Suzuki is offering a special edition Swift 1.2 RS in South Africa and it will be available in limited numbers as of February 2017!
Suzuki got 2017 off to a stellar start by winning Brand of the Year at the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by Wesbank. That’s not all because the Suzuki Celerio 1.0 GL also scooped the Budget Car category, as well as the Compact Family Car category which saw the Vitara 1.6 GL+ securing yet another trophy in the marque’s cabinet. Suzuki is clearly on a roll!
The latest offering to come from Suzuki is a special edition based on its popular Swift hatchback. The new special edition is known as the Swift 1.2 RS and it will be available in Suzuki dealerships as of February 2017.
The Swift 1.2 RS is based on the Swift 1.2 GL derivative, but the special edition model gains a number of visual enhancements that give it a sportier persona.
Key details
The Swift 1.2 RS will only be available in Artic White Pearl Metallic and comes fitted with side skirts and front and rear spoilers. The special edition rides on custom dark machined rims shod with Goodyear Dura rubber and a tailgate spoiler further adds to the special edition’s sporty flair. Dark blue decals and RS lettering is found on front spoiler and on the painted side mirror covers.
The interior benefits from custom seat covers and features such as electric windows, a radio/CD player with Bluetooth, air conditioning, multi-function steering wheel and 2 airbags is offered as standard.
The Swift 1.2 RS is powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine with 63 kW and 113 Nm of torque. A 5-speed manual gearbox drives the front wheels with a claimed fuel consumption figure of 5.3 L/100 km.
Suzuki Swift 1.2 RS – Price in South Africa
The Suzuki Swift 1.2 RS is priced from R184 800 and is sold with a 3-year / 100 000 km warranty and a 2-year / 30 000 km service plan.
The Nissan NP200 ICE Edition was recently introduced in South Africa in an effort to boost sales of the Silverton-produced pick-up, but is it worthy of your consideration? We recently had a turbodiesel-powered version on test to find out…
We Like: Good engine performance and added styling features
We Don’t Like: Old interior that lacks some comfort features
Alternatives:
Consumers in the half-tonne bakkie market aren’t exactly spoilt for choice and buyers will have to make a decision between the Nissan NP200 and the Chevrolet Utility. It’s worth noting that the 1.5-litre turbodiesel NP200 is the only turbodiesel half-tonner currently on sale in South Africa and this particular ICE Edition is priced at R236 900 (February 2017).
For more features: The top-spec NP200 1.5 dCi SE is priced from R244 900 and includes features such as electric windows and a height-adjustable driver’s seat. You can also consider the Chevrolet Utility 1.8 Sport (77 kW/161 Nm), which is attractively priced at R224 300 and comes equipped with electric windows and cruise control.
For something cheaper: Considerthe petrol-powered ICE Edition. It's significantly cheaper at R191 900, offering 64 kW and 128 Nm of torque from its naturally aspirated 1.6-litre engine. You can also consider the Chevrolet Utility 1.4 UteSurf, priced from R178 700; it produces 68 kW and 120 Nm of torque from its 1.4-litre petrol engine.
Browse the used car market: Buyers can also consider buying a used Nissan NP200 or Chevrolet Utility. In a recent article published on Cars.co.za, it was revealed that the NP200 and Utility are some of the fastest selling used cars on Cars.co.za with average selling prices of R102 664 and R118 178 respectively. This is an indication that these models are highly sought-after in the used car market. Search for a used examples of the Nissan NP200 or Chevrolet Utility on Cars.co.za!
The NP200 ICE Edition features additional visual enhancements such as decals, dark-tinted windows, a nudge bar and sports bar.
The Nissan NP200 bakkie has been on sale in South Africa for many years and despite it being rather long-in-the-tooth now, it’s still selling well. In fact, the NP200 is currently the best-selling "half-tonne" bakkie in the country (its designation is a bit of a misnomer, because its payload is, in fact, 800 kg) outselling the rivalling Chevrolet Utility by a fair margin.
However, current economic turmoil has put the half-tonne bakkie segment under pressure as small businesses are forced to cut expenditure to stay afloat. Sales figures from 2015 and 2016 confirm a downturn in sales that will likely persist in the short to medium term.
In an effort to counteract tough market conditions, manufacturers such as Nissan, have to get creative to find ways to crack more sales. One way to do this is to launch a special edition and in Nissan’s case, the NP200 ICE Edition aims to attract private buyers as well as small business operations.
Is a mild styling makeover enough reason to consider the Nissan NP200 ICE Edition? We recently had the 1.5 dCi ICE on test to see what it has to offer…
The Good
The NP200 1.5 dCi ICE Edition returns good fuel economy and provides adequate performance.
Willing Engine. The 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine under the bonnet of this ICE Edition develops 63 kW and 200 Nm of torque. That’s enough to propel the NP200 round town at an acceptable pace and the 5-speed transmission is well-suited to the engine.
Considering the age of the NP200's underpinnings, ride quality was better than we expected and the car felt quite nippy through corners and uneven road surfaces don’t unsettle the suspension too much. Out on the highway, the ICE Edition felt comfortable at the national speed limit and gearing down was occasionally required to get the most from the engine when overtaking. However, for the most part, the Nissan performed to satisfaction. Performance will likely suffer under full load, but 200 Nm of torque should help matters somewhat.
Good fuel economy. Buyers will be happy to know that the turbodiesel-powered NP200 is quite frugal too, with a claimed fuel consumption figure of 5.3 L/100 km. The fuel gauge hardly budged during its test period at Cars.co.za and you should easily achieve figures between 6 and 7 L/100 km.
The NP200 has a sizable load bay and a tonneau cover is fitted as standard on the ICE Edition.
Practicality. The ICE Edition's rear tub is rubberised and big enough to carry a wide range of items. The loading area measures 1.8 metres in length and 0.5 metres in depth and we easily transported several surfboards to the beach without any hassles. You should also find the standard tonneau cover handy as it effectively hides your cargo from plain sight. Being a two-seater bakkie, the NP200 ICE Edition is not suitable for family use, but it’s perfect for small business owners or single private buyers.
Improved looks. The ageing NP200 in not particularly good-looking in standard guise and the ICE Edition adds some much-needed life to an otherwise insipid offering. The ICE Edition gains features such as an aluminium nudge bar, sports bar, custom 15-inch alloy wheels and ICE decals around the rear wheel arches and tailgate. Smash-and-grab dark tinting is standard and the ICE Edition is offered in two colours, Bright Silver and Starling Blue. All these features enhance the look of the NP200 and make it appear appreciably more attractive.
If styling matters to you, then you should find the ICE Edition suitably more attractive than the standard NP200 and perhaps even the Chevrolet Utility.
The Bad
The interior is old, but leather upholstery lifts the ambiance somewhat.
Solid but uninspiring interior. The interior of the NP200 is best described as “uninspired”. The design is painfully dated but features such as leather seats and an aftermarket radio with Bluetooth streaming functionality and a USB port are welcome additions. Hard-wearing rubber mats are a handy too and the windows can be opened/closed with manual winders.
The interior is very basic and the steering wheel is bulky and awkward-looking. It must be said though, despite the interior being lacklustre, it’s solidly built and the hard-wearing plastic feels like it will survive tremendous abuse, which is a good thing for a working bakkie.
Annoying features. We found the positioning of the air conditioning controls annoying, as they are located low down ahead of the gear lever, making them difficult and distracting to use while driving. To keep costs down, central locking is not included and you have to keep reminding yourself to lock the passenger door from the inside when you exit the vehicle.
One size fits all. The steering column is not adjustable for rake and reach, which means you simply have to fit, no matter what size you are. The seats are manually adjustable and the driver seat is not height adjustable. There is, however, enough space behind the seats to store items such as a laptop bag and other smaller items. Storage nets are also provided to prevent items from rolling around behind the seats.
Verdict
The NP200 1.5 dCi is the only diesel half-tonne bakkie on offer in South Africa. What you see is what you get!
Overall, the diesel-powered NP200 ICE Edition lacks some nice-to-have features such as electric windows and an adjustable steering column. However, its engine performs well and it returns good fuel economy that its petrol-powered rival won’t beat. Yes, the interior is old and uninspiring, but at least it’s built to last.
If you want a diesel half-tonne bakkie with a dash of style and are willing to forego some comfort features, then the NP200 1.5 dCi ICE Edition is worth a look. However, if you are looking for a petrol-powered half-tonne bakkie, then the Chevrolet Utility might just be the better buy as it comes with more features and will likely fetch a higher price when you decide to sell it. The attractive price of the petrol-powered NP200 ICE Edition is, however, difficult to ignore.
While Mitsubishi's rivals (Toyota and Ford) launched their latest-generation double-cab bakkies in South Africa early 2016, consumers have had to wait until relatively recently to get their hands on the new Triton. Was it worth waiting for and where does the newcomer slot into the market?
The delay was a long one… after all, even the Fiat Fullback, a clone of the Triton, arrived before this bakkie (its official launch was late January 2017). And the reason? Well, Mitsubishi South Africa wanted to offer the latest engine available to the South African consumer and we think the new 2.4-litre turbodiesel motor is certainly a highlight of the new bakkie.
In this video we take the new Mitsubishi Triton for a test drive on tarmac and gravel roads, we take a detailed look at the interior and tech features, as well as trying out the all-important rear seats. Towing and load carrying figures are also discussed as well as pricing for the top of the range 4×4 Auto model.
Last year Honda revealed a new Civic Type R prototype and a production version is now due to be shown at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.
This wild-looking thing is the prototype version of the Honda Civic Type R. The prototype offers a glimpse into the future of the Type R brand and the new Civic Type R will be shown at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in production form before going on sale in markets around the world.
The prototype you see here is based on the new Honda Civic hatchback and it has gained numerous go-faster visual bits. The wings and aerodynamic kit aren't just for show and will aid the Honda Civic Type R in terms of handling and grip. The paint job is unique and is a highly reflective wth a finely-grained brushed aluminium-effect finish. Note the bonnet scoop which will provide cooling air into the engine bay.
While there's no official word on engine and transmission, we predict that the new Honda Civic Type R will use a modified version of the current 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder motor. It currently pushes out 228 kW and 400 Nm, but we reckon that'll be upped considerably to keep pace with its rivals.
The production Civic Type R will be manufactured at Honda's UK plant in Swindon with sales expected to kick off during the second half of 2017. This is great news as the United Kingdom is a right-hand drive market, meaning its highly likely we'll see this monster coming to South Africa. Honda fans in the United States of America are particularly excited as this new Civic Type R has been confirmed for sale in that region, making it the first time any Honda-badged Type R will be sold there.
Jaguar will roll out 2 new Ingenium engines and a raft of safety and tech updates to its XE, XF and F-Pace models.
Jaguar Land Rover SA will add 2 high-powered engines to its product lineup that will come into effect by mid-year. There’s a new 2.0-litre 177 kW/500 Nm twin-turbodiesel unit that will be deployed in the F-Pace and XF models. It will be denoted by a 25d badge.
Meanwhile, a new 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol unit will be introduced across XE, XF and F-Pace. It will replace the ageing 177 kW turbopetrol engine that was notoriously thirsty. The new engine puts out 183 kW and is cast from aluminium, it will continue to be badged as a 25t.
The XE S model will also get a 30 kW boost of power to its V6 motor, taking its output to 280 kW.
In addition to the new engines, Jaguar is attempting to add more value to its models with improved tech and safety offerings. The front infotainment screen is now available with dual-view, meaning the passenger and driver can view separate things on the same screen.
Two new safety enhancements have been added, of which forward vehicle guidance works at slow speeds in conjunction with the surround cameras to assist with parking. It allows you to see what’s in front of the car from the bumper’s point of view. Blind spot assist has also been added that will gently steer the car away from a possible collision if it detects a car in the blind spot.
The Renault Megane is now in its 4th generation, but the latest model appears to have taken a bigger step forward from its predecessor than the second and third iterations of the French firm's premium hatchback. We evaluate the mid-range 1.2-turbopetrol GT Line.
We like: Sporty feel, standard features, good turbo engine, value for money.
We don’t like: Material quality in cabin not on par with class leaders.
Alternatives
The segment leader: A facelifted Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI will arrive in showrooms soon. The Renault is sportier, but the Golf (even pre-update) feels more solid.
The newest rival: The Opel Astra 1.4 T Sport offers excellent value in terms of its standard features list, but can’t match the Mégane for driving dynamics.
If you don’t like turbos: The Kia Cerato 1.6 SX is a well-made alternative. It is preferable to the similarly-priced Toyota Auris, because it features stability control.
The Renault renaissance forges full steam ahead courtesy of its new design language and a melange of high-value offerings. The Clio is a strong seller and the Captur has been turning over excellent sales numbers since its introduction in 2015. The Duster and Sandero continue to garner highly respectable sales numbers too, all of which suggests that Renault has captured a notable chunk of the market for value-for-money smaller cars. What then happens when it tries its hand at something a bit more upmarket, like the Renault Megane?
The good
Sporty drive. The Megane, even with an efficiency-minded 1.2-litre turbo under its bonnet, still feels like an athletic and nimble machine. It’s fun to drive with quick steering and a responsive chassis. The Megane has tended to be a sporty alternative in its segment and this one is no exception. The 1.2 doesn't get the 4-wheel steering of the top model, but the chassis still feels taught and eager to turn in. For all that agility, the Renault works well round town too: the ride quality is absorbent and cushions passengers over bumps and wobbles.
Engine strength. With 97 kW and 205 Nm, there is enough torque to overtake at slow and freeway speeds. There’s little to no turbo lag and you can cruise at city speeds without having to constantly shift through the gears to keep the engine/turbo on the boil. Fuel efficiency was good over our test as we averaged 7.1 L/100 km with a fair degree of enthusiastic driving.
Features. Renault is generous with standard features. Even in this model, you get heated bucket seats clad in Alcantara and an 8.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Navigation is standard, as is the digital instrument cluster that can be customised with different themes. If you want to dip into the options bin you can also get hands-free parking and LED headlights.
Value. There's a lot of car on offer at Renault's asking price. You're getting an excellent engine that performs well and won't cost a fortune at the pumps, there's a full infotainment system, which includes a navigation and accepts multiple forms of media, and the Megane willeasily accommodate 5 people (and their luggage, thanks to the 384-litre boot). The 1.2 GT Line doesn't really feel like a downgrade from the 1.6 GT Turbo when you look at it from the outside. It's still sporty and features just enough of the finer trimmings to make it stand out.
Customisable theme means that green is not your only choice of colour lighting
The bad
Perceived quality. Compared with its predecessor, the new Megane represents an appreciable step up in terms of interior design and the application of soft-touch materials. Having said that, we can’t help but feel Renault could have gone further. The plastics in the lower quadrants of the cabin look that it would be scratched of scuffed up easily and the areas around the touchscreen attract fingerprint marks. A bit more attention to luxury finishes and build quality and the Megane could be a class leader. The dash is laden with a dark rubber and there are slivers of chrome that surround the air vents, both of which add a bit of style to the interior design. The leather steering wheel and gear lever give it more of an upmarket feel as well.
Rear legroom. The bucket seats in the front restrict rear legroom, but it’s still sufficient for adults on shorter journeys.
Heated front seats are standard as is the blue stitching on GT Line models
Renault Megane 1.2 GT Line Pricing
At R348 900 (Feb 2017) the Megane is priced at almost the exact same level as the equivalent Astra, Cerato, Golf and 308. The warranty is good at 5yr/150 000 km and a 5yr/90 000 km service plan.
Verdict
The new Megane is a worthy contender in the C-segment, especially if you’re looking for something that looks sportier than its rivals and has a suitably engaging driving experience. It’s loaded with great equipment and safety features that are often found on the options lists of other brands. The turbo engine offers perky performance and makes driving a hassle-free experience… whether you're in the city or on the freeway. It lags a little in terms of premium cabin finishes, but offers good value when you factor in the generous standard equipment.
Ferrari has revealed its latest creation, the 812 Superfast!
In the words of the great William Shakespeare, “What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” This may very well apply to Ferrari’s latest 812 Superfast. Apart from its name, it does indeed look Superfast and the sweetness is made even sweeter by the fact that it’s powered by the most powerful naturally-aspirated V12 to come from Ferrari. Take a look at the details!
Power figures
The 812 Superfast is essentially a revised F12 Berlinetta, but with more power and torque. Power comes courtesy of a larger 6.5-litre V12 engine that produces 588 kW at 8 500 rpm and 718 Nm of torque, all of which is available from 7 000 rpm.
Those numbers will ensure a zero to 100 kph sprint time of 2.9 seconds and the 812 Superfast is claimed to reach a top speed of 340 kph. Throttle response has been enhanced with specific gear ratios and lighting fast upshifts and downshifts delivered by the 812 Superfast’s dual-clutch transmission.
This is the first Ferrari to feature Electric Power Steering (EPS) and combined with the car’s electronic vehicle dynamics controls and the latest version of Ferrari’s patented Side Slip Control (SSC), the driver is able to exploit every ounce of performance on offer from the 812 Superfast. Another first is the Virtual Short Wheelbase 2.0 system (PCV) that improves handling and reduces vehicle response times.
Design details
The 812 Superfast was designed by the Ferrari Styling Centre with a fastback, high-tail silhouette that is reminiscent of the 1969 365 GTB4. The model features flared wheel arches, full LED headlights and 4 round taillights.
Aerodynamics are enhanced with active flaps found at the front of the underbody as well as an aerodynamic by-pass at the rear to assist with downforce. The 812 Superfast wears a new colour called Rosso Settanta, marking Ferrari’s 70th anniversary.
The Ferrari 812 Superfast will make its world debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.
Manufacturers constantly introduce new technologies to improve the user experiences of their products. However, some in-car features seem of little use to consumers and, therefore, they're hardly ever put to use (outside of vehicle showrooms, anyway). Here are just 7 examples…
There have been some great in-car innovations and inventions over the years. Some of the best are simple things, such as Bluetooth hands-free telephony and audio streaming and USB connections to play media files from flash drives (colloquially known as USB sticks) and music devices, or charge/project the screen of your smartphone. Then there are the convenience features, such as automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers and main-beam assist – simple functions that require you to push a button once (to activate them) and then forget about it.
Here are 7 features that are simply frivolous and gimmicky, in our opinion. Let us know in the comments section below if you agree with me…
1. SD Card slot
How SD slots ever found their way into cars is beyond me. How many people do you know who store their music files on a full-size SD card? Not even photographers, who are the prime purchasers of SD cards are so inclined. Audi and Volkswagen must have been convinced by SD cards by someone with nefarious intentions. Until recently, SD slots were the only accepted mass storage media input in Volkswagen Group's cars (USB adapters used to be extra cost options). In the Eighties, VHS overtook Betamax as the dominant home video format, the CD player superseded the once ubiquitous Cassette Deck and its safe to assert that USB is the most popular format for in-car media. Sorry SD, but USB won…
2. Voice control
Voice control has to be one of the most frustrating functions on modern cars. The systems have improved vastly over the years, but, for the most part, are still mostly ineffective. Try asking your navigation to direct you to Inkanyezi Close, Umhlanga. Even trying to ask it to phone someone in your phonebook tests your patience. Voice control always seems to take longer to correctly interpret what you said than the time it would take for you/your front passenger to physically select the specific requirement from the infotainment system's menu.
3. Synthesised exhaust notes
If you can’t make an exhaust sound awesome then don’t pump fake noise through the speakers into the cabin. The F10-generation BMW M5, powered by a twin-turbocharged 4,4-litre V8, was the most infamous adopter of this technique and, in my opinion, it was contrary to the visceral driving experience that a super sedan like the M5 is supposed to be about. I don't mean to pick on BMW, though, because exhaust note synthesiser technology was widely adopted. Several manufacturers have since introduced exhaust flaps that allow for a bit more noise to escape from the pipes when required. Hopefully, that’s the end of that, because some performance cars' engine notes sounded particularly "fashioned" for a while.
4. Sport gauges
They're gimmicks: all of them, even the lap timer. You know how much power and torque your car has when you bought it, why do you need some dials to show you that exact detail? G-metres just show lots of little dots and are not much to brag about. In a road car, if you’re pulling more than 2G, there won't be time to look at a screen!. Lap timers are based on your ability to press a button at the exact moment you cross the start/finish line, which any racer worth his salt will tell you is inaccurate. Rather get a GPS lap timer for your phone instead.
5. Text message reader
Modern infotainment systems, once you've connected your phone to them, will often attempt to read your messages for you. To be honest, the only institutions that send text messages these days are banks, Home Affairs and companies that push (usually unsolicited) product offers. Everyone else uses Whatsapp or a similar chat program. All a text reader essentially does is read out your bank account number and bank balance to whoever is in the car at the time. If it could read Whatsapps on the other hand, that may be far more useful.
6. Web browsers
This is almost self-explanatory. Nothing is worse than trying to browse the internet on an infotainment system. It’s the least user-friendly internet experience you’ll ever have, especially if you don’t have a touchscreen. Also, we can’t really think of why you would need to browse the internet while you're driving; it takes too much of your focus away from the road, doesn't it? Moreover, at least one of your passengers should know how to google something they need to know by using the keyboard interface on their smartphones. If not, stop the car and DIY.
7. Gesture control
Gesture control was a really cool feature when we first played with it in the BMW 7 Series. In application, it’s not the easiest function to operate. The suggested hand movements only have the prescribed effect half the time and if you happen to be having a conversation with someone in the car and move your arms about, you inevitably increase the volume on the radio or zoom in on your navigation map. Again, it's a more difficult solution to a task that can be easily completed by thumbing a steering wheel control or turning a knob on the fascia.
A new Volkswagen Touareg is in the works and our spy photographers have been hard at work to bring you a sneak peek of what the next iteration of the premium SUV will look like.
The Touareg is perched atop Volkswagen’s SUV lineup locally and a new model is currently under development. The design of the next Touareg seems to follow the design of the T-Prime Concept GTE Concept shown at the 2016 Beijing Motor Show and if the concept is anything to go by, the new Touareg will be rather attractive.
The spy images you see here show a Touareg prototype undergoing testing with both the front and rear ends hidden under heavy camouflage. The third generation Touareg is underpinned by the long-wheelbase version of the MLB platform that spawns models such as the Audi Q7, Bentley Bentayga and Porsche Cayenne.
The new Touareg will likely feature a 2.0-litre TFSI turbopetrol and a supercharged 3.0-litre TFSI V6 engine with a 3.0-litre V6 and V8 turbodiesel also expected. A plug-in hybrid version is also on the cards pairing a 4-cylinder, 2.0-litre engine with an electric motor.
The new Touareg will showcase a wide range of new technology including a stylish infotainment system lifted from the T-Prime GTE Concept that comes in the form of a curved 15-inch touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster that provides information to the driver.
The new Touareg is expected to be shown later this year before going on sale in 2018. We will keep you updated as more details become available.
We review the top-of-the-range Forester 2.0 XT, the only turbocharged member of the Subaru family car/compact SUV range, with the help of a surfboard and Luna the Border Bollie.
We're fond of the Forester, but over the years the price of this super-practical, super-capable SUV has crept up to the R600 000 mark. We ask ourselves, is it still worth it?
If you haven't read our Review of the Forester 2.0 XT already, you can click here. In this video, however, you'll find details about the choice of engines in the Forester range, the practical side and load carrying ability of the Forester, tech features, and ride quality and comfort. Oh, and be sure not to miss Luna's cameo.
