British car maker, Jaguar, has announced the arrival of an all-new engine that will do duty in the XE and XF sedans as well as the F-Pace SUV.
The numbers are looking good for this new powertrain, on paper at least. 221 kW and 400 Nm from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine is commendable and it gives its products some respectable, yet efficient performance. The Jaguar F-Pace will hit 100 kph in 6 seconds dead, while returning 7.7 L/100 km.
The Jaguar XF is a fraction faster to 100 kph at 5.9 seconds and returns figures of 6.8 L/100 km. However, the smallest and lightest Jaguar product is likely to benefit the most as the XE will power to 100 kph in 5.7 seconds, while consuming just 6.7 L/100 km. All the products above will be mated to the ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox. Expect to see a 30t badge on the rear of the vehicles and it'll slot between the 25t and the potent S models.
“We continue to broaden the range of our Ingenium engine family, giving customers more choice than ever before. Our new 300PS (221kW) petrol engine provides the performance synonymous with Jaguar, while delivering enhanced fuel economy thanks to its state-of-the-art exhaust technology and pioneering valve train design,” said Nick Rogers, Executive Director, Product Engineering. “This clean and more efficient engine perfectly complements the advanced lightweight aluminium body structure of our XE, XF and F-Pace models.”
This new Jaguar turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine boasts outputs of 221 kW and 400 Nm of torque.
Mechanically, this engine is codenamed P300 and features twin-scroll turbos with ceramic ball bearings to reduce friction and a high flow compressor wheel for improved performance. The new engine is manufactured at Jaguar Land Rover’s £500-million Engine Manufacturing Centre in Wolverhampton, UK. This engine upgrade forms part of Jaguar's update to the 2018 model year products, some of which include a Gesture Boot Lid for the XF and XE, as well as Jaguar’s Configurable Dynamics technology, which allows drivers to personalise the automatic gearbox, throttle and steering settings. The XE, XF and F-Pace also gain numerous safety updates such as Forward Vehicle Guidance and Forward Traffic Detection.
Following the much-publicised recall of 1.6-litre turbopetrol Ford Kuga derivatives earlier this year, Ford South Africa has now issued yet another fire-related recall for its entry-level Figo and Ikon models. Herewith the latest details…
What Ford’s fire-related Figo and Ikon recall this week lacks in drama – images of dozens of vehicles ablaze at roadsides, and a nationally televised recall, a la Kuga – it makes up for in numbers. While the Kuga recall, announced in January, involved “just” 4 556 vehicles, the Figo/Ikon recall Ford put into motion this week applies to 15 600 cars (petrol engines only) built in India between 2004 and 2012.
And while 16 of those cars have caught fire globally, none of those fires happened in South Africa, at least “not that we are aware of”, 2 Ford spokesmen told me on Wednesday.
Some readers may recall footage of a Figo in flames outside the Nelspruit Mediclinic in mid-January, at the height of the Kuga catastrophe, but Ford says it doesn’t know whether or not that fire was linked to the reason for this recall.
Ford SA went about this latest recall very quietly, e-mailing the owners to tell them that their car was part of a “customer service action” to replace the power steering’s high-pressure hose which may split, resulting in a power steering fluid leak.
“A power steering fluid leak could result in fumes being emitted from the engine compartment, and it may also be possible for power steering fluid to come into contact with the vehicle’s exhaust system components, creating the potential for smoke and, in extreme cases, fire. Please contact your Ford dealer immediately…”
There was no press release; not until the first journalist got wind of recall and asked Ford SA for more detail.
Second-hand buyers may be oblivious
Undoubtedly many of those Figo/Ikon owners won’t hear about the recall directly, having bought their cars second-hand and failed to register their details with the manufacturer.
“It’s a big problem,” Ford’s Rella Bernades told me last week, when discussing Phase 2 of the Kuga recall, which rolls out from July. “If the owner of a car that’s part of a recall isn’t on our system, they won’t get the recall notice from us.”
In the case of the Kuga recall, six months down the line, 87% of the affected SUVs have had the fire-proofing modification done, meaning about 500 of them haven’t, despite months of hard-to-miss publicity around the issue. That’s quite a scary amount of “it won’t happen to me” going on, if you ask me.
What you should know, if you own a Figo or Ikon
Note your VIN
Note that the recall applies to cars built between August 9 2004 and March 24 2012, not to the year they were sold or first registered. You may be driving a 2013 model Figo, for example, which was built before March 2012 and is, therefore, part of the recall. To check without calling Ford, note your VIN and click here to find out the month and year your Ford was built.
It won't cost you anything, but a loss of convenience
You won’t have to pay a cent for the replacement of that high-pressure hose with a new “updated” part, and while the work will take “less than a day”, “due to service scheduling requirements” the dealership may need to keep your car longer than that. And you may not get a courtesy car. In its email to owners, Ford SA “respectfully reminded” them that it was up to the dealerships to provide “alternative transport” and this could “unfortunately” not be guaranteed.
Phase 2 of Kuga recall commences
Adding to the chance of that alternative transport not being available for you is the fact that from July, Ford will invite the 4 556 Kuga owners whose vehicles are part of that safety recall to return their cars to dealerships for Phase 2 of the recall – the installation of a sensor to alert the driver when the coolant level drops.
While they will be given latest-model Kugas to drive as courtesy cars during that process, each dealership will only have one or two of those vehicles available, so the SUV recall process will no doubt add to the demand for courtesy cars at Ford dealerships countrywide in the coming weeks.
While it’s alarming to be told your car is a fire risk unless you get it to your dealership, and fast, for a modication, recalls – even fire-related ones – are fairly common.
In February 2015, for example, Mercedes-Benz SA recalled 2 200 cars to fix a problem "with an engine compartment seal that could ignite”.
Finally, this advice applies generally: If you didn’t buy your car new, make sure you register with the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) so that you are notified about any recalls directly.
Recap of earlier this year…
Ford was embroiled in a controversial fire saga pertaining to its 1.6-litre EcoBoost Kuga derivative that eventually resulted in the recall of some 4 556 units in South Africa. In the wake of the recall, Ford is now offering extended cover on all Kuga models sold in South Africa. The newly launched Ford Kuga PremiumCare Extended Plan offers 6 years or 200 000 km cover.
Jeff Nemeth, President and CEO, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa commented, "“While we cannot make up for any inconvenience or discomfort that our customers may have experienced as a result of the recent events affecting the 1.6-litre Ford Kuga, we want to reassure every Kuga owner that their safety is our first priority, matched by our unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction and ownership peace of mind. Accordingly, we have extended the cover on all Kuga models sold in South Africa to a total of 6 years or 200 000km, whichever comes first. Introduced at no cost to our customers, this extended cover testifies to our confidence in the Kuga and the actions that form part of the safety recall implemented for the 1.6-litre model.”
The Ford Kuga PremiumCare Extended Plan will also be automatically added to Kuga models in Namibia, Botswana, Swaziland and Lesotho. All derivatives, including the Kuga 1.6, 1.5 petrol and 2.0-litre diesel will be covered and the plan will be loaded to each Kuga's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) based on the original New Vehicle Warranty start date.
Nemeth added, "The extended cover assures that customers will benefit from worry-free motoring long after the Kuga’s standard four-year/120 000km New Vehicle Limited Warranty expires. We trust this will assist in restoring customers’ confidence in our products and the Ford brand.”
Over 1 000 components are covered by the Ford Kuga PremiumCare Extended Plan and some of these include the engine and emissions systems, transmission, drivetrain, electrical components, suspension, brakes, axles and steering. The air-conditioning and heating, audio and safety systems are also covered, along with the Kuga’s driver aids, comfort and convenience features.
Owners are advised to have their vehicles serviced at an authorised Ford dealer according to the specified service schedule and to ensure proper maintenance between services as recommended in the vehicle's owner manual.
Any queries regarding the Ford Kuga PremiumCare Extended Plan can be directed to Ford Customer Service at 0860 011 022 or e-mail [email protected].
Previously…
Ford South Africa has announced it has issued a voluntary recall of 1.6-litre EcoBoost Kuga derivatives that were sold on the local market between December 2012 and February 2014. This comes after reports that at least 45 Ford Kugas have caught fire.
The widely-held public perception that Ford South Africa had unnecessarily delayed action in the matter has caused a backlash on social media, with many wondering how many more would catch fire before the brand would take notice. Sadly one person passed away in his car. Reshall Jimmy was on holiday in Wilderness when his vehicle caught alight. His family reached out and set up a Facebook page called Ford Vehicles Burning. It didn't take long for the page to feature numerous photographs of burning Ford Kugas on the side of the road.
What Now
On the afternoon of 16th January 2017, Ford South Africa held a press conference where it addressed the situation. According to Ford, the fires were caused by, "overheating that can lead to a broken cylinder head & oil leak. If leaking oil reaches hot engine components it can cause a fire." As it stands, the issue surrounding the fire only affects one model. It's the 1.6-litre Ecoboost. If you have a Ford Kuga which is a 1.5 or a 2.0-litre, you do not need to panic or worry as it does not affect you.
The National Consumer Commission didn't hold back at the press conference. “A product that poses any risk to our consumers does not have a place in our market,” said NCC commissioner Ebrahim Mohammed. “It is for this reason that the NCC requested an urgent meeting last week to inform Ford of our decision to authorise a safety recall of the vehicle in terms that will be determined by the NCC,” said the commissioner.
Ford South Africa announced a voluntary recall for this model. All Ford Kuga 1.6 Ecoboost units sold between December 2012 and February 2014 are affected. Currently, this comprises 4 556 units and owners have been urged to get their vehicles checked.
If you own a Ford Kuga 1.6 and you see any indication of overheating, you're instructed to immediately pull over and switch off the engine. Do not open the bonnet at all. Your next action is to phone Ford South Africa on 0860 011 022. If you own a Ford Kuga, you're requested to bring your vehicle into your nearest Ford dealership for the safety recall. The vehicle will have its parts replaced, software updated and oil leak checks conducted. You will be given a courtesy car.
" PRETORIA, South Africa, January 16, 2017 – Ford South Africa is issuing a safety recall for Kuga models equipped with the 1.6-litre engine to address an engine overheating condition that could cause a fire. A total of 4,556 vehicles are affected by this safety recall in South Africa, and were built between December, 2012 and February, 2014. Ford Kuga models with 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre engines are not affected. We have investigated the incidents as they have been reported to us, removing many parts for detailed examination in our engineering facilities in Europe and North America. The data collected from the recent incidents and the maintenance checks we are conducting through our dealers have helped us to determine the root cause of the fires.
While we continue to investigate the Kuga 1.6 engine compartment fires, based on the current data we have determined that the fires are due to engine overheating. This is caused by a lack of coolant circulation which can lead to a cracking in the cylinder head and, therefore, an oil leak. If the leaking oil reaches a hot engine surface, it can potentially catch fire. We are not aware of any injuries resulting from the engine compartment fires. With this safety recall, all affected vehicles, including those that have already been checked, must be taken to a Ford dealership as soon as possible. This safety recall comprises two stages.
The first stage involves replacing affected components on the cooling system, verifying and updating the software and conducting an oil leak check on the cylinder head. If any Kuga 1.6 owner sees any indication that the engine may be overheating or experiences warnings on the instrument cluster, they should pull over as soon as it is safe to do so, switch off the engine and ensure all occupants are safely out of the vehicle. For safety reasons, the bonnet must not be opened. The emergency services should be called first, if required, then Ford’s Roadside Assistance on 0861 150 250. Supported through the AA, this service is available 24/7.
The 1.6 Kuga is safe to drive, provided the integrity of the cooling system is maintained, and this safety recall has been actioned. The next stage will make the cooling system even more robust, and is likely to involve further changes to parts and warning systems. We are currently ensuring that the changes we make are complete and thoroughly tested – and will communicate with our customers as soon as this stage commences. Every effort is being made to minimize inconvenience, and reassure customers that their safety is our top priority. We are committed to keeping our customers mobile. Should a customer experience any engine overheating problem with their 1.6 Kuga, or delays in the repair due to a shortage of parts, arrangements will be made through the nearest Ford dealer and Ford Customer Service to provide a courtesy car while the vehicle is repaired. Any customer concerns or queries can be directed to Ford Customer Service at 0860 011 022."
Tata Bolt 1.2T XT (2017) Video Review
Tata is executing an overhaul of its model line-up and one of its early products of the revival is the Bolt compact hatchback.
How big of an improvement is the budget-oriented Bolt compared with its unrefined predecessors? And, given the competition from top-selling brands, should you consider the Bolt at all?
Renault Clio RS 220 EDC Trophy (2017) Quick Review
A faster and more powerful Renault Clio RS recently landed in South Africa and we could hardly wait to drive the top-of-the-range newcomer. It's called the Renault Clio RS 220 EDC Trophy and right now it's the most hardcore Clio on sale. Is it worthy of your attention? Let's find out…
We don’t like: Gearbox paddle positioning, special high-performance tyres are expensive, ride quality suffers on deteriorating roads
Alternatives:
Hands-on driving fun: In this price-sensitive market, we'd find it a challenge to not recommend the Ford Fiesta ST. Now available in a more potent (and limited edition) ST200 guise, the Fiesta ticks all the boxes for a great all-round performance hatchback. Its manual gearbox is involving enough to put a smile on your face, yet docile enough to make commuting a cinch.
More luxury: The Mini Cooper S offers similar performance to the Clio Trophy, but it's a bit more premium. While it may not offer as the outright thrills and entertainment as the Renault, it's still brisk. We think it suffers from an image problem as it has become a bit softer and cuter. You could opt for the JCW, which is R50k more than the Trophy.
The popular choice: The all-new Volkswagen Polo GTI now features a 147 kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine and it should prove popular when it lands in South Africa in 2018. The older 1.8-powered GTI DSG is still on sale, but in terms of driving enjoyment, it's more of a warm hatch than a hot one. We'll happily recommend it as a daily driver, however.
The new Renault Clio Trophy front end is dominated by the RS logo foglights. New LED headlights are potent.
The Renault Clio RS is available in 2 flavours: Lux and Trophy, whereas before it was Lux and Cup. Trophy is a special word in the vocabulary of Renault Sport as it signifies the ultimate performance incarnation of a product. Lux is geared more toward comfort and day-to-day driveability, while Cup ups the ante for a more involving and focused drive.
The Trophy, however, is a no-holds-barred road-going track toy. The facelifted Clio RS is recognisable through its revised headlight design, foglights in the shape of the RS logo, LEDs in the tail lights and for the Trophy model, there are red brakes, an Akrapovic exhaust system, 18-inch wheels, Trophy badging and. if you look closely a lower ride height.
The good
That fast feeling
If there's one thing that Renault Sport has managed to consistently get right, it's imbueing its products with that feeling that you're driving something fast. Even when you're not pressing on and just doing a mild overtake, you know you're piloting something quick. Power comes from the Renault-Nissan Alliance 1.6-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder (same motor as the Juke, but with obvious enhancements) and in Trophy application, there's 162 kW and an overboost-assisted 280 Nm. Those are big numbers for something as little as a Clio and the office debate raged about whether the facelifted Volkswagen Golf GTI 7.5 would be able to hold off a Clio Trophy in a quick drag race.
Launch control dialled up and the Clio Trophy is ready to sprint off the line
It's not something we tested, sadly, but the numbers don't lie. The Trophy hits 100 kph in a claimed 6.6 seconds with Launch Control activated. It's all very dramatic as you pull both gearshift paddles towards you and then accelerate hard, and feel the car tense up in anticipation. Hope the specialised Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres are warm enough (they weren't, often) and release the brakes.
There's a tremendous amount of wheelspin and the Trophy springs off the line with a distinct dual-clutch induced bang accompanying each gearshift. We found that after a few launch starts, the tyres would become stickier and the car turned into a demon off the line. Unlike some hot hatches, there's no torque steer, which is incredible considering the sheer power going through those front tyres
Akrapovic exhausts are beautifully finished in carbon fibre and sound the part.
Throw some corners into the mix and this is where the Trophy comes into its own. The last time I was behind the wheel of something this involving and hands on, it was the Honda Civic Type R, a mad, yet ballistic hatchback. Steering is direct and fast, although we'd note the wheel is a little thick for our liking and not giving us all the feedback we truly desire. You can throw the Clio Trophy into the corners too and it's likely you're going to run out of bravery long before the car runs out of grip. We were very impressed with the brakes and they happily dug into the tarmac and slowed the Trophy down with no fuss.
Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres and excellent brakes make the Clio Trophy a formidable handling performer
Usually we'd cast a suspicious eye towards a non-OEM performance exhaust upgrade as they always tend to be a bit over the top. We're looking at you, Hyundai i20 Sport… In the Renault Clio Trophy's case, the Akrapovic setup is deviously unassuming in normal mode and it'll take RS (Sport) mode for it to clear its throat. There's a meatier burble and each gearshift gets that distinct bang as each cog is selected. This lovely noise ensured that we spent the majority of our time with the car in RS mode. What's French for vrrrpha? There's a Race Mode too, but seeing as that turns off the electronic stability safety nets, we left it alone.
The facelifted Renault Clio interior design has made its way into the Trophy and while there's not immediately different, you'll notice some high-quality materials on the dashboard. It's a simple and unfussy design this, with a smart-looking infotainment screen dominating the centre. The R-link is a great system and it comes with TomTom satellite navigation as standard. It's handy as it'll tell you when there are accidents and jams on your route, and it'll alert you to fixed speed cameras. In terms of seats, the front passengers are in for a treat as these are the Recaro variety and feature heating, which is lovely in winter. It's spacious too, with a generous boot which is on par with class-leading.
Recaro sporty seats are comfortable and offer heating functionality. There's red stitching and red seat belts to remind you're in a performance vehicle
The levels of specification sets the Clio RS apart from its rivals. There's cruise control, auto lights, auto wipers, Bluetooth connectivity, USB connectivity and the car features a whole bunch of safety features. The Renault Clio Trophy has ABS, EBD and emergency brake assist (EBA), a new generation ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation) active traction control, HSA (Hill Start Assist) and four airbags.
The not-so-good
Gearbox ergonomics
The gearshift paddles have a reassuring feel to them, but they're in the wrong place
The first Renault Clio RS with the EDC transmission was harshly judged. Understandable for 2 reasons. Firstly this model followed the legendary 2.0-litre Clio III Gordini – a magnificent piece of driving kit fitted with a delightful 6-speed manual 'box. Secondly, we've been spoilt with excellent dual-clutch transmissions from other manufacturers and this EDC mark 1 just didn't deliver as hoped. The good news is that this revised EDC is better. Shift times are faster and importantly, the downshifts a bit smoother and predictable.
Red detailing and RS badges differentiate this from lesser Clio cabins
However, our gripe comes from the positioning of the gearshift paddles. They're mounted on the steering column, as opposed to the wheel itself and there will be times you will want to exploit that excellent chassis and superb grip and accelerate through a corner. You'll want to shift early and make the most of the grunt, but your right hand will be nowhere near a shift paddle. Frustration. Renault, if you're forcing us to accept EDC, then meet us halfway by placing the paddles in the correct spot.
With the optional yellow paint and in Trophy spec with big wheels and lowered suspension, it really looks the part.
One-trick pony
The Clio Trophy, for all of its compelling performance, is challenging to live with on a daily basis: its ride is harsh, so much so that can feel each and every undulation in the tarmac. In normal mode, the Clio Trophy tries really hard to be docile and sedate, but it's an uneasy truce: you can feel that both the Renault's engine and transmission would far rather be in "maxmum attack mode", as opposed to dealing with the daily drudgery that is the traffic-jam infested road network.
The EDC 'box has come a long way and improved dramatically, but when left to its own devices, it's not smooth in traffic. It's much better to take the reins yourself and use the paddles. The bottom line is that the Clio Trophy is best in RS mode, with the gearbox in manual override and you have a series of beautifully smooth, sweeping tarmac in front of you. As a performance car it's great and will tick the boxes for the enthusiasts, but we think you'd struggle to live with its quirks on a daily basis.
It's fun and fast, but only in specific scenarios. It does not make a great daily driver, but if you're prepared to live with it, you're in for a handful
Pricing & Warranty (June 2017)
The Renault Clio RS costs R419 900 and is sold with a 5-year/150 000 km mechanical warranty and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty. A 3-year/30 000 km service plan applies, with service intervals at 10 000 km. Metallic paint is an option at R2 500, and you might want the limited edition colours such as Sirius Yellow and Frost Pearl White for an additional R10 000.
Verdict
Renault Sport has again worked its magic into the Clio. It's an improvement on the previous Clio Cup 200 and certainly feels more raw and untamed. The Akrapovic exhaust makes a wonderful noise at full chat, without compromising on aural comfort. It's a devilishly agile thing; you can charge into a corner knowing that the brakes are more than up to the task of stopping the car quickly and, as far as dynamics are concerned, the chassis can deliver whatever is required of it. However performance and enjoyment are just one factor in the decision-making process and while standard specification blows the competition out the water, the Clio Trophy lacks the comfort and day-to-day usability that its rivals muster as second nature.
The Trophy badge and red callipers are subtle touches on the Renault Clio RS Trophy 220
There's a lesser Clio RS 200 Lux around that lacks some of the edge of the Trophy and it is fractionally slower and cheaper. However Renault Sport has never been about settling for second best and in this segment, you may as well go all in for the Trophy. You may dislike driving it to work, but if you take a long way home, you'll arrive back with a smile on your face.
Remember this combination: start up, seatbelt on, set transmission into manual mode, activate the RS mode and have fun. At its price, you're getting the market's most focused compact hot hatchback and while the likes of the (limited edition) Ford Fiesta ST200 are under the R400k barrier, we feel that the next generation Volkswagen Polo GTI will be similarly priced. Also, well done to Renault South Africa for adding the heated seats and Akrapovic exhaust to the standard specification; both items are pricey optional extras in other markets.
Audi’s all-new A8 flagship will reportedly make its first appearance on 11 July 2017 at the Audi Summit in Barcelona, Spain before making its official debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Leading up to the big reveal, Audi has released 3 videos highlighting the vehicle's fully active suspension system, Traffic Jam Pilot and Remote Parking Pilot. Take a look!
The all-new Audi A8 is around the corner and it's gearing up for its first official appearance in next month at the Audi Summit (11 July 2017) to be held in Barcelona, Spain, before making its official debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
Built on Audi’s MLB Evo Platform, the new A8 is expected to borrow styling cues from the Audi Prologue Concept and it will be lighter than the current model. A wide range of top-tech from Audi will make its way into the new A8 including autonomous features such as an updated version of Traffic Jam Assist, which will operate at speeds up to 60 kph without any required input from the driver in congested traffic situations. Audi’s second-generation Virtual Cockpit is also expected to appear in the new A8 for the first time.
Watch the video below for a sneak peak of how Audi A8's Traffic Jam Pilot works!
The new Audi A8 will be equipped with a 48-volt electrical system with each wheel coupled with an electric motor that will help reduce fuel consumption. The A8 will also feature a fully active electromechanical suspension system. The front camera will detect bumps in the road surface and the suspension will adjust itself almost instantaneously to sufficiently iron out the bumps. Audi says that the system is able to nullify vibrations and jolts, resulting in a supremely comfortable ride. Body roll and pitching movements during cornering are also reduced and all-wheel steering will help the A8 achieve maximum agility and stability.
Take a look at what you can expect from Audi's Active suspension system in the teaser video below.
The Audi A8 will also be able to park autonomously and the video below also highlights some of the A8's interior features including a new steering wheel, Audi's Virtual Cockpit and high-quality interior finishes. As for the exterior, the A8 will feature a sleek headlight design, much like that of the Audi Prologue concept. An integrated rear spoiler and striking taillights give the rear-end a unique look.
Watch how the A8 is able to park itself using Audi's remote parking pilot in the video below.
The engine lineup is yet to be confirmed but reports suggest that a range of petrol and diesel engines are likely with a plug-in hybrid model to follow after. Petrol engines may include a 4.0-litre V8 with 343 kW as well as a 6.3-litre W12 engine with 421 kW. On the diesel front, we may see a 3.0-litre V6 TDI with 203 kW, 4.0-litre V8 TDI with 304 kW and a 5.0-litre V10 TDI offering 373 kW.
The new A8 will rival the likes of the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class, which is due for a facelift soon. The new Audi A8 will likely go on sale at the end of 2017 and will reach South Africa in 2018. Official details will be revealed in weeks to come and we will keep you updated as they become available.
The newly facelifted GLA is paired with the commonsense turbodiesel engine. Is this where you should spend money if you’re in the luxury crossover market?
We like: More spacious than the A-Class, good-looking interior.
We don’t like: Pricey, not for off-roading, unrefined diesel engine, uncomfortable on 19-inch wheels even with adaptive suspension.
Alternatives
If you don’t mind petrol: The new Mini Countryman is a more comfortable and similarly spacious car. For a lot less money, you can get the Countryman S too.
For something more like an SUV: BMW’s X1 offers more ground clearance and ride comfort both on- and off-road but lacks the all-wheel drive of the GLA.
A style over practicality choice: The Audi Q2 is a bit smaller in all areas but rides and drives particularly well. The Q2 is also a very distinctive car.
If you don’t mind waiting: 2018 sees the likely introduction of the larger but not much more expensive new Audi Q3 and Volvo XC60.
Exterior upgrades to the GLA include lightly reworked front and rear bumpers plus full-LED head- and tail-lights with a more distinctive and higher definition red glow at the rear. The interior is largely the same bar a few subtle touches such as shinier electric seat switches.
Those rear lights have a more visible and sharper red hue with this facelifted model.
The good
Occupant space
It may share a platform with the A-Class but the larger GLA's taller roofline translates into more head and shoulder room for passengers and increases bootspace by 140 litres to a total of 481. The luggage area can be specced to open electrically with a swing of the foot underneath the rear bumper. It’s quite practical too, with seatbacks that fold almost flat to create a square loading area with a wide boot aperture. Mercedes does now offer a 360-degree camera option which we'd recommend as the fat C-pillars and narrow glass restrict rear visibility.
The GLA's boot is big with shopping hooks and little storage bins for smaller items.
Cabin look and feel
The GLA’s cabin is one of the more stylish cockpits in the segment, with air vents styled as tiny jet engines protruding from the dashboard. The infotainment screen, despite looking like an iPad glued to the centre console, doesn’t obstruct forward vision and offers simple and effective operation. It does feel as if the premium factor drops a little as your eyes wander down the cabin: the transmission tunnel plastic is a bit rough, as are the door pockets. The climate control switches and centre-mounted CD-player unit could also do with an update as they detract from what is otherwise a fresh and stylish interior.
Gaps between the numbers grow in larger increments as the speed goes up – neat little trick by the Germans makes you think you're accelerating faster.
The bad
Rough engine
The 2.1-litre turbodiesel feels ready for retirement. It’s rough at idle and the power and torque delivery doesn’t feel as linear as many of its rivals. Consequently, the 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox can be caught out by the surge of torque which results in choppy progress at times. The 'old' engine does seem to still be particularly fuel efficient, much more so than your average small to medium-sized SUV. We averaged in the mid-6L/100 km range over our 2-week test.
These 19-inch wheels and 45 profile tyres accentuate the harsh ride. Stick with the standard 17s if you prefer comfort.
Ride comfort
This has been a bugbear of the A-Class chassis since its introduction in 2012. Although an improvement on the A-Class, the GLA's suspension is still overly stiff. Increased ride height has allowed for more give in the springs but we expect more comfort given the badge on the nose. The introduction of adaptive suspension to the new model has only made a slight difference – a bit like sticking a plaster on an axe wound. If ride comfort is important to you, opt for the smallest wheel size and tallest tyre profile and spec adaptive dynamics at R20 500.
Not for off-roading
Most buyers looking at a GLA probably don’t intend to do any real off-roading with it, but if you’re tempted to see it as a quasi-off-roader, think again. Despite the increased ride height, a long front overhang is likely to catch on most obstacles before the wheels are able to relieve the scraping sounds. That said, the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system is good and will distribute power and torque effectively if you’re in trouble. There’s also hill descent control on the 4Matic if you’re braving a difficult downhill.
That long nose makes off-roading a tough task as it catches and scrapes easily.
Price and warranty
The GLA 220d starts at R534 00 for a basic auto. This model, with the Style kit and 4Matic, costs R593 640 before extras. It comes with a 2-year/unlimited km warranty and a 6-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
Verdict
Mercedes-Benz's attempt to improve on some of the GLA's shortcomings by introducing adaptive suspension with comfort modes has failed to fix the platform's inherent flaws. It still doesn’t ride bumps well and anything other than a perfect tarmac surface shows up its deficiencies. The turbodiesel engine is frugal. but raucous with a narrow peak power and torque band that makes for an unsettled ride at times.
Inside it’s reasonably spacious for both front and rear passengers with a decent luggage area out back. You also get a premium-looking cabin with familiar Mercedes design touches and chrome finishes. If you’re willing to throw a lot of money at the options list, you can also get a very technologically advanced car with a long list of safety features.
The facelift and upgrades haven't gone far enough to significantly improve the GLA. If you’re looking for a premium compact crossover, there are more resolved options out there.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan lineup has expanded with the local arrival of 2 high-performance AMG variants in the form of the E43 4Matic and the most powerful E-Class of all time, the E63 S 4Matic+. Take a look at specification and pricing details for the E-Class sedan below…
Early in 2016, Cars.co.za road test editor Ashley Oldfield attended the international launch of Mercedes-Benz's executive sedan in Portugal (click here to read his first impressions). The new E-Class sedan arrived in South Africa in June 2016, ushering in a host of new technologies and onboard features that hadn't been offered in its market segment before. Then, in 2017, Ashley returned to Portugal to sample the range-topping Mercedes-AMG E63 S 4Matic+ which is now on sale in South Africa alongside the E43 4Matic.
The local E-Class sedan model lineup now consists of 7 derivatives including 2 turbodiesel derivatives, the E220d and E350d, as well as 3 turbopetrol derivatives including the E200, E250, E400 4Matic and two new AMG performance variants, the E43 4Matic and the range-topping E63 S 4Matic+. A petrol-electric hybrid is expected to join the range at a later stage.
Power Outputs
The Mercedes-AMG E63 S 4Matic+ is now available in South Africa with 450 kW and 850 Nm of torque developed by its bi-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine.
The E200 is the entry-level model in the E-Class range. It’s equipped with a 2.0-litre turbopetrol that produces 135 kW and 300 Nm and has a claimed fuel consumption of 5.9 L/100km.
The E250 offers more power from its turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine with outputs of 155 kW and 350 Nm of torque. Fuel consumption for the E250 is claimed at 6.3 L/100km.
The E400 with 4Matic all-wheel drive is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine with 245 kW and 480 Nm of torque. Fuel consumption is claimed at 7.9 L/100km.
On the diesel front, the E220d offers 143 kW and 400 Nm of torque from its 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine with a claimed fuel consumption figure of 3.9 L/100km.
The more powerful E350d with its turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine develops190 kW and 620 Nm of torque with a claimed fuel consumption figure of 5.1 L/100km.
For buyers seeking high-performance thrills, you may want to consider the Mercedes-AMG E43 4Matic. Power comes courtesy of a bi-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine with no less than 295 kW and 520 Nm of torque on offer. Acceleration from zero to 100 kph is achieved in 4.6 seconds before hitting a top speed of 250 kph. Fuel consumption is claimed at 8.3 L/100km.
The E-Class sedan range is headlined by the Mercedes-AMG E63 S 4Matic+ and with its twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine producing a hefty 450 kW and 850 Nm of torque, it will accelerate from zero to 100 kph in 3.4 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 250 kph, which can be increased to 300 kph with the optional AMG Driver's Package. Fuel consumption is claimed at 9.1 L/100 km.
Features
Although there are myriad optional equipment features available in the E-Class, the standard specification includes a 9-speed transmission, dual-zone climate control, comfort seating with 4-way lumbar adjustment (for the front seats), interior lighting package, Parking Pilot, Parktronic (with reversing camera), dynamic (driving mode) select, an agility control suspension with comfort setting and so forth.
Standard safety equipment includes: Attention assist, seatbelt warning system, adaptive braking with hill hold and brake drying functions, adaptive brake lights, brake-wear indicator, ABS, EBD and ESP with Curve Dynamic Assist, electric parking brake, Pre-Safe with Collision Prevention Assist Plus, dual front- (plus driver's knee-), side- and curtain airbags, a crash-responsive pedal unit and tyre pressure loss monitoring system.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class – Price in South Africa (June 2017)
Ferrari Cleans Up At International Engine of the Year
Italian supercar giants Ferrari cleaned up at the 2017 International Engine of the Year competition. This year saw the 3.9-litre turbocharged V8 of the Ferrari GTB take overall honours. See which other powerplants took home honours in their respective categories here.
The win was the second consecutive for the Ferrari 488 GTB's motor and it goes down in the history books as one of only four powertrains in the competition's history to have achieved back to back victories. The judges included 58 auto journalists from 31 countries and awarded it highest honours, ahead of the Porsche 911 Carrera's flat-six turbocharged motor. Interestingly there was just one diesel motor in this competition and electric vehicles have started featuring as there's a new Pure Electric category.
2017 International Engine of the Year Winners
International Engine of the Year Overall
Ferrari 3.9-litre biturbo V8 (488 GTB)
Porsche 3.0-litre flat-6 turbo (911 Carrera)
BMW 1.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid (i8)
4.0-litres and up
Ferrari 6.3-litre V12 (F12Berlinetta)
Audi 5.2-litre V10 (Audi R8, Lamborghini Huracan)
Lamborghini 6.5-litre V12 (Aventador)
3.0-4.0 litres
Ferrari 3.9-litre biturbo V8 (488 GTB)
AMG 4-litre biturbo V8 (Mercedes-AMG GT)
Porsche 4-litre flat-6 (911 GT3 RS)
2.5-3.0 litres
Porsche 3.0-litre flat-6 turbo (911 Carrera)
BMW M 3.0-litre biturbo straight-6 (M3, M4)
Fiat Chrysler 2.9-litre biturbo V6 (Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio)
Hyundai recently introduced a sportier version of its top-selling Tucson family car in South Africa. It’s called the Tucson Sport and we tested it to find out if there is any merit in considering this beefed up compact family SUV.
We Like: Exterior enhancements, ride quality, performance, space
We Don’t Like: Annoying exhaust drone, stock-standard interior
Alternatives
For more power: Consider the Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TSI 4Motion Highline R-Line. With 162 kW and 350 Nm of torque developed from its 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine, the Tiguan in R-Line trim has both kerb appeal and all-wheel drive performance in the bag. Overall, the Tiguan is difficult to fault and its interior design and build quality is superior to that of the Tucson and it comes well-specced with features. The Tiguan 4Motion Highline R-Line is significantly more expensive though, priced from R569 600.
For similar style: Consider the Mazda CX-5 2.5 Individual. The all-new CX-5 was introduced earlier this year and based on our first impressions, it’s an impressive product well worth considering. This particular derivative is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre engine with 143 kW and 257 Nm of torque. Standard specification is good and the CX-5 2.5 Individual is similarly priced to the Tucson at R491 900.
The Tucson Sport boasts sporty appeal thanks to a new front bumper, side skirts, rear diffuser and a quad exhaust system.
Facts & Figures
Price: R499 900 (June 2017)
Engine: 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol
Power: 150 kW
Torque: 295 Nm
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Fuel consumption (claimed): 8.3 L/100 km
Fuel tank capacity: 62-litres
Load space capacity: 580-litres
The quad exhaust system adds visual appeal while also offering a sporty soundtrack under acceleration.
The Hyundai Tucson is a popular choice in the compact SUV segment and according to the firm, the Tucson currently (June 2017) garners the lion share of sales in this segment totalling 16.4%. That’s an impressive achievement for the Korean brand, but not difficult to understand when you consider that the Tuscon is a good-looking, practical and relatively well-priced family car. Hyundai is, however, having fun with its successful recipe by introducing the recently-introduced Tucson Sport, which brings a generous helping of sporty appeal to the range.
Should you consider buying the Tucson Sport? This quick review will help you decide…
Beefy styling and an uprated 1.6-litre turbopetrol engine will attract buyers looking for added kerb appeal from their compact SUV.
In an effort to beef up the Tucson’s exterior presentation, Hyundai has imported a body kit from Korea, which includes a beefy front bumper, side skirts and a rear diffuser. From the rear, you will notice that a quad-tipped sports exhaust system has been fitted, which delivers a hearty aural thrum. But that’s not all: because those large 19-inch black alloy rims shod with low-profile rubber are unique to this derivative and round off what appears to be an overtly muscular look.
In terms of styling then, the Tucson Sport does a fine job of attracting admiring glances on the road and although its looks won’t appeal to conservative buyers, it will attract a clientele who is looking for a more expressive, sportier-looking compact SUV.
Performance and ride quality
The Tucson Sport offers good performance coupled with a pleasingly comfortable ride quality.
This Tucson Sport is fitted with a 1.6-litre turbopetrol engine, the same found in the 1.6 Turbo Executive derivative on which it is based. In this application, however, power and torque has been bumped up by 20 kW and 30 Nm to deliver peak outputs of 150 kW and 295 Nm of torque.
That’s enough to deliver a fairly powerful punch and the Tucson Sport gains pace relatively quickly when driven hard. It’s not brutally fast, but will eagerly pick up the pace if you need it to. Power is sent to the front wheels via a standard 6-speed manual transmission and during hard acceleration off the line, the driver is bound to encounter mild torque steer. The 6-speed manual transmission is quite smooth in operation and the motor’s tractability is good in the higher gears, which means less down-shifting is required to execute overtaking manoeuvres.
A major selling point for the Tucson is its comfortable, smooth ride quality, which is particularly welcome on longer out-of-town journeys. Despite its 19-inch wheels (shod with low profile tyres), bumps and ruts are absorbed with little difficulty and little jarring is felt in the cabin over harsher surfaces. The steering feel is quite vague, but you can adjust the steering with the push of a button on the centre console, which gives you the option of “Normal” and “Sport”; the latter firms the steering up a bit, which is useful for spirited driving scenarios.
In terms of fuel consumption, Hyundai claims an average fuel consumption figure of 8.3 L/100 km for the Tucson Sport. During its time with us, the trip computer returned 9.8 L/100 km.
Practicality
The Tucson offers a decent amount of loading space and rear passengers travel in relative comfort too.
In terms of practicality, the Tucson fares reasonably well. It has a sizable luggage bay that is claimed to offer 488 litres of loading space. The rear seats can fold down in a 60:40 split configuration, which increases loading space to 1 478 litres. You do, however, have to pull a lever on either side of the rear seats to fold them down. A release button on top of the seats would be far more practical. We transported various goods with ease, including plants, bags of soil, a surfboard and surfing gear. There are 12V sockets in the ‘bay and below the fascia.
Space for rear passengers is adequate with sufficient leg-, head- and shoulder room. Both the front seats are electrically adjustable; the driver’s seat features lumbar support for added comfort and the steering wheel can be adjusted for rake and reach. Front and rear cup holders, as well as sufficient storage space, are dotted around the cabin for your convenience.
Standard features
The Tucson Sport is based on the Executive derivative and therefore carries the same features and interior styling but sadly no sporty features are to be found in the cabin. The Tucson Sport is, however, well equipped with features including a multifunction steering wheel, electric windows, electric folding heated mirrors, climate control air conditioning and cruise control.
In terms of infotainment, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment is fitted, offering navigation, Bluetooth functionality and CD player. The system is basic and easy to use, and a USB and auxiliary port is standard too.
On the safety front, the Tucson Sport is equipped with 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, hill descent control, and Electronic Stability Control. Park distance control with a rearview camera is standard with the camera view displayed in the rearview mirror. ISOFIX child seat mounts are also fitted.
The bad
Dull interior
The interior comes well equipped with features and its sturdy build quality is to be appreciated.
It’s a tad disappointing that Hyundai hasn’t given the interior any special treatment to match the attractive exterior styling of the Tucson Sport. If you are going to go through the trouble of dressing the Tucson up in sporty attire, then why would you ignore the interior? Yes, it may be a small gripe, but if you are going to do “sporty”, then at least have subtle design touches, such as sportier seat upholstery with contrast stitching or “Sport” badging to lift the interior ambience and differentiate it from other derivatives in the range.
The cabin, however, is well put together and hard, grey plastic is the dominant material and although it might not be the prettiest to look at, it is practical in the sense of keeping the cabin clean after the kids have had their way with it. The interior design is on the dull side of the spectrum and clearly stands in contradiction to its sporty exterior.
Annoying exhaust drone
That quad exhaust system goes a long way in terms of enhancing the visual appeal of the Tucson Sport and at times it can sound quite pleasant, but not all the time. The continuous, monotonous drone of the exhaust, even under mild acceleration, can become an annoyance, especially on longer journeys. Sure, you can get used to it, but you will have to turn the radio volume up a bit louder to hear your favourite song more clearly and you will have to raise your voice a few notches higher to have a conversation with your passengers.
More than this, the resonance from the exhaust system causes a perceptible reverberation through the seat every time you accelerate. We feel that the exhaust drone and vibration detract from the overall driving comfort. A sporty-sounding exhaust is a great feature, but it needs to be less intrusive and regulated somewhat.
Price and warranty
The Hyundai Tucson Executive Sport is priced from R499 900 and is sold with a 7-year/200 000 km warranty, 5-year/90 000 km warranty and 5-year/150 000 km roadside assistance. Service intervals are set at 15 000 km.
The Tucson Sport won’t appeal to everyone, but it’s fun enough to drive and offers a reasonable level of specification.
Verdict
The Hyundai Tucson Sport offers eye-catching styling that’s complemented by a good level of standard features. It delivers solid performance and its (relatively) forgiving ride quality makes it comfortable to drive on a daily basis. Moreover, the Tucson is practical with sufficient space for passengers and luggage. Its dirt road capability is, however, compromised due to its low-profile 19-inch wheels, which may limit its use somewhat and its humming exhaust might ultimately become an annoyance for some.
The interior lacks a degree of flair to match the sporty exterior styling, but despite its flaws, the Tucson Sport offers oodles of kerb appeal and comprehensive standard features, even if it is rather pricey for a family car/compact SUV equipped with a manual transmission. If you care less about impressing those around you, then you can save R50 000 and just settle for the standard Tucson 1.6 Executive… However, should you wish to drive a Tucson with standout styling and a bit more brio, the Sport affords you the “modified look” without the need to forego the 7-year mechanical warranty and 5-year service plan.
After months of speculation and teaser images, Jaguar has officially confirmed production of a compact performance SUV, which will be called the Jaguar E-Pace.
On the back of the successful Jaguar F-Pace comes a smaller performance compact SUV. The new E-Pace will slot in below the F-Pace and will be followed by the all-electric I-Pace in 2018. Jaguar is going all out with its SUV range and given the popularity of luxury SUVs, the E-Pace will surely be a success. It's interesting to note that the Jaguar F-Pace boosted the brand's sales by 83%, so a smaller and more affordable luxury SUV offering is definitely going to make sound business sense.
Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar, said: “The combination of sports car looks with Jaguar performance will ensure that the E-Pace stands out. Every Jaguar is designed to excite the senses, and we think E-Pace will do just that, albeit with its own individual character.” While we haven't seen the full car in its entirety yet, some details have been released ahead of its world reveal on the 13th July 2017.
We know that it will feature all-wheel drive technology and will be powered by an all-Ingenium line-up of petrol and diesel engines. It'll feature a range of connected technology and safety features, and Jaguar has said that the E-Pace will have indicative pricing from £28,500 in the United Kingdom. That translates directly to R471 231.84 using the exchange rate on 21 June 2017. Based on import duty and estimates, we predict that pricing for the new Jaguar E-Pace will start from R550 000. We'll have more details after the reveal next month, so stay tuned!
