After spy shots and leaked photos and engine spec reveals, Toyota has finally decided to show the world its new Hilux. It is calling the bakkie an entirely new development that aims to be easier to service, even more reliable, feature new diesel engines and offer a more luxurious and refined interior.
Toyota Hilux Details
The biggest addition to the all-new Hilux is the new engine lineup that features newly developed turbodiesel engines. We revealed the details on the 2.4 and 2.8-Litre versions earlier this month and you can see them here. The engines have improved power, torque and efficiency a welcome sight for long haul farmers. Theres also a new six-speed automatic gearbox that adds to the overall performance enhancements. The manual gearbox also features rev matching technology to ensure smooth shifts.
The exterior has obviously been restyled in order to make up for lost ground to the likes of the Ford Ranger. In particular the taillights have increased in size, wrapping around the rear fender. The front headlamps now feature LED technology, showing Toyotas willingness to make the bakkie appealing to SUV would-be-buyers as well.
New Interior
The interior looks to have taken a massive stride into the 21st century, showing a mix of durable and modern touches. Theres a touch screen that deals with all the audio functions and houses the rear-view camera display. The manual gearbox lever looks to be a much shorter than before and more car-like. Gearbox swapover from high to low range can now be done via an electronic switch, which may upset fans of the second lever.
Toyota South Africa has announced that the new Hilux will only be available in the first quarter of 2016 along with pricing and specification levels for local models.
The Peugeot 308 just arrived in South Africa and takes on the popular premium hatchback segment. With the likes of Audi’s A3 and Volkswagen Golf in 7 guise, the Peugeot has a fight on its hands.
The Peugeot 308 has an ace up its sleeve in the form of a European Car of the Year title as well as improved quality both inside and out. We put the latest offering from Peugeot into the studio and explored its features, space and abilities.
In the video you will get to see the Peugeot 308’s interior, its features and introduce its two closest rivals from Germany. For a more detailed look at how the Peugeot 308 stacks up against the Audi A3 and Volkswagen Golf 7, click here for the comparison page.
Citroen C4 Picasso Upgraded With Auto & Petrol Engine
The Citroen C4 Picasso has received an upgrade and now welcomes a new flagship 1.6-litre turbo-petrol model to the range. The new model is offered with a 6-speed automatic transmission and is only available in the Intensive trim level.
The 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine offers 121 kW with 240 Nm of torque which translates into a 0-100 kph sprint time of 9.3 seconds with a top speed of 200 kph. Combined fuel consumption is rated at 5.3L/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 130 g/km.
Being a top-spec model, comprehensive features are part of the package and this includes auto headlights and windscreen wipers, tyre pressure monitoring system, ABS with EBD, ESC, Hill Start Assist, a total of six airbags, reversing camera and navigation system. The infotainment system also comes equipped with Bluetooth and a 8 GB hard drive Jukebox.
The new C4 Picasso model stands alongside two 1.6-litre turbodiesel models offering 85 kW and 270 Nm and mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.
The realigned range, topped off by a new automatic turbo petrol model, and featuring a comprehensive list of standard features, translates into exceptional comfort levels, a spacious interior and flexible load options. Value added pricing means that our Citroën C4 Picasso represents exceptional value, too says Francis Harnie, managing director Peugeot Citroën South Africa.
Citroen C4 Picasso 2-THP 121kW Intensive Auto – R369 900
Pricing includes a 3-year/100 000 km warranty, a 5-year/100 000 km service plan, as well as roadside assistance. There is an option to upgrade to FreeDrive (Full maintenance and warranty) or 5-year/100 000 km warranty extension. Services are at 20 000 km/1-year intervals on the petrol model and 15 000 km/1-year intervals on the two diesel derivatives.
Renault KWID Revealed
Renault has revealed its new KWID in India, a compact crossover that will compete in a segment that is likely to see significant growth in the coming years. The KWID will initially be offered in India later in the year and then make its way to other markets around the world – South African availability is still to be confirmed, but probably likely.
The KWID bears the name of a concept shown at the 2014 Delhi Motor Show and is the first car to be built on the brand’s new CMF-A platform. The KWID adopts the look of a hatchback along with crossover elements such as increased ride height and plastic body cladding. According to Renault, the KWID marries style, innovative features and affordability.
Small, Efficient Engine for KWID
The Renault KWID is powered by a small 0.8-litre petrol engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission which Renault believes makes it “extremely well positioned in terms of fuel consumption.”
Inside, the KWID features a digital instrument cluster, chrome air vents and a MediaNAV system which offers a radio, Bluetooth and navigation via a 7-inch touchscreen.
Jeep Renegade (2015) First Drive
The Jeep Renegade is the American brands B-segment crossover and we attended the local launch of it in Johannesburg this week.
Designed by Jeep, made in Italy is the slogan that first catches my eye during the presentation of the 2015 Jeep Renegade. It sounds like a strange combination, but its the result of the Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep tie in with Italian automotive giants Fiat, who own Alfa Romeo and Ferrari. The result of such a collaboration is product that offers the hard and rugged appeal, with a few Italian touches here and there.
Design of the new Renegade
This is very much the case for the new Jeep Renegade. Theres no mistaking this vehicle for any other brand. With its trademark headlights, slotted grille and distinct boxy shape, the design is Jeep through and through. What I enjoyed most about the design is how it pays tribute to the World War II Willys Jeep and the Jeep brand through the use of subtle touches across the product.
The X motif on the rear lights is not too dissimilar to the jerry can logo, while theres a Jeep logo on the edge of the windscreen. Further inspection of the vehicle resulted in spotting an abominable snowman on a window, a topopgraphical map at the bottom of the centrally-mounted storage binnacle and mud splashes which form the redline on the rev counter.
As far as design goes, its a visually striking vehicle especially when paired with some of the impact colours such as red, burnt orange and yellow. Throw in some big and chunky black alloys and youve got a recipe for a vehicle dripping in street cred.
Only one engine for now
Being a Jeep, youd expect a hearty V6 forged in the fires of Detroit but this is where the Italians come in. Gone are the days when there was no replacement for displacement. Times are achanging and the best bang for buck comes in the form of small capacity turbo mills. In this case, power comes from a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 103 kW and 230 Nm. Fuel economy is claimed at 6.3L/100km.
The model, which goes on sale immediately is a front-wheel drive manual, with automatic and all-wheel drive derivatives to follow later in the year. Theres also talk of an entry-level naturally-aspirated 1.6 model.
Ride and handling
How does it drive? Well, the rides good and the car is able to keep itself together when youre pressing on. Whats perhaps most useful is the 175mm of ground clearance, which makes pavement crawling super easy and also gives you the option to tackle mild offroad scenarios.
Jeep was keen for us to sample its new urban baby SUV in a unique environment and we found ourselves at a makeshift offroad track next to the old Johannesburg Park Station. Despite the lack of any offroad systems, the front-wheel drive Jeep Renegade acquitted itself well on the gravel inclines and undulations. For the amount of offroading an average family would do, this is more than fine and the forthcoming all-wheel drive model will have to offer some serious bundu bashing ability to justify itself.
A couple of highway drives highlighted how refined the Jeep Renegade is. NVH is low and there were times I had to turn down the radio to hear if the engine was still running. Its that quiet!
Specification and features
Being a Jeep, specification errs on the side of generous. Theres a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, with fabric seats (leather is an option), dual zone air conditioning, rear parking sensors, UConnect infotainment with 5-inch screen (6.5-inch option with two USB ports), six speakers and two 12V power sockets dotted around the cabin. Option packs give you access to an array of extra safety features and improved audio systems.
Speaking of safety, theres lots of tech thrown in. Theres a tyre pressure monitoring system, ISOFIX child seat mounts, six airbags, panic brake assist, lane departure warning, cruise control as well as an electronic parking brake.
Naturally, theres a whole host of accessories to customise and make your Renegade unique. Mopar is the groups customisation arm and theres a huge range of stickers, different alloy wheels as well as numerous styles of load-carrying boxes to choose from. At the launch there was a Renegade that had been kitted out with a mountain bike rack as well as a canoe rack.
Quick summary
Whats not to like? Well theres that price tag. Jeep claims its playing in the B-segment space, which puts it squarely against the likes of the similarly specced 1.2-litre Renault Captur which retails for R280 000. The Jeep Renegades B-segment competition are all substantially cheaper, but feel less premium, so there is a business case for it. Also, I hope my launch unit was an exception to the rule, but the plastic surrounding the A-pillar was coming loose as was the plastic surrounding the steering wheel.
Overall though, the Jeep Renegade is a damn good-looking baby SUV which is jammed with specification and is a good drive. Its surprisingly good for light offroad applications too. Comparisons between this and forthcoming Fiat 500X are inevitable and in reality, there will be very little to separate them mechanically.
Jeep Renegade Price in South Africa
This specific Jeep is the Renegade 1.4L Limited and that goes for R375 990. You do get a lot of spec for your money, as well as a three-year/100 000km warranty and class/leading 6 year/100 000km maintenance plan.
2015 Jaguar Simola Hillclimb – Highlights
The scene at the 2015 Jaguar Simola Hillclimb was electric. The pits roared to life as a fine selection of classic cars, road cars and modified race cars lined up to do battle up Simola’s renowned hill in a bid to set the fastest time possible. More than 12 000 spectators dotted the Simola hillsides to catch a glimpse of machinery going full-tilt in a show of power, screeching tyres and thumping engines. This was a car lovers paradise.
Range Rover Sport SVR and Jaguar XE Shown
Apart from all the racing action taking place at the Jaguar Simola Hillclimb, the event also presented the perfect opportunity for Jaguar Land Rover to present new and exciting products directly to the public. The new Range Rover Sport SVR wowed spectators with its supercharged 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine offering 405 kW and 680 Nm. The SVR is the most powerful Land Rover ever made and is capable of accelerating to 100 kph in 4.7 seconds before reaching a top speed of 260 kph with the help of a 8-speed ZF automatic transmission.
Jaguar also showed the new XE sports sedanto the public for the first time, who had a chance to interact with the vehicle in person. Both diesel and petrol derivatives will be offered when the XE is launched later in the year. The top-of-the-range XE S will be powered by a 3.0-litre supercharged V6 petrol engine that puts out 250 kW and 450 Nm of torque which, translates into a 0-100 kph in 5.1 seconds.
Simola Hillclimb Highlights
Although each car brought a level of interest to the spectacle that is the Jaguar Simola Hillclimb, there were cars that simply stood out from the rest. The first of these standout cars was Micheal Forsyth’s AC Cobra Race Car, which was arguably the loudest piece of machinery to hit the tar at Simola while the McLaren MP4-12C driven by Ernst Du Preez was possibly the quietest car to climb the hill. The new Range Rover Sport SVR showed off its power with Peter Lindenberg behind the wheel, which was impressive to watch as it launched off the line at blistering pace.
A Lamborghini Aventador is always a special sight and this specimen was spectacularly fast off the line with Greg Parton rocketing the supercar up the hill. Kyalami owner and Porsche South Africa CEO, Toby Venter, fired up his 911 GT2 race car which was insanely quick from take-off, leaving the crowd cheering in awe. There was also a good-looking 1972 Porsche Carrera 964 RS4 in Martini colours which put on a good show. The 2014 Simola HillClimb ‘King of the Hill’ winner, Franco Scribante took to the course once more in his Chevron B19 and managed to take the class win in a time of 41.891 seconds as well as fourth overall.
Desmond Gutzeit was the man to watch as he revved up his Nissan GT-R R32. Desmond Gudzeit and sons, Shane and Jade, were racing hard all weekend providing thrilling entertainment for the crowds. In the final run to determine the King of the Hill, Desmond Gudzeit had a perfect start off the line and went on to smash a new Simola Hillclimb record of 40.148 seconds.
Ashley Oldfield Wins Media Challenge
Cars.co.za motoring journalist and road test editor, Ashley Oldfield competed in the Jaguar Simola Hillclimb in a Jaguar XF as part of the media challenge. At the start of the practice sessions, Ashley was achieving times in the region of 59 seconds and steadily improved after every session, eventually achieving a best time of 54.4 seconds. The media competitors were judged on the basis of a ‘Performance Index’ which meant that drivers needed to consistently match or improve on their previous lap times. In the end, Ashley came out on top to secure the win. This is not the first time Ashley has taken top spot, as he also won on the media challenge at the 2011 Simola Hillclimb event.
Here are some of Ashley’s thoughts from this years event, “The Jaguar Simola Hillclimb is only a club event but judging by the seriousness with which the drivers take it and the incredible machinery on show you would think it’s the halo motorsport event on the South African calendar. The crowds can get extremely close to the cars, smell the rubber and get drenched in tyre smoke. The event gets a little bit better every year but it’s a shame it only comes around once a year, it would be awesome to have a series of hillclimbs around the country. We wait in hope.”
Ashley was up against Stuart Grant from Classic and Performance Car Africa, Jesse Adams from Star Motoring, Mark Jones from TheCitizen and Dieter Losskarn from GQ Magazine. Cars.co.za would like to congratulate Ashley on his achievement at the 2015 Jaguar Simola Hillclimb and we look forward to seeing Ashley racing up the hill again next year.
Jaguar Simola HillClimb – King of the Hill Results
Jaguar took the opportunity to tear the drapes off its new XE model at its self-named Simola Hillclimb over the weekend (14-17 May 2015). Whilst the Jaguar XE was only a static reveal, the new Range Rover Sport SVR was let loose to ravage the 1.9km Hillclimb. Both cars were seen for the first time in SA as Jaguar Land Rover made the most of the excitement around the Simola Hillclimb.
Jaguar XE at the Hillclimb
The Jaguar XE is a very important vehicle for the British marque as it will finally go head to head again with the BMW 3-Series, Merc C-Class and the Audi A4 to name just a few. Jag has dropped the X-Type name that previously competed in the segment and is leading with XE. There was much hype around the unveiling of the XE at the Hillclimb as Marius Roberts and Marc Lottering revealed details on the new model in a light-hearted manner. I was unable to see a thing as the crowd gathered so I had to wait for the car to make a parade run up the hill to get a good gander at it. To start with, it looks like a slightly smaller XF, which is a good looking car but I feel Jaguar could have done a bit more to make the XE look a little different from its bigger brother. Surely Jaguar doesnt want to fall into the ‘Russian Doll’ or cookie cutter scenario that has befallen a few other manufacturers lately.
South Africa will get access to all the three engines available in the XE globally. There are diesel and petrol models to choose from with the diesel being an all-new Ingeniumversion that can be ordered in auto or manual. It delivers 132 kW and 430 Nm and claims 5L/100km in the fuel economy stakes. The familiar 2-Litre petrol is available with 177 kW and 340 Nm. Then, at the top of the range, and set to compete with the likes of the BMW 335i and Audi S4, Jaguar has added a supercharged V6 with 250 kW and 450 Nm. That should be a worthy competitor in the segment.
Range Rover Sport SVR as fast as an F-Type
Fans of insane SUVs will remember our Cars.co.za video where we drag raced a Supercharged Range Rover against a crazy BMW X5 M50d. BMW has since launched the new X5 M in SA and now Range Rover has an adequate challenger in the form of the Nurburgring record-holding Range Rover Sport SVR. Unbelievably the monster SVR was able to climb the Simola Hillclimb in a similar time to the Jaguar F-Type V6 – both cars completed the Hillclimb in the mid-49s range with expert drivers behind the wheel. Theres still a few months until the launch of the Range Rover Sport SVR but judging by the amount of attention the mighty SUV garnered at the Hillclimb, the SVR will be a massive hit with its 405 kW and 680 Nm of torque, not to mention the unbelievable acceleration that takes the SUV from 0-100kph in 4.7 seconds.
Jaguar Land Rover looks like its in for a big year having already launched the Land Rover Discovery Sport. The Jaguar XE, new XF and the Range Rover Sport SVR are still to hit SA soon.
GWM Steed 6 2.0 SX (2015) Review
It’s a fact, South Africans love bakkies and they sell by the thousands in Mzansi. For relatively new manufacturers competing in this segment, business is tough, something GWM knows all too well. Bakkie buyers are generally hell-bent on acquiring popular models such as the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux and to a lesser degree, the Isuzu KB, making it exceedingly difficult for alternative brands to get that foot-in. With the introduction of the new Steed 6 Double Cab, GWM aims to turn the tide on its competitors, but is it good enough to succeed? I spent a week behind the wheel of the Steed 6 2.0VGT SX in bright Fashionable Orange to see if has the guts to take on the heavyweights.
Upmarket Styling
Positioned as an upmarket leisure vehicle, the Steed 6 looks the part, inside and out. Its presence is felt with its large louvered chrome grille, LED driving lamps, flared wheel arches filled with 16-inch alloy wheels and an overall length of 5,345 metres. That said, the Steed 6 is big and bold enough to command respect on the road.
Inside, you are met with a spacious, modern-looking cabin thats well kitted out with features. Comfy cloth seats welcome you in and the interior layout is rather smart and doesnt feel tacky. A nice touch is the leather covered instrument binnacle and a leather wrapped steering wheel with mounted controls. The steering wheel is, however, only rake adjustable.
How does it drive?
Powering the Steed 6 is a four cylinder 2.0-litre diesel engine that generates 105 kW and 305 Nm of torque through a 6-speed manual transmission. Although slightly under-powered when compared to its competitors, these figures still do a good job of lugging all 1 816 kg of metal about town.
As you would expect from a bakkie, the engine roars to life in an agricultural fashion but once on the move, the Steed 6 comes alive and has sufficient grunt to execute overtaking manoeuvres with relative ease. Initially the gear shift felt annoyingly stubborn in selecting the correct gear, but once I got used to the ruggedness of it all, driving the Steed 6 became somewhat easier and I started enjoying the feel.
Having that sixth gear makes highway cruising pleasant as the engine never feels excessively laboured. It helps with saving some fuel too and GWM claims 8.6-litres / 100km on the combined cycle, but you can expect a figure in the region 10.5-litres / 100 km.
The Steed 6 has a payload rating of 625 kg but without a heavy load in the back, the suspension can feel quite bouncy, but even so, the ride quality is acceptable. I did notice a fair amount of wind and road noise entering the cabin at higher speeds, which was mildly disappointing. This is a 4×2 model so hardcore off-road enthusiasts will have to look elsewhere, but there is a standard Eaton rear diff-lock that kicks in automatically when needed. This endows the Steed 6 with good traction on poor gravel (at low speeds).
Big On Features
Buyers with a family in mind will be happy to know that the Steed 6 2.0 SX doesnt skimp on safety and comes fitted with dual front airbags, ABS with EBD and ISOfix seat mounts in the back, too.
Other standard items include a neat audio system with USB/Aux support as well as Bluetooth, rear park assist, climate control and electric windows all-round. Another nice touch is a driver’s seat that is height-adjustable
GWM Steed 6 Price in South Africa
The GWM Steed 6 SX on test here is priced at R299 900. The price includes a 5-year/100 000 km warranty, 10-year/unlimited km Anti-corrosion warranty and 2-year/unlimited km roadside assistance. A service plan is offered as an option with service intervals every 10 000 km.
Verdict
The GWM Steed 6 SX is an offering that simply cant be ignored when shopping for a 4×2 Double Cab bakkie. For your money, you are getting a capable and modern bakkie that comes packed to the hilt with features. The Steed 6 is by no means perfect but its better than you think and does a good job of undercutting its competitors by a significant margin and represents excellent value for money.
We Like: Modern interior, long feature list, striking styling, price
We Dislike: Stubborn gearshift, bouncy ride
Also look at: Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, Isuzu KB, Foton Tunland, Mazda BT-50
Following on the Cars.co.za team’s photographing of two nearly undisguised prototypesin Johannesburg two months ago, Ford has now released official images and initial details of its very important new Figo model. It’s likely to arrive in South Africa in the fourth quarter of this year.
New Ford Figo Improved
For the newcomer, Ford has paid particular attention to improving efficiency, refinement and style, while also adding some big-car technologies to the cabin.
“The Ford Figo has been a remarkable success story in South Africa since it was launched in 2010,” says Tracey Delate, General Marketing Manager at Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa. Even in 2014, in the twilight of its career, the Figo managed to achieve a 15% market share.
“The all-new Figo builds on that legacy by combining sophisticated contemporary styling, a whole new range of Ford’s trend-setting technologies such as Ford’s SYNC integrated multimedia and connectivity system, as well as a modern and welcoming cabin that offers more space and improved safety,” Delate states.
As our spy photographs suggested, the Figo will be offered as both a five-door hatchback and four-door sedan. This development, as well as confirmation that a wider variety of trim options will be offered, means the local model range will grow when the Figo is launched. Ford has also confirmed that petrol and diesel models will be offered, as well as manual and automatic transmissions.
Besides the new exterior design that makes the Figo look more upmarket and sophisticated, the interior is also completely new. Ford promises a marked step-up in terms of spaciousness and perceived quality.
Depending on the model, some very impressive features will be added, including a new device-docking station that serves as the driver’s connection point to the world of mobility, Bluetooth with Voice Activation, the programmable MyKey function, as well as electronic automatic temperature control.
All models have at least dual front airbags (some will offer side airbags, too), and ABS. An electronic stability programme (ESP) and Hill Launch Assist will also feature on top derivatives.
Cars.co.za Journo To Take On Knysna Hillclimb
Cars.co.za journalist Ashley Oldfield will be taking part in the 2015 Jaguar Simola Hillclimb this weekend in a Jaguar XF sedan. He’ll be taking on other members of the motoring media in the annual race up the hill event in Knysna.
Knysna Hillclimb Details
The event takes place at the Simola Golf and Country Estate and will see an assortment of modern, classic and highly-tuned race cars hurtle up the hill. Jaguar SA is also fielding a number of entries such as the 405 kW supercharged V8 Jaguar F-Type R coupe. It was recently in the news for breaking the production vehicle land speed record. This vehicle will be driven by Dawie Olivier, National Aftersales Manager at Jaguar Land Rover SA.
A second V8 Jaguar F-Type R coupe will be driven by Barry Ingle from the Jaguar Experience driving academy, while the internal project car, a 2003 Jaguar XJR aptly named The Beast, will be driven by Rory Beattie, Jaguar Land Rover SA’s Customer Service director. The Range Rover Sport SVR and Jaguar XE will also make an appearance with multiple racing champion Peter Lindenberg taking the mighty SVR up the hill.
As for Ashley Oldfield, he’ll be taking on Stuart Grant from Classic and Performance Car Africa, Jesse Adams from The Star Motoring, Mark Jones (The Citizen), and Dieter Losskarn from GQ Magazine.
Video
To give you some idea of the Hillclimb route, watch this video from the 2012 event:
