Cars.co.za Supports Little Eden for 67 Minutes

Cars.co.za staff supported the Edenglen-based charity Little Eden as part of the 67 minutes for charity efforts as part of Mandela Day.

Little Eden is a non-profit organisation based in Edenglen, Jhb. They provide life-long care to children and adults with profound intellectual disability (some who are orphans) and help them to reach their full potential. You can visit the charity’s website here.

Cars.co.za donated well needed shoes and clothing, then spent some time with the residents. Here the team learned more about the organisation , were taken on a tour of the facilities and then spent a little time with the residents.

Drag Race: VW Scirocco R vs VW Golf R

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Have you ever been driving your 188kW Volkswagen Scirocco R and decided that it just wasn’t quick enough? Well, that’s exactly what happened to our friendly Scirocco owner.

He turned to Revo for a digital tune up of the car, installing Stage 1 software and then fitted a decat downpipe, resulting in a 34kW power upgrade to a dyno-tested 222kW.

When the owner heard that a VW Golf 7 R was attending our drag shootout, he insisted that he come along and see if his upgraded Scirocco R could take on the less powerful, but newer, Golf.

The result is this drag race at the Killarney Race Circuit in Cape Town, filmed in perfect weather conditions. Both drivers acknowledged that the track surface was quite slippery, a condition which would obviously favour the all-wheel drive Golf.

All the relevant stats and details of the Scirocco’s modifications are in the video.

Watch all of our video reviews and drag races here.

VW Scirocco R vs VW Golf R

Ford Shows Off Capabilities of New Ranger (Video)

Ford is keen to show just how capable its new Ranger double-cab bakkie and it has created a video for us to watch. The market for double-cab bakkies is heating up, with the Ford Ranger and the Toyota Hilux both replaced by newer versions.

The Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger are neck-and-neck in South Africa in terms of sales each month, and it’s hard to choose between the two. Personally I favour the Ranger Wildtrak’s rugged looks, but then I find myself wanting the Hilux’s legendary reliability and go-anywhere attitude.

It’s this go-anywhere and do-anything attitude that Ford is wanting to try convey with its new Ranger. Watch the video to see what the new Ford Ranger is capable of.

Ford Ranger Capabilities Video

New Lexus NX200t: All You Need to Know (Video)

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The Lexus NX200 is the brand’s entry into the baby SUV market. In true Lexus tradition build quality is of the highest standard and specification is excessively generous. In F-Sport guise it also happens to look really good.

In this video Ciro De Siena will get up close and personal with the latest offering from Lexus. The NX200 range starts from R539 900 for the 200t E, while this F-Sport retails for R659 900. There’s also a hybrid in the range and the NX300h retails for R633 000. You can see the differences between the Lexus NX models by using our car compare tool here.

We at Cars.co.za were very impressed with the Lexus NX and agree with Ciro – this is easily the brand’s best model to date. For a more in-depth review of the Lexus NX200T F-Sport, read our review here.

Interested in a new Lexus NX? Click HERE.
Interested in a used Lexus NX? Click HERE.

Lexus NX200t F-Sport Video

2016 Toyota Fortuner Officially Unveiled

The next-generation Toyota Fortuner has just broken cover online after a few teaser images hit the Web recently. Let’s take a look at the next version of this popular seven-seat SUV in South Africa. While this article is primarily about the Australian-spec 2016 Toyota Fortuner, our market is not too dissimilar and we would be very surprised if the South African-spec Toyota Fortuners are radically different.

The new seven-seat 2016 Toyota Fortuner will be hitting its first market in October 2015. Australia will be one of the first countries to receive the Fortuner and South Africa is expected to receive its stock towards the end of the year.

Toyota Australia’s executive director sales and marketing Tony Cramb said at the world premiere, “Fortuner’s strength and refinement ensures it is equally at home on the school run as on the toughest off-road trails found in Australia. Fortuner shares the rugged underpinnings of the ‘unbreakable’ Hilux, allowing owners to travel to – and return from – places many other SUVs simply can’t go. At the same time, Fortuner’s unique design suits the advanced tastes of modern SUV buyers while being equipped with a comprehensive list of features appreciated by families and business owners.”

Specification and Offroad Ability

For the Australian market, the 2016 Toyota Fortuner will be offered in three spec options – GX, GXL and Crusade. All models are powered by the new 2.8-litre direct-injection four-cylinder turbodiesel engine that has 450Nm of torque. There’s also a six-speed manual gearbox which cleverly matches engine speed to gearbox speed, resulting in smoother shifts. There will be a six-speed auto available too. Trailer sway control, which is designed to assist if a towed vehicle is affected by crosswinds, bumpy roads or sharp turns of the steering wheel, will be fitted. The maximum towing capacity is rated at three tons for the manual and 2.8 tons for the automatic. At the touch of a button, full 4×4 capability with high and low range is available. There will be a rear differential lock fitted too.

The suspension has been tweaked by Australian engineers for their specific harsh conditions and it comprises of double wishbones at the front and a five-link, coil-spring configuration at the rear, which gives it impressive handling stability and ride comfort on all surfaces.

In terms of specification, a reversing camera is standard across the range, as are seven airbags, hill-start assist control and an emergency stop signal. Toyota said it is expecting the new Fortuner to achieve a five-star safety rating. All models will receive front and rear air-conditioning, large touchscreen audio displays, Toyota Link connected mobility, side steps, 17 or 18-inch wheels, disc brakes front and rear, and an air-conditioned compartment to keep drinks and food warm or cold. Other features include a tablet-inspired multimedia, touchscreen display, a Smart Entry & Start system, and second-row seats with one-touch operation for ease of folding. The third row seats are fitted with a fixed hook attachment for simple and convenient stowage. There are no less than 15 storage areas in the new 2016 Toyota Fortuner.

The two top-spec models are fitted with roof rails, fog lamps, reverse parking sensors, keyless smart entry and start, and downhill assist control, with the flagship featuring bi-LED headlamps and LED daytime running lamps, a power back door and 18-inch alloys with highway tyres. There will be a number of Toyota Genuine accessories available too.

Engine and Powerplant

The 2016 Toyota Fortuner will be powered by a new 2.8-litre direct-injection turbodiesel engine. It’s called the 1GD and is claimed to be highly efficient. Torque will be available from as little as 1600rpm in the automatic gearbox and has an output of 450Nm. Manual gearbox-equipped Fortuners will have 420Nm. Maximum power is rated at 130kW with the peak at 3400rpm while the power curve below 3000rpm supports low-to-mid-range performance. The engine is said to comply with Euro 5 emissions standards and fuel consumption is rated at 8L/100km.

2016 Toyota Fortuner in South Africa?

We had a brief chat to one of Toyota SA’s representatives about the 2016 Toyota Fortuner. At this stage, we’re likely to see the South African Toyota Fortuners arrive two months after the Toyota Hilux, which is around February 2016. We’re going to get more engine variants than the Australians too, which is great. Best news is that the 2016 Toyota Fortuner will be built in South Africa at Toyota’s plant in Durban.

Volvo XC90 (2015) First Drive

Volvo is extremely excited about its new XC90, so much so that locally it launched the car to the media two weeks before it actually goes on sale (on sale from 1 August). The XC90 is the first all Volvo-developed car since the Geely take-over and showcases what the brand intends to do with future models. In the next four years, Volvo plans to release several new models to the global market, so in a very short while this XC90 will be the oldest in the line-up. We headed out to Franschhoek, Western Cape to sample this reinvention of the Volvo brand.

What is it?

The XC90 is the Swedish brand’s flagship model until a rumoured new luxury sedan, probably called the S90, arrives. The XC90, it claims, raises the game of modern, premium SUVs in terms of style, safety and connectivity. The front end will be passed down for generations to come and ‘Thor’s Hammer’ – the daytime running lamp style – will be a characteristic we’ll see on future Volvos. This premium SUV is a proper seven-seater, capable of comfortably carrying people of up to 170cm in height in the third row of seats.

What makes it special?

For starters and as mentioned above, the looks are impressive for a bulky SUV. The XC90 easily stands out of the crowd and if you want to bling it up you can order it with crazy 22-inch diamond cut alloys. The wheels look incredible, but you may want to keep them away from a dirt road or pavements as the profile on the tyre is extremely low. This also affects the ride quality on bumpy tarred surfaces.

The interior is another impressive aspect of the XC90. It’s a luxurious place to sit and the dashboard boasts soft-touch leather and aluminium inserts. It’s very stylish and uniquely minimalistic. The infotainment system works very similar to a smartphone so modern users should have no problem working out the swipe functions and selections. It’s a very intuitive system and simple to get to grips with. The rear passengers share in the luxury with dual-zone rear climate control available and seats that can slide forwards and backwards to increase legroom. The rear seats can all be folded down to create a huge, flat loadbay as well.

The engines are now all Volvo engines, which means no more Ford units doing duty under the bonnet. Volvo has been able to develop a new generation of engines specifically for this XC90. All of them are 2-Litre, four-cylinder units that develop plenty of power and torque thanks to the addition of turbochargers, superchargers and in the T8 version’s case, electric power. From launch, only the D5 turbodiesel – 165 kW, 470 Nm and the T6 super and turbocharged petrol (235 kW and 400 Nm) will be available. Later on this year the D4 with 140 kW and 400 Nm and the T5 with 187 kW and 380 Nm will become available. Then in early 2016 the plug-in hybrid T8 will be introduced with 300 kW and 640 Nm.

How does it feel?

The D5 and T6 we drove on launch both coped very well on freeways and in town-driving situations. The eight-speed automatic gearbox seems intuitive to the driver’s needs and works seamlessly in the background. The ride is very comfortable and it’s nice that it’s not trying to be overly dynamic for an SUV. That said, the XC90 can handle a corner if needed and feels stable in fast cornering situations.

On our dirt excursion we played with the various drive modes on offer, one of which is ‘Off Road’. The throttle feels less responsive in this mode, but that’s probably so you don’t jump into an obstacle with too much speed. The XC90 coped with the bumps and gutters on the dirt road well although I would certainly specify smaller wheels and higher profile tyres if you plan to venture down dirt paths regularly.

Volvo XC90 Pricing

Volvo initially launched pricing for the first edition XC90 last year and has managed to stay relatively close to that with the local introduction. There are plenty of options to choose from and tons of safety features available as Volvo plans to have nobody killed or severely injured in a Volvo product by 2020.

XC90 D4 Geartronic FWD Momentum                                  R 804 000
XC90 T5 Geartronic AWD Momentum                                    R 827 400
XC90 D4 Geartronic FWD Inscription                                     R 844 600
XC90 D5 Geartronic AWD Momentum                                  R 853 200
XC90 T6 Geartronic AWD Momentum                                    R 867 000
XC90 T5 Geartronic AWD Inscription                                     R 868 000
XC90 T5 Geartronic AWD R-Design                                        R 888 700
XC90 D5 Geartronic AWD Inscription                                     R 893 900
XC90 T6 Geartronic AWD Inscription                                     R 907 600
XC90 D5 Geartronic AWD R-Design                                     R 914 600
XC90 T6 Geartronic AWD R-Design                                        R 928 300
XC90 T8 Twin Engine Geartronic AWD Momentum       R 1 005 100
XC90 T8 Twin Engine Geartronic AWD Inscription          R 1 042 000
XC90 T8 Twin Engine Geartronic AWD R-Design             R 1 066 400

Land Rover Discovery Sport SD4 SE (2015) Review


The Land Rover Discovery Sport is the latest model to come from the brand and upon first glance looks like the lovechild of a Range Rover Sport and a Range Rover Evoque. Is this genre dilution at its finest, or is the Land Rover Discovery Sport a credible offering? We spent a week with the Freelander-replacement to find out.

Land Rover and sister company Jaguar are making waves at the moment. There’s a lot of product and innovation coming from the company and it’s difficult to find fault with most of their offerings. The Land Rover Discovery Sport is the latest, and probably one of the most important new models, to reach the market. vehicle The demise of its predecessor, the Freelander, is a real shame as it offered a chance to get into the brand for a not-too-unreasonable amount of money, and we were sad to see it go. But despite its positives, the Freelander had its faults – all of which the Discovery Sport address with ease.

Unmistakably Land Rover Design

Let’s start with the basic question: what is a Land Rover Discovery Sport? Think of this as a Discovery-lite, a practical and sensible vehicle. The Discovery range has become quite pricey and this Sport model offers similar levels of specification and performance, without the price tag bordering R1-million. It’s a smart-looking SUV with a touch of sportiness, and thanks to the headlight/grille combination it’s unmistakably Land Rover.

Seven Seats

Thanks to clever engineering seven seats are fitted as standard. The third row of seats can be folded flat when not in use resulting in a cavernous boot area, or quickly activated by pushing a button located in the boot. The downside of having three rows of seats means that no matter how cleverly designed your product is, boot space becomes very limited. The passengers in the third row of seats have space thanks to the second row being able to slide forwards and backwards.

Build Quality and Features

Build quality feels good at face value and the materials certainly feel premium. Tested here is the SD4 SE model, which sits halfway up the Discovery Sport ladder. Standard specification is commendable and you’re certainly getting your money’s worth. Cruise control, rear parking assist, two-zone climate control, navigation, USB port, Bluetooth connectivity, three 12V charging sockets, auto headlamps and rain-sensing wipers all come standard. Safety features include seven airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control as well as trailer control. Being a Land Rover, you can specify extra goodies to your heart’s content, but be mindful of the cost!

New Infotainment System

One of the big changes seen in the cabin of the Land Rover Discovery Sport is the all-new infotainment sustem which replaces the unit which has done duty in pretty much every recent Land Rover/Range Rover product. While the previous touchscreen system wasn’t too bad, it was getting dated compared with the HD, tablet-like screens from the likes of Audi and BMW in recent years. This new 8-inch touchscreen features better resolution and a smartphone-like interface. Colours are crisp and the user experience is generally pleasant. We did find that you have to firmly press the screen repeatedly to make a selection and the system is initially a little confusing. Once you’re familiar with it, however, it’s straightforward.

Engine, Transmission & Offroad Ability

Powering the Land Rover Discovery Sport is a 2.2-litre turbodiesel with 140kW and 420Nm. Power drives all four wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission. While some may suggest that nine ratios is perhaps one or even two ratios too many, we found that it was a good combination as it keeps the engine in its sweet spot of power, torque and economy. Shifts are smooth and the transmission is responsive if you suddenly mash the accelerator. Despite its fashionable and modern looks, it’s still a Land Rover and that means its offroad ability has to be good. The vehicle has a wading depth of 600mm and a ground clearance of 212mm, meaning it can confidently press on through the rough stuff, which was limited to a mild off-road track and a shallow river test.

The Land Rover Discovery Sport comes with the brand’s acclaimed Terrain Response system, which adapts the vehicle’s drivetrain to different offroad situations through a simple-to-use interface. The modes include gravel, snow and mud/ruts and so on, and selecting one of these modes will assist the car in automatically applying the correct amount of throttle and traction control to safely traverse the obstacles. There’s also a centre differential and hill descent control which allow the Land Rover Discovery Sport to venture quite far offroad. So much for a fashionable icon then!

When not doing its best Bear Grylls impression, we found the Land Rover Discovery Sport to have excellent tarmac manners. The ride quality is noticeably refined and the car exudes a premium feel that few can match. Land Rover is pitching this at the likes of the BMW X3 and Audi Q5 which are popular vehicles in the luxury lifestyle class and we think the Land Rover Discovery Sport is easily a match for these two.

Land Rover Discovery Sport Price in South Africa

The Land Rover Discovery Sport range starts from R545 901, with the range-topping model retailing for R739 300. The mid-spec SD4 SE here costs R640 320.

Verdict

The Land Rover Discovery Sport does an excellent job of being both a premium offroader and seven-seat transporter. With a premium a badge on the nose and the ability to cross rivers as well as carry seven people, this new SUV will give rival manufacturers massive headaches. We’re prepared to excuse its hefty asking price based on the above reasons and essentially it does everything asked of it exceptionally well. So if you can’t afford a Discovery and think the Evoque is a little too designer chic, then Discovery Sport is your answer.

We Like: Offroad ability, modern looks, revised infotainment system, great engine/gearbox combo, seven seats.

We Don’t Like: Not a lot…

Also Consider: BMW X3, Audi Q5, Volvo XC60, Lexus NX, Jeep Cherokee

Want to buy a Land Rover Discovery Sport?

Compare the Land Rover Discovery Sport with its competitors here!

Land Rover Discovery Sport – Quick Specs

Land-Rover-Discovery-Sport

Four Popular Small SUVs in South Africa

This week’s #ChooseDay turned out to be quite interesting. We gave you the option to vote for the small SUV that you thought to be most desirable. Two of the SUV choices have yet to arrive in South Africa, but two of the choices are already available in the country. The choices included the new Fiat 500X which launched in South Africa this week, the new Honda HR-V which is due for launch next month, the new Mazda CX-3 which can be expected towards the end of 2015 and the new Jeep Renegade which has been on sale since May 2015.

Popular Small SUV in SA

You had your say and we tallied up the scores to determine which small SUV is top-of-mind on the popularity chart, and the winner is…

1. Mazda CX-3 – 43% of the total vote

Mazda CX-3

In a very close battle, the Mazda CX-3 came out on top of the vote with 43%. Mazda has launched lots of new product to market and the CX-3 represents an opportunity to tap into the compact SUV market in South Africa. Although local specs and pricing have yet to be confirmed, you can expect a 1.5-litre diesel engine or even a 2.0-litre petrol engine when the CX-3 arrives this year. There will in all likelihood be a choice of front-wheel drive and all-wheel derivatives on offer and Mazda’s SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmission will also make an appearance. In terms of technology, you can expect good things as the CX-3 will come packed with active and passive safety systems as well as Mazda’s Connect infotainment system. There’s certainly lots to look forward to in the new Mazda CX-3 and we will keep you updated as any new information becomes available.

2. Jeep Renegade – 41% of the total vote

Jeep Renegade

The Jeep Renegade came in at close second, earning 41% of the vote. This newcomer was built in Italy while staying true to its American roots. We recently had the Renegade on test and can vouch that it’s an excellent offering from Jeep with good performance and solid build quality. Only 4×2 derivatives are currently on offer but you can expect to see 4×4 models joining the range later this year. We tested the 1.4L T Limited Launch Edition which offers 103 kW and 230 Nm of torque, mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. Pricing for the 1.4L Limited starts at R375 990.

Watch the video below for 10 things you should know about the new Jeep Renegade.

3. Honda HR-V – 10% of the total vote

Honda HR-V

The Honda HR-V scoops third place on the small SUV popularity scale with 10% of the total vote. The HR-V is set for launch in August 2015 and we will be there to give it a go. Honda recently revealed specs and pricing for the HR-V and there will be two engines on offer including a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 88kW and 145Nm of torque. The second engine engine is a 1.8-litre four-cylinder with 105kW and 172Nm of torque. Both models will feature a CVT transmission with shift paddles behind the steering wheel for a more engaging drive. Pricing starts at R299 900 for the HR-V 1.5 Comfort CVT and going up to R354 900 for the HR-V 1.8 Elegance CVT.   

4. Fiat 500X – 6% of the total vote

fiat 500X

The recently launched Fiat 500X has arrived in South Africa, but still has some convincing to do with only 6% of the total vote. We attended the launch of the 500X this week and our initial impression was positive overall. The 500X is built on the same platform as the Jeep Renegade, but looks miles apart. Two engines are on offer and these include a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre engine producing 81 kW and 152 Nm of torque while the range-topping 1.4-litre turbo engine produces 103 kW and 205 Nm. The 1.6-litre derivative comes with a 5-speed manual transmission only while the 1.4-litre turbo can be had with a 6-speed manual or a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Pricing starts at R310 900 for the 1.6-litre derivative while the 1.4-litre turbo is priced from R394 900. 

Jeep Renegade 1.4L T Limited Launch Edition (2015) Review

The new Renegade is the first Jeep vehicle built in Italy as a result of the ownership deal between Fiat and Chrysler. This love child was recently introduced in South Africa and draws clear connections to its American Jeep heritage, but with fine touches of Italian finesse. The model on test here is the 4×2 1.4L T Limited Launch Edition in vibrant Omaha Orange. We spent a week with the Renegade to see what it has to offer in the small SUV segment.

Fresh Look

Although the Renegade is distinctly Jeep, with its round headlights and seven-slot grille, it boasts a fresh design and exhibits a sense of youthful charm. Much of the Renegade’s appeal lies in its small design details.

On the outside, the windscreen features a classic Willys Jeep scaling a mountain in the corner while a Yeti roams freely on the rear windshield at the base of the rear wiper. The taillights are unique too and take on an ‘X’ Jerrycan design which is a nice design touch. It’s these little touches that give the Renegade a massive cool factor. On the inside you’ll find a large Wrangler-style grab handle mounted to the dashboard and there’s mud-spatter paintwork in the instrument cluster. The rubberised storage compartment also features a moulded map of Moab, Utah which adds to the adventurous nature of the Renegade.

To sweeten the deal on this Limited Launch Edition model, Jeep has thrown in stylish 18-inch wheels, leather upholstery and Satellite Navigation at no extra charge, quite generous indeed.

Interior Adventure

The interior of the Jeep Renegade comes well-appointed with a mix of soft-touch surfaces and harder, more durable materials. Interior build quality is excellent and the driver and passengers will find the leather seats to be quite comfortable too. The driver’s seat is electrically adjustable as is lumbar support, just in case you might need it. The multi-function steering wheel is wrapped in leather and can be adjusted for rake and reach.

What we love about this Renegade is its 7-inch TFT multi-view touchscreen instrument cluster that was surprisingly easy to use and gives you the sense that you’re driving something more upmarket. Infotainment comes courtesy of a 6.5-inch touchscreen that houses the radio and navigation system which was intuitive and easy to use too. The system also offers Bluetooth capability and has two USB ports for charging or syncing devices.

To test the space offering in the Renegade, we decided to take it on a surfing adventure which would put its space capabilities to the test. Boot space is at a reasonable 351-litres with the rear seats in the upright position, but will expand to a generous 1 297-litres with the seats folded flat. This meant that three surfboards and related surfing apparel was easily accommodated. The Jeep Renegade then may very well be a surfer’s best friend.

Driving in Silence

This Jeep Renegade Limited Launch Edition is fitted with Fiat’s 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine that delivers 103 kW and 230 Nm of torque. Those figures are delivered to the front wheels via a slick-shifting 6-speed manual gearbox. For the size of the Renegade, those figures do a good job of scooting this baby SUV around the city.

The best part of driving this Renegade is experiencing how the engine and transmission complement each other. With Stop/Start in operation, you will barely hear the engine come to life, it’s that quiet. I was further taken aback by how smooth the transmission is. The lever is super light and the right gear is engaged with ease, making the Renegade a pleasure to drive. I don’t think I have ever experienced a transmission as smooth as this.

At speed, the Renegade is well composed and delivers a smooth ride, soaking up bumps and uneven surfaces with minimum fuss. Cars of this nature are generally susceptible to body roll in corners, but not the Renegade. It holds its own well in the corners and it impressed me with its road holding ability and comfort while driving.

As this is a 4×2, don’t expect much offroad ability from this Renegade. Even so, with a ground clearance of 175mm, the Renegade is a capable pavement hopper when required. There are however 4×4 derivatives making their way to South Africa later this year.

In terms of fuel consumption, Jeep claims 6L/100km for the Renegade. Despite our best efforts, the best figure we could manage during the test period was 9.8L/100km.

Packed with Safety Features

The Jeep Renegade Limited Launch Edition comes well equipped with safety features and these include six airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, traction control, stability control and rollover mitigation. This model also came fitted with Blindspot Monitoring, Crosspath Detection, Lane Departure Warning, rear parking sensors and a ParkView rear camera.

Jeep Renegade Limited Launch Edition Price in South Africa

This Jeep Renegade Limited Launch Edition is priced at R375 990 and includes a 3-year/100 000km warranty and a 6-year/100 000km maintenance plan.

Verdict

The Renegade is a fresh and funky offering from Jeep that will appeal to younger buyers looking for a capable and flexible all-rounder. Not only is the Jeep Renegade an attractive offering, it comes well specced too. It delivers good performance and the drive quality is particularly impressive. Our main concern is the price, which is on the expensive side of the spectrum, but if individuality and originality are important to you then the Renegade may fit the bill. Buyers in this segment can also consider the Volkswagen Tiguan and Audi Q3.

Team Opinions

The Jeep Renegade feels like the perfect car for the active lifestyle pursuer. It’s got rugged looks, good space and decent ground clearance, the engine manages adequately too. The price is a little on the high side however. – Ashley Oldfield

If a Jeep is what you want and you can’t afford a bigger model, then this will do nicely. Quite easily one of the nicest and coolest vehicles I’ve driven in 2015. -David Taylor

We Like: Styling, build quality, drive quality, decent performance

We Don’t Like: Price

Also Consider: Volkswagen Tiguan, Audi Q3

Want to buy a Jeep Renegade?

Compare the Jeep Renegade with its competitors here!

Jeep Renegade Limited Launch Edition – Quick Specs

Jeep Renegade

Video: Top 10 things to know about the New Jeep Renegade

Peugeot 308 GT Now in South Africa

The Peugeot 308 offering in South Africa has expanded with the introduction of the range-topping 308 GT. The 308 GT joins the Active and GT Line derivatives in the range and brings more dynamism and performance to the table.

More Power

The new Peugeot 308 GT comes fitted with a 1.6-litre turbo engine that offers 151 kW with maximum torque at 285 Nm. The 308 GT makes use of a 6-speed manual transmission and those performance figures translate into a 0-100km/h sprint time of 7.5 seconds before reaching a top speed of 235 km/h.

Fuel consumption is rated at only 5.6-litres /100 km with an estimated range of 950km from its 53-litre fuel tank.

Styling Features

On the outside, the 308 GT features a grille with a three-blade design flanked by advanced headlights and LED daytime running lights.  The lower bumper has a large air intake with cooling apertures on either side. The side mirrors are finished in gloss black while the windows are tinted and the B-pillar has been blacked out. The rear-end is dominated by a new gloss black apron with stylised tailpipes while the rear LED tail lights feature Peugeot’s three-claw design. 18-inch alloy wheels complete the package.

On the inside, you will find roof lining and B-pillar trim with an anthracite colour scheme. The buckets seats feature leather bolsters with Alcantara inserts finished with red stitching, which is also used on the door panels, gear lever and leather steering wheel. The pedals are aluminium and stainless steel sill finishers welcome you in. There’s also a full-colour touch screen display that takes care of infotainment. The instrument panel features a chequered-flag inspired background with a red and black colour scheme called ‘Redline’. The instrument illumination is red too.

A Driver Sport Pack is standard, which produces a sporty engine note while firming up the electric power steering and sharpening up the throttle response. The Driver Sport Pack also offers an extended display which shows power and torque, turbo pressure and longitudinal and transverse acceleration. The Driver Sport Pack can also be deactivated if need be.

Safety Features

The Peugeot 308 GT features upgraded brakes and ABS, EBD and Emergency Brake Assist is fitted as standard. Six airbags are also fitted as standard, as are inertia reel seat belts, head retraints and ISOFIX child seat mounts.

Peugeot 308 GT Price in South Africa

Peugeot 308 GT – R369 900

Prices include a 3-year / 100 000 km warranty, and a 5-year/100 000 km full Premium Maintenance Plan.