Volkswagen Touareg gets optional R-Line Package

The Volkswagen Touareg is now offered with an optional R-Line package to enhance its sporty design. The Touareg is the first model in the Volkswagen line-up to benefit from the optional R-Line package.

Volkswagen Touareg enhanced with sporty features

Volkswagen’s flagship SUV with the R-Line package will benefit from exclusive R-Design features and sport suspension. The R-Line package includes a textured matt-black diffuser at the rear-end while oval tailpipes are integrated into the re-designed bumper section. A roof edge spoiler completes the rear-end styling. Striking side sills in body colour can be seen from the side with chrome strips on the doors and R-Line badges on the front wings. The front-end benefits from a new spoiler lip in R-Design. The exterior look is completed with 20-inch Mallory alloy wheels.

On the inside, the Touareg benefits from front sport leather seats, a heated leather-trimmed tip-shift paddle multi-function steering wheel with gloss black inserts, stainless steel pedals and door entry sills in stainless steel.

The R-Line package is available for R35 000 with all Volkswagen Touareg variants except the Terrain Tech.

Volkswagen Touareg Price

Volkswagen Touareg 3.6 FSI V6 R595 400
Volkswagen Touareg 3.0 TDI BlueMotion V6 R661 000
Volkswagen Touareg 4.2 TDI V8 R822 300

New Hyundai i20 price and specs in South Africa

The new Hyundai i20 is now available in South Africa and displays refreshed styling both inside and out, while benefitting from an improved standard equipment level when compared to the outgoing model. The new Hyundai i20 is available in three variants namely the i20 Fluid, the i20 Glide and the i20 Fluid Automatic. Hyundai have also released the new Hyundai i20 price for the South African market.

New Hyundai i20 Price and Specs

All three Hyundai i20 variants are fitted with a 1.4-litre petrol engine that is capable of producing 73kW at 5 500rpm with a maximum torque figure of 136Nm available from 4 200rpm. Along with Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) and optimal gear ratios, the 1.4-litre petrol unit delivers an impressive combined-cycle fuel consumption figure of 4.2-litres/100km for the manual variant and 4.8-litres/100km for the automatic. CO2 emissions are rated at 132g/km for the manual and 140g/km for the automatic.

The new Hyundai i20 manual will accelerate to 100km/h in 11.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 181km/h while the automatic i20 will take 12.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 170km/h. The i20 Fluid and the i20 Glide make use of a new 6-speed manual gearbox, while the i20 Automatic uses a 4-speed automatic transmission.

i20 Exterior Styling

The new i20 incorporates Hyundai’s ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ design language which is evident in the hexagonal-shaped grille. New halogen headlamps further complement the i20’s front-end which also features redesigned fog lights as well as a revised hood, fender and front bumper.

The rear-end benefits from a revised bumper which now integrates a rear parking assist system as standard equipment. The rear headlamps have been re-styled to create stylistic harmony.

i20 Interior Styling

The revised Hyundai i20 interior offers both comfort and roominess. The centre fascia has been re-worked to provide more sophisticated switchgear while the dashboard now benefits from stylish black high-gloss inserts and quality soft-touch finishes. Apart from the roomy interior, the boot allows for 295-litres of space. The i20 features a Radio/CD/MP3 player with USB, Auxiliary, iPod and Bluetooth capability with sound controls on the steering wheel. An on-board computer also displays average fuel consumption, distance to empty, driving time, instant consumption and trip meter.

New Hyundai i20 Price in South Africa

Variant Price
Hyundai i20 1.4 Fluid M/T R164 900
Hyundai i20 1.4 Fluid A/T R174 900
Hyundai i20 1.4 Glide M/T R176 900

All models are backed with a 5-year/150 000km warranty with 5-years roadside assistance, 3-year/ 60 000km service plan and a 5-year/160 000km perforation warranty. Service intervals are set at 15 000km.

Chevrolet Trax to debut at Paris Motor Show

Chevrolet is set to enter the fast growing small SUV segment with its latest creation, the Trax, which will make its international debut at the Paris Motor Show on 27 September 2012. The Trax will complement Chevrolet’s current SUV offering and will stand alongside the Captiva.

Chevrolet Trax – Specifications and Features

Engine Capability

The Trax will be offered with three engine options including 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine, a 1.6-litre petrol engine and a 1.7-litre turbo-diesel engine. The 1.4-litre turbo petrol unit produces 103kW with 200Nm of torque and is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. The 1.7-litre turbo diesel engine offers 96kW with 300Nm of torque. The All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system will be available for the 1.4-litre and 1.7-litre variants and all powertrains with manual transmission will have Start/Stop functionality. The 1.4 and 1.7 variants will also come with the option of a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Interior Styling

The interior features an instrument cluster that combines digital readouts with analogue displays. The Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system is fitted as standard and offers integration with smartphones displayed on a 7-inch, high resolution, full colour touch-screen display. The MyLink system will also feature a downloadable navigation app that will project the route calculated by the smartphone onto the system’s touch screen.

The Trax will be spacious and offers a 358-litre boot with various storage compartments throughout the cabin as well as an under pass seat tray. Further storage space is available under the cargo floor. In addition to a 60/40 splitting rear seat, the front passenger seat can also fold down for additional flexibility. A total of eight seating combinations can be selected in the Trax.

Safety Features

The Trax will be equipped with six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Hill Start Assist (HSA), Traction Control (TC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) and Hill Descent Control (HDC) are standard on LT trim vehicles.

It’s not yet known whether the Chevrolet Trax will be available in South Africa.

Audi R8 e-tron gets Digital Rear-View Mirror

Audi has announced that it will use a digital rear-view mirror in the Audi R8 e-tron come end of the year. It’s also the first time this technology is to be used on a production model. The digital rear-view mirror was successfully used in the Audi R18 at the 2012 Le Mans 24-hour endurance race. The Audi R8 e-tron, like the R18 doesn’t have a rear window and therefore requires a digital rear-view monitor for safety purposes.

Impressive tech for Audi R8 e-tron

A small, ultra-lightweight camera is located in an aerodynamically optimised housing which is heated in cold temperatures and covers a wider field of vision compared to a conventional rear-view mirror. Digital image data is displayed on a 7.7-inch AMOLED colour monitor giving the driver a crystal clear image. The driver is also able to dim or de-activate the display at any time.

Audi is also working on incorporating additional information on the monitor in the future.

New Chevrolet Spark Campus available in South Africa

Chevrolet has introduced a third model into its entry-level Spark range with the addition of the Spark Campus now available in South Africa. Although the new Chevrolet Spark Campus retains the latest styling and technology virtues of the Spark L and LS offerings, it cuts back on some of the non-essentials and styling options available in the L specification level.

New Chevrolet Spark Campus is an affordable urban runaround

Engine Capability

Like the Spark L and LS models, the Chevrolet Spark Campus is also fitted with a 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine that produces 60kW at 6 400rpm and displays a maximum torque figure of 108Nm at 4 800rpm. The Spark Campus exhibits a combined fuel consumption figure of 5.4-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of only 129g/km. The Spark Campus will accelerate to 100km/h in 13.3 seconds while reaching a top speed of 164km/h. Power is transferred to the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox.

Standard Features

Standard features for the Chevrolet Spark Campus include ABS brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), driver and passenger front airbags with de-activation for the passenger system. Security features include a transponder immobiliser system and key activated central locking.

Convenience features include a manual air conditioner, power steering, height adjustment for the driver’s seat, tinted glass all round, rear window de-fogger, cup holders and interior courtesy and map lights. Styling includes colour coded door handles, bumpers and exterior rear view mirrors.

Chevrolet Spark Campus – Price

Chevrolet Spark 1.2 Campus – R99 900

The Chevrolet Spark Campus is covered by a 5 year/ 120 000km warranty with roadside assistance for the full warranty period. Anti-corrosion warranty protection is provided for a period of five years with no kilometre limit. Service intervals are 12 months or 15 000km. An optional 3 yr/60 000km Service Plan is available.

VW Polo clocks one million kilometres

Veteran salesman Gerrie Esterhuizen (67) and his South African built 2004 VW Polo has achieved one million kilometres of fault-free and accident-free driving.

VW Polo goes the distance

Gerrie and his wife, Magriet (47) always wondered what would happen to the speedometer once they reached a million kilometres and they found the answer, “After 999999.9 kilometres, the speedometer just shows six dashes, although the trip meter carries on working,” said Magriet. The couple clocked up the mileage during work runs from their home in Soutpan near Bloemfontein across the Free State, Northern Cape, North West and Lesotho.

“We travel up to 800km a day from our home and back, often spending more than 10 hours on the road and seeing clients, mainly in small towns in our sales territory,” Gerrie said. “These days we average between 8 000km and 10 000km a month. In previous years we drove more than 12 000km a month.” Over the years the couple have kept meticulous records of their travels.

“We reckon the VW Polo used 66 666 litres of fuel to get to the million mark. That’s an excellent figure of about 700km per 50-litre tank, or 15km a litre (6.6km/l). Working out the cost over the years at an average of R8/l, that’s about R533 000 in fuel costs.”

What’s more is that the VW Polo has only had two new fuel pumps fitted in its lifespan and the clutch, starter, alternator, exhaust system, radiator and oil pump are all original.

The couple received VIP treatment and were invited to the VW Plant in Uitenhage where the VW Polo was treated to an overnight paint, dent removal and brush-up package. Gerrie and his wife were also presented with a new dashboard cluster by the Managing Director of Volkswagen Group South Africa, David Powels.

New Mazda BT-50 available in South Africa

The new Mazda BT-50 is now available in South Africa. The BT-50 is offered in either petrol or diesel guise and features increased space and comfort with a wide range of active and passive safety features. The new Mazda BT-50 incorporates the versatility of a pick-up truck but with the comfort of a passenger car and is available in three body types including the Double Cab, Single Cab and the Freestyle Cab.

New Mazda BT-50 – Specifications and Features

Engine Capability

The engine line-up for the BT-50 consists of a 2.2-litre and a 3.2-litre diesel derivative along with a 2.5-litre petrol variant. The 2.2-litre common-rail diesel engine is available in two power versions. The 88kW version produces 285Nm of torque while the 110kW version produces 375Nm of torque. The 3.2-litre diesel engine produces 147kW and 470Nm of torque. The diesel engines, except the 88kW 2.2-litre version (5-speed manual), are mated with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The 2.5-litre DOHC petrol engine delivers 122kW with a maximum torque figure of 225Nm. Like the 88kW 2.2-litre diesel engine, this engine is also mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.

Styling Features

The new Mazda BT-50 features a bold, wedge shaped profile with a five-point grille and boomerang-design headlamps with either 16-inch or 17-inch aluminium wheels. All the body types are longer, wider and higher than the outgoing model thereby increasing both passenger and loading space. Black is the keynote colour used for the interior that is highlighted with silver accents on the door trim, floor, centre console gear lever, parking brake button, door handles, climate-control levers, meter rings and dials. The new Mazda BT-50 is available in nine colours with three upholstery options including vinyl, fabric and leather for the Double Cab SLE models.

Safety Features

Active safety features for the new Mazda BT-50 include 4W-ABS, Traction Control System, Driver Stability Control, Emergency Brake Assist, Brake Override System, Load Adaptive Control, Trailer Sway Assist, Roll Stability Control, Hill Launch Assist and Hill Descent Control (4×4 only). Passive safety features include a rigid cabin, front, side and curtain airbags, shock absorbing steering column and a crushable brake pedal.

New Mazda BT-50 – Price

Single Cab

Mazda BT-50 2.5 5MT 4×2 Petrol R190 330
Mazda BT-50 3.2 6MT 4×4 Diesel R354 200

Freestyle Cab

Mazda BT-50 2.2 5MT 4×2 Diesel R231 950
Mazda BT-50 3.2 6MT 4×4 Diesel R398 970

Double Cab

Mazda BT-50 2.2 6MT 4×2 DieselR340 480

Mazda BT-50 3.2 6AT 4×4 Diesel R462 210

Mitsubish Pajero Sport 3.2 Review

The off-roader market is one of the most important to South Africans and if you wish to compete, your product has to be tough-as-nails and offer value-for-money. Currently dominated by the Toyota Fortuner and Chevrolet Trailblazer, this market is hotly-contested between the two. But what if you wanted an alternative, like the Mitsubishi Pajero?

Mitsubish Pajero Sport 3.2 review by David Taylor

Mitsubishi is stepping up to the plate and reckons its Pajero Sport can match these two. For whatever reason, Mitsubishi is a brand that doesn’t get that much media attention these days. Sure it’s a different story when the latest incarnation of the legendary Evo rally sedan is launched, but even that’s old news now and there’s not much to look forward to.

Not a good start then when it comes to brand awareness and perception. Nevertheless the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 3.2 DI-D GLS to give its full name looks alright on paper. The vehicle received a gentle facelift in 2012 which brings the design of the front more in line with the rest of the company’s offerings. The interior also received some love in the form of a new instrumentation cluster. It’s not a bad looking offroader and keen-eyed readers will notice it looks a lot like the current Triton bakkie.

Strong diesel motor

There’s a decent 3.2-litre turbodiesel engine and it offers 120kW and 343Nm. It’s not fast by any stretch, but it has enough power to reach the national speed limit without too much effort. What’s interesting to note is this particular engine can work on any diesel. Unlike most modern oil-burning cars which are especially fussy and need special 50ppm diesel, the Pajero Sport can run on even the poorest quality fuel. It’s not the most economical, but you should see around 11L/100km appear on the trip computer.

It has a five-speed manual gearbox, which while adequate, could have done with an extra ratio just for highway cruising. The gearbox has two levers, with the second smaller one controlling the four-wheel drive system.

Decent off-road ability

Did I test out the off-road ability of the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport? Absolutely. It has enough ability to match its rivals when it comes to thick beach sand, dunes and gravel. Ground clearance is rated at 215mm – great for negotiating obstacles and not bottoming out.

One of the Pajero’s strengths is the interior space. There are three rows of seats which are all leather. This means seven people plus luggage can be carried, but note that when the third row of seats is in use boot space is reduced. You can see some thought has gone into ensuring the second and third rows are comfortable as there are numerous cup holders as well as air conditioning vents mounted in the ceiling.

Good level of specification

Earlier I mentioned the new instrumentation formed part of the facelift and this comes with some cool gadgets which will make the enthusiast quite happy. There’s a compass, an altimeter, thermometer as well as your usual trip computer suspects like fuel range and consumption.

Despite it being spacious, the cabin itself feels a little dated which is a pity considering it’s rather comfortable. That said, the materials used are durable and designed to last and easy-to-clean. It still has a decent amount of features such as USB connectivity in the glovebox, keyless entry, and leather steering wheel with multiple functions, park distance control, auto headlights, auto wipers, electronically adjustable driver’s seat and single zone climate control. Safety features include six airbags and ABS.

Summary – Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 3.2

Has the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport done enough to be able to rub shoulders with its accomplished rivals? In my opinion, it just about has. While it may not excel in any particular department, it is one of the best all-rounders and does everything reasonably well. It’s a bit big and cumbersome in town though, which some may find annoying.
Ask anyone with a large vehicle how challenging it is to park in an urban environment. That said, the Pajero Sport is a good offering from Mitsubishi and the vehicle makes a good name for itself.

View the new Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 3.2

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport – Price

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport – R435 900

  • Why you should: Good off-road ability, spacious, tough, surprisingly economical.
  • Why you shouldn’t: Average looks, huge dimensions some may find daunting in urban situations, tough competition from rivals like Chevrolet and Toyota.
  • It would be better if: A modern-looking interior would be nice, as would a sixth gear please.
  • Competitors worth checking out: Toyota Fortuner, Chevrolet Trailblazer

New Mercedes-Benz B-Class in South Africa

The new Mercedes-Benz B-Class has rolled into South Africa with the addition of two new four-cylinder petrol engines, a four cylinder diesel engine and a new transmission offering in the form of a 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission and a 6-speed manual transmission.

New Mercedes-Benz B-Class offers new engines, more choice

Engine Capability

The new petrol engines include the 1.6-litre B 180 and the 1.6-litre B 200. The B 180 petrol variant produces 90kW at 5000rpm with a maximum torque figure of 200Nm available between 1 250 and 4 000rpm. The B 180 will accelerate to 100km/h in 10.4 seconds with a top speed of 190km/h. Fuel consumption is rated between 5.9 and 6.2-litres/100km with a corresponding fuel emissions figure of between 137 and 144g/km. The B 180 is mated with a 6-speed manual transmission.

The 1.6-litre B200 petrol variant produces 115kW at 5 300rpm with a maximum torque figure of 250Nm available between 1 250 and 4 000rpm. The 0-100km/h sprint is completed in 8.6 seconds and displays a top speed of 220km/h. Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are identical to that of the B 180. The B 200 is also mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.

The B 180 CDI diesel variant produces 80kW at between 3 200 and 4 600rpm and offers 250Nm of torque available between 1 400 and 2 800rpm. 100km/h is achieved in 10.9 seconds with a top speed of 190km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at between 4.4 and 4.6-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure between 114 and 121g/km.

The B 200 diesel variant on the other hand offers 100kW at between 3 600 and 4 400rpm with a maximum torque figure of 300Nm available between 1 600 and 3 000rpm. The top speed for the B 200 is 210km/h and will sprint to 100km/h in 9.5 seconds. Fuel consumption is rated at between 4.4 and 4.6-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of between 115 and 121g/km. Both diesel variants are fitted with a six-speed manual transmission. The new 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission is available as an option.

Equipped with the new 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission, the driver can choose between three driving modes namely Economy, Sport and Manual.

B-Class Trim Levels

Four Trim Levels are offered with the new Mercedes-Benz B-Class and these include Chrome, Sports, Exclusive and Night which allow for personalisation of the vehicles interior and exterior.

Chrome – The Chrome package is standard for the B-Class and includes three silver slats on the radiator grille with chrome applications on the front and rear bumpers. Additional exterior features include daytime driving lights with a chrome ring, beltline chrome trim strip, electroplated load sill protector and oval stainless steel tailpipe trim. The interior benefits from Matrix-look trim, air outlet vents nozzle ring and cross silver chrome, chrome rings for the rotary light switch, central operating unit and controller on the centre console, a gear lever in silver shadow and the arm rests feature contrasting stitching.

Sport – The Sport package includes double silver slats on the radiator with chrome applications. The bumper incorporates a diamond-pattern air intake grille with chrome applications. Chrome is also to be found on the rear bumper and 17-inch alloy wheels with 5-spoke design are standard.

The front brake discs are perforated and the front callipers feature ‘Mercedes-Benz’ lettering. The sport suspension with selective damping and Direct-Steer system provide dynamic handling and can be deactivated by the driver if necessary. The interior benefits from ARTICO man-made leather with contrasting stitching, honeycomb-pattern trim, air outlet vents with ring and cross in silver chrome, high-gloss black rotary light switch with silver chrome ring, 3-spoke multi-function leather steering wheel, leather gear lever with chrome applications, door sill panels in extruded stainless steel and stainless steel sports pedal with rubber studs.

Night – The Night package includes double slats on the radiator grille in high-gloss black with chrome applications, roof trim strip in high-gloss black, beltline strip in high-gloss black, heat-insulating dark tinted glass as of B-pillar and 18-inch alloy wheels with black 5-spoke design.

Exclusive – The Exclusive package includes contrasting stitching with ARTICO leather for the door panels and brown silk matt burr walnut trim. Other features include a 3-spoke multi-function steering wheel, infrared comfort locking system and electric 4-way lumbar support for the front and heated seats.

New Mercedes-Benz B-Class – Price

Mercedes-Benz B 180 R 299 600
Mercedes-Benz B 200 R 319 600
Mercedes-Benz B 180 CDI R 325 000
Mercedes-Benz B 200 CDI R358 000

All Mercedes-Benz models come standard with a 6-year/120 000km MobiloDrive maintenance contract.

Subaru XV 2.0 Lineartronic CVT Review in South Africa

I’ve always thought of Subaru as a Jekyll-and-Hyde car company. On one hand you have sensible and clever vehicles like the Forester and Outback which are driven by a bunch of easy-going outdoor types. On the other, you have the Impreza STI, the WRX and the BRZ which make the right noises, look the part and offer red hot performance. These cars are driven by youngsters who either think they’re professional rally drivers, or want to be extras in the next Fast and The Furious movie.

Subaru XV 2.0 Lineartronic CVT Review by David Taylor

The thing is Subaru doesn’t quite have a vehicle which is in the middle of the road. What if you can blend some performance with the offroad ability Subaru is so well known for? The company claims you can with the Subaru XV crossover.

For starters it looks quite good and it’s rather eye-catching. The Subaru XV attracted a fair bit of attention, mainly from other Subaru owners. The best way to describe the looks is by thinking of it as a hatchback on stilts. I particularly like the black glossy alloy wheels which look sporty.

Lacklustre engine

Sadly that’s where the sportiness ends, as the Subaru XV doesn’t feature the same turbocharged goodness under the bonnet which makes Subaru so unique. This particular engine is still a flat four, but lacks the turbocharger. It’s optimised for economy and to be blunt, doesn’t feel like any Subaru I’ve driven. I was expecting so much, and the lack of sudden urge was disappointing. That said, the 2.0-litre flat four with 110kW and 196Nm is adequate at sea level. Subaru points out that the engine is tuned for economy and it did not disappoint in that department as it went on to record an impressive 7.6L/100km.

Subaru XV is light on fuel

This fuel consumption figure was aided by the CVT (Continual Variable Transmission) which basically keeps the engine to run at its most efficient revolutions per minute. There are paddles behind the steering wheel, but I found it best to just leave the XV to do its own thing. Unlike other CVT gearboxes, the XV’s unit doesn’t whine when pushed hard which is a common complaint.

Well thought out interior

The interior of the Subaru XV is a textbook example in ergonomics. While its design may be simple, everything is where it should be and it feels upmarket. The seating position is good and it feels like you’re higher up than a normal passenger car. There’s also a smart LCD screen which displays real-time driving data such as status of the wheels as well as your usual trip functions. This particular option had satellite navigation and leather seats as options – both of which are worthy of a tick.

Cabin space is good and rear legroom is to be applauded. However the boot suffers and it’s surprising to see a Subaru with such a shallow rear storage area. Other noteworthy features fitted to the Subaru XV are a high quality audio system with iPod and USB, climate control and a reverse camera.

While some have gone on to suggest the Subaru XV is a prime case of selling out by going mainstream, I beg to differ. Yes it’s a hatchback on stilts, but it retains legendary Subaru engineering. It still has that extreme capability factor and is excellent when it comes to offroading.

XV retains Subaru offroad ability

It may lack outright speed, but once you’ve switched from tar to gravel you’ll understand why this vehicle suddenly feels perfect. The same can be said when you’re driving in heavy rain. While most other cars aquaplane all around you, the XV’s all-wheel drive system keeps it glued to the road and the stability is outstanding. The vehicle doesn’t even bat an eyelid when you take it onto a dune.

The all-wheel drive is superb and is aided by the heightened ground clearance. It may not have low-range, but the when the all-wheel drive system cleverly splits the power between the front and rear wheels it feels like you’re unstoppable. It appears to have inherited the same legendary offroad ability from its Forester and Outback siblings.

Subaru XV – Conclusion

This is a good car which happens to very capable on all terrain types. Be it sand, gravel or tar the Subaru XV will stay glued to the road, and it gets both thumbs up from me when it comes to how it drives. What it won’t do is please the Subaru purist crowd. They’ll see it as a slow wannabe, which I think is doing th Subaru XV a bit of a disservice. Personally I don’t think they’re the target market anyway and the XV will do exactly what Subaru want, which is bring a new market to the brand. This market will see the Subaru XV for what it is – a stylish, economical, reliable and competent light offroader

View the new Subaru XV

Subaru XV CVT Price

Subaru XV 2.0 Lineartronic CVT – R345 000 (Manual: R299 000)

  • Why you should: Great off-roader, amazing fuel consumption, cool interior, looks good.
  • Why you shouldn’t: Not the fastest Subaru, boot is a little on small side.
  • It would be better if: A diesel engine and a bit more pace please.
  • Competitors worth checking out:Nissan Qashqai,Suzuki SX4