sa’s d - honda · score of 82,6), is not amongst them. the new ... “honda’s jazz ensemble...

J D POWER AND ASSOCIATES SOUTH AFRICA CUSTOMER SATISFACTION INDEX STUDY

Best and Worst JDCSIowner survey

POWERJDJDJDJDSA’s

CAR brings you the results of the fi fth annual Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) Study carried out on the South African new vehicle market by the global information marketing company J D Power and Associates. Based on actual customer experiences, this totally independent and unbiased survey establishes a CSI for the country’s most popular cars, MPVs, SUVs and pick-ups. We reveal SA’s best and worst vehicles…

EXCLUSIVE

Reprinted from CAR February 2009

JDPower reprint.indd 89 4/24/09 9:32:49 AM

JDCSIowner survey

POWERBUDGET/LIGHT CARS SUB-COMPACTS COMPACT CARS

Compared with the last report, fewer models emerged in this year’s study for this category, which is split into

two groups, Budget Cars and Light Cars.Four cars appear in the Budget group ver-

sus six last year and, surprisingly, the previ-ous top-ranked model, the Fiat Panda (with score of 82,6), is not amongst them. The new leader is the Hyundai Atos, which has shown a remarkable improvement from being last in the group last year with a two-star score of 78,4 to being the new leader with a three-star CSI score of 83,5 per cent. The Atos rated average or above average in all of the eight aspects. In a comparative test pub-lished in May ’05, CAR said “As a city car it is hard to beat because it’s easy to park, has a comfy ride, the air-con keeps you cool, and it uses little fuel”.

The Chevrolet Spark rose from second-last with 79,5 to second overall with a three-star 81,5 per cent, followed by the Ford Ka and Kia Picanto, both scoring a two-star 79,6 but with very different ratings in the individ-ual aspects.

The CSI studyexplained

The J D Power and Associates South Africa Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) study – now in its fi fth year – is based on a repre-

sentative sample of 12 181 owners of new vehicles fi rst registered between October 2006 and September 2007. Owners were sent surveys in July 2008. The study is a comprehensive measurement of ownership satisfaction, and refl ects the follow-ing eight components of satisfaction:

Mechanical problems: covers the reliability of the engine, transmission, suspension and braking systems

Interior problems: covers the reliability of the interior trim, facia and controls, seats, ventilation and audio systems

Exterior problems: covers the bodywork, paintwork, rust, corrosion and lights

Vehicle performance: covers the appeal of the engine, transmission, ride, handling and braking

Vehicle interior: covers opinions of interior comfort and practicality, seats, facia and controls, ventilation and audio systems

Vehicle exterior: covers opinions of the vehicle’s styling

Dealer service: covers the franchised dealer’s performance including such actions as book-ing-in for service, service competence and general customer care

Ownership costs: covering the level of satisfaction regarding costs incurred by fuel consumption, insurance and servicing.

The overall CSI score is a weighted average of these eight aspects in a single measure. In deter-mining the fi nal rating, emphasis is placed on vehicle reliability and quality, followed by appeal, ownership costs and dealer service. Based on each vehicle’s CSI, a star rating is given with fi ve stars representing excellent, through to one star representing poor. A CSI percentage score is given for each vehicle against its class rivals, but note that when making comparisons, because stand-ards vary from category to category, an average in one category does not necessarily apply to anoth-er. Also, note that rankable models must account for at least 67 per cent of vehicle category sales.

The study was funded entirely by J D Power and Associates as part of its global research pro-gramme, in co-operation with the South African Road Traffi c Management Corporation (RTMC), and includes a section of questions to assist the cor-poration and the Department of Transport (DOT) in measuring the performance of its programmes for licensing vehicles and drivers.

Budget and

Hyundai’s company history in SA has had its ups and downs, but the products have generally always been good and at last there is some recognition of the fact. While

acknowledging that the VW Citi endures as cheap transport, it is worrying that Light Cars continue to sit way below Budget Cars in quality ratings – MM

FAST FACTSModel Atos 1,1 GLSPrice R85 9000-100 km/h 15,42 secsTop speed 150 km/hEconomy 7,26 l/100 kmEmissions 169 g/kmLuggage 176-888 dm3

CAR test May ’05

Hyundai Atos

Chevrolet Spark

JDCSIowner survey

POWERJDJDJDJD


SUVsEXECUTIVE CARS PICK-UPSCOMPACT MPVs

LIGHT CARSVEHICLE QUALITY VEHICLE APPEAL

Vehicle Make/Model Mechanical Problems

Interior Problems

Exterior Problems

Vehicle Per-formance

Vehicle Interior

Vehicle Exterior

Dealer Service

Ownership Costs

Overall CSI (%) Verdict

Volkswagen Citi 74,9%

Fiat Palio x x 73,1%

Tata Indica x x xx x x xx xx 71,1%

KEY Excellent Above Average Average x Below Average xx Poor

In the Light Car group, three models appear as opposed to four last year, and once again the previous top-ranked

model is absent but only because the Toyota Tazz went off the market. So, the previous runner-up, the Volkswagen Citi, steps up to take over top spot with a one-star CSI score of 74,9 per cent that, although lower than the Tazz’s benchmark 77,3, does show an improvement over the 70,6 it scored before. The evergreen Citi range gets a periodic freshening and the latest line-up includes 1,4i and 1,6i engines with funky names such as TenaCiti (the base model), CitiStorm, CitiSport, CitiWolf, and CitiRox.

Below the Citi is another “oldie”, albeit one that was re-introduced to the market, the Fiat Palio, with a one-star score of 73,1 per cent, and the Tata Indica, which remains in bottom spot but with an improved score of 71,1 compared with 64,4 previously.

FAST FACTSModel VW TenaCiti 1,4iPrice R75 9000-100 km/h 13,7 secs (est)Top speed 160 km/h (est)Economy 8,9 l/100 km (est)Emissions 207 g/km (est)Luggage 200-752 dm3

CAR test –

light carsFiat Palio

Volkswagen Citi

BUDGET CARS

VEHICLE QUALITY VEHICLE APPEAL


Interior Problems

Exterior Problems


Vehicle Interior

Vehicle Exterior

Dealer Service

Ownership Costs


Hyundai Atos 83,5%

Chevrolet Spark x xx 81,5%

Ford Ka x xx x 79,6%

Kia Picanto x x x x x x 79,6%


JDCSIowner survey

POWERJDJDJDJD BUDGET/LIGHT CARS SUB-COMPACTS COMPACT CARS

LOWER SUB-COMPACT CARSVEHICLE QUALITY VEHICLE APPEAL


Interior Problems

Exterior Problems


Vehicle Interior

Vehicle Exterior

Dealer Service

Ownership Costs


Honda Jazz (old) 89,2%

Toyota Yaris 87,0%

Kia Rio 84,0%

Fiat Grande Punto xx x 83,6%

Hyundai Getz x 83,1%

Daihatsu Sirion x x x 82,2%

Volkswagen Polo Classic x x x x x 81,1%

Renault Clio III x x x x 81,0%

Chevrolet Aveo x x x 80,9%

Ford Fiesta (old) x x 80,9%

Volkswagen Polo x x x 80,8%

Citroën C3 x x x x xx x 79,5%

Peugeot 207 x x x xx 79,0%

Seat Ibiza xx xx x x x xx x 77,8%

Opel Corsa Lite xx x x x xx xx xx xx 77,0%

Peugeot 206 x x x x x x xx xx 76,9%

The Sub-compact category represents the bulk of passenger vehicle sales in South Africa. Split into two groups, 16 cars are in the Lower group and

18 in the Upper. Quite a few of the country’s best-selling models are to be found in this category, so it is interest-ing to see if the CSI ratings relate to their popularity.

In the Lower group, the Honda Jazz continues its fi ve-

FAST FACTSModel Jazz (’06) 1,5 VTECPrice n/a0-100 km/h 10,89 secsTop speed 188 km/hEconomy 8,48 l/100 kmEmissions 198 g/kmLuggage 288-1 200 dm3

CAR test June ’06


Sub- compact cars

year run as Number 1. The Jazz’s fi ve-star CSI score of 89,2 per cent even eclipses its previ-ous high score of 87,6, and it achieved seven “excellent” and one “above average” ratings in the eight aspects. However, the model cov-ered by the survey is the previous generation Jazz: it was replaced in late-2008. In a June ’06 comparative test, CAR said of the 1,5i VTEC, “Honda’s Jazz ensemble plays a cool tune and managed to win the majority of preferences amongst the test team”. (A test of the new model appears in this February ’09 issue.) Honda’s service plan for the Jazz presently covers four years/60 000 km.

Behind the Jazz once again comes the Toyota Yaris with an improved, fi ve-star score of 87,0 per cent, up from 85,5. Third place falls to the Kia Rio with a three-star 84,0, followed by the Fiat Grande Punto (83,6) and Hyundai Getz (83,1). The high-sell-ing VW Polo models are ranked 7th and 11th – Classic with 81,1 hatch with 80,8.

Propping-up the list is Peugeot’s now-replaced 206 with a two-star 76,9 per cent, with the Opel Corsa Lite (77,0) and now defunct Seat Ibiza (77,8) just above.

Honda Jazz (old)

Toyota YarisKia Rio



UPPER SUB-COMPACT CARS



Interior Problems

Exterior Problems


Vehicle Interior

Vehicle Exterior

Dealer Service

Ownership Costs


Honda Civic saloon 87,4%

Mazda3 x 86,1%

Toyota Auris x 86,1%

BMW 1 Series 85,7%

Audi A3 x 85,5%

Mercedes-Benz A-Class 85,2%

Hyundai Elantra (old) 85,0%

Toyota Corolla (old) x x 84,0%

Toyota RunX 84,0%

Hyundai Accent x x 83,4%

Volkswagen Jetta x 83,1%

Volkswagen Golf x x x 82,8%

Dodge Caliber xx x xx 82,5%

Renault Mégane xx x x 82,4%

Nissan Tiida xx xx 82,2%

Ford Focus x x x x 81,9%

Opel Astra x x xx 81,4%

Peugeot 307 x xx xx xx xx xx 76,0%

In the Upper group, the Honda Civic saloon maintains its top ranking with a CSI score of 87,4 per cent that is, howev-

er, a drop from last year’s 88,6. The Honda still managed to earn the only fi ve-star score in this group. In an April ’06 road test of the VXi, CAR said it has “… plenty of nov-elty value and the appeal to suggest it will be a success.” We also applauded Honda for “… bringing some fresh thinking to market.” The Civic has a fi ve years/90 000 km service plan included in its pricing.

The next six models achieved four-star ratings, headed by the Mazda3 and Toyota Auris both with a score of 86,1 per cent, the BMW 1 Series (85,7), Audi A3 (85,5), Mercedes-Benz A-Class (85,2) and the now-replaced Hyundai Elantra (85,0). Toyota’s previous-generation Corolla and RunX came next each with 84,0 per cent, heading the three-star performers. VW’s Jetta and Golf are a bit further down the list with 83,1 and 82,8, respectively.

The now-replaced Peugeot 307 fi nished last in this group with 76,0 per cent, below the Opel Astra’s 81,4 and Ford Focus’ 81,9.

FAST FACTSModel Civic 1,8 i-VTEC VXiPrice R215 9000-100 km/h 9,39 secsTop speed 202 km/hEconomy 9,1 l/100 kmEmissions 212 g/kmLuggage 304-928 dm3

CAR test April ’06

Sub- compact cars

Because of the marque’s quality reputation and reasonable pricing strategy, pointing prospective buyers to a Honda product remains a no-brainer. The fact that Honda’s

four major models all appear in the CSI’s top 12 individual rankings drives the point home convincingly – HO

Honda Civic

Mazda3

Toyota Auris


JDCSIowner survey

POWERBUDGET/LIGHT CARS SUB-COMPACTS COMPACT CARS

COMPACT CARSVEHICLE QUALITY VEHICLE APPEAL


Interior Problems

Exterior Problems


Vehicle Interior

Vehicle Exterior

Dealer Service

Ownership Costs


Lexus IS250 89,8%

Honda Accord (old) 88,8%Mercedes-Benz C-Class (old) 87,5%

Mercedes-Benz C-Class (new) x 86,4%

Volvo S40 x 85,8%

Toyota Avensis x x xx 85,7%

Jaguar X-Type x x 85,6%

Audi A4 (old) 85,5%

Mazda6 (old) xx x x 84,8%

BMW 3 Series x x x x x x 83,7%

O ne of the most fi ercely contested of all the market segments, Compact Cars encapsulates some of the

world’s best automobiles, cars that have style, panache, image, technology, heritage all wrapped up in a package that is sensibly-sized, practical and – most important of all – within the means of a large percentage of the buying public. Although dominated by the Teutonic Three – Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class – other compet-itors have caught up to help create a sophis-ticated market segment and more than a

FAST FACTSModel IS250 SE ATPrice R410 7000-100 km/h 9,08 secsTop speed 224 km/hEconomy 10,0 l/100 kmEmissions 233 g/kmLuggage 336 dm3

CAR test November ’07

Lexus is now a serious player in South Africa, and the outstanding performance of the IS250 shows why. It’s encouraging to see that the Honda Accord and Mercedes-

Benz C-Class have also returned high scores, but concerning that BMW’s fun-to-drive 3 Series has dropped right to the bottom of the ratings – JB

Compact carsJD

CSIowner surveyPOWERJDJDJDJD

Honda Accord (old)

Mercedes-Benz C-Class (old)

Lexus IS250



Executive cars

EXECUTIVE CARVEHICLE QUALITY VEHICLE APPEAL


Interior Problems

Exterior Problems


Vehicle Interior

Vehicle Exterior

Dealer Service

Ownership Costs


Mercedes-Benz E-Class 87,0%

BMW 5 Series 86,9%

Just two cars received enough responses to qualify for ranking in this category, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the

BMW 5 Series. Both earned fi ve-star ratings, the Mercedes with a CSI score of 87,0 per cent and the BMW a decimal place behind with 86,9, so there would appear to be nothing between them. The aspect ratings make for interesting reading though, the E-Class earning an “average” in all of them whereas the 5 Series bettered that with two ratings “above average” – it is the weighting of the individual components that makes the differ-ence to the percentage score.

Mercedes-Benz includes a six years/120 000 km maintenance plan in its pricing, whereas BMW’s plan covers fi ve years/100 000 km.

FAST FACTSModel Mercedes E200KPrice R393 0000-100 km/h 11,68 secs (est)Top speed 221 km/h (est)Economy 10,91 l/100 km (est)Emissions 254 g/km (est)Luggage 360-908 dm3

CAR test –


The E-Class is due for replacement soon and the current generation isn’t

renowned for class-leading build qual-ity, but the five-star rating is a tribute to

running improvements and progress in dealer after-sales service – GD

Compact carshealthy dose of brand loyalty – and rivalry. And comparing this year’s results with last year’s, the change in rankings – and there are some real surprises – shows just how tenuous a market lead can be…

As before, just six percentage points cover fi rst to last of the 10 cars that appear in the rankings, and again this rates as the highest quality category in the whole J D Power CSI study. The top three all received fi ve-star ratings, led, for the fi rst time, by the Lexus IS250 with “excellent” ratings in three of the eight aspects helping realise a

CSI score of 89,8 per cent – the highest ever recorded by any vehicle since the study began, and symbolic of the quality reputa-tion Lexus has achieved world wide. The IS250 does appear expensive, but its standard features list is full-house, and in CAR’s November ’07 road test of the range-topping SE auto, we liked “… the unique classy styling, the revvy and smooth V6 engine, and its dynamic abilities”. Lexus includes a four years/100 000 km mainte-nance plan in its pricing.

Second in the rankings is the previous-

generation Honda Accord with 88,8 per cent. Third is the previous-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class with 87,5, which beat its suc-cessor into fourth place, the new C scoring a four-star 86,4. Last year’s winner, the Toyota Avensis, dropped to sixth with 85,7 (from 87,0). But the shocker in this group is seeing the BMW 3 Series at the bottom of the list with “below average” ratings in six of the eight aspects, even though its three-star 83,7 score betters last year’s third-from-last 82,0, which just goes to show how high the standards are in this category.

BMW 5 Series

Mercedes-Benz E-Class


BUDGET/LIGHT CARS SUB-COMPACTS COMPACT CARS

COMPACT SUVsVEHICLE QUALITY VEHICLE APPEAL


Interior Problems

Exterior Problems


Vehicle Interior

Vehicle Exterior

Dealer Service

Ownership Costs


Honda CR-V 87,4%

Subaru Forester (old) x 86,2%

Land Rover Freelander 2 x 84,2%

Toyota RAV4 84,1%

Hyundai Santa Fe x x x 82,8%

Kia Sportage x 81,4%

Daihatsu Terios x x 81,2%

Hyundai Tucson x x x 81,2%

Nissan X-Trail (old) x x 80,8%

Mitsubishi Outlander x x x x x 80,3%

Chevrolet Captiva xx xx x x 79,3%

Mahindra Scorpio Wagon xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx 72,1%

S port-utility vehicles may well be coming under the environmental-ist’s cross-hairs in many parts of

Europe and America, but in countries such as South Africa they make a far better argu-ment for their existence simply by virtue of the surroundings in which they operate and the lifestyles of the people who own them. Yes, a percentage never do venture off-road, but there is far more to outdoor living than trying to emulate Dr Livingstone and go where no man has gone before… SUVs account for a large number of vehicle sales, and certainly the diversity in size, shape

FAST FACTSModel CR-V 2,2i-CTDiPrice R352 5000-100 km/h 10,23 secsTop speed 184 km/hEconomy 8,0 l/100 kmEmissions 210 g/kmLuggage 336-1 320 dm3

CAR test February ’08

The previous CR-V was impres-sive and it was always suspected

that this latest incarnation would be better. Honda continues to

deliver good quality products and service, and this five-star score is

proof of that – KL

SUVs

with a four-star 86,2 per cent, which places it second out of 12 in the rankings. Rounding out the top three is the Land Rover Freelander 2 with a three-star 84,2, just edg-ing out Toyota’s RAV4 with 84,1.

At the bottom of the list we fi nd the Mahindra Scorpio Wagon with all eight of the aspects rated as “poor” and conse-quently achieving a one-star 72,1 per cent score, which is a substantial 7,2 per cent less than the next highest on the list, the Chevrolet Captiva (79,3).

JDCSIowner survey

POWERJDJDJDJD

and complexity of the vehicles on offer makes it a tough category from which to choose, so it is split into three groups, namely Compact, Medium and Luxury.

Amongst the Compacts, the Honda CR-V held on to the position its predecessor achieved last year with a table-topping fi ve-star CSI score of 87,4 per cent, raising the bar from a four-star 85,9 in the process. CAR has tested both petrol and diesel versions of the CR-V, and of the latter, published in February ’08, we said “In CTDi form, Honda’s soft-roader is the real business: sat-isfying to drive, economical, and a practical family vehicle all at the same time”. CR-Vs come with a fi ve years/90 000 km service plan included in their pricing.

Due to a sampling irregularity last year, this group’s perennial leader, the Subaru Forester, was not ranked but the recently-replaced model re-emerges this time around

Honda CR-V

Subaru Forester (old)



MEDIUM SUVsVEHICLE QUALITY VEHICLE APPEAL


Interior Problems

Exterior Problems


Vehicle Interior

Vehicle Exterior

Dealer Service

Ownership Costs


BMW X3 85,9%

Mitsubishi Pajero (‘06) 85,7%

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado x x 85,5%

Mitsubishi Pajero (‘07) 83,9%

Kia Sorento x x 82,4%

Toyota Fortuner x x x 81,7%

Ford Territory xx xx xx xx xx 78,3%

Jeep Grand Cherokee xx x x x x xx 78,3%

Jeep Cherokee (old) xx x xx xx xx x xx 76,1%

Moving up in size and capability, the Medium group is another to have a new leader: in this case, the BMW

X3, which tops the latest list with a four-star CSI score of 85,9 per cent, all but the same as last year’s 85,4 that placed it second behind the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, which this year drops down to third with 85,5. In between is the previous-generation Mitsubishi Pajero with 85,7 – showing that just 0,4 percentage points cover the top three. The current Pajero comes in fourth with 83,9.

Six models make up the X3 range, which has recently changed its nomenclature to fall in line with that of its big-brother X6, so now carries an xDrive-something tag, the “some-thing” relating to the engine size and type. The last time CAR tested an X3 – a 2,0d – was back in July ’05, and the model has undergone some changes since then, but the ride and handling remain top notch and the X3 does

FAST FACTSModel X3 xDrive20dPrice R405 0000-100 km/h 11,7 secs (est)Top speed 200 km/h (est)Economy 8,4 l/100 km (est)Emissions 220 g/km (est)Luggage 344-1 232 dm3

CAR test –


BMW’s X3 is a popular buy in this segment and seemingly with

good cause. It is another model from the Bavarian company that

underlines its ability to produce good products in almost every

segment – SM

have a certain snob appeal to go with its quality status. BMWs carry a fi ve years/100 000 km maintenance plan as standard.

Alas for Jeep, the (old) Cherokee and Grand Cherokee remain at the bottom of this group with 76,1 and 78,3 per cent, respective-ly, both of which, however, showing an improvement over the previous 73,4 and 77,4.

Mitsubishi Pajero

BMW X3



LUXURY SUVsVEHICLE QUALITY VEHICLE APPEAL


Interior Problems

Exterior Problems


Vehicle Interior

Vehicle Exterior

Dealer Service

Ownership Costs


Mercedes-Benz ML-Class 86,9%

BMW X5 86,8%

Land Rover Discovery 3 x 86,0%

C omprising the third group in this category are the Luxury SUVs, the go-anywhere

machines that are equipped to conquer the world. As with the Mediums, there is hardly anything – just 0,9 percentage points – separating the three models that are ranked. In fact, there is only 0,1 between the top two…

Leading the pack is the Mercedes-Benz ML-Class with a fi ve-star CSI score of 86,9 per cent, taking the Number 1 spot from the BMW X5 (86,8), which is a turnaround of last year’s rankings. The Land Rover Discovery 3 remains in third

place with a four-star 86,0, but all three have improved on their previous scores. The Disco recorded the only aspect rating amongst the three that was “below average”, but this should be seen against none of them earning an “excellent” rating.

The four-strong ML model line-up has just received a minor facelift, and a road test of the latest ML320 CDI turbodiesel appears in this February ’09 issue of CAR. All Mercedes-Benz models have a six years/120 000 maintenance plan included in their pricing.

FAST FACTSModel Mercedes ML320 CDIPrice R650 0000-100 km/h 8,88 secsTop speed 214 km/hEconomy 11,5 l/100 kmEmissions 301 g/kmLuggage 344-1 420 dm3

CAR test February ’09

Customers with this sort of money demand high levels of satisfaction and the top three

in this group seem to provide the necessary with very little to choose between them.

With the Discovery’s quality levels clearly on the up, it becomes a serious contender

for the Germans – PP

Mercedes-Benz ML-Class

BMW X5

JDCSIowner survey

POWERJDJDJDJD



Compact MPVs

COMPACT MPVsVEHICLE QUALITY VEHICLE APPEAL


Interior Problems

Exterior Problems


Vehicle Interior

Vehicle Exterior

Dealer Service

Ownership Costs


Honda FR-V 86,4%

Toyota Corolla Verso 85,9%

Mercedes-Benz B-Class 85,8%

Opel Zafi ra x 83,1%

Renault Scénic x x 82,3%

Volkswagen Touran x 82,0%

Mazda5 x 81,2%

Volkswagen Caddy xx x x 81,0%

Toyota Avanza x xx xx xx xx 78,3%

Despite their title, multi-purpose vehi-cles have lost out a little to SUVs as the transport mode of choice for the

“bigger is better – and safer” way of think-ing that exists amongst many South African motorists who need a vehicle that offers more than a few seats and a luggage hold. Truth is, MPVs are capable enough of fulfi ll-ing the versatile duties carried out by many SUVs and can be cheaper to run. Bigger than a hatch or station wagon, but not as cumbersome to drive and park as an SUV, modern MPVs offer a lot of ingenuity in their design.

Again heading the list of Compacts is the Honda FR-V with a four-star CSI score of 86,4 per cent, a rise of 0,4 per cent over last year and showing no less than fi ve ratings of “excellent” from the eight aspects. The FR-V’s six-seater confi guration – two rows of three – is a bit different from the norm, but is nevertheless extremely practical in its execution. In a four-MPV comparative test published in July ’07 in which CAR enlisted the help of some typical owner moms and their kids, numerous favourable comments were made about the FR-V including its slightly sporty ride, fuel economy and abun-dance of storage space. The 1,8-litre FR-V is offered with either a manual or automatic transmission, and a fi ve years/90 000 km service plan is included in the price.

Making up the top three are the Toyota Corolla Verso with a score of 85,9 per cent, closely followed by the Mercedes-Benz

FAST FACTSModel FR-VPrice R225 5000-100 km/h 11,18 secsTop speed 190 km/hEconomy 10,0 l/100 kmEmissions 232 g/kmLuggage 336-1 350 dm3

CAR test July ’07

Another Honda product with a sterling CSI score. The Avanza’s two-star rat-

ing will be a disappointment to Toyota, whose other products fared much better.

Evidently the recipient of CAR’s 2007 Top 12 Best Buy Compact MPV/SW flattered

to deceive… – MF


B-Class with 85,8, both also achieving a four-star rating.

At the other end of the nine-strong list is the Toyota Avanza with a two-star 78,3 per cent and four of the eight aspects having a “poor” rating.

Toyota Corolla Verso

Mercedes-Benz B-Class

Honda FR-V


JDCSIowner survey

POWERJDJDJDJD BUDGET/LIGHT CARS SUB-COMPACTS COMPACT CARS

COMPACT PICK-UP



Interior Problems

Exterior Problems


Vehicle Interior

Vehicle Exterior

Dealer Service

Ownership Costs


Opel Corsa Utility 78,1%

Fiat Strada x 75,9%

Nissan 1400 x x x x xx 74,1%

Ford Bantam x x x x 73,1%

Chana Star xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx 63,0%

Pick-ups

L ight commercial vehicles is an area of the local market that has been sub-jected to the recent spate of cheap

imports from India and China. Three exam-ples make it into this year’s JD Power CSI study, which is split into two groups, Compact and One-ton.

Amongst the Compacts, fi ve models make up the list with the Opel Corsa Utility continuing to set the standard for what have been previously known as half-tonners. By having a payload way in excess of 500 kg, the Corsa Ute actually brought about the change in the group’s generic title, and the payload advantage is being copied by rival makes. The high-selling Corsa Ute’s table-

topping CSI score is a two-star 78,1 per cent, with none of the eight aspects rated at less than “average”. The Fiat Strada has risen from last year’s third place to second with 75,9, followed by the now discontinued Nissan 1400 (one-star 74,1) and Ford Bantam (73,1). At the bottom of the list is the tiny Chana Star, which achieved 63,0 per cent – and a “poor” rating in every one of the eight aspects.

CAR tested the turbodiesel Corsa Ute in October ’04 and we said “Space inside and out is substantial, and the drive rewarding”. Three engine derivatives are offered, each with three trim levels.

FAST FACTSModel Corsa 1,7 DTI SportPrice R161 7600-100 km/h 15,09 secsTop speed 163 km/hEconomy 7,1 l/100 kmEmissions 186 g/kmCAR test October ’04

Despite the large contingent of cheaper alternatives from the

East in this segment, it’s no real surprise that the Opel Corsa

Utility retains its place at the top of this group with its supe-

rior quality offered right from the base model, and more than

generous payload – KK


Fiat Strada

Nissan 1400

Opel Corsa Utility



ONE-TON PICK-UP



Interior Problems

Exterior Problems


Vehicle Interior

Vehicle Exterior

Dealer Service

Ownership Costs


Toyota Hilux 83,1%

Isuzu KB 78,9%

Nissan Navara 78,3%Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Pick-up x x xx 77,5%

Ford Ranger (old) x x 77,3%

Mitsubishi Colt x x x 76,8%

Nissan Hardbody x x x 75,9%

Mazda Drifter x x xx 75,7%

GWM Cargo xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx 71,7%

Tata Telcoline xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx 59,4%

FAST FACTSModel Hilux 3,0 D-4D DCPrice R325 4000-100 km/h 12,91 secsTop speed 171 km/hEconomy 10,6 l/100 kmEmissions 278 g/kmCAR test August ’05

Recently beefed-up to give the front end a more

aggressive appearance, the Hilux remains at the

top of the mound thanks mainly to its comfort and

refinement levels. Both the Isuzu and the Nissan prove

to be worthy rivals – IM

T he One-tonner survey list has increased by one to 10 models, and it is no surprise to see the “biltong

bakkie” Toyota Hilux continuing its reign at the top, this year with a three-star CSI score of 83,1 per cent, up from 80,5. Four of the aspect ratings were “excellent” the other four “above average”. It is comfortably ahead of the Isuzu KB range with its two-star 78,9, and the Nissan Navara with 78,3.

CAR tested the Hilux turbodiesel double-cab in August ’05 and commented “Toyota’s aim was to make the (new) Hilux more people-friendly without compromis-ing on ruggedness… (and) our fi rst acquaintance suggests that all the aims have been achieved. The under-the-skin solidity is still there.”

Languishing at the bottom of the list is, once more, the Tata Telcoline, with a

depressingly low one-star 59,4 per cent and every one of the eight aspects rated as “poor”. The GWM Cargo was similarly rated as “poor” in every aspect, but at least managed a score of 71,7 that does carry some degree of respectability when com-pared with the models ranked higher. Overall though, it can be seen that the latest pick-ups are steadily improving their quality standards.

Toyota Hilux

Isuzu KB

Nissan Navara



Rank Model Overall CSI % Verdict

52 = Daihatsu Sirion 82,2%52 = Nissan Tiida 82,2%54 Volkswagen Touran 82,0%55 Ford Focus 81,9%56 Toyota Fortuner 81,7%57 Chevrolet Spark 81,5%58 = Kia Sportage 81,4%58 = Opel Astra 81,4%60 = Daihatsu Terios 81,2%60 = Hyundai Tucson 81,2%60 = Mazda5 81,2%63 Volkswagen Polo Classic 81,1%64 = Renault Clio III 81,0%64 = Volkswagen Caddy 81,0%66 = Chevrolet Aveo 80,9%66 = Ford Fiesta (old) 80,9%68 = Nissan X-Trail (old) 80,8%68 = Volkswagen Polo 80,8%70 Mitsubishi Outlander 80,3%71 = Ford Ka 79,6%71 = Kia Picanto 79,6%73 Citroën C3 79,5%74 Chevrolet Captiva 79,3%75 Peugeot 207 79,0%76 Isuzu KB 78,9%77 = Ford Territory 78,3%77 = Jeep Grand Cherokee 78,3%77 = Nissan Navara 78,3%77 = Toyota Avanza 78,3%81 Opel Corsa Utility 78,1%82 Seat Ibiza 77,8%

83 Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Pick-up 77,5%

84 Ford Ranger (old) 77,3%85 Opel Corsa Lite 77,0%86 Peugeot 206 76,9%87 Mitsubishi Colt 76,8%88 Jeep Cherokee (old) 76,1%89 Peugeot 307 76,0%90 = Fiat Strada 75,9%90 = Nissan Hardbody 75,9%92 Mazda Drifter 75,7%93 Volkswagen Citi 74,9%94 Nissan 1400 74,1%95 = Fiat Palio 73,1%95 = Ford Bantam 73,1%97 Mahindra Scorpio Wagon 72,1%98 GWM Cargo 71,7%99 Tata Indica 71,1%100 Chana Star 63,0%101 Tata Telcoline 59,4%

Rank Make Overall CSI %

1 Lexus 89,6%2 Honda 87,9%3 Volvo 86,4%4 Mercedes-Benz 86,0%5 Subaru 85,5%6 Audi 85,4%7 BMW 84,7%8 Toyota 83,9%9 Hyundai 82,4%10 Land Rover 82,3%Note: Not ranked due to inadequate sample size are Chana, Chrysler, Jaguar, Mini, Porsche, Proton, Seat and SsangYong.

JD POWER league table by model

L ast year Lexus did not feature in the J D Power and Associates Customer Satisfaction Index study by virtue of

inadequate sample size. This year Lexus appears and makes an immediate impact by entering right at the top of both the make and model league tables. The best-selling IS250 tops the League Table By Model with an impressive CSI score 89,8 per cent.

Honda models dominate the top 10, with the Jazz second with 89,2 per cent, the (old) Accord third with 88,8, and the (old) Civic saloon and (new) CR-V sharing fi fth place with 87,4. Mercedes-Benz ranked fourth, equal-seventh and equal-ninth with the (old) C-Class (87,5), E-Class (87,0) and ML-Class (86,9), respectively. Joining this elite bunch is the Toyota Yaris in equal-seventh place (87,0) and BMW 5 Series in equal-ninth (86,9).

In the League Table By Make, Lexus is at the top of the list with an overall CSI score of 89,6 per cent. Former Number 1 Honda dropped to second, but the company’s score is based on the performance of more indi-vidual models than Lexus, so its score of 87,9 is extremely praiseworthy. Volvo has moved from fi fth to third with 86,4, followed by Mercedes-Benz (86,0) and Subaru (85,5).

The total industry average is 80,7 per cent – up from last year’s 79,5 – and half of the 29 makes listed bettered this, compared with only 10 of last year’s 23. Notable rank-ings in the bottom-half include Volkswagen (17th with a score of 79,4), Opel (21st with 78,3), Nissan (22nd with 78,1) and Ford (equal-25th with Fiat on 77,2). The two Indian manufacturers prop up the table: Tata in last place with 67,2 per cent, and Mahindra just above with 68,5.

Right fi rst time


11 Daihatsu 82,2%12 Renault 81,8%13 Chevrolet 81,7%14 Mazda 81,6%15 Dodge 81,3%

Total Industry 80,7%16 Citroën 79,9%17 Volkswagen 79,4%18 = Isuzu 78,9%18 = Mitsubishi 78,9%


20 Peugeot 78,5%21 Opel 78,3%22 Nissan 78,1%23 Kia 78,0%24 Jeep 77,3%25 = Fiat 77,2%25 = Ford 77,2%27 GWM 71,5%28 Mahindra 68,5%29 Tata 67,2%

JD POWER league table by make

Rank Model Overall CSI % Verdict

1 Lexus IS 89,8%2 Honda Jazz (old) 89,2%3 Honda Accord (old) 88,8%4 Mercedes C-Class (old) 87,5%5 = Honda Civic saloon 87,4%5 = Honda CR-V 87,4%7 = Mercedes-Benz E-Class 87,0%7 = Toyota Yaris 87,0%9 = BMW 5 Series 86,9%9 = Mercedes-Benz ML-Class 86,9%11 BMW X5 86,8%12 = Honda FR-V 86,4%12 = Mercedes C-Class (new) 86,4%14 Subaru Forester (old) 86,2%15 = Mazda3 86,1%15 = Toyota Auris 86,1%17 Land Rover Discovery 3 86,0%18 = BMW X3 85,9%18 = Toyota Corolla Verso 85,9%20 = Mercedes-Benz B-Class 85,8%20 = Volvo S40 85,8%22 = BMW 1 Series 85,7%22 = Mitsubishi Pajero (‘06) 85,7%22 = Toyota Avensis 85,7%25 Jaguar X-Type 85,6%26 = Audi A3 85,5%26 = Audi A4 (old) 85,5%26 = Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 85,5%29 Mercedes-Benz A-Class 85,2%30 Hyundai Elantra (old) 85,0%31 Mazda6 (old) 84,8%32 Land Rover Freelander 2 84,2%33 Toyota RAV4 84,1%34 = Kia Rio 84,0%34 = Toyota Corolla (old) 84,0%34 = Toyota RunX 84,0%37 Mitsubishi Pajero (‘07) 83,9%38 BMW 3 Series 83,7%39 Fiat Grande Punto 83,6%40 Hyundai Atoz 83,5%41 Hyundai Accent 83,4%42 = Hyundai Getz 83,1%42 = Opel Zafi ra 83,1%42 = Toyota Hilux 83,1%42 = Volkswagen Jetta 83,1%46 = Hyundai Santa Fe 82,8%46 = Volkswagen Golf 82,8%48 Dodge Caliber 82,5%49 = Kia Sorento 82,4%49 = Renault Mégane 82,4%51 Renault Scénic 82,3%

JDCSIowner survey

POWERJDJDJDJD

2 8 2 0 9 H o n d a J a z z C A R . p d f P a g e 1 1 0 / 2 2 / 0 8 , 2 : 0 8 P M


suvsExEcutivE cars pick-upscompact mpvs

2 8 2 0 9 H o n d a J a z z C A R . p d f P a g e 1 1 0 / 2 2 / 0 8 , 2 : 0 8 P M


2 9 1 4 2 H o n d a J D _ P o w e r A . p d f P a g e 1 4 / 2 3 / 0 9 , 1 1 : 5 9 A M


sa’s d - honda · score of 82,6), is not amongst them. the new ... “honda’s jazz ensemble...

Documents