water-injection system to increase the twin-turbo inline-six’s performance. • Manually adjustable front…

WE ARE HERE FAST FACTS Ford B-Max 1,0 EcoBoost Titanium Prices: R271 900 Engine: 1,0-litre, 3-cyl, turbopetrol Power: 74 kW Torque: 170 N.m Trans: 5-spd manual 0-100 km/h: 13,2 sec Top speed: 175 km/h Fuel cons: 5,1 L/100 km CO 2  : 119 g/km Claimed figures CONSIDERING the relative popularity enjoyed by the Fiesta-based EcoSport SUV in our market, it’s easy to understand Ford Motor Company of South Africa’s enthusiasm in introducing another, arguably more practical, member of its B-segment family to the local fold. Based of the same platform as the EcoSport, the upright B-Max provides both a raised driving position and improved versatility over its crossover sibling thanks to the inclusion of sliding rear-passenger doors and the somewhat surprising absence of B-pillars. Opened independently, both the conventional…

WE ARE HERE FAST FACTS 1970 Renault R8 Gordini Engine: 1,3-litre, 4-cyl, petrol Trans: 5-spd manual Power: 77 kW @ 6 750 r/min Torque: 116 N.m @ 5 000 r/min 0-100 km/h: 10,3 sec (tested) Top speed: 175 km/h Mass: 855 kg Claimed figures “SIDEWAYS Scheckter”, the nickname given to South Africa’s sole Formula One world champion, was earned behind the wheel of one of these little cars. The sight of Jody flinging his modified R8 Gordini around local racing circuits was a familiar one during the late 1960s and the little Renault chalked up plenty of race wins as it took on Alfa Romeo GTAs, Mini Coopers and Ford Escorts in the modified saloon class. I must admit it wasn’t a fascination with these golden years that first piqued…

SEVEN months ago, a Vegas Yellow Audi S1 Sportback stole the hearts of the CAR team thanks to its unique blend of pace, head-turning looks, a good old-fashioned manual ‘box and the marque’s legendary Quattro all-wheel-drive system. However, back then, the S1 lacked a natural rival. We knew, though, that Mini’s new Cooper-based John Cooper Works (JCW) model was on its way to local shores, and based on the immense capabilities of the previous R50 and R56 JCWs, we looked forward to a highly entertaining scrap for segment supremacy. VISUAL APPEAL Arriving at the CAR office in the same Chilli Red of a previous-generation long-termer from five years ago, the new F56-generation Cooper JCW boasts similar menace to that vehicle. Its front-end features a mélange of functional vents and air…

Price: R354 900 0-100 km/h: 10,56 sec Power/Torque: 105 kW/172 N.m Top speed: 188 km/h CAR fuel index: 8,16 L/100 km CO 2  : 162 g/km ACCORDING to Honda, your next vehicle could well be a crossover. The firm’s assertion is based on the statistical fact that, unlike most other automotive segments that have seen declines in new-vehicle sales, the domestic crossover/SUV segment has grown by more than 5%. Demand for smaller vehicles with lofty driving positions, a bit of extra ground clearance and sporty styling has resulted in our market being flooded with crossovers from a raft of manufacturers. The HR-V is one of the latest additions to this burgeoning segment and Honda’s eager to cash in. Honda sold the original HR-V in the local market between 2002…

HAVING spent a year with an Isuzu KB300 D-TEQ double cab, we are set to repeat the process with an automatic-transmission Volkswagen Amarok. In our seven-vehicle shootout of double-cab 4x4s in May 2013, we chose the Amarok as the best all-rounder of the lot because of its mix of comfortable on-road manners and full off-road capabilities, allied with a “donkey” first gear and automatic transmission that successfully smoothes out the 2,0-litre engine’s twin-turbo torque thrust. While the tyres (Pirelli Scorpion) are biased to tar-road use, we look forward to re-acquainting ourselves with the abilities of the double cab Amarok by heading off to various mountain trails. Our test unit arrived in brilliant white and we again are reminded just how large the current double cabs are. Not large by American…

CAN the Tourer hold its own in town? The Honda has surpassed its halfway mark on mileage, the bulk of which was accumulated on the open road. Lately, however, the wings of the Tourer have been clipped and it had to join the rat race … and it excelled. Bulky vehicles, especially large SUVs, are great on family getaways but are akin to steering an oil tanker when you use them in urban areas. The Civic doesn’t present similar problems. The heated seats are a boon in cold, winter months, and the infotainment system is easy to use. Although I opted for the manual-gearbox version, the clutch is light to use and the short-throw gearshift action makes it bearable in stop-start traffic conditions. The vehicle is no more difficult to…

TO SAY that the Toyota Corolla is a stalwart in the South African automotive market is a massive understatement. The Corolla nameplate has managed to dominate the local compact-car market for more than three decades and remains one of South Africa’s most beloved compact family sedans. This is by no means an insignificant achievement, especially considering the immensely competitive segment within which the Corolla competes. And yet, the Corolla continues to take home numerous consumer awards (including CAR Top 12 Best Buys category victories in 2014 and a runner-up spot in 2015) and is still the benchmark against which competitors from the US, European, Japanese and Korean rival motor manufacturers are measured. This irrepressible quality stems from Toyota’s ability to reinvent its compact sedan with virtually every generation, such as…

SOUTH Africans don’t always associate the French brand Peugeot with top-selling models, but the successful 404 followed highly respected models in the form of the 203 and 403. Locally, in 1967 the 404 climbed the sales charts to jump into the top 10 and rub shoulders with the likes of the VW Beetle, Chrysler Valiant and Ford Cortina. Designed by Pininfarina, it had distinctive if not beautiful lines. South African production started in 1966. The best local sales year was 1973, when over 10 000 were sold. In contrast, its successor, the 504, found far fewer homes. Diesel 404 sedans sold in small numbers between 1977 and 1979. The engine was a robust 1,6-litre with hemispherical combustion chambers and OHV. It produced 60 kW (SAE). In 1974, a GL model…

WE ARE HERE FAST FACTS Hyundai Tucson 1,6 T-DGi AT Price: TBC Engine: 1,6-litre, 4-cyl, turbopetrol Trans: 7-spd dual-clutch Power: 130 kW Torque: 265 N.m 0-100 km/h: 9,1 sec Top speed: 201 km/h Fuel cons: 7,5 L/100 km CO 2  : 175 g/km Claimed figures YOU’D hate to be Hyundai and have to replace the ix35. The Korean company’s compact SUV has been an unqualified sales success, for years topping the charts in South Africa among compact SUVs and only recently relinquishing the sales crown to the Ford Kuga. It has become the Korean manufacturer’s third-bestselling model overall in the combined Africa and Middle Eastern region, with nearly 60 000 buyers signed on the dotted line in 2014 alone. There’s therefore a lot riding on the shoulders of its…

WE ARE HERE FAST FACTS Opel Corsa 1,4T Sport Price: R255 200 Engine: 1,4-litre, 4-cyl, turbopetrol Power: 110 kW Torque: 220 N.m Trans: 6-spd manual 0-100 km/h: 9,6 sec Top speed: 204 km/h Fuel cons: 5,9 L/100 km CO 2  : 133 g/km Claimed figures THERE is always a spot of wariness when a manufacturer releases a new variant with a Sport badge tacked to its tail, especially when it proves to be the Corsa 1,4T Sport – the range’s current halo model. Cynics could argue it’s merely a stop-gap between the entry-level models and the headline-grabbing OPC. However, Opel has claimed that there’s more than just a badge and increased spec at play with the 1,4T Sport, citing extensive chassis and suspension reworking, and a tuned version of…

MINI COOPER JCW AT Price: R441 439 0-100 km/h: 6,58 sec Power/Torque: 170 kW/320 N.m Top speed: 246 km/h CAR fuel index: 6,84 L/100 km CO 2: 133 g/km VW GOLF OETTINGER 400R DSG Price: R760 000 0-100 km/h: 4,35 sec Power/Torque: 294 kW/510 N.m Top speed: 265 km/h CAR fuel index: 8,28 L/100 km CO 2: 159 g/km RENAULT MÉGANE RS 275 TROPHY Price: R449 900 0-100 km/h: 6,28 sec Power/Torque: 201 kW/360 N.m Top speed: 254 km/h CAR fuel index: 9,00 L/100 km CO 2: 174 g/km HONDA CIVIC TYPE R Price: R540 000 est 0-100 km/h: 6,00 sec Power/Torque: 228 kW/400 N.m Top speed: 270 km/h CAR fuel index: 8,76 L/100 km CO 2: 170 g/km AUDI S1 QUATTRO Price: R452 500 0-100 km/h: 6,26 sec Power/Torque:…

Price: R760 000 0-100 km/h: 4,35 sec Power/Torque: 294 kW/510 N.m Top speed: 250 km/h CAR fuel index: 8,28 L/100 km CO 2  : 159 g/km WHEN we tested the Golf R last year, it left us unconvinced. As the ultimate Golf, its relative lack of firepower (the local version is less powerful than its European counterpart) and sheer entertainment value left us feeling short-changed. After all, the Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG had just shown how monstrous a hatchback could be. But perennial hot hatch protagonist Volkswagen can’t be shrugged off that easily, though, and it too has announced its own hyper hatch … we expect the Golf R420 to make its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March next year. Until then, however, the car featured in…

Price: R269 880 0-100 km/h: 10,53 secs Power/Torque: 140 kW/250 N.m Top speed: 185 km/h CAR fuel index: 10,2 L/100 km CO 2  : 197 g/km (est) AS we established in both the drive of the Mazda CX-3 (page 40) and road test of the Honda HR-V (page 76), the local market’s hunger for crossovers and compact SUVs shows no signs of abating. This, along with a gradual acceptance of Chinese cars, appears to have created the perfect environment into which Landwind could launch its debut model, the 5. The brand was founded in 2004 as a joint venture between its owner, Jaingling Motor Corporation (JMC), and Changan Automobile Group (Chana), and essentially represents a more upmarket arm of the former, whose offerings had previously comprised bakkies and LCVs.…

THE Volkswagen Cross Caddy has been a trusty workhorse for the CAR team since its arrival last November, mainly thanks to the gutsy 2,0 TDI engine and spacious interior. Its versatility has made it an unofficial photography and long-distance vacation vehicle on a frequent basis. It isn’t perfect, though. Driving the Caddy has been an interesting experience because of its commercial-vehicle origins. Stepping out of a conventional passenger vehicle and into this can be a less-than-smooth transition. The strong torque delivery from the TDI can catch you off guard at times because of the sensitive clutch action that requires careful modulation in order to avoid jerky progress as the full 250 N.m kicks in at just 1 750 r/min. It feels more comfortable on the open road, where you rarely…

DESPITE the technology’s environmental and running cost benefits, electric vehicles have not yet reached widespread acceptance. In February 2015, we published insights into what local consumers really think of green vehicles that were gleaned from my study at University of Stellenbosch Business School. Key findings included the fact that cost was the primary driver for consumers and that EVs would be more popular were they easy to refuel, maintain and operate. What was clear was that merely offering green vehicles will not ensure market success, but that a better understanding of consumers is required. Daimler just completed its eMERGE programme – a two-year, real-world trial of a fleet of smart Fortwo EVs and one of the most comprehensive insights into the use of EVs to date. The findings greatly support…

IN a sport where only Pirelli can win (as Formula One’s sole tyre supplier), the Italian tyre firm seems destined to do nothing but lose. The row that broke out following two tyre failures during the weekend of the Belgian Grand Prix exposed reservations that the drivers had been keeping to themselves for a while. They were clearly just as upset with Pirelli’s products as the Italian tyre company has been with the barrage of sudden criticism. There were two points of view and the sport’s governing body, the FIA, appeared to be showing no sign of mediating at the end of a race meeting in which the incidents could have been much worse than they actually were. Spa-Francorchamps is, after all, one of the most fearsome racetracks in the…

FOLLOWING much speculation, and on the back of the long-awaited Giulia’s unveiling, Fiat Chrysler Alfa boss, Sergio Marchionne, has officially stated that the Alfa Romeo line-up will play host to a brace of “utility vehicles” within the next three years. The move comes as part of an ambitious seven-model offensive that will cost €5 billion to develop, and which Marchionne hopes will revive the flagging Alfa brand and push global sales past the 400 000-unit mark by 2018. As these renderings show, Alfa’s utility offering will reportedly come in two distinct shapes. FULL-SIZE MODEL (MAIN PIC) Presently wearing the Tipo 949 model codename, it should be underpinned by a modified version of the new Giulia’s Giorgio platform. Rivals: BMW X3/4, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Audi Q5 STYLING The larger of the two…

WE ARE HERE FAST FACTS Mazda CX-3 2,0 AT Est price: R280 000 Engine: 2,0-litre, 4-cyl, petrol Trans: 6-spd AT Power: 115 kW Torque: 204 N.m 0-100 km/h: n/a Top speed: n/a Fuel cons: n/a L/100 km CO 2  : n/a g/km Claimed figures SMALL SUVs and crossovers are all the rage right now and prospective buyers are spoilt for choice. Faced with options from most major manufacturers, buyers can choose a model that perfectly suits their brand affinities, needs and tastes. The latest entrant into the fray is Mazda which, for the first time in its history, will offer a small crossover to South African buyers. We had the opportunity to sample the all-new CX-3, which will go on sale in a few weeks’ time, in Japan. As…

WE ARE HERE FAST FACTS Lexus RC 350 F Sport Price: R730 900 Engine: 3,5-litre, V6, petrol Trans: 8-spd AT Power: 233 kW Torque: 378 N.m 0-100 km/h: 7,19 sec (tested) Top speed: 250 km/h Fuel cons: 10,3 L/100 km CO 2  : 217 g/km Claimed figures BLACK is not usually the paint colour that best highlights a car’s aesthetics. It works on the Lexus RC, though. The unflattering neon lighting in Cape Town International Airport’s multi-storey parkade bounces and scatters off the brooding Lexus, emphasising the blend of angled facets and arced curves that is Lexus’ L-Finesse design language. Arriving to pick up our press vehicles at the South African launch of the RC 350 F Sport, it was this Starlight Black version that I swiftly annexed. A…

TWO in the Honda, three in the Renault. That’s how many steps it takes in each car to transform the infotainment screen into a lap timer. While the inclusion of such telemetry on older-generation hatches would have been dismissed as marketing gimmickry, in modern terms it emphasises the new (admittedly social media-fuelled) standard by which the latest breed of scorched hatchbacks are judged. The cardinal measurement of the moment is a timed lap around the famed Nürburgring Nordschleife. That said, search online for any recent Nordschleife track-day footage and the number of Renaultsport-fettled products – both new and old – circulating at the head of the field will astound you. And, based on CAR’s track experience with hatches bearing the mark of Renault’s in-house performance division, it’s usually the hottest…

Price: R638 900 0-100 km/h: 7,26 sec Power/Torque: 177 kW/340 N.m Top speed: 250 km/h CAR fuel index: 9,0 L/100 km CO 2  : 179 g/km REMEMBER the much-maligned X-Type? Launched in 2001, it was an amalgam of Jaguar bits and Ford bobs, sharing its underpinnings with the Mondeo. It was the product of an era when the company was part of Ford’s Premier Automotive Group and left to flounder as the American giant’s attentions were focused elsewhere. But, following Tata Motors’ purchase of the beloved British brand in 2008, the products have been steadily improving and today the Jaguar brand is stronger than ever. The XF kicked off the renaissance, followed by the XJ and F-Type. But those are premium products that operate in relatively small segments. Jaguar…

Price: R634 995 0-100 km/h: 9,52 sec Power/Torque: 147 kW/440 N.m Top speed: 203 km/h CAR fuel index: 7,92 L/100 km CO 2  : 174 g/km THE first Sorento designed by Kia was a pukka off-roader and came equipped with a low-range transfer case. In fact, an example was recently spotted by one of our testers while it tackled the Matroosberg 4x4 trail in search of snow. It was a vehicle we got to know well, too, thanks to our esteemed former technical editor Jake Venter who had a diesel derivative as a long-term test car. By the time generation two came along in 2009, however, it was clear that prospective Sorento owners were after a more refined and comfortable vehicle whose application was most definitely as an on-road,…

TO my surprise, when I visited www.toyota.co.za to locate a dealer for the 86’s first service, at 15 000 km, there was an option to book it through the new My Toyota app that’s available free for Android or iOS devices via Google Play or iTunes. I downloaded the 14 MB (15,9 MB for an iPhone or iPad) file through Wi-Fi in less than a minute and then registered as a user. Once I had chosen a dealership, in this case Market Toyota Tokai, and made the booking, I received an SMS notification than confirmed the appointment date and time. I also had the option to reschedule or contact the call centre for more information. A reminder SMS the day before the service was handy. Despite arriving early for the…

“RUBBER-band effect” or “slipping-clutch sensation” are phrases often used by motoring journalists to describe their first encounter with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). If you’ve been reading CAR for a while, you’d know we’re not fans of this transmission type. Derision in the motoring press has understandably not stopped carmakers from developing and improving CVT systems, and today we see them employed in many vehicles (including the new Honda HR-V tested on page 82). HISTORY The idea of a transmission that lacks distinct steps is nothing new and was conceptualised as early as 1490 by Leonardo da Vinci. The first friction-based belt CVT patent for a vehicle was filed by Daimler in 1886 and the technology was employed in motorcycles in the early 1900s and remains popular on scooters. With…

VOLVO V60 CROSS COUNTRY PRICES START AT R499 900 Not only is Volvo known for its station wagons and SUVs, but it’s also carved out a small but lucrative niche creating cars combining the best traits of both. As far back as 1997, Volvo Cars was the first premium brand to offer increased all-road capability and styling on wagons when it introduced the V70 Cross Country (CC). The V60 is the latest CC model to join the lineage, boasting an additional 65 mm of ground clearance compared with the standard model, as well as skid plates front and rear, side scuff plates and fender extensions. Naturally, all-wheel drive is standard fitment on all V60 CC derivatives. Torque-vectoring technology and corner traction control should provide further surefootedness. New 18- and 19-inch…

OUR first road test of the just-launched Jaguar XF had the CAR testers consulting their dictionaries for appropriately positive adjectives to describe the executive sedan. Despite the Coventry-based brand’s uncertain future at the time (the sale to Tata had not yet taken place), it managed to develop a world-class product that eventually led to a resurgence in sales and profit margins. That first test car was the 4,2-litre S (for supercharged) V8 with 306 kW. We then assessed the upgraded 5,0 V8 R with 375 kW (the standard V8 produced 219 kW). The first diesel was of 2,7-litre capacity and developed 152 kW, but in 2009 two 3,0-litre V6 diesels were added that offered 177 kW and 202 kW. A similarly sized petrol V6 boasted 175 kW. ZF gearboxes were…

Auto Alpina Boksburg commenced business in October 1996, and right from the outset, believed customer satisfaction played an integral part in the success of their business. Their primary objective was and still is to ensure total customer satisfaction. Throughout the years, they have been at the forefront of service excellence and have received numerous accolades as a result. This reputation and dedication has seen their client base and business grow exponentially over the years. Auto Alpina Boksburg is now a flagship BMW dealer; housing the latest new models; BMW Approved Used Cars; BMW Motorrad and MINI. They are perfectly situated in North Rand Road (opposite the Game entrance of the East Rand Mall) in the heart of Boksburg’s shopping suburbia. Continued growth and expansion has now resulted in them even…