Opel/Vauxhall has announced its first-ever plug-in hybrid vehicle. The Grandland X Hybrid4 is expected to go on sale in Europe before the end of 2019.
Opel/Vauxhall made an impressive claim not so long ago. The goal is to have the entire Opel/Vauxhall portfolio electrified by 2024. First vehicle out of the blocks is the new Grandland X Hybrid4.
The vehicle features a 147 kW 1.6-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine mated to an electric drive setup with 2 electric motors pushing out a combined 81 kW. In total, there's 223 kW going through all 4 wheels. Battery capacity is rated at 13.2 kWh and the fuel economy rating sits at hard-to-believe 1.84 L/100 km.
Under the skin, the front electric motor is mated to electrified eight-speed automatic transmission, while the second motor and differential are integrated into the electrically-powered rear axle, providing all-wheel traction on demand. In pure electric mode, the car has a range of 48 km (according to WLTP1). In hybrid mode, the car automatically selects the most efficient method of propulsion. When travelling at low speeds within cities, for example, the system switches to electric mode for zero-emission driving. The vehicle also features a regenerative braking system, which Opel/Vauxhall claims can increase the electric range by up to 10%.
The vehicle features a 3.3 kW on-board charger, with an optional 6.6kW version also available. Opel/Vauxhall will also offer devices for fast charging at public stations, as well as wallboxes at home. With a 7.4 kW wallbox, customers can fully charge the battery in less than 2 hours. The European charging network boasts more than 85 000 charging points and the car has a smart navigation system which will plot the best route based on charging stations.
The Grandland X Hybrid4 is the first plug-in hybrid vehicle from Opel/Vauxhall, but it won't be the last. In 2019, the next-generation Corsa will go on sale and it'll be available in a full battery electric derivative.
Opel/Vauxhall has revealed the Grandland X hybrid which shares more than a few components with its Peugeot 3008 sibling.
At the recent launch of the new CLS 53 and updated C63 S, Mercedes-Benz South Africa confirmed what it will be launching here during the course of 2019. Here's what you can expect.
The launch of the new CLS 53 and updated C 63 S took place at Kyalami Grand Prix circuit and during the product presentation, Mercedes-Benz showed what's coming to our market in 2019. The good news is that the 3-pointed star has full confidence in our market and is not holding back.
Mercedes-Benz Product for 2019
Here are the main arrivals from Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG. As always, there could be some surprises. Click the headings for more information, driving impressions, pricing and photos.
Not to be confused with the forthcoming Mercedes-Benz CLA, the A-Class sedan will be arriving locally soon with the two derivatives being the A200 and A250.
The first of the performance vehicles from Mercedes-AMG are the compact duo of the A35 and A45. Both boast 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder motors and all-wheel drive.
When the Mercedes-Benz A-Class moved from frumpy MPV to upmarket hatchback, there was a void in practical MPV segment. Enter the B-Class, a practical and sensible family vehicle boasting all the luxury features you'd expect from a Mercedes-Benz but with a family bent.
Mercedes-Benz will introduce a heavily updated version of its current GLC to the market later this year, featuring the brand’s latest 48-volt electric architecture.
Mercedes-Benz's 4th-generation premium SUV has grown in size and standing, with new engines and advanced new suspension technology that bolsters its overall abilities.
The third-generation of Mercedes-Benz’s largest SUV is confirmed for market introduction, bringing with it 7-seat carrying capacity as well as some offroad bias.
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Mazda Plans Straight-6 Engines
While the world continues on its downsizing of engines course, Mazda is busy preparing a new generation of big straight-6 engines. Here's what we know so far.
Mazda has confirmed it'll be assembling a new family of straight-6 petrol and diesel engines for future products. Dubbed Skyactiv-X, these new engines will be joining an all-new platform with the capacity for rear-wheel drive as well as all-wheel drive. There'll also be hybrid and plug-in hybrid capacity.
The move to a bigger engine tells us that Mazda is wanting to attack the more premium segments of the global car market. While we don't think the South African market will see many of these engines, other than a future generation CX-5, the international market has the CX-9 as well as large Mazda6 sedan.
The current lineup of engines look good on paper and the new Mazda3 features the advanced Spark Controlled Compression Ignition technology and this model is due in South Africa before the end of the year.
The updated Mercedes-AMG C63 S is now available in South Africa and we got a chance to stretch its legs at the Kyalami Racing Circuit. Is this the benchmark performance-oriented business class sedan in the local market?
We had our first glimpse of the new-look C63 S in Germany in 2018, where we sampled the newcomer on road as well as the technical Bilsterberg circuit. Initial impressions were good and while the changes from the pre-facelift version aren't easy to notice, there are enough alterations under the skin to make this vehicle quite newsworthy. Available in sedan, coupe and cabriolet flavours (alas, there is not enough demand for an estate version in South Africa), the C63 S boasts some slight visual updates, but the real changes can be found under its sheetmetal.
The 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged engine remains unchanged, but it's not a deal-breaker by any stretch of the imagination – it's a superb motor. Not only does it deliver a class-leading power output, it's one of the best-sounding engines of all time. For the record, it delivers 375 kW and 700 Nm. The good news is that the older 7-speed transmission has been replaced by a new, fast-shifting 9-speed 'box with a wet start-off clutch. Gearshift times have been reduced and the new clutch setup replaces the torque converter, which in turn, saves weight and is a tad more responsive.
Other nice additions are the new electronically-controlled rear differential, as well as a trick 9-stage traction control system similar to that first seen in the AMG GT R supercar. Visually, there's the flamboyant Panamericana grille dominating the front end, some new-look tail lights, redesigned alloy wheels and some new exhaust tips at the rear. Inside, the vehicle gains a neat digital dashboard, as well as the latest updated steering wheel. You'll notice 2 new features on the steering wheel: towards the middle are 2 controllers, which remove the need to fiddle with the centre console.
You can now easily switch between drive modes using the rotary controller on the right and it's a cinch to scroll through vehicle settings such as those that pertain to manual gear changes, traction control on/off and auto start/stop… there's even a mode to make the exhaust louder.
The updated steering wheel features a pair of rotary selector switches. Change driving modes, gearbox settings and more here.
What's it like to drive?
Our time with the updated Mercedes-AMG C63 S was limited to on-track testing. The best thing about being on track is you can really open the taps and thoroughly evaluate the vehicle in a safe environment. Given the tremendous grunt and performance on offer, this was a good thing. We did a few quick laps to test the vehicle's handling and acceleration and conducted an interesting exercise to experience the 9-stage traction control.
One thing that's always impressed us about the C63 S is its adaptability. Thanks to its multitude of driving modes, you can live with the vehicle on a day-to-day basis without fear of falling foul of its tremendous performance potential (it'd take a brave person to try to drive a C63 S on a wet road in its most aggressive mode). When in Comfort mode, the Benz behaves quite politely; the quad exhaust system emits just a subtle audible hint of the fire-breathing V8 lurking beneath its bonnet. But seeing that we were on a racetrack, we duly engaged Race mode, which put all the systems into maximum performance mode. The adaptive dampers firm up, the steering sharpens and the exhaust valves open fully – cue mechanical mayhem.
Kyalami: the safest and most logical place to test a V8-powered rear-wheel-drive super sedan.
As we departed the pits and headed out onto the circuit, the first thing that made a positive impression was the C63 S' responsive new transmission. Not only does the vehicle change swiftly, but each shift produces a satisfying thud. With the new trick differential doing its thing, the Benz will mostly behave and not wag its tail, but if you're too eager and generous with the throttle pedal, 700 Nm to the rear wheels will induce glorious oversteer.
Now, about that 9-stage traction control. Having experienced numerous rear-wheel-drive AMG products over the years, we've learnt that they have the potential to bite hard (misbehave) if you're not circumspect with the throttle pedal – in fact, the traction control light can resemble a disco strobe as the car's electronics struggle to maintain traction while trying to accelerate the car as quickly as possible. If you switch the C63 S' traction to a Sport setting, you're very likely to get some wheelspin; in fact, the V8's outright grunt can easily overwhelm its rear tyres. But now, if you switch it off completely, you'll see the new rotary dial on the steering wheel light up with a submenu. Here, the traction control can be programmed to allow some degree of slip. There are 9 settings: 1 will allow minimal amounts of silliness before intervening; 9 is off completely and you're on your own.
With its new 9-speed gearbox, the C63 S feels eager off the line, with AMG claiming a 3.9-second sprint from 0 to 100 kph.
Mercedes-AMG set up a special course where could experiment with the various settings (we'd say numbers 7 and 8 represent about the most fun you can have safely). The functions allow you to properly hang the tail out while countersteering, while the V8 engine bellows at full volume and converts the rear tyres to smoke. Fun? Absolutely. Necessary? Probably not for your average driver. It's a bit of a gimmick, much like the drift modes of some all-wheel-driven cars, but it's a great talking point. The cool factor of saying, "Well, I do have a 9-stage traction control system" is off the charts and while the vast majority of C63 S owners won't be taking their cars to the track, those who do will have a terrific time "finding their limits".
Does the new transmission help with acceleration? While initial urge will always be a battle for grip, Mercedes-AMG claims its new C63 S will sprint from 0 to 100 kph in just 3.9 seconds (for the sedan) and reach a top speed of 290 kph. We think the additional ratios are mostly for fuel economy.
Summary
The changes are small, but significant and those who venture down this route will find a thoroughly modern and digitally connected cabin.
With the Mercedes-AMG C63 S in the latter half of its product cycle, it needed some updates to keep pace with developments in the marketplace. There are new rivals on the horizon: the next BMW M3 is due to be revealed soon and Audi has just bolstered its RS4/RS5 range in South Africa.
There's just something so alluring about the brutish C63 S, which is quite likely to be AMG's final exclusively rear-wheel-drive performance business class sedan/coupe/cabriolet. Not only is it tremendously powerful, it sounds absolutely wicked and offers a veritable smorgasbord of driving thrills.
The cabin sees the biggest changes. The new-look steering wheel is beautiful both to look at and wield, and the digital dashboard is a big leap forward. It's no MBUX, but we're likely to see that in the next-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class which should make an appearance in 2020.
While our time with the new Mercedes-AMG C63 S was fleeting and limited to just some track excursions, we're eagerly looking forward to seeing if Affalterbach's road rocket is now a little easier to live with on a daily basis. Some will hope it won't be, but be that as it may, roll on the road test!
Mercedes-AMG C63 S Price in South Africa (May 2019)
Land Rover’s latest limited-edition SUV is one that aims for the stars, literally.
In a joint venture celebration of all things British and entrepreneurial, Land Rover and Richard Branson are now offering the most exclusive Range Rovers imaginable. Developed as a collaboration between Land Rover’s Special Vehicles Operation team and Virgin Galactic, Branson’s private space and exploration agency, these Range Rovers can only be ordered and owned by prospective astronauts.
Distinguished by a unique blue exterior hue, which Land Rover stylists refer to as Zero Gravity Blue, these limited-edition Range Rovers also project an outline of the Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo from their puddle lamps. Astronaut Edition badging completes the surface styling upgrades.
Inside there are a host of subtle but significant upgrades. Between the two front cupholders is a miniaturized spacecraft landing skid, with an inspirational ‘See you up there’ quote engraved to it. Alternatively, Land Rover can use a skid from the potential astronaut owner’s very own spaceflight, engraved with details of their journey.
On the carbon-fibre centre console, there is an evolution of flight graphic, which details eight craft, from the first gliders through the jet age to the current Virgin Galactic spaceship. This design theme is repeated on the leather armrests too. Further Virgin Galactic branding is added to the glovebox and behind the front seat headrests. Customers, who will all by implication have to be astronauts too, can have their initials stitched to the front of the headrests.
Beyond all the styling trinkets these Range Rover Astronaut edition SUVs are all powered by a choice of two rather different engines, either Land Rover’s latest hybridized in-line six or the brand’s more performance orientated 5-litre supercharged V8.
The Range Rover Astronaut will only be available to one of the 700 individuals who have paid the R3m ticket price to go on one of Virgin Galactic’s space journeys, the first of which is set to commence later this year.
There have been some updates to the Mini Clubman and the 2020 iteration has been revealed. Let's see what's new.
The Mini Clubman is an interesting model in the hierarchy. Substantially more spacious than the hatches, yet a touch smaller than the family-focused Countryman, there's always been some left-field appeal to the Clubman. It's oozing coolness and more than a few members of the Cars.co.za team have a soft spot for this model.
For 2020, the Mini Clubman has received some changes. Visually, there's a new-look front end with new grille, LED headlights, LED foglights and optionally you can spec the Union Jack design as LED rear lights. There are new wheels too, and the sports suspension has resulted in a 10mm drop. Inside, there are new leather trims and interior surfaces as well as a Mini Yours equipment program and more accessories than ever before.
There is a choice of two engines with output ranging from 100 kW to 141 kW, with a potent John Cooper Works Clubman joining the range later. This model will feature ALL4 all-wheel drive. From launch, the 2 models are the Cooper Clubman with 100 kW / 220 Nm from a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder engine. It's good for 9.2 seconds to 100 kph and it's said to consume around 5.4 L / 100 km. The Cooper S Clubman boasts a turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine pushing out 141 kW and 280 Nm. It's a tad quicker at 7.2 second for the 0-100 kph run and thirstier at 5.6 L/100 km.
Standard specification appears fair with a 6-speaker audio system featuring USB and Bluetooth connectivity. The standard operating system includes a 6.5-inch colour screen in the central instrument and the MINI Controller on the centre console. The Connected Media option comprises the Radio MINI Visual Boost and a 6.5-inch colour screen with touchscreen function and a newly design graphic display. It is also possible to use numerous online-based MINI Connected services.
The new Mini Clubman is expected to land in South Africa before the end of 2019.
The 4th-generation X5 has grown in size, as well as sophistication. We get to grips with an xDrive30d derivative equipped with an off-road package, which BMW has now made available on its Premium SUV in South Africa.
Our test unit featured 20-inch wheels wrapped in General Grabber rubber.
The X5 was the first X model that BMW produced. First launched in South Africa in 2001 and now in its 4th generation, the X5 has racked up more than 2.2 million worldwide sales for its manufacturer, making it one of BMW's most successful and important models. However, given the rampant rise in popularity of SUVs, the competition is also stiffer than ever before. Suffice to say BMW had to sharpen its pencils during the development of this new model… The result is an X5 that BMW says is more luxurious, more connected, more refined and more spacious than ever before. Also… for the first time in South Africa, it is now offered with an Off-Road package, as if to tick a final box in a list of talents that is already lengthy.
Is all that development (and enhancement) enough to propel this bigger, more high-tech X5 to the front of the Premium SUV segment once more? We evaluated the xDrive30d xLine derivative, fitted with the Off-Road package, to find out.
Longer, wider and taller than the vehicle it replaces, the 4th-generation X5 is an attractively styled Premium SUV.
BMW design is often controversial, either for adhering too strictly to the marque's design language, or for introducing something that splits opinion (such as the seemingly oversized new kidney grille treatment on the X7 and facelifted 7 Series). The latest X5, however, has received overwhelming praise for its styling and we can only agree – it is a nicely proportioned, muscular vehicle with just enough glitz to ramp up its kerb appeal.
You'd think that with the introduction of the X7, the X5 wouldn't need to be enlarged, but the latest iteration is 36 mm longer, 66 mm wider and 19 mm higher than before. Importantly, its wheelbase has been stretched by 42 mm, and the benefit (extra cabin space) is immediately noticeable, particularly the width. When seated at the front there is a commanding view from the electrically adjustable (and heated) sport seats. A variety of trim options are available, and our test car featured high-gloss Ash Grain Silver Grey wood trim, which is… an acquired taste. We did, however, like the stitched leather dashboard very much and the optional Merino white leather might not be entirely practical, but it certainly is suitably opulent.
The convenient split tailgate and large boot endow the X5 with great long-distance family travel appeal.
Also fitted to our test unit was the so-called CraftedClarity glass interior elements and, once more, we feel this is an option box that can be left unticked. Several testers mentioned that the glass gearknob just doesn't feel particularly substantial, and its plastic backing feels a trifle "cheap". Nevertheless, we appreciate these options are there because tastes differ. There certainly is little amiss with the quality of the rest of the cabin.
The load bay is accessed via a split tailgate, which can be opened hands-free if the X5 is specified with Comfort Access. When deployed, the lower part is particularly handy as a place to seat small children while cleaning their feet after outdoorsy (read: "muddy" or "sandy") activities. The luggage area is big (BMW claims a 650-litre capacity) and, to free up generous utility space, the 2nd row, which has a 40/20/40 split, can be folded forward.
BMW's Premium SUV is also available with 3rd-row seating (although not specified for this test vehicle), which is a R30 800* option. If fitted, a control panel in the load bay can be used to slide the 2nd-row seats forward for easier access to the 3rd row, in addition to raising/stowing it.
Comfort & Features
Spacious and affording the driver a commanding view, the X5 cabin can be tailored to the buyer's needs through a vast optional extras list.
You're unlikely to ever see a stock-standard X5 because there are simply so many options for buyers to choose from. Nonetheless, we'd rate the standard features list pretty comprehensive (in most respects). We'd recommend sticking to the smaller rim sizes (they start at 19 inches), as the lower-profile rubber on larger wheels is likely to reduce the ride comfort. The X5 is equipped with LED head- and taillamps, but having experienced the impressive BMW Laserlight with Adaptive LED Headlights (a R29 000* option) during long drives at night, we can highly recommend it.
Inside, the test unit was specced with the optional 4-zone climate control (R8 000*), although we found the relatively small temperature control buttons fiddly. While the standard seats already offer electrical adjustment, (budget permitting) you may want to add heating (R5 500*), massaging (R14 400*) and cooling (R9 800*) to them as well. You get "thermo" cupholders, which can chill or heat your drinks in situ, as standard. The roller sunblinds fitted to the rear doors of our test unit were also popular on those longer drives and, what's more, they're relatively affordable (R4 400*).
The Control Display screen offers crystal clear graphics and is also touch sensitive.
The X5 comes standard with BMW's Live Cockpit Professional system, which includes a 12.3-inch instrumentation screen, as well as a 12.3-inch Control Display. The graphics are crisp, modern and controlling the various features is no longer only done via the iDrive controller – you can access features through Gesture Control, Voice Control, the steering wheel, and the screen is also touch sensitive. As ever, with such staggering choice and so many features to play with, acclimatising to the ergonomics takes some time. A 20 Gb hard-drive-based multimedia system is standard, as are a pair of USB ports and Bluetooth/Wifi connectivity. Furthermore, a wireless charging pad is standard fitment.
The X5 is probably the most connected of the current crop of Premium SUVs on the South African new vehicle market (and there is a variety of digital services offered to customers at extra cost), but BMW has included the Connected Package Professional bundle as standard, which includes Remote Services, Concierge Services and Real Time Traffic info. Through its Open Mobility Cloud, the X5 can interface with the owner's own digital devices and it also offers Microsoft Office 365 with Skype for Business integration. A rear-seat entertainment system is offered for R38 400* extra.
Pick the Off-Road option and you get special graphics on the instrument panel, showing which mode has been selected.
Included as standard is cruise control with a braking function, collision warning and pedestrian warning, but BMW additionally offers Active Cruise Control with a Stop and Go function (R11 600*), which is a boon on long-haul trips. Also available is Driving Assist (R15 800), which bundles a whole raft of warning and protection systems, including active side-collision protection and cross-traffic alerts. While park sensors front and rear are standard, you may want to consider adding the Parking Assist Plus system (R8 900*) to make the avoidance of kerbs when parking the BMW's task.
In summary, the standard car is more than comfortable enough, courtesy of a respectable standard-features list coupled with the vehicle's spaciousness, ride control and refinement. The standard noise-reducing acoustic windscreen undoubtedly contributes to the serenity in the cabin.
Performance & Efficiency
The CraftedClarity glass applications in the cabin received mixed feedback from the team.
The xDrive30d is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline 6-cylinder diesel engine that delivers a meaty 195 kW at 4 000 rpm and 620 Nm of torque from 2 000 to 2 500 rpm. Both of those outputs are higher than what is claimed from the X5's main rivals from Mercedes-Benz and Range Rover. Mated with the beautifully slick and responsive ZF 8-speed automatic, the xDrive30d is claimed to accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in a swift 6.5 seconds – again, it's a figure that comfortably bests those of its rivals, and reinforces the X5's positioning as one of the most dynamic Premium SUVs. If you were ever in any doubt about its sporty pretensions, you should take note of the standard gear-shift paddles behind the 'wheel!
We took the X5 on 2 long road trips during its evaluation period; on both occasions, it was loaded to its full capacity with people and their holiday detritus. It's worth pointing out that even when the Eco Pro driving mode was selected, the vehicle remained suitably responsive when the driver pushed their right foot down on the throttle to overtake slower vehicles. An average combined cycle consumption figure of around 7 L/100km is claimed for this model, but we achieved a real-world 7.6, which is very impressive for such a large, performance-oriented vehicle.
And then there's the refinement – this is a very smooth, quiet powerplant that delivers its significant punch in a real iron-fist-in-velvet-glove manner.
Ride & Handling
The optional off-road package, combined with the General Grabber tyres, imbued the X5 with very impressive off-road ability.
Our test unit came fitted with a number of options that ultimately make this report quite specific. The Off-Road package costs R30 500* and isn't merely a styling exercise, even if the rugged under-guard elements are quite obvious. You also get an extra button on the centre console to control the different driving modes, special graphics on the instrument panel and, in the case of this vehicle, grippy-looking General Grabber tyres.
If you opt for the Off-Road package you also have to select the adaptive 2-axle air suspension (a R25 100* option) that features self-levelling. At speed, it will lower the vehicle by about 20 mm, and in off-road conditions, can raise the ride height by around 40 mm. Tyre pressure monitoring is standard, as is the fitment of the electrically controlled rear differential lock. BMW says the latest xDrive all-wheel-drive system can shift power between the axles faster and, when needed, the sum total of the torque can be directed to the rear axle exclusively.
Simple switches allow the driver to toggle through the different off-road settings, and to raise/lower the ride height.
On the open road, we noted a slight vibration from those Grabbers (but only at lower speeds), while the X5's cabin remained a hushed environment at the country's legal speed limit. Even when shod with off-road-optimised tyres, the X5 is sporty and pleasant to steer with precision and excellent body control (although it does not offer much in the way of feel). When we headed off the tar onto gravel roads, the X5 was a revelation: it gripped and retained traction in a way we've not experienced with any X5 before; it massively boosted driver confidence in typically low-grip conditions.
In trickier off-road conditions (not that many owners will venture there), this X5 might surprise off-road traditionalists. The added ground clearance, grippy tyres and effectiveness of the sand, gravel, rock and snow modes give this supposed road-biased SUV notable capability on the rough stuff.
Pricing and warranty
The list price for a standard X5 xDrive30d xLine is R1 194 296 (*when this review was first published in May 2019), but our test unit came fitted with R300 000-worth of options, which bumped the price up to around R1.5 million. A 2-year/unlimited km warranty is included, as is a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan. We played around with the BMW configurator (find it here), and managed to specify an X5 with most of the features we deem necessary, for a total cost of around R1 250 000, an indication that the standard car is already pretty comprehensively specified.
Verdict
Once more, the X5 is a serious player in its segment and a strong candidate for Cars.co.za Consumer Awards glory next year.
The new BMW X5 offers a staggering breadth of ability, with only a few gimmicky interior "party pieces" detracting from a product that is very hard to fault. The xDrive30d's engine is refined, frugal and punchy, the ride quality strikes a great compromise between comfort and agility (even on off-road tyres), and inside, there is not only more occupant space, but also greater connectivity and, if appropriately specced, class.
While it remains to be seen how many SA buyers will opt for the Off-Road package fitted to this vehicle, it did highlight the X5's off-road capability – especially on poor gravel. Buyers that previously disregarded the X5 for being too biased towards on-road performance can now consider the BMW.
Overall, we now rate the BMW X5 as one of the front-runners in this tough segment. And, given the stellar performance of its powertrain, the xDrive30d is the pick of the range.
I want to replace my Audi A3 with a bigger vehicle. What should I buy?
Steven from Cape Town wants to know which (larger) car he should buy to replace his Audi A3. His budget is R250k.
Here is his query:
"I am looking to trade in my Audi A3 and buy a larger car. I am not a 'big flashy car' kind of person – I want a well-maintained, economical and safe vehicle that I can use to transport my family.
My criteria:
New or used.
If new, with a maintenance plan to take care of any mechanical concerns.
If used, I would like a car that is known to be reliable, doesn't cost the earth to service and maintain and, should a major breakdown occur, it won't bankrupt me to get (the car) back on the road.
I need space to lug the family around (only me, my wife and dog for now, but probably a child in about 2 years from now).
I do woodwork, I'm sporty (store things in my car) and we travel up country a few times a year.
Price: R250 000 (roughly) and below.
Key requirements:
Low fuel consumption
Low maintenance costs
Good reliability (the car itself and the reputation of its brand)
Sufficient safety features
Creature comforts (Bluetooth, cruise control, etc.) are far more important to me than performance."
David Taylor's response:
Hi Steven. You are spoilt for choice. I've dug through the stock listed on Cars.co.za and found some intriguing options.
Given your criteria, my first suggestion would be something like a Suzuki Vitara 1.6 GL+. It’s a worthy former #CarsAwards winner in the compact family car category, boasts excellent cabin space and the brand is maturing nicely in our market. In fact, the Japanese brand has an enviable reputation for delivering good after-sales support to its clients. At a shade under R250k, you can bag a 1.6 GL+ with 16 000 km on the clock.
However, if you want something with a bit more punch and lower fuel consumption, then I’d look to the Renault Duster. It’s about the same size as the Vitara, but the 1.5-litre turbodiesel motor is exceptionally frugal. It has plenty of standard features, a decently-sized load bay and the 4WD version is capable. Be warned, the Renault ownership experience can be hit and miss. We’d suggest looking at the dual-clutch (auto) derivative.
For me, low mileage means below 50 000 km, and I’ve only looked at cars younger than 2017, so given your criteria, I would suggest something like a Nissan Qashqai 1.2T Acenta (with the CVT automatic 'box, which will make long trips more relaxing). Oh, and Nissan offers a really long 6-year warranty, which further boosts its appeal. You may even be able to pick up the larger X-Trail 2.5 at around R250 000, but that 2.5-litre engine may prove too thirsty. Finally, I’d suggest you also look at the Mitsubishi ASX, which is an underrated offering that appears to be bulletproof.
Consider a used Mazda CX-5 2.0 Auto (2015-16), Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4 TSI (2015) or Honda CR-V 2.0 auto (2015). There are numerous examples on offer on Cars.co.za that come in below your R250 000 price cap and the majority of them have relatively low mileage. These choices offer the necessary space and reliability and you may even be able to put some money in your back pocket to save for your upcoming baby.
A slightly left-field option to consider is a low-mileage 2018 Haval H6 1.5T City, which comes well specced with standard features and is selling at attractive prices on the used market. While the Haval offers good value, it might lack the brand appeal required in this particular case, but it’s still worth considering because it represents a lot of car for your money and its more spacious than most cars priced around it.
Got a query for our 'experts' to argue about? Fill in this form and you could feature in the next instalment of 'What Should I Buy?'
Upcoming BMW M8 Gets New Tech
BMW has divulged details regarding the technology to be offered in the forthcoming M8 Coupe and Convertible. It looks tantalising…
The M8, the pinnacle of the 8 Series range, is currently in development and it will come to market in both Coupe and Convertible guises as well as in Competition flavours for those who want more of an edge in terms of styling and performance.
While we wait for boffs at BMW M to work their magic, the Munich-based firm has dropped a few technological details pertaining to the M8.
Performance control at your fingertips
Adaptive braking will be offered on the forthcoming M8 for the first time, along with a host of new tech.
BMW will introduce a new display and control system that drivers would typically use to configure the vehicles powertrain, chassis and driving assistance systems. Vehicle settings are accessed via a new Setup button while the displays and driver assistance systems can be configured with a new M Mode, both of which add more scope for adjustment and higher levels of control.
Most notably, however, apart from being able to independently adjust settings for the engine, suspension, steering and torque vectoring (in M models with xDrive all-wheel drive), the M8 Coupe and Convertible will now also allow the driver to adjust the braking system as required using the new Setup button.
The settings for each parameter are as follows:
Engine: Efficient, Sport, Sport Plus
Chassis: Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus
Steering: Comfort, Sport
Braking: Comfort, Sport
XDrive AWD: 4WD, 4WD Sport, 2WD
In addition, 2 different setups/combinations can be permanently stored with other settings (engine sound, gearshift setting etc.) and these can be quickly accessed and enabled by pressing the 2 M buttons on the steering wheel.
In the case of the new adaptive braking feature which will appear for the first time in the M8, it will be geared to suit the driving situation by offering varying pedal feel when in Comfort or in Sport brake mode. In Comfort, braking pressure is more gradual while Sport sharpens the brakes for more instantaneous braking.
A compact braking module now includes brake activation, brake booster and brake control which has reduced overall weight by about 2 kg and features a vacuum-free booster to improve efficiency. The M8 will be offered with standard M compound brakes or M carbon-ceramic brakes.
Lastly, the new M Mode button will allow the driver to alter the responses of the driver assistance systems and screens appearing in the all-digital instrument cluster and head-up display unit. The Driver can activate modes such as Road and Sport while the M8 Competition variants will also offer a Track setting. This function will alter the way in which the driver experiences the M8 depending on the driving situation by providing suitable visual and functional information to the driver. The technologies mentioned above are also expected to filter into future M models.
The new BMW M8 will be revealed in June 2019 and we suspect that a twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 engine, the same that powers the M5, will be under the bonnet with at least 441 kW and 800 Nm on tap. We can’t wait for this beast to break cover!
We will keep you updated as more details become available.
