Isuzu KB 250 HO X-Rider Extended Cab (2016) Review

Special edition vehicles and “cab-and-a-half” bakkies are two things that the mainstream automotive media reviews infrequently. Shortly before the facelift of the KB range, we were availed an X-Rider Extended Cab unit… and liked it.

We like: For urbanites, an extended cab is far more practical than a single cab. Tax benefit.

We don’t like: Ill-fitting doors, low footwell, very basic infotainment system

Alternatives

For greater refinement: Consider the Toyota Hilux Xtra Cab 2.4 GD-6 Raised Body SRX, priced at R354 800. It may appear slightly expensive in this company, but what you do get is the best engine on offer as well as a very car-like cabin. In addition to its smoothness, the 2.4-litre mill is also powerful (400 Nm of torque), endowing the Hilux with a braked tow rating of 2 750 kg. It comes with a diff-lock as standard, but lacks electronic stability control. Somewhat surprisingly, it rides on 17-inch alloy wheels as standard.
For a workhorse-oriented offering: Battling it out with the Toyota in the sales charts is the more basically specified (as standard) Ranger 2.2 Hi-Rider XL. You pay extra for alloy wheels, a diff-lock etc., but those items are available and not that pricey, which means the price of R343 900 is competitive. What you do get is an impressive engine, a braked tow rating of 2 500 kg, standard electronic stability control and even rear storage boxes.

What is it?

The X-Rider add-ons made the pre-facelift Isuzu KB turn plenty of heads. It looks more "leisure", than workhorse.

First, a disclaimer – the bakkie reviewed here is no longer listed on the new vehicle price sheets, so unless you can find one standing at a General Motors dealer (unlikely), you may have missed the boat on this one. Based on traffic on this site, however, there appears to remain significant interest in the special edition Isuzu KB X-Rider. In some ways this is quite perplexing. A refreshed Isuzu KB has since been launched – read about that here – and if you look at the sales figures, fewer than 100 units have been sold in the four months it was officially on sale (June, July, August, September). A closer look at those sales figures reveal, however, that the X-Rider had boosted Isuzu sales in this segment (especially considering the pre-facelift KB was on run-out). And if you look at the other brands, it seems there is some demand for a more highly specified, leisure-oriented offering such as this X-Rider. Isuzu… you may want to make it a permanent fixture of the line-up!

So, given the continued interest in the X-Rider even since its discontinuation, we've decided to publish the review to aid buyers looking for this type of vehicle in the pre-owned market.

How does it fare in terms of…

Making a statement

Unlike other special edition bakkies, the X-Rider's accessories don't appear generic and "off-the-shelf".

“Extended-cab” bakkies aren’t generally on the radar of the automotive media, because family vehicle buyers want bakkies with bigger cabins to accommodate passengers (that’s why there are double cabs). And, because most motoring publications’ content is tailored to private buyers, “stretched cabs”, which are meant to avail space for the transportation of goods/equipment (SARS allows businesspeople to deduct such purchases from tax), hardly ever feature in car companies' media fleets. But, the X-Rider appears to target a different type of buyer. With its bold looks it turned plenty of heads during its time with us, and generally we think it appeals strongly as a dual-purpose vehicle – workhorse during the week, leisure vehicle by weekend.

The X-Rider accessories package turns the pre-facelift KB into quite a looker. In fact, some members of the team were of the opinion that the X-Rider package should have been the facelift! You get a black front bumper guard, black tubular side steps, black sports bar and a neatly blacked-out B-pillar. Combined with the Maranello Red paint of our test unit, the black accessories were particularly eyecatching. Also included are striking 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, wheel caps with the Isuzu branding in red and X-Rider body decals.

Cabin features

Leather upholstery, piano black inserts and X-Rider logos dominate the cabin.

The black/red X-Rider theme continues inside where the KB's cabin ambience gets a welcome lift through the standard fitment of black leather upholstery, piano-black plastic inserts on the facia and doors, bold X-Rider logos and a red Isuzu badge on the steering wheel. It's a solid-feeling vehicle that strikes a fine balance between being obviously hard-wearing, yet sophisticated enough in appearance to appeal to the leisure crowd.

Standard features on this model include a radio/CD system with USB and Bluetooth support, a rake-adjustable steering wheel with remote audio controls, air-conditioning, and electric windows and mirror adjustment.

Open the rear "suicide" doors and there's quite a lot of space available in the back for the fitment of storage boxes. As standard, there's nothing, except a carpeted floor (including two lift-up flaps) and a slightly padded section against the rear wall. The rear windows can be opened using hinges. An irritating characteristic of this particular test unit was that the doors needed a very determined – borderline violent – slam to close properly. On many an occasion the remote central locking refused to function because the doors were not closed.

The cabin features a number of useful storage solutions. You get a double glove compartment, a large storage box between the seats and numerous drinks holders, including ones sliding out of the facia.

Power and Refinement

The red on black theme continues inside, and matches the instrumentation.

There has been no change underneath the bonnet of the X-Rider. Power comes from the brand's tried and tested 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine, which following an earlier upgrade delivers 100 kW from 3 600 rpm and 320 Nm of torque from 1 800 to 2 200 rpm. These power figures are by no means class-leading, and as we also found in our test of the Double-Cab 4×4 LE model, it's not particularly free-revving, either. Nevertheless, we wouldn't describe the X-Rider as frustratingly slow, and once you've grown accustomed to its power delivery characteristics and the spacing of its five-speed manual transmission's ratios, you can make swift and steady progress.

From a workhorse point of view the engine is more impressive. Mechanically the vehicle feels very robust, and the braked tow rating of 2 100 kg and payload capacity of 1 133 kg translate into a vehicle that can roll up its sleeves when necessary and do the hard yards. Notwithstanding its lower torque output (compared with its rivals), the Isuzu feels particularly strong after pull-away.

Isuzu claims a fuel consumption figure of 7.6 L/100 km for this model, and during our test we managed an average of 8.5 L/100 km. Interestingly, the percentage difference between claimed and real-world is significantly less than what we've achieved with some other vehicles. On a 80-litre tank of diesel you should be able to achieve close to 1 000 km between fill-ups.

Ride and Handling

Notwithstanding the X-Rider's striking looks, the KB remains a hard worker.

One area in which the X-Rider's workhorse roots are difficult to hide, is in its ride and general on-road behaviour. It's a firmly sprung vehicle, obviously, and the refinement of its drivetrain falls some way short of what is offered by the more modern rivals from Toyota and Ford. Then again, this isn't necessarily a criticism. The Isuzu feels indestructible and built to take punishment. It remains highly regarded in this respect by its owners.

Price and after-sales support

The Isuzu KB 250 X-Rider Extended Cab retails for R355 900 (if you can still find one), but is based on the KB 250 Hi-Rider, which sells for R337 400 following its facelift. All Isuzu KB models are backed with a lenghty 5-years/120 000 km warranty and 5-years/90 000 km service plan.

Verdict

The X-Rider was quite a unique offering at its price point, which perhaps explains the strong interest in the vehicle to some extent. Current offerings in the market can't quite match its combination of leisure-oriented specification, good looks, and workhorse ability… not in standard form anyway. It is a very appealing dual-purpose vehicle for a couple without kids that also need their vehicle to work hard. In that regard, we'd highly recommend the fitment of lockable rear storage boxes, tonneau cover and a rear diff-lock.

That said, as trusty as the 2.5-litre diesel engine is, Isuzu is falling behind the pack when it comes to refinement and power. It's less of a problem in a pure workhorse application (especially if there is a cost benefit), but when there is also a leisure role to consider the rivals' engines are more in tune with segment demands.

Interested in buying a new/used Isuzu KB?

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Ford SYNC3 Coming to SA

Ford will be introducing its third-generation SYNC3 communications and entertainment system to the South African market in 2016/2017.

Ford will be rolling out its SYNC3 infotainment system that will offer improved functionality and faster performance. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay will also be offered once SYNC3 is licensed in South Africa.

SYNC3 will be available in various Ford models before the end of 2016 including the Mustang, Ranger, Everest and Fusion. The Ford Focus and Kuga will feature SYNC3 as of early 2017. The system will incorporate an 8-inch touchscreen and navigation will be rolled out during the course of 2017. SYNC1 will remain to be an entry-level offering for selected models.

“SYNC3 brings to life even more innovative new ways of staying connected on the move. Designed to complement modern smartphones, with an intuitive touch screen and an exciting array of new features, SYNC3 understands even more conversational speech commands, is significantly faster and offers a higher resolution interface that is simpler, and easier to read and use than the outgoing SYNC2 system,” says Tracey Delate, General Manager, Marketing – Ford Motor Company Sub-Saharan Africa Region.

SYNC3 features

The SYNC3 infotainment system offers increased processing power and more streamlined functionality. The number of steps to complete an action has been reduced, thereby improving the functionality and simplifying the user experience.

SYNC3 will operate much like a smartphone, where users are able to swipe and pinch-to-zoom. Apple CarPlay will allow iPhone users to send and receive text messages, play music, make phone calls and get traffic information, all via voice activation. SYNC3 is also compatible with Siri Eyes Free and iPhone users can access Siri via Bluetooth.

Also Read – Why the tech in your next car matters

For Android users, Android Auto will offer a number of Apps and services including Google Maps, Google Search and Google Play Music, all commanded using SYNC3 voice activation.

“Some of the licenses for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are still being finalised for official release in the collective Middle East and Africa region, and therefore will be introduced as they become available in market,” says Delate. Over-the-air software updates will be required and can be done by downloading updates using Wi-Fi.

Also Read – Android and Apple vs car infotainment systems

SYNC3 will be offered as standard on certain derivatives, or as an option. Customers will also be pleased to know that navigation will be offered for the first time in 2017. Depending on the model derivative, navigation may be offered a standard or as an option and will be rolled out in phases in 2017. SYNC3 navigation will also offer 3 language options including English, Afrikaans and Zulu.

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Exploring Lesotho with Toyota and Bridgestone

Fitting the right specification tyres to your vehicle is crucial, especially if you want to traverse grueling off-road terrain. We tackled some of the most challenging mountain roads with Toyota Hilux and Fortuner derivatives shod with new Bridgestone Dueler 693III *tyres. Here's how the picturesque expedition unfolded…***

Many of us long for a good old-fashioned road trip; a trek to an uninhabited locale; a drive into the unknown. A spur of the moment getaway seems rather romantic and adventurous doesn’t it? It certainly does on televised travel programmes. The reality though, is that a road trip usually requires a great deal of planning. We discovered this when we took part in a road trip that would entail long distances, mountainous gravel roads and large quantities of biltong. What, where and how are critical details on trips of this nature. What are we using to get there? Where are we going? How are we going to get there?

What

The Toyota Fortuner proved to be very capable in the tough terrain found in Lesotho.

Those who regularly make off-road expeditions stress how important it is to fit the right rubber to your vehicle to suit route conditions. Our recent encounter with Bridgestone’s new Dueler A/T 693III tyres proved this. This is a tyre that is meant to drive comfortably on-road for daily use and then tackle the roughest terrain off-road when necessary. It stands to reason, then, that given the off-road credentials of the Hilux and Fortuner, that Toyota would find Bridgestone's Dueler A/T 693III tyres to be perfectly suitable. In fact, the Dueler A/T 693III is the OEM tyre for both the Hilux and Fortuner models – vehicles we had at our disposal for this journey. So, our what was taken care of – a few Toyotas fitted with some dual purpose tyres.

Where

Lesotho is the perfect place to test your vehicles capability. The Toyota Hilux and Fortuner are well-equipped to deal with difficult terrain.

Where were we going? We needed a place that would allow us to test the capabilities of these tyres, preferably a place with large inclines and steep declines and a combination of gravel and tar. Fortunately, South Africans have the opportunity to explore our neighbouring countries and Lesotho was the perfect escape for this test. As one of our more mountainous neighbours, Lesotho would give us the chance to see what a tough car with tough tyres can do.

How

Our trip to Lesotho began in KwaZulu-Natal and we headed towards the Ongeluksnek pass on a tar road. Normally an off-road tyre tends to “whurrr” on tar due to the reinforced tyre walls and mixed compounds. Surprisingly, holding a conversation didn’t seem all that difficult as we had minimal noise in the cabin. Tyre noise will always be prevalent, but in this case, it wasn’t droning or annoying. The Toyota Hilux was our mode of transport for the first day and this gave us the opportunity to experience the refinement of these new bakkies, which offer a superior ride to the previous-generation vehicles. There was no “bobble head” effect present in this unloaded Hilux and we sailed along smoothly to our first stop where we feasted on gourmet pies, warm scones and freshly squeezed cow’s milk. This is the stuff road trips are made of!

With our bellies full, we trekked toward the Ongeluksnek pass in Lesotho, but before we arrived at the border, we had to switch the cars to 4H and manoeuvre through some steep gravel inclines. Some of the most outstanding views surrounded us upon our arrival in Lesotho. Beyond the border post was greenery, moist gravel and uphills high enough to leave marathon runners panting. This is where we would see how dual-purpose these tyres really were. As we climbed, not once did we fear for grip and not once did we get stuck. We were elated because of the views and the beauty of Africa. The descents proved to be somewhat more challenging, as these require careful planning. But again, with the Hilux in the right mode and our Bridgestone’s hard at work, we arrived at our destination happy.

The views in Lesotho are a great reward for your off-road efforts.

The next morning, we left Lesotho through a different pass to enter KwaZulu-Natal, only to drive into Lesotho again for another taste of dust. This time our challenge was the famous Sani Pass road, a climb that is not only scenic but quite challenging if you don’t have the appropriate machinery. Tarred roads were welcome on our journey back after slowly navigating through rocks on the previous day.

This is where you see why Toyota chose the Dueler A/T 693III to be its OEM product. It simply handles the transition from on to off-road so well. Interestingly, we averaged 8.6 litres/100km in the Hilux despite us driving on very different terrains every hour. By then we'd swapped into the more family-friendly Fortuner, which had no problem powering through the sweeps on the newly tarred roads back to KZN.

As we arrived at the beginning of the Sani Pass, road conditions seemed to suggest that the route would be a walk in the park. However, having traveled barely 3 km further, it became apparent that the road is meant for SUVs. Oncoming traffic (mainly tour bakkies) requires you to be vigilant on the climb and the higher you go, the steeper it gets. A combination of low range, second gear and not looking down got us through the climb. Moments like those make you appreciate having the right amount of traction to keep going, something we had plenty of. There’s a feeling of fulfillment that one gets after climbing 3 200 m and looking down to see what you’ve conquered. It's no wonder why people from all over the world enjoy these sorts of excursions.

Bridgestone's new Dueler A/T 693III tyres proved invaluable in reaching the Lesotho highlands.

As we arrived safely back in Lesotho and settled into our place of rest, the business presentation by Bridgestone’s representatives meant so much more to me than it usually does. Generally, we are told how good a product is and what it can potentially do. This time we had the chance to experience it for ourselves. The tyre truly offers the great handling they claim, both on and off-road. It’s low rolling resistance meant that we maintained almost identical fuel economy in both the Hilux and the Fortuner and the way the tyre is constructed meant that it doesn’t kill your ears. A manufacturer like Toyota wouldn’t trust a tyre brand if they couldn’t ensure that the claims are in fact the reality.

Summary

As mentioned, much goes into planning for a road trip and without the right tools your TV fantasy may end up to be a horror story. As many will embark on road trips soon, never underestimate the importance of having the right rubber fitted to your vehicle. Comfort, fuel economy and safety are all factors directly linked to tyres, so having the right set for the job can mean the difference between you relating the story of your travels, or your story being related for you.

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New/used Fortuners listed on Cars.co.za

Renault Kwid (2016) First Drive

The budget-friendly Renault Kwid has rolled into South Africa and we drove the pint-sized city crossover in sunny Durban this week.

With the new car market continuing to suffer declining sales and consumers struggling to make ends meet, deciding which new models to introduce in the local market (and which to avoid) has become increasingly important for car makers. With the new Kwid – a city car with the look of a compact crossover and attractive pricing – Renault appears to have hit the nail on the head. After all, it is clear that consumers want crossovers, but that they want to pay less!

It's not marketed as a crossover, however, yet it comes with visual and functional aids to make the Kwid surprisingly useful when the tarmac makes way for gravel and pot-holed surfaces. The vehicle looks chunky and solid while boasting 180 mm of ground clearance. Combined with high-profile tyres, you'll soak up the bumps with no fuss at all.

It's powered by a naturally-aspirated 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, which was a surprise given the brand's fondness for the 0.9-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol unit which does duty in many of its products. Nevertheless, it's a pleasant powerplant and it pushes out 50 kW and 91 Nm. Power reaches the front wheels through a five-speed manual transmission.

For specifications and in-depth details about the Renault Kwid, click here.

Top-spec Dynamique models gain front fog lights.

The Drive

Those outputs look meagre on paper, so you'd expect performance to be sluggish. However, the Kwid has a trick up its sleeve. It's terrifically light and tips the scales at under 700 kg without a driver. This means it has an impressive power-to-weight ratio and straight off the bat we were able to navigate the confines of King Shaka Airport with a spring in our, erm, step. The steering is power-assisted, making maneuvering easy and parking in tight spaces a cinch. The Kwid has commendable performance in the first three gears and only once your speedometer ventures over the 100 kph mark does the engine start losing its breath.

The gearbox and clutch are pleasantly light, and the shift action is smooth. Cars in this segment are generally a little coarse and unrefined, but the Kwid demonstrates that some degree of refinement is really appreciated. There is also very little vibration through the steering wheel and gearknob – a common affliction in this segment. Typically, 3-cylinder engines are a bit gruff and the Kwid's is no exception as the revs climb through the range.

The downsides? Well, its mass is not conducive to high-speed stability and at the national speed limit there was no hiding the vehicle's lightness. Coupled with a strong gusting wind straight off the Indian Ocean, the little Kwid needed the driver's focus to keep it in its lane.

Chunky rugged looks combined with 180 mm of ground clearance mean the Renault Kwid can handle potholes and rough roads.

Elephant in the room

The main gripe with the Renault Kwid is its safety package, or rather, lack thereof. Usually Renault South Africa's products are comprehensively specified in this department. The Kwid, at first glance, is the odd one out. It received just a single star rating in a safety test and features only an airbag for the driver. While an airbag certainly adds value in the safety stakes, surely anti-lock brakes (ABS) would be more beneficial as they'd help prevent the accident in the first place? Nevertheless, it was evident that Renault SA plans on doing something about this and will be looking at enhancing this offering's safety features. Just up the spec to 2 front airbags and ABS, and you'll have a winner, Renault!

Summary

There's a small risk of this vehicle suffering from Datsun Go syndrome – the two vehicles share the CMFA common platform thanks to the Renault-Nissan Alliance. As witnessed in the sales figures, customers in this segment rate value for money over safety, and the need for a brand-new vehicle will counterweigh some hesitation over the lack of anti-lock brakes. Renault and Datsun may be in the limelight for a lack of safety features, but they're not the only culprits, as entry-level versions of the Kia Picanto and Hyundai i10 do without anti-lock brakes too.

While this piece is not meant to represent a head-to-head comparison of the Kwid and Go, it has to be said that the Kwid appears to hold a couple of important advantages. It feels substantially more solid, drives better and boasts cabin quality and features on par with vehicles costing more. It may be cheap, but it's far from nasty.

As it stands, we're getting the highest specification Kwid. The version sold in the Indian market offers an airbag as an optional extra! The Kwid's specification is decent for a vehicle in this segment and we were impressed to see the comprehensive infotainment/satnav unit from the Duster make its way into the spacious cabin. With such an aggressive pricing strategy and the bonus of a year's free insurance thrown in, the Renault Kwid is ticking many of the boxes for those who have started climbing the car ownership ladder.

Satnav infotainment system is clean and intuitive, with a simple user experience.

Pricing and after-sales support

The new Renault Kwid comes standard with a 5-year/150 000 km mechanical warranty and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty. Services take place at 15 000 km intervals. Optional service plans are available.

1.0 Expression 1.0-litre SCe – R119 900
1.0 Dynamique 1.0-litre SCe – R129 900

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New Engines for Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz is set to introduce a whole range of new engines in 2017. There will be new 4, 6 and 8-cylinder motors available in turbopetrol and turbodiesel guises.

Starting with the smallest engine, the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol will have a specific output of 100 kW per litre. That means around 200 kW as a starting point. Mercedes is also adding a 48V electric system that can be used in hybrid format to boost engine speed by up to 2 000 rpm, but also power ancillaries such as the starter motor and water pump.

The new 2.0-litre turbodiesel has already been launched and features in the smooth and comfortable E220d that we compared with the previous-generation 520d earlier this year. It puts out 143 kW and 400 Nm of torque.

Sticking with a turbodiesel, you can expect to see a new 6-cylinder version in next year’s S-Class. The new engine is 40 kW more powerful than the current engine meaning you get 230 kW and over 650 Nm of torque.

There’s a new 3.0-litre 6-cylinder petrol unit on the way as well. It’s an in-line 6, which is claimed to produce 300 kW and more than 500 Nm of torque. CO2 emissions are said to have been cut by 15% and like the 4-cylinder unit, it uses a 48V electric system to power the engine at low revs and also power certain ancillaries.

For those sold on a V8 then the all-new 4.0-litre motor appears to be even more powerful than the current 4.7-litre unit. Its power output has been lifted from the old engine’s 335 kW to 350 kW with 700 Nm of torque. That’s before any of the engineers at AMG have tinkered with it. The V8 features cylinder deactivation, effectively turning it into a 4-cylinder in certain situations to conserve fuel.

The larger engines – 4 and 6-cylinders will be available next year in the new S-Class with the others being staged in as various model updates are introduced.

Also Read:

Update: First Mercedes-Benz Generation EQ-based SUV Coupe Coming in 2019 [with Video]
Mercedes-Benz X-Class Concept Finally Revealed
Mercedes-AMG E63 Details Revealed [with Video]
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet (2016) First Drive

Looking for a used Mercedes-Benz?

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Renault Kwid (2016) Specs & Price

Renault has targeted the budget car market with the crossover-flavoured Kwid hatchback. Here are the specification and pricing details for this keenly priced new model.

The Kwid comes to market as the entry point to Renault’s comprehensive product range and will be available in 2 trim levels. Both derivatives are powered by a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol motor with peak outputs of 50 kW and 91 Nm. Although not a particularly powerful engine, it’s claimed to be quite frugal… Renault SA claims that its newcomer will consume an average of 4.71 litres/100 km from its 28-litre fuel tank.

Power reaches the front wheels through a 5-speed manual gearbox. While it’s not marketed as an offroad vehicle, the Kwid's ground clearance of 180 mm should be a boon when traversing dirt roads, for example.

In terms of dimensions, the Renault's wheelbase measures 2 422 mm, which means that this compact newcomer offers reasonable interior space, while the claimed luggage capacity is a credible 300 litres.

Features

Despite the Renault Kwid being an entry-level vehicle, the features/equipment list looks substantial. The Dynamique is the more comprehensive of the pair and it features the MediaNav navigation/multimedia system replete with a 7-inch touchscreen display, radio with Bluetooth connectivity.

There are height-adjustable seats at the front, with power steering and one-touch lane changing indicators. Electric front windows and air conditioning, as well as plenty of oddment storage spaces are afforded.

The Expression model lacks metallic paint (but it’s an option), front fog lamps, some exterior finishings as well as the dual-tone dashboard. It also loses out on the fancy navigation/infotainment system, but retains the USB/Aux inputs.

The Kwid shares its platform with the Datsun Go, but on paper at least, looks to be the more premium of the two vehicles.

In terms of safety, it features just the single airbag for the driver. We were expecting ABS at the very least, but we’ll have more clarity on the important issue of safety once we’ve driven the car and spoken to Renault SA.

Pricing and after-sales support

The new Renault Kwid comes standard with a 5-year/150 000km mechanical warranty and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty. Services take place at 15 000km intervals. Optional service plans are available.

1.0 Expression 1.0-litre SCe R 119 900
1.0 Dynamique 1.0-litre SCe R 129 900

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Suzuki Baleno (2016) Specs & Price

Suzuki is launching its new C-segment hatchback in South Africa this week. Take a look at the details and local pricing for the new Baleno.

We drove the Suzuki Baleno back in May at its international launch in Ireland and we think it's a good-value product. The Baleno is quite large. It's bigger than the Volkswagen Polo, but smaller than the Golf and is similarly priced to the Polo.

You can read our first impression of the Baleno here.

Suzuki Baleno details

International markets get a fancy 3-cylinder turbopetrol engine but locally, the Baleno will be fitted with a 1.4-litre naturally aspirated engine. The engine is pulled from the current Swift, Ertiga and Ciaz. It’s good for 68 kW and 130 Nm of torque and buyers have the choice between a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission, with the auto only available in top-spec GLX form.

The Suzuki Baleno is a spacious C-segment offering and is competitively priced too.

Fuel economy is claimed at 5.1 L/100 km for the manual and 5.4 L/100 km for the automatic and if our experience of Suzukis is anything to go by, you’re likely to get very close to that figure over the long term. Acceleration times are average for a car in this segment with the manual managing the 0-100 kph sprint in 10.9 seconds while the automatic is a bit slower at 11.6 seconds.

On the inside, the top-spec Baleno GLX, features a 6.2-inch infotainment system, something local Suzuki buyers will see as a much-needed upgrade. The GLX is well-equipped with standard features like cruise control, automatic air-conditioning and rear park distance control. The GLX model also gains 4 additional airbags over the GL model, with a total of 6 airbags. The GLX also gains rear disc brakes, while the GL derivative has rear drum brakes. Standard fare across the range are USB and Aux ports.

The Baleno GLX features a much-needed 6.2-inch infotainment system and a leather steering wheel.

Space is where the Baleno excels with a boot size of 355-litres and 1 085-litres when the rear seats are folded down. Cloth seats are the standard across the Baleno range with the GLX model getting a leather ensconced steering wheel. The Baleno GL is fitted with 15-inch steel wheels and 16-inch alloys are offered on the GLX derivative.

Suzuki Baleno prices in South Africa (February 2017)

Click here for the latest Suzuki Baleno pricing in South Africa

The Baleno appears to be extremely competitively priced for a hatchback of its size. It’s backed up by a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and a 4-year/60 000 km service plan.

1.4 GL MT R199 900
1.4 GLX MT R229 900
1.4 GLX AT R244 900

Also Read:

Suzuki Baleno (2016) First Drive
5 Cars the new Suzuki Baleno needs to beat
Extended Test: Suzuki Swift 1.4 GLS [Video]
Suzuki Vitara 1.6 GL+ (2016) Review

Want to buy a Suzuki?

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Harold Durnez Wins Cars.co.za Fortuner 4×4 Challenge

Capetonian Harold Durnez has defeated all odds and won the Cars.co.za Fortuner 4×4 Challenge to stand a chance of winning a new Toyota Fortuner 2.4 GD-6 4×2 manual.

In September 2016, Cars.co.za took to social media in search of the ultimate multitasker to represent us in the Toyota Next Level Freedom Fortuner 4×4 Challenge. To be eligible for selection, applicants were required to submit a 20-second video showcasing their multitasking skills plus physical ability (running, swimming, cycling etc.) and provide reasons why they should be selected as a finalist.

The team at Cars.co.za had the tough task of selecting the 5 best submissions and after much deliberation, we decided that Harold Durnez, Tshiama Kekana, Roger Westbrook, Saleha Mohideen and Obadiah Naidoo would be our finalists in the Cars.co.za Fortuner 4×4 Challenge.

Harold Durnez excelled in the physical test to win the Cars.co.za Fortuner 4×4 Challenge.

All 5 finalists joined us in Cape Town for a day of fun-but-difficult challenges to determine who would represent us in the final Toyota Next Level Freedom Fortuner 4×4 Challenge taking place on 15-16 November 2016 in Knysna.

Harold Durnez came out on top on the day and he will team up with one of 4 celebrity sportsman in Knysna including Dakar Rally driver Giniel de Villiers, Cheetahs rugby player Ryno Benjamin, Bafana Bafana star Siphiwe Tshabalala and cyclist Andrew McLean from Toyota Cyclelab. Harold and his celebrity teammate will compete against 3 contestants for the ultimate prize, a new Toyota Fortuner 2.4 GD-6 4×2 manual valued at R454 000.

The Toyota Next Level Freedom Fortuner 4×4 Challenge will be recorded and televised on Supersport. Follow @ToyotaSA on Twitter for more updates.

Check out the videos below to see how Harold Durnez claimed victory in the Cars.co.za Fortuner 4×4 Challenge!

Cars.co.za Fortuner 4×4 Challenge – Episode 1

Cars.co.za Fortuner 4×4 Challenge – Episode 2

Cars.co.za Fortuner 4×4 Challenge – Episode 3

Want to buy a Toyota Fortuner?

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New Car Sales in South Africa October 2016

Take a look at how the new vehicle market performed in South Africa during the month of October 2016.

The state of the new vehicle market in South Africa is under considerable strain and October was another woeful month with major declines seen across all vehicle segments. Despite these declines, export vehicle sales showed strength with significant year-on-year growth.

According to Wesbank, a major contributing factor to the continued slump in new vehicle sales is affordability. During the course of 2016, prices of new cars have soared as a result of a weakening Rand and many consumers simply can’t afford to buy new cars. To rub salt on an already festering wound, consumers are also faced with increasing living costs and higher interest rates, making it even more difficult to set money aside for a new car. Wesbank says that in October, the average new car financed was 12.7% more expensive compared to the same period in 2016. This grim reality is forcing consumers to seek value in the used car market.

Simphiwe Nghona, CEO of Motor Retail at WesBank said, “The new car market has been under pressure throughout the year, but receding consumer demand is even more pronounced. We’re seeing record numbers of applications for pre-owned vehicles. Consumers can get better value for money in the used market, where the average transaction value for financed a used car is nearly R100 000 less than a new car.”

Furthermore, Wesbank advises consumers to be mindful of their vehicle expenditure as this can have serious financial consequences on the household budget. “As we head towards the end of the year consumers should avoid the temptation to overspend, whether buying a new or used car. Any vehicle purchase now will have an impact on their budget for the next 4 – 6 years and they need to account for all monthly costs,” said Nghona. “This includes petrol costs, which are rising. If your budget cannot absorb these rising costs you might have an unpleasant festive season.”

New Car Sales Summary – October 2016

48 745 aggregate new vehicle sales down by 10.1% (5 494 units) compared to October 2015.
32 738 new vehicle sales down by 9.5% (3 438 units) compared to October 2015.
13 559 Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) sales down by 10.7% (1 623 units) compared to October 2015.
30 718 export sales up by 10.8% (2 999 units) compared to October 2015

Top 5 best-selling car brand in South Africa – October 2016

1. Toyota – 11 129 units

2. Volkswagen – 8 055 units

3. Ford – 7 199 units

4. Nissan – 3 692 units

5. GMSA – 3 324 units

Top 5 best-selling cars in South Africa – October 2016

1. Ford Ranger – 2 964 units

Search for a new or used Ford Ranger on Cars.co.za

2. Toyota Hilux – 2781 units

Search for a new or used Toyota Hilux on Cars.co.za

3. Volkswagen Polo Vivo – 2 701 units

Search for a new or used Volkswagen Polo Vivo on Cars.co.za

4. Volkswagen Polo – 2 458 units

Search for a new or used Volkswagen Polo on Cars.co.za

Toyota Corolla – 1 968 units

Search for a new or used Toyota Corolla on Cars.co.za

New vehicle sales outlook

Challenging times lie ahead for the new vehicle market and rising new vehicle costs, household disposable income pressure, low business confidence and higher interest rates will continue to have a negative impact on the market.

A leading Reserve Bank indicator has, however, registered growth for the first time in a three-year period, suggesting that modest improvements in the economy could be realised in the next 18 months.

Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4Matic (2016) Review

Mercedes-AMG's compact performance sedan recently underwent a facelift and we got to drive it. The Benz is a more elegant prospect than its A45 sibling, but can it justify the price premium?

We like: brutal off-the-line performance, brusque gearshift blips, looks, decent boot

We don’t like: expensive, ride is too firm, rear legroom won't be comfortable for tall people

Alternatives:

For a fast German sedan: Audi S3 sedan. The Audi RS3 sedan would be a more logical rival (because it produces similar outputs), but it is not in South Africa yet. The S3 sedan is not as fast as the CLA 45 but boasts impressive levels of build quality and refinement. The boot isn't as capacious as the Benz's.
For a stylish and fast alternative: the BMW M2 is arguably the finest performance vehicle to emerge from BMW in years. Although it's a coupe, it's more than a match for the CLA 45 AMG in terms of driver thrills.
A similar AMG: Mercedes-AMG A45. This review is not meant to be a head-to-head comparison, but the CLA 45 and A45 arguably appeal to the same target market. At R100 000 cheaper than its booted sibling, the A45 makes a strong case for itself.

Compare the CLA 45 to the Audi S3 sedan and BMW M2 here

Even in its sportiest iteration, the CLA 45's styling is divisive, those who like the micronised performance sedan looks.

How does it fare in terms of…

Performance?

The CLA 45's 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine is said to be the most powerful production 2.0-litre powerplant in the world. How do peak outputs of 280 kW and 475 Nm grab you? Consider the 5.5-litre V8-engined Mercedes-Benz C55 from 2004 (with its snarling exhaust note) produced only 270 kW. Therefore, with half the cylinders and less than half the displacement, the CLA 45 represents the latest in compact performance from AMG. If it's not a poster child for downsizing, what is?

Power reaches all 4 wheels via Benz's all-wheel 4Matic system, but the system is front-biased, with the rear wheels providing additional propulsion depending on how much traction is available at the nose. The best way to demonstrate the compact AMG’s performance capability is with a race start (a full-bore acceleration run from standstill). Essentially this is where the car’s hardware gets the CLA 45 off the line in the fastest possible manner by balancing traction and power perfectly. It’s straightforward to execute; turn the driving mode dial to Race, press the stability control once to engage ESP Sport, pull both shift paddles towards you and the dashboard displays "Race Start, pull right paddle to confirm".

Put your left foot hard on the brake, depress the accelerator and the engine revs climb. Release the brake and off you go. The way the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 scoots off the line is remarkable and the claimed zero-to-100 kph sprint time is 4.2 seconds. While we didn’t go that fast, we definitely broke the 5-second barrier. It’ll go on to a limited top speed of 250 kph.

The CLA 45's purposeful rear-end styling is complemented by eye-catching alloys that fill the car's wheel arches.

Straight-line decimation is not the only thing the CLA 45 can do well, however. Its steering accuracy and handling prowess is, if not the best in the business, certainly from the top shelf. You can effortlessly carve up a mountain pass thanks to the vehicle's abundance of confidence-inspiring stability and the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission works best in manual mode (when you’re in complete control of cog-shifting and can ensure the performance motor remains in optimal boost range).

While 4-cylinder motors are not normally renowned for evocative, throaty soundtracks, this particular powertrain featured a sports exhaust which opened up around the 3 000 rpm mark and each gear shift was accompanied by a terrific brahp courtesy of out the quad exhausts. We may (or may not) have driven through a few underpasses repeatedly to enjoy the artillery sound effects. The downside is that these fireworks can be a bit tiresome and the engine note drones, but you can dial the driving mode back to Comfort so that the car regains some sense of civility and daily-driver friendliness.

A video posted by Cars.co.za (@carssouthafrica) on Sep 7, 2016 at 12:55am PDT

Ride refinement?

The previous CLA 45 (and its A45 hatchback sibling) suffered from one key issue. While they were both stupendously quick and agile machines, a lack of ride comfort on anything other than A-grade tarmac was a major concern. For the 2016 model, however, Mercedes-AMG attempted to address the shortcoming. The CLA suspension is claimed to feature improved damper settings and spring rates, which should, in theory, improve matters.

Is the difference noticeable? Well, sort of. The ride is still firm and sporty (and just short of crashy in Race mode, to be fair), but. fortunately, you can customise the vehicle 's adaptive suspension settings through the Individual mode and leave everything in Sport, but the suspension in Comfort. We found it the best compromise.

Practicality?

The seats are supportive and well bolstered, while the rest of the cabin is dripping with sporty touches

The CLA 45 is claimed to offer 470 litres of boot capacity, which is quite reasonable and compares favourably with its rivals. The Audi S3 sedan and BMW M2 offer just 390 litres, for example. But despite the sedan body, the rear space and legroom is only suitable for shorter-than-average adults. Our test unit featured beautifully crafted and supportive front sports seats which hinder the rear legroom a little, but in a driver-focused performance machine, rear passenger comfort is not a priority.

Standard specification is fair, but we’d expect a bit more considering we’re in the R800k territory. COMAND satellite navigation is a R26 600 option, which is a bit cheeky. As per all German manufacturers, you can go town with options and packages to make your CLA 45 AMG more comfortable and desirable. We’d suggest investigating AMG Exclusive package which includes heated front seats as well as the AMG Dynamic Plus package, which gives you the adjustable suspension.

Price and after-sales backup

The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4Matic retails for R838 714, which includes a 2-year/unlimited km warranty, as well as a 6-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.

Verdict

There’s no denying the CLA 45 AMG is a blistering performer; we're sure that very few cars could keep up with it on a tight and winding section of road, let alone in slippery road conditions, where the Benz impresses with its prodigious all-wheel-drive grip. It’s also unlikely to punish driving mistakes too aggressively, which is a trait we like. What's more, the Benz is ballistic off the line; some high-end machinery had better be on their guard when a CLA 45 AMG pulls up alongside them.

Things look less rosy when you look at the CLA 45 AMG in relation to its hatchback sibling, the A45 AMG. Does the addition of a boot and distinctive "4-door coupe" styling in a mechanically similar vehicle justify a R100 000 premium? We don’t think so, and it becomes a tough sell when you start throwing in some extras. The A45 AMG is the better car, but in the case of the United States where the hatchback isn’t sold, the CLA 45 will have to do. Luckily we’re in South Africa and have the freedom of choice and while the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine is faultless, we’d prefer it to be nestled in the bay of the A45.

Interested in buying a Mercedes-Benz?

Find a new/used example for sale on Cars.co.za

Isuzu KB 250 HO X-Rider Extended Cab (2016) Review

Special edition vehicles and “cab-and-a-half” bakkies are two things that the mainstream automotive media reviews infrequently. Shortly before the facelift of the KB range, we were availed an X-Rider Extended Cab unit… and liked it.

Alternatives

What is it?

How does it fare in terms of…

Price and after-sales support

Verdict

Related Content

Interested in buying a new/used Isuzu KB?

Ford SYNC3 Coming to SA

Ford will be introducing its third-generation SYNC3 communications and entertainment system to the South African market in 2016/2017.

SYNC3 features

Want to buy a Ford?

Exploring Lesotho with Toyota and Bridgestone

What

Where

How

Summary

Related content:

Interested in buying a Toyota Hilux or Fortuner?

Renault Kwid (2016) First Drive

The budget-friendly Renault Kwid has rolled into South Africa and we drove the pint-sized city crossover in sunny Durban this week.

For specifications and in-depth details about the Renault Kwid, click here.

The Drive

Elephant in the room

Summary

Pricing and after-sales support

Related content

Want to buy a Renault?

New Engines for Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz is set to introduce a whole range of new engines in 2017. There will be new 4, 6 and 8-cylinder motors available in turbopetrol and turbodiesel guises.

Also Read:

Looking for a used Mercedes-Benz?

Renault Kwid (2016) Specs & Price

Renault has targeted the budget car market with the crossover-flavoured Kwid hatchback. Here are the specification and pricing details for this keenly priced new model.

Features

Pricing and after-sales support

Related content

Interested in buying a Renault?

Suzuki Baleno (2016) Specs & Price

Suzuki is launching its new C-segment hatchback in South Africa this week. Take a look at the details and local pricing for the new Baleno.

Suzuki Baleno details

Suzuki Baleno prices in South Africa (February 2017)

Also Read:

Want to buy a Suzuki?

Harold Durnez Wins Cars.co.za Fortuner 4×4 Challenge

Capetonian Harold Durnez has defeated all odds and won the Cars.co.za Fortuner 4×4 Challenge to stand a chance of winning a new Toyota Fortuner 2.4 GD-6 4×2 manual.

Related content:

Want to buy a Toyota Fortuner?

New Car Sales in South Africa  October 2016

New Car Sales Summary – October 2016

Top 5 best-selling car brand in South Africa – October 2016

Top 5 best-selling cars in South Africa – October 2016

Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4Matic (2016) Review

Mercedes-AMG's compact performance sedan recently underwent a facelift and we got to drive it. The Benz is a more elegant prospect than its A45 sibling, but can it justify the price premium?

Alternatives:

How does it fare in terms of…

Price and after-sales backup

Verdict

Related content

Interested in buying a Mercedes-Benz?

New Car Sales in South Africa October 2016