PULLING POWER
HI Morgan,
I have been looking through the price list of the upcoming BMW 3-series and the model I am most interested in is the new 320d that costs just over R400 000 with the Sport package and manual gearbox.
Having not driven the new model, I would like your opinion on whether it is a significant upgrade or not.
I have thought of buying something cheaper like the Golf 2.0TDI and putting the rest in savings. Jivesh Singh, Kwazulu-natal
Hi Jivesh, There is roughly R70 000 between the Golf TDI and the BMW 320d and that will leave a lot of room for optional features that would not be included normally features that not even
– the higher-priced 320d will offer.
The fuel consumption of both is very similar. If you are after performance, the 320d excels and its rear-wheel-drive chassis is unique to its class as is the optional 8-speed automatic.
The new 3-series is roomier than the outgoing models with increased rear leg- and headroom and a slightly larger boot.
Consider Audi s new A4
’ that is being launched at the end of the month, though the C-class is still the volume seller in the segment.
Also, look at the Jaguar XF 2.2 that is very competent, spacious and sporty.
Hi Morgan, I recently visited my sister in the UK who is driving the new Land Rover Evoque.
It’s a cool car with a great interior. It’s affordable too when converted it works out to cost the equivalent of R350 000.
When I returned to South Africa I enquired at Land Rover about the range.
The cheapest model we have here is R550 000 and I’m disappointed because I really want this car but it is too expensive here. Daniel Sandler, Pretoria
Hi Daniel, Part of the reason for the price jump could be the different model range available internationally.
In Europe the Evoque is available with a lower output diesel engine and a two-wheel drive chassis. I have spoken with Land Rover South Africa and there are no plans to introduce these cheaper models all local
– Evoque models will be 4WD. Locally there isn t much that
’ competes with the Evoque except for the quirky Citroën DS4, which sells for about R350 000 and Ford s new Kuga SUV which
’ I enjoyed despite its high price.
To Morgan, I’m looking for performance matched with decent fuel economy and a good sound system and I can’t decide between the VW Polo GTI, the Opel Corsa OPC or the Renault Clio RS.
I have a girlfriend and a son and live in Stellenbosch. I would prefer manual though I know that an automatic has its advantages. Hasheel Desai, Stellenbosch
Hi Hasheel, The Polo GTI is the most spacious of the three and the only one to offer five-door practicality. Its DSG gearbox is great for traffic and sporty at the same time.
The GTI is the quickest car on the list but its conservative looks might be a problem, while the Corsa OPC looks funky despite its age. The Clio RS is a real driver s car
’ with a race-tuned chassis but it s
’ uncomfortable on rough roads.
Recently Fiat introduced the 500 Abarth at a similar price that is available in either manual or automatic with paddles.
All these cars offer reasonable consumption figures.