Win an Apple ipad with Cars.co.za and Wantitall.co.za

Our Apple ipad give-away competition has almost come to an end, with the lucky winner being drawn in the next few days. If you haven’t already entered the competition, what are you waiting for?

You don’t have much time left, so head over to this link and get yourself entered into the draw! It’s really simple, quick and easy to enter and best of all, its Free! So you have nothing to lose.

Click here to enter the competition!

The winner will be drawn on the 28th of February and announced on Cars.co.za. Good luck to everyone who has entered!

2012 Honda Civic Sedan Revealed

The 2012 Honda Civic sedan has arrived with some impressive fuel economy stats but not much else. Looks-wise it’s far too similar to its predecessor both inside and out. It seems Honda have played it safe while other car manufacturers are pushing the envelope on design. Still the 2012 Honda Civic hasn’t even been released yet, so we will have to reserve final judgment.

2012 Honda Civic sedan offers impressive fuel economy

Now onto the good part. The fuel economy of the new 2012 of Honda Civic is quite impressive. The new Civic HF comes with a 1.8 liter i-VTEC engine and estimates have it clocking in at 5.7 litres per 100km on the highway. The Civic hybrid is naturally even more impressive, powered by a 1.5 litre engine along with a lithium-ion battery it clocks in at an estimated fuel economy of 5.2 litres per 100km. This fuel economy has been achieved thanks to the aerodynamic components and Honda’s ECO Assist tech.

Performance wise the 2012 Honda Civic is a slight improvement over its predecessor. The Civic HF produces 140hp with the Civic Hybrid coming in at just 110hp. The Sport Civic SI model however pushes out 200hp from its 2.4 litre i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine mated to a 6 speed manual transmission. Although if you are looking for performance, chances are you will be going with the hatch version anyway.

Please note though that this is the American version of the 2012 Honda Civic sedan and the one we get will be slightly different. Keep a look out for more information on the local 2012 Honda Civic as it becomes available.

2011 F1 Season – What to Expect

With the start of the 2011 F1 season just around the corner, here is a rundown of some of the news and details for the upcoming races. The 2011 F1 season should be a cracker if 2010 was anything to go by.

2011 F1 Season to heat up

The 2010 F1 season went down to the wire and was incredibly exciting, gone are the days of Schumacher winning every race by miles. It’s been a while since the constructor’s and driver’s championships have been so heavily contested. Last year Sebastian Vettel won the drivers championship and in doing so became the youngest ever to do so. It all came down to the final race in Abu Dhabi with Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel, Fernando Alonso and Vettel’s teammate Mark Webber all gunning for the driver’s championship. Vettel’s team, Redbull Racing went home with the constructor’s title to complete the sweep.

The 2011 F1 season begins on the 13th of March at the Bahrain GP and ends on the 27th November at the Brazilian GP.

2011 F1 Season Changes

• The 107% rule will once more be brought in. Any driver that fails to finish with a qualifying time within 107% of the fastest lap in Q1 will not be allowed to race.

• Bridgestone have withdrawn from Formula 1 as the tyre supplier, in their stead Pirelli have stepped up and will be the lone supplier to all the cars in the grid. Pirelli have not been involved in F1 since 1993 and have signed a contract to be the sole supplier for the next 3 years.

• The Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) is back for the 2011 F1 season, it debuted in 2009 but was removed for the 2010 season. The system takes the wasted energy generated while braking and converts it into additional on demand power.

• For the first time the Indian Grand Prix will be included in the F1 schedule

The 2011 F1 season has not even begun yet and already there are controversial and unfortunate stories developing. First off, Robert Kubica was unfortunately involved in a crash while competing in the Ronde di Andora rally. Subsequent surgeries have gone well and Kubica is on the road to recovery, however he is not fit to start the season and Renault have announced that Nick Heidfeld has been brought in as his replacement.

On the controversial front, when Ferrari announced their car for the 2011 F1 season, they named it the F150. Unfortunately this happens to be the same name of a range of Ford Pickup trucks and Ford are contesting the name.

The 2011 F1 season begins soon; we will keep you up to date with all the results here on Cars.co.za.

Volkswagen Touran 1,4 TSI Highline (2011) Driving Impression

In the late ‘90s and early years of the new Millennium, the compact MPV was all the rage, fuelled by the European success of first the Renault Megane Scenic, and then the Opel Zafira. Back then, it appeared to be the market segment of the future and as a result a number of brands jumped onto the bandwagon. Unfortunately, some of them had not factored in the growth of the compact crossover segment, and the fact that these two segments were set on a collision course. Hindsight is said to be 20/20, but it appears obvious now that the public would always prefer slightly macho SUV looks of a crossover to the mom’s taxi MPV, especially as both are similarly practical. So, where does this leave the updated Volkswagen Touran?

Refined looks for the Volkswagen Touran

Though the Volkswagen Touran is generally neither regarded as the best-value MPV on offer, nor the most cleverly packaged, it has been a big hit in South Africa, a reality that has much to do with the VW badge on the nose. The German brand has been on a steady march up the pricing and sophistication ladders of late, and the new Volkswagen Touran has gone the same way. It gets the crisply styled new face of VW with the narrow grille and finely detailed headlamps. Every little aesthetic detail has been subtly improved, so much so that when you park the facelifted vehicle next to its predecessor, it almost looks like an all-new model. The comprehensive colour-coding, smart 16-inch alloy wheels and tinted windows do much to endow it with an upmarket presence that is not that common in the MPV segment.

The cabin has been similarly spruced up with control interfaces and displays from the latest Golf 6. Consequently, the instrumentation and particularly the centre section of the facia look vastly more modern and, importantly, more expensive. As before, the facia is a lesson in simplicity – there’s nothing flashy or gimmicky. It just works, but does so with refinement and solidity. As a result, comfort levels are immediately excellent, because one feels at home within seconds. Like all VWs, the steering wheel boasts generous rake and reach adjustment and the seats are superb – they also look very attractive with partial leather upholstery.

In fact, Volkswagen has been fairly generous with the creature comforts – this Touran boasts climate control, auto wipers, heated front seats, radio/CD player, multi-function steering wheel and cruise control. Six airbags are fitted, and there’s an electronic stability system (ESP) as well.

Seating flexibility

Move to the second row and the good news continues. The Volkswagen Touran boasts three individual chairs that can slide to tailor legroom and boot space, and also offer reclining backrests. The seats can also be removed – a job that requires a bit of muscle. Those seated in the second row are afforded a number of typical MPV amenities, including lidded storage boxes under the feet and airline-style flip-up trays. You can even fold the centre seat down and turn it into a table.

Unlike some competitors, the Volkswagen Touran is not a standard seven-seater. It only has five seats in its normal configuration, and you have to spend slightly less than R10 000 extra to get third-row seating. Do that, and you’ll also no longer have a spare wheel (a mobility kit is offered). As with most MPVs of this size that offer seven-up seating, the space in the rear is really only for smaller adults (or children) and for shorter distances. When the seats are occupied there is almost no boot space. In five-seater configuration, however, the boot measures a massive 695-litres.

Willing, modern engine

The 1,4-litre turbopetrol engine that does such excellent duty in the Golf 6 powers this Touran. It develops 103 kW and 220 Nm of torque (from 1 500 rpm). As is the case in the Golf, there is very slight turbo lag before the engine really comes on song, but one quickly gets used to its power delivery characteristics. In fact, it’s quite an enjoyable vehicle to drive. The six-speed manual transmission feels refined, and if you hit the sweet spot of the torque curve, the strong acceleration is very satisfying – the Volkswagen Touran feels quite nippy for a 1,5-tonne mom’s taxi… faster, in fact, than the 0-100 km/h time of 9,5 seconds would appear to suggest. The engine is also impressively frugal, consuming as little as 6,8 L/100 km on average if driven relatively gingerly.

Touran – the refined compact MPV?

A major benefit from being based on the Golf is that the Volkswagen Touran inherits its sibling’s impressive (and pricey) multi-link rear suspension. It’s a vehicle that feels impressively composed and refined as soon as the wheels start turning. The suspension is supple, soaking up big bumps or rippled surfaces in an equally impressive manner. The low levels of NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) further accentuate the overall sense of sophistication and refinement. And it doesn’t turn all wallowy in the corners, either, remaining composed and stable even when driven with some vigour.

Volkswagen Touran – Verdict

The facelifted Volkswagen Touran is a marked improvement on an already good predecessor. The changes are not big, but Volkswagen has refined every aspect of this vehicle, and the result is the most “premium” feeling compact MPV on the market. Comfort levels are very high, and the new 1,4 TSI engine remains impressive. Yes, the price is high – too high, perhaps – but remember that you’re likely to get a better trade-in for this than some of the cheaper competition. And, in reality, the Volkswagen Touran does feel like a more substantial product than its rivals. The MPV segment may be shrinking, but the Touran’s slice of the pie may end up growing…

We like:

  • Classy cabin
  • Build quality
  • Comfort
  • Economy
  • Standard specification


We don’t like:

  • Pricey!
  • No spare wheel as a seven seater


Fast Facts

Engine: 1,4-litre, four-cylinder, turbopetrol

Power: 103 kW @ 5 600 rpm

Torque: 220 Nm @ 1 500 rpm

Transmission: Six-speed manual

Wheels: 16-inch alloy

Top speed: 202 km/h

0-100 km/h: 9,5 seconds

Fuel economy: 6,8 litres/100 km

Source: www.um.co.za

Also consider:

  • Toyota Verso 1,8 TX: The Verso is significantly cheaper than the Volkswagen, so the value argument is very strong, especially as it packs seven seats as standard, as well as a decent standard features package. Refined and comfortable, too.
  • Mazda5 2,0 Individual: As before, the Mazda5 attempts to offer some driving excitement in the MPV segment. To a large degree it succeeds, because it certainly is more engaging to drive than most. But, as an MPV it also impresses offering great value, lots of features and seven seats as standard.
  • Renault Grand Scenic 1,9 dCi Dynamique: OK, so the Renault is a diesel, but the brand doesn’t offer a petrol model anymore – with good reason too… This diesel derivative is an excellent all-rounder, possibly the best MPV on the market right now. And it’s well priced.

 

 

2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe headed for Geneva

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe will be officially unveilled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. The unveiling happens in March but the car will only be available in September in the US. Here are some early details however to whet your appetite.

New flair for 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe

At launch the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe will be available in 2 engine options; a 3.5 litre V6 gasoline engine, capable of 302hp which comes in the C350 and a 1.8 litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine which comes in the C250. Both options will come with a 7-speed automatic transmission.

The head of sales and marketing at Mercedes-Benz, Joachim Schmidt, mentions that the new 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe is “youthful, stylish and expressive” and is targeted at new customers. I’m not quite on the same ‘youthful’ vibe that he is on but the new C-Class Coupe definitely works well on the stylish front. The lowered roofline and 2 less doors go a long way on creating a more sleek and streamlined car than the C-Class sedan it is based on.

Check back for more information on a local release date and pricing options for South Africa as they are available.

World Car of the Year top 10 finalists announced

With the South African Car of the Year award just around the corner, the finalists for the World Car of the Year have been announced. The World Car of the Year is chosen by a jury consisting of 66 distinguished automotive journalists from around the world who have now narrowed the list down to their top 10. From here they will then re-evaluate their votes on these 10 cars and judge them on overall merit, value, safety, environmental responsibility, emotional appeal and significance.

The top 10 finalists for the World Car of the Year are, in no particular order:

• BMW 5 Series
• BMW X3
• Porsche Cayenne
• Nissan Leaf
• Audi A1
• Audi A8
• Volvo S60 / V60
• Mercedes-Benz SLS
• Jeep Grand Cherokee
• Jaguar XJ

Once the judges have re-evaluated their votes they will decide on the top 3 cars which will be announced at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Then the final awards will be handed out at the New York Auto Show which goes down in April. There is however a surprising lack of Volkswagen cars in this top 10, which is not normally the case in the World Car of the Year who have favoured VW in the past. The 2009 World Car of the Year was the VW Golf, followed in 2010 by the VW Polo taking home top honours.

Check back for updates on the top 3 and the eventual winner when they are announced.

2012 VW Jetta GLI unleashed with updates

The 2012 VW Jetta GLI has been released with the hope of it being the most differentiated Jetta VW have ever produced, combining comfort, sophistication and performance in a sleek package. The Jetta has always been a solid family car, with impressive fuel economy, space and comfort. The updated 2012 VW Jetta GLI definitely does have a sleeker and sportier look which could increase its appeal to a younger audience.

Updated looks and features to set 2012 VW Jetta GLI apart

Under the hood the 2012 VW Jetta GLI packs a 2.0 litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, capable of generating 200 hp at 1700rpm. This impressive powertrain results in improved performance, power and responsiveness. Additional performance options include a 4-way Independent Performance Suspension, DSG automatic gearbox with wheel mounted paddles and XDS cross differential system to prevent inside wheel spin while cornering.

While the official EPA fuel economy figures are not yet in, the Jetta GLI is expected to come in at 7.8 litres/100km for highway driving on the manual transmission, while the automatic transmission clocks in slightly less economical. The fuel economy is helped by the weight of the car which has been significantly reduced compared to the previous model although being 2.9 inches longer.

The other obvious selling point of a car like the Jetta is the safety features. The 2012 VW Jetta GLI pulls out all the stops, with electronic stability control, tyre pressure monitoring, airbags for the driver, front passenger and Side Curtain protection for the front and rear passengers. Most impressive of the safety features though is VW’s own advanced Intelligent Crash Response System which kicks in during certain collisions. The system automatically cuts off the electrical supply to the fuel pump, the doors unlock and the hazard lights are turned on.

The Volkswagen Jetta is already a solid car and the 2012 GLI simply improves things even further. The exterior styling of the car has also been improved to result in a much more aggressive and sporty look. Overall the new 2012 VW Jetta GLI combines comfort, affordability, styling, safety and a fair amount of performance into a very complete and impressive car.

No date or price has been made for South African buyers yet, stay tuned for further information as it becomes available.

SANRAL announce toll road tariffs for Gauteng

SANRAL (The South African National Roads Agency Limited) have announced the tolling tariffs to be implemented along 185km of the Gauteng highway. The new tolling system has been a contentious subject with many Gauteng motorists wondering how they will be able to afford their daily commute on the new toll roads. With the system so close to completion, we now at least have some figures and costs to work with, as well as a handy toll calculator to work out just how much further we will have to delve into our wallets.

The toll roads will be setup with tolling gantries which will automatically toll commuters as they drive through. This is done via an e-tag system. Drivers will need to register for an e-tag with SANRAL and load up their account with as much credit they require. As they drive through a gantry their account will automatically be debited based on the distance they have traveled on the toll road multiplied by the cents per km rate. Commuters not using the e-tag system will have their bill posted to the address of the registered vehicle.

There will however be discounts available, these include:

• Using the e-tag (25% discount)
• Discount based on the time of the day the commuter travels through the tolling station.
• Being a registered public transporter (50% discount)
• Frequent user discounts apply to light vehicles and motorbikes but not public transporters

As previously mentioned, the toll calculator that SANRAL have provided is a very useful tool to work out how much the specific routes will set you back.

Click here to access the toll calculator

Initial observations are a little scary. A round trip from the N12 Edenvale to the N1 William Nicol will set you back R38.28. That’s without the e-tag though, with the e-tag discount it comes to R28.71 which is a little better but still rather steep. N1 Soweto to N1 William Nicol return trip comes in at R43.28 without a tag and R32.46 with a tag. Time will tell just how much effect the new tolling system will have on commuters in Gauteng and how congested the alternate routes will be.

New Honda Accord Revealed

The new Honda Accord comes with a few minor tweaks and improvements over the previous model. For a car developed for the corporate market, it comes as a bit of a surprise to see the grille has been updated for a sportier look and there is an option of 17” alloy wheels on the ES and ES-GT models. Some of the other changes make a lot more sense though and should improve on what is already a decent vehicle.

Fresh face for new Honda Accord

The ride handling and maneuverability have been improved to add to the driving comfort. The headlights have a cleaner appearance with the top grade option including bi-xenon with Active Cornering Lights which provide improved visibility during night-time driving. The new Honda Accord also comes with three new colours to choose from: Alabaster Silver, Graphite Lustre metallic and Celestial Blue Pearl.

Improved fuel economy

Most impressive of the changes comes with an improvement in fuel economy and a reduction in CO2 emissions. The 2.2 litre i-DTEC diesel engine produces 9 g/km less CO2 than its predecessor which allows it to clock in under the 140g/km mark for the 6-speed manual. The automatic variant improves even further with a 11g/km reduction in CO2, all the while retaining the same power output at 150 PS with torque at 350Nm/2000rpm.

The new Honda Accord will debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March and will hopefully be released in South Africa later in the year.

New Aston Martin V8 Vantage S unleashed

The new Aston Martin V8 Vantage S expands on the brand’s seriously impressive line-up of vehicles. The Vantage S comes with a number of improvements and tweaks a create a car that has some serious performance as well as the good looks we have come to expect from Aston Martin.

New Aston Martin V8 Vantage S features exceptional performance and styling

The new Aston Martin V8 Vantage S comes loaded with an explosive 4.7-litre engine that produces 430 bhp (321 kW) and 490Nm of torque. More impressive though is the Sportshift II transmission that Aston Martin developed especially for the Vantage S. The Sportshift II automated manual transmission delivers 7 short ratio gears, allowing for exceedingly quick gear changes, up to 20% quicker than the first Sportshift, which creates an even sportier driving experience. This single clutch system reduces the complexity and puts the control with the driver, which along with the ‘Sport’ button quickens the gear changes even further.

The new Aston Martin Vantage S is currently available to order for anyone lucky enough to be able to afford one. The car is quite well summed up by Ulrich Bez, Aston Martin’s CEO who notes: “The Vantage S epitomises every attribute of the V8 Vantage and pushes the driver experience beyond what we have offered before, It combines dynamic exhilaration with all the charming finesse, beauty and practicality already associated with the Vantage range.”