Ford Fiesta wins Total Economy Run

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The Total Economy Run took place this past weekend and the Ford Fiesta Ambiente TDCi manual was named the most fuel efficient car in South Africa. The Fiesta was driven by Stuart Greig and Wynand Gerber and the pair managed to achieve an impressive 4.485-litres/100km to take the win in the L Class.

The Ford Fiesta Ambiente is fitted with a 1560cc Duratorq TDCi engine that produces 66kW at 4000rpm and develops 200Nm of torque at only 1500rpm. 0-100km/h is achieved in 11.9 seconds with a top speed of 175km/h.

However, the winning didn’t stop there for Ford as Charl Wilken and Greg Godrich dominated the C Class in a 5-door Ford Fiesta 1.6 Titanium with a fuel consumption of 6.013-litres/100km. Gordon Noble and Graham Bate came in at second place in their Ford Focus 1.6 Trend using 6.151-litres/100km.

In the B Class, Harry Young and Manfred Hertz came second in their Ford Figo 1.4 consuming fuel at an average of 6.328-litres/100km.

“We’re extremely proud of the team for demonstrating Ford’s efficient technologies and securing some fantastic results this past weekend,” said Ford Marketing Manager, Gavin Golightly.  “With fuel efficiency an increasingly important consideration among consumers this event provided a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate Ford’s competitiveness in this area.”

News Source: Ford

Road Rage Video: Drivers Revenge

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Now there is nothing pleasant about road rage, but it's amazing to watch how far some drivers are willing to go to get there point across. The road rage video above is a classic example of how hard-headed some drivers can be. Two Toyota cars vying for the same lane, neither is willing to back down, watch the video and see what happens when anger turns into revenge.

Video Source: Youtube

GM developing Wireless Pedestrian Detection Technology

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Safety features for vehicles are becoming more sophisticated than ever before and pedestrian detection is high on the priority list. The ultra-safe Volvo V40 is a good example with its pedestrian detection technology that detects a pedestrian’s presence in front of the vehicle and applies the brakes accordingly. The Volvo V40 also features the world’s first pedestrian airbag, a U-shaped airbag that is deployed from underneath the bonnet when a vehicle-to-pedestrian collision is detected.

Volvo is not the only automaker making strides in pedestrian safety. Researchers at General Motors are currently in the process of developing wireless pedestrian detection technology that relies on Wi-Fi Direct to warn drivers of pedestrians or bicyclists before they can even see them. The technology will be especially useful on highly congested roads or in poor visibility conditions. The system can only detect pedestrians or bicyclists who are carrying smartphones with Wi-Fi Direct. In addition, GM also has plans to develop a complimentary app that frequent road users can download making them ‘visible’ to Wi-Fi Direct-equipped vehicles.

“This new wireless capability could warn drivers about pedestrians who might be stepping into the roadway from behind a parked vehicle, or bicyclists who are riding in the car’s blind spot,” said Nady Boules, GM Global R&D director of the Electrical and Control Systems Research Lab. “Wi-Fi Direct has the potential to become an integral part of the comprehensive driver assistance systems we offer on many of our Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC vehicles.”

News Source: General Motors

Suzuki Alto gets New Price

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Car buyers looking for an affordable transport option may want to look to the Suzuki Alto for a solution. Suzuki has re-aligned its Alto offering to suit the needs of entry-level car buyers with a price slash and two new models to do the job.

The previous Alto GL is now replaced by the Alto GA and loses the plastic wheel covers and front electric windows but benefits from new interior trim and glove box compartment. The Alto GA still offers air conditioning, power steering and front airbags.

If you want a bit more than basic specification, the new Alto GLX could very well be an option. The GLX replaces the previous GLS model and benefits from a wide range of standard features including front electric windows, four-speaker CD sound system, remote central locking, 14-inch alloy wheels and ABS brakes.  

The good news though comes in the form of a price slash. The Alto GA price has been slashed from R106 900 to R97 800. Even better, the top-end Alto GLX has been slashed from R121 900 to R112 900.

Both models make use of a 1.0-litre three cylinder engine that is capable 50kW and 87Nm of torque. Fuel consumption is rated at 5.7-litres/100km and will reach a top speed of 145km/h. This all makes the Suzuki Alto an attractive city whizzer at an affordable price, might be something to consider. What do you think?

The Suzuki Alto also comes with a 3-year/45 000km service plan as well as a 3-year/100 000km warranty.

News Source: IOL Motoring

Video: New BMW X6

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In case you haven't heard, the new updated BMW X6 is now available in South Africa. This is some visual candy to give you an idea of what to expect. For more information on the new BMW X6, simply follow this link: New BMW X6 available in South Africa

Video Source: Youtube

Audi A6 & Q7 SUV get S line package standard

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Audi South Africa has stepped up to the plate and now offers its previously optional S line package as standard for the Audi A6 and the Audi Q7 SUV. Audi reckons that the S line package in some cases equals up to R40 000 of extra niceties at no additional cost to customers, that’s good news for potential buyers.

For the Audi A6, the S line package offers a choice of either 18 or 19-inch quattro-style alloy wheels. The body kit includes stylish front and rear bumpers with a platinum grey spoiler lip, diffuser insert and side ventilation grilles.

The Audi Q7 SUV will benefit from similar treatment but includes a high-gloss black grille, just for extra measure. Wheel options for the Q7 SUV are between either 19 or 20-inch alloys.

Here are some prices to wet your appetite,

Audi A6

2.0T FSI multitronic - R481 500

2.0 TDI multitronic - R498 500

3.0 TDI multitronic - R542 500

3.0 TDI quattro S tronic - R672 500

3.0T FSI quattro S tronic - R683 000

Audi Q7

3.0 TDI quattro tiptronic - R692 000

3.0T FSI quattro tiptronic - R728 000
4.2 TDI quattro tiptronic - R854 500

News Source: IOL Motoring

South African Petrol Price Increase for August 2012

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Motorists will once again experience the wrath of rising fuel prices in South Africa when the price of all petrol increases by 22c per litre on Wednesday 1 August 2012.

The price of 0.05% sulphur diesel will rise by 14.62 cents/litre while 0.005% sulphur diesel will see an increase of 15.62 cents/litre. During the period under review, the average international prices of petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin increased.

Petrol 95 ULP octane will cost R11.04 per litre in Gauteng while the coastal price will be R10.69 per litre. The single maximum price for illuminating paraffin will cost R9.91 per litre with an increase of 20 cents per litre.

News Source: News24

The New BMW X6 in South Africa

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Yes that’s right, whether you like it or not, the updated BMW X6 Activity Sports Coupé is now available in South Africa. It comes with a few minor styling tweaks and more importantly a new diesel model in the form of the M Performance M50d.

The new M50d is fitted with a powerful 280kW 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine that will race to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds while reaching a top speed of 250km/h. The impressive part of this story is that the M50d produces a feisty 740Nm of torque available from 2 000rpm. Fuel consumption sits at 7.7-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 204g/km.

Other models in the range include the 300kW/600Nm xDrive50i, the 225kW/600Nm xDrive40d, the 225/400Nm xDrive35i and the 408kW V8 X6 M. The X6 M uses a 6-speed M Sport automatic transmission while all the other models transfer power using an 8-speed sports transmission.

Some of the changes include re-positioned fog lights, a revised kidney grille and most notably the option of adaptive LED headlamps with bi-xenon headlamps fitted as standard, while the back-end  also gets LED tail lights. The standard Nevada leather trim is now available in Vermilion Red for a more vibrant interior.

If you wish to read about the new BMW X6 in a tad more detail, I suggest you click on this link: New BMW X6 now available in South Africa

What do you think of the new BMW X6?

 

News Source: Cars.co.za

Toyota is Top Seller for 2012

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Japanese media have reported that Toyota has regained the top-selling spot with having sold almost 5-million vehicles in the first half of the year. Toyota’s brands include Lexus, Daihatsu and Hino who sold in upwards of 4.97 million vehicles in the first half of 2012 with a 34% increase over the same period last year.

General Motors is in close second place for the period with 4.67 million vehicles sold and Volkswagen in third place with 4.45 million vehicles sold. Toyota lost out last year due to the March 11 earthquake in Japan and the floods in Thailand.

Toyota said it expected to sell 9.58 million vehicles by the end of the year but was uncertain whether it would hold the top spot for the whole year.

 News Source: IOL Motoring

South African Ministers in Racing Frenzy

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A number of South African ministers have come under fire recently for racking up a ridiculous amount of fines, leaving many South Africans angered by the situation.  

The known fine tally thus far for South African ministers totals R207 740. Susan Shabangu, minister of Mineral Resources, currently tops the list with fines of R64 060. Minister of Energy, Dipuo Peters has racked up R39 400. Suprisingly, Justice minister, Jeff Radebe has also clocked up R34 600 in fines. Further down on the list is the minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Tina Joemat-Petterson with a fine tally of R30 400. Water and Environmental Affairs minister Edna Molewa has racked up R12 265 in fines while Science and Technology minister Naledi Pandor tallies up at R9 800 in fines.

The fines will most likely be waivered as “drivers of ministerial vehicles were allowed to speed while on official business, provided the appropriate warning lights and sirens were switched on at the time” says the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.

The department’s spokesperson, Phumla Sekhonyane said that the National Road Traffic Act allowed for drivers in special categories to exceed the general limit. She added that “if a minister's vehicle gets a speeding fine while being driven by a person conducting his or her civil protection duties, and after such a person has complied with the legislative requirements of exercising safety and using a siren, such a fine will be set aside. If, in the conduct of their duties, it is found that a person engaged in civil protection exceeds the speed limit without due course, such actions must be reported and shall be investigated.”

Do you think ministers should be allowed to exceed the speed limit? Share your thoughts in the comment box below. 

 News  Source: News24

Kia Carens to Debut at Paris Motor Show

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Kia has released teaser computer images of its new generation Carens MPV that is set to debut at the 2012 Paris Motor show on 27 September 2012. It was just a couple of days ago when Kia teased us with images of the new 2013 Kia Cerato sedan, and like the Cerato, not much detail has been revealed just yet.

However, we do know that the Kia Carens will be lower and sleeker than the current model. It also has a longer wheelbase and a lower roofline which adds to its sporty look. Engine options are up in the air at this point but we can expect a 1.6-litre diesel engine that produces 94kW and 260Nm or even Kia’s 99kW 1.6-litre petrol engine that produces 164Nm. Who knows? We’ll just have to wait and see.

News Source: IOL Motoring

Video: 2013 Audi R8 Range

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This is a short video of the updated Audi R8 range that will be available in Europe at the end of the year and will make its way to South Africa in 2013.

Video Source: Youtube

New Mazda6 Shows Face

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The new Mazda6 has finally shown its face to the world and is set to make its world debut at the Moscow International Motor Show at the end of August 2012.

The Mazda6 that will be seen in Moscow will be fitted with a SKYACTIV-G 2.0-litre petrol engine and mated to a SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission. The Mazda6 fully incorporates Mazda's SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and will also feature the worlds first capacitor-based regenerative braking system called the 'i-ELOOP' or 'Intelligent Energy Loop' which helps improve fuel economy by up to 10%.

The complete Mazda6 range will make make its debut at the Paris Motor Show in September 2012 and details regarding models and markets will also be made available. Good news for South Africans though is that Mazda SA has alluded to the possibility of the Mazda6 being available in South Africa in the first half of 2013. Do you want one?

News Source: Cars.co.za

Audi R8 gets Facelift

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The Audi R8 has received an overhaul which has made the 2013 Audi R8 that much more appealing, and there’s no doubt that Audi fans will agree. The R8 now sports new LED headlights along with a new bumper and grille design. The rear-end also receives LED treatment with a more menacing diffuser and large round exhaust pipes.

The updated Audi R8 range also sees the inclusion of the R8 V10 Plus model which produces a hefty 404kW and is not for the faint-hearted. The R8 range now also makes use of a new seven-speed S Tronic dual clutch transmission which reduces fuel consumption and emissions by up to 22g/km. The new R8 V10 Plus will accomplish 0-100km/h in only 3.5 seconds and reaches a blistering top speed of 317km/h.

The R8 V10 Plus is also a bit lighter weighing in at 1570kg thanks to a lighter chassis, interior components, ceramic brakes and numerous carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) components which include the front splitter, mirror housings, lateral air inlets and rear diffuser. 

South African Audi fans can expect the updated Audi R8 sometime in the first quarter of 2013.

News Source: IOL Motoring

London Olympics Push-Up Bus

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Now here’s something you won’t see everyday, a bus doing push-ups. A Czech artist, David Cerny, got his hands on a 1957 London double-decker bus and modified it to represent an athlete doing push-ups, all with the purpose of celebrating 2012 Olympic Games to be held in London.

Cerny attached two massive arms to the bus named ‘London Boosted’ with the inclusion of groaning noises and video projections in the windows. Check out the video of ‘London Boosted’ doing push-ups below.

News Source: IOL Motoring

New Kia Cerato for 2013

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These are sketches of the new Kia Cerato compact sedan that is set to go into production and will be available in Korea come end of the year. The new Cerato will be made available worldwide in 2013.

Kia reckons the new Cerato is longer, wider and lower, offering a more spacious cabin and as the sketches reveal, the Cerato features a radically dynamic and futuristic design package. What's even better is that Kia plans on producing a five door-hatchback and a two-door coupe version too. The Cerato was Kia's best-selling model in 2011 with 445 000 units sold so it only makes sense to build on its success with a fresh design approach. However, not much information has been revealed regarding what engine will make its home in the Cerato's bonnet, but I guess all will be revealed in good time. Keep your eyes peeled for more details as they become available.

News Source: Cars.co.za

Toyota production hits 200-Million

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Toyota has announced that its cumulative vehicle production has surpassed 200 million units in the month of June. The milestone has taken 76 years and 11 months to achieve. Production began with the Model G1 truck in August 1935 at Toyoda Automatic Loom Works' Automotive Department which later became Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC).

At the end of June 2012, cumulative production in Japan totaled 145.21 million vehicles while overseas production totaled 55.12 million vehicles. The most produced model is none other than the ever-popular Toyota Corolla with a worldwide cumulative production totaling 39.08 million units at the end of June.

News Source: Toyota

‘Arab’ Supercar for W Motors

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W Motors, a Beirut start-up company run by Ralph Debbas is behind what’s believed to be “the first Arab Brand of Hyper-cars based in the Middle East as an official automotive coachbuilder and developer”.

Debbas plans on building two ‘Hyper-car’ variants namely the Super-Sport and the Hyper-Sport. But he can’t do it alone and will be using the helping hands of Austrian manufacturer Magna Steyr and German Porsche specialist Ruf and Studiotorino.

The Hyper-Sport is envisaged to be the “most exclusive, luxurious and technically advanced hyper-car in the world” and only five will be made. It is believed that the hyper-car will be built on a carbon-fibre monocoque and make use of a 550kW twin-turbo six cylinder engine. This should result in a 0-100km/h sprint time of 2.8 seconds and a top speed in the region of 385km/h.

Added luxuries will include a holographic instrument panel, diamond encrusted LED head and tail lights, a gold-plated bonnet and either gold or platinum keys. Maybe just a tad excessive in my opinion, what do you think?

Debbas plans to unveil his creation in Dubai at the end of the year with a public launch at the Qatar Motor Show in January 2013. Customers can expect delivery at the end of 2013.

Time will tell whether we will see this ‘Arab’ supercar become reality.

 

News Source: IOL Motoring

Suzuki Jimny gets Funky Facelift

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The Suzuki Jimny 4X4 has received its mid-life botox treatment making it look prettier and more refined than before. The changes have been more cosmetic in nature with a few interior upgrades too.

The Jimny has received a new bonnet with an air scoop and a power bulge to make it look like a mean machine. The grille has been revised too and is now more square-like. The foglights have also been repositioned accordingly. The engine remains with Suzuki’s 1.3-litre transverse four cylinder engine mated to a five speed manual gearbox.

Interior upgrades include new head restraints as well as more appealing cloth trim and ISOFIX child seat mounting points. The Jimny is now also available in a new metallic blue colour option. Standard equipment includes air-conditioning, remote central locking, electric windows and mirrors, power steering and a radio/CD player.

The Suzuki Jimny has also received a minor price hike from R192 900 to R198 900 as a result of the changes and includes a 3-year/100 000km warranty as well as a 4-year/60 000km service plan.

 

News Source: IOL Motoring

Donovin Hawkey gets Toyota Etios 1.5 XS

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While on the subject of car companies getting behind our South African sportsman, Durban-based EFC Africa Middleweight fighter Donavin 'Bam Bamz' Hawkey has been on the receiving end of good faith with a sponsorship of a Toyota Etios 1.5 XS by McCarthy Toyota Pinetown. At least Hawkey can now roll with the punches and arrive at his fights in style.

News Source: MMA South Africa

Springbok Rugby Ambassadors for BMW

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BMW South Africa has announced a number of Springbok rugby icons to act as ambassadors for the luxury German vehicle brand in addition to its five-year commitment as Springbok Rugby’s official vehicle partner.

BMW ambassadors include Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer, Springbok captain Jean De Villiers (DHL Stormers), Schalk Burger (DHL Stormers), Pierre Spies, Chilliboy Rallepelle (Vodacom Bulls), Francois Steyn, JP Pietersen and Jannie du Plessis (Sharks). Rugby legend Victor Matfield was also appointed as a non-playing ambassador.

Each playing ambassador receives a new BMW 335i Sport while Jean De Villiers, Heyneke Meyer and Victor Matfield also receive a BMW X6 XDrive 40d in addition to the BMW 3 Series vehicles.

“It’s a real privilege for me to be one of BMW’s Springbok Ambassadors and to be driving these brilliant cars. As the Boks we strive to be the best in the world and this is shared by BMW, probably one of the most iconic car brands in the world. This passion for performance is clearly evident in the products we’re driving” explains Springbok Captain, Jean de Villiers.

News Source: BMW

Volkswagen Amarok gets engine facelift

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The Volkswagen Amarok Double Cab has received an engine upgrade in the form of a revised 2.0-litre biTDI engine that now delivers 132kW with 400Nm of torque, 12kW more powerful than the previous version.

The Amarok is available as either a 4X2 or 4MOTION four-wheel drive with two trim levels namely the Trendline and the Highline. The revised engine has a fuel consumption figure of 7.9-litres/100km  or 8.0-litres/100km in 4MOTION guise with a top speed in the region of 184km/h and 0-100km/h sprint time of 10.3 seconds.

The 2.0-litre TDI variant, which is known as the ‘small’ diesel, offers 90kW with a torque figure of 340Nm. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.7-litres/100km and can accelerate to 100km/h in 13.5 seconds with a top speed of roughly 163km/h. The petrol version 2.0-litre TSI engine offers 118kW with 300Nm of torque and sips petrol at a rate of 9.6 litres/100km. The top speed for this model is 180km/h with a 0-100km/h sprint time of 9.9 seconds.

Prices for the Volkswagen Amarok Double Cab are as follows:

2.0 TSI 118kW Trendline 4x2  -  R313 500
2.0 TDI 90kW Trendline 4x2  -  R341 700
2.0 TDI 90kW Trendline 4Motion  -  R391 900

2.0 BiTDI 132kW Highline 4x2  -  R375 100
2.0 BiTDI 132kW Highline 4Motion  -  R425 300

News Source: Volkswagen

‘Beltbag’ for Mercedes-Benz

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Mercedes-Benz has announced that it will make use of a ‘Beltbag’ in a luxury-class model to enhance rear passenger safety. The Beltbag is like an airbag for seatbelts that reduces the risk of injury to rear passengers involved in a head-on collision.

Crash sensors detect a severe frontal impact while a gas generator inflates the multi-layered belt strap with Velcro seams to almost three times its original width. According to Mercedes-Benz, the Beltbag is comfortable to wear too with its extra-soft belt strap edge. The Beltbag will reduce chest related injuries experienced in severe collisions by evenly distributing the force experienced across the chest.

News Source: Mercedes-Benz

Renault Updates Mégane Hatchback Range

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The Renault Mégane hatchback has received a once over to add to its flaring appeal. The Mégane range now introduces the 1.6 Expression base-model into its line-up, replacing the previous ‘Shake It’ model. It now stands alongside the 1.6 Dynamique, the diesel version 1.6 dCi Dynamique and the range-topping 1.4 Turbo Control Efficiency GT Line.

The Expression model comes fitted with a zesty 1.6-litre 16-valve four cylinder petrol engine, the same engine that powers the Renault Mégane1.6 Expression Coupé. The unit produces 81kW at 6 000rpm with 151Nm of torque at 4 250rpm. Fuel consumption is rated at 6.9-litres with a CO2 emissions figure of 159g/km. The 1.6 Expression will sprint to 100km/h in 10.5 seconds while going on to a top speed of 190km/h. The 1.6 Dynamique shares the same engine as the Expression but differs in terms of equipment offered.

The 1.6 dCi Energy Dynamique on the hand is the diesel powered member of the Mégane hatchback family and is pushed along by a 1.6-litre dCi Energy turbodiesel engine that sips fuel at a rate of only 4-litres/100km and displays a tidy CO2 emissions figure of 104g/km. Power for this model is rated at 96kW with 320Nm of torque to rile you up. The diesel hatch will clock 100km/h in 9.8 seconds while topping out at 200km/h.

The top of the range GT Line has a 1.4-litre Turbo Control Efficiency engine at its heart that beats out 96kW at 5 500rpm with a torque figure of 190Nm at 2 250rpm. Fuel consumption is estimated at 6.3-litres/100km with a corresponding CO2 emissions rating of 145g/km. The GT Line also has a top speed of 200km/h but narrowly beats the diesel to 100km/h in 9.7 seconds.

As far as standard equipment goes the 1.6 Expression includes a MP3/CD player with Bluetooth, USB and iPod connectivity, manual air-conditioning, multi-function trip computer, electric windows, height adjustable driver’s seat, remote central locking with auto-locking function and cruise control. The 1.6 Dynamique adds an Air Quality Sensor, automatic light and rain sensors and Renault’s fingertip audio controls. The 1.6 dCi Energy Dynamique features the same standard features as its petrol cousin and is rather defined by its frugal diesel engine.

The GT Line goes on to include dual-zone climate control with an Air Quality Sensor and an 8-speaker Arkamys 3D Sound system. Renault’s Visio system, reverse camera and camera-based lane departure warning system is also available as an option.

So how much would you expect to pay for one of Renault’s Hatchbacks? Good question, no less than R209 900 though. For additional reading and pricing for Renault’s new Mégane hatchback range simply follow this link: New Renault Mégane Hatchback Range

News Source: Cars.co.za

Renault Mégane adds 1.6 Expression Coupé

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Renault Mégane fans will be pleased to know that Renault has updated its Mégane range for 2012 including its Hatchback, Coupé and RenaultSport models. The models have benefitted from styling, trim, engine and equipment upgrades. In the frenzy of upgrades in the Mégane range, Renault has introduced the new 1.6 Expression to the Coupé range that replaces the outgoing Dynamique model and stands alongside the 1.4 Turbo Control Efficiency GT Line.

In terms of styling the new 1.6 Expression Coupé makes a statement with its new front bumper with bold air intakes in gloss black with chrome trimming and rides on 19-inch ‘Kaleido’ alloy wheels. The 1.6 Expression is powered by Renault’s 6-litre, 16-valve petrol engine and is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. This unit thumps out 81kW at 6 000rpm with 151Nm at 4 250rpm. The 1.6 Expression clocks 100km/h in 10.5 seconds and will reach a top speed of 190km/h. Fuel efficiency is rated at 6.9-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 159g/km.

The 1.4 Turbo Control Efficiency GT Line also features a sporty bumper that incorporates signature boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lights with integrated fog lights. The GT Line rides on slick 17-inch ‘Celsium’ Dark Metal alloy wheels. The GT Line is fitted with a 1.4 Turbo Control efficiency petrol engine that puts out 96kW at 5 500rpm and 190Nm at 2 250rpm.

Standard features for the 1.6 Expression includes front-loading MP3/CD player with Bluetooth, USB and iPod connectivity, remote central locking with auto-locking function, electric windows, height-adjustable driver’s seat, air conditioning, multi-function trip computer and cruise control with speed limiter function. The GT Line adds dual-zone climate control, automatic rain and light sensors, Carminat TomTom navigation system and 8-speaker Arkamys 3D Sound. The GT Line also has a Visio system which automatically adjusts headlight beams with the help of a front camera as well as a camera-based lane departure warning system with an on/off button.

You can expect to pay R209 900 for the 1.6 Expression and R249 900 for the GT Line.

What do you think of the new Renault Mégane Coupé?

News Source: Renault

Kia Quoris maybe coming to SA?

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Known as the ‘K9’ in South Korea and the ‘Quoris’ for export markets, Kia’s flagship executive sedan is set to go on sale in overseas markets towards the end of 2012. Whether the Kia Quoris will grace South Africa with its presence is largely unknown although Kia SA are apparently ‘considering it’. 

The Quoris is fitted with a 2.8-litre V6 engine that produces 213kW and is mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Other engine options such as a direct injection engine, a V8 or even a turbodiesel option may be on the cards at a later stage, but who knows?

Would you like to see the Kia Quoris in South Africa?

News Source: IOL Motoring

Lexus RX range gets a facelift

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The Lexus RX range has received a facelift and sees the inclusion of the new RX 450h F-Sport hybrid model into the range. The RX range now offers three models to the luxury SUV segment.

The RX 350 is powered by a 204kW 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine that pushes out 346Nm of torque while achieving a fuel consumption figure of 10.6-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 250g/km. This model uses a 6-speed automatic transmission. The RX 450h is also fitted with a 3.5-litre V6 petrol unit producing 184kW and is coupled with an 116kW electric motor with a nickel hydride battery pack. Fuel consumption for the RX 450h is 6.3-litres/100km while achieving a CO2 emissions figure of 148g/km. the RX 450h F-Sport exhibits the same powertrain as the RX 450h but is defined by its unique, sporty exterior F-Sport design and performance enhancements in the form of a performance damper system. Both models use a eCVT transmission.

Styling upgrades include Lexus’ new ‘Spindle’ grille which is flanked by revised headlights with Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), a new bumber and fog light design as well as new tail lights. New interior trim finishes, a new steering wheel and instrument cluster and a Remote Touch Interface further add to the upgrades.

In the 450h models, a new Sport driving mode is included along with the existing Normal, EV and Eco driving modes. The RX 350 rides on 18” alloys while the two hybrids benefit from 19” alloy wheels.

Standard features on the RX 350 includes xenon headlights with daytime running lights, leather upholstery, eight-way power adjustable seats with driver memory function and heating, leather-covered steering wheel and shift lever, cruise control, keyless smart entry system, instrumentation with head-up display, voice recognition, a 12-speaker sound system with DVD and Bluetooth capability, satnav, moonroof and a power-operated tailgate.

The RX 450h benefits from LED headlights, semi-aniline leather upholstery, heated and cooled front seats with 10-way power adjustment, roof rails, wood-rimmed steering wheel and shift lever, and 15-speaker Mark Levinson sound system with DVD capability. The F-Sport model shares standard features with the RX 350 but includes a new steering wheel, gearlever, alloy pedals, scuff plates and decals.

Prices for the new RX range are as follows:

Lexus RX 350 EX - R644 000
Lexus RX 450h SE - R768 000
Lexus RX 450h F-Sport - R755 000

These models come with a 4-year/100 000km warranty and a 4-year/100 000km maintenance plan. 

News Source: IOL Motoring