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MAMBA MOTORING
Since 2003, Christo Valentyn has driven and reviewed more cars for Mambaonline than he can remember. In his final motoring feature for Mambaonline he looks at fifteen cars that impressed – and appalled – him in 2009.
MERCEDES-BENZ C180K BLUEEFFICIENCY – R325 000
In the race to save the planet, BlueEfficiency is Mercedes-Benz’s current answer to better fuel consumption and lower emissions. Unfortunately the company’s first local BE model is the C180K BlueEfficiency, which replaces the ‘normal’ C180K and is confusingly powered by a 1.6-litre engine mated to a 6–speed manual gearbox that claims to deliver the same power as the outgoing model. It works in theory, but if you were to drive it the way Mercedes engineered it to, you’ll never get anywhere on time. The 1.6-litre needs to be worked to get some go out of it, and should rather be mated to a slick automatic than the manual. Convincing the public to buy a 1.6-litre at this price hasn’t been easy, and I understand why.
ALFA ROMEO MITO – R228 550
It’s been a while since we had a gorgeous Italian on our roads, and the MiTo has certainly been worth the wait. Powered by a delightful 1.4-litre turbo, it’s got more oomph than its looks would have you believe and handles like an Italian should. I’m not mad about the headlights, but in general there’s a look-twice quality to the MiTo’s aesthetic. Standard specification, ride and handling is more than sufficient, and combined with innovative interior design and some gorgeous exterior colours, there’s finally something exciting – and Italian – to consider. It may be a small car, but there’s nothing mini about the experience.
Our thanks to Fiat South Africa for accommodating Mambaonline on the national launch of the MiTo.
CADILLAC CTS – R425 000
Let’s not beat about the bush – today’s Cadillacs are odd-looking pieces of automotive engineering. The CTS however takes a very quirky design cue and transforms it into a magnificently masculine and sporty sedan that has more presence on the road than many of its German counterparts can lay claim to. It’s got ample power thanks to the 3.6 litre V6, handles like something much smaller and is specced at levels that would set you back a second mortgage if it were German. But just look at it – when you start it up, it returns the favour in so many ways. It’s still a bargain of note, and it’s completely inexplicable why there are so few on our roads.
DAIHATSU CHARADE & SIRION 1.3
I am generally not fond of small cars, and Daihatsu’s Charade has done nothing to change my mind. It looks like a bug on wheels (which can be cute), but oh my, if the wheels were any thinner they could’ve been made from wood. This translates into scary cornering capabilities and a choppy ride, which is not the way I like my Sunday drives. In the urban environment it works a charm though, with a surprising amount of nip under foot. However, I’d rather find some more money and get a Sirion, even the base-model 1.3. It’s well-specced and equally nippy, but feels lightyears ahead of its baby brother when it comes to handling and general confidence. It’s so impressive, in fact, that I may just buy one for those small car days.
AUDI A4 1.8T ATTRACTION – R294 000
In recent months, one of my biggest concerns regarding Audi’s products have been the pricing on options; most of the test models we receive being loaded with literally thousands – and in some models, hundreds of thousands – of Rands worth of extras. I was however utterly delighted to have tested the A4 1.8T – the entry level in the A4 range – with just about no options. Most of the extras weren’t missed at all, which emphasises my opinion that one has to be careful when ticking those boxes. The 1.8T may be the entry level model, but it’s got enough oomph to delight and fantastic fuel consumption to boot. For the everyday commute, this is without a doubt the pick of the A4 bunch.
HYUNDAI I10 & I20
There is very little Hyundai is not doing right at the moment, and having driven the small i10 earlier this year, it’s completely understandable that it ranks very high on the best buys list. It’s well-specced, very nippy and has a unique character that many of its rivals lack – undoubtedly the best small car money can buy, in my opinion. The new i20 takes things up a notch and delivers an overall package that is truly impressive, to put it mildly. It’s a safe design meant to appeal to a wider audience. But with the optional alloys fitted, it’s a very neat – and nippy, I may add – value proposition. It’s better engined, specced and priced than most of its competitors and really could be your new best friend!
Our thanks to Hyundai South Africa for accommodating Mambaonline on the national launch of the i20.
FORD FOCUS 2.0 TDCI SEDAN – R275 200
It may be showing its age compared to some of its rivals, but the Ford Focus 2.0 TDCI Sedan impressed with its general refinement and unpretentious nature. It ticks along happily in city traffic (the diesel engine’s torque coming in handy down low in the rev range), and surprises with its go when let loose. The autobox could be more refined, but considering its standard specification and general ease of use on a daily basis, it’s certainly a car to consider if you’re the market for a reliable, comfortable car with that extra boot space (especially if you’re traveling long distances). It convinced one of my best friends, who drives German V8s on a daily basis, and that says a lot.
FIAT LINEA – R175 000
In recent years, Fiat has introduced some drop-dead gorgeous cars in South Africa, with the Bravo still one of the most emotive hatches available today. The Linea is the latest Fiat offering to reach our shores and is set to make a big impact amongst competitors like the dreadfully predictable, government-issue Corolla. It’s magnificently styled and has immense on-road presense, is generously appointed and has a standard specification list that puts the current market segment leaders to shame. The only downside is the 66kW 1.4-litre engine under the hood. It’s lovely on the open road, but dreadfully underpowered in most other circumstances. It’s merely a preference though, as 80% of all driving takes place at 80km/h or less. Linea is worth buying just for its looks. That the rest is included is simply magnifico!
FIAT South Africa paid for all flights and accommodation in Durban during the national launch of the Linea.
PEUGEOT 207 GTI – R228 700
The previous generation 206 GTI was immensely popular in South Africa, but for some reason the 207 GTI hasn’t caught on in quite the same way. It could be the fairly generic looks (fully colour coded bumpers and bigger wheels are just about all that sets it apart from the rest), but it could also be that it’s a busy little bugger to drive. Don’t get me wrong – the 1.6-litre turbo is magnificent (same engine as the MINI Cooper S), but takes concentration to keep the Pug where you aim it. It’s lightning quick in some situations, with acceptable handling, but it often feels like the car is driving you, and not the other way around. Seen holistically, it’s a hoot though, and if, like me, you find MINIs to be a bit “everyday”, the little Frenchman is a definite option.
RENAULT CLIO III 1.6 DYNAMIQUE & 2.0 RENAULTSPORT
Renault’s delightful Clio III recently went under the knife and now sports the company’s lovely new corporate look (albeit only at the front). With the introduction of Logan and Sandero, Renault has also cut the Clio III range to two models, the RenaultSport 2.0 and the 1.6 Dynamique. More specifications (including satnav, thanks to a brilliant joint venture with TomTom) and more refinement makes Clio III stand out even more, with our launch route including many twists and turns to show off the car’s dynamics. The 1.6 Dynamique seems a bit girly though (mostly ‘cause of the alloy wheel design), but the RenaultSport, with its menacing new front design, remains one of the hottest little hatches around.
Renault South Africa paid for all flights to Cape Town during the national launch of the Clio III phase 2.
VW GOLF 6 1.4 TSI HIGHLINE – R272 900
Golf 6 is brand new on paper, but aesthetically merely brings more refinement to the Golf 5 design. It’s pleasant, but not much more (especially at the rear). The TSI Highline is the new range-topper and tells you from the get-go that it’s powered by a 1.4-litre engine. It’s however got a turbo- and a supercharger, and in the Golf, this 1.4 really does deliver the same power as a 2.0-litre (147kW to be precise). But better yet, it actually does give you the fuel consumption of a 1.4. Interior quality and specification is Audi-standards, and there’s absolutely nothing to fault in this model, except its price, perhaps. Be careful of the options list… It’s a truly accomplished car, and I have to admit that – finally! – there’s a Golf I wouldn’t mind driving.
RANGE ROVER TDV8 – R1 105 000
When we tested the Range Rover Supercharged last year it left us slightly deflated, especially since its ridiculous fuel consumption far outweighed the supercharged V8 under the hood. However, the Range Rover has an appeal to it that few other large SUVs have and, as such, the TDV8 is the star of the line-up. It feels more powerful than its supercharged petrol sibling and has surprisingly good fuel consumption, with preciously little to differentiate it from its big brother in terms of styling and specification. The TDV8 redeemed the entire Range Rover range in my eyes.
LEXUS GS450h SE – R727 800
New technologies are usually expensive, so it’s not surprising that the Lexus Hybrid Drive was launched in the RX and GS ranges. It’s been on the market for little more than a year, but the GS450h had me seriously considering selling a few organs on the black market. The GS has a gracefully enduring design, mated to superb luxury and excellent standard spec. Paired with Hybrid Drive, it’s a truly sublime experience – on the outside it may be dead silent, but step on it and the performance is deafening. The GS450h is the epitome of a performance hybrid and remains one of the best cars I’ve ever driven.
VW SCIROCCO TSI DSG – R336 500
Volkswagen’s drop-dead gorgeous Scirocco has undoubtedly been one of my testing highlights this year. The looks have kept me captivated more so than most, and the breathtaking power and handling has provided too many grins than I can remember. It’s a Golf 6 competitor in a way, but as I seldom have passengers in the car – and therefore have little use for two more doors – the Scirocco is the perfect car for a bachelors’ lifestyle. The only gripe – and it’s a minor one – is the dashboard, borrowed from the Eos. It looks a tad dated compared to the Audi-like magnificence of Golf 6. But besides that, Scirocco has made it onto my must-have list.
Christo is a freelance journalist specialising in motoring, technology and music. He prefers sleeping to partying, writing to talking and driving to flying. You'll always find him in the fast lane, but never in the same car and never with the same soundtrack.
