Mini 5 Door Cooper S (2014) Reviewed

Mini has made the smart move to broaden the appeal of the range, by adding four doors to its Cooper range. Prior to this, the options you had were the diminutive two-door Cooper and the much larger (and pricier) Countryman / Paceman duo.

The Mini 5 door fits into the range nicely, as you still have that quintessential Mini effect combined with the added practicality of five doors. Those five doors are useful too. Let’s be honest, while most taller folk like me will find the rear space and access a little tight, children will be able to slip in and out with ease. Legroom is just about adequate too. To get the four doors fitted properly, Mini extended the wheelbase by 161mm. It doesn’t like much, but the benefits are obvious. The boot for instance, gains some extra carrying capacity.

Model on test

The model we had on test was a 6-speed manual Cooper S 5 Door. The flagship if you will. Combined with a vibrant Volcanic Orange paint-job and exceptionally pretty circular daytime running lights, it’s a seriously eye-catching vehicle.

Powering the Mini Cooper S is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder motor with 141 kW and 280 Nm. In something as small as a Mini Cooper, this amount of power is tremendously good fun. Combined with some delicious turbo noises and exhaust pops, the little Mini is a delight to drive. Despite the additional weight from the doors (I’m told it’s 60kg) the car still handles like a toy and is most amusing to drive. Fuel economy is rated at 6L/100km for the combined cycle and during its week with us, the trip computer sat around the 8L/100km mark. I put this down to some spirited moments…

Pricing

This is the only sore point for an otherwise great little offering. I shouldn’t actually say little, as this Mini 5 door offers great practicality. The Mini 5 Door range starts from R312 500 for the 1.5 Cooper manual. The Cooper S manual range starts at R381 000. Throw in some extras and you’re starting to climb well into R450 000 territory. Our test Mini Cooper S came with a mind-blowing amount of kit, such as head-up display, reverse camera, auto parking, radar-guided cruise control and so on, and the total bill came to R481k!

Summary

Despite its high price tag, the Mini is one of those cars that you simply cannot be unhappy in. It oozes charm and has a fun factor that can’t be matched. The new Mini 5 Door adds some sensible practicality to the range and if you’ve been putting off a Mini purchase on the grounds of it being a two-door, then your excuse is now invalid. Having driven the fantastic 1.5-litre three cylinder turbo Cooper in two-door guise, I’d advise taking this model over its more expensive and faster Cooper S sibling.

Second Opinion

The Mini as a car is an absolute blast to drive, every time I got behind the wheel I felt the car channeling my inner lunatic. It’s a great little machine to fly around town or on the highway or on just about any road, but I can’t say too much really changes by having rear doors. Most buyers pick cars in this segment based on style and customisation capability, and the back doors on the Mini make it look a bit odd as it looks out of proportion. I’ll stick with a two-door thanks and if I need four-doors there’s a Ford Focus ST or a Volkswagen Golf GTI at similar price points. – Ashley Oldfield

The #Mini5Door has just enough space in the rear for a tall person.

A photo posted by Cars.co.za (@carssouthafrica) on

We Like: Added practicality, doesn’t detract from overall Mini experience, terrific fun, darting handling, cool gadgets.

We Don’t Like: Pricing, ride can be a little tiresome

Also Consider: Fiat 500, Opel Adam, Citroen DS3

Mini 5 Door Cooper S Quick Specs

Engine 2.0-litre, four cylinder turbo
Power 141 kW
Torque 280 Nm
Transmission Six-speed manual
Wheels 17-inch alloy wheels
0-100km/h 6.9 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed 232 kph
Fuel Economy 6L/100km (claimed)
Fuel Tank Capacity 44 Litres

Kia KX3 First Images Leaked

Images of what seems to be the official Kia KX3 have been leaked online.

Kia KX3 minor details revealed

The Kia KX3 was first showcased at the Guangzhou Auto Show last year in concept form. The production version is said to be based on the Hyundai ix25 (coming to SA later this year) with styling cues heavily influenced by the concept.

However, in contrast to the concept, the model is said to be slightly larger with modified headlamp and taillamp design, as well as a new skid plate and fog light design.

Inside, the car gets a two-tone interior with brown leather upholstery, silver trim on the leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel, around the gearshift console, and door handles, while the dashboard gets some glossy accents.

Although details are very limited at this point, according to rumour mill, the Kia KX3 production car will be powered by two 1.6-litre petrol engines.

One will be naturally aspirated with 90 kW and 151 Nm of torque, while range topping version will be turbocharged and generate 147 kW and 264 Nm of torque. Both units will be mated to a seven-speed DCT gearbox.

Pricing Update: Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG and AMG S Revealed

The big news coming out of Germany is that the ultimate Mercedes-Benz C-Class has been officially revealed. The C63 AMG and the C63 AMG S models will make their debut at the Paris motor show next week (October 2014).

C63 AMG goes Turbo

The old naturally-aspirated 6.2-litre V8 has been dropped and to many will be sorely missed. The new engine is still a V8 and is very closely based off the recently-revealed AMG GT. That’s right, the C63 AMG has been fitted with a four-litre V8 biturbo. Power output for the standard C63 AMG sits at 350 kW and 650 Nm, while those looking for even more power can opt for the C63 AMG S that notches power up to 375 kW and 700 Nm.

Acceleration on the C63 AMG is mind-blowing as Mercedes-Benz says the seven-speed gearbox has been tuned to shift even faster. Whether in normal automatic mode or shifting with the paddles, Merc says there is a noticeable difference in the speed at which the gearbox now shifts. Even the paddles have been tuned to respond faster.

The result is that the C63 AMG will leap from 0-100kph in 4.1 seconds and the AMG S will do it even faster at 4 seconds flat. Fuel economy is also improved as a result of the downsized engine and turbocharged technology. Merc claims the C63 will use just 8.3L/100km on the combined economy cycle.

Performance Exhaust Option

The C 63 and C 63 S feature a sports exhaust system with exhaust flap. Depending on the AMG selected drive programme, the engine sound varies. The V8 sound is tuned to sound like a racing touring car – complete with acoustic up-shift and distinctive double de-clutching feedback. In addition to setting it via the drive programme, the engine sound can also be set individually at any time at the push of a button.

Dynamic Engine Mounts

A further new feature of the C 63 S is the dynamic engine mounts – as used on the Mercedes-AMG GT. They work to maintain a balance between comfort and handling by reducing vibration from the engine/transmission unit. The dynamic mounts can adapt their stiffness smoothly and in fractions of a second to the driving conditions and style.

Edition 1

Merc has also announced there will be an Edition 1 variant as there was in the latest A-Class, CLA and GLA. There are six exterior paint finishes to choose from for the Edition 1: polar white, designo diamond white bright, iridium silver metallic, palladium silver metallic, obsidian black metallic and the AMG-exclusive paint finish designo iridium silver magno.

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG and AMG S price in South Africa

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG – R1 004 700

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG S – R1 163 800

Ford GT or Honda NSX?

That’s a question that’s been asked multiple times this week and the answer will depend solely on you and the feelings these cars conjure up within you. Although many exciting new models were revealed this week at the 2015 Detroit Motor Show, none garnered more attention than the Ford GT and the Honda NSX, and rightfully so, they look absolutely stunning.

Although both cars are vastly different, they are also similar in many ways. We have put some information together to help you decide which of these cars will rule the supercar roost when they start their engines in 2016. Some of the performance figures remain a mystery for now, but you can use your imagination to fill the blanks. So, what’s your choice?

Ford GT vs Honda NSX Infographic

ford gt

 

BMW 1-Series Facelift Revealed

BMW has revealed its facelifted 1-Series with quite a severe modification to the exterior as well as the introduction of the latest generation of petrol and diesel engines.

BMW 1-Series Facelift Details

A newly designed BMW kidney grille and larger air intakes dominate the frontal area. The front headlights have been redesigned as well and are vastly improved from the current ‘pig-eyed’ lights . They come with LED daytime driving lights as standard and can now be specified in full-LED specification as an option. The rear lights have also been completely remodeled. They now display the “L” shape characteristic of BMW models and reveal LED-powered lights.

They have added some standard equipment to the new BMW 1-Series model range as well. It now also features automatic air conditioning, a rain sensor, the BMW Radio Professional and the iDrive operating system, complete with a 6.5-inch display integrated in the instrument panel as a freestanding monitor.

The new set of engines range from efficiency winners to a power increase on the six-cylinder variants. The 116d is set to get a three-cylinder 1.5-litre turbodiesel capable of 85 kW and returning an amazing 3.4L/100km on the combined cycle test. However we will have to see if our local fuel quality is good enough to warrant the 116d coming to SA.

The range topping M135i gets pumped with an extra 5 kW, taking it up to 240 kW in total. Fuel consumption remains the same at 8L/100km. In certain markets the 120d, 118d and M135i can be specified with BMW’s xDrive, making them all-wheel drive models.

Toyota Aygo X-Wave Takes a Can Opener to its Roof

Toyota’s city-rocking Aygo is going to be offered with a retractable ‘magic carpet’ style roof. The special convertible roof will only be available on five-door Aygos.

Toyota Aygo X-Wave Opens Up

The X-Wave as it’s being called has a full length retractable roof that allows even the rear passengers to be blown around by incoming wind and sun. The roof is electronically controlled via a button in the centre of the roof.

Toyota has launched the x-wave as an option on the five-door Aygo x-pression model. Besides the roof the X-Wave model will also feature upmarket kit like 15-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps, projector headlights with LED daytime running lights, the x-touch multimedia system with Bluetooth, reversing camera and air conditioning.

Gloss black elements in the bodywork and the cabin link in with the colour palette offered for the Aygo X-Wave that includes: White Flash, Electro Grey, Silver Splash, Red Pop and Deep Blue Buzz paint options.

Opel Adam Jam 1.0T (2015) Review

Opel is planning a big comeback in 2015 as it plans to launch multiple models in South Africa. The first of the new kids is the all-new Opel Adam, a city car with personality and a multitude of options to personalise it to your own unique style. We racked up over 2 000 km in the Adam with its 1-litre turbo motor during our test period and here’s what we discovered.

Small Turbo, Big Go

Small capacity petrol engines combined with turbocharging trickery are beginning to trickle in to our market. There’s the Renault Clio, Ford Fiesta and the new VW Polo that have a relatively small engine turbo too. Adam has a great little engine, it cranks out 85 kW and 170 Nm and it feels perfectly suited to the Adam’s size and personality.

The engine is keen to accelerate and the torque delivery in the mid-range is impressive, especially during overtaking. Even at freeway speeds the Adam offers up ample reserves of in-gear acceleration if you need to put in a quick spurt. The engine gives the Adam a fun and energetic feel, even if the three-cylinder growl is somewhat muted. Fuel economy was reasonable too, we saw 6.5L/100km over our near 2000 km run with the Adam.

How small is Adam?

It’s certainly a compact car made for snaking around town dodging traffic and nipping around obstacles without having to worry too much about hitting anything. The boot is small, but comparatively average amongst its rivals. I do wish the parcel shelf had been put on strings or folded back down automatically as the amount of times I left it up and then drove away with my rear view obscured was crazy.

Rear access could be better as well, the front seats could do a better job of folding down and sliding forward to let people in the back. The back isn’t too bad once you’re in, but I wouldn’t want to spend a long time there.

High class interior

In the section that matters in the Adam (the driver’s seat) Opel has really done a stellar job. The Adam’s interior is stylish and comfortable and it also features an easy-on-the-eye touchscreen and user interface. The materials used are soft to the touch, and the seats are very comfortable and supportive. The gadgetry is simple to connect to and the ability to integrate your phone with several apps already loaded on the car is really cool, although it seemed a bit hit and miss with my phone as to whether it would connect properly.

It’s also nice to see things like blind-spot monitoring and auto-parallel and perpendicular parking. All these auto-park systems are great when they work, but they do have a tendency to ‘not see’ or miss a parking space you’re after, leaving you looking like a bit of a fool to everyone around. The Adam is also fitted with excellent safety equipment that includes six-airbags, ABS, EBD, ESP and hill start assist.

Ride and Handling

Being a funky city car and in a segment where cars like the Mini, Citroen DS3 and Fiat 500 offer awesome thrills per minute, the Adam feels fun, but not an absolute riot to drive. The ride is sporty and quite firm and it grips nicely when thrown into a 90-degree corner. It could do with a little more feel in the steering wheel and possibly a quicker steering ratio to speed up the turn-in.

It’s not a bad handling car by any means, I still had fun whipping it through my local bends, but if you’re after something that’s going to wow you in the fun-to-chuck-about department then the Mini or DS3 might be more to your liking.

Opel Adam – Verdict

The cars in this segment sell mainly based on looks and customisation and the Adam has big green ticks in those boxes. It’s got a great turbo engine and is fun to drive for your average user. Opel announced pricing at the end of January 2015 and actually undercut the expectation, see below for the pricing. That makes it one of the cheapest cars in the segment and undercuts the Mini by R70 000. The Adam is certainly worth a look and at that price should see buyers aplenty.

Second Opinion

The highlight of this Opel Adam Jam is definitely the 1.0-litre turbo engine. Its got sufficient grunt within the city and on the highway and driving the Adam is a heap of fun as a result. Another bonus is the interior, which is funky, modern and well constructed. The attractive infotainment system is the cherry on top and the wide range of personalisation options make Adam that much more appealing. The Adam’s compact dimensions coupled with its good looks and personality should see it sell well in South Africa. – Gero Lilleike

The Opel Adam makes a mockery of the Mini Cooper and Citroen DS3. Essentially you’re getting the same experience: a small, compact runabout that oozes charm, style and character; with a number of great gadgets fitted. Throw in the extensive range of customisation options and a superb 1.0-litre turbo engine and you’re probably looking at the coolest city slicker for 2015. – David Taylor

Pricing

The Opel Adam range starts at R189 900 for the naturally aspirated 1.4-Litre. This turbo’d petrol in Jam trim is priced at a very reasonable R209 900 before you add the optional kits on. The top spec Glam model goes for R232 900.

We Like: Styling, character, turbo engine, interior quality, standard features

We Don’t Like: Rear entry tight, could be more fun to drive

Also Consider: Fiat 500, Mini Cooper, Citroen DS3

Opel Adam 1.0T Jam Quick Specs

Engine 1-litre, three cylinder turbo
Power 85 kW
Torque 170 Nm
Transmission Six-speed manual
Wheels 18-inch alloy wheels
0-100km/h 9.9 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed 196 kph
Fuel Economy 5.1L/100km (claimed)
Fuel Tank Capacity 38 Litres

BMW 2 Series Convertible Gets M Performance Parts

The BMW 2 Series Convertible is the latest model from the brand to gain an M Performance Parts package.

Dynamic and high-quality M Performance Parts

Exterior fitments include new side skirts and side decals with M Performance logo, new diffuser, a modified front grille with black trim surround and carbon exterior mirror caps. Rounding up the changes are BMW M Performance accent strips which run along the flanks below the crease line, a set of 19-inch alloy wheels in 405 M and 624 M designs, as well as a stainless steel silencer with chromed tailpipes and inscribed M logo.

Inside, the BMW M Performance Parts Accessories range offers a selector lever trim or – in cars with manual transmission – a gearshift lever with Alcantara leather, centre console trim, centre armrest and interior trim strips retrofitted in carbon. Alcantara steering wheels with carbon trim can be specified with or without the Race Display. The model can additionally be ordered with M Performance pedals and special floor mats with M Performance lettering.

Boosted performance

The BMW M Performance Power Kit for the BMW 2 Series Convertible boosts the engine output by 11 kW to 151 kW, reducing the 0-100 km/h acceleration time with 0.3 seconds.

The engine’s control unit receives an electronic upgrade while the larger-capacity intercooler is fitted. However, despite the higher engine output, there is no increase in fuel consumption in the ECE test cycle.

Opel Adam Gains Automatic and Convertible Options

The Opel Adam has been refreshed with a new and unique individualisation package which includes an Easytronic 3.0 automatic transmission and a Swing Top canvas roof option.

New automated transmission technology

The new automated transmission option is said to help drivers that no longer want to shift themselves permanently. The system not only allows for quicker and softer gear changes but also helps reduce consumption and emissions by around eight percent.

In combination with the 64 KW 1.4-litre naturally aspirated engine, Easytronic 3.0 cuts fuel consumption by up to 0.4-litres/100 km for the combined cycle compared to a five-speed manual transmission, while CO2 emissions are also reduced by 10 g/km.

The Adam 1.4 ecoFLEX with Start/Stop and Easytronic 3.0 averages 4.7-litres/100 km and emits 109 g/km.

The new Opel Adam Swing Top

In addition to offering the updated Easytronic 3.0 automatic transmission, the Opel Adam will feature a new Swing Top canvas roof, which is the same folding fabric roof offered by the Adam Rocks.

It will however take the roof five seconds to open and can be closed while travelling at speed of up to 140 km/h, with the soft top retracting to the C-pillar at the touch of a button. The entire roof module which is made of multiple layers, including a central neoprene is also said to offer good noise insulation inside the cabin.

The company further added that “neither trunk capacity nor all-round vision suffer under this roof design, no matter whether the roof is open or closed.”

“These new attractive possibilities will further strengthen our large ADAM family and give everybody the opportunity to configure their personal ADAM favourite,” explained Peter Christian Kuspert, Vice President Sales & Aftersales Opel Group.

“The choice of colours is growing too. We have added new colours in ‘Forget about Grey’ and ‘Greenfellas’. Therefore, customers can choose from 19 different bodywork colours now.”

You can read our story of the Opel Adam South African launch here.

Chevrolet Bolt EV Concept Shows Up In Detroit

Chevrolet has lifted the covers off its highly anticipated Bolt EV Concept, which it presented this week at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show.

“The Bolt EV concept is a game-changing electric vehicle designed for attainability, not exclusivity,” said General Motors CEO Mary Barra. “Chevrolet believes electrification is a pillar of future transportation and needs to be affordable for a wider segment of customers.”

Long-range all-electric Bolt EV concept revealed

The Bolt EV concept is said to be a five-door hatchback designed to offer long-range performance in many global markets. According to the company, the Bolt will further offer drivers a number of operating modes from “daily commuting” to “spirited weekend cruising”, with changes to the mapping of the throttle as well as the suspension height and tune.

The concept was built using a combination of lightweight materials such as aluminium, carbon fibre, magnesium and woven mesh. It additionally comes with aerodynamically-optimised features such as vented rear fenders which, help increase range while high-intensity LED technology was used for both headlights and taillights.

Airy, intuitive interior

The cabin’s airy, high-tech environment is reinforced with lightweight, slim-architecture seats mounted on exposed aluminium pedestals that create a floating effect, to which the centre console is attached and houses a 10-inch capacitive touchscreen display with interface features.

“The Bolt EV concept’s interior is intended as a sanctuary, with materials and technologies that reinforce the airy ambience and help contribute to the vehicle’s overall efficiency,” said Ed Welburn, vice president, GM Global Design. “It also incorporates technology in a subtler and simpler manner, for a more soothing driving experience – particularly in busy, urban environments.”

Technical specs are yet to be released, however, Chevrolet has said the Bolt is capable of providing a range of more than 322 km on a full charge of electricity.