Nissan Develops Self Cleaning Car Prototype

Nissan has started testing an innovative paint technology that will spare car owners from washing their own cars or taking it in to a car wash.The technology, which has been applied to a Note prototype, promises to repel mud, dirt and rain.

The world’s first self cleaning car

Called “Ultra-Ever Dry,” the coating works by creating a protective layer of air between the paint and the environment. In addition, it effectively stops standing water and road spray from creating dirty marks on the car’s surface.

According to Note Chief Marketing Manager Geraldine Ingham, “The Nissan Note has been carefully engineered to take the stress out of customer driving and Nissan’s engineers are constantly thinking of new ways to make families’ lives easier.

We are committed to addressing everyday problems our customers face and will always consider testing exciting, cutting edge technology like this incredible coating application.

Testing is said to begin at the companys European Technical Centre to determine real-world effectiveness of the technology as a potential aftermarket application.

View the self cleaning car prototype in action

SA Built Toyota Corolla Quest Announced

Toyota just recently released the new 11th generation Corolla, and now the company is introducing an all-new sub-C segment Toyota Corolla Quest which is due in showrooms from May 2014.

Corolla Quest line-up

The Toyota Corolla Quest line-up will be limited to three models with two trim levels: the standard variant available in manual or automatic guise and the Quest Plus which will be available solely as a manual.

All cars in the range are to come standard with an immobiliser and alarm, remote central locking, dual front airbags, Isofix anchor points, air-conditioning and rake/reach adjustment for the steering wheel.

The subtle differences between the two trim levels are the wheels (alloys for the Plus version versus steel), body-coloured door handles for the Plus model, and the inclusion of an audio system for the Plus, which offers radio/CD playback as well as a USB port and auxiliary jack.

In contrast to the tenth-gen Corolla, the Quest comes with a number of exterior refinements including new design headlights, redesigned rear combination lamps, black radiator grille and black license plate trim.

Engine specs

The Corolla Quest will be offered with a single engine option. The sole powerplant is the same all-aluminium 1.6-litre in-line four-cylinder found in the eleventh-gen Corolla range. Maximum power is rated at 90 kW at 6 000 rpm with maximum torque of 154 Nm at 5 200rpm. Buyers will have the option of a six-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.

The model accelerates from 0-100km/h in 10.4 seconds, reaching a maximum top speed of 192 km/h. Toyota says that consumption and emission figures will be confirmed closer to launch.

Given the success of models like the Volkswagen Polo Vivo and Ford Figo (both of which are based on previous generation Polo and Fiesta models respectively), it makes perfect sense to re-engineer an outgoing car and target the lower income market who can’t afford the newer Toyota Corolla.

We’ll be driving the new Toyota Corolla Quest in Durban in the next two weeks as well as checking out the factory where the vehicles are assembled. With rivals costing well over R200 000, the Toyota Corolla Quest looks like incredible value for money and the market could be turned on its head.

Toyota Corolla Quest price in South Africa

Toyota Corolla Quest 1.6 R174 900
Toyota Corolla Quest 1.6 auto R198 900
Toyota Corolla Quest 1.6 Plus R197 900

The price includes a three-year or 100 000km warranty and three-year or 45 000km service plan.

Toyota Corolla Quest gallery

Hyundai IX35 (2014) review

The recently updated Hyundai IX35 spends a week with me and I see if it’s worth adding to the list of decent family SUVs.

The Hyundai IX35 has been in South Africa for some time and I can recall driving the first generation examples back in 2010. It was quite a hit with the buying public and along with its Kia Sportage sibling, sold very well. Fast-forward to 2014 and I’m behind the wheel of the diesel-powered 2014 Hyundai IX35 2.0 Elite manual. The diesel comes in both automatic 4×4 and manual 4×2 versions. Visually, daytime running lights and new front end are the main change while LED tail lights and a panoramic roof add a nice premium touch.

Engine and economy

The 2.0-litre diesel engine is lovely. With 130 kW and 383 Nm available, this unit is smooth and refined. It’s reasonably frugal too, with a combined cycle figure of 6.5 l/100 km being claimed. That said, I wasn’t able to get it under 7.8 l/100km… Still, 7.8 is a good enough figure for a big family SUV. Interestingly, in the seven days I had the vehicle the fuel gauge barely moved and it was still registering half a tank, despite a weekend trip to Gansbaai. Despite the petrol engines being improved with the updated model, I still recommend going for a diesel.

Ride and comfort

The Hyundai IX35 is a spacious and comfortable car to drive. The six-speed manual gearbox is solid and there’s a handy shift indicator which tells you when to change gears for better fuel consumption. The cabin is practical too, with a number of storage pockets and compartments. As a person who puts his keys and mobile phone in the cup holders, I was thankful there are no fewer than two upfront as well as a handy storage bin in the centre armrest.

Leather seats are standard for the top of the range model and rear legroom is to be commended. However all seats feel a little firm, resulting in longer drives becoming a literal pain in the proverbial… I’ll give Hyundai credit though for taking all the criticism about plasticky interiors and creating a well-appointed and quality cabin. While there are still some cheap elements around, overall it’s a product worthy of costing near R400 000.

Features

Hyundai does a good job of kitting out the IX35 with pretty much everything you’d need in a semi-luxury SUV. The new IX35 now features a new audio system with built-in Bluetooth connectivity. There’s a USB port neatly positioned at the bottom of the centre console and the infotainment system features a small touchscreen interface.

My one gripe is this screen feels a little too small. The other gripe is that in bright sunlight, I struggled to see the dials. In terms of features there’s a reverse camera, cruise control, dual zone climate control, keyless access and start, as well as 18-inch wheels riding on low-profile rubber. There’s extensive use of blue lighting in the cabin, which resulted in one of my friends calling it ‘the Tron car’.

Conclusion / Summary

The Hyundai IX35 is a pleasant family vehicle and the acid test was taking my parents on a road trip to Gansbaai, near the Southernmost tip of Africa. The car was quiet, refined and pleasant on the open road, with the diesel engine offering plenty of grunt for overtaking slower road users. The roads around Gansbaai are a mixture of poor tar and one stretch could be defined as mildly offroad. Yet, despite the lack of all-wheel drive (only the diesel automatic offers all-wheel drive), the IX35 performed admirably and even charged through some beach sand without getting stuck.

It really is a solid offering from the Koreans and you’d be hard pressed to beat the IX35 when it comes to features and driving quality. Throw in a comprehensive warranty, and you’ll understand why there’s a waiting order for this product.

Hyundai IX35 price in South Africa

The Hyundai IX35 2.0 Elite manual tested here costs R389 900. The Hyundai IX35 range starts at R319 900. All IX35 vehicles come with a five year /150 000 km warranty, five year’s worth of roadside assistance and a service plan of five years / 90 000 km. Servicing intervals are every 15 000 km.

Hyundai IX35 (2014) Quick Specs

Engine	2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel
Power	130 kW @ 4 000 rpm
Torque	383 Nm @ 1 800 rpm
Transmission	6-speed manual gearbox
Wheels	18-inch
0-100km/h	9.4seconds (claimed)
Fuel economy	6.5 l/100km (claimed)

We like:

. Good engine
. Comfort
. Standard features

We dislike:

. Dials are dim in bright sunlight
. Small infotainment screen
. Low profile tyres aren’t good for potholed roads
. Waiting lists

Also consider:

Ford Kuga
Kia Sportage
Nissan Qashqai
Subaru Forester

Hyundai IX35 gallery

BMW 4-Series Parking Challenge (Video)

Can you park a BMW without looking out of the window?

This is one question which Ciro Di Siena asked himself and it provided the perfect opportunity to try out the BMW 4-Series parking sensors. Will Ciro’s test end in success or a lengthy and difficult to explain insurance claim? As cars became safer over the years, the design regulations made them quite difficult to see out of.

This meant parking aids had to get clever. The camera and radar systems in the new BMW 4-Series are so advanced that we thought we might be able to park it, using nothing but the car’s own eyes and ears.

You can read and watch the main review of the BMW 435i M Sport here.

BMW 4-Series Parking Challenge Video

The New BMW 4-Series Boot Test (Video)

You may think that choosing a two-door sportscar means you’ll have to leave everything at home, except your ego. The BMW 4-Series boot space is generous as Ciro tries to pack in all sorts of toys that an owner could possibly want to cart around.

Watch Ciro try and pack the boot of the BMW 435i coupe with a number of items ranging from golf equipment to a surfboard.

You can read and watch the main review of the BMW 435i M Sport here.

BMW 4-Series Boot Video

BMW 4-Series Driving Modes (Video)

Ciro Explains BMW’s Driving Experience Control, EcoPro Mode

All new BMWs have this clever system, but it feels particularly useful here. The new BMW 4-Series is fast, and powerful. But those two characteristics are usually expensive on your wallet. Not with BMW’s impressive engine management system. If you are prepared to be bored to within an inch of your life, you can save a tonne of fuel using EcoPro mode.

You can read and watch the main review of the BMW 435i M Sport here.

BMW 4-Series Driving Modes Video

BMW 435i Review (Video)

When a long established, popular car maker like BMW changes things up so dramatically, it inevitably draws an emotional response from casual observers to those we might call fanatics. But the reality is that cars like the M3 have found their way into the hearts and minds of enthusiasts the world over. So when BMW wants to drop the whole idea of a 3-Series Coupe, youd better believe it has something better up its Bavarian sleeves.

BMW 4-Series design

The good news is this whole episode of introducing the all-new BMW 4-Series has been a bit like when Facebook changes layout. Everyone has a small-to-large freak-out for a few weeks and then when we realise the new way is just better, we all seem to get over it and move on with our lives.

Cue the 4-Series. It happens to have the widest hips of any series-production BMW, ever. And it shows. The 4-Series is sexy. Low, wide and sleek, its much more sportscar than the 3-Series coupe ever was.

Based on the 3-Series, mostly for cost-saving benefits, the 4-Series runs a wider track, has a lower centre of gravity and of course is more rigid because there are less massive holes in the body work created by those pesky door things.

The result is remarkable. It is taut, eager and effortless up to and almost on the limit, like a true sportscar. It has a serious demeanour but manages to have fun its quite possibly the best ‘normal’ BMW Ive ever driven. And thats saying something.

Practicality

But living with a sportscar can be a headache. They can be cramped, impractical and expensive to run. And this is why its easy to make an argument for buying one of these instead of a traditional sportscar, like a BMW Z4 or Nissan 370Z.

The rear seating in the BMW 435i is generous. Sure, its a bit difficult to access, but once youre in, its easily as comfortable, if not more so, then the back of a 3-Series. I dont know how theyve done it, but it actually feels more spacious back there.

The boot is large, and with the flick of a conveniently located handle, the seats fold almost flat to offer a massive load space, to fit all sorts of toys. It is very easy to live with, this 4-Series.

BMW 435i powerplant

There is the worry about fuel. That combustible liquid is not cheap anymore and running a sportscar, in my mind at least, is a lot like taking out your wallet and setting it on fire. Step in BMW Driving Experience Control.

All modern cars from the German manufacturer have this feature, but in the BMW 435i with a 225 kW, 400 Nm, 3.0-litre, six-cylinder turbocharged engine, the system seems to be even more impressive, and important. Four driving modes can be flicked through at the touch of a button, from Sport+ through comfort and all the way down to EcoPro. This is the wallet saver.

If you can live with an incredibly dull version of your BMW 435i on shorter, urban drives, you will quite literally halve your fuel consumption. It even tells you how many kilometres youve added to the range on your tank. But I warn you, it is exceptionally boring, something I discovered in the video.

Rivals

At the moment, the BMW 435i only really has two main rivals, until the Lexus coupe arrives next year. Until then, in my opinion, BMW has pretty much the perfect recipe in this segment of the market.

	BMW 435i MSport	Audi S5 Coupe	Mercedes C350 Coupe
Price	R708 000	R735 000	R637 000
Engine	3.0 inline-6 turbo	3.0 V6 Supercharged	3.5 V6 NA
Power	225 kW	245 kW	225 kW
Torque	400 Nm	440 Nm	370 Nm
0 100km/h	5.1s	4.9s	6s
Top Speed	250 km/h	250 km/h	250 km/h
Fuel consumption	7.2l/100km	8.1l/100km	7.0 l/100km
Gross weight	2 120 kg	2 175 kg	2 085 kg
Driven wheels	Rear	All	Rear

Suzuki SX4 AllGrip (2014) Review

We spent a week with the all-new Suzuki SX4 AllGrip and see how it fares both on and offroad.

The 2014 Suzuki SX4 is completely new compared to its predecessor. It boasts an impressively spacious interior, a refined engine as well as a good helping of standard equipment. The cabin is well built and there’s a premium feel to the product too. We drove it on the local launch not so long ago, and you can check out my initial SX4 impressions here.

Specification

I was impressed with the specification levels of the Suzuki SX4 AllGrip. For this amount of money, you’re getting a very generous helping of gadgets and gizmos. In fact, there are vehicles costing almost R500 000 which don’t offer as much kit as the Suzuki SX4 AllGrip.

There’s daytime-running LEDs, automatic halogen headlamps, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, USB port, air conditioner, keyless start, multi-function steering wheel, park distance sensors and automatic windscreen wipers. It’s safe too, with seven airbags, hill assist, ESP, EBD and Brake Assist.

Engine and economy

As mentioned in the launch story, the Suzuki SX4 AllGrip is powered by the same 1.6-litre engine found in the Swift Sport. The engine has been detuned in the interests of improved economy, and in this application it’s adequate. At Johannesburg altitudes the 1.7 ton vehicle will feel a little lethargic, but at sea level the vehicle’s performance was reasonable.

With 86 kW and 156 Nm the vehicle offers average performance with its real strength being fuel consumption. Even while being driven quickly over a few days, the car was returning figures of around 7.5 l/100km. I found the five-speed manual gearbox had a solid and precise action, which is always a pleasant feeling.

Offroad and 4X4 ability

Having missed out on sampling the AllGrip version at the launch, I was keen to put the vehicle through its paces on a combination of surfaces such as beach sand, gravel and your stereotypical badly-damaged South African road. AllGrip is an electronically controlled system which allows the power from the 1.6-litre engine to be transferred between the front and rear axles. In Auto mode, the car does everything for you while Sport mode sends torque around to improve cornering ability.

When you head off the roads and onto tougher terrain, turn the dial to Snow/Mud mode. The vehicle gives you better traction and the car sends the power to whichever axle requires traction. It’s very promising on paper, and in reality the system works. After charging around on graveled roads, I bit off more than I can chew by attempting to scale a thick beach sand dune. Sadly a combination of no low range transfer box and average ground clearance of only 175 mm ensured the SX4 AllGrip became stuck with the only damage being a bruised ego. (mine!)

Conclusion and summary

The new Suzuki SX4 is a well assembled and premium offering from the Japanese manufacturer. The AllGrip system isn’t bad and to be honest, I asked a lot of the SX4 when I did some serious offroading. I would bet the majority of SX4 AllGrip owners would never push the car to the limits like I did, which is why I won’t be too critical on the vehicle’s abilities.

Given its levels of specification and build quality, I have to ask one question. Why would you spend over R300 000 on a premium hatchback when you can have a generously specced and spacious crossover, which can also go offroad?

Suzuki SX4 AllGrip price in South Africa

The Suzuki SX4 AllGrip retails for R319 900, with the range starting from R265 900. The price includes a three-year / 90 000 km service plan. There’s also a three-year / 100 000 km warranty thrown in.

Suzuki SX4 AllGrip (2014) Quick Specs

Engine	1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol
Power	86 kW @ 6 000 rpm
Torque	156 Nm @ 4 400 rpm
Transmission	5-speed manual gearbox
Wheels	17-inch
0-100km/h	12.5 seconds (claimed)
Fuel economy	6.2 l/100km (claimed)

We like:

. Surprisingly capable on both tar and offroad conditions
. Generous specification levels
. Engine offers a good balance between economy and performance.

We dislike:

. To be considered a proper offroader, it needs a bit more ground clearance.
. Altitude will kill performance

Also consider:
Nissan Qashqai
Nissan Juke
Subaru XV
Renault Duster
Peugeot 2008

Suzuki SX4 AllGrip gallery

The New Citroen Relay Upgraded For 2015

The new Citroen Relay has been completely redesigned and is scheduled to launch in South Africa in 2015.

Upgraded style and features

The new model receives an updated fascia including a new grille, new extended front light signature which includes new headlamps with smooth glass, set high on the front end and with chrome-finished surrounds available with LED daytime running lights.

The rear end benefits from a set of reshaped taillights and an oversized bumper set low for easier loading and unloading.

Interior changes come with a redesigned steering wheel, a dashboard with a new technical interface, and seats in new black fabric with a blend of red and grey dots. There is also a Connecting Box with a Bluetooth hands-free kit and a USB socket, as well as a first-in-segment 5-inch colour touchscreen for displaying the new navigation and reversing camera functions.

Enhanced safety systems comprise of the Intelligent Traction Control, Hill Descent Control, programmable speed limiter/cruise control, the Lane Departure Warning System, and a tyre pressure monitoring function.

The new Citroen Relay will be available in a broad range of eight body styles with four lengths (L1, L2, L3, L4), three wheelbases (3.00 m, 3.45 m and 4.04 m) and three heights (H1, H2, H3). Models coming to South Africa are still under negotiation.

Other details about the facelifted van including the engine line-up for South Africa will be revealed closer to launch.

Facelifted Toyota Yaris Due In SA Soon

Some brochure images of the facelifted Toyota Yaris have surfaced around the Web.

The upgraded Yaris hatch is said to embark on a new era when it is released exclusively as a five-door model to Australian buyers in September. South African customers can expect this model in the second half of 2014.

Contemporary ‘keen look’ design language

The upgrade brings a new keen look design language which incorporates a full-width upper grille that extends into new triangular headlamps.

The front design is derived from the all-new Aygo with the large trapezoidal lower grille and its distinctive frontal X-graphic. At the rear, the new Yaris features restyled LED taillights which have been integrated within the darkened headlights, a diffuser and a reshaped license plate area.

It also appears the model will feature new alloy wheel designs along with an upgraded interior which will provide more space and include the latest version of the Toyota Link infotainment system.

Engine line-up and additional details will be revealed closer to launch. The new five-door Toyota Yaris hatch will be sold alongside the four-door sedan.