Toyota South Africa will offer new upgrades to the Toyota Genuine Extended Warranty. The Toyota warranty benefits will now increase significantly through the inclusion of wear and tear cover on selected components.
Wear and Tear Parts Covered
From 1 July 2014, all new Genuine Extended Warranty customers will get cover for the replacement of one set of shock absorbers, one clutch kit (i.e. clutch plate, pressure plate and release bearing) as well as one instance of brake disc skimming, a result of normal wear and tear. In addition to this, failure of major components (i.e. engine, drivetrain and differentials) resulting from wear and tear will also be covered subject to limits determined by the vehicle’s mileage.
Historically, the Toyota Genuine Extended Warranty always offered superior cover at an affordable premium – with the inclusion of the wear and tear benefit there simply is no other extended warranty product that can match the cover at the price, said Calvyn Hamman, Senior Vice President: Sales and Marketing at Toyota South Africa Motors. Further to that it is important to note that the added benefits to this policy come at no extra cost to the customer.
We endeavour to assist our customers to keep their Toyota Genuine in order to maintain the quality, durability and reliability that is inherent to Toyota products. The Toyota Genuine Extended Warranty allows us to make this possible and ensure all our customers peace of mind during their period of ownership, added Hamman.
Toyota Warranty only from July 1st 2014
The new benefits are only applicable to warranties sold from 1 July 2014. The Toyota Genuine Extended Warranty can only be purchased for Toyota vehicles which are still under the standard manufacturers warranty and that have a full service history with a Toyota dealer. This warranty is not available to Quantum Sesfikile.
The Toyota Genuine Extended Warranty is available at all Toyota Dealerships or the Toyota Genuine Products Contact Centre.
Audi RS Q3 (2014) Review
The Audi RS Q3 is the first SUV Audi has sought fit to graft on an RS badge. Thats right theres no RS Q5 or RS Q7. The Q3 is also the youngest and smallest of Audis Q cars so the RS badging is most likely an attempt to be first into the niche market of sports compact utility vehicles or SCUV as the segment may become known.
Performance
The engine in this Audi RS Q3 is revived from the Audi TT RS and the Audi RS3. The five-cylinder turbo has been a little down-tuned to 228 kW with 420 Nm, but dont think that makes it any less stupidly fast. Even with the slightly higher driving position that gives you more perspective, the RS Q3 still squashes you into the leather seats and makes you laugh. SUVs or even SCUVs arent meant to be able to thrash a hot hatch and embarrass a chap in a low-slung sports car, but this one can.
In a sprint from 0-100kph the RS Q3 will take just 5.2 seconds and continue that crazy acceleration until you look at the speedo and realise that these speeds are full-on crazy and illegal. Its then that the intensely sharp brakes make themselves known as they rapidly decelerate the car from the very top inch of the pedal press.
Compromised Ride
Power and the ability to cope with it does come at a cost however, and the optional Audi 20-inch alloy wheels and low profile tyres (255/35) are quite annoying on a less than snooker table smooth surface. On a freeway drive out of Cape Town to Somerset West the corrugations on the freeway were felt right through the cabin whilst on smooth tarmac you get to enjoy the firmer, RS tuned dampers without the spine jolts. Definitely choose the smaller 18 or 19-inch wheels with the higher profile if you prefer a bit more smoothness to your ride.
Handles what you throw at it
Take the harsh ride out of the equation and you have a tenaciously grippy vehicle here. The RS Q3 corners extremely well. As you spy a corner you want to nail, look at the apex, tramp the throttle, turn in, and the RS Q3 will drag itself around like its being magnetically sucked towards the corner apex.
Once you do get round the corner youre not entirely sure how it happened though, the chassis of the RS Q3 lies particularly flat during the cornering but the steering and front end feel is quite numb. Its entirely safe if a little bit uninvolving.
Special Touches
Whilst an RS Audi model is mostly about speed, the exterior and interior always feature a few neat touches just to spice things up so that they stand out from the crowd. The RS Q3 is already lowered by 25 mm from standard Q3 guise and has a special honeycombed grille at the front with quattro written at the bottom.
Theres also just one exhaust pipe for this RS model but when you flip the Audis ride select into dynamic mode then the pipes open up with a special, heart-fluttering rasp that reminds you of the special engine that lurks under the bonnet.
Inside the RS Q3 is crisp, clean and clutter free, the seats are emblazoned with RS Q3 logos and the dials are RS specific. Audis multimedia system is standard with a 14 speaker Bose sound system whilst also featuring satellite navigation.
Audi RS Q3 Conclusion and Price
Whilst its a full-size rocket ship the RS Q3 is also fun to hustle around the city if a little uninvolving. If youre not careful it will guzzle all your fuel in one chomp whilst youre having a laugh taking down all sorts of higher end sports machinery.
The ride on low profile tyres is intrusive but the added firmness from the RS dampers doesnt make it a car too difficult to live with. If youre going the practicality route then get a standard Q3 and you wont have to pay the R713 000 that the RS Q3 commands. As a first attempt at a SCUV the Audi RS Q3 does an admirable job, benchmark set.
A Second Opinion
The Audi RS Q3 is a fun exercise in going over the top. Take the engine from an Audi RS3 and shoe horn it into the baby Q3 SUV. The result is a pricey and entertaining way to take the kids to school. Logic suggests this is not a sensible car, but since when have the fun cars ever been sensible? –David Taylor
Audi RS Q3 quick specs
Engine
2.5-litre five cylinder turbo petrol
Power
228 kW
Torque
420 Nm
Transmission
Seven-speed S-Tronic
Wheels
20-inch alloys
0-100km/h
5.2 seconds (claimed)
Fuel economy
8.8 l/100km (claimed)
We like:
. Break-neck speed in an SUV
. Fun handler if uninvolving
. Great exhaust note
We dislike:
. Harsh ride on low profiles
. Thirsty when you push it (you will)
. Pricey
BMW Z4 sDrive20i GT Spirit Special Edition Revealed
BMW has revealed a special edition Z4 sDrive20i GT Spirit in Japan, to celebrate the 1-2 finish of BMWs Z3 GT3 model in the Super GT race on April 5 and 6 this year at the Okayama International Circuit in Japan.
BMW Z4 sDrive20i GT Spirit detailed
The special edition is based on the M sport model and features an M Sport body kit along with 19-inch light-alloy wheels, an Alpine White body together with a black kidney grille. On the inside, the Z4 sDrive20i GT Spirit is equipped with a new design package with sports seats, M-branded door sill plates, aluminium pedals, as well as a combination of leather and Alcantara with orange accents.
Performance features of the BMW Z4 sDrive20i GT Spirit include a 4-cylinder 2.0-litre turbocharged unit producing 135 kW and 270 Nm of torque. This setup allows the car to run from 0-100 kph in 6.9 seconds and reach a 235 kph top speed when configured with the optional eight-speed sport-automatic gearbox.
Only 60 units of the special edition will be produced.
2015 Smart ForTwo and ForFour Teased In Video (Updated)
The 2015 Smart ForTwo and ForFour models have been teased in a video ahead of their official unveiling scheduled to be at the Paris Motor Show later this year.
The teaser video posted below shows what looks like final testing of the camouflaged prototypes of both the models. The vehicles styling cues come from the third generation Renault Twingo and will maintain the rear-wheel drive layout. At 3505 metres long, the ForFour will offer enough room for four people, while the new Smart ForTwo generation will stand at approximately 2629 metres long.
As far as the engine line-up goes, the models are expected to be equipped with three-cylinder petrol turbocharged units, ranging between 63 kW and 77 kW, along with the ElectricDrive version and its 65 kW, as well as the Twingo’s 66 kW 0.9-liter turbocharged and 51 kW 1.0-liter naturally-aspirated engines.
Both cars will make their public debut in October at the Paris Motor Show. Sales are expected to kick off before the end of the year. South African launch dates are yet to be confirmed.
*Please note pictured is the 2013 Smart ForTwo.
Next Generation Smart ForTwo and ForFour teased
2015 Smart ForTwo and ForFour winter testing
2015 MG6 Sedan Facelift Spotted
Photographers in China have spotted the forthcoming 2015 MG MG6 facelift.
The MG6 was first launched back in 2009 and was the first vehicle to come from the British car manufacturer after ownership rights went to the Nanjing Automobile Group from China back in 2005.
2015 MG6 Facelift details
The MG6 sedan is due for a mid-life update and this will included tweaked and updated versions of headlights, a restyled rear bumper, new taillights and a different lid for the boot. Engines and powerplant is expected to be carried over to the new model. For the record, there’s a 1.8-litre petrol with 99 kW and the turbocharged 1.8-litre petrol with 118 kW. The turbocharged unit is the one we get for the South African market. Overseas, there’s a 1.9-litre diesel with 110 kW and 350 Nm – a decent-sounding engine if the specifications are anything to go on.
This facelifted MG6 will make an official appearance around September at the Chengdu Auto Show, with domestic Chinese sales to begin in the final quarter of the year.
Porsche Macan Turbo S Prototype Spied Testing (Video)
Porsche seems to be working on a more powerful ‘S’ version of the Macan SUV which has been spied testing at the Nurburgring motorsports complex in Germany.
Currently, the most powerful variant of the Macan is powered by a twin-turbo V6 3.6-litre engine that delivers an impressive 294 kW. However the new prototype seen undertaking the Nordschleife in the video below is likely to be a Turbo S variant with 316 to 324 kW of power from the same motor.
The Porsche Macan Turbo S is likely to complete the 0-100 km/h sprint in about 4.6 seconds (4.4 second with the Sport Chrono pack), while the Turbo model does the same run in just 4.8 seconds. Top speed is expected to increase just a bit more from the current Macan Turbos 266 km/h.
Theres not much we can say about the design, but it seems the camouflaged headlights hint at a better LED setup.
An official launch of the Porsche Macan Turbo S is expected sometime in 2015. We’ve been invited to the South African launch of the Porsche Macan and we’re looking forward to getting behind the wheel of the baby Cayenne. How much will the Porsche Macan cost? We have the Macan pricing already, check it out here.
Porsche Macan Turbo S testing at the Nurburgring
Undisguised 2015 Fiat Punto Facelift Images Leaked
First images of the facelifted 2015 Fiat Punto which has been spied testing numerous times, have leaked to the web.
Production-ready 2015 Fiat Punto detailed
The refreshed compact hatchback features a restyled grille with chrome outlining and a bolder headlamp design. The front bumper has also been restyled and features new chrome outlined fog lights, while on the rear end the model features a new modern taillight design, and extensive use of chrome detailing on the bumpers.
On the inside, the 2015 Fiat Punto is fully equipped with leather materials adorned by contrasting white stitching, while the dashboard features the same piano black finish on the centre console.
Engine line-up is said to remain the same, with petrol options including 1.2-liter and 1.4-litre engines, both producing about 50 kW and 66 kW respectively. There will also be a 1.3-litre 16V Multijet diesel unit that develops 62 kW and 200 Nm of torque. All engines are to be connected to a five-speed manual gearbox.
The next-generation Punto is expected to be launched in 2016, and will apparently be called the 500 Plus. It will be offered exclusively as a five-door hatchback that is slightly bigger than the current 500 and 500L.
The Project 7 shaved 80 kg off the standard F-Types weight but the special division reckons there is more weight to be lost by using other engines. The dead in the water Jaguar C-X75 supercar promised to use a 1.6-litre super and turbocharged engine that could whip up over 370 kW and rev all the way to 10 000 rpm.
This option would definitely reduce the weight compared to the 5-litre V8 supercharged powerplant doing the trick in the current F-Type V8. Not only would it be a lighter Jaguar F-Type but the dynamics could be improved as well.
So far Jaguars SVO division has been busy with two cars being released (Project 7 and the Range Rover Sport SVR) but apparently there are three more vehicles in the pipeline. Hopefully we start seeing some of these high performance Jags and Land Rovers soon.
Opel Meriva 1.4 Enjoy Review
The Opel Meriva spent a week with me and even though I drove the model on launch back in 2012, it was a fond and pleasant reunion.
Opel launched the Meriva back in 2012, but has subsequently cut the range down to a single model in 2014 – the one you see here in Enjoy specification. Many would assume most MPVs are quite slow and boring to drive. I’m happy to report the Opel Meriva is not sluggish in any way and is surprisingly quick through the gears.
Performance
Power comes from a lovely 1.4-litre turbocharged engine boasting 103 kW and 200 Nm of torque. Those figures will sound familiar if you’re an Opel fan, as this is the same engine which can be found under the bonnet of the Opel Astra GTC coupe – a car which I particularly enjoyed driving.
The engine is smooth and there’s no hesitation when you want to overtake. Power is sent from the engine to the front wheels via a typically Opel solid and clunky six-speed gearbox. It’s interesting to note that Opel isn’t offering an automatic derivative for this model as I’d assume most customers would appreciate the ease of use. Despite its 1.4-litre size, the Opel Meriva is a little thirstier than expected. Our test route to Cape Point and back saw a figure of 8.2 l/100km.
Opel Meriva FlexDoors
One of the best things about the Opel Meriva is its rear passenger doors. They’re known as FlexDoors and feature rear hinges. Opel says they’re better because they can open much wider than standard doors and to be honest, I can see why it makes sense to have doors which open in this manner. It’ll be easier to load cargo and children into the back, and you can open/close without leaving the driver’s door. As far as practical gimmicks go, this is one of the best.
Storage compartments
Speaking of practicality, the Opel Meriva features an incredible amount of storage compartments. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many cup holders and compartments in any other car. According to Opel, there are no less than 32 places to put keys, phones and handbags – astonishing.
It’s very comfortable too, with the driver-orientated cabin offering plenty of headroom for taller folk. The boot and rear legroom is also to be commended. This is primarily thanks to the rear seats offering many positioning configurations. The seats are quality items and on longer journeys, I didn’t suffer from any numbness in the posterior region – a common affliction in many cars.
Standard specification
In terms of features, the Opel Meriva offers a fair amount of kit. There’s power steering, steering wheel-mounted controls for radio, cruise control, Bluetooth phone connectivity, park distance control, USB/aux jack as well as auto headlights and wipers. Safety-wise, the Opel Meriva has six airbags, stability control as well as electronic brake assist and ABS.
Opel Meriva 1.4 Enjoy in South Africa
R 261 500 puts you behind the wheel of an Opel Meriva 1.4 Enjoy. The price includes a 5 year/120 000 km warranty and roadside assist, 5 year/unlimited km anti-corrosion, 5 year/90 000 km service plan.
Another writer’s thoughts on the Opel Meriva
The Opel Meriva epitomises the Soccer Mom car for me, its steeped in practicality, space and has an abundance of nooks and crannies to store anything and everything. Its a pity that its dated inside compared to everything on the market, the displays and functionality seems to be a generation behind a modern day compact SUV.
The driving position was uncomfortable for me and took a lot of shuffling and adjusting, before I was mildly comfortable. – Ashley Oldfield
Conclusion and summary
I think the Opel Meriva is one of the most underrated cars in its class. Not only does it provide plenty practicality and space, it’s comfortable and has a great engine combination.
The red LCD infotainment screen is a little dated, but that’s a minor personal gripe. The car is solid, safe and offers reasonable value for money. It would be perfect, but the crossover and compact SUV corners of the market may offer more.
Opel Meriva 1.4 Enjoy Quick Specs
Engine
1.4-litre four cylinder turbo petrol
Power
103 kW
Torque
200 Nm
Transmission
Six-speed manual
Wheels
16-inch alloys
0-100km/h
10.1 seconds (claimed)
Fuel economy
6.7 l/100km (claimed)
We like:
. Great engine
. Spaciousness and practicality galore
. Value for money
The current compact SUV market is a blossoming segment with manufacturers jumping into a relatively new corner of the car market.
Like the Crossover list we compiled a while back, there are a lot of vehicles that blend the crossover, compact and medium SUV market. Well do our best to confine it to the best compact SUVs, so expect the slightly bigger vehicles to feature in upcoming lists we put together. Click the names to see reviews and other information related to best compact SUVs.
A late introduction to the SA market as the Duster is over three years old. SAs Duster though benefits from an upgraded interior that has some top notch gadgetry inside for such a small price. The Dusters rugged look thanks to the contrasting plastic bumpers, roof rails and side plates looks the part and it actually deals with the off road stuff quite well. One of the best Indian built cars we get, the Duster is definitely a budget beater at R199 900-R249 900. With its good 1.5-litre diesel engine and ability, the Renault Duster is our best compact SUV.
Sharing its manufacturing location (India) with the Duster, the Ford Ecosport is based on the Ford Fiesta chassis. Its a sleek looker and with a perky engine lineup that features the award winning 1.0 EcoBoost petrol, it can more than handle itself in the city. The Ford Ecosport is definitely more of a city slicker than the off road accessories suggest spare wheel on the rear and the 200 mm ground clearance. It is good value though as prices start at R204 900 and end at R255 000.
The Subaru XV is the most car-like vehicle on this list and blends in from the crossover segment. It does have 220 mm of ground clearance to go with its interesting looks and boasts all-wheel drive. Subaru is still persisting with the flat-four cylinder (Boxer) engine layout and not going the downsizing route just yet. Fuel consumption is a little higher than the competitors (8.0l/100km) here but you do get quite a powerful 2-litre unit (110 kW) mated to either a six-speed manual or CVT. You can get one of these from R308 000 to R354 000.
Seven years on from the original Qashqai this new vehicle has grown a bit, but just fits into the compact market. The new styling is an improvement, as is the whole package. The interior has got the full treatment from the upgrade stick and the latest gadgets have been included. Engines for the moment are either a tiny turbo petrol 1.2 or two small diesel with 1.5 or 1.6-litres. The best new feature though is the ride, which is really comfortable and supportive. Pricing start from R281 900 to R410 500.
Volkswagen’s Tiguan is the quiet kid of the bunch, not designed to stand out of the crowd or strike a pose. Instead the VW Tiguan gets the job done quietly without much fuss and thats probably why it flies under most peoples radar. The Tiguan has a choice of two-wheel or four-wheel drive variants and the 4-Motion equipped models are quite good off road, but the Tiguan shines brightest on the tarmac, where VWs build quality, road holding and German-ness is on display. Yours from R325 900 to R483 000.
