Namibia's content-driven motoring portal
Short ‘n sweet, to the point. These are our no-frills Sprint Reviews:
What you need to know: The Volvo XC60 is a mid-size luxury SUV whose mould is similar to a BMW X5 or Audi Q5. Available with your choice of four engines, two gearboxes, four trim levels, front- or intelligent all-wheel-drive (certain models only), this stylish Swede easily matches its competitors for variety.
What you need to know: The artist previously known as Impreza Sedan WRX is now just the WRX, thanks to Subaru’s culling of the hatchback version. Heavily infused with World Rally genes, this car has a turbo-charged flat-four (Boxer) petrol engine which sends up to 197kW or 350Nm to all four wheels.
What did we like? Stunning electric blue colour (Malta Blue – exclusive to this range), great lines and funky 17-inch spoked alloy wheels. Stylish light clusters. The Renault Megane GT-line is a looker. Power delivery from the 97kW turbo charged engine is immediate and responsive. Handles well on the road.
What’s a Cruze? Think Elantra, Jetta and especially Opel Astra sedan; then slap a Chevy body on it. The Cruze is also available as a hatchback which it shares its technology with. Available with four cylinder petrol, turbo-petrol or turbo-diesel engines, this model is a 1.4 turbo-petrol Cruze LS.
What it is: Nissan’s Pathfinder is a big, hardy SUV with a generous body on an old-school ladder frame. Unlike bakkies though, it has car-like rear suspension. Available only with (selectable) 4WD, choose between an auto turbo-diesel V6, manual or auto 2.5 four-cylinder turbo-diesel. This is the latter model.
What is it? The Etios is one of those affordable but reasonably-sized cars made in the East. Introduced in southern Africa two years ago, it’s been bought more than 45,000 time already. “Cross” implies that it’s a little more adventurous but what you’re buying is an Etios with extra plastic and some toys.
What you need to know: The new C-Class was introduced earlier this year so this car commands a lot of attention. It’s available with turbo-petrol and turbo-diesel engines, of which this is the smaller one. What you concede in performance, you’ll make up in fuel savings. Mercedes claims 4.3L/100km.