BMW has added another pair of full-blown M models to its SUV portfolio. Following in the wide tracks of the monstrous X5 M and X6 M, come the X3 M and X4 M. While the concept of a performance SUV is not a new one, there has been a proliferation of executive class-sized tar-shredders; the segment now boasts entries from several manufacturers.
The new BMW X3 M and X4 M are available in two flavours: standard and Competition. Both are powered by the BMW's familiar twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline 6, but whereas the standard versions produce 353 kW and 600 Nm of torque, the Competition option's peak power output is 375 kW.
Power is predictably sent to all four wheels, via an 8-speed automatic transmission – with no dual-clutch drivetrain option. Those power numbers and all-wheel traction combine to deliver very keen acceleration numbers: 0-100 kph in 4.2 seconds (4.1 sec for the Competition derivatives) and a top speed of 280 kph for X3/X4 Ms with the optional Drivers’ Package. Setting aside the X4 M, which is a niche product that competes with other coupe-inspired executive-sized SUVs, for the moment, how does the upcoming X3 M compare with its rivals?
Audi SQ5
Seeing as there's no RSQ5, the SQ5 will have to do. Power comes from a 3.0-litre 6-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, pushing out 260 kW and 500 Nm. Power goes to a quattro setup and it'll hit 100 kph from 0 in a claimed 5.4 seconds.
The baby brute from Affalterbach boasts a 4.0-litre biturbo V8 motor with 375 kW and 700 Nm, giving it performance credentials of 0 to 100 kph in a blistering 3.8 seconds!
The about-to-be-launched F-Paced SVR has one of the biggest engines in the segment. It's a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 with 405 kW and 680 Nm, and this is enough to slingshot the F-Pace SVR to 100 kph from 0 in just 4.3 seconds.
The stylish Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio is now available in SA and has the same 2.9-litre biturbo V6 (375 kW and 600 Nm) as the Giulia QV. Power goes to all 4 wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission and it'll hit 100 kph from a standstill in a claimed 3.8 seconds.
While the new Porsche Macan range is yet to feature a fiery Turbo version, we'll have to make do with the Macan S with its 3.0-litre V6 producing 260 kW and 480 Nm. With the Sport Chrono pack fitted, it'll hit 100 kph from standstill in a claimed 5.1 seconds.
A vote in Brussels this week could limit the speed you drive in future. Forever.
Interest groups are campaigning for mandatory speed limit technology in all passenger vehicles. This Thursday the European Parliament will vote in Brussels on legislation which will shape the future of mandatory in-vehicle safety technologies.
Amongst the technologies mooted for inclusion is intelligent speed assistance (ISA), which uses cameras to scan for and interpret speed limit signs. In addition to reading the road, ISA also integrates GPS data to configure its speed governing function. To enable its guardian ability, ISA uses engine power reduction to keep a vehicle at the required speed limit, instead of employing autonomous braking.
The ISA feature can be overridden by a driver, but the user interface configuration is designed to be sufficiently annoying to use, thereby forcing drivers to keep the system continuously functional.
Manufacturers of powerful premium vehicles, especially those already limited at 250 kph, are offering a compromise. The alternative is speed limit information (SLI), which has no intervention component but merely relays recommended legal speed information on a display – to act as a visual deterrent.
Campaigners for ISA have criticised SLI as being nothing more than a glorified speedometer feature, whilst automotive engineers have replied that ISA is an inaccurate camera technology prone to false positives. Although perhaps not a technical issue in Europe, there could be a huge issue in markets where older and newer technology vehicles share the same road network. If only a few feature ISA technology, it could potentially cause huge discrepancies in highway cruising speeds between lanes.
Speed limiting activists claim that if the European Parliament can be convinced to vote in a specific direction on the issue this week, with a mandatory fitment clause requiring all new cars sold in the EU by 2022 to include ISA technology, road deaths could decrease by 20%.
If you are in the market for a new compact crossover/SUV in 2019 then these 4 products are worth taking note of.
Toyota RAV4
We recently experienced the new Toyota RAV4 in Spain and based on our first impressions, it’s a goody! The new RAV4 is expected to launch in March 2019 and South African buyers will have the choice between a 2.0- and 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with either 127 kW/207 Nm or 152 kW/250 Nm respectively. A total of 3 transmissions and 3 trim grades including the entry-level GX, the more rugged GX-R Adventure derivative and the range-topping VX grade will bring the derivative count to 5. Both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive formats will be offered. No diesel engine/s will be included.
The new Polo-based T-Cross is expected to reach South Africa in Q3 of 2019 and will rival the likes of the Ford EcoSport, Hyundai Creta, Honda HR-V, Nissan Qashqai and Suzuki Vitara. A total of 4 turbocharged engines will power the T-Cross. There are two 1.0-litre turbopetrol, 3-cylinder engines on offer with either 70 kW or 85 kW. A range-topping 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine with 110 kW will also be offered. On the diesel front, a 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine with 70 kW rounds off the T-Cross range. All T-Cross variants will be front-wheel-drive and both manual and dual clutch transmissions will be offered.
The new Eclipse crossover is due in SA very soon (February 2019) and slots in between the Outlander SUV and smaller ASX crossover in Mitsubishi’s local lineup. Trim and specification have yet to be confirmed but you can expect to see a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine with 124 kW and 250 Nm as well as a 2.2-litre diesel engine, either from launch or later in the year. CVT and manual transmission options will be on offer while the diesel engine is expected to paired with an automatic transmission. Front and all-wheel drive configurations are also expected.
Hyundai’s new Styx compact crossover will make its debut at the New York Auto Show and is expected to reach South Africa towards the end of the third quarter 2019 and will slot in beneath the popular Creta. However, we are told that the Styx might carry a different name for the SA market. Hyundai has yet to confirm engines and transmission for the Styx but buyers can expect a 1.2 petrol engine, 1.0-litre turbopetrol and a 1.5-litre diesel option mated to either a manual or AMT transmission.
These cars may not be regarded as particularly quick by modern standards, but the driving experiences they deliver are as visceral and every bit as involving as the tales that gave rise to their legends…
I blame the modern automobile and its ensemble of onboard nannies for the death of the driver’s car. You know – the ones that utilised manual transmissions and lenient traction controls, and boasted obnoxiously loud and unfettered soundtracks. I’m not saying the contemporary equivalents aren’t any good but these days it’s easy to look good behind the wheel thanks to sophisticated computers and in-car telemetry systems that monitor and compensate for driver error.
The Far East is known for creating some of the best driving cars around having mastered the ability to extract massive power from minuscule engines. Witchcraft? Perhaps, but anything Japanese with rear-wheel drive, a stick shift and over 100 kW is going to be tremendously light and engaging to thread through a twisty mountain pass. The Europeans, on the other hand, enjoy doing things the opposite way. Here front-wheel drive, loquacious turbochargers and limited-slip differentials ensure similar levels of endorphins. Of all the options available we’ve narrowed down to the bucket list below. You can thank us later but more importantly, enjoy the read.
Nissan 350Z (2003-2008)
Beneath the muscular bonnet of the 350Z rests a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine. Originally launched with 206 kW it later produced 230 kW thanks to a revised twin symmetric air intake system and a straight intake port. Minimalist by design the 350’s cabin caters exclusively for the driver where a short-throw manual gear lever, basic steering wheel (sans multi-functionality) and a cluster of ancillary gauges take centre stage – nothing fancy here. But it worked and took nothing away from the driving experience which can only be described as barbaric in nature. The 350Z’s stiff underpinnings meant turn-in was accurate and grip plentiful but the rear-drive layout often resulted in a Tokyo drift or two if the driver got too over enthusiastic with the throttle. As a result of these attributes the 350 only made sense as a weekend racer or track -day car – used as a daily would be quite taxing considering the tightly-sprung clutch pedal, heavy steering and gearshift action. A Japanese muscle car if there ever was one.
Renault Megane RS 265 (2012-2017)
There’s no other hot hatch that boasts as manic a driving experience as the Renault Megane RS. Get in, start the engine, hold on, put foot and repeat. The whole experience is an unsullied one, hard-edged and straight-to-the-point. The acceleration is ferociously precise, if a little twitchy owing to the trick differential apportioning the torque evenly between the front wheels but with 195 kW and 360 Nm on tap it made a mockery of its rivals, particularly around the track. The RS’s ethos hinged around a sensory explosion second to none – from the road fizz filtering through the helm and sound of air being sucked in by the 2.0-litre’s turbocharger to the smell of unburnt fuel. Like the other cars listed here, the cabin is tailored around performance rather than comfort. As a result, Recaro racing bucket seats tightly ensconce its occupants akin to being hugged by the Incredible Hulk himself. It’s a harsh environment but one that makes sense – especially for those who enjoy track days and spirited runs up and down a mountain pass. If you can, try and get your hands on the Trophy edition that came right at the end of its life cycle – entertainment level and driving purity went through the roof, but it's hardcore.
Honda S2000 (1999-2009)
Bar its digital instrument cluster the Honda S2000 is as analogue as they come and widely known for encouraging its driver to symbiotically massage every inch of power and torque from the rev band. It wasn’t by any means perfect. For starters, it was a roadster – but unlike its contemporaries who suffered from scuttle shake and the like, the S2000 behaved very differently. The high X-bone frame, steel monocoque chassis and body structure gave the S2000 levels of stiffness never seen before in open-top cars. The weight balance – especially in the updated AP2 versions – was progressive and communicative, instilling in the driver a sense of confidence that bordered on telepathic. And then there was the naturally aspirated 2.0-litre 16-valve engine. Good for 177 kW and 220 Nm it revved to an ear-splitting 9 000 rpm, the threshold of which surfaced between 7 200 – 8 500 rpm as the VTEC system hit its stride. Unlike some of its rivals that produced more mid-range punch, the S2000 had to be thrashed to get the best out of it. This, of course, didn’t gel with everybody but at its price point, there was very little that came close to matching it in terms of thrills.
Mazda MX-5 (2005-2015)
The third-generation MX-5 may have picked up a few kilos over the years in the name of improved safety but that did very little to affect its reputation as an engaging driver’s car. Of the cars listed here, it has the least potent engine – a meagre 118 kW/188 Nm naturally aspirated four-cylinder but its beautifully balanced chassis made up for the lack of firepower up front. The MX-5 only made sense when a set of corners came into the equation where its magnetic-like grip courtesy of a near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution kept it secured to the road. There’s a certain level of purity to be had behind the wheel and while there’s almost always more grip on offer than power, the entire experience was a mechanical lesson in dynamic prowess. Outright power is and never will be the defining attribute of any car and the MX-5 repeatedly proved this notion over nearly two decades and three generations.
Ford Focus RS (2009-2011)
I’m not sure what we like more: the Ford Focus RS’s ultimate green paintwork or its utterly absurd power delivery? Gifted with an appearance that looked as if it was sculpted by Thor himself (its engine blueprint was borrowed from Volvo after all) the RS made no excuses about what it was designed for – bullying its rivals. Its outlandishly styled rear wing, beefed-up wheel arches and aggressively set bumper arrangement made for an appreciably intimidating machine – and that’s even before firing up its 2.5-litre five-potter.
Punch the pedal and the RS' full fury (224 kW and 440 Nm of torque) was unleashed onto the front wheels – something that could have rendered it undriveable, but a RevoKnuckle suspension set up helped keep the peace to a certain extent. Despite the slightly fidgety steering, it still managed to slingshot itself to 100kph in 5.9 seconds. As you can imagine, the soundtrack was as loud as its appearance delivering somewhat of a pyrotechnic display at full chat before a trailing throttle sent the wastegate into a fluttering soliloquy.
The locally developed GTV6 is undoubtedly the most revered Alfa Romeo model ever sold in South Africa. Bred for the track, the 3.0-litre “Alfetta” GTV was, in its heyday, the most powerful Alfa road car ever produced.
Built in Alfa Romeo’s (then) factory in Brits, the GTV6 came to fruition in 1983 as a result of a collaborative effort between Alfa South Africa and Autodelta (the Italian parent company’s specialist competition arm), once the Italian marque’s Arese head office had given the project its blessing.
Back then BMW and Alfa Romeo were at loggerheads in the Group One circuit racing championship, with the former’s 535i (powered by an in-line 6-cylinder) having the measure of the Alfa GTV, with its 2.5-litre V6.
Hannes Pienaar from Cape Town and his beloved GTV6 3.0, one of several Alfa Romeos in his collection.
Alfa Romeo needed a foil for the rampant 535i and its solution was this: the GTV6 3.0. To homologate a racing car for Group One, a manufacturer had to produce at least 200 road-legal examples (fit for public consumption) and it is believed Alfa Romeo built approximately 220 units of the 3.0.
Powered by a 128 kW 3.0-litre “Busso” V6 fed by half a dozen Dellorto carburettors (even though its 2.5 predecessor was fuel injected), the GTV6 3.0 featured dramatic styling, a custom lightweight bonnet (with its distinctive V-shaped air duct and iconic Compomotive alloy wheels.
Very '80s cabin, but with such a magnificent sound coming from under the bonnet, you won't even notice.
The new race car made its competition debut in 1983 at the Lodge Group One International 2-hour at Kyalami… and won! Next up was a 1st and 2nd place in the Group One class of the Castrol 3-hour race at Killarney.
Although Alfa Romeo would withdraw from South Africa a few years later due to international sanctions against the Apartheid government, the Milanese brand’s SA-flavoured GTV6 was the fastest locally-made road car and, to reiterate, most powerful Alfa Romeo production model of its era.
Based outside Cape Town, Hannes Pienaar is an avid car collector. His prime focus is on Alfas, however, and from an early age he realised that one day he needs to own this special South African car, the GTV6 3.0.
Quick facts:
Alfa Romeo GTV6 3.0 Produced: 1983-1985 (approx 220 units) Engine: 3.0-litre “Busso” V6 Power/Torque: 128 kW/222 Nm Transmission: 5-speed manual 0-100 kph: 8,36 sec (as tested by CAR magazine) Top speed: 224,2 kph (as tested by CAR magazine)
Ford has revealed the all-new Focus ST, which features a new engine as well as the option of an automatic. Here's all you need to know about the Blue Oval's performance model.
The all-new Focus ST offers the most responsive and agile driving experience ever – on road and track. This is the claim from Ford and given the upgrades, it's plausible. The headline change is the introduction of the 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, now pushing out 206 kW and 420 Nm. Ford claims a 0-100 kph tume of less than six seconds.
Ford has also introduced an electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD) for a front-wheel drive vehicle further enhances cornering and stability. There is the option of either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic, and Ford has introduced Selectable Drive Modes. “Intelligent technologies like eLSD and CCD make our all-new Focus ST the most ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ yet, able to switch from refined tourer to focussed performance car at the push of a button,” said Leo Roeks, Ford Performance director, Europe. “We’ve incorporated learnings from programmes including the Ford GT and Focus RS to develop a mid-size performance car with a degree of flexibility that’s unique in its segment.”
Ford also claims its new Focus ST will boast class-leading spaciousness as well as advanced driver assistance systems such as Adaptive Cruise Control now enhanced with Stop & Go, Speed Sign Recognition and Lane-Centring for effortlessly negotiating stop-start traffic, Ford’s Adaptive Front Lighting System with new camera-based predictive curve light and sign-based light that pre-adjust headlamp patterns for improved visibility by monitoring bends in the road and – for the first time in the industry – road signs, Active Park Assist 2 that operates gear selection, acceleration and braking in addition to steering, to enable fully-automated manoeuvres at the push of a button, Ford’s first Head-up display to be offered in Europe and Evasive Steering Assist, a segment-first technology that helps drivers steer around stopped or slower vehicles to help avoid collisions.
Naturally, Ford will also equip its new Focus ST with SYNC 3 connectivity, which features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. At the time of writing, Ford SA is unable to comment on South African availability.
Toyota has revealed its sixth-generation van and for South Africans, it could be a very big deal.
Although its dominance in the bakkie market, with Hilux, is generally sighted as Toyota’s most successful local motoring venture, the Japanese automotive giant has achieved even greater segment supremacy with HiAce.
More South Africans have a motoring experience with one of Toyota’s HiAce vans than any other vehicle and the sixth-generation is a notable leap forward in design. It features a bonnet and eschews the blunt-nose box-shape packaging of the fifth-generation HiAce, known locally as Quantum.
The new HiAce is 12% longer than a Quantum, most of it attributable to the addition of that bonnet, which supports Toyota’s vision of a safer van – with improved crash absorption safety and a marginal improvement in aerodynamic efficiency.
What that repackaged profile with its bonnet growth has also enabled, are a range of better engines. Toyota’s proven 2.8-litre turbodiesel, known to Hilux owners, will power new HiAce. It will be graded at 130kW, with torque output varying between 420- and 450Nm, depending on the transmission attached to it. A 3.5-litre V6 petrol will also become available, with both engines configured to drive the rear wheels – through a choice of either manual or automatic six-speed transmissions.
The cabin gains a steering wheel and instrumentation binnacle from the current Fortuner, with a unique HiAce specific centre-dash and three front airbags. Safety is further enhanced by the addition of electric stability control and for those van drivers who roam steep urban areas, there is hill start assist on the six-speed manual version.
Seating configurations for the new HiAce vary between 12 and 15. The local tax industry might continue to have option on a locally built fifth-generation HiAce (Quantum) for many more years, but this new HiAce could make commuting a lot more comfortable and safer for many South Africans.
SA Arrival
Toyota South Africa confirmed that the new Quantum van will be arriving in Q2 of 2019. The range will comprise three-seat vans in long (LWB) and super-long wheelbase (SLWB) configurations and six-seat LWB crew cabs. The bus range will comprise of 11 (LWB) and 14-seater (SLWB) versions. There'll be just one engine: the 2.8-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel, which currently does service in the Hilux.
Winners: 2018/19 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank
The 2018/19 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank, concluded with the announcement of 12 category winners and the awarding of the Brand of the Year title at a red-carpet event hosted at Kyalami in Midrand.
Conceived to be South Africa’s definitive automotive awards programme, #CarsAwards has grown in stature, reach and influence since the inaugural event in 2016. Apart from being exclusively supported by WesBank, South Africa’s largest vehicle finance provider, #CarsAwards is regarded as an energetic, impactful opening number on the automotive industry calendar.
Highlights of this (fourth) iteration of the programme were:
Toyota, the first recipient of the Brand of the Year title (in the inaugural 2015/16 iteration of the programme), narrowly defeated double winner Suzuki (2016/17 and 2017/18) to reclaim the most coveted #CarsAwards trophy this year.
Volkswagen garnered the most trophies (four), elevating the Wolfsburg-based marque into a comfortable lead in terms of the most category wins (10) in the history of the #CarsAwards, ahead of Mercedes-Benz (six) and Suzuki (five).
Nissan and Honda were first-time #CarsAwards trophy recipients by virtue of their wins in the Compact Family Car and Hot Hatch categories respectively.
The Range Rover Velar finally dethroned the Volvo XC90, which had dominated the Premium SUV category during the first three instalments of the #CarsAwards. Volvo’s consolation was that its reigning World Car of the Year, claimed the Executive SUV trophy to ensure that the Swedish marque remains the only brand, apart from Volkswagen, to have won a category every year since 2015/16.
The Volkswagen Amarok and Toyota Fortuner derivatives were the only finalists to defend their category victories from the 2017/18 #CarsAwards, although the Mercedes-Benz E-Class also won again, albeit with a different derivative. Suzuki won the Budget Car category for the third consecutive year, and impressively, with a different model on each occasion.
In no fewer than 5 out of the 13 categories the judges’ favourites did not win, due to the impact of the Consumer Satisfaction Survey.
Eighteen brands were represented in the list of finalists, with Volkswagen leading the nominations with 7 derivatives, followed by BMW and Ford (4 apiece), and Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo (3 apiece). Significantly, Porsche and Isuzu made their first appearances in the final stage of the #CarsAwards programme, while Honda and Range Rover returned to the list of 39 after failing to make the last round in 2017/18.
Category winners of the 2018/19 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank
Budget Car: Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL
Compact Hatch: Volkswagen Polo 1.0TSI Comfortline Auto
Premium Compact: Mercedes-Benz A200 AMG-Line
Compact Family Car: Nissan Qashqai 1.2 Acenta Auto
Family Car: Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 1.4 TSI Trendline
Business Class: Volkswagen Arteon 2.0TSI 4Motion R-Line
Executive Sedan: Mercedes-Benz E220d Avantgarde
Leisure Double-Cab: Volkswagen Amarok 3.0 V6 TDI 4Motion Highline Plus
Adventure SUV: Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 4×4 Auto
Executive SUV: Volvo XC60 D5 AWD R-Design
Premium SUV: Range Rover Velar D300 R-Dynamic SE
Hot Hatch: Honda Civic Type R
The Performance Car category was cancelled because two of the three finalists became ineligible due to unforeseen circumstances.
The rules of the competition requires at least 2 cars in each category to have full scores (judges scores and survey scores) and in the case of this category, Cars.co.za could not meet the requirement.
Hannes Oosthuizen, Cars.co.za’s Consumer Experience Manager, explains: “In the case of the BMW M2 Competition, we could not secure the required 6-speed manual derivative for testing. It was always going to be difficult seeing as the market for a manual performance car has declined so much in recent years. We truly appreciate BMW’s efforts to help, but in the end we just couldn’t get the right car for testing.
“With the Porsche Boxster S, we could not secure sufficient owner surveys to calculate a representative owner satisfaction score for the brand’s finalists. These issues were, in no way, the respective brands’ faults.”
Impact of the Cars.co.za Ownership Satisfaction Survey
The importance of after-sales service excellence was highlighted by the impact of the Cars.co.za Ownership Satisfaction Survey on the final scores.
“The public interest and industry support for #CarsAwards shows that there is a need for an Awards programme that takes a more practical and usable approach to deciding the winners,” Oosthuizen says. “From the start in 2015 it was our goal to build and Awards programme that could be used as a buying guide, and which would reach the entire population, not only those that follow motoring publications.”
“With 50% of a vehicle’s final score determined by a brand’s performance in the survey, a car only really stands a very good chance of winning if it is a good product, in the eyes of the judges, and if the brand delivers solid after-sales service,” he adds.
This year, the survey determined the results in 5 categories. The Volkswagen Polo (Compact Hatch), Toyota Fortuner (Adventure SUV), Nissan Qashqai (Compact Family Car), Mercedes-Benz A-Class (Premium Compact) and Mercedes-Benz E-Class (Executive Sedan) did not score the highest marks from the judges, yet emerged victorious because South African consumers rated their brands higher than those of their competitors.
Multifaceted judging process
There are several reasons why the #CarsAwards is of greater significance than most other automotive awards programmes. For one, the winners aren’t chosen exclusively by motoring journalists, who report on (and review) the latest new vehicles in the market…
Although the 7 members of Cars.co.za’s editorial team chose the finalists, the combined judging panel (including 13 respected guest judges from various backgrounds and fields of expertise) only compiled the finalists’ individual scores once they’d evaluated the cars back-to-back during a thorough two-day test at the Gerotek facility at the end of 2018.
Combined judging panel (in alphabetical order): Aluta Maqoko (The Kolloquium), Ashley Oldfield (Cars.co.za), Brenwin Naidu (Sowetan & Sunday Times), Ciro de Siena (Cars.co.za), Claire Mawisa (Carte Blanche), David Taylor (Cars.co.za), Eddie Kalili (Freelance), Ernest Page (SA Car Fan), Gero Lilleike (Cars.co.za), Jacob Moshokoa (947/EWN), Juliet McGuire (Freelance), Khulekani Dumisa (Khulekani on Wheels), Khutso Theledi (YFM), Kojo Baffoe (Afropolitan), Lerato Matebese (Driven), Mike Fourie (Cars.co.za), Nafisa Akabor (Tech Journalist), Thami Masemola (Driven), Wendy Knowler (Consumer Specialist) and Wezile Bonani (Bay FM).
All derivatives listed on the new vehicles price list on September 1 2018 were eligible for selection and the public had just as much say in the outcome of 2018/19 #CarsAwards as the 20 judges did. Fifty per cent of the final standings was based on rankings that the respective vehicle brands achieved in the Cars.co.za Ownership Satisfaction Survey, conducted in partnership with data specialists Lightstone Consumer. The data incorporated feedback from thousands of vehicle owners, based on their experiences of their vehicles (less than five years old and serviced through franchised outlets).
In fact, the most prestigious title awarded by #CarsAwards – Brand of the Year – was based solely on the findings of the Cars.co.za Ownership Satisfaction Survey.
Brand of the Year
Toyota scooped the coveted Brand of the Year award for the second time since the inception of the #CarsAwards.
Toyota superseded Suzuki as the winner of the #CarsAwards Brand of the Year title, which is determined entirely by market and customer data, the latter from the aforementioned survey (brands’ respective sales and after-sales service ratings are particularly impactful). The Japanese firm had previously won the title in 2015/16, which means #CarsAwards Brand of the Year has been dominated by two firms in four years.
The Cars.co.za Ownership Satisfaction Survey data showed that Toyota defeated Suzuki by a very narrow margin, while Land Rover scored the final podium position.
“We think the Brand of the Year trophy is the ultimate accolade in the South African automotive industry,” says Oosthuizen. “It represents validation from the people that matter most – actual car owners.’
The red-carpet ceremony was hosted by award-winning TV host and Metro FM presenter Pearl Modiadie with guest appearances by Minnie Dlamini, Maps Maponyane, Victor Matfield and DJ Fresh, the latter of which provided live entertainment. The event was preceded by a business presentation by WesBank and attended by 350 guests, including industry leaders, representatives of the finance sector, media agencies and celebrities.
The event was digitally broadcast on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and, significantly, streamed live on the Cars.co.za YouTube channel, the biggest branded South African channel on the video site. The multi-platform broadcast allowed consumers, who are at the core of Cars.co.za’s awards programme, to actively participate in the event.
Visit http://www.carsawards.co.za for more information about #CarsAwards, including the category criteria, and to view images of the award recipients taken at the event.
Renault has launched a new version of its Koleos SUV in South Africa, but, if the now-discontinued Kadjar had its work cut out, the French firm might find the congested family car segment even tougher to crack. Still, the Koleos does have a few compelling selling points; we drove the newcomer at its local media launch in Gauteng.
This is not the first Koleos to make landfall in South Africa. The Koleos was first seen on local shores back in 2008 (and received a facelift in 2012). The segment in which the new Koleos competes is packed with quality offerings: the new Toyota RAV4 is imminent and the established Ford Kuga, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Nissan X-Trail and #CarsAwards-winning Volkswagen Tiguan are all vying for a share of the lucrative market.
That line-up represents exceptionally tough competition and you'd be forgiven for thinking the Renault doesn't stand much of a chance of achieving notable sales success. However, the French manufacturer has a few party tricks up its (trés chic?) sleeve. Keen pricing and generous specification have always been Renault strong points and the Koleos comes to market packed with many features and, yes, at competitive asking prices.
At launch, there are 2 levels of trim: Expression and Dynamique. There's also the option of 4×2 and 4×4 in Dynamique trim.
On-road manners are excellent in the Renault Koleos, but the unenthusiastic engine may not suit all tastes.
During the launch, we drove the top-spec 4×4 Dynamique derivative in a rain-soaked Johannesburg. Renault was keen to show off its simple-to-use (and clever) 4×4 system: the default mode is 2WD, which only supplies power to the front axle; 4WD auto utilises the front axle for propulsion, but when it detects slippery road conditions, such as gravel or a wet road, it directs torque to the rear wheels to improve stability under acceleration; 4WD Lock is available at up to 40 kph and distributes 50% to each axle on rough terrain. Once you exceed 40 kph, the vehicle reverts to 4WD auto.
We had the opportunity to test the system on muddy farm roads. We could tell from the comprehensive onboard readouts that the car was sending as much as 30% of its propulsion to the rear axle, and we never felt in danger of getting stuck. Ground clearance is handy too (210 mm, Renault claims) and while the Koleos is not marketed as an offroad family vehicle, it's good to know it's more than capable of dealing with tricky conditions.
Comfortable ride quality
As for on-road manners, the Koleos delivers a pleasingly pliant ride quality. Even the top-spec Dynamic derivative, which is shod with stylish 18-inch alloy wheels, has refined road manners (helped by the fitment of generously-profiled tyres). This new addition to Renault's product line-up feels considerably upmarket, with a luxury feel both inside and out. The steering feel is reassuringly solid; it instils that big-car feel that SUV owners want.
While this does sound like an excellent vehicle, on paper, at least, we did have a gripe with the powertrain. Renault offers only one engine in the Koleos and it's a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder mill (with 126 kW and 233 Nm), mated with a continuously variable (automatic) transmission.
While the motor's peak outputs seem fair, the power delivery is lethargic, particularly under hard acceleration. When you flatten the accelerator, there seems to be a lack of torque low down and while the engine noise increases in crescendo, there's no sensation of appreciable acceleration. The vehicle is quiet and refined when you're at your desired cruising speed, but getting there quickly will be a noisy affair. We wondered about the future availability of a Renault-Nissan Alliance turbodiesel engine, but Renault pointed out that most buyers in the segment opt for petrol engines.
Disappointing powertrain aside, the Koleos does have something else in abundance: interior space. The manufacturer claims its newcomer is the biggest in the segment in terms of length, width and height, and boasts the most kneeroom in its class. A quick glance at rear legroom suggests it's spacious enough to seat 2 adults in the rear and the (unofficial) sit-behind-yourself test proves that even taller folk will not battle with legroom.
The Renault Koleos boasts a massive cabin and a generously-sized load bay.
Verdict
So it's a warm reception for Renault's new flagship SUV. It's light years ahead of the older Koleos in every respect, with excellent specification, aggressive pricing and generous cabin space. The driving experience is as refined and luxurious as you'd expect from a high-end Renault product. If you can live with the lethargic acceleration, the Koleos (backed by a competitive warranty and service plan) is a family SUV that's very easy to like.
Renault Koleos Price in South Africa (February 2019)
The Renault Koleos is sold with a 5-year / 150 000 km mechanical warranty, 6-year anti-corrosion warranty, 5-year / 90 000 km service plan and the service intervals are every 15 000 km.
Koleos Expression 2.5 CVT 4×2 – R399 900
Koleos Dynamique 2.5 CVT 4×2 – R439 900
Koleos Dynamique 2.5 CVT 4×4 – R479 900
OPTIONS:
Metallic Paint – R2 522
Electric Adjustable Leather Seats (Expression Model) – R 12 000
Fuel Price Likely to Increase in March 2019
Hopes that the fuel price will drop at the end of February 2019 have been dashed as international oil prices have been climbing steadily. Here are new predictions.
According to the Automobile Association (AA), "Oil traded within a very tight band for most of January, but we have seen a steady uptick since February began. This trend has accelerated in the last week in particular." Meanwhile, the Rand has been on a weakening trend against the US dollar since the beginning of the month.
"The Rand has slipped from R13.20 against the dollar on 1 February to R14.12 on 14 February. This is not good news for fuel users at a time when oil is also rising," the AA says. As for the increases, the AA is predicting a price increase of 43 cents a litre is in the offing for petrol, 62 cents for diesel, and 47 cents for illuminating paraffin. "If the trendlines for oil and the Rand don't flatten out, there could be worse to come before month end," the AA says.
