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
Maserati is celebrating its 100th anniversary and has announced the allocation of the exclusive GranTurismo MC Stradale and GranCabrio MC Centennial Editions to the South African market.
Maserati Centennial Editions
Available as a coupe or convertible, the Maserati Centennial Editions will feature three special, new three-layer colour schemes to the four already available for the MC Stradale. The special three-layer paint finishes include Magma red and Inchiostro blue, and according to the company, these colours are a modern interpretation of the colours of the Maserati shield and also represent the traditional colours of the town of Bologna where the company was founded in 1914.
Models finished in Magma Red will have black leather seats and a dashboard with red, white and blue accents. Therell also be carbon fibre trim and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with tri-colour accents. While the Inchiostro Blue model will have similar features but with contrasting white leather seats and a dashboard with Santorini Blue inserts and stitching.
Like the standard model, the special editions are powered by a 4.7-litre V8 engine that first appeared in the GranTurismo Sport. Connection to a 6-speed MC Race Shift gearbox allows the GranTurismo MC Stradale to achieve a top speed of 303 km/h.
In a statement, Verene Petersen, Marketing Manager for Maserati in South Africa, said “We expect more demand than we can fulfil for this special edition, however, customers who receive the car can be certain to have a truly exclusive Maserati. It’s a pleasure to celebrate the centennial of Maserati with them in this extraordinary way.”
Mysterious Nissan Pick-up teased
Nissan has mysteriously teased a new pickup model scheduled to be launched on June 11, through its Instagram account.
Nissan hasnt announced details about the model, however it looks like an upgrade to the popular Navara bakkie, sold as the Frontier in America.
From the looks of the image provided, the model appears to feature LED-infused headlights and a chrome grille as well as chrome-edged fog light surrounds.
In South Africa, the Navara is one of the most popular sold bakkies. The latest addition to the range was the Safari model designed particularly for over-landing excursions and is available with either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic gearbox, as well as a few additional special features. You can read more about it here.
Stay tuned for more details about this mysterious model.
2015 Audi RS7 Sportback Updated
Audi just recently revealed the facelifted A7/S7 Sportback models, and now the company has unveiled the range-topping RS7 version, which comes with new LED headlights and enhanced infotainment features.
Redefined dynamic features
Audi has made subtle changes to the visual appearance of the RS7 and has upgraded the equipment inside. The single frame honeycomb front grille features sharper corners, and for a more distinctive look Audi is offering matte aluminium, glossy black and carbon packages.
Slight modifications have also been made to the bumper, with its distinctive air inlets, and there are also fresh body paint colours such as Sepang Blue, Mythos Black, Glacier White and Floret Silver.
The headlights, also adapted to the new singleframe come with LED technology as a standard feature. However on request Audi provides the headlights with the innovative Matrix LED technology as seen on the A8/S8 facelift, but have a darker trim on the RS7.
In addition, the 2015 Audi RS7 Sportback facelift rides on 20-inch forged alloy wheels but can be optionally had with a 21-inch set available in three colour finishes. Also at an additional cost customers can configure the vehicle with carbon fibre ceramic disc brakes.
The cabin is equipped with a modestly revised instrument cluster, along with revised air outlet controls, updated shift paddles, quattro emblem and an updated MMI infotainment system with MMI touch. The elegant black interior is additionally dominated by RS sport seats.
Impressive driving performance
Power is provided by the same twin-turbo V8 4.0-litre TFSI engine which benefits from the cylinder on demand (COD) system and generates 412 kW with 700 Nm of torque. The engine enables the RS7 Sportback to hit 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds before reaching a top speed of 305 km/h, with the optional dynamics package.
An eight?speed tiptronic gearbox tuned for sporty performance allows the model to return 9.5-litres/100 km with CO2 emissions of 221 g/km.
We are awaiting confirmation from Audi on when the revised 2015 Audi RS7 Sportback will be available in South Africa.
Lexus GS Range Updated Specs and Prices
Lexus SA has introduced additional updates for its GS range.
Lexus GS 350
Still representing Lexus medium executive range, the GS 350 model now benefits from an intelligent climate control system, Lexus Premium Sound, electrically-adjustable front seats and steering wheel and full high grade leather trim. Also a first for the GS 350 model is an all-new eight-speed, Sport Direct Shift (SPDS) auto box from the Lexus IS F.
There will also be an F Sport package which includes a new bumper, exaggerated spindle design with larger lower-grille aperture and a honey-comb design for the grille slats. The F SPORT also gets smoked 19-inch allows as opposed to the 18-inch wheels on the GS 350 EX.
Lexus GS 450h SE
The GS 450h SE comes with a full colour heads-up display, a Rear Cross-Traffic Alert system and is equipped with the same V6 petrol engine found in the GS350. The 450h SE offers 345 Nm of torque and has been tuned for a maximum delivery of 213 kW.
This is further complimented by a powerful electric motor and high voltage battery to boost total system output to 252 kW. The electric motor also adds a further 275 Nm for impressive response. The drivetrain is coupled with an E-CVT continuously variable gearbox.
Lexus GS price in South Africa
GS 350 EX R629 000
GS 350 F SPORT R697 800
GS 450h SE R872 100
All Lexus GS models are covered by a four-year/100 000 km warranty and service plan (Lexus Distance Plan Plus for the GS 350 models and Lexus Distance Plan Complete for the GS 450h SE).
Volkswagen Golf GTI Wolfsburg Edition Unveiled
Volkswagen unveiled the Golf GTI Wolfsburg Edition alongside the Volkswagen GTI Roadster Vision Gran Turismo at the 33rd Worthersee GTI meeting this past week.
Same engine, extra power
Created by a dozen Volkswagen apprentices aged between 18 and 23, the Volkswagen Golf GTI Wolfsburg Edition features a host of performance and visual modifications when compared to the standard road-going GTI.
The special Golf is powered by an amped up 4-cylinder 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with an increased output of 279 kW from 169 kW. The extra power was made possible by the installation of a carbon air box, a hand-welded stainless steel exhaust system featuring vacuum valve control which allows engine sound adjusting as well some extensive tweaks to the ECU.
Enhanced styling
Visual improvements include a one-off, hand-made body kit, two-tone wheels with Wolfsburg emblems and a Wolfsburg Skyline decal featuring eight landmarks from the Wolfsburg region.
The exterior is additionally dominated by red unique paintwork with special black liveries, a hand-crafted front splitter and lowered suspension, as well as red brake callipers.
The interior continues with the red and black theme, and additionally features Recaro bucket seats wrapped in leather and GTI tartan with red stitching, a handcrafted centre console with an integrated iPhone Docking Station, a motif of the Wolfsburg skyline and a PlayStation and 24-inch LED TV in the boot.
Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG Review
We get behind the wheel of the fire-breathing A45 AMG – the smallest vehicle in the AMG arsenal.
The latest generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class has been quite a success story for the brand as it’s chalk and cheese when compared to its near-MPV predecessor. The A180 Blue Efficiency I had in 2013 for a few days was a great combination of Mercedes-Benz class and technology in one compact and very stylish package.
With every Mercedes-Benz model comes a performance version. That’s not to say the A250 is a slow coach, but for the full effect in-house tuners AMG were tasked with creating the ultimate incarnation of the A-Class.
Subtle looks
AMG has given the Mercedes-Benz A45 a subtle visual upgrade. There’s a small front lip, 18-inch AMG five-spoke alloys and a set of rectangular exhausts out the back. Coupled with a simple A 45 4Matic badge, this little monster really slips under the radar when it comes out outrageous visuals. If you want to turn every head on the street, then consider the A45 AMG Edition One option pack – complete with wing, aerodynamic bits and big 19-inch wheels for an extra R70 grand.
Outstanding engine
The team at AMG has gone all out in making the Mercedes-Benz A45 the ultimate hot hatch. Let’s start with that engine. Whereas most AMG products have big V8 motors in various states of tune and aspiration, the A45 has a turbocharged 2.0-litre. Don’t be disheartened as it has 265 kW and 450 Nm, putting it well above the competition in terms of outputs.
The turbocharger for instance, boosts around 1.8 bar – high for a road-going car. That engine is a hand-built example of masterpiece engineering as its the most powerful production 2.0-litre motor in the world.
Race-inspired technology
It’s not just the engine which has been given the AMG treatment. There’s a modified version of the Mercedes-Benz seven-speed DCT gearbox which runs the same software as the SLS supercar. To put all that power to the road front-wheel drive just wasn’t going to be good enough, so the 4Matic all-wheel drive system was fitted. It does have a front-wheel drive focus, with the rear wheels coming into action if there’s a loss of traction. Finally, a firm AMG suspension was fitted. This then is the recipe for a ballistic-quick hatchback.
Performance
How does 0-100km/h in a claimed 4.6 seconds grab you? I was pretty shocked at that claim too, as it puts it in supercar territory and I do feel sorry for owners of non-turbo Porsches and Aston Martins who try their luck against this little demon. In reality it does feel that quick. There’s very little hesitation and the Mercedes-Benz A45 just takes off. If you’re not prepared, the performance can be quite alarming.
It has a party trick too. Put the car in either Sport mode, or Manual mode and put your foot flat on the accelerator. Watch the rev counter reach about 4 500rpm and pull the change up paddle located behind the steering wheel. There’s an almighty bang out of the exhausts and its loud enough to scare pedestrians. In fact, if you do it too often, the police may pull you over for a gentle talking to – something I discovered one evening. No harm done and I think the men in blue just wanted to see this low-flying missile up close.
The Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG is claimed to consume just 6.9l/100km, but when you’ve got the world’s most powerful hatchback in your garage, you’re not going to see anywhere near that figure. If you get 10l/100km, you’ll have done well.
Interior and features
Being a Mercedes-Benz, there’s a good number of features. Let me start with the most intrusive of the lot, the safety. There’s a very handy alert which tells you if you’re getting too close to the car ahead of you and if you don’t brake when cars in front are slowing down, the car will beep loudly. It’s enough of an annoyance to make you really concentrate while driving – something which we should be doing anyway.
There’s the decent COMAND system, which I find is one of the most intuitive infotainment and navigation units around. There’s USB connectivity, with the port located in the centre compartment located between the two front seats. There’s also Bluetooth connectivity for mobile devices too.
The interior looks quite similar to the normal A-class, but the Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG cabin makes do with some seriously comfortable leather racing seats, a pretty alcantara/leather AMG steering wheel with paddles, an AMG-badged drive selector as well as some cheeky red seatbelts. Who said Mercs were for old people? The A45 AMG is very clearly aimed at a younger crowd!
Conclusion and summary
As a fairly normal driver with very few race skills, I loved how confidence-inspiring the Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG was. Most AMGs have a tendency to bite and punish the careless driver, but in the A45 you feel safer thanks to the all-wheel drive. It’s loud, fast and makes most cars appear stationary. When you’re not in the mood for speed you can put it in comfort mode, which takes the sting out of the engine and turns off the loud exhausts. It also reduces fuel consumption.
It’s absolutely bonkers and quite easily one of the most exciting performance cars. Dislikes? Well, the ride could be too firm for some and when you’re having fun, the fuel tank empties quite quickly. These are small compromises for an otherwise outstanding car.
Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG Price in South Africa
R 617,500 for the Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG 4Matic. Be sure to look carefully through the options list, as there are some cool things you may want, such as racing seats, climate control and so on. If you’re after bigger wheels, there are 19-inch wheels available as part of the Edition One package, but beware as the ride will be even firmer.
*The Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG was a hit with underprivileged and terminally ill children at the 2014 Live to Race event.
Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG Quick Specs
Engine
2.0-litre four cylinder turbocharged petrol
Power
265 kW
Torque
450 Nm
Transmission
Seven-speed automatic
Wheels
18-inch alloys
0-100km/h
4.6 seconds (claimed)
Fuel economy
6.9 l/100km (claimed)
We like:
. Supercar performance for under R1 000 000
. Pretty to look at
. All-wheel drive stability
. Sounds like a military weapon with each gear change
We dislike:
. The fuel tank empties quickly when you’re having fun.
. They’re rare as demand is exceeding supply.
. Ride could be too firm for some drivers
Honda has released a teaser video for the upcoming 2015 Civic Type R, with further details expected in the coming months leading to its official debut in 2015.
Honda uploaded this video revealing the aggressive soundtrack provided by what is believed to be a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine delivering about 198 kW of power. However its also believed that Hondas engineers are targeting an output in excess of 224 kW.
With a bright red colour and huge wings out the back, the 2015 Honda Civic Type R will additionally feature an aerodynamic body kit with bigger side skirts, a quad sport exhaust system and high-performance brakes with larger alloy wheels.
