The model was designed to celebrate the 2014 Soccer World Cup taking place in Brazil later this year. It has a distinctive green, yellow and blue exterior that recall’s the national colours of Brazil which is hosting the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
The soccer theme is also complimented on the inside with Brasileiro Green astro turf floor mats and floodlights for a “stadium like feel.” Mini also fitted the Paceman GoalCooper with a universal holder for smartphones, a rear holder for the Apple iPad, and a miniature table football set mounted on the Centre Rail.
The net is attached behind the front seats, while the rear seats can be folded down to allow access to a net which is perfect for soccer practice, they can also be folded over to turn the boot into a football goal.
However, the Park Distance Control sensors in conjunction with the interior monitoring sensors of the alarm system close the tailgate when a shot is taken, making it quite a challenge to score a goal.
MINI Paceman GoalCooper
Citroen C4 Aircross Diesel (2013) Reviewed
We take a drive in the new Citroen C4 Aircross Diesel and see how it fares.
Styling
The Citroen C4 Aircross shares the same platform as the Peugeot 4008 and the Mitsubishi ASX, and there are similarities between all three cars. However the Citroen looks the best out of the three as it incorporates the stereotypical DS-like front end with its vertical daytime running lights and prominent chevron badge on the nose. Compared to the rather ordinary looking Mitsubishi, the Citroen C4 Aircross diesel has a refreshingly European look about it and it’s quite distinctive, especially in vivid red.
Powerplant
Underneath the bonnet you’ll find a 1.6-litre turbocharged diesel engine with 84 kW and 270 Nm. Off the line performance isn’t terrible, but there is some lag. In-gear acceleration and overtaking is where you’ll find the Citroen C4 Aircross diesel dominates. Another thing it dominates is fuel consumption. During the week I had it, fuel consumption hovered around the 5.5l/100km mark – impressive for a vehicle of this size.
Practicality
There’s a generous helping of standard features too. It’s quite an upmarket package with plenty of soft-touch plastics and a leather-clad wheel. There are also heated leather seats for the driver and passenger available as an option. Rear space is a little tight for larger adults, but perfect for children.
Standard specification
Equipment fitted as standard includes a height & reach adjustable steering column, multifunction steering wheel, cruise control, auto dimming rear view mirror, climate control as well as half-decent USB/Bluetooth/Aux six-speaker sound system. There’s also park distance control, which I found rather useful. Automatic headlights and wipers round off a rather well-specced offering.
I was surprised to see the lack of all-wheel drive in this particular variant, as I believe the combination of a solid diesel motor and 4×4 ability go hand in hand. The ground clearance is 200 mm and that’s quite handy if you want to try tackle undulating terrain. Gravel and tar is where the Citroen C4 Aircross will excel.
Ride and handling
It’s interesting to point out Citroen took the existing ASX platform and changed the suspension as well as the damper settings. This means the ride is surprisingly good and smooth. Even when driving at speed on gravel, you’re not tossed about. It’s such a quality drive and you can soak up all the road’s imperfections thanks to its multi-link suspension.
Citroen C4 Aircross Diesel price in South Africa
At R361 900, you’re getting a competent family SUV which offers reasonable performance with great fuel economy. This engine is great as it skirts the pointless CO2 emissions tax. Thrown in for extra measure is a three year / 100 000km warranty, five year / 100 000km manufacturer service plan as well as three year’s worth of roadside assistance. It’s not a class leader, but it does everything ask of it and you can’t fault that.
GWM C30 Sedan Now Available In South Africa Specs and Prices
Previewed at the 2013 Johannesburg Motor Show, the GWM C30 is now available as the second sedan offering from the company to reach South Africa, following the recent introduction of the C-segment C50. It is also one of the most popular sedan models in China, regularly selling 10 000 units or more per month in its domestic market.
Engine details
The GWM C30 is powered by a 1.5-litre VVT-i normally aspirated petrol engine, mated to a five-speed manual gearbox and produces 71.3kW and 138Nm of torque. GWM claims this engine delivers a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 7.3-litres/100 km and powers the C30 to a 170 km/h top speed.
Design
As mentioned in our previous report, the C30 Sedan rides on a stretched 2 610 mm wheelbase which results in a spacious cabin and one of the largest boots (510 litres) in its segment.
The vehicle is also fitted with 15-inch alloy wheels, colour-coded side mirror housings with integrated indicators, front and rear fog lamps, and customers have a choice of six colours, these being Pearl Black, Ocean Blue, Jazzy Red, Noble Grey, Star Silver and Titanium White.
Additional features include air-conditioning, power steering, dark cloth trim, electric windows all round, electric mirror adjustment, radio/CD/MP3 player with USB support, Bluetooth connectivity and a rake-adjustable steering wheel. Safety features include dual front airbags and ABS brakes, while the structure has been five-star rated by C-NCAP.
GWM C30 Sedan price in South Africa
GWM C30 1.5 VVT-i R179 999
The GWM C30 comes with a five-year/100 000km warranty, 2-year’s AA roadside assistance and a five-year/45 000km service plan.
GWM C30 gallery
Volkswagen Golf 40th Anniversary
Volkswagen is celebrating 40 years of its iconic Golf model which has sold more than 30 million vehicles from the first to the seventh generation model.
The original Golf Mk1 which rolled off the assembly line in Wolfsburg in 1974, was a front-wheel drive, front-engined model which replaced the air-cooled, rear-engined, rear-wheel drive Volkswagen Beetle of which over 21.5 million units were built.
Now in its seventh generation, the Golf line-up is the biggest ever as it includes derivatives such as the GTI, GTD, GTE, R and e-Golf. The model is also the Volkswagen’s best-selling model and the world’s second best-selling model, with more than 29 million built by 2012.
Most production of the Golf was initially in the 3-door hatchback style. Other variants include a 5-door hatchback, estate/wagon (Variant, from 1993), convertible (Cabriolet and Cabrio, 19792002, 2011present), and a Golf-derived notchback saloon/sedan, variously called Volkswagen Jetta, Volkswagen Vento (from 1992) or Volkswagen Bora (from 1999).
The Volkswagen Golf is additionally synonymous with a number of awards throughout its history. The Volkswagen Golf won the World Car of the Year in 2009 with the Volkswagen Golf Mk6 and in 2013 with the Volkswagen Golf Mk7.
Every generation of Golf has been a runner-up in the European Car of the Year awards and the South African Car of the Year Awards and two have been winners, the Golf Mk3 in 1992 and the Golf Mk7 in 2013.
McLaren 650S Now In South Africa
The 650S stands for serious horsepower! The suffix S in a motorcars nomenclature usually stands for sport, on occasion for speed or special. But in the instance of the latest road-going McLaren sports car, S may well stand for Serious. We attended its local launch at Melrose Arch, Johannesburg.
McLaren 650S Power
This is a seriously serious supercar, and not just in terms of its bald performance figures, which are amongst the very best in the world. And quite apart from an increase in horsepower to 650 (hence the name), which translates to about 487 kW, and 678 Nm of torque at 6 000 rpm.
That high-revving torque peak illustrates that the 3,8-litre twin-turbo V8 motor has been profiled for a seriously high output, and the overall weight of the car speaks volumes of McLarens intent to keep the car as light as possible. Its 1 330 kg dry weight is achieved despite a specification that is extremely luxurious, and includes all the creature comforts youd expect to find in a luxury sedan.
Standard features
Amongst these are air-conditioning (actually a must in this type of mid-engined monster these days), IRIS satellite navigation, Bluetooth telephony, audio streaming, voice control and a rear parking camera. The cabin is trimmed in Alcantara, black in the case of the launch car on display at the 650Ss first South African viewing at Melrose Arch late last week.
In total, it is said that 25 per cent of the 650Ss components are new (compared to those on the MP4-12C)
The new everyday supercar?
The big deal for me, regards the 650S, said Daytona CEO Justin Divaris, is that these ultimate supercar performance figures have been achieved in a fully-equipped car. This is no stripped-out machine intended only for track days, or hot publicity laps at the Nurburgring.
Indeed, the car on which the 650S is based, the MP4-12C, (a car we adore at Cars.co.za – ed) is noted most often for its benign mix of driveability, with suspension able to deal with speed-bumps and Joburg potholes, while endowing the supercar with the fine chassis balance for which McLarens are renowned. Divaris says this car has lost none of its commuter utility (if need be) and yet it has taken chassis balance and grip to new dimensions.
Carbon ceramic brakes are fitted, along with Pirelli P Zero Corsa rubber in 235/35 R19 sizing at the front and 305/30 R20 sizing at the rear. The rims are also bespoke 650S items to go with the visual upgrade this car enjoys, boasting some styling cues to be found on the much more exclusive (and expensive) P1. Yes, while the MP4-12C might be criticized for its rather conservative styling, that barb wont be directed the way of the 650S. The appearance changes are not just cosmetic either, as McLarens CEO Mike Flewitt says : the optimised aerodynamics on this car increase the already high level of driver involvement to be found on the stock 12C.
Okay, okay, so its trick, and McLarens boffins are expected to deliver the best. What are the numbers, bubba?
Performance
Well, the benchmark from rest to 100 km/h takes 3.0 seconds (those fractions of seconds become increasingly more important the closer you get to warp-speed), 0-200 takes 8.4 seconds, and 0-300 km/h takes 25.4 seconds. The standing 400 metres (quarter mile) takes 10.5 seconds, which for those of you in the know, is a seriously drag-car-like achievement, and top speed is 333 km/h.
McLaren 650S Price in South Africa
As for the most important figure? Go figure somewhere in the R4,5 region. Million that is. To date, McLaren under the Daytona umbrella in South Africa has already sold two examples of the 650S, one to a Johannesburg customer and one to a lucky Cape Town resident. As for the MP4-12C, Daytona has currently sold 68 of them, which makes it one of the top McLaren dealers world-wide!
Hennessey Performance (HPE) is building a limited run of Worlds Fastest Edition Venom GTs to celebrate the companys recent top speed run of 435.1 km/h, which was set at NASAs Kennedy Space Centre in February.
The Venom GT is Americas supercar and it broke 435.1 km/h on the same runway where the Space Shuttle landed at the Kennedy Space Centre. We wanted to offer a special paint scheme that would incorporate the colours of the American flagthe same flag we flew on the Space Shuttle runway,” said John Hennessey.
Production will be limited to three units and all will feature red, white and blue body stripes. Each version of the Venom GT World’s fastest Edition is said to feature a twin-turbocharged 7.0-litre V8 engine with 928 kW and 400 Nm of torque
Were thrilled about what we achieved at Cape Canaveral with the Venom GT, added Hennessy CEO Don Goldman, and now the Worlds Fastest Edition is a living, breathing celebration of that record achievement.
Mitsubishi Outlander (2014) Driven
By Ashley Oldfield
Certainly one of the quieter brands around, Mitsubishi has been going about its business under Imperial management reasonably well. The introduction of its best seller the ASX has seen Mitsubishi stay afloat after some iffy times in the late 2000s. The new Outlander was first available to overseas markets from mid last year and has now landed on our shores hoping to make a solid dent in the medium SUV market with its petrol, CVT seven-seater.
Engine and gearbox
Its just the one model for now with a possible diesel coming in the future. Under the bonnet theres a 2.4-litre DOHC four-cylinder petrol motor, complete with 123 kW @ 6 000rpm and 222 Nm @ 4 100rpm. Its the same engine from the previous generation Outlander but its been specifically fettled with to improve fuel economy a serious issue with the outgoing model. Mitsubishi claim itll do 8.2l/100km now but we couldnt get it below 10l/100km on our mostly rural escapade around the Cradle of Humankind and Hartebeestpoort area.
Whilst overtaking a fair amount of trucks and general mashing of the accelerator, the long periods of 120 km/h driving at 2500rpm couldnt recover the fuel economy figure. The CVT gearbox is the only option of transmission and in standard CVT mode can be very elastic in response and drone on when accelerating. Slip it into manual mode with a flick of the paddle shifters and it becomes a much more useable gearbox with snappy response to triggers and more natural power delivery. The gearbox also has an L mode for locking the transmission in a single gear without automatically shifting up handy for towing purposes.
Interior and space
The interior of the new Outlander is a nice improvement over the previous generation, as usual from the Japanese it feels strongly put together and carries a nice combination of soft-touch and rugged surfaces. Theres even a trace of wood around the passenger dashboard and doorsill, although I think its probably more modern to exchange that for a section of brushed aluminium or plastic carbon fibre.
All of the seven seats are covered in leather and its spacious wherever you choose to sit. The middle seating arrangement is very flexible as it slides backwards and forward to offer more legroom for that third row of passengers that often feel like theyve been jammed into to the final row of seats on an EasyJet flight. The seats also fold flat with a couple pulls of levers and manoeuvring of bits to lay out a 1.74m flat loading bay that works out to 1608 litres of cargo space.
Standard specification for new Outlander
On the gadget side you wont be left wanting as the Outlander is specced full of all the modern tricks and gizmos. Bluetooth, CD, MP3 and USB compatible radio sits up front and is connected to a powerful Rockford Fosgate sound system that harnesses the bass of a pretty big subwoofer next to the third row of seats.
The major selling point on the gadget side will be the roof mounted 9-inch DVD screen, it folds down for the back seat occupants to entertain themselves over those long distance holiday runs to the coast. Better news still is that it comes with a set of wireless headphones with a second pair added as an optional extra. If you miss those good old drive-ins you could always dispense with the headphones and play the sound through the Rockford Fosgate system and lay a mattress out on the back seat.
Safety features
Driving and safety aids arent skimped on as the Mitsubishi Outlander carries a five-star Euro NCAP and ANCAP (Australia) rating right-hand drive models are tested in the ANCAP test. All the passive safety aids are thrown in so you get ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, Active Stability Control and hill-start assist for those incline pull-aways although not really worth having on an CVT gearbox. The new HID headlamps on the Outlander are said to be 1.4 times brighter than before and shine over an 80 degree angle, illuminating those sidewalks better.
One of the most impressive facets of the Mitsubishi Outlander is the ride and drive quality, it feels firm on the tarmac whilst dealing with bumps in a kind to the spine manner. The steering is standard rack and pinion with power assist, and is really well weighted with good feel making for a supremely-controlled drive. While we didnt get to test its mettle on the rougher terrain Mitsubishi has fitted the Outlander with a 3-way variable all-wheel-drive system.
4×4 Abilities
The standard mode is 4WD Eco and runs the Outlander as a 2WD car until wheel slip is detected at which point it provides torque to the wheels with traction, this mode though is purely focused on making the Outlander as fuel efficient as possible. Mode number two is 4WD Auto and works in the same way as Eco mode, but is more generous with its use of fuel depending on throttle position. Mode three is 4WD Lock and does not lock the differential as the name suggests, but takes Auto mode a step further to use the differential more aggressively for that rougher terrain and slower speed 4×4 activities.
Summary and conclusion
The Outlander punts itself against some hefty competitors but aims to offer added value for money over its competitors. According to Mitsubishi the medium sized SUV market the Outlander faces consists of 60% 2WD, 55% petrol cars, 51% automatic models and is dominated by the Nissan X-Trail and Dodge Journey 28% and 22% market share respectively. Other models they say are in the mix include the Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe, Subaru Forester and the Volvo XC60.
I can think of a few German models that may feel they take a bite out of this market too, but the Outlander has got decent value for money on its side. I dont expect sales numbers to be too eye catching but those who do choose the Outlander will be quietly pleased they did.
Mitsubishi Outlander price in South Africa
The new Mitsubishi Outlander retails for R429 900
Mitsubishi Outlander gallery
BMW X7 Confirmed For Production
*pictured is the all-new BMW X4
Celebrating 20 years of production in the US, BMW has announced plans to expand its family of vehicles in the X model line-up with a completely new BMW X7 model set to compete against the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class.
BMW X7 to be built at Plant Spartanburg
The German firm has confirmed plans to invest 1 billion US dollars into their plant located in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where the X7 will be built.
We will expand the plants annual production capacity by 50% up to 450,000 vehicles by the end of 2016. Todays capacity is around 300,000 vehicles. This investment will also create an additional 800 jobs, increasing the total workforce to 8,800 on site, said Norbert Reithofer, chairman of the board of management for BMW Group.
Although BMW hasnt said much about its new X7, reports have suggested that the model will be a seven-seat crossover that will be launched in 2017 or 2018. It is also believed that the model will ride on a new platform underpinning the next-generation 5- and 7-Series.
Other than that, the BMW has confirmed plans to produce an X5 plug-in hybrid at the plant in the “near future”. The model was previewed by the Concept X5 eDrive and will most likely have a TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder petrol engine, an electric motor and an xDrive all-wheel drive system.
The South Carolina plant currently builds all of BMWs crossovers including the X3, X5 and X6, and will begin production of the new X4 (pictured) which is currently underway.
New BMW 3 Series Sedan M Performance Edition
BMW South Africa has announced plans to expand its offering in the 3 Series model line up with the introduction of the new limited production BMW 3 Series Sedan M Performance Edition.
M Performance Parts
Limited to only 500 units, the Performance Edition 3 Series will offer customers standard features consisting of the BMW M Sport Package, 19-inch M Sport wheels, and M Sport brakes. Additional BMW M Performance parts will include the M Performance aerodynamic package, M Performance side sills with foil, M Performance carbon rear spoiler, M Performance carbon wing mirror caps, and a Black M Performance front grille.
Optional extras consist of exclusive 20-inch BMW M Performance light alloy wheel Double-spoke, M Performance top stripes, M Performance exhaust system (only available for the 328i and 335i), the exclusive Laguna Seca Blue and Valencia Orange metallic paint colours and the BMW M Performance Power Kit, which increases the power output (by between 10 and 15 kW) and torque (+30 Nm) this is only available for the 320d, 330d and 335i models.
The BMW 3 Series Sedan is the 6th generation of the worlds most successful premium segment car which builds on a legacy that has seen the model sell over 12 million units since it debuted in 1975.
Since its introduction in South Africa in 2012, 22 453 units have been delivered to customers and the model has in addition maintained its position as leader in the mid-range premium segment.
BMW 3 Series Sedan M Performance Edition Parts Pricing In South Africa
BMW 3 Series Sedan M Performance Edition Content: R50 000 and R65 000 if specified with exclusive metallic paints (Price of M Performance Edition content if fitted at dealership is R 87 000).
20-inch BMW M Performance light alloy wheel Double-spoke 405M R43 900
Cars.co.za recently attended the local launch of the BMW 4-Series convertible in Kwa-Zulu Natal. The launch gave us the opportunity to also sample the new BMW 2-Series.
I almost didn’t get to Durban as my Mango flight suffered a technical difficulty and needed a component replacing. A two hour delay meant I had catching up to do when I finally got behind the wheel. There are two options available at launch, the 428i convertible and the 435i convertible. I jumped into the 435i convertible and set off.
Folding metal roof
The 4-Series convertible is an exceptionally pretty car and screams classiness. At the heart of the BMW 4-Series convertible is a folding hardtop roof which can be opened and closed in an extraordinarily short space of time. How does 20 seconds sound? What’s even better is you can put the roof up/down while the car is moving slowly. Sadly, the number one gripe with folding metal roofs is the lack of boot space, and the 4-Series convertible suffers.
With the roof down, my co-driver from Wheels24 and I were barely able to squeeze our overnight luggage in the hold. However, there’s a new feature which allows you to increase the dimensions of the boot aperture without having to put the roof up completely. Still, the bottom line is if you have lots to carry then you’re going to have to put the roof up.
Engines and derivatives
Right now there are two engines available, as mentioned earlier. There’ll be a 420i model joining the ranks later on this year and it’ll have 135 kW and 270 Nm. The 428i is a turbocharged 2.0-litre with 180 kW and 350 Nm, which is good for a 0-100km/h dash in about 6.5 seconds. The 435i makes do with the delectable 3.0-litre turbo’d six-cylinder motor which has 225 kW and 400 Nm.
I was in the 435i convertible for the duration of the launch, so I’ll be talking mostly about that. Its power goes to the rear wheels through a lovely eight-speed gearbox and when you’re changing gear through the steering wheel-mounted paddles, there’s an addictive and aggressive pop out the twin exhausts. The 435i is not short on speed either and mid-range acceleration is particularly grin inducing.
Launch route
The launch route took us from King Shaka Airport and up the N3 to Pietermaritzburg, then we turned off and drove the sweeping and winding roads of the sugar cane fields towards Port Shepstone. I’ll have to admit to putting the roof up soon after setting off as the heat and humidity was becoming a bit much. I’m happy to say the common convertible affliction of rattling and scuttle shake was nowhere to be found on the new BMW 4-Series convertible.
Summary
It’s a relaxing drive too, with the car aimed to be more of a boulevard cruiser rather than an out-and-out performance vehicle. I just can’t get enough of how nice that engine sounds and how lovely the eight-speed gearbox is. The price of the BMW 435i convertible does seem like an awful lot of money once you’ve specced it up, but then again who am I to complain? I’m not the target market and I’m sure many enthusiasts have already put down their deposits for what is a very stylish and classy convertible.
