Mercedes-Benz has introduced a host of new cabriolet products in South Africa including the C-Class Cabriolet and S-Class Cabriolet. Let’s take a closer look at what the S-Class cabriolet has to offer.
Summer is here and Mercedes-Benz has timed the launch of its new C-Class Cabriolet and S-Class Cabriolet perfectly. The C-Class and S-Class Cabriolet ranges are being launching in South Africa this week and we will be driving them, so look out for our first drive impressions later this week.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet has been dubbed as the world’s most comfortable convertible and is the sixth variant in the S-Class range and the first first-class four-seater convertible to come from the Stuttgart-based firm since 1971.
Take a look at specs and pricing for the S-Class Class cabriolet below.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet – engine offering
The S-Class cabriolet range comprises of three derivatives, including the S500, S63 AMG and the S65 AMG.
The S500 is powered by a 4.7-litre bi-turbocharged V8 engine that develops 335 kW and 700 Nm of torque, using a 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission. The S500 is capable of sprinting to 100 kph in 4.6 seconds and has a top speed of 250 kph. Mercedes-Benz claims a fuel consumption figure of 8.5 L/100km for the S500.
The more powerful S63 AMG is fitted with a 5.5-litre bi-turbocharged V8 engine with 430 kW and 900 Nm of torque and mated to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-Speed sports transmission. Acceleration is brisk, with the S63 AMG capable of achieving 4.2 seconds in the dash to 100 kph before reaching a top speed of 250 kph. Claimed fuel consumption is rated at 10.4 L/100 km.
The range-topping S65 AMG delivers even more power and torque, with 463 kW and 1 000 Nm of torque on offer from its 6.0-litre bi-turbocharged V12 engine. The S65 AMG makes use of an AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission to lay power down and it can crack 100kph from standstill in just 4.1 seconds before reaching its speed limit at 250 kph. Mercedes-Benz claims a fuel consumption of 12.0 L/100km on the combined cycle.
Outstanding features
The S-Class Cabriolet is fitted with a semi-active AIRMATIC air suspension system as standard. Safety and driver assistance systems include Pre-Safe Brake with pedestrian detection, Distronic Plus with Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot, Brake Assist Plus with Cross-Traffic Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus and Night View Assist Plus. Collision Prevention Assist Plus is also included as standard.
A switch in the centre console is used to open and close the soft top roof and this action takes less than 20 seconds to complete at speeds up to 60 kph. The roof can also be opened or closed using the key fob from outside the vehicle.
The S-Class Cabriolet is fitted with an electrically-operated AIRCAP wind protection system that reduces air turbulence in the cabin while you are driving with the top down. The AIRSCARF neck-level heating system as well as heated armrests, seat heating and intelligent climate control ensures maximum comfort in the S-Class cabriolet.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet – Prices in South Africa
Mercedes-Benz S500 Cabriolet R2 299 900
Mercedes-AMG S 63 Cabriolet R2 899 900
Mercedes-AMG S 65 Cabriolet R3 499 900
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet is sold with a 6-year/100 000 km PremiumDrive maintenance plan as standard.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet (2016) First Drive
It seems outrageous: this notion of an open-topped first class car. But the S-Class Cabriolet is not a volume-selling product aimed at practically minded consumers; it’s a calculated and superbly executed spinoff of one of, if not the, world’s finest premium luxury sedan(s). We drove it in the Western Cape winelands and never, not once, did we feel inclined to raise the Benz’s fabric roof.
You know you are at the wheel of something exclusive if the entry-level derivative of the range is named the S500 and it positively sails along a mountain pass courtesy of its cosseting AIRMATIC suspension and its (sometimes burbling, but usually humming) 4.7-litre twin-turbocharged V8 motor.
From its expansive gullwing-shaped front air intakes, to its clamshell bonnet and sharply raked A-pillars; its well-proportioned flanks to its yacht-like stern; the S-Class Cabriolet exudes tasteful sophistication and effortless grace, with a hint of subtle athleticism. We’ll expand on the range’s AMG derivatives in a short while, but suffice to say the S500 (R2.3 million, in standard trim) is the definitive S-Class Cabriolet.
Although rear legroom is less than generous, front passengers get the full S-Class luxury experience.
Redefines open-top premium luxury motoring
And, in many ways, the S-Class Cabriolet redefines open-top premium luxury motoring. Granted, none of Mercedes-Benz’s traditional rivals offer anything to compete with it (the BMW 6 Series ragtop is in a minor league in terms of size and execution), which leaves the long-in-the-tooth and dynamically compromised Maserati Gran Cabrio and, after that, Aston Martin, Bentley and Rolls-Royce products: all of which are exquisite, but they’re older designs and stratospherically expensive.
You see the Benz is more structurally composed (as in resistant to scuttle shake, interior creaks and wind noise intrusion), dynamically accomplished (offering a pliant ride quality that belies the stiffer underpinnings required for a car of its configuration) and wholly cossetting (offering supreme comfort not only in terms of plush seating, but also climate control with the roof down) than any car of its kind. The newcomer demonstrates that the S-Class platform doesn’t know its own strength.
The S-Class Convertible's folding roof is mechanised poetry; can retract or deploy at speeds of up to 60 kph.
To illustrate: the S-Class Cabriolet can be driven at higher speeds while its roof is down without the cabin turbulence and billows of cold air becoming unbearable; you can carry a conversation with your fellow occupant(s) at 120 kph without needing to raise your voice by a single decibel; the steering is featherlight without venturing into the floppy/imprecise category and, the coup de grâce: its pliant ride quality irons out road ripples while still exhibiting commendable body control.
Makes roof-down motoring more accessible
As with the S-Class, the cabin is a delectable melange of leather and metal trim, it pipes perfume into the ventilation system and the seats offer a variety of active bolstering and indulgent massage functions. Thanks to the AIRSCARF technology, which directs the flow of temperate climate controlled air to aid occupant comfort, in conjunction with heating functions in the seats (and even the armrests), practically any rain-free and breezy (not gusty) day could be a roof-down day…
One of the newcomer's biggest achievements is that it makes high-speed topless motoring very comfortable.
More impressive still is the AIRCAP function, which, at the push of a button, deploys windscreen and aft wind deflectors, so that when the 4 windows are fully extended, interior buffeting is reduced to a minimum, even at heady speeds. The drawback of the system is that it increases the gush of wind noise at ear level, but for those who favour physical over aural comfort, the S-Class Cabriolet’s Burmester surround audio system is happy to drown out the ruckus in a melodious manner.
Not perfect, however
As the newcomer is a lifestyle vehicle by the strictest definition, buyers will need to be willing to make some compromises. First of all, the S-Class Cabriolet is not an S-Class Coupe with a fabric roof… The cost of having front seats that can do virtually anything but bring you your pipe and slippers before bedtime is that they’re sizeable items; that, in conjunction with the roof assembly and mechanism that needs to be accommodated behind the passenger cell, means that rear legroom is not generous when a driver of average height is behind the wheel.
S-Class Cabriolet's front occupants are availed a plethora of luxuries; roof/AIRCAP controls hidden in centre console.
Also, the doors are long and heavy to open if you park the vehicle at an angle where gravity works against you. The boot capacity, as expected, is compromised too, but by Cabriolet standards, it is perfectly acceptable.
Oh, and for those who require more performance than the S500 can provide, Mercedes-Benz has availed a pair of AMG derivatives too. With an asking price of R3.5 million, the twin-turbo V12 engined S65 borders on the ludicrous. At this end of the market conspicuous consumption is a relative term, however, so if you compare the flagship Benz with what a Bentley or Rolls-Royce of similar configuration would cost you, the puffing, meteoric 12-cylinder flagship almost makes sense… sort of.
The S63 AMG, propelled by the Affalterbach’s 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8, however, represents a good compromise. The S500’s motor “speaks softly”; it will clear its chest and hum intently under full-bore acceleration, but by V8 standards, it’s not exactly a burbling motor. The S63 AMG, however, is eminently characterful, delightfully responsive and will catapult the sizeable Benz along at a fair lick at the flex of the driver’s right foot. Given the generally demure and urbane clientele of the S-Class Cabriolet even the S63 AMG seems a bit overblown, but then our consumer advice is, again, relative.
Even though the Benz makes a powerful statement in itself, its driving experience backs that up beautifully.
Summary
The biggest compliment we can pay the S-Class Cabriolet is that it has instantly made the SL range, one of Mercedes-Benz’s most revered and iconic products of the past 5 decades, seem surplus to requirements. After all, who’d want a large luxury roadster if a more practical, sophisticated and equally desirable (if not prettier) Cabriolet is available? The Stuttgart-based firm chose to halt the production of the S-Class Cabriolet in 1971, ostensibly because it felt the SL could carry the torch, which it did remarkably, but now it remains to be seen if Benz will produce another big roadster.
But back to the newcomer. For all its technological prowess, on-road sophistication and undeniably supreme occupant comfort, the S-Class Cabriolet still feels more than the sum of its parts. Like its S-Class siblings, the car is literally impressive, as in it evokes feelings of prosperity, prestige and accomplishment in its driver in ways that few other cars can match. Granted, the by-products of privilege and opulence that come part and parcel with ownership of such a vehicle may be politically incorrect in an era of social upheaval and economic strife, but that is not the Benz’s fault. It’s a triumph.
Mercedes-Benz has this week introduced a host of new cabriolet products in South Africa, including topless derivatives of the C- and S-Class models. Let’s take a closer look at what the C-Class cabriolet has to offer.
Summer is here and Mercedes-Benz has seemingly timed the launch of its new C- and S-Class Cabriolets perfectly. The new droptops are launching in South Africa this week and we will be driving them, so look out for our first drive impressions later this week.
Until then, take a look at the specs and pricing for the C-Class Cabriolet below.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet Details
Four C-Class Cabriolet models are on offer in the form of the petrol-powered C200, C300 and range-topping C43 4MATIC, as well as the diesel-powered C220d.
The C220d offers 125 kW and 400 Nm of torque from its 2.1-litre turbodiesel engine. The sprint to 100 kph will take 8.3 seconds before reaching a limited top speed of 231 kph and Mercedes-Benz claims a fuel consumption figure of 4.5 L/100 km.
The petrol-powered line-up kicks off with the C200, offering 135 kW and 300 Nm of torque from its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine. Acceleration to 100 kph is claimed at 8.2 seconds with a top speed of 235 kph. In terms of fuel consumption, Mercedes-Benz claims 6.0 L/100 km.
The more powerful C300 develops 180 kW and 370 Nm of torque from its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine and can sprint from standstill to 100 kph in 6.4 seconds before reaching a top speed of 250 kph. Fuel consumption for the C300 is rated at 6.7 L/100 km.
The C-Class Cabriolet range is headed by the range-topping C43 4MATIC featuring a six-cylinder 3.0-litre turbocharged engine that develops 270 kW and 520 Nm of torque. Mercedes-Benz claims a fuel consumption figure of 8.3 L/100km for the C43 4MATIC.
A new 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission is standard across the C-Class Cabriolet range, but is optional for the C200.
Roofless, but not turbulent
Clever features such as AIRCAP and AIRSCARF make topless motoring more comfortable, more often.
In terms of features, AIRMATIC air suspension is offered as an option on all C-Class Cabriolet derivatives and if fitted, comes with Dynamic Select as standard (optional with steel suspension) allowing the driver to choose between a sporty, comfortable or fuel-efficient setting. The driver can also choose between various transmission modes including Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual.
AIRCAP and AIRSCARF technologies are also offered for the C-Class Cabriolet. AIRCAP is an electronic draught stop system that reduces air turbulence in the cabin when the roof is down. AIRSCARF offers neck-level heating for the driver and front passenger, a handy feature in winter.
The fabric soft-top roof is available in black as standard or optionally in either dark brown, dark blue or dark red. The roof can open or close in under 20 seconds at speeds up to 50 kph. The roof is stored in a soft-top compartment in the boot.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet – Price in South Africa (February 2017)
Audi has set a provisional date for its first RS-badged compact sedan to land in SA and it can be expected in the second quarter of 2017.
Audi showed the RS3 Sedan at the Paris Motor Show a few weeks back. The 3-box version isn’t merely a booted version of the RS3 Sportback, but rather features an all-new 5-cylinder engine. The new engine makes it more powerful and faster than its sibling and, arguably more desirable.
The 2.5-litre, 5-cylinder engine produces 294 kW and 480 Nm of torque, up from the 270 kW and 465 Nm offered in the hatchback. The torque from the new engine is available from just 1 700 rpm up to 5 850 rpm, making it particularly tractable. Acceleration from standstill to 100 kph is just 4.1 seconds thanks to quattro and launch control – as well as the extra power. Top speed is obviously limited to 250 kph.
The RS3 Sedan has notable styling features, such as the body kit, boot spoiler and huge oval tailpipes. It also rides on a 20 mm wider front track and a 14 mm wider rear track.
From there, it’s business as usual with Nappa Leather seats, a flat-bottomed RS steering wheel and multiple driving modes to ramp up the excitement and noise. Audi’s virtual cockpit is now also available as an option on the RS3 Sedan.
Audi South Africa has pencilled in the second quarter of 2017 for the launch of the RS3 Sedan. In the meantime, here’s some content on the RS3 Sportback to whet your appetite.
Motorists can expect a hike in fuel prices at the end of October 2016.
The Automobile Association (AA) has stated that fuel prices in South Africa are likely to increase at the end of October, citing unaudited mid-month data released by the Central Energy Fund (CEF).
"There has been a definite appreciation in oil prices since OPEC resolved to cut oil production. The international price of petrol has climbed from 136 US cents per gallon to 148 cents since 27 September. Despite the Rand's gradual appreciation against the US dollar over the same period, there has been a substantial impact on what South Africans are likely to be paying at the pumps next month” the AA said.
Consumers can expect the price of petrol to increase by about 48 cents per litre while the price of diesel is expected to increase by 64 cents per litre.
Expected Petrol Price
Reef – 93: R12.82 / 95: R13.08 / LRP: R12.82
Coast – 93: R12.44 / 95: R12.60 / LRP: R12.60
Expected Diesel Price
Reef – 0.05%: R11.37 / 0.01%: R11.40
Coast – 0.05%: R10.97 / 0.01%: R11.02
The AA also stated that the Rand’s recent fall, due to the NPA’s decision to charge Finance Minister, Pravin Ghordan with fraud, is yet to be collated into the data before the end of the month and could have further negative consequences for fuel prices in November.
The AA concluded that “Our hope is that the matter will be brought to a swift conclusion to reduce the tensions our markets are currently experiencing, and to bring more stability to our economic outlook.”
With traditional automotive firms seemingly facing imminent rivalry from the likes of Apple and Google, they have to position quickly and smartly for the era of the digitalisation of the car. We spoke to the man in charge of BMW’s efforts, Dieter May, at the Paris Motor Show.
Electrification, autonomous tech and digitalisation – these were the 3 buzz items at the recent Paris Motor Show, but while the first two are generally well understood, the latter is not… and yet, it is arguably the most important.
With the pervasiveness of connectivity in the automotive space only set to snowball in the next few years, car companies are scrambling to secure resources and skills to effectively compete with new challengers from the likes of Google and Apple.
The reward for a successful “digitalisation” strategy is not only going to be relevance and survival, but also significant financial reward. Last year consultancy firm McKinsey & Co. predicted that the revenue from data streams and connectivity components would total an estimated 180 billion Euros per year by 2020! That's a pretty attractive incentive…
South Africa is not excluded from this process, with the local launch of BMW South Africa’s ConnectedDrive store and MyConnectedDrive customer portal this month (October 2016).
The man in charge of the BMW Group’s strategy is Dieter May, formerly from Nokia, Infineon, Motorola and IBM – at the latter company he was an R&D project leader. Officially, he is the Senior Vice President of Digital Services and Business Models… a position that did not exist at BMW a mere 2 years ago…
Car firms have to operate like internet companies
Smartwatch support has already been rolled out in several world markets.
Dieter smiles when we start discussing how “disruptive” the digitalisation process is, and will be in the next few years. “That’s the challenge, that’s why I like this job,” he enthuses. “You have 2 dimensions – the first one is the disruption of the traditional automotive industry and if you want to cope with that one you have to operate differently,” he explains.
“So we started from scratch 2 years ago, and we built all R&D internally. We have a development centre in Chicago with pure Internet guys, in Shanghai for the Chinese market, and then Munich. We are operating like an Internet company, which means we have 6 weeks release cycles. If you take BMW Connected as a platform, we launched in the US with a version 1 at the end of March, and by August we’ve had 2 intermediate releases. In August, we also went live in Europe, and in 4 weeks we rolled out 18 countries in Europe. In September, we announced Android, smartwatch integration from Samsung, and a few weeks later we introduced the Amazon Echo integration as another touch point. We have to be this fast because the sustainability of digital value propositions are much shorter because the barriers to replicate are pretty low,” May continues.
"The car will become the ultimate mobile device," says BMW's Dieter May. (pic. Youtube)
Speed, indeed, is crucial. Smartphone users have become used to regular updates to apps and software, and the same will happen to the car. But unlike hardware, copying software is far easier and can be done much faster…
“We’ve already had a competitor do a press announcement where you can see a copy/paste of our experience,” May laughs. “So you need to be really fast, and that is the key if you want to compete.” He also points out that the likely new competitors in the automotive space (Google and Apple) have an advantage because they’re operating from their core competency – speed.
“The fight against them (the tech companies entering the automotive space, ed.) is the key thing, and nobody knows how this will end. We have a lot of assets that we can differentiate through the assets we have in the car, and make digital better than a Google or Apple can,” May believes, indicating that it may be easier for car companies to venture into digital, than it is for digital companies to become car makers… Indeed, recent reports suggest that Apple have scaled back plans to introduce its own car.
“But we can’t be tied to car launches that happen every 5 years, where I need to deliver my software 2 years in advance. My planning visibility right now is 12 months, I know what I’m building next year, but right now I’m freezing what I will deliver in the fourth quarter this year! So there’s an intrinsic difference, and challenge also.”
The car as a digital touchpoint
May points out that BMW’s ConnectedDrive services are hardly new. In fact, the offering has been around for about 10 years! The next challenge is to build on top of this existing connectivity because, after all, the pipeline is already there.
“We believe now that the car will be an ingredient of the digital life of all consumers,” May explains. "It’s not an isolated thing, where you put an app in, you need to think about the car being part of your daily life, like your smartphone, your digital watch, your Amazon Echo device… all these digital touch points. The car is one of those touch points, so we want to bring the best services at the right moment to the consumer.
Almost anything is possible in the long-term
“We first concentrate on what we call the ‘journey of mobility management’, because this is core to us, and I give you a simple example; Today you get into the car, and you have traffic information service. The problem is that if I’m in the car, and it tells me I have an hour traffic jam, it’s a bit late, so that means the journey, for the consumer, needs already to start much earlier. You should get an earlier wake-up call, receive notifications, you get a tank stop built into your journey, and all with the ambition that you still arrive on time at your appointment. These are the things we are building with BMW Connected as a platform, enabling us to accompany the user and make mobility seamless for him.”
Journey management is the focus of the first available Connected functions.
But that’s just the start… Using systems such as Amazon Echo and Alexa voice-recognition tech, you could soon start to form a much closer relationship with your car.
“To its full extent, let’s say you have one fully configured car with reduced production complexity, and you can personalise it on demand. You could put seat heating in there, for example. We know it’s winter, it’s -20C outside, and he now has to drive to the office. We also know it’s damn cold inside the car, so why don’t we ask him if he wants seat heating and convert that into a purchase.”, May ponders.
“So there are so many things possible, because we understand the consumer behaviour, the context that he is in, what he likes, doesn’t like, what he uses, and you can basically then sell additional car functionality and you can also sell additional devices. Today we offer, for free, the integration with Amazon Echo (American market, ed.) and you can also put Alexa in the car. Let's say you see your kids in the back of the car causing terror, then you can simply say, ‘Alexa, please stream a video to my rear seat entertainment’, and you are immediately engaged with another eco system.
The core is really that we have a consumer profile that lives, which is basically dynamic, and we can adapt all experiences in a very contextualised and personal way. The good thing is also that whenever you change your car in the future, you just take your profile with you.”
It's bigger than apps
“The digitalisation of the car is not about apps, which is a word I hate,” May points out. This is much bigger. It’s about engaging with the consumer, being a digital platform… to be able to play the experience out, however you want. The app paradigm is something that is still there but it's probably not the thing of the future.
“We serve all digital touchpoints, that’s our approach, to be as seamless as possible. And we have it. We have it in operation. We’re not selling a vision here. That’s the thing. Because we’re operating like an Internet company. Get something out, and iterate and only make it better. There’s a great opportunity in this revolution, but also a lot to lose.”
What does it mean for South African BMW owners?
The BMW ConnectedDrive store brings selected Connected services to local BMW owners.
With the launch of BMW ConnectedDrive store in South Africa, owners of suitably equipped BMW models can start experiencing the digitalisation of the car for themselves.
BMW Connected uses a flexible platform called the Open Mobility Cloud as a basis, and is claimed to seamlessly integrate the vehicle into the user’s digital life via multiple touchpoints, such as an iPhone or Apple Watch. Initially, most of the services focus on journey management for the vehicle, to help the user reach their destination on time and stress-free.
So how does it work? To begin, the user has to set up a ConnectedDrive account and complete a short online registration process. Then they create their BMW Connected customer profiles quickly and easily.
If you’re a BMW owner and you’re keen to try it out, go here. Note however, that initially, BMW Connected is only offered for Apple iPhone users.
Once registered, BMW Connected scans for any mobility-related information, such as the addresses and arrival times contained in calendar entries and notifies the driver of the ideal departure time for arriving at their destination punctually.
Other functions already available for purchase in the South African store include; Remote, Real-Time Traffic and Concierge Services etc.
You can now get a warranty-friendly power upgrade for the Ford Mustang in SA thanks to Ford Performance and Roush.
The biggest worry with tuning your car is the warranty void tag that comes with vehicle enhancements, Ford however, has put that worry at ease by covering performance upgrades to its Mustang.
An upgraded Mustang with Ford Performance Parts or Roush Performance fitments is covered by comprehensive 3-year/60 000 km powertrain warranty which, will cover the performance upgrades, while the remainder of the Ford new vehicle warranty will not be voided.
Ford Performance has already made performance upgrades for Fiesta ST, Focus ST, Ranger and Everest.
Roush is authorised to distribute 3 levels of upgrades for the Mustang. Level 1 includes cold air induction and an exhaust system. Level 2 includes Level 1 plus some cosmetic enhancements as well as an ECU upgrade. Level 3 further adds the fitment of a Roush supercharger and revised suspension. So far the highest reading achieved on the facility’s dynamometer for a Level 3 Mustang is 514 kW.
Currently, Centurion is the only dealership able to ally these modifications but there is a plan to increase the network of approved dealers across the country. Ford Performance also hopes to have details on the performance upgrades for the Everest and Ranger soon.
Renault has updated its Duster SUV offering with a number of visual and practical enhancements. Let’s take a look at what’s changed…
The Duster SUV has proven to be hugely popular for Renault in South Africa and since its launch in 2013, more than 10 000 Duster’s have been sold and it’s currently one of the best-selling compact SUVs, alongside the popular Ford EcoSport.
In an effort to offer more value for customers, Renault has now enhanced the Duster lineup with a number of additional features, without an increase in price. The changes are as follows.
Exterior:
New headlights and taillight design
New black alloy wheels
Rear camera fitted as standard on Dynamique models
More exterior colours to choose from
Interior:
7-inch MediaNav touchscreen is standard on Dynamique models
Cruise control is standard across the Duster range
Expression derivative now standard with electric rear windows
Drive away lock is standard on all Duster models
Redesigned fabric for inner seat segments and door panels
Leather upholstery is optional on all three Dynamique models
Engine offering
Buyers still have the choice between a 77 kW/148 Nm naturally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol engine offered as a 4×2 in Expression and Dynamique trim. Fuel consumption for this motor is claimed to be 7.6 L/100 km.
For those seeking diesel power, an 80 kW/240 Nm 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine is available in Dynamique trim only and can be had in either 4×2 or 4×4 guise. Renault claims a fuel consumption figure of 4.8 L/100 km for the diesel-powered Duster 4×2 and 5.2 L/100km for the Duster 4×4. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on all Duster derivatives.
Renault Duster – Price in South Africa
Duster 1.6 Expression 4×2 – R239 900
Duster 1.6 Dynamique 4×2 – R 259 900
Duster 1.5 dCi Dynamique 4×2 – R279 900
Duster 1.5 dCi Dynamique 4×4 – R 304 900
The Renault Duster is sold with a 5-year/150 000 km mechanical warranty, 3-year/45 000 km service plan and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty. Service intervals are set at 15 000 km.
Honda’s new 7-seater BR-V crossover recently sneaked onto the market in South Africa. Is the BR-V the perfect everyday family car? We put it to the test…
We like: Ride quality, solid interior, lots of space for goods and passengers, decent performance
We don’t like: Awkward loading space when seats are folded down, could do with more airbags and park distance control
Alternatives:
For a bargain: Consider the Suzuki Ertiga 1.4 GL priced at R215 900. It’s powered by a naturally aspirated 1.4-litre petrol engine offering 70 kW and 130 Nm of torque. The Ertiga offers similar practicality to the BR-V and includes rear park distance control as standard.
For more torque: The Mahindra Xylo 2.2CRDi E8 7-seater is powered by a 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine that offers 89 kW and 290 Nm of torque. It is also available as an 8-seater. Pricing for the Mahindra Xylo 2.2CRDi E8 starts from R269 995.
For better safety features: Toyota recently updated its popular Avanza to include stability control, in addition to the already fitted Isofix child seat mounts, dual airbags and ABS with EBD. It is priced from R219 900.
The Honda BR-V is practical, spacious and comfortable to drive.
The arrival of the Honda BR-V on local soil is well timed. Sales figures suggest that buyers are increasingly considering small crossovers and SUVs instead of MPVs and Honda is looking to capitalise on the opportunity with its surprisingly spacious BR-V.
The compact crossover segment is currently dominated by products such as the Ford EcoSport, Renault Captur and Duster, but the BR-V has a few tricks up its sleeve that buyers will find intriguing. The BR-V is Honda’s new compact "crossover SUV" offering, slotting in below the HR-V, and combines practicality, affordability and the ability to seat 7 passengers. In truth, however, the BR-V is more of a cleverly disguised MPV, masquerading as a SUV.
The BR-V range consists of 5 derivatives across three trim levels and we recently had the high-spec BR-V 1.5 Elegance manual on test to determine just how versatile it is. Does the BR-V offer enough value to gain traction in this highly competitive segment? Let’s see what the BR-V has to offer…
How does it fare in terms of…
Kerb Appeal
With its raised ride height, wheel arch mouldings, roof rails and cladding, the BR-V is an MPV disguised as an SUV.
The BR-V features distinctive Honda styling traits as seen in the swathe of chrome detailing found on the grille, fog light surrounds, door sills, door handles and tailgate. If you aren’t a fan of extensive chrome, then you might find the BR-V a tad OTT (over the top). Its boxy shape is softened with slim headlights, roof rails and extended taillight clusters that give it a more purposeful look. A set of stylish 16-inch alloy wheels are fitted as standard and this particular test unit came in the Carnelian Red exterior colour (3 other colours are on offer).
Overall, we think Honda has done a good job in creating a relatively attractive family vehicle and the BR-V seems to pip its 7-seat rivals (Toyota Avanza, Suzuki Ertiga, Mahindra Xylo) in the looks game. Well done, Honda!
Performance & ride quality
The BR-V is powered by the same naturally aspirated 1.5-litre engine that’s found in the HR-V, Jazz and the now discontinued Mobilio MPV. It’s a zingy motor that develops 88 kW and 145 Nm of torque and those numbers drive the front wheels through a 6-speed manual gearbox.
Decent performance is offered in the BR-V and ride quality is good on most surfaces.
Power delivery in the BR-V, with minimal load, is good. The BR-V gets a move on and happily chugs away at highway speed without much effort. Under harder acceleration, however, the engine starts to whine and strain, but in normal driving conditions, engine noise is bearable. When the BR-V is fully loaded with passengers and luggage, performance becomes more sluggish and the driver will be working the gears and engine harder to compensate for the additional weight.
Being a new vehicle, we did find the transmission to be a bit notchy and stubborn at times and it occasionally required additional force to shift into gear. This characteristic should improve once the vehicle has done sufficient mileage, though.
We were impressed by the BR-V’s impeccable road manners. It handles well and delivers a surprisingly composed and comfortable drive, even on puckered road surfaces. Despite its dimensions, the driver can confidently steer the BR-V into corners and it’s nippy between robots too. Also, note that the BR-V has a ground clearance of 210 mm, which means it can hop the odd pavement if you need it to. The generous ground clearance and plump tyres (196/60 R16) also means that the BR-V is quite comfortable on gravel. Note, however, that no electronic stability system is fitted.
In terms of fuel consumption, Honda claims 6.3 L/100 km and during our test period, we averaged 7.1 L/100 km with ease. You can, however, expect higher figures if the BR-V is fully loaded.
Practicality
Vehicles that claim to seat 7 passengers usually do so at the discomfort of the poor souls who have to cram into the third row, which is more often than not only adequate for little people or the dogs. The BR-V shatters that mould in the sense that it actually offers decent levels of comfort for fully grown adults. The third-row in the BR-V offers good head and shoulder room, while legroom is adequate, depending on your height – the shorter you are, the better. There are even two cup holders back there to keep passengers happy!
Third-row seating is easily accessed in the BR-V and even adults will find it surprisingly comfortable.
Accessing the third row is simple and can be done by flipping the split-fold middle row of seats up. Space for second-row passengers is very generous and you can actually stretch out a bit, too. There’s also a foldable armrest that can be deployed for extra comfort. The rear door mouldings are equipped with bottle holders and additional storage space and rear passengers also have the benefit of roof-mounted ventilation outlets.
In terms of loading space, with all the seats in place, the BR-V still offers 223-L capacity in the rear. With the third-row seats folded up, space increases to a sizable 691 L and when the second row of seats are folded down, space increases to 1 116 L. However, in this position, the loading area isn’t flat and you will be loading items directly onto the backs of the seats, which could cause damage over time. This Elegance derivative is fitted with leather seats and loading heavy or sharper items will almost certainly result in torn leather.
Boot space can be increased further by folding the third-row seating up, creating ample space for large and bulky items.
The driver and front passenger also have sufficient space and the driver’s seat is manually adjustable with height adjustment. The steering wheel features mounted audio controls and is adjustable for rake only. There’s also ample storage space up front with two cup holders included and there’s more storage space in the door mouldings.
Practicality is a clear strength of the BR-V and it should prove to be a particularly attractive proposition for small families. The only major concern we have with the BR-V's specification is that it only offers 2 airbags (for the driver and front passenger), which may force family-orientated buyers to consider safer options. Isofix child-seat anchorages are also missing from the standard features list. If the lack of these safety features are a concern you may want to look at the recently updated Toyota Avanza, which now featurs electronic stability control as well as Isofix.
Features
The BR-V 1.5 Elegance is decently equipped with standard features, including keyless start, leather upholstery, climate control air conditioning, electric windows and side mirrors and a multi-information display. A rather simple radio system is installed, which is Bluetooth compatible and easy to use. USB and auxiliary ports are fitted as standard.
As mentioned previously, the BR-V only has two airbags and ABS with EBD and brake assist is standard. We were also surprised to find that rear parking senses aren’t fitted, which is odd considering the dimensions of the BR-V. Even the much cheaper Suzuki Ertiga 1.4 GL has rear parking sensors fitted as standard…
Simple and functional best describes the interior of the new Honda BR-V.
Pricing and warranty
The Honda BR-V 1.5 Elegance manual is priced from R272 900 and is sold with an excellent 5-year/200 000 km warranty and 2-year/30 000 km service plan.
Pricing for the entry-level BR-V 1.5 Trend starts at R238 900 while the most expensive derivative in the range is the BR-V 1.5 Elegance CVT priced at R288 300.
Verdict
The Honda BR-V 1.5 Elegance is a well-packaged crossover SUV that offers lots of space and versatility for a variety of family tasks.
Engine and gearbox performance is decent in most applications and unless you are loading the BR-V up to capacity on a regular basis, there should be enough power at your disposal. Importantly, the BR-V rides well and buyers will appreciate its smooth demeanour on most road surfaces.
At this price point, we feel the BR-V falls short in providing critical features such as additional airbags and stability control. The BR-V 1.5 Elegance is also pricier when compared to the Suzuki Ertiga that offers similar practicality, but the BR-V is certainly worth consideration if you are looking for a relatively affordable and spacious 7-seater crossover, but prefer the more fashionable appearance of an SUV over a MPV.
Update: Mercedes-Benz GLT Bakkie To Be Shown Soon (Video)
Mercedes-Benz will show its new GLT bakkie before the end of October and it can be expected on showroom floors in 2017.
Rumours are rife that this new model from Mercedes-Benz will be called the GLT, but nothing has officially been confirmed. It will be built on the new Nissan Navara platform, but will feature luxury appointments and technology. Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle division head Volker Mornhinweg revealed last year that the “GLT” will be produced in 3 specification levels and only as a double-cab. It is expected that turbopetrol and –diesel powerplants will be offered in 4- and 6-cylinder guises and that there will be a choice between 6-speed manual and 7-speed automatic transmissions.
Speaking to Cars.co.za at the 2015 Frankfurt Show, Mornhinweg said that the double-cab would offer sufficient build- and driving refinement to meet Mercedes-Benz's strict quality levels. It will be sold from passenger vehicle dealerships (as opposed to its commercial vehicle outlets). The premium focus would extend beyond Benz offering the most luxurious cabin in its segment, he added — the level of integrated technology (convenience- and safety-wise) will be at a level that traditional Mercedes-Benz customers have come to expect. It is estimated that this new Mercedes-Benz bakkie will be launched sometime in 2017.
According to reports, Mercedes-Benz will officially reveal the GLT at an invite-only event on Tuesday 25 October 2016 before making its world debut at the Sao Paulo Motor Show in Brazil.
Are you excited to see the Mercedes-Benz GLT in South Africa? We certainly are…
