Launches

GWM P500 and Tank 500 launch review

The new GWM P500 and Tank 500 have launched in South Africa and because I was nursing my husband following an ear op, I was unable to get to George, up the Garden Route, to give them a go. So I sent Dieter Pey in my place. Let’s kick off with the P500, which is the big brother of the P-Series bakkie. It might be larger than its rivals – Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger – but how does it compare otherwise? Dieter finds out. The exterior styling gives it that all-American truck vibe with wide fender flares, sharp edges and an aggressive stance. The wheelbase measures 3350 mm with a total vehicle length of 5445 mm and a width of 1991 mm. The load box has a capacity of 1140l and 750 kg payload capacity. There are 24 anchor points in the load box and a swing-out tailgate. A long press on the tailgate button lowers it like a normal bakkie tailgate and a quick press allows the tailgate to open like barn doors. The reason for this opening option is to get closer to the load box when unloading items. On paper, this feature sounds great, but after hard use, gravel roads and rattling, we will have to see how well this system holds up. After 500 km of driving on the launch event we already had issues opening the tailgate, with the latching system jamming or both mechanisms opening at the same time. The interior is very well equipped with tech, features and storage. The 14.6-inch touchscreen welcomes you into the cabin and is also the control panel of the vehicle. Your seats can be heated and cooled and they offer a massage feature. The steering wheel can also be heated while you enjoy using your wireless Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. The rear passengers also ride in comfort with electrically adjustable rear seats, wireless phone charger and their own climate control settings. Below and behind the rear seats you can find storage boxes, even in the rear door pillar there is a storage cubby. Both the P500 and the Tank 500 have sunroofs to enjoy during the summer months. The high-quality interior is impressive, with leather seats and wooden trim, a space that you can comfortably spend loads of time in. The P500 will be available in two engine derivatives: A 2.0L turbo hybrid petrol engine and a 2.4L VGT (Variable Geometry Turbo) diesel engine. During the launch, we drove the petrol hybrid engine which produces a total of 255 kW and 648 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a nine-speed auto gearbox. The hybrid system is a non-plug-in hybrid, so the vehicle uses re-gen features to charge the batteries back up. The power figures are impressive, considering both the P500 and Tank 500 are around 2.5 tons in weight. However, we did notice a lack of power on steep inclines when the hybrid battery system is low, it’s then that the 2.0l petrol engine has to do most of the heavy lifting. Without the hybrid system, the petrol engine produces 180kW and 360Nm of torque. The ride quality on both vehicles is comfortable. The suspension handles the road imperfections and harsh cornering well. The P500 is leaf-sprung in the rear while the Tank 500 has coils and despite that difference, the ride quality feels similar and comfortable. The nine-speed automatic gearbox is seamless and you can also switch between driving modes on the go. The Tank 500 has the same powertrain, interior and exterior styling as the P500, but just in a seven-seater SUV build. There are minor changes such as the P500 running with 18” wheels and the Tank 500 with 20” chrome wheels. The Tank 500 has more advanced off-road modes, such as “Expert Mode” which includes a drift and high-speed off-road racing mode. Both models have front and rear difflock along with low-range, which should make them very capable in off-road scenarios. The Tank 500 has a third row of electrical folding seats in the rear with a load capacity of 1459l when the third row of seats are down. Now for the all-important pricing: The GWM P500 starts at R799 900 with the P500 2.4T 4×4 Luxury model and goes up to R999 900 for the top of the range P500 2.0T HEV 4×4 Ultra Luxury model. The Tank 500 will only have the Tank 500 2.0T 9HAT 4×4 HEV Ultra Luxury available at the price of R1 222 900. Both the P500 and Tank 500 come with a five-year/75 000km service plan, seven-year/200 000km warranty, seven-year roadside assistance and eight years/150 000km high voltage warranty for the HEV model which outshine their rivals in this aspect. IN CONCLUSION To conclude, both these vehicles are stylish, boast high-quality interiors and are well-equipped on the tech front. We did have some teething issues with Android Auto, the tailgate latching system, 4H being limited to 80km/h and a few tech-related issues. The fuel consumption is claimed to be around 8.6l/100km, but during our 500km launch drive we were averaging 14l/100km, and the best we got was 10.8l/100km. Both of these vehicles are over 2.5 tons, heavier than their market rivals with a smaller engine capacity than their rivals and this can be the reason for the bad fuel consumption. These lower-capacity engines have to work extra hard to haul the weight of the vehicles, let alone if they are loaded or towing. The pricing between the GWM range and their market rivals are nearly identical, so the choice ultimately lies with the consumer and what the consumer’s needs are. If you need a large vehicle filled with comforts and tech for daily use or long-distance travelling, then the GWM range might fit that need. If you are towing, regularly driving with a heavy load or fully packed, then the smaller engine capacity and already heavy kerb weight might be an issue and you will be forgiven for sticking with what you

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Is the Kia Sonet your best bet?

Launches / julzmcg

Well, if I had to put money on a car, it would be the Kia Sonet! I recently attended the launch of the updated model and if I thought I couldn’t love this car more, I was wrong. Is this review pointless? Probably. You already know my thoughts and feelings on this car. However, I am a true professional, and so will continue with this review if only to bring you what the updates entail. You will get all the soppiness from me when I have the car on test and make a video. Remember, the Sonet launched in May of 2021 and the 1.0 turbo models followed in July of 2022. It has become abundantly clear that affordability is now one of the biggest factors when it comes to car buying. Actually, when it comes to anything. Luxury brands are struggling. And although the Sonet may be frugal, it doesn’t lack in anything. This update serves to keep it as fresh as ever. It wasn’t a bad looking car before, and now, it’s even better. The redesigned headlamp incorporates the “star map” signature lighting and the “Tiger nose” (rather call it Tiger face) has also been revised. The rear lighting strip is now more squared off and so we see a new tailgate and bumpers, which create extra width. My goodness, it looks cool. Let me tell you, this car looks way bigger in real life. It was parked next to a Sportage when I arrived and I was convinced they were the same size. They are not, obviously, but it will give you an idea of the size of this entry in to the Kia SUV life. It is no dinky thing. One could call it imposing, actually. It also now sports new styled wheels. There are minor updates to the interior with a 10.25-inch infotainment screen on the higher spec models. Ya, that’s it there. There are no changes to the engines as the 1.0 turbo and 1.5 naturally aspirated units are retained. The “entry-level” LX model remains pretty much the same in terms of spec, as does the EX models (which builds on the LX) and the EX Plus is the same except for that 10.25-inch screen. BUT the big news is the introduction of a new grade, the SX. This builds on the EX Plus by adding spec such as Smart Entry with push-button start, LED headlamps, LED front fog lamps, a wireless charger, Drive Mode Select, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Follow Assist, and Forward Collision Avoidance Assist. Here is a quick reminder of what the “entry level” LX kicks off with, just to showcase how comprehensively specced these cars are. Sonet LX The EX adds things like rear parking sensors and a bunch of LEDs, while the EX Plus hits you with six airbags, 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, full artificial leather upholstery, and the 10.25 touchscreen and instrument cluster. Here’s the thing people, a lot of the competitors could be considered ‘cars on stilts’ whereas the Sonet looks and feels like an actual SUV. It is hard to really pinpoint rivals because, let’s be frank, the compact SUV segment is not only bursting at the seams, but it is like anything and everything is now considered an SUV and pricing is rather inconsistent. You could look at the Nissan Magnite (but why would you) or Suzuki Fronx, but both are smaller cars with smaller boots. The Chery Tiggo 4 Pro is the one everyone always asks me about when shopping in this segment, and while the price is good, the Sonet remains bigger and, in my professional and not so professional opinion, better. The engine and transmission on the Sonet is superior as is the quality of the drive. The Hyundai Venue has a smaller boot and again, isn’t as good as the Sonet. The only real rival for me is the Volkswagen T-Cross. It is similarly sized with an ever-so slightly smaller boot. It’s as good quality-wise too. The only really issue for the T-cross is pricing and when you consider the options list VW offers, you will end up paying far more for it than you would for a Sonet. The warranty is also better with Kia. I am not saying I am fan of the Sonet, I am a SUPER FAN of it. And I think you should be too. KIA SONET PRICING The Sonet comes with a five-year/unlimited km warranty, inclusive of Roadside Assistance as well as a four-year / 60 000 km service plan.

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The Merc-AMG C63 – dramatic as ever!

Launches / julzmcg

Mercedes-AMG fans were all kinds of devastated when it was announced that the new C63 would no longer boast a V8 engine. Imagine what it did to them when it was revealed that a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine would be powering this beast. Alas, they had nothing to worry about. You’ll see what I mean. This week I attended the intimate launch of the brand new Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance and we were lucky enough to sample it along a certain mountain pass that was closed to the rest of public…to a degree. Precautions were taken to keep everyone safe, of course, but it also meant we were able to really unleash the beast! As much as haters want to hate, there is no denying the full force of 500 kW and 1 020 Nm! That’s right. This new model, with the addition of its plug-in-hybrid system, means that the combined performance figures make your eyes water. It is a completely new driving experience and one that I think will quieten the naysayers. It is somewhat of a techfest and it goes a long way to sit with the car for a while before heading out to see exactly what it can do. There are eight driving modes, for example. I tried to change my driving mode on the fly and didn’t realise that for a few kms I was in snow mode…on a hot day…in Franschhoek. In fact, it has so many different selections to make that I find myself just opting for Sport and away I go. There is even Track Pace, which is a track-based boost strategy that has 30 well-known tracks stored (that can be gradually expanded to 70). It works like this: Before driving, the driver selects the track on the central display, for example the German Hockenheimring, and then switches on the boost strategy with a slider. Then they activate the RACE driving mode and are ready to go. The vehicle then displays an upcoming boost sector in the instrument cluster and on the head-up display. When boosting (via kick-down with 150 kW electric power), a countdown and a horizontal bar count down the boost seconds. As soon as the indicator shows the end of the boost sector, the driver should release the kick-down. Two options are available: a strategy for a particularly fast single lap (“Hot Lap”) and another strategy for several consistently fast laps in succession (“Endurance Mode”). Just to note, I did not try any of the above. So you get my point? There is a lot going on in this car. But what I do know, even if it is not ‘technically’ speaking, is that it is a machine that inspires much confidence. It reassures you as a driver that you are capable of more. And when a car this powerful is so easy to drive, it makes for a really fun time! Even if you’re not driving it on a track. My back would disagree with all of the above, mind you. The sport seats are not the most comfortable for those of us who are rapidly deteriorating due to age. Mind you, regenerative braking is no help. I feel like I am constantly using core muscles (if they even still exist in this ageing bod) to keep my composure. But, when it comes to the ride, it does feel more like a C-Class when in Comfort mode and that is a win. It’s a composed drive with the added flair of drama, such as launch control and drift mode, and all the other tech not mentioned, and so I would say to those who might feel it has lost its charm since losing its V8, take it for a spin. You will see that Mercedes-AMG still knows what it’s doing when it comes to cars that are built to put a smile on your face. PRICING OF THE MERCEDES-AMG C63 S E PERFORMANCE C63 S E Performance: R2 476 800 It is available with a standard 2-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.

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Large and in charge: the Toyota Hilux GR-S III

Launches / julzmcg

Back in May I attended the launch of the new Toyota Hilux GR-S III, but I was unable to really tell you too much about it then because it was embargoed until last week (which is when this post should have gone live, but I have been busy people!). Anyhoo, now we are here and I am going to give you a brief overview of what this halo model for Hilux entails. You will have to wait for more info when I get it on test and bring it to you via a video. Because, as you know, that’s my jam! As if the Hilux couldn’t be anymore popular, Toyota goes and produces a model that is inspired by the multiple Dakar Rally-winning heritage that we have all come to know and love. Let me kick this off with the looks of this new generation. It is pretty awesome in the metal. Imposing even. And that is thanks to its now much wider stance. You see, the lateral distance between the wheels has increased at both the front and the rear when compared to the standard Hilux. Which obviously adds to the overall driving experience, but more on that later. That lateral distance has expanded by 140mm at the front and 150mm at the rear. This means this double cab’s overall width has increased to 2 020 mm. The bold black over-fenders accentuate the GR-S IIIs muscular stance as it rides on 17-inch black alloy wheels as well, with red brake callipers of course. It’s all rather dramatic. Making it stand out from its Hilux siblings, and the crowd at large, is the black mesh front grille which features the Toyota name logo, as well as the black sidestep, mirrors and door handles. GR logos also give it that edge. On- and off-road capabilities are also purposefully enhanced, thanks to that wider tread and significant improvements in handling characteristics, such as increased vehicle stability through reduced roll angle, and a precise steering response. Being that the Hilux GR-S was, first and foremost, built as an off-road-biased double-cab bakkie, this all makes sense. It might be all rugged and rebellious on the outside, but the interior is rather sophisticated. It still gives you the sporty elements you might be after. There is a black and monochrome theme which is rather stylish, and then it’s got red bits and bobs here and there. My favourite being the red seatbelts. My goodness they look good. There are paddle controls and aluminium sport pedals to just accentuate the performance side of things. And for the fancy side of things, you’ve got black suede and leather seats with silver stitching and perforation. The suede isn’t just for looks though, these seats are meant to minimise sliding when you’re experience higher lateral forces. There is a new hydrographic ornament on the door trim and dashboard, which also features GR details on the information display and instrumentation. It also boasts Toyota’s multimedia system on an eight-inch touchscreen display. It also now comes standard with a JBL sound system with nine speakers. Engine-wise, nothing has changed, it sports the uprated 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel which produces 165 kW and 550 Nm of torque (the standard 2.8GD-6 engine does 150 kW and 500 Nm). The GR-S III is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. We took this new model on an array of different terrain up the Garden Route. Including tar, gravel and even sand dunes. The GR-S did not bat an eyelid. It eats anything up with ease. It is only really driver error that will see you getting stuck. With it being wider, it feels more solid, more planted to the road and off-road. It is clear that it is quite a bit smoother and stable over most terrain you throw at it. The all-terrain tyres are the perfect size, I think 17-inch tyres are the perfect off-roading size. You don’t need bigger. There is no doubt that Toyota knows exactly what it’s doing when it comes to its off roaders. It’s hard to imagine how any of it can really be improved. Are we going to be doing Everest in a Hilux soon? Who knows. But the new GR-S III is as good as it gets. It adds that extra bit of flair and drama to what is already a capable and reliable vehicle. PRICING OF THE NEW HILUX GR-S III The Toyota Hilux 2.8 GD-6 DC 4×4 GR Sport III is competitively priced at R999 000. It also comes standard with 9-services/100 000km service plan (with intervals of 10 000 km) and a 3-year/100 000km warranty.

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The little engine that could

Launches / julzmcg

The Kia Picanto has been in our hearts for 21 years! That’s right, this multi-generational go-getter took the world by storm in 2003. Although, I think the main storm hit in 2011 with Peter Schreyer’s handy work on the design. You’ll know him from his epic design of the third generation Sportage. Kia has given it 3rd gen Picanto a bit of an update, so let’s see what this fun city car has to offer. Can you believe that 100 000 Picantos have been sold in South Africa? I can. I see them everywhere. And as Kia even points out, it has no age restriction. It is not a car soley for the first-time car buyers. In fact, the biggest customer base sits at between 26 and 32-years old. The next group the Picanto is popular with is the 50-plus age group. Ok, but back to this update. The front end has been redesigned with its sporty new bumper, grille and headlights. The “Star Map” signature lighting design is all very much the rage at Kia. It has a redesigned tail gate and that awesome-looking horizontal bar connecting the lights. I do love this! There has been a rather subtle change inside, why fix what ain’t broke I guess. The eight-inch infotainment screen has been revised, but the cabin as a whole, retains that amazing tactile quality that gives the Picanto that almost premium feel. There has been no change to the engine line up, we still get the 1.0-litre and 1.2-litre pots, mated either to a five-speed manual or four-speed auto. But the model line up has changed, even the names have been changed. Gone are the cutesy Start, Street and Style names, and in their place, are the names we are now familiar with from the other Kia models, such as LX, EX and EX+. Gone is the X-Line model, which makes the EX+ the top of the range. For context, the LX is not the same as what the Start was. In fact, it is an enhanced version of the Street model. And the EX is a higher spec than the Style. Basically, the Picanto now offers even more value for money. If that was even possible. To give you an idea of what I mean, so that I don’t get accused (again) of being sponsored by Kia, just take a look… The LX, which is the “entry-level” model, is priced at R260 995. It comes standard with dual front airbags, Isofix, ABS, keyless entry, leather-clad steering wheel and gear shifter, all-round electric windows with auto up and down on driver’s window, electric heated side mirrors, remote central locking, alarm and immobiliser, air-conditioning, an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, reverse camera, bluetooth with voice recognition, multi-function steering wheel and USB ports. Do you see what I mean? It is full to the brim! For more info you will need to wait for my video review 🙂 PRICING OF THE UPDATED KIA PICANTO The Kia Picanto comes standard with Kia’s five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and a two-year/30 000 km service plan.

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Selling Seltos

Launches / julzmcg

I don’t think you even need to read this review to know that I will be praising the Kia Seltos. It is pretty obvious by now that I am a huge Kia fan. I need to stop droning on about it, but guys, it is quite difficult when Kia continues to produce such excellent quality. The updated Kia Seltos is yet another example of this. The Seltos hit our shores in 2019 and so was due an update before we see an all new model arrive. Looking at it from the outside, you will notice a few tiny tweaks here and there, especially to the front and the rear. Such as a new headlamp design, a new iteration of Kia’s “Tiger nose” grille, and redesigned daytime running lights. The tailgate has been completely redesigned and incorporates Kia’s “star map” lighting signature. There are new alloy wheel designs and a new colour with the unfortunate name of Pewter Olive. But inside is where we see the biggest change. The entire centre facia has been redesigned which now aligns with one of my favs, the Sportage. The higher spec models get a 10.25-inch curved touchscreen display. Everything just works in this cabin. From the quality feel to the graphics to the tech. It is all seamless and makes for a really pleasant place to be. Kia asked its current Seltos customers what stands out about this compact SUV and it came down to looks and space. It is certainly nailing it on those fronts. It is also nailing it in terms of engine options. This is the only compact SUV in the segment that is offered with a turbodiesel engine. And this makes me love Kia even more. They are sticking to their guns and providing what their customers are after. Even though there are two new petrol options for the Seltos, it’s still the 1.5-litre diesel engine that does it for me. It whips out 85 kW and 250 Nm and is paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel consumption readings are often under 5l/100 km, which means that any of you coming at me with a hybrid rival can be put in your place. There is obviously the flagship GT-Line with its new 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine, which puts out 118 kW and 253 Nm and is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. And sure, it comes with all the bells and whistles, but it is the most costly of the line-up and I don’t think one needs to stretch their budget to this derivative when you have the likes of the EX and EX Plus guises with a diesel motor. The Seltos is comprehensibly specced, regardless of trim level, so save a buck or two and opt for one of the diesels I mention above. If you’re after a rival, there are so many. This segment is probably the most complicated of any. One can compare compact SUVs on price, size, and spec and the results would be endless. You can look at a Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid or a Hyundai Creta to a Volkswagen T-Roc to a Chery Tiggo Pro 7 or even 8 and also the Haval Jolion. I mean, the list is quite literally endless. But what the Seltos offers is exceptional quality. Sure, the Chinese brands offer incredible value for money, and in the market we currently find ourselves in, this cannot be ignored and is probably the biggest drawcard. But if you want a product that is well-specced and refined, look no further than the Seltos. PRICING OF THE KIA SELTOS All Seltos models come standard with Kia’s industry-leading unlimited km/five-year warranty, inclusive of Roadside Assistance, as well as a five-year/90,000 km service plan.

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A One Million Rand Mazda

Launches / julzmcg

Is it really that hard to believe that a Mazda can cost you R1 million? Cars these days, in general, are priced at crazy amounts, so if I am honest, this doesn’t surprise me at all. And after having driven Mazda’s top of the range CX-60 Takumi model, I can confidently say that it is actually priced rather well. Especially when you consider that Mazda has, in recent years, positioned itself as a more premium and upmarket brand. Last year we saw the launch of the Mazda CX-60 , but it was only the two models that were available. Both housed 2.5-litre petrol engines under the bonnet, and while the Individual model came in at just under R780 000, the all-wheel drive Individual model kicked off at just under R845 000. This flagship model will cost you just over R1 million, so what do you get for it? It looks as good as the standard model (it truly is a gorgeous-looking car…and I NEVER say this), but it just adds a few bits and bobs to set it apart, such as full body-coloured bumpers, black metallic 20-inch alloys, and a black grille. You can also enjoy black Nappa leather inside, as well as heated and ventilated seats, a 12-speaker Bose sound system and a 12-inch central display screen – which is not touch screen and probably never will be. This makes me so happy, I cannot even tell you. Instead you use the controls in the centre console. You will eventually be able to use it without having to look down at the buttons, much like one used to be able to do on a Blackberry phone. I miss those days. Not that you should ever have done so, but back then you could text while driving without ever looking at your phone (I obviously never ever did such an illegal thing). It’s spacious and comfortable. The boot is a whopping 570-litres. This segment is tricky. Do you compare it based on price or size? This flagship model is a bit of an anomaly, which makes it even more appealing to me. But if you have to look at all angles, you would say the CX-60 rivals the Volkswagen Tiguan, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Audi Q5 and even the Toyota RAV4. I love that this is a bit of a left-of-field choice. But where this car shines is with its incredible powertrain. What a nice surprise it is to get into a turbodiesel of this size, it is quite rare these days. It boasts a 3.3-litre inline-six turbodiesel equipped with 48V mild-hybrid technology and puts out 187 kW and 550 Nm. Power is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. It is quite wonderful. The sound, the acceleration, the feel. It’s somewhat old school in feel and so tugs at the heartstrings a bit. It is comfortable and capable, especially with the different driving modes, which includes an off-road mode It has a fuel consumption claimed at 4.9l/100 km, but you might see closer to 7l/100 km, if not more if you’re pushing it. This is the car for those who perhaps don’t have or want to spend the money on some of the German rivals, but still want that premium look and feel. It offers so much in terms of standard spec and features (oh did I mention that it has a five-star crash rating), but it also has the performance, capability and comfort to boot. This is certainly a car that should make it to your list if you are in the mid-size SUV market. PRICING OF THE NEW MAZDA CX-60 TAKUMI Mazda CX-60 3.3 DE Takumi AWD – R1 049 200This includes a five-year/unlimited distance warranty and service plan.

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This is one way to Elevate Honda again

Launches / julzmcg

It is no secret that I wasn’t a huge fan of the Honda WR-V, so I was really looking forward to the new Elevate that has just arrived in South Africa. Was I going to love it? Hate it? Or be straight down the middle about it? Well, I am so happy to report that I actually rather love it and I think that Honda might just have brought themselves back to life with this new compact SUV/crossover. The Elevate has some strong competition in the form of the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, Suzuki Grand Vitara and so on, not to mention the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro. But I think it is going to slot in rather well, and might even give a few of these a run for their money. What surprised me most was just how spacious this car is. It feels like it could be nipping at the toes of a segment above it. The boot is a rather large 458-litres and that will go down very well with families who are looking for a car that can swallow all of the paraphernalia that goes along with kids. The cabin is well appointed and when everyone is all gung-ho on tech and screens and all things arcade-like, the Elevate is rather refreshing with its more traditional buttons and knobs. That’s not to say it doesn’t look and feel modern, especially considering it does offer all the tech. Even the entry-level Comfort has a lot to be proud of with its eight-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and two USB ports in the front. The Elegance derivative adds a wireless charging pad, seven-inch digital instrument cluster, a sunroof, and a multi-view camera. Some have reported on the hard plastics, this is doesn’t bother me, never has really. I don’t tend to spend time touching or feeling up the dashboard. Under the bonnet of both derivatives sits a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 89 kW and 145 N.m. The Comfort is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, while the Elegance has a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Fuel consumption is claimed at 6.1 L/100 km for the CVT and 6.7 L/100 km for the manual. Look, I am not going to pretend it is the best engine or that the CVT doesn’t whine at you under hard acceleration, but for every day use to and from school drop offs and grocery runs, this car will not disappoint. Even when fully loaded. You might feel somewhat frustrated when trying to overtake on the highway or if you really want to push and happen to live in Gauteng (now who’s fault is that then?). But with this engine and the CVT, you are able to come close to the claimed fuel consumption and in this day and age, that has to count for something. This car is comfortable, capable and offers great value for money. Something we use to love Honda for. I feel like the Elevate has taken us back to the good old days of Honda and if my prediction is correct, we will see a lot of these on the road. Here’s hoping. PRICING OF THE HONDA ELEVATE The new Elevate comes with a five-year/200 000 km warranty and a four-year/60 000 km service plan.

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GLC Coupé: Style Meets Substance

Launches / julzmcg

Aaaaand the 2024 launch season has kicked off and what a way to start. We welcome the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe to the mix, even though it actually launched last year already. What a beauty it is. Especially in black. I don’t think I have ever really given it a good stare down. Generally I do a once over. But at the launch this week I really took my time and saw just how beautiful this car really is. I am usually more about the engine. Haha, that’s a joke, we all know I am all about the practical life. Anyway, I digress. Now in its second generation, this mid-size coupé SUV is considered the sporty sibling of the GLC SUV and is obviously based on what used to be Mercedes-Benz’s best-selling model, the C-Class. This Coupé version blends the practicality of an SUV with the sleek lines of a coupé. And it does it very well. This car stands out in a parking lot and has that distinct Mercedes-Benz flair that fans of the brand will undoubtedly appreciate. Inside, the vehicle doesn’t disappoint. True to Mercedes-Benz’s reputation, the interior is plush, featuring high-quality materials and advanced technology. The latest generation MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system is easy to use and even voice prompts are better than ever. I recall the days of asking these systems to call “Mom” and then having a heart attack as it dialed the number of an ex-boyfriend with a name in no way similar to “Mom.” Standard for the interior is the Avantgarde line with a 12.3-inch high-res LCD screen in front of the driver, which appears to float freely above the wing profile and trim surface. The 11.9-inch central display rises from the centre console and likewise appears to float above the trim surface. Like the dashboard, the screen surface is slightly angled towards the driver. It all screams modern luxury. I do love a heated seat for added luxury! One might think that due to the coupé styling, while visually appealing, will compromise the practicality. You might think that the sloping roofline reduces rear headroom and compromises cargo space compared to the standard GLC SUV. And in turn this might be a deal-breaker for families or anyone needing more utilitarian space. But I am happy to report that rear headroom and space isn’t as compromised as you’d think. I witnessed a few of my lengthier colleagues test the rear seats and all commented on how headroom is, in fact, fine. Even the boot has grown in size to a rather generous 545-litres. My only tiny gripe is with the sleek design that impacts rear visibility quite a bit, which is a common critique among coupé-style SUVs. The rear window is smaller, and the sloping lines can make it harder to see out of the back, which might necessitate reliance on cameras and sensors more than some drivers would like. The exciting news is that the GLC Coupé is available with electrified engines. The mild-hybrid units include a second-generation integrated starter-generator (ISG) and a 48-volt on-board electrical system. The integrated starter-generator in the mild hybrid variants supports the combustion engine especially at low engine speeds. Both the 220 d and the 300 d boast a 2.0-litre turbocharged pot, but with different outputs. The 220 d sees 145 kW and 440 Nm, while the 330 d produces 269 kW and 550 Nm. The Cape Town traffic decided to hamper our launch route every which way we turned, and so we didn’t get to put these two variants to a full test, but what was instantly evident is the smooth ride, with the suspension doing a great job of absorbing bumps. And the bits here and there where we were able to push it a bit, showcased the handling of this coupé. It felt stable and responsive on twists and turns. There is no doubt that the GLC Coupé stands out. It’s not just another SUV; it’s for those who dig a bit of flair and aren’t shy to show it off. But it still exudes an elegance many might be after. Let’s be honest, that price tag might make you gulp harder than a cold Castle on a hot Durban day, but the GLC Coupé has its charms and I can’t imagine any Mercedes-Benz fan not loving it. PS. I didn’t take it off-road, it apparently has a bit of capability, but I think this is what most owners would say. I can’t see too many GLC Coupés on Atlantis dunes or up the side of a mountain. Think more Constantia, Sandton or fancy pants suburbia. PRICING OF THE MERCEDES-BENZ GLC COUPÉ GLC 220D: R1,392,350.00GLC 300D: R1,447,350.00

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Is the Ford Puma just too expensive?

Launches / julzmcg

I never start a review with the pricing, but you will see why I have. I have read a couple of reviews on the new Ford Puma from fellow motoring journalists and all I can say is that they are all playing it very safe. The reason I say this is that while talking to many at the recent launch, they appeared gobsmacked by the price. But in their writing, they seem to be telling a very different story. Well, I am going to be honest with you. The Puma is expensive. All cars are. But it is justified? This is not to say it is not a great product. In fact, I quite adore it. And I will go in to more detail about this little froggy-looking guy in a minute. But I loved it when I didn’t know how much it cost. I just don’t think the price is justified on any level. It is just not enough car for that amount of money. It is, after all, a 1.0 crossover. And it has some very stiff competition that trumps it in price, and badge. Think Volkswagen T-Roc (although overseas it appropriately competes with a T-Cross), Audi Q2, Hyundai Kona, Toyota CH-R and even the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. So what is the Puma? Well, it is a very exciting offering from Ford who, for some time, has not been playing in this segment of the market. The now discontinued EcoSport was your only real option from Ford. The Puma, although you wouldn’t necessarily tell by looking at pictures of it, is bigger than the EcoSport. The rear leg- and headroom is a bit cramped for taller adults, but the boot makes up for it. It sits at 456-litres and it has two levels. It also has a nifty ‘Megabox’ feature which is a waterproof compartment under the floor that has a drainage plug. Throw all your muddy stuff in there and hose it down. Not that you’ll be taking this car off road, mind you, it is front-wheel drive. Where Ford makes up for its price, or tries to at least, is with standard spec. You’ve got two options, the Titanium or the ST Line Vignale. Both are generously specced with the Titanium boasting an eight-inch touchscreen with Sync3, two USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (albeit not wireless). The ST Line Vignale adds leather seats which will also massage you if you so choose, a 10-speaker B&O audio system, an electric tailgate and digital instrument cluster. If it is a sunroof you’re after, though, you’ll be coughing up more money for it in the form of the ST Line Styling Pack. This will also get you an electrically adjustable driver seat. There are a host of standard safety features such as hill launch assist, lane-keeping aid, six airbags, pre-collision assist and auto high beam assist. But if it is adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, front parking sensors, a reverse-view camera, active park assist or a driver-impairment monitor you’re after, you will again have to cough up for the Driver Assistance Pack. And don’t forget that a service plan is not standard either. The Puma is powered by a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbopetrol engine mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. It produces 92 kW and 170 N.m of torque. This tried and tested engine is nippy as hell and really great around urban areas. It is also great on the highway. It is quiet and refined. The fuel consumption is claimed at 5.3l/100 km but you are likely to see higher readings. I averaged around 6.2//100 km, which is still low enough for my liking. The only downside is perhaps the ride quality which is ever so slightly firm, especially on the bigger tyres on the ST Line Vignale model, but I doubt it will bother most customers. So here’s the dilemma, right? It is a fantastic little product. It doesn’t really have many faults. But the fact remains that in this current market, pricing is probably your most important thing. With Chinese car brands flooding our market with value you just can’t deny, something like the Puma doesn’t make sense. And the argument that this is a different customer no longer rings true anymore. More and more customers are becoming price sensitive. South African’s are veering away from the image conscious buyers they once were to a more practical buyer who is perhaps using their head and not their heart. I hope that I am wrong because I would like to see a lot of these on the roads because they make me smile, I think of a ‘paddatjie.’ But I fear that I might just be right and people would rather go for a less expensive rival, a more premium rival at a similar price point, or a product that gives you way more car for your money. As I always say, time will tell.

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