Subaru Outback 2.0 Diesel Lineartronic CVT (2015) Review


Station wagons are big business in Europe and the United States, but in South Africa have become an endangered species due to the popularity of SUVs and crossovers. It’s understandable of course – SUVs do allow for more adventurous lifestyle activities, but ultimately it has to be said that status plays a big role as well.

Still, the lack of sales volumes hasn’t deterred a few manufacturers, most notably Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo and Subaru, from offering their latest wares in South Africa. In general most of them are in agreement that to achieve even a modicum of success, a degree of crossover appeal is needed. That is why the only Audi Avant on offer is the SUV-themed Allroad, and why the only large Volvo wagon on sale at present is the XC70. Subaru has gone a similar route, by only offering the high-riding Outback in South Africa and not the Legacy wagon.

The unit reviewed here is powered by the brand’s 2.0-litre turbodiesel boxer four, and priced at a fairly heady R529 000, which pitches it directly against not only the A4 Allroad 2.0 TDI and Volvo XC70 D5, but also a host of crossovers and proper SUVs. It faces a stiff challenge…

Focus on practicality

Now in its fifth incarnation, the Outback looks better than ever before, with upmarket detailing that includes striking two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels and LED detailing in the headlamps. Awkward design has often been a sale-inhibiting factor on previous-generation Outbacks, but with this new model Subaru certainly appears to have addressed that issue.

Practicality remains arguably the Outback’s greatest attribute. This new model’s body is 20 mm wider than before and the base of the windscreen has been moved forward by 50 mm. The result is more hip and shoulder room all-round, and improved leg-room at the rear. Even the boot is bigger – from 490 to 512-litres. Nifty levers mounted in the sidewalls of the luggage compartment allow you to collapse the rear seats, resulting in a completely flat floor and vast space for bulky items.

Another welcome feature is the roof-rail system. Featuring adjustable rails that can swing across the roof, the design negates the need to purchase pricey optional roof bars.

Feature-packed cabin

Subaru has worked hard to give the Outback a more premium ambience and it shows. The quality of the materials is all top-notch and the fit and finish first-class. The leather-upholstered seats offer excellent long-distance comfort, yet also provide good support.

There is also no shortage of luxury car features, with dual-zone climate control, cruise control, electric sunroof, heated front seats, touch-screen infotainment system (with voice control), 12-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system, and an automated tailgate all being included in the price. No navigation is offered (yet), but Subaru is working on a solution.

On the road (and off)

Benefitting from not only a stiffer superstructure and completely revised steering and suspension, the Outback’s on-road behaviour is hard to fault. It is a lovely cruiser, with a quiet cabin and relaxed ride. The 110 kW/350 Nm engine – slightly gruff at idle and initial pull-away – is also quiet at cruising speeds. It will take some concentration to match Subaru’s claimed consumption figure of 6.6L/100km, however, with a more realistic figure being around the 8.0L/100km mark.

Still, that’s pretty good for such a large, heavy and all-wheel driven station wagon. CVTs (continuously variable transmissions) usually come in for criticism regarding a lack of responsiveness and the trademark drone that are a result of their fitment, but the Lineartronic CVT in the Outback is a good one. It offers six “gears” and can be manipulated using paddles behind the steering wheel.

Head into the rough and the Subaru Outback continues to impress. It boasts a good 213 mm ground clearance as well as the X-mode feature, which fine-tunes the various driving systems for better performance in low-grip conditions. The symmetrical all-wheel drive system gives the Outback outstanding gravel road performance. While the Subaru Outback is no Fortuner in the rough, it will take most families as far as they want to go.

Conclusion and Summary

The latest Subaru Outback is an impressive offering that brings premium finishes, outstanding practicality and impressive gravel-road ability to the station wagon mix. It really is a vehicle that is very hard to fault… The South African public may continue to rather buy Toyota Fortuners, BMW X3s and the like, but for the thinking (active) family man the Outback rates as an attractive alternative that comes with only one major headache – potential resale value.

Subaru Outback Price in South Africa

We tested the Subaru Outback 2.0 Diesel Lineartronic CVT which retails for R529 000. The Outback comes with a three-year/100 000km warranty and three-year/60 000km maintenance plan.

Second Opinion

I was suitably impressed with the new Subaru Outback and it seems to be its best model on offer currently. It’s classy inside and very comfortable out on the road, the only fault that was noticeable was the rough diesel sound at idle and pull-off speeds. The price will be a sticking point no doubt as well. – Ashley Oldfield

We Like: Practicality, Comfort, Quality, multi-purpose appeal

We don’t Like: Lack of navigation, Price

Also consider: Audi A4 Allroad 2.0 TDI, Volvo XC70 D5 AWD, Volvo XC60 D4

See a comparison between the Subaru Outback, Audi Allroad and Volvo XC70 here.

Subaru-Outback

Range Rover Sport HST Headed for New York Motor Show

Land Rover will be showcasing the new Range Rover Sport HST at the upcoming New York Motor Show which features an uprated V6 engine, enhanced design features and unique chassis settings.

Range Rover Sport HST has got the look

Exterior Styling

The distinguishing design element for the Range Rover Sport HST is a black theme which is evident with the Santorini Black contrast roof. Stealth Pack headlamps with non-reflective surrounds as well as a new spoiler add further appeal to the car. The Range Rover Sport HST rides on large 21-inch alloy wheels with a dark satin grey finish with red brake calipers. If the wheels aren’t big enough for you, then you can always opt for the 22-inch Stealth alloy wheels which are offered as an option.

A Gloss Black finish is found on the bonnet, front wing vents, grille and fog lamp bezels, matching the Range Rover lettering on the edge of the bonnet and tailgate. The lower door panels are in body colour and vent detailing on the bumpers are also included.

Interior Styling

Inside, the HST features duotone seats in Oxford Leather. The fascia contrasts with the Ebony coloured door trims, centre console and headlining. The leather upholstery can be had in four colour combinations with all-Ebony available as an option.

HST badging is seen on the dashboard, carpet mats and on the TFT instrument panel. The sportiness of the model is further emphasised with cues on the Nobel-plated paddle shift gear levers and ‘Sports’ pedals while the aluminium trim features a textured ‘Sports’ finish.

Engine Power

The Range Rover Sport HST comes fitted with a beefed-up supercharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine that delivers 279 kW. The vehicle comes with a single-range transmission with Terrain Response which, features Dynamic Mode, which optimises the suspension, Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) and other electronic mechanisms to match road conditions. The chassis has been fine-tuned for maximum performance. Changes to the suspension help reduce body roll while uprated brakes with 20-inch discs ensure maximum confidence.

Sadly, the Range Rover Sport HST will only be available in specific markets such as North America, China, Russia and the Middle East. Either way, the HST is still nice to look at and us South Africans can only dream…

 

Jaguar XF (2016) Details Revealed with Video

Jaguar has provided details of the new XF mid-size sedan built on the brand’s aluminium-intensive architecture. The new Jaguar XF will make its debut at the upcoming New York Motor Show on 1 April 2015.

XF Design

In profile, the Jaguar XF takes on a distinct coupe-like appearance with a prominent shoulder line running through the length of the car. The face of the XF features an upright grille that is both recognizable as a Jaguar but also speaks for the character of the car. The XF is some 190kg lighter, with 75% of the car made from aluminium. With an extended wheelbase, the XF offers claimed class-leading rear seat space that affords passengers more leg and headroom.

The interior is fashioned using luxury materials and finishes and comes fitted with the new InControl Touch Pro premium infotainment system, coupled with a 10.2-inch touchscreen, and a large 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster. Dual View technology allows the driver to simultaneously see information while the front passenger relaxes and watches TV or a DVD.

Engine Power

A new range of engines power the XF and include the 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel engine which offers either 120 kW / 380 Nm or 132 kW / 430 Nm, depending on your preference. A twin-turbo V6 3.0-litre diesel unit will also be available and this engine offers a healthy 220 kW and 700 Nm of torque. For petrol lovers, there’s the 3.0-litre supercharged V6 that produces the goods with 279 kW and 450 Nm of torque on tap for your enjoyment. All engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission but the 2.0-litre variants can be paired to a six-speed manual transmission too. Fuel economy on the 120 kW 2.0-litre diesel is rated at only 4.0-litres / 100 km with a CO2 figure of 104 g/km.

Suspension comes in the form of a double wishbone and Integral Link set-up which offers high levels of refinement and comfort that is further enhanced with Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS). Passive damper technology provides a smooth ride while Adaptive Dynamics will determine the best damper settings according to the driving conditions. Jaguar Configurable Dynamics, used on the F-TYPE, allows the driver to tailor settings for the dampers, steering, engine and transmission. All-Surface Progress Control alters the brakes and throttle for optimal traction during low-speed driving in adverse conditions.

The new Jaguar XF will be built at the Jaguar Land Rover Castle Bromwich Plant alongside the F-Type and XJ models. Further details will be made available when the XF is shown at the New York Motor Show on 1 April 2015.

Volkswagen up! Video Review: What’s it like?

The maker of people’s cars has kept one of its best people cars away from the South African market for some time now. The reasons are not entirely obvious until you consider the Polo Vivo – the most popular passenger car in South Africa. Why would VW want to undercut their best seller?

Whatever the reason, the up! has arrived and it is the thoroughly modern small car that South Africa needs, as more and more people move into the cities. Small engines with low emissions and low fuel consumption make a lot of sense and the up! ticks all the boxes.

Even though its already three years old, the car feels fresh inside and out, and in my week with the car, it drew smiles from just about everyone in traffic. It’s impressively solid, with a quality feel and ride that belies its size and segment.

However there are some downsides, in this age of connectivity, the up! can’t be specced with a USB port and currently the Bluetooth device costs R3 177 extra, resting on your dashboard looking like a bit of an afterthought.

That aside, the car is surprisingly roomy and the boot has a clever false floor which can be lowered or removed for extra space.

And even though the car is incredibly light, it doesn’t seem bothered by crosswinds and sits happily at 130 kph on the highway.

At the end of the video, I was inspired by a certain Disney movie to see just how light the Volkswagen up! really is, with a unique test. You’ll just have to watch to find out if it worked.

For full Up! Prices and Specs in South Africa, read our full review here.

Interested in purchasing a new Volkswagen Up!? See our New Car Guide here.

Volkswagen up! Quick Specs

Volkswagen up

New Ford Everest Shown in Thailand


The new Ford Everest SUV which is set for launch in South Africa in the fourth quarter of 2015 has made its debut at the Bangkok Motor Show.

Ford Everest Built for the Rough Stuff

With it’s body-on-frame design, the new Everest is designed to tackle tough terrain with the help of a new four-wheel drive system, active transfer case with Torque on Demand, a Terrain Management System and an impressive ground clearance of 225 mm. Wading in water 800 mm deep is no problem for the new Everest.

The Terrain Management System features four settings, including Normal, Snow/Gravel/Grass, Sand and Rock which makes adjustments to throttle response, transmission, traction control and the all-wheel drive system. The transfer case can be manually locked in low-range for more control.

Engine Power

The new Ford Everest will be offered with two Duratorq diesel engines mated to either a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. A 3.2-litre Duratorq TDCi engine offers 147 kW and 470 Nm of torque while the smaller displacement 2.2-litre Duratorq offers 118 kW and 385 Nm.

Features

Ford’s latest generation SYNC 2 in-car connectivity system allows drivers to use voice commands to control entertainment, climate control settings and mobile devices via an 8-inch touchscreen. A 10-speaker sound system with integrated subwoofer is also included. The Everest is also fitted with a dual-panel moon roof, a powered liftgate, more than 30 stowage spaces and flexible seating that can be folded in various positions. Active Noise Cancellation technology helps lessen unwanted noise in the cabin via three microphones and a smart control module which generates opposing sound waves through the audio system.

Advanced safety features include Curve Control, Blind Spot Information System with Traffic Alert, Roll Stability Control, ESP, Traction Control and Active Park Assist. Seven airbags are also part of the package.

Further details regarding South African specs and pricing for the new Ford Everest will be announced closer to local launch.

Ford Focus (2015) Price Announced

Pricing for the 2015 Ford Focus has been announced for South Africa.

The Ford Focus launches this week in Port Elizabeth and we’ll be in attendance. In the meantime, pricing for the popular hatchback has been announced and there are two engines to choose from at launch. The range starts with the 1.0-litre EcoBoost Ambiente, followed by an up-specced 1.0-litre EcoBoost Trend. Both cars will have 92kW and 170Nm at their disposal, which are good figures for such a small engine. The only transmission available for this engine is a manual gearbox.

The second engine is the 1.5-litre EcoBoost, seen in the Ford Fusion which I reviewed recently. Power is rated at 132kW and 240Nm. The entry level model is the 1.5-litre EcoBoost Trend (manual), while the higher specification 1.5-litre EcoBoost Trend is fitted with an automatic gearbox. It’s the only model to feature an automatic gearbox in the entire range.

I assume the performance Focus ST will follow a little later this year and I would be surprised if a diesel engine didn’t make an appearance. Finally, the fire-breathing Focus RS flagship will arrive on South African shores in 2016.

Ashley Oldfield will be on the launch of the new Ford Focus in Port Elizabeth this week. Look out for his first impressions soon as he’ll have confirmation of specification levels and trim.

Ford Focus Price in South Africa

Five-door Ford Focus

1.0-litre EcoBoost Ambiente     R217 900
1.0-litre EcoBoost Trend            R234 900

1.5-litre EcoBoost Trend            R271 900
1.5-litre EcoBoost Trend Auto  R284 900

Four-door Ford Focus

1.0-litre EcoBoost Ambiente     R212 900
1.0-litre EcoBoost Trend            R229 900

1.5-litre EcoBoost Trend            R265 900
1.5-litre EcoBoost Trend Auto  R279 900

Options:
Metallic paint                                           R750
Styling Pack                                              R14 810
Driver Assistance Pack                           R11 940
16-inch alloy wheels (Ambiente only) R6 540

 

Renault Twizy EV for Kids?

This is an interesting story coming from Europe. Most parents in South Africa would never allow their 14-year old teenage children get behind the wheel of a car, let alone driving on the road. In Europe though, things are a bit different. The European Union has introduced a new directive for the harmonisation of driving licenses and France has subsequently adapted its light quadricycle regulations which allows 14-year-olds with BSR road safety certificates to drive light motorised quadricycles, like the Renault Twizy 45 Electric Vehicle (EV).

Renault Twizy 45 puts teens behind the wheel

The new regulation gives teens independent mobility as well as the opportunity to understand the act of driving from an earlier age, which was previously reserved for those 16 years and older. The Renault Twizy 45 is a safer alternative compared to your typical two-wheeled scooter and thankfully the Twizy is well kitted in terms of safety too. The Twizy 45 comes standard with an airbag, double seatbelts, disc brakes and a protective passenger cell. More that 15 000 Twizy vehicles are currently in operation in Europe.

In South Africa, a learners driving license for a light motor vehicle not exceeding 3 500 kg can be obtained if the person is 17-years or older and 16 years for a motorcycle learners license. A driving license can only be obtained if you are 18-years or older.

Considering the current road safety crisis in South Africa, it’s unlikely that similar regulations would ever work, but it begs the question. Do you think allowing teenagers to drive is the wisest thing to do?

Ford Fusion 1.5 EcoBoost (2015) Review


The Ford Fusion is a large and luxury sedan that recently arrived in South Africa. Promising latest technology, clever engines and a reasonable price tag, the Fusion sounds like the real deal. Here’s how we got on with the entry-level 1.5 EcoBoost.

Firstly, there’s that name. Ford Fusion. This is an all-new title and a lightbulb will probably come on if I rather said Mondeo. This is essentially a new Mondeo, a car that didn’t fare too well in terms of outright sales in SA back in the day. It’s a shame really, as the ST220 was a marvelous machine. Fast forward to 2015 and I’m sitting with this very smart-looking executive sedan. It’s a modern and suave sedan. The Ford Fusion won many admiring glances during its time with us and a disbelieving few had to be told this was in fact a Ford.

Powerplant

The entry-level Ford Fusion comes with a 1.5-litre Ecoboost engine. Now, before you laugh and mock the engine size, consider the international downsizing trend. Small turbo engines are all the rage and Ford has joined the bandwagon. No longer do you need a brawny V6 to power a big sedan.

If the Volkswagen Jetta can make do with a 1.4 TSI motor, then Ford will be just fine with an EcoBoost 1.5. With 132 kW and 240 Nm, the Ford Fusion has sufficient oomph to get around. Power drives through the front wheels and through a six-speed automatic gearbox. Fuel economy for this EcoBoost engine is claimed at 7.4L/100km, but I could only get around 9L/100km…

Incredible Interior & Tech

Economy aside, the Ford Fusion is a really impressive product, thanks mainly to its interior, build quality and standard features. The boot is enormous and just for a laugh I climbed in. There was enough room for a second full-size adult to join me! Talk about carrying everything and the kitchen sink. Want to carry more? Then simply fold the back seats down in a 60:40 split.

The rest of the cabin and interior is a class act. The front and passenger seats for instance, are heated and are quite easily one of the most comfortable I’ve ever sat in. Think comfortable as in sitting in your favourite armchair after a day at work…

The Ford Fusion comes with a whole host of cool tech. I have to point out that this particular press unit came with the optional Trend pack (R26 820) which adds in a superb Sony radio with nine speakers, two USB ports, Aux input, SD card slot, Bluetooth as well as the intuitive Sync 2 infotainment setup. Also thrown into the mix is a reverse camera and rear parking sensors. I’d insist on speccing the Trend pack as it just adds a lot more value and technology as well as visual goodies.

The Drive

Driving the Ford Fusion is an experience to be relished. If you’re a fan of technology and the basic need to be comfortable and insulated from the outside hustle, then the Fusion is a wonderful place to be. The road and wind noise have been considerably muted, and the Fusion glides along magnificently.

There’s no fireworks in the performance department but the Fusion can show a turn of speed if you’re in a hurry. The key word here is refinement. Handling wise, this is no barge which wallows around. Despite its small engine, the Fusion can be entertaining to drive with almost no noticeable body roll. You can put a fair amount of its handling prowess down to an all-new multi-link rear suspension. With the extra power the range-topping 177kW/340Nm Fusion has on offer the it must be an awesome drive.

Conclusion and Summary

Ford is playing the Fusion against the popular German models and despite trends that show preference to crossovers and SUVs, the boys from the Blue Oval have belief that Fusion will do well. Given what a solid offering the Ford Fusion is, and how much cheaper it is in comparison to an entry-level BMW 320i for example, there’s very little to fault this car.

Ford Fusion Price in South Africa

I tested the Ford Fusion 1.5 EcoBoost which retails for R349 900. The Trend option pack comes in at R26 800. The Ford Fusion comes with a four-year/120 000km warranty, four-year/80 000km service plan, three-year roadside assistance with unlimited mileage as well as a five-year corrosion warranty.

Second Opinion

The Ford Fusion plays in a difficult market where buyers progress out of hatchbacks and either decide to go the German sedan route or the compact SUV direction. That doesn’t mean the Fusion is not worth your time or money, it’s a good car with a great interior and stylish exterior. The engine range is good too, but let’s see if Ford has done enough to revive the D-Segment sedan market. -Ashley Oldfield

We Like: Fresh looks, huge space, technology, value for money

We Don’t Like: Not as fuel efficient as claimed. Other than that, this is a hard to fault vehicle.

Also Consider: Volkswagen Jetta, BMW 3-Series, Mazda6, Honda Accord

See a car comparison between the Ford Fusion, Volkswagen Jetta and BMW 316i here

Ford Fusion Quick Specs

Ford-Fusion-Specs

2015 Ford Ranger Revealed (Video)

The 2015 Ford Ranger has been officially revealed at the Bangkok Motor Show. The new Ranger combines new interior and exterior styling with a host of technology features and upgraded diesel powertrains, making it better than ever before.

“The new Ford Ranger brings a new level of comfort and refinement to its segment without compromising on the rugged capability that our customers demand. It represents a smarter kind of tough, and will help our customers to achieve more, whether at work or with their families” said Brett Wheatley, vice president, Marketing, Sales & Service, Ford Asia Pacific.

New Styling for 2015 Ford Ranger

The exterior design of the new Ranger has taken on a bolder, more modern character. The new look incorporates a muscular hood emphasized by a new trapezoidal grille flanked by prominent projector headlamps.

The interior has emphasis placed on comfort, offering a car-like environment for the driver and passengers. The new Ranger comes fitted with a central 8-inch touchscreen and dual-TFT instrument cluster which displays vehicle information, navigation entertainment and climate control.

Technical Capability

The2015 Ford Ranger is geared to tackle tough terrain and can wade through water 800mm deep with a ground clearance of 230 mm. An electronic transfer case allows the driver to shift from 4×2 to 4×4 via a knob on the centre console and an electronic rear differential lock further improves traction. Towing capacity is rated at 3 500kg.

Suspension has been tuned to further improve ride and handling. The Ranger also comes kitted with an electrically power-assisted steering which contributes fuel efficiency by about three percent. NVH has also been improved with advanced sound-deadening materials and insulation.

Engine Power

Four engines are available for the 2015 Ford Ranger. The first is the powerful 147 kW / 470 Nm 3.2-liter Duratorq TDCi engine with 18% improvement on efficiency.  A 2.2-litre Duratorq four-cylinder TDCi diesel engine is also on offer with either 118 KW or 96 kW and 385 Nm of torque depending on the market, with 22% improvement in efficiency. There will also be a 2.5-litre Duratec petrol engine which will pump out 122 kW and 225 Nm of torque. Automatic Start/Stop Technology helps maximise efficiency even further by switching off the engine while idling.

The 2015 Ranger will feature Ford’s SYNC 2 in-car connectivity system as well as a number of driver assist features which include:

Lane Keeping Alert and Lane Keeping Aid
Adaptive Cruise Control
Forward Alert
Front and Rear Park Assist
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
Emergency Assistance
Electronic Stability Program
Driver Impairment Monitor
Hill Launch Assist
Hill Descent Control
Adaptive Load Control
Emergency Brake Assistance

The new Ranger will be built at Ford’s Silverton Assembly Plant in Pretoria along with other plants in Thailand and Argentina.

2015 Ford Ranger Video

Most Fuel Efficient SUV in South Africa

South Africans love SUVs, there’s something about the raised body, sense of off road ability from the ground clearance and the heightened driving position seem to appeal locally. Glance through the car sales list in SA and there’s a distinct number of SUVs that make the list, top of which at the moment is the compact Ford Ecosport SUV. Also high up on the list are the Toyota Fortuner, Rav4 and the Nissan Qashqai.

The problem however is that SUVs tend to be thirstier than their sedan counterparts, due to being heavier and less aerodynamic. Both are key factors in reducing fuel consumption. We may have had nice fuel price decrease over the last couple of months, but it seems the period of respite has ceased. Predictions are for a R2/Litre increase in April 2015 and that’ll start to make people think about ways to reduce fuel use.

A recent study by Google also noted that 38% of people are triggered to buy a new vehicle by improved fuel efficiency claims. As a result we’ve trawled through the figures to combine your top five most fuel efficient SUVs.

The results lean towards small SUVs that use turbocharged diesel motors. Our petrol vs diesel comparison story also notes that if you’re buying an SUV in SA it’s best to go diesel, but always look at the initial cost difference.

Most Fuel Efficient SUVs in South Africa

1. Nissan Qashqai 1.5dCi Acenta (4.2L/100km) R332 200

Nissan Qashqai

2. Ford Ecosport 1.5TDCi (4.5L/100km) R244 900

Ford-Ecosport-Titanium

3. Volvo XC60 D4 (4.7L/100km) R583 300

Volvo XC60 D4

4. BMW X1 sDrive20d (4.9L/100km) R441 923

BMW X1

5. BMW X3 xDrive20d (5.0L/100km) R578 629

BMW x3 2015

5. Renault Duster 1.5dCi (5.0L/100km) R247 900

Renault Duster

5. BMW X4 xDrive20d (5.0L/100km) R644 629

BMW-X4-featured-image