McLaren 650S on Road & Track – The Fastest Car We’ve Ever Tested
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Whenever I encounter something expensive and sleek and British I immediately associate it with a James Bond film. I daydream that Q, played by John Cleese of course, leads me into some underground bunker where he promptly trips over a shotgun disguised as a weedeater and then hands me the keys to something exceptional.
The McLaren fits the bill perfectly. And the colour of our test unit helped too. I spent the next few days varying between being terrified to death by the sheer madness of the acceleration, and feeling like I was the coolest guy no one had ever heard of.
For me, McLarens occupy quite a special place in the supercar pantheon. Theyre quite discreet, in a weird way. I think its because a Ferrari or a Lamborghini is so recognisable, that when a McLaren rolls past, a casual observer might dismiss it as just another supercar. In fact, McLaren were actually worried about this, and as youll see in the film, the 650S actually carries the company name on the nose, where the MP4-12C simply had the emblem.
While the engine is similar, it is much lighter thanks to a thorough rework of the components. Power is up to 478kW and thanks to a sports exhaust, the 650S we drove sounded demonic. The front end is dramatically different and much improved over the slightly generic-looking MP4-PLAYER. Read a review of the McLaren MP4-12C here.
In this video which you are about to enjoy and then share with all of your friends and colleagues, I tried to find out what this supercar was like to live with on normal roads. And then when I was thoroughly bored and frustrated, we drove out to the Killarney Racetrack and well, thats what the play button is for.
McLaren 650S Video
Aston Martin DB9 GT Revealed
British sports car maker, Aston Martin, has revealed its latest creation, the DB9 GT, which has been dubbed as the ‘most potent DB9 yet devised’.
Potent Power for DB9 GT
At the heart of the DB9 GT’s potency lies a beefed-up 6.0-litre V12 engine that produces a powerful 402 kW and 620 Nm of torque. The DB9 GT makes use of a Touchtronic II six-speed transmission that results in a 0-100kph sprint time of 4.5 seconds before reaching a top speed of 295kph.
Performance aside, the DB9 GT also offers a range of high-tech features including the AMi II touch-sensitive infotainment system which now has a revised menu structure that’s easier to navigate. The system also has improved functionality in terms of text message integration, vehicle status information and extended background themes which allows the user to personalise the system even further.
Potent Styling
The Aston Martin DB9 GT is easily recognised by it GT badges, black splitter and diffuser and revised headlights and taillights. The DB9 GT rides on new 10-spoke, 20-inch alloy wheels which feature black anodised brake callipers. There’s also a GT engraving on the aluminium fuel cap which sets it apart even further.
On the inside, the DB9 GT retains it’s 2+2 seating configuration and the fluted leather seats now feature GT embroidery. To further distinguish the model, an iridium trim pack and Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel is also included. Various options are also available to customise the vehicle.
“The purity of form and proportion, together with a lithe powerful, stance, remain at the core of what the DB9 is to look at. With these changes, we have made the DB9 GT yet more stylish, while retaining its unmistakable and globally renowned identity” says Aston Martin Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman.
Have your say in our Owner Satisfaction Survey
Cars.co.za, in partnership with Lightstone Consumer, is delighted to announce the first annual Cars.co.za Owner Satisfaction survey.
Following the recently announced Cars.co.za Consumer Awards programme, the survey is another crucial project that is set to underpin a number of important new consumer-related tools and content projects.
You can complete the survey on your own car here doing so puts you in with a chance of winning some fantastic prizes, ranging from cash to a Samsung S6 smartphone or even an advanced driving course.
If we want to service the South African consumer in a meaningful way, then we have to enable the consumer to speak to us, but in a structured, measureable way, says Cars.co.za Consumer Experience Manager, Hannes Oosthuizen. This survey, developed in partnership with South Africas top automotive data experts, Lightstone Consumer, will enable us to get a very accurate view of car ownership in South Africa, Oosthuizen explains.
The initial survey data will also be provided to the judges in the first annual Cars.co.za Consumer Awards at the final round of voting later this year. This means that consumers will have very real, very meaningful input on selecting the best buys in South Africa in nine categories. Ultimately, nobody knows better than the actual owners what it is like to live with any of the car brands for sale in South Africa, says Oosthuizen.
Paul de Vantier, CEO of Lightstone Consumer, agrees. We are very excited about this project; its the first time that the owners experience and the consumers voice will properly be used to support the adjudication of the Cars Consumer Awards. Lightstone Consumer as specialists in the motor industry from a consumer perspective are uniquely positioned to manage and analyse the survey results.
The survey questions most aspects of the car ownership process, from purchasing, to driving enjoyment and after-sale service and reliability. With the massive reach of not only our own, but also Lightstones channels, we are convinced that this survey will get excellent traction and provide accurate data, Oosthuizen says. A registration verification process is used to limit the chances of bogus or duplicate entries.
We attended the launch of the all-new Jaguar XE which takes on the premium compact sedan segment currently dominated by the likes of BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi. Is it worthy of your attention?
Jaguar hasnt had a pure Merc C-Class or BMW 3 Series rival since the discontinuation of the much-lamented X-Type. The current XF straddles between 3 and 5 Series size-wise and is getting long in the tooth, but is due for replacement soon. That has all changed now with the introduction of the new Jaguar XE. Its a pure D-Segment sedan thats not German. Is it any good? We attended the launch in Cape Town and drove it around the Western Cape for a quick test.
All-New Jag
The Jaguar XE is an entirely new model from the ground up. The chassis has been specially developed for this car and will be used on other Jaguar models going forward. Specifically, Jaguar engineers worked on developing a ride that felt sporty and different to the raft of competitors in the segment.
The suspension, for example, was designed in-house and tailor-made for the XE where other manufacturers adapt the common Macpherson strut suspension. Other interesting bits include the diesel engine and manual gearbox. The XE debuts the brand’s Ingenium engine line-up in South Africa and can be equipped with a manual gearbox something we’ve never seen in a Jaguar before.
The Model Range
The Jaguar XE will be available in SA with three engines and a choice of styling packs. The styling packs include Pure, Prestige, Portfolio and R-Sport. The cost goes up a fair chunk as each pack offers its own standard equipment line as well. To start with, the XE 2.0 diesel engine mentioned above is rated at 132 kW and 430 Nm. For everyday use and fuel consumption weenies, this is the model to choose. The diesel pulls cleanly, has almost no turbo lag and has a sporty soundtrack inside the cabin. Claimed fuel consumption on this model is 4.9L/100km.
The first of the petrol models is the 2-Litre turbo petrol. This is the tried-and-tested engine that weve seen in other models like the Range Rover Evoque, Discovery Sport and the current XF. It has 177 kW and 340 Nm of torque. Its quick and runs the XE from standstill to 100kph in 6.8 seconds. Fuel consumption is claimed at 7.5L/100km, but this engine does tend to use more than claimed from our experience.
Topping off the Jaguar XE engine lineup is the 3-Litre supercharged V6. It howls along at rocket speeds, with a fantastic exhaust note that kept everyone entertained over the course of the two days of driving. The supercharged model makes 250 kW and 450 Nm of torque, similar to something like a BMW 335i or an Audi S4.
Is it nice inside?
The Jaguar XE has a very comfortable interior. It feels like youre in a cocoon with the dashboard that wraps around you, almost like sitting in a bathtub. There seems to be loads of leather colours to choose from depending on the kit you choose, but the red and black combination certainly made a statement. Space up front is excellent and Jaguar has updated its touchscreen to a more modern and responsive unit, similar to the one in the Discovery Sport. Rear legroom looks a little tight, but the boot measures in at a respectable 450-Litres.
Does it drive well?
It drives very well. The Jaguar XE impressed over the two day drive with its composure and comfortable ride. The suspension seems set up just perfectly to ride bumps without feeling wallowy but not too sporty that it feels bouncy behind the wheel. Its dynamic in the bends too with one of the best steering systems Ive driven in recent years. Feel and feedback are excellent as is the weighting when you begin to add in steering lock.
Jaguar XE Pricing
Its fair to say that the XE is expensive when compared to its rivals. Currently Jaguar SA is being hammered by a R20 to 1 British Pound exchange rate. It does however feels like a very strong competitor and it won’t be one-way traffic in a direct comparison with equivalent BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz products.
Jaguar XE 2.0D Pure
R 534 800
Jaguar XE 2.0D Prestige
R 590 400
Jaguar XE 2.0D R-Sport
R 614 000
Jaguar XE 2.0D Portfolio
R 654 600
Jaguar XE 2.0 i4 Prestige
R 638 900
Jaguar XE 2.0 i4 R-Sport
R 662 600
Jaguar XE 2.0 i4 Portfolio
R 703 200
Jaguar XE 3.0 Supercharged S
R 908 100
Five Interesting Facts About The Mercedes-AMG GT S
We recently had the all-new Mercedes-AMG GT S on test and here are five interesting facts about the brand’s latest supercar.
Five Interesting Facts: Mercedes-AMG GT S
1) 4.0-litre biturbo V8 Engine
Gone is the naturally-aspirated 6.2-litre V8 engine that previously did duty in AMG products. Thanks to emissions and economy regulations, Mercedes-AMG has turned to turbocharging and smaller-capacity engines to achieve similar results. In this case power is rated at 375kW and 650Nm, which is enough grunt to give the AMG GT S a claimed 0-100kph time of 3.8 seconds and it’ll go onto a top speed of over 300kph!
2) Different Driving Modes
See, the thing about supercars is that most of them are very compromised for day-to-day use and most make awful daily drives. With clever modes like Comfort, Sport and Race, the Mercedes-AMG GT S is docile for day-to-day cruising and outright ballistic when at a race track. The modes regulate the engine mapping, suspension compliance, gearbox shift speed and even how loud the exhaust is.
3) The Rear Wing
Spoiler alert! The wing of the Mercedes-AMG GT S operates in an automatic manner. It serves two roles: one is to provide downforce and in turn stability to the rear, and the second is to make it look even better. The rear wing rises and retracts automatically at varying speeds depending on driving modes, but you can manually activate it for extra visual appeal. The Mercedes-AMG GT S Edition One comes with a fixed rear wing.
4) That Noise
The biturbo V8 sound comes from two rather large exhausts at the rear. In normal mode and with the exhaust set to Comfort (read: quiet) there’s a subtle hint of a V8 bark. However, set the exhaust Sport+ and you’ll hear a massive difference. Push the button while idling and you’ll hear an immediate change to a deeper, more aggressive tone. Drive in Race mode and downshifts are accompanied with massively loud backfires – a sure-fire way to rouse the neighbours!
5) Price of the Colour
Pricing for the Mercedes-AMG GT in South Africa starts at R1.6 million, while the more powerful AMG GT S goes for R1.9 million. There are numerous options available, ranging from different interior materials and colours, and six alloy wheel designs to choose from. You can also choose ceramic brakes for additional stopping power. The most striking option has to be this AMG Solarbeam paintjob, for a cool R125 000.
BMW 125i M Sport Automatic (2015) Review
On test here however, is the 5-door BMW 125i M Sport Automatic in metallic Valencia Orange. Lets see how it stacks up!
The BMW 1 Series received an update earlier this year and so far we have managed to test the M135i, which was an utter blast to drive. In fact, the refreshed BMW 1 Series impressed us so much that the 120i M Sport Automatic was nominated as a semi-finalist in Premium Hatchback category for the 2015 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, and who knows, it may just scoop the title. On test here however, is the 5-door BMW 125i M Sport Automatic in metallic Valencia Orange.
Special Features
BMW has done a fine job in improving the look of the 1 Series and there are actually changes you can see with the naked eye. The changes include a revised kidney grille with larger air intakes as well as revised, larger headlights. The rear LED taillights are now distinctly L shaped too, which makes this facelifted version easily recognisable on the street.
This particular test unit was packed to the hilt with optional features. Key attributes included snazzy 18-inch double-spoke alloy wheels, electrically adjustable leather sports seats for the driver and passenger with lumbar support and a glass sunroof. The 125i is fitted with an M Sport package as standard and comes kitted out with M Sport brakes and suspension, as well as an M sport multi-function steering wheel and M Aerodynamic body kit.
The interior is plush, comfortable and solidly built and we particularly liked the use of brushed aluminium in the cabin. The freestanding 6.5-inch display which houses the BMW Professional Radio and iDrive operating system was easy to use and navigate and adds to the overall premium interior feel. Navigation is optional however. One of the only criticisms we have concerning the interior of the BMW 125i M Sport is the orange appearance of the instrument cluster, which looks dated and stands in contrast to an otherwise excellent, modern interior.
In terms of space, rear passengers cant complain with sufficient head, shoulder and legroom. Boot space is reasonable at 360L, which compares adequately to the Mercedes-Benz A-Class (341L), Volkswagen Golf (380L) and Volvo V40 (335L)). With the rear seats folded down, space increases to a very practical and spacious 1 200L, which comes in handy when you need to move larger items, like surfboards, or anything else really large.
Excellent Performance
This BMW 125i M Sport Automatic is powered by a meaty 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that delivers 160 kW and 310 Nm of torque to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic sport transmission.
The performance of the 125i M Sport Automatic is impressive, particularly in the manner in which it lays down its power. Its not bullish or overly flamboyant, but rather feels more focused and sophisticated in its endeavours to please.
In urban situations, the 125i M Sport is a comfortable cruiser. Gear shifts are quite seamless and power is delivered in a smooth, linear manner. The real fun however begins when you put your foot down. Following momentary turbo lag, the 125i responds with vigour, leaping forward with purpose. The BMW 125i M Sport is no slow coach and can whip to 100kph in 6.2 seconds if you press on.
Handling is also something the 125i excels in. With well-balanced steering and a refined suspension setup, the 125i delivers excellent ride quality and copes well on poor road surfaces. The Start Stop system helps conserve fuel in close quarter driving and out on the highway, the 125i is more than capable of executing overtaking manoeuvres at speed with good in-gear acceleration.
Despite all the goodness this 125i has to offer, fuel consumption is maybe not its strongest attribute, even though BMW claims 6.3L/100km. In the week we spent with the car, the best figure we managed was 10.4L/100km, which easily climbed above 11L/100km during spirited driving runs.
Safety Features
As is to be expected, the BMW 125i M Sport is well equipped in terms of safety and comes fitted with ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and traction control. A total of six airbags are also fitted as standard. This test unit was also fitted with optional front and rear Park Distance Control and Park Assist which will help you avoid kerbing or reversing into blind objects.
BMW 125i Price in South Africa
In terms of pricing, you can expect to pay R466 973 for the base 125i M Sport Automatic. With a long options list to up-spec the car, the price can shoot upwards in a heartbeat. Our test unit came equipped with lots of optional features, bringing the total cost to R611 923.
BMW offers a 2-year/unlimited km warranty as well as a 5-year/100 000km Motorplan maintenance contract.
Overall, the BMW 125i M Sport Automatic is difficult to fault and it certainly is an excellent car. Not only does its performance back its case but the drive quality is something to be appreciated too. However at this price point, buyers are quite spoilt for choice and there are excellent options in the market such as the Volkswagen Golf, Volvo V40 and Mercedes-Benz A-Class, that offer the same level of performance, quality and refinement, at a lower price. The decision to buy this car will be determined not only by the depth of your pockets, but also by how much you value status and how badly you want that BMW badge.
Test Team Opinion
The 125i is nearly the complete package. It has a great engine that combines fuel efficiency and power perfectly. The chassis is comfortable and sporty when called on. Now it’s just time for the interior to catch up. -Ashley Oldfield
We Like: Performance, refinement, interior quality
We Dont Like: Pricey, dated instrument cluster
Also Consider: Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Volvo V40, Volkswagen Golf
New Citroen DS3 Sport 10 Things To Know About The Mini Cooper Rival
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In this video, weve picked 10 things we think you should know about the latest model, covering its customisable features, the engine, the interior and of course the price.
Im not a huge fan of this kind of car; I call them handbag cars. To me, they represent style over substance, a pricey handbag that you can sit in rather than wear.
And there are precious few chic, premium 3-door hatchbacks to choose from. The Mini Cooper rules the roost, and has done for some time. But up until recently, the Mini shared an engine with this, the Citroen DS3.
And this is where things get interesting. While the Mini has moved over to a 1.5 litre 3-cylinder motor, which is actually quite an impressive little motor, Citroen has stuck with the award-winning 1.6 litre turbo which Peugeot/Citroen developed in partnership with BMW. Its a peach of an engine and combined with the manual gearbox in this new DS3 Sport, it means that this little hatch is a genuine hoot to drive.
And then of course there are the looks. What a cracking little car. The contrasting roof and dark wheels are very in vogue at the moment, but the Citroen pulls it off better than most.
VIDEO – New Citroen DS3 Sport 10 Things To Know About The Mini Cooper Rival
Quick Specs: Citroen DS3 versus Mini Cooper and Mini Cooper S
In this video, weve picked 10 things we think you should know about the latest model, covering its customisable features, the engine, the interior and of course the price.
Weve also compared the car to what is essentially its only rival and arch nemesis, the Mini Cooper. The DS3 Sport slots in perfectly between the entry-level Mini and the top end Mini Cooper S, both in terms of power and price.
Citroen DS3 e-THP 120kW Sport
Mini Cooper Hatch 3-door
Price
R329 900
R303 500
Engine
1.6 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol
1.5 litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol
Power
120kW
100kW
Torque
240Nm
220Nm
0 100km/h
8.1 seconds
7.9 seconds
Fuel economy
5.6 litres/100km
4.7 litres/100km
Airbags
6
6
SatNav
Standard
Optional
Citroen DS3 e-THP 120kW Sport
Mini Cooper S Hatch 3-door
Price
R329 900
R371 847
Engine
1.6 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol
2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol
Power
120kW
141kW
Torque
240Nm
280Nm
0 100km/h
8.1 seconds
6.8 seconds
Fuel economy
5.6 litres/100km
5.9 litres/100km
Airbags
6
6
SatNav
Standard
Optional
Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe (2015) First Drive
Mercedes-Benz took the covers off the GLE Coupe at the local launch this week.
The GLE Coupe features in Jurassic World quite prominently and Mercedes SA put on a Jurassic-themed launch to reveal the Coupe SUV. There was even a GLE Coupe wrapped in a Jungle camouflage kit. We then had a chance to drive it through the Knysna forest before opening it up on the roads surrounding the Garden Route.
Whats a GLE?
Mercedes-Benz has renamed its entire SUV lineup to confuse everyone. Thankfully however, after thinking about it, it actually makes more sense now. The letter G denotes that its an SUV. The L is a linking letter and the E determines the level of luxury. Think of it like the normal range of Mercedes-Benz where it has A-, C-, E- and S- Class. So the GLE Coupe is an E-Class Coupe SUV. Its a direct rival to the BMW X6 and Im sure Range Rovers Sport falls into the segment as well.
Engine range
The GLE Coupe will be available with three engines from launch, one of which is a mega AMG unit. At the bottom of the range theres a GLE 350 d 4-Matic, meaning it has built in four-wheel drive. The turbodiesel in the 350 d is capable of 190 kW and 620 Nm of torque. Its a beauty of a diesel motor, pulling as smoothly as you could ask for with no hint of a tractor clutter from the bonnet. Middle of the model lineup is taken care of by a GLE 450 AMG 4Matic. This is the launch of the AMG Sport range that will filter into other models throughout the Mercedes-Benz brand.
Its like a mini AMG but with real AMG bits. The 450 AMG is powered with a 3-Litre V6 with twin turbocharging and develops 270 kW and 520Nm of torque. Those are impressive figures and it’s able to thrust the 2.2-tonne GLE Coupe around with nonchalant ease. Fuel economy is apparently decent on this model too, claiming anywhere between 8.9 and 9.4L/100km. The top-spec engine is the 63 AMG thunder-gargling dragon beast. The 5.5-Litre twin-turbo V8 thumps out 430 kW and 760 Nm of torque complete with a seven-speed automatic gearbox. The other two engines have a nine-speed box.
It can off-road
Our first jaunt in the GLE Coupe comprised a drive through the Knysna forest on a very wet and slippery Jeep track. Despite being quite rough and rocky, the GLE Coupe is specced with air suspension, allowing it to raise at slow speeds and hurdle obstacles. The 350 d and the 450 AMG have hill-descent control so they have been built with the idea of ruggedness and off-road ability. The GLE Coupe coped extremely well over the rough stuff, we didnt hear any undercarriage scrapes and didn’t need to be towed out of the swamp. Quite impressive.
Road composure
Out on the road, where it counts for a vehicle like this, the GLE Coupe is both comfortable when it needs to be and then a full-blown corner devourer when called on. Multiple driving modes are key to its dual purpose talents. Theres a Comfort mode that softens up the suspension and lightens the steering for everyday use and then modes for Sports, Sports+ and Slippery. Each mode changes the suspension, traction control, exhaust note or steering to the desired need. It really makes the GLE Coupe an all-purpose vehicle.
Spacious
Enter the cabin and the GLE Coupe is just like every other modern Mercedes-Benz model. Theres a screen in the centre to deal with navigation, media and telephone stuff. Room in the back is cavernous and headroom is more than adequate, despite the sloping roof. Rear passengers around six foot tall will have no problems with the leg or headroom in the rear. The boot is large too, measuring 640-Litres with the rear seats up. Fold the seats down and it opens up to 1650-Litres.
Merc GLE Coupe Pricing
The GLE Coupe is certainly a luxury purchase when you take pricing into consideration. Base pricing is fairly irrelevant as there are loads of options you can add to the GLE Coupe to make it suit you. The 350 d starts at R999 900 and the 450 AMG at R1 099 900. If you want full AMG, the GLE 63 AMG is a gob-smacking R1 859 900.
The R-Line package adds a number of sporty appointments. The optional R-Line Package is priced at R12 500 for both the Golf and Beetle.
Volkswagen Golf with R-Line Package
The R-Line package will only be available for the Golf Comfortline and Highline derivatives. Features include:
17-inch Salvador alloy wheels (Comfortline only)
18-inch Serron alloy wheels (Highline only)
Front and rear bumpers in R styling
Rear spoiler
Rear diffuser painted in black
R-Line badge on the grille
Front scuff plates with R-Line logo
Volkswagen Beetle with R-Line Package
The R-Line package is only offered on the 110 kW Beetle Sport 1.4 TSI derivatives. Features include:
19-inch Tornado alloy wheels
Front and rear bumpers in R styling
Rear spoiler
Rear diffuser painted in black
R-Line badge on the grille
Front scuff plates with R-Line logo
Sport suspension
Volkswagen up! and Beetle get Club Editions
The Volkswagen up! and Beetle range have been refreshed with the introduction of the ‘Club’ special edition package which adds a number of exterior and interior styling features. Key features include new alloy rims, painted side mirror housings and new seat trim.
Volkswagen ‘Club’ up! – Features
Volkswagen ‘Club’ up! Price – R153 200
The ‘Club’ up! is based on the 55 kW Move up! variant and gains additional ‘Club’ features which include the following:
15-inch Ravenna alloy wheels
Leather steering wheel with decorative stitching
Dashboard painted in unique colour
Side mirror housing painted in Reflex Silver
Tartan cloth seat trim
Exterior decorative film above the sill with Club stickers on the sides and below side mirror
Floor mats with Club theme
Instrument panel rings, air vent frames and control elements in chrome
Club scuff plates
Customers will have the choice between three exclusive colours for the ‘Club’ up! which include Pure White, Blueberry and Dark Silver.
Volkswagen ‘Club’ Beetle – Features
Volkswagen ‘Club’ Beetle Price: R294 800
Features for the ‘Club’ Beetle include:
17-inch Ravenna alloy wheels
Side mirror housing painted in black or red (exterior paint finish dependant)
Tartan cloth seat trim
Dashboard painted in special finish colour Twist Wave Dark
Exterior decorative film above the sill with Club lettering in black or red (exterior paint finish dependant)
Floor mats with Club theme
Decorative stitching on the steering wheel in Calypso orange
