Jeep kindly gave ZACS a Jeep J8 for a bit of a comparative test…with a Suzuki Jimny, we’re still trying to work out of we are surprised about the Jimny or the Jeep  both of which equally thrilled when thrown into ridiculous off-road situations.

Jeep J8 and some of its siblings.

For more show notes, pictures of the Suzuki and Jeep excursion and other interesting news  clickerize ‘more’ under this post.

Direct file download (31.6MB)

• Under new VW ownership Porsche plans to kill off non-core models like the Panamera and Cayenne to focus on sports cars [via World Car Fans]
• Porsche then promptly announces the 911 Sport Classic – a model which harks backs to the early 70′s Porsche Carrera RS [via Carscoop]

Arguably better looking than the original

• Fiat Punto Evo: as its name implies it is the next generation Punto with a little more obvious FIAT 500 DNA and FIAT’s Multiair engine [via Eurocarblog]

Still good looking, but many people prefer the original

• Volvo C70 undergoes a bit of a controversial nip and tuck [via Autoblog]

The Volvo corporate styling comes to the C70

• Lexus models also go under the knife and get minor spec changes[via: World Car Fans]
• BMW Vision Concept,  a truly fast hybrid car from BMW with proper hybrid credentials [via: Wired.com]

Remember the orange BMW M1 "Concept"? This bares more than a striking resemblance

• Audi A5 Cabriolet, not yet officially launched in SA, but ZACS breaks the news [Audi A5 Microsite]
• FIAT’s budget saloon car the Linea is officially launched to local press, ZACS drives it

It's good looking, more stylised than the Ford Ikon. Poor choice of engine Christo says though.

• The Nissan Murano’s shows its ugly face in South Africa

Looks like it fell out of a dow and got smacked by the ugly samurai...

The Qashqai DNA runs strong in this one

• Google starts mapping SA, more importantly in Toyota Prius Hybrids

Poles sticking out of Prius roofs became a problem...

• Driven: Suzuki Jimny and non-civilian Jeep J8

Looking a little our of place amongst the Jeeps...

The little Jimny that thought it could...could

Who needs a Jeep for this stuff...

Unless, of course, it's a Jeep J8.

This week the ZACS team tackle the European Car of the Year, have a look at the vehicles eligible for South African of the year and discuss GM’s fate – the American auto-builder is looking for a bailout from the US government.

In this episiode:

• Chrysler South Africa offers Flex-Fuel vehicles with the 2009 Dodge Journey 2.7 V6.
• European Car of the Year 2009, these are the nominees: Alfa Romeo MiTo, Citroën C5, Ford Fiesta, Opel/Vauxhall Insignia, Renault Mégane, Škoda Superb, Volkswagen Golf.
• And the cars that didn’t make it: Audi A4, Audi Q5, BMW X6, BMW 7 Series, Chevrolet HHR, Chrysler Grand Voyager, Citroen Berlingo/Peugeot Partner, Citroen Nemo/Fiat Fiorino/Peugeot Bipper, Dacia Sandero, Dodge Journey, Ford Kuga, Honda Accord, Honda Jazz, Hyundai i10, Hyundai i800, Jaguar XF, Jeep Cherokee, Lancia Delta, Mazda6, Mercedes-Benz GLK, Mitsubishi Lancer, Nissan Murano, Opel Agila/Suzuki Splash, Renault Kangoo, Renault Koleos, Seat Ibiza, Subaru Forester, Toyota Land Cruiser 200, Volkswagen Scirocco, Volvo XC60
• South African Car of the Year speculation: ZACS guesss which might be the picks from local manufacturers, hedges bets and will check when the announcement is made 28 November 2008.
• General Motors Deathwatch – with a request to the US Government for a financial bail-out, what will happen to porfitable regions like that in which South Africa finds itself.

And more…

Direct file download (23MB) ]]> http://www.zacar.co.za/za-car-show-episode-14/feed 2 http://www.zacar.co.za/episode-4 http://www.zacar.co.za/episode-4#comments Thu, 11 Sep 2008 11:36:07 +0000 admin http://www.zacar.co.za/?p=27 The regular crew of Christo, Patrick and the Trevors squared are back to talk about Renault and Mercedes-Benz mostly. In this show we explore everything from the best Merc to the Smart brand.

We also have a look at:

• The Twingo RenaultSport – a silly name for a great car, apparently. It’s another small, performance-orientated car announced for South Africa.
• Tuck displays his love for the Renault F1 Team and his favourite driver Fernando Alonso. Not! He is also one of the two people in the world whose actually driven a Spider RenaultSport.
• What is up with Renault?
• Face lifted Nissan Murano looks like its slashed by a samurai rather than styled on one. Is this Renault’s influence coming through?
• Fiat. Great cars, crap service – we rate Fiat’s dealer service using the JD Power survey papers.
• Tuck has a weird fetishes and this week he admits he really wanted a Land Rover Discovery.
• What is the best Mercedes-Benz? Listen to us debate, you will be surprised…
• We also talk about the most desirable old Mercs, the 190E Cosworth 2.3 and Tuck’s Alfa 155.
• The Merc-fest continues and we talk about engine choice and AMG styling packs that cost the price of a second hand Smart car.
• The brand-dilution that manufacturers seem to encourage by offering sport packs; Audi, Alfa and BMW are not exempt.
• The practicality of Mercedes Benz’s Smart brand and how a seemingly decent car brand became a sales flop.
• Student commuters, what cars can you buy for someone going to varsity? Trevor gives his opinions and everyone disagrees.

And more…

Direct file download (28MB)