Indholdsfortegnelse for November 2015 i CAR

PORSCHE took the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show by storm with the unveiling of its intriguing Mission E concept, firing a round across the bows of Tesla’s increasingly popular Model S EV sedan range. ALL-WHEEL BALANCING ACT Although rear-wheel biased, the Mission E’s drivetrain also calls on the front wheels under hard acceleration and features an electronic take on Porsche’s torque-vectoring system that apportions drive between the rear wheels. SUPER-FAST CHARGING The Mission E’s Porsche Turbo Charging system uses an 800 V process capable of charging the lithium-ion battery to 80% of its capacity (good for 400 km) in 15 minutes. The battery, which is positioned to achieve a centre of gravity similar to that of the 918 Spyder, can be charged via a floor-mounted inductive charging pad. PART PANAMERA, WHOLLY…

CITROËN CACTUS M Apparently inspired by the colours and shapes of surfing culture, the M (pictured above) is a two-door roadster version of the Cactus with surfboard-like wooden trims, lightweight plastic doors and a drainable cabin floor. PEUGEOT FRACTAL This sharply styled MX-5-sized sportscar weighs just 1 000 kg and is powered by an EV drive system capable of 0-100 km/h in 6,8 seconds. Some 80% of its interior trim surfaces have been 3D printed.…

WE ARE HERE FAST FACTS Toyota Hilux 2,4 D-4D Price: TBCEngine: 2,4-litre, 4-cyl,turbodieselTrans: 6-spd manualPower/Torque: 110 kW/400 N.m0-100 km/h: n/aTop speed: 170 km/hFuel cons: 8,3 L/100 kmCO2 : 219 g/km Claimed figures JUST above the driver’s knee sits a rotary switch. It looks like it could be one of the facia-mounted ventilation controls – until you need to use it. On closer inspection, you’ll spot the telltale “H2 – H4 – L4”. That sequence of letters and numbers will be well known to off-road enthusiasts, as they signify various drive-train modes. In any other off-road vehicle, they wouldn’t warrant a mention. But this is not just any off-roader; this is a Hilux, one of the world’s top-selling vehicles. Toyota has sold more than 16 million worldwide since 1968; suffice to say…

WE ARE HERE FAST FACTS Opel Astra 1,4 Ecotec Price: TBCEngine: 1,4-litre, 4-cyl,turbopetrolTrans: 6-spd manualPower/Torque: 110 kW/230 N.m0-100 km/h: 8,5 secTop speed: 216 km/hFuel cons: 5,5 L/100 kmCO2 : 128 g/km Claimed figures THE Opel’s steering was vague, the brakes alarmingly poor and the wipers largely ineffective against the rain bucketing down in Rüsselsheim. Then again, this was the oldest car I’d ever piloted – a 1936 Opel Kadett – and the ur-ancestor of the vehicle we were in Europe to drive. The following day, basking in the late-summer sun in Vienna, was a gleaming line of red Astras – the latest and most important model in an Opel renaissance that’s unfolded over the last three years (there will be no fewer than 29 new Opels by the end of the…

WE ARE HERE FAST FACTS Mercedes-Benz G350d Price: R1 435 955Engine: 3,0-litre,V6, turbodieselTrans: 7-spd ATPower: 180 kWTorque: 600 N.m0-100 km/h: 8,8 secTop speed: 192 km/hFuel cons: 9,9 L/100 kmCO2 : 261 g/km Claimed figures CONTRARY to what you see on the adjacent map, this story begins on a winding country road on a muggy afternoon on the eve of the Frankfurt Motor Show. I was at the helm of the latest-spec G350d, the entry-level model of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class range. This anachronistic SUV, which went into production in 1979 as the Geländewagen and recently returned to South Africa in right-hand-drive configuration, has again undergone numerous technical updates. In terms of the evolution of the automotive market, the G-Class is the woolly mammoth, but it’s alive and well. The latest specification is…

WHEN Mercedes-Benz introduced the first-generation M-Class in 1997 and kick-started the segment for on-road-biased luxury SUVs, few people would have predicted that such vehicles would be as popular – and therefore profitable – as they are now. When planning this comparative test, it was soon clear the line-up of competitors could have been far larger. We had the option of including the always excellent Porsche Cayenne, Volkswagen’s underrated Touareg, Jeep’s left-field Grand Cherokee and the Range Rover Sport, a multiple champion in our annual Top 12 Best Buys awards programme. Except for the Grand Cherokee, which in any event was rudimentary before this current generation and would never have qualified for luxury SUV status, none of those vehicle existed before the M-Class’ arrival. Nor did first generations of the Audi…

Price: R1 110 057 0-100 km/h: 6,00 sec Power/Torque: 270 kW/520 N.m Top speed: 250 km/h CAR fuel index: 10,68 L/100 km CO2 : 209 g/km IF imitation was indeed the sincerest form of flattery, BMW would have felt particularly gratified once the covers were pulled from the new Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupé at the 2015 North American International Auto Show. Munich no doubt felt a sense of fulfilment with not only another major manufacturer accepting the market potential for a sports activity coupé (or SAC), but that, particularly viewed in profile, the Stuttgart creation shares design elements with the X6. The fact that Mercedes-Benz chose the Detroit show to reveal its interpretation of a coupé-bodied SUV says much about the market that’s most intrigued by this concept. Like the BMW, the…

DRIVER: Gareth Dean WITH the arrival of the Opel Corsa 1,4T Sport and the departure of the Renault Mégane GT-Line, it’s a case of different car, same idea. Both models form a mildly tuned, sportier-looking bridge between their workaday and high-performance stable mates – a combination that should lend itself well to a year in our company. Opel has opted to take a fairly low-key tack when it comes to injecting a spot of sportiness into this currently halo-placed Corsa, leaving much of the chest-thumping machismo addenda to the OPC. Externally, the Sport’s highlights include a fetching set of 17-inch alloys, some faux carbon-fibre bits in the grille and mirror caps, and slightly more purposeful-looking lower bodywork. The interior is a similar story, with the most obvious changes being the…

DRIVER: Neil Piper Neilpipes I’VE had the pleasure of driving the Mazda3 for a few months now and, although I would not classify it as the perfect family vehicle, it has met the needs of my family as a daily runabout. Weekend trips or longer vacations with luggage, however, have proven a challenge because the boot is relatively small, measuring just 256 dm3 . That said, I’ve decided to counter this lack of packing space by adding Thule roof racks and a rooftop loading box, and we’ll try these on an upcoming vacation to the Eastern Cape. I’m hopeful the added drag won’t have too much of a negative effect on consumption, which is currently at 8,5 L/100 km. The Mazda3’s build quality is very good and I’ve been impressed…

THE soft-top version of the BMW 1 Series, which was launched in 2007, may not have been a very familiar sight on local roads, but during its production cycle it became the world’s bestselling premium compact convertible. Therefore, its successor, the 2 Series Convertible, has quite a legacy to live up to. Fortunately, it’s more than up to the task, having been improved in almost every conceivable area. Visually, the 228i ticks all the right boxes even if the Luxury trim line’s styling addenda are comparatively conservative. The passengers are seated closer to the rear axle than the front, which makes the bonnet appear fairly lengthy (a classic roadster design trait). All the traditional BMW cues are there, too, such as the broad kidney grille, a multitude of design lines…

WHEN we last road tested the Focus ST, we proclaimed it a “great car … that balances practicality and performance. Blue Oval fans will no doubt rejoice at the introduction of the hottest ST to date.” We loved the ST’s ability to be docile one minute and doggedly grippy the next. In fact, its usability was its standout quality. Ford appears to have differed to our opinion, and with the Focus range’s midlife refresh has seen it fit to toughen up its hot hatch offering. ST2.0 features a stiffened front-end body structure, retuned springs and dampers, and tightened bushes. Lastly, the steering system has been retuned inline with the underbody tweaks. The result? A vehicle that now bristles with feel and feedback. Tackle a set of corners and the revised…

IN the F-Type range, it’s been the V6, as opposed to the V8 models, that have impressed the CAR team the most. Since the launch of the Roadster in mid-2013 and the subsequent introduction of the Coupé version, the supercharged V6 S models have been the best F-Types in our opinion: they have enough power, lovely exhaust rasps and are easy to correct if you exceed the limit. The V8-engined R Coupé, which we tested for the September 2014 issue, might have been the halo model, but in truth it was a bit of a handful. Even if you floored it while travelling in a straight line, the R would instantly transform into a squirmy, tail-happy brute. Add to that an appropriately raucous engine note and it was difficult to…

A coupé powered by a turbodiesel engine... A model such as the E250 BlueTEC Coupé may be an aberration to many motorists, but turbodiesel powertrains have come a long way in terms of their performance and refinement, and most European consumers prefer them to petrol-engined models. Its not difficult to understand why: diesel engines are generally more fuel-efficient and the high torque delivery at low revs is conducive to a relaxed, but nonetheless swift, driving style. The latest E Coupé is based on the underpinnings of the previous-generations C-Class and not, as most may expect, the W212 E-Class that received a major facelift a few years ago. Mercedes-Benz has updated the styling at the front and rear significantly to align the vehicle with the Stuttgart-based marque’s current design ethos. This…

SUZUKI has a habit of producing very good cars that are often overlooked in our market. In the last year or so, though, that has changed somewhat – joining the established Swift hatchback and Jimny SUV are models like the SX4 crossover, Ertiga mini-MPV and Splash hatch. They’ve helped Suzuki to post some impressive sales in South Africa. While the local car market remained flat in 2014, the Japanese brand reported a 33% increase. The Ciaz is the newest model on the Suzuki roster and, given the niche at which it’s aimed, the brand must hope the curve on its sales graph will continue on its north-bound trajectory. The niche – the budget-friendly end of the C-segment – is, of course, dominated by Toyota with its Corolla and Corolla Quest,…

Engine first turbopetrol engine for Carrera Infotainment first touchscreen infotainment with smartphone-like interface Suspension  first four-wheel-steer and nose-lift system on the Carrera THE iconic shape and design of the Porsche 911 have barely changed in more than 50 years. Under the skin, however, Zuffenhausen’s engineers have constantly evolved the technology to keep the 911 ahead of the competition. Continuing this approach to cutting-edge tech, the new Carrera (which will become available locally early next year) will be the first entry-level 911 in the model’s history to feature a turbocharged petrol engine, something previously reserved for the revered 911 Turbo. This means that, except for the GT3 and GT3 RS (flip back to page 54 for a driving impression), all 911s will feature forced induction. In this feature, we investigate the…

AUDI RS6 AVANT R1 465 000 Audi recently launched its scorching RS6 Avant locally. The tar-burning estate delivers maximum power of 412 kW, with 700 N.m of torque from its twin-turbocharged 4,0-litre V8. These outputs match those of the RS7 Sportback. Power is redirected to all four wheels by an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission. Thanks to the Quattro drivetrain, which maximises traction off the line, the wagon accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in a scant 3,9 seconds. Top speed with the optional Dynamic Package Plus fitted is 305 km/h. Audi’s cylinder-on-demand tech provides a relatively low fuel consumption figure of just 9,8 L/100 km and CO2 emissions of 223 g/km. Twenty-one-inch wheels on low-profile rubber ensure surefootedness from a handling viewpoint. Helping the AWD system is a standard RS adaptive…

IT caused quite a stir when it was launched in 2003. Some commenters believed the Cayenne would do only damage to the Porsche brand and that the Stuttgart-based company should have stuck to what it does best – making exciting sportscars. History has, of course, proven the detractors wrong and the Cayenne has been a massive sales success. Clearly, that famous badge affixed to the front of a practical SUV has great appeal. The range kicked off in 2003 with a pair of 4,5-litre V8s producing 250 kW in naturally aspirated form (the S model) and 331 kW when turbocharged (this version cost a staggering R580 000 more). In 2006, a 3,2 V6 petrol engine was introduced and developed 213 kW. Keener pricing brought many converts to the party. A…

Lindsay Saker East Rand Mall was strategically placed near the East Rand Mall shopping centre in September 2001 as a flagship Volkswagen dealer for the renowned Imperial Group Ltd. This prime position offers easy access off both the N12 and R21 highways into Boksburg. They are perfectly situated to offer you all their VW products and services, at one convenient location. Lindsay Saker East Rand Mall has built a reputation as a one-stop VW shop, through their uncompromising service levels and ongoing special offers. Their new car showroom houses the entire range of new VW‘s; from the budget beating Polo Vivo and UP!, through to the legendary Golf range which includes the awesome GTI and the new Golf SV. The iconic Beetle is also available and the new Passat will…

NOT only does the Q30 represent Infiniti’s foray into the premium compact-hatch market, but the UK-built newcomer, which shares its platform and powertrains with the popular Mercedes-Benz A-Class, will look to attract a youthful, upwardly mobile clientele 1 DISTINCTIVE LOOKS The Q30 incorporates divergent styling cues, including the most ornate interpretation of Infiniti’s double-arch grille with 3D mesh, a coupé-like profile, shallow side glass and an upright stance. Above the base model are the Premium and Sport spec levels. The latter has a 15 mm lower ride height, bespoke bumpers, a gloss-black grille, custom side sills, as well as dual rectangular exhaust tips. 2 POWERTRAINS Premium and Sport models are powered by a 155 kW 2,0-litre, four-cylinder turbopetrol shared with the Mercedes-Benz, but the European market features 1,6-litre models with…

PORSCHE wasn’t the only firm to unveil a radical, ecofriendly performance sedan at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. Mercedes-Benz’s IAA concept features active electric aero panels, the most impressive of which is a telescopic tail section that looks like the thrust-vectoring nozzle from a jet engine; it allows the car to carve through the air with a drag coefficient of just 0,19. Like the Mission E, the IAA concept features a high-tech cabin with individual seating and virtual controls on a touch-sensitive facia panel. The IAA concept isn’t just about aerodynamics and efficiency; Mercedes-Benz claims that it also offers a glimpse into the styling direction its luxury models are set to take. A 250 kW petrol-electric hybrid powertrain propels the IAA to a top speed of 250 km/h, with emissions…

Described by Renault as a “work hard, play hard” vehicle, the Alaska shares its underpinnings with the new Nissan Navara and the eagerly awaited Mercedes-Benz double cab. Power is provided by a twin-turbo, four-cylinder diesel engine sourced from the firm’s Master range and the towing capacity stands at 1 000 kg. Although studded with show-car staples such as huge, ornate alloy wheels and video cameras in the door housings that record the scenery, Renault claims that the production version’s design will be “similar in spirit” to that of the concept when the former arrives in the middle of next year.…

WE ARE HERE FAST FACTS BMW 750Li Rrice: R1 869 374Engine: 4,4-litre,V8, biturbo-petrolTrans: 8-spd ATPower: 330 kWTorque: 650 N.m0-100 km/h: 4,4 secTop speed: 250 km/hFuel cons: 8,3 L/100 kmCO2 : 194 g/km Claimed figures IT may be hard to believe but the vehicle on these pages is the sixth-generation 7 Series. And, as the flagship product in BMW’s portfolio, it once again showcases the safety and technology advancements that will soon be commonplace in your next 1 and 3 Series. But, the grand saloon market is also a conservative one, which is why this vehicle, like its immediate predecessor, looks as understated as it does. The new Seven bears a number of similarities to the outgoing model, but there are differences: the grille is wider, the lights larger and there are…

WE ARE HERE FAST FACTS Volvo V60 Cross Country D4 AWD Geartronic Inscription Price: R519 900Engine: 2,5-litre,5-cyl, turbodieselTrans: 6-spd ATPower: 140 kWTorque: 420 N.m0-100 km/h: 8,9 secTop speed: 205 km/hFuel cons: 5,7 L/100 kmCO2 : 149 g/km Claimed figures THE Swedes can be a tad schizophrenic. They have a history of either designing serene masterpieces in minimalist furniture or putting on horned helmets, jumping into wooden longboats and generally terrorising their neighbours. This somewhat adventurous character trait can be seen in their cars, too, and while the Polestar performance models are the best example of the latent “berserker” gene, recent Volvo station wagons are a case in point, too. When the V60 was first launched five years ago, the world was presented with one of the best-looking examples of a modern…

Price: R1 265 000 0-100 km/h: 7,43 sec Power/Torque: 298 kW/560 N.m Top speed: 210 km/h CAR fuel index: 17,76 L/100 km CO2 : 350 g/km IN a bid to take the fight to its more established rivals, Infiniti has pulled out all of the stops with the introduction of its super-sized QX80 SUV. But, having sampled this luxurious leviathan, we had to ask ourselves: is bigger really better? At the time of testing the QX80, we also had the Mercedes-Benz GLE450 AMG Coupé (see page 90) and Kia Grand Sedona gracing our forecourt, both substantial cars in their own right. But the arrival of the big Infiniti made them look like a pair of Dinky Toys by comparison. But, while its dimensions are suitably imposing, the styling isn’t so much…

DRIVER: Sudhir Matai BanzaiMatai I FINALLY had an open weekend in my schedule and the streetcar track days at Killarney Raceway coincided, so I did what I’ve been aching to do since DM 83 CW GP arrived a few months ago – take it out for hot laps. The open days at Killarney are great for enthusiasts to get their speed thrills and explore the limits of their machinery in a safe and controlled environment, which is exactly what I wanted to do. All signed up and scrutineered, I headed out on track. The power from the wonderful inline-six 3,0-litre turbopetrol engine, which delivers 240 kW and 450 N.m from just 1 300 r/min, helped eat up the two long straights at Killarney and its penchant for revs was admirable,…

YOU’RE the CEO of a company and a family man, but you’re in a quandary: your current vehicle needs to be replaced, but in the prevailing economic climate, the procurement of a flashy, in-your-face status symbol will anger the unions. Perhaps the newly facelifted Audi S6 fits the bill? From an aesthetic point of view, the A6 has always been sophisticated, yet understated. The revised S6 features LED headlamps, an aerodynamic body kit and 19-inch S-design alloy wheels. Always remember to reverse into the CEO’s dedicated parking bay at your company’s HQ, because the four exhaust tips are likely to give the game away. Inside, the spacious S6 exudes pure luxury – as you would expect from a vehicle costing the wrong side of a bar – and the cabin’s…

HOW much power can practically be transferred to the road by a rear-wheel-driven car? The M Division chief executive, Frank van Meel, recently suggested that BMW M cars’ peak power outputs will probably be pegged at 600 hp (441 kW), the exact peak power output of the facelifted M6 Coupé with Competition Package, the subject of this test. It was with trepidation that we drove to CAR’s traditional test strip and from the sombre look on road test engineer Peter Palm’s face, it was clear he was worried, too. BMW claims an optimal zero-to-100 km/h time of 3,9 seconds for this model, but having tested several M cars in the recent past, we know their launch-control functions are temperamental at the best of times… Then it was time to hang…

THERE were mixed reactions when the Veloster was introduced to the local market two years ago. Not everyone was convinced by the practicality of the compact hatchback’s unconventional door layout (two on one side, one on the other) and many believed the 1,6-litre naturally aspirated engine did not provide enough performance to complement the Hyundai’s sporty packaging. Will the arrival of the Turbo model address the latter concern sufficiently? Although South Africans had to wait a fair while, the belated addition of a 1,6-litre direct-injection turbocharged engine to the Veloster range represents the Korean brand’s first stab at the highly competitive hot hatch market. This model’s peak power output is a respectable 150 kW, while maximum torque of 265 N.m is achieved from a low 1 750 r/min. Furthermore, the…

EIGHT-seater MPVs are rare in the South African new-vehicle market and this top-of-the-range Xylo, at R254 995, appears to be the most affordable one. When we tested the previous Xylo in 2010, we weren’t enamoured with its appearance, but that has now been greatly improved thanks to a new headlamp-and-grille execution. The most unusual feature of the Xylo is its height: the body sits on a ladder-frame chassis and usually a configuration of that nature results in lowered seating positions, but Mahindra has retained spacious seating (with lots of under-seat storage) and raised the roof to give it a van-like feel. The rear-wheel drive is complemented by Bridgestone Dueler A/T tyres, which means that the Xylo is better equipped to cope with unsealed surfaces than most of its rivals. The…

WHEN we tested the all-new X-Trail late last year, we questioned Nissan’s rationale for changing the definitive characteristics of vehicle that proved so popular in its original guise. However, the more mainstream appeal of the new version seems to have worked well: approximately 2 000 new X-Trails were sold during the first half of the year.While we don’t have the sales breakdown per model, we are pretty sure that the lion’s share of sales can be attributed to models lower down the range, such as two-wheel-drive petrol versions. Despite the strides that have been made in the field of diesel technology, a model such as the 1,6 dCi doesn’t represent a large chunk of the sales statistics, which is a pity. Our time with the 1,6 dCi XE model showed…

THE Passat is one of Volkswagen’s most successful models worldwide, with almost 22 million units sold to date. And the eighth-generation model looks set to continue this glowing legacy as it conquers new grounds in terms of quality, comfort, performance and technology. Indeed, one of the Passat’s strongest selling points is the proposition of a comprehensive sedan driving experience at a competitive price and reasonable running cost. Innovative platform An elongated version of the much-acclaimed MQB platform is the cornerstone of the eighth-generation Passat. This front-wheel-drive architecture, which also underpins the Golf and upcoming Tiguan, has meant the new B8-generation Passat is 2 mm shorter and 14 mm lower than its predecessor. Despite this, however, the newcomer’s longer wheelbase has allowed the occupant cell to be lengthened by 33 mm.…

NOTES The PRICES shown are the latest available at the time of going to press. Our deadline occurred before 25 September 2015. Readers should check with a dealer before making a decision. The HP payment calculations are based on a 10% deposit, the current interest rate and a 54-month repayment period with no residual at the end. Under ENGINE we list the number of cylinders and the cubic capacity in cm3 . Here, V = V-shaped engine layout; H = horizontally-opposed engine layout; The absence of an initial symbol implies an in-line engine layout. FUEL SUPPLY abbreviations are P = petrol-engined; D = diesel-engined; T = turbocharged, a compressor driven by exhaust gases; S = supercharged, a compressor driven by the engine; P/H = petrol-hybrid and E = electric. POWER…

GS- 911WIFI DIAGNOSTIC TOOL FOR BMW MOTORCYCLES Made by HEX Microsystems, this device allows professional workshops or expedition riders to access engine control unit (CPU) information, read and clear fault codes and reset service reminders on their BMW motorcycles. It communicates with an app installed on the user’s smartphone through Wi-Fi. R4 195 from shop.hexdiagnostics.co.za REMOVABLE SPARE WHEEL CARRIER This is a heavyweight steel bracket that mounts to the back of a vehicle, making for easy access to the spare wheel. With its heavyweight swing arm, it also allows the top arm to lock in three different positions. It’s adaptable to all PCD sizes and can be used to store fuel cans with a replaceable bracket. R4 999 from www.tauro.co.za EASY DRIVE PUSH ‘N PULL The…

The Renault Mégane is synonymous with eye-catching design in the compact-hatchback market and this newcomer is nothing if not distinctive by virtue of its sweeping C-shaped headlamps, foglamp/air-intake clusters and elongated, uni-brow taillamps. Compared with its predecessor, the Mégane is both lower, longer and wider, with more rear legroom. The cockpit-style interior envelops the driver in an L-shape and high-end options will include a full-colour head-up display, a TFT instrument display and a portrait-format 8,7-inch R-Link 2 touchscreen with a capacitive “pinch-and-zoom” technology (á la a tablet computer). Renault’s Efficient Dual Clutch transmission will now come with six or seven speeds. ENGINES Two 1,2-litre turbopetrols (75 kW/97 kW)A 1,6-litre turbopetrol (153 kW)Two 1,5-litre turbodiesels* (67 kW/75 kW)Two 1,6-litre turbodiesels* (97 kW/123 kW) *It’s unlikely we’ll get all the diesel versions…

BIGGER The new Tiguan is 60 mm longer and 30 mm wider, with a wheelbase that’s 77 mm longer. This all adds up to more interior space, with VW claiming 29 mm extra rear legroom and a 615 dm3 boot (145 dm3 more than the previous generation). Fold down the rear seats and it will swallow 1 655 dm3 . BEEFIER In true VW style, this is an evolutionary rather than revolutionary design, but is clearly a more angular vehicle, with plenty of sharp lines and creases, larger alloys and deeper front air intakes on higher-spec models. In the front grille and taillamps, there are echoes of the new Passat (see our special report on page 140). MORE EFFICIENT VW’s Frankfurt stand showed a GTE plug-in hybrid – a power-train…

WE ARE HERE FAST FACTS Ford Everest 3,2 4x4 Limited AT Price: R646 900Engine: 3,2-litre, 5-cyl,turbodieselTrans: 6-spd ATPower: 147 kWTorque: 470 N.m0-100 km/h: 11,5 secTop speed: 217 km/hFuel cons: 8,5 L/100 kmCO2 : 224 g/km Claimed figures AS Toyota readies itself to launch the all-new Hilux (reviewed on page 34) in global markets to combat the rising popularity of Ford’s Ranger, the Japanese carmaker would do well to mind its opposite flank from another Blue Oval attack. This Everest could be the most significant local Ford introduction in recent years. While the forthcoming Mustang and Focus RS will reignite the flames of past performance-car glory days, given the bakkiebased SUV segment’s popularity in our borders, it’s the Everest that Ford will be counting on to further bolster its ever-strengthening foothold in…

1 An overriding sense of sophistication is heightened by a notable lack of road noise and the hush of a well-insulated cabin. 2 Introduced in the TT, Audi’s Virtual Cockpit configures the driver’s digital instrument cluster to incorporate the likes of sat-nav. 3 Haptic climate control buttons feature metallic housings, while a new motion-sensitive multimedia control unit is linked to an 8,3-inch infotainment screen. 4 Nearly every technological advancement and safety feature afforded the latest Q7 can now be ordered for the humble A4. In communication terms, this includes Wi-Fi hotspots, inductive smartphone charging and remote access to certain functions via a smart-phone app. 5 An Audi-developed tablet that attaches behind the front seat provides entertainment for rear passengers. Once specified, these robust units serve as fully functioning Android-based tablets…

WE ARE HERE FAST FACTS Mercedes-BenzA220d Price: R460 100Engine: 2,1-litre, 4-cyl,turbodieselTrans: 7-spd dual-clutchPower: 130 kWTorque: 350 N.m0-100 km/h: 7,5 secTop speed: 224 km/hFuel cons: 4,2 L/100 kmCO2 : 109 g/km Claimed figures UPON its introduction, the W176-generation A-Class attracted a new generation of premium buyers to the Mercedes-Benz brand by offering them a conventionally packaged, handsomely styled compact hatchback. And it’s worked: the range has been available locally for only two and a half years, but South Africa already represents its 10th biggest global market. Why then would Mercedes-Benz introduce an upgraded version so early in the range’s life? The answer may lie in the trend of shorter product cycles in the compact class, but I believe that, although the A-Class has thrived, critics have not generally regarded the littlest Benz…

WE ARE HERE FAST FACTS Porsche 911 GT3 RS Price: R2 850 000Engine: 4,0-litre, flat sixTrans: 7-spd dual-clutchPower/Torque: 368 kW/460 N.m0-100 km/h: 3,30 secTop speed: 310 km/hFuel cons: 12,7 L/100 kmCO2 : 296 g/km Claimed figures LE Mans is hallowed ground for Porsche. Having been present in each 24-hour race at Circuit de la Sarthe since its inception is remarkable enough, but 17 overall victories (including this year with the 919) is astounding. It’s an emotional experience to walk into the pit area of the brand-new Porsche Experience Centre and see the line-up of vehicles at our disposal for the day: Cayman GT4, Boxster Spyder, 911 Carrera GTS and a 911 Turbo. All eyes, however, quickly focus on the unmistakable shape of the raised rear spoiler on a GT3 RS parked…

Price: R271 900 0-100 km/h: 11,10 sec Power/Torque: 92 kW/170 N.m Top speed: 189 km/h CAR fuel index: 5,88 L/100 km CO2 : 114 g/km ON paper, it looks like an appealing family recipe. Take a Ford Fiesta (based on a platform lauded for its excellent ride and neutral handling characteristics), add a 1,0-litre EcoBoost engine (a powerplant that’s garnered a hat-trick of International Engine Of The Year titles), increase the roof height for more interior headroom and luggage space and, finally, as the icing on the cake, remove the B-pillar and add two sliding doors for easy access to the rear seats. Et voilá! A top-drawer mini-MPV. As with any recipe, however, the real test is in the taste and the CAR editors took several bites during the standard two-week…

DRIVER: Mike Fourie MikeFourieZA WHETHER using the Infiniti for commuting or taking it on long trips, the Hybrid feels fortress-like by virtue of the features included in the optional Safety Shield pack (R27 000), which is offered only in conjunction with the Visibility pack (R20 310 for adaptive LED lighting, the around-view monitor’s 360-degree vista, moving-object detection and parking guidance). The Infiniti’s ability to accelerate, brake and steer dynamically, whether through the operations of the radar-guided intelligent cruise control, or a plethora of safety systems, ensures peace of mind. The predictive forward collision-warning system (with distance-control assist) will warn a driver of an impending incident and, if there’s no response, apply emergency braking action (and tension seatbelts if a crash cannot be avoided). Strategic automated braking can also be applied…

THE F20-generation 1 Series can’t be accused of lacking performance pedigree or being disappointing to drive on the daily commute, but M135i models aside, BMW’s always been a sort of fringe player in the hot hatch game. Can the 125i Steptronic make a strong case for itself as the thinking man’s hot hatch? By virtue of its recent facelift, the 1 Series is an appreciably more attractive option in the premium compact hatch category: sleeker headlamp clusters feature LED daytime-running lights and hexagonal shapes have been added to the kidney grille, while elongated LED taillamps make the hatch look wider. Kitted out with the optional M Sport exterior package and finished in Valencia Orange, the test unit drew admiring glances, but it does not make a statement in the way…

AUTOMOTIVE manufacturers based in China must despise it when their products are collectively referred to as “Chinese vehicles”, an often-derogatory grouping associated with copycat designs of popular vehicles, sub-par build quality and low prices. However, cars produced in China have improved tremendously and some of the newer products have received good reviews. Can the facelifted Tiggo, which is still based on an older-generation offering but has undergone a significant upgrade, compete in the popular compact SUV segment? Styling-wise, the designers have done enough to give the Tiggo a distinctive personality – it is now less reminiscent of a previous-generation Toyota RAV4 than the pre-facelift version was. Revised front bumper, grille and headlamps (with integrated LED daytime-running lights) help the Chery make a fresh first impression. Add the 17-inch wheels, colour-coded…

THE Q50 is an important range for Infiniti. Not only does the compact executive sedan bring the Japanese brand to within reach of a wider spectrum of new-vehicle buyers, its range is now significantly broader than at launch. When the Q50 made its debut in the latter half of last year, there were only turbo-diesels in the line-up, which has since been expanded to include a hybrid (which is part of our long-term test fleet) and turbo-petrol models. The latter is the subject of this test. Wearing the same sleek lines and large alloys as the rest of the range, the 2,0T Sport is chock-full of extras, with very little left off the standard specification list. The light-coloured interior feels airy and spacious, and the build quality is on par…

IN besting the facelifted Kia Sportage in our August 2015 comparative test, the FWD Mazda CX-5 2,2DE Active AT shed its veil of relative obscurity in the compact SUV field. Although it’s solidly build, has resolved dynamics and its refinement impressed, it was that model’s great value for money that sealed the result. But that was the entry point into the range; do these virtues still hold true when it’s the range-topping AWD Akera that’s under the spotlight? Although the material and specification-related differences between Active and Akera are evident, it’s the additional power and torque that separates the two. Here Mazda’s engineers have turned up the wick on the 2,2-litre turbodiesel from 110 kW/380 N.m to the tune of 129 kW/420 N.m. That may not look like a substantial…

THE Subaru Legacy is now in its sixth iteration, and although it can no longer be regarded as a sports sedan (as its predecessors were) and its range has been reduced to a single model, there’s a lusty flat-six engine at the heart of the 3,6R-S Premium. This powertrain configuration naturally makes you think of Porsche, but the Subaru doesn’t quite emit that characteristic 911 wail. It’s not that the Legacy sounds dull, but rather that it’s a case of a 3,6-litre boxer motor humming in a refined tone that most will expect of a large family sedan. In true Subaru fashion, the Legacy features permanent four-wheel drive, which is well suited to slippery Northern European driving conditions but largely surplus to requirements in South Africa’s drier, more temperate climate.…

1,4 TSI Comfortline manual/DSG Engine: 1,4-litre, 4-cylinder, turbopetrol Transmission: 6-spd manual/7-spd dual-clutch Power/Torque: 110 kW at 5 000 to 6 000 r/min; 250 N.m from 1 500 to 3 000 r/min Performance: 0-100 km/h in 8,4 sec; 220 km/h top speed Fuel cons: 5,3/5,2 L/100 km CO2 : 124/121 g/km Comfortline spec: multifunction steering wheel; cloth seats; multifunction display; Blue-tooth; radio/CD/USB/ SD with eight speakers; air-conditioning; PDC (front and rear). 1,8 TSI Highline DSG Engine: 1,8-litre, 4-cylinder, turbopetrol Transmission: 7-spd dual-clutch Power/Torque: 132 kW from 5 100 to 6 200 r/min; 250 N.m from 1 250 to 5 000 r/min Performance: 0-100 km/h in 7,9 sec; 232 km/h top speed Fuel cons: 5,8 L/100 km CO2 : 130 g/km Highline spec: multifunction steering wheel; Alcantara/leather sports seats; brushed aluminium inserts; multifunction premium…

HONDA PROJECT 2&4 THE Japanese brand revealed the Project 2&4 concept at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. Bringing together the brand’s know-how in two- and four-wheel mobility, the 2&4 weighs just 405 kg and is powered by Honda’s MotoGP RC213V engine delivering more than 158 kW through a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, promising explosive performance. ABSOLUTE CLIMATE CONTROL The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is known for being a pioneer of new technology. This is no different in the new S-Class Cabriolet, which features a system called Thermotronic that’s designed to ensure a perfect climate inside the vehicle, whether the roof is up or down. The air-conditioning system’s control unit is fully networked and communicates with numerous vehicle components by way of 12 sensors and 18 actuators. In addition to interior and exterior temperature,…

IT SEEMS inconceivable that the dominant team in Formula One between 2010 and 2013 should be on the point of leaving the sport. But that’s an unattractive alternative faced by Infiniti Red Bull Racing should the winner of four championships and 50 Grands Prix fail to secure an engine supplier for 2016. The British-based team, led by Christian Horner (pictured above, on the far left) is between a rock and a hard place following Renault’s inability to provide an engine unit that matched Red Bull’s expectations. At the time this issue went to print, the two parties were widely reported very likely to part ways at the end of the season and Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 was, quite understandably, reluctant to provide its bitter rival with the sport’s dominant power unit.…

Lotus 11 Although overshadowed in the history books by the success of the D-Type at the 1956 24 Hours of Le Mans, this little Lotus deserves some of the spotlight. Typically of a Colin Chapman-designed Lotus, it was low and light – a mere 810 mm tall and, thanks in part to its tubular space frame chassis, it weighed just 412 kg. This, along with a De Dion rear axle and Girling disc brakes, gave it pinpoint agility, while the 109 kW 1 100 cm3 Coventry-Climax engine helped the vehicle achieve an excellent power-to-mass ratio. In 1956, it won its class at Le Mans and finished a remarkable seventh overall. That year, the 11 also famously lapped Monza at an average speed of 230 km/h at the hands of Stirling…