Cars in Action September 2010


 

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.

A certain September highlight too, is the reintroduction of our comprehensive Demons & Angels buyer’s guide, complete with the full data on each model as some of our readers have missed lately.

Bakkie & Truck Action August 2010

BOLD & THE BRAWNY

Nissan has put in a strong bid to lead the double cab power struggle with its new 140kW turbodiesel Navara and, naturally, we pit it against two of its closest rivals in the form of Ford’s wildly-kitted Ranger WildTrak and Toyota’s Hilux Legend 40.

However, this revised Navara is just the beginning – with a 170kW V6 turbodiesel set to hit our shores later this year – and we’ve got all the low-down on this new engine in our in-depth preview.

Other bakkie highlights include a loaded road test of the new 132kW VW T5 double cab and a road test of the insane 400kW LupiniPower Chev SuperUte.

The August issue also marks the introduction of a new title integrated into the pages of Bakkie & Truck. Ute magazine is all about leisure vehicles and the first issue puts epitomises the modern SUV.

To this end, we compare the sophisticated new Hyundai iX35 against the Nissan Qashqai and Subaru Forester, and also bring you the latest SUV news and road tests.

August doesn’t compromise on your regular favourites though, including all the latest bakkie and truck news and a virtual truck test featuring the MAN TGA.