Publications
Partners
While the coronavirus continues to wreak havoc on the South African motor industry, we managed to keep the pot boiling with several stories on new models.
We kicked off the week with BMW's first-ever 2 Series Gran Coupe making its debut. The car covers a number of firsts for BMW, chief among which is the fact that this body shape debuts in the automaker’s premium compact cars.
The 2 Series GC shares the front-wheel-drive system as seen on the 1 Series, but the M235i xDrive is equipped with BMW’s all-wheel-drive system.
Power outputs for the 2 Series GC ranges from 103kW in the 218i to 225kW in the M235i xDrive. As the sports model of the range, the M235i can go from 0-100km/h in under five seconds and onto a top speed of 250km/h.
Technologies on the 2 Series Gran Coupe include Lane Departure Warning system with active lane return is optional, along with Active Cruise Control, the Driving Assistant including Lane Change Warning, rear collision warning and crossing traffic warning, plus the innovative reversing assistant.
READ: Touch down! BMW’s first-ever 2 Series Gran Coupe now available in SA
2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe. Image: PressClub / BMW SA
Got wood?
Wheels24’s Charlen Raymond made the best of his time in quarantine by preparing for a braai. To spice things up a bit, he raked in the services of the Suzuki S-Presso to ‘transport’ the wood. In a test of practicality, Raymond loaded 57kg of wood in the S-Presso’s boot.
The car might be small, but its 239L boot got the job done to comfortably swallow the two big bags. Raymond wrote: "Depending on your personal needs and purposes, you want the S-Presso to answer your burning questions. In this instance, I needed to find out how much wood the Suzuki could stack in its boot. Why? Because I love to braai!"
WATCH: Planning a braai during lockdown? Here's how much wood you can load in the S-Presso's boot
More than an SUV
Wheels24 editor, Janine van der Post, recently drove the Kia Seltos. While the SUV has been around since late 2019, it's been a refreshing addition to the brand's model range line-up.
Van der Post drove the GT Line turbo model, which sits at the top of the Seltos range. This model is powered by a 1.4-litre engine that produces 103kW and 242Nm. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission sends power to the front wheels.
Van der Post said: 'Not only are gear shifts seamless, but the powertrain is surprisingly fuel-efficient despite being so throttle-happy. It goes from zero to 100km/h in 9.7 seconds, with a claimed top speed of 185km/h."
READ: Why Kia's Seltos is more than just a new SUV in a flooded segment
2020 Kia Seltos. Image: MotorPress
Hot battle on hand
Renault South Africa was readying to launch their new Megane R.S. Trophy on local soil when the coronavirus put a halt to those plans. Though this new hot hatch is expected to see its introduction after the 21-day lockdown has been lifted, we are quietly preparing ourselves for an epic battle between it and the Hyundai i30N.
Raymond took a closer look at why the Trophy could be a reckoned contender and notes several points that both petrolheads and prospective buyers should take note of it.
He wrote: "If Renault gets its pricing right, the Trophy could undercut the i30N by some margin and give the market something to be giddy about. Petrolheads know about Renault's rich history in motorsport, which should count for something."
READ: Watch out, i30N! Here's why we can't wait for the Renault Megane R.S. Trophy's local debut
2020 Renault Megane R.S. Trophy. Image: Renault Sport
Welcome, Sporty Jazz
Wheels24's Sean Parker recently took ownership of his long-term Honda Jazz Sport. After little more than a month in custody, Parker reflects on his initial impressions of the car and notes a number of aspects one should be aware of.
In the thick of driving numerous other vehicles, Parker notes that he'd like to spend more time driving the Jazz Sport. Lockdown may limit any driving for all of us, but the excitement only builds in the meantime.
He says: "I'll be grateful to have more time in the seat after the lockdown period, but for now I've enjoyed the comfortable seats, funky styling, and solid build quality.
"For the time being, the Jazz Sport is parked safely in my garage and only needed in extreme cases. In the next update, I'll explore the interior and what the Jazz is like to live with on a practical level."
REVIEW: Lockdown leaves room for reflection as Honda Jazz Sport quietly impresses
2020 Honda Jazz Sport. Image: QuickPic
