Disappointing drives: 5 of the worst cars of 2016

These are the cars that failed to impress motoring expert Thomas Falkiner this year

1) Renault Kwid

From R119,900

Like its equally dubious cousin, the Datsun Go, the Renault Kwid is another insult to the South African buying public. It's questionably built, feels unstable at speeds over 125km/h and, in the event of an accident, laughably unsafe.

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Seriously, visit the Global NCAP website and watch what happens when it's crashed into a wall at 64km/h. Scary. Save your money, save your life and rather buy a proper second-hand car that won't crumple like a soda can. Or spend a little bit more every month on a Sandero.

2) McLaren 570GT

POA

Despite the leather and the fancy audio system and all the other expensive trimmings, the 570GT feels half-baked as a gran turismo. Like the ill-fated Lotus Europa S of the mid-noughties it still feels too small, too compromised and too cramped to be the true continent-eater McLaren conceived it to be.

And when you factor in the radical price premium (roughly R1-million depending on the exchange rate), you're probably better off with a regular 570S that's almost as livable plus even better to drive.

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3) Audi A4

From R476,500

Expectations were high for the new A4 that was launched locally earlier this year. Unfortunately, they weren't really met as Audi gave us what is essentially just a mild evolution of the previous model. So stacked up against its rivals it still looks as dull and uninspiring as ever - especially the entry-level models. You can jazz things up by adding all sorts of accessories - Audi Virtual Cockpit being one of them - but this sends the price tag soaring.

Good to drive but humdrum in every other respect. If you are intent on blending in, then we'd suggest the new VW Passat, which is as competent but much better value for money.

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4) Mahindra KUV100

From R197,995

Gawky proportions. Poor build quality. A lack of refinement. No, we're not talking about your average adolescent but rather the Mahindra KUV100 - a peculiar looking (pseudo) SUV that combines all the worst traits typical of the current crop of made-in-India econoboxes.

Why you'd buy one of these rather than the slightly cheaper but infinitely better Renault Sandero Stepway or VW Cross Up!, God only knows. Proof that humans can, even with all our technology and knowhow, still build bad cars.

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5) Smart ForTwo

From R174,900

As improved as the latest ForTwo may be, I still think that it's too niche for the South African market. Who can realistically own a two-seater hatchback with limited luggage space as their primary means of transport? Unless you're part of the well-moneyed elite and can afford to snap one up as a second or even third car, it remains an impractical option. 

Especially now that there are cars like the five-door Volkswagen Up! on the scene that merge similar usability with added practicality at a lower price.

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