McLaren 540C Coupe Revealed

McLaren has taken the wraps off the 540C Coupe which joins the recently revealed 570S Coupe in McLaren’s Sports Series. The 540C Coupe was revealed at the Shanghai Motor Show and serves as the entry point to the brand and will be available worldwide.

McLaren 540C Coupe is no baby

Despite its entry point positioning, the McLaren 540C Coupe is a serious piece of machinery. With its race-inspired technology and carbon fibre chassis, the 540C Coupe comes fitted with a 3.8-litre twin turbocharged V8 engine that offers up a healthy 397 kW and 540 Nm of torque.

Transmission comes in the form of a seven-speed seamless shift gearbox (SSG) which enables the 540C Coupe to sprint to 100kph in 3.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 320kph. 0-200kph only takes 10.5 seconds.

The MonoCell II chassis has been designed to make the 540C Coupe more practical for everyday driving. Weighing only 1 311 kg, the 540C Coupe is some 150 kg lighter than its closest competitor.

Exterior Features

The McLaren 540C features aero blades below the front bumper and are flanked by large LED headlights. The rear diffuser is positioned between the twin exhausts while dihedral doors optimises airflow along the length of the car. An integrated rear spoiler provides much needed downforce when driving with purpose.

The 540C Coupe rides on 20-inch cast alloy wheels at the rear and 19-inch rims at the front in either silver or stealth finish. The newly-developed suspension system has been tuned for everyday driving and the adaptive dampers give the driver the choice between ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Track’ settings.

Interior Features

The interior has a clear focus on space and ergonomics and comes kitted out in leather upholstery for the seats, dashboard and lower doors. The ‘floating’ centre console comes fitted with a 7-inch IRIS touchscreen which takes care of infotainment but also houses the controls for the air conditioning, minimising switchgear in the cabin. Everything including the electronic owners manual, DAB digital radio, Bluetooth, satellite navigation, media streaming, voice activation and audio media player are controlled via the IRIS screen.

Drag Race: VW Golf 7 R vs Subaru STI (Video)

When you think about a compact, powerful, all-wheel drive car, its difficult not to think of the Subaru STI. It is a car that has defined a segment for as long as anyone cares to remember. But the times they are achanging, and in some ways, the STI just hasnt.

Just a few years ago, this race would have been rather silly. But with the latest generation of Golf, VW has not only attacked the territory dominated by the STI, but is running wild.

The current generation Subaru STI has exactly 221kW. As we learnt in our Golf R feature film, the Golf 7 R has 221kW. But thats in Europe where its cold. Here in Africa where its hot, VW had to downtune the 2.0 litre, turbocharged motor to 206kW.

Both cars have clever all-wheel drive systems and I have no doubt that the STI would be quicker around a track; it is simply more hardcore and better set up for that purpose. But in reality, most owners will need the cars to perform in a straight line, when pride is at stake at the traffic lights.

And heres the crucial difference, the STI is only available with a manual box, while the Golf R can be fitted with DSG VWs double clutch gearbox.

And so we were very excited to put these two cars together on Killarneys quarter mile drag strip. We ran the race multiple times and this was the closest result

Well have many more drag race videos coming out over the next few weeks, featuring cars like the Mercedes CLS 63 AMG and the A45 AMG, Audi S3 and VW Scirocco R. Make sure you dont miss a thing by subscribing to our Youtube channel here

If you are interested in a used VW Golf, see our listings here

If you are interested in a used Subaru STI, see our listings here

VW Golf 7 R vs Subaru STI Video

Volkswagen Scirocco GTS Revealed

Keeping the Scirocco name alive is this new GTS model, a throwback to the 1982 VW Scirocco GTS. This new GTS model has a slight power upgrade, some exterior add-ons and a slight revamp to the interior styling.

More Power for Scirocco GTS

The Scirocco GTS has an additional 7 kW over the standard 2.0-Litre turbo, taking it up to 162 kW, the same as the latest Golf GTI. Zero to 100kph is claimed at 6.5 seconds with top speed at 244kph. If you choose the manual gearbox over the DSG, the top speed increases to 246kph.

Special Exterior

The Scirocco GTS will be equipped as standard with new 18-inch alloy wheels, with 19-inch alloy being available as an option. The red brake callipers of the GTS can be seen through the spokes of both of these wheel options. In addition, the Scirocco GTS comes with the R-Line package “Exterieur” as standard, which includes distinctive R-style bumpers, custom side sill extensions, a roof spoiler and a diffuser. The wing mirror caps are painted in stylish black and, just like its predecessor, the ’82 Scirocco GTS, the new model can be ordered with a sporty GTS decal for the body as an option. This option features two decorative red stripes that run centrally from the bonnet over the roof and the boot (if the car is painted in “Flash Red” the stripes are black). The new Scirocco is also enhanced by 3D GTS logos in the radiator grille and on the tailgate.

Black and Red interior

The theme inside the Scirocco GTS is black and red and just about everything gets this treatment. A few of the touches include decorative inlays in “Piano Black Lacquer ” in the centre console and the dashboard, GTS badges on the sill panels, a steering wheel with red seams and the lower spoke finished in “Black Piano Lacquer” (with the GTS logo). The pedals are stainless steel and the seat covers feature centre panels made of a new material (with the GTS logo at the top of the backrest) and red decorative stitching. The GTS package also includes a golf ball gear knob and contrasting red seams for the safety belts, handbrake lever, gear lever gaiter, central armrest and floor mats.

Audi Prologue Allroad – A8 Crossover Possible?

Keen spectators of Audi concepts of late may have spotted the Audi Prologue concept revealed in November 2014 at the LA auto show. Since then it has also taken the wraps off an Avant version and now we have the Audi Prologue Allroad a raised ride height, off road sort of version.

Audi Prologue Allorad details

The Prologue Allroad is a soft roader that probably showcases what the new A8 Estate is likely to look like. The A8 itself is due for replacement in 2016. This Prologue Allroad is said to be a hybrid version coupled with Audis 4.0 V8 twin-turbo TFSI motor. The result is a total of 445 kW and 750 Nm and a 0-100kph time of just 3.7 seconds. Audi also claims it will use just 8.7L/100km thanks to the hybrid tech. As expected, the Prologue Allroad harnesses Audi Quattro all-wheel drive.

Riding on 22-inch wheels, the Prologue Allroad is lifted 77mm further off the ground than a standard Prologue Avant and comes with a bit of bumper cladding to make it look more rugged. The front grille is also specific to the electric range within Audi and the concept can be charged by driving over a charging plate and left to do its own thing.

Interior has its own butler

The interior is a feast of Audi tech that includes the Audi butler an intelligent software program that identifies the occupant based on their smartphone and adjusts the seats and climate control system according to their preferences. The system also makes recommendations for music and route planning that are oriented towards the owners preferences. The rest of the interior is pretty much as good as Audi can do, theres tons of leather and brushed aluminium and digital screens for absolutely everything including the binnacle dials.

Peugeot 308 R Hybrid 0-100kph in 4 Seconds

Hatchbacks have been getting more and more insane over the last decade. It started with 150 kW being the perceived optimum output for a front-wheel drive hatch, now were seeing upwards of 180 kW in most cases. Now with four-wheel drive, vehicles like the Golf R can happily pump out over 200 kW with the Merc A-Class A45 AMG making a massive 265 kW. Peugeot now, with the help of hybrid technology claims its 308 R Hybrid churns out 368 kW and 730 Nm of torque.

Four-wheel drive

Firstly the Peugeot 308 R Hybrid is four-wheel drive to help put the power to the ground, the track width is also 80mm longer. Two batteries are also plugged into the power make-up and work in tandem with a 1.6-Litre turbo petrol motor. The petrol motor on its own pushes out 199 kW and 330 Nm of torque. The two batteries make up the rest of the power, contributing 85 kW and 200 Nm of torque each.

In a sprint to 100kph the Peugeot 308 R Hybrid wipes the floor with every hot hatch, claiming 4 seconds flat. Top speed is limited to 250kph but Peugeot says that the 308 R Hybrid is built for track mode.

4 Modes to choose from

The toggle button on the central console is used to select one of the four driving modes: – Hot Lap mode is the most powerful, harnessing the full potential from the three power sources to reach a total of 368 kW and maximum torque of 730 Nm. – Track mode delivers 298 kW and 530 Nm, mainly from the petrol engine and the rear electric motor. The front electric motor serves as an additional booster when accelerating. – Road mode is specially designed for road use with power of 223 kW and torque of 400 Nm. The petrol engine delivers its full potential while the rear electric motor helps during accelerations. The front electric motor is not used in this mode. ZEV makes priority use of the rear electric motor to drive the 308 R HYbrid. The front electric motor comes into play, depending on the pressure applied by the driver on the accelerator pedal.

308 R Hybrid details

Obviously being a hybrid model its fuel consumption will be impressive as it can run in full electric mode. Peugeot hasnt got a fuel consumption figure yet but claims 70g/km of CO2 is emitted. Weight is kept down to a minimum and is distributed throughout the chassis with a 60/40 bias towards the front.

Inside the 308 R Hybrid has four individual bucket seats and paddle shifters for the six-speed gearbox. Theres dashes of Alcantara and leather throughout the cabin and a heads-up display unit. Those wheels are 19-inches and two-tone colour scheme seems set to stay.

Volkswagen Polo GTI Specs and Pricing

It seems VW isnt entirely certain what the best engine is for the Polo GTI. Initially it had a 1.8-Litre turbo that was a bit pap, then the next generation had a 1.4-Litre turbo that wasnt pap and was more powerful than the 1.8-Litre and turned the GTI into a proper pocket rocket. Now, for this latest Polo GTI, VW is back to a 1.8-Litre turbo – but a better one. David Taylor will be attending the local launch on 17 April 2015, look out for his first drive soon after.

Manual transmission

From the second half of 2015, the new Polo GTI will be offered with a manual transmission. At launch, only the 7-speed DSG transmission will be available. With both transmission variants, the new Polo GTI accelerates from 0 to 100kph in 6.7 seconds. Fuel consumption is claimed at 5.6L/100 km with the 7-speed DSG and 6.0L/100km with the 6-speed manual.

The exterior of the Polo GTI features new bumpers, flared door sills, the GTI logo on the front wing and GTI insignia such as the red strips in the radiator grille and headlights. The Polo GTI is also available with optional LED headlights as well as LED daytime running lights.

The interior is accentuated by red GTI elements. The leather sports steering wheel, adapted from the Golf GTI, has contrasting red stitching, as do the gear lever and handbrake lever; the floor mats also feature borders with red beading. The seats are upholstered in Alcantara with leatherette inserts. The driver and front passenger have heated sports seats. Features such as the instrument cluster with GTI design, black headliner and aluminium-look pedal caps complete the interior ambience. Also standard are features such as: Hill Hold assist, XDS+ Transverse Electronic Differential Lock, Driver Alert System, Cruise Control and Automatic Post-Collision Braking System.

Updated Infotainment

The Polo GTI’s radio system has been redesigned to bring it up to date and make it more user friendly. The colour touchscreen offers functions such as Bluetooth connectivity and a proximity sensor (other menu details are shown when hand approaches the screen). The system also has CD-player, USB, MP-3 functionality, auxiliary and SD-card input for external audio source and 6-loudspeakers.

MirrorLink is offered as an option and makes it possible to display and control the contents and functions shown on compatible Android smart phone on the touchscreen of the infotainment system. To avoid distracting the driver, only specially configured apps are accessible while driving. Volkswagen offers apps which can access vehicle data such as engine speed, car speed and the fuel tank level. Apps may also be used that are not directly related to vehicle operation, such as internet radio and news services, provided that they support MirrorLink.

Adaptive Chassis

Volkswagen is offering electronically adjustable dampers in the Polo GTI. These form the core technology basis of the new, optional ‘Sport Select’ suspension, which for the GTI is always available in conjunction with the optional ‘Sport Performance Kit’ (sportier tuning covering a wide range of parameters, all at the push of a button). This can be adapted for use on the racetrack.

New Engine

The new Polo GTI is equipped with a 1.8-Litre turbocharged direct injection petrol engine that develops 141 kW of power. The 1.8 TSI engine achieves this power at between 4 300 and 6 200 rpm with 6-speed manual transmission and from 5 400 to 6 200 rpm with the 7-speed DSG transmission. These variations are due to technical differences in the design of the transmissions.

The same applies to the torque values: the DSG delivers a maximum torque of 250 Nm between 1 250 and 5 300 rpm whereas the figures for the manual gearbox version are 320 Nm between 1 450 and 4 200 rpm. However, the differences in torque have no effect on the vehicle’s performance figures.

Optional features

These are the optional features that are offered with the new Polo GTI: LED headlights with LED daytime running lights, Panoramic sunroof, Park Distance Control (front and rear), Climatronic air-conditioner and Rear Assist Camera.

VW Polo GTI Pricing

1.8 TSI 141 kW GTI DSG R326 400

The new Polo GTI comes standard with a 3 year/45 000km Service Plan, 3 year/120 000km warranty and a 12 year anti-corrosion warranty. Service interval is 15 000km.

Daihatsu Pulls Out of South Africa

Small-car specialist Daihatsu has achieved great success in South Africa with its popular range of Terios compact SUVs and Gran Max pick-ups. There exists a car park of nearly 30 000 Daihatsu vehicles in this country and the brand has built an outstanding reputation for reliability and quality. It may therefore come as quite a surprise to find out that the brand has made the decision to stop importing new vehicles to South Africa as of this month.

Daihatsu Leaves SA

This news has obviously left us and some owners concerned. What does this mean in terms of parts, back-up and resale values? We spoke to Pedro Pereira of Imperial about these issues:

Why is Daihatsu withdrawing from the SA market?

Daihatsu Japan has taken a strategy to pull out of Western markets and concentrate in the East where they do very well. Daihatsu has pulled out of Australia, New Zealand and Europe a few years ago but kept the South African market for a bit longer because of how well it has always done here.

What does this mean for the Daihatsu owner in SA regarding parts back-up, warranty, servicing, resale values etc?

The Daihatsu customers will continue to have the full back-up from Imperial Daihatsu. We have signed agreements to continue to supply parts, honour warranties and give after-sales service. Daihatsu resale values remain high as it is still a very popular car in the used car market.

You mentioned the (8-year) service contract with Daihatsu Japan  what happens after that?

We will continue to source parts for our customers and provide the after sales back up and service facilities.

Could Daihatsu vehicles become available again under the Toyota badge, as elsewhere in the world? For example, the Terios is badged the Toyota Rush in some markets

From what we have investigated, this will not be happening in South Africa but we do not know exactly what Daihatsu Japan decides to do in the future.

Infiniti QX80 Specs and Price in South Africa

Infiniti has kicked it up a notch with the introduction of the QX80 luxury SUV in South Africa. The 8-seat QX80 SUV is the brand’s most premium offering to date and comes packed luxury and a host of safety and technology features.

Engine Power

The QX80 is powered by a proven 5.6-litre V8 engine that offers 298 kW and 560 Nm of torque mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) and manual shift mode. Fuel consumption for the QX80 is rated at 14.8-litres / 100 km on the combined cycle. The QX80 also features Infiniti’s All-Mode AWD system which allows the driver to select Auto, 4H or 4L mode as well as Hill Descent Control, lockable rear differential and the choice between four on road and off road settings.

The QX80 rides on large 22-inch aluminium-alloy wheels with a ground clearance of 233 mm. The QX80 can also tow trailers and boats with a maximum tow capacity of 3 500 kg.

Exterior Features

The Infiniti QX80 has an imposing presence with a distinct grille flanked by automatic LED headlights, indicator lights and fog lights. Adaptive Front Lighting System and High Beam Assist are part of the package as is LED taillights. The side mirrors are heated and power adjustable with integrated LED turn signals. Other notable features include integrated front and rear wheel arch splash guards, body colour running boards, roof rails, a tinted power glass moon roof and a power rear lift gate.

Interior Features

The plush interior features a 10-way power adjustable seat for the driver with memory function and 2-way lumbar support while the passenger seat is 8-way adjustable. The seats are also climate controlled with a heating and cooling function. The second and third row of seats are 60/40 split foldable for versatility.

For infotainment, an 8-inch WVGA colour touchscreen display with Infiniti Controller is fitted as standard. A 30GB Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System with 10GB Music Box and Bluetooth Hands-free Phone system is also standard.

The QX80 features an Around View Monitor which offers a virtual 360 degree view of the vehicle using front, side and rear cameras. A front and rear sonar system incorporates a Moving Object Detection (MOD) system which helps the driver detect objects moving around the vehicle.

For music lovers, the QX80 comes fitted with a 15-speaker Bose Cabin Surround Audio System with two sub-woofers and rear mounted speakers. Two 7-inch color monitors mounted on the front headrests will keep the kids entertained with games and movies.

Safety Features

The QX80 comes packed with safety features including Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control, Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) with Forward Emergency Braking, Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW), Backup Collision Intervention (BCI), Intelligent Cruise Control, Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and Distance Control Assist (DCA). Blind Spot Intervention (BSI), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), Front Pre-Crash Seatbelts and Hydraulic Body Motion Control is also included.

Infiniti QX80 Price in South Africa

Infiniti QX80 Premium – R1 238 000

Metallic Paint – R3 000

The price includes a 3-year / 100 000 km warranty and a 5-year / 100 000 km Maintenance Plan.

Top Five City Cars in South Africa

Our cities are becoming more and more populated as urbanisation continues to migrate people from rural areas to the ‘thrill’ of the big city. Road builders cant keep up with the pace of growth and that leads to heavy traffic jams and fuel being wasted in bumper-to-bumper driving.

For most of us the car is the only suitable mode of transportation and means we can be flexible with our time we dont have to wait for trains or flag down a taxi every time we want to pop to the shops. As I said, traffic can be a nightmare and as weve been told, Cape Town is South Africas most clogged up city in South Africa. So whats the best car to get you by on the daily commute to and from the city?

The car has to be small, able to fit into that tight parking space that the Corolla driver can’t quite make. A city car also needs good visibility to quickly manoeuvre into that curb-side parking bay and not stress about how far back you can still go. It has to be nippy as well as theres no point having to foot-flat everywhere just to keep up. Plus its more fun with a bit of power when the traffic parts. Finally, the perfect city car needs to be fuel efficient. Big cars use a lot of fuel accelerating from a standstill and even with start/stop technology theyre no match for a lightweight small capacity engine in the city.

Side factors that play a role are things like styling and trendiness as city slickers are more likely to want something vibey and attractive as opposed to a car that’s mundane and run-of-the-mill. Here is our choice of five of the best city cars on the market at the moment.

Top Five City Cars

Opel Adam – From R185 500

The Opel Adam ticks all the boxes mentioned above, its a small hatchback with perfect city proportions. It has a self-park system that can Alley Dock or Parallel Park so thats parking taken care of. With its 1-Litre turbo engine its also pretty quick around town and doesnt guzzle too much fuel along the way. Read our review of the Opel Adam here

Volkswagen up! – From R135 500

The VW up! makes great sense for the budget conscious city driver. The up! comes in at just under R150k and has a reasonable amount of spec for your money. Its quite stylish for a VW and although it only has a naturally aspirated three-cylinder engine, it still feels quick off the mark thanks to its lightweight chassis. Watch our video review of the VW up! here.

Mini – From R303 500

The Mini now comes in many shapes and sizes but the original three-door Cooper is still the best Mini you can buy. With the 1.5-Litre turbo its got good power and its a superb handling front-wheel drive hatch. It can be customised with all sorts of paint colours, wheels and stripes so it stands out of the crowd. Read our review of the Mini here.

Fiat 500 – From R175 400

The Fiat 500 might be getting a little long in the tooth but it has somehow maintained its funky/retro styling without looking dated. Its especially fun to drive and has a great engine note to spur you on behind the wheel. Despite being naturally aspirated, it can still match just about all the cars on the list in fuel consumption.

BMW i3 – From R525 000

Weve thrown the BMW i3 in here as a bit of a curve ball but its still a great choice for a city car. The range extender (rex) makes the most sense and nearly doubles the range to around 300km per tank. The i3 is built from a whole load of renewable and recycled materials but still looks fresh and new. It also showcases what we can expect from our city cars in the future, if only it didnt cost R595 000 Read our first drive of the BMW i3 here.

Mitsubishi Mirage gets Bluetooth

Mitsubishi’s first supermini car, the Mirage, now offers Bluetooth connectivity as standard on its GLX and GLS derivatives. Being a newcomer in a highly competitive segment isn’t easy and the Mirage has had some bad press in the past and finds itself clawing away in a bid to win the confidence of buyers in South Africa. Including Bluetooth into the mix is certainly a star on the Mirage’s bonnet and should be received favorably. You can read our review of the Mitsubishi Mirage here.

The Mirage Offering

Three derivatives are on offer namely GL, GLX and GLS. A 3-cylinder, 1.2-litre petrol engine powers all three derivatives and offers 57 kW and 100 Nm of torque with a combined fuel consumption figure of 4.9L/100km.

Standard features for the GL model include:

Keyless entry
Radio/CD Player
Colour-coded bumpers
Third rear brake light
Electric power steering / Tilt adjustable steering
Multi-information display
Front electric windows
Manual air conditioning with pollen filter
14-inch steel wheels with full size spare wheel

The Mirage GLX adds the following features:

Fuel efficiency indicator
15-inch alloy wheels with full size alloy spare wheel
Colour coded mirrors and door handles
Electric side mirrors
Multi-function leather steering wheel
Accessory socket
USB port

The top-spec Mirage GLS further includes:

Keyless Start
Rear electric windows
Automatic climate control
Front fog lights
Rear spoiler with integrated third brake light

Mitsubishi Mirage Price in South Africa

Mitsubishi Mirage GL – R134 900
Mitsubishi Mirage GLX – R144 900
Mitsubishi Mirage GLS – R154 900

Pricing includes a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and a 2-year/30 000 km service plan with service intervals set at 15 000km. Mitsubishi also offers a zero-deposit finance option of R1 999 per month which includes 12 months comprehensive insurance which should sit well with budget conscious buyers.