So we’re all pretty familiar with flash mobs, right? They happen at shopping malls or public places where people hang out. Seemingly out of nowhere a dance routine begins and people who were apparently regular shoppers get together and perform some choreographed dance routine.
That’s all good and well, but BMW wanted to do a flash mob with a different slant on it. So it blocked off a section of road in Cape Town and set about performing a ‘drift mob’ if you will. The M235i was the Beemer of choice here and they were set up especially for drifting. BMW then brought in some special stunt drivers including the likes of Rhys Millen to get the job done. Here’s the result.
BMW Drift mob Video
2015 Kia Sorento Teased (Video)
Official design sketches and a video of the 2015 Kia Sorento have been released, previewing for the first time the dramatic and bold exterior styling.
The third-generation 2015 Kia Soernto
Sketches suggest that the model will feature a more upright tiger nose grille while the side profile is dominated by large alloys, a lower panel line and a prominent roof-mounted spoiler at the back. The rear of the all-new 2015 Kia Sorento is said to come with three dimensional taillights with a long C-shaped LED design.
Recent reports have also mentioned that the new Sorento will be larger than its 4.7-metre-long predecessor and will have a longer wheelbase which will enable more space in the cabin and provide additional legroom for second- and third-row passengers.
Three engines are expected to be on offer right after the launch, including a rumoured hybrid version with a 2.3-litre 4-cylinder engine teamed up with an electric motor and a 47 kWh lithium-polymer battery.
Kia’s new SUV will first be revealed in South Korea towards the end of next month, followed by an appearance at 2014 Paris Motor Show. Sales are expected to commence either by the end of the year or early 2015.
2015 Sorento SUV teased
The All-New 2015 Polaris Slingshot Revealed
Not all sportscars have four wheels. Meet the three-wheeled all-new 2015 Polaris Slingshot which goes on sale in the United States soon. Have you ever seen anything as cool?
First look at the all-new 2015 Polaris Slingshot
The 2015 Polaris Slingshot looks similar to the KTM X-Bow, except it has a reverse tricycle layout with two wheels up front and one in the rear.
Power comes from a General Motors-sourced 2.4-litre EcoTec engine delivering 129 kW at 6 200 rpm and 225 Nm at 4 700 rpm to the rear wheel through a five-speed manual gearbox and a carbon-reinforced drive belt.
Polaris hasn’t revealed performance specs, but says the engine has no problem moving the Slingshots light 771 kg weight around and provides ‘heart pounding acceleration.’ The vehicle further measures 149.6 inches long, 77.6 inches wide and 51.9 inches tall, with a 105-inch wheelbase and a 5-inch ground clearance.
It additionally comes with more prominent bodywork, and 18-inch front wheels and a 20-inch rear wheel, along with ABS, electronic stability control, traction control, speed-sensitive power steering, a sway bar for the double wishbone independent suspensions, and forged aluminium roll bars.
Other notable features include projector-beam headlights, LED taillights, three-point seat belts and roll hoops, a 4.3-inch colour touchscreen, USB support and a backup camera, Bluetooth connectivity and a 6-speaker audio system. There are also adjustable waterproof seats, locking glove box and tilt steering wheel as well as two lockable storage bins which are big enough to hold a helmet and a standard backpack.
The All-New 2015 Polaris Slingshot will be available in two models, the base model and a more lavish SL variant. If this looks a little extreme, then check out our list of pocket-sized performance cars here.
Kia Cerato Koup 1.6T (2014) Review
This Kia Cerato Koup is the second generation to try its hand at the SA market. The first, whilst looking the part, never really had the go to match those smart looks. This new model then gives the Cerato Koup exactly that, it gets a turbo engine with way more power and torque. The new Cerato Koups suspension has also been tinkered with to deliver better stability and theres a few more sporty touches inside the cabin. Is it enough though to lift the Kia Cerato Koup into the limelight?
Powering Up
Moving on from the overawe, underperforming Koup of the previous generation, the Koreans have installed a turbocharged 1.6-litre unit to do duty in this new machine. The turbocharged petrol unit puts out a healthy 152 kW combined with 265 Nm of torque. Statistically it makes for a mouth-watering combination when you factor in a kerb weight of less than 1 300kg.
Slam your foot on the go pedal from stationary and the Koup will light up the front tyres easily, theres also almost zero torque steer as the power is delivered smoothly to the front wheels. It revs cleanly all the way up to the mid-6000s, sounding a little disinterested despite the supposedly enhanced exhaust note to add excitement. It doesnt feel fast and thats probably because it isnt, the Koup gets from 0-100kph in 7.7seconds. Whilst it may not be trying to compete with the hot hatches that do sub 7 seconds to 100 kph, the Koup could do with a bit more thrill from its mill.
Inner Sanctum
Korean manufacturers and Kia in particular has become very good at making sure its cars come fully loaded with all the gadgetry you could want. The size of the Koup in total has been enlarged slightly, making it taller, longer and wider. That has meant that rear occupants now have a bit more headroom and the rear legroom has been increased by 51mm, which has made the rear an entirely tolerable place to endure a journey now.
The Koup also operates keylessly so you can leave the key in your pocket at all times, it also senses when the key is close to the vehicle and unfolds the side mirrors in a sort-of happy to see you greeting. Steering wheel controls manage just about everything on the vehicle from the Bluetooth kit, radio controls, cruise control and the on-board trip meter.
Theres also a button with the picture of a steering wheel on the steering wheel. The button activates Kias new Flexsteer system that allows you to adjust the weight of the steering electronically. Comfort setting is extremely light, but useful if you do a lot of three-point turns. Normal setting seems just about right with decent weighting. Sport setting feels heavy and probably too heavy with minor adjustments proving to take a fair amount of effort it tires you out after a while.
To the Point
Drill the Kia Cerato Koup through a set of bends and its quite an enjoyable little car. It lacks the knife-edge lift-off the throttle pedal get sliding handling that some of the driver-focused hatches have, but its still easy to have fun with. The Koup is well balanced through the corners and always leads towards having the front push when you ask too much of the front tyres. If you try the old lift-off technique to entice the rear out, you’ll be disappointed as it doesnt come.
Its a safe strategy from the handling chiefs at Kia to go with the hordes of passive and active safety systems on the Koup. That doesnt mean to say you cant enjoy the low-seated drive, it still does a good job of snaking through a set of bends at rapid speed.
Conclusion
For R334 995 the Kia Cerato Koup is a steady improvement over the previous generation. More power makes it a candidate to be taken seriously, but it ultimately lacks the thrills a car that looks this good could provide. Still true to its Korean roots it offers great specification inside and now has increased space so occupants arent cramped.
The Koup offers up a reasonably exciting driving experience through the twisty stuff, but errs on the side of safe understeer rather than the enthusiast-minded precision sharp handling of current top notch hot hatches.
Another Opinion
The Kia Cerato Koup is one of the prettier coupes on the road today. Thanks to that decent turbocharged motor, you’ll get good performance too, but it’s not going to keep up with the GTI brigade. Still, I think its one of the best offerings to come from Kia in ages and shows how far the brand has come. -David Taylor
2014 Kia Cerato Koup 1.6T quick specs
Engine
1.6-litre 4-cylinder turbo
Power
152 kW
Torque
265 Nm
Transmission
Six-speed manual
Wheels
18-inch alloys
0-100km/h
7.7 seconds (claimed)
Fuel economy
7.2 l/100 km (claimed)
We like:
. Styling
. Loads of kit
. More room in the back
We dislike:
. Engine doesn’t excite
. More show than go
In an effort to broaden its market appeal, Suzuki South Africa has ventured into mommy-mover territory. We drive the seven-seater Suzuki Ertiga.
The Suzuki Ertiga is the brand’s first MPV-type vehicle in South Africa. However the company is keen to point out that it’s not an MPV. It’s called a Life Utility Vehicle and its aimed at being ultra practical, while retaining the fun-to-drive characteristics of the popular Swift.
Specification
Our test unit came in a bright gold colour, which also happened to be the colour of the interior! All jokes aside, the beige interior may not suit all tastes and I have a suspicion that it’ll pick up dirt very quickly. Nothing a set of aftermarket seat covers can’t fix…
There’s no shortage of standard specification either as the Suzuki Ertiga comes well appointed. We had the 1.4 GLX manual which comes with air con, alloys, radio CD/MP3, USB port, central locking, electric windows, fog lamps, 7 seats and a multi function steering wheel. There’s a very clever ventilation unit above the driver’s head which ensures the second and third rows of seats receive warm or cool air. Safety specification is also good as the Suzuki Ertiga features ABS brakes with EBD and dual front airbags.
Engine, ride quality and practicality
Much like the Suzuki Swift, the ride is comfortable and pleasant, and the car can absorb bumps from even the worst roads. It also features commendable ground clearance, making this vehicle ideal on our deteriorating road network. The vehicle feels well built too. Power comes from the tried-and-trusted 1.4-litre naturally-aspirated four cylinder found in other Suzuki products. Power is rated 70 kW, while the torque figure is listed at 130 Nm. It didn’t do too badly on our fuel test route either, with a figure of 7.9l/100 km appearing on the trip computer.
Thanks to a close-ratio five speed manual gearbox, the vehicle doesn’t feel sluggish which was my initial concern. However I was the only person in the vehicle and I never had any passengers. The vehicle claims to seat seven, and I have my reservations about the performance of the Suzuki Ertiga when its fully laden with people. Is 130 Nm enough torque?
Reservations aside, the Suzuki Ertiga is one seriously practical vehicle. With all three rows up, there’s only 135 litres of space, which isn’t much. You can fold the third row of seats down to increase the carrying capacity to 482 litres, with a total 736 litres becoming available if fold the second row flat. There’s an extra 22 litres of storage space under the cargo floor if you’re craving more space.
Conclusion and summary
So it drives well, is light on fuel and is comfortable. Suzuki has tried to make its Ertiga family-orientated, but I feel this car’s success will come from the taxi/shuttle industry. It gives the Toyota Avanza a serious run for its money in terms of value and quality, but the Suzuki badge doesn’t have the same sort of brand trustworthiness. Hopefully consumers can look past this and see the Suzuki Ertiga for what it is.
Another opinion
The Suzuki Ertiga is extremely spacious but also extremely beige. It’s good value for money and certainly walks over the Avanza as a seven-seater people shifter.-Ashley Oldfield
Suzuki Ertiga Price in South Africa
Tested here is the Suzuki Ertiga 1.4 GLX manual, which costs R192 900. The range starts from R159 900. Price includes a 36 month / 100 000 km warranty and a four year / 60 000 km service plan. Servicing intervals are every 15 000 km.
2014 Suzuki Ertiga specs
Engine
1.4-litre 4-cylinder
Power
70 kW
Torque
130 Nm
Transmission
Five-speed manual
Wheels
15-inch alloys
0-100km/h
13.0 seconds (estimated)
Fuel economy
6.6l/100 km (claimed)
We like:
. Value for money
. Practical
. Levels of specification
We dislike:
. Beige interior
. Performance could be inadequate when fully laden at Highveld altitudes
The all-new 2014 Mercedes-Benz Vito has officially been unveiled, and will go on sale in various configurations including the Vito panel van, the Vito Mixto and the Vito Tourer family.
Versatile new 2014 Mercedes-Benz Vito
Described as a van for all, the 2014 Vito offers a best-in-class 1 369 kg of cargo capacity, which is the highest payload in its class. It comes with a choice of rear-wheel, all-wheel and now front-wheel drive too.
The vehicle is also the only model in its class available in three lengths (4 895 mm, 5 140 mm, and 5 730 mm) which makes it 140 mm longer than its predecessor. The maximum vehicle height stands at 1 910 mm, to ensure that all versions can fit standard multi-storey car parks and automatic car washes.
Other highlights include a new body design with a Cd value reduced to 0.32, optimised suspension with new electro-mechanical steering, and a redesigned cabin offering more space to both driver and passenger. Theres also an optional Intelligent Light System (ILS) with LED low-beams, daytime running lights and indicators while the main beams have a cornering light function.
Two turbodiesel engines in five power ratings
It will come with two turbo diesel engines which will be in offered in five power options. FWD vehicles will use a new 1.6-litre four-cylinder unit developing 65 kW and 84 kW, while the RWD variants will be fitted with a 2.1-litre unit delivering 100 kW in the Vito 114 CDI, 120 kW in the Vito 116 CDI and 140 kW in the Vito 119 BlueTEC the last pitched as the first Euro 6 engine in its class.
These engines are mated as standard to a six-speed manual, except for the Vito 119 BlueTEC which comes with a 7-speed automatic transmission. All versions are claimed to be on average 20 per cent more fuel efficient than their predecessors.
New assistance systems
In addition, Mercedes is claiming new safety standards for the Vito, saying that it is the only van in its class offering both driver and passenger airbags. Also all models are said to get powerful disc brakes all-round (with 16″ or 17″ braking system depending on the model), as well as Adaptive ESP as standard.
The new Vito’s standard equipment includes Attention Assist that monitors the driver’s condition and Crosswind Assist that “virtually eliminates the effects of gusts acting on the vehicle.” All models will also come with a tyre pressure monitoring system, and optionally with Active Parking Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist.
2015 Ford Mustang GT F-35 Lightning II Edition Unveiled
Ford has officially unveiled a new special edition vehicle. Inspired by the F-35 Lightning II Jet and based on the latest 2015 Ford Mustang GT model, meet the 2015 Ford Mustang GT F-35 Lightning II Edition.
The 2015 Ford Mustang GT F-35 Lightning II Edition in detail
Visually, the 2015 Ford Mustang GT F-35 Lightning II Edition wears a Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II livery and has received a wider front splitter made from carbon fibre; rocker mouldings together with a rear diffuser and matte titanium body paint matched with and blue accents. It also offers a yellow finish for the brake callipers, windows tint and mirror covers.
Inside you will find black Recaro seats with yellow accents, a modified instrument cluster as well as performance gauges and F-35 Lightning II elements embroidered in the floor mats and seats.
Ford has not made any modifications under the hood, meaning just like the GT fastback, the special edition will be powered by a 5-litre V8 that delivers 313 kW and 528 Nm of torque.
In addition, the vehicle GT will remain a one-off, and will be sold, via auction, at the Gathering of Eagles charity event to support the EAA Young Eagles program which has provided free introductory flights to more than 1.8 million young people since 1992.
Based on an all-new platform co-developed with Renault, the Smart ForFour Edition 1 will be offered in a unique graphite grey and a lava orange or black tridion safety cell. The vehicle additionally comes with a panoramic roof with sunblind, 16-inch light alloy wheels, sports suspension lowered by 10mm, black radiator grille and chrome tipped exhausts.
Inside, the seats have been finished in a black and orange fabric, while a new multi-function three-spoke sport steering wheel is wrapped in leather. There are also chrome door handles, and velour floor mats, as well as a 3.5-inch TFT instrument cluster with on-board computer, automatic climate control and audio system, brushed stainless steel pedals with rubber studs and a leather gear knob.
Power is said to come from a choice of two three-cylinder petrol engines a 70bhp 1.0-litre motor and a more powerful 89bhp 900cc turbo engine.
PoloTag Competition Hits SA (Video)
We at Cars.co.za do love a good motoring marketing campaign, so be sure to check out some of the best car adverts to see what we’re talking about. To coincide with the launch of the facelifted Volkswagen Polo, Volkswagen has announced its PoloTAG campaign.
The facelifted Volkswagen Polo was launched in South Africa not so long ago and to coincide with its arrival, Volkswagen South Africa has come up with an interesting campaign. Due to the popularity of the Volkswagen Polo, this campaign is going to be a hit.
PoloTag: How it works
All you need to do is be in the right place at the right time, have access to Twitter and a valid driving licence. The campaign kicks off in Cape Town (1-2 August), Durban (8-9 August) and Johannesburg (15-16 August) and is a great chance to get behind the wheel of the new Volkswagen Polo.
The challenge is relatively straight forward. You will need to spot the heavily branded Volkswagen PoloTAG car, tweet @VolkswagenSA the car’s location and you could stand a chance of a test drive right there and then. If VolkswagenSA replies to you with #YoureIt, the vehicle will stop and youll have two minute to reach it (an electronic board will display your Twitter handle and a two-minute countdown clock on the top of the car.
Once you’re driving, enjoy the car, and play with the features, but if someone else spots you, then your time is up and that person takes over. To sweeten the deal, the top 10 players who manage to drive the longest go into a draw to win the new Volkswagen Polo for a full year. Cities are quite big places to hide in, so Volkswagen SA will be tweeting landmark clues to help you. For the exact routes and more information, you can visit the VW PoloTag minisite.
PoloTag video
McLaren P1 GTR Confirmed (Update)
Its been 20 years since McLaren took victory at Le Mans in the McLaren F1 GTR and now the brand intends to resurrect the iconic name for an even more special version of the McLaren P1. It’ll be called the McLaren P1 GTR and production of the P1 GTR will only start once the 375th and final McLaren P1 has been completed.
McLaren P1 GTR details
The McLaren P1 GTR will be a track special so will do away with certain road car necessities. The special edition will show increased levels of performance, grip, aerodynamics and downforce. McLaren will also be throwing on a set of slick tyres and says the P1 GTR will develop more power than the already mental 673 kW of the P1 road car. Rumours suggest this track-going McLaren P1 GTR will develop in excess of 1 000hp or 745 kW.
McLaren say it is developing the P1 GTR because owners are demanding a more track-focused car. A P1 GTR is likely to cost around R35-million and will be custom built to each owners specification. For your money McLaren does also offer consultations with the F1 driver fitness and Design Director Frank Stephenson as well as use of one of the McLaren simulators.
The kicker in the deal however is the participation in a minimum of six international McLaren drive events hosted at F1 circuits around the world. Right now all we have is this teaser image to go on.
The sketch above is a teaser for the extreme concept design version of the P1, which will be presented during an exclusive preview at the McLaren Brand Centre on August 15th at the McLaren Brand Centre and will make its public debut on the Pebble Beach Concept Lawn over the course of the weekend.
The McLaren P1 GTR has been confirmed to enter production in June 2015, when the 375th and final example of the road-going car will be built – two decades since the 24 Hours of Le Mans win of the iconic McLaren F1 GTR.
