Toyota and Peugeot/Citroën Team Up to Create a Van (Video)
It's not the first time these three brands have worked together and it probably won't be the last. Introducing the new MPV that was jointly developed by Peugeot-Citroën and Toyota.
Do you remember the first time when Toyota teamed up with Citroën and Peugeot to create a city car? The Peugeot 107/Toyota Aygo/Citroën C1 was a simple little thing that won acclaim particularly in European markets where its dinky size made it easy to park. Combined with easy to drive dynamics and fair specification, the vehicle proved to be popular. In South Africa the Toyota Aygo predictably outsold its French counterparts.
Fast forward to 2015 and the three brands have teamed up again, this time to create a Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV). The vehicle was officially announced in December 2015 and it'll go on sale next year. Much like the city car, each brand has chosen its own name for their respective derivatives. We have the Peugeot Traveller, Toyota PROACE and the Citroën SPACETOURER and while the names are radically different, there is not a lot to separate them mechanically. All three cars have been built for private use, but according to the marketing material, business versions are confirmed too. All three vehicles will be manufactured in Europe, at PSA Peugeot Citroën’s factory in Valenciennes, France.
Johan van Zyl, president and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe said, "Both teams worked very hard together and at individual brand level, and I am confident that our distinctive new van with all its variants will strengthen the Toyota light commercial vehicle offer in Europe. The new PROACE will complement the range of solid and durable vehicles customers are expecting from Toyota."
This MPV group project first came to light in 2012 and will carry on until at least 2020. The reason behind the collaboration? Very simple, co-development helps keep production costs down speeds up the development process. As it stands, very little technical information is available at this point, but what we do know is that all three vehicles will share features, equipment as well as engines. On the exterior there's not a lot to differentiate the three aside from badging and headlight clusters.
Expect to see all three at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show.
Videos
Mazda SA boss on turbos, the exchange rate and digital trends
We sat down with Mazda South Africa boss David Hughes at the launch of the Mazda CX-3. Despite a turbulent forecast for the entire motoring industry in 2016, Hughes is optimistic and positive about the impact Mazda can make in the local market.
Cars.co.za:What can you attribute Mazda SA's successes in the past 12 months to? From the split from Ford SA to today, the growth has been fantastic.
DH: It's been a case of putting Mazda back to where its rightful place is. There's no tangible thing, but obviously good product at a good price point and consistency in the market. We have dealers who are looking to invest, do the right thing and take the stock on, and that's been the refreshing part.
Cars.co.za: How are current trends affecting your sales/marketing plan? How badly is the exchange rate affecting you? Is Mazda hedging its prices?
DH: Look, currency is a pressure, but we're in the position where we report directly to Japan unlike an independent distributor. We add our margins to the factory's margins so when the exchange rate moves there's a gain or a loss and we then transfer these to either the parent company or the subsidary. We've got a target between ourselves and we adjust our prices depending on the movement with help from the factory. The Rand affects everyone and while most panic and put their prices up by around 6% and we have not moved, nor do we plan to. The downside of putting your prices up is that you land up discounting it more.
Cars.co.za: Is there a reason why Mazda has stuck to naturally-aspirated motors for so long?
DH: It's a belief. A turbocharger runs at 150 000 rpm and has small bearings that need lubricating. When it lets go, it gets messy. Most people treat turbos badly and don't service cars properly and it's inevitable that it all comes to grief. We're able to get the same power and torque as well as emission controls and consumption out of naturally-aspirated motors. We've got more things to do in this area, but that doesn't mean we're not looking at turbocharging.
Cars.co.za: How has the Internet changed the way people buy and sell a car?
DH: I think in overseas markets, very much. We're starting to see the same trends here in South Africa, but we're about 3-5 years behind without being disrespectful. The younger generation don't really pick up a newspaper anymore and choose to get their information online. I think digital communication has reached about 25% of where it's going to be in the next 10 years.
Cars.co.za: What's on the cards for Mazda South Africa in 2016?
DH: Consolidation. We need to build the facilities and relaunch the brand a little more. We have some new products and some facelifts coming. Mazda3 and BT-50 are coming and the BT-50 production has been shifted to Thailand. The Mazda6 is coming towards the end of the year. We're also focusing on our people and restoring the brand, as per our three-year plan. It sounds boring, but it has to be done!
Kia Grand Sedona Review Is This SAs Best Family Car? (Video)
Ciro De Siena takes the Kia Grand Sedona 7-seater MPV out for drive. Is this the ultimate family transporter?
Growing up as the oldest of four siblings, I was often in charge of family adventures. Our chariot was a Toyota Condor – you might remember it as that fairly dull-looking family car which was around for a generation or two, starting at the turn of the millennium.
But the Condor was based on the Hilux (seriously) and therefore was virtually indestructible. My father’s philosophy on car maintenance is “fix it when it breaks” and so this poor car endured mile after mile without ever knowing the comforting touch of a mechanic.
It clocked up 250 000km in 5 years and just before my dad sold it, I took it for a drive, and I was quite honestly flabbergasted at how solid it still felt.
And so my bar for family cars has been set quite high, which is why I’m delighted to report that the Kia Grand Sedona is one of the best I’ve ever tested.
While I can’t comment on the car’s longevity, it does feel properly well made. This is a feeling you get given the quality of the interior build, but it’s also down to how the car feels; the new Kia is made using new manufacturing techniques which have increased the car’s shell strength immensely.
The model I was driving was top of the range but even so, the features and creature comforts were extensive. I’ve tried to cover as many as possible in the video.
And lastly, the engine in the Grand Sedona is a peach. Loads of torque from the 2.2 litre diesel is coupled with real world consumption figures that would embarrass many a small family hatchback. Again, I go into more detail in the video.
I dont't even had kids yet but if I did, it would be a real pleasure to cart them around in something like the Grand Sedona. Perhaps it won’t outlast a Toyota Condor, but I can assure you it is significantly more comfortable.
Mazda has joined the compact crossover battle with its striking CX-3. Is it good enough to take on other players in this hotly contested segment?
When it became clear that Mazda would split from Ford a few years ago, the brand initially faced what appeared to be an uncertain future in South Africa. But worry no more… With a raft of new products launched during 2015, ranging from an all-new Mazda2, Mazda3 as well as revised CX-5 and BT-50 bakkie, the brand currently offers a comprehensive line-up that has placed it on a solid footing. The all-new MX-5 has shown great promise too, and we were impressed with the refreshing simplicity of this roadster. To end off 2015, Mazda South Africa launched its CX-3 compact crossover.
What the CX-3 is not is a Mazda2 on stilts. Mazda’s boss and marketing team were at great pains to point this out. It is, in fact, an all-new vehicle featuring the best from the Mazda parts-bin. Market trends have indicated that this segment is dominated by front-wheel drive petrol derivatives which is why there’s no diesel or all-wheel drive model, for now.
At launch there are three models to choose from, all featuring the same engine. You have the option of either a manual or automatic gearbox on the first two models, while the top-spec is only available in automatic. We started off in the entry-level Active CX-3 and first impressions were good.
Engine and Economy
Let’s talk about that engine first. Mazda has shunned the global trend of small-capacity turbocharged engines and has instead focused on refinements to its naturally-aspirated powerplants. SkyActiv is the umbrella term for some clever engineering to produce good power with reasonable claimed economy. We’ll be able to test these economy claims soon enough.
The engine pushes out 115 kW and 204 Nm as mentioned earlier, with the CX-3 returning a claimed consumption figure of 6.1L/100km. You have the option of either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic gearbox. At the launch we drove the automatic and we found it smooth, but in Sport mode it would only change much higher up in the rev range which works with the free-revving nature of the engine. Top spec models get shifting paddles behind the steering wheel.
The Drive and Practicality
The cabin, in terms of build quality and refinement, is particularly impressive, and we think the competition cannot quite match the under-the-skin efforts that have gone into the CX-3. The first stretch of the launch route took us out on the open highway, before making a turn into the Winelands and through the demanding and dynamic Helshoogte Pass near Stellenbosch. Our route included some good quality tarmac, as well as roadworks and in both scenarios the Mazda CX-3 coped well.
The car you see here is the entry-level version with the smaller wheels and the key difference between this and its siblings is the interior. This one doesn't have the smart-looking infotainment system and has a fairly normal RDS radio setup which is adequate. Mazda vehicles are generally well equipped and despite the Active being the entry level version, there’s enough gadgetry and convenience features in there to keep most people happy. If you’re wanting more, the price jump to the next derivative isn’t frightful either. See below for details on pricing and standard specification.
Space in the cabin is good for the front passengers, but we reckon the back is a bit tight particularly if you’re a tall adult. The boot space is rated at 262 litres which is small for vehicles in this class. You can expand that to around 1 200 litres when you fold the back seats down.
There’s a good dose of safety features thrown in across the range. Front, side and curtain airbags are standard across the range, as is ABS, EBA and EBD. Interestingly Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) is available on automatic models only, which is disappointing.
Quick Summary
At first glance the Mazda CX-3 offers generous specification and the most powerful engine in the segment. The ride is also good, despite riding on sporty alloys. It's going straight into a hotly contested section of the car market and will be taking on the likes of the Opel Mokka, Renault Captur, Honda HR-V and Ford EcoSport. You can't discount the plucky Renault Duster either, which offers a diesel engine and the option of all-wheel drive. The Duster cannot, however, match the build quality of the Mazda. The Mazda CX-3 has a lot going for it and we'd probably be able to forgive its small boot as the vehicle does come with a full-size spare tire. If you're after practicality, the Honda HR-V is the one to beat, which is why we've got a shootout of both the Honda and the Mazda planned for the coming weeks.
4 speakers
Bluetooth
Alarm system
Cruise control
Front Seat armrest
Halogen headlights
Hill Launch Assist
Manual Air-conditioning
Power fold mirrors
R16" alloy wheels
Seat Lifter (driver)
Seat material (Cloth)
Segment radio display
i-STOP (on Auto model)
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)- On Auto model
6 Speakers
Auto headlights- On/Off
Climate Control Air-conditioning
Front fog lamp
Leather steering wheel, gear, handbrake
i-STOP
Mazda connect with commander
Parking sensors (Rear)
Rain sensing wipers
Sunglass holder
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)- On Auto model
Mazda CX-3 2.0L Individual Auto – R 325 900
7 Speakers
Bose sound system
Head up display (HUD)
Leather & cloth seat combination
LED headlights
Integrated Navigation
Power sliding and tilt glass sunroof
Rear camera
R18" alloy wheels
Rear combination lights
Audi RS6 Avant vs Jaguar F-Type Coupe AWD R – The Final Showdown
What do you do when two similarly high-powered but vastly different machines rock up at the office? Well, we could have done the expected (two separate road tests) but… then we didn't. As the days went by it became increasingly clear that there were some startling similarities between these two beasts that merited a head-to-head clash. So, we went all out. We drag raced them, then we track raced them and then we decided they needed some words written about them too. Here’s the result of a rather unlikely, but ultimately fascinating comparison. Read on!
A Coupe and a station wagon roll into a bar…
These cars are polar opposites when you stare at them with your practical spectacles on. One is big, long and good at carrying lots of things and people. The other is small, low and only carries two people and enough loading space for a change of Bremont wristwatch. Squint your eyes a little and get closer to the Audi, and you’ll notice flickers of its schizophrenic personality. It sits on 20-inch low-profile rubber, the wheel arches are bolstered in a way that gives it a wide and muscular stance like an on-guard Rottweiler. The splitter is made from carbon fibre that forces the front-end down as you pile on the speed. Two exhausts resembling cannons pierce either side of the rear diffuser as a warning sign not to get too close. Only now do you see the underlying psychopath that lives beneath the skin of the Audi shopping trolley.
The Jag on the other hand is explicit with its body. It also rides on 20 inchers, but they reach right up to the shoulder line. The front end swoops down to the nose where the vents on the side are designed to look like shark gills. They help usher air through to the brakes and cool them down. The side profile is compact as the coupe roofline leads into the motoring industry’s sexiest booty. It’s sleek, angry and harvests a pair of upward pointing double-barrel shotgun exhausts. Perfection.
The Four-Hundred Killer-Watt Club
The similarities start to appear as we head into the statistics. Both have a force-fed V8 shoved under the bonnet with over 400 kW to call upon. The Audi is slightly more powerful thanks to its new 4-Litre turbo V8 and punts out 412 kW along with 700 Nm of torque. Jaguar calls upon its tried-and-tested supercharged 5-Litre V8 to do the legwork. It churns out 405 kW and 680 Nm, but remember the F-Type is lighter than the Audi RS6. Both cars use quick-shifting eight-speed gearboxes to lay big black rubber stripes to the ground. The Audi is also claimed to be quicker to 100kph at 3.9 seconds thanks to launch control. The F-Type AWD breaks the tape in 4.1 seconds, but is only a tenth quicker than its rear-wheel drive sibling.
The ease with which you can unleash 400 Kilowatts thanks to all-wheel drive is mesmerising. With half an armful of steering lock, you can stomp on the throttle and not worry about the back end sliding out from underneath you, which is something the rear-wheel drive F-Types do easily. The Jag especially becomes more manageable, compared with the rear-driven versions that should come with a ‘handle with extreme care’ sticker. Still, these are wild beasts that leave you perspiring and mentally exhausted after an enthusiastic driving session. To some extent all-wheel drive tames the beasts, but do not for a moment think they've become placid house cats that lost their claws.
If you’re going to have a V8 under the bonnet then you need to shout about it. Both cars employ clever methods to manipulate the sound of the exhausts to produce spine-tingling results. The Audi, as we’ve come to expect, has a slightly understated note in the lower half of its rev range. That helps when you want to roam the streets uninterrupted in a dignified and rogue manner. Send the revs into the ‘red’ zone and there’s a bassy roar that’s clean and crisp with a snarky bark as it calls for the next gear. The F-Type R is all about theatrics and even starting it up will have your neighbours aware of your movements… even when you're still standing still.
In the Jaguar, there’s a button in the centre console that further enhances the aural exhibition. Press it in and you’re in for quite a trip. It’s loud, over the top, explosive and distinctly Jaguar. It’s like taking a chainsaw and trying to carve through a thunderstorm on Guy Fawkes Night. It’s so over the top that it’s hilariously addictive.
Get these two unruly and brutal machines out of the city and onto the track, and they do away with all the parlour tricks and roll up their sleeves to get down to business. The Audi looks like it should flop about with all that extra heft and weight, and it does. Somehow though, it still remains stuck to the surface, even without the optional RS Sports suspension package. There’s noticeable body roll, but good feel from the chassis so you understand what the car is doing beneath you. The steering is well-weighted and very direct, pipping the Jaguar in this department.
The Jaguar’s steering is overly light, which is disappointing. They both lack ultimate feedback from the wheels, but it’s something we have become used to in modern electric steering systems. The Jag, thanks to its lower centre of gravity, is the more nimble on the track. It darts into the apex rapidly and with the addition of all-wheel drive you have the confidence to get on the throttle early and aim at the exit. The Audi is all about grip and suspension wizardry as it defies gravity by holding unthinkably tight lines for a heavy station wagon! Both cars are extremely agile, but it’s the Audi that surprises us most on the track, being able to overcome its size and weight. The result is clear to see with the Jaguar only just being able to beat it around a lap of Killarney.
Drag Race Video
Enjoying the ride
Sitting in cars that cost well north of a million Rand is not really going to leave you wanting. All connectivity needs are taken care of and both have cosseting and bear-hugging seats. Leather dominates the cabin in both with our Jag's cabin covered in swathes of red hide. The Audi is more toned down, but painstakingly well-built and designed. It’s a pleasure to get behind the wheel of and feels the more luxurious.
Where do you put your money?
While this isn’t a true comparison, it does beg the question; if you had the money, would you lean towards practicality on the one hand, or two seats and suave style on the other? Understandably, the prospective buyer's lifestyle will dictate the decision in some way but our team was surprisingly split in the inevitable office debate. When you’re throwing this kind of money around, there’s always the option of a tossing practicality out the window and getting a second car for that purpose – possibly a compact SUV. Strangely it was the guys who didn’t require the practicality that leaned towards the RS6 and its ‘sleeper’ reputation. The family and outdoor lifestyle guys honed in on the Jag’s brash and glamourous personality to take care of day-to-day driving, opting for a second car come the need for more practical motoring. What we could have here then, is a rather tasty two-car dream garage!
The similarities between these two cars lie in the performance and numbers, but they are ultimately completely different. The Audi RS6 works as a comfortable daily cruiser with place to pack things. The Jag is a weekend jaunt or highway blast type of vehicle. It feels somewhat uncomfortable in the city, even though it’s grabbing attention and admiring glances. That mad exhaust note wants to be set free into the open air and heard echoing off the rock face of a mountain pass. The Jaguar tugs harder at the heart strings, it’s got the desirability that will force you to work harder and be better to earn it. The problem is, by the time you can afford it, you’ll probably need the Audi for all the other stuff you’ve collected along the way.
Top 5 Unique South African Car Security Innovations
Criminals beware! These 5 South African car security innovations will make you think twice about stealing a car.
Many of us know the feeling when you walk outside to where you last parked your car and all you see is an empty space. Your heart sinks deep into your stomach, your throat goes all lumpy and then it hits you, your car has been stolen, tears follow. Car theft is an ongoing problem in South Africa and it's never a nice feeling to have anything taken from you, let alone your car, but we have to take our hats off to the people fighting back and literally doing whatever it takes to protect their precious whips. We did some digging and picked five uniquely South African innovations to prevent car theft. If you know of any other interesting anti car theft techniques or have invented your own, let us know, we would love to hear about it.
Top 5 Unique South African Car Security Innovations
Snakes
A traditional healer was wanted by the SPCA for his interesting solution to protecting his car: two giant African Rock Pythons named Tiny and Naughty. Dr Mbuso Makhatini, from Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal, leaves his pet snakes to slither around his Audi TT convertible while he is visiting clients. He claims the snakes are his ancestors and as is clear from the photos, they seem very comfortable in each other’s company.
We reckon this has got to be one of the best methods of protecting your car ever, although we can’t exactly condone that sort of treatment of animals.
Flames
This story goes back a few years but every now and then someone will ask us if it actually existed. Yes, a South African inventor did sell a flamethrower kit for your car, which would potentially roast an unsuspecting hijacker. In the news report we’ve found, Charles Fourie explains to the AP news service how his system works, and while he’s at it, stands rather creepily over a smouldering mannequin.
Unsurprisingly the system was made illegal but it was apparently fitted to nearly 30 cars. Personally I’d have one fitted if only to deal with parking payment machines in shopping malls.
DIY Toyota Hilux/Fortuner Solutions
Back in 2010, the rampant theft of Toyota Hilux and Fortuner models was causing a fair amount of concern. Why was it so easy to steal these cars? The situation became so dire that some insurance companies refused to insure said vehicles.
The reason that the cars were so vulnerable was a simple design feature exploited by thieves: the alarm horn was very close to the edge of the bonnet, and thieves would gently lift the bonnet, snip the wire to the horn and proceed to do whatever they wanted.
Toyota responded by fitting all post-2011 models with a special metal plate to thwart the attack, but one forum user on hilux4x4.co.za came up with a simple yet ingenious DIY adaptation: a microswitch would sound the alarm as soon as the bonnet was lifted. The tactic has since been copied countless times judging by the enthusiasm on the forum, it seems to have worked. If you have tried this or something similar to protect your Toyota, we’d love to hear about it.
Safebox
A creative Citi Golf driver has come up with a frankly hilarious but genius anti-theft solution. We don’t know much more than what these images tell us, but this intrepid South African motorist seems to have welded a safe over the pedals of his beloved Citi Golf.
We assume he locks the box every time he leaves the car, which is a bit of a poke, but it’s much less bother than an insurance claim and learning the bus routes.
If you are this wonderful individual, please do contact us and let us know if you still have your car – we’d love to know if the system worked.
Swords
In 1999, the Wall Street Journal interviewed Chris Bezuidenhout, a man tasked with testing potential car security systems. He was asked by a Durban-based inventor to endorse a system which featured a three foot sword blade, mounted to a powerful spring beneath the car. A press of a button in the cabin would release the sword, literally chopping off ankles of anyone standing in its way.
Apparently a working model was demonstrated using test dummies, but try as we might we can’t find any images or footage of the device. Unsurprisingly, Mr Bezuidenhout turned it down. "When I said 'no' to the inventors, they nearly killed me," he said. "I think they believed they had a real money-spinner going until I arrived."
There are loads of vehicles coming to South Africa in 2016, but which ones are the most relevant to our market? Here are the 20 most anticipated cars for South Africa in 2016.
The Toyota Hilux is a South African institution thanks to legendary ability and realibility. First released in 1968, the new model will again be manufactured at Toyota's Durban plant, the new Hilux will look to regain control at the top of the sales chart. We'll see a host of new engines as well as transmissions when this new bakkie launches in February 2016.
The Fortuner is much like the Hilux on which it is based – tough, capable and reliable – and has dominated its market segment in similar fashion. However, this new model looks like it's venturing towards a more premium position in line with current market trends (like Ford Everest and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport). It's expected in April 2016 and will feature similar engines to the Hilux as well as improvements to the cabin and off-road systems.
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class and BMW 3-Series have moved the premium sports sedan game on considerably, while Jaguar's XE has expanded the segment offering somewhat. The Audi A4 finally arrives in February. We've been very impressed with Audi interiors of late (the Q7 is a masterpiece) and we're expecting similar levels of build quality and refinement in the new A4. Expect similar engines to the current model.
Opel is making a serious comeback and many new models emerged from the German car maker in 2015, with more to come in the next few years. 2016 is shaping up to be yet another big one for Opel as the all-new Astra makes landfall. The key changes? The new Astra is lighter and more compact, yet boasts more interior space. Is this the car to rival the dominant Volkswagen Golf? Overseas reports seem to indicate that to be the case.
SB MEDIEN/S. Baldauf
The upcoming Mercedes-Benz E-Class is said to represent a serious leap forward both for the brand and the segment as it will offer similar levels of technology to the flagship S-Class. Expect an assortment of petrol, diesel and hybrid engines as well as an AMG derivative to be rolled out during 2016.
This smart-looking little thing will take on the popular crossover segment currently dominated by the Renault Captur/Duster and the Ford EcoSport. It's built in India and will feature either a 1.4-litre or 1.6-litre petrol, while a 1.4-litre turbodiesel will hopefully make the cut too.
The second-generation version of the Volkswagen Tiguan is expected to be bigger, wider and will use the latest versions of VW turbodiesel and turbopetrol engines. Front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, manual gearboxes and DSG options are all expected to be offered in a comprehensive model line-up.
Boasting sharper and refreshing styling, the latest Kia Sportage is also said to offer excellent levels of refinement. A whole host of new engines should become available and these include a 1.6-litre turbopetrol, 1.7-litre turbodiesel and a revised version of the 2.0-litre turbodiesel. A debut for Kia's new seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox is expected in this model too.
The next generation of the Renault Megane was shown off just before the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show where we got to look at it close up. Featuring a premium interior and suave exterior, this Renault should prove to be quite a hit. Expect revisions to the Dci diesel and Tci petrol engines as well as the option of a dual-clutch transmission for the first time in a Megane.
Despite everyone's best efforts, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has reigned supreme over its compatriots. If the hype is to be believed, the next generation of BMW 7-Series will be able to match the S-Class in terms of tech, refinement and luxury. One of the major highlights is the ability to park itself without a driver inside. Engines include petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrids. There should be a flagship V12 model as well.
The mid-size premium sedan may look a lot like the outgoing model, but underneath there are changes to the ride quality, all-wheel drive is now and option, and there's a whole host of new technologies applied. With the arrival of the XE as Jaguar's entry level model, the XF moves higher up the foodchain.
The Baleno has a hard task facing it as it takes on the Volkswagen Polo, Ford Fiesta and Toyota Yaris. It features a turbocharged 1.0-litre petrol engine – a first for the brand – and like most Suzuki vehicles, will be well built and generously equipped.
Not much is known about the next generation of Honda Civic, but if the American spec version seen here is anything to go by, it's going to be quite a looker. Expect sedan and hatchback versions with both manual and CVT gearboxes. The next generation of Honda engines will debut in the new Civic and this includes small-capacity turbocharged petrol motors.
First seen at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show, the next generation of Hyundai Elantra looks to continue being one of the brand's best sellers. There will be all-new engines with better economy, more refinement and the latest safety features. Hyundai is desperate to eat into the Toyota Corolla's share of the pie.
This cute crossover is tiny and will slot into Renault's lineup below the Duster and Captur. Don't expect any fireworks from the 40kW 0.8-litre three-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine.
The legendary name returns! Featuring a hybrid turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive, this supercar will take on the Audi R8 and Mercedes-AMG GT S. Hopefully it'll be priced competitively. It sounds promising: 435kW driving all four wheels through a nine-speed dual-clutch transmission.
This is Jaguar's first attempt at a premium crossover and this all-aluminium vehicle looks to be quite special. There's going to be a choice of engines from the JLR stable as well the option of all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive.
Very little is known about Volvo's luxury flagship, but if the XC90 is anything to go by, we can expect similar design traits packed into a sedan body as they both share the same platform. The latest generation of 2.0-litre DrivE engines are powerful yet efficient and, of course, being a Volvo, some clever safety tech will no doubt be fitted.
The new James Bond film, Spectre, starts showing in South Africa on 27 November 2015!
We at Cars.co.za are big fans of James Bond 007 and with the 24th James Bond movie, Spectre, due for release in South Africa this week, we felt inspired to explore some of the cars Bond… James Bond, has driven over the years. For this week’s ChooseDay, we picked four of our favourite Bond cars, take a look!
Popular James Bond Cars
Aston Martin V12 Vanquish
The Aston Martin V12 Vanquish appeared in Die Another Day (2002) and Q, played by John Cleese, refers to the car as the Vanish, which featured an invisibility cloak as well as other cool gadgets such as an ejector seat, torpedo launcher and target-seeking shotguns, all of which were put to good use in a chase scene later in the movie.
Aston Martin DB5
The Aston Martin DB5 is the most recognisable Bond car of all time and it first appeared in Goldfinger (1964) and then in Thunderball (1965). In true Bond fashion, the car was fitted with a host of gadgets including an ejector seat, machine guns, smoke screen and tyre slashers. The Aston Martin DB5 made such a big impression that it eventually appeared in later Bond movies including Goldeneye (1995),Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), Casino Royale (2006) and Skyfall (2012).
BMW Z8
The BMW Z8 appeared in The World is Not Enough (1999) and it featured gadgets such as titanium armour, a multi-tasking head-up display and… six cup holders, of all things. In the movie, James Bond is pursued by a helicopter and uses the Z8 keys to release the handbrake and then fires a missile using a gadget in the steering wheel to destroy the helicopter. The BMW Z8 met its end soon after with the arrival of a second helicopter equipped with a metal cutter, which proceeded to chop the Z8 in half. Goodbye, Z8!
Lotus Esprit Turbo
The cool-looking Lotus Esprit Turbo made its appearance in For Your Eyes Only (1981). However, the first Lotus to appear in a Bond film was the Esprit S1 which features in The Spy Who Loved Me (1977). The Esprit Turbo sadly didn’t feature in any chase scenes but it was blown up at Hector Gonzales’ hideout. One of Gonzales’ henchman failed to heed the ‘burglar protected’ sticker and then smashes the passenger window, the Esprit Turbo then blows up, killing the henchman in the process.
What is your favourite Bond car? Share your comments and memories with us in the comment section below!
Volvo V60 Cross Country T5 (2015) Review
We drive the Volvo V60 Cross Country T5 – a raised-up, all-wheel drive and super practical family estate. How did it fare during our week-long evaluation?
Volvo certainly does have a reputation for producing some very good station wagons, with some even turning out to be quite iconic. No doubt the mighty 850R estate immediately springs to mind for those of you that watched British Touring Cars in the '90s. For those of you that haven’t, let’s just say Volvo essentially took a hearse racing and managed to make it win! The model under review here, however, is in no danger of finding itself on a racing circuit. Instead, it is more likely to traverse some gravel. In the spirit of another popular Volvo wagon, the XC70, Volvo's new V60 Cross Country puts a crossover spin on the V60 wagon.
Raised how much?
Impressively, Volvo claims a ground clearance of 201mm for the V60 CC. That puts it well up there with some compact SUVs; it’s 30mm more than a Hyundai ix35 and only 9mm less than a Nissan X-Trail. The Cross Country is also 65mm higher of the ground than a standard V60. The visual accessories include front and rear skid plates, and side scuff plates for that rugged look.
Fitted with all-wheel drive
Volvo South Africa has chosen to bring in two derivatives of the V60 Cross Country, both of which are fitted with all-wheel drive. There’s a 2.0-Litre D4 turbodiesel model and the one we are testing here, a 2.5-Litre turbocharged five-cylinder petrol model. It’s a grunty unit under the bonnet, capable of 187 kW and 360 Nm of torque. The sound out the exhaust pipes is typical off-canter five-cylinder roughness, but the engine noise in front of you sounds more metallic and strained, especially higher up the revs. It does push on though, 0-100kph takes only 7.1 seconds and it gets on with overtaking when called upon. Mid-range torque is forceful and it has no problem making use of the six-speed automatic gearbox to keep the engine on the boil.
With the addition of all-wheel drive and a relatively old-school 2.5-Litre five-cylinder engine, the T5 Cross Country is a thirsty machine. Claimed figures sit at around 8.5L/100km, but we were returning more in the region of 11L/100km. Volvo has an entirely new range of four-cylinder engines that includes an impressive turbo petrol unit we tested in the XC90. It would certainly make more sense in here than this older unit does. Thankfully there is a good diesel model in the V60 Cross Country range if you’re worried about the consumption.
Step inside
Here’s a hot tip if you’re looking at a V60 Cross Country – don’t go anywhere near an XC90. Inside the V60 you’ll be met by older generation Volvo design, so there’s the difficult-to-use infotainment system, with loads of buttons in the centre console. It’s not that it’s badly styled or lacking in functionality, though. All you can ask for is available, from USB, Bluetooth, climate control, cruise control and a digital instrument cluster. It’s just that we have seen the future in the XC90 and that’s what we want from now on. We suppose we will have to wait for the new V60 before the trickle down effect occurs and all the cool new bits filter in from the XC90.
Don’t despair though, the V60 Cross Country is still comfortable and decently roomy. The seats are especially comfortable and the slightly raised seating position gives good visibility around the car. Rear legroom is a little on the tight side and the boot measured in at only 430-Litres – quite small for an estate, but it does have a spare wheel hogging loading space.
Enjoy the ride
Having a raised ride height hasn’t hurt the handling much. It takes a little longer to recover after bumps, but it feels comfortable and soft out on the country roads. In the city, its plush setup keeps occupants peaceful without there being significant body roll. Harsh bumps, holes and speed bumps will occasionally clatter into the cabin, but overall the V60 CC feels comfortably sprung.
When driving over dirt sections, the V60 Cross Country still feels like an estate road car rather than a crossover. There’s a long section of bonnet ahead of you and you sit a bit lower than in an SUV. Smooth dirt roads are dealt with capably, but washboard bumps give the suspension a hard time and there’s some dashboard shake if you tackle them too fast. The extra ground clearance does give you confidence to drive over those odd rocks lying in the centre of the road.
Verdict
The Volvo V60 Cross Country is a little bit of a strange car to understand. It’s got the sexy looks from the V60 with a decent helping of ground clearance. It’s then fitted with all-wheel drive for slippery conditions (snow, ice and mud) which is something we don’t get too much of here in SA. The all-wheel drive drains a bit more fuel than the standard front-wheel drive V60, and the practicality inside is identical. It also uses and older tech engine, which is a bit baffling. Overall the package is actually easy to live with and it ticks a whole bunch of boxes for a family looking for good value, premium practicality. It’s just difficult to see why you wouldn’t go for the better-engined V60 or the taller, more practical XC60 all at a similar price.
Volvo V60 Cross Country T5 pricing
As far as specification goes there is a Momentum base spec and a premium Inscription spec for both petrol and diesel models. The Diesels are fractionally cheaper starting at R499 900 for the D4 Momentum and R519 900 for the D4 Inscription. The T5 petrol starts at R533 500 for the T5 Momentum with the Inscription hitting R553 000.
Test team opinion
The Volvo V60 Cross Country is very fast on any surface, which is not what I was expecting at all. It's a good product, but as Ashley points out, similar vehicles can be had in the Volvo range and the Cross Country's addition to the Volvo lineup seems to dilute its offering. Still, it's a decent enough product, but be mindful of the prodigious thirst when you're pressing on. -David Taylor
We Like: Great design, good value and comfortable
We don’t Like: Thirsty engine, only AWD
Also consider: Subaru Outback, Mercedes-Benz GLA, BMW X1
