SA Road Tests

SA Roadtests

South Africa

gordon@scarletpumpkin.com

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  • About us and what we do
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  • Random thoughts and OpinionsClick to open the Random thoughts and Opinions menu
    • Mercedes-Benz 500 SL: Xmas 2014 edition
    • Cars and the people they drive
    • Alternative production sites and affordability
    • Long warranties: An alternative view
    • Trade values: Rip-off or realistic?
    • Driverless cars
    • Taxes and bribes
    • 2016 Volkswagen T6 panel vans: Christmas Edition
    • Really long-term test: 1998 Toyota Corolla 130
    • Is it time to give up driving?
    • Airbag warning: They could kill you
  • Advanced driver trainingClick to open the Advanced driver training menu
    • Isuzu off-road driving academy
    • Isuzu Off Road Academy update
    • High Performance Driver Training: BMW
    • Off-road driver training: Suzuki SA
  • Alfa RomeoClick to open the Alfa Romeo menu
    • 2010 Alfa Romeo MiTo
    • Launch report: Alfa Romeo MiTo MultiAir
    • Launch report: 2011 Alfa Romeo Giuliettas
    • 2012 Alfa Romeo MiTo 1.4 MultiAir twin clutch
    • 2011 Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.4T MultiAir Distinctive
    • Launch report: 2011 Alfa Romeo 159
    • 2012 Alfa Romeo 159, 1750 TBi Progression
    • 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C coupe
    • Review: 2015 Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1750 Quadrifoglio Verde
    • Review: 2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia Super 2.0
    • Launch report: 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio
    • Review: 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio 2.0 Super
  • 2009 Aston Martins
  • AudiClick to open the Audi menu
    • 2009 Audi Q5 2.0 diesel
    • 2009 Audi S4 Stronic
    • 2010 Audi A5 3.2 FSI quattro Sportback
    • 2010 Audi Q7 4.2 TDI
    • 2010 Audi A5 2.0 turbo quattro coupe
    • 2010 Audi A5 2.0T cabriolet
    • Mini test: 2011 Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 turbo Quattro
    • 2011 Audi A8 4.2 FSi Tiptronic
    • 2012 Audi A1 Sportback S-Line
    • Launch report: 2011 Audi A6
    • 2011 Audi A1 1.4T FSi S-tronic
    • 2013 Audi Q5 3.0TDI SE Quattro S-Tronic
    • 2013 Audi A4 2.0 TDI Allroad
    • 2013 Audi A3 Sportback 1.4TFSI
    • 2012 Audi A5 2.0 TDI
    • 2012 Audi A4 2.0 TDI
    • 2014 Audi A8 4.2 TDI quattro
    • 2012 Audi Q3 2.0 TFSi Quattro
    • Review: 2015 Audi Q3 2.0 TFSI Quattro
    • Review: 2016 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI Quattro
    • Review: 2016 Audi TTS Quattro coupe
    • Review: 2016 Audi A4, 2.0T FSI Sport
    • Review:2017 Audi Q2 1.4T FSI
    • Review: 2017 Audi A3 2.0 TFSI Sportback
    • 2015 Audi A1 1.4T Sportback review
    • Review: 2015 Audi A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI Quattro
  • Beijing Auto Works BAWClick to open the Beijing Auto Works BAW menu
    • 2013 BAW Sasuka
  • BMWClick to open the BMW menu
    • 2009 BMW X5 4.8i
    • 2010 BMW X3 3.0 diesel
    • 2010 BMW 130i Hatch
    • 2010 BMW 135i cabriolet
    • 2010 BMW X1 xDrive 23d Exclusive Steptronic
    • 2010 BMW 535i Exclusive
    • Mini test: 2011 BMW 335i coupe
    • Mini test: 2011 BMW X3 2.0 diesel
    • 2012 BMW 320d Modern
    • 2012 BMW 116i 3 door
    • 2012 BMW X6 35i xDrive
    • 2012 BMW 650i Cabriolet
    • 2013 BMW 328i GT
    • 2014 BMW X5 50i turbo
    • 2014 BMW 428i Sportline
    • 2014 BMW 435i Convertible
    • Review: 2016 BMW 318i sedan
    • Review: 2016 BMW X-1, 25i xDrive
    • Review: 2018 BMW X3 2.0d xDrive
    • Review: 2017 BMW 420i Gran Coupe
    • Review: 2017 BMW 520d
  • Cabriolets, convertibles and roadstersClick to open the Cabriolets, convertibles and roadsters menu
    • 2012 Renault Megane 1.4 TCe CC GT - Line
    • 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG convertible
    • 2010 Audi A5 2.0T cabriolet
    • 2010 BMW 135i cabriolet
    • 2009 Chrysler Sebring Limited convertible
    • 2010 Fiat 500 C convertible
    • 2009 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Unlimited
    • 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 cabriolet
    • 2009 MINI Cooper 'S' convertible
    • 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster
    • 2009 Peugeot 308 CC
    • 2010 Peugeot 308 CC a/t
    • 2011 Renault Megane CC
    • 2009 Volvo C70 cabriolet
    • 2010 Volvo C70 cabriolet
    • Launch report: 2012 Volkswagen Golf cabriolet
    • 2012 MINI Roadster
    • Launch report: 2013 Citroen DS3 cabriolet
    • 2012 BMW 650i Cabriolet
    • 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 200
    • 2012 Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSi DSG cabriolet
    • 2013 Citroen DS3 THP155 cabriolet
    • 2014 Mercedes-Benz 500 SL Roadster
    • Review: 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF convertible
    • 2014 BMW 435i Convertible
    • Review: 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLC 200
    • Review: 2016 MINI Cooper convertible
  • CadillacClick to open the Cadillac menu
    • Launch report: Cadillac CTS
    • 2009 Cadillac CTS
  • Chery MotorsClick to open the Chery Motors menu
    • Launch report: 2012 Chery J3 1.6
  • ChevroletClick to open the Chevrolet menu
    • 2008 Chevrolet Lumina SS manual
    • 2009 Chevrolet Cruze LS
    • 2009 Chevrolet Aveo Hatch LS Automatic
    • 2010 Chevrolet Captiva 3.2 V6
    • Launch report: Chevrolet Cruze
    • Launch report: 2010 Chevrolet Spark
    • 2010 Chevrolet Spark LS
    • 2010 Chevrolet Corsa Utility 1.4 Sport
    • 2011 Chevrolet Cruze 2.0 diesel
    • 2012 Chevrolet Sonic 1.6 and 1.3 diesel hatchbacks
    • 2011 Chevrolet Lumina 6.0 SSV a/t
    • 2011 Chevrolet Captiva 2.4 LT awd
    • Launch report: 2012 Chevrolet Sonic
    • 2012 Chevrolet Spark 1.2 LS
    • 2012 Chevrolet Utility 1.3 diesel Sport
    • 2012 Chevrolet Cruze 1.6 LS
    • Launch report: 2013 Chevrolet Spark
    • 2013 Chevrolet TrailBlazer LT 2.5D
    • 2013 Chevrolet Cruze 1.8 LS Hatchback
    • 2011 Chevrolet Orlando 1.8 LS
    • 2012 Chevrolet Sonic 1.4 LS
    • 2012 Chevrolet Captiva 2.2 diesel
    • 2012 Chevrolet TrailBlazer 2.8 diesel
    • 2013 Chevrolet Lumina SSV Ute
    • 2014 Chevrolet Cruze LS 1.4 turbo hatchback
    • First drive: 2014 Chevrolet Cruze 1.4 Turbo
    • 2014 Chevrolet Spark LT
    • 2014 Chevrolet Sonic 1.4 RS
    • 2014 Chevrolet TrailBlazer 2.8 LTZ
    • 2015 Chevrolet Utility 1.8 Sport
    • Launch report: 2015 Chevrolet Cruze
    • 2015 Chevrolet Sonic 1.6 LS Hatch Black & White
    • Review: 2016 Chevrolet Captiva 2.2 diesel
    • First drive: 2016 Chevrolet Captiva
    • Review: 2017 Chevrolet Trailblazer 2.8 LTZ 4x4
    • Review: 2017 Chevrolet Trailblazer 2.8 LTZ
  • ChryslerClick to open the Chrysler menu
    • 2009 Chrysler Grand Voyager Limited
    • 2009 Chrysler Sebring Limited cabriolet
    • 2009 Chrysler 300C Touring
    • 2012 Chrysler 300C 3.0 diesel
    • 2013 Chrysler 300 SRT8
  • CitroenClick to open the Citroen menu
    • 2010 Citroen DS3 Style
    • 2010 Citroen C3 1.6 VTi
    • 2010 Citroen C3 1.4 Attraction
    • 2011 Citroen C5 3.0 HDi V6
    • Mini test: Citroen DS3 1.6 THP Sport
    • Launch report: 2011 Citroen C4
    • Mini test: 2011 Citroen C4 Seduction VTi 120
    • 2012 Citroen DS5 THP 200 Sport
    • 2012 Citroen C1, 1.0 Seduction
    • 2012 Citroen DS4 THP 160 automatic
    • 2012 Citroen C4 Aircross 4x2
    • Launch report: 2011 Citroen DS4
    • Launch report: 2012 Citroen DS5
    • First drive: 2013 Citroen DS3 cabriolet
    • 2014 Citroen C4 Aircross 1.6 HDi
    • Review: 2015 Citroen DS3 Sport
    • 2012 Citroen DS4 Sport
    • 2013 Citroen DS3, VTi 82
    • 2014 Citroen C3 VTi 120
    • 2013 Citroen DS3 THP 155 Cabriolet
    • 2014 Citroen C4 Picasso Intensive
    • Review: 2016 Citroen C4 Cactus 1.2 e-THP
  • Classic and CollectableClick to open the Classic and Collectable menu
    • Jaguar Mark 2 Golden Anniversary
    • 'Fifties minicars - an incurable disease
    • Work in progress: One man's 1954 MG TF
    • Profile of a restorer: Robin Inggs
    • Old time racers:Martin Watson and Mike Grant
    • 1947 Rover P2 restoration project
    • Profile of an old-time racer: John Truter
    • Profile of a racer: Peter ter Wolbeek
    • Classic cars as daily transport
  • DaihatsuClick to open the Daihatsu menu
    • 2009 Daihatsu Terios LWB 4x4 manual
    • 2010 Daihatsu Gran Max 1-tonner
    • 2010 Daihatsu Terios 4x2 swb
  • DatsunClick to open the Datsun menu
    • 2015 Datsun GO Lux
  • DodgeClick to open the Dodge menu
    • 2009 Dodge Journey R/T
    • 2009 Dodge Caliber diesel
  • FerrariClick to open the Ferrari menu
    • First sight: 2015 Ferrari California T
  • FiatClick to open the Fiat menu
    • Launch report: Fiat 500 Cabrio and MTA
    • Launch report: 2010 Fiat Bravo Sport
    • 2010 Fiat 500C
    • 2012 Fiat Fiorino panel van
    • 2013 Fiat 500C Abarth
    • 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth
    • 2012 Fiat Punto 1.4 MultiAir Easy
    • 2014 Fiat 500L Multijet Lounge review
    • First drive: 2014 Fiat 500L
    • 2013 Fiat Panda 1.2 Lounge
    • Review: 2015 Fiat 500X Cross DDCT
    • Review: 2017 Fiat Tipo 1.4 hatch
    • Review: 2017 Fiat Tipo 1.3 diesel sedan
    • First Drive: 2017 Fiat Panda range
    • Review: 2017 Fiat Panda Cross 0.9T
    • Review: 2017 Fiat Panda 875T Lounge
  • First Auto Works - FAWClick to open the First Auto Works - FAW menu
    • First drive - 2013 FAW Sirius
  • FordClick to open the Ford menu
    • Ford Fiesta Trend 1.6
    • 2009 Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi Powershift
    • 2009 Ford Ikon TDCi
    • 2009 Ford Bantam 1.4 TDCi pickup
    • 2010 Ford Figo 1.4 TDi Ambiente
    • 2011 Ford Fiesta Trend 1.6 Powershift
    • 2012 Ford Kuga 2.5 Trend
    • 2013 Ford Focus ST3
    • Launch report: 2013 Ford Fiesta
    • Launch report: 2013 Ford Kuga
    • 2012 Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi Trend sedan
    • First drive: 2013 Ford Fiesta ST
    • First drive: 2013 Ford EcoSport
    • 2013 Ford Fiesta ST review
    • 2013 Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi awd
    • 2013 Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium
    • Review: 2016 Ford Focus ST3
    • First drive: 2016 Ford Ranger pickups
    • Review: 2016 Ford Everest 3.2 TDCi XLT
    • Review: 2016 Ford B-Max 1.0 Ecoboost Titanium
    • Review: 2016 Ford Mustang 5.0 GT
    • Review: 2017 Ford Ranger 2.2 XLT Double cab
    • Review: 2017 Ford Everest 2.2 TDCi XLS awd
    • 2015 Ford Fusion 2.0 TDCi review
    • 2015 Ford Focus 1.0 EcoBoost review
    • 2015 Ford Tourneo Connect review
    • Launch Report: 2015 Ford B-Max
    • Review: 2016 Ford Figo 1.5 Titanium
  • FotonClick to open the Foton menu
    • Launch report: 2013 Foton Tunland 4x2
  • GeelyClick to open the Geely menu
    • 2012 Geely LC 1.3 GT
    • 2012 Geely LC Cross GT
    • Launch report: 2012 Geely LC Cross
    • 2014 Geely Emgrand LC7 GT
  • Great Wall MotorsClick to open the Great Wall Motors menu
    • 2011 GWM CB150 Coolbear
    • Launch report: 2011 GWM H5
    • 2011 GWM Florid Cross
    • 2011 GWM Steed3 lux double-cab pickup
    • 2011 GWM Steed 5 2.5 diesel double cab
    • 2012 GWM C10
    • Mini test: 2011 GWM H5
    • Launch report: 2012 GWM H5 diesel
    • Launch report: 2012 GWM C10
    • Mini Test: 2012 GWM Steed 5 2.0 VGT double-cab 4x4
    • 2012 GWM H5 2.0 VGT 4x2
    • 2014 GWM Haval H6 1.5 turbo
    • 2015 GWM Steed 5E 2.0D Xscape
    • 2014 GWM C20R
    • 2015 GWM Steed 6 2.0 VGT Xscape
  • HondaClick to open the Honda menu
    • 2009 Honda Jazz 1.5 EX automatic
    • 2011 Honda CR-Z Hybrid coupe
    • Launch report: 2011 Honda Ballade
    • 2011 Honda Insight hybrid
    • Mini test: 2011 Honda Ballade Elegance
    • 2011 Honda Jazz 1.4 CVT
    • 2012 Honda Accord 2.2 i-DTEC Executive
    • 2012 Honda Civic Hatch 1.8 Executive
    • Launch report: 2013 Honda Brio
    • Mini test: 2012 Honda Civic 1.6 sedan
    • Launch report: 2012 Honda Civic sedans
    • Launch report: 2012 Honda Civic Hatchbacks
    • 2013 Honda Brio
    • 2013 Honda CR-V 2.4 awd
    • First drive: Honda Brio sedan
    • Review: 2013 Honda Brio sedan
    • 2014 Honda Ballade Elegance CVT
    • Review: 2017 Honda Civic 1.5T Sport
    • 2015 Honda Accord 2.4 Executive
    • Review: 2015 Honda Jazz
    • Review: 2016 Honda HR-V 1.8 cvt
    • Review: 2017 Honda CR-V 1.5T awd
    • Review: 2018 Honda Jazz Sport
  • HyundaiClick to open the Hyundai menu
    • Launch report: Hyundai H1 bus
    • Launch report: Hyundai i20
    • 2009 Hyundai i20
    • Launch report: Hyundai H1 diesel bus
    • Launch report: Hyundai ix35
    • Launch report: Hyundai i30
    • 2011 Hyundai iX35 2.0R diesel automatic
    • Launch report: 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe
    • Launch report: 2012 Hyundai i30
    • Launch report: 2011 Hyundai i10
    • Launch report: 2011 Hyundai Elantra
    • Launch report: 2012 Hyundai i20
    • Launch report: 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe
    • Launch report: 2011 Hyundai Accent
    • Mini test: 2012 Hyundai Accent 1.6 GLS manual
    • First drive: 2013 Hyundai Veloster
    • Mini test: 2012 Hyundai Elantra 1.8 GLS
    • Launch report: 2013 Hyundai i20 1.4 CRD
    • 2014 Hyundai iX 35
    • 2014 Hyundai Grand i10
    • 2014 Hyundai Accent 1.6 hatchback
    • 2014 Hyundai Elantra 1.6 Premium
    • 2015 Hyundai iX 35 1.7 CRDi
    • 2015 Hyundai i20 Fluid 1.4
    • Review: 2017 Hyundai Tucson 1.7 diesel
    • Review: 2017 Hyundai Creta 1.6 diesel
    • First Drive: 2017 Hyundai Tucson Sport
    • First drive: 2018 Hyundai Grand i10
    • First Drive: 2017 Hyundai Elantra
    • First Drive: 2016 Hyundai H-1 range
    • First drive: 2016 Hyundai Tucson diesels
    • Review: 2018 Hyundai Grand i10 1.2
  • InfinitiClick to open the Infiniti menu
    • 2015 Infiniti Q50 2.0t Sport
    • 2014 Infiniti Q50S hybrid
  • IsuzuClick to open the Isuzu menu
    • 2012 Isuzu KB300 D-Teq LX
    • 2013 Isuzu KB 300 D-Teq double-cab
    • 2014 Isuzu double cabs
    • 2015 Isuzu KB300 D-TEQ LX 4x4 double cab
    • Update: 2017 Isuzu KB250 4x2 X-Rider
    • First drive: 2015 Isuzu KB range
    • Review: 2016 Isuzu KB 250 X-Rider
    • Review: 2017 Isuzu 3.0 D-Teq Extended Cab
    • Review: 2016 Isuzu KB250 LE 4x4 double-cab
  • JaguarClick to open the Jaguar menu
    • Updates: Jaguar XF and XK
    • 2010 Jaguar XF 5.0 Premium
    • 2010 Jaguar XF 3.0S diesel
    • 2011 Jaguar XJ 5.0 V8
    • Launch report: 2011 Jaguar XJ 3.0 diesel
    • Mini test: 2011 Jaguar XJ 3.0 diesel
    • Launch report: 2012 Jaguar XF 2.2 diesel
    • 2014 Jaguar XF 3.0 Supercharged
    • Review: 2015 Jaguar 3.0 XF-R Sport
    • Review: 2016 Jaguar XF 2.0d R-Sport
    • Review: 2017 Jaguar F-Pace R-Sport 2.0d
  • JeepClick to open the Jeep menu
    • 2009 Jeep Wrangler Sahara 2.8 CRD Unlimited
    • 2010 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara CRD
    • 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 V8 Overland
    • 2012 Jeep Patriot
    • 2012 Jeep Patriot 2.4 Limited CVT
    • 2011 Jeep Compass
    • 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0 CRD
    • 2012 Jeep Cherokee 2.8 CRD
    • 2014 Jeep Patriot Limited a/t
    • 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT
    • 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0 CRD Overland
    • 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.6 Overland
    • 2014 Jeep Cherokee 2.4 Longitude
    • 2014 Jeep Cherokee 3.2 fwd
    • 2014 Jeep Cherokee 3.2 Trailhawk
    • 2015 Jeep Cherokee 3.2 awd Limited
    • Review: 2015 Jeep Renegade 1.4 Limited 4x2
    • Review: 2017 Jeep Renegade Limited 1.4T 4x4
  • Jiangling Motors Corp (JMC)Click to open the Jiangling Motors Corp (JMC) menu
    • 2012 JMC Carrying swb
    • 2012 JMC Boarding 2.8 TDi 4x4 double cab
    • Review: 2016 JMC Vigus 2.4 diesel double-cab
  • KiaClick to open the Kia menu
    • Launch report: Kia Pro_cee'd
    • 2009 Kia Soul
    • Launch report: Kia Sorento
    • 2010 Kia Cerato Koup
    • 2010 Kia Sorento 2.2 CRDi a/t 7 seater
    • 2011 Kia Sportage 2.0 litre 2WD automatic
    • Launch report: 2010 Kia Sportage
    • Mini test: 2011 Kia Sorento 3.5 V6 awd
    • Launch report: 2011 Kia Cerato hatch
    • Launch report: 2011 Kia Picanto
    • Launch report: 2012 Kia Rio
    • 2012 Kia Optima
    • Mini test: 2011 Kia Cerato 1.6 Hatch
    • Mini test: 2012 Kia Rio 1.4 Hatch
    • Launch report: 2012 Kia Optima
    • Launch report: 2012 Kia Rio sedan
    • 2012 Kia Sedona 7-seater
    • Mini test: 2012 Kia Picanto 1.2 EX
    • 2012 Kia Soul 2.0 manual
    • Mini test: 2011 Kia Picanto 1.0 manual
    • 2013 Kia Sorento 2.2 TCI 4x2
    • 2014 Kia 1.6 T-GDi Koup
    • 2014 Kia Cerato 1.6 EX hatchback
    • 2014 Kia Picanto 1.2 EX
    • 2013 Kia Cerato sedans
    • Shootout: 2013 Kia Sorento 2.2 TCI vs Toyota RAV4 2.5 VX
    • 2015 Kia Soul 1.6 diesel
    • Review: 2017 Kia Cerato 1.6 EX hatch
    • Review: 2017 Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDI awd
    • Review: 2016 Kia Soul 1.6 CRDi DCT
    • Review: 2017 Kia Rio 1.4 hatch
    • Review: 2017 Kia Sportage 2.0
    • Review: 2016 Kia Grand Sedona 2.2 CRDi
    • Review: 2017 Kia Picanto 1.2 Smart
  • Land Rover & Range RoverClick to open the Land Rover & Range Rover menu
    • 2009 Land Rover Defender
    • 2009 Land Rover Discovery 3 TDV6 HSE
    • 2009 Land Rover Defender Fire and Ice
    • 2010 Land Rover Discovery 4 V8 HSE
    • 2010 Land Rover Freelander2 TD4.e
    • 2010 Range Rover Sport 5.0 Supercharged
    • 2011 Land Rover Defender 110 Multipurpose
    • Mini test: 2011 Range Rover Sport 5.0
    • 2012 Range Rover Evoque SD4
    • 2012 Land Rover Defender
    • 2012 Range Rover Vogue SE TDV8
    • Launch report: 2012 Range Rover Sport and Autobiography
    • 2013 Land Rover Freelander 2.0 Si4 HSE
    • 2013 Range Rover Vogue SE
    • 2014 Range Rover Sport 3.0 SDHSE
    • 2013 Land Rover Discovery 4 SDV6 HSE
    • First Drive: 2014 Range Rover Sport
    • 2013 Range Rover Evoque Si4 Dynamic
  • LexusClick to open the Lexus menu
    • 2009 Lexus GS450h
    • 2009 Lexus RX 350 XE
    • 2012 Lexus IS 350 EX
    • 2012 Lexus CT200h F-Sport
    • 2012 Lexus GS 450h F-Sport
    • Launch Report: 2012 Lexus GS
    • Mini test: 2012 Lexus GS 350 EX
    • First drive: 2014 Lexus IS350
    • 2014 Lexus IS 350 F-Sport
    • 2014 Lexus ES 250 EX
    • 2014 Lexus IS350 EX
    • Review: 2017 Lexus IS 200t
  • MahindraClick to open the Mahindra menu
    • Review: 2018 Mahindra TUV300 T8
    • Review: 2018 Mahindra Scorpio PikUp dual cab 4x4
    • Review: 2016 Mahindra XUV500 W8
  • MazdaClick to open the Mazda menu
    • 2009 Mazda BT 50 Freestyle 3.0 CRDi SLX 4x2
    • 2009 Mazda6 2.5 Dynamic Activematic
    • 2010 Mazda6 2.5 Individual Activematic
    • 2011 Mazda5 2.0 Individual
    • 2012 Mazda CX-5 2.0 Individual
    • Launch report: 2012 Mazda BT-50 pickups
    • 2015 Mazda6 2.2D Atenza
    • 2015 Mazda CX-5, 2.5 Individual
    • 2015 Mazda3, 2.0 Astina
    • 2015 Mazda2 1.5 DE Hazumi
    • Review: 2017 Mazda3 Astina Plus
    • Review: 2017 Mazda CX-3 Individual Plus
    • Review: 2017 Mazda CX-5 2.2 DE Akera awd
    • Review: 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF
    • Review: 2017 Mazda BT-50, 3.2DE 4x4 dual cab
    • 2015 Mazda BT-50 review
    • Review: 2016 Mazda CX-3 2.0 automatic
    • Review: 2017 Mazda2 1.5 Individual Plus
  • Mercedes BenzClick to open the Mercedes Benz menu
    • 2009 Mercedes Benz A 200 automatic
    • Launch report Mercedes Benz A and B series
    • 2009 Mercedes Benz ML 500
    • Launch report: Mercedes Benz E-class
    • 2009 Mercedes Benz 500E
    • 2010 Mercedes Benz E350 cabriolet
    • 2010 Mercedes Benz C200CGi BlueEfficiency
    • 2011 Mercedes-Benz R300
    • Launch report: 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-class coupes
    • 2012 Mercedes-Benz C200 CDI
    • Launch report: 2012 Mercedes-Benz B-class
    • Launch report: 2012 Mercedes Benz CSL 250 CDI
    • 2011 Mercedes-Benz S350 BlueTEC
    • 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 200
    • 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG coupe
    • 2012 Mercedes-Benz B-Class update
    • Mini test: 2012 Mercedes-Benz B200 CDI 7G-DCT
    • First drive: 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL
    • 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG
    • 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS 500 shooting brake
    • First drives: 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
    • 2013 Mercedes-Benz A250 Sport
    • 2014 Mercedes-Benz S 400 Hybrid
    • 2013 Mercedes-Benz A220 CDI
    • First Drive: 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLA
    • First sight: 2014 Mercedes-Benz SL400 AMG Line
    • First Drive: 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG
    • 2014 Mercedes-Benz C250 Avantgarde
    • 2014 Mercedes-Benz 500 SL Roadster
    • 2013 Mercedes-Benz C180 Edition C
    • 2013 Mercedes-Benz E400 coupe
    • 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300 Edition C
    • First sight: 2015 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG Coupe
    • 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLA 220 CDI 4Matic
    • 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA 180
    • Review: 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG
    • Review: 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS 350 Bluetec
    • 2015 Mercedes-Benz C250 BlueTec Estate
    • 2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG coupe
    • Launch report: 2015 Mercedes-Benz V-Class
    • Review: 2015 Mercedes-AMG C63s Edition 1
    • First drive: 2015 Mercedes-Benz Vito range
    • Review: 2016 Mercedes-Benz A200 7G-DCT
    • Review: 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC 250 4Matic
    • Review: 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350d 4Matic
    • Review: 2016 Mercedes-Benz Vito 116 CDI Tourer
    • Review: 2015 Mercedes-Benz B-class
    • Review: 2015 Mercedes-Benz V 250 BlueTec
    • Review: 2016 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 4Matic
    • Review: 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLC 200
    • Review: 2016 Mercedes-Benz E 200
    • Review: 2016 Mercedes-AMG GTS
    • Review: 2017 Mercedes-Benz C350e hybrid
  • MINIClick to open the MINI menu
    • 2009 Mini Cooper 'S'
    • 2009 Mini Cooper 'S' convertible
    • 2012 MINI Cooper Roadster
    • 2013 MINI Countryman All4 John Cooper Works
    • 2014 MINI Paceman All4 John Cooper Works
    • 2014 MINI Cooper S
    • Review: 2017 MINI Cooper Countryman
    • Review: 2018 MINI Countryman JCW All4
    • Review: 2016 MINI Cooper convertible
  • MitsubishiClick to open the Mitsubishi menu
    • 2009 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
    • 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
    • 2012 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport manual
    • Review: 2017 Mitsubishi Triton 2.4 Di-D dual cab
  • MGClick to open the MG menu
    • 2012 MG6 Luxury saloon
  • NissanClick to open the Nissan menu
    • Launch report: Nissan NP 200
    • 2009 Nissan 370Z automatic
    • 2009 Nissan Navara King cab
    • 2010 Nissan Qashqai +2
    • 2010 Nissan Qashqai 2.0 n-tec
    • 2010 Nissan Navara LE 4x4 diesel
    • 2010 Nissan 370Z a/t Navi
    • 2010 Nissan Pathfinder 3.0 V6 diesel
    • Mini test: 2011 Nissan Navara 3.0 LE diesel double cab
    • 2011 Nissan NP 200 1.6 8V
    • 2011 Nissan Navara 2.5 XE dCi King Cab
    • Mini test: 2011 Nissan Tiida Acenta 1.8
    • 2012 Nissan Juke DIG-T Tekna
    • 2012 Nissan Livina X-Gear 1.6 Acenta Plus
    • 2012 Nissan Micra 1.5 cDi Acenta
    • 2012 Nissan Pathfinder 2.5 dCi 4x4 LE
    • 2013 Nissan Qashqai +2 Acenta
    • 2013 Nissan X-Trail 2.0D 4x4
    • Launch report: 2013 Nissan Pathfinder SE
    • 2014 Nissan NP 200 Loaded
    • 2014 Nissan Qashqai 1.6 dCi Acenta CVT
    • 2014 Nissan Pathfinder 3.0 V6 dCi
    • 2015 Nissan X-Trail 1.6 dCi XE
    • First drive: 2013 Nissan Almera
    • 2014 Nissan Sentra
    • 2014 Nissan Juke 1.5 dCi Acenta+
    • Techno Test: 2014 Nissan Sentra 1.6 Acenta manual
    • 2015 Nissan X-Trail 2.0 4x2 XE
    • 2014 Nissan Almera 1.5 m/t
    • Review: 2018 Nissan Qashqai 1.5 dCi
    • 2015 Nissan Juke 1.2 DIG-T
    • Review: 2017 Nissan Navara 2.3D 4x4 dual cab
  • OpelClick to open the Opel menu
    • 2009 Opel Corsa Sport
    • Launch report: 2010 Opel Astra
    • 2011 Opel Corsa Colour Edition
    • 2011 Opel Astra 1.6T Sport
    • Mini test: 2011 Opel Astra 1.4T Enjoy Plus
    • 2012 Opel Corsa OPC
    • 2012 Opel Astra GTC 1.4 Enjoy
    • 2012 Opel Meriva Cosmo
    • 2013 Opel Astra 1.4T Enjoy
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2013 Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium

Welcome


This is the home of automobile road tests in South Africa. We drive South African cars, SUVs and LCVs under South African conditions. It also just happens that most of the vehicles we drive are world cars as well, so what you read here probably applies to the models you can get at home.

*To read one of our archived road tests, just select from the alphabetical menu of manufacturers' names on the left. Hover your cursor over the manufacturer's name, then choose from the drop-down menu that appears.

*Please remember too, that prices quoted were those ruling on the days I wrote the reports.


At first glance the Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium seems expensive. We look more closely

 

Pics supplied

   
Play music for me

Published in Witness Wheels on Thursday October 3, 2013

 

There’s a tired old line about it not being the size that matters, but what it can do. Fact is, it’s sometimes true. Take Ford’s Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium for example.

Its price seems ambitious, but give the car a chance to impress you - over speed humps, through city streets and on the freeway. See how it revs freely and smoothly to 6500 rpm without buzzing, vibrating or making a racket. Then when you say: “Goes nicely. What is it - a 1600?” your salesperson can tell you it has a one-litre, three-cylinder, turbocharged engine that’s won prizes all over the world; has a CO2 rating of only 99 grams per kilometre and will cost very little to run. If you’re young enough, they might tell you the car can read out incoming text messages and obey simple voice commands like: “Play Taylor for me.”

The all-in cost of R240 000-plus for a range-topping Titanium version might scare you at first, but compare it with prices of some naturally aspirated1600s with fewer features. Times have changed and we can no longer simply reject what’s unfamiliar. For example, that engine develops 92 kW and 170 Nm, as much or more than many 1600s; it’s lighter and creates less friction than an equivalent four-cylinder and it’s just as smooth. The inherent three-cylinder imbalances were eliminated; not by means of heavy and expensive counter-rotating shafts, but with carefully placed equal and opposite imbalances. They not only do just as well at smoothing out vibrations, but they cost almost nothing. And they work.

Let’s look at the specs: Seven airbags, five-star NCAP rating, alloy wheels, fog lamps at each end, power windows with one-touch on both front doors, heated electric mirrors with down-lighting and automatic folding, an auto-dipping rearview, proximity locks that react to a gentle touch on the front door buttons, push-button starting, cruise control, automatic locking on the move, remote controls on the steering wheel and the kind of interactive Bluetooth you usually find only on really expensive cars.

Naturally you also get filtered automatic air conditioning, a six-speaker radio-CD-MP3 player with USB and auxiliary ports, ABS brakes with EBD and EBA, ESP, hill starting assistance and MyKey for tyro drivers. Add automatic headlights and wipers, kiddie locks, ISOFix anchors, a perimeter alarm with double deadlocking and an immobiliser. Now that your eyes have glazed from information overload, save this review and take it with you when you go into alternative showrooms. Other cars might not tick all the boxes.

Features are great, but what is it like? Obviously, it isn’t the fire-breathing ST. It has five doors rather than three, so friends or kids can get into the back; the suspension is much softer so it will go over speed bumps and the occasional dirt road without shaking your eyes out; it drives like a decent 1600 but won’t handle quite like a rally car; windows are big enough to see where you’re going and what’s coming at you, and its 10-metre turning circle means it gets in and out of tight spots easily.

The deep square boot measures 276 litres, loads at mid-thigh level and houses a spacesaver spare. Although there are no bins on the back doors, there are in front; along with a fair sized cubby, two cup holders, a box that holds eight CDs in regular cases and a couple of open trays.

It’s comfortable and easy to drive, the engine is willing and the five-speed manual gearbox shifts smoothly. The steering wheel is pleasantly thick and has little pads so it’s comfortable to hold in the ten-to-two position. Pedals are nicely spaced and they leave enough room to put your left foot down on the floor. Seats are upholstered in dark and non-allergenic fabric, and adjust mechanically. Naturally the rear seatbacks fold down to extend the loading space when you need more.

To be candid, if you’re tall and your passengers are too, they could find back seat knee room a little cramped and there are no grab handles, so you had better drive respectably. On the plus side there are seatback pockets, three belts, three head restraints and a 12-Volt socket.

Finally, the pricetag depends on interpretation; for a little one-litre car it’s eye-watering, but for a fully loaded 1600 it’s pretty fair.

Test car from Ford SA press fleet.

The numbers
Basic price: R238 600
Engine: 999 cc, DOHC, 12-valve, three-cylinder, turbopetrol
Power: 92 kW at 6000 rpm
Torque: 170 Nm between 1400 and 4500 rpm
Zero to 100 km/h: 9,4 seconds
Maximum speed: 196 km/h
Real life fuel consumption: About 6,3 l/100 km
Tank: 42 litres
Warranty: 4 years/120 000 km; with 3 years’ roadside assistance
Service plan: 4 years/60 000 km; at 20 000 km intervals

To see the launch report and more technical details, click here

What We Do


This is a one-man show, which means that every car reviewed is given my personal evaluation and receives my own seat of the pants judgement - no second hand input here.
Every test car goes through real world driving; on city streets littered with potholes, speed bumps and rumble strips, on freeways and if its profile demands, dirt roads as well.

I do my best to include relevant information like real life fuel economy or a close mathematical calculation, boot size or luggage space, whether the space is both usable and accessible, whether life-sized people can use the back seat (where that applies), basic specs of the vehicle and performance figures if they are published. In the case of clearly identified launch reports, fuel figures are of necessity the laboratory numbers provided with the release material. If I ever place an article that doesn't cover most things, it's probably because I have dealt with that vehicle at least once already, so you will be able to find what you want in another report under the same manufacturer's heading in the menu on the left.

My reviews and launch reports appear on Thursdays in the Wheels supplement to The Witness, South Africa's oldest continuously running newspaper, and occasionally on Saturdays in Weekend Witness as well. I drive eight to ten vehicles each month, most months of the year (except over the festive season) so not everything gets published in the paper. Those that are, get a tagline but the rest is virgin, unpublished and unedited by the political-correctness police.

Hope you like what you see, because there are no commercial interests at work here. As quite a few readers have found, I answer every serious enquiry from my home email address, with my phone numbers attached, so they can see I do actually exist.



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