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.
Audi is the most popular luxury brand in India and sells pretty well to the upper echelons of society. To keep the wealthy masses happy, Audi had some rather eye-catching products on its stand.
Audi R8 V10 Plus
The Audi R8 V10 Plus is currently the fastest road-going product offered from the German manufacturer. Power is rated at 404 kW while torque is pegged at 540 Nm.
Audi R18 eTron hybrid
For the motorsport fans, Audi brought along its fearsome R18 ETron Le Mans racer. This car is a hybrid and has a monstrously tuned V6 turbodiesel engine and the vehicle has claimed numerous victories in multiple races.
Audi A3 cabriolet
Audi had the all-new A3 convertible on its stand. This vehicle will be coming to South Africa in May 2014.
Audi Sport Quattro Laserlight
The head-turning product on Audi’s stand was the quattro sport laserlight. This plug-in hybrid boasts over 500 kW, will hit 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and break through the 300km/h barrier. What’s even more special about this car is its rather special headlamps which use a combination of LEDs and lasers to provide illumination for almost 500m of road.
Spyshot: 2014 Minis Spotted In SA
We’ve bagged ourselves some exclusive spyshots. A few Mini test mules from Europe were spotted in Swellendam and quality images were sent to us.
Mini mules in Swellendam
It looks like we’ve got examples of the 2014 Mini Cooper, the 2014 Mini Cooper cabriolet as well as a four-door Mini of sorts. We can’t tell if this is the new Countryman or just a four-door Cooper. It’s interesting to note that the convertible has the same boot opening style as the Citroen DS3 Cabriolet, which has a hatch at the bottom.
The 2015 BMW X3 has been officially revealed boasting an upgraded interior and revised engine line-up.
Engine line-up
Upon launch, the X3 will be available with a new generation of 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engines.
The X3 xDrive20d equipped with a 2.0-litre engine will deliver 140 kW and 400 Nm of torque – an increase 5 kW and 20 Nm. The added performance allows the model to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 8.1 seconds.
Urban/extra-urban/combined fuel consumption is rated at 5.85.4*/5.14.8*/5.45.0* l/100 km respectively, with CO2 emissions of 141131 g/km.
There’s also an eco-friendly X3 sDrive18d with a classical rear-wheel drive and a six speed manual gearbox and develops 110 kW and 360 Nm of torque. This enables fuel consumption to average 5.0-l/100km with CO2 emissions of 131 g/km.
* Figures with optional reduced-rolling-resistance tyres on 17-inch Streamline style 360 wheels.
Dynamic appearance
The new BMW X3 cuts a visually more powerful figure than its predecessor and can be distinguished by its new bumpers, exterior mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators, a revised grille as well as restyled headlights (with optional LED headlights) and alloy wheels. The model also gains several new exterior colours.
The xLine package adds “simulated” underbody guards, metallic trim and exclusive 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels. While the M Sport package includes an aerodynamic body kit, shadow line trim, 18- to 20-inch alloy wheels, sport seats, an anthracite roof liner and a sport-tuned suspension.
Exclusive ambience
A high level of perceived quality and exclusivity also defines the interior of the new BMW X3, however changes are limited but include chrome applications, a centre console with optional automatic climate control system in high-gloss black-panel look, and new cup holders with a sliding cover for the centre console underline the cars premium appearance.
There’s also an upgraded infotainment system and an iDrive controller with an integrated touchpad, Parking Assistant, the full-colour BMW Head-Up Display, the anti-dazzle High Beam Assistant and Driving Assistant Plus, including Lane Departure Warning, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function and preventive pedestrian protection.
The model can further be equipped with a “Smart Opener” that opens the tailgate when put your foot under the rear bumper, as well as Real Time Traffic Information (RTTI), Concierge Services and the Intelligent Emergency Call function – available to order in South Africa from July 2014.
The 2015 BMW X3 will probably go on sale in South Africa sometime during 2014 or early next year.
2015 BMW X3 gallery
Suzuki at Delhi Motor Show
David Taylor spent a few days in India and visited the 2014 Delhi Motor Show. 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.
Suzuki trades as Maruti Suzuki in India and is one of the biggest manufacturers there. In the top 10 most popular cars in terms of sales, Maruti Suzuki products take up six spots with the top four being Suzukis. The Alto is the best seller and 23 000 units were sold in December 2013. As a result of the brand’s popularity, the stand and show line-up at the Delhi Motor Show was massive. Here are some highlights from the Suzuki stand.
Sukuzi puts on a show at the Delhi Motor Show
Suzuki Ciaz Concept
This stylish sedan is called the Ciaz Concept and had tongues wagging due to its breathtaking looks. My fingers are crossed and I hope it becomes a C-segment production model which retains some of that style. Think of this as a potential successor to the underrated Kizashi.
Suzuki Omnilicous Cafe
India is filled with entrepreneurs and motorists who crave practicality and affordability. Why not combine your business with a cheap to own and run vehicle. This is the Suzuki Omnilicious Cafe, a vehicle designed to be a little restaurant on the go. It features two fridges for drinks as well as kitchen equipment to prepare food.
Suzuki SX4 / S-Cross
We’ll be able to see the next generation of the Suzuki SX4 / S-Cross as it is confirmed for South African introduction during 2014. If the previous generation was anything to go by, this one will be well-built and have terrific amount of standard specification.
Suzuki Swift and SX4 sedan
Suzuki was quite creative with some of its products on display, and revealed a Swift with a boy-racer body kit as well as an SX4 sedan with numerous go faster bits bolted on.
Suzuki Gypsy Escapade
Imagine a Suzuki Jimny was converted into a bakkie? The Suzuki Gypsy Escapade is just that and is aimed at the outdoor enthusiasts.
Renault 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.
Renault is quite a big manufacturer in India thanks mainly to the popularity of its Duster SUV. Dusters are quite a common sight, but the French manufacturer is keen to push more of its products into the sub-continent.
Renault Kwid concept
Renault surprised everyone with this rather insane-looking concept. It’s called the KWID and looks like something from a science fiction film. You can read more about the Renault Kwid concept here.
Renault Megane RS265 Facelift
Many of you will recognise this as the Renault Megane RS265 Trophy, and you would be right. However if you look at the headlights, you’ll see they’re different which means this is a facelift.
Renault Pulse
It may be called the Renault Pulse, but you can clearly see it’s a rebadged Nissan Micra.
Renault Scala
This is the Scala, which is a French-badged Nissan-based sedan. I would guess this is the French equivalent of a Nissan Almera.
Renault Zoe
Renault is a firm believer in ZE (Zero Emission) vehicles and had an example of its green Zoe electric car, complete with charging point at the show.
2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe Official Image Leaked
Seen in concept form at the Frankfurt Motor Show last year, the first image of the production 2015 Mercedes-Benz S Class Coupe has leaked on the Internet ahead of a public debut scheduled for next month at the Geneva Motor Show.
The stylish two-door coupe is likely to share powerplants with its sedan siblings and also feature Mercs Magic Body Control technology.
The production version will also probably mimic the concepts design features such as the aggressive front fascia with sleek lighting and muscular wheel arches with redesigned alloy wheels.
The interior might also feature a redesigned steering wheel, repositioning of the wood trim to the dashboards top, as well as a more extensive use of metallic trim.
Engine line-up and other details of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe will be revealed in the next coming weeks or at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show.
2014 Toyota Corolla Launched in SA
The next generation of the popular Toyota Corolla sedan is currently being launched to members of the motoring media in Cape Town. Ciro De Siena is representing us and a driving impression of the vehicle will follow.
The new Toyota Corolla carries the same design elements as the Furia concept, but we’re pleased to see that the aggressive face on the front-end has been retained. It’s a good-looking car from the front, without being too assertive. The front has a bit of a slight Lexus design to it which is a good thing.
Looks aside, the main challenges the team faced when designing the new Toyota Corolla is to create a more practical and spacious interior, while retaining similar dimensions to the outgoing model. The wheelbase has been extended by 100 mm which allows a bit more space inside, while pushing the wheels out towards the edges of the vehicle therefore creating a bit of a dynamic sedan.
There’s a strong focus on refinement and the cabin has been engineered to deliver class-leading quietness. It’s rather practical and the boot capacity has been increased to 452 litres.
Standard features
Remote central locking across the range with keyless Smart Entry on Exclusive models
Power mirrors and windows (front and rear)
Follow-Me-Home Light Control System
Ambient temperature indicator
On-board computer (TFT Multi-information display screen on Exclusive)
60/40 Split rear seats
Airconditioning (Esteem and Prestige)
Automatic Climate Control (Sprinter and Exclusive)
Touch-screen display audio incorporates AM/FM radio, a CD/DVD/MP3 player, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity with a music streaming facility, and a USB port for the connection of portable music players, with the facility to display iPod album cover art. A Back Guide Monitor is fitted as standard (Prestige and Exclusive)
Esteem and Sprinter models are equipped with a standard audio system, aux inport and USB port
Bluetooth hands-free system on all models except Esteem
Electrochromatic mirror (Exclusive)
Rain sensing wipers (Exclusive)
Cruise Control (Exclusive)
New engines
There are new engines for the new Toyota Corolla. There’s a 1.4 litre D-4D turbo diesel and three petrol engines; a 1.33 litre Dual VVT-i unit, a 1.6 litre Dual VVT-i engine and another new powerplant, the 1.8 litre Dual VVT-i. Every version comes with a six-speed manual gearbox, however the 1.6 and 1.8 petrol models can have the Multidrive S automatic fitted as an option.
Toyota Corolla Price in South Africa
Model
Price
Model
Price
1.3 Esteem
R214 900
1.6 Prestige
R241 900
1.3 Prestige
R232 900
1.6 Prestige (auto)
R252 900
1.4 D Esteem
R237 900
1.6 Sprinter
R248 900
1.4 D Prestige
R249 900
1.8 Prestige
R251 900
1.6 Esteem
R225 900
1.8 Exclusive
1.8 Exclusive (auto)
R272 900
R283 900
The new Corolla benefits from a three-year/100,000km warranty and comes with a standard five-year/ 90 000 km service plan. Service intervals are set at 15 000 km (including the 1.4 D).
2014 Toyota Corolla Photo Gallery
2015 Subaru Legacy Revealed
The 2015 Subaru Legacy was revealed at the Chicago Auto Show this week and offers a lot more in terms of safety tech, features, refinement and design. It’s also noted that Subaru is claiming its new Legacy boasts the largest interior passenger volume in the midsize sedan segment.
There are a number of four-cylinder and six-cylinder Boxer engines to choose from. The 2015 Subaru Legacy is fitted with the Lineartronic CVT box as well as symmetrical all-wheel drive as standard. The base model features a 2.5-litre four-cylinder with three trim lines, while the top of the range boasts a powerful 3.6-litre six-cylinder motor.
Trim and refinement
Trim and refinement is what the 2015 Subaru Legacy does best and the latest version boasts some impressive standard features. Limited trim boasts standard perforated leather upholstery; two-position memory for the 10-way power driver’s seat; a 4-way power front passenger seat; three-mode heated front seats. The rear seats are heated and feature their own air conditioning vents and to round off a great cabin, there’s a 12-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system.
New Safety and Security
The 2015 Subaru Legacy is fitted with a re-positioned rear-view camera, a new rollover sensor can deploy the side curtain airbags if the vehicle is about to roll. After the sun has set, the new Legacy features welcome lighting that automatically turns on cabin illumination and exterior lights as the driver approaches or leaves the car. There’s also a Keyless Access & Start system, as well.
For 2015, the Legacy features a new type of airbag restraint and a new available rear radar system. The new front seat-cushion airbags help to keep occupants in place in a frontal collision. The rear radar works as a blind spot detector, a lane change assistant as well as a rear cross traffic detection system. The latter will pick up vehicles while you are reversing out something like a driveway into a busy street.
There’s a new driver-assist option for the higher spec versions of the 2015 Subaru Legacy. EyeSight incorporates Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking and Vehicle Lane Departure Warning. This system is the highest-rated front crash prevention system by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
New Infotainment Systems
Subaru has been very busy working on the infotainment of its 2015 Legacy. There’s an HD Radio, Radio Data Broadcast System, single-disc in-dash CD player, 6.2-in. multi-function touch screen display, smartphone integration, rear vision camera, Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming, iPod control capability, USB port and aux. input jack. The multi-touch display offers swipe and scrolling gestures – much like tablets and smartphones.
If you want a bit more, the next trim level up adds in a 6-speaker audio system with 7-inch touch screen display, SiriusXM satellite radio, SMS text messaging, iTunes tagging capability and dual USB ports.
Currently Subaru Southern Africa is evaluating feasibility and viability for the 2015 Legacy.
2015 Subaru Legacy Gallery
Citroen C4 Cactus Confirmed For SA
The all-new Citroen C4 Cactus has been confirmed for production and will be on its way to South African shores in 2015. This exciting-looking vehicle is claimed to break the mould in terms of car design and will address the customer needs in terms of better design, more comfort and innovation.
The Citroen C4 Cactus is a fascinating example of how a striking design can be both eye catching, yet practical and function. Citroen claims the C4 Cactus ‘brings customers more of what really matters’. It features a dominating front end, complete with daytime-running LEDs and headlamps. These are protected by ‘airbumps’, which are designed to absorb smaller impacts such as those encountered by shopping trolleys and car doors in a mall parking lot.
It may look quite chunky, but thanks to some clever use of materials, the Citroen C4 Cactus is in fact 200kg lighter than its C4 sibling. It tips the scales at just 965kg, meaning it should have a decent power-to-weight ratio which translates into good performance. At this point we have no idea what engines will be coming to South Africa.
Innovative features
The Citroen C4 Cactus has many great, innovative features which we’re keen on trying out. The big one is the Citroen Multicity Connect application portal. There are a number of apps available which are designed to make the driver and passenger’s lives easier. You can download a fuel app, which sources the nearest petrol station. The Yellow Pages and Trip Advisor app assists with hotels and restaurants, while the Michelin Traffic app provides live traffic info. Finally, Coyote alerts you when you’re in a high-risk area.
Standard features include automatic air conditioning, media connectivity, satellite navigation, reverse camera, park assist, speed limiter, cruise control, hands-free telephone connectivity via Bluetooth, hill-start assist, cornering headlamps to name but a few. Fingers crossed we get the Citroen eTouch service, which detects when the car has been in an accident and helps the emergency services can locate and reach the vehicle quickly.
Citroen C4 Cactus Photo Gallery
New BMW X5 lands in South Africa
The third generation of the vehicle that started a massive trend of luxury, road-oriented 4x4s has arrived in South Africa. But dont call it an SUV.
BMW insists the X5 is a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), and if your activities include cornering at unsettling levels of g-force, being extremely comfortable on the school run and occasionally driving through the remote grasslands and forest of Mozambique, then the X5 is very hard to beat.
I remember driving the first generation X5 with a 4.4 litre V8. It was a rainy night in Cape Town and over some desolate, twisting Cape roads, the car blew me away. How could a car offer this high driving position, this luxury and this much space, and deliver a drive that would rival many sports sedans?
Successful recipe
The X5 today accounts for a third of all the brands sales, so I wasnt the only person impressed. BMW hasnt messed with the winning recipe too much, although the cars sound significantly tamer than that legendary naturally-aspirated V8.
The model has grown in every dimension, and now offers frankly vast interior space. The engines are the latest versions of already solid powerplants from across the BMW stable, but of course, emissions and fuel consumption are down and power is up. Its magic, Im sure of it.
New BMW X5 Styling
The styling is my biggest bugbear. I dont think the car looks very comfortable with itself; the rear third is particularly ungainly to my eye. However the all new kidney grills and front treatment are very bold indeed, and certainly have much presence on the road.
Interior and iDrive
The interior is also an evolution rather than a revolution of what BMW has been offering for some time. Clean, uncluttered lines and fascias, with optional wood, metallic or piano black trim. The dash is angled to the driver, and the latest version of iDrive falls easily under your left palm next to the gearshift.
The latest version of iDrive features a drawing pad on the jog wheel, which allows you to draw letter and numbers with your finger, saving chunks of time rotating the jog wheel to each letter, for instance when entering a destination into the SatNav. If Im not mistaken, this concept first debuted on the Audi A8, but BMW has integrated it cleverly.
Drive and Handling
Driving dynamics have become so accomplished as to almost feel benign. While the first generation had a solid, almost too heavy steering feel, piloting the latest generation is about as taxing as having a gin and tonic brought to you on a pool lounger.
While the light feel will make it a pleasure to drive around busy urban areas, on the open road and in the twisties I found there was just too little feedback. That said, the seemingly endless traction makes itself well known, and I have a feeling that the X5 would run away from rear-wheel drive sports sedans with similar weight and power. There are two clever new active rear suspension systems, which self-level as well as firm up the ride, to provide comfort and sporting handling at the flick of a switch.
4×4 Credentials
Offroad, the new BMW X5 didnt break a sweat, although we only cruised over soft sand and through a few streams. If you want to scrabble up a mountain, this isnt the car for you. But if you want to reach a remote hotel in Mozambique, over what can only be describe as forest trails made for buffalo, the X5 copes admirably.
What was most remarkable was even at a fair pace over rough terrain, there was not a squeak or rattle to be heard. Ever. It is solidly built, this vehicle.
New BMW X5 First impression summary
If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then car makers are very sincere. The X5 spawned a massive new niche, which features the Porsche Cayenne, Mercedes ML, Audi Q7 amongst others, and will soon be joined by cars like the Maserati Levante.
Personally, the 30d is the perfect X5. More than enough power to cruise and make overtaking easy, while returning very decent fuel consumption. BMW claims an astonishing 6.2 l/100km for this model, which youre unlikely to see in the real world. We achieved 10.2 l/100km, which is still very impressive, given that we had a plane to catch.
Very few cars would keep up with the new BMW X5 on road, except for the Porsche. Styling is down to personal taste, and I think the Porsche is prettier. But if you want to cart yourself and loved ones around in superior comfort and luxury, enjoy the odd blast up a windy road, and have the ability to tackle fairly rough stuff on occasion, the new BMW X5 is very much at the forefront of this segment.
