the Bucket: Driving Impressions

We attended the launch of the new GLC Coupe in the picturesque Cape, to see what the second generation of this popular Sporty SUV had to offer. The previous generation did well in the local market given its niche segment, while most consumers are opting for SUV's for various reasons, many don't need the wagon look or space that comes along with it hence the Coupe body was created for those with a little more sporty side to them. The sleek silhouette

Speaking at the launch, co-CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa, Mark Raine had this to say about the GLC Coupe, "The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe undoubtedly resonates with the affluent South African clientele. It speaks to that desire for adventure, both in the urban environment and the greater outdoors. The design is both contemporary and dynamic, it is the ultimate lifestyle accessory from the world’s most innovate and luxurious automotive brand."

The GLC Coupe will be launched in two engine variants locally, namely, the GLC220d and the GLC300d, both being diesel power engines which mild hybrid technology that is a 48-volt electric system to improve efficiency and power delivery, giving the driver a more dynamic and engaging drive from the cars. Both cars have a 2.0-litre diesel turbo engine with different power outputs, with the 220d producing 145kW and 440Nm of torque, while the 300d having 198kW and 550Nm of torque. This is all controlled via the 9-G automatic gearbox which controls the car with ease in the various driving modes. The car comes with a 4-matic four wheel drive system and includes AIRMATIC suspension that increases and decreases the cars ride height given the type of terrain its on.

As frustrating as Cape Town traffic can be, sitting in the new GLC Coupe was quite nice, seeing its striking design shine among the other cars on the road made it quite the attraction for everyone else. Once the traffic calmed and we found quieter pastures, the GLC was then able to show us its pedigree, maneuvering around the twistys of the M6 freeway heading towards Hout Bay the agile nature of the car shone through, getting the car into manual mode made the car even more responsive and sporty, giving you the sense you were behind the wheel of a sports car rather than an SUV. When we encountered high winds along the famed Chapmans Peak drive was when you felt the bulkyness that comes along with the big body but thanks to that high torque factor and electric boost system, the car made light work of the wind from then out.

On the interior, users will find themselves in a modern contemporary setting with the focal piece being the large MBUX display which incorporates the latest in tech that Mercedes-Benz has to offer, from its AI assistant that can control anything from switching on the aircon to closing the sunroof, yes, the new GLC Coupe now comes with an option to get the panaromic sunroof, something that wasn't offered in the previous generation. Easy connectivity for mobile phones which includes wireless mobile apps such as Android Auto and Car Play make it easy to communicate while on the move. The seats are all electrically adjustable with dual zone climate control standard. The car has a 15-speaker hi-fi sound system that will be a pleasure to any music fans ears, whether you're blasting Taylor Swift or Opera, anything sounds good that coming through those speakers, can't say the same for our own singing though.

Overall, first impressions of the new GLC Coupe are good, nothing that we aren't used to from the luxury German brand, in terms of innovations there are quite a few and we look forward to putting them to the test properly when we get the car for a long time period. Pricing for the car is as follows.

GLC220d Coupe - R1,392,350.00

GLC300d Coupe - R1,447,350.00

In September this year I attended the official launch of the new Honda BR-V in the Western Cape, it was a fun day out with the team from Honda SA as we got to sample the second generation of this much loved model in the country. The model had grown in statue compared to its previous model but also came loaded with a lot tech and safety features normally reserved for higher end models. At the launch I gravitated to a particular model and drove that for the day, little did I know what an attachment the car would have to me, as after the launch I decided to spend a few extra days in the Cape and Honda SA allowed me to keep a car with me for the duration of my stay, low and behold when I went to the parking lot, I noticed it was the same car I drove that day on the launch. After flying back to Durban and spending a few weeks at home, I get a message that I'd be getting a BR-V to test for the week. Having just driven one a few weeks ago, I thought it would be nice to refresh my memory with one for the review. When the car got delivered, it seemed awfully familiar, low and behold it was the exact same car I drove at the launch, the same car I spent the weekend in whilst in Cape Town and now its followed me to Durban. As funny as that was, its time for the actual review of the car.

DESIGN

Being a 7-seater MPV, the BR-V has quite an attractive design, with modern lines and sharp features keeping in line with the Honda design language. The overall body shape is indicative to that of most MPVs but has a wider stance than most and also an increased ride height making it seem more of a crossover come SUV rather than an MPV. The lines are clean with a modern twist and the headlights have clear covers exposing the details in the headlamps with the straight styled rear lights similar to the Ballade and new Civic. The additions of the brushed aluminum finish scuff plates in the front, rear and side add to the SUV rugged look on the BR-V, making it look more menacing than it actually is. The new straight grille is pretty eye catching and the way the headlamps expand from it gives the car that classy European look. The car comes with 16-inch bicolour rims which really do make the car stand out. The interior received and overhaul with it getting some nice tech updates include a large touch screen radio which I will touch on later as well as some improved material selections. The design of the interior is roomy and spacious making it a great cabin for large groups, which is why it would be popular with the Uber and Taxi industry.

PERFORMANCE

The BR-V is powered by that same Honda 1.5-litre naturally aspirated DOHC i-Vtec engine, yes that one. While many have gripes with this motor, claiming its under powered as it produces only 89kW and 145Nm of torque, one would agree that a car which can seat 7-adults would need more oomph but I actually don't have an issue, my issue comes with the gearbox, the automatic CVT transmission does the car no favours and I can't for the life of me figure out why manufacturers are sticking to this technology. It doesn't help with the average fuel consumption because people are ending up dropping gears to get more power which in-turn uses more fuel. I didn't get to sample the manual option at the launch but I'm sure that fairs much better in performance and in average fuel consumption. It does however give a smooth ride but there is no escaping that engine groan in the cabin when you trying to accelerate.

COMFORT

The BR-V as mentioned, is a 7-seater MPV with the it having a nice spacious cabin comfortable for 5 adults in the front two rows and squeezing in two more in the third row seats. The seats, while not covered in genuine leather are very comfortable and the material feels premium and durable, so no nasty stains will left on these seats. The car has single zone climate control which the controls are located in the center of the console, with button controls. The BR-V comes with a large TFT touch screen infotainment unit which has an easy to interface and has preloaded mobile apps which can be connected via USB cable. The car is packed with safety features which include Honda SENSING Driver Assist technology, this is a broad range of driver assistance features and driver aids to help protect the driver and its occupants. Honda SENSING includes collision mitigation braking system, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control, auto high-beam and lane keeping assist. These features are normally found on high-end models from Europe, so to be getting these in a lower end MPV is just brilliant, not forgetting a reverse camera to check your rear while reversing into any spots.

VERDICT

Overall, while the BR-V might have some quips, it is genuinely a great package put together from the Japanese manufacturer. The car delivers in most aspects and over exceeds in others. The drive was great when in urban areas and given the what the general use of a car like this would be for locals, it does the job without any hassle. While it does feel a bit more premium than most of it's competitors, it does force them to be more proactive in including more safety offerings in their cars. The car looks great and drives well, for the target market this could be the benchmark for the segment and given Honda's great reliability and service, it has the potential to be one of their best selling models in the coming years.