The BMW i3 was recently awarded the Game Changer of the Year award at the annual Cars.co.za Consumer Awards.
Game-changing products can have a significant impact on the new vehicle market in a variety of ways, including: increasing sales volumes, introducing new technology, improving brand perception or simply representing a vast product improvement. Judges selected the finalists in this category from all the new vehicles that were launched in the South African market during 2015. The BMW i3 won the category despite going up against the Volvo XC90 and Ford Everest, both of which were strong contenders.
Why did the BMW i3 win?
The BMW i3 is not the first electric car to go on sale in South Africa, but it could be the EV that jolts the electric revolution into motion. With its revolutionary architecture, futuristic design and overall quality, the i3 has captured the public's imagination. The newcomer's quick off the mark, remarkably refined and, given the desirability of the BMW brand, the i3 represents a convincing trailblazer for the age of the electric car.
Unlike some other EV offerings, the i3 is not based on the platform of an existing internal-combustion powered vehicle. Instead, the LifeDrive architecture is based on a flat floor (incorporating the powertrain), with a super strong passenger cell mounted on top and made from advanced materials such as carbon-fibre. Instead of hiding its unique construction, BMW celebrates it by leaving many of the most important details exposed – such as the carbon fibre weave, which is visible in the door sills.
BMW and Nissan have teamed up to develop the electric car charging infrastructure in South Africa. This crucial move should accelerate the acceptance of electric cars in South Africa.
The single-minded pursuit of efficiency and eco-friendliness is also evident inside, where the minimalism is celebrated by the use of excellent materials – KENAF, for example, is a member of the cotton family and very sustainable. Then there’s the fact that the factory that builds the i3 is 100% powered by electricity generated from sustainable sources.
Opinions from the judges
“Right now I would say the BMW i3 is the single most important car I’ve driven in 15 years of doing this job. I can’t give it higher praise than that. It is exactly the type of car that is needed to break down barriers to greater electric car acceptance. And the design… well, that actually plays a big part in its desirability. It is extremely bold. Very confident. And I like it very, very much” Hannes Oosthuizen
“Perhaps it's the radical choice of materials – much of the interior is recycled and the textiles are bamboo – that inspired the i3's designers to break so drastically from convention, but the i3's interior is the freshest I've seen in a decade. It feels like a concept car that escaped from the design studio before anyone could make it dull. The i3 offers is a wonderfully modern, comfortable cabin to commute in, and hopefully all BMWs (and cars in general) will look and feel like this in the future…” Ciro de Siena
BMW i3 driven and reviewed in South Africa: Why it's so good
Opel GT Concept teased (again)
Opel has teased the GT Concept that will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show
Leading up to the big reveal, Opel has taken the opportunity to keep the world guessing by releasing a second teaser video of the GT Concept.
The first teaser video that Opel offered up didn't reveal much detail; it featured Opel chief executive Karl-Thomas Neumann asking us to “take a look at Opel with a fresh pair of eyes.” In a follow-up to that first teaser, Opel further piques public anticipation with a second video that reveals a bit more about the concept.
In this second teaser video, Karl-Thomas Neumann returns in much the same fashion and proclaims that “Opel has re-invented itself. Don’t miss what happens next.”
In the video, a view of the front quarter of the GT Concept is shown. From this alone, it’s fair to assume that we can expect to see a sportscar riding on large wheels housed in muscular wheel arches. The front-end features imposing headlights with LED daytime running lights and GT badging seen on the front fenders. Opel also provided an image of the dual exhaust system featuring a GT badge in the middle, alluding to the sporty nature of the concept.
Opel will be gathering feedback regarding the vehicle at the Geneva Motor Show. If the feedback is positive enough, Opel may give the GT Concept the green light for production. If that happens, a production version of the Opel GT could be in showrooms by 2017…
We will keep you updated with more information on the GT as soon it becomes available.
We take part in Cape Towns biggest-ever supercar run
We spent a day with more than 100 supercars and took a drive in a Bentley Continental W12 Speed convertible on one of Cape Town's most scenic roads.
Late last year, we were asked if we would like to drive a convertible Bentley and take part in what was touted be the biggest supercar run ever held in Cape Town — and possibly in South Africa.
The event was scheduled for 27 December and, by some miracle of bureaucracy, the City of Cape Town opened up the Green Point stadium for the event. We were due to begin our run on the pitch of this beautiful theatre of sports events and Coldplay concerts.
It’s hard to describe what it’s like driving a Bentley into a football stadium with its top down. I’m sure Wayne Rooney could tell you. But walking (and drooling) over the astonishing collection of vehicles will remain a fantastic memory.
The "police"-branded supercars were unique aspects of the event. Cars such as a Lamborghini Huracan, a McLaren and even a Hummer H2 were all marked and driven by city traffic officials, to promote #boozefreeroads — an initiative to raise awareness of the dangers of drinking and driving during the festive season.
The City’s traffic officers led the parade from the stadium via road intersections that had been temporarily closed. Then we rumbled out of the city, rolled through Somerset West and turned off the N2 towards Gordon's Bay to join what must be one of the most beautiful roads in the world: Clarens Drive.
This is a stretch of tarmac that has been featured in countless car adverts around the globe, magazine shoots, new vehicle launches (both local and international) and, of course, the holiday snaps of decades worth of tourists.
It is a picturesque road that hugs the mountain with nothing but the Atlantic Ocean on its other side. And it was about to be experienced by supercar drivers from around the country as part of the final Last Lion Lifestyle event of 2015.
Truth be told, it was a difficult time of year for an event of that kind. The road was busy, but the holiday traffic certainly didn’t dampen the mood; the sight of at least six supercars following me in the Bentley was certainly something.
Last Lion Lifestyle will be hosting many more events in 2016. Stay up to date with their activities on Instagram @lastlionlifestyle. We’d like to thank Last Lion Lifestyle for including us in their programme and Bentley SA for kindly lending us the rather spectacular Bentley Continental W12 Speed.
What a wonderful, thirsty and ludicrous machine.
Spy shots: Hotter Mercedes-AMG GT S in works
The current Mercedes-AMG GT product line-up comprises a pair of models, but these spy shots suggest that an even hotter version is on the way.
Image credit: S.B. Medien/S. Baldauf
The Mercedes-AMG GT is a pukka driving machine and has proved itself a natural rival to the all-time favourite sportscar: the Porsche 911. We appreciate how much effort the Affalterbach-based Mercedes-AMG division put into the GT; the GT S model is a joy to drive. Powered by the 4.0-litre biturbo V8 engine, the Mercedes-AMG GT is available in two states of tune. The GT produces 340kW and 600Nm, while the AMG GT S develops peak outputs of 375kW and 650Nm. Both versions sound nothing short of glorious at idle and full chat.
Now these spy shots indicate a more powerful AMG GT model is on the way and we expect the production version will be unveiled later this year. Rumours about the name are rife, but "Mercedes-AMG GT R" seems to be the most popular. We're not sure how Nissan will respond to the GT R nomenclature if it does become the official name, but we'll wait and see.
These photos indicate that the "GT R" has a revised front end (ostensibly to allow more airflow into that upgraded engine) and the back end of the car features a fixed aerodynamic wing (for optimal rear downforce) that does not seem too dissimilar to the item created for the Edition One. More importantly, the rear diffuser looks like something that would not be out of place on a DTM racer. This leads us to believe this will be a track-focused AMG GT in the same vein as the Black Series, perhaps it will be a road-going version of the outlandish GT3 race car?
With the current power output of the GT S sitting at 375kW, we're expecting the upcoming, most performance-orientated Mercedes-AMG GT to have at least 425kW from a tuned version of the biturbo 4.0-litre V8 engine. AMG has already hinted that the AMG version of the all-new E-Class will feature well over 400kW. You can read about that here.
Performance will be, in a word, rapid. Expect the "GT R" to complete the zero to 100kph sprint in less than 3.5 seconds, which will put it the Mercedes-AMG's performance in the ballpark of established supercars. Will the "GT R" feature all-wheel drive? Purists will suggest it would ruin the GT's driver-oriented focus, but if it doesn't, it could be quite a handful at the limit…
The Volkswagen Golf GTI DSG was crowned the winner in the Premium Hatchback category in the first annual Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, announced in Johannesburg on the 14th of January 2016.
We’re looking for a vehicle that’s stylish and sophisticated, yet practical enough for most motoring needs. The winner in this category must not only offer outstanding quality, refinement, performance and the latest technologies, but also broadcast a message of success and ambition.
It should not cost more than R500 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting (June 2015), must be a five-door hatchback in the C-segment with crossovers thrown into the mix too. The engine should offer a balance of efficiency and performance, the brand should be premium with a proven track record and strong resale/warranty and there should be generous specification in terms of infotainment and safety.
Why did the Volkswagen Golf GTI DSG win?
While the Volkswagen brand is not perceived to offer the same levels of prestige as BMW and Mercedes-Benz, the value for money, refinement and performance of the Golf GTI makes it exceptionally hard to ignore. And, of course, the GTI moniker itself is very highly regarded in South Africa, to the point where it is a desirable sub-brand of its own. Packing a 2.0-litre turbo engine, it’s easily the fastest vehicle in this category and despite the performance designation, the Golf GTI also offers sensible hatchback practicality. It’s also reasonably efficient with a fuel claimed consumption figure of 6,4L/100km.
This is a proper hot hatch, so entertaining dynamics are a given. There isn’t another car here, including possibly even the rear-wheel drive BMW that offers similar levels of sportiness and dynamic engagement. The slight downside to the focus on handling sharpness is a ride set-up that is certainly on the firm side, though some way short of jarring. In fact, the standard set-up strikes such a fine compromise that we don’t think the optional Adaptive Chassis Control system (R11 500) is necessary.
Volkswagen Communications Manager Andile Dlamini accepts his trophy from Cars.co.za Consumer Experience Manager, Hannes Oosthuizen.
Although Volkswagen can’t be mentioned in quite the same breath as the likes of Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, which it competes with in this segment, the GTI moniker goes a long way to making up for any lack of perceived street cred. This is also a very desirable car in the used market, so resale values are strong. The GTI is backed with a 3-years/120 000 km warranty and 5-years/90 000 km service plan.
The standard features package includes the so-called “Composition Media” system that offers USB/SD Card support, Bluetooth, eight speakers and a 5,8-inch touch screen. This will probably be sufficient for most buyers, but available as an option is a more comprehensive system that includes satellite navigation for R19 600, as well as a DynAudio sound system for R8 350.
Opinion From The Judges
“If you’re looking for an upmarket, sophisticated hatchback with a real performance streak, then the Golf GTI offers the perfect package. It is a truly excellent all-rounder. ” Hannes Oosthuizen
“The Golf GTI is a firm favourite in SA thanks to its strong performance bias without sacrificing on ride quality or premium feel. Once you get behind the wheel you can’t help but be impressed by the way it masters all facets of an upmarket hatchback.” Ashley Oldfield
“It may be popular amongst the boy racers, but there’s no denying the premium and luxury ability that the Golf GTI delivers in bucket loads. The latest incarnation offers more all-roundedness than performance, which gives it a mature factor that other hot hatches lack.” David Taylor
BMW's second-generation X1 is more of a compact crossover than its predecessor, offers better practicality and has a more luxurious interior. But, does BMW's all-wheel driven all-rounder deliver a well-balanced performance?
Whereas the predecessor to the BMW X1 was developed on a previous-generation 3 Series’ platform, its practicality and interior quality did not conform to what users expected from the Bavarian brand, even if its on-road performance did. Those facts did not hamper X1 sales to any great effect, however. Buyers included young urbanites with active lifestyles, suburban dog owners and moneyed mature buyers seeking a vehicle with raised driving position. Apart from the X1, buyers also bought cars such as the Mercedes-Benz GLA, Audi Q3 and Volvo V40 Cross Country.
More practical and upmarket
The new X1 will certainly appeal to the aforementioned clientele. More so, in fact. Its new front-wheel drive platform prioritises space utilisation — to the benefit of rear passengers’ head- and legroom in particular, its driving position and ergonomics have been improved and its powertrain is sophisticated. What’s more, the cabin ambience and build quality are upmarket and there's a host of luxury equipment available, which is to suggest the standard spec is less than generous…
Exclusivity comes at a cost
The BMW X1 xDrive25i offers all-wheel drive capability, which adds a safety benefit over and above nominal off-road capability. However, the X1 is let down by a firm ride quality, as well as excessive tyre roar and, in terms of value for money, this particular model’s asking price pushes the BMW into the territory of larger, well-established and road-biased SUVs that offer more space and practicality.
As a compact crossover, the X1 is more practical than rivals from premium-positioned brands and is likely to please BMW loyalists, but at the asking price, it offers too little to counter the value propositions of mainstream compact SUVs. Rather consider more affordable entry-level and (two-wheel drive) X1 sDrive models (including turbodiesels) and specify them moderately — that’s where the product makes the most sense.
Price and after-sales support
The BMW X1 xDrive 25i xLine Automatic retails for R638 475. You get a two-year/unlimited km warranty, as well as a standard five-year/100 000 km maintenance plan. Service intervals determined by onboard computer.
We like: build quality, spacious and user-friendly interior, impressive powertrain
Upon its arrival in 2010, the BMW X1 was one of the first premium compact crossovers in the South African market, but the E86-generation model (developed on an earlier 3 Series’ platform), had a few drawbacks. Its practicality and interior quality did not conform to what users expected from a BMW product, even if its on-road performance was satisfactory. Those facts did not hamper X1 sales very much, however. Buyers included young urbanites with active lifestyles, suburban dog owners and moneyed mature buyers looking for a vehicle with raised driving position. Apart from the X1, buyers also bought cars such as the Audi Q3, Mercedes-Benz GLA and Volvo V40 Cross Country.
Fashion forward
The second-generation BMW X1 (2016) sheds the awkward, almost cartoonish looks of its predecessor (especially the pre-facelift version) for an exterior design that looks better proportioned, features a dominant X-motif on its front end, more contoured flanks and a tapered rear-end treatment — all of which bring the newcomer in line with the rest of BMW's X range of vehicles, at least from a stylistic point of view. The xLine package adds satin-look aluminium trim elements, which are most apparent on the grille and front bumper, side sills, roof rails, rear apron. The kerb appeal of the xDrive 25i xLine is further enhanced by the fitment of optional LED headlights and 19-inch wheels.
Apart from a better-looking exterior, the BMW X1 most appealing aspect to the aforementioned clientele should be its new front-wheel drive/all-wheel drive platform that prioritises space utilisation, which was not its predecessor’s forte. Although the cabin doesn’t feel particularly broad, it is easy to get perched comfortably courtesy of the X1’s raised driving position, the head- and legroom afforded to rear passengers have increased to virtually class-leading levels, and the luggage area, although not particularly deep or broad, offers fair loading space at a convenient height.
For additional loading options, the rear seat backrest can be folded forward in a 40:20:40 split at the pull of a lever, the angle at which its occupants recline can be manually adjusted and the entire bench can slide forward and backward in a 40/60 split with remote backrest unlocking via a button in the luggage compartment.
A better-finished, if costly, product
The quality of the xDrive25i xLine's leather upholstery, trim plastics and overall fit and finish represents a marked improvement for the X1, which, thanks to its enlarged glass area and optional panormanic roof, feels simultaneously well-crafted and substantial, as well as airy and light. What’s more, the combination of the Mocha leather, Oakwood Dark grain inserts with Chrome Pearl grey trim looks suitably sumptuous.
Whereas testers approved of the X1’s improved ergonomics and enjoyed the plethora of luxury and convenience features fitted to the X1 xDrive25i test unit, it must be noted that although the leather-trim, a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, auto lights and wipers and climate control are standard features, the automatic anti-dazzle interior mirror, park distance control (front and rear) and rear-view camera are all optional extras. Over and above the exterior adornments, the test unit was equipped with, inter alia, electrically folding and heated side mirrors, an automatic tailgate, panoramic slide/tilting sunroof, electric front-seat adjustment, extended lighting package, head-up display, a Harman/kardon hi-fi system, Navigation Plus and a host of ConnectedDrive services. From a base price of just over R600k for the xDrive25i (without xLine package), the test unit costs an eye-watering R795 975 (CO? tax included).
Enjoyable to drive — up to a point
The top half of the six-model X1 range comes equipped with all-wheel drive drivetrains; and even if owners of the xDrive25i xLine are unlikely to venture far from tarred roads, the configuration lends the BMW optimal grip at all four wheels (not least nominal off-road capability), especially on gravel roads. The handling of the X1 feels planted and the steering feel, if devoid of feedback, is pleasingly light and direct. However, the X1 is let down by a firm and uncompromising ride quality, as well as excessive tyre roar, which is exacerbated by the 19-inch run-flat tyres.
The 2.0-litre turbocharged motor, which produces 170 kW and 350 Nm of torque, delivers prompt throttle responses, revs smoothly and pulls strongly, especially in terms of in-gear overtaking acceleration. BMW’s ubiquitous 8-speed automatic transmission appears well matched with the performance characteristics of the four-cylinder powerplant, although some testers noted that short, sharp throttle inputs would prompt the transmission to kick down a little too soon. The claimed combined fuel consumption of 6.4 L/100 km also seems a trifle optimistic for mixed use.
Comprehensive safety spec
In terms of safety equipment, the X1’s all-wheel drivetrain is supplemented by ABS with EBD, as well as dynamic stability control, including dynamic traction control. Front-, side- and curtain airbags are fitted and for the benefit of owners with infants or children, the rear doors have mechanical child locks and there are child seat ISOFIX attachments for the two outer rear seats and front passenger seat, the latter in conjunction with an "airbag off" switch.
Verdict
Considering the sales success of the original BMW X1 range, many would expect the Bavarian brand to simply improve on a proven product, but the F48-generation X1 represents a thorough evolution. By switching to a transverse engine layout and adopting a space-optimising body architecture, BMW has redefined its premium compact crossover in a way that will allow the X1 to attract more buyers by virtue of the vehicle’s practical applications and outright execution (from an aesthetic and overall quality point of view) — not just those who are dazzled by the prestige of its bonnet emblem.
Having said that the X1’s performance capability and on-road refinement are not balanced; the uncompromising ride quality and the permeation of road noise to the cabin are concerns. What’s more, the top half of the X1 line-up is not very competitive from a value-for-money point of view.
This particular model’s asking price pushes the BMW well into the territory of larger, well-established and road-biased SUVs that offer more space and practicality. As a compact crossover, the X1 is more practical than rivals from premium-positioned brands and is likely to please BMW loyalists, but at the price, it offers too little to counter the value propositions of mainstream compact SUVs. Rather consider more affordable entry-level and (two-wheel drive) sDrive X1 examples and spec them moderately, because that’s where this product makes the most sense.
Price and after-sales support
The BMW X1 xDrive 25i xLine Automatic retails for R638 475 and you get a two-year/unlimited km warranty. It also comes with a standard five-year/100 000 km maintenance plan. Service intervals determined by onboard computer.
Test team opinion:
"The new X1 is quite expensive but has exceptional road manners and works well on the tarmac. The run-flat tyres cause a fair amount of road noise and make it harsh when heading off-road. The interior has been improved with less hard plastic materials on display than previously and it’s a more upmarket place to sit." Ashley Oldfield
"It's vastly better than its predecessor in almost every way. Furthermore, it's bigger and more premium than the equivalent Mercedes-Benz GLA and Audi Q3. However, the engine is a little too performance-biased for my liking and I'd select one of the economical turbodiesels instead." David Taylor
“Addresses the practicality and space issues of the first-generation model very convincingly, and is also a more pleasing product from a design, fit and finish perspective. But the ride is still quite rough.” Hannes Oosthuizen
We like: build quality, spacious and user-friendly interior, impressive powertrain
Land Rover Discovery Sport SD4 SE Best Leisure Vehicle in SA
The Land Rover Discovery Sport SD4 SE was named the Best Leisure Vehicle in the inaugural Cars.co.za Consumer Awards ceremony, which was held in Johannesburg on January 14 2016.
A leisure vehicle is designed for the adventure-seeking buyer; it needs to be the best-suited form of transport to a haul a family (plus all their holiday luggage and lifestyle gear) in comfort to almost any destination, on- or off-road. A measure of all-wheel drive ability is required, but the emphasis is on practicality, comfort and long-distance cruising.
In order to compete in the Leisure Vehicle category all vehicles had to meet specific criteria. The asking price could not exceed R700 000, the vehicles had to be equipped with electronic stability control, a minimum of six airbags, split or folding rear seats, a ground clearance of more than 180mm and an all-wheel drivetrain.
The vehicles were then judged against pillars of success such as: performance, space and practicality, in-car entertainment, comfort and all-surface ability.
Why did the Land Rover Discovery Sport SD4 SE win?
Land Rover is extremely confident about its new Discovery Sport. It borrows styling cues from the smash-hit Evoque compact SUV and the Range Rover Sport premium SUV, it offers a spacious, luxurious cabin with seven seats, and boasts trademark Land Rover off-road ability.
This Discovery Sport SD4 is powered by a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine that delivers 140 kW and 420 Nm of torque, the latter from only 1 750 rpm. Interestingly, it is mated with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and channels power to all four wheels.
Various driving modes are on offer, with the Terrain Response programme even offering an Eco mode for ultimate efficiency. It is a responsive vehicle that copes exceptionally well with a variety of driving situations and is also not shy to roll up its sleeves and do hard work – a 2 200 kg towing limit is quoted. A Trailer Stability control system is also fitted as standard, so this is certainly a vehicle designed for a leisure/family life. It is also economical, with a combined cycle consumption figure of 6.3 L/100 km being quoted.
The Discovery Sport's stylish, upmarket looks disguise a cabin that’s particularly versatilite. This model offers three rows of seats, with the two rearmost seats best suited for smaller children. The middle row offers sliding/reclining functions for additional occupant comfort and loading practicality. With the rear seats folded down, the luggage area is spacious and, with the middle row folded down, the loading area measures no less than 1 887 mm in length.
Land Rover South Africa Managing Director Richard Gouverneur accepts his trophy from Cars.co.za Consumer Experience Manager, Hannes Oosthuizen.
The Discovery Sport’s standard specification is generous, with features such as dual-zone climate control, plush leather upholstery and cruise control part of the package. The refinement and ride quality further contribute to an exceptionally comfortable drive.
This is a Land Rover, so significant off-road ability is a brand USP. In that regards, the Discovery Sport doesn’t disappoint. The Terrain Response system, which allows for the adjustment of engine, transmission, centre diff and chassis settings to specific off-road terrain requirements, endows the baby Disco with the ability to take the road less travelled. There’s even a maximum wading depth of 600 mm (hill-descent and hill-start assist are standard).
The Discovery Sport gets the new-generation Land Rover touchscreen infotainment system, an 8-inch colour system with navigation and Bluetooth audio streaming. A Meridian sound system with 17 speakers is optional, as are second and third row USB ports with charging functionality.
Opinion from the judges
“Given the Land Rover brand’s image at present as well as the package that the Discovery Sport represents, this is a vehicle that’s going to generate an awful amount of cash for its makers.” — Hannes Oosthuizen
“This vehicle is going to give rival brands massive headaches. Not only is it desirable in terms of brand and design appeal, but it does everything so well, too!” —? David Taylor
The Renault Sandero Expression was crowned the winner in the Budget Car category of the first annual Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, announced in Johannesburg on 14 January 2016.
Budgets are tight and fuel costs are rising, yet buying an affordable car doesn’t mean you should compromise on safety, technology and quality. The winner of this category represents the best car you can buy new for R150 000 or less.
A number of factors were considered for to this category, including fuel economy, value for money, practicality and brand strength. Contenders needed to be equipped with ABS, dual front airbags and include a service plan (or at least cost less than R150 000 after they had been additionally specified with those features).
Why did the Renault Sandero win?
The Renault Sandero Expression ticks many boxes. It offers a combination of spaciousness, an admirable safety specification (at the price) and a host of infotainment features, as well as a long warranty. It was one of the most affordable semi-finalists in the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards and consequently offers exceptional overall value for money. The Sandero Expression’s 0.9-litre three-cylinder engine is claimed to consume only 5.2 L/100 km.
The Sandero Expression goes way beyond the basic requirements for a vehicle of its kind by adding luxury items such as a comprehensive audio system with Bluetooth and USB/Aux support as well as safety features such an electronic stability system and Isofix child-seat mountings. Paying R10 000 extra for air-conditioning is not a major setback, given the low asking price of this model and its otherwise outstanding specification level. If you want air-conditioning though, please note you have to order it from the factory. It is not offered as a dealer-fitted option.
By offering a larger bodyshell than most vehicles priced around it, the Sandero Expression offers good interior space and a capacious boot. The five-door configuration facilitates ingress/egress and the 60/40-split rear seats fold down to further improve packing space and boost overall practicality. Despite its generous ground clearance, the Sandero Expression has confident road manners, even when the road surface deteriorates or when venturing onto gravel… It was evidently designed for the driving conditions of a developing country such as ours.
Opinion from the judges
“At the price it is really hard to fault this offering. I particularly like the focus on safety features, the comprehensive audio system and the long warranty.” Hannes Oosthuizen
“The Sandero 2 returned as a more modern and solid offering. Despite its keen price, it still manages to maintain excellent levels of standard safety equipment and in-car entertainment.” Ashley Oldfield
“The Renault Sandero is a well-equipped and spacious city car. Combined with a lengthy and comprehensive warranty, the Sandero is one of the most sensible offerings in the segment.” David Taylor
Kia adds stylish three-door model to Rio range
Kia South Africa has expanded the model line-up of its Rio hatchback range with an all-new three-door model. Here are the details.
The Kia Rio is one of those typically underrated Korean hatchbacks. Thanks its reasonable practicality, a long warranty and good specification, the Rio is a popular choice in its segment. Now Kia SA has found another derivative to squeeze into the range: the new Kia Rio three-door is available in top-of-the-range 1.4 TEC specification and buyers can opt for either a six-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission.
This new Kia Rio three-door comes generously specified; it includes leather trim, Bluetooth connectivity, USB and auxiliary input sockets, a multi-function steering wheel as well as automatic conditioning. The vehicle has LED daytime running lights, rides on 17-inch alloys and comes with a sunroof as standard. Interestingly, you can spec a sunroof on similarly-priced 4- and 5-door models, but that's going to cost you an extra R7 000. Despite its three-door configuration, access to the rear bench is simple thanks to the wide opening doors and the front seats that tilt and slide forward.
The engine line up is unchanged. The 1.4-litre Gamma powerplant produces 79kW and 135Nm and the Rio (six-speed manual version) is said to accelerate from zero to 100kph in 11.5 seconds.
Kia Rio price in South Africa
Perhaps the best part of this new Kia Rio three-door is its pricing, which is the same as its four- and five-door sibilings. For those who are cash strapped, you can opt for the low-spec 1.2-litre. All Kia Rios come with the class-leading 5-year/150 000km warranty and a 4-year/60 000km service plan.
Rio 1.2 Manual (4- and 5-door) R 203 995
Rio 1.4 Manual (4- and 5-door) R 228 995
Rio 1.4 Auto (4- and 5-door) R 241 995
Rio 1.4 TEC Manual (3-, 4- and 5-door)R 241 995
Rio 1.4 TEC Auto (3-, 4- and 5-door) R 254 995
Mercedes-Benz C250 AMG Sports Best Business Class Car
The Mercedes-Benz C250 AMG Sports came out on top in the Business Class category in the first annual Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, announced on 14 January in Johannesburg.
In order to compete in the Business Class category certain entry criteria had to be met. The judges looked for an aspirational vehicle that appealed to the image-conscious driver who places a priority on performance, dynamics, technology and design. Eligibility into the Business Class meant that the cars had to be priced between R400 000 and R700 000 including extras. Other defining criteria were a minimum of six airbags and Electronic Stability Control (ESP).
Once the criteria were met, certain ‘pillars of success’ led the judging process. These included engine technology, luxury, brand strength, design and quality appeal, driving dynamics and advanced technologies.
Why did the Mercedes-Benz C250 AMG Sports Win?
Since its launch, the C-Class has notched up multiple awards and boasts a World Car of the Year title under its belt, so can’t be ignored in this segment. The competition in the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards came in the form of perennial rivals Audi, in S3 Sedan guise and BMW, with 428i Gran Coupe. Once the judging panel completed the comprehensive scoring sheets, the C250 AMG Sports emerged as the winner. At this final voting phase judges also had to consider consumer data collected through our Ownership Satisfaction survey, developed in partnership with Lightstone Consumer.
The C250 is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged, four-cylinder engine that delivers 155 kW and 350 Nm of torque. The C250 is respectably quick with a 0-100 km/h time of 6.6 sec and still very frugal with a claimed consumption figure of 5.9L/100km. Mercedes-Benz’s smooth seven-speed automatic does shifting duties. Manual gear changes can be effected by using standard gear shift paddles behind the steering wheel.
As is the case with most German premium vehicles, the standard specification is decent, but for the really tasty technology you have to spend extra. It is thus in the C250 – PreSafe is standard, as is a comprehensive audio system with Bluetooth support and even two USB ports. There’s also that very attractive TFT control screen that is nearly 18 cm wide. But then there are the options and there are some great items to choose from like a Parking Package that includes rear view camera and active park assist (R14 900). A heads-up display system costs R15 000. The COMAND on-line navigation system that also includes 10Gb of music storage space is priced at R24 500. And Driving Assistance Plus, which includes Distronic Plus, Lane Keep Assist and Cross Traffic Assist costs R29 900.
Vivendren Patchiappen from Mercedes-Benz accepts the Business Class trophy from Cars.co.za co-founder, Alastair MacMurray.
With the Agility Control system as standard, the driver can select a driving mode to suit his/her mood. Left in its default settings the C-Class is an agile handler, and beautifully composed on a wide variety of surfaces. It also feels considerably nimbler than its predecessors, and there’s certainly good entertainment on offer here. This model also offers a lowered (by 15 mm) and recalibrated suspension set-up that further sharpens dynamic responses.
It is often said that the Mercedes-Benz C-Class takes what is best about the S-Class, and makes it available to a broader public. Indeed, step into the C-Class interior and you could be forgiven for thinking you’re inside something much more expensive. The sweeping facia centre section and the obvious focus on technology is what dominates. Still, although the design is far sportier than Mercedes models of the past, comfort levels are among the best in class.
Lastly, Mercedes-Benz’s brand strength was taken into account. The C-Class itself is one of the most desirable buys in the local market, so resale value should be good.
Opinion From The Judges
“The C-Class is the king of the compact executive cars, and in C250 AMG Sport guise the desirability is really heightened. Beware the options list, though!” Hannes Oosthuizen
“Mercedes’s C-Class has really moved the segment forward. The engine is superb, the tech is unbelievable and the entire package offers so much. It’s a really difficult car to fault and it is a class act all round.” David Taylor
“This is a car that takes refinement, luxury and comfort to the next level. The C-Class ticks all the right boxes a premium sedan needs.” Ashley Oldfield
