Its that time of the year again where we start to look ahead to what we can look forward to in the motoring world next year. Weve focussed specifically on whats coming to South Africa and covered most bases from SUV to Sportscar.
2015 promises to be a big year for some manufacturers as they release multiple models throughout the year. Mazda for example will launch the new CX-3, MX-5 and the Mazda2 next year. There will be some all-new machines taking to our streets as we see the first appearance of the Jaguar XE, Lexus RC and BMWs electric i3.
After a quick run through of our list of 2015 models, these are the top five most anticipated cars of 2015. Click the headlines for more information about the product.
The veil has been lifted off the BMW 3-Series plug-in hybrid prototype which is said to provide a first taste of the extra-efficient driving pleasure which the worlds most successful premium sedan will offer.
Award winning TwinPower Turbo technology in the BMW 3-Series Plug-In Hybrid Prototype
The model still wears some form of camouflage on the front and rear fascia, however, BMW has revealed that significant improvements come from under the hood. Underneath the semi disguised prototype is a four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine working together with an electric motor which according to BMW offer the prototype the same level of performances as a six-cylinder 3-Series.
Its plug-in hybrid drive system has a combined output of approximately 180 kW and maximum combined torque of approximately 400 Nm which is sent to the wheels through an updated eight-speed Steptronic transmission.
Average fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are rated to be approximately two-litres/100 km and 50 g/km respectively. The model can be driven in electric mode for up to 35 km during which it can reach a top speed of 120 km/h.
In addition, the 3-Series plug-in hybrid prototype features a lithium-ion battery pack installed underneath the load compartment which can be re-charged (through a plug on the front left fender) at any household power socket, and is mounted in a particularly crash-safe position underneath the load compartment.
Furthermore, like all current BMW models, the prototype has a Driving Experience Control switch with three modes: Comfort, Sport and Eco Pro. Each of these modes feature different suspension settings, different shift characteristics for the 8-speed Steptronic transmission, and a different hybrid operating strategy. There are also two new plug-in hybrid modes: Max eDrive, which provides all-electric, zero-local-emission propulsion, while Save Battery mode keeps the battery at a constant state of charge.
Production of the BMW 3-Series Plug-In Hybrid Prototype is said to begin in early 2016.
Toyota Yaris (2014) Review
The Toyota Yaris was a big seller back in the early 2000s when it was a brilliant little budget car. Through the years though the Yaris seems to have climbed the corporate ladder and now sells itself as a more premium B-segment hatch. Filling the space at the entry level market is the Etios and Etios Cross we drove a few months ago. This facelifted Yaris has had 1 000 new parts engineered for it that covers a vast amount of the car, it feels more than just a mid-life facelift as we spent a week with the Yaris Hybrid and the 1.3-litre manual.
1000 New Parts
The facelift pertains to more than just the usual headlamp restructuring and interior modifications. The face of the Yaris gets the full redesign and the X marks the spot front end is a trait embedded in all new Toyotas. There are new daytime running lights for the range with the Hybrid getting special LED daytime running lights. The rear bumper has been modified to make the Yaris appear lower and theres an aesthetically placed diffuser. The changes go on and on as Toyota aims to make the Yaris look cooler, younger and edgier.
Interior
The highlight of the new interior is the updated touchscreen that looks much better than the previous, blotchy Nintendo graphics one. The touchscreen measures 7-inches and covers all the features and media needs from USB, Bluetooth, text message receiving and iPod connection. The Hybrid has a cool fuel economy readout that shows when electric mode was used during your journey and the resulting fuel gains from it. Noise reduction has been improved and the car is notably quieter at freeway speeds.
The top spec Hybrid has some pretty cool sausage style seats that combines cloth and leather to make a sporty feeling seat. Overall the interior is smarter and a more well thought out place. The boot has a cool false floor section which, you can lift up to make the most of the 286 litres of boot space thats good enough to fit two large suitcases.
Performance
We had a chance to drive the 1.3-Litre, four-cylinder petrol with 75 kW and 125 Nm of torque and the Hybrid 1.5-Litre, which has 74 kW and 111 Nm. Most of the Yaris competitors have gone the small turbocharger route, Toyota however, has stuck with natural aspiration. The lack of torque is noticeable compared to its competitors and the Yaris has to be revved a little higher to keep it on the boil. The good news is that due to the lightweight nature of the Yaris (it weighs 1 040kg) fuel consumption isnt affected too much.
The 1.3 claims 5.6L/100km and we got pretty close to that figure during our week long test. The Hybrid is particularly impressive when it comes to fuel usage, especially when in town. The electric motor takes over for the periods when the petrol motor would generally use the most fuel, like pulling off. This cuts fuel consumption drastically and we easily achieved under 5L/100km. The CVT gearbox is a bit whiney and doesnt like to be raced. The six-speed manual on the other hand likes a good thrashing and feels typically Toyota in that it will last forever.
Ride and Handling
The Yaris is a fun car to drive around at pace, the strengthened chassis in this facelifted version has led to the Yaris leaning less in the bends and feeling more solid over bumps and ripples in the road. The steering could provide more feedback but the feel is acceptable and it helps the Yaris feel nimble and agile around town. In the manual model I struggled to find a nice smooth balance between clutch and accelerator. Over time it will likely get easier and smoother, but normally Toyotas are particularly easy to get into and go.
Toyota Yaris – Verdict
This facelifted Yaris is a marked improvement over the previous offering and its easy to spot that Toyota have improved the value for money offering. Theres loads more standard equipment and the interior has caught up technically with its competitors. Toyota could still do with adding standard safety essentials such as stability control and traction control that are only available on the Hybrid.
The new changes to the exterior have made it more noticeable especially with the chrome accents on the front and rear. 15-inch wheels are also standard across the range. Even so, the Yaris is still a bit pricey with the range starting at R167 900 for the 1-Litre three cylinder. The Hybrid tops off the range at R276 300 and is too expensive to ever offset the gains made in fuel consumption. Toyota though, should be commended for offering a hybrid in such a small package. Right now though the Yaris sits in a battle with the VW Polo, Renault Clio, Ford Fiesta and the Suzuki Swift. Its a tough group to choose from so make sure you do your homework before throwing your cash at it.
Second Opinion
I really enjoyed driving both the Yaris Hybrid and the Yaris 1.3. The Hybrid was a comfortable cruiser and returned excellent fuel economy, and the car felt solid and composed on the road. The hybrid however needs to be driven with a gentle foot to get the best out of it, so don’t expect too much in terms of performance.
The Yaris 1.3 on the other hand, was more willing to push on and the smooth ride and nippy handling made the drive enjoyable. Both cars feature comfortable, well kitted interiors and the bold, aggressive styling has gone a long way to improving the Yaris’ appeal. The Yaris is a good product and is well worth consideration if you have slightly deeper pockets. – Gero Lilleike
We like:
. Big upgrades for a facelift
. Interior has improved standard spec
. Improved handling and ride
We Don’t Like:
. Hybrid is the only model with traction control and stability control
. Range gets quite pricey
. Engines don’t compete at altitude
Ford has published a little teaser video of its next-generation Ranger bakkie.
With a completely revised front end, this new Ford Ranger is visually identical to its Everest SUV, a vehicle which has fans of the blue oval excited. The Ford Ranger is made in South Africa at the plant in Silverton, Pretoria and the vehicle has proven popular among the bakkie fans. You can expect this new Ford Ranger to make its South African debut in the fourth quarter of 2015.
Ford Ranger 2015 Teaser
2015 Porsche 911 Turbo Facelift Leaked
Images of the updated 2015 Porsche 911 Turbo have already surfaced on the web ahead its public debut expected to take place at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2015.
These images are said to be the first to completely reveal the entire exterior of the 2015 Porsche 911 Turbo facelift. The cosmetic revamp seems to include subtle changes to the rear spoiler which has been reshaped; so has the headlight graphics, while the taillights have been tweaked to seem slightly longer.
Power is rumoured to come from a 3.8-litre six cylinder turbo engine, which could be upgraded to as much as 441 kW of power. As part of a new strategy, the entire range except for the GT3 and GT3 RS could be upgraded with a turbocharged engine.
Toyota Fortuner Epic Introduced In SA Specs and Prices
The Toyota Fortuner has received quite a number of facelifts since its debut on the local market in 2006, including the now recent introduction of a Fortuner Epic, which comes with changes to the exterior and interior enhancements.
Toyota Fortuner Epic redesigned for the 2014/2015 model year
The proudly South African built Toyota Fortuner Epic features a redesigned front, flanked by new headlights with black-out detail. Other new details include the refreshed teardrop-shaped chromed bezels surrounding the front fog lights, sport dark grey 17-inch alloy rims and chromed mirrors all-round as opposed to body-coloured, as well as new taillamps also with black-out detail. Theres a chromed nudge bar with unique Epic branding up front, and a towbar as well as a rear sill protector to make loading bulky objects easier and hassle free.
According to Kerry Roodt, general manager of marketing communications for Toyota SA, the Fortuner “is the consummate all-rounder, suitable for use in a number of different conditions, from urban highways and rocky mountain passes to sand dunes and the bushveld.”
This Go Anywhere, Do Anything and Do it in Style character of the Fortuner perfectly complements the lifestyle of outdoor-loving South Africans who need the dual-purpose capability of a bush and boulevard cruiser. If ever there was an apt tag line then the Fortuners got it Freedom is indeed beautiful.
Toyota Fortuner Epic price in South Africa
Toyota Fortuner 3.0 D-4D 4×2 Epic R461 800
Toyota Fortuner 3.0 D-4D 4×2 auto Epic R474 700
Toyota Fortuner 4.0 V6 4×2 auto Epic R493 100
Toyota Fortuner 3.0 D-4D 4×4 Epic R513 400
Toyota Fortuner 3.0 D-4D 4×4 auto Epic R526 500
Toyota Fortuner 4.0 V6 4×4 auto Epic R544 500
Toyota has confirmed that the Epic treatment will be applied to “50% (over two months of production) of all 3.0 D-4D and 4.0 V6 derivatives”.
Our Editor David Taylor will be on the launch of the model next week, look out for his driving impression and more details then.
New Jeep Wrangler To Feature Eight-Speed Auto
It has been reported that the 2018 Jeep Wrangler will benefit from an eight-speed automatic transmission, doing away with the old-five speed ‘box and cut fuel consumption by more than nine percent.
Eight-speed automatic for 2018 Jeep Wrangler, 9% more efficient
The company is yet to release any detailed information on the 2018 Wrangler which is scheduled to go on sale towards the end of 2017. However, according to Automotive News, in a filling revealed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Jeep stated that the eight-speed transmission is currently paired with petrol and diesel engines in the 2014 Ram 1500 and Jeep Grand Cherokee and is also featured in the new 2014 Dodge Durango. We plan to use this transmission in all of our rear-wheel-drive vehicles, except for heavy-duty versions of the Ram pick-up truck and the SRT Viper.
The filing further notes that the eight-speed ZF transmission, “reduces fuel consumption by more than nine percent over the five-speed transmission it replaces.
Apparently the company had no intention of introducing the eight-speed transmission in the current Wrangler because it did not fit. So with the new model, which, is set to receive a fresh aluminium body that will also enable a massive diet, engineers have the freedom to infuse optimum packaging techniques.
Market entry of the 2018 Jeep Wrangler is slated for 2017.
2015 Nissan GT-R Launched In Japan
The Nissan GT-R has been given myriad of enhancements for the 2015 model year, including a new Nismo-tuned Track variant.
2015 Nissan GT-R updates detailed
The 2015 Nissan GT-R sportscar now benefits from modified dampers and ECU, which now makes for better cornering and steering feel, as well as an altered boot, which has undergone some changes to improve sound deadening. The powertrain management systems along with the flywheel-housing bearings have also been modified to provide a smoother operation and reduce noise.
Other updates include revised Dunlop run-flat tyres which now feature new material and inner structure, promising improved ride quality and straight-line and rough-road stability. Theres a new shim structure and pad on the Brembo brakes, which is said to offer less noise and superior feel, while the steering damper has been optimized to enable lower vibrations while the engine is idling.
The Premium GT-R will be optionally available with split-spoke RAYS alloys featuring a Hyper Blue Black chrome finish. The new Nismo-tuned Track variant will additionally be configured with sports unique suspension settings, flared front fenders (with outlet air duct), forged RAYS wheels, more track-focused Dunlop tires, and special adhesive bonding for additional body rigidity.
Rumour mill has it that Nissan is planning on one final facelift for the current GT-R R35, while the R36 model is expected to make an appearance in the next 3-4 years.
Following a number of spy shots, Mercedes-Benz has finally let the cat out of the bag in the form of the breath-taking CLA Shooting Brake, along with its sportier counterpart the CLA 45 AMG Shooting Brake.
“The new CLA Shooting Brake is the latest member of our successful family of compact models. The range, which now includes five models, covers an extremely wide spectrum: with the spacious B-Class sports tourer, the youthfully dynamic A-Class, the avant-garde CLA-Class Coupe and the compact GLA-Class SUV, we cater for a host of different customer wishes in this segment,” says Ola Kallenius, Member of the Divisional Board Mercedes-Benz Cars, responsible for Marketing & Sales.
“Like its big brother, the CLS Shooting Brake, the CLA Shooting Brake is targeted at active customers who are looking outside of the mainstream for a car that impresses with a high utility value.”
Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake – powerfully and dynamically designed
Styling wise, the Mercedes-Benz Shooting Brake looks similar to the CLS Shooting Brake, featuring a swooping roofline leading to the tailgate, flanked by wedge-shaped frameless side windows which, makes it seem like a coupe. Mercedes calls it a gentle downward slope, and says the Shooting Brake offers significantly more headroom than in the four-door Coupe.
The model sits at 4630 mm long, 1777 wide and is 1435 high. The boot space has been bumped up to range from 495 to 1354 litres; depending on the position of the rear seats. These seats can be shifted to a true upright cargo position, offering 595 litres of boot space.
The exterior’s progressive, sporty appearance is continued inside the vehicle with a flat-bottomed steering wheel, a standard seven-inch touchscreen, piano-black gloss highlights and 13 light sources. The CLA Shooting Brake in the AMG Line and Urban equipment lines is fitted with integral seats in the front and rear, additionally underscoring its sporty character.
Available as options will be an electric tailgate and a panoramic sliding sunroof, as well as Urban Line and AMG-Line styling packages, while the AMG model offers optional Exterior Carbon-Fibre, AMG Night and AMG Exclusive packages.
Safety features comprise of standard autonomous emergency braking and driver drowsiness detection systems, along with the Contact Me breakdown, accident and maintenance assistant that also allows owners to communicate with their CLAs using a smartphone.
Engine line-up
Upon launch, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake will be offered in four different trim levels. Engine line-up will include a four-cylinder 2.1-litre turbodiesel engine producing 100 kW and 300 Nm in the CLA 200 CDI and 130 kW and 350 Nm in the CLA 220 CDI.
Petrol units will include a 1.6-litre delivering 90 kW and 200 Nm in the CLA 180 and 115 kW and 250 Nm of torque in the CLA 200. Theres also a 2.0-litre rated at 155 kW and 350 Nm in the CLA 250 which, will be available with an optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.
The range-topping Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG Shooting Brake will be equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine outputting 265 kW at 6000 rpm and 450 Nm of torque. Power from this engine is sent to a 4MATIC system through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, which enables the model to reach 100kph in 4.7 seconds before reaching an electronically-limited top speed 250kph.
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake and CLA 45 AMG Shooting Brake will make their debut at next year’s Geneva Motor Show.
Volvo XC90 Visits SA
Much has been made of the brand spanking new Volvo XC90. The entire first production was sold almost immediately through online sales and the car hasnt even made it to dealerships yet. During the Volvo Ocean Races stopover in Cape Town, we got a chance to inspect the new XC90 close up.
XC90 Styling and Thor’s Hammer
This is a big SUV to say the least, there are seven really comfortable seats and still room for a large boot on the back of that. It actually looks big too, flaunting its size with a rectangular front grille that is flanked by the new Thors Hammer styled lights. Im assured that this styling feature will make it onto Volvos of the future. Interesting fact about this XC90 is that it is wholly developed, designed and built by Volvo and features a pure Volvo engine.
2-Litre Power
Speaking of engines, Volvo has gone the four-cylinder route for the entire range using 2-litres of capacity throughout. Dont despair though as these can get pretty powerful, especially when combined with a supercharger, turbocharger and an electric motor. Volvo claims this particular petrol engine can produce 295 kW and 630 Nm of torque whilst on exhausting 60g/km of CO2.
Interior Luxury
Whilst the exterior is beautiful to take in and the proportions extremely strong, the inside is where the magic lies. The centre dash for instance has been cleaned up of all clutter and excess buttons, in fact theres just one row of buttons, I counted seven buttons, thats all. Everything is now controlled by a central touchscreen that works like a Smartphone. You swipe the screen to slide pages and tap to select things, theres a home button underneath that returns you to the main menu from anywhere within the submenus.
The seats are a really plush leather and the finishings all look high quality and well assembled. I was most impressed by the size of the rear boot once the third row of seats were in use. These rear seats are actually quite comfy but are meant for slightly smaller folk of 1m70 or less.
New safety Systems
Volvo is also showcasing two brand new safety features on the new XC90, run-off road protection and an auto brake at intersections. In the run-off road scenario (if driver is distracted the vehicle gradually veers off the road), the XC90 detects what is happening and the front safety belts are tightened to keep the occupants in position. To help prevent spine injuries, energy-absorbing functionality between the seat and seat frame cushions the vertical forces that can arise when the car encounters a hard landing in the terrain.
Automatic braking happens if the driver turns in front of an oncoming car. This is a common scenario at busy city crossings as well as on highways, where the speed limits are higher. The car will detect what is coming from the side and stop you before you move into the intersection.
The Volvo XC90 really does look the part and by the sounds of it has a lot to offer, the international launch is set for March 2015 with the XC90 hopefully making it to SA by August 2015.
