Tabla de contenidos para August 2024 en CAR

My long-standing theory is that the coolest cars are the ones you want to drive the slowest, soaking in the occasion while instinctively resting an arm on the window sill. These vehicles may not necessarily be the fastest, or even the best in terms of dynamic ability compared to their peers. Instead, they are the ones that garner smiles and an undeniable feel-good factor wherever they’re seen. Although some classic cars have become inherently cooler with time, is there a product that has owned this label as effortlessly throughout its 60-year existence as the Ford Mustang? Certainly, the original pony car has become an altogether better driver’s prospect over the years but, using the outgoing sixth generation car as an example, it’s the Bullitt special edition – complete with its…

The latest Golf GTI is only the second generation of Volkswagen’s front-wheel-drive hot hatch to don the much-vaunted Clubsport badge. The first, which was based on the Mk7 GTI and produced 195 kW, was introduced in 2016 to commemorate four decades of the GTI nameplate. The (228 kW/380 N.m) Mk7 GTI Clubsport S has since set the Nürburgring Nordschleife lap record for a front-wheel-drive car in 2016 (now held by the new Honda Civic Type R), and the firm released a pair of Mk8 GTI Clubsports; one of which celebrated the 45th anniversary of the German marque’s first hot hatch. Now, in celebration of the Golf’s golden jubilee, the Wolfsburg brand has revealed the third Mk8 GTI Clubsport. Like its predecessors and the current Mk8 GTI, this anniversary edition employs…

While there have been many changes made to the 911 over its 60-year history, these have tended to be evolutionary and subtle. Air cooling made way for water cooling, hydraulically assisted steering for the electrical variety, and previously perilous RWD setups have made way for AWD in several models over the eight generations. Of course, turbocharging has been present since the 930. However, the flat-six has never been equipped with hybrid technology … until now. For the first time, the German marque has handed a production 911 – the model Porsche says will remain fossil-fuel powered for as long as possible – an injection of electric boost. The first derivative to gain a hybrid powertrain will be the updated 922-generation Carrera GTS. Employing Porsche’s T-Hybrid setup, this model’s powertrain comprises…

Owned since 2010 by Chinese automaker SAIC Motor Corp, the British brand Leyland DAF Vans (LDV) can trace its origins to 1896. Currently producing more than six million units annually, SAIC is the largest vehicle manufacturer in China and the eighth-largest automotive brand globally. With right-hand-drive markets seen as being a key component in the expansion of this footprint, the fairly mature South African automotive landscape is viewed as being particularly important to the company’s future plans, especially when considering its potential as a manufacturing hub for its LDV brand. “We have a long-term strategy for establishing ourselves in South Africa before launching LDV into right-hand drive markets in Africa. This could include establishing a manufacturing base here,” says CEO of LDV Automotive South Africa Bevan Nel. “While the South…

Of the many remarkable facts and figures that stand out within the official press material for Ferrari’s first-ever four-door passenger vehicle – which happens to feature a raised ride height – the line stating that this landmark model is earmarked to account for only up to 20% of the Italian marque’s annual production volume is especially noteworthy. As famous for its signature exterior paint colour as it is for remaining true to its proven formula for performance motoring, the decision by Ferrari to create an altogether more practical and versatile package to rival competition from the likes of Porsche, Lamborghini and Aston Martin may have seemed inevitable. Yet, the insistence that the Purosangue is neither an SUV, nor a necessity, in terms of this Maranello-based marque remaining profitable, speaks volumes…

Price: R459 900 Engine: 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder, turbopetrol, Transmission: 6-speed automatic Power: 96 kW @5 500 r/min Torque: 230 N.m @1 750 r/min 0–100 km/h: 8.7 seconds* Top speed: 208 km/h Fuel consumption: 6.3 L/100 km* CO2 Emissions: 143 g/km Rivals: Peugeot 208; Renault Clio; Volkswagen Polo Punchy three-cylinder turbopetrol; engaging dynamics Pricing sits too close to the segment leaders Just over 20 years ago, Opel’s Corsa and Corsa Lite derivatives were popular as a means of solid and affordable motoring for the South African public. In 2024, the debate over inflated prices on small hatchbacks can take place until the cows come home and there is an obvious buying trend, suggesting consumers prefer hatch-based crossovers with more ride height and rugged trim. A look at sales data from last month proves…

Price: R599 900 0–100 km/h: 7.86 seconds Top speed: 200 km/h Power: 145 kW Torque: 290 N.m CAR Fuel index: 8.40 L/100km CO2 : 163 g/km Impressively executed, not to mention more affordable and livelier than its AWD sibling Gareth Dean Accomplished enough to make established players in the segment sit up and take notice Kyle Kock When CAR published its exclusive first local drive of Jaecoo’s range topping AWD Inferno-spec J7 in the April 2024 issue of the magazine, we walked away suitably impressed with the newcomer’s combination of rakish styling, well-resolved road manners, and the value proposition it presented. While the firm had made some enthusiastic claims regarding the J7’s off-roading ability, we were somewhat sceptical of just how capable it would be. After all, for its many merits, the…

WRAP UP 6 months 11 883 km 7.18 L/100 km Engaging dynamics; stylish looks; packed with features Not as frugal as claimed; steep pricing When the Puma arrived in CAR’s garage at the tail end of last year, it probably had little idea of just how jam-packed the next six months of its tenure as a long-termer would be. Its engine had barely cooled from an impressive showing in a February 2024-issue road test, when the Desert Island Blue ST-Line Vignale had its belly filled with unleaded and its nose pointed towards the Eastern Cape for a 2 000-odd kilometre round trip as part of editorial intern Siya Mbaduli’s festive season travels. To briefly recap on our road test findings; underpinned by Ford’s Global B platform that formed the foundations…

"It all starts with a dream" Having a passion for cars since I was a small kid and being involved in the motor trade growing up, the dream of opening my own dealership started in April 2012. With many years of gaining experience, building relationships and having fun doing it, lead to new beginnings in April 2020 called “One Nine Auto.” One Nine Auto offers a breath of fresh air in the used car sales industry. At One Nine Auto we understand how important it is to receive the Top level of service when spending your hard-earned money buying your dream car! At One Nine Auto we will go out of our way making your experience one to remember and by dealing with the owner directly you can bank on…

Although its silhouette resembles that of its predecessor, the new 1 Series’ bodywork – which measures 4 361 mm in length – is 42 mm longer. The height, too, has increased (up by 25 mm). The width (1 800 mm) and space between the fore and aft axles (2 670 mm) have, however, remained the same, as has boot capacity (380 to 1 200 litres when the rear seats’ backrest has been folded down). The 1’s front end is characterised by a new interpretation of BMW’s kidney grille, flanked by revised LED headlamps, replete with vertically arranged daytime-running lights. At the rear, the two-part taillamps also incorporate LED elements. A noteworthy revision to the 1 portfolio, the Bavarian brand has ditched the eight-speed self-shifter in favour of a seven-speed dual…

Price: R795 074 Engine: 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbopetrol Transmission: 7-speed dual clutch Power: 150 kW @5 000 r/min Torque: 280 N.m @1 450 r/min 0–100 km/h: 7.4 seconds* Top speed: 228 km/h Fuel consumption: 7.4 L/100 km* CO2 emissions: 155 g/km Rivals: Alfa Romeo Tonale; BMW X1; Lexus UX; Volvo XC40 Still possesses heaps of charm; refined road manners; remains entertaining Doesn’t open up the gap on rivals on the sportiness stakes like before As worldwide trends dictate, downsizing and carbon neutrality is the name of the game. Mini – which once had a seven-strong model line-up that included the regular three-door Cooper, a convertible version thereof, a lowered roofline model in the form of the Coupé/Roadster siblings, the Clubman station wagon, the Paceman crossover coupé, and the Countryman crossover SUV –…

Price: R999 000 0–100 km/h: 9.81 seconds Top speed: 175 km/h Power: 165 kW Torque: 550 N.m CAR Fuel index: 10.08 L/100km CO₂: 229 g/km Improved default ride quality and just the right amount of on-road presence. This is the Hilux I would own Ian McLaren Having experienced the equally competent Ranger Tremor on SUV Shootout, customers in this niche segment are spoilt for choice Kyle Kock Championed by suitably quirky “you’re a farmer, not a cowboy” local television commercials from the mid-’90s, and followed by similarly themed subsequent marketing campaigns, the considered decision by Toyota to broaden the appeal of its Hilux bakkie beyond the proven workhorse has certainly paid off. Via nameplates like Raider, Legend, Dakar and, more recently, the GR-Sport, the popularity of the lifestyle-focused Hilux double-cab…

WRAP UP 3 months 3 347 km 7.21 L/100 km Assured, familiar and sophisticated motoring Black Package isn’t quite the one-stop solution in terms of preferred specification Arriving fresh from Audi South Africa’s announcement of its campaign to bundle historically preferred specification into range-wide packages known as Black Edition and Urban Edition, some of the impact of the standard S Line exterior and black styling package was unfortunately lost against the similarly dark Navarra Blue paintwork of our A3 Sedan 35 TFSI. Together with 18-inch alloy wheels, these cosmetic enhancements combine to lend this model a more dynamic stance compared with the standard car; the fourth-generation A3 range boasts a well-proportioned and hunkered profile. With first-hand experience of just how intimidating an online configurator can be when it comes to…

92 24 Hours of Le Mans have been hosted since 1923 A rguably one of the most prestigious events on the global motorsport calendar, I have always been fascinated by the 24 Hours of Le Mans. However, attending this iconic, historic race had been just an enduring childhood dream and bucket-list item … until now. LE MANS LOADING The reality of actually getting to enjoy what was once reserved for my dreams only really started sinking in on the Monday, in an elevator on the 19th floor of The Towers South in Cape Town, 123 hours before lights out at Circuit de la Sarthe. Admittedly, it does seem a rather curious location to come to this realisation, so allow me to explain… I had just picked up my passport and,…

12 ISSUES FOR ONLY R499 + FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION AND FREE DELIVERY OF YOUR MAGAZINE SIMPLY CONTACT US AND QUOTE 20/08/SP/CAR HOW TO SUBSCRIBE online visit www.hmshop.co.za email subscribe@habarimedia.com call 087 550 0329 TERMS AND CONDITIONS: This offer is valid 31 August 2024 and applies to print subscribers with a South African address only. By providing your personal details, you are giving CAR permission to communicate with you via email or SMS. For rates and other great offers, visit www.hmshop.co.za For foreign rates, please contact Habari Media on 087550 0329/021 530 3300 or email subscriptions@habarimedia.com…

Email: car@habarimedia.com Mail: CAR, PO Box 180, Howard Place, 7450 WINNING LETTER NOT AS EFFICIENT AS YOU’D THINK The letter from Louwrens Oosthuizen in the June 2024 issue regarding the economy of the Haval H6 HEV states: “I have done 10 000 km with my H6 HEV and am very impressed with its driver assistance features that take over a lot of the usual functions the driver would otherwise have to be mindful of. It makes for a very easy driving experience. Over 16 months of driving, I averaged 7.33 L/100 km, which is far from the 5.2 L/100 km that the manufacturer claims.” I am of the opinion that an HEV car should be less economical than an equivalent petrol engine car for the following reasons: To run the…

Price: R436 995 Engine: 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbopetrol Transmission: 7-speed, dual-clutch Power: 88 kW @6 000 r/min Torque: 172 N.m @1 500 r/min 0–100 km/h: 11.3 seconds* Top speed: 185 km/h Fuel consumption: 6.0 litres/100 km* CO2 emissions: 137 g/km Rivals: Volkswagen T-Cross; Hyundai Venue Stylish exterior touches Cabin is not well insulated against road noise The Sonet burst onto the scene in 2020, offering a blend of style, space and value in the compact SUV segment. It quickly carved a niche for itself, particularly among budget-conscious buyers seeking a feature-rich and practical urban runabout. Kia’s new design language, dubbed ‘Opposites United,’ is on full display here, bringing the Sonet into the modern Kia fold. Up front, revised LED headlamps incorporate a new ‘Star Map’ signature element, while at the rear, there…

Price: R879 808 0–100 km/h: 9.28 seconds Top speed: 213 km/h Power: 115 kW Torque: 230 N.m CAR Fuel index: 8.04 L/100km CO2 : 153 g/km It’s nice to have options but I prefer the heightened levels of sophistication offered by the equivalent X1 Ian McLaren Perhaps the optional equipment package should have been included as standard at this price point Gareth Dean Destined for approval and “where did the time go?” commentary by distant aunts and high-school BFFs relocated to continents greener, the updated BMW X family photograph uploaded to social media looks quite different from a few years ago. Scattered with new marquee models and alternative forms of propulsion, the significant news in the foreground of this image is an altogether grown-up and more sophisticated modern X1 that continues to…

NEW ARRIVAL 2 257 km 4.8 L/100 km Economic powertrain; confident presence Occasionally rev-happy CVT The Toyota Corolla, often regarded as something of a sedan stalwart in South Africa, has now entered its 12th generation. Despite a decline in its presence on local roads – attributable in part to the rising popularity of crossovers and SUVs – the Corolla’s combination of practical packaging and reliable mechanicals keep it relevant. With the introduction of the hybrid model, we eagerly embraced the opportunity to undertake an extended evaluation of an even more efficient version of a vehicle that remains an important part of Toyota South Africa’s product line-up. Arriving with just 470 km on the odometer, our 1.8 Hybrid XR model is presented in a striking Crimson Red colour. The vehicle’s design…

It is no secret that there are few places on Earth where the knowledge of all things automotive is as concentrated as it in the south of Germany. Stuttgart, situated in the country’s Baden-Württemberg province, is a special case in point. This university town is the home of two of the most innovative names in the motoring world in Porsche and Mercedes-Benz. Listening toDr Thomas Freimuth, Vice-President of product line for Porsche’s Panamera, at the recent launch of the third iteration of the company’s sports sedan, it becomes evident the two integrated technologies he is most proud of are the updated hybrid drivetrain and the Porsche Active Ride suspension system to which it’s connected. The latter is a clear indicator of the brand’s aim of offering a true Porsche sportscar…

Know how much you can spend on a car, but haven’t made up your mind which one to buy? We recommend some options. 2 seats, 256/672 L 7 airbags, ABS, EBD, ESC R22 876 January 2023 (Mustang 5.0 GT CS) 0–100 km/h: 4.81 seconds Top speed: 250 km/h Power: 330 kW Torque: 529 N.m Fuel consumption index: 14.8 L/100 km The sixth-generation Ford Mustang, initially unveiled in 2013, made its highly anticipated South African debut in December 2015. Previously, Mustangs seen on South African roads were either direct imports or conversions from left-hand drive, but the sixth generation model was the first to be offered in a right-hand-drive configuration. With its strong heritage built on a combination of powerful engines and old-school RWD charm, the Mustang swiftly cemented its status…