Innehållsförteckning för August 2020 från CAR

Can you believe it’s August already? What a peculiar, frustrating, enlightening and exasperating year it’s been so far … here’s hoping a rosier future for all is in store as we accelerate towards 2021. We’re certainly an optimistic bunch at CAR. There’s been a tidal wave of exciting new-model introductions in the last few weeks – their press launches have all been digital, of course – and we have them lined up for testing in the coming months. For now, though, please enjoy our driving reports on the extraordinary Ferrari SF90 Stradale (the brand’s first-ever plug-in hybrid; page 44) and Mini’s maiden step to an electric future (page 50). Both will soon be available locally and we have pricing, specs and definitive verdicts… Somewhat more modestly stickered, we compare three…

Limited to 50 units, each costing around €990 000 (R20 million), the GT-R Nismo-based GT-R50 celebrates five decades of the GT-R and Italdesign. It has a 54 mm lower roofline and narrow LED headlamps, which add to its striking appearance. Sited below the GT-R50’s pronounced bonnet is a Nismo-tuned 3,8-litre twin-turbo V6 sending power to both axles via an uprated six-speed dual-clutch ’box. Behind the front arches are Samurai sword-inspired cooling outlets. It is fitted with 21-inch alloys housing six- and four-piston Brembo brakes fore and aft. The redesigned rear boasts an adjustable wing, revised taillamps and floating exhaust outlets. Two kinds of carbon-fibre are used inside the cabin, while the bespoke bucket seats are embossed with “GT-R50 by Italdesign”.…

The return of F1 brought a reminder of the Russian proverb about the dancing bear: “The marvel is not that the bear dances well, but that the bear dances at all.” After a false start and the 11th-hour cancellation of the Australian Grand Prix on 15 March, Formula One jumped through myriad administrative hoops to kick off the season in Austria on 5 July. This was the first of eight races in Europe, all of which would be held behind closed doors. That restriction may have sidestepped the problem of dealing with thousands of spectators but continuing precautions – as the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic hopefully reduced – presented colossal logistical difficulties. I’m told by a source within the F1 organisation that overcoming these hurdles required a “glass half…

SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE Cylinders: four, inline, transverse Fuel supply: electronic direct fuel injection, turbocharged, intercooled, petrol Bore/stroke: 71,6/84,0 mm Cubic capacity: 1 353 cm3 Compression ratio: 10,0 to 1 Valvegear: d-o-h-c, four valves per cylinder ENGINE OUTPUT Max power ISO: 103 kW Power peak/Red line: 6 000/6 500 r/min Max torque: 242 N.m Torque peak: 1 500-3 200 r/min TRANSMISSION Type: seven-speed dual-clutch 1st gear/2nd gear: 3,93/2,32 to 1 3rd gear/4th gear: 1,96/1,02 to 1 5th gear/6th gear: 0,78/0,84 to 1 Top gear: 0,68 to 1 Reverse gear: 5,30 to 1 Final drive: 4,86 to 1 Drive wheels: front Driver aids: ESC (electronic stability control), hill start BRAKES Front: 300 mm ventilated discs Rear: 262 mm solid discs Hydraulics: ABS with EBD and EBA WHEELS AND TYRES Tyre make: Goodyear Assurance…

Price: R459 995 0-100 km/h: 8,96 seconds Top speed: n/a Power: 110 kW Torque: 250 N.m CAR fuel index: 9,24 L/100 km CO2 : 176 g/km When we last tested a Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross more than a year ago (May 2019), we praised the crossover’s unique styling, solidly built cabin and generally pleasant and refined road manners. However, we criticised Mitsubishi’s decision to offer a touchscreen infotainment system only as an option and decried the naturally aspirated 2,0-litre engine’s torque deficiency in a class consisting mainly of turbocharged rivals. Fast-forward a year and Mitsubishi’s righted at least one of those wrongs blighting the original model. At the top of the range sits a new 1,5-litre turbopetrol engine. It’s coupled with an eight-step continuously variable transmission (CVT; two steps more than on…

There is a local angle to the advancement of two-stroke engines. South African born engineer and racing legend (and ex-McLaren Formula One driver), Basil van Rooyen – now resident in Australia – has filed a patent for the CITS engine that separates the crankcase lubrication as is the case in a four-stroke unit. For this, he won a nomination for excellence in automotive engineering from the Society of Automotive Engineers. The prototype V-twin engine (pictured) employs a slider connected to the conrod with the piston on top of the post. The idea is to have a separate chamber underneath each piston that fulfils the same function as the crankcase of a conventional two-stroke during the intake stroke, sans oily lubricant. With Van Rooyen’s contacts in Formula One, is it possible…

FREEVALVE VS. FIAT’S MULTIAIR I would be curious to know how the Free-valve pneumatic actuators work in the Koenigsegg Gemera. Is it anything like the Fiat MultiAir system and is the technology used for cylinder-deactivation? BRIAN YOUNGBLOOD Cape Town Fiat’s MultiAir engine technology is linked to the conventional camshaft driving the intake valves. It consists of electronic actuators – one per intake valve – which alter the valve lift (and timing to a degree) by moving the position of a rolling element between the valve and the camshaft. This allows optimum control of the fresh air charge to suit every speed and load condition and can replace the need of a throttle valve in the intake. MultiAir is not a cylinder-deactivation technology as the exhaust valves remain operational via a…

There was one major issue with the Alfasud: the quality of the steel. This was inferior and prone to tin worm. The warranty claims were so proliferous that some specialist panelbeaters had a production line running to carry out repairs. This must have cost the company a fortune. The last line of cars was renamed Alfa Romeo Export and dropped the Alfasud name. In a sales brochure in my archives, I see special mention is made of the added paint processes adopted. This reads as follows: “Protection features include electrophoresis – an exclusive protection programme for anti-corrosion; special treatment on all zincrometal structural elements; underbody rust-proofing; multi-stage painting cycle.” This was too little and much too late. Alfa Romeo’s impressive name for strong, reliable sporting machinery suffered a painful “body”…

Product placement is hardly a perfect marketing technique but it worked an absolute treat for Audi back in 2008, when the Ingolstadt-based firm introduced its first-generation R8 to a broad audience in the original Iron Man. Billionaire weapons developer Tony Stark’s ride of choice is the under-appreciated 4,2-litre V8 variant (rather than the 5,2-litre V10 that followed). The all-paw supercar’s daytime-running lights conveniently resemble the illuminated eyes of the hero’s helmet. Interestingly, Audi’s flagship coupé was meant to star in the final fight scene but the set directors failed to get the shot … despite destroying at least two R8s.…

ASTON MARTIN MEMORIES Recent articles and references to Aston Martin in CAR rekindled an old love affair. Back in 1960, I fell head over heels in love with Aston Martin cars. I even wrote to the factory expressing my deep admiration and respect for its product. Some kind soul responded to my letter and sent me photographs of a DB4, a DBR 1/300 and a Lagonda Rapide. I framed the photos and they hung in my bedroom for many years. When the DB5 was launched in South Africa (circa 1965), I had a friend working at Sidney Clow & Co, agents for Aston Martin, and he organised an invitation for me to attend the “Pink Champagne” launch at the company’s headquarters in Eloff Street, Johannesburg. It was a glittering affair…

Fitted as standard on both models is Porsche’s Sport Design package, adding various trim items in black, such as the front air intakes and tailpipes, and dark-tinted LED head- and taillamps. Bespoke eight-way-adjustable sports seats. The sports exhaust system has been specially configured for an emotive soundtrack, according to Porsche. The V8-powered GTSs produce 14 kW and 20 N.m more torque compared to their forebears’ 3,6-litre twin-turbo V6, resulting in an 8 km/h increase in top speed and 0,6-second quicker 0-100 km/h sprint time. Engine: 4,0-litre, V8, twinturbo-petrol Transmission: 8-speed automatic Power: 338 kW @ 6 000-6 500 r/min Torque: 620 N.m @ 1 800-4 500 r/min 0-100 km/h: 4,8 seconds* Top speed: 270 km/h Satin-gloss 21-inch RS Spyder Design alloys. Ground clearance lowered by 20 mm. Alcantara trim and…

AT first sight, it looks like any other industrial unit in Ga-Rankuwa northwest of Pretoria. Situated not far from Rosslyn where several of South Africa’s automotive factories are based, Geoff Tugwell’s company supplies tooling, moulds and automotive parts to the industry. However, Tugwell’s passion for cars runs much deeper than the engineering involved in developing these components. A mechanical engineer, he is also an avid racer in Formula Vee and has been part of the racing community for many years. Geoff and I have previously spent many hours together talking cars, racing and vehicle development. This time, I visited to see his latest project and gain insight into his intricate computer-aided design (CAD) drawings and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models. You see, Geoff plans to build a prototype endurance racecar.…

SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE Cylinders: four, inline, transverse Fuel supply: electronic direct fuel injection, petrol Bore/stroke: 83,5/91,2 mm Cubic capacity: 1 998 cm3 Compression ratio: 14,0 to 1 Valvegear: d-o-h-c, four valves per cylinder ENGINE OUTPUT Max power ISO: 115 kW Power peak/Red line: 6 000/6 400 r/min Max torque: 206 N.m Torque peak: 2 800 r/min TRANSMISSION Type: six-speed automatic 1st gear/2nd gear: 3,55/2,00 to 1 3rd gear/4th gear: 1,45/1,00 to 1 5th gear/Top gear: 0,70/0,59 to 1 Reverse gear: 3,89 to 1 Final drive: 4,32 to 1 Drive wheels: front Driver aids: ESC (Electronic Stability Control), hill start BRAKES Front: 280 mm ventilated discs Rear: 281 mm solid discs Hydraulics: ABS with EBD and EBA WHEELS AND TYRES Tyre make: Toyo Proxes R52a Tyre size: 215/50 R18 Spare – type…

Volkswagen Golf R 4Motion DSG In this price bracket, it’s the gold standard in terms of a balanced hot-hatch driving experience. Apart from the additional performance, it offers staggering all-paw grip. price: R708 900 cyl/capac: 4/1 984 cm3 power: 228 kW/5 500 r/min torque: 400 N.m/2 000-5 400 r/min gears/drive: 7/4 0-100 km/h: 4,93 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 Renault Mégane RS 280 Cup More focused than the Golf R and also significantly more affordable than both cars listed here. An impressive product but act fast, as it’s on run-out locally. price: R614 900 cyl/capac: 4/1 798 cm3 power: 205 kW/6 000 r/min torque: 390 N.m/2 400-4 500 r/min gears/drive: 6/F 0-100 km/h: 5,80 sec…

Nissan Qashqai 1,2T Tekna CVT The spacious, refined Qashqai is well equipped and drives much like a hatchback. Down in the power stakes but large boot and quality cabin compensate. price: R488 600 cyl/capac: 4/1 197 cm3 power: 85 kW/5 200 r/min torque: 165 N.m/1 750 r/min gears/drive: V/F 0-100 km/h: 12,90 sec est top speed: 173 km/h fuel index: 7,44 L/100 km luggage capac: 272/952 L serv/maint plan: S5/90 000 km Toyota C-HR 1,2T Luxury CVT Like the others, very well built and has the most refined engine here. Small boot knocks it down a peg, though, and we’d rather consider the mid-spec Plus CVT model. price: R486 100 cyl/capac: 4/1 197 cm3 power: 85 kW/5 200-5 600 r/min torque: 185 N.m/1 500-4 000 r/min gears/drive: V/F 0-100 km/h: 11,10 sec…

Isuzu D-Max DC 250 Hi-Ride 4x2 AT It may do without the generous spec and 4WD of the Mahindra but Isuzu’s dependable D-Max offers a more contemporary driving experience at a similar price point. price: R444 100 cyl/capac: 4/2 499 cm3 power: 100 kW/3 400 r/min torque: 320 N.m/1 800-2 800 r/min gears/drive: 5/R 0-100 km/h: n/a top speed: n/a fuel index: 7,72 L/100 km payload: 1 071 kg serv/maint plan: S5/90 000 km Ford Ranger DC 2,2 TDCi XL 4x4 AT The Ranger is the most modern and powerful option here but the priciest, too. Down on standard spec against the Mahindra yet it offers a slightly better service plan. price: R506 800 cyl/capac: 4/2 198 cm3 power: 118 kW/3 700 r/min torque: 385 N.m/1 500-2 500 r/min gears/drive: 6x2/2-4 0-100…

Audi A7 Sportback 55 TFSI Quattro S tronic A classy cruiser that’s blessed with stellar perceived build quality and an exquisite powertrain. Rakish good looks and a competitive price put the Audi in first place. price: R1 298 000 cyl/capac: V6/2 995 cm3 power: 250 kW/5 000-6 400 r/min torque: 500 N.m/1 370-4 500 r/min gears/drive: 7/4 0-100 km/h: 5,68 sec top speed: 250 km/h fuel index: 8,52 L/100 km luggage capac: 376/1 088 L serv/maint plan: M5/100 000 km Mercedes-Benz CLS400d 4Matic 9G-tronic Sporting a visually appealing interior, the gracefully styled CLS features a gem of a diesel engine. Quick, refined and economical, the CLS just loses out to the A7. price: R1 300 680 cyl/capac: 6/2 925 cm3 power: 250 kW/3 600 r/min torque: 700 N.m/1 200-3 200 r/min gears/drive:…

PISTON CROWN DESIGN During the mid-1980s, Renault had a 9 and an 11 series on the market in South Africa. Both were available with a 1,4- and 1,7-litre engine. The 1,4-litre motor was a pushrod unit, tried and trusted. The 1,7-litre was a single overhead cam with two valves per cylinder. Some characteristics about the latter were and remain most intriguing: • The pistons were machined like that of a typical diesel engine; concave with the combustion chamber in the piston crown. • The cylinder head face was 100% flat. • The cylinder head face looks as if an additional head gasket has been “glued” to the face. • Apparently, the head cannot be machined (resurfaced). It created the impression that the original engine was designed to be a diesel…

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

Reader GIDEON HAY 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.)…

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 2021 Audi Q3 Sportback Q4 Audi RS Q8 Q1 2021 Audi RS6 Avant Q1 2021 Audi RS7 Sportback Q1 2021 Audi S8 Q1 2021 Audi TT RS facelift Q1 2021 BMW 5 Series facelift 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 CR-V facelift 2020 Honda WR-V 2020 Hyundai Creta Q4 Hyundai Grand i10 Q3/Q4 Isuzu D-Max 2021 Jaguar F-Type 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…

1900 LOHNER-PORSCHE MIXTE It may not have been the world’s first petrol-electric hybrid but the updated version of the Semper Vivus was nonetheless a mould-breaker. It placed an electric motor in each wheel hub, making it the first AWD passenger car. 1967 AMITRON American Motor Company’s concept car charged its nickel-cadmium accelerative batteries by scavenging frictional energy from the braking process. This system would eventually become the now widely utilised regenerative-braking system. 1969 GENERAL MOTORS XP-883 The EXP-883 featured a hybrid drivetrain comprising a two-cylinder petrol engine and a DC electric motor. The batteries could be charged via a standard domestic electrical outlet and it became the first plug-in hybrid. 1997 TOYOTA PRIUS The NHW10 Prius would usher hybrid motoring into mass-market consumption. Utilising a series-parallel hybrid drivetrain, locomotion could…

SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE Cylinders: four, inline, transverse Fuel supply: electronic direct fuel injection, turbocharged, intercooled, petrol Bore/stroke: 71,5/74,5 mm Cubic capacity: 1 197 cm3 Compression ratio: 10,0 to 1 Valvegear: d-o-h-c, four valves per cylinder ENGINE OUTPUT Max power ISO: 85 kW Power peak/Red line: 5 200-5 600/ 5 600 r/min Max torque: 185 N.m Torque peak: 1 500-4 000 r/min TRANSMISSION*** Type: six-speed manual 1st gear/2nd gear: 3,73/2,06 to 1 3rd gear/4th gear: 1,31/0,97 to 1 5th gear/Top gear: 0,76/0,62 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: 299 mm ventilated discs Rear: 281 mm solid discs Hydraulics: ABS with EBD and EBA WHEELS AND TYRES Tyre make: Michelin Primacy 3 Tyre size:…

SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE Cylinders: four, inline, transverse Fuel supply: electronic direct fuel injection, turbocharged, intercooled, petrol Bore/stroke: 86,0/86,0 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: 202 kW Power peak/Red line: 6 000/6 800 r/min Max torque: 353 N.m Torque peak: 1 450-4 700 r/min TRANSMISSION 1st gear/2nd gear: 3,08/1,93 to 1 3rd gear/4th gear: 1,70/1,28 to 1 5th gear/Top gear: 1,03/0,85 to 1 Reverse gear: 3,59 to 1 Final drive (1/2): 4,33/3,25 to 1 Drive wheels: front Driver aids: ESC (electronic stability control), hill start BRAKES Front: 345 mm ventilated discs Rear: 314 mm solid discs Hydraulics: ABS with EBD and EBA WHEELS AND TYRES Tyre make: Pirelli P-Zero Tyre size: 235/35 R19 Spare – type…

SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE Cylinders: four, inline, transverse Fuel supply: electronic direct fuel injection, turbocharged, intercooled, petrol Bore/stroke: 75,0/84,8 mm Cubic capacity: 1 499 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: 5 500/6 000 r/min Max torque: 250 N.m Torque peak: 2 000-3 500 r/min TRANSMISSION Type: CVT Low ratio/High ratio: 2,63/0,38 to 1 Reverse gear: 1,96 to 1 Final drive: 6,39 to 1 Drive wheels: front Driver aids: ESC (electronic stability control), hill start BRAKES Front: 295 mm ventilated discs Rear: 302 mm solid discs Hydraulics: ABS with EBD and EBA WHEELS AND TYRES Tyre make: Toyo Proxes R44 Tyre size: 225/55 R18 Spare – type and location: full-size alloy, under boot board STEERING Type: rack…

SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE Cylinders: four, inline, longitudinal Fuel supply: electronic common-rail direct injection, turbocharged, intercooled, diesel Bore/stroke: 85,0/96,0 mm mm Cubic capacity: 2 179 cm3 Compression ratio: 16,5 to 1 Valvegear: d-o-h-c, four valves per cylinder ENGINE OUTPUT Max power ISO: 103 kW Power peak/Red line: 3 750/5 000 Max torque: 320 N.m Torque peak: 1 500-2 800 r/min TRANSMISSION Type: six-speed automatic 1st gear/2nd gear: n/a 3rd gear/4th gear: n/a 5th gear/Top gear: n/a Reverse gear: n/a Final drive: n/a Drive wheels: all Driver aids: traction control BRAKES Front: 275 mm ventilated discs Rear: 282 mm drums Hydraulics: ABS with EBD WHEELS AND TYRES Tyre make: JK Tyre Elanzo Supra Tyre size: 245/75 R16 Spare – type and location: full-size alloy, under boot board STEERING Type: rack and pinion, hydraulic…

SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE Cylinders: six, inline, longitudinal Fuel supply: electronic common-rail direct injection, turbocharged, intercooled, diesel Bore/stroke: 82,0/92,3 mm Cubic capacity: 2 925 cm3 Compression ratio: 15,5 to 1 Valvegear: d-o-h-c, four valves per cylinder ENGINE OUTPUT Max power ISO: 250 kW Power peak/Red line: 3 600-4 400/ 5 250 r/min Max torque: 700 N.m Torque peak: 1 200-3 200 r/min TRANSMISSION Type: nine-speed automatic 1st gear/2nd gear: 5,35/3,24 to 1 3rd gear/4th gear: 2,25/1,64 to 1 5th gear/6th gear: 1,21/1,00 to 1 7th gear/8th gear: 0,86/0,72 to 1 Top gear: 0,60 to 1 Reverse gear: 4,80 to 1 Final Drive: 2,47 to 1 Drive wheels: all Driver aids: ESC (electronic stability control), hill start BRAKES Front: 360 mm ventilated discs Rear: 320 mm ventilated discs Hydraulics: ABS with EBD and…

6 347 km 8,32 L/100 km + striking looks; punchy engine - some off-the-line transmission hesitancy This is the first time I’ve managed to cover less than 1 000 km between updates and, much as we tend to find unusual ways to occupy ourselves during lockdown (home-brewed pineapple beer and quarantine-related TikTok vignettes, anyone?), I’ve taken it upon myself to keep things ticking over on the long-termer motoring front. The Seltos has already proved itself a spacious, practical and well-equipped runabout that’s ably shouldered everything from sizeable shopping excursions to impromptu furniture removal carriage. However, while the performance from its 1,4-litre turbopetrol has been a pleasing departure from Kia’s stable of sturdy but somewhat flat naturally aspirated engines, consumption hasn’t widely impressed. I had promised to experiment with the eco…

PISTON ASSEMBLY The piston fits in the cylinder bore and is connected to the crankshaft with a connecting rod (con-rod). The pressure of the combustion pressure above the piston forces it down the cylinder and, in turn, the connecting rod in combination with the crank throw produces a torque moment in the crankshaft of the engine. The piston normally has one or two compression rings (trapping the combustion pressure above) followed by an oil ring to prevent oil from reaching the combustion chamber. Interestingly, a piston is not perfectly round when cold but slightly oval. This is because the thermal expansion of the material around the wrist (gudgeon) pin forces the piston to expand asymmetrically until round when the operating temperature is reached. It’s another reason to wait for an…

Nature can exert long-lasting effects on your car throughout the seasons. A vehicle is a big expense and it’s in your best interest to maintain it. Although lockdown regulations have eased, staying at home is still recommended which means our cars will not be getting out as often as before. A well-crafted cover will go a long way in protecting your pride and joy. When parked, a car cover shields the bodywork and interior trimmings from the sun’s harsh rays and heavy rainfall. It will preserve the paintwork, plastics and upholstery, and maintain your vehicle’s resale value.UV rays erode the paint over long periods through photodegradation. This can result in cracking and fading both inside and out. Under extreme conditions, overheating of the cabin may damage safety systems such as…

In 2010, Renault’s decision to introduce a V6-engined GT into a marketplace that was leaning towards SUVs and crossovers was an odd one. In Europe, the Laguna Coupé was conceived as an attention-getting shot in the arm for la Régie’s competent but somewhat bland midsize sedan. It met with mixed success. Being a heavy front-wheel-drive GT with a quirky steering system and a watered-down version of Nissan’s brawny 3,5-litre V6, its driving manners weren’t in line with its rakish looks. Given the Laguna’s inability to register so much as a blip on buyers’ radars, not to mention the legacy of poor customer service and parts availability that stymied Renault’s ambitions of competitive market share in SA back then, it comes as little surprise the Coupé was similarly overlooked. If you’re…

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.…

BMW Sandton is not only a flagship BMW dealer housing the latest new models and a large selection of quality BMW Approved Used Cars - but is also the home of MINI and BMW Motorrad in Sandton. They proudly offer their Brands and services, both for the car and motorcycle enthusiast. BMW Motorrad Sandton represents the ever-growing market where the yearning to experience the adventure, freedom and beauty of the great outdoors is now becoming more prevalent than ever. The true outdoor enthusiast can take to the dirt on their latest adventure models, from the F 750 GS; more off-road focused F 850 GS / Adventure; to the versatile new F 900 XR; and of course, the ultimate adventure bike, the legendary BMW R 1250 GS (HP / Adventure). If…