Volkswagen, which is celebrating 40 years of the iconic Golf GTI, will build a very limited-edition racing version of the GTI.
It was designed to compete in the international TCR series and looks like it’s fallen straight out of the designer’s sketchbook into production. Big wheels, imposing wings and swollen arches are the order of the day with this GTI TCR.
The GTI TCR has been co-developed with SEAT to be as fast and aerodynamic as the series' rules will allow. That means the GTI TCR has a carbon fibre front splitter and rear wing. The wide-body kit also improves aerodynamics and the 18-inch Michelin rubber helps it stick to the tarmac.
The 2.0-litre engine has been upgraded to develop 246 kW and 410 Nm of torque. There’s also a six-speed sequential gearbox augmented by paddles behind the steering wheel for millisecond-quick shifts. Zero to 100 kph takes 5.2 seconds and the TCR will top out at around 235 kph.
In preparation for track action, there are bigger brakes, an adjustable suspension and an interior that has been stripped down to just a set of racing seats.
Volkswagen Motorsport Director Jost Capito said: “The Golf GTI TCR allows customer racing teams to partake in reasonably-priced motorsport with a Volkswagen. We are providing them with a car that is ideally suited and prepared for this purpose: the Golf has not only made an outstanding impression at tests, but also shown its great potential in competition."
The GTI TCR is limited to only 20 units globally and has, unfortunately, been sold out already, but don't worry, if it's a 200 kW Golf GTI you want then the GTI Clubsport is on its way to South Africa.
Unveiled to mark the 100th anniversary of BMW AG, the Vision Next 100 concept is an ambitious prediction of our motoring future. It suggests that driver discretion and connected, autonomous onboard driving systems are not incompatible.
Contrary to the predominant view of the future, when “cars will be no more than fully-automated taxis”, BMW believes that in 100 years’ time, drivers will still want to spend most of the time in their car behind the steering wheel. Indeed, the Vision Next 100 suggests the driver will remain the firm focus of motoring. What the car does, is utilise connectivity, digital intelligence and state-of-the-art technologies to turn its driver into “the Ultimate Driver”, the firm claims.
Interior design determines exterior shape
In designing the Vision Next 100, BMW’s starting point was the interior, because “rather than merely feeling they (the driver and passengers) are in a machine that drives itself, they should sense that they are sitting in one that was specifically designed for them”. This idea gave rise to an architecture in which the cab seems particularly spacious compared with the overall size of the vehicle.
The design of the BMW Vision Vehicle is characterised by a blend of coupé-type sportiness and the dynamic elegance of a sedan. At 4.90 metres long and 1.37 metres high, it has compact exterior dimensions. Inside, however, it has the dimensions of a luxury BMW sedan.
The large wheels are positioned at the outer edges of the body exterior and the extremely low drag coefficient of 0.18 is thanks to the fact that when the wheels swivel as the vehicle is steered, the bodywork keeps them covered as if it were a flexible skin, accommodating their various positions.
Alive Geometry is like a dynamic 3D sculpture
Alive Geometry consists of almost 800 moving triangles that are set into the instrument panel and certain areas of the concept’s exterior (that’s how the wheels can turn left and right even though they are enclosed). They work in three dimensions and their coordinated movements act as signals that "are easily comprehensible to those inside the car; they are more like gestures than the traditional two-dimensional depictions on a display".
This notion is underpinned by 4D printing, a process which adds another level to components: the functional one. In the years ahead, printed parts manufactured in this way will directly integrate functions that today have to be designed and produced separately before being incorporated.
Full-windscreen head-up display
In other words, the Vision Vehicle suggests there will at some point be no more interior displays at all. Instead, the entire windscreen will serve as a giant display, directly in front of the driver. “In the future the digital and physical worlds will merge considerably (as is also expressed through Alive Geometry, for example), in the way the analogue dashboard interacts with the digital head-up display in the front windscreen,” BMW adds.
The BMW head-up display can project a variety of functions, depending on the driving mode. When the driver’s at the wheel, it focuses exclusively on what really matters to the driver: information such as the ideal line, turning point and speed. In addition, full connectivity, intelligent sensors and permanent data exchange allow the head-up display to generate a digital image of the vehicle’s surroundings. When the Vision Next 100 operates in fully autonomous mode, the head-up display offers occupants personalised content along with the information and the entertainment they desire.
Boost and Ease driving modes
The design of the interior permits various modes of operation: Boost (driver) mode, in which the driver is at the controls, and Ease (automated) mode, in which the driver can sit back and let the vehicle take over.
In the case of the former, the entire vehicle focuses on the driver, offering intelligent support to maximise the driving experience. The seat and steering wheel positions change, and the centre console moves to become more strongly oriented toward the driver. As the journey proceeds, the driver can interact with the vehicle via gesture control and, to help the driver concentrate fully on the road, Alive Geometry can provide guidance and warnings of road hazards.
The transition to Ease mode brings about a complete change of interior ambience… “the vehicle becomes a place of retreat with plenty of space, agreeable lighting and a comfortable atmosphere,” BMW claims.
In Ease mode, the steering wheel and centre console retract and the headrests move to one side to create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. The seats and door panels merge to form a single unit, allowing the driver and passengers to sit at a slight angle. What’s more, in Ease mode, Alive Geometry is more discreet in its movements, informing occupants about the road ahead and any acceleration and braking manoeuvres that are about to happen.
Companion: the Vision Next 100 learns from your behaviour
The concept is programmed to learn about its driver, thanks to its sensory and digital intelligence, which the BMW Group calls the Companion. Shaped like a large, cut gemstone and positioned in the centre of the dashboard just beneath the windscreen, the Companion represents the constant exchange of data. And, the more it learns about the owner and their mobility habits, the smarter it becomes. At some stage, it knows the driver well enough to automatically perform routine tasks for them and offer suitable advice when needed.
When the BMW Vision Next 100 takes control in Ease mode, the Companion rises up to create an interface with the windscreen. A signal light tells the driver that the car is ready for fully autonomous driving. For other road users, the Companion has a similar function, signalling through its own light as well as that of the vehicle that the car is operating in automated mode. In certain traffic situations, the Companion is in visual contact with other road users, helping pedestrians to cross the road by means of the green light gradient on the front of the vehicle.
Cars.co.za will be returning to the Jaguar Simola Hillclimb this year after winning the Media Challenge category last year. The hillclimb takes place in Knysna with competitors racing up the hill to Simola’s hotel in the fastest time possible.
This year, we have been given the opportunity to design our very own Jaguar XE to be raced up the hill. We need a little help though and that’s where all you would-be-designers can help out. All you need to do is download the images from our dropbox here and get designing. You’ll find our Cars.co.za logo in the photoshop file, which you must please integrate with your design. Look out for the white shaded section on the Jaguar XE — that’s the area on which you can unleash your imagination and design to your heart's content. We are looking for a distinctive design that covers both sides of the Jag XE.
In order to enter your design, all you need to do is tweet – using #AshJag or tag @carssouthafrica in an Instagram post with #AshJag. If you can’t do either of those then just send us a message on Facebook with your image attached and we’ll see it. The best design (in our opinion) will be chosen for our car that will run up the hillclimb in this year’s Media Challenge. You'll get to brag all about how your design made it into the Jaguar Simola Hillclimb. Make sure you get your entry in before the 19 March 2016.
Get designing and good luck!
Details: Aston Martin DB11 heading to SA
The twin-turbocharged, V12-engined DB11 caused a stir at the Geneva Show and is Aston Martin’s most significant new model since the DB9. The first South African delivery of the newcomer is expected in late September/early October 2016.
Built upon a new lighter, stronger, and more space-efficient bonded aluminium structure, DB11 is claimed to be “the most powerful, efficient and dynamically gifted DB model in Aston Martin's history”. It is also the first product from the marque's "second-century" expansion plan.
Although it is instantly recognisable as an Aston Martin, the DB11’s exterior design incorporates a host of aerodynamic addenda that manage the airflow both over and through the car’s bodywork. Front-end lift is reduced by the gill-like “Curlicues” that release high-pressure air from inside the wheel arches via a concealed vent. Rear-end lift is reduced by the AeroBlade: a virtual spoiler (fed by discreet air intakes at the bases of the C-pillar) that ducts air through the bodywork and out of the DB11's rear deck lid.
The DB11's heart is a 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 that was designed entirely in-house and develops 447 kW and 700 Nm of torque, giving the Aston Martin a top speed of 322 kph and a claimed 0-100 kph time of just 3.9 sec. Drivers can select from three dynamic modes – GT, Sport and Sport Plus – that progressively intensify the response of the engine, 8-speed automatic ZF transmission together with the new electric power steering and Torque-Vectoring-by-braking system while increasing the firmness of the adaptive damping for optimal handling agility.
The Aston Martin’s cabin marks a major departure from the DB9's (both in design and execution) and features a full-colour 12-inch TFT LCD instrumentation display as well as a centrally-mounted 8-inch TFT infotainment screen. The new satellite navigation and audio system can be operated via an intuitive rotary control; a touchpad (offering character recognition, multi-touch and gesture support) is optional. A new auto-park assist feature and 360-degree birds-eye view camera helps provide safe maneuvering at slow speeds and is also operated via the car's infotainment system.
Aston Martin South Africa has been only been allocated 6 units of the DB11, of which production will commence in May, for 2016 (three apiece for the Cape Town and Johannesburg dealers). Due to the limited availability, the units were offered only to pre-existing customers and in Cape Town, one customer put down a deposit even before the car’s price had been confirmed! Pricing for the DB11 was not finalised by the time this report. We'll have more details soon.
Fiat South Africa will introduce a raft of new vehicles South Africa, most notably a new double cab named the Fullback.
A blinged-up version of this much-anticipated bakkie, which is based on the well-known Mitsubishi Triton, was shown at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. The showpiece was finished in Liquid Metal Grey paint and adorned with tinted taillights and (bi-Xenon) headlights, flared wheel arches, side steps, a roll bar, matte black detailing and highly stylised 20-inch alloy wheels.
However, the Fullback (yes, it is named after the number 15 player in a rugby team) that's scheduled to be introduced to the local market during the third quarter of 2016, will be offered as basic single-cab (4×2) and leisure market-oriented double-cab (4×2 and 4×4). There will be a 97 kW naturally aspirated 2.4-litre petrol and a 2.5-litre turbodiesel (with outputs of either 100 kW and 131 kW), both mated with a five-speed manual gearbox.
Size-wise, the Fullback will naturally measure up with its Mitsubishi-made cousin. The wheelbase is 3.0 metres long, but the lengths of the bakkies vary depending on the configuration. The double cab is the longest (at 5 285 mm), but its load bed is the shortest (1 520 mm). Maximum payload is 1 100 kg.
The Fullback will form part of Fiat's Professional (commercial) model portfolio and be sold through selected Fiat dealerships countrywide.
Fiat 500
The Fiat 500 is the brand’s most popular model in South Africa and a new version will go on sale very shortly. The Fiat 500 Series 4 will see the introduction of a number of new technological features to the range, including a digital dashboard as well as the two-cylinder TwinAir engines. These tiny engines may sound laughable, but as European sales successes show, there’s a definite need for compact city cars that offer excellent fuel economy/low emissions. The Fiat 500S is under consideration for our market and we hope it will arrive too, because it will add a load of tech, funkiness and more personalisation options to the market.
The compact Fiat Tipo and Abarth 124 Spider (a faster version of the Fiat 124 Spider) are under consideration and if they do get the green light, we’ll see them make landfall in the first quarter of 2017.
Alfa Romeos Plans for South Africa New Products Coming in 2016/2017
Alfa Romeo has not introduced a new series-production model in the local market for a while, but according to Fiat South Africa’s plans for 2016/2017, the brand has some new products coming in the next 18 months.
Alfa Romeo MiTo
The MiTo has undergone a mild facelift and the new-look front end brings it in line with the rest of the Alfa Romeo lineup. The model shown at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show featured a 125 kW 1.4-litre turbocharged engine and dual-clutch automatic transmission. It also had Sabelt sports seats with Alcantara upholstery. It's not known if it's coming to South Africa, but European sales are likely to start around August/September 2016.
Alfa Romeo Giulietta
The Volkswagen Golf-rivalling Giulietta has also been under the knife and has received a whole bunch of upgrades both inside and out. New engines include an 88 kW 1.6-litre JTD diesel and a revised example of the 177 kW 1,7-litre 1750TBi turbopetrol. Alfa's twin-clutch gearbox TCT will be made available for both. The car gets new alloy wheels and badging, plus revised bumpers. South Africa will be receiving the facelifted Giulietta in the fourth quarter of 2016.
Alfa Romeo Giulia
The big news, however, is the confirmation that the Alfa Romeo Giulia will be coming to South Africa in the first quarter of 2017. The local model lineup is not confirmed yet, but we're hoping South Africa will get the full range. Speaking of full range, the entire engine range was confirmed at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. We're well aware of the new biturbo V6-powered Quadrifoglio Verde, but that's going to be the very expensive flagship model. There will be three trim options (Giulia, Super and Quadrifoglio), two specification packages (Lusso and Sport), 18 different interior colours and 13 body colours. You also have a choice of two gearboxes: an 8-speed Q-Tronic automatic or a 6-speed manual. Here is the Alfa Romeo Giulia's engine range:
147 KW 2.0-litre TBi engine
110 KW or 132 KW 2.2-litre JTDm engine
375 KW 2.9-litre V6 BiTurbo Petrol engine
We knew a hot version of Audi's flagship Q7 SUV would eventually arrive and here it is. The Audi SQ7 promises power, luxury and performance in a very premium package…
Audi has a reasonable track record when it comes to performance SUVs. The pocket rocket Audi RS Q3 is a hoot, while the SQ5 is ideal for humbling hot hatches. The only SUV that doesn't have a performance derivative is the new Q7, until now, that is. Audi claims its new SQ7 is the most powerful turbodiesel SUV in the market.
The insane engine
While the SQ7 looks quite aggressive with quad exhaust pipes, distinct badging and gaping front bumper and grille, the real punch comes from the engine, and what an engine it is. Employing technology from the multiple race-winning Audi endurance cars, the 4.0-litre V8 turbodiesel motor features not one, or two, but three turbochargers. Two of the turbos work in the conventional manner by harvesting exhaust gases, but the third is an all-new electronic turbocharger that keeps the engine boosting in the lower engine revolution range.
The result is a vehicle that packs 320 kW and 900 Nm. What's even more impressive, is that all of the 900 Nm is available from 1 000 rpm (thanks to that electronic turbocharger). The 0-100kph sprint is claimed to take 4.8 seconds and the SQ7 will go onto an electronically limited 250kph. We don't have figures for it, but we'd assume that in-gear acceleration will be particularly savage. Being a turbodiesel motor, economy will be on the lower side; Audi claims its new SQ7 can sip 7.4 L/100km, but given its performance profile, we imagine that figure will be hard to achieve in general use.
Originally launched in 2009, the Hyundai H-1 bus has quietly become a market leader and one of Hyundai’s most popular products. The recent facelift introduced some small, but welcome, improvements to a winning recipe.
We like: All-round spaciousness for passengers, additional safety features, warranty/service plan
We don’t like: Rear seats can’t be folded down, not as economical as rivals
Also consider: Mercedes-Benz Vito, Volkswagen Kombi
Deserved Success
With more than 10 000 units sold in the past six years, the H-1 is a segment leader, according to Hyundai. Looking closer at the (estimated) 2015 sales figures provided by Lightstone Auto, it is clear that the model we are evaluating here, the 2.5 VGTi 9-seater, is the most popular even though it is significantly more expensive than the 2.4-litre petrol derivative. The reason? Well, the superior driveability and economy provided by the diesel engine contribute significantly to the vehicle's overall appeal, but the additional specification should not be ignored either.
What’s New?
The centre fascia design and instrumentation have been updated.
At first glance, the recent facelift appears to be very subtle. You’ll have to be somewhat of a bus aficionado (if there is such a thing?) to spot the visual changes, which are mostly limited to new wheels and minor changes to the grille and bumpers. The more important alterations have occurred inside, where a redesigned centre fascia and instrument cluster, along with leather for the steering wheel and gearknob enhance the cabin's ambience significantly.
Buyers should be most impressed by the H1's additional features, however. The steering wheel now features multi-function controls and the audio system gets Bluetooth connectivity. Climate control has been added to the mix (cooling extends to the glove box), as have electrically folding side mirrors. The electronic stability control (ESP) system and side airbags are arguably the Hyundai's most important additions, from a family transportation point of view.
How does it fare in…
… Fuel Economy?
With a claimed consumption figure of 9.8 L/100km, the H-1 2.5 VGTi appears to be significantly thirstier than its rivals listed below. However, in real-world testing the H-1 manages to achieve figures quite close to this claimed figure, while the same cannot necessarily be said of its competitors. You should be able to travel for around 750 km between fill-ups of the 75-litre tank.
… Performance?
The relatively large-capacity engine is quite torquey; it pulls strongly from relatively low down in the engine's speed range. It certainly doesn’t feel sluggish once it gets going, and in general daily use, the five-speed automatic transmission performs well. Overall, however, the drivetrain can’t match the refinement of its rivals’ engines/transmissions.
… Ride and Handling?
It’s a large vehicle (only slightly shorter than a Mercedes-Benz Vito), but the H-1’s light power steering, good visibility from the driver’s seat and standard rear parking sensors provide welcome assistance when the bus needs to be manoeuvred around town. Judging by the numbers of H1s on the daily school run the vehicle's bulk is manageable. Out on the open road, the H-1 adopts a loping, comfortable ride quality that makes it a pleasant long-distance cruiser, and it’s quiet in the cabin as well.
… Cabin flexibility?
The H-1 offers seating for up to nine (including the driver, and including a small centre front-row seat). More realistically, it’s a spacious eight-seater that affords all occupants stretch-out legroom (and ventilation outlets). It’s easy to see why the H-1 is so popular with tour operators. As a family/leisure vehicle, there is, however, somewhat of a problem. While the luggage space is quite generous, even with the third-row seating occupied, that rear bench can’t be folded down flat or tumbled out of the way. Easy removal would add considerably to the vehicle’s overall leisure appeal. As it stands, awkwardly shaped leisure items, such as surfboards, are difficult to load into the rear of the vehicle.
Verdict
At the current exchange rate and without earned export credits, the Korean brands (and many other vehicle importers) are really struggling to maintain a pricing advantage. As it stands, the H-1 2.5 VGTi is still more affordable than the rivals listen below, and offers more seating and specification, but the advantage is shrinking. The extra specification introduced by this upgrade is welcome, but to really boost the H-1’s appeal even further, and especially to families, Hyundai needs to improve the flexibility of what is otherwise a very comfortable and practical cabin.
Pricing
This flagship Hyundai H-1 bus costs R579 900, which includes the company’s new 7-year/200 000 km warranty on selected engine/transmission components in addition to the regular 5-year/150 000 km manufacturer warranty. The expected Hyundai 5-year/90 000 km service plan is standard.
“The Hyundai H1 appears to be more of a shuttle bus than a family mover. Still, if you're after no frills and want to get your expanding family from A to B the H1 will get the job done. Just don't expect Kombi levels of comfort and refinement from the driving experience.” Ashley Oldfield
The venerable Chevrolet Captiva has received some updates, both inside and out, which brings it up to date with current trends and market needs.
The Captiva is a seven-seater SUV that has been on sale in South Africa since 2007. There have been a few updates over the years, including the introduction of new engines and the addition of an all-wheel drive model. Now, for 2016, a new-look Chevrolet Captiva which has just hit market.
There are some minor changes to the product itself and the line-up has been tweaked. The market has shown that petrol-powered and front-wheel drive models lead the way in terms of sales, and Chevrolet has responded accordingly. There are two engines to choose from, a petrol and a diesel.
The petrol engine is a 2.4-litre four-cylinder unit with 123kW and 230Nm, and you have a choice between a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual gearbox. The diesel motor on offer has 135kW and 400Nm, but you’re stuck with a six-speed automatic transmission. The engines are claimed to consume 8.8L/100km and 7.8L/100km respectively.
What’s new?
The exterior receives visual upgrades in the form of a new grille and daytime running lights, 18-inch alloy wheels as well integrated running boards/side steps. The headline of the interior upgrade is the introduction of the second generation of General Motors’ infotainment system, MyLink. This intuitive setup is easy to use and for the first time, Apple CarPlay is available with Android Auto following on shortly. This is a phone projection technology and essentially replicates your mobile phone’s screen onto the car’s 7-inch screen. Other changes include a new dashboard, instrument cluster and leather steering wheel.
It’s pretty safe too, and has a 5-Star Euro NCAP rating. It has a raft of systems such as Braking Assist System (BAS), Hill Start Assist (HAS), Hill Descent Control (HDC), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control Systems (TCS)
What’s it like to drive?
Our launch took us to a rain-soaked Port Elizabeth for the day. The first vehicle we sampled was the 2.2-llitre diesel automatic and the drive towards Grahamstown highlighted the vehicle’s open-road skills. It’s a smooth drive and well suited to cruising long distances at highway speeds. The variable real time damping works well on the tarmac, but it comes a little undone when you take it onto bumpy gravel tracks. There’s simply not enough flexibility to soak up the bumps and unless you’re taking it gently, you’re in for a choppy ride. It’s not a deal breaker though.
The real Achilles heel of the Chevrolet Captiva is the 2.4-litre engine. While the six-speed manual transmission is effortless in operation, the lack of torque is a bit of an issue. At sea level and with two occupants, an overtaking manoeuvre required planning and gearing down twice in the manual (or mashing your foot to the floor in the auto) to get the best out of the engine. This vehicle however is a seven-seater and we’d be concerned that a fully-laden Chevrolet Captiva at Gauteng altitude will be lethargic to the point that overtaking will be near impossible. For this reason and from the first drive impressions at this point, we’d look to the 400Nm-armed Chevrolet Captiva diesel. It’s not just Chevrolet that battles with torque-less motors though as its rivals are also boasting similar outputs.
Quick summary
Despite some issues with the performance of the petrol-powered models, the Chevrolet Captiva is a surprisingly practical and nice to drive family vehicle. It’s one of the very few vehicles that comes with 7-seats and with the third row of seats tucked away, it boasts a huge boot. Fold all the passenger seats down and you gain a massive loadbay. Also, when you consider how much a top-spec diesel Chevrolet Captiva costs in comparison to its rivals, it starts to look like seriously good value for money.
Chevrolet Captiva Price in South Africa
The 2016 Chevrolet Captiva benefits from the Chevrolet Complete Care Programme which covers regular servicing, and road side emergencies. Warranty and Roadside Assistance is covered for 5 years or 120 000 km, with a 5 years or unlimited kilometer anti-corrosion warranty. As part of the Chevrolet Complete Care Programme, the Captiva comes standard with a 3 years or 60 000 kilometre service plan.
Chevrolet Captiva 2.4 LT FWD M/T R 396 600.00 Chevrolet Captiva 2.4 LT FWD A/T R 415 500.00 Chevrolet Captiva 2.2 D LT FWD A/T R 431 300.00
According to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA), new car sales, light and medium commercial vehicle sales and exports continued to reflect weakness in the month of February 2016.
February was another tough month for the South African automotive industry with declines experienced across the board. New car sales declined by 6.1% while light commercial sales declined by 13.1%. Although exports registered a small decline, improvements in exports are expected to materialise in 2016, with the new Toyota Hilux due to make a significant export contribution to African and European markets.
Toyota once again came out on top in the sales race as South Africa's best-selling brand while the Ford Ranger claims top position as the best-selling vehicle in all the land.
New car sales summary – February 2016
48 149 aggregate new vehicle sales down by 8.1% (4 236 units) compared with February 2015.
32 826 passenger car sales down by 6.1% (2 121 units) compared with February 2015.
13 161 light commercial vehicles down by 13.1% (1 982 units) compared with February 2015.
Top-selling car brands in South Africa – February 2016
Brand
Total Sales
Market Penetration %
1. Toyota
8 743 (-2 145)
18.2%
3. Volkswagen
7 595 (-1 119)
15.8%
3. Ford Motor Company
6 710 (+186)
13.9%
4. GMSA
3 938 (+465)
8.2%
5. Nissan
3 778 (-1 453)
7.8%
Top-selling new cars in South Africa – February 2016
Tough economic conditions and low GDP growth prospects for 2016 will continue to impact negatively on the local automotive industry. Consumers will be affected by rising new car prices in 2016 as well as expected interest rate hikes. The new car sales outlook remains constrained and the new car market is expected to decline by about 9% in terms of volume with a projected figure of 375 000 units for the year. Commercial sales are also expected to decline by about 5%.
