Innehållsförteckning för July 2020 från CAR

Welcome to the first issue of CAR produced entirely remotely. It’s been a fascinating (and occasionally maddening) process mastering new-fangled chat programmes to stay in touch with the CAR team scattered across the Cape Peninsula, or how best to circulate test cars and have them performance tested and photographed. I’m deeply proud of what we’ve achieved with one of our most diverse issues to date. We test anything from a derivative of South Africa’s cheapest new-car range (page 66) to a fantastic supercar (which also happens to set a new 0-100 km/h sprint record; page 60), with a varied selection of classic cars in the mix. In a sad era where many publishing houses are shuttering their doors and discontinuing beloved magazine titles, CAR and its publishers remain committed to…

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 Q3/Q4 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 WR-V 2020 Hyundai Creta Q4 Hyundai Grand i10 Q3/Q4 Isuzu D-Max 2021 Jaguar F-Type Coupé 2020 Jaguar F-Type Convertible 2020 Jeep Compass additional derivatives Q3/Q4 Kia Sorento Q3/Q4 Land Rover Defender 110 Q3/Q4 Land Rover Defender 90 Q4/2021 Lexus IS facelift Q4 Lexus LC500 Convertible 2020 Mahindra KUV100 Limited Edition 2020 Mahindra…

1947 ALONG CAME PON Dutch Volkswagen importer Ben Pon is credited with "doodling" the original sketch of what was to become the first Kombi on 23 April when visiting the VW plant in Wolfsburg. 1950 FIRST VAN On 8 March, the production version of the Transporter is launched, leaving the Wolfsburg plant in panel-and passenger-van, plus eight-seater guises, each sporting a Beetle-sourced transmission and rear-sited flat-four and 750 kg payload 1952 FROM SAMBA TO SINGLE CAB In stark contrast to the opulent Samba, VW reveals a more utilitarian variant of the T1, a single-cab bakkie. 1956 MOVING VAN PRODUCTION VW moves Transporter production from its Wolfsburg plant to Hanover, with some models manufactured in São Paulo, Brazil. By the time production of the T1 ends in 1967, nearly two million…

Supposedly impartial, motorsport writers are not meant to have favourites. I couldn’t help but make Stirling Moss one of mine since he was my father’s hero and had finished third by pushing his Jaguar C-Type across the line at the first motor race I ever saw. It was beyond all imagining, at the age of seven, that I would have the privilege of one day getting to know him. Our professional paths first crossed in 1977 when I was writing for James Hunt Magazine. Searching for feature ideas for this fanzine, we thought it would be a good idea if James and Stirling sat down to discuss their respective lives as racing drivers. A meeting was arranged at Zandvoort on the weekend of the Dutch Grand Prix and Stirling was…

SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE Cylinders: V10, longitudinal Fuel supply: electronic direct fuel injection, petrol Bore/stroke: 84,5/92,8 mm Cubic capacity: 5 204 cm3 Compression ratio: 12,7 to 1 Valvegear: d-o-h-c, four valves per cylinder ENGINE OUTPUT Max power ISO: 470 kW Power peak/Red line: 8 000/8 500 r/min Max torque: 600 N.m Torque peak: 6 500 r/min TRANSMISSION Type: seven-speed dual-clutch 1st gear/2nd gear: 3,13/2,08 to 1 3rd gear/4th gear: 1,58/1,24 to 1 5th gear/6th gear: 0,98/0,79 to 1 Top gear: 0,68 to 1 Reverse gear: 2,65 to 1 Final drive: 4,89 to 1 Drive wheels: all Driver aids: ESC (electronic stability control) BRAKES Front: 380 mm ventilated discs Rear: 356 mm ventilated discs Hydraulics: ABS with EBD and EBA WHEELS AND TYRES Tyre make: Pirelli P-Zero Tyre size (f): 245/30 ZR20 Tyre…

SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE Cylinders: three, inline, transverse Fuel supply: multipoint electronic fuel injection, petrol Bore/stroke: 73,0/79,5 mm Cubic capacity: 998 cm3 Compression ratio: 11,0 to 1 Valvegear: d-o-h-c, four valves per cylinder ENGINE OUTPUT Max power ISO: 50 kW Power peak/Red line: 5 500 r/min/- Max torque: 90 N.m Torque peak: 3 500 r/min TRANSMISSION Type: five-speed manual 1st gear/2nd gear: 3,55/1,91 to 1 3rd gear/4th gear: 1,28/0,97 to 1 Top gear: 0,78 to 1 Reverse gear: 3,27 to 1 Final drive: 4,39 to 1 Drive wheels: front Driver aids: none BRAKES Front: ventilated discs Rear: drums Hydraulics: ABS with EBD WHEELS AND TYRES Tyre make: MRF ZVTV Ecotred Tyre size: 165/70 R14 Spare – type and location: full-size steel, under boot board STEERING Type: rack and pinion, hydraulic power assist…

SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE Cylinders: four, inline, transverse Fuel supply: electronic direct fuel injection, petrol Bore/stroke: 80,5/97,6 mm Cubic capacity: 1 987 cm3 Compression ratio: 13,1 to 1 Valvegear: d-o-h-c, four valves per cylinder ENGINE OUTPUT Max power ISO: 125 kW Power peak/Red line: 6 600/6 800 r/min Max torque: 200 N.m Torque peak: 4 400-4 800 r/min TRANSMISSION Type: CVT 1st gear: 3,38 to 1 Low ratio/High ratio: 2,24/0,45 to 1 Reverse gear: 3,14 to 1 Final drive: 4,26 to 1 Drive wheels: front Driver aids: ESC (electronic stability control), hill start BRAKES Front: ventilated discs Rear: solid discs Hydraulics: ABS with EBD and EBA WHEELS AND TYRES Tyre make: Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 050 Tyre size: 225/40 R18 Spare – type and location: space-saver, under boot board STEERING Type: rack…

SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE Cylinders: four, inline, transverse Fuel supply: electronic direct fuel injection, turbocharged, intercooled, petrol Bore/stroke: 82,0/94,6 mm Cubic capacity: 1 998 cm3 Compression ratio: 11,0 to 1 Valvegear: d-o-h-c, four valves per cylinder ENGINE OUTPUT Max power ISO: 141 kW Power peak/Red line: 5 000-6 000/ 6 500 r/min Max torque: 280 N.m Torque peak: 1 250-4 600 r/min TRANSMISSION Type: seven-speed dual-clutch 1st gear/2nd gear: 4,31/2,58 to 1 3rd gear/4th gear: 1,73/1,32 to 1 5th gear/6th gear: 1,09/0,88 to 1 Top gear: 0,73 to 1 Reverse gear: 3,98 to 1 Final drive: 3,79 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 and EBA WHEELS AND TYRES Tyre make:…

SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE Cylinders: four, inline, transverse Fuel supply: electronic common-rail direct injection, turbocharged, intercooled, diesel Bore/stroke: 84,0/90,0 mm Cubic capacity : 1 995 cm3 Compression ratio: 16,5 to 1 Valvegear: d-o-h-c, four valves per cylinder ENGINE OUTPUT Max power ISO: 150 kW Power peak/Red line: 4 000/4 500 r/min Max torque: 460 N.m Torque peak: 1 750-2 750 r/min TRANSMISSION Type: eight-speed automatic 1st gear/2nd gear: 4,81/2,90 to 1 3rd gear/4th gear: 1,86/1,42 to 1 5th gear/6th gear: 1,22/1,00 to 1 7th gear/Top gear: 0,80/0,65 to 1 Reverse gear: 3,43 to 1 Final drive: 3,06 to 1 Drive wheels: front Driver aids: ESC (electronic stability control), hill start BRAKES Front: 305 mm ventilated discs Rear: 302 mm solid discs Hydraulics: ABS with EBD and EBA WHEELS AND TYRES Tyre make:…

SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE Cylinders: four, inline, transverse Fuel supply: electronic direct fuel injection, turbocharged, intercooled, petrol Bore/stroke: 82,0/94,6 mm Cubic capacity: 1 998 cm3 Compression ratio: 9,5 to 1 Valvegear: d-o-h-c, four valves per cylinder ENGINE OUTPUT Max power ISO: 225 kW Power peak/Red line: 4 500-6 250/ 6 500 r/min Max torque: 450 N.m Torque peak: 1 750-5 000 r/min TRANSMISSION Type: eight-speed automatic 1st gear /2nd gear: 5,52/3,18 to 1 3rd gear/4th gear: 2,05/1,49 to 1 5th gear/6th gear: 1,24/1,00 to 1 7th gear/Top gear: 0,80/0,67 to 1 Reverse gear: 4,22 to 1 Final drive: 3,08 to 1 Drive wheels: all Driver aids: ESC (electronic stability control), hill start BRAKES Front: 360 mm ventilated discs Rear: 330 mm ventilated discs Hydraulics: ABS with EBD and EBA WHEELS AND TYRES…

SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE Cylinders: four, inline, transverse Fuel supply: multipoint electronic fuel injection, petrol Bore/stroke: 86,0/86,0 mm Cubic capacity: 1 998 cm3 Compression ratio: 10,0 to 1 Valvegear: d-o-h-c, four valves per cylinder ENGINE OUTPUT Max power ISO: 110 kW Power peak/Red line: 6 000/6 500 r/min Max torque: 197 N.m Torque peak: 4 200 r/min TRANSMISSION Type: CVT Low ratio/High ratio: 2,63/0,38 to 1 Reverse gear: 1,96 to 1 Final drive: 6,03 to 1 Drive wheels: front Driver aids: traction control BRAKES Front: 270 mm ventilated discs Rear: 260 mm solid discs Hydraulics: ABS with EBD and EBA WHEELS AND TYRES Tyre make: Bridgestone Ecopia HL 422 Plus Tyre size: 225/55 R18 Spare – type and location: full-size alloy, under boot board STEERING Type: rack and pinion, electric power assist…

EXHAUST BACK-PRESSURE I would like to know what CAR’s opinion is on exhaust back-pressure. I am in the process of fitting a turbocharger to my 1988 Nissan Skyline and the idea is to have an extremely free-flowing exhaust system downstream of the turbo. I think, as indicated in lots of posts on the Internet, that a certain amount of exhaust back-pressure is required and the turbine wheel of the turbo would provide this. HILTON TREGONNING Via email Interesting question, Hilton. It is beneficial to get all the spent exhaust gases out of the chamber after combustion to enable a complete fill with fresh air. Therefore, it makes sense to have the back-pressure as low as possible to promote the flow of exhaust gases from the high pressure in the combustion…

Fastest FWD car to date: 2017 VW Golf GTI Clubsport S manual (1:24,60) Who would’ve thought just a few years ago we’d be track testing a Hyundai hot hatch? The manufacturer has come to the party and, after the i30 N put in a decent showing in this year’s Performance Shootout, we wanted to find out where it would slot in on our 160-plus-car track index. On a mild 22-degree Celsius day, Deon Joubert set off in the 202 kW/353 N.m hatch. Often, his first flying lap following a warm-up is the quickest. Again, this was the case when the appropriately named Performance Blue i30 N blasted past the main straight and stopped the clock at 1:30,89 seconds. Quicker than a 2009 VW Golf 6 GTI DSG (1:31,21) and a…

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.…

A car can be many things: a means of getting from A to B; an adrenaline-pumping ride; or even a work of art. But in John Carpenter’s 1983 film adaptation of the Steven King horror novel Christine, the titular ’58 Plymouth Fury becomes something altogether more sinister. Slowly possessing its renovator and new owner, Arnie Cunningham, and turning him from high-school nerd into an edgy ‘50s greaser, Christine’s possessiveness of Arnie sees her killing anyone vying for his attention. Not even a group of sledgehammer-wielding school bullies can stop this automotive evil incarnate. She quickly uncrumples all the damage and brutally hunts down her attackers. It wasn’t just the Fury’s chrome-plated, fintailed beauty that captivated me, but also the idea that a car is more than just a hunk of…

ELECTRIFIED FUTURE It behoves me as an advocate for electric vehicles to respond to the letter by John Sampson (EV issues, March 2020). Worldwide, petrol, diesel and hybrid car sales have been falling for the last few years (quite precipitously in some countries) while the sales of EVs are increasing. Unsurprisingly, hybrid sales are also collapsing as the last-ditch attempt by the legacy manufacturers to hang onto fossil-fuelled (FF) engines by including some batteries has not fooled consumers. Many owners are waiting for the EV transition. Many of our friends – having seen and driven in our BMW i3 – are in this category. Every year this phenomenon will increase. This has now pressurised the mainstream car manufacturers to commit to and invest in EVs. This gets trickier as EVs…

Developed for adrenaline-producing performance in all conditions, Lamborghini CEO Stefano Domenicali says the Huracán Evo RWD Spyder doubles the driving fun, handing those behind the wheel “raw driving pleasure” and the opportunity to “celebrate life outside”. It takes 17 seconds (at speeds of up to 50 km/h) for the canvas roof to stow away. An instinctive driver’s car, the rear-wheel-drive, soft-top Raging Bull is focused on skill. Electronic assistance is minimised, although a specially tuned performance traction control system (P-TCS) keeps the rear in check. ENGINE: 5,2-litre, V10, petrol TRANSMISSION: 7-speed dual-clutch POWER: 449 kW @ 8 000 r/min TORQUE: 560 N.m @ 6 500 r/min 0-100 KM/H: 3,5 seconds 0-200 KM/H: 9,6 seconds TOP SPEED: 324 km/h DRY WEIGHT: 1 509 kg…

Volkswagen Tayron X Offered exclusively in China and manufactured by the FAW-Volkswagen joint venture, the X-badged Tayron gains a swooping roofline. Based on VW’s MQB platform, the midsize crossover is slightly larger than the more conventional Tiguan. Volkswagen Nivus Sporting a coupé-styled roof, this T-Cross-based Brazilian-built vehicle is set to become the first VW developed in the South American country. The Nivus will make do with a 1,0-litre turbopetrol triple, good for 94 kW and 200 N.m. E la mode Likely to be the first EV Volkswagen South Africa will offer on local shores, the ID.4 takes its inspiration from the ID. Crozz concept car. Riding on a similar MEB platform as the ID.3, the ID.4 boasts a claimed range of 500 km.…

1929 FORD MODEL A The Model A was the first car to use the engine exhaust gases to heat the cabin. Prior to this innovation, special insulated automotive clothing, heated bricks and lanterns were among the less effective and more dangerous measures. 1930 CADILLAC MODEL 341 C&C Kelvinator fitted one of its refrigeration units to the back of Texan oil magnate John Hamman Jr’s Cadillac 341. The 0,37 kW refrigerator was powered by a 1,1 kW petrol engine and mounted on the car’s rear bumper. 1954 NASH RAMBLER Cadillac’s early post-World War Two air-conditioning systems could be switched off only at the main unit on the rear parcel shelf. It was in 1954 that the first dash-mounted climate control was fitted to the Nash Rambler. 2005 ACURA RL Acura’s luxury…

THE FIRST KOMBI ON SA SHORES Although the exact date is unknown, VW says the original Kombi was initially brought to South Africa by a German doctor who was treating malaria patients and needed a car capable of crossing rough terrain in southern and central areas of the continent. The second Kombi to arrive belonged to Baron von Oertzen, known as the father of VWSA, who had it modified for hunting purposes. (FLOWER) POWER TO THE PEOPLE The Kombi is synonymous with the counter-culture movement. A T1 featured on the cover of Bob Dylan’s second album The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan, which was released in ’63. With protest songs such as “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “Masters of War”, Dylan commented on civil rights in America and the Cold War. Labelled…

“My first car memory is going for a drive in my dad’s GMC Syclone. I vividly remember the speed and how it scared me!” This laid the foundation for Kyle Ramsammy’s avid interest in cars. The Ramsammy family’s collection is housed in a single row of garages, with each car perfectly reverse parked. The collection spans several decades, but our focus is on the line-up of 1960s and ‘70s muscle cars. The cars shine from every angle. Considering their beautiful condition, it is a surprise hearing they are used regularly and each has a story behind it. The car the family has owned the longest is a 1968 Volkswagen Kombi 1600 which Kyle bought in Vereeniging. “After the Kombi, we found a 1955 Ford F100. It was a truck that…

Citroën C3 Aircross A recent addition to the local market, the Aircross has impressed us with its practical cabin, lovely three-pot and quirky design. Ford EcoSport While ageing, the EcoSport remains a formidable contender in this class and has one of the best powertrains in the award-winning EcoBoost. Renault Captur The upcoming Captur looks set to continue the success of the much-loved first-generation. A new 1,0-litre turbopetrol promises frugality and fun. Volkswagen T-Cross A runaway hit, the T-Cross is a pleasure to drive and easy to use. Look for the addition of new entry-level and flagship models this year.…

DUSTER BRAKE PEDAL ISSUE My 2017 Renault Duster has had a stubborn, apparently complex, braking problem since new. I have repeatedly tried to have the fault diagnosed, so far without success. The brake master cylinder has been replaced. I remember one of the CAR testers mentioning a similar problem with a Duster driven in 2017 and its brake pedal “travelled too far”. Half the time, the brakes work normally (it helps to pump them before starting the car). During this phase, the brakes gently start to bite right from the top of the pedal stroke as per normal and are easy to modulate. Then, for some unknown reason, the pedal needs to travel a bit further from the top of its stroke. As it travels downward, the pedal starts to…

The death of Sir Stirling Moss on 12 April brought an end to a remarkable life. Remarkable because his name continued to resonate nearly 60 years after he had retired from the cockpit. Remarkable because, despite never being Formula One world champion, he was more remembered and admired than many who had won the title. If his CV failed to carry the accolade as champion, the rest more than made up for the omission thanks to an astonishing breadth of achievement. The fact that these statistics will remain unequalled says everything about a natural talent married to a relentless work ethic driven by the love of competing and driving quickly. Before his enforced retirement in 1962, Moss had competed in 529 races, not counting hill climbs and rallies. He won…

DIAMOND-INSPIRED DESIGN Based on Toyota’s TNGA-B platform underpinning the new (European) Yaris hatch, the Cross’ exterior design boasts more pronounced fenders, larger (up to 18 inches) alloys and increased ride height, while its compact exterior dimensions hide a roomy interior which features convenience items such as a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay functionality. FOURTH-GEN HYBRID SETUP According to Toyota, the 1,5-litre hybrid powertrain found in the Yaris Cross Hybrid (and hatchback) is derived from the 2,0- and 2,5-litre mills employed by the RAV4 and Corolla. Engine: 1,5-litre, 3-cylinder, petrol + electric motor Transmission: eCVT Power (combined): 85 kW ALL-INTELLIGENT AWD A defining feature in the Yaris Cross, Toyota says, is its intelligent all-wheel-drive setup, dubbed AWD-i. In normal driving, power is sent to the front wheels. However, when a…

Coco Chanel once said, “Some people think luxury is the opposite of poverty. It is not. It is the opposite of vulgarity.” I think the French fashion icon was onto something there. You see, not too long ago, luxury saloons reflected this way of thinking (apart from a few Cadillacs, that is). The largest, most expensive vehicles managed to convey a high-class image while still being restrained and elegant. It used to be considered bad form to flaunt your wealth, a sign of tastelessness and a lack of class. To me, that’s the way a luxury saloon should be. Subtle, sophisticated transport for the discerning and classy customer. One look at today’s luxury vehicles confirms a change in mindset. While they’re all magnificent cars that will transfer you from A…

Lamborghini Huracán Evo LP640-4 Comprehensively updated yet still bursting with character, the Huracán Evo is an exhilarating mix of old-school, howling V10 pace and clever new under-the-skin technology. Surprisingly forgiving to drive (very) quickly. price: R5 500 000 cyl/capac: V10/5 204 cm3 power: 470 kW/8 000 r/min torque: 600 N.m/6 500 r/min gears/drive: 7/4 0-100 km/h: 2,94 sec top speed: 325 km/h fuel index: 16,44 L/100 km luggage capac: 64 L serv/maint plan: M3/100 000 km Ferrari F8 Tributo Untested by CAR, the F8 Tributo is effectively a heavily facelifted version of the already stellar 488 GTB with even mightier performance from its turbocharged V8. Unlike the Lambo, drive is directed only to the rear axle. price: R5 500 400 cyl/capac: V8/3 902 cm3 power: 530 kW/7 000 r/min torque: 770 N.m/3…

Suzuki S-Presso 1,0 S-Edition 5MT If the peculiar design appeals to you, this is SA’s best entry-level new car. Surprisingly spacious and good to drive, with excellent standard spec and a service plan. price: R147 900 cyl/capac: 3/998 cm3 power: 50 kW/5 500 r/min torque: 90 N.m/3 500 r/min gears/drive: 5/F 0-100 km/h: 13,18 sec top speed: n/a fuel index: 5,88 L/100 km luggage capac: 200/744 L serv/maint plan: S2/30 000 km Datsun Go 1,2 Mid Improved after a recent facelift, the Datsun boasts the best engine here. Lacks the S-Presso’s standard service plan at a higher price and isn’t as spacious front to back. price: R165 800 cyl/capac: 3/1 198 cm3 power: 50 kW/5 000 r/min torque: 104 N.m/4 000 r/min gears/drive: 5/F 0-100 km/h: 13,98 sec top speed: 161 km/h…

Toyota Corolla Sedan 2,0 Xr CVT A palpable improvement on previous generations, the Toyota places top of the podium. It stays true to its family car roots but with added spunk, handing it a suitably upmarket feel. Engine noise is a letdown. price: R433 700 cyl/capac: 4/1 987 cm3 power: 125 kW/6 600 r/min torque: 200 N.m/4 400-4 800 r/min gears/drive: V/F 0-100 km/h: 9,43 sec top speed: 195 km/h fuel index: 7,20 L/100 km luggage capac: 376/856 L serv/maint plan: 6 serv/90 000 km Mazda3 Sedan 2,0 Astina AT Encroaching on the premium segment in terms of cabin appointments, the Mazda3 has a similarly sharp design, an even more stylish interior, loads of tech and a punchy four-pot. Its price is steep, though. price: R470 800 cyl/capac: 4/1 998 cm3 power:…

Audi A3 Sportback 40 TFSI S tronic As dusk settles on the current A3, it remains at the front of the pack thanks to a class-leading interior, lots of room for four adults and luxury-car refinement. It’s a high bar for the new one to beat. price: R513 910 cyl/capac: 4/1 984 cm3 power: 140 kW/4 200 r/min torque: 320 N.m/1 500-4 100 r/min gears/drive: 7/F 0-100 km/h: 6,81 sec top speed: 244 km/h fuel index: 6,84 L/100 km luggage capac: 280/928 L serv/maint plan: M5/100 000 km Mini Cooper S Clubman Steptronic A real pleasure to drive, but doesn’t sacrifice too much comfort at the altar of sportiness. There’s some spec we’d prefer to see standard considering the strong pricing. The boot could be bigger, too. price: R533 864 cyl/capac: 4/1…

Volvo XC60 D4 AWD Momentum Geartronic Our reigning Top 12 Best Buys premium-midsize SUV pick, the XC60 can do little wrong in our eyes. We were very surprised to find an XC60 at the Tucson’s price point. A no-brainer, really. price: R699 454 cyl/capac: 4/1 969 cm3 power: 140 kW/4 250 r/min torque: 400 N.m/2 000-5 400 r/min gears/drive: 8/4 0-100 km/h: 8,40 sec est top speed: 205 km/h fuel index: 6,20 L/100 km luggage capac: 360/1 232 L serv/maint plan: M5/100 000 km BMW X3 sDrive18d Steptronic It might be less powerful and torquey than the Korean, but BMW’s diesel engines are wonderfully efficient performers. Add a roomy cabin and involving dynamics, and you have another no-brainer. price: R677 404 cyl/capac: 4/1 995 cm3 power: 110 kW/4 000 r/min torque: 350…

Volkswagen Golf R 4Motion DSG This seventh generation of the Golf R will be replaced in Q1 2021 but while it’s here, it offers better performance at a more competitive price. Its resale value has proved sturdy, too. price: R708 900 cyl/capac: 4/1 984 cm3 power: 228 kW/5 500-6 500 r/min torque: 400 N.m/2 000-5 400 r/min gears/drive: 7/4 0-100 km/h: 4,98 sec top speed: 250 km/h fuel index: 8,60 L/100 km luggage capac: 216/1 016 L serv/maint plan: S5/90 000 km Mercedes-AMG A35 4Matic 7G-DCT AMG’s entry-level hot hatch is a strong performer with a dynamic chassis but its high price and comparatively poor standard spec dent its chances. price: R815 000 cyl/capac: 4/1 998 cm3 power: 225 kW/5 800-6 100 r/min torque: 400 N.m/3 000-4 000 r/min gears/drive: 7/4 0-100…

Suzuki Vitara 1,4T GLX auto Sporting a smaller engine, the sprightly Vitara relies on a turbo to afford it superior performance and economy. A long list of standard features and the biggest boot here nets it the win. price: R405 900 cyl/capac: 4/1 373 cm3 power: 103 kW/5 500 r/min torque: 220 N.m/1 500-4 000 r/min gears/drive: 6/F 0-100 km/h: 9,50 sec top speed: 200 km/h fuel index: 7,92 L/100 km luggage capac: 288/1000 L serv/maint plan: S4/60 000 km Mitsubishi ASX 2,0L CVT The ageing ASX will undoubtedly be a reliable car but the thirsty 2,0-litre betrays its age. Interior is high quality, though, and spec levels are better than most. price: R399 995 cyl/capac: 4/1 998 cm3 power: 110 kW/6 000 r/min torque: 197 N.m/4 200 r/min gears/drive: V/F 0-100…

1 501 km 12,91 kWh/100 km + instant access to all that juicy twisting force - highway jaunts quickly drain the battery Despite the fact the E-Golf looks like a standard combustion-engine version of the Wolfsburg-based firm’s seventh-generation midsize hatchback, it continues to attract second glances from inquisitive members of the public. And virtually every person who approaches me for a chinwag about the battery-powered VW wastes no time in dropping the dreaded “E” word. Yes, I’m talking about Eskom. With the public utility habitually struggling to provide enough juice to keep SA’s lights on, attempting to run an electric car might seem downright barmy. But while there’s certainly a multifaceted argument that can be made against plug-in cars in SA – if electric vehicles were to be adopted en…

SUCCESSFUL TOYOTA PARTNERSHIPS TOYOTA HAS MADE SOME SHREWD AGREEMENTS OVER THE YEARS... PSA A collaboration with Toyota and PSA on the Citroën C1, Peugeot 107/108 and Toyota Aygo projects meant both parties could save on development costs while making the most of the relatively tight profit margins in small cars. SUBARU Lightweight and driver-focused, the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ twins offer just enough power from a naturally aspirated four-cylinder boxer engine to deliver seat-of-the-pants thrills. BMW It’s unlikely the excellent new Supra or the third-generation (G29) BMW Z4 would exist had this partnership not drastically cut the development costs associated with these two premium sportscars. SUZUKI This recently strengthened collaboration will see the sharing of EV- and hybriddrivetrain tech across both brands, as well as the development of future…

VALVETRAIN The valvetrain regulates the fresh air entering and exhaust gases exiting the combustion chamber. The main components are the camshaft with cam lobes responsible for the valve lift and duration, the actual valves, valve springs, guides and retainers, to name a few. The camshaft is driven by the crankshaft at half the engine speed, usually via a cambelt or chain in overhead camshaft engines (as pictured). Early engines had the camshaft in the engine block with pushrods and rockers used to open the valves on overhead valve engines. Over the years, many technologies were developed to alter valve timing and lift to improve performance and fuel economy. There are even solenoid-operated valve systems (Koenigsegg) that can electronically control valve opening without the use of camshafts. Savour all this technology…

Sir Stirling Moss had no doubt about his most satisfying victory. Signing for Mercedes in 1955 meant he would be part of the German automotive giant’s attack on the Mille Miglia, considered at the time to be one of greatest challenges in motorsport and, although different in concept, on a par with the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Hundreds of competitors, driving anything from Fiat 500s to works Ferrari and Maserati sportscars, would leave Brescia in northern Italy at one-minute intervals; the aim was to tackle 1 000 miles of roads as fast as possible. The circular course linked the cities of Ravenna, Rome, Florence and Bologna and took in the Futa, Raticosa and Radicofani mountain passes. Accepting he could neither learn the route nor know it as well as…

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

There aren’t many names in the motor industry as synonymous with service excellence as Pharoah Auto Investments; and even more so with that of owner Scott Pharoah. Since establishing the brand name in early 2005, Scott’s uncompromising approach to complete customer satisfaction has seen the company grow in leaps and bounds. Over the years their success has been measured by the number of return visits their loyal customers have made to their dealership. Customers often bring their friends and family as referral buyers to purchase a second, third or even fourth vehicle from them. Built on this reputation, Pharoah Auto Investments has been at the forefront of unmatched service levels, exceptional quality and unmistakable value. South Africans as a whole have started insisting on higher levels of service, demanding quality…

In the August issue of CAR, you’re in for a treat as we test a range of new and recently facelifted compact crossovers, plus we pilot Aston Martin’s DBX mega-SUV and Mini’s little electric hatchback. We also test the new Land Rover Discovery Sport, celebrate Range Rover’s birthday and give you a few automotive-related ideas to stay busy at home under lockdown. Although the programme was being prepared at the time of writing for this issue, unforeseen factors may result in changes.…