Nissan NP200 1,6 16-valve SE (2009) Driving Impression

With their affordable price tags and ever-increasing load-carrying abilities, the so-called half-tonne segment remains an important one in South Africa. Unfortunately for most local car firms (including Toyota) the fact that it really is only South Africa and one or two others that show interest in this type of vehicle means that the development of such a product is not a high priority for their parent companies. As such, any new model that comes along is met with significant interest. The Nissan NP200, of course, carries the weight of significant expectation on its shoulders, as it replaces the “champion of Africa”, the venerable but now archaic B140.

Romanian underpinnings for Nissan NP200

If you thought the NP200’s front-end bears a striking resemblance to the cut-price Renault Logan sedan, you’d be right. You see, as part of the global Renault/Nissan alliance (which also includes Dacia), both these products started life in Romania as part of the same project. But don’t worry, Renault has shaken that firm into shape, and there are no traces of the truly awful build quality and design that South Africans experienced (briefly) in the ‘90s.

As such, the Nissan NP200 is a neat product. In upmarket SE trim it looks decidedly sporty, with a chrome surround to its grille, macho black wheelarch extensions and striking 15-inch alloy wheels. It clearly is pitched not so much as a workhorse vehicle in this guise, but at the leisure market. Still, the loadbay can accommodate 800 kg-worth of goods, features standard rubberizing and numerous tie-down points. A tonneau cover is also fitted as standard. That impressive 800 kg payload figure is, of course, class-leading, and is now closer to a tonne, than a half-tonne, and surely a big part of the reason for this vehicle’s instant popularity.

Car-like interior

To save costs, the Nissan NP200 uses exactly the same facia as the Renault Logan. While this means the interior is “car-like” in the truest meaning of the term, there are a few issues. Fit is good, but the plastics used are definitely of the hard and shiny variety, so care will have to be taken to avoid it looking all scratched and scuffed within weeks of delivery. The same goes for that shiny metallic centre piece. As is the case with the Logan, the switches for the electric windows are not placed on the doors, but on the centre console, which takes some getting used to.

The driving position is similarly awkward at first. The seat features height-adjustment, but the steering wheel doesn’t, and somehow it takes a while to find a comfortable position. This has much to do, strangely, with the view out of the vehicle. You see, with the high sides of the loadbox as well as a thick B-pillar to contend with, visibility out of the Nissan NP200 is not that great.

There’s good space though, with good shoulder- and headroom on offer – certainly an ex-B140 owner will feel spoilt. There’s even enough space behind the seats for the stowage of valuables.

Pulling power

Unlike the base-model Nissan NP200, this SE version features a 16-valve 1,6-litre engine that develops 77 kW and 148 Nm of torque – class-leading figures both. It needs it, because at nearly 1,3 tonnes, the NP200 is no lightweight. Consequently, performance is not terribly athletic. There’s good low-down torque, so the initial pull-away promises much, but then it appears to run out of steam somewhat at higher speeds, where it also becomes rather noisy. The gearbox, a five-speed manual, provides pleasant-enough shifts.

Nissan claims a consumption figure of 8,1 litres/100 km which is among the best in this class. The figure rises quite steeply once a load is added or you’re in a hurry. Generally you can expect closer to 9 litres/100 km.

Firm but stable

Of course, to make it possible to carry such a heavy load, the NP200’s suspension has been set quite firmly. The low-speed ride, especially, can be quite bouncy but improves dramatically with a load. The steering (hydraulically assisted) is surprisingly heavy when there’s no load, but lightens up with some weight on the rear. Ground clearance is very good, with Nissan claiming a figure of 177 mm.

Nissan NP200 – Verdict

The Nissan NP200 is a very strong new entrant in this segment, and will give the Corsa Utility a big fright. It beats it in terms of being a worker (load carrying and design of the loadbay), and though the interior may not have the Opel’s polish and more “upmarket” look, it is spacious and practical. It is also better equipped – featuring dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, a radio/CD player and electric windows. Perhaps the engine doesn’t quite live up to expectations, but knowing Nissan, it should last just about forever. There’s precious little to fault here.

We like:

  • 800 kg payload
  • Spacious cabin
  • Standard safety features
  • Standard rubberizing


We don’t like:

  • Somewhat lethargic, given the engine power
  • Iffy facia plastics
  • Rear visibility


Fast facts

Engine: 1,6-litre, four-cylinder, petrol

Power: 77 kW @ 5 750 rpm

Torque: 148 N.m @ 3 750 rpm

Transmission: 5-speed manual

Wheels: 15-inch alloy

Top speed: n/a km/h

0-100 km/h:        n/a seconds

Fuel economy: 8,1 litres/100 km

Source: www.um.co.za

Also consider:

  • Opel Corsa Utility 1,4i Sport: Massively successful due to its significant leisure/workhorse appeal. Lacks the Nissan’s more modern features (especially in terms of safety) and is also down on power and load-carrying ability. More impressive in the cabin, though.
  • Ford Bantam 1,6i XLE: A faithful oldie, but can’t match its newer rivals in terms of cabin comfort and loadability. The engine is a rorty 1,6-litre which, combined with the Bantam’s light weight, makes this quite a lively (if thirsty) performer.
  • Fiat Strada 1,6 ELX: Hasn’t really taken off in South Africa, and there’s no obvious reason except for Fiat’s poor reputation at present. The Strada is neat-looking, boasts a good balance of power and economy, has a well-equipped cabin, is affordable and can carry a bit more than the Ford and Opel. Worth a look.

Suzuki Jimny 1.3i 4×4 (2009) Driving Impression

Character, or an X-factor, is exceptionally hard to define. It can’t be forced or designed on purpose – just ask Volkswagen about its Millennium Beetle, or even Alfa Romeo about its Brera. In the automotive world, “character” is also increasingly a scarce commodity, the result of cars being conceptualised and designed by committees, leaving little space for flair and quirkiness. It is therefore not surprising that, almost without fail, current cars that can be said to possess true individualism can trace their ancestry back a few decades. There’s the Porsche 911, of course. The Land Rover Defender. And, the subject of this review, the Suzuki Jimny (known previously as the SJ410 or SJ413/Samurai).

Suzuki Jimny is modern, yet not…

With its big wheels, chunky wheelarches and boxy silhouette, the word “cute” is not hard to apply to the Suzuki Jimny. But perhaps a better description would be “cheeky”. There’s considerable attitude in its stance (190 mm high ground clearance) but much of its appeal has to do with its diminutive size. Suzuki has not messed much with the original SJ shape and yet you can’t say the Jimny looks dated. There’s neat colour-coding all-round, integrated fog lamps, a distinctive five-slot grille design and, of course, an exposed spare wheel on the sideways-opening tailgate.

For drivers who have previously owned an SJ or Samurai, the interior will come as quite a surprise. Suzuki has done here pretty much what Volkswagen South Africa had managed with the CitiGolf. Although the size of the cabin remains much the same as before, the look and feel of the interior is impressively modern. There’s a neat facia with an integrated audio system and rotary dials for the ventilation system where you may have expected an aftermarket radio and old sliding controls. Build quality is top notch even though the plastics are hard and shiny. Also noticeable is the absence of exposed metal in the cabin, usually a give-away trait of older designs.

Given the Suzuki Jimny dimensions, one can’t really expect a cabin with stretch-out space, and for the most part this is true. You’re unlikely to feel uncomfortable when seated in front, even though the narrowness of the cabin is what is most apparent – the door and side window are right next to your shoulder. Still, Suzuki has done well with the seating position, especially considering the absence of height-adjustment on the driver’s seat and steering wheel. Leg- and headroom are pretty good up front.

The 50/50-split rear bench is really only suitable for adults on shorter trips, and perhaps for small children (surprisingly, there are Isofix child seat anchorages). Given the particular appeal of the Suzuki Jimny and its likely target market, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Jimnys driving around with their rear seats folded down permanently, especially as the boot is very small.

Even in terms of its standard specification the Jimny is a surprisingly up to date offering. Besides the sound system and air-conditioning, there are also two front airbags, ABS, central locking and electric windows.

Real off-road ability

Unlike most modern kerb-hoppers, the Suzuki Jimny backs up its terrain-munching styling with proper ability. The high ground clearance and relatively short wheelbase give it an impressive break-over angle. The approach and departure angles are also superb, due to short overhangs. The tyres are chunky 205/70s. But the real clue to its ability lies in the standard fitment of a low-range transfer case. Even with relatively meagre torque of 110 Nm, this feature makes the Jimny a confident performer off the beaten track, over obstacles that some bigger vehicles would struggle to clear. The compact dimensions, tight turning circle and hydraulically assisted power steering make for easy manoeuvring.

On the road, of course, there are penalties to be paid for that off-road ability. The ride is firm and, due to the short wheelbase, it can get quite bouncy. Cornering fast is also not really a Suzuki Jimny favourite, as the high centre of gravity and narrow tracks conspire to make it feel quite top heavy. The little 1,3-litre engine delivers a willing 63 kW and is well matched to a slick five-speed manual ‘box with ideally spaced ratios for town driving. The downside is, however, that at 140 km/h it runs out of puff, and consequently overtaking at the national speed limit requires patience… and guts.

That said, driven within its limits the Suzuki Jimny is a pleasure, being responsive, manoeuvrable and also quite economical (expect around 7,5 litres/100 km).

Suzuki Jimny – Verdict

It’s very hard not to fall for the Suzuki Jimny’s charms. Its cheeky persona and proper off-road ability are often said to be its only factors of appeal, but that’s not exactly true. Suzuki has cleverly managed to keep an elderly automotive icon relevant by staying true to the spirit of the original, and modernising where needed. That makes it easy to forgive it a few foibles. Like the old SJ and Samurai, the Jimny’s enduring appeal is expected to keep it in high demand in the used car market as well.

We like:

  • Real off-road ability
  • Character
  • Build quality
  • Fuel economy
  • Standard equipment

We don’t like:

  • Small boot
  • Bouncy ride


Fast facts

Engine: 1,3-litre, four-cylinder, petrol

Power: 63 kW @ 6 000 rpm

Torque: 110 Nm @ 4 100 rpm

Transmission: Five-speed manual + low range

Wheels: 15-inch alloy

Top speed: 140 km/h

0-100 km/h: 14,1 seconds

Fuel economy:  7,2 litres/100 km

Source: www.um.co.za

Also consider:

  • Daihatsu Terios SWB 4×4: Plenty of Toyota genes in this popular offering. Four doors and a bigger body boost interior comfort and practicality, but it lacks both the Suzuki’s disarming character and, since it doesn’t have low-range, also its off-road ability.
  • Fiat Panda Climbing: If you’re not a serious off-roader and are only looking for something cute that also offers some kerb-hopping appeal, then this Panda may be worth a look. It has four-wheel dive (no low-range), decent ground clearance and looks the part. But it lacks power, and is painfully slow.
  • Subaru Impreza 2,0R: Strictly speaking not a direct rival, but due to its abysmal resale value, you may be able to pick one up for similar money to the Suzuki Jimny. More power than the Suzuki, and more occupant space, too, but the boot is small, the fuel consumption heavy and the looks… well, let’s just say it lacks the Jimny’s cuddly factor.

 

Aston Martin Rapide revealed

Aston Martin has unveiled today one of the most eagerly awaited cars of 2009 at the 63rd Frankfurt Motorshow. The elegant Aston Martin Rapide, functional yet luxurious, provides space for up to four adults combined with an engaging driving experience synonymous with all Aston Martin’s.

Aston Martin Rapide offers an exciting driving experience

As the marque’s first production four-door sports car, the Aston Martin Rapide encapsulates core values of Power, Beauty and Soul; four ‘swan wing’ doors provide access to cosseting sports seats both front and rear bestowing occupants with ample accommodation. A 301 litre luggage compartment affords generous space for belongings for all four passengers whether they be sports bags or indeed, sets of skis, creating an Aston Martin which can be enjoyed on any occasion, anytime, anywhere.

Interior Features

Rapide’s rear environment has been intelligently packaged to create a space where passengers feel a part of the driving experience with clear views to the front and sides. Comfort and support is supplied in the form of two hand trimmed individual seats and a personal face-level heating and air conditioning system. Aiding the practicalities of everyday use, the luggage compartment features a movable bulkhead to permit access from the rear cabin while the rear seats fold flat at the touch of a button to create a flat loading space increasing the luggage compartment from 301 litres to 750 litres.

Engine Performance

At the heart of every Aston Martin lies an evocative engine providing effortless power and torque: The aston Martin Rapide features a hand-built 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 470 bhp (477 PS / 350 kW) with peak power being delivered at 6000 rpm and 600 Nm (443 lbft) peak torque at 5000 rpm. A specifically tuned six-speed Touchtronic 2 automatic transmission features as standard, allowing the driver to change gear automatically or manually via the steering column-mounted magnesium paddles.

First deliveries of the Aston Martin Rapide will commence early in 2010 and will be available globally through Aston Martin’s 125 strong dealership network. Pricing will be confirmed at the Frankfurt Show.

Source: Aston Martin

Latest Mercedes-Benz E-Class launched

Stuttgart – The latest Mercedes-Benz E-Class has gotten off to a very successful start, with more than 40,000 units delivered to customers since the market introduction in April 2009. Mercedes-Benz expects sales of the new E-Class to receive a further boost in the coming months from the vehicle’s introduction in key markets including the U.S. and China and the launch of the new estate in October 2009.

Improved fuel consumption for latest Mercedes-Benz E-class

The latest Mercedes-Benz E-Class models have outstanding fuel economy. The sedan’s four- and six-cylinder engines have direct injection systems and consume far less fuel than their predecessors despite their greater output. This month also marked the sales release of two new four-cylinder engines, which combine higher fuel efficiency with the level of driving comfort that is typical of Mercedes-Benz.

The special characteristics of the new E-Class include not only a high level of environmental friendliness, but also a unique combination of driver assistance systems. Approximately a dozen different assistance systems are available to customers, including new Mercedes-Benz developments such as Lane Keeping Assist and Night View Assist. These technologies make the E-Class a “thinking” partner that can not only see, feel, and respond to dangers by means of its “reflexes,” but also act independently to prevent accidents or minimize their effects.

“In South Africa, since the cars have reached the showroom floors of our dealerships, we have received an overwhelming response from traditional Mercedes-Benz E-Class customers as well as owners of other premium luxury vehicles. Despite the current economic situation, the initial demand is higher than our current allocation, and we are building an order book which grow further once the four-cylinder vehicles are available,” says Eckart Mayer, Divisional Manager, Mercedes-Benz Cars.

The new E-Class is the successor of an internationally successful Mercedes-Benz model. About 1.5 million sedans and estates of that predecessor model, the 211 series, have been delivered to customers since its market launch six years ago. Over the past 60 years, the eight generations of the E-Class sedan have thrilled ten million customers worldwide, making it the most successful business sedan in the world.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

Sixth generation Golf and GTI unveiled

NEW YORK — The all-new Golf and GTI made their U.S. debut at the 2009 New York International Auto Show. Both vehicles feature an all-new exterior design, improved interior refinements and the sixth generation Golf comes to the U.S. market with the option of the award winning 2.0 TDI clean diesel engine.

With a simple, universal, and unmistakable look, the exterior of the Golf and its hot hatch sibling GTI offer a modern version of the classic original. On sale in the U.S. in fall of 2009, they bring to the market a refined and sporty appearance and industry leading powertrains that provides power and style in a versatile and efficient package.

For 2010, the Golf will feature the optional 2.0 TDI clean diesel engine, which produces 140-horsepower at 4000 rpm and an impressive 236 lbs.-ft. of torque between 1750 and 2500 rpm, bringing a no compromises alternative fuel driving experience to the all new Golf.

A perennial award winner, the GTI keeps the options that make it Volkswagen’s uber-hatchback while providing an updated look that redefines the classic hot hatch. The 2.0-liter FSI turbocharged four-cylinder engine comes standard with 200 horsepower and and 207 lbs.-ft. of torque; with the standard six-speed transmission or the optional six-speed DSG dual clutch transmission it proves to be more than capable at bringing the thrill to the daily commute.

Volkswagen has upped the ante with the interior refinement in the Golf and GTI. The Golf’s surfaces and features challenge the class distinctions of a small car, both to the touch and visually. The appearance and layout of materials leave the impression that one is actually sitting in a car of a much higher segment. The Golf and GTI continue to highlight Volkswagen’s commitment to offer affordable German engineered cars that are fun-to-drive.

Source: VolksWagen

New Honda CR-V Revealed

The Honda CR-V has consistently topped the SUV sales tables since launch in 2007, with its ample cabin and large, split-level boot offering useful practicality and its low centre of gravity giving the CR-V ‘car-like’ handling characteristics.

Dynamic styling for new Honda CR-V

For 2010, the Honda CR-V’s popular looks have been refreshed to incorporate a distinctive new front bumper and grille, a revised rear bumper, and colour coded bumpers on EX grades. There are newly-designed 17-inch (SE) and 18-inch (ES and EX) alloy wheels and upgraded fabrics and plastics inside, giving the CR-V interior an even more premium finish. A new audio console design has also been introduced, while improved sound deadening around the engine and cabin makes the new Honda CR-V an even quieter and more relaxing car to drive.

The revised version of the CR-V will continue to be built at Honda of the UK Manufacturing in Swindon, where British workers proudly produce the SUV for over 60 countries.

New Diesel option for new Honda CR-V

Honda’s 2.2-litre i-DTEC diesel engine, which debuted in the latest Accord in 2008, will be available in the new Honda CR-V. The diesel produces 150PS at 4000rpm (up 10PS) and torque of 350Nm at 2000rpm (up 10Nm). It can be paired with either manual transmission or the new 5-speed automatic gearbox that has been manufactured in-house by Honda.

The smooth and refined diesel automatic transmission is available on all new Honda CR-V model grades from launch in 2010 and all engines in the CR-V line-up are designed to meet Euro 5 legislation.

Advanced safety technologies

Two active safety systems continue to be available on the new Honda CR-V and are unique to the SUV segment. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is a radar-controlled cruise control function which maintains a set distance to the vehicle in front, while Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) predicts collisions and warns the driver, before applying braking and retracting the front seatbelts if the situation becomes critical. These systems are optional on EX models.

Full specifications, pricing and the exact on sale date will be announced later in the year.

Ford Ranger Offers New Advancements For 2009

The Ford Ranger has been a popular choice in the one-tonne market for over 25 years. For 2009 the Ford Ranger line-up will be further enhanced with new styling features, and an upgraded interior.

The new Ranger has undergone extensive development under extremely severe testing conditions by engineering teams at proving grounds throughout the world, to confirm its Built Ford Tough heritage.

In design terms, the 2009 Ranger has been enhanced with an even more muscular and distinctive look. The horizontal three-bar grille embossed with Ranger lettering, the functional twin black vertical nostrils, the new hood and power dome design and the large headlamps that wrap around each front corner effectively establish a new design benchmark for the one-tonne segment. It is a fresh transformation that highlights perfectly the strong character of Ranger.

The interior ambiance has also been updated. The instrument panel now features the contemporary and relaxing appeal of red illumination of its three large, individual gauges – each set within its own binnacle – ensuring excellent visibility day and night and also giving the Ranger’s interior a dynamic feel.

The Ford Ranger is available in 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains. The popular Ranger 4×2 Hi-Trail offers a unique combination, being 4×2 and using the robust components and the higher ground clearance of a 4×4, it offers a great deal of versatility.

Single Cab, Super Cab and Double Cab models continue to be on offer. The Super Cab is a unique four-door system providing freer access to the cabin by featuring two forward-hinged doors and two rear-hinged access panels. The Super Cab provides unobstructed access to the spacious interior for ease of entry and cargo loading and an uncompromised side-impact safety structure that replaces the centre pillar of a traditional Double Cab.

The Ranger has become known for its true 4×4 capabilities, its 1.8 tonne towing capabilities and its payload, which is in excess of one tonne. Whether at work or at play the Ranger is perfectly equipped for the task.

-Source: Ford

The CMH group added to www.cars.co.za

Further adding to our already comprehensive stock of new and used cars; www.cars.co.za now includes the CMH group. CMH has 80 dealerships across the country and have added over 2200 vehicles to the cars.co.za database.

The cars database now exceeds 2500 vehicles, ranging from new and used cars, bikes and leisure vehicles. Further more, the list of privately owned used cars on the database continues to expand with more and more vehicles being added every day.

WASA monthly statistics updated

The Website association of South Africa recently released their updated statistics for the month of August and www.cars.co.za is sitting in 115th position. Each month Wasa updates the list, displaying the top sites in the country and their various demographics and statistics, you can follow the progress of Cars.co.za at: http://www.wasa.co.za/sites/p/v/cars/437

Cars.co.za top 3 most searched for car brands (August 2009)

With thousands of searches being made for new and used cars on the Cars.co.za portal, here are the top 3 most searched for car brands.

toy vw bmw

While car sales world wide have been hit by the recession, the worst is seeminly over as these top 3 brands have all shown strong figures and are recovering month to month. And sales in the local and used car markets are on the up from figures earlier in the year.

BMW notes that: “The decline in sales slowed for the fifth consecutive month” and that: “We are heading in the right direction – since April we have continually regained ground month-on-month” according to Ian Robertson, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Sales and Marketing. – Source BMW group

VolksWagen’s August stats have shown a similar trend, and South African car buyers have shown there has been no drop in popularity for VW’s mainstays, as noted by Mike Glendinning, Director of Sales and Marketing at Volkswagen of South Africa: “the Polo range sold 1 621 units and Citi Golf 1 162, spearheading our market dominance”. – Source VW South Africa

Toyota rank as the most popular searched for vehicle make on the Cars.co.za database. Entrenching themselves in the South African market, Toyota’s wide range of cost effective and fuel efficient cars, have proven to be the most popular choice among South African’s looking to buy new and used cars.