Top Five Hybrid Cars in South Africa for 2014

Hybrids seem to be the interim stepping stone before the world comes to the ultimate solution as to how we will power our personal vehicles in the future. Whilst the answer probably lies somewhere in the hydrogen powered fuel cell, the electric car has its place as a city car with limited range.

For the moment, hybrids appear to be a decent solution. They combine an internal combustion engine with some form of electric power in order to cut fuel usage. Here’s our pick of the best hybrid cars you can currently buy in SA.

Best Hybrid cars in SA

Infiniti Q50S Hybrid from R559 000

The Infiniti Q50S hybrid has a 3.5-litre V6 engine and an electric motor which together deliver a maximum output of 268 kW. This enables the sedan to accelerate from 0-100kph in less than 5.5 seconds and hit a top speed of roughly 250kph.

In terms of efficiency, the car is rated to average 6.2L/100km with CO2 emissions of less than 145g/km. The Q50 Hybrid is further available exclusively with a seven-speed automatic transmission and can be connected to an optional all-wheel drive system.

Lexus CT200h R408 500

The Lexus CT200h first made its debut at the March 2010 Geneva Auto Show, and the model has received several facelifts since then. The 2014 model benefits from an increased body rigidity, various suspension updates and aerodynamic enhancements. Read our review of the 2014 Lexus CT200h.

Its equipped with a 1.8-Litre engine working together with an electric motor to produce a combined output of 100kW. Lexus says the car can return 4.1L/100km representing one of the best fuel economy ratings in its segment. The model is also said to complete the 0-100kph sprint in just 10.3 seconds.

Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid – R1 114 000

The hybrid version of the Cayenne is powered by a supercharged 249 kW 3-Litre V6 engine with a 34 kW electric motor delivering a combined output of 283 kW with maximum torque of 580 Nm.

Like the Panamera hybrid, the Cayenne S Hybrid can cover short distances on electric power alone, free of emissions and noise up to 60kph, with the electric motor providing a power burst during hard acceleration.

The Cayenne S Hybrid is also one of the most fuel efficient petrol cars in SA

Honda Jazz Hybrid R289 700

Under the hood of this model is a hybridised 1.3-Litre petrol engine with 73 kW and 167 Nm of torque. The engine is connected to a CVT transmission which is said to allow it to return 4.4L/100km with CO2 emissions of just 104g/km.

At 3900 mm long, 1695 mm wide and 1525 mm tall, the hybrid Jazz features subtle, unique styling elements, which differentiate it from the conventional petrol car. The Jazz still remains an extremely practical and versatile hatchback and the definition of worry-free motoring.

Toyota Auris Hybrid from R297 900

The Hybrid Auris comes with a 1.8-Litre petrol engine as well as an electric motor. Together these units enable the Auris HSD to accelerate to 100kph in 11.4 seconds before reaching a top speed of 188kph.

Together the motors develop 100 kW and drive is provided by a CVT gearbox.

Fuel consumption is rated at 3.8L/100km with CO2 emissions of 87g/km. There is a specific EV mode button that will automatically engage the electric motor and run solely on electric power at speeds up to 50kph.

McLaren P1 GTR Has F1 Style Interior (Video)

McLarens fastest going road car the P1 GTR is a much more track-focused machine than a standard P1 that has already set a new lap record at Kyalami. The P1 GTR is sold not only as a car, but a lifestyle or package that includes driver training just like an F1 driver would go through.

P1 GTR Interior from Hamilton’s F1 Car

While we have already seen images of the P1 GTR exterior, McLaren has now revealed what the interior will look like. It claims the cockpit is based off the championship-winning 2008 MP4-23 Formula One car. The interior is as focused for the driver as possible, and is stripped of all but the essential items in a bid to keep weight to a minimum.

The centre piece of the drivers environment is the newly-developed steering wheel, which has been designed to make all controls as easily accessible and as user-friendly as possible. This unit in particular carries a lot of heritage and significance to the F1 car it harks back to.

As in an F1 car, controls including the mode switches are located to the centre of the steering wheel. This allows the driver to fully adjust the setup and characteristics of the car without having to move their hands from the wheel. The DRS and IPAS buttons are still mounted on the steering wheel.

Once youve forked out the cash for the P1 GTR it opens up all the doors into the driver programme that it entitles you to. Check out the video below to see what these lucky few owners can look forward to experiencing.

McLaren P1 GTR Driver Programme

5 Ways to Improve Fuel Efficiency

Fuel prices always seem to be on the rise and if you own a car, you will feel the pinch. However, as a motorist, there are many ways to save money in the long run. To help you on your way to burning less juice, here are 5 simple ways to start improving your fuel efficiency today.

Tips to Improve Fuel Efficiency

1. Change Your Driving Style

You might want to consider changing your driving style to improve your fuel efficiency. Taking it easy and driving slower will use less fuel. Quick acceleration and hard braking uses more fuel so rather aim to accelerate and brake slowly and smoothly. Changing gears at the right time without putting strain on your engine will also help reduce fuel consumption. Avoid revving the engine unnecessarily and don’t leave your car idling for extended periods of time. You could also consider buying a more fuel efficient car.

2. Adapt to Traffic Situations

You can improve your fuel efficiency by adjusting your driving according to what is happening on the road. For example, if you are approaching a red robot or stop sign, there is no point in speeding up to it. Rather reduce speed and approach slowly until you have to come to a stop and then proceed slowly and smoothly. Use downhills to your advantage by coasting and drive conservatively on the uphills.

3. Lose Weight

A car loaded with unnecessary weight will use more fuel so rather remove these items from your vehicle. If you have to transport goods, driving slower will reduce your consumption. Also, if you have bicycle racks or roof racks, take them off if you not using them as they increase weight and drag which increases fuel consumption.

4. Plan Trips

Effectively planning and combining trips will drastically improve your fuel efficiency. A single trip is more economical than several separate trips so rather try combine your daily trips. Plan your route properly by avoiding busy, congested roads or roads with lots of traffic lights. If you can, rather use the highway.

5. Maintain Your Car

Car maintenance is important and a well maintained car will use less fuel over time. Make sure that your car is regularly serviced and change your oil and air filters with each service. Also make sure that you are using the correct fuel and grade oil for your car. Poorly inflated tyres contribute significantly to higher fuel consumption so check your tyre pressure often and make sure your tyres are correctly inflated at all times. It may sound like a small thing, but research has shown that clean cars are more aerodynamic and use less fuel, so be sure to give your car a regular wash.

If you use these tips on a regular basis you will save a bit of money over time. Do you have any fuel efficiency tips of your own? Share them with us in the comment section below.

Infiniti Q50 Engine Range Extended in SA

The Infiniti Q50 engine range has been extended in South Africa with a powerful and economical new turbocharged petrol engine.

Two-litre turbocharged petrol extends Infiniti Q50 engine range

The new and modern two-litre lightweight 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine further expands powertrain options for the premium sedans delivering 155kW of power and 350Nm of torque, sending drive to the rear wheels via a seven-speed automatic transmission.

This new addition to the Q50 engine range, is part of continued expansion of powertrain options and model range across Infiniti range which the company says will happen over five-years.

Infiniti personalisation packs

In addition to the new engine, the all-new Infiniti Q50 can be personalised with a wide range of stand-alone options that include sunroof, 18 & 19-inch alloy wheels and Infiniti’s navigation system. Theres also five different option packs which you can read about here.

15 years of BMW X models, Which is Best?

All the way back in 1999 BMW revealed it was entering the SUV market with the first generation X5. Since then the range of BMWs SUVs has grown substantially to include the X1, X3, X4 and X6 as well. The BMW X models have become extremely important now, with over 3.3-million X vehicles having been sold in those 15 years. In fact, every third vehicle BMW sells globally is an X model.

While BMW has tried exceptionally hard to maintain its image of sporty-luxury by calling its X models SAVs (Sports Activity Vehicle) or in some cases SACs (Sports Activity Coupe) when the X6 made its arrival. The naming conventions never really caught on and are mostly referred to as SUVs by the media.

Comparing the BMW X models

So then, which X model is best? Well we can probably rule out the X1 immediately as if it was any good, BMW wouldnt be looking to replace it with the new front-wheel drive models it intends to release soon. The X1 was based on the 3-Series station wagon and never really took off, possibly because the 3-Series was just too good to turn down at a similar price point.

The X3 is a good compact SUV for the road but over the years has never felt as sturdy or as well built as the other X models. There are loads of rivals to the X3 and some offer much more value for money and have better off road credentials.

X6 is limited in its capabilities as an off roader and its overt coupe styling isnt to everyones taste. Initially the X6 only came with two-rear seats as well but BMW quickly rectified that in the facelifted model. The X6 makes a very large statement of intent and its handling capabilities astound, especially with the petrol units under the bonnet. However its niche character and polarising styling isnt enough to top the list of best X car.

So were left with the brand spanking new X4 and the original- the X5. We enjoyed the X4 we drove with its petrol engine and the way it handled tarmac better than just about any SUV weve ever driven. Its reasonably spacious and quite good looking, plus you can get it in all-wheel drive too. The only problem with the X4 though is that its not an X5 and thats why the X5 is our favourite X model.

BMW X5

The X5 combines luxury with space and practicality. Its one of the most capable SUVs you can buy, the X5 brought on-road prowess to the SUV market and proved that SUVs make sense even if they arent that great off road.

The X5 has off-road talents like its X-Drive all-wheel drive system that will get you by for most situations and thats good enough for most families heading on holiday. With a host of great engines like the 30d, the X5 is at its best where most SUVs spend almost all their time on the road, packed full of things.

Lexus CT200h (2014) Review

The Lexus CT200h is the entry-level offering from the Japanese luxury manufacturer; it combines technology from the Toyota Prius to whoosh it along as greenly as possible with typical excellent Lexus build quality to provide a sort of upmarket, sporty hybrid offering. Whilst hybrid and sporty have only recently come in contact with each other (think Porsche 918, LaFerrari and McLaren P1) can it work in an everyday hatchback?

Lexus CT200h has new bits on it

This being the facelifted model of the CT200h, Lexus has made sure it has improved the offering and made it feel like it belongs inside the Lexus stable. The CT200h has been strengthened to make the body more rigid whilst the suspension is now more tuned to passenger comfort.

There are also a few notable changes to the exterior as the front end receives the edgier styled front bumper. The wheels are 10-spoke 16-inch alloys, the rear bumper has been redesigned whilst the taillights now incorporate the distinctive Lexus L shape to them.

Lexus has narrowed its CT200h offerings to just the single model as it drops the CT200h F-Sport from the range. This is a good thing as the sportier model had an unexpectedly firm ride.

Have the changes helped?

The most noticeable change to the CT200h is the improved ride. The stiffened chassis has helped so much. The CT200h corners with great agility and poise and remains flat when asked to dart into a corner. The ride is firm, but not crashy,yet if you hit a bump in the road the CT200h deals with it nonchalantly, theres no fuss or flex felt anywhere else in the cabin. The steering may feel a little lifeless, but its well weighted and you get good feedback through the chassis to relay the cars state.

The ride quality is also superb, Lexus has worked hard on improving the NVH levels in the car and it is now worthy of wearing the Lexus badge. Nothing rattles, nothing vibrates and everything feels like it will last for decades without shifting a millimetre.

Any better inside?

That depends on how you look at it. The specification has been upgraded slightly with some new leather touches to the shift lever and dual seat heaters as well. However the switches to work the seat heaters seem archaic and sourced from a 90s hi-fi system to adjust the left-right audio balance.

The rest of the technology feels outdated as well; the radio is plainly from a Toyota Hilux/Fortuner and most of the buttons in the cabin hark back to the days of my moms Toyota Corolla Sprinter circa 1991. We wait to see the updated interior that Lexus has launched recently that is said to bring some modernism to the CT200hs ageing cabin. The rear seats fold flat though, so that’s something cool to shout about, I slotted my mountain bike in and out of the CT200h with absolute ease thanks to the flat rear load-bay.

Hybrid Drive

Power to the wheels is sourced from the Toyota Prius electric/petrol motor combination. The Electric motor takes over from the petrol where its able to, like at slow speeds or at initial pull away. It keeps the consumption low and the batteries are topped up by regenerative braking. The energy produced by braking is diverted back into the batteries and keeps them charged for later use. The combined output of both the electric motor and the petrol motor comes to 100 kW but youd never really notice because its so heavily tuned towards fuel economy.

Throttle response is sluggish even when in Sport mode and its easy to get annoyed with the slow progress and consequently mash the throttle pedal to the floor. The CT200hs engine gives better performance when hammered with the CVT gearbox whining away at high rpm not providing much thrill for all its hard work.

The CT200h, much like the Prius it shares its DNA with, is best used as an eco-friendly machine. Work less on G-force thrills and more on E-force skills a term Ive just coined for super-efficient or economical driving. The Lexus CT200h will easily return under 5L/100km when driven normally around town and Lexus claim it does 4.1L/100km of the combined cycle and that makes it one of the most economical petrol cars you can buy in South Africa currently.

Verdict

The Lexus CT200h is a much improved chassis, the strengthened body and improved suspension have made it a solid and impressive handling car. Its fun to drive around town despite the economy bias of the engine and gearbox, and will always return an impressive fuel economy figure. The interior is still stuck in the mid 90s, but the updated 2014 models are said to have improved kit in them. The CT200h in this spec is actually cheaper than the Toyota Prius and is almost certainly the better car to own, although you probably wont get the same ‘green’ kudos the Prius derives.

Second Opinion

I’m glad the CT200h F-Sport was canned as its ride was unacceptably harsh. This softer-riding version is way better, and the hybrid engine does a great job of returning low fuel consumption. Learn to drive the car correctly and you’ll easily see figures of under 4.5L/100km. At one stage in peak hour traffic the car was consuming just 4.0L/100km, making this car great if you drive on congested roads often.-David Taylor

Lexus CT200h quick specs

Price	R408 500
Engine	1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol + 60 kW electric motor
Power	100 kW-e
Torque	142 Nm-e
Transmission	CVT
Wheels	16-inch alloys
0-100km/h	10.3 seconds (claimed)
Fuel economy	4.1L/100 km (claimed)

We like:
. Refined ride and solid feel
. Sporty handling for a hybrid
. Build quality befitting of its Lexus badge

We dislike:
. Tech inside a generation too old
. Not fun to drive hard

Also consider:
. Toyota Prius
. Audi A3 Sportback
. Honda Civic

Land Rover Celebrates First Production Discovery Sport (Video)

Land Rover is celebrating the first production Discovery Sport which has rolled off its production line in Halewood, UK.

First production Discovery Sport rolls off assembly line

Land Rover said the model is headed to Virgin Galactics headquarters, to be used by the team as they continue to prepare for the launch of the world’s first commercial spaceline. The company further confirmed that the new Discovery Sport features 5+2 seating “in a footprint no larger than existing five-seat premium SUVs”.

The first production Discovery Sport will additionally be offered with a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine four-cylinder engine that produces 179 kW and 338 Nm of torque. There will also be a 2.2-litre SD4 turbodiesel engine delivering 139 kW.

During a ceremony at Land Rover’s Halewood plant, Land Rover Programs Director Murray Dietsch said in a statement: “It fills me with pride to have seen the first new Discovery Sport coming off the line here at our world-class Halewood production facility. We are now even more excited to hand the keys over to the crew at Virgin Galactic. The new car embodies Land Rover’s spirit of Above and Beyond, so it’s fitting that it will be used by a similarly pioneering company in Virgin Galactic.”

Land Rover Discovery Sport production

BMW 1-Series DTM Package Available

Straight off the back of the BMW M4 DTM Championship Edition, BMW has announced it will make a 1-Series DTM Sports Edition. The DTM Sports Edition will replace the M Sport Package in the range as of November 2014 in Europe.

BMW 1-series DTM details

The scheme follows the same lines as the M4 DTM, celebrating Marco Wittman’s DTM championship win in 2014. The package though is almost identical as the outgoing M Sport kit. The new kit does include new 18-inch wheels, xenon headlights and some new high gloss black trim with a bright accent trim in Oxide Silver inside.

Other than that the 1-Series DTM Sports Edition remains identical to the M Sport Package.

BMW has released a few special packages and performance kits of late, check out a review of the 335i M Performance we drove earlier this year. The 2-Series has also had Performance Kit added to it arsenal recently.

BMW M4 DTM Champion Edition Unveiled

BMW has unveiled the limited-run M4 DTM Champion Edition which celebrates DTM driver Marco Wittmann and his 2014 championship.

M4 DTM Champion Edition detailed

Limited to 23 units the number of Wittmanns winning race car, the M4 DTM Champion Edition comes exclusively in Alpine White with matte black graphics and multi-colour stripes that contrasts the black and white design.

The car additionally features an M kidney grille with orange surrounds, 19-inch lightweight alloy wheels, CFRP roof, as well as a black front splitter and carbon front flaps and a black side skirt blade and carbon mirror caps. The car also sports Wittmanns number 23 on the doors and the German flag along with WIT and DTM Champion 2014 lettering on the rear side windows.

The BMW M4 DTM Champion Edition benefits from an exclusive interior as well, featuring door sill plates with Marco Wittmanns autograph, while signed carbon interior trim strips feature DTM Champion 2014 lettering and the cars serial number.

The interior further gets highlights from the M Performance Parts range with an Alcantara steering wheel, Alcantara e-brake lever, carbon handbrake lever grip and carbon M DCT insert.

Also as part of the package, owners of the exclusive M4 DTM Champion Edition will get an invite to participate in a track training course under the guidance of the DTM champion at the Nurburgring.

Four Cars We Need in SA

There are a lot of great cars that are launched or shown off at international auto shows, yet we don’t ever get to see them here in South Africa. Reasons for this might include the lack of a right-hand derivative or simply that manufacturers dont see them being a viable addition to the local market. That being the case, we have listed just four of those awesome cars we want in SA.

Feel free to comment and let us know which cars youd like to see in SA.

Four Cars we Need in SA

1. Volkswagen Saveiro Surf

Seeing as South Africans prefer driving bakkies over almost anything (see best-selling cars in SA) we have here a clear rival for the Chevrolet Corsa Utility and the Nissan NP200.

Known to be a mini Amarok of sorts, the Volkswagen Saveiro Surf sets itself apart with sporty features such as 15-inch wheels, a mounting bar on the roof, black plastic side guards, and a honey comb front grille just to name a few.

Power comes from a 1.6-litre unit producing 77 kW on ethanol or 75 kW on petrol and is connected to a five-speed manual transmission.

2. Renault Captur

Most concepts never make it to production, and we are always disappointed when automakers decide against a model we think could hold up really well on the roads excluding the conspicuous radical looks of course.

So we were very happy when Renault presented the production ready Captur at last years Geneva Motor Show. We obviously want this lookalike of the fourth-generation Clio because of distinctive exterior looks; but more so for its spacious cabin and the large boot which can hold between 377 litres and 455 litres, while a 1.6-litre bin is installed between the front seats.

Power for this practical crossover comes in both petrol and diesel as well making it a versatile offering no matter which way you look at it. Think of this then as a nice stylish alternative to the Ford Ecosport.

3. Ford F-150

As a bakkie loving country, we would definitely like to have the beastly Ford F-150 to tackle the swimming pool sized pot holes on our roads. Also it aids in looking like a G from one of those rap music videos doing a lot for your street cred.

A rival for the KB and Hilux, the F-150 would appeal to many for its bold and tough design and line of powerful engines which, include a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6, a 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6, a 3.5-litre V6 and a 5.0-litre V8.

Again, who wouldnt want a bakkie that comes in five trim levels, the range-topping variant being the F-150 Platinum which is equipped with 20-inch polished aluminium wheels, has a satin finish grille and bright body-side mouldings, as well as power-deployable running boards and LED head- and taillights.

4. Chevrolet Corvette ZO6

Yes! Another supercar on our roads would do no harm, except cause a staring frenzy on the highway and a hot mess on the race track for all its rivals.

Excluding its super fine looks, this car is powered by a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 engine that develops 485 kW and 881 Nm of torque which lets it drive from standstill to a 100 kph in roughly 3 seconds a theory we would like to test. When equipped with the optional eight-speed automatic transmission, the car can complete a quarter mile run in 10.95 seconds.

Chevrolet also confirmed the Z06 has the ‘best braking performance of any production car GM has ever tested’ as it can come to a complete stop from 100kph in just 30 m. If Ford can bring the Mustang to South Africa, why can’t General Motors do the same with its iconic muscle car?