VW Golf Review

The VW Golf has been setting the family hatchback standard for forty years. Rivals such as the SEAT leon, Skoda Octavia and Ford Focus narrowly beat the VW for style, practicality and driving fun, but none can quite match the Golf’s blend of talents and upmarket image.

Now in its seventh generation, the evergreen Golf is better than ever. Underpinned by VW’s new lightweight MOB Chassis, the latest version is around 100kg lighter than its predecessor, yet also more refined and sharper to drive. It also comes packed with the sort of cutting edge kit that wouldn’t look out of place on an executive saloon.

Of course, the VW isn’t exactly cheap to buy when compared to the opposition, but if offsets its higher price tag with a high quality cabin, sophisticated driving experience and upmarket image.

The VW also boasts one of the best engine line-ups in the business, with everything from frugal TDI diesels through to the muscular 296bhp petrol used in the flagship R model.

The range starts with the entry-level S, which gets desirable kit such as Bluetooth phone connection, a DAB radio and air conditioning. Move up to the Match model and you benefit from adaptive cruise control and alloy wheels, while the racy GT adds sat-nav and parking sensors.

As ever, there’s an ultra-efficient Volkswagen Golf Blue Motion that combines a new 1.6-litre TDI diesel and slick six-speed gearbox to deliver CO2 emissions of just 85g/km and promised fuel returns of 88.3mpg. At the other end of the performance and efficiency spectrum is the range-topping Golf R, which packs a 296bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine and a grippy four-wheel drive transmission.

However, for most keen drivers, the legendary Volkswagen Golf GTI delivers the best mix of performance, value and fun. Standard cars get 207bhp, but we’d recommend upgrading to the Performance Pack. This addition costs £995 and includes a 10bhp power boost, bigger front brakes and a clever electronically controlled front differential that boosts traction and reduces understeer.

For buyers wanting hot hatch looks but much cooler running costs there’s the GTD. Powered by a 181bhp 2.0-litre diesel, it promises 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds yet will return 67.3mpg at the pumps.

Finally, for buyers who love the latest in cutting edge kit there’s the electrice-Golf. Costing more to buy than Performance Pack GTI, it features a punchy 113bhp motor and a range of around 100 miles

Styling

There's no denying that the latest Volkswagen Golf can't quite match the Mazda 3  or the SEAT Leon for head-turning appeal. What the Golf may lack in the wow factor department, however, is made up in cool Teutonic understatement. 

The Golf manages to pull of the neat trick of looking both classless and classy. This seventh generation car may not appear overly different to the previous Mk6 Golf but changes under the skin are comprehensive and there are key visual tweaks outside too. For example, this latest incarnation of Volkswagen's hatchback now features a bold crease that's cut into the flanks, and this gives it a low, sportier stance.

However, it's the interior of the Golf that's really impressive. The wraparound dash looks a little plain, but look closer and you'll see Volkswagen has laid it out intuitively, putting it together using first-rate materials. Soft-touch plastics feature throughout, while eye-catching metal-effect trim covers the centre console.

Better still, the switchgear in the Golf operates with precision and the car’s low-slung driving position is one of the best in the business. It's also a pleasant surprise to find that the flat-looking seats are surprisingly supportive.

The Golf's understated looks aren't particularly helped by the entry-level Golf S having steel wheels and plastic rims. However, move slightly higher up the range and things get better quickly. The Match model is fitted with 16-inch alloy wheels, plus some tasteful chrome trim for the front grille and lower air intake.

To highlight their performance flagship status, the Volkswagen Golf GTD and GTI models feature bespoke bumpers and 18-inch alloy wheels. The stylish black tartan cloth seats and the golf ball gear knob on both manual and DSG automatic versions are also a nice nod to the hot Golf’s history.

The Volkswagen Golf R comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, too, but you can also opt for 18-inch rims. The Golf R gets a unique body kit, redesigned lights and quad exhausts.

Finally, the electric e-Golf is marked out by its flush fitting wheel trims and its distinctive ‘C’ shaped LED running lights that are set into the front bumper.

Driving

The Volkswagen Golf has always delivered high levels of comfort and refinement and it's good to know the latest Golf Mk7 is no exception.

Even at motorway speeds, the Golf features hardly any wind or road noise and it's almost ghost-like over bumps - it just glides over them. Progress can be made even more fluid by choosing the adaptive damping system as an option.

In addition to the effortless ride, Volkswagen has made the Golf engaging to drive. Drivers benefit from well weighted steering, a precise gearshift and strong brakes, while an electronic differential helps deliver sharp turn-in to corners and extra traction when exiting. Overall then, the Golf is always composed and inspires confidence in its driver.

Furthermore, Volkswagen fits all Golf models with more than 118bhp with a sophisticated multi-link rear axle to help improve handling – although in most situations that standard torsion beam set-up feels equally composed. 

Even better, the eco-friendly BlueMotion models now drive in exactly the same manner as other versions. This is thanks largely to the adoption of a six-speed manual gearbox in place of the old five-speed unit, plus the addition of a smoother and more powerful 1.6-litre TDI diesel.

In terms of gearboxes, both the manual and twin-clutch DSG are precise, and on the latter, there is also the option of steering wheel-mounted paddles. However, the seven-speed unit used on lower powered models in smoother than the six-speed version that’s optional on 2.0-litre TDI and 2.0-litre petrol models.

Reliability

The Volkswagen Golf Mk7 finished a strong 18th in our 2014 Driver Power customer satisfaction, while Volkswagen as a manufacturer finished 19th out of 33 manufacturers.

Overall, the Golf feels well built and it shares its chassis and other mechanicals with the SEAT Leon and Skoda Octavia meaning they're well proven.

Volkswagen has ensured that one area in which the Golf excels is safety. All cars get seven airbags, ESP and post-collision braking, while our SE adds a city safety kit. Extras such as lane-keep assist and an auto braking system are also available - no surprise then that the Volkswagen Golf achieved a five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating.

Practicality

If you’re looking for a significant flaw in the Golf’s make-up, you won’t find it in the practicality department. Once again, Volkswagen’s hatch ticks the important boxes in some style.

Rear passengers get plenty of head and legroom, while the wide, flat bench seat should take three people without too much of a squeeze. 

Elsewhere, Volkswagen has given the Golf lots of handy storage space, which includes a deep cubby under the front armrest between driver and front passenger, a large air-conditioned glove box and numerous cup-holders. Buyers also benefit from vast door bins that are flock-lined to stop their contents from rattling around noisily on the move.

As ever, the large VW boot badge doubles as the tailgate release and opening it reveals a well-shaped 380-litre boot. Better still, there’s a wide opening and low load lip, while below the adjustable height false boot floor is a handy hidden storage area.

Useful additions to the load space include a 12V power supply and a pair of bag hooks, plus there’s a ski-flap for longer items. If you need more room, you can liberate a generous 1,270 litres of capacity by folding the 60:40 rear bench.

Running Costs

Volkswagen has ensured that the Golf is very easy on the wallet - so much so that even the racy 2.0-litre GTI returns an impressive 47.1mpg with CO2 emissions of 139g/km from its petrol TSI engine.

If, however, properly frugal motoring is your thing, then it's worth looking at the Golf BlueMotion. Powered by a 1.6-litre diesel TDI engine, it returns 88.3mpg and emits 85g/km of CO2, meaning it beats the equivalent Ford Focus ECOnetic.

Our choice of engine for the Volkswagen Golf is the 2.0-litre TDI that produces 148g/km and returns an incredible 68.9mpg with 106g/km of CO2. Throw in the automatic DSG gearbox, and figures improve to 72.4mpg with CO2 emissions of 102g/km.
In addition to the 2.0-litre TSI engine found in the Golf GTI and Golf R, there are 1.2 and 1.4-litre TSI units that use the similar turbo charging technology.
The 1.2-litre power plant with 83bhp returns 57.3mpg with CO2 emissions of 113g/km, while the 105bhp variant puts out 114g/km and returns the same mpg. What's more, the 105bhp engine can be mated to the automatic DSG gearbox and when it is, it returns 56.5mpg with CO2 emissions of 115g/km.
The 1.4-litre unit has either 140 or 122bhp. When combined with the latter, it manages 53.3mpg as well as 123g/km of CO2. Again, when combined with the DSG transmission, this figure drops.
The Golf GTD is powered by a 185bhp 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine and it returns 67.3mpg - the 150bhp version of the same engine found on the Golf GT manages the same figures.
For the ultimate in low running costs, then look no further than the electric e-Golf. Powered by a 113bhp electric motor and boasting a range of around 100 miles, the battery-powered machine is a perfect commuting car and costs around £1 to charge from a mains socket. 
Of course, the e-Golf won’t fit in with all types of journey, and for longer trips you’ll be better off with the forthcoming Golf GTE range-extender. Using a combination of 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine and electric motor, the plug-in model blends a punchy 201bhp power output with 35g/km CO2 emissions, 188mpg and an electric range of around 30 miles.

Feast your eyes on the 11 Coolest Cars From the Detroit Auto Show

Over the next 11 days,i will show you some of the beasts that graced the Detroit motor show recently.
Get ready to be amazed.

Ford GT

Behold the latest incarnation of the Ford GT, the third generation of the automaker’s supercar. Carbon fiber everywhere and a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine make us very, very excited.

 

Toyota Mark X Review

If in doubt about which car to buy go for a Toyota, so the saying goes. The accuracy of this statement is debatable, however it does solve the problem of taking chances on an unknown brand and instead prompts one to settle for the tried and tested.

The advice might have been useful a few years ago when cars were rather basic with little technology in the form of advanced lighting, electronic stability control, and intelligent damping systems that judge the condition of the environment and compensate without the driver’s knowledge.
That question about which is the best car to buy has become a difficult one to answer as everyone has specific needs.

Toyota is very successful, thanks to clever positioning. It is an undisputed super-brand in many regions of the world, and justifiably so.
Is a budget Toyota  good for anyone looking for more than a car to move him from point A to B. Well, the proof of the pudding is in the eating.
My sweet tooth pointed me in the direction of a gorgeous white Toyota Mark X that wanted so badly to be a Mercedes Benz. Its owner even imported LED lights used in the current Mercedes E class.
Luckily, they blended into the curvaceous muscular lines that make the Mark X so desirable to the red-blooded testosterone junky. If you are prone to dismissing all Toyotas you may never enjoy the pleasure that this bewitchingly exquisite car delivers.
It does not have the expected thud of a luxury German automobile, but it certainly justifies consideration over brands like Volkswagen and Skoda. The engine in my example is a 2,497cc V6 that pleasingly supplies 204hp at 6400rpm.
The Mark X’s 4GR-FSE engine has 152kW and is able to churn out at least 260Nm of torque at 3,800 rpm. Those figures may impress, but what is the reality? How does the entire experience make one feel while behind the wheel?
As the car pulls away confidently and swerves between lanes like a graceful middle-aged ballerina, you can't help but smile with expectation. It is indeed a worthy replacement of the Mark II that, while a great car, now reminds me of a still-in-shape retired Olympic athlete. Admirable confidence and great on the open road.
Toyota’s success results from 75 years of engineering experience. The brakes are complaint and reassuring, which inspires one to push the pedal a little harder.
Let's put this in perspective. The 2008 Mercedes C 230 V6 with a 2496cc engine manages 150kW at 6100rpm. Its torque is 245Nm delivered between 2900-5500rpm with a top speed of just over 230kph. The Mark X manages 152kW and is able to churn out at least 260Nm of torque at 3,800 rpm. The other more exciting engine is the 3.0 (3GR-FS) that also does service in the handsome Toyota Royal Crown and the luxurious Lexus GS 300.
It manages 252bhp at 6200rpm, and with 314Nm of torque it goes like a bat out of hell. If you decide to go for this model, I suggest that you look for an all-wheel-drive model with a 3.0 litre engine.
If you must put the Subaru brigade in its place, settle for the super charged version with an improved D4D system and a 5-speed gearbox. While it shares engines with the Lexus and Crown models, it is built on a different platform.

The 2006 model comes with a redesigned grill treatment and indicators on the wing mirrors which earlier models did not enjoy. The interior of the Mark X, while not having the leather one would hope for, is refined and conservatively elegant.

The sound system, which can be controlled by the front-seat passenger from the door controls, delivers a concert hall effect.
Should you buy this car? Perhaps not, but the phrase ‘‘never say never’’ has never been more appropriate.

Toyota Noah Minivan-Kenyas Best Family Car

Depending on who you ask, minivans are either the bane of all transportation alternatives or an absolute godsend. Some might even say “I would never drive a minivan,” while others insist “I could not live without it!” All this differ depending on career, gender, use of said car and state of roads within that local area. Assuming that your family, including your extended family and friends, has outgrown the sedan, even those people who think minivans aren’t “cool” enough to be seen in, maybe you’d think the only other option would be a full-size SUV. No, I’m not going to tell you not to buy a full-size SUV, but I’m going to give you a lot of reasons why you probably should buy a minivan. Could I change your opinion of minivans, particularly when it comes to the Toyota Noah? Lemme give it a shot.

The Toyota Noah is a minivan which, depending on configuration, seats between five and eight passengers. The Noah was originally designed and built only for release in Asia but, as the global pre-loved automobile market has grown, it has become one of the most popular minivans in Africa. Since Noah is sold in Africa second-hand, there is very little to go on in the way of statistics, but seeing them practically everywhere should give you a clue as to how popular they have become. In fact, you can find Toyota Noah in Kenya  being used as family-movers, public-transportation, work vans, and even ambulances, thanks to the versatility and flexibility of this Japanese minivan. In particular, how does the Toyota Noah connect with families?

Interior Space & legroom

The first thing you’ll notice getting into the Toyota Noah is the absolutely amazing amount of interior space, which some might even refer to as cavernous. Depending on seating configuration, up to eight passengers can disperse, though none will get out of earshot. Whether it’s picking up your own kids and your neighbor’s kids after school or heading to the local mall, there is plenty of space for scrambling kids, as well as enough space for all their gear .

The Noah’s seats, unlike a full-size SUV or van, are also flexible, meaning you can move them around or even remove them, depending on your needs for the day. This afternoon, you might be picking up half a football team, but tomorrow morning you might be picking up stock for your mutumba business or shop, which you’d be hard-pressed to accomplish in a sedan. Similarly, some full-size SUVs may offer some flexibility, but have you ever tried to load luggage when the floor height is at your waist, instead of at your knees, as it is in a minivan? If you have, then you know the hardships I am talking about."Navumilia kuwa mkenya".

Expediency

If there’s a single word that sums up what it’s like to own and drive a Toyota Noah, it would have to be “expediency-which basically means "Appropriateness to the purpose at hand.” for those who were asleep during English lessons. Some might balk and say that a minivan is difficult to maneuver through crowded streets and parking lots, and it’s true, even if only a little bit, the Noah tends to be larger than other family transportation options, but it also offers a lot more to make life easier for driver and passengers.

For example, two sliding doors means there is no wrong side to park close to the tree. Additionally, available power sliding doors and even power tailgate can make life even easier, so the driver doesn’t even have to get out of the car to open and close doors. Also, have you ever tried to carry a baby, or shopping, and try to open the sliding door with your free hand? Toyota Noah’s remote keyless power sliding door option eliminates that problem.

Perhaps another key point that Toyota Noah offers is the sheer number of cup-holders, cubby-holes, and storage spaces, from the glove box and center- and overhead-console areas, to the doors, and even under the floor. This helps to keep things from rolling around on the floor, aside from the stuff that was already packed into the cargo area behind the last row of seats.

Road Trip!

As our families and extended families get bigger, as well as more mobile, you might have to consider taking your Toyota Noah for a long ride, but how would it handle it? First, you have to get the thing loaded, which, as we discussed, is all manner of easy, with ample cargo space and a low loading deck, and you might be surprised that you didn’t have to use the roof. Personally, I wouldn’t recommend it, because putting stuff on the roof wrecks your aerodynamics and fuel economy. Still, available roof racks can put even full-size SUV storage to shame.

Of course, now that everyone, and their stuff, is loaded, getting on the road is going to be a slow and painful experience, right? Thankfully, Toyota Noah’s engineers thought of all that, and there’s plenty of power to get through Nairobi traffic and onto the highway. Again, the question looms, with such a heavy load, surely you’ll have to find a gas station along the way? Again, no, because Noah’s engine options are surprisingly frugal at the pump. The 2.0 ℓ i4 engine under the hood of the Noah may be able to put out just shy of 160 hp, but also manages to consume just 7.1 ℓ/100km, which is comparable to a Toyota Corolla, which consumes just 7.6 ℓ/100km. On the other hand, the full-size Toyota 4Runner / HiLux Surf consumes almost double that, at 13.8 ℓ/100km.

In the Toyota Noah, even a long trip can be manageable. The seats are comfortable, most of them reclining, and some of them available with leather upholstery. The high suspension is soft enough to soak up most of the road, but not so soft that passengers get sea-sick. Audio and navigation systems are available to round out the driver’s experience "though not many Kenyans find much use for this", and an available rear-seat entertainment system can keep the kids busy in the back seats without interrupting the driver. Keep the windows closed and use the climate control system, and the cabin is just as comfortable as your living room.

Truly, the Toyota Noah is a minivan that’s hard to knock, even by those who swear, at least for “coolness” sake, they’d never get into one. Portrayed as one of the best do-everything vehicles on the road, the Toyota Noah really delivers.

Toyota Harrier Review

Big & Spacious

Possibly Kenyas' favorite SUV, the Harrier needs no introduction. There are two models available in the market in the form of a Toyota model as well as a Lexus which is known as the RX300 or RX350. The difference between the Toyota and Lexus models is minuscule and can be disregarded if you want something tall, spacious, big and reliable, not to mention luxurious. As all other Toyota models, there are thousands in the market, and maintenance will be a breeze.

Before the crossover SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle), there was really nothing in between the full-size SUV and the sedan. People liked the flexibility of the SUV, but not necessarily the hugeness and the clunkiness associated with full-size SUVs that were on the market at the time. After all, SUVs were built to tackle forests and streams, and they would certainly be overkill for the average urban pothole. Something in between would certainly be a great model, with the convenience of a sedan and the sure-footed stance of an SUV, the crossover SUV was born. Of course, just as there are different levels of the sedan, like the difference between a Toyota Camry and a Mercedes Benz C-Class, there are different levels of a crossover SUV, like the Toyota RAV4 and the Lexus RX, also known as theToyota Harrier (in Japan).

Like their larger cousins, crossover SUVs were a little bit noisy and clunky, which wouldn't do for someone looking to get out of a BMW 3-Series sedan into something bigger. In the beginning, only Land Rover had SUVs that were small enough to qualify as a crossover SUV, while at the same time, offering the refinements that you'd find in a luxury sedan. In 1997, came the crossover SUV class for the luxury car buyer, the Toyota Harrier. One year later, the Lexus RX300 (known outside of Japan) became an instant success in North America.

Toyota Harrier Early Years

Unlike many other vehicles, which are designed from the ground up, the Toyota Harrier made use of a lot of technologies that were already tried and true. At least in the beginning, the i4 and V6 engine and transmission options were the same as found in the Toyota Camry and RAV4, meaning Toyota engineers could focus on the other facets of Toyota Harrier's winning design.

One big thing that sets the Toyota Harrier apart from other luxury crossover SUVs in its class is the attention to NVH, that is, Noise, Vibration, and Harshness. On driving the Toyota Harrier, most come to the conclusion that NVH means “No Vibration or Harshness,” Toyota engineers must have done a pretty good job. The design of the Toyota Harrier makes more use of insulation and vibration dampers than the typical SUV, or even the typical crossover SUV, which makes them some of the quietest vehicles on the road.

Toyota engineers went on to fine-tune the Toyota Harrier's engine, transmission, and drivetrain to eliminate vibrations and noises coming from these sources. Interestingly, instead of following other SUV body-on-frame designs, the Toyota Harrier actually has a more car-like body design, which makes for a stable off-road ride, at a more car-like comfort level.

SUV Capability with Luxury Sedan Class

Inside the Toyota Harrier are all the things you've come to expect in a luxury automobile, such as comfortable leather seats, power-adjustable seats, power windows, locks, and sunroof. Safety and convenience features abound, including multiple airbags, anti-lock brakes, vehicle skid control, multi-information display, GPS navigation, rear seat entertainment system, rear view camera.

Today's Toyota Harrier comes with a choice of four- and six-cylinder engines, paired with, depending on model year, a five- or six-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid Harrier comes with a V6 engine paired with a CVT (constant velocity transmission). The drivetrain comes in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. The four-cylinder engine options, of course, don't provide the power of the six-cylinder options, but are also more economical.

Interestingly, the AWD versions of the Toyota Harrier, later renamed Lexus RX, even in Japan, was never touted as an off-road performer. Instead, Toyota marketed the Harrier's AWD system as a safety feature. Drivers of the Toyota Harrier AWD could expect to lose a little on fuel economy, but the sure-footed AWD system would keep them safe on rough roads and loose road surfaces, such as mud or gravel.

Best New, Best Used

If you're considering a used crossover SUV, especially a classy one, you would do well to look at a used Toyota Harrier. The best-rated new vehicles typically make the best-used vehicles, and this crossover SUV by Toyota is no different. The Toyota Harrier, even a used one, is sure to deliver years of reliable service. With proper maintenance, Toyota vehicles are some of the longest-lived vehicles on the planet.

Be sure to check for a complete maintenance history and low mileage, if possible. When considering AWD versions, be sure the AWD system has been maintained, including center and rear differentials. Oil changes in the 3.0ℓ V6 and some of the later 3.3ℓ were especially critical. Burning oil is a sure sign of abuse, and an oil burner should be avoided at all costs. Still, even if you have to replace an abused engine, the rest of the powertrain and drivetrain is top-notch, so a new engine is a good investment.

The Magnat Audio-Camaro-Arguably The Loudest Car Ever!!!

Whoa – this rather grabs the attention, doesn’t it? German in-car audio specialist Audiovox has had its way with the Chevrolet Camaro in order to promote its Magnat brand. It kind of looks like a Transformers' spin-off prop for when Bumblebee Goes Clubbing…

What has Magnat done to create the Audio-Camaro? Magnat has called its creation the Audio-Camaro. So no extra bonus points for originality. The most striking visual mods are the massive 10x22-inch Oxigen alloy wheels – but even with these huge rims the firm has still seen fit to lower the car on KW coilover suspension.

The Magnat Audio-Camaro certainly looks loud – but is it? Magnat has fitted a 4,400 watt audio system into the Camaro – including the inevitable illuminated boot install that rather compromises the luggage space. The car is now fully DVD, iPod and Bluetooth capable, as well as toting satellite navigation and a pair of 30cm subwoofers.

Toyota Caldina GT4 Review

Specification of the engine is as follow:

It is 4WD Engine Capacity: 1998 cc 3S-GTE Transmission: 4 Speed Auto/Steptronic with Super ECT Max Speed 191kW(260ps)/6200rpm Max Torque 324N.m(33.0kg.m)/4400rpm Electronic Brake Assist EBD Traction Control The engine is peppy and it really goes when you flow the accelerator living up to my expectation in terms of power. The transmission has pretty good Final Drive given that @120-130 kmh, the tachometer shows only 2.5-3K RPM! The car came with standard GT4 trims. It has a full bodykit, stabilzer bars and front strut bar. It also came in 17 inches alloys.

The choice of PI for me is obvious given that I am into modification of my ride. I would purchase stuff from GR and let them fix it and yet still preserve my warranty. The workshop has done many GT4s from Malaysia and parts is not a problem but some may see it as a downside. Also, with such power, do not expect frugal and typical Toyota fuel consumption. Currently, I am running 10 km/ltr. To me, that i sgood enough having driven cars that are about 5-7 km/ltr :) If you are more than 2m tall or have grandparents, maid and kids in toll, you are better off with a 7 seater vehicle. Else, this 5 seater wagon will fit you perfectly. Last but not least, the over zealous ROV officers have given me hell for my past rides and a family oriented fast wagon is so much a magnet for them. What a relieve! All in all, a great car for a family man with a need for speed.