Bucket Seat: Audi A5 TFSI 146kW Black Edition

I'm a die-hard sedan fanboy, ever since I was a kid, our family owned a range of sedans, so the appeal of a hatch or SUV never swayed me. Even now with the range of SUV's and SAV's taking the market by storm, I still maintain the best car is a sedan but that all changed with the introduction of the Sportback/ Gran Coupe  which fused the sleekness of a coupe but with the practicality of a sedan. Audi and BMW have been the two leaders in this segment over the years and with the introduction of the latest Audi A5, Audi have announced that they have decided to axe the A4 from their line up and the A5 Sportback will be the only 4-door offering in this segment. A decision which I'm sure was not easy as the A4 was a much loved model by many but seeing that the A5 Sportback and the A4 were practically the same car, it makes better business sense to have only one. I got to spend some time with the new A5 Sportback TFSI 146kW Black Edition not too long ago and here are my thoughts on it. 

DESIGN

 The Sportback’s silhouette remains the selling point, with its long bonnet, swept roof and a hatch like back that gives the car a low, swooping profile while keeping uniformity. On this newest A5 the front end has been sharpened  with a wider, hexagonal singleframe grille, narrower LED headlamps and more pronounced sculpting in the bumper and flanks. The overall effect is sportier and a touch more aggressive than the previous generation, but still classically Audi. There are some elements of the etron range that come through in certain angles but the car remains a masterpiece in any way you look at it. If one had to describe the Audi A5 in a few words, it would be restrained, premium and undeniably modern. This continues in the cabin where we get a look at the latest in Audi's design language for their interiors which match the exterior in terms of the modern yet minimalist look.

PERFORMANCE

While we're used to previous branding from Audi that had the "35" and the "40" badges to differentiate the engine sizes, Audi has now opted to just put "TFSI" on the back and I'm guessing the diesels would just have "TDI", the A5 comes in two engine variants, both of which are 2.0L Turbo Petrol engines that have mild hybrid technology, the one is tuned to 146kW and the other is jacked up to 200kW. I had the 146kW engine spec in the Black Edition package.  I was fortunate to have a lot of driving lined up for the A5 during my week with it, which included a long distance trip in excess of 700km, so it was the perfect opportunity to test the fuel efficiency on the car.  The engine produces 146kW as state and 340Nm of torque, this high torque factor is assisted by the electric motor which often powers up when the car is switched on making you think you're driving an electric car. Urban driving with the A5 saw me have a higher fuel consumption around 9L per 100km which isn't bad when you think about it compared to other cars with similar engine sizes. 

The long distance journeys was where this car shone, with me having traveled around 720km, the car, it averaged around 7.6L per 100km with a range of 20km left from the 56L tank. The drive on the car is simply sublime, I could not fault one aspect of the on the road feel, it felt solid and commanding of the road.Audi has dialled suspension and steering for a balanced compromise that is composed enough for confident higher-speed cruising, supple enough to absorb poor urban surfaces if you choose standard suspension. Optional adaptive dampers sharpen handling without compromising daily comfort. Sound insulation and seat comfort are very competitive for the class; long trips are easy. If your roads are very rough, opt for the adaptive setup or softer suspension tune, because low-profile wheels with sports suspension can transmit more impact. Even in adverse conditions, the A5 handled like a charm. There is one gripe I had with the engine, which it is a down-tuned engine, it did feel like it was being held back at times, almost made me think I was driving a 1.4L but other than that, it certainly has risen to the top of my charts from the German contenders in terms of offerings and performance.

COMFORT

The cabin of the A5 is spacious, modern and futuristic, with it featuring its all new layout, that has a curved split screen dash, new steering wheel and the plush and high quality materials that we have become so accustomed with the brand.  The lines of the dash is what will catch you soon as you sit inside, the great merger of technology and luxury are brought to life in the cabin, with high-quality leather electric seats that slide back for you to get in easily, the instrument cluster has been re-designed to give you a more pilot like feel with the radar guidance being the main focus of the center dial, info either side of this can be configured to the individual. The 14.5" touchscreen infotainment unit controls just about everything, it has built-in wireless mobile applications, the new MMI UI is easy to use and can be configured to your liking with the options of having a favourites menu for your driver aids, I like this because you don't have to go into multiple menus to find things. 

The car came with the "Tech Pro" package which is listed at R100,000, I'm not exactly sure what is included in it but there was a shit load of tech. From surround view cameras, a digital sunroof, yes, the full glass panoramic roof can go opaque or swap in patterns of your choice. It's a pretty good party trick but also functional too. I like how Audi have moved all the driver controls to the driver side door in one neat cluster. So you can control everything from your memory seats, the side mirrors and even the lights from there. It just makes the dash a whole lot neater. This particular model also came with the infortainment package pro which adds an additional smaller screen for the front passenger. This gives them full access to the complete MMI menu and more with an app store to download games and video applications. The rear space is decent in the A5 with the passengers getting their own aircon controls and USB C ports for charging their devices. The Sportback hatch brings much more usable loadspace than a traditional saloon ideal for weekend gear or a pram. Rear headroom is slightly compromised compared with a taller sedan, but remains acceptable for adults on shorter journeys. 

VERDICT

The Audi A5 146kW TFSI really has surprised me, being a lover of the sportback styling it already had me won over on the looks department but the actual performance and the driving feel of the car is what blew me away. The quality of the materials used on the inside and the amount of technology you are getting in this package is truly outstanding and really is setting the benchmark for this segment. It should have their competition going back to the drawing boards to see how they can compete with this. While the competitors might have the edge in certain aspects, the A5 ticks all the boxes to be one of the best complete packages on the market. While the engine did feel under-powered at times, I'd like to have a go in the 200kW variant to see how that fairs. But to end, this car for me reminded me why I like sedans or sedan/ coupe should I say. It's not about having a lower center of gravity, there is just something charming about driving a long saloon. 

SPECIFICATION

Engine	2.0L Turbo Petrol
Gear Box	7-Speed STronic
Torque	34Nm
Power	146kW
Average Fuel Consumption	7.5L per 100km
Price	R1,423,500.00*

*Price as tested

 

Bucket Seat: Mercedes-Benz E200

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has long been one of the most desirable business sedan in the world. In South Africa, the E class enjoyed decent sales in the segment compared to its rivals over the years as it was one of the more preferred "business sedans" on offer but the previous model seemed to have lost that charm of which  Mercedes-Benz has been known for in the past. I was invited last year to sample the latest version of the E-Class, at thee launch, I went in with a lot of skepticism thinking that the same mistakes would’ve been repeated, but I was very wrong. I was blown away with the package that was in front of me and even though it was just a short driving trip you could tell Merc had done something special with his car, fast forward a year later I finally got to spend five days with the new E-Class to see exactly what they’ve done and why this echoes the return of the Mercedes-Benz of old.

DESIGN

The design of the new E-Class is stunning, the car just exudes elegance when you look at it. Merc got all the things right with this one, the lines, the details and the general look of it, I can only imagine how it must look on the road when I was driving past everyone. From the front end you are greeted by the large star-studded grille with the huge Mercedes-Benz logo being front and prominent, the grille actually illuminates at night which just adds so much more character to the front end. The headlights are fitted with digital LED lighting, which give a little dance every time the car is started. The design of the headlamps are synonymous to the kidney styled ones of the past but with a modern twist. Moving along to the profile of the car, the silhouette gives it that limousine look, and long wheel base versions of this car must be stunning to look at from the side but this model does look great too. The large 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels really enhance the cars stance but doesn't take away from the luxury look of it. The colour in which this particular car came in is called "Velvet Brown" and let me tell you, in the winters setting sun just looks so sophisticated, the way it shimmers in the dusk makes you think it's more than just an E-Class. Moving onto the rear of the car, some might feel the design of the tail lights are a bit gimmicky with the Star pattern but I think they look cool. Also the way the design is well rounded at the rear gives the E a very soft and subtle look from the back. The chrome accents at the boot lid are matched with the chrome twin faux tail pipes. The interior of the car is well designed, giving a good blend of ergonomics and luxury. 

PERFORMANCE

The E200 comes powered with a 2-litre, 4 cylinder petrol combustion engine that is assisted by an electric hybrid power plant which aids the ICE motor when required. While the engine provides 150kW of power, the electric motor adds an additional 17kW of power to it, giving the combined power output of 167kW. The torque factor comes in at 320Nm which plentiful to get this 1,800kg beast of the line. While the E200 isn't a full hybrid per-say, the common term now being used is "mild hybrid", kinda like the Nando's sauce which as a hint of peri-peri but not too much, it does play a massive role in not only the performance but the fuel economy too. The E-Class could not have come at a better time for me as I had a nice long distance trip planned for it first up, a return journey of about 750km and on the first leg going up country, the car performed brilliantly, the ride was superb and the changing of the gears in that 9G-Tronic transmission was like a symphony in action. The thing that struck me the most was the fuel economy, seeing that this is a big car, a 2-litre, 4 cylinder engine would feel the pressure when venturing up the twisty's of the KZN midlands, I imagined a lot of groaning from the motor and downshifts galore from the gearbox but nothing of the sort transpired. It was effortless and by the time I reached my destination, the fuel economy was sitting at a proud 7.3L per 100km, the return trip back to Durban gave even more impressive reading with an average of 6.1L per 100km! I clocked just over 800km on a single tank of 66-litres. 

COMFORT

Now we getting to the best part of the E-Class, the comfort, I mentioned that some of the newer cars that have rolled out the Mercedes-Benz factories lacked that defining factor that made Mercedes what it was. It was more than just a status symbol, it gave the ordinary man a chance to experience luxury at another level. While the line-up's expanded, the quality seemed to have dropped and I honestly was starting to lose hope in the brand, then this guy shows up and makes me re-consider my thinking. The essence of Merc is still not lost, it's just been kept away but I'm glad someone has found it and sprinkled it in abundance in this car. The interior is well laid out with a digital instrument cluster that gives you all relevant driving info that can be controlled from the multi-function steering wheel, it has a cool 3D button that you can toggle with the display giving you a multi-dimensional view of the various information. The centeral infotainment screen measures in at 14.4-inches, yes this thing is massive and its in high-resolution. The MBUX interface is easy to use and very fast. There's loads of menus and tools to go through in it, from sound options, to ambient lighting, to configuring driving modes and the lot. Of course the car comes with built-in mobile phone connectivity, for both Android and iOS, and there is even the AI assistant in which its ever ready to receive voice commands it can comply to. The car comes with quad zone climate control, seat heating for the driver and front passenger and both are electronically adjustable with 3 memory settings. The car came with a Burmester 3D sound system that came with 17-speakers that produces 730Watts and even had a 4D Sound experience with Dolby Digital. The quality of materials used the car were top notch, even the plastic wood grain felt like real wood! The luggage capacity measures in around 540L so plenty of space for long distance holiday trip. This particular car also came with the "super screen" extra, which is an additional 12.3 screen for the front passenger. This screen only activates when there is someone sitting in the seat. They have access to the usual MBUX menu but also can download games and video streaming apps for them to watch on, they are able to connect Bluetooth headphones to it so they can watch without disturbing the driver. 

VERDICT

There's a lot more that I can say about this car that blew me away but just the fact that it brought a big smile to my face every time I got behind the wheel is enough to know that it is more than just good. While there is a very apparent decline in sales locally for the brand, which has a lot to do with pricing and competition from the east, there is no denying that there is somethings that China can't come close to and that is proper German engineering at its best. The refinement in this E-Class is next-to-none, the sophistication in almost every aspect is a true indication of the lengths the engineers went looking for perfection and achieved it. While some might say this isn't their cup of tea, this isn't tea to begin with, its Glühwein. With the E53 AMG Edition one confirmed to be heading to the country this week in limited numbers, that would probably be the Jagermeister. I kid, but take it from someone who was doubting the brand and its relevance in the motoring segment of recent, these guys still got what it takes to make a proper car and if this E-Class is anything to go by, Mercedes-Benz is going nowhere. 

SPECIFICATION

Engine	2.0L Turbo-Petrol
Gear Box	9 G Tronic Automatic
Torque	320Nm
Power	150kW+17kW electric boost
0-100km/h	7.5 seconds
Price	R1,190,087

 

Bucket Seat: Mercedes-Benz CLE & E-Class First Drives

This week I attended the local media launch of two new models from Mercedes-Benz SA, the all-new CLE Coupe and the new E-Class Sedan. While both models are worlds apart in terms of design and dynamics, at the heart, they both remain true to the tri-star heritage in terms of quality and elegance. 

The CLE Coupe is an all-new model, which replaces the C-Class and E-Class Coupe, now fitting both profiles with the car being based on the E-Class platform but following the sporty silhouette of the C-Class. Driving the range topping CLE300 4MATIC on launch, it embodies everything you would want in a coupe in terms of looks, driving dynamics and technology. On the road, the CLE delivers, performance of the 2.0L, 4 Cylinder petrol turbo engine, along with the 48V EQBoost mild hybrid electric motor delivers quite a punch with 190kW and 400Nm of torque. The 4Matic system proved its worth on the windy roads of the KZN South Coast and along with the coastal air made it the ideal environment for the CLE. The interior of the CLE is a carbon copy of the W206 C-Class with the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that has interchangeable views, and the 11.9-inch vertical infotainment screen being the focal points of the design. The materials used on the dash are good but I'm still not a fan of the large pieces of plastic that form part of the design that sweeps over to the front passenger. Seat styling and comfort is superb, definitely ranks high on the coupe scale with both driver and front passenger being fully electric adjustable. The back seats are two bucket style seats and have plenty room for adults as this chassis is based off the E-Class. Overall, it was an enjoyable driving experience in the CLE and a model I can see doing quite well in the market as it has a broad appeal and not targeted at just a certain age group. The range topping CLE63 AMG will have a 4.0L V8 which when announced made most of the internet really happy and I'm sure we will be seeing that on our shores soon. 

The CLE is launched in two model variants, the CLE200 and the CLE300 4MATIC, pricing on these are as follows:

CLE200 COUPE - R1,355,350.00

CLE 300 4MATIC - R1,430,650.00

After a sizable lunch, it was time to step into the E-Class. Dubbed as "the Executives Mercedes", the E always gave off this professional look at feel to it. It stood from the other model variants the one that had a bit more sophistication to it that the C or even the S Class for that matter. It stood out and had it's own identity and I think that key characteristic got fizzled out in the W213 model. The first time I saw it on the road, I thought it was a C-Class, while it might have been a great car, it had very little differentiating factors for me and got diluted in the line-up. This new one however, the really went back to the rule book and designed something that personified what the E-Class should be to the T. The design is sublime, from the new aged headlamp design with "eyebrow" style DRL's, to the sweeping body with curves and lines the flow seamlessly from the front to the back that meet the rear tail lights with the Mercedes-Benz logo in LED design formation. The front grille also luminates at night to give it extra presence. The E is available in two models for now, being the E200 and the model which I drove on launch, the E220d. The engine pairing just make sense for a car this size and this statue, both engines benefit from mild-hybrid technology which aids the performance output on the car, on the E220d this equates to 145kW and 440Nm of torque. On the road, the E-Class gives you one of the most comfortable rides in its class, the power feels effortless on the road and when reaching cruising speeds, the car takes over and you hardly feel the drive. The interior features a host of technology advancements including the new hyper screen dash board which features 3 screens, which consist of an instrument cluster, infortainment screen and a third for the front passenger that can have 3rd party apps loaded onto it like Netflix and Youtube. This includes a Bluetooth pairing option for wireless headphones. 

In the short time I spent with the new E-Class, I loved everything about it and cannot wait to get one on test. Mercedes-Benz SA did confirm that while there are plans for the introduction of the E53 AMG  to the local market in the fourth quarter of this year, there is no plans to bring down the E63 AMG just yet. Pricing on the launch models are as follows:

E200 - R1,344,750.00

E220d - R1,430,550.00

Bucket Seat: Toyota Corolla Hybrid

There's certain cars that are just all round winners in the market, a car that no one can fault and they just work. One of those cars is the Toyota Corolla, I don't need to dive into the heritage of this model from the Japanese motor manufacturing giant as its roots are firmly set in SA having being assembled at the Prospecton plant for many years. It's the ideal family car, with a spacious interior, comfortable ride and engines that match everyone's preference, and building on this Toyota have expanded their engine offering with a Hybrid model in the current line up. A very smart move by them, offering one of the most affordable hybrid sedans on the market. I had the opportunity to spend a week with this model, taking it on my daily commute as well as my long distance work travels and it performed its duty diligently every time. Join me as I delve into my time spent with this car as I get to explore everything that it has to offer. 

DESIGN

I'm a big fan of the design on the new Corolla, it's very modern approach to the latest Toyota design language that see's them use lots of smoother lines and lots of curves. The angular details and trims give the car a sporty edge, while there are similarities to the sister company Lexus noticeable in certain areas, but it still remains distinctly Toyota. The sculptured outer body is equally matched by an attractive but practical interior. That is ultimately the Corolla's goal, to be a practical and affordable sedan for the masses. It's design brief is to be not controversial but appeal to almost everyone and I think Toyota have been doing this very well with the previous models but this one they did tinker on the wild side a bit with the car have a very modern edgy look. The car looks fantastic and I don't think anyone can fault its appearance, the colour I had on test was Glacier White, which for me is the best colour in the range as it really brings out all the lines of the car and has that speckled metallic finish that makes it look extra great in the sun. 

PERFORMANCE

This is the real star of the car, the 1.8-litre petrol combustion engine mated with the electric motor that generates a combined power output of 103kW with 142Nm of torque. The 4-cylinder engine is the perfect size for the cars body and size, the electric motor helps with the take off and coasting which in-turn lowers fuel economy allowing the Corolla Hybrid to achieve a claimed 3.9 litres per 100km. Having had the car for a week, and doing some long distance traveling with it, which included some light gravel road travels, I managed to get the economy down to 4.4-litres per 100km which is not bad given that trying to achieve the claimed figure in most cars is near impossible most of the time. Power delivery is instant with the electric motor being on standby since the time you switch the car on, once the required power is increased, the combustion engine kicks in to take over. At coasting speeds the combustion engine does take a backseat to allow the electric motor to assist with the cruising of the car and this is done without the driver or occupants even knowing. Toyota's hybrid tech is still one of the best on the market and I still haven't driven another manufacturer that has a better system than Toyota and Lexus. 

COMFORT

Do I really need to elaborate on this? It's a Corolla! These cars are known for their spacious interiors, comfortable, no fuss ride quality and it gets better with the Hybrid model as its based on the XR model which comes with leather seats and an extra silent engine. The tech that is standard in the new Corolla is brilliant, with standard features normally coasting you a few extra thousand bucks in other cars. Safety is of paramount interest in the Corolla with it coming with active guidance cruise control, lane departure warning, active steering and front and rear PDC's. There is a reverse camera too just to make sure of your parking. 5-airbags as standard with Toyota Safety Sense. It has a smart key with smart entry tat allows you to unlock and lock the car with smart sensors on the door handles. 

VERDICT

It's a no brainer for me, being a Corolla owner, having the option to get a hybrid power unit just makes sense. It's the perfect family car for people on a budget, its super comfortable and the reliability is second to none. With its good looks and sporty appearance, stunning interior with large touch screen infotainment unit that has built-in wireless mobile applications as well as details on the power units, there's nothing more you need in a car. Pricing is a bit steep but compared to the other cars on the market, this is a winner if you're looking for an affordable hybrid car that has a great name behind it. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	1.8-litre petrol with hybrid electric
Gear Box	CVT Auto
Torque	142Nm
Power	103kW (combined)
Fuel Economy	3.9 litres per 100km
Price	R548,200

Bucket Seat: Mercedes Benz C220d

I think with my introduction post on the Mercedes-Benz C200, I spoke a lot about what the brand has meant to me in my life and how they've evolved in a market where they were seen as the segment leaders for many things in cars. I mean, its thanks to Mercedes-Benz we have features, be it luxury or safety that are considered the norm in cars these days. Stuff that revolutionalised the motoring industry, and made their competitors scratch their head, whether you like the brand or not, we have to thank them for their ingenuity and the strides they've made in the industry for developing the cars we drive today. After driving the C200, I could see that they have not stopped in this regard with the technology in the cars, purely from a drive train factor, being miles different than any of its competitors. With the increase in fuel prices and the need to limit visits to the fueling stations, diesel cars are the preferred choice of cars to drive, especially if the driver is doing long distances, hence the diesel sedan is still in production, I had the opportunity to sample the C220d for a week and as luck had it, I had to do a stint of long distance travelling so it was the perfect time to see what this car could do. 

DESIGN

Finished off in the Avantgarde trim, the C220d in Mojave Silver Metallic, the car looked very elegant compared to the sportiness of the AMG kit that I had in the C200. The 18-inch light alloys gave the car a more agile appearance with its broad 5-spoke design but enough clearance to see the big brake discs and calipers. I don't think I can comment more on the design of the C-Class than I already have in the previous post about the C200 but what I can add is that there is more than a subtle difference when it comes to the various kits available for the cars which is a great thing to differentiate them on the roads. While the Avantgarde is the more subtle sports look, the AMG goes full tilt on the aggressiveness as expected, but I tend to prefer the subtle look as there is an element of elegance to the car. The design of the interior is virtually the same with a warmer variety of materials to choose from, such as your wood trims and more inviting plastics. The multi-function steering wheel is the biggest contrast with the a 3-spoek winged design that has the same functions as the others but in a more compact setting. 

PERFORMANCE

As mentioned, I had a week of lots of driving planned for the C220d, from Underberg to Estcourt, the car performed its duties with ease and poise. Navigating the potholes on the R617 never felt easier with this car, while with its large body you would think that it may have been an issue but the cars agile nature, thanks to the standard agility control suspension with selective damping system which lowers the car when required and sharp steering would prove you otherwise. The car remain planted to the road and with the performance coming from the 2.0-litre, 4 cylinder BlueTEC diesel motor, it had power on demand when required. Just like the C200, the power output from the engine might read as 147kw and 440Nm of torque, but with the energy build up there is a boost of an extra 15kW and 200Nm when required. This gives the C220d a 0-100km/h time of 7.3 seconds and a claimed top speed of 245km/h which having a C02 emissions figure of just 119g/km. Quite impressive for a car of this size. Coming back to the efficiency aspect of the car, I managed to do all my runs on just one tank of fuel, with me having to top it up just a bit the day before I handed the keys back, with me managing to achieve 1300km from the tank, I could have gotten a lot more if my short runs were done with less zest as I normally drive but when you have the car for just one week, some fun must be had. 

COMFORT

With the Mercedes-Benz, comfort is a major aspect to their cars and in the C220d it is no different with the seats being adjustable to suit any body. While the driver seat was not fully electric, there was sufficient support to make me extra comfy when behind the wheel. The dual climate control for front passenger and drive is operating via the large MBUX display in the center with dials to make ease of temperature selection, especially for the driver when occupied with all things on the road. There is also the use of the Mercedes assistant should you wish to use that as well. The rear passenger enjoy their own regulated vents at the back as well as those super luxurious seats. The car came with the widescreen digital cockpit, wireless charging system, advanced-plus package, panoramic sunroof and the ambient lighting package that has so many various colour options that I lost count of them all. The luggage space in the boot is huge with the option of having freight package tie downs for items that might go sliding around. 

VERDICT

With diesel engines in Mercedes, I've never heard a bad thing about any model and with the C220d it is no different. Like I mentioned at the start of the article, the company doesn't lest on their laurels with them ever looking to better themselves not in just small ways but major ways, ensuring the people who buy their cars are getting the very best package they can make. The C220d was nothing short of amazing for what I used it for, the effortless nature it carries itself on the road was unmatched to anything I've ever driven in a long time. It is made all the more better when you realise you're driving behind the 3 pointed star, gives you that sense of pride when powering this beauty. It was a great way to end my first taste of this brand and I look forward to seeing what next rolls my way. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	2-liter Diesel
Gear Box	9G-Tronic
Torque	440Nm (200 boost)
Power	147kW  (15 boost)
Fuel economy	7.3L/ 100km/h
Price	R1,026,450*

*base price