Latest news with #RayLeathern
The South African
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- The South African
Into the WILD: 2025 Suzuki Jimny auto 1.5 GLX 5-door driven
When it comes to the 2025 Suzuki Jimny auto 1.5 GLX 5-door, it's safe say any dyed-in-the-wool motoring journalist will love it. And that's not necessarily because of the car. It's more about what the boxy-is-brilliant, cut-price 4×4 represents. You see, journalists love a driving challenge. It's kind how and why we got into this racket. We'll drive any weird, wonderful and downright odd car. That's because we love to find the character beneath the metal and try and understand it for what it truly is. And, right on cue, an acid-green Suzuki Jimny auto 5-door enters the group chat. A car that's so popular, other owners' wave and flash their lights at you constantly. I'll admit, it took a few days to notice this, so apologies if I offended anyone … The Suzuki Jimny 5-door cabin not only benefits from an extended wheelbase, but excellent fit and finish, too. Image: File Nevertheless, there are some issues that cannot go unaddressed in the 2025 Suzuki Jimny auto 5-door. You see, due to the 4-speed automatic gearbox, there are moments where it feels like time stands still. Neigh, time might very well be going backwards when you're behind the wheel. On the highway, the rev counter sits at 3 500 rpm and you're plodding on at barely 110 km/h. Floor the throttle for more oomph or an overtake and an ineloquent gearshift drops you down to third gear. Besides the raucous soundtrack, the spacing between third and fourth is too far apart. And the instant you release pressure from the gas pedal you're back in the no-go zone of fourth. I have to admit the auto is pretty gutless to drive on road. Throw in a slight gradient to the road you're on and the issues only become more pronounced. Worse still, the only manual override options to access power on your terms is second and first gears. As a result, the fuel consumption isn't the greatest when driving on the open road. We couldn't believe how economical the new Suzuki Swift was, for example. However, all that innate potential is lost because of the four-speed auto. Using every trick in the book we finally got down to 8.9 l/100 km, which is some way off the claimed 6.7 l/100 km. Fun fact, the front passenger seat folds fully flat for easy loading of long objects, making the Jimny 5-door surprisingly practical. Image: Ray Leathern Of course, the small Suzi has a celebrated 4×4 heritage. 210 mm ground clearance, excellent approach/departure/ramp-over angles (36, 47 and 24 degrees respectively) and downhill descent control. There's a low-range transfer case and top-notch wheel articulation. Therefore, it's only fair we give the 2025 Suzuki Jimny auto 5-door every chance to show what it's made of. There's a hidden-away trail where we can put it to the test. The route starts easily enough, light climbing on old forestry tracks that crisscross the valley. Forty minutes in and the really rocky section starts. Heavy rains have washed away the sand to reveal the sharp, slippery rocks. Being a great believer of rather do it over than overdo it, I lock the transmission into low range. And the Suzi starts to climb the track like a little mountain goat. Weighing just a smidge over 1 100 kg – which is remarkable for a 4×4 SUV – its compact footprint is ideal for narrow off-road tracks. Wheel placement is a cinch, and often you can simply drive around an obstacle bigger vehicles would have to plough straight over. Moreover, the drivetrain we moaned about on road feels like it's coming good. A compact 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four cylinder delivers 75 kW and 130 Nm of torque. It's in these low-speed ranges that modest power delivery matches throttle input, which allows for precise 4x4ing. Then, on the downhill descent, the mountain goat turns into a tough boerperd . The chassis takes plenty of heavy knocks in its stride with an assured, let's-keep-going attitude. This Suzi loves it when the going gets tough. Image: Ray Leathern After the frustration of its on-tar performance, the 2025 Suzuki Jimny auto 5-door well and truly comes good in the wild. Not one section of the off-road route posed a serious challenge to it. As such, we have nothing but praise for its 4×4 abilities. Because, plainly, the four-speed auto is happiest in lower-speed ranges. Therefore, if you're buying a 2025 Suzuki Jimny auto 5-door specifically for outdoors adventuring, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better car for the price. Luggage wise, the 211-litre boot capacity is up 126 litres over the 3-door. And by folding the rear seats down you all of a sudden gain 1 100 litres of utility space for all your outdoor-adventure needs. Therefore, the 2025 Suzuki Jimny auto 5-door is no conformist. It turns out to be an adventure mobile of note. Just be sure to wave at the others Suzis on your way out of town … 2025 Suzuki Jimny auto 1.5 GLX 5-door Engine: 1 482 cc, 4-cylinder petrol 1 482 cc, 4-cylinder petrol Power: 75 kW and 130 Nm 75 kW and 130 Nm Performance: 0-100 km/h n/a 0-100 km/h n/a Gearbox: 4-speed auto + low-range transfer case 4-speed auto + low-range transfer case Tyres: 195/80 R15 Bridgestone Dueller 195/80 R15 Bridgestone Dueller Economy: 6.7 l/100 km (claimed), 8.9 l/100 km (tested) 6.7 l/100 km (claimed), 8.9 l/100 km (tested) Price: R484 900 Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- The South African
2025 Volvo C40 Recharge Twin Motor Electric Ultimate review
The 2025 Volvo C40 Recharge is a step in the right direction for EV mobility in South Africa. While our EV market remains largely nascent compared to Europe, North America and the Far East, Volvo has managed to position itself as the segment leader locally. The Swedish firm has captured an impressive 50% share of the premium electric SUV market. Granted, that may only be 406 units, but there are plenty of premium marques vying for those few seats. Nevertheless, South Africa's EV mobility landscape continues to be hindered by infrastructural limitations, lack of government incentivisation, sporadic load-shedding and high import duties. As a result, South Africa's journey toward widescale electric mobility has been cautious at best. Which is why manufacturers themselves have seen fit to improve the value proposition of EVs. For example, with every Volvo C40 Recharge sold, the firm offers a free charging wall box installed free of charge at your home. And two years free public charging … The sloping rear roofline won't be to everyone's taste, but it is distinctive at least. Image: Ray Leathern Nevertheless, when you drive the Volvo C40 Recharge, you still get the sense it's a bridge in Volvo's lineup. It is evolutionary rather than revolutionary. The firm has already launched the big-volume EX30 and flagship EX90, both of which we've sampled. That said, the C40 does little to dissuade you from some impressive performance metrics. The dual-motor, all-wheel-drive powertrain produces 300 kW and 660 Nm of torque. Which is totally nutty in a safe-as-houses Volvo. With characteristic smoothness and silence, the EV propels from zero to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds. The 78-kWh lithium-ion battery pack offers a claimed range of 510 km (on the WLTP cycle). However, in real-world conditions, you can expect closer to 400 km per charge. And if you struggle to tame stabs with your right foot, expect to see even less. Of course, the Volvo C40 Recharge setup supports DC fast charging (up to 150 kW). But finding such a powerful charger will be difficult in South Africa. Using a standard 11 kW AC wall-box takes about eight hours, which is convenient for overnight charging. That's a fairly standard Volvo interior for you, if you think the EX30 is a little too avant-garde. Image: Ray Leathern Aesthetically, the Volvo C40 Recharge represents a mixed bag of influences. A sloping roofline sacrifices practicality for visual drama. While 'Thor's Hammer' LED headlights look great alongside the smooth, grille-less front facia. And distinctive 20-inch diamond-cut alloys come smeared with low-profile Pirelli tyres. Inside, the Volvo C40 Recharge focuses on Scandinavian minimalism and recycled textiles. The panoramic glass roof brightens the cabin and offsets any potential claustrophobia from the sloping roof and tall beltline. Rear visibility is certainly compromised by the pinched rear and small rear window. However, this is a common criticism of most coupe-SUVs. Nevertheless, standard cargo capacity is adequate at 413/1 205 litres respectively with the rear seats in place and folded. By the standards of newer models, the Volvo C40 Recharge has a modest 9-inch portrait touchscreen. And, while comprehensive (it's powered by Google Assistant), the interface feels a little old fashioned. Also, the reliance on the touchscreen for even the most basic of functions might frustrate certain users. The C40 Recharge's batteries are all arranged neatly low and in-between the wheels, like a skateboard. Image: Ray Leathern However, once on the move, the Volvo C40 Recharge demonstrates all the best attributes of the Volvo driving experience. It's quiet, comfortable and always controlled. The instant torque delivery provides effortless acceleration. And this is wonderful to experience in a vehicle with virtually zero sporting pretensions. There are no drive modes or variable brake regeneration programmes. Just your right foot delivering instant torque as and when you choose. Of course, safety remains a cornerstone of the Volvo C40 Recharge experience. As a result, the vehicle includes advanced driver aids such as collision avoidance with pedestrian/cyclist detection. As well as lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert with automatic braking. No surprises the Volvo C40 Recharge earns a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating, with particularly impressive scores in adult and child occupant protection. Priced at R1 324 000, the Volvo C40 Recharge Twin Motor Electric Ultimate positions itself firmly in the premium segment. This may sound like a lot, but don't forget you'll never have to visit a fuel station forecourt ever again. Not to mention the reduced maintenance requirements of an EV with significantly less moving parts. It's no wonder the 2025 Volvo C40 Recharge emerges as a compelling, if somewhat transitional, product in Volvo's local lineup. Its performance, safety features, and novel design make a strong case for itself in South Africa. However, it does feel something like a bridge between Volvo's ICE past and EX-series future. While excellent in many respects, it lacks the holistic integration and efficiency of the purpose-built EXs. Therefore, we can conclude it succeeds as a logical steppingstone in Volvo's EV evolution – and a practical daily EV – even if you can't help but feeling the next instalment is just over the horizon … Volvo C40 Recharge Twin Motor Electric Ultimate Drivetrain: Twin permanent magnetic synchronous motors Twin permanent magnetic synchronous motors Net energy: 78 kWh lithium ion battery 78 kWh lithium ion battery Power: 300 kW, 660 Nm 300 kW, 660 Nm Performance: 4.7 seconds – 0-100 km/h 4.7 seconds – 0-100 km/h Efficiency: 17.1 kWh/100 km (claimed/combined), 19.5 kWh/100 km (tested) 17.1 kWh/100 km (claimed/combined), 19.5 kWh/100 km (tested) Maximum range: 510 km (claimed WLTP) 510 km (claimed WLTP) Tyres: Pirelli P Zero – 245/40 R20 Pirelli P Zero – 245/40 R20 Price: R1 324 000 Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- The South African
SIX appeal: Mazda CX-60 3.3D AWD Takumi review
The Mazda CX-60 is not exactly a brand-new car. Due to the vagaries of global automotive supply chains, the one-million-Rand SUV has been around since 2023 in other markets. However, don't let that dissuade you. Because, as you'll see, this sophisticated family SUV might actually be worth the tall pile of cash needed to purchase one … Principle to the argument is Mazda's ever-evolving 'Kodo' design language. Genuinely, the Mazda CX-60 is something to behold in the metal. Cover up the badges fore and aft, and I believe it could pass for a similarly sized Jaguar, Alfa Romeo or Maserati even. It's handsome in a familiar, yet understated way. Like that person at a party drawing everyone's attention purely because they exude a quiet confidence. Try and tell me this couldn't be an SUV from Jag, Maser or Alfa? Image: Mazda Press This particular test unit is absolutely brand new, with barely 1 000 km on the clock when we began our road test. The Takumi trim adds premium touches like the 20-inch machined alloy wheels, wrapped in Japanese Toyo tyres, 360-degree cameras and a slick double sunroof. Beneath the bonnet of the Mazda CX-60 is its much-talked about party piece – a silky-smooth 3.3-litre inline six-cylinder turbodiesel engine with 48V mild-hybrid wizardry. On the move, this Japanese SUV has an uncanny 'BMWness' to it. Like Mazda's engineers went to Bavaria and kidnapped a BMW powertrain designer. Then engineered something even better … The result is an engine that purrs like a contented cat when you're cruising, but snarls like a tiger when you bury your foot and go for an overtake. The claimed zero to 100 km/h sprint time is in the seven-second range. However, tractability from 80 km/h to 120 km/h is simply exemplary. That's thanks to 187 kW and 550 Nm of turbodiesel power with that 48V get up and go. On the surface the cabin may seem a little bland, we call it intuitive and user-friendly. Image: Ray Leathern Climb inside, and you're greeted by what can only be described as a solid if slightly austere Japanese interior. As someone familiar with the great CX-5 and other classing-leading Mazdas, I think it's well judged. Ergonomically, everything falls easily to hand. However, new-money buyers courting tech-heavy Chinese cars might find the cabin a little 'old school.' Craftsmanship and fit and finish are top notch though. Japanese cars have a particularly good new-car smell. And despite being so new, there was not a squeak or a rattle to be heard. There may not be extra-wide dual touchscreens or a thousand ambient lighting themes that are so popular nowadays, but it's great place to spend extended periods of time. Likewise, true to brand, the Mazda CX-60 is unerringly practical. For our Southern Cape long-weekend getaway, we made full use of the 477-litre luggage volume and 1 148-litre utility space with the rear seats folded flat. The Mazda CX-60 3.3D AWD Takumi is the flagship model in the range, retailing for R1 085 100. Image: Mazda Press On the open road to the Garden Route, it's apparent that the six-cylinder turbodiesel sets it apart from its competitors. Interestingly, the Mazda CX-60 doesn't fixate on all the Eco gimmicks that are so popular nowadays. In fact, it's three driving modes are: Sport, Normal and Off-Road, that's it … Nevertheless, the 48V mild-hybrid system with i-Stop slips in and out of assistance with the subtlety of a double agent at a black-tie dinner. Only when you navigate to the powertrain energy display will you catch some semblance of it in the act. It's always helping reduce fuel where possible by switching off the engine completely, even on the move. The claimed economy is 4.9 l/100 km. But that's on a mixed cycle with a lot of stop-start driving. While our test route was mostly steady open road that returned a still impressive frugality of 6.5 l/100 km. Even more impressive is the mild-hybrid boost to aid overtaking when the battery is full. Let's put it this way. When passed many vehicles on the highway and only had to cede to one overtake. And that vehicle was on its way to compete in the Simola Hillclimb! 177 mm of ground clearance is sufficient for steep Garden Route driveways and occasional gravel travel detours. Image: Ray Leathern There's something pleasingly familiar and old-school about the Mazda CX-60. Perhaps this is because it's effectively a two-year old car. But during the test period it proved itself to have thoroughly premium tendencies. Nothing was out of place and it wasn't found wanting in any situation. Chassis balance is excellent, the steering feel is direct and well-weighted. And the ride quality, while firm, finds an excellent balance between comfort and sportiness. As mentioned, any number of premium brands could wish to build a family SUV as well as the CX-60. My only gripe is the size of the fuel tank. It must only be in a 40-litre reservoir (despite Mazda's own brochure). Because something as frugal as the 3.3D should deliver well over 1 000-km range, but we were out by 800 km. So, you'll be pulling into a forecourt more regularly on your holiday, but that's no hardship in this million-rand Mazda. Take a test drive and you'll see it delivers a genuinely premium experience that stands toe-to-toe with established luxury brands. The Mazda CX-60 deserves to find its way into many driveways – assuming those driveways belong to people who value substance over anything else … Mazda CX-60 3.3D AWD Takumi Price: R1 085 100 R1 085 100 Engine: 3.3-litre inline six-cylinder turbodiesel (+MHEV48) 3.3-litre inline six-cylinder turbodiesel (+MHEV48) Power: 187 kW and 550 Nm 187 kW and 550 Nm Fuel consumption: 4.9 l/100 km (claimed) and 6.5 l/100 km (tested) 4.9 l/100 km (claimed) and 6.5 l/100 km (tested) Performance: 0-100 km/h in 7.3 sec (claimed) and top speed 219 km/h Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
06-05-2025
- Automotive
- The South African
The miracle Hyundai Creta that survived the 2025 Silvermine fires
My review of the Hyundai Creta 1.5 Executive IVT Matte Edition is unlike any road test I've ever written. Due to a conurbation of totally surreal circumstances, this must be one of the most remarkable car reviews ever committed to the internet … On Friday 25 April, a fire broke out on the slopes of Table Mountain National Park. By Sunday the 27th, it was well contained above the Tokai forest. So much so that our weekly hike into Silvermine Nature Reserve appeared totally doable. The weather forecast for the day was warm, with a light wind coming out of the North West. Fantastic. The only discussion that morning was whether a surf session at Muizenberg might be the better option, given the favourable wind. My gosh, if only we'd gone surfing … A view of Silvermine Nature Reserve looking West from Noordhoek Peak. Image: Ray Leathern By 08h30, my wife and I parked the Hyundai Creta 1.5 Executive test car in the Silvermine dam parking lot. Little did we know, but every small decision we were making would prove fateful. The morning sun was bright, so I opted to park the Hyundai with its nose pointing South East to avoid the glare as we got ready. As my wife and I hiked Silvermine's 'inside loop' to Dragon's Passage, the wind steadily picked up. Much stronger than the forecast had suggested. In just 45 minutes the lone smoulder from the Tokai side had developed into a solid plume of smoke. Rather than head towards the fire and smoke, we decided to cut our loses and double-back on the Silvermine Jeep track for the parking lot. However, a mere 45-minutes later, by the time we'd reached roughly the Noordhoek lookout point on the way down, we knew we were in big trouble … The adrenaline-fuelled mountain evacuation was merely a precursor to a sleepless night on Sunday as the fire marched its way down. Image: Ray Leathern Fanned by the fire's own devil winds, in just 90 minutes the entire middle section from Tokai to the cliffs above Noordhoek had gone up like a tinderbox. Thick black clouds of smoke shrouded the sun and our route back to the carpark was well and truly blocked. I could only assume the fresh blackness in the sky were cars burning in the parking lot … At this point, my wife and I realised our Sunday hike had just been extended, maybe indefinitely. We'd have to make our way down the steep and treacherous 'saddle' to Chapman's Peak, conserving what water and food we had left. En route, we came upon a SANParks bakkie that had been abandoned with the keys in the ignition. This was an ominous feeling about the fate of the Hyundai Creta left in the carpark. Even the park rangers were on foot making good their escape … Over the next 36 hours, approximately 3 000 hectares of vegetation burned savagely in the Silvermine, Ou Kaapse Weg , Noordhoek, Muizenberg and Clovelly regions. Truthfully, seeing the extent of the fire, I had little hope for the Hyundai Creta. Even though it was a long weekend, I contacted the manufacturer to tell them of the macabre misadventure. Any vehicles parked on the North Western fire line stood no chance against the blaze. Image: Ray Leathern A sleepless night ensued as we watched the fire march steadily down the mountainside towards our house. However, mercifully, a thick fog bank rolled in on Monday morning. The fire still burned, but the damp atmosphere at least stopped the threat of burning embers spreading spot fires. However, the relief was short-lived. In the meantime, images of burned-out cars in the Silvermine car park had started circulating on social media. One vehicle in particular (pictured above) had a worryingly similar profile to the Hyundai Creta. My heart sank. The only way to tell would be to get back into the reserve when the roads reopened and it was safe to do so. I contacted the fire department who, understandably, had their hands full fighting the fires. However, by Monday afternoon, one fire marshal I got hold of suggested I simply explain my plight to the traffic department so they could let me go up. Instinct told me to hurry up there right away … Against a still-pungent orange haze in the air, the matte-finish Hyundai Creta sits serenely untouched as we leave the reserve. Authorities put up razor wire to keep others from entering. Image: Ray Leathern We drove up the still-shut Ou Kaapse Weg , fresh embers smouldering on either side. The Silvermine gate was open so we simply drove in. Purely by chance, the Lakeside Fire Department had already collected a bunch of vehicle owners and they were surveying the damage just as we arrived. If we had driven up at any other time would have found the reserve fenced off with razor wire. We drove past at least half-a-dozen vehicles. Some burnt almost beyond recognition. While others were able to drive out but would almost certainly be junked by the insurers once the repair costs were tallied. And then, miraculously, there was the Hyundai Creta 1.5 Executive IVT Matte Edition. As if protected by a lone teardrop from an angel, it sat untouched in its parking bay with destruction all around. Bless her, my wife balled uncontrollably, as if releasing all the stress of the preceding 48 hours. Or perhaps it was the sheer relief of knowing we didn't need to replace our IDs, bank cards and her cellphone, which she'd innocently left in the cubbyhole. Back safe a sound off the mountain, with quite the story to tell, too. Image: Ray Leathern Despite finding the Hyundai Creta completely untouched, the mood was still somber and eerie. Like the fire had sucked all the life force out of the area. We were also sympathetic to the others we hadn't been so lucky. As mentioned, the decision to park on the South Eastern side of parking lot had proven fateful. The few metres of gravel parking lot between the fire and the Hyundai was all it took to keep the vehicle safe. All cars that burned irreparably were on the North West side of the fire line. I'm not going to take any credit for this split-second choice. But it's something I will never forget and will probably bore people with for years to come recounting the story. Likewise, I don't think the Hyundai Creta's unique matte paint job should be underestimated. I cannot find any definitive evidence online that suggests a matte paint finish deflects heat better. But I think we may have just proven that it does! The very concept of matte versus metallic paint is that it reflects and diffuses light to provide a unique look. Could that have been the difference? The Matte Edition's unique ice-cool paintwork must have played a pivotal role in protecting it in 1 000°C heat. Image: Ray Leathern According to the City of Cape Town, wildfires typically surpass 1 000°C in temperature, with orange to red flames reaching as high as 2 000°C. I would never have believed it, but I think the matte finish to the Hyundai Creta 1.5 played a pivotal role in protecting it. Honestly, I think Hyundai should immediately retire this car from their test fleet and put it in a museum somewhere. And as for the rest of the road test? Well, the ins and outs of handling, ride quality, interior practicality and fuel economy kind of take a backseat when the car survives a near-death experience. All I can say is I drove it back down the mountain, and in that moment it felt like the best car in the world. A car, quite literally, Touched by an Angel . Hyundai Creta 1.5 Executive IVT Matte Edition Price: R524 900 R524 900 Engine: 1.5-litre, 4-cyl, petrol 1.5-litre, 4-cyl, petrol Transmission: CVT CVT Power: 84 kW and 144 Nm 84 kW and 144 Nm Fuel consumption: 6.5 l/100 km 6.5 l/100 km Performance: 11.5 seconds / top speed n/a Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
26-04-2025
- Automotive
- The South African
Diamonds from diesel: Mercedes-Benz E220d ‘hypermile' test
We appreciate that 'hypermiling' the brand-new Mercedes-Benz E220d is a contradiction in terms. It's a bit like going to a Michelin-star restaurant and then counting calories. Or vacationing in a 17th century castle and sleeping in the basement to not wear out the Egyptian-cotton bedding. However, it's not as contradictory as you might think. Because as ornate and luxurious as the Mercedes-Benz E220d is, at heart, it's still a hypermiling hero. Some of the longest drives I've ever done on a single tank were in E220d forebears. So, how does the new one get on? Cape Town to Arniston before breakfast has the Mercedes-Benz E220d twiddling its thumbs. Image: Ray Leathern Well, feather-footing the Mercedes-Benz E220d through the Western Cape's Overstrand region, I'm watching the fuel consumption like it's a Netflix finale. You see, the Mercedes-Benz E220d and its economy credentials are beyond repute. Therefore, it's more a test of the driver's patience as to how restrained you keep your right foot. Although, I've been around long enough to appreciate just how far eco technology has come over the decades. Manufacturer claims versus real-world results used to be loosely acquainted. Nowadays, however, there is so much technology to actually help you attain great fuel economy. The Mercedes engineers want you to squirrel away every last drop of diesel potential with their latest EQ Boost, 48-volt mild-hybrid technology. Flick the car into Efficiency mode and it turns into a superhero. No jokes, Eco is the new Sport mode. As I shall in a moment … Even the front passenger has their own screen. However, a Big Brother camera is watching all the time. Image: Mercedes-Benz Press I choose to point the Mercedes-Benz E220d and its elegant prow towards the Overstrand. Because, one, free-flowing open road. And, two, I just love how undulating and curving the roads are. If there's anywhere to find out whether this oil-burning executive express can deliver on its promises, it's here. Upon first inspection, the latest E220d has evolved into a properly handsome luxury sedan. It's refreshingly restrained with no swage lines and creases to distract from its powerful silhouette. Instead, there's a dignified simplicity that's both traditional and contemporary. The shape is also exceedingly aerodynamic. The front grille lights up, too. Bonus! Inside, the latest MBUX system ensure the three screens up front are a complete tech-fest. Their resolution would embarrass any Nu Metro cinema. And yet, the cabin still feels traditional, usable and not overwhelming. Of course, the seats are supremely comfortable, which is important when you're spending many hours in the saddle. The luxurious Merc would keep going, if it weren't for the road ending. Ah well, must simply turn back. Image: Ray Leathern En route, I've got the Mercedes-Benz E220d in its not-so-secret Efficiency mode. The 48-volt system doesn't just power ancillaries or provide instant boost when you plant your foot, it's the key to its 'lift-and-coast' functionality. Essentially, when you crest a rise and lift off the throttle, the car decouples the engine, and you sail along using no fuel at all. However, the genius is you actually gain a lot of speed in this phase. Much more than if you kept the cruise control active. It's like a whole new way to drive a luxury vehicle. And it's completely eco-friendly … and very fun. Past Caledon, I turn onto the R316, and that's where the E-Class starts to show its true genius. The road toward Napier is a rhythmic symphony of undulations and fast sweeping bends. It's no wonder it's a favourite of bikers. But in a car, you don't have to go flat-out to enjoy it. The trick to efficient driving isn't going slowly – it's about reading the road and maintaining momentum. In the E220d it becomes more of a physics exercise. You're trying to go up the hills as efficiently as possible and then spend the rest of the time in 'coast mode' with the engine off, just gliding. The grille is subtly lit from the inside to make the frontend pop even more than usual. Image: Ray Leathern The charming agricultural hamlet of Napier appears and disappears in my mirrors. The road continues to writhe across the lush landscape toward Bredasdorp, and I'm perfecting my rhythm now. Better still, the digital readout for my trip has settled at a brilliant average of 5.5 l/100 km. And I haven't gone slowly. That's the genius of modern efficiency with the mild-hybrid technology. From Bredasdorp, it's a straight shot down to Arniston, one of those achingly picturesque fishing villages. Sadly, it's as far as this particular road goes. So, I park the Mercedes-Benz E220d atop the point, looking over the azure waters of the Indian Ocean. Honestly, I don't even feel remotely tired and it's been several hours in the car already. That's always a great sign. On the return leg I start to wiggle around a bit. I detour to the wonderfully tidy little town of Elim. And then down to Pearly Beach and along the coast, back up to the R316. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel is good for 145 kW and 440 Nm of torque. And it's barely audible on full-throttle acceleration. It also feels like it's hardly breaking a sweat, even when you hustle it to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds. It's a proverbial light show from the latest Mercedes-Benz E220d, both front and rear. Image: Ray Leathern By the time I return to the hustle and bustle of Cape Town, and its dawdling traffic, the deed is done. The trip computer has settled at an average of 5.5 l/100 km and will not shift. This means a real-world cruising range per tank well in excess of 1 150 km. Sure, it's 0.5 higher than claimed, but a remarkable figure for a car that weighs nearly two tonnes. And is packed with enough technology to rival the online NATIS licencing portal. Is this a relevant test for a luxury sedan? I certainly think so. It demonstrates the inherent efficiency and comfort of the three-pointed star. And in a world increasingly obsessed with electric vehicles, the Mercedes-Benz E220d makes yet another compelling case for the latest generation of modern diesels. Efficient, refined, and with a range that would leave most EVs green with envy … 2025 Mercedes-Benz E220d Price: R1 541 260 R1 541 260 Engine: 2.0-litre turbodiesel + EQ Boost 2.0-litre turbodiesel + EQ Boost Power: 145 kW (+ 17 kW) and 440 Nm (+ 205 Nm) 145 kW (+ 17 kW) and 440 Nm (+ 205 Nm) Transmission: 9-speed auto, rear-wheel drive 9-speed auto, rear-wheel drive Fuel Economy: 5.0 l/100 km (claimed) / 5.5 l/100 km (tested) 5.0 l/100 km (claimed) / 5.5 l/100 km (tested) Performance: 0-100 km/h in 7.6 seconds / top speed 238 km/h Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
