Guaranteed Future Value – Get a New Car Every 3 Years
Buying a car on guaranteed future value/guaranteed buy back has been possible for a few years now. There are, however, a few things that can catch you out if you don’t read the fine print.
Guaranteed future value (GFV), also known as guaranteed buy back, is one of the most cost-effective ways to make sure you "acquire" a new car every three of four years, depending on the contract. Many manufacturers offer this sort of deal in South Africa and each brand has a unique name for it. Mercedes-Benz calls it Agility Finance, Toyota’s is GFV and BMW’s is BMW Select. Almost every manufacturer offers guaranteed buy back in some form, you may simply need to enquire from your local dealer if you can’t find options listed on its franchisor's website.
Conceived to suit prevailing buying patterns
Statistics in the new car sales market suggest that new car buyers purchase a new car every three to four years which, sets this sort of finance deal up well. Guaranteed future value means that your car’s resale value is set at the point when your deal ends in 36 months (usually the length of time on these deals). For example, if you buy a BMW 3 Series at a price of R501 210, BMW will set the value of your car at R300 500 in 36 months' time.
Bear in mind that there are limitations on the deal, however. Look out for a mileage limit per year. Manufacturers will likely set you 10 000 km, 20 000 km or 30 000 km limits – each of which will change your guaranteed buy back figure. Every kilometre you travel over the mileage limit is at your cost and we’ve seen figures of around R4 charged for every kilometre that's clocked up over the mileage limit.
Financed vehicles will need to be maintained well
There will also be a fair wear and tear agreement you need to sign, which means you can’t give back a car at the end of the agreement period with dents, scratched paintwork or a stained interior. These will have to be repaired at your own cost or, in the case of accident damage, claimed from your insurer. Think of it as an incentive to keep your car absolutely spotless.
Consider it a "long-term rental agreement"
This deal works best if you think of it as a rental agreement, where at the end of the 36 months you have the option to 1. Give the car back to the dealer and walk away. 2. Trade it in for a new model. 3. Pay the balloon payment owed and take ownership of the car. Option 3 will be particularly expensive as the bulk of the car's value will still need to be paid off.
There is good news, however. The instalments on these deals are significantly cheaper, your car is also always under warranty and a service plan so if something breaks it can be fixed by the manufacturer. In order to make a full purchase vehicle purchase more effective than these deals, you will, generally, have to keep your car for 7 years before changing it.
Cars.co.za's David Taylor thinks the automotive industry has become obsessed with adding convenience features and personalisable user settings to cars. Thankfully, however, the same attentiveness has been applied to the safety systems, and we're all the better off for it.
I was driving in the newish Volvo XC90 the other day and had my girlfriend in the car with me. She was asking me about the features, and I relished rattling off all the specifications and demonstrating how smart this Swedish SUV is. It really was a worthy category winner in the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards.
Then she asked, "how many people use these features?" and that got me thinking. Have we reached a saturation point where people just couldn't care whether their cars can do all the amazing things their manufacturers list in brochures. How many of those functions do people use regularly, let alone daily?
The current level of tech in cars is daunting and, at times, overwhelming. I have subsequently discovered that BMW has a job in its European dealerships called BMW Genius and they spend their time educating owners about what their cars can do. According to BMW, "your main responsibility will be to use your engaging personality to inspire and excite customers in the BMW Centre about the features and benefits of the latest BMW products and technologies."
Some of the features do make motoring life simpler, but does that make them necessary?Let's take self-parking for example. I've noticed many smaller cars such as the Opel Adam and Mini Cooper are capable of parallel-parking themselves, but if you're unable to park one of these smaller vehicles, let's face it, you probably need to retake your driving test. I get this feature on a larger and more expensive car, or on a vehicle that has limited visibility (a low-slung sportscar, for example). I wouldn't feel too comfortable trying to parallel park a Range Rover Autobiography in the confines of Sea Point and as this video shows, this is a worthwhile feature.
Can we talk about the overwhelming plethora of driving modes on performance cars? Surely when you're driving something sporty, you'd want two modes? Comfort and Sport. So why do we have Comfort, Normal, Sport, Race and Eco? It gets even more complicated with that word "Individual" where you can cross pollinate settings from each mode. I like the engine noise from Race mode, but I want a soft ride so I'll have the suspension set to Comfort, Steering set to Sport, and the gearbox set to Normal so it doesn't snap my neck with each shift. I like this level of customisation, but I do wonder how many performance vehicle owners spend time setting their cars up for driving conditions… or do they just get in and drive?
While on the subject of personalisation, have you ever gone into the depths of the menu on a high-end Mercedes-Benz? You can change the colour of the interior lighting, how long you want the headlights to stay on once you've locked the car and on some of the grander models, even choose the type of massage you want. Too much?
Does anyone use voice control? Sure, some of the systems I've tried work well (such as Ford's SYNC), but even then I find it quicker to push the few buttons to find my desired song as opposed to having to repeat myself and getting frustrated. Good luck getting your car to play your songs if you're a fan of Lynyrd Skynyrd… I also find climate control temperature settings a little too precise. What's wrong with 22'C? Why does it have to be 21.5C? Can you feel the difference in temperature? I doubt it.
Five ways cars can save your life (and your insurance premiums)
While this piece may sound like I'm grumbling, let it be known that I'm a massive fan of the comprehensive range of safety features. So in order to give this article a positive takeaway, here are five safety features that will blow your mind:
Electronic Stability Control
There are many names for this system, but they all essentially do the same thing. If you're in the unfortunate scenario where you've had to swerve to avoid an accident and are now at risk of becoming an accident yourself, ESP will detect the loss in traction and body control, and do its best to regain control of the car. It does this by individually braking each wheel and reducing engine power. These may sound small, but its usually enough to bring the vehicle under control. The best part? ESP is completely automatic and you don't need to do anything except brake. Here's how it works:
Active Brake Assist
A car that automatically brakes when it detects an impending collision sounds too good be true, but it's fast becoming a reality on many automotive products. Mercedes-Benz has this technology nailed down. The system uses cameras to continually scan the road ahead and it'll pick up errant pedestrians and stationary vehicles in your path. It will sound an alert that a collision is likely and that you need to take action. If you don't react, the car will intervene and bring the car to a complete halt. Watch it in action:
Cross Traffic Alert
How many times have you reversed out of a shopping mall parking bay and been unable to see if there are any other cars heading in your vehicle's path? Car guards are not always present either, so what's available? Land Rover's Reverse Traffic Detection uses radar (mounted on the vehicle's rear) to warn you about approaching vehicles. If the system thinks a collision is likely, it will alarm you via audio, your mirrors as well as alerts on the reverse camera screen. Given how big some SUVs are these days, reversing them has become a bit of an issue. See how the system works here:
Adaptive Cruise Control
Radar-guided cruise control is very clever as well. It's a system that uses radar to measure the distance between your car and the vehicle in front of you. Using this data, your car is able to stay at a preset distance from a vehicle it is following in low-visibility conditions such as at night and when it's raining. I do wonder how useful it is as the car generally leaves a considerable following distance between it and the car in front. That gap then gets taken up by another road user, the car slows down to make another gap and the process repeats itself. Here it is in action:
Head-up display
Many vehicle manufacturers have resorted to projecting vital data onto the windscreen of a vehicle, much in a military fighter jet. The principle is that you'll never need to take our eye off the road as the most important info you need is simply in front of you. Many brands are making use of this tech, but the best I've sampled so far has to be the new BMW 7-Series.
Any views or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not represent those of Cars.co.za or its editorial content team.
Would the compact SUV segment even exist if Toyota didn't introduce its RAV4 in the Nineties? Although some of its competitors are flashier, the RAV4, which recently received a facelift, remains a top-seller. We tested the updated model for 4 000 km to sample its improvements.
Summary of the new bits
The RAV4 has received a few exterior upgrades, including roof rails and new wheel designs. At the front, there are LED headlights and a reshaped bumper, while at the rear, the edge of the bumper has a deeper recess (to accommodate a longer tailgate and effectively lower the loading height) and there are new LED taillights. The interior underwent the biggest facelift, however. The materials have been improved and the infotainment system is more user-friendly.
Diesel engine
The unit on test was the 2.2-litre turbodiesel model that produces 110 kW and a more-than-adequate output of torque (340 Nm). As a result, even when fully loaded with four adult occupants plus luggage, the RAV4 still performed impressively on the open road. The high torque figure facilitates easy overtaking manoeuvres, while the manual gearbox is easily one of the smoothest and lightest-shifting on the market. Most impressive was the fuel economy return which, after 4 000 km of mixed use, was 7.3L/100km. That's excellent for an SUV and, in the hands of a more frugally-minded driver, it could drop into the sixes over the long term. The turbodiesel model is only available in all-wheel drive; it uses an electronic system to send torque to the wheels that require grip. The system works on- and off-road, but you will hardly notice it working on tarmac unless the roads are slippery.
Interior space
The RAV4's cabin is very spacious… Rear passengers have plenty of legroom and the 60:40 split seatback has a reclining feature (for extra comfort on long drives). The boot opening is wide and almost completely square, and the access to the luggage area is (now) flat.
Standard loading space (480 litres) is on par for the segment and the rear seats fold down easily at the push of a button, freeing up a loading area large enough to accommodate a 29-inch mountain bike without needing to remove its wheels. There was a neat cargo net installed in our RAV4 that hooks in underneath the parcel shelf. The net was useful for securing glass bottles so they didn’t roll around in the boot.
Upmarket materials
Toyota has made it clear that the facelifted RAV4 features more soft-touch materials in a bid to raise its premium feel. The centre-facia (surrounding the climate controls) is ensconced in leather, but you don’t have to look too far to find bits of rugged black plastic trim. Nonetheless, the Toyota feels supremely well put together with tight shut-lines and a strong sense of rigidity. The infotainment system uses a 7-inch touchscreen to control audio, Bluetooth and USB functionality.
There are a few other additions to the system that allow you to track energy consumption as well as the fuel economy history. The introduction of a 4.2-inch screen between the speedometer and rev counter dials is a modern touch, making it much easier to see and scroll through the trip computer. The lack of cruise control on the GX model is a bit disappointing, but it is available on the higher-spec VX models.
Out on the road
The RAV4 combines a comfortable cabin and supple suspension and, as a result, the ride quality is its best feature. Competitors such as the Nissan X-Trail lean towards the soft and comfy side of things, whereas the Mazda CX-5 toes the sporty line with a firmer suspension. The RAV4 feels perfectly set in the middle: on long journeys the ride remains comfortable and round town it will handle every kind of road obstacle you’d expect to traverse without jolting or leaning over considerably.
Safety
The RAV4 received five stars in a EuroNCAP crash test and comes replete with seven airbags as standard. It’s also good to see all models feature stability control, traction control and ABS with brake assist.
Verdict
The facelifted Toyota RAV4 is a pleasant, spacious and reliable choice for a mid-size SUV. Those seeking more space might look towards a Nissan X-Trail, but that product's smaller diesel engine can feel laboured under high load. The RAV4 strikes an excellent balance between ride comfort and sporty handling, making it a great choice for both long journeys as well as the school run. The interior certainly looks more modern although the infotainment system could offer more in terms of Smartphone connectivity and apps. The Toyota makes a solid case for itself, but it doesn't stand out above its rivals in any particular area. Still, it remains a solid, mid-range compact SUV.
The RAV4 2.2D GX is priced at R418 100 and comes standard with a 3-year/100 00 km warranty and a 5-year/90 000km service plan.
Team opinions
"Having driven the Toyota RAV4 from Cape Town to Durban, I was very impressed with its open-road refinement and load space. Those reclining rear seats won much praise from my passengers. A very underrated and capable product from Toyota". – David Taylor
We like: Improved styling – inside and out, frugal diesel, spacious layout and ride quality
We don’t like: No cruise control on GX models, not much else
Also consider: Nissan X-Trail, Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V, upcoming Hyundai Tucson and Renault Kadjar
Honda has its sights firmly set on claiming hot hatch supremacy with the introduction of the new Civic Type-R. Is it worthy?
Never bring a knife to a gun fight. This adage certainly applied to the previous iteration of the (naturally aspirated) Civic Type-R, which, although it looked purposeful, was outgunned by turbocharged rivals such as the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Ford Focus ST. That’s not to say that the Type-R was a disappointment, quite the opposite actually, but it did lack that edge and as a result, it found itself eating rubber on the periphery of the hot hatch circle.
Thankfully, those days are gone and Honda has developed a new, more powerful turbocharged weapon that picks a fight with almost every hot hatch on the road, including the insanely capable (but-soon-to-be-discontinued) Renault Megane RS 275 Trophy. The tables have certainly turned, but does the new Civic Type-R offer enough clout without demanding too many compromises from its owner? We spent a week with the Civic Type-R to find some answers.
The exterior appearance of the Civic Type-R leaves nothing to the imagination: it is built for speed. The large rear spoiler and diffuser provide extra downforce while at the front, the sculpted grille and bumper enhance aerodynamic performance. A by-product of all this aerodynamic paraphernalia is a vehicle that looks decisively hardcore and, as a consequence, its styling may polarise opinion. But that’s okay, because the Civic Type-R is a performance machine above all else.
And, it’s not for the faint-hearted.
To match its overt boy racer looks, the Type-R packs a mighty punch with its newly developed 2.0-litre turbocharged VTEC engine. Enthusiasts are in for a treat with 228 kW and 400 Nm powering the front wheels through a short-throw 6-speed manual transmission. The rev-happy Type-R hits the red line at 7 000 rpm with peak power attained at 6 500 rpm. Maximum torque comes on tap from only 2 500 rpm.
Using a mono-scroll turbocharger in conjunction with VTEC technology, the Civic Type-R is capable of achieving 100 kph from standstill in 5.7 seconds with a significant top speed of 270 kph. Honda claims a fuel consumption figure of 7.5 L/100km. Figures above 10 L/100km are more realistic in everyday driving.
On start-up, the Civic Type-R delivers a distinct thrum from its four-pipe exhaust system, reminding you of the power that lurks beneath the bonnet. The Civic Type-R can be driven sedately with effort, but it soon becomes evident that the car is wired for spirited driving. The line between a leisurely drive and face-melting drive is a fine one and even moderate inputs from the driver results in rapid acceleration. With all that power constantly within your grasp, the car demands to be driven. To meet this end, Honda has once again delivered a superb transmission for the Type-R. With its short shift action, the driver can initiate quick gear changes under hard acceleration and the transmission is suitably matched to extract maximum performance from the engine.
The Civic Type-R offers more than enough power for the average motorist driving in the city. Overtaking and nipping through traffic is easily achieved and sufficient power is always available to the driver, regardless of what gear you find yourself in. Stopping power is initiated with large 350 mm high-performance Brembo brakes and the Civic Type-R rides on 19-inch alloy wheels shod with Type-R-specific Continental SportContact 6 tyres for maximum grip. The downfall of this setup is that the turning circle is significantly widened making manoeuvring in narrow spaces more difficult.
Ride and handling
With much of the emphasis placed on performance, we expected the Civic Type-R be heavily compromised in terms ride comfort. We were surprised, however, to find that the car offered reasonable levels of comfort and the suspension wasn’t as stiff as we initially thought. This development can be attributed to the new Adaptive Damper System fitted to the Type-R that enhances stability and suppleness of the ride.
Although a degree of torque steer is evident during hard driving, the Type-R is fitted with dual-axis strut front suspension that reduces torque steer significantly and helps the vehicle to dive into corners at speed, while inspiring utter confidence in its driver. The Honda's limited-slip differential certainly does its part… High speed cornering is something the Type-R does brilliantly and not only is the steering direct and precise, but the hot hatchbank grips the road so prodigiously that drivers will be inspired to push the their limits further with each turn behind the wheel. The Type-R handles beautifully and only the very best drivers will be able to unlock and exploit its true capability. The Type-R is therefore less of a city slicker and more of a high-performance track weapon.
Standout features
For enthusiasts, the +R mode button is an exciting addition to the new Civic Type-R. With the +R mode activated, the illumination of the instrument dials changes from white to glowing red and the Type-R perks up for maximum performance. The engine becomes noticeably more responsive and the torque-mapping is altered to allow for more grunt at lower engine speeds. The steering also becomes somewhat heavier and the suspension firms up in anticipation. A host of track tools such a G-force meter and lap and sprint timers are available to the driver as well.
The downside to all of this magic is that in +R mode, the Civic Type-R becomes considerably less comfortable to drive as the suspension is simply too stiff and driving becomes more physical and tiring. For the average daily commute, +R mode makes no sense at all but for track sessions, it’s right on point.
Another standout feature on the Civic Type-R are the seats. The high-backed bucket seats are more comfortable than one might expect and the generous side bolstering ensures optimum comfort when the Honda's pushing on through the bends.
Thankfully, the Type-R balances its performance characteristics by offering a solid dose of practicality. Most performance cars don’t cater well for rear seat passengers, but the Type-R is different. Rear passengers have loads of legroom and the rear seats are comfortable too. Furthermore, the luggage space is generous at 475-litres and increases to 1 190-litres with the 60 /40 rear split seats folded down. That’s quite impressive for a performance-biased hot hatch.
In terms of safety, the Civic Type-R comes well equipped with ABS with EBD, traction control, stability control and a total of six airbags fitted as standard. Front and rear park distance control and arear-view camera is also fitted. USB and auxiliary ports and an HDMI input are also fitted for convenience.
Honda Civic Type-R price in South Africa
The Honda Civic Type-R is priced from R586 400 and is sold with a 5-year/200 000 km warranty, a 5-year / 90 000 km service plan and a 3-year AA Roadside Assistance package. Service intervals are set at 15 000 km.
The Honda Civic Type-R is a phenomenal piece of machinery and hardcore enthusiasts will appreciate what Honda has created here. It’s a thrilling and involving car to drive and although it offers decent levels of practicality and space, the Type-R is just too specialised for the average daily commute. It’s far better suited for days on the track, where it will provide endless hours of thrills. The reality is that, for the price, the Type-R doesn’t make much sense and buyers can get there performance kicks from more balanced products such as the Volkswagen Golf R, BMW M135i and Renault Megane RS Trophy 275. Is the Honda Civic Type-R a sensible buy? Maybe not, unless you have something to prove. Do we like the Type-R, however? Absolutely.
Test Team Opinion
"The Honda Civic Type R is one of the most ferocious performance hatchbacks on sale today. It's a far cry from its predecessor and is the first Type R to use a turbocharged engine. Performance is exhilarating, the suspension is rock hard and the whole package is incredibly entertaining. It'll need the safety of a racetrack to fully show off its talents and it delivers thrills like no other. I'd wish for a more meaningful engine note and a softer suspension, but this isn't really meant for comfort. A proper hands-on driving machine". – David Taylor
We Like: Excellent performance and handling, sporty interior, aggressive styling
We Don’t Like: Compromised ride quality, price
Also Look At: Volkswagen Golf R, BMW M135i, Renault Megane RS Trophy 275
Honda Civic Type-R Specs
Jaguar F-Type SVR specs, price in SA
Just when you thought the F-Type R AWD was the ultimate performance Jaguar, the Coventry-based manufacturer’s books are now open for orders for an SVR version, which will produce 423 kW and 700 Nm from its supercharged 5.0-litre engine.
Claimed to be capable of achieving a 0-100 kph sprint time of 3.7 seconds and a 322-kph top speed, the F-Type SVR – developed by Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations – was conceived “to be lighter, quicker, faster and more powerful (than its F-Type siblings) while remaining useable day-to-day”.
From the outside, the SVR can be distinguished from the R models by its new bumper (with larger intakes), a front splitter and ventilated bonnet. At the back, there is an active carbon-fibre wing that automatically rises and falls (depending on road speed) and a bespoke rear venturi that reduces lift and drag.
The interior remains much the same as that of the F-Type R, apart from the Lozenge Quilt-pattern seat upholstery, a suede-trimmed instrument binnacle and centre console, an SVR steering wheel, as well as anodised aluminium paddle shifters.
The most notable changes appear beneath the Jaguar's sheet metal, however. Apart from the increased power and torque outputs, new dampers and anti-roll bars, lightweight 20-inch forged wheels with wider tyres and stiffer rear knuckles have been fitted. What's more, the 8-speed transmission and electric power-assisted steering, adaptive dynamics, torque vectoring, dynamic stability control and all-wheel drive systems have model-specific calibrations.
Significantly, the F-Type SVR is 25 kg lighter than the F-Type R AWD model – 16 kg of that saving can be attributed to the titanium and Inconel exhaust system that delivers an even more purposeful, harder-edged sound. Jaguar claims the F-Type SVR can be up to 50 kg lighter than is sibling if buyers specify the optional Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) braking system, carbon fibre roof panel, as well as a carbon fibre trim package.
It's expected that the first F-Type SVR will be delivered to a South African customer in August 2016. According to Jaguar South Africa, the F-Type SVR will be offered only in coupe form and, upon arrival, it is expected to cost R2 134 100.
Watch a drag race between the Jaguar F-Type R AWD Coupe and Audi RS6 Avant
Volvo V90 Revealed
Volvo has revealed its new V90 station wagon.
Volvo's new V90 station wagon will make its official appearance at the Geneva Motor Show on 1 March 2016. It features attractive styling that combines the front half of the S90 sedan with a rear end inspired by the Concept Estate. Volvo is well known for building remarkable wagons and the company says that “the V90 takes the premium estate a step forward in terms of aesthetics, materials and finish, while living up to the practical nature of any true estate".
The V90 is the third model to join the 90 series lineup, following the acclaimed XC90 premium SUV and the recently-revealed S90 sedan. It is built on Volvo’s specially-designed and fully modular Scalable Product Architecture (SPA).
The estate will be powered by four-cylinder turbopetrol and turbodiesel engines; the standout version will be T8 Twin Engine hybrid that combines a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-litre T8 engine with an electric motor producing a combined output of about 300 kW and 640 Nm of torque. The claimed 0-100 kph sprint time is 5.2 seconds with a fuel consumption figure of only 2.1L/100km. The V90 will be able to travel up to 50 km in pure electric mode.
Due to the lack of demand for station wagons in South Africa, the Volvo V90 will sadly not be offered in our market. What a pity…
Watch the official reveal video for the Volvo V90 below…
The official launch of the new Toyota Hilux is later this month, but initial pricing for the entire model line-up has been revealed online. South Africa, get your cheque books ready…
The new-generation Hilux is easily the most eagerly anticipated new vehicle launch of 2016. We've reported on it extensively before (read the initial story here), but now, following a leak on 4x4community.co.za we can reveal the pricing and model line-up that consumers can expect when they march into Toyota dealers later this month. We have confirmed the pricing in this article with a Toyota dealer, but must caution that there is a possibility of a 1 March price increase, though the dealer in question is unsure if that would affect Hilux launch pricing. The pricing has also appeared on Durban South Toyota's blog.
The model line-up and pricing
The initial line-up consists of no fewer than 23 derivatives, split into single-, double- and Xtra-Cab bodyshapes. Though we can't confirm any power/torque output changes to the carry over engines (2.0-litre petrol, 2.7-litre petrol, 4.0-litre V6 petrol), we can confirm that the brand's new 2.4- and 2.8-litre turbodiesels are on offer immediately, but that only the 2.8-litre diesel of the latter pair will be available with an automatic transmission.
On Durban South Toyota's blog the following engine information graphic was published (to be confirmed by Toyota SA at launch).
Petrol Single Cab
Single-Cab Hilux models offer a longer, stronger load box (Model shown may not preview SA specification).
Hilux 2.0 VVTi
R228 900
Hilux 2.0 VVTi A/C
R236 400
Hilux 2.7 VVTi Raised Body SRX
R309 900
Diesel Single Cab
Hilux 2.4 GD
R259 900
Hilux 2.4 GD A/C
R267 400
Hilux 2.4 GD-6 Raised Body SRX
R319 900
Hilux 2.4 GD-6 4×4 SRX
R379 900
Hilux 2.8 GD-6 Raised Body Raider
R377 900
Hilux 2.4 GD-6 4×4 SR
R382 900
Hilux 2.8 GD-6 4×4 Raider
R435 900
Petrol Double Cab
New Hilux 4×4 is said to offer Land Cruiser-like off-road ability (Model shown may not preview SA specification).
Hilux 2.7 VVTi Raised Body SRX
R377 900
Hilux 4.0 V6 Raised Body Raider Auto
R503 900
Hilux 4.0 V6 4×4 Raider Auto
R593 900
Diesel Double Cab
Hilux 2.4 GD-6 4×4 SRX
R439 900
Hilux 2.4 GD-6 Raised Body SRX
R414 900
Hilux 2.4 GD-6 4×4 SR
R441 900
Hilux 2.8 GD-6 Raised Body Raider
R468 900
Hilux 2.8 GD-6 Raised Body Raider Auto
R485 900
Hilux 2.8 GD-6 4×4 Raider
R529 900
Hilux 2.8 GD-6 4×4 Raider Auto
R547 900
Xtra Cab
Three versions of the Xtra Cab will be offered (Model shown may not preview SA specification).
Hilux 2.4 GD-6 Raised Body SRX
R333 900
Hilux 2.8 GD-6 Raised Body Raider
R410 900
Hilux 2.8 GD-6 4×4 Raider
R470 900
Analysis
The pricing of the new Hilux (if accurate) appears to be very competitive indeed which, combined with its significant brand appeal and status, should send shivers down the spines of the marketing folk at rival brands. As before, it will be built locally, and considerable development has taken place to make the vehicles even better suited to South African conditions. We look forward to the launch, and a full review, very soon.
Key improvements
New Hilux cabin is markedly more sophisticated, but we still have to see South African specification.
Among many other enhancements, these are the six features/abilities that appear to have been the top priorities for Toyota's engineers.
Design – A more upmarket, refined look without sacrificing the legendary workhorse toughness and rugged durability.
Comfort – A more spacious and comfortable interior combining what is claimed to be SUV practicality and functionality with passenger car-like cabin NVH levels.
Safety – A new high strength, impact-absorbing body structure and comprehensive brake control systems including ABS, EBD, VSC and Trailer Sway Control (TSC).
QDR – A new, tougher ladder chassis, a reinforced deck structure and Active Traction Control (A-TRC), Downhill Assist Control (DAC) and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) systems raise 4×4 capabilities to match what Toyota says are Land Cruiser levels.
Commercial Vehicle Capabilities – A larger, stronger and more practical cargo deck and an improved, 3.2 ton towing capacity.
Total Cost of Ownership – The new 2.4 and 2.8 D-4D engines come with claimed class-leading fuel economy.
If you're interested in new Toyotas, you may also be interested in the arrival of the new-generation Toyota Fortuner – details here
The new Hilux's most serious rival is the recently updated Ford Ranger – details here
5 Things to Know About the New Honda Civic Type-R
The new Honda Civic Type-R is in South Africa and it’s quite special…
We have spent a week with the new Civic Type-R and, as expected, Honda's hot hatch delivers a visceral, hard-edged driving experience. Yes, it’s quite pricey at R586 400, but then again, there’s no front-wheel drive hot hatch that has enough firepower to compete with the Type-R in South Africa, at least for the moment. Look out for a Review of the new Type-R soon, but without spilling all the beans, let’s take a quick look at some highlights of this niche model.
Most Powerful Production Front-Wheel Drive Car in SA
Yes, you read that correctly. The Honda Civic Type-R has left naturally aspirated power in its wake and is now powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre VTEC petrol engine that delivers 228 kW and 400 Nm of torque powering the front wheels through a 6-speed manual transmission. That’s more power than the all-wheel drive Volkswagen Golf R (206 kW/380 Nm) and the Renault Megane RS Trophy 275 (201 kW/360 Nm). The result is blistering performance with a 0-100 kph sprint time of 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 270 kph. The Civic Type-R now redlines at 7 000 rpm and Honda has adapted its VTEC valve lift system to produce more low-end grunt and make turbo lag less noticeable.
Aerodynamic addenda
Unlike some performance cars, the aerodynamic parts fitted to the new Civic Type-R do serve a purpose. A wide front splitter with deep sills on either side reduce lift on the front axle while a flat underside, in combination with the rear diffuser, increases downforce. The front bumper is further designed to reduce air turbulence and lift around the front wheels and the apertures in the grille further minimise aerodynamic loss. The large (and somewhat flashy) rear wing aerofoil helps to provide additional downforce on the rear axle when driving at speed. The Civic Type-R is less about the show and more about the go…
The +R Button
The new Civic Type-R features a nifty +R button that turns the vehicle into a track-focused animal. At the push of the button, several things happen. Firstly, the dials in the instrument binnacle change from white to glowing red to show that +R mode is engaged. Engine responsiveness is sharpened and the torque mapping is altered to allow for more torque to become available at lower engine speeds. In +R mode, the steering becomes weightier in feel and more responsive to inputs and the damping force of the Adaptive Damper System is increased by 30% to make the suspension firmer and the handling more agile. The +R mode button is by far the best and most useful button in the new Civic Type-R, especially if you want to make the most of a track day.
Sporty seats
The specially designed seats in the new Civic Type-R are well worth a mention. They are unashamedly sporty in appearance, but more importantly, offer high levels of comfort when you are driving the Type-R at its limit… and beyond. The sport seats are high-backed and feature suede-like fabric with red double stitching while high side bolstering ensures maximum support in the corners. The new Civic Type-R just won’t be the same without them…
The Type-R legacy
The first generation Honda Civic Type-R appeared in 1997, but was never offered in South Africa. The same applies to the second generation Type-R (introduced in 2001). South Africa got its first taste of the third generation Civic Type-R in 2007 with the introduction of the three-door Euro-spec version that never really sold well locally due to being outgunned by turbocharged rivals such as the Volkswagen Golf GTI. Nonetheless, Honda’s naturally aspirated VTEC engines, which powered headlining Civic and Ballade models, were – and still are – hugely popular in South Africa. Many enthusiasts are still seen souping up their VTECs with after market add-ons to extract more power and performance. The arrival of the new fourth-generation Civic Type-R is bound to put Honda back on the map in the eyes of performance aficionados and will re-ignite passions of the past with a new and exciting turbocharged product.
Look out for our full review of the new Honda Civic Type-R coming soon…
Renault Alpine Sportscars are back!
Renault has decided to resurrect its sportscar brand, Alpine, best known for the iconic A110. This classic brand has many fans and there's a lot on the cards for the French marque, including a comprehensive model line up. First out the blocks is this Alpine Vision concept.
The brand had been mothballed for more than 20 years, but Renault has confirmed that Alpine will make a full production return in 2017. However, despite its absence, the Alpine brand has been busy thanks to its fanbase. Plenty of racing examples are still being entered in events and, between the years of 1955 and 1995, 30 000 Alpine vehicles were produced and sold… so its return is highly anticipated. The Alpine vehicles will be assembled in Dieppe, France, which is the home of RenaultSport, and the first units are expected to go on sale in European markets in 2017 with plans to ship them around the world.
The iconic Alpine A110 was the design inspiration for the reborn marque.
Alpine Vision concept details
The Alpine Vision concept car is a mid-engined, two-seat sports coupe that has a lightweight body and a turbocharged engine. Alpine is claiming that it'll hit 100 kph from standstill in 4.5 seconds, which puts it squarely in Porsche Boxster and Alfa Romeo 4C territory (that's not bad company to be in). Power will come from a four-cylinder motor, but at this stage there are no details about its capacity or peak outputs. However, we can speculate that either a 1.6-litre turbo from the Renault Clio RS or the 2.0-litre turbo from the Renault Megane RS Trophy would be ideal candidates. If we look at how well the Alfa Romeo 4C has done with its 1.7-litre turbo motor, the secret to performance success is not outright power, but rather a good power-to-weight ratio. A twin-clutch transmission is expected, but we'll hope for the option of a manual. The cabin will receive a digital dashboard similar to the one found in the Audi TT.
The reception that Alpine has received since 2012 when Renault Group announced a relaunch has been incredible. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the legendary 1962 Alpine A110 race car, Renault built the Alpine A110-50 concept which sounded incredible and was shown off at many motorsport events.
Chery J2 Swag (2016) Review
Chery recently upgraded its budget car offering with the introduction of the J2 Swag, which offers a lot of standard specification – let alone added kerb appeal – for R154 900. How does it compare with mainstream volume offerings?
By Stuart Johnston
What a difference a new set of wheels can make to a car! Slot on a set of stylish 17-inchers, as Chery has done with its J2 hatchback, and you suddenly have a car with a lot more swagger. "Swag" is derived from swagger and suggests something is stylish. It certainly is a short, sharp and catchy name.
Eye-catching adornments
Nevertheless, there will be more than a few Chery J2 Swag owners arriving home with smug grins on their faces as they unveil their new car to their friends and family. You see, with those wheels and accompanying low-profile footwear, subtle “Swag” decals and an attractive chrome tailpipe known, for some reason, as an “F1-X”, this little hatchback is suddenly much easier on the eye compared with the standard J2 model on which it is based.
There are interior features that earn bragging rights too, such as a Telefunken touchscreen audio/satnav system with Bluetooth and streaming capability. It is mounted at the top of the silver-grey-trimmed facia and incorporates an MP3-compatible CD player as well as a USB port.
Then there is the new leather-trimmed interior; the seats are covered in what looks like commendably durable hide with stand-out stitching.
A few revisions are evident
As for the rest of the Chery, it is pretty much stock J2 fair – the Swag serves as a mid-life refresher to a model launched here in mid-2013.
The car is not unattractive, but it needed those larger wheels to draw attention and, the overall shape is a credit to Chery’s in-house stylist. The swage line on the flanks is very reminiscent of Fiat's styling, and the way the large tail lights and sleek headlight clusters are incorporated into the whole is pleasing.
Inside, when one looks past the leather trim and infotainment pod, there are elements that are cool, but not all the finishes are that well-thought out. The silver-grey finish on the console housing the ventilation dials (and similarly-painted panels on the door inserts), looks okay when new, but doesn’t age well.
On the other hand, the panel fit compares well with that of the J2 Swag's rivals, such as the Toyota Etios and Honda Brio, to name two examples. And, from a practical point of view, there is impressive rear leg- and headroom and a luggage bay that measures 274 litres, which is generous in this A-B-Segment.
Safety-equipment-wise, it ticks the usual boxes in the under R180 000 bracket, airbags for driver and front passenger, and ABS (anti-lock brakes) and (EBD) electronic brake-force distribution.
Comfort stuff includes remote central locking, air-conditioning and electric windows front and rear. Oh, and don't forget power steering.
On the daily commute
The J2 Swag is fitted with a 1,5-litre normally aspirated four-cylinder motor and a five-speed gearbox driving the front wheels. When reversing out of a parking spot for the very first time in the Swag, I noticed a bit of clutch shudder on the car, which didn’t repeat itself when using the five forward ratios.
Power is rated at 72 kW and 140 Nm, and I must say those figures seem slightly optimistic, although it has to be taken into account that the J2 is not exactly a lightweight. Fully-equipped with electric gizmos as it is, it tips the scales, un-laden, at 1 180 kg. The claimed 0-100 kph sprinting capability is 15 seconds, which is not exactly firebrand stuff. Neither is the 170 km/h top speed, but then those figures probably won’t be a factor for buyers of this car, the majority of whom will want a multitude of ticked feature boxes and are less likely to be interested in the Chery's handling and performance balance.
Fuel consumption is rated at 7,4 litres/100 km, and you will be lucky to improve on 8,0 litres/100 in day-to-day use. The problem is that the motor works hard even in commuting situations, and on the highway, downshifts are sometimes needed to maintain pace on steep gradients.
Overall, the ride quality is not bad, just a bit choppy over big bumps, but the steering feel is very vague, and the car does feel as if it is up on tip-toes.
Furthermore, the car was very new when I tested it, and I feel this reflected on the braking performance. The J2 Swag needed a hefty right foot to get the ABS to kick in. The shift quality of the gearbox, I have to say, was of the notchy variety.
Pricing
Ultimately, the Swag isn’t going to sustain any kind of swagger when measured against the European or Japanese-made models in its market, but as a new purchase, at its price, R154 900, it offers many creature comforts, handy navigation, smart-looking leather, and impressive passenger and luggage space.
Plus there is a 5-year/120 000 km warranty, 5-year roadside assist, as well as a 2-year/30 000 km service plan. As a utilitarian runabout it is worth a look.
