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.

Fiat 500L Living officially revealed

Italian automaker Fiat has introduced the seven seat Fiat 500L Living model which is set to expand its hatchback offering.

Fiat 500L Living – The new model of the 500 family

At launch the Fiat 500L Living model will be available with a 1.4-litre petrol engine producing 70kW, a 0.9-litre TwinAir Turbo petrol engine producing 77kW, a 1.3-litre MultiJet II diesel developing 62kW, and a 1.6-litre MultiJet II diesel also developing 77kW.

Described as the new Magic Purpose Wagon, the Fiat 500L Living has all the charm of the 500, the agility of a city-car and versatility of an MPV. While the standard 500L has a five-passenger seating configuration, the new Fiat 500L Living brings a third row of seats, upping capacity to seven passengers. This model is also the only car in the segment with a load capacity of 638-litres.

The range will include two trim levels (Pop Star and Lounge) both with five or seven seats, 19 body colours (including 11 two-tone combinations) and six interior trims, 15 different types in terms of alloy wheels and hub caps. Additionally the Fiat 500L Living offers high quality equipment as demonstrated by the new leather interiors, integrated navigation system and rear camera assist with reversing manoeuvres.

It is unclear whether the Fiat 500L Living will be available in South Africa.

New Citroen C3 launched in South Africa

The new Citroen C3 has been launched and comes with added spunk, thanks to a package of changes that add mechanical zest, visual appeal and enhanced driving pleasure.

New Citroen C3 offers low fuel consumption

Engine Capability

The new Citroen C3 is powered by a 1.2-litre three-cylinder Puretech petrol engine, and at 60kW it has more power than the previous larger 1.4-litre engine it replaces, yet matches its torque output of 118Nm.

According to Citroen, fuel consumption levels can be as low as 4.7-litres/100km, achieved with a CO2 output of 109 g/km.

Further, the previous mid-range 1.4 16-valve engine has fallen away, and Citroen has replaced it with a 1.6-litre VTi petrol engine, which produces 88kW of power and 160Nm of torque. Also still available is the1.6-litre e-HDi turbodiesel unit which develops 68kW of power and 230Nm of torque. CO2 emissions can be expected to reach a low 98 g/km, and fuel consumption can be rated at 3.7-litres/100 km.

Enhanced Exterior and Interior Features

Big changes to the visual appeal of the new Citoren C3 include bumper-mounted LED daytime running lights on Seduction and Exclusive models, more prominent trademark chevrons which run the width of the nose to reach the inner edges of the headlights, while a deeper front air intake with honeycomb mesh brings it in line with other Citroen models. The chrome eyebrow above the taillight clusters now features distinctive ‘pockets’ for each lighting function. A new Ink Blue colour expands the choice of six hues.

Inside, the new Citroen C3 has been styled with touches of chrome, while a new dashboard cross strip is finished in Tungsten or Moondust colours that compliment the new upholstery which comes in three distinct textures. Bright metal finishes highlight the models specific controls.

The new Citroen C3 will be available in three trim lines namely Attraction, Seduction and Exclusive. Exclusive models can be ordered with a reverse camera and park distance sensors, a satellite navigation system and it comes fitted with an enhanced infotainment package and six airbags. All three spec levels include ABS, EBD, and OBA, ISOFIX, impact tensioning seatbelts and side impact protection.

New Citroen C3 – Price

View the new Citroen C3

Citroen C3 1.2 VTi 82 Attraction R166 900
Citroen C3 1.2 VTi 82 Seduction R177 900
Citroen C3 1.6 e-HDi 90 Seduction R213 900
Citroen C3 1.6 VTi 120 Seduction R196 900
Citroen C3 1.6 VTi 120 Seduction Auto R211 900
Citroen C3 1.6 VTi 120 Exclusive R222 900

Standard price includes a three-year 100 000 km warranty (with an optional extension to 5 years or 100 000km) and a four-year/60 000 km service plan.

2014 BMW 4 Series Coupe revealed

The new BMW 4 Series coupe has been officially revealed and heralds a new coupe era at BMW. The 4 Series will launch as a 2014 model and will include the 428i and 435i offerings with xDrive all-wheel drive available as an option on both models.

4-Series Engine Capability

The entry level BMW 4 Series Coupe, the 428i, is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that develops 179kW of power and 345Nm of torque. This allows the coupe to sprint from 0-100km/h in 5.7 seconds and hit an electronically-limited top speed of 250km/h.

As an alternative, the more powerful 4 Series 435i is fitted with a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine that produces 224kW and 406Nm of torque. This enables the 435i to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 5.3 seconds with the six-speed manual and reach an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h.

Exterior Design Features

Compared to the outgoing 3 Series Coupe, the new BMW 4 Series Coupe is visibly larger in width and wheelbase, and its stretched silhouette sits considerably lower to the road. The 4 Series is also distinguished by revised bumpers and front fender vents/Air Breathers that channel air out of the wheel arches to reduce drag.

The typical BMW short overhangs, long hood, and set back passenger compartment with flowing roofline give the 4 Series Coupe a visual balance. So does the striking front end design with double-kidney grille, four round headlights and a large air intake in the front apron.

Interior Design Features

The interior of the new 4 Series coupe incorporates sporty styling and quality materials. Some notable features include central controls arranged ergonomically around the driver, automatic seat belt valets, a sport steering wheel, circular instruments in black-panel look, and a flat-screen iDrive monitor. The iDrive Controller located for easy reach on the centre console and the armrest between the front seats give the cabin usability and comfort.

The backrest of the BMW 4 Series Coupe’s rear seat can be folded down in 40:20:40 segments, while in the rear compartment, contoured seats bring the sportiness of the 4 Series Coupe to all passengers. Recessed head restraints and continuously moulded side supports give the rear bench the appearance of two separate seats.

BMW 4 Series Coupe packed with impressive technology

The new BMW 4 Series Coupe uses a combination of driver assistance systems and mobility services to increase, comfort and infotainment usage ease and convenience. These include a new generation BMW Navigation System, sharper graphics and 3D elements for the map display, full-colour BMW Head-Up Display, Driving Assistant Plus, intelligent glare-free LED High Beam Assistant, and BMW Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go.

Three different trim lines will be available on the 4 Series coupe including Luxury, Sport, and M Sport. The Sport package comes with gloss black accents, a sport-tuned suspension and 18-inch twin-spoke alloy wheels. The Luxury package includes chrome accents, leather seats and high-gloss wood trim. The M Sport package comes with an aerodynamic body kit, shadow line trim and 18-inch or optional 19-inch light alloy M-style wheels. There’s also a sports suspension, high-performance brakes and an M-spec interior.

Prices for the BMW 4 Series Coupe in South Africa have not yet been confirmed, however, the model will go on sale locally in October2013.

VW sales in South Africa for May 2013

VW sales in South Africa grew by 9.8% (passenger vehicles) in the first five months of 2013 when compared to the same period in 2012. The sales performance has further strengthened Volkswagen Group South Africa’s leadership position in the South African passenger car market in 2013. VW’s passenger car market share comes in at 23.8%, with Audi also gaining further market share in the premium segment. Here is a breakdown of Volkswagen sales in South Africa, including the top 5 model sales and the most popular Volkswagen used cars for May 2013.

VW sales in South Africa for May 2013

  • Total new car sales: 9644 units
  • Total market share: 17.8%
  • Total passenger vehicle sales: 8782 units
  • Total Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) sales: 800 units

Top 5 Volkswagen new passenger cars for May 2013

  1. VW Polo – 2688 units
  2. VW Polo Vivo – 2645 units
  3. VW Golf 7 – 572 units
  4. VW Amarok – 503 units
  5. Audi A4 – 534 units

Most popular used Volkswagen cars in South Africa for May 2013

  1. Volkswagen Polo
  2. Volkswagen Golf
  3. Volkswagen Polo Vivo
  4. Volkswagen Citi
  5. Volkswagen Jetta

Volkswagen in the news

The Golf 1.4 TSI reviewed

Volkswagen previews the creative Design Vision GTI Concept

Sporty looks with new Volkswagen Passat R-line trim

Lexus GS350 EX Review

If you’re an executive and in the market for a new vehicle, the standard German trio of Mercedes-Benz, Audi and BMW are the first brands to spring to mind. Understandably so, these three have been aspirational brands as they offer performance, luxury and make damn good cars. Nothing quite spells out success like owning a big executive sedan. However, there is an alternative to these three and it comes from Japanese luxury car maker Lexus whose GS wants a share of this market. Meet the Lexus GS350 EX.

Lexus GS350 EX Review by David Taylor

Underwhelming looks

First impressions count and in the visual stakes, the Lexus GS350 is a little underwhelming. In a market where looks and presence count for a lot, the Lexus feels a little too generic. This isn’t helped by the gunmetal grey paint scheme either. That said, there is a delicious F-Sport bodykit which is available for the higher-specced GS450 hybrid. Despite its overall visual shortcomings, there are some pretty touches such as the daytime-running lights, integrated exhausts in chrome surrounds and a suave-looking grille.

Power like a battleship

Thankfully the average looks are offset by a damn fine engine. Powering the Lexus GS350 is a 3.5-litre V6 engine with 233kW and 378Nm, which gives this big Japanese battleship plenty of firepower. It’s deceptively quick and without too much effort, can reach the wrong side of 160km/h in a few moments. The engine revs nicely which is what you’d expect from a big luxury car, but as it climbs towards the redline, it takes on a wicked tone which makes you want to drive with your foot flat all day long. The downside of this would be horrific fuel consumption which, let’s face it, isn’t going to be exceptional either given the mass of the Lexux GS350 and its powerful engine. During the seven day test period the GS350’s fuel consumption sat around the 10.5/100km mark.

A joy to drive

Forget hard acceleration and spirited driving, this is a Lexus and it was designed to be comfortable, quiet and civilised. It does just that and it’s an absolute joy. The automatic six-speed gearbox is smooth, although when put in manual override (using the steering wheel-mounted paddles) and combined with Sport mode, the gears change with a satisfying, mechanical action.

Well-kitted out and comfortable interior

The ace in Lexus’ hand is the interior and its features. The cabin of the Lexus is extraordinarily spacious, while the boot easily takes care of two sets of golf clubs and suitcases. In terms of features, the Lexus GS350 is bristling with high-tech goodness. The big display screen in the middle of the dashboard is one of the biggest I’ve ever seen and using a funky PC mouse-like controller, you can control the ventilation, audio, satellite navigation, Bluetooth and and and. The list of gadgets fitted to this car is astonishing. The satnav features live traffic updates, there are heated and cooled leather seats, reverse camera, front/rear park sensors, auto handbrake, auto headlights, auto wipers, and it can do the unthinkable: parallel park itself. I was scared to try this system out, but I can assure it works wonderfully well especially in tight confines of Cape Town CBD.

I can only speak highly of the audio system. It’s fitted as standard and boasts crystal-clear sound. You have the option of connecting an audio device through a USB port, an Aux jack or via BlueTooth. However, the entire Lexus GS350 interface is confusing and finicky. Don’t be put off though as it just takes time to learn how it works. Or, in my case use the voice command system and tell the car what to do when you can’t find the right setting.

Lexus GS350 – Conclusion

This is one of the finest Lexus models on the market as it combines luxury features, impeccable road manners with a small performance edge. It’s not meant to be a fast car which is luxurious, but the added performance is a bonus. It ticks all the boxes if you’re wanting something big, practical and reliable, thanks to parent company Toyota’s reputation. It’s not going to give any of the German car makers sleepless nights, but it’s refreshing to see a value-for-money offering reach this segment. I’m not the only one who thinks this is a flawless car, as the Lexus GS350 EX cracked the nod for a Car of The Year nomination.

Lexus GS350 – Conclusion

  • Lexus GS350 price: R584 900
  • Why you should: Value-for-money, comfortable, has every gadget under the sun, well-built.
  • Why you shouldn’t: won’t turn as many heads as a German, the lure of a diesel engine which offers similar performance and much improved fuel economy could be strong, a little thirsty when pushing it.
  • It would be better if: a simpler command system, a diesel version.
  • View the car: New Lexus GS / Used Lexus GS
  • Competitors worth checking out: BMW 5-Series, Audi A6, Mercedes-Benz E-class