The Datsun Go line-up has been bolstered by the news that a limited-edition version of the Go Lux will be joining the range. This high-spec Go is called the Remix and comes fitted with a host of additional accessories.
Despite its lack of safety features, the Datsun Go is a top-seller; in fact, it's one of the most popular models in the bottom A-segment of the market. This special-edition Go Remix is likely to be snapped up, then, because only 200 units will be available in South Africa.
For "Risers" (a target market that Datsun identifies as trendsetters in the 18 to 30 age group), the Remix is specifically crafted to stand out from the crowd.
"Its price makes it possible for this category of motorists to buy a stylish brand new car,” says Des Fenner, General Manager of Datsun South Africa.
The exterior treatment of the Datsun Go Remix can be distinguished by:
aerodynamic bodykit (front, sides and rear of vehicle)
roof spoiler
15-inch alloy rims with Go centre cap
front foglights
remotely-adjustable side mirrors with integrated indicator lenses
Datsun Remix special version nameplate
The interior of the Datsun Go Remix gains some upgrades in the form of:
Blaupunkt Bluetooth radio/CD/USB system
All-new dark interior trim
A console for side mirror and fog lamp controls
Datsun Go carpet set
Datsun Go Remix price in South Africa
The Datsun Go Remix is a limited edition model and there'll be only 200 units available. It incorporates Lux-specification features such as power steering, front electric windows, a mobile docking station, a driver's airbag and manual central locking. A 3-year/100 000 km warranty is standard.
It will come to market at a recommended price of R159 900.
We visited the Mercedes-Benz Plant in East London this week to welcome the locally-made C350e plug-in hybrid to South Africa. Get all the details here!
The new Mercedes-Benz C350e is the first petrol-electric hybrid passenger car to be built in South Africa (for the local and export market). To accommodate the manufacture of the C350e at the German brand's award-winning East London plant, the facility underwent a R100-million upgrade. It now features a new Lifter and High Station in the assembly area, as well as a manipulator on the trim line that helps install the electric motor's battery into the car.
The introduction of the C350e coincides with the arrival of the S500e, while the GLE 500e can be expected later this year. The launch also included a tour of the plant floor, which was followed by a drive from East London to Port Elizabeth. Let’s take a closer look at what the C350e has to offer…
Hybrid power for C350e
The C350e offers sporty performance with the benefit of reduced fuel consumption when driving in the city.
The C350e is powered by a combination of a combustion turbopetrol engine and an electric motor. The electric motor can either support or substitute the work of the combustion engine in specific situations and braking/coasting energy is converted into electric energy and stored in the battery.
The combustion engine is a four-cylinder, 2.0-litre turbopetrol motor developing 155 kW and 350 Nm of torque. The electric motor contributes an additional 60 kW and 340 Nm of torque and the C350e has a total combined output of 205 kW and (up to) 600 Nm of torque.
The high-voltage lithium-ion battery has a total capacity of 6.2 kWh and weighs 100 kg. The battery is mounted in a sheet steel housing under the rear axle and can be charged at a 230V, 16A, 3.7 kW single phase wall-box in approximately 1h45min or it can be charged using a domestic socket. A charging time of 2 hours is also possible using a 230 V, 13A, 3.0 kW connection.
The C350e is equipped with a 7-speed automatic transmission as standard and the hybrid module features an additional clutch that decouples the combustion engine in all-electric mode. The Benz has a total pure EV range of 31 km and Mercedes-Benz claims a consumption figure of just 2.1 L/100 km.
In terms of performance, the C350e is capable of completing the zero-to-100 kph sprint in 5.9 seconds and can reach a limited top speed of 250 kph.
Hybrid-specific features
The C350e features a haptic accelerator that, when the C350e is running in electric (EV) mode, lets the driver know when maximum electric performance is being delivered by offering a point of resistance in the pedal. If the driver depresses the pedal beyond the point of resistance, the combustion engine will kick in to provide additional propulsion.
The pedal, in conjunction with the ECO Assist function, will also signal a double impulse, suggesting that the driver should stop accelerating to deactivate and decouple the combustion engine. Assuming that the driver does what the double impulse suggests, the intelligent engine management system of the Benz will vary the deceleration mode between unpowered (sailing) and recuperation, using data from the car's radar systems as its basis.
Furthermore, the C350e offers 5 driving modes including Economy, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual. When driving in Comfort or Economy modes the driver can also choose between 4 modes that regulate the interaction between electric mode and the combustion engine. These modes include Hybrid, E-mode (for electric driving), E-save (charge status maintained) and Charge (battery can be charged using the combustion engine).
The C350e also employs a route-based operating strategy to optimise energy use over a given route (provided the driver enters the route into the navigation system). Otherwise, the plug-in hybrid derivative offers the familiar range of equipment found on the C-Class, but is additionally specced with air suspension as well as a pre-entry climate control system that can be controlled via the Internet. Avantgarde and Exclusive exterior equipment lines are available.
What’s the C350e like to drive?
The C350e is comfortable and refined to drive. Air suspension is standard, adding additional damping to the ride quality.
Our launch route started at the Mercedes-Benz Plant in East London, taking us a total distance of 283 km to Port Elizabeth. The route consisted mostly of open-road driving, so we didn’t have an opportunity to drive the C350e in EV mode, which is mostly reserved for city driving or congested traffic situations.
The C350e did, however, impress us with its strong performance. The Benz can accelerate rather briskly, courtesy of additional boost from the electric motor, and in typical C-Class fashion, the sedan was comfortable, refined and its ride well-mannered. Due to the route, we never experienced fuel consumption figures near 2.1 L/100 km and we arrived in Port Elizabeth with an average fuel consumption 9.4 L/100 km being displayed on the trip computer. This figure, however, can be improved upon with relative ease if a more conservative driving approach is employed. Fuel consumption will be reduced even further if the electric driving mode is activated in typical city driving situations. We will hopefully have the C350e on test soon to give it a thorough evaluation.
Mercedes-Benz C350e – Price in South Africa
The derivative costs R804 900, which includes a 6-year/100 000 km Premiumdrive maintenance plan.
Volkswagen is using the Paris Show as a showcase for its venture into electric vehicles. This is a glimpse of the concept it plans to show.
The first teaser images have appeared of Volkswagen’s new electric vehicle concept. The vehicle is said to usher in a whole new era for Volkswagen where its focus will be on EVs. Volkswagen expects the concept to be a Golf-sized vehicle, but with the interior space of something like a Passat. The MEB platform (VW electric car platform) is said to place the batteries in an innovative way that creates more room inside the cabin.
Range anxiety is expected to be non-existent as the EV should have a range of between 400 and 500 km.
VW expects to get the concept into a production-ready car by 2020. Following this vehicle, VW plans to have around 30 electric models on sale by 2025.
A colleague of our Brazilian correspondent has photographed an undisguised version of the upcoming Jeep Compass in São Paulo, ahead of its anticipated debut at the Paris Motor Show.
Gustavo Henrique Ruffo, who recently wrote our First Drive of the Nissan Kicks, reports that Ricardo Meier, the editor of Autoo, photographed the white pre-production model in front of a hotel in the Brazilian capital. The vehicle, previously known only as project 551, was developed in Brazil and its world launch is also expected to happen in the South American country.
The name of the car cannot be seen in the pictures, but Meier is positive that it’s a Compass, as he read the lettering on the driver’s side door. It is the third spinoff on the small crossover/SUV platform that underpins the Renegade and Fiat 500X, which are built at FCA’s Mirafiori plant. The biggest physical difference is that the Compass is about 170 mm longer than the Renegade.
The Compass has definitely gained a more sophisticated appearance… Note the contrasting black finish of the A-pillars, roof and rear spoiler and the expansive chrome trim, not only around the side glass but between the C-Pillars (where it underscores the base of the rear window).
The newcomer will see the introduction of a new 2.0-litre WGE (World Gasoline Engine) unit with a peak output of 117 kW, a 124 kW 2.0-litre MultiJet turbodiesel engine is on the cards (although it is less likely to be availed to the local market) and, as is the case with the top-of-range Renegade, a 137 kW 2.4-litre petrol motor mated with the 9-speed ZF transmission. We don't believe the Compass will depart from its predecessor's front-wheel-drive configuration.
More details, including interior info, should be available by the time of the Paris Motor Show.
The Cars.co.za Ownership Satisfaction Survey, in partnership with leading data specialists, Lightstone Consumer, forms an integral part of the awards programme, with the survey accounting for 50% of the final result in each category. The brand-specific data incorporates feedback from thousands of South African new vehicle owners, based on their experiences of their vehicles (must be less than 5 years old and serviced through franchised outlets).
With household budgets stretched to breaking point, the reasonably affordable modern-day family car has to fulfil a variety of roles – it needs to be compact enough to deal with congested traffic, suitably spacious to cope with the school run and even perform as a weekend getaway machine. Practicality and spaciousness are important considerations, but so are safety, technology, fuel efficiency and a modicum of lifestyle flexibility.
For a car to be considered in this category, the following applies: The listed price must fall in the price range of R250 000 to R350 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting (September 1, 2016), including the cost of all necessary optional extras. ABS braking must be fitted. ESP (Electronic Stability Control) – (if not fitted as standard, the cost of this feature, along with all other required extras, must not push the price over R350 000). Minimum of 4 airbags – (if not fitted as standard, the cost of these items, along with all other required extras, must not push the price over R350 000). Split/fold rear seats must be fitted and a service plan – (if not fitted as standard, the cost of this feature, along with all other required extras, must not push the price over R350 000). Let's not forget air-conditioning – (if not fitted as standard, the cost of this feature, along with all other required extras, must not push the price over R350 000).
The semi-finalists in the Compact Family Car category of the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank are as follows (in no particular order):
Suzuki Vitara 1.6 GL+
The reborn Vitara is no longer a small SUV, but designed to fulfil the role of a compact crossover. It is therefore perfectly in tune with modern tastes. The Vitara offers an attractive blend of style, spaciousness, features, refinement and “Suzuki-ness”. The latter aspect is important, as it should translate into good reliability and service backup from the dealer network. Power comes from a fuel-efficient 1.6-litre petrol engine, which has outputs of 86 kW and 151 Nm.
With good pricing, stylish looks and a comprehensive standard features list, the Renault Captur has found immediate favour with South African shoppers. There is considerable substance to its style, however, as the cabin is not only spacious, but packed with big-car features. A 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine was added to the range recently and we feel it's the pick of the litter. Fuel economy is impressive at a claimed 3.6 L/100 km.
The 2nd-generation Nissan Qashqai is a very popular choice, and this entry-level derivative sells strongly. The handsome, but compact exterior hides a spacious, feature-packed cabin with excellent build quality. The ride quality is supple and refined and the engine delivers a very persuasive power/economy balance. We've gone for the 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which offers a great blend of performance and economy.
With interior packaging inspired by the versatile Honda Jazz, the HR-V takes a winning design and adds more space to accomodate passengers and cargo. There are not many cars of this size that can swallow more detritus, and you don’t have to compromise on features and quality either as the HR-V is well-stocked with luxury and convenience items. This HR-V is powered by a normally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine. Honda claims a combined cycle fuel economy figure of 6.2 L/100 km, which, with a tank size of 40 litres, should realise a range of around 645 km between fill-ups.
The EcoSport continues to make a significant contribution to Ford’s monthly sales figures and this 1.5-litre TDCi Titanium derivative is one of the most popular. It boasts an economical turbodiesel engine and a near full-house package of features, with just enough SUV machismo to appeal to a very wide audience. This EcoSport is powered by a 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine that delivers 66 kW and 205 Nm of torque. Ford claims an excellent combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 4.6 L/100 km. Given the fuel tank size of 52 litres, the Ford should have an optimal tank range of around 1 000 km.
The Renault Captur small crossover is now available with a turbodiesel engine and we recently put the limited-edition Captur Sunset to the test to see how it performs.
We like: Price,packaging, practicality, drive quality, low fuel consumption.
We don’t like: Some of the interior trims feel marginal in quality.
Alternatives:
The popular option:The Ford Ecosport is selling up a storm in South Africa and the diesel-powered 1.5 TDCI Titanium derivative comes well-specced and priced from R302 900. Its 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine offers 74 kW and 205 Nm and it comes with a 5-speed automatic transmission.
For more power: Consider the Nissan Juke 1.5 dCi Acenta+ offering 81 kW and 240 Nm of torque from the same 1.5-litre turbodiesel motor that powers the turbodiesel Captur. It makes use of a 6-speed manual transmission.
The Renault Captur Sunset edition 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine returns excellent fuel economy.
Since its arrival in the first half of 2015, the Renault Captur has proven popular in the growing small crossover segment. Renault has sold more than 5 000 Capturs in South Africa and the recent introduction of a turbodiesel derivative emboldens the French automaker's local line-up.
The Captur was initially offered with two turbopetrol engine choices (66 kW and 88 kW) and Renault has now expanded the range to include a tried-and-tested 66 kW 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine that also does duty in the Duster, Nissan's NP200, Juke and Qashqai, as well as the Mercedes-Benz A-Class.
To mark the arrival of the Captur diesel derivative, Renault created a special edition Captur Sunset derivative. Only 100 units of the Captur Sunset special editions are available and we spent some time with one to see if the turbodiesel engine is any good in this crossover application.
How does it fare in terms of…
Kerb appeal?
The Captur Sunset is a practical and stylish option in the crossover segment.
The Captur is undoubtedly a stylish offering and this Sunset edition ups the crossover's visual appeal with some bespoke design details such as a Diamond Black exterior finish, with the side mirrors, roof and body trim elements finished in contrasting Sunset Orange.
The orange theme is also seen on the inside, where the Sunset edition features the same Sunset Orange colour for the air vent surrounds, speakers, infotainment screen surround and on the steering wheel. Special Sunset Orange zip collection seat covers are fitted to round off the interior look. The limited edition rides on 17-inch alloy wheels as standard and LED daytime running lights and cornering fog lamps are also part of the package.
Overall, we think the Captur Sunset is quite attractive, but, as with most things, it won’t be to everybody’s taste.
Performance?
The proven 1.5-litre turbodiesel develops 66 kW and 220 Nm of torque and drives the front wheels through a 5-speed manual transmission. Not only is the turbodiesel smooth and surprisingly quiet, but the motor delivers adequate performance in both city and highway driving situations. It’s by no means fast or eager at pullaway but it goes about its business with confidence… In-gear acceleration is good through all the gears, which means that you don’t have to shift down often to execute overtaking manoeuvres. The shift action is smooth (another positive Renault trait) and gear changes are effortless.
The turbodiesel Captur Sunset is well mannered on the road and comfortable to drive.
In terms of ride quality, the Captur provides sufficient damping over uneven surfaces to afford the driver and passengers a comfortable drive, but we were even more impressed with the Renault's fuel efficiency. The firm claims a fuel consumption figure of 3.6 L/100 km. You might find that a trifle ambitious, but during our test period, we consistently averaged 4.5 L/100 km. It was surprising to see how easily the Captur Sunset achieved that figure. There’s also an ECO button that prioritises economy and during a conservative drive, we managed to get the consumption figure down to 3.8 L/100 km, which is excellent.
Practicality?
There's sufficient boot space for a wide variety of items and folding the rear seats down provides generous load space.
One of the major reasons why the Captur has proven so popular is its practical packaging. Space for rear passengers is good (considering the Captur's compact dimensions) and the luggage bay is spacious at 377 litres. We put the loading capacity to a "flowery" test with a visit to a local nursery. We purchased 5 large bags of compost and an array of plants. The Captur’s rear aperture swallowed the whole load with ease and we were surprised to find that even more carrying capacity was available. Need to lug bulky objects? Simply tumble the 60:40 split rear seats down to access the full 1 235 litres of load space, but take note that the loading area isn’t completely flat: the seatbacks create a higher lip, which might make the loading of long items awkward.
We also like that the boot floor is reversible, offering a smooth surface on the one side and an anti-slip surface on the other. The backs of the front seats feature hard-wearing plastic cladding and instead of conventional rear seat pockets, Renault opted for orange-coloured elastic ropes, which also add another dash of colour to the interior. There’s also a sufficient amount of stowage space in the door mouldings and centre console for drinks and any other oddments that need to be stored. The storage compartment on the dashboard is useful, but the lid and its opening and closing mechanism felt a bit flimsy.
Standard features?
The Captur Sunset is stylish, comfortable and well equipped with features.
Compared with its key rivals, such as the Ford EcoSport, Nissan Juke and Mazda CX-3, the Captur Sunset is well-specced. Up front, the driver has access to a 7-inch MediaNav infotainment system that offers Bluetooth connectivity, radio, satellite navigation and a USB port. We found the system easy to use, the menus simple to navigate and connecting a phone via Bluetooth was a cinch. Other standard comfort features include cruise control (with speed limiter), climate control air conditioning and electric windows and side mirrors. Rear park distance control (with a reverse-view camera) is also standard.
Safety features include ABS with EBD, brake assist, stability control, hill start assist and a tyre pressure monitoring system. A total of 4 airbags are included and there are ISOfix child-seat mounts on the front passenger seat and rear outer seats. The Captur Sunset also has a five-star EuroNCAP safety rating.
Pricing and warranty
The Renault Captur Sunset edition is priced from R292 400 and is sold with a 5-year/150 000 km warranty, 3-year/45 000 km service plan and 6-year anti-corrosion warranty. Service intervals are set 15 000/1-year intervals. The standard Renault Captur 66 kW dCi Dynamique is priced at R289 900.
Verdict
The Captur Sunset edition is kitted out with lively Sunset Orange details throughout the cabin.
The turbodiesel-powered Captur Sunset impressed us with its honest performance, excellent fuel efficiency and good ride quality. It might lack some punch, but in most driving scenarios, the 1.5-litre motor's performance is more than adequate. And besides, apart from its stylish good looks, buyers will find the Captur’s excellent space utilisation useful and the interior aesthetically appealing and comfortable. The Sunset comes generously equipped with standard features, outshining its rivals by a fair margin and it is, therefore, a strong proposition in this segment.
The Renault's asking price is possibly the most attractive aspect. Few cars offer so much value at this price point. Renault has come a long way in improving its aftersales service and buyers would be wise to consider the turbodiesel Captur or even better, the Captur Sunset, if you can still get your hands on one.
The 4th generation of the Renault Megane hatch has arrived in SA boasting improved levels of technology, refinement and style. We sampled it at the launch at Redstar Raceway in Johannesburg.
The Renault Megane has become a mainstay of the C-segment hatch market. It may never have reached the lofty sales heights of the segment-leading Volkswagen Golf, for example, but the stylish Parisian has always been a well-specified (in terms of interior and safety features) alternative to the mainstream. The latest model certainly looks the part, even if the new "teardrop" LEDs at the front aren’t to everyone's taste.
The rear end – characterised by long, distinctive brake lights – is certainly distinctive too. Some of the most impressive additions to the new Megane occur under the sheet metal, however, such as the powertrains and the new 4Control four-wheel-steer system.
Engine lineup
Renault has ditched the turbodiesel models in the Megane and decided on an all-petrol lineup. The lone naturally aspirated offering is a 1.6-litre unit that produces 84 kW and 156 Nm of torque. It’s only available with a 5-speed manual gearbox and in the entry-level (Dynamique) specification.
The first of the turbopetrol engines is a 1.2-litre unit, which has been carried over from the previous Megane. It delivers 97 kW and 205 Nm and is available with either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. We sampled the manual model and this particular unit accelerates well and has enough grunt in reserve to make overtaking easy at freeway speeds. To exact smooth shifts requires familiarisation; the gear lever has a very light action.
The top-spec engine (until the RS model arrives) is the 1.6-litre turbopetrol motor. It’s carried over from the Clio RS, but offers more power and torque (151 kW and 280 Nm) and the updated, better-calibrated 7-speed dual clutch transmission. The shift paddles are affixed to the steering column, which is less than ideal in some people's opinion, but if you like your paddles to stay stationary while the wheel twirls then you’ll be happy with the configuration.
Megane's unique "C-shaped'"LED headlight is a distinctive feature on the new model
The claimed fuel consumption figures for the line-up are good, but we look forward to measuring actual consumption when we test the cars thoroughly. The claim for the 1.6 is 6.4 L/100 km, 1.2-litre turbopetrol 5.4 L/100 km (auto) and 5.3 L/100 km (manual), plus the GT 1.6 turbo is said to use 6.4 L/100 km.
New interior
Renault has updated the interior of the new Megane significantly, particularly in terms of build quality. The newcomer's interior feels solid and well put together, although the plastics a little lower down in the cabin are a bit rough to the touch. Overall, however, it’s a stylish and premium space.
In the GT-Line and top-spec GT model, the Alcantara seats are standard with the GT model featuring special blue inserts. They are bucket seats and supportive around the legs and hips. On the other hand the seats are quite large, so they encroach on rear legroom a bit – it doesn’t feel all that spacious in the rear. The instrument cluster is now a fully digital affair and similar to that of the Kadjar. The colours for the instrument cluster and the infotainment system can be adjusted to your choice and the cabin has LED strips. The LEDs' hue matches the colour that you select to illuminate the instrument cluster.
Interior is well-specced with a focus on adaptable themes and colours for the interior, leather wheel and Alcantara seats a premium touch
Tech and equipment
No matter which Megane derivative you choose, you will get a touchscreen system equipped with navigation. The entry-level Dynamique gets a 7-inch touchscreen and the models above it feature a 8.7-inch touchscreen system. In the 8.7-inch system, there’s a driving mode selector that allows the driver to adapt the car's settings to suit their driving mood.
There’s Sport (GT only), Eco (GT-Line only), Normal, Comfort and Personal – by which you can adjust multiple facets (engine noise, chassis setup and gearbox setting) to your exact liking. The top-spec GT derivative also comes with a 4-wheel steering system. Renault has introduced this feature before – on the Laguna Coupe some 6 years ago but it never really took off. On the Megane, the system makes the hatchback more manoeuvrable at low speeds, helping to turn the car sharper and then keep the car stable at freeway speeds.
Multi-sense allows the driver to adjust the vehicle's responsiveness and driving style
Other neat additions to the Megane include optional self-parking for parallel or alley docking parking, optional blind spot monitoring and a standard heated driver’s seat. The Megane also has a 5-star EuroNCAP safety rating.
How does it drive?
The Megane has always been a good-handling car and the new one is no different. It’s still very dynamic when you send it through some bends and the 4-wheel steering does have an effect in tucking the chassis in towards the apexes. Redstar Raceway is full of long, sharp corners, the worst combination for front-wheel-drive cars but, the Megane fared surprisingly well and was entertaining to push to its limits. The steering feels heavy in Sport mode, which is okay for track driving, but maybe a little too heavy for the road. The other modes lighten it up a bit though, so the Personal setting is probably ideal.
Pricing
The Megane appears to be competitively priced with the equivalent Opel Astra and Peugeot 308. It offers good levels of specification and a well-sorted chassis and engine combination. The GT model may be a bit on the expensive side, precariously close to the competitor-eating Volkswagen Golf GTI, but it also offers a fun, less firmly-sprung alternative to the GTI. We haven't driven the 1.2 EDC derivative, but suspect it is the pick of the range…
Renault's Romanian subsidiary Dacia is gearing up to showcase the facelifted Sandero and Sandero Stepway at the 2016 Paris Motor Show. Imagine Renault emblems on the vehicles pictured here… that is what the SA-bound cars will look like.
The Renault Sandero is a popular first-car choice in South Africa and it even scooped the Budget Car category award at the inaugural Cars.co.za Consumer Awards earlier this year. The Sandero and Sandero Stepway are due for an update and the new-look models will be shown at the Paris Motor Show later this month. You can expect to see the facelifted Renault Sandero and Sandero Stepway in South Africa in the first quarter of 2017.
Fresh look for Sandero
The changes to the Sandero and Stepway are near-identical and the updates include a newly designed front-end with and extended bumper, grille and air vents. LED daytime running lights and redesigned headlights form part of the facelift, while the taillights also feature an updated design.
On the inside, you can expect to see a different use of materials and storage space, while ergonomics are expected to improve too.
Reports are also suggesting that a new engine will be introduced, but exact details remain unknown at this point.
Further details will be revealed when the facelifted Renault Sandero and Sandero Stepway make their appearance at the Paris Motor Show. We will keep you updated as soon as more information becomes available, so stay tuned!
The Cars.co.za Ownership Satisfaction Survey, in partnership with leading data specialists, Lightstone Consumer, forms an integral part of the awards programme, with the survey accounting for 50% of the final result in each category. The brand-specific data incorporates feedback from thousands of South African new vehicle owners, based on their experiences of their vehicles (must be less than 5 years old and serviced through franchised outlets).
In this immensely popular and fiercely contested vehicle category, the search is on for the ultimate all-rounder. From luxurious touring vehicle, to hardcore off-roader, capable carry-all, family do-all and lifestyle activity machine, leisure double-cab bakkies can no longer be too utilitarian and rough around the edges, but should be highly sophisticated offerings.
To be eligible for consideration in this category, vehicles must have a list price above R450 000 and the vehicle must be a double-cab with a turbodiesel engine and four-wheel drive. A minimum ground clearance of 190 mm is also required. Pillars of success in this category include performance, space and practicality, in-car entertainment, comfort, all-surface ability and safety.
The semi-finalists in the Leisure Double Cab Bakkie category of the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank are as follows (in no particular order):
Fiat Fullback 2.5 4×4 LX
The Triton-based Fullback is a new offering in the South African market and it features a trusted powertrain and comes well equipped with a whack of standard features. Powering this derivative is a 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine that develops 131 kW and 400 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a 5-speed manual transmission and Fiat claims a fuel consumption figure of 7.7 L/100 km.
The Volkswagen Amarok is largely underrated in the local market, but even so, this particular Amarok derivative has proven to be popular. A 2.0-litre bi-turbodiesel engine does service in this Amarok and it develops 132 kW and 420 Nm of torque. Its 8-speed automatic transmission is particularly impressive and Volkswagen claims a fuel consumption figure of 8.3 L/100 km.
The popularity of automatic transmissions has grown tremendously and Ford’s recent introduction of new automatic double cab derivatives are bound to upset the applecart. A 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine powers this Ranger XLS 4×4 automatic and endows it with 118 kW and 385 Nm of torque delivered through a 6-speed automatic transmission. This derivative strikes a good balance between performance and economy and Ford claims a fuel consumption figure of 8.1 L/100 km.
Well equipped, sturdy and endowed with appealing square-jawed looks, the Ford Ranger Wildrak continues to sell up a storm in South Africa. The Wildrak is fitted with a powerful five-cylinder, 3.2-litre turbodiesel engine that produces peak outputs of 147 kW and 470 Nm and propels the Ranger via a 6-speed automatic transmission. In terms of fuel consumption, Ford claims 9.0 L/100 km for the Wildtrak.
The new Toyota Hilux is a significantly more refined product than its predecessor, which demonstrates the brand's determination to be an even stronger player in the leisure double-cab segment. This derivative is equipped with a four-cylinder, 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine that produces a healthy 130 kW and 450 Nm of torque. The unit is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and Toyota claims an average fuel consumption figure of 8.5 L/100 km.
Lexus has updated the specification offered on its CT, RX and LX models. Take a quick look at what’s changed…
Lexus CT200h
A CT200h with the new Mercury Grey bi-tone paint finish.
The Lexus CT200h hybrid now offers 4 new bi-tone colour schemes where the roof and pillars get a gloss black treatment while customers can choose between four body colours including White Quartz, Sonic Titanium, Mercury Grey and Morello Red.
If you don’t want to go with a bi-tone scheme, you can opt for the newly added monotone Amber colour, which now replaces the previous Fire Agate.
The CT200h also benefits from a new digital media holder found on the centre console and easily accommodates portable music devices, which are linked up via USB, AUX or Bluetooth.
The update to the RX is limited to the interior features of the flagship model.
The RX was introduced earlier this year and the range-topping RX450h SE now gains added convenience features. New additions to this RX derivative include electric adjustment for the second row of seats, as well as seat heaters.
The RX450h now features a Panoramic View Monitor that exhibits a wider field of vision, offers improved visibility and added convenience.
Lexus now offers a pre-safe electronic safety system on its flagship LX SUV. The system utilises sensors to scan the road ahead for obstacles in the vehicle's path of travel and also monitors following distances (it will warn the driver of potential hazards). The system can also intervene by increasing brake pressure, closing windows and altering vehicle dynamics to prevent a collision.
Adaptive cruise control, which allows the driver to maintain a safe following distance by adjusting the speed of the vehicle according to the driving situation, is now standard, as is Lane Keep Assist and a new adaptive high-beam system with sequential indicator illumination is part of the LX package.
Two LX models are: the 270 kW/530 Nm LX 570 powered with a 5.7-litre V8 engine and the 195 kW/650 Nm LX450d fitted with a 4.5-litre turbodiesel engine.
