BMW i3 – Design of the Year

 

The BMW i3 recently scooped the Design of the Year Award at the inaugural Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, which were announced in Johannesburg on 14 January 2016.

Whether the topic is cars, architecture, furniture or even mobile devices, good design is never restricted to premium products… The BMW i3 takes design to the next level, and for an electric car, that’s a massive achievement. While there was no price limit to exclude exotica, our focus for the Design of the Year category fell on more mainstream products.

Why did the BMW i3 win?

Design remains one of the biggest hurdles for electric cars. In the past, car companies have either dreamed up weirdly compromised packages or tried to “hide” the futuristic powertrain under a traditional shape, but neither approach worked. The electric car customer is a bold decision maker and (probably) want their car to reflect that. You don’t get much bolder than the BMW i3. The product of a clean sheet design, the i3 uses a fusion of aerodynamics, high-tech materials and sheer bravado to bring the future into showrooms, today.

Unlike some other EV offerings, the i3 is not based on the platform of an existing internal-combustion vehicle. Instead, the LifeDrive architecture is based on a flat floor (incorporating the powertrain), with a passenger cell (made from advanced materials such as carbon fibre) mounted on top of it. Instead of hiding its unique construction, BMW left many of the most important details exposed – such as the carbon fibre weave, which is visible in the door sills.

Take a look at our BMW i3 Range Extender review here!

The so-called “black band”, which is so integral to the unique exterior appearance of the i3, runs from the bonnet over the roof to the rear of the vehicle to create a perception of “lightness”.

The single-minded pursuit of efficiency and eco-friendliness is also evident inside, where the purposeful minimalism is celebrated by the use of materials, such as KENAF, which is a member of the cotton family and very sustainable. These materials sit next to modern touches such as a seemingly floating infotainment screen, beautifully crisp digital instrumentation and a unique rotary gear selector controller located next to the steering wheel.

Opinion from the judges

“Right now I would say the BMW i3 is the single most important car I’ve driven in 15 years of doing this job. I can’t give it higher praise than that. It is exactly the type of car that is needed to break down barriers to greater electric car acceptance. And the design… well, that actually plays a big part in its desirability. It is extremely bold. Very confident. And I like it very, very much” Hannes Oosthuizen

“Perhaps it's the radical choice of materials — much of the interior is recycled and the textiles are bamboo — that inspired the i3's designers to break so drastically from convention, but the i3's interior is the freshest I've seen in a decade. It feels like a concept car that escaped from the design studio before anyone could make it dull. The i3 offers is a wonderfully modern, comfortable cabin to commute in, and hopefully all BMWs (and cars in general) will look and feel like this in the future…” Ciro de Siena

BMW i3 driven and reviewed in South Africa: why it's so good

 

Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 (2015) Review

The Mercedes-Benz GLC marks the brand’s first mid-sized SUV offering in South Africa. This means that Mercedes-Benz now has a proper rival to the likes of the BMW X3 and Audi Q5. How does it shape up? We spent a week behind the wheel getting to know the ins and outs of the GLC.

Where does it fit in?

The Merc GLC can be thought of as a C-Class just wearing an SUV suit. The newcomer utilises the C-Class’ platform, but gets a 33mm longer wheelbase and both the front and rear tracks have been widened to suit the SUV set up. Much like its German rivals, Mercedes-Benz has equipped all the models in the GLC range with all-wheel drive configurations and there are petrol and diesel engines to choose from. What we have here on test is the top-of-the-range GLC 300 4Matic AMG Line.

Under the bonnet

The GLC 300 is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces peak outputs of 180 kW and 270 Nm of torque. Despite its bulk (1 900kg), the GLC will bolt from zero to 100kph in 6.5 seconds, which should give a few hot hatches a run for their money. Power delivery from the 2.0-Litre engine is smooth and linear and when driving in everyday situations, the engine note is quite hushed, which is a boon, seeing that the powerplant sounds a trifle dull when accelerating.

The nine-speed automatic gearbox is quite smooth when changing gears, but if you require the Benz to execute a quick kickdown, the ‘box can be a bit jerky in its attempts to call on lower gears. If you want a more tactile engagement with the gearbox then a set of paddles have been supplied behind the steering wheel, although this won’t stop the clumsy downshifts.

Inside the cabin

The stylish and tech-heavy trend from Mercedes continues in this GLC. Much of the C-Class’ design and layout dominates the cabin. It’s very classy, bathed in lavish looking materials and simple to understand. Control of the tablet-shaped centre screen is driven through the rotary knob in the centre console and for the most part, it’s intuitive to use. Opt for the Command Online package and you’ll get internet capabilities and real-time traffic information about congestion. The navigation system is probably the most difficult part of the infotainment system to use and seems overcomplicated when setting a destination or searching for a point of interest.

Comfort up front is plush and the raised seating position provides excellent visibility; in time-honoured Benz tradition the cabin makes its occupants feel cosseted and cocooned. Rear space in the two outer seats is adequate, but the passenger seated on the middle seat has to deal with quite a large lump of raised carpeting from the transmission tunnel. The rear seats fold down providing a satisfactory 1 600 litres of loading space. The boot alone can hold 550 litres – again identical to rivals in the segment.

How does it drive?

Thanks to the optional air suspension (R14 000), the GLC adapts well to variable road conditions. In Comfort mode, it was softly-sprung and actually leant and rolled more than expected through the corners. Once Sport suspension was selected, it firmed the ride up adequately but meant that the gearbox would hold onto revs a little too long to be comfortable for everyday use. The Individual mode, which allows the driver to set up personal settings for the suspension and transmission, was very handy. Sport suspension and Comfort gearbox settings seems to be an ideal combination. If you happen to encounter a dirt road then the comfort setting on the suspension would be best.

There’s not much to complain about as far as the GLC 300’s steering feel and agility. The electric steering is well-weighted and despite the huge optional 20-inch wheels (R12 000) on our model, the level of road noise intrusion is minimal and the suspension doesn’t crunch over bumps.

Tech and safety spec

Mercedes-Benz is particularly good at filtering its high-end tech through to its “lower” models and almost everything you can ask for is available on a GLC – at a cost. Our test unit here had R300 000 worth of options specified. The most expensive option fitted is the Driving Assistance Plus (R29 900), which adds a solid collection of safety systems. These include Pre-Safe, Steering Assist, Distronic Plus, Pre-Safe braking, cross traffic alert, lane keeping assist and active blind spot assist.

Verdict

The arrival of the GLC means that Benz has an impressive foil for the BMW X3 and Audi Q5, both of which are much older products. It’s certainly stylish, spacious and with the air suspension option ticked adaptable to any kind of surface. The engine is more than powerful enough and returns decent fuel economy. There’s a lot to like about the GLC’s interior as it feels like a really upmarket place with loads of connectivity and technology. With a starting price of R705 784, it’s quite expensive but not much more than the X3 and R50 000 more than a soon-to-be-replace Audi Q5.

Price and after sales support

The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 AMG Line starts at R705 748. Our model, complete with options totalled R952 848. It comes with a 2yr/unlimited km warranty and a 6yr/100 000km maintenance plan.

Test Team Opinion

“The Mercedes-Benz GLC goes head to head against the BMW X3 and Audi Q5. It rides beautifully and the interior is luxurious. There’s a good range of engines available and all models are equipped with 4Matic. However, once you’ve thrown on some extras, the price tag is just a few Rand short of R1 million which is alarming.” David Taylor

We like: Spacious and premium interior, adaptable ride, loads of tech and safety available

We don’t like: Clunky downshifts, pricey options

Also consider: BMW X3, Audi Q5, Lexus NX

Click here to compare the GLC300 to the X3 and Q5

Ferrari California T gets Handling Package

 

The Ferrari California T convertible will be offered with a handling package to enhance the vehicle’s sporty appeal…

Ferrari will unveil a California T with the HS (Handling Speciale) package at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show and the Maranello-based firm says that “owners looking for an even more sporty driving experience, particularly on challenging, twisty routes, (will) have a new optional package to meet their needs.”

Ferrari California T HS package

The HS Package incorporates a number of specific calibrations that enhance the performance of the Ferrari California T in sport mode and incorporates new damper settings as well as modified springs. As a result, the car is stiffer and its ride comfort is marginally compromised in favour of sportier feedback and enhanced handling dynamics. The front springs are 16% stiffer while the rear springs are 19% stiffer, resulting in increased body control.

The sport mode gear-shift logic has also been modified for both automatic and manual mode which has resulted in faster up and down shifts. Furthermore, a revised F1-Trac logic ensures improved acceleration upon exiting corners and on bumpy road surfaces.

The HS package also includes a new exhaust system with silencers featuring new geometry that delivers an engine note that becomes more pronounced as speed increases. Ferrari says “the exhaust’s new timbre is instantly recognisable as soon as the driver hits the Start button. It is fuller, richer and more involving at all speeds and in all driving situations.”

Over and above all the technical changes that the HS package offers, a number of aesthetic features further differentiate the model from the standard California T. The front grille, for instance, is finished in matte Grigio Ferro Met and the same colour is applied to the rear diffuser with matte black fences and matte tailpipes. On the inside, a special plaque is visible indicating that the car features the HS package.

Engine power

The Ferrari California T is powered by a front mounted 3.8-litre turbocharged V8 engine that offers 412 kW and 755 Nm of torque through a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. Acceleration is swift and the California T achieves 0-100 kph in 3.6 seconds before hitting a top speed of 316kph. Fuel consumption is rated at 10.5L/100km.

The Ferrari California T was introduced in South Africa in February 2015 and is currently priced at R3 668 000. 

Volvo XC90 D5 Inscription – Best Premium SUV

 

The Volvo XC90 D5 Inscription was named the Best Premium SUV in the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, which are announced on 14 January 2016.

The Cars.co.za Consumer Awards recognised the Volvo XC90 D5 Inscription as the best premium SUV on sale from new in South Africa. Vehicles in the Premium SUV category were required to have list prices in excess of R700 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting (22 June 2015). Contenders also had to be large SUVs or crossover derivatives thereof.

In this category, the following pillars of success were important to the judging process: Powertrain technology, luxury features, brand strength, design and quality appeal, driving dynamics, space and practicality.

 

Why did the Volvo XC90 D5 Inscription win?

Volvo’s new XC90 was one of the most eagerly anticipated introductions of 2015 and given how well the newcomer's been received, it seems it was well worth the wait.

The XC90 has a beautifully crafted cabin loaded with clever, high-tech features and there’s an abundance of space, even in the third row.

On paper the Volvo’s 2,0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine seems under-equipped to propel the XC90 with any zeal. However, it performs quite impressively. The engine delivers 165 kW and 470 Nm of torque, the latter output across a range of 1 750 rpm to 2 500 rpm. Performance is good, with a claimed 0-100 km/h time of 7.8 seconds. It’s also very economical, with a claimed consumption figure of 5.8 L/100 km. This translates into a range of 1 224 km range on a 71-litre tank. Finally, this model has a towing capacity of 2 700 kg.

Volvo endeavoured to the endow the XC90 with passenger sedan-like dynamics. As a result, the premium SUVs suspension setup, consisting of an interesting transverse leaf arrangement at the rear, is slightly firm. You could opt for smaller wheels with higher sidewalls, which will undoubtedly improve ride comfort, or specify an air-suspension system.

Several driving modes can be selected from the infotainment screen. Comfort is the default setting, Dynamic sharpens up the handling, and Off-road sets up the large Volvo for some light off-roading. But the XC90 is mostly an on-road biased machine, and it excels there.

The XC90 compares favourably with the best in its class in terms of luxury. When you sit in the cabin for the first time, you're likely to be impressed by the elegant minimalism and excellent occupant comfort. The standard features list is long, too, with high beam assist, front/rear park distance control with a rear-view camera and a power tailgate included.

An option that warrants consideration is the Premium Pack (R55 000), which adds, inter alia, heated front seats, heads-up display, 360-degree surround view and a Bowers&Wilkins audio system. You won’t feel short-changed, however, even in the stock-standard form the XC90's refinement and NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) control is excellent.

Read our review of the Volvo XC90 D5 Inscription here!

The XC90's space utilisation and practicality are hard to beat. It is a genuine seven-seater with space for adults in the rearmost row, as long as they’re not much taller than 1,70 m. The second row offers slide functionality, so that legroom – or lugagge space – can be tailored as required with the rear-seats folded flat. The luggage area is cavernous and Volvo provides ventilation outlets for all three rows, as well as a 12V outlet for each row.

The XC90 represents a bold new direction for the Swedish brand. The significant focus on quality and technology is likely to see this brand’s light shine a lot brighter in the next few years as it moves up the premium ladder into direct competition with the German brands. Locally, the marque is still unfairly punished by poor resale values, but the XC90 has proven popular in South Africa in its previous incarnation and has a reputation for good reliability. This new model is backed by a 5-years/100 000 km warranty and maintenance plan.

Opinion from the judges

“Wow… Volvo’s hit the nail squarely on the head with the new XC90 – quite possibly the best cabin on the market and very cleverly engineered. Refined too.” – ­Hannes Oosthuizen

“The XC90 represents the reinvention of the Volvo brand, and offers premium design and finishes in a very spacious, yet tech-laded interior that makes the Germans look rather outdated.” – Ashley Oldfield

Compare the Volvo XC90 D5 Inscription with the BMW X5 xDrive30d Steptronic and Range Rover Sport SDV6 HSE

 

Audi TT 2,0T S tronic – Best Fun Car

 

The Audi TT 2.0T was crowned the winner in the Fun Car category of the first annual Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, announced in Johannesburg on 14 January 2016.

What makes a fun car "fun"? Is it purely about performance and handling? To a large degree it is, but for this award we were looking for a total package that is not exorbitantly priced. This must be one for the petrolheads – a car that leaves die-hard enthusiasts smiling after every drive, because of the way it looks, handles, sounds and, yes, performs.

We were looking for a vehicle that cost less than R600 000 and the winner needed to deliver on a number of levels. The drivetrain of this car had to be responsive and reward driver inputs with immediacy and urgency. The handling had to be entertaining; sufficient steering feel and feedback was essential. The car also had to be aesthetically appealing and emit an evocative exhaust note. And, let's not forget that the standard features list had to be reasonably generous. 

Why did the Audi TT win?

The Audi TT’s main appeal has always been its arresting design and quality interior, rather than outright performance and dynamics. In its latest incarnation, however, the Audi coupe's fun factor has been dialled up significantly. It's more agile and engaging than ever before, and offers such easily accessible performance and handling prowess that the TT is bound to please both the enthusiasts and poseurs. Thanks to a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbopetrol motor that delivers 169kW and 370Nm driving the front wheels through a slick S-tronic dual-clutch box, the Audi TT feels agile and nimble. 0-100kph should come up in about 6,0 seconds accompanied by a delicious exhaust note, of course.  

In its latest form the TT is a more aggressive-looking machine with straight edges endowing the now familiar shape with some menace. From the square-cut grille to the edgy LED daytime running lights in the headlights, the new TT looks the business. It rides on neat 17-inch wheels as standard, but you can opt for 18-inchers (R17 040) or even wheelarch-stretching 19-inch items (R29 610). You may also want to select the dazzling LED Matrix headlamps (R30 030) or the S line kit (R22 380) to sharpen the looks further. Inside, the facia design sets a new standard for minimalism and high-tech features. It features a virtual cockpit – an entirely digital instrument cluster with loads of individualisation options. And the way the climate control displays are integrated into the vents is pure art. The alcantara/leather upholstery feels lovely to touch, too.


Cars.co.za co-founder Ross McIlroy with Audi communications representative Sameerah Bhabha.

At the price, the TT’s combination of style, sophistication, performance and features puts forward a very convincing purchasing argument. It’s a properly upmarket package that includes navigation, cruise control, climate control, a sound system with Bluetooth/USB/aux support, auto wipers/lights and even keyless access. 

Opinion from the Judges

“Even in front-wheel drive form the new Audi TT delivers sufficient thrills to be considered a seriously sporting machine. And it does it all with such style and sophistication.” ­Hannes Oosthuizen

“The latest generation of Audi TT epitomises the sportscar category. Not only is it easy on the eye and brimming with technology, it’s also terrific to drive. Handling is darty and the backfires from the exhaust make for an entertaining combination.” David Taylor

“A front-wheel drive Coupe that somehow manages to mask the negative understeer perceptions. There’s seemingly endless grip and the most responsive dual-clutch gearbox I’ve ever driven.” Ashley Oldfield

Compare the Audi TT 2.0T to the BMW M235i and the Renault Megane RS275 Trophy

Interested in the Audi TT? Buy one here

BMW i3 – Game Changer of the Year

 

The BMW i3 was recently awarded the Game Changer of the Year award at the annual Cars.co.za Consumer Awards.

Game-changing products can have a significant impact on the new vehicle market in a variety of ways, including: increasing sales volumes, introducing new technology, improving brand perception or simply representing a vast product improvement. Judges selected the finalists in this category from all the new vehicles that were launched in the South African market during 2015. The BMW i3 won the category despite going up against the Volvo XC90 and Ford Everest, both of which were strong contenders.

 

Why did the BMW i3 win?

The BMW i3 is not the first electric car to go on sale in South Africa, but it could be the EV that jolts the electric revolution into motion. With its revolutionary architecture, futuristic design and overall quality, the i3 has captured the public's imagination. The newcomer's quick off the mark, remarkably refined and, given the desirability of the BMW brand, the i3 represents a convincing trailblazer for the age of the electric car.

Unlike some other EV offerings, the i3 is not based on the platform of an existing internal-combustion powered vehicle. Instead, the LifeDrive architecture is based on a flat floor (incorporating the powertrain), with a super strong passenger cell mounted on top and made from advanced materials such as carbon-fibre. Instead of hiding its unique construction, BMW celebrates it by leaving many of the most important details exposed – such as the carbon fibre weave, which is visible in the door sills.

Take a look at our review of the BMW i3 Range Extender here!

BMW and Nissan have teamed up to develop the electric car charging infrastructure in South Africa. This crucial move should accelerate the acceptance of electric cars in South Africa.

The single-minded pursuit of efficiency and eco-friendliness is also evident inside, where the minimalism is celebrated by the use of excellent materials – KENAF, for example, is a member of the cotton family and very sustainable. Then there’s the fact that the factory that builds the i3 is 100% powered by electricity generated from sustainable sources.

Opinions from the judges

“Right now I would say the BMW i3 is the single most important car I’ve driven in 15 years of doing this job. I can’t give it higher praise than that. It is exactly the type of car that is needed to break down barriers to greater electric car acceptance. And the design… well, that actually plays a big part in its desirability. It is extremely bold. Very confident. And I like it very, very much” Hannes Oosthuizen 

“Perhaps it's the radical choice of materials – much of the interior is recycled and the textiles are bamboo – that inspired the i3's designers to break so drastically from convention, but the i3's interior is the freshest I've seen in a decade. It feels like a concept car that escaped from the design studio before anyone could make it dull. The i3 offers is a wonderfully modern, comfortable cabin to commute in, and hopefully all BMWs (and cars in general) will look and feel like this in the future…” Ciro de Siena

BMW i3 driven and reviewed in South Africa: Why it's so good

 

Opel GT Concept teased (again)

 

Opel has teased the GT Concept that will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show

Leading up to the big reveal, Opel has taken the opportunity to keep the world guessing by releasing a second teaser video of the GT Concept.

The first teaser video that Opel offered up didn't reveal much detail; it featured Opel chief executive Karl-Thomas Neumann asking us to “take a look at Opel with a fresh pair of eyes.” In a follow-up to that first teaser, Opel further piques public anticipation with a second video that reveals a bit more about the concept.

In this second teaser video, Karl-Thomas Neumann returns in much the same fashion and proclaims that “Opel has re-invented itself. Don’t miss what happens next.”

In the video, a view of the front quarter of the GT Concept is shown. From this alone, it’s fair to assume that we can expect to see a sportscar riding on large wheels housed in muscular wheel arches. The front-end features imposing headlights with LED daytime running lights and GT badging seen on the front fenders. Opel also provided an image of the dual exhaust system featuring a GT badge in the middle, alluding to the sporty nature of the concept. 

Opel will be gathering feedback regarding the vehicle at the Geneva Motor Show. If the feedback is positive enough, Opel may give the GT Concept the green light for production. If that happens, a production version of the Opel GT could be in showrooms by 2017…

We will keep you updated with more information on the GT as soon it becomes available.  

 

We take part in Cape Town’s biggest-ever supercar run

 

We spent a day with more than 100 supercars and took a drive in a Bentley Continental W12 Speed convertible on one of Cape Town's most scenic roads.

Late last year, we were asked if we would like to drive a convertible Bentley and take part in what was touted be the biggest supercar run ever held in Cape Town — and possibly in South Africa.

The event was scheduled for 27 December and, by some miracle of bureaucracy, the City of Cape Town opened up the Green Point stadium for the event. We were due to begin our run on the pitch of this beautiful theatre of sports events and Coldplay concerts.

It’s hard to describe what it’s like driving a Bentley into a football stadium with its top down. I’m sure Wayne Rooney could tell you. But walking (and drooling) over the astonishing collection of vehicles will remain a fantastic memory.

The "police"-branded supercars were unique aspects of the event. Cars such as a Lamborghini Huracan, a McLaren and even a Hummer H2 were all marked and driven by city traffic officials, to promote #boozefreeroads — an initiative to raise awareness of the dangers of drinking and driving during the festive season.

The City’s traffic officers led the parade from the stadium via road intersections that had been temporarily closed. Then we rumbled out of the city, rolled through Somerset West and turned off the N2 towards Gordon's Bay to join what must be one of the most beautiful roads in the world: Clarens Drive.

This is a stretch of tarmac that has been featured in countless car adverts around the globe, magazine shoots, new vehicle launches (both local and international) and, of course, the holiday snaps of decades worth of tourists.

It is a picturesque road that hugs the mountain with nothing but the Atlantic Ocean on its other side. And it was about to be experienced by supercar drivers from around the country as part of the final Last Lion Lifestyle event of 2015.

Truth be told, it was a difficult time of year for an event of that kind. The road was busy, but the holiday traffic certainly didn’t dampen the mood; the sight of at least six supercars following me in the Bentley was certainly something.

Last Lion Lifestyle will be hosting many more events in 2016. Stay up to date with their activities on Instagram @lastlionlifestyle. We’d like to thank Last Lion Lifestyle for including us in their programme and Bentley SA for kindly lending us the rather spectacular Bentley Continental W12 Speed.

What a wonderful, thirsty and ludicrous machine.

Spy shots: Hotter Mercedes-AMG GT S in works

 

The current Mercedes-AMG GT product line-up comprises a pair of models, but these spy shots suggest that an even hotter version is on the way.

Image credit: S.B. Medien/S. Baldauf

The Mercedes-AMG GT is a pukka driving machine and has proved itself a natural rival to the all-time favourite sportscar: the Porsche 911. We appreciate how much effort the Affalterbach-based Mercedes-AMG division put into the GT; the GT S model is a joy to drive. Powered by the 4.0-litre biturbo V8 engine, the Mercedes-AMG GT is available in two states of tune. The GT produces 340kW and 600Nm, while the AMG GT S develops peak outputs of 375kW and 650Nm. Both versions sound nothing short of glorious at idle and full chat. 

Now these spy shots indicate a more powerful AMG GT model is on the way and we expect the production version will be unveiled later this year. Rumours about the name are rife, but "Mercedes-AMG GT R" seems to be the most popular. We're not sure how Nissan will respond to the GT R nomenclature if it does become the official name, but we'll wait and see.

These photos indicate that the "GT R" has a revised front end (ostensibly to allow more airflow into that upgraded engine) and the back end of the car features a fixed aerodynamic wing (for optimal rear downforce) that does not seem too dissimilar to the item created for the Edition One. More importantly, the rear diffuser looks like something that would not be out of place on a DTM racer. This leads us to believe this will be a track-focused AMG GT in the same vein as the Black Series, perhaps it will be a road-going version of the outlandish GT3 race car?

With the current power output of the GT S sitting at 375kW, we're expecting the upcoming, most performance-orientated Mercedes-AMG GT to have at least 425kW from a tuned version of the biturbo 4.0-litre V8 engine. AMG has already hinted that the AMG version of the all-new E-Class will feature well over 400kW. You can read about that here.

Performance will be, in a word, rapid. Expect the "GT R" to complete the zero to 100kph sprint in less than 3.5 seconds, which will put it the Mercedes-AMG's performance in the ballpark of established supercars. Will the "GT R" feature all-wheel drive? Purists will suggest it would ruin the GT's driver-oriented focus, but if it doesn't, it could be quite a handful at the limit…  

Read our review of the Mercedes-AMG GT S here. 

Renault Sandero Expression – Best Budget Car

The Renault Sandero Expression was crowned the winner in the Budget Car category of the first annual Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, announced in Johannesburg on 14 January 2016.

Budgets are tight and fuel costs are rising, yet buying an affordable car doesn’t mean you should compromise on safety, technology and quality. The winner of this category represents the best car you can buy new for R150 000 or less.

A number of factors were considered for to this category, including fuel economy, value for money, practicality and brand strength. Contenders needed to be equipped with ABS, dual front airbags and include a service plan (or at least cost less than R150 000 after they had been additionally specified with those features). 

Why did the Renault Sandero win?

The Renault Sandero Expression ticks many boxes. It offers a combination of spaciousness, an admirable safety specification (at the price) and a host of infotainment features, as well as a long warranty. It was one of the most affordable semi-finalists in the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards and consequently offers exceptional overall value for money. The Sandero Expression’s 0.9-litre three-cylinder engine is claimed to consume only 5.2 L/100 km.

The Sandero Expression goes way beyond the basic requirements for a vehicle of its kind by adding luxury items such as a comprehensive audio system with Bluetooth and USB/Aux support as well as safety features such an electronic stability system and Isofix child-seat mountings. Paying R10 000 extra for air-conditioning is not a major setback, given the low asking price of this model and its otherwise outstanding specification level. If you want air-conditioning though, please note you have to order it from the factory. It is not offered as a dealer-fitted option.

By offering a larger bodyshell than most vehicles priced around it, the Sandero Expression offers good interior space and a capacious boot. The five-door configuration facilitates ingress/egress and the 60/40-split rear seats fold down to further improve packing space and boost overall practicality. Despite its generous ground clearance, the Sandero Expression has confident road manners, even when the road surface deteriorates or when venturing onto gravel… It was evidently designed for the driving conditions of a developing country such as ours.

Opinion from the judges

“At the price it is really hard to fault this offering. I particularly like the focus on safety features, the comprehensive audio system and the long warranty.” ­Hannes Oosthuizen

“The Sandero 2 returned as a more modern and solid offering. Despite its keen price, it still manages to maintain excellent levels of standard safety equipment and in-car entertainment.” Ashley Oldfield 

“The Renault Sandero is a well-equipped and spacious city car. Combined with a lengthy and comprehensive warranty, the Sandero is one of the most sensible offerings in the segment.” David Taylor