Share

CAR DOCTOR Is the Cayenne just a Volkswagen that went to private school?

accreditation
Justus Visagie.
Justus Visagie.

This week #Trending motoring columnist Justus Visagie answers questions about an Opel for families, the Datsun Go, two Fords and a Porsche.

Laura: Our first child is on his way and we want to trade in my small Suzuki Swift for the larger Opel Crossland X. What do you think of this choice?

The Crossland X will serve you well as a family car, particularly because it has a large boot and a spacious cabin. It has a supple and comfy ride and has good fuel consumption. The cabin is well insulated against noise and fitted with six airbags. The engine in the entry-level Crossland X is not turbo-charged, but all the others in the range are. If you live at high altitude, it’s worth the extra cash to get the turbo. Also consider the Peugeot 2008 (on which the Crossland X is based), as well as the Suzuki Vitara and Renault Duster.

Mike: I own a Ford Ranger Wildtrack 3.2-litre automatic. It has given me four years of excellent service, often towing heavy trailers, but is now due for replacement. The new Wildtrack (when it arrives) will have a 2-litre engine – much smaller than the current engine. Should I buy the model that is being phased out or should I wait for the new model?

Car dealers usually run compelling special offers on models that are being replaced by their successors. You are obviously satisfied with your Ranger 3.2, so buying a new one at a bargain price is a good option. As for the new 2-litre Wildtrack, its engine has twin turbos and will be more powerful than the 3.2-litre engine. It’s coupled with a 10-speed automatic gearbox, which should give much better fuel consumption than the older, bigger engine.

Angel: I’m in love with the Ford EcoSport, but can’t decide whether I should get the manual or automatic gearbox. What is your advice?

In the EcoSport range, the automatic versions are mated to Ford’s 1-litre turbo petrol engine. This is not a fuel-efficient combination. A diesel auto would have been more frugal, but that engine is only available with a manual gearbox. If you drive in stop-start traffic often, an auto will make it more bearable, but a manual will use less fuel. So, a tight budget might make the decision for you. The manual will be about 15% lighter on fuel than the auto.

Thato: Is the new Datsun Go much better than the old one?

When the Go was crash-tested in 2014, it scored zero stars out of five. From late last year, the updated and refreshed Go has been fitted with two airbags and ABS brakes, making it safer than before. The airbags won’t solve the problem of the cabin’s collapse in the crash test, but ABS brakes will make collisions less likely.

Safety aside, the updated version is a more pleasant drive than the original Go, and the redesigned interior and exterior are easier on the eye. It is a better car than before and it’s actually fun to drive. I must add that there was a strange whistling noise from the mirror on the driver’s side at about 120km/h. Have this addressed by the dealer immediately if you buy a Go and it does the same.

Victor: The new Porsche Cayenne is like an Audi Q7 or VW Touareg that went to private school. It’s more expensive, but seems to be the same thing underneath the bonnet.

It’s true that the Porsche Cayenne is built on the same platform as the Audi Q7 and VW Touareg, but each of these brands engineer their own specific model to have a unique character. The Touareg is very good at off-roading (it has diff locks for extra traction), while the Cayenne is quick, light and handles like a sports car. The Audi is ponderous, but it’s quite good at wafting like a limo. It’s interesting to note that Bentley Bentayga and Lamborghini Urus also use the Q7 platform.

1

TALK TO US

Have car question you’d like Justus to answer? Send it now! Using the words CAR QUESTIONS in the subject line, email justus.visagie@media24.com. You can also SMS the keywords CAR QUESTIONS and your query to 35697. Please include your name. SMSes cost R1.50.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Do you believe that the various planned marches against load shedding will prompt government to bring solutions and resolve the power crisis?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes
21% - 103 votes
No
79% - 394 votes
Vote