Mercedes-Benz A-Class Facelift: New vs Old – Side by Side Comparison
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class has received a facelift for 2016. Changes include tweaks to the exterior and interior, as well as Adaptive Suspension being made available as an optional extra.
We thought the best way to detail these changes was to play a giant game of Spot the Difference, so we lined up an outgoing model against the new generation for this video review.
More Volkswagen up! Models Heading for SA, Facelift here in 2017
Volkswagen will introduce a facelifted version of the up! in South Africa early in 2017, but before that 5-door, crossover and individualised models will join the model lineup.
Volkswagen will use the Geneva Motor Show (3 to 13 March 2016) to showcase a facelifted up! with a host of updates including visual, mechanical and technological changes. Since being launched in South Africa, the up! has sold well and it was a finalist in the annual Cars.co.za Consumer Awards as one of the best budget cars in Mzansi. This facelifted model builds on an already excellent product and the improvements will certainly be welcomed by buyers.
Volkswagen South Africa has confirmed that the facelifted up! can be expected to arrive in the local market by the first quarter of 2017. Prior to the arrival of the facelifted up!, Volkswagen will introduce new 5-door versions of the up! in May 2016 in the form of the Cross up! crossover and the eye-catching, highly-personalisable Colour up!, which will diversify and bolster the up! range significantly.
Exterior changes
Styling changes include revised front and rear bumpers as well as redesigned headlights with LED daytime running lights. The side mirrors integrate the turn signals and the rear features a new diffuser and modified taillights. Buyers can choose between 13 body colours, nine different decals, three roof colours, coloured wheels, ambient lighting and design and colour packs.
On the inside, the facelifted up! gains two new infotainment systems including a 3.1-inch monochrome display as well as a 5-inch colour display that integrates with your smartphone. The system also caters for a rear camera and comes with DAB+ digital radio functionality. Furthermore, a 300 W Beats Audio system is also fitted with seven speakers. This is also the first up! to feature Pure Air Climatronic automatic air conditioning.
New engine
One of the main reasons people consider the up! is because it returns excellent fuel economy and this facelifted model is fitted with a new 3-cylinder 1.0-litre turbo engine that is claimed to achieve a decent 4.4 L/100km with a range of 800 km. The new engine produces 66 kW and 160 Nm of torque, representing a major improvement over the current 55 kW / 95 Nm three-cylinder unit with a claimed fuel consumption figure of 4.6 L/100km. The facelifted up! is said to be capable of completing the 0–100 kph sprint in 10 seconds and go on to a top speed of 185 kph.
Volkswagen has released teaser images of a new small SUV Concept that will be shown at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.
The concept appears to be quite close to production-ready. At this stage Volkswagen has not disclosed the name of the concept, yet, but rumours suggest that the concept will be called the "T-Cross".
Reports also indicate the concept is based on an adaptation of the MQB platform and Volkswagen intends to have a production model ready by 2018 that will slot under the Tiguan as a “trendy affordable SUV”.
Styling features
The images show sleek LED headlights complemented by square LED daytime running lights. The concept also features bright yellow paintwork with plastic cladding on the lower section of the bumper and wheel arches. Aluminium underbody protection adds a degree of ruggedness to the concept and the wheels are two-tone alloy examples.
Although Volkswagen has not released any images of the interior, the company says that it has much in common with the recently revealed BUDD-e Concept. That means that the interior layout will be rather simple with fewer buttons and dials, with most of the functions accessed via touchscreens.
We will keep you updated as more information becomes available.
Five Things Toyota Changed With 8th-Generation Hilux
The Hilux has been around for 7 generations and, on the eve of the 8th-gen bakkie's introduction to the local market, we review the changes that the newcomer brings
The Toyota Hilux has achieved unrivalled sales success in South Africa. From its humble beginnings back in 1969, the Hilux has always been the go-to choice for offroad enthusiasts and light commercial applications. Despite the growing popularity of the Ford Ranger and other rival bakkies, the Hilux continues to be a dominant force in the market for Toyota.
New engines
Let’s start with powerplants. While there was nothing wrong with the venerable 3.0-litre D4-D turbodiesel, the quest for better fuel economy and refinement has driven the development of new engines. The 2.7-litre four cylinder and 4.0 V6 petrol engines continue, but Toyota SA claims with revised mapping and management, their fuel economy has improved by 10%.
There’s a 2.4-litre GD diesel engine that produces 110 kW and 343 Nm, with a second option having the same power, but more torque at 400 Nm. The new 2.8-litre GD-6 motor has peak outputs of 130 kW and 420 Nm, with the second torque option coming in at 450 Nm. For those who want a petrol Toyota Hilux, the new 2.0-litre makes 102 kW and 183 Nm… However, you can get this engine in workhorse models only.
In terms of transmission, there’s a new six-speed automatic as well as a new six-speed manual.
4×4 and offroad ability
The Toyota Hilux is a tough and formidable vehicle in the hands of an experienced 4×4 driver, and the 8th-generation is set to continue this heritage with some new systems. The Hilux 4×4 systems are now activated with a circular knob as opposed to the old-school second gear lever. In 4×4 models, drivers can easily switch between 4WD high, 4WD low range and 2WD just by turning a dial.
The downhill assist is a new feature. It manages braking pressure and prevents rear wheel lockup on steep descents.
Finally, the revised suspension has meant that the new Hilux is able to traverse seriously rocky terrain thanks to offering better wheel articulation than its predecessor.
Cabin improvements
Given the Hilux double cab's popularity with leisure- and family vehicle buyers alike, it makes perfect sense that Toyota would upgrade the bakkie's cabin substantially. Refinement and the ergonomics/driving position are said to have been improved in favour of driver comfort. There’s also more rear legroom in the double cab version compared with before.
In terms of gadgetry, there’s a new-look infotainment system that resembles a 7-inch tablet. The trim has been improved and the entire fascia looks more modern and arguably better than those of some of Toyota's passenger vehicle offerings.
Safety
The Toyota Hilux may be as tough as nails, but safety is a priority in every new car regardless of make or model. Toyota has introduced driver-side knee airbags in the SRX, SR and Raider models. These do duty alongside the well-known features such as anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist and driver/passenger airbags.
Isofix mounts are fitted to the double cab models as well as a three-point safety belt in the centre seat. SR, Xtra Cab and Double-cab Raider models will receive trailer-sway control, which’ll keep your "Venter" stable when travelling at speed.
Under the skin
While the Toyota Hilux doesn’t look radically different to the outgoing model, the real changes have happened underneath the sheet metal. Bakkies aren’t the most refined and comfortable of vehicles because they’re mostly workhorses, but Toyota claims improved noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) in the 8th-gen Hilux levels thanks to enhanced soundproofing between the cabin and the engine bay. New window seals and deflectors also help to keep noise levels down.
Toyota developed a stronger ladder-frame chassis for the new model. It’s meant to be more durable and more rigid, which will aid handling. For those who intend to make full use of the load bay, there’s a new floor and tailgate with stronger hinges.
Guaranteed Future Value – Get a New Car Every 3 Years
Buying a car on guaranteed future value/guaranteed buy back has been possible for a few years now. There are, however, a few things that can catch you out if you don’t read the fine print.
Guaranteed future value (GFV), also known as guaranteed buy back, is one of the most cost-effective ways to make sure you "acquire" a new car every three of four years, depending on the contract. Many manufacturers offer this sort of deal in South Africa and each brand has a unique name for it. Mercedes-Benz calls it Agility Finance, Toyota’s is GFV and BMW’s is BMW Select. Almost every manufacturer offers guaranteed buy back in some form, you may simply need to enquire from your local dealer if you can’t find options listed on its franchisor's website.
Conceived to suit prevailing buying patterns
Statistics in the new car sales market suggest that new car buyers purchase a new car every three to four years which, sets this sort of finance deal up well. Guaranteed future value means that your car’s resale value is set at the point when your deal ends in 36 months (usually the length of time on these deals). For example, if you buy a BMW 3 Series at a price of R501 210, BMW will set the value of your car at R300 500 in 36 months' time.
Bear in mind that there are limitations on the deal, however. Look out for a mileage limit per year. Manufacturers will likely set you 10 000 km, 20 000 km or 30 000 km limits – each of which will change your guaranteed buy back figure. Every kilometre you travel over the mileage limit is at your cost and we’ve seen figures of around R4 charged for every kilometre that's clocked up over the mileage limit.
Financed vehicles will need to be maintained well
There will also be a fair wear and tear agreement you need to sign, which means you can’t give back a car at the end of the agreement period with dents, scratched paintwork or a stained interior. These will have to be repaired at your own cost or, in the case of accident damage, claimed from your insurer. Think of it as an incentive to keep your car absolutely spotless.
Consider it a "long-term rental agreement"
This deal works best if you think of it as a rental agreement, where at the end of the 36 months you have the option to 1. Give the car back to the dealer and walk away. 2. Trade it in for a new model. 3. Pay the balloon payment owed and take ownership of the car. Option 3 will be particularly expensive as the bulk of the car's value will still need to be paid off.
There is good news, however. The instalments on these deals are significantly cheaper, your car is also always under warranty and a service plan so if something breaks it can be fixed by the manufacturer. In order to make a full purchase vehicle purchase more effective than these deals, you will, generally, have to keep your car for 7 years before changing it.
Cars.co.za's David Taylor thinks the automotive industry has become obsessed with adding convenience features and personalisable user settings to cars. Thankfully, however, the same attentiveness has been applied to the safety systems, and we're all the better off for it.
I was driving in the newish Volvo XC90 the other day and had my girlfriend in the car with me. She was asking me about the features, and I relished rattling off all the specifications and demonstrating how smart this Swedish SUV is. It really was a worthy category winner in the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards.
Then she asked, "how many people use these features?" and that got me thinking. Have we reached a saturation point where people just couldn't care whether their cars can do all the amazing things their manufacturers list in brochures. How many of those functions do people use regularly, let alone daily?
The current level of tech in cars is daunting and, at times, overwhelming. I have subsequently discovered that BMW has a job in its European dealerships called BMW Genius and they spend their time educating owners about what their cars can do. According to BMW, "your main responsibility will be to use your engaging personality to inspire and excite customers in the BMW Centre about the features and benefits of the latest BMW products and technologies."
Some of the features do make motoring life simpler, but does that make them necessary?Let's take self-parking for example. I've noticed many smaller cars such as the Opel Adam and Mini Cooper are capable of parallel-parking themselves, but if you're unable to park one of these smaller vehicles, let's face it, you probably need to retake your driving test. I get this feature on a larger and more expensive car, or on a vehicle that has limited visibility (a low-slung sportscar, for example). I wouldn't feel too comfortable trying to parallel park a Range Rover Autobiography in the confines of Sea Point and as this video shows, this is a worthwhile feature.
Can we talk about the overwhelming plethora of driving modes on performance cars? Surely when you're driving something sporty, you'd want two modes? Comfort and Sport. So why do we have Comfort, Normal, Sport, Race and Eco? It gets even more complicated with that word "Individual" where you can cross pollinate settings from each mode. I like the engine noise from Race mode, but I want a soft ride so I'll have the suspension set to Comfort, Steering set to Sport, and the gearbox set to Normal so it doesn't snap my neck with each shift. I like this level of customisation, but I do wonder how many performance vehicle owners spend time setting their cars up for driving conditions… or do they just get in and drive?
While on the subject of personalisation, have you ever gone into the depths of the menu on a high-end Mercedes-Benz? You can change the colour of the interior lighting, how long you want the headlights to stay on once you've locked the car and on some of the grander models, even choose the type of massage you want. Too much?
Does anyone use voice control? Sure, some of the systems I've tried work well (such as Ford's SYNC), but even then I find it quicker to push the few buttons to find my desired song as opposed to having to repeat myself and getting frustrated. Good luck getting your car to play your songs if you're a fan of Lynyrd Skynyrd… I also find climate control temperature settings a little too precise. What's wrong with 22'C? Why does it have to be 21.5C? Can you feel the difference in temperature? I doubt it.
Five ways cars can save your life (and your insurance premiums)
While this piece may sound like I'm grumbling, let it be known that I'm a massive fan of the comprehensive range of safety features. So in order to give this article a positive takeaway, here are five safety features that will blow your mind:
Electronic Stability Control
There are many names for this system, but they all essentially do the same thing. If you're in the unfortunate scenario where you've had to swerve to avoid an accident and are now at risk of becoming an accident yourself, ESP will detect the loss in traction and body control, and do its best to regain control of the car. It does this by individually braking each wheel and reducing engine power. These may sound small, but its usually enough to bring the vehicle under control. The best part? ESP is completely automatic and you don't need to do anything except brake. Here's how it works:
Active Brake Assist
A car that automatically brakes when it detects an impending collision sounds too good be true, but it's fast becoming a reality on many automotive products. Mercedes-Benz has this technology nailed down. The system uses cameras to continually scan the road ahead and it'll pick up errant pedestrians and stationary vehicles in your path. It will sound an alert that a collision is likely and that you need to take action. If you don't react, the car will intervene and bring the car to a complete halt. Watch it in action:
Cross Traffic Alert
How many times have you reversed out of a shopping mall parking bay and been unable to see if there are any other cars heading in your vehicle's path? Car guards are not always present either, so what's available? Land Rover's Reverse Traffic Detection uses radar (mounted on the vehicle's rear) to warn you about approaching vehicles. If the system thinks a collision is likely, it will alarm you via audio, your mirrors as well as alerts on the reverse camera screen. Given how big some SUVs are these days, reversing them has become a bit of an issue. See how the system works here:
Adaptive Cruise Control
Radar-guided cruise control is very clever as well. It's a system that uses radar to measure the distance between your car and the vehicle in front of you. Using this data, your car is able to stay at a preset distance from a vehicle it is following in low-visibility conditions such as at night and when it's raining. I do wonder how useful it is as the car generally leaves a considerable following distance between it and the car in front. That gap then gets taken up by another road user, the car slows down to make another gap and the process repeats itself. Here it is in action:
Head-up display
Many vehicle manufacturers have resorted to projecting vital data onto the windscreen of a vehicle, much in a military fighter jet. The principle is that you'll never need to take our eye off the road as the most important info you need is simply in front of you. Many brands are making use of this tech, but the best I've sampled so far has to be the new BMW 7-Series.
Any views or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not represent those of Cars.co.za or its editorial content team.
Would the compact SUV segment even exist if Toyota didn't introduce its RAV4 in the Nineties? Although some of its competitors are flashier, the RAV4, which recently received a facelift, remains a top-seller. We tested the updated model for 4 000 km to sample its improvements.
Summary of the new bits
The RAV4 has received a few exterior upgrades, including roof rails and new wheel designs. At the front, there are LED headlights and a reshaped bumper, while at the rear, the edge of the bumper has a deeper recess (to accommodate a longer tailgate and effectively lower the loading height) and there are new LED taillights. The interior underwent the biggest facelift, however. The materials have been improved and the infotainment system is more user-friendly.
Diesel engine
The unit on test was the 2.2-litre turbodiesel model that produces 110 kW and a more-than-adequate output of torque (340 Nm). As a result, even when fully loaded with four adult occupants plus luggage, the RAV4 still performed impressively on the open road. The high torque figure facilitates easy overtaking manoeuvres, while the manual gearbox is easily one of the smoothest and lightest-shifting on the market. Most impressive was the fuel economy return which, after 4 000 km of mixed use, was 7.3L/100km. That's excellent for an SUV and, in the hands of a more frugally-minded driver, it could drop into the sixes over the long term. The turbodiesel model is only available in all-wheel drive; it uses an electronic system to send torque to the wheels that require grip. The system works on- and off-road, but you will hardly notice it working on tarmac unless the roads are slippery.
Interior space
The RAV4's cabin is very spacious… Rear passengers have plenty of legroom and the 60:40 split seatback has a reclining feature (for extra comfort on long drives). The boot opening is wide and almost completely square, and the access to the luggage area is (now) flat.
Standard loading space (480 litres) is on par for the segment and the rear seats fold down easily at the push of a button, freeing up a loading area large enough to accommodate a 29-inch mountain bike without needing to remove its wheels. There was a neat cargo net installed in our RAV4 that hooks in underneath the parcel shelf. The net was useful for securing glass bottles so they didn’t roll around in the boot.
Upmarket materials
Toyota has made it clear that the facelifted RAV4 features more soft-touch materials in a bid to raise its premium feel. The centre-facia (surrounding the climate controls) is ensconced in leather, but you don’t have to look too far to find bits of rugged black plastic trim. Nonetheless, the Toyota feels supremely well put together with tight shut-lines and a strong sense of rigidity. The infotainment system uses a 7-inch touchscreen to control audio, Bluetooth and USB functionality.
There are a few other additions to the system that allow you to track energy consumption as well as the fuel economy history. The introduction of a 4.2-inch screen between the speedometer and rev counter dials is a modern touch, making it much easier to see and scroll through the trip computer. The lack of cruise control on the GX model is a bit disappointing, but it is available on the higher-spec VX models.
Out on the road
The RAV4 combines a comfortable cabin and supple suspension and, as a result, the ride quality is its best feature. Competitors such as the Nissan X-Trail lean towards the soft and comfy side of things, whereas the Mazda CX-5 toes the sporty line with a firmer suspension. The RAV4 feels perfectly set in the middle: on long journeys the ride remains comfortable and round town it will handle every kind of road obstacle you’d expect to traverse without jolting or leaning over considerably.
Safety
The RAV4 received five stars in a EuroNCAP crash test and comes replete with seven airbags as standard. It’s also good to see all models feature stability control, traction control and ABS with brake assist.
Verdict
The facelifted Toyota RAV4 is a pleasant, spacious and reliable choice for a mid-size SUV. Those seeking more space might look towards a Nissan X-Trail, but that product's smaller diesel engine can feel laboured under high load. The RAV4 strikes an excellent balance between ride comfort and sporty handling, making it a great choice for both long journeys as well as the school run. The interior certainly looks more modern although the infotainment system could offer more in terms of Smartphone connectivity and apps. The Toyota makes a solid case for itself, but it doesn't stand out above its rivals in any particular area. Still, it remains a solid, mid-range compact SUV.
The RAV4 2.2D GX is priced at R418 100 and comes standard with a 3-year/100 00 km warranty and a 5-year/90 000km service plan.
Team opinions
"Having driven the Toyota RAV4 from Cape Town to Durban, I was very impressed with its open-road refinement and load space. Those reclining rear seats won much praise from my passengers. A very underrated and capable product from Toyota". – David Taylor
We like: Improved styling – inside and out, frugal diesel, spacious layout and ride quality
We don’t like: No cruise control on GX models, not much else
Also consider: Nissan X-Trail, Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V, upcoming Hyundai Tucson and Renault Kadjar
Honda has its sights firmly set on claiming hot hatch supremacy with the introduction of the new Civic Type-R. Is it worthy?
Never bring a knife to a gun fight. This adage certainly applied to the previous iteration of the (naturally aspirated) Civic Type-R, which, although it looked purposeful, was outgunned by turbocharged rivals such as the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Ford Focus ST. That’s not to say that the Type-R was a disappointment, quite the opposite actually, but it did lack that edge and as a result, it found itself eating rubber on the periphery of the hot hatch circle.
Thankfully, those days are gone and Honda has developed a new, more powerful turbocharged weapon that picks a fight with almost every hot hatch on the road, including the insanely capable (but-soon-to-be-discontinued) Renault Megane RS 275 Trophy. The tables have certainly turned, but does the new Civic Type-R offer enough clout without demanding too many compromises from its owner? We spent a week with the Civic Type-R to find some answers.
The exterior appearance of the Civic Type-R leaves nothing to the imagination: it is built for speed. The large rear spoiler and diffuser provide extra downforce while at the front, the sculpted grille and bumper enhance aerodynamic performance. A by-product of all this aerodynamic paraphernalia is a vehicle that looks decisively hardcore and, as a consequence, its styling may polarise opinion. But that’s okay, because the Civic Type-R is a performance machine above all else.
And, it’s not for the faint-hearted.
To match its overt boy racer looks, the Type-R packs a mighty punch with its newly developed 2.0-litre turbocharged VTEC engine. Enthusiasts are in for a treat with 228 kW and 400 Nm powering the front wheels through a short-throw 6-speed manual transmission. The rev-happy Type-R hits the red line at 7 000 rpm with peak power attained at 6 500 rpm. Maximum torque comes on tap from only 2 500 rpm.
Using a mono-scroll turbocharger in conjunction with VTEC technology, the Civic Type-R is capable of achieving 100 kph from standstill in 5.7 seconds with a significant top speed of 270 kph. Honda claims a fuel consumption figure of 7.5 L/100km. Figures above 10 L/100km are more realistic in everyday driving.
On start-up, the Civic Type-R delivers a distinct thrum from its four-pipe exhaust system, reminding you of the power that lurks beneath the bonnet. The Civic Type-R can be driven sedately with effort, but it soon becomes evident that the car is wired for spirited driving. The line between a leisurely drive and face-melting drive is a fine one and even moderate inputs from the driver results in rapid acceleration. With all that power constantly within your grasp, the car demands to be driven. To meet this end, Honda has once again delivered a superb transmission for the Type-R. With its short shift action, the driver can initiate quick gear changes under hard acceleration and the transmission is suitably matched to extract maximum performance from the engine.
The Civic Type-R offers more than enough power for the average motorist driving in the city. Overtaking and nipping through traffic is easily achieved and sufficient power is always available to the driver, regardless of what gear you find yourself in. Stopping power is initiated with large 350 mm high-performance Brembo brakes and the Civic Type-R rides on 19-inch alloy wheels shod with Type-R-specific Continental SportContact 6 tyres for maximum grip. The downfall of this setup is that the turning circle is significantly widened making manoeuvring in narrow spaces more difficult.
Ride and handling
With much of the emphasis placed on performance, we expected the Civic Type-R be heavily compromised in terms ride comfort. We were surprised, however, to find that the car offered reasonable levels of comfort and the suspension wasn’t as stiff as we initially thought. This development can be attributed to the new Adaptive Damper System fitted to the Type-R that enhances stability and suppleness of the ride.
Although a degree of torque steer is evident during hard driving, the Type-R is fitted with dual-axis strut front suspension that reduces torque steer significantly and helps the vehicle to dive into corners at speed, while inspiring utter confidence in its driver. The Honda's limited-slip differential certainly does its part… High speed cornering is something the Type-R does brilliantly and not only is the steering direct and precise, but the hot hatchbank grips the road so prodigiously that drivers will be inspired to push the their limits further with each turn behind the wheel. The Type-R handles beautifully and only the very best drivers will be able to unlock and exploit its true capability. The Type-R is therefore less of a city slicker and more of a high-performance track weapon.
Standout features
For enthusiasts, the +R mode button is an exciting addition to the new Civic Type-R. With the +R mode activated, the illumination of the instrument dials changes from white to glowing red and the Type-R perks up for maximum performance. The engine becomes noticeably more responsive and the torque-mapping is altered to allow for more grunt at lower engine speeds. The steering also becomes somewhat heavier and the suspension firms up in anticipation. A host of track tools such a G-force meter and lap and sprint timers are available to the driver as well.
The downside to all of this magic is that in +R mode, the Civic Type-R becomes considerably less comfortable to drive as the suspension is simply too stiff and driving becomes more physical and tiring. For the average daily commute, +R mode makes no sense at all but for track sessions, it’s right on point.
Another standout feature on the Civic Type-R are the seats. The high-backed bucket seats are more comfortable than one might expect and the generous side bolstering ensures optimum comfort when the Honda's pushing on through the bends.
Thankfully, the Type-R balances its performance characteristics by offering a solid dose of practicality. Most performance cars don’t cater well for rear seat passengers, but the Type-R is different. Rear passengers have loads of legroom and the rear seats are comfortable too. Furthermore, the luggage space is generous at 475-litres and increases to 1 190-litres with the 60 /40 rear split seats folded down. That’s quite impressive for a performance-biased hot hatch.
In terms of safety, the Civic Type-R comes well equipped with ABS with EBD, traction control, stability control and a total of six airbags fitted as standard. Front and rear park distance control and arear-view camera is also fitted. USB and auxiliary ports and an HDMI input are also fitted for convenience.
Honda Civic Type-R price in South Africa
The Honda Civic Type-R is priced from R586 400 and is sold with a 5-year/200 000 km warranty, a 5-year / 90 000 km service plan and a 3-year AA Roadside Assistance package. Service intervals are set at 15 000 km.
The Honda Civic Type-R is a phenomenal piece of machinery and hardcore enthusiasts will appreciate what Honda has created here. It’s a thrilling and involving car to drive and although it offers decent levels of practicality and space, the Type-R is just too specialised for the average daily commute. It’s far better suited for days on the track, where it will provide endless hours of thrills. The reality is that, for the price, the Type-R doesn’t make much sense and buyers can get there performance kicks from more balanced products such as the Volkswagen Golf R, BMW M135i and Renault Megane RS Trophy 275. Is the Honda Civic Type-R a sensible buy? Maybe not, unless you have something to prove. Do we like the Type-R, however? Absolutely.
Test Team Opinion
"The Honda Civic Type R is one of the most ferocious performance hatchbacks on sale today. It's a far cry from its predecessor and is the first Type R to use a turbocharged engine. Performance is exhilarating, the suspension is rock hard and the whole package is incredibly entertaining. It'll need the safety of a racetrack to fully show off its talents and it delivers thrills like no other. I'd wish for a more meaningful engine note and a softer suspension, but this isn't really meant for comfort. A proper hands-on driving machine". – David Taylor
We Like: Excellent performance and handling, sporty interior, aggressive styling
We Don’t Like: Compromised ride quality, price
Also Look At: Volkswagen Golf R, BMW M135i, Renault Megane RS Trophy 275
Honda Civic Type-R Specs
Jaguar F-Type SVR specs, price in SA
Just when you thought the F-Type R AWD was the ultimate performance Jaguar, the Coventry-based manufacturer’s books are now open for orders for an SVR version, which will produce 423 kW and 700 Nm from its supercharged 5.0-litre engine.
Claimed to be capable of achieving a 0-100 kph sprint time of 3.7 seconds and a 322-kph top speed, the F-Type SVR – developed by Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations – was conceived “to be lighter, quicker, faster and more powerful (than its F-Type siblings) while remaining useable day-to-day”.
From the outside, the SVR can be distinguished from the R models by its new bumper (with larger intakes), a front splitter and ventilated bonnet. At the back, there is an active carbon-fibre wing that automatically rises and falls (depending on road speed) and a bespoke rear venturi that reduces lift and drag.
The interior remains much the same as that of the F-Type R, apart from the Lozenge Quilt-pattern seat upholstery, a suede-trimmed instrument binnacle and centre console, an SVR steering wheel, as well as anodised aluminium paddle shifters.
The most notable changes appear beneath the Jaguar's sheet metal, however. Apart from the increased power and torque outputs, new dampers and anti-roll bars, lightweight 20-inch forged wheels with wider tyres and stiffer rear knuckles have been fitted. What's more, the 8-speed transmission and electric power-assisted steering, adaptive dynamics, torque vectoring, dynamic stability control and all-wheel drive systems have model-specific calibrations.
Significantly, the F-Type SVR is 25 kg lighter than the F-Type R AWD model – 16 kg of that saving can be attributed to the titanium and Inconel exhaust system that delivers an even more purposeful, harder-edged sound. Jaguar claims the F-Type SVR can be up to 50 kg lighter than is sibling if buyers specify the optional Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) braking system, carbon fibre roof panel, as well as a carbon fibre trim package.
It's expected that the first F-Type SVR will be delivered to a South African customer in August 2016. According to Jaguar South Africa, the F-Type SVR will be offered only in coupe form and, upon arrival, it is expected to cost R2 134 100.
Watch a drag race between the Jaguar F-Type R AWD Coupe and Audi RS6 Avant
Volvo V90 Revealed
Volvo has revealed its new V90 station wagon.
Volvo's new V90 station wagon will make its official appearance at the Geneva Motor Show on 1 March 2016. It features attractive styling that combines the front half of the S90 sedan with a rear end inspired by the Concept Estate. Volvo is well known for building remarkable wagons and the company says that “the V90 takes the premium estate a step forward in terms of aesthetics, materials and finish, while living up to the practical nature of any true estate".
The V90 is the third model to join the 90 series lineup, following the acclaimed XC90 premium SUV and the recently-revealed S90 sedan. It is built on Volvo’s specially-designed and fully modular Scalable Product Architecture (SPA).
The estate will be powered by four-cylinder turbopetrol and turbodiesel engines; the standout version will be T8 Twin Engine hybrid that combines a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-litre T8 engine with an electric motor producing a combined output of about 300 kW and 640 Nm of torque. The claimed 0-100 kph sprint time is 5.2 seconds with a fuel consumption figure of only 2.1L/100km. The V90 will be able to travel up to 50 km in pure electric mode.
Due to the lack of demand for station wagons in South Africa, the Volvo V90 will sadly not be offered in our market. What a pity…
Watch the official reveal video for the Volvo V90 below…
