Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2017 i CAR

THE POLO GTI WILL FEATURE A 2,0-LITRE TSI ENGINE WITH 147 kW BIGGER IS BETTER Underpinned by the A0 version of Volkswagen’s MQB modular platform, the new Polo is considerably larger than its forebear. Length: 4 053 mm (+81 mm) Width: 1 751 mm (+69 mm) Wheelbase: 2 564 mm (+94 mm) Boot: 351 litres (+71 litres) TECH APLENTY It gets new technologies normally the preserve of larger models such as the Golf and Passat. These include front assist area-monitoring system (pedestrian detection and automated emergency braking as standard); adaptive cruise control (operational at speeds up to 210 km/h); blind-spot monitoring; optional adaptive dampers; and semiautomated parking. It will also feature updated versions of VW’s Active Info Display and infotainment systems. MANY FLAVOURS The firm’s existing Trendline, Comfortline and Highline…

BMW SOUTH AFRICA WILL OFFER TWO MODELS LOCALLY, A 640i xDRIVE AND A 630d TURBODIESEL According to BMW, the latest addition to the 6 Series range is a “systematic evolution” of the coolly received slice of five-door luxury-coupé oddity that was the 5 Series Gran Turismo. Standing marginally longer and lower than the outgoing car, the 6 Series Gran Turismo’s utilisation of lightweight aluminium in its construction leads to a weight reduction of 150 kg, which not only aids fuel consumption, but allies with such features as optional adaptive air suspension to make the car more nimble. BMW will offer two models locally, a 640i xDrive AWD turbo-petrol (250 kW/450 N.m) and a 630d turbodiesel with 195 kW and 620 N.m on tap. On the tech front, the 6 GT…

# 1 FORD MUSTANG DESK FRIDGE R1 230 This small desk fridge is made of aluminium and ABS plastic. It holds six cans and can be charged from a car’s 12 V socket. From ford.co.za # 2 PORSCHE BOOKEND R2 451 Made from a genuine 911 Carrera brake disc, this weighty stopper will keep all of your books in place. At Porsche dealerships # 3 MERCEDES-BENZ CLASSIC WALL CLOCK R575 With a silver-coloured metal case, the dial features a classic motor-racing motif designed by Wolf Gast, artist and Daimler AG employee. From mercedes-benz.co.za # 4 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI COLLECTION TABLE FAN R225 Charged via USB, this little desktop fan keeps you cool and carries your favourite car badge. From vw.co.za # 5 BMW i…

TOYOTA YARIS 1,5 PULSE PLUS CVT PRICE: R249 600 ETA: Now WE ARE HERE AT first glance, Toyota’s decision to upsize the engine in its flagship Yaris from 1,3 to 1,5 litres may seem like an odd one. Almost all other players in the industry are downsizing and turbocharging. Then again, one of our main criticisms of the 1,3-litre variant was that you had to wring its neck to make good progress. Has the bigger engine with its increased torque and power improved matters, then? Mostly, is the short answer. Despite a continuously variable transmission, the new engine undoubtedly makes the Yaris feel more responsive and, when kept in sport mode, even fun to drive. This new powerplant offers 9 kW and 11 N.m more than its predecessor, which…

“AMG is not a tuning house,” says the German elder conducting the tour at the company’s Affalterbach headquarters. He’s right, but it does accurately describe AMG’s origins. It has come a long way in the 50 years since founders Hans-Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher started their business and transformed it into, as our tour guide describes it, “The performance development arm of Mercedes-Benz. We develop cars in conjunction with Mercedes right from the very start of conception.” THE ORIGINS Aufrecht and Melcher, ex-Daimler employees, were both motorsport enthusiasts and, in 1967, they set up an engineering firm solely for the development of Mercedes-Benz racing engines. Seeing potential in these powerplants that few others did, the pair carried out a series of modifications to models wearing the Three-pointed Star. However, it…

You get more for your money with the X1 Wilhelm Lutjeharms Both are flawed. I’d ignore the premium badges and opt for a Tiguan, Tucson, Sportage or CX-5 Terence Steenkamp Different strokes for different folks, but there are better value prospects elsewhere Ian McLaren The GLA is proof that styling is often a key factor in purchasing decisions Steve Smith CONVOLUTED would best describe the parentage of these vehicles. The first-generation BMW X1 was based on the E91 3 Series Touring platform and took the form of a bumped-up 1 Series hatchback. This second generation, meanwhile, has morphed into a fully fledged member of the BMW’s X family of SUVs (despite sharing its platform with a few Mini models). Conversely, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class that began life as a distinctly tall,…

The pricing is a misstep; I can’t see the 1,4 Lounge doing well locally Terence Steenkamp Needed to offer better value to stand a chance in a demanding segment Nicol Louw Comfy, but lacks a wow factor Gareth Dean Price: R289 900 0-100 km/h: 13,86 sec Power/Torque: 70 kW/127 N.m Top speed: 185 km/h CAR fuel index: 6,84 L/100 km CO2: 132 g/km GOLF, Astra, Focus, Mazda3, Mégane, Auris, 308, Civic, i30, Cerato… The C-segment isn’t exactly devoid of talent, is it? To varying degrees, each of these competitors offers something unique to buyers for whom a balance of sophistication, space, comfort, performance, frugality and quality, all at a palatable price, are paramount. But they’re under pressure from the proliferation of faddish light and compact crossovers and SUVs. Sales of…

ALFA ROMEO GIULIA SUPER So far, we’ve heaped praise on the Giulia, but this is the litmus test A FEW months ago, we tested Alfa Romeo’s brand-new, range-topping Giulia QV. We found it to be an incredible driving machine, so much so that we give it the nod above Mercedes-AMG’s C63 and BMW’s M3. However, while performance models are great for creating hype and brand awareness, it’s further down the pecking order where the majority of sales take place. In a more recent comparison test, a 2,0-litre Giulia held its own against a similarly engined and priced Audi A4. During both those tests, some readers expressed the opinion that, being an Alfa, it was only a matter of time before something went wrong on the Giulia. So, we requested a…

TWO black rubber balls, identical in size and appearance, are handed to me at Continental’s tyre research and development centre in Stöcken, Germany. My host, Ryan Visagie, the product communications manager for Continental South Africa, asks me to bounce them on the floor. The first ball goes head high, but the other barely leaves the ground. This is what a difference in rubber compound can achieve and proves that not all tyres are the same. Invited to attend the bi-annual Continental TechShow by the famed company, CAR gleaned insights into the future of tyre development. “WHAT IS THE BEST TYRE?” THERE’S NO SIMPLE ANSWER BECAUSE IT DEPENDS WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO THE BUYER TYRE MATERIALS A tyre typically consists of between 10 to 20 materials. By varying the percentage of each…

A turbo consists of a compressor (cold side) that is responsible for compressing the intake air above the atmospheric level (boost), plus a turbine (hot side) that extracts the energy from the exhaust gases to power the compressor via a shaft connection. The exhaust gas enters the radial flow turbine and exits down the exhaust pipe in the axial direction of the turbo after the flow has been turned through 90 degrees. It is not only the kinetic energy in the exhaust flow that turns the turbine, but also thermal energy (enthalpy) in the hot gas. The extracted energy is then converted into turbo shaft power. Speeds of more than 200 000 r/min are common in automotive turbochargers and require special bearings to cope with the speed and temperature during…

IT MAY RUN OVER 24 HOURS, but these days Le Mans is an out-and-out sprint race. In the last 10 years, the winner has distanced the losers by a time frame of seconds rather than minutes. Any seconds lost in that pit box on a change of tyres or refuel can end up costing the race, and that means that every contributor to that team effort – from the driver and the pit crew, to the team providing the sustenance – must bring their A-game. At the invitation of Porsche, we attended the 85th running of this most famous of motorsport events. By now, you will no doubt know the result and the drama that played out throughout the night and during the following day. For our host, Le Mans…

Set to compete with the likes of Renault’s Captur, the Mazda CX-3 and Toyota’s quirky C-HR, the Kia Stonic (below left) lifts its design cues from the Rio and Sportage models, including a new take on the signature Tiger Nose grille and a contrasting roof panel. The engine line-up will comprise 1,25- and 1,4-litre naturally aspirated petrols and a brace of turbocharged units in the guises of a 1,0-litre three-cylinder petrol and a 1,6-litre turbodiesel. The Hyundai Kona is underpinned by the same platform as the Stonic and its sharp styling includes a new company signature: a cascading grille. Like the Stonic, the Kona can be ordered with dual-tone detailing for both the bodywork and alloy wheels. Three engines are earmarked for this model: a 1,0-litre (88 kW/172 N.m) turbopetrol;…

Although the cosmetic changes appear to be incremental and the dimensions little changed, the all-new X3 is underpinned by BMW’s CLAR modular platform and, in addition to the firm’s Spartanburg plant in the US, will be built at BMW’s Rosslyn plant here in SA. The initial international model lineup will comprise: • sDrive/xDrive20i – 135 kW/290 N.m • xDrive20d – 140 kW/400 N.m • xDrive30i – 185 kW/350 N.m • xDrive30d – 195 kW/620 N.m • xDriveM40i – 265 kW/500 N.m All models come fitted with the brand’s eight-speed Steptronic transmission as standard and three model lines (xLine, Luxury Line and M Sport) will be offered, as well as the Individual selection. BMW Display Key, gesture control and semi-autonomous driving-assistance systems are among the options on offer. ROSSLYN – X3…

From 1903 to ‘08, an American engineer by the name of J Walter Christie built seven racing cars with transverse engines. All of them used his patented front-wheel-drive system that combined a transversely mounted engine with a novel clutch and gearbox layout, so that the crankshaft could be parallel to the drive shafts. For the 1906 Vanderbilt Cup – the first major US auto race – he built his first V4-engined car and spent the best part of a year improving it until it was as fast as any other American racing car of the time … at least for a lap or two. It still wasn’t reliable. The following year, this car was updated and, with the V4 engine displacing a massive 20,0 litres, he entered the 1907 French…

MERCEDES-Benz is really drawing this one out. After being invited to the concept version’s unveiling in Stockholm last October, phase two of Benz’s strategy to reveal its X-Class double-cab range occurred recently in Stuttgart. We weren’t allowed to drive the X-Class, unfortunately, but we did experience a passenger ride in a production-ready X250d with its 2,3-litre turbodiesel engine. It was still clad in detail-obscuring camouflage but, as you can see from these just-released images, Mercedes-Benz has finalised the design. Given the great interest in the vehicle and the fact that it is based on the Nissan Navara platform, there were several questions we were keen to find answers to. How close to that attention-grabbing design would this vehicle be? How would its engine line-up look? Would it share some of…

BMW M4 COUPÉ DTM CHAMPION EDITION M-DCT PRICE: R2 309 006 ETA: Now WE ARE HERE BMW has made something of a habit of conjuring up limited-edition models that resonate with aficionados of the Bavarian brand. These sought-after special editions are generally all spoken for before they even set a tyre on our shores, with a handful invariably later landing up on the second-hand market at ludicrous prices. The latest in a long line of veritable collectors’ items from the 101-year-old German automaker? The BMW M4 DTM Champion Edition you see here was conceived as a respectful nod to BMW Motorsport works driver Marco Wittmann, who snatched his second DTM driver’s title in the 2016 season finale at the Hockenheimring. Just 15 of the 200-unit production run have been set…

Rev-matching makes mere mortals feel like racers HONDA CIVIC TYPE R PRICE: TBC ETA: TBC WE ARE HERE I love surprises, especially the automotive kind. Example: you attend a technology show such as the 2017 Honda Meeting (see Honda’s Vision 2030 on page 88) and find a Civic Type R waiting on the dynamic handling track at the Tochigi research and development facility. Honda, I was pleased to discover, deemed it appropriate for us to experience the handling potential of the new (but not yet launched) Type R. The car is underpinned by the latest Civic platform that sees torsional rigidity up by 38% and features independent rear suspension. Compared with the outgoing version, the wheelbase has been lengthened and the track broadened, giving it an even more aggressive…

Brilliant flat-six turbo engine and PDK combination Nicol Louw In terms of performance and versatility, this is as good as it gets Steve Smith Manages to meld everyday comfort with supercarslaying performance. Sublime Ryan Bubear Price: R1 768 000 0-100 km/h: 3,43 secs Power/Torque: 331 kW/550 N.m Top speed: 310 km/h CAR fuel index: 9,96 L/100 km CO2: 188 g/km STEERING-wheel drive selector turned to sport+, left foot firmly on the brake pedal and right foot full on the throttle to swing the rev needle round the clock. As soon as it bounces off the limiter, side step the brake pedal. The rear tyres dig into the test strip’s tarmac and slingshot the 911 forward. Keep the fizzing steering wheel straight and there’s barely any time to marvel at how…

An engaging standout in an increasingly anodyne segment Gareth Dean Every hot hatch fan should have the chance to sample this modern benchmark Ian McLaren The brilliant ST200 may well mark the end of an era for light hot hatches Ryan Bubear Price: R339 900 0-100 km/h: 7,31 sec Power/Torque: 147 kW/290 N.m Top speed: 230 km/h CAR fuel index: 7,32 L/100 km CO2: 140 g/km FOUR years. That’s how long it’s been since we last tested the current-generation Ford Fiesta ST. It’s telling that, in that considerable time, nothing has come close to knocking the plucky little Ford from its lofty perch as CAR's favourite light hot hatch. Now, with the seventh-generation Fiesta family firmly on the horizon and a fresh ST flagship powered by a 1,5-litre turbo triple…

A FEW things strike you when entering the Honda research and development facility in Tochigi, Japan. Firstly, all the employees are dressed in brilliant-white attire more suited to a private hospital than an automotive firm. Everyone is also friendly and it is difficult to distinguish management from the floor workers. This was confirmed when Takahiro Hachigo, Honda’s president and CEO, entered wearing the same outfit to deliver his speech about the future of Honda technology. The only reason we could tell it was him was because the large room quite suddenly went quiet. Hachigo’s address focused primarily on two elements: the advancement of mobility; and creating value to people’s lives towards 2030. This formed the basis of the technologies experienced first-hand. AUTONOMOUS DRIVING: ON THE HIGHWAY The idea of autonomous…

Age 40 Budget R250 000 Status parent of two Vehicle type premium compact hatchback REQUIREMENTS Our buyer wants a premium hatchback for versatility and good looks. New, they’re now over R400 000, but our buyer is hoping that a second-hand car will save cash without compromising on reliability. We recommend some four-year-old premium-brand examples. THE VEHICLE We have chosen the top three German brands whose four-year-old hatches – thanks to inflation and the weak rand – are now much more expensive than in 2013. All are impressive cars, with each having its own distinctive characteristics. BMW 116i 5-door Steptronic 0 to 100 km/h: 9,67 sec Top speed: 210 km/h Power: 100 kW Torque: 220 N.m CO2 : 129 g/km CAR fuel index: 6,6 L/100 km A RARITY these days, this BMW…

Lexus East Rand was strategically opened in the heart of Boksburg’s shopping suburbia in February 2008 as the flagship Lexus dealer for the East Rand and its greater outlying areas. This prime location offers easy access off both the N12 and R21 highways and is perfectly situated to offer you all their premium Lexus products and services at one convenient location. They have built an exceptional reputation with their uncompromising service levels and approach to complete customer satisfaction, resulting in numerous accolades over the years. Lexus East Rand gives you the opportunity to experience all your driving ambitions; feast your eyes on the array of new, demo model and Exclusive Pre-owned vehicles residing on their showroom floors. Your choice won’t be a difficult one as their entire range of vehicles…

TOOTHLESS BLUES I’m appalled by the number of drivers I see on a daily basis, totally oblivious to traffic conditions round them while driving erratically with a cellphone in hand. If this isn’t bad enough, many of the cars I have seen are definitely equipped with Bluetooth hands-free technology as standard – Porsches, high-end BMWs, Mercedes-Benzes, Audis, etc. Many less-expensive cars now also come with Bluetooth as standard. Why, then, would you risk disaster by holding a phone in your hand? It is not even that safe having a conversation using hands-free functionality; however, it is infinitely safer than driving one-handed and distracted. I am not sure if it is arrogance or ignorance that causes drivers to behave this way. Do they think it’s “cool” to show people that you…

R8 Although the new R8 Spyder was revealed back in March, the most powerful iteration, the Audi R8 Spyder V10 Plus, has just broken cover. Powered by a 449 kW/ 560 N.m version of the stock Spyder’s 5,2-litre naturally aspirated V10, the Plus rockets from standstill to 100 km/h in 3,3 seconds on the way to a 328 km/h top speed, making it the firm’s quickest series-production convertible ever. Extensive use of carbon-fibre in the car’s construction means that the Plus’ kerb weight undercuts that of the standard car by 25 kg. ETA: Under consideration 570S Matching the R8’s 328 km/h top whack, the McLaren 570S Spider is powered by the firm’s widely used 3,8-litre biturbo V8 that sends 419 kW and 600 N.m to the rear wheels via a…

KIA RIO 1,4 TEC MANUAL PRICE: R274 995 ETA: Now WE ARE HERE IT’S one that requires addressing up front because it will either dent your impression of the new Rio … or not at all. When it was launched in 2011, the popular third-generation Rio (more than 37 000 found homes) offered 1,2- and 1,4-litre, naturally aspirated powertrains in a market where forced-induction was the exception. Fast-forward six years, however, and most B-segment hatches have a turbo under the bonnet. Downsizing, as has been proven time and again, makes sense: the engines are punchy in-gear but decently frugal when pootling, and emissions levels are low. Bucking the trend, Kia Motors South Africa has decided to retain the Rio’s powerplants – and, in fact, reduce outputs on both sizes –…

BMW M1 WE ARE HERE BMW may have produced many acclaimed performance sedans, coupés and roadsters, but mid-engined BMW sportscars are notable by their absence. Prior to the i8 hybrid, you would have to go back to the late 1970s for a similar model: the now legendary M1. Arguably BMW’s first real sportscar, its genesis came about in 1975 when the Bavarian company decided to compete in the Group 5-based World Championship of Makes for cars with production silhouettes. With the 3.0 CSL “Batmobile” now obsolete and out of production, the decision was taken to develop and homologate a mid-engined road car. Giorgetto Giugiaro was commissioned to rework the 1972 BMW Turbo concept car and none other than Lamborghini was tasked to build it. Unfortunately, financial difficulties saw the Italian…

They’re all charming, but the Up! feels a cut above its rivals here Gareth Dean Ignis for fun, Up! for style and Sandero for standard specification Nicol Louw Sandero is spacious and Ignis charming, but Up! outclasses them both Ryan Bubear Wallet-friendly Ignis has the best traits of its rivals Sudhir Matai IN our automotive market, the terms “distinctive” and “sub-R200k” seldom appear in close proximity, much to the chagrin of younger, budget-conscious buyers who place those particular provisos high on their motoring wish lists, often in the guise of a mini crossover. So the arrival of Suzuki’s eye-catching Ignis beneath said price point will no doubt grab their attention, not to mention that of established players such as the value-packed Renault Sandero Stepway and the premium-feeling VW Cross Up!…

GTD runs the GTI awfully close, but the latter remains the archetypal hot hatch Terence Steenkamp It’s difficult to choose between two accomplished cars, but the GTI just pips it Sudhir Matai More “sensible” GTD for when your wife reminds you you’re too old for a GTI Ian McLaren GTD a noble effort to marry performance and economy Gareth Dean IT has taken a while, but Volkswagen has decided the time is now to launch a Golf GTD in our market. On offer in Europe for the last eight years, this GTI-looking-but-dieselpowered derivative is part of the recent facelift to the local Golf range that included tweaks to one model we South Africans know particularly well: the GTI. Thanks to VWSA, we were given a GTD ahead of the national…

FLYING CARS The idea of the flying car is as old as the automobile itself but, unfortunately, the design requirements of an aircraft and a car result in many technology conflicts and a compromised solution. A company called Cartivator is determined to build a new type of flying car that appears to be inspired by the popular drones. According to the company, the vehicle can carry one person, reach 100 km/h as a plane (150 km/h as a car) and fly at an altitude of only 10 metres. Toyota sees promise in the concept and has given financial backing to the firm. The goal is to have a flying car light the Olympic Torch in Tokyo in 2020. VARIABLE-NOZZLE TURBOS Two types of tech are employed to control the boost-pressure…

LEXUS LC500 Priced at R1 729 600 Toyota’s luxury brand, Lexus, has been relatively quiet of late, but a few weeks ago the Japanese firm launched its most daring model yet into the local market. The LC500 marks a bold step for a marque that trades heavily on executive sedans and SUVs. The LC500 is a striking GT with Lexus’ signature details such as the spindle grille and angular head- and taillamps. Short overhangs, a long bonnet and large alloy wheels underline its dynamic credentials. Under that bonnet lies a naturally aspirated 5,0-litre V8 that spins to 7 300 r/min. Based on the engine in the Lexus RC F models, the LC500 boasts peak outputs of 351 kW and 450 N.m of torque. Lexus claims a 0-100 km/h sprint time…

THE Chevelle was the mid-sized sedan in the Chevrolet South Africa range during the 1960s and was closely related to the Acadian Beaumont made by General Motors Canada that was sold here through Pontiac dealerships. PACKAGING There were some small styling changes in 1965, but it’s the classic straight lines of the mid-sized ’64 Chevelle that most folk prefer. In terms of interior packaging, legroom was not as spacious as you would think, and front-seat adjustment was restricted, but as bench seating and column shifts were the order of the day, you could comfortably fit six people in the cabin. The Chevelle’s suspension was coil and wishbones in the front, with a solid axle plus coils at the rear, and the boot could swallow a gargantuan 765 litres. POWERTRAIN These…

Mercedes-Benz Bedfordview is a multi-million rand state-of-the-art Lifestyle Centre which is the embodiment of the long and rich heritage of the Mercedes-Benz brand. This multi-level dealership is like no other in S.A. It has exceeded all expectations since opening in 2007 and is highly respected by both its customers and competitors alike. The sheer grandeur of the building is breathtaking and a feast for the senses as you enter. The latest, new Mercedes-Benz models are displayed on various levels, while a large selection of Certified Pre-Owned vehicles are also available. Their dedicated AMG Performance Centre, designed to the latest international standards, showcases the most stunning AMG performance vehicles on offer; including the awe inspiring GTs. This comprehensive corporate identity is undeniably world-class and is setting a new standard for the…

LOTUS 76 The Lotus 76 was rubbish. It finished only one race and its drivers – Ronnie Peterson and Jacky Ickx, no less – hated it. An innovative genius Colin Chapman may have been, but he did sometimes barrel down an automotive dead-end, which is exactly what he did in 1974. With the dominant Lotus 72 nearing the end of its life, Chapman was searching for the next advantage, of which most obvious on the 76 was its aerodynamic design. It may have looked much like a 72 – especially with the iconic JPS livery – but its wheelbase was longer, the chassis narrower and it sported a larger front wing and biplane-like double rear wing. It would be a curious little button on the top of the gearlever, however,…