The Toyota Fortuner 4×4 Challenge is done and dusted with a lucky winner driving off in a new Toyota Fortuner worth more than R450 000.
Two days of intense competition took place at the Conrad Pezula resort in Knysna recently to determine the winner of Toyota Fortuner 4×4 Challenge. A total of 7 activities were laid out for contestants to test their physical and mental ability. In the end, one winner would drive away in a new Toyota Fortuner to the value of more than R400 000.
Each of the 4 contestants paired up with sport celebrities including former Dakar champion and Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa driver, Giniel de Villers, Toyota Cyclelab director and multiple Cape Epic winner, Andrew Mclean, Currie Cup winning rugby player and member of the Blitzbokke, Ryno Benjamin of the Toyota Cheetahs and Currie Cup winning centre and U20 Rugby World Cup winner, Raymond Rhule from the Toyota Cheetahs.
Representing Cars.co.za in the Fortuner 4×4 Challenge was Harold Durnez, a charismatic athlete from Cape Town, who delivered a stellar performance overall with Giniel de Villiers as his partner. Their impressive performance, however, wasn’t enough to take the win and George teacher, Danie Leonard, who paired up with Andrew Mclean, scooped the ultimate prize, driving off in a new Toyota Fortuner.
Harold Durnez was a strong contender in Toyota Fortuner 4×4 Challenge.
The two other contestants in the running were Kristian Fesel who paired up with Ryno Benjamin and Stephen Vallaro, who paired up with Raymond Rhule. The South African public were also given the chance to win a new Fortuner by backing their sporting hero and the lucky entrant, Salmon Essack, is now also the proud owner of a new Toyota Fortuner.
The Toyota Fortuner 4×4 Challenge will be aired on SuperSport Seven at the following times:
5 December 2016 at 16:00
6 December 2016 at 19:00
8 December 2016 at 09:30
Ford unveiled no fewer than 4 versions of the next-generation Ford Fiesta at its #GoFurther event in Cologne, Germany. The newcomer (of which a production version will be released in Europe mid-2017) is expected to arrive in South Africa in early 2018.
The line-up showcased at the event included the 5-door Fiesta Titanium, the Ford Performance-inspired Fiesta ST-Line (not to be confused with the ST derivative, which is in the pipeline), the eye-catching Fiesta Vignale 3-door and the crossover-styled Fiesta Active, which is best described as a rival to the pre-facelift Volkswagen Polo's CrossPolo derivative.
Jim Farley, executive vice president and president, Europe Middle East and Africa, Ford Motor Company, was joined by Mark Fields, president and chief executive officer, Ford Motor Company, to unveil four new production versions of the next generation Fiesta to an audience of 2 500 dealers, employees and media at the company’s Cologne Niehl manufacturing facility – the home of Fiesta.
The next generation debuted with a spectacular unveil to music performed by the award-winning DJ Yoda assisted by a “YuMi” collaborative robot. Ford is among the first automotive manufacturers to develop a new, closely integrated approach to car workers and collaborative robots working together on the assembly line. DJ Yoda and “YuMi” performed a setlist of tracks from 1976 onward in celebration of Fiesta’s 40th anniversary.
“Four years ago, at the first Go Further event, Ford promised a leaner, smarter business in Europe with great products and new technologies – and we’ve over-delivered through the talent, ingenuity and passion of our people,” Farley said.
Billed as the "most technically advanced (and most fun to drive) small car in the world", with "standard-setting refinement, craftmanship and upscale interior materials", the next-generation Fiesta is also said to offer "more grip, a more responsive driving experience and benchmark NVH control".
Fiesta gets SYNC3, less buttons
Whereas social media reaction to the newcomer's evolutionary exterior styling has been mixed, the ergonomic interior, which offers an 8?inch floating high-definition touchscreen and Ford’s sophisticated SYNC3 communications and entertainment system is certainly a highlight. By utilising the new system, the Blue Oval has reduced the number of fascia buttons by 20! It will also be the first Ford to deliver a premium B&O PLAY Sound System.
Engine choice
Meanwhile, the Fiesta's 1.0-litre EcoBoost will be the first three-cylinder engine in the world to feature cylinder deactivation. The technology can disengage or re-engage the cylinder in 14 milliseconds – 20 times faster than the blink of an eye – and combined with advanced solutions to counteract vibrations, will be imperceptible to drivers in terms of operation and engine performance.
The 1.0-lite EcoBoost engine will be offered in 3 states of tune with either 74 kW, 92 kW and 103 kW. A 3-cylinder 1.1-litre petrol will also be available with either 52 kW or 63 kW. A 1.5-litre diesel engine will offer 63 kW or 88 kW. All Fiesta derivatives will have a stop-start button while manual versions will gain an ECO button to maximise efficiency.
We will keep you updated as more information regarding the new Ford Fiesta becomes available.
Watch the spectacular reveal at Ford's Cologne plant below:
Tata has introduced the limited edition Indica Flash in South Africa. Take a look at the details…
In an effort to provide more value to customers, Tata is now offering the Indica Flash limited edition in South Africa. The Indica Flash is based on the Indica LGi derivative but adds several distinctive features as well as more standard equipment.
“We are confident that the Indica Flash special edition is going to be a success as it is a true value-for-money offering aimed at first-time buyers and those with a limited budget,” said Kyri Michael, the CEO of Accordian Investments which markets and distributes Tata passenger cars and light commercial vehicles in South Africa.
Key features
The Indica Flash features unique exterior design details including decals and alloy wheels.
The Indica Flash wears black stripes with a Flash logo along its flanks, while the logo is also found on the bonnet. The Indica Flash rides on spoked alloy mag wheels, adding a dash of style to the overall exterior design.
The major upgrade is seen on the inside, where the Indica Flash features leather seats with embroidered Flash logos found on the front seats. The steering wheel has a soft leather grip and the sound system offers Bluetooth and a USB port for convenience.
Engine power
A naturally aspirated 1.4-litre petrol engine powers the Indica Flash, offering 56 kW and 110 Nm of torque. the front wheels are driven through a 5-speed manual transmission and Tata claims a fuel consumption figure of 6.5 L/100km.
Tata Indica Flash – Price in South Africa
Tata Indica Flash – R124 995
The Tata Indica Flash is sold with a 3-year/100 000 km warranty, 2-year/45 000 km service plan and roadside assistance. A launch special finance package is also available.
Chevrolet Trailblazer 2.8D Z71 4×4 Auto (2016) Review
Chevrolet's highly-rated Trailblazer SUV has for too long been ignored by South African car buyers. In a market obsessed with the prestige of driving Toyota's superb new Fortuner, or the macho appeal of the Ford Everest, the Trailblazer has seemingly lacked a knock-out punch to complement its wide spread of talents. Simply put, it needed a wow factor. Meet the newly refreshed model, topped by this bold Z71-labelled flagship. Suddenly, there's a whole lot of wow…
We like: Dramatically improved cabin, full-house features, versatility, long warranty We don’t like: Lack of steering wheel reach adjustment, not as spacious as main rivals
Alternatives:
For 4×4 fans: While the Trailblazer is not without ability when the going gets rough, the Toyota Fortuner remains unbeaten in this regard. The Toyota's off-road talent no longer comes at as much of a cost to its on-road refinement as before. This makes the Fortuner the ideal vehicle for those who intend going off the beaten track often. The flagship 2.8 GD-6 4×4 Automatic sells for R614 800.
For more space: The Ford Everest range is expanding, but the 3.2 LTD 4×4 Automatic model (R698 900), the flagship, has been the mainstay of the line-up from the start. If offers an enviable blend of strong design, interior space, modern features and ride comfort. It is claimed to be the most economical of the three main rivals, but in our experience the Toyota is more frugal in the real world.
For something more refined: If you're keen on a 7-seater, but want something that is not based on a bakkie, and therefore closer in drive characteristics to a normal car, then Land Rover's Discovery Sport should be considered. It is not our current Cars.co.za Consumer Awards Leisure Vehicle of the Year without reason. It is pricey, however, and at this price level you can only get the Pure TD4 version, which is down on features compared with the others listed here. It costs R672 566.
Nip & Tuck
Much has been said of South Africans' apparent love affair with bakkie-based SUVs… but when one scrutinises the sales figures, it is clear that said love affair really is more of a passionate obsession with the Toyota Fortuner. Ford's Everest has, however, made some inroads, and the Blue Oval is further expanding the Everest offering to cater to a wider audience. And then there is the Chevrolet Trailblazer, a vehicle highly regarded by most in the industry, but seemingly not the public… Its sales performance has been disappointing – for reasons why it has struggled, read this article – but in our experience there is precious little that is wrong with it as a product.
To hopefully stimulate interest, Chevrolet has given the Trailblazer a thorough facelift that introduces a higher quality, more modern interior, enhanced features, greater refinement and, importantly for this segment, much bolder styling. Are these changes enough to bring the Trailblazer back in the running?
How does it fare in terms of…
Visual Appeal?
The Z71 styling package includes striking gloss-black 18-inch alloy wheels.
What is also clear from the sales figures is that South Africans like their SUVs with all the toys and as much visual appeal as possible. To this end Chevrolet has introduced a bold new flagship, tested here. Called the Z71 – a name inspired by those iconic Chevy "Zee" performance cars of the past – this Trailblazer is based on the LTZ 4×4 automatic model, but features a number of important stylistic revisions.
Of course, it shares its revised front-end (headlamps, grille, bumper, bonnet) with the rest of the newly updated Trailblazer line-up, but the Z71 also gets striking gloss black 18-inch alloy wheels, black side cladding and some seriously eye-catching bonnet decals. These tweaks and additions certainly worked well on our bright red test unit, which turned heads wherever it went. So, if one of the reasons you previously had for not considering the Trailblazer was a lack of neck-swivelling looks, then consider that criticism now answered.
Interior Enhancements
The facia is essentially all-new, so it's a pity that the steering wheel hasn't changed.
The pre-facelift Trailblazer boasted a solid, no-nonsense dashboard design, but one that perhaps was too similar to the facia found in the vehicle the Chev is based upon… the Isuzu KB. So while build quality was solid, the plastics were hard-wearing and the design honest, but arguably not "smart" enough for a vehicle of this calibre and cost.
Step inside the new Trailblazer and you'll immediately recognise and appreciate the change. Almost everything (except for the disappointingly old-fashioned steering wheel) is new, and the material quality appears to have jumped several notches. Soft-touch plastics are used far more frequently, and neat contrast stitching lend the cabin a more upmarket ambience. This model comes standard with leather upholstery.
The entire control interface has been upgraded, with Chevrolet's easy-to-use second-generation MyLink infotainment system taking pride of place. It uses a 7-inch touchscreen with crisp graphics and is now Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatible. This model also has a fully integrated satellite navigation system, which its Ford and Toyota rivals don't currently offer. Of course, USB and Bluetooth support remains part of the package.
Courtesy of its fresh new look inside, higher quality materials and advanced features, the revised Trailblazer's cabin is now far more in line with what is expected from a vehicle costing upwards of R600 000. Consider it another important box in the facelift check-sheet ticked.
Refinement
There aren't many visual changes from the rear, but extra sound deadening hides under the body.
We were already impressed with the quietness of the pre-facelift model, which spent an extended test period with us over the course of the previous festive season. It proved a relaxed and comfortable tourer, on various road surfaces.
Unlike many facelifts, which extend only to a few visual changes and extra features, Chevrolet says it has further improved on the NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) qualities of the updated Trailblazer. Through a revised sound insulation package cabin noise has been reduced by a claimed 4 decibels (more than half, Chevrolet says). It is hard to pick up such improvements in isolation, but as before, the Trailblazer impressed with its hushed cabin atmosphere.
The sense of refinement is further boosted by several new features. A new electronic power steering system that features Active Pull and Smooth Road Shake compensation is fitted. As the name indicates, Active Pull Compensation reduces the need for constant steering corrections from the driver and is claimed to ultimately reduce driver fatigue. Smooth Road Shake Compensation, on the other hand, is said to reduce the vibration caused by an imbalance from the front wheels.
It's also worth noting that the latest Trailblazer boasts a vast array of modern crash-avoidance features, such as lane-departure warning, forward collision alert, rear cross traffic alert, side obstacle warning etc. It has 7 airbags, too, and offers Isofix child seat mounts at the rear.
The Drive
Trailblazer remains a comfortable long-distance touring vehicle, and does well on gravel, too.
This model continues to be powered by the brand's powerful 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine that pumps out 144 kW and a class-leading 500 Nm of torque (even more than the 3.2-litre Ford). The engine is mated with a reasonably smooth and refined 6-speed automatic transmission that generally responds well to driver inputs (via the throttle). That having been said, we didn't find the Trailblazer particularly energetic off the line. Nevertheless, Chevrolet claims a class-best 0-100 kph time of 10.4 seconds. In our experience neither the Chevrolet nor the Ford can match the new Toyota engine for responsiveness and refinement. In fact, you can also add fuel economy to that list – with a claimed consumption 9.5 L/100 km the Trailblazer is the thirstiest of the three vehicles listed here, though, in the real world, we suspect that title might actually belong to the Everest.
As before, we found the Trailblazer a comfortable way to cover vast distances. It is significantly more at home on the open road, where the gearing and power delivery endow it with smooth, strong overtaking power. It is also in these circumstances, and when loaded with passengers and people, that the ride settles into a very comfortable "mode".
Of course, four-wheel drive is offered at the turn of a knob, and there's low-range too, but the Trailblazer doesn't quite have the ride height and other off-road toys to make it a class leader in that regard. No… what it does best is to offer a blend of on-road refinement and comfort, and the ability to traverse low-traction/rough and inconsistent surfaces when needed. A pretty well-balanced holiday car, in other words… Oh, and it can tow 2 965 kg (braked).
Pricing & Warranty
The flagsip Chevrolet Trailblazer 2.8D Z71 4×4 automatic, as tested here, sells for R623 200 and comes backed with a 5-years/120 000 km warranty and 5-years/90 000 km service plan. Service intervals are scheduled for every 15 000 km.
Verdict
Third row folds flat into the floor, but boot floor is quite high.
Much of what was good (or not) about the Trailblazer remains so with this facelifted model. It is a very practical vehicle with numerous clever touches, including ventilation controls for all three rows of seating, a neat hidden storage compartment in the boot etc. But this facelift can't do anything about the fact that it isn't quite as spacious (in terms of legroom, mostly), as its rivals and that the engine can't match the Toyota's for refinement, responsiveness or fuel economy. However, the revised Trailblazer hits back hard with a truly classy cabin packed with modern features that make the Fortuner look a bit shy on specification, and the Ford a trifle rough around the edges. It is also seemingly well-priced given the long list of advanced safety and comfort features, not to mention the comprehensive infotainment system. Until recently, the battle in this segment was a straight fight between the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest. With the upgraded Trailblazer, Chevrolet has raised its hand again asking for consideration. We think it certainly deserves that.
The 7 finalists for the European Car Of The Year award have been announced and the winning vehicle will be announced at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2017.
A panel of 58 motoring journalists from 22 European countries have chosen the 7 finalists for the European Car Of The Year award. It’s interesting to note that Nissan and Toyota are the only two non-European brands to feature and no Korean or American brands made the final list. Electric Vehicles (EVs) and hybrid vehicles are also absent from the final list.
The 7 finalists were whittled down from 30 vehicles and include products from Alfa Romeo, Citroen, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Peugeot, Toyota and Volvo. The winner will be announced at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show next year. The new Opel Astra claimed the award in 2016, while the Volkswagen Passat won in 2015.
On a local note, the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank, will determine the best vehicles in South Africa across 13 categories and the winners will be announced on 19 January 2017.
The 7 finalists in the running for the European Car Of The Year award are as follows…
Alfa Romeo Giulia
The highly-anticipated Alfa Romeo Giulia is expected to arrive in South Africa in the first quarter of 2017. The Giulia Quadrifoglio will top the range with its 375 kW/600 Nm 2.9-litre twin turbo V6 engine while a 2.0-litre engine in both Base and Super trim levels will also be offered with 150 kW and 330 Nm of torque.
The new Citroen C3 appears to be an impressive product, but it sadly won’t be offered in South Africa. The new C3 features a fresh design, combining elements from the C1 and C4 Cactus. A host of customisation options are offered with the new C3.
The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class was introduced earlier in 2016 and it has proven to be a hugely impressive product, especially in terms of refinement and on-board technology. Buyers have the choice between petrol and diesel engines with outputs ranging from 135 kW to 245 kW. A plug-in hybrid version is expected to join the range in 2018.
The fifth-generation Nissan Micra was revealed at the 2016 Paris Motor Show donning a new design with at least 125 different interior and exterior personalisation options on offer. The new Nissan Micra is currently being considered for introduction in South Africa and its arrival on local soil is yet to be confirmed.
Earlier this year, we travelled to Italy to drive the new Peugeot 3008 and found it to stylish on the outside with a well-built and hugely impressive interior design. The 3008 will arrive in South Africa in the first quarter of 2017 with a 121 kW/240 Nm 1.6-litre turbopetrol engine and a 133 kW/400 Nm 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine.
The forthcoming Toyota C-HR is set to rock the crossover market when it arrives in South Africa in the first quarter of 2017. The C-HR features a bold, head-turning design and will be fitted with a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine offering 87 kW and 185 Nm of torque.
The S90 is Volvo’s answer to the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the new BMW 5-Series and by all accounts, it’s bound to be a formidable rival. A range of 2.0-litre turbopetrol and turbodiesel engines will be offered, as well as the powerful T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid. The S90 arrives in South Africa early in 2017 and due to the lack of demand for station wagons in our market, the V90 station wagon sadly won’t be offered.
The facelifted Renault Clio is now available in South Africa with a number of exterior and interior improvements. Take a look at what the refreshed Clio has to offer…
The Renault Clio has been around for a long time, since 1990 in fact, and it has racked up in excess of 13 million sales worldwide to become the best-selling French car of all time. The fourth generation Clio arrived in South Africa in 2013 and since then, about 20 000 Clio’s have been sold locally. Clio has now received a facelift to improve on its already successful formula. Take a look at what’s on offer…
The range
The Clio range comprises three equipment levels for buyers to choose from. The Clio range starts with base-level Authentique derivative, powered by a 3-cylinder, 0.9-litre turbopetrol engine delivering 66 kW and 140 Nm of torque. Claimed fuel consumption is 5.5 l/100 km. This engine also powers the mid-spec Expression derivative, as well as the top-spec Dynamique derivative, all of which feature a 5-speed manual gearbox.
Buyers seeking automatic mobility can opt for the Clio Expression EDC, powered by a 1.2-litre turbopetrol engine and mated with a 6-speed EDC automatic gearbox. This engine offers 88 kW and 190 Nm of torque with a claimed fuel consumption figure of 5.2 L/100 km.
Exterior Styling
The facelifted Clio now features a redesigned face, giving it a more refined, modern look.
The Clio’s front bumper and upper grille has been redesigned while the lower grid is now wider with a more modern look. The Clio’s rear skirt has also been restyled, giving the car a more robust look. A full-LED lighting signature is seen on the top-spec Dynamique model, which also gains LED ‘Pure Vision’ headlights. The headlights are complemented with C-shaped LED daytime running lights and the rear taillights also carry the signature C-shape LED design.
Authentique and Expression derivatives feature redesigned halogen headlights with high-LED daytime running lights seen in the lower front bumper, finished off with chrome trim along the bottom of the grille.
Interior Styling
Material quality has improved inside the Renault Clio.
Dynamique and Expression derivatives feature a redesigned leather steering wheel, now without the previous glossy black inserts. The Clio’s cabin has subtle chrome components and the interior the colours are more refined and the gear lever and door panels have been restyled too. A higher quality fabric is used for the seats and Dynamique and Expression derivatives benefit from increased lateral seat support.
The armrests now feature new controls with a grained finish and the air vents present a new design while interior lighting lifts the mood inside the Clio’s cabin.
Equipment
Renault now introduces the R&Go App, exclusive to the Clio Authentique derivative. R&Go is connected to the vehicle’s radio via your smartphone using Bluetooth. The smartphone is placed in the universal cradle on the dashboard and you can then access frequently used functions.
The R&Go App offers four areas of functionality including Multimedia (radio, smartphone music, USB/iPod music, identify radio songs), Phone (make calls, manage contacts), Vehicle (ECO driving, vehicle trip information, e-guide) and Navigation (Car finder, navigation Apps, CoPilot navigation).
Expression and Dynamique derivatives benefit from a 7-inch touchscreen with integrated navigation and multimedia functionality.
The Clio Dynamique, Expression and Expression EDC are fitted with a 7-inch touchscreen display with an integrated MediaNav navigation and multimedia system.
The Authentique derivative can be optionally equipped with the 7-inch MediaNaV system and a leather steering wheel for an additional R10 000. An optional fixed glass roof is offered for the Dynamique derivative at an additional cost of R8 000 and metallic paint is offered across the Clio range as an option for R2 500.
Renault Clio – Price in South Africa (February 2017)
The Renault Clio is sold with a 5-year/150 000 km mechanical warranty, 3-year/45 000 km service plan and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty. Services are set at 15 000 km.
Ford Everest Expanded Range (2016) Specs & Pricing
Ford is expanding its Everest range and some of the new derivatives will be assembled in Ford's production facility in Silverton, Pretoria. We have the specifications and pricing ahead of the range's local launch this week. Take a look!
The bakkie-based Ford Everest SUV was launched into the South African market with just 1 engine option available. The 3.2-litre DuraTorq 5-cylinder is a potent motor, but what about those customers who don't need all that power and torque? Well, the Everest range is expanding to include 8 derivatives available with 2 engine choices, 3 specification levels, manual and automatic transmissions, as well as the option of 2- or 4-wheel drive.
“The New Ford Everest 7-seater created a huge stir in the SUV segment when it was launched as a fully imported vehicle in September last year, delivering outstanding levels of sophistication, luxury, all-terrain performance and versatility,” says Tracey Delate, general manager, marketing – Ford Motor Company Sub-Saharan Africa Region.
“Today, following an investment of R2.5-billion in the Ford Silverton Assembly Plant in Pretoria, we are delighted to officially launch the locally produced Everest – which will be available in Ford dealers this month with a bigger and better line-up that will appeal to a much wider range of customers.
The new engine is the 2.2-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel, which we've recently sampled in the Ford Ranger double cab. It produces 118 kW and 385 Nm, while its 3.2-litre 5-cylinder sibling offers up 147 kW and 470 Nm. Both vehicles offer a towing rating of 3 000 kg.
The 2.2 XLS comes in 3 guises, comprising 2-wheel drive derivatives with either a 6-speed manual or -automatic transmissions and a 4×4 with a manual 'box. With high and low range, rear diff lock as well as 225 mm of ground clearance, the latter derivative is bound to remain a reputable offroad vehicle.
Ford Sync3
The big news comes in the form of the introduction of SYNC3 – Ford's infotainment and connectivity system. Having experienced it on an international trip the United States, we can vouch for its slick interface and ease of use. This system will be fitted as standard on all XLT and Limited models. It includes a total of 10 speakers and two USB ports for multimedia connectivity. Watch the below video to see how it works.
Ford Everest Price in South Africa
All models come standard with Ford Protect, including a four-year/120 000km comprehensive warranty, five-year/100 000km service plan, three-year/unlimited km roadside assistance and five-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty. Service intervals are every 20 000km, while 4×4 models include free 4×4 training.
Fiat’s racy Abarth 124 Spider arrives in SA [with video]
Fiat has released the South African specification and pricing of its good-looking new 124 Spider. The big news is that it will only be offered in flagship Abarth guise.
Available from local Abarth showrooms from December, the stylish new Abarth 124 Spider will be priced at R649 900. This, we can hear you say, is rather steep for a vehicle based on the Mazda MX-5, which is offered in South Africa for around R200 000 less. But a direct comparison is probably unwise, as the Abarth 124 Spider is not only more powerful and faster, but also loaded with features, some of which is not even available on the Mazda – the only option offered for the Abarth is metallic paint (R4 500).
Focus on Performance
The Abarth's 1.4-litre turbo engine promises sizzling performance to match the racy looks.
Unlike the Mazda MX-5, which makes use of a 2.0-litre, naturally aspirated engine that delivers 118 kW and 200 Nm of torque, the Abarth 124 Spider has a turbocharged 1.4-litre powerplant under its long hood that punches out 125 kW and 250 Nm of twist. This gives the lightweight Abarth an appreciable turn of speed – Fiat claims a 232 kph top speed and a 0-100 kph time of 6.8 seconds (compared with 214 kph and 7.3 seconds for the MX-5).
Standard equipment includes the dual mode Record Monzda exhaust, which is said to be able to modify "the path of the exhaust gas according to the engine speed", to generate a "satisfying, deep sound." We can't wait to hear for ourselves…
Dynamic Prowess
The Abarth's suspension and steering have been tuned with enthusiast driving in mind.
The suspension set-up also appears to have been honed with sizzling dynamics in mind. The Mazda MX-5, a current Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – Powered by WesBank Fun Car finalist, is certainly a good starting point in that regard.
It features double wishbone front suspension and a five-arm multi-link arrangement at the rear. The 124 Spider also gets Abarth by Bilstein shock absorbers, specially calibrated springs and "oversized" anti-roll bars. The power steering system is said to have been given a specific sports calibration to optimise feedback and precision.
The Abarth 124 Spider features a Drive Mode Selector, which offers two different performance settings, selectable by means of a lever on the transmission tunnel: "Normal" and "Sport". The system is said to adapt the driving characteristics in various ways, including steering and throttle responsiveness, stability control thresholds and even the exhaust sound. Of course, the electronic nannies can also be switched off when you want to hit the track.
A standard mechanical self-locking differential is part of the deal, too.
All the toys
Thus far the Abarth 124 Spider sounds like quite an uncompromising sportscar, but the specification sheet appears to suggest that luxury, comfort and safety were also priorities.
Snug cabin is loaded with features and retains much of the MX-5's controls.
Let's start with the eye-catching visuals – Abarth spec means you get dramatic 17-inch Forgiato Grey alloy wheels as well as LED headlamps and taillights. Inside the snug cabin you get leather upholstery, heated seats, keyless start and the Sound Plus pack with its integrated infotainment system consisting of a 7-inch colour touchscreen and control knob on the transmission tunnel. A 9-speaker Bose sound system is fitted, and two USB ports, an Aux port and Bluetooth connection features are also included.
As is the case with the Mazda, opening and folding the double-layered soft-top is done manually and easily in seconds.
The Abarth 124 Spider will be sold with a 3-years/100 000 km warranty and maintenance plan. Five colours are offered: two pastel, "Turini 1975 White" and "Costa Brava 1972 Red", and three metallic, "Isola d'Elba 1974 Blue", "Portogallo 1974 Grey" and "San Marino 1972 Black".
The facelifted Volkswagen Up! launched in South Africa this week and we took it for a drive in Johannesburg. This is what we discovered…
The term “new” may be a tad overstated, but that shouldn’t undermine the value the facelifted Volkswagen up! presents buyers. In an economy of buy-downs and start-ups, the relevance of cars such as the Up! is immense. So much so, that the entry-level A-segment accounts for more than 50% of the sales in the new car passenger market. It’s a fact, small and affordable is in, big and expensive is out.
It’s hard to think that it's already been almost 2 years since the introduction of the Up! in South Africa. It was probably the strangest looking car in its class. It arrived at the right time though, because its launch coincided with what I like to call “the rise of the hipsters”. As a result, it’s boxy construction and edgy lines were welcomed by many and approximately 4 600 units have been sold locally. The up! has now powdered its nose for the "party of its life" and has come out looking ready for yet another rendezvous with its picky target market.
What’s changed?
The changes to the facelifted Up! have improved an already accomplished product offering.
Exterior changes on the Up! are subtle, but they don’t go unnoticed. The front-end features a new bumper and revamped headlights that now have LED daytime running lights. The nicest change, in my opinion, is the new rear lights, which are darker and more modern. They add a real space age look to an already modern-looking car. However, the interior is where you will notice the real change. In fact, if I happened to own a pre-facelift up! and stepped into the facelifted up!, I would experience what young people refer to as “FOMO” (Fear Of Missing Out).
The dashboard is also higher, making the car look more spacious and the new Composition range of radios look fantastic. In the Take up! you get the 3.1-inch display whereas the Move up! features the nicer 5-inch colour display. Both radios have Auxiliary and SD card readers but the 5-inch radio adds Bluetooth and USB functionality, which is a must have for most people. The up! is now also safer than before, as Volkswagen has made ABS, stability control and 4 airbags standard across the range.
More doors, more options, more fun
As slick as any 2-door car may look, you can't deny the fact that they are generally very impractical. The 5-door variant we drove had much more usable space and although the rear is still snug, it’s much easier to exit the vehicle gracefully. All Up! derivatives are available with 5-doors only and new derivatives are joining the range too. The Take Up! and Move Up! are available as usual, but there's also the newly added Cross Up!, and for the music lovers out there, the Up! Beats, both of which will be introduced in the first quarter of 2017.
The interior has been improved with new Composition entertainment systems and USB functionality.
The latter is a collaboration with Beats Audio, which is known for its stellar sound systems. The up! Beats will have a six-speaker sound system, topped off with a subwoofer in the spare wheel well. The exterior of the Up! Beats will also feature unique styling elements such as red or black accents for the mirrors and wheel caps. If you’re not into annoying your neighbors with a crazy sound system, you can opt for the Sound Plus Package in your standard Up!, which is much more sedate. There are other packages that may interest you, such as the Driver Package, which gives you cruise control, park distance control and a multi-function display. If you don’t want to freeze in the winter months, you can also have heated seats offered by the Winter Package.
Float like a butterfly
With its 3-cylinder, 1.0-litre engine producing only 55 kW, we can’t really say that the Up! stings like a bee. It does, however, float like a butterfly on the road with its nimble chassis and comfortable ride. The advantage of being “average height” (read short), meant that I could fit into the up! with ease. My driving partner didn’t share the same dimensions as me (read fat), but he too felt comfortable enough during our 150 kilometre trip in the facelifted Up!
The engine feels eager to push on, but it does fall short on long, uphill stretches of road. That doesn’t really matter though because the Up! is a city car. It’s meant to zip around town and tip-toe in narrow side streets, something it does very well.
The Volkswagen up! performs best in the city and offers good ride quality and zippy performance.
The customer profile for an Up! is also very different to that of a Polo Vivo. When it was first introduced to the local market, Volkswagen was concerned that the up! could potentially steal sales from the Vivo. This wasn’t the case at all, as the cars speak to different people, hence the introduction of the 5-door up! in South Africa. For that purpose then, it makes sense to improve the offering for that niche market through design changes and features that would appeal to an up! buyer.
Overall, the little “munchkin” is a cute little package that is affordable but can't be regarded as cheap because it’s a quality product from a reputable brand. With an attractive starting price, one understands why this market is flourishing over others. It’s great to know that even when budgets are tight, there are some great small cars, like the Up!, that are still within reach of many buyers looking for an attractive, quality offering.
Volkswagen Up! – Price in South Africa
1.0 MPI Take Up! (55kW) – R164 700
1.0 MPI Move Up! (55kW) – R178 300
1.0 MPI Up! beats (55kW) – R194 700
1.0 MPI Cross Up! (55kW) – R194 700
The Volkswagen Up! is sold with a 3-year/120 000 km warranty and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. Service plans are available as an option.
We prowled the deserted streets of Cape Town's industrial areas for a night in our jet black Focus RS, and found that when it comes to hot hatches, it's about more than just power.
The Focus RS has an engine and that engine produces 257 kW, or 350hp. That kind of power in a hot hatch is a lot, but the 2017 Focus RS enters a market where cars like the Mercedes-AMG A45 have 280 kW. The hot-hatch world has gone mad.
And so the RS has a few tricks up its sleeve to make up for the power deficit. A trick all-wheel drive system makes the most of the available grunt and clever driving modes set up the car to be increasingly hardcore, and there's even a drift mode.
