Bucket Seat: BMW M340i LCI

You know that slogan from that chip company who make potato chips that come in a can? "Once you pop, you can't stop?" Yeah, well that's the only thing than I can describe the feeling of driving the new BMW M340i LCI, because it has its on pops coming from the large dual tail pipes and the power drive is so addictive, ever since I got behind the wheel of it in March for the local launch, I was waiting like a little kid on Christmas to drive it again! So when BMW dropped it off over the Easter weekend for me to play with, I wasn't bothered about Easter eggs and hot cross buns, I was more interested in putting pedal to the metal in this bad boy! Many call it a mini "M3" and while it does don the "M" badge and is considered to be part of the M Performance stable, it still has its limitations or should I rather say, it's restrictions to not make it too much of a competitor to the pure M3 model but it still delivers tonnes of fun and performance to put a smile on any motoring enthusiast, read more on my time with BMW M340i LCI as I discover what exactly has changed since its pre-facelift model. 

DESIGN

Big talk comes in when it comes to face-lifts and how brands make the cosmetic changes to persuade owners of the first generation models to want to trade-in their older models for this one and to their credit, BMW have always hit the nail on the head with their Life Cycle Impulse models as they like to call. Unlike previous 3 Series, the LCI only comes in two packages, namely Sport and M Sport, with the M340i only available in the M Sport guise. Subtle but big differences come in to the design of the BMW 3 Series LCI, with the trademark kidney grille becoming narrower and wider, as with most new models, this is an active grille which opens and closes when required, this also comes with a silver horizontal style hatch to emphasize the sporty nature of the car. The new front headlamps are also more sleeker with an upside down L directional style LED daytime running lights. The bottom bumper/ diffuser also gets a sporty look with a more larger air in-take for the radiator and more angular shape side intakes which follow the profile of the car to give it a more dramatic look. The side profile of the car remains largely the same with new rim options available to choose from, this model featuring the 19-inch double spoke bicolour jet black rim. Moving to the rear end, the tail lights get the top part of it smoked now with the major difference to the bottom bumper that has a large black style difusser with more angles and lines to make the car look mighty aggressive from the back. Being the range topping M340i, the car has larger dual trapezoidal type exhaust over the conventional round tailpipes found on the rest of the 3 Series LCI range. The interior remains mostly the same as the older model with two very distinct differences, that being the new large curved display which integrates the instrument cluster with the infotainment screen and the new gear selector, which I will touch on later on in the blog. 

PERFORMANCE

Powered by the famed B58 motor which is a 3.0-litre, 6 cylinder TwinPower Turbo that produces 285kW and 500Nm of torque, the car certainly doesn't lack power and when Sport + mode is engaged, it really brings out the true beast of this car. The growls from the motor is invigorating to say the least, couple that with the smooth driving  feel with extra grip from the xDrive, BMW really have something special here. I think this motor, while being used on a number of models in the range is best suited to this chassis, almost feels purpose built for it as with the weight and size makes it feel balanced. While it does weight a bit more than the M240i and the Z4 M30i, the M340i still produces a respectable 0-100km/h time of just 4.3 seconds. the Sport Automatic transmission works like a dream in this car, with the flappy paddles behind the steering working well when called into duty. Depending on your driving style, it can get very thirsty while on the road, with Eco Pro mode keeping things tidy in terms of fuel efficiency but with me only have 7 days with the car, I don't think I took it off Sport + mode hence giving me an average fuel consumption of about 15.2L per 100km, although the brochure says it does average 8L per 100km, we will have to just take their word for it. Big brakes in the front and back help with the stopping power of this car, it has collision detection which warns you first before engaging the auto brake should you not head its request. 

COMFORT

Stepping inside the new 3 Series LCI makes you feel like you're inside a fancy command center with BMWs new curved screen display. It's part of their new design language which see's all models adapt this feature. While it being one solid component there is a break between the infotainment screen and the driver instrument cluster. This is around where the steering wheel is so it makes sense to not have something blocked out by the wheel. The infotainment screen is touch screen but can also be navigated from the iDrive jog shuttle drive. The new BMW OS is pretty easy to use, via both the jog shuttle and touch screen. It features wireless mobile app connectivity which displays it nice and big on the screen. The vehicle info and other features are pretty easy to find and while BMW have done away with conventional climate control knobs and buttons, and have them integrated into the screen, it isn't as annoying as some other brands who have done the same and it works very well. The car has a 3-zone system for the driver, front passenger and rear occupants having their own controls. The car has electric adjustable seats for the driver and front passenger with the now, much controversial decision of having seat heating as a payable subscription. The car came loaded with a host of optional extras, most of which I am favoured to, I've spoke endless about the adaptive LED lights before and BMW have made them better in this model, what makes you tell them apart from the regular LED is the blue light it has at the bottom. Harman Kardon sound system always impresses me, would have liked to see a B&O option for this model seeing it is a range topping model but the H/K works. The rear occupants have enough space and comfortable leather seats. The luggage capacity is pretty generous as well with me fitting two golf bags comfortably without having to drop the seats. Ride quality is pretty decent as well, considering its sitting on 19-inch rims with low profile tyres and M tech suspension. 

VERDICT

Overall, the M340i to me is the perfect package, a family size sedan that offers a spacious and comfortable interior with plentiful luggage space with an engine that delivers optimal performance for those who like to live life in the fast lane. While some might say the power is an overkill but I disagree wholeheartedly, people who drive BMW's love performance and that is the reason they are drawn to the brand. Giving someone the option to have a 3 Series with the performance that could rival some of the other brands performance models on the market is a genius trick and this one being almost R700,000 cheaper than its bigger brother makes it a no brainer for some. It's a great looking car, with loads of new tech loaded as standard from BMW, a host of safety features for the driver and its occupants and it's just such a great car to drive, be it short stints or long distances, the nice thing is that every now and then when you want to go full send with it, it has the option for you to do so. With the cars computer based traction control and stability control, along with the xDrive system you always have peace of mind when doing so. Apart from the 320d as based purely on a financial basis being my favourite 3 Series, if money was not an option, my pick would definitely be this, the M340i. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	3-litre, 6-cylinder Twin Power Turbo
Gear Box	Sport Automatic
Torque	500Nm
Power	285W
0-100km/h	4.3 seconds
Price	R1,363,206.60

*base price

 

Bucket Seat: Audi RS 3 - First Impressions

Last week I was fortunate enough to attend the local media launch of the Audi RS 3 Sportback and Sedan in South Africa. As you can imagine, the day was action packed with us, the media getting to experience the latest performance model from Four Rings German manufacturer both on the road and on track! I think the term "feeling like a kid on Christmas morning" is pretty appropriate because it isn't often OEM's allow us to have fun on a closed off circuit with high-end models like this. 

But before I go into the details of the day and my experience with the car, let me give you some facts and figures you'll be finding in the brochure for the latest variation of the baby RS model. As mentioned it is offered in both, the Sportback (hatch) and Sedan with a variety of extras and colours that you can customize it in, standout options include for the first time, RS ceramic brakes and the option of semi-slick P Zero Trofeo R tyres from Pirelli. What's under the hood you ask? Well, none other that Audi's award winning 5-cyclinder 2.5-litre turbo-charged motor that produces 294kW and 500Nm of torque. Engaged launch control and the RS 3 propels you from 0-100km/h in just 3.8 seconds! With the Quattro S Tronic gearbox, it fires through the gears giving you optimum performance as you accelerate. The RS 3 has an electronically governed top-speed of 250km/h which can be pushed up should you opt for the RS Performance package. 

On the road, the car when driving in comfort mode is very easy to drive, almost as good as the normal A3, the only difference is that the cabin is more sportier and the ride is slightly more stiff, the eco mode does a good job in masking the noise from the performance tail-pipes giving you a smooth and quiet journey but I wasn't here for a long time with the car, just a good time so when the road allowed for it, it was into Dynamic mode and pedal to the metal, the firing sequence in the 5-pot engine is more addictive than any drug in the world, making you just want more and more of it. I had to contain my excitement as I was driving on public roads and knew I would get my opportunity on track a little later but it was great to see that in the real world, the car can be calm and composed when required. 

On the track it was time to learn about the driving performance driving modes which can be accessed via the toggle on the middle cluster or a short-cut on the steering wheel via the "RS Performance" button. After doing a few hot laps in RS Dynamic, it was clear to see what a monster they've created. The car was mental as we tore around the tarmac at Zwartkops Raceway, with the back wanted to come out but the Quattro keeping it planted, steering felt very direct and the car I had, came fitted with the ceramic brakes and Pirelli option tyres, it made gripping the apexes like knocked a nail in the corner and turning. Next it was time to test our "RS Performance" driving mode, the more track focused setting that makes the car more stiff and rigid but planted for track use, this was the mode used when setting its lap-time around Nurburgring, that lap time which I might add is exactly the same as set by the first Bugatti Veyron which has a W16 engine with a 1000bhp! So it's just mind-blowing what Audi have managed to achieve with this little 2.5L motor in comparison. Like the description says, for the RS Performance, the car is more settled on the track, you don't get that sway motion and its almost like point and shoot, this is the setting that I felt more settled with while going around a track I had very little knowledge off. 

Before the day was over, there was one more party trick the RS 3 had up its wheel arches for us, that was "RS Torque Rear" or "Drift Mode" as everyone seems to call it. Yes, you read right, a four-wheel drive car that can now drift. No, I am not pulling your leg, the RS 3 comes fitted with a torque splitter than enables the car to not only be rear biased but sending almost all its power to either one of the rear wheels, up-to 1750Nm of torque! The engineering behind this is still baffling to me but it works! Having 3-attempts to get it right, it was more challenging than I thought but when you get it right, boy what a feeling it is! 

Audi definitely have come up with an unbeatable package in the RS 3, setting the bar high for their rivals in the segment. With the pricing already announced starting at, R1,215,000 for the Sportback and R1,245,000 for the sedan. It really is looking quite attractive for the enthusiast and let me tell you straight after experiencing it properly, this car is worth the hype! With the amount of deliveries already taken over the past week, I can assure each owner has the biggest smile on their face and cannot wait till they're behind the wheel of their car. 

Bucket Seat: VW Polo GTI

The VW Polo has been a the darling child of the VW line-up locally, since it’s first introduction badged as the Polo “Playa”, it took the market by storm and afforded the buyer a budget friendly hatch back from the Volkswagen brand. When the first GTI version was introduced in the second generation Polo, it proved to be a massive success, not only was this the most affordable hot hatch on the market, it also gave buyers the opportunity to own a car with the GTI heritage. Fast forward to today and the latest version of the Polo GTI has hit South Africa, like other models it has gotten a keen interest from the public, with an eye catching starting price and striking good looks many are intrigued by this latest offering. I got a chance to spend a week with the latest Polo GTI and did a fair amount of driving with the car, close to 1000km! Here I my thoughts and experiences with the car.

DESIGN

There’s no denying VW did a sterling job in this latest generation of the Polo, from the solid bar LED lamp in the front to the revised rear end that features new tail lights, the car looks bolder, modern and more mature than the previous generation. The GTI gets the sporty treatment with honeycomb grille, a red detailing along the front, dual LED fog lamps and large multi-spoke rims. The side profile is the same with an added side skirt that gives the car more of a sporty appearance, with the GTI badge mounted behind the front wheel arch. Moving to the back of the car, the iQ LED rear lights are a standout feature at the back with its new L-Shaped design, and VW badge mounted dead centre that also houses the reverse camera. The GTI badge is mounted just below this badge and gives the car a more aesthetically pleasing look. The rear diffuser ends off at the bottom with dual tail-pipes with rear fog lamps either side of it. Overall a very attractive package from the outside, this particular model came with a panoramic glass sunroof which added to the coolness factor of the looks. Moving in on the inside, much of it is standard from the normal Polo with the excel of the steering wheel which is a smaller version from its bigger brother the Golf 8 GTI. The interior features special materials that are unique to the GTI such as colour coded dash inserts and suede sport seats. 

PERFORMANCE 

The Polo GTI comes packed with a powerful 2.0-litre, 4 cylinder TSI engine that produces 147kW and 320Nm of torque that's married with VW's infamous 6-speed DSG gearbox that is just a synergy of fun. The power to weight ratio of the Polo GTI is perfect to deliver that go-kart like experience, with precise handling and control. While the new Polo GTI does have a soft limiter installed that reduces the vrrpha effect, this car is still plentiful of fun to drive. While in urban cruising the car may prove to be quite thirsty as you would expect, with the average fuel consumption just north of the 8.2L per 100km range, on long distances it quite surprised me with me getting it down to as low as 6.0L per 100km and that was without cruise control! The car does offer a good mixed use consumption as well so it's quite note worthy that it can be light on the pocket when driven efficiently. Standstill to 100km takes 6.7 seconds with a claimed top speed of 238km/h. Fuel tank size is just the same as regular Polo with 40 litres so you maybe be frequenting the filling stations just about every week with this one. 

COMFORT

The interior of the GTI is stunning, I quite love how everything is laid out in the cabin and the choice of materials and finishes. The GTI does get some added luxuries that the normal Polo misses out on, like the multi-function steering wheel that has touch sensitive buttons with sliding functions like the GTI. The climate control functions have the same touch sensitive keys with sliding function for the fan speed. The Discover media infotainment system includes navigation with map care, wireless App-Connect, Voice Control, Wireless charging tray, 4-USB C ports (two in the front and two at the back), a virtual cockpit that has multiple view options. The car came with the "Beats" sound system with is an optional extra, its a 6-speak system with dynamic sound but I wasn't overly impressed by it. The car has dual-zone climate control for driver and front passenger with vents in the back for the rear passengers. The front seats get to enjoy heated seats as an option as well as the tilting and sliding glass panoramic sunroof. Other note worthy options included the comfort park package when has keyless entry, park assist and reverse camera. The Safety Package which has travel assist, adaptive cruise control with speed limiter and lane assist as well as pedestrian monitoring. 

VERDICT

With the only note worthy rival to the Polo GTI being the Ford Fiesta ST being scrapped from the SA offering, there is no better alternative if you're looking for a small performance hatchback. While many would point at the GR Yaris, the pricing point on that is way off when compared to this. The love interest with the Polo in South Africa continues to grow as I've seen quite a few of the new models on the road of recent and I'm pretty sure the GTI model will follow suit. It's a great little package from VW with an attractive price, the quality of the build stays true to VW and many fans of the brand wont be disappointed with what it has to offer. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	2.0L TSI
Gear Box	6-Speed DSG
Torque	320Nm
Power	147kW
Top Speed	238km/h
Price	R489,400*

*Base Price

 

Bucket Seat: Renault Duster - Prestige EDC 4x2

There's always a sense of excitement when you get your first press car of the year, the thrill of getting behind something new that is hitting the road, experiencing what it has to offer and at the end of it all, summarizing my experience for you to read. There is no choice of what we can get but more of what is available and this year, first up with Renault's new Duster. I recall seeing the Duster for the first time at it's local debut, at the then, Johannesburg International Motorshow back in 2008. It was something different from the French manufacturer and had been causing quite a stir world over. A good friend of mine and fellow motoring journalist who was working at the show spoke so enthusiastically about the Duster that it was hard to ignore it. Truth be told, the first Renault Duster didn't look spectacular, it's boxy, there's a lot of plastic elements to it but the thing that made it so attractive was its capabilities and its price tag. The Renault Duster was one of the cheapest 4 x 4's around, in a compact SUV format and you can see the appeal it had going for it, fast forward to this new model, not much has changed, its still relatively cheap and has everything other, more expensive SUV's have to offer. 

DESIGN

White the overall design of the Duster hasn't changed much, it has evolved nicely from the box like shape to well rounded edges and more curves than before. It was never a bad looking car but with some of the latest input of the Renault Design language has done it wonders. The badge now big and bold, prominently mounted up front at the midpoint of the grille which has chrome accents and fuses well into the headlamps. The front headlights form to the new Renault design language with the day time running light LED having that signature C shape, it looks pretty cool. While the overall design doesn't look like it has changed much but if you take a closer look, you will notice it has changed a lot. Renault have added a lot more bulk to the new Duster, given it subtle characteristics to make it look robust and off-road worthy. Like the plastic console which the number plate sits on looks like a bull bar finished in brushed aluminium, it has the same feature on the back. The side just behind the front wheel arch has blacked out vent with the indicator below. The roof racks have the Duster signage visible, all these small elements added character to an already good looking vehicle. The colour I had was Dune Beige which gave the car a classy look, and suited the five spoke bi-colour rims. 

PERFORMANCE

Renault's 1.5dCI engine is nothing short of amazing, as it couples performance with economy and with my time with gave me endless pleasure while on my daily commute. The engine delivers 80kW and 260Nm of torque, I know that doesn't sound like much, especially for an off road vehicle but with Renault's EDC dual-clutch gearbox, which assists the engine when changing gears ensuring that speed is not lost during the gear transitions as well as no jerking or loss in acceleration. Upshiting is fast and smooth, and as mentioned before, the fuel economy is quite substantial compared to others in this segment. Driving wise, while the cabin is made up of mostly plastic, there is no weird noises or rattles, and the car gives a very smooth ride. It feels well balanced and with the various driving aides available on the Prestige model, its almost effortless to drive in tight spots and park virtually anywhere. 

COMFORT

The cabin is extremely spacious for both the front and back occupants, the leather seats feel good and normally with cars like this, I feel that they compromise on seat size to accommodate more space but none such issue with the new Duster. The key of the Duster is the controversial card like one, which I must admit is a bit built but the slim factor helps, the proximity senor on it is second to none though, giving the term "comfort access" a new meaning, its almost freaky how good this thing works for both locking and unlocking. The Duster comes with single zone climate control which does a pretty decent job cooling the entire cabin without a sweat, and compromising the engine. The storage capacity on the Duster is pretty good too, with the entire rear seat being able to fold for extra loading space giving you a 1/3 and 2/3 split.

        

TECHNOLOGY

The Prestige model is loaded with toys for the fundies and I was quite taken a back at the amount of features it came with standard which are not even standard on other luxury cars which cost twice the price of this! While the Duster may be geared for adventure enthusiasts, it has a heck load of things to help you with city driving, from blind spot warning with lights on either side mirrors to make you aware of cars on the lane next to you. It has ABS with EDC making sure braking power is distributed to all four wheels equally. Rear PDC's to make parking a breeze and if that wasn't enough it also has multi-view camera, which is four cameras around the car. One in the front, two either side and the reverse camera which all work in union when wanting a birds eye view of the car. The Duster also comes with a speed limiter and cruise control which I found odd that the controls for these were located next to the hand brake. Speaking of hand brake, there is no need to use it when on a steep incline as the Duster has hill assist. The Media Nav Evolution touch screen infotainment cluster, which is easy to use and has big tiles for effortless navigation. 

VERDICT

While the Duster is geared for adventure, truth be told its even more better for city driving which essentially is the place its going to spend most of its time with the odd weekend break away. It still maintains that charm which came with the first Duster and with its great looks, and very attractive price it will maintain its position in the market as the go-to cheaper alternative off-road option. With all these extras that are available for the Duster it will only make it more appealing to the buyer. For me, it wasn't the type of car I would go for but after driving around in one for a week, my perception has changed. With the increased ride height and spacious opening, its really a great way to drive and get in and out off. I won't be surprised to see this one do as well, if not better than the previous generation.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	1.5dCi
Gear Box	6 Speed Automatic
Power	80kW
Torque	250Nm
0-100	11.9 seconds
Economy	4.8L/100km
Price	R 334 900