Peugeot has revealed the power output for the upcoming 308 GTi. The 308 GTi will likely only be revealed to the public sometime in 2015, but we have been slowly getting details about it.
Peugeot 308 GTI engine
Power outputs for the 308 GTi are said to be either 184 kW or 199 kW as implied by Peugeot Sport director Bruno Famin. The 1.6-litre turbocharger that does duty in the 199 kW Peugeot RCZ R is likely to be the sourced engine for the 308 GTi. That would make the 308 GTi one of the most powerful hot hatchbacks on the market. Power wise that trumps a lot of the benchmark machinery such as the VW Golf GTI with 162 kW and the Ford Focus ST with 184 kW, even other French four-doors like the Renault Megane GT Turbo (162 kW) are nowhere near that power output.
However, power isnt everything in a hot hatch so no doubt Peugeot will adapt the suspension to make it racier and track worthy. Peugeot recently revealed the medium heat hot hatch in the 308 GT (155 kW) last month in special Peugeot racing blue. We still wait for the local launch of the 308 so we shouldnt expect the 308 GTi until much later next year (2015) but it should make for an interesting shake up to the hot hatch market.
*Peugeot 308 R Concept Pictured
Lexus Range Updated For 2014 in SA
Lexus South Africa has updated its local line-up with a number of cosmetic and technology features.
Lexus CT 200h
First up is the Lexus CT 200h now benefits from a reverse camera, cruise control, Lexus display audio with 10-speaker sound (replacing the small-screen, six-speaker system), rotary-style Lexus Remote Touch (EMVN) controller and rain-sensing wipers.
Lexus ES
Up next is the Lexus ES which gains a significant safety feature, a Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) system which uses the Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) radar to detect vehicles approaching the difficult-to-see area behind the vehicle. The system also alerts you with a visual display in the door mirrors and a buzzer.
Lexus IS
Lastly, Lexus has updated the IS compact sports sedan with a rear monitor, an upgraded audio system for the Lexus IS 350 E, and LED fog lamps for the E and EX variants.
“These updates improve the functionality, safety and visual appeal of these Lexus models,” said Justin Ryan, general manager, Lexus South Africa. “What’s more, we’ve added these items at little cost to consumers – further enhancing Lexus’ reputation of comprehensive standard specification and outstanding value for money.”
Updated Lexus range price in South Africa
Lexus CT 200h (E) R424 200 Lexus IS 350 (E) R499 900 Lexus EX R549 900 Lexus F Sport R605 900 Lexus ES 250 (E) R471 800 Lexus ES 300h (EX) R557 300
Mercedes-Benz E250 CDI Coupe Review
The Mercedes-Benz E250 coupe has been facelifted for 2014 and we had a chance to put it to the test.
In my opinion, the Mercedes-Benz E250 coupe is one of the prettier designs coming from the German manufacturer and our test unit was particularly eye catching in red. The new model for 2014 sees the range gain the updated face, with very attractive daytime running lights and a racy front bumper.
Engine
Powering this E250 coupe is the tried-and-test 2.1-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine. This engine is just so good as it combines reasonable performance with excellent fuel economy. During its seven day stay with us, the E250 coupe recorded an outstanding figure of 7.2L/100km. In eco mode and driven gently, I would estimate that under 7L/100km is possible.
More Show, Less Go
The only downside to the E250 Coupe is the lack of dynamic ability. While it’s potent in terms of overtaking ability thanks to that diesel engine, it really doesn’t like being thrown around corners. This is strictly a GT cruiser that enjoys the long road and in this role, the car excels. If you’re after a bit more performance, there’s an E350 and an E500 – both with petrol engines which should satisfy your needs. There’s also some convertible versions too. I find it a little odd there’s no AMG version in the range as I feel it’d be superb. A 4.4-litre biturbo V8 in a body that attractive would surely go down a treat.
The ride is a little on the firm side, and its particularly noticeable on the rougher tarmac. Stick with the standard 18-inch wheels, and avoid the 19-inch options, which will be even firmer still.
Luxury Feel
Being a Mercedes-Benz, the technology and premium feel of the vehicle is of the highest order, and you’ll be hard pressed to find an equivalent in this price range which offers this much luxury. The technology is something else though. This Mercedes-Benz E250 coupe comes with the 7G-Tronic gearbox, with paddles behind the steering wheel. While these are a nice to have, I feel the car is best left to its own devices to ensure a smooth ride. I get the feeling this gearbox is tuned for economy, which isn’t the worst thing in the world.
The car comes with daytime running lights, active cruise control (Distronic Plus) which auto brakes the car as well as keeps it in the lanes, a brilliant reverse camera system, privacy blind, heated and cooled leather seats, panoramic sunroof, and a superb audio system which is linked to the rather good Mercedes-Benz COMAND infotainment and navigation system. To be honest, not all of these are standard equipment so be sure to consult your dealer when it comes to options and configuration.
Summary
In closing I think the Mercedes-Benz E250 coupe is one damn fine cruiser. Not only does it look good, but it just exudes class and comfort that its rivals simply cannot match. The diesel motor is frugal, but has enough grunt to be a formidable open road performer. If you’re after something with a bit more performance, there’s a V6 and V8 petrol. It’s a seriously good machine and its rivals simply can’t match the premium feel that Mercedes-Benz offers.
Second Opinion
The E-Class coupe oozes style and class. It rides on a coushion of premium quality and refinement. Mercedes is gaining the upper hand in build quality and style, especially the interiors it crafts out. Whilst a large two-door coupe is a very niche market to aim at, the E-Class Coupe is the automatic choice. – Ashley Oldfield
Mercedes-Benz E250 CDI quick specs
Price
R620 257
Engine
2.1-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel
Power
155 kW
Torque
350 Nm
Transmission
Six-speed manual
Wheels
17-inch alloys
0-100km/h
7.1 seconds (claimed)
Fuel economy
6.1L/100 km (claimed)
We like:
. Eye catching styling
. Engine blends economy with performance
. Technology
. Magnificent cruising machine
We dislike:
. Doesn’t like being driven aggressively
Head of powertrain development at VW, Dr Heinz-Jakob Neusser said that it was possible to make an R variant for nearly every model in the range but stressed that commercial viability would determine which R models would make it to production.
New VW Golf GTD R could be a possibility
Volkswagen’s Hanno Jelden, in an interview with Motoring, said that the new 176 kW / 500 Nm 2.0-litre TDI biturbo engine for the VW Passat could be used in the Golf. However, he made it clear that “the issue is that is it the heaviest engine currently used in the [MQB] platform.”
Although nothing has been confirmed for sure, the most likely candidates for R treatment would be the Polo and the Passat. In the Passat however, this 2.0-litre biturbo TDI is mated to a seven-speed DSG transmission which results in a 0-100 kph sprint time of 6.1 seconds before topping out at 240 kph.
Either way, we will just have to wait and see what the final decision is from VW, but looking at the new VW Golf R, we can only have confidence that future R models will be very special indeed.
Renault Alpine Set for 2016 Debut
Renault boss Carlos Ghosn, has confirmed the re-launch of the Alpine sports brand remains on track for 2016, despite the companys split with Caterham, over what was to be a jointly developed car.
Renault Alpine project continuing as planned
Speaking to WhatCar at this years Paris Motor Show, Ghosn said that while it would have been better to split the investment with a partner, it wasnt possible to agree to it. Now it is better that we go alone and the project is continuing as planned, he added.
Renaults chief designer Laurens van den Acker also confirmed the project was on course, adding that it had become a simpler project as a sole-developed car.
We are now in sole charge of our destiny, and we have made some good progress. Van den Acker also added that Caterham brought a lot of experience to the team, especially in its knowledge of rapid prototyping and setting up a sports car so it was a shame to lose them.
Its rumoured that Caterham is also planning on launching its own rival sports car around the same time.
More details on the Renault Alpine will be made available in the years leading to the launch. In the meantime, watch the beautiful Alpine racer video.
New Volvo V40 for 2016, XC40 to Follow In 2018
New details have been revealed about the upcoming Volvo V40 and XC40 models which are said to be created out of the companys brand new C-segment Modular Architecture.
New vehicle platform planned for new Volvo V40 and XC40
According to Car Advice, Volvo senior president Lex Kerssemakers confirmed details about the new platform at the Paris Motor Show. He mentioned the platform is being jointly developed with Chinese brand Geely as a highly flexible small car architecture that the company will use on the new V40 and first small SUV which will rival the likes of the Range Rover Evoque, BMW X1 and Audi Q3.
Not much is known about the platform itself but it is expected to underpin a wide range of products. The platform is developed in such a way that it can carry [physically] high cars and low cars, so we are very flexible. Of course we are looking for top hat expansions to increase the leverage on the platform, said Kerssemakers.
Top of the list according to the senior vice president, is to replace the V40 sometime 2016, followed by the XC40 in 2018. Both models will be available as plug-in hybrids.
Volkswagen could consider Polo R and Passat R
Volkswagen is having considerable success with the current generation Golf R and could be looking to expand the range of R-badged cars in the future. Head of powertrain development at VW, Dr Heinz-Jakob Neusser expressed that it was possible to make an R variant for nearly every model in the range but stressed that commercial viability would determine which R models would make it to production.
Polo R to come?
Dr Neusser spoke of the Golf Rs success: We get a lot of positive resonance out of the market and, perhaps soon, we will see other R models. But its always a question if the market is able to use the car, if they find them attractive. But yes, in principle its always possible to do it.
The most likely candidates for R treatment would be the Polo and the Passat. The Polo has already been given R badging in limited numbers in the form of the VW Polo R WRC Street. The WRC Street sold in a limited run of 2500 units though.
On the Passat side things get more interesting as Dr Neusser spoke of six-cylinder engines featuring turbochargers as a possible powerplant. More than likely power would be combined with 4-Motion all-wheel drive.
* VW Polo R WRC Street pictured
Chevrolet Camaro Spring Special Edition Announced
General Motors has revealed the looks of its all-new Chevrolet Camaro Spring special edition, which is set to make an official debut at the Speciality Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas.
Fans invited to name 2015 Chevrolet Camaro Spring special edition
The model is yet to receive an official name, and Chevrolet is inviting enthusiasts to name the special-edition Camaro that will go on sale in the first quarter of 2015. Suggestions can be submitted at twitter.com/Chevrolet and at facebook.com/chevycamaro, using the tag #NameThatCamaro.
Clothed in striking Emerald Green Metallic exterior with Cyber Grey rally stripes, the Chevrolet Camaro Spring special edition will be offered in coupe and convertible models with 2SS trim and will be fitted with 21-inch alloy wheels, body-colour hood extractor, a ground effects package and a ZL1-sourced rear spoiler.
Chevrolet further added an RS Appearance Package which comes with HID headlights, LED taillights and a revised grille. The interior of the Camaro gets elusive changes boasting black leather seats and Graphite Silver trim.
Optional equipment will include a sunroof, dual-mode exhaust (except export models), navigation radio and Chevrolet Performance short-throw shifter.
Power will come from a 6.2-litre V-8 rated at 318 kW and 569 Nm in models with the standard six-speed manual transmission, and 298 kW and 556 Nm for models equipped with the six-speed automatic transmission.
The Chevrolet Camaro Spring Special Edition is said to go on sale in the first quarter of 2015, while its official name will be announced at SEMA.
Next Generation Opel Astra OPC Confirmed For 2017 Launch
Its been announced that the next generation Opel Astra will be introduced sometime in 2017.
According to officials at Opel, the new OPC will do away with the four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbocharged unit for a smaller 1.6-litre engine that will deliver around 209 kW. The model is also said to drop as much as 150 kg from its total weight, compared to its predecessor which weighs 1475 kg.
More details on the next generation Opel Astra OPC can be expected to be announced over the next few years, close to its official debut.
*Note: Pictured is the Opel Astra OPC Extreme.
Chevrolet Spark 1.2 LS (2014) Review
With its roots in the Daewoo Matiz of the late 90’s, the Chevrolet Spark has grown up considerably over the last decade and is currently Chevrolet’s best-selling passenger car in South Africa. Packaged as a small city car with a host of standard features and an attractive pricing structure for those on a budget, the little Sparky is selling well in an increasingly cash-strapped market.
I spent a week with the 2014 Chevrolet Spark 1.2 LS manual in Armour Grey to see how it fares in this competitive segment.
Looks Count
Standing 3 640 mm in length, 1 597 mm wide and 1 522 mm high, the Chevrolet Spark 1.2 LS is small and compact and makes up for its size with vastly improved styling over its predecessors. Along with 14-inch alloy wheels, the front-end styling features a new dual-port grille with chrome surrounds and fog lamps as well as sharper, re-designed headlights.
Towards the rear, the roof rails, roof spoiler and high-set rear lights give the little Sparky some added edge and the hidden rear door handles are a nice design touch. With its updated styling, the Spark will in all likelihood shake off negative perceptions of the past and increase its appeal to a younger market.
Spark (less) Interior
On the inside, the Chevrolet Spark LS comes with a fair amount of features including cloth seats, height adjustable steering wheel with mounted audio controls, front and rear electric windows, a 4-speaker CD Radio with MP3 capability, USB and auxiliary ports as well as Bluetooth capability.
However, the interior styling may not be to everyone’s taste. The cloth seats in combination with contrasting plastic detailing on the doors and dashboard makes the interior look a bit tacky and the speedometer and trip computer are oddly placed directly behind the steering wheel for a squashed effect which can be quite distracting while driving. The seats offer very little support but are relatively comfortable for the average sized person, but larger and taller passengers may find the interior to be a bit cramped.
To be expected in a car of this nature, the boot is on the small side, but space can be increased by folding down the 60:40 split rear seat. Storage space in the driver’s cabin is limited to three cup holders, in-door storage and the glove compartment. That said, a centre storage compartment would’ve been more than welcome.
Cheeky Drive
Powering this Chevrolet Spark LS model is a 1.2-litre, in-line four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 60 kW and 108 Nm of torque. Around town, the Spark LS is in its element and with the help of a smooth-changing 5-speed manual transmission, the Spark nips around with ease for a vehicle of this size. Despite its dimensions the Spark feels sure-footed on the road and is quite nimble between robots making for a cheeky drive in the city.
The Chevrolet Spark is the type of car that needs to be driven enthusiastically to get the most out of the engine and at highway speed the Spark starts to sound a little rough, especially when pushed to its limit. Engine noise is something you’ll have to get used to, but thankfully road and wind noise is kept to a minimum. The overall drive is relatively smooth with less body roll compared to the Mitsubishi Mirage reviewed in August. As a daily city runabout, the Chevrolet Spark does its job well.
A big selling point for the Chevrolet Spark is its fuel consumption, claimed to be 5.4-litres/100 km on the combined cycle. I drove this test model for a week and barely used a quarter tank, which is rather impressive considering the distance travelled. Depending on your travelling requirements, the Chevrolet Spark will cut your fuel costs, which is a bonus if you’re a student, or a pensioner.
This Chevrolet Spark LS model comes fitted with driver and front passenger airbags as well as ABS with EBD, manual air-conditioning and remote control central locking fitted as standard.
Chevrolet Spark 1.2 LS – Verdict
The 2014 Chevrolet Spark is decent. Its improved exterior styling and standard goodies will make it that much more attractive to potential buyers. The drive is sufficiently comfortable for everyday use within the city, but longer trips may be taxing on the driver and passengers. The low fuel consumption is a big plus and if you can look past some of the interior flaws, the Chevrolet Spark is sure to provide many years of cheap, hassle-free motoring. Even so, the little Sparky is up against some stiff competition in this segment and buyers will be wise to compare the Spark with its competitors.
Second Opinion
The Chevrolet Spark is often a forgotten competitor in the B-segment rivalry. It’s actually quite spacious and well specced inside in this LS version. Price is competitive but the likes of the Ford Figo and the VW Polo Vivo seem to have won consumers favour. – Ashley Oldfield
Chevrolet Spark – Price in South Africa
The Chevrolet Spark 1.2 LS tested here is priced from R137 400. The lower spec Spark 1.2 Campus is priced from R115 900 and the and the Spark 1.2 L is priced from R126 900. The high-spec Spark LT price starts at R149 800. For cheaper options you can also consider the Spark Pronto from R112 000 and the entry-level Spark Lite from R101 200.
