Figo's Amazing Rally

The third and final leg of Ford’s cross country Eco Driving Challenge wrapped up in Cape Town this last weekend, and as in leg one of the competition, Ford South Africa’s Facebook fans once again beat off stiff competition from the likes of Cosmopolitan and Seventeen magazines to reach the top spot.

Three groups of six participants each competed in the Ford Figo TDCi Amazing Rally which kicked off with the first group driving from Johannesburg to Durban on a single tank of diesel.  The second group drove from Durban to East London, with the final leg starting in Port Elizabeth and ending in Cape Town.

The participants were journalists from across the country whom competed against representatives from Ford’s Facebook fan community over three days of grueling driving in the zippy Figo, the runner up in this year’s Car of the Year competition. The Figo 1.4 TDCi – easily the most affordable diesel passenger car in South Africa, achieved an average fuel consumption of 4.7l/100km, as demonstrated in the 2010 Total Economy Run.

However, Ford’s Facebook fans demonstrated what the Figo TDCi is really made of, beating the standard set by professional drivers over the same course and achieving a very impressive fuel consumption of 4.58l/100km.

All three legs of the Rally were incredibly competitive. Some found innovative ways to clear traffic jams by giving away their snacks to the cars lined up in front of their Figo in exchange for being allowed to skip the queue.

Others found ways to distract their competition, sharing false co-ordinates on their new Nokia phones that, if followed, would have taken their competitors into the middle of the ocean! Throughout the three day of fierce competition however, friendships were formed and much fun was had by all.

The ultimate winners, Facebook fans Crystle-Lynne Moore and her brother Bryce will now be joining Ford’s team in the 2011 Total Economy Run later this year, where they will truly be able to put their skills to the test against professional drivers…and if we were the latter, we’d be scared!

Peugeot’s master blaster

There’s lots of good reasons to consider a Peugeot because they really do offer something a little extra for your money: panache!

With cars all being designed on a computer these days is it little wonder they all seem to look the same? Gladly, Peugeot see things differently, their 308 range consisting nine very different models a case in point.  There are seven petrol-powered offerings but even more to the point two very, very good turbodiesel derivatives to be found among the mix.

Earlier this month I was asked to evaluate one of them, the five-door, 100 kW/320 Nm, 2,0-litre, 308 turbodiesel hatchback, that sells for well below the R300K mark. Under the bonnet is to be found arguably one of the best diesel motors around — certainly one that’s the quietest as well.  The R&D department at PSA headquarters back in France certainly know a thing or two about advanced diesel technology …

The four-cylinder motor pulls like an express train, no turbo lag revealed itself at sea level, for the record I’d say a 0-100 km/h time can be achieved in around nine seconds — it’s that quick.

Full leather upholstery with comfortable bucket seats make the 308 a good place to be — factor in every luxury available as standard fitment, including a full-length, but non-opening sunroof. The glass used is strengthened and tinted, filtering out 90% of the harmful rays we experience here in South Africa.

Hatchbacks by their very nature are so adaptable, little wonder then that they are a popular choice of body style when the SA motorist looks for wheels. Naturally the rear seats fold down to give increased luggage space in a 60:40 configuration, there’s lots of cup holders too …

Peugeot might well have invented the safety car for all I know — the 308 is loaded with life-saving gear including multiple airbags up front and side curtain ones as well. Factor in ABS and EBA … there’s a full-sized spare wheel to be found in the boot — none of that run-flat technology junk with a Peugeot!

Considering all the safety, technology and modern looks to be found in this particular 308, the ticket price of R270 710 represents fair value for money.

All Peugeot owners are assured peace of mind with ownership, and as such offer a 5-year/90 000 km service plan; a 3-year factory warranty in addition to the 1-year manufacturer’s warranty. All vehicles first registered in South Africa and purchased from a Peugeot Dealer benefit from a free additional 2 years of warranty (this additional warranty carries a mileage limit of 100 000 km.)