Subaru Outback 2.5i Review

Imagine you could combine the ability of a 4×4 with the practicality of an estate vehicle, while retaining the driving simplicity of a small passenger vehicle. A vehicle which truly ticks all the boxes is quite a rare find, and I reckon Subaru could have pulled off the unthinkable.

The Outback has been around for many years and Subaru is always tweaking its range in terms of specification level to ensure its customers get better value for money. 2013 sees the Outback receive a mild facelift, and that’s what I’ve been driving.

Outback practicality and off-road ability

As far as dimensions go, the Outback is a large car. It may not look big, but don’t be fooled. Clamber inside and you’ll be blown away by the interior space. Rear legroom is very generous and you get the sensation of being on a business class flight. The rear seats can be reclined as well as folded forward to increase the boot capacity. It was already pretty decent, but with the rear seats down, huge loads can now be transported with ease.

It may look and drive like a car, but Subaru has given the Outback the usual offroad treatment. It has 213mm worth of ground clearance – useful for most off-the-tarmac excursions and with the legendary all-wheel drive setup, it’s going to take an awful lot to stop an Outback. You may think it’s an out-and-out offroader, but inside the Outback has the fittings of a semi-luxury premium sedan.

Standard Subaru specification

There’s a rear-facing camera, sunroof, leather seats (which include eight-way setting adjustment for the driver), dual-zone climate control, multi-function steering wheel, cruise control, electronic handbrake and a BlueTooth/Mp3/USB audio system with six speakers. As far as standard specification generosity goes, Subaru will always score highly.

Safety features

Subaru is a repeat offender when it comes to safety awards and the Outback was the recipient of the 5-Star ANCAP rating and the vehicle has been comprehensively kitted out. There are seven airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchor points, anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control as well as a limited slip differential, which all help keep the Outback stuck to the road, regardless of conditions.

Engine and gearbox

I was in the 2.5i-S derivative which has the well-known 2.5-litre four-cylinder horizontally-opposed Boxer engine. It has 123kW and 229Nm, and the power is sent to all four wheels by means of Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT gearbox. While most motoring writers lambaste these transmissions for being lacklustre and noisy, I find Subaru is one of the few manufacturers which has got things right. The engine struggles with the 1.5 ton mass of the Outback and while I’m prepared to admit my test unit was barely run-in and the motor was tight, I stand by my recommendation of the diesel motor as the engine of choice. The diesel will offer better fuel consumption figures too.

Subaru Outback price in South Africa

Price for the  Subaru Outback in South Africa starts from R409 000

Subaru Outback 2.5i review conclusion

Look, let’s be honest here. R400 000 is a lot of money in anyone’s books and yes you’re getting an okay package, but I just feel that this car should be a little cheaper. That said, the overall result and comparison to German rivals favours Subaru, as the Audi AllRoad quattro retails around the R430,000 mark yet doesn’t offer as much off-road ability, practicality or standard features.

BMW doesn’t have an answer to this vehicle locally either, as there’s no four-wheel 3-Series station wagon available. Perhaps the strongest opposition to the Outback comes from within Subaru itself. The Forester has been proven to be a capable workhorse and when compared with similar powerplants, comes in substantially cheaper than its sibling.

  • Why you should: Immensely practical, generous specification, well-executed family vehicle which does so much.
  • Why you shouldn’t: Not built for speed, looks utilitarian
  • It would be better if: that petrol engine had a bit more shove, pricing slipped under the R400 000 bracket
  • Competitors worth checking out: Audi AllRoad, BMW 3-Series, Honda Accord, Mazda6, Volkswagen Passat.

Subaru Outback 2.5i gallery

All-New Opel Astra Sedan Now In SA – Specs and Prices

Opel has released the all-new Astra sedan along with four new derivatives to complete the Opel Astra Range in South Africa. The small c-segment family car features visual changes to the front and rear end crafted according to Opel’s latest design language.

Engine specs

The all-new Opel Astra sedan comes with a four model range which includes three different petrol engines and three transmissions. All three engines are part of Opel’s ECOTEC engine family and clear of Euro 5 emissions regulations.

The new Astra Essentia is fitted with a normally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol engine producing 85kW at 6000 rpm and 155Nm of torque available at 4 000 rpm. Mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, the front-wheel drive sedan returns a combined fuel consumption of 6.6-litres/100 km with CO2 emissions of 154 g/km.

The other four new models are available with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox. The Astra Turbo Essentia models benefit from a forced induction motor delivering 103kW of power between 4900 rpm and 6000 rpm and 200Nm of torque between 1850 rpm and 4900 rpm. The reduced fuel consumption on the combined cycle is rated at 5.9-litres/100km with CO2 emissions of 139 g/km in the manual version and 6.6-litres/100 km with 154 g/km in the automatic.

The range topping Astra Turbo Cosmo is equipped with a powerful 1.6-litre engine delivering 132kW at 5500 rpm and 230Nm of torque at 2200 rpm. Acceleration from 0-100km takes just 8.7 seconds reaching a top speed of 223 km/h. In addition to its sporty dynamics, the model’s fuel consumption is rated at an impressive 6.8-litres/100km with CO2 emissions of 159 g/km.

Comfortable ride characteristics

Opel says the new Astra sedan range has been developed to provide communicative yet comfortable ride characteristics. This can be seen in the 1.6 Essentia model which features a compound crank rear suspension design while sharing its MacPherson strut front suspension design with the rest of the range. While all Turbo models feature a more communicative Watt’s link rear suspension setup and a sportier chassis for the 1.6 Turbo Cosmo with a lowered ride height.

Superior luggage space and class leading features

The highlight of the new Opel Astra sedan is its class leading boot capacity of 460-litres with seats up and the additional metalwork to the rear end which adds 230mm to its overall length.

The Essentia and Turbo Essentia models come equipped with electric and heated side mirrors, a multi-function steering wheel with rake and reach adjustment, front and rear fog lamps, halogen daytime running lights, height adjustment for the driver’s seat, folding rear seats and cloth trim, along with air conditioning, front electric windows with tinting all-round, cruise control with a speed limiter, a radio/CD player with USB, auxiliary and Bluetooth functionality, seven speakers, a multi-info trip computer and remote central locking with an alarm/immobiliser.

The range-topping Cosmo sedan comes with the same equipment as the other two models,  with the  addition of 18-inch rims, chrome detailing on the door handles and side window profile, a leather-bound steering wheel, automatic headlights and wipers, a sports seat for the driver with powered lumbar support adjustment, leather upholstery, heated front seats, automatic dual-zone climate control, electric windows all-round, hill start assistance, rear parking sensors, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and a smart electronic parking brake.

Safety features

On the safety front, the new Opel Astra sedan boasts a five-star EuroNCAP rating and all models are fitted with ESP stability control, trailer sway control, active front head rests and six airbags. As well as ISOFIX child seat anchors, hydraulic brake fade assist and brake disc cleaning.

All-new Opel Astra Sedan Price

Opel Astra 1.6 Essentia – R239 900

Opel Astra 1.4 Turbo  Essentia – R250 900

Opel Astra 1.4 Turbo Essentia AT – R261 800

Opel Astra 1.6 Turbo Cosmo – R284 500

All models in the new Opel Astra range come standard with a 5-year/120 000 km warranty and a 5-year/90 000 km service plan with service intervals of 15 000 km.

All-new Opel Astra Sedan gallery

 

SA Bound 2014 Alfa Romeo 4C – More Details Released

Full details of the 2014 Alfa Romeo 4C have been released ahead of its European launch in October 2013. The Italian automaker has said they will build only 3 500 units annually of which 1 000 of them are designated for Europe.

Captivating coupe with two racing bucket seats

The 4C comes equipped with a digital instrument cluster, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and two fabric covered racing bucket seats. The car aslo comes with a Racing pack that includes a sport steering wheel with leather and microfiber inserts, a sportier exhaust system, a race-tuned suspension and 18- and 19-inch wheels with AR Racing tyres. There’s also a Luxury Pack inclusive of leather and microfiber sports seats and Bi-LED headlights with carbon fiber surrounds. Additionally the car comes with grey brake calipers, a dual exhaust system and 17- / 18-inch alloy wheels.

Engine specs

Hand-built on a Formula One-derived carbon-fibre monocoque shell that weighs just 65 kg, the 2014 Alfa Romeo 4C is packed with  a turbocharged 1.75-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 177 kW and 350 Nm of torque. It is connected to a dual-clutch transmission that enables the 895 kg sports car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 258 km/h . Fuel consumption is rated at 6.8-litres/100km with CO2 emissions of 157 g/km.

The mini supercar is expected in South Africa during the middle of 2014, just after the European launch. Pricing is unconfirmed, but expected to be over R650 000.

2014 Alfa Romeo 4C gallery

Top Three Value For Money Sport Hatchbacks

So you want a fast car? Well, if you’re like us and still taking a battering from financial pressures, yet crave some fun petrol goodness, then these three cars will make you smile. All three are reasonably priced, offer decent fuel economy, are well-kitted out and most importantly, are downright great fun to drive and will make you smile. Check out our top three value for money sport hatchbacks.

Suzuki Swift Sport

Suzuki has taken the popular Swift runabout and replaced the little 1.4-litre engine with a high-revving 1.6-litre pushing out 100kW and 160Nm. A Go-Faster bodykit has been added too. With this sort of power in such a tiny body, performance is going to be zippy. Handling is superb, and despite it making you act a little childish, is well appointed with grown-up stuff like Xenon headlights and keyless entry. It looks great too, particularly in the violent shade of yellow. Read our review and find out why the swift is such an excellent city car.

Suzuki Swift Sport
Suzuki Swift Sport for sale

Renault Twingo Gordini

Can’t afford one of the desirable Clio RS or Megane RS models? Your worries are over as you can get a similar driving experience in this baby RenaultSport. It has a high-revving 1.6-litre engine and offers 98kW and 160Nm. Its handling is incredible, and you’ll find yourself going round corners at speeds which you didn’t think were possible. It’ll bring out the worst in you and the car loves being driven hard. The only downside? There’s only one colour – Malta Blue.

Renault Twingo Gordini

Fiat Abarth 500

Finally! The cute little Fiat 500 gets a much-needed performance model. The cool part has to be the Abarth logo: it’s a scorpion! It’s the only turbocharged car here and pushes out 103kW and 206Nm from its 1.4-litre motor. It can be a handful to drive, but that’s part of the appeal. There’s also an option of the EsseEsse pack, which makes it even faster and more fun to drive.

Fiat 500 Abarth
Fiat Abarth 500 for sale

Mercedes-Benz GLA Edition 1 Announced

Having recently debuted its GLA-Class at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz is introducing a limited-run of the ‘Edition 1’ GLA compact crossover which will apparently be available for 12 months only.

Exclusive exterior paint schemes

The Mercedes-Benz GLA Edition 1 will be offered with four exclusive exterior paint schemes such as Cirrus White, Mountain Grey Metallic, Orient Brown Metallic and Designo Magno Mountingrau, along with five-spoke 19-inch AMG black alloys and bi-xenon headlights. Other distinguishing features include aluminium roof rails, chrome bumper protection and chrome dual tailpipes.

Interior Features

The interior comprises of various aluminium inserts and comfort seats, a three-spoke flat-bottomed steering wheel covered in leather, and brushed stainless steel sport pedals. The GLA Edition 1 will be available with any of the four standard engines.

Ordering of this model will begin overseas in November, and as for South African customers, they can expect the standard GLA-Class in mid 2014. More details will be made available closer to the launch.

Mercedes-Benz GLA Edition 1 gallery

2014 Kia Sportage Update Revealed – SA Release Date

Kia has introduced the 2014 model year version of the Sportage which was first launched back in 1993. The complete restyle for 2014 features a revised design and additional standard equipment.

Enhanced efficiency

Available in three trims – LX, EX and SX, the 2014 Kia Sportage has a revamped base 2.4-litre inline four-cylinder engine that develops 135kW of power and 239Nm of torque. Connection to a six-speed automatic transmission enables the front-wheel drive model to return 11.2-litres/100km city and 7.8-litres/100km highway.

Refined and Sophisticated Design Features

Minor changes to the 2014 Kia Sportage include a revised grille, restyled fog lamps, as well as optional HID headlights and LED taillights, while interior changes are limited to just additional standard equipment. That includes a tilt and telescopic steering column (standard across all trim levels), rear ventilation and reclining outboard seats. The model can also be equipped with a Premium package that adds leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, GPS navigation with SiriusXM Traffic, and power-folding outside mirrors.

In addition, the original UVO infotainment system adds a new advanced voice-activated telematics control suite. The system can connect to the internet via a smartphone and provides drivers with an innovative in-vehicle connectivity experience including diagnostics capabilities and added convenience features.

This is however just the US spec model. Kia SA confirmed with us that the 2014 Sportage FL CUV will be launched locally in the first half of 2014, more details and prices will follow closer to the launch.

2014 Kia Sportage gallery

Dramatic Ford Evos Concept Coming to South Africa

Said to be the single largest international automotive event in South Africa, the Johannesburg International Motor Show will play host to a multitude of local manufacturers who will be showcasing various exciting new models. And among these will be the Ford Evos Concept which came in to the scene back in 2011.

Ford Marketing Manager Gavin Golightly says that “the Ford Evos Concept was specifically developed to introduce the new Ford design direction while also showcasing future smart technologies. While you will never see this car on the road key design elements and innovations will be applied to forthcoming Ford vehicles.”

New design direction

The new global design DNA has provided Ford’s worldwide design teams with a common framework to guide the creation of new products, enabling them to shape a coherent family of distinctive vehicles sharing the same fundamental design character.

The bespoke four-door coupe comes with dramatic hinged gullwing-style doors that open up to a futuristic interior covered in premium materials and a cloud based computing system. With the length of a typical C-segment car, the concept’s bulging hood, LED headlights and an Aston Martin-like grille conceal Ford’s unique new design language, which will be evident in future models.

Ford Evos Concept focussed on driver health

Ford researchers have also incorporated technologies to enhance driver health and wellness while at the wheel with features such as the heart-rate monitoring seat and certified allergy-free interiors connect to the cloud to monitor the physical state and workload of the driver, and adjust the driving experience accordingly.

“The role of the Ford Evos Concept is to give a clear message about where Ford is heading. Its modern design gives an indication of Ford’s intent to continue to offer a range of smart technologies, already evidenced in South Africa with the award winning EcoBoost engines and SYNC system,” adds Golightly.

The Johannesburg Motor Show will be open to the public from 18-27 October 2013.

Ford Evos Concept Gallery

Value Added Peugeot 208 Access 1.0 VTi – Specs and Price

Peugeot has extended its popular 208 compact hatchback line-up with the 208 Access 1.0 VTi just months after adding the GTi version to the range.

The 208 Access 1.0 VTi showcases the French marque’s latest design language, but its three-door configuration adds a further element of youthful flair and sportiness to the already popular range.

Engine capability

The thee door Peugeot 208 Access 1.0 VTi is fitted with a three-cylinder 1.0-litre VTi engine with a maximum output of 50kW at 6000 rpm and a toque figure of 95Nm at 3000 rpm. Connected to a five-speed manual gearbox, the 208 Access can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 14 seconds reaching a top speed of 163 km/h.

Fuel consumption is rated at an average 4.3-litres/100km with CO2 emissions of 99 g/km, while open road consumption drops to an impressive 3.8-litres/100 km.

Exterior and interior features

The modern stylish exterior features a striking black honeycomb grille with dark aluminium surround, and is flanked by bold proportioned headlights on either side. Another distinctive feature of the Peugeot 208 Access is the boomerang-shaped tail lights while the slick silhouette and smooth roofline add to the dynamic aesthetics.

In addition, the interior is packed with smart functionality including front bucket seats and rear bench covered in durable cloth upholstery.

Standard equipment includes electric front windows, central locking, Isofix child seat mounts, and an on-board trip computer, as well as ABS brakes with EBD and dual front airbags for the driver and front passenger, 15-inch steel wheels with hubcaps and a full-size spare wheel.

Peugeot 208 Access 1.0 VTi – Price

Peugeot 208 Access VTi 1.0 – R147 500

The three-door Peugeot 208 Access 1.0 VTi is covered by a three-year warranty, as well as Peugeot’s Premium Plan – a five-year/60 000km maintenance plan.

Peugeot 208 Access 1.0 VTi gallery

Range Rover Hybrid Models Make Their Debut

Land Rover has just recently hopped on the hybrid bandwagon, almost a decade after other automakers have been in the game. The hybrid Range Rover and Range Rover Sport models are based on Land Rover’s Premium Lightweight Architecture and share an identical powertrain.

Smooth electric drive and staggering performance

The automaker claims that as the first premium diesel-electric hybrid SUV on the market, the Range Rover Hybrid will offer fuel consumption of 6.4-litres/100km with CO2 emissions of 169 g/km. This will be achieved through a SDV6 3.0-litre diesel engine with a 35kW electric motor integrated to an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission.

Together, the engine and the electric motor will produce 250kW at 4000 rpm and a class-leading torque figure of 700Nm between 1500 t0 3000 rpm. Both Range Rover hybrid models are said to accelerate from 0-100km/h in under 7 seconds reaching a top speed of 218 km/h.

In driver-selectable EV mode the Range Rover Hybrid can travel at speeds of up to 48 km/h for a range of up to 1.6km before the diesel engine seamlessly restarts. The entire hybrid system including the electric motor, inverter and lithium-ion battery pack tips the scales at less than 120 kg. The Range Rover Hybrid also has the same five-seat capacity and luggage space as the standard vehicle and retains the full-size spare wheel.

Both models are expected to be on sale in European markets in mid 2014, and though it’s unlikely that they will reach our shores, we are hopeful that if they do it will be in early 2015.

Range Rover Hybrid Gallery

Boxing King Floyd Mayweather’s Epic Car Collection

Living legend, or criminal? Having just spent a year in jail, many sports fans have a love-hate relationship with Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather. But one aspect of his larger-than-life lifestyle that any car lover can appreciate is his car collection.

The undefeated boxer, who retained his record of no losses by beating Mexican Canelo Alvarez this weekend, and who has already earned over $90 million in 2013, showed off his insane car collection to Showtime series All Access (video below). A rather cheeky Mayweather says this is “just his Vegas collection”, which boasts iconic vehicles from Rolls-Royce, Bugatti, Ferrari, and Lamborghini.

Floyd took home $41 million this weekend from his victorious fight, and this was his car collection before he won the money.

His unexplained passion for white cars includes:

– Ferrari 599 GTB,
– Ferrari 458 Spider,
– Lamborghini Aventador, Bugatti,
– Rolls Royce Drophead Coupe,
– Bentley Mulsanne,
– Rolls Royce Phantom

And last but not least, his favourite, a 1996 V12 Mercedes-Benz 600. He also has collections in Los Angeles and Miami.