2015 Toyota Vitz – More aggressive and stylish

The very first Toyota Vitz was launched at the end of the last century. Since then the Toyota Vitz has managed to sell more than 3.5 million units all over the world. This makes the Toyota Vitz one of the most important cars for the Japanese brand. The third-generation of the Vitz, which debuted back in 2012, ushered in sharper styling as well as a compact exterior paired with a roomy, refined interior; abundant utility; and outstanding fuel efficiency. Toyota has made some numerous changes to the overall look and feel of the sub-compact car. So what should buyers expect to see in the 2015 Toyota Vitz? Read on to find out. 

 

2015 Toyota Vitz

Looks

The 2015 Vitz features a more dynamic adoption of Toyota’s Keen Look detailing that is visible on most of its current generation models. This, according to the brand, offers greater emotional appeal to the more contemporary family look the outgoing model had. The narrow upper and large trapezoidal lower grilles merge at the logo to form a powerful cross-shaped structure. The logo itself is underscored by a chrome trim bar which runs through the length of the upper grille into new, Keen Look headlamp clusters. The headlamp clusters themselves incorporate new projector lamp technology for both high and low beams. 

 

Redesigned to appeal

The large, trapezoidal lower grille focuses attention on the bottom of the 2015 Toyota Vitz, reinforcing the car’s low centre of gravity. At the side, the 2015 Toyota Vitz benefits from a new door belt moulding, optional, electrically-folding door mirrors and a choice of four new, 15- and 16-inch alloy wheels. To the rear, a new bumper design gives the appearance of a broader, lower stance, while the diffuser strengthens the 2015 Toyota Vitz’s road presence with a more sporting, self-confident image. At each side of the license plate garnish are new rear lamps that incorporate a new design and LEDs. The rear lights give the 2015 Toyota Vitz a unique lighting signature especially at night. 

 

2014 Toyota Vitz RS

Power

Powering the 2015 Toyota Vitz is a 1.3-litre 4 cylinder engine that delivers 73 kW (98 hp) and 121 Nm of torque. Pairing with a Super CVT-i (Super Continuously Variable Transmission-intelligent) transmission achieves outstanding fuel efficiency of 4.2 litters per 100 kilometres. The front suspension features softer coil springs for greater ride comfort. The rear suspension has also been redesigned to incorporate a new, stiffer torsion beam combined with softer coil springs. This improves ride comfort whilst maintaining good body roll control. The electric power steering takes advantage of the redesigned suspension to offer significantly improved responsiveness and accuracy for a more engaging driving experience.

Power unit

Interior

Creating a more horizontal feel to the dashboard, the upper instrument panel is now thinner, and the upper surface of the driver's instrument binnacle has been restyled for a slimmer look. In conjunction, the door panel has also been redesigned to combine a more fluid, dynamic appearance with a larger soft-touch area and greater functionality. The centre console has been raised by 23mm to reduce the length of the gear shift lever by 30mm for improved gear changing ergonomics, and a closed storage area has been added.

Practical interior

A multi-information display located within the instrument cluster shows information including fuel efficiency, average fuel efficiency and possible cruising distance. The area of soft touch finishes has been increased within the cabin. The 2015 Toyota Vitz further benefits from a range of all-new seat trims, with a new fabric pattern and colour for each grade. The front seats use a new frame that enhances seating comfort, while the rear seats have more legroom to create a comfortable and relaxing space in the rear. The rear seats fold in a 60:40 split, enabling flexible arrangement. 

 

Redesigned rear with new tail lights

Verdict

The Toyota Vitz has evolved in the recent times to become an economical, practical and lovely looking sub-compact car. The latest updates not only improve the Toyota Vitz appeal but also the car’s driving characteristics as well. Sadly because not so many two door versions of the outgoing model were sold, the latest updates will be visible on the four-door variant. A more powerful RS model is also available as well. New or used, the Toyota Vitz remains a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable sub-compact car.

Jeep Grand Cherokee ‘Limited’ – Well equipped, luxurious and rugged

The Jeep Grand Cherokee occupies an envied spot in the automotive segment. The Grand Cherokee is one of the pioneers that kicked off the SUV craze in the early 1990s. The Grand Cherokee is a capable off-road machine that has, at least two times, saved Chrysler's corporate credibility. The Grand Cherokee keeps the Jeep tradition by remaining practical, luxurious, and rugged Sports Utility Vehicle. These three characteristics have made the Grand Cherokee an appealing alternative not only to a saloon, crossover, or estate but also to expensive SUV’s offered by other brands. Our focus is on the popular Jeep Grand Cherokee ‘Limited’. 

Jeep Grand Cherokee 'Limited'

Looks

The Jeep Grand Cherokee ‘Limited’ design build’s on the outgoing model’s cohesive and upscale design. This consists of an upper seven-slot front grille, which is shorter than the one on the outgoing model. The new front headlamps are now slimmer and more attractive. The Jeep Grand Cherokee ‘Limited’ also incorporates a signature front and rear LED lighting. The lower front fascia has been slightly elevated, while the fog lights are raised and are more pronounced. The profile of the Jeep Grand Cherokee ‘Limited’ is dominated by trapezoidal wheel arches that house the standard five-spoke 18-inch polished aluminium wheels. The rear of the Jeep Grand Cherokee limited features larger tail lamps, with signature LED lighting, a larger rear spoiler that aids in efficient aerodynamics, and a re-sculpted tailgate that offers greater rear visibility. 

 

Cockpit

Performance

The Jeep Grand Cherokee ‘Limited’ bonnet is powered by a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine which boasts 216 kW (290 hp) and 352 Nm of torque. The power unit consumes an average of 9.8 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres. Structural, intake and exhaust areas of the 3.6-liter V-6 engine are designed to deliver low levels of overall noise and achieve specific sound quality goals that meet discerning customer requirements. The 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 is paired to a new eight-speed automatic transmission, which provides better fuel economy, quicker acceleration, and smoother shifting. Fully electronic, the eight-speed automatic features manual shifting capability using steering-wheel paddle controls. 

Comfortable seats

Ride

The Jeep Grand Cherokee ‘Limited’ glides on surfaces via a rugged Quadra-Lift air suspension system. The Quadra-Lift system features five height settings for optimum ride performance. The independent front and rear suspension features isolated front and rear suspension frames. The frames, along with variable-rate rear springs, deliver improved on-road handling and comfort. They also complement the SUV's legendary off-road capability. The rear suspension also allows the spare tire to be stored inside the vehicle as opposed to underneath. When the Eco button is switched on at speeds of 90km/h and above the Jeep Grand Cherokee ‘Limited’ lowers to improve its aerodynamic capabilities. At the rear are load-levelling shocks. When items are placed in the boot, the shocks gas pressure increases to ensure the SUV remains leveled. 

 

Better and more striking than previous model

Cabin

Matching the flamboyant exterior is an equally posh interior. Step inside the Jeep Grand Cherokee ‘Limited’ and one quickly notices the classy centre console, with 8.4-inch touch screen. Controls for radio and climate are found below the screen. The driver shift the 8-speed transmission via a T-handle shifter, adorned in leather. The three-spoke steering wheel is wrapped in leather. The Jeep Grand Cherokee ‘Limited’ incorporates standard paddle shifters, mounted on the back of the steering wheel. A new configurable multi-view display features a 7-inch Thin-Film Transistor (TFT) screen. 

The premium interior provides seating for up to five occupants. Soft-touch materials are used at key “touch points” throughout the interior. Both front seats are heated and ventilated with eight-way power assistance and four-way lumbar adjustment. The moulded shape of seat improves on occupant comfort. The 12-degrees reclining rear seats, 60/40 split folding, together with the longer wheelbase, enhance comfort for rear passengers. Several storage and convenience features have been designed into the boot.  The spare tire has a dedicated space underneath the cargo floor. The rear cargo area also incorporates a storage unit with a re-chargeable flashlight. 

 

Rear design

Verdict

The Jeep Grand Cherokee recent upgrades and latest advancements have now made it a top notch luxury SUV. The Grand Cherokee, in ‘Limited’ trim, offers plenty of luxury equipment that is visible on its more expensive rivals. The list of standard equipment is impressive considering the Jeep Cherokee ‘Limited’ only costs $84,500 (about Kshs 7.2 million).

All-New BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe –The ultimate 4-door Coupe

Following the launch of the BMW 4-Series Coupe, the Gran Coupe is the latest model to join the BMW 4-Series range. All 4-Series models are which is longer, wider and more dynamic than any of the previous midsize series, the 3-Series, due to the balanced proportions of the vehicles. The All-New BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe combines the sleek look of a two-door coupe with the functionality provided by four-doors and expansive spaciousness, including a wide-access luggage compartment. As we already highlighted on our previous issues of Monthly Motor, the 4-series range is not a clever BMW marketing ploy to dig deeper into your wallet. The 4-Series Coupe might be the exceptionally desirable version in the range, but it can’t beat the All-New Gran Coupe’s all round practicality and all round versatility. The All-New BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe has exactly the same dimensions as the two-door coupe, but has a larger boot and two extra doors. 

 

All-New BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe

Looks

Up front, both models are identical and share the typical BMW design features like the double-kidney grille, dual round headlights, and the large air intake in the front apron. However, the roof of the All-New BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe is twelve millimetres higher; 112 mm longer and gently stretched allowing it to flow smoothly into the rear wings and boot lid. The typical BMW short overhangs, the long bonnet and the set-back passenger compartment complement the design of the All-New BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe to express perfect balance combined with a bold presence. The higher roof offers more headroom and comfort in the rear passenger compartment.

Short front overhang

At the same time, the short front and rear overhangs, the long wheelbase relative to the car’s length, and the set-back passenger compartment are typical BMW touches that add to the perfect balance of the body design and the noble appearance of this car, which is derived from the elegant BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe. Prominent horizontal lines and broadly stretched taillights, positioned at the outer edges of the rear, enhance the muscular wheel arches and give the car wide rear look. The L-shaped rear lights of the All-New BMW 4-Series Grand Coupe blend harmoniously into the car's overall design.

 

Stylish coupe appeal

Power

The All-New BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe offers a choice of five powerful, cultivated, and efficient engines. The high-end is represented by the 435i's six-cylinder in-line 3.0-liter petrol engine delivering 225 kW/306 hp. Fuel consumption for the 3.0-litre unit is recorded at 8.1 litres per 100 km covered. The BMW 428i Gran Coupe, with a fuel consumption rate of 6.6 l/100 km, and the more efficient BMW 420i Gran Coupe, which needs 6.4 l/100 km, are equipped with light and powerful four-cylinder engines that deliver 180 kW/245 hp and 135 kW/184 hp, respectively. Power is transferred from engine to road via a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard. However, all engine variants can also link up with an 8-speed Sports automatic as an option. Both gearboxes work with the fuel-consumption-reducing Auto Start Stop function. The BMW xDrive intelligent, all-wheel-drive system can be ordered as an option.

 

Driver focused cockpit

Interior

The interior of the All-New BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe presents a stylish fusion of sporty allure and exclusivity. The stylish and functional elegance of the interior is highlighted by prominent round instruments with a black panel look and the free-standing flat-screen iDrive monitor. The cockpit and rear passenger compartment are visually joined by trim strips originating in the instrument panel and extending along the upper sections of the door panels into the rear. The side supports and slender head restraints in the rear seat are contoured for a modern, seemingly moulded one-piece look that adds to the sporty character of the 4+1 seater.

Comfortable rear seats

The backrest can be folded in 40:20:40 configurations to create more luggage and stowage space as required. When the seat is completely folded down, the maximum volume capacity is 1,300 litres. If only the centre segment is utilized, four people can ride comfortably while transporting long and bulky items. When not folded down, this middle section provides space for two cup holders. An optional feature is the Smart Opener, which automatically opens the boot lid via gesture control - namely a foot movement underneath the rear bumper. 

 

Wider than a 3-series

Verdict

The All-New BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe is suitable for anyone looking for a luxurious and better looking compact 4-door coupe. The coupe combines the practicality of a 3-Series saloon with the classy and sporty looks of the 4-Series Coupe.

Ford Kuga – Strikingly stylish and bold

The Ford Kuga’s increasing popularity is driven by its blend of stylish looks, economical engines, and sporty drive. The Ford Kuga offers ample space, a sharp design, enhanced driving dynamics, fuel efficient engines and a host of clever technologies including SYNC, Ford’s ‘open sesame’ hands free automatic tailgate, Ford’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, Active City Stop, Lane Keeping Aid, Blind Spot Indication System and more. 

 

Ford Kuga

Looks

The Ford Kuga has a sleek silhouette with a lean athletic feel, thanks in to its large angled windshield and dynamic roofline. The overall appearance of the Ford Kuga continues to offer a muscular stance, which is attributed to the pronounced wheel arches and raised beltline. The slim upper grille opening emphasizes the vehicles width, while the three-dimensional hood highlights Ford’s oval and the three-section trapezoidal grill. Distinctively styled headlights, which feature LED daytime running lights, adorn the front. The rear is dominated by the restyled rear door with new, Ford Focus, inspired taillights. A silver rear under guard incorporates the rear diffuser and two tailpipes. 

 

Kuga's profile

Performance

The Ford Kuga delivers impressive fuel efficiency. This is as a result of new power plants that feature Ford’s EcoBoost engine technology. The Ford Kuga can be paired with a 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol fire plant, available with two power outputs. The 147 hp (110 kW) version is available in FWD (front wheel drive) Ford Kuga. This particular power plant mated with a 6-speed manual transmission. The power train rewards the 147 hp Ford Kuga with an impressive fuel consumption figure of just 6.6 litres /100 km. On the AWD (All Wheel Drive) Ford Kuga, the 1.6-litre EcoBoost churns out 180 hp (134 kW). This version uses 7.7 l/100 km of fuel and features a 6-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift. Both variants produce 240 Nm of torque between 1600 and 4000 rpm.

 

Appealing rear design

Interior

The interior of the Ford Kuga is sophisticated with soft touch surfaces, contoured seats, and electroplated metal finishes. The mid-sized SUV offers ample luggage space with rear seats folding flat in one movement. Transportation of different types of cargo is made easier with the space and smart features available in the Ford Kuga. This includes an umbrella holder, second-row floor bin and ticket holder in each sun visor. The Kuga’s spacious boot can be accessed more easily thanks to the incorporation of Ford's hands-free tailgate opening system. With the system on board, the boot can be opened or closed by a kicking motion beneath the rear bumper. The Ford Kuga offers 46-litres more luggage compartment-space than the outgoing model. The overall volume of road and wind noise has been significantly reduced. This in turn helps Ford Kuga to deliver one of the quietest cabins in its segment. The improvements are attributed to the innovative use of acoustic door mirrors.  

 

Cockpit

Verdict

The Ford Kuga’s appealing design, economical engines, and comfortable interior adds some style and appeal to the mid-sized SUV segment. The Ford Kuga not only builds on the outgoing models great reputation, but also steps up the competition for its rivals.