Getting topless with Lexus

It takes just 15 seconds to get topless in the new Lexus LC Convertible that joins the brand as a luxury lifestyle model. 

The Lexus design team was briefed the new model had to preserve the essential styling motifs of the LC 500 coupé so the roof was key to their goal, as chief designer Tadao Mori explains: “Few convertibles are stylish and elegant when the roof is open and when it is closed. We put maximum effort into realising the same beautiful roof line for the LC Convertible as for the coupe.”

 

The cover is set as low as possible, avoiding the familiar flat, platform look typical of many convertibles. The beltline kicks up behind the doors, creating an overall tight and clean profile. The folding roof boasts an extra fold in the soft top to fit in the space between the rear suspension towers, creating a character line running from the front to the back. 

Only one model grade is available and it’s priced at R2 345 500.

 

The LC 500 Convertible combines highly rigid yet lightweight front, centre and rear bracing supports, a rear suspension tower brace and shear panel to ensure tight handling. 

The Convertible builds on the engineering evolution of the recently-updated LC Coupé – including lighter forged-aluminium suspension components, a hollow rear stabiliser bar, rear performance damper, optimised Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) and new Active Cornering Assist (ACA). 

The 5,0-litre normally aspirated V8 petrol engine with direct injection which sees duty in both variants, makes 351 kW of power at 7 100 r/min and 540 Nm of torque at 4 800 r/min in the LC 500 Convertible. 

A recently-retuned 10-speed automatic transmission combines with the revised chassis to leverage the best from the highly rigid GA-L rear-wheel drive platform, and enable smooth ride comfort to coexist with excellent dynamics. 

The LC 500 Convertible can accelerate from 0-100 in just 4,7 seconds and it has a claimed fuel consumption of 12,7 l/100 km and a C02 emissions figure of 290 g/km.

 

Full specification includes 21-inch forged-alloy two-tone wheels, pre-crash safety system (PCS), lane keep assist (LKA) with steering assist, blind spot monitor (BSM) with rear cross traffic alert (RCTA), Cruise Control, six SRS crash bags (Side, Knee, Driver and Passenger), vehicle stability control (VSC), LED headlights with cornering lights and washers and automatic high-beam (AHB), LFA-style 8,0-inch digital instrumentation with slide-out meter ring, 10,3-inch multimedia screen with Lexus Remote Touch-pad (LRT) controller, dual-zone climate control air conditioning with Lexus Climate Concierge, 10-way power-operated front seats with driver memory settings and heated and ventilated front seats as some of the items on a very long list. 

Even though the LC Convertible has a soft top, Lexus wanted to secure the same kind of cabin quietness as in the LC Coupe. Acoustic simulations were created to find out where dominant noises were entering the space, so the amount and location of soundproofing and sound-absorbing material could be calculated. 

The storage area behind the rear seats for the folding roof presented a particular challenge, as it was a route for tyre and exhaust noise to enter the cabin. There was not enough room for sound-proofing material to be added, so the team looked instead at adapting the trim material itself. By allowing air to pass through the structure and using sound-absorbing material on the reverse, the entire surface of the storage space soaks up noise. 

The 2021 LC Convertible comes standard with a 7-year/105 000 km Warranty and Full Maintenance Plan.

 

2021 LEXUS LS GETS MINOR CHANGE

 

The 310 kW 3,5-litre twin turbo-charged V6 engine in the LS 500 benefits from enhancements that deliver greater responsiveness and reduce noise. In the LS 500, the earlier production of engine torque leads to greater acceleration response from lower speeds in particular. 

Improved shift timing for the 10-speed automatic transmission, and a wider acceleration range for each gear, results in less-frequent downshifts and improved refinement. Quietness has also been improved by lowering the maximum available engine speed during the take-off phase of acceleration. 

The new LS also adopts Active Noise Control and Engine Sound Enhancement tuning, while a revised engine-mount interior, alters damping characteristics to further reduce powertrain noise and vibration.

 

The LS output figures are 310 kW and 600 Nm of torque at 6 000 rpm. The engine’s long stroke and optimised stroke-to-bore ratio contribute to high-speed combustion and the efficiency of the twin turbos, helping the LS post a projected 0-to-100 km/h acceleration time of 5 seconds. 

For both the F Sport and Luxury variant, the driver is able to tailor powertrain response and feel by selecting Normal, Eco, Sport and Sport S+ drive modes, with just enough of the exhaust note being audible to enhance the sporty feel. 

Lexus has also enhanced the seating of the LS to support the under-skin improvements. The seats in the LS now feature deeper stitch points and low-resilience urethane for the padding, with vibration absorption measures and softer positioning contributing to even greater comfort. 

The headlights adopt a BladeScan adaptive high-beam system (first seen on RX). This technology delivers more precise illumination to avoid blinding other drivers while providing a broader distribution of light to illuminate areas that would not normally be visible with a conventional high-beam system. 

The F Sport's more dynamic image is distinguished by the garnish for the sub-radiator grilles wrapping around to the sides and the adoption of a dedicated colour for the spindle grille and 20-inch wheels. 

The Lexus LS 500 Luxury retails for R2 204 200, while the LS 500 F Sport has a price tag of R2 397 900. The LS has a 7-year/105 000 km Warranty and Full Maintenance Plan. The vehicle’s service intervals are at every 15 000 km, alternatively once a year.

 Audi tweaks Q5 range

Audi has given the Q5 a refresh and the sharpened exterior design now emphasises the Audi Q SUV identity and boasts a rear light cluster featuring digital OLED technology, for the first time. 

Up front, the octagonal Singleframe is now shallower and appears wider than before, while the side air intakes have grown in height and are now structured by trapezoidal insets and the upper section of the LED headlamps features a new signature for the daytime running lights. 

The Advanced model comes with chromed vertical ribs in the Singleframe, along with under-ride guards beneath the front and rear bumpers in silver finish instead of black. The S line model comprises a sportier honeycomb structure in the Singleframe and a chrome strip framing the rear diffusor. Both Advanced and S line models also include the high gloss styling package as standard which adds more distinctive design elements to the exterior look of the cars with the roof frame and window slot strips in anodized aluminium.

 

At 4,68 metres, the redesigned Audi Q5 is now 19 millimetres longer – due primarily to its larger bumpers. Its width (excluding mirrors) of 1,89 metres and height of 1,66 metres remain unchanged. 

Audi’s sliding rear bench plus with adjustable backrests is available as an option and enables a luggage space of 580-litres to 1 580-litres. With the normal rear bench, the luggage space measures 520-litres to 1 520-litres. 

Behind the new control setup in the updated Audi Q5 is a new main unit – the third-generation Modular Infotainment Platform (MIB 3), which offers 10 times the computing power of its predecessor, the MIB 2. 

Its basis is a conventional dashboard with a centrally positioned driver information system. The top of the range is the Audi virtual cockpit plus – a high-resolution 12,3-inch digital display with three different graphic layouts – is optionally available with the Technology package. The driver controls the displays via the multifunction steering wheel. Audi smartphone interface is now standard throughout the range. A head-up display is also available as an option.

 

The central 10,1-inch MMI touch display is standard equipment in the Q5. Its menu structure with flat hierarchies makes it extremely easy to use, and is searchable using free text. The driver has the choice of entering characters and letters manually or via voice control, which understands a vast array of everyday terms. 

The upgraded premium SUV comes to market in South Africa in two engine offerings. The Audi Q5 40 TDIhas a 2,0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine that generates 140 kW and 400 Nm of torque. The Audi Q5 40 TDI accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 7,9 seconds. 

The second engine in the range is the Audi Q5 45 TFSI. Its 2,0-litre four-cylinder TFSI engine generates 183 kW and 370 Nm of torque. The Audi Q5 45 TFSI accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 6,3 seconds. 

The mild hybrid system (MHEV) available on this model contributes to the low fuel consumption. A belt-driven starter/generator (BSG) supplies the 12-volt vehicle electrical system, which incorporates a compact lithium-ion battery. The BSG recuperates braking energy and stores it in the battery. The MHEV system enables the Audi Q5 45 TFSI to coast with the engine off, and allows for start-stop mode at speeds below 22 km/h. Overall, this results in a fuel-efficiency improvement of approx. 0,3 l/100 km. 

Both models have a seven-speed S tronic that sends the engine power to the quattro all-wheel drive with ultra-technology, which also contributes to efficiency. In normal operation, it sends all the power to the front wheels. If all-wheel drive becomes necessary, two clutches connect the rear wheels to the driveline in fractions of a second.

 

The optimized Audi SQ5 TFSI sports a V6 3,0-litre petrol engine with an output of 260 kW and 500 Nm of torque that accelerates the top model of the Q5 product line from 0 to 100 km/h in 5,4 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. 

Key standard equipment on the Audi SQ5 includes quattro with self-locking centre differential, red brake calipers with ‘S’ lettering, sports suspension system with damper control,  Audi connect navigation and infotainment, Audi virtual cockpit Plus, Audi smartphone interface, MMI Navigation plus with MMI touch, rear view camera system,  interior accent surfaces painted in glossy black, decorative inserts in matte brushed aluminium, fine Nappa leather with embossed ‘S’, sports seats in front, rear bench seat plus and sports contour leather-wrapped steering wheel with multi-function Plus in a 3-spoke flat-bottom design. 

Pricing 

Audi Q5 40 TDI quattro                         R852,000

Audi Q5 40 TDI quattro Advanced        R871,000

Audi Q5 40 TDI quattro S line               R897,000

Audi Q5 45 TFSI quattro S line             R947,000

Audi SQ5 TFSI quattro                          R1,208,000

 Hot racing action for East London's historic circuit

The lockdown blues are coming to an end in East London with the resumption of the ultra-competitive Polo Cup and SupaCup at the historic Grand Prix circuit in the city of East London? In the form of Potter’s Pass and Rifle bend, the circuit boasts with two of the fastest corners in South African motor sport that are renowned for sorting the men from the boys. 

“We are very excited to finally resume the 2021 racing season, and we can’t think of a better backdrop than the famed circuit in East London,” commented Mike Rowe, head of Volkswagen Motorsport. “It’s been nearly three months since we last saw racing, so I’m sure that all the competitors in both the highly competitive Polo Cup as well as the very popular SupaCup series can’t wait to resume their respective championship battles.”

 

The battle at the top of the Polo Cup championship points table has been the one to watch, and is set to continue this coming weekend. The three previous rounds were earmarked by exceptionally good and clean racing between youngster Leyton Fourie and Arnold Neveling with Fourie currently topping the points ladder with a tally of 123 points, courtesy of two race wins and a few bonus points for setting the fastest lap on three occasions.

Neveling, who also tasted victory twice has amassed 120 points so far and with 20 points available for each win, one can be assured that these two will throw all caution to the wind this coming Saturday. And they won’t be the only ones gunning for glory. Capetonian Jurie Swart, currently on 110 points is well within striking distance, and so is Clynton Bezuidenhout, just a further 5 points adrift. 

“There is no doubt that this weekend’s racing will play a massive role in the final outcome of the championship,” added Rowe. “These drivers have all to play for and the format on Saturday will see three races instead of the usual two. With that many points on offer, Saturday’s winner will take a big step towards earning one of the most coveted titles in motorsport.”

 

The standings in the very competitive SupaCup category of the Global Touring Cars series (GTC) are even closer, as there are no points separating defending champion Bradley Liebenberg and Volkswagen Motorsport’s Jonathan Mogotsi at the top of the points table. Liebenberg has stood on the top step of the podium on three occasions so far in 2021, but a non-finish three months ago at the Aldo Scribante circuit in Gqeberha saw him lose valuable points. 

Mogotsi on the other hand claimed his maiden victory in the same race, meaning that the duo are now tied on 95 points apiece. And they won’t have it their own way either as Jeffrey Kruger and youngster Saood Variawa will have every intention to join the battle. These two are currently sitting on 79 and 76 points respectively with Jason Campos also still within striking distance. 

“To see a full field of SupaCup Polos going flat out through Potter’s Pass and Rifle will be quite a sight. It’s a pity that there won’t be any official spectators due to the pandemic, but fans across the country can follow all of the action on our various social media platforms,” concluded Rowe.

 Supporting leopard and toad conservation

The most graceful of all the wild cat family, the leopard, is being helped by the Ford Wildlife Foundation (FWF) that is lending a supportive hand to the Cape Leopard Trust (CLT) and the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT). 

The two Ford Rangers, which are provided to the Trusts for two years, enable the conservation teams to confidently complete their work which often involves travelling long distances and accessing remote areas.  

 

The CLT and EWT teams consist of passionate and enthusiastic members that have dedicated themselves to protecting threatened and endangered animal species. They have joined forces in a unique project that sees them working together to ensure the continued survival of the cape leopards and western leopard toads. By working together, the two organisations hope to improve awareness of two species that are important indicators of ecosystem health. 

“We really appreciate the support from the Ford Wildlife Foundation,” says Dr Kathryn Williams, Research and Conservation Director, Cape Leopard Trust. “The Ford Ranger allows us to improve our knowledge on the ecology, presence, and threats to both species in the Cape’s Overberg region.”

 

The project, affectionately named a Tale of Two Leopards, aims to investigate the presence of both the leopard and the leopard toad - an endangered amphibian named for its striking resemblance to a leopard - in order to ensure their survival, secure their habitat and prey base, and promote their coexistence with people. 

In addition to the Tale of Two Leopards projects, the Cape Leopard Trust is currently undertaking its largest ever camera survey, the first comprehensive such study of the Overberg. The camera survey seeks to improve knowledge of leopards in the Western Cape through a dedicated online app or data portal, which allows landowners, conservation NGO’s and local communities to become citizen scientists by reporting leopard sightings. 

Local community members can submit verifiable records of data, such as camera-trap photos, digital images of leopard signs such as droppings, scratch marks on trees or feeding sites and direct leopard observations to app.capeleopard.org.za. All submissions are kept anonymous.

 

“Broad-scale research is essential to conserve species that occupy large home ranges such as the leopard. It is extremely challenging for scientists to collect large quantities of data at this scale, but conservation stewards can help. Keep your eyes peeled for signs of this elusive cat and contribute your data to help us conserve leopards in the Western Cape,” says Dr Williams. 

For more than 30 years, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) has actively been involved in the conservation of wildlife and ecosystems in South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. The Ford Wildlife Foundation (FWF), which was established in 2014, continues FMCSA’s long-standing support of conservation projects in Southern Africa through the provision of  4x4 Ranger Double Cabs to partner organisations. During the two-year loan period, the vehicles are monitored and serviced by Ford's extensive dealer network to ensure optimum performance and efficiency. 

For more information on the Ford Wildlife Foundation, visit the website: https://www.ford.co.za/about-ford/wildlife-foundation/

 Road Review - Hyundai Kona 2.0 Nu Executive

As the flames on the fire settle into a hypnotic rhythm on their way to being ready to accept the over-catered platters of raw meat, the conversation around the fire ranges from rugby through soccer to cars. 

In the sleepy seaside village where I live, this chatter is less about petrolhead favorites such as top speed, acceleration, power and torque and more about the practical aspects of motoring that suit the coastal lifestyle. 

Invariably I am asked for input on what a friend should buy for the next car and this usually comes with an options comparison of two or three possibilities. My standard response is always to say the car you buy is the one you feel most comfortable in, and not to worry about fuel consumption, resale value and those sort of things. 

It is a practical response because there is nothing worse than spending a lot of money only to find you hate the car because you just are not absolutely comfortable in the driver's seat.

 

On this occasion I put it to the test and got my mates to sit in the driver's seat of the  Hyundai Kona I had on test.  The lands are all different sizes yet all of them expressed surprise at being comfortable behind the wheel. 

The Kona in this case was the 2,0-litre DCT that ticked a large number of boxes in terms of practicality, being neither too large or too small for most business or social lifestyles and offering more than enough in terms of luxury and connectivity. 

The Kona has been a success story for Hyundai since its global introduction in 2017 and, in South Africa close to 1 700 units of this crossover SUV model have been sold since its local introduction in 2018. 

Design updates on the front and rear give the new Kona an even more sleek, sophisticated look and the handsome new front end design stands out giving the Kona a powerful look – supported by enhanced LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs). 

On the lower bumper, the skid plate embraces the lower air intake, and visually complements the surfaces surrounding the main grille. Integrated into the bumper corners are vertically oriented aerodynamic inlets that improve air flow.

 

At the rear, the new tail lights feature horizontally stretched graphics and the rear bumper, which also follows the protective armour concept of the front and sides, is also built with a contrasting material. 

In addition, the latest model comes with an updated 17-inch wheel design for the Kona 2.0 Executive, which is now 40 mm longer than the previous version. 

A new console is disconnected from the instrument panel to emphasise the horizontal layout and the rear cargo area has been increased as has second row legroom, along with USB-port access for second-row passengers. 

As standard, the Kona has also been upgraded with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, meaning customers do not have to use a cable to connect their phones to the 8-inch display infotainment system. A wireless cell phone charging pad in the centre console is also standard across the range.

 

Rear passengers can charge their cell phones from a USB cable port in a centre console, with a place to store the phone. 

All Kona derivatives are equipped with an Electronic Stability Program and Vehicle Stability Management, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Downhill Brake Control and Hill start Assist Control. 

Static safety features in all derivatives include crash bags for the driver and front passenger, along with side and curtain bags. 

A Smartstream 2,0-litr Nu Atkinson naturally aspirated petrol engine, delivering 110 kW maximum power and 179 Nm peak torque, is used in the Kona 2.0 Executive, where it is linked with an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT).

 

Hyundai’s Smartstream refers to the ‘Smart’ technological objectives of saving fuel, improving performance, and reducing gas emissions, which are then applied to every step of the ‘Stream’ – the stream of air and fuel injected in the engine and its explosive power delivered to the wheels via the transmission. 

The Continuously Variable Valve Duration (CVVD) engine technology, a mechanical system which took Hyundai 9 years to develop and made its debut in 2019, is used in the Kona’s engines. It alters the way the valves operate to boost both engine power and efficiency, and to allow flexibility based on the driver's driving style. 

Typical variable valve control technologies manage the timing of the valve’s opening and closing (as in Continuously Variable Valve Timing – CVVT) or control the volume of air admitted by adjusting the depth of the opening (Continuously Variable Valve Lift – CVVL). Previous variable valve control technologies could not regulate valve duration, as the valve’s closing timing was subordinate to opening timing and could not respond to diverse driving situations. CVVD takes the technology in a new direction by adjusting how long a valve is open. 

When the vehicle is maintaining a constant speed and requires low engine output, CVVD leaves intake valve open until the middle and closes the valve near the end of the compression stroke. This helps to improve fuel efficiency by reducing the resistance caused by compression. On the other hand, when engine output is high, such as when the car is driving at a high speed, the intake valve is closed at the beginning of the compression stroke to maximize the amount of air used for the explosion, enhancing torque to improve acceleration. 

Optimised valve overlap duration for high-acceleration and high-economy driving needs also boosts performance and economy up to 4% and 5% respectively. Combustion efficiency is also improved, decreasing gas emissions by up to 12%.

 

The suspension has been re-tuned to improve driving comfort and the stabiliser bars were modified for better ride comfort and isolation. The rear bump stop was also modified, bringing benefits for primary ride and lateral body control. 

A McPherson strut type suspension is used at the front of the Kona, while a coupled torsion beam action type multilink is employed for the rear wheels’ suspension. 

All of this combines to provide a comfortable ride, even on rutted or potholed road surfaces and, while the Kona is not designed for performance motoring, it acquits itself more than admirably against its peers in terms of get-up-and-go and handling. 

The Kona is nimble enough for shopping mall parking and responds eagerly to more brisk action far from the madding crowd on the long swooping curves that characterise my test arena – making it very much a car for most occasions and one that is easy to live with (as witnessed by the bums on seats test alluded to earlier).

 

Included in the price are a 7-year / 200 000 km manufacturer’s warranty, a 5-year / 75 000 km service plan and roadside assistance for 7 years or 150 000 km.

 Epic battle for honours at Simola (Part 2)

The Modified Saloon Car category of this year’s Simola Hillclimb features some exceptional high-performance and race-bred machines across its various classes – and for B7, which caters for naturally aspirated cars with eight cylinders or more, it’s pure supercar territory. 

The line-up comprises several top contenders from Extreme Supercar and endurance racing, including the Lamborghinis of Ricky Giannoccaro (2014 Gallardo Super Trofeo) and the 2019 Huracan GT3 Evos of Charl Arangies and Silvio Scribante. Mixing it up in the class will be Franco di Matteo in his thundering 6,0-litre V8-powered Jaguar from the V8 Supercars championship, and Stiaan Kriel in a Lexus V8-powered Backdraft Cobra raced in the SA Endurance Series.

In class B3 for four-cylinder four-wheel drive cars, Simola Hillclimb regular Anton Cronje is sure to be a Top 10 Shootout contender once again in his powerful 2013 Subaru Impreza WRX STi. He will be competing for class honours against Pierre Bester (2014 Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG), Juan van Rensburg (2001 Audi TT) and Robby Ferroli in a turbo-charged 1980 VW Golf. 

There is also the pair of 2007 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9s of Capetonians Nic Schwerdtfeger and Shane Naidu. Having competed in every Simola event to date, Naidu is a regular hillclimb campaigner in his quick Evo 9 FQ360.

 “The Simola Hillclimb has become part of our family lives as we have been attending the event since it started in 2009,” Naidu says. 

“The organisers are passionate about the event and inviting not only  the professional  drivers but gentlemen drivers like myself who can come along in their road cars and sports cars and race at South Africa's premier event. The camaraderie amongst competitors is incredible, and the welcome we get from all the other drivers and the teams is rarely found in motorsport these days. It’s like meeting old family once a year.”

Simola regular Clare Vale will be back in action in class B2 for four-cylinder two-wheel drive cars, leading the charge in her distinctive 2013 Subaru BR-Z, along with Owen Bridger (2007 Honda Civic Type R), circuit racing ace Lee Thompson in a 2016 VW Golf GTI GTC2-category race car, and Bob Neill in a 2017 Ford Focus ST.

And now, for something completely different …

Pickups, or bakkies as they are known in South Africa, aren’t typically something you would associate with a motorsport event on a road course, however, they are ingrained in South African culture so it’s no surprise that they will feature at the Simola Hillclimb. 

The Lindenberg family’s brawny Road to Race (RTR) supercharged V8 Savage 660 Ford Ranger will be lighting up its tyres on the Simola Hill once again – but this time Peter Lindenberg and daughter Paige are trading seats, with dad competing in the ultra-rare Shelby Mustang in the Road Car and Supercar category, and Paige aiming to tame the Savage. 

“King of the Hill is the greatest event of the year for me,” she says. “For the past few years I have had the pleasure of racing a Shelby Mustang up the hill, but this year we decided to put a twist in the plans and my dad will be showing us what a Shelby Terlingua can do, whilst I pilot the V8 Savage 660 RTR Ranger up the hill. It will be a huge change and challenge, but one I am looking forward to.”

They won’t have the only bakkie in the line-up, as Francois Fritz will be fulfilling his long-time ambition of competing at the Simola Hillclimb. His weapon is in the form of a 2011 Toyota Hilux that had its normal 3.0-litre diesel engine replaced with Toyota’s Japanese-market 5,0-litre V12 engine, with twin turbos bolted on for good measure. 

At the opposite end of the spectrum, Ryno Scheepers will be back in his vintage 1976 Mazda F1000 – but this won’t be a shrinking violet as the tiny vehicle is powered by a high-revving turbocharged 13B rotary engine with an impressive power-to-weight ratio. Also expect Udo de Beurges to be in contention for class honours with his 2019 Audi RSQ3 performance SUV. 

The 2021 Simola Hillclimb takes place from 3 to 5 September 2021, starting with Classic Car Friday, followed by King of the Hill on the Saturday and Sunday. Due to COVID-19 regulations, no spectators are allowed, but the entire event will be livestreamed.

 Fiat 500 gets Cult status

Some 64 years after its birth in Turin, Italy the iconic Fiat 500 is only in its third generation and the new one looks set to continue the tradition established with the original version. 

The original version, beloved of the love generation of the ‘60s, is now transformed into a Fiat 500 Cult that rather aptly describes the emotions that surround the little car, owners and its global fan base. 

Running on 14-inch steel wheels with hubcaps and black exterior mirrors, Cult models feature LED day-time running lamps as standard, with halogen headlights.

 

The interior is highlighted by blue fabric seats with Fiat Monogram and body colour dashboard. A new option for Cult is a Techno Blue Matt dashboard and the standard list of comfort features remains high. UconnectTM five-inch radio with DAB, USB ports and manual air-conditioning are all standard, as is a speed limiter.

 

Adding onto the Cult standard specification, Connect models are identified by 15-inch alloy wheels and specific side skirts, rear spoiler and bumpers, including fog lights. 

New seats, which are height adjustable, enhance the interior along with a multi-function steering wheel with eight buttons. The dashboard can be ordered in Matt Silver. Cooler than ever, other interior upgrades include cruise control, Uconnect seven-inch infotainment with CarPlay and Android Auto, and two additional rear speakers. 

For the more avant-garde, Dolcevita models epitomise Italian style and flair with bespoke badging and chrome accents on the two-tone paintwork. With 16-inch alloy wheels, the Dolcevita also gets the Techno-leather multi-function steering wheel, glass roof, Matelassé fabric seats with techno leather details, and a 50/50 split rear seat. 

More sporty-minded customers will be attracted to the Sport upgrades that include 16-inch alloy wheels, Sport badging, and specific side skirts, bumpers and rear spoiler. The new Cloud Grey colour looks particularly good against the new ‘arrow electro’ seats and Titanium dashboard with red 500 logo. The TFT seven-inch digital cluster accompanies automatic air conditioning.

 

Fiat 500 is powered by Fiat’s TwinAir two-cylinder turbo-charged petrol engine. While this engine incorporates state-of-the-art technology and efficiency, it also pays homage to the original two-cylinder engine from the 1960s concept. 

The advanced 875 cc engine is a high-performance unit designed with major innovations developed by Fiat for petrol engines. The ‘downsizing’ technology reduces the engine power, the number of cylinder and the size of the engine, resulting in a drastic reduction in fuel consumption and emissions levels (up to 30%) but, as it is matched with the turbo-charger, its power and performance remain the same. 

It delivers 62,5 kW at 5 500 r/min and 145 Nm of torque at 1 900 r/min, offering combined cycle fuel consumption of 4,0 l/100 km while still accelerating around town in very respectable times (0-100 km/h in 11 seconds). 

Particularly useful in the A-segment is the fact that Fiat 500 is available in manual and automatic. The five-speed manual MTA transmission allows the convenience and comfort of two-pedal motoring while remaining affordable and reliable when it comes to maintenance and running costs.

 

All four trim levels of the Fiat 500 are available in hatchback guise, while the cabriolet 500C is reserved for Dolcevita and Sport derivatives. Manual transmission is available in Cult, Connect, and Sport hatchbacks, as well as the 500C Sport, while MTA is reserved for 500 and 500C Dolcevita models. 

With seven crash bags as standard, the Fiat 500 set the benchmark for safety in the segment. Anti-lock braking is standard across the range, as is Electronic Stability Control, hill holder and speed limiter. 

Onboard infotainment systems include the Uconnect seven-inch HD touchscreen with ‘tablet effect’ and HD display that includes a range of function, including a hands-free system, Bluetooth technology, and voice recognition. Available with Apple CarPlay and Android AutoTM compatibility, the system has a user-friendly interface that will allow you to easily manage maps, music, contacts, and more. 

MODEL	TRANSMISSION	RETAIL PRICE
Cult 0.9L	FWD 5MT	R 219 900
Connect 0.9L	FWD 5MT	R 260 900
Sport - 0.9L	FWD 5MT	R 269 900
Dolcevita 0.9L	FWD 5AT	R 274 900
Sport Cabriolet 0.9L	FWD 5MT	R 319 900
Dolcevita Cabriolet 0.9L	FWD 5AT	R 324 900

Entry-level variants for Sonet range 

Kia South Africa has expanded the Sonet range with two entry-level LX derivatives that lack nothing in terms of safety and luxury specification. 

Lke its EX sibling, it comes with a 1,5-litre MPI naturally aspirated petrol engine delivering 85 kW at 6 300 r/min and 144 Nm of torque at 4 500 r/min. Customers have a choice between a 6-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

 

Feature highlights include an 8,0-inch HD touchscreen infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, remote central locking, air-conditioning, Bluetooth, front and rear power windows, Electrically operated mirrors, 6 speakers, 15-inch steel wheels, height-adjustable driver’s seat, automatic headlamp activation, rear-view camera and combination artificial leather and cloth seat trim.

 

Key safety features include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), anti-lock brakes with EBD, Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), dual front crash bags and ISOFIX child-seat anchoring points. 

“The popularity of the Kia Sonet has been overwhelming, and we’re delighted that so many customers are choosing Kia’s newest model to begin their SUV life,” comments Stephen Crosse, Sales and Marketing Director of Kia South Africa. “There is nothing ‘entry-level’ about the Sonet LX derivatives when it comes to comfort, convenience and features, and we’re confident that the LX’s value proposition will further bolster the Sonet’s popularity.” 

Pricing

Sonet 1.5 LX Manual                               R269,995

Sonet 1.5 LX CVT                                   R290,995

Sonet 1.5 EX Manual                               R289,995

Sonet 1.5 EX CVT                                   R310,995 

All Sonet models ship as standard with Kia’s Unlimited Kilometre, 5-year warranty (inclusive of Roadside Assistance), as well as a prepaid 4-year / 60 000 km service plan.