Toyota Accidently Reveals Facelifted Corolla (video)
In a video meant to showcase Toyotas new Safety Sense technology it may have let slip a very early mock-up of the facelifted Toyota Corolla.
Facelifted Euro Spec Corolla
The video was posted by Toyota Belgrade in Serbia and digitally showcases Toyota technologies such as collision prevention and lane departure alert. The car in question seems to be an updated European spec Toyota Corolla. The latest iteration of the Toyota Corolla is only just two years old so this would indicate that Toyota is hastily looking to change certain aspects of the Corolla.
The most distinctive change is to the front end where the grille and bumper has been redesigned with less chrome slats and a more aggressive front end is the result.
The dashboard dials seem to be very similar to the ones shown in the 2015 Toyota Auris update in 2014. This leads us to believe the video car is more of a facelift Corolla than merely a digital rendering of a car.
Possible Toyota Corolla Facelift Video
Lamborghini Huracan to get RWD versions
Much has been said about the Lamborghini Huracan and its four-wheel drive bias. Critics have commented at the lack of outright purity that a Lambo should have and that the all-wheel drive layout makes the Huracan an understeery Lambo. The Italians have now announced it will build two versions that are pure rear-wheel drive beasts.
Lamborghini Huracan Superleggera on the cards
The announcement came from Lamborghinis chief test driver Giorgio Sanna who pointed towards one of the models being a Huracan Superleggera. The Superleggera nameplate will put the Huracan on an extreme diet as to shed all unnecessary weight as well as a likely power boost.
The second model to benefit from pure rear-wheel drive could be called the LP 610-2. This will likely sit under the Superleggera model as a less expensive way to get a rear-driven Huracan.
Dont start ordering your rear-driven Huracan just yet though as the announcement is only set to be made in 2016.
Audi head honcho Rupert Stadler confirmed that Audi will be ready to put the Audi Q1 into production by 2016. The Q1 will also run on a slightly modified version of the adaptable MQB platform that much of VW and Audi cars sit on.
Audi Q1 Details
The Audi Q1 is set to be an upmarket compact SUV with slightly smaller proportions than the Q3. Strangely though Audi has said the Q1 is expected to be more A3 size inside than A1 which could see it steal a few sales from the Q3.
Engines for the Q1 are likely to be carried over from the A3 and theres strong talk about a halo SQ1 model to burn up some tarmac. Most models will be planned as front-wheel drive models but a quattro option will be made available.
On the design front the Q1 will also showcase the latest iteration of Audis face that will lead its new models.
At the Q1s announcement Stadler gave a hint that there is a sportier Q model car in the pipeline as well, pointing to the idea that Audi may build a BMW X6 and Merc GLE competitor.
*Audi Q1 sketch pictured
BMW 3-Series vs 4-Series: Which Should You Buy (Video)
BMW make a fantastic coupe called the 4-Series. We drove the range-topping 435i and we were hugely impressed. But there was always the rumour that BMW would give the 4-Series the same treatment as the 6-Series, and launch a four-door version, dubbed the Gran Coupe.
And there was always the possibility that this would end up being a terrible idea. But it wasnt, and the 4-Series Gran Coupe is very good in almost every way.
BMW 3-Series vs 4-Series Gran Coupe
However, BMW already has a very successful sedan the 3-Series. It has been the sector-defining car for as long as anyone can remember, and the latest generation is a solid example of what BMW can offer.
And so you, the buyer, are now faced with a difficult decision: should you plump up and spend the extra cash on a four-door 4-Series, or is the 3-Series more than enough?
Weve tried to answer that question in our latest video, lining up the 328i against the 428i Gran Coupe. And for a quick overview of the stats, here are three comparison tables of the entry level versions of both cars, mid-spec derivatives and the top of the range versions.
Entry level 3 Series vs 4 Series Gran Coupe
Model
320i (M)
420i (M)
Price
R435 462
R508 475
Engine
2.0l i-4 turbo
2.0l i-4 turbo
Power
135kW
135kW
Torque
270Nm
270Nm
Fuel Efficiency
6.1l/100km
6.3l/100km
Featured in our video: 328i vs 428i Gran Coupe
Model
328i Modern Sports Auto
428i Modern Sports Auto
Price
R541 670
R620 670
Engine
2.0l i-4 turbo
2.0l i-4 turbo
Power
180kW
180kW
Torque
350Nm
350Nm
Fuel Efficiency
6.3l/100km
6.3l/100km
Range topping 335i vs 435i Gran Coupe
Model
335i M Sport
435i M Sport
Price
R677 927
R771 840
Engine
3.0l i-6 turbo
3.0l i-6 turbo
Power
225kW
225kW
Torque
400Nm
400Nm
Fuel Efficiency
7.2l/100km
7.5l/100km
BMW 3-Series vs 4-Series Video
Kia Soul (2015) Review
Kia’s polarising Soul has returned with a much improved model that aims to be more stylish, better equipped, a better drive and able to carry more things while offering passengers more room. We spent a week with the top of the range 1.6 turbodiesel Smart automatic to see how it’s improved.
What’s New
The Kia Soul has always polarised opinion on style, people either seem to think it’s the ugliest car they’ve ever seen or they think it’s really stylish and often use the word ‘funky’ to describe it. Nobody though has ever looked at the Kia Soul and said ‘meh, it’s okay’. Much of the style of this all-new Kia Soul has been pulled from the Track’ster concept released in 2012. The front end has had a bit of a rework with the positioning of the lights and fog lights and the rear has an added ‘floating’ body-colour panel to make it stand out. The whole car is a bit bigger as well, it’s wider (15mm) and longer (20mm) and 10mm lower than the old model. The platform is also all-new, borrowed from the European Cee’d and the suspension has been reworked to offer a more comfortable ride while the steering has also been adjusted to deliver better feel and feedback around the centre.
Vodka Bar Interior
Kia has worked on improving the Soul’s noise and vibration harshness levels in order to make the cabin a quieter place to be. It’s worked as even at freeway speed limits there’s a quiet murmur from the wind and nothing too annoying from the tyres on the road either. The cabin layout isn’t as eccentric as the exterior and looks relatively standard fare for an average Kia. The Soul’s party piece inside is the mood lighting that turns the Soul into a new age Vodka Bar. Basically what happens is you press one of the selective buttons on the right of the steering wheel and the interior speakers glow with a ‘rave stick’ that can be set to flash and glow in time with the music. The basketball hoop centre storage hole is gone, but there’s still good storage spots around the cabin. Kia is falling a bit behind in the entertainment department with regards to the centre screens. It is a touch screen system, but lacks the screen size to make it effective – those with larger digits will struggle. The screen doubles as a reverse camera but again, it’s a bit small for that and distorts the rear view making everything seem really far away. The Soul is well specced though, as most Korean offerings are and standard equipment right from the base model includes things like 17-inch alloys, ABS brakes, fog lamps, electric mirrors, air-conditioning, Bluetooth, Aux connection and front, side and curtain airbags. As you climb up the range the equipment obviously gets better, as does the safety and our top spec ‘Smart’ model has LED daytime running lights, parking sensors, electric seats, cruise control, stability control and a chilled glove box.
Engine spec
The diesel model we had here was the 1.6 turbodiesel variant, paired with a six-speed automatic ‘box. It puts out good power and torque figures at 94 kW and 260 Nm respectively. There’s very little lag from the turbo and the engine feels eager to get a move on. Overtaking isn’t much of a task with good torque delivery through most of the rev range, the only thing that holds it back slightly is the six-speed automatic gearbox. It doesn’t feel up there with the smooth shifting, almost pre-emptive ‘boxes we’ve become used to. It often feels like it’s holding the whole speeding up process back with lazy like shifts up the gears.
Driving it
The Kia Soul is a fun car to whip around the city and the added ground clearance you get from it means it’s pretty good at climbing the odd pavement and bashing down a dirt road – although it’s not at its most comfortable on dirt. Kia has improved the steering feel with the Soul, and unlike its stablemates it doesn’t feel overly light and disconnected. It has good weight to it around the centre and you’re able to get a good feel for what the car is doing underneath you. It’s now quite a confidence inspiring car to send down a nice road, but probably not in the same way as a hot hatch.
Verdict
I quite enjoy the new styling on the Kia Soul, it’s something different on the roads and the improvements to the space inside means it’s more practical for those who like carrying many things. The top spec model is well endowed with gadgets and tech although the touch screen could do with being a couple inches bigger and more hi-res. The diesel engine is efficient and performs decently although it’s let down by the lazy automatic box. It is however a bit out of its price market when compared to other stylish hatch/crossovers like the Nissan Juke or the Ford Ecosport, especially in diesel form. If you want a Kia Soul, you’re definitely better off in a petrol version where you’re going to get better value for money.
Pricing
The Kia Soul starts from R244 995 for a 1.6-litre petrol. At the top end of the range and the model we had on test is the R344 995 1.6-litre turbodiesel Smart auto.
Second Opinion
I've always liked the wacky and space age looks of the Kia Soul, and I've never driven one until now. Despite its good build quality, concept car looks and generous specification, the entire package is let down by a woeful gearbox & engine combination. For a car that's claimed to be super economical, we couldn't get lower than 8L/100km. Stick with the petrol models and you'll save some money too. – David Taylor
We Like: Cool styling, good space inside, improved ride and drive
We Don't Like: Entertainment system feels old and small, expensive, autobox is poor
Kia Soul Quick Specs
Engine
1.6-Litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel
Power
94 kW
Torque
260 Nm
Transmission
Six-speed automatic
Wheels
17-inch alloy wheels
0-100km/h
12.2 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed
177 kph
Fuel Economy
6.2L/100km (claimed)
Fuel Tank Capacity
54 Litres
2016 Chevrolet Spark Teased Ahead of Reveal
A teaser image of the all-new Chevrolet Spark has hit the Internet. The vehicle will debut on the 2 April at the Seoul and New York auto shows.
2016 Chevrolet Spark details
The teaser image shows off a slightly sleeker and more aerodynamic profile. Chevrolet claims the redesigned Spark has ‘a more sophisticated aesthetic that reflects the changing tastes of the global minicar market.’ Fair enough then, don’t change what’s not broken as the Chevrolet Spark has proven to be a popular seller in its segment in South Africa.
The new Sparks design has evolved and grown up with the segment, said Michael Simcoe, GM International vice president of Design. The youthful whimsy of the original Spark is still in its genes, but it is conveyed in more traditional proportions that reinforce the customers refined expectations.
Chevrolet has sold over 1.1 million Sparks around the world since it went on sale as the Beat in India back in late 2009. Today, the Spark is available in 71 markets worldwide, selling the most in South Korea, followed by the United States and Mexico. The Chevrolet Spark is aimed at the young market with over a quarter of sales going to people under the age of 35.
The brand has continued to break records as more of its products were sent down the 4 900m Upington airport runway. With professional drivers Dawie Olivier, Brian Hastie, and JP Joubert at the helm, the XF 2.2D, XJ 3.0D and F-Type S convertible broke records in their respective classes.
Jaguar SA Breaks Records
First up was the XF 2.2D with its 140kW and 450Nm 2.2-litre turbodiesel completing a 211.01kph in a flying kilometre. It goes into the record books for production cars with turbocharged or supercharged diesel engines between 2.0 and 2.5-litres in capacity.
Next was the mighty 202kW, 600Nm 3.0-litre V6 diesel in the Jaguar XJ 3.0D engine which recorded a top speed of 235.54kph which a class record for production vehicles with turbocharged or supercharged diesel engines between 2.5- and 3.0-litres.
Finally Jaguar F-Type S Convertible got in on the action. With its supercharged 3.0-litre V6 engine pushing out 280kW and 460Nm, a class record of 262.26kph was set for production vehicles with turbo or supercharged petrol engines between 2.5- and 3.0-litres). Just for interest’s sake and to prove that the vehicle is just as capable and safe with the top down, a second, unofficial run recorded a speed of 254.88kph.
We are proud that weve been able to put the F-Type Rs stablemates on the board, to write records in their respective classes and fly the Jaguar flag with even more pride, said Mallett. After all, racing is in Jaguars blood, and we cannot think of a better way to prove that statement.
2015 Car of The Year Finalist Breakdown
Stuart Johnston is a SAGMJ jury member and shares his thoughts from this year’s competition.
A total of 28 motoring journalists, appointed SAGMJ jury members, gathered on March 4 and 5 to put the 11 finalists for the Wesbank-sponsored 2015 Car of the Year competition through their paces. We used roads in the Muldersdrift area and the Gerotek Testing facility near Hartebeespoort Dam for the stringent back-to-back testing. Heres my take on what should be the outcome.
For the full weight of the jury decision, youll have to wait until March 18th, when the winner will be announced at a Gala Wesbank-hosted event. Incidentally, along with KZN-based Colin Windell, I am one of just two jury members who was on the very first Car Of The Year, also sponsored by Wesbank, in late 1985. So, happy 30th anniversary and all that!
Car of The Year Finalists for 2015
Mercedes-Benz C200 Automatic R477 718
So, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is my choice for car of the Year. Apart from enjoying a very strong styling presence and a technical and feature specification laden with hi-tech ,what does it for me regarding the C-Class is its return to an essence of Mercedes qualities. It has a delicacy, an unobtrusiveness about its efficient operation that was once (but not always these days) a Mercedes luxury-car given. It glides over road surfaces, has very brisk acceleration, a high top speed and yet it is the most-fuel efficient car in its class. And it does all this without really trying!
Toyota Corolla 1.4D Prestige R266 400
The Corolla does its business in much the way the Mercedes does (albeit at a lower level), quietly and efficiently getting the job done. Quite apart from its keen pricing, it is a masterpiece of box-ticking, combining everything that the family man or company representative would want for daily running or long trips. Its super-generous boot size is a case in point, as is its fuel consumption, which will run in the 5.5 L/100 mark in normal driving. And apart from modest diesel power, around the Gerotek handling track it is actually a very wieldy machine that is pleasant to point towards the apex of a corner!
Audi A3 Sedan 1.4T SE Auto R286 500
This car has a beautiful ride, and a super-solid feel. It is a pleasure to drive. It would have scored even higher, but for the fact that in the value for money stakes I think it falls down a tad. For R386 500, I would have expected leather seats, and when you consider you can get its Jetta sibling with a 118kW engine and consequent performance benefits for R50 000 less, it suddenly doesnt look to be a huge bargain, despite its amazing all-round prowess and chic appearance.
BMW M4 R1 115 592
This was, quite simply, the best car in the competition. Then you look at its price, of over R1.1-miilion, and you realise it darned well should be! If the car had been presented in M3 sedan format, I would have scored it higher, because for me it is a huge step beyond the previous-generation V8 BMW. It has amazing ride quality for the levels of grip and supercar performance. But for my money, too specialised to be an overall contender for COTY.
Porsche Macan S Diesel R862 000
This is a superb sporting SUV, but I disagreed with the choice of model I felt the petrol V6 version, at just a smidgen more money, and with an extra 70 kW would have made this car a much more wow proposition in the COTY line-up. The problem for the Macan is that, rather unexpectedly, it’s not the no-brainer bargain that its bigger Cayenne once was. Super car, but for similar money you can also get a diesel-engined Audi SQ5 with the 230 kW performance this type of chassis deserves.
Subaru WRX Premium Manual R473 700
We are getting to the level where it pains me to anoint so few points to a car as good as the WRX. But as the COTY rules allow us just 50 points to be spread over all 11 finalists, a way had to be found to allocate more points to my top contenders.
This car is exciting, has wonderful sporting road-holding and it has had a reasonable (but not exceptional) upgrade to the interior. In a way it is Number One in a field of One, as no other car on the market is really specced this way, prioritising engineering excellence above anything else. Pity its hefty fuel consumption ,in the general-running area of around 11 litres/100 km, lets it down.
Renault Duster 1.5 dCI 4WD R267 900
It pained me, again, to award just three points to a car that was the surprise of the competition, thanks to its no-nonsense prowess off road, nimbleness on the skid pan, and its willing diesel engine. Its over-shiny silicone-spray-like finish to the dash doesnt do it any favours, but its price of R267 900 makes it the second cheapest car here, and it offers loads of practicality to go with its very real rough-dirt acumen. I enjoyed its honesty.
Honda Accord 3.5 V6 Exclusive R576 300
Honourable Mention Department One, for a car that is in many ways very good, but doesn’t embody the criterion of excellence in as many areas as possible that the COTY competition is based upon. It has a good ride, lusty performance, a clean and classy cabin plus loads of space. Its a worthy Merc-BMW-Audi alternative, but it needs to be priced a whole lot cheaper to win more adherents.
Lexus ES 250 EX R471 800
Honourable Mention Department Two, the Lexus 250 is well put together, is crammed with no-cost features you normally pay a bomb for when choosing other cars in this segment. And yet it inspires zero emotion in me, which is a problem I have had with Lexus cars for yonks, apart from its great-grand daddy, the iS200 which was such a strong COTY contender a decade and half ago. This one did everything well, apart from its rather ill-advised gear ratios on the auto box. But for similar money you can have a Merc C-Class.
Citroen C4 Picasso e-Hdi 115 R345 900
Honourable Mention Department Three, the Citroen C4 Picasso was the most odd-ball choice in the competition. It is described as having well-being as its foremost design brief, and I guess the very airy cabin promotes this feeling pretty well. It has plenty of quirky features and two display screens for touch operation and information. Unfortunately, it is pretty pedestrian in its 85 kW guise, which would be okay if it was priced in the R280 000 price bracket, for this kind of moms-run-around-with-style car. But at R345 900 (without the extras fitted to the test vehicles which severely hiked the price) Im afraid, charming as it is, it was never going to win.
Nissan Qashqai 1.6 DCI Acenta Auto R384 400
I wish that Nissan had pushed for the six-speed Qashqai to be entered, because I feel that the CVT gearbox soured our feelings towards this very good crossover vehicle. Its not a bad example of a CVT, but there are better around (the Subaru one in the Forester for instance) and Nissans six-speeder is a big improvement over the old one. In fact the whole Qashqai has been up-graded, which makes it a worthy COTY finalist! But unfortunately, it didn’t excel for me in any particular area. Not in this exalted company!
New Subaru Outback coming to South Africa
Subaru will introduce a refreshed fifth-generation Outback station wagon /crossover to the South African market this month. The Outback will still be offered with the choice of the proven 2.0-litre turbodiesel and 2.5-litre petrol engines, but will now introduce a new flagship model powered by a 3.6-litre, six-cylinder unit. All engine offerings are mated to Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT transmission and feature Symmetrical All Wheel Drive.
Fresh Features
The new Subaru Outback benefits from a new grille design and lower body mouldings that offer protection when you decide to go off into the rough stuff. The profile of the vehicle has also taken on a more aerodynamic look. Niceties such as an automated tailgate and easily convertible roof rails further improve the practicality of the vehicle.
The interior is expected to be bigger and better too with higher levels of refinement. There’s also a large touchscreen infotainment system that has voice command. The Outback will be offered with features such as Active Torque Vectoring and a host of driving aids via X-Mode.
Subaru Outback Price in South Africa
Pricing for the Subaru Outback will start from about R479 000 and includes a 3-year / 75 000 km maintenance plan.
Expect to see the new Subaru Outback in dealerships nationwide from mid-March 2015.
February 2015 Highlights in Numbers – Infographic
Despite February being a short month, many manufacturers took it as an opportunity to launch their latest and greatest models to South Africa. We saw the introduction of the all-electric BMW i3 and its innovative sports car sibling the i8 make a massive entrance. On the smaller side of things a big-hitter on the sales front is likely to be the Volkswagen up! as it makes a good case for itself with splendid build quality and quirky styling.
On the sales front the Toyota Hilux just managed to pip the Ford Ranger to take top spot whilst the VW Polo and Polo Vivo continue to surge ahead at the top of the passenger car sales list.
Check out our infographic below to see all the news and reviews that made waves to our readers.
