BMW has officially unveiled its second generation 2015 X6 Sports Activity Coupe set to arrive in SA in February next year.
Subtle exterior changes
Following in the footsteps of its predecessor, the 2015 BMW X6 features a redesigned rear diffuser and bumper, as well as new taillights that appear larger and more curved than those on the previous model.
The model additionally comes with a list of exclusive standard features including bi-xenon headlights, 19-inch light-alloy wheels, automatic tailgate operation and the 8-speed Steptronic sport transmission with steering wheel shift paddles. Theres also leather trim, two-zone climate control, auto-dimming rear-view mirror and the Driving Assistant safety package from BMW ConnectedDrive.
BMW has also added an M Sport variant which is completed by an aerodynamic body kit, a matte aluminium grille and 19-inch lightweight alloy wheels. The model will also have an upgraded interior, an Adaptive M suspension and a self-levelling rear air suspension.
Engine line-up
At launch, the 2015 BMW X6 will be available with three different engines. These include the latest-generation V8 unit developing 330 kW for the BMW X6 xDrive50i, a 190 kW six-cylinder in-line diesel engine for the BMW X6 xDrive30d and another straight-six diesel with three turbochargers and 280 kW for the BMW X6 M50d model.
All three of these models come standard in all-wheel drive configuration with an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
The models will additionally be joined by the sDrive35i, xDrive35i and xDrive40d in the spring of 2015.
Innovative options and BMW ConnectedDrive features
Things have changed even more on the inside, now with a sport steering wheel, Dakota leather seats and an iDrive infotainment system with up to a 10.25-inch display. Other notable features include a dual zone climate control system, centre console-mounted knee pads and a luggage compartment that can take up to 1525 litres of load thanks to the 40:20:40 split/folding rear seat backrests.
The crossover can also be ordered with Oxide Silver, Aluminium Hexagon, Brushed Aluminium, American Oak, Fineline Stripe, Fineline Pure or Poplar Grain trim.
Chassis packages
The models will be available with chassis packages that will supposedly help solve the suspension problems recent BMWs have been facing.
First up is the Comfort adaptive suspension package that includes damper control and air suspension for the rear axle. Then the Dynamic package option that comes with Adaptive M suspension for firmer dampers. Lastly you get the Professional adaptive suspension package which combines the Comfort and Dynamic packages
Citroen C4 Picasso SA Pricing Announced
Citroen has announced pricing information for the all-new C4 Picasso which comes in two derivatives both powered by a 1.6-litre e-HDi 115 turbo diesel engine.
Citroen C4 Picasso pricing in South Africa
Pricing kicks off at R325 900 for the Seduction model, while the more comprehensively equipped Intensive version is available from R345 900.
The all-new C4 Picasso is fitted with a chunky steering wheel and a multi-purpose 7-inch touch screen in the centre of the dashboard and a 12-inch optional panoramic HD screen. The Seduction is equipped with 16-inch Viper alloy rims, while the Intensive model has 17-inch Anacondas, each shod with Michelin tyres.
The standard list of equipment includes cruise control and speed limiter, an electronic handbrake with hill start assist, automatic on-off for the headlamps and windscreen wipers, sliding drivers and passengers sun blinds with sun visors and courtesy mirrors, find my car feature with illumination by means of the interior lights and flashing hazard warning lights and a guide me home headlamp function.
Additional features on the Intensive variant includes LED front indicators, kerb lighting (puddle lights in the exterior rear view mirrors), removable and rechargeable boot light/torch, interior mood lighting, integrated, retractable rear side window blinds, rear seat conversation mirror and front fog lamps with a cornering function.
The Citroen C4 Picasso comes with a 3-year/100 000km warranty, 5-year/100 000km service plan, 3-year 24-hour roadside assistance, with the extra cost option of extending the warranty to 5-years/100 000km.
Theres also the option of purchasing Citroen Freedrive, which consists of a 5-year/100 00km warranty and a 5-year/100 000km maintenance plan.
Our Editor Dave is currently at the launch, look out for his driving impression next week.
2015 Opel Corsa Teased (Video)
Following several prototypes covered in camouflage Opel has released a teaser video of its next generation Corsa which will be introduced in full at the Paris Motor Show this October.
The current generation of the Opel Corsa has been in production for 8 years now, which according to some reports is a very long time in today’s automotive world where life cycles keep getting shorter.
The company announced through its official Facebook account that this is not a mere facelift but the next generation of Corsa. Although technical details are yet to be released, the clip posted below shows the model will still feature some similarities to other new vehicles in the Opel line-up.
The model will reportedly be offered once again in both three- and five-door versions, while on the inside it will be completely redesigned with better materials and a new centre console.
The 2015 Opel Corsa will be publicly debut in October at the Paris Motor Show, however we are expecting some official images to creep up online way before then.
2015 Opel Corsa video teaser
The New MINI 5 Door Unveiled
MINI has officially revealed its first ever five-door hatchback with four model variants demonstrating superior driving fun, efficiency, ride comfort, safety and connectivity; new generation of engines.
We spotted some MINI test mules earlier in February 2014, and we spotted a five-door variant amongst them. We mistakingly identified it as the next generation MINI Clubman, when in actual fact, it was this.
Increased space
The new MINI 5 door is the second member to join the third-generation MINI line-up. Compared to the regular Cooper model, the five-door has a 72 mm extended wheelbase (at 2 567 mm) which further helps create space for the three seats in the rear.
Headroom has increased by 1 5mm and there’s 61 mm more interior width at elbow height. Luggage compartment space has been boosted to 278 litres – 67 litres more than in the three-door model. When you fold down the 60:40 split rear backrest, total cargo volume jumps to 941 litres.
Engine line-up
At market launch the MINI 5 Door will be available with four model variants: two standard petrol and two diesel engines. South Africans customers will only get the petrol variants.
The turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol unit delivers 141 kW and 280 Nm at 1 250 rpm (300 Nm on overboost), this allows the Cooper S to sprint from 0-100km/h in 6.9 sec and to reach a top speed of 232km/h when combined with the manual gearbox. Claimed combined cycle consumption is rated at 5.9l/100km on the European test cycle.
The 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine comes with 100 kW and 220 Nm at 1 250 rpm (230 Nm on overboost) in the Cooper. It delivers 0-100km/h acceleration in 8.2sec and a top speed of 207km/h. Combined fuel consumption is rated at 4.7l/100km in manual form.
The diesel variants include a turbocharged 2.0-litre four cylinder that provides the Cooper SD with 125kW and 360Nm of torque at 1500rpm, while the Cooper D is equipped with a compact 1.5-litre three-cylinder with 85kW and 270Nm at 1750rpm.
MINI is offering a six-speed manual gearbox, a six-speed Steptronic transmission.
Minor visual changes
Design wise, the car resembles looks of the original model, with its hexagonal radiator grille, headlights and tail lights with wide chrome surrounds. However, it could be a bit difficult to enter the back seats due to what appears to be a short length of the rear doors. We shall have to wait and see what they’re like when we get our hands on one.
The interior features a new central instrument with new display elements and coloured lighting configuration including LED ring for visual feedback in response to numerous functions, as well as a 4-line TFT display as standard or optional colour display up to 8.8 inches in size.
Deliveries of the 2015 MINI 5 door hatchback are scheduled to commence later in the year once production begins at the Oxford plant.
Toyota Corolla Quest Video Review
Im not a fan, but the fact is that some of the most popular cars in South Africa are spruced up, modernised versions of older cars. Just look at the way the Volkswagen Polo Vivo hovers at the top of the sales chart month after month. A few years ago it was the Conquest, a 6th generation Toyota Corolla which soldiered on for years after that model reached its demise overseas.
It seems we love a good quality bargain, as long as its dependable, and specialists in such vehicles is Toyota.
The brand has been a mainstay in our market through thick and thin, and the perennially popular Corolla is no exception. We reviewed and filmed the 11th generation Corolla recently, and then Toyota sneakily announced that soon there would be two Corollas to choose from.
Value for money
Enter the QUEST. I just love writing it in capital letters. What an epic name. But all Toyota did was take the ‘con’ out of it and here we are: a new bargain for cash-strapped consumers. And my goodness, what a bargain it is.
I didnt want to like the Quest, but it is very difficult to fault a car which offers this much value at this price. For a starting price of R174 900, the Quest features the all-new 1.6 litre four-cylinder petrol from the brand new Corolla. Theyve changed the interior a little, fitted some new seats, some new headlights and changed the chrome strip on the bootlid to black plastic. It actually looks a lot better, besides looking like a very thin moustache, like youd find on a French mime.
Toyota Corolla Quest Build quality
The Quest feels bulletproof. Like it was chiselled out of one piece of metal and rubber, and not assembled from various bits. And the engine, while rather dull, is perfectly up to the job of moving you around, while consuming a claimed 6.6 litres/100km. I cant tell you what I achieved, because theres no readout, one of the things you miss, like steering wheel radio controls, from the latest Corolla.
The car we drove was the Toyota Corolla Quest Plus, which comes in at R197 900. However, as youll see in the video, all that buys you is some exterior body trinkets and a CD/radio. Ive worked out a clever way of saving you a tonne of money, so be sure to give the video a watch. Cheeky hey?
Class of its own
Right now, the Toyota Corolla Quest seems to be in a class of its own. The Polo Vivo sedan is smaller and dull, the Nissan Almera offers very decent space but is technically a car from the segment below, being built on the Micra chassis. The Geely Emgrand EC7 is about the closest rival, it offers 4 star EuroNCAP safety and much more kit than the standard Quest, for R10 000 less.
Its a big future fight that; China vs Japan, and with the EC7, I think its sooner than we realise.
Conclusion and summary
In the meantime though, it almost doesnt matter what I say about the Toyota Corolla Quest. Its insanely good value, still quite stylish even though its dated, and has that badge on the nose that many, many South Africans know and trust.
Hotcakes, anyone?
Toyota Corolla Quest Price in South Africa
The Toyota Corolla Quest range starts from R174 900. Tested here is the Toyota Corolla Quest Plus, which retails for R197 900.
Toyota Corolla Quest Quick Specs
Engine
1.6-litre four cylinder petrol
Power
90 kW
Torque
154 Nm
Transmission
Six-speed manual
Wheels
15-inch alloys
0-100km/h
10.5 seconds (claimed)
Fuel economy
6.6l/100km
We like:
. Value for money
. Build quality
We dislike:
. Dated styling
Also consider: . Nissan Almera
. Volkswagen Polo Vivo sedan
. Geely Emgrand EC 7
Fiat Teams Up With Mitsubishi to Offer New Pickup Truck
Fiat will reportedly team up with Mitsubishi to offer a rebadged version of the L200/Triton.
Details are limited, however reports say that Mitsubishi will provide the Italian automaker with a variant of the L200 which was previewed by the GR-HEV concept at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. The Fiat variant will apparently be sold by Fiat Professional starting in 2016 and is said to be a key to increasing the companys market share.
Earlier this year Fiat sealed the deal of acquiring the remaining shares of Chrysler, making the U.S. unit a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Italian carmaker. You can read more about that story here.
*Please note pictured is the Mitsubishi GR-HEV concept from the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.
2015 Volkswagen Golf Earns IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus
The redesigned 2015 Volkswagen Golf, along with its faster sibling the Golf GTI have undergone the Insurance Institute for Highway Safetys (IIHS) crash test and have both earned the Top Safety Pick Plus status.
In order for a vehicle to achieve this, the car must receive a good rating in the IIHSs moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests. Moreover, it has to receive a good or acceptable rating in the most difficult test of them all, the small overlap.
According to the IIHS, only a few issues affected the results of both cars. In the small overlap test, the driver’s space was maintained well and injury measures recorded on the dummy indicate a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity.
In addition, while the dummy’s head nearly slid off the left side of the airbag, the side curtain airbag deployed to protect the head from contacting side structure and outside objects.
Both these models which have been redesigned for 2015, offer an optional forward collision warning system that earned them a basic rating in this test. The models are also the latest Volkswagen models to earn a 2014 safety award from IIHS after the Passat qualified for Top Safety Pick.
The new Hyundai Grand i10 is now in South Africa and we attended its local launch in Cape Town.
The Grand i10 is marketed as a replacement for the Hyundai Getz – a popular and successful model in terms of South African sales. The Getz was successful for a number of reasons. It drove well, was comfortable and had a number of standard features. The all-new Grand i10 offers the same traits as the Getz, and I predict will sell well with the younger market.
There are three derivatives and some bright and vibrant colours to choose from. There’s the 1.25 Motion manual, the 1.25 Fluid manual (which has a some more features) and the 1.25 Fluid which comes with a four-speed automatic gearbox.
Practicality and features
It’s a smart-looking little city car and it follows the typical Hyundai fluidic sculpture design, meaning it has athletic lines. Who said affordable city cars have to be ugly? Thanks to its design, the cabin of the Grand i10 is pleasantly spacious. Fold the back seats down and you’ll have access to 1 202 litres worth of boot space. When compared to the base model i10 (which remains on sale), the Grand i10 is longer and wider.
Hyundai has done a sterling job at providing the Grand i10 with everything you’d ever need in terms of features. The standard specification list is generous. There’s Bluetooth and USB connectivity to the audio system, keyless entry, electrically heated and foldable side mirrors as well as air conditioner, trip computer and central locking. There’s also 14-inch alloy wheels, a full size spare wheel and front fog lights.
Engine
The Hyundai Grand i10 is powered by the Kappa-designated engine. This 1.25-litre four-cylinder motor has 64 kW and 120 Nm, with power going to the front wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox. Fuel consumption is claimed to be 5.9l/100km for the manual, while the four-speed auto is rated at 6.9/100km.
Driving impression
How is it like to drive? Well, initial impressions are good, with the Hyundai Grand i10 feeling quite composed and stable on the roads. The conditions were not the best as our route from Somerset West to Grabouw via Rooi Els was lashed by the first of the major winter storms which Cape Town is infamous for. The crosswinds and driving rain was quite bad, yet the little i10 didn’t feel like it was unstable.
The seats are comfortable and the Hyundai Grand i10 feels well assembled. As far as cabin ergonomics go, I rate the Hyundai Grand i10 highly. You can climb in behind the wheel and all the controls are where you’d expect them. The radio is surprisingly good at loud volumes too (we tried to drown out the gale-force wind while driving)
Pricing for the Hyundai Grand i10
Pricing is competitive and the vehicle comes with the 5 year/150 000 km warranty and roadside assistance plan added. A service plan is for your own account, and I don’t think it’ll dent the overall value for money feeling.
Grand i10 1.25 Motion manual R139 900
Grand i10 1.25 Fluid manual R149 900
Grand i10 1.25 Fluid automatic R159 900
Porsche Four Cylinder Boxer Engines Detailed
Porsche recently announced it will be selling the 2014 Macan compact crossover with a base four-cylinder engine which will be available by the end of 2014, and now some new spec details about the engines are starting to emerge.
According to Car Magazine UK, the new engines will range from 1.6 to 2.5-litre displacements using a flat-four cylinder configuration and will be turbocharged, as well as feature direct injection.
The entry-level 1.6-litre engine will reportedly deliver 156 kW of power, while the 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine will produce 213 kW and 399 Nm of torque. Lastly, the 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine is expected to produce 268 kW with 470 Nm of torque.
The engines will be connected to either a six-speed manual gearbox or Porsches seven-speed PDK transmission.
The Porsche four-cylinder boxer engines are expected to debut first in the Boxster and Cayman before being added to other models.
Hyundai Grand i10 (2014) Review
In a few days time the 2014 FIFA World Cup gets underway in Brazil and right now in South Africa, Hyundai is launching the Grand version of its i10. Four years ago in South Africa, Hyundai was the vehicle sponsor when our country hosted the worlds soccer show piece, and if you speak to the Korean companys executives today, they will tell you that it was the best bit of brand awareness marketing theyve ever done here, harking way back to Hyundais SA debut in the mid-1990s.
Value for money offering
The entry-level market segment of new cars is set to keep on growing here as long as fuel prices remain under such pressure. In other words, A-segment appeal is likely to broaden and still include first-time owners, but woo a big chunk of The Establishment away from the likes of three-box sedans.
Yet, when buying down, these customers still want all the comfort accoutrements that theyve been used to when enjoying a more sophisticated but thirstier example of personal mobility. This is where the Hyundai Grand i10 comes into its own. The exterior styling has a nod to funkiness while leaning towards conservatism, while the interior has a grown-up feel to it that is remarkable in a car costing just under R140 000.
Fuel consumption
Fuel economy has been in the news lately regarding manufacturers claims and what car owners are actually achieving out there in the real world. It is interesting to note on the Hyundai Grand i10s spec sheet that there’s a claim of an overall consumption of 5.9 litres/100 km. Yet the overall consumption on the trip read-out for our car (scheduled to be used on the press launch) read 5.8 litres/100!
Our test drive included some urban commuting as well as highway driving, and what we noticed with the Hyundai Grand i10 is that the overall gearing of the car is perfectly pitched at what South Africans are likely to encounter in real-world conditions.
Gearbox and performance
The manual transmission version of the Hyundai Grand i10 ( a four-speed auto is available for those who feel clutch and gear change action is getting too much in clogged freeway snarl-ups) is a five-speeder, and at 120 km/h the little 1 248 cc naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine is spinning at around the 3 500 rpm mark.
This rev-range is perfectly pitched to enable the Grand i10 to ascend most highway hills in top gear, and on a light throttle opening at the speed limit. Around town, there is plenty of urge available for quick acceleration away from the traffic lights, again not using full throttle. If you do mash pedal to the metal, it will sprint to 100 km/h in just under 13 seconds (at sea level) and top out at just under 170 km/h.
Talking of gear change action, the shift on the Grand i10 was a little notchy, and the clutch action on the car we tried was weirdly light. This light action resulted in no feel, making smooth getaways a chore that required lots of concentration.
Performance and build quality
Nevertheless, performance is more than adequate. More important, perhaps, is the feeling of overall maturity and quality that the Koreans have injected into the body shell of the Hyundai Grand i10. The dashboard and door capping materials used are of a higher perceived quality levels than what you are likely to expect in a car in this price range. Yes, the overall layout still tends to lean towards the conservative side of the spectrum, but theres no denying the feeling of well-being that comes with noticing high-end levels of panel fit.
Upholstery on our launch-preview model was of a particularly rugged, ribbed fabric material, quite smart, with a shiny finish. But the equipment levels on the Grand are very good in both models launched, these being the base-line Motion model and the slightly better-equipped Fluid model.
Features and practicality
Interestingly, the Motion model comes complete with all the must-have features in this ever more demanding market segment. Thus there is standard air-conditioning, electric window operation, a standard RCD radio with CD and MP3 compatibility, an on-board driving-function computer and central locking. The Fluid model gets rear-window electric operation, remote wing mirror adjustment, heated wing mirrors, and one-touch auto-down window operation.
All Hyundai Grand i10 models come with alloy 14-inch wheels with (cheap to replace) 165/65 by 14 rubber, and while the disc brakes on the front wheels are still complimented by drum brakes on the rear wheels, ABS braking is standard across the range, along with EBD.
Rear seat accommodation is adequate for large adults, but the boot space is only moderately good for a car in this bracket, measuring 256 litres.
Conclusion and summary
Well, the Grand version of Hyundais entry-level A-segment car could well turn out to be a marketing masterstroke of similar proportions. While Hyundai Motor SA will retain the original i10 as an ultimate entry version of the car, at least for the foreseeable future, Cars.co.zas sneak preview of the i10 prior to launch has convinced us that this car could be a game-changer for the segment overall, as well as Hyundai.
Hyundai Grand i10 Price in South Africa
Regards the ownership experience, Hyundai offers its impressive five year/150 000 km warranty as part of the R139 900 price, while service intervals are 15 000 km. But the biggest ownership-experience factor is likely to be the level of understated sophistication youll enjoy with this car.
Hyundai Grand i10 Quick Specs
Engine
1.2-litre four cylinder petrol
Power
64 kW
Torque
120 Nm
Transmission
Five-speed manual
Wheels
14-inch alloys
0-100km/h
13 seconds (estimate)
Fuel economy
5.9 l/100km (claimed)
We like:
. Affordable
. Generous specification
. Economical
We dislike:
. Light clutch and notchy gearshift action
