AS I write this, I do so knowing that the petrol price is due to jump by another 23 cents, putting further pressure on already stretched household budgets. In Europe, however, things are arguably even worse. Having recently returned from an extensive tour of Sweden and France (see our Paris Show feature from page 14), I can report that these severely misfring economies are causing plenty of doom and gloom – how can it be otherwise when you can expect to pay around R100 for a glass of wine in Gothenburg! Never mind buying a new car, or fuelling it.
Under the bright lights of the Mondial de l’Automobile, however, there were many reasons to remain optimistic. Manufacturers wheeled out exciting new products, not only in the upper price brackets, but also important new wheels for Joe Public. The downside of all of this is that, given the erce competition and enormous cost, I don’t think making the right car-buying decision has ever been more important or more difficult.
That’s where a consumer title such as CAR comes in handy. While our road tests continue to set the benchmark, CAR’s consumeroriented reporting shifts up a gear this month with one of our biggest group tests ever, including extensive reader involvement during the driving evaluations. If you’re in the market for a B-segment hatchback and have around R200 000 to spend, our comprehensive comparative test, starting on page 48 and which pits Peugeot’s new 208 against eight rivals, is highly recommended.
And now for that “double scoop”. Two vehicles that will be of big interest to consumers come from the General Motors stable and are hotly tipped to become big players in the local market. The first, the Chevrolet Trailblazer, targets a seemingly invincible market leader, the Toyota Fortuner. There’s a lot at stake here (for manufacturers and buyers alike) so, if you’re in the market for a rugged leisure vehicle, head straight for our first road test (page 74).
GM is also readying an all-new Isuzu KB for the South African market that is due to go on sale early next year. Because South African bakkie customers are among the most demanding in the world, the KB has undergone extensive local development. CAR magazine was given an exclusive peek into the project and afforded the rare opportunity to drive the pre-launch KB on local soil. To see how this crucial newcomer is shaping up to challenge the Ford Ranger, VW Amarok and Toyota Hilux, make tracks for page 34.
For those who are planning to buy a new vehicle in 2013, keep your eyes peeled for the December issue of CAR, which will feature comprehensive details on all the newcomers expected in the next 12 months. Hopefully, these features will alleviate some of the stress and head-scratching. After all, considering the expense, the purchase of a new car should be fun.
