Reborn Datsun brand gives first glimpse of new model

Ahead of its official unveiling, Nissan’s Datsun has released sketches of the first car to bear the revived nameplate, giving a preview of the first new generation model which also marks a significant milestone and a new chapter in the history of this legendary brand. Aimed for high-growth markets like India, Indonesia, Russia and South Africa, the brand is excitingly on its way back to our shores.

Although Datsun models will be individually developed for different markets, the concept will follow a common inspiration. Datsun’s first model will likely compete in a segment where the Kia Picanto, Chevrolet Spark and Hyundai i10 are already popular.

However according to the head of Datsun, Vincent Cobee, “the brand promises to bring competitive products and services that are modern and aspirational, providing superior value and specifically developed for the emerging and ambitious new middle class in high-growth markets.”

In addition, the brand maintains it will deliver a rewarding brand experience with no compromise in terms of accessibility, reliability and durability – values it says are deeply rooted in the Datsun heritage.

More details and specifications will emerge closer to the launch later in the year.

New legislation may increase car insurance premiums

Government is planning a raft of changes to the National Road Traffic Management Act that could indirectly affect the insurance premiums the average consumer has to pay to protect their car in the case of accident damage.

The change to legislation is aiming to ban the sale of used car parts of accident damaged vehicles. When a car is permanently written off, it is declared a Code 4. This means the car can never be licensed again as it is, but under current regulations, parts may be salvaged and sold to repair other vehicles. As is often the case in accidents, one side of the car may be badly damaged, but a significant portion of the car remains salvageable.

It is a lucrative industry but one that leaves the door open for crime. Stolen cars are stripped for parts and those parts are “hidden” in the network of legitimate parts. It is this aspect of the industry the government is hoping to tackle, but the insurance and salvage industry have voiced complaints that they have not been properly consulted, or that the legislation is potentially damaging.

The effect on the South African motorist will be felt more directly, as the changes may potentially raise the monthly cost of running a vehicle, by pushing up insurance premiums, particularly when insuring older cars.

If 2nd hand car parts are banned for the repair of damaged cars, insurers will have to use much more expensive new parts. This in turn pushes up the price of repair generally. Additionally it may result in more cars may have to be written off as the repair becomes uneconomical.

Insurers will factor this into their pricing models and it will likely raise the average car insurance premium.
The South African Insurance Association (SAIA) met just a few days ago on July 1st to discuss the issue, and released a statement saying the draft legislation, if implemented, would have severe and unintended consequences to customers and the insurance industry.

The SAIA is due to meet the Department of Transport to further discuss the issue. The association has sent there proposals to the DoT. Clearly, the matter requires much debate.
We’ll keep tabs on this issue and break down the likely or possible effects it will have on your pocket as the story evolves.

Mitsubishi Lancer gets upgrade

The compact Mitsubishi Lancer sedan which offered crisp styling and sharper handling than almost anything else in its segment when it launched back in 2007, has been upgraded to provide added value to customers without an increase in the selling price.

Mitsubishi Lancer Sedan – Features

The Mitsubishi Lancer exterior and interior remain unchanged, however, the model receives a higher level of standard specification and extra features such as a temperature controlled air conditioner, a multi-function steering wheel with hands-free Bluetooth voice control and steering audio controls, a high resolution reversing camera, central touch screen for audio settings and a USB port, Keyless entry, and an auto-on/off feature for the headlamps. The front and rear independent suspension ensures good handling and road holding with attractive 16 inch alloys wheels.

As before, the Lancer is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that delivers 110kW of power at 6000 rpm and 197Nm of torque at 4200 rpm. Drive is through a five-speed manual transmission which achieved an average of 7litres/100km during a combined cycle drive.

“We listened to our customers in terms of specification improvements they wanted to see on Lancer and now we are pleased that we have been able to bring a much-improved medium size car to market in South Africa,” said Jaco Oosthuizen, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors SA.

As with all Mitsubishi Lancer models, the upgraded Sedan comes standard with seven airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake force distribution, brake- assist and halogen headlights with front fog lamps.

Mitsubishi Lancer Sedan – Price

View the new Mitsubishi Lancer

Mitsubishi Lancer 2.0 GLS sedan – R239 900

The Mitsubishi Lancer is covered by a 3-year/100,000km warranty and a 5-year/100,000km service plan with servicing every 15 000km.

Most popular new car brands for June 2013

Figures released by the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA) show sales in the first six months of the year are up by 6.8% which is a substantial increase considering the market might weaken in the next coming months due to fuel price hikes and threatening toll fees.

Regardless of indications of a slow down in economic growth, industry sales of 53562 units for June 2013 reflected an increase of 3.3% from the 51872 units sold in June last year. Here is a breakdown of the best selling new car brands for June 2013 in comparison with May 2013, as well as each brand’s top 5 selling vehicles.

Car Brand Volume Market Share
Volkswagen Group SA 10 620 units 19.8%
Toyota 10 087 units 18.8%
Ford Motor Company 5186 units 9.6%
GMSA 5111 units 9.5%
Nissan 4273 units 7.9%

South Africa’s Top selling new car brands

1. Volkswagen Group SA – 10 620 units

The German company outsold its Japanese rival Toyota by 533 units in June, while Audi’s market share has grown in the premium segment during the past six months. Locally built Polo Vivo is still the best-selling passenger car in South Africa and surpasses the Toyota Hilux as the best selling car in June 2013.

Model June Sales (Compared to May 2013)
VW Polo Vivo 3681 (&#9650 2654)
VW Polo 2652 (&#9660 2688)
Audi A4 598 (&#9650 534)
VW Golf 7 572 (572)
VW Amarok 430 (&#9650 503)

2. Toyota – 10 087 units

Despite the high level of competition the industry is showing, Toyota continues to lead the way with vehicle exports. Along with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW 3-Series and Ford Figo, Toyota’s Corolla and Etios topped the 1000 sales mark, ensuring the brand continues to power ahead with total sales of 10 087 new vehicles in June.

Model June Sales (Compared to May 2013)
Toyota Hilux 3070 (&#9660 3076 )
Toyota Corolla/Auris 1655 (&#9650 1458)
Toyota Etios 1644 (&#9650 1507 )
Toyota Fortuner 915 (&#9660 940)
Toyota Quantum 903 (&#9660 1210)

3. Ford Motor Company – 5186 units

Ford continued to forge ahead during the first six months of the year, increasing sales by four times the market growth during the same period last year. The recently launched Ford Fiesta ST accounted for 184 units of Fiesta sales, 79% ahead of the best previous generation Fiesta ST sales month. Ford sold a total of 5186 units indicating strong consumer sentiment for the products, and across the range of existing models and new product introductions.

Model June Sales (Compared to May 2013)
Ford Ranger 1627 (&#9650 1621)
Ford Figo 1184 (&#9660 1247)
Ford Fiesta 685 (&#9660 829)
Ford Kuga 585 (&#9650 404)
Mazda 3 337 (&#9660 515)

4. GMSA – 5111 units

Within the GMSA product range the Chevrolet Utility continued to be a favourite amongst buyers in the sub-1 ton market with 1 672 of the popular small pick-ups delivered during June. GMSA sales of 5 111 units accounted for 53 562 total industry sales for June.

Model June Sales (Compared to May 2013)
Chevrolet Utility 1672 (&#9660 1853)
Isuzu KB 1012 (&#9660 1364)
Chevrolet Cruze 511 (&#9660 546)
Chevrolet Spark 484 (&#9650 464)
Chevrolet Aveo 232 (&#9660 357)

5. Nissan – 4273 units

Nissan South Africa ended the first half of the calendar year on a high note, selling a total of 4 273 vehicles in June 2013, and increasing volume by 744 units or 21% compared to May. The NP200 enjoyed a very strong month with 1 682 sales, making it the best-selling half-tonner locally, while the NP300 Hardbody one-tonner workhorse showed an increase over May.

Model June Sales (Compared to May 2013)
Nissan NP200 1682 (&#9650 1476)
Nissan NP300 Hardbody 600 (&#9650 517)
Nissan Micra 414 (&#9660 422)
Nissan Juke 395 (&#9650 336)
Nissan Qashqai 389 (&#9650 263)

New Maserati Ghibli in perspective

If you’re in the market for a midsize luxury saloon, things are about to become a little more confusing for you. Ciro De Siena has a look at the new Maserati Ghibli, and provides an overview of the entire segment to help understand where the newcomer fits in.

New Maserati Ghibli enters luxury sedan segment

Quite simply, a gorgeous Italian will soon be wandering into the segment, flirting with the Germans, taunting the Japanese and getting the British a bit hot under the collar.

The Maserati Ghibli has been launched in the UK, and given the popularity of the marque in SA, I see no question about it’s possibility of reaching local shores. Although it may sound like the noise a small child makes while eating, the Ghibli is Maserati’s first proper crack at the mainstream worth writing about.

Drawing on styling from the Quattroportte, which is a bit like drawing on the looks of Penelope Cruz, the Italian starlet will be up against some very well respected, well entrenched competition, as well as solid products from Japan. With a choice of three engines at launch in the UK, including a diesel and two petrol turbo V6s, from first reports in the overseas press, Maserati have got this one right.

While we wait for news of its arrival, I’ve put together an overview of the segment, so you’re well armed with information when the sultry mistress of midsize luxury arrives.

Lexus GS

The newest competitor in the market, the GS is large, comfortable and actually more sporting than it lets on, especially the bigger GS350, which has a rather sonourous sounding V6. The GS250 is smoother and perhaps more of an everyday option, while the Hybrid will confuse your mind as it creeps around completely silently under 20km/h. It’s like being in the world’s most expensive, most luxurious golf cart. The interior has the largest info screen fitted to a production car, wider than an iPad, and rear space is quite incredible, with a huge boot to, er, boot.

Prices start at R524,700. The Hybrid is the most pricey at R818,900. View the Lexus GS range

Jaguar XF

Ostensibly British but feels very German indeed, although it does seem to take itself less seriously. The 2.0litre diesel is fantastically economical, while the 3.0 diesel is quite frugal while providing petrol-levels of thrills. A range of petrol engines, all the way up to a bonkers V8 in the XFR are all smooth, solid choices. The interior, although ageing now, still has that party trick on ignition where the vents rotate to reveal themselves and the gearknob, literally a huge knob, rises out of the console like the control for warp drive on your favourite fictional space ship.

Prices start from R499 300, and cruise all the way up to R1,076,900 for the madmax R version. View the Jaguar XF range.

BMW 5 Series

With a heritage of being the sporty choice, BMW has a solid offering in this segment with the 5 Series. The 530d was SA car of the year in 2011, and while not a cheap exercise, it is an exceptional all-rounder. With a huge range of options, engines, aesthetic kits and detailing variations, you can almost spec an entirely unique 5 Series so that the neighbour’s one always looks a little dated. Rear wheel drive fans almost insitinctively go with the Beemer, however the E-Class is very nearly a level competitor these days in the dynamic stakes. But somehow the Beemer always feels that little bit more exciting.

Prices start at R506 975 for the 520i. View the BMW 5-Series range

Audi A6

Another sensible German competitor, which in this company is starting to look a little Plain Jane. However, if you’re in for understated, the Audi does that superbly, while if you spec an S-Line kit, it really does look the sporting part. Front wheel or Quattro drive are your only options, so if drifting on the way to the shops is your thing, look elsewhere. Audi’s diesels are fantastic, with the 3.0l my pick of the bunch, as it delivers sportscar punch but will also save you at the pumps if you can reign in your right foot. A massive boot should swallow everything you need for a family holiday. Just keep an eye on that options list, if you’re not careful you can end up with a very expensive car indeed. But that’s generally the German way of things.

Prices start at R501 000 for the range. View the Audi A6 range.

Mercedes E-Class

The current E Class has just received a midlife cycle refresh – a facelift to you and me, but this was quite an extensive upgrade which we’ve covered here. The changes have at the very least been an aesthetic success, the latest E-Class is now a real looker. The AMG models continue to be rightfully bonkers, although the naturally aspirated massive V8s are now a thing of the past. Smaller displacement with turbos are now the weapon of choice. I think the E-Class wagon is a solid, luxurious family cruiser, but not many South Africans agree, manufacturers sell very few wagons each year in SA.

The range starts at R544 000 for the E200. View the Mercedes-Benz E-Class range.

Citroen C4 Grand Picasso revealed

The second generation Citroen C4 Grand Picasso has been revealed by the French automaker and features a stretched wheelbase – the longest in its class – and a radical new design that is sure to polarize opinion. A new range of engines claims incredible efficiency with reduced CO2 emissions.

No decision has yet been made as to whether or when the new Citroen C4 Grand Picasso will be available in South Africa, but our guess is that it will be seriously considered for local introduction.

Citroen C4 Grand Picasso boasts low fuel consumption

Engine Specs and Capability

At launch in Europe, the Citroen C4 Grand Picasso will be available with a choice of three turbodiesel engines including the 66kW e-HDi 90 Airdream unit which emits 98g/km of CO2 at an average of 3.82-litres/100 km.

The 85kW e-HDi 115 engine will emit just 104g/km of CO2 emissions (105g/km for the manual version) with a combined fuel economy of 4.02-litres/100km, while the new Euro 6-compliant, 110kW BlueHDi 150 with selective catalytic reduction is rated at 110g/km.

All diesel-powered Citroen C4 Grand Picasso models are fitted with Stop & Start technology as standard, and can be connected to a six-speed manual or a new 6-speed Efficient Tronic Gearbox that modulates gear change speeds more precisely based on driver input for improved performance and comfort.

Internal and External Design Features

The Citroen C4 Grand Picasso has been designed to offer a revolutionary balance between interior spaciousness and flowing body styling.

The loft inspired interior is fitted with a standard-fit panoramic windscreen that stretches back into the roof and white LED lighting throughout the cabin.

The dashboard features two full-digital displays – a 7-inch touchpad and a 12-inch panoramic HD screen. It’s further covered in satin chrome and gloss inserts which blend in with laser-engraved patterns on the door trim inserts, while the asymmetrical front seat is upholstered to look like a sofa. The second row has three independent seats with sliding bases and tilting backs.

Additionally, the new Citroen C4 Grand Picasso is distinguished by a revised front fascia, distinctive taillights, a unique roof rack that blends into the D-pillar and sleek headlights which contribute to the high-tech appearance at the front. The model also features a panoramic glass roof and 16 to18-inch alloy wheels.

Also claimed to be unique in this segment is a set of air vents for the rear-most passengers, and at a minimum of 645 litres, the boot is 69 litres bigger than its predecessor.

The optional Lounge Pack comes with front massaging seats and a ‘Relax’ mode passenger seat, as well as ‘Relax’ head restraints for all the seats.

Safety Features

The Citroen C4 Grand Picasso is packed with safety equipment, which includes:

  • Radar guided active cruise control in the front bumper to maintain a constant distance to the vehicle in front, using acceleration or engine braking to reduce or increase vehicle speed.
  • An anti-collision warning system that also uses the front radar to alert the driver when the vehicle is too close to the vehicle in front, with three alert systems depending on the risk; visual, sound and seatbelt pressure.
  • Keyless entry and start, a reversing camera, an electric tailgate, 360 Vision using four cameras placed around the car to give the driver a bird’s-eye view, a rear view or a panoramic into a tight parking space, whether parallel parking or reversing straight back.
  • Active seatbelts for the driver and front passenger which automatically pull tight in the event of danger, additionally the driver’s seatbelt works with the lane departure warning system and vibrates as a warning if the car inadvertently crosses a white line without signalling.
  • An image-processing function for the miniature camera in the interior mirror manages the automatic high-beam function, dipping the headlights according to lighting and traffic conditions
  • Ultrasonic blind spot monitoring that uses an orange light on the door mirrors to warn the driver if a vehicle is present in their blind spot, monitoring the area up to five metres behind the rear bumper and 3.5 metres on either side.

Subaru Forester XT Review in South Africa

For a while the Subaru Forester was an excellent choice if you enjoyed all the dynamic aspects of the Subaru brand, but needed extra ride height and a more family-friendly body shape. Based on the Impreza chassis, the Forester was a bit of an offroad racer. Then things got wobbly, and I’ll explain why. But I’m happy to report that Forester as we know and love it is back, well, almost.

Subaru Forester XT Review by Ciro De Siena

Engine Capability

I drove the range topping Subaru Forester XT Lineartronic while covering the massive Top Gear Festival down in Durban. The sea air obviously helped because the car felt spritely, quick and responsive. Featuring a turbocharged version of the 2.0L boxer engine, the Subaru Forester XT makes do with 177kW and a healthy 350Nm of torque. The powerband is narrow but the clever gearbox does an excellent job of getting the most out of the engine. This is probably the best CVT ‘box on the market. Interestingly in Sports Sharp mode, the box changes into a “digital manual”, with 8 gear ratios which you can play with via the flappy paddles, or let the ‘box do its thing. It really is very good at pretending to be a manual, making the drive much more involving.

Driving Capability

Here’s where I explain why things went wobbly. Subaru is a big brand in the States, and in the US of A people like things comfy. Think Lay-Z-Boys and waterbeds. The last Forester was almost exclusively designed for this market, and as such it felt like driving a jumping castle. The car rolled and pitched terribly.

Thankfully, they have sorted that out. I do like a fairly firm set up in a car, and I still feel it could be a bit tauter, but for the everyday drive the new car is firm enough and finally the Forester feels like it means business. Of all the “soft-roaders”, if you particularly enjoy driving, this car is the most rewarding.

Exterior and Interior Styling

The latest Subaru Forester XT is new from the ground up and the exterior styling is aggressive while managing to be refined. Although, my test model was in black with big bling wheels; it looked positively gangster. Or governmental, which is kind of the same thing. Last year, we tried desperately to get through security at the Top Gear festival, which is run like a military camp. This year we were waved through. Like I said, this car means business.

The interior is still conservatively Subaru, and remarkably the dash feels dated already. There is a charm in its simplicity, but I still feel Subaru could make more effort here. Perhaps with the optional touch screen infotainment system, the dash might feel a bit more modern. The dials have a crisp contrast to them, which looks great at night.

Seating is very comfortable and all passengers are very spaciously accommodated, with a big boot always at the ready. In fact, it feels very executive in there, you could quite happily ferry either your kids or colleagues around, and I’d imagine everyone would be chuffed with the transport.

Safety Features

Quite simply, the new Forester is the safest SUV on sale today. Awarded EuroNCAP’s safest SUV for 2012, and achieving 5 stars from both ANCAP (Australian safety agency) and EuroNCAP, the Forester is armed to the grille with safety innovations.
Standard safety equipment includes a total of seven airbags – dual front, side and curtain airbags are complimented by a driver’s knee airbag. The very structure of the car protects passengers, with Subaru’s Ring Shaped Reinforcement (capitals necessary, apparently) helping the car to achieve the highest possible rating for side-impact protection.

Subaru’s Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) ties in all of the car’s active and passive safety systems to ensure safe travel, even if you are driving like a rowdy teenager. But for my money, it’s Subaru’s Symmetrical All Wheel Drive which contributes most to safety. In the wet it is particularly impressive, providing levels of traction that front wheel cars just do not offer. The system inspires confidence and the car feels planted at all times.

Subaru Forester XT – Conclusion

While certainly not a cheap exercise, there is almost nothing I don’t like about the new Subaru Forester XT. But, it remains a thirsty car, and this remains a bit of an Achilles Heel for Subaru. In the car’s defense, I drive enthusiastically, and I expect a lot of performance out of any car, which the Subaru delivers in bucketloads. But, for the average driver, a lesser powered model might help you save at the pumps. After all, the power in the Subaru Forester XT is just too tempting to exploit. It’s got more power than the new Golf GTi, and it feels like a GTi of the offroad world.

However, if you need a practical family car, or even a stylish executive car with a difference, a car that can handle some fairly heavy offroad driving, the Subaru Forester XT ticks many boxes very well indeed.

Subaru Forester XT – Price

Prices for the range start at R329,900, but the model tested starts at R529 000.

  • What I liked :
    • Handling, sportscar engine makes this a very enjoyable family car
    • Practicality, interior space and comfort
    • Looks and design – aggressive but stylish
  • What I didn’t like:
    • Fuel consumption
    • Too simple dashboard and instruments
    • Price, but considered as an executive car, it makes some sense
  • View the vehicle : New Subaru Forester / Used Subaru Forester

  • Competitors
    • Suzuki Grand VitaraNaturally aspirated so suffers on the reef, but great value and good looks, as well as offroad capability
      Prices start at R307,900 – great value
    • Nissan XtrailNot nearly as fun to drive, but very practical option with some great diesel engines.
      Prices start at R318,600

Opel Corsa OPC Nurburgring Edition on its way to SA

Following the launch of the new Opel Astra OPC, GMSA has released details about the Opel Corsa OPC Nurburgring Edition which will make its way to South Africa in October, boosting the product line-up as a halo model. The limited edition is perhaps unsurprisingly available in limited numbers.

Opel Corsa OPC Nurburgring Edition – Features

Exterior Design

Designed to be the hottest Corsa ever, the new Opel Corsa OPC Nurburgring Edition offers a rare blend of raw power, performance and passion. The range-topping model boasts a host of visual changes which include a front lip spoiler, a new rear roof-mounted spoiler, dual exhaust pipes, and exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels with high performance Brembo disc brakes.

Interior Design

Inside, the Opel Corsa OPC has Recaro sports seats in Nappa leather, while equipment upgrades include rain-sensing wipers, automatic climate control and an upgraded audio system with USB and Bluetooth compatibility.

Engine specs

Under the hood is a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine which produces 154 kW at 5850 rpm and 250 Nm of torque from 2 250 rpm – and as much as 280 Nm on overboost. Thanks to the added performance, the car can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 6.8 seconds and hit a top speed of 230 km/h. Fuel consumption combined cycle average is rated at 7.6-litres/100km with carbon emissions of 178 g/km.

More detailed information on the new Opel Corsa OPC Nurburgring Edition’s heightened performance and various other upgrades will be made available closer to the time of launch.

New VW Golf 7 giveaway with Cars.co.za and Justplay

Cars.co.za is giving away a new VW Golf 7 with Justplay.co.za. The new VW Golf 7 was named World Car of the Year and European Car of the Year for 2013. The latest in a long line of exceptional cars, the new VW Golf 7 is the very epitome of reliability, comfort, and efficiency.

To win one of the most talked about cars in South Africa, click the link below, create an account on JustPlay and then enter the competition. Entrance is free and you can enter multiple times through JustPlay’s bonus point system.

Enter here

New VW Golf 7: More than just a car

Entirely new from the ground up, the VW Golf 7 is lighter, wider and more efficient than the model it replaces. An entirely new generation of engines has reduced displacement, while increasing power and decreasing fuel consumption.

The interior is all new as well. Every seat has been redesigned and you can feel it, the front seat is lower, wider and more sportscar-like than before. There are clever touches throughout the cabin, with a touch screen infotainment system as standard, which is modelled on the smartphones we use on a day to day basis.

It’s also the quietest car in its class, with even the suspension designed to cause less vibration through the chassis. There is also a special film on the windscreen which reduces wind noise.

From all of us at Cars.co.za, good luck to all the entrants!

2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Driving Impression

The 2013 Mercedes Benz E Class is an important competitor in the luxury sedan market, and it’s just undergone an extensive midlife overhaul.

Robyn Shield attends Cape Town Launch of 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

When the new 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was launched in SA last week I had a pretty clear idea about what I expected to see: a stand-out competitor in the premium luxury segment, large executive sedans and presentations targeted at middle-aged businessmen and statesmen in expensive suits. What I expected to drive: a tank.

And what rolled onto the stage in what can only be described as a very rock ’n roll unveiling- cue strobe lights, smoke machines and the thunderous roar of the new V8 biturbo engine?

2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class design and range details

A very sexy family of loud, trimmed down, seriously good-looking new E-Class Mercs -which includes sedan, estate, coupe, cabriolet and AMG models, and even a brand new Hybrid. All models carry the sleek and elegant lines that are synonymous with modern Mercs, and the new avant-garde twin blade grill up front. (If you really do bemoan the loss of the traditional ‘gun sight’ star at the end of the bonnet, you can still have it if you buy the sedan or the estate.)

Also bringing a lustrous, more attractive aesthetic to the class are the new single unit LED headlamps, replacing the double-vision twin headlights of the old E-Class. The result is rather foxy and ‘come-hithery’ and definitely lends to the overall sexy look of the new range. Seriously, if Ryan Seacrest had his own way, this E-class family would have its own reality TV show.

Interior Style and Design

The interior styling is nothing to scoff at either, although it’s what you would expect from ‘premium, luxury executive vehicles’: plenty of leather and dials and levers catering to your every whim. Rather a big fuss was made about the inclusion of an analogue clock; apparently this is the signifier of luxury interiors these days. I do wish the centre display was operated by touch screen. In the current age of smartphones and what-nots, most of us have forgotten how to use buttons to select a desired menu option, and you definitely don’t want to be figuring that out while you’re driving such a powerful (and expensive) car.

2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class – First Drive Impression

“So how is the drive?” you may ask. In a word: effortless.

Read a Mercedes brochure and they will throw all kinds of other words at you: emotional, exhilarating, efficient, intelligent and evolutionary. Yes, it may be all those things, if that’s what you want from your car. But at the heart of it all, it’s simply enjoyable to drive. For the petrol heads, there is the pumped up new E 63 AMG S with fuel injected, biturbo 430kw V8 engine that will put out more power than you could ever really use in real life, but it’s there to play with all the same. And for those of you who simply want to enjoy your journey in comfort and style, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-class doesn’t require very much from you in terms of handling or even precision.

Safety Features in the 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Launching a range of driver assist and safety technologies, these cars near-on drive themselves which, perhaps counter-intuitively, means improved road safety.

To mention just a few safety features:

  • Collision Prevention Assist (std): Warns of an impending collision.
  • Attention Assist (std): Goes off when you appear to be nodding off.
  • Distronic Plus (opt): Works with cruise control, and maintains the gap between you and vehicle ahead, while helping to keep your car in your lane.
  • BAS (Brake Assist System) Plus (opt): Identifies pedestrians (or livestock) and slams on emergency brakes to prevent a collision.
  • Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus (opt): Allows you to stay on main beam permanently. It masks out areas of your lights so that you won’t affect the visibility of oncoming vehicles.

Engine range

There’s a range of new engines too, as well as refined and more efficient versions of the old favourites. From the 2-litre E200 to the E500 and E 63 AMG S, and everything in between, including the all new E300 BlueTEC Hybrid. With most available in petrol and diesel variations, the range expands to over 30 models. You are truly spoilt for choice, as the E-Class aims to accommodate individual taste and requirements. This may be why it is Mercedes’ most successful product, with more than 13 million sold worldwide.