Subaru Hybrid XV is a first for Subaru

Subaru revealed their first ever hybrid production vehicle at the New York Auto Show. The Subaru Hybrid XV version embodies attributes of the original XV including excellent driveability, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive capability and versatile utility.

Subaru Hybrid XV – Specifications and Features

Engine Capabilities

The Subaru Hybrid XV is fitted with a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder Boxer petrol engine with a 10kW electric motor combined into the Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Located under a revised rear floor area is a 100v, 13.5kw nickel-metal hydride battery.

Sophisticated Exterior and Interior Features

The eco-friendly and advanced technologies of the Subaru Hybrid XV differentiate it from the original XV model. Exterior features include rear combination lamps and newly developed aluminium alloy wheels and Hybrid badges that appear at the front edges of the front doors and on the rear gate. The chassis comes in a new Plasma Green Pearl exterior colour.

The interior is equipped an exclusively designed instrument cluster finished in shades of a blue colour scheme and a Multi-Function Display that shows the hybrid system’s energy flow according to driving conditions.

Plans for the Subaru Hybrid XV  to be introduced to the South African market are yet to be confirmed.

VW Golf GTI Cabriolet arrives in South Africa

The first VW Golf GTI Cabriolet is now available to South African customers. The VW Golf GTI Cabriolet features an electric soft-top, Climatronic dual zone air conditioning, XDS transverse electronic differential lock and a roll-over protection system.

VW Golf GTI Cabriolet for top-down motoring

The VW Golf GTI Cabriolet will be powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine mated to a six-speed DSG transmission and delivers 155kW at 5800 rpm and 280NM of torque at 5200 rpm. The Cabriolet’s acceleration from 0-100km/h will take 7.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 235km/h.

Combined fuel consumption is rated at 7.7 litres/100km with CO2 emissions of 180g/km.

Distinctive styling

The Cabriolet’s exterior comes complete with GTI trademark features including the red-frame radiator grille with honeycomb structure and a GTI badge. These features also include the front GTI bumper, a rear diffuser, chrome tailpipes, LED rear lights, side sill extensions and standard 18-inch ‘Detroit’ alloy wheels. The soft top with electro-hydraulic drive opens in just 9.0 seconds.

The inside of the GTI Cabriolet is furnished with Vienna leather sport seats with lumbar support, pedals brushed with stainless steel caps, a unique aluminium GTI gear shift lever, and a leather-trimmed steering wheel with grip recesses and a GTI emblem. The steering wheel, gear shift cover and leather trim of the parking brake lever have decorative red seams, while the lining of the soft top and the trim covers of the roof pillars come in black.

Adding to the stylish interior of the Cabriolet are decorative inlays in the door and instrument panels finished in a Black Stripe design. In the side walls of the 250-litre boot are bag hooks and next to them are remote unlatching switches for folding the 50:50 split rear bench seat.

Safety Features

The GTI Cabriolet benefits from a roll-over protection system, a reinforced windscreen frame, front and side head/thorax airbags, a knee airbag on the driver’s side and a complete ESP safety package.

In addition, the convertible’s standard equipment includes an electronic transverse differential lock (XDS), which further improves vehicle dynamics and safety when accelerating through bends.

VW Golf GTI Cabriolet Price

Golf GTI Cabriolet 2.0 TSI DSG – R397 900

The Golf GTI Cabriolet will be available with a five-year or 90 000km service plan, three-year or 120 000km warranty and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. Service intervals are 15 000km.

New Toyota Auris HSD launched in South Africa

The new Toyota Auris HSD (Hybrid Synergy Drive) has been launched in South Africa and  adds to Toyota’s growing range of hybrid vehicles, yet again changing the way people drive. The new Toyota Auris HSD will be available in mid XS trim and high-grade XR models.

“The Auris HSD entrenches Toyota’s position as the standard for green motoring by offering a level of refinement, practicality, performance and affordability that rivals conventional petrol and diesel cars. It also thrusts the newcomer into the forefront as a mainstream proposition, accessible to the largest possible audience.” said Kerry Roodt, General Manager of Marketing Communications.

New Toyota Auris HSD for greener motoring

Engine Capability

The new Toyota Auris HSD will come equipped with a 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol engine coupled with an electric motor and can generate a power output of 100kW and a torque figure of 142Nm at 4000 rpm and 207Nm for the electric motor.

With a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 10.9 seconds the Auris Hybrid can reach a top speed of 180km/h. It also has improved CO2 emissions of 87g/km but generates no NOx or particulate emissions, driving for up to two kilometres continuously at speeds of up to about 50 km/h, dependant on battery charge and driving conditions.

Exterior Styling Features

To distinguish them as the best of the hybrid range, the mid XS trim and high-grade XR models incorporate unique detailing to the interior and exterior of the vehicle. The Auris HSD features a lower grille and lower rear bumper diffuser finished in an exclusive hybrid graphite metallic paint colour.

The Toyota bonnet and tailgate logos are in hybrid blue while the hybrid logos are perched on the front wings and on the tailgate. The Auris HSD also comes equipped with unique 15-inch silver (on the XS model) and 17-inch graphite (on the XR model) alloy wheels.

Interior Styling Features

The inside of the Auris HSD makes use of leather and soft-touch materials for improved tangibility. Also inclusive to the model is an exclusive metre and ECO Drive Support monitor designed within the driver’s instrument binnacle, a hybrid blue shift-by-wire gear lever and a hybrid-exclusive instrument panel decoration.

The XS model will feature premium quality trim and a hybrid blue brushed aluminium instrument panel, while the XR model will have Ice Grey leather dashboard inserts complimented with leather upholstery.

Both models will get a hybrid-specific front spoiler, daytime running light system as well as front fog lights. The XR model is further enhanced by a panorama glass roof with electric sun cover and a rear side window privacy glass.

Toyota Auris HSD – Price

Toyota Auris HSD XS R297 900
Toyota Auris HSD XR R323 100

The HSD range will be sold standard with a five-year or 90 000km service plan, a three-year or 100 000km warranty, extendable to eight years or 195 000km on hybrid system components, including the battery.

New Subaru Forester 2.5XS Premium Lineartronic CVT Review

There’s nothing like a long-distance road trip to get to know a new car. I drive the new Subaru Forester out to the Kruger Park.

New Subaru Forester 2.5XS Premium Lineartronic CVT Review by David Taylor

Despite the rally and performance credentials, Subaru’s Forester and Outback vehicles offer practical and sensible motoring. 2013 sees the launch of the new Subaru Forester which promises more refinement and practicality. The new model also offers a lot more interior space.

An all-new face for the new Subaru Forester

The new Subaru Forester will never win any design competitions and to be fair, it does look rather ordinary. That said, the looks may be average but there’s no denying the Forester’s engineering and mechanical ability. There are new visual upgrades though. There are new headlights with daytime running lights, tail lamps and redesigned front end. Some new alloy wheels are also thrown into the mix.

Enhanced practicality and space

The interior and practicality were under the spotlight as I and my day job colleagues set off on a road trip from Johannesburg to the Kruger Park. The requirements were simple. We needed a vehicle that could swallow four sets of golf clubs, four suitcases and four golfers. Despite the four of us packing light, that was still a lot of gear and with some careful thought, it all fitted into the new Subaru Forester. I did notice that the materials in the cabin felt a lot more upmarket than its predecessor and there’s an LCD readout in the centre of the dash pinched from the smaller Subaru XV.

Subaru’s all-new engine and offroad tech

Powering the new Subaru Forester is a 2.5-litre flat four with 126kW and 235Nm. Power goes to all four wheels and this is what Subaru is famous for. Coupled with a smart electronic system called X-Mode and excellent ground clearance, the Forester is something special when you take it off the tarmac. While I didn’t get to really take the vehicle onto serious terrain to try out X-Mode, I could feel it working when driving briskly on a dirt road. The car’s computer senses the slippery conditions and balances the traction control, accelerator and hill-descent to ensure that the Forester stays glued to the road.

Forester is loaded with features

The new Subaru Forester has a Lineartronic CVT gearbox (like an auto) for the non-technical folk. It changes gears rather smoothly and only under hard acceleration does the box sound a little strained. Once you’re cruising it’s rather refined with the added bonus of good fuel consumption. At the end of my trip, my Forester had 8.2L/100km on the read-out, which is great considering the extra cargo. The car also features nice touches like a panoramic sunroof, power-assisted boot operation, start/stop technology, reverse camera and smart Bluetooth/USB connectivity to the car’s audio system.

Comfortable over long distances

Considering that the entire round trip was around 800km, it was a perfect opportunity to evaluate ride quality. Despite the many clever features offered by car companies, few people realise that a car’s most important attribute is its ride. Driving an uncomfortable car would be ultimately pointless. In the Forester’s case, I’m happy to say that the seats and ride are exceptionally comfortable, and you’re able to cover good distances without your body complaining.

New Subaru Forester 2.5XS Premium Lineartronic CVT – Conclusion

The Forester has always been an underrated vehicle and despite the best efforts of the motoring media, will be snubbed in favour of more fashionable alternatives. Subaru owners will be heading to the dealerships in their droves to check out the new arrival and rightly so, the new Subaru Forester is a great piece of kit that should be considered if you’re in the market for a light SUV. It is strong offroad, has class-leading interior space and you feel that Subaru has fixed the faults of the previous generation.

 

New Subaru Forester 2.5XS Premium Lineartronic CVT – Price

Subaru Forester 2.5XS Premium Lineartronic CVT – R429 000

  • Why you should: Excellent spec, solid off-road ability, mechanically flawless, interior space and practicality.
  • Why you shouldn’t: Image (brand isn’t as prestigious as the German offroaders), engine may feel underpowered for some. No diesel model available yet.
  • It would be better if: The design team got a little more adventurous with their pens. The diesel would arrive ASAP.
  • View the Subaru Forester: New / Used
  • Competitors worth checking out: Honda CR-V, Volkswagen Tiguan, Hyundai IX35, Kia Sportage, Nissan X-trail

Most popular motoring articles for March 2013

March was an eventful month for the motoring industry, both locally and internationally, with many new models launched in South Africa and the Geneva Motor Show and the New York Motor Show showcasing some exciting new models. Here is a list of the top 10 most read motoring articles for the month of March 2013.

  1. Lamborghini Veneno unveiled in Geneva – 3 838 views
  2. Volkswagen Golf 7 blitzes into Geneva – 2 027 views
  3. New Isuzu KB rumbles into South Africa – 1 780 views
  4. The new VW Golf 7 now in South Africa – 1 761 views
  5. New car launches in South Africa for February 2013 – 1 517 views
  6. Used Car Analysis for February 2013 – 1 123 views
  7. Ford launches all new Kuga in South Africa – 965 views
  8. Mercedes-Benz 6×6 G63 AMG revealed – 939 views
  9. 2013 World Car of the Year finalists announced – 918 views
  10. The Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 Elite reviewed – 873 views

New Fiat Doblo Panorama in South Africa

Fiat Group Automobiles South Africa has launched the new Fiat Doblo Panorama seven-seat family car, which offers the best-in-class storage capacity, a reduction in fuel emissions, new styling and a host of state-of-the-art technical features.

New Fiat Doblo Panorama offers the best in family motoring

Engine Capabilities

The new Fiat Doblo Panorama is fitted with a 1.6 Multijet engine delivering 78kW and 290Nm of torque and is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. Acceleration from 0-100km/h takes 13.4 seconds before reaching a top speed of 164km/h.

Fuel consumption is rated at 5.5-litres/100km, with CO2 emissions of 145g/km.

Exterior Design Features

The dynamic seamless lines along the lower section from the front to the rear wheel arch add to the unique design of the new Fiat Doblo Panorama. The rear lights are arranged vertically and have a crystal clear transparent lens which brightens the accent, while the enveloping bumpers merge into the rear wheel arches on the side and into the tailgate on the upper region.

The new Fiat Doblo Panorama also features standard side mouldings with shiny black door pillars, compact wing mirrors, and big sliding side doors. The doors accommodate rear electric windows that open the entire surface of the window for the first time in its segment.

The new Fiat Doblo Panorama will be available in one pastel paint colour; Ambient White and five metallic colours; Flamenco Red, Neoclassical Bordeaux, Chemical Grey, Mineral Grey and Indie Ivory.

Interior Design Features

Interior features in the new Fiat Doblo Panorama include seven standard seats covered in durable Pacman grey seat fabrics. The dashboard is finished in Plancia Grey trim, and the handy roof shelf are designed to ensure top level ergonomics and driving comfort. With a wheelbase of 2.76m the boot is the largest in its class and is equipped with a tonneau cover for protection of valuable luggage items.

Additionally the Doblo Panorama is fitted with an automatic climate control system with distribution to rear seats, an MP3 stereo with controls on the steering wheel, cruise control, parking sensors and a built-in Blue&Me hands-free system.

The Blue&Me system includes a hands-free Bluetooth interface and next-generation voice recognition, USB port, MP3 player and SMS interpreter.

Safety Features

The new Fiat Doblo Panorama comes with front airbags and next-generation side bags, an ABS system with EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution), and ESP (Electronic Stability Program) with Hill Holder to assist starting uphill.

New Fiat Doblo Panorama – Price

Fiat Doblo Panorama 1.6 Multijet – R280 000

The Fiat Doblo Panorama will be available with a three year or 100 000km maintenance plan and warranty.

2014 Kia Optima unveiled at New York Auto Show

The 2014 Kia Optima model has been revealed at the New York Auto Show. The model has returned with improved design and technological enhancements, and will be available in LX, EX, SX, and SX – Limited trims.

2014 Kia Optima shows new design and tech

Engine Capability

The 2014 Kia Optima will benefit from two powerful Theta II powerplants featuring petrol direct injection (GDI) technology. The LX, EX and SX models will be available with the 2.4-litre GDI engine while the 2.0-litre turbo GDI engine will be available exclusively to the SX model. Each of the engine options is mated to a six speed automatic transmission featuring Sportmatic clutchless shifting.

Exterior and Interior Features

The 2014 Kia Optima features improved front and rear fascias and the brands signature tabbed grille. The vehicle’s bold stance and aerodynamic shape are further emphasized by improved rear diffusers and a sweeping trunk lid, while at the front it has gained striking LED positioning and fog lights complemented by newly designed rear LED lamps.

Inside, the 2014 Kia Optima features a new 4.3-inch instrument cluster and an optional 8-inch high-resolution navigation/telematics screen. There is also an Infiniti 8-speaker sound system and support for SiriusXM Traffic 4, Satellite Radio, and a HD Radio and UVO eServices. The Optima can also be ordered with a new Blind Spot Detection System with rear parking sensors and rear cross-traffic alert.

Improved features for the LX, EX, SX and SX-Limited models

The 2014 Kia Optima LX model comes equipped with front fog lights, dual chrome tips, heated mirrors, new 16-inch wheels, solar glass and chrome-accented exterior door handles.

The EX is fitted with 17-inch wheels, illuminated front cup holders, leather seats and eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat.

The SX variant benefits from 18-inch rims, aero wiper blades, bespoke front and rear lower bumpers and side sills. The SX-T includes HID headlights with auto levelling, 18-inch chrome wheels, red brake callipers, LED fog lights, premium Nappa leather seats, chrome-accented side sills and an electronic parking brake.

“With the latest version of the Optima, Kia continues to advance value to new levels of sophistication, offering mid-size sedan consumers new premium amenities and convenience upgrades, as well as a refinement of the world-class design that so completely transformed our brand,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice-president, marketing & communications, KMA.

“The Optima is the cornerstone of Kia’s design evolution and epitomizes the brand’s goal of building highly-captivating, value-positioned vehicles.”

New Jaguar XJR revealed at New York Auto Show

The stylish new Jaguar XJR model has been unveiled at the New York Auto Show. The new Jaguar XJR sports enhanced exterior and interior features with the high levels of luxury associated with the XJ range including 20 inch alloy wheels with bespoke Pirelli tyres.

New Jaguar XJR offers superb luxury and style

Engine Capability

The new Jaguar XJR will be fitted with an impressive supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine that develops 405 kW and 680 Nm of torque and is mated to an eight speed automatic transmission. The XJR can sprint from 0 -100 km/h in 4.6 seconds reaching an electronically limited top speed of 280 km/h.

Fuel efficiency can be expected at 11.6- l/100km with CO2 emissions of 270 g/km.

Exterior Styling Features

The new Jaguar XJR exterior includes modified functional aerodynamic enhancements provided by a new front air splitter and hood vents. The unique side rocker sills create a sharp break-off point between the chassis and the road surface keeping the airflow attached to the car’s sides for a longer period. The rear lift has been reduced through the addition of a trunk lid-mounted lip spoiler.

Other exterior features include five-spoke, 20-inch forged alloy wheels which come standard in either Sparkle silver or Technical grey finishes. Exterior paint options include: Polaris White, Ebony, Ultimate Black, and Stratus Grey. The XJR is further enhanced with a gloss black front grille and lower intake mesh, with chrome surrounds.

Interior Styling Features

The new Jaguar XJR interior makes use of Jet Black leather trim available in a choice of Ivory, London Tan or Red Zone inserts. The seats are embossed with the ‘R’ logo; the Jet Black suede cloth headlining is standard while the interior veneers are available in either Carbon Fibre or Piano Black.

The XJR is also fitted as standard with an 825 watt, 18-speaker surround-sound system from British audio experts Meridian.

“The new Jaguar XJR is the sporting pinnacle of the XJ range. This car has been dynamically set-up from the outset to deliver stunning performance, while still retaining the luxury and comfort common to the entire XJ range,” said Andrew Dobson, Chief Program Engineer, Jaguar XJR.

2014 Jeep Cherokee at New York Auto Show

Jeep raised the bar with their legendary mid size SUV currently on show at the New York auto show. The 2014 Jeep Cherokee now features world class on road dynamics, improved fuel economy as well as best-in-class capability.

2014 Jeep Cherokee ushers in new look and feel

Engine Capability

The 2014 Jeep Cherokee will be available in two engine variations; a 2.4 litre and 3.2 litre. The 2.4-litre Tigershark petrol engine delivers 137 kW of power and 232 Nm of torque at 4800 rpm. The 3.2-litre Pentastar petrol engine produces 199 kW and a torque figure of 316 Nm.

The new Cherokee will be available in three four wheel drive systems including: Active Drive I, Active drive II and Active Drive Lock.

Exterior Styling Features

The exterior of the 2014 Jeep Cherokee is built with 65% high strength steel to construct a strong, lightweight and solid vehicle architecture. The new front suspension features McPherson struts and a new rear independent multi-link suspension.

Other exterior design features include sleek lines across the upper body, a waterfall hood with iconic peaked seven-slotted grille in the front. It includes a crisp horizontal snap, advanced LED technology with daytime running lamps in the front end and full LED tail lamps, which are an integral part of the rear backlight graphic.

Additionally the 2014 Jeep Cherokee offers customers two industry exclusive open-air options such as the new Command-View panoramic sunroof or the Sky Slider full-length open canvas roof.

Interior Styling Features

Interior features include a range of sophisticated and comfortable hand crafted equipment and design structures including 70 safety and security features. These include 10 airbags for the driver and passengers, premium materials around the door uppers and armrests and on the upper instrument panel. The seats are trimmed with Nappa leather and are available as power adjustable, heated/ventilated seats with memory. The 60/40 split second-row seats adjust fore and aft for increased passenger comfort and cargo flexibility.

State-of-the art technology in the Cherokee comprises of a TFT LED 3.5-inch greyscale or 7-inch full-colour reconfigurable instrument cluster which allows the driver to select from a range of information that can be displayed in the centre of the gauge cluster. Including turn-by-turn navigation, speed, real-time fuel economy, safety warnings, available Adaptive Cruise Control-Plus, audio information and Jeep-specific features including Selec-Terrain.

The 2014 Jeep Cherokee will also be equipped with a 8.4-inch colour touch screen with Uconnect Access which includes Bluetooth connectivity, SiriusXM Radio, navigation, voice-to-text messaging and streaming audio capability.

Safety Features

Safety features will include ParkSense Parallel/Perpendicular Park Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control-Plus, Forward Collision Warning-Plus, and Lane Departure Warning-Plus. Additional features include 9-1-1 assist call; ESC; Electronic Roll Mitigation; Blind-spot Monitoring; Rear Cross Path detection; ParkView rear backup camera with dynamic grid lines and 10 standard air bags.

The new 2014 Jeep Cherokee can be expected in SA in the first quarter of 2014.

Hyundai i10 1.25 GLS and Chevrolet Spark 1.2 LS compared

The budget A-segment offers a range of options to entry-level car buyers. The Hyundai i10 and Chevrolet Spark are popular options in this segment and offer a comprehensive package for buyers seeking a practical urban runabout. Take a look at some of the critical features that set the Hyundai i10 1.25 GLS and the Chevrolet Spark 1.2 LS apart.

Hyundai i10 and Chevrolet Spark compared


Radio/CD PlayerYesYes
Hyundai i10 1.25 GLS Chevrolet Spark 1.2 LS
Price (incl.VAT) R123 900 R123 000
Engine Capability
Engine Type 1.25-litre petrol 1.2-litre DOHC petrol
Max. Power (kW @ rpm) 64 @ 6 000 60 @ 6 400
Max. Torque (Nm @ rpm) 119 @ 4 000 108 @ 4 800
Transmission
Transmission type 5-speed manual 5-speed manual
Performance
Acceleration in sec. (0-100km/h) 12.3 13.3
Top Speed (km/h) 169 164
Fuel consumption (litres/100km) 4.7 5.4
CO2 emissions (g/km) 113 129
Standard Features
Airbags Driver and Passenger Driver and Passenger
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Yes Yes
Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) Yes Yes
Electric windows Yes – front and rear Yes – front
Power steering Yes Yes
Air conditioning Yes Yes
Wheels 14” steel 14” alloys
Maintenance
Warranty 5-year/150 000km warranty 5-year/120 000km warranty + Roadside Assistance