Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2015 i CAR

WE ARE HERE FAST FACTS McLaren 570S Est price: R3 300 000 Engine: 3,8-litre, V8, twinturbo-petrol Trans: 7-spd dual-clutch Power: 420 kW Torque: 600 N.m 0-100 km/h: 3,2 sec Top speed: 328 km/h Fuel cons: 10,7 L/100 km CO2 : 249 g/km Claimed figures YOU’RE in for a baptism of fire,” says McLaren 570S chief test driver Gareth Howell. Those aren’t the words you want to hear just before heading out onto a racetrack in a powerful sportscar. The resident hot shoe was referring to our lack of familiarity with Algarve International Circuit – a relatively new track that’s earned itself a reputation as one of the trickiest and most exciting in Europe. No pressure, then. Sitting pretty in the pit lane are a trio of shiny McLaren 570S models, the…

WE ARE HERE FAST FACTS Peugeot 308 GTi Price: TBC Engine: 1,6-litre, 4-cyl, turbopetrol Trans: 6-spd manual Power: 200 kW Torque: 330 N.m 0-100 km/h: 6,0 sec Top speed: 250 km/h Fuel cons: 6,0 L/100 km CO2 : 139 g/km Claimed figures ALTHOUGH Peugeot would never openly admit it, the decision to once again dip a toe into the C-segment hot hatch sphere was likely flavoured with the expectation of just how its car will square up to the quintessential – some would say genre-defining – VW Golf GTI. When Peugeot wheeled out the previous 308 GTi in 2007, it didn’t trade on outright clout, instead looking to emulate the Volkswagen’s almost holy grail-like balance of everyday comfort and performance. But, with the French vehicle’s balance leaning towards the former, evidenced…

“ DRIVE DRIVEIT IT LIKE YOU STOLE IT” was the command on an evangelical church-style board at this year’s Goodwood Revival. With a grid boasting a combined 12 000+ hp (about 9 000 kW) and rear rubber as wide as a barn door, it was also an easy instruction to obey for the drivers in one of the event’s highlights: the daily Gasser parade. The 30-strong line-up of 1930s to ‘60s American street dragsters took to the circuit each morning to fuel the crowd’s enthusiasm with burnouts off the line involving plenty of tyre smoke and the roar of supercharged cubic inches. The amusing sign was just one standout item in what is an enormous, four-wheel-centred fancy dress party. For that’s what this step-back-in-time gathering of the world’s most iconic…

Price: R593 900 0-100 km/h: 11,20 sec Power/Torque: 147 kW/470 N.m Top speed: n/a km/h CAR fuel index: 9,84 L/100 km CO 2  : 217 g/km VERY few segments in the South African new-car market are as unmistakeably associated with a single product than the one for bakkie-based SUVs. In practically every month it’s been on sale since 2006, the Toyota Fortuner has remained the bestselling SUV across all sectors of the market. Buyers love its ruggedness, practicality, the peace of mind engendered by Toyota’s vast dealer network and the relatively simple, unstressed technology used under the vehicle’s skin. Deep into its lifecycle, the Fortuner has continued to draw buyers – in September, 570 units found homes and Toyota South Africa Motors exported 278. These are intimidating statistics if…

ALTHOUGH bike maker Aprilia might be better known for its sportsbikes – after all, it does have around 300 MotoGP race wins and seven Superbike titles to its name – it has also managed to clinch nine off-road titles. And it’s the latter that brings us to the latest addition to our two-wheeled long-term fleet. The bike is named for the North Cape (Nordkapp in Norwegian) in Norway, a landmark that’s considered the northernmost point in Europe. Our dual-purpose test unit is the Rally version, which includes a host of additional equipment for the daily as well as the adventure rider. In terms of safety, there’s a two-channel ABS system, ATC (Aprilia Traction Control) with three settings as well as ADD (Aprilia Dynamic Damping). In terms of practicality and comfort,…

CAR: How important is the Ranger for Ford globally? Ian Foston: Ranger is a significant vehicle for Ford globally and the level of technology, capability and refinement we’ve put into it reflects our commitment to Ranger and offers customers a compelling reason to buy. CAR: What would you say are the Ranger’s major differentiators over its competitors? IF: Ranger continues to offer outstanding capability with class-leading water wading of 800 mm, the ability to tow up to 3 500 kg, and 230 mm of ground clearance. It brings levels of technology not usually found in the segment. A host of cutting-edge technologies available on new Ranger helps drivers stay connected and in control. SYNC 2, the latest generation of Ford’s in-car connectivity system, gives drivers smarter and safer ways to…

INTERESTING FACTS The Datsun 1200 was the first Japanese sedan to be assembled in South Africa. This followed an initial import of 100 Datsun LDVs. The government gave the Japanese some time to get their local content ratcheted up to the required 45%, and the former started taking over production space previously occupied by American cars that had become too large for most South African needs. When the fuel crisis hit in the 1970s, matters got a whole lot worse for the thirsty Americans, while British cars lagged behind in technology. That left the door wide open for the Japanese and European manufacturers. SPOTTED IN THE CLASSIFIEDS Datsun Bluebird (320) bakkie, 1964, for restoration, R20 000 the lot, Roodepoort Datsun Bluebird 1300 bakkie, 1966, red, R38 000, Brakpan Datsun Bluebird…

WE ARE HERE FAST FACTS Toyota Mirai Price: €66 000 (+-R1 million) Electric motor: permanent magnet synchronous motor Electric motor power: 113 kW Torque: 335 N.m Trans: 1-spd 0-100 km/h: 9,6 sec Top speed: 178 km/h Fuel cons: 0,76 kg L/100 km CO2 : 0 g/km Claimed figures THE Mirai took a leak. Usually, cars develop a leak, but this Toyota was actively taking one. Sitting silently at a traffic light, I had pressed the H2 O button, which had caused the Mirai to unceremoniously empty its bladder in Hamburg’s rush-hour traffic. Fortunately the liquid was, as the button showed, pure water – the only by-product of the fuel cell in the vehicle as it converts hydrogen to electricity (read all about the technology on page 108). This water run-off is…

WE ARE HERE FAST FACTS Tata Bolt XMS 1,2 MPFi Price: R132 995 Engine: 1,2-litre, 4-cyl, turbopetrol Trans: 5-spd manual Power: 66 kW Torque: 140 N.m 0-100 km/h: 14,5 sec Top speed: 155 km/h Fuel cons: 6,5 L/100 km CO2 : 154 g/km Claimed figures TATA has renewed its efforts in the budget B-segment by supplementing the Indica with a new and competitively priced car to complement its other offering in the segment, the Vista. In our first test of the Indica in 2006, we criticised its build quality, so this revamp is a necessary move for the brand. The new Bolt is available in both XMS and XT trim levels, with one drivetrain option – a 1,2-litre Revotron turbopetrol engine mated with a five-speed manual transmission. The Bolt’s looks have…

IT’S difficult to believe that the 3 Series has been around for 40 years. The way in which it goes about plying its hard-to-emulate blend of sportiness and sensibility has seen the years fly by and established rivals often shrugged aside with little bother. But times are changing and the much-loved 335i nameplate – and its great N55 engine – has made way for the 340i and its all-new six-cylinder motor. As if these changes weren’t a challenge enough, Jaguar has also entered the fray with its hard-hitting XE S. Does the British upstart have what it takes to down the seasoned pro, or will the BMW’s new heart only strengthen its nigh-on-unbeatable virtues? OUTSIDE AND IN Although Jaguar’s newcomer has copped criticism for adhering to a styling formula that’s…

Price: R269 900 0-100 km/h: 10,79 sec Power/Torque: 86 kW/151 N.m Top speed: 180 km/h CAR fuel index: 6,96 L/100 km CO 2  : 130 g/km THERE is a lot happening with Suzuki. Following several years of legal arbitration, the Japanese marque recently received permission to exit its failed co-operation agreement with Volkswagen (the latter had a 19,9% stake in the former) and its management launched the Suzuki Next 100 mid-term management plan. This manifesto reaffirmed the brand’s mission to “develop products of superior value by focusing on the customer”. In terms of a product rollout, Suzuki has stepped up the pace with the Ertiga, Celerio and Ciaz arriving in close succession, and in terms of the crossover market, the new Vitara represents an “emotional” product that is offered…

I like light crossovers. More often than not, they look better than the donor B-segment hatches on which they’re based, provide more room for passengers and their luggage and offer a raised seating position to enhance visibility. In short, they’re the perfect foil to compact SUVs that are more expensive to buy and run, but often don’t possess much more cabin space. The Captur is a solid case in point. I love the design, from the bulbous front-end with its oversized Renault badge, to the chrome foglamp surrounds and pert rear. It looks decidedly modern and appealing, and more resolved than the Clio, without resorting to gimmickry (I’m looking at your Airbumps, C4 Cactus) to distinguish itself amid the throngs of light crossovers that have quite suddenly started plying our…

THE challenge of conquering Everest may seem insurmountable for most. And, considering just how tough the local SUV market is, any manufacturer could be forgiven for shying away from such an “Everest . However, the all-new Ford Everest is tackling it head-on with a vehicle that offers it all: premium finishes, performance, off-roading capability, on-road comfort and refinement to enable its customers to travel wherever they desire. The new Everest represents Ford’s commitment to meet and exceed the highest customer expectations. With a bold design to give it a powerful road presence, the Everest aims to not only be one of the toughest SUVs in its segment, but also one of the most comfortable and refined. INTERIOR SPACE The interior makes use of quality materials and maximises space to offer…

THE Earth’s supply of crude oil will run out. This, coupled with climate change and the need for a cleaner environment, is a compelling factor that has forced automakers to consider alternative energy solutions if they plan to survive beyond the next 50 years and continue to supply us with a means to personal mobility. To understand the concept of powering a vehicle using the smallest molecule – hydrogen – I recently travelled to Germany to study the Toyota Mirai, a new production vehicle that represents the latest in hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle (FCV) technology (to find out how the vehicle drives, flip back to page 40). 1 THE FUEL Hydrogen (H2 ) is the lightest known gas and is colourless, odourless and non-poisonous. However, it is not found in its…

CLIO 4 MENS SOFT-SHELL JACKET Love your Clio? Make your admiration public in this polyester jacket. R721 TECH KIT This powerbank and cellphone charger are perfect for adventurers on the go. R288 TROLLEY BACKPACK This 38-litre backpack takes the strain out of travelling with its nifty wheels. R1 108 CAPTUR HARMONY PEN AND PENCIL SET Extend the reach of the popular crossover Captur into your home office with this stationary set. R236 DUSTER CAMPSTAR KNIFE AND TORCH If you hit the trails on weekends, this mini utility kit will be useful. R143 CAPTUR GOOD VIBRATIONS SPEAKER Do your phone’s speakers pale in comparison to the ones in your Captur? Plug in this handy item and crank up the volume. R72 CAPTUR HYDRATE WATER BOTTLE Stay hydrated with this Capturbranded water…

WE ARE HERE FAST FACTS Mini Cooper S Clubman Price: R415 000 (est.) Engine: 2,0-litre, 4-cyl, turbopetrol Trans: 6-spd manual Power/Torque: 141 kW/280 N.m (300 N.m on overboost) 0-100 km/h: 7,2 sec Top speed: 228 km/h Fuel cons: 6,3 L/100 km CO2 : 137 g/km Claimed figures GIVEN the weather conditions that the roads in and around Stockholm endure during a Scandinavian winter, their surfaces are impressively smooth. And, adding to what has so far been a comfortable drive is this Mini Clubman’s longer-than-usual wheelbase, which takes the sting off the very few road scars we find. However, as we leave the capital city, I care less about ride comfort and more about driver enjoyment; after all, that’s the Mini’s brand main raison d’etre. First acquaintance suggests that might not be…

WE ARE HERE FAST FACTS 2003 Renault Avantime 3,0 V6 Privilége Engine: 3,0-litre, V6, petrol Trans: 5-spd AT Power: 152 kW Torque: 285 N.m 0-100 km/h: 9,5 sec Top speed: 215 km/h Fuel cons: 11,5 L/100 km CO2 : 271 g/km Claimed figures THE world wasn’t ready for the Avantime. In 2001, the year of its launch, the motoring fraternity welcomed such sensible staples as the Honda Jazz, Jaguar X-Type, Peugeot 307 and Fiat Stilo. Renault’s MPV coupé – a crossover in the truest sense of the made-up word – wasn’t sensible, nor was it practical, both to build and own. But it was unique, strikingly styled and exclusive. When production ceased a mere two years later, just 8 557 units were made, of which this burgundy example is one of…

WHEN we tested the Up! 1,0 Move for the April 2015 issue, the then freshly introduced Volkswagen (VW) city car endeared itself to our test team through a combination of astute packaging, a fun-filled character and its ability, despite its diminutive size, to exude classless sophistication. Despite reservations about how well the Up!’s otherwise eager naturally aspirated three-cylinder engine might fare at altitude, as well as the disappointing braking performance from that test unit, the Move garnered an impressive overall test score of 82/100, simultaneously seeing off a match-up box challenge from the Chevrolet Spark and Kia Picanto. Eight months on and Up! now also refers to the price. Not only does the same R140 000 merely afford you the entry-level Take model, but the recent introduction of a similarly…

LEFT: rear three-quarter view is the MX-5’s best aspect. BOTTOM: cabin is of reasonable size for a small roadster, but feels cramped for tall drivers. OPPOSITE: sportscar icon retains its balanced proportions. The new MX-5 is 115 kg lighter than its predecessor Price: R390 000 0-100 km/h: 7,59 sec Power/Torque: 118 kW/200 N.m Top speed: 210 km/h CAR fuel index: 8,04 L/100 km CO 2  : 139 g/km MAZDA MX-5 has become part of motoring folklore in the same manner as the Volkswagen Golf GTI, Porsche 911 and Nissan GT-R. If ever you wanted to experience the embodiment of driving fun, you needed to look no further than the rear-wheel-drive roadster from Japan. After three generations and a quarter of a century, Mazda has sold close to a million…

IF you have been following my updates, you’d know our Cherokee has had its share of transmission issues. Its nine-speed automatic was eventually replaced and a little online research indicates there appears to be a worldwide problem with the ZF-sourced unit. In the months since its return, the Jeep’s drivetrain has displayed markedly different characteristics, which makes me think me think the vehicle’s ECU was also given an update. The shift quality is definitely smoother, but the transmission feels like it’s permanently in sport mode. That is a good and a bad thing: the test unit’s more free-revving and responsive, but its fuel consumption has crept up. But for all its transmission-related problems, the Cherokee remains a great family weekend-away vehicle ... recently a colleague purloined the keys for a…

THE Ford Ranger has set new benchmarks in its segment for capability, quality of finish and technology, and raked in numerous awards, such as CAR’sTop 12 Best Buy in the double-cab category. It is from this impressive base that the revised Ranger has been developed. “It brings new levels of comfort and refinement to its segment without compromising on the rugged capability that customers demand” saysTracey Delate, general marketing manager of Ford Motor Company sub-Saharan Africa Region. “It represents a smarter kind of tough” The new Ranger, which continues to be assembled at Ford’s plant in Silverton, sports a more muscular bonnet, trapezoidal grille and angular headlamps. Its gaze and stance scream “Built FordTough”. UPDATED INTERIOR Thankfully, this toughness is not at the expense of a cosseting interior.The updated cabin…

CAR: How big a leap is the new Everest over its predecessor? IF: It is an all new-vehicle that builds on the reputation of the nameplate and blends rugged off-road capability with exceptional ride quality and dynamic handling, delivering a versatile vehicle that surpasses what consumers have come to expect from an SUV. CAR: How did Ford make sure the new Everest would deliver these abilities? IF: We tested it using 200 prototype vehicles that completed more than a million kilometres of testing around the world in extreme conditions. Test locations include the Australian outback, Arizona (USA), the jungles of Thailand and Sweden, during the winter. CAR: What lessons have you learnt from the previous Everest? How have you applied this to the new vehicle? IF: With the new Everest,…

CAR Plus Energizer you will Power receive Bank a FREE! WORTH R150 This little battery backup will keep your mobile devices charged up while on the road. The 2 200 mAh internal battery has enough life to charge a phone, giving you about eight hours of additional talk time. The 5V/1A USB output means that it charges at the same rate as most wall chargers. It includes a USB to micro-USB connecting cable that can recharge the battery backup or be used to charge up devices with a micro-USB input like Android Smartphones from Samsung, Motorola, HTC, Nokia, and others. The Power Bank includes a handy drawstring pouch for easy transportation and keeping your cables and charger together. Existing subscribers: Save 35%, extend your annual subscription for only…

USEFUL TIP The more time you have to source your second-hand vehicle, the better your chance of landing a good, solid and well-cared-for example. This will not provide a better chance of a satisfactory deal, but may save you a lot of cash, too. Once you’re sure of your choice, don’t take too long to seal the deal as everyone out there is looking for bargains due to ever-rising new car prices. SPOTTED IN THE CLASSIFIEDS Soul 1,6, 2009, white, 88 000 km, R129 950, Vereeniging Soul 1,6 high spec, 2010, red, 80 000 km, R159 995, Cape Town Soul 1,6 CRDi, 2010, white, 109 000 km, R114 950, Boksburg CAR ROAD TESTS PARTS-PRICE EXAMPLES Model: 1,6 (2009) • Oil filter: R86,75 • Air filter: R263,49 • Headlamp: R4 347,48…