Having added a new flagship model to the Sorento lifestyle SUV line-up last year, Kia has further bolstered the range by introducing a turbodiesel derivative that matches the specification of its entry-level 2.4-litre petrol 5-seater offering.
The Sorento, which was selected as a semi-finalist in its category of the 2016/17 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards (in 2.2 CRDi SLX AWD guise), now gains a 2.2 CRDi LS derivative.
The newcomer, priced at R489 995, adds to 2.4 LS’ space and practicality by virtue of the increased power, torque and fuel efficiency of its 2.2-litre turbodiesel motor (peak outputs of 147 kW and 440 N.m, claimed carbon dioxide emissions of 203 g/km), mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Although the 2.2 CRDi LS’ specification reflects the derivative’s value-for-money price positioning, it does feature an LCD multi-info display in the instrument binnacle, power windows and electrically adjustable side mirrors, air-con, a multifunction steering wheel, 6-speaker radio/CD/MP3 audio system with USB and auxiliary inputs, as well as rear park distance control.
The rear bench is equipped with Isofix child seat mounting points and has a 40:20:40 split folding function, while the vehicle's claimed luggage capacity is 660 litres. Safety equipment includes ABS with EBD and dual front airbags.
“This new model brings the comfort and refinement of a premium, purpose-built SUV to a market segment where competitors are largely based on what is essentially a light commercial vehicle platform,” Gary Scott, the deputy managing director and director of sales of Kia Motors SA said.
Update: Renault Alpine sportscar on the cards for SA
Renault has announced the name and two official images of its Alpine Sportscar, which is set to debut at the Geneva Motor Show and make its way to the South African market in the near future.
The Alpine sportscar has officially been given the name A110, carrying on the nameplate from the 1960s car. It reflects the timeless principles of compact size, light weight and agility that made the success of the “Berlinette”, according to Alpine.
The A110 features a full aluminium platform and upper body for weight saving and agility. Key specifications of the A110 will be announced during Alpine’s press conference at the Geneva motor show.
Earlier in 2018, Cars.co.za reported that ?Renault South Africa has been selected as one of the lucky few markets that will receive an allocation of the Alpine sportscar.
Renault resurrected the iconic Alpine brand in 2012 with design exercises such as the A110-50 and Vision Concept. The upcoming production Alpine Sportscar doesn’t have a name yet but is rumoured to be labelled the A120. This naming follows on from the iconic A110 of the ‘60s, a car which is the design inspiration for the modern rebirth. The new ‘A120’ will look quite similar to the Vision Concept once revealed officially later this year.
The iconic Alpine brand will be reborn soon. The design inspiration is unmissable.
The news, as told to us by Renault South Africa, is that “we are one of the identified markets to launch this product, however Alpine is in the very early stages of local planning.” Extremely limited numbers will be brought to SA as the whole first ‘Premiere Edition’ run consists of just 1 955 cars. The number signifies the founding year and first production of Alpine.
The Alpine A120 would make for an interesting addition to the niche/limited edition sportscar segment. Currently, the Alfa 4C commands a large price tag in SA but that might change when something like the Alpine joins the fray. If performance figures are anything to go by, the French Sportscar could be an excellent match. The Alpine runs an aluminium chassis and panels with weight reduction overall featuring high on the priority list during the sportscar’s development. There are loads of small touches and throwbacks to the original car such as the obvious front foglights and nose ridge. The less subtle ones include a chronograph style stopwatch on the dash that harks back to the Alpine rally car.
Performance figures have already been released. The 4-cylinder turbocharged engine sits in the middle of the car and pushes it to 100 kph in 4.5 seconds. No power figures have been released but it’s likely the Renault Clio RS 1.6-litre engine will do the graft in the Alpine. There’s a shift-by-wire system for the gearshift paddles, which allows for more space along the transmission tunnel – something many sportscars neglect.
The interior looks to be far more luxurious than a lightweight sportscar is usually adorned with – stitched leather meets Alcantara and brushed aluminium. The digital instrument cluster can be configured by the driver and there’s even an option to display the old school dials as they were in the A110 rally car.
According to the chief designer Antony Villain this Vision Concept you see in the images above is 80 per cent of what the final car will look like. He notes that items such as the super thin wing mirrors and fancy touch sensitive door handles will be replaced by more ‘everyday’ units.
In all likelihood, the Alpine (possibly to be called A120) will only make it to SA in 2018. Orders are open to Europeans at the cost of around 60 000 Euros. A basic estimate would mean a local price somewhere between R800 000 and R1 million.
Mitsubishi has officially revealed its Eclipse Cross, a mid-size SUV set to take on the likes of Nissan's Qashqai and the Hyundai Tucson.
Mitsubishi has taken the covers off of its brand new Crossover/SUV. The Eclipse Cross will make its debut at the Geneva motor show before going on sale in 2018 across Europe. South Africa is also under consideration.
Interior shots of the Eclipse Cross show a tablet-like infotainment system with a centre mounted control unit (a bit like a Lexus). A head-up display is also included in the tech listing. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are both available.
There's a new engine, fresh out of the factory in the form of a 1.5-litre turbopetrol. It is fitted with a new 8-speed CVT with a manual override option. A 2.2-litre turbodiesel will also be offered but connected to an 8-speed automatic gearbox.
An electronic all-wheel-drive system allows torque to be sent to the rear wheels when needed, otherwise the Eclipse Cross retains a front-wheel-drive setup.
Previously
Mitsubishi plans to reveal a brand new family car (compact SUV/crossover) at the Geneva Show next month.
Mitsubishi is calling its newcomer the Eclipse Cross. The first few images have landed on the internet and it looks quite stylish – to say the least. The rear has a bit of Honda Civic about it mixed with elements of the Toyota C-HR, but those are both good things… right?
The car is expected to run on a shortened Outlander platform and feature a new turbopetrol, as well as a turbodiesel motor. Observers suggest the Eclipse Cross will be a Nissan Qashqai rival in terms of size, but these renderings may be deceiving – it could be as large as a Hyundai Tucson. It will be made available in both 2- and all-wheel drive configurations.
The Eclipse nameplate was used in America for a coupe model sold in the 90s, but this new model takes that name to apply the coupe-like design and then adds "Cross" to identify it as crossover vehicle. Mitsubishi has also developed a new paint colour for the Eclipse Cross: a highly saturated red.
More details will follow closer to the Mitsubishi's official debut next month.
Millions of Rands’ Worth of Traffic Fines Could be Scrapped
Fines issued by Aarto since 2008 are under scrutiny as their legitimacy comes into question
Fines distributed by mail under the Aarto (Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences) Act since 2008 have come into question after a ruling in the North Gauteng High Court on 24 February 2017. It appears that fines sent out were not distributed through the correct channel. Fines and other documents have to be served through registered mail – Aarto failed to comply with this mandate. Fines 4 U and Audi Centre Johannesburg won a ruling that allows for 415 infringements to be scrapped due to the correct procedure not being followed. This opens the door to members of the public who believe that similar procedure was not followed in the issuing of their fines.
Outa (Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse) insists that the fines were being issued as a revenue generating stream. Traffic authorities have blamed the Post Office for its inefficiency, however the judge ruled that proper conduct needs to be adhered to in the distribution of fines. The ruling is only effective in the case mentioned between Fines 4 U, Audi Centre Johannesburg and the Road Traffic Infringement Agency. Members of the public who believe they may have been treated similarly are urged to seek representation and take the matter to court.
Aarto has only been implemented in Johannesburg and Pretoria, so other areas are not affected by this ruling.
Skoda, the Czech brand that started as the Volkswagen Group's budget offering but which has risen to become a star performer, is rumoured to be under consideration for South Africa.
The Volkswagen Group’s Skoda division has been a big success story for the company in many parts of the world. Using the VW Group’s proven mechanicals, but with styling and a brand identity all of its own, the Czech brand is admired both by practicality-minded folk, as well as quirky ones. Think of it, then, as the VW Group’s answer to Subaru, but in a far more mainstream-acceptable form. Consequently, big sales have followed.
In recent years the brand has not only become very profitable, but also widely admired. According to a study by JP Powers in the UK last year, it ranked as the most dependable brand, as judged by owners. In recent years the brand’s expansion into markets where it has not been before has also been mooted, including North America.
Mzansi on the cards?
The Skoda Yeti is a compact crossover that would make a strong rival to the likes of the Kia Soul and Suzuki Vitara.
Until very recently the brand’s progress has been of only casual interest to South Africa’s motoring media. Then we received notice that the topic of South African market availability came up in a RHD (right-hand drive) market meeting in Europe. According to our source, the mood in the room suggested that South African availability was indeed on the cards.
Then, a mere few weeks later, we noticed an article in the Australian media (also a RHD market). In that report, the Australian director of Skoda, Michael Irmer, responded to a question about the possibility of a Skoda version of the VW Amarok. “There are only really three markets in the world that are big in this market, in these sizes utes, which is South America where Skoda is not, there’s South Africa, where Skoda is currently not, and there’s Australia,” he said.
The keyword here being “currently”…
Connecting the dots (perhaps prematurely) we requested comment from Volkswagen South Africa and received the following;
“Your source is not entirely incorrect and we have been looking at some feasibility studies. However, no decision has been made,” said a VWSA spokesperson.
The spokesperson also explained that such feasibility studies were regular occurences.
So, is there smoke?
Revealed at last year's Paris Motor Show, the Skoda Kodiaq is based on the same MQB platform as the VW Tiguan.
While we would embrace even greater diversity in the South African market, there are a number of hurdles in the way to Skoda’s African expansion. Previous experience with the VW Group’s Spanish SEAT brand showed that price positioning in South Africa is absolutely crucial. Furthermore, the South African market is currently not exactly buoyant – it is contracting, if anything. Indeed, we expect brands to pack up, rather than pitch up. Finally, a massive marketing campaign would be needed, as the Skoda brand has very little local traction and heritage.
So, while we would love to see the likes of the award-winning Kodiaq SUV, the Octavia and Yeti in South Africa, we highly doubt the market, in its current shape, is ready for the Czech assault. Then again, car companies don’t make these decisions for the present, but the future…
In an economy desperate for nett growth and an automotive market that seems to increasingly favour SUVs over traditional executive sedans, the relevance of cars such as the 7th-generation BMW 5 Series seems diminished in the South African context… However, if the Munich-based brand’s newcomer does nothing else, it demonstrates that Germany still rules the roost in this segment…
While it is true that the German premium brands, particularly BMW and Mercedes-Benz, have dominated the executive sedan segment to such an extent that they seem to own exclusive rights to it, very strong contenders from Britain (Cars.co.za Consumer Awards winning Jaguar XF) and, of late, Sweden (Volvo S90), have now joined the fray. Also keep in mind that an all-new Audi A6 is around the corner, too…
The 5 Series arrives to face off with a brace of newcomers to the executive sedan segment.
Although Mercedes-Benz would be loath to admit it, the E-Class’ primary task is to be a cut above its countrymen, including the Audi A6, but in particular its archrival, the BMW 5 Series. What has made the executive sedan melee more interesting, however, it the fact that, in the new S90, Volvo has produced an exquisitely detailed luxury car that appeals strongly to the senses, but is simultaneously superbly comfortable as well as technologically advanced. To sweeten the deal. Volvo Car SA has brought its newcomer to market replete with a high-value purchasing proposition, including a guaranteed future value financing option and custom insurance package. It’s a strong contender!
The BMW's driving position is no less than superb, aided by good ergonomics and a grippy steering wheel.
5 Series piles on the pressure
For all the Volvo's subtle charms and talents, however, in terms of technological prowess and let’s call it “a distilled first class driving (and occupant) experience in an executive sedan package”, the new-generation 5 Series comprehensively matches its E-Class rival. Whereas the dynamic (read: firmer sprung) suspension of the M Sport-packaged cars in the local launch fleet may leave a question mark over which of the 2 cars ultimately offers the best ride refinement in standard trim (and we’re dying to find out), the Five offers a level of on-road sophistication and overall accomplishment that begs the questions: "Why would one want anything more in a luxury sedan?" and "Why bother with a first class offering?"
BMW’s good at outdoing itself
The arrival to the local market of the 7th- generation 5 Series barely a year after its bigger brother (the reigning World Luxury Car of the Year and Cars.co.za Consumer Awards First Class Car of the Year) 7 Series reached South Africa is not by accident. There are so many of the technological highlights of the first class car that have been carried over to the 5 Series…
The infotainment system can be operated by manual inputs, but it can respond to Gesture Control inputs too…
If specified, you can have semi-autonomous driving technology that steers the car so it stays in its lane on the freeway, the infotainment system can be operated by the iDrive controller, touchscreen and gesture control, plus it has a multiple-window interface; the surround-view camera system not only offers a detailed view of what is going on around the car, but the major camera lenses swivel in the direction the car’s wheels are turned; the interior LED lighting is delicate and sumptuous; the switchgear has metallic finishes/is pleasingly weighted and you can choose between a pair of fragrances to diffuse in the cabin. Oh, and you can even park it remotely. If the 5 Series was meant to be a baby 7, BMW has succeeded.
It is, most certainly, a tradition that BMW has upheld. Every time a new 5 Series comes to market, we question whether its 7 Series brother is really that much better – even necessary, but then, when the successor to the current F30-generation 3 Series makes its debut, we might say this executive sedan is surplus to requirements, if the next-gen business class sedan does much the same job.
Look past the extras, mind you
It is at this point of our “ode to the 5 Series” where a reality check is in order. Pricing for the newcomer’s range begins at R780 156 for the 520d and goes up to just under a million for the 540i (a 520i derivative will reach the market by the third quarter of 2017). Trim packages (Luxury, Sport and M Sport), which are virtually obligatory add-ons to give the 5 the suave, head-turning looks that customers want and, understandably, much of the astounding technology mentioned earlier in this piece need to be specified additionally as well. Executive motoring is a dear pursuit.
Furthermore, as opposed to the 7 Series, rear occupants don’t get the best deal in the 5 Series’ cabin. The rear legroom is fair, but the backrest is somewhat upright and the cushioning is less than cossetting. In terms of overall dynamism, especially with regards to how the newcomer deals with indifferent road textures and qualities, the executive sedan cannot match the 7’s poise…
The 5 Series' driving experience is enhanced by a steering setup that is both accurate and feelsome.
A buttoned-up driver’s car
Remember, however, that when compared with its bigger brother the 5 Series needs to provide “economically-minded premium motoring”. The range comprises a pair of efficient yet punchy 4-cylinder and two 6-cylinder powerplants and the biggest single compliment I can pay the newcomer is that it does an admirable job of getting the most out of its package, be it in terms of refinement, performance and driving dynamics. The driving position, for example, is comfortable and supportive yet urges its driver to engage the road and their machine.
By utilising rear-wheel steering, the newcomer is palpably easy to manoeuvre around town, yet it turns in crisply and dexterously when a demanding series of serpentine bends present itself on a country road. The steering felt particularly well-weighted (it's arguably BMW's best electrically-assisted setup, certainly on a sedan!). The 5 Series is lighter than its predecessor – and feels that way – but it loses nothing in terms of getting down the road in a swift, unflustered manner. Performance is more than adequate and, as for the ride quality, it might not be flawless, but ultimately balanced with the overall sure-footedness of the car. In short, it’s a car with a sporty bent, but its sportiness is less overt than in its predecessors.
The rear bench of the 5 Series is certainly handsome, but rear legroom is fair, as opposed to generous.
The game’s been raised
The reservations voiced at the beginning of this piece stand. The BMW 5 Series is, from a global perspective, a pivotal car for the Munich-based brand, especially in the major markets (in terms of volume), but in South Africa, it is more of a bit player (sales figures certainly bear that out). What is abundantly clear, however, is that the newcomer and its E-Class archrival are in a different class to their rivals in terms of sheer technological sophistication and dynamism/ride refinement respectively.
But, there is a but. If the purposes of executive sedans are “to be as first class as buyers can afford them to be” and “dazzle customers with a plethora of technological features” then the German pair are peerless. However, the Volvo S90 and Jaguar XF demonstrate that premium motoring can be about style, character and plush comfort as much, if not slightly more, than technological sophistication. It’s fascinating counterpoint, because the 5 Series, for all its frippery, remains a cracking car to drive. Expect a detailed comparative review in the near future!
We're heading to Europe for the Geneva Motor Show later this week. Expect to see a host of new metal and conceptual designs at this year’s event, including a certain eagerly anticipated "premium" bakkie.
Click on the respective car names to be taken to an article with more comprehensive information.
Alfa Romeo continues its new model assault with a 2-door version of the Giulia. It’s likely to retain the same engines as the 4-door, and if the rumours are true, will be called the Giulia Sprint.
Renault’s revived sportscar brand will reveal its first official production model since the resurrection. The newcomer is a low-slung sportscar in the mould of the Alfa-Romeo 4C and Porsche Cayman. South Africa is in line to receive a limited number of these hot little coupes.
It's only been a year since we got out hands on the current Type R and now there's a new model on the way. More power is expected as well as additional aero tampering to increase overall performance.
Jaguar will be bringing its electric SUV concept to Geneva. It claims nearly 300 kW of power and a range of 500 km.With that much electric power, it will hit 100 kph in around 4 seconds. Jaguar SA has confirmed that it will be coming here in 2018.
The third-generation of the popular Picanto is targeted at youthful, trendy consumers with its stylish design and upmarket finishes. New engines will be available and there's a bit more room inside. It's expected to arrive in SA before the end of the year.
Everything imaginable appears to have been improved for this, updated Aventador. A new 4-wheel steering system has been installed and there's more power and downforce.
One of SA's best-selling SUVs is revamped completely. The CX-5 engine lineup remains the same but luxury, refinement and handling are all said to be improved for this new model. It arrives in SA mid-2017.
Mercedes-Benz has a packed schedule for the Geneva motor show where it will also show the S-Class facelift, E-Class Cabriolet and the new Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Also on the stand will be the X-Class concept.
The Eclipse Cross will see Mitsubishi enter the small-to-midsize SUV segment. It will run on a shortened Outlander platform and feature a new turbopetrol engine.
The facelifted Qashqai will feature a semi-autonomous drive system that works in town and on the freeway. The updated model is likely to be available in SA before the end of the year.
We're not entirely sure whether Opel will be part of Peugeot by the time Geneva comes around but this Crossland X should be on the stands in Geneva. It's a small crossover, like the Mokka but apparently a little bit smaller. It targets the likes of the Renault Captur and Peugeot 2008 (which it is based upon).
Filling the gap between the Evoque and the Range Rover Sport, the new Velar will debut in Geneva. It is also said to adopt sustainable materials and advanced engineering, but retains the brand's legendary four-wheel drive capability.
The second generation XV will make its first appearance at the Geneva motor show but will make it to South Africa before the end of 2017. Subaru plans to introduce EyeSight as well as an updated all-wheel-drive system.
The new Swift and Swift Sport have both been detailed already and hopefully, we can get local comment and engine line-up information soon. Its design is certainly different from what we've seen from Suzuki in the past.
There's a WRC-inspired hot Yaris that will also make an appearance at the show but for the mainstream folk, the facelifted Yaris will be in attendance. There's a significant exterior design adjustment but the engines will remain the same.
Volkswagen will reveal its replacement for the CC at Geneva. A roomy, beautifully made interior has been promised as well as a range of petrol, electric and diesel engines.
Volvo continues its new model introductions with the XC60. The mid-size SUV will run the same platform as the XC90 – although slightly adapted – and feature Volvo's latest infotainment system.
All-new Ford Fiesta ST Revealed [with Video]
The latest iteration of the Ford Fiesta ST has been revealed ahead of its official debut at the upcoming 2017 Geneva Show. There are some significant changes, especially in the engine department, but the playfulness of this popular hot hatch seems to have been retained…
The headline change in this all-new Fiesta ST, which should arrive in South Africa in early- to mid-2018, is that the fiesty 1.6-litre 4-cylinder unit of the current model has been replaced by a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder (also turbopetrol) motor. Before you start to worry that the smaller engine means reduced power, fear not: the opposite is the case. The outgoing model has 134 kW and 240 Nm at its disposal, but the new engine manages to trump this with a respectable 147 kW and 290 Nm.
Performance
With this engine under the bonnet, Ford claims the new Fiesta ST will hit 100 kph from standstill in 6.7 seconds, which is two-tenths faster than the current model. Interestingly, this is the Ford Performance division's first venture into the 3-cylinder segment and mechanically, this motor uses twin-independent variable cam timing, improving power and efficiency. The engine offers cylinder deactivation tech, so the motor can run on just two cylinders in certain scenarios. An integrated exhaust manifold, new turbocharger and direct fuel injection make for what promises to be a rorty combination.
The fun doesn't stop there as the ST features 3 customisable driving modes: Normal, Sport and Track. Normal is self-explanatory, while Sport sees a change in the engine mapping and throttle responsiveness, with the power steering stiffening up. Putting the vehicle into Track mode results in the traction control being disabled completely, while the stability control allows for more playfulness. To top it all, an active exhaust valve and an "electronic sound enhancer" improves the sportiness of the exhaust note. Ford has not said anything about the tyres and suspension yet, however.
Appearance
The Ford Fiesta ST certainly looks the part and the big talking point is the wheels – the 18-inch alloys really look fantastic. As you can see from the pictures, the Ford Fiesta ST is a 3-door model, but rumours are rife that we'll see a 5-door model join the line-up, too.
In the cabin, Ford has promised some levels of personalisation to go with the new car. Customers will be able to pick from different gear shifters, steering wheel styles, door handles and other trim addenda. Ford's SYNC3 touchscreen infotainment system and a B&O Play audio system will be offered. Recaro seats and a flat-bottom steering wheel add to the sportiness in the cabin.
When will it go on sale?
At this stage, the Ford Fiesta ST is only likely to go on sale in 2018. We estimate that the Ford Fiesta ST will arrive in South Africa after the regular derivatives arrive, therefore around the middle of next year or perhaps a little earlier than that…
As the number of compact family car/crossover options in the new vehicle market proliferate, the burgeoning segment seems to be encroaching on family car/compact SUV territory. A good example is the new Hyundai Creta, which sees the Korean marque push its contender upmarket…
The crossover segment and smart-phone industry have started to bear many similarities of late. Each manufacturer of these items seems to be releasing their “latest and greatest of products” in record time. Ford, of course, was among the first to exploit the compact family car/crossover segment and it has dominated the sales statistics with the EcoSport. There are now many offerings to choose from and recently, the Suzuki Vitara was crowned the best compact family car in the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, marking it out as clearly the best of a pretty good bunch.
And so it was only a matter of time before Hyundai would join the fight, which the brand has now done with the all-new Creta, a car we’ve already driven internationally. Price is an important factor for buyers shopping in this category as most of them were traditionally sedan owners, but are now in need of something that offers more space and, possibly, style. Perhaps a child is on the way? Maybe a second one? Whatever the reason for purchase, crossovers of this type have to be well priced to be successful. At a starting price of R319 900, the Creta comes in slightly pricier than the competition… the aforementioned Suzuki Vitara starts at R267 900, while the top-selling Ford EcoSport comes in at R252 900.
Size-wise, the Creta is not much smaller than its Tucson sibling and it feels particularly spacious inside.
Named after the island of Crete
You may think this pricing doesn’t stand the Creta in a good stead then, but the Hyundai does offer more features in some areas. Before we get into that, let’s talk about the name Creta. It’s quite a peculiar name, considering that iX25 was on the cards for a while. Instead, the people in Korea decided to name if after the city of Crete, due to its ambitions to be a leader in its segment, as was once the Greek city.
The question then is, how does the Creta compare to its aforementioned rivals?
For starters, the Hyundai is larger than expected. Considering the target market, we can confidently say size does, indeed, matter. The Creta is actually only 70mm narrower than its older brother the Tucson, which is a strong seller in South Africa. It’s also higher than the Tucson with a ground clearance of 190mm, making it suitable for out-of-town trips that may involve gravel roads.
The touchscreen infotainment screen is a standard; it is certainly the Hyundai's biggest surprise-and-delight feature.
Stepping inside the Creta you are presented with a well-built interior and while hard plastics may be used on the dashboard, it has finishes that rank among the best in this segment. The infotainment system in the centre endows the Creta cabin with a modern, "techy" feel. It is also a high-quality system and easy to operate with features such as Bluetooth and USB as standard.
Standard navigation
Another standard feature is navigation in all the variants, which is a generous offer and probably why the Creta starts at a higher price than the competition. Additionally, a reverse camera is another standard feature in the Creta, so the price justification by Hyundai is that, should you specify the competition with the same amount of standard features, the pricing will balance out. Money aside, the Hyundai brand has been on a winning streak in terms of the way their new cars drive. Does the Creta maintain this standard? We’re happy to say yes, the engine and chassis definitely punch above the car's weight.
The navigation display is clearly legible and the infotainment screen looks neatly integrated with the fascia design.
Two engines are on offer, both 1.6 litre in displacement – a normally aspirated petrol and turbocharged diesel with the latter only available with an automatic gearbox. The manual petrol is mated with a 6-speed gearbox which is a pleasure to use. Although normally aspirated, the engine is responsive and provides ample overtaking punch without sounding too strained. It’s not fast, but it’s also not slow. A power and torque figure of 90kW/150Nm is adequate for the purpose of this car. The diesel on the other hand offers much more torque. With 250Nm it’s definitely the model you want for better drivability.
Mated to the automatic gearbox, the diesel feels more “SUV-ish” to drive. Overall the most positive aspect of the Creta is its solid build quality. There is a noticeable lack of flimsiness in the car – it really feels like a baby Tucson. The ride is comfortable and the noise levels in the cabin are low, making it an enjoyable car to drive. Our test route included some gravel roads which the Creta handled very well. Bear in mind that this was what we would refer to as “Sandton gravel”, ie nothing too hectic but probably the type of off-road surface the clientele of a Creta would deem as bundu-bashing.
The Creta looks purposeful with its standard roof rails, LED daytime running lamps and chunky alloys.
Summary
There is really nothing that should deter a buyer from considering this vehicle. Instead there is a great deal the Creta offers to be a strong contender in its segment. Yes, the starting price may be higher than the others but looking at the top end, the competition catches up very quickly. Personally I prefer Hyundai’s way of positioning the specification levels of the car.
Instead of offering a bare bones variant, each model comes with the exact same features. The only thing you need to decide is whether you want a petrol or diesel and a manual or automatic if you choose the petrol engine. The new Hyundai Creta is a welcome addition to the market and with a good badge on its bonnet, expect to see many on the roads.
Hyundai Creta prices in South Africa
1.6 Manual R319 900
1.6 Petrol Auto R339 900
1.6 Diesel Auto R369 900
The Creta is offered with a 5-year/150 000 km manufacturer's Warranty with an additional 2-year/50 000 km manufacturer's powertrain warranty and a 5-year/90 000 km service plan.
Japanese brand Subaru has a relatively small operation in South Africa and despite the lack of big sales and mainstream support from the buying public, it has big plans for 2017.
Currently the Subaru product offering in South Africa comprises the XV crossover, WRX/STI performance sedans, Forester SUV and Outback wagon. For 2017, we’ll see new product and technology make their way into our market.
Eyesight Technology
First up is the award-winning Subaru Eyesight technology which is an anti-collision system comprising a pair of cameras located behind the rearview mirror. These cameras scan the road ahead and apply automatic braking to prevent a collision. This system is linked to Pre-Collision Braking, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Sway Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lead Vehicle Start Alert, and Reverse Automatic Braking.
The fifth-generation of Subaru Impreza will arrive in SA during the second quarter. Featuring the new Subaru Global Platform architecture, the new Impreza is claimed to offer new levels of crash and safety protection, fuel efficiency, driving pleasure and modern tech. We’ll see the new 115 kW 2.0-litre petrol engine debut in this vehicle too.
The first few launch cars will not feature the EyeSight driver aid, but from the third quarter, the tech will be available on the new Impreza.
New Impreza arrives in South African during the second quarter of 2017.
The Subaru XV crossover will be replaced by an all-new model from the third quarter of 2017. It too is assembled on the new Subaru Global Platform and will be shown off at the 2017 Geneva International Motor Show. While not much is known yet, we can expect the new Subaru XV to feature EyeSight, a revised X-Mode all-wheel-drive system and a dramatically reworked interior.
This is essentially a Subaru WRX wagon. Powered by a 197 kW and 350 Nm turbocharged flat-four Boxer engine, it’s going to be entertaining to drive and will bring back memories of fast Japanese wagons. We’ll be getting the 2018 model year derivative, which will feature a new interior as well as technology improvements to the suspension setup. It’ll arrive in South Africa in Q3 2017.
WRX / WRX STi
The facelifted versions of the iconic Subaru WRX and WRX STi will arrive in the third quarter as well. Some reworked front grilles, redesigned alloy wheels and updated suspension characterise these rally-bred icons. Subaru claims the Driver Control Center Differential on the STI has been switched to a fully-electronic limited-slip differential, which is said to increase the fun factor. The brake callipers on the STI are now yellow units from Brembo. Inside, both cars receive new materials, improved levels of NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) and larger HD screens.
