Monthly Motor - December 2014

MONTHLY KSH 350/-
DECEMBER 2014
ALL YOUR MOTORING NEEDS
inside:
COMPARATIVE USED
DOUBLE CABS
Printed in Kenya
www.media7group.co.ke
Tanzania 7,000/= Uganda 10,200/=
Issue No. 216 Volume 22

from the publisher
Selling Your Car
pricing decision. When you have set a price
that is reasonable for you, you could place a
small cushion for buyer haggling.
Marketplace
Advertising your car can be done cheaply.
Many sellers now turn to websites to
advertise for free. The major pluses online
are that you get to describe your car in
great depth and quality photographs can be
added.
You can include a reserve price or set a
starting price to assure you’re not going to
lose on the deal. You can also display the
signs prominently when you go shopping
to attract some seeking eyes. Wherever you
choose to place your advertising, remember
to include your contact information.
ALL YOUR MOTORING NEEDS
MANAGING EDITOR
Dr. Hanningtone Gaya
+254-722-742287
gaya@wananchi.com
gaya@media7groupkenya.com
EDITOR
Jude Gaya
+254-722-224347
judegaya@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTORS
Jesse Adams
Simon Hill
Jay Suave
Jude Gaya
The used car market in Kenya has
been growing with each shiny new
car delivered out of official car
dealers. And now, with the entry
of the likes of Toyota in quality used car
market segment, complete with a state of the
art service complex in South C in Nairobi,
it may be difficult for you to get a car off
your hands, as quality choices galore. The
following tips can give you a fighting chance
in the used car sales minefield.
Records
If you are the original owner indicating
the accurate car type, model, mileage in
classified advertisements are important for
attracting a savvy buyer. Collect service
history on the car. A detailed car history
from an honest seller can result in a quick,
positive sale.
Pricing
Having all the information, search out a
price tag by scanning through classified
ads in newspapers to get an idea of the
market value. You should also have
the car inspected and valued by AA of
Kenya. Dealership prices for used cars are
frequently higher than private sales.
After doing the research, assess the
condition of your car. Is the body free of
scratches and dents? Is the interior free of
stains? Items requiring maintenance in the
near future may also be figured into the
Presentation
Clean, shiny and rust-free body panels are
the Holy Grail for any car-customer. In
fact, good presentation can account for an
additional Ksh 100,000 – Ksh 150,000 to the
sale price compared to a lesser well-kept car.
For the exterior, correct any minor rust
spots or body work that you can complete
inexpensively. Rather than eating up your
afternoon, you may opt for a complete
professional detailing. Although the
KSh2500 – KSh 5000 cost for a professional
clean-up may seem steep, they have the
capacity to give your car a far superior
presentation which could even rid stronger
interior odours – like cigarette smoke –
from a car.
The Deal
If you want to make the deal-making
process short, the wording “firm” beside
the sticker process might be your solution.
However, the inflexible wording is likely to
scare off some buyers. If you want to accept
negotiations on price, don’t feel pressured to
take the buyer’s first offer. Remember: while
you are trying to get top offers, the buyer
wants to score a great deal too. This is where
the cushion you placed in the advertising
price will work to both parties’ benefit. Also
consider adding perks, such as possible
mechanical work to sweeten the deal.
Dr. Hanningtone Gaya PhD EBS
Publisher/CEO
Media 7 Magazines Group
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Patrick Sikuku
patricksikuku@gmail.com
+254-722-762295
PUBLISHED BY
Media 7 Group Kenya LTD
+254-20-655 1977
+254-20-655 1997
+254-20-655 1967
ADVERTISING
Dr. Hanningtone Gaya
gaya@wananchi.com
info@media7groupkenya.com
+254-722-742287
+254-20-655 1977/97
DISTRIBUTED BY
Nation Marketing & Publishing
A Division of Nation Media Group
Tel: +254-20-32-88581/8588/8574
2
MOTOR DECEMBER 2014

CONTENTS
Santiusae demrae
Volume 22, Issue 216
08
06 HEADLIGHT
Tyre Tips
08 COVER STORY
The New Nissan X-Trail
16 LUXURY COUPE
The next generation CLS –
Representing a Cult Design
20 LARGE SUV
Pajero -
Updates Keep Icon at the Top
24 BUDGET CAR
Chevy Spark:
The Safer Budget Choice
26 BRAND FOCUS
The All New Toyota Corolla –
Kenya’s Best Just Got Better
30 TEST DRIVE
2014 Toyota Camry XLE 2.5L
38 LUXURY SUV
Porsche Cayenne -
Lustier Everything
4
MOTOR DECEMBER 2014

DECEMBER2014
42 LUXURY SALOON
BMW 5 Series -
An Underrated Overachiever
16
46 YOUR 4X4
Nissan Patrol -
A Truly Independent Democrat
50 COMPARISON
TESTS
Used Double Cabs -
Models Tested: Mitsubishi Triton vs. VW
Amarok vs. Toyota Hilux vs. Nissan Navara
vs. Ford Ranger vs. Mazda BT-50
26
62 motoring
Buying a Car
46
MOTOR DECEMBER 2014 5

HEADLIGHT
Tyre Tips
This being a holiday month, it is prudent to remind the motorists
about safety on the roads. The starting point is the tyres, often a
neglected part of the motoring experience.
We now share some tyre tips with you, our loyal
readers. Check your tyre pressure every week.
The correct tyre pressure carries the vehicle, passengers
and cargo loads and transmits all forces. It
also protects your tyres from premature wear and
irreversible damage.
TIP:
Check the pressure of your tyre preferably when your tyres are cold, not
having run for at least 2 hours.
If your wheels and tyres are not properly balanced, the result could
likely be uncomfortable driving because of excessive vibrations. It is essential
for driving comfort and controlled vehicle and tyre performance.
TIP:
Always balance the rear wheels as well as the front wheels to ensure
your tyres and vehicle stay in good condition for longer.
It is recommended that tyres are rotated every 5000kms or every four
months, whichever comes first.
TIP:
Always fit your new tyres to the rear axle to improve vehicle control and
safety. This is irrespective of whether the car is front or rear wheel drive as
long as the car is fitted with the same tyre size in the front and rear axle.
The tyre valve holds the pressure inside the tyre and ensure the correct
pressure. It is the access point for regulating your tyre pressures with a
tyre pressure gauge. The valve cap keeps the valves clear of debris and help
guard against pressure loss.
TIP:
Always replace the valve when fitting a new tyre or having the tyre
repaired.
If there is any further information that you would like in regards to
tyres, tyre services and batteries please do not hesitate to call on Kingsway
tyres or any other tyre dealer nearest to you. Wishing you a lovely and safe
holiday.
6
MOTOR DECEMBER 2014

COVER STORY
The New Nissan X-Trail
By Jesse Adams
Third generation Nissan X-TRAIL recently launched
expands Nissan crossover range. This All-new X-TRAIL
wraps familiar driveability and off-road ability in stylish
new crossover design, with the SUV character traits
continuing as X-TRAIL hallmarks.
Additional feather in the cap includes
a five star Euro NCAP safety rating
coupled with an advanced technology.
Wide powertrain line-up
diversifies X-TRAIL range to suit
any lifestyle application in addition to featuring a
brand new, super-modern crossover design.
“With the new Nissan X-TRAIL, we are
embracing an even greater mix of SUV consumers,”
comments Graeme Birch, General Manager of
Marketing Communications at Nissan Africa. “The
SUV market is globally popular, and with increasing
gravitation towards crossover vehicles which
combine the dynamics and aesthetics of passenger
and sports vehicles with the driving experience and
off-road ability of an SUV, the new X-TRAIL fits
perfectly above our JUKE and QASHQAI crossover
ranges.
“That being said, X-TRAIL has lost none of
its go-anywhere attitude and embodies its pay-off
line, ‘Keep up with your true self ’. It also personifies
our ‘Innovation that Excites’ brand philosophy
by introducing ground-breaking new features and
technology to the segment. Generous ground clearance,
our industry-leading intelligent four-wheel
drive technology and a selection of punchy engines
means off-road driving is fun and exciting, while
the heightened levels of ride comfort, interior luxury
and generous specification levels position new
X-TRAIL perfectly for a balanced lifestyle in and
out of the city.”
The all-new Nissan X-TRAIL arrives in Africa
as an eight-model range, including two-and fourwheel
drivetrains, five or seven seats, petrol and
diesel engine options as well as manual or Xtronic
CVT transmissions.
Completely new from the ground up, the
X-TRAIL combines Nissan’s acclaimed 4x4 heritage
with fresh ideas and technologies inspired by the
brand’s ground-breaking crossover vehicles, initiated
by the original MURANO, bolstered by the
original QASHQAI and diversified more recently
by the JUKE. The new X-TRAIL, much in line with
the pioneering work done by its crossover siblings,
redefines the compact SUV segment. The new
X-TRAIL is built on the innovative, jointly-devel-
8
MOTOR DECEMBER 2014

oped Renault-Nissan Alliance Common Module
Family (CMF) platform - which also underpins
the new QASHQAI - making it just as tough and
accomplished as the outgoing model, while adding
crossover style and efficiency, exciting design,
innovative technology and exceptional comfort and
practicality.
Nissan’s desire to make the new X-TRAIL
the most comprehensive offering in its segment
provided the driving force behind the new vehicle’s
bold design, which revolves around Nissan’s latest
design language - allowing the new X-TRAIL to fit
perfectly into the brand’s vision of modern crossover
styling with a striking new look.
Design
A smooth and muscular body, which combines
the strength and spirit of adventure with
organic shapes and flowing lines, represents a departure
from the more rugged previous-generation
MOTOR DECEMBER 2014 9

COVER STORY
X-TRAIL and presents a more all-encompassing,
aspirational vehicle.
Elegant yet sporty, the new X-TRAIL integrates
a host of new design features inside and out, including
a bold new visage with new signature daytime
running lights on all models, as well as a definitive
new rear design with familiar ‘boomerang’ light
clusters and a characteristic D-pillar which provides
a strong visual link to JUKE and QASHQAI.
Thanks to the longer wheelbase and wider track
afforded by the CMF, the freedom to design a more
expansive body allowed designers to fully integrate
Nissan’s latest crossover design language with strong
emphasis on the wheel areas and the integration of
a sloping roofline, sculpted flanks and a rising window
line - all while maintaining the robust appeal of
a medium SUV and without compromising off-road
ability - ground clearance has increased by 6 mm
despite a lower overall height (decreased by 5 mm).
Body construction comprises a mix of materials,
of which 49% is ultra-high strength steel to
ensure a stronger and safer vehicle. Combined with
the advanced use of composites like plastic for the
tailgate and material thickness optimisation for
the front and rear bumpers, new X-TRAIL is 90 kg
lighter overall than the outgoing model.
The all-new interior features a fresh, stylish
design with driver-centric ergonomics and an
overriding sense of space - thanks largely to a
longer overall length (up by 5 mm), a wider body
(increased by 30 mm) and a 75 mm-longer wheelbase.
Designed from the outset to provide for
seven-seat derivatives with a theatre seating layout
to ensure great outward visibility for all occupants,
interior roominess and versatility are even more
prominent in the new X-TRAIL. Each seat has also
been individually designed to be as comfortable and
practical as possible.
Interior ambience is further heightened with
the use of premium materials like chrome detailing
and model-specific leather surfacing with contrasting
stitching for enhanced visual appeal. A modelspecific
sunroof with electric sliding and tilting
also enhances the driving experience by bathing the
classy new interior with natural light and fresh air.
A split-level dashboard design has been implemented
to ensure easy navigation of controls, with a
gently-raised centre console featuring infotainment
and ventilation controls geared towards keeping
the driver’s attention on the road. Redesigned dials
which house a new 5-inch colour Advanced Drive-
Assist Display also have driving safety in mind,
relaying important information to the driver without
the need to unnecessarily divert attention away
from the road.
Extra attention has also been paid to driver and
passenger touch-points, resulting in door arm rest
and centre console padding which is eight times
thicker than segment competitors for maximum
comfort. Similarly, practical usage was considered in
other design aspects like the centre armrest storage
box which is big enough to swallow a 10-inch tablet.
The X-TRAIL also sets new standards for rear
seat access with doors which open to 80-degrees
and an intelligent and easily operable second-row
folding mechanism. Forming part of the EZ Flex
seating system, the second row of seats also features
legroom adjustment and reclining backrests for a
combination of adjustable versatility and ultimate
comfort. Rear seat legroom is further enhanced by
sculpted front seatbacks.
In seven-seat models, the rearmost seats fold
completely flat into the floor to provide a practical
loading space - from 135 to 1 310 litres. Five-seat
derivatives offer between 550 and 1 405 litres of
cargo space.
Pioneering versatility seen in the previous
Nissan X-TRAIL continues in the all-new model,
10
MOTOR DECEMBER 2014

with even more smart storage solutions available for
ultimate adaptability. In five-seat versions, a double
load floor provides for variable and flexible boot
space. A model-specific powered tailgate further
adds to the new X-TRAIL’s inherent versatility and
ease of use, with sensors for touch-free operation.
All-new in-car technology abounds mostly
notably with the availability of model-specific
NissanConnect, Nissan’s new-generation infotainment
system which includes smartphone integration,
downloadable app support and other valueadding
extras like satellite navigation and a fullycompatible
entertainment setup via a seven-inch
touch screen interface.
Engines and drivetrain
Enhancing the ownership experience and giving
the new Nissan X-TRAIL a greater all-rounder
personality, a raft of engine, transmission and drivetrain
configurations are available in South Africa.
With a brief to retain the previous model’s famed
off-road ability while improving fuel economy and
lowering emissions, Nissan’s engineers have presented
one of the most accomplished power- and
drivetrains in the segment.
Diesel models
Headlining the engine line-up, four new
X-TRAIL derivatives - in XE, SE and LE specification
- are available with an all-new 1.6-litre
direct-injection turbocharged diesel engine which
produces 96 kW at 4 000 rpm and a scintillating 320
Nm just 1 750 rpm, allowing for ultimate driveability
on- and off-road. Coupled to a six-speed manual
gearbox and with the choice of two- or four-wheel
drive, the Euro 5-compliant engine realises carbon
emissions as little as 134 g/km and combined-cycle
fuel economy as low as 5.3-litres per 100 km.
Resultant performance is admirable - the 0-100
km/h dash is completed in as little as 10.5 seconds
in the X-TRAIL 1.6dCi XE, with particularly
impressive in-gear acceleration on all diesel models.
Developed in co-operation with Alliance partner
Renault, this diesel engine is one of the most
advanced in the segment, with a host of technical
innovations designed to maximise fuel economy
and reduce carbon emissions.
Among these are a cold-loop, low-pressure
exhaust gas recirculation system which recycles
exhaust gases at lower temperatures to reduce the
emission of nitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide.
Optimised thermal management allows the engine
to reach optimal operating temperature more quickly,
which in turn reduces friction losses when starting
from cold and reduces fuel consumption in the
process.
Various aerodynamic aids go further to reducing
fuel consumption as well, like the aero-friendly
door mirrors and a flat panel beneath the exhaust
assembly. Idle start/stop technology is also included
to further reduce fuel consumption.
Petrol models
Complementing the 1.6dCi models, two 2.5
SE derivatives are available exclusively with Xtronic
CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), fourwheel
drive and either five or seven seats. Power
from this normally-aspirated multi-point injection
petrol engine is 126 kW at 6 000 rpm, with torque of
at 233 Nm peaking at 4 000 rpm.
Exclusive to Nissan, Xtronic differs from conventional
CVT automatic transmissions in that it
mimics the behaviour of traditional multi-ratio
automatic gearboxes under hard acceleration with
virtual stepped changes. Under more gentle conditions,
ratios are adjusted for ultimate smoothness
- the overall results being the best of both worlds for
drivers, with smooth low-load power delivery and
MOTOR DECEMBER 2014 11

COVER STORY
sharp, direct performance during higher acceleration
driving.
The range is rounded off by two entry-level
2.0 XE models, each powered by a 2.0-litre direct
injection normally aspirated petrol engine which
produces 106 kW at 6 000 rpm and 200 Nm at 4
400 rpm. The 2.0-litre derivatives are available with
either five or seven seats, and exclusively with a sixspeed
manual gearbox.
Fuel economy on all petrol derivatives remains
impressive, with the average combined cycle returning
8.3-litres per 100 km. Carbon emissions are 197
g/km for all models.
ALL-MODE 4x4i
Available in the new X-TRAIL 2.5 SE 4WD,
1.6dCi SE 4WD and 1.6dCi LE 4WD models,
Nissan’s ALL-MODE 4x4i system continues the
class-leading off-road standards set by the previousgeneration
model. ALL-MODE 4x4i provides three
driving modes, selectable via a rotary knob on the
centre console - 2WD, Auto and 4WD Lock.
In Auto mode which is activated by default,
constant monitoring of throttle position, engine
speed and torque distribution, to anticipate wheel
spin, dictates when the system seamlessly distributes
torque between the front and rear axles as needed,
at speeds up to 80 km/h. Above 80 km/h, the system
reacts to wheel spin and shifts torque rearwards to
regain traction. When switched into 4WD Lock
mode, four-wheel drive is permanently engaged for
definitive grip and traction.
ALL-MODE 4x4i also incorporates ABLS -
Active Brake Limited Slip. Assuming the role of a
conventional limited-slip differential, ABLS redirects
power to the driven wheels which have the
most traction, using ABS wheel-speed sensors to
detect a loss of traction on one or more of the driven
wheels, applying braking force to the affected wheel
or wheels to help slow them down.
Five chassis control systems are also implemented
in the new X-TRAIL which provide dynamic
assistance both on- and off-road, including Active
Ride Control, Active Engine Brake, Active Trace
Control, Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control.
Active Ride Control, fitted to all models, monitors
the road surface to detect undulations which
could potentially upset the pitch of the vehicle’s
body and alters damping to compensate. Meanwhile,
Active Engine Brake, fitted to both Xtronic derivatives,
harnesses the power and controllability of
Xtronic to add a degree of engine braking while cornering
or decelerating to a standstill. The benefits
include greater braking control and enhanced pedal
feel, with less braking effort required.
Active Trace Control, fitted to all models, uses
on-board sensors to monitor speed, steering angle,
throttle position and braking effort, to individually
brake wheels as required to reduce understeer and
assist the driver in steering a safer path through
bends - particularly effective on slippery roads.
Hill Start Assist uses the new X-TRAIL’s traction
control system to detect an incline start, applying
the brakes to all four wheels to allow for a
smooth hill start without rolling backwards. Hill
Start Assist activation is indicated in the Advanced
Drive-Assist Display. Ensuring the safe and careful
descent of downhill slopes, Hill Descent Control
utilises wheel speed sensors and ABS to regulate the
speed at which the new X-TRAIL descends, upon
driver activation.
Luxurious features
In keeping with the more upmarket and luxurious
feel of the new Nissan X-TRAIL, all models
feature high levels of standard equipment.
Entry-level trim fitted to the four XE models
includes a rear spoiler, a rake- and reach-adjustable
steering column, electric windows all-round, the
Advanced Drive-Assist Display, cloth upholstery, a
multi-function steering wheel, height adjustment
12
MOTOR DECEMBER 2014

for the driver’s seat, four cup- and four bottle
holders (heated and cooled in the centre console),
manual air conditioning, a fully compatible
audio system with radio, CD, MP3/WMA, USB and
auxiliary input linked to four speakers, Bluetooth
connectivity, a sunglasses holder, cruise control,
daytime running lights, electrically adjustable and
folding colour-coded side mirrors, chrome-plated
door handles, 17-inch alloy wheels, Active Ride
Control and Active Trace Control, an electronic
parking brake. Seven-seat models include the EZ
Flex seating system, a rear-only luggage partition
with tonneau cover and extra two cup holders.
Eighteen-inch alloy wheels and roof rails with a
brushed metal finish are the only available options
on XE models.
The three SE 4WD derivatives add to XE
specifications with the likes of ALL-MODE 4x4i, an
eco-mode driving switch which promotes economical
driving, automatic headlight and wiper systems,
front fog lamps with chrome detailing, a leather
steering wheel and gear lever, dual-zone automatic
climate control, six speakers, Hill Descent Control,
Active Engine Brake on Xtronic models, roof rails
with a brushed metal finish and idle start/stop technology
on diesel models only.
Eighteen-inch alloy wheels and the TECHNO
Pack are optional, along with individual options like
low-cost satellite navigation side- and rear collision
warning systems.
The range-topping 1.6 dCi LE 4WD includes
18-inch wheels and the powered sunroof as standard,
along with the powered tailgate with no-touch
sensors, LED headlights, an intelligent key for keyless
access and starting, leather upholstery, powered
front seats and rear seat personal lighting. The
TECHNO Pack is also available as an option on
the LE.
TECHNO Pack
Available as an option on SE and LE derivatives,
the TECHNO Pack includes a host of technology
upgrades geared at improving vehicle enjoyment
and providing additional levels of safety.
The TECHNO Pack comprises the NissanConnect
system which incorporates satellite navigation on
a 7-inch touch screen, heated door mirrors and
18-inch alloy wheels on SE models, as well as the
Nissan Safety Shield which incorporates a number
of class-leading added safety features.
Safety equipment
Conforming to Nissan’s high safety standards,
the new X-TRAIL is available with no compromise
on safety features across the range and a 5-star Euro
NCAP safety rating. Standard equipment on all
models includes six airbags, three-point seat belts
for all occupants, ABS with EBD and BAS, Vehicle
Dynamic Control (VDC) and Hill Start Assist, as
well as ISOFIX child seat anchors. All X-TRAIL
models also feature remote central locking with
auto-locking doors.
The Nissan Safety Shield, which forms part of
the optional TECHNO Pack, includes advanced
safety features such as the Around View Monitor,
Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning and
Moving Object Detection.
Around View Monitor employs four cameras
on the sides, at the front and at the rear of the new
X-TRAIL to provide a 360-degree bird’s eye view of
the vehicle’s surroundings to make parking exceptionally
easy and safer. Moving Object Detection
takes this parking safety to an even higher level,
combining Around View Monitor visuals with the
front and rear parking sensors to detect potentiallyunseen
moving objects such as children or animals
while parking. The system is made particularly
effective thanks to the fisheye lens fitted to the new
X-TRAIL’s tailgate, which allows for 180-degree
rearward visibility.
Lane Departure Warning uses advanced com-
MOTOR DECEMBER 2014 13

COVER STORY
puter programming to detect road markings and
assess whether the vehicle is moving out of its lane
unintentionally, upon which a warning is given.
Blind Spot Warning extends the functionality of
the Around View Monitor, using the side-mounted
cameras to detect vehicles in the vehicle’s blind
spots. When vehicles are detected, a discreet warning
light illuminates in the relevant door mirror. If
the driver then indicates to change lanes when a
vehicle is detected in the blind spot, the light flashes
and an audible warning is activated.
CONCLUSION
The new X-Trail rides on a platform which is
wider and longer between the wheels, resulting in
20 percent more rear legroom, while a new flip, slide
and tilt seating setup at the back offers all sorts of
cargo loading arrangements.
The two previous X-Trails, when specced in allwheel
drive trim, also made names for themselves as
weekend warriors capable of trekking a little further
into the outback than most small SUV/crossover
rivals, and the new one is just as comfortable in
the bush. The slightly longer wheelbase is compensated
for with 6mm more ground clearance (now
209mm), and a long travel multi-link suspension
sees the wheels stay in contact with the ground for
good traction over obstacles.
All-wheel drive derivatives also get a rotary
“All-Mode” selector dial to choose between three
drive options. Everyday 2WD mode means frontwheel
drive only, Auto sends power between the
front and rear axles as needed, and Lock will send
drive between front and rear in a 50/50 split. Hill
descent control, hill start assist, and an electronic
limited slip diff are also included to help with those
steep slopes and axle twisters.
The new Nissan X-Trail has shed 90kg over
its predecessor, but not at the expense of a quality
feel. The interior looks classy with shiny black and
chrome plastics, and most surfaces are covered in
high-end materials. The instrument cluster also
gets a new full-colour multi-function display, and
Techno Pack-equipped models come with a 7-inch
touchscreen display with navigation.
Nissan X-Trail has made a name for itself as a
weekend warriors capable of trekking a little further
into the outback than most small SUV rivals.
It may be lighter now, but out on the road it
feels like a more substantial and solidly built vehicle.
The X-Trail’s ride has always been one of its best
qualities, and it still is, but improvements in wind
and road noise insulation now also make this one of
the quietest cabins in the small SUV segment.
Interior looks classy with shiny black and
chrome plastics, and most surfaces are covered in
high-end materials.
14
MOTOR DECEMBER 2014

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LUXURY COUPE
The next generation CLS –
Representing a Cult Design
Mercedes-Benz has comprehensively revised the four-door
CLS Coupé. This iconic design now has a more incisive front
section. As the interior has been enhanced even further,
there are many new, perfectly presented details waiting to
be discovered that combine modern luxury and a handcrafted
feel with a passion for sport.
The vehicle’s technical innovations
bring exemplary functionality on the
road. Futuristic MULTIBEAM LED
headlamps take the lighting system
into a new dimension. Highperformance,
precision LED modules automatically
provide the best possible illumination, whatever
the road and traffic conditions. Other leading-edge
technologies include the nine-speed automatic
transmission 9G-TRONIC, powerful new engines,
intelligently networked driver assistance and safety
systems, as well as an advanced multimedia system
with internet access. In terms of performance, the
AMG versions - the CLS 63 AMG Coupé takes pole
position with an output of up to 430 kW.
When Mercedes-Benz launched the CLS ten
years ago it established the four-door coupé segment,
thus underlining the brand’s leadership role
in automotive design. For the first time, here was
a vehicle combining the elegance and dynamism
of a coupé with the comfort and functionality of a
saloon. What is more, the CLS was the first vehicle
to be available with dynamic LED High Performance
headlamps, making it iconic in terms of its lighting
system. In 2012 Mercedes-Benz continued this success
by introducing the CLS Shooting Brake. This
sporty five-door vehicle once again demonstrated
the premium brand’s creative design credentials.
Due to the immense charisma of the CLS Coupé,
this model has established itself as a style icon, and
continues to stand out as exceptional in its segment.
The CLS-Class’s exciting design and thrilling
proportions were subtly adapted to these hightech
demands. As before, it has a long bonnet, a
slim window line with frameless side windows
and a roof with a dynamic rearward slope. The
designs of the latest-generation CLS Coupé are more
dynamic than ever. Examples include an expressive
16
MOTOR DECEMBER 2014

new diamond radiator grille, a pronounced front
bumper with large air intakes, MULTIBEAM LED
headlamps and new, darkened rear tail lights with
multi-level functionality.
Lighting system into a new dimension
The CLS is already equipped with LED High
Performance headlamps as standard. Alternatively,
three models are optionally available with new
MULTIBEAM LED headlamps as designed and
developed by Mercedes-Benz. This innovation sees
Mercedes-Benz starting a new chapter in lighting
design. Since MULTIBEAM LED technology combines
the best of today’s lighting technologies and is
able to adjust the light distribution very quickly and
automatically to virtually any road and traffic conditions,
it always ensures thus far unrivalled broad and
bright illumination of the road surface and edge of
the carriageway for high performance and precision
without dazzling other car drivers.
The camera-based Adaptive Highbeam Assist
Plus system supplies the information required for
illumination. If it detects oncoming traffic or vehicles
in front with their lights on, each of the 24
individual, high-performance LEDs in a matrix
light source is controlled electronically so that
various areas of the road surface can be masked out,
depending on the situation. Combining the matrix
light source with proven LED Intelligent Light
System technology, the headlamp control system
improves on the precision of today’s light sources
and sets a gap with a minimal width for the main
beam. In this way, other car drivers are not dazzled
but drivers of the CLS Coupé always benefit from
the best possible - in other words brightest - illumination
of the road and carriageway edges. These
anti-dazzle, main-beam headlamps can be kept on
permanently. New MULTIBEAM LED headlamps
therefore offer a new level of safety, which benefits
other road users too.
In addition to the camera on the windscreen,
this new lighting system uses four control units per
vehicle, which calculate the ideal light pattern 100
times per second and control all 24 high-performance
LEDs in each precision LED module quickly
and individually. Each LED is dimmable in 255
stages. New MULTIBEAM LED headlamps provide
exceptionally fast and precise, anti-dazzle continuous
main beam and light up the road surface and its
edges much more brightly in many situations.
Optimum vision on bends
As well as the high-performance, precision
LED module, each MULTIBEAM LED headlamp
contains a module for the low-beam headlamp,
which can be swivelled up to 12 degrees to the
outside for an active light function with special
features that have never been achieved before. The
latter is likewise camera-controlled. For example,
an anticipatory function means that the active light
function starts to swivel before the driver has even
turned. The bend is therefore illuminated effectively
as soon as possible. This active light function will
also swivel back to the straight-on position before
the corner ends, allowing the driver to identify
dangers earlier when entering and exiting bends.
The anticipatory control allows an additional range
of between 30 and 60 metres, depending on the
traffic situation. Another unique feature is used at
roundabouts: before entering onto a roundabout,
the cornering light function is activated to the left
and right to ensure maximum visibility on all sides
at an early stage. For this purpose the navigation
system supplies the positions of roundabouts on the
route to the headlamps.
Welcome home - function
One charming feature of the new MULTIBEAM
LED headlamps is that, in addition to providing
daytime running lamps, side lights and turn signal
lamps via multifunctional fibre-optic cable, they
MOTOR DECEMBER 2014 17

LUXURY COUPE
also welcome the driver by casting a pleasant blue
light when the vehicle is unlocked.
Sporty interior
Ample space; simple, sporty elegance; handcrafted
perfection, and premium materials are hallmarks
of the CLS family’s stylish interior. The new
generation ramps up this impression by placing
greater emphasis on sportiness, exclusivity and
functionality. A new, free-standing colour display
in the head unit with a 20.3 cm screen diagonal (8”)
will help to define the dashboard’s contemporary
styling. Also new are the redesigned three-spoke
sports steering wheel and many refined details,
which contribute to the interior’s high quality look
and feel. The central control panel in the centre
console now has four buttons rather than just two
previously, thus speeding up operations in many
cases. With five attractive interior colours, six types
of trim and different qualities of leather to choose
from, including Leather PASSION Exclusive, the
possibilities for individualisation are vast.
Fulfilling your wish list
The new AMG Line Plus supplements the
existing Exterior Sports package and AMG Line
design and equipment lines and, as the expression
of exclusive sportiness and dynamism, increases
the potential for individualisation. By the end of
the year a special Night package is set to extend the
selection further. New design interior packages are
also available.
Efficient, sporty engines
Thrilling dynamism and exemplary efficiency
are the strong points of the five engines available
for the next-generation CLS-Class. New to the CLS
range is the CLS 250 CDI with a four-cylinder diesel
engine featuring fourth-generation common rail
direct injection. It generates 150 kW with maximum
torque of 500 Nm. Surpassing these figures, the V6
diesel engine in the CLS 350 BlueTEC delivers 190
kW and 620 Nm of torque.
Equally new is the V6 petrol engine with
exhaust gas turbocharging in the CLS 400. Endowed
with a biturbo drive system, it has a 3.5-litre displacement.
Thanks to its high output potential and
extremely high torque at low engine speeds, this
engine sets new benchmarks in its segment. Output
is 245 kW and 480 Nm of torque and is available in
the wide engine speed range from 1200 to 4000 r/
min. The CLS 500 hits its power peak at 300 kW and
up to 600 Nm of torque.
5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine
430 kW and 800 Nm - the AMG 5.5-litre V8
biturbo engine ranks among the world’s most efficient
series-production eight-cylinder engines when
it comes to peak output, torque and fuel consumption.
The CLS 63 AMG ‘S’ with 430 kW and rearwheel
drive consumes 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres
(NEDC combined; 231 grams CO2 per kilometre).
New transmission with nine gears
Other leading-edge technology includes the
world’s first nine-speed automatic transmission with
hydrodynamic torque converter in the premium
18
MOTOR DECEMBER 2014

segment: 9G-TRONIC is deployed in the CLS 350
BlueTEC and CLS 500. This innovation builds
on the strengths of 7G-TRONIC PLUS, which
continues to set standards in terms of efficiency,
comfort and dynamism. With nine forward gears
9G-TRONIC lowers fuel consumption whilst simultaneously
boosting ease of shifting and agility.
The usual quality
In order to make maximum safety accessible to
all, in future the CLS-Class will be equipped with
many new and feature-enhanced assistance systems.
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS is
already part of the standard equipment. It can help
to avoid rear-end collisions - by way of autonomous
brake application if necessary.
The latest assistance systems from the
S-Class are also available as optional extras. These
include DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist
and Stop&Go Pilot, BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic
Assist, PRE-SAFE® Brake with pedestrian detection,
PRE-SAFE® PLUS, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active
Lane Keeping Assist, Active Parking Assist with
PARKTRONIC including parking in end-on spaces,
as well as a 360° camera.
Ideally networked
In future, a completely new multimedia generation
will offer intuitive operation in the CLS Coupé,
featuring elaborate animations and visual effects
which present all functions in a clear and attractive
manner.
A choice of infotainment system (Audio 20
CD - CLS 250 CDI only) or COMAND Online -
(CLS 250 CDI optional) and standard on CLS 350
BlueTEC, CLS 400, CLS 500 and CLS 63 AMG) is
available in conjunction with the new, free-standing
display in the head unit with a 20.3 cm screen
diagonal (8”). Both enable the internet to be surfed
without restrictions when the vehicle is stationary. A
Bluetooth®-capable mobile phone with data option
is all it takes. Equally new is the now standard and
integral Media Interface for connecting an iPod® or
iPhone®.
Mercedes-Benz Apps such as Weather,
GoogleTM Local Search with StreetView and
Panoramio, destination/route download and
Facebook can be used while on the move in conjunction
with COMAND Online. Audio and video
playback is possible from various sources, for example
via Bluetooth®, from an Apple iPod® or iPhone®,
from an SD card, USB stick or CD/DVD.
Modern-style navigation
In the version with pre-installation the basic
Audio 20 CD system (CLS 250 CDI only) can be
supplemented with the user-friendly Garmin® MAP
PILOT navigation system. Its merits include 3D
views with exact representation of streets and buildings,
and photo-realistic Cross-Traffic and Lane
Assistants. The navigation software and map data
are stored on an SD card, which is simply inserted
into the dedicated slot of the Audio 20 CD with preinstallation
for the Garmin® MAP PILOT.
The fast 3D hard-disc navigation of COMAND
Online with topographical map display, photorealistic
3D buildings and 3D map rotations, as
well as display of NASA satellite images, makes for
a sensory experience. System features include an
animated compass and Google Maps displayed on
the head unit.
The navigation system is also able to provide
real-time information about the situation on
the roads when COMAND Online receives traffic
data via the internet by means of the Live Traffic
Information service.
Telephony via Bluetooth
Both the basic Audio 20 CD system and
COMAND Online comes as standard with basic
telephony, which connects the mobile phone with
the vehicle via a standardised Bluetooth® interface,
featuring HD Voice. This latter feature significantly
improves voice quality. What is more, in conjunction
with convenience telephony the fast LTE network
can be used if a compatible smartphone is
provided on an appropriate contract.
MOTOR DECEMBER 2014 19

LARGE SUV
Pajero -
Updates Keep
Icon at the Top
With its roots set deeply in the world of rallying and
having set the bar over several decades as one of the
world’s most formidable off-roaders, the Mitsubishi
Pajero has received a number of updates based on
customer feedback and market trends. “We know
we have a winning formula with Pajero,” comments
Mitsubishi Motors Africa COO, Wynand Pretorius.
“Pajero remains the epitome of ultimate off-road
ability meeting urban comfort and practicality, and
with its latest updates we will appeal to more trendconscious
customers.
The great news is that the retail price of
the new 2015 model derivatives offers
unbeatable value when compared to
similar competitor vehicles retailing
at Ksh 2 million above the Pajero pricing.”
The iconic Pajero, which to this day still holds
a record twelve wins (seven of them consecutive)
at the infamous Dakar Rally, continues as a pukka
4x4 SUV with no compromise on off-road ability,
passenger comfort and safety - famous for proven
reliability, durability, longevity, performance and
being the perfect partner for any adventure.
“Pajero remains superbly confident in town or
in the bush, where customer feedback from people
who drive Pajeros anywhere and everywhere has led
to the latest model’s updates,” adds Pretorius.
Specification upgrades
The 2015 model year Pajero range, which continues
to include both short- and long-wheelbase
derivatives all powered by Mitsubishi’s proven 3.2-
litre DI-D turbocharged diesel engine, now features
a number of cosmetic enhancements.
A new grille and bumper design with bulky
proportions emphasise Pajero’s might off the beaten
track, giving it a modern-day appearance without
changing its distinctive iconic and hallmark looks,
honed through the decades. Incorporated in the
front bumper are switchable LED daytime running
lights, while the bumper’s design still allows for
class-leading approach and departure angles.
New alloy wheels, different for each derivative,
further emphasise the distinct side profile of the
Pajero. A newly designed and sturdier new spare
wheel cover on the LWB derivative give the vehicle
a more modern look from the rear as well.
On the inside, the standard rear view camera
now displays its picture on the infotainment system
interface, and automatic headlight dimming is now
available on all derivatives.
Three-model range
Comprising the SWB GLS, LWB GLS and the
LWB GLS Exceed, the simplified new 3-model
Pajero range embodies the ‘we race, you win’ mentality
behind the Mitsubishi brand and the incomparable
Dakar legacy which made the brand globally
famous for its quality, performance and reliability.
“The Dakar environment is undoubtedly the
most gruelling and intense off-road racing spectacle
anywhere in the world, and one in which the
Mitsubishi brand proved its off-road know-how and
ability to build tough, reliable vehicles, year after
year. These important attributes can be found in all
our road-going vehicles, with the Pajero exhibiting
the brand’s off-road credentials most prominently,”
continues Pretorius.
As such, all Pajero models offer fully-fledged
four-wheel drive systems, which include centre
and rear differential locks (viscous couplings),
and Mitsubishi’s unique Super Select 4WD system.
Super Select 4WD includes an easy-to-use
manual shift lever which allows the driver to choose
between four drive modes.
The 2H mode is most suitable for town driv-
20 MOTOR DECEMBER 2014

ing, where only the rear wheels are driven, offering
enhanced fuel economy and manoeuvrability. In 4H
mode and with shift-on-the-fly available at speeds
up to 100 km/h, all four wheels are engaged for
greater control with 34% of the power distributed to
the front wheels and 66% to the rear wheels, giving
it a typical AWD vehicle experience. In 4HLc mode,
changes are made to the traction control system
and the centre diff lock is engaged for enhanced
control in tougher circumstances, now distributing
the power 50:50 to the front and rear wheels. The
4LLc mode engages low-range and deactivates the
traction control system for ultimate control in even
the stickiest of situations. The rear diff lock can be
engaged manually by means of a switch, according
to driver needs and environment demands.
The 3.2-litre DI-D common-rail direct injection
turbocharged diesel engine produces 140 kW
at 3 800 rpm and 441 Nm at 2 000 rpm with power
transferred to the wheels via a silky-smooth 5-speed
automatic gearbox with manual override functionality.
Fuel requirements have also been designed to
meet varying needs and as such all Pajero models
are able to safely operate on 500 ppm diesel when
necessary.
MOTOR DECEMBER 2014 21

LARGE SUV
Emphasising on- and off-road comfort and
bestowing Pajero with its impeccable on-road manners
especially, rear suspension remains an independent
setup, which not only ensures bumps and
undulating surfaces are smoothed out, but improved
off-road capabilities are also enabled where extended
wheel travel plays an important role. Towing
capacity is impressive at 3 300 kg (braked) and
ground clearance remains a generous 235 mm. The
extraordinary departure and approach angles of the
SWB derivative (34.8° and 36.7° respectively) are
class-leading and make the Pajero almost unstoppable.
The LWB derivatives have an equally impressive
36.6° approach angle and a 25° departure angle
to tackle any type of terrain.
Both the SWB and LWB GLS derivatives continue
with high specifications, including the latest
updates. Standard features include electric windows
all-round with one-touch anti-trapping functionality
for all windows, privacy glass, a sliding front
arm rest with two storage levels, reclining rear seats
and an extra two in the LWB (7 in total) which are
stowed neatly in the boot floor.
Leather upholstery, electric and heated front
seats, the rear view camera, rear parking sensors,
variable intermittent windscreen wipers, front and
rear fog lights, the LED daytime running lights,
black roof rails, mud flaps, a multi-function steer-
ing wheel, Bluetooth, voice control, cruise control,
automatic climate control, rear air conditioning
control (LWB only), and a radio/CD/MP3 touch
screen audio system with USB and aux support are
also standard on all derivatives.
The range-topping LWB GLS Exceed model
raises the bar with a 12-speaker Rockford Fosgate
audio system, HID xenon headlights with washers,
18-inch alloy wheels, an electric sliding/tilting
panoramic sunroof and a wood/leather combination
steering wheel for an added touch of luxury.
Famously Mitsubishi, all models also continue
to feature the Multi-Information Display, which
includes two fuel economy metres, tank range,
average speed, outside temperature, a barometer, a
compass and an altimeter.
Safety equipment remains of high standards,
all models featuring ABS with EBD and BAS, ASTC
(Active Stability and Traction Control), six airbags,
an immobiliser and alarm, and remote central locking.
Mitsubishi’s RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety
Evolution) chassis and body construction is also
employed, ensuring a rigid chassis and impactabsorbing
body structure which saw the Pajero
receive a 5-Star Euro NCAP safety rating.
All Pajero models are sold as standard with a
3-year/ 100 000 km warranty with service intervals
every 10 000 km.
22
MOTOR DECEMBER 2014

BUDGET CAR
Chevy Spark:
The Safer Budget Choice
The Chevrolet Spark,
which remains one of
Africa’s most affordable
vehicles, highlights safety
features as some of its
most important aspects.
All derivatives in the Spark
range, which consists
of six versions, feature a
minimum of two airbags,
along with ABS and EBD,
as standard.
Considered a no-brainer by
General Motors Africa,
Chevrolet Brand Manager,
Tim Hendon, elaborates: “We
have adopted a no-compromise
approach with the Chevy Spark in Africa, a
continent where both fatal and non-fatal road
accidents are rife. We pride ourselves on the
importance of safety, where a compromise on
modern safety elements like ABS and airbags is
not an option. We are committed to providing
24 MOTOR DECEMBER 2014

our customers with safe vehicles, no matter how
cost-effective they may need to be.”
Spark safety credentials are important on a
global level, where in the United States the Chevrolet
Spark was awarded the Top Safety Pick accolade
from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
(IIHS) earlier in 2014 - the only supermini to
achieve the award thanks to an Acceptable rating in
the Institute’s small overlap crash test. Airbags aside,
the Spark’s body construction, which includes strategic
crumple zones and impact protection beams,
contributed to the high rating.
The Chevrolet Spark’s safety credentials were
also highlighted in the African context in 2014,
when an accident involving two pensioners in South
Africa saw their Spark subjected to a high-speed
impact. Both occupants walked away from the accident
with only slight bruising, the driver - 69-yearold
Denise Westgate - having remarked at how her
vehicle’s ABS and EBD allowed for control to be
maintained and that the structural integrity of the
body allowed for a safe and easy exit once the vehicle
had stopped moving. Westgate went on to replace
her vehicle with another Spark.
“We build the Chevrolet Spark to international
GM standards in all respects, with safety regulations
and requirements of the highest level to ensure our
vehicles are as safe as possible. It’s a simple, nocompromise
approach to the most important facet
of our interaction with the people who drive our
vehicles - their safety,” concludes Hendon.
MOTOR DECEMBER 2014 25

BRAND FOCUS
The All New Toyota Corolla –
Kenya’s Best Just Got Better
What we have this month, readers, is one of the bestselling vehicles in
the world, newly designed for the 2015 model year to remove the bland –
according to Toyota. This is the all-new 2015 Toyota Corolla with what Toyota
calls the “Upgrade Package”, most likely their volume seller, or as many
motorists would want to say, the quintessential family saloon.
On the surface, the all new Corolla
represents exceptional value for
money. It comes with goodlooking
16-inch aluminium alloy
wheels, air conditioning, 7 speed
CVT automatic transmission, keyless entry, power
windows, leather seats, 7 airbags, cruise control,
and Bluetooth hands-free calling all as standard. All
these represent excellent value.
Toyota Kenya’s marketing department is pushing
this new Corolla as Kenya’s best just got better!
The Corolla is no longer boring and dull, it looks
and feels like a mid-sized luxury saloon. Some
motorists even confuse the new Corolla for the
larger Camry – this month I’ll be the judge of that.
Competitors:
Chevrolet Cruze
Ford Focus
Honda Civic
Hyundai Elantra
Kia Forte
Mazda3
Mitsubishi Lancer
Nissan Sentra
Subaru Impreza
Volkswagen Jetta
The exterior of the new Corolla is certainly
more stylish and less bland than the outgoing
26 MOTOR DECEMBER 2014

Corolla; and the same is true for the interior. I
wouldn’t hesitate to add that the interior is sporty
and exciting, clean and with a touch of style over the
tenth generation.
Starting from the back, you have a rear or the
boot that has enough space for my curling broom
and bag and 60/40 split folding seats for those that
need extra length for long items. In the back there
are three seats and they are roomy, with tons of legroom
for the class. The middle seat is even bearable
due to the nearly flat floor and less of a hump in the
middle than normal. The New Corolla also has a tilt
and telescoping steering wheel that, in combination
with the seat that is height-adjustable and reclining,
provide good comfort for discerning drivers.
The dash and door panel materials look good
with a colour accent and a contrast of black, the
interior not a one-colour dungeon.
The HVAC controls are easy to use and I like
the simple, large dials. The entertainment system is
mostly very simple. Setting up the Bluetooth phone
is a breeze. An added bonus is that the radio screen
dims with the dash controls and can be completely
shut off! The new Corolla does not just look different
inside and out, it drives differently than the
previous generation. The biggest difference with the
new Toyota Corolla is the improved ride and handling
feel. The brakes feel responsive and are really
easy to modulate, providing good confidence under
hard braking. The steering is weighted nicely, with a
sure electric power steering feels.
What is excellent in regards to the steering is
the turning radius. I’ve been surprised more than
a few times that I had a full half turn more when
turning around or picking a parking space. I was
really impressed when I was able to turn from the
through-lane at the grocery store directly into the
first parking space by an island in one swoop, typically
an impossible task.
And the biggest change is the replacement of
the four-speed automatic transmission with the
CVT. Depending on your driving styles this could
make your decision about this car. Drive the Corolla
sedately and smoothly and the revs stay at or below
1,500 rpm nearly all the time, no engine noise, no
shifting and just a smooth ride.
CONCLUSION
Since its redesign last year, the Corolla’s cabin
has become one of the roomiest in its class: the
Corolla’s passenger volume of 2,761 litres is roomier
MOTOR DECEMBER 2014 27

BRAND FOCUS
Rating:
Comfort:
Perfomancee:
Fuel Economy:
Interior:
Exterior Styling:
than the Civic, Mazda3 and Elantra sedans. The
driver and front passenger have generous headroom
and legroom, and rear outboard passengers have
adequate headroom and generous knee room and
foot room. A folding centre armrest with two cup
holders can be lowered when there are two rear passengers,
but a third person can be squeezed in the
middle if necessary.
On a long drive, I found the driver’s seat comfortable.
With the aid of a manual height adjuster
and a steering wheel that tilts for height and telescopes
for reach, almost any size of driver can find
a good position.
Behind the thick-rimmed, leather-wrapped
steering wheel are round speedometer and tachometer
separated by a digital display that shows outside
temperature, gear selection and odometer. By pressing
the ‘Display’ button on the steering wheel, the
driver can toggle between trip info such as average
fuel economy, current fuel economy, average speed,
range and elapsed time.
As well, buttons on the steering wheel allow the
driver to adjust audio volume and media source,
make calls and answer the phone without taking
their hands off the wheel.
The Corolla’s protruding instrument panel and
flat dashtop look imposing when compared to some
other cars’ recessed dashboards, but the Corolla’s
instrument panel does bring all the major controls
within easy reach of the driver.
Overall I think this new Corolla is going to do
great for Toyota Kenya, like every Corolla before
it. It drives well, has a solid interior, offers a good
amount of desirable features and it does this at a
very competitive price. And to cup it all, the new
Corolla owners have the unrivalled after sales service
that is the hallmark of Toyota in Africa.
In addition to Toyota Branches and dealers
throughout all the major towns in Kenya, Toyota
has appointed a further 10 authorised service centres
all over the country, including far flung areas
such as Garissa, Malindi, Kwale, Kitui, Narok, Wajir,
Naivasha, Embu, Voi, Kakamega.
What other attributes and peace of mind would
a motorist need for himself/hersel and the family?
28
MOTOR DECEMBER 2014

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With Business Banking you have a partner who
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Barclays Bank of Kenya is regulated by Central Bank of Kenya

test drive
2014 Toyota Camry Xle 2.5L
By Simon Hill
Whether we’re talking wolves or alligators, it’s the dependable food sources that
win favour, and the same could be said for car buyers: One of the Camry’s widely
celebrated secrets to success is its solid reputation for reliability. Not wanting to
mess with this formula, when Toyota updated the Camry with the current version
two years ago, it changed almost everything inside and gave the sheetmetal a crisp
evolutionary update, but kept the same basic mechanicals, with improved versions of
the existing 2.5L four-cylinder and 3.5L V6 engines.
My test car had the base 2.5L fourcylinder,
which develops 178
horsepower and is hooked up to a
smooth-shifting six-speed automatic
transmission. While the
V6 does offer a little extra refinement and torque,
the four-cylinder pumps out plenty enough power
for comfortable everyday driving, even if you’re in a
bit of a hurry. It also offers significantly better fuel
economy than the bigger engine, with official city/
highway ratings of 8.2/5.5 L/100 km, compared to
9.7/6.5 L/100 km for the V6. My test car was showing
a real-world long term average of just a hair over
10 L/100 km in mixed driving, and my own results
were about the same.
No matter which engine is fitted, the 2014
Camry gets electrically assisted power steering and a
retuned suspension that offers a more alert, responsive
driving experience than the previous generation
version. While my XLE test car’s ride stopped
short of being athletic exactly, it handled itself with
30 MOTOR DECEMBER 2014

easonable aplomb and was pleasurable enough to
weave through the corners, while still maintaining a
comfortable, quiet, and refined ride.
It all adds up to a pleasant driving experience
that’s made better knowing that, barring anything
unusual, your car should offer the sort of appliancelike
dependability for which Toyota is celebrated.
Even better is that the latest Camry really is a
very nice car, especially when decked out in topof-the-line
XLE trim. The Camry may not have the
Mazda6’s zoom-zoom, the Hyundai Sonata’s rear
seat heaters, the Volkswagen Passat’s chic European
heritage, but it does have a really good balance of
likeable characteristics.
Styling-wise the current Camry is somewhat
sharper and more angular than previous-generation
versions, though it’s still by no means a showylooking
car, even with my test car’s chrome trim and
alloy wheels. Pressed for an opinion, I’d describe it as
“elegantly conservative” or perhaps “accomplished
looking.”
Inside, this Camry is leaps and bounds ahead of
previous generations even in base LE trim, and my
MOTOR DECEMBER 2014 31

test drive
top-of-the-line XLE test car was appointed downright
luxuriously with attractive tri-colour leather
seats, a thick leather-wrapped steering wheel, glossy
woodgrain trim, and a combination of chrome and
brushed metallic highlights. The door uppers are
soft-skinned, and the stitched leather-look upper
dash panel is all soft-touch, as are any of the surfaces
you’re likely to come into contact with.
From a practical perspective there’s good legroom
and headroom in all seating positions, and a
big 436 L trunk with 60/40 split folding seatbacks.
All the controls are logically placed and fall easily to
hand, although I did note that Toyota now puts the
navigation system under the infotainment system’s
“Apps” button, which makes things a little less intuitive
than a dedicated “Nav” button and means you
have to actually drill down a layer into the menu
system to access the map. For mid-2014 and onward,
Camrys include a backup camera across all trim levels,
but one thing the company hasn’t changed is the
florescent LED digital dashboard clock sitting atop
the centre stack, which I think may have cycled so
far out of vogue by now as to have actually become
retro-cool.
As always Toyota has you well covered on the
safety front whatever trim level you choose: All
Camrys are fitted with the expected safety gear such
as ABS brakes, traction control, stability control,
and a complete array of airbags, and the Camry also
earns “Top Safety Pick” status in the demanding
IIHS crash tests. The XLE trim further enhances
safety thanks to its blind spot information system.
In terms of features, the entry-level four-cylinder
Camry LE includes air conditioning, tilt and
telescoping steering, outside temperature gauge,
cruise control, power door locks with keyless entry,
power windows, the previously mentioned back-up
camera, and a six-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system
with MP3/WMA compatibility, USB/auxiliary
inputs, and Bluetooth connectivity.
The more sporty-minded SE gets all the features
of the LE, plus unique grille, side skirts,
18-inch alloys - the LE has 16-inch steel wheels,
rear spoiler, dual exhaust, fog lamps, sport seats,
leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob,
paddle shifters, power-adjustable driver’s seat, autodimming
rear view mirror, 6.1-inch display audio
with satellite radio and navigation system, plus a few
other features-the V6 SE also gets a moon roof and
push-button start.
The range-topping XLE includes all the equipment
on the LE and adds dual-zone automatic
climate control, leather seating (heated in the front),
woodgrain trim, leather-wrapped steering wheel,
push-button start, auto-dimming rear-view mirror,
power-adjustable front seats, rear reading lights,
17-inch alloy wheels, power moonroof, fog lights,
and 6.1-inch display audio with satellite radio and
navigation system. Pony up $35,245 destination in
for the V6 XLE and you also get a further upgraded
10-speaker JBL audio system with seven-inch monitor.
Rating:
Overall:
Comfort:
Performance:
Fuel Economy:
Interior:
Exterior Styling:
Competitors
Honda Accord
Hyundai Sonata
Mazda6
Volkswagen Passat
Chrysler 200
Nissan Altima
Kia Optima
Subaru Legacy
32
MOTOR DECEMBER 2014

TEST DRIVE
2015 Volvo S60 T6 Drive-E
by Jeff Wilson
Over the past few years I’ve been involved in a few comparison tests that featured Volvo’s
S60. Each time the Volvo acquitted itself reasonably well in many key measures, impressing
most of us especially with its lusty turbocharged inline-six cylinder engine.
For 2015, Volvo has yanked out the
muscular heart of its sporty luxosedan
and replaced it with a four
cylinder. As one would expect, the
motivation for this move is the relentless
quest for improved fuel efficiency and for the
most part, the new setup delivers.
Our 2014 S60 T6 was rated at 13.2 L/100 km
city and 9.5 L/100 km highway. This new 2015
model is rated at 10.1 city and 7.3 on the highway.
Those figures represent significant improvements,
however in fairness; last year’s model was a heavier,
all-wheel-drive car – a configuration not offered yet
for the new T6 Drive-E. During a test of mixed highway
and urban driving and nearly 900 km travelled,
the Volvo delivered an overall average of 8.7 L/100
km, proof enough that the Drive-E technology does
indeed work.
That spirited inline-six of last year’s car dispensed
300 horsepower and while the new 2.0L
four-cylinder T6 is down 30 torques to 295; it still
delivers 300 horsepower thanks to some revolutionary
technology utilizing both a turbocharger and a
supercharger. This system marries the best of both
technologies, enabling the low-end grunt of a beltdriven
supercharger to help get things moving from
rest, and then lets the turbocharger take over once it
winds itself up. No turbo lag and a nice broad wave
of power. This was Volvo’s plan and it is the reality.
If there is a downside – and there always is
one – it is that the new engine is not particularly
pleasing to the ear. BMW manages an agreeably
aggressive, yet high-tech soundtrack with its 2.0L
turbo-four, but Volvo’s Drive-E engine sounds more
coarse and industrial. The smooth harmonics of
an inline-six are hard to match and some of the
S60’s sporting character has been lost with this new
engine. That’s the price of progress and saving the
planet, I suppose.
Volvo claims this engine is future-proofed
to enable easy incorporation of electrification for
hybrid technology with the expectation of fourcylinder
efficiency and V8 performance. Plus the
technology can be incorporated with diesel power
plants instead of the gasoline ones coming to normal
dealerships.
Not only does the new engine use considerably
less fuel, but it also emits fewer hydrocarbons
too, making it a truly green endeavour by Volvo.
An Eco+ setting adjusts the draw from the climate
control system and will shift the car imperceptibly
into neutral during deceleration to reduce load on
the drivetrain.
Also new this year and perhaps equally important
as the transition to the fancy new four-banger
is the replacement of the somewhat lazy-shifting sixspeed
automatic with a new eight-speed automatic.
Now with paddle shifters offered up as standard fare,
the new transmission not only helps improve efficiency,
but by requiring the engine to turn at lower
34
MOTOR DECEMBER 2014

evs, it makes for a more calm and serene driving
environment on the highway.
When S-mode is selected or the paddle shifters
are called to action, the new gearbox swaps
cogs with impressive expediency encouraging some
spirited driver interaction where in the past, one
might’ve preferred to leave the car in “D” and let
it do its own thing. The luxury car buying public
has embraced the all-weather traction benefits of
all-wheel drive with Volvo’s primary competitors
all reporting the majority of their sales going to allwheel-drive
(AWD) variants and option packages.
As a result, the removal of AWD from the top-trim
T6 S60 is likely to cause some potential buyers to
forgo the S60 this year.
Motoring enthusiasts are going to decry the
lack of AWD as well since the same amount of
power being directed to only the front wheels means
the Volvo now actively tries to wrench the steering
wheel out of the driver’s hands under hard acceleration.
It’s been a while since I’ve felt torque steer this
prominent, and even then, it was in much cheaper
performance hatchbacks designed to be a bit rowdy.
Inside the S60 continues to provide passengers
the same comfortable environment it has for years.
The seats are fitted in very high-quality leather that
is butter-soft to the touch and smells nice too, but
it’s the shape of the front seats that make them real
winners. The Swedes know how to make incredibly
comfortable seats, and these ones are no exception.
Supportive where they need to be and supple where
you want them to be, these thrones just seem to fit
everyone who sits in them.
The rear seat isn’t a bad place to spend some
time either, with decent head and legroom, and in
this case, heated elements keeping backseat drivers
toasty while they nag. The ergonomics for the
driver continue to be a love-it-or-hate-it affair. The
more time I spend with Volvos, the more I have
grown accustomed to the unconventional layout of
the climate and infotainment controls. On the up
side, there are large, easy-to-use knobs and dials to
manipulate temperature, volume and radio tuning,
and the pictogram-style climate direction buttons
are easy to figure out. But the navigation system is
cumbersome to operate thanks to a lack of touchscreen
function or multi-dimensional controller
like those found in all the German marques and
Lexus. Further reminding drivers of the age of the
S60’s interior design is a small navigation screen and
input response times that are on the sluggish side.
The silver finish on my test car looked rich and
liquid, and really helps the S60 fill the role of the
European luxury sedan that it is. Last year’s visual
updates to the nose are handsome if not overly
distinctive.
The new S60 T6 Drive-E is a very good car.
It delivers on the environmental promises without
giving up much performance, and it continues to
be a quiet, comfortable and spacious long distance
cruiser. Current Volvo fans are sure to continue to
appreciate this S60 and will love the improvements
in efficiency.
Unfortunately the absence of all-wheel drive
and an increasingly dated interior are unlikely to
win over many new conquests though. And the
competitive brands continue to offer increasingly
efficient models incorporating hybrid technology
or the increasing population of really well-sorted
diesel offerings.
We at Autos.ca will continue to celebrate the
things we love about Volvos and applaud their
creative thinking. Although we consider this new
Drive-E technology to be a very promising sign
of what the future holds for our favourite Swedish
carmaker, it just is not yet enough to boost the S60
to the top of the class.
Options
Climate Package, $1,350 (includes heated rear
seats, windshield, steering wheel, windshield washer
nozzles); Technology Package, $1,500 (Adaptive
Cruise Control, Collision Warning with Full Auto
Brake, Pedestrian Detection, Distance Alert, Driver
Alert Control, Lane Departure Warning, Road
Sign Information, Active High Beams); Blind Spot
Information System, $1,000 (includes: Front/Rear
Park Assist, Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Change Merge
Aid); Active Dual Xenon Headlights, $1,000.
Competitors
Audi A4
BMW 3 Series
Lexus IS
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
MOTOR DECEMBER 2014 35

FIRST DRIVE
2016 AUDI A6
By Mark Stevenson
Dresden, Germany – Audi has come a very long way in
a relatively short period of time. With incredible design
eschewing all-out flash for lines drawn with restraint
that age well over time, a line-up of engines delivering
efficiency and performance, and interiors that have
become the benchmark for other automakers, Audi is
riding high on success.
Much of that success is due to
the popularity of the midsize A6
that was introduced in 1994 to
replace the aging Audi 100. Yet,
since its birth, the A6 hasn’t seen
revolutionary change. Outside the addition of the
now unmistakable single-frame grille in 2004, the
lineage of the A6 is quite easy to follow, with each
generation of the car being an evolution of the last.
Yet, the Ingolstadt-based automaker is reaching
the end of its evolutionary possibilities with the current
design language. It’s quite evident in the new
Audi A6 and S6 expected to go on sale in April/
May of next year. Since its birth, the A6 hasn’t seen
revolutionary change. The lineage of the A6 is quite
easy to follow, with each generation of the car being
an evolution of the last.
Before I get into what we should expect, a
few things need to be cleared up about what not
to expect for the 2016 A6. For one, we still won’t
get the RS6, available solely as an Avant in Europe.
Nor will we get any kind of Avant (Audi-speak for
wagon) anytime in the near future. And the Allroad?
Forget it.
Also, all the hoopla Audi is making about its
new line of Ultra engines – small displacement
motors that deliver incredible efficiency – doesn’t
translate well to motorist tastes. They’re simply too
small for our market to be interested. What we can
expect is updated engines, new front and rear fascias,
and some slight interior tweaks to keep other
automakers on their toes.
36
MOTOR DECEMBER 2014

First up, the A6 engine lineup sees increases in
output and fuel economy across the board, excluding
the carried-over 3.0 V6 TDI. Starting with the
base model 2.0 TFSI I4, output is rated at 252 hp and
273 lb-ft of torque, an increase of 32 hp and 15 lb-ft.
The next step up – the 3.0 TFSI V6 – now
pushes out 333 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, up 23 hp
with no change to torque. The top engine, the 4.0
TFSI V8 in the S6, pumps out 450 hp and 406 lb-ft
of torque (along with a very visceral soundtrack), an
increase of 30 hp.
Audi says even with these increases in horsepower,
fuel economy will improve, though fuel consumption
ratings were not available. A6 will still be
equipped with the Tiptronic eight-speed unit while
the S6 receives the S tronic seven-speed dual-clutch
automatic. Also, all models in the Audi A6 family
will continue to be equipped with Quattro all-wheel
drive as standard.
Outside, the A6 makes use of a new body
comprising of 20 percent aluminium. Up front, new
headlights along with a redesigned single-frame
grille give the A6 a fresh face. Even the front bumper
gets a rework while side air intakes get a new chrome
frame. Around back, taillights get a slimmer, more
horizontal look. In Europe, sequential turn signals
are available, but they won’t be coming to Canada.
A newly designed trapezoidal diffuser insert wraps
updated exhaust outlets.
Yet, underneath all the changes, the A6 is more
refresh than redesign, as it still rides on a 2,912
mm wheelbase. During our test loops through the
German countryside near Dresden, the driving
dynamics feel quite similar to the outgoing A6.
Ride quality, even over cobblestone streets,
was impeccable, while road noise was kept to a
minimum. Larger undulations were handled with
ease as well.
The A6 equipped with the 2.0 TFSI motivated
the car without struggle, through the engine note
coming from the four-pot was less than impressive
(to be fair, I would say there aren’t many impressive
four-cylinder engine notes out there). However, it
was extremely quiet during normal, light-footed
operation. We then set out with the A6 3.0 TFSI
equipped with Quattro all-wheel drive. Overall, the
drive was smoother, with nary an issue to report.
However, both vehicles do have slightly slow
steering in comparison to some of their counterparts,
knocking some winds of confidence out of
your sails. You still feel connected, but maybe not
as much as you would in cars of some competitors.
The bottom line for all the new A6 and S6
models is this – if you like the old one, chances are
you will like the new one, too. And if you are looking
for updated styling, the new refresh is just the ticket.
However, if you are hunting for something
brand new, the A6 isn’t there quite yet. And with
Audi about to reveal a new design language next
month in the form of a concept touted to become
the new A9, it might be worth holding off a year
or two.
That said, if you did pick up one of the new
Audis when they come out toward the middle of
next year, we wouldn’t fault you. Not one bit.
Pricing for the 2016 Audi A6 was not available
at the time of publication.
Competitors
BMW 5 Series
Cadillac CTS
Jaguar XF
Lexus GS
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Porsche Panamera
MOTOR DECEMBER 2014 37

LUXURY SUV
Porsche Cayenne -
Lustier Everything
By Jude Gaya
38
MOTOR DECEMBER 2014

Some purists scoffed that Porsche sold its soul by entering
the SUV market, but financially it was a master-stroke by
the German sports-car brand with the Cayenne now its
best-selling range. Things might change when Bentley
introduces its own luxury all-terrainer soon, but an SUV
wearing a Porsche or Range Rover badge for now still tops
the aspirational list of the well-heeled.
To keep it so, Porsche has given the
five-seater Cayenne a mid-life update
with a wave of the styling wand and
some extra urge in the engine department.
Newly introduced to the range is a 3.6-litre
BiTurbo petrol engine which replaces the old normally-aspirated
4.8 V8 in the Cayenne S. Having
made its debut in Porsche’s recently-launched
Macan mid-sized SUV, this V6 engine outguns the
V8 both in power output and fuel consumption.
Power and torque are up from 294kW and
500Nm to 309kW/550Nm and, just as importantly,
that turbocharged shunt is available at all altitudes.
Its ability to whisk from rest to 100km/h in just
5.5 seconds (a half second improvement) and its
claimed fuel thirst of 9.8 litres per 100km (better by
0.9 litres) is suitable compensation, perhaps, for the
V6 turbo not having as emotive an engine note as its
V8 forerunner.
If budget’s not an issue the range-topping
Cayenne Turbo is the pick of the crop without a
doubt. The raw pace of this 4.8-litre petrol turbo
version (newly upgraded from 368kW/700Nm
to 382kW/750Nm) is addictive, and it’s a special
engine indeed that can sling a 2.2 ton behemoth
such as this to 100km/h in just 4.5 seconds and on
to an electronically restrained 279km/h top speed.
However, the new Cayenne S hardly left me
with unsatisfied power cravings when I drove it at
the international media launch. It generates pace in
a most enthusiastic fashion up to its electronically
limited top speed of 259km/h, and makes a compelling
package at a 1 million bob price saving over the
Cayenne Turbo.
For a combination of price, pace and economy,
it’s the Cayenne S diesel that probably makes
the most sense in the range, however. Its slightly
upgraded 4.2-litre turbodiesel V8 engine - up by
2kW to 283kW while torque stays the same at a
mighty 850Nm, is claimed to sip diesel at the rate
of just eight litres per 100km yet sprints to 100km/h
in just 5.4 seconds. It makes a better sound than the
petrol V6 as well.
The two most frugal models, the V6 diesel
and the Hybrid, weren’t available to drive at the
launch but have also received extra power with less
thirst. The 3.0-litre V6 diesel has been upped from
180kW/550Nm to 193kW/580Nm, for claimed figures
of 0-100km/h in 7.3 seconds and 6.8 l/100km.
The petrol-electric Cayenne S E-Hybrid gets an
electric motor doubled in output with a new plugin
system to top up batteries via wall socket. Key
numbers are now 0-100km/h in 5.9 seconds and
a quite remarkable 3.4 l/100km - though these are
claimed as of now. All Cayenne engines are paired
with an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission which
isn’t as quick or intuitive as Porsche’s brilliant PDK
dual-clutch gearbox, but offers steering paddle shifters
as an override.
Accompanying the engine upgrades in the
MOTOR DECEMBER 2014 39

LUXURY SUV
Cayenne is a subtle range-wide facelift with a redesigned
front end and flatter tail lights. Brake lights
get the same “floating” four-point design as the
daytime running lights.
Suspension tweaks have improved handling
sharpness without affecting the ride quality of
Porsche’s all-wheel-drive heavyweight, a claim I
won’t dispute after experiencing the Cayennes on
twisty Spanish tar as well as off-road. For such a
heavy piece of hardware Porsche’s big SUV carves
through curves with impressive agility, but rides
bumpy roads with finesse. She’ll do greatly locally,
so drop by Porsche Centre Nairobi and order this
impressive tarmac gobbler.
As before the Cayenne has a choice of steel suspension,
Porsche Active Suspension management
with variable dampers for Comfort or Sport driving,
or height-adjustable air suspension depending on
model.
New standard features introduced to the range
include an automatic tailgate and tyre-pressure
monitoring and, if your pockets welcome deep-sea
divers, some of the newly available options include
soft-close doors, park-assist with a bird’s-eye perspective
of the car, adaptive cruise control, and a
heated windscreen among others.
As of time of writing and press, Porsche Centre
Nairobi was awaiting delivery of the first batch of the
updated Cayenne. The range is as follows:
Cayenne V6 Diesel
Cayenne S Petrol
Cayenne S Diesel
Cayenne S E-Hybrid
Cayenne Turbo
40 MOTOR DECEMBER 2014

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luxury SALOON
Bmw 5 Series -
An Underrated Overachiever
By Jude Gaya
I remember a BMW bigwig telling me some years
back that the Bavarian firm would “never” use
turbocharged petrol engines in its cars. We all know
how that turned out. Today most petrol engines in
Beemer’s model line-up are turbos, and normallyaspirated
versions are becoming an increasingly
endangered species. So-called purists may lament
this but there’s no arguing the benefits of smaller,
turbocharged engines in reducing fuel consumption
and CO2 emissions while at the same time improving
performance - particularly at high altitude.
Initially these performance-boosting exhaust
turbines were used in high performers such
as the six-cylinder 335i and the eight-cylinder
M5, but now BMW’s fully in love with the
technology and it’s filtered down into more
bread-and-butter saloons such as the 520i.
This car replaced the old 523i as the entry-level
5 Series. Out went the old 2.5-litre normally-aspirated
six-cylinder engine and in came a four-cylinder
single turbo two-litre with 135kW and 270Nm on
board. Offering slightly less power but a lot more
torque than the old 140kW/230Nm straight-six,
the new 520i’s advantages are better fuel efficiency,
and performance that’s not affected by altitude
variations.
42
MOTOR DECEMBER 2014

By all accounts the 520i badge is pretty feeblesounding
and I’m sure that some status-conscious
owners - read uncultured, have had it removed from
the bootlid, but in reality the car over-delivers on the
expectations of that modest moniker.
It’s no sports saloon, but whether commuting
to work or cruising to the country club, the 520i
doesn’t leave you with any unsatisfied power cravings.
Apart from a touch of turbo lag on initial
pull-off, the engine heaves with reasonably eager
gusto. It cruises with little sweat - at up to 226km/h
if you wish to risk the police’s money traps, and has
satisfactory overtaking punch, while BMW quotes a
useful 7.9 second 0-100km/h time - quicker than the
outgoing 523i even at sea level.
The eight-speed Steptronic auto deserves a special
mention for having gearshifts that are smooth
and on cue, without any annoying “hunting” effect.
The 520i’s sophisticated silence is the typical 5 Series
fare, except when you rev it harder you can hear it’s
a four cylinder throbbing under that bonnet instead
of a silky six.
Inside that sound-deadened cocoon the passenger
quarters are as lush as any more-expensive
Five, and the 520i has the premium, expensive feel
commensurate with its price tag. Gadgets and safety
features are generally plentiful in the leather-lined
cabin, and there’s a huge laundry list of extra-cost
options to add if you have deep pockets.
The fancier of these include Active Cruise
Control which automatically maintains a safe following
distance to minimise the risk of bumper
bashings; and Night Vision which “sees” further in
the dark than the naked eye can.
What spoilt the party for me slightly was the
car’s rather jittery ride on rougher roads, due to
MOTOR DECEMBER 2014 43

luxury SALOON
our test vehicle being equipped with an optional M
Sport package comprising sports suspension and
super low-profile 19-inch shoes. I’m not sure such a
sporty setup makes sense in an understated car such
as the 520i, but there it is, yours for an extra Ksh.
500,000 if you want it.
Along with their recent engine upgrades, all
5 Series models now get a fuel-saving idle stop
function as standard, and the Driving Experience
Control - which affects things such as throttle
sensitivity, gear change, steering and stability control
settings - gets a new Eco Pro driving mode. A
new ultra-economy setting added to the existing
Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus modes, Eco Pro also
shows you how many extra kilometres per tank
you’re achieving via a display in the instrument
panel.
We averaged 9.5 litres per 100km in a town/
highway combination which is impressively economical
for a heavyweight such as this. The 5 Series
isn’t one of those cars that shrinks around you.
Though it holds the road with typical BMW finesse
you’re always aware of its considerable size and bulk,
particularly with all the bleeping from the parking
aid when you’re squeezing it into a parking slot.
VERDICT
It may lack the power of its more expensive
stablemates but the BMW 520i still feels like a bona
fide 5 Series rather than an undernourished “lite”
44 MOTOR DECEMBER 2014

version. Its prosaic badge won’t rate well with status
snobs, but this underrated and under-the-radar car
delivers all the comfort expected of an executive
saloon, combined with good fuel economy and
more than acceptable pace. You’ll still be driving
a Beemer, period. The 5 Series is locally available
from Bavaria Auto - franchise holder of the BMW
Brand, located on Mombasa Road. Be daft to drive
past their world class showroom.
FAIR TO NOTE
The 520i’s diesel twin - the 520d, has gained a
new-generation turbodiesel engine that makes a bit
more power and uses less fuel. Having just rolled
onto African shores as of time of press, the upgraded
520d gains 5kW and 20Nm. This brings the tally to
140kW at 4000rpm and a meaty 400Nm of twist
between 1750 and 2500rpm, while an updated eightspeed
automatic gearbox is standard.
Against the clock this model gains 0.2 seconds
from 0-100km/h, with a claimed sprint time of
7.7 seconds, while fuel efficiency improves to the
tune of 0.4 litres per 100km. In fact, if we go by the
official laboratory figures, the 520d - consuming
between 4.1 and 4.5 l/100km depending on what
tyres are fitted - is the most efficient car in its league.
Audi’s A6 2.0 TDI sips 5.0 l/100km and Merc’s E250
CDI claims 4.8-5.2. The 520d’s consumption figure
translates into a tree-hugger-muting CO2 emissions
figure between 109g/km and 119g/km.
This 520d’s diesel engine is derived from
BMW’s new modular engine family and it features
an aluminium crankcase with thermally-joined cylinder
liners, integrated balancer shafts and a latestgeneration
common-rail direct injection system that
allows an injection pressure of up to 2000 bar. The
variable geometry turbocharger has also become
better at its boosting job thanks to a need-based
exhaust gas recirculation system and new roller
bearing. We’re awaiting confirmation of the new
520d’s price, but it shouldn’t stray too far from the
previous model’s Ksh. 6,245,000 tag.
MOTOR DECEMBER 2014 45

YOUR 4X4
Nissan Patrol - A Truly
Independent Democrat
By Jay Suave
The latest version of Japan’s ‘other’ all-conquering 4x4,
Nissan’s Patrol, was initially unveiled only in the Middle-East.
Well... tough times are pretty much behind us and we can
afford to fill up these behemoths again.
Although not nearly as popular
locally as Toyota’s Land Cruiser
200 Series, the Patrol has always
been the thinking man’s oversized
SUV. Chunkily styled, with utterly
reliable powertrains and unbreakable solid-axle
wheel attachment gear front and rear, it’s generally
an unflappable companion for those severely testing
family vacations - to the Mara...
The seventh generation Patrol is a much more
contemporarily styled vehicle than its predecessor.
Digitisation and luxury trinkets are rampant too.
Hardcore 4x4 enthusiasts are in for a few nasty
shocks though…
The new Patrol exchanges solid-axles for
independent suspension at all four wheel corners.
No issue in sand or over rocky terrain though...
Beyond the newfangled styling symmetry - Patrol’s
chunky proportions have been significantly softened,
Nissan’s big 4x4 SUV still manages to retain a
semblance of handsomeness.
With the side glass surfacing framed by a tidy
chrome surround, a neatly executed hatch assembly
and air intakes above the front wheel arches it’s
an infinitely better looking attempt at an Oriental
Range Rover than Toyota’s VX200. Mechanically
the new Patrol rides on an Infiniti QX56 platform,
which means plenty of clever chassis control tech-
46 MOTOR DECEMBER 2014

nologies, but, unfortunately a scrapping of those
constant-clearance solid axles.
Despite the all-wheel independently suspended
insult to traditional Patrol sensibilities, the new
chassis does usher in many ‘nice-to-haves.’ Whereas
the previous Patrol was essentially a really big box
on a ladder frame chassis with a reduction ratio
transmission and one aft axle locker, the new one
has a raft of driver aids. This latest Patrol features
a hydraulic body motion control system (HBMC)
which - much as Toyota’s KDSS - should cure any
lane-wandering in strong crosswinds at high speed.
Nissan says the HBMC system enables a more generous
suspension stroke too, which should improve
wheel articulation - optimising traction off-road.
Another change to the Patrol’s drivetrain is a
newly developed ALL MODE, switch operated, 4x4
system - similar to Land-Rover’s groundbreaking
(excuse the pun) Terrain Response set-up. Nissan’s
ALL MODE features four selectable modes - sand,
on-road, rock and snow - with all engine, transmission
and suspension parameters automatically
adjusted at the twist of a switch.
For off-road novices Nissan has ‘finally’ added
both hill start assist and descent control, which
means in low-range you can safely canter downhill
at a steady 4km/h.
GT-R Racing Power
Powering the latest Patrol is a 5.6 litre - yes 5.6,
MOTOR DECEMBER 2014 47

YOUR 4X4
direct-injection V8 borrowed from the American
market’s Titan pick-up range. Coincidently this
engine - in derestricted form - powered Nissan’s
2010 FIA GT1 GT-R racecar.
Nissan is coy concerning other available engines
for the new Patrol, currently only listing this 5.6 litre
V8 - rated at 298kW and 560Nm. Drive is via a new
seven-speed automatic transmission - which should
aid in-gear-flexibility, especially at low-speeds, and
economy.
With a trifle more than 100 additional kilowatts
at its disposal, courtesy of two additional cylinders
and 800cc of extra capacity - compared to the
sixth-generation Patrol’s in-line six engine, Nissan
has fitted a new brake booster system, and slotted
four-piston callipers up front to actuate the larger
358mm rotors. Subsequently, braking performance
is claimed to be best in class.
INTERIOR
Although still Ocean Liner sized dimensionally,
the new Patrol mirrors suchlike luxury in terms of
its cabin architecture and appointments too. There
is a surfeit of leather, wood grain panelling and
polished aluminium finishes. Cabin has neat shapes
and surfaces, steering wheel now – mercifully,
devoid of wood grain rim.
Overall, the new cabin architecture would
appear to flow better, yet still has too much oddly
grained wood - Japanese teak, and light coloured
leather to bother Range Rover or Merc’s GL in terms
of cabin ambience. The aforementioned stubby
transfer case level replaced by All Mode system frees
up stowage space between the seats.
Passengers will be heartened to hear Nissan has
redesigned the front seats to be wider and deeper,
whilst second row passengers benefit from an additional
100mm of legroom. Nissan has improved the
Patrol’s infotainment suite with a multi-screen DVD
capable entertainment/navigation system. The capacious
centre console cool-box is now double-hinged
too, enabling front and/or second row passenger(s)
easy access to chilled fluids. You should note this
gargantuan can sit eight people since its third row
can also accommodate 3 humans - of course not
those with 6-foot frames like me.
Harking back to the Patrol’s legendary terrain
crossing capabilities, Nissan’s engineers have
equipped the cabin with a ‘curtain vent’ air-conditioning
system. This neat innovation vents a strong
flow of cool air down from openings in the roof
above each window - acting as a barrier to cabin
heat penetration.
The new Nissan Patrol is available from Nissan
Kenya a division of Crown Motors Group who are
the franchise holders of the Nissan brand in Kenya.
Feel free to pop into their new showroom located on
Uhuru Highway since they officially cut the ribbon
on October 2nd.
48
MOTOR DECEMBER 2014

COMPARISON TESTS
Used Double Cabs
By Jude Gaya
Models Tested: Mitsubishi Triton vs. VW Amarok vs. Toyota Hilux
vs. Nissan Navara vs. Ford Ranger vs. Mazda BT-50
Six of the best
workhorse pick-ups
put to the test on
the farm
It used to be that pick-ups
were used primarily for
work. You would see them
at building sites, trays
loaded with toolboxes and
trestles, or darting through
the suburbs on the way to
Wanjiku’s to fix her leaking
kitchen pipes. These days,
though, pick-ups have
another job.
They have become dual-purpose vehicles,
with buyers using them for the
traditional duties during the week and
then as a family hauler on weekends.
Some don’t even get their trays dirty.
Many are used for towing mini-trailers to Jamhuri
Park or horse floats to Ngong Racecourse . In a
nutshell, four-wheel-drive models are the weapons
of choice in this regard, owing to their hefty towing
capacity.
The Toyota Hilux pick-up has long been considered
the default choice. It has steadily increased
in popularity since the late 1990s and several times
during the past few, the Hilux years it has ranked as
the highest-selling new vehicle in the country.
But now the Toyota Hilux is under siege.
Several new models are vying for its turf, including
Ford’s Aussie-designed Ranger and its twin-underthe-skin,
the Mazda BT-50. The pair may look different
but they share the same underpinnings and,
design platforms.
Representing Europe is the Volkswagen
Amarok. The German brand’s first purpose-built
pick-up is a slick affair, particularly in Ultimate
form, courtesy of its showy 19-inch alloys. We have
not discounted some of the more seasoned rivals,
either.
The popular Nissan Navara received a rangetopping
variant with a powerful new V6 turbo
diesel engine midway through 2011. However,
its replacement though unveiled, is scheduled for
global availability in 2015, this including Kenya.
The Navara ST-X550 model is the most expensive
double-cab pick-up on sale globally, with a price of
Ksh. 5,500,000 - plus on-road and dealer costs.
Also here is the Mitsubishi Triton. It is largely
50 MOTOR DECEMBER 2014

unchanged since late 2009, when it was the pacesetter
in terms of technological equipment and safety
gear. The Triton was the first pick-up with dual
front, front-side and curtain airbags on some models.
First to go is the Toyota.
Toyota Hilux
We have already stated how successful the
Hilux has been in this segment of the market but
have yet to explain why. The Hilux built a reputation
for being robust and reliable. Following a recent
update that introduced more equipment, a minor
facelift and a price adjustment, the Hilux is pretty
good resale value, too.
The range-topping SR5, though only available
on “special order”, is well equipped, with touchscreen
sat-nav, Bluetooth phone connectivity, USB
input, automatic headlights, foglights, 17-inch alloys
and a sports bar as standard.
Still, Toyota’s update only added stability control
and the full suite of airbags - dual front, frontside
and full-length curtain, to the most expensive
models, while other vehicles here offer that equipment
across their respective range as standard
equipment.
The SR5’s interior updates have livened up the
cabin slightly but still a grey and drab place to be.
The Hilux is comfortable, though, and offers storage
in the front and rear, including bottle holders,
decent door pockets, a big sunglasses holster and
only one cup caddy.
The rear of the SR5 is fairly spacious, though
toe and knee room could be better. However, the
headroom is good, the rear pew is comfortable and
there is even a clever storage box under the back
seat, accessed when the seat-base flips up.
The Hilux’s tray is one of the smaller ones here
- 1515millimetres wide by 1520mm long. It does
not get any of the clever lights or sockets of its rivals
MOTOR DECEMBER 2014 51

COMPARISON TESTS
and has the second-lowest payload - 835kilograms,
behind the Amarok. Its towing capacity is the lowest,
at 2500kg.
On the road, the Hilux’s rear end jiggles when
empty and - loaded or not - bounces over most
bumps at speed. It leans heavily through corners and
the rear tyres can squeal without much encouragement.
This is due to the left spring rear suspension
configuration.
The Hilux’s steering offers good feel but is
slightly heavy and kicks back over mid-corner
bumps.
The 3.0-litre turbo diesel engine has not
changed for years and is the least powerful . Against
this competition it feels outdated: it is loud inside
the cabin and feels as though it is struggling most on
steep sections. The simple four-speed auto, however,
is honest and shifts well enough.
Mitsubishi Triton
Mitsubishi’s current-generation Triton was the
double-cab pacesetter when it went on sale in 2006
but a lot has changed in the segment. Just like the
Nissan Navara, the new Triton is scheduled for
unveiling in 2015.
The Triton was the first purpose-built pick-up
to offer stability control and six airbags and has had
a handful of updates. But it feels old by comparison
52
MOTOR DECEMBER 2014

to the available competition.
Inside is a good example of that. The Triton’s
dash is basic and too plasticky, the switchgear is
cranky and the ergonomics are average - particularly
the low-range gear-shifter that pokes into the
driver’s left leg. There is also a lack of under-thigh
support, no decent centre storage options and an
average audio system.
The rear seat feels the roomiest of the six pickups
tested, with good head, leg and toe room. Backseat
passengers’ knees will likely cramp up over the
duration of a road trip, though, as the Triton’s cabin
has a higher floor than its rivals.
The back seat has better storage than the front,
with decent door pockets and a fold-down armrest
with cup holders. It has only two child seat
restraints, though.
The drive experience in the Triton feels behind
the times: a bouncy ride was described by several
testers as ‘’agricultural’’, shuddering over smaller
lumps and bounding loosely over bigger bumps. The
Triton feels the least stable of the six, with heavy,
inconsistent steering and some body-roll through
corners. External, the Triton looks scared in appearance
and aerodynamics.
The engine, which has also been updated over
the life of the Triton, offers decent shove on the
move but can lag and then lurch at low speeds. The
five-speed auto shifts smoothly under light load but
can misbehave under stronger acceleration.
The Mitsubishi’s tray is the shortest and narrowest
of the lot - 1470mm wide by 1505mm long.
And while there is no 12-volt socket, hard cover or
light in the tray, the Triton is the only vehicle here
with a powered wind-down rear windscreen that
allows long items to poke through. A sports bar is
standard. The Triton has the third-highest payload
at- 935kg, and its towing capacity, at 3000kg, is
relatively strong.
MOTOR DECEMBER 2014 53

COMPARISON TESTS
54 MOTOR DECEMBER 2014

Nissan Navara
Two things about the Navara ST-X550 stand
out instantly. First, the number in its name refers
to the amount of torque the turbo diesel V6 engine
produces - a whopping 550Nm, or almost 60per cent
more than the Triton and Hilux.
The second also involves numbers. As aforementioned,
its price, from Ksh. 5,500,000 - plus
dealer mark-ups, makes it the most expensive double-cab
in its segment.
Let’s talk about the engine first. It is easily the
pick of the six here for performance. The 3.0-litre
powerplant offers effortless grunt at all speeds, with
very little turbo lag and immense shove during
overtaking manoeuvres. It feels refined and is quiet -
unless under heavy load. The seven-speed automatic
gearbox makes the most of the engine. However, it
has the highest fuel use of the pickups tested.
Helping justify its price premium, the ST-X gets
roof racks, side steps, a sports bar, a tray liner and
hard cover, tinted glass, climate-control air-conditioning
and Bluetooth as standard. Conversely, it
misses out on sat-nav, a rear-view camera and parking
sensors. On the plus side, the Navara does get six
airbags and stability control as standard.
The Navara’s interior is clean and uncluttered,
feeling special enough for the expenditure.
However there is no steering-wheel reach adjustment.
While there are a few nice textures through
the cabin, the dash and door plastics are scratchy.
Storage is reasonable, with twin gloveboxes and
decent door pockets, and the seats are comfortable,
if a little flat. The rear seat is tight, with an upright
backrest and a shortish seat squab.
On the road, the Navara handles corners well,
its steering direct and nicely weighted. The ride is
generally good although the larger wheels and thinner
tyres mean even minor bumps transmit into the
cabin, particularly through the tray. The Navara has
a mammoth 13.3-metre turning circle, which makes
parking and tighter turns a bit of a challenge.
The tray of the Navara is as wide as its newer
MOTOR DECEMBER 2014 55

COMPARISON TESTS
rivals but slightly shorter - 1560mm wide by
1510mm long. Its load capacity is fourth-best, at
909kg, while its towing capacity is as strong as the
Triton, at 3000kg.
Ford Ranger
One of two recent entrants - with Mazda’s
BT-50, to the segment, the Ranger was designed
and engineered in Australia. While the XLT’s asking
price of Ksh. 4,950,000 - plus on-road costs, is higher
than the Mazda equivalent, the specification level
of the Ranger partially makes up for the extra ask.
The Ranger gets a tow bar, sports bar, autodimming
rear-view mirror, rear parking sensors, a
tub-liner with 12-volt socket, auto headlights and
wipers over the cheaper BT-50. However, the Mazda
gets the option of a rear-view camera, while Ford
offers the potentially life-saving technology only
on the range-topping Wildtrak model - from Ksh.
5,763,000.
Other life-saving items are standard, such as six
airbags and stability control. The standard gear also
include a USB input, Bluetooth with audio streaming
and voice control, a cooled centre-console bin,
huge door pockets front and rear, a large glovebox
and arguably the best seats - both for comfort and
support - of all six of these pick-ups. It also gets
56 MOTOR DECEMBER 2014

three 12-volt power sockets in the cab.
The back seat is comfortable and spacious, with
a wide rear pew that can easily and comfortably fit
three average adults. The interior has a masculine
feel to it, with chunky audio buttons and strong,
angular dashboard features. The cabin presentation
is top-notch, albeit missing steering-wheel reach
adjustment.
On the move, the Ford Ranger copes well, with
a smooth ride, admirable road manners and good
cornering ability. It feels far less bouncy than most
of its rivals, although it can still be slightly wiggly on
rippled sections of road. The steering evokes a softroader.
It’s responsive in nature and well weighted.
The five-cylinder diesel engine and six-speed
automatic make a good combination, with smooth,
clever shifts with an empty tray or when loaded. It
can, however, suffer from slight hesitation as the
gearbox tends to shift early for optimum efficiency.
Despite that, it is still pretty thirsty at 9.2litres per
100kilometres. The diesel clatter is also well muted
from the cabin.
The Ranger boasts the second-largest load
capacity, at 1041kg, and its tray is 1560mm wide
and 1549mm long. Towing capacity is the secondbest
at 3200kg.
MOTOR DECEMBER 2014 57

COMPARISON TESTS
Mazda BT-50
The second of our non-identical twins is definitely
the one most likely to divide opinions over
its looks. Mazda’s BT-50 raised more than a few
eyebrows during the tests, with plenty of comments
directed towards the pick-up’s alloy bull-bar and
spotlights - part of ‘’Boss’’ sports kit that also adds
unique alloys, a lockable hard lid for the tray, sports
bar and side steps. Our test Mazda was also optioned
with a rear-view camera and rear sensors.
Take away all the options and the Mazda
BT-50 is quite the bean-counter type of double-cab.
And considering its price, it offers good value for
money. It has sat-nav, climate control, USB input,
Bluetooth with voice control and audio streaming,
and foglights. Added to that is the same safety
equipment as the Ranger’s, with six airbags and
stability control.
The Mazda BT-50’s interior is not quite as userfriendly
as the Ranger. The door pockets are smaller
for front and rear passengers and the audio controls
are more fiddly. It is, however, just as roomy and
comfortable as the Ranger. The seats are supportive,
the central bin and glovebox are substantial and the
Mazda BT 50 has excellent legroom and headroom
in the rear. It has two child-seat restraint points,
though it drops one 12-volt outlet on the Ford - two
to Ranger’s three.
As with the Ford, the BT-50’s engine and transmission
are its strong selling points. The Mazda
also shares the same five-cylinder diesel engine
and six-speed automatic, which work well together.
Again, the transmission is smooth whether laden or
empty but, as with the Ranger, it can dither slightly
at times. It matches the Ranger, too, for fuel use at
9.2L/100km.
58
MOTOR DECEMBER 2014

Driving the two back-to-back, it is hard to pick
the difference, although the Mazda’s engine seems
slightly noisier. The steering responds predictably,
has good weight to it and corners with certainty.
However, our test car’s ride was more unsettled -
fidgeting over small bumps and bucking over bigger
ones - presumably due to chunkier tyres.
For work purposes, the BT-50’s identical-to-
Ranger 1560mm-wide and 1549mm-long tray has
the best load capacity of all six pick-ups tested, at
1097kg. Its towing capacity is also the best here, at
3350kg.
Volkswagen Amarok
Volkswagen’s first purpose-built pick-up came
with a unique flavour. The Ultimate was developed
for pick-up buyers looking for something a little
more luxurious - and it would want to be, priced
from Ksh. 5,250,000.
MOTOR DECEMBER 2014 59

COMPARISON TESTS
Safety levels are reasonable, with dual front and
front-side airbags and stability control as standard
fitment. But there is no airbag protection in the rear,
something we found odd.
It has a well-presented cabin, a neat dashboard
that has a clever top-mounted storage bin with a
power outlet for sat-nav systems and good door
storage. The glovebox and centre console are small
but are compensated for by under-seat drawers.
The Ultimate tested had a permanent 4WD
drivetrain - others require the driver to select 4WD,
and ‘’comfort’’ suspension - the removal of one of the
leafs from the rear leaf-spring suspension, which cut
its carrying capacity by 220kg.
The Amarok’s load capacity is the lowest, at
710kg, while its towing capacity is second-worst at
2800kg. The tray, however, is the biggest, at 1620mm
wide by 1555mm long. It also gets a 12-volt outlet
and a flash light.
Because of its suspension, the Amarok is easily
the most car-like to drive. It was the smoothest over
bumpy sections and, because of its 4WD system,
had great traction through corners and from a
standing start on slippery surfaces.
The Amarok also has the lightest, most userfriendly
steering, making inner-city lane changes
and roundabouts easy to deal with, despite its large
12.95-metre turning circle.
Something not so easy to deal with is the
Amarok’s manual transmission. Every judge on
this test stalled the pick-up at least once because of
inconsistent clutch feel and an overly heavy pedal
action. The twin-turbo diesel engine has SUV-like
fuel economy of 7.9L/100km and is smooth and relatively
quiet. Still, we found it could labour at times
and felt slow compared with the bigger engines in
the Ford and Mazda.
The Verdict
The latest breed of double-cab pick-ups shows
just how far this segment has come in the past few
years. The Triton, which was once the pacesetter, is
a case in point. In GLX-R spec is good value, has a
long warranty, good safety gear and space but feels
less refined and just outdated compared with its
rivals. We patiently await its newer model.
The Hilux may be the market sales leader but it
is also showing its age mostly in dated appearance.
We can’t wait for the new model.
The Navara ST-X 550 is a surprise. A great
engine and transmission and a decent drive experience
impressed the judges. Having seeing the new
model in the flesh, or rather on video, we eagerly
await its arrival. We trust that in the hands of the
new look Nissan Kenya, this is the pickup to watch.
The Amarok ran third. In Ultimate guise it, too,
feels a bit overpriced and its driveline is difficult to
live with in traffic. If you are not going to use it for
hard work it could be the pick but we prefer the auto
for everyday use to and from a desk job and weekend
jaunts to the family ranch.
That leaves the twins from Ford and Mazda to
duke it out for top spot. Both drive well, are comfortable
and well-equipped inside and have strong,
refined engines, clever transmissions and classleading
levels of safety.
Of the two, the Ford Ranger is arguably the best
option for those willing to spend a little more to
get a few extras. It looks tough, too, which may be
enough for some buyers to opt for.
Our money would be heading towards the
Mazda BT-50, though. It is a good deal cheaper and
while it misses out on some of the standard gear of
the Ford, the Mazda is the best value-for-money buy
in this segment, at least for the moment.
And where is the all-new Isuzu, we asked? Look
for its review in future issues, as we were unable to
get a unit for our tests and comparison.
60 MOTOR DECEMBER 2014

MOTORING
Buying a Car
Making the right decision
when buying a car has
never been more important
than it is today. Not only
are cars more expensive
than ever to buy and run.
A wrong decision can be
costly especially when so
many people are being
misadvised. Those who take
the trouble to first define
their needs, and ensure
that they are not above
their means and also gain
some hands-on test drive
impressions of the makes on
their lists, are more likely to
make the right decisions.
It is always important to start the search armed
with a shortlist of cars meeting most of your
requirements. The list should include only
those cars falling within your budget and
specification requirements. The list could be
topped by the most likely and favourite contenders.
Nobody should consider a purchase a car without
going through these steps and without having test
driven all the cars on the carefully prepared shortlist.
The test drive has an added benefit of giving
a first-hand experience as to the feel and handling
of the car and will enable a buyer to judge whether
the expectations created by the specifications road
test data and the like are met in actual road driving
condition. And even if they are, it may be that
small issues like a slightly uncomfortable seat, a bit
of wind noise, an awkwardly positioned switch can
sway the decision away from one car to the other.
What looks like the most powerful contender
on paper could well end up being the most lethargic
on the road, with purported leather seats actually
looking plastic in real experience conditions and at
close range. If you can afford a specific car, the acid
test is being on the driver’s seat. Of course, the test
drive also offers one a chance to assess the dealership
and its customer service and experience levels.
An indifferent treatment and dilapidated facilities
don’t augur well for a pleasing ownership experience,
and can in fact persuade a would-be buyer to a
different brand. After all, car ownership is ultimately
about peace of mind.
The other tricky and painful part in buying a
car is getting the car that you want and which fit
within your budget. All too often, buyers end up
stretching their budget to the utmost in order to get
closest to the car they require or their ego desire.
When paying for a car, it is best here to let
your head rule your heart. Too many cars end up
being repossessed because owners simply couldn’t
keep up with their personal loan repayments. When
shopping for a car, it is therefore prudent to start by
discarding those cars that your ego desires but your
62 MOTOR DECEMBER 2014

pocket cannot afford. Always remember that cars
are parked outside the house, when you get home!
Of course, there is always the option of paying
cash. Cash purchases usually allow the buyer
to negotiate a discount although not significantly.
Besides, cash buyers aren’t exposed to any increase
in interest rates, and the resulting hikes in repayments
that occur in the course of instalment payment
interest rate hikes.
In most cases, it is advisable to purchase a car
through borrowed finance, which brings further
considerations into play. For instance, the trade in
value of an existing car will play a part in determining
the available budget, as will the terms and conditions
of the finance plan, including how interest
rates are calculated.
Unless you are a cash buyer, it’s probably wise
to determine and pre-clear the car financing before
hitting the road to various dealerships. Always
consider however that some dealers offer special, inhouse
schemes, often several percentages below the
prime market lending rate. The tax implications of
MOTOR DECEMBER 2014 63

MOTORING
your purchase are also worth considering, an aspect
that requires the advice of a good tax consultant.
If the car is being used for business, options like
leasing it become possible. While the purchase price
of a car forms the most important part of any budget
and financial consideration, it’s also worth investigating
the potential running costs of the car. If it’s
an imported model, spare parts might be costly and
not always freely available. Consider the availability
and potential cost for special airfreighting of parts in
case of non-availability of parts and the subsequent
costs of a replacement, during the downtime.
Even the size and type of the wheel and tyres
values of the car one is interested in, since good
value retention will put more money in the pocket
when you have to trade in for the next available new
car, three or a couple of years down the line.
Talking of used car values, a good used car is
often an excellent way to stretch a budget that won’t
accommodate the same model when new. Often
that budget will buy you a used contender one or
even two steps up the automotive ladder in terms
of size, specification and performance. Make sure
that you buy from a reputable outlet; however, most
used brands now incorporate used car divisions,
selling cars that have been thoroughly checked and
Opting for a 4 by 4 when you don’t need it can be costly
not only because of the high purchase price but also
because the drive train’s increased drag translates into
higher fuel bills.
Clearly you need to define the type of car first; car
or pick-up, hatchback or saloon, estate or SUV, four
wheel drive or two wheel drive. But beware; it’s easy
to believe that you need something that you actually
don’t, as ego and girlfriends always compete with
the real needs offered by a specific car.
The classic example of this is a four wheel drive.
Okay you want an all-terrain vehicle, and yes you do
go off-road from time to time. Consider however,
do you really need a fully-fledged 4 by4 drive train
or could the more affordable combination of differential
lock, raised height and a 4 by2 drive train
be sufficient?
Opting for a 4 by 4 when you don’t need it can
be costly not only because of the high purchase
price but also because the drive train’s increased
drag translates into higher fuel bills. So perhaps an
easier way is to draw up a list of priorities, spanning
car functionality. That way, you’ll end up with a
profile against which you can compare the car and
assess how closely it conforms. You’ll need a source
of information on specifications and prices.
While drawing up the list, there’s more to think
of than just the classical functional requirements.
For instance, consider the length of time you expect
to keep the car and whether your requirements are
likely to change during that period. Thus, singles
may get married. Married couples may have children
and the married couples
with toddlers
are an issue: Those big wheels and thick rubber may
look sexy and provide for a firm grip, but when it
comes to replacing them, owners may be in for a
nasty shock. On roads that are punctuated by deep
potholes that seem to emerge at different parts of the
road every other day, it is more important to consider
the price and availability of replacement tyres.
It may also be useful to research the used car
reconditioned, and are sold with proper
guarantees and promise of used car after sales
service availability.
Determining just what you expect from a new
car doesn’t sound that difficult. But do start writing
down all the typical roles and functions you expect
the car to fulfil for you, as well as the must have
features you believe you cannot do without and you
will find that you wind up with a lengthy list.
What are the primary factors to consider?
will have
to remember that
those toddlers will grow up and need to
be dropped in school.
There’s another reason to consider how long
you’re likely to keep your new purchase. During
that time, there may be a model update or complete
model change, which of course will have an impact
on the value of the car when you want to sell it. For
those sensitive to the social environment, you must
factor the need to change your car every other two
or three years, when new facelifts or model changes
will have been effected in your car range.
Lastly, do not kill yourself or saddle yourself
with hefty car loans to please your environment, ego
and friends. It is not worth these troubles.
64 MOTOR DECEMBER 2014

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3 years or 30,000km
whichever comes first
The new Rav 4 offers a bold new design and a high quality interior with spacious rear seats
plus a large cargo space. It’s new and improved Dual VVTi engine gives more power
without compromising on fuel economy.
0206967000 / 0719029000
0206967748/759
0412223071/2
0206967671 / 0726454912
0512211780 / 0733873810
06232621
05431790
0612030444
06432512/364
05231120/0736661100