Volkswagen Golf 7, what to expect

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Although the finer details remain under wraps for now, the new VW Golf 7 is set to make its global debut at the Paris Motor Show at the end of September and will be built on VW’s new MQB modular platform, which will also service 40 other small to mid-sided models across VW’s brands.

Here’s what has been revealed though. We now know that the new Golf 7 will be 110kg lighter than the outgoing model. The weight loss is attributed to the fact that stronger steel is used in the construction while cutting down on metal use. Good news on the petrol front is that the new Golf 7 will also consume up to 32% less fuel according to VW. The shared platform will also shave manufacturing time by 30% and production costs by 20% and the savings will be used to upgrade entertainment systems for the car.

The new Golf 7 will also be larger and lower than the outgoing model and will feature comprehensive safety features such as Multi collision brake, Electronic differential lock, Adaptive Cruise Control with Emergency brake assist, Lane change assist, Fatigue and traffic sign detection and Overhead Parking System.

On the engine front we can expect a turbocharged 1.4-litre direct injection petrol unit putting out 103kW along with a dual-clutch 7-speed transmission. Fuel consumption for this engine is estimated at 4.0-litres/100km and will emit CO2 at a rate of 112g/km. We can also expect a turbocharged 1.6-litre common rail diesel engine that develops 78kW while sipping fuel at a rate of 4.0-litres/100km and spewing CO2 at 99g/km.

The new Golf 7 GTI will also be showing its face at the Paris Motor Show and will be driven by a 165kW 2.0-litre direct injection turbo petrol engine. The new Golf 7 is expected in South Africa in the first quarter of 2013.

We can all agree that the VW Golf has come a long way from the picture you see below, and there is a reason why the VW Golf is so loved around the world, because it’s simply a great car that keeps evolving and never gets old. That’s my opinion anyway…share your thoughts below.  

News Source: Wheels24, Carmag

2013 Toyota Auris coming to SA

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Toyota has revealed the new 2013 Auris which is set to make its debut at the Paris Motor Show at the end of September 2012 and will look to take on the likes of the Ford Focus and VW Golf. The new Auris has been stylistically revised for an enhanced look and handling has been sharpened for a more responsive drive.

The 2013 Auris takes on a road-hugging approach and sits about 55mm lower than the previous model and is a tad longer too. More high tensile steel is used for the body work, which has resulted in 40kg weight loss and has increased tensile strength by 10%. The reduced height and lower centre of gravity coupled with new suspension and steering should make for a thrilling ride, more so than the previous model.

A sharper, more refined design approach can be seen at the front-end which incorporates a sleek grille and well shaped headlights offering a sharp and assertive feel.

Although details of what engines will be offered in South Africa remain sketchy at this point, we can expect revised versions of the entry level 1.3-litre petrol engine, a 1.6–litre petrol and a 1.4-litre diesel engine to begin with. The Auris Hybrid is also likely to show its face and will still use the 1.8-litre engine coupled with an electric motor utilising a nickel-metal hydride battery pack. 

The new Toyota Auris will be available in South Africa sometime in the first quarter of 2013.

 New Source: Carmag

Porsche Driver hijacked by Cops

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Car hijacking is a common occurrence in South Africa but what do you do when the people who are supposed to protect you, hijack you? Ryan Pickford was allegedly hijacked by police officers in Johannesburg who managed to get away with his Porsche.   

34 year-old Pickford was pulled over by a VW Golf with flashing lights when several men clad in police uniforms and R5 rifles instructed him to accompany them to a roadblock where he would be breathalysed. He was handcuffed and forced into the VW Golf while one of the robbers drove off in his Porsche. At this point he was told that he was being hijacked and was held at gunpoint.

Later, the VW Golf came to rest at a veld in Centurion where Pickford was instructed to run and lie down in the veld. The VW Golf  then sped off. Pickford insists that the assailants were Police officers as he recognised one of them from a roadblock. Investigations continue.