Honda Civic

Driving ambition

Newly launched onto the South African market a few short weeks ago was Honda’s new range of five-door Civics. Boasting revised 2.2i-DTEC motors among the range, Yoshiaki Nakamura, managing director of Honda Motor Southern Africa reckons: “The new Civic five-door builds on the core strengths of its predecessor, and takes them to an appreciably higher level.”

Gorgeous to look at and even better to own, poor old Honda has been the hardest hit Japanese car manufacturer to survive the terrible earthquake/Tsunami that hit Japan about a year ago.

This latest model that features dramatically new pyramid-come-jet fighter styling has been a hard act to follow, but the Honda plant in Swindon in the UK is now back in full swing assembling the new Civic range from parts sourced from Japan.

But it’s the brilliant turbodiesel motor that’s the cherry on the top for me, exceptional fuel economy and sterling performance are hallmarks of the two-litre i-DTEC turbodiesel engine, which is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. It develops 110kW at 4 000rpm and a whoppingl 350Nm at 2 000rpm. Power and economy for everyone!

The range-topping model in the new Civic line-up, the 2.2 i-DTEC Exclusive sets the bar for luxury. It incorporates a panoramic glass sunroof, a premium sound system with amplifier and subwoofer, Bluetooth hands-free cellphone connectivity (with dedicated buttons on the steering wheel), as well as HID headlights with auto-levelling sensor and integrated washers.

The split-level dashboard is now even easier to understand with more conventional switches and dials. The Panasonic high-resolution centre screen that resembles a ‘tablet’ computer is the best out there. Passenger legroom throughout is simply superb – even for six-footers who might be sitting in the back.

Model range and pricing:

1.8 i-VTEC Elegance, manual, R248 000.

1.8 i-VTEC Elegance, automatic, R261 000.

1.8 i-VTEC Executive, manual, R270 000.

1.8 i-VTEC Executive, automatic, R283 000.

2.2 i-DTEC Exclusive, manual, R343 800.

• Prices include a five-year/90 000km service plan, and three-year/100 000km warranty. Service intervals are recommended every 15 000km.

Kudos to the H-1 bus

South African motorists love their bakkies, but a close-run second favourite is bus-type vehicles, people carriers, if you will. Touted as much-loved modes of transport for mom’s taxis, shuttle vehicles, and, of course perfect for the annual holiday trip down to the coast.

The main criticism often levelled at them is their inability to stow decent amounts of cargo or one’s luggage – there’s never really been enough space allocated to shifting of all that gear, until now, that is. (Merc’s Vito bus is possibly the only exception being a very capable vehicle and that 2,1-litre turbodiesel motor is a real jewel in a sea of average ‘powerplants’.)

The answer for the perfect all-rounder is simple and Hyundai may well have got there first with their H-1 Multicab. By shoehorning in a decent (120kW mill and making it work to the tune of 392Nm), while providing space for nine adults and every bit of their luggage – all done without resorting to unnecessary (and oft-dangerous) add-ons such as trailers and roof-racks …

While the Hyundai H-1 press unit was in my care it happened to coincide with a public holiday – what better time to hit the road and be a little adventurous! Somewhere I’ve always wanted to visit is Sutherland in the Great Karoo (karoo is the Hottentot word for ‘land of the thirst’  … before it gets too cold, that is – apparently it’s often the coldest place in the country, and that’s before winter has fully set in. Representing a round trip of about 650 km from the Mother City, quite an achievable day out, methinks.

Alas, the interesting village of Matjiesfontein (somewhere I hadn’t visited for close on 30 years) took up a little too much daylight time – but what a pleasant experience to be re-acquainted with this little oasis in the desert … the reason being there’s now a superb car museum there that wasn’t there before – a must-see if a car fanatic and you are in the area.

Deciding to press on to Sutherland (the fuel tank of the H-1 still touching the three-quarter full mark), in the late afternoon, thankfully meant not having to worry about a ‘top-up’ for the 120km trip through to Sutherland, and my final  destination for the day.

What a superb road from the N1 highway it is: surely a motorcyclist’s mecca if ever there was one. Narrow, but not overly so (picture Isle of Man narrow roads); the road twisting and turning in a challenging sort of way to entertain any solo rider  – and ne’er a pothole to be seen anywhere. And, if I came across five other vehicles along that leg of the journey, it was a lot.

By giving the H-1 a chance to see what it could do in the handling stakes I can vouch that bodyroll was virtually nil, while there always seemed to be power in hand … the fuel gauge had again barely dropped on entering Sutherland. No obtrusive rattles could be heard anywhere, so it’s obviously well screwed together.

Sutherland has an alluring feel to it – we didn’t have the time to check out the planetarium (SALT), but certainly will when next visiting. Olde worlde charm and slap up-to-date people-carrying ability to get there … synergy at its very best!

• The Hyundai H-1 2.5CRDi MultiCab GL is priced at R339 900. A lot of vehicle for reasonable money!

Transport of delight

I’ve never really enjoyed the name Tiguan that Volkswagen finally came up after picking the name from the results from an international competition. Other suggested names were Rockton, Liger, Samun, Nanuk and the one I think that should have won: Namib!

Nevertheless, the VW Tiguan remains a first-rate crossover vehicle that has proved to be rather popular over here with seven different models on offer. (In the UK there are 22 different derivatives available.)

The one that I’ve just had the opportunity to evaluate was the BlueMotion 2,0 TDi version – and very good it was too. Economical to the point of wondering if perhaps the fuel gauge had ceased functioning(!), after seemingly travelling close to 900 km before the warning light started to flicker.

Those who know the Western Cape region of South Africa will know how brilliant the roads are – perfect for evaluating cars (and bikes) due to being able to negotiate just about every terrain over a morning’s drive. The steepest of climbs (St Lowry’s) to the switchback pass of Franshhoek that really ought to feature on every car manufacturer’s route when visiting the Mother City, was swiftly and safely negotiated.

Why oh why do people still bother with non-diesel type transport in this day and age?

 As we’ve come to expect from Volkswagen the Tiguan (81kW/280 Nm) is superbly built, roomy inside and great looking from the outside. I’d even go as far as to say the BlueMotion derivative is one of the quietest diesels tested yet on this website.

Volkswagen’s Tiguan is priced at R294 800 at the time of writing this article.

Just about perfect Jetta

Late last year Volkswagen took a fresh, new look at their Jetta line-up. First showcased to the SA motorist back in 1980, Jetta has proved to be a rather popular model — albeit amongst the older generation — and Volkswagen don't seem to mind this mild criticism one little bit.

Often rebuked for appearing to be just a Golf with a boot that’s clearly not the case with this sixth generation model because I was told on good authority “every visible internal and external panel is new”.

A rather successful model globally for Volkswagen, Jetta can stand tall in own right because more than 10 million have been built — with 260 000 of them finding homes in our local market since their introduction back in 1980. Some 90 mm longer at 4,64 m, along with a wheelbase increase of 73 mm to 2,65 m, means a bigger Jetta for all (funny, isn’t it, every new model, no matter the brand, is always somehow bigger in just about every direction!)

Under the bonnet

There are seven models of new Jetta in five engine configurations but it’s the two diesel units that I’m concentrating on here in the form of a 1,6-litre TDi version (77 kW) and a top-of-the-range 2,0-litre derivative (103 kW).

Factor in three spec levels — Trendline, Comfortline and Highline — and it’s little wonder that VW reckon they have a car for everyone. A little surprisingly, I was told that the ‘volume seller’ was almost certain to be the 90 kW TSi version, but I tend to disagree — especially after driving the 1,6 TDi version, because the astute South African motorist is definitely warming to the idea of a turbodiesel vehicle standing on their driveway …

In the 2,0-litre turbodiesel version with its haul-ass performance it can brag a tank range offering of 900 km at the legal speed limit  — you could drive this particular model all day long and never feel tired. Little wonder then that the Jetta range was ostensibly designed for those whose job might entail plenty of driving — such as company reps, for instance.

A week spent recently with the 1,6-litre turbodiesel (seen above) would be my particular choice of Jetta, the on-board computer gently informing us at 120 km/h that our expected average fuel consumption rarely rose above the 5,4 litres per 100 km/h … the engine turning over at a lazy 1 950 rpm.

Transmission options

Across the board are five- and six-speed manual gearboxes but the 1,6-litre TDi version does, however, have the option of a seven-speed DSG ’box — surely another very good reason to consider this particular derivative …

Warranty and service

Three years/120 000 km, Volkswagen Automotion Plan: five years/90 000 km and servicing needs only at 15 000 km — petrol or diesel. (There’s also a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty.) Be sure to check the latest prices with your nearest Volkswagen dealer.

To sum up, I’d say if you are a six-day a week travelling salesman/rep; have the need of the biggest cargo-carrying boot in it’s class at 510 litres (and who doesn’t come annual holiday time), while enjoying a thoroughly classy mode of transport, the new Jetta is surely well worth a closer look.

Peugeot’s polished performer

The R&D department at PSA headquarters back in France certainly know a thing or two about advanced diesel technology because this week I’ve been evaluating the face-lifted, 110 kW/340 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 — while it’s most certainly one of the quietest ... 

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 — why bother owning a sports car!

There are two turbodiesels in the recently realigned seven-model 308 line-up so there’s lots of good reasons to consider a Peugeot these days because they offer something a little extra for your money: panache!

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. 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.

Take a close look at the interior shot of the 308, with half a tank of diesel still left the perky pug still offers a crusing range of 600 km — pictures do not tell a lie! Considering all the safety, technology and modern looks to be found in this particular Peugeot, the ticket price of which is R259 000, and represents fair value for money, I believe.

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!

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.)

Heavy Metal II

South Africans love their bakkies, that’s for sure! Quite naturally, I suppose, there’s a fair range available these days from the recognized players — but also from the East … China, that is.

I’ve yet to evaluate those, but am happy to wait because they’ve yet to prove themselves, I reckon. There’s just no substitute for experience in the field — and the current Izuzu KB 300 D-Teq LX (extended cab version seen above), a case in point. There’s lots to like with this particular KB — even the ticket price seems rather reasonable at R347 000.

One thing certainly worth mentioning within the context of this website is how quiet the motor is — something that Isuzu took rather a long time to rectify.  I looked for vast quantities of dampening layers under the bonnet and on the bulkhead but it seems the new ‘quietness’ comes from within the three-litre 120 kW/360 Nm motor — and for me, that’s great news!

Other technical highlights discovered included twin overhead camshafts, common rail with electronically controlled fuel-injection pump and an intercooled, variable vane turbocharger thus fitted. This fifth-generation Isuzu pickup is sold in vast volumes in more than 80 countries worldwide wearing, for example, the Holden badge in Australia.

Not only does it have a 37% market share in Thailand where it is built and selling a staggering 167 000 units in 2006, but Isuzu has been the No. 1 bestseller in the one-ton bakkie market over there since 1983. Elsewhere in Africa the KB has a 79% market share in Egypt, and enjoys 43% in Israel and more than 32% in Australia and New Zealand.

Interestingly, Isuzu is the biggest diesel engine producer in the world and back in 2006 signed a business agreement with Toyota of Japan giving Isuzu authority to take the lead in small diesel engine research and development. Toyota’s share in Isuzu is 5,9%, incidentally.

Getting to back to the South African LX model as recently evaluated it is completely understandable why so many of them are seen on our roads — they are tough, good looking and rather desirable. With the amount of road deterioration found on the main roads here in the Western Cape — imagine what they are like on ‘lesser roads.’

Here the Isuzu, in my opinion, can stand proud because the suspension and driving dynamics are perfectly balanced for blacktop stuff or the harshest dirt track.  Factor in low- and high-range switchability on the fly via buttons on the dash, the Isuzu KB range has it all.

• Prices at the time of going to press for the Isuzu range start at R266 200, rising to R390 300 for the top-of-the-range model. 

Navara comfort zone

King of the bakkies in South Africa right now is arguably the Nissan Navara — there’s an imminent launch of something from Ford any day soon — which might even surpass ‘the boss’ — so we’ll just have to wait and see!

I managed to spend a few days with the 2,5 dCi LE 4 x 2 auto version last week, a vehicle that left me mightily impressed. The 4x2 D/C Navara is a bold and aggressive looking vehicle, thanks to its big and imposing grille and lofty stance. From the rear, a traditionally squarish look adds to the overall impression of strength and toughness.

What’s more, despite it bold and rugged appearance the Navara boasts interior comfort and finish quality levels that could rival many upmarket SUV’s. In town or on the open road it boasts huge ability to conquer all before it … is it just a coincidence that there seems to be so many of them around!

This particular Navara has a six-speed manual transmission, and is powered by a 2 488 cc second-generation high output, four-cylinder, common-rail, turbodiesel engine, which churns out an impressive 106 kW of power at 4 000 rpm, and a monstrous 356 Nm of torque from just 2 000 rpm.

The vehicle is equipped with driver- and front passenger air bags, and impact protection bars to guard against a side collision. The cabin has a zone body construction, which ensures a strong and protective safety cell, and height adjustable seat belts with pre-tensioners to provide additional safety.

As with the 4x2 versions, anti-lock brakes (ABS) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) are standard features, while the bigger-engined 4x4 is equipped with a brake bssist function, which senses when the driver is making an emergency stop and automatically increases braking effort, reducing the stopping distance.

• The entire Navara range is backed up by a 3-year/100,000 km warranty and a three-year/100 000 km service plan, and all prices include Nissan’s new Microdot security technology.

Prices start at R316 000 to join the Navara family — and there’s a range of 12 vehicles in the rather exclusive line-up.