Comparison: Honda Mobilio vs Suzuki Ertiga


Comparing a Honda Mobilio MPV to a Suzuki Ertiga MPV isn’t the most exciting, adrenalin infused shootout I’ve ever had to put together. The usual cornerstones of speed, handling and fun factor don’t really make for relative indicators in an MPV test. Things like practicality, space, durability and value for money were thrown into the mix as we got down to determining exactly what you should buy instead of a Toyota Avanza.

Practicality

There isn’t much to separate the Mobilio and Ertiga size wise, the Mobilio is a bit longer, the Ertiga a touch taller. They both have three rows of seating, but the Mobilio has a slightly bigger boot with all the seats upright. The deciding factor in loading capability though comes down to what happens when you start folding the seats down. The Ertiga’s back row of seats fold flat neatly providing a flat, larger load bay, the Mobilio’s have to be folded and then lifted in order to get the flat boot section.

If you tend to load long and large items into your car like a bike or surfboards then the Ertiga makes life easier as the whole rear section can folded flat. The Mobilio’s seats when folded don’t provide a flat load bay as the seats stick out in their half-folded position. Both rows in the Mobilio can be tilted forwards but that reduces the overall loading length.

If you just want to use the seats to sit on then both vehicles are extremely flexible. The middle row of seats on both cars can slide forwards and back and recline to provide a more comfortable seating position. Access to the back row is a simple one lever pull and the seats will either fold or tilt in the Mobilio, or half fold and slide forward in the Ertiga. The systems both work well, but the Mobilio’s is the easier to access the rear seats. Comfort wise it’s the Suzuki’s last row with the cinema-style seating that’s the most comfortable, the Mobilio’s rear row is not best suited for larger people as your knees tend to line up with your ears while in the back.

Engine

If you are looking for a technologically advanced engine then this is not the segment for you. The Mobilio uses a naturally aspirated 1.5-Litre petrol with 88 kW and 145 Nm of torque while the Suzuki uses a petrol 1.4-Litre with 70 kW and 130 Nm. They also both make use of a standard five-speed manual gearbox.

The Honda obviously feels the better when loaded due to its torque and power advantage, it’s also a bit more fuel economic, claiming 6.1L/100km to the Suzuki’s 6.6L/100km. The Ertiga’s downfall though lies in its freeway cruising rpm, it sits at 4000 rpm at 120kph and that makes it a bit noisy in the cabin, by contrast the Mobilio sits at about 3200 rpm, which most likely means it uses less fuel on the freeway sprint to the airport.

Interior

From a solidly built point of view the Ertiga feels a lot better put together, the dashboard running gear is straight from the Suzuki Swift, albeit in a disappointing beige colour. The seats too are coloured in the beige and seem to be decorated with gold tinsel strips as a throwback to its Indian heritage. It is well specced though, complete with a USB port, 12V port and air conditioning both for the front and the rear passengers.

The Mobilio doesn’t feel as well assembled as the Ertiga, the shut lines are a bit iffy and the glove box closinging gap is so large it looks like the whole unit is open. It also rattles badly on uneven roads. It is equally as well specced as the Ertiga and as a major plus, the dashboard comes in black as do the cloth seats.

Ride and Drive

Out in the traffic where these two are likely to spend much of their time, the Mobilio has a more comfortable ride, its lower overall height also helps it to sit better in the corners meaning passengers won’t have to brace themselves against the windows every time you make a turn.

The Ertiga is by no means bad, it feels a bit bigger and top heavy out on the road, especially on the freeway where you’re changing lanes and avoiding slower traffic. They both ride reasonably well too for their size, bumps or holes in the road don’t really crash through to the cabin and you feel confident as you hustle around town that the passengers won’t be in any discomfort. Both do a better job here than a Toyota Avanza.

Verdict

The Mobilio and the Ertiga are both extremely practical MPVs, they also hit the market with value-oriented pricing making them easy sells to public in the market for seven seats on a budget. The Mobilio has the better engine and copes better fully loaded than the Ertiga, but the Ertiga takes top honours in the practicality department as well as vastly superior build quality. The downside is the beige interior.

Factor in the pricing difference between the Mobilio 1.5 Comfort and this Ertiga 1.4 GLX we have here and the Ertiga is R10 300 cheaper than the Honda. That’s probably going to be more than enough to convince me into an Ertiga. The Mobilio despite being more expensive, still does enough to coax me away from a Toyota Avanza.

Second Opinion

It’s a super close competition this. Both of these vehicles are vying for a share of the market and both offer great elements of practicality. However, based on the fact that it’s cheaper, feels more solid and better built, I’m going for the Suzuki Ertiga.

Perhaps more importantly, the Ertiga comes with a better after sales plan: 3 year/100 000km, 6 year corrosion, 3 year road assistance, 4 year/60 000km service plan, as opposed to Honda’s: 3 year/100 000km, 2 year/300 00km service plan. – David Taylor

Comparison Specs: Honda Mobilio 1.5 Comfort vs Suzuki Ertiga 1.4 GLX

See a full side-by-side comparison between the Mobilio and Ertiga here

Honda Mobilio 1.5 Comfort Suzuki Ertiga 1.4 GLX
Price R203 900 R193 600
Engine 1.5-Litre petrol 1.4-Litre petrol
Power 88 kW 70 kW
Torque 145 Nm 130 Nm
Acceleration 0-100kph in 10.8s 0-100kph N/A
Top Speed 140kph N/A
Fuel consumption 6.1L/100km 6.6L/100km

Opel Adam: All You Need to Know (Video)

In this video we’ll save you the hassle of driving to an Opel dealership with a detailed look inside, outside and under the bonnet of the new Opel Adam.

In 2015, be prepared for an onslaught of new models from Opel as the German brand attempts to reclaim some of the South African market. The first of which is a compact, city car called the Adam.

Before you start with Garden of Eden jokes, the Adam is actually named after Adam Opel, the man who started it all back in 1862. Naming a product for the company’s founder can only mean that Opel has big ambitions riding on the Adam’s little shoulders.

In this video, we’ll take you through the base model Adam and the more highly-specced Jam model:

– Styling: The Adam is very customisable, find out how you can personalise yours
– Engines: We detail the two engines available in the range, and the fuel economies of each
– Interior: The basic radio setup and fancy touch screen system are both discussed
– Boot space: It is small car, so what is the boot space like, and can you fold the rear seats?

We test drove the two Opel Adam models when prices weren’t yet available, so please see pricing below.

To read a detailed review of the Opel Adam, click here.
To read a launch driving impression, click here.

This is the second of our All You Need to Know videos, a series of short, highly informative videos that we conceived to give you, the car buyer, a detailed, visual understanding of new cars available on the SA market.

We feel it’s much better and much more convenient than visiting your local dealership; you don’t have to leave the comfort of your home or office, you don’t have to decline a cup of instant coffee and no one with a name badge is going to pressure you into buying anything.

We have plenty of these useful videos in the pipeline, so stay tuned for everything you need to know about your favourite cars.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel here to be the first to know about our new videos.

Opel Adam Pricing for South Africa

1.4 Base model – R189 900
1.0T Jam – R209 900
1.0T Glam – R232 900

Comparison: Renault Clio vs Volkswagen Polo

Hatches sell like hot cakes in South Africa. Take a glance through the top sales figures of passenger cars and you’ll see what I mean. We’ve pitted the brand new VW Polo (2014) against an up and coming head-hunter in the form of the Renault Clio. The two rivals are still new offerings and as far as we’re concerned are your best choices if you’re looking for an affordable, modern and refined hatchback.

Looks Matter

The Renault Clio IV has shown that a stylish car can sell well, especially if you have a very vibrant colour palette for buyers to choose from. The Clio has got one over on the competition here, we have the mid-spec Expression model and it’s got all the smart add-ons that make it look the part. The blackened rear diffuser comes together nicely with the metallic side-sill inserts and the front grille. It looks sporty and very attractive for what is essentially an entry-level hatchback.

The Polo has continued with the time old Volkswagen tradition of chiselling away at the details and refining the design. There’s a slight redesign to the front bumper and the rear bumper has had a bit of a fiddle as well. As with any facelift the Polo also has a new set of wheels to differentiate it from its predecessor. It’s a slight tweak to the overall look, but it can’t match the Clio’s style and full-bodied design.

Pocket Power

Both of these hatches use modern turbocharged petrol engines. The Clio has a Formula One inspired three-cylinder turbo petrol and is all of 899cc. Despite its small size, it produces 66 kW along with with 135 Nm. Not bad if you’re in the city, stuck in traffic or just want something to shuttle to the shops. It works ideally in those situations as it’s built for fuel efficiency, Renault claims it will average 4.5L/100km and you can get close to that figure if you drive extremely diligently and merely breathe on the throttle pedal. Every day driving though is a bit different and the Clio feels a little on the slow side if you want to get somewhere quickly, also on the open road there’s not much in the way of overtaking ability from the puny three-pot.

Volkswagen has added a new turbocharged engine for the facelifted Polo. It hasn’t gone the three-cylinder route, but stuck with four and downsized capacity to 1.2-Litres. It produces an identical power figure of 66 kW, the torque though is higher at 160 Nm. That extra 25 Nm makes a big difference, it gives you the confidence to overtake quickly and spices up the whole driving experience. It feels more alert and more willing to get going around town and doesn’t make a fool of itself on the freeway. It comes at a slight cost to fuel economy as the Polo claims to average 4.8L/100km, but it’s worth it if you ask me.

Cabin Fever

The Clio has upped the ante in the small car market as far as interiors go, there’s so much standard kit and most of it accessible through the seven-inch ‘iPad’ style touchscreen. Everything from satellite navigation to cruise control, USB and Bluetooth compatibility is available. There’s not much missing from the Clio and that’s what makes it such an excellent value proposition. The materials used in the Clio aren’t bad either, mostly soft touch and there’s decent room for four passengers.

The Polo may not be able to match the Clio on standard spec, but you can always pay in a bit more for certain options if you want. You still get a touchscreen multimedia unit, but it feels more like a touchable head unit than a full-on touchpad system. The cabin does feel extremely well put together and solid, it’s no work of art styling-wise but it certainly isn’t ugly.

Drive Alive

Both cars are fun to put through the bends and offer decent thrills in the handling department. The Clio has a good chassis that corners accurately and the thick steering wheel provides good feel for what the wheels are doing. The smaller 16-inch wheels are a better option than the 17s as the ride is more comfortable over bumps and you’re less likely to ding a rim in a pothole.

The Polo is perhaps a little more fun though as it’s just that little bit quicker. It delivers more punch out of the corners and feels more athletic. The ride is adequately firm and there isn’t much in the way of body roll to deflate your enthusiasm.

Verdict

In the small hatchback segment, price has to be taken into account and though the Polo may have the better engine and feel a little more solid, it lacks the value for money the Clio offers. For nearly R20k less the Clio offers far more in the way of standard kit, an equally specced Polo can be around R30k more than the Clio.

If you’re looking for a bargain in this segment that offers great looks, excellent safety and all the interior goodies you can ask for, then the Clio is the best choice. If you can afford the extra R30k for a fully specced Polo then the added 25 Nm of torque is well worth it.

Comparison Specs: Renault Clio vs Volkswagen Polo

See a full specification comparison between the Renault Clio and the Volkswagen Polo here.

Renault Clio 66kW Expression Volkswagen Polo 1.2 Comfortline
Price R199 900 R221 100
Engine 0.9-Litre turbo petrol 1.2-Litre turbo petrol
Power 66 kW 66 kW
Torque 135 Nm 160 Nm
Acceleration 0-100kph in 12.2s 0-100kph in 10.8s
Top Speed 182kph 184kph
Fuel consumption 4.5L/100km 4.9L/100km

Suzuki iK-2 and iM-4 Concepts Teased For Geneva

The 2015 Geneva Motor Show is scheduled to take place in less than a month, and with that, many automakers are giving us a glimpse into what they’ll be showcasing – including Suzuki, which has just released the first teaser images for the iK-2 and iM-4 concepts.

Suzuki describes the iK-2 concept as an ideal compact sized car, developed with an innovative theme of “Harmonized Force.” And from the image it looks like the model will compete in the C-segment as a hatch.

On the other hand, the iM-4 looks to be a mid-size SUV which Suzuki says will feature a “compact 4×4 DNA” and new technologies, as well as “distinctive styling that will give real inspiration to drivers”.

Detailed information on both concepts will be disclosed at the motor show in March 2015.

Hyundai i20 (2015) First Drive

Hyundai new model launches in Gauteng follow a pattern: quick in, quick out, an insightful industry and model-related talk by Stanley Anderson, Marketing Director at Hyundai Automotive SA, a drive that takes half the morning, and apart from lunch, that’s pretty much it.

The new i20 launch on February 5 was no different, and the interesting bit was analysing just how important i20 sales are to Hyundai here. Last year saw Hyundai lose some passenger market share as a whole in this country, and although Anderson put this down to a lack of new product compared to some of the Korean-based company’s main rivals, pricing definitely had something to do with it.

i20 has Tough Competition

You get an idea of what a major player the i20 is in this country when you discover that in its market segment it is number two, behind VW’s all-conquering Polo, but ahead of the likes of Ford’s Fiesta, Renault’s Clio IV, Kia’s Rio, Toyota’s Yaris, Nissan’s Micra and Suzuki’s Swift.

And the sales figures of this car over the past five years also tend to be an eye-opener. Since 2009, the previous-gen i20 sold 68 631 units. Do the math and you realise that’s a solid average of over 1 000 units a month, impressive for a car that only had a mild face lift in its life cycle.

The style is evolutionary rather than revolutionary, and there is far less of the Fluidic Sculpture approach on this car than there has been on the current Elantra and Accent models. It’s rather been a case of stretching the little hatchback slightly, creating shorter overhangs, freeing up more interior space and modernising key elements like the distinctive trapezoidal grille. On the flanks, Hyundai mentions key elements like the high styling line just below the windows and “sculptured” undercuts on the body panels to get away from a slap sided appearance.

At the rear, the car’s most distinctive design feature is found in the tail lamps positioned at the outmost edges of each side of the rear, with a blistered look blending into the rear wheel arches and giving the car a staunch, planted look from the rear, with the wheels placed close to the body panels and thus avoiding the soft, tucked-in look that afflicted some previous examples of Hyundai hatch-dom.

Improvements Inside

The biggest changes, perhaps are inside, where there has been a huge effort to use premium-level plastic in areas like the door, switch-gear surrounds, and on the dashboard, which is now mounted higher and further forward, to free up leg space for the front passengers.

Talking of space, the boot is quite impressive for a hatch of this size at just under 300 litres and there are large stash-spaces in the cabin too for outsized cans of energy drinks or giant cups of coffee.

Same Engines

Engine-wise, there has been no change from the previous offerings on the i20, although the 1.6-litre model is no longer in the line-up.  Power outputs are competitive without being earth-shaking: the 1.2-litre is rated at 61 kW and 115 Nm, with the 1.4 (which we drove) at 74 kW and 133 Nm.

The car used for the launch drive was the 1.4 manual, which is a six-speeder, and on level open road cruising it is possible to use sixth regularly, with down-shifts only required for gradients or for overtaking. It is interesting to note that none of the journos present at the launch asked about performance, and there was scant mention of it in the media release. This is not a performance car, but a utility vehicle with the required level of creature comfort and sophistication now demanded by this market.

i20 Positioning

And indeed, the new Hyundai achieves a level of sophistication in terms of ride and steering feel that is now very close to the best of Europeans in this market. The chassis is not quite there yet – but it’s so close that the target-market customers probably wouldn’t notice the difference between this car in the way it handles, compared, say, to the benchmark Polo or the excellent, but ageing Suzuki Swift.

The thing is, Hyundais are no longer the inexpensive cars that they were a decade ago, thanks to the globalisation of the brand. They have to compete head to head with the best, and yes, the i20 is a pretty good bet in this market. One of the indications that exchange rate movements have affected Hyundai is to be found in the fact that, while the five-year/150 000 km warranty is still in place, the sticker pricing only includes a two-year/30 000 km service plan on the 1.2-litre Motion model, while the 1.4 Fluid model gets a slightly more generous, but still frugal three-year/60 000 km service plan as part of the deal. Extended service plans are available at extra cost.

Pricing

Thus the new i20 range comes in with a model line-up pretty much at the lower end of the range available internationally. Right now there are three models: the 1.2 Motion manual at R184 900, the 1.4 Fluid manual at R204 900 and the 1.4 Fluid Automatic at R214 900.

Pricing Update: 2015 Hyundai i20 in SA

The all-new 2015 Hyundai i20 hatchback has been launched in South Africa and is ready to make its mark in the competitive B-segment and continue as one of the bestsellers in its local range.

The new model makes its entry into South Africa in three derivatives: the i20 1.2 Motion, the i20 1.4 Fluid and the i20 Fluid equipped with an automatic gearbox.

“The new i20 does not only look fresh from the outside, with its clean and exciting lines, but the interior reflects a feeling of luxury and excellent ergonomic design. Customers are also in for a pleasant surprise when they take this new model in our stable for a test drive: The engineers have done a fine job of creating a car with solid, surefooted dynamics on the road, and a well-tuned, direct steering setup that gives good feedback,” says Stanley Anderson, marketing director of Hyundai Automotive South Africa.

To read up more on the 2015 Hyundai i20 click here

2015 Hyundai i20 price in South Africa

Hyundai 1.2 Motion Manual – R184900

Hyundai i20 1.4 Fluid Manual – R204900

Hyundai i20 1.4 Fluid Automatic – R214900

Included in the prices are the Hyundai Warranty and Roadside Assistance for 5 years or 150 000 km. There’s also a 2 year or 30 000 km Service Plan is included in the 1.2 Motion’s price, while the 1.4 Fluid derivatives include a 3 year or 60 000 km Service Plan.

Final Bugatti Veyron To Show Up In Geneva

Bugatti is said to roll out the 450th and final Veyron in Geneva next month.

Bugatti Veyron to bid farewell at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show

The report comes from a German publication Auto Motor Und Sport, which spoke to Bugatti president Wolfgang Durheimer who said that production of the final Veyron will be completed this year. He also recently revealed that there were only eight Veyron models left, which have now been sold.

Apparently, when asked whether the Veyron will be a 2016 model, Durheimer stated that the brand’s production cycle cannot be compared with other car companies.

While details on the supercar are still scarce, the CEO confirmed that the Veyron successor faces a unique challenge as the model “must do everything better than its predecessor”, in essence “make the best even better.’

“Bugatti is unique. Our super sports cars are not only in terms of vehicle dynamics and technology particularly, each car is equally a work of art in itself. Many of our customers are art collectors, and they know that it takes time to create a work of art,” he added.

The final Bugatti Veyron will be introduced next month during the 2015 Geneva Motor Show.

*Please note pictured is the 2011 Bugatti Veyron Super Sport

Infiniti QX30 Concept Teased For Geneva

Infiniti has teased its QX30 concept which set to premiere next month at 2015 Geneva Motor Show.

‘QX30 Concept foreshadows an urban explorer’

According to the automaker, the QX30 concept will “reignite the premium compact segment with a distinctive approach to design that looks beyond the practicality and conformity expected of the segment.”

Details are yet to be revealed, however, Infiniti has issued a teaser image showing the car’s distinctly and dramatically styled backside with a mixture of contoured lines and curves. You can also see a prominent tailgate, trapezoidal exhausts housed on a large bumper, and large wheels possibly fitted with wide wheel arches with plastic body cladding.

Apparently the crossover will also follow in the footsteps of the Q30 concept which was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2013, and make use of Mercedes-Benz’s MFA platform which is currently used for the A-Class and GLA.

More details will surface once the QX30 concept premiers next month.

Audi S1: All You Need To Know (Video)

In this video we’ll save you the hassle of driving to an Audi dealership with a detailed look inside, outside and under the bonnet of the new Audi S1.

Audi S1 (2015): All You Need to Know

When you consider these days that cars like the Audi A6, BMW 5-Series and Mercedes E-Class are powered by 2.0-litre engines, it almost seems absurd that Audi would want to squeeze a 2.0-litre powerplant into the tiny A1 – the smallest car in the range.

But squeeze it is and the result is a car that on paper should be blisteringly quick. 170kW and a hefty 370Nm are figures only partially rivalled by the upcoming Mini Cooper JCW. Even so, the S1 stands alone as the only car in the segment with all-wheel drive, which is an achievement.

The quattro system helps the little tyke deal with all the horses and it does feel planted, albeit with a bit of understeer to let you know you’re really being a wally. In-gear acceleration borders on frightening and snapping through the notchy ‘box is a genuine hoot. However the weight penalty, significant reduction in boot space and the fact that Audi can only offer a manual gearbox due to space restrictions are all notable downsides of this pioneering set up.

And there is the price. At R449 500 for the Sportback, the S1 is surely a tough sell to everyone except the most hardcore lovers of small cars with big engines. For that kind of money, you could purchase any Audi A3 in the range, or even a TT. But what I suspect most Audi enthusiasts will look at is a used S3 or even a bonkers RS3.

The S1 seems to be more of a marketing exercise in what Audi can achieve with their go-faster tech, and while it is extremely good fun and a very decent daily drive, the asking price is a deterrent.

To read a detailed review of the Audi S1, click here.
To read a launch driving impression with track experience, click here.

This is the first of our All You Need to Know videos, a series of short, highly informative videos that we conceived to give you, the car buyer, a detailed, visual understanding of new cars available on the SA market.

We feel it’s much better and much more convenient than visiting your local dealership; you don’t have to leave the comfort of your home or office, you don’t have to decline a cup of instant coffee and no one with a name badge is going to pressure you into buying anything.

We have plenty of these useful videos in the pipeline, so stay tuned for everything you need to know about your favourite cars.

2015 Citroen DS 4 Receives New Engines

The 2015 Citroen DS 4 has been updated with a range of engine options along with upgrades to the tech.

2015 Citroen DS 4 boasts new engines

The engine line-up on the DS 4 now consists of three new engines including a THP 165 S&S EAT6 (petrol turbo with six-speed automatic gearbox), the BlueHDi (diesel) S&S 150 6-speed manual and the BlueHDi S&S 180 EAT6 (diesel, six-speed auto).

The THP 165 S&S EAT6 enables the model to return 5.5-litres/100km with CO2 emissions of less than 130 g/km, while torque ratings for all units range from 240 Nm to 400 Nm.

Tech upgrades include a new touchscreen navigation system with a seven-inch display which the automaker says allows access to all major functions while also contributing to “improving cabin ergonomics.”