launch review

First drive in the new Ford Mustang

Just typing “Ford Mustang” in to the title of this post gives me butterflies. Is there a more iconic car in the world? If there is, it is debatable. It is part of our cultural fabric, a part of our car fantasies and dreams. Let me start by taking you back to when CGI didn’t exist and car chases were raw, authentic and had to depend solely on the car (and Steve McQueen) to conjure up drama and excitement. Just let the number 9.8 million sink in to your head for a moment. That’s 9.8 million Mustangs sold since 1965. We have had 2 642 sold in South Africa since 2016. That same year it was the world’s best selling sports car. And when you think just how small this segment is and the 1-2% of market share it holds, that is quite a feat. I headed out to Montagu this week to test drive the brand new Ford Mustang and what a trip it was. Not only did I drive the 2.3 EcoBoost model, but I also got to experience the 5.0 V8 AND the even more iconic Bullitt. Yislaaik you must be so jealous reading this post. THE NEW FORD MUSTANG, LADIES AND GENTLEMAN Ford calls it the sleeker, faster and more technologically advanced new Ford Mustang. The are changes to the front and rear of the car. The bonnet profile is now lower with integrated air vents, combined with a revised lower grille design. The rear sees a re-modelled bumper and diffuser element, accommodating standard quad-tailpipes for the 5.0-litre GT model. There are also three new colours on offer; Kona Blue, Orange Fury and Velocity Blue. 19-inch alloys can round off the look for you. STEP INSIDE The new Mustang doesn’t blow you away when you sit inside. Don’t get me wrong, it is all Mustang in there, but it just doesn’t deliver the punch I am after. It is lacking in build quality and refinement. Even with the soft touch materials which now feature for the door linings and the door handles which are finished in aluminium. You can place your bum in leather-trimmed, heated and cooled seats. And the customisable, all-digital, 12-inch LCD instrument cluster delivers information displays optimised to match the selected Drive Mode – similar to the Ford GT supercar. SAFETY FIRST For the first time Mustang is equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control and Distance Alert technologies that help drivers maintain an appropriate distance to the vehicle ahead, as well as Lane Departure Warning. It is also offered with a comprehensive range of driver assistance technologies including Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection. BUT NOW FOR THE GOOD STUFF As much as a Mustang is all about the looks, the feel, and the image, it is the engines that lie at the very heart of it. The 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol engine delivers 213 kW and 441 Nm of torque – which is an increase of 11Nm. Sure, it is still fun, but it doesn’t really get the heart racing quite like the 5.0-litre. For obvious reasons. The 2.3-litre is obviously not as engaging to drive. And the convertible top means that there is a lot of wind and road noise penetrating the cabin. Put that top down, though, and the appeal changes somewhat. Wave at the onlookers, because there will be many. V8 BABY The 5.0-litre V8 engine delivers more power and a higher rev-limit than ever before. Peak power climbs from 309 kW on the previous model to 331 kW, with an accompanying torque peak of 529 Nm. This is supported by the introduction of Ford’s new high-pressure direct injection and low-pressure port fuel injection system which improves low-end torque. The sound escaping the exhausts can bring even the most hardened car lover to tears. Ok that is a tad dramatic, but you get my point. This car is just all about the fun. That is it. What else does it really need to be? YOU’RE SO VAIN This, my friends, is the car you drive when you want outright attention. There is no escaping the beady eyes that follow your every move in this car. From petrol attendants to road workers to farm workers to pedestrians to CEOs and restaurant owners. There is no one this car doesn’t affect. The quaint town of Montagu was in for the shock of its life when we all arrived. I think the town might still be shaking. Especially after we were afforded the opportunity to take the Bullitt out on a run. Thankfully, Ford has produced what they call “Good Neighbour” mode. It means you can start the engine in a quieter manner so as not to anger your neighbours. Put it Race Track mode, however, and you might just be evicted…or become the most envied neighbour on your block. MANUAL ALL THE WAY As much as the 10-speed auto is mated well to both the 2.3 and 5.0 engines, there is just something refreshing about driving the Mustang in manual guise. Taking it back to old school. The Bullitt is something else. If you want to see just how I drove it (on a closed road…if you notice my speed) then go to my Instagram profile and check out my Insta Stories. There are only a limited number of 50 Bullitts coming to South Africa. 25 have already found new homes. Best you get in there quickly if you want one. VALUE FOR MONEY There are few cars, if any, at this price range that can do for you what a Mustang can. It is just every thing you think it is going to be, and more. Sure, the performance numbers might not scream out to the true enthusiasts out there, but there is no denying the charm of a Mustang. If you want to drive with a permanent grin on your face, take a Mustang for a spin. PRICING OF THE NEW FORD MUSTANG Mustang 2.3 Fastback 10AT R768 000 Mustang

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First drive in the new Ford Ranger Raptor

Car Reviews / julzmcg

The updated Ford Ranger Raptor is here to bring new levels of fun to the bakkie segment and will certainly have all off-road enthusiast’s attention. Ford is so confident in this tough truck that they decided to let hooligans the motoring media test it over some of the most intense off-roading conditions we’ve experienced to date! We were let loose in the Salt Pans of the Kalahari where we got to put the the new Raptor through some rally driving, skid panning, and dune driving. The media were concerned about something breaking, but Ford assured us that there’s enough capability, safety and support in this new bakkie to keep everything intact – our own body parts included. Thankfully, they were right and the bakkies are still good as new, despite having taken a beating from over 50 journalists over four days of harsh testing! THE HOOLIGAN OF FORD’S BAKKIE RANGE The Ford Ranger Raptor distinguishes itself from the rest of the Ranger models with a more menacing and sportier-looking exterior. Ford has completely revised the Raptor’s grille, raised the front bumper, and added an aluminium bash plate to protect the bakkie’s underbody. It’s also wider and taller, and its 850 mm wading depth means that it’s pretty much the submarine of the Ranger family. Massive BF Goodrich all-terrain tyres have been built especially for the new Raptor and have a lot to do with the Raptor’s ability to take on extreme conditions. Inside, you’ll find all the creature comforts found in the regular Ranger. but the Raptor adds sportier touches from striking and athletic Raptor-branded sports seats to a red alignment marker on the steering-wheel to stop you from losing track of your wheels’ direction off road. Paddle shifts behind the steering wheel are also available for the first time as standard on the Raptor. NO ORGAN TRANSPLANTS NECESSARY But it is the suspension system on the new Ranger Raptor that really makes this bakkie stand out from the crowd. Ford’s engineers put a lot of focus on developing a unique high-strength steel chassis with bespoke suspension and race-developed FOX shock absorbers that make even the largest of bumps at high speeds practically unnoticeable off road. It is also thanks to this that our kidneys were still intact after we had the opportunity to drive as a passenger with Ford’s own rally driver, Gareth Woolridge! FUN MODE You’ll find various driving modes to choose from in the Raptor, but its BAJA Mode – the ‘Sport Mode’ of off-road driving – is where the fun starts. It’s inspired by Mexico’s famous Baja Desert Rally, and offers ultra-responsive and spirited off-roading fun. There are also various terrain selections to choose from including Normal, Sport, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Sand and Rock. The Raptor’s 2.0-litre bi-turbocharged diesel engine (which you might recall from the new regular Ranger), offers 157 kW of power, 500 Nm of torque and is linked to a 10-speed automatic transmission. BEST OF BOTH WORLDS Despite the Raptor being so incredibly capable off-road, it still offers huge amounts of refinement and comfort in regular driving environments. In Normal Mode and out on the highway, the Raptor easily transforms itself into an everyday leisure bakkie – but its intentions are still clear and the fact that it can quickly turn into a mighty beast of a bakkie on demand is evident. So it is clear that the Raptor is like no ordinary Ranger, and although buyers might not necessarily take on any rally driving or off-road skidpans, just knowing what this tough truck is capable of will give any of its drivers and owners instant street-cred. FORD RANGER RAPTOR PRICING The new Ranger Raptor 2.0 BiT 10AT 4×4 is priced at R786 400 and comes with a four-year/120 000 km comprehensive warranty, a three-year/unlimited distance roadside assistance and a five-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty. A six-year/90 000 km service plan is included, with 15 000km service intervals. WORDS BY: CAIRA-LEE DURAND

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First drive in the new Ford Ranger Raptor

Car Reviews / julzmcg

First drive in the new Ford Ranger Raptor Read More »

First drive in the new Range Rover Evoque

Car Reviews / julzmcg

Eight years ago the Range Rover Evoque arrived and people were so excited they nearly lost their sh*t. It became the fastest selling car in Land Rover history and won a total of 217 global awards. Sooo…no pressure on the new Evoque then… THE SECOND GEN The all-new Range Rover Evoque launched this week and many might be asking, “Ya, but what is really different?” Everything actually! It might look like it has only had a mild facelift but you would be very wrong to think this. The only carry-over from the previous generation are the door hinges. One just needs to look a little closer and you will see the differences. On our drive at the launch we had the previous Evoque driving in front of us and it is then, when you see them side by side, that you can tell what has changed. Like the plastic cladding that is no longer and the fact that it looks a bit like a little Velar, especially with those fancy retractable door handles. The super-slim Matrix LED headlights also look pretty epic. The body structure is 99.9% new. The wheelbase has increase by 21mm which means some more legroom for rear passengers and we see an increase in boot space by 10%. That means you’re now getting 591-litres. It sounds really big, but I fear it is still not as big as some would want, although JLR do say you can fit a pram or golf clubs in quite easily. Thank goodness it is bigger than the convertible, remember this video? PULL IN The Velar appeal carries over in to the cabin with the twin touchscreen Touch Pro Duo system. That means you have two 10-inch high-definition glass touchscreens. You will need to spend time with this system. It is not for the faint hearted. You all know I love a knob button so all this screen touching stuff can be a bit much for me, but shucks it looks fancy. Especially with the 12.3-inch driver display behind the steering wheel with the full-colour head-up display. The 16-way seat controls ensure you will find your perfect driving position and with the same three trim levels to choose from, there really is an Evoque for everyone. Well for those who can afford it actually. THE RADDEST TECH There isn’t much tech in a car that excites me anymore, it all seems to have been done already. BUT, yislaaik I am so excited about two things this car offers. (I am excited by other stuff in the car too, but these two stand out. Plus, I can’t ramble of for much longer so you will have to just trust me on this). FAVOURITE TECH #1 The smart rear-view mirror transforms into an HD video screen by displaying a rear-facing camera feed onto the mirror. This means the driver’s view remains unrestricted by passengers or large items in the back, while also providing a wider 50-degree field of vision using a camera positioned above the rear window. This technology also delivers clearer visibility in low light conditions. I used this at the launch to not get hijacked when we were driving through Joburg’s streets at night. I would see those punks coming from a mile away! FAVOURITE TECH #2 ClearSight Ground View – the realisation of Land Rover’s transparent bonnet concept previewed on the Discovery Vision concept – is a world first. Cameras in the front grille and on the door mirrors project a feed onto the central touchscreen to show what is ahead of and underneath the front of the vehicle with a virtual 180-degree view. Check this sh*t out: ON THE ENGINE FRONT You will have a choice of a 132kW diesel and 183kW petrol engine. The 221kW plug-in hybrid will be added to the range early in 2020. The diesel (D180) has a claimed fuel consumption of 5.8l/100km and will get you to 100km/h in 9.3 seconds. While the P250-badged petrol claims 7.4l/100km and sprints from 0-100km/h in 7.5 seconds. HIT THE TRACK I always think of the Evoque as a manicured city car until I get it on to a 4X4 course and then I am reminded of just how capable this car is off-road. Ground clearance is at 212mm and it comes with a variety of all-terrain technologies such as Hill Descent Control, Gradient Release Control and All-Terrain Progress Control. The wading depth has also been increase from 500mm to 600mm. Take it off-road, I dare you? You will be pleasantly surprised. SAFE AS HOUSES (well not really) Euro NCAP scored the Evoque 94 percent for adult occupant protection (the highest score in this area for any Jaguar Land Rover product to date). You should watch the crash test. WHAT DO I REALLY THINK ABOUT THE NEW EVOQUE? The main appeal of the Evoque is its looks, but what I love even more is that it also delivers in terms of everything else. The ride is smooth, the handling exceptional, the cabin is comfortable and it surprises you in its off-road capabilities. It might not be practical enough for some, but you would still be forgiven for buying it based on its looks alone, if you can afford it that is. New life has been breathed in to this new Evoque and I predict it will still have many a fan. It might be expensive, but if you want elegance in stylish packages, you need to fork out for it. PRICING OF THE NEW RANGE ROVER EVOQUE Range Rover Evoque 5 Door 2.0 D 132kW D180: R734300 Range Rover Evoque 5 Door 2.0 D 132kW D180 S: R784300 Range Rover Evoque 5 Door 2.0 D 132kW D180 SE: R843800 Range Rover Evoque 5 Door 2.0 D 132kW D180 R-Dynamic S: R813000 Range Rover Evoque 5 Door 2.0 D 132kW D180 R-Dynamic SE: R872500 Range Rover Evoque 5 Door 2.0 D 132kW D180 R-Dynamic HSE: R920200 Range Rover Evoque 5 Door 2.0 D 132kW D180 First Edition: R945900

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First drive in the new Range Rover Evoque

Car Reviews / julzmcg

First drive in the new Range Rover Evoque Read More »

First drive in the new BMW X4

Car Reviews / julzmcg

I want to kick this review off with a few cool facts. Did you know that since 1999, 5.6 million BMW X models have been sold? The BMW X4 has seen 200 000 units sold since it hit the ground in 2014. And one third of all BMW’s sold, are in fact, X models. So you see, the X vibe is pretty huge for BMW, hence they keep expanding said X range. I hopped on a plane to good ol’ Durbs to drive the second generation BMW X4. In all honesty, I don’t see the appeal of the coupé crossovers, but I am clearly alone in this, if the numbers are anything to go by. Although, I did quite love the BMW X6 when it first showed up, but that has since worn off. Just in case you don’t know, the X6 is essentially the sporty version of the X5 and so the X4 is of course the sporty version of the X3. So if you love the X3, you will more than likely love the X4…barring a few difference here and there, obviously. This new BMW X4 has increased in length and width but decreased in height. It’s lighter too. But don’t let that fool you, it still looks like a muscly beast. Very athletic, if you will. There is no doubt it is a head turner. Inside remains very BMW and if you have read any of my previous BMW reviews or watched any of my videos, you will know I am not a fan of a BMW cabin. I think it needs a good old revamp, but, if you like the X3 interior you will certainly feel at home in the new X4. It’s all about user friendliness and focus is on the driver. The latest iDrive infotainment system has made its way in to the new X4 and you can enjoy it on a 6.5-inch screen or opt for the 10.25-inch screen. It is easy to use and can be controlled via a myriad of ways – let’s just take a moment here to talk about Gesture Control: My driving partner and I are both quite exaggerated with our hands when we talk so we often found ourselves changing the radio stations and turning the volume up and down…it can be really annoying. Why you wouldn’t just want to use a button I will never know (I sound like my Gran when she says things like,”The Blueteeth in my car isn’t working.” Most will expect practicality to be compromised, but I am delighted to tell you that this is not the case with the new X4. The boot has been increased and looks pretty decent at 525-litres and if you hop in to the rear you will be glad to know the legroom has also been increased. South Africa will see the 20i, 20d and M40i available, the M40d will be here in 2019. There are no mid-range models available, something BMW has opted to do with many of its ranges, because, well, they just don’t sell well enough. I didn’t get to test the M40i (selfish motoring journalists, only kidding, sort of), but I did drive both the 2.0-litre turbodiesel with its 140 kW and 400 N.m of torque as well as the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with its 135 kW and 290 N.m of torque. I think the obvious choice would be the 20d if only because of the lighter fuel consumption, but also for the extra oomph when it’s really needed thanks to the extra torque available. Everything about the drive was pleasant, except for the steering. This variable-ratio steering makes it rather sensitive and can feel quite erratic. It will just take some getting used to though. Other than that, I can’t really complain about much when it comes to this new BMW X4. Pricing starts at R843 000 for both the xDrive20d and xDrive20i derivatives which is a bit more than its competitor, the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe. And if I were you, I would save a bit of cash and rather opt for the X3, but then again, as I mentioned I am not in to these sports coupes, so you might not want to take my word for it and rather go and test one of these out yourself. You big spender you!

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First drive in the updated Mercedes-Benz C-Class

2 Comments / Car Reviews / julzmcg

Raise your hand if you are a Mercedes-Benz fan? Well you must be because Mercedes-Benz is the number one car brand in the world, followed by BMW and then Audi. It has also been number one in South Africa since 2014, in terms of sales. That is no small feat. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class remains the brand’s best-selling car and what is super cool to note is that it is made right here in the RS of A. Yup, the Eastern Cape has seen its millionth C-Class roll off the line. Impressed yet? You should be. We are the only market who builds the right-hand C-Class to export to the rest of the world. It is sold in 120 countries and since 1982 (fun fact: the year I was born), 9.5 million sedan and station wagons have been sold. This is a pretty important car for Mercedes-Bens then. I headed to the heart of Johannesburg CBD to sample the updated Mercedes-Benz C-Class. This is not a place I frequent, but as Merc’s Marketing Director, Selvin Govender, points out, the international C-Class campaign is all about improving, “Never Stop Improving,” to be precise. And the JHB CBD is seeing a bit of a revamp, albeit slowly. But it is ‘improving.’ This is not a completely new C-Class, but it has seen 6 500 parts changed. That is as good as a new car, I’d say. Well not entirely, but it is the biggest and most comprehensive mid-life update this car has ever seen. Basically, it is 50% new car. With that said, it is quite tricky to spot the differences from the outside. The usual line up of grille, bumper and head and tail lights see a slight revamp. Most of the changes are seen inside the cabin and under the bonnet. The steering wheel has been changed and now sports the cruise control functionality – remember the weird stalk thing behind the wheel that you so often mistook for the indicator? Well that is now gone, thank goodness. The optional 12.3-inch fully-digital instrument cluster is worth the extra bucks and the upgraded infotainment system includes standard smartphone integration which can be accessed from the new steering wheel via touch-sensitive controls. It’s all rather futuristic. Not to mention the host of safety tech added to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class including an improved camera that, with radar, can see up to 500m in front of the car. The new C-Class sees the launch of a new generation of four-cylinder petrol engines. There is a new 4-cylinder, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine in the C200, with 9-speed automatic transmission across the range. The 1.5-litre engine is supplemented with a 48-volt on-board network and the EQ Boost integrated starter-generator that produces an additional 10 kW and 160 N.m while accelerating. There’s also a new-generation 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine in the C300, with outputs of 190kw and 370N.m. The new 1.6-litre variant of the current diesel engine family will celebrate its world premiere in the C-Class. The C 220 d 4MATIC providing a healthy 143 kW and 400 N.m. But I wanted to drive the range-topping C43 4MATIC, obviously! So I did. Ok I also drove the C180 to balance things out and to not look like a performance-hog. But back to the C43, it boasts a 3,0l V6 biturbo engine with an increased output of 287 kW. As you can imagine, not only is it a blast to drive, but listening to that engine burble and pop is all part of the excitement and it is louder than ever. The C180, although great around town, felt a bit pap on the open road, especially when trying to overtake. But Mercedes-Benz has ensured there is an option for everyone, I just happened to drive one extreme version and then the other. Overall, the updated Mercedes-Benz C-Class is exactly what you’d expect from this top-selling brand. It’s no longer the bland and boring car it once was, well in my eyes anyway. It probably wouldn’t be my first pick, but only because I love the Audi A4, however, this updated model certainly gives it a run for its money (although the face-lifted A4 is due out this year so time will tell). If you are a Merc fan, I doubt you will be disappointed with this C-Class. And there is no doubt that it will remain the brand’s best seller. Mercedes-Benz C-Class Pricing: Sedan Coupe Cabriolet C180 R586 500 C180 R666 000 C200 R793 500 C200 R613 500 C200 R766 000 C300 R884 000 C220d R651 000 C300 R716 000 Mercedes-AMG C43 Pricing: Sedan Coupe Cabriolet R948 500 R983 500 R1 100 000

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First drive in the new Ford Mustang

First drive in the new Ford Ranger Raptor

First drive in the new Ford Ranger Raptor

First drive in the new Range Rover Evoque

First drive in the new Range Rover Evoque

First drive in the new BMW X4

First drive in the updated Mercedes-Benz C-Class

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