Volvo XC90 First Edition Models Sell Out In 47 Hours

Volvo has announced that all 1927 First Editions of its limited run XC90 sold out in just 47 hours of being available for sale via digital commerce.

Instant success for the all-new Volvo XC90 First Edition

Online sales for the XC90 First Edition models kicked off at 10 am on Wednesday, and within an hour most of the units were reserved, with Volvo taking an average of seven orders per minute.

“We are very pleased, but not really surprised,” said Alain Visser, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Sales and Customer Service of Volvo Car Group. “The huge interest in the XC90 escalated to astronomical levels after the world premiere last week.”

Priced at R1 050 000, a total of 23 Volvo XC90 First Edition models were ordered by South African customers and are expected to arrive in May 2015 – about three months ahead of the rest of the all-new Volvo XC90 range.

Distinctive features

Set to be shown to the public for the first time at the 2014 Paris Motor Show next month, the XC90 First Edition has an Onyx Black exterior and eight-spoke 21-inch wheels. The SUV also features nappa leather seats in Amber, a Charcoal leather dashboard and Linear Walnut inlays. Additional luxuries include heated/ventilated front seats, unique badging and a numbered plaque, as well as a Bowers & Wilkins audio system.

Power comes from either a high-performance petrol or diesel engine from Volvo’s new four-cylinder Drive E powertrains. The supercharged and turbocharged T6 deliver 235 kW while the twin-turbo D5 diesel has an output of 165 kW. Both engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Citroen Divine DS Concept Breaks Cover (Video)

Citroen is particularly good at concepts, its stuff is normally amazing in concept form and this latest Divine DS concept continues in the same vein.

Citroen Divine DS Details

Citroen say the Divine DS will be the design future of the DS range as it aims to expand the lineup from three models six models.

Divine DS is a compact 4-door measuring 4.21m long and 1.98m wide. It is characterised by its taut lines and a low driving position (1.35m high). The curves contrast with graphic features sculpted in chrome.

Inside the cockpit, various digital systems are on display (touch screen, holographic display, etc.) and showcase Citroen’s latest in-car technology

It then takes personalisation to the next level with a word referred to as ‘Hyper-typage’ – customers can choose an interior trim that reflects their personality. The cabin features three interchangeable interior ambiences, each with its own style.

Citroen claim its concept will be powered by a 1.6-litre turbo with an incredible power output of 199kW. Match that to 330Nm and it sounds tasty but obviously the figures at this stage are relative thumb sucks. Still, we can hope.

Citroen has also launched an advert video to go with the Divine DS. It plans to take the wraps off its concept at the Paris Motor Show in October 2014.

Citroen Divine DS Concept Video

New Land Rover Discovery Expected in 2016

Land Rover has confirmed that the recently launched Discovery will be replaced by a fifth-generation model in 2016.

New model line-up

Speaking to Car Magazine UK, Land Rover Design Director Gerry McGovern revealed details about the company’s future line-up and said that the new Land Rover Discovery will be “more adventurous” in its appearance than the Discovery Sport.

Although he didn’t go into specifics, McGovern did mention that the SUV can be expected in 2016. He also mentioned that the future line-up includes a new range of Range Rover models. “They are probably more radical than the Evoque was, or certainly not what you might expect from Range Rover. One in particular looks fantastic,” he said.

According to the magazine, another addition to the line-up includes a new model set to sit between the Range Rover Evoque and the Range Rover Sport. McGovern further talked about a next-generation Defender that could have a “utilitarian look” and be offered in a variety of sizes and configurations.

We will keep you updated as this story develops.

Infiniti Q80 Inspiration Concept Teased

Following last month’s minimal teaser, Infiniti has released another fresh teaser image of its latest concept car said to be called the Q80 Inspiration ahead of the official reveal at the Paris Motor Show next month.

The premium progressive Q80 Inspiration

The previous image just showed a close-up of the grille, while with this new image we can see the new concept will feature a low-slung profile completed by an elongated bonnet, sloping roofline and short overhangs.

The company didn’t release powertrain details or information about specific measurements, but said that the dimensions alone will place it at the top of its product range including the recently-facelifted Q70.

Further information is being withheld until the concept is fully revealed, but the company said its sleek and elegant four-seater fastback will “demonstrate to the premium world just how Infiniti aims to play its part.”

The Infiniti Q80 Inspiration will officially break cover next month at the Paris Motor Show.

Jaguar XF 2.0 i4 (2014) Review

The Jaguar XF is Britain’s answer to the German barrage of executive sedans that rule the segment with their precision, refinement and clinical attitudes to luxury. There is hope for the outsiders though as Lexus is improving as we can confirm with the GS we recently drove.

The Jaguar XF has also been clawing its way into contention as the power behind Jaguar (Tata) continues to pour money into research and development. Following the downsizing tradition it’s now specced with a 2-litre turbo petrol but does it maintain its luxurious and suave demeanour with the new powerplant.

Go Faster Stickers?

You may have noticed the leaping Jaguar decal on the side and on the back there’s a chequered flag style sticker as well. This particular XF did duty at the Knysna Hillclimb event earlier this year. Over the course of the three day event it was run multiple times up the hillclimb at speed and with vigour so it will be interesting to see if the XF suffers any ill effects from its motorsport foray.

Downsized Engine

The 2-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder mill powering this XF is meant to lean towards efficiency and an overall reduction in emissions. With 177 kW and 340 Nm of torque it’s still got good grunt when you put your foot down, it’s not lightning off the line, but it will still get to 100kph in 7.9 seconds. The main number that counts for the sake of downsizing is the claimed 8.9l/100km it’s said to use. Over our test period where we took in both freeway and town driving our average economy for the week was above 14l/100km. Crazy thirsty, we even speculated about a leaky fuel tank or a tweaked engine management system for the hillcimb.

With the eight-speed automatic transmission the XF cruises along with gear changes occurring faultlessly in the background. In standard D mode the gearbox shifts a little too early for my liking and often means that you push more into the throttle to get a move on. That tends to result in a kickdown from the gearbox and then you’re off like a flash. Switch to S mode and the gearbox responds better and the whole driving experience feels less lazy. Paddle shifters behind the steering wheel aid if you feel like intervening with the auto box and doing some shifting of your own and they work with adequate rapidness.

On the Move

What I most like about the Jaguar XF is its ride, the Jaguar rides along on a supremely comforting set of shock absorbers. It doesn’t bump or jolt over bumps but it doesn’t wallow or have excessive roll when you corner. The XF always maintains its composure, even when manhandled through a set of bends it arrives on the other side in a dignified fashion. Body control is excellent for a large car that rides this comfortably. The steering is well weighted and provides good confidence in long sweeping corners, the steering’s quite quick too so it gets the Jag’s nose pointing into the corners energetically.

Inside the Den

The Jaguar XF was first introduced in 2007 and we all went wow! The air vents rotated automatically once the ignition was switched on and the gear knob rose up out of the centre unit. It has managed to defy its age over the years, it’s still awesome to watch all the bits and pieces spring to life as the ignition is switched on. During daytime though it can look a little dated, the silver trim with its textured pattern is starting to feel a tad old and the buttons around the steering wheel work more efficiently on the German sedans. Once night comes along though, the jaded look passes as the interior lights up in neon blue light that boosts the appearance of everything. Seven years on and this effect still amazes.

Final Word

The Jaguar XF is getting long in the tooth, the XE will take up some of the slack but that steals sales from the smaller Germans – C-Class, 3-Series and A4. The 2-litre turbo engine we found to be quite thirsty despite its intentions of reducing fuel economy. The XF remains a luxurious yet sporty vehicle and is still an excellent choice if you don’t want to go German, but its age is starting to hold it back where it could be bossing the market.

Second Opinion

The Jaguar XF is a superbly smooth vehicle with ride quality being excellent. The engine too is absolutely wonderful, with plenty torque available. Despite its age, the XF is one of Jaguar’s finest. It’s just a shame about that fuel economy though… -David Taylor

Jaguar XF 2.0 i4 Premium Luxury quick specs

Price  R661 726
Engine  2-litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol
Power  177 kW
Torque  340 Nm
Transmission  Eight-speed Automatic
Wheels  19-inch alloys
0-100km/h  7.9 seconds (claimed)
Fuel economy  8.9 l/100 km (claimed)

We like:
. Great ride and sporty attitude
. Still an attractive car despite its age
. Night time glitz from the interior

We dislike:
. Drinks like it’s down at the pub
. Getting on in years

Also consider:
BMW 5-Series
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Lexus GS

Come See The McLaren P1 In SA

Last year the Daytona Group brought us the McLaren P1 which made an appearance for the first time in SA, and now the company has announced the supercar is on its way back to be driven on a South African track for the first time.

McLaren P1 In SA

The whole event is said to take place on 11th of October at the Kyalami race track. The event is also expected to be the largest gathering McLarens in one place, with the public and MP4-12C and 650s owners invited to come and enjoy the full performance of their cars on the track.

Click here to read more about the McLaren supercar, and watch the car rip apart the Nurburgring Nordschleife in the video below.

McLaren P1 VS the Nurburgring Nordschleife

New Car Sales in South Africa – August 2014

Despite slow economic growth and tough market conditions, new car sales in South Africa has showed resilience for the past three months according to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA). It’s also been reported that the automotive sector will remain under pressure for the duration of 2014 with a market volume decline of between 4% and 5% expected when compared to 2013.

Here is a basic new car sales summary for the month of August 2014.

New Car Sales Summary – August 2014

  • 55 751 aggregate new car sales down by 1.3% (738) compared to August 2013
  • 25 027 export sales up by 18.5% (3 911) compared to August 2013
  • 37 982 passenger cars down by 2.6% (1 018) compared to August 2013
  • 14 942 light commercial vehicles up by 2.1% (2.1%) compared to August 2013


Top Selling Car Brands in South Africa for August 2014

Brand Total Sales Market Share %
1. Toyota 10 949 19.7%
2. Volkswagen 8 616 15.5%
3. Ford Motor Company 6 778 12.2%
4. GMSA 5 723 10.3%
5. Nissan 4 142 7.5%


Top Selling Car Models in South Africa for August 2014

Model Total Sales
1. Toyota Hilux (LCV) 3 238
2. VW Polo Vivo 2 756
3. Ford Ranger (LCV) 2 312
4. VW Polo 2 267
5. Toyota Corolla 1 928

Ipsos Quality Awards reveals best automotive performers for 2014

Ipsos South Africa, a market research company, recently announced the 2014 product quality and customer experience awards, revealing the best performers in the South African automotive sector.  The best-performing vehicle manufacturers were awarded with either gold, silver or bronze awards based on product quality and customer experience levels. Here are the results.

Product Quality Awards

Product quality is measured using problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), with an industry average PP100 score of 4o recorded since 2011.

Mercedes-Benz came out on top with a PP100 score of 20 with the E-Class (10), C-Class coupe (14) and C-Class Petrol (14) performing particualry well. Mercedes-Benz also received a gold award as best luxury brand overall and best factory making passenger cars in South Africa. BMW came second with a PP100 score of 23 and Audi third with 27.

Mazda was crowned as the best volume passenger car brand overall receiving a gold award. Mazda recorded a PP100 score of 24, with Toyota scoring 28 and Opel with 29 sharing runner-up position and collecting silver awards. Bronze awards went to Chevrolet with a score of 35, Ford with 37 and Volkswagen also with 37.

Toyota raked in the gold awards in the light commercial vehicle category with best LCV brand overall with a PP100 score of 39, best one-ton single cab brand overall at 39, best one-ton double cab brand overall with 39 and best local plant manufacturing light commercials with a score of 38.

Purchasing and Servicing Quality Awards

The 2014 average score for purchasing experience for passenger cars is just below 94%, which is excellent according to Ipsos. The LCV sales experience dipped slightly from 93% to just above 92%.

Audi took gold awards in both sales and service in the passenger car segment, with Volkswagen cars taking gold for sales and silver for service. Volkswagen collected gold for both sales and service last year. Lexus grabbed gold in the passenger car service category.

In the LCV segment, Isuzu, Nissan and Volkswagen were awarded gold awards for sales while Chevrolet, Isuzu, Nissan, Toyota and Volkswagen were awarded gold for servicing.

Audi Reveals Facelifted 2015 A6 Range

Audi has lifted the covers off the facelifted 2015 A6 range which comes with a series of styling and mechanical upgrades.

Exterior tweaks

The new 2015 A6 model range comes with newly styled headlights, a slightly modified front grille, new rear lights and a new rear apron. The range can also be optionally configured with LED or matrix LED headlights which work with dynamic turn signals.

Extensively updated engine line-up

Additional changes to the facelifted 2015 A6 range include new engines and transmissions, and a new infotainment system. All three TFSI units ranging between 140 kW and 245 kW as well as the five TDI engines ranging from 110 kW and 240 kW now meet the Euro 6 emission standard and their CO2 emissions have been lowered by as much as 22%.

The new 1.8 TFSI ultra boasts impressive consumption figures which stand at only 5.7-litres/100 km with CO2 emissions of 133 g/km. There’s also a 2.0 TDI ultra with 110 kW and consumes just 4.2-litres/100 km and 109 g/km.

There’s also an ultra offering in the diesel lineup with the 110 kW 2.0-litre TDI-powered model that comes with glass fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP) springs bringing the weight down to 4.4 kg. Both ultra-models additionally come with a newly introduced S tronic transmission.

The A6 range is also available with an updated 3.0 TDI clean diesel engine with 160 kW and 200 kW, while the bi-turbo version delivers 235 kW. Another version of the same engine produces 240 kW, which can be boosted briefly to 255 kW and powers the A6 3.0 TDI competition and A6 Avant 3.0 TDI competition special edition models, with which Audi is celebrating the 25 years of TDI technology.

The S6 and S6 Avant models have also been updated with the same 4.0 TFSI bi-turbo V8 engine that packs 331 kW, allowing the high-performance sedan to sprint from 0-100 km/h in 4.4 seconds (4.6 seconds for the station wagon). There’s also a 512 kW RS6 Avant equipped with the same 4.0 TFSI engine and completes the 0-100 km/h task in 3.9 seconds and reaching a top speed of 305 km/h.

Audi says deliveries of the facelifted 2015 A6 range will start sometime later this year. The model will apparently reach South Africa later next year.

New Volkswagen Polo Vivo In South Africa – Specs and Prices

Following the mid-cycle facelift for the 2014 Polo, Volkswagen has introduced its new Polo Vivo range with refreshed styling, new equipment lines and enhanced features.

New equipment lines

Since its introduction back in March 2010, Volkswagen has sold over 149 500 Polo Vivo models, and has been the best-selling passenger car in SA over the past four years.

The new Volkswagen Polo Vivo model range will be launched with four new equipment lines: Conceptline, Blueline, Trendline and Comfortline. The hatch version will again be available in GT and Maxx derivatives.

Enhanced features

Styling tweaks come courtesy of a new headlight design and grille with chrome inserts, and a redesigned front end with the VW badge in the centre. On Trendline and Comfortline models, the lower grille also gets chrome inserts, while the exterior mirrors and door handles of the Trendline, Comfortline and GT derivatives are offered in body colour.

Improvements have also been made to the interior trim, and there’s also a new gear-knob with leatherette gearshift and a new instrument cluster with red and white illumination. Trendline, Comfortline, GT and Maxx derivatives now also boast a height-adjustable driver’s seat.

In addition, new Volkswagen Polo Vivo customers have an option of a four-speaker audio system (radio/CD/MP3/Bluetooth/USB) which is standard on Trendline models but optional on Conceptline and Blueline. Comfortline, GT and Maxx derivatives add two extra speakers for sound enhancement.

Standard safety features across the range now include ABS brakes, an alarm and remote central locking.

Engines

The engine line-up remains unchanged and includes the 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrol engines, delivering between 55 and 77 kW. Both engines are available with five-speed manual transmissions as standard. An optional tiptronic transmission is available in both the hatch and the sedan with the 63kW 1.4-litre engine.

New Volkswagen Polo Vivo price in South Africa

Hatchback range

Volkswagen Polo Vivo 1.4 55kW Conceptline – R142 700

Volkswagen Polo Vivo 1.4 55kW Blueline – R148 000

Volkswagen Polo Vivo 1.4 63kW Trendline – R157 500

Volkswagen Polo Vivo 1.4 63kW Trendline Tiptronic – R172 800

Volkswagen Polo Vivo 1.6 77kW Trendline – R171 500

Volkswagen Polo Vivo 1.6 77kW Comfortline – R177 200

Volkswagen Polo Vivo 1.6 77kW GT – R177 200

Volkswagen Polo Vivo 1.6 77kW Maxx – R180 900

Sedan range

Volkswagen Polo Vivo 1.4 55kW Conceptline – R148 700

Volkswagen Polo Vivo 1.4 55kW Blueline – R154 000

Volkswagen Polo Vivo 1.4 63kW Trendline – R163 500

Volkswagen Polo Vivo 1.4 63kW Trendline Tiptronic – R178 800

Volkswagen Polo Vivo 1.6 77kW Trendline – R169 300

Volkswagen Polo Vivo 1.6 77kW Comfortline – R177 500

Prices include a three-year/120 000km warranty (five-year or 60 000km maintenance or service plan are optional).

Renault Introduces Limited Edition Megane Coupe Ultimate

Renault has unveiled its limited edition Megane Coupe Ultimate Edition which will be available exclusively in France.

Limited Edition Megane Coupe Ultimate detailed

The coupe is based on the Intens equipment level and features specific styling such as sportier bumpers, 18-inch alloy wheels with a gloss black finish and a fixed glass sunroof.

Inside, the model is comprehensively equipped with heated leather front seats, a Renault R-Link multimedia system, dual-zone automatic climate control and Black Lacquer interior trimming details. The car also has a leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminium pedal caps, electrically folding door mirrors and ultimate badging.

Engine options include the petrol Energy TCe 130 and the diesel Energy dCi 130.