Citroen C4 Picasso (2014) Now in SA

The 2014 Citroen C4 Picasso was launched to the South African motoring media in George, and Cars.co.za was amongst the first to try out this futuristic-looking and practical family vehicle.

Despite looking like a large MPV, the Citroen C4 Picasso is actually quite a featherweight thanks to a new platform and extensive use of lightweight materials such as aluminium. The vehicle is in fact 140 kg lighter than the previous generation model and is visually one of the most interesting-looking vehicles on the market.

Engine and economy

I was a little disappointed by the engine size of the Citroen C4 Picasso as I initially felt that a 1.6-litre turbodiesel wouldn’t have enough power and a 2.0-litre would be more appropriate. I was quite happy to be proven wrong as the 85 kW and 270 Nm 1.6-litre e-HDi offered more than adequate power and boasted great economy to boot.

Citroen claims a 0-100 km/h time of 11.8 seconds with a top speed of 190 km/h. Economy is claimed at 4l/100km, but in reality you can expect about 5.5l/100km if you’re careful. Power is driven to the front wheels through a six-speed manual transmission.

Specification

The car is available in two versions. Both versions come with the 1.6-litre e-HDi motor and the differences are in terms of specification and wheel size. The Seduction has 16-inch alloy wheels, whereas the Intensive features bigger 17-inch units.

The Citroen C4 Picasso comes well-specced, with numerous options for further gadgetry and technology. Standard gear includes cruise control, electric handbrake, hill-start assistance and auto headlights. For further information about the Citroen C4 Picasso’s specification and features, click here.

The Citroen C4 Picasso drive

It’s a pleasantly smooth drive too, with the engine having enough grunt to get around and showing some levels of refinement inside. Outside, there’s a typical diesel chugging sound. Handling wise, there’s a considerable amount of body roll so don’t throw it into the corners! All in all, I was impressed with how luxurious the car felt while driving.

The cabin is functional, stylish and spacious. Thanks to the giant windscreen and panoramic roof, the interior feels airy. In fact, I’d go as far as to suggest the cabin feels similar to that of an aircraft. I was impressed with the array of technology and features fitted to the Citroen C4 Picasso, and I look forward to a week-long evaluation period where I can fully try out all the incredible gadgets.

Warranty

Fears of French motoring quality can be allayed by a comprehensive three-year or 100 000 km warranty, five-year or 100 000 km service plan and three year’s worth of 24-hour roadside assistance. Buyers can also opt for Citroen Freedrive – a five-year or 100 00 km warranty and a five-year or 100 000 km maintenance plan.

Citroen C4 Picasso Price in South Africa

The range starts at R325 900 for the Seduction, while the Intensive goes for R345 900.

Subaru Guns for Isle of Man Record (Video)

Back in 2011, Subaru set about snatching the Isle of Man lap record over the course of the legendary TT circuit. Despite nearly burying that Scooby into a wall during the lap in an amazing save, Mark Higgins managed a lap of 19m37s. Good enough to be the fastest production car over the lap but not quite as fast as the sidecars that race over the TT weekend.

With the all new 2015 Subaru WRX STI Mark and his team went for it again, their aim being to beat not only their previous time but that of the sidecars as well. That would make the Subaru team only slower than the 600cc and 1000cc superbikes. To do that, they would need to break under the 19m30s and an average speed of 180kph.

The video also shows some quite awesome driver telemetry as Mark Higgins is fitted with a heart rate monitor and skin temperature sensor to monitor him over the lap.

Subaru WRX STI Laps the Isle of Man

McLaren P1 Track Version Confirmed

McLaren has announced plans to produce an all-new sportscar, codenamed P13, which will be available before the end of 2015 and will take its range into a lower price point.

The company said that the McLaren P13 “will be a comfortable, usable, and beautiful mid-engined two seater sportscar, built around a carbon fibre chassis. It will be available in more than one derivative and once fully on sale, McLaren Automotive’s total annual production will increase to around 4,000 units per year.”

The company also confirmed that they plan on producing an all-new track-only version of the McLaren P1. Scheduled to be launched in 2015, the model will be available exclusively to customers who have already purchased a street-legal P1.

Not much has been revealed about the vehicle, but McLaren promises it “will be the company’s most powerful car yet” and it will “also be its rarest.”

McLaren further confirmed they made an operating and pre-tax profit for the first time in 2013, during only its third year of car production thanks to increased sales. However the company expects that figures will rise even more in 2014.

Commenting on the results, Ron Dennis, Chief Executive and Chairman of the McLaren Group and Chairman of McLaren Automotive, said: “Since launch, McLaren Automotive has outperformed predictions and rivals, setting new benchmarks in the sportscar market with a range of models that push boundaries through innovation and technology, while remaining true to the core values of the brand. The latest financial results, and returning a profit so early in the life of the company, are a real credit to the tremendous team within McLaren Automotive, and reflect their hard efforts.”

SA Bound 2015 BMW X6 Officially Unveiled

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. There’s 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 driver’s and passenger’s 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.

There’s 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

I’m 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 didn’t 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. They’ve 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 you’d 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 can’t tell you what I achieved, because there’s 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 you’ll see in the video, all that buys you is some exterior body trinkets and a CD/radio. I’ve 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.

It’s 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 doesn’t 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 company’s 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 Safety’s (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 IIHS’s 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.

 2015 Volkswagen Golf IIHS Crash Test Video