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, it’s steeped in practicality, space and has an abundance of nooks and crannies to store anything and everything. It’s a pity that it’s 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

We dislike:
. Dated infotainment screen

Also consider:
Honda Jazz
Nissan Qashqai
Kia Soul

Five Best Compact SUVs in SA

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. We’ll 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.

Five Best Compact SUVs for South Africa

1)Renault Duster

Renault Duster

A late introduction to the SA market as the Duster is over three years old. SA’s Duster though benefits from an upgraded interior that has some top notch gadgetry inside for such a small price. The Duster’s 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.

2)Ford Ecosport

Ford Ecosport compact suv

Sharing its manufacturing location (India) with the Duster, the Ford Ecosport is based on the Ford Fiesta chassis. It’s 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.

3)Subaru XV

Subaru XV (1)

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.

4)Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai compact suv

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.

5)Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan compact suv

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 that’s probably why it flies under most people’s 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 VW’s build quality, road holding and German-ness is on display. Yours from R325 900 to R483 000.

 

Weekly News Wrap 04/07/2014

The weekly news wrap has made a return! Catch up with the week’s best news, car launches and reviews.

BMW M3 & M4 (2014) Driven

BMW-M3

Editor Dave headed to Johannesburg for the local launch of the fearsome BMW M3 and M4. Do they live up the hype?

New MG Roadster Planned

MG TF Roadster

New reports suggest MG has begun working on a new two-seater sports car which will replace the MG TF.

Volkswagen Officially Reveals 2015 Passat

2015 Passat

Volkswagen has fully revealed its Euro-spec Passat B8 described as a “premium class car without premium costs”.

Fiat 500 L (2013) Reviewed

Fiat-500-L

Stuart reviews the upsized Fiat 500 L and comes away impressed with its features, interior and styling. But there’s a catch…

Audi E-tron for Key Models by 2020

Audi A3 sportback e-tron

At the international launch of the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron, Audi’s research and development head Ulrich Hackenberg revealed plans about the future of Audi’s idea to ‘hybridise’ much of the range by 2020.

Audi RS7 Video Review – Acceleration, Noise and Power

audi leader preferred

Ciro gets behind the wheel of the fearsome Audi RS 7 and debates the merits of owning an impractical supercar over something as potent as this.

Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake confirmed for 2015

CLA-Shooting-Brake

The German car manufacturer has confirmed it will be making a Shooting Brake version of its compact CLA.

Nissan Qashqai (2014) Driven

New Nissan Qashqai
Journalist Ashley was in Johannesburg to drive the new generation Nissan Qashqai. The old one was popular, will this new version be as successful?

Next-Gen Jeep Wrangler Confirmed for 2018 Model Year

Jeep Wrangler Willys Wheeler

Jeep boss Mike Manley has confirmed an all-new Wrangler is in the pipeline and will come sometime in 2017 as a 2018 model year vehicle.

First 5-Door Mini Comes off Production Line

5-door-mini

The first 5-door Mini Cooper has come off the production line at Mini’s Oxford factory in England.

2014 Toyota Etios Cross SA Pricing Announced

2014-Toyota-Etios-Cross

We’ll be driving the 2014 Toyota Etios Cross in the coming weeks, but see how much this budget-busting crossover costs.

Ford Figo Concept Production Model Planned for Africa

Figo-Concept

A production version of the Ford Figo Concept revealed earlier this year at the Delhi Auto Show, is currently being developed by Ford and is planned for South African and Sub-Saharan African (SSA) markets.

Honda Civic Tourer (2014) Reviewed

Honda-Civic-Tourer

Honda South Africa has brought this vehicle to market after showing it off at last year’s Jhb Motor Show. Cars.co.za was one of the first outlets in South Africa to evaluate this interesting estate.

BMW M3 and M4 (2014) Driven

BMW South Africa has taken the covers off of its all-new M3 and coupe twin, the M4. Gone are the days when the BMW M3 was in both a sedan and a coupe model and 2014 sees the brand differentiate between the sedan and coupe models by using odd and even numbers respectively.

With the formalities out the way, let’s take a look at the new turbo twins. The last BMW M3 (V8-powered E92) is the only one I’ve driven and I did enjoy how it gave you that great sports car feeling without any compromises. It could (and was) thrashed on tracks over the weekend, and then driven to work on Monday morning. This was the perfect combination and the BMW M3 made for a superb daily driver.

Engine specifications

The all-new car does away with naturally-aspirated engines and this is the first BMW M3 that features turbocharging. Loosely based on the 3.0-litre straight six which is used in many BMW products with 35i designation, this powerplant features not one, but two turbos. While engine size has gone down from a 4.0-litre V8 to a 3.0-litre straight six, power has gone up. Eight kilowatts isn’t much, but the real change comes from the extra 150 Nm of torque.

On paper, 317 kW and 550 Nm is enough to offer blistering performance, yet still keep the emissions and economy people at bay. Consumption is rated at 8.3l/100km, but who cares? This is an M3.

BMW went all out to ensure the M3/M4 launch was a memorable one and it certainly was. We met at Kyalami circuit as the sun rose and were split into groups. One group would be driving the duo on track, while the others would be taking a helicopter to the road test route in Dullstroom. I did the road test first and selected the visually-explosive Austin Yellow M3 sedan.

Even at idle and at low speeds, the new BMW M3 sounds menacing. There’s a sharp induction noise as you poke the throttle and the turbo-caused noises out the exhausts will make you smile. Check out the video at the bottom of this story to hear what I’m talking about.

Once clear of bumper-to-bumper traffic, you can gently squeeze the gas and feel the power come on. The engine is smooth and the sound increases dramatically as the revs climb. Let the revs climb to about 6 500 and pull the perfectly-positioned gearshift paddle with your right hand. There’s a harsh, yet satisfying clunk as the next gear is engaged.

BMW M3 & M4 Performance

Speed picks up very quickly and I was blown away by how quick the BMW M3 is between the gears. Thanks to the turbos, there’s no lag either and you’ll start accelerating from as slow as 70 km/h in 6th gear. You can play with the throttle response, suspension, steering feedback and even how severe you want the gear changes to be. Expect 100 kph to arrive in 4.1 seconds (4.3 for the manual) and it won’t be long at all before you hit the 250 kph limiter.

Options vary from Comfort, Sport to Sport Plus. With everything set to comfort, the car is still quite severe but manageable. On the other end of the scale, Sport Plus sharpens everything and the four-door sedan becomes a roaring, l0w-flying missile.

The real test would be on a racetrack, which is what awaited us after lunch. BMW bought out its German Touring Car (DTM) ace Bruno Spengler who had a hand in the vehicle’s development. Spengler is well decorated – 2012 DTM champion, runner up twice and three-time third place. After being driven around Kyalami at breakneck speeds mostly sideways, I can tell you the man clearly knows how to drive and knows what’s needed to make a car perform well.

Track pedigree

I’m not a track specialist, but under the expert guidance of BMW’s Advanced Driving instructors I found the BMW M3 and M4 fair and responsive when driven gently. Up the speed a little, and you’ve got a well-balanced, sharp driving tool in your hands. If you’re after lap times and want to go really fast, this could be the car for you. It can reward the skilled driver and flatter the novice, thanks to its clever electronic stability programs.

That said, the laws of physics still apply and with all the safety systems off, the vehicle can become an animal which will bite. Be gentle with the throttle and perfect sideways drifting is possible. Personally, I felt more comfortable and faster behind the wheel of the sleeker BMW M4 with the systems remaining on.

For the performance fanatics, you’ll be delighted to know that Akrapovic exhausts have been confirmed and fade-resistant ceramic brakes are both available as options. If you’re serious about performance driving, you’ll love these. Specification levels are generous and you’ve got a fair amount of options to choose from.

BMW M3 and M4 Summary

For the competition, BMW the M3 and M4 annoyingly move the goalposts yet again. Both cars are superb drives, offer exhilarating performance and offer a fascinating look at how racing technology is applied to a road car. It really is an easy car to drive and once you learn how to tame it, will offer one of the finest driving experiences.

Some may wince at the R1-million price tag, but it is completely justified given the performance. That’s how good the new BMW M3 and M4 are, and the benchmark for this segment has very definitely become even better.

BMW M3 and M4 Price in South Africa

2014 BMW F80 M3 Sedan – R958 300 (R 1 006 800 for the 7-speed DCT)
2014 BMW M4 Coupe – R1 007 800 (R1 056 300 for the 7-speed DCT)

Video

New MG Roadster Planned

New reports suggest MG has begun working on a new two-seater sports car which will replace the MG TF and is expected to launch sometime before the end of the decade.

New MG Roadster to enter production soon

An insider from the company confirmed these details to Auto Express, saying the company wants to create the open-top sports car as soon as it has re-established itself under SAIC ownership.

While there is still no official launch date and details are still limited, it is believed the new MG Roadster will be based on an all new architecture. This platform is said to offer similar levels of flexibility as the VW Group’s MQB architecture, with the ability to house a number of components and engines to help trim down costs.

Power is likely to come from two turbo petrol units, a 1.5-litre and a 2.0-litre which will be developed by Chinese-based SAIC’s UK Technical Centre. The TF successor will also supposedly feature a rear wheel drive layout, while the engine will be front-mounted.

The MG TF was a fairly popular model in South Africa and the new Chinese-owned MG is keen to make inroads with new product into our market. We saw the all-new MG 3 at last year’s Johannesburg International Motor Show and the vehicle looked promising.

We expect more details to be revealed leading to the car’s completion and launch date.

Volkswagen Officially Reveals 2015 Passat

A month ago Volkswagen released the tech details of the 2015 Passat (which you can read about here), and now the company has fully revealed its Euro-spec Passat B8 described as a “premium class car without premium costs”.

Modified design structure

“The new Passat gives the right answers to the major automotive trends of its time,” said VW Group chief Martin Winterkorn. “For me this Passat is a premium class car without premium costs. This fits perfectly to Europe’s most successful business car – lining up with 20% better fuel economy, up to 85 kg less weight and a range of efficient petrol and diesel engines – there is even a plug-in hybrid available.”

With a more stylish appearance, the 2015 Passat boasts an aggressive front fascia, headlights which can be optionally configured with LEDs featuring Dynamic Light Assist that can automatically adjust the high beam without disturbing incoming traffic. There’s also a 9kg lighter suspension encompassing front MacPherson struts and a multi-link setup for the rear.

In addition, the model measures 4 767 mm long, 1 832 mm wide and 1 456 mm tall, making it 2 mm shorter, 12 mm wider and 6 mm lower than the previous model. A combination of high-strength steel, hot-formed steel and aluminium was used to shed off up to 85 kg.

Engine Specs

Volkswagen says the new Passat will be available with 10 direct injection turbocharged petrol and diesel engines covering a power range from 88 kW to 206 kW, and in addition to that they will all come standard with start/stop technology. The 2015 Passat will also get a new plug-in hybrid version combining a 115 kW petrol engine with an 80 kW electric motor, together delivering a total output of 155 kW and an all-electric driving range of 50 km.

The 2015 Passat can also be configured with a wide range of safety and assistance systems such as Side Assist with Rear Traffic Alert, Traffic Jam Assist, City Emergency Braking, Trailer Assist, Emergency Assist, revised 360-degree Area View function and others as well.

The new Passat will enjoy its world premiere at the 2014 Paris Motor Show in October, with advance sales beginning in Germany next week.

Fiat 500 L (2013) Reviewed

There’s nothing normal about the Fiat 500 L. Even the key-fob, it seems to me, has the unlock function where I would have expected the lock button to be. And that feeling of ‘now for something completely non-mainstream’ persists when you first set eyes on the little bus.

Not that it’s ugly –far from it. It has managed to convey the essence of 500 well, in its much- expanded  bus-shaped largeness (in comparison to the Fiat 500 it is huge), and yet it has clean, well-proportioned lines that are a credit to its stylist.

Whatever the 500 L is, many people on our travels with the car in and about the greater Randburg suburbs found it highly attractive. Especially women, and young women at that, who actually stopped us and asked for a closer look.

The 500 L comes in two trim levels and with two powertrains, here on the South African market. There is a basic model called the Easy and the more up-market one called the Lounge. And a very good name that is for the top model, as it has a cabin that is elegantly trimmed, our test car’s interior colour scheme being contrasting beige and black which is extremely easy on the eye and has a feeling of classiness well beyond its segment.

What exactly is that market segment? Well, it’s a cross-over and meant for people who need plenty of space, but place style well ahead of performance in their priorities.

Spaciousness

As you enter the 500 L, the feeling of spaciousness blows you away. In this car, the factor that takes the most getting-used-to is that the windscreen is way up ahead of the steering wheel, and that there are two A-pillar supports  that need to be factored into your placement of the vehicle in certain situations.

The second factor to get your attention is the amazing lightness of controls. The steering is super-assisted, and in fact I would recommend that you locate the ‘city’ button on the dash asap, and dial it to normal, because in city mode there is practically no steering feel at all and it makes steering a bit weird.

Fiat 500 L Engine, Ride and Handling

The other bit that needs acclimatisation is the engine. There is a 1.6-litre Multijet diesel available too, and I would like to try that sometime, to see how it shapes up. In the Lounge trim and fitted with the 1.4-litre non-turbo petrol four-cylinder unit, the 500 L weighs some 1 365 kg. That’s a not inconsiderable mass, and at Jhb altitudes the 70 kW (rated for sea level operation, and 127 Nm of torque, also at sea level) feels more like 55 kW.

This means that the car is not quick in general operation at all. However, there are a few factors compensating for the basic lack of urge. Firstly, the first and second gears are extremely short, and if you rev the engine to the red-line, as it is all too willing to do, you can get some decent forward motion going. In fact the engine gives off a strangely sportive induction note when you wring its neck!

As for the rest, you tend to drive the car sedately because it’s a people mover after all. And part of the idea of buying a small-capacity-engined car today is to save fuel, and if you drive gently you will indeed get very close to a sub-8-litres/100 km consumption for town use.

Interior space and features

The interior space is quite amazing, thanks to a very tall roof line. And apart from that fore-located windscreen, the Lounge model comes standard with a Skydome sun roof, a huge area of fixed glass covered by an attractive weaved mesh material that lets filtered light into the cabin, for an even more airy feel!

There is automatic climate control on the Lounge model, a steering column that is adjustable for height and reach, and cruise control, to mention just some of the features not normally found on such a spacious people mover costing, for the 500 L Lounge 1.4 petrol,  R257 900. For instance, a base Nissan Qashqai now costs R281 90, and while it has a much improved interior it doesn’t come close in terms of chic-ness to the 500 L.

It has side and head protection airbags for both front passengers, as well as the usual frontal airbags, an adjustable rear back-rest location that, while still in upright position, expands the luggage capacity to 400 litres, and the obvious full-fold-down options.

Fiat 500 L Price in South Africa

The Fiat 500 L range starts at R242 490, with the 500 L Lounge costing R257 900. The 1.6-litre diesel sells for R299 490.

Conclusion and summary

Overall it has an impressive feeling of solidity too, although how long that beautiful tan suede finish will stay spiffy with a family on kids on board is anyone’s guess. Despite the fact that, okay, it is definitely underpowered in petrol form, I found myself liking the 500 L, simply because it offers such a unique driving experience.

Fiat 500 L Quick Specs

Engine  1.4-litre four cylinder petrol
Power  70 kW
Torque  127 Nm
Transmission  Six-speed manual
Wheels  16-inch alloys
0-100km/h  12.8 seconds (claimed)
Fuel economy  6.2 l/100km (claimed)

We like:
. Style
. Standard features
. Easy to drive
. Spaciousness

We dislike:
. Petrol engine is underpowered
. Cabin quality longevity

Also consider:
Mini Countryman
Nissan Qashqai
. Subaru XV
. Kia Soul

Audi E-tron for Key Models by 2020

At the international launch of the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron, Audi’s research and development head Ulrich Hackenberg revealed plans about the future of Audi’s idea to ‘hybridise’ much of the range by 2020.

E-tron Plug-in Hybrids

Starting with the A3 Sportback e-tron, Hackenberg announced that Audi would prioritise building plug-in hybrids as ‘they meet all of our customers’ expectations’. This A3 Sportback e-tron being the benchmark from which other Audis will take inspiration.

The A3 e-tron has its electric motor seated between the 1.4-litre TFSI engine and the specially designed six-speed dual clutch gearbox. Most of Audi’s smaller cars would be able to adopt this similar strategy whilst all-wheel drive models would move the electric motor to the rear axle where it would do work powering the rear wheels with the petrol unit working the front wheels.

In larger Audis where the engine is mounted longitudinally, they would still be able to use the system of mounting the electric motor between the engine and gearbox. They would then have the option of sending power from the electric motor forwards or backwards for Quattro models.

Hackenberg noted that he wanted to have at least one plug-in hybrid in each of the key model by 2020.

Audi RS7 Video Review – Acceleration, Noise and Power

The Audi RS7 – power of a monster

In our latest Cars.co.za feature film we experience how quickly the Audi RS7 accelerates, we debate where that wonderful exhaust noise comes from, and we see just how many everyday items this 4-door supercar can swallow in the boot.

Audi is obviously not content with making posh, fast limos. They want to make the fastest, poshest limos, and they have done, with the new RS7. It’s a car that uses the same engine as the Bentley Continental GTV8, a twin-turbo, 4.0 litre cleverly designed V8 powerplant that produces 412 kW and a monstrous 700 Nm.

In a car made mostly from aluminium to keep the weight down, the Audi RS7 leaps off the line. As you’ll see, it genuinely gave me a fright. And then I did it again and it gave me a headache. It’s a brutal, savage kind of acceleration, harnessed by quattro drive which means the car just grips and goes. No drama, no fuss. Just mind-bending, stomach-churning forward motion.

And that is sort of the issue with this car. It is a supercar, on paper, but in day to day driving it doesn’t feel like one. It can probably hustle with the best of the other Germans, it easily has the luxury spec to match, and the headline figures are astonishing, but can we really call it a supercar? We’ve tried to answer that.

Rivals

I’ve gone ahead and compared the Audi RS7 to three of its very German, very interesting rivals. The Mercedes CLS63 AMG and the BMW M6 Gran Coupe.

While you could strictly compare the Audi RS7 to the Mercedes E 63 AMG and BMW M5, it’s not entirely fair as the RS7 is essentially a special variant of the A6, slotting into the niche gap between the A8 and the A6. In the same way as BMW created the 6 Series to slot in between the 5- and 7-Series, and Merc created the CLS to fill the gap no one knew existed between the E Class and the S Class.

They are all very close on price, they all have superbly powerful, growling, turbocharged V8 engines, and they all go about their business in a very serious, Autobahn-eating kind of way.

My pick of the bunch would actually be none of these. I’d go for the cheaper Audi RS6 Avant, which has the same motor as the RS7, the BMW M5, which is R250 000 cheaper, or the Mercedes CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake, which is just epic to drive and epic to look at.

Car Comparisons

If you’re into stats and things, here’s a detailed car comparison between our three hero cars:

Audi RS7 BMW M6 Gran Coupe Mercedes CLS63 AMG
Price R1,501,500.00 R 1,601,991.00 R 1,539,920.00
Engine 4.0l V8 turbocharged 4.4l V8 turbocharged 5.5l V8 turbocharged
Power 412kW 412kW 430kW
Torque 700Nm 680Nm 800Nm
0-100km/h time 3.9seconds 4.2seconds 3.6seconds
Top speed 250km/h limited 250km/h limited 250km/h limited
Fuel consumption 9.8l/100km 9.9l/100km 10.4l/100km
Weight (gross gvm) 2505kg 2410kg 2415kg

 Audi RS7 gallery

Hyundai i10 Sport Launched In Germany

Hyundai has launched a sporty i10 hatchback in Germany.

Hyundai i10 Sport details

The new Hyundai i10 Sport city car features a number of modifications to the exterior, including revised side skirts, lowered suspension, huge 17-inch alloy wheels, as well as

LED daytime running lights and red and black race-inspired accents from the front bumper to the rear window.

The model is also fully equipped with music connectivity facilities and a red sporting interior with partial leather seats.

Power comes from a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated 4-cylinder petrol unit making 64 kW and 120 Nm of torque. From standstill the car can accelerate to 100 km/h in 12.3 seconds with top speed reaching 175 km/h. Average fuel consumption is rated at 4.9 l/100km.

The Hyundai i10 Sport is currently available exclusively in Germany as a rival to the Volkswagen UP!