Indholdsfortegnelse for July 2021 i CAR

Greetings CAR readers. We start this month with good news all round. The numbers are in and our April Top 12 Best Buys issue was CAR’s top-performing magazine since pre-COVID-19 times, outselling even our January Performance Shootout issue. What the success of our most consumer-driven issue reveals is that the appetite for business is slowly but surely coming back. After a frankly disastrous 2020 that saw South African new-vehicle sales plummet by 29% to just 380 206 units (figures last seen two decades ago), the industry is poised for growth in 2021. A good thing for the motor trade and when you consider the close correlation between new-vehicle sales and the country’s GDP growth rate. In its latest quarterly review of the industry, Naamsa predicted the overall new-vehicle market will…

Billed as a “truly hot SUV with the performance levels of a hot hatch”, the latest Hyundai to receive the N treatment is the Kona crossover. The Korean carmaker’s opening gambit in performance crossovers is equipped with Hyundai’s T-GDi turbopetrol powerplant, which sends power exclusively to the front axle via an upgraded version of the firm’s eight-speed DCT. The dual-clutch transmission can be manually operated via steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters and features three high-performance functions: N Power Shift, N Grin Shift and N Track Sense Shift. If that makes any sense. Enhancing the Kona N’s track capabilities, it’s fitted it with an electronically controlled suspension setup, electronic front differential and performance-focused electronic stability and traction control. Inside, the sports steering wheel features two customisable N buttons (how very BMW M…

GarethD_CARmag First car with onboard diagnostics Volkswagen Type 3 1968 Forget supercar crash videos or the spectacle of a hideous aftermarket body kit bolted onto a modern classic, the one sight guaranteed to make the steeliest petrolhead recoil in horror has to be the yellow glow of a “check engine” light. Gut-churning it may be but the surface-level indicators of a complex diagnostic system are preferable to the potentially engine-crippling faults to which they’re pointing. An onboard diagnostic system (OBD) is essentially a part of your car’s “brain” or ECU (electronic control unit) that oversees everything electrical; from the ignition and fuel injection, through to ancillaries such as your headlamps and climate control. Any problems detected by the array of sensors throughout a car’s engine and electrical system will return…

1963 Alfa Romeo Giulia TI Super A giant-killer in its day, just 501 examples of this boxy tearaway were built as homologation specials for touring car racing. A 1,5-litre twin-cam engine with twin sidedraft Webers pushed out 82 kW. Plexiglas rear windows and magnesium rims kept kerb weight to under a tonne, top speed was 185 km/h. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 Procar Undoubtedly the zaniest Alfa ever, the 164 Procar was built for a race series conceived as a support event for F1. Stuffed amidships in the bodyshell was a screaming 3,5-litre V10 F1 engine, which rocketed it from zero to 100 km/h in 2,00 seconds and onto a top speed of 340 km/h. Too bad the series never took off. 1993 Alfa Romeo 155 Q4 This sedate-looking sedan was…

IamDamianAdams HAVAL JOLION 1,5 7DCT 2WD SUPER LUXURY ETA: NOW *Claimed figures Price: R389 900 Engine: 1,5-litre, 4-cylinder, turbopetrol Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch Power: 105 kW @5 600 r/min Torque: 210 N.m @2 000 r/min 0-100 km/h: n/a Top speed: n/a Fuel consumption: 8,10 L/100km* CO2 : n/a Rivals: Ford EcoSport, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Mahindra XUV300, Peugeot 2008, Renault Duster, Suzuki Vitara, Volkswagen T-Cross competitive pricing; generous standard equipment dual-clutch transmission hesitant; one engine option Entering the crowded compact SUV arena is not something to be taken lightly and Haval reckons it has done sufficient research and development on the brand-new Jolion to make some inroads. The vehicle was penned by Haval’s design director Phil Simmons, the same man who was responsible for a variety of Land Rover designs over the years,…

MauriceHamilton Maurice Hamilton is an internationally acclaimed Formula One reporter and author. He’s been a CAR contributor since 1987 and provides Formula One insight to a number of international radio and TV stations. When Mercedes-Benz struggled during pre-season testing and was beaten to pole at the first race in Bahrain, it seemed it was game on for the 2021 F1 championship. After seven years of Mercedes domination, Red Bull had finally got their act together at the beginning of a season rather than at the end, as had become frustratingly familiar. Lewis Hamilton may have gone on to win the opening round, but the sense of anticipation remained intact thanks to Max Verstappen. He had been forced to hand back the lead after the Red Bull driver was deemed to…

Price: R3 592 500 0-100 km/h: 3,37 seconds Top speed: 329 km/h Power: 449 kW Torque: 560 N.m CAR fuel index: 16,08 L/100 km CO2 : 314 g/km It’s not perfect but the R8 Spyder remains sublimely immersive Gareth Dean Silky smooth and brutal in equal measure. I’d prefer the extra rigidity of the coupé, though Ray Leathern The R8 was criticised for being too clinical. Now it’s one of the most emotive supercars you can buy Nikesh Kooverjee In Spyder guise, the R8 elevates what is already an intoxicating driving experience Marius Boonzaier Even before you fire up its engine, the Audi Spyder R8 V10 buzzes like a rock band tuning up for a headline performance. There’s a low-frequency, bass-drum thud as you close the contoured door behind you and…

Two superb cars, but it’s the S7 that excels in this territory. Good value, too Ray Leathern Although surprisingly fun, the E53 doesn’t have the S7’s balance of talents Gareth Dean The S7’s comfort and crafts-manship give it the edge over the AMG E53 Marius Boonzaier Smooth powertrain and composed ride make the S7 a wonderful drive Nikesh Kooverjee When it comes to combining performance and comfort in the automotive sphere, few marques are quite as adept as the performance arms of the Mercedes-AMG and Audi Sport. Throughout the years they’ve managed to take their respective parent firms’ more workaday models and infuse them with a healthy dose of power and visual panache without leaving behind a Frankensteinian mess. Their latest offerings – in the guises of the Mercedes-AMG E53…

Marius_CARmag 6 months 9 002 km 6,72 L/100 km standard equipment; safety features; punchy engine; great fuel economy; pliant ride no automatic transmission; limited luggage capacity In Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, our archaeology professor hero played by Harrison Ford and his companion, archaeologist Dr Elsa Schneider (played by Alison Doody), find themselves in a library where Indy’s father – Dr Henry Jones – was last seen, in their quest to find the Holy Grail and Indy’s father. Indy noticed the Roman numerals on the stained glass windows and pillars, and followed the numbers to a large X sited on the floor. “Ten,” Indy exclaimed. “X marks the spot.” However, unbeknownst to the duo of archaeologists, their search for the Holy Grail was not yet finished. The X would…

GarethD_CARmag 2 months 1 484 km 6,56 L/100 km entertaining to drive some question marks around quality control I’ll be the first to admit that when I capped off last month’s introduction piece on our Opel Corsa on a cautionary note regarding perceived quality owing to its Peugeot DNA, I did feel a bit guilty. At that stage, the Corsa hadn’t set so much as a tyre wrong; proving itself a frugal and thoroughly entertaining runabout that had me grinning from ear to ear on more than a couple of backroad runs over weekends. So, it was with some consternation when two days into a long-weekend stay with Peter Palm, the Corsa suffered what appeared to be a serious electrical malady. Electrical power was being fed to the car’s ancillaries,…

JasonWoosey 3 892 km 7,34 L/100 km drivetrain doesn’t labour on the open road bracing for the thinner air up at altitude People from other parts of the country sometimes say the best thing about Johannesburg is the N1 leading out of it. I’m not going to engage in a territorial debate here, but I can attest that the national road between Cape Town and Gauteng is not the most enjoyable stretch of asphalt there ever was. That said, such a trip recently enabled me to put our Hyundai Creta 1.5 Executive IVT to the ultimate long-distance test. This SUV became my long-term test inheritance when I joined CAR as digital editor in May. After spending a week with the team in Cape Town, I drove it back to Joburg…

whiteknuckleadventures Screeching tyres and smoke from burning rubber blocked out the Durban summer sun. The sound of spooling turbo boost and mechanical blowoff valves made spectators nostalgic about the ’90s. A trick Nissan 240SX narrowly missed a row of empty barrels, turning everyone watching into instant woo girls. A panel of discerning judges scribbled on old-school clipboards. All this could mean only one thing: it’s Red Bull Car Park Drift (CPD) … fresh from exotic locations like Beirut, Istanbul, Tbilisi and Port Louis. Scattered palm trees and the hot, sticky climate at the Suncoast Casino provided the perfect backdrop to this militant motorsport. WHAT IS RED BULL CAR PARK DRIFT? It’s a celebration of grassroots drifting unlike any other. Two key differences set it apart from mainstream events like Formula…

PeterPalm12 0-100 km/h: 6,95 seconds Top speed: 245 km/h Power: 155 kW Torque: 350 N.m CO2 : 183 g/km Fuel consumption: 9,24 L/100 km (fuel index) Popular since its inception, the TT always managed to turn heads and provide lasting entertainment for its owner. The simple name comes from the famous Isle of Man Tourist Trophy motorcycle races where NSU (and DKW) took part in the 1960s, later combining to form the Auto Union. While some feel this second generation – falling within our budget – is the least stylistically attractive, all three versions have merit. There were some major issues with the first gen that were sorted by the time the second iteration came out, and a switch was made to aluminium for the bodywork. An active spoiler improves high-speed…

PeterPalm12 Model: Ford Granada Ghia 0 to 100 km/h: 12,9 seconds Top speed: 167 km/h Fuel index: 12,20 L/100 km (at 100 km/h) Price: R4 995 CAR test: August 1974 (plus 11 others) The “executive” Ford replaced the Zephyr in Europe, and Fairmont and 17M/20M in South Africa. The first-generation Granada was sold from 1972, followed by the Series II in 1978. This had similar styling so will be included here, but there are two special versions we can separate for a future article: the rare Basil Green Motors V8 and the elegant two-door coupé. There was a completely different Grenada for the US market while ours had its roots in Germany. PACKAGING The Grenada was a move by Ford to bridge the gap between smaller offerings such as the…

Notes • The PRICES shown are the latest available at the time of going to press. Our deadline occurred on 19 May 2021. 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 = petrol-hybrid and E =…

Ray_Leathern The years between the world wars were, for many, the golden era of German motorsport. Daimler and Benz merged in 1926 to form Mercedes-Benz and the arms race against Ferdinand Porsche’s Auto Union – ahem … subsidised by Adolf Hitler as part of his Nazi propaganda machine – led to the most powerful Grand Prix cars the world had ever seen. Driver Manfred von Brauchitsch said racing a Silver Arrow was like “driving with boiling water in your trousers”. That year at the Eifel GP at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, Mercedes team boss Alfred Neubauer famously discovered his cars exceeded the formula’s 750 kg weight limit (which, curiously, was measured without wheels, fuel or driver), so he resorted to scratching off the cars’ white paint, leaving only the bright aluminium…

on sale 16 July In the August issue, we pit the BMW M4 Competition against its toughest critics: a selection of M3/M4 owners for a “BMW M4 versus the world” feature. We spend seat time in two bruising sports SUVs, the Range Rover Sport SVR and Audi RS Q8, and we get sensible with a Toyota Corolla Quest vs. Honda Ballade test. Something for everyone, so don’t miss it … Although the programme was prepared at the time of writing this issue, unforeseen factors may result in changes.…

Marius_CARmag ALL-ELECTRIC ARCHITECTURE The first Mercedes-EQ underpinned by an all-electric platform, the firm’s emissions-free luxury saloon sources power from a 107,8 kWh battery. The flagship EQS 580 4Matic is endowed with twin electric motors for a combined system output of 385 kW and 855 N.m, the latter of which is distributed between the fore and aft axles via a torque-shift system for a balanced driving experience. According to Mercedes-Benz, the EQS 580 4Matic is capable of travelling up to 770 km on a single charge. Connected to a DC fast-charging station, a 15-minute quick charge delivers an electric range of 300 km. Claimed acceleration from zero to 100 km/h happens in a speedy 4,3 seconds before topping out at a governed speed of 210 km/h. Equipped with a battery of…

1958 SAAB GT750 The GT750 would become the first car to feature a trip computer. The analogue system gave information on speed and distance and was originally developed for rallying by Swedish watchmaker, Halda. 1958 CHRYSLER 300D The 300D and a couple of its stablemates would become the first series-production recipients of Bendix’s Electrojector; an electronically controlled manifold injection system that would father the electronic fuel injection systems widely used today. 1968 FIAT DINO The same year that Volks-wagen took its first steps into the auto-electric era with its basic OBD system, Fiat would introduce electronic ignition to the industry via the 2,0-litre V6 of its Dino sports coupé. 1978 CADILLAC SEVILLE Although marketed as a trip computer, GM’s Cadillac Trip Computer served as the first example of an ECU…

Ray_Leathern KIA SONET 1,5 EX CVT ETA: NOW *Claimed figures Price: R305 995 Engine: 1,5-litre, 4-cylinder, petrol Transmission: CVT Power: 85 kW @6 300 r/min Torque: 144 N.m @4 500 r/min 0-100 km/h: 11,8 seconds* Top speed: 170 km/h* Fuel consumption: n/a CO2 : 163 g/km* Rivals: Ford EcoSport, Haval Jolion, Hyundai Venue, Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger, Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Toyota Urban Cruiser attractive design; spacious interior; excellent value for money on the slow side; GT Line coming later When it comes to affordable crossovers, nowadays, who did something first hardly matters to consumers. What’s more important than legacy when launching a new car destined for mass-market consumption is to not upset the applecart and alienate your audience. As far as the latest entrant from Kia is concerned – the Indian-derived Sonet…

WilhelmL_CARmag Petridish_Mooks It was quite the view. A courtyard led to a series of immaculate garages. As Dawie opened the garage doors one by one, the Italian beauties came into view. It was like unearthing a rare ruby. This family’s passion for cars, Italy and everything that goes with it is patently obvious. The garage walls are lined with memorabilia, pictures and paintings that commemorate their travels. I could have spent hours taking in the collection and listening to Dawie’s stories. There is also what I would call his library; filled with books, collect-ables, model cars and even Enzo Ferrari’s original portable TV on which he watched the motor races back in the day … but, back to the cars. “For me, experiences and what you do with your…

WilhelmL_CARmag 3 months 3 080 km 6,32 L/100 km design and quality inside and out a tad pricey compared to some competitors As a point of reference, it’s interesting to compare the product offerings of Hyundai and Kia. Although they form part of the same Korean automotive giant, in most cases as a form of differentiation, it is Kia that offers the more modern and design-conscious automobiles; arguably something a little tastier than the bread-and-butter models you get from Hyundai. The X-Line addition to the Kia Picanto range is a prime example. I’ve heard it a few times from colleagues … “the X-Line is what the Picanto should have been from the beginning.” However, the progression of a model through its lifecycle must be considered and I reckon the X-Line…

NikeshKooverjee 2 months 767 km 7,40 L/100 km generous utility space and easy-to-fold seats limiting overall length for stowage This past month I have been taking full advantage of the Suzuki Vitara Brezza’s generous boot and utility space. The rear seats fold completely flat, so the compact crossover has been quite the useful cargo mover on the odd trip to the recycling depot, nursery and hardware store to collect larger items, but the design is not entirely without its flaws. The overall length of the car limits the size of packages. Contrarily, its cabin is tall, larger, so boxier items can fit in upright. Easy access to the Vitara Brezza’s utility space requires you to slide the base of the seats forward once the seats are flat. This was a…

GarethD_CARmag SEGWAY’S HYDROGEN HIGHLIGHT Segway has lifted the lid on an electric motorcycle that may breathe new life into a product portfolio dominated by awkward-looking upright electric scooters that have long been the preserve of shopping mall security. Dubbed the Apex H2, this striking e-bike takes aesthetic hints from the Light Cycles that blazed across movie screens in 1985’s sci-fi blockbuster Tron and ushers in an electric-hydrogen hybrid powertrain. The soda can-like elements which peek out of the bike’s fairing are removable hydrogen cells that can be quickly swapped out when depleted. Although, Segway has yet to reveal which energy companies will be capable of stocking or refilling such units. Combining these fuel cells with a more conventional lithium-ion battery unit allows the H2 to benefit from both electrical and…

“The ID.4 GTX is the most emotional member of the ID. family to date and shows that electric mobility and performance are not mutually exclusive.”– Ralf Brandstätter, CEO of the Volkswagen brand…

NikeshKooverjee Porsche eBike Sport • $8 550* (±R123 641) You’ve just purchased a brand-new Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo because you want a high-end performance EV that suits your active lifestyle and has a low carbon footprint. The issue now is your bike isn’t slick enough to haul out the back. Porsche has thought ahead and created the eBike Sport. Powering this mobile accessory is a Shimano EP8 electric motor providing torque of 85 N.m and up to 25 km/h of support. Porsche claims its eBike conveys that unmistakable Porsche feeling on two wheels. • Available in small, medium and large sizes• Magura upside-down suspension fork and FOX shock absorbers with 100 mm of spring travel• 125 km range in Eco mode• Weather-and waterproof• 21,2 kg mass, including pedals *excludes taxes…

Sharma_Gautam ALFA ROMEO GIULIA GTA/M ETA: 2022 Price: TBC Engine: 2,9-litre, 6-cylinder, twinturbopetrol Transmission: 8-speed automatic Power: 402 kW @6 500 r/min Torque: 600 N.m @2 500 r/min 0-100 km/h: 3,60 seconds* Top speed: 307 km/h* Fuel consumption: 10,20 L/100 km* CO2 : 189 g/km* Rivals: BMW M3 CS, Maserati Ghibli Trofeo, Mercedes-AMG C63 S Black Series goes like a road-going touring car; oozes charisma; desirability that’s off the scale likely to be eye-wateringly expensive; just try getting your hands on one GTA. Three simple letters that are immensely significant when applied as a suffix to an Alfa Romeo. The acronym is short form for Gran Turismo Alleggerita, which translates to “Grand Touring Lightened”. Add a little “m” – for Modificata – on the end and the result is a fire-breathing…

NikeshKooverjee HYUNDAI SANTA FE 2,2D 8DCT ELITE AWD ETA: NOW *Claimed figures Price: R869 500 Engine: 2,2-litre, 4-cylinder, turbodiesel Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch Power: 148 kW @3 800 r/min Torque: 440 N.m @1 750-2 750 r/min 0-100 km/h: 9,2 seconds* Top speed: 205 km/h* Fuel consumption: 7,90 L/100 km* CO2 : 216 g/km Rivals: Ford Everest, Isuzu mu-X, Kia Sorento, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Toyota Fortuner excellent perceived quality; conclusive list of standard features hesitant gearbox; less suitable for off-road use The Hyundai Santa Fe has traditionally blended into the background of the large SUV segment as it’s not as rugged and off-road-focused as the likes of the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest. That’s not to say there isn’t a place for it in our market, mind you, because where the…

WilhelmL_CARmag Petridish_Mooks These days, when motor manufacturers are not fixated on future mobility solutions, they are fighting tooth and nail for sales success in an ever-contracting market. The prolonged growth of the compact-crossover segment, competing in a heavily populated space, is a prime example of this: giving buyers exactly what they want. Seventy years ago, as countries were kick-starting their economies after the devastation of World War II, automotive markets were not as susceptible to global trends as they are today. Japan, and latterly China, developed a unique automotive culture, manufacturing several cars only for domestic consumption in the Far East. The Kei car was the result of regulations put in place by the Japanese Government after the war to assist in reviving the production of small cars to mobilise…

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Ray_Leathern WRAP UP 3 months 16 307 km 8,01 L/100km does exactly what it says on the tin; has its priorities straight; isn’t too precious interior fit and finish; aged infotainment Our three-month stint with the Toyota Corolla Quest has merely reinforced all the reasons we awarded it our Top 12 Best Buys prize for the best midsize car (April 2021). The motor trade is big on trying to upsell a product with additional comfort and convenience items that costs more but that consumers don’t necessarily need. At the end of the day, a car is something with four wheels, a drivetrain capable of a certain level of performance and efficiency, with interior proportions that hopefully suits your needs. Toyota South Africa Motors manufactures the Corolla Quest locally and foregoes…

Connor_withCars 1 303 km 7,00 L/100 km smooth drivetrain and supple suspension it’s hard to find anything to complain about Time often reveals things that are not up to scratch. Yet, two months into my long-term test and I am still impressed by the Ballade. Of course, there are still those same niggles. The lack of a volume knob irritates as ever, especially when the CVT comes on song and requires multiple clicks of the volume button to mask the sound as speed increases, but the all-round comfort more than makes up for that. Supple suspension and comfortable leather seats combine with a progressive brake and throttle pedal contribute to a very smooth daily drive. The Honda just seems to get on with the task at hand, without any fuss…

Marius_CARmag MINI ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS Mini’s new logo has adorned the British brand’s cars since 2018. The redesigned, two-dimensional emblem takes inspiration from that found on early Minis while retaining a future-orientated appearance, focused on only the essentials. According to the BMW-owned brand, the awareness of traditional values – combined with the spirit of future-orientated development – lies at the core of its new identity and reflects on its future-focused approach. NISSAN INSPIRATION DRAWN FROM REFLECTION Reflecting the significant changes in society over the last 20 years, the reimagined Nissan emblem signifies a new chapter for the Japanese carmaker. First seen on the Ariya EV, the firm’s new logo is inspired by its breakthroughs in science, technology and communication, and how these changes have influenced its customers. Nissan believes the updated…