Weekly News Wrap – 18/07/2014

If you missed any of the week’s news, reviews and videos, now is your chance to catch up.

Next Mitsubishi Triton to be more Car-like

In a report coming out of Australia, the next Mitsubishi Triton slated for 2015 is to be built with a softer more car-like style than its current offering.

2015 Mercedes Benz S65 AMG Coupe Revealed

The S65 AMG Coupe is equipped with a twin-turbo V12 6.0-litre engine, similar to the one found in the S65 AMG Sedan, and produces 463 kW and a peak torque of 1 000 Nm.

Audi Introduces Powerful A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI Competition

Audi is celebrating the 25th anniversary of turbo diesel (TDI) technology with a special edition A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI Competition.

New Mitsubishi Mirage to Break Into SA Market

Following its debut at the 2013 Johannesburg International Motor Show, Mitsubishis all-new entry-level five-door Mirage hatchback is set to enter the South African market for the very first time in August 2014.

2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Review

The 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander offers a great blend of practicality, sensibility and thanks to a generous helping of standard features, this seven-seater SUV may just be one of the finest offroad purchases of 2014.

Audi S3 Sedan (2014) Review

The Audi S3 sedan is a get in and feel instantly comfortable kind of car. Its planted on the road and urges you on to go faster, its backed up by a fast acting S-Tronic gearbox and a banging exhaust note on shifts. Its also comfortable to drive over long distance and has a well-equipped and beautifully finished interior.

Volkswagen CrossBlue Production Confirmed

Volkswagen has announced its building a production of its CrossBlue concept which debut at the Detroit Auto Show in 2013.

Mercedes-Benz Extends A, CLA and GLA-Class Engine Line-Up

Mercedes-Benz has announced its extending its engine line-up for the A, CLA and GLA-Class.

Range Rover and Range Rover Sport Updated for 2015

Land Rover is introducing a series of updates to its Range Rover and Range Rover Sport models to reaffirm its standing in the premium SUV segment.

Peugeot #5Year Plan Goes Live (Video)

Peugeot is now offering a 5 year premium plan for free with all new vehicle purchases.

Porsche Reveals 911 Turbo S Exclusive GB Edition

Porsche Exclusive has unveiled its 911 Turbo S Exclusive GB Edition which celebrates the 40th anniversary of thePorsche 911 Turbo S and will be limited to 40 examples.

Toyota Etios Cross Driven at Launch

Next in line to make headway into the entry level crossover market is this Toyota Etios Cross. Its a pumped-up Etios, full of extra cladding to make it look a bit more butch. Toyota says the current Etios seems to be a bit girly and it wants to attract more masculine buyers, hence the muscle flexing bits around this Toyota Etios Cross.

Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Roadster Revealed (Video)

The much anticipated Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Roadster, billed as the companys fastest and most potent roadster to date has finally been revealed.

Jaguar XE Almost Ready for Launch

Jaguar has announced it will officially unveil its all-new Jaguar XE compact sport sedan on September 8, with sales scheduled to start in Europe in 2015.

BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe South African Pricing Announced

BMW has released South African pricing information for the 4 Series Gran Coupe.

Suzuki Swift 1.2 Hatchback Review

As far as entry-level cars go, I find the Suzuki Swift 1.2 a near-perfect offering. Its fun to drive characteristics thrown in with fair specification and outstanding fuel economy.

2015 Ford Mustang Engine Details Revealed

Ford has announced engine details on its 2015 Ford Mustang. There will be three engine variants to go with an entirely new chassis that is heavily focused on power to weight ratio. Ford has also revealed its performance pack details for those wanting a more track focused machine.

New Mazda 2 Shown off in Japan

Mazda has finally revealed its new Mazda 2 at its Hiroshima plant in Japan. The Mazda 2 is set to feature the brands SKYACTIV range of engines and KODO soul of motion design language.

Best SUV in SA Medium Size

Moving along from our Compact SUV list and onto the family seeking a little more comfort and space in their life. Perhaps even a little off-road prowess wouldnt go amiss on those family outings to the game reserve where you share a lodge with some other outdoor enthusiasts? With a budget capped at R500 000, we bring you our best medium-sized SUVs.

Mercedes-Benz Announces SA Prices For 2015 C-Class Estate

Mercedes-Benz has opened its order books for the 2015 C-Class Estate scheduled to officially launch in South Africa in October 2014.

BMW X5 M50d vs Range Rover Sport (Video)

In a clash that just ten years ago would have seemed impossible or just downright silly, we lined up BMWs most powerful diesel SUV against the new Range Rover Sport, which uses an engine shared with the Jaguar F-Type to develop an incredible 375 kW (502hp).

Lexus to Build Smaller NX Crossover

Lexus is apparently getting ready to launch a smaller NX Crossover to follow in the footsteps of its recently released 2015 NX model.

New Smart Car Arrives

Smart is making a comeback with a new range of Smart fortwo and Smart forfour models. The Smart cars traditionally combine small car platforms with impressive use of space for the perfect congested city car. The new Smart has new engines, improved safety and a rear-engined platform.

New Smart Car Arrives

Tight Turning

The Smart fortwo retains its tiny size of the previous model, measuring just 2.69M. The turning circle has been improved however as it can rotate a full circle in 6.95M. The forfour manages the same turn in 8.65M still particularly good as most modern hatchbacks average around 10M turning circles.

Tiny Turbo

Theres a new engine range for the Smart cars as they use both naturally aspirated three-cylinder and turbocharged three cylinder variants. The entry level naturally aspirated unit generates 52 kW from its 999 cc displacement and makes do with 91 Nm of torque. The turbo variant clocks up 66 kW with 135Nm from 898 cc. Smart also says there will be an even more entry level petrol engine coming with 45 kW that will extend the range lineup.

Special Suspension

Chassis-wise the new Smart models use a rear engine design that has been co-developed with Renault and is being used in the Twingo. The Smart uses wider tyres at the rear to that of the front to produce gentle understeer. The engineers have designed a special McPherson suspension with increased travel that is said to increase ride comfort. The De-Dion rear axle has had much the same special treatment to improve ride comfort.

New Smart Car is Safe

The safety of the Smart fortwo and forfour has been a key focus of the new model. A high proportion of ultra-high strength hot-formed steels and maximum-strength multiphase steel is now used. Specifically the Smarts underwent severe crash testing undergoing the same development programme as the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The new smart fortwo was required to demonstrate its capabilities in frontal collisions with the S- and C-Class.

Lexus to Build Smaller NX Crossover

Lexus is apparently getting ready to launch a smaller NX Crossover to follow in the footsteps of its recently released 2015 NX model.

Smaller NX Crossover to come?

Speaking to Autocar, Lexus Europes vice-president Alain Uyttenhoven said that a small SUV makes sense for the brand and doesnt sound impossible at all.

Although the smaller NX Crossover is yet to be confirmed for production, rumours suggest a car the size of the BMW X1 or Mercedes-Benz GLA is what the company needs to further diversify its range. We actually think Lexus might build the crossover on the same platform that underpins the Toyota RAV4, which itself was redesigned for the 2013 model year.

According to Uyttenhoven such a model would help boost Lexus sales in Europe, China and Japan where there is a strong desire for smaller premium cars. The company is currently looking to downsize and diversify its model range to reduce its reliance on the North American market where they sell about half of all 500 000+ cars each year.

Uyttenhoven additionally spoke about the flagship LS which he said will not get a four-cylinder engine but fuel cell technology could be implemented seeing as fuel-cell technology is more likely to represent economy gains in this segment, possibly by 2020.

Nissan Outlines its Autonomous Driving Systems Scheduled for Launch in 2020

Last year Nissan announced plans to launch multiple Autonomous Drive vehicles by 2020. However the company now says that the vehicles won’t be fully autonomous, but will instead be introducing the autonomous technology in a phased manner.

Autonomous Driving Systems aimed at accelerating consumer adoption

During a recent press conference, Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn said new technologies including automated lane controls and highway traffic management systems, to be introduced over the next four years, would demonstrate to consumers the viability and value of Autonomous Driving systems, which Nissan intends to make commercially viable by 2020.

The first system will be a “traffic-jam pilot” which will let vehicles drive themselves on gridlocked freeways. In the same timeframe, the company will also introduce a fully-automated parking system that will enable the car to park itself and will be available across a wide range of vehicles.

“This will be followed in 2018 by the introduction of multiple-lane controls, allowing cars to autonomously negotiate hazards and change lanes. And before the end of the decade, we will introduce intersection-autonomy, enabling vehicles to negotiate city cross-roads without driver intervention,” said Ghosn.

Ghosn went on to say that four major trends are fuelling demand for autonomous drive functions. These are: the need to ease congestion in increasingly crowded mega-cities; growing demand for in-car communications by younger tech-savvy drivers; the need to make car operation easier and safer for the growing ranks of senior drivers; and increased purchasing and decision-making power of female consumers.

Unlike pilot-projects for completely self-driving vehicles, currently undergoing preliminary tests elsewhere in the industry, drivers remain in control and ‘at the wheel’ in Nissan models equipped with Autonomous Drive functions.”

By next year, for example, the company says they will have “enhanced communications” functions loaded on 1.5 million vehicles, and the technologies include cloud-based systems to offer better access to social media, entertainment applications and voice recognition software.

“Nissan will be part of the transport solution in the growing number of megacities. We will continue to make our cars more connected. We plan to lead in delivering Autonomous Drive vehicles. And, in every part of the business, we are recognizing the unique needs of elderly drivers and the impact and influence of female customers.”

2015 Ford Mustang Engine Details Revealed

Powerful Engines

The three engine lineup consists of a 3.7-litre V6 with 223 kW and 379 Nm to open the range. The 2.3-litre four-cylinder Ecoboost motor takes the middle spot as it manages 231 kW and 433 Nm. The top of the range Mustang engine is the 5-litre V8 that thumps out 324 kW to go with 541 Nm of torque.

Lightweight Chassis

The Mustangs chassis has been strengthened and lightened over the previous generation. Kerb weight sits at just 1600kg. This was achieved through use of advanced technologies and materials including hydroforming, laser welding and high-strength steels. Lightweight aluminium is used for the bonnet and front fenders to help reduce weight and improve balance.

2015 Ford Mustang Performance Pack

For those who want something a little more track honed, Ford will offer a performance pack for its 2015 Mustang. The performance pack is only available on the top two models (Ecoboost and the V8) and gets a list of tweaks:

Retuned springs, bushings and monotube rear dampers
Additional cooling capability for track-day durability
Thicker rear sway bar
K-brace connecting strut towers to bulkhead
Unique tuning for ABS, electronic stability control and electric power-assisted steering
Centre gauge pack

The top V8 model in addition gets a 3.73:1 final drive ratio with Torsen differential and a unique front splitter to channel cooling air to the front brakes.

We set out to create an all-new Mustang that would go, handle and stop better than any previous Mustang, while also being a better all-around daily driver, said Dave Pericak, Mustang chief engineer. The results speak for themselves during track testing, the 2015 Mustang GT with performance package consistently beat the lap times of the 2012-2013 Mustang Boss 302.

IIHS Recommends Safest Used Cars for Teens

A new report out from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has listed what it says will help parents pick the safest used cars for their teen drivers.

First-ever list of recommended safest used cars for teens

The IIHS puts the focus on safety features like airbags, electronic stability control (ESC) and anti-rollover systems.

“A teenager’s first car is more than just a financial decision,” says IIHS President Adrian Lund. “These lists of recommended used vehicles can help consumers factor in safety, in addition to affordability.”

When picking a car for their teens, the IIHS recommends parents to follow these guidelines:

– Avoid high-power vehicles that could tempt teens into speeding.

– Select bigger cars that have the mass to protect occupants in an accident.

– Put young drivers in vehicles equipped with electronic stability control, which helps a driver maintain control of the vehicle on curves and slippery roads.

– Parents should also pick vehicles with good Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration safety ratings.

“Unfortunately, it’s very difficult to get a safe vehicle for a teenager at the prices most people are paying,” says Anne McCartt, IIHS senior vice president for research. “Our advice to parents would be to remember the risks teens take and consider paying a little more.”

All the recommended used vehicles by the IIHS have standard ESC and provide good protection in moderate overlap front crashes. Those considered “best choices” for under $20,000 (about R214 181) also have good ratings for side crash protection, good head restraints and seats for rear crash protection, and good roof strength to protect occupants in rollover crashes. Vehicles considered “good choices” for under $10,000 (about R106 916) have good or acceptable side crash protection and head restraints rated better than poor.

Vehicles rated by NHTSA were included in the recommended lists only if they earned four or five stars in the front and side tests under the agency’s original testing regime. Or if they received an overall rating of four or five stars under the newer, more stringent rating system that began with 2011 models. One vehicle, the Hyundai Santa Fe, was excluded from the list of best choices because its 2012 model had an overall rating of just three stars.

Safest Used Cars listed available in South Africa

Large Cars	Model Years
Saab 9-5 sedan	2010 and later
Volvo S80	2007 and later

Midsize Cars	Model Years
Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan	2009 and later
Honda Accord sedan	2012 and later; coupe 2013-14
Audi A4	2009 and later
Toyota Camry	2012 and later
Subaru Outback	2010 and later
Kia Optima	2011 and later
Hyundai Sonata	2011 and later
Subaru Legacy	2010 and later
Audi A3	2008 and later
Volkswagen CC	2009 and later
Volkswagen Passat	2009 and later
Volvo C30	2008 and later
Volkswagen Jetta	2009 and later

Small SUVs	Model Years
Honda CR-V	2012 and later
Kia Sportage	2011 and later
Hyundai Tucson	2010 and later
Subaru Forester	2009 and later
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport	2011 and later
Volkswagen Tiguan	2009 and later

Midsize SUVs	Model Years
Volvo XC60	2010 and later
Kia Sorento	2011 and later
Infiniti EX	2008 and later
Dodge Journey	2010 and later
Subaru Tribeca/B9 Tribeca	2006 and later
Volvo XC90	2005 and later

BMW X5 M50d vs Range Rover Sport (Video)

In a clash that just ten years ago would have seemed impossible or just downright silly, we lined up BMW’s most powerful diesel SUV against the new Range Rover Sport, which uses an engine shared with the Jaguar F-Type to develop an incredible 375 kW (502hp).

BMW X5 M50d VS Range Rover Sport 0-100 km/h time

Both manufacturers claim their cars accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in the same time, so we honestly had no idea which car would win over the quarter mile drag race.

The BMW has launch control which would certainly help get it off the line, but could the massive torque of that diesel engine make up for the incredible power of the Range Rover? Let’s also not forget that the BMW X5 is a little smaller and therefore lighter than the Range Rover Sport.

What we did know is that one of these cars would not be needing a visit to a petrol station on the way home.

Specs: BMW X5 M50d vs Range Rover Sport SCV8

	BMW X5 M50d	RR Sport SCV8
Price	R1 113 148	R1 365 023
Engine	3.0 I-6 triturbo diesel	5.0 V8 supercharged
Power	280 kW	375 kW
Torque	740 Nm	625 Nm
0-100km/h time	5.3 seconds	5.3 seconds
Top speed	225 km/h limited	250 km/h limited
Fuel consumption	6.7 l/100 km	13.8/100 km
Weight (curb)	2125 kg	2310 kg

Mercedes-Benz Announces SA Prices For 2015 C-Class Estate

Mercedes-Benz has opened its order books for the 2015 C-Class Estate scheduled to officially launch in South Africa in October 2014.

Increased space and new engines

Compared to its predecessor, the 2015 C-Class Estate is 96 mm longer and has an 80 mm elongated wheelbase which now measures 2 840 mm. Rear legroom has also been significantly increased by 45 mm while the additional 40 mm in the cars width (now at 1 810 mm) has boosted head, elbow and shoulder room.

Engine line-up for SA customers include the C180 four-cylinder petrol engine with 115 kW and 250 Nm of torque, and the petrol C200 delivering 135 kW and 300 Nm of torque. Both engines are mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. The C250 BlueTEC diesel engine produces 150 kW and 500 Nm of torque, whilst emitting 124 g/km of CO2 emissions.

Customers will also have a choice between a standard or sporty standard suspension or, for the first time on the C-Class Estate an air suspension which is said to “bridge the gap between a high level of ride comfort and dynamic, agile handling”.

2015 C-Class Estate Price in South Africa

Mercedes-Benz C180 Estate – R447 600

Mercedes-Benz C200 Estate – R468 300

Mercedes-Benz C250 BlueTEC Estate – R558 400

The 2015 C-Class Estate will come standard with Mercedes-Benzs class-leading PremiumDrive 6-years/100 000 km maintenance plan requiring no customer contribution.

Best SUV in SA – Medium Size

Moving along from our Compact SUV list and onto the family seeking a little more comfort and space in their life. Perhaps even a little off-road prowess wouldn’t go amiss on those family outings to the game reserve where you share a lodge with some other outdoor enthusiasts?

We have tried to keep the starting price under R500 000 and interior space to a happy medium. Weve also added a blend of off-road skilled vehicles and pavement hoppers. There are so many good vehicles in this category we could easily throw 10 options at you and they would each merit a purchase. Instead we have stuck to our guns and narrowed it down to just five of the best.

Best SUV in SA – Medium size

Ford Kuga

Whilst it may be a tubby Ford Focus, the Kuga has better turbocharged petrol engines with loads more torque. The diesels are only available as all-wheel drive units and the Kuga does a pretty good job of dealing with the dirty conditions. Its strong point though is its on road manners its a great handling and comfortable SUV. Pricing from R310 900 R435 900.

Honda CR-V

Honda knows that people like to carry things and this car seems built to carry all those things. For a medium-sized SUV, the CR-V has very generous loading capacities and storage compartments. Whilst the diesels in the range get a bit pricey, the entry level models (2-litre petrol) offer good value, comfort and durability. Also it carries Hondas renowned reliability. Pricing from R330 400 R565 800.

Land Rover Freelander

The Freelander is the forgotten sibling of the now show stopping Land/Range Rover lineup. While the Evoque probably steals from the Freelanders market its not without its own merit. Freelander is a good off-roader and fitted with the terrain response system it can adapt to any type of obstacle thrown at it. Gone are the unreliable motors of the past and in are the newer uprated Jaguar/Land Rover motors. It only just makes it onto the list at its entry level price is quite high. Pricing from R486 840 R628 970.

Toyota RAV4

Toyota will claim to have invented the SUV with the RAV4 but many others who came after did a better job of perfecting it. The new RAV4 is a great value option, with the whole range coming in under R460 000. It may be a little less refined inside than the others but it has good off-road potential and a good choice of engines. Again, you can rely on this RAV4 to get you back from the bundus without a breakdown. Pricing from R301 900 R456 500.

Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester has always been happy to get down and dirty with the off-road crowd. This new model has taken a step closer to the tarmac, but not given up its mountain climbing shoes entirely. The cabin on the Forester is its weakest part, it feels a bit cheap and designed in a time gone by. If you can deal with that and have kids that are going to ruin things anyway then the Subaru will fit your lifestyle. Some of the best CVT gearboxes can be found in a Forester too. Pricing from R339 000 R529 000.

New Mazda 2 Shown off in Japan

Mazda has finally revealed its new Mazda 2 at its Hiroshima plant in Japan. The Mazda 2 is set to feature the brands SKYACTIV range of engines and KODO soul of motion design language.

Mazda 2 engines and safety features

Whilst no specific details have been released about the Mazda 2, we know it will begin selling to the Japanese market mid spring this year. Out of the blocks it will feature a 1.5-litre petrol motor with varying outputs as well as a 1.5 diesel derivative. The diesel using SKYACTIV-D technology focuses on high compression whilst reducing fuel economy and should put out somewhere in the region of 77 kW and 250 Nm. Mazda is saying there will also be a choice of manual or automatic gearboxes.

The interior looks very clean and simple with a modern LCD display on the top on the centre dash. The Mazda 2 is said to use i-ACTIVSENSE which is a combination of safety systems that uses radar and camera systems to avoid collisions. It includes systems like radar cruise control, lane departure warning and rear vehicle monitoring. Well have to wait and see which of the systems Mazda decides to insert into the new Mazda 2.

Weekly News Wrap – 18/07/2014

Best SUV in SA  Medium Size

New Smart Car Arrives

Tight Turning

Tiny Turbo

Special Suspension

New Smart Car is Safe

Lexus to Build Smaller NX Crossover

Smaller NX Crossover to come?

Nissan Outlines its Autonomous Driving Systems Scheduled for Launch in 2020

Autonomous Driving Systems aimed at accelerating consumer adoption

2015 Ford Mustang Engine Details Revealed

Powerful Engines

Lightweight Chassis

2015 Ford Mustang Performance Pack

IIHS Recommends Safest Used Cars for Teens

First-ever list of recommended safest used cars for teens

Safest Used Cars listed available in South Africa

BMW X5 M50d vs Range Rover Sport (Video)

BMW X5 M50d VS Range Rover Sport 0-100 km/h time

Mercedes-Benz Announces SA Prices For 2015 C-Class Estate

Increased space and new engines

2015 C-Class Estate Price in South Africa

Best SUV in SA – Medium Size

Best SUV in SA – Medium size

New Mazda 2 Shown off in Japan

Mazda 2 engines and safety features

Best SUV in SA Medium Size