Ford Focus (2015) First Drive

Globally the Ford Focus is the best-selling car, but locally sales have been on the decline as models like the new Toyota Corolla and Volkswagen Golf have proved more enticing options for buyers. This facelifted version of the Focus feels more like an entirely new car than just a facelift and with its all-new engine lineup, it hopes to claw back up the sales table.

What’s new?

The front end of the Focus has been moulded to look more like the newer models with the grille being the prominent feature. It’s slightly smaller than the Fusion and a bit bigger than the Fiesta to the eye. The interior has come in for a makeover as customer feedback pointed Ford towards a less fussy facia and radio arrangement. Ford Sync has also been implemented and that hosts the media and interactive abilities of the facelifted Focus. Self-parking is now also an option you can choose from with both perpendicular and parallel parking systems available. The chassis has also been tweaked to improve the dynamics and ride quality along with a stiffer front end.

New Ecoboost Engines

Ford has shown with the Fusion that its 1.5-Litre Ecoboost petrol turbo motor is capable of powering a large car just fine. It’s now the turn of the 1.0-Litre Ecoboost motor to do the same as the tiny turbo petrol is the entry-level model for the Focus. Power and torque is the same as it is in the Fiesta at 92 kW and 170 Nm. It handles the Focus pretty well and is only found struggling at the high end of the rev range when it runs out of puff. In the lower – everyday range – it copes perfectly and delivers a good boost of torque low down.

The second engine is the 1.5-Litre Ecoboost from the Fusion, it’s the one I’d probably choose too, with 132 kW and 240 Nm it’s got plenty of power and push to give. This engine/car combo works well as it cruises brilliantly at freeway speeds at nothing more than 2500rpm and then gives good acceleration all the way through the rev range. Fuel economy is claimed at 5.5L/100km which, isn’t too far off the 1.0-Litre’s claimed 5.0L/100km.

Interior Update

The insides of the Focus have been fettled with extensively and the dashboard and radio is a bit more conventional from the previous model. That particular system had buttons just about everywhere and was a bit daunting to use. Active safety has been plugged into the Focus now as an optional pack that allows you to have crash mitigating systems like cross traffic alert that will alert you to a car coming as you exit a parking spot, Active City Stop preloads the brakes if it detects that you may be about to crash into something and Ford My Key that allows you to programme a second key with limitations to use. For example you could set a speed limit for drivers using the second key or disable the car entirely if seatbelts are not strapped on.

Ride and Drive

Upgrades to the suspension and front end of the Focus have made a huge difference to the ride comfort and quality. On the bumpy roads around Port Elizabeth the Focus performed really well, gliding over bumps with ease. The suspension soaks up all the harshness without making the ride feel wafty, it’s probably the most impressive part to the new Focus. Dynamically it’s quite good too, the front end is agile and quick to turn in while the steering feel is a little on the light side, but has good weighting.

Ford Focus Aggressive Pricing

Keen-eyed price watchers may have already noticed that a 1.0-Litre Fiesta is now more expensive than a 1.0-Litre Focus. Ford says they will be adjusting Fiesta’s pricing soon to take this into account. The Focus is priced extremely keenly at R212 900 for a 1.0 Ambiente. The 1.5-Litre starts at R279 900. In comparison to direct hatch rivals like the VW Golf and Hyundai i30 it looks like a good prospect.

For a full specs and pricing listing click here

BMW 2-Series Convertible (2015) First Drive


The new BMW 2-Series Convertible takes over from the 1-Series Cabriolet of old in line with BMW’s new naming convention. In the conversion from 2-Series Coupe to 2-Series Convertible the Bimmer has lost none of its athletic capabilities. It is just as fun and dynamically talented on the winding roads which every convertible owner dreams of.

Line Up

There are three models to choose from in the BMW 2-Series Convertible lineup and they’re all petrol models. You can get a BMW 2-Series Convertible in 220i guise with a 2-litre turbo capable of 135 kW and 270 Nm. The middle model is the 228i which ups the boost on the 2-litre turbo to 180 kW and 350 Nm. The top of the range sporty model is the 235i Convertible that makes use of the twin-turbo 3-litre straight-six to develop 240 kW and 450 Nm. Excitingly, all derivatives are available with a manual box with the option of either an eight-speed auto or eight-speed sports auto.

On the winding Cape Winelands roads with the top down the appeal of convertible driving is unmatched. You’re enticed to push on and give the 2-Series some work to do as you swallow up corner after corner. The BMW 2-Series Convertible remains dynamically talented, lying flat in the corners and offering up loads of grip and chassis feedback. It feels confidence inspiring and extremely fun to push on in, and it really puts a smile on your face as you come to the end of a journey.

The cloth roof claims to close in just 20 seconds and driving along at freeway speeds there are a few small air leaks that cause a bit of cabin noise, but the windshield and side windows feel strongly built. BMW chose the cloth folding roof for the 2-Series in order to save on things like weight and cost, over the more aesthetically pleasing metal folding roof. The weight saving alone is around 100kg and the space saved means you get a bit more luggage room in the rear with 335-Litres with the roof up and 280 with the roof down.

BMW 2-Series Convertible Price in South Africa

BMW 220i 6-speed manual – R486 500
BMW 220i 8-speed automatic – R504 500
BMW 220i 8-speed sports auto – R506 600
BMW 228i 6-speed manual – R525 000
BMW 228i 8-speed automatic – R543 000
BMW 228i 8-speed sports auto – R545 100
BMW M235i MSport 6-speed manual – R643 500
BMW M235i MSport 8-speed sports auto – R663 600

BMW X5 M & X6 M (2015) First Drive


If you’re a keen follower of local car launches you may have noticed that BMW has been particularly busy over the first few months of 2015. We’ve already seen them launch the X6 and their two electric specials, the i3 and i8. Added to that growing list is the X5 M, X6 M and the 2-Series Cabriolet which, we spent the day driving around the Western Cape.

BMW X5 M & X6 M

Those of you who crave extremism in your road-going SUV will be over the moon with BMW’s second attempt at going full M at the X5 and X6. It’s incredibly powerful at 423 kW with 750 Nm of torque, that’s nearly 20 kW and 70 Nm more than the predecessor. The twin-turbo 4.4-Litre V8 is also 20% more efficient than before, but will still drink around 11.1L/100km. Zero to 100kph takes just 4.2 seconds and the speed limiter will stop you at 250kph.

It’s absolutely savage to be able to go this fast in an SUV, the brutal acceleration is enhanced by the high driving position that exaggerates the feeling of speed and G-forces. Both X5 M and X6 M are fitted with xDrive – BMW’s all-wheel drive system that allows it to send power forwards and backwards. It can send 100% of the power to either the front wheels or rear wheels if it deems it necessary. In the X5 M and X6 M the power has been given a rear bias to promote a more dynamic feel.

Ride Comfort

The ride is improved over the previous generation, but is still harsh, driving over anything less than a billiard table surface creates feedback into the cabin. Most of the blame can be laid squarely at the low profile tyres in combination with BMW’s runflat technology. According to BMW, there’s also a standard tyre on offer that doesn’t have run flat tech and I would highly recommend that just to avoid the aggravation that the constant road noise gives.

There’s not much else to complain about on an M model from BMW, it’s fully kitted with everything BMW has to offer from night vision mode to rear screens and multiple driving modes that can tailor the M to your exact driving needs. The special wheels pinned on the BMW X5 M and X6 M are a massive 21-inches and the bodykit on both models looks aggressive whilst also reducing the visual height of the SUV.

Which should you buy?

The obvious answer as to which model you should buy when both are identical is easy. You should buy the X5 M. It’s more practical, has a two-part folding tailgate which gives you a place to sit when you go out picnicking and the X5 looks less outrageous than the X6 M. If none of those things matter to you and you like the bold and thug-like looks of the X6 M then it only costs you around R30k more.

BMW X5 M and X6 M Price in South Africa

BMW X5 M 8-Speed auto – R1 643 000

BMW X6 M 8-Speed auto – R1 676 500

Subaru Outback 2.0 Diesel Lineartronic CVT (2015) Review


Station wagons are big business in Europe and the United States, but in South Africa have become an endangered species due to the popularity of SUVs and crossovers. It’s understandable of course – SUVs do allow for more adventurous lifestyle activities, but ultimately it has to be said that status plays a big role as well.

Still, the lack of sales volumes hasn’t deterred a few manufacturers, most notably Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo and Subaru, from offering their latest wares in South Africa. In general most of them are in agreement that to achieve even a modicum of success, a degree of crossover appeal is needed. That is why the only Audi Avant on offer is the SUV-themed Allroad, and why the only large Volvo wagon on sale at present is the XC70. Subaru has gone a similar route, by only offering the high-riding Outback in South Africa and not the Legacy wagon.

The unit reviewed here is powered by the brand’s 2.0-litre turbodiesel boxer four, and priced at a fairly heady R529 000, which pitches it directly against not only the A4 Allroad 2.0 TDI and Volvo XC70 D5, but also a host of crossovers and proper SUVs. It faces a stiff challenge…

Focus on practicality

Now in its fifth incarnation, the Outback looks better than ever before, with upmarket detailing that includes striking two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels and LED detailing in the headlamps. Awkward design has often been a sale-inhibiting factor on previous-generation Outbacks, but with this new model Subaru certainly appears to have addressed that issue.

Practicality remains arguably the Outback’s greatest attribute. This new model’s body is 20 mm wider than before and the base of the windscreen has been moved forward by 50 mm. The result is more hip and shoulder room all-round, and improved leg-room at the rear. Even the boot is bigger – from 490 to 512-litres. Nifty levers mounted in the sidewalls of the luggage compartment allow you to collapse the rear seats, resulting in a completely flat floor and vast space for bulky items.

Another welcome feature is the roof-rail system. Featuring adjustable rails that can swing across the roof, the design negates the need to purchase pricey optional roof bars.

Feature-packed cabin

Subaru has worked hard to give the Outback a more premium ambience and it shows. The quality of the materials is all top-notch and the fit and finish first-class. The leather-upholstered seats offer excellent long-distance comfort, yet also provide good support.

There is also no shortage of luxury car features, with dual-zone climate control, cruise control, electric sunroof, heated front seats, touch-screen infotainment system (with voice control), 12-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system, and an automated tailgate all being included in the price. No navigation is offered (yet), but Subaru is working on a solution.

On the road (and off)

Benefitting from not only a stiffer superstructure and completely revised steering and suspension, the Outback’s on-road behaviour is hard to fault. It is a lovely cruiser, with a quiet cabin and relaxed ride. The 110 kW/350 Nm engine – slightly gruff at idle and initial pull-away – is also quiet at cruising speeds. It will take some concentration to match Subaru’s claimed consumption figure of 6.6L/100km, however, with a more realistic figure being around the 8.0L/100km mark.

Still, that’s pretty good for such a large, heavy and all-wheel driven station wagon. CVTs (continuously variable transmissions) usually come in for criticism regarding a lack of responsiveness and the trademark drone that are a result of their fitment, but the Lineartronic CVT in the Outback is a good one. It offers six “gears” and can be manipulated using paddles behind the steering wheel.

Head into the rough and the Subaru Outback continues to impress. It boasts a good 213 mm ground clearance as well as the X-mode feature, which fine-tunes the various driving systems for better performance in low-grip conditions. The symmetrical all-wheel drive system gives the Outback outstanding gravel road performance. While the Subaru Outback is no Fortuner in the rough, it will take most families as far as they want to go.

Conclusion and Summary

The latest Subaru Outback is an impressive offering that brings premium finishes, outstanding practicality and impressive gravel-road ability to the station wagon mix. It really is a vehicle that is very hard to fault… The South African public may continue to rather buy Toyota Fortuners, BMW X3s and the like, but for the thinking (active) family man the Outback rates as an attractive alternative that comes with only one major headache – potential resale value.

Subaru Outback Price in South Africa

We tested the Subaru Outback 2.0 Diesel Lineartronic CVT which retails for R529 000. The Outback comes with a three-year/100 000km warranty and three-year/60 000km maintenance plan.

Second Opinion

I was suitably impressed with the new Subaru Outback and it seems to be its best model on offer currently. It’s classy inside and very comfortable out on the road, the only fault that was noticeable was the rough diesel sound at idle and pull-off speeds. The price will be a sticking point no doubt as well. – Ashley Oldfield

We Like: Practicality, Comfort, Quality, multi-purpose appeal

We don’t Like: Lack of navigation, Price

Also consider: Audi A4 Allroad 2.0 TDI, Volvo XC70 D5 AWD, Volvo XC60 D4

See a comparison between the Subaru Outback, Audi Allroad and Volvo XC70 here.

Subaru-Outback

Range Rover Sport HST Headed for New York Motor Show

Land Rover will be showcasing the new Range Rover Sport HST at the upcoming New York Motor Show which features an uprated V6 engine, enhanced design features and unique chassis settings.

Range Rover Sport HST has got the look

Exterior Styling

The distinguishing design element for the Range Rover Sport HST is a black theme which is evident with the Santorini Black contrast roof. Stealth Pack headlamps with non-reflective surrounds as well as a new spoiler add further appeal to the car. The Range Rover Sport HST rides on large 21-inch alloy wheels with a dark satin grey finish with red brake calipers. If the wheels aren’t big enough for you, then you can always opt for the 22-inch Stealth alloy wheels which are offered as an option.

A Gloss Black finish is found on the bonnet, front wing vents, grille and fog lamp bezels, matching the Range Rover lettering on the edge of the bonnet and tailgate. The lower door panels are in body colour and vent detailing on the bumpers are also included.

Interior Styling

Inside, the HST features duotone seats in Oxford Leather. The fascia contrasts with the Ebony coloured door trims, centre console and headlining. The leather upholstery can be had in four colour combinations with all-Ebony available as an option.

HST badging is seen on the dashboard, carpet mats and on the TFT instrument panel. The sportiness of the model is further emphasised with cues on the Nobel-plated paddle shift gear levers and ‘Sports’ pedals while the aluminium trim features a textured ‘Sports’ finish.

Engine Power

The Range Rover Sport HST comes fitted with a beefed-up supercharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine that delivers 279 kW. The vehicle comes with a single-range transmission with Terrain Response which, features Dynamic Mode, which optimises the suspension, Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) and other electronic mechanisms to match road conditions. The chassis has been fine-tuned for maximum performance. Changes to the suspension help reduce body roll while uprated brakes with 20-inch discs ensure maximum confidence.

Sadly, the Range Rover Sport HST will only be available in specific markets such as North America, China, Russia and the Middle East. Either way, the HST is still nice to look at and us South Africans can only dream…

 

Jaguar XF (2016) Details Revealed with Video

Jaguar has provided details of the new XF mid-size sedan built on the brand’s aluminium-intensive architecture. The new Jaguar XF will make its debut at the upcoming New York Motor Show on 1 April 2015.

XF Design

In profile, the Jaguar XF takes on a distinct coupe-like appearance with a prominent shoulder line running through the length of the car. The face of the XF features an upright grille that is both recognizable as a Jaguar but also speaks for the character of the car. The XF is some 190kg lighter, with 75% of the car made from aluminium. With an extended wheelbase, the XF offers claimed class-leading rear seat space that affords passengers more leg and headroom.

The interior is fashioned using luxury materials and finishes and comes fitted with the new InControl Touch Pro premium infotainment system, coupled with a 10.2-inch touchscreen, and a large 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster. Dual View technology allows the driver to simultaneously see information while the front passenger relaxes and watches TV or a DVD.

Engine Power

A new range of engines power the XF and include the 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel engine which offers either 120 kW / 380 Nm or 132 kW / 430 Nm, depending on your preference. A twin-turbo V6 3.0-litre diesel unit will also be available and this engine offers a healthy 220 kW and 700 Nm of torque. For petrol lovers, there’s the 3.0-litre supercharged V6 that produces the goods with 279 kW and 450 Nm of torque on tap for your enjoyment. All engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission but the 2.0-litre variants can be paired to a six-speed manual transmission too. Fuel economy on the 120 kW 2.0-litre diesel is rated at only 4.0-litres / 100 km with a CO2 figure of 104 g/km.

Suspension comes in the form of a double wishbone and Integral Link set-up which offers high levels of refinement and comfort that is further enhanced with Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS). Passive damper technology provides a smooth ride while Adaptive Dynamics will determine the best damper settings according to the driving conditions. Jaguar Configurable Dynamics, used on the F-TYPE, allows the driver to tailor settings for the dampers, steering, engine and transmission. All-Surface Progress Control alters the brakes and throttle for optimal traction during low-speed driving in adverse conditions.

The new Jaguar XF will be built at the Jaguar Land Rover Castle Bromwich Plant alongside the F-Type and XJ models. Further details will be made available when the XF is shown at the New York Motor Show on 1 April 2015.

Volkswagen up! Video Review: What’s it like?

The maker of people’s cars has kept one of its best people cars away from the South African market for some time now. The reasons are not entirely obvious until you consider the Polo Vivo – the most popular passenger car in South Africa. Why would VW want to undercut their best seller?

Whatever the reason, the up! has arrived and it is the thoroughly modern small car that South Africa needs, as more and more people move into the cities. Small engines with low emissions and low fuel consumption make a lot of sense and the up! ticks all the boxes.

Even though its already three years old, the car feels fresh inside and out, and in my week with the car, it drew smiles from just about everyone in traffic. It’s impressively solid, with a quality feel and ride that belies its size and segment.

However there are some downsides, in this age of connectivity, the up! can’t be specced with a USB port and currently the Bluetooth device costs R3 177 extra, resting on your dashboard looking like a bit of an afterthought.

That aside, the car is surprisingly roomy and the boot has a clever false floor which can be lowered or removed for extra space.

And even though the car is incredibly light, it doesn’t seem bothered by crosswinds and sits happily at 130 kph on the highway.

At the end of the video, I was inspired by a certain Disney movie to see just how light the Volkswagen up! really is, with a unique test. You’ll just have to watch to find out if it worked.

For full Up! Prices and Specs in South Africa, read our full review here.

Interested in purchasing a new Volkswagen Up!? See our New Car Guide here.

Volkswagen up! Quick Specs

Volkswagen up

New Ford Everest Shown in Thailand


The new Ford Everest SUV which is set for launch in South Africa in the fourth quarter of 2015 has made its debut at the Bangkok Motor Show.

Ford Everest Built for the Rough Stuff

With it’s body-on-frame design, the new Everest is designed to tackle tough terrain with the help of a new four-wheel drive system, active transfer case with Torque on Demand, a Terrain Management System and an impressive ground clearance of 225 mm. Wading in water 800 mm deep is no problem for the new Everest.

The Terrain Management System features four settings, including Normal, Snow/Gravel/Grass, Sand and Rock which makes adjustments to throttle response, transmission, traction control and the all-wheel drive system. The transfer case can be manually locked in low-range for more control.

Engine Power

The new Ford Everest will be offered with two Duratorq diesel engines mated to either a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. A 3.2-litre Duratorq TDCi engine offers 147 kW and 470 Nm of torque while the smaller displacement 2.2-litre Duratorq offers 118 kW and 385 Nm.

Features

Ford’s latest generation SYNC 2 in-car connectivity system allows drivers to use voice commands to control entertainment, climate control settings and mobile devices via an 8-inch touchscreen. A 10-speaker sound system with integrated subwoofer is also included. The Everest is also fitted with a dual-panel moon roof, a powered liftgate, more than 30 stowage spaces and flexible seating that can be folded in various positions. Active Noise Cancellation technology helps lessen unwanted noise in the cabin via three microphones and a smart control module which generates opposing sound waves through the audio system.

Advanced safety features include Curve Control, Blind Spot Information System with Traffic Alert, Roll Stability Control, ESP, Traction Control and Active Park Assist. Seven airbags are also part of the package.

Further details regarding South African specs and pricing for the new Ford Everest will be announced closer to local launch.

Ford Focus (2015) Price Announced

Pricing for the 2015 Ford Focus has been announced for South Africa.

The Ford Focus launches this week in Port Elizabeth and we’ll be in attendance. In the meantime, pricing for the popular hatchback has been announced and there are two engines to choose from at launch. The range starts with the 1.0-litre EcoBoost Ambiente, followed by an up-specced 1.0-litre EcoBoost Trend. Both cars will have 92kW and 170Nm at their disposal, which are good figures for such a small engine. The only transmission available for this engine is a manual gearbox.

The second engine is the 1.5-litre EcoBoost, seen in the Ford Fusion which I reviewed recently. Power is rated at 132kW and 240Nm. The entry level model is the 1.5-litre EcoBoost Trend (manual), while the higher specification 1.5-litre EcoBoost Trend is fitted with an automatic gearbox. It’s the only model to feature an automatic gearbox in the entire range.

I assume the performance Focus ST will follow a little later this year and I would be surprised if a diesel engine didn’t make an appearance. Finally, the fire-breathing Focus RS flagship will arrive on South African shores in 2016.

Ashley Oldfield will be on the launch of the new Ford Focus in Port Elizabeth this week. Look out for his first impressions soon as he’ll have confirmation of specification levels and trim.

Ford Focus Price in South Africa

Five-door Ford Focus

1.0-litre EcoBoost Ambiente     R217 900
1.0-litre EcoBoost Trend            R234 900

1.5-litre EcoBoost Trend            R271 900
1.5-litre EcoBoost Trend Auto  R284 900

Four-door Ford Focus

1.0-litre EcoBoost Ambiente     R212 900
1.0-litre EcoBoost Trend            R229 900

1.5-litre EcoBoost Trend            R265 900
1.5-litre EcoBoost Trend Auto  R279 900

Options:
Metallic paint                                           R750
Styling Pack                                              R14 810
Driver Assistance Pack                           R11 940
16-inch alloy wheels (Ambiente only) R6 540

 

Renault Twizy EV for Kids?

This is an interesting story coming from Europe. Most parents in South Africa would never allow their 14-year old teenage children get behind the wheel of a car, let alone driving on the road. In Europe though, things are a bit different. The European Union has introduced a new directive for the harmonisation of driving licenses and France has subsequently adapted its light quadricycle regulations which allows 14-year-olds with BSR road safety certificates to drive light motorised quadricycles, like the Renault Twizy 45 Electric Vehicle (EV).

Renault Twizy 45 puts teens behind the wheel

The new regulation gives teens independent mobility as well as the opportunity to understand the act of driving from an earlier age, which was previously reserved for those 16 years and older. The Renault Twizy 45 is a safer alternative compared to your typical two-wheeled scooter and thankfully the Twizy is well kitted in terms of safety too. The Twizy 45 comes standard with an airbag, double seatbelts, disc brakes and a protective passenger cell. More that 15 000 Twizy vehicles are currently in operation in Europe.

In South Africa, a learners driving license for a light motor vehicle not exceeding 3 500 kg can be obtained if the person is 17-years or older and 16 years for a motorcycle learners license. A driving license can only be obtained if you are 18-years or older.

Considering the current road safety crisis in South Africa, it’s unlikely that similar regulations would ever work, but it begs the question. Do you think allowing teenagers to drive is the wisest thing to do?