Lexus RX350 EX (2016) Review

When it comes to the Lexus RX the headlines are usually dominated by the flagship RX450h hybrid model. In reality, however, it is the RX350 derivatives that represents the pick of the litter…

We like: Standard features, build quality, rear legroom, refinement, value

We don’t like: Finicky infotainment controls, high boot floor

Alternatives:

For better economy: If you don’t mind opting for a turbodiesel instead, then consider the BMW X5 xDrive25d or the Volvo XC90 D4 Momentum. At this price level, however, you will have to sacrifice standard specification if you do that. For flair, spec and greater economy, you may want to look at the ageing Infiniti QX70 3.0d GT.
For more space: The new Volvo XC90 T5 Momentum is the most practical premium SUV you can buy at this price level. The Audi Q7 is another option, but in 2.0T form it's more expensive and down on specification.
For better value: If it’s a premium SUV you want and R839 000 is what you can spend, the Lexus RX350 offers an unbeatable combination of prestige, specification, quality, power and refinement.

Wallflower no more

Large spindle grille and 20-inch alloy wheels endow the RX350 with lots of presence.

We recently published a review of the flagship RX450h model and although that derivative impressed on many fronts, the overall impression was spoilt somewhat by a drivetrain that doesn’t quite offer the performance/economy balance that it promises on paper.

It was noted back then, already, that the RX350 looked very appealing at first glance and that it could be the pick of the two-car range. Why is that? Well, just look at it. For a good R200 000 less, you get a vehicle that looks pretty much identical to its more expensive sibling, and one that offers near-identical standard specification, too!

And, yes, we do like the dramatic looks of the new RX. Riding on “blingy” 20-inch alloy wheels and with that mammoth spindle grille upfront, it certainly doesn’t hide in the shadows anymore. Compared with the RX450h you’ll have to look very closely and have a specification sheet at hand to notice that those wheels are of a slightly different design, and that the pricier model has fancier Tri-LED headlamps and sequential indicators that work in conjunction with the LEDs.

How does it fare in…

Comfort and luxury features?

RX350's interior is loaded with standard features that would cost extra on rivals.

The Lexus recipe has been the same for many years and is very different to the approach followed by the German brands. Essentially, what you see is what you get and there are no options. And what you get is a lot!

For example, both the front seats are multi-way electrically adjustable, cooled and heated and offer memory functions. The steering wheel, too, is electrically adjustable. You also get one of the biggest infotainment screens on the market as standard, and there’s a clever pad in front of the transmission tunnel to recharge your mobile phone without the need for wires. Needless to say – this is a Lexus after all – the build quality is superb and the fittings are top class. As we also found on the RX450h, a minor irritation was the noisy ventilating fans in the seats.

The RX350 doesn’t offer the flagship’s Mark Levinson sound system as standard, but the 12-speaker system instead still delivers excellent sound quality and you get two USB slots (as well as auxiliary input socket) in the storage box between the front seats. Voice control and navigation are also part of the package. Of course, the RX350 shares its control interface with the RX450h, too, and while the combination of a mouse-like controller with haptic feedback sounds good in theory, it just doesn’t work very intuitively in practice.

The new RX is slightly longer, wider and lower than its predecessor, and the wheelbase has been lengthened, too. The result is significantly more rear legroom. In fact, the second row is particularly spacious, with seats that can slide forward/backward if needed and come with adjustable backrests. There are even retractable sunblinds for rear passengers. Due to the almost “fastback-like” styling, rear headroom is slightly limited. A standard sunroof is another specification item you're unlikely to find on the competition at this price level.

Performance and fuel economy?

Simple, clear instrumentation for the RX350, and a comprehensive digital information display.

The RX350 EX is powered by the brand’s updated 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine that produces some 17 kW and 24 Nm of torque more than before. With 221 kW and 370 Nm available, it’s not short on power. Power goes to all four wheels (varied, as required) via an eight-speed automatic transmission as opposed to the seamless CVT of the RX450h.

And you know what? It works. We took the RX350 on two long runs of around 800 km each, and were impressed not only by the power and refinement, but also, perhaps surprisingly, the fuel economy. Lexus claims a combined-cycle claimed fuel economy figure of 9.6 L/100 km, and this is exactly what we achieved on one of the runs, with the other being 10.1. These are good consumption figures for a vehicle of this size and power and were achieved with a full luggage area and four passengers, as well as selecting Eco mode (Normal and Sport are also offered). Of course, if you're going to mostly trundle around town, the constant acceleration and deceleration, combined with the vehicle's overall mass will see that consumption figure look rather different.

While this achieved figure is still worse than RX450h's, as well as most of the turbodiesels, the gap is however clearly much smaller than it appears on paper, and that means the RX350’s price advantage should be considered even more strongly. Plus the drive in the RX350 is so refined…

Ride and refinement

Normal, Eco and Sport modes are offered. Note beautiful wooden inlay.

As we’ve come to expect from Lexus, the NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) control of the RX is quite superb. The vault-like cabin lets in precious little noise when cruising, the sturdiness of the materials and general rattle-free nature of the cabin further enhances the perception of refinement. So it’s just those noisy seat fans that irritate.

The engine, too, is smooth and quiet when you’re out of the hustle and bustle of the city and the ride quality is exemplary in these circumstances. And seeing as the typical CVT characteristic of engine revs shooting up and causing a drone is absent, the RX350's drivetrain feels more refined, too.

Overall, it’s only the ride from those large wheels on poor surfaces that causes a slight smudge on an otherwise copybook performance, in terms of refinement. But on most surfaces (even well-maintained gravel), the RX350's is a beautifully supple cruiser.

Practicality

The RX350's rear legroom is impressive, and the seats can slide backwards/forwards as required.

The new-generation RX is about as long as a BMW X5 or Porsche Cayenne, but more compact than the Volvo XC90 or Audi Q7. It was never designed to offer third-row seating, and with its swoopy fastback styling was clearly not conceptualised to be the last word in family-friendly packaging.

Open the (slow) electrically operated tailgate and you’re confronted with a boot that is about average in size for this category of vehicle, and which has a very high load floor courtesy of the standard fitment of a full-size spare wheel. Of course, if more packing space is needed you can fold down the middle row, which can conveniently be done by using levers mounted in the sidewall of the boot. But keep in mind that the load surface won’t be even due to the stepped nature of the boot floor.

So, in terms of actual packing space for luggage, the RX350 falls some way short of class best. But there are some clever touches. For example, if you lift up that boot floor, you will find a reasonably sized storage compartment to accommodate smaller/fragile items, and if you really want, you can always remove the foam insert that “fills out” the upside-down alloy wheel and put more things in there.

In the cabin, the door pockets are big and can even fold out, and there’s another storage compartment in the front passenger footwell. We also like the flat design of the facia. Combined with the grippy leather that covers it, you have a perfect place to rest magazines/books on a long road trip.

Verdict

The RX350 represents excellent value for money in the Premium SUV segment.

For the money, it is really hard to argue a case against the Lexus RX350. Yes, a turbodiesel rival would ultimately be more economical and yes, the RX is not the most spacious SUV around. But it makes up for these small deficiencies in so many other areas. It is superbly built, loaded with standard features that would inflate the price of just about any other rival, refined and offers good performance as well as surprising fuel economy. It gets a big thumbs-up.

Pricing

The Lexus RX350 EX sells for R839 000 and comes with a four-years/100 000 km vehicle warranty and maintenance plan. Servicing is required every 15 000 km.

Compare the Lexus RX350 EX with the Volvo XC90 T5 Momentum and Audi Q7 2.0T here

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All-New Renault Koleos Revealed

Renault has revealed the all-new Koleos SUV ahead of its official debut at next week’s Beijing Motor Show.

Renault’s flagship Koleos SUV has been around for a few years and let’s be honest, it never really sold well, both locally and abroad. Renault has however breathed new life into the Koleos and an all-new model will be shown at the Beijing Motor Show next week. This is no coincidence either, as China is a key market for the new Koleos and it will be built there too. China will also receive the model first before it’s rolled out into international markets.

The Koleos faces stiff competition from competitors such as the Honda CR-V, Ford Kuga, Volkswagen Tiguan and Toyota’s RAV4. Sporting a new look, the new Koleos may just rise from the ashes after all. Renault South Africa has stated that the Koleos replacement is under consideration for local introduction in 2017.

New Koleos details

The new Koleos borrows it’s styling cues from the smaller Kadjar crossover SUV (which was recently introduced in South Africa) and the Talisman mid-size sedan. The new model shares its underpinnings with the Nissan X-Trail as part of the Renault-Nissan alliance and is built on the Common Module Family (CMF) platform.

It was originally reported that the new Koleos would be a seven-seater, much like the Nissan X-Trail on which it’s based, but Renault has instead opted to develop the Koleos as a 5-seater SUV. It shares its wheelbase with the X-Trail (2 705 mm) but is slightly longer and wider. Without a third row of seats, the Koleos is expected to offer impressive levels of luggage space.

South African engine offerings for the new Koleos have yet to be confirmed, but the new model will be offered in both front- and rear-wheel drive guises.

More details will be revealed when the new Koleos is officially revealed next week; we will provide you with further details as they become available.

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Land Rover Defender 110 Heritage Edition (2016) Review

Production of the iconic Defender has come to an end, but the legend lives on. We take a closer look at the special Land Rover Defender Heritage Edition…

Price: R714 800

We Like: Rugged design, 4×4 capability

We Don’t Like: Lack of safety features, expensive

Alternatives:

For something more modern: Ford Everest, Land Rover Discovery

For more performance: Toyota Land Cruiser V8 Diesel

For more 4×4 capability: Nothing beats the Defender.

What is it?

In the world of 4×4’s, the Land Rover Defender is probably the most instantly recognisable (and therefore, iconic) 4×4 vehicle that money can buy and, given that more than 2 million Series Land Rovers and Defenders have been produced at Solihull in the United Kingdom since 1948, the global popularity of the Defender is undeniable. No matter who you are, we'd say the likelihood that you know someone who has a story about a Defender is pretty high…

To celebrate the iconic Defender, Land Rover introduced a total of 215 Celebration Edition Defenders to the South African market in 2015. The offering included Heritage and Adventure Editions in both 90 (short wheelbase) and 110 (long wheelbase) derivatives. According to Land Rover South Africa, all Defender Celebration Editions have been sold out in South Africa. For Defender enthusiasts then, best keep your eye on the used car market for one of these special Defender Celebration Edition models.

We wanted to give the Defender 110 Heritage Edition a dignified send-off and decided to put it through its paces on a fully-fledged camping trip into the Olifants River Mountains in the Western Cape. How did it fare, you may ask? Let’s find out…

Unashamedly old-school

This Defender Heritage Edition pays homage to the pre-production 1947 Hue 166 Series 1 with its classic design details and old-school styling. The Defender 110 Heritage Edition dons a metallic Grasmere Green body with a contrasting Alaska White roof and rides on heavy-duty 16-inch wheels shod with off-road tyres. The rugged look is further emphasised with a heritage-style grille, silver door hinges and aluminium heritage badging found on the grille and rear body panel. From the outside then, the Defender 110 Heritage Edition looks like a relic from the past, nothing more, nothing less.

A total of seven passengers can be seated in the Defender 110 Heritage Edition and although the simple interior design is a throwback to Defenders from a bygone era, it’s functional and comes with a few modern touches too. The seats are upholstered in comfortable Almond Resolve cloth and vinyl while aluminium air vent bezels and door handles liven up the interior somewhat. The steering wheel (not adjustable for rake and reach) features a perforated leather outer rim, which is also found on the gear lever and handbrake. With its minimalist design, the Defender Heritage Edition is a 4×4 enthusiast's dream…

How does it fare in…?

Performance

This Defender 110 Heritage Edition is powered by a 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine that offers 90 kW and 360 Nm of torque. All four wheels are driven through a 6-speed manual transmission. At start up, the engine is gruff – it idles as if it had just woken up with a bad hangover, but you get used to it. The Defender is no speed demon, but it has enough power to comfortably reach 120 kph on the highway. Overtaking manoeuvres do, however, require some planning and gearing down. Talking of gears, the gear lever is a bit notchy and the act of changing gears requires a fair amount of force. In terms of fuel consumption, Land Rover claims 11.1 L/100 km and you will do well to achieve that in the real world, but with its 75-litre fuel tank, you won’t be filling up all that often.

The high driving position gives the driver good visibility of the road ahead and because of its top-heavy design, the Defender is susceptible to a fair degree of body roll when its negotiates corners. Overall the performance of the Defender Heritage Edition is not for the faint of heart. It’s noisy, cumbersome and rough around the edges, but in many ways, that makes it attractive too.

4×4 capability

The Defender Heritage Edition shines brightest in the rough stuff. Our route into the mountains included long, corrugated gravel roads, steep rocky inclines and undulating mountain passes. The Defender felt right at home in those conditions and, with its exceptional ground clearance of over 300 mm, the Landy can crawl over just about anything that its surrounding topography can muster.

When the going gets tough, low range (4L) can be engaged using the transfer case lever, but for most applications, high range (4H) is more than sufficient. During our excursion, the Defender Heritage Edition had little trouble in dealing with the dirt. In fact, it inspired confidence over rocky terrain especially.

Practicality

Although the Defender Heritage Edition excels as a 4×4, it’s not very practical vehicle for the urban commute. Apart from its thirst, the sheer size of the Land Rover makes manoeuvring a chore, and remember to keep its large turning circle in mind before you choose a parking spot or attempt a U-turn.

A pitfall of having a vehicle standing so high off the ground is that it’s difficult to get in and out of, but this Defender is equipped with a side step to help you out, something short (or more mature) passengers will appreciate. A step is also fitted at the rear, allowing for easier access to the rear seats.

As mentioned previously, this Defender is a 7-seater, with two foldable rear seats in the luggage bay. When upright, the seats can accommodate two adults (just about), but at least headroom is ample. When the seats are folded to the sides, loading space increases to a maximum 1 124 litres. We managed to pack the Defender to the roof with camping gear for five people and we still had space for two rather cute dogs on top. It all worked out perfectly.

Features

One thing to be mindful of when considering the Defender Heritage Edition, is that it lacks many of the comfort and safety features that are common in most new cars on the market today. The seats are manually adjusted and the steering wheel can’t be adjusted. There’s no cruise control or USB port either but at least the front windows are electric. A basic air conditioning system is included and an aftermarket Alpine radio CD player is fitted too. On the safety front, it must be highlighted that the Defender Heritage Edition is not equipped with any airbags but ABS, traction control and stability control is fitted.

It’s all very basic in this Defender, and in many ways, that’s how it should be for a vehicle of this nature. I found it particularly refreshing to be out in the wild, in a raw vehicle, with no way of charging my smartphone. The Defender brings you down to earth and makes you appreciate the present moment. In a world where technology is constantly in your face, the Defender forces you to forget about all the technological clutter of life. Few cars these days have that kind of power…

Verdict

The Land Rover Defender Heritage Edition will tug at the heart strings of 4×4 enthusiasts and those with an adventurous spirit. As an adventure vehicle, it excels with its proven capability but it will remain a niche product that only hardened 4×4 nuts will cough up money for. It's certainly not suited for the city and with a price tag of R714 800 and only basic features on offer, it’s difficult to justify buying this Defender when cars such as the new Ford Everest, for example, has so much more to offer for considerably less money.

But that’s missing the point entirely, the Defender Heritage Edition laughs in the face of modernity and revels in its simplicity. If you want to drive a piece of motoring history, then the Defender Heritage Edition will fill your heart with joy. Long live the Defender!

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Land Rover Defender Heritage Edition – Quick Specs

Land Rover Defender Heritage Edition – Farewell Video Review

New Volkswagen Tiguan (2016) Heading to SA

The new Volkswagen Tiguan is expected to arrive in South Africa at the end of 2016.

The new Tiguan is the first SUV from Volkswagen to be built on the brand’s Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) platform and considering how long its predecessor has been on the market, the new version's arrival (expected in the fourth quarter of the year) should shake up the compact SUV segment.

Tiguan details

The new Tiguan was first shown at last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show and it's longer, wider and up to 50 kg lighter than its predecessor. The wheelbase base has been extended too, which translates into a more spacious cabin.

In terms of engines, Volkswagen is yet to confirm engine offerings for South Africa but you can expect a range of turbopetrol and -diesel engines to power the new Tiguan. Fuel efficiency is said to have improved by up to 24% too. On the petrol front, there’s the possibility of four TSI engines with power outputs ranging from 92 kW, 110 kW, 140 kW and 162 kW.

Similarly, four turbodiesel derivatives with power outputs of 85 kW, 110 kW, 140 kW and 176 kW may be on the cards. The new Tiguan range is also expected to comprise front- and all-wheel drive derivatives.

Click here for more details on the new Volkswagen Tiguan

We will keep you updated as soon as specification and pricing details become available closer to the launch of the new Volkswagen Tiguan. Stay tuned!

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Toyota Corolla Quest enhanced for 2016

Toyota has improved its locally-built Corolla Quest offering in South Africa.

When the Quest was introduced to market back in 2014, it presented an excellent value proposition for buyers looking for an affordable, well-built sedan. That proposition still stands, but Toyota is now building on the success of the Quest with minor exterior improvements as well as the addition of extra interior features.

New features for Quest

The enhanced Quest now features color-coded accents applied to the door handles and electrically adjustable side mirrors. All models in the Quest range now feature electric windows with one-touch function.

These features are in addition to the following standard specification:

• Aircon

• Illuminated entry

• Multi-information Display

• Electric Power Steering

• Tilt & Telescopic steering adjustment

• Anti-theft system

• Auto door lock

• Remote central locking

• ISOFIX-anchor points

• Driver & Passenger airbags

• ABS + EBD + Brake Assist

Two trim levels are on offer for the Quest, including standard and Plus. The Quest Plus includes a 4-speaker CD/radio with USB connectivity and now also benefits from Bluetooth connectivity.

The Quest is powered by a 1.6-litre, 16-valve petrol engine that develops 90 kW and 154 Nm of torque. A 6-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission are on offer too, while Plus models are only fitted with the manual box. Toyota claims 7.1 L / 100 km for the Quest.

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Toyota Corolla Quest Price in South Africa

Quest 1.6 – R199 400

Quest 1.6 AT – R214 600

Quest 1.6 Plus- R215 100

All Toyota Quest models are sold with a 3-year / 100 000 km warranty and 3-year / 45 000 km service plan.

Toyota Corolla Quest Video Review

BMW M2 Coupe (2016) First Drive

The BMW M2 has arrived in South Africa and it’s a baby M car that BMW isn’t ashamed to stick a full M badge on.

The BMW M2 is the successor to the 1M Coupe – a nuggety, short-wheelbase hooligan of a machine. The 1M was great fun but, never got the full M title it deserved because BMW regards the M1 nameplate (which featured on the supercar the Munich-based manufacturer built in the late '70s) as sacrosanct. Now that the 1 Series Coupe is called a 2 Series, BMW has no problem sticking a full M2 logo on the back of it's flagship model. The BMW M2 was launched at the Franschhoek Motor Museum in Cape Town this week and we were there to give the newcomer a spin on track…

It’s faster

The M2 is essentially an M235i with plenty of M go-faster bits. The bits mostly come from the M3 and include a special M differential, M axles and M steering system. It wouldn’t be special if it didn’t have more power, so the engineers have upped the power to 272 kW with 500 Nm of torque when the overboost kicks in. The way the engineers explained it, the M2 is an M235i but with a little bit extra and it has the capability to spend long periods on track and remain reliable under high-stress usage (not exactly the boastful description we were expecting of a baby M car). The BMW M2 takes only 4.3 seconds to crack 100 kph from standstill before reaching its limited top speed of 250 kph, a figure that can be increased to 270 kph with the M Drivers Package option box ticked.

Track time

BMW only had one car available to test on the track, so that meant one hot lap and a cool down lap to try and judge the M2’s abilities. Thankfully, BMW organised a host of other M products to keep us entertained while we waited for our laps in the M2. The track at the Franschhoek Motor Museum is picturesque – it's built at the foot of a mountain. It must be nice to have your own private race track in the garden, but I can’t help but feel that BMW could have made the experience more fun and technical. Having warmed up in the M235i with M Performance parts for a couple laps, I jumped aboard the M2.

As a result, the upgrades in the M2 felt instantly noticeable. The front-end of the M2 is more willing to hunt down an apex and the engine feels like it’s been freed of restriction, unlike the M235i. The M2 revs for ages as well and will happily allow you to rev it out to 7 000 rpm. That’s not necessary with turbo motors (as maximum torque is available from so low down the rev range) so it’s actually faster to shift earlier and ride the wave of torque.

The short time on track didn’t afford us much time to learn the M2’s secrets, but the initial impression is that the newcomer doesn’t seem as wild as the old 1M. If anything, the M2 has too much grip. Flattening the throttle while applying an armful of lock did nothing more than make the 19-inch wheels chirp before the BMW kicked back into line. That may, in part, be due to the immaculate tarmac of the Franschhoek track and its fast corners. Even Bruno Spengler of DTM stardom was unable to hang the back out of the M2, this after spinning an M3 into the veld moments earlier.

Go Pro

BMW has cleverly integrated a GoPro application within its Connected Drive infotainment system. The app connects seamlessly with a GoPro dash-mounted camera and then records fast laps with the ability to plug in data from the vehicle. Things like steering angle, braking, acceleration and speed can be measured and analysed later to improve and hone skills on the track, a nice addition for track enthusiasts.

M Inside

As you’d imagine from a pure BMW M car, the interior is awash with sporty touches. The thick-rimmed M steering wheel has blue stitching and there’s a unique M gear lever too. The gear lever is either connected to a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox. To spruce up the rest of the cabin, BMW applied several carbon fibre trims and Alcantara in the doors. It feels very much like an M car inside, but without the heavier price tag that other M models carry.

Pricing

Speaking of pricing, BMW SA has hit the charts at a keen price. The M2 manual looks especially enticing at R791 000 whilst the dual-clutch model cpsts R841 000. Price-wise the BMW M2 sits between the Mercedes-AMG’s A45 and Audi’s RS3. There's a major shootout in the pipeline…

More information:

UPDATE: BMW M2 Pricing in SA (Video)

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe (2016) First Drive

We head to the picturesque Garden Route to sample what’s arguably the sleekest and most stylish vehicle in the current Mercedes-Benz portfolio, the C-Class Coupe.

The C-Class sedan is a classy product offering and it has won many awards both internationally and in South Africa. A 2015 World Car of the Year title and Business Class category win in the annual Cars.co.za Consumer Awards are quality achievements. However, the C-Class range is due for expansion and this coupe model is the first new model to join the range with a convertible C-Class following later in 2016. According to Mercedes-Benz South Africa, 2015 was the year of the SUV and 2016 will be the year of dropping the roof. There’s going to be the new SLC, S-Class convertible and C-Class convertible arriving in SA soon.

Design and approach

A coupe, by loose definition, is a two-door sporty vehicle that evokes an emotional response. If this was the brief given to the Mercedes-Benz designers, then they’ve absolutely nailed it. Design is such a subjective topic: what one person considers a masterpiece can be viewed as a bland object by others.

However, in the case of the C-Class Coupe, the newcomer appears striking and elegant from many angles. While from the front it appears derivative of most contemporary Mercedes-Benzes, the flanks and rear ooze presence and gracefulness. From the rear three-quarter perspective, it’s exceptionally pretty.

A video posted by Cars.co.za (@carssouthafrica) on Apr 18, 2016 at 3:09am PDT

The C-Class Coupe line-up

Mercedes-Benz SA is releasing the coupe in batches. The first derivatives to be released are the C200, C300 and C220d, then we’ll see Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe arriving in the middle of the year and, given the push of the AMG Sport sub-brand, you can expect a C450 version to make its way to the local market too. The latter will probably be equipped with Mercedes’ 4matic all-wheel drive system.

This event had the first three models for us to drive and we spent the majority of our time behind the wheel of the C220d, with a quick mountain blast dispatched in the C300.

Engines

The petrol engine in the C-Class Coupe is a 2.0-litre four cylinder turbocharged unit that delivers different outputs depending on the model. In C200 guise, you get 135 kW and 300 Nm, while the C300 develops 180 kW and 370 Nm. Both vehicles utilise Benz's trusty 7G-tronic transmission and both will hit 100 kph from standstill briskly (a claimed time of 7.3 seconds for the C200 and six seconds dead for the C300). Meanwhile, the C220d uses the venerable 2.1-litre which has proven its worth over the years. In this application, it delivers 125 kW and 400 Nm and the new 9G-tronic transmission is available too.

Ride and drive

The Garden Route has exceptionally scenic roads and the asphalt surfaces are of varying quality – it must be one of the best areas in South Africa for assessing the ride/handling balance of a car. In the C220d, it's best to leave the transmission to its own devices and in Comfort mode, the coupe offers a relaxing driving experience. Should you need to pick up the pace, there's Sport mode, which produces sharper throttle responses and a sportier 'shift pattern.

Although the cabin is well insulated against that typical clatter produced by a turbodiesel engine, there was a discernable level of road noise that entered the cabin. On coarser stretches of tarmacs (and with the launch vehicle shod with big wheels with low-profile rubber), the rumble of the wheels at highway speeds was a minor drawback. However, on smoother roads, the C220d was significantly quieter.

We then we drove the C300 – the current top-of-the-range model. Boasting a significantly higher peak power output and an Edition One visual body kit, it marked quite a departure from its relaxed cruiser turbodiesel brother. In this derivative, you can select Sport mode, twirl the tiller with abandon and enjoy DSG-like exhaust pops as the engine's revs rollick. The optional air suspension works well, too: the damping firms up nicely to provide solid body control on a twisty road.

Having said that, the C-Class Coupe is not the most dynamic of on-road performers. If that’s what you require from your Benz, then consider the upcoming AMG Sport and potent V8-powered AMG versions. What the Mercedes-Benz C-Class does beautifully is provide a relaxed and refined drive, a classy yet modern cabin as well as the latest technology both in terms of convenience features and safety. For open road cruising and sheer road presence, it's difficult to fault this lithe offering.

The technology

As with virtually all contemporary Mercedes-Benz products, the C-Class Coupe is comprehensively equipped and can be specified with a variety of features, such as a head-up display, COMAND satellite navigation and infotainment, parking cameras, climate control and the aforementioned air suspension.

In terms of onboard safety equipment, you get Attention Assist, Collision Prevention Assist Plus and seven airbags. Distronic Plus radar-guided cruise control is optional, and speaking of extra-cost options, we humbly suggest that you tick the box marked "Edition One". These limited edition models boast eye-catching body kits and the interior is a delicious combination of brown leather with turquoise stitching.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe prices in South Africa

The C-Class Coupe comes standard with a class-leading 6-year / 100 000 km PremiumDrive maintenance plan. It’s important to note that the C220d is exempt from CO2 emission tax due to its low footprint of 113 g/km.

C200 R551 000

C220d R592 700

C300 R660 300

2016 Ford Ranger-5-Things You Need To Know (Video)

The new Ford Ranger made its debut late last year and after a thorough analysis, we put together five things you need to know about this bakkie.

There are a few Ranger-themed videos on our channel: including one in which we new pit the Ford Ranger against the new Toyota Hilux as well as the Isuzu KB and Volkswagen Amarok. It’s a comparative test you won't want to miss; subscribe to our Youtube channel so you’ll see the videos as soon as we publish them.

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Interested in buying a new 2016 Ford Ranger? Find one here

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View a detailed spec sheet of the 2016 F ord Ranger 3.2 Double Cab 4×4 Auto XLT

Read our first test drive review of the new Ford Ranger here

Special 6×6 Toyota Land Cruiser developed

This may not be a Toyota-sanctioned development, but a 6×6 version of the brand's iconic Land Cruiser is bound to be a subject of dreams for many South Africans.

A few years ago the brutish six-wheel drive version of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class made plenty headlines, and subsequently more than 100 of the G63 AMG 6×6 beasts were built – some even made it all the way to South Africa…

But what about a six-wheel drive Toyota Land Cruiser? A joint project of NSV from Dubai and Multidrive Technology from Australia, the Land Cruiser 6×6 is powered by a supercharged 4.0-litre petrol V6 that delivers just shy of 300 kW and nearly 500 Nm of torque. It makes use of a five-speed manual transmission in standard form. However, a 4.5-litre V8 diesel and automatic transmission are options… tempting ones, too. You can even have it as a single or a double cab!

Source: Autoblog

Subaru Forester (2016) Specs & Price

Subaru has updated its Forester SUV for 2016 with a host of exterior, interior and dynamic improvements.

In a bid to keep the Forester SUV competitive against rivals such as the Nissan X-Trail, Ford Kuga, Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, amongs other compact crossover/SUV offerings, Subaru has implemented a number updates to keep the buying public interested. Let’s take a look at what’s changed…

Exterior improvements

The Forester now wears an updated face that incorporates a redesigned grille, bumper and headlights. The bumper is wider and the fog lamps are now garnished with L-shaped chrome trims. The grille is set in a chrome frame and features the updated mesh treatment. The design of the LED-adorned headlights has been improved too; the units feature Subaru’s signature C-shaped "Hawk-Eye" daytime running lights.

At the rear, LEDs are now used for the fog- and brakelamps, with the C-motif also evident in the design. The updated range also features new 17- and 18-inch alloy wheel designs and Subaru has also added a new colour: Sepia Bronze Metallic, to the range.

Interior improvements

According to Subaru, the interior of the Forester has been reworked to be “classier and more functional”. The Forester now features a new steering wheel design with silver detailing on its three spokes. The LCD TFT instrument display has been upgraded with new graphics and colours while the middle display is now encased in smoked glass. The tachometer and speedometer needles have been reworked too.

Subaru has also used a more tactile material for often-used areas in the cabin such as the door handles, centre stack and handbrake. The trip computer on all Forester models have been re-upholstered in new material with contrasting silver stitching, which also features on the front and rear cup holders. New high-gloss black and chrome panels are also found on the dashboard.

The updated Forester is also fitted with improved fabric seats, which now feature more lumbar support. The design of the seats display a black 3D design with new contrasting silver stitching and the driver’s seat is now equipped with a memory function for added convenience. Automatic open/close functionality is included for the front electric windows and illuminated vanity mirrors are also included.

A choice of black or black and grey interior leather upholstery is available too.

Updated technology

Subaru has also revised the Forester's information, entertainment and communication interface, which includes Siri eyes-free, as standard on all models. The system works with the voice recognition system, linking to a Siri-compatible device and allowing the driver to use Siri via a button the steering wheel. If your device is not Siri compatible, then the voice recognition can still be used to control functions such as telephone, audio and climate control.

Furthermore, premium models in the Forester range are equipped with a new 8-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system, which includes 440-watt amplifier.

On the safety front, the Forester now includes Steering Responsive Headlamps (SRH) that shifts headlight illumination in the directions that the vehicle turns and is effective in both high and low beam modes. SRH is said to improve visibility at night, making the Forester a bit safer overall.

Improved refinement

In an effort to improve ride comfort, Subaru has reduced cabin noise and vibrations with the use of more insulation around the windows, which are now 0.5 mm thicker than before. Sound-deadening material has also been added to the floor, rear apron, boot floor- and footwells.

The damping rates of the shock absorbers have also been tweaked, while the steering wheel's turning ratio has been increased to improve steering feel.

With its 220 mm ground clearance, X-Mode and symmetrical all-wheel drive system, the Forester still offers decent off-road capability.

Read more about the Forester in this SUV Comparison: Ford Kuga vs Honda CR-V vs Subaru Forester

Forester range

Five models make up the Forester range, starting with the 2.0X derivative (powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre Boxer engine that offers 110 kW and 198 Nm of torque through a 6-speed manual transmission). The claimed fuel consumption is 7.2 L/100 km.

A larger 2.5-litre Boxer engine is offered in X, XS and XS Premium trim levels with 126 kW and 235 Nm of torque. A CVT transmission is standard for these derivatives while X-Mode and the two-mode SI-Drive is standard for XS and XS Premium derivatives. Fuel consumption for these models is rated at 8.1 L/100 km.

The range-topping 2.0 XT derivative offers 177 kW and 350 Nm from its turbocharged Boxer engine. This model is also mated to a CVT with a claimed fuel consumption of 8.5 L/100 km. This derivative benefits from new 18-inch alloy wheels, as well as a more sporty bumper and three modes for SI-Drive.

Subaru Forester prices in South Africa

Subaru Forester 2.0X 6MT – R376 000

Subaru Forester 2.5X Lineartronic CVT – R427 000

Subaru Forester 2.5XS Lineartronic CVT – R459 000

Subaru Forester 2.5XS Premium Lineartronic CVT – R509 000

Subaru Forester 2.0XT Lineartronic CVT – R579 000

The Subaru Forester is sold with a 3-year / 75 000 km full maintenance plan, a 3-year / 100 000 km warranty and Subaru Assist. Various maintenance plan extension packages are optionally available at extra cost.