2015 Porsche Cayenne – Sharper looks; greater efficiency

Porsche raised the public's collective eyebrow when it decided to enter the sport-utility vehicle business in 2003 with the Cayenne. However, despite the grumblings of purists, this midsize luxury SUV has proven itself worthy of the vaunted Porsche name over the course of two generations. Sales have exceeded all expectations: Over 276,000 first generation vehicles were produced (2002 to 2010), and around 303,000 units of the second generation, which was introduced in 2010, have already been produced so far. 

 

2015 Porsche Cayenne

For 2015, Porsche has introduced a more revamped and striking range of the Cayenne. The 2015 model features a sharper design, enhanced efficiency and a generous list of standard features. The new generation of the Cayenne will launch on the market in five versions: Cayenne S, Cayenne Turbo, Cayenne Diesel, and Cayenne S Diesel and – for the first time - the Cayenne S E-Hybrid, which is the first plug-in hybrid in the premium SUV segment.

 

Revamped front with standard bi-xenon

Looks

The 2015 Porsche Cayenne now features new bi-xenon headlights, which are standard in the base and S models, with "hovering" four-point LED daytime running lights. Top of the range models come fitted with standard LED headlights with the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS). At the rear is a new lights layout. The rear lights have a three-dimensional effect and feature LEDs as standard. The license plate recess, boot handle and lights are now integrated more elegantly into the boot lid. Designers also re-designed the car's horizontal lines, giving the SUV an even fuller stance on the road. The newly designed exhaust tailpipes are now integrated in the lower rear section. An automatically activating boot lid is a standard feature. 

Driver focused interior

Performance

The entry level petrol powered 2015 Cayenne, the S, features a new 3.6-litre biturbo power unit. The V6 churns out 309 kW (420 hp) and 550 Nm of torque. The Porsche Cayenne accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in just 5.5 seconds. This is 0.4 seconds faster than the outgoing Cayenne S. Fuel consumption is rated at 9.5 litres per 100 kilometres while top speed is 259 km/h. The more powerful petrol powered 2015 Porsche Cayenne Turbo features a 382 kW (520 hp) 4.8-litre unit. The eight cylinder biturbo unit ensures the wheels are kept spinning by 750 Nm of torque. The impeccable performance allows the Porsche Cayenne Turbo to hit 100 km/h from 0 in 4.5 seconds. The engine will continue to accelerate the 2015 Cayenne Turbo to its top speed of 279 km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at 11.2 litres per 100 km.

 

Profile generally remains untouched

The diesel list consists of the 2015 Porsche Cayenne Diesel and Cayenne S Diesel. The Cayenne Diesel features a 3.0-litre V6 with an output of 193 kW (262 hp) and 580 Nm of torque. Fuel consumption is a pocket friendly 6.6 litres per 100 km. 0 to 100 km/h takes 7.3 seconds while the top speed is recorded at 221 km/h. The more performance themed 2015 Porsche Cayenne S Diesel comes equipped with a 4.2-litre V8 engine with an output of 283 kW (385 hp) and 850 Nm of torque. From standstill the 2015 Porsche Cayenne will get to a 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds. This particular Cayenne can hit 252 km/h while returning a fuel consumption rating of 8.0 litres per 100 kilometres. 

 

2015 Porsche Cayenne S E-hybrid

The more eco-conscience 2015 Porsche Cayenne S E-hybrid features a 3.0 litre supercharged V6 paired with an electric motor. The motor is feed with power from a 10.8 kWh lithium-ion traction battery. The battery allows the 2015 Porsche Cayenne S E-hybrid to be driven for a distance of 36 km on pure electric-mode. The supercharged V6 (333 hp / 245 kW) and the electric motor (95 hp / 70 kW) produce a combined system power of 416 hp (306 kW) and a total system torque of 590 Nm. The electric motor provides the kick to accelerate the 2015 Porsche Cayenne S E-hybrid to 100km/h in just 5.9 seconds. The top speed in all electric-mode is 125 km/h and 243 km/h with power from both the engine and the electric motor. Fuel consumption is an incredible 3.4-litre per 100 km. 

 

The 918 Spyder inspired steering wheel

Interior

In the interior, designers devoted much of their effort to the driver's space - the driver now gets a new multifunction sport steering wheel with shift paddles as standard; its look and functions are based on the steering wheel of the 918 Spyder. A particular eye-catcher is the centre console rising up to the front with its protruding switches and buttons giving the interior the character of a genuine cockpit. The front passengers are integrated even more into the car, enjoying an even more sporting feeling on their seats. They also made the rear seating system even more comfortable, and seat ventilation can now be ordered as an option for the rear seats. The rear seat backrests fold down separately in a 40: 20: 40 split. The luggage compartment in the 2015 Porsche Cayenne is fully suited also for long trips with the driver and four passengers. The rear seats folding down either completely in split sections increase luggage compartment capacity when required. 

Revamped rear

Verdict

With a line-up that stretches from a hybrid V6 to a twin-turbo V8, the Porsche Cayenne isn't your typical midsize SUV. Nor is it the most practical or family-friendly. Indeed, the Porsche Cayenne's high load floor and lack of a third-row seat option limit are a testament to that fact. But in terms of spirited driving, there are few better. Thanks to its all-wheel-drive system, razor-sharp steering, and superb brakes, the Porsche Cayenne demonstrates surprising dexterity around corners. The 2015 Porsche Cayenne continues the SUV’s sporty philosophy while delivering more efficiency and more refinement both inside and out.

2008 Mazda Demio – Eye-catching and dynamic

Launched in September 2007 as Mazda’s first new-generation Zoom-Zoom vehicle to evolve to the next level, the Mazda Demio was an instant hit all over the world. The 2008 Mazda Demio adopted the great qualities from its predecessor model, which continues to have a great fan base in Kenya. The striking small hatchback has won over 20 automotive awards. 

2008 Mazda Demio

 Mazda has already debuted an all-new model, which replaces the 2008 Demio. However, thanks to the used car market, Kenyans will continue to sample the great appeal this little hatchback has to offer. Boasting a dynamic, attention-grabbing design, the 2008 Mazda Demiomakes a lasting impression on trendy urban buyers, looking for a sassy car that offers the perfect blend of practicality and sporty appeal. 

 

Front looks

Looks

Its dynamic design, sharp contours, low roofline, and compact dimensions create a lasting impression with a wide ranging appeal. The design team combined the visual movements created by the car’s silhouette, the lines of the body, and the patterns of light on the body to create dynamic, multifaceted expressions that are trendy and energetic. The visual movement is created by the hatchback’s silhouette, the lines of the body, and the patterns of light over the body are combined to create an appealing look. The resulting exterior design exudes a powerful energy that makes the 2008 Mazda Demio look as though it's about to move even when it's parked.

 

Previous generation model

Power

The 2008 Mazda Demio is available with two power units: a 1.3-litre and a 1.5-litre. The 1.3-litre engine boasts a maximum output of 62kW (83 hp) @ 6 000rpm and a torque peak of 121 Nm @ 3 500rpm, while the 1.5-litre Sequential Valve Timing (S-VT) engine offers 76 kW (101 hp) of power at 6 000rpm and a maximum torque of 136 Nm at 4 000rpm. The power units offer confident and dynamic performance, with ample torque delivery and good fuel economy throughout the rev range. The 1.3-litre power unit consumes 5.4l/100km. Similarly the 1.5-litre models return an impressive figure of 5.9l/100km.

 

Profile

Ride

The 2008 Demio offers a quiet and sophisticated ride thanks to the efforts of Mazda engineers to minimize the overall weight of the hatchback. This refined body structure adds to the excellent fuel economy, and most importantly it does this without any sacrifice to safety. The suspension has been optimally tuned and the steering and braking systems are of the highest standard. The result is agile but stable handling, a high degree of manoeuvrability and reassuring control enabling entry users and experienced drivers alike to enjoy driving with confidence. 

Room for five occupant

Interior

Despite its compact appearance on the outside the 2008 Mazda Demio offers spacious and practical storage solutions on the inside, with numerous storage compartments on offer. Sophisticated trim details featuring black upholstery off set by silver detailing add to the sassy nature of the cabin. The visual appeal is matched by the 2008 Mazda Demio’s high levels of specification. All 2008 Mazda Demios are available with a CD sound system featuring MP3 compatibility. 

 

Cockpit

Models available on used car lots feature either manual or automatic air-conditioning.Other options such as rain sensing wipers, keyless entry, electrically operated windows and mirrors, exterior air thermometer, driver information system and front and rear fog lamps are fitted as well. This however, depends on the version of the 2008 Mazda Demio you find at the used car lot. The must have top of the range model offers a 6CD changer with 6 speakers and audio controls on the steering wheel as a standard feature.

Rear design

Verdict

Entry-level hatchbacks have been getting better and better with the passing years. For the most part, it's getting harder to refer to them as penalty boxes as they've been receiving ever-increasing levels of comfort and features. The 2008 Mazda Demio fits the description above with perfect accuracy. If you're looking for an inexpensive set of wheels that'll get you where you need to go without being a complete snooze to drive, the 2008 Mazda Demio is worth a look.

2009 Toyota Mark X – Better looking, more luxurious and great value

The Toyota Mark X is the successor to the popular Toyota Mark II. The Toyota Mark II has enjoyed sales figures of 4.8 million since its first incarnation in 1968. The Toyota Mark II is also known as the Toyota Chaser in Japan. The Toyota Mark X is mainly targeted to individuals in their 30s who have a family. In Japan it is aimed at the middle market segment though the Mark X impressive features and looks fit it more to the luxury segment.

2009 Toyota Mark X

The first generation Mark X has enjoyed successful sales in Kenya and still remains one of the top choice used mid-sized saloon cars on sale today. Unknown to many Kenyans, there have been three successive generations of the Mark X, with the latest third generation model having debuted in Japan last year. Our main focus is on the appealing second generation model, which many used car firms have begun importing to Kenya in high volumes. 

 

1st generation Mark X

Design

The design concept behind the 2009 Marx X blends dynamism and style. The saloon's silhouette is smooth and elegant, with expansive front and rear pillars to emphasize integration with the under body. The 1,435 mm height and 20 mm expansion for both width and track give the saloon a low centre of gravity. Rear-wheel drive allows a front-and-rear weight distribution ratio of 54:46 for stable driving.

Aggressive front

The bumper's wide opening and deep-set fog lights emphasize the face's low centre of gravity and wide stance, while the three-lamp linear layout of the headlights and a mesh grille, with an imposing X letter, enhance the car’s aggressive look. The combination tail lights also have a three-lamp linear layout, while lights built into the lid of the boot complete the total redesign of the 2009 Mark X. Kenyans can choose the 2009 Mark X with a choice of six body paint. 

Performance

The 2009 Mark X is available with two power units. The bigger and powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine features a management system that provides the ample and comfortable cruising characteristic of a full-scale sports saloon. The 2.5-liter V6 engine (two-wheel drive) models offer outstanding acceleration, going from zero to 100km/h in just 8.4 seconds. Reduced friction resistance in the suspension and higher arm rigidity enhance manoeuvrability and provide in-touch-with-the-road steering and a smooth, comfortable ride.

Distinct profile

The sports type models are equipped with Adaptive Variable Suspension, which combines mono-tube shock absorbers and computer control of damping force, delivering an exceptional ride, superior handling, and stable cruising performance. The newly adopted Variable Gear Ratio Steering system, which controls the angle of the front wheels according to car’s speed to improve steering performance, is coupled with optimized electric power steering, resulting in outstanding handling. 

Interior

The 2009 Mark X’s interior is sporty and dynamic, combining quality and precision that evokes a feeling of driving pleasure. The leather-covered steering wheel's thicker ergonomic grip and a leather-booted gearshift add to the sporty feel. The angles of the seat cushion and sides of the front seats have been optimized for superior hold.

Spacious interior

The driver's seat also features a switch-operated motorized lumbar support function that shifts the seatback forward or back to improve back comfort during driving. The shoulder portion of the door trim for the front and rear seats has been pushed outward, while the distance between the front seats has been resulting in a roomier interior. 

Other features

The multi-information display, which indicates average fuel efficiency, possible cruising distance and other data, features, is clearly visible thanks to the adoption of a high-contrast white, organic electroluminescent (EL) display. Fully automatic independent temperature controls for the driver and passenger sides-standard on all models feature a function to remove pollen, dust and other impurities from the air in the cabin.

Cockpit

An HDD infotainment system features multimedia and other advanced functions. The HDD infotainment system features a digital TV tuner and is paired with 12 speakers optimally placed to provide sound quality comparable to a live performance. The Intelligent Parking Assist system uses ultrasonic sensors installed in the front of the saloon. The system detects a suitable parking-space and helps the driver parallel park or reverse into a parking space by informing the driver when to turn the steering wheel and where to start backing up.

 

Appealing rear look

Verdict

The 2009 Toyota Mark X improves on every aspect the first generation model has. Although prices might scare away potential buyers, they should come down as more and more units flood the market. The 2009 Toyota Mark X is a great alternative to the Toyota Crown and Lexus GS saloon. Inquire units from authorised and reputable Japanese used car importers.