Indholdsfortegnelse for May/June 2020 i CAR

What strange times we live in. Due to a local economy under pressure and the national lockdown following the spread of COVID-19, Naamsa’s March vehicle-sales statistics made for depressing reading. Nearly 27% fewer passenger cars were sold compared to March 2019. Exports declined 21,5%. Domestic sales of light-commercial vehicles, bakkies and minibuses showed a staggering contraction of 37,1%. By the time you read this, we should have April’s figures but they’re bound to be even more dire, what with the lockdown reaching halfway into the new month (my apologies if an extension to the initial 21-day period was announced; I’m eternally optimistic a week into isolation). Publishing has not escaped the impact of the coronavirus. You may have noticed this issue went on sale much later than the original planned…

Reader BEN VAN TONDER wins a 12-month subscription to CAR magazine, South Africa’s leading motoring title, for his emotive letter. FOUR GREAT ADVANTAGES OF A CAR SUBSCRIPTION: 1. Stay current by never missing an issue of your favourite magazine. 2. A free digital subscription is included. 3. Enjoy the luxury of home delivery. 4. You get the magazine before it goes on sale. (A subscriber already? Extend yours by a further 12 months, or give it to a friend or relative.)…

ASTON MARTIN V12 SPEEDSTER Three hundred kilometres per hour is fast. But how quick does it feel once the roof and windscreen are removed? The V12 Speedster is underpinned by Aston Martin’s latest bonded aluminium architecture, a bespoke platform which draws elements from the DBS Superleggera and Vantage. According to the Gaydon firm, the two-seater is constructed almost entirely from carbon-fibre. The front mid-mounted 5,2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 sends 522 kW and 753 N.m of torque to the rear wheels via a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission, replete with a limited-slip differential. Aston Martin claims a 0-100 km/h time of 3,5 seconds and a stainless-steel exhaust system that produces “an even more rousing, characterful sound”. “The V12 Speedster not only showcases our incredible engineering capability and ambition, but also celebrates Aston Martin’s…

1904 WILSON-PILCHER The 1904 Wilson-Pilcher featured a camshaft-mounted engine-speed governor which could be set to advance spark ignition with increasing engine speed. Operated by a foot pedal, it became an early form of cruise control. 1995 MITSUBISHI DIAMANTE This sedan was the first to incorporate a lidar (light detection and ranging) laser array controlling vehicle speed. The “Preview Distance Control” system didn’t operate the brakes, rather regulating accelerator and transmission inputs. 1999 MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS Distronic Plus was the first to regulate cruising speed by controlling brake function. It also featured a radar sensor to circumvent visual obscurations such as dust and fog that inhibited the effectiveness of visually dependent lidar systems. 2016 SUBARU FORESTER The Forester was the first car to be offered with an adaptive cruise-control system using a…

BMW X7 M50i xDrive Steptronic The flagship X product, the 7 offers a compelling combination of performance, luxury and modern tech. Not cheap but a good illustration of what the Grand Cherokee is up against. price: R1 913 343 cyl/capac: V8/4 395 cm3 power: 340 kW/5 250-6 000 r/min torque: 650 N.m/1 500-4 750 r/min gears/drive: 8/4 0-100 km/h: 4,70 sec est top speed: 250 km/h fuel index: 13,90 L/100 km luggage capac: 760/1 544 L serv/maint plan: M5/100 000 km Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk Huge presence matched only by its straight-line performance and stopping ability. Interior is seriously showing its age, though, and the V8 is very thirsty. price: R2 199 900 cyl/capac: V8/6 166 cm3 power: 522 kW/6 000 r/min torque: 868 N.min/4 800 r/min gears/drive: 8/4 0-100…

SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE Cylinders: V6, longitudinal Fuel supply: direct fuel injection, turbocharged, intercooled, petrol Bore/stroke: 86,5/82,0 mm Cubic capacity: 2 891 cm3 Compression ratio: 9,3 to 1 Valvegear: d-o-h-c, four valves per cylinder ENGINE OUTPUT Max power ISO: 375 kW Power peak/Red line: 6 500/6 500 r/min Max torque: 600 N.m Torque peak: 2 500-5 500 r/min TRANSMISSION Type: eight-speed automatic 1st gear/2nd gear: 5,00/3,20 to 1 3rd gear/4th gear: 2,14/1,72 to 1 5th gear/6th gear: 1,31/1,00 to 1 7th gear/Top gear: 0,82/0,64 to 1 Reverse gear: 3,46 to 1 Final drive: 3,70 to 1 Drive wheels: all Driver aids: ESC (electronic stability control), hill start BRAKES Front: 390 mm ventilated discs Rear: 350 mm ventilated discs Hydraulics: ABS with EBD and EBA WHEELS AND TYRES Tyre make: Pirelli P Zero…

SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE Cylinders: four, inline, transverse Fuel supply: multipoint electronic fuel injection, petrol Bore/stroke: 80,5/88,3 mm Cubic capacity: 1 798 cm3 Compression ratio: 10,1 to 1 Valvegear: d-o-h-c, four valves per cylinder ENGINE OUTPUT Max power ISO: 103 kW Power peak/Red line: 6 400/6 500 r/min Max torque: 173 N.m Torque peak: 4 000 r/min TRANSMISSION Type: six-speed manual 1st gear/2nd gear: 3,54/1,91 to 1 3rd gear/4th gear: 1,31/0,97 to 1 5th gear/Top gear: 0,82/0,70 to 1 Reverse gear: 3,33 to 1 Final drive: 4,54 to 1 Drive wheels: front Driver aids: ESC (electronic stability control), hill start BRAKES Front: 277 mm ventilated discs Rear: 270 mm solid discs Hydraulics: ABS with EBD and EBA WHEELS AND TYRES Tyre make: Continental ContiPremiumContact 2 Tyre size: 205/55 R16 Spare – type…

SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE Cylinders: V8, longitudinal Fuel supply: electronic direct fuel injection, turbocharged, intercooled, petrol Bore/stroke: 86,0/86,0 mm Cubic capacity: 3 996 cm3 Compression ratio: 9,7 to 1 Valvegear: d-o-h-c, four valves per cylinder ENGINE OUTPUT Max power ISO: 478 kW Power peak/Red line: 6 000/6 800 r/min Max torque: 850 N.m Torque peak: 2 250-4 500 r/min TRANSMISSION Type: eight-speed automatic 1st gear/2nd gear: 4,71/3,14 to 1 3rd gear/4th gear: 2,11/1,67 to 1 5th gear/6th gear: 1,28/1,00 to 1 7th gear/Top gear: 0,84/0,67 to 1 Reverse gear: 3,32 to 1 Final drive: 3,20 to 1 Drive wheels: all Driver aids: ESC (electronic stability control), hill start BRAKES Front: 440 mm ventilated discs Rear: 370 mm ventilated discs Hydraulics: ABS with EBD and EBA WHEELS AND TYRES Tyre make: Pirelli P…

Built in India SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE Cylinders: three, inline, transverse Fuel supply: multipoint electronic fuel injection, petrol Bore/stroke: 78,0/69,7 mm Cubic capacity: 999 cm3 Compression ratio: 11,2 to 1 Valvegear: d-o-h-c, four valves per cylinder ENGINE OUTPUT Max power ISO: 52 kW Power peak/Red line: 6 250/6 000 r/min Max torque: 96 N.m Torque peak: 3 500 r/min TRANSMISSION Type: five-speed manual 1st gear/2nd gear: 4,09/2,26 to 1 3rd gear/4th gear: 1,39/1,08 to 1 Top gear: 0,79 to 1 Reverse gear: 3,54 to 1 Final drive: 4,92 to 1 Drive wheels: front Driver aids: none BRAKES Front: 238 mm solid discs Rear: 200 mm drums Hydraulics: ABS with EBD WHEELS AND TYRES Tyre make: CEAT SecuraDrive Tyre size: 185/65 R15 Spare – type and location: full-size steel, under body STEERING Type:…

Built in Germany SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE Cylinders: six, inline, longitudinal Fuel supply: electronic direct fuel injection, turbocharged, intercooled, petrol Bore/stroke: 82,0/94,6 mm Cubic capacity: 2 998 cm3 Compression ratio: 10,2 to 1 Valvegear: d-o-h-c, four valves per cylinder ENGINE OUTPUT Max power ISO: 285 kW Power peak/Red line: 5 800-6 500/ 6 500 r/min Max torque: 500 N.m Torque peak: 1 600-4 500 r/min TRANSMISSION Type: eight-speed automatic 1st gear/2nd gear: 5,25/3,36 to 1 3rd gear/4th gear: 2,17/1,72 to 1 5th gear/6th gear: 1,32/1,00 to 1 7th/Top gear: 0,82/0,64 to 1 Reverse gear: 3,71 to 1 Final drive: 2,81 to 1 Drive wheels: all Driver aids: ESC (electronic stability control), hill start BRAKES Front: 374 mm ventilated discs Rear: 345 mm ventilated discs Hydraulics: ABS with EBD and EBA WHEELS AND…

Built in India SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE Cylinders: four, inline, transverse Fuel supply: multipoint electronic fuel injection, petrol Bore/stroke: 77,0/85,4 mm Cubic capacity: 1 591 cm3 Compression ratio: 10,5 to 1 Valvegear: d-o-h-c, four valves per cylinder ENGINE OUTPUT Max power ISO: 90 kW Power peak/Red line: 6 300/6 500 r/min Max torque: 151 N.m Torque peak: 4 850 r/min TRANSMISSION Type: six-speed automatic 1st gear/2nd gear: 4,40/2,74 to 1 3rd gear/4th gear: 1,83/1,39 to 1 5th gear/Top gear: 1,00/0,77 to 1 Reverse gear: 3,44 to 1 Final drive: 3,61 to 1 Drive wheels: front Driver aids: ESC (electronic stability control), hill start BRAKES Front: 300 mm ventilated discs Rear: 280 mm solid discs Hydraulics: ABS with EBD WHEELS AND TYRES Tyre make: Goodyear Assurance Triplemax Tyre size: 215/60 R17 Spare –…

Built in Japan SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE Cylinders: four, horizontally opposed Fuel supply: electronic direct fuel injection, petrol Bore/stroke: 84,0/90,0 mm Cubic capacity: 1 995 cm3 Compression ratio: 12,5 to 1 Valvegear: d-o-h-c, four valves per cylinder ENGINE OUTPUT Max power ISO: 115 kW Power peak/Red line: 6 000/6 000 r/min Max torque: 196 N.m Torque peak: 4 000 r/min TRANSMISSION Type: CVT Low ratio/High ratio: 3,60/0,51 to 1 Reverse gear: 3,69 to 1 Final drive: 3,90 to 1 Drive wheels: all Driver aids: ESC (electronic stability control), hill start BRAKES Front: 294 mm ventilated discs Rear: 285 mm ventilated discs Hydraulics: ABS with EBD and EBA WHEELS AND TYRES Tyre make: Bridgestone Dueler H/P Sport Tyre size: 225/60 R17 Spare – type and location: space-saver, under boot board STEERING Type: rack…

+ quality finish - reputation needs time to be established During our tests of Haval vehicles, we experienced first-hand how rapidly Chinese manufacturers have upped the quality stakes. This appears to repeat itself with the Zontes motorcycle brand. It’s not just the extra features seldom found on other, more established bikes, but the tangible parts. For example, this ZT 310 X’s side stand is powder-coated cast aluminium; and the clutch and brake levers have a notch near the ball end that will snap off in the event of the bike falling over. This means you can continue your journey. In fact, most items are powder coated in an attractive metallic champagne colour, even the handlebars, front brake reservoir and the swingarm. I am not a fan of over-the-top styling –…

ELECTRONIC IGNITION CONVERSION I need some advice. I own a 1984 Toyota Corolla RWD with the 1,6 (2T) engine that is still using points (and a condenser) which have to be set regularly. Would it be feasible to replace the points with an electronic system? If so, where can these kits be purchased and how do the kits work? MATT KIRKMAN Via email Conversion to electronic ignition is very simple if you buy the correct kit for the engine. Basically, it is a plug-and-play system which takes the place of the points and condenser: • Remove the distributor cap. • Remove the points and condenser. • Install the electronic sensor using the same fixing points and bolts. Pull the wires through the hole in the distributor casing. Remember to fit the correct connectors…

Ross Brawn was having dinner in Melbourne when he received the call he feared most. A member of the McLaren team had tested positive for COVID-19. It was the first case among more than a thousand Formula One personnel in the Grand Prix paddock. How quickly could this spread? Practice for the Australian Grand Prix was due to start the following morning; everyone was prepared. Rather, they were raring to go after three long months since the chequered flag had fallen at the end of the 2019 season. But what should happen next? The situation worsened when McLaren had no option but to isolate 12 crew members who had been working closely with the mechanic affected. That meant the team had to withdraw. As Zak Brown, the McLaren chief, said:…

Notes • The PRICES shown are the latest available at the time of going to press. Our deadline occurred before the end of March 2020. Readers should check with a dealer before making a decision. • The HP payment calculations are based on a 10% deposit, current prime interest rate and a 60-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 =…

Not my favourite film – far from it, in fact – but 2009’s The Hangover features Mercedes-Benz’s magnificent W112 280 SE Cabriolet, the ultimate classic four-door drop-top. It easily outshines the movie, which is basically about four grown men behaving like children, losing teeth and getting attacked by a naked guy leaping from the Benz’s boot. My advice? Scroll to the scene where they cruise into Vegas in the SE, top stowed and music blaring. A dream for any group of friends. Then stop the movie before the SE is destroyed by Mike Tyson’s tiger and T-boned by a Cadillac Escalade……

OVER TO YOU... Please include your physical address and telephone number. Diverse ideas and opinions are welcome but publication of your letter doesn’t necessarily mean we agree. Please stick to a maximum of 300 words. CAR reserves the right to edit and shorten letters owing to space constraints. SO LONG, GARAGEMAN! I’m really going to miss Garage-man while he is on sabbatical. Although some of his stories were quirks specific to a particular model, he usually gave us insight into the thought process of finding root causes to mechanical problems. This is what is missing in today’s mechanics. BRYAN YOUNGBLOOD By email [Agreed, Bryan. I’ll forward responses like yours to Garageman in the hopes he’ll return sooner (if, sadly, at all) – editor.] In my welcome letter last month, I…

The fastest Koenigsegg yet (a theoretical 531 km/h), the Jesko Absolut’s 5,0-litre twin-turbo-petrol V8 produces 1 195 kW (while running on E85 fuel) and 1 500 N.m of torque with 1 000 N.m on tap when the tachometer’s needle reaches the 2 700 r/min marker. Power is sent to the rear axle via the Swedish automaker’s nine-speed multi-clutch Light Speed transmission. Inspired by the F-15 fighter jets, the Jesko Absolut has been aerodynamically designed to have a drag coefficient of only 0,278 Cd.…

Embodied by the Prophecy, Hyundai says it’ll aim to forge an emotional connection between humans and their EVs with its Optimistic Futurism design concept. Favouring only that which is truly necessary, the Korean carmaker’s minimalistic Sensuous Sportiness design language pushes its vision to even broader horizons. SLEEK AS A STONE A single curve spans the Prophecy’s rounded side profile, ending at what the firm bills a boat-tail line created by the rear-quarter panels. The aerodynamic propeller-shaped wheels draw in air, which “flows down the side of the body like water over a stone”. AIR-COOLED EV A wide air intake beneath the front bumper sucks in fresh air to cool the batteries more effectively. This extends to the exterior, with vents sited below the doors to allow clean air into the…

Volvo Kids S90 Electric Ride On Car Price: €417* (±R8 200) Give your child the independence of the open road (i.e. your driveway). Power for this tiny Volvo S90 comes from two 12 V electric motors that propel the Swedish playmobile to a top speed of 4,5 km/h (or slower, if you prefer). A stop/start button, sound system and working lights add a touch of realism, while a seatbelt will keep them safe. A separate remote control can be used by a parent to control the car.…

In the absence of a race on which to report, most F1 writers filled space by praising Lewis Hamilton for his criticism of attempts to hold the Australian GP. The Mercedes driver was lauded for speaking his mind and going against the determination shown by F1 and the race organisers to continue, almost as if nothing had changed. Some context is necessary, particularly as the world’s daily routine has since been turned on its head in an unprecedented manner. Decisions made on or before 12 March seem extremely ill-advised, on reflection. The escalation of the number of cases of COVID-19 in the previous few days had been close to vertical, particularly in Italy. By then, however, the movement towards Melbourne had begun. The Ferrari crew, lest we forget, had left…

The Defenders we drove on the Kaokoland expedition all featured the optional Explorer Pack (R55 820), which includes these additions. ● An expedition roof rack with a dynamic load capacity of 168 kg. Effectively, this means the weight of the equipment that can be stowed on the Defender’s roof if it’ll be driven; this load rating jumps to 300 kg should the vehicle be stationary to allow for a roof-top tent and two adults, for example. ● A side-mounted gear carrier that’s waterproof and lockable. ● A raised air intake. ● Matte-black bonnet decals. ● Wheelarch-protection. ● Rear-mounted spare-wheel cover.…

Roush offers a couple of different customisation options for the 2,3-litre EcoBoost model as well as the 5,0-litre GT. Kit RS1 costs R310 000 and includes a number of visual enhancements for the EcoBoost Mustang, including 20-inch wheels, a front chin spoiler, graphics kit, Roush badges, carpets, sill plates and rear spoiler. RS2 is offered (for the same price) on the 5,0-litre GT and spans a similar breadth of upgrades to RS1 but adds, for example, performance pedals and a diffuser kit. The RTR Spec 1 and 2 can be ordered for both the EcoBoost as well as the GT and costs R240 000 and R280 000 respectively. The former is mainly a visual enhancement in terms of the body, a graphics kit and 19-inch wheels with lowered springs. The…

SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE Cylinders: V8, longitudinal Fuel supply: multipoint electronic fuel injection, supercharged, petrol Bore/stroke: 103,9/90,9 mm Cubic capacity: 6 166 cm3 Compression ratio: 9,5 to 1 Valvegear: d-o-h-c, four valves per cylinder ENGINE OUTPUT Max power ISO: 522 kW Power peak/Red line: 6 000/6 000 r/min Max torque: 868 N.m Torque peak: 4 800 r/min TRANSMISSION Type: eight-speed automatic 1st gear/2nd gear: 4,71/3,14 to 1 3rd gear/4th gear: 2,10/1,66 to 1 5th gear/6th gear: 1,28/1,00 to 1 7th gear/Top gear: 0,83/0,66 to 1 Reverse gear: 3,30 to 1 Final drive: 3,70 to 1 Drive wheels: all Driver aids: ESC (electronic stability control), hill start BRAKES Front: 400 mm ventilated discs Rear: 350 mm ventilated discs Hydraulics: ABS with EBD and EBA WHEELS AND TYRES Tyre make: Pirelli Scorpion Verde Tyre…

6 months 11 835 km 10,47 L/100 km + sense of presence in traffic; fluidity of drivetrain -sheer presence in a parking area; absence of secure storage options The current recommended dimensions for a 90-degree parking bay in South Africa are 2,5 metres wide and 4,8 metres long. Now consider a modern Ford Ranger double-cab measures 5 354 mm in length (without a tow hitch); including its side mirrors, it stands 2 163 mm wide. You soon begin to appreciate the trepidation on a simple weekend trip to the mall during my time with the 2,0 SiT XLT 4x4 bakkie. Although I was grateful for the comprehensive parking assistance package – including a reverse camera – and the XLT’s folding side mirrors, I was always aware of the limited space…

DISTRIBUTOR The distributor is a mechanical device fitted to older petrol engines found in classic vehicles to distribute the spark to the correct spark plug for ignition. The distributor shaft is usually connected to the camshaft of the engine via a direct gear drive so that the distributor’s speed is linked to engine speed. The shaft has a cam which opens the points at the correct time to energise the coil and provide a high-voltage current. This runs through the rotor to the correct contact inside the distributor cap feeding the high-tension lead running to the spark plug of the cylinder that needs to fire. A vacuum advance is added to adjust the spark timing for different conditions to optimise power output while lowering fuel use. The points’ gap needs…

Intelligent grille: Sans internal-combustion engine, the latest (and possibly most divisive) iteration of BMW’s signature kidney grille serves as an intelligence panel. i-specific: Similar in proportion to BMW’s production Gran Coupés, the Concept i4 features various distinguishing touches such as blue accents found only on i cars. 2D moniker: Sited at the edge of the bonnet is a new interpretation of BMW’s propeller emblem. However, the 2D item will not be used on the production car, says the Bavarian automaker, but rather for online and offline communication purposes. Aerodynamic alloys: Produced exclusively for the Concept i4, the design of the wheels is aerodynamic and lightweight.…

An amalgamation of percentages, the 765LT is a 720S – the quickest-accelerating vehicle in-gear CAR has ever tested – in its purest form, with 25% more downforce, an active rear wing with a 20% greater surface area and 15% quicker in-gear acceleration. The 765LT employs an uprated version of the Woking firm’s familiar 4,0-litre twinturbo-petrol V8, coupled with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and gains a titanium exhaust system; F1-grade transmission composites; thinner, polycarbonate glazed glass; while ditching air-con and infotainment. The result: the most focused car in McLaren’s Super Series range. The 765LT is the most focused car in McLaren’s Super Series range 765LT 1 339 kg 563 kW @ 7 500 r/min 800 N.m @ 5 500 r/min 0-100 km/h: 2,8 sec 0-200 km/h: 7,2 sec Top speed: 330…

Alfa Romeo Giulia facelift Q3/Q4 Alfa Romeo Stelvio facelift Q3/Q4 Aston Martin DBX 2020 Aston Martin Valhalla 2020 Aston Martin Vantage Roadster 2020 Audi E-tron Q3/Q4 Audi RS Q3 Q3/Q4 Audi RS Q8 Q3/Q4 Audi RS6 Avant Q3/Q4 Audi RS7 Sportback Q3/Q4 Audi S8 Q3/Q4 Audi TT RS facelift Q2 BMW M2 CS Q2 BMW X5 M Competition Q2 BMW X6 M Competition Q2 Changan Sedan 2020 Datsun Cross 2020 Ferrari 812 GTS Q4 Ferrari F8 Spider Q4 GWM P Series Q3/Q4 Honda Ballade 2020 Honda Civic Type R facelift 2020 Honda CR-V facelift 2020 Honda WR-V 2020 Hyundai Creta Q4 Hyundai Grand i10 Q2 Isuzu D-Max 2021 Jaguar F-Type 2020 Jaguar F-Type Convertible 2020 Jeep Compass additional derivatives Q3/Q4 Kia Sorento Q2 Land Rover Defender 110 Q2/Q3 Land Rover…

Through the years, we’ve featured an eclectic range of collectors. They can usually be divided into two groups: those who collect cars from a variety of manufacturers (and type of cars), and those who focus on a single make. Riaan Jacobs is one of the latter; he knows everything there is to know about Nissan and Datsun in South Africa, and even abroad. He guided me through his family’s collection which features cars belonging to his dad Rudi and brother Thinus. Riaan readily shares specifications, racing drivers’ names, historical dates and information about homologation specials at the drop of a hat. This unique collection – which features important local racing cars – has been built up over decades. He explains: “When I was little, my father drove a 1986 Nissan…

BMW X3 M Competition M xDrive M Steptronic As agile as the Alfa, the more modern BMW package offers superior quality and likely better resale. Lacks some of the character of the Stelvio, though, and the ride is punishing. price: R1 510 686 cyl/capac: 6/2 993 cm3 power: 375 kW/6 250 r/min torque: 600 N.m/2 600-6 500 r/min gears/drive: 8/4 0-100 km/h: 4,10 sec top speed: 250 km/h fuel index: 12,70 L/100 km luggage capac: 314/1 136 L serv/maint plan: M5/100 000 km Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio price: R1 675 000 cyl/capac: V6/2 891 cm3 power: 375 kW/6 500 r/min torque: 600 N.m/2 500-5 500 r/min gears/drive: 8/4 0-100 km/h: 4,13 sec top speed: 283 km/h fuel index: 10,80 L/100 km luggage capac: 368/1 000 L serv/maint plan: M3/100 000…

Toyota Corolla Quest 1,8 Exclusive Impressive value considering the space, comfort and standard specification, although Prestige derivative should suffice. Service plan seems a tad stingy. price: R307 400 cyl/capac: 4/1 798 cm3 power: 103 kW/6 400 r/min torque: 173 N.m/4 000 r/min gears/drive: 6/F 0-100 km/h: 9,58 sec top speed: 200 km/h fuel index: 8,40 L/100 km luggage capac: 416/1 112 L serv/maint plan: S3/45 000 km Hyundai Elantra 1,6 Executive Doesn’t do much wrong and came close to toppling the top-spec Quest in our voting. Slightly underpowered compared to the Toyota, yet offers a superior service plan. price: R333 900 cyl/capac: 4/1 591 cm3 power: 93 kW/6 300 r/m torque: 155 N.m/4 850 r/min gears/drive: 6/F 0-100 km/h: 10,10 sec top speed: 200 km/h fuel index: 7,80 L/100 km…

Lamborghini Urus Lamborghini’s first attempt at a pure SUV is mostly convincing. Massive straight-line performance and hot-hatch-like handling. Styling won’t be to everyone’s tastes. price: R3 495 000 cyl/capac: V8/3 996 cm3 power: 478 kW/6 000 r/min torque: 850 N.m/2 250-4 500 r/min gears/drive: 8/4 0-100 km/h: 3,64 sec top speed: 305 km/h fuel index: 15,24 L/100 km luggage capac: 400/1 024 L serv/maint plan: M3/100 000 km Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid Coupé Porsche’s answer to the likes of the BMW X6, the Cayenne remains an impressive package in terms of perceived build quality and performance. Hybrid tech adds welcome efficiency. price: R2 844 000 cyl/capac: V8/3 996 cm3 power: 500 kW/5 750-6 000 r/min torque: 900 N.m/1 500-5 000 r/min gears/drive: 8/4 0-100 km/h: 3,80 sec est top…

Suzuki Ertiga 1,5 GA An impressive package that’s even more spacious than the Triber. Engine appreciably better, too, but then again, it’s a lot more expensive. Ideal if you can afford it. price: R221 900 cyl/capac: 4/1 462 cm3 power: 77 kW/6 000 r/min torque: 138 N.m/4 400 r/min gears/drive: 5/F 0-100 km/h: 11,65 sec top speed: 175 km/h fuel index: 7,40 L/100 km luggage capac: 152-408/1 586 L serv/maint plan: S4/60 000 km Renault Triber 1,0 Prestige Melds small MPV and crossover genres into a practical and stylish package at a great price. Powertrain lacks polish, though, but that’s really our only big criticism. price: R189 900 cyl/capac: 3/999 cm3 power: 52 kW/6 250 r/m torque: 96 N.m/3 500 r/min gears/drive: 5/F 0-100 km/h: 16,68 sec top speed: 145 km/h fuel…

BMW M340i xDrive Sport Steptronic It might be more mature than ever before with its xDrive system but in terms of overall design, capability and performance, it is almost impossible to fault the M340i.  price: R1 002 211 cyl/capac: 6/2 998 cm3 power: 285 kW/5 800-6 500 r/min torque: 500 N.m/1 600-4 500 r/min gears/drive: 8/4 0-100 km/h: 4,53 sec top speed: 250 km/h fuel index: 9,24 L/100 km luggage capac: 368/1 144 L serv/maint plan: M5/100 000 km Audi S4 Quattro Tiptronic The new model is around the corner. It’ll massively undercut its competitors and offer a well-balanced dynamic balance despite not being as exciting as the C43 or M340i.  price: R840 500 cyl/capac: V6/2 995 cm3 power: 260 kW/5 400 r/min torque: 500 N.m/1 370-4 500 r/min gears/drive:…

Volkswagen T-Cross 1,0 TSI 85 kW Highline T-Cross offers a turbocharged engine and dual-clutch transmission providing impressive performance and fuel consumption. Shorter service plan than the others, though, and less utility space.  price: R374 500 cyl/capac: 3/999 cm3 power: 85 kW/5 000 r/min torque: 200 N.m/2 000-3 500 r/min gears/drive: 7/F 0-100 km/h: 11,19 sec top speed: 193 km/h fuel index: 6,40 L/100 km luggage capac: 200-272/856 L serv/maint plan: S3/45 000 km Kia Seltos 1,6 EX+ Stylish looks, impressive packaging and generous standard features but a somewhat unsophisticated powertrain hurts its case. If you’re able to, stretch to the 1,4-litre turbocharged petrol option.  price: R389 995 cyl/capac: 4/1 591 cm3 power: 90 kW/6 300 r/min torque: 151 N.m/4 850 r/min gears/drive: 6/F 0-100 km/h: 12,65 sec top speed: 175…

Subaru Forester 2,0i-L ES Lineartronic CVT Generously specced, the Forester is marked down only for its anaemic engine. General interior quality, practicality and standard maintenance plan see it inch above rivals. price: R490 000cyl/capac: 4/1 995 cm3power: 115 kW/6 000 r/mintorque: 196 N.m/4 000 r/mingears/drive: V/4 0-100 km/h: 12,61 sectop speed: 193 km/hfuel index: 9,12 L/100 kmluggage capac: 376/1 424 Lserv/maint plan: M3/90 000 km Nissan X-Trail 2,5 4x4 AT Acenta+ Although we’d much rather have the 1,6 dCi, the X-Trail remains a favourite among the CAR team. Plus, Nissan boasts the most extensive dealership network in this Match-up. price: R488 500cyl/capac: 4/2 488 cm3power: 126 kW/6 000 r/mintorque: 233 N.m/4 000 r/mingears/drive: V/4 0-100 km/h: 10,50 sectop speed: 190 km/hfuel index: 10,00 L/100 kmluggage capac: 368/1 248 Lserv/maint plan:…

FREE ENERGY? I am interested in electric vehicles and have followed the progress locally from the Nissan Leaf to BMW i3 and now the Jaguar I-Pace. I see a consistent trend of battery sizes increasing to curb the main problem of range anxiety when it comes to EVs. What I cannot understand is why automakers do not tap into the free energy available to extend the range and keep the battery size (and mass of the vehicle) low, not to mention the cost. Please let me know if there is merit in the following ideas. Wind turbine Surely the wind passing over the vehicle while driving can be used to turn a small wind turbine on the roof which produces electricity and charges the battery? As long as the vehicle…

In August 1977, our team members who tested the 250 AT had this to say: “The Mercedes W123 series cars are the traditional Mercs in a modernised form, introducing many improvements, yet keeping to a pattern which has become traditional and highly successful.” This remains true today; these cars will be seen on our roads for decades to come. There is a large discrepancy in pricing due to the high demand for vehicles in a pristine condition (see the low-mileage example below) and unease of buying a high-mileage model with some rust. Repair work and engine or gearbox overhaul may be pricey but the chances are it will be well worth the expense.…

Please note some of these prices may have been updated in our road tests, which were signed off later. THE CAR GUIDE SHOWS: 1. All models currently available on the South African market, listed by manufacturer. 2. We also list the models in five separate categories in price order. 3. There are two horizontal strips associated with each range of models. The first one lists common features and the second one enumerates good and bad features, some replacement dates and possible rival choices.…