BMW has announced the 2015 M4 Convertible will be priced from R1 194 541 when it goes on sale sometime later this year.
BMW M4 Convertible price in South Africa
First shown at the 2014 New York Auto Show, the hefty R1 194 541 price tag of the six-speed manual M4 Convertible comes with a premium feature a retractable hard top that can be lowered in 20 seconds at speeds up to 18kph. The seven-speed M-DCT model is priced at R1 242 015, which is higher than both the M3 Sedan and the M4 Coupe.
Another notable feature of the convertible has to be its 3.0-litre TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder engine that delivers 317 kW and 550 Nm of torque. This allows the car to accelerate from 0100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds and hit an electronically limited top speed of 250 kph, when equipped with the optional seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission.
Mercedes-Benz SL 400 Driven
Theres a certain confluence of events that occurs every so often, where the whole adds up to more than the assembly of components. Happily, for me, such is the case with Mercedes-Benzs new SL 400 AMG Line, the latest version of its most famous roadster line unveiled in the KZN Midlands earlier this week.
The newest SL employs Mercedes new three-litre twin-turbo V6 up ahead of the superbly rigid scuttle, and what a match it is for this cars mix of sportive acumen and comfort-orientated cruise-mode ability.
There is a sweetness about the engine that is apparent from start up, idling quietly and unobtrusively as you lower the top via the push of a button. So much so, that to re-ascertain that the motor is in fact running, you may well lower the volume on the incredibly rich Frontbass audio system, which Merc says enables you to turn your SL into a concert hall, whether the top is down.
Once on the move, you will relish the way the engine and 7G-TRONIC-PLUStraditional fluid-drive automatic gearbox combines to feed power and torque seamlessly to the rear wheels. And once engine temps are nice and warm you will, believe me you will, be compelled to see just how well this engine propels some 1 800 kgs worth of luxury roaster towards the horizon.
Power figures
The numbers for the SL 400 read 245 kW at 6 000 rpm and 480 Nm between 1 600 and 4 000 rpm. Those numbers tell a story right there and then. Almost from idle you have maximum torque on tap, and yet, far from tapering off, the thrust continues hard and fast to the 6 000 rpm power peak. Whats more you can rev this engine close to the 7 000 mark before the electronics shift it to a higher ratio. Its the way in which it delivers that power that is so satisfying, for there is not a hint of typical V6 vibration to be detected from the cabin, through your fingers on the richly-stitched AMG-Line steering wheel, or through the seat of your pants ensconced in the AMG-specific leather-clad bucket pew.
There is also a lightness of nose about the car with this smallest engine that is perhaps lacking in the more potent V8 and V12 derivatives, and none of the raucousness of the V8. This V6 is refinement personified!
Performance on launch
For me, the car is all about a mix of exhilarating-but-not-brutal performance, and in this SL 400, twin-turbo V6 guise, it delivers that blend of excitement and containment in a near perfect mix. The suspension does feature adaptive damping, which enables a noticeable change in the compression and rebound rates to stiffen things up markedly.
On the launch route on the old KZN Midlands Meander route, the road dished up a mix of medium-paced bends which was perfectly suited to this cars abilities, which are not leach-like in the manner of, say, an AMG 45 hatchback, but nevertheless more than adequate to get the blood setting purple sectors in your arterial circuitry.
Chassis and ride
The chassis is amazing in its rigidity, and youd never guess you are in a roadster. All the more impressive is the fact that is constructed largely of aluminium. By the way, I tended to leave the suspension in ts ‘comfort’ setting, as the tyres fed back too much road noise on the harder setting. Our car was fitted with the option 35-aspect ratio rubber on 129-inch wheels. It should be noted, however, that the road surfaces in this part of KZN are notorious for their noise-inducing properties.
The AMG Line kit, by the way includes the three-spoke AMG steering wheel with bright-metal high-lights and a flat-bottom section,, AMG side skirts, and chromed tail-pipe treatment. The headlights are interesting, featuring multiple LED technology. There is also MAGIC VISION wiper technology which directs water to the windscreen via the wiper blade, and not via random spray nozzles.
Mercedes-Benz SL 400 Price in South Africa
But this 400 SL is all about the engine. The V6 twin turbo not only delivers the goods power-wise, and regardless of altitude, but it has a wonderful sound too. The price is R1 212 600, but it may be worth mentioning that our particular car on the launch fleet had over R200 000 worth of extra kit attached to it.
2014 BMW X5 40d (2014) Review
The BMW X5 40d sits plumb in the middle of the X5 range and as a whole the X5 is now into its third generation. It has evolved impressively from an Estate substitute to a key figure in BMWs world domination plans. This latest X5 at first glance looks like a pure evolution of its predecessor, hoping to succeed on the coattails of its past success. We got behind the wheel for a week and sought to find out for ourselves how BMWs latest luxury SUV copes.
Its all in the Details
Whilst the X5 initially doesnt look all that different from its predecessor when you get down the details of it, the small changes do a great job of modernising the overall package. The headlights for instance have a new sleeker, angrier design which gives the X5 a less gormless and more aggressive demeanour. The slightly curvier waist line optically lowers the centre of gravity and it appears less top heavy. Small touches like these have improved the X5s design without stretching too far into the unknown.
Twin Turbo
This BMW X5 40d is equipped with the middle specification power output of the 3-litre straight-six twin-turbo diesel engine. When I say middle, thats not to say its down on power, or torque for that matter. 230 kW and 630 Nm is plenty, no matter how much weight youre trying to tow around.
Zero to 100kph takes just 5.9 seconds and is backed up by a throaty engine note that doesnt sound much like a clattery diesel. You dont even have to feel guilty about the excessive power either as thanks to BMWs eight-speed automatic gearbox, the X5 40d drinks at a claimed rate of 6.2l/100km. The surplus of lowdown torque means the X5 can shift continuously at low RPM without bogging down which, results in decreased fuel consumption.
Lap of Luxury
The luxury SUV segment is not short of competitors building lavish interiors worthy of a room in a Sol Kerzner hotel. BMWs X5 is ensconced in leather from top to toe, even the third row of seats, which spend most of their life folded into the floor are leather. Rear passengers are also treated to 9.5-inch screens built into the front headrests, capable of many things including playing DVDs, TV, radio or the Internet through the stand alone rear entertainment system.
The rear loading space holds 650-litres and that sounds like a lot but is a bit down on competitors like the Range Rover and Mercedes-Benz ML. The drivers seat is the best place to sit though, the X5 is kitted to the hills and back. Safety seems to be the primary concern as systems in place range from radar detection of pedestrians and animals in the dark to lane departure warning, birds eye view parking assistant and anti-dazzle high beam assist. Watch how good BMW’s parking assistance is here.
Our BMW X5 40d was fitted with a Bang and Olufsen high end sound system. This is an absolute must for any music connoisseur as the 16-speakers littered throughout the cabin provide the most crisp and pitch perfect sound Ive ever heard.
Drive
There was never going to be many complaints about the X5s drive and road prowess. The X5s on road talent is impressive, it soaks up bumps, holes and manhole covers superbly, conveying a supremely comfortable yet subtle ride. Theres no excessive lean in the corners and you can get a move on with confidence nothing underneath you is going to surprise.
It is quite a heavy beast at two-tonnes and most of that weight feels like its on the nose of the X5, emergency turns and manoeuvres do tend to force the front end to dive and results in quite nasty understeer.
Final Thoughts
The new BMW X5 40d has improved the breed, the looks are sharper and more modern, the diesel engine is an absolute pearl and the package handles well. It has strong competition from rivals that have relatively new models in the Range Rover Sport and the Porsche Cayenne. You cant forget the Mercedes-Benz ML either. The X5 seems to find middle ground in all of them without necessarily trumping any of them. Its the Jack of all trades SUV and likely to be the default choice for consumers looking for a strong value proposition in the luxury SUV market.
Second Opinion
The BMW X5 40d is a vehicle you want to splash out for. With an assortment of engines and spec to choose from, you really can’t go wrong. I do feel the 40d bridges the gap between the flawless and pick-of-the-range 30d and the monstrous M50d, which offers incredible performance. I’m happy to report ‘our’ X5 sipped diesel at 9l/100km and was a lovely vehicle for four people to make a Winelands weekend excursion.-David Taylor
BMW X5 40d quick specs
Price
R986 000
Engine
3-litre 6-cylinder twin-turbodiesel
Power
230 kW
Torque
630 Nm
Transmission
Eight-speed Automatic
Wheels
19-inch alloys
0-100km/h
5.9 seconds (claimed)
Fuel economy
6.2 l/100 km (claimed)
We like:
. Evolutionary design
. Spectacular performance with impressive fuel economy
. On road ability defies size and weight
We dislike:
. Overseas models get more tech
. Less load space than rivals
Mercedes-Benz SL400 AMG Line Now Available In South Africa
Mercedes-Benz has introduced the new SL 400 AMG line in South Africa.
New engine introduced to the SL roadster family
The SL400 AMG Line boasts a six-cylinder biturbo drive system with a 2996 cc displacement and an output of 245 kW and 480 Nm of torque. It is connected to a 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission with a sporty configuration of driving mode S which enables the car to accelerate from 0-100 km in 5.2 seconds reaching a top speed of 250 km/h.
The Line also comes standard with the ECO start/stop function, and exemplary low fuel consumption which stands at 7.3-litres/100 km and CO2 emissions of 178 g/km.
The convertible additionally comes equipped with headlamps with Intelligent Light System, chrome tailpipes in the rear, luxurious leather seats and a three-spoke AMG sports steering wheel in black Nappa leather with a flattened bottom section.
The SL 400 also offers two extraordinary innovations as standard, the unique Frontbass system and the MAGIC VISION CONTROL wipe/wash system that takes water from the wiper blade to the windscreen as required and irrespective of the direction of wipe.
Pricing for the Mercedes-Benz SL400 AMG Line sits at R1 212 600. Driving impression will appear later on today.
2014 Toyota Etios Cross Review
Toyota has taken its standard Etios and given it some cladding to make it more butch. Meet the 2014 Toyota Etios Cross. We attended the launch of the 2014 Toyota Etios Cross not so long ago, but a week-long evaluation is more thorough.
Chunky looks
Toyota is the third manufacturer to attack the baby crossover market and this Etios Cross is aimed at the Renault Sandero Stepway and Volkswagen Polo Vivo Maxx. I’m not 100% sold on the looks, and I do think it’s a little tacky. The front isn’t so bad, but the side and the rear are clad in thick unpainted black plastic. The great thing about these things is that they’re tough and can take a beating from nature and other car doors without leaving a massive mark. Kudos for that, then.
Solid engine
There’s a 1.5-litre engine powering the 2014 Toyota Etios Cross, and with 66 kW and 132 Nm, the vehicle never feels underpowered. Power is driven to the front wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox which is solid and smooth in operation. While I couldn’t find a trip computer, Toyota claims the Etios Cross will consume 6 l /100km – not too bad. For its 1.5 capacity, this is probably the best engine in its class and it responds well when you want to thrash it.
The drive is okay with the ride being gentle. The 2014 Toyota Etios Cross feels a lot more solid than the normal Etios and it’s pleasant to drive. It’s safe too, with driver and passenger airbags, as well as ABS/EBD. For a car costing this little, it’s good to see there’s at least some form of safety.
The interior is substantially upgraded when compared to the non-Cross Etios models. It’s Indian origins means it has been engineered to be left-hand and right-hand drive, which then results in a centralised column. The infotainment system is a little basic, but it has bluetooth, aux input and USB connectivity. This centralised column also features the rev counter and speedo.
Summary
It’s not the worst car in it’s class, but it’s certainly not the best. For a small amount of money, you can get the Renault Sandero Stepway which in my opinion offers more car, better looks and an eco-friendly turbocharged powerplant. Still, the 2014 Toyota Etios Cross offers good all-round ability combined with fabled Toyota reliability. If you can get past the budget looks and the made in India sticker, you’ll be fine.
Second opinion
Toyota added the Etios Cross to the range for a bit of masculinity as it seemed too many females were buying the standard Etios. The first female I showed the car to gasped and shouted ‘aw cute man!’ Not sure it has worked….-Ashley Oldfield
2014 Toyota Etios Cross quick specs
Price
R159 800
Engine
1.5-litre four-cylinder
Power
66 kW
Torque
132 Nm
Transmission
Five-speed manual
Wheels
15-inch alloys
0-100 kph
11.3
Fuel economy
6 l /100km
We like:
Good engine
Reliable
Chunky cladding protection
We dislike:
Looks might not appeal to everyone
Cabin quality is below par
Mercedes-Benz has revealed the pricing details of the GLA 45 AMG which kicks off at R740 100.
World’s most powerful series-produced four-cylinder engine
For that price you will the entry-level model equipped with what is labelled as the most powerful series-production four-cylinder engine in the world, delivering 265 kW and 450 Nm. The new GLA 45 AMG high-performance SUV also boasts class-leading fuel consumption figures which stand at 7.5-litres/100 km combined with CO2 emissions of 175 g/km. This is the same engine used in the Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG, which we drove a few months ago.
Additional highlights of the AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine include: Gravity-die sand-cast all-aluminium crankcase, weight-optimised crank mechanism with forged steel crankshaft, forged pistons with friction-optimised piston rings, NANOSLIDE cylinder liner technology, air-to-water intercooling system, alternator management, and an ECO start/stop function.
The GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC Edition 1
At the other end of the range, theres a GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC Edition 1 which costs an extra R75 000 on top of the R740 100 price tag. This gets you an AMG Night package which comprises of chromed tailpipe trim elements, or an AMG Aerodynamic package, 20-inch AMG 10-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in matt black and with red-painted rim flange, and AMG hub caps featuring centre lock look in red/black with chrome star.
Some interior highlights include AMG performance seats, upholstery in ARTICO man-made leather/DINAMICA microfibre in black in combination with dashboard in ARTICO man-made leather with red contrasting topstitching. Theres also an AMG performance steering wheel in black Nappa leather/Alcantara with AMG aluminium shift paddles, contrasting red topstitching and E-SELECT lever with embossed AMG emblem and master key with AMG emblem.
New Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG price in South Africa
For the average motorist in South Africa a fast car doesn’t mean much. There’s no Autobahn, no Nürburgring Nordschleife to test your mettle, just congested highways, the Karoo, a 120kph speed limit and the odd speed cop hiding behind a bush ready to wave you down when you clock 131 kph.
South Africa then, is no place for a fast car, but all is not lost. Owning a fast car is more about status and the cool factor of owning a fast car, even if you can’t really stretch its legs. But don’t despair, you can always dream. Here is a list of the fastest cars in South Africa for 2014. You might want to wipe that drool from your mouth…
The Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 is a beast amongst beasts and is the fastest car in South Africa, but only just. All that rumbling power is delivered by a 6.5-litre V12 engine that thumps out a mammoth 515 kW and 690 Nm of torque. The Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 screeches to 100kph in 2.9 seconds before claiming a top speed of 350kph. The Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 will set you back a lofty R7.15-million.
Next on the speed scene is the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta, one of the fastest prancing horses to ride into town. With its powerful 6.3-litre V12 generating a whopping 545 kW and 690 Nm of torque, the F12 Berlinetta is no slouch. Accelerating to 100kph in only 3.1 seconds and reaching a top speed of 340kph, the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta is blistering fast. Expect to cough up about R5.68-million for the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta.
The new McLaren 650S, based on the MP4-12C, is the third fastest car in South Africa. Using the same 3.8-litre V8 twin turbo engine used in the MP4-12C, the 650S generates a hefty 478 kW of power while planting 680 Nm of torque onto the tarmac. This all culminates in a freak show of speed with the McLaren 650S caning 100kph in a mere 3 seconds before topping out at 333kph. Not too shabby, hey. You will have to fork out about R4.5-million to own the McLaren 650S.
Hot on the heels of the McLaren 650S is the Bentley Continental GT Speed. This lumbering behemoth of a car is fitted with a twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre W12 engine that produces 460 kW of power and a mammoth 800 Nm of torque. These large numbers result in a top speed of 333 kph while the 0-100 kph dash passes by in only 4.2 seconds. This speed demon comes with a price tag of R4.6-million. Read our Bentley Continental GT Speed Review.
The V12 Vantage S is Aston Martin’s fastest car to date and makes the list as one of South Africa’s fastest cars. This isn’t surprising since the Aston Martin V12 Vantage S generates 412 kW of power and 620 Nm of torque from its 6.0-litre V12 engine which enables the Vantage S to accelerate to 100kph in only 3.9 seconds before reaching a top speed of 330kph. You will be happy to know that the Aston Martin V2 Vantage S will only set you back about R2.2-million, making it substantially cheaper in our list of fastest cars.
Datsun mi-DO Budget Car Revealed in Russia
The Datsun mi-DO hatchback made its debut at the 2014 Moscow Motor Show alongside its sister model the on-DO sedan.
Dynamic new model
Dubbed as “practical yet sporty”, the five-door hatchback features some styling cues from the on-DO model with a strong muscular appearance. Notable features include its D-Cut grille flanked by dramatically elongated projector headlamps that stretch from the grille to the fender, creating a look that sets it apart from the sedan.
Both the Sedan and hatchback sit on a 2476 mm wheelbase, are 1500 mm tall and 1700 mm wide, however the new Datsun mi-DO is 3950 mm long compared to the Datsun on-DO at 4337 mm.
Power comes from a 1.6-litre engine delivering 65 kW and is connected to a five-speed manual, with a four-speed automatic available as an option.
“The Datsun concept of offering a new car from a foreign maker at a highly affordable price has struck a chord with Russian car buyers. Datsun might be a new name on the Russian market but its impact will be felt for years to come. Rest assured we are totally committed to the Russian market: our debut at MIAS marks just the beginning of the story,” says Vincent Cobee, Global Head of Datsun.
Sales of the stylish Datsun mi-DO five-door hatchback are said to begin Early next year.
The GO is said to offer first time new car buyers accessible motoring, along with stylish and modern looks and all the benefits that come with the pricier models in its segment.
The Chevrolet Niva is not a vehicle that will likely make its way to our shores, but it caught our eye as we were browsing through the latest offerings from the 2014 Moscow motor show.
Chevrolet Niva Off-Road Cred
Its pretty cool to see a small SUV going the full rugged route with a snorkel, big BF Goodrich off road tyres, a winch and roof rack. Back those up with a matte black paintwork scheme and some spotlights and you have a bad-ass looking SUV.
The engine reduces its off-road credentials a bit as its powered by a 1.8-litre petrol engine with a five-speed gearbox. Four-wheel drive is done with a locked differential.
Still in concept phase, the Chevrolet Niva will likely start selling in 2016.
2015 Suzuki Vitara Shown Before Paris Debut
First images of the 2015 Suzuki Vitara have been revealed ahead of the models Paris Motor Show debut later this year.
All-new small and stylish SUV model
The 2015 Suzuki Vitara is the production model based on the iV-4 concept which was first exhibited at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2013. The launch of the five-door SUV marks the return of the Vitara badge which was first used by the company more than 25 years ago on a similar model. The model is supposedly not a replacement for the Grand Vitara, but a new proposal from Suzuki that will slot in between the Jimny and the Grand Vitara.
Not many details are available as yet, however according to the release issued by Suzuki, the all-new Vitara will be available with optional ALLGRIP intelligent four wheel drive? with petrol and diesel engines that offer low CO2 emissions as well as outstanding fuel economy in the sector.
Further details of these, as well as final specifications will be available closer to public launch. The 2015 Suzuki Vitara is scheduled to hit the UK market in the spring of 2015, and will be offered in a number of personalisation options including numerous colours and trims.
