Toyotas city-rocking Aygo is going to be offered with a retractable magic carpet style roof. The special convertible roof will only be available on five-door Aygos.
Toyota Aygo X-Wave Opens Up
The X-Wave as its being called has a full length retractable roof that allows even the rear passengers to be blown around by incoming wind and sun. The roof is electronically controlled via a button in the centre of the roof.
Toyota has launched the x-wave as an option on the five-door Aygo x-pression model. Besides the roof the X-Wave model will also feature upmarket kit like 15-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps, projector headlights with LED daytime running lights, the x-touch multimedia system with Bluetooth, reversing camera and air conditioning.
Gloss black elements in the bodywork and the cabin link in with the colour palette offered for the Aygo X-Wave that includes: White Flash, Electro Grey, Silver Splash, Red Pop and Deep Blue Buzz paint options.
Opel Adam Jam 1.0T (2015) Review
Opel is planning a big comeback in 2015 as it plans to launch multiple models in South Africa. The first of the new kids is the all-new Opel Adam, a city car with personality and a multitude of options to personalise it to your own unique style. We racked up over 2 000 km in the Adam with its 1-litre turbo motor during our test period and heres what we discovered.
Small Turbo, Big Go
Small capacity petrol engines combined with turbocharging trickery are beginning to trickle in to our market. Theres the Renault Clio, Ford Fiesta and the new VW Polo that have a relatively small engine turbo too. Adam has a great little engine, it cranks out 85 kW and 170 Nm and it feels perfectly suited to the Adams size and personality.
The engine is keen to accelerate and the torque delivery in the mid-range is impressive, especially during overtaking. Even at freeway speeds the Adam offers up ample reserves of in-gear acceleration if you need to put in a quick spurt. The engine gives the Adam a fun and energetic feel, even if the three-cylinder growl is somewhat muted. Fuel economy was reasonable too, we saw 6.5L/100km over our near 2000 km run with the Adam.
How small is Adam?
Its certainly a compact car made for snaking around town dodging traffic and nipping around obstacles without having to worry too much about hitting anything. The boot is small, but comparatively average amongst its rivals. I do wish the parcel shelf had been put on strings or folded back down automatically as the amount of times I left it up and then drove away with my rear view obscured was crazy.
Rear access could be better as well, the front seats could do a better job of folding down and sliding forward to let people in the back. The back isnt too bad once youre in, but I wouldnt want to spend a long time there.
High class interior
In the section that matters in the Adam (the drivers seat) Opel has really done a stellar job. The Adams interior is stylish and comfortable and it also features an easy-on-the-eye touchscreen and user interface. The materials used are soft to the touch, and the seats are very comfortable and supportive. The gadgetry is simple to connect to and the ability to integrate your phone with several apps already loaded on the car is really cool, although it seemed a bit hit and miss with my phone as to whether it would connect properly.
Its also nice to see things like blind-spot monitoring and auto-parallel and perpendicular parking. All these auto-park systems are great when they work, but they do have a tendency to not see or miss a parking space youre after, leaving you looking like a bit of a fool to everyone around. The Adam is also fitted with excellent safety equipment that includes six-airbags, ABS, EBD, ESP and hill start assist.
Ride and Handling
Being a funky city car and in a segment where cars like the Mini, Citroen DS3 and Fiat 500 offer awesome thrills per minute, the Adam feels fun, but not an absolute riot to drive. The ride is sporty and quite firm and it grips nicely when thrown into a 90-degree corner. It could do with a little more feel in the steering wheel and possibly a quicker steering ratio to speed up the turn-in.
Its not a bad handling car by any means, I still had fun whipping it through my local bends, but if youre after something thats going to wow you in the fun-to-chuck-about department then the Mini or DS3 might be more to your liking.
Opel Adam – Verdict
The cars in this segment sell mainly based on looks and customisation and the Adam has big green ticks in those boxes. Its got a great turbo engine and is fun to drive for your average user. Opel announced pricing at the end of January 2015 and actually undercut the expectation, see below for the pricing. That makes it one of the cheapest cars in the segment and undercuts the Mini by R70 000. The Adam is certainly worth a look and at that price should see buyers aplenty.
Second Opinion
The highlight of this Opel Adam Jam is definitely the 1.0-litre turbo engine. Its got sufficient grunt within the city and on the highway and driving the Adam is a heap of fun as a result. Another bonus is the interior, which is funky, modern and well constructed. The attractive infotainment system is the cherry on top and the wide range of personalisation options make Adam that much more appealing. The Adam’s compact dimensions coupled with its good looks and personality should see it sell well in South Africa. – Gero Lilleike
The Opel Adam makes a mockery of the Mini Cooper and Citroen DS3. Essentially you’re getting the same experience: a small, compact runabout that oozes charm, style and character; with a number of great gadgets fitted. Throw in the extensive range of customisation options and a superb 1.0-litre turbo engine and you’re probably looking at the coolest city slicker for 2015. – David Taylor
Pricing
The Opel Adam range starts at R189 900 for the naturally aspirated 1.4-Litre. This turbo’d petrol in Jam trim is priced at a very reasonable R209 900 before you add the optional kits on. The top spec Glam model goes for R232 900.
We Like: Styling, character, turbo engine, interior quality, standard features
We Don’t Like: Rear entry tight, could be more fun to drive
Exterior fitments include new side skirts and side decals with M Performance logo, new diffuser, a modified front grille with black trim surround and carbon exterior mirror caps. Rounding up the changes are BMW M Performance accent strips which run along the flanks below the crease line, a set of 19-inch alloy wheels in 405 M and 624 M designs, as well as a stainless steel silencer with chromed tailpipes and inscribed M logo.
Inside, the BMW M Performance Parts Accessories range offers a selector lever trim or in cars with manual transmission a gearshift lever with Alcantara leather, centre console trim, centre armrest and interior trim strips retrofitted in carbon. Alcantara steering wheels with carbon trim can be specified with or without the Race Display. The model can additionally be ordered with M Performance pedals and special floor mats with M Performance lettering.
Boosted performance
The BMW M Performance Power Kit for the BMW 2 Series Convertible boosts the engine output by 11 kW to 151 kW, reducing the 0-100 km/h acceleration time with 0.3 seconds.
The engine’s control unit receives an electronic upgrade while the larger-capacity intercooler is fitted. However, despite the higher engine output, there is no increase in fuel consumption in the ECE test cycle.
Opel Adam Gains Automatic and Convertible Options
The Opel Adam has been refreshed with a new and unique individualisation package which includes an Easytronic 3.0 automatic transmission and a Swing Top canvas roof option.
New automated transmission technology
The new automated transmission option is said to help drivers that no longer want to shift themselves permanently. The system not only allows for quicker and softer gear changes but also helps reduce consumption and emissions by around eight percent.
In combination with the 64 KW 1.4-litre naturally aspirated engine, Easytronic 3.0 cuts fuel consumption by up to 0.4-litres/100 km for the combined cycle compared to a five-speed manual transmission, while CO2 emissions are also reduced by 10 g/km.
The Adam 1.4 ecoFLEX with Start/Stop and Easytronic 3.0 averages 4.7-litres/100 km and emits 109 g/km.
The new Opel Adam Swing Top
In addition to offering the updated Easytronic 3.0 automatic transmission, the Opel Adam will feature a new Swing Top canvas roof, which is the same folding fabric roof offered by the Adam Rocks.
It will however take the roof five seconds to open and can be closed while travelling at speed of up to 140 km/h, with the soft top retracting to the C-pillar at the touch of a button. The entire roof module which is made of multiple layers, including a central neoprene is also said to offer good noise insulation inside the cabin.
The company further added that neither trunk capacity nor all-round vision suffer under this roof design, no matter whether the roof is open or closed.
These new attractive possibilities will further strengthen our large ADAM family and give everybody the opportunity to configure their personal ADAM favourite, explained Peter Christian Kuspert, Vice President Sales & Aftersales Opel Group.
The choice of colours is growing too. We have added new colours in Forget about Grey and Greenfellas. Therefore, customers can choose from 19 different bodywork colours now.
You can read our story of the Opel Adam South African launch here.
Chevrolet Bolt EV Concept Shows Up In Detroit
Chevrolet has lifted the covers off its highly anticipated Bolt EV Concept, which it presented this week at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show.
The Bolt EV concept is a game-changing electric vehicle designed for attainability, not exclusivity, said General Motors CEO Mary Barra. Chevrolet believes electrification is a pillar of future transportation and needs to be affordable for a wider segment of customers.
Long-range all-electric Bolt EV concept revealed
The Bolt EV concept is said to be a five-door hatchback designed to offer long-range performance in many global markets. According to the company, the Bolt will further offer drivers a number of operating modes from daily commuting to spirited weekend cruising, with changes to the mapping of the throttle as well as the suspension height and tune.
The concept was built using a combination of lightweight materials such as aluminium, carbon fibre, magnesium and woven mesh. It additionally comes with aerodynamically-optimised features such as vented rear fenders which, help increase range while high-intensity LED technology was used for both headlights and taillights.
Airy, intuitive interior
The cabins airy, high-tech environment is reinforced with lightweight, slim-architecture seats mounted on exposed aluminium pedestals that create a floating effect, to which the centre console is attached and houses a 10-inch capacitive touchscreen display with interface features.
The Bolt EV concepts interior is intended as a sanctuary, with materials and technologies that reinforce the airy ambience and help contribute to the vehicles overall efficiency, said Ed Welburn, vice president, GM Global Design. It also incorporates technology in a subtler and simpler manner, for a more soothing driving experience particularly in busy, urban environments.
Technical specs are yet to be released, however, Chevrolet has said the Bolt is capable of providing a range of more than 322 km on a full charge of electricity.
Volkswagen Amarok Double Cab Now Available In 4×2 Version
Volkswagen South Africa has announced that its Amarok Double Cab, which now comes with a rear-wheel drive system, will now also be available in a 4×2 derivative.
New 4×2 derivative added to line-up
The eight-speed gearbox was first introduced to the local bakkie segment in early 2013, but was available exclusively with a permanent four-wheel drive system. But now with the rear-wheel drive system, according to VW, the gears make it possible to achieve a wider gear ratio spread between the 1st and 8th gears compared to a conventional automatic transmission.
The 4×2 derivative additionally uses the same 132kW 2.0-litre BiTDI unit as the all-wheel drive variant, with the difference being the combined fuel consumption, which now sits at 8.2L/100km (down from 9.1L/100km) with CO2 emissions of 216g/km.
Volkswagen Amarok Double Cab price in South Africa
The Amarok Double Cab with automatic transmission comes standard with 3-year/100 000 km manufacturer warranty, 5-year/90 000 km Automotion Service Plan and 6-year anti-corrosion warranty.
Ford Shelby GT350R Mustang rolls into 2015 Detroit Motor Show
Ford has revealed the Shelby GT350R Mustang at the 2015 Detroit Motor Show and the model has been dubbed as the ‘most race-ready road-legal Mustang ever built’. The GT350R was designed in the spirit of the 1965 GT350 Competition model developed by Ford and Carroll Shelby, which featured an advanced suspension setup while being lighter and more powerful.
The Shelby GT350R Mustang is a no-compromise car in the pursuit of maximum track capability. It’s a thoroughbred street car making use of technology and ingenuity to deliver performance few enthusiasts have ever experienced says Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development.
Ford Shelby GT350R Mustang Brings the Power
The Ford Shelby GT350R Mustang is fitted with Ford’s first-ever production V8 with a flat-plane crankshaft. With a capacity of 5.2-litres, this V8 thumps out 368 kW and more than 542 Nm of torque with the help of a 6-speed manual transmission and is the most powerful naturally aspirated production Ford engine ever.
The GT350R rides on lightweight 19-inch carbon fibre wheels making Ford the first major automaker to offer this technology as standard equipment. The carbon fibre wheels contribute to an overall weight reduction of about 23 kg, or 5.8 kg per wheel.
Less weight, better performance
Weight reduction was a key element in the design of the GT350R and Ford engineers removed a number of items to help reduce the overall weight of the car. Removed items include air-conditioning, sound system, rear seats, boot floorboard and carpet, backup camera and tyre sealer and inflator, as well as the exhaust resonators.
Overall, Ford says the GT350R is about 60 kg lighter than the Shelby GT350 Track Pack model. The GT350R has also been aerodynamically enhanced with the inclusion of a hood vent, front and rear belly pans, diffuser, vented wheel wells, fender vents, wheel air curtains and side skirts
Revisions have also been made to the front splitter to enhance downforce and a carbon fibre rear wing aids in improving downforce and lift balance which will ultimately make the GT350R perform better on-track.
Exclusive design touches include red painted brake calipers and red pin striping on the edges of the optional racing stripes and Shelby GT350R badging. The interior features red contrasting stitching and a D-shaped steering wheel with red center mark.
Unfortunately, the Ford Shelby GT350R Mustang will not be available in South Africa, but you may be happy to know that the 2015 Ford Mustang will arrive on our shores at the end of the year.
MINI JCW Hardtop makes 2015 Detroit Motor Show debut
The 2015 MINI JCW Hardtop has made its debut at the North American International Motor Show in Detroit. The model was introduced by rally legend Rauno Aaltonen and MINI also took the opportunity to announce its new motorsports partnership with LAP Motorsports to compete in the Street Tuner (ST) class of the Continental Tire SportsCar Championship.
MINI JCW Hardtop packs a punch
The 2015 MINI JCW Hardtop is the first model to be built on BMW’s shared front wheel drive global architecture and has been tuned for high performance track and road use.
Power comes in the form of a 2.0-litre TwinPower four-cylinder engine that kicks out 170 kW and 320 Nm of torque which translates into a 0-100 kph sprint time of 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 246 kph using a 6-speed Sportstronic transmission. This engine is the most powerful ever installed in a MINI production car, so it seems dynamite really does come in a small package.
Styling Features
The 2015 MINI JCW features a more aggressive face with its new front fascia with large air intakes and honeycomb grille. Stylish side skirts and a new rear bumper enhance the overall look along with a spoiler mounted on the tailgate and a center-mounted dual exhaust system.
The model rides on exclusive 17-inch alloy wheels and benefits from LED highlights. The interior features Dinamica fabric sports seats along with a sport steering wheel, stainless steel pedals, ‘John Cooper Works’ sill plates and piano black trim.
The MINI JCW can be expected in South Africa later in 2015.
Porsche Cayenne Turbo S Bows in at Detroit
Porsche has revealed its top-of-the-range Cayenne at the Detroit motor show. The Cayenne Turbo S is tuned for maximum driving dynamics and speed. Porsche even claim the SUV has lapped the famous Nurburgring Nordschleife in 7m59.74sec, apparently blitzing the Range Rover Sport SVRs time of 8m14sec.
Porsche Cayenne Turbo S Cranks Everything up to 11
The Cayenne Turbo S has a reworked version of the 4.8-litre biturbo V8 engine that cranks out 419 kW and 800 Nm of torque. That power output and torque combines for a 100kph sprint time of 4.1 seconds and it will go on to a top speed of 285kph. Its not all about speed though as it possesses some impressive stopping power with composite ceramic brakes. The discs measure 420mm up front and 370mm at the rear and are clamped to by 10-piston calipers at the front and four-piston callipers at the rear.
Improving the handling of the Cayenne Turbo S was key to its stunning Nurburgring lap time. Systems such as the active roll stabilization system, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) proactively reduces side tilt when driving through corners. Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus increases dynamic handling and stability by making specific brake interventions at the right or left rear wheel – this improves steering into curves and steering precision. The active all-wheel drive system Porsche Traction Management (PTM) permanently drives the rear wheels while offering fully variable power distribution to the front wheels. When all the systems work together, Porsche says you can expect excellent driving dynamics and traction as well as a high level of agility at any speed.
Standard features of the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S include 21-inch wheels in distinctive 911 Turbo design with black painted edges, LED headlights, full-leather interior with Porsche logo embossed on all head restraints as well as interior carbon accents. Interior styling in a black/creme colour combination is making its debut in the Cayenne Turbo S.
Creating exterior visual accents are the air inlet surround at the front of the vehicle that is painted in high-gloss black, the undersides of the door mirrors in the same colour and the roof spoiler and wheel arch mouldings in car colour. A sport exhaust system is available as an option in combination with a switchable sound symposer, which transmits the V8 sound into the cabin.
Honda NSX Wows Detroit Motor Show 2015 (Video)
After a long wait and many teaser concepts, the production version of the Honda NSX has been shown to the world via the Detroit Motor Show. Under the American Acura brand, the Honda NSX is essentially a mid-engined sports hybrid supercar, which will start going on sale later in 2015.
New Honda NSX Engine
The engine in the Honda NSX sounds mouth-wateringly exciting. It’s a twin turbocharged V6 setup, featuring a nine-speed dual-clutch gearbox and most importantly a three-electric motor hybrid system. There’s also a smart version of all-wheel drive. This, combined with an ultra rigid and lightweight body means the Honda NSX will be a very quick car. Figures aren’t available yet, but I estimate the Honda NSX will get to 100kph in about 3.5 seconds.
Honda claims the new NSX is “a car that puts the driver first in every aspect of its design, the next-generation NSX will leverage its state-of-the-art hybrid supercar power unit, body and chassis to deliver exceptionally intuitive and immediate response to driver inputs.”
Interior
The cabin of the Honda NSX has been claimed to be designed from the inside out, with an all-out focus on the driver. There’s plenty of forward visibility, easy to use controls and class-leading ergonomics. There’s a fancy seat arrangement too, which is claimed to offer comfort and easy access. These are traits not usually associated with supercars, so it’ll be exciting to see whether this is true.
Technology
There’s a lot going on under the skin of the Honda NSX. There’s a fully independent aluminium front and rear suspension. Power is transmitted to the road via ContiSportContact performance rubber, and the wheel sizes are 245/35Z R19 at the front and 295/30Z R20 at the rear. Stopping power is provided by six-piston carbon ceramics at the front, with four-piston brakes at the back.
With driving modes like Quiet, Sport, Sport+ and Track modes, the Honda NSX is able to adjust engine, motor, transmission and chassis response, as well as the engine sound level, based on the needs of the driver and driving environment. Quiet (or as I call it: stealth) mode enables electric-only driving at lower speeds for short durations. Dynamic vehicle responses become increasingly sharp as the driver moves from Sport to Sport+ mode and, finally, to Track mode, where the NSX goes into full attack mode.
The best part of this story is that the Honda NSX has been confirmed for SA. Honda’s PR manager has said the car will arrive in the first quarter of 2016. Honda SA will be on a performance roll by then as the anticipated Civic Type R will have been released too.
