2014 South African Car Of The Year Contenders – Infographic
The South African Car of the Year competition has been around for over 25 years and the strictest criteria apply to the finalists. Each car is thoroughly put through its paces over two days of testing at Gerotek’s facilities and the eventual winner will have to tick all the boxes in terms of value for money, safety, innovation, technology and dynamics.
Our 2014 South African Car of the Year infographic should give you a rough idea of how the cars match up. This year’s contenders include:
I was excited after a teaser page was put on Ferrari’s website which announced the arrival of an all-new product on the 12th February 2014.
The time ran down and finally we get to see what the Italians have created. Meet the Ferrari California T, the next generation of California GT/sportscars.
The main changes between this and the old Ferrari California are the looks and the addition of an all-new powerplant. The car now looks like a shrunken F12 Berlinetta, while under the bonnet lies a brand-new twin turbocharged V8. When last did you hear of a turbocharged Ferrari? F40?
Visually the car has adopted the F12 Berlinetta nose, while the rear features numerous diffusers. If there was one criticism of the previous Ferrari California, it was a bit soft and regarded as a boulevard cruiser. Essentially it was a car for the person who didn’t want to go fast and not cause a scene. You can’t drive anywhere quietly with a 458 Italia…
Ferrari California T engine
The new engine has 422 kW on tap and is a 3.8-litre V8. Torque is pegged at 755 Nm. These figures give the Ferrari California T a claimed 0-100km/h time of 3.6 seconds. Due to the turbocharged engine, overtaking ability should border on mighty impressive. There’s an all-new tech in the form of Variable Boost Management, which claims to increase the torque curve across the rev range.
This setup should also help eliminate turbo lag. Ferrari engines have always sounded great, and the new California T should be no different.
We’ll see more about the Ferrari California T at the 2014 Geneva International Motor Show in March.
Ferrari California T Gallery
Honda Civic Type R Concept Set for Geneva Debut
The Honda Civic Type R Concept model has been included to the Japanese automakers line-up for the 2014 Geneva Motor Show happening in March.
The concept model previews the styling direction for the exterior design of the highly-anticipated production version scheduled to debut in 2015. Dubbed by the design team as a ‘racing car for the road’, its bold and expressive styling reflects the strong performance characteristics for which Type R is renowned.
The design sketch for the Civic Type R concept shows the model will feature bespoke black alloy wheels and a matte black finish which starts at the rear bumper and surrounds the entire car.
Rumour has it that under the hood the Civic will be a newly developed 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder Earth Dreams petrol engine producing a targeted 224 kW transferred to the front axle exclusively through a six-speed manual gearbox.
Compared to the standard Civic, the range-topping Civic will supposedly also come with a stiffer chassis and with standard adaptive rear dampers which are optional on the new Honda Civic Tourer.
Mclaren Teases 650S Ahead Of Geneva
British supercar maker McLaren teases an image of a forthcoming product. Called the 650S, this new Mclaren is thought to be a hardcore track version based on the Mp4-12C.
McLaren Automotive claims the 650S will “offer the enthusiast driver the ultimate in luxury, engagement and excitement, as well as dramatic yet beautiful styling.” I would guess 650S has something to do with output in horsepower. The 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 has shown it can perform when tuned as witnessed with the phenomenal McLaren P1, so you can expect the 650S to use a modified version of this engine. Make a note in your calendar for 11.00GMT on Tuesday 4 March 2014 when all will be revealed.
The New Renault Clio RS Sport 200 EDC In SA – Specs and Prices
The long-awaited Renault Clio RS Sport 200 EDC has finally arrived in South Africa, sporting explosive performance and is already on show at Renault dealers throughout South Africa.
Engine capabilities
The RS Sport will be sold with a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine linked to a dual-clutch six-speed transmission delivering 147 kW of power and 240 Nm of torque.
The dual-clutch transmission is called EDC Efficient Dual Clutch and can either be left alone working on its own or it can be manually controlled with the help of the shifters mounted on the steering wheel.
It retains its performance by completing the 0-100 km/h task in just 6.7 seconds before reaching a top speed of 230 km/h.
According to Renault, the latest Clio RS uses 6.3-litres/100 km of unleaded with CO2 emissions of 144 g/km.
Bold design features
Design wise, the RS model looks more aggressive than the standard fourth-gen Clio, with a front F1-style blade, a spoiler and rear diffuser, LED Daytime Running Lights, sill extensions, redesigned bumpers and it uses a five-door body.
The interior is red-trimmed and includes sports bucket seats which can be enhanced with leather at an extra costs. Standard equipment includes starter button, hands free entry, Bluetooth and USB support, touchscreen navigation and the new R-Link infotainment system. Parking sensors and automatic climate control are on the options list.
New Renault Clio RS 200 EDC is available in a choice of five body colours including the exclusive, emblematic Liquid Yellow.
The range
There are two models available in the range: the LUX and CUP.
The LUX model is equipped with Goodyear Eagle F1 205/45 R17 tyres fitted to 17-inch Silver Grey alloy rims with RS studs, while standard on the 200 EDC CUP are Dunlop Sport Maxx 205/40 R18 treads fitted to 18-inch Glossy Black alloy rims that also sport RS studs.
The Clio RS 200 EDC LUX has the Sport chassis while the 200 EDC CUP is fitted with the Cup Pack (Cup chassis, red brake callipers, 18-inch alloy wheels and extra dark tinted windows).
Safety features across both the New Clio RS EDC variants include ABS + EBA (Emergency Brake Assist), Speed limited / cruise control, Hill start assist, ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation) with full disable function, Driver and passenger front airbags with disable function, Isofix system in rear side seats and front passenger seat, and Anti-submarining system (Fix4sure) in front and rear.
Renault Clio RS Sport 200 EDC price in South Africa
Renault Clio Sport 200 EDC LUX R294 900
Renault Clio Sport 200 EDC CUP R314 900
The models will be available with a five-year or 150 000km warranty and three-year or 30 000km service plan (intervals of 10 000km).
Renault Clio RS Sport 200 EDC gallery
2015 Mercedes-Benz S Class Coupe Officially Breaks Cover
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz S Class Coupe has been officially revealed ahead of its public debut at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show next month.
Enhanced driving systems
Much like the concept, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S Class Coupe is equipped with the same powerful V8 4.7-litre engine with 335 kW and 700 Nm of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels through a seven-speed transmission. Merc says the sport driving experience is enhanced by the emotional sound produced by the exhaust system.
As with the S Class Sedan, the Coupe is available with a number of new driving assistance systems including the introduction of the MAGIC BODY CONTROL system which now features a curve tilting function allowing the car to “lean into bends in a manner similar to a motorcyclist or skier.”
The function can be active as one of the three driving modes between 30 km/h and 180 km/h and has been designed “to produce a more pleasant motoring experience” by reducing the lateral acceleration felt by the passengers.
The “Intelligent Drive” systems include the PRE-SAFE brake with pedestrian detection, DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist, BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive High-beam Assist and Night View Assist Plus, while the COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS features an additional function apart from the adaptive brake assistant, which provides collision protection from a speed of 6 km/h.
Aesthetic design features
Exterior styling aims to create clear contours and smooth surfaces that showcase high-tech while radiating emotional appeal. The vehicle hosts a 2945mm wheelbase within an overall length of 5027mm, an 1899mm width and 1411mm height.
The sleek two-door coupe further combines a long hood with a low greenhouse and muscular wheel arches hosting rims in sizes ranging from 18 to 20 inches. There are also full-LED headlamps as well as a standard LED Intelligent Light System, featuring unique headlamps with no less than 47 Swarovski crystals are available. 17 angular crystals form the flare-shaped daytime running lamps, with 30 round-shaped crystals making up the turn indicator lamps.
The avant-garde design of the interior is a combination of sculptural and modern luxury components, some of which are carried over from the sedan. The car features a “Super Sport” steering wheel, Bengal red and porcelain hues, two rear seats designed as individual seats, an optional head-up full-colour LED display, a two-part TFT screen, and a Magic Sky Control system which switches the transparency of the panoramic roof from light to dark at the touch of a button.
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe will makes its debut in production form at the Geneva motor show on 6 16 March 2014. Distribution to dealerships is scheduled for the second half of 2014, which will probably be the first half of 2015 for the South African market.
Volkswagen at Delhi Motor Show
David Taylor spent a few days in India and visited the Auto Expo 2014. I have compiled a brand-by-brand breakdown of what was showcased. Please note that some of these products may not be sold in South Africa as each market is different.
Despite it being one of the world’s biggest carmakers, Volkswagen doesn’t really have much of a presence in India. That didn’t stop the German car-maker from having one of the biggest and flashiest stands at the 2014 Auto Expo in Delhi. Unfortunately I missed all most of the reveals as we had to leave for the airport. That didn’t stop me from photographing the best of the stand.
Volkswagen Polo WRC
One of the big drawcards to the Volkswagen stand was the rather special World Rally Championship Polo. Driven by Sebastien Ogier and Jari-Mari Latvala, this car finished at the top of the table in last year’s championship.
Volkswagen Polo GT
Volkswagen may not have had an example of the facelifted Polo revealed a few weeks ago, but it did have a 1.2-litre three-cylinder Polo GT which looks to be an entertaining drive without breaking the bank.
Volkswagen Taigun Concept
What everyone wanted to see was an updated version of the rather good looking Volkswagen Taigun concept. As mentioned earlier, I wasn’t able to see it due to time constraints but you can check the Taigun details here. If it goes into production, it will be taking on the Renault Duster and Ford EcoSport.
Updated Volkswagen Taigun Concept Unveiled
A further advanced version of the Volkswagen Taigun Concept compact crossover was unveiled last week at Auto Expo 2014 in New Delhi.
Sophisticated design features
First presented in 2012 at the Sao Paulo Motor Show, the Volkswagen Taigun mini crossover has been revised and now features a new rear design with an exterior-mounted spare wheel.
Trim parts added to the side sills, wheel arches and bumpers emphasise the vehicle’s rugged character, while the LED spotlights on the roof rails highlight its contemporary silhouette.
The interior is styled with orange and beige seat upholstery and numerous matt anodised aluminium accents.
The vehicle has an overall length of 3859mm with the rear spare wheel installed and is 1728mm wide and 1570mm tall (1605mm with roof rails). The tailgate encloses a 280 litre boot space when the rear bench seat is folded down, which then increases cargo capacity to 996 litres, while the load width of the tailgate measures 900mm.
Efficient high-tech engine
The Taigun concept comes fitted with a three-cylinder, 1.0-litre TSI engine combined to a six-speed manual gearbox and delivers 81 kW of power and 175 Nm of torque from 1500 rpm. It will 0-100 km/h in 9.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 186 km/h.
Its combined fuel consumption is 4.7 l/100 km with CO2 emissions of 110 g/km, and its weight is just at 998 kg with a range of about 1000 km thanks to a 50 litre tank.
According to Volkswagen, a production version of the Taigun concept will be launched taking into account the feedback received from the 2014 Auto Expo in New Delhi, India.
Volkswagen Taigun Concept gallery
Chevrolet Sonic RS Arrives In SA
Although Chevrolet will not be sold in Europe to give Opel a fighting chance in that market, in South Africa, the golden-badged empire expands with a host of new products launching this year, starting with the Chevrolet Sonic RS.
The Sonic has been with us for some time but this new halo model brings the nameplate right up to date by being fitted with Chevrolets new MyLink system as standard. It is a superb touchscreen/smartphone interface, and well look at it closely later on.
The Looks
I loved my Sega Megadrive as a kid and the smash hit game at the time was Sonic the Hedgehog. I have a feeling that the blue speedy spiky-haired rascal would have liked the bold little Sonic, especially in RS trim. Its one of those cars that looks like its moving quickly while standing still.
Those 17-inch mags are standard on this model and they help transform the overall look. Coupled with some nice new paint options, you might find yourself wanting one more than you expected. A fairly large rear spoiler completes the package.
The Engine
Chevrolets global EcoTec (read Opel) powerplant does duty here, in 1.4 turbo guise. Your petrol will be converted into a maximum of 103 kW and 200 Nm of torque, sent through the front wheels. Its not a monumental amount of power but the Sonic never feels sluggish, unless your revs are too low in a higher gear.
0 -100km/h comes up in 9.5 seconds, which again is not stellar, but it feels quicker and in-gear acceleration is very decent, making overtaking a stress-free affair, especially if you drop a gear. A top speed of 197km/h is claimed.
Sonic RS fuel consumption
Official fuel consumption is at 6.6 litres/100km combined. We achieved 8.6 on our launch route, which was mostly the swooping open roads of the Western Cape. Also, we were using most of the kilowatts, so I would imagine you may achieve quite close to the manufacturers figure.
The ride and handling
While I think rivals like the Suzuki Swift Sport are a little more fun and more visceral than the RS, the little Sonic does manage to entertain while giving you confidence to attack the bends.
Theres a healthy amount of grip and a tuned suspension keeps things on the right side of sporty, without feeling crashy. Its well set up for where it will spend most of its life around town but if you find yourself on a glorious cape road, theres enough front-wheel-drive-themed sportiness to keep you interested.
Chevrolet MyLink
The interior has not changed much from other models but they have done enough to make it feel sufficiently special in here. There is a special RS steering wheel which really helps set the tone for a sportier drive. Little red RS accents are everywhere, including on the larger rev counter and leather with red stitching and piping is standard.
Im not terribly impressed by some of the plastics but it overall its well put together and not at all offensive on the eye.
The highlight of this model is by far and away the 7-inch, high resolution touch screen dominating the dash. The MyLink system is bang up to date and connects seamlessly with your smartphone, for which there is a convenient second cubby hole in the dash, with USB and aux jack inputs.
The system allows you to control apps on your phone via the touch screen and steering wheel controls. We used TuneIn, an international radio app, to stream BBC Radio One through the winelands. Brilliant. Nice sound system too.
Chevrolet Sonic RS Price in South Africa
The new Chevrolet Sonic RS is available for R 225 300 and is available as standard with a 5-year/ 120 000 km warranty and a 3-year/ 60 000 km service plan linked to service intervals of 15 000 km.
Rivals
The only true rival on all aspects is the Suzuki Swift Sport. At R223 900, with a 1.6 normally aspirated motor, you might be better off with the turbod RS on the reef, but at the coast, my choice would be the Swift. Its quite simply a more involving drive. Although, I would miss that MyLink system very much.
The Sonic 1.3D is an interesting alternative. At R201 500, there is more torque on tap, but only 70kW. 0 100 is 11.7 seconds but claimed fuel consumption is 4.6 litres/100km very impressive. So youd save on initial purchase and every day on fuel.
And lastly, everyone has a Mini. Instead of buying the bog standard Cooper when you know you want the Cooper S, why not save a small fortune (R247 642 for the Cooper, R314 668 for the S) and have a look at the Sonic. It has more power than the Cooper (90kw vs 103kw) more torque (160nM vs 200Nm) but the Sonic uses a little more fuel (5.8 vs 6.6l/100km).
The Mini might be a better drive, but its less practical, and youll get way more of the kit you use every day in the Sonic. Not a bad option in my opinion.
Chevrolet Sonic RS 1.4T Quick Specs
Engine
1.4-litre turbocharged inline-4 petrol
Power
103 kW @ 4 900 6 000 rpm
Torque
200 Nm @ 1 850 4 900 rpm
Transmission
6-speed manual
Wheels
17-inch
0-100km/h (Claimed)
9.5 seconds (claimed)
Fuel economy
8.6l/100km (tested on the launch route)
Photo Gallery
Audi S Model Range Extended – Specs and Prices
The Audi S model range has been extended with two new variants the Audi S3 Sportback and the Audi S Q5, which Audi say is part of the thirteen S model line-up that will be completed by the end of 2014.
The S model line-up
Also available to order is the S3 Sedan which is due to be introduced in South Africa in May 2014, completing the A3 sedan range offering.
The second quarter will further see the launch of the 200 kW Audi TTS Special Edition, of which South Africa will be receiving 25 units of the 500 available globally.
This exclusive edition Audi TTS will only be available in a choice of Imola Yellow or Nimbus Grey with the Impulse leather package decorating the interior in grey leather with Imola Yellow stitching.
Launching soon after that will be the newly improved Audi S8, followed by the Audi S1 in the second half of the year, and finally the S3 Cabriolet will be added to the drop-top family for the first time.
The third-generation Audi S3 Sportback
The S3 Sportback made its first official debut at the 2013 Johannesburg Motor Show. It makes use of a 1984cc four-cylinder 2.0 TFSI engine which delivers 206 kW at 5500rpm and 380 Nm from 1800 to 5 500rpm.
Using the six-speed S tronic gearbox allows the S3 to sprint from zero to 100 km/h in five seconds, with an electronically governed top speed of 250km/h.
Combined fuel consumption is rated at 6.9-litres/100km with CO2 emissions of 159 g/km.
The following equipment is offered as standard on the S3 Sportback: 18-inch five-parallel-spoke design cast aluminium alloys, Xenon Plus headlights, S sports suspension, progressive steering system with dynamic ratio, cruise control, auto dimming interior rear view mirror, Bluetooth with audio streaming and voice control, brushed stainless steel pedals, S3 Sport seats, and S3 instrumentation in grey with turbo-boost indicator. S3 decals can also be seen on the multifunctional sports steering wheel with large shift paddles, door-sill trim and on the rear boot lid.
The Audi SQ5 TDI
The first ever Audi S model in the Q range the Audi SQ5 TDI is also the first S model with a twin-turbo V6 diesel engine.
The performance SUV features attractive design characteristics such as restyled front and rear bumpers, a roof spoiler, and black brake callipers at the front with SQ5 badging.
Boosted by two turbochargers, its 3.0 TDI delivers 230 kW of power and 650 Nm of torque between 1 450 and 2 800 rpm.
Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes just in 5.1 seconds before reaching a governed top speed of 250km/h. Fuel consumption is on average 6.8-litres/100km with CO2 emissions of 179 g/km. Transferring power of the V6 diesel to the road is a eight-speed tiptronic and quattro permanent all-wheel drive with torque vectoring.
Sports suspension lowers the vehicle body by 30 millimetres, while it is fitted with 20-inch wheels as standard.
Standard specification which will be available with the Audi S Q5 includes 20-inch S-design alloy wheels, MMI 3G Navigation Plus, Audi connect on-line services (including Google Earth navigation and Wi-Fi hotspot), S-design flat-bottom steering wheel with paddles, exhaust sound actuator, S-design interior trim, S-embossed front sport seats in alcantara/leather, twin exhaust tailpipes, S-design front and rear bumpers and S-design side sills.
Audi S model range price in South Africa
Audi S3 Sportback quattro S tronic R500 500
Audi S Q5 TDI quattro tiptronic R794 500
Both models are available with the standard five-year/100 000km Audi Freeway Plan.
