ON THE ROAD: CHRYSLER 300 C SRT-8

Isn’t the gangsta look outdated now?
That’s arguable. Personally I think any 300C still possesses great road presence. Gangsta might be a word that comes to mind because of the large front grille, big shiny wheels, small side windows and the massive rear end, but to some that’s just regal. It demands and commands respect.


Disappointing interior though.
Yes, that is a sore point for me as well. Look, at some point Chrysler was ruled by an autocratic German CEO who didn’t seem to care all that much about it. That man, we’ll give him the nickname Schrempf, had some parts of the old Mercedes-Benz E-Class implanted into the 300C to cut development costs. The result is a mix of overshooting plastics and cruiseliner-like comfort levels. Unfortunately the plastics are weak and the cheapness is felt in a real tangible way.


Scathing remarks.
Deservedly so too. I did like the sports speedo console though, as well as the soft leather seats with red SRT badges. The MYGIG sound system is a true oasis in a desert of ideas and compares among the best in the industry. However, very little else says “sports sedan”.


The engine sounds glorious though.
It’s a 6.1-litre V8, I’d return it if it didn’t give me shivers at high revs. Being naturally aspirated means in Gauteng (1450m altitude) it would lose some of its power, which would translate into slow performance times. The block itself is old-school cast iron with aluminium alloy heads, 90-degree angled and two valves per cylinder. It could have been more hi-tech and probably more fuel-efficient. I’ve always been of the opinion that Chrysler was short-changed when performance engines were being handed out by that Schrempf guy, that instead of benefiting from Merc’s new-generation engines of the time, the company was left to pick up where big brother had dropped off his crumbs. How else do you explain a brand new car having less power than a previous-generation Mercedes equivalent?


I guess that explains the figures.
Partly. As I said, it does lose power because of the altitude, but it was underpowered from the start anyway. Plus the 5-speed automatic gearbox, wonderful in the E55 AMG, just doesn’t come to the performance party in this case. It’s always searching and takes its own time changing when it eventually does find a gear that pleases it. Despite its image and to its advantage the car is not very heavy, pulls with the rear wheels and sounds great. Steering could have a little more feel but this is American muscle so I guess I can forgive it for that.


Would you buy it?
I’d buy it as a “starter pack” performance car that would be worked on to improve performance. Strap on the mandatory modern two turbos, sharpen the steering feel, tighten the suspension and give it better breathing. Yep, that’s what I would do to it, after buying it.




QUICK STATS
CHRYSLER 300 C SRT-8
ENGINE: 6.1-litre V8
POWER: 317kW at 6000rpm; 569Nm at 4600rpm
0 – 100KM/H: 6.4 seconds
GEARBOX: 5-speed automatic
TOP SPEED: 260km/h
FUEL AVERAGE: 15.9 l/100km
CO2 e: 390 g/km
PRICE STANDARD: R589 900


NATURAL RIVALS: Audi RS 6, Jaguar XFR, Cadillac CTS-V, Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG


*PRICE RIVALS: Alfa Romeo 3.2 V6 Spider, Audi A5 Cabriolet 3.0 TDI, Audi S4, BMW 335i Coupe, BMW Z4 sDrive30i, Jaguar XF 3.0D, Mercedes-Benz E300, Porsche Boxster, Volvo S80 3.0 T Geartronic


BABE-MAGNETIC FACTOR: Very High



*A price rival falls within R20 000 or so of the subject’s price on either side of its price spectrum for cars over R350 000, R10 000 for cars of between R250 000 and R350 000 and R5 000 for cars below R250 000.

Toyota Turd-cel

You know how is some hardcore race cars based off stock models, they sometimes remove a headlight and replace it with a hole for pushing air more directly into the intake? I think that's the look this guy is trying to achieve. Also - I'm quite sure that his fancy warped chin spoiler is actually that plastic edging you can buy for gardens. I got quite familiar with the stuff last spring doing yard work...

Also present are a hick-Cosworth dual spoiler out back, and the obligatory stickers outlining what is (and most likely isn't) under the hood.

SLKill it with fire

Basically a first-gen SLK with CLK (or SL?) headlights and the ugliest grillework this side of this car and an Audi. Even ignoring the mug, the colour combo of orange and blue would still keep it safely fugtastic. Especially when you get inside, and the blue leather takes on a disgusting Barney-hide hue.

Although I do kinda like the taillights, in an 80's Benz kinda way.

Bōsōzoku

So I've stumbled across Bōsōzoku - a Japanese subculture of fugly weirdness who cars I featured previously on my site. I had an inkling they belong to a specific Japanese "style" as they all kinda matched in their own weird and fugly ways, and because of this I had a "Japan" subcategory already made for them. Now that I know what this is called, I've renamed it.

Click here for the new Bōsōzoku subcategory. Note that the label for this style is still "Japan", because I'm too lazy to go back through all the posts and change them.

Severe Identity Crisis

Besides the fact that this poor late model 3-Series has more chrome stuck to it than that Nissan, and more fake scoops than that Amati, perhaps the most alarming thing about the car is Corvette logos behind the rear wheels. This is like an upscale version of those people that stick screaming chickens on their Cavaliers.

FORMER BMW SA CEO JOINS TATA MOTORS

Tata Motors of India has appointed former GM Europe CEO Carl-Peter Forster as its new CEO.


“Tata Motors expects that Mr. Forster's induction will greatly facilitate its ambition towards being a truly international company,” said company Chairman Ratan Tata.


Industry fundis will remember Forster as a former BMW South Africa MD. Not long thereafter (2001) he joined GM in Europe where he was responsible for all Opel/ Vauxhall, SAAB and Chevrolet operations.


Forster left GM soon after the company failed to agree on terms with a consortium that included Magna of Canada on the sale of Opel. Some believe he didn’t agree with the way GM wanted to conduct the deal.


Tata is of course the owner of brands that include Tata Motors, Jaguar and Land Rover.

HUMMER CLOSES DOWN

General Motors has announced that it will wind down HUMMER after months of attempting to sell it to various interested parties. GM SA released a statement earlier today explaining that existing HUMMER customers will continue to be supported by their local dealers in the same way as before.


“While we will no longer distribute and sell HUMMER vehicles in South Africa,” the statement said, “we remain fully committed to looking after our customers through our network of HUMMER approved dealers. HUMMER customers can be assured that we will continue to offer full after sales support and that we will honour all warranty agreements.”


It went on to say that production of the H3 in South Africa was halted in May 2009 already. GM is concentrating on the Chevrolet, Opel, Cadillac and Isuzu brands for the time being. SAAB, which has been bought from GM by Dutch supercar maker Spyker, may also continue being supported by GM SA.

Go Fug Yourself

Go Fug Yourself


Just taking a moment for a little self promotion... Posting my zazzle site which features a few of my vector pieces (as well as some photography), featuring some fugtastic cars like the Pinto and Pacer.

Hoping to get some time to flesh out the zazzle site soon.

DC Designs Rolls-Royce Coupe

I’m not sure exactly what this car is, exactly. The proportions – and overall look – scream that this is Nissan 370Z based. But I can’t be certain that it’s one way or the other. What I am certain of is that those two shapes to not combine in an attractive way. Definitely not “cexi”, as it’s license plate tries to say. It’s also slightly reminiscent of the Mayback Exelero, which is also not a car that’s exceptionally gifted in the looks department. The second most shocking thing about this car is it’s price tag, set at $1.2 million. Although I suppose one can expect no less from the company who modified the cheapest car in the world – the Tato Nano – and upped it’s price a hundred fold to $220,000.

BMW POWER KIT BREATHES FIRE INTO EXISTING DRAGONS

Even before a facelift has started selling, BMW is already upping power and performance on two of its X6 models. The X6 xDrive50i and the straight-six in the X6 xDrive35i are set to be offered with extra go and aero kits to improve both performance and fuel efficiency.


Old buyers of these models (I’m no ageist, just talking about those who bought their cars before this announcement) should not fear, for all the parts are individually retrofittable. What I mean is that as a current owner you’d be able to take your petrol X6 and have it installed with the Aerodynamic as well as the Power Kits at an approved dealership near you.




With that said, let’s get down to the specifics. First on the menu is the Aerodynamic Kit consisting of pieces such as a special front bumper, side-sills, an insert for the rear bumper, rear spoiler, rear fins in matt black and a front grid finished in high-gloss black paint. A sports exhaust system with light chrome pipes will be offered later along with its accompanying booming sound. High-performance lightweight alloy wheels measuring 10J x 21 at the front run on 285/35 R21 tyres and 11.5J x 21 are wrapped in 325/30 R21 tyres at the rear.


As I said earlier a Power Kit is also available as an official aftermarket strap on. It gives more power and torque to cars that swallow up both at alarming rates. The smaller X6 xDrive35i gets a power increase going to 240kW as torque rises to 450Nm. Its claimed 0 – 100km/h time is slashed to 6.5 seconds, which translates to about 7 seconds or so in Gauteng (IN4RIDE has not tested this model). The X6 xDrive50i’s twin turbo V8 goes from 300kW to 330kW and its torque reaches 650Nm. Sprint times have also gone down to 5.2 seconds, according to its very confident maker.


Listed among others are interior appointments like the “performance sports steering wheel with a flattened rim at the bottom and alcantara coating for optimum grip and a pleasant touch in all temperatures.”


Is BMW South Africa making these two kits available to the local drooling public? We are still waiting for confirmation but don’t bet against it.

SA'S JOULE TO ELECTRIFY 2010 GENEVA SHOW

JOULE SAYS: South Africans visiting the Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland next month can look forward to seeing their very own all-electric car – Joule – proudly showcased at one of Europe’s most important automotive industry events.

A plug-in, zero emission vehicle, Joule on show gives a very strong indication of the final design and layout of the car when it goes on sale early in 2013. However, South African motorists can also expect to spot Joule on our roads within months, as a fleet takes to our roads to gather technical feedback on the car and also to gauge public response. These cars, like the show car, will be hand-built in Port Elizabeth.



Volume production for Joule will take place at a state-of-the-art facility in its home country, with key design goals including a range of 300 kilometres based on the UDDS cycle, a genuine freeway cruising capability, seating for five, a 5-Star NCAP safety rating and an on-sale price starting from R235 000 in today’s retail terms.

Conceived by Cape Town-based Optimal Energy and originally designed by South African-born Keith Helfet, Joule has been refined by Zagato’s Total Design Centre, and will form the centrepiece of a stand at Geneva shared by Optimal Energy and the iconic Milanese design house.

“We’re extremely excited about Joule being displayed at Geneva,” says Optimal Energy’s CEO Kobus Meiring. “With Optimal Energy, South Africa now also has its own OEM.  The EV market is expected to grow exponentially over the next decades, and owning an EV brand will increase South Africa’s role substantially. It is Optimal Energy’s vision to lead the EV industry in South Africa and to expand globally, and as a flexible company with no legacy investments in outdated technologies, we have the opportunity to position Joule uniquely in an awakening market.”

Since the first spark of an idea for a home-grown zero emissions vehicle in 2005, Joule’s mantra has been Born Electric, and as a result a key strength and differentiator of Optimal Energy’s design is a clean sheet approach. Optimal Energy is the only local automotive manufacturer focused exclusively on electric cars for the mass market.  By harnessing both the latest technology and the best brains in the automotive and electrical spheres, Joule will be exceptionally energy-efficient from the cradle to the grave.

At its heart is an advanced 36 kWh traction battery, consisting of 15 modules, each module containing 30 Lithium-ion cells. The battery provides power to a synchronous permanent magnet motor capable of generating 65 kW of power and torque of 280 Nm. An integrated, programmable on-board charger ensures that no external charging infrastructure is required and that charging can be synchronised with off-peak electricity. A holistic approach to energy regeneration and energy conservation (including an optional photo-voltaic solar panel mounted on Joule’s roof) will ensure that Joule takes advantage of all potential power sources.

NICHE BMW 5 SERIES GRAN TURISMO LAUNCHED IN SA

“I don’t get it,” I said to myself when the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo was first unveiled to the public in 2009. “Is it an MPV? Is it a proper grand tourer? Will it replace the 5 Series Touring (station wagon)? I don’t get it.”


Yesterday I met up with the 5 Series GT at the two-day local media launch event in partly cloudy Cape Town and hoped to “get it” once we’d touched base in the flesh for the first time. One can’t help but notice the hulky rear end before anything else, even before the sharky front end which was no doubt influenced by the CS Concept. There’s a reason for that rear end and it became apparent during my few hours behind the wheel.


The first question one might ask regarding this “the first of its kind” is probably “why?”. And BMW’s answer would be “because we are constant innovators, we have to create new models to meet market demand and expectations, and ultimately to grow as a business”. While it’s true that only about a decade ago BMW had the 3 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series and the Z4 as making up its entire model lineup. Some companies might have rejoiced and praised their gods and ancestors at the thought but BMW realised the future would be conquered in new markets.



Thus came the X5, X3, 1 Series, X6, GT and soon X1. And perhaps others as well. I pondered over this explanation for a few hours and came to the conclusion that true as it may be that growth comes from growth, growth for the sake of growth is probably less productive than necessary growth.


I have to say I find the GT quite niche. Extremely niche actually. In fact so niche that I have to wonder if BMW SA will meet its 50-unit monthly sales target. See, the GT is a lovely car. It’s 4.998 metres long, 2.1m wide, 1.6m tall and has a wheelbase measuring 3.1m. What that means is it’s got rear legroom that mimics a 7 Series, falling between the short-wheel-base model and the long-wheel-base Lis. The rear seats can be slid back and forth as well as for back reclining. That’s perhaps its greatest selling point, along with excellent headroom (you can practically sit Shaquille O’Neal there and he wouldn’t break his neck) and the innovative boot space. I’m not using the word innovative haphazardly of course; the boot can be accessed in two ways. One is to open it like you would a normal sedan’s where the interior ambiance is not affected. Apparently in really cold countries in Europe and North America this is quite important. The other way is to open it like you would a hatchback, thus exposing passengers to the elements, but with the advantage that larger items can be loaded more easily. There’s your reason for the hulky rear. Check the accompanying pictures.


Equipment levels fitted straight at the factory are almost on par with a 7 Series and include such niceties as a panoramic glass sunroof, rain sensors, electrically adjustable driver’s seat with memory function, electrically adjustable steering column, DSC, DTC, Head-Up Display, park distance control with rear camera, satellite navigation and Bluetooth connectivity. Options include DVD changers for the rear passengers.


That would pretty much sum up the 5 Series GT, except that there’s more. Seeing that this is a BMW surely small items like engines and handling come into play? Indeed both do. For the SA market power is supplied by a range of three engines. At the base end is the 3.0-litre turbo diesel-powered 530d (same found in the 3 and 7 Series) making 180kW at 4000rpm. Peak torque is rated at an impressive 540Nm between 1750rpm and 3000rpm. Acceleration is said to take 6.9 seconds from 0 – 100km/h, which isn’t too bad for a car weighing about two tonnes.


Second up is the 535i which has a single twin-scroll turbo that procures 225kW at 5800rpm and maximum torque of 400Nm at 1200rpm and 5000rpm. Note that this engine is a new-generation motor compared to the old twin turbo. Beady-eyed readers may also have picked up on the fact that power now arrives some 100rpm earlier than with the twin turbo. The 0 – 100km/h sprint can be dispatched in 6.3 seconds while top speed is 250km/h.


At the very top (in the absence of a 5 Series GT M) is the 550i with a 4.4-litre twin turbo V8 that’s good for 300kW between 5500rpm and 6400rpm, while torque is 600Nm between  1750rpm and 4500rpm. Quick but smooth is the 550i, having the ability to move from standstill to 100km/h in just 5.5 seconds. The mated 8-speed automatic gearbox (sold with all three models) can be shifted via the gear knob in the centre console or left to its own devices in full automatic mode. Up to you.


To play with the suspension and get as close to a “BMW” feeling as possible one simply fiddles with a button that will give you Normal, Sport or Sport+ modes. Possibly the most notable difference for the layperson will be in the quicker gear changes in the Sport+ mode, while the more enthusiastic driver would have felt the tighter grip of the squat to the tarmac. BMW’s investment in runflat tyres during the early 2000s continues with every model in the range, including the GT but excluding M cars. Standard rubber is 245/50 R18 in 8J x 18 aluminium wheels but the 550i gets larger diameters.




Some of the laws of physics can be defied but others remain a mystery. Raising a car’s roof will certainly give you more headroom and ultimate comfort but it will also penalise you when it comes to driving enjoyment. Think of one of those bartenders in the movies sliding a bowl of nuts across the slipper counter tower, to be caught by a customer at the other end. Let them try the same trick with a bottle of whiskey and see how it works out.


And so it was with the GT. Steering is light for the most part but it is precise. However that weight transfer when cornering is very much apparent, although some of the electronic systems do counter it to some extent.


So it will probably be outclassed by a 5 Series sedan when it comes to bends. But when it comes to combining practicality, luxury, space and comfort with healthy doses of driving fun very few cars can compare. Even fewer from the lot used by hotels like The Saxon to transport their most valued guests between airports and their own premises. Instead of subjecting your VVIPs to a minibus taxi or some other large MPV, why not invest in the 5 Series Gran Turismo and make a lasting first impression?




BMW 5 Series GT pricing
530d (R733 000)
535i (R737 000)
550i (R959 500)

CITROËN SHOWS POTENT DS3 RACING EDITION BEFORE GENEVA 2010

In order to celebrate its successes on the World Rally Championship circuit, Citroën has announced the DS3 Racing edition based on the DS3 sub-compact like the one we spotted in Jozi last week. Only 1 000 units will be produced of the car and I can’t say for sure that SA will get it. Nevertheless Citroën fans everywhere should be doubly delighted with this car.


Powered by a 1.6-litre THP engine that makes 147kW and maximum torque of 275Nm, the car can only be described as pocket dynamite.


Deeper beneath the skin are systems to assist the driver make the best choices when it comes to turning the wheels. That includes stiffer suspension springs, adapted front and rear shock absorbers as well as wider front and rear tracks. The suspension also sits 15mm lower than a standard DS3.


Carbon fibre trim can be found on the dashboard, centre console, steering wheel embellisher, armrests and door side mouldings, contrasting the orange strips quite nicely.


The Citroën DS3 Racing will make its debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show next month. Were it to make it to Mzansi I suspect it would be priced at around R300 000. Look out MINI John Cooper Works!

ON THE ROAD: JAGUAR XFR

What a beauty!
Jaguar is back to designing and building lovely fast cars, and the XFR is what this new image is all about. Brutal without being barbaric, brawn without the bad breath…


A sissy car then?
Never. Not in a million years. The XFR is based on the XF sedan which is shaped rather like a coupe than a sedan at the rear. Lines are clean and smooth, flowing from side to side, front to back, sweeping across through every angle. But there are elements that give away its top-of-the-range status. Like those two louvers on the bonnet for example, with the word “Supercharged” stamped hard on them. Move to the sides and discover wide side skirts that accentuate those massive 20-inch wheels. Check those R-badged brake callipers, signalling some serious stopping power.


At the back a slight aerodynamic boot lip, another R badge and four tailpipes round off what could only be described as an English stealth bomber. Owned by Indians. Whoa!




Surely the interior is more aggressive?
It’s not. Remember, this is not a boy racer. Executives don’t appreciate too much show on their go. They like to think they are being subtle inside their family sedans while blowing the socks off pedigreed sports cars. Niceties like air conditioning, touch-screen navigation, heated/cooled electrically adjustable leather seats, and a USB port (mated to a Harman Kardon sound blaster) are necessary in this class. Having said that I do feel your pain. A bit more “sabre tooth” would be more appreciated instead of basically walking into the same interior as any other XF model. Where are the bucket leather seats, perforated steering wheel, aluminium pedals and the like? I for one would have liked those.


Purr the pussy?
Roar the tiger is more like it! Let it detect the key in your pocket, push the “Start Engine Stop” button and release the anger. That’s 500 mad horses previously locked inside the rear-wheel-driven 5.0-litre supercharged V8, now available to your right foot at will. Tap on the accelerator pedal only slightly to wake the monsters up. Swing the JaguarDrive Selector to D and you’ll access normal drive mode, for everyday driving pleasure. Slot it into S, pull back on the left paddle behind the steering wheel and get ready to be dazzled.


Take a quick glance at the acceleration times for the scare of your life. And those times were achieved in Gauteng at 1450m altitude. That’s your pussy blower in full action. Let it blow too high and the price is evident at the fuel pumps.


The Jaguar XFR is as adept on straight lines as it is on curvy roads. Believe me. DSC is always available as a safety cushion and intervenes in good time when switched on. In off mode the rear wheels will of course get out of shape but not too early, giving you plenty of time to react.


Best in class?
I’d say so, reservedly.


Why reservedly?
Because the Audi RS 6 is such monster when the mood takes it. Those times are few and far between though, unlike the XFR which can be called upon to perform at any time, anywhere, without the need to pamper it or to beg it first, over and over again. It’s like a Zulu lover dressed in Italian clothing.




QUICK STATS
JAGUAR XFR
ENGINE: 5.0-litre V8, supercharged
POWER: 375kW at 6000rpm; 625Nm at 2500rpm
0 – 100KM/H: 4.6 seconds
GEARBOX: 6-speed automatic
TOP SPEED: 250km/h
FUEL AVERAGE: 19.2 l/100km
CO2 e: 298 g/km
WHEELS AND TYRES: 20x8,5J front,20x9,5J rear, with 285/30 front and 255/35 rear Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tyres
PRICE STANDARD: R955 000


NATURAL RIVALS: Audi RS 6, BMW M5, Cadillac CTS-V, Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG


*PRICE RIVALS: BMW 650i Coupe manual, Lexus LS 460, Mercedes-Benz GL 500, Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI R50


BABE-MAGNETIC FACTOR: Very High



*A price rival falls within R20 000 or so of the subject’s price on either side of its price spectrum for cars over R350 000, R10 000 for cars of between R250 000 and R350 000 and R5 000 for cars below R250 000.


*Exterior pictures taken using NOKIA 6210 Navigator

PORSCHE ANNOUNCES KILLER 911

Porsche has announced the most powerful 911 model ever made, the new 911 Turbo S, in both Coupe and canvass-top Cabriolet. As you can tell, it adds S on the name Turbo, thus setting itself apart from the “normal” car. The new top-of-the-range keeps Porsche’s 3.8-litre boxer engine with two exhaust gas turbochargers with variable turbine geometry.


As a consequence the 911 Turbo S makes 390kW and 700Nm of torque. All that power and torque is sent to both the front and rear wheels through Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel drive. When coupled with Launch Control the car will fly out of a standing position to 100km/h in just 3.3 seconds. Top whack is 315km/h and the 7-speed double-clutch PDK gearbox helps it achieve a claimed 11.4 litres per 100km in average fuel consumption.


German prices start at €173 241 (R1.8 million) for the hard top and €184 546 (R1.9 million) for the Cabrio. Mzansi prices start at R2 215 000 and R2 315 000 respectively.

FORD FANS INVITED FOR FREE STATE WORLD RECORD

FORD SAYS: Ford enthusiasts from across South Africa will come together on 27 February 2010 in an attempt to set the world record for the largest Ford parade. The event will take place at Phakisa Freeway racetrack, Welkom in the Free State.

All Ford branded vehicles are invited to participate in the parade lap that will consist of one lap around the race circuit.

“This is set to be an historic event for Ford and we take immense pride in the loyalty and enthusiasm the Ford fans continue to show for the brand. There will be a vast array of Ford models coming together in support of the Blue Oval and we are excited at the prospect,” says Jacques Brent, vice president for marketing, sales and service.

The record attempt will be certified by the Guinness World of Records. In order to break the record for the Largest Ford Parade the participants will need to complete a 3.2km route with a continuous column of vehicles at no less than two car-lengths apart during the parade.

“Ford has a long and illustrious history in South Africa with many customers enjoying fond memories of the brand from years gone by. The record attempt is sure to be a very nostalgic affair as thousands of Fords from different eras come together in a unique display of Ford machinery,” adds Brent.

In addition to being part of a historic event, fans will be treated to a variety of activities that have been planned for the day. Team Ford Racing will display Ford’s on track abilities with a series of demonstration laps, sky divers, food stalls and a flea market area will provide ongoing entertainment throughout the day. There will also be a Show & Shine event, with the some of the best turned out Ford examples in the country on display. It is set to be a treat for all Ford enthusiasts and one not to be missed.

To register and for more information please go to www.largestfordparade.co.za.

LONG-TERM UPDATE: CHEVROLET CRUZE

Funny that most people, especially those young at heart types, are much more concerned with the exterior of a car rather than the interior. Funny because as a driver and a passenger you spend most of your time getting acquainted with what’s inside. Sure, outside things are also happening and observers are talking. But would you rather impress them or yourself?


Personally I go for the latter. And I vote the Chevrolet Cruze 1.8 LT as the one car which combines the best of both worlds and would never disinvite you from its comforts. The minute you step in after having pushed a button to unlock the door (s) it’s lushness for your journey. Seats are soft cushy leather, giving extra comfort for any type of travel.


I was lucky enough to be invited by the Cruze on a 1500km cruise (I couldn’t help that) to and from Durban. It brought out all its charm by dishing out comfort and poise the whole time. Start up the 103kW engine to hear a healthy motor under the bonnet and slot the large gear lever into D or R, depending on your inclination. The beautifully-designed dashboard reminds one of the Volt world car, cementing just how far the Chevy brand has come in terms of styling. All the dials are well-placed including the headlights switch on the right, but except the fan control which is sometimes turned unwittingly by the left knee when at rest. A feature normally found in much more expensive cars is standard with the Cruze 1.8 LT and that is the mirror-folding function that could mean the difference between a smooth exit and an expensive paint job. It’s obviously electronically controlled via the same exterior mirror adjustment knob.


As an enthusiast driver I appreciated the sportiness of the leather-covered steering wheel with great amounts of grip thanks in part to the sporty thumb-rest. Satellite controls are well within reach and include the sound volume and cruise control at your fingertips. The cruise control is easy to activate; just flick on the dashboard switch to “on” and control it via the steering wheel. Because the naturally aspirated engine is a bit wheezy at Gauteng altitudes, getting up to the desired speed takes a little longer. But once you get there it’s a breeze.


Front seats can be manually adjusted to suit the tallest, biggest and shortest in no time. I was however, expecting some electrical assistance in this regard, given the price tag and the car’s status in the range. Storage facilities are plenty though and include a closable extra storage den on top of the dashboard itself. My personal experience with the sunroof in the Mzansi context is that it’s largely overrated because we have so much sun here and you don’t want it constantly blasting down your head. But if you really want one the Cruze 1.8 LT has it and it’s electrically adjustable, of course.


I found that when handed a long trip the Cruze will greatly reduce its fuel consumption which was one of my initial gripes. It’s currently averaging 8.9 litres per 100km, a far cry from the initial figures of over 11 litres per 100km. The trip computer will tell you about all those things, including how far the fuel currently on board is going to take you.


As a five-seater the Cruze is more than capable of gulping up five adults with ease. However as you may imagine, some families aren’t cut into perfect squares and so we found ourselves 6, sometimes even 7 up in the car! No one complained (or maybe dared to!) though since the rear offers good leg and headroom. And it wasn’t for long distances anyway.


Our Cruze is a Chevy unlike any other we’ve ever experienced as far as interior comfort is concerned. We haven’t had anything break or come loose as far as the interior goes, so it looks like build quality is also top notch. No wonder then it’s been selected as a finalist in this year’s edition of the massively important World Car of the Year competition.