The countdown of the 50 best cars coming to South Africa in 2014 continues. Today we dip into the 20s, where the kWs increase and things start to get serious…
20. Peugeot RCZ R: Second Quarter
The attractive coupe still makes do with a 1.6-litre THP engine, except now it’s been pumped up to 192 kW of surging turbo power. That makes the Peugeot RCZ R quite simply the most powerful road-going Peugeot ever. Quite astonishingly, that means the RCZ R has a specific engine output of over 118 kW per litre, a figure not far off that of the Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG’s 132 kW per litre.
19. Porsche 911 (991) Turbo / Turbo S: First Quarter
The twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre six-cylinder engine now produces 387 kW in the 911 Turbo and 412 kW in the Turbo S model. Thanks to the two turbochargers with variable turbine geometry, and a new thermal management system, fuel efficient technologies have reduced the fuel consumption by up to 16% to 9.7 L/100 km for both models. Supercar performance without the impracticality.
18. Jaguar XJ Facelift: First Quarter
In addition to the arrival of the murderously cool XJR, the regular XJ gets tweaked in 2014 with a stop/start engine system for more eco performance, and more luxury in the form of a new long-wheel base interior. The subtly altered exterior styling and new designs of 18-inch – 20-inch wheels keep the all-aluminium body looking as good as possible.
17. BMW X5: First Quarter
The X5 reinvention is definitely more evolutionary rather than revolutionary. In its third generation, over 14 years, the car will get a new, more economical rear-wheel drive base model. The X5 blends its SUV profile with detailing typical of the latest 3 Series and gains the connected headlamps with LED accented rings too. A wide array of 4-, 6- and 8-cylinder petrol and diesel engines will provide the propulsion.
16. Mini Cooper & Cooper S: Second Quarter
Debuting a new three-cylinder Mini TwinPower Turbo engine family that shares its roots with the BMW i-family, the range comprises two turbocharged 3-cylinder 1.5-litre engines: one with 100 kW and 220 Nm of torque and then a diesel derivative with 85 kW and 270 Nm of torque. A new 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine will presumably ply its trade in the Cooper S. It is an engine not far off those offered in the BMW 320i, 520i and the like, but in this state of tune it offers 141 kW and 280 Nm of torque with 300 Nm on overboost.
15. Audi S3 Sedan: Third Quarter
Of course the Audi S3 Sedan doesn’t have the premium compact sedan market all to itself after the arrival of the Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG which beat it to market by some considerable margin, but the 206kW TFSI engine transplant will make an admirable fist of sticking-it to the mad Mercedes, for cheaper no doubt.
14. Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion: Second Quarter
Life isn’t all about kWs. At the cutting edge of economy is Volkswagen with its BlueMotion technology. The showcase of all this is the Golf BlueMotion which features regenerative braking technology and auto stop/start system. The previous generation Golf 6 BlueMotion was lauded for its fuel economy, now the Golf 7 1.6-litre TDI is capable of, Volkswagen say, returning a fuel economy figure of 3.2 L/100 km (in ideal conditions of course) on the combined cycle, and a CO2 figure of 85 g/km. Impressive.
13. BMW 2 Series: First Quarter
The upcoming Coupe version of the 1 Series hatch, the BMW 2 Series, will be available in 220i, 220d and high-performance six-cylinder M235i guise; and you can expect its arrival by no later than March. The biggest news is the BMW M235i Coupe with 240 kW and 450 Nm of torque, 0 – 100km/h in just 4.8 seconds and a price tag around R500k. We can’t wait. Will the spirit of the 1M live on in this little car?
12. Renault Clio RS 200 EDC: First Quarter
The new Clio RS 200 EDC Turbo certainly marks a significant departure from the old Clio RS III model. Think: five doors instead of three; turbocharged instead of naturally aspirated and the gearbox is dual-clutch with paddle shifters behind the steering wheel versus the old fashioned manual. The new Clio will even come with launch control, but most importantly, its 1.6-litre turbocharged engine produces 149 kW and 240 Nm of torque.
11. Subaru WRX / WRX STi: Second Quarter
Despite small sales volumes and an unfavourable exchange rate, Subaru insists the WRX will be coming to South Africa in 2014. The WRX STI Concept was unveiled at the New York International Motor Show, and while the iconic AWD model has been toned down in final production guise, a turbocharged 2.0-litre flat four engine suggests anything but in the performance stakes. Wait till the STI version arrives.
Playing catch-up on our 50 Best Cars in 2014 list? Be sure to check out Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 here…
