Launches

The Omoda C5 GT going for gold!

Well, it is official. I am a gold wheel lover. That’s right. This somewhat vanilla Tannie actually loves gold wheels on a car. Who would have thought it? Certainly not I! It started with the Mini Clubman JCW, then the Audi RS6 Avant Performance, and now the new Omoda C5 GT has got me in all the feels. You might be familiar with the Omoda C5, but this limited edition GT model not only adds some cool gold kit, it has a more powerful engine to boot. But first, let me talk you through the Gold Standard. It boasts a gold logo and rear gold GT badge. The gold sports rims are optional but why wouldn’t you choose gold? If you like black rims that is. Either way, they are both 18-inches. The GT is a sportier version of the standard GT and offers up to eight different exterior customisations. It’s a good looking car and is certainly going to turn heads with its futuristic looks. On to the engine. The standard C5 hosts a 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine that delivers 115 kW and 230 Nm. The C5 GT, however, boasts a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine. It produces 145 kW of power and 250 Nm of torque. It is mated to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission as opposed to the standard C5’s CVT. One can feel just how much more responsive this engine/transmission set up is. Even in Eco mode, the GT feels rather sprightly. But if it is more oomph you want, pop it into Sport mode and away you go. Fuel consumption is claimed at 6.8l/100 km, but I suspect you will see a much higher reading. You might want to wait for the hybrid Omoda models to trickle into the country if fuel-saving is a factor. From a tech point of view, there is no denying just how fully specced these Chinese-brand cars are. And the Omoda GT is no different. The standard C5 model already boasts electric front seats, a sunroof – that can be operated by voice, mind you – ambient lighting in the rear, a 360-degree panoramic camera system, powered tailgate, and an eight-speaker SONY sound system. The GT adds a wireless charging pad, dual 10.25-inch instrument cluster and infotainment screens, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. I hate to admit it, but we had a few issues with some of the features. Not only did our Android Auto struggle to connect – with the screen turning black for a number of minutes before magically reappearing, but the wireless charger was not up to scratch. Not only did it almost fry my phone, but it only charged about 1% after a long drive. There are a few quirks here and there that we have become accustomed to with these cars, such as the musical jingle that welcomes you when you enterthe car, but these connectivity and tech issues are just unacceptable and need to be addressed. With that said, no one can deny the extraordinary appeal these cars have, if only for their value for money proposition. This Omoda GT is striking in every way. The engine and drive is refined, smooth and very comfortable. If we can just sort out the tech issues, there is no reason these cars can’t take on the best-sellers in the segment. PRICING OF THE OMODA C5 GT R589 000 It comes with a standard five-year/150 000 km warranty, a five-year/70 000 km service plan and a first-owner-only 10-year/1 million km engine warranty.

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The enchanting Jimny five-door is here!

Launches / julzmcg

In 1970, the first Suzuki Jimny made its debut. That means that in 2020, we saw 50 years of Jimny! That is pretty epic. There were a few more generations to come, one being launched the year I was born (don’t guess), but it was the fourth generation that really got people talking. It came in hot! There was more than a year waiting list to get your hands on one. The demand was so great that Suzuki SA changed tactic and sourced the Jimny from India instead of Japan and in so helped with demand. In 2022 the Jimny received an update and remained a hugely popular choice among adventurers – and city slickers to boot (wait for the pun). As much as I adore the look and capabilities of this off-roader, its lack of practicality was a let down if it was space you needed. The boot in the three-door version is almost non-existent, it was 85-litres for crying out aloud. I am certain that most three-door Jimny’s never have the rear seats up. Suzuki has again addressed this ‘issue’ by introducing its five-door model. I headed to Botswana to see if this family version Jimny would cut it, after all, it is right up my alley. There is an extra 340 mm in this car. The rear seats provide ample legroom and the boot, although not humungous at 211-litres, can comfortably fit a few carry-on bags and extra bits and pieces. The rear seats fold flat and if you pop the front seats down you have enough space for a bed. Which I almost tested out when I first saw that we were camping in the middle of the Tuli Wilderness area where we were informed of the many leopards roaming about. Even though the tents were made up to be ever so comfy, I did not sleep a wink. I kept envisioning a herd of elephants trampling over me while I ‘slept.’ I would have been very happy in the back of the Jimny! If there is one thing I could change about the Jimny, it would be the engine. The naturally aspirated 1.5-litre from the three-door is also found in the five-door, and as much as it is still perfectly adequate around town and in urban areas, on the highway, at national speed, it is just not that great. Our Jimny featured the five-speed manual ‘box (there is also the four-speed auto), and I longed for a sixth gear. With that said, if you are happy to cruise along between 80 km – 100 km, then you will not be bothered. It is only really when you are hitting the national speed limit that the engine starts to take strain. You also need to carefully plan any overtaking manoeuvres – which, to be fair, you should always do. But where this little guy shines is off road. My goodness me. It is easy to forgive the compromised highway ride when you’re tackling anything but tar. It really is called the world’s most authentic off-roader for good reason. The Jimny can take on products that sell for more than three times the cost of it. It’s only real obvious rival, though, is the Duster. Which although capable, just doesn’t have the charm that the Jimny has. We drove it through a sandy river bed and at no point did I think I was going to get stuck. I don’t think one Jimny in the 15 or so convoy, had any issues. I was torn between wanting a manual for on-road and an auto for off-roading. It has been some time since I 4×4’d with a manual. The Jimny made it quite easy. But if it is off-roading you are keen on, I would rather opt for the auto, if only to make things almost effortless. For me, the Jimny is one of a kind. And I know I am not alone in this thought. It’s looks are enchanting even. I love everything about it barring the engine ‘issues’ I write about earlier. But if the three-door sales are anything to go by, Jimny lovers couldn’t care less about its on-road manners. And so they shouldn’t. This little go getter was born for the road less travelled. PRICING OF THE FIVE-DOOR JIMNY 1.5 GL Manual – R429 9001.5 GLX Manual – R457 9001.5 GLX Auto – R479 900

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SPORTAGE JUST GETS BETTER AND BETTER

Launches / julzmcg

I can’t express enough how much I adore the Kia Sportage. And I know you are so sick of hearing me harp on about it, but guys, I can’t help it. And I can assure you, I am not paid by Kia in any way, shape or form. I wish! At this rate I think I should be given a Sportage, just for good measure, you know?! The reason I am back on about the Kia Sportage is because Kia SA has made a few adjustments to the range. This current generation, which is the fifth gen, was only launched last year, but Kia SA doesn’t want to wait three years before tweaking its line up. The reason being that technology and the likes moves so quickly these days that manufacturers would be crazy to wait for those mid-life cycle facelifts. Even though the Sportage range already boasts an array of safety features, Kia SA has now also added Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) technology to all models, not just the GT-Line. This means every model now has Lane Follow Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist as standard. Kia’s ace up its sleeve is its diesel models. More manufacturers are moving away from diesel options only because they have to, not because they want to. But Kia is proud to be able to still offer the South African customer what they want – and at an affordable price point. With electric vehicles and hybrids costing a bomb, the next best option is diesel. Kia introduced its 1.6 CDI turbodiesel model to the market in May this year. It offers 100 kW of power and 320 Nm of torque. The draw card here, besides being an excellently refined engine, is the fuel consumption. It is a crazy low 4.9l/100 km. There are few hybrids that can match this. But if it is a bit more punch you are after, you still have the option of a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol pot producing 132 kW and 265 Nm. It is a tad more punchy, but you will also have a higher fuel consumption of 6.5l/100 km. Which is not exactly terrible either. The other slight change, you can only get the diesel engine in LX or EX guise, whereas the GT-Line models are all petrol-powered. Guys, I know you are all looking at the Chinese brands and can see the incredible value they offer. I get it. You can’t deny that at the price points they are coming in at, it’s hard not to be blown away. HOWEVER, and this is a big one, take it from me, the expert, driving them back-to-back – which I recently did at the Cars.co.za Consumer awards testing days – the refinement of this Sportage is unmatched. I test drove it against the Haval H6 and Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max and as much as I would recommend these two cars if someone so desired them, the Sportage is just unparalleled when it comes to build quality and refinement as I mentioned. I will do anything I can to own a Sportage one day. Watch this space… PRICING OF THE KIA SPORTAGE Kia Sportage 1.6 CRDi LX: R 637 995 Kia Sportage 1.6 CRDi EX: R 691 995 Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi GT-Line: R 713 995 Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi GT-Line Plus: R 741 995 Kia Sportage 1.6 CRDi GT-Line Plus: R 765 995 Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi GT-Line S: R 798 995

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The Fronx Soul Brother…

Launches / julzmcg

Have you now got that Fatboy Slim song stuck in your head? I got this from a colleague, Ashley Olfield, who told young journo’s that this is where the name, Fronx, was derived from. It made me laugh out loud, and then curse him because I couldn’t stop singing it in my head. So now I have done the same to you. But let’s be fronk frank, it is a terrible name. No one wants to say they drive a “Fronx.” Crisis, what a clumsy word. It is obviously not derived from that song, but actually from two terms. The first is “Frontier” which refers to both the way in which the vehicle crosses a frontier for Suzuki in this market segment and how its design crosses a frontier between SUV and coupé. The second term is “X”, pointing to the crossover nature of the Fronx. Look, there is nothing we can do about it now, it has been named. But this is where the moaning ends because it is an incredible car from Suzuki, as always, and it comes in at such a good price you will forgive it its name. It is a stand out car. It looks gooooood. And I know I said I was going to stop moaning, but I have one last little moan left in me and it refers to the interior colour pallatte. Good grief. Black and…wait for it…burgundy! BURGUNDY. Why? It dates the interior so much, however, some people might find it inoffensive and that is good for them. I wish you were able to choose plain black, but you cannot. But let’s move on to the good stuff. You can choose between two trim levels, GL and GLX. Both of which come with a load of standard features. There is even cruise control across the board. As well as all-round electric windows, automatic climate control with rear ventilation, central locking, electric power steering, dual rear-mounted USB charging points, a front-mounted 12V charging socket and a centre console box that doubles as both an armrest and storage compartment. The GLX adds keyless entry with push-button start, wireless charging, head-up display, dual vanity mirrors with illumination in the sun visors and additional lighting in the glove compartment and front footwells. It also has a nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system (the GL has seven-inches) with a 360-degree camera. I told you it was specced up! The boot is at 304 litres with a full-sized 16-inch spare wheel. It is not the biggest boot, but it can fit in a couple of carry-on bags and so on. It is on par with most of its rivals. The Fronx has a commendable ground clearance of 170 mm which will come in handy, wherever you drive it. The Fronx is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 77 kW and 138 Nm. You can choose between a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. Because the car is so light, this power does go a long way. In fact, it is a great little engine. The fuel consumption is also excellent, I saw a reading of 6.3l/100 km on the auto. But you could probably get closer to the claimed number of 5.7l/100 km (5.5l/100 km for the manual). I drove both the manual and the auto, and I gunned it in both of them. Neither one irritated me, even on the highway, and that must tell you something. This little rocket can move. And it is a comfortable drive and rather quiet in the cabin. Overall, I would say it is my favourite drive in this segment, topped only by the Kia Sonet (which is more expensive). Speaking of rivals, you’ve got quite a line up in the mix. Think Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger, the aforementioned Kia Sonet, Hyundai Venue…the list goes on. But where the Fronx shines is with its pricing. When it was announced I think my mouth actually dropped open. Suzuki continues to offer customers excellent products at affordable prices. The Fronx will no doubt go to the top of my recommendation list. If you have R300 000 to spend on a car, this is the one you want to look at. It ticks so many boxes. If only we could change its name. PRICING OF THE FRONX

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The return of an icon

Launches / julzmcg

I didn’t know I was going to become a motoring journalist until I was about 21 years of age. It wasn’t something I even knew existed when I was at school. It’s moments like last week where I am eternally grateful that I found this career path. I attended the Mercedes-AMG Performance Tour where not only were the biggest and baddest beasts revealed, but also the brand new Mercedes-AMG SL was unveiled. We’ve seen 70 years of this racing machine, as some would call it. It has curves in all the right places and now marks another milestone in the model’s history. It combines the distinct sportiness of the original SL with the unique luxury and technological excellence of the modern Mercedes-AMG models. I hit the track in the SL 43 and it is instantly obvious that this is a driver enthusiast car. It is engaging in every way. I had just before that been in the also newly revealed AMG A45, which while lightning quick and fun as hell, doesn’t quite engage you in the old school way the SL does. The 2.0-litre in-line four-cylinder turbo, with its 280 kW and 480 Nm, ensures it packs a real punch. It will get you to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds. There is also an additional 10 kW of burst from the electric motor. This newly developed AMG RIDE CONTROL steel suspension with particularly powerful aluminium shock absorbers and lightweight coil springs. The new SL is the first production vehicle ever from Mercedes-AMG to feature a multi-link front axle with five links arranged entirely within the rim. This significantly improves the kinematics. At the rear axle, a 5-link design likewise controls the wheels. This car allows you to run out of confidence before the car does. It’s a blast and one you will walk away from with only a the biggest smile on your face. That could be said about most of the models on display this past weekend. We even got to feel up the AMG GT 63 S E with its 4.0 V8 bi-turbo that produces an outrageous 620 kW and 1 400 Nm of torque. Yes, you read that correctly. You will get to 100 km/h in a staggering 3.3 seconds. If only we got to drive this model, but I fear we would be writing a few more obituaries than reviews. There were more AMG models on display and guests were able to sample most of them. There were sprints, gymkhanas, braking tests, track driving, and more. This will certainly not be the last AMG Performance Tour we see and I hope that next year I get to spend more time in each of the models. In fact, I would like for everyone else to go home and to leave me to my own devices on the track…ah a girl can dream. Stay tuned for more AMG video goodness as soon as I get a few of the new models on test.

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You can get a Toyota Vitz for R2 999 all inc. per month

Launches / julzmcg

A few years back, when the Renault Kwid was launched, we were all rather quick to judge. And rightly so. It wasn’t safe enough. I found it appalling that in this day and age, manufacturers would almost prey on those less fortunate by offering them a car, at a really good price, that had almost no safety features on board. But thankfully, things changed and these little budget-buys, were made safer. And look at the Kwid now. Gosh, it absolutely dominates this space. Toyota, which you’d think would be right up there, didn’t actually fair too well this segment. The brand’s contender, the Agya, was discontinued last year. Now to fill that gap is a Toyota-badged Suzuki Celerio, named the Toyota Vitz. Interestingly to note, the Celerio doesn’t exactly dominate this segment either. It will, therefore, be interesting to see how the Vitz fairs. As I mentioned, it is a Suzuki Celerio – it is another product from the collab I have spoken about often. But of course Toyota has added its bits and bobs to give you that everything-keeps-going-right feeling. There are three derivatives on sale, with the XR being the top spec models offered with either manual or automatic transmissions. Under the bonnet sits Suzuki’s 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine which only puts out 49 kW and 89 Nm of torque. Thank goodness this car weighs just over 800 kg otherwise it would be like trying to budge a stubborn elephant with a feather duster. All of this also means a very low fuel consumption, 4.4L/100 km on the manual and 4.2L/100 km on the auto. The drive is pleasant and altogether quite nippy. It goes without saying that it struggles somewhat on the highway, especially if there is a strong wind blowing. When it comes to the safety I was speaking about earlier, the Vitz is covered with two front airbags, electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, and rear parking sensors. There is also child locks and ISOFIX child restraint systems and the auto version gets Hill Assist. If you’re able to, opt for the XR model because it boasts more features, obviously, but you really do want Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, remote central locking and electric mirrors and windows. Standard is air conditioning and a multifunction steering wheel. PRICING OF THE NEW TOYOTA VITZ A two-year/30 000 km service plan and a three-year/100 000 km warranty is standard. There isn’t much to dislike about the Vitz. If you like the Celerio that is. I feel for Suzuki as the Vitz will certainly take sales away from them. Either way, in a time when we all feel like we are sinking under the weight of inflation, a budget-hatch becomes ever so more appealing. And Toyota has upped the ante with the introduction of its Kinto One subscription service. For just R2 999 per month (a promotional offer), you get to lease the Vitz for six month up to 60 months and the only other cost to you will be that of fuel. Licence/registration, servicing costs, roadside assistance, wear and tear, mileage AND insurance are all covered by the subscription. There are terms and conditions and it means you won’t own the car at the end of the leasing period, but it will make sense for a lot of people. More and more so as we see prices all around us increase.

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I adore the Volvo C40 Recharge

Launches / julzmcg

I am not going to even lie about it, I am not a fan of Electric Vehicles (EVs) here in South Africa. We just do not have the infrastructure for it and unless you have the right set up at home, it’s a nightmare. Now look, most people who buy an EV will certainly have the charger at home…most EVs sold in SA come with a complimentary charger of sorts. And most people would have an internal combustion engine (ICE) car on hand for road trips. You see, then an EV makes sense to me. And never has an EV made more sense to me than Volvo’s new C40 Recharge. I am a little bit in love. I adore the design. I cannot describe how good it looks on the road. From the front and the rear. Volvo has done an excellent job in taking the XC40 (a firm favourite of mine) and adding a very sporty appeal to it. The sloping roofline unfortunately means you lose rear headroom, but if it is only the kiddiewinks going in the back, then you shouldn’t have too many issues. The cabin is also just so impressive in more ways than none. Not only is it all kinds of modern, tranquil and elegant, but this C40 Recharge is also the first Volvo to be completely leather-free. I am not a huge fan of leather as it is, so this makes me very happy. But for the earth lovers out there, you’ll be even happier to know that it boasts sustainable upholsteries such as renewable wool fibres or a combination of suede textile made from recycled plastics and a special micro-tech material. I don’t know if I would opt for the signature colour, which is Fjord Blue, not only because I just adore it in black, but because that blue extends in to the cabin with blue carpets and I am not sure I love them. It is inspired by the deep inlets on the Scandinavian west coast, so there’s that. Another inspiration is that of the Abisko National park in Sweden which has been topographically copied and this translucent pattern is on the door panels with back lighting. It looks quite sensational. The car’s infotainment system is powered by Google which makes life super easy. I am a Google gal. I use all of Google’s apps and so it is seamless to utilise the tech in the C40 Recharge. When it comes to power, there are two electric motors, one on each axle, equipped with a 78 kWh battery. Performance numbers are an impressive 300 kW and 660 Nm. And you can feel it. Put your foot down and thanks to that instant torque you are thrown back in your seat. Overtaking is a real doddle. And if it is range anxiety you suffer from, never fear, because the C40 Recharge has a range of 444 km. And the all-wheel drive system will ensure even better safety measures. A weird, yet pretty wonderful thing, is that there is no start button! You merely get into the car and select Drive or Reverse and the car starts to move. It feels quite bizarre. As with all the EVs in SA, it does not come cheap at R1 285 000. But if I had the money, the space and the extra ICE car, this would 100% go into my garage. I adore it!

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Was the new GLC really worth the wait?

Launches / julzmcg

How times have changed, hey? When I first started out in this industry 100 years ago, the likes of the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class were all the rage. You’d really made it in life if you drove one (although my Dad always used to say, “A BMW is like an a**hole, everybody has one.” – He didn’t say that about the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, however). The C-Class was the brand’s best-selling car. Until it wasn’t. That’s because the SUV has reigned supreme and so the GLC is now standing proud on that podium. THE WAIT IS OVER This new generation GLC launched last year, but we had to wait until now before getting a taste of it. Was it worth the wait? Well yes, and no. I’LL EXPLAIN LATER This car has seen quite an overhaul despite looking decidedly similar to the outgoing model. It is 60 mm longer and four mm lower than its predecessor. Most noticeable is probably the redesigned front end, with headlamps that connect directly to the radiator grille to emphasise the vehicle’s width. Flip around to the rear and you’ll notice the new two-section rear lights have an interior with a three-dimensional look The interior is pretty much a carbon copy of the C-Class cabin. And although there are loads of tech updates, they are mainly optional. But I should give credit where credit is due. Mercedes-Benz is good at giving it’s more ‘budget-conscious’ buyers the same opportunities as those who play in the S-Class field. A lot of the tech trickles down from that car and that is all about luxury! When it comes to space, thanks to the larger rear overhang, the boot capacity has increased significantly by 70-litres. That’s a total of 620-litres. Families will rejoice because, if you have kids, you know that there is never enough space and any increase will be welcomed. Practically speaking, the GLC shines. DRIVE BY The GLC is now only available as a mild-hybrid. It has 48-volt technology and an integrated starter-generator. Basically what this means for you is that you will save on fuel and you won’t notice the stop-start system, which is always a good thing in my books. I drove the flagship 300d model which boasts a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel pot with a rather punchy 198 kW and 550 Nm. You’ll get to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds. It is very comfortable and composed drive, and quiet too. If you want an even better drive, one where you feel like you’re on a cloud, opt for the AIRMATIC air suspension. The rest of the range consists of the ‘entry-level’ 220d with its 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine producing 145 kW and 440 Nm of torque. And then the petrol option comes in the form of the GLC 300 with its turbocharged 2.0 litre kicking out 190 kW and 400 Nm of torque. NOW FOR PRICING MY EXPLANATION The new GLC is better in every way than the outgoing model. So in that way, it was worth the wait. But I can’t help but feel that cars are starting to out price themselves. I have no doubt that the GLC will continue to be a global top seller. Here in South Africa, though, I am not sure. Let’s just hope that those who love it and could afford it, can still afford it.

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