Volkswagen has revealed a plug-in hybrid version of its more performance-oriented Golf called “GTE” and is set to slot in beside the GTI and GTD models. The Volkswagen Golf GTE plug-in-hybrid will premiere in Geneva next month.
Engine specifications
The new VW Golf GTE has two engines: a 1.4-litre 110 kW turbocharged and direct-injection TSI engine and a 75 kW electric motor. These combine to provide the stated system power of 150 kW with 349 Nm of torque.
When running exclusively on electricity, the car can reach a top speed of 130 km/h, and when using full power does 0-100 km/h in 7.6 seconds before reaching 217 km/h.
In electric mode the Golf GTE can cover a distance of up to 50 km, and with both engines working it has an overall range of 940 km. As a plug-in hybrid vehicle, the vehicle is said to return 1.8-litres/100 km with corresponding CO2 emissions of just 35 g/km.
Design and features
When it comes to design, the GTE looks no different from the regular Golf, except that the front fascia takes styling cues from the all-electric e-Golf and GTI.
“The presence of the electric drive is visually expressed by the prominent C-signature of the daytime running lights on the Golf GTE. Meanwhile, all other front design elements bridge to the GTI,” explains Klaus Bischoff, head designer, Volkswagen.
The vehicle is fitted as standard with a 6.5-inch Composition Media radio system or an optional Discover Pro navigation system. Additional functions include a “driving range monitor”, an “energy flow display”, “zero emission statistics”, “e-manager”, and the optional navigation system which has a “360° driving range” function and Volkswagen says owners will be able to download for free an application to access info and control various car functions remotely.
Volkswagen will debut the car in just over a week during the Geneva Motor Show.
Volkswagen Golf GTE gallery
BMW 640D Gran Coupe Review
Ciro De Siena faces a coupé conundrum as he works out where the BMW 640D fits in.
The thing about coupes that have always counted against them is the bothersome issue of having only two doors. Practicality issues are enough to make the Germans throw the rule book (and dictionary) out the window and adding two more doors.
In doing so, theyve created sedans which are admittedly more beautiful, sleeker than traditional saloons. However, those sloping roof lines and low slung shoulders come at a price: reduced interior and boot space.
Mercedes-Benz was first with this back in 2004. Audi followed in 2010 with the A7, and the last to the party is BMW with the 6-Series Gran Coupe. Ill be comparing all of them later, but lets focus on the Beemer for now, because thats the one Ive been driving.
The Looks. Oh, the looks.
Its always quite exciting driving a car that is basically a tourist attraction. I have had people taking photos of this thing, stopping me in car parks to ask about it. Its that kind of car. Its physical appearance is so striking, so wide and so low, that it puts it almost in a category with supercars, in terms of the attention in gets. Its knocking on the door of the Maserati Quattroporte, and asking its daughter out on a date.
Which is quite impressive for a car that borrows heavily from all other cars in the range. The interior is pulled together with bits from the 5- and 7-Series, and the rest of the car is of course based heavily on the 6-Series, so it really is one of those beautiful oddities, a car that is more than the sum of its parts.
BMW 640d engine specs
I assume youll want to know how it performs. The BMW 640d is running three-litre twin-turbo diesel. At first youll think its a sin to have a diesel engine in such a car. Its like meeting a swimwear model, only to hear her burp, repeatedly. But unless youre rich, I highly recommend the diesel. Heres why.
This produces more power than Koeberg. 230 kW is modest, but 630 Nm at 1 500 rpm isnt. That sort of power gets the big lass to rocket to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds, which feels amazing. Bear in mind that you dont have to go too far back in time to find a BMW M5 which would be proud of those sort of acceleration figures.
But, I hear you grumbling, a diesel engine grumbles. This one doesnt. Maybe at low speeds you can detect that familiar clack of the diesel, but at speed it sounds more like a petrol V8. Quite what wizardry BMW used to achieve that is beyond me, but the effect is wonderful.
It is a big car so while it is fast, it does feel its weight when you really push on. I also found it hates mid-corner bumps, and I noticed the traction control gets woken up every few seconds on twisting, bumpy roads.
But like all BMWs these days, it has schizophrenia control, where at the flick of a switch you can jump between comfort and sport instantly. The ride, throttle response and gearbox attitude changes completely in each case.
The Interior issues
While the interior is a symphony of leather and soft carpets and piano black fascias, you really only ever want to sit in the front.
And here is my problem with this car. The rear seats are practically useless for anyone over five foot five. And if youre a tall driver, your rear passengers will have to be legless. Rear headroom is cramped and heaven forbid you want to try fit three people in the back. Not adults no chance.
I might be delusional but we had the 650i Coupe on test just before this and it felt roomier in the back. For whatever reason, to achieve the incredible shape of the Gran Coupe, and fit 4 doors, the designers seemed to have sacrificed the rear space completely. Which was kind of the point of the whole exercise, no?
BMW 640D Gran Coupe and its rivals
So which of the three German confused-coupes would I have?
The Mercedes-Benz CLS is the most comfortable. So if I were 64 and about to retire, Id probably have that. Its also the quietest, but you cant have a diesel version, so it will hurt your wallet a bit more.
The Audi A7 has the presence of the Beemer, has the practicality of a hatchback, the added safety of all-wheel drive and is quite a bit cheaper. It’s good to drive, and in the real world on rubbish roads, is probably faster than the Beemer. If I had kids and a dog, I think Id have the Audi.
But right now, the BMW 640d appeals to me more than anything. Its damn expensive, but it feels worth it. I think its because I see it as a German Quattroporte. You know, one that wont leave you bankrupt.
The enemy within
But there is yet another alternative from within BMWs own stable, the 535d M Sport. While the motors are practically the same, the 535d is detuned to 190kW and 560N not shabby at all. Both cars weigh the same so acceleration is less brisk, at just under 6 seconds to the 100km/h mark.
Fuel consumption for the 640d is claimed at 5.4l/100km, with the 535d coming in at 5.1l/100km. Dynamically, the 640d might be marginally more interesting, but youd have to be doing a very brave sort of driving to notice. In terms of presence, the big Gran Coupe walks this contest, but in practicality, the 5-Series is, by comparison, a limo.
However the wallet-saving is massive. At R778 436, the 535d M Sport represents a saving R227 824. Excuse me while I dry my eyes.
BMW 640d Gran Coupe summary
The 6-Series is one of the best BMWs you can buy. All the best elements of all its cars, chopped and cooked up into one magnificent six-course meal. But test out those rear seats before you buy. You could save R40 000 and tell them to keep the extra doors.
A7 3,0 TDI Quattro AT
CLS 350 AT
640d M Sport
Year
2011
2011
2012
Price
R 717 000
R 811 900
R 1 006 260
0 to 100km/h
6,85
6,1
5,4
Max Speed
250 km/h
250 km/h
250 km/h
Fuel Consumption
7,2
8,16
6,6
BMW 640d Gran Coupe Gallery
Audi SQ5 TDI Driving Impression
I really enjoy what Audi has managed to achieve with this, its first S model in the Q model line up. I spent some time driving the Audi SQ5 and S3 Sportback in the Eastern Cape at its South African launch.
Normally these little sophisticated soft-roaders look just a little precious, but in S form, the whole plot has more of a purposeful vibe. The biggest visual change is probably the lowering of the suspension by some 30 millimetres, coupled to the use of 20-inch S-Design allows, which gives the Q-car a hunkered-down look. Added to this is subtle S-specific bright-work at various points around the car and a very aggressive-looking S-specific grille treatment.
Powerful diesel engine
It is interesting that Audi has chosen to only offer this car in diesel form, but what a diesel! The twin-turbo three-litre V6 is good for 230 kW and 650 Nm of torque, so the sprint performance figures of this car actually match those of the smaller Audi S3 Sportback. The interior of the SQ5 is class personified, coming standard with MMI 3G navigation and Audis Google Earth navigation package, and a particularly-pleasing flat-bottomed sports steering wheel beautifully trimmed in leather with just the right rim-girth.
Performance and economy
The acceleration on offer from the Audi SQ5 is seamless, its 0-100 km/h time being 5,1 seconds, just one tenth shy of that available with the S3! Fuel consumption is claimed to be 6,8 litres per 100, which will mean real-world consumption of around eight litres per 100, and much better on long cruises.
So, all this and you get a luggage area displacing 1 560 litres. Ideal for the sporting soccer mom who is always in a rush! The price is not inconsiderable, though, at R794 500.
New-car launches can dazzle you and bamboozle you. As a motoring journalist, once youve committed yourself to print, you can find your ears glowing bright like a set of S3 tail lights a few months later when you have finally driven the car on home turf and realised that, hey, the car is much more wayward than you thought, or maybe the power is not nearly as impressive at altitude.
I dont think this is going to happen regards either the Audi S3 Sportback or, indeed, the very impressive diesel-engined Audi SQ5 launched in the Eastern Cape this week.
The launch programme managed to squeeze in both race track impressions of the S3 Sportback and mountain pass running of both models that included mid-corner dips and ripples, as well as freeway driving and even a little bit of what passes for traffic in the Port Elizabeth region.
Track testing the Audi S3 on launch
Two aspects of the Audi S3 Sportback stand out in my mind as I write this: the one is the cars ability to adjust the line in mid-corner on the race track without any evidence of fun-robbing understeer, a tendency one still experiences with some all-wheel drive cars on the track. Commit the S3 to a turn-in point, dial in lock, aim for the apex and apply power, and the grip is extremely tenacious! Yet if you have arrived at the corner too fast, by turning in on a trailing throttle you can point the car in very much the fashion of a good rear-wheel-drive performance model.
Part of this accuracy must lie in the progressive-ratio steering, which adjusts the quickness of the steering according to the amount of steering lock dialled in. And, oh yes, unlike some electrically-assisted Audis of recent memory, this ones loading feels absolutely natural, giving you a good sense of how hard the front tyres are actually working in a corner, rather than a simulated tightening up of the steering system .
I noticed another excellent sporting chassis characteristic in the Van Stadens Pass somewhere outside of the Port Elizabeth area (the geography of that region still confuses the heck out me). A brilliant, challenging, narrow undulating piece of roadway that throws mid-corner camber changes at the car, the Audi S3 Sportback over Van Syadens is never unsettled, and yet its rear-end is lively enough for you to make quick attitude changes mid corner, something that is vital when travelling quickly on windy, unknown roads.
Gearbox and engine
The Audi S3 Sportback is available here only with the S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox and that is perhaps a pity as Audi is making such excellent manual gearboxes these days. But most buyers in this market seem to love the hi-tech aspects of the paddle-shift system, as well as the effortless changing in traffic, so the decision is probably the right one.
The direct-petrol injected Audi is rated at 206 kW and 380 Nm, which are figures that are out-gunned, by say, the likes of the Mercedes A45 AMG. And yet the S3 is still rated with a 0-100 km/h time of 5,0 seconds, and in terms of the way this engine behaves it is a fine mix of progressive torque and an ability to rev into the red above the 6 500 mark with sweet, unruffled smoothness and a pleasing engine note. And fast, of yes indeedy.
Subtly aggressive looks
Overall, the Audi S3 Sportback has an ambience of rock-soild chassis integrity that would make me feel that, yes, it probably is worth its R500 500 asking price. Appearance is a matter of taste, but I love the look of subtle aggression of the car, thanks to various S3-specific badging, lowered suspension, gaping intakes on the bumper section, large tailpipes and the attractive dual spoke 18-inch alloys (at the launch one of the models had single-spoke alloys which are equally-attractive in my book).
I am not a huge fan of the dashboard texture, which I find to be too dimpled for my tastes, and I dont enjoy the rocket-man look of the fresh air vents, which seem somewhat Star-Wars-ish and out of context in a serious German machine. But the seats are wonderfully supportive in hard cornering and yet comfortable.
Audi S3 launch control
I never tried the launch control system which is available as standard on the car, nor did I try the cruise control, which is also standard. It is interesting that the S3s launch control system allows what Audi terms defined tyre slip which is designed to protect the transmission during hard starts.
All-wheel-drive flat-out starts can place an inordinate amount of strain on driver-train components when all that power is fed in without mercy and there is no sliding clutch action to soften the blow. When buying used, I would love to be able to see how many launch control starts one of these had actually been subjected to!
The covers have been lifted off the first-ever Audi S3 Cabriolet ahead of its official reveal at the Geneva Motor Show early next month.
Turbocharged power
The S3 Cabriolet adopts the same 4-cylinder 2.0-litre TSFI turbocharged engine setup as the three-door S3, five-door S3 Sportback and S3 Sedan. The engine pumps out 221 kW of power with 380 Nm of torque. All this is through a six-speed S tronic gearbox which allows the cabrio to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds on its way to an electronically-capped top speed of 250 km/h.
Lightweight construction
The open-top four-seater has a soft top with an electro-hydraulic drive. Magnesium, aluminium and high-strength steel keep its weight low while an insulating foam layer in the roof reduces the noise level in the interior.
The top, which is available in three colours, opens or closes in 18 seconds, even while driving at speeds up to 50km/h.
The sporty figure stands at 4.43 metres long, has a wheelbase of 2.60 metres, and is 1.79 metres wide and 1.39 metres tall. It is further distinguished by the deeper bumpers aluminium-like mirror housings, a chromed windscreen surround and 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 225/40 R18 tyres and can be optionally configured with 19-inch rims.
A single-frame grille surrounded by chrome features platinum grey inserts, while the air intakes are framed and filled with double ribs and honeycomb inserts. S3 badges adorn the front and rear of the car, while 12 different exterior colours are available.
At the front axle there are 340mm brake discs with black callipers that can receive a red finish at extra cost.
Interior features
On the inside, the S3 gets a full black theme and a mix of Pearl Nappa leather and fabric, while the dashboard and gauges are finished in matt brushed aluminium. Theres also a three-dimensional S3 badge included in the tachometer along with a boost gauge to monitor the turbocharger, a leather multifunction sport steering wheel with S3 emblem and aluminium door sills bearing S3 logos.
Other surfaces are furnished in leather and the S sport seats with built-in head restraints and shoulder panels feature diamond stitching.
Audi S3 Cabriolet gallery
SA COTY 2014 – Porsche Cayman S Wins
By Stuart Johnston
They say that lightning never strikes twice in the same place. Well, the prevailing feeling at the Sandton Convention Centre last night when the Porsche Cayman S was announced as the 2014 Car of the Year, was one of stunned surprise amongst the majority of guests, and also some notable senior members of the jury who had judged the cars.
Like a second bolt of electricity that passed through the room, two floors up from last years announcement made at the same venue, the smart money gave the Porsche little chance of outright victory, the reason being that the Cayman S is by and large a coupe version of the 2013 winner, the open-topped Porsche Boxster, albeit with a hotter engine.
Porsche boss Toby Venter collects the winner’s trophy
This is not to say that the Cayman S is an undeserving winner. Indeed, in many of the tests that the cars were put through over the two day test period in Irene and at the Gerotek testing facility, the little rocket from Stuttgart was undoubtedly the most accomplished car there.
The Porsche has stonking performance, a brilliant engine note once you get it up near its 7 000 rev limit, a masterful dual-clutch transmission, Fort-Knox-like chassis rigidity and handling precision and grip that is unrivalled by any of the remaining eight finalists.
Its interior is exemplary in terms of fit and finish and the quality of materials used, its appearance is now aggressive enough to please serious petrol-heads and yet stylish enough to charm the ear-rings off the hair-dresser brigade.
But the feeling amongst many of the the industry guests and there were some 500 of them at the banquet hosted by Wesbank, the biggest single motor industry-related function on the calendar was that a more accessible, less expensive car should have been chosen.
The car of the year needs to be something that the man in the street can realistically aspire to, said a senior executive of one of the countrys biggest multi-franchise dealership and importer groups. There was also the feeling expressed that the choice of two exotic cars winning the title back-to-back indicated an elitist approach to motoring amongst the guild members, and indeed the elected jury entrusted with the final point scoring
The writer echoed these feelings in a preview of the competition announced after the COTY test days in late January. It is my belief that, while the Porsche addresses the criterion of design excellence, and engineering acumen in almost every respect, it is too specialised a vehicle to fully deserve the accolade of 2014 Car of the Year.
The reality is, the challenge to produce a hatchback, sedan or even an SUV that excels in its field is probably greater than the one required to produce a top-handling, hot-shot-looking sports car. There is less compromise in a sports car, especially one with only two seat accommodation, and one that has grip as its major priority rather than creature comfort. And, relatively, the sports car can be priced higher than even a hatchback with equivalent performance, because of its exotic styling cachet. So there is more margin, in a costing sense, to play with when it comes to specifying the finest competition-level brakes, wheels, tyres and engine internal components.
Having said this, the Porsche could still be deemed to be a worthy winner on a number of levels. Over the rough paving test its ride suppleness was better contained than certain hatchbacks in the competition. And despite the Cayman S delivering a 0-100 km/h time of 5,2 seconds and a claimed top speed of over 280 km/h, its claimed consumption figure of 8 litres/100 km makes it one of the most fuel efficient cars of all in the high-horsepower end of the market.
An area where the Cayman S scores very highly is that of price. At R838 000 it is more than R150 000 cheaper than the other high-end sports car in the competition, the Jaguar F-Type 3,0 S. In fact the Cayman S is one of the bargains in the sports car arena, as for this money you get pretty much the type of performance you would get if you opted for the more pricey Porsche 911.
For the record, I predicted that the Volkswagen Golf 7 would walk off with the award because it was the most complete car in the competition, simply oozing confidence in every allotted task. In the event, the 30-member jury scored the Golf in second place, with the much fancied (and mechanically similar but not identical) Audi A3 third. ( I went for the Audi A3 – Ed)
SA COTY 2014 – Scoring
The top nine cars and their prices as nominated , were scored by the 30 appointed jury members of the SA Guild of Motoring Journalists for 2014 is as follows:
Porsche Cayman S. R838 000
Volkswagen Golf 7 1,4 TSi DSG. R293 500
Audi A3 Sportback 1,4 TSi Manual. R299 000
Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG. R603 667
Jaguar F-Type 3,0 S. R999 900
Renault Clio IV 9,0 Turbo. R189 900
Lexus IS350 F-Sport. R571 500
Volvo V40 D3 2,9. R346 800
Peugeot 208 GTi. R263 350
Apart from the winner I scored the Porsche in fourth place behind the VW, Audi and Renault – this list was pretty close to my choice ,and those that are interested can refer to the SAGMJ website for my scoring and the scoring of the other well-known journalists involved in the judging. Go to www.SAGMJ.org.za and see if you agree with any of us.
Scoring and Points Allocation in SA COTY 2014
I should mention that, in my opinion, this was probably one of the closest competitions in a long time. I dont fully agree with the way the point scoring is done these days, because a journalist that wants his or her particular favourite car to win can load his score by, say, awarding 10 points the maximum allowed per car and then allotting less points to a car that may deserve more points.
This approach may not be entirely cynical, because journalists are only allocated 50 points in total and this year they had to award points to a minimum of seven out of the nine finalists. In practise, you might find yourself running out of points once you have allocated high scores to your top three or four contenders, and thus are forced to discard the cars near the bottom of your list.
A better way for the future, I feel, would be to score each and every car, the maximum for each car being 10 points, but with no limit on the number of points in your basket. For instance, I failed to score both the Lexus and the Volvo as I had run out of points, but that didnt mean that I deemed them to be unworthy of any points at all.
SA COTY 2014 – Conclusion
In closing, I feel the Guild needs to take hard look at the cars it nominates as finalists for next year’s COTY. I personally am embarrassed that this years choice, representing a Porsche double-whammy, reflects on us being rather pampered dilettantes, and out of touch with the nitty-gritty of real-world motoring.
Its a tough one, for as I have pointed out, I do endorse the excellence of the Cayman S in all respects within its category. But for a car like the Renault Clio to only place sixth, when the buying public have clearly endorsed this car as a winner, means that the jury members have to take a long hard look at their priorities, and ask themselves whether they are indeed capable of judging each car fairly against its price and category competitors, and not imposing Porsche-like standards of performance, grip, interior trim quality and styling, on each and every car they hop into, during the COTY test days.
Have your say, do you think the Porsche Cayman S deserves to win the South African Car of the Year?
Aston Martin Unveils Two New Special Editions For Geneva Show
The 84th Geneva Motor Show will see the unveiling of two new special editions from British sports marque Aston Martin as part of the 101 years celebration.
The V8 Vantage N430 joined by the DB9 Carbon Black come with mechanical and cosmetic changes which set them apart from the standard models yet building on the sports-focused Vantage range.
The race bred V8 Vantage N430
The new Aston Martin V8 Vantage N430 is available in Coupe or Roadster form and features a new front black grille, headlamp bezels, exterior meshes, ten-spoke forged alloy wheels in a new graphite painted finish, and textured tailpipe finishers and clear rear lamps with black surrounds.
The special edition N430 is also available with the optional club sports graphics packs inspired by the CC100 Speedster concept.
The same sporting features come across inside with new interior equipment and materials such as machined carbon sill plaques, N430 seat logos, black magnesium paddle shifts and a leather steering wheel with contrasting stitching.
The seats have been crafted out of carbon fibre and Kevlar, helping shed 20kg of weight and are trimmed with an indented Plisse Alcantara pattern on Roadster models.
V8 Vantage N430 Engine
Power comes from a mid-mounted 4.7-litre V8 engine delivering about 320 kW at 7 300 rpm and the 0-96 km/h task is completed in 4.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 306 km/h.
Power feeds the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox, with the option of a close-ratio seven-speed Sportshift II automated manual transmission. A sports exhaust, uprated brakes, tuned suspension and a quick-ratio steering rack have also been fitted as part of the upgrades.
DB9 Carbon Black and Carbon White special editions
The DB9 Carbon Black and Carbon White special editions are accentuated by a strong dark theme underpinned by lightweight carbon fibre features. They also come with carbon fibre strakes and black window surrounds reinforcing the powerful visual themes.
Inside, a strong black styling theme with a choice of accent colours match the shade of the brake callipers and bespoke carbon plaques are fitted to the sills.
The models are powered by the modern 6.0-litre AM11 V12 engine which uses Gen4 VH architecture and hardware and has torque of up to 620 Nm and peak power of 380 kW.
Both models will be showcased alongside other current models including the Rapide S four-door sports car and new Vanquish Volante.
Gallery
Upgraded 2014 Kia Sportage Now In SA Specs and Price
The revised 2014 Kia Sportage has finally made it way to South Africa and is available with significant upgrades to its modern exterior as well as a refreshed interior design and new materials throughout the cabin.
Engine line-up and transmissions
The upgraded Kia Sportage is offered in two engines. The Nu 2.0 CVVT petrol engine which generates power of 116 kW at 6200 rpm and 192 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm. While the diesel 2.0 VGT CRDi engine delivers 130 kW of power at 4000 rpm and 382 Nm of torque between 1800-2500 rpm.
Both engines are available in 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions, which according to Kia results in improved fuel consumption.
Improved exterior and interior features
Exterior changes include a re-moulded front grille, newly designed 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheels, enhanced front fog lamps and a lower bumper, as well as redesigned rear combination lamps.
The interior has been upgraded with new materials. For the AWD models theres a new supervision cluster, redesigned central facia and an Infinity sound system that features a subwoofer, external amplifier and built-in hard drive. The Sportage AWD version also gets a 4.3-inch TFT LCD touch-screen, incorporating a reverse camera.
The centre console storage binnacle now features a detachable tray which can accommodate small items.
At launch, the upgraded Sportage will be available in eight colours: Clear White, Bright Silver, Mineral Silver, Sand Track, Black Cherry, Vintage Blue, Signal Red and Sage Green.
2014 Kia Sportage price in South Africa
The range starts at R309 995 for the 2.0 2WD Ignite petrol, with the range topper being the 2.0 CRDI All-Wheel-Drive Automatic high at R408 995.
All models come standard with a 5-year / 150 000 km warranty (up from 100 000km), a 5-year / 100 000 km service plan and a 3-year / unlimited roadside assistance plan.
2014 Kia Sportage gallery
Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 AMG Review
I dont like convertibles. Wait, let me try that again. I dont like convertibles all the time, and I think its difficult to live with one in South Africa. However, I absolutely love convertibles. Let me try explain.
At the time of writing, Cape Town is experiencing the annual February heat wave. It is excruciatingly hot, and this is precisely when the Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 arrived on my doorstep. Looking like many other Germans who arrive in Cape Town, only to immediately become terribly sunburnt, the SLK was a startling shade of red. But with that AMG bodykit, it still looks the business.
And this is the issue. Driving a convertible in South Africa requires you to bath in suncream (SPF50, preferably) before you even pop out for some milk. Its excruciatingly hot with the roof down. But luckily, I have come up with a solution.
Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 AMG The engine
At the moment you may only choose from three engines in this range. Two variants of Mercs new 1.8 litre turbo, a naturally-aspirated V6, and the bonkers, twin turbo V8 found in the SLK 55 AMG. To be honest, the V6 is the sweet spot in the range. Plenty powerful, lovely noise, without the downside of awful fuel consumption.
However, the SLK 250 variant is impressive. The 1.8-litre four-cylinder turbo has been tuned to produce 150 kW and 310 Nm. Thats shy of cars like the usual suspect of hot hatches, and youd expect a car that looks this sleek to have more power, but after a week in the car, it does feel like almost every motorist would be happy with the oomph on offer.
0 100km/h comes up in 6.6 seconds (which interestingly is the same as the very decent fuel consumption figure), which again is in line with the hot hatch brigade, but it feels faster. I suppose any speed in a convertible feels faster, with the wind noise and buffeting increasing the sensation of speed.
Rear wheel drive yes please
Currently there are precious few convertibles on our roads which offer rear-wheel drive. Ill get into the rivals a little later, but the driving dynamics and feel offered by a compact, low slung, 2 seater rear wheel drive convertible is quite simply wonderful.
The car seems to pivot around you, the centre of gravity is very low and your hip point is very close to the tarmac. The smaller engine may seem incongruous with a car like this, but it has the advantage of keeping weight down over the nose, which means this car changes direction quicker than an explanation of Nkandla.
Mercs can feel a little wooden, a little heavy on their feet. But this particular SLK is nothing like that. It is agile, pointy and grippy, a combination of characteristics which make every drive interesting.
I was not hugely impressed with the gearbox though. It works perfectly in manual flappy paddle mode, but in Economy (default mode) it seems to have been tuned to annoy you. I get that holding a higher gear is important for fuel economy, but I was in a situation when I needed full power quickly at low speed, and it felt like the box took a week to drop through all the cogs. Not ideal.
I left it in Sport mode, which is much, much better, but in this mode the throttle mapping felt too sensitive in the lower ratios, making it difficult to modulate power output with my right foot. In other words, youre either getting everything the engines got, or nothing at all.
Interior Merc SLK 250 AMG
I do believe Merc have absolutely nailed the interior of this model. While the centre fascia is a little fussy with all the buttons, particularly when most function can be accessed through the COMAND jog wheel, the feel of the plastics, leathers and metal trim is spot on, and genuinely feels worth the asking prices.
There are clever touches too. At the press of a button, the airscarf can be activated to blow warm air from behind you, onto your neck. Thats very nice when its a bit chilly but you still want to the roof down.
Behind the sculpted roll bars, two shapely Perspex windows are hinged to fold into the space between the headrests, creating a wind deflector to reduce buffeting in the car. Its a very neat solution to an age-old problem.
The AMG steering wheel in the Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 feels like it was designed by Micheal Schumacher himself and the leathery bucket seats offer just the right amount of support and comfort. You could quite easily spend a lot of time in this car.
Boot space is not awful, with the roof up you would easily get two large suitcases in there. With the roof down, space is more limited, but theres easily enough space for two weekend bags. What else do you need? Golf sticks? Come on. (Golf clubs are a great test for a boot’s capacity – ed)
Merc SLK Rivals
As mentioned, the unique combination of top-down, rear-wheel drive fun is becoming a rare thing in South African showrooms. The Nissan 370Z Cabrio is no longer on sale here, meaning you would have to opt for the Infiniti Q60, which is a completely different animal. If the Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 is Jared Leto, the Infiniti is John Goodman. Loveable, but more of a relaxed cruiser.
The Audi TT is front wheel drive and that means that at this power and price point, the only real rival is the BMW Z4 SDrive20i. Although it sounds like a flashstick, the Z4 has just been refreshed and looks better than ever.
The SLK200 is actually more of a rival for the SDrive20i, matching each other almost identically on price (R594 699 to the Beemers R593 501), where the SLK 250 driven here comes in at R651 886. Oddly, the BMW offers a more hardcore driving experience, even though it looks softer. If you really enjoy getting the most out of a car, Id have the Beemer. But to live with everyday, I think the SLK just edges it.
While I havent driven the SLK 200, its only 15kW shy on power from the SLK 250, and I dont think thats worth paying an extra R60 000 for. Definitely drive both before you make your choice, as I feel most drivers wont feel or be bothered by the power difference.
Convertibles The Solution
Drive them at night. Its that simple. Convertibles are at their very best on a warm evening with clear skies. Crank up the premium grade sound system while your passenger stares at the stars as they rush by, leaving you to enjoy all the glorious sounds and sensations a dropt-op offers without once worrying about melanoma.
Mercedes Benz SLK 250 AMG Price in South Africa
This car comes in at R651 886 for the AMG Sports Auto
Mercedes Benz SLK 250 AMG Quick specs
Engine
1.8 litre turbocharged inline-4 petrol
Power
150 kW @ 5 500rpm
Torque
310 Nm @ 2 000 4 300rpm
Transmission
7G-Tronic
Wheels
18-inch
0-100km/h (Claimed)
6.6 seconds (claimed)
Fuel economy
6.6l/100km (claimed on the combined cycle)
We like: – AMG kit looks great
– Clever technology to deflect wind
– Quality cabin
– Great drive
We dislike: – Lethargic gearbox in Economy mode
– Not being able to drive topless during the day
Rugged Fiat Panda Cross Shows Up Ahead Of Geneva Debut
A more rugged-looking Fiat Panda Cross with typical SUV styling has been revealed ahead its first public outing at the Geneva Motor Show early next month.
Brand new look
The 4×4 version of the Panda receives a beefed up body kit with redesigned fog lights integrated with the logo holder bonnet trim, and to the new daytime-running lights with LED technology, an offroad-like front bumper, flared wheel arches and more pronounced roof bars.
It also comes with 15-inch alloy wheels with a five-spoke V design and burnished metal finish. The rear end is characterised by a highly distinctive look which comprises of a new bumper with under-body protection, a new burnished light cluster and the chrome tail pipe.
Inside, the Panda Cross gets leather trimmed seats, a dashboard in a new copper colour which is also used for the central console, a multifunction steering wheel and a leather gear knob. Theres also a Blue&Me infotainment system and climate control.
Two powerful engines
Power comes from a choice of either 0.9-litre turbo two-cylinder with 66 kW and 145 Nm of torque or a 1.3-litre MultiJet with 59 kW and 190 Nm of torque. More powerful than the rest of the Panda range, these engines are offered with a six-speed manual transmission with a stronger first gear to handle rough terrain.
In addition, the Fiat Panda Cross is equipped with the torque-on-demand system which sends power to the rear axle only when it senses slip at the front.
Its also fitted with a variety of assistance modes such as Hill Descent Control and a MacPherson front suspension system and a new torsion beam rear.
The Fiat Panda Cross will be unveiled next month during the Geneva Motor Show and is said to go on sale towards the end of 2014.
