Audi A3 Sportback 1.6TDI S-Tronic Review

You may or may not have noticed the arrival of the new Audi A3 Sportback in South Africa Taking a slightly less stand-outish approach as BMWs 1 series, the eye-catching Mercedes A Class or even the left-field Volvo V40. It is, however, all-new – made from the VW groups shared MQB platform, and is filled to the brim with technology to boot.

Audi A3 Sportback – Engine and Drive

The 4-cylinder 1.6litre turbo diesel engine is quite familiar it does justice to the VW Polo too. Eeking out 77kW and 250NM from a low 1500RPM, its no traffic-light racer, but rather a steady cruiser and an easy city drive, with enough torque to overtake when needed whilst delivering great fuel consumption. Not too much, not too little. Its actually a perfect fit with the S-Tronic 6-speed gearbox even though this model has steering wheel paddles (an optional extra).

The up-and-down shifts are lightning-quick, and when in sport mode, it keeps the revs right in the punch range for the diesel motor. However, its best left in normal mode where its happiest – shifting quietly and keeping fuel consumption down. A claimed 4.5l/100km was far from the 7l/100km I achieved, however watching instantaneous consumption at highway speeds saw it drop as low as 5l/100km, and Ive seen others achieve much less than I did, so it is doable.

Ride and Handling

This front wheel drive Audi A3 Sportback with 17-inch wheels had one of the more balanced Audi rides of late. With more rubber on the wheels and no sport-pack, it was solid in feel, with respectable amounts of grip in the corners. You can feel this chassis can handle a lot more power. The steering is typical of Audi; being light with limited feedback. Even though there was no drive select like the BMW or higher specced A3 models, the standard suspension impressed, being a good balance between sport and comfort (erring slightly to comfort) which is a perfect balance with this particular engine.

Interior, Infotainment Display and boot space

The Audi A3 Sportback follows the A1 with its minimalist approach inside. 3 buttons and 3 dials adorn the dash, with the Multimedia Interface screen that pops in and out of the dashboard. Its controlled using a beautiful silver MMI scrolling wheel and buttons. These controls are of such a high-tactile feel, and are fairly easy to use once you get used to it.

The system itself is the newest generation and is animated in use easily one of the top interface systems Ive tried lately. Even the colour screen in the instrument binnacle is easy to use and understand, giving all the necessary information in a Audi Display. Thankfully this system featured Bluetooth with audio streaming, as well as an optional USB port, which Audi wont fit standard, for some or other reason.

My test unit had cloth seats, and manual climate control, with those dials being the only thing that didnt have the typical quality Audi feel to them.

The Audi A3 Sportback has the largest boot in class, and seats fold flat to give even more space should you need it. Rear seating is also best of the lot, and the overall quality of materials inside are segment-leading in my opinion.

None of the competition have a small capacity diesel like the Audi, so it really competes directly against larger diesels, and similar petrol turbocharged engines. The 1.6 diesel should be your choice if you do a lot of driving, with more long distance than city driving. Youll be rewarded with better fuel consumption and an easy comfortable ride.

Audi A3 Sportback 1.6 TDi – Summary

Overall this is a superb vehicle, one that is suited to a relaxed driving style, and will reward with great fuel consumption. My only gripe would be that it definitely has the least amount of soul or excitement, when compared to the 1-series, A-Class or V40, but thats about it.

Audi A3 Sportback – Price

Audi A3 Sportback 1.6TSI S Tronic 77kW/250NM R319 500

*As tested R364 300 includes 5yr/100 000km Maintenance plan

Rivals

A look at similar engines, space and fuel consumption, have a look at –

BMW 1 Series 116i 5-door Auto (petrol) – 100kW/220NM R310 423
Volvo V40 D3 Geartronic Excel 110kW/350NM R343 400
Mercedes A180 CDI BE AT 80kW/260NM R310 000

The Volvo is the best value for money here, however less practical and dynamic than the Audi.

Used Car Popularity Analysis – July 2013

South Africas automotive industry is one of South Africas most important sectors, contributing at least 6% to the countrys Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, results released by Statistics SA last month revealed that the sales of new motor vehicles outperformed other divisions, and the highest annual growth rates were recorded for new vehicle sales which rose by 13.9%, used vehicle sales 10.2%, and the sale of fuel increased by 6.6%.

In addition, the TransUnion Vehicle Pricing Index (VPI) for the first quarter of 2013 indicated that used passenger vehicle price inflation slipped further into negative territory to -1.4%, a significant drop from the 3.6% rise in price inflation in the same period last year.

Used car market statistics gathered from Cars.co.za indicate a substantial growth in the interests of the public towards particular used cars and brands on offer. In July 2013 a total of 1 273 427 vehicle views were made on Cars.co.za. Here is a breakdown of the most popular used car brands in South Africa for July 2013 as well as the most popular used cars.

Most popular used car brands in South Africa for July 2013

Used Car Brand	Total Views	Used Car Market Penetration %	New Car Market Penetration*
Volkswagen	206 710	16.2%	20.5%
BMW	154 463	12.1%	4.1%
Toyota	153 752	12.0%	18.2%
Audi	102 276	8.0%	3.0%
GMSA	91136	7.1%	9.4%

Model	Total views	Used Car Market Penetration
BMW 3 Series	76 330	5.9%
Volkswagen Golf	60 888	4.7%
Volkswagen Polo	59 833	4.6%
Mercedes Benz C-Class	40 124	3.1%
Audi A4	38 803	3.0%
Toyota Corolla	31 276	2.4%
Audi A3	30 357	2.3%
Toyota Hilux	24 112	1.8%
Opel Corsa	23079	1.8%
BMW 1 Series	23 033	1.8%

Volkswagen as a brand remains very popular amongst the South African public month after month. Both the Golf and the Polo perform significantly well in new and used car sales, remaining in the top five sought after cars. The BMW 3-Series is rated as the most wanted vehicle in the used car market with an increased market penetration of percentage of 5.9%.

Figures also show that despite there being a huge margin between new and used passenger vehicle prices, the used car market is growing steadily, with brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Toyota experiencing growth in the first few months of the year.

Cars.co.za will continue to gather used car statistics throughout the duration of 2013 with the emphasis of expanding existing knowledge of the used car market in South Africa.

*Official NAAMSA sales figures for July 2013

Dodge Journey Line-up Expands

The Dodge Journey has been on the market since 2008 and Chrysler South Africa has added the 2.4-litre engine derivative as an entry-level alternative to the established 3.6-litre V6.

Dodge Journey gets new engine

The new Dodge Journey engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and delivers 125kW of power and 220Nm of torque, and its fuel consumption is rated at 9.6-litres/100km with CO2 emissions of 225g/km.

The new Journey will be offered only in five-seat format, with the same SXT trim level as the standard 3.6-litre V6 SXT, including body colour door handles, black side roof rails, highline door panels and premium fabric upholstery.

Dodge Journey Price

Dodge Journey 2.4 – R319 990
Dodge Journey 3.6 V6 SXT – R349 990
Dodge Journey 3.6 V6 R/T (Road/Track) – R383 990

All models are sold with a three-year or 100 000km warranty and a three-year or 100 000km service plan.

Updated Peugeot RCZ Review

When Peugeot first showed off the RCZ in concept for over six years ago, the sheer boldness of the design got people talking. The production RCZ has been with us for around 3 years now and was due a midlife cycle refresh in this particular case refresh is not strong enough a word. The latest RCZ is a huge improvement on a car that was already a strong proposition in the stylish sports coupe segment.

There are a couple of cars available on the market which I (perhaps rather meanly) refer to as handbag cars. These are cars that I imagine are bought as an accessory a leather lined item of style and beauty that you can drive around in. However, the RCZs dynamism is more than a match for its striking good looks. I like the way it drives very much. This is a problem for me, because I dont normally carry a handbag.

2013 Peugeot RCZ The looks

My test unit arrived in a white that seemed whiter than white. OMO would be proud. With just enough silver and blackened touches here and there, the latest RCZ certainly turns heads. The face has been redesigned to fall in step with the softer lines of the rest of the Peugeot family, and is all the better for it. This is an exceptionally pretty car.

The rear retains those bold, wide haunches, which give the car a muscular stance. There really is nothing like it on the road, even 3 years after it debuted. It makes BMW Z4s look tame, and makes what I think is its main rival, the Audi TT, look very plain indeed.

Updated Peugeot RCZ Interior and features

Where the RCZ trumps most of its rivals is in the feel and quality of the cabin. The entire dashboard is leather lined, with elegant stitching joining up all the visual spaces, from doors to windscreen. The seats are beautifully sculpted, tall one piece bucket seats not as snug as those found in say an Audi S car, but certainly very comfortable indeed. It all combined to make the cabin feel like a very special place to be. Again, absolutely spot on for a car of this nature.

The new infotainment system is a huge leap forward from the one it replaces. A full colour screen fold out of the centre of the dash, which in a low slung car like this is quite far away from you. But its a decent size to do its job. The connectivity is now bang up to date, but the SatNav I found to be too difficult to use. Many cars just dont make it easy enough to enter addresses its a bit of a bugbear of mine but it felt particularly difficult in the RCZ. It is a standard feature but I found myself using my iPad to navigate the long and complicated roads of Jozi.

Peugeot is to be commended on boot space though it is massive in there. The front wheel drive layout means the boot can be deeper, and theyve used this cleverly. If you really want to drive a sports coupe, but need to lug around a lot of things, the RCZ is an attractive option.

There are two rear seats, and you can actually fit a full sized person back there for very short journeys. I wouldnt say it was terribly safe as the person will have to sit sideways. I dont think Peugeot want people back there as the seats dont slide forward automatically when you pull the backrest release. The rear is much more useful as a parcel shelf.

Build quality is excellent though at least judging by sound. I didnt hear a single rattle or squeak.

New Peugeot RCZ Engine, Power and Performance

The latest model is offered with two variations of the 1.6 litre turbo petrol found in a host of cars. This engine has been an incredible success, with Peugeot-Citroen teaming up with BMW to create a very versatile, efficient little powerplant. It sees duty in the Mini, the Citroen DS3 and the BMW 116i. Having driven all those cars, I would say this is one of the best implementations of the powerplant, although the 116i with its rear wheel drive is very good indeed.

Unfortunately with the RCZ you cant mix and match engines and transmissions. If you want an autobox, you have to settle for the downtuned version, with 115kW and 240Nm. The manual transmission version gets a fair bit more kick, with 147kW and 275Nm. Id love to sample the automatic as soon as possible to compare, but the manual gearbox version is a very decent compromise between sporting, point to point sports car, and comfortable gran tourer.

Turbo lag is only ever felt in a high gear at low speeds, peak torque is available from 1700rpm, so the car never feels sluggish. Its a super engine this, it feels like a healthy amount of torque is always available. Acceleration of 0 100km/h is claimed at 7.5 seconds but this is one of those cars that feels faster than it is. The RCZ feels excellent at highway speeds, feeling like it always has lots in reserve, while the 6^th gear is perhaps just a little short for cruising.

Latest Peugeot RCZ Ride and Handling

Looking at the RCZ, you would hope it was rear wheel drive. I certainly do. But with the front wheel drive layout, it is still an exciting drive. There is more than enough power to keep you interested and the noise has been beefed up a bit acceleration is now accompanied by a muted but pleasantly deep growl.

In the wet and at higher speeds in the dry, you do have to be gentle on the throttle mid-corner the nose will wash wide. But as an everyday drive, as long as youre not overly enthusiastic, the RCZ is a very satisfying mild sports car. The car is setup firmer than I expected. Its excellent in the corners and very smooth when the road is smooth, but when the road surface is poor you do bounce around inside the cabin a bit.

This is reflected with the feeling of each gearchange, its quite short and just notchy enough to make you feel involved, but not tire you out after a long day in the traffic.

New Peugeot RCZ Safety rating and features

The RCZ carries a 5-Star EuroNCAP rating, featuring front and side airbags, a rigid passenger cell and energy absorbing crumple zones. EBD, EBA (Emergency Brake Assist brakes harder than you think you have to), and DSC make up the active safety systems, help keep the car in line when youve run out of talent. The anti-skid regulation cuts in quite gently and feels like it has been carefully measured to keep you out of the trees, without completely cutting out the fun.

Summary Latest Peugeot RCZ

While the RCZ may not be as involving or as quick as its rivals, the whole package feels very special indeed, and successfully makes you feel quite special when youre behind the wheel. It has enough of a performance edge to put a smile on your face, and if youre after some attention out on the road, its a very attractive, unique car that will garner you lots of attention. It is pricey but it does feels like a premium, luxury product.

2013 Peugeot RCZ Pricing

RCZ 1.6 THP Automatic R423 500
RCZ 1.6 THP Manual R434 900

The pricing includes a three-year/100 000 km warranty, as well a Peugeots Premium Plan, a full maintenance plan valid for five years/100 000 km. Services are at 20 000 km intervals.

2013 Peugeot RCZ Quick Specs

Engine: 1.6 litre turbocharged petrol
Power: 147kW between 5500 and 6800rpm
Torque: 275Nm between 1700 and 4500rpm
Fuel consumption: 6.7 litres/100km (combined cycle, claimed)
Fuel capacity: 55 litres
CO2 Emissions: 155 g/km
Acceleration: 0 100km/h in 7.5 seconds
Top Speed: 240 km/h

Rivals Have a look at

The Audi TT 1.8 litre turbocharged petrol
R408,000

Continental Introduces New Quiet Tyre Technology

Car makers are a demanding bunch. They want the quietest tyres with the best performance. To meet their demands, Continental has introduced ContiSilent, a new technology that substantially reduces tyre noise inside the cabin by up to 9dB.

New noise-reduction foam technology

The secret for success is a coating that is bonded to the inside of the tread area after the actual tyre production process. This special layer of foam has a strong damping effect on the sound waves caused by the rolling tyre, so that no matter what surface the vehicle is driving on, the noise level reaching the cabin is substantially reduced, making for an improvement in the quality of the experience for the occupants.

As all of the other components and the tread pattern are adopted from standard production tyres, there are no differences in terms of performance characteristics such as braking, handling or performance in the wet. There are also no changes in terms of the rims or fitting process compared with standard tyres from the same product family.

Audi is the first automaker to fit its RS 7 Sportback models with ContiSilent tyres from the ContoSportContact 5 P series. The Audi RS 6 Avant will be equipped with size 285/30 ZR 21 tyres while the RS 7 Sportback will feature size 275/30 ZR 21 tyres.

To mark tyres produced with the noise reduction coating technology, the ContiSilent tyres will bear additional RO1 Mark on the sidewall.

Honda Civic Tourer – First Look

Honda has unveiled its 2014 Civic Tourer ahead of its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Honda SA has confirmed to us that the car is being considered for local introduction in 2014. A roomier, sleeker version of the popular Civic hatch, the Tourer is a particularly good looking rival to cars like the Golf Variant and Toyota Auris station wagon.

Honda Civic Tourer Features

Developed and designed in Europe, the production model shares similar styling and design features with the concept previewed earlier this at the Geneva Motor Show such as the front fascia with angular headlights and daytime running lights.

Further, the Civic Tourer has class-leading interior space and can hold up to 1668 litres of luggage. Extra storage comes from below-floor spaces, and rear seat bolsters which can flip up to make space for tall goods.

An included tonneau cover hides valuables in the back and can be stored out of the way when not in use, while a 60:40 split in the seat base offers even more options for carrying both people and cargo and provides an alternative load area if access via the tailgate is limited.

Honda Civic Tourer Engine Range

Engine choice for the new Civic Tourer includes a 1.6-litre i-DTEC engine from the manufacturers Earth Dreams Technology series or the 1.8 iVTEC engine. Either engine can be mated to a manual or automatic transmission.

Its brand new Adaptive Damper System (ADS) is designed to help enhance stability and comfort under varying load and driving conditions. Three settings are available on the ADS: comfort, normal, and dynamic. This allows the Civic Tourer to remain comfortable during highway cruising, yet firm and agile when high-performance handling is required.

Highlighting the new Civic Tourer is its sporty and sophisticated exterior design which is defined by a bold line that runs continuously from the front A-pillar to the D-pillar. The glass of the rear quarter window has been extended to cover the body work of the D-pillar and the rear door sash has been raised by 17mm compared to the Civic 5-door.

Petrol price in South Africa over the last 10 years infographic

Petrol price in South Africa infographic

Just 10 years ago South Africans were paying 339% less for petrol. In August 2004, unleaded fuel on the reef was priced at R4.00 a litre, with diesel at R3.29.

Petrol price increases

On average, the price has gained nearly rand a year, but the jumps have been erratic.

There was a brief period of respite from August 2008 to August 2009, when the price dropped by nearly R2.50. But since then, it has almost doubled to new highs seen this month.

Current South African fuel prices

Current fuel prices in South Africa stand at R13.55 for unleaded 95 on the reef, and the wholesale price of diesel (0.05% or 50ppm) is R12.48 on the reef.

All South Africa’s New Car Launches For July 2013

The month of July 2013 saw a host of new and exciting models introduced to South Africa. Weve compiled a list of new car launches that took place during the month of July 2013.

Renault Fluence Dynamique CVT from R254 900

Renault extended its Fluence line up with a new Dynamique 2.0-litre sedan, the final variant in the brands 2013 model line up. The model was facelifted in 2012 with the new Renault family face, standard Xenon headlights and a few minor changes. The mid-sized sedan is now offered with a CVT transmission.

Volkswagen Golf GTI from R368 300

Volkswagen brought us the long awaited seventh generation Golf GTI to South African soil, not only featuring a heavily revised turbocharged engine. The GTI is 42kg lighter than before (from 1393 to 1351kg), thanks to VW’s new ‘transverse matrix’ MQB platform.

Citroen C4 Grand Picasso not yet available

Citroen revealed the second generation C4 Grand Picasso designed to offer a “pioneering balance between interior spaciousness and flowing body styling.” The model also has class-leading second and third row spaciousness as well as a cargo capacity in excess of 700 litres. There is no indication as to when or whether the model will be available in South Africa.

Mitsubishi Lancer Sedan R239 900

Mitsubishi upgraded the Lancer 2.0 GLS sedan with a number of features (Bluetooth, a full complement of seven airbags, reversing camera and touchscreen controls for the audio system) that provide added value to buyers without an increase in the selling price.

Lexus IS 350 from R449 900

Lexus introduced its redesigned third generation IS sedan sporting rich sporty looks, a claimed fuel consumption figure of 9.7 litres/100km, and a new interior design available in a choice of three smooth leather colour schemes.

FAW Sirius from R149 995

FAW released an updated Sirius model, a rival to the Nissan Livina. Specification levels on the Sirius range include alloy wheels (even the spare), air-conditioning, dual airbags, remote control central locking, and power steering to name a few.

Peugeot 208 GTi R259 900

The Peugeot 208 GTi is available with a high pressure turbocharged 1.6-litre engine that delivers 147kW of power, accelerating to 100km/h in just 6.8 seconds. The GTI rides on 17-inch Diamond Carbon alloy wheels and also features revised steering settings that increase firmness.

Nissan NV200 Combi from R235 800

Nissan added to its range of LCVs the NV200 Combi which is much like its sibling the NV200 panel van, with sliding doors on both sides of the vehicle, 14-inch alloy wheels and is available in array of colours including white, silver, grey, black, and a more zesty red, blue marine and blue green

Mercedes Benz SLK AMG from R579 238

Mercedes-Benz further enhanced its SLK AMG Sport-line range featuring new generation 4 and 6-cylinder engines with direct injection.

Toyota Fortuner LTD Edition from R434 700

Toyota launched the Fortuner LTD Edition which is available exclusively across a number of models, including the Fortuner 3.0 and 4.0, as well as the 4×4 variants.

Honda Brio Sedan from R128 900

Japanese manufacturer Honda extended its Brio range with a contemporary sedan version based on the same platform as the hatchback, and is equipped with a 1.2-litre i-VTEC four-cylinder, delivering 65kW of power at 6000 pm.

Toyota Hilux Dakar Edition from R292 200

A Dakar Edition Hilux was released by Toyota and is available for a limited period (till September) on Raider grade models across all three body types. Some improvements include stainless-steel nudge bar, rear styling and door steps with a Dakar logo.

Peugeot RCZ Coupe from R423 500

Peugeot introduced its updated RCZ coupe which is available with an extensive list of safety features; extra boot space which can be expanded to 760 litres with the rear seats folded flat, and will also be offered with a choice of two versions of the 1.6-litre turbocharged engine.

Porsche Panamera from R958 000

The heavily updated Porsche Panamera is now locally available in eight derivatives with a change in the engine line-up, and a new V6 3-litre biturbo engine replacing the previous 4.8-litre V8 engine in the Panamera S and Panamera 4S.

Nissan Juke dCi R263 800

Nissan added the CVT automatic and all-wheel drive versions to the Juke line-up, which are equipped with the 1.5 dCi engine and feature three driving modes: Normal, Eco and Sport. The models are mated to a six-speed manual gearbox as standard.

Latest Hyundai i10 Specs Officially Revealed

Hyundai has taken the wraps off its all-new second generation Hyundai i10 city car, scheduled for public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month.

2014 Hyundai i10 specs & features

The new generation Hyundai i10 takes a more evolved and mature design approach, falling more in line with the i20 which is not a bad thing at all. The new i10 model is 80mm longer, 65mm wider and 50mm lower than the outgoing model. The boot capacity has been boosted by more than 10 percent to 252 litres with all seats in place.

To take full advantage of its enhanced dimensions, the new Generation i10 has also been carefully tuned to deliver refined driving dynamics and low noise levels, for an experience claimed to be close to the standard of B-segment cars. The automaker also promises an improved interior quality, with soft-touch dash and door materials and a host of storage options.

Front and rear passengers will benefit from increased legroom space and higher levels of comfort and safety features in the new Hyundai i10. These include automatic climate control, heated leather steering wheel and cruise control with speed limiter, standard-fitment stability control and front curtain airbags.

Hyundai hasnt revealed any engine details but it is suspected that the automaker will be using the regular three and four cylinder engines available with petrol and diesel options.

The New Generation i10 is set to enter production in September, and will be made at Hyundai’s factory in Azmit, Turkey.

Five Options You Need On Your Next Car

Youve decided on the car, youre in the dealership and the salesman lays down the options list in front of you. Were past air-conditioning, remote central locking and electric windows, some of which are still not fitted as standard, as Dave pointed out yesterday in his list of features we wish were standard on modern cars . Now though, MSport packs, adaptive suspension and ambient lighting are in the mix. More often than not vehicles are ordered by the dealers with options fitted, and you often have to take whats on the floor, but heres a list of options you should definitely be ticking.

Five Options You Need On Your Next Car by John Beale

Note that some options require you to take a package much like a meal from a fast food restaurant. Make sure youre getting value out of everything in the package, otherwise spec individually. Also note some manufacturers require certain options to be fitted for others to be added e.g. Multimedia interface with Bluetooth.

Xenon headlamps R6 000 R13 000

Headlamps have come a long way from candles in tins. From standard bulbs, to Halogen and most recently LED headlamps, they are brighter than ever. Tick the box for Xenon headlamps, they usually make the vehicle look better, and can give up to 40m extra forward visibility. Careful, dont get too excited, the Adaptive headlamps are cool (lamps that turn with steering input) but the technology is still too expensive for the added benefit so steer clear of that option.

Bluetooth R1200 R4000

Youd be surprised at how many manufacturers still have this as an option. Besides it being illegal to talk on your cellular phone and drive, its downright stupid. Spec the option, even better if it includes Bluetooth streaming so you dont need to plug in your phone to play music through the system.

Park Distance Control R1500 R6000

Now you can say weve been parking cars for years without it, but with more underground parking and large SUVs with terrible views around, its more necessary than ever. Rear PDC is a definite on larger vehicles, itll help you save on repairing those nasty little bumps.

Auto Lights and Wipers R800 R3500

Again, weve done without these for years, but once you have them youll wonder why any car comes without them. Negating the need to switch lights off when you get out, and the safety that they automatically come on when youre in areas of low lighting. Generally they also activate automatically over certain speeds / distances for safety. Automatic wipers switch on automatically should it sense a certain amount of water on the windscreen, and also increase / decrease wiping speed on their own. Leaving you to concentrate when youre driving in the rain.

Cruise Control R900 R1500

Not the adaptive kind, but rather just straight up cruise control. If you have an automatic you definitely need it. It makes for much more relaxing highway travelling, allowing you to set your speed for safety and less speeding fines. There is an added benefit of increased fuel efficiency cruise control is better at managing throttle than you are with your right foot at highway speeds.