Driven: Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate

The latest version of Mercedes-Benz’s C-Class Estate made its South African debut this week and we were there to try it out.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has shown what the Germans are really capable of and this luxurious sedan just oozes charm, luxury and class. While the station wagon / estate market is not the biggest in South Africa, Mercedes-Benz feels there’s a niche market here and hopes to sell some units here. Mind you, we’re not talking large volumes here. At best, we’d see 500 C-Class Estates leave showroom floors.

There are three versions available. There’s two turbocharged petrol derivatives, while the flagship model is a potent, yet efficient diesel. So that’s a C180, a C200 and the mighty C250 BlueTec Estate to choose from. Like all German premium products, standard specification is average, but the options list offers very cool gadgets and tech.

Space and Practicality

This new C-Class Estate is in fact longer both in terms of wheel base and in overall length than its predecessor. It’s also marginally wider, meaning there’s more room and space. Mercedes-Benz SA also claims there’s more headroom in the new models, something that taller folk will appreciate. Luggage space is now up to 1 510 litres and the rear seats can fold down electronically. One of the coolest touches has to be the hands-free method to open the boot. All you need to do is wave your foot under the rear bumper and the sensor will pick up the movement, and the automatic door will open.

C250 BlueTec

The launch was held in Johannesburg and the route would to take us to Clarens, on the border of Lesotho. I knew this meant open-road cruising and a C250 BlueTec diesel was the perfect choice. With 150 kW of power and 500 Nm of torque, this diesel-powered C-Class Estate was a performer and a half. It’s able to get to 100kph reasonably quickly, but its real strength lies in overtaking, while still returning low fuel consumption figures of around 4.5L/100km.

C200 C-Class Estate

After a quick lunch stop in Frankfort, we switched to a well-equipped C200 C-Class Estate. This model boasted numerous optional extras thrown in and I think it offers the best bang for buck in the C-Class Estate range. Sure, you can opt for the brilliant diesel, but that commands a R90 000 premium. Be warned though, as some of the cool optional gadgets can easily add R100k onto the list price. The petrol engine in the C200 C-Class Estate has a turbocharged 2.0-litre with 135 kW and 300 Nm , which feels more than enough. It’s claimed to be light on fuel too, with a figure of 5.5L/100km claimed on the combined cycle.

The route took us off the national highway and into the Golden Gate National Park. It’s such a pity the weather didn’t play along as the scenery and driving roads are simply spectacular. Despite not being extremely sporty, the C-Class Estates acquitted themselves well and didn’t object to being driven in an excited fashion.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate Price in South Africa

Like every Mercedes-Benz passenger car, the new C-Class Estate comes standard with a 6-year/100 000 km PremiumDrive maintenance plan.

C 180 Estate – R447 600
C 200 Estate – R468 300
C 250 BlueTEC Estate – R558 400

Volkswagen Golf R400 To Enter Production In 2015

Reports are coming in that Volkswagen has approved production of the Golf R400 and will be launched next year.

Volkswagen Golf R400 said to become a reality

Although not yet officially confirmed by VW, Car Magazine UK is reporting that the production Golf R400 will enter full series production in 2015 and will follow closely in the footsteps of the concept.

The vehicle will supposedly be the first in the VW line-up to premiere the high-output 2.0-litre turbo engine. With an all-wheel drive feature and a high-performance braking system, the turbocharged four-cylinder engine is expected to have an output of about 309 kW and 450 Nm of torque. The vehicle is also said to feature a number of aerodynamic styling tweaks along with a restrained body kit.

Rumours are the Volkswagen Golf R400 will debut at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show and go on sale late next year.

Lexus LF-C2 Concept To Debut In LA

The Lexus LF-C2 concept has just been teased ahead of its scheduled world premiere said to happen next week at the Los Angeles Auto Show

Lexus LF-C2 Concept teased

The concept is said to preview a new convertible which Lexus is likely to put into production in the future. Rumours are that the concept could also preview the upcoming RC/RC F Convertible.

Not much has been revealed about the concept itself, but it’s being described as an “exciting new open-air concept.” The teaser image although a bit on the blurry side, does show a bit of the car’s body with the stylish windscreen and protruding rear bumper, as well as an integrated trunk spoiler.

Check back for more details next week when the model makes its debut.

Mini 5-Door (2014) Driven

After years and years of three door Minis, the brand has finally bitten the bullet and decided to wedge two more doors into its hatch. No it’s not a Countryman or a Clubman, it’s the original Mini hatch and it’s now targeting the family with flashy styling, vibrant colours and unique flair that it carries.

How do they fit those doors in?

To start with Mini alters the platform slightly to incorporate the new rear openings. The 5-door is 161mm longer than the hatch, but weighs an extra 60kg. I had a peak round at the rear legroom and it actually looks useable by adults, they could have made it even better by not making the rear benches so big but they do make the seats more comfortable to sit in. Boot capacity is up as well from the hatch, it’s now a respectable 278-litres, up 67 litres from the hatch.

Same Engines

The 5-door doesn’t benefit from extra shove or go as it uses the exact same engines as the hatch. That means there’s a three-cylinder 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol with 100 kW and 220 Nm, and the four-cylinder turbocharged 2-litre petrol that churns out 141 kW and 280 Nm. The latter is a smooth pulling and torquey unit, it pulls extremely well from low down the rev range and is backed up by quite a nice engine and exhaust growl. There’s even a few backfire pops in there when you lift off the throttle to raise a smile. The 1.5-litre is impressively economical, claiming just 4.8L/100km and if you follow the efficiency guides the Mini gives you, it will return the claimed figure with ease.

Play Time

Mini has gone to town on the interior of the Mini 5-door, the seats were specced with a mix of leather and Alcantara. There’s a head-up-display in front of the windscreen that shows your current speed as well as the speed limit of the road you’re on. It was also kitted with park assist and the Mini Connected system that integrates with smartphones so that certain apps can be accessed through the multimedia system.

Even from a driving perspective, if you’re trying to get the most out of a tank of fuel, the Mini has a rating system for your driving that gives you stars for your acceleration, anticipation and gear changes. The better you are the happier you make the goldfish on the screen and ultimately the more economical your driving is.

Mini 5-door – Price in South Africa

The Mini 5-door is going to be a niche segment car, if you’re a family wanting space it’s likely you’ll look elsewhere, but the 5-door offers that little more versatility than normal. If you mainly use the car to get yourself around and occasionally want to throw some mates or kids in the back then it’s a good compromise as a city car/weekend driver.

Mini 5-door 1.5 Manual – R305 000

Mini 5-door 1.5 Automatic – R321 900

Mini 5-door 2.0 Manual – R374 052

Mini 5-door 2.0 Automatic – R389 923

New Volkswagen 2-Litre Diesel Engine Unveiled With Electric Turbocharger

A high-powered Volkswagen 2-litre diesel engine with electric turbocharger has been unveiled during a technical presentation held at home in Wolfsburg, Germany.

New Volkswagen 2-litre diesel engine showcased in Germany

Based on the existing EA288 diesel unit used across the Volkswagen line-up, the new engine, enhanced with a new two-stage electricity operated turbocharger, is claimed to deliver a 14 percent improvement in power (200 kW) and economy over the most powerful variant of the company’s diesel unit with 176 kW and is currently fitted in the recently unveiled Volkswagen Passat.

The increase in power was also made possible by installing a new variable valve timing system and a Piezo common rail injection system working at pressures of up to 2500 bar. Volkswagen is yet to release any info on the torque figure of the new engine but rumour has it that it might be comparable to the Passat’s 500 Nm.

The engine is also said to be fitted in Volkswagen’s larger models, including the production version of the CrossBlue concept.

In addition to the new engine, Volkswagen has provided minor details on its upcoming ten-speed transmission which is said to gradually replace the current six-speed DSG from 2016.

The new transmission will work with both transverse and longitudinal engine layouts, and will feature a coasting function to save fuel along with a new brake energy recuperation system which promises to be more efficient than before. The stop-start system has also been re-engineered so that it stops at 7 km/h instead of waiting for the full stop.

2016 Mazda CX-5 Leaked

Leaked images of the 2016 Mazda CX-5 are making the rounds on the web, ahead of its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Refreshed 2016 Mazda CX-5 to show up in LA

The leaked brochure images made their way to the Internet through enthusiast forum Worldscoop, showing the 2016 Mazda CX-5 will feature a revised grille, redesigned wheels and new fog lights. It appears the model will also be kitted with Adaptive LED Headlights, while the interior is expected to include the latest version of Mazda’s infotainment system.

There’s no word yet on any engine updates, and according to the rumour mill, the model is expected to have carryover engines. These might include the 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder engine that develops 116 kW and 203 Nm of torque, as well as a 2.5-litre SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder unit delivering 137 kW and 250 Nm of torque.

Aston Martin DB9 Volante Morning Frost Unveiled

The latest unique Aston Martin DB9 Volante Frost model has been revealed by the company’s Q personalisation department.

Exclusive Aston Martin DB9 Volante Morning Frost detailed

Commissioned by the British firm’s official dealership in Dallas, the model features a Morning Frost White exterior complete with blue tinted carbon fibre details such as the front lip spoiler and side mirrors as well as a blue soft top.

The convertible continues with the two-tone styling in the cabin which is finished in Pearl White and Spectral Blue leather seats, Spectral Blue leather air vents and Cobalt Blue gradated fascia trim.

The car is also fitted with a 6.0-litre V12 engine that delivers 380 kW and 620 Nm of torque, and is mated to a Touchtronic 2 six-speed transmission which enables the car to complete the 0-100 km/h task in 4.6 seconds. Additionally, the Aston Martin DB9 Volante Morning Frost features adaptive dampers as standard, which offer Normal, Sport and Track modes.

 

 

2015 McLaren Sports Series Confirmed

McLaren has released a teaser image along with a cryptic video confirming its 2015 Sports Series is on the way.

McLaren Sports Series to make global premiere in 2015

Previously known by its codename ‘P13’, the 2015 Sports Series appears with a number of styling cues taken from the P1. Although the camouflage hides a lot of the details, we do notice the vehicle seems to feature an aggressive front bumper, aerodynamic side skirts, bespoke alloy wheels, as well as LED-infused headlights.

McLaren has also kept the technical details a secret, but confirmed the model will join the range below the 650S, bringing McLaren credentials and exclusivity to the sportscar segment for the first time. The company additionally confirmed the model will feature a carbon fibre chassis and a mid-mounted V8 engine.

The 2015 McLaren Sports Series is scheduled to be introduced in the second quarter of 2015. The launch campaign is said to take over the next 13 weeks, with McLaren Automotive using the hashtag #BlackSwanMoments to tell stories that have truly changed and challenged people’s beliefs.

Nissan Qashqai 1.5dci (2014) Review

We like:
New styling
Fuel efficient engine with good pull
New high-tech interior

We dislike:
Wind noise off the wing mirrors
No rear parking sensors

Nissan claims to have invented the compact SUV segment with the previous-generation Qashqai. It has had to give up some of that market share though as newcomers aplenty have entered the segment from all corners of the globe. A lot depends on this new model if Nissan wants to claim back its perch on top of the pile. We spent a week with the 1.5 turbodiesel and this is how it stacks up.

Lots to like

For starters the new styling is modern and whilst it may look like a lot of other cars built into one, it pulls off a nicely proportioned compact SUV. The pictures actually make it look a fair bit bigger than its compact status suggests. Our unit you see here has already clocked up over 11 000km in less than six months and doesn’t show any ill effects inside or out from its stint as a media mule. There are no rattles yet, all the buttons still feel new and the cloth seats still feel firm and supportive. While 11 000km doesn’t sound like much, in the life of a media car it’s probably worth twice that in the hands of an owner.

Diesel Go

The turbodiesel engine powering this Qashqai is the same unit from the Juke 1.5dci. That means it has 81 kW combined with 260 Nm of torque. It’s a decent engine to drive, it doesn’t feel laggy at the bottom end and mid-range acceleration is impressive. It doesn’t like to be revved though and has quite substantial drop off once you get over mid-way through the rev range. If you keep it revving low and in the torque band it’s a really impressive engine considering the small capacity. The six-speed manual shifter has a light throw action and can just about be moved around the ratios with a single finger flick.

Interior Spec

This particular model has the optional ‘Techno Pack’ that adds cool gadgetry like built-in Sat Nav, heated door mirrors, an around view camera system that gives you a full birds eye view of your car when parking and the Nissan Connect system. The Nissan Connect system is useful for Smartphone connectivity and has cool built in apps like text-to-speech, Facebook and Google search abilities.

The around view camera is handy too when parking, but for some reason isn’t specced with actual parking sensors that would make it the full package. Bluetooth and USB are sorted as well as an Aux port. Space is good for a compact SUV with rear occupants not lacking legroom. The rear seats fold flat with the flick of a lever and the loading space is wide enough for those of us who like to toss bikes in the back.

A neat trick with the new instrument cluster is a readout every time the start/stop system is activated that lets you know how much CO2 you’ve saved with the system. There’s also a comparison readout when you turn off the vehicle that lets you know how efficient your current journey was compared to your best ever fuel consumption. Geeky stuff yes, but still fun to try and beat your best.

Ride and Drive

The new Qashqai has a firm ride that helps it stay upright in the corners, it also makes the SUV feel more sporty than it actually is. The steering mode can be adjusted between ‘normal’ and ‘sport’ although the difference isn’t that great and the weighting on normal mode is good as is. The firm ride is still comfortable around town and over the numerous bumps and jerks we have to deal with on a daily basis. Out on the freeway the Qashqai is a pretty good cruiser but the excessive wind noise off the wing mirrors at speed is annoying and detracts from what’s a pleasant driving experience.

Verdict

The new Qashqai improves upon the previous model in all ways and rises to the very top of the compact SUV hierarchy. It’s filled with great features and style, drives well and even in the smallest diesel variant, doesn’t feel laboured. The rest of the Qashqai lineup features high-tech, low emission turbocharged motors so they are all extremely fuel efficient as well. For these reasons alone it’s probably the first compact SUV I’d recommend to someone looking in this segment.

Second Opinion

The Nissan Qashqai ticks so many boxes and it’s just a fantastic all-round vehicle. Combined with a solid performing engine and a generous helping of tech and gadgets, the second generation Nissan Qashqai is sure to continue the success story. Brilliant both inside and out. -David Taylor

Also consider:

Ford Kuga
Volkswagen Tiguan
Kia Sportage

You can see the head-to-head comparison between the Nissan, Ford and VW here.

Nissan Qashqai 1.5dci Acenta quick specs

Price  R330 500 (base price)
Engine  1.5-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel
Power  81 kW
Torque  260 Nm
Transmission  6-speed manual
Wheels  17-inch alloys
0-100km/h  11.9 seconds (claimed)
Fuel economy  4.2L/100 km (claimed)

Audi A3 Convertible (2014) Review

The Audi A3 convertible arrived just as the season has shifted to summer. How does it rank as a top-down cruiser?

We like:
Superb build quality
Solid on the road
Refined engine
Smooth gearbox

We dislike:
Lacking in standard specification
Price

There’s just something about owning a convertible. The image of driving around with the top down and impressing onlookers is a very lovely proposition. Audi recently launched an updated version of its A3 convertible to the South African market and we were very keen to get behind the wheel, especially as summer was kicking into full swing.

Looks wise, this 2014 Audi A3 convertible is a very pretty thing. The previous version was based on the hatchback, which gave it a bit of a stumpy rear end. This new Audi A3 convertible looks more like the A3 sedan, which means it has slightly more space. Don’t be too impressed though, the rear legroom will only suit smaller folk, while the boot can’t swallow more than two medium suitcases. For interests sake, I timed the roof operation from closed to open which took approximately 20 seconds. The roof can be closed and opened while moving at up to 50kph.

Engine and gearbox

There are three engines to choose from. I had the 1.4 turbocharged petrol unit, but there’s a 1.8 turbo and a fast S3 convertible to choose from. With 92 kW and 200 Nm from its pint-sized motor, performance is adequate and there’s no lack in grunt. Power is driven to the front wheels through the flawless 7-speed S tronic twin-clutch gearbox. You can leave the gearbox to its own devices and it does a great job of effortlessly shifting cogs in an efficient manner.

When you’re in a hurry, you can tap the gear lever down, which engages sport mode and sharpens things up. I preferred to change gears manually. It would have been nice to have steering wheel-mounted shift paddles, but these are reserved for higher-spec models. The 1.4-litre turbo engine has a nice sound to it too, and every now and then there’s a little backfire out the exhausts. The 7-speed gearbox and engine is a great combination in terms of fuel consumption and the Audi A3 convertible will happily consume under 7L/100km.

How does it drive?

The short answer is: very well. Most convertibles suffer in terms of ride quality and handling due to the lack of stiffness a roof panel provides. From a structural point of view, the roof is a vital piece of a car’s chassis as it holds everything together and provides rigidity. Convertibles, despite some added structural reinforcement, can often rattle on bumpy tarmac and the chassis can flex resulting in shudders and strange vibrations.

The Audi A3 convertible on the other hand, feels immune to such phenomenon and you get a sense that the car is very well assembled and the build quality is of the highest order. It’s supremely smooth and I’d advise not speccing anything bigger than the 17-inch alloy wheels as these will impact on ride quality.

Specification and features

Audi is guilty of supplying cars with minimal features and then charging for options. This Audi A3 convertible is no different, and I was disappointed to note this vehicle doesn’t come with climate control, USB connectivity or cruise control. There’s a basic air-conditioner which works really well, but when you’re paying almost R500 000 you’d expect to see at least some creature comforts. This Audi A3 convertible was fitted with a few optional extras like self-parking and satellite navigation, which emerges from the dashboard in a very slick motion. Be careful when choosing your options as you can inflate the price quite easily.

Summary and Conclusion

As far as top-down cars go, this Audi A3 convertible is an excellent car. Not only does it drive exceptionally well, it also happens to be light on fuel and is superbly well built. If you’re after something that’s easy on the eye that offers commendable performance, you can’t go wrong with it. Personally I’d stick with the 1.4-litre turbo and using the price difference on the 1.8-litre turbo to kit it out with some extras, like a USB port. Also, make sure you pack your sunscreen…

Second Opinion

The Audi A3 convertible makes great sense for your average convertible buyer. It’s good looking, doesn’t shake or rattle while the top is down and with the 1.4 TSI engine it makes coastal road cruisng a relaxing and chilled event. Perfect convertible for summer, just a bit pricey.- Ashley Oldfield

Also consider:
Volkswagen Golf cabriolet
BMW 2-Series cabriolet (arriving in early 2015)
Mini Cooper convertible
Mazda Mx-5

You can see the head-to-head comparison between the Volkswagen Golf cabriolet, Audi A3 convertible and Mini Cooper convertible here.

2014 Audi A3 convertible quick specs

Price  R453 000 (Test unit price estimation R530 000)
Engine  1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol
Power  92 kW
Torque  200 Nm
Transmission  7-speed twin-clutch transmission
Wheels  17-inch alloys
0-100km/h  10.2 seconds (claimed)
Fuel economy  5.1L/100 km (claimed)