Your weekly Caxton motoring guide

Week 7 - 13 February 2018 Johannesburg - North

Advertising Consultants: Dwayne Strauss • 071 902 6304 • Edward Alsion • 062 956 1074 Editor : Sean Nurse • Letters : [email protected] • Telephone : 011 889 0671 A supplement to Midrand Reporter, Fourways Review, Sandton Chronicle, Rosebank/Killarney Gazette. Distribution: 144 880 copies.

Refreshed 208 GT- unveils bold Line surprises new Yaris PAGE 2 PAGE BACK PG Megane RS now more mainstream > SEAN NURSE an oddly trimmed suede and leather steering be the more road-bias Sport and the 10% stiffer as respectable steering feel and feedback. wheel and suede covered seats which provide Cup. It also feels quick on turn-in; in fact, it almost feels NTHUSIASTS have had to wait a long time good support. Both variants are front-wheel drive but feature as if it’s hell-bent on oversteering, which in Race for the new Renault Megane RS. However, Dominating the centre console, there’s the 4Control all-wheel steering which helps with mode with all of the electronic aids off, made for Ethe latest version is imminent and I had a same portrait-mounted 8.7-inch touchscreen lower speed cornering. The various driving modes quite a fun experience around the Jerez racetrack. chance to drive it in Spain leading up to its local infotainment system, which is still not class-leading such as Comfort, Sport and Race adjust the The regular Sport EDC is certainly an all-out road introduction in the third quarter of 2018. in terms of speed and functionality. The system 4Control, which can operate at speeds of up to car with its softer suspension, lack of LSD and that This latest model faces stiff competition from does have the RS Monitor as standard now, which, 60km/h in Comfort and up to 100km/h in Race EDC ‘box. The EDC is a massive leap in the right the industry stalwart Volkswagen Golf GTI and the like the Clio, provides key information such as boost mode. direction in terms of its performance. One area latest Honda Civic Type R. pressure, oil temperature, G-forces and a lap timer The cars also get Hydraulic Bump Stops which where the Sport derivative does lack the traditional → NEW RS DESIGN to name but a few. are shock absorbers that soften the last few RS appeal is in the way that it torque steers when When confronted with the vehicle in a real world → UNDER THE SKIN centimetres of suspension travel with the use of exiting corners spiritedly. scenario recently, I found it even more appealing The latest car gets a slightly modified version of a smaller shock absorber within the primary unit. → VERDICT than in the obligatory internet photos. the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s 1.8-litre turbo petrol The manual Cup gets a Torsen limited-slip Having driven both the Cup and Sport derivatives Up front, there’s the signature Renault grille, engine. This smaller mill boosts a hefty 1.7-bar differential (LDS), which strangely isn’t available and indeed, the EDC and manual versions of which houses the massive diamond badge and and produces 206kW/390Nm. The engine is in the EDC Cup. The Cup also gets larger, 19-inch the latest Megane RS, I am happy to report that extends into the C-shaped headlamps. On the lower mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed alloy wheels finished in black as well as red brake Renault’s iconic hot hatch strikes a good balance part of the now larger lower air intake, we see the EDC gearbox. calipers. Both models benefit from the fitment of between daily usability and all-out performance. R.S. Vision LED lighting shaped like the Renault The six-speed manual version is the same ‘box Brembo brakes, which get the job done in dynamic This should make the Megane worthy of Sport logo, while the now signature front blade is as used on the outgoing Megane RS, only with an situations. consideration for those looking for something that finished in grey. improved gate and shorter shifter. It however In terms of claimed performance figures, both fits somewhere between the Golf GTI and Civic Type The side profile reveals a wider front and rear only go on sale later this year. The EDC gearbox the manual and EDC have the same claimed R. As always though, pricing will be key when the track to improve stability and handling, while also differs from the unit used in the Clio RS, in that it 0-100km/h time of 5.8 seconds, although top cars arrive locally. showing off the fact that the new car is a five- makes use of a dual-wet clutch setup. I must admit, speed for the former is slightly higher at 255km/h → RS LOCAL LAUNCH door only model. At the rear, we see the L-shaped having tried-out both transmissions, I’d always go versus 250km/h. Expect the latest performance Megane to arrive taillights, a more streamline spoiler, a diffuser for the Cup version with a manual gearbox for track → DRIVING RS in July 2018. The exact pricing and specification finished in grey and the now trademark centre work, but the EDC simply makes more sense on a Driving both cars was markedly different from is yet to be confirmed, however, the regular Sport single-exit exhaust. day-to-day basis. both the previous Megane RS and current Clio equipped with the EDC gearbox is definitely on its → RS INSIDE → CUP VS SPORT RS. In manual, Cup guise, the Megane feels very way. The availability of the Cup derivative as well The RS also takes it up a notch inside with red The two specifications set to be offered with the eager to take on track driving situations, with good as the six-speed manual gearbox is still under stitching, carbon-look materials on the door cards, new RS, until a 223kW/400Nm Trophy arrives, will front-end grip, great traction from the LSD, as well consideration for South Arica. •ad

> PICTURE: RENAULT SPORT EUROPE Autodealer Jhb North | PAGE 2 | WEEK 7 @autodealersa Autodealer.co.za www.autodealer.co.za LAUNCH Thousands of used cars available Refreshed 208 GT-Line surprises > CHARL BOSCH dimensions, smattering of GT-Line badges, racy 17- track where it handled the tight confines of the bolstering from those seats, while the height- inch Caesium alloy wheels, chrome tipped exhaust Zwartkops layout with composure and with just adjustable steering wheel made finding the ideal @charl_bosch @Charl Bosch and subtle boot spoiler. enough grunt to exploit its underpinnings. driving position a doddle. → SPORTY AND FULL OF TECH INSIDE A real surprise was the steering which responded → CONCLUSION HAVING TAKEN the difficult but not unexpected Inside, the GT-Line now features the latest quickly to inputs in spite of the somewhat small In a segment where so-called warm hatches have decision to axe Citroën back in 2016, PSA owned iteration of Peugeot’s i-Cockpit layout, but in steering wheel, while the ratios of the gearbox been increasingly popular such as the Renault Clio Peugeot has slowly been clawing back ground as setting it apart from lesser variants, also adds where spaced adequately so as to avoid it needing GT-Line and more recently the Honda Jazz Sport, it looks to change the minds of South Africans model specific sport seats finished in black with a sixth cog. the Peugeot 208 GT-Line makes a compelling case about French cars. contrasting red stitching, leather trimmed steering Admittedly, the brakes took a pounding in bringing for itself with a combination of good looks, decent Following the unveilings of the 2008 and 3008 wheel, alloy pedals, red stitching on the seatbelts, the GT-Line to a stop lap after lap, in some cases, performance and a very competitive R259 900 last year, the lion brand has now applied a series aluminium door sills and red-and-black inserts on resulting in the rear becoming light and creating sticker price, which also includes a three year / 100 of updates to its smallest model, the 208, more the doors. a oversteer sensation when really slammed upon. 000km and three year / 45 000km service plan. specifically, the sportiest model in the comparatively As for standard equipment, Peugeot has Out of the slower corners, a hint of turbo-lag was It however remains to be seen whether tiny line-up, the 208 GT-Line. not skimped with items such as a seven-inch also noticeable, but this tended to fade as the brand loyal South Africans will be tempted into → BETWEEN THE BARRIERS touchscreen infotainment system featuring revs climbed. considering the French lion’s smallest cub, that Given the reputation of small, fast Peugeots Bluetooth, USB, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Through all of this, the cabin remained a pleasant arguably deserves more notice than currently established by the iconic 205 GTI, it was therefore MirrorLink, electric windows all around, auto on/ place to be with just the correct amount of side being given. •ad also somewhat natural that the unveiling took place off headlights, dual-zone climate control, rain at the Zwartkops International Raceway where a sense wipers, electric mirrors and on the safety small media contingent were given carte blanche front, six , ABS with EBD and EBA, traction to take it around the track in anger. control and ESP. → A FEISTY LOOKING CUB → ENGINE STILL PUNCHY Although refreshed back in 2015, differentiating Where the GT-Line has remained unchanged the revised GT-Line from its predecessor takes though is underneath the bonnet where the 1.2-litre a keen eye, but on closer inspection, you will notice PureTech three-cylinder turbocharged a redesigned front bumper, a wider gloss black continues to produce 81kW/205Nm, but this time grille with red detailing, new headlamps sporting mated solely to a five-speed manual gearbox as the integrated daytime running LEDs, repositioned previous six-speed automatic has been dropped. fog lights and at the rear, new LED lights with → LAPPING ZWARTKOPS a distinctive claw design motif derived from the Despite the seemingly underwhelming figures 3008. on paper, as well as a claimed 0-100km/h time While indeed minor, the GT-Line still rates as of 9.6 seconds and a top speed of 190km/h, the > PICTURE: MOTORPRESS a very sporty looking thing thanks to its compact GT-Line’s kerb weight of 1090kg showed on the

PEUGEOT 208 FROM

R189 900 incl. VAT 2018 DELIVERY MILEAGE DEMO MODELS While stocks last on Active models. Available at participating dealers - Ts and Cs apply.

GAUTENG - CENTURION (012) 653 4198 | EAST RAND (011) 823 8400 | FOURWAYS (011) 467 9340 | HATFIELD (012) 432 0700 | ISANDO (011) 578 4600 | NORTHCLIFF (011) 478 1777 VEREENIGING (016) 933 7165 | WESTRAND (011) 958 0540 | WESTERN CAPE - CAPE TOWN (021) 426 2000 | GEORGE (044) 873 2582 | SOMERSET WEST (021) 824 6220 | TYGERVALLEY (021) 910 7272 | EASTERN CAPE - EAST LONDON (043) 726 8976 / 7266 555 | PORT ELIZABETH (041) 368 3434 | KWAZULU NATAL - PIETERMARITZBURG (033) 940 0095 | PINETOWN (031) 716 5000 | RICHARDS BAY (035) 789 0323 | UMHLANGA (031) 580 7900 | NORTHWEST PROVINCE - KLERKSDORP (018) 487 4800 | MPUMALANGA - NELSPRUIT (013) 755 5024/5/6 MIDDELBURG (013) 243 2906 | FREE STATE - BLOEMFONTEIN (051) 447 5332 | WELKOM (057) 050 0050 | LIMPOPO - POLOKWANE (015) 287 9660 | MOKOPANE (015) 491 4011 www.peugeot.co.za PeugeotSA @PeugeotZA PeugeotSA #FeelPeugeot WEEK 7 | PAGE 3| Autodealer Jhb North @autodealersa Autodealer.co.za www.autodealer.co.za LAUNCH Thousands of used cars available Grand i10 ups the value factor > CHARL BOSCH seats, a new leather wrapped multi-function steer- N12 and along the back roads to Pretoria. At the local favourite, the Hyundai Grand i10 is set to widen ing wheel, rear parking sensors and a standard two national speed, the little engine felt strained and its appeal further by attracting buyers who originally @charl_bosch @Charl Bosch year / 30 000km service plan. badly in need of an extra ratio, with the amount had to settle for the admittedly well-equipped, but The biggest change though is the fitment of a of engine and wind noise also proving to be a smaller and older i10. With good levels of spec, WHILE IT is a known fact that the Hyundai Grand new touchscreen infotainment system on the Fluid hindrance. a solid drive, impressive levels of fit-and-finish i10 has been one of the Korean automaker’s top and Glide, which features both Bluetooth and USB Despite having to traverse a series of surface and a six model line-up, there is now a Grand i10 sellers in South Africa, the exact figures have connectivity, although forking out an extra R2 500 changes ranging from smooth to badly patched for all. •ad largely been withheld until the company’s surprise adds a SD card with navigation. tar, the Grand i10’s combination of MacPherson decision last year to reveal individual model num- Elsewhere in the range, the Motion now gets struts at the front and a torsion beam axle at the PRICING bers as part of the monthly NAAMSA sales states. a passenger as standard as well as the rear made for a soft but complained ride that Grand i10 1.0 Motion R149 900 Rarely out of the top 15 with some months seeing aforementioned steering wheel, but loses out on didn’t warrant much complaints. In spite of its tiny Grand i10 1.0 Motion AT R169 900 it recording four figures, a total of 1 134 Grand rear electric windows. Relegated to mid-range dimensions, boot space is rated at an impressive Grand i10 1.0 Fluid R169 900 i10’s have already been shifted this year, making status, the Fluid nonetheless gets alloy wheels, 256-litres. Grand i10 1.2 Fluid R189 900 it a serious contender in the lucrative A-segment rear electric windows, keyless entry, heated and → CONCLUSION Grand i10 1.2 Fluid AT R206 900 of the local market. electric mirrors, chrome grille and the same service Although it has already established itself as a Grand i10 1.2 Glide R202 900 → MORE MODELS AND UPDATED SPEC plan as the Glide. Now less than a year after receiving a mid-life → A FAMILIAR BUT TWEAKED ENGINE RANGE update, Hyundai has not only expanded and further With its replacing of the i10, Hyundai has kept the refined the Grand i10 range, but also confirmed existing 1.0-litre three-cylinder and 1.2-litre four-cyl- it as the official replacement for the i10 that had inder petrol mills, but tweaked the former with out- been its entry-level model until now. puts dropping from 50kW/99Nm to 48kW/94Nm, Visually, telling the Grand i10 apart from the while the latter again produces 64kW/120Nm. A previous model takes some fine eye-tuning, with five-speed manual gearbox is standard across the the biggest difference being new LED daytime range with a four-speed automatic optional on the running lights. In stark contrast, the interior and 1.0 Motion and 1.2 Fluid. indeed standard specification has been re-jigged, At launch, only the Glide was available to drive, not only at base level to replace the i10, but also where it proved to be in its element as a city the sharp-end with the introduction of the new roundabout with a light clutch action, responsive Glide trim level. steering, slick shifting manual ‘box and surprisingly Replacing the Fluid as the new flagship model sharp brakes. with the Motion staying put as the range starting → ON THE ROAD point, the Glide comes equipped with sporty looking It was a different story out on the highway as the > PICTURE: QUICKPIC alloy wheels, the aforementioned LEDs, leather launch route headed out of Bedfordview onto the

LETTERS Letter of the week 1HZ

TEXTING AND DRIVING NEEDS HOLD THE PHONE )5205 )5205 HANGING UP 6DYH5 6DYH5 Dear Editor Dear Editor $OPHUD$FHQWD I strongly feel that texting and dialing on a My personal opinion is that texting while driving 135DQJH phone, even a hands-free setup, are the most rates as the biggest distraction behind the wheel. I dangerous forms of distracted driving and must must admit I do that at times and found that I could be stopped at all costs. Drivers who do this are have caused major accidents. So yes, texting while putting innocent people’s lives at risk. driving should be stopped.

Ray Lyne Delia Nadasen

HAVE AN OPINION OR STORY TO SHARE? )5205 )5205 SEND YOUR LETTER TO [email protected] 1RUPDOSULFH5  1RUPDOSULFH5  3LFWXUHV)RULOOXVWUDWLRQSXUSRVHVRQO\ Winning contributions are chosen at Autodealer’s discretion. Concise letters are preferred. Letters may be edited for space. A nom deplume may be used but please include your full name and area.  02725'($/-2%85* &URZQZRRG5RDG2UPRQGH-RKDQQHVEXUJ  

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Send your letter to [email protected]. Winning contributions are chosen at Autodealer’s discretion. Concise letters ZZZPRWRUGHDOFR]D_

are preferred. Letters may be edited for space. A nom de plume may be used but please include your full name and area. DQBB0RWRU Autodealer Jhb North | PAGE 4 | WEEK 7 LAUNCH To see the latest pics and videos go to www.autodealer.co.za Toyota unveils bold new Yaris > JUSTIN JACOBS However, I feel it looks a tad too striking, especially → INSIDE 140Nm. Also gone is the sixth ratio for manual when viewed from the front. The Yaris finds itself in a very competitive market models with a CVT being retained as the only @Thejustbin @thejustbin There are far too many grills, air-vents and sharp and thus needs to offer the most for less. When self-shifting option. Fuel consumption is rated at edges. I personally feel that it has separated itself getting into the car, it’s easy to tell that it is aimed 5.9-litres/100km for the manual and 5.8-litres/ THE was first introduced in 2005 from the rest of the Toyota model range. On the at those shopping on a budget, which is not a bad 100 km for the CVT. as the second generation version of what in Japan plus side though, it is no longer as conservative as thing. The interior is full of dark plastics, which → DRIVING IMPRESSION & VERDICT is known as the Vitz, and was met with open arms the old Yaris, with styling elements taken from the exhibit a durable feel. Out on the road, the car did what it was supposed from a variety of customers looking for a practical, Auris such as the sleek headlamps daytime running One aspect that has changed dramatically to do. It didn’t thrill me and despite the cheap reliable and economical vehicle. It was also easy LEDs placed below the headlamps. from the old Yaris is the level of in-car tech. It now interior fitting and over-the-top looks, it didn’t really on the pocket. The side profile is typical Toyota but sports a features a tablet like touchscreen infotainment disappoint me. It’s a lot of car for the money and Since then, the Yaris has been overshadowed tapering window line and blacked-out C-pillar for system mounted into the upper dash. All your media there are quite a few derivatives regarding spec by many a competitor. The question then is, has a sportier look. functions can be controlled via this system, which and options. For the first time, there is also a this new generation model got the ability to bounce At the rear, things tend to neaten up with includes Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Cross model with black cladding on the bumpers back? To answer that question, I was invited to the an upward curving shoulder line, slender light USB and HDMI ports. and wheel arches. If you are looking for a car that national media launch that recently took place in clusters and gloss black finish on the centre of A further inclusion is satellite navigation on will get you from A-B and not put you into financial Durban. the bootlid. In addition, the Yaris is now also wider some models, while safety items are made up of ruin, then you are really spoilt for choice within It is worth noting that this new Yaris now and longer than before with Toyota claiming an ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control, this segment. •ad comes from Thailand where it carries the internal improvement in boot space of eight percent to Hill Start Assist and up to seven airbags. PRICING designation XP150, while the outgoing XP130 310-litres. → THE POWER 1.5 Xi R230 800 came from Japan. Opt for the new Sport model, and you will get Carrying on from its predecessor, the new Yaris 1.5 Xs R253 400 → THOSE NEW LOOKS a few more items such as sportier looking alloy again comes powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine, 1.5 Xs CVT R268 500 Toyota says that the new Yaris features a more wheels, red detailing on the bumpers, bigger side but with a reduced power output from 82kW to 1.5 Cross R268 500 aggressive look, and I can agree with them. skirts and a dark metallic grille. 79kW, although torque goes up from 136Nm to 1.5 Sport R286 000

> PICTURES: TOYOTA SA

@autodealersa Autodealer.co.za www.autodealer.co.za ROAD TEST Thousands of used cars available Ignis pulls the funky card > CHARL BOSCH wheel arches, honeycomb grille, angular square fashioned red dot-matrix graphics. car with only 260-litres on offer with the rear seats projector-type headlights with U-shaped While not the most user-friendly of systems and up, although this can be increased to 469-litres @CharlBosch @charl_bosch daytime running LEDs and characteristic coupe- appearing decidedly aftermarket, it nevertheless with the rear back folded down. shaped C-pillar derived from the Cervo and Fronte made for a useful option many future buyers are → IT COMES LOADED WITH ITS trophy cabinet filling up with industry Coupe sold in the '70s, the Ignis oozes charm and likely to tick given the Ignis’ youth focused target Standard equipment is perhaps the most awards rather quickly, Suzuki has consistently appeal. market. impressive aspect for vehicle with a with a sticker been punching above its weight since re-entering Adding to its cheeky demeanour are satin → THE DRAWBACKS price of R189 900, with the GLX featuring a leather the country on its own terms now over a decade silver roof rails and a set of stylish black 15-inch Putting a slight damper on the interior though covered multi-function steering wheel, push-button ago. alloy wheels wrapped in Bridgestone Ecopia rubber. are a few hard to touch plastics with a decidedly start, electric windows all around, folding electric → CONSERVATIVE MAKES WAY FOR FUNKY → MODERN YET SIMPLE INSIDE... cheap feel on top of the dash, and in the case of mirrors, a four-speaker sound system, dual front Recently though, the Hamamatsu based Much like its exterior, the Ignis’ interior is a radical our tester, a slight rattle from the passenger side airbags, ABS with EBD and EBA, ISOFIX mounting automaker has been focusing its attention on letting departure from Suzuki’s plain yet functional designs and the infotainment display. point and rear parking sensors. go of its rather conservatively styled models for of late with a concave-like climate control panel, → PRACTICALITY → A POWERTRAIN AND RIDE TO MATCH LOOKS something with a bit more character and aesthetic chrome detailing and, in an age of personalisation, There is however little to complain about once Its compact dimensions and looks are mostly appeal. Enter the new Suzuki Ignis. a two-tone black and white dashboard, chrome door seated behind the wheel, with the tilt-adjustable overshadowed by when you give it some stick. A name familiar to many Europeans having been pulls, white door cards and a black steering column and height-adjustable driver’s Despite having only 61 kW/113 Nm at its disposal, around since 2000, the Ignis made its comeback tunnel. chair making it easy to get comfortable. Just as the free-revving 1.2-litre petrol engine feels lively at the Geneva Motor Show in 2015 after a seven The biggest upshot though was the fitment impressive is cabin space with good levels of head and eager to impress in spite of the claimed 165 year break, and immediately made its intensions of a freestanding 6.2-inch touchscreen Pioneer and legroom up front, and sufficient amounts in km/h top speed and 0-100 km/h sprint time of known with a string of international awards MIXTRAX infotainment system with Bluetooth and the rear. 11.6 seconds. following. USB, as opposed to the standard unit’s rather old- On the downside though, boot space is typical city Part of this frisky progress is a kerb weight of only Launched on local shores in May last year, the 850 kg, and a slick five-speed manual gearbox with recent arrival of a Arctic White Pearl Metallic Ignis a light clutch action. The combination also had a GLX made for an refreshing sight at the Autodealer profound effect on fuel consumption which came office. to a best of 5.3-litres/100 km, only 0.2 L/100 km → A REAL HEAD-TURNER down on Suzuki’s claimed figure. As colleague Justin Jacobs noted in his launch → CONCLUSION report, the boxy SUV-like design of the Ignis, or urban Value for money is a often overused phrase when SUV in Suzuki speak, makes for a rather appealing referring to a car as a package, yet it applies to the vehicle and one that stands out a lot more than its Suzuki Ignis. With a funky design, perky powertrain immediate rivals, the Renault Sandero Stepway, and good levels of standard kit, it deserves its Toyota Etios Cross and Volkswagen Cross up! recent inclusion as finalist for South African Car With its slab-sided panels, chunky, flared > PICTURE: MOTORPRESS of the Year 2018 without hesitation. •ad THIS ROAD TEST WAS FUELLED BY WILLIAMS HUNT THE GLEN 011 210 6000