Subaru has revealed a teaser image showing its new XV compact crossover due to make an appearance at the upcoming 2017 Geneva Motor Show.
Blending a sporty and rugged design, the new Subaru XV is based on the XV Concept shown last year and the production version will be showcased in March at the Geneva Motor Show.
The second generation XV will feature a new headlight and taillight design, as well as a new wheel design and a sportier silhouette with more pronounced body lines. Overall, the design is still recognisably similar to the outgoing model.
In terms of engines, the new XV will be powered by a revised 2.0-litre Boxer engine, the same engine currently found under the XV’s bonnet. Official outputs and specification have yet to be revealed. Subaru’s latest Eyesight assistant technology and Starlink infotainment system is also expected to feature in the new XV.
Subaru South Africa has confirmed that the new XV is expected to arrive in South Africa in July 2017.
Vehicle Sales: Stormy 2016 bodes well for sunny 2017
Increased consumer confidence and a period of political stability, allied with a gradual strengthening of the rand, should see the vehicle retail market improve in 2017, but the news won't be good for everyone… Expect more OEMs to bite the dust and the rising cost of crude oil to impact on motorists' spending power…
If there was ever a theme song for South Africa, not least its vehicle market, it would surely be Gloria Gaynor's disco-era standard: “I Will Survive.”
Consider that in 2016 we've seen charges against Finance Minister Gordhan Pravin dropped, a credit rating downgrade to junk status escaped (if only just), increased vehicle exports, and the first faint twitchings of economic recovery. But more about that a little later…
The naysayers, of course, have had a field day. The rand has had a bumpy ride and consumer inflation has hit close to 7%, although for a punch-drunk public it feels a lot higher.
And in the motoring world, it was a bit of a bloodbath thanks to double-digit car price increases, a volatile rand and anaemic consumer confidence. Compared with 2015, passenger vehicle sales were down by 12.4%, the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa reported. Total vehicle sales for the year, meanwhile, declined by 11.4%.
'Affordable wheels, now!'
But that's better – if only a little bit better – than the 12% decline predicted by WesBank, while used cars sales are up almost 10% over 2015 figures. Consumers want affordable wheels, and they want them now.
“Consumers continue to battle with affordability in the new market. This is most evident in the premium segments, where sales have fallen markedly,” says WesBank's Rudolf Mahoney. “The majority of these premium models are imported and have been heavily impacted by the poor performance of the rand. These customers are either downgrading and buying more affordable models from mainstream brands, or moving to the used market.”
Exactly! In 2016 we also saw one OEM leave our shores, namely Citroen. Despite fielding good product matched with good after-sales service, and generally good reviews from the motoring media, its sales were fractional. It won't stop with Citroen either.
Expect more OEMs to close shop
The South African motoring market is horribly overtraded. Despite being minnow-sized by global standards with a total of around 100 000 cars sold a year, some 50 vehicle manufacturers and importers have an official presence in South Africa. Most of them field a bewildering array of models.
To survive the local auto industry needs to be lean and mean, and as heartless as it might sound, to make the car market viable a several of those 50 brands need to go, and go they will. Common sense will prevail. It almost always does.
Signs of a recovery
Meanwhile, already the first tentative signs of a market recovery are noticeable. From around March 2017, I expect a combination of increased consumer confidence, and less political interference to mean vehicle sales growth of 5 to 8% – all helped by a rand that I anticipate hitting R12 to the dollar around the second quarter.
A lot of this sales growth will be in the budget segment. Consumers will still be reeling a little, and with OPEC and its oil-producing allies having essentially turned the taps to a trickle, fuel prices will increase. It might not seem like it, but at under $50 a barrel oil prices have been artificially low. A lot of us forget that prior to mid-2014, the black stuff was at over $100 a barrel.
As it starts to claw back to that level, we're going to pay more at the pumps, with an increase already scheduled for the end of December.
Plus as the government scrabbles to raise funds for everything from a bloated public service bill to a vast social welfare system, I wouldn't be in the least surprised if yet another Fuel Levy is added. As it is around 35% of the cost of every litre of fuel is allocated to different government levies. So frugal, fuel-sipping cars will become yet more popular in 2017.
A proud history of pulling off miracles
If any of this sounds overly optimistic or rosy, remember: South Africa has a long and proud history of pulling off miracles, from the largely peaceful 1994 elections – which now seem like a different lifetime – to the 2010 World Cup. The list is long.
And not only will this great and glorious country survive 2017, but it will thrive.
So, let me stick my neck out and go against the educated economists, who in my humble opinion are better weather forecasters, and predict a R12-to-the-Dollar exchange rate.
Hairdressers are more trusted at forecasting weather than lawyers, sangomas, economists, bankers, journalists, politicians and used car salesmen. Even my hairdresser reckons I am being too modest! What do you think?
While the South African car industry is currently under pressure and analysts are predicting some smallers brands could leave the country, GWM looks set to finally launch its Haval SUV brand soon.
The smaller import brands operating in South Africa have had a tough time of late, with currency fluctuations and rising costs from their manufacturing plants playing havoc with their price positioning. Great Wall Motors (GWM) is one of the brands that have suffered, but following the recent news that it is planning a relaunch of sorts with a revised Steed pick-up line-up, it now looks set to introduce its more upmarket Haval SUV brand in South Africa, too.
This bold step is scheduled to happen in May, but the Chinese importer appears to have changed its launch strategy. The higher-end H6, H8 and H9 models will not be part of the product mix initially, as suggested earlier, with only the smaller H1 and H2 likely to arrive in South Africa this year to compete in the super-competitive compact crossover segment.
Haval H2
Shown here in Australian right-hand drive specification, the H2 offers a neat, modern cabin.
The Haval H2 is slightly smaller than a Nissan Qashqai and is most likely going to face rivals such as the Ford EcoSport, Renault Captur and the newly crowned Compact Family Car of the Year, Suzuki Vitara, on the price lists. Overseas a wide variety of personalisation options are offered, but at this point we're not sure to what extent this will be the case in South Africa.
The derivative most likely to be sold here will be powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine that delivers 110 kW and 210 Nm of torque, coupled with 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions. Haval claims a combined cycle consumption figure of 8.2 L/100 km for the 4×2 manual. A 4×4 derivative is offered in Australia, but high cost might prohibit that from being sold here.
If local cars mirror Australian specification, they are also likely to feature items such as cruise control, rear-view cameras, leather upholstery and a high-definition touch-screen infotainment system.
Haval H1
Looks familiar, doesn't it? The GWM M4 will morph into the Haval H1, soon.
The second (and most affordable) Haval model that will arrive in South Africa this year is actually not new at all. The H1 is a rebadged GWM M4, which currently sells for less than R200 000. Its introduction also means that the GWM logo will in future most likely only be applied to bakkies in South Africa, while Haval will cater for all passenger vehicles. The likelihood of the reintroduction of the C30 and C50 sedans locally appears remote.
The M4/H1 is powered by a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine that delivers 71 kW and 135 Nm of torque. It is not the most spacious of the compact crossovers, but does offer good standard specification and stylish looks.
The H1 will mechanically be identical to the outgoing M4, and only features a few cosmetic changes inside and out.
For more information on the M4 / H1, watch our video below.
Winners: 2016/17 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank
The 2016/17 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards programme – powered by WesBank – concluded with the announcement of the thirteen best-considered new purchases in their respective categories of the South African new vehicle market, as well as the overall Brand of the Year, on 19 January 2017.
Established to be the most prestigious, credible and influential awards programme in the South African motor industry, the second iteration of Cars.co.za Consumer Awards was distinguished by two significant factors: it was backed by the biggest provider of vehicle finance in South Africa and, in conjunction with the 13 judges’ scores, the findings of the Cars.co.za’s Owner Satisfaction Survey (in association with Lightstone Consumer) had a substantial (50%) weighting on the final results, excluding the Brand of the Year award, which was based entirely on the Survey data.
The winners are:
Premium Hatchback of the Year – Volkswagen Golf GTI DSG
First Class Car of the Year – BMW 750Li Design Pure Excellence
Leisure Double-cab of the Year – Ford Ranger 3.2 Wildtrak 4×4 Auto
Executive Sedan of the Year – Jaguar XF 25t Portfolio
Premium SUV of the Year – Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine Inscription
Business Class of the Year – Audi A4 2.0T FSI Sport S tronic
Compact Family Car of the Year – Suzuki Vitara 1.6 GL+
Fun Car of the Year – Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport DSG
Lifestyle SUV of the Year – Land Rover Discovery Sport TD4 S
Compact Hatchback of the Year – Opel Corsa 1.0T Enjoy
Budget Car of the Year – Suzuki Celerio 1.0 GL
Performance Car of the Year – BMW M2 M-DCT
Family Car of the Year – Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4 TSI Comfortline DSG
Brand of the Year – Suzuki
Cars.co.za’s awards programme has a multi-faceted judging process, based on inputs from seven members of the experienced editorial team and six respected guest jurors drawn from specialist fields. The combined jury allocated scores to the three finalists in each category based on their assessments from two test days (on which available vehicles were compared back-to-back).
Once the judges’ scores were tallied and audited, the brand-specific data from the Cars.co.za Owner Satisfaction Survey, which incorporates feedback from thousands of South African new vehicle owners, based on their experiences of their vehicles (must be less than five years old and serviced through franchised outlets), was factored in for the purpose of calculating the final results.
The prestigious Brand of the Year award, however, was determined solely by brands’ ratings in the Cars.co.za’s Owner Satisfaction Survey (in association with Lightstone Consumer), which was compiled from thousands of surveys completed between September 2015 and December 2016. Consumers rated the brands in terms of: after-sales service, overall ownership experience and sales processes of its dealerships. Changes in market share were also factored into the final standings.
Highlights from the 2016/17 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank
Volkswagen dominated with 3 category wins: Premium Hatchback, Family Car and Fun Car
BMW and Suzuki won two categories each; it was the first awards garnered by the Japanese brand, which also succeeded Toyota as the overall Brand of the Year for 2016/17.
The Cars.co.za Owner Satisfaction Survey had a big impact on the programme; it determined the final results in three of the categories
The Volkswagen Golf GTI DSG, Land Rover Discovery Sport and Volvo XC90 defended their titles, although the latter two won with different derivatives than in 2015/16.
Certificates of merit were awarded to other brands that finished in the Top Five rankings of the Cars.co.za Owner Satisfaction Survey: Audi, BMW, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz and Toyota.
Complete list of winners
Premium Hatchback of the Year
Volkswagen Golf GTI DSG
In order to have been eligible for this category, contenders had to meet the following criteria: had to be a C-segment hatchback/crossover with a list price of between R350 000 and R500 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting (September 1 2016), including the cost of any of the following features (if they were optional): electronic stability control, dual front, side and curtain airbags. The most important judging factors were: a balance of efficiency and performance, practicality, brand strength, design and quality appeal, ride/handling, safety, as well as in-car entertainment systems and connectivity.
“I’m not surprised the GTI defended its title. Given its blend of occupant comfort, premium features and finishes, plus driving enjoyment, it has a maturity that other hot hatches lack.” — David Taylor
Runners-up: BMW 120i 5-dr M Sport Auto, Mercedes-Benz A220d Style Auto
First Class Car of the Year
BMW 750Li Design Pure Excellence
In order to have been eligible for this category, contenders had to meet the following criteria: a list price of more than R1 million at the time of semi-finalist voting (September 1 2016). The most important judging factors were: powertrain technology, luxury features, brand prestige and exclusivity, design and quality appeal, driving dynamics, ride comfort and overall refinement.
“The BMW 750Li Pure Design Excellence was a more than worthy winner in a category filled with equally impressive machines. The new age technology found in the car, coupled with its dashing good looks and presidential appeal, set it apart.” — Francisco Nwamba
Runners-up: Mercedes-Benz S500e L, Range Rover SDV8 LWB Autobiography
Leisure Double-cab of the Year
Ford Ranger 3.2 Wildtrak 4×4 Auto
In order to have been eligible for this category, contenders had to meet the following criteria: had to be a double-cab bakkie with a turbodiesel engine and four-wheel drive, with a list price in excess of R450 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting (September 1 2016). The most important judging factors were performance, space and practicality, occupant comfort, all-surface ability and safety.
“The Ford Ranger 3.2 Wildtrak 4×4 Auto features attractive styling and excellent off-road capability that’s tough to beat in the leisure double cab segment.” — Gero Lilleike
In order to have been eligible for this category, contenders had to meet the following criteria: a D/E-segment sedan (or so-called four-door “coupé”) with a list price of between R750 000 and R1 000 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting (September 1 2016). The most important judging factors were: powertrain technology, brand strength, design and quality appeal, driving dynamics, technological features and occupant comfort.
“The Jaguar has an intrinsic elegance to it, which is reflected in its performance and driving experience. Its comfortable, refined cabin underlines its executive sedan status.” — Kojo Baffoe
Note: The Mercedes-Benz E220d Avantgarde received a zero score from the judges as a test vehicle was not provided for the evaluation days. The brand concerned accepts the decision as fair.
Premium SUV of the Year
Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine Inscription
In order to have been eligible for this category, contenders had to meet the following criteria: a list price of between R750 000 and R1 200 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting (September 1 2016) and it had to be a large SUV (or its crossover derivative) with all-wheel drive as a standard feature. The most important judging factors were powertrain technology, luxury features, brand strength, design and quality appeal, driving dynamics, space and practicality.
“The XC90 was a clear winner in this category. I loved its infotainment system and plethora of on-board technological features; the Volvo embodies a premium driving experience.” — Nafisa Akabor
Runners-up: Audi Q7 3.0 TDI quattro, Jaguar F-PACE 30d R-Sport
Business Class of the Year
Audi A4 2.0T FSI Sport S tronic
In order to have been eligible for this category, contenders had to meet the following criteria: a list price of between R500 000 and R750 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting (September 1 2016), including the cost of any of the following features (if they were optional): at least six airbags, as well as electronic stability control. The most important judging factors were powertrain technology, luxury, brand strength, design and quality appeal, driving dynamics and technological features.
“With the new A4, Audi has done the unexpected: it has turned the A4 into something that rivals its competitors in the bends. The newcomer’s interior quality is unrivalled in its class.” — Ashley Oldfield
Runners-up: BMW 330d M Sport sports-auto, Mercedes-Benz C250 AMG Line
Note: The Mercedes-Benz C250 AMG Line received a zero score from the judges as a test vehicle was not provided for the evaluation days. The brand concerned accepts the decision as fair.
Compact Family Car of the Year
Suzuki Vitara 1.6 GL+
In order to have been eligible for this category, contenders had to meet the following criteria: a list price of between R250 000 and R350 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting (September 1 2016), including the cost of any of the following features (if they were optional): ABS, electronic stability control, a minimum of four airbags, air-conditioning, split/folding rear seats and a service plan. The most important judging factors were: balance of fuel economy and performance, space and practicality, design and quality appeal, occupant comfort and safety features.
“The Vitara is an excellent all-rounder, with a level of practicality that you’d expect from a bigger SUV, as well as a smooth engine which delivers excellent fuel economy.” — Ciro de Siena
Runners-up: Nissan Qashqai 1.2 Visia, Renault Captur 1.5 dCi Dynamique
Fun Car of the Year
Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport DSG
In order to have been eligible for this category, contenders had to meet the following criteria: a list price of less than R600 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting (September 1 2016) to ensure that this category isn’t dominated by extravagant exotic vehicles. The most important judging factors were drivetrain engagement, entertaining handling, sensory appeal and the number of standard features.
“The Clubsport made me feel like I was at the wheel of ‘a racing car’. I loved its responsiveness, the exact reactions to driver inputs and, especially, the overall composure of the car.” — Khutso Theledi
Runners-up: Mazda MX-5, Mini John Cooper Works sports-auto
Lifestyle SUV of the Year
Land Rover Discovery Sport TD4 SE
In order to have been eligible for this category, contenders had to meet the following criteria: a list price of less of between R500 000 and R750 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting (September 1 2016), including the cost of any of the following features (if they were optional): electronic stability control, at least six airbags, split/folding rear seats, a minimum ground clearance of 180 mm and all-wheel drive capability. The most important judging factors in this category were performance, space and practicality, in-car entertainment systems, cabin comfort and all-surface ability.
“The Discovery Sport seems to have it all – a desirable badge, genuine off-road ability, a luxurious and well-made cabin and even excellent performance/efficiency.” — Hannes Oosthuizen
Runners-up: Ford Everest 3.2 4WD Limited, Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 4×4 Auto
Compact Hatchback of the Year
Opel Corsa 1.0T Enjoy
In order to have been eligible for this category, contenders had to meet the following criteria: a list price of between R160 000 and R250 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting (September 1 2016), including the cost of any of the following features (if they were optional): ABS, electronic stability control, dual front airbags, air-conditioning, USB/Aux audio support and a service plan. The most important judging factors were balance of fuel economy and power/performance, value for money, practicality, brand strength, design and quality appeal, ride/handling prowess and safety.
“The Corsa is just beautiful: It rides comfortably, yet it’s dynamic, corners confidently and is anything but sluggish. There is definitely an element of fun to the car; I could not fault it.”— Wendy Knowler
Runners-up: Honda Jazz 1.2 Comfort, Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TSI Comfortline
Budget Car of the Year
Suzuki Celerio 1.0 GL
In order to have been eligible for this category, contenders had to meet the following criteria: a list price of R160 000 or less at the time of semi-finalist voting (September 1 2016), including the cost of any of the following features (if they were optional): ABS and dual front airbags. The most important judging factors were: fuel economy, value for money, practicality and brand strength.
“Although the Celerio is not the most spacious car in its segment, its standard specification list is long, the engine feels surprisingly perky and Suzuki’s reputation counts for a lot.” — Mike Fourie
Runners-up: Renault Sandero Expression, Toyota Aygo 1.0 X-Play
Performance Car of the Year
BMW M2 M-DCT
In order to have been eligible for this category, contenders had to meet the following criteria: a list price of between R600 000 and R1 000 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting (September 1 2016) to ensure that the category isn’t dominated by exorbitantly expensive exotic cars. The most important judging factors were: driving engagement, handling, sensory appeal and standard features.
“The M2 is excellent. It’s so powerful that you’d expect it to become easily unhinged, but it’s beautifully composed. It’s certainly engaging to drive… it keeps a driver on their toes.” — Eddie Kalili
Runners-up: Ford Focus RS, Mercedes-AMG A45 4Matic
Note: The Mercedes-AMG A45 4MATIC received a zero score from the judges as a test vehicle was not provided for the evaluation days. The brand concerned accepts the decision as fair.
In order to have been eligible for this category, contenders had to meet the following criteria: an automatic-transmission vehicle with a list price of between R350 000 and R500 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting (September 1 2016), including the cost of any of the following features (if they were optional): ABS, electronic stability control, a minimum of six airbags, split/folding rear seats, air-conditioning and a service plan. The most important judging factors were: engine flexibility, fuel economy, space and practicality, design/quality appeal, comfort, safety and in-car entertainment.
“I favour practical cars and there’s so much to like about the Tiguan that I am tempted to buy one for myself. The Volkswagen exudes quality from design to finish and looks fantastic.” — Juliet McGuire
The prestigious Brand of the Year was determined solely by the manufacturers’ ratings in the Cars.co.za’s Owner Satisfaction Survey, allied with market share change and resale value statistics per vehicle brand (supplied by Lightstone Auto). This recognition of Suzuki Auto South Africa, parallels the feat achieved by its British counterpart, which was recognised as the “most improved organisation’ in The Institute of Customer Service’s annual UK Customer Satisfaction Index in 2016.
”Cars.co.za (in conjunction with Lightstone Consumer) has developed the fairest and most credible formula for determining the winner in this category. It is entirely data-driven, and entirely determined by what consumers and the market believe to be happening in South Africa. Although this result may come as a surprise, it mirrors Suzuki’s achievements in other markets.” — Hannes Oosthuizen
The Cars.co.za Consumer Awards judging process
For 2016/17, the award categories were updated to take into consideration new vehicle sales trends (such as the increased demand for small/compact crossovers, the buying public’s preference for SUVs over sedans and MPVs, as well as the introduction of several new and facelifted double-cab bakkies. The Cars.co.za editorial team considered each and every model in the new vehicle market — candidates were evaluated as individual models and not as parts of complete model line-ups. What’s more, candidates were eligible for an award irrespective of when they were launched.
During the first phase of judging, the editorial team (Ashley Oldfield, Ciro de Siena, David Taylor, Francisco Nwamba, Gero Lilleike, Hannes Oosthuizen and Mike Fourie) researched, analysed and debated each of the cars on sale in South Africa. Contenders were measured against predetermined “pillars of success” to determine if they were eligible for an award in their categories. Five finalists were selected in each of 13 categories.
For the second phase, the Cars.co.za editors completed comprehensive scoring sheets to assess the semi-finalists in terms specific criteria, such as interior comfort, performance, efficiency, packaging etc. The weightings of the criteria were adjusted to reflect the requirements of the target markets of each category. Once the scores were tallied, the finalists were trimmed to three in each category.
For the ultimate phase of the judging process, the Cars.co.za editorial team was complemented by six guest judges: Eddie Kalili (Group Digital Editor – Destiny, Destiny Man and Sawubona), Juliet McGuire (Editor – Women on Wheels), Khutso Theledi (YFM presenter/DJ/car spinner), Kojo Baffoe (journalist/writer/media strategist), Nafisa Akabor (tech journalist) and Wendy Knowler (consumer journalist – The Times). Branko Brkic (Editor – The Daily Maverick) was absent due to illness.
The combined jury was presented an opportunity to re-evaluate vehicles that were chosen as finalists for the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards at a two-day event at the Gerotek vehicle testing facility, north of Johannesburg. Each of the 13 judges was required to test the finalists (except for those that were unavailable) on the predetermined course before completing their respective scoring books (replete with the weighted criteria points system). In between their driving stints, the judges did exhaustive static evaluations of the cars’ packaging, build quality and interior features/
The test route comprised: a skidpan/gymkhana, 400 metre straight with emergency stop braking zone, a slalom course, emergency lane change test, a dynamic handling track and a variety of road surfaces to drive on, such as “Belgian” cobblestones, a ride and handling track up a mountain (for the road-biased vehicles) and a 4×4 course and sand pit (for appropriate 4×4 vehicles).
The results of the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by Wesbank, were verified by respected auditing firm KPMG.
The importance of incorporating consumer input
The fact that three models defended their Cars.co.za Consumer Awards titles that they won in the inaugural (2015/16) programme (two of them with different derivatives) underlines the quality of winning products and the sterling reputation of their manufacturers.
It must be noted, however, that the final results of three of the categories in the 2016/17 programme were determined by the findings of the Cars.co.za Owner Satisfaction Survey (as opposed to the cars that were favoured by the 13 judges).
About the event
The winners of the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards were announced at the Vodadome in Midrand on January 19 2017. The event was attended by approximately 300 guests including prominent South African motor industry executives, including representatives from vehicle manufacturers and importers, dealer groups, the finance sector, media agencies, social influencers and celebrities.
Comedian John Vlismas was the master of ceremonies and the awards (handcrafted car-key shaped trophies made from stainless steel, titanium, aluminium and acrylic) were handed over by the 13 judges as well as Cars.co.za CEO Ross McIlroy and WesBank CEO Chris de Kock.
Marketing guru Khaya Dlanga and Inês Jesus from Google Africa were guest speakers and entertainment was provided by Flash Republic. The event was digitally broadcast on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and, significantly, streamed live on Cars.co.za Youtube channel. The multi-platform broadcast allowed consumers, who are at the core of Cars.co.za’s awards programme, to actively participate in the event. Furthermore, the #CarsAwards hashtag was the top trending topic in South Africa on Twitter during — and immediately after — the event.
Visit http://www.carsawards.co.za for more information about the Consumer Awards, including the winners and finalists, and view images of the award recipients that were taken at the event.
About Cars.co.za
Leading online automotive retail portal Cars.co.za, which lists tens of thousands of new vehicles stocked by more than 1 000 vehicle dealers countrywide, delivers in excess of 30 million page views per month to more than a million unique users. Cars.co.za has a presence on multiple digital platforms and it’s ranked in the top 10 branded South African YouTube channels with 20 million views to date.
In 2015, Cars.co.za repositioned itself as a consumer champion by optimising its editorial content for the purposes of engaging and empowering its users. The recent Cars.co.za Consumer Satisfaction Survey, in association with Lightstone Consumer, and now the inaugural Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, underlines the company’s objective to become the most comprehensive resource available to South African vehicle buyers, so that they can make the most informed buying decisions.
Mercedes-Benz C220d Cabriolet (2016) Review
Does the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet deliver enough style, luxury and on-road comfort to tickle the imagination (and wallet) of the lifestyle-orientated buyer? We sampled the turbodiesel-powered C220d Cabriolet to find out…
We Like: Attractive styling, cruising ability, decent fuel consumption
For more power: Consider the BMW 430i Convertible priced from R792 076. It offers 185 kW and 350 Nm of torque courtesy of its 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine. Yes, it’s petrol-powered, but the Mercedes-Benz C220d Cabriolet is currently the only turbodiesel convertible/cabriolet on offer in SA, at least in this particular segment. Similarly, you can also look at the C300 Cabriolet with 180 kW and 370 Nm of torque developed from its 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine. It’s more pricey though, starting at R818 674.
New Audi A5/S5 Cabriolet is coming: The new Audi A5 and S5 Cabriolet will reach South Africa later this year. A range of petrol and diesel engines will be offered including a 185 kW 2.0-litre TFSI engine, a 140 kW 2.0-litre TDI and a 160 kW 3.0-litre TDI power unit, while a 3.0-litre TDI engine with 210 kW will power the S5 Cabriolet. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.
Browse the used car market – You can also find a suitable cabriolet on the used car market and Cars.co.za has a number of options available from Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi.
The C220d Cabriolet is stylish and garners a fair amount of attention on the road.
What is it?
Cabriolets are niche products that don’t sell particularly well in the local market and this is largely due to the fact that they aren’t that practical. They are often bought out of desire rather than necessity, which is hardly surprising if one considers that the Mercedes-Benz is historically renowned for producing some of the most memorable and desirable roadsters and cabriolets in the world, such as the 1957 300 SL, the1963 230 SL "Pagoda" Roadster and the 1972 "Panzerwagen" or "Bobby Ewing" SL, for example. Recently, after a four-decade hiatus, the S-Class Cabriolet returned.
Mercedes-Benz launched the new S-Class and C-Class Cabriolet models locally in the second half of 2016 and although the S-Class Cabriolet predictably stole the limelight with its ultra-luxurious finishes, technological wizardry and hefty price tag, we were interested to sample the more, shall we say, "mundane" C-Class Cabriolet to determine if it’s a segment leader. On test here is the C220d Cabriolet, the only turbodiesel model in the range alongside its petrol-powered C200, C300 and range-topping AMG C43 and AMG C63 stablemates. Let’s get to it then, shall we?
How does it fare in terms of…
Kerb appeal?
The AMG exterior styling package gives the C220d Cabriolet a more purposeful stance.
There’s something charming about the design of the C-Class cabriolet that will make your heart flutter as soon as you lay eyes on it. The combination of the lowered suspension (courtesy of the AMG package), long bonnet and attractive diamond grille and its coupe proportions gives the C220d Cabriolet graceful road presence. The rear-end design spurred some debate, with some onlookers referring to it as having "sagging bum", while others regarded the Benz's rump sumptuously sculpted. This C220d arrived at our offices donning an optional AMG Sports exterior design package with large 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels filling the wide wheel arches, giving it a more purposeful look over the standard 17-inch wheels.
With the electrically retractable fabric roof down, the C-Class Cabriolet becomes somewhat more sophisticated to the eye. The fabric roof is easy to retract (it can open and close in less than 20 seconds) and it’s neatly stored in its own compartment behind the rear seats.
Overall, we found the C220d Cabriolet to be stylish and the longing gazes it drew from the public seemed to affirm this sentiment.
Performance and ride quality?
The C220d Cabriolet offers good cruising ability but it lacks a degree of driving excitement.
The C220d Cabriolet is the more sedate offering in the range with 125 kW and 400 Nm of torque developed by its 2.1-litre turbodiesel engine. The rear wheels are driven through a 9-speed automatic transmission and mounted paddles behind the steering wheel lets you engage manual shifting when the urge arises. More so, you can toggle through a range of driving modes including Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual to suit your driving intentions.
If you are looking for outright performance, you won’t find it in the C220d Cabriolet. Full acceleration is neither as rapid nor eventful as its the C220d's sporty exterior might suggest it would be. Benz claims a leisurely 8.2 seconds in the sprint to 100 kph and the C220d seems to lack a degree of punch, even with Sport or Sport Plus mode engaged. It won’t make your heart skip a beat and it’s not particularly exciting to drive.
On the up side, the C220d Cabriolet excels at cruising. The car much rather prefers to be driven with more tact and there is ample power to execute overtaking manoeuvres as required. The automatic transmission is also quite smooth and unobtrusive in its gear selections, adding to a general sense of composure and comfort.
It must, however, be said that we were quite disappointed in the ride quality of this particular test unit. For a vehicle that should offer higher levels of comfort, the suspension felt rather stiff and the ride was choppy on rougher surfaces. The compromised ride quality can be attributed to the optional 19-inch wheels and low-profile rubber that lends itself to an unforgiving ride and should improve somewhat should you decide to stick with the standard 17-inch rims, even though they may not be as striking. The optional air suspension system is also worth considering in this case.
Road and wind noise is kept to a minimum inside the cabin and only under harder acceleration does the engine become marginally noisy. Handling is good, but the car’s weight is noticeable through the steering and even so, it feels relatively well-planted and composed while cornering.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the C220d Convertible is the most frugal C-Class Convertible on offer with Mercedes-Benz claiming 4.9 L/100 km. You will struggle to achieve those figures in the real world and during our test, we achieved an acceptable 7.1 L/100km, but figures between 6 and 7 L/100 km are achievable if you drive conservatively.
Comfort and safety features
Features such as AIRSCARF neck-level heating and supportive seating make the C220d perfect for open-top cruising.
Perhaps the most welcome features on the C220d Cabriolet is the AIRCAP draught stop system and the optional AIRSCARF neck-level heating system. These features help create a favourable cabin environment when the roof is retracted, meaning that you can drive topless whenever you please, provided that it isn’t raining. At the push of a button, a wind deflector rises up above the windscreen and a rear screen is deployed behind the rear passengers to keep the cabin draught-free. Even better, when it’s cold, you can have warm air blasted onto your neck, which is just delightful.
The black Artico leather heated seats were comfortable to sit in and they offer good bolstering to limit body movement while driving and optional 4-way lumbar support provided additional comfort. As is the case with the C-Class coupe, interior quality in the 220d Cabriolet is good with an upmarket feel, but the black gloss trim marks easily and you might want to consider other trim options that would require less cleaning.
The optional Comand Online infotainment system has navigation and is relatively intuitive to use.
Infotainment in this 220d Cabriolet comes courtesy of the optional Comand Online via a 7-inch display controlled using Merc’s familiar Comand controller and touchpad system. You can browse and configure various vehicle functions and it’s generally easy and convenient to use. Navigation is standard with this system and it's useful if you’re the type of person who gets lost easily. The optional Burmester surround sound system was also fitted on this C220d Cabriolet, a must-have feature if you want to get the most bang from your music collection.
On the safety front, the C220d is adequately equipped with features such as ABS with EBD, traction and stability control, brake assist and 7 airbags. Front and rear park distance control is optional, as is a rear view camera, but it’s probably best to tick that option box if you want to avoid mishaps in close-quarter situations. Other optional safety gadgetry includes blind spot assist, parking assist and a 360-degree camera, all of which were fitted to this test unit.
Practicality Legroom for taller rear passengers is tight and the upright rear seating position is not ideal.
Although the C-Class Cabriolet is a 4-seater with two individual rear sear seats, passengers seated there might find legroom to be a bit cramped. Shorter rear passengers, however, will be happier. The rear seats are very upright too, making the seating position rather awkward. Nonetheless, rear passengers should find shorter trips more bearable and there are two central cup holders for convenient beverage storage.
As for storing luggage and other items, the boot is reasonably sized, offering 360 litres of space with the roof closed. With the roof down, however, boot space decreases to 285-litres. There’s also a false boot floor that allows you to store smaller items underneath the floor. If you want to transport longer items, you can fold the rear seat backs down to load items through the boot and into the rear cabin. There’s also ample storage space for front passengers in the centre console and two USB ports come in handy for charging devices.
Pricing and warranty
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class C220d Cabriolet is priced from R783 056 in its base form. Start ticking off options and the price will quickly soar through the roof. The C220d Cabriolet under review here is priced at approximately R980 000 with a long list of optional extras fitted, so it's advised to choose your options carefully. The price includes a 2-year / unlimited km warranty and a 6-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
Verdict
Style, good cruising ability and acceptable fuel economy returns are some of the C220d's strengths.
The Mercedes-Benz C220d Cabriolet is a stylish offering that should garner admirable glances on the road. Although the C220d Cabriolet lacks excitement in its performance, it makes up for the shortfall with its notable cruising ability and buyers will also appreciate good fuel economy returns on a regular basis. The interior, much like the rest of the C-Class range, is well-built and aesthetically pleasing.
However, given the mild nature of the C220d Cabriolet, we feel that it’s perhaps too restrained, making it a hard sell. But, if you are not too concerned about outright performance, then you will find the C220d Cabriolet to be an adequately capable boulevard cruiser.
Nissan’s popular Qashqai crossover is due for a facelift this year! Our German spy photographers have snapped images of a prototype undergoing testing, take a look…
Picture credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien?
The second-generation Nissan Qashqai crossover was introduced locally in 2014 and it has sold consistently well to establish itself as a popular choice in the C-segment compact crossover market.
The Qashqai is now due for a mid-lifecycle facelift and our spy photographers managed to capture a prototype undergoing testing, showing a heavily camouflaged body and wheels, meaning that the exterior changes will be quite substantial.
Reports suggest that the facelifted Qashqai will share styling cues from the Qashqai Premium Concept shown at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, which may include a new and larger wheel design, redesigned fog lights and upgraded interior materials.
The facelifted Nissan Qashqai is expected to make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2017 and we will keep you updated as soon as more information becomes available, so stay tuned!?
Live, as it happens: Cars.co.za Consumer Awards powered by Wesbank
The 2016/17 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank – will be presented by comedian John Vlismas and the Cars.co.za team at the Vodadome in Midrand on the evening of Thursday 19 January 2017. If you weren't lucky enough to be invited to attend the event, don't fret… There are several ways in which you can watch, follow and interact with #CarsAwards during, and after, the event.
The gala event recognises the best vehicles in 13 respective categories – as chosen by a panel of expert judges and based on the findings of the Cars.co.za Ownership Satisfaction Survey – and includes the announcement of the prestigious Brand of the Year title. Apart from the bestowment of the awards, It promises to be an evening of spectacular entertainment, including presentations by the inimitable Khaya Dlanga and Ines Jesus (from Google Africa), the unveiling of two new Cars.co.za video content products and music by Flash Republic.
For a quick view of which finalists are in contention to win each of the categories, click here.
To watch the event in its entirety, visit Cars.co.za's YouTube channel at 7:30 pm CAT (GMT +2:00) to watch the live video stream. If you subscribe to the channel, you'll receive an alert when the broadcast begins.
Want to go behind the scenes of the #CarsAwards… see which celebrities and motor industry high-rollers are at the event? Follow us on Instagram, where we will also announce the winners live from the event and you can interact with fellow members of our vibrant "Insta" community.
On our Facebook page, we will load the new videos that will make their debut at the #CarsAwards event, as well as post-event galleries and other updates.
And finally, don't forget to join the Twitter conversation about the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by Wesbank using the #CarsAwards hashtag. We will live tweet and retweet reactions to the events as they unfold at the Vodadome. If you haven't done so already, please follow our Cars.co.za Twitter account by clicking here.
Don't forget that we'll have the full story on Cars.co.za shortly after the event, for more information about #CarsAwards and our judges, visit our dedicated microsite.
Audi has a busy year ahead with a host of new products set for introduction in South Africa. Take a look at what you can expect from Audi in 2017…
Audi is preparing to unleash no fewer than 10 new exciting products during the course of 2017. Fasten your seatbelts as we unpack all the new cars coming your way courtesy of the Ingolstadt-based marque this year… Note that local pricing and specification for the following models will be confirmed closer to launch.
First Quarter 2017
Audi Q2
Audi will start the year with the introduction of the new Q2 crossover. The Q2 is a good-looking small crossover with a modern interior that should sell well on local soil. At launch, the Q2 will be powered by a 1.4-litre turbopetrol engine with 110 kW and 250 Nm of torque on offer. An 85 kW/200 Nm 1.0-litre turbopetrol will be introduced shortly after launch and there is the possibility of a 1.6-litre turbodiesel or 2.0-litre turbodiesel joining the range too. Customers will have the choice between a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. According to a source, pricing for the range will begin at approximately R430 000…
The new Audi A5 and S5 coupe are expected soon and the new models will introduce updated styling and a range of more powerful engines. The engine offering for our market is yet to be confirmed, but power will range between 140 kW and 210 kW courtesy of both turbopetrol and turbodiesel engines. The S5 coupe, however, will be powered by a newly developed 3.0-litre V6 turbopetrol engine with 260 kW, representing an increase of 15 kW over its predecessor. Transmissions include a 6-speed manual, 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch and an 8-speed tiptronic.
Due in the second quarter of 2017, the new Audi A5 and S5 Sportback will feature higher levels of interior comfort as well revised suspension and engine offerings. Much like the A5 Coupe, the A5 and S5 Sportback will also offer a range of turopetrol and turbodiesel engines with outputs ranging between 140 kW and 210 kW. Transmissions will include a 6-speed manual, 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch and an 8-speed tiptronic. Audi’s Virtual Cockpit will also make its way into the new A5 Sportback models.
Audi’s first RS-badged compact sedan in South Africa will arrive in second quarter of 2017 with an all-new 5-cylinder, 2.5-litre turbopetrol engine offering 294 kW and 480 Nm of torque. An S tronic 7-speed dual-clutch transmission will direct power to Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system, resulting in a claimed zero to 100 kph time of 4.1 seconds. The RS3 Sedan is definitely worth waiting for!
The same potent 5-cylinder, 2.5-litre turbopetrol engine that powers the RS3 Sedan will be found under the bonnet of the TT RS when it arrives locally in Q2 2017. With 294 kW and 480 Nm of torque, the TT RS will muscle its way from zero to 100 kph in just 3.7 seconds (claimed) using a 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission to power its quattro all-wheel drive system. The interior is delightful and Audi’s Virtual Cockpit will be fitted as standard on the TT RS.
The topless version of the R8 will bolster Audi’s supercar offering, standing alongside the R8 V10 and R8 V10 Plus. The R8 Spyder will feature the same 5.2-litre V10 engine with 397 kW and 540 Nm of torque. Using a 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission, the R8 Spyder will accelerate from zero to 100 kph in 3.6 seconds before reaching a top speed of 318 kph. A newly-developed, electro-hydraulic fabric roof will open and close in approximately 20 seconds at speeds up to 50 kph while a wind deflector will dramatically reduce air turbulence in the cabin.
The new A5 and S5 Cabriolet will offer more space for front and rear passengers thanks to an extended wheelbase and a one-touch automatic roof will open in about 15 seconds while closing the roof will take 18 seconds. The local engine offering is yet to be confirmed, but buyers can expect an 185 kW 2.0-litre TFSI engine, a 140 kW 2.0-litre TDI and a 160 kW 3.0-litre TDI power unit. The all-wheel drive S5 Cabriolet will be powered by a 260 kW 3.0-litre TFSI V6 that will propel the drop-top from zero to 100 kph in a claimed time of 5.1 seconds. Depending on which A5 cabriolet model you choose, there will be a choice of 6-speed manual, 7-speed dual-clutch automatic and an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The new Q5 is an important model for Audi as it seeks to increase its share in the booming SUV segment. The new Q5 will be lighter and more efficient and customers can expect a luxurious and quality interior when it arrives. The local engine and transmission offering for the new Q5 is yet to be confirmed, but at the very least you can expect a 2.0-litre turbopetrol and a turbodiesel engine offering more power than the current Q5. A 6-speed manual or 7-speed S tronic transmission may also be offered.
The new flagship SQ5 will stand alongside the new Q5 later this year with a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine offering 260 kW and 500 Nm of torque. An 8-speed automatic gearbox will drive all-four wheels, ensuring brisk acceleration. Audi claims the new SQ5 will sprint from zero to 100 kph in 5.4 seconds. The SQ5 will be identified by its sporty bumpers, large 20 –inch alloy wheels and tantalising exhaust tips.
Audi will wrap-up the year with the launch of the new RS5 Coupe. At this point, official details have yet to be released from Audi, but reports suggest that the new RS5 Coupe will use the same biturbo 2.9-litre V6 engine from the Porsche Panamera 4S, but will offer more power with 335 kW and 600 Nm of torque on tap. The result will be an expected zero to 100 kph sprint time of under 4 seconds. Naturally, we will keep you updated as official information becomes available.
The inevitable introduction of a John Cooper Works version of the Mini Countryman has been revealed. Its claim to fame is that it’s the most powerful all-wheel drive Mini ever!
Mini has added the final puzzle piece to its Countryman range by revealing the most powerful offering yet. The JCW (John Cooper Works) is equipped with 170 kW and 350 Nm of torque sent to all 4 wheels. There’s a choice of a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic gearbox with both being able to shift to Countryman JCW from standstill to 100 kph in 6.5 seconds.
Additions for the JCW model include a sportier suspension setup, a speed-related electric steering setup (to improve steering response) and a Brembo sports braking system.
Aesthetic improvements to the JCW include 18-inch lightweight wheels or optional 19-inches. The front and rear bumpers get a redesign and there’s an aero kit added, which has standard roof rails and tail wing.
The interior gets some improvements in terms of individual sports seats. A sports- steering wheel and gear lever are fitted and the roof lining is covered in anthracite.
Mini will officially debut the Countryman JCW at the Shanghai Motor Show in April 2017. After that, it will make its way to the local market during the third quarter of 2017.
Hyundai South Africa has expanded its i20 hatchback offering with the introduction of a new 1.4-litre automatic derivative. Take a look at pricing and details…
A new, mid-spec Hyundai i20 1.4-litre Motion automatic derivative is now available in South Africa. The i20 range of hatchbacks are popular in our market, solidifying Hyundai as a major player locally. The new i20 derivative will afford buyers more choice when shopping for a hatchback and will inevitably strengthen sales in the competitive B-segment. The Hyundai i20 1.4 Motion Automatic is priced from R249 900.
“Customers are in for a surprise when they take the i20 for a test drive, because Hyundai’s engineers have created a fine car with solid, surefooted dynamics on the road. The addition of the new i20 derivative creates another appealing option for the discerning buyer in this very competitive market segment.” says Oscar Makola, marketing director of Hyundai Automotive South Africa.
Hyundai i20 1.4 Motion Automatic – Key features
The new i20 1.4 Motion derivative employs a 1.4-litre engine with 74 kW and 133 Nm of torque mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission. Hyundai claims a fuel consumption figure of 7.5 L/100km and the new derivative shares its specification with the i20 1.2 Motion manual.
Apart from its revised styling, first introduced in 2015, the i20 1.4 Motion Automatic is equipped with features such as mounted audio controls on the steering wheel, height adjustable driver’s seat, Bluetooth functionality, radio/CD player and USB/Aux connectivity. A manual air conditioning system is also included and the steering wheel can be adjusted for rake and reach. For convenience, a sunglass holder is found in the centre roof console and a remote-locking key is included.
The i20 offers 294 litres of luggage space and the rear seats can also fold down in a 60:40 split configuration expanding loading space to 1 010 litres should you require more space to load larger items.
In terms of safety, the i20 1.4 Motion automatic is fitted with ABS and EBD as well as 2 airbags for the driver and front passenger.
Hyundai i20 – Price in South Africa
Hyundai i20 1.2 Motion (manual) – R224 900
Hyundai i20 1.2 Fluid (manual) – R236 900
Hyundai i20 1.4 Motion (automatic) – R249 900
Hyundai i20 1.4 Fluid (manual) – R256 900
Hyundai i20 1.4 Fluid (automatic) – R274 900
Hyundai i20 1.4 Sport (manual) – R292 900
The Hyundai i20 is sold with 7-year/200 000 km warranty, 2-year/60 0000 km service plan (2-year/30 000 km service plan for i20 1.2 Motion and Fluid) and 5-year/150 000 km Roadside Assistance.
