Volkswagen Caravelle Highline 2.0 BiTDI 4Motion DSG (2016) Review

The Volkswagen's T-Series people movers have proved perennially popular in South Africa, but does the premium-priced Caravelle offer enough value over its competitors? We spent a week with the top-of-the-range Highline model to identify its strengths and weaknesses…

The Volkswagen Kombi/Caravelle is an indelible part of South African automotive history; Volkswagen's venerable bus inspires nostalgia in motorists, which explains why previous incarnations remain highly sought-after in the used car market. The new Caravelle pays homage to the rich heritage of its predecessors – it can even be had in a two-tone colour paint finish that tips a hat to the past. Yes, times have certainly changed and the latest, sixth-generation example is significantly modernised and equipped with a host of safety and convenience features.

The new Caravelle has much to offer buyers looking for a modern and versatile vehicle that can not only transport people in comfort and luxury, but also haul goods when the need arises. Although it would certainly appeal to wealthy private buyers, we believe the Highline model would also be very suitable for premium tour operators and owners of business class shuttle services.

Versatile Interior

The Caravelle's major strength is its versatile interior. It’s a 7-seater with two individual seats in the second row and a reclining 3-seater bench in the third row. Accessing the rear cabin is easy: there are two sliding electric doors on either side of the vehicle and both can be opened and closed by using the key fob. The tailgate is also electrically powered. Once inside, the second row's seats can swivel around to either face forwards or backwards and all of them can be shifted fore and aft as required. If you need more space for carrying goods, you can either slide the third-row bench forward to increase boot space or you can take all the seats out for maximum loading capacity. Bear in mind, however, that the seats are quite heavy; you will need help to remove/replace them.

For rear passengers there’s more than enough space to stretch out and relax on those long family road trips. Nappa leather is standard on this Highline model, while Alcantara trim is offered as an option. ISOfix child seat anchors are provided on all the seats.

For added convenience, there are beverage holders for rear-seat passengers with storage drawers under all the rear seats (a removable rubbish bin is also included). A handy feature in this Caravelle is a collapsible table that sits between the second-row seats and can be shifted fore and aft with relative ease. Although it’s a nice addition, we found the build quality of the table assembly marginal: some of its panels didn't fit securely. Nonetheless, it’s a useful feature and kids will find it particularly handy for playing cards or board games, while adults can use the Caravelle as a mobile boardroom, for example… We hasten to add it appeared the test unit supplied to us had undergone vigorous testing before we took delivery of it, so we won't judge the trim niggles too harshly.

The driver and passenger are well catered for with 12-way electrically adjustable seats with armrests, lumbar support as well as heating. The three-spoke multifunction leather-trimmed steering wheel gives the driver easy access to the infotainment system, as well as vehicle-related information shown in the instrument cluster. The steering wheel is also adjustable for rake and reach. This top-of-the-range model is equipped with a Discover Media navigation touchscreen as well as USB and Aux ports for connecting your media devices. There is also plenty of storage space upfront, including handy pull-out cupholders for the driver and front passenger, while the three-zone climate control system ensures passengers can set the HVAC to their preferences.

The test unit's light-coloured interior proved a drawback, because it tended to get dirty very easily. We advise opting for a darker interior that will hide dirt and stains; it should be more practical for leisure applications. Optional features fitted to this test unit include a sunroof (R11 150) and metallic paint (R5 400).

How does the Caravelle drive?

All the derivatives in the Caravelle range are powered by a 2.0-litre bi-turbodiesel engine that produces 132 kW and 400 Nm of torque. A 7-speed DSG transmission powers all four wheels in this top-spec 4Motion model and it’s the only transmission available for the Caravelle range.

As part of our test, we packed the Caravelle with gear and undertook a surfing adventure around the Cape Peninsula. The ride quality in the Caravelle is good, but the suspension's responses to undulations in the road can be quite exaggerated. With only a driver and front passenger on board, the Caravelle's ride can be a jittery on uneven road surfaces. Otherwise, the Caravelle is very comfortable to drive, its steering is light, which makes manoeuvring easier.

Overall, power delivery is sufficient, but the Caravelle laboured on uphill sections (a kerb weight of 2.1 tonnes did not help matters) and the shifts of the DSG transmission felt a bit sluggish. However, once the Caravelle gots up to speed, momentum helped with overtaking and the performance improved somewhat.

Volkswagen claims 8.8 L/100km for the Caravelle and the lowest figure we managed to achieve during our test period was 10.2 L/100km.

In terms of safety, the Caravelle comes well equipped with six airbags, ABS with EBS, an Electronic Stability Program, traction control and front- and rear park distance control. The Caravelle also features a Multi-Collision Braking System that automatically applies the brakes after an accident to minimise the risk of a secondary collision. A Driver Alert system is also fitted and this tells the driver when to take a break from driving by monitoring steering patterns and gives an audible and visual warning if the driver deviates from the normal pattern.

Volkswagen Caravelle price in South Africa

This Volkswagen Caravelle 2.0 BiTDI Highline 4Motion DSG is priced from R873 500 and is sold with a 3-year/120 000 km warranty and a 5-year/60 000 km maintenance plan. A 12-year anti-corrosion warranty is also included.

Verdict

The latest Caravelle has been vastly improved and it looks more distinguished than ever before. It comes packed with new features that take care of safety, entertainment and comfort for the driver and passengers and buyers will appreciate its interior versatility. Even so, the Caravelle faces stiff competition from the Mercedes-Benz V-Class, which is perceived to be more premium, both in terms of build quality and all-round refinement. We also recently tested the Kia Grand Sedona and we were hugely impressed by the versatility and value for money it offers, all for considerably lower price than the Caravelle.

The Caravelle finds itself in a difficult position. As it stands, this Caravelle is very expensive and unless you are a die-hard fan of the Volkswagen brand, the temptation of having a Benz badge on the nose of your bus (or the opportunity to save a large whack of cash with the Grand Sedona) cannot be ignored. Although the Caravelle offering has improved substantially, it’s not the wisest buy, especially when the V-Class and Grand Sedona have so much more to offer in terms of perceived quality and value for money respectively. But if you must, never look back because this is a Caravelle and it's still awesome…

We Like: Modern styling, convenience features

We Don’t Like: Overpriced, average build quality

Also Consider: Mercedes-Benz V-Class, Kia Grand Sedona

Compare the Volkswagen Caravelle with its competitors: VW Caravelle vs Mercedes-Benz V-Class vs Kia Grand Sedona

Test team opinion

"Unless there's a very good reason to have all-wheel drive, I'd rather go for the R30k cheaper two-wheel drive. Either way, this is a dream car for family men like me. I do, however, think that the V-Class offers better value, and the Grand Sedona is not to be ignored either." – Hannes Oosthuizen

Volkswagen Caravelle 2.0 BiTDI Highline 4Motion DSG – Quick Specs

Toyota Fortuner Gets TRD Treatment

Toyota's TRD tuning division has revealed some go-faster addenda for the forthcoming Fortuner. Let's take a closer look at the Toyota Fortuner TRD.

The Toyota Fortuner is a popular vehicle in South Africa and we're just weeks away from the launch of the all-new model. The new Toyota Fortuner looks upmarket and premium, unlike the current generation, which looks much like a bakkie with an enclosed cab (essentially what it is).

Watch the Toyota Fortuner TRD Sportivo in action

Mercedes-Benz E-Class (2016) First Drive

Whereas the E-Class is still the most conservatively styled car in its class, the sedan's technological arsenal is awe-inspiring, compared to what its rivals can offer. We sampled Benz's newcomer at its international launch in Portugal.

Intelligent

That was the buzzword, used by virtually all the Mercedes-Benz engineers and executives when they introduced the new E-Class. It comes equipped with a host of intuitive and adaptive electronic systems that encompass everything from safety, collision prevention, interior connectivity and semi-autonomous driving. In full spec (with all the options ticked) the new E-Class is impressive, not just in terms of what it’s capable of, but in the way all its systems seem to work without distracting the driver or getting in their way. If you'd like to explore the finer details, here are 5 of the highlights the new E-Class.

The exterior design is probably the least exciting part of the car. Subjectively, it resembles a C-Class too closely, but it looks eminently elegant and upmarket. The tail lights can be specified with a stardust effect built into the LED units so that they'll resemble a cluster of stars when they light up…

Sweeping digital display

Mercedes-Benz has designed a new, fully digital dashboard/infotainment screen. It’s an optional extra, but it combines two 12.3-inch displays into one skateboard sized screen that stretches from the instrument cluster to where a regular infotainment screen would end. It’s a visual treat and even though it isn’t a touchscreen, the panel won't attract grubby fingerprints, either! The infotainment software has been updated too, especially in the voice activation department and the steering wheel introduces a new touch system that works much like those Blackberry phones circa 2010, but in a good way. You slide your finger across the touchpad to scroll through menus and then press the centre button to select option items. It’s a very efficient new system.

The E-Class has grown slightly. It is 43 mm longer, 2 mm narrower, 3 mm lower and the wheelbase has been extended by 65 mm. For the rear passengers, the extended wheelbase has resulted in improved leg- and kneeroom as well as a bit more space around the shoulders, but the boot capacity has decreased by 10 litres to 530 litres. There's a wide of variety of interior designs to choose from, some of which include pin-striped wood inserts, but the brushed aluminium/piano black trims look best. Don't fear becoming bored with the ambient lighting in the cabin: there are no fewer than 64 colours to choose from.

Ride and handling

Mercedes-Benz knows its E-Class customers very well. Most E-Class owners require supreme comfort, a refined engine and gearbox setup and a well-insulated cabin, where they can be cosseted while they listen to audiobooks or serene classic music piped through a premium sound system. In that respect, the E-Class delivers with aplomb. Whether you spec the adjustable suspension or opt for the air suspension, the Benz's ride quality is virtually unflustered; in fact, the air suspension takes the comfort level to a whole new level. The cobbled and broken city roads of Lisbon were smoothed out to such an extent that it seemed as if the Benz was gliding over an ocean of thick, molten Lindt chocolate. In Comfort mode, the Benz's ride quality can get a little floaty, but not to the extent that the car ever feels oversprung. Without the air suspension, it still softens road imperfections, but with a slightly firmer bias.

Engine range

South Africa’s model line-up is as follows. Initially, we will get two turbodiesel engines, as well as a turbopetrol unit. The E200 has a 2.0-litre turbopetrol carried over from the C-Class. The E 220d is a brand new 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine and we spent a fair amount of time getting to grips with it over the two days of driving. Our first impression is that it is much, much quieter than the older 2.1-litre it has replaced. It doesn’t clatter at idle and it delivers its torque smoothly through the first half of the rev range. The E350d tops the range with its 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbodiesel engine. The latter is the best long distance cruiser of the E-Class models: thanks to its 620 Nm of torque it barely idles along at freeway speeds and has plenty of punch in reserve for when you need to execute overtaking manoeuvres.

The E400 4Matic will arrive in South Africa during the last quarter of 2016. It is powered by a 3.0-litre, six-cylinder turbopetrol that produces 245 kW and 480 Nm of torque. We completed a few laps of the old Estoril F1 circuit to get to grips with this new model. The E400 feels impressively light and manoeuvrable for such a large car. The engine note is also quite deep and when you taper off the throttle there’s a burble and pop from the exhaust. Mercedes-Benz has equipped all its E-Class models with its new 9-speed automatic transmission and it represents a massive improvement on the quite jerky seven-speed unit fitted to other, older Mercedes-Benz products. The 9-speed 'box manages to smooth out the low-speed changes where before, the 7-speed unit could shift between its ratios a trifle unevenly. The nine-speed is also said to improve fuel consumption because engine revs are kept lower during driving.

The pecking order

It seems that in this segment, whichever brand has the newest car has the best car. However, in this case, Mercedes has lifted the bar in the premium sedan segment appreciably. In the tech and safety departments, there’s nothing to match this E-Class. The engines seem well mated with the new transmission and the suspensions' setups err on the comfortable side, but are all adaptable to your driving mood. For now, the E-Class feels untouchable.

2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Pricing

E200 R707 100
E220d R759 100
E350d R946 300

Check out 5 amazing highlights the new E-Class here

Hyundai Tucson (2016) First Drive

The next-generation of Hyundai’s compact SUV, featuring a new engine and tech, but a familiar new name, was launched in the Western Cape. We drove it and here’s what you need to know.

The first-generation Hyundai Tucson was quite a sales success. It became the Hyundai ix35 with the second generation and while Hyundai South Africa doesn’t publish its sales figures for all to see, it showed the media contingent at the newcomer's launch event how well this product has done locally. Sitting in the top three of the segment is no mean feat and goes to show how well-received the Hyundai ix35 has been in the domestic market.

For the third generation model, Hyundai has reverted back to the Tucson name. The exterior is visually striking and the car positively oozes European design flair. We would go as far as to say it’s the best-looking vehicle in its segment…

New engines

Hyundai has joined the ranks of its competitors by offering a small-capacity turbocharged motor. This 1.6-litre turbocharged motor is identical to the one in the performance-orientated Hyundai Veloster Turbo, a vehicle that we weren’t particularly enamoured with. However, in Tucson application and with a re-engineered version of the DCT ‘box, things have dramatically improved. That twin-clutch transmission was the weak point in the Veloster Turbo, but the addition of new internals plus an extra cog has meant things are vastly better.

The only vehicles on offer at launch were the 1.6-litre turbos, both in manual and DCT options. There’s also a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated motor. You may wonder why there’s no turbodiesel derivative, especially considering how pleasant the 1.7-litre Hyundai ix35 was. Hyundai said it’s looking at bringing them in, but the new 1.7-litre motor is EURO6, meaning our diesel quality (or lack thereof) is under scrutiny. As you read this, Hyundai SA is testing this motor and if it passes, we’ll see an introduction of a diesel Tucson later in 2016. That engine is rated at 107kW and 340Nm, but its real strength will be fuel economy and running costs.

For detailed specifications and pricing of the Hyundai Tucson click here.

How does it drive?

Rather well, as it turns out! Hyundai recruited several European engineers who were tasked with making Hyundai a force to be reckoned with in terms of cabin refinement and ride quality. Have they succeeded? We think so, as the Tucson rides well and the lack of intrusive road noise was particularly noticeable. The engine and gearbox work well together and you have the option of two driving modes; Sport and Eco. Sport sharpens things up a bit, but even in Eco you’re never left feeling that the car could do with a bit more grunt. The motor produces 130kW and 265Nm – more than adequate outputs for a vehicle of the Tucson's size…

Our launch route took us on a combination of open roads through the Swartland, where the turbocharged motor proved capable of delivering plenty of torque for overtaking. We also traversed many kilometres of gravel and farm roads, and the vehicle was stable when driven briskly on tarred surfaces. The all-wheel drive model was particularly at home in this environment. While we spent the majority of our time in a DCT-equipped unit, we also sampled a model with a manual gearbox and found the shift action smooth and direct. Overall, the Hyundai feels a premium product from behind the wheel.

A photo posted by Cars.co.za (@carssouthafrica) on Mar 4, 2016 at 7:26am PST

Entry/exit to/from the cabin is easy because you don’t climb up and into the seats (as is the case with bigger SUVs these days) and the driving position is pleasant. The cabin feels well put together, but it’s unmistakably Hyundai in that although it is luxurious, it’s not quite as premium as the Koreans have made it out to be. That’s not a bad thing, remember that, price-wise, the Tucson is still under the R500 000 barrier, unlike similarly sized German-made SUVs. You can get satnav on the top-spec model as an option, but given the fact that the infotainment system supports Android connectivity, there’s no real point as you can always utilise Google Maps and besides, the new infotainment system is perfectly adequate.

Quick summary

In closing, the Tucson is an accomplished product both in terms of execution and looks. It’s a pretty car, but there’s so much more to the Hyundai than just visual appeal. The rejigged DCT ‘box is excellent and works well in conjunction with the 1.6-litre turbocharged motor. The specification is generous and the build quality moves the brand up a notch (in our books).

It’s Hyundai’s finest product in its arsenal right now and you’d be unwise not to give it a closer look. Its prices aren’t prohibitively dear either. Suffice to say if our Rand had taken less of a battering, this Hyundai Tucson could have come to market with even more competitive pricing. We look forward to giving this new Korean a thorough road test.

Hyundai Tucson prices in South Africa

Hyundai Tucson 2.0 Nu Premium (manual) R359 900

Hyundai Tucson 2.0 Nu Premium (automatic) R379 900

Hyundai Tucson 2.0 Nu Elite (automatic) R439 900

Hyundai Tucson 1.6 TGDi Executive (manual) R419 900

Hyundai Tucson 1.6 TGDi Elite DCT AWD R499 900

All models from the Hyundai Tucson range have a 5-year/150 000 km manufacturer’s warranty, enhanced by the additional new groundbreaking 7-years/200 000 km drivetrain warranty as standard. Roadside assistance for 5 years or 150 000 km and a 5-year/90 000 km service plan with service intervals at 15 000 km are also included.

Next BMW M5 Spied in the Snow

The upcoming BMW M5 has been photographed while undergoing extreme cold weather testing. It will still be a while before we see an official image of the next incarnation of BMW's super sedan.

Details of the car, which will be unveiled at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, are still sketchy. We understand that for the first time, you will be able to choose between all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive versions. More manufacturers seem to be leaning this way for their performance sedans… Audi champions its Quattro system and Mercedes-Benz its 4Matic setup.

The engine of the new M5 is likely to be carried over from the previous model (4.4-litre twin-turbo V8), but will have higher outputs and better efficiency. The current M5 produces 412 kW, but in special edition models such as the Pure Metal M5, it churns out 440 kW-plus. The new M5 hopes to hit the 450 kW mark and should have a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

While the spy shots show a heavily camouflaged M5, BMW says the design will follow the Gran Lusso design philosophy.

Check out what BMW has planned for the next 5 years here

Picture credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien

Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR Revealed

Volkswagen, which is celebrating 40 years of the iconic Golf GTI, will build a very limited-edition racing version of the GTI.

It was designed to compete in the international TCR series and looks like it’s fallen straight out of the designer’s sketchbook into production. Big wheels, imposing wings and swollen arches are the order of the day with this GTI TCR.

Need help to choose the right Golf GTI? Read this article out

The GTI TCR has been co-developed with SEAT to be as fast and aerodynamic as the series' rules will allow. That means the GTI TCR has a carbon fibre front splitter and rear wing. The wide-body kit also improves aerodynamics and the 18-inch Michelin rubber helps it stick to the tarmac.

The 2.0-litre engine has been upgraded to develop 246 kW and 410 Nm of torque. There’s also a six-speed sequential gearbox augmented by paddles behind the steering wheel for millisecond-quick shifts. Zero to 100 kph takes 5.2 seconds and the TCR will top out at around 235 kph.

In preparation for track action, there are bigger brakes, an adjustable suspension and an interior that has been stripped down to just a set of racing seats.

Volkswagen Motorsport Director Jost Capito said: “The Golf GTI TCR allows customer racing teams to partake in reasonably-priced motorsport with a Volkswagen. We are providing them with a car that is ideally suited and prepared for this purpose: the Golf has not only made an outstanding impression at tests, but also shown its great potential in competition."

The GTI TCR is limited to only 20 units globally and has, unfortunately, been sold out already, but don't worry, if it's a 200 kW Golf GTI you want then the GTI Clubsport is on its way to South Africa.

Read about the upcoming VW Golf GTI Clubsport & Golf facelift (with pricing)

Search Cars.co.za for a used Volkswagen Golf GTI

Sci-fi of BMW Vision Next 100 Concept

Unveiled to mark the 100th anniversary of BMW AG, the Vision Next 100 concept is an ambitious prediction of our motoring future. It suggests that driver discretion and connected, autonomous onboard driving systems are not incompatible.

Contrary to the predominant view of the future, when “cars will be no more than fully-automated taxis”, BMW believes that in 100 years’ time, drivers will still want to spend most of the time in their car behind the steering wheel. Indeed, the Vision Next 100 suggests the driver will remain the firm focus of motoring. What the car does, is utilise connectivity, digital intelligence and state-of-the-art technologies to turn its driver into “the Ultimate Driver”, the firm claims.

Interior design determines exterior shape

In designing the Vision Next 100, BMW’s starting point was the interior, because “rather than merely feeling they (the driver and passengers) are in a machine that drives itself, they should sense that they are sitting in one that was specifically designed for them”. This idea gave rise to an architecture in which the cab seems particularly spacious compared with the overall size of the vehicle.

The design of the BMW Vision Vehicle is characterised by a blend of coupé-type sportiness and the dynamic elegance of a sedan. At 4.90 metres long and 1.37 metres high, it has compact exterior dimensions. Inside, however, it has the dimensions of a luxury BMW sedan.

The large wheels are positioned at the outer edges of the body exterior and the extremely low drag coefficient of 0.18 is thanks to the fact that when the wheels swivel as the vehicle is steered, the bodywork keeps them covered as if it were a flexible skin, accommodating their various positions.

Alive Geometry is like a dynamic 3D sculpture

Alive Geometry consists of almost 800 moving triangles that are set into the instrument panel and certain areas of the concept’s exterior (that’s how the wheels can turn left and right even though they are enclosed). They work in three dimensions and their coordinated movements act as signals that "are easily comprehensible to those inside the car; they are more like gestures than the traditional two-dimensional depictions on a display".

This notion is underpinned by 4D printing, a process which adds another level to components: the functional one. In the years ahead, printed parts manufactured in this way will directly integrate functions that today have to be designed and produced separately before being incorporated.

Full-windscreen head-up display

In other words, the Vision Vehicle suggests there will at some point be no more interior displays at all. Instead, the entire windscreen will serve as a giant display, directly in front of the driver. “In the future the digital and physical worlds will merge considerably (as is also expressed through Alive Geometry, for example), in the way the analogue dashboard interacts with the digital head-up display in the front windscreen,” BMW adds.

The BMW head-up display can project a variety of functions, depending on the driving mode. When the driver’s at the wheel, it focuses exclusively on what really matters to the driver: information such as the ideal line, turning point and speed. In addition, full connectivity, intelligent sensors and permanent data exchange allow the head-up display to generate a digital image of the vehicle’s surroundings. When the Vision Next 100 operates in fully autonomous mode, the head-up display offers occupants personalised content along with the information and the entertainment they desire.

Boost and Ease driving modes

The design of the interior permits various modes of operation: Boost (driver) mode, in which the driver is at the controls, and Ease (automated) mode, in which the driver can sit back and let the vehicle take over.

In the case of the former, the entire vehicle focuses on the driver, offering intelligent support to maximise the driving experience. The seat and steering wheel positions change, and the centre console moves to become more strongly oriented toward the driver. As the journey proceeds, the driver can interact with the vehicle via gesture control and, to help the driver concentrate fully on the road, Alive Geometry can provide guidance and warnings of road hazards.

The transition to Ease mode brings about a complete change of interior ambience… “the vehicle becomes a place of retreat with plenty of space, agreeable lighting and a comfortable atmosphere,” BMW claims.

In Ease mode, the steering wheel and centre console retract and the headrests move to one side to create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. The seats and door panels merge to form a single unit, allowing the driver and passengers to sit at a slight angle. What’s more, in Ease mode, Alive Geometry is more discreet in its movements, informing occupants about the road ahead and any acceleration and braking manoeuvres that are about to happen.

Companion: the Vision Next 100 learns from your behaviour

The concept is programmed to learn about its driver, thanks to its sensory and digital intelligence, which the BMW Group calls the Companion. Shaped like a large, cut gemstone and positioned in the centre of the dashboard just beneath the windscreen, the Companion represents the constant exchange of data. And, the more it learns about the owner and their mobility habits, the smarter it becomes. At some stage, it knows the driver well enough to automatically perform routine tasks for them and offer suitable advice when needed.

When the BMW Vision Next 100 takes control in Ease mode, the Companion rises up to create an interface with the windscreen. A signal light tells the driver that the car is ready for fully autonomous driving. For other road users, the Companion has a similar function, signalling through its own light as well as that of the vehicle that the car is operating in automated mode. In certain traffic situations, the Companion is in visual contact with other road users, helping pedestrians to cross the road by means of the green light gradient on the front of the vehicle.

Click here for other articles about the latest concept cars

Design our Jaguar XE for Simola Hillclimb

Cars.co.za will be returning to the Jaguar Simola Hillclimb this year after winning the Media Challenge category last year. The hillclimb takes place in Knysna with competitors racing up the hill to Simola’s hotel in the fastest time possible.

Check out our journey to the hillclimb from last year

This year, we have been given the opportunity to design our very own Jaguar XE to be raced up the hill. We need a little help though and that’s where all you would-be-designers can help out. All you need to do is download the images from our dropbox here and get designing. You’ll find our Cars.co.za logo in the photoshop file, which you must please integrate with your design. Look out for the white shaded section on the Jaguar XE — that’s the area on which you can unleash your imagination and design to your heart's content. We are looking for a distinctive design that covers both sides of the Jag XE.

In order to enter your design, all you need to do is tweet – using #AshJag or tag @carssouthafrica in an Instagram post with #AshJag. If you can’t do either of those then just send us a message on Facebook with your image attached and we’ll see it. The best design (in our opinion) will be chosen for our car that will run up the hillclimb in this year’s Media Challenge. You'll get to brag all about how your design made it into the Jaguar Simola Hillclimb. Make sure you get your entry in before the 19 March 2016.

Get designing and good luck!

Details: Aston Martin DB11 heading to SA

The twin-turbocharged, V12-engined DB11 caused a stir at the Geneva Show and is Aston Martin’s most significant new model since the DB9. The first South African delivery of the newcomer is expected in late September/early October 2016.

Built upon a new lighter, stronger, and more space-efficient bonded aluminium structure, DB11 is claimed to be “the most powerful, efficient and dynamically gifted DB model in Aston Martin's history”. It is also the first product from the marque's "second-century" expansion plan.

Although it is instantly recognisable as an Aston Martin, the DB11’s exterior design incorporates a host of aerodynamic addenda that manage the airflow both over and through the car’s bodywork. Front-end lift is reduced by the gill-like “Curlicues” that release high-pressure air from inside the wheel arches via a concealed vent. Rear-end lift is reduced by the AeroBlade: a virtual spoiler (fed by discreet air intakes at the bases of the C-pillar) that ducts air through the bodywork and out of the DB11's rear deck lid.

The DB11's heart is a 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 that was designed entirely in-house and develops 447 kW and 700 Nm of torque, giving the Aston Martin a top speed of 322 kph and a claimed 0-100 kph time of just 3.9 sec. Drivers can select from three dynamic modes – GT, Sport and Sport Plus – that progressively intensify the response of the engine, 8-speed automatic ZF transmission together with the new electric power steering and Torque-Vectoring-by-braking system while increasing the firmness of the adaptive damping for optimal handling agility.

The Aston Martin’s cabin marks a major departure from the DB9's (both in design and execution) and features a full-colour 12-inch TFT LCD instrumentation display as well as a centrally-mounted 8-inch TFT infotainment screen. The new satellite navigation and audio system can be operated via an intuitive rotary control; a touchpad (offering character recognition, multi-touch and gesture support) is optional. A new auto-park assist feature and 360-degree birds-eye view camera helps provide safe maneuvering at slow speeds and is also operated via the car's infotainment system.

Aston Martin South Africa has been only been allocated 6 units of the DB11, of which production will commence in May, for 2016 (three apiece for the Cape Town and Johannesburg dealers). Due to the limited availability, the units were offered only to pre-existing customers and in Cape Town, one customer put down a deposit even before the car’s price had been confirmed! Pricing for the DB11 was not finalised by the time this report. We'll have more details soon.

Check out more Aston Martin content on Cars.co.za

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Audi Announces Performance SQ7 Super SUV

We knew a hot version of Audi's flagship Q7 SUV would eventually arrive and here it is. The Audi SQ7 promises power, luxury and performance in a very premium package…

Audi has a reasonable track record when it comes to performance SUVs. The pocket rocket Audi RS Q3 is a hoot, while the SQ5 is ideal for humbling hot hatches. The only SUV that doesn't have a performance derivative is the new Q7, until now, that is. Audi claims its new SQ7 is the most powerful turbodiesel SUV in the market.

The insane engine

While the SQ7 looks quite aggressive with quad exhaust pipes, distinct badging and gaping front bumper and grille, the real punch comes from the engine, and what an engine it is. Employing technology from the multiple race-winning Audi endurance cars, the 4.0-litre V8 turbodiesel motor features not one, or two, but three turbochargers. Two of the turbos work in the conventional manner by harvesting exhaust gases, but the third is an all-new electronic turbocharger that keeps the engine boosting in the lower engine revolution range.

The result is a vehicle that packs 320 kW and 900 Nm. What's even more impressive, is that all of the 900 Nm is available from 1 000 rpm (thanks to that electronic turbocharger). The 0-100kph sprint is claimed to take 4.8 seconds and the SQ7 will go onto an electronically limited 250kph. We don't have figures for it, but we'd assume that in-gear acceleration will be particularly savage. Being a turbodiesel motor, economy will be on the lower side; Audi claims its new SQ7 can sip 7.4 L/100km, but given its performance profile, we imagine that figure will be hard to achieve in general use.