Peugeot 308 (2015) First Drive

You feel there’s quite a bit of hype and excitement surrounding the launch of the new Peugeot 308 in South Africa. It comes with a host of Car of the Year titles, including overall winner in Europe, a year after the Golf 7 took the same title. Peugeot South Africa has had its problems recently though with exchange rates climbing against them and products that probably weren’t outstanding in their field. A change of leadership right at the top of Peugeot promises to deliver change in perception and the 308 is the first vehicle to showcase that change. We had a quick chance to drive it through the KZN Midlands to see what it’s all about.

Quality Lift

The most visible change in the new 308 is the build quality and materials used – they’re top notch. The dash panels are all soft touch or brushed aluminium and the shut gaps are tight and everything feels solidly held in place. This is a serious step up from what I’ve become used to in Peugeots. Sitting in the 308, it feels like a premium hatch, something you’d compare to an A3 or 1-Series.

The exterior too is well proportioned, I like it from the side profile especially and Peugeot has done a better job of its grille and headlight setup here than on any of its other models, it’s quite an athletic-looking hatch.

Modern Turbo Engine

The Peugeot 308 makes use of a brand new 1.2-litre turbo petrol unit and is offered in two power outputs. The entry-level model puts out 81 kW and 205 Nm of torque and will return a claimed 4.6L/100km. The engine model we drove at launch was the 96 kW and 230 Nm derivative that is a tiny bit thirstier at 4.8L/100km. The engine has great low down pull as the torque kicks in from just 1 750rpm and that makes it feel quite sporty to drive from the get-go. It gets off the line quickly and copes with overtaking well.

It does drop off in the mid-range of the revs, just when you’re expecting a continued surge of speed. It’s not slow, the power delivery just doesn’t continue to deliver pacey thrills in the mid to upper end of the rev band. The six-speed ‘box feels sturdier than the usual Peugeot/Citroen flimsy shift. It’s not a shifter you want to thrash through the cogs like a Japanese lever, but it’s a definite improvement.

Life Inside

As I mentioned earlier, the quality is the biggest improvement overall and the 308 is a super place to spend your time behind the wheel. The seats have a massage function, the dials have a crisp metallic glow to them and the rev limiter works in the opposite direction – a novel addition that takes a bit of getting used to.

The infotainment system is touch sensitive and intuitive to use, it has all the add-ons you’d expect like USB, an Aux port and Bluetooth connectivity standard across the range. The boot is big too, some 420-litres that puts it above most of its rivals. I can’t help feeling that some of the boot space could have been sacrificed for a bit more rear legroom though.

Take a Ride

First impression of the Peugeot 308 on the road is good, the new chassis feels light and nimble to manoeuvre about and it’s fun to wind through sinewy stretches of tarmac like the KZN Midlands has on offer. The smaller steering wheel that’s intended to sit below the instrument cluster takes a bit of getting used to but is a jol to wield once you push on.

The steering is well weighted and the chassis gives good feedback as to what’s happening underneath you. I was impressed by the ride of the new 308, it irons out bumps in comfortable manner and breezes over potholes with very little crashiness. The chassis feels solid and again… well put together. It’s also welcoming to see all the major safety systems being employed across the range such as: ABS, EBD, ESP and a minimum of four airbags.

Peugeot 308 Pricing

Peugeot want to make it clear that the brand is moving into the premium sector so you shouldn’t expect the 308 to come it at discount pricing. In order to entice buyers Peugeot is also offering a guaranteed buy back on the 308 as well as a five-year/60 000km maintenance plan. If your car does have an issue they also promise to give you a courtesy car whilst it gets fixed. At the moment, the Peugeot crew look as excited about the future as they’ve ever been and it will be interesting to see how the entry model Active (R275 900) and the top spec GT Line (R329 900) do against the likes of VW’s Golf, Audi’s A3 Sportback and the raft of hatchbacks that have flooded the segment.

Peugeot 308 – Price in South Africa

Peugeot 208 1.2 PureTech Active                                              R275 900

Peugeot 308 1.2 PureTech GT Line                                           R329 900

Range Rover Sport is Fastest in SA

Jaguar Land Rover South Africa is back with yet another record in the bag. This time its the Range Rover Sport which takes the titles as the fastest 4×4 in South Africa.

Recently Jaguar Land Rover SA spent some time on the 4 900m long runway at Upington airport to see how fast some of its cars are. The Jaguar F-Type R coupe was the first to break a record as the fastest production car in South Africa, and then a few of the sedans like the XF and XJ each made history.

Range Rover Sport does 250.62kph

This time however, it was the turn of the big Range Rover Sport to go down one of the longest runways in the world. Powered by a supercharged V8 engine, the Range Rover Sport completed the flying kilometre with an average speed of 250.62kph. Not bad at all for a big and luxurious SUV which boasts serious offroad ability! The Range Rover Sport is now the proud title holder of fastest petrol-powered SUV. We know all about just how potent this SUV is when we put it head to head against the mighty BMW X5 M50d in a drag race.

Land Rover wasn’t done yet though as it was then the turn of the diesel-powered 4.4-litre V8 Range Rover Sport. With 250kW and 740Nm, it’s not exactly a slouch either and it too broke the record for fastest diesel-powered SUV in SA with a speed of 213.53kph. “Thanks to its lightweight aluminium architecture,we would go as far as saying that the Range Rover Sport is the only car in the world that can safely do 250km/h, carve up mountain passes, easily scale rocky trails, cross water as deep as 850mm, and tow a horse box,” said Lisa Mallett, Marketing and Communications Director at Jaguar Land Rover South Africa and sub-Sahara Africa.

I hope the antics by Jaguar Land Rover SA inspires other brands to try break records. I’m pretty confident that a certain BMW X5 M would fare pretty well in a top end run… Let’s hope BMW SA comes to the party.

 

New Peugeot 308 Specs and Price in South Africa

Peugeot dubs its new 308 as its ‘most advanced hatchback to date’ and guess what, it’s now available in South Africa. The new Peugeot 308 is built on the marque’s new generation Efficient Modular Platform 2 (EMP2) and is more advanced, lighter, more compact and more efficient than before. So advanced in fact, that the 308 was named 2014 European Car of the Year and has received numerous awards worldwide. Sound good? Let’s take a look at what the new 308 has to offer.

Step Inside the 308

Peugeot says the new 308 offers higher levels of comfort and quality all round. The dashboard is deeply recessed and features an elevated instrument binnacle with large instrument dials, incorporating a large full-colour touchscreen display. A small-diameter, multifunction steering wheel provides access to basic functions and features. The interior features a mix of textured surfaces, metallic accents and high-gloss inserts.

Boot space is said to be generous and the 60:40 split rear seats fold flat to increase load capacity even further. The Peugeot 308 is big on safety too and comes with a 5-star Euro-NCAP safety rating and is packed with active and passive safety features.

Model Range

Two variants are available, both featuring Peugeot’s PureTech engine technology, which in this case is a 3-cylinder powerplant with high pressure direct-injection, four valves per cylinder and high pressure turbocharging. The base offering is the 308 Active fitted with a 1.2-litre PureTech e-THP 110 engine offering 81 kW and 205 Nm and mated to a five-speed manual transmission.

The 308 GT Line ups the power up with a 1.2-litre PureTech e-THP 130 engine which offers 96 kW with peak torque at 240 Nm. This model makes use of a 6-speed manual gearbox.

The Peugeot 308 models are further differentiated by exterior styling details, interior trim and equipment. The 308 GT Line for instance gains full LED headlights, a different grille, larger alloys wheels, twin tailpipes and more brightwork. A 9.7-inch touchscreen is standard on both models.

Peugeot 308 Price in South Africa

Peugeot 308 1.2 PureTech Active                                    R275 900

Peugeot 308 1.2 PureTech GT Line                                 R329 900

Prices include a 3-year/100 000 km manufacturer warranty, a 5-year 60 000 km Premium Plan service plan and a 3-year/100 000 km roadside assistance package.

Opel Mokka (2015) First Drive


The next model from Opel has hit our shores and I was on hand to experience the all-new Opel Mokka in the the Eastern Cape.

The Opel Mokka is the third model from the German brand after the Adam and Corsa were launched not so long ago. The Adam in particular is selling really well and Opel is faced with a stock shortage – not the worst problem to have! Opel’s Mokka takes on the sub-compact SUV segment, which is hotly contested in South Africa. Think of products like the Nissan Juke, Nissan Qashqai and Hyundai iX35. Initially, I thought this would be a rival to the Renault Duster and Ford EcoSport, but in reality it feels and is priced like a more premium product.

Speaking of pricing, it comes in at a starting price of R288 5o0, which will get you the 1.4T Enjoy manual gearbox. The top of the range is the 1.4T Cosmo with an automatic transmission. On launch, we sampled both gearboxes. The Cosmo is the higher spec of the two and comes with a seriously generous helping of standard specification. When last did you hear of a heated steering wheel and a 230V power socket on a car costing under R350k? If you’re after a detailed report on specifications and pricing, click here.

Opel Mokka: First Drive

The Opel Mokka launch took us through the heart of the Eastern Cape. Conditions were a little challenging, due to unpredictable weather, animals on the road and deteriorating tarmac surfaces. The Mokka took it all on and holds the road well. Ride and handling is good, although some road noise is apparent when you’re at the national highway speed limit. I will admit the road surface wasn’t the best, so I’m prepared to give the Mokka some slack in this regard.

In terms of transmission and driving, the Opel Mokka is a pleasant drive. The six-speed manual has a positive action and the 1.4-litre turbo engine offers adequate performance to get around. It’s interesting to note that market trends have shown that all-wheel drive and diesel powerplants are not that crucial to our market, despite our fondness for the great outdoors so while the Opel Mokka may not be a dedicated offroad warrior, it has more than enough ability to drive on gravel and sandy roads.

Summary

Overall I was impressed with the little package that is the Opel Mokka. At launch there are four models in the range with two trim levels, two gearboxes to choose from, and all are powered by the same 1.4-litre turbo engine. Not only is it generously specced, it also offers good performance from a tried-and-tested engine. The Intellilink infotainment system is just superb and shows you don’t need to fork out huge amounts of money for a decent system. I would think the one you’d want is a manual Cosmo as the standard specification is simply too good to ignore.

2015 Opel Mokka Specs & Pricing Announced

The 2015 Opel Mokka arrives in South Africa this week and we have the specifications and pricing for you. The vehicle goes on sale at the end of March 2015.

Opel is really making waves, both locally and internationally with a flurry of new products. Late last year we saw the Opel Adam land on our shores and not so long ago, the all-new Opel Corsa was launched. Now it’s time for the 2015 Opel Mokka to shine. Its Opel’s first ever sub-compact SUV and it has already achieved mega sales in Europe with over 240 000 units finding homes.

“The all-new Opel Mokka is an exciting addition to the Opel portfolio and follows ADAM and Corsa as a truly adaptable lifestyle option,” comments Christopher Cradock, Opel Brand Manager at GMSA.

Simply, the 2015 Opel Mokka comes as a four-model range. There are two trim levels and two gearboxes available. The six-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmission are both powered by the tried-and-tested 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 103kW and 200Nm. At this stage, the 2015 Opel Mokka will only be front-wheel drive.

Performance and Engine

The 2015 Opel Mokka will be able to hit 100kph in just 9.8 seconds for the manual, while the automatic completes the same sprint in a fractionally slower 10.7. In terms of top speed, you’re looking at 196kph for the manual and 191kph for the automatic, while the fuel economy is rated at 6.0 and 6.6L/100km for the manual and automatic Enjoy models respectively. The Cosmo derivatives claim figures of 6.3 and 7.0L/100km for the manual and automatic models respectively.

Standard equipment

Despite its compact size, the spacious interior offers extremely high levels of standard specification, meaning it should prove quite popular with the gadget fanatic generation. Some of these features include start/stop technology, front and rear fog lights, the tyre pressure monitoring system, daytime running lights, cruise control with speed limiter, speed-sensitive power steering, a multi-function steering wheel, a six-speaker audio system with Bluetooth, aux and USB input, a driver’s armrest, electronic climate control, a trip computer, electric and heated side mirrors, power windows with one-touch up and down all-round, 17-inch alloy wheels with a full-size steel spare and black cloth upholstery.

That’s all standard for the Enjoy models, while the Cosmo gains rain-sensing wipers, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, automatic headlights with Active High Beam Assist, front and rear parking sensors, electric folding mirrors, a sunglasses holder, IntelliLink, the reversing camera, heated front seats, interior ambient lighting, rear privacy glass, 18-inch alloys, JASMIN leather upholstery, a heated, leather-bound steering wheel, specialised ergonomic front seats, a rear arm rest and a 230V power socket. All models come with a five star Euro NCAP rating.

2015 Opel Mokka Price in South Africa

Mokka Enjoy 1.4T manual          R288 500
Mokka Enjoy 1.4T  automatic    R 298 500
Mokka Cosmo 1.4T manual        R325 500
Mokka 1.4 T Cosmo automatic   R335 500

BMW X5 40e Plug-in Hybrid Revealed

It’s a big step for BMW as the X5 xDrive40e becomes the first plug-in hybrid vehicle BMW has ever produced for its main stream range. The i3 and i8 sub section has been the electric division of BMW but this ushers in a new landmark for the German brand. The X5 xDrive40e was shown in Frankfurt 2013 as an idea but is now set to go into production being built in the USA.

BMW X5 xDrive40e Details

BMW has chosen to combine electric power with its 2-Litre turbo petrol engine. The petrol engine puts out 180 kW and 350 Nm of torque whilst the electric power jumps in with 83 kW and 250 Nm. That makes for a total useable power output of 230 kW and 450 Nm. In pure electric mode the xDrive40e will run to a top speed 120kph and travel for around 30km before the battery is drained. When the two power units work together, top speed hits a limited 210kph and acceleration from 0-100kph takes just 6.8 seconds. BMW also claims the fuel consumption figure to be 3.4L/100km.

The xDrive40e has multiple modes to access different driving styles the plug-in hybrid can offer. Whether you want full power or full electric or everything on auto, you can access the modes via an eDrive button.

The batteries can be charged either by wall socket or by using BMW’s i Wallbox. A standard wall socket will take around four hours to charge the batteries to full whilst the i Wallbox will do it in two hours and 45 minutes.

As the name suggests, the xDrive40e is all-wheel drive and the battery is stored underneath the boot flooring. The boot still manages to hold 500-litres worth of stuff and practicality isn’t decreased either.

Honda CR-V Upgraded for 2015

The Honda CR-V has received an upgrade for the 2015 model year with a number of exterior, interior and equipment enhancements.

Graham Eagle, director of operations at Honda Motor Southern Africa said,  “The midlife updates to the current CR-V have been designed to add further value and satisfaction to the ownership experience, while also reflecting the requirements of our many loyal customers.”

Honda CR-V Gets Bolder

In terms of exterior design, the 2015 Honda CR-V now benefits from an all-new grille with a black-mesh lower aperture, chrome detailing and a gloss-black horizontal spar. Slim and elongated HID headlights with revised wrap-around LED daytime running lights now complement the new grille. The integrated front bumper incorporates a lower front scuff plate and more prominent fog lights.

The rear end gets new tail light clusters as well a chrome strip below the rear windscreen. The rear apron also gains an aluminium-look scuff plate, matching the look with the front. Revisions to the front and rear bumpers give the CR-V a slightly wider and longer appearance.

Interior Changes

A revised dashboard now features a new 7-inch touchscreen display that provides access to the infotainment system for all models except the entry-level Comfort. Bluetooth connectivity however remains standard across the entire range. The dashboard also features a lower chrome accent that runs through the width of the fascia. A sliding armrest between the front seats can be moved forwards and backwards by 60 mm for added convenience.

Chassis and Suspension Changes

The 2015 CR-V now comes with reworked front suspension with new bushes, dampers and revised suspension geometry which Honda says has improved the overall ride and handling of the vehicle. The front and rear tracks have increased by 15 mm and the steering ratio has increased by 8% to improve response and maneuverability. NVH has been reduced by doubling the thickness of the door seals and upgrading the carpets as well as revising the sound absorption materials.

Buyers now also have the choice of two new colours including Copper Sunset Pearl and Brillaint Blue Metallic. Other colours include White Orchid Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Golden Brown Metallic, Carnelian Red Pearl, Alabaster Silver Metallic and Modern Steel Metallic.

2015 Honda CR-V Price in South Africa

Honda CR-V 2.0 Comfort FWD Manual                        R347 400

Honda CR-V 2.0 Comfort FWD Auto                             R362 400

Honda CR-V 2.0 Elegance FWD Manual                      R394 400

Honda CR-V 2.0 Elegance FWD Auto                           R409 400

Honda CR-V 2.4 Executive AWD Auto                          R508 400

Honda CR-V 2.4 Exclusive AWD Auto                          R544 400

The pricing includes a 3-year/100 000 km warranty, a 5-year/90 000 km service plan and 1-year AA roadside assistance package. Services on all models are at 15 000 km intervals.

 

Honda Jazz (2015) Review

The Honda Jazz has been a mainstay for buyers looking for trouble-free motoring. It’s the car you buy as the last car you’ll ever need to buy, its reliability and practicality has reached near legendary status. It has in recent times commanded a slightly premium price in comparison to the competition and the all-new 2015 model seems to have followed suit. We spent a week with the top of the range 1.5-Litre Dynamic to see if the hype lives on.

What’s New?

For starters the Honda Jazz rides on a newly-developed platform and the car is built at Honda’s Tapukara facility in India. The platform is said to be stiffer and that allows for improvements in the suspension to improve the ride and steering. The styling has been changed as well, modernising the front end while the back has had some strange plastic inserts added that make the Jazz look a bit fussy at the rear. Active and passive safety features have also been plugged into this new Jazz as even in the base model there’s ABS, EBD and stability control.

Naturally Aspirated Engines

The Jazz hasn’t got anything new to offer in the powertrain department as Honda has gone with the tried and tested i-VTEC naturally aspirated engines. Our top spec engine here has the 1.5-Litre i-VTEC motor that has 88 kW and 145 Nm of torque. In typical Honda fashion the engine is more than happy to rev all the way to the redline and feels at its best when pushed. Unfortunately it lacks the low down torque to give you confidence to overtake comfortably that the European competitors have installed in their vehicles. Due to the rev happy nature of the Jazz’s engine fuel economy took a bit of a hit as we managed 8.1L/100km over our week’s test. Claimed fuel economy is 6L/100km, which is what most Jazz drivers are likely to get if they drive it carefully and use the five-speed manual to keep the revs down.

Space Race

The Honda Jazz puts all other hatchbacks we’ve seen to shame when it comes to interior space. The boot for starters offers 363-litres, that’s some 60-litres bigger than the VW Polo. The rear seats magically fold flat and opens the loading space to 1 881-litres. The rear legroom is easily the best in class, even behind a six-foot driver there’s loads of room in the rear. I’ve seen D-segment sedans with less room in the rear than this new Jazz. (I managed to transport a new coffee table with ease. So spacious! – Editor)

The new infotainment system on the top-spec Jazz makes use of a large seven-inch touch screen system that is designed to work like a tablet. It’s quite intuitive and easy to use but the touch system can be a bit slow to react. There’s two USB slots and an HDMI slot for those that really want to take all their connectivity on the road. We hooked up a laptop and the screen was instantly displayed on the car’s screen as well as sound. The whole system is built around connecting your smart device and then using your compatible apps within the system.

Strangely for a Honda product, some of the finishings don’t seem to be well put together and some of the materials are less than what we’ve come to expect from the Japanese brand. The plastics around the boot were loosely fitted and the wooden floorboard used for the boot is particularly flimsy. This may be the Indian building getting off the ground and we hope they improve these mishaps in the future.

Ride and Drive

The good news is that the Honda Jazz remains a quality product on the road. It’s comfortable in town over our typically bumpy roads and sits flat in the bends. The 16-inch wheels with relatively high profile tyres help in keeping ride comfort good while grip is still is not relinquished easily. Most Jazz drivers aren’t going to be worried about whether the steering is heavy or light but it’s still a good thing Honda has weighted it well in order to provide driving confidence out on the open road.

Honda Jazz – Verdict

The new Honda Jazz still feels like a bulletproof product, the engine is rev hungry and with Honda’s famed reliability will be happy to rev on to eternity. Interior space is best in class and if that’s one of your top requirements then don’t bother looking elsewhere. A few build quality issues seem to have snuck into the Jazz as build production has moved to India, but nothing too worrying. The Jazz still targets the top end of the hatch pricing as this 1.5 Dynamic model costs R249 900. That puts it above competitors like the top spec VW Polo Highline (R241 500) and the new Opel Corsa (R236 300) as well, competitors that offer similar spec and power credentials.

Second Opinion

With that clever rear seating arrangement and flexibility, the Honda Jazz remains the most practical small car you can buy and this particular model is also loaded with infotainment features. The 1.5-litre Dynamic reviewed here is, however, quite a pricey choice. Then again, given its predecessor’s reputation for bulletproof reliability the higher price is probably justifiable, especially since it hasn’t changed too much on the mechanical front. – Hannes Oosthuizen

Honda Jazz Price in South Africa

The Honda Jazz range starts with the 1.2-Litre Trend model that comes in at R179 900 whilst our 1.5 Dynamic costs R249 900. The Honda Jazz is also offered in automatic versions on both engines.

We Like: Amazing interior space, fun engine, good to drive 

We Don’t Like: Quality issues creeping in, pricey

Also Consider: VW Polo, Opel Corsa, Mazda2

See a comparison between the Jazz, Polo and Corsa here

Honda Jazz Quick Specs

Engine 1.5-Litre 4-cylinder petrol
Power 88 kW
Torque 145 Nm
Transmission Five-speed manual
Wheels 16-inch alloy wheels
0-100km/h 9.9 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed 180 kph
Fuel Economy 6L/100km (claimed)
Fuel Tank Capacity 40 Litres

2015 Toyota Hilux Dakar Price and Specs

Toyota South Africa has added yet another version of the iconic and best-selling Hilux to the market. To celebrate the company's performance in the hardcore Dakar Rally, the special edition 2015 Toyota Hilux Dakar has numerous accessories fitted to make it stand out. Toyota did very well in the 2015 Dakar Rally – a T1 Petrol class win and second place overall is impressive. The last special edition Hilux to be unveiled was the Legend 45 and it is this model on which the 2015 Toyota Hilux Dakar is based. Interestingly, 50% of Hilux Legend 45 production will be focused on Dakar models for a three month period. Glenn Crompton, Vice President of Marketing had this to say about the new model. “Inspired by the extreme performance of the world’s most grueling motorsport event where toughness is not just a pay-off line, it’s a prerequisite. People buy Hilux as a workhorse, a family vehicle, or as a mixture of both, which means they are attracted by its renowned ruggedness as well as its car-like comfort. Hilux Dakar delivers the best of both worlds.”

2015 Toyota Hilux Dakar Features

  • Two-tone stainless-steel, tubular front nudge bar finished in polished stainless steel with a matt black cross bar and official “Dakar” decal in white.
  • Two-tone stainless-steel, tubular load bay styling bar with matt black cross plate and official “Dakar” decal in white. (The styling bar is optional on Legend 45 models.)
  • Standard Tonneau cover in black (optional on Legend 45).
  • Two-tone stainless-steel, tubular rear step bumper with matt black step.
  • 17-inch alloy wheels in dark grey finish – differentiated from the lighter hued ‘anthracite’ of the Legend 45.
  • Exterior mirror cladding and door handles in glossy black finish.
  • Two-tone front grille with chrome border and glossy black horizontal slats.
  • B-pillar – black-out finish as opposed to body colour.
  • Unique official Dakar decaling on the front nudge bar, front doors, styling bar and rear tailgate.
  • Available exclusively in Glacier White or Chromium Silver.
  • Full black interior leather with red stitching (the Legend 45 boasts black leather with silver accents).

The Hilux Dakar is no longer on sale in South Africa. Check out the latest pricing for the new Toyota Hilux in South Africa.

You can also find a used Toyota Hilux here!

 

Ford Transit and Tourneo Connect launched in South Africa

Ford’s new model onslaught is well underway with a total of 10 new models expected this year alone, which is exciting news for new car buyers in South Africa. Ford has already introduced the Fusion sedan to market and has now expanded offerings in the LCV and MPV segments with the new Transit Connect panel van and the Tourneo Connect MPV.

The vehicle launch took place in Johannesburg this week and I was there to drive the newcomers.

Ford Transit Connect Takes Care Of Business

The Transit Connect is the third model to join the Transit range of commercial vehicles and was acknowledged as the 2014 Van Of The Year. Bragging rights aside, the Transit Connect in Long Wheelbase (LWB) form is built to serve the needs of large and small businesses with a total load capacity of 3 222 litres, payload capacity of 1 004 kg and a 1 200kg tow rating for a braked trailer.

Loading any item is made easier with two side-hinged rear doors that open 180-degrees as well as a side sliding door which, offers additional access to the loading area. Six tie-down points on the load floor allow for the securing of items.

The Transit Connect is available in Ambiente trim and the driver’s cabin comes fitted with a two-speaker Bluetooth audio system with USB and Aux connectors. Steering is power assisted and the steering wheel is rake and reach adjustable with mounted controls. The interior is well constructed and dominated by hard-wearing plastics. There’s also ample storage space in the doors and overhead tray, and electric windows are standard.

Safety Features

The Transit Connect offers Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD) and Electronic Brake Assist (EBA). Additional safety features include Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control, Hill Launch Assist, Load Adaptive Control, Roll-Over Mitigation and Trailer Sway Control. A driver airbag is fitted as standard, but a passenger airbag can be fitted as an option for R1 830.

For an additional R8 060, you can opt for the Ambiente Option Pack which includes front and rear parking sensors with a rear-view camera, fog lights with adaptive corner lighting, a tyre inflation monitor and LED lighting in the load compartment. This option pack should be considered if you want to avoid bumping into unexpected objects, as rear visibility is hampered by the steel bulkhead directly behind you.

How does the Transit Connect Drive?

Under the hood, the Transit Connect is fitted with the tried and tested 1.6-litre TDCi engine that offers up 85 kW and 285 Nm. A 6-speed manual transmission puts those figures onto the tarmac via the 16-inch front wheels.

This is a solid engine that has enough grunt to serve the purpose of the vehicle. The launch route offered a mix of urban and highway driving and the Transit Connect felt confident and composed throughout, with gear shifts being smooth and clean. However, it will be interesting to see how it performs with a full load.  Ford claims 4.9L/100km on the combined cycle and I managed to achieve 6.2L/100km during my short stint behind the wheel.

Overall, the Transit Connect seems to be a good offering when compared to its main rival, the Volkswagen Caddy. Time will tell how well the Transit Connect is received in South Africa.

Ford Transit Connect – Price in South Africa

Ford Transit Connect 1.6 TDCi Ambiente LWB – R272 900

The price includes a 4-year / 120 000 km warranty, 4-year / 60 000km Service Plan, 3-year / unlimited km Roadside Assistance and 5-year / unlimited km Corrosion Warranty. Service intervals are set at 15 000km.

Ford Tourneo Connect for Active Lifestyles

The new Tourneo Connect MPV comes to market in both Short Wheelbase (SWB) and Long Wheelbase (LWB) formats with a choice of three trim levels including Ambiente, Trend and Titanium.

Tourneo Features

The SWB five-seater Tourneo Connect in Ambiente trim benefits from electric power-assisted steering, a tyre pressure monitoring system, air conditioning, auto stop/start and an Active Grille Shutter. A four-speaker Bluetooth audio system with USB and Aux inputs are included along with mounted controls on the steering wheel.

Safety features include ABS with EBD and EBA. Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) is standard as well as Traction Control, Torque vectoring Control, Hill Launch Assist, Load Adaptive Control, Trailer Sway Control and Roll-Over Mitigation. Dual airbags are fitted with additional side and curtain airbags. Wheels are 16-inch in size and rear parking sensors and a roof rack with cross bars can be had as an option.

The mid-spec Trend variant further includes cruise control with a speed limiter, rear electric windows, front fog lights and Ford SYNC with Bluetooth Voice Control via a 3.5-inch multi-function display. Front parking sensors and adaptive cornering fog lamps are available as an option, as are 16-inch alloy wheels.

How Does the Tourneo Connect Drive?

Both Ambiente and Trend models are powered by Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine offering 74 kW and 170 Nm of torque delivered via a 6-speed manual transmission. Ride and handling is good across the range but performance, although perky, doesn’t offer much excitement. Still, this engine offers more than enough grunt to scoot the family along in comfort.  Ford claims 5.6-litres on the combined cycle and I achieved 6.3-litres / 100km on the launch route.

The Long Wheelbase (LWB) Grand Tourneo Connect in Titanium trim can be had with either a 1.6 TDCi engine (85 kW / 285 Nm) with a 6-speed manual transmission or with a 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine (110 kW / 240 Nm) mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

I was a bit disappointed with the automatic transmission which felt sluggish, undermining the capabilities of an otherwise excellent engine. The 1.6 TDCi manual would be my pick of the lot, as it felt far more responsive and eager to obey throttle inputs and it’s more economical. However, if you enjoy no-fuss cruising, then the automatic still has lots to offer. Fuel consumption for the automatic version is claimed to be 8.0-litres / 100km and I achieved around 10.3-litres / 100km. Alternatively, the 1.6 Duratorq TDCi claims 4.9-litres / 100km where 6.3-litres / 100km came up on the launch route.

The Titanium model adds Active City Stop, adaptive cornering fog lamps, automatic headlights and rain sensing windscreen wipers. A large panoramic roof, dual electronic climate control, integrated roof rails and 16-inch alloy wheels are also offered for the Titanium trim level. The optional Titanium Pack offers front parking distance sensors and a rear-view camera for an additional R4 610. For an extra R1 820 you can also have two additional seats added in the rear.

Perhaps the biggest selling point for the Tourneo Connect is its versatility. With its dual sliding doors, spacious second row of seating and large rear space, the Tourneo Connect is a superb lifestyle offering. Furthermore, the seats can be folded and tumbled in various combinations, or taken out altogether depending on your requirements. The Ford Tourneo Connect should sell relatively well in South Africa considering similar options available in the market.

Ford Tourneo Connect – Price in South Africa

Ford Tourneo Connect 1.0 EcoBoost Ambiente SWB – R269 000

Ford Tourneo Connect 1.0 EcoBoost Trend SWB – R279 900

Grand Tourneo Connect 1.6 EcoBoost Titanium A/T LWB – R359 900

Grand Tourneo Connect 1.6 TDCi Titanium LWB – R367 900

The price includes a 4-year / 120 000 km warranty, 3-year / 60 000km Service Plan, 3-year / unlimited km Roadside Assistance and 5-year / unlimited km Corrosion Warranty. Service intervals are set at 20 000km.