Subaru WRX STI (2014) Review


It’s the fastest and most powerful Subaru currently on sale in South Africa, so we just had to try out the 2015 Subaru WRX STI.

Subaru’s STI is the flagship performance product from the brand and follows a simple recipe. Simply, put a powerful turbocharged engine into a head-turning racer body and make it handle like it can defy the laws of physics. This recipe has been successful for decades and the Subaru STI is an icon in the petrolhead world.

Engine and economy

The 2015 Subaru WRX has the same 2.5-litre flat-four turbocharged unit found in the previous generation. Power and torque remain the identical at 221 kW and 407 Nm, with power reaching all four wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox. This is a particularly good gearbox especially when you’re pressing on. Subaru claims about 10L/100km when it comes to fuel economy, but in reality you’ll see around 13.5L/100km. Should this be of concern? Absolutely not. No-one buys an STI with fuel economy being a deciding factor…

What’s new?

So if the engine is the same as the old model, then what exactly is new? The chassis is new and is stiffer. There’s an all-new suspension too which makes extensive use of clever differentials and electronics to ensure handling is top notch. The handling technology cleverly balances power between the front and rear axles, as well as from the left side and right side.

When you work with the Active Torque Vectoring (ATV), the stability control and the Driver Controlled Centre Differential (DCCD), the results are quite special. The ATV reduces understeer, while the DCCD allows the driver to decide how much power he/she wants sent to the back wheels. On the narrow and winding roads to Cape Point, the Subaru WRX STI proved to be dramatically fast with the steering being ultra responsive. Track fanatics will love how it drives and for a point-and-squirt machine, the STI does exceptionally well.

Interior

The Subaru STI’s cabin is still a dull and minimalist affair, with only the bare basics being present. You can opt for a locally-developed touchscreen SatNav / infotainment system, which isn’t too bad. There’s a digital boost gauge thrown into the centre dashboard display. This display doubles up as a trip computer. There’s a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, cruise control, electric sunroof, keyless entry, start button, auto lights, auto wipers, LED headlamps, and an all leather interior. I was expecting more sporty seats, such as those offered by brands like Sparco or Recaro.

The drive

When you’re cruising around there’s the distinctive Subaru burble coming out the four exhausts, and if you listen carefully, there’s a subtle whistle and pop from the turbo’s wastegate. There are three throttle settings: Intelligent, Sport and Sport#. Intelligent dulls the power a bit and makes the car civilised. There’s still enough oomph for some thrills though, but if you want to up the ante, then switch the dial to Sport or Sport#. The accelerator pedal becomes very sensitive to inputs and the car starts charging about.

For driving thrills, the Subaru WRX STI offers large amounts of excitement. It’s one of those cars that needs a delicate touch to get the best out of it, but when you get it right, you can get performance out of it that rivals cars costing double the price. Off the line and in Sport# mode, the Subaru WRX STI is savage.

Summary

In closing, the Subaru WRX STI left me with two thoughts. Firstly, what a mind-blowingly agile vehicle this is. Few vehicles are this quick on a tight and winding road and it will take a brave driver to try find the limits of what this thing can do. The all-wheel drive will flatter the average driver and it’ll keep you safe on wet or gravel roads. As far as the Subaru STI lineage goes, this continues the legacy and I’d go as far as to say that this is one of the finest STIs yet.

Secondly, my gripes are with the interior and overall impression of the vehicle. For a 2014 performance car, it’s not quite good enough in all departments to get both thumbs up. Also this car is best suited to the driver who likes to attend track days and the suspension is too firm to be a daily driver. For a car nicknamed ‘the BMW M3 Eater’ back in the day, it also hasn’t evolved enough to match its rivals. The competition has moved on, and the 2014 Subaru STI doesn’t stand a chance against the 2014 BMW M3.

That interior still needs that premium feel and perhaps a gadget or two to woo the millennial generation. If you’re a Subaru fan, you’re going to love it. If its just out of your budget, there’s nothing wrong with opting for the standard Subaru WRX either, which offers 85% of the STI’s ability at a substantially cheaper price. For the rest of you, R600 000 can get you into an Audi S3 sedan, which offers premium features and day to day comfort more befitting of the price tag. Just don’t try take on an STI though as you’ll come off second best…

Second Opinion

The Subaru WRX STI is a cult car, even in the modern era when it’s bang for buck status is under scrutiny. Despite this people flock to inspect and admire it. I just wish Subaru would move the game forward a bit more. – Ashley Oldfield

Subaru WRX STI quick specs

Price  R599 000
Engine  2.5-litre flat-four turbocharged petrol
Power  221 kW
Torque  407 Nm
Transmission  Six-speed manual
Wheels  18-inch alloys
0-100km/h  4.9 seconds (claimed)
Fuel economy   10.4L/100 km (claimed)

We like:
. Blisteringly fast and agile on a tight and winding road
. Head-turning racer looks
. Huge boot and five doors make this practical

We dislike:
. Interior is poor for a car costing this much
. Competition has moved on
. Too hardcore to be a daily driver

Also consider:
Subaru WRX
BMW M235i
Audi S3

BMW X4 xDrive 35i (2014) Review


The new BMW X4 has arrived in South Africa and we put this sports activity vehicle to the test.

So what exactly is the BMW X4? BMW claims this new model slots between the X3 and the excellent X5. Visually it resembles a shrunken X6 – which to most onlookers is not a bad thing. Despite my initial reservations about the coupe SUV looks, my Melbourne Red X4 looked very classy. The X4 isn’t well known at all, so expect a few double takes from onlookers.

Engine, Performance and Economy

That still doesn’t explain what it is though. What I can tell you is that it drives rather well. Power comes from the tried-and-tested 3.0-litre turbocharged six cylinder which pushes out 225 kW and 400 Nm. This engine does duty in the 335i M Performance edition and the M235i coupe we had not so long ago.

Interestingly, this X4 engine has an interesting party trick. Gently accelerate, then come off the throttle and there’s quite an obvious whistle from the turbocharger. I can’t recall any other BMW products having this. Put your foot down, and the distinctive six cylinder engine note satisfies aurally. Performance is brisk, with the 0-100kph time sitting around the 5.5 second mark. It’s not too shabby on fuel either for a big performance all-wheel drive SUV either, with the trip computer reading out 12.2L/100km. If you’re worried about fuel consumption, then simply put the car into Eco Pro mode.

Ride and Handling

It’s quick in a straight line and it handles well when you throw it into the corners too. I’d go as far to say as the ride is distinctly sporty and entertainingly fun to drive. The car does feel a little bouncy though and a quick glance through the options list shows you can get Electronic Damper Control, which should sort things out.

For those of you who’d normally dismiss a vehicle like this as a city slicker, the BMW X4 comes with xDrive and 204 mm of ground clearance, making it useful on gravel and rough surfaces.

Interior and specification

Unlike the BMW X6 which was lashed for being a four seater, the X4 has five usable seats. I can happily say I tried them out as I was the designated driver for four friends to the Franschhoek Uncorked Wine Festival. Rear headroom is a little right for taller folk, but the back three passengers managed and weren’t uncomfortable on the journey. The boot space is smaller than expected, and the BMW X4 comes standard with a power-operated bootlid. For an extra amount of cash, you can opt for the smart boot, which opens when you wiggle your foot under the rear bumper.

The interior is typically BMW, with the latest version of iDrive and a very neat infotainment screen which offers superb clarity. The 2014 Range Rover Sport we had not so long ago has such an average display and it pales in comparison to the BMW X4 unit. The entire interior was clad in a white theme, with the seats having splashes of red. The headrests have an embossed X logo in them too – a nice touch.

The test car came equipped with a heads-up display, outstanding Harmon Kardon audio, all-round camera system which makes parking a breeze (watch the same system here), very attractive daytime running lights, Xenon headlamps, cruise control, auto headlights and rain-sensing wipers. It also came with the BMW M Sport package, which gives it sportier wheels and an aggressive body kit.

Summary and conclusion

The BMW X4 is the answer to a question no-one was asking. While many will dismiss this as BMW trying to cash in on a genre that doesn’t exist, it’s actually quite a good product. Logic should dictate getting an X3 which offers a little bit more space for less money, or going all out and trying to buy a BMW X5 – a superb product in all aspects. There’s just something about the BMW X4 though, I can’t put my finger on it, but I think it’ll prove popular. Personally, I’d go the sensible route and opt for one of the diesel-powered versions.

Second Opinion

The BMW X4 is an attempt at a stylish, mid-life SUV, much like Range Rover’s Evoque. It lacks the outright appeal of the Rangie, but takes top spot dynamically at the expense of ride comfort. – Ashley Oldfield

BMW X4 xDrive 35i quick specs

Price  R818 000
Engine  3.0-litre straight-six turbocharged petrol
Power  225 kW
Torque  400 Nm
Transmission  Six-speed manual
Wheels  18-inch alloys
0-100km/h  5.5 seconds (claimed)
Fuel economy  8.3L/100 km (claimed)

We like:
. Good looking and unique
. Useful ground clearance and all-wheel drive ability
. Great choice of engines

We dislike:
. Rear headroom is a little cramped
. Options list can push the price up considerably – spec carefully!

Also consider:
Range Rover Evoque
BMW X3
Porsche Macan

Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Stealth Concept Shows Up In Paris

The covers have been lifted off the one-off Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Stealth concept which was one of Jeep’s highlights at the Paris Motor Show.

Highlights of the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Stealth Concept

The ‘Moparized’ Wrangler Stealth is the collaborative work of Jeep, Mopar and the Centro Stile and features a textured “Iron Peltrox Iron” exterior with a ventilated hood, extended fender flares, raised suspension kit, LED light bar, and 17-inch rims on 37-inch tyres. The concept also benefits from off-road bumpers, rock rails and a black grille with mesh inserts.

Not much has been revealed about the interior, but according to Jeep, the “exclusive interior includes vintage-style leather seats and upholstery.”

Power comes from a 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine that delivers 147 kW and 460 Nm of torque.

There’s no word on whether the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Stealth Concept will make it to production as a limited-edition model.

Infiniti Q80 Concept Debuts In Paris – To Go Into Production

The Infiniti Q80 concept car has been introduced at the 2014 Paris Motor Show and is said to make into production in three to five years, hinting at future Infiniti design language and smart powertrain technology.

The Q80 Concept detailed

Borrowing some styling cues from the Q30 concept unveiled at the 2013 LA Motor Show, the aggressively proportioned Infiniti Q80 concept car measures 2.1 metres in width, 5 metres in length and 1.34 metres in height.

“The Q80 Inspiration concept was born to disrupt the premium sedan category,” said Francois Bancon, Infiniti Vice President, Product Strategy. “We aim to do this with elegance, style, and emotion.

“Q80 Inspiration is how we see the future in terms of moving people in the higher end of our portfolio. This car is making a statement. Q80 Inspiration is a precursor of a production model in this segment and, as such, integral to our future.”

Inside, the car is furnished with quilted leather and alcantara, together with leather and metal finishes. The driver and passengers get four individual seats, with rear passengers getting a touch screen. The cabin also features a simplified driver interface and unique head-up display (HUD) which keeps the complex algorithms of the intuitive technology hidden from view, showing only the information the driver needs.

The Q80 additionally features an autonomous technology system which uses cameras, lasers and sensors, and can be employed by the driver when needed through a button on the left-hand side of the steering wheel. The system emits tones suggesting a course of action for the driver in heavy traffic or in highway mode. The final decision – whether to accelerate and overtake or whether to brake and fall in behind the car ahead – always rests with the driver.

“As part of our creativity and exploration philosophy, Infiniti considers that autonomous driving is an integral part of a premium car of tomorrow. In our case, we have taken the approach that autonomous driving should empower and enhance the driving experience, not do the driving. Our path of development is not taking us into the area of self-driving vehicles,” said Bancon.

Performance

Power comes from an all-new, downsized twin turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol unit and electric motor hybrid with a claimed 410 kW and is capable of returning 5.5-litres/100 km with CO2 emissions of about 129 g/km. This engine supposedly offers an insight into the Infiniti engine portfolio due to be unveiled over the next two years.

“Q80 Inspiration is a concept vehicle, but there is a production intent associated with it,” added Bancon. “The naming of the car indicates that something like the Q80 Inspiration will be in our portfolio of the future. This vehicle will inspire all of our future products.”

Opel Adam S Becomes a Reality in Paris

Opel has delivered its top-of-the-range Adam to the public at the Paris motor show. The Adam S is a sportier, more powerful version of Opel’s quirky and fun hatchback. We recently drove the standard Adam in Germany and were quite impressed with it.

Adam S gets Turbocharged

Beefing up the power is the first step in creating an Adam S so it’s equipped with a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The Adam S is capable of 110 kW and 220 Nm and that equates to a 0-100kph time of 8.5 seconds and top speed of over 200 kph. Fuel economy is said to be 6.4L/100km.

The exterior has been made to look like a performance hatch with aggressive styling. The front spoiler, side sills and an extended rear bumper cut-out with a visible tailpipe are the main attractions. A total of ten body paint choices and four further roof combinations are available with the‚ ‘Red ‘n‘ Roll‘ roof design reserved exclusively for the Adam S. Those who want an even more impressive entry can individualise the roof and bodywork with additional special ‘S’ graphics.

The interior has been given some sports treatment too. You can choose Recaro performance seats in Morrocana or nappa leather if you wish. The interior is rounded off by small details such as special Adam S floor mats or the key in the grey-black-red Adam S design.

Handling Upgrade

Handling has been enhanced by performance-tuned chassis, developed especially for the Adam S, and direct, sharp steering. Large OPC S brakes, custom-made for the various wheel sizes, ensure improved braking characteristics. The 18-inch wheels with propeller-design rims are fitted with 225/35 tyres and the red brake callipers can be seen.

Renault Espace Brought Back to Life (Update)



The legendary people carrier from Renault has been restored to a full running machine. Revealed at the 2014 Paris Motor Show the Renault Espace has been given the crossover moniker.

Espace Design

Most of us know it as an MPV or people carrier, but Renault obviously sees an advantage in crossover. The Espace will be available in both five and seven-seater options with a practical and modular interior. No doubt the rear seats will be flexible in arrangement opening up a cavernous amount of loading space.

The Initiale Paris version of the new Espace is available with the exclusive Améthyste Black exterior paint and offers two trims for the interior: a graded Lune Grey/Dark Brown or simply Dark Brown finish. Notable exterior features include specific 19-inch wheels, exterior Initiale branding beneath the Renault logo and at the rear replacing the Espace badge, as well as Initiale Paris badging on the door sills.

Much thought has gone into the Espace’s interior design as designers worked on integrating fluid lines with the floating centre console which fits seamlessly with the design. There’s also an addition of a BOSE premium sound system with BOSE Surround Sound and the Visio System Pack for enhanced visibility including front-facing camera, lane departure warning, automatic lights, road sign recognition and over speed warning. There’s also an Advanced Safety Pack which includes safety distance warning and emergency brake assist.

Engine line-up

The Espace engine lineup will include the Energy TCe 200 EDC petrol unit delivering 147 kW and 260 Nm of torque and the Energy dCi 160 EDC diesel with 119 kW and 380 Nm. There will also be a 1.6-litre Energy dCi 130 engine with 97 kW with 320 Nm.

The engines will respectively be mated to the six or seven-speed automatic EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) transmission.

 

Audi TT Sportback Concept Unveiled



The Audi TT Sportback concept has been officially unveiled at the 2014 Paris Motor Show.

Redesigned sportiness of the Audi TT

Designed as a fast sports car with four seats and four doors, the TT Sportback differentiates itself from the road-going TT with a new front bumper and a revised wider hexagonal grille with honeycomb mesh inserts, as well as redesigned headlights with a unique LED signature and laser high-beam headlights, a dual exhaust system and 21-inch alloy wheels.

The rear view of the Audi TT Sportback concept is sleek and sculptural with five horizontal lines that emphasize its width. The one-piece rear lights – also with the R18, inspired by vertical dividers – form an independent body while the two large, elliptical exhaust tailpipes are embedded into the diffuser.

Sitting at 4470 mm long, 1890 mm wide and 1380 mm tall, with a 2630 mm wheelbase, makes the concept longer and wider, but lower, than the TT Coupe. Its wheelbase has further been stretched by 12 cm to sit at 120 mm.

“With the TT, Audi created one of the automotive design icons of the last 20 years,” said Dr Hackenberg, Audi Board Member for Technical Development. “In the years since, we have designed our sporty and elegant five?door Audi A5 Sportback and Audi A7 Sportback. In our Audi TT Sportback concept show car, we are now fusing both concepts to form a new member of a potential TT family.”

Interior design

On the inside, the Audi TT Sportback is finished with premium leather upholstery, dark aluminium trim and gloss black accents. There are also two individual rear seats with integral head restraints which are further separated by a small centre console, and 12.3-inch virtual cockpit display as well as gauges and infotainment functions grouped in a cluster ahead of the steering wheel, and a slender, wing-shaped dashboard.

The drive

Power is provided by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder TFSI engine that packs 294 kW and 450 Nm of torque. All that power goes to all four wheels thanks to a seven-speed S tronic transmission and a quattro all-wheel drive system, which enables the model to complete the 0-100 kph task in 3.9 seconds.

According to Audi, the high performance engine is limited to an average of 7.0-litres/100 km, with CO2 emissions of 162 g/km.

2015 Fiat 500X Unveiled at Paris Motor Show

Fiat has taken the covers off of its 500X – a Fiat 500-based crossover which will go on sale globally.

The 2015 Fiat 500x is built in the SATA factory in Melfi (Potenza), Italy and more than 100 countries, including the United States, will receive the 2015 Fiat 500X.

Details

There’s a range of efficient diesel and petrol engines and there’ll be three gearboxes to choose from too, with either a manual, 9-speed automatic or twin-clutch six-speed transmission doing duty. There’ll be front-wheel drive, four-wheel drive as well as front-wheel drive with Traction Plus to choose from. That’s a lot of variety and personally I’m glad you have the options to choose.

There are two versions available. The first is for the fashion brigade and the car offers distinctive, elegant detailing and the second is for the outdoor/offroad enthusiasts as the car has more of a 4×4 look to it. In terms of size, it’s 4.25 metres long (2 cm more for the version suited for leisure), 1.8 metres wide and 1.60 metres in height (with roof bars or 4-wheel drive the figures are 161 and 162 cm respectively). Wheel sizes range from 16-, 17- and 18-inch alloys.

The interior can be configured in no less than seven different ways, with various types of fabric, leather and colours coming together. The luggage compartment sits at 350 litres, and thanks to the multiple seat adjustment possibilities, this can be expanded.

2015 Fiat 500X engines

Powering the 2015 Fiat 500X are a range of engines from the Fiat family. From the launch there’ll be a 1.4 Turbo MultiAir II with 105 kW (with front-wheel drive and 6-speed manual gearbox), the 90 kW 1.6 MultiJet II (also with front-wheel drive and 6-speed manual gearbox) and the 105 kW 2.0 MultiJet II (with 9-speed automatic transmission and 4-wheel drive). These engines will be joined by the 82 kW 1.6 “E-torQ” (5-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive), the 126 kW 1.4 Turbo MultiAir II (9-speed automatic transmission and 4-wheel drive) and the potent 137 kW Tigershark 2.4 (9-speed automatic transmission and 4-wheel drive).

For the diesel fans, there will be a 70 kW 1.3 MultiJet II (with 5-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive) and the 104 kW 2.0 MultiJet II (with 6-speed manual and 4-wheel drive).

Offroad ability

With four-wheel drive, the 2015 Fiat 500X can venture offroad. The car features a clever rear axle disconnection system that allows a reduction in energy wasted through drag when four-wheel drive operation is not required, thus ensuring greater efficiency in terms of consumption. It shares the technology with its sibling from the America, the Jeep Renegade.

The Drive Mood Selector gives you three car behaviours. Auto is claimed to be the best for comfort and consumption, Sport favours performance, while All-weather gives you maximum stability in bad conditions. If you’re driving the four-wheel drive version, then All-weather is replaced by traction, which speeds up the transmission of torque to the rear axle.

Uconnect infotainment

The 2015 Fiat 500X comes with new technology in terms of comfort and infortainment. The new UconnectTM system has either a 5″ or 6.5″ touchscreen and both come complete with Bluetooth, Aux-in, USB port, SD port and voice commands. The Uconnect 5” Radio Nav device offers TomTom navigation, while the Uconnect 6.5″ Radio Nav features satellite navigation with 3D maps, progressive route guidance and ‘One Shot Voice Destination Entry’ to enter addresses with voice commands.

Nissan Pulsar Nismo Rolls in at Paris


Whilst Nissan South Africa hasn’t yet seen fit to bring the Pulsar into the country, we still think that this Pulsar Nismo is worth an introduction. Nissan South Africa has given us the Almera and the Sentra recently, but we would swap both of those for a Pulsar if we had the choice. The Pulsar is a VW Golf–sized hatchback that does duty in Europe and areas in the East including Australia.

Pulsar Nismo Concept Details

This Pulsar Nismo Concept is a sports version of the standard Pulsar and makes the Pulsar a more aggressive, boy-racer stanced hatchback. Whilst just in concept form, Nissan says it is ‘committed to developing its Nismo line-up with the ambition of delivering bold new performance models to a new generation of drivers’.

The front bumper features larger, optimised air intakes and brake cooling vents. Nismo has added deeper side skirts, a lower ride height and 19-inch wheels with 235/35 wide rubber, while the diffuser-style rear bumper and the central twin exhaust pipes, further reinforce the Concept’s motorsport feel.

Further design features on the Pulsar Nismo Concept is the addition of chrome trim around the side windows painted in black as well as a carbon fibre finish and Nismo red decals down the door mirrors.

The interior has been sported up as well with generous use of Alcantara on the sports seats and a Nismo specific steering wheel.

The engine details have not yet been released, but the figure swirling around the Internet as that Nissan could extrapolate around 180 kW from the 1.6-litre turbo motor. Handling has been enhanced with a revised suspension system that incorporates settings honed on the racetrack. In addition to a lower ride height, the Pulsar Nismo Concept incorporates revised spring and damper settings.

Aston Martin Vanquish Carbon Black Announced



The stream of cars coming out from the 2014 Paris Motor Show is thick and fast, and showing very little sign of abating.

Vanquish Carbon Black details

Aston Martin has taken the wraps off another special edition. This time its the Aston Martin Vanquish which receives the Carbon Black treatment. The Aston Martin Vanquish Carbon Black is the British sports car company’s ultimate GT and is claimed to offer ‘a powerful road presence to match its 320kph-plus performance.’

There’s a strong dark theme to the Aston Martin Vanquish Carbon Black and there’s quite a bit of carbon fibre thrown into the mix. There’s two colours available: Stratus White and the menacing black you see here. While you may be forgiven for being confused by this and the Aston Martin Carbon Edition from not so long ago, there are some subtle differences between the two. The Vanquish Carbon Black features black window surrounds and ten-spoke gloss black non diamond turned alloy wheels, while on the interior, the black theme continues with a choice of accent colours and materials that showcase a combination of standard carbon fibre features and black hardware.

If this gets too confusing, then do what we do and just admire how pretty the Vanquish Carbon Black looks. It’s certainly striking.