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Showing posts with label First Impressions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label First Impressions. Show all posts

Thursday, August 22, 2024

Bucket Seat: VW Polo Vivo - Refreshed


The Polo Vivo remains one of South Africa's best selling passenger vehicles with over 425 000 units sold  locally and in Sub Saharan Africa, all of which were manufactured at their Kariega Plant just out Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape. This week I got the opportunity to view the plant, which since February this year, is the only plant in the world to make the Polo and its derivatives. The visit was to view the refreshed Polo Vivo which hits the streets of Mzanzi this month. Many expected drastic changes to the current model as face-lifts go, this was pretty on par with nothing dramatic in terms of styling cues but lots of extras in terms of tech and safety. 


The major talking about about these updates that the Vivo receives is that most of them were designed and manufactured right here in South Africa. The engineers in the plant talked us through the major design change which is the front bumper which is now more aligned to the Volkswagen design language, featuring a broader lower grille made up of slats that are pronounced by angular "boomerang" styled side pieces which are colour coded to the cars colour. The Polo Vivo also receives new headlights with corner bending lights on higher trims. The rear see's the "Vivo" name plate follow the new VW convention of being in center, again, another item which was designed locally and needed sign off from head office. The GT line gets an updated badge and not stick on decals like the older model. 


The Vivo will be available in three variants, the entry level Vivo, mid level "Life" and the range topping "Style", There is also the range topping GT and a limited edition "Black Styling" package of which only 500 will be made. On the Life variant, it will feature a special 15-inch alloy wheel which was designed and made here in SA, dubbed "Ubomi"it is quite an attractive looking wheel for the mid range Vivo. 


On the safety front, all Vivo's will come with front fog lamps and cornering light with day time running lights, Life and Style models will get Twin headlamps with integrated high beam assist. All Vivo's will have tyre pressure monitoring and get side airbags fitted into the driver and front passenger seats, taking the total airbags up to four now, making it one of the safest cars in its segment. 


All Vivo models will come with new seats, each specific to its variant with unique designs, made from robust yet comfortable materials. Each design was carefully thought of for the various model and with thorough testing of the seats which was demonstrated to us in the quality control center of the plant. The major talking point has to be the new infotainment unit which replaces the old dated radio. A 9-inch high definition touch screen unit which, again was co-designed here in SA along with VW Argentina is a refreshing update to the cabin. It's easy to use and displays the cars info such as trip logs, fuel range, tyre pressures and has mobile apps which is connected via USB A cables.


Polo Vivo has 3 engines in its line up with the 1.4L naturally aspirated engine in the standard Vivo and Life models. This motor delivers 55kW in Vivo and 63kW in the Life and has a 5-speed manual gearbox. There is a 1.6L naturally aspirated motor that delivers 77kw that is available with a tiptronic auto gearbox in the Life and a 5-speed manual in the Style variants. The range topping GT now gets a 1.0L TSI engine that delivers 81kW and has a 5-speed manual gearbox. I drove the base line Vivo at the launch and truth be told, I found zero difference from the older model, it's a solid ride but lacks power especially with a load. It's build quality is solid and with the new updates makes it an affordable car that starts off at the same price as the outgoing model which is a major plus for the consumer. 


Pricing:

1.4 55kW Vivo Manual - R266,600

1.4 63kW Life Manual - R288,500

1.6 77kW Life Tiptronic - R320,200

1.6 77kW Style Manual - R318,000

1.0 TSI 81kW GT Manual - R356,000

Prices exclude service plan

Friday, February 2, 2024

Bucket Seat: Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe


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

Thursday, July 6, 2023

Bucket Seat: Lexus NX


The all-new NX opens a whole new chapter for Lexus, heralding new directions in design, powertrains and dynamic handling that deliver a more rewarding and connected driving experience. Next-generation multimedia and connectivity coupled with the application of advanced technologies for higher levels of safety, comfort and convenience further confirm the VIP status of this new mid-size luxury SUV in the Lexus line-up.

It replaces a model that has been very successful for Lexus. To build on this achievement and deliver a compelling new product to customers who today expect much more from their vehicle, Lexus has carried out a total reinvention of the NX. Its ambition and commitment are demonstrated by the major advances in performance, handling and efficiency – this is also reflected in the fact that 95 per cent of the vehicle’s parts are new.

All of this has been achieved while maintaining Lexus’ essential human-centred approach to vehicle development. On top of this, to give the newcomer the broadest possible appeal, Lexus offers the NX with no less than three different powertrains along with a choice of three grades including an F SPORT option on the Hybrid model for the very first time.


A New Design Direction

The new NX marks a significant evolution of Lexus design, developing the avant garde appeal of the original model but expressing a more sophisticated, dynamic and mature appearance, while at the same time conveying a muscular demeanor.

The aim was “functional beauty,” to meet increasingly diverse customer requirements and preferences. The new NX displays balanced, strong proportions with a road-gripping stance. Overall length has increased by 20mm, the wheelbase by 30mm, the width by 20mm and the height by 5mm – dimensions which ensure optimum packaging, notably with more usable space for rear seat passengers.

At the front, the Lexus spindle grille is set more upright and is more subtly framed. Wider front and rear tracks contribute to the more agile and powerful look, with a long, sleek bonnet, short overhangs and wheel arches that can accommodate the large-diametre, 20-inch ‘footwear’. At the rear the distinctive new features include Lexus blade lighting that spans the width of the tailgate and the first use of the “LEXUS” name in place of the “L” emblem, creating a more modern and simpler look.


New Tazuna Cockpit Design

The NX is the first model to feature Lexus’ Tazuna cockpit design. Taking its name from a Japanese word describing a rider’s use of the reins to control a horse, it is focused on giving the driver direct, intuitive vehicle control, following the principle of “hands on the wheel, eyes on the road.”

The cockpit space curves round from the driver’s door to the centre console, with information sources – multimedia screen, multi-information display, combimeter and Heads Up display (Grade dependent) – grouped in a unified area so they can be read with minimal eye and head movement. Similarly controls such as the starter button, shift lever, air conditioning controls and drive mode selector are set on the same plane, so reach and operation are simple and intuitive.

The new NX is the first Lexus model to be fitted with the e-latch electronic door release system (SE & F SPORT grades). This replaces the familiar internal door handle with a push-button switch next to the arm rest in the door panel, operated in a single, smooth movement. Safe Exit Assist links the e-latch to the NX’s Blind Spot Monitor, providing a warning if there is a risk of opening a door into the path of a vehicle or cyclist approaching from the rear and cancelling the action if necessary to avoid a collision. Lexus believes this can help prevent 95 per cent of the accidents caused by door opening.


Powertrains and Performance

Lexus has drawn on more than 15 years of hybrid electric technology expertise to produce the new NX 350h which employs the brand’s fourth-generation hybrid technology. It pairs two electric motors (and an all-new lithium-ion battery pack) with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder for a combined output of 179kW. Power is up by 19 per cent compared to the outgoing model, improving the 0-100km/h dash by 15 percent to 7.7 seconds and reaching a governed top speed of 200 km/h. At the same time, CO2 emissions fall by 23 percent (114 grams per km). All-important fuel-sipping credentials come in at 5.0 litres per 100 kilometres. The NX Hybrid is kitted with the latest version of Lexus E-CVT, an intelligent continuously variable transmission that has an infinite number of gear ratios at its disposal. By constantly analysing vehicle speed, road conditions, engine power and driver input, it selects the optimal (most efficient) gear ratio for that precise moment. Without the constraining effect of fixed gear ratios, the engine can be operated at its most efficient speed to either propel the car or charge the batteries. And if the computer decides that the petrol motor is not needed for a time, it can be shut down and the twin-input E-CVT used to direct propulsion from the electric motors to the wheels instead. Of course, the driver can also use the paddle shifts to select an appropriate ‘gear’ via one of the car’s onboard computers to jump to another spot in the powerband and continue accelerating.

This is the pivotal engine choice in the NX repertoire as it focuses on Lexus’ Carbon Neutral direction and reinforces a model line-up with the most comprehensive range of hybrid vehicles in the country. Without a doubt, hybrid remains the default green choice for the South African consumer given our current glaring challenges on the electricity front. That said, Lexus South Africa is looking at augmenting its line-up of vehicles with Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs) as well as full Battery Electric models (BEVs) when the time is right. Keep watching this space…


Flanking the key hybrid models is the entry NX250 model at the one end and the virile NX350 on the other side of the performance spectrum – both come with an eight-speed automatic box. The NX250 is equipped with a smooth, direct-injected 2.5-liter four-cylinder pushing out a responsive 152kW and a complementary 243Nm of torque. This endows the most affordable NX with a light and agile Lexus luxury medium SUV experience. The obligatory 0-100 sprint is dispatched in a respectable 9.1 seconds, while the combined fuel cycle is pegged at a very modest 7,1 litres per 100km.

The decidedly raunchier NX350 is powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder mill and pumps out a hefty 205kW with a concomitant 430Nm of torque resulting in a relatively snappy 0-100km/h acceleration time of 7 seconds. This model consumes 8,1 litres per 100km in the combined cycle.

Every Lexus NX is delivered with the Lexus Warranty Experience featuring an industry leading seven years/105 000km and for NX 350h a leading eight years/195 000 km battery warranty.

In addition, all Lexus owners can sign up online for a personal MyLexus profile. This platform allows owners to quickly and conveniently access all information and services related to their vehicle(s). Additionally, all new Lexus (and Toyota) vehicles are fitted with a device that opens up a whole new world of features. Simply opt in and you have access to WiFi capability (first 15 megs free) along with a host of supplementary Connect services.


Lexus NX pricing

Model  Price
Lexus NX 250 EX R968 000
Lexus NX 350 EXR1 000 100
Lexus NX 350 SE R1 172 900
Lexus NX 350h F SPORTR1 200 800
Lexus NX 350 F SPORT R1 211 900

Wednesday, June 3, 2020

Bucket Seat: The new BMW 4 Series









It's been a hot topic for the past few months in the motoring world, will BMW really have that massive grille on the new 4 Series? Well last night it was confirmed, as BMW announced the reveal of their second generation premium midsize coupe which will be launched globally in October this year. Amongst all the noise, the design of the new BMW 4 Series is unique and distinctive, separating itself from the rest of the line up with key design characteristics that is true to this model only. With most of their latest designs, there's always one aspect that gets a lot of attention, that is the grille. For the first time in a long time BMW have chosen to elongate the iconic kidney grille, which harks back to sports models of the past from the brand. There's an element of history and nostalgia to this and in my opinion it looks fantastic. The overall design is sharper and has a lot of character compared to the out going model which simply follows the lines of its 3 Series sibling. The wider body line, more aggressive front and smooth back really make the new 4 Series Coupe look agile and capable. 








Engine wise, the range will be flagshipped by a 440i xDrive which has a six-cylinder in-line petrol engine delivering 275kW and 374bhp. Two other petrol engines will be available in four-cylinder configurations with another diesel option. BMW will make use of mild hybrid technology for the six cylinder engines which will help reduce emissions as well as fuel economy. A big plus with the new 4 Series is that the diesel engines will have two-stage turbocharging. The gearbox that will be fitting in these cars is an eight-speed Steptronic with optional sport transmission available as an extra. 








Interior wise, not much is different from the G20 3 Series with similar styling and cockpit design, I'm glad they kept it this way as its a form that works, the large 10.25" infotainment screen is easily navigable either by touch screen on the joggle dial, the digital instrument cluster is also available as an optional extra on the 4 Series, I feel that this feature should have been standard on this model, seeing that it is a sports model but any way to keep the price down I guess. The car comes loaded with all the fancy tech and the list of optional extras that we've come to known with BMW over the past year, nothing really sticks out as new. The car will be made available in the various packages with the M Sport being the most popular as always, they have even launched a range of M Sport parts for the model. Overall the model looks good, there's still a while to go before sales start around the world, so maybe by then the emotions over the radical design of the grille would have died down. I can see this one doing well in the market, the lines on the model are simply breathtaking and synonymous of coupe's that hark from Italian shores. 









Wednesday, April 22, 2020

Bucket Seat: 2021 Audi A3 Sedan


Despite what going on in the word currently, things have slowed down dramatically in industries with most manufacturers and corporations announcing total shut downs due to the COVID19 pandemic. Despite this, it's good to see there isn't all doom and gloom with brands announcing some new models for 2021. Yesterday Audi revealed it's new 2021 A3 Sedan, which is based on the A3 hatch we saw last month. The sedan version of the much loved mid-size family hatch  has been a popular model amongst locals, especially the sporty S and RS derivatives. Some just prefer a boot, I am one of those people as I feel apart from more luggage space, it completes the car, adds extra weight for driving performance and gives it more stability but that's just me. 







Looking at this new model, it is quite a looker, I'm already picturing how I would spec my one! In keeping with the new design language, the front and side profile of the car is identical to the hatch with the extension of the rear luggage compartment flowing well into the design and makes it s perfect fit. The design of the rear tail lights are similar to the old with the adaptation of the new design style with that gill like effect. The lines are clean, sharp and elegant. The car has a very mature look to it as well. Stepping in side, this mature aspect of the design is even more evident with the new cockpit. While certain elements are retained and refined from the older model, there is no doubt that this is a complete new package. The A3 Sedan offers all the cool tech that is available in most of their other models, some of which will be optional extras. While there is no word yet from Audi SA yet on engine variants coming to SA, I'm sure it wont be too different from what we see with the hatch. 








Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Bucket Tech: Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2020




Last night's Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event saw the release of the much anticipated Galaxy S20 Series flagship devices, yes like their Chinese competitor, Samsung have also ditched going through the teens and have jumped straight from 10 to 20. Maybe it has something to do with the year?  Actually it does, Justin Hume, Director of Integrated Mobility at Samsung SA had this to say "As we enter this new decade, how we communicate and how we experience the world around us has evolved. Samsung is therefore providing a next-generation device for transforming peoples lives. With an incredible AI powered camera, you can capture the moments as they happen and connect more seamlessly with the people you love"


Getting back to the devices, there are three phones that make up the Galaxy S20 Series, namely the, S20, S20+ and S20 Ultra, all of whom will be available locally from March 6th 2020. Big talking points from these devices are definitely the camera or should I say camera's with the S20+ and S20 Ultra boasting 5 lenses, the S20 being the entry level has the least features but does share some of the lenses with its siblings. The S20 Ultra primary camera is a whopping 108MP with built-in OIS which is miles ahead of the S20+ and S20 which only features a 12MP primary camera lens. Samsung say their whole approach with this new camera AI system is to increase clarity in their pictures, for higher quality images in low light. 


The S20 Ultra also boasts a telephoto lens which has 10x Optical Zoom and 100x Space zoom which is twice than what the current market competitor has to offer. Samsung have added an optical image stabilizer to assist with taking pictures at full zoom but clarity will deteriorate as you zoom in more on the subject. Users maybe more inclined to take pictures at full 108MP and crop for better clarity in the images.  Samsung have also added a cool trick to their S20 devices, called "Single Take" which takes pictures from all 5 lenses and allows you to go through each image keeping the ones you want and discarding the others. This allows the users to pick the perfect capture and also showcases the different lenses attributes so the user can get more accustomed to what lens does what. 


When it comes to videos, there is no competitor to Samsung Mobile devices, they're still leading the way with the S20 Ultra offering recording in 8K! While you're going to need an 8K television to watch these videos, and those are not cheap it's nice to know that you have that kind of quality in your device. You can also snap 33MP stills from your 8K video. With Samsung's Super Steady recording feature, anti-rolling stabilization and AI motion analysis you can be sure that none of your videos will have any shakes to them. It will look as if you were using a gimbal. 

Samsung Galaxy S20 Series will be available locally from the 6th of March, pricing and colours noted below. 
  • Galaxy S20: Cosmic Grey, Cloud Blue, Cloud Pink - R18,999
  • Galaxy S20+: Comsic Grey, Cloud Blue, Cloud Pink - R20,999
  • Galaxy S20 Ultra: Cosmic Grey, Comsic Black - R26,999

Samsung Mobile also used this event to launch their new foldable device, the Galaxy Z Flip, in my opinion the best use of fold tech in a mobile device to date! It's the first ever foldable glass display where by the Galaxy Fold made use of plastic which left a nasty crease line. This one seems seamless and beautiful. The company says its a statement making smartphone and so far it's got everyone gasping, even me! It's bold, stylish and designed for those who see cutting-edge technology as a way to express themselves. It features a 6.7" touch screen display that fold into a stylish and compact form factor that fits into the palm of your hand. Samsung's innovative Hideaway Hinge and custom built UX, provides the Galaxy Flip with an elegant finish when folded or opened. Good news is that the Galaxy Z Flip will be available locally, and before the S20 Series touches down on the 22nd of February. There will be limited stock at selected stores around the country with more locations made available from 1st of March.


  • Galaxy Z Flip: Mirror Purple, Mirror Black - R29,999

Friday, May 24, 2019

Bucket Seat: Mahindra XUV300 - First Impressions


So last week I was handed a unique opportunity, I've been writing about cars for the past 7 years and for the first time I drove a car which had an embargo on it, which means I couldn't tell anyone I drove it or how it was since the official local launch only happened this week. Call me childish but it felt pretty cool in a way, driving around in something that is almost a secret to many. Also I was one of the first journalists to get behind the wheel of one. Anyway the embargo is over and the car has been officially launch, so let me tell you how my brief drive with the all new Mahindra XUV300 went. 


So first things first, the name of the car, its not three hundred, it's pronounced three double oh, yeah found that odd but I appreciate that they want to be unique or maybe that is how its pronounced in India. Also Mahindra has close ties with Durban as they have a small assembly plant at Dube Trade Port, where they put together various models, most notably their Pick-Up, so getting to drive the XUV300 on "home territory" was pretty cool. Moving on to the car, looks wise, Mahindra have done a great job, keeping the styling on point, and much different from their previous models. It has a more Euro styled front with elongated grille which tied into the sharp lights and the lines extend from the bottom of the headlamps to the fogs on the bumper below. 


Mahindra were sneaky in the design of this vehicle, as with tax laws in India, cars under the 4m length get taxed differently hence you'll find the XUV300 coming in just under that 4m mark. The wheel base is well spaced giving the car a greater feel of stability around bends. The XUV300 enters the local market in two engine options, the 1.2L turbo-petrol (81kw/ 200Nm) and a 1.5L turbo-diesel, both with manual gearboxes. For my drive I had the diesel engine, which is a complete brand new engine by Mahindra and from what I was told, torque vectoring was adjusted for our country, it produces 85.8kW and 300Nm of torque. That's a lot of torque for this little car. Taking the XUV300 on the open road gave me the opportunity to push the limits of the engine and with it being on the coast, the engine would perform better than up country. I was impressed with the smoothness of the ride, handling of the vehicle on the open road as well as how it kept composed in the high winds. Seeing that we had the car for a short time, we wanted to get some pictures of it. So I took it on some dirt road driving and it was pretty much the same as on tar road surfaces. The car didn't slide around, or get bothered at all. 


Having a look at the interior of the cabin, while it is almost a budget type of vehicle, the styling is brilliant. While the light colours might not be everyone's cup of tea, it does give the cabin that sense of luxury and comfort. The seats were comfortable and offered in various trims. The XUV300 comes with a full touch screen infotainment center which syncs to your phone via bluetooth and a cool feature is that you can link it to certain smart watches and even get an app for the car, giving you vitals of it, like your fuel level. The cars tech side is very on point with it being Apple Car Play and Android Auto compatible as well as giving you the option to share your stats via Twitter, Facebook or even on Whatsapp. 


Mahindra has been in our market for quite some time now and while many never really noticed them, people who do own them, swear by them. I've met many Mahindra owners who always had stories to tell me about their vehicles, only good ones at that. I feel that the XUV300 is the car to break the name into the market and get the attention of people who would never consider the brand. It's the perfect sort of vehicle for today's climate, decent size, packs all the latest gadgets and very economical. It slots into the market in the Ford Ecosport and Hyundai Creta sort of segment and with the two model variants being the W6 and W8 which are pretty feature packed, I can see it getting some good sales in the future. 


Pricing on the XUV

XUV300 W6 1.2L Petrol: R249 999 (incl VAT)
XUV300 W6 1.5L Diesel: R274 999 (incl VAT)
XUV300 W8 1.2L Petrol: R304 999 (incl VAT)
XUV300 W8 1.5L Petrol: R324 999 (incl VAT)


Wednesday, August 1, 2018

Bucket Seat: 2018 Ford EcoSport - First Impressions


Ford are currently launching their new EcoSport in the country, a car that many have grown to love since its introduction into the market, with over 45,000 units being sold in SA alone. The thing that made this compact SUV so popular was it's multiple award winning 1 litre EcoBoost engine. The new EcoSport will have 2 engine variants, keeping that fuel-efficient EcoBoost engine with a new six-speed automatic transmission available on selected models as well as the 1.5 TDCi diesel engine which is only available on the Ambiente model. 


Whats new? Well there's more that meets the eye with the new Ford EcoSport, starting off at the design which overall looks the same as the outgoing model but if you look closely there have been some modifications. The front trapizoidal grille has grown and has been elevated giving the car a more aggressive and prominent stance. The front headlamps are angled to suit this new configuration and adds to the bold look of the front end, below the headlamps are fog lamps encased in a triangular housing. The overall design is sleeker and has a new range of alloy wheels to choose from, around the back much remains the same from the previous model which is a bit disappointing. 


The interior has received a nice revamp, stand out feature is the large floating 6.5" touch screen on the Trend models, which is upgraded 8" touch screen on the Titanium, both  complete with Ford's SYNC 3 entertainment system which is standard on the Trend and Titanium models. This incorporates Bluetooth and voice control and has the option to load Apple Car Play and Android Auto. The rest of the cabin is very ergonomically designed, providing comfort for both the driver and their passengers. The EcoSport has keyless entry and push start ignition with auto start stop for extra fuel saving. 


There's a poplar saying, that "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" and essentially that is what Ford have done here, but in saying that they have improved on things that needed to be, like the interior and tech aspects. The new EcoSport is really a great vehicle for those looking at getting a fuel efficient SUV which looks great, is spacious and great value for money. Pricing on the models is as follows. 


EcoSport 1.5 TSCi Ambiente 5MT  -      R 264 500
EcoSport 1.0 EcoBoost Trend 6MT -      R 287 500
EcoSport 1.0 EcoBoost Trend 6AT   -     R 300 700
EcoSport 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium 6MT -  R327 800
EcoSport 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium 6AT - R 339 900