Innehållsförteckning för April2020 från CAR

The motoring industry is a fascinating place, don’t you agree? (It’s a confusing one, too, at times.) As evidence, take CAR’s Top 12 Best Buys awards starting on page 44. This 21-year-old competition to find South Africa’s best vehicles originally celebrated chiefly sedans and hatchbacks (and MPVs, back when the French monospace was the family car to have). This year’s competition heavily favours SUVs and crossovers. Because so many categories have been changed to reflect contemporary tastes, the only vehicle range that won an award both in 2000 and in 2020 is (spoiler alert!) the Mercedes-Benz S-Class… Which vehicle type will dominate the awards in 2040? Flying saucers? Page through our Test section and you’ll spot a change in our scoring system. Much like Top 12, this formula has evolved…

People in Formula One have long memories. Particularly when it comes to perceived insults. The new F1 cars for 2020 had barely turned a wheel at the first pre-season test in Barcelona when one team was making critical comments about another. Racing Point came under immediate scrutiny when its latest offering, the RP20, carried design hallmarks of the 2019 championship-winning Mercedes … and then went very quickly on the second day of testing. This should have been no surprise. Racing Point (formerly Force India and due to become Aston Martin in 2021; see page 102) has a technical liaison with Mercedes that goes beyond the supply of engines. Sharing the same wind tunnel is the most superficial element of a partnership that was bound to lead to downloading aerodynamic thoughts…

If you want a GTS but need an SUV, Porsche has also applied the GTS treatment to the Macan, which is on sale at R1 349 000. It too benefits from black styling accents as well as a special GTS interior package featuring leather GTS seats and black brushed-aluminium trim. Under the clamshell bonnet sits a 2,9-litre biturbo V6 producing 280 kW and 520 N.m. The Macan GTS falls beneath the illustrious Turbo model but still shifts its weight to 100 km/h in a claimed 4,9 seconds (4,7 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono package) and goes on to a top end of 261 km/h. It’s agile, grips well and has Porsche’s typically brilliant steering. Peak torque is from 1 750 r/min but you need to push the needle into…

BMW 220i Coupé Steptronic It’s getting on a bit but the 220i is by far the most engaging entrant here. Still manages to fairly upmarket and refined. Upcoming 2 Series Gran Coupé will be closer in spirit to CLA. price: R533 959cyl/capac: 4/1 998 cm3power: 135 kW/5 000 r/mintorque: 270 N.m/1 350-4 600 r/mingears/drive: 8/R 0-100 km/h: 7,20 sectop speed: 230 km/hfuel index: 6,60 L/100 kmluggage capac: 280/776 Lserv/maint plan: M5/100 000 km Mercedes-Benz CLA200 7G-DCT It’s strikingly styled and practically packaged for what it is. Adoption of multilink rear suspension and more direct steering gives it an edge over the A-Class Sedan. price: R579 886cyl/capac: 4/1 333 cm3power: 120 kW/5 500 r/mintorque: 250 N.m/1 620-4 000 r/mingears/drive: 7/F 0-100 km/h: 9,05 sectop speed: 229 km/hfuel index: 6,60 L/100 kmluggage capac: 312/832…

Diesel engines are also directly injected and employ similar technologies such as EGR. Although carbon build-up does occur, it is by no means of the same magnitude as found in GDI engines. The reasons are: TEMPERATURE For carbon build-up to occur, the temperature of the metal surfacesmustbeinasweet-spot range. Too hot and the carbon burns off; too cold and there is less adhesion. Diesel engines run unthrottled (excess air); therefore, the intake valves are cooler than in petrol engines. Because of the excess air and longer expansion stroke of a diesel(highercompressionratio), theexhaustgasesarecooler,too. LITTLE INTAKE VACUUM The throttle employed in a petrol engine causes a vacuum in the intake manifold under part-load conditions. This accelerates the movement of carbon particles to this region. Diesel engines run unthrottled and do not have this…

DISAPPEARING ENGINE COOLANT I own a 2004 BMW 525i (E60). The car is in excellent condition and has done just over 111 000 km with a full-service record [Sipho, if you’re looking to sell your E60, I’d like to be top of the list, please – editor.]. It performs very well; however, what bothers me is the way it consumes engine coolant. I have to top up at least a litre of engine coolant every three weeks and I find this a bit much. Kindly advise if such coolant consumption is normal and, if not, what could the problem be? SIPHO DUBE Mbabane, Swaziland In our opinion, this rate of coolant consumption is abnormal. There are only a couple of possible root causes. Leaks If there is a leak, the…

Email: car@ramsaymedia.co.za Mail: CAR, PO Box 180, Howard Place, 7450 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. S4 FURORE As a long-standing car enthusiast and CAR reader, I read the latest Performance Shootout issue with great interest. I currently drive an Audi S4 and consider it to be one of the most underrated cars I have ever owned (and I have owned many over the years). Visually it hides beneath the guise of a standard A4 (besides the subtle S4 badging and the not-so-subtle red brake callipers and quad…

BUILT IN BRAZIL The body-on-frame SUV retails for R$167 560 (±R580 000) and is available exclusively in the South American country, where it is produced in the Troller assembly line in Horizonte, Ceará. Ford Motor Company acquired the Brazilian 4x4 maker in 2007. Various advanced techniques were applied to the manufacturing process: 3D printing helped speed up the production of prototype models, while virtual reality software was used to test the vehicle’s ergonomics. Before the start of production, new investments were made in the factory and employees underwent 14 000 hours of training. BAKKIE-BASED THREE-DOOR The Troller TX4 is underpinned by the Blue Oval automaker’s familiar Ranger platform. The three-door SUV’s dimensions do, however, differ from the bakkie’s. The wheelbase is 635 mm shorter, while the deletion of a loading…

1920 START YOUR MACHINES On 30 January, Toyo Cork Kogyo Co. Ltd is established in Hiroshima and switches from cork products to machine construction. Seven years later, “cork” is dropped from the name. 1931 MAZDA IS A GO! The Mazda moniker makes its debut on the firm’s first vehicle: a three-wheeler dubbed Mazda-Go. Toyo Kogyo does, however, remain the company name. 1940 WW2 SETBACK Now with an updated “M” logo featuring extended wings to represent Mazda’s agility, the automaker unveils a prototype of its first passenger car. Unfortunately, World War Two halts production. 1960 4-STROKE FIRST The lightweight Mazda R360 Coupé is launched as the first of its kind with a four-stroke aluminium engine. The kei car weighs just 380 kg and boasts a fuel consumption figure of 3,1 L/100…

1965 FORD THUNDERBIRD only as car in which Thelma and Louise met their fate, but also as one of the first to feature double-sided keys, the locking mechanisms of which were harder to pick and negated the need to correctly orientate the key in the lock. 1982 RENAULT FUEGO While this replacement for Renault’s 15 and 17 models wasn’t as fiery as its name suggests, it was the first production-series car with remote central locking. The system used a short-range radio transmitter sending a coded signal to a receiver in the car to operate the locks. 1990 LEXUS LS400 Replacing the easily copied serrated-edged form of manually cut keys, these units instead featured a smooth billet with a winding depression down its spine that’s far more difficult to replicate, adding…

Built in Germany SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE Cylinders: four, inline, transverse Fuel supply: electronic direct fuel injection, turbocharged, intercooled, petrol Bore/stroke: 72,2/81,4 mm Cubic capacity: 1 333 cm3 Compression ratio: 10,6 to 1 Valvegear: d-o-h-c, four valves per cylinder ENGINE OUTPUT Max power ISO: 120 kW Power peak/Red line: 5 500/6 250 r/min Max torque: 250 N.m Torque peak: 1 620-4 000 r/min TRANSMISSION Type: seven-speed dual-clutch 1st gear/2nd gear: 6,60/3,92 to 1 3rd gear/4th gear: 2,24/1,64 to 1 5th gear/6th gear: 1,27/1,01 to 1 Top gear: 0,81 to 1 Reverse gear: 1,24 to 1 Final drive: 2,82 to 1 Drive wheels: front Driver aids: ESC (electronic stability control), hill start BRAKES Front: 305 mm ventilated discs Rear: 276 mm solid discs Hydraulics: ABS with EBD and EBA WHEELS AND TYRES Tyre…

BMW 118i Steptronic Divisive styling aside, the entry-level 1 Series is well built and impressively refined. Three-cylinder drivetrain is one of the best in the downsized business. Spec carefully, though. price: R486 898 cyl/capac: 3/1 499 cm3 power: 103 kW/4 600-6 500 r/min torque: 220 N.m/1 480-4 200 r/min gears/drive: 7/F 0-100 km/h: 8,94 sec top speed: 213 km/h fuel index: 7,08 L/100 km luggage capac: 216/792 L serv/maint plan: M5/100 000 km Audi A3 Sportback 35 TFSI S tronic With a new generation on its way, the current A3 remains a sophisticated, classy option that still garnered plenty of votes in the team. Interior fit and finish still best in class. price: R492 410 cyl/capac: 4/1 395 cm3 power: 110 kW/5 000 r/min torque: 250 N.m/1 500-3 500 r/min…

Ford Fiesta 1,0 EcoBoost Trend AT The Fiesta is the most entertaining to pilot, combining comfort with superb dynamics. Offers superior luggage space when compared to rivals but falls short of the interior room of the Polo. price: R308 900 cyl/capac: 3/998 cm3 \ power: 74 kW/4 500 r/min torque: 170 N.m/1 500-4 000 r/min gears/drive: 6/F 0-100 km/h: 12,20 sec est top speed: 180 km/h fuel index: 6,20 L/100 km luggage capac: 256/856 L serv/maint plan: S4/60 000 km VW Polo 70 kW Hatch 1,0 TSI Comfortline DSG While not as chic as the C3, the Polo is a fierce rival thanks to its classy cabin and VW's vast dealer network. Refined road manners and upmarket appearance further its appeal. price: R305 700 cyl/capac: 3/999 cm3 power: 70 kW/5…

VW Caddy 1,0 TSI 75 kW Trendline This entry-level Caddy ticks enough boxes to make it a winner. Not that there is too much competition. The result is wide market acceptance and good sales. price: R360 300 cyl/capac: 3/999 cm3 power: 75 kW/5 000-5 500 r/min torque: 175 N.m/1 500-3 500 r/min gears/drive: 5/F 0-100 km/h: 14,16 sec top speed: 172 km/h fuel index: 6,72 L/100 km luggage capac: 528/1 592 L serv/maint plan: S3/60 000km Opel Combo Life 1,6TD Enjoy Plus points are three rear seats that fold individually, each with Isofix mounts. The service plan is identical to the Caddy’s. It is more obviously van-based than the VW, though. price: R369 900 cyl/capac: 4/1 560 cm3 power: 68 kW/4 000 r/min torque: 230 N.m/1 700 r/min gears/drive: 5/F…

Ford Fiesta 1,0 EcoBoost Titanium A fantastic chassis and engine make the Fiesta the driver’s choice, and standard spec nearly matches the Micra’s. Small in the back, though, and interior finishes are merely average. price: R328 500 cyl/capac: 3/998 cm3 power: 92 kW/6 000 r/min torque: 170 N.m/1 400-4 000 r/min gears/drive: 6/F 0-100 km/h: 10,0 sec est top speed: 195 km/h fuel index: 6,00 L/100 km luggage capac: 256/856 L serv/maint plan: S4/60 000 km Volkswagen Polo 1,0 TSI 85 kW Highline Good value here (although its spec tally isn’t as generous as the others’) and the most relaxing to drive. Biggest inside, too, and beautifully finished. Pity the service plan is inferior. price: R315 100 cyl/capac: 3/999 cm3 power: 85 kW/5 000 r/min torque: 200 N.m/2 000-3 500…

ENGINE-CAPACITY MYSTERY How do you tell the difference between a 2020 Volkswagen Polo Vivo Hatch 1,4 and 1,6 when there is no displacement badging? Can you tell if you look at the engine under the bonnet? I am interested in buying a Polo Vivo 1,6 Highline in the near future and want to make sure. RAY UDEMAN Margate We agree that, with the current trend of “de-badging”, it is now more difficult to differentiate between powertrains than ever. This is in stark contrast to the past where engine capacity, number of valves and even the number of gears were communicated on the back of a vehicle. VWSA confirmed the most reliable way is to look at the engine code that starts with three letters: • CLSA – 1,6 (77 kW) • CLPA…

Lawrence Stroll is much more than Lance Stroll’s wealthy father. He got there by applying an astute mind to opportunities arising in the world of fashion. We’re talking here of creating investment and healthy bottom lines rather than designing sweatshirts and hemlines. The Canadian was behind the rise of Tommy Hilfiger as a global leader, Stroll’s investment company being worth $15 billion after floating its portfolio on the New York stock exchange in 2011. The gradual accumulation of such wealth allowed Stroll to indulge in his passion for motorsport but not in the comparatively humdrum manner of sponsoring an individual or a race team. He bought Mont-Tremblant, the classically beautiful racetrack in Quebec that hosted the Canadian Grand Prix in 1968 and 1970. Along the way, he gathered a collection…

1 CHEQUERED FLAG AT THE END OF RACES Last year saw an introduction of a chequered light panel but after it malfunctioned at the end of the 2019 Japanese Grand Prix, one lap before the end of the race, the FIA has decided to go back to an old-fashioned flag. 2 LESS TESTING For 2020, pre-season testing has been reduced from eight days of running to six, with two three-day tests due to take place at Barcelona. Mid-season testing has been completely eliminated. 3 LONGER CURFEW For the mechanics, an extra hour of mandatory curfew has been implemented to ensure they get enough sleep throughout the night (nine hours). Teams are allowed to break the curfew twice in one season without receiving a penalty. 4 SHARK…

The context This year, we look at what’s available, sensible or desirable from the perspective of two teamsters: one, a youthful lad with foresight; the other, a somewhat seasoned old-hand with hindsight. Their combined age of 88 years and the fact that they both own elderly Mercedes-Benz vehicles should not be taken into consideration when judging their impartiality. The criteria Vehicles no older than three years. The advice Following the categories of the main Top 12 Best Buys awards (page 44), these are the used vehicles we think will make great buys in 2020. 01 BUDGET CAR <R115 000 PP  Hyundai Grand i10 1,2 Glide I am no fan of the Hyundai i10. Something doesn’t sit well with me. The Grand i10, however, seems to tick far more boxes; to…

Our test of the V4 in June 1966 showed off GT badges. In the Corsair’s case, this nomenclature was not really suitable for such a slow car. To save face, Ford quickly retuned the car with a higher compression ratio, larger valves and ditched the Zenith single choke carburettor for a twin-choke Weber. A free-flow exhaust manifold took care of the gases. Acceleration improved to 12,8 seconds, still well below the Meissner’s time. Willie used his high-lift camshaft, tuned exhaust and twin side draught Webers to good effect. The GT, for Gran Turismo, was coined by Alfa Romeo for its 6C 1750 Gran Turismo of 1929. Due to the popularity of the small Fords in the 1960s, the name better denotes a sporty car instead of a grand tourer. While…

Reader TSHEGOFATJO LEKGOATHI 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.)…

ENGINE AND OUTPUT Engine: 3,2-litre, 5-cylinder, turbodiesel Power: 147 kW @ 3 000 r/min Torque: 470 N.m @ 1 750-2 500 r/min TRANSMISSION 6-speed automatic DIMENSIONS Length: 4 163 mm Wheelbase: 2 585 mm Height: 1 936 mm Width (incl. mirrors): 1 992 mm Ground clearance: 316 mm Approach angle: 53° Departure angle: 50° Wading depth: 800 mm Weight: 2 297 kg Weight distribution (front/rear): 51/49 % Seats: 5 Boot/utility space: 149/835 litres Payload: 423 kg Fuel tank: 62 L BRAKES Front: 302 mm ventilated discs Rear: 305 mm solid discs SUSPENSION Front and rear: rigid axle with stabiliser and panhard bar, helical springs, and hydraulic shock absorbers WHEELS AND TYRES Pirelli Scorpion MTR 245/70 R17…

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 Coupé Q4 Jaguar F-Type Roadster Q4 Jeep Compass additional derivatives Q3/Q4 Kia Sorento Q4 Land Rover Defender 110 Q2/Q3 Land…

Porsche Design 1919 Globetimer UTC Price: €6 450 (±R105 000*) Drawing inspiration from the illustrious Porsche 911, the 1919 Globetimer wristwatch sports functional, uncluttered detailing. Finished in titanium, the minimalist timepiece can adjust to any time zone at the touch of a button. A second hour hand serves as a reference time, displaying the local time of your home city or country.…

Having been carless and out of the car market for close to eight years, I’ve managed to remain relatively removed from all things motor vehicle. Petrol price increases, rising insurance costs and off-street parking were once the conversation fodder of only my car-wielding friends. Yet, it seems the tides have turned and the cons of not owning a car have slowly begun to outweigh the pros. As liberating and cost-effective as not owning a car can be, it substantially limits your mobility; in a country like South Africa where safe public transportation remains a myth, freedom of movement is generally relegated to somehow getting behind a steering wheel. Alas, I now find myself teetering on the threshold of the new-car market. However, before I can enter the realm of vehicle…

Price: R1 164 000 (Cayman); R1 175 000 (Boxster) Engine: 4,0-litre, flat-six, petrol Transmission: 6-speed manual Power: 294 kW @ 7 000 r/min Torque: 420 N.m @ 5 000-6 500 r/min 0-100 km/h: 4,5 seconds* Top speed: 293 km/h* Fuel consumption: 10,8 L/100 km* CO2 : 246 g/km Rivals: BMW M2 Competition; Jaguar F-Type P300 + sublime flat-six engine; perfectly honed dynamics - not as well equipped as the list prices would suggest 1 963 was the year Philips launched the first audio cassette, revolutionising how people listened to music in their cars. Like so many things today, the cassette has disappeared, consigned to a box in the shed that contains the mixtape made by a teenage crush. Now we stream music from the Internet, accessed via a touchscreen in our…

Audi A3 Sedan 35 TFSI S tronic It’s been around for some time now and the boot’s rather small but the A3 Sedan’s combination of beautiful craftsmanship and refined road manners are hard to beat. price: R502 410 cyl/capac: 4/1 395 cm3 power: 110 kW/5 000 r/min torque: 250 N.m/1 500-3 500 r/min gears/drive: 7/F 0-100 km/h: 8,20 sec top speed: 224 km/h fuel index: 5,80 L/100 km luggage capac: 248/752 L serv/maint plan: M5/100 000 km Mazda3 Sedan 2,0 Astina auto Jaw-droppingly good looking and a sporty drive, the halo Mazda3 Sedan is also very generously equipped. The engine wants for low-end punch, though. price: R470 800 cyl/capac: 4/1 998 cm3 power: 121 kW/6 000 r/min torque: 213 N.m/4 000 r/min gears/drive: 6/F 0-100 km/h: n/a top speed: n/a fuel index:…

SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE Cylinders: four, inline, transverse Fuel supply: electronic direct fuel injection, turbocharged, intercooled, petrol Bore/stroke: 72,2/81,4 mm Cubic capacity: 1 333 cm3 Compression ratio: 10,6 to 1 Valvegear: d-o-h-c, four valves per cylinder ENGINE OUTPUT Max power ISO: 120 kW Power peak/Red line: 5 500/6 250 r/min Max torque: 250 N.m Torque peak: 1 620-4 000 r/min TRANSMISSION Type: seven-speed dual-clutch 1st gear/2nd gear: 6,60/3,92 to 1 3rd gear/4th gear: 2,24/1,64 to 1 5th gear/6th gear: 1,27/1,01 to 1 Top gear: 0,81 to 1 Reverse gear: 1,24 to 1 Final drive: 2,82 to 1 Drive wheels: front Driver aids: ESC (electronic stability control), hill start BRAKES Front: 305 mm ventilated discs Rear: 276 mm solid discs Hydraulics: ABS with EBD and EBA WHEELS AND TYRES Tyre make: Pirelli Cinturato…

SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE: Cylinders: three, inline, transverse Fuel supply: electronic direct fuel injection, turbocharged, intercooled, petrol Bore/stroke: 82,0/94,6 mm Cubic capacity: 1 499 cm3 Compression ratio: 11,0 to 1 Valvegear: d-o-h-c, four valves per cylinder ENGINE OUTPUT: Max power ISO: 103 kW Power peak/Red line: 4 600-6 500/6 500 r/min Max torque: 220 N.m Torque peak: 1 480-4 200 r/min TRANSMISSION: Type: seven-speed dual-clutch 1st gear/2nd gear: 4,15/2,45 to 1 3rd gear/4th gear: 1,56/1,09 to 1 5th gear/6th gear: 0,84/0,68 to 1 Top gear: 0,55 to 1 Reverse gear: 3,75 to 1 Final drive: 3,79 to 1 Drive wheels: front Driver aids: ESC (electronic stability control), hill start BRAKES: Front: 280 mm ventilated discs Rear: 259 mm solid discs Hydraulics: ABS with EBD and EBA WHEELS AND TYRES: Tyre make: Continental…

SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE Cylinders: three, inline, transverse Fuel supply: electronic direct fuel injection, turbocharged, intercooled, petrol Bore/stroke: 75,0/90,5 mm Cubic capacity: 1 199 cm3 Compression ratio: 10,5 to 1 Valvegear: d-o-h-c, four valves per cylinder ENGINE OUTPUT Max power ISO: 81 kW Power peak/Red line: 5 500-6 000/ 6 000 r/min Max torque: 205 N.m Torque peak: 1 500 r/min TRANSMISSION Type: six-speed automatic 1st gear/2nd gear: 4,46/2,51 to 1 3rd gear/4th gear: 1,56/1,14 to 1 5th gear/Top gear: 0,85/0,67 to 1 Reverse gear: 3,19 to 1 Final drive: 3,68 to 1 Drive wheels: front Driver aids: ESC (electronic stability control), hill start BRAKES Front: 264 mm ventilated discs Rear: 244 mm solid discs Hydraulics: ABS with EBD and EBA WHEELS AND TYRES Tyre make: Goodyear EfficientGrip Tyre size: 205/50 R17…

SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE Cylinders: three, inline, transverse Fuel supply: electronic direct fuel injection, turbocharged, intercooled, petrol Bore/stroke: 74,5/76,4 mm Cubic capacity: 999 cm3 Compression ratio: 10,5 to 1 Valvegear: d-o-h-c, four valves per cylinder ENGINE OUTPUT Max power ISO: 75 kW Power peak/Red line: 5 000-5 500/6 000 r/min Max torque: 175 N.m Torque peak: 1 500-3 500 r/min TRANSMISSION Type: five-speed manual 1st gear/2nd gear: 3,77/1,95 to 1 3rd gear/4th gear: 1,28/0,88 to 1 Top gear: 0,67 to 1 Reverse gear: 4,35 to 1 Final drive: 4,69 to 1 Drive wheels: front Driver aids: ESC (electronic stability control) BRAKES Front: 280 mm ventilated discs Rear: 260 mm solid discs Hydraulics: ABS with EBD and EBA WHEELS AND TYRES Tyre make: Hankook Ventus Prime 3 Tyre size: 205/55R16 Spare – type…

SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE Cylinders: three, inline, transverse Fuel supply: electronic direct fuel injection, turbocharged, intercooled, petrol Bore/stroke: 72,2/81,3 mm Cubic capacity: 999 cm3 Compression ratio: 10,5 to 1 Valvegear: d-o-h-c, four valves per cylinder ENGINE OUTPUT Max power ISO: 84 kW Power peak/Red line: 5 250/6 400 r/min Max torque: 180 N.m Torque peak: 1 750-4 000 r/min TRANSMISSION Type: six-speed manual 1st gear/2nd gear: 3,73/1,95 to 1 3rd gear/4th gear: 1,32/0,98 to 1 5th gear/Top gear: 0,76/0,64 to 1 Reverse gear: 3,69 to 1 Final drive: 4,21 to 1 Drive wheels: front Driver aids: ESC (electronic stability control), hill start BRAKES Front: 260 mm mm ventilated discs Rear: 203 mm drums Hydraulics: ABS with EBD and EBA WHEELS AND TYRES Tyre make: Bridgestone Turanza T005 Tyre size: 205/45 R17 Spare…

2 565 km 7,54 L/100 km + overall levels of sophistication - manually adjustable mirrors Ever since I’ve taken on this VW Polo, I’ve felt my levels of sophistication rise. I’ve come to appreciate the finer things in life such as hors d’oeuvres and coffee table books. It comes as no surprise because, despite being an entry-level model in the range (Conceptline aside), the Polo Trendline gives the impression of a premium product. This isn’t about the level of standard kit but rather the perceived quality. Yes, it’s predominantly plastic inside but everything from the analogue and digital instrumentation to the infotainment system, optional leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shifter has a high-quality feel which makes the Polo a genuine joy to drive. It just goes to show you can…

Black grimy sludge. From the outside, the gasoline-direct-injection (GDI) engine appears shiny but it hides a dirty secret: severe carbon fouling of the intake ports and valves. It can be compared to the lungs of a chain-smoker, but worse. The first time the driver may be aware of this problem is when the engine-check light comes on or they experience a dramatic reduction in performance. Try breathing through a straw and you get the idea. We investigate carbon build-up in GDIs, how it happens and whether you can avoid it. 1 Port vs. direct injection The fuelling technology of a petrol engine has transformed dramatically in the last couple of decades. From the humble mechanical carburettor to single-point injection, followed by multipoint and now direct injection. The enabler for…

WATER PUMP The task of the engine’s water pump is to circulate coolant through the cooling system, including coolant galleries in the engine, piping and radiator. A thermostat may close the flow to allow a cold engine to heat-up faster before restoring the flow. The mechanical water pump consists of a metal body with a shaft running through it. An impeller is fixed on the one side of the shaft and a toothed pulley on the other. Drive is provided by the toothed cambelt, which explains why the water pump is generally changed as a safety precaution during a scheduled cambelt change. There are bearings and seals on the shaft preventing the coolant from leaking past. When these seals go, a weeping hole is provided so the leak can be…

Aston Martin competed briefly in the early 1920s before the advent of modern F1. The works team then made a Grand Prix debut in Holland in 1959 with the DBR4/250. Despite a typically high standard of workmanship and finish, the front-engined car was out of date before it reached the start line at Zandvoort. Apart from Jack Brabham running riot with the smaller and more nimble rear-engined Cooper-Climax, the Aston Martin had been designed five years previously but had remained under dust sheets as the English firm concentrated on long-distance racing. Success in sportscars prompted the erroneous thought that F1 might also succumb to the light green car, with its heavy straight-six engine designed for endurance rather than out-and-out performance. Aston Martin entered five world championship Grands Prix (and started…

Thanks to my passing decades in the automotive industry, I often look back at experiences and realise how often I have had petrol problems. By this, I mean petrol leaks that could have caused major fires. You know the type … you drive past a pile of blackened metal, melting the tar with its tyres still smouldering. The most recent incident was with my 1970 Fiat 128. I had sorted out the rear brakes and was keen to get it on the road but a quick look under the bonnet showed a fuel leak from the accelerator pump cover. I managed to buy a replacement from a carburettor specialist workshop when the next problem occurred. The fuel pump was leaking so badly, I was concerned it would catch fire. This…

Notes • The PRICES shown are the latest available at the time of going to press. Our deadline occurred before the end of February 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 =…

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.…

“Something very fast. Audi S8. Something that can shove a little bit.” This was how actor Skipp Sudduth’s character Larry responded when asked what he requires in the form of a getaway vehicle in the opening minutes of the 1998 action movie Ronin. A trained driver, Sudduth performed most of his own stunts behind the wheel of the dark green D2-generation S8 as it evaded police through the streets of Paris and later chased down the bad guys’ Citroën XM into Nice. Having honed his car-shooting credentials on the film Grand Prix, director John Frankenheimer opted to shoot arguably some of the best chase scenes in cinema history in real time without using any CGI enhancement. My eyes lit up with the S8’s headlamps as Larry first fired the car’s…

Next month, we finally slide in behind the wheel of the new Land Rover Defender and give it a rigorous shakedown on the infamous Van Zyl’s Pass in Namibia. We also travel to California to experience Porsche’s new 911 Turbo, while closer to home we test the new Toyota Corolla Quest and BMW’s M340i sports sedan. That’s but a teaser ... don’t miss the May issue! Although the programme was being prepared at the time of writing for this issue, unforeseen factors may result in changes.…