GWM C20R Review

What is it?

Parked outside my house the other day, a nice man in a tweed jacket came over to me and asked simply, what is this? Score 1 for attracting attention, then. This is the latest product from Great Wall Motors GWM – its called the C20R and I have no idea what that means, and they didnt explain it in the press release. But it is based on their popular C10 hatch.

What makes it different?

It wants to be a bit of a crossover so it features raised suspension to help you tackle the odd gravel road. A couple of black plastic bits and pieces around scuff areas give it a tougher look, the front design is new and I think it looks rather good. Standard 16 inch alloy wheels look the part too.

Why go Chinese?

If you think back 20 years, no one was buying Korean cars, and now brands like Hyundai/Kia are just massive. I think the Chinese industry is going the same way; they certainly have the resources. For me, GWM is taking the right steps, they are on sale in over 100 countries. In SA, they have over 70 dealers and 150 million Rands worth of parts in the warehouse.

Whats it like to drive?

This particular car is starting to feel very close to its rivals indeed, in terms of interior quality and drive characteristics. There are a few irks here and there, you can plainly see where the airbag is packed and the windscreen wipers make an interesting ticking sound each time they activate. Curiosities at the most, but something to ask the dealer about.

We were the first to receive a test unit and this car is so new, it hasn’t had a chance to really warm up yet. Think of it as an athlete that hasn’t stretched before going for a run. The only engine available is a 1.5 litre non-turbo petrol, with 77kW and 138Nm. It doesn’t feel low on power, particularly at urban speeds, but feels a bit light on torque.

That said, I was quite impressed with the engine and ride quality. It was a little noisy at highway speeds, but nothing a little radio cant drown out. While the engine noise might smooth out as the engine wears in, the wind noise above 120km/h probably won’t.

I didn’t appreciate the raised driving position, but I know a lot of people do. The drivers seat adjusts for height but doesnt seem to go down, which is odd. Grabbing second gear feels a bit too long, like that particular gear might be part of another gearbox. Small things like this could be improved easily though.

Where does this car fit in to the local market?

In terms of size and type of engine, this car has a lot of rivals, particular from Japan, but to be honest I think we have to compare apples with apples its not quite at the refinement level of a Suzuki Swift or Hyundai i20.

But, it is a fair bit cheaper than both of those, and I would compare it to cars like the Renault Sandero Stepway, and the Polo Vivo Max.

GWM C20R Rivals

They are all quite close on price:

GWM C20R: R154 900 all inclusive
Polo Vivo Maxx: R164 300
Renault Sandero Stepway: R149 900

Its all pretty close, but the GWM does offer the most standard kit, including electric windows all round, electric mirrors, USB/Aux media input and park distance control.

Interestingly, the rear seats slide back and forth as well as fold completely flat, so the load area does become particularly useful. The interior is spacious indeed, and they’ve made an effort to make sure you can make the best use of the space.

For the first time on a GWM, a service plan of 3 years is included as well.

GWM C20R Review Summary

Personally, Im the kind of motorist who will take that kind of money and go and play in the second hand market. But if youre looking for something affordable, spacious and with low running costs, the Chinese are starting to offer real competition to the establishment.

While the engine tech may be a little behind the establishment in terms of efficiency, the brand is certainly catching up in most other departments.

The competition is close now and I have a feeling GWM will be happy to favourably negotiate your trade in, which may mean you save money on your monthly installments on the new car. Theyre an eager brand trying to really grab a foothold in South Africa, and consumers should make the best of that approach while it lasts.

GWM C20R Price in South Africa

There is only model, with all options standard:

R154 900 (all inclusive of VAT and emissions tax)

Quick Specs GWM C20R

Engine: 1.5 litre non turbo 4-cyl petrol
Fuel consumption: 7.7 litres/100km (claimed)
Power: 77kW at 6000rpm
Torque: 138Nm at 4200rpm
Fuel capacity: 40 litres

GWM C20R Gallery

Renault Duster Review – 1.5 dCi Diesel

Renault has made an interesting move into the SUV and 4×4 segments with the Duster, a car born of the Nissan alliance and currently selling incredibly well in important emerging markets such as India and Brazil. Built to compete principally on price, the Duster offers surprising levels of refinement, comfort and on road ability.

The Duster Range in South Africa

At launch, two engines will be available, a 1.6 non-turbo petrol and a 1.5 turbo diesel. Ive been driving the diesel more on that a little later.

There are two trim levels, Expression starting at R194 900 going up to the Dynamique 4×4 at R239 900. The only engine available in the Expression spec is the petrol, while the lowest price diesel comes in at R219 900. The Dynamique comes well specced with a touch screen media and satnav system borrowed from the new Clio.

What I like

At this price, this is a lot of car. And it feels like a 4×4 you would actually take off road into the tough stuff, instead of spending a million rand on a Range Rover and never doing anything more than climbing pavements.

I was driving the Range Rover Evoque at the same time as the Duster, and I couldnt believe the Rangie was nearly three times the price as the base Duster. It seems a bit absurd really. Of course the Range Rover is lovely. But I would never have the heart to take it offroad, whereas the Duster feels like its rough and ready.

Ride and handling

Ride comfort is very decent at high way speeds. Smooth and quiet for a vehicle in this class. Sure, its no Range Rover, but then its not trying to be. While the Evoque might be better at 200km/h, I cant see the point of owning a proper 4×4 that can do that. You do have to treat the Duster a bit like a bakkie in terms of handling, but thats the price you pay for a high ride height and tall sidewall tyres.

Duster Diesel Engine

Ive been driving the diesel. Around town, the diesel takes some getting used to. Its like taking an overweight dog for a walk its not very enthusiastic. You have to adapt your driving style completely. Its not that there is a shortage of power, with 80kW and 240Nm, it certainly feels like theres enough oomph, but its available for such a short time in the rev range, that you really have to work the gearbox to make the best of the engine.

I would imagine that the alternative petrol version is better if you drive mostly urban routes, with lots of stop-starting. For longer trips, the diesel actually has a chance of paying itself off, with very decent consumption indeed.

It is very light on fuel. Renault claim 5.5 litres/100km, which you should get quite close to, especially if you take longer trips.

Equipment and safety

The standard equipment list is long, ranging from power windows all round, full media integration and front and side airbags.

This Dynamique spec gets more kit with a standard touch screen media and satnav unit; its very decent kit indeed at this price point. The fascia could have been better designed ergonomically, the screen almost faces downward, but other than that, it is simple and easy to use. I doubt youll need your kids to show you how it all works.

Bear in mind though that metallic paint is an extra at R2500, but options like park distance control are standard.

Interestingly no automatic box is available.

4×4 ability

I must apologise, I am such a city slicker and I havent taken the duster offroad. What I can tell you, and you might be glad to know, is that all the offroad bits and pieces come from Nissan, so these are tried and tested drivetrains. Nothing new here, with you being the first person to break it. I think thats a smart move from Renault.

In the absence of a low range transfer case, the 4×4 is features a shorter first gear that allows it to crawl at under 6km/h at 1000rpm. There is a downside to this on the road though, as you quickly have to catch 2^nd gear when in traffic.

Ground clearance is very decent at 205mm in the 4×2 and 210mm in the 4×4, with healthy approach and departure angles. Again, it just feels like the kind of car you can get very dirty indeed.

Service and warranty

As is the case across Renaults entire product range, the New Renault Duster comes standard with a 5-year/150 000km warranty. Also, all New Renault Duster variants come standard with a 3-year / 45,000km Service plan.

Summary

As mentioned, I had this on test at the same time as the Range Rover Evoque, which costs nearly R600 000. And yes, the Evoque is very nice. It looks very nice. Its very comfortable. It has lots of leather lined everything and it will impress your friends.

But, if you need a 4×4 with space for 5, you could save nearly R400 000 and buy this. And then go on holiday. Or buy a holiday house. Or buy two of these and still have R100 000 in change.

The Duster is very, very good value for money, and with a facelift already available in Europe, this could be a second hand bargain in a year or twos time. Although, at under R200 000, its already well worth it.

Renault Duster Pricing in South Africa

There are four models in the range at launch, two trim levels, one petrol engine and one diesel:

– 1.6 Expression 4×2 R194 900
– 1.6 Dynamique 4×2 R204 900
– 1.5 dCi Dynamique 4×2 R219 900
– 1.5 dCi Dynamique 4×4 R239 900

Renault Duster 4×4 Quick Specs

Price in South Africa: R239 900
Engine: 1.5 dCi turbo diesel
Fuel consumption: 5.5 litres/100km (claimed)
Power: 80kW
Torque: 240Nm at 1750rpm (4×4 model)
Fuel capacity: 50 litres

2014 Lexus IS F Gets Detailed

Introduced back in 2008, the Lexus IS F has undergone minor refinements for the 2014 model year, although it will soon be replaced with a performance version of the Lexus RC coupe set to be launched at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show.

Revised interior trim for 2014

Although carrying over some of the features from the previous generation model, the 2014 Lexus IS F is set apart by its aesthetic updates. These include LED fog lamps, a carbon fibre rear spoiler, Alcantara trim on the doors and centre console, black semi-aniline leather trim on the seats, and headrests embossed with the F logo.

Standard features on IS F include 10-way power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, power moonroof with one-touch open/close and seven open-position settings. There is also a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, three-position memory function for front seats, steering wheel and mirrors, as well as an auto-dimming rear-view mirror with a HomeLink programmable garage door opener.

Exhilarating Performance

Whats also new for 2014 Lexus IS F is the powerful 5.0-litre V8 engine that develops 310 kW and 502 Nm of torque. It is connected to an eight-speed Sport Direct-Shift automatic transmission which enables the sedan to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds and hit an electronically-limited top speed of 273 km/h.

With a chassis refined on the Nurburgring, Circuit Paul Ricard, and Fuji Speedway, the new IS F features better performance and handling than previous models. Lexus worked with Michelin and Bridgestone to develop the 19-inch tyres specifically for the cars 273 km/h track capability. Numerous track-proven modifications to the double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension configurations endow the 2014 Lexus IS F with uncanny ability through curves while maintaining refined rode comfort.

It is unclear when the model will arrive in South Africa, but we will keep you updated with any developments.

2014 Lexus IS F gallery

2014 Kia Sorento Receives Five Stars For Safety

The 2014 Kia Sorento is one of the latest models to have earned a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), enhancing it’s overall value proposition .

High scores across all categories

The South Korean vehicle scored well in both frontal and side-impact crash test, while also getting an impressive four-star rating for rollover testing, which was enough to award it an overall five-star rating.

In addition to that rating, the Sorento was also named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), which is the highest rating issued by the IIHS. To earn that score, the vehicle needs to earn a good rating in four of the five tests with no less than an acceptable rating in the fifth.

According to Orth Hedrick, executive director, product planning at Kia Motors America the redesigned Sorento utilises Kias advanced safety equipment and technologies to provide a high level of occupant protection for drivers and their families.

Already a compelling entry in the compact CUV category, earning a 5-Star rating from NHTSA makes the Sorento an even stronger contender within its segment while underscoring Kias overall commitment to delivering safety and exceptional value to our customers, he added.

The Kia Sorento was redesigned for the 2014 model year, with the company claiming that 80 percent of its components are brand new.

The Redesigned 2014 KIA Sorento has a host of new components that make it more than just a mere mid-cycle refresh. Read more about it and its prices here.

2014 Kia Sorento Crash Test Video

New Face and More Power For The 2014 Mitsubishi Triton

Mitsubishi has set out significant specification upgrades for the Triton Double Cab and Club Cab ranges in terms of new styling, powerful engines and standard equipment.

Built for tough roads and terrains the range comprises of different body styles in 4×2 and 4×4 and has benchmark safety features, air conditioning, supportive seats, power windows, a 1-tonne payload and 1.5-tonne towing capacity.

Increased power

Substantial boost in power and torque for the Double Cab 4×4 comes in form of an intercooled turbodiesel engine that has been reduced from 3.2-litre to 2.5-litre. Power goes up 9% from 120kW to 131kW, while the maximum torque has been increased by 17% from 343Nm to 400NM.

All 2014 Mitsubishi Triton models have a five-speed manual gearbox.

Improved 4×4 system

The Triton Double Cab now has a lockable centre differential combined with the shift-on-the-fly system. This allows the driver to change form standard 4×2 mode to 4H without a locked differential at speeds up to 100km/h. While the four-wheel-drive system operated by Mitsubishis Super Select system enables the driver to choose from four different transfer modes.

New styling inside and out

The updated Triton Double Cabs can be seen sporting a new grille and front bumper, colour coded wheel arches, indicator repeaters in the side mirror housings and smart new alloy rims 17-inch on the double cab 4×4 and 16 inch on the rest of the Double Cab and Club Cab range.

To bring it in line with other luxury vehicles in the Mitsubishi product range, the cabin is fitted with leather seats, air-conditioning, cruise control, three-spoke leather trimmed steering wheel with multi-function switches for the audio system and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as the Mitsubishi Link System with voice control function. The Double Cab further has distinct body design advantages including rear collision energy absorption, rear entry ease and increased leg room.

Besides that the seats come trimmed in fabric, the Club Cab model comes with almost all the standard features in the Double Cab including Bluetooth, audio and phone controls on the steering wheel, and the voice activated phone control. The Club Cab is also available only in diesel and comes in a variant with optional rear seats.

Major focus on occupant safety

Safety feature in the Triton include a safety cell cab, driver and passenger air bags, anti-skid ABS brakes with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) as well as a RISE body protection system, side impact bars, impact absorbing steering wheel column, keyless entry and motion locking doors.

2014 Mitsubishi Triton Price

Mitsubishi Triton 2.5 Di-DC Club Cab – R284 900

Mitsubishi Triton 2.5 Di-DC Double Cab – R344 900

Mitsubishi Triton 2.5 Di-DC 4×4 Double Cab – R419 900

All Mitsubishi Tritons are covered by a 3-year/100 00km warranty.

2014 Mitsubishi Triton gallery

BMW X6 M Design Edition Unveiled

BMW has announced the introduction of the X6 M Design Edition, a special edition model limited to only a 100 units.

Exterior design

The X6 M Design Edition is highlighted by a white paint job accented with optional three-coloured M stripes, plus carbon fibre accenting covering the front splitter, rear diffuser and rear spoiler. The appeal is also set by a matte black grille, 21-inch lightweight alloy wheels and iconic M performance racing stripes, which come as an option on this model.

Performance

BMW is yet to release any specs on performance and pricing, however, the X6 M Design Edition is expected to be fitted with a twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 engine that develops 408kW and 680Nm of torque. Acceleration from 0-100km/h is expected to take 4.7 seconds reaching a limited top speed of 250 km/h.

Interior design

The interior is made up with a Black/Mugello Red leather-wrapped dashboard, matching two-tone Merino leather seats and Piano Black trim. Rounding of the sporty details in the cabin is Mugello Red contrast stitching and an individually-numbered plaque.

BMW X6 M Design Edition gallery

The NHTSA Reports On Car Safety For Kids

A study released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) noted that more than a third of children under age 13 who died in passenger vehicle crashes in 2011 were not in car seats or wearing seat belts.

A third of children killed were not in car seats or wearing seat belts

This study found that 338 were injured every day while riding in cars, SUVs, pickups and vans. Of the children killed the percentage of unrestrained fatalities, with no car seat or seat belt, varied by vehicle type, with greater percentages of unrestrained fatalities occurring in larger vehicles: SUVs (55%), pick-ups (43%), vans (40%), and cars (24%).

“Regardless of the size of the vehicle, the age of the child, or the length of the trip, children should always be properly restrained,” says David Strickland, NHTSAs administrator.

Car seats, when correctly installed and used, provide proven life-saving and injury-reducing benefits for child passengers. In fact, properly used car seats decrease the risk of fatal injury by 71 percent for infants and 54 percent for toddlers.

Children are 59 percent less likely to be injured in a booster seat than if they were using seat belts only, he added.

NHTSA safety precautions

Its sad to hear about children being killed in accidents, more so when their deaths could have been prevented. To coincide with in Child Passenger Safety Week and to highlight the important safety benefits associated with the proper use of child restraints like car seats, booster seats and seat belts, the NHTSA offers parents and caregivers the following safety tips:

Determine if your child is in the right seat for his or her age and size
Read the instructions and labels that come with your childs car seat and read the vehicle owners manual for important information on installing the seat in your particular vehicle
Go to your local car seat inspection station to have your seat checked by a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician
Use the Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) restraint system or seat belt to install your car seat and use the top tether to secure forward-facing car seats
Register your car seat and booster seat so you will be informed if there is a safety recall on your model; and
Always wear your seat belt to set a good example. Unbuckled drivers are more likely to have unrestrained children in the car

From 1975 through 2011, NHTSA estimates that approximately 10,000 lives were saved by child restraints for children under the age of 5 in passenger vehicles, with more than 260 lives saved in 2011 alone.

2014 Porsche 911 Turbo and Turbo S Cabriolet Revealed

Sports car manufacturer Porsche has taken the wraps off the Turbo and Turbo S Cabriolet versions of the 2014 Porsche 911 ahead of their Los Angeles Auto Show public debut scheduled for November 20.

Engine Capability

Both vehicles are powered by a 3.8-liter flat-six engine mated to a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission. The standard Turbo model will have 383kW while the powerful S version will output 412kW which enables the car to accelerate to 96 km/h in 3.3 and 3.1 seconds respectively, while top speed is rated at 314 km/h. Fuel economy on both vehicles has been improved by 30 percent.

Retractable fabric roof

The design of both the models is based on the new 911 Turbo Coupe with an updated retractable fabric roof built around a lightweight magnesium frame that enables the Coupe-like arch to the roof to be preserved when the top is closed. The roof can be opened or closed in approximately 13 seconds at speeds of up to 48 km/h.

Premium materials in the interior

The interior of the new Cabriolet models follows that of the 911 Turbo Coupe, with an exclusive interior available in Black/Carrera Red and adaptive Sport Seats Plus with 18-way adjustment and memory. In addition, the backrest shells of the seats are leather trimmed with double stitched seams, and various elements are made from lightweight carbon fiber.

The Bose sound system is fitted as standard, and for the first time, a Burmester sound system is available as an option so is the radar-controlled adaptive Cruise Control system, camera-based road sign and speed limit recognition function and reverse camera.

The new top of the range 911 Cabriolet models will be launched in South Africa in the first quarter of 2014.

2014 Porsche 911 Turbo and Turbo S Cabriolet gallery

Lexus IS350 Review

The Lexus IS has been redesigned, now bigger and in F-Sport guise, the most aggressive of the current Lexus lineup. The new trapezoid mesh-grille, jagged lights and trademarked LED Daytime Running Lights all signifies a more aggressive, more in-your-face Lexus. Demanding attention rather than hoping to get some after the game of Golf, the new IS is only available in a 350 engine derivative, but 3 different spec levels, E, EX and F-Sport, tested here. F-Sport would be comparable to BMWs M-Sport and Audis S Line.

Engine and gearbox

Probably the biggest highlight besides the looks, and the gearbox, oh and the interior. Ok so not the biggest highlight, but damn near close, is the engine. Its carried over from the predecessor but now produces 228kW and 375NM, and is more fuel efficient at 9.7l/100km, but I got closer to 13l/100km (more realistic).

The power and torque is a whole lot more accessible due to the new gearbox. It has silky smooth linear power delivery, and enjoys being revved. Youll enjoy it too because the sound from the V6 is intoxicating, no thanks due to sound induction into the cabin, but I dont really care – it sounds so good.

It really makes the whole car come alive, and sounds raw, making you forget youre behind the wheel of an executive sedan. 0-100 itll smash in 5.9seconds and go on to upwards of 250km/h easily.

The gearbox is a massive, nay, gargantuan improvement on the previous unit. The new auto 8-Speed Sports Direct Shift box is superb. Left to do its own thing, shifts are effortless and smooth, but into Sport it will downshift before it senses a corner and hold that gear.

Even further, in manual with the paddles, shifts are quick and engage with a solid shunt. Its a superb unit that brings the most out of this V6.

Drive and handling

Like the BMW and Audi, there are driving modes available, but in the Lexus they are standard. Eco, for a laugh at economical driving in a V6. Normal, Sport and Sport+, where the latter dials out the traction control and allows a lovely bit of oversteer if you like.

Each mode configures throttle response, steering and recalibrates engine and gearbox. It can take the IS from cruiser to full throttle 335i-eater in no time. Its not as composed as the 3series through the twisties, but about three times more involved than the A4 and C-Class.

No thanks to lighter overall frame and theres a revised multi-link rear suspension. Theres no comparison actually. It really is head to head with the 3 series, which is a first for Lexus. The suspension is stiff, and isnt as compliant as the BMW with its adaptive suspension, but when cornering hard it grips well, with the 18inchers biting down, and in sport mode the adaptive suspension firms things up even more. Jittery stabs at the accelerator mid corner and the back will happily step out.

In Sport+ mode itll do it and then reign it all in. A thorough bit of fun. That said, its not exactly as communicative at the point as the BMW, but damn near closer than ever.

Interior

So much has changed I could write a small article on the interior alone. What must be said is that there are definite LFA influences here. Its not for everyone, and in F-sport guise its a leather red-hand-stitched masterpiece.

Get in and you sit lower than youd expect; the seat wraps tight and you feel cocooned. A lot more so than the competition. Its a good thing in the F-sport guise, but might not be so much in the EX.

Rear legroom has been slightly improved, with rear seats that now fold flat and a slightly bigger boot and thinner seat backs, which mean more knee and leg room for the rear passengers.

Some notable highlights are the snug sports seats, and for a first time for me, electrostatic switches that you just glide your finger over to change temperature, a-la smartphone. This second generation of Remote Touch interface, which uses a square mouse type scroller, seems to be a regression on the previous gen.

The screen looks old, its slow in operation and still wont let you do anything while it moves. The screen is also not angled to the driver.

What is a phenomenal piece of tech and just overall gimmicky fun, is the rev counter and instrument binnacle. All digital, with moving bits a-la LFA. Its such a cool party trick, and watching the dial run up and leave an imprint as you rev up is incredibly cool.

It all adds fun, sporty character to the car. Overall the interior is snug, but quality materials abound. In true Lexus form theres more standard features than the competition can dream to give, including heated and cooled seats, performance Audio, Satellite navigation Xenon headlamps and the list goes on.

Lexus IS350 Price in South Africa

The Lexus IS 350 F-Sport goes for R553 000 and comes standard with a 4yr/100 000 warranty and Distance Complete motorplan.

Lexus IS350 review summary

The IS now demands attention, both inside and out. The F-Sport opens it up to so many more potential buyers that I hope will go and test drive it. It has heaps of character, fun to drive, specced to the brim and exceptional value at that.

I got accosted at the pumps and at malls by all types wanting to look at this beast. This is a no brainer if youre looking at a sport-executive sedan. It is a pity there wont be economy and smaller engine derivatives, but South Africans appetite for Lexus models just doesnt allow for that breadth. Audi and Mercedes step out the way, the new IS is fighting fit and aimed squarely at the 3series.

Positive

– Engine sweet sound of V6

– Those LFA dials

– Engaging drive

– Individual looks

Negative

– Slightly tight interior

– Ride can be a bit stiff on the F-Sport

– The new (read old) Remote Touch Interface

– Thirsty (dur)

Also look at:

BMW 335i AT 225kW/400NM R567 027

Mercedes C350 BE AT 225kW/370NM – R540 000

Audi 3.0T FSI Quattro 200kW/400NM R520 000

Lexus IS350 gallery

Volkswagen To Abandon Naturally Aspirated Engines

Volkswagen has reportedly announced that they will soon be abandoning their naturally aspirated engines as they release new products.

This comes after the introduction of the Passat Performance concept which Volkswagen presented at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show featuring a 1.8-litre turbo engine an important change for Das Auto.

Naturally Aspirated Engines VS Turbo Engines

What is the big deal between the two engines you ask?

Well, a naturally aspirated engine is an internal combustion engine, in which fuel intake depends solely on atmospheric pressure. Whereas a turbo engine is a turbine driven forced induction device used to allow more power to be produced by an engine of a given size. This engine can be more powerful and efficient than a naturally aspirated engine because the turbine forces more air, and proportionately more fuel, into the combustion chamber than atmospheric pressure alone.

So the plan is to replace all 2.5-litre engines in the US (for now) with a new 1.8 TSI. Volkswagens executive vice president for group quality Mark Trahan said the “automaker plans to replace its three remaining naturally aspirated or non-turbocharged engines – a 2.5-litre inline-five and two versions of its 3.6-litre V6 engine when the models that use each engine come up for redesigns or mid-cycle refreshes.” The change is also because smaller forced induction engines offer similar performance but improved economy over their larger, naturally aspirated counterparts.

This pattern has already been followed locally with the popular seventh generation Golf which launched earlier this year and is available with a range of new engines (including turbo) and in three trim levels namely Trendline, Comfortline and Highline.

Other automakers like Ford with their EcoBoost engines are adopting the same strategy, including Volvo which has already revealed its next-generation engines, known as the Drive-E range.

Volkswagen cars weve reviewed

Driving impression of the 2013 VW Golf GTI

Volkswagen Golf 7 1.4 TSI Review

The VW Beetle 1.4T Sport reviewed

The VW Amarok reviewed

Taking the new VW Polo GTI on a datedrive