The A4 Avant wagon has an interesting mixture of looks, practicality, sportiness, utility and luxury.

It has the same drivetrain that places the differential in front of the clutch as the A4 sedan. The engine, being the heaviest component, is inside a box drawn around the wheels; this pushes the front axle 154mm further forward. This layout increases the handling of the car immensely.

Add to this the latest generation of Audi’s adaptive suspension and Bosch electronic stability system and you can just imagine how awesome its handling is. Much better that its predecessor.

At 4.7m the 2008 A4 Avant is 12cm longer that the previous model and 5cm wider at 1.83m.

The front styling is the same as the sedan – the single-frame grille and distinctive headlights. The difference is in the roof where the sedan’s roofline plunges abruptly into a short, understated rear deck the long, slow taper of the Avant roof merges almost imperceptibly into short D pillars to create a look of a stretched coupe.

A sill line sweeps up towards the rear and projects the outline of an airplane wing on to the side of the car.

The “tornado line” (as Audi calls it) is a continuous, slightly curved crease running each side from head to tail light creating a contrasts with the almost perfectly straight lower window line to add some tension to the Avant’s profile.

The tail door opens to 1.89m and is available with auto opening and closing. Inside there is a cargo bay of 1m wide by 1m long and it can hold 490 liters.
To make folding of the 66:33 split rear seat easy there is a clip on each side and the rear head restraints does not need to be retracted. When folded the back space increase to 1.77m long and can hold 1430 liters.

There are also four tie-down rings on the floor and a chromed hook high up on each D pillar to secure the shopping. A cargo net is standard, but the optional cargo securing system has two T-tracks in the floor with a telescopic bar on pillars to hold your parcels in place. There is also a lockable strap for awkward items.

A flat, carpeted floor can be lifted out and flipped to serve as a plastic tray, ideal for muddy hiking boots, wet beach towels or plants. You can easily lift out the tray and carry everything to where you want it.

The interior offers soft, comfortable leather seats that are deeply dished to provide spacious lateral support.

The instrument panel is superb and a huge plus point is that the rev-counter needle points straight up when you are in the middle of the power curve, half-way between peak torque and maximum power. This enables you to monitor the power delivery without taking your eyes of the road.

The only down side is that the centre stack and console are crowded with lots of small buttons that makes adjusting the air-conditioning or sound a bit tricky.

When choosing your A4 Avant you can pick form:

• Two engines – 1.8 turbo petrol or two-liter turbo diesel
• The 1.8 turbo displays little turbo lag at low revs but is more responsive when the air-pump has spooled up. The 1470kg Avant can go form 0-100 in 8.9sec.
• Two transmissions – six-speed manual or “seven-speed” multitronic belt-drive
• The multitronic is smooth and perfect for driving around town, but lacks in power for overtaking at highway speeds. When you push the lever to the left engaging the paddle shifters you can use it as a semi-auto.
• The six speed manual gearbox can go from 0-100 in 9.7sec.
• Two trim levels – mid level Ambition and upscale Ambiente

The variable-ratio electric power steering is very accurate. If you hit a bump in mid turn the yellow ESP icon flickers on your instrument panel and Bosch takes care of it while you and the Avant continuous in bliss.

The (optional) drive select allows you to move from Auto to Dynamic. The engine note becomes harder-edged, the throttle response and steering quicker and the suspension much firmer. This makes it a little bit harder to drive but a lot more rewarding.

The prices for the different types of the A4 Avant are:

• 1.8T FSI Ambition – R303 400
• 1.8T FSI Ambition a/t – R318 400
• 2.0 TDI Ambition – R327 900
• 2.0 TDI Ambition a/t – R342 900

The Toyota Hilux is due to be release the same time in the UK. These bakkies are put together at Toyota SA’s Prospect ion plant in Durban and hold a 22 percent share of the UK market in their division. Toyota UK estimates on retailing 8000 Hilux bakkies in 2009.

When viewed form the fort the 2009 Hilux appears to have a lower centre of gravity. This is created by adding a deeper bumper with a wider air intake and a new grille.

Defined crease lines spread across the bonnet to the bottom of each A-pillar and from there it runs into a straight waistline.

The wheels of most of the UK models will be fitted with 15” alloy rims, while the high end range twin cabs will be fitted with 17” alloy rims. The same is expected for the SA models.

A new five-speed auto transmission labeled “intelligent” complements the three-litre D-4D turbo diesel. This “intelligent” transmission observes factors such as the gradient of the road traveled and what the driver is doing, and according to this it adjusts its shift pattern accordingly. Other newly added features include the vehicle stability control and crash bags on the high-end models.
The power of the auto diesel has been increased to 360, and is now available form 1400-3400rpm.

The interior of the new Hilux is much more comfortable with finger controls on the four-spoke steering wheel that allows you to adjust the sound system and the information display. It also includes a new air conditioning system that shows the selected temperature, vent and air-inlet mode on a digital display and you can adjust the settings with push-button controls.

The instrument cluster, light switches and wiper controls are much more organized and the centre console on manual models has been amended.

The new Hyundai wagon is 4 475 mm long and 1 775 mm wide, ensuring sufficient interior space. The luggage capacity can be altered according to the number of passengers. With all the seats in place, the luggage capacity stands at 415 dm3. This can go up to 1 395 dm3 when the seats are not in place. 

A choice of two petrol and three diesel engines are available and can be mated with manual or automatic transmissions. The entry-level model is the all-aluminium Gamma 1.6-litre that has an output of 91 kW and 154 Nm of torque. The top-of-the-range 2.0-litre Beta II engine will power the flagship i30 CW model. It delivers 106 kW with 186 Nm. At the top of the diesel range is the 2.0-litre CRDi. It has an output of 104 kW, with a maximum torque of 304 Nm.

The MacPherson strut front suspensions and multi-link rear suspension are available on all five models and they also come with ventilated 15-inch front and solid 14-inch rear brake disc, and a range of 15-, 16-inch steel and 15-, 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels.

It is not certain whether or not this new wagon will be made available in South Africa, but we sure hope it does enter the showrooms next year.

Of the petrol units, the 1.4-litre produces 61 kW at 6 000 r/min and 125 Nm of torque at 4 000 r/min, while the 1.6 develops 74 kW and peak torque of 143 Nm at 6 500 and 4 000 r/min respectively. It is available in three derivatives with two trim levels – 1.4 Ambiente and 1.6 and 1.4 TDCi Trends.

The Duratorq unit is a new turbodiesel unit that produces 50 kW at 4 000 r/min and 160 Nm of torque at 2 000 r/min. While a five-speed manual gearbox is standard across the range, Ford claims the turbodiesel unit is one of the smoothest and quietest units, promising more responsive acceleration and reduced emissions.

All models come with airbags for the front occupants, ABS brakes and pretension safety belts. Air conditioning and power steering are also standard features. The Ambiente comes with power windows, a heated rear window and CD player. It is fitted with 14-inch steel wheels and comes with a full-sized spare wheel. The Trend models add front and rear reading lights, a front ashtray and lighter and a folding rear seat back. Fog lamps and body coloured bumpers and door mirrors set it apart from the Ambiente model.

The prices range from R125 990 for the 1.4 Ambiente to R144 990 for the 1.4 TDCi Trend and all models feature a three-year/100 000km warranty and a three-year roadside assistance plan. Service intervals are 15 000km.

BMW is applying an aggressive application of the four-door-coupe concept first seen on the Mercedes CLS, to the new SUV genre. What makes the X6 so unique is that the new look and style is directed towards the new generation – where looks are more important than practicality. Don’t get me wrong, the BMW’s X6 is pretty practical, it’s just a little more pretty than practical. The new X6 will only seat four as opposed to the previous model’s ability to seat at least five.

The second-row headroom and rear cargo volume are both severely compromised due to the fact that the roofline begins arching downward after the B-pillar and continues plunging right to the X6’s rising waistline. It is longer and lower than the X5, and yet it seats fewer people. According to BMW what the new X6 loses in seating, it gains in performance. I suppose they have a point…

It is not known exactly when the new X6 will arrive in South Africa, but it is believed that it will be some time next year.

Front and rear light clusters are of a new design and a rear number plate garnish is added to round off the exterior revisions to this package. The new grille design and revised front bumper treatment include a spoiler.

The Radio CD combination is now MP3 compatible and the cloth trim for the seats and door panels are revised. The 160 SX and 180 TX have separate temperature controls for the driver and front passenger and the 180 TX now comes with roof rails.

Optional extras include Turn-by-Turn satellite navigation and leather seat facings.

The 1.6 litre models produce a maximum power of 81 kW at 6000r/min with torque of 150 Nm at 3 800r/min. The 1.8 litre-engine produces 95 kW at 6 000r/min and peak torque is 170 Nm at 4 200r/min.

Prices:

• Base model Verso 160 - R188 500
• Verso 160 SX - R210 200
• Verso 180 TX – R229 200

Prices include a 5 year/90 000km service plan.

Not only can it go faster this time, but also it looks absolutely gorgeous. It looks spunky and sporty and alive and the chrome exhaust pipe finisher, lower suspension, colour-coded door handles and honeycomb grille add to the new look of the old Panda.

The sports seats with special trim are complemented by the leather steering wheel and gear knob and a full on-board computer, auto-locking door function, remote steering wheel controls and MP3 stereo system definitely makes you want to take a closer look. Safety features include ABS, EBD and front and side airbags.

The new 1.4-litre 16-valve power unit develops a power output of 74 kW at 6000 r/min and kicks out a maximum of 131 Nm of torque at 4 250r/min. The 6-speed gearbox has a “sport” button, which sharpens the throttle response and reduces assistance in the electric power steering.

The top speed is 185 km/h and Fiat claims that it will go from 0 – 100km/h in 9.5 seconds.

The new Panda colour range is made up of five colours, namely red, white, black, grey and blue.

Fiat has as also expanded the Panda range with a new entry-level model, the new Panda 1.1 Active. It comes with Fiat's 4-cylinder in-line unit from the Fire models. It develops a power output of 40 kW at 5000 r/min while the torque rises to a maximum of 88 Nm at 2750 r/min. It comes with a five-speed manual gearbox.

Standard features include:

• Dual-mode power steering with City function
• Dual front airbags
• Heated rear window with window wiper
• Height-adjustable steering column
• Front electric windows
• Key-operated central locking

Pricing

• Panda 1.1 Active: R89 900
• Panda 100hp: R124 900

The latest technology used in all of these models include Intelligent Light System, Agility Control package with situation-responsive shock absorber control; and the preventive occupant protection system. 

There is a choice of four and six-cylinder engines with up to 13% more output than the preceding model, and up to 6% lower fuel consumption. The body is 42mm wider than the previous model and the wheelbase width has increased by 45mm to 2 760mm. The front shoulder room has increased by 40mm, adding to the comfort and luxury one could expect from a Mercedes.

The Avantgarde model is distinguished by three extended, horizontal louvers and a big Mercedes-Benz star. This C-Class is categorised as a sporty model and looks young, vibrant and agile.

The Elegance model has a three-dimensional louvred radiator grille and high-gloss paint finish to add to the characteristics of comfortability and luxury.

The Classic model in the new C-Class is more traditional, and proudly so. It offers the same technical innovations as the other two model variants. Mercedes-Benz customers can now – more than ever – configure the C-Class to suit their personal style.

The Agility control improves both comfort and agility equally. It controls the shock absorber forces according to a driving situation. The Agility control steering has a ratio of 14.5 and thus 6% more direct than that of the preceding model. The Advanced Agility package with a sporty driving mode is another great feature of Mercedes, which will become optionally available later this year. This package offers the driver a choice of two gearshift programmes – Sport and Comfort.

In the petrol range, the output of the entry-level C180 Kompressor has increased from the previous 105 kW to 115 kW. The C 200 Kompressor develops 135 kW, compared to the previous 150 kW.

The interior of all models are somewhat related to what you’d find in a roadster or coupe. It has clearly laid-out dial instruments and silver-coloured bezels, black dial faces and glowing orange needles.

The cockpit is luxurious and elegant, which goes very well with the stunning looks of the body.

The safety of the Jeep Patriot is of high quality, with side-curtain air bags and Electronic Stability Program (ESP). It also has Brake Traction Control, driver-controlled three-mode ESP, Brake Assist, Electronic Roll Mitigation and anti-lock brakes with rough-road detection.

Some proudly Jeep exteriors include a seven-slot grille, huge bumper and round headlights. The 17-inch alloy wheels are fitted with all-season tyres and the rear bumper adds to its typical Jeep look.

The engine is a 2.4-litre “World Engine”, which produces 125 kW and 220 Nm of torque. This model is equipped with a 5-speed manual or CVT auto transmission. The Patriot is also available as a 2.0-litre common-rail diesel engine with a power output of 103 kW and 310 Nm of torque. The diesel engine comes with a 6-speed manual transmission.

Prices

• Jeep Patriot 2.4l Limited, 5-speed manual: R239 900
• Jeep Patriot 2.4l Limited, CVT: R249 900
• Jeep Patriot 2.0l CRD Limited, 6-speed manual: R274 900

Alterations in the exterior design include a new front grille, new taillights and redesigned bumpers. The interior has also been improved, but not to a great extent.

The inside improvements include improved functionality and practical storage compartments. The entire lower part of the front door inside panel was redesigned. The audio system speakers were reshaped to free up space for a new, larger storage compartment. The super-slim centre console is also now available in Nordic Light Oak real wood inlay.

Other changes to the interior include a more compact handbrake, better storage space between the seats and new leather trim.

New features include optional Active Bi-Xenon headlamps, new audio systems, EBL (Emergency Brake Lights) which causes them brake lights to flash when the driver hits the brake pedal hard. A very practical new feature is the BLISS system, which alerts drivers to objects in the car’s blind spot. Another safety feature added is the feature where the car’s hazard lights are automatically activated when the airbags are deployed.

New audio system features include a very advanced Premium Sound system, with a digital Alpine amplifier, Dolby Pro Logic II Surround and loudspeakers from Dynaudio. It has MP3 capability and all the audio systems come with and Auxiliary socket (AUX) for connection of other equipment such as a portable MP3 player. There are also USB and iPod connectors available as optional extras.

The engine has not seen any changes and its maximum torque stays at 320Nm, but it is now available between 1 500 and 5 000r/min, compared to the previous 1 500r/m to 4 800r/min. There are three petrol and two diesel versions.

Prices – S40

• S40 2.0 Manual: R227 000
• S40 2.0D Manual: R250 000
• S40 2.4i Manual: R245 000
• S40 2.4i Geartronic: R255 000
• S40 T5 Manual: R274 000
• S40 T5 Geartronic: R284 000
• S40 D5 Geartronic: R285 000

Prices – V50

• V50 2.0 Manual: R232 000
• V50 2.0D Manual: R255 000
• V50 2.4i Manual: R250 000
• V50 2.4i Geartronic: R260 000
• V50 T5 Manual: R279 000
• V50 T5 Geartronic: R289 000
• V50 D5 Geartronic: R290 000