A few words on the Opel Astra GTC Coupé

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If you are looking for a stylish and comfortable hatch to whizz you around town then you might want to consider the well endowed Opel Astra GTC Coupé to warm your laurels. Ok, but let’s be honest now, it’s not an absolute stunner in terms of speed and racing around town but it has more than enough power to keep you happy, very happy.

Launched earlier this year, The Opel Astra GTC Coupé offers superb styling that simply can’t be denied and GTC owners will definitely turn heads on the road. The Opel Astra GTC comes in two versions, the Enjoy with a 103kW 1.4 litre turbocharged petrol engine and the Sport with a 132kW 1.6 litre turbocharged petrol engine.

Although not excessively brutal in terms of power, there is enough power to drive on the aggressive end of the scale with ease but it won’t necessarily make your heart explode. Fuel consumption for the Sport version is quoted at 6.8 litres / 100km with a top speed of 220km/h. What’s great about the GTC is its supposedly excellent ride quality and superb handling, thanks to its HiPerStrut front suspension. Also, the interior is comfortable and snazzy and has more than enough space for your averaged sized adults with a luggage capacity of up to 1165 litres.

Standard features include cruise control, six airbags, climate control, 7-speaker sound system with USB connectivity and Bluetooth capability as well as an electronic handbrake. Heated leather seats will also keep you warm this winter.

The warmest part of the Opel Astra GTC is its price, R304 000 to be exact, which isn’t a bad deal considering that the GTC is a quality and well specced proposition. The price includes a 5-year/120 000km warranty and a 5-year/90 000km service plan. It might also be worth remembering that the high- performance OPC version will be launched later this year, something to look out for...

Ssangyong Rexton W coming to SA

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With the latest release of the Ssangyong Korando, South Africans will soon have the chance to try out the Rexton W which arrives in October. The flagship SUV was recently unveiled at the Busan Motor Show in South Korea.

The design of the Ssangyong Rexton W is clean and somewhat appealing to the eye. For us South Africans, the Rexton W will make use of the familiar 2.7 litre five-cylinder turbodiesel motor that kicks out 121kW at 4000rpm. The engine is mated with a Mercedes Benz sourced five-speed automatic gearbox.

The Rexton W will also come with electronic stability control, active rollover protection, tyre pressure monitoring and ultrasonic warning system as standard.Time will tell how well the Rexton W will do in South Africa, let’s see.

VW Scirocco GTS to be unveiled in Germany

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The new and exciting VW Scirocco GTS is set to be unveiled at the Auto Mobil International Show in Leipzig, Germany.

Dual black roof stripes in red borders don the new VW Scirocco GTS that rides on ‘Thunder’ 18” alloy wheels. A golf ball style gear shifter serves as a reminder of previous Sciroccos and red stitching with GTS logo’s can be found on the front seats.

In the engine room the VW Scirrocco makes use of a 2.0 litre turbopetrol engine, identical to the 2.0 litre TSI currently on sale worldwide. This engine develops 155kW and is mated to a six-speed gearbox. The VW Scirocco GTS should clock 100km/h in 6.9 seconds and have a top-speed of 240km/h. Unfortunately there is nothing to suggest that the GTS will be available in South Africa.

I think it looks impressive, what are your thoughts?  

Lexus unleashes GS Range

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Toyota’s luxury car brand Lexus has launched its all-new GS range in South Africa incorporating luxury hybrid technology and a fresh design philosophy that may very well put its competitors on the back foot.

First and foremost, the design of the new Lexus GS range is far more striking and enticing than some of its previous models making use of angular contours and spindle like grille. The new Lexus GS range incorporates four models which include the GS 250 SE, GS 350 EX, GS 450h F-Sport and the GS 450h SE.

The GS 450h F-Sport hybrid makes use of the same V6 engine used in the GS 350 EX but has been tweaked to deliver 213kw at 4600rpm. This engine is coupled with an electric motor which pushes the total power output to 252kW and is coupled to an E-CVT gearbox. Fuel consumption for this model sits at 6.2 litres per/100km. Four drive modes are available with this model and include Eco, Normal, Sport and Sport+.

The GS 350 makes use of a V6 engine similar to the Lexus IS350 and is capable of 233kW at 6400rpm. The GS 350 makes use of a six-speed automatic gearbox and exhibits a fuel consumption figure of 9.4 litres/100km.

The entry-level GS 250 is powered by a 2.6 litre V6 and produces 154kW at 6400rpm and is mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox. Fuel consumption for this model sits at 8.9 litres/100km. The GS 250 will be launched in the month of July 2012.

From an interior perspective Lexus has done well to maintain a high standard of comfort and luxury as you would expect and very few customers will be disappointed with Lexus’ latest GS offering. Here’s what you can expect to pay for a new Lexus GS,

Lexus GS Prices

GS 250 EX - R494 400

GS 350 EX - R564 900

GS 450h F-Sport - R753 700

GS 450h SE - R771 700

All models are covered by a 4-year/100 000km warranty. EX models carry Lexus’ ‘Distance Plan Plus’. The F-Sport and SE models are covered by ‘Distance Plan Complete’  

Airbags Can Be Deadly

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It’s strange to think that an airbag, designed to save your life in the event of an accident, has the ability to take your life. This was the unfortunate fate of UK resident Ronald Smith, who died as a result of inhaling the poisonous contents of an airbag.

Smith was involved in a minor accident when his airbag was supposedly punctured by a piece of glass releasing the airbag’s contents which Smith inhaled, killing him three weeks down the line. Smith experienced ongoing breathing problems and died of Bronchial Pneumonia. Apparently Smith is the first person to die as a result of an airbag.

Highly poisonous Sodium Azide (NaN3) is used in airbags and upon impact a trigger mechanism detonates Sodium Azide to release Nitrogen gas which inflates the airbag in seconds. When your airbag inflates, you can only hope it doesn’t rupture. Thousands upon thousands of cars are fitted with airbags and it’s difficult to think that a safety feature designed to keep you safe could actually take your life.

Epic Car Paintball Warfare

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This is an interesting one, paintball warfare waged from Nitro Circus Baja trucks, airfoils, ATVs, motocross bikes, Jeep Wrangler's and even a doorless Grand Cherokee. Enjoy...

Mahindra Xylo puts on a new face

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The Mahindra Xylo has undergone some changes for 2012 making the seven-seater more attractive than ever before.

Inspiration was borrowed from the Mahindra XUV500 and now the Xylo receives a revised grille with new headlights as well as a new bonnet and bumper. The wheel arches are more prominent and a rear spoiler and roof rails have also been added to round the Xylo off.

On the inside, the Xylo comes with a new two-tone facia with wooden inserts. Leather seats and loads of storage compartments offer a comfortable and spacious ride. The climate control has also been improved with outlets for all three rows of seats. The Mahindra Xylo also comes with a Bluetooth compatible audio system with steering wheel mounted controls and a on-board computer with fuel consumption, interior and exterior temperature sensors and distance-to-empty readings. Foldable seats mean extra space for those big loads. Safety features include dual front airbags, ABS with EBD and front and rear fog lights.

In the engine room power comes in the form of a 2.2 litre diesel that puts out 88kW at 4000rpm and is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox delivering power to the rear wheels. The price for the Mahindra Xylo is R219 900 and includes a 3-year/60 000km service plan and a 3-year/100 000km warranty. Service intervals are set at 10 000km.   

Record Profit for Land Rover Jaguar

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Jaguar Land Rover must be smiling from ear to year as the Tata Motors owned brands record their highest profit ever. Pre-tax profits grew from R14.3 billion last year to a welcome R25.5 billion.

The drastic rise in profit was due to a 76% increase in sales in China which amounted to 50 994 as well as the worldwide popularity of the Range Rover Evoque. On top of this, growth has also taken place in the European market. German sales increased with 38.1% while Russian sales rocketed with 22.3 percent. In France sales hiked by 57.4% and Spain saw an increase of 18.1% in sales. This is all surprising considering the ongoing euro crisis.

Consumer confidence in the two brands could very well be behind the success and there seems to be a strong demand. Jaguar Land Rover is considering expanding on its three plants in the UK and are currently building a new engine factory in Wolverhampton. Tata Motors recorded a 136% increase in net profit.

MINI Opens Exclusive Dealership

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MINI has opened its first exclusive dealership in South Africa coinciding with the brand’s 10 year anniversary. The dealership has been named Legends @ Zambezi and can be found in Montana Tuine, east of Pretoria.

Christo Lindeque, Managing Director of Legends @ Zambesi said that a substantial amount of time, effort and preparation was invested in setting up the dealership. “We believe that we’ve made a sound investment, which was largely informed by the market research we carried out. Being exclusive puts MINI in a comfortable space; out there as a pioneer and like previous only MINI innovations will give us an edge” says Lindeque.

“As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the MINI brand in South Africa, it’s great to see the birth of MINI’s first-ever local exclusive dealership. This move, backed up by the unprecedented sales success of MINI in 2011 and the record start we’ve had to 2012, demonstrates that the next ten years will be just as exciting for the brand” says Karen Valle, General Manager of the MINI brand in South Africa.

Mazda CX-5 SUV launches in SA

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Mazda fans will be happy to hear that the all-new CX-5 compact SUV is now available on the South African car market.

Featuring SKYACTIV engine technology, the Mazda CX-5 produces maximum power while keeping fuel consumption to the bare minimum. The CX-5 is offered in three trim choices namely Active, Dynamic and Individual. All trim options are powered by a 2.0 litre SKYACTIV-G petrol engine. The SKYACTIV system aims to maximise performance and keep internal combustion as efficient as possible while reducing fuel consumption and emissions. The model variants offer between 6.8-6.9 litres /100km depending on the model.

The CX-5 is certainly pleasing to the eye with its smooth curves and robust SUV feel. The interior is somewhat sporty and offers loads of space for five adults and a heap of luggage. The CX-5 also comes with an array of safety features such as Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with traction control, ABS with EBD and EBA, bi-xenon headlights (Individual model only) and hill-start control. Airbags (Front/Side/Curtain) are fitted as standard on all Mazda CX-5 models.

Mazda CX-5 Prices (CO2 Tax included)

Mazda CX-5 2,0 Active MT - R309 000

Mazda CX-5 2,0 Dynamic AT - R336 900

Mazda CX-5 2,0 Individual AT - R389 500

KZN Hijacking Hotspot – Beware

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The Mercury Newspaper has reported that the number of hijackings has increased up to 35% in the last two years in KwaZulu Natal. Hijacking hotspots included Umlazi, Chatsworth, Bluff, Phoenix, Berea, Umbilo, Greenwood Park, Amanzimtoti, Pinetown, Empangeni and KwaDukuza. Motorists are urged to exercise caution when driving in these areas and be on the look out for any suspicious individuals or vehicles. Motorists are also urged to report any suspicious individuals or cars to the nearest Police station.

Managing Director, Craig Taylor, of BidTrack vehicle tracking and recovery has said that company statistics reveal a 21% increase in hijackings in KwaZulu Natal in 2012.

Taylor also alluded to the fact that hijackers often followed victims to their homes or patrolled residential areas for ‘ordered vehicles’. Tracker spokesman Gareth Crocker has said that 60%-70% of all hijackings occurred in business or domestic driveways. Truck hijacking had also become a common occurrence, with the Hyundai H100 being high on the hijacking ‘wanted’ list.     

Look to the Toyota Auris HSD for Green Value

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As you may well know by now, the push towards greener motoring is slowly filtering onto our roads despite the outright dominance of petrol and diesel engines currently used. Hybrid cars are few and far between and Toyota is making a concerted effort to change the trend towards greener motoring primarily through the Toyota Prius.

However, the Prius does not come cheap at the odd R370 000 and Toyota have introduced the Toyota Auris HSD to mend your wallet towards greener driving. The Auris HSD hatchback is also a hybrid and is significantly more affordable than the Prius going for between R272 500 and R299 600, good news for those of us who value green driving.

The Auris HSD hybrid synergy drivetrain is the same as that of the Prius with a 73kW 1.8 litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine combined with a 60kW electric motor. Variable transmission makes the interplay between the two unnoticeable to the driver.

The Toyota Auris HSD claims to consume only 4 litres / 100km with a CO2 emissions figure of just 93g/km. Thankfully the Auris also offers a comfortable ride and is a solution if you are looking for an affordable hybrid car to help out the birds and the bees.  

The 2012 Volkswagen CC now in SA

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Volkswagen South Africa has recently launched its all-new CC four-door coupe in South Africa and will be going head-to-head with the BMW 3-Series, Mercedes Benz C-Class, Volvo S60 and the Lexus iS250.

VW’s new flagship model is available in three variants offering two petrol option and one diesel option. For the petrol heads, the VW CC offers a 155kW 2.0 litre TSi and a 220kW 3.6 litre V6 4Motion DSG. For the diesel heads, a 125kW 2.0 litre turbocharged TDi with BlueMotion Technology and DSG is available. The VW CC exhibits a elegant exterior design that can be recognised by the chromed radiator grille with three cross fins. The VW CC also has a new front bumper fitted with bi-xenon headlights.

The DSG transmission offers seamless gear shifting while also improving economy and reducing fuel consumption. The interior is spacious and comfortable offering an excellent in-cabin driving experience. On top of that, the VW CC is also loaded with features across the range which includes fatigue detection, main beam control and park assist. Standard features include 17” alloy wheels, front sport seats, air conditioning, hill start assistance, ‘Auto-hold’ function, daytime running lights, aubo boot-lid opening, ESP electronic stabilisation program, LED rear lights, tyre pressure monitor, RCD 510 Radio/6-CD Changer with 300W ‘VW Sound’ system and six airbags.

Optional extras include:

           

• Electric panoramic sunroof
• Keyless entry with sensor controlled luggage compartment (standard on V6 FSI)
• Electric sunscreen rear window
• Towbar
• DynAudio Sound System
• Satellite Navigation System
• Mobile Device Interface Media-In with iPod/IPhone adapter cable
• Bluetooth cellphone preparation
• Bluetooth premium package including voice control, remote sim access profile
• High beam control light control
• Rear Assist Rearview camera
• Front seat with electric 12-way adjustment and lumbar support including     massage function

Prices (VAT and Emissions tax included)

2.0 TDI DSG (125kW) - R373 800

2.0 TSI DSG (155kW)  - R395 950

3.6 V6 FSI 4Motion DSG (220kW) - R469 405

The new Volkswagen CC comes standard with a 5 year/100 000km AutoMotion Maintenance Plan, 3 year/120 000km warranty and a 12 year anti-corrosion warranty. Service Interval is at 15 000km.

The BMW Zagato Coupé

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BMW and Zagato have collaborated to develop a once-off, hand built dream coupé, The BMW Zagato Coupé. The BMW Zagato was unveiled at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa fd'Este classic car show held on the pretty banks of Lake Como.

The BMW Zagato is built from aluminium and was constructed entirely by hand. BMW remains tight lipped regarding what lies beneath the hood but has guaranteed speed and power from the BMW Zagato. Much like the BMW Z4, the BMW Zagato Coupé sports a long bonnet with circular headlights, double kidney grille, ‘double bubble’ roof and a ‘Kamm Tail’ rear end.

In appearance, the BMW Zagato Coupé takes on a very strong feel, very much like a Staffie ready to pounce, thanks to its five-spoke 19” alloys. The paint job is rather unique too, which seems to take on different colours in different lighting. It’s not an illusion, it’s just because the paint job consists of a layer of primer followed by metallic silver coated with six thin layers of red paint followed by two layers of clear coat, giving it a strange allure. The BMW Zagato Coupé certainly is a fresh design but don’t get your hopes up of owning it. Do you like the BMW Zagato Coupé?

The All-New Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 – The Ultimate Performance SUV

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The much awaited Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is here and ready to blow your driving experience off the charts.

The SRT8 is packed with power and comes fitted with Chrysler Group’s new 6.4-litre HEMI V8 with Fuel Saver Technology delivering 344kW and 624Nm of torque. If that isn’t enough to quench your power thirst, then what will? Fuel Saver Technology and an active valve exhaust system allows four cylinder operation to engage over a wider rpm range which will see fuel efficiency improving by 13% on the highway and offer an extended range of 700km on a single tank of fuel.

The SRT8 is capable of 0-100km/h in just 5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 255km/h. The SRT8 also features superior handling and ride quality in all conditions thanks to adaptive damping suspension managed by the new Jeep Selec-Track system that can automatically tune the dynamics of the vehicle.

Apart from the sporty look and racy nature of this super SUV, the interior is equally compelling, taking on a racing persona and offering luxurious comfort and hi-tech goodies to keep you entertained. My suggestion, pop in at your nearest Jeep Dealership to see this puppy in the flesh, who knows, you might just buy one…for R799 990.

BMW ActiveHybrid 5

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Luxury car brand BMW introduces the ActiveHybrid 5 that offers exceptional performance and fuel economy to the premium executive car class.

Combining a 225kW TwinPower, six cylinder in-line engine, the same used for the BMW 535i, with a 40kW electric drive system, the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 produces some impressive results. With a combined power output of 250kW, the ActiveHybrid 5 darts to 100km/h in just 5.9 seconds and is capable of 60km/h on electric power alone. Fuel consumption is between 6.4 and 7 litres / 100km with a CO2 emissions figure between 149g and 163g/km, depending on the tyre format. Power is transferred to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

Technology abounds in the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 with ECO PRO mode offering intelligent energy management to further enhance economy. The Navigation System Professional is fitted as standard and allows forward-looking analysis of driving conditions enabling drive components to be primed to deliver maximum efficiency.   

The BMW ActiveHybrid 5 features a sporty yet elegant exterior with the comfortable and luxurious interior we can expect from BMW.

Expect to pay R757 300 to drive the BMW ActiveHybrid 5. Do you like it?

Check out the video for the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 below. 

New Peugeot 301

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There’s good news and there’s bad news. Let’s start with the good news. Peugeot will be unveiling its new entry level sedan, the Peugeot 301, at the Paris Auto Show in September. Peugeot is also predicting that the 308 will be become a worldwide best seller.

The length of the 308 is 4.44 m riding on a wheel base of 2.65 m, making it quite a large sedan in its segment. The 308 offers heaps of space for passengers and has been designed to withstand various extreme climate and road conditions. There is also loads of room for luggage with a boot volume of 506 litres.

The Peugeot 308 also comes well equipped with safety features such as ABS brakes, emergency brake assist, electronic stability programme and four airbags. Standard features include electronic air conditioning, an MP3 sound system with a Bluetooth hands-free kit and USB connection, remote boot opening and rear parking sensors.

Engine options include a 68kW 1.6 HDI turbo diesel engine, only available with manual transmission. On the petrol side, Peugeot offers two choices with a 52kW 1.2VTi three cylinder engine with either manual or ECG transmission or the range topping 85kW 1.6 VTi with either manual or automatic transmission.

So that’s the good news out of the way, now for the bad news. The 308 will be available in Turkey, Central Europe,Eastern Europe, Russia, Ukraine, Greece, the Middle East, Gulf and African States as well as certain Latin American markets. So yes, the Peugeot 308 will not be available in South Africa. You might want to consider a second-hand Peugeot instead.

Limited Edition Renault Twingo RS Red Bull Racing RB7

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Renault’s sport division has teamed up with Red Bull Racing to develop the ultra funky limited edition version of the Renault Twingo RS. Meet the Twingo RS Red Bull Racing RB7.

The Twingo RS Red Bull Racing RB7 is somewhat inspired by F1 racing and features a F1 style blade with larger rear wheel arches and a spoiler and diffuser. This new model comes in a deep black paintwork contrasting with the yellow blade , side mirrors and lip spoiler. The Twingo RS Red Bull Racing RB7 also features chequered-patterned roof and door decals in the Red bull F1 team colours.

Under the hood, the Twingo RS 1.6 litre petrol engine awaits you. Pushing out 98kW at 6750rpm, this Twingo will get your heart racing. The Cup Chassis lowers the Twingo by 4mm, enhancing its performance compared to the Sport model.

Like the Renault Twingo RS, the interior also features yellow stitching on the steering wheel, dashboard and seats. The dashboard includes a RS monitor sharing inspiration from telemetry systems used in motorsport.

The limited edition Twingo RS Red Bull Racing RB7 also incorporates a numbered ‘FIA 2011 World Champion’ plaque as well as a Renault Sport logo on the gear lever.

The Twingo RS Red Bull Racing RB7 limited edition will be available in 2013.

Renault Alpine Concept

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Here is something to look at, the Renault Alpine concept, to be officially unveiled in Monaco tomorrow, marking the 50^th Anniversary of the first Alpine A110. It is believed that the Alpine is loaded with a VQ V6 engine that is capable of almost 300kW and offers 419Nm of torque. I wouldn’t be surprised if Batman had a part to play in this…

Do you like the Renault Alpine concept?

Toyota and Lexus top 4 Million Hybrid Sales

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Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) has reported that global cumulative sales of its full hybrid vehicles have topped 4 million up to 30 April 2012. Toyota maintains that environmentally-friendly vehicles can only have a positive impact if they are used widely.

In South Africa, Toyota is the only local manufacturer to wholeheartedly promote the environmental cause by making a full range of hybrid vehicles available across its brands. In Europe and South Africa, vehicles including Toyota’s full hybrid technology include the Toyota Prius, Toyota Auris and the upcoming Toyota Yaris Hybrid which will make its South African debut in July 2012. The Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid will be launched in Europe later in the year and there are currently no plans to introduce the model to the South African car market.

Toyota currently sells 18 full hybrid models in 80 countries and regions across the world. Hybrid sales have accounted for 15% of TMC’s global sales.

Since the launch of the Hybrid Coaster EV in 1997, Toyota estimates that its full hybrid vehicles have led to a saving of approximately 26 million tonnes in CO2 emissions and have saved about 9 billion litres of fuel.

Looking for a hybrid car? Contact Toyota South Africa today…

Video: Ferrari Crash kills 3

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A horrible accident occurred in Singapore on 12 May 2012 when a Ferrari 599 GTO jumped a red robot crashing into a taxi. Both drivers and a passenger were killed in the accident.

Toyota World’s Top Seller

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Toyota has taken back the No.1 position as the world’s top selling car company in the first quarter of 2012. The Toyota brand which includes Toyota, Lexus, Daihatsu and Hino sold 2.49 million units in three months up to March 31, stealing the lead from General Motors who sold 2.28 million units. Volkswagen takes third position with a sales figure of 2.16 million units sold.

Toyota lost its lead to GM in 2010 after facing major hurdles which included quality issues, the earthquake in Japan and the floods in Thailand in 2011. Despite these hurdles, Toyota has come back fighting and will look to maintain this strong position going forward into the future.

Updated Nissan Murano for 2012

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The Nissan Murano, which was first introduced in South Africa in 2004, has undergone some changes for 2012.

On the exterior, the 2012 Nissan Murano comes with a new grille, bumpers and LED tail lights. The Murano also sports a new 18” alloy wheel design. On the inside, the Murano is updated with new infotainment and connectivity enhancements.

In the engine department, the Nissan Murano is powered by a 3.5 litre V6 petrol engine capable of 191kW at 6000rpm and is mated with a updated Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with a six-speed semi automatic gear shift mode. The Murano guzzles fuel at a rate of 10.9 litres/100km.

Sporty leather seats will keep you comfy while you fiddle on the new colour-coded centre console with white backlighting. A double-panel sunroof with retractable sun shades and tinted glass have also been included in the new Nissan Murano. Reversing and side-view parking cameras are also fitted. Now available as standard is Nissan’s Premium Connect Infotainment system with 40GB satellite navigation system and 9.3GB Music Server controlled with a touch screen. The new system also offers Bluetooth connectivity, USB and iPod ports and DVD functionality. An 11-speaker BOSE audio system will keep you company while you drive around in style.

The price for the Nissan Murano 3.5 is a cool R545 600 and comes with a 5-year/90 000km service plan and a 3-year/100 000km warranty.  

Car Tech can Kill You and Others

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We have all seen it happen. I don’t think a day goes by when you don’t see a motorist chatting away on a cellphone or texting while driving. Distracted driving is a serious problem in South Africa and around the world and will contribute to more deaths on our roads going forward.

As car technology improves by the day, more and more people are tempted to use this technology while driving, dramatically increasing the chances of a serious accident due to negligence on behalf of the driver. Navigation systems, internet connectivity and access to social sites such as Facebook and Twitter while driving all culminate into a deadly mix. In 2010 in the US, 3092 (9.4% of road deaths) people died as a result of distracted driving with 24% of these deaths were related to cellphone use while driving. I can only imagine what the figures are in South Africa?

Motorists are urged to refrain from using cellphones while driving and should rather pull off the road to make a call or send a text message. Drivers are also urged to set navigation systems prior to departure to avoid fiddling while driving. Distracted driving can kill you and those around you. Drive safely, please.  

Alfa Romeo Giulietta and Mito get TCT Transmission

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Alfa Romeo has made its innovative TCT (Twin Clutch Transmission) system available in the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. The system was first used in the Alfa Romeo MiTo earlier in the year. The automatic dual dry clutch six-speed transmission is a class leading innovation by Alfa Romeo that sets the benchmark for its ratios between performance, fuel consumption and emissions.

The Alfa Romeo Giulietta and MiTo are the first models to combine the TCT system with Fiat’s MultiAir engines with Stop/Start fitted as standard. The TCT system provides greater driving comfort with a sportier feeling while ensuring improved efficiency and lower fuel consumption. The system either works in full automatic or sequential mode. The driver is able to manually change gears using the paddle shifts found on the steering, or use the gearshift. Drivers can also use the Alfa D.N.A driving selector to enhance comfort, performance, safety and efficiency features.

The TCT system consists of ‘two gearboxes’, one for odd gears and the other for even gears, each with its own clutch, allowing the selection and engagement of subsequent gears while the previous gear is still engaged. Gear changing is smooth, yet fast, guaranteeing continuous torque delivery and traction, therefore avoiding loss in power resulting from gear changing associated with conventional automatic gearboxes.  

ALFA ROMEO GIULIETTA TCT DISTINCTIVE

The Alfa Romeo Giulietta with TCT is equipped with a 125kW 1.4-litre Turbo MultiAir engine that takes the Giulietta to a top speed of 218km/h. The 0-100km/h sprint is completed in just 7.7 seconds.

Fuel consumption for the Giulietta with TCT is just 5.2 litres/100km with a CO2 rating of only 121g/km. The five-door hatchback Giulietta also comes with an array of safety features including the Alfa DNA system which incorporates Q2 electronic differential and DST, VDC including ASR and hill-hold, 6 airbags, front seatbelts with dual pretensioners and front seats with anti-whiplash as standard.

In addition to the TCT, there are four models in the Giulietta range namely the Progression, Distinctive, Distinctive TCT and Quadrifoglio Verde. Alfa Romeo offers a 5-year/150 000 km warranty on the Giulietta with a 6-year/90 000km service plan with 30 000km service intervals in the 1.4-litre Turbo models.

ALFA ROMEO MITO TCT DISTINCTIVE

The MiTo TCT is coupled with Alfa Romeo’s 1.4 litre Turbo MultiAir engine, delivering 100kW at 5 000rpm. The MiTo with TCT sprints to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds with a top speed of 207km/h. Fuel consumption for the MiTo TCT sits at 7.1 litres/100km and has a CO2 emissions figure of 126g/km.

The MiTo TCT is equipped with seven airbags as standard and features Alfa’s VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) system and includes Hill Holder, ABS, ASR and Brake Assist as well as Dynamic Steering Torque (DST).

The MiTo range now comprises four derivatives namely the Distinctive, Distinctive TCT, Quadrifoglio Verde and the Quadrifoglio Verde Sport. Alfa Romeo offers a 5-year/50 000km warranty and a 6-year/90 000km service plan, with service intervals set at 30 000km.

PRICES

Mito 1.4 Turbo Multiair Distinctive TCT

R265 000 (incl VAT and CO2 Tax)

Giulietta 1.4 Turbo Multiair Distinctive TCT

R315 000 (incl VAT and CO2 Tax)

Video: Nissan Deltawing

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Check out the Nissan Deltawing that will be racing in the Le Mans 24-hour endurance race.

Hyundai H100, what more do you need?

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If you are a business owner and looking for a reliable workhorse to bolster your daily business operations, consider the Hyundai H100 Bakkie your best bet. Not only is the Hyundai H100 versatile and rugged for those everyday chores, it also has a pretty face to make the experience that much better. 

The 1.3 ton H100 Bakkie has been revised to offer a fresher exterior appearance with a newly designed front-end. Inside, the H100 is surprisingly comfortable with plenty room to relax while you go about your daily business, and there is room for the donuts and coffee too. The trunk is designed for easy loading and is only 745mm high with a full load capacity of 1.3 tons.

Furthermore, the naturally aspirated 2.6 litre four-cylinder diesel engine delivers 58kW at 3800rpm. This particular engine is superbly durable and reliable, featuring an overhead camshaft, it delivers excellent combustion efficiency with a high power output, producing less emissions and improved fuel economy. All these factors combined make the Hyundai H100 a valuable asset to any business and a strong competitor in the light commercial vehicle segment.

Hyundai H100 Prices (VAT included)

H100 BAKKIE 2.6D C/C - R171 900

H100 BAKKIE 2.6D DECK - R177 900

H100 BAKKIE 2.6D DECK A/C - R188 900

The deal includes a 5 year/150 000 km warranty and 3 year/60 000 km service plan, as well as 5 year/150 000 km Roadside Assistance.

VW Polo WRC Street Special Edition

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The VW Polo WRC Street Special Edition is on show at the 31^st GTI Meeting at Wörthersee, Austria. This little racing bullet is the street-legal version of the Polo R-WRC that Volkswagen will unleash in the 2013 World Rally Championship.

The VW Polo WRC Street Special Edition comes complete with rear spoiler, sports suspension, diffuser and R-WRC design to make it look the part. However, it’s underneath the bonnet where it counts and the VW Polo WRC Street Special Edition is not short of fire power. A 162kW, 2.0 litre TSI engine dons the engine room and there is no doubt that this car is going to pose a serious threat in the dirt. For road goers, the VW Polo WRC Street Special Edition is a bit of a taste of what can be expected when Volkswagen release a limited edition model in 2013. It might be a good idea to start saving some money for this one…

BMW M6, Safety Car of Note

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For many years now BMW has provided safety cars for the MotoGP and most of us would have seen a safety car on TV while watching the MotoGP. They are usually seen in the background following the field in the first lap, ready to respond to a crash.

This is a serious safety car, a specially equipped M6 coupé with BMW’s signature red and blue stripes and includes an extended front splitter, a gloss black grille, Tijuana Taxi light and a rear wing added, just for effect. This BMW M6 coupé is no joke, it’s powerful, very powerful. Fitted with a 412kW 4.4 litre V8 twin-turbo engine mated with a seven-speed M double-clutch transmission as standard, this M6 coupé is capable of 0-100km/h in no more than 4.2 seconds and can easily exceed 250km/h.

Wouldn’t you like to drive one?

1957 Ferrari 625 TRC Spider sells for R54 million

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Imagine paying R54 million for a car? Some might say it’s completely crazy but when it’s a rare 1957 Ferrari 625 TRC Spider, it could be justified. Car freaks at Monaco’s RM Auctions salon paid more than R357 million with 10 cars fetching more than R10.6 million.

However, the 1957 Ferrari 625 TRC Spider started a bidding frenzy and was expected to fetch R32 million but ended up being sold for R54 million. Described as the “prettiest Ferrari ever built”, the Spider used to have a 2.5 litre engine but was restored in 1982 and now features 3.0 litre V12 that pushes out 240kW. The 55 year-old car is one of two ever built.  

What do you think about that?