Our German spy photographer has snapped the clearest images yet of BMW's next-generation 3 Series.
According to the photographer, this 3 Series prototype has been doing the rounds for more than six months, but this is the first time we've managed to get a peek inside. Also, it appears to be trying out a new front bumper design.
The interior appears to follow an evolutionary design theme, with a similarly stacked central control layout. The big news is likely a move to more digital instrumentation (at the very least, part-digital/part-analogue) and the iDrive info-tainment screen seems both larger and more upright.
Interior doesn't appear to stray too far away from the current design.
It is way too early to start making definitive statements regarding the likely model line-up, but word from Europe is that the model designations will remain largely the same as they are currently. Based on the brand's new CLAR architecture, the areas of focus will apparently be; a longer wheelbase and wider track for more space, lower centre of gravity, lighter weight, adaptive suspension, switchable anti-roll bars, torque vectoring, OLED/Laser lighting and semi-autonomous driving technology.
Rumours suggest the 320i will get the new B46-coded 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine while the 340i is likely to be labelled the M340i.
Any new 3 Series is bound to make headlines, as it arguably remains the Munich-based firm's most important model. This new, G20-designated model, is expected to be launched in 2018, and will reach South Africa shortly after international introduction.
Volkswagen has managed to coax a record-beating 2 029 km out of one tank of petrol.
The feat is a new South African record, demolishing the previous mark of 1 941 km set back in 2011 – also by a Volkswagen, the Golf TDI Bluemotion. The Passat used for the record was the 1.4 TSI DSG model. The achievement appears to illustrate that turbopetrols are making gains on the traditional fuel-sipping diesels.
Somehow the team responsible for the record attempt managed to cram 83 litres of Unleaded into the vehicle's 66-litre fuel tank. The extra 17 litres certainly gave them the advantage in the end. The Passat managed to return 4.1 L/100 km over the 2 000 km trip which started at the Zimbabwe border and ended up just North of Cape Town. In order to achieve the distance on one tank, the drivers maintained an average speed of just 69 kph.
The journey of 2 029 km would have taken over 29 hours to complete at that speed.
Mini has whipped the top off its latest Cooper hatchback and the new convertible looks set to steal many hearts. While it’s undeniably cute, does the ragtop have enough substance to make it a worthwhile purchase?
We like: Style, build quality, enthusiastic engine, gadgetry, cheapest proper convertible in SA
We don’t like: Vehicle rattles on bad roads, rear-view mirror less than effective when roof is down
Alternatives:
For French flair on a budget: The Citroen DS3 Cabrio e-THP 81kWdoes a fair job of rivalling the Mini in terms of a boutique driving experience. It’s not a true cabriolet in the sense that the fabric top effectively opens like a full-length (and -width) sunroof and although the Citroen is more affordable than the Mini, its design is relatively outdated and the ragtop derivative is available with a manual transmission only.
Italian zest in a fuel efficient package: Powered by a new turbocharged 0.9-litre 2-cylinder engine that is said to consume just 4.2 L/100 km, the recently updated Fiat 500 500C 0.9 TwinAir Lounge auto may not be conventional cabriolet either (even though the roof folds down to the height of the parcel shelf, the vehicle retains its B- and C-pillars). Reasonably equipped and available in automatic guise, but the admittedly cheaper Fiat cannot match the Mini's prestige.
More practicality: The closely-priced Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet 1.4TSI Comfortline auto seems a trifle conservative compared with the Mini, but it offers slightly more in terms of rear legroom and luggage capacity by virtue of its compact hatchback underpinnings. Refinement is one of its strongest traits, but seeing that it is based on the older-generation Golf, hardly a cutting edge competitor.
Following the discontinuation of the Mini Coupe and Roadster, the Convertible is unquestionably the most striking model in the Oxford-based manufacturer's product lineup. Perhaps it was a combination of the test unit's Caribbean Aqua metallic paint, white leather interior and a sunny weekend, but as these pictures attest, it’s a pleasant vehicle to look at and, more importantly, to be seen in.
The centrepiece is the electrically operated fabric roof, which has three configurations. You can have it completely closed, partially open (to the same extent as a traditional sunroof) or you can lower it fully. Unlike some convertibles that cleverly fold and pack the roof out of sight into the boot section, the Mini Convertible’s roof folds in a concertina motion and rests on the back of the vehicle. Once the roof is all the way down, it has an annoying drawback – it obstructs the rear view to the extent that you have to rely on your side mirrors instead. Ticking the reverse camera option is, therefore, highly recommended!
Luggage space is normally an issue with cars of this ilk, but the Mini offers a clever feature to compensate for the smaller boot aperture: there’s enough space to slide a laptop bag in under the cargo lid, but, for the purposes of loading bigger items, there are 2 levers inside the boot that release the base of the roof assembly and make it easier to load taller items. The functionality is limited to when the roof is not fully lowered, however.
Rear visibility is restricted with the roof all the way down. The roof process takes around 18 seconds from start to finish.
Performance and refinement?
The Cooper Convertible is powered by a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder turbopetrol that has garnered praise in similarly-engined Minis we've appraised. Again, courtesy of outputs of 100 kW and 220 Nm, the 3-pot Cooper delivers a credible turn of speed. Even though this isn’t the performance derivative of the range, the Cooper gives a good account of itself in a variety of driving conditions. Power is fed to the front wheels via a slick-shifting 6-speed automatic transmission. While purists will snub the auto ‘box, you’ll appreciate it immensely in both city confines and twisty roads. You can leave it to its own devices, or change gears by tapping the transmission lever fore and aft when in the 'box's manual/"sequential" mode.
With the roof up, sound insulation seems quite effective, but we found it difficult to hold a conversation (when speaking at the usual volume of your voice) while cruising at the national speed limit. Being a Mini, the ride is firm and sporty, something you’ll appreciate when you’re on a smooth road. However, the ruts and raised manhole covers on our test route resulted in some uncomfortable jarring, and the slightest undulation in tarmac exposed the convertible’s relative lack of rigidity (due to the absence of a fixed roof section) through sporadic trim creaks. Also, while it has the most comfortable and best-made Mini Convertible interior to date, the rear seats remain largely ornamental (think of them as extra packing space for your shopping and/or kit).
The Mini interior is smart and well put together, but be mindful that some features are optional.
Value for money?
This segment of the market is unmistakably premium and the asking price of the Mini (backed by premium parent brand BMW) reflects that. However, there's not much else in this segment that can offer the same prestige as the Mini… The Citroen DS3 Cabrio and Fiat 500C are cheerful and fun, but neither of them can match the Mini's performance, brand cachet and, crucially, true wind-in-the-hair convertible experience. The Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet, one of the last survivors of a once well-populated compact hatchback-based ragtop/coupe convertible segment, lacks pizzazz and must be due for replacement soon.
Mini offers substantial upgrades and packages to add onto your Cooper Convertible, and our test unit came with a few extras. Notable options include a head-up display, driving mode selector and Harmon Kardon audio upgrade. Like all Minis, you can go to town with the optional extras and custom interior/exterior adornments, but, be warned, they all add up… We'd suggest heated seats are a must if you wish to enjoy year-round topless motoring.
Mini Cooper Convertible price in South Africa
The Mini Cooper Convertible range starts at R389 000 for the manual, while the automatic retails for R407 456. Prices include a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
The Mini Cooper Convertible is stylish, fun to drive and made onlookers smile. Mission accomplished.
Verdict
The Convertible is a fun and stylish car that oozes charm and personality. The engine and automatic gearbox are well calibrated, and you'll find the Mini Convertible effortless to pilot. It's best suited to zipping around town as highway trips are noisy and you'll battle to hear what your passengers are saying. And, on bumpier roads, you will hear some rattles and chassis flex, but this affects most convertible vehicles – it's certainly not an indication of poor build quality, as this latest generation of Mini is quite well-made and solid. Ultimately, it is priced reasonably fairly and besides, when making a style statement effectively is far more important that enjoying the famed Mini go-kart driving experience, could anyone justify the additional outlay on a Cooper S version?
Ford Figo 1.5 TDCi Ambiente Hatch (2016) First Drive
One of South Africa's most economical new cars punches above its weight. This was our conclusion after spending a week zipping across Gauteng in Ford's Figo 1.5 TDCi Ambiente
There aren't many (relatively affordable) turbodiesel-powered compact hatchbacks available in South Africa. There are a couple of reasons for this, but arguably the most notable one relates to cost. Turbodiesel engines tend to be more expensive to produce than their petrol-fed counterparts and, therefore, they drive up the prices of the vehicles they power. The lower down the market you go, the more cost-sensitive consumers are, so unless you can offer your turbodiesel hatchback at approximately the same price as a petrol derivative, the perceived fuel economy advantage may not be enough to lure buyers.
Ford, however, is giving the small turbodiesel hatchback another shot at glory. Its Figo 1.5 TDCi is priced R24 300 higher than the equivalent turbopetrol model. But with a claimed fuel consumption figure of 4.1 L/100 km, it is rather significantly more frugal than the petrol model (5.9 L/100 km). Is it enough, though? Three Cars.co.za staffers recently spent a week in Johannesburg and put this little diesel-sipping hatch through a pretty tough test.
Fuel economy vs performance
Neat and inoffensive, the Figo Ambiente doesn't get alloy wheels.
This Figo model is powered by the brand's 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine that delivers 74 kW at 3 750 rpm and a strong 215 Nm of torque (from 1 750 to 3 000 rpm). It is the latter torque figure that translates to such impressive real-world performance. The petrol model offers "only" 136 Nm at a heady 4 250 rpm. The diesel-powered Figo's grunt proved to be surprising during our test, with a particular highlight being the relative absence of turbo lag low down in the rev range. In fact, up the ramp that leads to OR Tambo International's drop-off area, the little Figo proved capable of hauling itself along in third gear without so much as a squeeze of the throttle pedal…
Equally impressive is the fact that – and unlike many other small turbodiesels – the Figo's engine proved quite willing to rev and was relatively refined to boot. The only real "symptom" of the diesel engine's less appealing attributes was a big cloud of smoke upon start-up on a very cold winter's morning.
The engine's solid performance is matched by impressive fuel economy. We've become used to the disappointment of actual consumption figures that pale in comparison with manufacturer's claimed figures (a phenomenon we find especially applicable to small forced-induction powerplants), yet this Figo proved stubbornly frugal. Yes, our overall (indicated) consumption figure for the week was 5.6 L / 100 km, which is not the brand's claimed 4.1… but the reality is that the Ford was being worked very hard. With up to five meetings a day dotted all across Johannesburg and Tshwane, there was neither much time for "casual" driving, nor regular stops for refuelling. In that sense, the Figo's combination of grunt and economy was absolutely spot-on for our needs.
Comfort & features
In Ambiente specification, the Figo's instrumentation is basic, but a trip computer is included.
The Figo is one of the more spacious entry-level hatchbacks available on the new vehicle market, and our test unit was tasked with hauling a trio of adults and their luggage during our week-long test. The luggage capacity is rated at 256 litres, which is similar to a vehicle such as the Toyota Etios, but smaller than the bay of a Renault Sandero, for example. Nevertheless, it comfortably trounces similarly-priced "boutique" hatches such as the Hyundai Grand i10, Kia Picanto and Volkswagen Up! It also adds usable rear legroom, so if you're looking to spend around R200 000 on a hatchback and interior space is a requirement, then it should feature on your shortlist. One negative, however, is the single-piece folding rear backrest, which limits ultimate versatility.
Our test unit featured the base-level Ambiente specification, which includes air-conditioning, 2 airbags, electric power steering, a trip computer, ABS, alarm and immobiliser and a Bluetooth-compatible audio system with USB and auxiliary ports, as well as a simple docking system for mobile phones. However, when you start analysing the extra specification of the Trend model, which is priced only R10 000 higher, the latter does seem to make sense, as you will not only get a 60/40 split rear seat, but also electric front windows, alloy wheels, front foglamps, electrically adjustable side mirrors and rear window defroster, among others. Judging by the detailed sales figures provided by Lightstone, most buyers appear to be spending extra and opting for the Trend.
Besides the spaciousness of the cabin, another feature that had a positive impact on overall occupant comfort was the Figo's suspension setup. The model was developed for a developing country such as ours, and its damping is tuned to omptimise comfort on a variety of surfaces. The test unit dealt with the poorer roads encountered on our trip very effectively.
Design & finish
Comprehensive sound system features Bluetooth, USB and aux support.
The current Figo is a markedly different car compared with its more obviously previous-generation Fiesta-based predecessor. The design has been brought into line with modern offerings such as the Fusion and Focus, and the end-result is a somewhat generic, but entirely inoffensive product. Ambiente specification means you get plastic wheel covers (instead of alloys) and black plastic mirror housings and door handles, but the bumpers are colour-coded.
Inside, there is much to remind of other Ford models, including most notably the Fiesta. The layout of the buttons for the infotainment system will be familiar to anyone that's driven a Ford in the past five years, or so. Again, Ambiente specification means you lack a couple of niceties, and the most obvious clue (besides the manual window winders and side mirror adjustment) is the basic instrument panel that lacks a rev counter.
Overall, we found the Figo quite sturdy, even though the plastics used can't exactly be described as "luxurious". The only quality-related irritation was a rattle emanating from the luggage compartment.
Pricing & warranty
The Figo 1.5 TDCi Ambiente sells for R193 900 and comes backed with a 4-year/120 000 km warranty and 2-year/40 000 km service plan. Service intervals are nicely spaced at 20 000 km.
Verdict
The relatively slow sales of the new-generation Figo thus far is explained by Ford as being largely related to supply. In our experience, the Figo is one of those vehicles that grows on those who drive it, but this is not something that easily translates to showroom appeal, which could also be limiting its sales. Closer investigation of the sales figures reveals that at this specific Figo's price level shoppers favour a little crossover machismo (Sandero Stepway, Vivo Maxx and Etios Cross). Perhaps what the sensible Figo 1.5 TDCi needs, then, is to butch up a bit? That said, the Figo, and the turbodiesel derivative, in particular, deserves your consideration if practicality, economy and power are requirements at under R200 000.
Dealership Labour Rates (2016) Which Brands Charge Most?
Data specialists Lightstone Consumer reveals the average labour rates charged at South Africa's franchise dealerships. While the variation between brands is largely to be expected, the size of the gap between the most expensive and affordable dealerships of some brands is not…
Conducted during April, this study by Lightstone Consumer includes the retail labour rate, the warranty labour rate as well as the maintenance plan labour rate charged at no fewer than 873 Passenger and LCV (Light Commercial Vehicle) dealerships of 32 brands operating within South Africa.
The graphic (below, click to enlarge) shows the overall Retail Labour Rate charged for Passenger and Light Commercial vehicles. Note that, while a customer would be charged at a dealership it must be borne in mind that many brands these days offer maintenance and service plans, so the average customer rarely sees these rates.
As reflected, labour rates vary widely by brand with makes like Mahindra averaging R479 per hour and some premium brands averaging over R800 per hour. Audi emerged as the priciest, with an average labour rate of R847 per hour. It is also interesting to note the large variation within a single brand's dealership network – for example note the difference between the cheapest and most expensive labour rates of Ford and Audi. This, according to a source at Lightstone, may be surprising at face value, but is down to factors such as location and dealer groups.
The study found that the labour rates also vary widely by province and between major metro and small town environments. At a provincial level the highest average labour rates are in Gauteng and Kwa-Zulu Natal with the lowest being charged in the Free state, North West and Northern Cape. The Lightstone Consumer survey also covered the rates charged for the servicing and maintenance of medium and heavy commercial vehicles with similar variances being revealed.
World’s Best-Selling Cars of 2016
According to reports, the Toyota Corolla is the best-selling car in the world for the first six months of 2016.
We recently reported that Volkswagen overtook Toyota to become the largest carmaker in the world. That may be true, but no car, it seems, is more popular than the Toyota Corolla. A report compiled by Focus2Move examined sales figures for more than 2 700 models sold in over 140 countries and the Corolla came out on top as the world’s most popular car with 634 298 units sold in the first half of the year.
The Corolla is closely followed by the Volkswagen Golf with 500 630 units sold worldwide while Ford’s F-Series bakkie claims third place with sales totalling 478 384.
The Ford Focus joins the list at fourth place with 367 479 sales and Hyundai’s Elantra cracks fifth place with 363 490 sales in the first half of the year. Another car from Hyundai that's showing significant gains is the recently introduced Tucson, which jumped 94 places and is currently placed 16th with 285 060 sales so far.
The Volkswagen Polo is a firm South African favourite and is consistently a best-seller locally. The Polo is ranked sixth in the world with 358 602 sales. Interestingly, the Toyota Hilux, South Africa’s best-selling vehicle, is ranked 14th with 287 438 sales while its main rival, the Ford Ranger, is ranked 95th with 105 860 worldwide sales.?
Golf on a Sunday took on new meaning as we drove Volkswagen’s arsenal of Golf-based performance hatchbacks over the weekend.
Getting out of bed early on a Sunday morning is a struggle for most people, but a chance to drive some of Wolfsburg’s finest hot hatches makes all the effort worthwhile. At our disposal was the Volkswagen Golf GTI Performance Pack, Golf R, Scirocco R and the new GTI Clubsport. The route for the day included excellent stretches of road through Malmesbury, Ceres and Villiersdorp. All the vehicles were equipped with DSG twin-clutch transmissions that made for lightning-fast gear changes. The experience was memorable and the performance offered by each car was surprisingly different. Let's take a closer look…
Volkswagen Golf GTI Performance Pack
Judging the Performance Pack by its "slightly warmed-up GTI" reputation does it a disservice. A superbly balanced machine.
It may have been the least powerful vehicle on this outing with 169 kW and 350 Nm of torque, but the Golf GTI Performance Pack exhibits good pace and its handling was put to the test through some tight bends. It offers more involvement than the standard Volkswagen Golf GTI, without compromising on premium feel or ride quality.
The Clubsport is a favourite of the Cars.co.za test team and a reacquaintance just confirmed our feelings.
The newest addition to the GTI range is the Clubsport. We’ve tested it extensively and came away mightily impressed. It was great to pilot the Clubsport again and it continued to thrill us with its pin-sharp handling, fun to drive characteristics and exhilarating engine note. The GTI Clubsport packs a serious punch delivered from its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine offering 195 kW and 350 Nm of torque. But that's not all, for 10 seconds with your foot planted flat, the Clubsport will kick into overboost (where power is momentarily bumped up to 213 kW and 380 Nm of torque).
The flagship of the Golf range. When rain is pouring down, the R's 4-wheel drivetrain is certain to make its presence felt.
The Golf R is a complete all-rounder and it's very quick thanks to a combination of all-wheel drive and its DSG transmission. In this company, however, it felt mature and tame, especially when compared to the fiery GTI Clubsport. The Golf R is fitted with a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine developing 206 kW and 380 Nm of torque – figures not to be scoffed at. It’s a stellar car and it will remain to be one of the most accomplished performance hatchbacks on the road today.
The fact that the Scirocco R remains enthralling to this day speaks volumes for its compelling packaging.
The surprise of the day was the Scirocco R. Launched way back in 2010/2011, the Scirocco R is no spring chicken, yet it still offers performance and features on par with cars of 2016. With 188 kW and 350 Nm of torque mustered from its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, power reaches the front wheels through a fast-shifting DSG transmission. The Scirocco R will spin its front wheels if you push it hard from standstill, but once it gains traction, performance is mega. Those large exhausts aren't just for show either, they produce a tremendous boom under full acceleration.
Eager to gain a competitive edge in the marketplace, manufacturers have been upping the extents of their after-sales warranties. The latest one to join the list is Nissan, with its Nissan Assured plan
The 6-year/150 000 km warranty, offered in conjunction with a 3-year/ 90 000 km service plan in most cases, is spread widely across Nissan's range of vehicles (no longer only applicable to the GT-R, Navara and NV 350 Impendulo, for example). The warranty plan is included as standard on most models in the Japanese marque's range as well as offered as an option where it isn’t.
“Many of the warranties available on new vehicles today are riddled with provisions and exclusions. This makes the warranty programme difficult to understand and often dilutes the benefit to the customer. With Nissan Assured, we have made the warranty as comprehensive and easy to understand as possible,” says Xavier Gobille, Nissan South Africa's managing director of sales, marketing and after sales.
The warranty covers all major mechanical components and service or repair work done at an approved Nissan dealership, using genuine Nissan parts. Standard warranty exclusions on wear-and-tear parts such as shock absorbers, brake pads and linings and the clutch only apply after 3-years or when the first 100 000 km of the warranty has expired.
Nissan has also improved its Assured offering by including a 24hr roadside assist. The assist programme offers towing, security sent to your location while you wait for assistance, flat battery support and a locksmith service.
Nissan has unveiled a working prototype of its futuristic BladeGlider zero-emissions compact sportscar concept.
Remember the Nissan Deltawing racecar that competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans? Here's an offshoot: the BladeGlider, a sporty, yet eco-friendly, concept. This new version of the concept combines "environmentally friendly impact and sportscar driving capabilities", at least that's the official line from Nissan, which goes on to suggest that the BladeGlider forms part of the brand's strategy of developing fun-to-drive, but environmentally responsible, products.
Carlos Ghosn, president and chief executive officer of Nissan, said: "These prototypes epitomise Nissan's drive to expand its Intelligent Mobility strategy, where driving pleasure combines with environmental responsibility. Nissan believes that enthusiasts should look forward to a zero emission future and Nissan BladeGlider is a perfect demonstration of that. It's the electric vehicle for car lovers."
The concept is powered by a pair of 130 kW electric motors fed by a 5-module lithium ion 220 kW battery. Nissan claims the 3-seater will sprint to 100 kph from standstill in under 5 seconds and top out at 190 kph.
What's more, there's a smart torque vectoring system that sharpens the handling characteristics; the BladeGlider even has a Focus RS-style drift mode!
Here are some more details: there's special cooling for the battery and motors; the cabin has an uncommon three-person layout (first seen on the McLaren F1 supercar): the driver sits front and centre, with a pair of passengers behind them; and the sporty, supportive seats feature 4-point safety harnesses.
The next generation of the VW Polo GTI has been spotted being tested in the United States.
The all-new, 6th-generation VW Polo is set to be revealed during in 2017 and then reach showrooms soon thereafter. The GTI derivative is only destined for 2018, but, as can be seen from the images captured in Death Valley USA, this pre-production test unit is shod with classic GTI wheels and fitted with chrome tailpipes. The photographers noted that the car looks longer and wider than the current Polo (the next GTI should also be lighter than the current model).
Polo is set to go on sale late 2017 with the GTI model in 2018
The current range of engines is likely to be carried over to the 2018-generation Polo with the GTI retaining it 1.8-litre turbopetrol powerplant. Volkswagen will also use its scalable MQB platform to underpin the new Polo; in other words, it will share its underpinnings with the Golf, but be a slightly shorter vehicle.
