New Entry Level GWM H5 City Offered In SA Specs and Prices
GWM has added a new entry level H5 City vehicle with all the quirks of an SUV but at an affordable compact crossover rate.
Uncompromised design
The rugged looking H5 City features 17-inch alloy wheels, comprehensive colour coding, integrated indicators in the side mirrors and a tailgate spoiler. The model also offers a near-200 mm ground clearance.
Inside you will find piano-black plastic trim, silver accents throughout the cabin, a new centre console with integrated twin drink holders, as well as modernised controls for the audio and climate systems.
The model additionally boasts a large boot and a full-size spare-wheel (fitted under the vehicle) and a 2700 mm wheelbase which contributes to the spacious rear legroom.
Standard equipment includes climate control, radio/CD with USB/aux support, front and rear fog lamps, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, and dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, Isofix rear child seat anchorages, electric windows all-round, electrically adjustable side mirrors, rake-adjustable steering wheel and remote central locking.
Engine details
Under the hood of the H5 City is a 2.4-litre four-cylinder 4G69 petrol engine that delivers 100 kW at 5 200 rpm and 200 Nm of torque at 4 000 rpm. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission, while fuel consumption is rated at 10.3-litres/100 km.
GWM H5 City price in South Africa
GWM H5 City R244 900
The H5 City will be available with a comprehensive five-year/100 000 km warranty and comes standard with two-year/24-hour AA roadside assistance. A five-year/60 000 km service plan is available at any of GWM’s dealerships.
Volkswagen Golf Alltrack Displayed In Paris
The Volkswagen Golf Alltrack has had its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show featuring a number of technical and visual innovations, including a 4MOTION all-wheel drive system.
Four powerful engines
Power comes in form of a TSI petrol engine and three diesel engines, which are all powerful turbocharged direct injection units.
The 1.8-litre TSI petrol unit is rated at 134 kW with 280 Nm of torque. The diesel units comprise of a 1.6 TDI with 82 kW and 250 Nm, a 2.0 TDI with 119 kW and 340 Nm of torque as well as a 2.0 TDI with 137 kW and 380 Nm of torque. Power for the most powerful diesel and petrol engines is transferred to the all-wheel drive system via a standard six-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG).
4MOTION all-wheel drive system
According to Volkswagen, the model brings the best from the SUV and estate segments that also combines the Variants practicality with the added capabilities of the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system with Haldex coupling.
The Alltrack also benefits from an electronic differential lock built into the ESC electronic stability control system and acts as a differential lock at both axles. Theres also an XDS system optimizing steering feedback by braking the wheel inside the turn when a dynamic driving stance is adopted.
Volkswagen Golf Alltrack design features
The new Golf Alltrack is based on the Golf variant, but adds a more rugged appearance with a +20mm increase in ride height. It additionally features black plastic body cladding together with new beefier 17-inch Valley alloy wheels and aluminium protection plates on the front and back.
The interior styling of the car is defined by details such as a leather trimmed steering wheel and gear shift lever, custom seat covers with the “Alltrack” badge on the backs of the front seats, accents in “Dark Magnesium” (centre console) and “Tracks” (dashboard and interior door trim) as well as ambient lights in the door trim.
Other standard features include automatic climate and cruise control, LED reading lights for the front and rear seats, lights in the front footwell areas, “Composition Touch” infotainment system, and a Driver Alert system.
Volkswagen has announced the Golf Alltrack will go on sale across Europe next summer. Whether or not the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack will be sold in South Africa is yet to be confirmed.
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
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 theM235i 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. The2014 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!
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 Jeeps 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.
Theres 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 Opels 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 its 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 Espaces 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. Theres 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.
