Car Reviews

First Drive in the new Volkswagen Touareg

Ah the Volkswagen Touareg, or what I like to call it, the “Silent Assassin.” Why you ask? Well, think about it. This gentle giant has quietly been doing its thing in the background while the likes of the loud and attention-seeking Audi Q7, BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE have hogged the spotlight. But the Silent Assassin still managed to sell a million units worldwide. Do you see now? It’s hardly ever brought up in conversation, it is never at the top of a list, but it still sells a million units and remains a firm favourite amongst people who dare to speak of it. Even though it flies under the radar, this car has always attracted the right kind of attention and this third generation is no different. I headed to one of my favourite places on earth, Plettenberg Bay, to get behind the wheel of a car that has always been a favourite of mine…even though the last time I was in one was about eight years ago at the Wine on the River weekend in Robertson with my best friend from work, Ian McLaren. You might know him from CAR magazine fame. Anyway, back to the new Touareg. Volkswagen claim it to be the most technologically advanced model of its era. That’s quite a statement, hey? But step inside the new Touareg and you will see and feel this statement. Just look at this: The picture does not do it justice. But I can tell you, it really is quite glorious in that cabin. What you’re seeing is the optional “Innovation Cockpit” which is the control centre of the car really. It houses all essential comfort, assist and infotainment systems. This means that there are almost no buttons as everything is done on the touch screen. Something I hate because I love a good ol’ knob (get your head out of the gutter). Changing the air conditioning while driving can prove tricky, one bump and you are blasting yourself in to Kingdom come or find your bum getting warm instead of your face getting cool. With time, I imagine, this will become easier. Volkswagen also claim the Touareg to be one of the safest cars in the world. It is the first Volkswagen available with a night vision system. This uses a thermal image camera to register infrared radiation coming from a living being. If the system detects an animal or a person, they are marked yellow or red, depending on risk, in a black and white image. The system warns you as well as brakes the vehicle if required. There are a host of other features as well, but the night vision one was the one I liked I most and I cannot list everything in one post. The cabin is super spacious as is rear legroom, but something families will really appreciate is the added 113-litres of luggage space. That boot is BIG! And so all-round, a car you’d happy to travel long distances in. Under the bonnet you will find a 3,0-litre V6 turbodiesel which gives you 190 kW of power and 600 N.m of torque. You’ve got two trim levels to choose from, namely Luxury and Executive. You will struggle to find a smoother and more comfortable ride. Driving is effortless. Even if you are travelling on gravel, at speed. It’s one of my favourite things about this car, you don’t need to think too much while driving it, it makes driving an effortless task and one that is enjoyable on long trips. I doubt I will be able to call this new Touareg a Silent Assassin, the reason being is that it is now in the spotlight and once people get a taste of it, it will no longer be able to hide. Which I guess is a good thing for Volkswagen, but I quite liked the air of mystery the previous model created. With any luck, this model will be as successful but as quietly alluring. New Touareg retail price 3.0 V6 TDI 190kW (Luxury) R999 800 3.0 V6 TDI 190kW (Executive) R1 088 200

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First drive in the 2018 Ford Focus – International launch

Car Reviews / julzmcg

Don’t be jelly, but I headed off to Nice, France, to drive the all-new Ford Focus. Yes, yes, we have established I have a kick-ass job. But that aside (for now), the Focus was my main focus on this trip. Ok, ok, that will be one and only time I do that (I lie). The first thing my driving partner (who happens to be my ex-boss…awks!) and I discussed when we stepped in to the new Focus, was its competitor. The obvious, the Volkswagen Golf. It is hard not to compare anything in this segment to the Golf, it is the segment leader after all. And so, the bar is set high. The Focus had a lot to live up to in our eyes. And did it? Read on to find out! (Because I need that average time thing on my Google Analytics to look good). First of all, what’s actually new? Well everything. Ford started with “a blank piece of paper” and wanted to make the new Focus a car that people would fall in love with and remain in love with. And it does look goooooood, people! Better than before. I haven’t been a major Focus fan in the past, but I genuinely like the look of this one. My favourite model is, and if you are South African you will start hurling abuse at me right about now, the wagon. But because said South Africans don’t buy station wagons, Ford South Africa will not be bringing it to our shores. Thanks a lot, guys! So, my next best model is the Vignale, oh now wait, we can’t afford that one, so again, not hitting our shores. We are left with is the hatch and sedan in four spec levels; Ambiente, Trendline, Titanium and ST-Line. Engine-wise, we will see the familiar multi-award winning 1,0 EcoBoost head to SA, as well as the new 1.5-litre turbopetrol EcoBoost. I drove the 134 kW 1.5-litre engine on the launch and it is punchy to say the least. It is mated to a six-speed manual transmission, which had my focus (haha) not been solely on driving on the right-hand side of the road, would have felt smooth and direct. I may have missed the gear knob completely a few times while trying to navigate the very narrow, windy mountain passes our route took us on. How we survived, I will never know. What was noticeable was just how well this car handles the corners we threw at it, or we threw it in to…. whichever which way you want to look at it. It feels solid and sticks to the road like shit to a blanket (my mom will kill me if she reads this). We will have to wait to see which derivatives come to SA, but I am hoping this 134 kW does. This Ford Focus is full to the brim with tech, from Ford’s Co-Pilot360 technologies which include Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop&Go, Speed Sign Recognition, and Lane Centering to Evasive Steering Assist and Blind Spot Information system with Cross Traffic Alert. These are just a few of the tech available on this car, and again, we will have to wait to see what makes its way to South Africa. But by far, my favourite bit of tech, is the Door Edge Protector which is a little piece of rubber that ‘creeps’ out from the inside of the door and wraps itself around the outer edge of the door as to protect it if it hits a wall or another car door etc. As you close the door, it disappears almost quicker than your eye can detect. I may have spent far too much time closing doors on this launch just to see if I could catch the piece of rubber out. I never did, not once! Oh, how I am amused by the small things in life. My final say… The more time I spent in this new Ford Focus, the more I liked it. I expected to walk away still pledging my allegiance to the Volkswagen Golf, but there are enough Focus lovers out there (16 million worldwide, in fact) to prove a point; the Focus is a worthy contender to the Golf. I will go as far as to say that Ford might just be right when they call this the best car they have made. An excellent product all round. Now to see how much it will cost here in SA. You can expect to see it on our roads in the beginning of 2019.

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First drive in the new Toyota Rush

Car Reviews / julzmcg

A few weeks back I got in an invite from Toyota with the hashtag, #LivingTheRushLife, on it. That is it. Of course I rsvp’d yes because not only are the Toyota team here in SA some of my favourite people on earth (how huge is that statement?!), but also because I hadn’t a cooking clue what car was launching and I was intrigued. The word “rush” in the middle of the hashtag should have given it away, but I have my days people. Also, I hadn’t a cooking clue what a Rush was anyway. Now I do! It is Toyota’s newest and most affordable compact SUV on offer. With Toyota providing a car for every type of person with any type of lifestyle, it is no wonder it opted to add this cheeky little guy to its line-up. This country, and the world, love an SUV, but few of us can actually afford one. As Toyota states in its press release, the acronym SUV has come to refer to any vehicle that fulfills a cross-functional role, possesses an elevated driving position, increased ride height and sufficient cargo space. Well, these are all the things that the new Rush offers. It’s all about versatility and space. Another confession moment here, I thought it was a 7-seater and only after I had driven it on the first route did I notice it was, in fact, a 5-seater. Like I said, I have my moments. And in fairness to me, there is a 7-seater available in India, we just have a market that prefers a five-seat setup with a bigger boot. But now that I knew exactly what it is I was driving, I was better equipped to understand it. The cabin won’t exactly blow you away, but this is an affordable SUV, remember. What did give me a chuckle was the fake leather complete with fake stitching on the dashboard. Kitsch AF. But still, it did put smile on my face, even if for the wrong reasons. The features list is extensive and includes a 6-speaker touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto, CarPlay and a built-in Satellite Navigation system, an integrated reverse camera and park distance control. Keyless entry and start is also standard. As is a host of safety features which includes ABS, hill assist control, vehicle stability control, six airbags as well as an alarm and immobiliser and auto door lock function. There is only one engine of offer in the form of a 1.5-litre four cylinder petrol engine producing 77 kW and 136 N.m of torque. You can choose between a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. I drove the five-speed manual and hells bells, but this car needs a sixth gear. I wasn’t even doing 115 km/h and the engine was shouting at me around 4 000 rpm. It was frustrating to say the least, but around the city, it has enough power and you will be satisfied with robot-to-robot oomph it showcases. We even took it slightly off-road through Addo National Elephant Park and it handled the various terrain with ease. The 220mm ride height is also helped along the uneven road. Convenience is key when it comes to an SUV, and apparently, Toyota will not let anyone dehydrate in the new Rush. I counted 11 cupholders! There might be more even. The boot is also massive at 609-litres. Push the rear seats down and you have a massive loading area. This car, although it competes with the Ford Ecosport (a new one arrives later this month), the Hyundai Creta, Renault Captur and Renault Duster to name but a few, it is the badge that will pique customers’ interests. The Toyota badge alone is synonymous with a lot of the things people want in a SUV; reliability, versatility, and dependability. At a price of just R299 900, those needing space, practicality and what goes with the demands of a growing family, will certainly rejoice. A six-services/90 000 kilometre service plan comes standard, backed up by a three-year/100 000km warranty. PRICING FOR THE TOYOTA RUSH Rush 1.5 MT – R299 900 Rush 1.5 AT – R 313 500 Can we have a round of applause for me not making one joke about the word “Rush.”

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First drive in the updated Mini Cooper

Car Reviews / julzmcg

Ah Mini. A brand synonymous with bouncing blonde lasses the world over. Or brunettes. With big shades, high pony tails and the smallest backsides the world did ever see. Fine, I might be generalising, but only because I never fit that Mini mould. Even if did, when I was younger and looking for a car, I was too defiant to want to drive a Mini. I wanted something different, something unique, something no one else had…a Volkswagen Citi Golf (cue the eye roll). It’s strange to think that I never ever had a soft spot for Mini. My friends did, my colleagues did and all still do in fact. I never quite understood it. They drove like go-karts, were impractical and portrayed a “I’m too cool for school” image. How wrong I have been, hey?! They still drive like go-karts mind you, but that’s part of the appeal, I have come to understand. There is no denying that as we look at the new Mini we have witnessed the evolution of a legend. Just think, in the year 2 000, the last ever original Mini rolled off the production line and in strolled the Mini as we know it today. With five core models on offer, there is now a Mini for every type of person. It is no longer just for the single and sassy, it now appeals to men, to adults, to parents, to families. And the brand continues to grow from strength to strength. Last year saw just over 2 000 units sold here in South Africa, this year has already seen 1049 units sold and it’s only July. Enter the face-lifted 3rd generation Mini Cooper and Mini Cooper S. You might not notice too much on the outside, a part from the rather cool and quirky Union Jack rear headlamps, but inside you will see a bit more nip and tuck. We are starting to see a lot more of the tech we usually find in a BMW trickling down in to the Mini brand. Especially when it comes to Mini Connected, new features include Real Time Traffic Information, the personal Concierge Service and the vehicle internet portal Mini Online with news, weather and fuel price overview. There is also an optional preparation for Apple CarPlay. And we see a new multifunction steering wheel hit the range. You will also notice the new Mini logo on these updated models. The 1.2-litre 75 kW three-cylinder petrol engine that powered the Mini One now boasts a 1,5 litre with 190 N.m of torque. A new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission joins the line up as an alternative to the standard six-speed manual transmission. The Cooper model engine line-up remains unchanged with its 1,5-litre turbo-triple with 100 kW and 220 N.m. And the Cooper S still sports a 2,0-litre turbo-four which produces 141 kW and 280 N.m. Having spent the day driving around the Cape Peninsula, I am reminded why Mini is so popular. They are an absolute hoot to drive, especially the Cooper S. I still wouldn’t see myself owning one, the ride is too firm for these ageing kidneys and I need to avoid anything that will accelerate the boob-drooping process. But, I can certainly see the appeal of owning such an icon. Mini sets itself a part by being a premium brand that offers customers exactly what they want. The customisation options are endless, just check out the MiniYours site and see for yourself. It’s a brand that appeals to the creatives among us. Ideas, inspiration and passion – this remains the brand strategy and even if I still do not fit the Mini mould, I can see why so many others do. PRICING FOR THE NEW MINI LINE-UP Mini One Hatch 3-door: R302 200 Mini One Hatch 3-door AT: R323 200 Mini Cooper Hatch 3-door: R370 300 Mini Cooper Hatch 3-door AT: R391 300 Mini Cooper S Hatch 3-door: R430 577 Mini Cooper S Hatch 3-door AT: R450 186 Mini John Cooper Works Hatch 3-door: R491 095 Mini John Cooper Works Hatch 3-door AT: R512 865 Mini One Hatch 5–door: R312 300 Mini One Hatch 5–door AT: R333 300 Mini Cooper Hatch 5–door: R380 400 Mini Cooper Hatch 5–door AT: R401 400 Mini Cooper S Hatch 5–door: R441 057 Mini Cooper S Hatch 5–door AT: R459 780 Mini Cooper Convertible: R423 200 Mini Cooper Convertible AT: R444 200 Mini Cooper S Convertible: R496 836 Mini Cooper S Convertible AT: R515 559

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First drive in the new BMW i8 Roadster

Car Reviews / julzmcg

The only reason I am writing this review is to brag (ok it’s also because I sort of have to, but mainly, it’s to brag). I got to drive the ONLY BMW i8 Roadster in South Africa last week. That’s right people, my job f%#ing rules! By now you will know what BMW’s i-lineup is, right? Don’t fret if you don’t, that’s what I am here for. It is bascially BMW’s electric sub brand, if you will. They are caring for the environment, you see. This is the third model in the i line-up, the first two being the i3 and the i8 Coupe – which, interestingly, has been the highest-selling hybrid sports car since it launched back in 2014. And according to cars.co.za, the i cars have become so popular that, globally, BMW sells more i cars than M cars. Back to the BMW i8 Roadster, because, well…just look at it! PS. I took these pics myself! You can clap if you want, I would. The i8 Roadster forms part of the facelifted i8 range and includes a few design tweaks here and there. The distinct (now frameless) gullwing doors still attract a lot of attention and the electrically operated roof opens and closes in 15 seconds at speeds of 50 km/h…which can also draw a fair amount of attention. In fact, it is safe to say that if you hate attention, this car is certainly not going to work for you. I drove with another blonde colleague of mine and believe me, we both struggled to get out of the cars…not only because of the awkward way one has to attempt this, but because our heads had certainly grown larger from all the attention we received. So what powers a plug-in hybrid sports car you ask? Well it has a 1.5-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder petrol engine which sends power to the rear wheels (170 kW/ 320 N.m) and is combined with an electric motor (105 kW/250 N.m) mounted on the front axle. All of this means fuel consumption is a ridiculous 2.1l/100 km. And you can drive in electric mode at speeds of up to 105 km/h, previously it was only 70 km/h. And just in case you wanted to know how quick it is, you can shoot to 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds. Look, this is not going to be the fastest sports car ever made, obviously! It is more about the environment than it is about the thrill, although, some are thrilled by the thought of helping the environment, soooooo…. anyway, moving on. With that said, before I move on, this is still a driver enthusiast car which means you will have a whale of a time throwing it in to corners and being grateful that it sticks to the road like shit to a blanket. It is an exciting drive whichever way you look at it. This is a car that will turn heads and like I mentioned earlier, draw a LOT of attention. Especially, if like me, you smack your head on the doors every time you get in or out of the car. And a side note to those who like wearing skirts…do NOT attempt to get in or out of this car unless you are wearing something that covers your crumpet. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. PRICING FOR NEW BMW i8 ROADSTER AND COUPE eDrive Roadster R2 329 300 eDrive Coupe R2 095 200 Watch my video on the BMW X2.

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First drive in the Ford Figo

Car Reviews / julzmcg

Shooweee but it has been a budget-friendly couple of weeks car-wise, hey? First the Polo Vivo, then the Suzuki Swift, the Nissan Micra and now the Ford Figo. I was curious to get behind the wheel of Ford’s entry-level offering because having just driven the new Ford Fiesta, I predicted I would be in for a good experience. Look, I am going to be brutally honest about the looks, it is not the hottest hatch on the market, but it has some sort of cutesy appeal. The rear doesn’t offend me as much as the front does, in fact, I quite like the look of the Figo from behind. And it is not all about looks you shallow people! I hated the look of the Suzuki Dzire, but then loved every minute of driving it. New to the Figo line up is a four-door sedan which will add even more practicality to the range. I loved the upgraded interior though. It feels slick and modern, something that will appeal to the youngsters out there (I am clearly still a youngster at heart then). My driving partner wasn’t as convinced, he felt it wasn’t the best interior and made me aware of a few quality issues – but again, think of what you’re paying for this whole package and you will forgive the odd imperfection here and there. Something super cool to take not of is the MyFord Dock which is a smartphone docking solution which sits on top of the dashboard. You plug your phone into the USB port and then prop it up with the lid. It’s a nifty way to store, mount and charge your phone. Who needs a touchscreen infotainment system when you can just use your phone?! The new 3 cylinder 1.5-litre engine is punchy as f**%! Even when mated to the new six-speed auto. I think this impressed me the most. Although 98% of Figo sales are manual gearboxes, it is great to know that there is an auto on offer and one which is actually quite slick and doesn’t sound too much like a straining sewing machine. There is no longer a diesel offering and that is because customers in this segment prefer a petrol engine. Fair enough. Thankfully the fuel consumption is claimed at a relatively low 5.7l/100 km. When it comes to standard safety features, you can expect two airbags and ABS with EBD. And just to sweeten the Figo deal, Ford has included a standard 4-year/60 000 km service plan over and above the 4-year/120 000 km warranty. This new Ford Figo is a step up from the outgoing model, which is something you expect from a new generation. It might not topple the Vivo off its pedestal, but it is a car certainly worth considering. PRICING FOR THE NEW FORD FIGO 1.5 TiVCT Ambiente Hatch 5MT: R181 300 1.5 TiVCT Trend Hatch 5MT: R190 600 1.5 TiVCT Trend Hatch 6AT: R205 700 1.5 TiVCT Ambiente Sedan 5MT: R187 200 1.5 TiVCT Trend Sedan 5MT: R196 000

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First drive in the new Nissan Micra

Car Reviews / julzmcg

I can’t say I have ever really been a Nissan Micra fan. It just never really featured in any recommendations I may have given to friends and family looking to buy and it certainly never made it to the top of my list when it came to choosing my top budget buys. But Nissan has stepped it up and for the first time I look at the Micra with new eyes. (Gosh that sounds dramatic, but I like a bit of drama.) The Nissan Micra Active will still be available for the more budget-conscious buyer, but this new Micra is the cat that lands amongst the fat pigeons that are the Volkswagen Polo, the Ford Fiesta, the Kia Rio and the Hyundai i20 to name but a few. Tough crowd! The new Micra is a far more mature offering than before. It looks bloody good too. It’s longer and wider and overall just appears to offer more. The interior continues to impress and even from the entry-level Visia you can expect standard features such as a multifunction steering wheel, cruise control, hill-start assist and an auto-stop system (which is possibly one of my least favourite technologies ever invented, but I can’t get away from it so I am going to have to just accept the intrusive annoyance). Move up to the Acenta trim level and you are in for a seven-inch infotainment system which features Apple Car Play, and a five-inch colour drive display. The top of the range Acenta Plus model range adds things such as an orange interior (not my vibe) and selected exterior colours. The seats are noticeably comfortable, something Nissan gets so right – the X-Trail houses some of the comfiest seats I have ever experienced in a car. The infotainment system I mentioned in the previous paragraph, although comprehensive, is somewhat finicky to use. I found myself having to press the screen a bit too hard to get some of the buttons to actually work. I imagine this will frustrate the crap out of a driver. All new Micra’s house a 0.9-litre turbopetrol engine under the bonnet, the same you will find in the Renault Clio. I know, I know, you are thinking, “What the hell? That engine is far too small.” But let me put your mind at rest. It might be small but it has adequate power, 66 KW and 140 N.m to be exact, but more than that, it has enough oomph to give you a pleasant driving experience both in the city and on the highway. Like I say with all the cars in this and similar segments, you have to expect the performance you are paying for. If you go uphill and some punk in front of you slows down and you lose momentum, you will need to gear down and start the whole process over again. It is par for the course. Plus, you buggers who complain about lack of power, also want low fuel consumptions. Make up your minds! You will be happy to know the new Micra claims 5.1l/100 km. Overall, this new product is something worth considering. It’s certainly not going to topple the Polo off its pedestal and I can’t see it taking sales away from the new Fiesta either (what an excellent product that is), but it will certainly be a different option for those who don’t like to follow the norm. Look at the Micra through my eyes and you will definitely want to give it a go. NEW NISSAN MICRA PRICING Micra Visia R233 500 Micra Acenta R257 400 Micra Acenta Plus R272 400

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First drive in the Suzuki Swift and Dzire

1 Comment / Car Reviews / julzmcg

The Suzuki Swift has always been on the top of my list to recommend to anyone interested in buying a budget car. There are so many reasons why, but the main ones include the fact that it is well-equipped, drives well and is an overall easy car to like. If you don’t believe me, just look at the numbers; more than 6 million units have been sold since it originally launched. Even the Dzire, which used to be called the Swift Dzire and is essentially a Swift with a boot but is now called Dzire only, sells 28 000 units a month over in India. That is staggering! But back to the Swift, this new model continues to impress. Especially inside the cabin. For a car that costs you R169 900 (on promotion) brand new, you would be forgiven for thinking you were in a car far fancier. A few of my colleagues made comments along the lines that this generation is not as big a jump as was the case with the previous model which was completely modernised. But I don’t think that this is a bad thing. There was no need for Suzuki to make any jumps, they just needed to tweak what is already modern and sophisticated. Like I said, there are so many things to like about the Swift and the Dzire. Look, let’s be honest, the Dzire might not be as handsome as the Swift, but I don’t know many budget cars with boots that do in fact look good. Just think of the Honda Brio Sedan, yuk! Ag no shame, I feel bad saying that about the Honda, beauty is in the eye of the beholder after all. Ya right! Thankfully the Dzire is better looking than the outgoing Swift Dzire and once you are in the driver’s seat you can’t see the car anyway so who cares? Plus, you get that 378-litre boot which is the whole reason you opt for this guy. It’s 26% bigger than before and so you will have no problems fitting a few cases of wine in there. The Swift and the Dzire have the same 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engine under their bonnets. Producing 61 kW and 113 N.m of torque these are no power houses, but they are not built to be. These cars are just perfection around the city and if you hit the open road you will be absolutely fine cruising at the national speed limit. It is only if you need to overtake that you will need to take a few precautionary steps and shift down a gear, or three. But that is to be expected in a budget car isn’t it? The upside is that your fuel consumption is just marvellous. A claimed 4.9l/100 km is exactly what you want in these tough times I tell ya. Both are available in two trim levels, namely the GA and the GL, the latter of which includes standard features such as aircon, all-round electric windows, power steering, a trip computer, adjustable steering wheel with audio controls, and a radio system with Bluetooth and USB connectivity. It also has driver and passenger airbags, ABS and Isofix seat anchorage points. Impressed yet? You should be. If you are looking for a budget friendly car and you’re tired of the Volkswagen Polo Vivo (although this doesn’t really compete with it anymore) or the Ford Figo, the Swift or the Dzire are cars worth considering. In fact, at the price, I am not sure you can do much better! PRICING FOR THE SUZUKI SWIFT (Contact your nearest Suzuki dealer for the promotional offer mentioned) Suzuki Swift 1.2 GA Manual R159 900 Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL Manual R175 900 Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL AMT R189 900 PRICING FOR THE SUZUKI DZIRE Suzuki Dzire 1.2 GA MT R161 900 Suzuki Dzire 1.2 GL MT R177 900 Suzuki Dzire 1.2 GL AMT R191 900

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First drive in the new Volkswagen Polo GTI

Car Reviews / julzmcg

It’s 1979 and the Volkswagen Polo GT has just been launched with a beastly 1.3-litre engine producing a whopping 44 kW of power. It can get you to 100 km/h in an eye-watering 15 seconds and a rear view mirror to the right is an optional extra. Fast forward to 2018 and the new Polo GTI hits the market with figures that would have only been a dream back then. It sports a 2,0-litre TSI engine which produces 147 kW of power and 320 N.m of torque and can now get you to 100 km/h in just 6.7 seconds. How times change, hey? The new Volkswagen Polo GTI is faster than ever before. It’s an interesting move VW has made, opting to increase its engine size when everyone else is downsizing, but we aren’t complaining. It went from a twin-charged 1.4-litre to a 1.8-litre in the previous generation and now to this 2.0-litre engine. There is a smidge more power than its predecessor but a lot more torque, making it even more fun to drive. Especially if you’re heading up a mountain pass such as Franschhoek Pass. I did so enjoy throwing this car around those bends yesterday. Although, I still kept it safe…unlike some of my lunatic colleagues, whose names I will not mention this time. Standard on this new model is a six-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG) and if you really need to know, the fuel consumption is claimed at 5.9l/100 km. Sport suspension is standard but you can opt for the Sport Select suspension. Switch from normal mode to Sport mode and you vary the characteristics of the steering, the engine, the gearbox and the active dampers. The classic GTI styling is still prominent and things like leather upholstery with seat heating is an optional extra, at a cost of R9 850. The new GTI is offered with the R8 650 Active info Display you can opt for on the rest of the Polo range and a host of other optional extras which include a R10 550 panoramic sunroof, R5 550 18-inch alloys and Discover Media Navigation which will set you back an extra R12 150. A quick question to those who pay extra for Sat Nav, are you aware that your phones have GPS systems in them and can therefore be used as a navigation tool? You are? Ok good, moving on… Ignore all those options and the price of the new Polo GTi is….drum roll please….CHEAPER than the outgoing model. That is unheard of in this industry. I mean, it is faster AND cheaper. What more do you want? It is priced at R375 900 and you can thank the plant in Uitenhage for that. Local is truly lekker people! The Polo GTI is practical, comfortable, economical, quick and most importantly, an absolute hoot to drive. It is as close as you can get to its big brother, the Golf GTI, but with an almost R150 000 price difference. I know where my money would go! Check out my launch report on the Volkswagen Polo Vivo.

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First drive in the new Volkswagen Polo GTI

Car Reviews / julzmcg

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