Fourth-Generation Nissan Pathfinder to Show Up In Moscow
The launch of the all-new fourth-generation Nissan Pathfinder at the 2014 Moscow Motor Show will also mark the first ever petrol-electric hybrid production in Russia.
Fourth-generation Nissan Pathfinder – first-ever hybrid production in Russia
The Pathfinder will debut alongside the new Russian-built Sentra sedan, the new Nissan Juke and new Nissan GT-R NISMO. The model is said to be equipped with a standard 3.5-litre petrol engine as well as a 2.5-litre hybrid engine. It will also be fitted with an intelligent 4×4 system and the latest generation X-tronic transmission.
Production of Pathfinder’s hybrid engine variant will make the St. Petersburg plant Russia’s first to produce a hybrid. The plant currently builds the Teana, Murano and X-Trail, while the Qashqai will be added in 2015. The addition of the Pathfinder will contribute to Nissans doubling of production there, to 100 000 units annually.
Currently available in South Africa is the Nissan Pathfinder SE which is offered in either a manual or automatic gearbox, and is powered by a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine producing 140 kW at 4 000 rpm and 450 Nm of torque at 2 000 rpm.
The model additionally features a towing capacity of 3000 kg and excellent off-road dimensions where short overhangs and a 232 mm ground clearance allow for good approach, departure and break-over angles.
Pricing starts at R450 900, click here for more South African-specific details.
Renaultsport R.S 01 Fully Revealed
After months of teasing us with pics and video of the Renaultsport R.S 01, it has finally been officially revealed. Looking like a concept car come to life, the R.S 01 is set to take on the World Series by Renault championship. The Renaultsport R.S 01 features a Nismo V6 engine and rear-wheel drive.
R.S 01 Twin Turbo V6
Apart from looking the part the R.S 01 also has the clout to back it up; its mid-engined Nismo V6 twin-turbo develops in excess of 368kW and 600Nm of torque. Top the mad engine off with a chassis that weighs around 1100kg and youve got the perfect recipe for a thoroughbred racing car. The seven speed sequential gearbox is accessed via paddle shifters behind the steering wheel.
The R.S 01 is built with endurance racing in mind so has a 150-litre fuel tank on board. Races are around four-hours long so multiple fuel stops will still need to occur.
Typical of Renaults current design philosophy, the R.S 01 has a large bade up front with a prominent grille surrounding it. You could be forgiven for seeing similarities the Audis R8 in the overall shape, but the rear end of this R.S 01 is undeniably awesome, with the mid-mounted tail pipes exiting through the bodywork a particular stand-out element.
Let’s hope this race car inspires a road-going Renault supercar to rival the likes of the Audi R8 and Porsche 911.
Mitsubishi Mirage 1.2 GLS (2014) Review
The entry-level A-segment in South Africa is both hostile and cut-throat. Contenders doing battle in this volatile segment generally come heavily armed with standard features, improved quality and competitive pricing. That said, new contenders have lots of convincing to do to make a significant sales impact and the recently launched Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback aims to do just that.
Despite being marginally under-gunned in the power department when compared to similar competitors, the Mitsubishi Mirage still has lots of value to offer. I spent a week with the range-topping Mirage 1.2 GLS to see if it will stand the test of time in this competitive segment.
Fun to Drive
Fitted with a 5-speed manual gearbox, the Mitsubishi Mirage generates 57 kW of power and 100 Nm of torque from its 3-cylinder 1.2-litre MIVEC petrol engine. The Mirage wears these small numbers on its sleeve to deliver a fun and sprightly drive within the confines of the city. However, head out onto the highway and the Mirage’s confidence starts to erode. The Mirage’s suspension is softly sprung which translates into a bouncy ride on uneven sections with significant body roll and road noise becoming evident at highway speeds. Weighing only 825 kg, the Mirage is also easily blown around in typically strong Cape winter winds so you better have your wits about you when the weather turns nasty.
Despite these flaws, the Mitsubishi Mirage is responsive when driven with vigor and offers sufficient power for your everyday city commute and its 4.6m turning circle makes maneuvering easy. Perhaps the Mirage’s strongest selling point is its fuel consumption with a claimed figure of 4.9-litres / 100km. My best driving efforts returned a combined fuel consumption figure of only 5.5-litres / 100km, which is pretty impressive. The Mitsubishi Mirage also delivers a throaty engine note when you floor the gas pedal, which should put a smile on your face.
This test model came packed with features, some of which including 15-inch alloy wheels, ABS with EBD, driver and passenger airbags, electric windows, Start button, air conditioning, climate control, USB port, a handy multi-information display, and the list goes on.
Neat and Functional Interior
Step inside the Mitsubishi Mirage and you are welcomed by a minimalist interior that’s neat and easy to use. The leather steering wheel with mounted audio controls is tilt adjustable and the front seats are soft and comfortable but don’t offer much lateral support. The rear bench is a bit harder on the buttocks and leg, shoulder and headroom could be problematic for taller passengers. The boot is on the small side, 235-litres, but the 60:40 split rear seats fold down to increase loading capacity.
The ECO light in the instrument cluster is a useful reminder to drive in a fuel efficient manner and there’s ample space upfront for goodies in the glove-box, centre console and door panels. All factors considered, the Mitsubishi Mirage should be an easy car to live with on a daily basis.
Mitsubishi Mirage – Verdict
Like most cars in this segment, the Mitsubishi Mirage has its flaws, but it’s a pleasant little city car that will serve its owner well. The Mirage is built with city use in mind and will return excellent fuel economy day-in and day-out which makes it that much more attractive. A year’s worth of comprehensive insurance is included in the price and should be taken seriously, you can save thousands. On the down side, the Mirage may be a bit pricey when compared to its direct competitors.
Second Opinion
The Mitsubishi Mirage seems to be a very late entrant to the market but it presents a decent offering. One year’s insurance is not to be scoffed at either. You won’t turn heads with the Mirage but its simplistic, no fuss build feels reassuringly sturdy. Ashley Oldfield
Mitsubishi Mirage – Price in South Africa
The Mitsubishi Mirage 1.2 GLS is priced at R144 900 while the base GL model is offered at R124 900. Alternatively, the mid-range Mirage GLX is priced at R134 900. All Mitsubishi Mirage models include a 3-year/ 100 000 km warranty and a 2-year/ 30 000 km service plan. Service intervals are set at 15 000 km, and don’t forget about that one year’s worth of insurance thrown in for free!
Quick Specs
Engine
1.2-litre 3-cylinder, 12-valve DOHC
Power
57 kW @ 6 000 rpm
Torque
100 Nm / 4000 rpm
Transmission
5-Speed Manual
Wheels
15-inch alloys
0-100km/h
12 seconds
Fuel Economy
4.9-litres/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
35-litres
We Like
– Low fuel consumption
– Functional interior
– Fun drive
– Entertaining engine note – Comprehensive insurance thrown in for free
We Dislike – Bouncy ride
– Body roll at higher speed
– Road noise
– A bit pricey
The 2015 Volvo XC90 has officially been revealed and is expected to make its way to SA around August next year.
Volvos new face
Earlier this year Volvo announced its plans to use a different strategy and gradually unveil the all-new Volvo XC90 in different stages from the inside out instead of doing just one reveal. According to Volvo, this approach was so that it can fully share all the details, technology and pure Swedish craftsmanship details that often get lost in the bigger picture of an all-new car reveal.
The XC90 boasts a number of world-first safety technologies, a new platform, and advanced powertrain options. From the images we can see the model features a fresh and aggressive design, with “Thor’s Hammer” T-shaped LED daytime running lights, high-strength boron steel panels, as well as a large upright grille and various aluminium trimmings.
To add more visual muscle from the sides, the all-new Volvo XC90 comes with a range of wheel sizes up to 22 inches. Other notable features include a prominent roof-mounted spoiler, round or rectangle double exhaust tips (depending on the version).
Luxurious interior
Inside the cabin, there are three rows of seats to house up to seven people. You will also find a four-zone climate control system and a 1400-watt 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system, as well an iPad-like touchscreen infotainment system, and a digital instrument panel with diamond-cut controls.
New technology includes stuff like Run Off Road Protection, Lane Keeping Aid, Driver Alert Control and Rest Stop Guidance, all designed to achieve Volvos aim towards its Vision 2020, to ensure that no-one should be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo car.
The overall impression, both exterior and interior, has a strong connection to the key elements of the Swedish lifestyle: the generous space, the celebration of light and the focus on wellbeing, said Thomas Ingenlath, Senior Vice President Design of Volvo Car Group.
Two exterior styling themes
The all-new 2015 Volvo XC90 is available with a range of accessories coming from two major exterior themes. The first is the Urban Luxury package which combines a colour co-ordinated body kit with polished stainless steel details, such as front deco frames, front and rear skid plates and side scuff plates. It also comes with 21-inch exclusive polished wheels.
The other is the Rugged Luxury kit which enhances the ruggedness of the XC90 SUV with tech matte black exterior trim, stainless steel skid plates, running boards with illumination and integrated exhaust pipes, as well as unique 22-inch wheels.
Brand new range of Drive-E engines
Upon launch, four new Drive-E engines will be available: a twin-turbodiesel D5 packing 168 kW and 470 Nm and allows the vehicle to return 6-liters/100 km; a D4 with 142 kW and 400 Nm which will return 5-liters/100 km; a T6 turbocharged & supercharged engine delivering 239 kW and 400 Nm; and a T5 variant will also be available with 189 kW and 350 Nm.
The top-of-the-range Twin Engine will carry the T8 badge and be a plug-in electric car, hybrid car and high-performance car rolled into one. The hybrid derivative features a 2.0-litre turbocharged & supercharged four-cylinder Drive-E petrol engine that powers the front wheels while a 60 kW electric motor drives the rear wheels. It has a combined output of 298 kW and 640 Nm and will do 40 km solely on electric power.
The all-new Volvo XC90 will be available in T8 in South Africa more details will follow closer to the local launch next year.
2015 Volvo XC90 price in South Africa
Production of the second generation Volvo XC90 will kick off at the beginning of next year in Torslanda, Gothenburg, with first deliveries expected to commence in May next year.
In South Africa, the XC90 AWD D5 First Edition will cost R1 050 000. Full range details and pricing for the standard models will be available closer to the local launch which is expected to be around August next year. Entry level models will start from R800 000
Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG Set To Debut in Detroit
Automotive news is reporting that the Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG will make its debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit early next year.
Mercedes-Benz planning to unleash mid-level AMG models
According to the report, Mercedes-Benz plan is to introduce a line of vehicles with modified engines and sport-tuned suspensions to bridge the gap between standard Mercedes-Benz models and high-performance AMG derivatives.
The C450 AMG will supposedly be the first in a series of performance models to do away with the full AMG treatment. This will result in a few modifications restricted to trim, cladding and wheels, as well as an upgraded engine that wont offer the same performance as regular AMG derivatives. The engine is said to be a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine that delivers about 274 kW of power.
The German carmaker is expected to introduce similar variants for its other models over the next few years, which will include the E-Class, GLK and CLA-classes.
*Pictured is the 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Nissan 370Z Nismo Updated Again
Nissan has snuck in with an update to its flagship Nissan 370Z Nismo model. The top of the range 370Z has had tweaks to the styling, downforce improvements and an interior make over. This being the Euro spec Nismo variant, slightly different to the American version revealed in May 2014, the Euro spec is more closely aligned to what SA receives. The whole Nissan 370Z range incorporates some of the added changes too.
Exterior Updates
Its easy to pick up on the redesigned front bumper that now has built-in daytime running lights. Other updates include the introduction of black headlamp bezels, special red Nismo trim at the base of the bumper, redesigned side sill and door mirror and special Nismo badging. The rear has a slightly smaller wing that works in tandem with the front bumper to increase overall downforce. The redesign is finished off with new 19-inch wheels.
Minor Interior Changes
The interior is race-inspired as the Recaro seats have been specially designed to offer extra support and comfort. To complete the interior makeover, the seats are trimmed in red and black leather and Alcantara to match the steering wheel.
Same Engine
Power still comes via the 3.7-litre naturally aspirated V6 that in Nismo specification is capable of 253kW. 0-100kph is dispensed with in 5.2 seconds via a manual six-speed gearbox.
Chassis Tuning
Completing the 370Z’s update package is a revised suspension set-up touted delivers improved ride quality and reduced cabin noise. Suspension changes include revised rear spring and damper rates to deliver a more engaging driving experience.
The suspension updates will be made throughout the whole of the 370Z range as will comfier seats that improve the driving position and most importantly, look cool.
Nissan 370Z Nismo Launching Soon
The new Nissan Nismo 370Z is set to be launched in Europe during September 2014 and we could see it locally by year end.
2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake Scheduled to Debut in January
2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake set to hit the market on January 15
According to Mercedes-Benz Passion blog, first customer deliveries are scheduled for March 1st, while the initial world premiere is expected to happen at the 2015 Detroit Motor Show in January.
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake will be the fourth variant of the A-Class and is said to be will be the most practical car developed on the front wheel drive platform.
Engine line-up will apparently carry over from the hatchback, CLA sedan and GLA crossover models, with a range topping AMG version delivering 265 kW coming in months later.
The CLA Shooting Brake is also expected to offer more than 500 litres in the back, considering the hatchback has a 370 litre boot capacity, and the sedan 450 litres.
The model is additionally expected to cost a bit more than the equivalent CLA “four-door coupe”. More details will be revealed closer to launch. The CLA will look similar to its bigger CL500 Shooting Brake sibling.
Range Rover Evoque SD4 (2014) Review
The Range Rover Evoque has been a brilliant addition to the Range Rover lineup that originally just consisted of the big off-roader and a Sport derivative. The Evoque now gains a nine-speed automatic gearbox to its arsenal that aims to save you way more fuel. Are its suave looks and endless gear shifts enough to keep it relevant with competition closing in?
How Stuff works
To start, its probably best to explain why Range Rover has gone the nine-speed route. Having so many shifts in a gearbox allows the engine to maintain lower revs before shifting to the next gear, with the gearing being tighter it doesnt jump out of the torque band and continues to pull smoothly. The main benefit for this is vastly reduced fuel consumption. Range Rover claims that youll get 16% better efficiency from the niner in relation to the original six-speed auto.
Nine Gears Enough?
In reality you dont even notice the nine speeds, the Evoque shifts seamlessly between the gears in normal driving. You can happily slot it into D via the centre circular gear selector and forget about it. Every day driving becomes a cinch as engine noise is kept down by the low revs, theres good torque low down and before you know it youre doing 100kph in ninth gear, saving fuel and reducing your carbon footprint.
The only issue with the niner is when you want to get a move on. I often found when rolling into a right-hand turn intersection or traffic circle that it would have scrolled too far up the gears to make a fast getaway. At which point it has to shuffle two to four gears down, simultaneously I had begun to mash the throttle to the floor in a slight panic, to then be launched across the intersection at top speed. This can easily be rectified by turning the gear selector to S for sport where the gears are held longer and throttle response sharpens, but you lose some of the fuel economy gains.
The Powerplant
The engine backing this nine speed Evoque is an excellent 2.2-litre turbo diesel. Its got strong power and torque credentials, packing 140 kW and 420 Nm respectively. Thats more than enough to get by and puts it in the mix with a few of the hot hatch thugs power wise and matches them for fuel economy. Its a relatively quiet diesel even when the revs start to get close to the redline and it doesnt easily run out of puff once you entice it into some overtaking manoeuvres.
Ride and Drive
Our base-model Evoque here doesnt come with the fancy magnetic dampers and suspension trickery that morphs the Evoque into a mind-blowingly good handler. It doesnt actually need it, I was comfortable and confident with the chassis and suspension underneath me when testing it through some of the Capes best tarmac roads. The Evoque corners well and relatively flat for an SUV too, the tyres provide excellent grip and the steering is weighted well and gives you enough information from the front wheels to keep you confident in the turns.
Dirty Talk
Much has been said about the Evoques off-road skills and thanks to Range Rovers terrain response buttons it has the ability to adapt to different surfaces. I had a go down a few dirt roads that thanks to the Cape winter were slushed with mud and water. Slot the terrain system into mud and dont think about it again, the system takes care of the traction needs and you can get on with enjoying how adaptable and comfortable the Evoque is, both on road and now off it too.
Final Word
The Evoque has taken the market by storm with its looks but theres more to it than just a pretty face. Its got both on and off road talent and the new nine-speed gearbox improves fuel economy considerably. It has been slated as expensive and it is with prices starting at R 615 800 to which, you can add a few expensive extras.
The Evoque is about to face its sternest challenge yet though, as BMW gets ready to release the X4 soon and that could be an excellent showdown if you ask us. The Evoque will be hard to beat, but BMW have had a few years to figure out the Evoques weaknesses and the X4 will no doubt exploit them.
Second opinion
The positives of having so many ratios outweighs the negative and the Evoque is a solid performer. Hands-on drivers will be mildly annoyed when having to manually flick down through so many gears, so the car is best left in fully automatic mode. Despite its fashionable urban looks the Evoque like most Land Rover products, is a very capable offroad machine as photos will attest.
Range Rover Evoque SD4 Pure quick specs
Price
R615 800
Engine
2.2-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel
Power
140 kW
Torque
420 Nm
Transmission
Nine-speed Automatic
Wheels
19-inch alloys
0-100km/h
8.5 seconds (claimed)
Fuel economy
6.3 l/100 km (claimed)
We like:
. Best SUV looks by far
. Fuel economy from a powerful diesel
. Still works when the terrain gets rough
We dislike:
. Pricey
. Waiting in intersections for downshifts
There’s a new Mini in town and while you may think it’s exactly the same as the old one, let it be known that the 2014 Mini Cooper is a vastly different creature than its 2013 sibling.
Exterior changes for the 2014 Mini Cooper are subtle. Aside from the Countryman-sized rear tail lights, there’s very little to distinguish old from new. But that’s where the similarities end as the interior and engine are completely new.
All-new engine for 2014 Mini Cooper
The engine powering the 2014 Mini Cooper is nothing short of brilliant. It’s one of the finest engines I’ve ever sampled and it happily wears the performance and economy caps equally well. With 100 kW and 220 Nm at your disposal in a body weighing just 1 060 kg, the grin-inducing factor is high. Expect 100 kph to come up in about 8 seconds as you listen to that distinctive three-cylinder growl.
Fuel economy is this engine’s priority and while Mini claims 4.8 l/100 km, in reality you’re not going to see that because you’ll be throwing the car around and having a great time. Can the car handle being thrown about? Absolutely. That’s the one thing that’s been carried through from the older models – fun factor.
The 2014 Mini Cooper is an immensely fun car to drive. It’s at its best on a tight and twisty road, but it’s still enjoyable when in bumper to bumper traffic. Will it ever get tiresome? I doubt it. See, Mini’s products are more than just cars – they’re fashion items and those who drive them, love them.
Interior
It’s very obvious that Mini has spent some quality time improving the ergonomics and interior layout. Gone is the silly centre speedo and in its place is a very funky circular outline light around the infotainment screen, which changes colours as you accelerate, adjust the volume and even change the temperature. It’s entertaining to play with the settings and watch the colours change.
The speedo and rev counter are relocated to the steering wheel, which is where they fit in nicely. There’s no key slot either, simply keep the key in your pocket and start the car by an aircraft-style switch located in the bottom half of the dashboard. Check the gallery to see what I’m talking about.
Summary
In closing, I think the 2014 Mini Cooper has grown up considerably. Also I don’t think Cooper owners ever need to feel inadequate when seeing the faster and pricier Cooper S sibling. The base Cooper offers just as much fun and marginally slower performance for a more financially sensible price. Naturally you can take full advantage of the options list, but beware you can escalate the price to insane levels. Our fully-kitted test car had a price tag of R364 010!
Second opinion
Mini’s new contender feels entirely evolutionary and a bit grown up. It’s lost some of the retro character touches, but has improved in every other aspect. The finishings are more luxurious and the engine more powerful and torquier. It’s still fun and cheerful, but a bit more ‘comfortable shoes’ than ‘brash sneakers’. -Ashley Oldfield
2014 Mini Cooper quick specs
Price
R287 500 (R364 010 – as tested)
Engine
1.5-litre Three cylinder turbo petrol
Power
100 kW
Torque
220 Nm
Transmission
Six-speed Automatic
Wheels
18-inch alloys
0-100kph
7.8 seconds (claimed)
Fuel economy
4.8 l/100 km (claimed)
We like:
. Outstanding engine
. Still retains Mini fun-to-drive abilities
We dislike:
. Price of options
. Useless rear seats
BMW M Performance Power Kit Announced For 2-Series Coupe – Pricing Update
BMW is now offering its M Performance Power Kit to the 2-Series coupe and the X5 SUV which will be available for order in South Africa from next year.
The product selection forms part of the Original BMW Parts program and enables the driver to add a touch of individual style in a way that expresses motor racing enthusiasm.
M Performance parts for the BMW 2 Series coupe
The kit starts out with a power upgrade for the 220d coupe diesel powered model which lifts output of the four-cylinder 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo unit by 14 kW and 40 Nm to 147 kW and 420 Nm.
In addition, the M235i will be enhanced with a limited-slip differential and a sports exhaust system which produces a more powerful sound while reducing exhaust gas pressure. There will also be a suspension set-up that includes a 20 mm drop, revised dampers, shortened coil springs, brake system with red/yellow/orange calipers and two designs of 19-inch alloys.
The exterior is further fitted with an aerodynamic kit with a front apron and various front & rear air ducting elements, as well as a rear diffuser and side sill attachments.
Other individual accents to the outer appearance of the BMW 2-Series coupe can be added by means of a black decorative grid for the BMW kidney grille, exterior caps in carbon fibre, side sill foils with M Performance inscription and BMW M Performance accent stripes in two colour versions.
For the interior there are Alcantara and carbon finishes with red central marking and Race Display in 12-o’clock position, a BMW M Performance sports steering wheel, carbon and Alcantara strips, as well as a gear lever and handbrake handle in carbon and an Alcantara gaiter. Also on offer are interior strips in carbon and Alcantara, high-grade steel pedals and a driver footrest in a corresponding design.
M Performance parts for the BMW X5
The BMW M Performance Power Kit available for the X5 xDrive35i provides an increase in output which does not affect fuel consumption. Power has been increased by 15kW to 240kW, while torque has been raised by 50Nm to 450Nm thanks to a modified ECU.
BMW 2 Series M Performance parts available in SA
BMW M Performance Parts
Price
Aerodynamic kit front
R6568.55
Sports Suspension
R14 232.13
Diesel Engine Tuning
R15 670.42
Silencer System (M235i)
R9839.86
Tail Pipe Finisher in Chrome
R2150.11
Adapter for Tail Pipe Finisher
R756.70
Tail Pipe Finisher in Carbon
R4317.20
18-inch Brake System
R52 035.50
19-inch alloy wheels double spoke 405M (Complete alloy wheel and tyre set Bi-colour (orbit grey/polished), with M Badge)
R52 035.50
19-inch alloy wheels double spoke 405M (Complete alloy wheel and tyre set RDC LC (Pressure Monitoring system) Bi-colour (orbit grey/polished), with M Badge)
R57 169.75
19-inch alloy wheels double spoke 405M (Complete alloy wheel and tyre set RDCi (Pressure Monitoring system) Bi-colour (orbit grey/polished), with M Badge)
R51 972.50
19-inch alloy wheels double spoke 624M (Complete alloy wheel and tyre set Bi-colour (matte black, burnished), forged with M Badge)
R46 486.49
19-inch alloy wheels double spoke 624M (Complete alloy wheel and tyre set RDC LC (Pressure Monitoring system) Bi-colour (matte black, burnished), with M Badge, forged also for ECE with SA 2VB)
R59 912.68
19-inch alloy wheels double spoke 624M(Complete alloy wheel and tyre set RDCi (Pressure Monitoring system) Bi-colour (matte black, burnished), with M Badge)
R46 486.49
Rear Spoiler in Carbon
R5649.22
Rear Diffuser 228i (Twin tailpipe left)
R6000.43
Rear Diffuser 228i (Twin single tailpipes)
R6000.43
Side Skit Attachments
R2687.34
Side Skit Decals
R1730.45
Black Kidney Grille (high-gloss)
R1515.92
M Performance Accent Stripes
R1662.63
Carbon Fibre Side Mirror Cover
R5061.92 each
Steering wheel II Alcantara with Carbon Fibre cover and race display
