BMW 320i Steptronic review

BMW’s all-new 3-Series sets the bar in terms of attention to detail and build quality. Here’s why the new BMW 320i Steptronic is worth your attention if you’re looking for an executive sedan.

The BMW 320i Steptronic review by David Taylor

BMW 3 Series is the breadwinner?

There are around 1 000 units sold each month in South Africa and the 3-Series forms the bread-and-butter of BMW sales. There’s even a BMW factory in Pretoria that helps satisfy the demand for 3-Series models. Therefore, it can be said that the 3-Series is one car that BMW simply cannot afford to mess up.

??The BMW 320i Steptronic, one of the most attractive cars in its class

Thankfully, BMW has done a sterling job on the new F30 3-Series. I knew it was going to be good, but this good? Wow, it’s a rather impressive piece of kit. The Melbourne red test unit was certainly eye-catching on the road thanks to a combination of its daytime-running lights, red paint and great looks. Let’s be honest, five-door passenger sedans aren’t the beauty queens of the motoring world and thanks to some subtle design cues taken from its 5-Series big brother, you’re presented with a vehicle that looks pricey and classy.

Brisk, yet efficient performance?

There’s an all-new 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine with 135kW and 320Nm on tap. It may not be impressive on paper but thanks to a clever 8-speed sporty auto gearbox, the power is available when you need it. It’s smooth, smart and overtaking is simple. It’s pretty quick too, yet light on fuel. During the time that I had the BMW 320i, the trip computer was reading 8L/100km thanks to the clever Eco Plus driving mode.

Well-built and plush interior?

The interior has a distinct modern feel to it and there’s a strong feeling that you’re in a premium product. The build quality is impressive and it feels well put together. It’s spacious too, with ample legroom for rear passengers and a boot that easily swallows plenty of luggage.

Incredible levels of gadgetry

In terms of technology, the only limit is your bank balance. This particular test unit was loaded with pretty much every option from the BMW arsenal which made it pricey, but it was a perfect opportunity to sample the latest gadgets. For starters, the car has five cameras to assist with parking manoeuvres. Then there’s the ability of being able to parallel park automatically. Your mirrors have warning lights in them to tell you if there’s a vehicle in your blind spot. If you drift out of your lane, the steering wheel vibrates to alert you. The tow bar can retract out of sight when you’re not towing. There’s also a head-up display which displays your current speed, the speed limit of the road you’re on and street names if the GPS is active. This car also came with the high-quality Harmon Kardon audio system which connects seamlessly to music players through USB.

The BMW 320i Steptronic verdict

This sounds like this is the perfect businessman’s car. Like all cars there are some shortcomings. My first gripe is personal. The standard run-flat tyres are a little noisy on the open road. It’s not catastrophic but when you consider how refined and classy the 320 is, it’s silly. The other problem is that the options list can be a costly exercise. Yes, there are absolute must-haves like the 8-speed auto gearbox and Harman/Kardon audio system, but you must spec your car extremely carefully. Is it worth it? Absolutely.

  • BMW 320i price as evaluated (Base model): R361, 000
  • Why you should: Feels and looks expensive, thrifty fuel consumption, looks good, incredible technology, astounding build quality.
  • Why you shouldn’t: Aside from my runflat noise issue, there’s no real reason why you shouldn’t consider a 3-Series.
  • It would be better if: Some of those options were standard features like a USB port and center armrest.
  • View the BMW 320i Steptronic: New / Used
  • Competitors worth checking out: Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Honda Accord, Volkswagen CC, Suzuki Kizashi, Alfa Romeo 159.

Volkswagen CrossBlue SUV Concept unveiled in Detroit

The six-seater Volkswagen CrossBlue SUV Concept with its new plug-in hybrid diesel powertrain was unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this week. The CrossBlue SUV concept was specifically designed for the U.S. and Canada and if it makes it into production, it will slot in above the Tiguan and below the premium Touareg.

Volkswagen CrossBlue SUV Concept goes clean

The CrossBlue SUV concept is powered by a 141kW 2.2-litre TDI Clean Diesel engine along with a 40kW electric motor up front and a 85kW electric motor mounted in the rear with a 9.8kWh lithium-ion battery. The combined power output is at 228kW with a maximum torque figure of 700Nm and the system is mated to a six-speed DSG dual clutch automatic transmission that accelerates the CrossBlue to 100km/h in 7.2 seconds.

The diesel-electric plug-in-hybrid powertrain offers a manufacturer estimated fuel economy rating of 2.6-litres/100km in full electric mode and 6.7-litres/100km as a hybrid.

Exterior Features

The Volkswagen CrossBlue concept is equipped with 21-inch aluminum alloy wheels and flared wheelarches. The body colour is in ‘CrossBlue Glass Flake’ and contrasting stainless steel trim runs all around the lower body section. It also features a long hood that integrates the engine’s air intakes and a long roof line with a short frontal overhang. The radiator grille trim consists of two solid aluminum struts and a centrally positioned VW logo and is a three-dimensional element that extends into the headlights. The upper aluminum strut frames the dual headlights while the lower strut transitions into a line that extends across the entire grille.

The taillights are sculpted in the form of an ‘E’ and feature aluminum trim elements. The prominent tailpipes have a stainless steel look and are integrated in a trim panel that features underbody protection.

Interior Features

The CrossBlue concept with its six individual seats, combines SUV styling with the flexibility and spaciousness of a minivan. Leather and wood are used to finish the interior and designers opted to use dark stained banana tree accents that flow from the gear lever area and ascend the centre console and across the lower instrument panel to the door trims. ‘Marble Grey’ leather is used above the wood accents and on the centre armrest while ‘St Tropez’ leather, trim pieces and fabric are used below the wood accents and on the seats. Aluminum is used as one of the predominant materials in the interior and is used for the air vent surrounds and the array of switches as well as for features such as the steering wheel spokes.

A 10.2-inch touchscreen framed with an aluminum surround is positioned on the centre console. Onboard entertainment includes iPad mini devices integrated as monitors behind the front-row head restraints and a Fender Premium Audio System ensures concert hall quality sound throughout the vehicle.

New Audi RS 4 Avant available in South Africa

The new Audi RS 4 Avant, now in its third-generation, has been launched in South Africa. The RS 4 Avant combines potent performance with practicality and comes with an array of standard specification.

New Audi RS 4 Avant tops the wagon pile

Engine Capability

The new Audi RS 4 Avant is powered by a 4.2-litre V8 engine that produces 331kW of power and is mated to a 7-speed S tronic transmission and features quattro permanent all-wheel drive. This is the same engine that powers the RS 5 Coupe. Acceleration to 100km/h is achieved in 4.7 seconds before reaching a governed top speed of 250km/h. The RS 4 Avant consumes less than 11-litres/100km on average.

Drivers can let the dual-clutch transmission shift automatically or change gears manually using the selector lever or shift paddles on the steering wheel. Launch Control can also be activated for fast starts. The RS 4 Avant features Audi Drive Select which allows the driver to switch between four driving modes namely Comfort, Auto, Dynamic and Individual. The Audi RS 4 Avant does not have towing capability and cannot be fitted aftermarket.

Exterior Styling Features

The new Audi RS 4 Avant features a hexagonal single-frame grille set in a frame finished with matte aluminium. The honeycomb insert is finished in high-gloss anthracite. LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) encircle the standard wedge-shaped Xenon Plus headlights. Air flows through large openings divided by crossbars which are embedded in a distinctive bumper featuring a splitter edge. The RS 4 Avant is 20mm longer and 24mm wider than the A4 Avant and sits 20mm lower.

??Interior Styling Features

The interior of the RS 4 Avant is completely black with carbon fibre inlays and an aluminium-look finish for the switches and control elements. The pedal and footrest are also finished with an aluminium-look while the door sills feature aluminium inserts with RS 4 badging. The driver information system comes with a colour display and includes an RS menu with a lap timer and oil thermometer. Audi Connect is available as an option and connects the vehicle to the internet.

Standard Features

Standard features for the new Audi RS 4 Avant include MMI Navigation Plus, S sports seats with Alcantara and leather trim, Bluetooth cell phone preparation, electrically operated tailgate, load through provision, flat-bottomed multi-function steering wheel with shift paddles, Audi Parking System Plus, LED taillights, tyre repair kit, 19-inch wheels and aluminium matt finish on the window surrounds, mirrors and roof rails.

New Audi RS 4 Avant – Price

Audi RS 4 Avant – R875 000

The price includes a 5-year/100 000km Audi Freeway Plan. This model will only be available in an Avant version and there is no RS 4 Sedan planned for production.

Aston Martin Centenary Edition models revealed

Celebrating 100 years in the automotive industry, the Aston Martin Centenary Edition Vanquish marks the birthday celebrations of the British sports car brand. The Vanquish showcases a special Centenary Edition specification that will see only 100 units available worldwide for each of the car maker’s model lines which includes the V8 Vantage, the DB9, Rapide and the Vanquish.

??Aston Martin Centenary Edition models get special treatment

The Aston Martin Centenary Edition models feature a unique graduated paint finish, solid silver Aston Martin wing badges with tailored ‘trans flux’ enamel inlay and a special Aston Martin hallmark. On the inside, the Centenary Edition models feature Deep Soft black leather with contrasting silver stitching with special silver thread embroidery of the Aston Martin wings on the head restraints. Solid sterling silver sill plaques are individually numbered with an Aston Martin hallmark.

The unique paint finish forms part of a painstaking process that adds an additional 18 hours to a paint process that already takes 50 hours to complete. The graduated paint finish is achieved by adding special ‘tinters’ to create a darker inner colour. The custom-made mixture is applied to each panel by hand using a special mini-jet spray gun.

Aston Martin Design Director Marek Reichman explained: “The team has looked closely at the individual contour lines of each of the cars to determine not only the right colours and shades, but also to create a template by which the paint changes from dark to light and where the graduated effect sits.

“??Each Centenary Edition model will also be supplied with a unique presentation box containing exclusive gifts from Aston Martin. The gifts include two glass keys, two exclusive key pouches made from leather matching the car’s interior trim, solid silver cufflinks with Aston Martin script, solid silver Rollerball pen and high-quality Bang & Olufsen headphones. A silver polishing cloth is also provided.

All Aston Martin Centenary Edition models will be handcrafted at Aston Martin’s global headquarters and state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at Gaydon, Warwickshire, UK. Orders can be placed at Aston Martin’s 146 dealers in 46 countries worldwide.

Citroen DS5 THP200 review

Citroen is an eccentric car manufacturer and thanks to the relaunch of the revolutionary DS brand, has really elbowed its way into the modern markets. I take a look at the latest in the DS lineup – the jaw-dropping Citroen DS5.

Citroen DS5 THP200 review by David Taylor

French car meets modern funk?

The plucky French car company is better known for its hatchbacks and family people carriers, but since the relaunch of the DS range, the market is starting to regard Citroen as a fashionable and cool brand. Take the DS3 for instance, here’s a fun and funky runabout that makes the MINI Cooper look overrated.

Citroen’s achingly-beautiful looks, both inside and out?

The Citroen DS5 is the flagship of the luxury and stylish DS range. Your eyes are not deceiving you. It does look that outrageously beautiful, and photos do not do this car justice whatsoever. It is a real head-turner and you can expect plenty of attention while on the roads. The best part has to be telling onlookers that the vehicle is a Citroen. The reactions are priceless…

The interior is as special as the outside. With a distinct aeroplane cockpit feel to it, the Citroen DS5 cabin is a work of art. It’s a little daunting at first as there are so many buttons dotted around the cabin but once you’ve spent time getting used to it, everything falls to hand nicely.

The Citroen DS5 THP200 Loaded with tech as standard?

Unlike the German trio, most of the gadgets and gizmos fitted are standard. This particular vehicle comes with satellite navigation, Bluetooth/USB connectivity, audio and cruise control buttons on the steering wheel, tyre pressure monitors, keyless operation, cornering headlights, head-up display, reverse camera, parking sensors, heated seats (driver’s seat has massage function), auto headlights with daytime LEDs, auto wipers and not one, two but THREE panoramic glass roofs. It is safe too, with airbags galore, ABS, stability control and hill start assist.

Surprisingly brisk on the road

What’s it like to drive, you ask? Well, with the same 1.6 turbocharged engine as the MINI Cooper S, DS3 and GTI models, the Citroen DS5 isn’t lazy. It has 147kW and 275Nm on tap, and can hit 100km/h in under 9 seconds. Despite having sporty credentials, the Citroen DS5 is actually a great cruising vehicle and is effortless when driving in town. The best part of the engine has to be the fuel economy. It may have big power but you will see around 8L/100km on the dash readout. If you want to save fuel and don’t want to change gear, there’s also a diesel automatic version.

Citroen DS5 THP200 – Conclusion

There are a few drawbacks of the Citroen DS5. While it may drive well, the ride isn’t perfect especially if the road is patchy and uneven. It’s quite firm thanks to the sporty suspension and low-profile tyres. Being a Citroen, there could be depreciation issues. On the other side of the coin, this means that pricing for this flamboyant Frenchman will be in your favour. If ever you’ve wanted something unique, luxurious, quick and stylish, the Citroen DS5 could just be the perfect car for you.

Citroen DS5 – Price

Citroen DS5 THP200 price as evaluated: R403,900

  • Why you should: Gorgeous inside and out, good engine, excellent specification, great boulevard cruiser, very different.
  • Why you shouldn’t: Ride and handling is too firm on poor roads. Depreciation risk.
  • It would be better if: Soften that suspension, fit thicker tyres (or avoid the optional 19-inch wheels) and you’ll have one of the most underrated cars on sale today.
  • View the Citroen DS5 THP200: New / Used
  • Competitors worth checking out: Mercedes-Benz B-Class, Audi A3 Sportback, BMW 1-Series

Lexus IS makes its premiere at 2013 Detroit Auto Show

The all-new Lexus IS sport sedan made its world premiere at the Detroit Auto show. The Lexus IS will be available in rear and all-weather drive versions seen in the IS 250, IS 350, F SPORT and the IS 300h which is the first IS to feature Lexus Hybrid Drive. The F SPORT will be available across the range.

“The all-new IS kicks it up a notch with true sport sedan driving dynamics, state of the art onboard technologies, and an all-new design that makes it look fast even when it’s standing still.” said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager.

Lexus IS – Specifications and Features

Engine Capability

The rear and all-weather drive versions of the Lexus IS 250 are powered by a 2.5-litre V6 petrol engine and the IS 350 features a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine. The IS 300h, which will employ the Lexus Hybrid Drive powertrain, is based on a newly developed 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle engine. No other technical information has been provided. ??The IS adopts the Drive Mode Select system which offers up to four switchable drive modes including ECO, NORMAL, SPORT and SPORT S+. These modes optimise vehicle systems to suit the driver’s preference for fuel economy, comfort, performance and handling characteristics.

Exterior Styling Features

The exterior of the Lexus IS exposes a double wishbone front suspension system revised to offer a 20 percent increase in sway rigidity. The strong horizontal beltline shows off the large rear tires and a powerfully articulated headlamp cluster design with Lexus’ trademark L-shaped Daytime Running Lights located below.

The F SPORT announces its presence with an exclusive spindle grille that incorporates a bolder insert design. The bottom corners of the front bumpers feature aerodynamic detailing to provide enhanced brake cooling. Unique 18-inch wheels feature a Y-spoke design inspired by the LFA and interior trim detailing includes an F SPORT steering wheel and shift knob while aluminum pedals and scuff plates bear the Lexus logo.

F SPORT models benefit from Electric Power Steering (EPS), Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) and Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) which is also available on the IS 350.

Interior Styling Features

On the inside, the Lexus IS features a clean, strong horizontal theme bisected by the strong upward sweep of the centre console. The newly designed driver’s seat offers greater comfort and lateral support, with a lowered angle of the new LFA-inspired steering wheel and seat hip point. The steering reach has been increased, creating a driver focused seating position.

Refined materials throughout the cabin are complimented by a high quality analog clock with surface emitting illumination. The climate control system incorporates Lexus’ first electrostatic switches, which enable vehicle occupants to adjust temperature settings with the touch of a finger. Other interior features include new standard lockable 60:40 split/folding seats.

All Lexus IS models are equipped with the next-generation Lexus Display Audio or Remote Touch-controlled Navigation multimedia systems that provides industry-first complimentary real-time traffic and weather information delivered without a subscription through HD Radio Technology. Also, the new steering wheel is the first on a Lexus to coordinate multimedia system control with both the meter cluster and center console displays.

There is no current indication when the Lexus IS will become available in South Africa.

Dakar Rally comes to a halt after heavy rain on Day 11

Rivers swollen by heavy rains came down in flash flood on Wednesday and prevented competitors from completing the special stage 11 of the Dakar Rally between La Rioja and Fiambala in Argentina. Organisers were forced to halt the already shortened 190km special stage with Giniel de Villiers and Dirk von Zitzewitz in their Imperial Toyota Hilux leading at the 110km mark.

De Villiers and Von Zitzewitz unlucky in Dakar Rally

To the disappointment of De Villiers and Von Zitzewitz, race officials declared the stage results as per the positions at the earlier CP1 (Control Point 1) at the 67km mark, giving the win to Americans Robbie Gordon and Kellon Walch in a Hummer ahead of Ronan Chabot and Gilles Pillot of France (SMG Buggy) and Argentinian duo Lucio Alvarez and Rolan Graue (Toyota Hilux).

De Villiers and Von Zitzewitz had to settle for a disappointing fifth place ahead of race leaders Stephane Peterhansel and Jean Paul Cottret (Mini). De Villiers, in attack mode, took the lead ahead of Gordon and Peterhansel shortly after the CP1. De Villiers’ intention was to use the notorious Fiambala stage to close the gap to Peterhansel and increase his 16 minute advantage over the third-placed Russians Leonid Novitskiy and Konstantin Zhiltsov (Mini). De Villiers almost succeeded, and then the flood waters came.

Toyota Imperial South Africa team manager Glyn Hall said, “Giniel started slowly to protect the tyres in the rocks but once in the big dunes Dirk gave perfect direction and Giniel kept an accurate heading. When the race was stopped he had reached waypoint 11, 110 km into the special, 10 minutes ahead of the field and 16 minutes faster than Peterhansel.”

De Villiers commented, “It’s a pity what happened today, because we were first on the road, we’d passed Robbie and Stephane. It was not a lucky break for us.”??The top three positions in the general classification are as follows:

1. Peterhansel/Cottret (Mini) – 29 hours 7 minutes 25 seconds

2. De Villiers/Von Zitzewitz (Toyota Hilux) – +51 minutes 59 seconds

3. Novitskiy/Zhiltsov (Mini) – +1 hour 26 minutes 40 seconds

Dakar Rally – Stage 12

Thursday’s stage 12 will take place between Fiambala and Copiapo in Argentina. The competitors will cross the Andes Mountains from east to west via the Paso de San Francisco and return to the Atacama Desert which should pose a major challenge. The major sections of dunes are situated right in the middle of the 319km special stage. There are ‘cathedral’ dunes to climb and deep basins just as big. There are also tracks with lots of stones. Stage 12 starts at 5:08 PM (SA Time).

To read the previous stage’ writeup, click the link below

Dakar Rally Day 10

New Fiat Designs at Detroit Auto Show

New Fiat designs are being showcased at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show which hint at the design potential of the Fiat 500 line-up with two new design concepts namely the Fiat 500 Cattiva and the Fiat 500 Tenebra. The Fiat 500 Cattiva is based on the Fiat 500 Turbo while the Fiat 500 Tenebra is based on the Fiat 500 Abarth.

New Fiat Designs add flare to range

Fiat 500 Cattiva?

The Fiat 500 Cattiva concept adds more excitement and style with its turbocharged engine, vibrant Rame (copper) exterior colour and contrasting Nero accents giving it a twin-colour appearance. Drawing inspiration from the Fiat 500 Sport and Turbo models, the 500 Cattiva features Nero Chrome exterior accents, Gloss Nero headlamps, tail lamps and parking lamp bezels and a sport tuned suspension with unique 16-inch satin dark grey painted aluminum wheels. To give the 500 Cattiva a distinctive bi-colour look, the roof and lift-gate spoiler are painted Gloss Nero.

The interior features a Nero environment with leather sport seating and a unique Matte Nero instrument panel. A Nero leather-wrapped, sport-designed steering wheel is hand stitched with Argento (silver) stitching and there is a matching manual transmission gear lever. For high performance sound, an exclusive Beats Audio system is included.

Fiat 500 Tenebra

With inspiration from the Fiat 500 Abarth, the exterior of the Tenebra design concept is finished with a matte Grigio (grey) paint giving it an individual look. Like the Cattiva it also features Nero (black) Chrome exterior accents, Gloss Nero headlamps, tail lamps and parking lamp bezels, but with lightweight 16-inch Hyper Nero Chrome Abarth design aluminum wheels.

The signature Abarth bodyside stripe and mirror cap are grey and remain glossy for added contrast. A Gloss grey, roof-sized Abarth “Scorpion” logo delivers an unmistakable look and adds a bold finishing touch to the exterior design.

The interior of the Fiat 500 Tenebra features unique Abarth front performance seats with racing harness and are finished in Nero leather with grey piping and accent stitching. The signature Abarth flat-bottom steering wheel and instrument-panel cluster brow are all finished in Nero leather with grey piping and accent stitching. For an authentic look, carbon fibre with a matte finish spans the width of the instrument panel. The gear lever and parking brake handle are glazed in grey accent stitching.

Adding a high-definition music experience, the segment exclusive Beats Audio system is standard and includes six premium speakers, an 8-inch dual-voice coil (DVC) subwoofer with a trunk-mounted enclosure and 8-channel amplifier with Beats Audio’s proprietary digital sound processing (DSP) algorithm.

New Porsche Cayenne Turbo S shown at 2013 Detroit Auto Show

Porsche sold more sports cars globally in 2012 than ever before. In 2012, 141 075 customer deliveries were made, an increase of 18.7% compared to the 2011 record of 118,868 vehicles sold. This year, Porsche is celebrating a new member of their SUV family at the Detroit Auto Show, the new Porsche Cayenne Turbo S.

New Porsche Cayenne Turbo S – Specifications and Features

Engine Capability?

The new Porsche Cayenne Turbo S is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.8-litre engine that produces 410kW and accelerates from zero to 100km/h in 4.3 seconds while reaching a top speed of 281km/h. The new Porsche Cayenne Turbo S is equipped for maximum dynamic performance with the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) and the Sport Chrono package as standard. .

Styling Features

The exterior styling is distinguished by front air intakes and rear-view mirror trim painted in high-gloss black. Standard 21-inch 911 Turbo ll wheels with coloured Porsche badges complement the overall design while the dual twin-tube sport tailpipes and high-gloss black accents are exclusive to the Cayenne Turbo S.

Interior colour combinations include black and red with red stitching or black and beige with beige stitching. Carbon fibre elements further enhance the dynamic interior. ??The new Porsche Cayenne Turbo S can be expected in South Africa in the first half of 2013.

Jeep Altitude Compass Limited Edition in South Africa

The Jeep Altitude Compass Limited Edition is available in South Africa. The ‘Altitude’ name was derived from a competition following the launch of the Jeep Grand Cherokee concept vehicle at the Houston Motor Show in 2012 where more than 100 000 Jeep enthusiasts entered and ‘Altitude’ emerged as the winning name.

??Jeep Altitude Compass – Special Features

The limited edition Jeep Altitude Compass continues the ‘from-the-factory’ customised look first seen in the Grand Cherokee concept shown last year and features a Compass trademark seven-slot Jeep grille and headlights finished in black gloss surrounds. Black roof rails and a black step pad add to its unique features. The limited edition Jeep Altitude Compass rides on exclusive 18-inch black gloss aluminium wheels.

Other notable features include power heated exterior mirrors, heated seats, Continuously Variable automatic Transmission (CVT) and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls. Safety features include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), electronic roll mitigation, Hill Start Assist (with manual transmission) and side-curtain airbags that cover all rows.

The Jeep Altitude Compass is available in Bright Silver, Black, Tungsten metallic and Bright White. Only 199 Jeep Altitude Compass units will be available locally.

Jeep Altitude Compass – Price

Jeep Limited Edition Altitude Compass (Manual) R295 490
Jeep Limited Edition Altitude Compass (CVT) R302 490