A new report has indicated that the Mercedes-Benz SUV line-up will receive a new naming structure over the next few years.
Mercedes-Benz SUV line-up re-badged
According to Auto Express, the idea behind the move is to streamline and simplify model line-ups so that they reflect the family of Mercedes road cars to which they belong.
Its said that the new SUV models will use the “GL” designation followed by a third letter that will signify the class they are connected with. This can already be seen in the GLA model which is related to the A-Class, and will be followed by the “GLK” that will be renamed “GLC” in relation to the C-Class. Theres also that Concept Coupe SUV which was shown at the Beijing Motor Show and is set to be called the GLE Coupe when it makes production.
The same method will supposedly be used for the new versions of the ML and GL models, which are to be badged “GLE” and GLS respectively, as a connection to their E-Class and S-Class families.
It is further rumoured that this naming structure wont just end with SUV models, but will move on to the companys sports car range starting with the refreshed “SLK” which will be re-badged as the “SLC”, relating to C-Class range.
Toyota Etios Sport Launched In SA Specs & Prices
Toyota has introduced a new limited edition Etios Sport to head up the popular Etios range.
Distinctive styling and comprehensive specification
Only 200 units will be made available, featuring a body-kit made up of a front spoiler, body-coloured side-skirts, rear bumper spoiler and roof spoiler. The new model also comes with distinctive badging and 15-inch alloys, as well as four hues including: Sparkling Silver Metallic, Midnight Black, Retro Red Metallic and Super Blue Metallic.
Inside, the Toyota Etios Sport benefits from an upgraded double-din audio system similar to the one fitted to the recently launched Etios Cross. There are also USB and AUX-in ports with added functionality in the form of Bluetooth.
The Etios Sport shares its standard features with its range-topping Xs sibling, including colour-coded side-mirrors/door handles, front fog-lights, remote central locking, and electric windows all round, air-conditioning, power steering, dual front airbags, ABS with EBD and an immobiliser. Theres also a 13-litre-refrigerated glovebox, seven cupholders, door-ajar warning and seatbelt warning functions.
Engine details
As with all other variants in the Etios range, the Toyota Etios Sport is equipped with a 1.5-litre engine delivering 66 kW at 5600 rpm and 132 Nm of torque at 3000rpm.
Toyota Etios Sport price in South Africa
The Toyota Etios Sport is priced at R153 500.
Honda Mobilio: Does It Move You?
Does the Mobilio Move you? The exact moment that the new Honda Mobilio moves you in an emotional, or intellectual sense happens when you decide, okay, so lets see just how accessible that third row of seats really is.
Practicality
With the rear door open a nice wide aperture, because Honda are naturally going to take care of the basics on what is essentially a basics-specific vehicle you reach in to the second-row backrest and tug the lever, half expecting a kind of tug-of-war to ensue as something sticks, or there is indeed a secondary lever you have to push or, how exactly do these things work?
So, getting back to the Mobilios essence. Tug the lever, and the backrest doesnt just fold down, but in one fluid movement the folded backrest and cushion tumbles forward to allow easy access to that rear seat by even the lumpiest of humans. We first saw Hondas packaging genius on the Jazz about a decade back, and this Japanese company has been doing the people-orientated mobility gig ever since and in such a pleasant, intriguing way.
MPV Market for Mobilio
Honda is not unaware that the MPV market has been eroded to a large extent by the mass switch to SUVs over the past decade, but Honda Motor Southern Africas Director of Automobiles Graham Eagle notes the market has bottomed out, and there is still a very relevant niche here, for families and for the likes of guest houses and companies who need to transport bunches of people in large quantities. Honda SA expects to sell about 80 Mobilios a month.
The Mobilios focus is thus very much passenger-orientated. It has enough leg room for someone of my height (1.83 m) to sit in row two without bashing his knees or head, and also in row three. Sure, with the third row upright for action, luggage space is not huge, but its not awful. Theres 223-litres of luggage space with seven people seated, and if you merely fold the third backrest down, this increases to 521-litres, which is plenty.
There are two trim levels on offer, a Trend and Comfort and both these models use Hondas 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine, which produces 88 kW and 145 Nm of torque, driving the front-wheels through a five-speed gearbox. The Trend costs a reasonable R179 990, while the Comfort is some R19 000 more expensive at R198 990. This pricing places it slightly above its competition think Suzukis Ertiga but then Honda has for some time positioned itself as a premium Japanese manufacturer.
Specification and features
The basic Mobilio Trend offers air-con, central locking, electric windows and thats about it, on the creature pampering front. No audio at this level, and airbags only for the driver and front passenger. There is ABS and EBD (electronic brake force distribution) in the interests of stability under duress, but no traction control or corner-assist. Presumably Hondas market analysts sussed that at this level of power, wheel-spin is not going to be too much of a problem, and that drivers arent going to be pushing the adhesion limits while shuttling a tour party of pensioners to the nearest casino.
The Comfort model, which is expected to make up the bulk of Mobilio sales, offers quite a bit more for that extra R19k. You get an audio system with MP3/USB compatibility, and a multi-function steering wheel to control volume and radio station seeking at your fingertips. The rear passengers will appreciate the extra air vents for rows two and three for air-conditioning, and there is height adjustment for the drivers seat. All these things are pretty much taken for granted in even entry level models in todays hatch-back market, but in a utility vehicle such as the Mobilio, they still count as gratifying comfort aids.
Another gratifying aspect of the Mobilio, which Honda sales people will no doubt be pointing out, is that this car is eminently more park-able than your average SUV in underground shopping mall parkades. An overall length of 4 385 mm, with a width of 1 683 mm is just a tad longer than your average hatchback.
For now, theres only the one engine option with manual transmission, although a CVT version is coming in March 2015.
Peugeot 308 GTi to have 199 kW
Peugeot has revealed the power output for the upcoming 308 GTi. The 308 GTi will likely only be revealed to the public sometime in 2015, but we have been slowly getting details about it.
Peugeot 308 GTI engine
Power outputs for the 308 GTi are said to be either 184 kW or 199 kW as implied by Peugeot Sport director Bruno Famin. The 1.6-litre turbocharger that does duty in the 199 kW Peugeot RCZ R is likely to be the sourced engine for the 308 GTi. That would make the 308 GTi one of the most powerful hot hatchbacks on the market. Power wise that trumps a lot of the benchmark machinery such as the VW Golf GTI with 162 kW and the Ford Focus ST with 184 kW, even other French four-doors like the Renault Megane GT Turbo (162 kW) are nowhere near that power output.
However, power isnt everything in a hot hatch so no doubt Peugeot will adapt the suspension to make it racier and track worthy. Peugeot recently revealed the medium heat hot hatch in the 308 GT (155 kW) last month in special Peugeot racing blue. We still wait for the local launch of the 308 so we shouldnt expect the 308 GTi until much later next year (2015) but it should make for an interesting shake up to the hot hatch market.
*Peugeot 308 R Concept Pictured
Lexus Range Updated For 2014 in SA
Lexus South Africa has updated its local line-up with a number of cosmetic and technology features.
Lexus CT 200h
First up is the Lexus CT 200h now benefits from a reverse camera, cruise control, Lexus display audio with 10-speaker sound (replacing the small-screen, six-speaker system), rotary-style Lexus Remote Touch (EMVN) controller and rain-sensing wipers.
Lexus ES
Up next is the Lexus ES which gains a significant safety feature, a Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) system which uses the Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) radar to detect vehicles approaching the difficult-to-see area behind the vehicle. The system also alerts you with a visual display in the door mirrors and a buzzer.
Lexus IS
Lastly, Lexus has updated the IS compact sports sedan with a rear monitor, an upgraded audio system for the Lexus IS 350 E, and LED fog lamps for the E and EX variants.
“These updates improve the functionality, safety and visual appeal of these Lexus models,” said Justin Ryan, general manager, Lexus South Africa. “What’s more, we’ve added these items at little cost to consumers – further enhancing Lexus’ reputation of comprehensive standard specification and outstanding value for money.”
Updated Lexus range price in South Africa
Lexus CT 200h (E) R424 200 Lexus IS 350 (E) R499 900 Lexus EX R549 900 Lexus F Sport R605 900 Lexus ES 250 (E) R471 800 Lexus ES 300h (EX) R557 300
Mercedes-Benz E250 CDI Coupe Review
The Mercedes-Benz E250 coupe has been facelifted for 2014 and we had a chance to put it to the test.
In my opinion, the Mercedes-Benz E250 coupe is one of the prettier designs coming from the German manufacturer and our test unit was particularly eye catching in red. The new model for 2014 sees the range gain the updated face, with very attractive daytime running lights and a racy front bumper.
Engine
Powering this E250 coupe is the tried-and-test 2.1-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine. This engine is just so good as it combines reasonable performance with excellent fuel economy. During its seven day stay with us, the E250 coupe recorded an outstanding figure of 7.2L/100km. In eco mode and driven gently, I would estimate that under 7L/100km is possible.
More Show, Less Go
The only downside to the E250 Coupe is the lack of dynamic ability. While it’s potent in terms of overtaking ability thanks to that diesel engine, it really doesn’t like being thrown around corners. This is strictly a GT cruiser that enjoys the long road and in this role, the car excels. If you’re after a bit more performance, there’s an E350 and an E500 – both with petrol engines which should satisfy your needs. There’s also some convertible versions too. I find it a little odd there’s no AMG version in the range as I feel it’d be superb. A 4.4-litre biturbo V8 in a body that attractive would surely go down a treat.
The ride is a little on the firm side, and its particularly noticeable on the rougher tarmac. Stick with the standard 18-inch wheels, and avoid the 19-inch options, which will be even firmer still.
Luxury Feel
Being a Mercedes-Benz, the technology and premium feel of the vehicle is of the highest order, and you’ll be hard pressed to find an equivalent in this price range which offers this much luxury. The technology is something else though. This Mercedes-Benz E250 coupe comes with the 7G-Tronic gearbox, with paddles behind the steering wheel. While these are a nice to have, I feel the car is best left to its own devices to ensure a smooth ride. I get the feeling this gearbox is tuned for economy, which isn’t the worst thing in the world.
The car comes with daytime running lights, active cruise control (Distronic Plus) which auto brakes the car as well as keeps it in the lanes, a brilliant reverse camera system, privacy blind, heated and cooled leather seats, panoramic sunroof, and a superb audio system which is linked to the rather good Mercedes-Benz COMAND infotainment and navigation system. To be honest, not all of these are standard equipment so be sure to consult your dealer when it comes to options and configuration.
Summary
In closing I think the Mercedes-Benz E250 coupe is one damn fine cruiser. Not only does it look good, but it just exudes class and comfort that its rivals simply cannot match. The diesel motor is frugal, but has enough grunt to be a formidable open road performer. If you’re after something with a bit more performance, there’s a V6 and V8 petrol. It’s a seriously good machine and its rivals simply can’t match the premium feel that Mercedes-Benz offers.
Second Opinion
The E-Class coupe oozes style and class. It rides on a coushion of premium quality and refinement. Mercedes is gaining the upper hand in build quality and style, especially the interiors it crafts out. Whilst a large two-door coupe is a very niche market to aim at, the E-Class Coupe is the automatic choice. – Ashley Oldfield
Mercedes-Benz E250 CDI quick specs
Price
R620 257
Engine
2.1-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel
Power
155 kW
Torque
350 Nm
Transmission
Six-speed manual
Wheels
17-inch alloys
0-100km/h
7.1 seconds (claimed)
Fuel economy
6.1L/100 km (claimed)
We like:
. Eye catching styling
. Engine blends economy with performance
. Technology
. Magnificent cruising machine
We dislike:
. Doesn’t like being driven aggressively
Head of powertrain development at VW, Dr Heinz-Jakob Neusser said that it was possible to make an R variant for nearly every model in the range but stressed that commercial viability would determine which R models would make it to production.
New VW Golf GTD R could be a possibility
Volkswagen’s Hanno Jelden, in an interview with Motoring, said that the new 176 kW / 500 Nm 2.0-litre TDI biturbo engine for the VW Passat could be used in the Golf. However, he made it clear that “the issue is that is it the heaviest engine currently used in the [MQB] platform.”
Although nothing has been confirmed for sure, the most likely candidates for R treatment would be the Polo and the Passat. In the Passat however, this 2.0-litre biturbo TDI is mated to a seven-speed DSG transmission which results in a 0-100 kph sprint time of 6.1 seconds before topping out at 240 kph.
Either way, we will just have to wait and see what the final decision is from VW, but looking at the new VW Golf R, we can only have confidence that future R models will be very special indeed.
Renault Alpine Set for 2016 Debut
Renault boss Carlos Ghosn, has confirmed the re-launch of the Alpine sports brand remains on track for 2016, despite the companys split with Caterham, over what was to be a jointly developed car.
Renault Alpine project continuing as planned
Speaking to WhatCar at this years Paris Motor Show, Ghosn said that while it would have been better to split the investment with a partner, it wasnt possible to agree to it. Now it is better that we go alone and the project is continuing as planned, he added.
Renaults chief designer Laurens van den Acker also confirmed the project was on course, adding that it had become a simpler project as a sole-developed car.
We are now in sole charge of our destiny, and we have made some good progress. Van den Acker also added that Caterham brought a lot of experience to the team, especially in its knowledge of rapid prototyping and setting up a sports car so it was a shame to lose them.
Its rumoured that Caterham is also planning on launching its own rival sports car around the same time.
More details on the Renault Alpine will be made available in the years leading to the launch. In the meantime, watch the beautiful Alpine racer video.
New Volvo V40 for 2016, XC40 to Follow In 2018
New details have been revealed about the upcoming Volvo V40 and XC40 models which are said to be created out of the companys brand new C-segment Modular Architecture.
New vehicle platform planned for new Volvo V40 and XC40
According to Car Advice, Volvo senior president Lex Kerssemakers confirmed details about the new platform at the Paris Motor Show. He mentioned the platform is being jointly developed with Chinese brand Geely as a highly flexible small car architecture that the company will use on the new V40 and first small SUV which will rival the likes of the Range Rover Evoque, BMW X1 and Audi Q3.
Not much is known about the platform itself but it is expected to underpin a wide range of products. The platform is developed in such a way that it can carry [physically] high cars and low cars, so we are very flexible. Of course we are looking for top hat expansions to increase the leverage on the platform, said Kerssemakers.
Top of the list according to the senior vice president, is to replace the V40 sometime 2016, followed by the XC40 in 2018. Both models will be available as plug-in hybrids.
Volkswagen could consider Polo R and Passat R
Volkswagen is having considerable success with the current generation Golf R and could be looking to expand the range of R-badged cars in the future. Head of powertrain development at VW, Dr Heinz-Jakob Neusser expressed that it was possible to make an R variant for nearly every model in the range but stressed that commercial viability would determine which R models would make it to production.
Polo R to come?
Dr Neusser spoke of the Golf Rs success: We get a lot of positive resonance out of the market and, perhaps soon, we will see other R models. But its always a question if the market is able to use the car, if they find them attractive. But yes, in principle its always possible to do it.
The most likely candidates for R treatment would be the Polo and the Passat. The Polo has already been given R badging in limited numbers in the form of the VW Polo R WRC Street. The WRC Street sold in a limited run of 2500 units though.
On the Passat side things get more interesting as Dr Neusser spoke of six-cylinder engines featuring turbochargers as a possible powerplant. More than likely power would be combined with 4-Motion all-wheel drive.
