Bucket Seat: Toyota Corolla Cross

Toyota launched the "new Corolla Cross" this week ahead of their state of the nation motoring conference at Kyalami this week. The refreshed look of the Cross which has been a firm favourite amongst locals when it was first launched. With the introduction of the hybrid model and the combination of the then silicon chip shortage, meant that prospective buyers had to wait quite some time to get their cars. Regardless, this did not deter them and the amount of Corolla Cross's on the road now speaks volume for the car itself. 

This new, revised model see's major cosmetic changes to the front with a new style grille and front facia giving the car a more cleaner look. The headlights have been revised  which feature sequential turn signals, enhance visibility and a modern touch. Exclusive to the XR and GR-S models are uniquely shaped B--Beam LED lamps and crystal like LED daytime running lights. The rear while not looking that much different to the previous gen, does get a new light design featuring  an inner lens for greater precision and uniformity.  The Cross now has two new colours to the line up, Brass Gold and Oxide Bronze to give the line-up a nice shake up. 

The interior also receives some upgrades with premium materials being used now with real stitching on the instrument panel and console lid, along with high quality floor mats with heel pad. The Corolla Cross now comes with an electric parking brake, doing away with the foot brake on the old model. USB C ports all around the car and rear reclining seats for added comfort. 

The new Corolla Cross is more than just an SUV; it is a continuation of the iconic Corolla legacy. It combines Toyota’s renowned quality, durability, and reliability (QDR) with a forward-thinking approach to sustainability. As a leader in hybrid vehicle technology, the Corolla Cross serves as a bridge between Toyota’s rich history and its future aspirations. Toyota’s reputation for durability and a robust dealer network continues to ensure that the Corolla Cross remains an attractive offering in South Africa’s highly competitive SUV market.

Xi Models	Xs Models	XR and GR-S Models
·         LED Headlamp ·         Smart Entry ·         ABS + EBD + VSC + HAC ·         Cruise Control ·         5 airbags (D + D-knee + P + Side) ·         Electric Parking Brake ·         8” Display Audio ·         4.2” Combination Meter ·         Parking Sensors (Rear x2) ·         Rear Aircon Ducts + 2x USBs Seat B	·         Leather Seats, Shift Lever & Knob ·         3 spoke leather Steering Wheel ·         10” Display Audio + Wireless CarPlay ·         7” Combination Meter ·         Auto Dual Zone Air conditioner ·         Black Roof Rails ·         Parking Sensors (FR x2 + RR x4)	·         Toyota Safety Sense (Adaptive Cruise Control; Pre-crash with front cross traffic alert and Lane Keeping System with Lane Trace Assist) ·         7 Airbags including Curtain Side ·         Auto High Beam + Sequential Turn Signal ·         12.3” Full Digital Meter ·         Electrochromatic Rear View Mirror ·         360° Panoramic View Monitor ·         Power Back Door + Kick Sensor

Pricing on the new Corolla Cross is as follows, with it retaining the two engines, a 1.8 litre petrol and ultra-fuel efficient 1.8 litre Hybrid. While with the introduction the new Xi trim level, the HEV wont be available in this trim. 

• 
  Corolla Cross 1.8 Xi – R414 800
• Corolla Cross 1.8 Xs – R452 200
• Corolla Cross 1.8 Xs HEV – R494 400
• Corolla Cross 1.8 XR – R501 500
• Corolla Cross 1.8 XR HEV – R545 200
• Corolla Cross 1.8 GR-S – R518 200
• Corolla Cross 1.8 GR-S HEV – R561 700

Bucket Seat: Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD-6

There's no real surprise as to why the Toyota Fortuner is one of South Africa's most sold SUV's. It's essentially based of one of the most loved bakkies in the country, that is the Hilux but instead of a cab and bin, it has a luxury cabin with 7-seats! This year saw Toyota reveal an update to the Fortuner that has included a host of new elements both in design and technology, while it still is powered by that famous work-horse of an engine that has expanded in its model offering, the power and economy figures have been tweaked to give the driver better results. I spent some time with the new Fortuner a while back and this is how much time went with the SUV.

DESIGN

Not much has changed in-terms of the overall appearance of the Fortuner, it has some minor design enhancements such as revised headlamps and rear lights with more LED detailing that really give the car a striking appearance. A noticeable change on the front end is the new grill which has a larger profile design and a more prominent Toyota emblem in the middle. The sides of the grill have a wide border finished in chrome to accentuate the V shape and ties into the front headlamps beautifully. The lower part of the end has a significant change with larger air-intakes which house the fog lamps but below that is also day-time running LED's which could also serve as fog lamps, so one thing is for sure, this car is very visible in bad weather conditions. The number plate is mounted on the upper part of the front skid plate which is finished in brushed aluminum and adds to the rugged nature of the cars appearance. The Fortuner comes with new designed 18" alloy wheels which are great looking and tough for going off the beaten track with. Much of the overall design in the Fortuner remains unchanged from the previous model but still is a great looking car. 

PERFORMANCE

Powered by that famous 2.8L Diesel in-line 4 cylinder,  GD6 motor, you know the Fortuner has enough power to conquer just about any terrain with is. The powertrain is mated with the 6-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shift which works brilliantly at all speeds, maximizing the power output on each gear as it makes it way up the ratios. With various driving modes selectable from a touch of a button, the gearbox adapts well to when more power is required. With the motor delivering 150kW and 500Nm of torque, you won't be running short of power anytime during your journey. Off-road performance probably surprises you more than on the road performance, with the double wishbone suspension up front and the multilink four link suspension at the back, navigating through harsh terrain has never been easier, from loose gravel to sticky mud, the Fortuner performed exquisitely in all conditions.

COMFORT

While the interior remains virtually unchanged, the technology has been upped in the Fortuner with the infotainment system offering mobile car app connectivity now with the likes of Apple Car Play and Android Auto available via USB connection. The interior still remains plush and spacious with stylish crafted black seats (not sure if other colours are available), the cabin has satin finishes and high quality leather from the dash to the doors. All very soft to the touch and has an opulent feel to it, it really enhances the luxury aspect to the car. The front passenger and driver have dual-zone climate control with heated seats, the second row and foldable 3rd row seating have single zone climate control for themselves. While the second row seating is spacious, the 3rd row when folded down is slightly tight but still enough space for an adult to squeeze in there. I'm still not a fan of the fold to the side seating for the 3rd row, I found this problematic with the previous model but I see Toyota have improved on the locking mechanism of it when folded up. Previously I had the seat unlocking itself while I was driving which can be quite a fright if driving alone in the car. Other note-worthy enhancements are the electro chromatic rear view mirror with an auto-dimming function to reduce glare during the dark, keyless entry, folding mirrors and automatic tailgate. 

VERDICT

It's hard to find faults with the Fortuner and while they might be minor ones if you nitpick. they are too minor to even argue over. The pricing point of the car might seem steep at first but when compared to what you're getting in terms of car, performance, fuel economy and technology, not many come close. The sheer size of the vehicle along with that Toyota badge which means so much more than car manufacturer, it means great service, great reliability as well as great re-sale value, all of this makes it hard to look away at this model when in the market for a large family SUV that is capable of rolling in the dirt from time to time. It's not difficult to see what its built up such a cult fan base in the country and with the recipe Toyota have for it, long will it continue. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	2.8L Diesel
Gear Box	6-Automatic
Torque	500Nm
Power	150kW
Fuel Economy	7.9 per 100L
Price	R789,000

 

Monday Choon: Leonard A & Pavel Koreshkov - Frozen Dream

 

We're back to normal programming this week and as ever on a Monday we bring you the latest in Electronic Dance Music, today we have an interesting collaboration from little known DJ's Leonard A of Mexico and Pavel Koreshkov of Russia. In today's exclusive we have an interview with Leonard just to find out more about himself, his music and how he and Pavel hooked up to provide us with such a great track that is Frozen Dream. 

Q & A with Leonard A

1. Who is Leonard A?

- Leonard A is a project that I started about 6 years ago, Leonard derived from my name Leonardo and the 'A' comes from my last name 'Anya'.

2. What inspired you to become a DJ/ Producer?

- I was inspired by many artists but I think that without a doubt the greatest influence was the music and talent of DJ Tiesto. At the time of the 2000s when I was just a teenager, I had his in concert 2 DVD and that was when I began to see how wonderful it was to get people on the dance floor. 

3. Being from Mexico, what is the dance music scene like there?

- It is good, to tell the truth I have heard that many of the great DJs love to come to festivals in Mexico because of the reception of the Mexican public. It is difficult for new talents to grow unlike in Europe, but believe me people support when they see that you are good at this. 

4. Your track Frozen Dream which we have featured today, you teamed up with Pavel from Russia, how did the two of your work together in producing this track track given the current restrictions the world is under?

- Well one day I received an email in my inbox from Sound Cloud and well it was from Pavel, he showed me his new track just finished and he wanted me to place some of my touches on it, although it changed more than 50% of the original structure but I think we achieved a good result and all this thanks to current technology, being able to send steam through the internet is a great advantage and communication thanks to social networks makes work much easier from your studio.

5. What can we expect next from you?

- I have not decided this year but I am thinking of taking my production to another level, more melodic trance, you know the days ago I was listening to the new album of 'Shingo Nakamura' and I was fascinated by how beautiful it sounds. I want to work on something like that and be able to start releasing some of that in Monstercat Silk. At the moment I have some tracks to finish and I hope to be able to sign them before the end of the year. Several remixes and music with great artists are coming.

The track Frozen Dream is amazing and from the first time I heard it on Andrew Rayel's weekly podcast Find Your Harmony, I was itching for it to be released and now that it has, I just wanted to share it with everyone to enjoy for themselves. 

Bucket Tech: Huawei MateBook 14

If you’re a graduate or a young professional, you likely have high expectations of your laptop. You want something that can keep up with your ambitions, so high performance capabilities are critical, and you also need it to be ultra-lightweight and beautifully designed. Portability in today’s nomadic, work-from-anywhere world, is key. Meet the brand-new HUAWEI MateBook 14, which will be coming soon from Huawei. The latest addition to Huawei’s all-rounder series, the HUAWEI MateBook 14 will be setting a new standard in its class. Its 14-inch 2K FullView Display, with the option of a touchscreen as well, has a lot in common with the screens of high-end laptops and likely positions it as the laptop with the best 14-inch display on the market.

It’s also ultra-thin and compact, but its sleek and slim metal body still houses powerful technology that will ensure you’re not compromising performance for portability. Inside you’ll find an 11th Generation Intel Core processor, 16GB of dual channel RAM, and an MX350 discrete graphics processing unit, which processes images and videos two and a half times faster than integrated graphics cards. To keep all of this going, the HUAWEI MateBook 14 is supported by a large 56Wh battery that offers 11 hours of battery life, and also intelligently saves energy by managing apps and processes that aren’t being used. The HUAWEI Shark Fin Fan, which supports higher fan rotation speeds and improves air intake by up to 18%, is designed to dissipate heat quickly and will help your machine to manage the heavy demands you have of it.

Huawei understands the importance of connectivity – not only to the internet, but also between your different Huawei devices. The HUAWEI MateBook 14 therefore boasts a high transmission rate of up to 1,733Mbps, which means it can receive better Wi-Fi signals even in signal-poor areas. And it offers all-scenario connectivity through HUAWEI Share, which allows multiple devices to interact seamlessly, eliminating the need for cables or third-party apps when you’re trying to transfer files. The laptop of the future is more intelligent, more efficient and more connected. It’s powerful and portable, smart and sleek, diverse and dynamic. What the HUAWEI MateBook 14 proves is that the future is coming soon to SA.

The HUAWEI MateBook 14 is coming soon to South Africa priced at, R24,999 with a premium backpack and Bluetooth mouse. Pre-order now before 1 July and pay R249 to get R2500 off on Huawei Store (Online). You can also find contract deals in Vodacom selected stores or pay for a cash deal at Incredible Connection.

When purchasing the HUAWEI MateBook 14, you will get a two-year collect, repair and return VIP service warranty with 24/7 online technical support valued at R1,299.

Bucket Seat: 2020 Audi A4

Audi's A4 sedan has for long been it's best selling model in the local market, meeting the needs of many in the luxury mid-sized segment, it seems to tick most of the boxes for the buyers and I cannot remember one A4 driver that didn't have good things to say about their car. This week Audi has launched the revised version of the much loved A4, sporting cosmetic changes which embraces the new design language and but more importantly is that the A4 is now fully connected with Audi connect technology which also features a new MMI touch display. It's Audi's answer to the AI assistant that we've been seeing coming in most of the other brands of recent. The new A4 engine line-up also features mild hybrid technology which enhances comfort and driving efficiency. 

A quick glance at the design will see that much of the overall shape remains the same with the big changes coming up in the front. The headlamps feature the new LED strip on the top which follows the line from the bonnet. There is that slight gap between the bonnet and grille with a more straight and angular approach, very much like the A1. The rest of the front is very sporty and fierce looking with lots of bold lines and angles, accentuated by brush aluminum details on the air-intake vents. The side and rear of the car remain very similar with slight enhancements to the side sills and in the rear, the diffuser getting a bit of that brushed aluminum detailing as well as large exhausts. The rear lights remain the same in design but the inlay features Audi's new LED design with the multiple light design. 

Audi has upped its game in the technology and connectivity market with Audi Connect, and its new MMI system. It offers a user experience similar to a contemporary smartphone. Moving away from buttons and dials, the new touch screen interface has handwriting recognition, acoustic feedback as well as multi-touch sensitivity. The high-resolution TFT display  measures 10.1 inches and graphics are deliberately clean which make for a better and faster user experience. The larger screen also makes it easier for the user to input free hand text, the AI is pretty intuitive and picks up almost any type of hand writing. Audi have also fused their GPS with Google Maps, offering you to overlay Google imagery onto your GPS, with the online connectivity, the car gets real-time information based on what it receives and adjust to you, for example if it knows your route to and from work, if there is a delay on the route it will suggest another one to use which will be faster. 

In addition to all of this, Audi have launched their myAudi app which is the central nervous system for Audi connect and allows digital access to the vehicle, anywhere and at any time. It is through this point that the driver can access important vehicle information, manage data and configure and set up certain services. The driver will be able to call up real-time information about the vehicle and keep any eye on the fuel level, range, service appointments , warning messages and other functions. Live notifications aren't limited to just traffic, it also includes trading hours of places you're visiting, parking availability and also weather updates. These features run through an embedded e-SIM and data is freely available for a period of 3 years. 

Engine line up and pricing for the new A4 is as follows

 

Bucket Seat: BMW 118i

So couple weeks ago I got to spend some time with BMW's all-new 1 Series, when it was first launched I didn't like the look of the car. It seemed like a reconfigured X2. The sharp nose, large grille and the slanted front headlights did nothing to woo my enthusiasm over the new design. The press pictures did little to flatter me, nor did any of the M Performance parts which you could decorate the car with did any convincing. As always I tend to reserve judgement until I see it in the metal, so when the 118i in the M Sports guise came rolling in, it took me just a couple of seconds to respect what BMW did with the design of the car. Yes, I know how can you change your mind so quickly? Well, to use an old cliche,  you have to see it to believe it is all I can add. With COVID-19 still having a firm grip on the country, time with the 118i was less than normal with a test car so I had to make the most of it. With it having the smallest engine in the line-up, it was obvious that the motor was made for economy on mind, so the only real thing for me to test was performance, could this baby still give an enthralling drive like we're so used to with all BMW's? Well read on and find out.

DESIGN

Like I said in the intro, in pictures the 1 Series isn't the easiest on the eye but in the metal, once you take a closer look at the detail in the design, the folds, the curves, the angles as well as the materials, you'll realise very quickly that there is a lot to like and appreciate about the new 1 Series. This being fitted with the M Sport kit has all the necessary bulk to make it look as good as a genuine M model. From the front, the aggressiveness is apparent with it's wide diffuser and the sculptured edges to push the airflow into the intakes either side which cool the wheels and brakes. The side profile maintains this sporty look and while the kit has no prominence apart from the bottom sill it does give a nice blend to the body. The rear of the car has that wide stance and blacked diffuser which is finished in high gloss plastic, this really is great which even for the bottom entry models to have this sort of materials in the finishes gives the car a premium look. The air vents on the back are sadly fake but not a major issue as it's more there for looks than any functionality. Stepping inside the 1 Series, most of it is very similar to the new generation BMW look, with the new M Sport steering wheel and instrument cluster, which is slightly smaller than the other models.

PERFORMANCE

The 118i has BMW's smallest engine in their line-up, it's powered by the 1.5L TwinPower Turbo, an engine you can find in the Mini Cooper, not very exciting right? But believe it or not its also the same combustion engine in the BMW i8 so it has some cred to it. Given that the 1 Series is bigger and heavier than the Mini, this engine does seem a lot more pluck in the 118i, delivering 103kW and 220Nm of torque is rather impressive from a 3 cylinder motor while achieving a 0-100kph time of just 8.5 seconds. The car itself feels pretty solid on the road and picks up speed well, coasting is a charm in this car, one slight gripe I may have with it is with it being front wheel drive, the car does tend to jump on take off, so keep those hands firm on the wheel. The 1 Series comes with BMWs standard cruise control, it is pretty simple to use and set but does have the auto braking feature. The car is very nimble and easy to navigate through tight spots, so parking in a congested parking garage is enough for everyone. Parking not your thing? You can just opt for parking assist option which will do the tough work for you.

COMFORT

While the 1 Series is the baby in the line-up, it is a decent size when compared to the hatchbacks, the cabin is spacious and very roomy, the seats are lower than usual but gives you a nice view of the cockpit from the drivers perspective. As mentioned its pretty much what you would expect in a new BMW with a similar set up, albeit a bit scaled down. The car has dual zone climate control for the driver and the passenger as well as a single zone system for the passengers at the back. The red leather "Dakota" interior really was a great contrast to the Alpine white exterior and the choice for colours and materials from BMW is quite vast for you to chose from, while you could have a similar spec to someone else, there are details in which you can change, from the stitching to the types of textures you want on the dash and doors. The 1 Series has its ambient lighting built-in to the dash where as the likes of the 3 Series have it underside the beading. Boot space is decent, it can fit my golf clubs so that is all that matters to me!

VERDICT

Overall, I was left pretty impressed with the 118i, look I know it's the smallest engine in the BMW stable so for me seeing if it was economical wasn't on the top of my agenda, seeing if it could still deliver the performance we know and love from the German manufacturer was and it delivered with a charm. While my foot was pretty heavy with it, the fuel usage wasn't too bad if I have to say so myself. Base price on this model is a tough one to swallow but if you look at what you getting and there is zero compromise on luxury, I say its worth it given that that the competitors use inferior materials and line up similarly in costs so the value is there.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	1.5L Twin Power Turbo
Gear Box	Automatic Steptronic
Torque	220Nm
Power	103kW
Consumption	5.9L/100km
Price	R619,800*

*Base Price