The popular Volkswagen Polo Vivo has a new member in its family. Meet the eye-catching special edition Polo Vivo Storm!
Since its launch back in March 2010, the locally made Volkswagen Polo Vivo has been a runaway success. The Polo Vivo has been a top-selling passenger vehicle in South Africa and to date, nearly 220 000 Vivo's have been sold. To further the success of the Polo Vivo, VWSA has now introduced a special edition Storm derivative to the local market and its based on the Polo Vivo 1.4i Trendline.
It looks much sportier than the standard Volkswagen Polo Vivo and features front foglights with chrome surrounds, black metallic 15-inch Tosa alloy wheels, glossy black side mirrors and black decals. Furthermore, the rear is completed with chrome-tipped double exhaust pipes. The cabin also receives a makeover and gets a two-tone dashboard, while the steering wheel, gear gaiter and hand brake lever are all in leather with grey stitching. The seats are covered in three-tone trim while the roof lining is coloured in anthracite adding to the visual appeal of the interior. Nice-to-have features include a CD/Radio with Bluetooth connectivity, SD Card, USB port and six speakers as standard.
Volkswagen Polo Vivo Storm Price in South Africa
Polo Vivo Storm retails for R189 700, including VAT and emission tax (February 2017).
Which is better: Volkswagen Polo Vivo or the Volkswagen Up?
2016 Chevrolet Trailblazer (2016) Specs & Price
The bakkie-based SUV market has been quite competitive since a new version of the Toyota Fortuner and an updated Ford Everest landed in South Africa. Not to be outdone, Chevrolet has facelifted its Trailblazer and adjusted the range's lineup. Here are the specifications and pricing of the new Chevrolet Trailblazer.
The Chevrolet Trailblazer is a 7-seater lifestyle SUV and for the 2017 model year, General Motors has reworked the range to now consist of five derivatives, including manual and automatic versions of the rear-wheel-drive 2.5-litre LT, rear- and four-wheel-drive automatic versions of the 2.8 LTZ and a new flagship in the shape of the Z71, which is a blinged-up version of the LTZ 4×4.
“The new Trailblazer brings together superior levels of refinement, styling, comfort and technology with class-leading performance and drivability to meet the versatile needs of increasingly discerning customers,” said Brian Olson, vice president vehicles sales, service and marketing General Motors Sub-Saharan Africa.
Quick facts
New 2.5-litre LT model is fitted with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Upgraded Duramax engine for this auto model rated at 132 kW and 440 Nm.
Improved management of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) reduces cabin noise by more than half (4 decibels).
Driver aids such as lane departure warning and blind spot alert for LTZ trim level models.
Bolder front end treatment with new bonnet and headlights and redesigned lower valance, while retaining the distinctive horizontal bar that splits the upper and lower grilles.
Next generation MyLink 2.0 multimedia interface, fully compatible with both Apple Carplay and Android Auto.
Daytime running lights (LED on the LTZ) for heightened visibility.
New LTZ Z71 flagship gets "blacked-out" wheels, door handles and mirrors along with a unique decal treatment.
Upgraded engines/technical specs
The Trailblazer engine range consists of 2 motors; a 2.5-litre turbodiesel and a 2.8-litre turbodiesel. The 2.5-litre now delivers 132 kW and 440 Nm when paired with an automatic transmission in the LT model. Chevrolet is claiming the 2.5-litre automatic Trailblazer will consume 8.6 L/100 km and it will accelerate from zero to 100 kph in 11 seconds. It has a limited top speed of 180 kph. The standard 2.5-litre turbodiesel motor does duty in the 2.5-litre LT when paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox. It produces 120 kW and 380 Nm, will take 11.8 seconds to reach 100 kph and is claimed to consume just 7.6 L/100 km.
The other engine is a 2.8-litre turbodiesel 4 cylinder with peak outputs of 144 kW and 500 Nm. Chevrolet claims that this 6-speed automatic Trailblazer will accelerate from zero to 100 kph in 10.4 seconds.
Meanwhile, the 2.5-litre manual has a tow rating of 2 515 kg, while the rest of the range can pull a braked trailer weighing up to 2 965 kg. The 4-wheel drive LTZ models are equipped low range transfer cases, with two-high, four-high, and four-low drive modes just a turn of a console dial away. Other changes include a new electronic power steering system, which is said to be smoother in feel and more responsive to inputs.
New MyLink infotainment system
The new infotainment system comes in the form of a second-generation MyLink that is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This system allows smartphone connectivity as well as USB and Bluetooth connections. One great feature of this is that phone-based navigation such as Google Maps can be displayed on the screen, while top-spec LTZ models feature built-in satnav.
Safety-wise, all derivatives are equipped with ABS with EBD and brake assist, HBFA (hydraulic brake fade assist), 7 airbags (including a driver's knee airbag), pre-tensioning seatbelts, ISOfix child seat anchors and front park assist. LTZ models benefit from the addition of Stabilitrak electronic stability/traction control, HDC (hill descent control), TSC (trailer sway control) and a rear-mounted camera parking assistance system, but now features forward collision alert, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and tyre pressure monitoring too.
In terms of after-sales backup, every derivative comes with a 5-year/120 000 km warranty as well as a 5-year/90 000 km service plan.
Chevrolet Trailblazer prices in South Africa
Trailblazer 2.5D LT 4×2 MT R464 000
Trailblazer 2.5D LT 4×2 AT R481 800
Trailblazer 2.8D LTZ 4×2 AT R552 800
Trailblazer 2.8D LTZ 4×4 AT R613 200
Trailblazer Z71 2.8D LTZ 4×4 AT R623 200
Is Mercedes-AMG Building a More Potent C63 Coupe? [Video]
Is Mercedes-AMG building a faster and more track-focused C63 Coupe in an effort to match the BMW M4 GTS? Check this video out.
The BMW M4 GTS is one very special machine. Take one standard M4 and imbue it with only the finest Motorsport kit, bolt on a mighty wing and crank up the power output, and the result is a devastatingly quick and agile track specialist's car. Right now it's peerless and for BMW's rivals, that just won't do. While Audi is some way away from launching an all-new RS5 Coupe, Mercedes-AMG has been developing a hotter, louder C63S Coupe at the Nurburgring. Rumours suggest it will have AMG C63 R designation, eliminating the possibility of a hardcore Black Series derivative.
This prototype certainly sounds the part, and just look at that rear wing! Much like the aerofoil that's bolted to the BMW M4 GTS, it'll provide masses of downforce at speed, which in turn increases stability. Let's not forget that cool factor associated with big spoilers either… In terms of powerplant, we know that the 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 motor can handle substantially more power as witnessed with the forthcoming AMG GT R.
That green monster produces 430 kW, while the standard C63S has 373 kW. You can expect a power increase as well as a noise increase on this new model and, at this stage, we'd estimate that this hotter C63 R will produce just under 400 kW. It would be encroaching on the forthcoming E63 AMG if it is pushing 400 kW and besides, it's rivals' outputs haven't yet matched those of the standard C63S'.
If this vehicle comes to fruition, you're likely to see it at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show.
The local introduction of the second-generation Volkswagen Tiguan was eagerly awaited. So, now that we've driven it, how does the newcomer fare in terms of refinement, features and practicality? Over to you, Juliet…
Cars.co.za Consumer Awards guest judge Juliet McGuire has made another video for Cars.co.za. She gets to grips with the smart-looking Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4 TSI 110 kW DSG with an R-Line kit and does a thorough assessment of how it drives and what the interior is like.
The Lexus GS has had some safety additions with the GS 350 F Sport no available with lane change assist, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.
Pricing:
Lexus GS 200t EX R745 200
Lexus GS 350 F Sport R854 700
The sporty-looking Lexus RC also gets a safety update with lane change assist and rear cross traffic assist as standard. There’s also a new wheel design for both models.
Pricing:
Lexus RC 200t EX R745 200
Lexus RC 350 F Sport R854 700
Honda has augmented its crossover/SUV line-up in South Africa with the introduction of the BR-V. Here are specifications and pricing for the newcomer…
With more consumers opting for SUVs and crossovers to meet their familial needs, a flurry of new products are on offer and Honda has now expanded its SUV offering with the launch of its BR-V. Until now, Honda has offered the larger CR-V and the mid-size HR-V in South Africa and the BR-V will now slot in below the HR-V, offering seating for up to 7 passengers. The BR-V is built on the same platform as the Mobilio MPV and Brio hatchback.
Exterior & interior styling
The exterior styling of the new BR-V includes Honda’s familiar chrome cross bar on the nose, accompanied by sleek-looking headlights. Being a small SUV, the BR-V features a raised ride height as well as front and rear bumper trim for added ruggedness. The BR-V is fitted with roof rails and 16-inch wheels are standard.
On the inside, the BR-V features a third row of seating that takes the maximum passenger capacity up to seven. Access is made easy with split seats that can be tumbled at the pull of a lever. Buyers can configure seating positions according to their passenger and luggage requirements and the BR-V is offered with three trim levels to choose from including Trend, Comfort and Elegance.
The BR-V in Trend trim offers air-conditioning, front and rear electric windows, keyless entry, four-speaker sound system, USB port and Bluetooth as standard.
The BR-V compact SUV is available in four colours including White Orchid, Urban Titanium, Alabaster Silver and Carnelian Red.
Engine Power
All BR-V derivatives are powered by the same four-cylinder 1.5-litre engine with 88 kW and 145 Nm of torque on offer. In terms of transmissions, buyers can choose between a 6-speed manual gearbox or opt for the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The CVT comes with steering-mounted shift paddles, allowing the driver to manipulate the CVT’s ratios.
Safety features for the BR-V include ABS and dual front airbags.
Look out for our Honda BR-V first drive report coming your way this week!
Pricing includes a 5-year/200 000 km warranty and 3-year Roadside Assistance. Comfort and Elegance models benefit from a 2-year/30 000 km service plan with services set at 15 000 km.
The new performance version of the Volvo S60 is now available in South Africa. We quite enjoyed the first-generation Polestar and much is expected of its smaller-engined successor. So, is it any good? We take the rapid Swede for a drive.
We like: Downsized engine delivers tremendous punch, easy to drive, looks the part, boasts respectable practicality and refinement.
We don’t like: We miss the old 3.0-litre 6-pot's noise, 8-speed ‘box is not as quick-shifting as modern twin-clutch units, S60 is showing its age
Alternatives
The S60 Polestar rivals products made by the German performance divisions, but at this price point there aren’t any M, AMG or RS sedans to choose from.
Something fast, but mainstream: The BMW 340i is the complete package. It’s fast, yet overwhelmingly competent in many departments.
Minus two doors, but stillturbo’d and all-wheel drive: The Audi TTS comes close to the performance nature of the Volvo S60 Polestar, but at the cost of a pair of doors. An S4 version of the A4 sedan is in the pipeline, however.
Fast and vociferous: Subaru has been at the 4-door, 4-wheel drive game for many a year and the latest Subaru WRX STI Premium is still a formidably quick machine. However, it appeals to a more "hardcore" clientele than the S60 Polestar.
With more Polestar badges than we could count, Rebel Blue Paint and big wheels, the S60 Polestar is unmissable
Herewith a brief history lesson. Volvo Motor Cars made an outright purchase of the Polestar Cyan Racing (which spearheads the Swedish marque's touring car exploits) and the expertise the team gained over the years was transferred to Volvo HQ. The idea is simple, take a standard S60 sedan, bolt on some performance parts, add a splash of vivid blue paint, as well as some Polestar badges and you land up with a performance product that is the poster child for Volvo's new division. It’s a crudely simplified tale; we don't mean to mock the tremendous work undertaken by Polestar to make the S60 the machine it is.
We’ve come to expect Volvo to continue being one of the leaders in the field of safety and we admire the Gothenburg-based firm's determination to keep people (drivers, passengers and pedestrians) safe on the roads, but what is this Polestar business? This is a new and very much welcome direction for Volvo and given how popular Audi’s Quattro, Mercedes’ AMG and BMW’s M divisions are, it makes perfect sense to target those brands' customer bases.
We’ve already had some experience with Polestar. Some of the team drove the Polestar-fettled C30 hatchback and we all had a go in the 2015 S60 Polestar sedan. Now the S60 Polestar has been updated and features numerous changes in the 2016 model.
How does it fare in terms of…
Performance?
2.0-litre turbocharged and supercharged engine produces excellent power and still happens to sound fruity
The previous-generation S60 Polestar’s motor was, for the lack of a better description, a guilty pleasure – the motor delivered 258 kW of 3.0-litre inline-six goodness courtesy of a big turbocharger. It made a wonderful and soulful noise, which dramatically increased in decibels when you stomped the accelerator while the car was in Sport mode. This new model does away with the six-pot and utilises a 4 cylinder motor instead. The new 2.0-litre Drive-E engine sounds like something from an eco-biased car, but the good people of Polestar have done substantial work to ensure the go matches the show.
This particular engine features turbocharging and supercharging; an engineering feat that attempts to negate the effects of turbo lag. Some would suggest that turbo lag was invented to give naturally-aspirated motors a chance, but if that’s the case, this new-generation motor annihilates them in terms of responsiveness. Polestar has imbued this engine with goodness in the form of a bigger turbocharger, improved intake system as well as a bigger exhaust. It all translates into big numbers for a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. How does 270 kW and 470 Nm grab you? That’s just 10 kW shy of AMG’s claim of most powerful production 2.0-litre engine (in the A45 and CLA 45)…
Interestingly, those outputs fare well compared to the previous model and Volvo claims its new Polestar will hit 100 kph from standstill in 4.7 seconds. After activating launch control, it shot out of the blocks, but didn’t feel that quick – we’d estimate it’ll dispatch the sprint in about 5.5 seconds in general conditions.
Acceleration sprints are just a tiny part of a performance vehicle’s repertoire and the S60 Polestar is not a one-trick pony. One of the other key changes is the transmission. The old 6-speed automatic has been replaced by a new 8-speed transmission with shift paddles. The steering and brakes have also been revised and you’ll appreciate how well the Polestar turns in. You can even adjust the weighting of the steering, which should please driving enthusiasts.
Ride and handling?
Franschhoek Pass + Volvo S60 Polestar = Fun with a capital F.
As a source of daily transport, the S60 Polestar is composed. The ride quality is firm, but not bone-jarringly hard, the throttle response lively, but not hypersensitive, and the transmission shifts prudently in Normal driving mode. The real test, however, awaited in the mountains and we took the S60 Polestar out to the Franschhoek Pass – a ribbon of road well frequented by performance machines – where we engaged Sport mode and unleashed the Volvo…
First thought? The brakes are very potent and inspire you to lean on the anchors. Second thought? The chassis and steering are tuned for the average driver. This is a vehicle that is satisfying to drive at a moderately brisk pace; it looks fast, feels fast and you're thoroughly entertained without needing to achieve breakneck speeds. It’s one of those rare vehicles that will encourage and flatter the novice, while impressing those familiar with performance driving.
The marketing material for the newcomer makes excessive mention of racing heritage and Volvo’s own racing drivers are said to have a hand in its development. "Racing people" prioritse hard suspension and stiff chassis setups and, yes, the 60 Polestar has those, but they’re not harsh enough to make you feel any discomfort. At one point, we had 3 passengers on board and all commented on how comfortable the S60 Polestar was on the open road.
New alloy wheels and big brakes can be found in the Volvo S60 Polestar. Braking power is excellent
The key thing is here is to utilise the S60 Polestar's Sport mode. The vehicle has enough on-demand grunt when in Normal mode, but to get the best out of the Polestar, you’ll need to flick the transmission level to the left (when in Drive) to engage Sport, when then the car instantly becomes livelier/far more responsive. Furthermore, the noise emanating from the exhausts is a lot more pronounced and if you’re listening carefully during hard acceleration, the whine of the supercharger and whistle of the turbocharger are distinct. Change gears with the paddles and lovely dull artillery-like thuds can be heard.
Polestar badging and blue stitching are striking, but there's no hiding the aged S60 cabin and dashboard
Features?
Volvo has done a stellar job with its S60 Polestar in terms of packaging and features. Some highlights include heated sports seats for all four passengers, a heated steering wheel for those cold winter mornings, satellite navigation, Harmon Kardon audio system and adaptive cruise control.
The safety aspect of the Volvo has not been ignored either. The derivative features 6 airbags and most of the brand's safety system acronyms than you can think of. Blind spot information system and Cross traffic alert are 2 features that we really appreciated.
The cabin is a tidy place to be. While the dashboard and infotainment cluster is clearly from the long-serving S60, there are some sporting touches in the form of blue stitching and Alcantara. The boot is generously sized and will take a fair amount of cargo.
The interior is a nice place to be with a focus on safety and comfort. Heated seats all round and a heated steering wheel will be ace in Winter.
Verdict
The newer Volvo S60 Polestar makes an interesting case for itself. While the South African market is limited to just 45 examples, there’s something so exotic and desirable about a fast Volvo – an enthusiast who manages to bag one will not be dissatisfied. Volvo is one of those brands that isn’t actively trying to snaffle its rivals' customers. Sure, the Polestar has enough going for it to entice them, but most clients will be from a pool of existing Volvo owners.
The Volvo S60 Polestar is refreshingly different and the Swedes are to be applauded for making something which offers performance and sensibility in one well-rounded package. At R749 500 and with these low volumes, the Volvo S60 Polestar is never going to trouble the likes of BMW, Audi or Mercedes-Benz. It’s a great platform from which to build the performance arm of Volvo and if the on-track successes of Polestar Cyan Racing are anything to go by, we’re going to be seeing some seriously fast and entertaining Polestars in the coming years. Just do us all a favour and make sure you get a blue one, okay?
Isuzu has introduced the facelifted KB to the South African market and we spent 6 days in the harsh Namib Desert to put the KB through its paces.
The launch of the facelifted Isuzu KB took place in Walvis Bay, Namibia last week. The area around Walvis Bay and Swakopmund are known worldwide for their vast sand dunes and some of the largest sand dunes on earth are found here. The terrain is unforgiving, providing the ultimate proving ground for 4×4 enthusiasts. How well did the Isuzu KB fare in these challenging conditions? Read on to find out.
The facelifted KB poses near an abandoned ruin somewhere in Namibia.
Much of the changes to the 2016 Isuzu KB are cosmetic and looking at the KB you will notice a newly designed grille, bonnet and fog lamps. The KB also features projector headlights with integrated LED Daytime Running lights and at the rear you will find a newly designed tailgate (extended cab and double cab only) with the rear parking camera now positioned next to the tailgate handle. The rear parking camera is fitted as standard on all LX double cab derivatives and newly designed 18-inch alloy wheels are also fitted as standard.
The facelifted Isuzu KB offers enhanced styling and revised suspension for improved ride quality.
On the inside, changes are limited to a new instrument cluster that now features improved functionality and incorporates a gear shift indicator for manual derivatives. Additional live surround sound speakers are also fitted to enhance the sound quality delivered by the sound system.
Isuzu has also revised the suspension of the KB to deliver a smoother ride and Hi-Rider 4X2 models feature new front and rear dampers while 4X4 models benefit from revised rear dampers.
Engines and transmissions
The engine and transmission offering remains unchanged and buyers have the choice between a 100 kW/320 Nm 2.5-litre or 130 kW/380Nm 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine .The top-of-the-range 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine is claimed to consume 7.9 L/100 km for 4×4 double cab and extended cab models, while 7.7 L/100 km is claimed for the KB 4×2 versions.
There are also two workhorse models on offer (250 Base Single Cab and 250 Fleetside single cab) and they are powered by a four-cylinder 2.5-litre diesel engine developing 58 kW and 170 Nm of torque with a claimed fuel consumption figure of 7.9 l/100 km.
In terms of transmissions, a 5-speed automatic is available on KB300 LX double cab and extended cab derivatives only, while a 5-speed manual transmission is available across the KB range.
Isuzu KB conquers Namibia
The Isuzu KB proved to be more than capable in tough conditions in the Namib Desert.
Upon arrival at Walvis Bay airport, the media contingent were briefed and introduced to the facelifted KB. The KB launch fleet included 4×4 LX double cabs and 4×4 LX extended cabs in both manual and automatic guises.
We started our journey in the KB 4×4 LX extended cab and the launch route took us south of Walvis Bay to an area known as Rooibank, where we ventured into the sand dune belt found there. The Isuzu KB 4×4 derivatives are equipped with a rotary dial on the centre console that allows the driver to easily switch between 2H, 4H and 4L, depending on the driving situation. In the sand dunes and in most cases, 4H was adequate and 4L was only required in extreme situations. A rear differential lock can also be engaged when it’s required.
The rotary dial in the Isuzu KB allows for easy selection of driving modes for various conditions.
If you are driving in the desert, you are bound to get stuck but with knowledge and applying the correct techniques, you can recover in most cases, even if the situation looks dire. We were mightily impressed with the KB’s ability to navigate the tricky (and often) soft sand without much hassle at all.
The next day took us along the coast south of Walvis Bay in the KB 4×4 LX double cab where we were met with even larger, daunting dunes. The KB convoy progressed slowly as all the vehicles had to navigate the challenging dunes before moving on. Driving skills were put to the test and many vehicles got stuck as a result of drivers making ill-judged gear changes in the manual derivatives. That said, the automatic transmission was much easier to drive on the sand, whereas the manual transmission required perfect timing to prevent losing momentum.
Positives and negatives
The Isuzu KB was able to carry a variety of items, including surfboards, luggage and filming equipment.
We also spent additional time in Namibia exploring the coast in search of waves suitable for surfing. We had two KB 4×4 LX double cabs that were used to transport surf gear and filming equipment. The crew was hugely impressed by the capability and comfort offered by the Isuzu KB.
The crew found the following features useful:
The infotainment system is comprehensive and offers navigation, internet, smartphone integration and other multimedia features via a 6.5-inch touchscreen. The crew particularly enjoyed watching their surfing footage after the surf using the SD card slot.
-= Navigation is standard on the KB 4×4 LX double cab and the infotainment system is comprehensive.
With the additional live surround speakers installed in the KB, the audio system' sound quality was good and the crew enjoyed pumping their favourite music tracks as we traversed the desert in search of waves.
With its improved suspension setup, the Isuzu KB delivered a good ride quality; the crew found the KB easy and comfortable to drive on tar.
The Isuzu KB proved to be quite spacious and managed to transport 7 crew members with luggage, film equipment and surfboards with relative ease. The load bay in the KB is large enough to carry bulky and long objects, such as surfboards.
The crew found the following things somewhat annoying:
The sticky doors – for the duration of the trip, there was almost always a door that wasn’t closed properly, which proved to be an annoyance, particularly for the driver. You have to use some force to close the doors properly.
The USB/Aux inputs – the USB and auxiliary covers are difficult to open without long nails or a sharper object and this caused frustration among the crew. A cover with a raised edge would have provided easier access to the USB and auxiliary ports.
Summary
The KB 4×4 LX double cab comes well-specced and is competitively priced against its rivals.
The Isuzu KB proved its capability in harsh and often compromising situations and more importantly, it delivered a smoother ride on tar thanks to its revised suspension. The stylistic changes have also emboldened the overall design of the KB and we feel the KB actually looks quite aggressive and confident. In terms of features, the KB is well-equipped and we like the fact that navigation is offered as standard on the KB 4×4 LX double cab derivatives, something its rivals don't offer.
Critics may be inclined to criticise the KB for its seemingly dated interior design, but the reality is that the interior is well-built and capable of withstanding lots of abuse. More than this, the Isuzu KB 3.0 4×4 LX double cab is now offered with electrically adjustable leather seats, a tow bar, sports bar and roof rails as standard while beating the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok on price. We think the Isuzu KB is a solid offering that’s worth consideration if you are looking for a capable and reliable double cab 4×4. It never let us down…
The Isuzu KB300 4×4 LX double cab automatic is priced from R563 500 and is sold with a new standard 5-year/120 000 km, 5-year/ 90 000 km service plan, 5-year/120 000 km roadside assistance and 5-year/unlimited mileage anti-corrosion warranty. Service intervals are set at 15 000 km.
Look out for our Isuzu KB in Namibia video coming your way soon!
The prestigious 2017 World Car Awards has kicked off with the announcement of all nominations in 5 categories at the Paris Motor Show.
The World Car Awards (WCA) organisation used the Paris Motor Show as a platform to reveal the nominations of the 2017 WCA programme. 73 International motoring journalists, including Cars.co.za's Hannes Oosthuizen, the only South African representative, will now have until February to evaluate as many of the vehicles as possible, before voting to determine the Top 10 in each of the World Car of The Year, World Luxury Car of the Year and World Performance Car of the Year categories. Experts will also nominate the top five in each of the World Green and World Design categories.
The top 10 finalists in the major categories will be announced in February, with the identities of the top 3 in each category to be revealed by KPMG at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2017 before the winners are announced New York International Auto Show in April.
World Car of the Year
In total 22 vehicles are in the running for this prestigious, overall award. The current World Car of the Year is the Mazda MX-5. The nominations for 2017 are;
The nominations in these two categories have been pooled. The current World Luxury Car of the Year is the BMW 7 Series and the reigning World Performance Car of the Year is the Audi R8 Coupe.
The current World Green Car of the Year is the Toyota Mirai (hydrogen fuel-cell car).
Audi Q7 e-tron 3.0 TDI quattro
BMW 740e iPerformance
Chevrolet Bolt
Chevrolet Malibu hybrid
Honda Clarity Fuel-Cell Car
Hyundai Ioniq
Kia Niro hybrid
Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e plug-in hybrid
Tesla Model X
Toyota Prius Prime
Toyota RAV4
World Car Design of the Year
All the World Car of the Year entries automatically are also considered for this award, but an addition is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet. The current World Car Design of the Year is the Mazda MX-5.
Once the darlings of small families, the market for so-called C-segment sedans has been eroded by the rise of the compact crossover. But… there are still good cars on offer in this segment, so if you're not too concerned about automotive fashion and the perceived advantages of a higher seating position, the following models still warrant attention. Plus… there are several attractive newcomers in the pipeline.
For the purpose of this article we have concentrated on the medium-sized sedan market. The cars competing here occupy a difficult niche between cheaper, smaller and less sophisticated offerings, and the entry-level versions of the premium brands – not to mention various crossovers competing at the same price level. Our popularity ranking is based on sales figures provided by Lightstone.
Not so long ago, however, this segment was big business, with the likes of the Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Jetta and Opel Astra being arguably the most prevalent on our roads. These days the sales volume are significantly lower, but the Corolla and Jetta still rule the roost, with the Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cruze and Mazda3 rounding up the top 5. Let's have a closer look at what's on offer…
Toyota Corolla
With more than 3 700 units sold in the first 8 months of the year, the Corolla is still SA's favourite C-segment sedan.
With a range that includes 1.3-, 1.6- and 1.8-litre petrol engines, as well as a 1.4-litre turbodiesel, the Corolla line-up is extensive. If you need an automatic derivative, however, you'll have to settle for either the 1.6 Prestige or 1.8 Exclusive. The local market favourite is the 1.6 Prestige (manual), with the CVT-equipped version being in the runner-up position.
In its latest guise, and keeping in mind the target audience, the Corolla remains hard to fault — the cabin is well made and even offers a "dash" of style. Rear legroom is very good and the boot capacious (though not as large as the Jetta's).
Toyota doesn't offer more fashionable turbopetrols, so the naturally aspirated 1.6-litre engine does feel a little flat-footed in some circumstances, and also can't compete (on paper at least) with the fuel economy claimed for some rivals. In reality, however, it is clear that South Africans are not too concerned about this, and may actually prefer the fuss-free long-term reliability that is likely on offer here.
The Jetta offers upmarket finishes and a very spacious cabin and boot.
As is the case with most Volkswagen models, the Jetta is positioned slightly more upmarket than its perceived mainstream rivals. It is offered in South Africa with a large variety of powertrain and specification options, starting with a relatively sparsely equipped (and the only naturally aspirated model) 1.6-litre Conceptline. The top-seller in the line-up is the 1.4-litre Comfortline, which offers a good blend of power and economy as well as features. The DSG-equipped variant of the 1.4 Comfortline is also a strong seller locally. If you wish to prioritise fuel economy, then either of the 1.6- or 2.0-litre turbodiesel models will suffice. The latter is only offered in flagship Highline specification and coupled with the DSG transmission.
The Jetta is one of the larger cars in this segment and it shows inside, where there is stretch-out space for rear passengers as well as one of the biggest boots (510 litres) in this class.
The Ford Focus is competitively priced and good to drive.
Refreshed last year and now featuring a lineup of exclusively turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, the Focus is South Africa's third most popular sedan in this segment. The extensive line-up is powered by Ford's award-winning EcoBoost petrol engines (in 1.0- and 1.5-litre guises) as well as a very economical 1.6-litre turbodiesel. Only the petrol engines are available with an automatic transmission. The top-seller is the entry-level 1.0T Ambiente, which is comparatively sparsely equipped, but Ford's options are extensive and not that exorbitantly priced.
The Focus sedan is a little more compact than its rivals from Toyota and Volkswagen, and consequently is marginally less spacious with a smaller – but still very capacious – boot (421 litres).
One of the most underrated cars on the local market, the Cruze is a solid all-rounder.
Based on the previous-generation Opel Astra, the sedan remains a challenger in this segment courtesy of its solid build, extensive features and value-for-money pricing. The line-up is fairly limited, however, with only a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, or a 1.4-litre turbopetrol on offer. The latter impresses with its power and efficiency but it is the base-model 1.6 L that is the top seller. The flagship model is the 1.4T LS, coupled with an automatic transmission. If you can stretch your budget to the LS, we'd highly recommend the more powerful, more frugal 1.4T LS model, especially as it is less than R10 000 more than the similarly equipped 1.6-litre derivative.
Stylish and well made, the Mazda3 is seen as a more upmarket alternative.
Rounding out our top 5 is the recently refreshed Mazda3. This stylish sedan prioritises premium finishes and sophisticated design and represents arguably the most aesthetically pleasing of the contenders. Mazda persists with its naturally aspirated engines, whereas most rival brands have moved to turbopetrols.
Nevertheless, using the brand's SkyActiv technologies, the Mazda3's engines (both in 1.6- and 2.0-litre guises) are reasonably frugal. The market favourite is the 1.6 Dynamic, with the automatic derivative of this model in second place. Dynamic specification appears to hit the sweet spot in terms of features, boasting such items as cruise control, auto lights, rain-sensing wipers, leather upholstery and 6 airbags. It does, however, lack an electronic stability system.
Compared with its main rivals, the Mazda3's design does compromise interior space to some degree, and the boot is the smallest of the top 5 sellers, though probably still big enough for most, measuring in at 408 litres.
The new Honda Civic has moved upmarket in terms of specification and technology, and also price.
A number of rival vehicles are offered in South Africa, including the underrated Kia Cerato, Nissan Sentra and aging contenders from Hyundai (Elantra) and Opel (Astra sedan). Looking ahead, you can expect new or updated offerings to come from Chevrolet (all-new Cruze), while Hyundai is yet to confirm its new Elantra for South Africa. Already on sale is the new Honda Civic – an appreciably more upmarket offering than its predecessor – while you may also want to consider a vehicle such as the spacious and decently specified Suzuki Ciaz at a lower price point. The latter is a bit light on safety spec (only 2 airbags and no ESP), but most of the mod-cons are accounted for.
