What makes the Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 TFSI Sport S Line sports a strong contender in the Business Class category of the 2017/18 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank? We investigate…
While the Audi A4 upon which it’s based can be described as an exercise in restraint, the Audi A5 Sportback brings plenty of good looks and flair to the table. With style and originality, the A5 Sportback offers impressive build quality, refinement and a punchy 2.0-litre turbocharged engine. Is this enough for the A5 Sportback to claim the win in the Business Class category?
3 Reasons Why Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 TFSI Sport S Line sports is a #CarsAwards Finalist
1. Refined star
With its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine producing 140 kW / 320 Nm and powering the front wheels via a smooth-shifting 7-speed dual clutch transmission, driving the A5 Sportback is a relaxing and refined affair. It’s fairly efficient too, with Audi claiming a fuel consumption figure of 5.5 L/100km.
2. Tech fest
The cabin is where it’s at! The fascia has a neat, uncluttered layout, with the traditional big infotainment screen perched atop the centre of the dashboard. The infotainment selector is aided by a nifty piece of ergonomic design: you can rest your wrist on the transmission lever handle while you browse the menus. Audi’s Matrix headlights, heated and cooled seats, automatic parking, Virtual Cockpit digital dashboard and adaptive suspension will make your life safer, smoother and infinitely more comfortable and some of these options are well worth the extra spend.
3. Big on safety
The new A5 Sportback has much to offer in terms of safety. There are extra-cost features such as Audi active lane-assist, Audi pre-sense, side assist, as well as City Assistance and parking assistance packages, but the standard car includes systems such as Audi pre-sense city, secondary collision brake assist, ABS with EBD, stability control and a plethora of airbags. The optional City Assistance package is worthwhile, which will add a self-parking system and a reverse camera, Audi side assist, rear-cross traffic assist, Audi pre sense and exit warning systems.
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With the South Africa classic car scene still experiencing strong growth, organisers believe that the summer edition of the Classic Car Show, set to happen on 3 December at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg, will be the biggest yet.
“The classic car scene never ceases to amaze me,” says organiser Paulo Calisto. “Every Classic Car Show we hold, the turn-out simply increases, and at each and every show there are dozens, if not hundreds of classic cars that I have never seen before.”
So, what can visitors to the show expect to see? What are the trends? Based on the huge presence of '55 and '56 Chevys at the mid-winter edition of the event, it is predicted that visitors can look forward to another impressive showing of resto-mod Chevys in December.
“I love the look of those Chevys, with their dropped suspension and wider wheels, but still being true to the classic restored philosophy,” says Calisto. “ It’s a trend that we hope to see more of at The Classic Car Show.”
Rivalling the Chevys will be a vast selection of other American machines, including Mustangs, Camaros and Plymouth Barracudas.
Resto-mod Chevys from the '50s are very popular at present. Expect to see a strong showing at the Classic Car Show.
Fans with more European tastes in automobiles also have plenty to look forward to, with particularly the rise in popularity (and values) of VW buses (split and bay window versions) likely to contribute to a big variety of these iconic vehicles on display. Also expect lots of Minis, and if you like Fords, look out for rarities such as the Blue Oval's "German Cortina", the Taunus, in addition to various fast Fords from yesteryear.
Tickets and other attractions
“The entertainment we lay on for a day can’t be beaten in terms of pricing,” says Calisto. “Tickets are R60 for adults and children under 12 for R20, through Computicket. At the gate, tickets costs R80 for adults and R20 for children under 12.
Love the iconic VW bus? Expect to see a wide variety at the show, from the painstakingly restored to wildly modded.
“For that you get the best classic car show in Gauteng, as well as live entertainment, and a host of specialist stalls selling motor-related goods. This year we will also be hosting a special Jaguar-Land Rover display, and with new products like the Discovery, the Range Rover Velar and the new two-litre Jaguar F-Type sports car, this will be a huge attraction for all visitors.”
*As usual, owners of classic and special interest cars will be admitted free of charge, with the addition of one passenger. Extra passengers will be required to pay the usual entrance prices. Visitors will enter through Gate 5 at Nasrec, while classic car owners will be admitted through Gate 2.
Opel has introduced a new member to its growing crossover/SUV family in South Africa and it’s called the Crossland X, slotting in beneath the Mokka X and will be joined by the new and larger Grandland X in 2018. Cars.co.za journalist, Gero Lilleike, headed to Johannesburg this week to drive the newcomer and to bring you this report.
Earlier this year, the French PSA group took ownership of Opel, which was followed by the announcement of General Motors’ exit from the South African market. Amidst the restructure, Opel, however, has committed itself to South Africa and as of January 2017, all Opel vehicles will be distributed locally by the Unitrans-owned Williams Hunt group.
Despite the turmoil, Opel’s new product offensive continues and the latest addition to the local range is the Crossland X, a compact crossover with SUV appeal that's built to satisfy familial needs. The Crossland X, which sits just below the Mokka X, joins a competitive segment where it will compete against formidable rivals such as the Renault Captur, Suzuki Vitara (current #CarsAwards compact family car champion), Ford EcoSport, Hyundai Creta and Mazda CX-3, to name a few big-hitters. Aimed squarely at the upstart family buyer, the Crossland X is said to combine style, practicality and comprehensive safety. Let’s take a closer look…
What’s on offer?
The new Opel Crossland X will appeal to young families looking for a practical and safe city crossover with SUV appeal.
The Crossland X offering consists of 4 front-wheel drive derivatives with two 3-cylinder petrol engines on offer and the choice of manual and automatic transmissions.
The range starts with the entry-level Crossland X, powered by a naturally-aspirated, 1.2-litre engine with 60 kW and 118 Nm of torque and mated with a 5-speed manual transmission. Fuel consumption for this derivative is claimed at 5.2 L/100km.
The remaining 3 derivatives are powered by a turbocharged 1.2-litre engine with 81 kW and 205 Nm of torque and offered in either Enjoy or Cosmo trim levels. A 5-speed manual transmission is offered on the Crossland X Enjoy and Cosmo derivatives while the range-topping Crossland X Cosmo is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Opel claims a fuel consumption figure of 4.8 L/100km for the turbocharged derivatives.
Key Features
Interior build quality is good and 2 infotainment systems are offered depending on the derivative you choose.
Positioned as a compact family crossover for life in the city, a key highlight of the Crossland X is its practicality. Standing at just over 4.2 metres and with a wheelbase of 2.6 metres, interior space is quite generous, particularly for rear passengers. The rear seats are split in a 60:40 configuration and the rear seats can slide forwards or backwards by as much as 150 mm, either providing generous rear legroom or making the load bay significantly larger, depending on your needs.
With maximum rear legroom in place, the load bay offers 410 litres of space and with the rear seats all the way forward, space increases to a useful 520 litres. By folding the rear seats flat, a total of 1 255 litres is available.
Up front, Opel is offering 2 infotainment systems, both with Android and Apple mirror functionality. The entry-level Crossland X and Enjoy derivatives are fitted with a 7-inch R 4.0 IntelliLink infotainment system that offers USB playback, Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay. You can also view film and pictures via USB.
Cosmo derivatives are equipped with an 8-inch Navi 5.0 IntelliLink infotainment system which adds features such as navigation, Siri voice control, 2 USB ports, embedded voice control and the ability to connect up to 10 phones. Both systems can be controlled either via the touchscreen or mounted steering wheel controls.
A flexible and expandable loading bay is offered thanks to clever 60:40 sliding rear seats.
Standard features fitted to the Crossland X include cruise control, hill start assist, LED daytime running lights, automatic headlights and traffic sign recognition. Enjoy and Cosmo derivatives are further equipped with rain-sensing wipers, rear view camera, automatic dimming rear view mirror, front and rear park distance control and front fog lights.
The range-topping Cosmo derivative can be further equipped with features such as adaptive forward lighting LED headlights with high beam assist, cornering lights, automatic levelling and LED taillights. Advance park assist, head-up display and a Safety Pack is also offered with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, forward collision alert, driver drowsiness system and side blind spot alert.
Standard safety features include ABS with EBD, electronic stability control with traction control and a total of 6 airbags.
What’s the Crossland X like to drive?
The Crossland X 1.2T offers perky performance coupled with comfortable ride quality.
The launch route, although short, gave us the opportunity to test the Crossland X 1.2T Enjoy manual in both urban and highway settings.
We found the Crossland X to be reasonably comfortable to sit in and the height adjustable driver’s seat made it easier to find the optimal driving position. The soft-touch dashboard gives the Crossland X a premium quality, but we couldn’t help but feel a little underwhelmed by the interior design, which closely mimics that of the slightly larger Mokka X. Sure, it’s nice enough and is well constructed, but somehow the Crossland X lacked a sense of occasion and the interior design wasn’t really striking in any particular way.
We found the 1.2-litre turbocharged engine to perform adequately once the turbocharger kicks in, but the initial lag is noticeable. The engine is reasonably refined and the typical 3-cylinder thrum becomes more apparent under harder acceleration. The manual transmission is relatively smooth in operation and the throws through the gears are long and extended. The Crossland X displayed good tractability on long uphill sections of road and didn’t require continuous down-gearing to keep the car in its power band. Even in 5th gear, the Crossland X maintains good momentum, which was pleasing.
Ride quality is a major highlight of the Crossland X and even on the poor road surfaces in the vicinity of the Cradle of Humankind, it managed to soak up bumps and undulations with aplomb, delivering a comfortable, pliant ride. More so, road and wind noise entering the cabin was acceptable without being too intrusive. The steering is on the lighter side and perhaps a bit vague, especially when wielding the Crossland X through corners.
In summary
Overall, our initial impression of the Crossland X is positive and although it appears to be a middle-of-the-road offering, the combination of a competitive pricing structure and its well-specced, practical, spacious and no fuss interior will likely find favour with many buyers in this segment. It does, however, remain to be seen how the Crossland X is received by the buying public and how it will fare against its established rivals in this hotly contested segment.
We have yet to test the naturally-aspirated Crossland X and the range-topping Crossland X Cosmo automatic but we will hopefully have these derivatives on test in the near future, so look out for a thorough evaluation coming your way soon.
Opel Crossland X – Price in South Africa
Crossland X – R 265 000
Crossland X Enjoy – R 305 000
Crossland X Cosmo – R 345 000
Crossland X Cosmo Auto – R 360 000
The Opel Crossland X is sold with a 5-year/120 000km warranty and roadside assistance programme, a 5-year/unlimited mileage anti-corrosion warranty and a 3-year/ 60 000km service plan. Service intervals are at 15 000 km or 12 months for all derivatives.
For something with excellent quality: The new Mazda CX-5 is a great buy, but at this money, the only option would be the entry 2.0 Active auto. It has way less kit than the Haval, but it’s a smooth, fuss-free drive.
If space is a priority and kit not so: The Toyota RAV4 remains a local favourite on the sales charts. The 2.0 GX auto seems reliable and dependable if a little rudimentary inside.
If space isn’t a priority: The Nissan Qashqai is a little smaller than the Haval in terms of overall space, but it has reasonable levels of kit and a more modern, fuel-efficient power unit.
Quite a handsome SUV with no discernible copy-cat styling.
Haval formally established itself in South Africa as the premium SUV arm of GWM – the bakkie maker – in 2017. Now wholly owned by the Chinese parent company, the local distributor is said to be expanding to 40 dealerships and taking an aggressive strategy towards marketing and pricing its products on the local market. The first product, the H2, which we reviewed back in June 2017 was a good platform to launch from, the GWM M4 compact family car has been rebranded the Haval H1 and now this…
The sloped-back H6C competes in the medium-SUV (family car) category of the market. It’s about the same length and height as a Mazda CX-5 or Kia Sportage, but looks a little more compactly styled in the vein of a Honda HR-V or Hyundai Creta. Its price is certainly more on par with the top end of the compact family car market than the others and is packed with loads of gadgets and trinkets to prop up the value for money offering, but is it just smoke and mirrors or is there actual substance underneath the new H6C?
How does the Haval H6 fare in terms of…
Practicality?
Upmarket interior has leather seats and steering wheel, dual-zone climate control and in the bottom right, blue mood lighting on the door sills.
At this end of the market, practicality plays a major role in purchasing decisions. The H6C is bigger than it looks and passenger space is very impressive. Rear passengers have loads of legroom, rear air vents and in the Premium model on test here, full leather seats (although it’s artificial leather).
Haval claims luggage capacity of 247 litres and utility space of 1 146 litres. Whereas the latter figure is reasonable, the rear-seat-up capacity is limited by the high sill (shallow depth) and the H6C’s sloping hatchback. The aperture could be wider too, which would help with loading more difficult items such as bicycles. On the upside rear legroom is generous, the split seatback folds flat easily enough and the keyless system means you don’t have to dig around for car keys when entering the car from any door.
Up front, there are 2 cupholders a good-sized centre console and a flip-up ashtray compartment. The centre area is dominated by a rotary knob and surrounding buttons that control the infotainment system. This could all have been dispensed with as the infotainment system is a touchscreen and any other functions can be quickly performed by the steering wheel controls. This would have allowed for more space to throw keys, phone, wallet etc. rather than in the cupholders.
Features and cabin quality?
Rotary knob is mostly made redundant by the touchscreen and steering controls, this would be better as storage space.
You will struggle to find a better-specced SUV than this at this price range, or at R100k-200k more in fact. The H6 is loaded with upmarket goodies like 8-way electric seats, dual-zone climate control, switchable mood lighting, cruise control, front and rear park distance control with rear camera (not forgetting the side-view camera that we first noticed on the flagship H2), retractable mirrors and a bright red puddle lamp that projects the word “Haval” onto the ground when you unlock the car.
It’s certainly well equipped and even has some of those show-offy touches too with the mood lighting, puddle lamps and LED daytime running lights. The infotainment system is a little under-specced, unfortunately. For such a large touchscreen, it only really performs the function of a radio. It has Bluetooth and media playing capabilities, but beyond that, not much else.
As for the rest of the interior, it seems quite upmarket in a classy, restrained way. The silver trim on the doors are smooth to the touch and the leather trim inserts are quality, premium features. The dashboard surrounds are made up of soft-touch rubberised material and all the panels seem firmly held in place.
Drivetrain and ride refinement?
Ride quality is a step up from every other Chinese car and on par with certain competitors.
The H6C has quite a large motor if you consider the major downsizing trend in the market. Its 2.0-litre turbopetrol unit produces peak outputs of 140 kW and 310 Nm but doesn’t feel all that punchy. Acceleration has a gradual, linear feel to it and the 2.0 holds 120 kph with relative ease, but the constant overspeed beep when you push past that velocity is annoying.
It’s not to say the Haval’s underpowered, just over-claimed. And the “leisurely” acceleration would be fine if the fuel consumption was decent, but given its indicated average of 11.7 L/100 km over the 1 000 km we tested the H6C, it seems quite thirsty. Despite that, the 6-speed automatic gearbox is a great match and shifts up and down the box with great comfort.
Ride quality has been one of the areas the Chinese brands have lacked in historically. Haval has worked hard with the H6C to improve comfort and NVH levels too. It rides quite firmly but it’s not overly so that it feels bouncy. It feels quite pliant over bumps and actually soaks up gravel roads really well. The steering is not overly light and it makes the Haval appear quite planted around bends taken at speed. As for general on-road refinement, the cabin is well insulated from wind, road and mechanical noise.
Safety?
The H6 has excellent safety spec and loads of higher-end features such as LED daytime running lights, fog lights and 19-inch wheels.
Chinese cars have had a fair amount of negative publicity around vehicle safety and, in some cases, rightly so. Thankfully, the H6C has the right combination of safety features to meet a family’s requirements. Things like ABS, EBD, brake assist and stability control are all standard across the range and this derivative is equipped with 6 airbags as well.
Verdict
It remains to be seen if the H6C will be as instantly popular as its H2 has proved in the value-seeking compact family car/crossover segment. As Haval thrusts higher up into the premium sectors of the market, the brand may find that buyers are more discerning and quality, brand strength and practicality feature highly on their requirements lists. The H6C may offer loads of value at an unbeatable price, but buyers may want the reassurance from a known brand, even if it is in the shape of a lesser-specified product for R30-50k more.
As our recent comparative video featuring the H6C and Kia Sportage demonstrated, the Haval is a very good product. With a few minor refinements (get rid of all the beeps and put in a higher-end infotainment system) it could be a winning recipe. A more fuel-efficient engine would also attract more buyers to what is a capable, spacious-for-occupants SUV.
What’s more, the H6C offers tremendous spec- and safety levels at R389 900 (November 2017) and may entice buyers who are looking for something a little bigger than a Renault Captur, Suzuki Vitara or Hyundai Creta. It’s unlikely to pull many buyers from top-selling rivals in the cutthroat family car segment, but we don’t believe that’ll be the case for much longer.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Haval H6 in South Africa
What is the price of the Haval H6 in South Africa?
The price of the Haval H6 in South Africa varies depending on the model and trim level. The range typically starts from around R495,500 for the entry-level petrol models and can go up to R799,900 or more for the top-of-the-range Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) variants. These prices are subject to change and may vary by dealership.
What is the warranty and service plan for the Haval H6?
The Haval H6 comes with a comprehensive after-sales package. This generally includes a 7-year/200,000 km warranty and a 7-year/75,000 km service plan for petrol models. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid models also come with an additional 8-year/150,000 km warranty specifically for the high-voltage battery and components.
What is the fuel consumption of the Haval H6 in South Africa?
Fuel consumption for the Haval H6 depends on the engine type and driving conditions. The official claimed figures are around 7.4 L/100km for the 2.0-litre petrol models. However, real-world figures can be higher. The Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) models are significantly more fuel-efficient, with a claimed consumption of 5.2 L/100km, which can be a game-changer for daily commuting.
What are the key safety features of the Haval H6?
The Haval H6 is equipped with a high-strength steel body and a wide range of advanced safety features. These include multiple airbags (up to 6 or 7, depending on the model), Adaptive Cruise Control, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, and a 360-degree camera system on higher-spec models. These features help to provide a high level of safety for all occupants.
Is the Haval H6 a good car to buy in South Africa?
Based on reviews and market success, the Haval H6 is considered an excellent value-for-money option in the South African SUV segment. It offers a combination of modern styling, a feature-rich interior with a large touchscreen and advanced technology, and a comprehensive warranty. It is a strong competitor to established brands and is often praised for its comfort and generous list of standard equipment.
Toyota Thailand has facelifted the 8th generation of the Hilux bakkie and while the changes are mostly cosmetic, we wonder if this new-look will make it to South Africa, the home of the double-cab bakkie.
Thailand is a market which, like South Africa, adores its bakkies. However, the Toyota Hilux has faced stiff competition from other brands and as a result, has been facelifted. With a new look at the front, some cosmetic changes at the side and some interior tweaks, this facelifted Toyota Hilux is hoped to be more competitive.
The changes are substantial. The entire front has been replaced with a grille that looks very similar to that of the big Tundra, the front fog lights have been reposition and the bumper style has changed. The Thai market will also receive a model with a sportier exterior, called the Rocco. It has a grey and glossy black grille, grey metallic rear bumper, big 18-inch alloys with all-terrain tyres, black interior and LED fog lamps. There are some accessories on offer which include black sport bar and loadbed, plastic cladding over wheel arches and rear bumper, as well as decals. As it stands, the engine lineup stays the same.
We reached out to Toyota South Africa, who recently updated its Hilux model range, as to whether this new look Hilux would make its way to our market. At the time of going live, we had not yet heard from TSA.
Although the facelifted Mahindra Pik-Up doesn't look all that different on the outside, it is now a significantly improved product that is hard to beat at the price, as long as you can stomach the design.
We like: Refined and punchy engine, standard features, rugged feel
We don’t like: Old-fashioned looks, lack of ESP, glare on touch-screen interface
Alternatives
More of a workhorse: GWM doesn't offer 4×4 versions of its more modern Steed 5E and Steed 6 pick-ups, and has downgraded the specification of the trusty Steed 5 derivatives to cater for a more workhorse-oriented market. Consequently, the Steed 5 2.0 VGT Double-Cab 4×4 SX can be had for around R70 000 less than this Mahindra, but is seriously outgunned in terms of features.
Chinese Ranger: The JMC Vigus 2.4 TDCi Double Cab AWD LX costs about R10 000 less than the Mahindra and, on paper at least, appears to be a solid rival. It is based on the current-generation Ford Ranger, but very much a rarity in SA. There aren't nearly as many JMC outlets as Mahindra dealerships, so back-up could be a concern for some potential owners.
A used alternative: For similar money you can get a diesel, double-cab 4×4 from Toyota or Ford, provided you are willing to go the used route and settle for a slightly older vehicle. In both cases we found 2016 examples of Toyota and Ford's entry-level 4x4s available at similar pricing. Have a look here.
A somewhat more modern front-end can't hide the Pik-Up's otherwise old-fashioned design. It's not what one would describe as "stylish".
Indian brand Mahindra has built itself quite a solid name for trustworthy, rugged vehicles in South Africa, and our market currently ranks as one of the brand's most important export destinations. In fact, so important is Mzansi for Mahindra that it recently announced plans to build an assembly plant in South Africa. One of the products that the planned facility appears destined to assemble is the Pik-Up, recently launched in South Africa without the Scorpio moniker it carried before.
At first glance, however, the newcomer's updated looks can't hide its Scorpio legacy, leading to most test drivers expecting a vehicle that is also little changed under the skin. In reality, however, Mahindra appears to have carefully refined and improved nearly every facet of the Pik-Up, and the result is a bakkie that can now more confidently perform a dual-purpose role in the household – as a workhorse and weekend leisure vehicle.
How does it fare in terms of…
Design & Packaging
Redesigned facia is a vast improvement and general fit and finish is very good. Note standard navigation-capable touch-screen.
As this is not an all-new vehicle, it was always going to be difficult for Mahindra's designers to radically alter the appearance of the Pik-Up. After all, its Scorpio predecessor had a very unique, somewhat old-fashioned appearance. For the facelift, Mahindra focused its attention on the front-end, where you'll find a new grille, bumper and headlights. This S10-badged flagship even gets LED "eyebrows". 16-inch alloy wheels are standard and towards the rear Mahindra has improved the design of the cab protector. But that's it. With its relatively narrow track, upright cabin and ungainly rear-end, you can't get away from the fact that this is not a modern-looking bakkie, so if you want the neighbour's curtains to twitch with jealousy, the Pik-Up probably will fail that test.
Open the doors, however, and if you've experienced a Scorpio interior especially, you'll be quite pleasantly surprised by the improvements Mahindra has made to the cabin. Gone are the strangely textured and coloured plastics. Gone too, mostly, are the large panel gaps and ungainly design that characterised its predecessor. Instead, the new Pik-Up's cabin has a smart-looking charcoal black cabin with subtle subtle satin-silver accents here and there. Also impressing is the fit and finish – this could be the most promising sign yet of what's to come from Mahindra.
We'll come back to the standard features a bit later, but it's worth saying upfront that the refreshed design, much improved quality and generous standard features list do a lot to "hide" the vehicle's age from the driver and passengers. Nevertheless, the upright windows and the front occupants' proximity to the windscreen are obvious design throwbacks. Add a bad Cape crosswind and you'll also notice that the front side windows can occasionally pull away from the door frames, resulting in increased cabin noise.
Space is generous in the front, and both front chairs have fold-down armrests. In the rear, it's neither as spacious as some of the more modern offerings on the market, nor are the seats as comfortable, but you do get rear ventilation outlets and some oddments storage space. There are full safety belts and headrests for 3 rear occupants. It is also interesting to note that Mahindra has added rear Isofix anchorages to a safety package that also includes dual front airbags and ABS with EBD. Sadly there is no ESP.
In terms of load-carrying ability, Mahindra claims a payload rating of 995 kg for this model.
Engine characteristics
The S10 derivative gets a stylish instrument cluster. Engine revs smoothly and delivers good grunt.
The new Pik-Up is powered by an improved version of Mahindra's 2.2-litre mHawk turbodiesel engine that features variable gemoetry turbocharging. It develops 103 kW at 3 750 rpm and 320 Nm of torque from only 1 600 rpm (available until 2 800 rpm). The figures don't tell the full story. Mated with a new 6-speed manual transmission, this drivetrain has transformed the Pik-Up's driving characterstics… all for the better. There really isn't all that much turbolag, and the engine is both quiet and refined. Consequently, the Pik-Up is both pleasant and easy to drive around town, and a pretty decent cruiser as well, even at higher speeds. Mahindra claims a tow rating of 2 500 kg (braked) for this model.
Mahindra claims a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 7.9L/100 km for this model, which compares well with similarly powerful engines from GWM and JMC. During our testing we achieved an average of around 9.4 L/100 km, which is pretty good for a large, heavy bakkie like this. A large 80-Litre tank ensures long distances can be covered without the need for refuelling.
On- and off-road ride
Various suspension enhancements and improved insulation have led to a much more enjoyable ride, on- and off-road.
Being one of the more, shall we say, "agricultural" offerings remaining on the market, the Pik-Up is likely to be subjected to use off the beaten track quite often. Thankfully, it feels well suited to such use, with its 245/75 16-inch tyres, generous 210 mm ground clearance and pliant suspension set-up making it a comfortable drive on poor road surfaces.
Mahindra says it has modified several suspension components significantly, and compared with the old Scorpio, it is definitely a much more settled, comfortable vehicle. A minor criticism raised by several testers, however, concerned maneuverability. The Pik-Up is a long vehicle (5 175mm) and the steering is comparatively heavy, which combined with the large turning circle can result in some frustration, especially around town.
This flagship 4×4 derivative is equipped with a low-range transfer box that allows for easy shifting between 2H, 4H and 4L using a rotary dial on the transmission tunnel. A mechanically locking rear differential is also standard. The Pik-Up seems pretty capable off-road, with low-range being sufficiently low enough to allow for strong crawling capability. It's also worth noting that during our off-road testing on particularly poor terrain the Pik-Up cabin's never emitted a squeak or a rattle.
Standard features
A standard touch-screen infotainment system (with navigation) is a real treat at this price level. Pity the screen isn't bright enough.
At the time of the new Pik-Up's launch Mahindra emphasised its desire to have the newcomer compete more effectively for the "leisure" shopper's money. In other words, the Mahindra Pik-Up is no longer pitched almost exclusively at the workhorse market, but needs to perform a dual purpose that includes weekend and lifestyle activities for families. As such, Mahindra has been rather generous with the standard specification.
Included are; climate control, remote audio controls, cruise control, auto lights and wipers and even a 6-inch touch-screen infotainment system with navigation – the system also includes USB/aux and Bluetooth support. While we appreciate the inclusion of a touch-screen at this price level, and the system generally works well, its positioning on the facia results in glare that often makes it difficult to use the system at all. And yes… we did turn the brightness all the way up.
Pricing & Warranty
The flagship derivative of the facelifted Mahindra Pik-Up sells for R354 995 (November 2017) and comes standard with a 4-years/120 000 km warranty and 5-years/90 000 km service plan. Services are conveniently staggered at 20 000 km (or 12 month) intervals. 4-years/120 000 km roadside assistance is also included.
Verdict
Appearances can be deceptive – similar in looks to its Scorpio predecessor, the Pik-Up has been transformed.
In many ways the Mahindra Pik-Up pleasantly surprised us. Yes, its appearance remains love/hate but there's an honesty about its design that, combined with a significantly improved overall offering, is quite alluring. At the price, there is nothing in the new-vehicle market that offers as comprehensive a package. The addition of a strong a warranty and service plan are further sweeteners to a deal that's already pretty appealing, given the big strides that have been made in terms of comfort and refinement. If you're in the market for a new bakkie that needs to work, but also perform a family role come the weekend, then this is well worth a test drive and serious consideration.
The introduction of a “baby AMG” to the E-Class line-up seems a godsend to those who seek more performance from Benz’s executive sedan package but can’t afford the ‘bahnstorming E63 S. Does the 295 kW/520 Nm machine represent the ultimate blend of prestige and on-road punch?
We like: Imposing looks, more than enough performance, “sleeper car” status
For natural athleticism: Until the ballistic M5 arrives, the 540i is the flagship of the BMW 5 Series range. Sportiness and driver engagement are more inherent to the Five than its E Class rival, but with “only” 250 kW and 450 Nm, the Bimmer can’t match the E43’s motor's output. Having said that, the 540i’s R1m price tag leaves room for up-speccing with M Sport package and adaptive suspension.
Understated performance: Although the Audi A6 is well and truly in the twilight of its model cycle, the 4.0-litre V8 of the S6 outmuscles the E43 with peak outputs of 331 kW and 550 N.m. It costs about the same as the Benz, but in terms of kerb appeal, the S6 is almost anonymous and not all that engaging to drive, sadly.
For sporting pedigree: For reasons that are unclear to us, the Coventry-based marque has resisted the temptation to produce a V8-engined R derivative and offers a supercharged 3.0-litre XF S instead. Outpunched by the E43, and not quite as well made, it seems expensive at R1 264 000.
Just when we thought Mercedes-Benz had abandoned notions of producing high-performance V6 engines (after all, a new generation of straight-six motors will be rolled out by the marque in the near future), Mercedes-AMG spawned a plethora of 3.0-litre turbopetrol 43 derivatives in models ranging from the SLC roadster to GLE premium SUV. Although the E43 4Matic is not quite as purposefully styled as its E63 S brother, it sports muscle-bound (even somewhat sinister) looks and with a claimed 0 to 100 kph time of 4.6 sec, it offers more than sufficient performance to please those who want the elegance, sophistication and refinement… accompanied by surges of adrenalin.
Optional 20-inch titanium alloys beef up the AMG sedan's kerb appeal appreciably. How long will the 43-series stick around? We wonder.
The Good
Just enough sportiness
The design brief for the E43 must have been a tricky one for Mercedes-AMG. The E43 needs to look more purposeful than a standard E-Class specified with an AMG Line body kit, but not as brutish as the awe-inspiring twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engined E63 S. To that end, the “baby AMG” sedan errs on side of understatement, the diamond-effect grille, gaping front bumper, gently flared side skirts, quad-tipped exhaust ends and subtle boot spoiler (topped off the optional 20-inch alloys shod with low-profile tyres) endow the midnight black Benz with more than a hint of a menacing presence.
The E43’s aesthetic execution drew mixed reactions from our test team members, some of whom liked its dark, brooding looks and others who found the accoutrements did little to liven up a conservative design. As to the question of whether the car would satisfy the tastes of an executive who would like to draw admiring glances but without attracting enthralled mobs whenever they drive their Benz onto a service station’s forecourt, the AMG is clearly intended for those who prefer a goold old “humble brag” now and again.
Whereas the AMG's fascia is quite dark & sombre, contrast stitching and red seatbelts left the ambience of the cabin nicely.
Sumptuous interior
The E43’s subtly detailed exterior was matched with a black-on-black leather-trimmed interior accented by racy carbon-fibre-pattern fascia insets and a flourish of metallic finishes, the overall effect of which may be a little too brash for some tastes, but the red contrast stitching and matching safety belts added a sense of fun to the cabin.
As is the case with most test units provided by German premium marques, the AMG sedan was laced with optional extras, the most impressive being the so-called widescreen cockpit, which effectively allows the digital instrument binnacle to blend into an expansive infotainment monitor. It looks positively slick and futuristic, it was just a pity that the “top menu bar/bottom menu bar” Comand interface, which can be operated via the touchpad or controller wheel on the centre console, feels a trifle dated in its operation.
A wide variety of vehicle information can be displayed on the "widescreen cockpit". Note the carbon-fibre pattern of the fascia trim.
Thrusting performance
Some readers may remember the whirring, growling supercharged 3.2-litre engines from the AMG “32” era more than a decade ago, but otherwise Mercedes-Benz's V6 motors are hardly regarded as sonorous. In the E43’s defence, this AMG’s exhaust note is pressing, rorty and pleasing on the ear – although it stops short of feeling as hard-edged/feral as the V8's does.
Meanwhile, the beefed-up turbochargers of the 3.0-litre V6 help to propel the E43 at a fair lick of pace, to say the least. With outputs of just under 300 kW and more than 500 N.m on tap, the Benz delivers virtually unburstable mid-range acceleration with near-instantaneous responses. To its credit, the sedan’s 9-speed automatic transmission, which is native to the E-Class range and not developed especially for AMG, does not baulk and shifts smoothly whether the sedan's crawling in peak traffic… or carving up a mountain pass with zeal!
Like conventional E-Class sedans, the E43 has an uncluttered centre console because its transmission lever is on the steering column.
The Not So Good
Compromises are required
The 4Matic all-wheel-drive, which ensures the most effective distribution of the E43’s surfeit torque, prodigious grip from the 20-inch tyres and the dynamic responses/adaptability of the AMG sports air body control suspension make the E43 palpably easy to drive quickly. Its driving modes allow a multitude of suspension, engine/transmission and steering mode combinations to suit a driver's taste. Even so, when the driving mode is set to full Comfort mode, however, the ride quality feels particularly nervous at low speeds.
To be fair, the suspension does an admirable job of ironing out road imperfections at higher speeds, and the body control is progressive but almost always composed. For a sedan of considerable heft (just under a tonne), one that can transport 4 adults and their luggage in comfort no less, the E43 feels very wieldy, as if it is oblivious to its own weight. The steering, though accurate and quick, does not convey feedback of any great significance though, which might be a boon when driving long distances, but it lessens driver engagement.
The AMG's digital instrument cluster can be customised to display whichever kind of information the driver finds most useful.
Costly to get a nice one
To get back to the matter of the extras specified to this test unit, it needs to be mentioned that the E43 requires quite a bit of up-speccing to look and feel as lavish as this car.
The handsome LED headlamp clusters are standard, yes, but the multi-spoke 20-inch alloys cost R19 500*. Inside, the electrically adjustable front seats with memory function and 4-way lumbar support (R14 200*), which are heated and ventilated (R19 500*), offer a good blend of comfort with a satisfactory level of lateral support and the Burmester surround sound system produces excellent audio quality for an additional outlay of R15 800* (or R99 800*, if you want the 3D version). These items, and the widescreen cockpit (R15 300*), seem worthwhile.
Meanwhile, the Comand online navigation (including the touchpad, vehicle setup and monitoring, plus live traffic, costs an extra R33 800*. Alternatively Garmin Map Pilot navigation setup costs “only” R14 200*, keyless start is R10 400* and, if you’d like extended climate control (Thermatronic), that’s another R10 500*. These options are only a handful of those specced on the test unit, excluding the active safety system packages that are on offer, therefore it is best to consider the E43’s new list price as… a rough guideline.
Understatement and AMG are not usually associated with one another, but, believe it or not, the E43 does not appear overly showy.
Price and after-sales support
The Mercedes-AMG E43 4Matic costs R1 174 008* (before options), which includes a 2-year/unlimited km warranty and a 6-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
* Prices quoted were accurate at time of being published (November 2017).
Verdict
Is it really necessary for Mercedes-Benz to offer two full-fat AMG derivatives in 1 range, even if they offer disparate levels of performance? Comprehensive choice can certainly benefit buyers, yes, but in the case of the E43, the lower-end AMG derivative offers appreciably more exclusivity, but not all that much more performance, than the E400 4Matic. Consider that the latter delivers outputs that are 50 kW and 40 N.m lower than the AMG’s, but it costs more than R100k less (in AMG Line spec) than its sibling.
Just how visceral is an AMG model, as opposed to derivative, supposed to be? The E43's approach favours subtlety.
While there is no question as to whether the E43 offers enough performance to satisfy the majority of executive sedan buyers (its refined exhaust note is understandable given the sophistication of the vehicle’s target market), the compromise demanded by the AMG’s packaging undermine some of the E-Class’ finest attributes: on-road poise and refinement.
Ultimately, the E43 succeeds at being a luxury sedan laced with added performance, but it cannot match its flagship sibling at being a hardcore performance sedan clad in luxury…
That we can forgive, given the big difference in their asking prices. However, the biggest disappointment is that this AMG sacrifices too much of the comprehensive refinement that its more affordable siblings deliver with so much ease. It’s a model that feels like an afterthought derivative, as opposed to a hidden gem, in the E-Class range.
If you haven't seen it already, watch our video review of the E43 below:
3 Reasons Why Jaguar F-Pace is #CarsAwards Finalist
What makes the Jaguar F-Pace 20d AWD R Sport a strong contender in the Executive SUV category of the 2017/18 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank? We investigate…
The Jaguar F-Pace has set new sales records and standards for the brand since its introduction in 2016. It's the first SUV built by Jaguar and its attractive styling and performance credentials have left a mark on consumers. This particular model also features the entry-level turbodiesel engine, but don’t think it’s underpowered as Jaguar Land Rover’s Ingenium engines continue to impress with power and torque delivery.
3 Reasons Why the Jaguar F-Pace 20d is #CarsAwards Finalist
1. Performance and economy
Powered by a 2.0-litre turbodiesel that’s good for 132 kW and 430 Nm of torque, the F-Pace delivers adequate surge and accelerates briskly with plenty mid-range overtaking grunt. The major drawcard of this 2.0-litre unit is the fuel consumption figure of just 5.3L/100 km that gives the F-Pace a theoretical range of 1 132 km.
2. Luxury and tech
As standard, the F-Pace 20d R Sport comes with most nice-to-have features fitted to create a sense of luxury. The perforated Taurus leather upholstery looks and smells “proper”, there’s keyless start, bi-zone climate control, a 380W Meridian sound system, auto lights/wipers, cruise control, front and rear park distance control and a rear-view camera. There are other worthwhile features on offer too such a waterproof Activity Key and the InControl Connect Pro pack with handy phone apps and useful navigation functions.
3. Sporty driving dynamics
The F-Pace is essentially a sports car that just happens to be a practical SUV and in our experience, it performs astoundingly well. It corners without body lean, which is counter-intuitive given its SUV heft. The barriers of grip are beyond that of the average large SUV and it’s probably the closest example of a sports car in an SUV body that we’ve sampled.
The F-Pace rides pristinely and Jaguar’s new suspension design has really improved the dynamism and comfort of its modern offerings. The F-Pace is composed on all surfaces, making it a confident car to drive.
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Elon Musk has announced that the second-generation Tesla Roadster will take to the streets in 2020! More importantly, it’s fast, very fast…
Powered by a 200 kWh battery, the Tesla Roadster will offer blistering performance and according to official claimed figures, zero to 96 km/h will take a mere 1.9 seconds while zero to 160 kph will be achieved in 4.2 seconds. Top speed is claimed at a staggering 402 kph and the new Tesla Roadster will have a range of about 1`000 km.
Key design features include slim LED headlights, curved body panels, thin taillight clusters and a purposeful diffuser.
Estimated pricing for the Tesla Roadster is pegged at approximately $200 000 or R2 843 850 with interested buyers required to cough up $50 000 or R710 962 as a reservation.
What do you think of the new Tesla Roadster? Share your thoughts with us!
We will keep you updated as more information becomes available.
Come Drive With Me is a brand new series hosted exclusively on the Cars.co.za Youtube Channel. We'll be hosting some of South Africa's favourite personalities and helping them experience their dream cars. And every episode we'll have something exciting planned for them, too.
In Episode 1, one of the most stylish, busiest and hard-working gents in South Africa joins us for a drive in Cape Town. Mercedes Benz kindly offered us their most powerful, most extreme AMG car available right now: the GT R. It was a perfect match.
We picked Maps up in Cape Town and headed out to Grabouw to experience the Cape Canopy Tour Zipline, set in the dramatically beautiful Western Cape heartland.
A huge thank you to Mercedes Benz and Cape Canopy Tours for making this video possible.And of course to Maps Maponyane joining us.
