Chevrolet Captiva 2.2D LT (2016) Review

 

Chevrolet’s family-friendly Captiva has been around since 2007 and has now received another significant update. Is it enough to keep this capable, but ageing product in the hunt?

We like: Standard features, seven seats, space, power/performance

We don’t like: Dated control interface and instrumentation, dynamic refinement

Alternatives:

  • For better economy: You’ll have to consider spending much more money on something such as the new Kia Sorento if you want to beat the Captiva for fuel economy and retain the diesel/automatic drivetrain combination and seven seats. For the same money, you’ll have to sacrifice automatic gearshifting and opt for the Nissan X-Trail 1.6dCi SE and specify third-row seating as an option.
  • For more space: At the price, it is not possible to beat the Captiva’s combination of spaciousness and a 7-seater configuration and an automatic/turbodiesel drivetrain. As an alternative you may want to look at the new Volkswagen Caddy, which offers a more van-like body that maximises utility. A turbodiesel automatic derivative of the Caddy is offered for similar money.
  • For better value: Provided you absolutely must have automatic transmission and seven seats, you can’t fault the Captiva on the value front. If you’re willing to settle for something slightly smaller and powered by a petrol engine (yet retain seven-seat capability), then the significantly more affordable Nissan X-Trail 2.5 4×4 SE could be worth looking at. It’s far less economical, however.

The more things change…


18-inch alloy wheels and side steps are standard fitment on this LT model.

Given its positioning as one of the very few seven-seater SUVs at this price level, the Captiva has built itself a relatively sizeable niche in South Africa, with around 17 000 units sold locally since it was introduced back in 2007. These days, however, an eight-year product lifecycle is almost unheard of in the motor industry, so General Motors’ decision to continue with a facelift, as opposed to an all-new model, is a brave one.

Nevertheless, this model soldiers on and in 2.2D LT specification, as reviewed here, the Captiva offers an almost unmatchable combination of space, seven-seat carrying ability, turbodiesel power and economy and an automatic transmission. In fact, it has no direct rivals at the price.

What’s new for 2016?


New leather steering wheel and 7-inch MyLink infotainment system are major changes inside.

Although the exterior design changes are not major, the revised grille and LED-infused headlamps endow the Captiva with a more modern appearance. The standard 18-inch alloy wheels and side steps round off a design that is dating quite gracefully… but dating nonetheless.

The bigger changes have occurred inside, where the Captiva gains the brand’s latest-generation MyLink infotainment system, boasting a seven-inch touch-screen interface and Apple iPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Note the Instagram video below to see this system in action.

For more on the workings of these connectivity systems, read this article

Furthermore, there have been changes to the trim (leather steering wheel) and instrumentation. Subjectively, the finishes also appear improved compared with those of the pre-facelift model. However, the changes can't hide a cabin that is ageing in general design and layout, most notably in terms of the graphics of the small trip-computer display.

 

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How does it fare in…

Performance and fuel economy?


New instrumentation, but the trip computer display appears dated by comparison.

This Captiva is powered by Chevrolet’s 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine that delivers a strong 135 kW and 400 Nm of torque, figures that the competition simply can’t beat at this price level. Power goes to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.

Though the Captiva’s gearing favours leisurely cruising, it is no slouch in urban driving conditions (as evidenced by the sub-10 second 0-100 kph sprint) and offers pleasing driveability in general daily traffic conditions. The transmission could be a little smoother, perhaps, but we’re nit-picking here, especially given the Captiva’s excellent showing on the open road. Refinement and smooth, powerful overtaking are very likeable hallmarks of this drivetrain.

It is also relatively economical. Chevrolet claims a combined-cycle consumption figure of 7.8 L/100 km, a figure you’re only likely to broach on long, relaxed cruises. Including town and city driving we averaged around 9.0 L/100 km, which is not a bad return given the size of the vehicle, as well as the fact that it was mostly driven loaded to maximum with people and their detritus.

Comfort and practicality


Large flat load surface when the third-row seats are folded down. 

The Captiva is a somewhat oddly sized vehicle at this price level. It is slightly longer, wider and higher than most of its five-seater rivals, so you have to look to the likes of Nissan’s X-Trail and the ageing Mitsubishi Outlander for direct rivals (at least in terms of interior packaging).

Unlike the Nissan, the Chevrolet comes with seven seats as standard, though those two rearmost seats are only suited for use by children. More often than not the Captiva is likely to be used with the rear seats folded away, resulting in a capacious boot area with a flat floor. There is also a nice hidden compartment at the rear of the luggage area where dirty or wet items can be stored out of sight.

The second row of seats proved to be comfortable on longer trips and there are multiple drinks holders provided throughout the cabin. A large storage box is located between the front seats.

This model’s LT specification level incorporates a number of comfort-boosting features, such as an electrically adjustable driver’s seat and even a sunroof. We also found the new infotainment system easy to use. Note that Android Auto is not yet active in South Africa.

Needless to say, with the Captiva’s blend of features, refinement and spaciousness, it proved to be a very comfy family-hauler during our test period.


Neat lidded storage compartment in the luggage area.

Safety specification?

Notwithstanding its relative age, the Captiva impressively still carries a five-star EuroNCAP safety rating. Included in the safety features suite are the usual suspects, including electronic stability control, front, side and curtain airbags and ISOfix child seat anchorages. But you also get what Chevrolet calls Continuously Variable Real-Time Damping with Trailer Stability Assistance. This system is claimed to simulate the effect of distributing weight evenly across the vehicle and is activated when a heavy load is detected in the rear. Hill Start Assist and Hill-Descent Control are also included in the standard package.

On the road, the Captiva feels stable and predictable, but it can't match some newer rivals for ride refinement over a variety of surfaces. It tends to feel its size (a somewhat lumbering vehicle) compared with the likes of the X-trail and the five-seat rivals. Finally, though the steering is largely devoid of any feel, and although this model does not feature all-wheel drive, grip levels from those large tyres are high, so the Captiva feels safe and secure on the road.

Verdict


Captiva has aged well and continues to offer solid value.

The Chevrolet Captiva is not one of those “must-have” vehicles that leaps off the price lists as an obvious choice in its segment of the market. Instead, it appears to be a vehicle aimed at buyers looking for a particular blend of attributes that the competition struggles to match at the price. In turbodiesel form, you can’t really beat this Captiva for performance and economy, along with the comfort of an automatic transmission. And, as a usable family car –? as opposed to a five-seat “crossover” bought partly as a fashion statement – the Captiva’s more sober approach is refreshingly honest.

Pricing

The Chevrolet Captiva 2.2D LT Automatic sells for R431 300 and comes with a five-years/120 000 km vehicle warranty and three-years/60 000 km service plan. It requires servicing every 15 000 km.

Compare the Chevrolet Captiva with the Nissan X-Trail and Mitsubishi Outlander here

Interested in buying a new/used Chevrolet Captiva? Search for one on Cars.co.za

VW shelves the Golf R400

Ever since the concept Golf R400 was revealed, Volkswagen fans have clamoured for an all-wheel drive super hatch from Wolfsburg that would duke it out with its cousin: Audi’s RS3, as well as the Mercedes-AMG A45. But their hopes were in vain… the R400 is no more.

With a projected output of 294 kW from a highly-tuned 2.0-litre turbocharged motor, the R400 (first shown at the 2014 Beijing Show) would have been positioned above the R model in the Golf product line-up and there were further rumours that an even more powerful R420 model, which would develop 309 kW, was in the works too.

Unfortunately, Volkswagen has had to put several of its projects on hold ­— or shelve them altogether — in the wake of the turbodiesel emissions scandal and the firm’s former research and development chief Heinz-Jakob Neusser, who had green-lighted the project, has resigned.

It’s not all bad news, however. Volkswagen is set to unveil an S version of its Golf GTI ClubSport at Wothersee and the developed version of the EA888 engine (shown above), which was supposed to power the production version of the R400, has been earmarked for introduction in future Audi models. 

Meanwhile, the next generation of the Golf R is expected to break cover in 2020 and although it will have a similar configuration to the current car, it will be lighter and produce higher peak outputs.

View spy images of the upcoming Volkswagen Golf GTI ClubSport S

Read up about the Volkswagen Golf R400 Concept

Updated: Volkswagen Golf GTI – Which one should you buy?

Five Unique Cars from the 2016 Beijing Auto Show

The Chinese car market is, in a word: unusual. While the local brands are trying hard to compete, international brands are trying to exploit the market by providing models that are found nowhere else. Let’s take a look at five China-only models from this year’s Beijing Auto Show.

The average Chinese car owner is completely different to their Western counterpart. The needs of Chinese consumers seem to be completely different to what Western buyers want as well. In China it’s regarded a status symbol to be driven around by a chauffeur. So while you may not have enough money for a flagship Mercedes-Benz S-Class, it’s important to be driven around and to be seen. The result is that mainstream models have longer wheelbases and prioritise rear cabin comfort. Needless to say, premium brands are popular among the Chinese luxury car buyers too.

With the Chinese population sitting at over 1.3 billion people and estimates suggesting there'll be 200 million registered cars, buses, vans and trucks on the road by 2020, it’s understandable that global manufacturers want a slice of the (rice) cake.

Five China-only cars

Mercedes-Benz E Class L

As we mentioned earlier, not everyone can afford the mighty S-Class, so how about a stretched out version of the all-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class? It’s called the E-Class L and is 140 mm longer than the standard sedan. While that doesn’t such like much to write home about, the re-engineered cabin sports a larger rear passenger footwell area and improved legroom of 134 mm. There are also bigger rear doors that make getting in and out easier. The centre armrest boasts an illuminated stowage compartment, USB port, optional touchscreen, wireless charging pad and a heated cup holder.

Mazda CX-4

Mazda is on a roll at the moment: both locally and internationally. The CX-3 was well received on the local market, while the MX5 snatched World Car of the Year 2016. This is the Mazda CX-4, a stretched-out and chopped CX-5. It boasts proven Mazda petrol and diesel engines and the cabin is unmistakably Mazda. This vehicle is manufactured in China and while it’s currently marketed as a China-only product, Mazda has noted the global interest in this striking newcomer and is considering to release it in other markets later.

Citroen C6

The French firm Citroen is determined to make a sales impact in China and announced the introduction of its C6 flagship to the Chinese market at the Beijing Show. Co-developed with Chinese maker DongFeng and built in China, the C6 is almost 5 metres long and offers generous cabin space.

Jaguar XFL

Jaguar was also keen to inject some British class into the Chinese show and launched a long wheelbase version of its XF premium sedan. The new Jaguar XF's rear legroom is quite adequate, but this version goes all out in terms of rear passenger comfort. The 3 100-mm wheelbase sedan hosts a comprehensive entertainment package for the rear passengers and there are no fewer than 17 speakers. This Jaguar is built in China at the Chery JLR plant at Changshu.

BMW X1 Long Wheelbase

BMW’s compact SUV was replaced by an all-new model at the end of 2015 in South Africa and we were impressed with how much it has improved. For China, there’s now an X1 Long Wheelbase. This new model is 80 mm longer, 20 mm taller and 40 mm taller, which gives the LW enhanced cabin space. 

The boot is also 45 litres larger than the standard X1's. It’s built at the BMW Brilliance Tiexi plant in Shenyang and will available with an assortment of petrol engines, including a 1.5-litre three-pot motor that we’ve seen in the BMW 318i and BMW 218i ActiveTourer. 

We just have to ask, why buy this when you can have an X3?

 

5 Things We Learned about the BMW M2

 

The BMW M2 was launched in South Africa in late April 2016, but Cars.co.za got some extra track time after the event to learn a little more about the Munich-based brand's latest M car.

At the launch of the BMW M2 in Franschhoek, there was a host of different M cars to drive but only one M2. That meant each journalist got just two laps of the circuit to get to grips with the M division's new slugger. We managed to get it back for a session at Killarney to give it a thorough track assessment. Watch out for some exciting videos, soon!

5 things we learned about the BMW M2 (on track)

1. It’s half M half M235i

To produce the M2, BMW started with an M235i and then carefully selected bits from the M3/M4 parts bin. It doesn’t quite feel as raw as its 1M Coupe predecessor, but it definitely has its own character. It’s also "more M" than the M235i on track, where the newcomer's special M parts (such as the dynamic electronic limited-slip diff and upgraded dual-clutch transmission) make the M2 feel like a much tauter and more responsive proposition than its sibling.

2. It slides, with ease

Once the traction control is deactivated, the M2 becomes quite tail happy when you start to lay down the power. And, despite the shortish wheelbase of the 2 Series, the slides can be easily controlled by a skilled driver's steering and throttle inputs. On the faster corners of the Killarney circuit however, it felt like the M2 was ready to bite back venomously if you tried to "hang" the rear "out" for too long. Slow corners – fun to slide. Fast corners – full attention required.

3. It has a roaring soundtrack

Turbocharged M cars are not renowned for having the best-sounding or goose-bump inducing engine noises. In fact, Mercedes-Benz and Audi have arguably been more successful at producing evocative barks, crackles and bangs from their force-induction performance models. However, the M2 has its own loud-mouthed showpiece. Its exhausts emit a deep burble at idle and then lets off a lightning crack when you release the throttle.

4. You can get a manual

We will probably never get an opportunity to drive a manual version of the M2, but it’s nice to know that BMW still believes in a manual shifter. Audi’s RS3 and Mercedes-AMG’s A45 are both autos, so if the involvement of shifting your own gears is what you want, then the M2 delivers.

5. It’s rev-hungry

Turbocharged engines aren't usually as free-revving as their naturally aspirated counterparts and M cars used to trade on their abilities to race to their redlines. Fortunately, this baby M car likes to be revved hard. It flies up to 6 500 rpm and only slightly tapers off in the last 500 rpm before the limiter kicks in.

Read a First Drive of the BMW M2 (2016)

Watch a video of the M2:

Interested in buying a BMW M235i? Search for one on Cars.co.za

Update: Volkswagen shows T-Prime GTE Concept SUV

 

Last week Volkswagen teased a new SUV and it has now been revealed at the Beijing Motor Show and is expected to slot above the Touareg. 

The Beijing Motor Show is underway and Volkswagen has revealed a full-size SUV concept called the T-Prime GTE concept. The T-Prime GTE features a curvy design with plastic body cladding and vents on the bonnet. The  model also shows long LED strips on the side mirrors and the taillights feature Organic Light-Emitting Diodes (OLEDs) and attractive C-shaped LED lights are seen up front.

Volkswagen is expanding its SUV offering and the T-Prime GTE concept shows what's on the cards for the Wolfsburg-based automaker. Volkswagen has dubbed the T-Prime GTE as "one of the most advanced cars in the world" and it comes packed with technology too. 

Hybrid power

The Volkswagen T-Prime GTE concept is a hybrid SUV that features a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine that works in conjunction with an electric motor to develop a total power output of 280 kW and 699 Nm of torque. The engine alone offers 185 kW and 370 Nm of torque while the electric motor develops 100 kW. All four wheels are powered through an 8-speed automatic transmission.   The model can accelerate from zero to 100 kph in 6 seconds before reaching a top speed of 223 kph. The model will also be capable of travelling at least 50 km on electric power alone with a claimed fuel consumption of 3.0 L/100 km. 

The cabin is spacious and features four individual seats. Infotainment comes in the form of a curved 15-inch touchscreen while the 12-inch digital instrument cluster provides information to the driver. The steering wheel features touch-sensitive controls, which replace conventional buttons. Rear passengers can adjust seat position and the climate control system using a rear-mounted 9.6-inch display with touch-sensitive controls. 

Read a review of the Volkswagen Touareg on Cars.co.za

Interested in buying a new/used Volkswagen Touareg? Search for one on Cars.co.za

Update: Lexus IS Facelift shown Beijing

 

Lexus has shown the facelifted IS sedan at the Beijing Motor Show with minor exterior and interior updates. 

The Lexus IS sedan has been updated with revised interior and exterior styling. The facelifted IS sedan has been enhanced with redesigned headlights with L-shaped daytime running lights. The bumper now features larger air intakes and the spindle grille has been tweaked too. At the rear, L-shaped LED lights are seen and rectangular chrome exhaust tips hint at the sporty nature of the IS sedan, which rides on 17-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels as standard. Lexus has also added two new colours to the range, including Deep Blue Mica and Graphite Black Gloss Flake. 

Changes to the interior include a larger, 10.3-inch infotainment system and the Remote Touch Interface (RTI) now features a 'Enter' button. The audio and ventilation control panel has also been revised while the meter hood now has new stitching. New cupholders and a leather-wrapped palm rest are included and the analogue clock features new markings. Engine offerings will remain unchanged (See below) but the updated IS will feature Lexus Safety System + incorporating  Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beam (AHB) and Radar Cruise Control.

Lexus South Africa has confirmed that the facelifted IS sedan can be expected in South Africa in the fourth quarter of 2016. 

Lexus IS Range in South Africa

 

The current IS range in South Africa starts with the IS 200t in both E and EX trim. We recently had the IS 200t EX on test and found it to be a rather impressive product. It comes fitted with a new 2.0-litre turbo engine that develops 180 kW and 350 Nm of torque through an 8-speed automatic transmission. Ride quality and refinement is right up there with the best sedans in the market and it comes packed with a decent spread of features too. Pricing for the IS 200t E starts at R550 200 while the IS 200t EX is priced from R604 800.

Read the full review for the Lexus IS 200t

If you are after more performance, the range also includes the sportier IS 350 F-Sport that’s powered by a 3.5-litre V6 with 233 kW and 378 Nm of torque. This derivative employs an 8-speed automatic transmission and is capable of 0-100 kph in 5.9 seconds before reaching a top speed of 225 kph. Pricing for the IS 350 F-Sport starts at R665 900. 

Find a new Lexus IS

Find a used Lexus IS

New Audi TT RS bows in Beijing

 

Audi revealed the more powerful TT RS (in Coupe and Roadster forms) at the Beijing Motor Show.

We recently had the Audi TTS on test and we were impressed with its performance and handling capabilities. Audi has now gone a step further with the introduction of a more powerful TT RS version powered by a revised five-cylinder 2.5-litre turbocharged engine.

Audi South Africa has confirmed that the TT RS Coupe will become available in South Africa in the second quarter of 2017. The TT RS Roadster will not be offered in South Africa. 

Audi TTS 2.0T FSI quattro (2016) Review

More power for Audi TT RS

The Audi TT RS will offer more performance thrills with power output at 298 kW from its 5-cylinder 2.5-litre mill. That’s significantly more power when compared with the TT 2.0T with 169 kW / 370 Nm and the 2.0 TTS with 210 kW / 380 Nm. Torque is up too, with the TT RS offering a peak output of 480 Nm.

With quattro all-wheel drive, the TT RS Coupe is claimed to sprint from zero to 100 kph in just 3.7 seconds while the Roadster is capable of achieving the benchmark in 3.9 seconds. Top speed is limited to 250 kph, but can be increased to 280 kph as an option.

Styling

The TT RS sits lower and is lighter than the outgoing model. The TT RS Roadster is fitted with a fabric roof that can open and close in 10 seconds at speeds up to 50 kph. Visually, the TT RS is distinguished with a fixed rear spoiler, whereas other TT models are fitted with a retractable rear spoiler. The front air intakes are also noticeably larger and the TT RS rides on specific 19 or 20-inch wheels. The new model can also be had in special colour variations of Nardo grey or Catalunya Red.

On the inside, the TT RS is fitted with RS sports seats, but the interior is otherwise much the same as those other derivatives in the TT range. The interior of the TT is top-notch and the Audi Virtual Cockpit lies at the heart of its design.

Look for new Audi TT on Cars.co.za 

Look for a used Audi TT on Cars.co.za

The Mustang Effect

Cars.co.za Journalist, Gero Lilleike, explores the hype surrounding the introduction of the Ford Mustang in South Africa. Is this premium-priced, low volume sportscar worthy of all the attention it's getting… or is it just a transient marketing ploy?

The Mustang nameplate has been around for 52 years and its absence from the South African motoring landscape over that period is nothing short of depressing, or is it? Depending how you feel about the Mustang, it’s either the best car to be launched in South Africa in recent times, or it’s just a hunk of American steel that rides on the coattails of its storied precursors from the Sixties. 

Although the hype around the Mustang is palpable, what value does it hold for motorists in South Africa? Quite frankly, should we even care that it’s here? You see, the Mustang has gone on sale in South Africa and even though you can’t even buy one (because they’re all sold out for the next two years), it begs the question: is the Mustang generating genuine interest in South Africa or is it just another fad?

The power of time

Born in the 60’s, the Mustang is an integral part of American motoring culture… it spurred other manufacturers into building affordable V8-engined sportscars of their own in what became known as the "musclecar era". The Mustang was an instant hit, selling over 1 million units within two years of its introduction in 1964. Since then, more than 9 million Mustangs have been sold around the world.

In many ways, the Mustang symbolises the rebellious freedom and carefree attitude of a bygone era. Yet, even today, the Mustang evokes the same emotions in anyone who has the pleasure of laying their eyes on one, and therein lies the Ford's lasting allure.   

The Mustang’s indelible iconic musclecar status was further popularised when Hollywood jumped on the musclecar bandwagon. The original ‘64 1/2 Mustang made its first appearance in the 1964 James Bond film, Goldfinger while the 1968 film Bullit, featuring Steve McQueen in his Mustang GT Fastback remains a classic reminder of the spirit of the Mustang, and that particular car also bears a striking resemblance to the sixth-generation Mustang that stands before me today.

 

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Those are just two examples, but there are thousands upon thousands of references to the Mustang in popular culture, Gone in 60 Seconds, Mustang Sally and even Vanilla Ice enjoyed Rollin’ in his 5.0. More recently, who could forget Ken Block tearing up the streets of Los Angeles in his heavily modified 630 kW all-wheel drive Mustang in Gymkhana 7? The list goes on forever and the impressions are timeless. Few cars in history can claim such widespread and entrenched popularity across the globe as the Mustang does.

It goes without saying then, that when Ford announced that the Mustang would, for the first time, be produced for right-hand drive markets and become available in South Africa, people went absolutely bonkers. The local launch of the Mustang in Cape Town became a hipster parade with Mustang selfies ruling the Twittersphere. Local demand for the Mustang is surging and Ford’s order book is bursting.

According to local Ford Mustang brand manager, Kuda Takura, demand for the Mustang in South Africa will remain strong over the next two years. “We have sold 84 units of our 960 allocation for the year. All 960 units are spoken for and are literally sold as they arrive. Based on orders still in the system, we are presently sold out through 2017 too” says Takura. And, Mustang allocation for 2017 is unlikely to increase.

South Africa is not the only right-hand drive market where the 2015 Mustang has been well received. Markets in the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Japan, among others, are reporting strong demand for the Mustang. The Mustang is also making waves in the Chinese market where it’s one of the best-selling cars. In Germany, the Mustang was the best-selling sportscar in March 2016, outselling major models from Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, a phenomenal achievement for the Mustang. Latest reports indicate that the Mustang was the world’s best-selling sports coupe in 2015, racking up over 140 000 sales.

Apart from car clubs such as the Mustang Club of South Africa, car museums and imported examples owned by collectors and Mustang enthusiasts, the Mustang is rarely seen on South African roads. In America, however, Mustangs run wild. Even though that’s true, the influence of American culture on South Africa is undeniably clear for all to see. We adore Oprah Winfrey and Barack Obama. We laugh at Donald Trump and George W. Bush, but adore the Mustang.

American culture is entwined in our daily lives and many South Africans' identities have been influenced by it. It’s through mass media and the Internet that the image of the Mustang has remained alive in South Africa. For decades, South African car enthusiasts have ogled longingly at their TV and computer screens at images and footage of the Mustang and the car felt so intangible… so far away from home.

Instead, petrolheads living in South Africa in the late 70's and 80's will fondly remember cars such as the Ford Capri Perana, Cortina XR6, Sierra XR8 and the Escort XR3. The cars were icons in their day; it was through these locally developed cars that a passion for the Blue Oval remained alive in the hearts and minds of South African petrolheads.

In the absence of the Mustang, these models, in many ways, embodied the same spirit and one could argue the arrival of the Mustang has created something of a nostalgic resurgence. The Mustang has been – and still is – unobtainable for many and an object of envy. South Africans lust after the Mustang, because we haven't yet enjoyed the promise of freedom it embodies. It's an alien from another world, the power of time has made it so.

The Mustang effect

Perhaps the reason why South Africans have latched onto the Mustang with such fervour is because there hasn’t been that many cars that could capture the public's imagination to the same extent as the 'Stang. Today, there are but a handful of cars that are regarded as icons in this wonderful land, the BMW M3, Volkswagen Golf GTI and the Toyota Hilux immediately come to mind, but not much else. We are deprived in that sense and the Mustang seems to somehow fill the void and console our fragile egos. Iconic cars have the power to make us feel special and the Mustang has that effect.

It will take many years for the Mustang to become a common sight on our roads and even longer for us to come to terms with its endearing presence. The Mustang hype will continue to drive demand and even though the latest Mustang is far from perfect, there’s nothing quite like it on sale in South Africa and as long as people stare, the Mustang will be long-loved in South Africa.

Look for a new Ford Mustang on Cars.co.za 

Look for a used Ford Mustang on Cars.co.za

Mustang is Back – Review, Test Drive & Beauty Shots (RHD)

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.

Teaser images: Volkswagen Amarok facelift

 

Volkswagen's commercial vehicles division has released three teaser sketches showing what the forthcoming facelifted Amarok bakkie could look like. Do you like what you see?

The Volkswagen Amarok recently featured in a Cars.co.za comparative test with the new Toyota Hilux, updated Ford Ranger and the Isuzu KB. However, the Amarok is due for a makeover in a year's time and VW Commercial Vehicles has released three images showing off the looks of the refreshed Amarok. A host of exterior and interior changes are expected that will ensure that the Amarok remains competitive and relevant to bakkie buyers in South Africa.

Volkswagen South Africa has confirmed that the facelifted Amarok will be launched in South Africa in the second half of 2017. 

Fresh look for Amarok

From the outside, the Amarok will sport a new front and rear bumper design as well updated graphics for the headlights and taillights. The grille design is expected to change a bit too. The refreshed Amarok is also likely to be offered with new wheel designs, which will give you something to talk about around the braai. The images also show the Amarok wearing an orange paint finish, which may very well be available when the facelift arrives on our shores.

The interior however, is where most of the changes will occur. The image reveals a redesigned dashboard with a distinct car-like feel and the touchscreen sits a bit higher up compared with the current Amarok. The air vents have been redesigned too and take on an angular shape with chrome trim (circular in current Amarok). The buttons found on the centre stack have been repositioned, adding to its car-like feel.

Volkswagen has not confirmed any changes to the engine offering and we may very well see the same 2.0-litre turbodiesels doing service in the facelifted Amarok. The current Amarok engine offering includes a 2.0-litre turbodiesel with 103 kW and 340 Nm of torque as well as a more powerful 2.0-litre BiTDI engine with 132 kW and 400 Nm of torque. Transmissions will likely include a 6-speed manual and an 8-speed automatic transmission.

We will keep you updated as more information becomes available on the facelifted Volkswagen Amarok.

For an in-depth comparison between the new Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Volkswagen Amarok and Isuzu KB, watch the video below!

Search for a new Volkswagen Amarok on Cars.co.za 

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Land Rover Defender Heritage Edition Video Review

 

Land Rover has built more than 2 million units of its trusty 4×4, the Defender, since 1948 and in the years it was produced this Landy earned itself iconic status. Just looking at a Defender conjures up images of adventure and travel. But now, it is no more.

The Defender Heritage Edition reviewed here is the last of the breed as the Landy no longer complies with modern pedestrian safety regulations. So, to give it a fitting farewell, we sent our video man, Ciro de Siena, who had not driven a Defender previously, to find out why the Defender possesses such timeless allure.

Sit back, relax, and let’s head off-road.

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Read our first drive impression and find pricing here: 

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