Renault Clio Sport
R249 900
Compared to its predecessor, the new Renault Clio Sport is a huge improvement, not just hotter but also roomier and better equipped.
For a more powerful stance than its siblings it boasts extended fenders and wider front and rear tracks. Side air vents and gaping twin exhaust pipes further hint at its muscle.
Meanwhile the power steering has been tightened up and the suspension revised to give it better grip, handling and ride. Electronic stability control is standard, while high-performance Brembo brakes ensure quick, safe retardation.
Of course the engine and six-speed gearbox have been tweaked as well, improving the new Renault Sport’s power output, torque characteristics and acceleration.
All this goes with a sports-styled interior. The highlight of this is a bold yellow rev counter with a F1 type gearshift indicator that lights up as the revs approach maximum – and that means 7 500 rpm!
By the way, the price includes a high-performance driving course, which is perhaps just as well.
Renault Clio Sport
3-door fwd sports hatchback with 2-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine and 6-speed manual gearbox; 0–100km/h in 8 seconds; top speed 215km/h; consumption 10,7l/100km (9,3km/l); seats 5; luggage 248–920 litres; airbags 8
New Kia Cerato 1,6
R179 99 and 2,0 AT R209 995
Styled by former Audi designer Peter Schreyer, Kia’s new Ceratos – available with 1,6 and 2-litre petrol engines and either manual or automatic gearboxes – are now more attractive, sprightly and roomier than ever.
I drove a 1,6 manual (pictured) and a 2-litre automatic and found both comfortable with lively engines and good handling. However, the 1,6 was a little difficult on pull-off, requiring a fair amount of revs to get going and then rocketing away. By contrast the 2-litre automatic was an absolute pleasure.
All models come with antilock brakes, airconditioning and radio/CDs. Extra luxuries on the 2-litre models include leather seats, cruise control, rear park warning and auto aircon, lights and wipers. Best of all, though, the 2-litre consumes less petrol than the 1,6 – even when fitted with the automatic gearbox.
New Kia Cerato 1,6
4-door fwd saloon with 1,6 or 2-litre 4-cylinder petrol engines and 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic gearboxes; seats 5; luggage 415 litres extendable; airbags 6. 1,6 manual: 0–100km/h in 10,3 seconds; top speed 190km/h; consumption 8l/100km (12,5km/l). 2,0 auto: 0–100km/h in 10,5 seconds; top speed 190km/h; consumption 7,6l/100km (13,2km/l).
Isuzu KB 300 D-TEQ 4x4 LX DC
R389 287
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Recently given a facelift that makes it look more macho, the KB 300 probably appears intimidating to other drivers, especially when looming in their rearview mirrors. And loom in their rearview mirrors it will, for it gets a move on. But it’s big, torquey engine is so laid-back that you can’t drive it without feeling laid-back too, which is hardly a recipe for intimidation. In fact, I loved the way it made me relax.
Being a brawny 4x4 bakkie the KB 300 isn’t the most comfortable of vehicles. But this, plus the fact that it doesn’t have a lockable boot, are really its only drawbacks. The cabin is car-like with plush seats and panels and all the essential comfort and convenience features – making it a nice place to be. What’s more the driver’s seat and the steering wheel are fully adjustable, while selecting the various two and four-wheel-drive options is merely a matter of pushing a button.
Like one of those great big shire horses it’s all so undemanding, but really powerful at the same time.
Isuzu KB 300 D-TEQ 4x4 DC
4-door double cab 4x4 bakkie with 3-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine and 5-speed dual-range manual gearbox; 0–100km/h in 15 seconds; top speed 168km/h; consumption 11l/100km (9km/l); seats 5; payload 900kg; airbags 2.
BMW X3 30d Steptronic
R537 500
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Until recently the X3 was BMW’s ‘little’ SUV, but now it’s the mid-size model, falling between the all-new smaller X1 and the well-proven bigger X5. The amazing thing is that in reality it’s almost as big as the X5 – yet way cheaper. The range-topping X3 model reviewed here, for example, costs almost R80 000 less than the entry-level X5. Yet in spite of this, it boasts the same xDrive full-time 4x4 system and even the same engine as the X5 30d, though slightly detuned.
Other than that, the X3 looks daintier than the X5 but is still clearly an SUV, or, as BMW would have it, an SAV (for Sports Activity Vehicle). So buying an X3 over an X5 does not mean settling for much less.
Should you purchase the 30d Steptronic you’ll find it’s a lovely vehicle to drive – smooth, comfortable, luxurious, powerful, highly specced and impeccably behaved. I can’t recommend the optional running boards though, as they get rather grubby and it’s almost impossible not to brush your trouser leg against them.
BMW X3 30d Steptronic
4-door awd SUV with 3-litre 6-cylinder turbodiesel engine and 6-speed automatic gearbox; 0–100km/h in 8,3 seconds; top speed 220km/h; consumption 10,3l/100km (9,7km/l); seats 5; luggage 344–1232 litres; airbags 6.
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