Hyundai Tucson 1.7 Turbodiesel (2016) First Drive

Hyundai has beefed up its challenge in the compact SUV/Family Car segment with the addition of two turbodiesel engines to its popular Tucson range. We drove the 1.7 UII Executive in Cape Town to find out what it is like.

We have driven and reviewed several versions of the new Tucson and we consider it an accomplished product both in terms of execution and style. The market appears to have agreed as: with about 3 500 unit sales since March, the Tucson has succeeded its ix35 predecessor as a top-seller in its segment. The addition of two turbodiesel derivatives should bolster this position, which will be challenged by the all-new VW Tiguan, as well as the Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4 and Nissan X-Trail.

“The addition of turbodiesels will be a boost to our sales and contribute to our positive brand image. It is a welcome expansion of our range at a time when our automotive market is under pressure,” said Stanley Anderson, sales and operations director of Hyundai Automotive South Africa.


The Tuscon has achieved immediate sales success and the additional turbodiesel derivatives strengthen the range's appeal.

New powerplants

The first of the new engines is a 1.7-litre turbodiesel that conforms to Euro 6 regulations. It produces 85 kW at 4 000 rpm and 280 Nm of torque between 1 250 and 2 750 rpm and sends it all to the Tucson's front wheels by way of a slick 6-speed manual transmission. Those familiar with the outgoing 1.7 CRDi will note that the new engine produces 20 more Nm of torque.

It also features advanced technologies that save some weight (primarily in the cylinder block) and improves performance (such as the addition of a 2 000 bar high-pressure fuel injection system) and emissions output (such as the exhaust gas recirculation system). The CO2 emissions figure is 124 g/km and its claimed fuel consumption figure is 6,8 L/100 km.

The second engine to join the line-up is a 2.0-litre turbodiesel that produces 131 kW at 4 000 rpm and a hefty 400 Nm of torque between 1 750 and 2 750 rpm. The engine is mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission with a torque converter.


The instrumentation is conservative, but the TFT central instrument display offers a bouquet of trip computer functions.

Hyundai South Africa's 2.0-litre turbodiesel Tucsons were still on a ship destined for South Africa, which meant that we only had the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the 1.7 UII.

What is it like to drive?

As before, we found the Tucson to be a solid performer. The engine runs smoothly and is very quiet. At cruising speeds, the 1.7-litre motor is hardly discernable as a (usually clattery-sounding) turbodiesel. Under harder acceleration a slight rumble emanates from the engine bay, but the cabin is well insulated from this, along with road, tyre and wind noise.

The 6-speed manual transmission offers an easy-shifting action and good weighting to assist during fiddly town driving.

When pressing on the engine offers a smooth and linear power delivery, which means that it exhibits limited turbo lag and never really runs out of breath. Don’t get us wrong, this is no drag racer, but the 1.7 litre seems eager enough to keep ahead of traffic. Overtaking rarely required a lower gear to be hooked and the power delivery in the mid- rev range is very impressive.


The Tucson's exterior styling is conservatively classy; the Ara Blue paintwork does add youthful appeal.

The 1.7 UII is only available with Executive trim, which means that it comes fully packed with a long list of standard features. The cabin is crammed with leather and soft-touch panels, which further contributes to the refined driving experience. Both 1.7 UII derivatives offer electrically adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, air vents for rear occupants , glove box cooling, cruise control, a multifunction steering wheel and a reverse-view camera.

The seats are comfortable and offer good support over longer distances, but better side support would be welcome.

A look at the specification sheet shows the Tucson is shorter than most of its rivals, but this does not mean that the cabin's packaging is compromised. With all seats upright, the luggage capacity is 513 litres, but that increases to 1 503 litres with the rear seats folded. A low loading sill height, 2-level luggage bay floor and stowable cargo cover further aid practicality.


The standard infotainment system is appreciably functional, but looks rather plain in an age where touchscreens are the norm.

Rear legroom is ample and the ability to recline the second row of seats is a handy addition that should contribute to the comfort of rear passengers on longer road trips.

Meanwhile, despite its mid-sized SUV size, the Tucson is nimble to manoeuvre in town and light to guide through the countryside. It remains composed with very little body roll, but some body-wriggle was detected over a stretch of gravel terrain (which can be expected from a front-wheel-driven car).

The steering is wonderfully light, which assists with inner-city driving. This lightness is not much of a problem when pushing on through corners (besides, this is a family car – dynamic ability should be low on drivers' priority lists).


Rear leg- and headroom are two areas in which the Tucson bests its older rivals.

Summary

The credentials of the Tucson are undeniable. The Korean newcomer has managed to regain its segment-leading position and the addition of two turbodiesels to the line-up is certain to further contribute to the model's sales success.

We could only experience one of the new turbodiesel powertrains, but came away impressed with its performance and manners.

In terms of pricing, the 1.7 UII is aggressively positioned, although a specification-adjusted pricing exercise indicates that rivals (such as the Nissan X-Trail, Renault Kadjar and Toyota RAV4) are slightly cheaper. A similar exercise with the 2.0-model reads better, with the Tucson being priced below rivals such as the BMW X1, Ford Kuga, Kadjar and RAV4.

So, should you buy one? At its core, the Tucson is a very impressive vehicle, which now offers the benefit of a meaty and refined turbodiesel mill under its bonnet. For those seeking the benefit of slightly more torque (15 N.m) and better efficiency (a claimed 6.8 L/100 km versus 8.3 L/100 km, admittedly a diesel versus petrol comparison), the 1.7 UII costs the same as its 1.6-litre turbopetrol (manual) sibling. In that sense, the 2.0-litre top-of-the-range turbodiesel would represent a bigger performance advantage over its comparative and similarly-priced stablemate, but whichever of the turbodiesel Tucson derivatives suit your pocket best, you are unlikely to be disappointed by your purchase…


The low loading height and long luggage bay floor aid the Hyundai's family car credentials. 

Hyundai Tucson prices in South Africa (the two added turbodiesels are in bold)

2.0 Nu Premium (manual) R369 900
2.0 Nu Premium (automatic) R389 900
1.6 TGDi Executive (manual) R439 900
1.7 UII Executive Diesel (manual) R439 900
2.0 Nu Elite (automatic) R454 900
1.6 TGDi Elite DCT AWD R519 900
R2.0 Elite (automatic) R519 900

All models from the Hyundai Tucson come with 5-year/150 000 km manufacturer and 7-year/200 000 km drivetrain warranties. Roadside assistance for 5 years or 150 000 km and a 5-year/90 000 km service plan are also included. All models have service intervals of 15 000km, while the 1.7 UII Executive Diesel has a 30 000 km service interval.
 
Watch Ciro de Siena's recent video review of the Tucson:

Related content:

Hyundai Tucson 1.6 Turbo Executive Manual (2016) Review
Hyundai Tucson 1.6 Turbo 4WD Elite (2016) Review
Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4 TSI Comfortline R-Line (2016) Review
Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4 TSI 110 kW DSG (2016) Review
Extended Test: Mazda CX-5 2.2DE AWD Akera [with Video]
Mazda CX-5 2.2DE AWD Akera (2016) Review
Extended Test: Ford Kuga 1.5T Trend Automatic [with Video]

Interested in buying a Hyundai Tucson or ix35?

Search for a Tucson on Cars.co.za
Check our stock for a used ix35

 

Nissan Navara (2016) International First Drive

The arrival of the new Nissan NP300 Navara is long overdue and by all accounts, local introduction is expected early in 2017. Will the locally-built new Navara be worth the wait? Our UK correspondent drove Nissan’s latest double-cab offering to find out… 

During the Nineties, almost every middle manager with a family wanted a double-cab as their company car; they sold like hot vetkoek and, as a result, South Africa remains enthralled by the “family bakkie”. The first-generation Navara made its UK debut in 2001, but it was merely a tinselled-up version of the Hardbody, a stalwart (replete with sliding heating controls) that still soldiers on in South Africa as the NP300. Mzansi had to wait until late 2005, when the second generation (D40) Navara arrived as a full import, and it has undergone a host of updates throughout the years.  

But, after almost 11 years, it’s high time for an all-new Navara. Codenamed the D23, this Navara started life as a blank-canvas project – even the name hasn’t escaped a makeover. The “NP300 Navara” designation follows the new global house style for Nissan’s commercial vehicles, denoting the type of vehicle (Nissan pick-up) and gross vehicle mass (3 tonnes).

As you can see from these images, Nissan hasn’t tinkered too much with the outer appearance of the new Navara, which features a revised front grille, restyled bumper and sleeker bonnet. It certainly looks handsome in the metal, but that’s not to suggest it’s a show pony: the newcomer can still haul a 1-tonne load and pull 3.5 tonnes on the rear hook – just but not both at the same time. To do that you’ll need to reduce the tray load by half a tonne.


Handsome new NP300 Navara proves its mettle on a rutted off-road course.

Much improved interior

The Navara is again offered in king cab (KC) or double cab (DC) form and both versions offer rear seats, but while the DC has a traditional bench in the back and four conventional doors, the KC has two (cinema style) flip-down rear seats and small back doors hinged on the rearmost edges of the cab.

The interior represents a significant improvement for the Navara. On the high-spec derivatives there’s piano black trim, metal-effect accents, a touchscreen infotainment system with satnav and surround view monitor, the latter of which is a very handy feature on a vehicle of such enlarged dimensions.

The infotainment system will be familiar to anyone who’s driven a top-end Nissan SUV or crossover recently. The system is intuitive to use by virtue of simple, easily-navigitable menus and slick Bluetooth pairing, although the image quality relayed by the surround-view cameras could be better.

… but no soft-touch dashboard 

Although its cabin looks SUV-like in quality, the Navara’s still based on a commercial vehicle underneath – the leather steering wheel and gear lever feel upmarket, but those expecting soft-touch plastics on the dashboard will be disappointed. Yes, the Nissan cabin’s overall build quality is solid and will probably be as tough as old boots, but the plastics are all hard to the touch, unfortunately.


Piano-black finish and touchscreen infotainment lends a luxurious, SUV-like feel to the Navara’s dashboard.  

Nissan SA has not confirmed engine/transmission line-up for the local-spec Navara, but expect it to be offered with the choice of 2- or 4-wheel drive and the option of a standard 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic gearbox.

The South African range could receive the new 2.3-litre Renault-Nissan alliance turbodiesel motor, which is claimed to be up to 24% more efficient than the ageing 2.5-litre unit it replaces, and is said to be the “cleanest and most economical in its sector”. Available with two power output options, 120 kW (409 Nm) and 140 kW (450Nm), the range-topping version introduces twin turbocharging technology – a first for Nissan in this segment.

The current 3.0-litre V6 dCi, which produces 170 kW and 550 Nm of torque, is expected to remain.


Multi-link rear suspension configuration lends the Nissan improved handling stability and a forgiving ride quality.

New independent suspension

In this regard, Nissan has set a precedent with the latest Navara. Gone is the bone-shaking leaf-sprung suspension on DC models which, mercifully, has been replaced by a new independent five-link coil system which provides a much more refined and well-behaved ride.

However, all KC models retain the rear leaf spring arrangement.

The decision to switch to a multi-link rear suspension is entirely justified as the results are instantly evident. The outgoing Navara bounced and shimmied its way along the road, leaving the driver constantly aware of the rear of the vehicle whilst giving the feeling that the load bed is entirely separate from the cab.

The new NP300 Navara does away with that feeling thanks to its new suspension as the multi-link setup removes the wobble and crash of the rear, while a new rubber seal between the load bed and the cab provides cushioning and reduces shaking.

The ride is undoubtedly smoother, but it’s as a rear passenger where you’ll notice it most. Previously the Navara (like most pickups with leaf springs), would gently jiggle you into submission over a long journey. Now, the ride is fairly static and bobble-free.


Rear passengers (in particular) will benefit from the pliant ride quality, especially on long-haul journeys.

What’s more, the rear-seat comfort has also been improved by increasing the angle of the seatback and the length of the cushion squab. While rear legroom is still not overly generous, it must be said, the changes have made the new Navara a much more practical vehicle for four occupants.

More composed, both on- and off-road

From the driver’s seat, the Navara now feels more composed both on- and off-road. The improved ride quality and quicker steering rack make the driving experience more enjoyable and less of a challenge. If you entered a quick, sweeping corner in the outgoing model, the nose tended to push outwards, but the new model tracks much better in the bends and the steering wheel conveys the front wheels’ contact with the road with greater accuracy.

Despite the improved on-road characteristics, the NP300 is still more than capable off road. A 4WD derivative comes complete with a low range ’box, hill descent control and excellent axle articulation. If you want to get really serious, a rear diff-lock is optional. Fortunately, it was fitted to all the test vehicles.

Nissan’s proven electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system has three settings: 2H, 4H, 4L and a more lightweight construction helps the NP300 Navara feel more nimble and agile than its predecessor, while the 450 Nm of torque means there’s plenty of push when needed. Up steep and rocky trails and down deep, rain-carved gullies, the Navara didn’t break into a sweat… but I did!


Navara features electronically-controlled 4WD and a differential lock; its axle articulation is excellent.

… considerably better road manners

The NP300 Navara offers the best ride comfort of any unladen bakkie I’ve driven to date. The previous-generation Navara (and other leaf-sprung competitors) tended to be bouncy and rather unsettled, but the new Navara DC feels much more stable and displays considerably better road manners.

However, there are still reminders that the Navara is, in essence, a working vehicle. There’s no getting away from the fact that below the sheet metal there’s a heavy-duty live axle attached to a ladder-frame chassis.

Nonetheless, the NP300 Navara will be one of the best pick-ups to have ever reached South African shores when it arrives. While not quite blurring category lines, it certainly narrows the gap between rough, tough, work-a-day bakkies and road-biased SUVs.

Related content:

New Triton and Navara: South Africa’s “Missing” Bakkies

Read our big double-cab bakkie comparison test

Search for new and used Nissan Navara stock on Cars.co.za

Mitsubishi Pajero 3-Door 3.2 DI-D GLS Legend II (2016) Review

The Mitsubishi Pajero represents a more old school take on the SUV, one that prioritises genuine off-road ability. There are still enough buyers out there who place a premium on a vehicle's bundu-bashing talents, but does that mean the Pajero is a compromised daily runner? Well, the large Mitsubishi can teach some of its newer, flashier, road-biased rivals a few tricks…

We like: Off-road ability, cruising comfort, willing performance, feels indestructible.

We don't like: Dated appearance and old-fashioned ergonomics, somewhat limited tank range

Alternatives

  • For something similar: The Toyota Prado is quite similar in execution to the Pajero, although it represents a more modern take on the product. Also very capable in the rough stuff (though perhaps not quite up to the Mitsubishi's standards), and offering 7 seats in a vast cabin, the Prado delivers slightly more polished performance on the road. It also features a more modern cabin layout. For this money, you can get the 3.0 DT TX model, which is not the full-house offering – the VX is.
  • A more affordable alternative: The Ford Everest is about R100k more affordable in top-spec LTD guise and, although it is slightly smaller than the Pajero, we believe it could do the job just as well for 90% of potential buyers. It offers more advanced features, more power and great on-road refinement. Where it can't match the Pajero is in go-anywhere ability. 
  • Even more space? Mitsubishi has a 5-door version of this vehicle available and while they're mechanically identical, the 5-door cargo-carrying capacity and space is double that of the 3-door version. If you need space for seven, then look no further.

Old School is Cool

The Mitsubishi Pajero has been around for ages and first saw the light of day back in 1982. Four generations later and with multiple Dakar Rally titles under its belt, it has been continuously tweaked to keep the Japanese SUV modern and fresh. The Legend II is the latest version of Pajero to reach our shores and comes with substantial upgrades to make it even more credible over the rough stuff. Let's see how it fares after a week-long evaluation.

How does it fare in terms of…

Packaging & space?

The 3-door setup on the Pajero Legend II makes for an interesting arrangement and while it can seat four, rear legroom is at a premium. The Pajero works best as a 2-seater offroad vehicle. Cleverly, Mitsubishi has bolted the spare wheel on the outside, meaning boot space is generous and not impacted by the usual placement of a spare. There's a distinct old-school feel about the cabin, which helps contribute to the relaxed and comfortable ambience. 

Convenience features?

The Pajero's cabin may look small from the outside, but Mitsubishi has ensured that the front driver and passenger are well catered for in terms of seating comfort and convenience features. The front seats, for example, feature heating and electrical adjustment. There's a multifunction steering wheel, a touchscreen infotainment system, reverse-view camera, Bluetooth and USB connectivity and a Rockford Fosgate sound system. The Mitsubishi Pajero Legend II boasts 6 airbags, ABS with EBD/BAS and Active Traction and Stability Control (ATSC) with Isofix child seat anchorages fitted at the rear. 

Ride quality & driving experience?

If there was one thing we loved about the Mitsubish Pajero other than its offroad prowess, it would be its on-road manners and ride quality. It's a well-built vehicle and you sit with a commanding view above most other cars. The driving position is excellent for all-round visibility and those thick tyres soak up the imperfections in the road. The 5-speed automatic gearbox comfortably distributes the power from the 3.2-litre turbodiesel engine. On paper, this motor pushes out a credible 140 kW and 441 Nm. That's more than enough grunt to propel the Pajero and if you're towing, 441 Nm is particularly useful. 

Offroad ability?

The Mitsubishi Pajero has a fearsome reputation for being a solid, rugged and dependable offroad vehicle. The Legend II is no exception and thanks to this version's add-ons, can press on even further into the wild. Legend II spec includes heavy-duty protection plates fitted below the engine and gearbox, hardcore Yokohama Geolander offroad tyres as well as a Garmin nüviCam with built-in dash cam pre-loaded with Tracks4Africa off-road maps.

These are in addition to a centre differential lock, generous ground clearance, low-range transfer case as well as excellent approach and departure angles of 36.7° and 25° respectively. When the going gets slippier, but speeds fast, select 4H, which results in dynamic 33:67 front-to-rear torque split. In tougher conditions that require lower speeds, you can select 4HLc, which delivers a 50:50 torque split and also locks the centre differential. Finally, if you need real crawling ability over very rough terrain, you need to come to a stop and engage 4LLc, which activates the low-range.

Pricing & Warranty

The Pajero SWB Legend II sells for R719 900 and comes backed with a 3-years/100 000 km warranty and attractive 5-years/100 000 km maintenance plan. Service intervals are set at every 10 000 km.

Verdict

It may lack the modern day technology and fashionability of equivalent SUVs, but that's not really a problem: the Pajero is not meant for the yuppie brigade. Its interior design is, in relative terms, ancient and with an optimistic claimed fuel consumption figure of 10.1 L/100 km, the Mitsubishi is not ideally suited to the daily commute. However, this is a pure offroad machine that is designed to traverse the toughest of obstacles while keeping its occupants ensconced in comfort. The Legend II package bolsters what's already a respectable offering and the Garmin GPS/dashcam unit will prove useful in the long run. It may not offer cutting edge technology in the full-sized SUV segment, but this vehicle was one of the founding members of the segment and continues to be a popular model for the brand. At R100 000 cheaper than its 5-door sibling, it makes a credible case for couples who yearn to explore the great outdoors with relish.

You may also be interested in:

View our in-depth video overview of the similar Pajero Exceed
Rear our review of the Pajero Sport 2.5 Shogun Auto
Have a look at the upcoming Pajero Sport (all-new model)

Interested in buying a new / used Mitsubishi Pajero?

Find one one on Cars.co.za

Facelift Audi A3 (2016) First Drive

Audi has refreshed its premium hatchback by introducing a few small styling tweaks and more technological features. There’s more standard kit on offer, too. We took it for a quick drive through the Winelands to get reacquainted with the A3…

Exterior updates

The extent of Audi's exterior facelifts is usually quite minor and the upgraded A3 Sportback is no exception. The small tweaks to the exterior subtly enhance the hatchback's look, but you’d still be hard-pressed to circle all the changes in a game of Spot The Difference. Here are a few clues: the front grille has been slightly widened and its framing enhanced to give the frontal view more of a 3D effect.

The headlights have also been redesigned and the Matrix LED units are now available as an option. Audi has launched its facelift model as a 3-door hatch, 5-door Sportback, Sedan and Cabriolet all in one go so there’s a whole new lineup to choose from as of November 2016.


New headlight design on the facelifted A3

Interior Updates

The interior's infrastructure has been upgraded so that it can handle more of the modern tech that Audi has to offer. That means you can specify Virtual Cockpit, which turns the whole instrument cluster into a digital screen where you can pick and choose what you want to have displayed. It’s great to see some of the tech from Audi's marquee products trickling down into the smaller models. The final visual tweaks to the interior include a frameless mirror, 3-spoke steering wheel and interior door lighting. Rear legroom appears tight for taller passenger but overall, the A3 has a very refined, comfortable interior.


Audi's Virtual Cockpit now available as an option on the A3 range.

Engine range

The biggest news for the engine range is the introduction of a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbopetrol motor. It produces 85 kW and 200 Nm of torque and is said to accelerate from 0-100 kph in 9.7 seconds. We drove it in manual guise and it felt very capable in terms of overtaking capability (round town as well as on the open road). It may only be a 3-pot unit, but it manages to feel like a refined engine that belongs in an Audi. It’s also available with an S tronic gearbox and it will be interesting to see how the smaller engine will combine with the self-shifting transmission.

The rest of the engine lineup is made up of the 1.4 TFSI with 110 kW and 250 Nm, the 2.0 TFSI with 140 kW and 320 Nm and the lone turbodiesel, which is a 2.0 TDI with peak outputs of 105 kW and 340 Nm of torque. The TDI is only available in S tronic guise, whereas the rest of the derivatives can be ordered with either a manual or S tronic 'box.


The A3 engine line-up comprises 3- or 4-cylinder turbopetrols as well as a 2.0-litre turbodiesel motor.  

The S3

Audi South Africa has managed to convince the decision-makers in Germany that South Africa is not as hot as they think and should allow us to have all the power available from the S3’s engine. That means instead of the 206 kW version that we had before, we now get 228 kW and 440 Nm of torque. We will certainly be looking forward to driving that in the future.

How does it drive?

The A3 still delivers a comfortable and luxurious driving experience. The optional Audi Drive Select, which allows you to adjust the behaviour of the car with multiple modes including Eco, Dynamic, Comfort and Individual, is well worth considering… The adaptive suspension affords a smoother ride on bumpier roads where the standard suspension can feel a little too sporty and firm for comfort. Otherwise, the A3 feels planted and confidence-inspiring when you conduct it through a set of bends. There’s plenty of grip from the chassis and the tyres hang on without yelping in agony when you push on in the twisties.


A3 feels premium and refined, would add Drive Select for a comfier ride.

More standard equipment  

The German luxury brands are known for skimping a little on standard equipment and Audi has added a few things that some customers felt should have been standard fare on its predecessor. Now, the A3 is standard with 2 USB ports, 16-inch wheels and cruise control. There’s are many new extras to choose from with Audi, such as safety features: rear cross traffic alert, Matrix LED lights and Audi connect that allows for internet access and Google search.

How does it fare?

Summing up the A3's segment pits it against its German rivals from Mercedes-Benz and BMW and to a certain extent Volkswagen and Peugeot (308). The A3 feels more premium than the BMW and Merc but maybe doesn't quite have the funky style that the A-Class has. To drive, it's just as good as the BMW and certainly more comfortable on our roads than an A-Class without adaptive damping. Pricing seems to be comparable with the other 2 but, if you're looking for a value for money option, you might want to seek out something from Opel, Peugeot, VW or Renault.

Pricing

The pricing has gone up, but that’s just the way things are for South Africans at the moment so the starting price for a 1.0-litre A3 is nearly R400k. An S3 is also North of R630k.

 A3 1.0T FSI Manual

 R391 000

 A3 1.0T FSI S tronic

 R409 500

 A3 1.4T FSI Manual

 R412 000

 A3 1.4T FSI S tronic

 R430 500

 A3 2.0 TDI S tronic

 R481 500

 A3 2.0T FSI Manual

 R429 500

 A3 2.0T FSI S tronic

 R448 000

 S3 quattro S tronic

 R638 500

Audi A3 Sportback:

A3 Sportback 1.0T FSI Manual

 R398 500

A3 Sportback 1.0T FSI S tronic

 R417 000

A3 Sportback 1.4T FSI Manual

 R419 500

A3 Sportback 1.4T FSI S tronic

 R438 000

A3 Sportback 2.0 TDI S tronic

 R489 000

A3 Sportback 2.0T FSI Manual

 R437 000

A3 Sportback 2.0T FSI S tronic

 R455 500

S3 Sportback quattro S tronic

 R646 000

Audi A3 Sedan:

A3 Sedan 1.0T FSI Manual

 R408 500

A3 Sedan 1.0T FSI S tronic

 R427 000

A3 Sedan 1.4T FSI Manual

 R429 500

A3 Sedan 1.4T FSI S tronic

 R448 000

A3 Sedan 2.0 TDI S tronic

 R499 000

A3 Sedan 2.0T FSI Manual

 R447 000

A3 Sedan 2.0T FSI S tronic

 R465 500

S3 Sedan quattro S tronic

 R656 000

Audi A3 Cabriolet:

A3 Cabriolet 2.0T FSI S tronic

 R566 500

S3 Cabriolet quattro S tronic

 R758 000

Further Reading

Read about the power upgrade to the facelifted Audi S3 here
Best Premium Hatchback in South Africa
Comparative Review: Opel Astra vs Volkswagen Golf 7
Mercedes-Benz A-Class A220d (2016) Review
Peugeot 308 1.2 GT Line Auto (2016) Review

Interested in buying an Audi A3?

Find one for sale on Cars.co.za

Spy Shots: Next BMW 3 Series Spotted Testing

The next-generation BMW 3 Series is in the pipeline and the sedan is expected to arrive in 2018.

Picture credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien

Our German spy photographers have been working hard this week; first, they gave us a glimpse of the new BMW X5 and now, the next-generation BMW 3 Series as it undergoes testing. The 3 Series is BMW’s bread-and-butter model in South Africa and it remains a strong seller. These images, however, reveal the new styling direction for the 7th-generation 3 Series, which appears to be much rounder and with the car sitting lower to the road than the current iteration. The rear-end has been completely redesigned, hence the heavy camouflage, and features a larger rear windscreen.

When the new BMW 3 Series arrives in 2018, it’s expected to be more efficient and dynamic, with a softer ride quality and enhanced cornering ability. Based on the brand's new CLAR architecture, the BMW 3 Series will weigh less too, which will further improve dynamics and performance.

The interior will feature a high-quality fascia with a minimalistic design. A large touchscreen with gesture control and voice activation is also likely to feature in the new BMW 3 Series.

Related content:

Next BMW 3 Series Spied
Facelifted BMW 3 Series GT Specs and Pricing in SA
2016 Audi A4 vs BMW 3 Series – In-Depth Review & Comparison (Video)

Want to buy a BMW 3 Series?

Find a new or used BMW 3 Series on Cars.co.za

Top speed run: Chasing 300 kph in Jaguar F-Type SVR [Video]

Can Ciro de Siena achieve his dream of driving at 300 kph? Jaguar availed us its fastest production car to date, the F-Type SVR and Ciro unleashed the rapid Jag at the Mafikeng SpeedWeek 2016.

What kind of mental fortitude does it require to achieve that heady velocity at the wheel of a road car? To find out, follow Ciro's adrenaline-fuelled quest with the rare and desirable F-Type SVR.

Related content

BMW M5 Pure Metal – The Most Powerful M5 Ever Made [Video]
Part 2: Audi R8 vs McLaren 570S Track Race
Part 1: Audi R8 vs McLaren 570S with Drag Race
Jaguar F-Type SVR (2016) First Drive [with Video]
Jaguar F-Type SVR specs, price in SA

Interested in buying a Jaguar?

Search for a new/used F-Type on Cars.co.za

2016’s New Cars – How They Fare in Terms of Sales

We look at some of the new cars that landed in South Africa in 2016 and see if they are selling as well as predicted.

It’s difficult to tell if a new car is going to be a hit with the public or not – unless it’s a Volkswagen, in which case it probably will be. What we as members of the motoring media do after we've reviewed new products is to sign off with a final line about letting the sales charts do the talking… But how are the new cars of 2016 actually doing? Looking through the list of new vehicles for 2016, Mercedes-Benz was the big player with 8 new models (including facelifts) this year. The problem with that is that Mercedes-Benz SA doesn’t release sales figures so we have zero indication of how well or badly its models are faring.

As for the rest, we’ve picked a selection of interesting new vehicles across various segments to see which models are doing well and which are flopping. A few things to note, however, are that the overall market is depressed so sales figures are likely to be a bit down from what they would normally be. Also, the supply of certain models may be limited – sales figures may suffer as a result of this.

Audi A4

The all-new A4 was launched in South Africa at the end of February 2016 and appears to have sold in decent numbers. Sales have averaged around 230 units a month since the Ingolstadt-based manufacturer launched its business class sedan. It is unlikely to match the sales figures of the locally built BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, but as a premium model in a contracting market, the new A4 looks to have done well.

Read: Audi A4 2.0TFSI S tronic Design (2016) Review
Buy: Search for a used A4 here

BMW 7 Series

Sales of the 7 Series also commenced in February 2016 and BMW has since added new derivatives such as the long-wheelbase and Pure Excellence edition. For such an expensive business class car, sales have actually been relatively decent. Since February BMW has managed to shift an average of 30 units a month. Not bad when you consider the base price in February was R1.4 million.

Read: BMW 740i (2016) Review
Watch: BMW 7 Series: A Tech Showcase [with Video]
Buy: Search for a used 7 Series here

BMW X1

The all-new X1 featured a more SUV-like shape and improved interior build quality. Its price was also hiked, but that hasn’t seemed to have deterred buyers from the premium-badged compact crossover. Having gone on sale in November 2015, this year’s sales have been steady, averaging around 185 units a month. That compares favourably with the Audi Q3, which is admittedly on its last legs and set for a replacement next year.

Read: BMW X1 xDrive20d (2016) Review
Buy: Search for a used X1 here

Fiat Fullback

There was much hope for the Fiat double cab when we first got word it was coming to South Africa. An all-new platform and good-looking design raised hopes that the Italian marque could garner some early sales success. Unfortunately, the sales haven’t materialised with only June 2016 proving to be a decent sales month (70 units). Since inception, it has averaged just 40 units a month.

Read: Fiat Fullback (2016) First Drive
Buy: Search for a used Fullback here

Ford Figo

The previous Ford Figo was a great success for Ford. The Indian built B-segment hatch was a well-made reliable run-around was based on the previous generation Fiesta. This new generation Figo has transformed its image as a more upmarket vehicle and the sales figures aren’t looking particularly good. Whereas the old Figo was often selling more than 1 000 units a month, the new model averages around 460 units per month. Only once in the last 6 months has it managed to notch up more than 300 sales.

Read: Ford Figo 1.5 Automatic Sedan (2016) Review
Read: Ford Figo 1.5 TDCi Ambiente Hatch (2016) First Drive
Buy: Search for a used Figo here

Ford Ranger

Technically, the facelifted Ranger was launched at the end of 2015, but we’ll only count the sales months from this year. Having usurped the Hilux at the top of the sales chart for a few months, it was always going to be interesting to see what happened to sales when the new Hilux hit the market this year. The new Ranger has continued to be a South African favourite and in the last month of full sales (October 2016) the Ford trumped its Toyota rival for the first time. On average, the new Ranger has sold 2 641 units a month.

Read: Ford Ranger 3.2 4×4 Wildtrak (2016) Review
Watch: Extended Test: Ford Ranger 3.2 4×4 Wildtrak [with Video]
Buy: Search for a used Ranger here

Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai re-introduced the Tucson name when it launched the successor to the popular ix35 in March 2016 and the newcomer achieved sales success from the outset. According to Hyundai, the Tucson averages 615 units a month, making it the segment leader for medium-sized SUVs. That's impressive, considering it's up against tough opposition from the Toyota RAV4, Ford Kuga and Mazda CX-5, which are perennial South African favourites.

Read: Hyundai Tucson 1.6 Turbo 4WD Elite (2016) Review
Watch: 2016 Hyundai Tucson – In-Depth Review, pricing and specs [Video]
Buy: Search for a used Tucson here

Jaguar XF

Jaguar has been dealt with a harsh hand from the exchange rate over the last year (more so than most marques) and, as a result, much of its pricing has been less than competitive. The new XF has struggled to gain any sales momentum this year, selling in single digits for the last 5 months. Currently, it averages just 11 units a month. Thankfully, it appears the F-Pace is selling reasonably well (it may actually be garnering sales at the expense of the XF).

Read: Jaguar XF 3.0 S (2016) Review
Buy: Search for a used XF here

Mazda MX-5

The sporty little Mazda MX-5 is the top-selling convertible of all time; this version is also the current World Car of the Year and a finalist in the Fun Car category of the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards. We can’t expect huge sales of the 2-seater sportscar locally, however, as the pricing is quite steep and it’s in a very niche segment of the market. Since it went on sale at the beginning of the year, the MX-5 has averaged 11 units a month.

Read: Mazda MX-5 (2015) Review
Watch: Extended Test: Mazda MX-5 [with Video]
Buy: Search for a used MX-5 here

Mazda CX-3

Since Mazda’s revival, the brand has done superbly well in SA, especially in the crossover market. The CX-3 is hardly a spacious, practical vehicle but it has stylish appeal. It appears that style eclipses practicality in the small SUV market as the CX-3 averages 220 units a month. To illustrate the Mazda's popularity, more practical models in this segment (such as the Honda HR-V and the Opel Mokka) sell around half those numbers per month.

Read: Crossover Comparison: Honda HR-V vs Mazda CX-3
Watch: Extended Test: Mazda CX-3 2.0 Individual auto [Video]
Buy: Search for a used CX-3 here

Opel Astra

The Opel Astra has been a mainstay of the C-segment hatch market. The new model features a much-updated interior and the exterior has a modern look to it. Unfortunately, that hasn't exactly translated into sales success with Astra lagging behind the likes of the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus and Mazda3. Since June this year, the Astra averages 116 units per month. Those mentioned above do well over 200 units per month.

Read: Comparative Review: Opel Astra vs Volkswagen Golf 7
Read: Opel Astra 1.4T Sport Automatic (2016) Review
Buy: Search for a used Astra here

Renault Kadjar

The Renault Kadjar has been on the market since June 2016 and has begun to gain some sales momentum. Based on the Nissan Qashqai's platform, it has a more up-to-date infotainment system and is aimed at buyers who are looking for something a little different from their SUV. It was unlikely to be a major player in the market, but Renault is a brand on the front foot and sales are steadily creeping up (October 2016 saw a sales high of 105 units). On average,  57 Kadjars have been sold per month since June 2016.

Watch: Renault Kadjar dCi Dynamique 4WD (2016) Review
Read: Renault Kadjar 96 kW 1.2 Dynamique Automatic (2016) Review
Buy: Search for a used Kadjar here

Toyota Aygo

The pint-sized Aygo is one of the finalists in the Budget Car category of the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, but how has it been doing on the sales charts? It can’t match its larger Etios sibling for sales success (despite being cheaper), but compared with its direct competitor, the Volkswagen Up!, the Toyota sells similarly, if ever so-slightly-less, per month. Currently, the Aygo is averaging 180 units a month.

Read: Toyota Aygo 1.0 X-Play (2015) Review
Read: Budget Car Comparison: Volkswagen Move up! Vs Toyota Aygo X-Play
Buy: Seach for a used Aygo here

Toyota Fortuner

Once the new Fortuner arrived in April this year, there was never any doubt as to who the bakkie-based SUV champ would be. In fact, the title of overall SUV champ has to go to the Fortuner. The Ford Everest plays a good game as does the Trailblazer, but the Fortuner is by far and away the market leader, often quadrupling (or more) its competitors' monthly sales figures. After 6 full months on sale, the Fortuner averages a whopping 1 290 units a month.

Read: Toyota Fortuner 2.4GD-6 (2016) Review
Watch: Toyota Fortuner vs Ford Everest (2016) Comparative Review [Video]
Buy: Search for a used Fortuner here

Toyota Hilux

Overall, the Toyota Hilux is SA’s best-selling vehicle and, it looks set to continue that trend in 2016. A late surge of sales from the Ford Ranger is unlikely to overturn the Hilux’s sales lead. The new model’s launch in February, put clear daylight between it and the Ranger with Toyota moving 3 100 units a month.

Read: 
Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 DC 4×4 Raider Auto (2016) Review
2016 Toyota Hilux vs Ford Ranger – Offroad & Review
Buy: Search for a used Hilux here

Audi A3 (2016) Specs & Price

The facelifted Audi A3  is launching in South Africa today! Take a look at specification and pricing for the refreshed A3 range…

The Audi A3 is the Ingolstadt-based firm’s most popular model in South Africa and following the new model's introduction in 2013, the car has received a number of technology, engine and styling updates. Let's take a look at what you can expect from the refreshed premium hatchback.

The facelifted A3 is available as a three-door hatchback, five-door Sportback, Sedan or Cabriolet. There are turbopetrol and turbodiesel engines on offer and you can opt for either a manual or an S-tronic transmission. The performance-orientated Audi RS3 Sportback and RS3 sedan will be introduced locally in 2017.

Exterior changes

The appearance of the A3 has changed somewhat and the most noticeable revisions are the redesigned headlights and taillights. Xenon-plus headlights are fitted as standard across the range, while LED headlights and Matrix LED headlights are optional. Meanwhile, the grille has been broadened and features sharpened contours, giving the facelifted A3 a more refined appearance and the rear diffuser has also been revised. A total of 12 exterior finish colours are available, of which 5 hues are new: Ara Blue, Cosmic Blue, Nano Gray, Tango Red and Vegas Yellow.

Sixteen-inch wheels as standard and Design or Sport derivatives will be fitted with 17-inch examples. New wheel designs will also be available on the optional 18 and 19-inch wheels.

Interior changes

The now familiar Audi Virtual Cockpit can be specified on the facelifted A3; it transforms the instrument clusters into a 12.3-inch diagonal TFT screen. The 7-inch MMI radio plus will be fitted as standard while MMI navigation and MMI navigation plus with MMI touch are optional.

In terms of safety technology, active lane assist, and Audi pre sense (with predictive pedestrian protection) can be specified. The optional traffic jam assist will also makes its way into the A3 and works in conjunction with the adaptive cruise control and Stop&Go feature to manage the distance between the vehicle and traffic up ahead at speeds up to 65 kph. The A3 will also benefit from Emergency Assist, which will bring the Audi to a stop if no steering activity is detected. Furthermore, rear cross-traffic assist will warn the driver if cars are approaching while reversing out of a parking bay.  

Engine Choice

A total of 5 engine choices are available to buyers, including three petrol and one diesel engine. The A3 range will be powered by a 3-cylinder 1.0-litre turbopetrol engine for the first time, offering outputs of 85 kW and 200 Nm of torque. Fuel consumption for this engine is rated at 4.5 L/100 km. 

A new cylinder-on-demand (COD) 1.4-litre turbopetrol engine is also on offer with 110 kW and 250 Nm of torque with a claimed fuel consumption figure of 4.5 L/100 km when mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. 

If you want more power, you may want to consider the newly developed 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine with 140 kW and 320 Nm of torque on tap. This engine is mated to an all-new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and returns a claimed fuel consumption figure of 5.5 L/100 km. In the S3, this same engine has received a power upgrade with outputs of 228 kW and 400 Nm of torque. Claimed fuel consumption for the S3 is rated at 6.4 L/100 km. 

The only diesel engine in the A3 range is the 2.0 turbodiesel engine with 105 kW and 340 Nm and it's mated to an S tronic transmission with a claimed fuel consumption figure of 4.5 L/100 km.

Standard features  

The Audi A3 will be fitted with the following features as standard:

  • Xenon headlights
  • Auto release function
  • Bluetooth interface
  • 16-inch wheels
  • 17-inch wheels (Cabriolet only)
  • Cruise control
  • Driver information system
  • Electrical interface, Aux and USB
  • Exterior mirrors in body colour
  • Front centre armrest
  • Cloth seats
  • Inlays in Micro metallic silver
  • Leather covered sport steering in 3-spoke design
  • Light and rain sensor
  • Interior lighting package
  • Manual air-conditioning
  • MMI radio plus
  • Dynamic suspension

The Audi S3 will be fitted with the following features as standard: 

  • 18-inch wheels with 5 twin-spoke star design
  • Audi Sound System
  • Bluetooth Interface
  • Cruise control
  • Deluxe automatic air-conditioning
  • Driver information system with colour display
  • Electric interface, Aux in and USB
  • Front Sport seats
  • High gloss package
  • Inlays in matt brushed aluminium
  • Interior mirror with automatic antiglare action
  • Leather covered multifunction sport steering wheel, flat bottomed with shift paddles
  • Leather/ fabric seat upholstery
  • LED Headlights and rear lights incl. dynamic turn signals at the rear
  • Light and rain sensor
  • MMI radio plus
  • Pedals and footrest in stainless steel
  • Sport suspension

Audi A3 – Price in South Africa

Audi A3 Hatch:

 A3 1.0T FSI Manual

 R391 000

 A3 1.0T FSI S tronic

 R409 500

 A3 1.4T FSI Manual

 R412 000

 A3 1.4T FSI S tronic

 R430 500

 A3 2.0 TDI S tronic

 R481 500

 A3 2.0T FSI Manual

 R429 500

 A3 2.0T FSI S tronic

 R448 000

 S3 quattro S tronic

 R638 500

Audi A3 Sportback:

A3 Sportback 1.0T FSI Manual

 R398 500

A3 Sportback 1.0T FSI S tronic

 R417 000

A3 Sportback 1.4T FSI Manual

 R419 500

A3 Sportback 1.4T FSI S tronic

 R438 000

A3 Sportback 2.0 TDI S tronic

 R489 000

A3 Sportback 2.0T FSI Manual

 R437 000

A3 Sportback 2.0T FSI S tronic

 R455 500

S3 Sportback quattro S tronic

 R646 000

Audi A3 Sedan:

A3 Sedan 1.0T FSI Manual

 R408 500

A3 Sedan 1.0T FSI S tronic

 R427 000

A3 Sedan 1.4T FSI Manual

 R429 500

A3 Sedan 1.4T FSI S tronic

 R448 000

A3 Sedan 2.0 TDI S tronic

 R499 000

A3 Sedan 2.0T FSI Manual

 R447 000

A3 Sedan 2.0T FSI S tronic

 R465 500

S3 Sedan quattro S tronic

 R656 000

Audi A3 Cabriolet:

A3 Cabriolet 2.0T FSI S tronic

 R566 500

S3 Cabriolet quattro S tronic

 R758 000

Further Reading

Read about the power upgrade to the facelifted Audi S3 here
Best Premium Hatchback in South Africa
Comparative Review: Opel Astra vs Volkswagen Golf 7
Mercedes-Benz A-Class A220d (2016) Review
Peugeot 308 1.2 GT Line Auto (2016) Review

Interested in buying an Audi A3?

Find one for sale on Cars.co.za

 

Toyota C-HR Production Starts in Turkey

The Toyota C-HR made its debut at the Paris Motor Show and production of the new crossover has started at Toyota's Sakarya plant in Turkey.

The new C-HR crossover is being built alongside the Corolla and Verso models at Toyota's plant in Sakarya, Turkey. The plant exports about 80 percent of its production to Europe and its export destinations are expected to expand to serve markets in the USA, Canada, Taiwan, Mauritius and South Africa. Production capacity at the facility has also been ramped up from 150 000 units to 280 000 units. 

“The Toyota C-HR is a hugely important product for the whole of Toyota, not just for Toyota Motor Manufacturing Turkey. The crossover segment is growing fast. This car is Toyota’s very strong entry to this segment,” said Dr Van Zyl, Toyota Motor Europe (TME) President and CEO.

The Toyota C-HR (an abbreviation for Coupe High-Rider) is arguably one of the prettiest Toyotas to emerge from the Japanese marque's design studio and, when it makes its debut in South Africa in 2017, it will fill a particular gap in the brand's line-up. Developed on the Toyota New Global Architecture, the C-HR is positioned between the Auris and the RAV4. With interest already reaching considerable levels, the target of 100 000 annual sales is not outrageous… 

At 4 360 mm long, 1 795 mm wide, 1 555 mm high (Hybrid) and with a 2 640-mm wheelbase, the production Toyota C-HR looks very similar to the concept version from Paris Motor Show back in 2014.

It'll have a number of engines such as hybrid and turbo petrol units. The hybrid is a 90 kW unit with a claimed consumption figure of 3.7 L/100 km while emissions are as low as 85 g/km. The 1.2-litre turbopetrol engine produces 85 kW and 185 Nm, and will consume just 5.7 L/100km, Toyota claims. The top-spec engine will be a 2.0-litre petrol unit with 106 kW. Derivatives will be equipped with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Competitors in this segment are the likes of the Nissan Juke, Suzuki Vitara, Renault Captur, Honda HR-V and the Mazda CX-3. 


New C-HR interior will be available in a choice of three colours: Dark Grey, Black/Blue and Black/Brown.

The interior is quite eye-catching and, significantly, offers a preview of the next generation of Toyota cabins. It represents a departure for the Japanese marque and it's called "Sensual Tech", which combines "high-technology functionality" with some "fashionable style". The C-HR also uses the new Touch 2 infotainment system which, has cool features like 3D maps and Mirrorlink for your Smartphone.

Marketing spin aside, the C-HR offers a driver-focused fascia, as well as a roomy cabin, in a compact body. It certainly looks premium and a glance at the standard equipment underlines its intentions to provide a compact luxury crossover.

There's a whole host of modern safety features such as auto-braking for pedestrians, radar-guided cruise control, lane departure warning and even road sign recognition. In terms of features, there'll also be intelligent parking as well as a top-notch audio system from JBL. Heated seats, smart entry, bi-tone metallic paint and big 18-inch alloy wheels will be available for the top-spec model. 

More reading

Toyota C-HR Crossover Revealed

Toyota C-HR concept shown at Paris

Spy Shots: 2018 BMW X5 Shown Testing

Our German spy photographers have spotted a next-generation BMW X5 undergoing testing.

Picture credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien

The BMW X5 SUV is due for replacement in 2018 and the Munich-based firm is already hard at work testing the new X5. Our spy photographers have provided some imagery of a new X5 protoype undergoing testing and they reveal some interesting design details that you can expect to see when the new X5 finally hits the road. Previous spy shots were early chassis and powertrain mules, but what you see here is the first mule with the new design.

The front-end of the new X5 has been completely redesigned and the spy shots reveal a production-ready grille and large air intakes set in the front bumper. The rear-end has also been redesigned with a new rear bumper and new exhausts. Expect this new BMW X5 to be launched a 2018 model year vehicle. 

Further Reading

Read a review of the BMW X5 25d here
First drive report of the BMW X5 40e here
Read a review of the mighty BMW X5 M

Interested in buying a BMW X5?

Find a used example on Cars.co.za