review

First drive in the Mercedes-AMG A 35 Hatch

The words “entry-level” and “AMG” never go in the same sentence. This is for obvious reasons. But what if I told you that there is now an entry point in to the AMG world? The Mercedes-AMG A 35 hatch is the model I am talking about. Now, don’t go thinking that because it doesn’t cost what other AMGs cost that it is in no way an AMG, because after having driven it for the past week, I can confidently say that this is very much an AMG through and through. You all know that I am no petrol head, contrary to what my website might have you believe. Don’t get me wrong, I adore performance cars. I love driving on a track. And there is nothing quite like the pop and gurgle coming out of a V8 exhaust pipe. However, I have come to accept that as I age (gracefully I like to tell myself), so I become ever more practical. So when I got handed the keys to this A 35 I wasn’t expecting to be overly impressed. I was sceptical about its performance but also worried it was just another impractical hatch. I am not going to now tell you all the ways that it is, in fact, practical because we all know that this is not the reason you are reading this review. All you need to know is that you could quite easily live with this car on a daily basis. That for me scores massive points. THE OOMPH But let’s get to the real reason you’re here; the performance. Under the bonnet sits a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbopetrol engine. It puts out 225 kW of power and 400 Nm of torque. The power is directed to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual clutch transmission and you’re going to get to 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds. Basically, it is flipping fun to drive! Put it in to Sport+ mode and it opens this car up to all the pops and splutter I spoke of earlier. Throw it in to a corner and its grip will give you a boost of confidence, gifting you the chance to really put pedal to the metal and sprint out of the corner with a massive grin spread across your face. ENGAGED Many might feel that with a car that exudes such confidence, you will lose out on the engaging drive so many petrol heads are after. I can assure you that this is not the case with the A 35 hatch. It really allows you to have the most fun you can have in a performance hatch, without the worry that you’ll end up in a ditch with a face full of mud (and humiliation). As Mercedes-AMG puts it, “Because the development of the A 35 4MATIC was integrated into the development process of the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class from the start, it was developed at the same time as the A 45 S 4MATIC+, making it possible to inject the AMG DNA into every relevant detail. The result can certainly be experienced by the driver in the form of authentic driving performance.” MERCEDES-AMG A 35 HATCH PRICE With the A 35 hatch coming in at R874 000, it is not exactly budget-friendly, but for those who are desperate for the spirit and charm of something like the full blown A 45 but can’t afford it, this makes for a very good argument. I think Mercedes-AMG has done an incredible job at making a performance car that, although comes in under R1 million, doesn’t compromise on…well…performance! Now to get behind the wheel of the A 45. Keep your eyes out for my video review of the A 35 coming soon.

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Juliet drives the Audi A1 35 TFSI

Car Reviews / julzmcg

This here is the Audi A1 35 TFSI. It is the A1 model I would choose. You may remember that I have already reviewed the A1 45 TFSI. This just has all I need…well except for boot space. But I am not sure there is a boot on the planet big enough for me and my packing ways. Anyway, enough about that, fill your day with a song and a review on the A1 35 TFSI. PS. This is one of my favourite songs. #SunglassesAtNight Don’t forget to be a peach and subscribe to my YouTube channel and follow me on Facebook,Twitter, and Instagram. And obviously on TikTok.

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Juliet drives the Mahindra XUV300

Car Reviews / julzmcg

The last time I reviewed a Mahindra model, it did not go well. In fact, the last two Mahindra’s I have driven I have not loved. I think I may even have named the KUV100 as my worst car of 2019. Will this Mahindra XUV300 change my mind about the brand? You will have to watch my video to find out (unless you’ve already read my review and might know the answer then). Don’t forget to be a peach and subscribe to my YouTube channel and follow me on Facebook,Twitter, and Instagram. And obviously on TikTok.

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A-Class Hatch or Sedan…which works better for you?

Car Reviews / julzmcg

The first Mercedes-Benz A-Class to hit our shores was launched back in 2007 and it was, to say the least, not the greatest car ever produced. It struggled with things like the Moose Test which would see it topple over. It wasn’t exactly the most stylish looking car around. Fast forward to the third generation A-Class and things took a massive turn, for the best. It is now probably one of the best-looking cars in its segment, not to mention the most advanced. You might remember this video: And now, due to a buying-down trend, Mercedes-Benz has decided to bring the A-Class Sedan to South Africa and I could not be more thrilled. I am all about practicality, you see. This car gives customers an entry point to buying a Mercedes-Benz sedan. It is essentially the boot version of the hatch but offers just that much more practicality. So which one should you buy? SHE’S GOT THE LOOK If you watched the video above you will know how much I like the A-Class hatch. It is stylish and so technologically advanced that even I can’t understand half the stuff on offer (but then again, I am technically challenged). The design is probably its most striking feature. It didn’t need to change much from the third generation because it was almost as if it was beyond its years back then and only now are other players in this segment starting to catch up. SEDAN FOR THE WIN I am a practical girl at heart and where the hatch falls short, if anywhere, is in terms of practicality. The A-Class Sedan is the all-rounder. It is still stylish AF (and that is a hard thing to do for any car designer. Slapping a boot on a hatch often results in something rather ghastly), but with the added space of a boot, it means you never have to worry about how many bags you are packing for that weekend away (something you know I struggle with). It offers 45-litres more than the hatch. Which means it gives you a total of 420-litres of luggage capacity but the opening is also wide at 950 mm which means it makes loading things that much easier. Sure, the hatch, being a hatch, also makes things easy to load, but the Sedan does offer more in terms of overall space. WHAT ELSE? It has the lowest aerodynamic drag of all production vehicles worldwide. This translates to a low fuel consumption which is always high up on my priority list. MBUX is standard. You remember Mercedes-Benz User Experience, don’t you? Let me jog your memory, “Hey Mercedes.” This is the fantastic technology I am talking about! It is so advanced that thanks to artificial intelligence it learns about driving habits and preferences over time, ensuring that the A-Class Sedan adapts to you, in more ways than one. Crazy, right? Here’s a video to see what I mean. ARE THE ENGINES THE SAME? If you know the hatchback engines, you will recognise this first one on offer which is the A200 with its 1.33-litre turbocharged petrol engine up front giving you 120 kW and 250 Nm. You also have a choice of the A250 with its 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine which produces 165 kW and 350 Nm. Both engines are mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. SAFETY IS THE NAME OF THE GAME This A-Sedan is so fancy that it offers the highest level of active safety in this segment. Some of the features come straight from the hella fancy S-Class. It can now drive semi-autonomously in certain situations. It also happens to be the first Mercedes-Benz model to have been developed at the new Technology Centre for Vehicle Safety. The new A-Class Sedan is equipped with driver and front passenger airbags, a driver’s knee airbag and window airbags as standard. Unlike in many competing models, the window airbag also covers the A-pillar for more complete passenger protection. Thorax-pelvis side airbags are likewise standard in the front, and available as optional equipment for the rear. WHAT’S THE VERDICT? Look, if you are in the market for an A-Class, whether it be the hatch or the Sedan, you really are going to be happy with either. The only reason I am highlighting what the Sedan offers over the hatch is because it is the newcomer and I was always taught to be nice to the new kid because they won’t know anyone. Take the new kid on the block for a spin. You might just find your new bestie. PRICING STARTS AT R533 400

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First drive in the Citroën C3 Aircross

Car Reviews / julzmcg

I would have thought that the whole of South Africa cried a little tear the day Citroën left the country back in 2016, as it turns out, according to Citroën’s MD, Xavier Gobille, most customers didn’t actually notice. This might come down to the fact that Citroën has not done particularly well in this country, which is astounding seeing as it occupies 18% of the market share in Europe. Together with Peugeot, Citroën occupies just 1% in SA. But Citroën is back and I could not be happier. If anything because it is an off-the-wall brand that will be a breath of fresh air amongst its somewhat mundane competitors. Not to mention its 100-year legacy that we need to be a part of. WHAT’S THE CITROËN LINE UP? Citroën has hit the ground running with the introduction of three new models. We have the Polo/Fiesta-competing C3, the T-Cross/Captur-competing C3 Aircross, and the Tiguan/Sportage-competing C5 Aircross. I hopped over to a rather brown Gauteng to sample all of these models. But I am going to chat about the C3 Aircross because I know it will be one that generates a lot of interest. Also, having just driven the newly-launched Volkswagen T-Cross, I thought it appropriate. THE CITROËN C3 AIRCROSS If quirky and funky appeal to you, then just look at this car: There isn’t anything quite like it on the market. And this is exactly the way Citroën wants it. This is a brand that, unlike most of its competitors, has not set out to please everybody. It’s all about being different and feeling good. Citroën doesn’t want to offer a mainstream car and unlike its competitors, I can confidently say they have succeeded in making a car that truly stands out. THE CHOICE IS NOT YOURS As much as I love the look of this car, there is one part of it I am not sold on. It is the Spicy Orange pack which you don’t have a choice but to opt for. The orange accents aren’t my favourite, but what I truly dislike are the orange ‘venetian blinds’ on the small back windows. Not only do they block your view as a driver, but as a passenger, you’ll feel as if you’re wearing a pair of Kanye West Shutter glasses from the 80s. Citroën isn’t phased by this lack of choice. In fact, it is was a decision they didn’t take lightly. The bottom line is that if you want to drive a Citroën, whether it be the C3, C3 Aircross or C5 Aircross, you best get on board the two-tone red roof and the Spicy Orange pack. It is a tad confusing for me. For a brand that wants its customers to be different and stand out, they are asking them to conform to a certain degree. No customisation here folks. MAKING UP FOR IT So you have to love orange to buy this car, so what? I can look past it when I climb inside (if I just overlook the orange accents inside). The cabin is uncluttered and simple. It feels and looks well-built. Although, traveling on a gravel road highlighted a number of rattles, but I would argue that most cars in this segment would experience the same. The seats are incredibly comfortable. They are probably some of the softest car seats I have ever sat on. My bum approves. When it comes to space, Citroën has given this a lot of thought. The rear bench, like on T-Cross, slides forward. But what the C3 Aircross has over its competitors, is that the 60/40 split seats can slide and fold independently of each other. This is only available on the Shine model. Which if you have and you slide the seats forward, you will get a whopping 520-litres of boot space. The Feel model gives you 410-litres. ENGINE OF CHOICE You don’t have a choice here either, but that helps with keeping things simple. Under the bonnet of the C3 Aircross is the award-winning 1.2 PureTech 81 kW turbopetrol engine. It is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. As much as I want to say that this is a fantastic little engine, it does suffer up in the JHB altitude and so overtaking can be really tricky. One seriously needs to prepare for such a manoeuvre. But then again, the performance numbers (81 kW and 205 Nm) are on par with some of its rivals. This isn’t, after all, a segment that boasts performance. THE BELLS AND WHISTLES Citroën is throwing it all at you with these two models in the hope you’ll look past some of its tough competitors. The entry-level Feel sees all the usual features plus some goodies such as a seven-inch touchscreen radio, rear park sensors, Driver Attention Alert and six airbags. But it is the Shine model that will, um, shine. This gets all the bells and whistles such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Smart Entry and Keyless Start, Navigation, Auto Rain Sensors, and Climate Control. SHOULD YOU BUY ONE? I say, “Hell yes!” Because not only will get a great product that does everything it can to stand out from the crowd, but Citroën needs to be prove itself and Gobille himself assured us motoring media that this is exactly what they are going to do. With the standard Citroën Serenity, you will get five-years/100 000 km warranty and service plan. Gobille also assures that every Peugeot dealer has been trained to service a Citroën so you won’t need to wait too long for your repairs. If your car is going to take longer than 48 hours to repair, you will get a courtesy car. And the most assured I have ever been made to feel by any head of any manufacturer, is when Gobille told us that he is doing everything he can to ensure his customers only experience the best service. So much so that if his dealers don’t take care of these customers, he will

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First drive in the new Volkswagen T-Cross

Car Reviews / julzmcg

The Volkswagen T-Cross is finally here, people!!!!!!! It feels like I have been waiting for decades, maybe subconsciously I was…I am psychic like that (no I’m not). It is set to shake up the compact SUV segment and after having driven it at the local launch up the Garden Route this week, I can confidently say that its rivals need to watch their backs, this T-Cross is coming in hot! WHAT IS A T-CROSS? Who knows, but the T-Cross I speak of is like a bigger and more SUV-like Polo. You know how popular the Polo is, right? So just imagine how this will go over with the general public. It is longer and higher than the Polo but is the same width which makes it the perfect city-sized car. It is also rather pleasing on the eye, especially in the array of colours on offer. What I like best is that it doesn’t just look like a beefy Polo. It has its own identity and for that I applaud Volkswagen because it surely would have been easier to just pop the Polo on stilts and voila! Some of the T-Cross’s competitors don’t exactly give you that high-ride feel many SUV lovers are after, the T-Cross, however, does. Driving past a current Polo, I definitely looked down on them (not in a snooty way though because I do love a Polo too). GET IN Polo lovers will be very content with the interior of the T-Cross. It is all very familiar, but what has bugged a number of my colleagues is the use of what seems like cheaper plastics than that of the Polo. It didn’t bother me as much but because I am far more interested in build quality and the T-Cross feels and looks solid. You can also tick a bunch of options to customise your cabin to suit your style. So they could have maybe used a few more plush fabrics and trims, but ag, like I say, it is not something that will bother most of the customers already interested in this car. For instance, the design package offers 3D décor for the dash pad, two-tone seat surfaces, a steering wheel clasp and central console in a matching tone, and colour-coordinated wing mirrors and wheels. The standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is up there with some of the best and if you opt for Active Digital Display you can make things even more fancy by having a digitised instrument panel. You should do it! It really lifts the cabin to a more ‘premium’ height (I use the single quotation marks on the word premium because I know this is not a premium car and don’t want you to think I am a total spaz. You get my sentiment, right?). MORE PRACTICAL THAN A POLO It is indeed more practical than a Polo and so it should be, it is bigger after all. The boot is bigger at 455-litres. When I went to put my carry-on bag in the boot I was left feeling a little underwhelmed. I know how I pack for a weekend away and this T-Cross would just not cut it. BUT, thanks to the sliding rear bench (which is standard across the range), I was able to gain a few more centimetres to ensure my cases of wine cooler box would fit in as well as a few of my other bags when we go away. Oh and that of my husband’s, but we know he is only allowed one bag. There is ample legroom for rear passengers which is something many a rival lacks in this segment. Push that rear seat forward, however, and you will need to also push the front seats forward if you want anyone to be comfortable in the back. Currently you can choose between Comfortline or Highline trim levels. Both offer a host of standard spec, the Highline being at the top of the range. And the options list is of course extensive so if wireless phone chargers and fancy pants safety features are on your want list, be sure to tick the boxes. WHAT ARE THE ENGINE OPTIONS? The all important question for many a customer. At the moment, you only have one option I’m afraid, albeit a great one. It is the turbocharged 1.0 TSI 85 kW unit that gives you ample torque in the amount of 200 Nm. There is no manual option here, so only the 7-speed DSG ‘box is on hand. It adds to the convenience of the drive though and is mated well. The engine is punchy enough, even at highway speeds when overtaking. Fuel consumption is claimed at a low 4.9l/100 km. The ride is as refined as you can expect from Volkswagen with little road noise entering the cabin. It is a fuss-free drive which is something I have come to expect and love from the German brand. It is one of the reasons I struggle to fault most of its products. I would happily own this car and drive it every day. There are few niggles or issues that would render me an unhappy customer – I can’t speak to customer service for obvious reason, this is where I depend on you guys for feedback. If you are prepared to wait till March next year, South Africa will see the flagship 1.5-litre 110 kW motor arrive, but this will take you over the R400 000 mark. If you heart is, however, set on a T-Cross and your budget sits at under R300 000, then wait a little longer for the entry-level Trendline derivative with its 70 kW and a five-speed manual gearbox. IS IT GOING TO KICK ASS? Look, it has come in to a very established segment very late. This has given time for rivals such as the Ford EcoSport, Suzuki Vitara, Renault Captur and Duster and Opel Crossland X to truly establish themselves. But when Volkswagen decided to build this T-Cross, it certainly wasn’t to

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First drive in the new Mazda3

Car Reviews / julzmcg

The 7th generation Mazda3 has just arrived and damn, I am excited. I popped up to a very brown Gauteng to test drive the new hatch and sedan versions and now I bring you my thoughts… Before I kick off about the Mazda3, you need to know that I am a huge Mazda fan. I love all of this brands products and have for some time now. We haven’t seen many new models arrive of late, but finally, the 7th generation models will start to hit our shores. Starting, of course, with the new Mazda3. HERE’S LOOKING AT YOU, KID How good looking is this car? The Mazda3 is hands down one of the best looking cars in its segment. If not THE best looking. From every single angle this car looks gooooood. Like, really gooooood. I can hear Terence saying, “Jeez, just get a room why don’t you?!” Well, Terence, maybe we will. Something quite tricky to achieve is getting the sedan to look as good as the hatch. But Mazda have managed to do this. The hatch is the more sporty and youthful looking option, whereas the sedan is the more mature looking one with a graceful and elegant air about it. OBJECT OF DESIRE Mazda South Africa’s head of marketing and communications, Claudia Walters, says that the Mazda3 is the best Mazda to date. The vision for this car was to make people fall in love with it and so the theme for development was an object of universal desire. I can confidently say, Mazda nailed the brief. ON THE INSIDE Even inside is desirable. It is clean and uncluttered. The ‘less is more’ philosophy is evident. The reason is that focus should be on driving and not on distractions. My only bugbear with the interior is with the navigation system. To be fair, it is a completely unnecessary feature in a car these days, especially if you have Android Auto or Apple CarPlay (which this does). Nevertheless, Mazda has integrated it in to the new 8.8-inch infotainment display, which is faster to boot up now by the way. I am not sure why manufacturers put a navigation system in to a car and then only allow it to be operated when the car is standing still. I get the safety aspect here, but in South Africa, if you are lost and need to find your way somewhere, chances are you are not going to pulling over anywhere. And if you have a passenger in your car, they should be able to operate it. The Mazda3 requires you to be stationary with the handbrake activated in order to search for an address. Ain’t nobody got time for that! WHAT ARE THE INTERIOR CHANGES? The centre console has been redesigned with the shift knob, new commander control and armrest moved forward, while the cupholders are repositioned to the front. The new Mazda3 offers two interior colour options. First is the recognised black interior colour and the other, exclusive to the Mazda3 hatch, is the new optional burgundy red leather seat trim. It is not my vibe, but I can see others really loving it. MODEL RANGE The model line up has been simplified yet you still have the choice of four trim levels, namely the entry-level Active, the mid-level Dynamic, Individual, and topping the range is the Astina. You have a choice of two engines, both naturally aspirated. The 1.5-litre, which replaces the 1.6-litre unit in the predecessor, produces 88 kW and 153 Nm. Your second option is that of a 2.0-litre producing 121 kW and 213 Nm. Important to note is that the 1.5-litre engine in the Active model is only available with a 6-speed manual gearbox. But you can opt for this engine and the 6-speed auto transmission in the Dynamic or Individual derivatives. WHICH ENGINE TO CHOOSE? This is the only area where the Mazda3 falls short. Both engines lack in power and especially when up in Gauteng, you notice the sluggish behaviour of these units. It’s a real shame because a turbo would be the simple answer here. When considering this car competes with the golden child, Volkswagen Golf, and the Audi A3, it really needs to shine in every area. And unfortunately, performance is not a shiny area in the Mazda3. With that said, however, the ride is glorious. Not to mention the steering, lack of road noise, refinement and so many other points that make this an incredible product. If performance is not an issue for you, and you are happiest in relaxed driving mode, this new Mazda3, easily competes with the segment leaders. SHOULD YOU BUY ONE? Absolutely you should! As I mentioned at the beginning of this review, I am a big Mazda fan, and the Mazda3 continues to impress me. What it might lack in performance it makes up in refinement and quality, you will have to weigh these things up for yourself. Do you want something with a bit more oomph? Or do you want something that is easy and comfortable to drive? The choice is yours. But you should always do what I say 😉 PRICING Mazda3 1.5L Active Manual Hatch – R359,900 | Sedan – R357,000 Mazda3 1.5L Dynamic Manual – Hatch R374,200 | Sedan R371,300 Mazda3 1.5L Ind Manual – Hatch R421,900 | Sedan R418,800 (Incl VAT) Auto 1.5L – Hatch R434,700 | Sedan R431,600 Mazda3 2.0L Astina Auto – Hatch R474,000 | Sedan 470,800

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First drive in the Toyota Hilux Legend 50 and GR Sport

Car Reviews / julzmcg

Can you flippen believe that the Toyota Hilux has been in South Africa since 1969? That’s 51 years! And more than one million have found owners. That number is not surprising though, right? Have you ever driven past a construction site or a parking mall or even just driven around the block and not seen a Hilux? I doubt it. As the story goes, legends aren’t born, they are built over time. And nothing could ring more true than when it comes to the Toyota Hilux. It is a huge patch in the quilt of South Africa. Does that sentence make sense? Ag, you know what I mean. This Hilux heritage runs deep in this country and almost certainly holds an emotional place in most South African’s hearts…even if you are a Ranger fan 😉 I DIGRESS I am getting a bit sidetracked. This post is about the new limited edition Hilux Legend 50 and the even limited edition Hilux GR Sport. Both of which I drove through Botswana and Zimbabwe this past week. In fact, we crossed borders so many times I had no clue where I was half of the time. It went: South Africa – Botswana – Zimbabwe – Zambia – Zimbabwe – Zambia – Zimbabwe – South Africa. All in three days! Jetsetter, hey?! Again, sidetracked. TOYOTA HILUX LEGEND 50 As a tribute to the success and rich heritage of Hilux, Toyota South Africa first created a bespoke limited-edition model – aptly named Legend 35 – in 2004. This was followed by the Legend 40, built on the global IMV platform, in 2009. In 2014, I attended the launch of the Legend 45 in Graaff Reinet and so I was super excited and honoured to be at the launch of the new and last Legend that will be made; the Legend 50. WHAT’S THE DIFF? I hope you like what I did there with that heading. I actually mean, what is the different between the standard Hilux and the Legend 50? I will tell you. Besides the obvious Legend 50 badging, you also get new 18-inch alloy wheels, chrome door beading, side moulding, Smart Entry, a different colour grille and fog cover, a roof rail, smoked tail lamps, a black bumper and a tow bar. Just have a look at the pic maybe. AND ON THE INSIDE? There is a bit of chrome ornamentation, leather seats with blue perforation, branded Legend 50 floor mats and Push Start and Smart Key. Again, I shall show you a pic of what I am talking about. ON AND OFF THE ROAD I am not going to go in to too much detail about the drive because nothing is different under the skin of the Legend 50, so you can read a review on the Hilux Dakar instead. That should give you an idea. But I will say this, it is such a hoot taking this guy off road. I didn’t feel uneasy at any point and I pushed it along some very dodgy terrain. I could put it down to my fantastic off-roading skills, but I don’t want to steal the Legend 50’s thunder. Just so you do have all the info on hand, under the bonnet it the 2,8-litre turbodiesel engine, which generates 130 kW and 420 N.m (six-speed manual) and 450 N.m (six-speed automatics). You cannot get the Legend 50 with the 2,4-litre oil-burner or the base 2,7-litre petrol engine. PRICING OF THE NEW TOYOTA HILUX LEGEND 50 Pricing for the Double Cab starts at R579 100, but for the full price list click here. TOYOTA HILUX GR SPORT This even more limited edition Hilux sees only 600 units arriving in South Africa, so if you want one, best you act fast. This bakkie also sees cosmetic enhancements, but it adds a tuned suspension in to the mix as well. ALL ABOUT THE LOOKS I love the look of this GR Sport. Not all of the decals, mind you, but the colour scheme is awesome. It has such a presence on the road. With a black roof, a black bonnet, a new-design black grille with GR badging and a red/white fog lamp bezel, you can imagine how good it looks. Ok, you don’t have to imagine, here is a pic: You will notice it also has black door handles, over-fenders and GR branded decals and side step. It also sports 17-inch alloys. Only three colours are available, Crimson Red, Glacier White and my favourite, Attitude Black. Inside boasts an instrument panel with red accents, red stitching, leather seats with red perforations and push start and smart key. Again, a pic for your perusal. ON THE ROAD AGAIN Also housing the 2.8-litre engine, but instead mated only to the six-speed automatic transmission, the engine is familiar. When it comes to the suspension, the shock absorbers have been changed to a monotube design with revised damping, working in conjunction with increased front spring rates to offer a sportier ride. The rear leaf spring rates have been left unaltered to maintain the existing payload. The ride is of course different due to this tuned suspension. Although, it has to be said, I did not feel too much of a difference and I doubt that most consumers will either. Unless you are really looking for it, you will be just as comfortable on the road in the GR Sport as you would be in any of the other Hilux derivatives. PRICING OF THE HILUX 2.8 GD-6 4×4 GR Sport 6AT R 707 400

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First drive in the Porsche Macan

Car Reviews / julzmcg

Who would have thought that Porsche’s baby SUV, the Porsche Macan, would have sold over 400 000 units in just five years? Me, that’s who! Back at the launch in 2014 I descried it as the 911 of SUVs and I wasn’t all that wrong. (Ag, but look how young I was in that video). 2018 saw Porsche’s best year yet and the Macan was the number one selling model for the German brand. It is a Porsche success story and in keeping up with the ever growing compact SUV segment, Porsche has given the Macan a little nip and tuck. Upfront we see subtle changes to the LED headlights and the large, central side air intakes. There are also new wheel designs on offer up to 21-inches and the side blades come in five different variants. The Porsche Macan is now offered in four new colours including Miami Blue as seen in the pic below. While we are looking at that sexy ass, check out the new LED tail lamp that stretches right across the rear. I think it looks hot AF. If you like the look of the Cayenne, then you will love the look of this little tiger (side note: ‘Macan’ is Indonesian for the word ‘tiger’). Let’s take another look at the booty! Hop inside and the real highlight is Porsche’s 10.9-inch PCM touchscreen infotainment system which gives the interior a modern look and feel. It still has buttons for Africa and looks a little too busy. With that said, I do love a button and so once you have familiarised yourself with what does what, if you’re like me, you will love that everything hast’t been incorporated in to the screen. The materials used in some places scream luxury and in other places, not so much. But having that Porsche badge right up under your nose on the 918 Spider-inspired steering wheel is a constant reminder that you are winning at life. There are two models currently available, the Macan and Macan S – you can expect the GTS and Turbo at a later stage. The more budget “friendly” of the two is the Macan with its 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine under the bonnet offering up 180 kW of power and 370 Nm of torque. It might not scream performance at you, but it can still get you to 100 km/h in just 6.5 seconds. PERFORMANCE ISN’T EVERYTHING And I cannot imagine the potential buyer of the Macan wanting to throw it around mountain passes like we did at the local launch. (All legally, obviously). But if you do want a little fire in your belly, pop it in to Sport mode and you might find the kick you’re after. True Porsche enthusiasts might turn their noses up at this, but for the average car lover, the sound and performance will be enough to keep you happy. BUT FOR SOME IT IS The Macan S might appeal to those other folk who will appreciate the 3.0-litre V6 engine that pushes out 260 kW and 480 Nm. It will certainly be a more exhilarating drive as you get to 100 km/h in just 5.1 seconds. Porsche really knew what they were doing when they made this car, calling it practical but never ordinary. That is my kinda mantra! I think it describes me. I HAVE THE FINAL SAY Some might argue that the likes of the Macan is not worthy of a Porsche badge because it is not a “true sports car.” Whatever that really means. But I would vehemently disagree with such people. The first time I drove the Macan, in 2014, I said that there was no other SUV quite as convincingly sporty. We have seen competitors such as the BMW X4 and Mercedes-Benz GLC give it a good run for its money since then. But, I am not sure anything quite beats the emotional power that a Porsche evokes. PRICING OF THE PORSCHE MACAN Macan: R849 000Macan S: R1 099 000

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Juliet drives the Ford Ranger Wildtrak

Car Reviews / julzmcg

Just before we bid this generation of the Ford Ranger Wildtrak goodbye, let’s take one last look. You can expect the new Ford Ranger to hit our shores in the beginning of April. So it is not too far away. Please subscribe to my YouTube channel and follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you missed my video last week of the new Suzuki Jimny, you are missing out my friend! Please excuse the crap sound. We need to bear in mind I am no professional videography…although I am pretty sure you can tell just by watching any of my videos that I am no where near a professional….in anyway!

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