The Suzuki Swift and the Kia Picanto are popular choices in the budget car segment and this comparative article provides useful information for car buyers considering these vehicles.
Is the Suzuki Swift a better buying proposition than the Kia Picanto?
Entry level cars don’t all have to be crude and unrefined. Gone are the days when the entry-level segment was a car with seats and a steering wheel, and not much else. We’ve assembled two of the better prospects available on the market. Kia’s Picanto 1.2 EX and Suzukis Swift 1.2 GL. Which is best?
Skin Deep
From the outside these two rivals may look vastly different, but are actually fairly similar in dimensions with the Swift being slightly bigger in length, width and height. If it is looks you’re after however, the Picanto has the Swift licked. The Picanto comes standard with those funky 15-inch alloy wheels that give it a lot more attitude.
The Picanto’s front grille is also lined with some red trim and it’s these sort of small touches around the Picanto that make it look more sophisticated and attractive to young buyers. The Swift though isn’t an ugly duckling by any means, it just lacks the exterior flair the Picanto possesses. The optional 15-inch wheels might be worth the extra cost as the 14-inchers with wheel covers don’t fill the arches as well.
Inside Story
Both of these models are fairly well equipped as standard and for starter vehicles have most of the quintessential needs covered. The Picanto has got the added luxury of a Bluetooth compatible radio that the Swift doesn’t, but other than that they are almost identical in spec. You get electric windows all-round, air-conditioning and power steering for starters, then there’s a CD player with AUX and USB slots and buttons on the steering wheel to control the radio. The Swift has the better trip computer giving range readout and average fuel consumption.
Space wise the Swift feels the bigger car, passenger in the front and rear have more space to move around and theres more rear legroom in the Swift. The boot size on both cars is very similar the Picanto has the slightly smaller boot at 200-Litres, while the Swift’s is 210 litres. We expected the Swift to have a clearer advantage in luggage space, but the Swift seems to rank passenger space above luggage space. Both are reasonably comfortable cars to sit in with what feels like durable and long-lasting materials all-round, while not feeling like hard and scratchy plastics.
Up to Pace
The Swift and Picanto both have 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engines. They put out similar power figures with the Swift at 63 kW and the Picanto at 65 kW, torque is 113 Nm and 120 Nm respectively. The tiny bit of extra torque the Picanto has makes it the slightly more fun car to nip around town in as it climbs the revs just that bit faster than the Swift does.
Weight doesn’t even factor into the equation as both cars are within 20kg of each other but the Picanto is the faster of the two in a 0-100kph sprint managing 11.6 seconds where the Swift is a full second slower at 12.6 seconds. Another major factor with these budget beaters are the fuel consumption figures. Kia claims it has the better average consumption with 5L/100km with the Swift at 5.7L/100km but over our week of driving the two cars we found the Swift to be the more economic, often returning well under 6L/100km (I got 4.7L/100km – Ed) where the Picanto could only manage 7L/100km.
Get a Handle on it
While the ride and handling are probably not top of the requirements list of entry-level cars like these, it’s still nice to know that youre in a well-balanced and controllable car should you ever need to pull off some emergency cornering. The Swift nudges comfortably ahead of the Picanto in this respect as it feels the more controllable car and gives the driver a greater sense of feel.
The Picanto isn’t going to fall over the first time you have to yank the steering wheel, but it feels narrow and has a tendency to lean over a bit more than expected in the bends. That said, it’s actually a fun car to thrash around in as the handling nuances become enjoyable in a comical sense.
Suzuki Swift vs Kia Picanto: Verdict
At the end of it all, price is going to be a key point of sale here and the Swift undercuts the Picanto by just over R7 000. The Picanto does have a five-year warranty compared to the Swift’s three-year, but then the Swift has a standard two-year/30 000km service plan where the service plan on the Picanto is an optional extra. If looks matter to you and you want something quite cheeky and peppy around town then you can’t go wrong with the Picanto, but if it’s a killer value for money budget hatchback that’s built with Japanese reliability then the Swift is the better buy here.
Comparison Specs: Kia Picanto 1.2 EX vs Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL
Mazda is set to reveal a brand new CX-3 compact crossover at the Los Angeles motor show in November 2014. The newcomer will fill in under the bigger CX-5 we drove earlier this year.
CX-3 to be based on Mazda 2
The Mazda CX-3 is to based heavily on the Mazda 2 and will likely feature the same 1.5-Litre petrol and diesel engine variants available. That means power of anywhere between 55 kW and 85 kW from the compact crossover.
The Mazda CX-3 is the latest model in Mazdas line-up of new-generation products featuring the full range of Skyactiv technology and KODO Soul of Motion designs.
We’ve always fancied the idea of a hot Subaru Forester and it seems like our dreams have been answered as a teaser image showing an STI-badged Subaru Forester has hit the Internet.
The 2.5 XT Subaru Forester is a very capable performer thanks to its turbocharged engine, but this Subaru Forester STI will take performance to the next level. Subaru has announced the 2015 Forester STI will be officially unveiled on the 25th of November 2014.
Subaru Forester STI details
What we do know is that the Forester STI will feature a more aggressive body kit, with STI-branded brakes, larger alloy wheels, front lip and red touches across the board. Let’s not forget the stereotypical Subaru paintjob and STI badging. The car will also feature a sportier suspension setup and rumours are strong there’ll be a more potent engine. We hope to see the engine from the Subaru WRX STI, but that’s not likely.
A few years back Subaru South Africa had the Forester S-Edition, which had the engine of the WRX sedan. It sounded promising on paper, but its automatic transmission meant performance wasn’t quite up to spec. The concept was right though, and we hope that the Forester STI is a global product, and not just for the Japanese domestic market. Mark your calendars for 25 November when all will be revealed.
Peugeot 3008 2.0 HDi Allure (2014) Review
The French know a thing or two about cramming tons of practicality and sensibility into a reasonably compact MPV. Peugeot launched its facelifted 3008 earlier in 2014 and we spent a week with the top of the range 2.0 HDi Allure model.
We like: . Specification
. Strong diesel engine
. Plenty of practicality
We dislike:
. Price
. Infotainment screen too small and too far away
The previous generation 3008 was an average car, but for me was let down primarily by its anonymous styling. The 2014 model has been substantially upgraded in the visual department and the redesigned front features all-new headlights with daytime running lights. The tail lights have been changed too.
Strong engine
The engine is strong and purposeful. Combined with a six-speed automatic gearbox, the Peugeot 3008 offers up 120 kW and a hefty 340 Nm of torque. Open road driving is where this vehicle shines and overtaking ability is to be commended. I did note that the gearbox often liked to change down a ratio which was not always required, but driving it in manual mode means you’re in full control – something I prefer anyway.
Practicality galore
The Peugeot 3008 impresses in the practicality department. Not only is there is a double-tiered boot, but all the seats including the front passenger can be folded flat. Ever wanted to buy curtain rails or a ladder? This arrangement will change your life. Speaking of practicality and specification, the Peugeot 3008 comes very well equipped.
Satellite navigation, cruise control with speed limiter, heads-up display, full panoramic roof, 17-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, leather trim, rear park assist, Bluetooth connectivity, USB/Aux inputs, and dual-zone climate control. This is the range-topping Allure model, but there is a lesser model, the Active available from R334 000.
Summary and conclusion
The ride is a little on the firm side and you will feel serious imperfections in the road. This vehicle was clearly designed for European-style smooth roads, but on our South African roads the Peugeot offers acceptable ride quality.
With that practicality, standard specification and strong engine, I’d like to believe the Peugeot 3008 is a competent car. It is and if you’re after a clever and practical car, you could do no wrong in investigating this car. However the super practical Peugeot 3008 is unfortunately undone by its fellow Frenchman, the Citroen C4 Picasso, which offers smarter technology, a more frugal engine and a substantially cheaper price tag.
Second opinion
Peugeot’s 3008 is one of the most practical cars around. There are loads of storage boxes, the seats all fold flat and the centre console resembles the Kimberly Hole. The ride though is a bit jittery and it’s a bit awkward to look at. The diesel engine is a strong performer in this package and its enthusiasm staves off the boredom of MPV driving. Ashley Oldfield
Peugeot 3008 2.0 HDi Allure quick specs
Price
R410 300
Engine
2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel
Power
120 kW
Torque
340 Nm
Transmission
Six-speed automatic
Wheels
17-inch alloys
0-100km/h
10.2 seconds (claimed)
Fuel economy
6.1L/100 km (claimed)
Future Nissan GT-R could be a Hybrid
Nissan has hinted fairly firmly at the possibility the next generation GT-R will use hybrid technology. The next GT-R is still a few years away, with 2017 and 2018 being the current rumoured arrival dates. Nissan still has plans for yet another update to the current R35 GT-R before then.
GT-R R35 last hurrah
Nissan believes there is still room to improve in the current model and are to deliver a final facelift before shifting full attention to the new car. The next GT-R will then focus on how to incorporate hybrid technology into the supercar, possibly in a similar way to the Porsche 918, McLaren P1 and La Ferrari.
Nissan UKs sports car chief James Oliver mentioned that there’s been obsessive development of the GT-R over the years, and at some point we will move onto the next generation car. The overall market is looking at different methods of powering cars, and at Nissan we’ve got great expertise and investment of electric.
Looks wise the 2020 Vision Concept that Nissan revealed at the 2014 Goodwood festival of speed earlier this year is a starting point for inspiration. The focus will be on performance though as Nissan looks to maintain the GT-R ethos of supercar performance at a bargain price.
Is hybrid the right direction for Nissan to take or should they be looking at more alternative ways to bang out responsibly insane amounts of power?
* Nissan 2020 Vision Concept pictured
Ford Troller Concept to be shown in Brazil
The Ford Troller concept will make its debut at the Sao Paulo motor show at the end of October 2014. The Troller is a pretty hardcore looking off-roader as you can see. This new Troller concept is set to replace the old version that did duty in Brazil for 20 years.
Troller Concept Details
The Troller T4 concept is equipped with a winch, steel storage box, snorkel and bumpers modified to deal with off-road bashings. The interior and exterior showcase how beige and brown can be combined but not be an army issue vehicle. The interior is equipped with SatNav and climate control as well as leather seats.
The engine that does duty under the bonnet is the 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbodiesel from the current Ford Ranger. Power output is the exact same 147 kW except the Troller uses a six-speed manual gearbox as standard.
The Troller brand used to be a stand-alone manufacturer in Brazil before Ford purchased the company back in 2005.
Toyota Hilux Legend 45 – Specs and Pricing
The Toyota Hilux has quite an incredible history. With over 13 million Toyota Hilux bakkies sold over 45 years, the Hilux is somewhat of an institution for South Africa. It's popular because of its reliability, off-road prowess and ruggedness. It's also a farmer's best friend as many of these vehicles do agricultural duty in tough terrain. To celebrate 45 years, Toyota South Africa has announced the introduction of the Toyota Hilux Legend 45. The limited special edition 45 package is available in 4×2 Raised Body and 4×4 formats and across all variations – Single Cab, Xtra Cab and Double Cab. In total there are 13 different Toyota Hilux Legend 45 model variants.
Toyota Hilux Legend 45 Features
Key features include:
• New headlamp and front fog lamp design with black-out detail
• Smoked tail light design
• Stainless steel front nudge bar
•Stainless steel rear step bumper
• Towbar
• Matt black side steps
• Exclusive Legend 45 badging for the nudge bar, side decals and tailgate
• Colour-coded door handles with chrome finish mirrors
• Multi-spoke 17-inch anthracite alloy wheels
• Full range of exterior colours including Glacier White, Chromium Silver, Chilli Red, Pacific Blue Metallic, Graphite Grey, Attitude Black, Silky Gold and Dark Steel Mica
• Tonneau cover and rear styling bar available as optional extras (Legend 45 Plus)
Likewise when it comes to the interior, Toyota Hilux Legend 45 models are well specced:
• Full black interior for the cabin including dashboard finish
• Black leather with silver contrast stitching on the seats, door panels, steering wheel and shift lever boot (manual)
• Reverse camera now added to Xtra Cab Legend 45 models as well as 2.5 D-4D and 2.7 VVTi Legend 45 models (standard on all other Double Cab Legend 45 models)
Toyota claims its Hilux is one of the most generously equipped bakkies on the market with all 3.0 D-4D and 4.0 V6 Double Cab models coming standard with a full suite of luxury and safety accoutrements ranging from automatic climate control, auto lights, multi-function steering wheel and display audio (with reverse camera) to six airbags and stability control.
BMW has delivered a very brief trailer video for its X5 M and X6 M models which are to be updated for 2015. The update to the X5 M and X6 M includes a few visual improvements and a touch more power from the 4-4-Litre twin-turbo V8.
The video has a go at the ‘spy photographers’ that have caught the X5 M and X6 M in multiple forms of camouflage during its testing. BMW takes a dig at how they should deal with these photographers.
In terms of looks the X5 M and X6 M will both feature more aggressive front ends with bigger intakes. There’s likely to be a whole bunch of side skirts down the flanks and a rather large set of pipes out the back to bring the thunder.
Power is said to start at 412 kW teamed with 680 Nm of torque although no official figures have been released yet. 0-100kph on the previous generation X6 M took just 4.7 seconds so we could expect something slightly better than that from the mammoth M cars.
*BMW X6 M Design Edition pictured
BMW X5 M and X6 M Deal with Spy Photographers
2015 Car of the Year Finalists Announced
Wesbanks CEO Chris de Kock made a particularly telling remark in his welcoming speech to the attendant journalists, industry big-wigs and marketing boffins gathered for the Wesbank SA Guild of Motoring Journalists Car of the Year announcement at the posh Inanda Club in Sandton this week.
What we are really hoping for is that the Car of the Year chosen will be relevant, said De Kock. Many of the assembled industry-watchers took this to mean that after two back-to-back wins by Porsche in this competition that the feeling was it would be nice to have a more affordable car as the winner.
The line-up of 11 finalists, when it was announced, didnt contain any cars in the R100 000 to R200 000 range, which might lead to criticism in some quarters that the Guild is a bunch of spoilt elitists. But, as the SAMGJs Car of the Year panel chairman Bernard Hellberg explained, first and foremost the chosen car has to exhibit excellence in its category. No-one could argue that a Porsche Boxster or Cayman S doesnt fulfill those requirements.
So, thats the insider background to the competition in recent times. What should be noted, too, is that the past year hasnt produced the launch of a breakthrough car in the entry-level category in the league of, say, a Kia Picanto. And taking a look at the cars that made the finalists, its easy to justify the inclusion of every single one of them.
2015 Car of the Year finalists
Lets go through them, using a price scale rather than alphabetical listing:
Renault Duster 1.5 DCI Dynamique AWD, R255 900. This Renault offers a lot of car for the money, in a package that has surprised every single journalist who has driven it. It is also good-looking in an appropriately chunky manner, and has some real off-road ability, hence the choice of the AWD model.
Toyota Corolla 1,4 D-4D Prestige, R259 900. It was a toss-up whether to opt for the less-expensive 1.6-litre petrol model, but the diesel engine works extremely well in this Corolla package. And its a package that ticks so many boxes for the family man or woman, that it is unobtrusively brilliant, in concept and execution. An excellent car at the price.
Citroen C4 Picasso E-HDI 115 Intensive, R345 900. Im really glad the Citroen C4 Picasso made the cut. Its a great example of French expertise in the use of space in a quirky, but nevertheless practical way.
Audi A3 Sedan 1,4 SE S Tronic, R380 000. Such a beautifully made car, with such crisp, practical styling, and a great powertrain. Sheer class in this price range.
Nissan Qashqai 1,6 DCi Acenta Auto, R382 500. Nissan established the cross-over concept with its previous-gen Qashqai and the new one is more refined and has more utility in every respect.
Subaru WRX Premium, R449 000. Subarus latest WRX is much more mainstream than in the past, with less extroversion in terms of engine noise and visual eye-candy. But its interior is the best-equipped yet, and mechanical integrity is outstanding. By current pricing standards you get a huge driving experience for the money.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class C200 Auto, R455 729. This is one of the breakthrough cars of the 2014 launch year. Superb. If I was a betting man .
Lexus ES 250 EX, R462 500. Lexus really established itself here as a player with the previous ES, and this latest-generation model is even more refined, and offers so much equipment at an all-in price. But does it have that indefinable essence that we call character?
Honda Accord 3,5 V6 Exclusive, R549 000. Those that have driven it rate it as a great car with a superb engine. But then its a Honda isnt it? Whether it makes it, given its price, though, remains to be seen.
Porsche Macan S Diesel, R862 000. This is a game-changing car, a breakthrough car in its category as it has introduced undoubted sports-car levels of competence into a large five-seater family SUV. But will Porsches previous two victories count against it when judging time comes in February next year?
BMW M4 Coupe Auto, R1 099 092. So, the most costly finalist is not a Porsche, but a BMW. How can it be appropriate to include one as a Car of the Year finalist? Well, drive around Johannesburgs northern suburbs and see how many people have the wherewithal to afford an M3/M4. And once youve driven one, youll be gob-smacked at the near supercar levels of performance this car offers. Expensive? In terms of what it offers, it may just be considered a bargain!
Next step for the 25-strong Guild of Motoring Journalists COTY jury is to stew on things. In February 2015 we all convene in Gauteng for three days of evaluation, back-to-back. Note, we dont judge a Porsche directly against a Renault Duster, we judge whether a BMW M3, for instance, is the best in its category, in terms of design, competence, value for money in terms of equipment, and in terms of design and engineering excellence. The winner has to push the envelope the furthest, in its particular category.
And the car with the most votes garnered is the winner. Its a fantastic exercise and a huge honour to win the Car of the Year title. Wesbank has been sponsoring it since 1986, and incidentally the writer was on that very first jury when a Toyota Gli Twin Cam was the first winner. Looking back, that was indeed a worthy Car of the Year!
Hyundai Santa Fe Update Quietly Revealed
Hyundais Santa Fe has probably not taken off as well locally as the brand would have liked. Whilst we cant garner exact sales figures from Hyundai we cant say weve seen too many rolling around the streets. Hyundai though has not changed the formula too much with the facelift as its merely modified the suspension and steering settings.
Hyundai Santa Fe Updates
The new steering system features an updated processor for the electric steering system that is said to offer more feel. The Sport setting on the steering is also said to have better weight to it.
The suspension has been firmed up to provide a better ride and a less body-roll in the bends.
On the equipment side, daytime running lights have been added as well as blind spot detection on the wing mirrors. The boot now has a hands-free opening system and auto-open functionality.
Sparkling Silver and Platinum Graphite have been added to the colour options on the Santa Fe. The facelifted Hyundai Santa Fe has only been revealed for the American market so far, but we expect the changes to filter down to our local market soon. You can read about the current Hyundai Santa Fe here.
