Limited Edition Land Rover Defender Models Coming to SA
Production of the iconic Land Rover Defender will cease at the end of 2015 but that hasn’t stopped Land Rover from celebrating the vehicle. To pay tribute to this legendary vehicle, Land Rover is offering only 215 Celebration Edition Defender models to be sold in South Africa. Two special edition models will be available including the Defender Heritage Edition and the Defender Adventure Edition.
Defender Heritage Edition
The Heritage Edition draws inspiration from early Land Rover models and features ‘Grasmere Green’ paintwork with a contrasting Alaska White roof. This model also comes with a classic design grille and HUE 166 graphics which alludes to the registration plate of the first pre-production Land Rover nicknamed ‘Huey’. Only 130 Heritage Edition models in Station Wagon body style will be available while only 50 will be sold in 90 Station Wagon body style. Key features for this model include:
Unique Grasmere Green metallic paintwork with body colour wheel arches.
Unique Alaska White roof.
Silver front bumper with black end caps.
Heritage style front grille and headlamp surrounds.
Body coloured heavy duty steel wheels.
Clear indicator lenses.
Indus Silver door hinges.
Heritage style badges.
Heritage logo mudflaps.
HUE 166 graphics.
Bright aluminium finish clock and air vent bezels.
Almond Resolve Cloth upholstery with Ebony Vinyl sides and backs, with HUE tags.
Padded cubby box with Almond Cloth lid.
Heritage logo rubber floor mats.
Defender Adventure Edition
The Defender Adventure Edition is designed with adventure and the outdoors in mind. Only 15 Adventure Edition models in 90 Station Wagon body style and 20 in 110 Station Wagon body style will be sold in South Africa. Key features for the Adventure Edition include:
Corris Grey, Yulong White or Phoenix Orange paintwork.
Santorini Black Adventure grille, wheel arches, bonnet, roof, and rear door.
Seven-inch LED projector headlamps.
Clear indicator lenses.
Underbody sill and sump protectors.
Atlas Defender bonnet script.
Gloss Black split-spoke diamond-turned alloy wheels.
Goodyear MT/R tyres with white lettering.
Bright Pack.
Decals on front wings.
Windsor Leather upholstery.
Windsor Leather front passenger facia.
Leather trimmed door panels.
Bright Aluminium finish clock and air vent bezels.
Aluminium interior door handles and door locks.
Bright finish and rubber pedals.
Santorini Black centre console.
Fully wrapped leather steering wheel.
Perforated leather gear knobs, handbrake lever and grab handles.
Ebony Alston headlining.
Heritage logo carpet floor mats.
These limited edition Defender models can be ordered now from Land Rover or Jaguar Land Rover dealers across South Africa. First units will be delivered in September 2015 and pricing will be confirmed closer to availability.
Jaguar F-Type R Coupe with AWD in SA
The Jaguar F-Type R Coupe, now with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), has been unleashed in South Africa. Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) is now part of the package and has been fitted to the entire F-Type range. The F-Type R Coupe now achieves 0-100kph in 4.1 seconds before topping out at an electronically limited top speed of 300kph.
The all-wheel drive F-TYPE joins its land-speed record-setting stable mate as the flagship in the line-up. Drivers will be able to enjoy tremendous amounts of grip in all conditions, without sacrificing the purity of the rear-wheel drive driving experience, says Lisa Mallett, Marketing and Communications Director of Jaguar Land Rover South Africa and sub-Sahara Africa.
Subtle Changes
With the addition of AWD, the F-Type R Coupe now weighs some 80 kg more and is distinguished by a deeper power bulge in the aluminium clamshell bonnet and new vents are positioned further apart and further forward compared to those of the rear-wheel drive F-TYPE models.
To further improve performance, the AWD system features Intelligent Driveline Dynamics (IDD) which provides optimum torque distribution. In normal driving conditions, all torque is sent to the rear wheels. When the system detects that maximum rear traction has been achieved, torque is then sent to the front axle to improve traction.
All F-Type models now feature EPAS and Torque Vectoring by Braking which enhances handling dynamics. Other new changes to the F-Type range include new instrument dials and gauges, as well as an updated infotainment system which now uses SD card-based mapping for the first time.
There’s also a Sport Design Pack available which adds exclusive details such as a bespoke splitter, sills and venturi while the Coupe gets a fixed rear spoiler. The F-Type Coupe can also be had with a carbon-fibre roof option which weighs only 4.25 kg and comes with a high-gloss lacquer finish.
Jaguar F-Type R Coupe AWD Price in South Africa
Jaguar F-Type R Coupe AWD – R1 744 900
Fastest 0-100kph Ever Set by Students (video)
The university of Stuttgart is claiming to have set an outright record for the fastest ever sprint time from 0-100kph.
The unofficial time of 1.779 seconds was recorded by the single-seater formula car. The time will take a few weeks to be official whilst the Guinness World Records clarifies the time. Runs in both directions were completed so it should just be a formality that the record is confirmed.
Fastest and Electric
The single-seater formula car is powered by four electric motors and a 6.62kWh battery package. The car was designed and built for the Formula Student competition and weighs just 160kg. Power is only 100 kW but thats more than enough to give it a nearly unbeatable power to weight ratio.
The Green Team as the Stuttgart students are called beat the previous sprint record by just 0.006 seconds. The previous record was held by ETH Zürich University.
Video – Fastest 0-100kph Ever
Toyota Auris 1.6 XR (2015) Review
Toyota has had to up its game in the C-segment hatchback market as more (very capable) entrants have joined the local fray. It cant rely purely on its brand heritage and reliability anymore as new entrants from Korea and Europe have in recent years pulled away in terms of desirability. This refreshed Auris has an all-new styling package and an interior that isnt as bland as before. Theres also more value in the whole package at a competitive price point. We tested the 1.6 XR top-of-the-range model to see how it stacks up in a tough segment.
Whats refreshed?
As mentioned at the top, both the front and rear end have had extensive visits to the makeover department. In order to make the Auris more exciting, the front-end is more pointy and angry, and the nose appears lower as well. The rear has been redesigned to appear wider and the lights have been given a more distinctive appearance. The Auris is certainly a more recognisable vehicle now due to the changes. In tandem with the new design there are two new colours available, Citrus and metallic blue.
Inside the Auris
The interior has gone through a revamp as well. The lines inside are swoopy and theres a huge tablet style touchscreen in the centre. This is standard on the XR and XS models and deals with media functions like Bluetooth, Aux and USB compatibility. The radio has a built-in economy metre that graphically shows the fuel economy over the current drive as well as the long term. The seats in this XR model are upholstered with leather and have two settings for heating (high or low heat). Its a comfortable car to sit in with electric adjustment for lumbar support and an easy to set up driving position. Much of the details within the cabin have been improved to feel more upmarket and the small changes contribute massively to the premium feel the Auris now displays. Toyota has made sure that build quality remains core to its products’ appeal. The shut lines and trim are all perfectly aligned in the cabin.
Space around the interior is acceptable and rear passengers have good legroom. The boot is reasonable in size, holding 360-Litres. That compares with the VW Golf at 380-Litres and the Ford Focus at 316-Litres.
Safety spec
Its still a bit strange that Toyota isnt offering stability or traction control in the Auris, especially since it is now mandatory in Europe. There is ABS and EBD available with seven airbags around the cabin.
Does it have the go?
Powering this Auris XR is 1.6-Litre naturally aspirated petrol engine mated to a six-speed manual shifter. The engine is capable of 90 kW in combination with 160 Nm of torque. Here lies a small chink in the armour of the Auris. Whilst its fun to rev the Auris right to the redline and bang it through the gears, its not the most efficient way to get around, nor is it the way most owners will drive it. Unfortunately to get it to overtake or accelerate it needs to be revved and shifted up and down the gears regularly. Modern age turbocharged engines with more torque low down are easier to drive and easier to accelerate when overtaking. On long trips it became tiresome having to continuously work the gearbox and revs to overtake. Fuel efficiency wasnt hurt too severely as we averaged 7.9L/100km over the Auris test period with us.
Fun to drive?
The Auris has a good chassis underneath it and you wont be uncomfortable, whether you face tackling a mountain pass or the long, straight routes of the country. The Auris is very composed on the road with no real body roll or clumsy handling tendencies. The electric steering system is weighted well and the strength of the steering increases as the speed builds up. The clutch and throttle are easy to get accustomed to and in typical Toyota fashion, feel like theyll last forever. Over rough surfaces, the Auris soaks up the harshness and does an excellent job of remaining solid.
Verdict
Following the recent updates, the Auris has a much stronger personality. The interior is solid and the equipment level is impressive in standard guise. The pricing has also been set at a very competitive point, well below the VW Golf for example. The engine though is the weak point on the Auris as modern turbo engines show up the weaknesses of natural aspiration in an everyday car. If youre after a better engine then the Ford Focus 1.5 turbo is the best in segment, but if youre not worried about power whatsoever then the Auris remains a solid, reliable choice.
Toyota Auris Pricing
The Toyota Auris starts as low as R223 700 for the 1.3-Litre model. Our test unit here is the 1.6 XR and costs R287 700. At the top of the range, the hybrid Auris XR HSD is quite dear at R361 800.
“The Toyota Auris is a well-built and well-equipped hatchback. It’s arguably the best Japanese hatchback yet, but its not good enough to sway me from a Volkswagen Golf 7.” – David Taylor
“I was impressed with the quality of the interior, it’s definitely Toyota’s best effort yet. They’ve also finally put some money and time into building/buying a top notch infotainment system, which is as good as any on the market.The noise coming into the cabin, whether via road or wind noise is a little harsher than I think it could be, but its a small gripe in an otherwise well executed package.The Auris’s biggest problem is the Mazda3, a cracking new car from Mazda which is as well specced and well priced.” – Ciro De Siena
“The Auris is now just as well made inside as the class-leading Volkswagen Golf, and that says a lot. It also happens to offer a good drive and the interior is comfortable too.” – Hannes Oosthuizen
We Like: New interior styling and build quality, good ride and handling, decent standard spec
We Dont Like: Engine not as good as modern turbos, no stability control
Also Consider: Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, Mazda3, Hyundai i30, Kia Cerato, Renault Megane, Honda Civic
Toyota Auris 1.6 XR Quick Specs
Update: Porsche 911 Engine Details Emerge
The facelifted Porsche 911 has been teased with a series of images showing the car undergoing testing somewhere in South Africa. Technical details are also starting to emerge regarding the engine and power outputs for the forthcoming Porsche 911.
Styling Tweaks for Porsche 911
Although you will be hard-pressed to spot the changes, Porsche has subtly tweaked a few design elements. The front and rear lights appear to feature new graphics and the DRLs are slimmer than before. Both bumpers are being revised and the engine vent now features vertical slats while the front air vents feature three horizontal fins. At the rear, you may notice the exhaust tips are positioned slightly closer together too.
On the inside, the Porsche 911 remains much the same with the most notable change being that the infotainment screen is a bit bigger and drive mode selector is positioned similarly to the 918 Spyder.
Reports indicate that the 3.4-litre engine in the Carrera and the 3.8-litre unit in the Carrera S will both be replaced with a new 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder engine. In the base model Carrera power output will be 272 kW while the Carrera S will be bumped up to 309 kW with torque at 500 Nm, which is up by 60 Nm compared to the outgoing version. Although performance is yet to be confirmed, 0-100kph sprint times will be shaved by about 0.1 seconds, meaning that the 911 Carrera should do the job in 4.3 seconds while the Carrera S will take only 4 seconds.
The 2016 Porsche 911 will be shown to the public at the Frankfurt Motor Show come mid-September.
We will keep you updated as more details become available in coming weeks.
Audi Q3 1.4T S Auto (2015) Review
The Audi Q3 has been quite a dominant force in the premium compact SUV market, at least partly due to the fact that it’s been lacking seriously capable competition until the arrival of the Mercedes-Benz GLA. So, Audi has made hay whilst the sun shone. BMW will be releasing its new X1 sometime soon that will pose a threat but in preparation for that, Audi has facelifted its Q3. We drove the improved 1.4T S Auto variant for a week, and heres what we thought.
The new bits
Right up front, Audi has planted a new 3D-style grille, bumper and a new headlight design. If you want you can also get full LED headlights but LED daytime running lamps are standard. The rear-end has had similar treatment with a newly styled bumper and modernised taillights. Audi has tried to improve the agility of the Q3 as well as boosted the safety features offering in order to improve value for money. The engines have been to the school for efficiency and in some cases offer improved fuel economy by up to 17%. The 1.4-Litre turbo model on test here is also exclusively available in front-wheel drive where the diesel models are available with Quattro all-wheel drive.
Our test unit boasted the optional Q3 design kit that makes it look a bit more rugged. The design kit comes with exterior black plastic bumpers, aluminium in-lays in the door sills and aluminium strips on the dashboard.
Is a 1.4-turbo enough?
The 1.4-Litre turbo motor is capable of putting out 110 kW and 250 Nm of torque. The power figure is relatively low for a premium model like the Q3 but the torque figure keeps the Q3 accelerating adequately. It never felt strained and didn’t struggle to overtake on the freeway. When loaded up with a few people and a bit of luggage the extra load is felt around town but once up to speed it copes just fine.
The S-Tronic dual-clutch gearbox fitted to this test unit works quick and seamlessly. As with all the current auto gearboxes, in order to save emissions the gearbox shifts through its range of seven gears as fast as possible. This means that if you decide you need to accelerate suddenly whilst already on the move, the gearbox can find itself having to shift down too many gears and consequently can feel a bit laggy. If youre a proactive driver though, you can just bash the gear-lever into S for sport and the whole problem disappears.
The inside story
Its strange how you can individually spec an Audi Q3. Our model came with manual air-conditioner knobs, quite similar to what you’d find in a VW Polo but then still had over R100k worth of extras added (mostly exterior additions). The interior as a whole still feels solid and beautifully built. Some of the surfaces and plastics feel a bit more durable and hard for an Audi, rather than ‘posh’, which is probably due to the SUV buyer being an active or outdoorsy person. The rear space is adequate and with reasonable rear legroom. The boot is claimed to swallow 460-Litres and is quite square to make for easy loading.
The standard Q3 safety package is comprehensive so youll always have ABS, EBD, traction control and stability control. There is now secondary collision brake assist that in the event of an accident brakes the car so the vehicle doesnt roll away into another possible accident. As you move through the option list you can get a full host of features such as blind-spot detection, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam light assist and park assist that will automatically park the Q3 for the driver. Park distance control and a rear-view camera are still options, however.
Ride and drive
The premium feel of the Audi Q3 out on the road is still its major draw card. It feels agile and sporty, even in 1.4 form. The suspension is set up quite stiff and that negates a lot of body roll but it still manages to ride bumps comfortably. Long drives are a breeze in the comfortable seats and its nice to have cruise control as standard. The Q3 doesnt particularly like a dirt road though, especially on these optional 19-inch ‘Offroad’ wheels it can be quite jittery.
Verdict
The Audi Q3 still remains a great choice for a premium, small SUV. On the road it rides especially well and earns its premium badge. The interior may not be as well specced in terms of standard fare as you may expect but there are plenty of options to fulfill whatever needs you have. The engine and gearbox work perfectly well together providing a smooth delivery of power and overtaking capability. Until the BMW X1 arrives, there isnt too much to rival the Q3 unless you want to look at the less premium, but more rugged Jeep Renegade or the crossover/hatch Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Audi Q3 Price in South Africa
The new Audi Q3 retails from R410 500 for the base-spec 1.4T S while the top of the range 2.0 TDI quattro goes for R525 500.
Team Opinions
“It’s easy to understand the appeal of the Audi Q3 – even in base form it is a very stylish and beautifully made car to roam the city with. And it’s more practical inside than you’d think.” – Hannes Oosthuizen
The 1 Series has been with us for a while now but in my opinion, BMW has always struggled to make its design language work on this, its premium compact hatchback.
While always being dynamically enjoyable, with rear wheel drive, a low driving position and almost-sportscar-like steering feel, the 1 Series has always looked a bit awkward, or dopey, or plain.
With the 2015 Life Cycle Impulse BMW speak for facelift the brand has quite radically altered the exterior of the 1 Series range, and I think the model is all the better for it.
The new head- and tail-lights are much more in line with the rest of the brands models, and the 1 Series now looks more grown up and mature.
There are a host of features included as standard now, which weve detailed in this video. Notably the 1 Series will now come with BMW ConnectedDrive, which is a sort of mobile-concierge for everything from emergencies to emergency pizza cravings.
BMW 1 Series Facelift Price Difference
Most interestingly however is how much the pricing has moved, or rather, how much it hasnt.
The M135i 3-door Sports Auto featured in our video is now priced at just over R560 000, which is just up from R553 000. The 116i is no longer, and the range now starts at R342 000 for the 118i 3-door, which is actually R5 500 cheaper than the outgoing model, and features the new 1.5-Litre turbo 3-cylinder, borrowed from the Mini Cooper range.
For me, the sweet spot in the range is the 125i M Sport. With the same aggressive styling as the M135i, its 2-Litre turbo 4-cylinder motor produces a Golf GTI worrying 160 kW. Performance is more than adequate, and never dull, compared to the M135i which, almost always feels like its trying to put you in a ditch.
I think Id also have it in the same Estoril Blue on our video cars. Very nice.
2015 BMW 1 Series Facelift Specifications
Entry Level
BMW 118i 3-door Manual
Price
R342 000
Engine
1.5 litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol
Power/Torque
100 kW/220 Nm
Acceleration – Top speed
8.5 seconds – 210kph
Fuel Economy
5.0L/100km (claimed)
Boot space
360-1200 (seats down)
CO2 emissions
116g/km
Top of the Range
BMW M135i 5-door Sports Auto
Price
R569 743
Engine
3 litre inline-6 turbo petrol
Power/Torque
240 kW/450 Nm
Acceleration Top Speed
4.9 seconds 250kph
Fuel Economy
7.5L/100km
Boot space
360-1200 (seats down)
CO2 emissions
175g/km
Most Wanted Premium SUVs in South Africa
Premium SUVs are big business in South Africa, offering superb comfort, luxury and safety. For many people, a premium SUV is a status symbol too, flaunting success on a grand scale and commanding respect on the road. For this week’s #ChooseDay we asked you what premium SUV you would love to own and the results were insightful. We gave you the choice between the recently launched Volvo XC90, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Range Rover Sport and the BMW X5. You had your say and we tallied up the scores to determine the most wanted premium SUV in South Africa. Take a look at the results…
The Range Rover Sport is undoubtedly the most wanted premium SUV in South Africa, scooping 42% of the votes. This result is not surprising when you consider what the Range Rover Sport offers and what it’s capable of. Apart from packing high levels of comfort, luxury and safety, this vehicle offers excellent performance and is very capable offroad too. When an SUV gets everything so right, why even bother looking elsewhere? In terms of pricing, the range starts at R983 074 for the SCV6 S while the range-topping SVR is priced at R1 923 125.
Second place goes to the Jeep Grand Cherokee, earning a noble 21% of the votes. The Jeep Grand Cherokee range was updated for 2015 and comes well equipped for life on and off the road. The top-of-the-range SRT offers excellent performance from its 6.4-litre V8 engine which develops 344 kW with 624 Nm of torque. The Jeep Grand Cherokee makes a strong case for itself when it comes to pricing with the range starting at R724 990 for the 3.6L Limited model. The SRT on the other hand is nicely priced at R1 099 990.
The new Volvo XC90 was only just pipped by the Grand Cherokee and claims a worthy third place with 20% of the total vote. The impressive Volvo XC90 was recently launched in South Africa and officially goes on sale on 1 August 2015. With its bold looks and luxurious interior, the XC90 is destined for success. The XC90 is offered with a range of 2.0-litre Volvo engines, some of which will only become available later this year. From launch, only the D5 turbodiesel 165 kW, 470 Nm and the T6 super and turbocharged petrol with 235 kW and 400 Nm will be available. Pricing starts at R804 000 for the D4 while the XC90 T8 R-Design is priced at R1 066 400.
The BMW X5 comes last on this most wanted list with 17% of the total vote. That’s not to say that the X5 isn’t popular. South Africans love the BMW brand and the X5 ticks many of the right boxes. The BMW X5 range is extensive with the xDrive35i priced from R912 400. Go further up the X5 ladder and the X5 M50d will set you back R1 215 438. The range-topping X5 M will cost you R1 722 659.
The Infiniti Q30 compact hatchback has been shown ahead of its world premiere at the International Frankfurt Motor Show in September this year.
Infiniti Q30 goes for style points
The Infiniti Q30 aims to hit at the premium sector within the compact SUV segment. Infiniti plans for the Q30 to be fun and dynamic to drive. The interior also features specially crafted trim and materials that can be individually specced to express the owner’s unique style.
The public premiere of the Q30 Active Compact comes exactly two years after its precursor, the Q30 Concept, was introduced at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. Infiniti has also shown a QX30 crossover version that looks stylish.
Design is a key pillar of the Infiniti brand and the new Q30 Active Compact perfectly embodies this approach, said Infiniti President Roland Krueger. The Q30 Active Compact delivers the distinctive design, the driving dynamics and the individuality that our customers expect of an Infiniti vehicle. With our first ever entry in the compact car segment, we continue the product offensive and provide additional options for our discerning customers.
The Q30 Active Compact underwent final testing and development in Europe. It will be built in Sunderland in the UK.
The engines are likely to carry over from the Q50 sedan. That means there will be a 2-Litre turbo petrol (155 kW) and a 2.2-Litre turbodiesel (125 kW) in the range. As for competitors in the premium hatch market, it will go head-to-head with the Audi A3, BMW 1-Series and Merc A-Class.
Nissan Juke 1.2T Acenta+ (2015) Review
The Nissan Juke has been a seriously popular car thanks to a range of great engines, solid build quality and quirky looks. Those looks have won it many fans but also its fare share of enemies. Now the Nissan Juke has been the subject of a mild facelift and this newer model features a small-capacity turbo engine, tested here in 1.2T Acenta+ guise.
Quirky Looks Remain
Few cars are as striking as a yellow Nissan Juke and it attracted attention from hordes of onlookers. You’d usually expect similar reactions from people seeing an exotic sports car. Nevertheless, the facelifted Nissan Juke 1.2T features revised headlights that look similar to the Nissan 370Z sports car and there are LED daytime running lights thrown into the mix too. There’s a new grille and air intake as well, while the rear gains some revised light clusters as well.
All-New Engine
The big change is the new engine, which is a 1.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder unit. This engine is sourced from the Renault/Nissan parts bin and we’ve had prior experience with it in the Renault Megane GT-Line and Renault Captur (albeit mated to a twin-clutch transmission). Power is rated at 85 kW with torque coming in at 190 Nm, and while it doesn’t appear to be very potent, you must remember that downsizing usually comes with the added benefit of good fuel economy. This new turbo engine replaces the venerable 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated unit which is now outclassed by smaller, turbo motors.
Due to its small size, Nissan claims the Juke 1.2T consumes just 5.6L/100km and in reality, we weren’t that far off with a reasonable 7L/100km appearing on the trip computer. Economy is not the vehicle’s strong point however. The engine is just so willing to please and there’s very little lag. Power reaches the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox, and it offers a pleasant and engaging driving experience. While it’s not overly sporty, it feels more athletic than its claimed 0-100kph of around 10.5 seconds make it appear.
Sporty Ride and Decent Specification
The Juke’s ride is sporty, yet forgiving and you are easily fooled into thinking you’re driving something small and fun. It tips the scales at 1 163kg and it handles very unlike a baby SUV. If you’re after some performance, there’s also a 1.6-litre turbocharged motor with 140 kW and 240 Nm, which is the most entertaining to drive. It’s quite fun to throw around bends, but remember the laws of physics do apply and this is a crossover after all. It rides impressively over rough surfaces and there’s no worry about bits dropping off it if you gun it down a dirt road. It is quite stiffly sprung so you feel the bumps but not in a clattering way.
The Nissan Juke 1.2T gets a decent amount of kit as standard. This includes front and rear fog lamps, cruise control, six airbags, ISOFIX baby seat anchors, remote keyless access, Bluetooth connectivity and a leather-clad steering wheel. In Acenta+ spec, you also get rain-sensing wipers, suede-upholstered seats, 17-inch alloy wheels and keyless access. The interior is maybe not as stylish as its rivals but is well-built and made to last.
Summary and Conclusion
The Nissan Juke 1.2T is an excellent car and this revised version with its new engine couldn’t have arrived at a better time. Ford’s EcoSport and the new kid on the block Renault Captur have been running away with sales. Those products definitely offer more cabin space and similar power outputs, but there’s something to be said about the Juke’s superior build quality. We’d argue the Nissan has the most engaging and entertaining drive, so if that’s what you’re after and you’re willing to sacrifice some boot space, then the Juke looks appetising.
Team Opinions
Lovely engine and certainly well-made, but it’s not a direct rival for the likes of Duster, Captur and EcoSport, as it is compromised in terms of space in the rear and the boot. – Hannes Oosthuizen
The Nissan Juke is a love or hate vehicle. Styling aside, the engine is well-suited and the Juke feels impressively solid out on the road. It’s a bit small inside compared to its rivals but feels better put together. – Ashley Oldfield
Nissan Juke 1.2T Price in South Africa
The Nissan Juke 1.2T range starts at R258 700 for the Acenta, while the Acenta+ tested here retails for R282 100. All Nissan Jukes come with a 3-year/45 000km service plan and a 3-year/100 000km mechanical warranty.
We Like: Terrific engine, specification, unique, ride quality
