BMW Active Tourer vs Mercedes-Benz B Class (Video)
In this modern age of niche-filling car design, it is quite odd that only two premium brands are playing in the MPV segment. Mercedes-Benz has found relative success with their B Class, especially the current 2nd generation which is a vast improvement on their first attempt.
And if imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, there must be some blushing behind all the moustaches at Mercedes HQ, as BMW have broken with tradition to launch a B Class rival, in the form of the front wheel drive 2-Series Active Tourer.
We managed to wrangle an example of each into our studio, and gave them both a thorough shaking down. The models featured in this video are the BMW 218i and the Mercedes-Benz B200.
Weve covered everything from engine power, boot space and load space, the cost of the extras (brace yourself) and theres a thorough tour of the interiors.
And then at the very end, we pick a winner
For a complete side by side comparison of the two cars, click here
BMW 2 Series Active Tourer 218i
Mercedes-Benz B Class B200
Price
R396 205
R407 223
Price of extras
R123 000
R117 000
Engine
1.5 litre 3-cyl turbo petrol
1.6 litre 4-cyl turbo petrol
Power
100 kW
115 kW
Torque
220 Nm
250 Nm
Boot space
468L (1510L seats folded)
486L (1545L seats folded)
Fuel economy
4.6L/100km
4.7L/100km
BMW Active Tourer VS Mercedes-Benz B-Class Video
New Car Sales in South Africa for March 2015
The National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA) has reported improvements in sales in the light, medium and heavy commercial vehicle market while the passenger vehicle market experienced a decline in car sales during March. The Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger topped the charts in March, and the Nissan NP200 sold well too. The usual suspects, Volkswagen Polo and Polo Vivo also showed strong sales. Vehicle exports reflected healthy gains compared to the same period last year.
It’s interesting to note that cars launched recently have started selling. The electric duo from BMW have shown good numbers with the i3 selling 21 units, while its i8 supercar sibling did 11. The Volkswagen Up sold 227, while the Ford Fusion saw 48 units drive off showroom floors. The Mazda2 sold 156 units and finally 92 Opel Corsas hit the roads.
Here is a new car sales breakdown for the month of March 2015.
New Car Sales Summary March 2015
55 449 aggregate new car sales compared to 55 440 units in March 2014.
34 147 export sales up by 38.5% (9 488 units) compared to March 2014 .
35 548 passenger car sales down by 3.0% (1 096 units) compared to March 2014.
16 808 light commercial vehicle sales up by 5.5% (875 units) compared to March 2014.
Top Selling Car Brands in South Africa March 2015
NAAMSA anticipates marginal volume growth during 2015 based on projections of a slight improvement in South Africas growth rate as well stability in the automotive industry industrial relations and stable interest rates and credit rating. Security of power supply still remains as a potential overall risk in 2015.
New Chevrolet Spark Revealed
The Chevrolet Spark is a major player for the American brand, its sold in over 40 markets worldwide and for 2016 the model has been completely refreshed featuring a new engine, safety features and connectivity.
Chevrolet Spark Details
The new Spark looks a little less like Darth Vaders helmet and more like a modern, rounded hatch. It definitely looks bigger but the stats tell us its only got a slightly longer wheelbase and is 40mm shorter than before.
New 1.4 Engine
The new engine to the Spark is a 1.4L Ecotec motor thats naturally aspirated and claimed to produce 73 kW. No torque figure is available but it can be fitted with either a five-speed manual or a CVT gearbox. Chev also claims the Spark will use around 5.8L/100km.
Feature Packed
An all-new instrument panel design with an (LCD) features a prominent centre stack for the infotainment and climate system controls.
The Sparks all-new MyLink radio features a touch colour display, with an icon-based interface similar to smartphones. And like a smartphone, the touch display allows swiping, pinching and other gestures for quick, easy operation.
Safer than before
A stronger body structure is at the core of the new Sparks safety story and is complemented by a wider array of passive and active safety features. Ten standard air bags include driver/front passenger knee air bags, roof rail side air bags and seat-mounted thorax/pelvic air bags. A rollover sensing and protection system is also offered.
Additionally, new active safety features can help drivers avoid crashes through camera-based technology providing alerts. Systems include:
Forward Collision Alert
Lane Departure Warning
Side Blind Spot Alert.
A rear-vision camera system is standard and rear park assist is offered.
Chevrolet has announced that the Spark will go on sale from the fourth quarter of 2015 (September onwards).
Honda Stuns with new Civic Reveal
Honda has thrown quite a big surprise at the New York auto show, when it revealed a totally new and sporty Civic. We waited until the 2nd April just to see if it was for real and good news, it is! With a sharper focus on spirited performance and improved versatility, the new Civic lineup will include Sedan, Coupe and Si models along with the return of the Civic hatchback, followed by the launch of a new Type-R as the performance flagship of the Civic lineup.
“The new Civic will be, flat out, the most dynamic, the most technologically advanced and the most refined and stylish Civic we’ve ever made,” said John Mendel, executive vice president, Honda USA “In every way, this will be an epic Civic.”
New Civic Details
The concept provides a glimpse forward to the design direction for the 10th-generation Civic lineup launching in the US later this year. Featuring a longer wheelbase and lower, wider stance, the new Civic tries to emphasise its new-found aggressive personality. Proportionally it boasts a longer bonnet, a shorter front overhang and a shorter rear deck, lending the Civic a more athletic appearance.
New VTEC Turbo Engine
There will be new engines too including a 1.5-liter VTEC Turbo engine with a short-shifting 6-speed manual transmission, and a new, sportier and efficient CVT the Civic will target class-leading fuel economy ratings and fun-to-drive performance with near-luxury levels of cabin quietness and ride refinement.
It will also aim to improve safety performance and will offer safety and driver-assistive technologies, including Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, Multi-Angle Rearview Camera, Adaptive Cruise Control and lane keeping assist.
The Civic will be both developed and built in the US. The turbo engines too will be built in the US while the hatch derivative of the Civic will continue to be built in the UK.
Facelifted Mazda CX-5 Specs and Pricing
The Mazda CX-5 initially launched in South Africa in 2012. Since then Mazda has been through a separation with Ford South Africa and re-launched all its products in October 2014. The CX-5 line-up in particular come in for immediate revision.
Already though, the facelifted CX-5 model has arrived and Mazda SA says it offers advanced technology, improved functionality and a refined interior and exterior design.
Facelifted Cx-5 Details
Revamped to heighten its appeal, the facelifted CX-5 model boasts cosmetic updates with, among other changes, a new front grille. On the Individual and Akera models, new-generation LED headlamps and gunmetal 19-inch alloy wheels are introduced. The MZD Connect infotainment system; the system that allows access to internet radio streaming and social networking services, forms part of the enhancement across the model range. Satellite navigation is standard on the Individual and Akera models and optional on Active and Dynamic derivatives.
The 2015 Mazda CX-5 is the first Mazda model in South Africa to adopt the Adaptive LED headlights on the Individual and Akera models, a new-generation headlamp system which implements LED array glare-free high beam technology. With an LED array, the LED light source for the high beams is divided into four blocks which can be switched on and off independently. The system uses a camera to detect the headlamps of oncoming vehicles or the taillights of cars ahead, and turns off only the light-source block which is illuminating in the specific direction of the other vehicles. This makes it possible to drive with the high beams on at all times.
The model line-up continues with the 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre petrol engines as well as two versions of the 2.2-litre twin-turbo diesel engine. The revised 2.0 litre 4-cylinder petrol engine now delivers 121 kW and 210 Nm of torque, and uses 6.4L/100km. The 2.5 litre petrol engine punches out 141 kW and 256 Nm, using 7.4L/100km.
The lower powered 2.2 litre 4-cylinder diesel engine produces 110 kW of power and 380 Nm of torque, while the higher powered 2.2 litre 4-cylinder diesel engine produces 129 kW of power and 420 Nm of torque; both are claimed to use 5.7L/100km.
A new safety measure is the addition of the Lane Keep Assist on the Individual and Akera models which assists by adding a slight amount of torque to steer the vehicle back into the lane. This functionality operates at speeds above 65kph.
Mazda CX-5 Model line-up 2015
2.0L Active FWD Manual – R319 500
Auto 2.0L – R329 300
2.0 Petrol (121 kW @ 210 Nm)
Auto headlights
17 Alloys
Dual Zone Aircon
7 Inch display-MZD connect system
Bluetooth hands free
Radio / CD / Aux / USB
Cruise control
40:20:40 folding rear seats
ISOFix
Hill Launch Assist
Front fog lights
Push-button keyless start
6 speakers
Privacy glass
Cloth seats
Audio controls on steering wheel
Electronic parking brake
Rain sensing wipers
Reverse camera
2.0L Dynamic FWD Manual – R329 600
2.0 Petrol (121 kW @ 210 Nm)
Smart advanced keyless entry
19 Alloys
2.2L DE Active FWD Automatic – R378 300 (Incl VAT)
2.2 Diesel (110 kW @ 380 Nm)
17 Alloys
Without reverse camera
2.5L Individual FWD Automatic – R408 700
2.5 Petrol (141 kW @ 256 Nm)
Power sliding and tilt sunroof
Driver seat 8-way power adjustable
High Beam Control
Power lumber support – Driver
BOSE with 9 speakers
Parking Sensors front and rear
LED adaptive headlights
Rear-view mirror with auto dimming
Blind Spot Monitoring
Satellite navigation
Leather seats
2.2L DE Akera AWD Automatic – R465 400
2.2 Diesel (129 kW @ 420 Nm)
AWD (ALL Wheel Drive)
New Porsche Boxster Spyder Unveiled (Video)
There’s a new Porsche convertible out, and this time its the Boxster which receives the Spyder treatment. The Porsche Boxster Spyder is marketed as a purist sports car and will be officially shown to the public at the 2015 New York International Auto Show.
The 2015 Porsche Boxster Spyder is an enthusiast’s choice as it has a manual gearbox only, and the fabric roof is still opened and closed by hand. Other changes to give it a sporty touch include a firmer sports suspension with a 20mm lower ride height, brakes from the 911 Carrera, more direct steering, and a 3.8-liter six-cylinder engine with 276 kW. This engine is shared with the exciting Porsche Cayman GT4. In terms of performance, you’re looking at 4.5 seconds for the 0-100kph run, with a top speed of 290kph. Overall fuel consumption is rated at 9.9L/100km.
Interestingly, Porsche is marketing this car as a purist driving machine which means that a radio and air conditioner are not included as standard equipment, in order to keep the weight down. However, you can order both as optional equipment at no extra cost. You should also consider speccing the smart Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system with all of its special features.
We should see this new Porsche Boxster Spyder reach South Africa just after the middle of 2015, with a price tag of around R1 million.
Porsche Boxster Spyder Video
New Ford Fiesta Pricing and Auto Models Announced
Ford South Africa has dropped the pricing on the current Fiesta so that it fits more in line with the new Focus pricing, and it has also added an automatic gearbox option to its 1.0 EcoBoost Ambiente and Titanium models.
We have extended the superb 1.0 EcoBoost engine to more models to offer our customers improved performance, lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions, says Tracey Delate, General Marketing Manager, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa.
The advanced PowerShift automatic transmission is now available across all three specification grades, ensuring that were able to satisfy the growing demand for compact automatic models.
At the same time, we have revised the pricing of the Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost models to make it even more attractive. The Fiesta, therefore, offers even better value for money and makes Fords popular B-segment hatchback more appealing than ever.
You can now buy the 1,0-litre EcoBoost Powershift auto drivetrain combination in entry level Ambiente specification, as well as top of the range Titanium, but youll have to wait until the end of this year before you can get the 1.0 Ambiente with a manual gearbox.
On the PowerShift derivatives, the torque remains unchanged at 170 Nm, with power rated at 74 kW (92 kW on the manual). Average fuel consumption is 4.9L/100km (4.3L/100km on the manual).
Adjusted Ford Fiesta Pricing
All models are sold with a four-year/120 000km comprehensive warranty, four-year/60 000km service plan, three-year/unlimited km roadside assistance and five-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty.
The 2015 Subaru Legacy has just gone on sale in South Africa and we have the specs and pricing for this model. This is essentially the sedan model of the very capable Subaru Outback wagon.
Engine
Powering the Subaru Legacy 3.6R-S is a refined and efficient version of the brand’s 3.6-litre Boxer engine with 191 kW and 350 Nm. Power reaches all four wheels through the Lineartronic CVT which now features an updated shift control system. The famous symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system that Subaru is famous for is retained and it effortlessly sends power to the front and back via an electronically-controlled centre differential. Subaru claims 9.9L/100km as a combined-cycle fuel consumption figure.
Interior Changes
For the 2015 Subaru Legacy model, the cabin receives a significant and sophisticated upgrade. In terms of size, theres more hip and shoulder room thanks to a 20 mm increase in width. The boot capacity has increased too, thanks to a slightly longer rear overhang. Practicality improves thanks to a rear seat which now folds 60:40. Specification is generous with standard features like a sunroof and reverse camera, dual-zone climate control and steering wheel controls.
However the big news is the new 6.2-inch touch screen with an interface reminiscent of smartphones and tablets; it acts as a command centre for functions such as audio, telephony, and vehicle-related settings and systems.
Another big change is the torsionally stiffer body that improves safety standards. In terms of safety, the 2015 Subaru Legacy has achieved 5-star ratings in ANCAP (Australian NCAP tests right-hand drive models) testing.
2015 Subaru Legacy 3.6R-S Price in South Africa
The new Subaru Legacy 3.6R-S costs R529 000 and the price includes a 3 year/75 000km full maintenance plan and a 3 year/100 000 km factory warranty.
Cape Town is Most Congested City in South Africa
You’d think that the business hub of Gauteng would be the most congested area in South Africa, but it turns out that Cape Town is the leader in this regard. Satellite navigation specialists, TomTom, has released its annual Traffic Index highlighting the impact of traffic congestion in over 200 cities around the world.
The report shows a global trend of evening rush hour being the most congested time of day with bottlenecks nearly doubling journey times. In 2014, the average commuter spent an extra 100 hours a year travelling during rush hour. In South Africa, things are a little different, as the morning has been proven to be the busiest. On a global scale, “Cape Town remains the most congested city at 55 on the list, with morning commutes adding up to 72% to commuting time. Joburg listed at 77 is not much better with a morning travel adding up to 59% to commuting time. The evening Cape Town has the worst congestion level in SA adding 58% to travel time and Johannesburg adding 54% to travel time.”
Pretoria has leapfrogged East London as the third most congested city in South Africa, with overall congestion level of 24%. Interestingly for Gauteng, the busiest traffic day was 3rd February 2014, thanks to floods due to bad weather. What does this mean? According to TomTom’s calculations, this means commuters are spending up to 11 days per year sitting in traffic. Internationally, the three most congested cities are Istanbul, Mexico City and Rio De Janeiro.
TomToms mission is to reduce traffic congestion for everyone, says Carey Dodd, Marketing Manager for TomTom SA. Road authorities and local governments can use TomToms traffic data to better manage traffic flow during the rush hour. We can help businesses plan smarter working hours to help their employees avoid travelling during rush hour. And we give drivers the real-time traffic information and smart routing they need to avoid congested roads and get there faster.
Most Congested City Rankings
Overall ranking of most congested South African cities in 2014: (Average of morning and evening congestion)
World rank (based on overall congestion level)
City
Evening peak congestion level
Morning peak congestion level
Overall congestion level
55
Cape Town
58%
72%
29%
77
Johannesburg
54%
59%
26%
–
Pretoria
47%
52%
24%
–
East London
42%
45%
23%
–
Durban
39%
42%
19%
–
Bloemfontein
24%
25%
13%
Overall ranking of most congested cities in 2014: (Average of morning and evening congestion):
World rank (based on overall congestion level
City
Evening peak congestion level
Morning peak congestion level
Overall congestion level
1
Istanbul
109%
76%
58%
2
Mexico City
89%
93%
55%
3
Rio de Janeiro
81%
72%
51%
4
Moscow
103%
77%
50%
5
Salvador
75%
62%
46%
6
Recife
82%
81%
45%
7
Saint Petersburg
96%
67%
44%
8
Bucharest
82%
78%
41%
9
Warsaw
75%
69%
40%
10
Los Angeles
80%
60%
39%
McLaren 570S Debuts Online Before New York Show
There’s a new McLaren model in town and after months of spy shots, we can now see the all-new car in its entirety. The McLaren 570S coupe is the first in the Sports Series family and forms part of McLaren’s three-tier model strategy.
While there’s not much to visually distinguish the new McLaren 570S from its siblings, you can see some subtle changes. The front end is the result of aerodynamics engineers having their way, as function clearly follows form. Large ultra-bright LED headlamps are fitted as standard, while the redesigned rear makes do with LED light blade rear lamps, and twin exhausts which exit below the bumper and form part of the redesigned rear diffuser.
Engine and Performance
The performance claims will raise an eyebrow or two. Expect 0-100kph in 3.2 seconds, while the 200kph figure is breached in only 9.5 seconds. Top speed is a mighty 328kph. These performance figures come courtesy of a modified version of the 3.8-litre V8 twin turbo engine which does duty in the P1, 650S and 12C.
Outputs of 420 kW and 600 Nm are impressive, but fuel economy is claimed at 9.2L/100km making this is a frugal supercar. The McLaren 570S is rear-wheel driven and power reaches the road via a seven-speed SSG gearbox. Ceramic brakes are fitted as standard, as are Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres.
The McLaren 570S uses independent adaptive dampers with front and rear anti-rollbars and dual wishbones, with the familiar ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Track’ modes. In ‘Normal’ mode, the system provides a refined yet engaging ride, while the ‘Sport’ and ‘Track’ settings allow the 570S to become more track-focused when required.
Why It Will Succeed
Although all McLaren models offer thumping performance, they’re still effortlessly easy to drive on a day-to-day basis. The carbon fibre MonoCell II chassis of the 570S has been redesigned with even more of a focus on day-to-day usability, offering improved access and departure from the cabin. It is incredibly strong and stiff, and contributes to a dry weight of as low as 1 313kg, which is almost 150kg lighter than its closest competitor.
It’s not just about the performance and day to day usability though… Most supercars are lacking in standard equipment. This is not the case for the McLaren 570S though as it boasts a comprehensive infotainment system including an all-new TFT digital instrument cluster that changes configuration according to driving mode, a seven-inch IRIS touchscreen, now with integrated climate control functionality, Bluetooth connectivity and DAB digital / SIRIUS satellite radio. The car comes with four speakers in the interest of saving weight.
Given how well McLaren has done in South Africa, we’d be surprised if the 570S didn’t make it to our market. We’ll have more info such as pricing as and when it arrives.
