Brabus 850 - Excess = Success
If you believe cars are becoming too effete as manufacturers
trample over each other in the rush to win the planet-friendly Olympics, well,
there's always Brabus. This performance house has developed excess to a fine
art. For instance, quite likely the world's fastest station wagon is pictured
at left. Based on a Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG, it boasts a 675-kilowatt 6-liter
biturbo that simply lays waste to the tar, rocketing the car to 100 km/h from
rest in 3,1 seconds. Its top speed of 350 is electronically limited, as is the
peak torque of 1 450 N.m.
The interior shown at right is of a similarly manic S-Class
rework, equipped with such niceties as a concealed Apple computer and
outrageously plush interior.
Brabus 850
Renault Duster - Go anywhere on a budget
There's a Renault divide. On one side you'll find Renault's
regular Euro models, such as the Megane and Clio, aimed at more sophisticated
palates. On the other side, for more budget-oriented tastes, you have the
Stepway and, now, the Duster. (Both of which are also marketed elsewhere under
the Dacia brand name.) They may not be so posh, but being part of the Renault
family means that they benefit by association and, hopefully, economically.
Renault Duster
In common with many current SUVs - particularly smaller ones
- you can have your Duster in 2wd or 4x4. Our experience with the 4x4 on a
reasonably testing off-road course suggests that it is a mighty impressive
performer. There aren't many places this feisty little wagon won't get to, as
our pictures prove. Although there isn't a low range, First gear on the 4x4's
6-speed gearbox is very short (low-geared). That translates into good lugging
ability. Plus, the 1,5-liter diesel engine, making its local debut, has a hefty
240 N.m of torque reaching its maximum at just 1 750 r/min anyway. There's also
a 1,6 petrol.
Incidentally, the 4x4 drivetrain is derived from Nissan via
Renault's partnership with that Japanese company. In normal use it defaults to
front-wheel drive; selecting Auto switches between 2wd and 4wd as needed. It
can also be locked in 4wd.
Add to that ample room for four to four and a half, decent
packing space (475 liters) and you've got the ideal setup for active families.
Although these are budget offerings, there's a comprehensive list of standard
fitments on both of the trim levels available. The flagship Dynamique version
gets goodies such as stability control and a touchscreen navigation and multimedia
system.
Go anywhere on a
budget
Nissan Sentra CVT - The smooth alternative
Continually variable transmissions have come in for some bad
press, at times justifiably so. One of the problem areas is the way that, when
you accelerate, there's an initial whoooaaa dwindling to a more familiar engine
note as revs decrease to normal. At the same time, there are no familiar -
there's that word again - gearshifts like we're used to. But that's just the
way these things work. A more serious potential drawback is longevity, but
Nissan says that its system is good for the car's lifetime. There's also the
question of fuel efficiency.
So much for the caveats. After a week with the new Sentra
CVT, I have to admit I'm agreeably surprised. First, the high revving under
acceleration is managed very well; revs are not allowed to rocket, and the
engine is kept in its sweet spot. It also helps that you're well insulated from
engine noise. Drive it like a normal, sane person and you will probably not
notice anything out of the ordinary. Give it stick, and yes, expect more sound
and fury.
Nissan Sentra CVT
The 1,6 four-cylinder proved to be more than adequate in the
new model's generously sized body, too. Another positive: it's by no means the
last word in dynamics, but driven enthusiastically the Sentra has pretty
forgiving handling with good feedback to the driver. As for fuel efficiency, I
can report an overall figure of 7 liters/100 km, which is pretty decent.
The Nissan Sentra
CVT’s interior
Of course, the Sentra, now amazingly in its 13th generation,
is pitched as a value-for-money compact passenger sedan. It replaces the Tiida
here. The new car's looks that are distinctly different from what went before,
but its big selling point is sheer size - it's big, with a 510 dm3 boot that's
said to be bigger than what you'll find on some models a class up in size.
Despite its roomy interior it has a sleek outside with a drag factor of 0,29,
said to be better than the competition. Notable features include
speed-sensitive power steering; a tilt/ telescope steering wheel; ABS brakes
with EBD and BA; 6 airbags (driver, side, passenger and curtain); and a rear
armrest with built-in cup-holder and a flap for boot access.
