Maserati Ghibli S (2016) Review

Maserati's Ghibli S aims to fuse the famous Italian marque's particular brand of sportscar thrills with executive sedan daily usability. In doing so it is also stepping into a decidedly more mainstream segment of the car market where the rivals are exceptionally tough… and German. Here, the evocative Maserati badge alone won't guarantee success. The Ghibli will have to be pretty special in its own right, especially at the price…

We like: Exclusivity, glamorous looks, thrilling drive, exhaust note, boot space

We don’t like: Tight rear space, clunky infotainment system, ride quality

Alternatives:

  • For greater exclusivity: A major factor in the Maserati's appeal is the desirability of its badge. Is it possible to find a rival at this price level that could compete on prestige? We don't think so… the Porsche Panamera S comes closest but even that is relatively common by comparison.
  • For more thrills: The German super sedans all offer more power for the money, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're more engaging to drive. The BMW M6 Gran Coupe, Audi RS7 Sportback and Mercedes-AMG CLS63 all deliver explosive performance, but for greater finesse, the less powerful Porsche Panamera S can't be beaten.
  • For better value: Rand-for-Rand, it is exceptionally difficult to argue against any of the German vehicles listed above, but even the merest thought of buying a Maserati Ghibli is indicative of a purchasing decision that is likely to be made almost entirely by the heart, not the head. 

Isn't Maserati supposed to make only exotic sportscars?

The illustrious Maserati trident badge was forged through decades of motorsport victories and by producing beautiful, rare and expensive automobiles that are now considered to be objects of art. But those were the good old days. In more recent years many may have been led to think of Maserati as Ferrari's poorer cousin, but the reality is that this brand is older than Ferrari, and that it has an immensely rich history. Sadly, some very poorly executed product, as well as some unfortunate financial disasters, have done much to hurt the brand's appeal in more recent decades. Now Fiat, the owners, have set ambitious goals to rebuilt Maserati to its former glory, and the Ghibli looks set to play a big role. While Maserati is not abandoning its sportscar portfolio, it will be up to more mainstream products such as this Ghibli, the Quattroporte, and the new Levante SUV, to rake in the cash…

What is a Ghibli then?

Firstly, let's deal with the name. This is the third time that "Ghibli"  has been used for a Maserati, and it follows in the brand's tradition to name its cars after a wind. In this instance, Ghibli refers to a Libyan name for a hot and dry wind that starts in the Sahara and then reaches the Mediterranean, often at hurricane speeds. Now you know…

Far more important is the Ghibli's positioning. This is not Maserati's first four-door sedan (there have been several iterations of the larger Quattroporte), but it is the first four-door sedan of this size. It is roughly the same size as a Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series and Audi A6, but at flagship Ghibli S level is more likely to compete against headlining cars such as the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, Mercedes-AMG CLS and Audi RS7 Sportback. Another somewhat exotic rival is the Porsche Panamera.

Various models of the Ghibli are offered, including a diesel derivative (indicative of the brand's attempt to broaden the appeal of this product in particularly Europe), the standard "entry level" Ghibli and the flagship "S" as tested here. So if you're looking for a thrilling sports sedan but find the Germans a trifle dull and common, then Maserati believes the Ghibli S could be just the ticket.

How does it fare in…

Design and packaging


The Ghibli S is a handsome beast, but to make it stand out a couple of option boxes need to be ticked.

We generally refrain from analysing any test vehicle's visual appeal, as design is a very subjective matter, but with the Maserati Ghibli S we are forced to highlight a number of attributes – after all, design will be a major driving force in any potential Maserati buyer's purchasing decision. 

Our test Ghibli S test unit looked particularly dark and sinister with its Nero (black) paintwork, large anthracite coloured alloy wheels and red brake calipers. We highlight these items because without them, the Ghibli S can be regarded quite a cautious design, devoid of overt aggression or quirks. Sure, Maserati anoraks may point to the large concave grille's links to the past (particularly the A6GCS Berlinetta) and the trademark portholes on its flanks behind the front wheelarches, but it is clear that Maserati took purposely restrained route for the Ghibli. This gives potential buyers the option of specifying their Ghibli as required. Want to fly under cover? Then opt for different wheels, more subtle paint jobs etc. On the other hand, if you want to be noticed, then tick a few more boxes… Our test car swivelled many a head!

Performance


For the most thrills, be sure to select Sport mode. Note the chunky key fob. 

The Ghibli S is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 with quite an interesting pedigree. It was designed by Maserati, but is put together by Ferrari, using a block built by Chrysler in America. It delivers 301 kW and 550 Nm of torque, the latter figure being on tap all the way from 1 750 to 5 000 rpm, which promises great in-gear flexibility. 

Power goes to the rear wheels via a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. As is to be expected, manual gearshifts can be executed via paddles positioned behind the steering wheel. The Ghibli is quite a heavy vehicle, which is partly the reason why the 0-100 kph time of 5.0 seconds seems relatively mediocre compared with the vehicles positioned at a similar price level. But seeing as this brand doesn't feel the need to comply with the Germans' "gentlemen's agreement" to restrict top speeds to 250 kph, the Ghibli runs unrestricted all the way to 285 kph.

But claimed figures are only a fraction of the story. Several driving modes are offered, with the oddly named I.C.E. (Increased Control & Efficiency) not being particularly effective in improving the fuel thirst (the claimed fuel consumption figure of 8.9 L/100km is laughable). There is, however, also a Sport mode, and when this is activated the true Italian sportscar soul of the Ghibli ignites. In Sport mode the exhaust valves are permanently open, emitting a beautiful and intoxicating roar, while there also lovely blips when downshifting through the 'box manually. Driven like this, the Ghibli is hugely rewarding and quite different in character to even its more overtly powerful rivals.

Ride and handling


The Ghibli S interior is not egonomically class-leading, but is comprehensively equipped and tastefully executed.

The Ghibli rides on a shortened version of the Quattroporte platform, and sports double wishbone suspension in the front, and a sophisticated multi-link arrangement at the rear. Our test unit also sported some seriously fat rubber. In terms of overall ride and handling, the Ghibli appears to be well equipped, at least in theory. 

Head out onto smooth road surfaces and you'll appreciate its surefootedness, cornering grip and the way it deals with the occasional speed hump. The steering, once you're used to the way the assistance varies, can be pleasingly direct and offers good weighting, too, so flinging the hefty Ghibli through a couple of challenging corners can be very gratifying indeed. But it is unfortunately not quite as impressive when the road surface turns nasty, which it increasingly often does in our lovely country. A quick succession of bumps can make it feel skittish and hurt the traction on offer, too. On these kinds of surfaces, the Ghibli struggles to disguise its weight and it can feel a bit cumbersome. And given the vehicle's price and positioning at the pinnacle of this particular segment, road noise should also be better controlled.

Note that our test unit did not feature the optional Skyhook variable damping system, which may very well go a long way to addressing the criticisms above.

Comfort and features


Rear space is quite limited in terms of legroom, but the boot is big.

Open those long doors – notice the windows are frameless in true sportscar style – and you'll probably smell the richness of the leather before you visually spot any highlights. Previous Maseratis have often looked gorgeous outside, but were eclectic mix-matches of various parts-bins inside. The Ghibli facia looks attractive enough where it matters to mask any parts sharing where it doesn't. Our test unit was suitably trimmed in a mix of red and black leather, which did much to heighten the sense of sitting behind the wheel of something special. And… it has to be said, the build quality is arguably the best we've seen from this brand for many decades.

Still, there are some flaws. The driving position could be better (more steering adjustment, please), the ergonomics are poor (particularly the clunky info-tainment system) and it's rather more tricky than it need be to select the correct gear. Oh… and while this Maserati may offer four doors, do not expect it to be particularly useful for transporting adults in the back. The legroom back there is tight. The upshot, however, is a very large boot.

As is the case with the exterior of the vehicle, a number of personalisation options are offered, including the choice of either a Harman Kardon premium sound system or one developed by Bowers & Wilkens. Leather covers the seats as standard, obviously, but you can also ask Maserati to trim parts of the facia and doors at extra expense. 

Verdict

To analyse a car such as the Maserati Ghibli in a purely rational way is flawed and would be missing the point almost entirely. As fans of many Italian vehicles will tell you, a great number of the quirks and irritations that are often identified with Italian cars are regarded as "character building". The aim, it is said, is not perfection, but something passionate. In that sense, the Maserati Ghibli delivers giant helpings of what is required. It may not be the fastest, but it sounds the most glorious. It may not handle with the most finesse, but at least it's not a bland experience. And while the hit-and-miss interior would confound those desiring Audi-like common sense and structure, the Ghibli presents a sense of occasion… of theatre, even. So, if you're looking for reasons to buy the Maserati Ghibli S, there are more reasons not to. But if you desire a Maserati Ghibli S… well, that's a whole different story. You'll adore (most of) it.

Pricing

The Maserati Ghibli S costs R1 622 000 without options and a 3-years/unlimited km warranty is standard. The local distributors EAI also add a 3-years/60 000 km service package.

Enjoy our video review!

Have a look at three potential rivals, the Porsche Panamera S, Audi RS7 Sportback and BMW 650i Gran Coupe M Sport here

Honda Brio updated for 2016

 

Honda has given its Brio a stylistic makeover in an effort to improve its hatchback and sedan offerings' kerb appeal and offer more value to customers. Let’s see what’s changed…

The Honda Brio competes in a competitive arena where budget-conscious buyers are looking for "more car for less money" and with a host of strong competitors in this segment (Ford Figo, VW Polo Vivo, Hyundai i10, to name only a few), staying fresh and relevant is all important in the sales race.

To this end, Honda has updated its Brio model with minor exterior changes as well as a refreshed interior.

What’s changed?

Starting up front, the Brio hatchback and sedan now feature redesigned bumpers and grilles accompanied with new headlights. At the rear, the taillight clusters have been redesigned too, but that’s the extent of the cosmetic update…

The biggest change has occurred on the inside where the Brio has an all-new, sleeker-looking dashboard replete with integrated air vents and redesigned ventilation controls. All models now feature Bluetooth connectivity as standard, allowing for hands-free telephony and audio streaming.

The engine lineup remains unchanged and all Brio models are powered by a 1.2-litre engine with 65 kW and 109 Nm of torque. Buyers have the choice of a 5-speed manual transmission while a 5-speed automatic transmission is offered as an option on Comfort models.

In terms of safety, Brio models are equipped with ABS and EBD as well as dual front airbags.

Keen on the Honda Brio?

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Honda Brio Price in South Africa

Brio Hatch 1.2 Trend – R144 300

Brio Hatch 1.2 Comfort – R158 300

Brio Hatch 1.2 Comfort Auto – R171 300

Brio Sedan 1.2 Trend – R157 400

Brio Sedan 1.2 Comfort – R168 600

Brio Sedan 1.2 Comfort Auto – R181 600

Pricing includes a 5-year / 200 000 km warranty, a 2-year / 30 000 km service plan and 3-years AA Roadside Assistance.

Drag Race: Audi RS3 vs Mercedes A45 AMG [Video]

 

Fresh from a recent (and very closely-fought) victory over the BMW M2, the Mercedes-AMG A45 4MATIC lines up against Audi’s fiery five-pot RS3 Sportback in a no-holds-barred all-wheel drive straight-line shootout

Both are five-door hatchbacks. Both feature all-wheel drive. And while the Mercedes-AMG has more power, the Audi hits back with a lighter kerb weight. Can the A45 continue its winning streak or will the RS3 be the new champ? Let’s see how it plays out over a 380-metre drag race.

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View a detailed spec sheet comparing the Audi RS3 and Mercedes-AMG A45

Interested in purchasing a BMW M2? Enquire here

Perhaps a used Mercedes-AMG A45 is more appealing? Find one on Cars.co.za

Read our driving impression of the Audi RS3 Sportback here
 

5 cool cars from 2016 Jaguar Simola Hillclimb

 

The 2016 Jaguar Simola Hillclimb took place from May 6 to 8 and there were several awe-inspiring machines that bolted up the hill. We take a closer look at five of the coolest cars that featured at this year’s event…

When we attended the event in Knysna, we witnessed adrenaline-fuelled racing and among all the high-powered machinery on display, Cars.co.za's road test editor, Ashley Oldfield, was behind the wheel of his Jaguar XE 25t R-Sport, which he piloted to victory in the Media Challenge as well as achieving a third-in-class finish. Although Ashely’s performance was impressive, there were other extraordinary cars blasting up the fabled Simola Hill…

Here is our choice of the five coolest cars at the 2016 Jaguar Simola Hillclimb.

1. 1972 Chevron B26

This 1972 Chevron B26, driven by Franco Scribante, was the star of the 2016 Jaguar Simola Hillclimb. Scribante set a new Simola Hillclimb record of 38.646 sec to win the King Of The Hill Shootout. The feat was made that much more momentous after the Chevron’s suspension failed during Scribante’s fourth qualifying run, but his team managed to repair the car in time for the record-breaking run. The Chevron B26 was one of the loudest cars in the pits and it wowed spectators with its blistering acceleration off the start line. Scribante also claimed his second Classic Conqueror title on Classic Car Friday in his 1970 Chevron B19, taking a double-scoop win at this year’s event.

2. 1989 Formula One Dallara 189

The Dallara, driven by André Bezuidenhout, made its debut this year as the first F1 car to navigate the 1.9-kilometre course. The Dallara posed a serious threat, qualifying for the Top 10 shootout with a time of 39.781 seconds. Things quickly turned sour for Bezuidenhout in his fifth qualifying round when his crankshaft failed, abruptly ending his campaign. Nonetheless, the Dallara was spectacular to watch and is expected to return to the event next year.

3. Jaguar Project 7

The Jaguar Project 7 made a brief appearance at the 2016 Jaguar Simola Hillclimb. It's a limited edition model developed by Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) and the roadster pays tribute to the iconic D-Type and Jaguar’s seven historical wins at the Le Mans 24-hour endurance race. Power comes courtesy of a supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine delivering 423 kW and 680 Nm of torque. With a global production of 250 units, only five Project 7s have been allocated to South Africa, making it a rare and highly sought-after vehicle.

4. 1993 Dezzi Nissan GT-R R32

The 1993 Dezzi Nissan GT-R R32 driven by 2015 King of the Hill champion, Desmond Gutzeit, was a major highlight at this year’s event. The powerful Nissan GT-R, with at least 1 118 kW on tap, put on a mighty performance in the Top 10 shootout with an impressive time of 40.324 seconds. Despite this, Gutzeit’s efforts were not enough to beat the Chevron B26 driven by Franco Scribante. Gutziet claimed an honourable second place and the 1993 Nissan GT-R R32 remains as one of crowd favourites at the event. Better luck next time, Dezzi!

5. Lamborghini Aventador V12

The Lamborghini Aventador, driven by Colin Cary, delivered a fine show of power and speed. With its 6.5-litre V12 engine producing lofty outputs of 515 kW and 690 Nm of torque, the Aventador was lightning-fast off the line. Although the Aventador put on a good performance for spectators in the King of the Hill Supercar Shootout, it was no match for the factory-backed Nissan GT-R driven by Jaki Scheckter, posting a winning time of 43.591 seconds.  

Read more: Ashley Oldfield wins 2016 Hillclimb Challenge

Ashley Oldfield Wins Hillclimb Challenge

 

Resident Cars.co.za Road Test Editor, Ashley Oldfield took part in 2016 Jaguar Simola Hillclimb in Knysna over the weekend and walked away with two trophies for his efforts…

The Jaguar Simola Hillclimb is fast becoming the most popular motorsport event on the South African calendar and this year’s event was an absolute cracker! Having raced for Nissan in the UK, Ashley Oldfield is well versed in extracting the most performance from a car and his experience was put to the test at the 2016 Jaguar Simola Hillclimb that took place in Knysna over the weekend.

Ashley won the Media Challenge in 2015 and returned to Simola Hill this year to defend his title. The Media Challenge gives motoring media the opportunity to compete against each other and all media competitors were driving their own specially branded Jaguar XE 25t R-Sport in a bid to set the fastest time on the 1.9 km Simola Hillclimb course. Earlier this year, Cars.co.za ran the #AshJag design challenge, where we gave our followers the opportunity to design our winning Jag. Sean Plint of Johannesburg produced the winning design, which featured on Ashley's winning Jaguar XE R-Sport.   

The media contingent included Ashley Oldfield (Cars.co.za), Thomas Falkiner (Sunday Times), Nikesh Kooverjee (CAR Magazine), Andrew Leopold (SA Car Fan) and Ernest Page (Top Gear Magazine).

Time Battle

 

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Wet conditions at the start of racing made life difficult for competitors on day one with times well over a minute being posted in the first practice run. Ashley Oldfield and Tom Falkiner showed their intent early on, posting times of 57.5 and 59.2 seconds respectively, being the only two media competitors to break the minute barrier in the first practice session.

As the course dried up throughout the day, the competitors pushed that much harder and times improved steadily. At the end of the second qualifying round, Ashley Oldfield came out on top with a time of 53.045 seconds, while Thomas Falkiner was close behind with a time of 53.167 seconds. Ashley then went on to post an even better time on Sunday, claiming 52.158 seconds to take the Media Challenge win for Cars.co.za by over half a second.

Watch the winning time here

YouTube / Cars.co.za – via Iframely

Ashley’s performance also put him in the Class Final against the powerful Mercedes-AMG A 45 and the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider. With only 177 kW and 370 Nm on tap from its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, Ashley Oldfield’s Jaguar XE R-Sport was clearly outgunned against its more powerful competitors.

Nonetheless, Ashley scooped 3rd in Class and walked away with a back-to-back Media Challenge win. The Cars.co.za team would like to congratulate Ashley on his excellent performance at the 2016 Jaguar Simola Hillclimb and we look forward to seeing him defend his Media Challenge title at next year’s event.

Well done, Ashley! 
 

 

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Fiat Fullback (2016) First Drive

We headed to Turin, Italy to get a taste for the brand's entry into the double-cab market. It's essentially a Fiat-branded (new) Mitsubishi Triton, but there's so much more to it. Does it have enough to shake up the already competitive bakkie segment?

The Fullback is the result of cooperation between Fiat and Mitsubishi, which has offered its Triton double cab model in South Africa since 2007. However, the newcomer has an Italian-styled exterior and a functional, modern cabin, but shares its underpinnings and mechanical parts with the new Triton, which is still to be launched in South Africa. It is quite conceivable that the Fullback will arrive in South Africa (June 2016) before the Japanese bakkie on which it is based makes its long-awaited appearance!  

Take a walk around the new Fiat Fullback by pushing the Play button below.

 

A video posted by Cars.co.za (@carssouthafrica) on

The line up for SA

The Fullback line-up will comprise single- and double cab derivatives, powered by petrol and turbodiesel engines mated with a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. The bakkies will be available in 4×2 and 4×4 configurations.

The numbers

The newcomer has a 3.0-metre wheelbase (for a total length of 5.3 metres), a payload of 1 tonne and a towing capacity of 3 tonnes. Ground clearance is between 200 mm and 205 mm, depending on the derivative.

In terms of engines, there’s a 2.4-litre petrol engine as well as a 2.5-litre turbodiesel. The 2.4-petrol produces 97 kW and 202 Nm, while the 2.5 turbodiesel will be available in 3 states of tune: 94 kW, 100 kW and 131 kW respectively, with torque figures that vary between 200 Nm and 400 Nm.

How does it drive?

The model we drove was the 2.4-litre petrol manual 4×4. While its engine's outputs seem conservative compared with those of its rivals' powerplants we found the bakkie's performance was quite willing and capable, especially considering that there were 3 occupants on board and (to demonstrate the bakkie's carrying capacity), Fiat had loaded a combination of logs and cement bags onto the back.

Our test route took us out of the confines of Turin and out onto the Autostrada (highway) first. Despite having to haul 500 kg in cargo, a driver and a pair of passengers, the Fullback showed no shortage of in-gear urge… in fact, we did not miss a sixth ratio!  

The notoriously narrow Italian side streets can be a nightmare for a double cab, but we were pleasantly surprised by how nimble and agile the Fiat felt in urban confines. The current market leaders (Hilux and Ranger) have both grown in size considerably and, as a result, can be quite unwieldy. The Fullback, on the other hand, effortlessly completed three-point turns as we were sent in completely in the wrong directions by an erratic aftermarket satnav unit mounted on the dashboard.


Top-spec cabin boasts quality features and generous specification. 

Despite the fact that the engine worked hard, we were impressed by the levels of quietness in the cabin. The ride quality was a revelation too – none of that stereotypical "choppy double cab ride" was present. A quick sit behind yourself test revealed substantial rear legroom.

We’ll get confirmation on final specification levels once the local models arrive, but based on our vehicle and these press images of the top-spec model, we’ll get power steering, electric windows, climate control, steering wheel mounted controls and, potentially, the Uconnect touchscreen infotainment system.

Offroad ability


Decent on-road manners and low noise levels in the cabin were pleasant surprises

Fiat Professional was keen to highlight the Fullback’s off-road ability. We had the opportunity to put the vehicle through its paces in a forest, however the aftermarket satnav did a fine job of getting us lost, so we were restricted to an on-tar evaluation only. On paper, the manual Fullbacks have a traditional transfer case gear lever that allows the vehicle to shift between two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive high and low-range mode.

The automatic-equipped Fullbacks make use of an electronic selector and this allows drivetrain mode shifts at speeds of up to 100 kph. With a ground clearance of 205 mm, and the aforementioned drive options, the Fiat Fullback looks like it has the basics covered in terms of off-road operation.

Will it sell?

The key to the Fullback’s success will be its "competitive" pricing. Even if FCA can only hold its introductory pricing for two/three months, the early adopters may give the product the marketing battle won. The MOPAR range of accessories, including such items as blingy wheels, tonneau covers and roll bars will be made available, and given South Africans' love for customising bakkies, these make a big difference in terms of visual appeal.

The Fiat will have its fair share of detractors (obviously) as this segment’s buying decisions are largely based on brand loyalty and dealer back-up. We feel that the Fiat Fullback has what it takes to gain a notable share of this market. While it's going to be hard to sway current Hilux and Ranger owners, smaller bakkie brands are in Fiat’s crosshairs and if the Fullback's pricing and dealership backup are good, as the firm promises, the opposition should take note of this new arrival. Should you? Let's see the pricing first! But it does look promising…

Mercedes-Benz GLS (2016) Specs & Price

The ultimate Mercedes-Benz SUV is about to be launched in South Africa and we have specifications plus pricing for this seven-seat juggernaut.

The GLS is claimed to be the "S-Class of SUVs". In other words, it is supposed to offer more comfort and luxury features than the overwhelming majority of SUVs. And, in the case of this seven-seater, Benz is in a class of its own. But, when you’re paying in excess of R2-million for a vehicle, it ought to be! 

The outgoing GL was an impressive vehicle and despite its awkward size, pleasant and refined to drive. For the renamed and updated GLS, there are a number of improvements. There’s a focus on improved efficiency, remapped dynamic select driving modes, updated air suspension, which should result in a smoother ride, and the firm's new 9-speed transmission, as well as the latest Mercedes-Benz's safety and connectivity systems, have been included.

At this level of the market, vehicles' specification lists are comprehensive and for the GLS, there are surprisingly few optional extras listed on Mercedes-Benz SA's online configurator. Options worth mentioning are the Bang & Olufsen audio system, rear climate control system and the heated steering wheel.

There’s also a high level of safety equipment for the seven passengers. Apart from 9 airbags, collision prevention assist plus, crosswind- and attention assist, pre-safe, brake assist, traction- and cruise control are fitted. The Driver Assistance Package, which includes Distronic Plus radar-guided cruise control, automatic pedestrian braking, cross-traffic assist, active blind spot- and lane-keeping assist and a speed limiter, can be specified additionally.

Check out more specification details about this vehicle here

The SA line-up


Seven seats and ultimate SUV luxury is what the Mercedes-Benz GLS is all about

There are three engines to choose from: two turbopetrols and one turbodiesel. Starting from the bottom of the price spectrum, the GLS350d is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel motor that develops 190 kW and 620 Nm and Mercedes-Benz claims an average fuel consumption figure of between 7.1 and 7.6 L/100 km for this model. Power is directed to all four wheels through a 9-speed automatic transmission.

Moving into the sportier turbopetrol options, you have the choice of two V8 engines. First up is the GLS500 – it is equipped with a 4.7-litre V8 that produces 335 kW and 700 Nm, will accelerate from zero to 100 kph in 5.3 seconds and go onto a limited top speed of 250 kph. It’s claimed to consume between 10.9 and 11.3 L/100 km and is, like the GLS350d, equipped with a 9-speed auto 'box.

Meanwhile, the flagship GLS63 AMG offers lofty outputs of 430 kW and 760 Nm of torque, which are enough to propel it from 0 to 100 kph in 4.6 seconds, the firm says. Power is transmitted to all four wheels through a 7-speed automatic 'box. A combined cycle consumption figure of 12.3 L/100 km is claimed.

Mercedes-Benz GLS prices in South Africa

GLS350d R1 283 900

GLS500 R1 444 400

GLS63AMG R2 246 900

Interested in buying a used Mercedes-Benz GL? Search for one on Cars.co.za

2016 Hyundai Tucson – In-Depth Review, pricing and specs [Video]

 

The Tucson name will be remembered fondly by South Africans. In fact, the first version of Hyundai’s compact SUV remains a popular buy on the used market to this day, just like its successor, the ix35.

But with the latest version the brand has taken another significant step up the prestige ladder. Borrowing heavily from its bigger sibling, the Santa Fe, in the design stakes, the new Tucson is a very attractive competitor in what has become a fiercely contested segment.

In this video we review the two-wheel-driven 1.6-litre turbocharged model (with a six-speed manual gearbox), detail its specification, test its spaciousness and ponder its likely market success.

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Interested in buying a new Hyundai Tucson? Find one here

Interested in buying a used Hyundai ix35? Find one on Cars.co.za

View a detailed specification sheet of the 1.6 Turbo Executive

Read our first test drive review of the 2016 Hyundai Tucson

Mercedes-AMG A45 4MATIC (2016) Review

Following a mild facelift and a few technical upgrades, the Mercedes-AMG A45 4MATIC remains the most potent performance hatchback available in South Africa. But, given the introduction of the Audi RS3 and a coupe-based competitor in the shape of BMW's M2, is the A45 4MATIC still the ultimate compact performance machine? 

We Like: Performance, handling, interior quality

We Don’t Like: upright driving position, price premium for a hatchback-based sportscar  

Alternatives

  • For more power: The BMW M2 might hold the edge in terms of torque output, but the A45 remains the most powerful weapon of choice, especially in the all-wheel drive super hatchback stakes. There is still no 4-cylinder petrol engine in series production that produces higher outputs than the Benz's motor.  
  • For better practicality: Even though the A45 won't be bought with luggage space requirements foremost in mind, the Audi RS3 is more tastefully packaged (for more conservative, less image-conscious buyers) and the A3 model's practical advantages over the A-Class remain.
  • For kerb appeal: Given the Benz's lofty price tag, many buyers may consider more conventional sportscars, such as the two-door BMW M2 or Porsche 718 Cayman, both of which offer excellent pedigrees and appeal to performance driving connoisseurs.

Compare the Mercedes-AMG A45 4MATIC with the Audi RS3 and BMW M2

When the A45 arrived in 2013, it instantly became one of the most desirable super hatchbacks on the market, for two good reasons. It catapulted the already fashionable A-Class into a rarefied performance realm, and its all-wheel drivetrain harnessed the 265 kW and 450 Nm of torque with zeal.

Enthusiasts (including us) revelled in the Benz's outright ability and the car featured in numerous Cars.co.za drag races where it put on mightily impressive performances – watch a drag race video in which the facelifted A45 goes head to head with the M2 and be sure to visit our YouTube channel. The  A45, in a short space of time, became widely regarded as the benchmark vehicle in the performance hatchback segment.

The A-Class recently received a facelift (read a review of the A220d), and the 4MATIC (all-wheel drive) A45 sits at its pinnacle. AMG had a good product to build on and this latest incarnation comes with a host of improvements, including improved power and torque outputs, plus updated transmission mapping. 

Understated looks


Optional dark-tined glass and 19-inch alloys make the otherwise mild A45 look sinister and mean.

Our test unit was finished in a Cirrus White body colour and featured a host of optional extras to make it stand out visually. This Mercedes-AMG was kitted out with, inter alia, 19-inch multispoke alloy wheels (R13 500), red-painted brake callipers (R7 000), automatic panoramic sliding sunroof (R13 000), dark tinted class (R11 000), AMG performance exhaust (R8 500) and carbon fibre side mirrors (R16 600).

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Five Improvements: Facelifted Mercedes-Benz A-Class

How does it fare in…

Performance

The turbocharged 2.0-litre engine now offers a significant bump in power and torque over its predecessor with a total of 280 kW (+25 kW) and 475 Nm of torque (+25 Nm). Those numbers are delivered to all four wheels using a revised 7-speed dual clutch transmission that can be operated manually by utilising the steering wheel-mounted shift paddles. By adopting revised ratios, AMG has measurably improved the way the A45 responds to throttle inputs and, in conjunction with more flexible performance, the super hatchback's zero to 100 kph acceleration time has improved to 4.2 seconds.  

Four driving modes are available to the driver and these include Individual (customisable engine, transmission and ESP settings), Comfort (for general driving conditions), Sport (engine and transmission enhanced) and Sport+ (engine and transmission optimised for sporty driving). In Sport and Sport+ mode, the engine note becomes distinctly louder and the A45 emits a series of percussive pops and growls under hard acceleration. There’s also an exhaust button on the centre console that will amplify the engine's barks. It’s awesome, but unlikely to score you brownie points with the neighbours (to say the least).

Over and above the rate of acceleration, the Benz remains "poised and planted" while it lays its power down on the asphalt. Suffice to say that with such sizeable power and torque reserves on tap, driving slowly requires a lot of forethought and application. Performance is definitely this car’s strongest attribute.

Handling


Although quad tips are standard, the optional AMG exhaust system emits a provocative soundtrack. 

When we tested the Mercedes-AMG on track (at Cape Town's Killarney circuit), the test unit could show its true colours. On the road, the A45 feels muzzled and caged because opportunities to access all of its power and dynamic ability are virtually non-existent, but on a track it's a different story altogether. The 4MATIC system is able to dynamically distribute power to the ends of the vehicle where it's most needed. It's extremely effective on corner exit where you can feel the system quelling understeer and pulling the front wheels to the inside. In most systems, the traction control system limits the power in order to keep the car from understeering wide but, in the A45, you don't feel it as much; it feels ballistic when you mash the throttle on the way out of a corner.

It is quite an easy car to get to grips with and steadily, evenly, increase your driving speed. The 4MATIC system is forgiving and it's never twitchy nor snappy – even if you panic brake or lift off the throttle mid-turn. To match its sporty demeanour, the suspension setup of the A45 is firm. On even road surfaces, ride quality is fair, but the suspension gets quite crashy on bumpy roads. The adaptive suspension option is a must for ride comfort's sake.  

Fuel economy

With a claimed fuel consumption figure of 7.3 L/100 km, one would expect the A45 to be quite economical. That’s not the case in reality, though. During our tenure with the A45, we achieved over 12.0 L/100 km with a mix of normal and spirited driving. With its 56-litre fuel tank you should be able to squeeze 500 km from a full tank.

In Comfort mode, the ECO start/stop function is activated, which aids fuel economy when you are stationary by switching off the engine. In Sport and Sport+ modes, the ECO start/stop function is deactivated and as is to be expected, you will burn more fuel driving in these modes, but that is something that most buyers are likely to embrace because, for them, the A45's performance capabilities are likely to be far more important than its thirst.

Interior comfort

 
The strategic application of Alcantara on the steering wheel makes its rim extra grippy. 

The interior of this A45 is sporty and well-appointed. The flat-bottomed multifunction steering features perforated leather and the column is adjustable for rake and reach. The sports seats offer maximum comfort with sufficient bolstering and seat cushion adjustment is standard to accommodate different body sizes. Optional seat heating (R4 200), as well as seat memory function (R8 000) was also fitted.

In terms of infotainment, the optional COMAND Online system (R24 000) takes care of navigation, audio and telephonic requirements via an 8-inch display. We found the system easy to use and navigate. The optional Harmon Kardon surround-sound system (R8 900) was additionally specified.

Although practicality may not be the A45’s forte, it does offer 341 litres of boot space. With the 60:40 split rear seats folded flat, space increases to a sizable 1 157 litres. Rear passengers should be reasonably comfortable in the back too, with enough leg, head and shoulder room.

Safety features

The A45 is equipped with ABS, EBD, brake assist, traction control and stability control, plus seven airbags as standard. Optional safety features fitted to this particular test unit includes lane keeping assist and blind spot assist (R10 500), reversing camera (R4 600), parking pilot (R8 900) and distance pilot DISTRONIC (R12 900).

Mercedes-AMG A45 4MATIC price in South Africa

The Mercedes-AMG A 45 4MATIC is priced from R737 314 and is sold with a 2-year unlimited km warranty and a 6-year / 100 000 km maintenance plan.

Verdict

It may be a hatchback, but its firm, sporty ride setup and ferocious thirst make the A45 less than not the most practical car on the road . Yes, its performance and handling capabilities have improved compared with those of its predecessor and its cabin is attractive and well-built, providing high levels of comfort and refinement. Overall, the A 45 is well-accomplished and is worth consideration if sheer performance and head-turning looks are what you are looking for.

But there's a caveat. Although the A45 is about R40 000 cheaper than the Audi RS3, ticking options can translate into a massively inflated price tag. This test unit was fitted with nearly R200 000 worth of optional extras, which pushed the price up to over R920 000, which is rather excessive for a hatchback, albeit a stupendously fast one. We feel that, on balance, the A45 is a trifle overblown. Granted, it's not an everyman's car and will suit some buyers to a tee, but as the A45 ventures into sportscar territory, there are rivals that offer a better balance between racy packaging, performance, comfort and price.  

Mercedes-AMG A45 4MATIC – quick specs

Look for a new Mercedes-AMG A 45 4MATIC

Look for a used Mercedes-AMG A 45 4MATIC

Watch a drag race video featuring the A45 going up against the BMW M2:

YouTube / Cars.co.za – via Iframely

 

5-door Volkswagen Up! (2016) Specs & Price

Volkswagen South Africa has bolstered its popular Up! range with the addition of new 5-door derivatives.

The Volkswagen Up! has only been available in South Africa in 3-door guise, but that has all changed with the introduction of new 5-door derivatives to bolster the Wolfsburg-based firm's local lineup. The new Up! range still incorporates 3-door variants, but now includes 5-door Take Up!, Move Up!, Cross Up! and Colour Up! versions. The Club Up! is now the only derivative in the range that’s offered exclusively in 3-door configuration.

New models to the Up! range include the Cross Up! crossover that’s fitted with the familiar 1.0-litre 3-cylinder engine that powers the entire range. This engine offers 55 kW and 95 Nm of torque and is mated with a 5-speed manual transmission. Fuel consumption for the Cross Up! is rated at 4.7 L/100 km.

In addition to the specification offered on the Move Up!, the Cross Up! has 16-inch Cross alloy wheels, light silver housings for the heated side mirrors, a leather-covered steering wheel, black protective side mouldings for the wheel arches, sills and doors, silver anodized roof rails and a colour-coded dashboard insert.

Meanwhile, the Colour Up! offers added kerb appeal with two contrasting colour combinations: Sandstorm Yellow and Fortana Red. In addition to colour-coded (19-inch) rims and mirror housings (in either Sandstorm or Fortana), height-adjustable driver and passenger seat, special edition Colour Up! stickers on its sides, as well as fabric seat upholstery with "Dots" pattern are standard.

Volkswagen Up! prices in South Africa

Volkswagen Take Up! three-door – R152 500

Volkswagen Take Up! five-door – R156 300

Volkswagen Move Up! three-door – R159 600

Volkswagen Move Up! five-door – R163 400

Volkswagen Club Up! three-door – R168 350

Volkswagen Cross Up! five-door – R181 400

Volkswagen Colour Up five-door – R185 000

Additional Content

Volkswagen Up! (2015) Review

Budget Car Comparison: Volkswagen Move Up! Vs Toyota Aygo X-Play

Volkswagen Up! vs Polo Vivo – Which Is Better? (Video)

Watch a video review of the Volkswagen Up! below

Facelifted Up! coming in 2017

Apart from these new additions to the local Up! range, the facelifted Up! is due to arrive in South Africa early next year with a host of exterior and interior improvements. The big news for the facelifted Up!, however, is that it will feature a new 1.0-litre 3-cylinder engine that will produce more power (at 66 kW) and more torque (at 160 Nm). Not bad for a small capacity engine! Fuel consumption for the facelifted Up! is said to be a respectable 4.6 L/100 km. 

Interested in buying a new Volkswagen Up!? Click here

Want to buy a used Volkswagen Up!? Search for one on Cars.co.za