Honda Civic i-DTEC Review

In the face of constant and loud messaging about going green and hybrids, Honda’s Civic i-DTEC quietly steps up to the plate and delivers. David Taylor spent a week with one and didn’t run out of fuel.

Honda engines are renowned for bulletproof strength and being rather eager in the way they zip around the rev counter. Many will recall the days when Civic Vtecs ruled the streets and with their screaming B-series, were more than a match for most sports cars. They were known for being able to redline at around the 9 000rpm mark and were infamous for a distinct lack of torque.

This Honda Civic i-DTEC is completely opposite to all of that. It has loads of torque and all of it can be found at the bottom of the rev range. It’s a turbocharged engine and it runs on diesel. It’s also become one of my favourite engines. What is the world coming to?

Honda Civic i-DTEC engine and outputs

Powering the Honda Civic i-DTEC is a 1.6-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder. Power output is rated at 88 kW, while torque comes in at 300 Nm. Power is driven to the front wheels through one of those typically excellent and slick Honda gearboxes. The result is no racer, but rather a modest performer. Its strength lies in the overtaking department, where all 300 Nm can be called upon to hurl the car from 80km/h to 120km/h without any real effort. As far as diesel engines go, this one suffers from very little turbo lag and is quite responsive. If you feel there’s no power, there’s nothing stopping you from dropping down a gear…

Supreme fuel economy

The magic really happens when you drive this car ultra sensibly. Leave it in Eco mode, change gear at the right points and you’re rewarded with superb fuel efficiency. How does 5l/100km grab you? What if I told you I wasn’t really trying? To be honest, if I’d really tried and wasn’t in a rush for meetings during my test period, I would think 4.5l/100km is easily achievable.

As far as looks go, I think the Honda Civic hatchback is one of the more interesting vehicles in its class. I look at similar hatches in comparison, and I feel for owners who take delivery and have to point out which is their new car in a sea of visual mediocrity. Given the test car’s vibrant red paint and aggressive alloy wheels, you’d be fooled into thinking this was a Honda Civic Type R. It’s an exciting design, but it does have its drawbacks which I’ll point out to you.

Cleverly designed cabin

Inside the Civic’s cabin, you’re greeted with a myriad of oddly-placed buttons and to be honest, it’s initially a confusing and unconventional layout. The quirky rear design may look unique, but it does restrict rearward visibility slightly. The cabin and boot feel rather spacious and only after some digging did I realise why. Firstly, there’s no full-size spare wheel and the resultant space-saver wheel takes very little space, and secondly the fuel tank is nowhere near the boot. It can be found under the front seats, which is a clever touch.

Fully kitted in terms of features

The Honda Civic i-DTEC comes in Executive trim, meaning you get a wad of standard features fitted at no-cost. It’s a well-equipped car and for your money, you’re getting a quality radio with subwoofer, iPod connectivity, USB port, leather trim, heated seats, dual auto air conditioner, multi-function steering wheel, cruise control and a reverse camera. You get a feeling that the cabin and the car as a whole has been well assembled, and won’t fall apart or rattle in a few years.

Honda handling and ride

Despite my motoring hack peers crying out at the Honda’s apparently primitive torsion beam suspension, I found the Civic’s ride and handling to be borderline sporty. Perhaps this was a combination of suspension along with low-profile rubber fitted to the alloy wheels, but I found the car to be hands on and enjoyable to drive. Be it cruising or late-for-a-meeting tearing through traffic, the Civic never really feels out of place. For a commuting and sensible car, you’ll be hard-pressed to beat the Honda Civic.

Honda Civic conclusion

We reach the part of the article where I decide whether a car is worthy of your hard-earned Rands. I think the Honda Civic, particularly in i-DTEC guise is worth investigating if you’re in the market. The fact that it’s quicker to 100km/h and more fuel efficient than some green flag-waving hybrids pleases me immensely.

It’s comfortable, attractive and offers an abundance of standard specification. While the engine itself may not be the most refined and you’ll hear that distinct diesel chug-chug noise, you can’t help but ignore it when you see the trip computer readout. There’s no pretentiousness and no attempts at being an eco champion here. This Honda is simply the result of clever technology and engineering working effortlessly together.

Honda Civic i-DTEC price in South Africa

The Honda Civic i-DTEC retails for R324 500. Price includes a 3 year warranty or 100 000 km. Also includes 5 year / 90 000 km service plan, with 15 000 km service intervals.

We like:
· Quirky looks
. Terrific fuel economy
. Great specification
. Spacious cabin

We dont like:
· Quirky looks
. Noisy engine

Honda Civic i-DTEC specifications

Engine: 1.6 litre turbocharged diesel
Power: 88 kW @ 4 000 rpm
Torque: 300 Nm @ 2 000 rpm
Transmission: six-speed manual
Wheels: 17-inch alloy
0-100km/h: 10.6 seconds (claimed)
Fuel economy: 4.1 l/100 km (claimed on the combined cycle)

Also consider:
Volkswagen Golf 7
Toyota Auris HSD
Hyundai i30
Ford Focus

Honda Civic 1.6 i-DTEC photo gallery

Mercedes-Benz S-Class To Wear Maybach Badge

Rumours are that Mercedes-Benz plans to resurrect the Maybach nameplate for a range-topping S-Class long-wheelbase model.

Maybach History

The Maybach brand was founded in 1909 by Wilhelm Maybach. Due to poor sales and heavy impact of the 2008 financial crisis, Daimler announced in November 2011 that Maybach will cease to be a brand by 2013 and manufactured the last Maybach vehicle in December 2012.

However despite all of that, the brand has become a staple of popular culture, with its name being synonymous with American rapper Rick Ross whos made Maybach Music Group the name of his record label. And almost all of his albums have a song named after the car.

Not much is known about the upcoming model but it will apparently feature unique styling elements along with ultra-luxury equipment to set it apart from the standard high-end S-Class model. Its expected to debut later this year for the 2014 model year. We wouldn’t be surprised to see a new model shown off at Geneva Motor Show in March.

Its also said that Mercedes-Maybach may be turned into a sub-brand for ultra-luxurious Mercedes models, just as Mercedes AMG is a sub-brand for the automakers high-performance models. The potential Maybach return is not surprising when you consider how well Rolls Royce and Bentley high-end luxury models have been selling.

Lexus ES Review

Do you enjoy being comfortable? Are you a fan of peace and quiet? I have a car for you. Its called the Lexus ES and it might just be the most refreshing car Ive driven in a long time. I never thought Id describe something as ‘refreshingly comfortable’, but here it is.

On first impressions, the exterior is unassuming at best, plain at worst, but its understated looks are part of its charm. However its looks were never meant to be the party piece; its the interior and quite incredible levels of standard features that really shine here.

Lexus ES interior features

Climbing aboard, it becomes immediately clear what the makers of this car have prioritised. The front seats are quite possibly the most cosseting pieces of furniture Ive ever encountered in a vehicle. The hand stitched leather is plush, the cushioning almost over the top. Its built for the American market, sure, but maybe the Americans are right about some things.

The front seats are almost dangerous; after 5 minutes I wanted to take a nap. In fact, many of my passengers did.

The dash is a bit overdesigned for my liking, with bold horizontal surfaces and rather large buttons for just about everything. But it is well kitted. A large screen dominates the fascia which is controlled with a device mounted next to the gear selector that is similar to a computer mouse, but much cleverer. The mouse has actuators which make it physically jump beneath your fingers, while highlighting the available options on the screen. Its a little spooky at first, but once youre used to it, operating the infotainment is a breeze.

The rest of the interior reminded me very much of our formal lounge that we werent allowed into as kids. Very plush carpets, very soft leather and an odd pot plant in the corner. Except without the potplant.

Lexus ES: Drive and handling

The thing is, these days it seems every car maker is obsessed with being sporty. Sedans are often marketed on their ability to tear up the Autobahn or attack twisty mountain passes. And dont get me wrong, I like cars with a bit of an edge. But I like being relaxed almost as much and its difficult to find a car that is as obsessed with comfort as it is with going around corners.

Its a large car this, it feels like it might be straddling two segments, somewhere between an E Class Merc and the bigger S Class. Interior space is generous, but the front seating area is cleverly designed to feel cosy so you dont feel lost. And because its front wheel drive, a rarity in this segment, the rear seating is not intruded upon by the drivetrain, meaning extra hip and leg room. The rear seating can be described as vast; if you have small children you might want to fit them with a tracker or something similar.

The cars drivetrain is a big clue to how this model has been conceptualised. A big front-wheel drive saloon was never going to win any dynamic awards, but I get the feeling Lexus dont mind at all. This is a car designed to soak up mile after mile, wafting over long distances like some sort of mobile spa.

A soothing commuter

This car wont appeal to everybody, but if you face a long commute every day, or a frustrating bumper to bumper grind to work, the big ES is a soothing alternative to many of the established players. To be frank, driving in cities is not fun. Commuting is not fun. Its a chore. And you might as well be comfy while doing chores. Driving the ES is like wearing fluffy slippers while mowing the lawn.

Engines and power specs for the Lexus ES

There are only two derivatives available, the ES250 and ES300h. The 250 runs a 2.5 litre, 135kw petrol motor, offering 235Nm. On the face of it, those arent incredible figures for what is quite a big car, but in practice the car is not sluggish. Overtaking manoeuvres can be pulled off confidently as the 6-speed autobox confidently kicks down a few gears to make the best of the available shove.

Lexus ES Safety and standard specs

Typically of Lexus, safety levels are high and there are loads of options as standard. Featuring 10 airbags, blind spot monitoring, a full infotainment system with SATNAV, electric heated seats, automatic rear blind and a decidedly luxurious interior, you certainly feel like youll be getting your moneys worth. In fact, it makes many other manufacturers look very Scroogish indeed with their options lists.

That said, the drivetrain is rather dated and dynamically at least, the Lexus ES does lag behind rivals that might even pre-date it. But again, this is a car designed in a bid to attract buyers who are more interested in inner peace than forced induction.

Lexus ES Summary

Keenly priced against a host of rivals, the ES is positioned in price terms against smaller cars in the segment below. If you are in the market for a car like a Mercedes C-Class, you could spend similar money here and park a much larger, much more luxurious and highly specced car on your driveway.

Prices start at R435 900 for the ES250 and the hybrid comes in at R515 000. While I havent sampled the hybrid, it runs a similar system (albeit with a bigger petrol motor) seen in the Lexus CT200h, which I found smooth and seemless. Fuel consumption for the hybrid is claimed at 5.5 litres/100km impressive for a car this size.

Lexus ES250 price in South Africa

The Lexus ES250 retails for R435 900. Price includes a 4 year warranty or 100 000km. Also includes 4 year service plan

We like:
· Soothing ride quality
. Vast interior space
. Incredible list of standard features

We dont like:
· Not for enthusiastic drivers
. Plain Jane looks
. Limited choice of engines

Lexus ES250 specifications

Engine: 2.5 litre naturally aspirated petrol V6
Power: 135kW @ 6000rpm
Torque: 235Nm @ 4100rpm
Transmission: six-speed automatic
Wheels: 17-inch alloy
0-100km/h: 9.8 seconds (claimed)
Fuel economy: 8.0l/100km (claimed on the combined cycle)

Also consider:
BMW 3-Series GT

Lexus ES photo gallery

The all-new 2014 BMW M235i Revealed

The BMW M235i embodies the driving dynamics signaled by its modified, aerodynamically optimised body design achieved with hallmark M precision.

Engine with M Performance TwinPower Turbo

The M235i has a 3.0-litre TwinPower Turbo inline-six that delivers 240 kW of power and 450 Nm of torque. It enables the car to run from 0-100 in five seconds (4.8 seconds with the optional eight-speed automatic) and hit a limited top speed of 250 km/h.

The engine is mated to a standard six-speed manual gearbox and an optional eight-speed Sports automatic complete with Launch Control.

The Coupe records average fuel consumption of 8.1-litres/100 km and CO2 emissions of 1 gram per kilometre.

If the eight-speed Sports automatic gearbox is specified, these figures improve to 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres and 176 g/km respectively.

Sports car design features

The interior benefits from sports seats for the driver and front passenger, an M leather steering wheel with multifunction buttons, a BMW Individual roof liner in Anthracite, and Aluminium Hexagon trim with accent strips in matt Estoril Blue or high-gloss black.

Theres also leather trim for the gearshift lever / selector lever and handbrake lever gaiter, an M driver’s footrest, a special instrument cluster with digital model designation together with red dials and numbers for the speedometer and rev counter, as well as variable use of colour for the interior lighting and blue detailing for the car key.

The door sill strips with aluminium inserts bear “M235i” lettering and a specially “tuned” interior design.

Coming to the exterior, the performance car is fitted with large air intakes, with flaps adapted from racing car design, 18-inch light-alloy wheels, BMW Individual High-gloss Shadow Line trim, exterior mirror caps in Ferric Grey, striking contoured side skirts and a rear apron finished in Dark Shadow metallic paintwork.

Customers can also opt for the 19-inch BMW M Performance forged light-alloy wheels available from the original BMW accessories range.

The all-new 2014 BMW M235i is also expected to arrive in South Africa around February-March. Can’t afford the 2014 BMW M235i? You can equip your standard BMW 2-Series with an M performance power kit.

2014 BMW M235i gallery

2014 BMW 2-Series Coupe Coming To SA

The 2014 BMW 2-Series Coupe which replaces the 1-Series Coupe, was one of the luxury models the German automaker showcased at this years Detroit Motor Show, promising to raise the bar in terms of “dynamic ability, aesthetic appeal and emotional allure.”

Emotionally appealing aesthetics

The sporty model has a distinctive front fascia with a unique grille, bespoke headlights, short overhangs and large air intakes. There’s also subtle contours, a sweeping roofline, doors with frameless windows and L-shaped taillights.

The 2-series is slightly larger than its predecessor. Its wheelbase has been stretched by 30mm, which results in a cabin that boasts additional head- and legroom as well as a larger trunk that can hold up to 390 litres of luggage.

The interior comes equipped with cloth seats and satin silver trim, with optional Dakota leather upholstery, brushed aluminium or fineline stream wood trim and a 6.5- or 8.8-inch iDrive display as well as large storage compartments.

The structure of the surfaces for the instrument panel, centre console and door trim is dominated by the “layering” effect created by various overlapping surfaces.

BMW Lines

The BMW Lines available as an alternative to standard specification for the coupe include Sport Line, Modern Line and the M Sport trim. The latter adds an aerodynamic body kit, a revised grille and a chrome exhaust finisher. There’s also a sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch M light alloy wheels, sport seats, aluminium hexagon trim, M-brand sill plates and revised instrumentation.

Standard-fitted BMW EfficientDynamics technology include Brake Energy Regeneration, on-demand operation of ancillary units, Electric Power Steering, an Optimum Shift Indicator and the Auto Start Stop function, which can also be used in conjunction with an automatic gearbox.

Powerful engine line-up

First up, the 220i is equipped with a 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder that develops 135 kW and 270 Nm of torque. It enables the coupe to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 7.0 seconds and hit a top speed of up to 235 km/h.

Diesel variants include the 218d which has a 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder engine that produces 105 kW and 320 Nm of torque. Acceleration from 0-100 km takes only just 8.9 seconds (8.6 seconds with the optional eight-speed automatic) and to reach a top speed of 213 km/h.

The 220d features a 2.0-litreTwinPower Turbo four-cylinder diesel engine with 135 kW and 380 Nm of torque. 0-100 km/h is completed in 7.2 seconds (7.1 seconds with the optional eight-speed automatic) and top out at 230 km/h.

While the 225d uses the same 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder diesel engine but produces 160 kW and 450 Nm of torque. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes place in just 6.3 seconds and hit to reach a top speed of 242 km/h.

The 2014 BMW 2-Series can be expected in South Africa around February-March.

2014 BMW 2-Series gallery

Honda Vision XS-1 Concept Scheduled For Delhi Debut

The Honda Vision XS-1 Concept will be the second concept to be shown along with the NSX at the Dehli Auto Expo next month.

A wide range of exhibits

Honda has not released any images yet, but have described the concept as a new crossover model which features sporty styling and outstanding utility space based on Hondas unique packaging technologies.

The NSX Concept is a profusely hi-tech, two-seater, four-wheel-drive hybrid supercar utilizing a petrol engine as well an electric motor to propel itself. The production version of NSX has recently gone on sale in the UK, ahead of a planned 2015 launch.

Additionally, the Japanese manufacturer will be showcasing cutting edge technologies and new models including the Accord Hybrid, Honda Mobilio, and the 4^th generation all-new City.

The company will also showcase the Amaze model equipped with advanced i-DTEC diesel engine, as well as the all-new 3^rd generation Honda Jazz which makes use of q brand new system called the Sport Hybrid Intelligent Dual Clutch, developed under the Earth Dreams initiative and has styling influences from the 2012 Insight.

More details will be made available when the Delhi Auto Expo kicks off in February.

Mini pricing for South Africa confirmed

Mini pricing for South Africa has been confirmed by BMW/Mini SA, and it looks like the legend will continue.

We briefly touched on the all-new Mini towards the end of last year and it looks good. The third generation Mini will be arriving on our shores in March 2014.

The main feature of the all-new Mini will be the eco-friendly engine. Gone are the days of naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engines and the new Cooper makes do with a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. Its priority is fuel economy and Mini claims this new engine will get through just 4.5l/100km, while gas emissions are rated at 105g/km. Performance is rated at 7.9 seconds for the 0-100km/h sprint. Not bad for a 100 kW / 220 Nm motor! We think this Mini will be the one to have…

On the other end of the scale is the all-new Cooper S, which has a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged motor with 141 kW and 280 Nm (Overboost: 300 Nm). The 0-100km/h dash is completed in 6.8 seconds, while fuel consumption is claimed to be pegged at 5.8l/100km.

The Cooper will have 16-inch alloy wheels, manual air-conditioning, a multifunction steering wheel and a basic audio system. The Cooper S will have sport seats, auto wipers and headlamps, climate control, 17-inch wheels as well as cruise control.

Mini pricing for South Africa

Cooper – R274 000 (Automatic – R16 900 option)
Cooper S – R340 642 (Automatic – R16 900 option)

McLaren Planning Powerful 12C To Rival Ferrari 458 Speciale

Apparently McLaren is working on a powerful and lighter version of the 12C said to rival the new recently launched Ferrari 458 Speciale.

Although McLaren has declined to confirm this story, rumours are that the model is expected to come out later this year.

The new model will apparently make use of an improved version of the twin-turbo 3.8-litre V8 engine with an estimated power output of 478 kW.

Standard carbon-ceramic brakes and a host of other performance-enhancing modifications are expected including the same carbon fibre MonoCell as the regular 12C.

It is also expected that the new car will come with different design features to the exterior and interior and styling cues coming from the range-topping McLaren P1 hypercar. Exterior changes are said to benefit the car with improved aerodynamic performance.

We will keep you updated on any new developments regarding this story. For now you can enjoy reading our review of the McLaren MP4 12C.

Top 5 Concept Cars Of The 2014 Detroit Auto Show

The 2014 Detroit Auto Show or North American International Motor Show saw a number of exciting new vehicle introductions from concepts to production cars and some ultra-performance vehicles.

We’ve picked our top 5 concept cars of the 2014 Detroit Auto Show. Read through the list and let us know which cars were your favourites.

2014 Audi Allroad Shooting Brake Concept Unleashed

The concept presented in an Ice Blue finish marks the first time the German automaker has combined the Allroad and e-tron languages together, and has equipped it with a transverse-mounted 4-cylinder 2.0-litre TSFI turbocharged engine with 215 kW of power and 380 Nm of torque.

Volvo Concept XC Coupe Wins Best Concept Car In Detroit

The Swedish automaker presented the Concept XC Coupe which was named the best designed concept and is supposedly the second of three design studies that preview Volvos new styling direction.

Nissan Sport Sedan Concept Officially Unveiled

The Sport Sedan Concept is designed to preview an upcoming production model and showcases a new design direction for Nissan where sports car principles are applied to regular models like sedans and crossovers.

Kia GT4 Stinger Concept Introduced in Detroit

The sleek sculpted Ignition Yellow Kia GT4 Concept drew a lot of attention in Detroit with its eye-catching 2+2 sports coupe design. There’s been some speculation that the 235 kW concept might make it to production and not much of it’s detailing will be changed if it does.

Toyota FT-1 Concept Unleashed In Detroit

Toyota took the wraps off an exciting new concept car at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show. The stunning FT-1 concept designed by a Californian-based Toyota design team is a showcase and inspiration for future sportscars from the Japanese manufacturer.

For more coverage of the 2014 Detroit Auto Show click here

Bugatti Galibier and SuperVeyron cancelled

Bugatti Galibier has been cancelled. Hypercar manufacturer Bugatti has officially confirmed it won’t be producing the anticipated four-door Veyron-based Galibier as well as the rumoured SuperVeyron.

“We have talked many, many times about the Bugatti Galibier, but this car will not come because it would confuse our customers. With the Veyron, we placed Bugatti on top of all super-sportscar brands in the whole world. Everyone knows that Bugatti is the ultimate super sportscar. It’s easier for current owners, and others who are interested, to understand if we do something similar to the Veyron. And that is what we will do. There will not be a four-door Bugatti,” said Bugatti boss Dr Wolfgang Schreiber in an interview.

The Bugatti Galibier concept was shown off in 2009 and was claimed to be the most exclusive, elegant and powerful four-door automobile. Unlike the quad-turbo Veyron, the Galibier featured an eight-litre 16-cylinder engine with two-stage supercharging. What made this concept unique was its ability to be a flex-fuel motor which could be run on both petrol or ethanol.

“We will not produce a SuperVeyron’ or Veyron Plus, definitely,” said Dr Wolfgang Schreiber who was Bugatti’s Technical Director during the Veyron’s development. “There will be no more power. 1200hp is enough for the chapter of Veyron and its derivatives,” he added.

The SuperVeyron was intended to be the ultimate incarnation of the Veyron. Rumours were rife the ultimate model would be lighter, thanks to extensive use of carbon fiber, as well as faster. Thanks to modifications to the existing 883 kW motor, power would climb to 1 118kW. You would think the standard Veyron SuperSport offered enough performance, and Bugatti finally saw the light and realised this would be going too far.