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.

Chev Sonic 1.3D LS

Streetwise Sonic

If there’s a brand that we are seeing more and more on South African roads it has to be Chev.  Let’s be honest, that ‘bowtie’ logo is certainly ‘in your face’ but there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s always good to see plenty of sales action in the ‘entry level’ B segment … and this is where Chev certainly comes to the fore with the likes of their Spark, Aveo and Sonic offerings.

Getting my hands on the diesel version of the Sonic hasn’t proved easy, but if I’m nothing it’s persistent! The Sonic 1.3 turbodiesel (there are six models in the Sonic range) has proved to be a real surprise – a pleasant one at that. It’s no parts bin special made up of Aveo and Cruze parts, everything hangs together really nicely – inside and out of the Sonic 1.3D LS.

For starters, looking at the exterior of the good looking five-door hatch there’s some stylish rear door handle positioning (á la Alfa Romeo); along with lots of goodies to be found in the cockpit such as the multifunction steering wheel, speed control, on board computer, the rev counter/speedo binnacle that wouldn’t look out of place on a Japanese superbike!

Naturally there’s a whole raft of creature comforts to be found in this particular Sonic including power steering, windows and mirrors; air conditioning, central locking and fresh air vents that really direct the air where and when you want it. The steering wheel is of the large and chunky variety – but best of all the Sonic is really easy to drive.

After five days of running the vehicle around the Mother City here in Cape Town on various errands, the digital fuel gauge still shows more than half a tank left.  Had this been the petrol variety one would be doing well if even a quarter tank showed …

Speaking of figures, the bespoke on-board computer never revealed worse economy figures of 6,1 litres per 100 – the best achieved (at around 100 km/h revealed 5.2 litres per 100; the rev counter showing 1 800 rpm at 100 km/h.  

Torquey in the extreme, 210Nm from 1750 rpm meant sixth gear was much in use; and by dropping a gear or two the car always gave a nice shove in the back when required. It always amazes me how a car of such smallish outer dimensions can be so spacious inside. 

With the rear seats left up I was still able to cram in a month’s shopping from my favourite supermarket.

• The ticket price of the Chev Sonic 1.3D LS is set at R181 700 at the time of going to press, this includes all the usual warranties and guarantees one expects from a manufacturer in the burgeoning GM stable.

Volvo C30 D2 Essential

Hatch of the season

Is there a prettier three-door hatch in the South African marketplace? I certainly don’t think so. With five models in the Volvo C30 range to choose from the chance to drive the 1.6-litre turbodiesel model was eagerly awaited … and I wasn’t to be disappointed.

To me there’s something very special about driving a Volvo. Yes, it’s obviously full of super-duper airbag stuff, but from the first moment you get behind the wheel, insert the ignition key and fasten your seatbelt … those first two actions alone need something of an explanation. The key is very different from the one you may be used to – fold up or otherwise. It’s squat, has no sharp edges and fits neatly into the slot on the left-hand side of the dashboard, high up. The seatbelts, meanwhile, simply glide like no other manufacturers – there’s your introduction to the Volvo world!

As a matter of course, day or night, I always switch on the headlights … an obvious throwback to 50+ years of motorcycle ownership I suppose. Once again, the light switch easily located to the right of the driver, feels good to operate – not a cheap and nasty plasticky switch like an awful lot of cars I could mention.

Start the car up and the 1.6-litre 84kW turbodiesel bursts into life quickly and – for a diesel – is almost clatter free on tickover. With 270Nm of torque one soon finds oneself in top gear (6^th); roll on the power and the C30 fuel computer digital recorder still refuses to reveal double figures per 100km. (More about this later). Flick through that onboard computer and, assuming you have a full tank – it will remind you have the potential to travel 1000km before the need for any fill-up.

The cabin is a cosy place to be. Lots of shoulder room, the centre console functional and office-like in the nicest possible way. The free-standing centre stack allows one to easily connect your smart phone to the Bluetooth system; the sound system simply superb. iPod connectivity and flash drive availability are peripheral options on some but not the C30; nicely tucked away in the centre cubby hole where your iPod can remain connected and out of the way of prying eyes …

What’s it like to drive, I hear you say.

The aforesaid turbodiesel motor belies its 1.6 monicker – the D2 runs like a two-litre. There’s always plenty of power in reserve and lots of power up front; propelling the car along in classic sportscoupe-like tradition. The clutch action is always light, gear-changes as snappy as you can make them.

Roadholding remains exemplary as you may imagine. Somehow or other, while driving the C30 you are able to find the time to look around you and feel good about yourself … There’s certainly not many cars in my book that allow you to feel like that.

• At the time of going to press, the Volvo C30 D2 Essential sells for R261 900 and really ought to be at the top of your buying list if you are looking for one of the smartest coupes around – and at sensible money. Stick to the national sped limit and you’ll always ‘better’ 6.5 litres per 100km. That’s 45 miles per gallon in old money!

BMW 6 Series 640d

Top of the class

I knew BMW made darn good motorcycles – in fact the last three that I’ve owned were those from the ‘propeller’ marque. I haven’t sampled a BMW four-wheeler for some time for some strange reason, and the offer of an Alpine White 640d 6 Series Coupe for evaluation was gratefully accepted.

I had the perfect route planned for the 640d … I needed to see a pal in Oudtshoorn, so can you think of a better way to evaluate a R889 000 coupe than heading out of Cape Town on the N1, through the Du Toits Kloof tunnel and then enjoy a lengthy, beautiful and most enjoyable trip over the R62 towards Barrydale, on to Calitzdorp before reaching my final destination – Oudtshoorn. (We blessed citizens of the Western Cape remain very privileged to having the best roads in the country.)

Without doubt, this must be the quietest diesel-powered car I’ve ever had the privilege of ‘owning’ – if only for a couple of days. Under that enormously long bonnet is a straight six, 2993cc turbodiesel motor developing a whopping 230kW of power and 630Nm of torque. (C02 emissions are set at 145g/km = R2 137,50). Factor in a 0-100km/h time of less than six seconds, coupled to a potential top speed of 250km/h, and it soon becomes quite obvious the 640d is very much a seasoned sports coupe.

Creature comforts remain superb, such as front comfort seats; lumbar support for driver and front passenger (electrically adjustable); seat heating for driver and front passenger; interior trim finishers in fine, brushed aluminium; ambient interior lighting; park distance control (PDC), front and rear; LED fog lights; high beam assist; navigation system, professional head-up display; internet preparation; voice control; Bluetooth compatible cellphone preparation; area code 2 for DVD and USB interface; automatic start/stop function; brake energy regeneration, locking wheel bolts; sports automatic transmission; alarm system with radio remote control; rear view camera; glass electric sunroof, electric sliding and vent function; velour floor mats; warning triangle and first aid kit; interior and exterior mirrors with automatic anti-dazzle function; smoker’s package(!).

What’s it like to drive though, I hear you say. As a R900k car should is my only answer! Seriously, there is absolutely nothing to dislike in this car. It’s a great place to be because you are cosseted in complete luxury every kilometre of every journey. It steers, brakes and heads for the horizon in a most spectacular way.

 Would I buy one? … Well, put it this way.

If those lotto numbers play ball this weekend I’ll be beating down the front door of the local BMW dealer first thing Monday morning to place my order!