Fiat Qubo

Quirky but likeable Qubo

Born out of the Chrysler/Fiat liaison the Fiat Qubo has been eagerly awaited for some time now by faithful Fiat customers, fans and indeed the global motoring press … an event that should prove a winner from this stylish newcomer.

At the press ride-and-drive earlier this week we were able to sample the Qubo – in petrol and turbodiesel form – by virtue of this particular website leaning perhaps more favouraby towards the diesel offering, most facts and figures quoted will apply to the TD model.

The new Qubo may initially seem a little quirky for some tastes but considering its size it certainly packs quite a punch – and I’m not just talking about the fitment of one of the best 1.3-litre turbodiesel powerplants around. Fiat reckon on a 1 000km tank range offering, and I don’t doubt their claim for one minute as the fuel gauge barely moved on the ±200 km round trip in and around the Mother City here in South Africa.

Yes, it would very possibly make a superb “mom’s taxi” but the Qubo is far more than the sum of its parts. Empty nesters and maybe those who like to go on road trips – as I do – I guarantee you couldn’t do it cheaper – unless you happen to fly!

The Qubo is super comfy for the whole family, can carry a huge amount of gear – in fact, Fiat reckon the boot measures 330 litres (up to the height of the boot panel) and 650 litres if measured to the roof. With the rear seats removed and the front passenger seat folded down to the floor, the load capacity amounts to a best-in-class 2 500 litres, and a boot capable of holding objects nearly 2.5 metres in length, which, in comparison to the vehicle’s total length of 3.9 metres represents a ratio that is unmatched by the competition.

Talking about competitors, Fiat perceive there’s the Toyota Avanza, the Nissan Livina, Honda’s Jazz and Kia’s Soul – but none can match the Qubo’s extremely high specification level and ticket price – by any stretch of the imagination.

South African “anoraks” will want to know more about the mechanics of the car, well, it’s available with two Euro 4 engine derivatives: the lively 1.3, Multijet turbo-diesel engine and the reliable 1.4, petrol offering. That turbodiesel motor produces 55 kW at 4 000 rpm and offer hefty torque figures of 190 Nm at 1 750 rpm, guaranteeing satisfying performance along with the best consumption figures in its class. Maximum speed is 155 km/h and in the combined driving cycle it will return 4.6 l/100 km, according to the manufacturer.

Safety equipment includes ABS complete with EBD, 3-point seat belts with tensioners and load limiters, power steering, and front and side airbags. Available in 10 vibrant colours including Ambient White, Funky Orange, Line Blue and Breakcore Red, as well as six metallic; Minimal Grey, Hillbilly Azure, Flamenco Red, Disco Green, Cool Jazz Blue and Rockabilly Black.

• Fiat’s new Qubo is available ex-stock from any one of the 36 Fiat dealerships countrywide and, as with all Fiat Group products, comes standard with a 3 year/100 000km full maintenance plan and warranty for peace-of-mind driving. The Qubo ticket price is  R177 990 for the 1.4-litre petrol version, and R199 990 for the 1.3-litre diesel variant, including VAT and CO2 tax. Servicing is only required at 30 000 km intervals.

VW 2,0 TDi CC

CC Signor, says Volkswagen 

My goodness, but Volkswagen certainly appear to offer the complete range of cars these days – 134 different models at last count. Are we spoilt for choice in South Africa … we certainly are!

In among that mix of fine cars is a triumvirate of them called CC, launched around the middle of last year. There are two petrol derivatives (a two-litre TSi (155kW) and a 3.6 V6 4Motion DSG (220kW) and a 125kW turbodiesel – but for me, the pick of the bunch is the two-litre TDi model with Bluemotion Technology and DSG that I was able to run around the Mother City this past week.

This model is equipped with Bluemotion Technology with stop/start technology, but this particular CC is certainly no slouch and can accelerate to 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds, while a top speed of 220 km/h is possible. VW claims fuel consumption figures of just 5.5 litres/100 km (144 g/km CO2).

The on-board computer carefully scrutinised while driving the car certainly came very close to those suggested factory figures.

 Hein Schafer, product manager for VWSA, told me at launch: “The CC’s redesign – which incidentally stands for Comfort Coupe – can be seen from the back to the front of the vehicle and represents a precise and ideal styling and now falls in line with VW’s instantly recognisable design DNA, such as the chromed radiator grille with its three cross-fins. Also to be found are a new front bumper and bi-xenon headlights.”

VW also reckon the TDi version is most likely to be the volume seller, with its common-rail diesel mill that pushes out a strong 350Nm of torque available from just 1750rpm. At launch I discovered that there is but a single gearbox across the range: the dual-clutch gearbox (DSG).

 Love it or hate it, this box certainly offers maximum economy coupled with seamless gear shifting. While it has the potential to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, it’s interesting to note, compared to an auto with torque-converter clutch, VW claims a fuel-saving potential of anything up to 20% – depending on your choice of engine.

The 2.0 TDI DSG sells for R387 600 
(at the time of going to press) and comes standard with a five-year or 100 000km AutoMotion maintenance plan, three-year or 120 000km warranty and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. Servicing is only required at 15 00km intervals.

Chev Cruze LT

Show and tell Cruze 

I’ve probably mentioned this before: but if there’s a brand available in the South African marketplace that’s doing really well, it has to be GM’s Chev. I’ve just spent a pleasant few days running their flagship model, the 2.0D LT Cruze around the Mother City here in Cape Town and what a really good car it is.

It’s well priced too, at R280 100, representing very fair value for money.  A recent revision to this model sees the 2,0 litre diesel engine has had its power increased from 110 kW to 120 kW together with 360 Nm of torque, up from 320Nm. Drive for the 2,0 litre diesel models is now via a 6-speed manual transmission for the LS version and 6-speed auto transmission for the LT version.

There’s also some erstwhile styling and comfort enhancements include a headlamp-levelling system; steering wheel mounted satellite controls for the audio system, plus cruise control. The turbodiesel version is arguably the flagship model in the five-model Cruze lineup, a model that’s currently enjoying great reviews elsewhere in the South African motoring press.

On researching this particular vehicle it’s interesting to note that the 2.0-litre diesel engine is all new: double overhead camshaft, 16-valve, intercooled turbo diesel – with electronic control of the turbocharger – and high pressure common rail fuel injection system. This engine produces 120 kW @ 4000 rpm (up from 110 kW) with maximum torque of 360Nm delivered at just 2000 rpm (increased from 320 Nm).

The Cruze is well-named, the car is so easy to drive. The six-speed gearbox has well-spaced ratios; the national 120km speed limit is easily reached while the rev counter reveals the motor is spinning over at a lazy (and ultra-economical) 2000 rpm.

Creature comfort levels are particularly high as are the safety levels to be found, such as multi airbags, ABS brakes and various computer driver aids such as traction control working their combined magic in the background every kilometre of every journey. Factor in leather seats, dual zone climate control air conditioning, rear park assist, rain-sensing wipers and an auto lights on function.

• The Chevrolet Cruze is covered by a five year/120 000 kilometre warranty with a five year unlimited anti-corrosion warranty. Service intervals are 15 000 kilometres. A three year/60 000 kilometre Service Plan is included in the purchase price.

Nissan Qashqai

Qashqai comfort zone

Nissan’s Qashqai crossover – especially the 4 x 2 diesel version – left me gobstacked over its economy capabilities … 850 kilometres travelled and still a quarter tank left! With nine models of Qashqai up for grabs, and with prices starting at R243 590 (correct at the time of going to press), this vehicle represents very fair value for money.

An enigma that often leaves me puzzled is the fact that when you drive a different type of press car you see lots of similar models to the one you are driving. And why not, because Nissan has South Africa covered, I reckon. The Qashqai does everything asked of it and more …

Considering it’s a full import they are very well priced, being built at the Nissan car plant in Sunderland, northern England. Launched back in 2007 it’s become a top-selling mainstream model in the South African marketplace – and remains a firm favourite in the UK’s top 10 best sellers list.

Roomy, well made and user friendly – I’ve already told you it’s ultra-economical – the cargo area is vast; fold down the seats and you’ve got yourself an instant station wagon at no extra cost. It’s a good looker, too.

Creature comforts abound with all the usual power stuff but I did enjoy using the simple to use and intuitive Bluetooth phone connection. Why doesn’t every new car come with ‘hands-free” capabilities in this day and age? There are most certainly  more expensive cars out there that make this particular feature an optional extra … what a damn cheek!

Jim Wright, managing director of Nissan GB told me: “Cars that are desirable when new are still desirable when the owner comes to sell them on, especially if they have proven to be reliable. The continuing success of the Qashqai in the new and used car markets proves that the British and South African motor industries can produce a winner, even in the toughest market conditions.”

• Nissan Sunderland Plant manufactures the Nissan Qashqai, the Nissan Note and the Nissan Juke and will manufacture the 100% electric Nissan LEAF from 2013.

• Production of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles begins next year.

• Total plant volume since 1986 stands at more than six million units

• Total investment made and announced since then is £3.3 billion

• In 2010 81 percent of production was exported to 97 markets worldwide

• Sunderland Plant currently employs 5,000 staff

Nissan Micra 1.5 dCi

Nissan’s family affair

There’s lots to like about Nissan’s cutie, the Micra 1,5 dCi Acenta – in fact I’d go as far as to suggest that every family should have one! I can well foresee empty-nesters and young family’s just starting out alike checking out the showrooms for one of these – the vehicle is superbly built, while being nippy, roomy, classy and very easy to drive.

Priced at R148 500 (at the time of going to press) it represents very fair value for such a well-made ‘entry-level’ car. Manufactured in India, this Japanese supermini is so easy to live with. Running costs are always going to strike a pleasant chord with owners. Want economy? You’ve got it, big-time. Want a quality family runabout … you’ve got it – and more.

Gladly, my few days spent with the Micra co-incided with my getting end-of-the-month shopping spree done. True, there are just the two of us at home these days to feed but the boot swallowed eight large plastic bags of shopping (yes I know a plastic bag takes 500 years to deteriorate, but I do at least bring my own when out shopping).

A recent long weekend meant I could look forward to a ride around our beautiful Mother City here in Cape Town. A short test route was hastily devised: Muizenberg, Wellington to Rawsonville, Villiersdorp and over to the Dassiefontein coffee shop for a light lunch. Then on to Hermanus; via Pringle Bay to Gordon’s Bay and back home to Muizenberg for supper: that’s a 400 km round trip, nogaal.

Long straights, mountain passes, twisty coastal tracts – all easily accomplished in the Micra diesel. And that on half a tank of fuel … now you know why I love diesel-powered cars – and why we should all be driving them!     

Chrysler 300C

Friendly friend ship

Here’s a conundrum for you: what’s the difference between a Chrysler 300C and a stretch limo? The answer is nothing because the 300C could well double up as a stretch anytime you like!

Seriously though, the 300C is simply massive. Wherever you look in the jumbo-sized cockpit everything is twice as big as found in any other car (excepting a Rolls, I suppose).

I loved everything about it driving around the beautiful roads in the Western Cape. People get out of your way; and they even gave way at junctions while giving you a friendly wave into the bargain.

There are three models of 300C, with prices starting at R479 990 for the cheapest model in the range. The model seen in the picture alongside is the 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel – in automatic guise, of course.

Boasting 176kW of power and a whopping 550 Nm of torque, the Fiat-derived turbodiesel motor is one of the quietest ever tested by this journalist. With a capacity of 2987cc, the engine has a 60-degree V angle giving compact dimensions of just 695mm long, 729mm wide and 698mm high. Matched to this beaut of a diesel engine is a five-speed automatic transmission.

It’s worth getting a little technical, and I’ve discovered: a graphite cast iron block with aluminium cylinder heads and a structural aluminium oil sump in two elements help contribute to a total engine weight of 230kg. The sump has been designed like this to increase the rigidity of the engine for improved quietness. Noise is reduced further thanks to a new crankcase that gives the forged steel crankshaft rigid support to help limit vibrations.

The tried and tested W5A580 has both full automatic and semi-automatic functions. As with a traditional automatic, once ‘Drive’ has been selected the gearbox can be left to do its own thing. For drivers who want more involvement, the steering wheel mounted paddles are standard. A transmission controller is calibrated to prevent the engine over-revving while an adaptive electronic control increases engine responsiveness.

Classy in the extreme, the 300C is so simple to drive.

As alluded to earlier, it is big but not ever to the point of becoming cumbersome. Other so-called luxurious cars – in my opinion – can’t hold a candle to it … acres of leather, armchair comfort for all the occupants, along with the plushest of carpets and genuine wood capping probably from the Black Forests of Germany, offer discerning customers “alternative” motoring at the highest level.

Other exclusive interior features found on the car includes a leather-wrapped instrument panel, premium Nappa leather covers the door armrest, bolster and centre console armrest, 12-way power-adjustable driver and front-passenger seats (including four-way power lumbar) with two-mode ventilation and two-mode heated seats for both front and rear passengers. There’s also a leather-wrapped steering wheel — with all-new die-cast paddle shifters — features a unique chrome accent ring to highlight the segment-exclusive 360-degree heated rim.

As we’ve come to expect from the Chrysler brand, safety is a priority and the upgraded Uconnect Touch 8.4N models with hands-free texting, keep passengers even more connected through voice commands. It also comes as no surprise to find the largest touchscreen display (8.4-inch), the easy to use Uconnect Touch 8.4N with integrated Garmin® navigation is even better with the addition of voice recognition.

• The Chrysler 300C 3.0-litre V6 Turbodiesel sells for R539 990 and available from

 36 Chrysler dealerships countrywide.

Honda Civic 2.2 i-DTEC

Civic’s open-top policy

The recent debut of the all-new Honda Civic 5-door has certainly paid dividends among South African buyers – and for goof reason: it’s one of the best-lookers on our roads right now.

Boasting a revised 2.2 i-DETC motor that offers ultra-economical fuel consumption figures are just part of the story – this motor is a real stonker, developing 110kW at 4 000 rpm – then factor in 174 Nm of torque at 4 300 rpm and it becomes quite clear this particular Civic is a real performer.

Evaluating the car in and around the Mother City it was soon plain to see that others liked the looks of this new car: wherever it was parked people were craning their necks to take a closer look at the white Civic; another driver in a Honda Prelude passed by and honked his horn in approval – at least I think he was – and not cross with me for some reason!

There are 13 models in the Civic line-up right now – the 2.2 i-DTEC  – is arguably the flagship model. “The new Civic 5-Door builds on the core strengths of its predecessor, and takes them to an appreciably higher level,” says Yoshiaki Nakamura, managing director of Honda Motor Southern Africa.

“It was developed specifically to meet the requirements for the extremely competitive European market, and provides a fresh design with sporty performance and advanced technologies. Those traits should ensure that local buyers will also appreciate the progress achieved, compared to its highly rated predecessor.”

Creature comforts are of the highest order, such as power steering, windows, mirrors; in fact the cabin is a great place to be in this particular Civic. The intuitive, driver-oriented interior has two zones separating the control areas. The Driver Interface zone gathers essential driving and vehicle-related information at the natural point of focus for the driver. The adjacent Information Interface zone places devices such as the audio system and ventilation controls within easy reach.

• The 2.2 i-DTEC Exclusive Manual sells for R343 800. That price include a five-year/90 000 km service plan, and three-year/100 000 km warranty. Service intervals are only required every

15 000 km.