New Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG S Unleashed

Mercedes-Benz has launched a new high performance S-model with even more attractive proposition than the popular AMG Performance packages, and forms an integral part of the new AMG model range constellation as distinctive model variants. The new Mercedes-Benz E 56 AMG S boasts impressive performance along with a fresh design that redefines the meaning of power and luxury.

New Mercedes Benz E 63 AMG S features brutal engine

The new Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG S is powered by a 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine delivering 430kW of power at 5500 rpm and 800Nm of torque at 1750-5000 rpm. Acceleration from 0-100km/h takes just 4.1 seconds to reach an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at 9.9-litres/100km with CO2 emissions of 232 g/km.

At 410kW and 720Nm, the basic Sedan E 63 AMG model boasts an increase of 24kW of power and 20Nm of torque over its predecessor. The Sedan with rear-wheel drive runs on 9.8-litres/100km and CO2 emissions of 230 g/km and reaches the same top speed as the S model but in 4.2 seconds.
Both models are mated to an AMG Speed Shift MCT seven-speed sports transmission with a four mode – ‘C’ (Controlled Efficiency), S’ (Sport), ‘S+’ (Sport plus) and ‘M’ (Manual) personal set-up.

Exterior Design Features

The new sculptural design of the  new Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG S model is defined by the new ‘A’ wing in the AMG front apron, the ‘twin blade’ radiator grille with two louvres in silver chrome and a large, centrally positioned Mercedes-Benz star. The front splitter is also finished in silver chrome, as are the side sill panels and trim strip.

The three dimensional design feature in the form of the stylised AMG signature ‘A’ also serves as an air deflector for the two large air intake openings at the sides, with the black flics above the openings ensuring an ideal inflow of air into the cooling modules.

The E 63 AMG is further styled with LED High-Performance LED headlamps, special side sill panels and attractive 19-inch 10-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels painted in titanium grey with a high-sheen finish define the side view. Brake callipers in red painted finish and an AMG logo on the boot lid sporting an ‘S’ in contrasting black finish off the dynamic look of the car.

In contrast, the Convex and concave surfaces dynamically combine the new front end of the E 63 AMG featuring a sculptural design with distinctive flared wings ‘V8 BITURBO’ lettering alludes to the superior engine power on board.

Interior Design Features

The interior is furnished in standard-fit Nappa leather upholstery, and grey contrasting top stitching on the AMG sports seats with silver seat belts, the door centre panels, the door armrests, steering wheel and the centre console. Also the front head restraints of the AMG sports seats incorporate exclusive embossed AMG emblems, while the AMG instrument cluster in a new design features an ‘S AMG’ logo on the 320 km/h speedometer and red applications.

The standard scope of equipment and appointments further includes AMG door sill panels with white LED illumination, an electrically operated rear roller blind an anti-theft protection package, and a Bang and Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end surround sound system.

Innovative Technology Features

The S model is fitted with a new Stereo Multi-Purpose Camera, Collision Prevention Assist, Attention Assist, Distronic Plus with Steering Assist, Brake Assist system with Junction Assist (Driving Assistance package Plus as option), Active Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus, and Active Parking Assist.

New Mercedes Benz E 63 AMG S – Price

View the new Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG

Mercedes Benz E 63 AMG Sedan R1 275 604
Mercedes Benz E 63 AMG S R1 396 604

The new Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG S will only be available third quarter of 2013.

The E 63 AMG S comes standard with the standard class-leading PremiumDrive maintenance package of 6-years/100,000 km with no customer contribution.

Maserati Quattroporte available in South Africa

The recently launched sixth generation Maserati Quattroporte which is now available in South Africa is significantly larger than its predecessor, but aims to bring exotic flair to a segment which is typically dominated by conservative German brands.

Maserati Quattroporte – Features

The Maserati Quattroporte is the fastest, most powerful and economic four-door ever built by Maserati and comes with either a 3.8-litre V8 engine or a 3.0-litre V6 engine, both of which are new and twin turbo charged.

The 3.8-litre V8 engine provides Maserati’s new performance benchmark with a top speed of 307 km/h and sprints from 0 – 100km/h in just 4.7 seconds. It is 20km/h faster than the previous Quattroporte Sport as well as up to 200Nm more torque, while the V6 twin turbo boasts a top speed of 285km/h.

Both versions are mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox, while exquisite handling is ensured by a 50:50 weight distribution, double-wishbone front suspension and five-link rear axle.

Interior Features

The interior continues with luxurious and traditional hand crafted details like the Maserati Touch Control Screen, adjustable pedals, reversing cameras and the optional 15-speaker Bowers and Wilkins audio system.

The new Maserati Quattroporte can be ordered with either four or five seat configurations.

Subaru Outback Receives Diesel and CVT Boost

The new Subaru Outback is now available with a diesel and CVT boost, and according to the manufacturer, the model brings with it the same high levels of quality, equipment, safety and refinement that Outback customers and fans are already used to.

Subaru Outback – Specifications and Features

Engine Capability

The new Subaru Outback is equipped with a 2.0D Premium Lineartronic four-cylinder turbodiesel engine which produces 110kW at 3600rpm and 350Nm from 1800-2400rpm. Mated to the CVT, fuel consumption is rated at 6.5 litres/100km with emissions of 172g/km. Fuel requirements are strictly low sulphur or 50 ppm diesel.

The new Subaru Outback diesel CVT also has Subaru’s famous Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system, splitting power between the front and rear axles. The model’s 213mm ground clearance allows it to take on 4×4 trails.

Exterior and Interior Features

The Subaru Outback is stylishly fitted with standard 17-inch alloy wheels and a full-size spare, power sunroof, roof rails and HID xenon headlights, leather upholstery, an 8-way electrically-adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone automatic climate control with rear ventilation, keyless entry and start button, tilt- and reach-adjustable leather-bound steering wheel, cruise control, and an electronic handbrake.

The model is further equipped with a multi-information display screen, a premium audio system with six speakers and radio/CD unit with auxiliary, MP3 and USB support.

Safety features comprise of seven air bags including a driver’s knee airbag, a rear-view camera, seat belt warning buzzers for all five seats, a collapsible brake pedal, ISOFIX child seat anchor points and Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), ABS, EBD, TCS (Traction Control System), ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and LSD (Limited Slip Device).

“The new Subaru Outback diesel CVT not only complements the existing petrol-powered Outback perfectly, but it being the first model to feature our praised Lineartronic transmission and our renowned Boxer diesel technology is exceptionally important,” said Ashley Lazarus, Marketing Manager at Subaru South Africa.

“Subaru is widely regarded as being at the pinnacle of Japanese engineering and technology, and these are two assets within the company which put us there. This new model also means we are now able to plug a significant gap in our line-up, a gap where consumers tend to favour automatic diesel SUVs.”

Subaru Outback – Price

View the new Subaru Outback

Subaru Outback 2.0D – R459 000

The new Subaru Outback will be available with a three-year/100 000km warranty and three-year/60 000km maintenance plan.

New Nissan NV Panel Vans to shake up LCV segment

The already comprehensive Nissan Light Commercial Vehicle lineup is joined by the new Nissan NV Panel Vans, the NV200 and the NV350. The new Nissan NV200 Panel Van range will also be complemented by the new Combi variants later this year, and so will the new Nissan NV350 Panel Van variants due for release later in 2013.

Bright future for new Nissan NV Panel Vans

NV200 Panel Van

The Nissan NV200 joins the LCV line-up as a new-generation small van offering outstanding cargo space, compact body and low cost of ownership.

The NV200 1.6i Visia is powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine which produces 81kW at 6000rpm and 153Nm at 4400rpm and is mated to a five-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive. The 1.6i Visia returns an average fuel economy figure of 7.2 litres per 100km while producing 166g/km of CO2.

Featuring the same transmission, the turbocharged diesel NV200 1.5 dCi Visia develops 66kW of power at 4000 rpm and 200Nm of torque at 1750. Fuel consumption is rated at 4.9- litres/100km with CO2 emissions of 129g/km.

Features

The spacious NV200 Panel Van features a total cargo volume of 4.2 cubic metres, with a low floor sill measuring 520mm and a wide distance between the wheel arches (1220mm). Its unique front design brings out a spirited look while maintaining functionality and class. Easy access to the load area is ensured by sliding doors on either side of the vehicle and the clean and solid construction is enhanced by the new NV200 Panel Van’s wide range of colours, including white, silver, grey, black and red.

Additional standard equipment include 14-inch wheel covers, remote central locking with immobiliser, air conditioning, full metal mesh partition, French-style rear doors, tilt-adjustable steering, two speakers and a roof-mounted antenna in a radio-ready setup, as well as a full-size spare wheel. The passenger seat can be folded forward to enable the loading of longer items like ladders.

The NV200 Panel Van also features driver and passenger airbags, ABS with EBD and VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) as well as a driver’s seatbelt warning buzzer.

Nissan NV350 Panel Van

The Nissan NV350 Panel Van picks up where the old Nissan E20 left off back in 1995 and is available in two body styles and the choice of petrol or diesel engines.

The new NV350 2.5-litre Narrow Body with low roof and Wide Body with high roof petrol models produce 108kW of power at 5600rpm and 213Nm of torque at
4400rpm, and feature a five-speed manual gearbox. Fuel economy on the
Narrow Body’s average combined cycle is 11.8-litres/100km with CO2 emissions of 282g/km, and 12.5-litres/100km with CO2 emissions of 300g/km on the wide body.

The NV350 2.5-litre Wide Body and high roof turbocharged diesel model develops 95kW of power at 3200rpm and 356Nm of torque at 1400-2000 rpm and is also mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. Average fuel economy is rated at 8.3-litres/100km.

Features

The Wide Body features a high roof, offering 9.2 cubic metres of load volume, with 3 250 mm of length and 1 645 mm of height allowing for long and tall objects to be loaded with absolute ease.

The appearance of the new NV350 expresses the car’s modern and rich surface designs. The front end imparts a strong, bold and individualistic design with a rounded waistline that forms at the base of the windscreen and progresses down the flanks, while the squared-off rear alludes to its load carrying capacity. The crystal design tail lights further accentuates the NV350’s character lines. The NV350 is available in five standard colours – white, silver, black, gunmetal grey and dark brown.

The spacious interior features a two-tone robust dashboard, a large 10.6-litre glove box, a capacious upper cubby hole, two pull-out cup holders, and a large tray mounted on top of the dashboard. The instrument binnacle houses an array of analogue dials, as well as a classy 3.5-inch LCD display screen where the fuel and temperature gauges flank the full multi-functional information display.

Additional standard features across the NV350 Panel Van range include remote central locking with a panic alarm function, an immobiliser and alarm, electric windows, air conditioning, tilt adjustment for the steering wheel, head lamp battery savers, two speakers and a pillar antenna in a radio-ready setup as well as 15-inch steel wheels with wheel covers. The Narrow Body and low roof model features two sliding doors on its flanks, while the Wide Body models feature one sliding door and an extra pull handle on the tail gate.

Safety equipment includes ABS with Brake Assist, a driver’s airbag, pre-tensioned seat belts and a driver’s seatbelt warning buzzer.

New Nissan NV200 Panel Van – Price

Nissan NV200 1.6i Visia Panel Van – R187 000
Nissan NV200 1.5 dCi Visia Panel Van – R216 200

All new Nissan NV200 Panel Van models come standard with a 3-year/ 100 000 km warranty. Service intervals for both petrol and diesel variants are 15 000 km.

New Nissan NV350 Panel Van – Price

Nissan NV350 2.5 Petrol Narrow Body Panel Van – R279 500
Nissan NV350 2.5 Petrol Wide Body Panel Van – R316 250
Nissan NV350 2.5 Diesel Wide Body Panel Van – R334 500

All new Nissan NV350 Panel Van models come standard with a 3-year/ 100 000 km warranty, a 5-year/ 90 000 km service plan as well as a three-year anti-corrosion warranty. Service intervals for both petrol and diesel variants are 15 000 km.

Aston Martin Vanquish Volante roadster unveiled

The 2014 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante has been unveiled and is the first fully carbon fibre-skinned Volante in the brands 100-year history.

Aston Martin Vanquish Volante is a sexy stunner

Engine Capability

The Vanquish Volante is powered by a 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 421kW of power at 6750 rpm and 620Nm of torque at 5500 rpm, resulting in acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 294 km/h.

Exterior and Interior Design Features

In addition to being the first Volante model to feature a fully carbon fibre-skinned, the model also has the stiffest Volante body structure created by Aston Martin. Also unique to the Aston Martin Vanquish Volante is its triple-skin lightweight fabric roof that takes just 14 seconds to fold, and its full-height windscreen – another first for Aston Martin.

Inside, the 2+2 cabin is elegantly styled with sophisticated, authentic, and luxurious materials such as full grain Luxmil leather with optional quilting, metal controls and satin chrome trim that underscore the car’s well-appointed nature.

There is also a modern centre stack inspired by the version in the One-77 supercar, and the facia trim now stretches down the whole centre stack and is manufactured from a single piece of material giving a uniform finish.

Other technological features include Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Positive Torque Control (PTC), and an adaptive suspension damping system with three different settings (Normal, Sport and Track), speed sensitive power steering, and carbon ceramic brakes from Brembo.

“Vanquish Volante, like the Vanquish coupe before it, uses the very latest technologies employed in the very best ways to create a sports car which is easy to control, and to enjoy dynamic performance at the finest level,” said Aston Martin CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez.

“This is not simply a great-looking car – this is a great car engineered and crafted for the connoisseur by people dedicated to delivering exceptional sports cars with clearly defined characters.”

Aston Martin Vanquish Volante roadster gallery

View the gallery here

New Hyundai Sonata gets more power, fresh looks

Hyundai tackled the premium sedan segment in 2010 with the sixth generation Sonata. For 2013, the new Hyundai Sonata receives a more powerful and fuel-efficient engine and a fresh appearance, taking the refinement of the flagship sedan in the local Hyundai range to a higher level.

New Hyundai Sonata powers up

Engine Capability

The new Hyundai Sonata is equipped with an advanced new 2.4-litre four-cylinder Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine which produces 148kW of power at 6300 rpm and 250Nm of torque at 4250 rpm, while emitting just 188 g/km of CO2. The Sonata’s 0-100 km/h time clocks in at 9 seconds. Fuel consumption in the new Sonata 2.4 GDI Elite has improved to 7.9-litres/100 km.

Exterior Styling Features

The exterior features of the new Hyundai Sonata includes new fog lights in the front bumper which include LED running lights, a redesigned grille with more flowing lines, and the addition of front Park Distance Control detectors to supplement the rear bumpers Park Distance Control.

Other enhancements include standard Xenon headlights which have been given more fluid lines, larger rear view mirrors, tail lights with LED illumination, new 18-inch alloy wheels and a GDI name badge depicting the new engine status appears on the boot lid of the new Sonata, together with the Hyundai logo.

Interior Styling Features

The interior is fitted with a new touch-screen, twin-tweeter sound system with Bluetooth, iPod and USB connectivity. Remote control buttons for the Bluetooth telephone link have also been added to the steering wheel.

Furthermore, the front passenger and driver will enjoy seats that are heated and electrically adjustable, with full adjustment for the driver and slide/recline functionality for the front passenger. When it comes to safety, the new Hyundai Sonata is fully loaded with six airbags, Hill Start Assist, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, dual-zone climate control, Electronic Stability Control (ESP), Brake Assist Distribution, cruise control and a panoramic sunroof.

NewHyundai Sonata – Price

View the new Hyundai Sonata

Hyundai Sonata 2.4 GDI Elite – R379 900

The new Hyundai Sonata comes standard with Hyundai’s 5 year Triple Care plan, which includes a 5 year/150 000 km manufacturer’s warranty, a 5 year/150 000 km Roadside Assistance and a 5-year/90 000 km service plan, and service intervals at every 15 000 km.

2014 Audi model year enhancements announced

The 2014 Audi Model Year lineup has been announced today announced which includes numerous vehicle additions and enhancements. This is to continue the brand’s growth strategy with a focus on balanced performance solutions, enhancements in technology, innovative design and driving performance that improve efficiency and performance.

2014 Audi model year lineup highlights

2014 Audi A4 Model Line

The 2014 Audi A4 gets a power increase from 157kW to 164kW. Some new looks are available with the addition of the S line package, which now comes standard on all cars equipped with the premium package. Also included standard on the premium package are Bluetooth, Homelink, Audi music interface and driver information system. Further, both A4 and S4 models offer a Black Optic package with new high gloss black exterior trim and 19-inch Titanium Rotor design wheels.

2014 Audi Allroad Model Line

The 2014 Audi Allroad also gets its power increase of up to 164kW out of the 2.0 TFSI engine. The convenience package is now standard on all models, while the Audi advanced key will now be included in the premium plus package. Lastly, the Allroad is available in two new metallic colours: Cuvee Silver and Dakota Gray. Audi advanced key is now included in the Premium Plus package, and Prestige models will include manual side window sunshades, while Audi side assist will be optionally available as a standalone feature on the Premium Plus model.

2014 Audi A5 Coupe and Cabriolet Model Line

Audi’s A5 model also benefits from the 2.0 TFSI engine’s power increase, as well as the convenience package as standard equipment. All A5 and S5 Premium Plus packages include Audi advanced key with Audi side assist available as a standalone option, and all A5 Prestige models will be styled in the S line exterior.

The S line competition package, which was introduced late in model year 2013, will continue to be offered on Premium Plus and Prestige A5 coupes. Additionally, the Black Optic package will return as an option on A5 and S5 Coupes, and the 19-inch Titanium Rotor wheel will be available on A5 and S5 Cabriolet models. Audi drive select will be standard on S5 models and included in the optional A5 Sport package. The S5 receives minimal changes, including the comfort seat package now being available on the RS 5 Coupe, and the black optic package now being available on the Cabriolet.

2014 Audi A6/S6 Model Line

Model Year 2014 brings an expansion of the technologically-advanced A6 model line including the premium plus trim coming as standard, a new package for base models that includes Xenon plus headlights, Audi parking system and an 18-inch wheel upgrade, and a black optic package. Also new for 2014 is an A6 TDI model that gets its power from a 3.0-liter diesel engine that produces 179kW of power and 580Nm of torque.

2014 Audi A7/S7/RS7 Model Line

The 2014 Audi A7 line expands with the new RS 7 and A7 TDI variants. The RS7 gets its power from a twin-turbo 4.0 TFSI V8 engine that makes 417kW and reaches 100km/h in 3.7 seconds. The A7 TDI comes equipped with the same diesel engine that is found in the A6 and is now a five-passenger car. Additionally the whole range will be available in a black optic and bicolour package that features a black optic grille with high-gloss Singleframe surround and gloss-black window surround.

2014 Audi A8 Model Line

The 2014 Audi A8 will now have the convenience package as standard including power door closers, Audi advanced key with hands-free power trunk release and Audi parking system with rear-view camera. The premium package option includes Audi side assist, full LED headlights, and 22-way front seats with ventilation and massage.

2014 Audi TT Coupe and Roadster Model Line

The Audi TT RS has been discontinued for 2014, while the TT and TTS now come standard with S line exterior and all the equipment offered in the 2013 Premium Plus model, plus LED interior lighting and BOSE Sound System. The TTS also includes heated front seats and Audi adaptive headlights, and both TT and TTS offer an upgraded Navigation package that includes the Audi parking system with rear acoustic sensors and Audi music interface.

In addition, the S line competition package will include new Gray-painted brake callipers, while the TTS models will be available with a new Black Optic package, which includes a new 15-spoke Titanium wheel, Carbon Fibre exterior mirror housings and Phantom Black interior inlays. The TTS bi-colour Audi exclusive Fine Nappa packages will be further enhanced with colour leather on the flat portion of the steering wheel.

2014 Audi R8 Model Line

Audi’s range topping sports car, the R8, gets a new model variant for 2014, known as the R8 V10 plus coupe. The all-new 410kW R8 V10 plus with a new seven-speed S Tronic transmission sprints from 0-100km/h in 3.3 seconds and offers improved comfort through smoother gear shifters. The R8 also receives a revised exterior with standard full LED headlights, round dual-outlet exhaust, and a high-gloss Singleframe grille. The interior features controls in high-gloss black and diamond-stitched leather seats and inserts.

2014 Audi Q5 Model Line

The 2014 Audi Q5 has been enhanced with the highly anticipated, fuel efficient 3.0 TFSI V6 engine which delivers 264kW and 470Nm. Other changes include the convenience package as standard, as well as the advanced key now being included in all premium plus and prestige trim lines.

Also new to the Q5 model Line is the SQ5 which is the first-ever S variant of any Audi Q model. The SQ5 will feature all the signature elements of Audi S models, including S model front and rear bumpers with Platinum Grey grille and diffuser, Aluminium exterior mirror housings and quad exhaust tips. Leather/Alcantara sport seats are standard and Fine Nappa interior and comfort package (Milano leather seats when equipped with comfort seats), is available. The SQ5 will also be equipped with standard 20-inch wheels and will also offer 21-inch wheels.

2014 Audi Q7 Model Line

The largest of Audi’s SUV family, the Q7 continues its strength in the mid-size luxury SUV market with enhancements for the 2014 model year. All 2014 Audi Q7 models now have Xenon plus headlights as standard, while Premium Plus includes Audi advanced key and power steering column. The model will continue to be offered in the TDI clean diesel engine.

Audi Q5 3.0T Quattro Sportline Review

Very little to fault in the new supercharged flagship Audi Q5… except for the price

Audi Q5 3.0T Quattro Sportline review by John Beale

The streets of Johannesburg are no stranger to the Audi’s Q5 SUV. Its to the Q7 what BMW’s X3 is to the X5. Audi pushes roughly just under 200 units a month in SA, nearly the same as the popular, but pricey BMW X3. Unfortunately Mercedes Benz has never brought its equivalent, the good-looking GLK to the country.

The Audi Q5 3-litre supercharged Quattro Sportline on test is the updated model, with not only a new engine, but refreshed lighting clusters sporting revised LED Daytime Running Lights, interior material changes and changes to the MultiMedia Interface system.

The Engine

For an SUV, the Audi Q5 gets off the mark extremely quickly, especially when in Dynamic Drive Select. The supercharged unit pushes out 200kW and 400NM which means 0-100km/h in just under 6 seconds. That’s hot hatch territory! There’s heaps of torque off the line, but at speed the gearbox struggles to keep it in the ideal torque range.

When you need to overtake there is loads of double downshifting from the superbly quick 8-speed tiptronic box. In normal daily traffic in town it is a superb gearbox, and the optional Audi Drive Select (R3 360 + R12 480 for Damping Control) is a must to give the vehicle a polarized character when you want it. This allows dynamic, economy, comfort and other modes which change damper, engine mapping, gearbox and steering-feel settings. I was surprised to see that fuel consumption got down to 11l/100km once a fair bit of highway driving had been done.

Handling and Ride

Handling is exceptional, as flat as last year’s Idols ratings around the corners, especially in dynamic mode, which makes the ride stiff, the steering taught and the gearbox and engine-response a lot more immediate. The 19-inch rims did have something to do with the Audi Q5 crashing over bumps in the road. Too much speed into a corner and Audi’s ever-capable Quattro drivetrain comes in handy.

The system does take a little while to send the power to the right wheels, which can leave some time for the nose to wash wide. Should you be one of the 2 buyers that are going to take your Audi Q5 off-road, the Quattro system apportions power well to the necessary wheel with traction. Steering-feel is very light at low speeds, but weights up nicely at speed. It’s not as meaty as I’d like, but this is still an SUV in the end.

Interior

Audi interiors are what every other car interior wants to be when they grow up. Materials are of such a high quality, I found myself wishing everything I touched was made by Audi. Unfortunately, the standard seats don’t offer enough lateral support, and the steering wheel and footrest always seemed in the way.
I’m also not a fan of Audi’s standard grey leather trim, I find it a bit clinical and Vorsprungesque. There’s more than enough space in the rear for passengers, and the boot is equally accommodating. Seats fold flat easily using pull levers in the boot and even lock in place flat down on the seat cushion, which is a nice touch.

The fact that there is no USB port is ridiculous. Audi can tout SD cards till the cows come home (there are two slots!), but I can’t remember the last time someone brought an SD card to a party. But, the vehicle does have Bluetooth as standard and streams music through this. MMI is a little more complex than BMW’s iDrive but it is nice to look at on the standard colour screen. I did find even with the changes, it does require a little too much looking down to function straight off the cuff. For some reason it wouldn’t list songs in a playlist when connected to the iPhone, so I had to select songs with my phone, which was impractical. As another high-tech option, insert a SIM card into the dash (e.g. data contract) and the Audi Q5 has its own Wi-Fi hotspot to connect to. Stellar.

The Audi Q5 – Conclusion

There is genuinely very little to fault, except for the usual Audi fare of: base-vehicle-and-spec-up-the-options later. As tested, this vehicle priced in at R697 680. That’s a considerable amount of money for what is an averaged sized SUV.
Look around: there’s also the Evoque, which is smaller, or the Grand Cherokee which is much larger and capable off-road. Keep the options down on a smaller engine in the Q5 range and you have an excellent SUV.

Audi Q5 – Price

Audi Q5 3.0T Quattro Sportline – R697 680

New Isuzu KB expands range

With more power, more choice and more legendary comfort, General Motors South Africa has added five new model derivatives to its comprehensive new Isuzu KB range.

New Isuzu KB range offers more choice for customers

Adding to its value-oriented common-rail engines, the Isuzu KB 250 D-TEC Base and Fleetside models, the low pressure turbo engine KB 250 Base Single Cab and KB 250 Fleetside Single Cab additions further enhance appeal to volume or fleet buyers.

The 2.5-litre low pressure turbo diesel engine has been carried forward from the previous generation Isuzu KB and produces 58kW of power at 3800 rpm and 170Nm of torque at 1800 rpm. The new Isuzu KB 250 low pressure turbo diesel models average 7.8-litres/100 km on the combined cycle.

The range-topping LX double cab models can now be fitted with cloth seats rather than leather, which brings the price down by R9500. They will continue to feature standard passenger side bags which are integrated into each front seat.

New Isuzu KB – Price

The new Isuzu KB 250 Single Cab models retail for R197 200 (Base) and R214 100 (Fleetside).

View the new Isuzu KB

Isuzu KB 300 D-TEQ Double Cab LX R400 900
Isuzu KB 300 D-TEQ Double Cab LX Automatic R413 900
Isuzu KB 300 D-TEQ Double Cab LX 4×4 R454 900

All new Isuzu KB models come standard with a 5 year/120 000 km warranty and a 5 year/ 90 000 km service plan.

Ford robot drivers used to test durability

Ford robot drivers are being used for testing trucks and cargo vans to test high-impact situations that may be too taxing for human drivers.

“The challenge is completing testing to meet vehicle development time lines while keeping our drivers comfortable. Robotic testing allows us to do both,” said Dave Payne, manager, vehicle development operations.

“We accelerate durability testing while simultaneously increasing the productivity of our other programs by redeploying drivers to those areas, such as noise level and vehicle dynamics testing.”

Ford Robot drivers to improve Durability Testing of vehicles

Ford is the first in the automotive industry to successfully use robotically-driven vehicles on our test tracks. These autonomous vehicles are used 24/7 on Ford’s Michigan Proving Grounds test tracks that are too hazardous for regular human driving.

The durability technology includes a robotic control module installed in the test vehicle that controls vehicle steering, acceleration and braking. A robotic module is set to drive the car on a pre-programmed route, though it is tracked by cameras and GPS which are accurate to plus/minus one inch. If at any point the vehicle strays from its programmed course, engineers have the ability to stop the vehicle, course correct as necessary, and restart the test. Onboard sensors can command a full stop if a pedestrian or another vehicle strays into the path.

The vehicles are then driven through a range of daunting stress tests, including broken concrete, cobblestones, metal grates, rough gravel, mud pits and oversized speed bumps. Some of these tests were previously only performed once a day due to the stress that was placed on human drivers, but now, with this robotic system, Ford can run them throughout the day and even develop more challenging durability tests to build tougher vehicles.

“The goal here was not to develop a truly autonomous vehicle that can drive itself on city streets. Our objective was to create a test track solution that allows for this type of intense testing that could take our vehicles to the most extreme limits of their engineering while ensuring the safety of all involved,” concluded Payne.