Honda first previewed the redesigned 2014 Jazz/Fit in July last year. Now the car has had its American debut at this year’s Detroit Auto Show, showing off dynamic styling, and upgraded interior packed with “class leading features and technology.”
Known as the Fit in Japan and US, the brand claims the latest Jazz is the most efficient among all its models, as it joins the current line-up of 1.5-litre 4-cylinder hybrid powertrains offered in cars like the CR-Z and Civic Hybrid.
The car that has been their bestseller for over a decade, has also won numerous awards and according to the Japanese automaker, “stands out in the market as a benchmark of reliability.”
All-new powerful engine
The new Jazz or Fit Hybrid makes use of a brand new system called the Sport Hybrid Intelligent Dual Clutch Drive, developed under the Earth Dreams initiative, and has styling influences from the 2012 Insight.
The US model will come equipped with an all-new direct-injected 1.5-litre 4-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC engine delivering 97 kW at 6500 rpm and a peak torque of 154 Nm at 4600 rpm. It is 10 kW and 11 Nm more powerful than the outgoing engine and is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox or a CVT with paddle shifters.
Honda’s estimated fuel consumption figures are rated at 7.3-litres/100 km City, 5.4-litres/100 km Highway and 6.5-litres/100 km Combined.
Exterior styling
The 2014 Honda Jazz gets a whole new look that is dominated by hard angles, and out back there are new LED taillights and a rear diffuser. Further adding to the new style are an aggressive front fascia with a new grille and headlight design, and 16-inch tyres outfitted with a new 5-spoke wheel design.
Chassis updates for the 2014 car also include new rear dampers and revised suspension along with the use of high-strength steel that has helped the car lose 26 kg.
Enhanced interior and technology features
The 2014 Honda Jazz now offers Bluetooth connectivity, Hondas lane watch camera and a 7-inch touchscreen,heated seats, a moonroof, a multi-angle rearview camera and Expanded View Drivers Mirror. For the first time ever, the Jazz can also now be had with leather-trimmed seats.
Both passenger volume and rear legroom have been increased compared to the previous model. With the rear seats folded flat, the car offers a substantial amount of space.
2014 Honda Jazz gallery
Toyota FT-1 Concept Unleashed In Detroit
The first of the reveals from the 2014 Detroit Auto Show and first out the blocks is Toyota with its stunning FT-1 concept sports car.
Designed by a Californian-based Toyota design team, the FT-1 is a showcase and inspiration for future sportscars from the Japanese manufacturer. It’s styling cues are taken from the current Toyota 86 as well as the iconic trio of the 2000GT, Celica and Supra. These three sportscars form the basis of Toyota’s street cred and the FT-1 sums them all up nicely in one sophisticated package.
Toyota FT-1 Design and Setup
There’s no mistaking the FT-1’s styling. This is a car designed for speed and for maximum aerodynamic efficiency. It features large intakes and exhausts, as well as an ostentatious rear wing. Much like the Toyota 86, the FT-1 is a front engine / rear-wheel drive configuration with the cabin designed in the middle, which optimises weight distribution.
Toyota FT-1 Cabin
The cabin of the FT-1 is futuristic and aimed at maximising enjoyment for the driver. There’s a delta-shaped display which projects car vitals onto the windscreen like a fighter jet, while added touches like the Formula One-style steering wheel further adds to the appeal.
Toyota sadly says this vehicle is not for production and is just a design study concept. That said, there have been many at Toyota who have been pushing for the company to gives its products more energy and passion. While the FT-1 may not be the Supra replacement, you can bet that the next generation of Toyota sportscars will have been inspired by this. The FT-1 will come to life virtually on the Playstation game Gran Turismo. Check out the video below, where the FT-1 can be seen racing virtually.
Toyota FT-1 Gallery
Toyota FT-1 Video
2014 Audi Allroad Shooting Brake Concept Unleashed
Audi has officially unleashed the Allroad Shooting Brake which hints at the design of the upcoming third-generation TT.
Powerful and efficient hybrid drive features two electric motors
The concept comes equipped with a transverse-mounted 4-cylinder, 2.0-litre TFSI turbocharged engine producing 215 kW of power and 380 Nm of torque.
The engine works together with a disc-shaped electric motor which adds an extra 40 kW and 270 Nm and has been integrated within the e-S tonic six-speed gearbox. There also a second electric motor installed on the rear axle which offers 85 kW and 270 Nm. Combined output is 300 kW with 650 Nm of torque.
The 2014 Audi Allroad Shooting Brake concept completes the 0-100 km/h dash in 4.6 seconds before hitting an electronically-limited speed of 250 km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at 1.9 litres/100 km with CO2 emissions of 45 g/km while the maximum range is of 820 km.
Dynamic design features
The concept presented in an Ice Blue finish marks the first time the German automaker has combined the Allroad and e-tron languages together. With a 2510mm wheelbase, the 2014 Audi Allroad Shooting Brake Concept is 4200mm long, 1850mm wide and 1410mm tall, and is at at a rather hefty 1600 kg and its body is made from a combination between aluminium and carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP).
Designed as a crossover, the 2014 Audi Allroad Shooting Brake Concept features a prominent grille flanked by distinctive headlights. It also has large wheel flares, aluminium inlays in the angular sill add-ons, large lightweight 19-inch alloy wheels with CFRP rims, a tailgate-mounted spoiler and a dual exhaust system. The open roof spoiler further accentuates the design while the third brake light, implemented as a flat light conductor, elegantly complements the rear design.
The interior closely mimics that of the TT as it features a digital instrument cluster, circular air vents, anthracite and rock grey accents, a sporty multi-function steering wheel, alloy pedals and the new MMI controller. The sporty seats are equipped with highly contoured lateral panels and integrated head restraints. There’s also appearances of leather and bright/dark aluminium materials used on the controls and trim.
Audi hopes the Allroad Shooting Brake will attract young, sporty and active people that will embrace its versatility and functionality. It is currently on show at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show.
2014 Audi Allroad Shooting Brake Concept gallery
2014 Volkswagen Beetle Dune Concept Debuts In Detroit
Volkswagen has revealed images of the 2014 Beetle Dune Concept set to debut at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show today, with a rumoured production model expected in 2015.
Potential version of the design icon
The 2014 Volkswagen Beetle Dune Concept revisits an idea that was presented in Los Angeles in 2000. It incorporates a rugged crossover styling design with flared wheel arches, protective plates, black mouldings and large alloy wheels.
Volkswagen says that the body was raised by two inches and the designers bolted a pair of skis to the roof to show the vehicle’s go-anywhere intentions. The interior adopts a number of yellow accents and a handle which has replaced the glove box.
Power for the 2014 Volkswagen Beetle Dune Concept comes from a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine delivering 154 kW, which is then sent to the wheels by means of the DSG six speed dual-clutch gearbox.
Just like the production R-Line Beetle, the 2014 Dune puts its power to the ground via the front wheels and a strut-type front and multi-link rear suspension, with the XDS electronic differential lock providing further traction.
More details will be available later today when the vehicle debuts at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show.
2014 Volkswagen Beetle Dune Concept gallery
German Special Customs Unveils The McLaren P1 Night Glow
Aftermarket specialists German Special Customs (GSC) has revealed a new program for the McLaren P1, called the Night Glow.
The GSC McLaren P1 Night Glow is fitted with a new body kit as well as a significant power increase of 133 kW leaving it at 674 kW with maximum torque rated at 900 Nm.
The additional power comes from the V8 twin-turbo 3.8-litre mid-mounted petrol engine which is further equipped with an in-house exhaust system with two round 100mm pipes designed in a fighter-jet style.
According to German Special Customs, the GSC McLaren P1 sprints from 0-100 km/h in just 2.8 seconds, before reaching 300km/h in an incredible 16.5 seconds. The standard P1 is reported to have circled the highly demanding northern loop of Nurburgring in less than seven minutes.
Aside from added power increase the McLaren P1 Night Glow features a new spoiler blade, side blades on the front apron with LED daytime driving lights and large air inlets for cooling purposes.
The tuned McLaren P1 Night Glow supercar further gains an adjustable XXL rear wing and a roof-mounted scoop, as well as GSC-designed side skirts, rear diffuser and air inlets in the rear side walls of the bodywork.
GSC mentions pricing and availability are available upon request.
McLaren P1 Night Glow gallery
Seat Leon Cupra Revealed Ahead Of Geneva Debut
Seat has revealed first images and details of two versions of the new Leon Cupra – the most powerful series production car the Spanish manufacturer has ever produced.
The all-new Seat Leon Cupra and Cupra 280
The Seat Leon Cupra and Cupra 280 make are both equipped with a 4-cylinder, 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine that produces 195 kW in the Cupra and 206 kW in the Cupra 280, and a maximum torque of 350 Nm for both of them.
The Cupra 280 is Seat’s most powerful road-going model ever and will complete the 0-100 km/h run in 5.7 seconds when fitted with the DSG unit, while with the 6-speed manual gearbox it will be 0.1 seconds slower. The regular Seat Leon Cupra does 5.8s with DSG and 5.9s with the manual transmission, and all versions have an electronically-capped top speed of 250 km/h.
Seat mentions a 6.4 litres/100 km combined fuel economy for the manual Leons and a 6.7 litres/100 km figure for those working with the optional DSG.
Dynamic precision
Both these front-wheel drive Seats feature DCC dynamic chassis control, a front-axle differential lock and progressive steering all fitted as standard.
The DCC chassis control system featuring a Cupra mode firms up the vehicle’s suspension when activated while the new front-axle differential significantly improves the traction and handling of this front-wheel drive car.
Weighing in at 55kg less than its predecessor, and comes with standard start/stop and energy recovery systems, the manual Cupra is now capable of a 149g/km CO2 figure.
Design features
Additional design features include full-LED headlamps, larger air intakes, rear diffuser, twin exhaust and unique 18-inch alloy wheels with red brake callipers and tinted side and rear windows. The Seat Leon Cupra 280 rides on 19-inch rims and can be distinguished by an aero kit with a rear spoiler, together with a black exterior and interior trim.
The interior is complete with shifting paddles for the optional DSG transmission, sport seats in dark grey Alcantara finished with white stitching, full-leather upholstery in black, and aluminium entry sills and pedals.
Apparently Seat is also planning a Cupra version of the ST model which will likely be introduced later this year.
We don’t usually cover racecar unveilings here at Cars.co.za, but the Subaru STI NBR Challenge is important for one main reason.
The car is based on the next generation of the road-going Subaru WRX STI, which debuts at next week’s Detroit Auto Show. Very little is known about the specifications of the car, but it’ll offer brutal performance combined with pin-sharp handling.
Subaru STI NBR Challenge
As for the Subaru STI NBR Challenge, it will compete in the 24 Hours of Nurburgring endurance race and will be looking to pull off a class victory after the team’s win back in 2012. Subaru STIs have been competing in this event for six years, which is plenty time to fine-tune that perfect race-honed suspension.
Earlier this week, some leaked images of the new Subaru WRX STI made an appearance on the web. While we can’t verify if they’re true, I’m confident they’re fairly accurate. Based on the next generation Subaru WRX, the STI will offer more power, more aggressive looks and a hardcore appeal. We at Cars.co.za are quite fond of the outgoing version and you can read our Subaru WRX review here.
Subaru WRX STI leaked gallery
Mercedes-Benz E250 CDI Reviewed
As the rest of the Mercedes-Benz line up received some youthful injection in the form of the A- and CLA-Classes, the luxury E-Class sedan carries on its mission of providing luxury and refined motoring. David Taylor spent a week with the diesel-powered E250 CDI.
Mercedes-Benz E250 CDI introduction and styling
The E-Class, like the S-Class, has been an important model for Mercedes-Benz as it epitomises the brand perfectly. Luxury, refinement and classiness are words used to describe the E-Class. It’s no wonder that 13-million E-Class vehicles have been sold over 60 years.
The all-new Mercedes-Benz E250 CDI is an attractive sedan. Many sedans lack that head-turning appeal, but the E-Class has some subtle nuances which hint at the latest technology and features underneath. Take that front end, for instance. Dominated by spectacular LED lamps and curvy touches, the E250 has become rather eye catching. The shape is pretty much similar to the majority of executive sedans, while the rear is optimised for generous boot space. LED tail lamps look rather good, especially at night.
Mercedes-Benz E250 CDI engine and efficiency
Underneath the bonnet of the Mercedes-Benz E250 CDI is a rather special engine. It may only have the capacity of a 2.0-litre and be a diesel, but it has outputs of 150 kW and 500 Nm! Thanks to a twin turbocharger setup, where the smaller turbine boosts quickly at low revs and the larger turbo increases power at high revs, the E250 offers respectable performance while still keeping fuel economy at a respectable rate. Mercedes-Benz says its E250 CDI will hit 100km/h in under eight seconds, which is decent considering it’s a large sedan weighing close on two tons. Speaking of fuel economy, the E250 CDI is claimed to sip 5.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Mercedes-Benz E250 CDI build quality and features
If you’re a Mercedes-Benz fan or owner, you’ll be pleased to know the cabin of the E250 is swish, luxurious and well assembled. Just as you would expect it to be when you’re paying over R500 000 for a fancy German sedan. First impressions from behind the driver’s seat are a little daunting as there are buttons galore and there’s no handbrake or gear selector visible. The park brake is located by your left calf muscle, while the gear selector has been moved to the right-hand side of the steering wheel.
There are features galore in the Mercedes-Benz E250 CDI. I have heated, electronically adjustable seats which can gently massage you as you drive. There’s dual-zone climate control, active cruise control, Mercedes-Benz COMAND system (satnav, Bluetooth/mp3 connectivity) and even things like automatic wipers and lights. It’s astonishing how much tech has been crammed into the E-Class.
Mercedes-Benz E250 CDI safety
Safety is where the Mercedes-Benz E250 CDI shines. There are no fewer than nine airbags, an automatic parking system, driver-drowsiness detector, city-braking that stops the car at low speeds if a collision is imminent, headlights which dip down at night when other cars are about, as well as a system which alerts you to cars which have braked in front of you.
The auto-steering function will keep you within the lines on the freeway and there’s a blind spot monitor which alerts you to vehicles you may not seen, too. There is also the standard features like stability control, traction control, ABS, EBD and brake assist.
Mercedes-Benz E250 CDI ride and refinement
I was happy with the way the E250 CDI drove. It is quite refined as long as you don’t drive it in any other manner than gently. If you start to push the car, the engine sounds a little rough and the gearbox doesn’t appreciate the brash approach. When left to its own devices the seven-speed gearbox is acceptably smooth, unless you put it in sport which then forces you to use the manual overide to change up. The bottom line? Drive the E250 CDI leisurely and you’ll be rewarded with a relaxing driving experience.
Mercedes-Benz E250 CDI conclusion
The E250 CDI is probably the pick of the range this side of the manic E63 AMG. A petrol-powered E-Class won’t offer much more in terms of ability, but will happily consume a lot more fuel. While Mercedes-Benz has done a tremendous job aiming its products at a younger audience, I can’t help but feel that I, as a 28-year-old feel a little out of place behind the wheel of an E-Class. It gently floats along effortlessly, but doesn’t offer much in terms of driver-orientated enjoyment. If that’s your thing, then check out the BMW 5-Series which still retains a hands-on driving approach. If you’re over driving shenanigans and are after a quiet and refined executive saloon, the E250 CDI offers a great balance of comfort and economy.
Mercedes-Benz E250 CDI price in South Africa
The Mercedes-Benz E250 CDI starts from R592 892.
We like:
· Refined
. Excellent engine
. Fantastic safety technology
. Huge boot and rear legroom
We dont like:
· Not for enthusiastic drivers
. Gearbox can be a little hesitant
. Engine a little rough when pressing on
Rolls-Royce has announced it will be selling a limited-edition version of their Ghost model fitted with V-Specification which will only be offered to customers by commission between January and June 2014.
Dynamic Ghost V-Specification
The Rolls-Royce Ghost was introduced in 2009 as a slightly smaller alternative to the enormous Rolls-Royce Phantom sedan. Now available with V-Specification, major changes come from under the hood as the 6.6-litre V12 engine produces 422 kW and 780 Nm of torque – an increase of 22 kW.
Acceleration is delivered from 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds before hitting a top speed of 250 km/h.
This limited series celebrates one of Ghosts defining characteristics; the exquisite 6.6 litre Rolls-Royce V12 engine,” says Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Muller-Otvos.
He went on to say “Since its introduction in 2009, an extraordinary marriage of assured presence and remarkable driving dynamics has endeared Ghost to a new generation of highly discerning businessmen and women, ensuring the cars position as the statement of choice for a growing band of successful entrepreneurs around the world.
The V-Specification package is in addition available on both standard Ghost and Ghost Extended Wheelbase model.
The package includes special 21-inch polished wheels, optional chrome exhausts, embroidery on the rear armrest, a steel inlay for the infotainment screen lid, and a special analogue clock with a black crown-shaped surround. Rolls-Royce has also selected five bespoke colours specifically for the Ghost V-Specification from the company’s 44 000 hue palette.
The 2014 Rolls-Royce Ghost V-Specification will be available to order from January to June 2014. It is not yet clear whether this option is available for South African customers.
2014 Rolls-Royce Ghost V-Specification gallery
Richard Hammond On Schumachers injury
I was on a bus. A crowded, mercilessly long journey between Grahamstown and Johannesburg. The second Olsen Twins movie was playing at a horrendous volume and I was barely clinging onto my sanity when the call came through. Richard Hammond was in a coma following a horrific high speed accident. My heart sank.
I am a massive fan of Top Gear and its three presenters. Ive been lucky enough to meet them on various occasions and interview the Top Gear presenters. For whatever reason, I felt like one of my friends was severely injured.
The next few days would see Hammond regain consciousness, with friends Clarkson and May at his bedside, and start his path to recovery. He wrote about recovering from brain damage in his book, On the Edge. Its a good read if you can find a copy.
It took months and months of work and support for Hammond to get back to himself. If there is anyone on the planet who can relate to what is happening, and what might happen, to F1 legend Michael Schumacher, it is the pint-sized Birminghammer from TVs biggest show.
In a candid interview with BBC Five Live, Hammond speaks openly about the challenges of recovering from such an injury. It is a moving, insightful interview, and offers possibly the best perspective on the Schumacher saga that Ive come across.
Forget about journalists hounding the Schumacher family. Forget about press conferences from doctors. This is just about everything you need to know about how life might be for the worlds most successful driver.
