The first diesel-powered Bentley has been revealed and while diesel engines don't have sporty aspirations at face value, the outputs and performance of the diesel Bentayga suggest otherwise.
At the heart of the Bentley Bentayga diesel is a 4.0-litre V8 motor. This motor is sourced from the Volkswagen Audi Group and enthusiasts will correctly assume that it's from the forthcoming performance variant of the Audi Q7, the SQ7. It has not one, not two, but three turbochargers. Admittedly two of the turbos are exhaust driven, while the third turbo is powered by an electric motor to minimise lag. The outputs are staggering. How does 320 kW and a mighty 900 Nm grab you? Power reaches all four wheels through a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic gearbox and despite its portly size, the Bentayga can sprint to 100 kph in 4.8 seconds and roll on to a top speed of 270 kph.
Interestingly, its top speed is 20 kph higher than its Audi sibling, which is predictable, because Bentley outranks Audi in the VAG family and the Bentayga costs significantly more than the Q7. We're expecting the Bentayga diesel to join its petrol brethren in South Africa sometime in 2017.
The Bentayga Diesel uses an identical engine to this unit found in the Audi SQ7.
The interesting Mini Clubman wagon/estate/extended hatchback/panel van has been given the performance JCW treatment and its coming to SA
We do like the Mini Clubman here at Cars.co.za and we were happy to hear that Mini has given it the full performance treatment and slapped a JCW badge on it. It really looks the part thanks to big wheels, red Brembo brakes, go-faster stripes and large-bore exhaust tips.
Does it have the go to match the show? Why, yes! Mini has dialled up the power on the already decent 2.0-litre turbocharged four-banger and it now produces a tidy 170 kW, which is almost 30 kW more than the standard Clubman Cooper S. Torque sits at 350 Nm.
Here's where it gets interesting. Mini has fitted the Clubman JCW with its ALL4 all-wheel drive system, so there'll be none of that annoying torque steer and wheelspin when you execute launch start from standstill. Mini is claiming that it will hit 100 kph in 6.3 seconds and it will run onto a top speed of 238 kph.
It should sound great too, as Mini JCW packages include a rorty sports exhaust. You have two choices of transmission. There's a six-speed manual gearbox or an 8-speed sports auto to choose from. The Mini Clubman JCW will be making its way to South Africa in the second quarter of 2017.
If value for money is all-important to you, then look no further. These are the semi-finalists in the Budget Car category of the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank!
The Cars.co.za Ownership Satisfaction Survey, in partnership with leading data specialists, Lightstone Consumer, forms an integral part of the awards programme, with the survey accounting for 50% of the final result in each category. The brand-specific data incorporates feedback from thousands of South African new vehicle owners, based on their experiences of their vehicles (must be less than 5 years old and serviced through franchised outlets).
Budgets are tight. Fuel costs are rising. Yet buying an affordable car doesn’t mean you should have to compromise on safety, technology and quality. The winner of this category represents as much good car as possible for the money. Value is very important, as are running costs and all such “common sense” considerations.
For a car to be considered in this category, its listed price must not exceed R160 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting (September 1 2016). This price must include all accessories/options deemed as requirements for eligibility in this category. It will need ABS braking (if not fitted as standard, the cost of this, together with other required options, must not push the price of the vehicle over R160 000 at the time of voting) and dual front airbags (if not fitted as standard, the cost of this, together with other required options, must not push the price of the vehicle over R160 000 at the time of voting).
Last year’s winner returns to defend its title, but this time round it does so without air-conditioning – a derivative equipped with air-con is priced above our price cap of R160 000. Nevertheless, the Sandero offers an impressive combination of spaciousness, comprehensive safety and infotainment features as well as a long warranty. It is one of the most affordable semi-finalists, too, and consequently offers exceptional overall value for money.
Another contender from the inaugural Awards' semi-finalist round is again in the running. The Suzuki Celerio is a compact car that’s cleverly packaged to offer more space than you expect, as well as big-car features at a very competitive price. It is the most affordable of our semi-finalists, yet it goes beyond the required features and adds a large number of bonus items.
Mitsubishi’s Mirage is an increasingly strong contender in the Budget Car category, particularly if you demand modern comfort and safety features from your entry-level vehicle. At the price, it is hard to beat the GLX on specification.
Toyota’s new Aygo boasts quite a radical look and the pint-sized hatchback is packed with features. You certainly can’t label it boring! But underneath the funky sheet metal it remains a Toyota, which means the allure of reliability and good after-sales service is strong. Underneath the Aygo’s stubby bonnet is a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder engine that doesn’t only deliver perky performance, but excellent economy too. Toyota claims a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 4.4 L/100 km.
This generation of Chevrolet Spark has been around for a while, but it still sells well and is highly rated by its owners. It’s a diminuitive car that’s surprisingly spacious inside and the locally produced offering includes a raft of standard comfort and safety features. The Spark’s proven 1.2-litre 4-cylinder engine offers more power than most of its rivals, and remains quite economical with claimed consumption figure of 5.4 L/100 km.
Mercedes-Benz has updated its flagship 7-seat off-roader to position it as the "S-Class of SUVs". Can the Benz balance supreme luxury with loads of comfort as well as off-road capability? We review the newcomer in GLS 500 guise
We Like: All-round comfort, practicality, strong and willing engine, off-road ability
We Don’t Like: Prodigious thirst when pressing on, perhaps the GLS 350d is a more prudent choice?
Also Consider:
Similar experience and ability: Range Rover. The English have been masters at this luxury SUV game for years and the popularity of the JLR's flagship SUV range speaks for itself. The Range Rover offers much the same as the GLS, but packaged in a very classy outfit.
Need the seven seats: Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine. For substantially less money you can opt for the techno festival that is Volvo’s XC90 hybrid flagship. Don’t let the hybrid part put you off as the tech is extraordinarily good, plus it does offer all-wheel drive for mild offroading.
For more sportiness: Porsche Cayenne. Zuffenhausen's big SUV promises big performance and handling as well as that fabled Porsche build quality. It lacks the outright offroad ability and seven-seat capability, but it's an excellent product.
For more offroad ability: Mercedes-Benz G-Class. From the factory in Graz, Austria comes a Mercedes-Benz that's genetically closer to a tank than a passenger vehicle. Its seriously butch and seriously expensive. It's also as tough as nails and supremely capable offroad. If you don't need seven seats and loads of comfort, but want to cross the Kalahari, then this is your port of call.
The Mercedes-Benz GLS is aiming to be a one-stop solution for those requiring premium and comfortable transport for 7 passengers, offroad capability, and the latest in-car entertainment. It's essentially a facelifted version of the formerly-known-as GL model and the changes between this new version and the outgoing model are not that substantial. Firstly, the name has changed to make it fit better into the Mercedes-Benz hierarchy of SUVs and to tie it to a sedan equivalent. ML became GLE, which is crudely an E-class SUV. This then is the S-Class in the Mercedes-Benz family. Other changes include some exterior visual tweaks, but the big changes are in the cabin, which now features new tech and infotainment systems. The range currently comprises 3 derivatives: a pair of turbopetrols and a turbodiesel. We've got the GLS 500 petrol on test, which sits between the sensible GLS 350d and the rapid GLS 63 AMG.
How does it fare in terms of…
Comfort and practicality?
The GLS is a 7-seater SUV, but unlike some vehicles with this many seats, the rearmost ones are large enough and installed in such a way that adults can sit comfortably in them. It's not the easiest to access them, but once you're ensconced in the third row, it's quite comfortable for adults. The second row of seats is where the majority of passengers will find themselves and we found ourselves enjoying being driven more than actually driving the GLS.
The second row is a luxurious place to be and the fit and finish is exactly what you'd expect at this end of the market. Our test unit came with the rear entertainment system that featured a remote and two sets of wireless headphones with screens mounted to the front headrests. It's a R33 500 option, but it'll keep the young ones busy and quiet on longer journeys. We appreciated that the seats offered heating functionality and a separate climate control console.
If you need plenty of space to carry cargo, all the seats behind the driver and front passenger can be folded flat resulting in a super luxurious 4×4 panel van. Being a flagship product, there's no need to collapse the seats manually. Perish the thought! Instead, you simply push a button and the seats neatly tuck themselves away. With all the seats stowed you can load and haul longer-than-usual items such as curtain rails and flatpack furniture with ease.
Fold all the seats down and you gain extra cargo-carrying capacity. Furniture, curtain rails and sporting equipment fit in with ease. Potentially an inflatable mattress could go in there too.
Refinement and features?
The GLS 500 really excels on longer trips, especially under low-grip road conditions when the weather is inclement – you'd be hard-pressed to find a more confidence-inspiring and reassuring vehicle to drive, or be transported in, for that matter. Its 4MATIC all-wheel drive system keeps the behemoth stable and it feels sure-footed even during the worst of the Cape winter storms. You can steer it enthusiastically into a series of corners in Sport mode, but the laws of physics still apply and pitching a 2.5-tonne SUV into a tight bend will always end in tyre-squeal. But don't hustle the GLS; rather appreciate its lofty levels of comfort and refinement instead. The steering and steering feel is excellent and at times it feels as if you're piloting a vehicle much smaller than the GLS.
Being a flagship product from a premium brand, we were expecting a generous level of specification and some gadgets to boot. We were not disappointed. In terms of connectivity, the vehicle came with Android Auto and Apple Carplay. There's also quad-zone climate control, adaptive air suspension, satellite navigation, and all-round park distance control. It has excellent safety features as well. There are 9 airbags, collision prevention assist plus, crosswind- and attention assist, pre-safe, brake assist, traction- and cruise control. If you feel that's not adequate, tick the box called Driver Assistance which adds Distronic Plus radar-guided cruise control, automatic pedestrian braking, cross-traffic assist, active blind spot- and lane-keeping assist and speed limiter into the mix.
The GLS 500 cabin offers exceptional comfort and technology. The driving position is commanding and you sit high up.
Offroad ability?
Unlike some premium SUVs on sale, this is not a soft-roader that can only do the basics when it comes to venturing off sealed road surfaces. The GLS comes loaded with dedicated 4×4 technology such as low-range mode, hill descent control as well as the option to manually adjust the ride height. The Airmatic air suspension features adaptive damping and different modes to suit different conditions.
The air suspension can be cranked up and down to suit the driver's needs. For example, in Sport mode, the vehicle lowers to improve its centre of gravity, which in turn improves the handling. For offroad applications, the vehicle rises up majestically. It can go from 201 mm right the way up to 306 mm, making it one of the best vehicles in class when it comes to ground clearance. If you're brave enough, you can cross channels of water up to 600 mm deep.
However, given the Benz's substantial price tag and luxuriousness, just because it can go off-road does not mean you'd want to. The GLS is a plush vehicle and we'd feel awful taking it on a serious off-road track. Imagine hitting a rock or having thorns scratch the bodywork? It's too awful to fathom. That said, given this vehicle's capabilities, you will always be reassured to know that you can traverse the rough stuff with confidence if you absolutely have to…
Each driving mode comes with its own fancy graphic. Here, Offroad mode is in action, showing ride height, geographic direction, pitch and lean data.
Performance and economy?
As one would expect, a middle-of-the-range "S-Class of SUVs" needs the sort of engine that commands respect and in this application, a 4.7-litre biturbo V8 is on duty. It's quiet upon start up and goes about its business with a professional air. Those craving more oomph and more premium fittings will be delighted to find that AMG has fiddled with the GLS to create the GLS 63, which is, in a word, indulgent. For those who wish to tow horse boxes (or the like) and have fuel economy at the top of their priority list can opt for the capable GLS 350d (which we reviewed not long after this GLS 500). The GLS 500 really tickled our fancy as it offered tremendous grunt, without coming across as brash or unruly, words which can readily be applied to anything with an AMG badge.
This particular engine's outputs make for impressive reading. There's 335 kW and 700 Nm, all of which is accessible from as low as 1 800 rpm. Essentially this means that you can put your foot down and most of those horses will break into a gallop. A 9-speed automatic is responsible for ensuring power on demand and its smooth in operation. We did notice that it does need some time to warm up and slow-speed cold gear changes are a little jerky.
Once the transmission and engine are up to optimal operating temperatures, you can appreciate what a magnificent powertrain the Benz has. The firm claims the GLS 500 will catapult from zero to 100 kph in 5.3 seconds, which is astonishing when you consider the mass and dimensions of the GLS. You'd expect this performance from a hot hatch, but from a 7-seat SUV tipping the scales around 2 500 kg? That's mightily impressive in anyone's book.
It's not just off-the-line performance that gets the thumbs-up. There's no shortage of in-gear urge and provided you can see far enough ahead, overtaking multiple vehicles is an effortless task. It's a wonderful engine and the V8 soundtrack, which accompanies it, was well appreciated. However, if you're a driver that treats the throttle pedal like an on/off button, you're going to experience "consumption" that will put a matric student on a Rage weekend to shame.
See, once both turbochargers are on song and the V8 is at full chat, the GLS 500 chugs petrol at quite a rate. You'll see consumption sitting around the 15 L/100 km mark in town, but it'll settle nicely on the open road, providing you're gentle with the throttle. During its time with us, the Mercedes-Benz GLS 500 averaged 12.9 L/100 km. On the other side of the coin, if you can afford a R1.5-million luxury SUV, then fuel bills are likely to be the least of your worries.
The gleaming white paintwork does anything but hide the GLS' bulk, but the Benz makes an unashamedly bold statement.
Mercedes-Benz GLS Price in South Africa
The Mercedes-Benz GLS range starts with the 350d which retails for R1 290 626, while this GLS 500 cost R1 459 676 before any extras. The GLS is backed by a 2-years/unlimited km warranty and a 6-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
Conclusion
The Mercedes-Benz GLS 500 is a superb large luxury SUV. Should you need to a) transport 7 adults, b) in absolute luxury and c) tackle off-road courses, there is no other vehicle that can hold a candle to the Benz, and that includes anything that Range Rover or the other German luxury marques currently produce. It's big, imposing, exceptionally capable and it offers seating comfort that would not be out of place on a posh airline's business class cabin.
It offers a plethora of luxury and safety features and there are myriad options available to ramp up the vehicle's capability and exclusivity. We'd suggest opting for the climatised seats and parking package…. The GLS is a big, powerful SUV that's remarkably easy to drive, but although it doesn't feel like a large vehicle on the open road, its bulk is apparent in urban confines. We're thankful for light steering and Merc's determination to ensure comfort all round.
Unlike many vehicles, this is a genuine 7-seat vehicle and even when fully occupied there's still room for a few items in the boot. It rides well, can deliver a turn of speed that will embarrass some hot hatches and has plenty of technology to keep you safe. If you're looking for a vehicle that does it all and still continues to surprise and impress, then the GLS 500 presents a fine proposition. Humour us and don't take it off-roading… Our hearts could not bear it.
The plug-in hybrid version of Mercedes-Benz’s S-Class has arrived in SA. It’s not just about efficiency, however: there’s a swift turn of speed to this hybrid as well.
Mercedes-Benz SA has introduced the S500e plug-in hybrid in tandem with the launch of the C300e. The S500e combines a V6 biturbo petrol motor with an 8.7 kWh electric motor for a total power output of 325 kW and 650 Nm of torque. The S500e is capable of operating on its electric motor alone for up to 33 km and in perfect conditions, the S500e is claimed to consume just 2.8 L/100 km.
The first-class Sindelfingen hybrid has two modes of charging… from a wall socket via a cable and plug, as well as through braking energy regeneration, where applying the brakes recuperates some of the battery power. The system within the S500e will also top up the battery when free-wheeling or coasting. The total weight of the lithium-ion battery is 114 kg and takes up 96 litres of space. Mercedes-Benz says it is working on a wireless charging solution as well.
The standard spec within the cabin now includes a pre-entry climate control system. The system can be controlled via the Mercedes Connect Me app and allows the driver to set the cabin temperature from outside the car. So long as a departure time is keyed in, the S-Class will adjust the temperature in the cabin so when you enter the vehicle the temperature is exactly as you set.
In order to strengthen customers' trust in the new, plug-in drive technology, for the S 500 e Mercedes-Benz is issuing a ‘warranty’ on performance characteristics of the high-voltage battery and plug-in hybrid components. This ensures that every technical malfunction within a period of six years after initial delivery or registration, or up to a mileage of 100 000 kilometres, is corrected by Mercedes-Benz.
Pricing
As of September 2016, the Mercedes-Benz S500e costs R1 875 000 and comes with a 6-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
The Cars.co.za Ownership Satisfaction Survey, in partnership with leading data specialists, Lightstone Consumer, forms an integral part of the awards programme, with the survey accounting for 50% of the final result in each category. The brand-specific data incorporates feedback from thousands of South African new vehicle owners, based on their experiences of their vehicles (must be less than 5 years old and serviced through franchised outlets).
When it comes to defining this category, real-world considerations such as price and value for money take a back seat to neck-swivelling status and design, ultimate comfort and advanced technology. The winning vehicle we are looking for presents the ultimate combination of all the building blocks of prestige, and is simply the Ultimate – to be seen in and to drive.
For a car to be considered in this category it must be priced above R1 million to ensure a healthy measure of exclusivity and prestige.
BMW’s new 7 Series was introduced earlier this year to depose its archrival, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, as the world's premier First Class car. It is loaded with high-tech features which positions the 7 Series as a different type of luxury car… From gesture control to a Display Key, the new 7 Series bristles with advanced technologies. But, at its core, the Seven remains a BMW and therefore a "driver's" limousine, powered by a 330 kW 4.4-litre turbocharged V8.
The GLS is claimed to be the "S-Class of SUVs". In other words, it is supposed to offer more comfort and luxury features than the overwhelming majority of SUVs. And, in the case of this 7-seater, Mercedes-Benz appears to be in a class of its own. Powered by a 4.7-litre V8 that produces a colossal 335 kW and 700 Nm, the air suspension-equipped GLS 500 offers the type of refined and soft ride quality that luxury sedans were once famous for. Moreover, the GLS offers impressive off-road ability as well.. its Dynamic Select system allows the SUV to adapt to variable driving conditions with up to 6 transmission settings.
Yes, the Range Rover is an SUV and may appear to be an odd choice among the more traditional luxury sedans and flamboyant coupes. Yet, this is exactly where the Range Rover fits best. It offers the kind of cocooned luxury, brawny performance and silky ride quality that once were the preserves of Rolls-Royce and the like, yet it adds a healthy dollop of adventure to the equation as well. Its legendary off-road ability allows you to safari in real style, too. The Autobiography is powered by a 4.4-litre V8 turbodiesel that develops 250 kW and 740 N.m of torque.
For a very long time the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has been the world’s first choice when it comes to ultra-luxurious sedans. The current generation proudly continues this tradition. While there are more performance-oriented versions on offer, we think it is the S500e’s marriage of traditional sedan comfort and luxury with modern tech that presents the sweet spot in the range. Last year we selected the S500 V8 model as our First Class champion, but the S500e represents a natural evolution of what arguably remains the benchmark luxury sedan.
Jaguar’s XJ was refreshed recently and now boasts more up-to-date technology as well as this flagship long-wheel base model, the Autobiography. As ever, the XJ offers a more dynamic option in the First Class category, but it has always managed to do so without sacrificing ride refinement. With the added tech and the exclusivity on offer, it may just spring a surprise… This model is powered by a supercharged V8 petrol engine that develops a whopping 375 kW!
The Datsun Go line-up has been bolstered by the news that a limited-edition version of the Go Lux will be joining the range. This high-spec Go is called the Remix and comes fitted with a host of additional accessories.
Despite its lack of safety features, the Datsun Go is a top-seller; in fact, it's one of the most popular models in the bottom A-segment of the market. This special-edition Go Remix is likely to be snapped up, then, because only 200 units will be available in South Africa.
For "Risers" (a target market that Datsun identifies as trendsetters in the 18 to 30 age group), the Remix is specifically crafted to stand out from the crowd.
"Its price makes it possible for this category of motorists to buy a stylish brand new car,” says Des Fenner, General Manager of Datsun South Africa.
The exterior treatment of the Datsun Go Remix can be distinguished by:
aerodynamic bodykit (front, sides and rear of vehicle)
roof spoiler
15-inch alloy rims with Go centre cap
front foglights
remotely-adjustable side mirrors with integrated indicator lenses
Datsun Remix special version nameplate
The interior of the Datsun Go Remix gains some upgrades in the form of:
Blaupunkt Bluetooth radio/CD/USB system
All-new dark interior trim
A console for side mirror and fog lamp controls
Datsun Go carpet set
Datsun Go Remix price in South Africa
The Datsun Go Remix is a limited edition model and there'll be only 200 units available. It incorporates Lux-specification features such as power steering, front electric windows, a mobile docking station, a driver's airbag and manual central locking. A 3-year/100 000 km warranty is standard.
It will come to market at a recommended price of R159 900.
We visited the Mercedes-Benz Plant in East London this week to welcome the locally-made C350e plug-in hybrid to South Africa. Get all the details here!
The new Mercedes-Benz C350e is the first petrol-electric hybrid passenger car to be built in South Africa (for the local and export market). To accommodate the manufacture of the C350e at the German brand's award-winning East London plant, the facility underwent a R100-million upgrade. It now features a new Lifter and High Station in the assembly area, as well as a manipulator on the trim line that helps install the electric motor's battery into the car.
The introduction of the C350e coincides with the arrival of the S500e, while the GLE 500e can be expected later this year. The launch also included a tour of the plant floor, which was followed by a drive from East London to Port Elizabeth. Let’s take a closer look at what the C350e has to offer…
Hybrid power for C350e
The C350e offers sporty performance with the benefit of reduced fuel consumption when driving in the city.
The C350e is powered by a combination of a combustion turbopetrol engine and an electric motor. The electric motor can either support or substitute the work of the combustion engine in specific situations and braking/coasting energy is converted into electric energy and stored in the battery.
The combustion engine is a four-cylinder, 2.0-litre turbopetrol motor developing 155 kW and 350 Nm of torque. The electric motor contributes an additional 60 kW and 340 Nm of torque and the C350e has a total combined output of 205 kW and (up to) 600 Nm of torque.
The high-voltage lithium-ion battery has a total capacity of 6.2 kWh and weighs 100 kg. The battery is mounted in a sheet steel housing under the rear axle and can be charged at a 230V, 16A, 3.7 kW single phase wall-box in approximately 1h45min or it can be charged using a domestic socket. A charging time of 2 hours is also possible using a 230 V, 13A, 3.0 kW connection.
The C350e is equipped with a 7-speed automatic transmission as standard and the hybrid module features an additional clutch that decouples the combustion engine in all-electric mode. The Benz has a total pure EV range of 31 km and Mercedes-Benz claims a consumption figure of just 2.1 L/100 km.
In terms of performance, the C350e is capable of completing the zero-to-100 kph sprint in 5.9 seconds and can reach a limited top speed of 250 kph.
Hybrid-specific features
The C350e features a haptic accelerator that, when the C350e is running in electric (EV) mode, lets the driver know when maximum electric performance is being delivered by offering a point of resistance in the pedal. If the driver depresses the pedal beyond the point of resistance, the combustion engine will kick in to provide additional propulsion.
The pedal, in conjunction with the ECO Assist function, will also signal a double impulse, suggesting that the driver should stop accelerating to deactivate and decouple the combustion engine. Assuming that the driver does what the double impulse suggests, the intelligent engine management system of the Benz will vary the deceleration mode between unpowered (sailing) and recuperation, using data from the car's radar systems as its basis.
Furthermore, the C350e offers 5 driving modes including Economy, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual. When driving in Comfort or Economy modes the driver can also choose between 4 modes that regulate the interaction between electric mode and the combustion engine. These modes include Hybrid, E-mode (for electric driving), E-save (charge status maintained) and Charge (battery can be charged using the combustion engine).
The C350e also employs a route-based operating strategy to optimise energy use over a given route (provided the driver enters the route into the navigation system). Otherwise, the plug-in hybrid derivative offers the familiar range of equipment found on the C-Class, but is additionally specced with air suspension as well as a pre-entry climate control system that can be controlled via the Internet. Avantgarde and Exclusive exterior equipment lines are available.
What’s the C350e like to drive?
The C350e is comfortable and refined to drive. Air suspension is standard, adding additional damping to the ride quality.
Our launch route started at the Mercedes-Benz Plant in East London, taking us a total distance of 283 km to Port Elizabeth. The route consisted mostly of open-road driving, so we didn’t have an opportunity to drive the C350e in EV mode, which is mostly reserved for city driving or congested traffic situations.
The C350e did, however, impress us with its strong performance. The Benz can accelerate rather briskly, courtesy of additional boost from the electric motor, and in typical C-Class fashion, the sedan was comfortable, refined and its ride well-mannered. Due to the route, we never experienced fuel consumption figures near 2.1 L/100 km and we arrived in Port Elizabeth with an average fuel consumption 9.4 L/100 km being displayed on the trip computer. This figure, however, can be improved upon with relative ease if a more conservative driving approach is employed. Fuel consumption will be reduced even further if the electric driving mode is activated in typical city driving situations. We will hopefully have the C350e on test soon to give it a thorough evaluation.
Mercedes-Benz C350e – Price in South Africa
The derivative costs R804 900, which includes a 6-year/100 000 km Premiumdrive maintenance plan.
Volkswagen is using the Paris Show as a showcase for its venture into electric vehicles. This is a glimpse of the concept it plans to show.
The first teaser images have appeared of Volkswagen’s new electric vehicle concept. The vehicle is said to usher in a whole new era for Volkswagen where its focus will be on EVs. Volkswagen expects the concept to be a Golf-sized vehicle, but with the interior space of something like a Passat. The MEB platform (VW electric car platform) is said to place the batteries in an innovative way that creates more room inside the cabin.
Range anxiety is expected to be non-existent as the EV should have a range of between 400 and 500 km.
VW expects to get the concept into a production-ready car by 2020. Following this vehicle, VW plans to have around 30 electric models on sale by 2025.
A colleague of our Brazilian correspondent has photographed an undisguised version of the upcoming Jeep Compass in São Paulo, ahead of its anticipated debut at the Paris Motor Show.
Gustavo Henrique Ruffo, who recently wrote our First Drive of the Nissan Kicks, reports that Ricardo Meier, the editor of Autoo, photographed the white pre-production model in front of a hotel in the Brazilian capital. The vehicle, previously known only as project 551, was developed in Brazil and its world launch is also expected to happen in the South American country.
The name of the car cannot be seen in the pictures, but Meier is positive that it’s a Compass, as he read the lettering on the driver’s side door. It is the third spinoff on the small crossover/SUV platform that underpins the Renegade and Fiat 500X, which are built at FCA’s Mirafiori plant. The biggest physical difference is that the Compass is about 170 mm longer than the Renegade.
The Compass has definitely gained a more sophisticated appearance… Note the contrasting black finish of the A-pillars, roof and rear spoiler and the expansive chrome trim, not only around the side glass but between the C-Pillars (where it underscores the base of the rear window).
The newcomer will see the introduction of a new 2.0-litre WGE (World Gasoline Engine) unit with a peak output of 117 kW, a 124 kW 2.0-litre MultiJet turbodiesel engine is on the cards (although it is less likely to be availed to the local market) and, as is the case with the top-of-range Renegade, a 137 kW 2.4-litre petrol motor mated with the 9-speed ZF transmission. We don't believe the Compass will depart from its predecessor's front-wheel-drive configuration.
More details, including interior info, should be available by the time of the Paris Motor Show.
