GREEN (MEAN) EDITION Technically, the September 2010 issue of Cars in Action is our annual Green Edition that focuses on the economical side of motoring, but given the level of motoring enthusiasm inherent in ourselves and our readers, we’ve decided to focus more on the exciting side of ecological. To that end, a highlight feature is our first spin in the stylish and squeaky-clean Honda CR-Z, which is officially the first hybrid sports car to reach South African shores. We then delve into a glut of in-depth features, showing how carmakers like Porsche, BMW and many others are enhancing efficiency and performance at the same time. The green theme continues more intensively with a comparison test, with real-world fuel consumption figures, comparing a diesel, petrol and hybrid from Toyota’s stable, while our columns sum up our wishes for a greener future and uncover the foibles of the proposed emissions tax that will be slapping our wrists soon.
We’ve even taken a trip down memory lane in our classic section as we reveal that the electric car concept is certainly nothing new. Our road test agenda kicks off with a bang as we put the incredible Mercedes-Benz SLS through its paces, while our fast impressions put two frugal diesel cars, the BMW X1 23d and Merc C220 CDi to the test.
POWER EDITION 2010 Small engines making big power – that’s the way of the future and it’s something we celebrate with great vigour in the July issue of Cars in Action.
The three pocket rockets we’ve assembled for our lead shootout epitomise this. Can the new Alfa Romeo Mito with MultiAir technology beat the Citroën DS3 and Mini Cooper S? No easy feat.. If that trio is too miniscule for your requirements, we also visit the premium saloon segment, where the new BMW 535i, with its V8-like punch, takes on the Mercedes E350 and Audi A6 3.0T.
Also punching well above its cubic capacity is the Audi TT RS that we’ve subjected to the full road test treatment, along with the affordable new Kia Koup. Not exactly a small engine, but absolutely brutal in the power stakes, we take Lupini’s 400kW Chev SuperUte for a 2000km spin.
Each bakkie gets assessed on its own merit within its own niche and this year’s diverse field covers everything from the new Ford Ranger DC to the Nissan Navara King Cab and right down to Daihatsu’s new Gran Max workhorse and three half-tonne lightweights. The new Nissan NP200 diesel had an equally hard task this issue, being laden with a 500kg payload for our three-page road test further on. Other bakkie highlights include coverage of the new Volkswagen Amarok, due in SA late in 2010, and a road test of the Toyota Hilux 2.5 D-4D Raised Body. SUV fans also have a feast lined up, with a comparison test pitting the new Ford Everest against the trusty Toyota Fortuner and the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. Our road test line-up also puts the Mercedes-Benz GL and Nissan Murano under the spotlight. Then flip over to Truck Action and find all the latest trucking news and a virtual test of the Hino 300.