Audi S1 And S1 Sportback Unleashed In SA (Pricing Update)
Audi has been very busy this week both locally and internationally with its performance models. The German car maker is launching its S3 Sportback, SQ5 SUV and has recently announced the arrival of the RS Q3 and RS7.
The product offensive continues today with the announcement that the baby of the Audi range receives a flagship model. A source at Audi South Africa said the Audi S1 and S1 Sportback are due to arrive in South Africa around July 2014. The rally fans amongst you will remember the Audi S1 rally car from the 1980s and this 2014 version will carry on the legend of fearsome turbocharged quattro performance.
Audi S1 engine
Nestled in the Audi S1’s engine bay is a 2.0-litre TFSI four-cylinder motor boasting 170 kW and 370 Nm. Power is transmitted through the quattro all-wheel drive system using a manual transmission and combined with the low weight, performance should be rather entertaining. Audi claims its new S1 hits 100km/h in 5.8 seconds and will go onto a top speed of 250 km/h. While it may scream performance, the Audi S1 is claimed to be quite light on petrol. A figure of 7.0l/100km (7.1 for Sportback) and an emissions output of 162g/km (166 for Sportback) have been reported.
Aggressive looks
Both the Audi S1 and the S1 Sportback are quite eye-catching and there’ll be no mistaking them for anything other than the top of the range A1. Xenon headlamps and redesigned LED rear lights are fitted as standard, while four bright new colours will make the Audi S1 stand out. An aggressive front grille, quad exhausts and rear roof spoiler further underline the performance of this new pocket rocket.
The model will also come standard with 17-inch 5-parallel-spoke design cast aluminium alloy wheels in S design, Audi drive select with adaptive damping, Bluetooth connectivity with audio streaming, an all-round, independent S sports suspension, progressive Steering system with dynamic ratio, and brushed stainless steel pedals with rubber inserts.
Optional extras
Standard features for the Audi S1/S1 Sportback are quite comprehensive, however you may add the high-quality MMI satnav, Bose audio system, Audi connect which turns the car into a mobile WiFi hotspot, red brake calipers as well as larger 18-inch alloy wheels.
Audi S1 and S1 Sportback price in South Africa
Audi S1 2.0T quattro manual R442 000
Audi S1 Sportback 2.0T quattro manual R449 500
The Audi S1 range will come standard with the 5 year/100 000 km Audi Freeway Plan.
Check out the Audi S1 Sportback video which was filmed in the Western Cape.
Range Rover Evoque Cabrio On The Cards
A report indicates that Land Rover is getting ready to introduce a Range Rover Evoque Cabrio, which was previewed as a concept at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.
Range Rover Evoque Cabrio could become a reality
According to Autocar, which has managed to get a snap of the prototype testing in the UK, the launch of the Range Rover Evoque Cabrio will coincide with a major mechanical update for the standard Evoque. It seems the update will include the fitment of JLRs all-new Ingenium four-cylinder engines.
There has been little official news on the model itself, however Land Rover bosses have admittedly said that they were keen on the idea. While the image doesn’t reveal much its rumoured that the Evoque Cabrio Convertible will be based on the three-door model, and will supposedly measure about the same in length and width.
Mercedes-Benz Reveals SL63 AMG World Championship 2014 Collector’s Edition
Mercedes-Benz drivers dominated this years F1 season, and to celebrate this achievement the Stuttgart-based company has unveiled two limited-run SL63 AMG World Championship 2014 Collector’s Edition models.
Sporting competitiveness demonstrated in the SL63 AMG
Both Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg are said to have assisted in the development of the special edition SL63 AMG.
The first version which is Hamiltons, is covered in a bespoke designo night black magno exterior paint complemented by gold lettering, fins and stripes while the tailpipe trim is in a chromed black finish. The same black and gold theme dominates the interior which features black nappa leather seats stitched in gold trim. The instrument panel and centre console are also covered in black designo Exclusive nappa leather, with the trim parts gleaming in gold.
Rosbergs version is a designo cashmere white magno SL63 AMG with a designo himalayas grey finish for the spoiler lip, window trim, daytime running lights surround, lettering, wheels, door handles and the insert in the front bumper. This model also has chromed black tailpipe trim. Inside there is a designo exclusive style leather in titanium grey and with a few trim parts finished in designo cashmere white magno.
In addition, the black SL63 comes with special badging and floor mats depicting the Silverstone track configuration where Hamilton took the win while the white car designed by Rosberg comes with the Hockenheim circuit where Rosberg won this season.
Both vehicles will also receive AMG Driver’s package, numerous assistance systems, AMG sports suspension, AIRSCARF, the Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG sound system, a panoramic vario-roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL, as well as AMG sports seats.
Under the hood is a 5.5-litre biturbo V8 which provides 430 kW and 900 Nm of torque for racecar-like excitement. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes just about 4.1 seconds, reaching an electronically-limited top speed of 300 km/h.
Each version of the Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG World Championship 2014 Collector’s Edition will be limited to 19 units.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the 2014 Womens World Car of the Year
Twenty female motoring journalists from 15 countries around the world have chosen the Mercedes-Benz S-Class as the Womens World Car of the Year for 2014. Are we surprised? Not in the least. After all, its considerably difficult to fault a car of this caliber and it embellishes just about all the characteristics that would appeal to women (and men), which include, superb comfort features, next-level class, impressive performance, a rather large price tag and dare we say, sex appeal.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class reigns supreme
The S-Class was competing with cars across six categories and received more points than all the category winners and scooped the ultimate Supreme Award in the process. The S-Class was judged on design, technical capability and comfort, among other criteria, as well as wow factor and value for money.
We recently spent some time with the S65 AMG and it was nothing short of phenomenal. The technology, interior, performance and attention to detail was mind-blowing. As you would expect, the recently revealed Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is in a class of its own when it comes to luxury.
Mercedes-Benz also recently announced South African pricing for the S-Class Coupe due in 2015, which will add variety to the range. Now would be a good time to make friends with your bank manager.
Limited-Production Chevrolet Utility UteForce Edition Introduced In SA Specs and Prices
The Chevrolet Utility UteForce Edition has been introduced in South Africa as the last of the three special edition vehicles Chevrolet set to launch this year.
Limited-production Chevrolet Utility UteForce Edition offers exclusivity
The UteForce campaign was introduced in 2010 at the launch of the current Chevrolet Utility. The idea behind the concept was to become an enabling platform from which skilled experts from various backgrounds could launch sustainable community upliftment projects, said Tim Hendon, Brand Manager at General Motors South Africa (GMSA).
“The Chevrolet Utility has proved to be a reliable and trustworthy companion over thousands of kilometres through the past four years to get the UteForce team to where it is needed the most.”
All of the 300 Chevrolet Utility UteForce Edition models were built at the Struandale plant in Port Elizabeth, ensuring great exclusivity. The Utility 1.4 Base A/C benefits from special upgrades which includes 15-inch gunmetal alloy wheels, a stainless steel sports bar, special black UteForce Edition decals, a tonneau cover and a standard audio system.
In addition, the new Utility UteForce Edition is available exclusively in Vector Blue, Athenian White or striking Maranello Red, and reinforces the You BUte campaign surrounding the Chevrolet Utility range in South Africa.
Chevrolet Utility UteForce Edition price in South Africa
Chevrolet Utility UteForce Edition – R160 900
The new limited-production Chevrolet Utility UteForce Edition is available with GMSAs 5-year/120 000 km warranty, with a service plan available as an option.
New Turbodiesel Hyundai IX35 Added To Range
A new trimmed turbodiesel Hyundai ix35 has been added to the ix35 range, expanding the range to seven derivatives and adding a Euro 5 emission compliant engine as well as well-positioned specification levels.
“The ix35 has been one of the strongest pillars in Hyundai Automotive SA’s vehicle range, and when we were given the opportunity to bring the 1.7 Premium turbo-diesel to the South African customers, there was no hesitation,” said Stanley Anderson, Marketing Director at Hyundai Automotive SA.
“We expect this derivative to appeal to an SUV buyer who is looking for the benefits of a frugal turbo-diesel engine, but at a more affordable price and with a specification level that still offers the luxury driving experience that made the ix35 a top-seller for us.
Hyundai ix35 range expanded
“The ix35 1.7 Premium comes from Hyundai’s ultra-modern factory in Nosovice in the east of the Czech Republic, where four of the other derivatives in our ix35 range gets built too. With a mid-cycle facelift that was introduced in South Africa earlier in 2014, it remains one of the most popular, most versatile SUVs in our market with an excellent list of features on the specification list,” added Anderson.
The turbodiesel Hyundai ix35 1.7 Premium is equipped with a 1685cc four-cylinder engine that delivers 85kW at 4000rpm and 260Nm between 1250rpm and 2750rpm. Combined fuel consumption is rated at 6.5-litres/100 km, with CO2 emissions of 139 g/km.
An improved six-speed manual gearbox with slightly different ratios to the 2.0-litre turbodiesel delivers the power to the front wheels. Acceleration from zero to a 100 km/h is claimed to take just 12.4 seconds, while top speed is rated at 173km/h.
Other notable features of the ix35 can be found inside, where it boasts seats covered with a combination of cloth and leather. The SUV is also fitted with a 160-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers and iPod/USB auxiliary inputs housed in the centre console underneath the air conditioner controls. The audio system information is displayed on a 4.3-inch colour touchscreen, which is also the display screen for the standard rearview park-assist camera.
New Turbodiesel Hyundai ix35 price in South Africa
Part of the new Hyundai ix35 package is a 5-year or 150 000 km warranty, a 5-year or 90 000 km Service Plan, and 5-year or 150 000 km Roadside Assistance.
Fuel Price Cut for December in South Africa
Motorists in South Africa will be happy to know that the fuel price will decrease with effect on Wednesday, 3 December 2014. The Department of Energy stated that the main contributing factor to fuel price decreases is the continual drop in crude oil prices, which dropped to about $80 per barrel during the period under review.
Fuel Price Adjustments in South Africa
As a result of fuel price data, fuel margins and the slate levy of zero cents per litre, the fuel price decrease will be as follows:
– Both grades of petrol decrease by 69 c/litre
– Diesel (0.05% Sulphur) decrease by 53.50 c/litre
– Diesel (0.005% Sulphur) decrease by 54.30 c/litre
Mercedes-Benz is set to introduce a whole new range of cars to its lineup. The new model range will be dubbed AMG Sport and will fill the gap between the standard AMG sports pack and the full-blown AMG cars.
Is AMG Sport a more affordable AMG?
“The new Sport models represent a convincing proposition for our customers: genuine sports car technology becomes accessible, appealing to an even broader-ranging clientele worldwide,” observes Tobias Moers, Chairman of AMG.
According to AMG, the AMG Sport models will include uprated engine output, all-wheel drive as standard in selected markets and special chassis components and brake systems from the classic AMG models. The first two AMG Sport models are set to be unveiled at the International Auto Show in Detroit in January 2015. It is planned to add further models to this new product line in due course.
From the teaser picture accompanying the release, the first two models in the range could be the GLE Coupe (old M-Class) and the Merc C-Class Coupe although its hard to tell from the image.
New Toyota Safety Technology Systems Revealed (Video)
New and smart Toyota Integrated Safety Technology Systems have been revealed, which the company says will begin to roll out from 2015, together with advanced active safety packages for new models.
The new features, announced at a safety seminar in Toyota City, Japan, include Safety Sense active safety packages, tailored to suit different size vehicles that will be made available worldwide by the end of 2017, with the aim of preventing or mitigating collisions.
Vehicle-infrastructure and vehicle-vehicle communications
The company says it has developed a system to help eliminate the risk with new vehicle-to-infrastructure and vehicle-to-vehicle communications, using a wireless frequency reserved for Integrated Traffic System (ITS) services.
For example, when you arrive at junction with no clear view, sensors above the road will detect oncoming traffic or pedestrians crossing the road and send the information to your car, which is what Toyota calls the vehicle-to-infrastructure system.
According to Toyota: Vehicles approaching the intersection will signal their presence using the vehicle-to-vehicle link, activating visual and audio warnings when necessary to help prevent an accident.
Toyota has also developed a new Communicating Radar Cruise Control that uses vehicle-to-vehicle communication to make it easier for preceding and following vehicles to keep a safe distance apart. It works with a forward-facing millimetre-wave radar which monitors the distance between the vehicles ahead and behind, their approximate speed and the acceleration/deceleration of the car in front.
LED Array Adaptive High Beam
Besides these safety systems, Toyota also confirmed they are developing LED Array Adaptive High Beam headlights. This system uses multiple independently controlled LEDs arranged in a single row to create “wider illumination without dazzling drivers of oncoming or preceding vehicles.” In addition, it can light up the gaps between cars ahead and those approaching.
Toyota active safety technology systems packages
Furthermore, in 2015, Toyota is set to launch a range of new active safety technology systems designed to help prevent or mitigate collisions. There will be two Safety Sense packages that will be launched, firstly in Japan and subsequently in the USA and Europe by the end of 2017.
The two packages will comprise of C and P for mid-size and larger vehicles respectively, and will use a number of Toyotas existing active safety technologies, including its pre-crash safety system, lane keep assist and auto high beam. The C package uses a laser radar and the P package a millimetre-wave radar, each combined with a camera to secure high performance and reliability.
Lastly there will be a separate active safety package called Lexus Safety System+, which will include the new Road Sign Assist function, which recognises speed limits and road signs when traveling overseas, presenting the information on the drivers instrument display.
Toyota safety technology systems overview video
Suzuki Splash 1.2 GL (2014) Review
Suzuki recently expanded its model offering in South Africa with the launch of the Suzuki Splash hatchback, bringing its local model count up to eight, including hatchbacks, sedans, MPVs and SUVs. Of all of them, the Suzuki Swift hatchback has proven to be a major success for the brand and Suzuki engineers have reworked a good formula and created yet another small city car, the Splash. The new Suzuki Splash shares the same underpinnings as the Swift and squeezes in rather tightly between the Alto and the entry-level Swift. Is this a wise move? Time and sales will determine this, but is the Splash good enough to take the fight to its competitors?
I spent some time with the Suzuki Splash 1.2 GL to see if it will be able to tread water in this competitive segment.
Cute Styling
The styling of the Suzuki Splash brings a degree of pleasing features to the table. The front-end is dominated by a large two-tier grille, which is flanked by oversize headlight clusters and fog lights are fitted as standard on this GL model. The rear-end features a roof spoiler for extra flair and the short overhangs with a near-vertical tailgate give the Splash a flat-back look. All Suzuki Splash models are fitted with 14-inch steel wheels with wheel covers.
With a height of 1.62m, the Suzuki Splash is no shorty, and in combination with a generous wheelbase of 2.36m, interior space has been maximised. I quite like the large windows, which increases visibility and the sense of space in the cabin. Stylistically speaking, the Splash is a cute looking city car, but may not appeal to everyone.
Back to Basics Interior
Step inside the Suzuki Splash and you are welcomed by a two-tone grey, plastic interior. Comfortable cloth seats offer sufficient support and bolstering, and the tilt-adjustable steering wheel features mounted audio controls for the entertainment system. The driver is faced with a large speedometer which incorporates a digital trip computer display. In the GL model, a periscope-style rev-counter is mounted separately on the dashboard which, is meant to look sporty but just looks odd instead.
The buttons and switchgear found on the centre console are reminiscent of a kiddies toy and I feel Suzuki could have done better here, especially when comparing this to the switchgear found on the entry-level Swift.
Thanks to the Splashs dimensions, rear space is ample with sufficient leg and head room. Boot space is reasonable for this segment at 236 litres and with the 60/40 split rear seats folded flat, storage volume increases to 1 050 litres to the ceiling which could come in handy when loading larger items. In-car storage includes a lidded compartment on the top of the dash, door binnacles with bottle holders, a glove compartment, exposed storage trays and seatback pockets.
Other standard features for the Suzuki Splash include dual front airbags, ABS, electric side mirrors, electric windows, manual air conditioning, USB/auxiliary port and an under passenger seat stowage tray only fitted to the GL model. Overall, the interior is neat and functional, but lacks excitement.
Well-Mannered Drive
The Suzuki Splash is powered by the proven four-cylinder 1.2-litre engine found in the entry-level Swift which offers 63 kW of power and 113 Nm of torque. A five speed transmission is standard across the Splash range but a 4-speed automatic is also available for the GL model.
Acceleration is far from blistering, but for a car this size, weighing 1090 kg, those power figures are more than enough to go about your daily commute with ease. Better still, the ride is smooth and the handling is nimble around the bends. Highway driving is a breeze in the Suzuki Splash and it feels particularly responsive when you need to push on or overtake. The Suzuki Splash is therefore an excellent urban runabout thats up to the task of niftily navigating busy city roads and highways.
The only gripe I have in terms of driving the Suzuki Splash, is the transmission. The dash-mounted gear lever is stubborn through the gear changes and requires some grappling to select the preferred gear. Other than that, the Splash was a pleasure to drive.
Fuel consumption for the Suzuki Splash manual is claimed to be 5.6L/100km on the combined cycle. In our time with the Splash, 6L/100km was easily achieved making it a relatively economical vehicle to own.
Suzuki Splash – Verdict
Overall, the Suzuki Splash is a good choice to consider in this segment. The engine performs well and returns decent fuel economy and the good ride and handling makes the Splash easy and enjoyable to drive on a daily basis. The Splash comes well specced, particularly in GL trim, and for the money, you’re getting a decent product. If you can look past the cheap switchgear and stubborn transmission, then the Splash is a winner.
If you don’t fancy the Splash, then theSwift 1.2 GL offers excellent value with a more attractive interior and smoother transmission, all for a few extra pennies.
Suzuki has a raft of small car offerings within about R30k of each other, the best of which by far is the Swift. The Splash though is a solid little runabout and if your budget won’t quite reach to the Swift then it’s a viable option. The engine is bulletproof and its quite spacious inside in a mini MPV kind of way. -Ashley Oldfield
Suzuki Splash Price in South Africa
This Suzuki Splash 1.2 GL manual is priced at R134 900. The automatic version will set you back R149 900 and the base model Splash manual is priced at R124 900. A 2-year / 30 000 km service is plan is standard along with a 3-year / 100 000 km warranty.
We Like:
. Cute styling
. Good engine
. Low fuel consumption
. Good ride and handling
