Heels & Horsepower Magazine

New On The Tarmac: The all-new Hyundai Tucson is here!

By H&H Admin

Hyundai’s all-new, fourth-generation Tucson SUV has arrived in the local market.

Hyundai’s all-new, fourth-generation Tucson SUV has arrived in the local market with a revolutionary and ambitious new look that follows the company’s “Sensuous Sportiness” design identity, and larger dimensions to offer a spacious, luxurious interior and a superior drive.

Since its first launch 16 years ago, the Tucson has become Hyundai’s best-selling SUV with 7 million sales globally. In South Africa, the 1st-generation Tucson was one of the models that placed the Hyundai brand squarely on the map. Its popularity continued, because 15 346 units of the previous, 3rd-generation Tucson were sold locally.

Design

The all-new Tucson features a bigger and wider body than its predecessor and has a muscular stance combined with sharp angles and dynamic proportions. It is the first Hyundai SUV to be developed according to the company’s “Sensuous Sportiness” design identity.

The most prominent highlight is the vehicle’s front grille, where Parametric Hidden Lights provide a strong first impression. When the lights are off, the front of the vehicle appears covered in dark, geometric patterns, with no distinction between the signature LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), which are seamlessly integrated into the grille.

Thanks to new half-mirror lighting technology, when the DRLs are switched on, the dark chrome appearance of the grille transforms into jewel-like shapes, bringing an eye-catching element to an otherwise sleek appearance.

To the rear, wide tail lamps with parametric hidden light details continue the design theme. The new Tucson’s rear bumper integrates parametric pattern detail with a three-dimensional effect, coupled with a sporty trim. It is the first Hyundai model to apply a hidden rear wiper, which sits under the spoiler.

Inside, a new Audiovisual Navigation (AVN) touch screen fills the centre of the vehicle. Hyundai’s designers dispensed with physical knobs and buttons, so all AVN, heat, ventilation and air conditioning functions are controlled via touch, making it the first Hyundai model to feature a full touchscreen console. 

The Premium derivative features a cloth seat covering, while the Executive and Elite variants have artificial leather seats.

Customers can choose from seven exterior colours, Shimmering Silver, Silky Bronze, Phantom Black, White Cream, Crimson Red and Deep Sea.

Comfort and convenience

The all-new Tucson is equipped with a range of comfort features, including Multi-Air Mode, three-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats, and ventilated front seats for the Executive and Elite derivatives.  Other features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a premium sound system, a wireless charging pad in the centre console, and front and rear USB ports.

The Elite variants are equipped with a panoramic glass sun roof.

Safety

The new Tucson is fitted with a six-airbag system: front and side airbags for the driver and front passenger, and curtain airbags which also offers protection for rear occupants. The outer seats on the rear bench have ISOFIX latching points for fitment of child protection seats.

The latest Tucson is also equipped with the latest Hyundai SmartSense active safety and driving assistance features which include:

In the Executive derivative:

  • Blind-spot Collision Warning (BCW)
  • Rear Cross-traffic Alert (RCA)

In the Elite derivatives:

  • Blind-spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA)
  • Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA)
  • Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
  • Lane Follow Assist (LFA)
  • Smart Cruise Control (SCC)
  • Rear Cross-traffic Collision Assist (RCCA)
  • Rear Cross-traffic Alert (RCA)
  • Fatigue Detection/Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
  • High Beam Assist (HBA)

Powertrains

Two 4-cylinder engines – a naturally aspirated 2-litre petrol and a 2-litre turbodiesel – are used as powerplants for the new Tucson in South Africa.

The Smartstream G 2.0 MPI petrol engine, linked to 6-speed automatic transmission, does duty in the Premium, Executive and one of the Elite variants, while the Smartstream D 2.0 turbocharged diesel engine, coupled with an 8-speed transmission, is used in the other Elite derivative.

The 2-litre petrol engine delivers 115 kW peak power at 6 200 r/min and 192 Nm peak torque at 4 500 r/min. The turbodiesel boasts 137 kW peak power at 4 000 r/min and 416 Nm maximum torque between 2 000 and 2750 r/min.

All four variants feature four drive modes – Eco, Smart, Normal and Sport.

The Smart driving mode offers a blend of economical driving, switching to Sport mode when the system senses the driver’s urgency.

Pricing

The suggested retail prices of the variants in the new Tucson range are: 

Tucson 2.0 NU Premium ATR 519 900
Tucson 2.0 NU Executive ATR 569 900
Tucson 2.0 NU Elite ATR 634 900
Tucson R2.0 Elite Turbodiesel ATR 699 900

All new Hyundai Tucsons are sold with a 7-year/200 000 km manufacturer’s warranty, a 6-year/90 000 km service plan and roadside assistance for 7 years or 150 000 km.

WATCH: Nissan Magnite driving

The much anticipated Nissan Magnite, a compact SUV is now available in South Africa.

With high strength and impact absorbing efficient body structure, the Magnite is equipped with safety features such as Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Start Assist (HSA), speed sensing door lock, central locking and SRS dual airbag system with pretension and load limiter seatbelt for driver and passenger.

We are excited to finally have the Nissan Magnite on our South African shores and we cannot wait for you to experience it for yourself 

– Stefan Haasbroek, Nissan South Africa Marketing Director

The Nissan Magnite Recommended Retail Price (RRP) and line-up are as follows:

  • Acenta MT = R256 999
  • Acenta CVT = R280 100
  • Acenta Plus MT = R282 600
  • Acenta Plus CVT = R305 700

Service Plan: 3yr/30000 kms (3 services) and warranty 6 year/150 000km

WATCH: Nissan Magnite Styling

We are excited to finally have the Nissan Magnite on our South African shores and we cannot wait for you to experience it for yourself 

– Stefan Haasbroek, Nissan South Africa Marketing Director

Built for those who take charge of every journey, the Nissan Magnite has the sleekest headlamps assembled in its class with light saber-style turn indicators, while its L-shape LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and dominating front grille is unlike any other design in the B-SUV segment. 

A first in its segment, the all-new Nissan Magnite is also equipped with one of Nissan’s top support technology, the Around View Monitor (AVM), which gives the driver a virtual bird’s eye view from above the vehicle.

The Nissan Magnite Recommended Retail Price (RRP) and line-up are as follows:

  • Acenta MT = R256 999
  • Acenta CVT = R280 100
  • Acenta Plus MT = R282 600
  • Acenta Plus CVT = R305 700

Service Plan: 3yr/30000 kms (3 services) and warranty 6 year/150 000km

New on the Tarmac: Meet the new trendsetting GLE 53 4MATIC+ and GLE 53 4MATIC+Coupe

The newest SUVs from Mercedes-Benz have finally arrived in South Africa and are set to liven up the market

Mercedes-AMG’s long-awaited performance offering for the GLE generation has reached South African shores, with the GLE 53 4MATIC+ and GLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé set to liven up the mid-size SUV market with a combination of head-turning looks and scorching performance.

At the heart of the new AMG GLE 53 is a 320 kW 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine, which is good for a 5.3 second 0-100km/h sprint, thanks to fully variable all-wheel drive and an agile 9-speed automatic transmission. 

Sporting the AMG-specific radiator grille the wheel arches, in the same colour as the car, provide space for the large 20-inch light alloy wheels with AMG lettering, which comes as standard. There are seven rim variants available, from 20 to 22 inch.

The new GLE 53s offer more power than their predecessors, and the Coupé adds style and elegance to our SUV family

– Johannes Fritz, Co-CEO for Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars

“As the inventors of the performance SUV, it is important to us to continue to lead when it comes to innovations, driving dynamics, individuality and design. The new GLE 53s offer more power than their predecessors, and the Coupé adds style and elegance to our SUV family. Both guarantee a thrilling driving experience,” says Johannes Fritz, Co-CEO for Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars.

An SUV highlight is the optional, foldable third row of seats, which make the GLE 53 4MATIC+ a seven-seater. Thanks to the Easy Entry function of the fully electrically adjustable second seat row, the two rearmost passengers can conveniently reach their seats.

The luxurious, sporty look and feel typical of the AMG brand continue through the high-quality interior. Characteristic colour highlights such as red contrasting topstitching on the upholstery and red seat belts ensure a thoroughly sporty ambience with a dynamic and exclusive touch. AMG-specific interior features and controls lend a typical AMG atmosphere to the cockpit and support the sporty, precise handling. 

Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+  is priced from: R1 837 000

Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé is priced from: R1 925 000

Technical data at a glance:

 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+  Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé
Cylinders/arrangement6/in-line  6/in-line 
Displacement (cc)2999  2999 
Combustion engine output (kW)320320
at rpm61006100
Output from EQ Boost (kW)1616
Max. torque  Combustion engine (Nm)520520
at rpm1800-58001800-5800
max. EQ Boost torque (Nm)250250
Fuel consumption, combined (l/100 km)9,3*9.3*
Combined CO2 emissions (g/km)212*212*
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s)5.35.3
Top speed (km/h)250**250**
Retail PriceR1 837 000R1 925 000

WATCH: Nissan Magnite launch

The much anticipated Nissan Magnite, a compact SUV is now available in South Africa.

The Nissan Magnite comes with numerous first-in-class and best-in-segment features that will provide customers with a differentiated, innovative, and accessible experience. 

We are excited to finally have the Nissan Magnite on our South African shores and we cannot wait for you to experience it for yourself 

– Stefan Haasbroek, Nissan South Africa Marketing Director

The Nissan Magnite Recommended Retail Price (RRP) and line-up are as follows:

  • Acenta MT = R256 999
  • Acenta CVT = R280 100
  • Acenta Plus MT = R282 600
  • Acenta Plus CVT = R305 700

Service Plan: 3yr/30000 kms (3 services) and warranty 6 year/150 000km

New on the Tarmac: Meet the lavish new Nissan Patrol

If you are a regular in cattle class, your world is turned upside down when you fly First Class or Business Class.  

If you are a regular in cattle class, your world is turned upside down when you fly First Class or Business Class.  As you stroll down the aisle you are met by the sight of the aircraft’s voluminous cabin, copious leather recliners and best of all semi-deserted interior.   You feel a like a world-class celebrity!

Similar to flying in the lap of luxury, the latest Nissan Patrol is the epitome of advanced technology and unrivalled opulence, taking you to your destination in style, privacy and comfort.

The legendary vehicle is one of Nissan’s most cherished models with sophisticated technology as well as a long and proud heritage

– Kabelo Rabotho, Director of Marketing at Nissan South Africa

An unmatched icon, Nissan’s flagship 4×4 exhibits a striking new design whilst retaining exceptional off-road capabilities and class-leading power, thanks to is massive 5.6L V8 engine.  

This class-leading engine boasts 298kW of power, and an exceptional 560Nm of torque, effortlessly taking you where others only dream about. 

“Engineered with the latest intelligent mobility technologies, the new Patrol will give its drivers and passengers a luxurious drive,” said Kabelo Rabotho, Director of Marketing at Nissan South Africa. “The legendary vehicle is one of Nissan’s most cherished models with sophisticated technology as well as a long and proud heritage. We’re confident the new model will provide drivers with unrivalled luxury.”

Unmistakable Prestige, Inside and Out

Signature design changes for the new Patrol include Nissan’s V-motion grille, with new boomerang-shaped LED headlights.

To the rear, the Patrol’s new taillights also sport the boomerang shape, seamlessly integrated along with a large chrome nameplate and sequential rear turn indicators. Machine-cut 18” alloy wheels add to the Patrol’s formidable presence.

Attention to detail and luxury means a truly first-class travel experience for all. Inside, the class-leading interior space sports a 13-speaker Bose premium sound system, a multi-screen DVD entertainment system, 8” rear seat entertainment, independent wireless headphones and remote-enabled passenger vehicle infotainment. Allowing all passengers to enjoy the ride.

The new Nissan Patrol puts control at your fingertips with an 8” colour touch information screen, Bluetooth® hands free and audio streaming, climate control, Intelligent Key® with push button start and remote keyless entry – all helping you to get to your destination in a way that’s connected and effortless.

New diamond-stitch quilted leather seats with added padding provide a luxurious feel, as does the new hand-stitched steering wheel. In addition, climate control and powered lumbar support are available for the front seats.

Advanced Safety Capabilities 

The Nissan Patrol comes with Intelligent Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection and the Intelligent Forward Collision Warning system that warns the driver of risks that lie beyond the driver’s forward field of vision.

The advanced radar system does not only sense the relative velocity and distance of a vehicle directly ahead, but also that of a vehicle travelling in front of the preceding one. Also included is standard Intelligent Cruise Control and Intelligent Driver Alert, which analyses the driver steering behaviour to signal and alert if signs of drowsiness, or inattention are detected.

Responsive braking is provided by a 4-wheel disc brake system with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. Also standard is 4-wheel limited-slip diff (LSD) and a Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system, which automatically prevents the vehicle from sliding sideways on slippery road surfaces when changing lanes or negotiating a curve. 

Starting price R1 571 700

New on the Tarmac: Meet the Ferocious new Audi R8

No other Audi is closer to motor racing: The Audi R8 is the dynamic spearhead and the fastest volume-production model of the Audi Sport brand. The revised version of the high-performance sports car as a Coupé and Spyder hosts an even sharper design. VIP customer deliveries of the dynamic Audi R8 V10 performance quattro have officially begun in South Africa.

This is part of a pre-launch strategy ahead of the performance sports car’s official retail launch from 1 April 2021.

POWER AND TORQUE

The V10 is powered by a naturally aspirated 5.2 FSI engine paired to a 7-speed S tronic gearbox, offering 449 kW and 560 Nm of torque. The Audi R8 V10 Coupé sprints to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, and the Spyder takes 3.3 seconds. Top speed is a blistering 329 km/h.  

Audi R8 customers can enjoy the standard high-gloss black styling package as a sporty exterior look to their sports car. The front splitter, the sill trims and diffuser are all finished off in black accents, with an option to upgrade the exterior look to the gloss carbon RS exterior parts which creates an aggressively sportier look. 

LED headlamps and rear lights with dynamic turn signals and high-beam control are standard with an option to upgrade to the Audi laser light at an extra cost.

INTERIOR

The new look extends to the interior of the Audi R8 with its driver focus orientation. New options here include the R8 sports seat with fine Nappa leather and diamond stitching as standard. Customers are able to select between the upholstery colours of red, white or black.

The operating concept, the Audi virtual cockpit and the MMI

The driver sits in the new Audi R8 like in a race car. The entire operating concept focuses on the driver alone, who can operate all key functions without having to take their hands off the steering wheel or look away from the road. 

The R8 performance multifunction steering wheel plus integrates three satellite buttons in addition to its push-buttons for the MMI. One is used to start and stop the engine, the second is used to select the basic modes of Audi drive select and the third for the performance programs.

Other key standard equipment includes: rear view camera, electric and folding exterior mirrors, comfort key, parking aid plus, R8 sport seats, seat heaters, tyre mobility kit with a tyre pressure monitoring system (to name a few).

 

Local pricing and availability

The updated Audi R8 range is priced as follows (inclusive of all taxes) and comes standard with a five year Audi Freeway Plan:

Audi R8 Coupé V10 performance quattro        R3,336,000

Audi R8 Spyder V10 performance quattro       R3,592,500

New On The Tarmac: Meet Mazda’s all new compact SUV, the CX-30

First revealed at the Geneva International Motor Show in March 2019 and launched internationally in April 2019, the latest SVU offering from Mazda is now available in South Africa. 

Mazda Southern Africa has unveiled the second model in its 7th Generation line-up, the Mazda CX-30 compact SUV.  The new compact SUV forms part of Mazda’s CX Range and slots between the Mazda CX-3 and Mazda CX-5.

The model line-up consists of three derivatives, offered in front-wheel drive (FWD) and automatic transmission: Active, Dynamic and Individual and is powered by a 2.0L SKYACTIV-G engine, which puts out 121kW of power and 213Nm of torque.

Every vehicle in the range comes standard with high grade features such as LED Headlamps with Auto levelling; Driver, Passenger, Knee (Driver), Side & Curtain airbags; Head-Up Display (HUD); MZD Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-Inch Display Screen; Apple Carplay™and Android Auto™, to name a few.

Available in a choice of nine exterior colours, Active and Dynamic grades feature 16-inch grey metallic alloy wheels, while the Individual grade features 18-inch silver metallic alloy wheels.

Since its launch in 2019, the Mazda CX-30 has received many accolades, including: winner of the Car of the Year 2020 in Thailand, winner of the 2020 Red Dot Design Award, earned five stars and the highest safety rating in the Euro NCAP, won the 2020 Design Trophy in the SUV category in Germany, and being a finalist for the 2020 World Car of the Year Award.

The Mazda CX-30 comes standard with a 3-year unlimited kilometre service plan, 3-year factory warranty, 3-year roadside assistance and 5-year Corrosion Warranty.

Pricing:

Mazda CX-30 2,0L Active: R469 000-00

Mazda CX-30 2,0L Dynamic: R499 000-00

Mazda CX-30 2,0L Individual: R540 000-00

NEW ON THE TARMAC: Farewell Honda Jazz. Hello Honda FIT

Honda has unveiled the much-anticipated FIT model range, which replaces the well-known Jazz nameplate in South Africa, and Vuyi Mpofu attended the launch in Hermanus, Western Cape.  

As beloved as the Jazz has been, it faced intense challenges from competitors whose increasing offering included modern design, up-to-date technology, copious amounts of interior space, and fuel efficiency.  The Honda Jazz also carried the rather unfortunate stigma of being a “granny-mobile”, making it not-so-desirable to the younger and trendy market. 

Determined to remain in the game and do its best to disrupt the compact hatchback segment, the Honda FIT offers South African customers – new and existing – a mix of frugality, practicality, and best of all, variety. 

The first important highlight about the Honda FIT is that models aimed for Mzansi are built in Japan and not in India.

– Vuyi Mpofu, MD, Driving in heels sa

Landing at Cape Town International airport on a cold, windy, and rainy day my enthusiasm for testing the little city runner faded a little. After all, who wants to drive in such weather?

I tried to remember the safety features in the Honda Jazz and trusted those and more would save the day.

The first important highlight about the Honda FIT is that models aimed for Mzansi are built in Japan and not in India.  If you’ve ever sat in a vehicle assembled in India, you’ll know why this is very, very good news and if you haven’t, let’s just say vehicles built in India give the term “new car smell’ an unpleasantly different and new meaning; to say nothing about question marks surrounding build quality.

CVT in itself works well, but, whenever you try to squeeze more power out of it, the system responds pretty much in the same way I imagine a cat would if you tried to bathe it.

– VUYI MPOFU, MD, DRIVING IN HEELS SA

Having driven the Honda FIT Hybrid on the morning of the launch, I climbed into the FIT Executive (range-topping petrol model) after a hearty lunch. The Hybrid model had set the bar rather high and I worried that the variant Executive might not live up to the task. 

The petrol derivatives employ continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and therein lies the reason for my sadness and deep concern.  CVT in itself works well, but, whenever you try to squeeze more power out of it, the system responds pretty much in the same way I imagine a cat would if you tried to bathe it – it emits a high-pitched scream and doesn’t let up until you ease up on the accelerator and allow the car to return to a pace which it is comfortable at.  

Needless to say, this is not ideal because when I want to go, I need a car that complies – not one that protests and ultimately screeches me into defeat.

That would probably be the ‘worst’ feature about the petrol-powered Honda Fit models and accepting this begrudgingly, I set about the task of the day – driving the Honda FIT Executive model.

My best feature is the front seat heaters (available in the Executive and Hybrid models only) which came in handy during the cold, wet drive.

– VUYI MPOFU, MD, DRIVING IN HEELS SA
What It Looks Like Inside and Out

The Honda Fit range has a futuristic and contemporary design.  Styling enhancements include a sleek front face, smooth contours, a short nose, and a refined rear roof spoiler.  Premium-look rear combination lamps and light cluster design, all of which blend to complement the FIT’s clean, minimalistic exterior aesthetics.  

Furthermore, the A-pillar thickness is now just 55mm and along with the hidden windscreen wipers, this provides the driver and front-seat passenger with an unobstructed, almost panoramic field of vision. 

The clean, uncluttered design of the Honda FIT continues on the inside and Honda has included enough technological elements to bring the little city runner on par with its competitors.

The user-focused dashboard incorporates a slim instrument panel that sweeps horizontally across the cabin, enhancing the sense of cabin spaciousness. The central HMI 9-inch touchscreen (standard on Elegance and Executive grades) and 7-inch full TFT instrument cluster which is standard across the range, are simple and easy to read.

My best feature is the front seat heaters (available in the Executive and Hybrid models only) which came in handy during the cold, wet drive.  A review-view camera is fitted to all the models except for the entry-level Comfort

My concerns about driving on wet roads were decapitated once I began driving the Executive model.

VUYI MPOFU, MD, DRIVING IN HEELS SA
What’s Under It’s Pretty Little Bonnet?

There are three petrol derivatives in the Honda FIT line-up as well as a Hybrid model.  These are the entry-level Comfort, mid-level Elegance, and range-topping Executive,  All are fitted with a 1.5L DOHC petrol engine, (the same unit found in the latest Honda Ballade) that churns 90kW of power and 146Nm of torque. 

Interestingly, a manual transmission is not on offer.

All The Safety You Need

My concerns about driving on wet roads were decapitated once I began driving the Executive model because the Honda FIT range comes standard with an impressive list of safety features which include (but are not limited to), Vehicle Stability Assist, Brake Assist System, Hill Start Assist and Automatic Brake Hold. 

Passive safety comes in the form of six airbags, comprising front, side, and curtain SRS airbags.

Model Specifications & Colour Line-Up

The colour line-up for the new FIT range includes a host of new colours including Opal White (Pearl), Crystal Red (Metallic), Meteoroid Grey (Metallic), Midnight Blue (Metallic), and Rose Gold (Metallic), in addition to existing line-up colours which include Platinum White (Pearl) and Lunar silver (Metallic).

I look forward to receiving the Honda FIT on a longer test period at which time my thoughts about the city car will be more detailed.  From the launch experience, however, I believe the Honda FIT offers the South African market a fresh design, good value for money, up-to-date technology, copious amounts of interior space and legroom, and fuel efficiency.  The Honda FIT seems to be a city car for everyday use, ready to meet the needs of modern consumers.

Warranty And Service Plan

For additional peace of mind, the Honda FIT range comes standard with Honda’s five-year/200 000 warranty, as well as a four-year/60 000km Service Plan with 15 000km service intervals. Customers also have the reassurance of three-year AA Roadside Assistance. The FIT Hybrid model comes standard with an extended eight-year/200 000km warranty specifically covering the battery and related components of the Hybrid system.

Pricing:

1.5 Comfort CVT: R319,900

1.5 Elegance CVT: R359,900

1.5 Executive CVT: R389,900

1.5 e-CVT Hybrid: R469,900 (only available from October 2021)

Pricing includes a five-year/200,000km warranty and a four-year/60,000km service plan.