Of the five new engines that will be introduced, three petrol engines will be available for the Volkswagen Beetle with outputs ranging from 77 kW, 110 kW and 162 kW. The two diesel engines will have power ranging from 81 kW and 110 kW. All engines are said to be more fuel-efficient (reduced by approximately 13 per cent) and comply with Euro 6 emissions standards.
Volkswagen Beetle boasts new technology
In addition to the updated engines, Volkswagen is offering further assistance systems and mobile online services for the Beetle. The model now benefits from an optional “Discover Media” navigation system, a rearview camera, a Rear Traffic Alert system, a Blind Spot monitor and a DSG gearbox with a coasting function which automatically senses when there is no acceleration and automatically shifts to neutral.
Further individualisation options are available for the interior. With the new colour packages “Tornado Red”, “Pure White” and “Reflex Silver Metallic” the interior can be combined with various exterior colours.
The updated Volkswagen Beetle will go on sale later in 2014.
Subaru Viziv GT Vision Gran Turismo Teased (Video)
Subaru has teased its upcoming Viziv GT Vision Gran Turismo ahead of an official release.
A teaser video and a few images of the Subaru Viziv GT Vision have been released, showing the vehicle has a bulging grille flanked by slender LED headlights, a ventilated hood, and a stylish windscreen. Other notable features include a floating roof and LED taillights.
No specifications details have been released but the video does suggest the Viziv will be a plug-in hybrid model.
Subaru Viziv GT Vision Gran Turismo: Teaser Movie
Driven: Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate
The latest version of Mercedes-Benz’s C-Class Estate made its South African debut this week and we were there to try it out.
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has shown what the Germans are really capable of and this luxurious sedan just oozes charm, luxury and class. While the station wagon / estate market is not the biggest in South Africa, Mercedes-Benz feels there’s a niche market here and hopes to sell some units here. Mind you, we’re not talking large volumes here. At best, we’d see 500 C-Class Estates leave showroom floors.
There are three versions available. There’s two turbocharged petrol derivatives, while the flagship model is a potent, yet efficient diesel. So that’s a C180, a C200 and the mighty C250 BlueTec Estate to choose from. Like all German premium products, standard specification is average, but the options list offers very cool gadgets and tech.
Space and Practicality
This new C-Class Estate is in fact longer both in terms of wheel base and in overall length than its predecessor. It’s also marginally wider, meaning there’s more room and space. Mercedes-Benz SA also claims there’s more headroom in the new models, something that taller folk will appreciate. Luggage space is now up to 1 510 litres and the rear seats can fold down electronically. One of the coolest touches has to be the hands-free method to open the boot. All you need to do is wave your foot under the rear bumper and the sensor will pick up the movement, and the automatic door will open.
C250 BlueTec
The launch was held in Johannesburg and the route would to take us to Clarens, on the border of Lesotho. I knew this meant open-road cruising and a C250 BlueTec diesel was the perfect choice. With 150 kW of power and 500 Nm of torque, this diesel-powered C-Class Estate was a performer and a half. It’s able to get to 100kph reasonably quickly, but its real strength lies in overtaking, while still returning low fuel consumption figures of around 4.5L/100km.
C200 C-Class Estate
After a quick lunch stop in Frankfort, we switched to a well-equipped C200 C-Class Estate. This model boasted numerous optional extras thrown in and I think it offers the best bang for buck in the C-Class Estate range. Sure, you can opt for the brilliant diesel, but that commands a R90 000 premium. Be warned though, as some of the cool optional gadgets can easily add R100k onto the list price. The petrol engine in the C200 C-Class Estate has a turbocharged 2.0-litre with 135 kW and 300 Nm , which feels more than enough. It’s claimed to be light on fuel too, with a figure of 5.5L/100km claimed on the combined cycle.
The route took us off the national highway and into the Golden Gate National Park. It’s such a pity the weather didn’t play along as the scenery and driving roads are simply spectacular. Despite not being extremely sporty, the C-Class Estates acquitted themselves well and didn’t object to being driven in an excited fashion.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate Price in South Africa
Like every Mercedes-Benz passenger car, the new C-Class Estate comes standard with a 6-year/100 000 km PremiumDrive maintenance plan.
C 180 Estate – R447 600 C 200 Estate – R468 300 C 250 BlueTEC Estate – R558 400
Volkswagen Golf R400 To Enter Production In 2015
Reports are coming in that Volkswagen has approved production of the Golf R400 and will be launched next year.
Volkswagen Golf R400 said to become a reality
Although not yet officially confirmed by VW, Car Magazine UK is reporting that the production Golf R400 will enter full series production in 2015 and will follow closely in the footsteps of the concept.
The vehicle will supposedly be the first in the VW line-up to premiere the high-output 2.0-litre turbo engine. With an all-wheel drive feature and a high-performance braking system, the turbocharged four-cylinder engine is expected to have an output of about 309 kW and 450 Nm of torque. The vehicle is also said to feature a number of aerodynamic styling tweaks along with a restrained body kit.
Rumours are the Volkswagen Golf R400 will debut at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show and go on sale late next year.
Lexus LF-C2 Concept To Debut In LA
The Lexus LF-C2 concept has just been teased ahead of its scheduled world premiere said to happen next week at the Los Angeles Auto Show
Lexus LF-C2 Concept teased
The concept is said to preview a new convertible which Lexus is likely to put into production in the future. Rumours are that the concept could also preview the upcoming RC/RC F Convertible.
Not much has been revealed about the concept itself, but its being described as an exciting new open-air concept. The teaser image although a bit on the blurry side, does show a bit of the cars body with the stylish windscreen and protruding rear bumper, as well as an integrated trunk spoiler.
Check back for more details next week when the model makes its debut.
Mini 5-Door (2014) Driven
After years and years of three door Minis, the brand has finally bitten the bullet and decided to wedge two more doors into its hatch. No its not a Countryman or a Clubman, its the original Mini hatch and its now targeting the family with flashy styling, vibrant colours and unique flair that it carries.
How do they fit those doors in?
To start with Mini alters the platform slightly to incorporate the new rear openings. The 5-door is 161mm longer than the hatch, but weighs an extra 60kg. I had a peak round at the rear legroom and it actually looks useable by adults, they could have made it even better by not making the rear benches so big but they do make the seats more comfortable to sit in. Boot capacity is up as well from the hatch, its now a respectable 278-litres, up 67 litres from the hatch.
Same Engines
The 5-door doesnt benefit from extra shove or go as it uses the exact same engines as the hatch. That means theres a three-cylinder 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol with 100 kW and 220 Nm, and the four-cylinder turbocharged 2-litre petrol that churns out 141 kW and 280 Nm. The latter is a smooth pulling and torquey unit, it pulls extremely well from low down the rev range and is backed up by quite a nice engine and exhaust growl. Theres even a few backfire pops in there when you lift off the throttle to raise a smile. The 1.5-litre is impressively economical, claiming just 4.8L/100km and if you follow the efficiency guides the Mini gives you, it will return the claimed figure with ease.
Play Time
Mini has gone to town on the interior of the Mini 5-door, the seats were specced with a mix of leather and Alcantara. Theres a head-up-display in front of the windscreen that shows your current speed as well as the speed limit of the road youre on. It was also kitted with park assist and the Mini Connected system that integrates with smartphones so that certain apps can be accessed through the multimedia system.
Even from a driving perspective, if youre trying to get the most out of a tank of fuel, the Mini has a rating system for your driving that gives you stars for your acceleration, anticipation and gear changes. The better you are the happier you make the goldfish on the screen and ultimately the more economical your driving is.
Mini 5-door – Price in South Africa
The Mini 5-door is going to be a niche segment car, if youre a family wanting space its likely youll look elsewhere, but the 5-door offers that little more versatility than normal. If you mainly use the car to get yourself around and occasionally want to throw some mates or kids in the back then its a good compromise as a city car/weekend driver.
Mini 5-door 1.5 Manual R305 000
Mini 5-door 1.5 Automatic R321 900
Mini 5-door 2.0 Manual R374 052
Mini 5-door 2.0 Automatic – R389 923
New Volkswagen 2-Litre Diesel Engine Unveiled With Electric Turbocharger
A high-powered Volkswagen 2-litre diesel engine with electric turbocharger has been unveiled during a technical presentation held at home in Wolfsburg, Germany.
New Volkswagen 2-litre diesel engine showcased in Germany
Based on the existing EA288 diesel unit used across the Volkswagen line-up, the new engine, enhanced with a new two-stage electricity operated turbocharger, is claimed to deliver a 14 percent improvement in power (200 kW) and economy over the most powerful variant of the companys diesel unit with 176 kW and is currently fitted in the recently unveiled Volkswagen Passat.
The increase in power was also made possible by installing a new variable valve timing system and a Piezo common rail injection system working at pressures of up to 2500 bar. Volkswagen is yet to release any info on the torque figure of the new engine but rumour has it that it might be comparable to the Passats 500 Nm.
In addition to the new engine, Volkswagen has provided minor details on its upcoming ten-speed transmission which is said to gradually replace the current six-speed DSG from 2016.
The new transmission will work with both transverse and longitudinal engine layouts, and will feature a coasting function to save fuel along with a new brake energy recuperation system which promises to be more efficient than before. The stop-start system has also been re-engineered so that it stops at 7 km/h instead of waiting for the full stop.
2016 Mazda CX-5 Leaked
Leaked images of the 2016 Mazda CX-5 are making the rounds on the web, ahead of its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
Refreshed 2016 Mazda CX-5 to show up in LA
The leaked brochure images made their way to the Internet through enthusiast forum Worldscoop, showing the 2016 Mazda CX-5 will feature a revised grille, redesigned wheels and new fog lights. It appears the model will also be kitted with Adaptive LED Headlights, while the interior is expected to include the latest version of Mazdas infotainment system.
Theres no word yet on any engine updates, and according to the rumour mill, the model is expected to have carryover engines. These might include the 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder engine that develops 116 kW and 203 Nm of torque, as well as a 2.5-litre SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder unit delivering 137 kW and 250 Nm of torque.
Aston Martin DB9 Volante Morning Frost Unveiled
The latest unique Aston Martin DB9 Volante Frost model has been revealed by the companys Q personalisation department.
Exclusive Aston Martin DB9 Volante Morning Frost detailed
Commissioned by the British firms official dealership in Dallas, the model features a Morning Frost White exterior complete with blue tinted carbon fibre details such as the front lip spoiler and side mirrors as well as a blue soft top.
The convertible continues with the two-tone styling in the cabin which is finished in Pearl White and Spectral Blue leather seats, Spectral Blue leather air vents and Cobalt Blue gradated fascia trim.
The car is also fitted with a 6.0-litre V12 engine that delivers 380 kW and 620 Nm of torque, and is mated to a Touchtronic 2 six-speed transmission which enables the car to complete the 0-100 km/h task in 4.6 seconds. Additionally, the Aston Martin DB9 Volante Morning Frost features adaptive dampers as standard, which offer Normal, Sport and Track modes.
2015 McLaren Sports Series Confirmed
McLaren has released a teaser image along with a cryptic video confirming its 2015 Sports Series is on the way.
McLaren Sports Series to make global premiere in 2015
Previously known by its codename P13, the 2015 Sports Series appears with a number of styling cues taken from the P1. Although the camouflage hides a lot of the details, we do notice the vehicle seems to feature an aggressive front bumper, aerodynamic side skirts, bespoke alloy wheels, as well as LED-infused headlights.
McLaren has also kept the technical details a secret, but confirmed the model will join the range below the 650S, bringing McLaren credentials and exclusivity to the sportscar segment for the first time. The company additionally confirmed the model will feature a carbon fibre chassis and a mid-mounted V8 engine.
The 2015 McLaren Sports Series is scheduled to be introduced in the second quarter of 2015. The launch campaign is said to take over the next 13 weeks, with McLaren Automotive using the hashtag #BlackSwanMoments to tell stories that have truly changed and challenged peoples beliefs.
