Ford is said to launch at least six new models in 2015, entering what is rumoured to be its busiest year in the last two decades.
The cars in question will supposedly range from ordinary models to flagship vehicles that will push the brand to be more upmarket and appeal to new customers. The company will kick off its six model launch with the facelifted Focus and Focus ST, which are expected to arrive on our shores sometime later next year.
The recently revealed ST which made its debut at this years Goodwood Festival of Speed, is distinguished by its sportier and more aggressive styling. It features a new bonnet, modified bumpers, and restyled fog lights as well as new 18-inch alloy wheels.
Also due for an early 2015 launch is the Mondeo, which is said to be available in a number of combinations including 1.0-litre petrol units to 4x4s and specific trim levels to a high end Vignale version. We miss the Mondeo in SA and hopefully with a more premium offer on the cards, Ford can see a place for it in our market.
The premium Vignale brand and the new Mustang are expected to a make an appearance mid-way through the year, with the launch of the S-MAX (MPV kind of like a Mazda 5 or Peugeot 3008) Vignale and the highly anticipated coupe and convertible versions of the Mustang, followed by the launch of the Transit which will celebrate 50 years next year.
GWM Steed 6 and 5E Driven
GWM has probably done the best job of all the Chinese manufacturers with regards to integrating into SA. The brand has primarily focussed on workhorse bakkies that undercut the competition. The scheme has worked for them as theyve sold 50 000 vehicles since they entered SA in 2007. GWMis now expanding its range of Steed 5 bakkies and is adding a Steed 6 to the range as well. We had a chance to sample them on the KZN roads.
GWM Steed 6 Leisure Bakkie
Firstly the new Steed 6, its a bit more of a leisure offering from GWM with just a double cab offering and a feature-packed interior. The exterior styling looks more butch and bakkie like now with a big grille up front and squared-off headlights backing up the manly demeanour. I think theyve done well in the styling department and its not instantly recognisable as another brands slightly uglier sister anymore. There have been tweaks to make it more modern like side-step sills, indicators built into the mirrors and a tail-bumper step. The Steed 6 is also a long vehicle measuring 5 345mm with a wheelbase of 3 200m. The Steed 6 is actually 255mm longer than the Steed 5.
The interior has undergone a revamp and looks impressive considering what youre paying for it. The seats are leather, so is the steering wheel and theres steering mounted controls. The instrument binnacle has been remodelled and looks quite posh. The Steed 6 Xscape top of the range model has just about everything youd need as far as accessories go and matches the more expensive Japanese models in this department.
The ride though could be better the Steed 6 feels a little soft and the bumpiness of the road filters through into the cabin making for a jittery ride. The steering is also very vague and the connection between it and the wheels doesnt inspire much confidence when driving at higher speeds. The Steed 6 is quite highly specced in the safety department for a bakkie, featuring ABS/EBD, ESP and dual front airbags.
The engine is decent and the 2-litre turbodiesel we drove actually revs quite well through the rev range. It doesnt have much from immediate pull-off but once its up around 1800-2000rpm it has good pull and if you keep it in that range it feels quite torquey. Outputs currently are at 105 kW and 305 Nm. 4×4 models are to be added to the Steed 6 as well during 2015.
Double Cab Steed 5E
The Steed 5E has also joined the range of Steeds as a double cab version of the workhorse Steed 5. For me it seemed to have a better and stiffer ride. Its still bumpy inside the cabin but feels more like a hardy-built ladder frame bakkie. The outside has had some improvements like removing the aerial from the top of the roof and the side indicators have been incorporated into the rear-view mirror housing. Inside, the Steed 5E has also been improved with bits of leather inserts in the doors and reduced levels of noise intruding into the cabin. GWM has upped the level of fit and finish on the 5E and it feels a more premium or lifestyle option in the top spec diesel model (Xscape).
Pricing is still extremely competitive as GWM aims to win over the market with value for money propositions. Both bakkies are improvements over previous Chinese models driven before and once they start sorting the ride and handling out they could be a serious force to the major players.
GWM Steed 6 Price:
Steed 6 2,0VGT SX R294 900
Steed 6 2,0VGT Xscape R319 900
GWM Steed 5E Price:
Steed 5E 2,4 SX R229 900 (petrol)
Steed 5E 2,4 Xscape R244 900 (petrol)
Steed 5E 2,0VGT SX R259 900
Steed 5E 2,0VGT Xscape R274 900
BMW i3 Scoops 2014 Green Car Of The Year Award
Widely recognised as the auto industrys most important environmental accolade, the 2014 Green Car of the Year Award celebrated its 10th anniversary at this years LA Auto Show, with the BMW i3 walking away with the top honour.
Innovative electric car named 2014 Green Car of the Year Award
This is the first time in the history of the award, when an electric car has won the award. Offering 126 kW electric motor and a range of 130-160km on a single charge, BMW’s first plug-in electric vehicle surpassed the other finalists which included the Chevrolet Impala Bi-Fuel; the Audi A3 TDI; the Honda Fit; and the Volkswagen Golf.
The judging process considers all vehicles, fuels, and technologies, also that vehicles are all-new, or in the early stages of their model lifecycle, and must be on sale by January 1 of the award year. In addition, availability and market significance are taken into consideration in order to ensure that models have the potential to make a real impact on improving air quality, reducing greenhouse gases, and promoting transportation efficiency.
According to a statement issued by the publisher of the Green Car Journal, Rog Cogan, BMWs entire strategy around sustainable transportation helped gear the i3 to its win. Its also said the model won because of its zero emissions at the point of use, and also because of the high percentage of sustainably produced materials used in the car’s construction, such as its carbon fibre reinforced plastic body.
“BMW’s i3 is a milestone vehicle in many respects and illustrates the automaker’s expansive vision of future motoring,” says Cogan in a statement. “It is purposefully designed with a small environmental footprint and zero emissions, offering the best features of an electric vehicle with the functionality of an available on-board engine-generator that nearly doubles its battery electric range.”
While the i3 is designed as a battery electric car, its optional REx Petrol engine-generator enables extended driving range with electricity created on board easing potential range anxiety, however, it does not act as a replacement for electric power. The vehicle can hit 100km/h in just 7.2 seconds and thanks to a very low centre of gravity offers the same driving dynamics as BMW’s petrol powered cars.
As finalists for 2014 Green Car of the Year Award, the Audi A3 TDI, BMW i3, Chevrolet Impala Bi-Fuel, Honda Fit, and Volkswagen Golf are additionally honoured with Green Car Journal’s 2014 Green Car Product of Excellence.
Next-Generation Volkswagen Golf To Feature 10-Speed Automatic Gearbox
New reports indicate that the next-generation Volkswagen Golf will be offered with a new 10-speed automatic transmission.
Next-generation Volkswagen Golf minor tech details revealed
According to Auto Express, the DSG gearbox will be available for the VW Golf GTI, GTD and R models. The report also says the gearbox will be designed for a peak torque of 550 Nm, and will be the same size as the current 7-speed DSG.
The new transmission is also expected to help improve fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions. Power will supposedly come from a more powerful version of the 2.0 BiTDI, recently introduced with the new Passat, which will also power the GTD version.
Previous reports claimed the VW Golf VIII will be revealed in 2017, while the current generation VW Golf will likely receive a facelift for MY2015 or 2016.
The model thought to have been a Giulia is said to sit in the market between the BMW 3 Series and BMW 5 Series and will possibly be launched with a new name.
Codenamed project 952, the sedan will serve as a successor to the Europe-only 159, and is expected to ride on the rear-wheel drive Giorgio platform developed by Maserati and compatible with an AWD layout.
Power is said to come from a range of four-cylinder petrol and diesel units including a twin-turbo V6 3.0-litre engine found in the Maserati Ghibli, with as much as 387 kW of power.
Besides the new midsize sedan, the company will introduce a new midsize SUV and a flagship large sedan, while a second larger SUV will debut later. The company is said to be considering a roadster and a mid-size coupe, a large crossover as well as an entry-level model that could be offered as a hatchback, sedan and coupe.
Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG available in South Africa
The Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG is powered by a four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbo engine that produces 265 kW and 450 Nm of torque through a AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission. Acceleration to 100 km/h takes only 4.8 seconds before reaching an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. Fuel consumption is claimed to be 7.5-litres / 100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 175g / km.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG is fitted with variable AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive as standard.
Styling
Both the AMG apron with front splitter and the twin blade radiator grille are painted in titanium. New AMG lettering can be found on the side of the louvres of the radiator grille and Bi-xenon headlamps are standard. Three designs are available for the light-alloy 19-inch AMG wheels.
The side sill panels feature grey inserts and TURBO AMG lettering are found on the front wings while aluminium roof rails enhance the look of the GLA 45 AMG even further.
On the inside you will find sports seats in ARTICO leather and DINAMICA microfibre with red contrasting stitching and red safety belts. The three-spoke nappa leather multifunction sports steering wheel has a flat-bottomed section with red stitch work and shift paddles. The special GLA 45 AMG “Edition 1” version will be available for a period of one year from launch.
This SUV will be the brands second flagship alongside the Insignia,” said Barra. Barra also said in a statement that Opel is of high strategic importance for General Motors, and confirmed plans to investment more than half a billion euros in the Russelsheim, Kaiserslautern and Tychy engine and transmission plants.
According to the company, this will provide the “impetus for Opel to move to the next stage of its powertrain offensive with fuel efficient engines and transmissions.”
The product offensive with 27 new models and 17 new engines has enjoyed a very successful start. These additional investments will help the brand shine again and further strengthen our position in Europe. They are a clear sign of GMs commitment to Opel, to Germany and to Europe, added Barra.
*Please note pictured is a design sketch of the Opel Mokka.
Mazda2 Sedan Officially Revealed
Official images of the Mazda2 Sedan have been revealed ahead of the vehicles public debut scheduled for next week at the Thailand International Motor Expo.
All-new Mazda2 Sedan at Thailand International Motor Expo
The all-new Mazda2 is the fourth in Mazda’s line-up of new-generation vehicles adopting the full range of SKYACTIV technologies and the KODO-Soul of Motion design theme. Visually, the car seems to have downsized to the size of the Mazda3, however it comes with more appealing design features from the rest in its segment.
Power will come from a SKYACTIV-D 1.5-litre diesel engine capable of delivering 77 kW and 220 Nm of torque. Fuel consumption figures are yet to be released but its expected the sedan will return figures close to those of the Mazda2 hatchback which sit at 3.4L/100 km with CO2 emissions of 89g/km.
More details on the new Mazda2 Sedan will be announced at the Thailand International Motor Expo next week.
The answer depends on the value you place on safety and how much you can afford to spend on a new car. The Datsun GO is all about perspective. To relate, I drove a VW Golf Chico across South Africa multiple times for 12 years, all in a car that’s devoid of any safety features, no ABS, no airbags, no nothing and yet it remains a popular used car. The GO’s maiden sales figures speak volumes with 583 units sold in its first month, which is mightily impressive, if not surprising.
I put the Datsun GO Lux model through its paces to see if it offers value for money, but more importantly to gauge whether it will serve the needs of countless cash-strapped car buyers in South Africa.
Awkward Styling
Let’s be honest, the Datsun GO is no stunner, but it has a certain, awkward, charm about it. Apart from its prominent honeycomb grille with chrome surrounds and relatively bold, compact styling, our test unit came fitted with various aftermarket styling appointments such as wind visors, coloured body stickers, a rear roof spoiler and illuminated ‘GO’ scuff plates, giving it some flair and attitude that cars in this segment lack. The 13-inch wheels look rather small in the arches though.
The styling of the GO attracted some attention with one motorist shouting ‘Hey, lekker Datsun boet’. I couldn’t tell if he was genuine.
Blast from the past interior
The GO’s interior is something of a time warp and rather unique. The front seat is a bench, literally, with no gap between the seats and bolstering is just about nonexistent. By modern standards, the bench seat looks a bit odd, yet it’s still functional and can split-fold if necessary. This test model also came fitted with racy leather seat covers with embossed ‘GO’ lettering for an extra dose of Datsun attitude.
Due to the bench seat up front, the gear lever and handbrake lever are mounted in the centre console, which takes a bit of getting used to. The interior is kitted out in hard-wearing beige grey plastic with switchgear of the same order. Four bulging air vents take care of the air-conditioning and storage is limited to an exposed under-dash compartment and in-door pockets, or on the bench seat next to you.
Boot space is reasonable for a car of this size, offering 265-litres and the rear bench has space for three people, the smaller the better though. We also managed to squeeze three surfboards into the Datsun GO, which was rather impressive.
Our test model came fitted with an aftermarket radio, but the standard GO comes with a Mobile Docking Station (MDS) which allows you to connect your mobile device to two speakers using an auxiliary cable and a USB port is also offered. The tachometer is incorporated into the Drive Computer and front electric windows were a nice luxury. Like whisky, the interior of the Datsun GO is an acquired taste and won’t appeal to everyone, but it does the job.
Rough Rider
The Datsun GO is powered by a 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine that offers up 50 kW of power and 104 Nm of torque through a five-speed manual transmission. On urban roads, these figures are sufficient to scoot you about your business. However, I found the Datsun GO to be less fit for highway driving. Severe body-roll is evident while cornering and road and engine noise becomes overbearing as speed increases. At 120 kph, I felt a bit vulnerable in the GO and the car didn’t inspire confidence on congested highways which disturbed me somewhat. For this reason, the Datsun GO is not an ideal long-distance hauler but will serve its owner well in the suburbs.
The engine is tough and durable but has a raw, throaty sound to it. With the revs limited to 5 000 rpm, you tend to change gears often to find the power but at least gear changes using the joystick gear lever are relatively smooth. In terms of fuel consumption, the Datsun GO under performed on its claimed 5.2-litres / 100km. My best efforts returned 7.3-litres / 100km, which was a bit disappointing, but still reasonable.
Datsun GO – Verdict
As a basic runabout, the Datsun GO is an attractive and accessible option for lower income earners looking for an affordable and durable vehicle. The engine is solid and the overall styling is more exciting than other cars in this segment of the market. If you’re looking for safety, look elsewhere. But, if you are looking for no fuss, carefree mobility, the Datsun GO may very well suit your needs and that seems to be the case for many South Africans looking to buy their first new car. The Datsun GO is definitely worth considering if you’re shopping in this corner of the market and we advise that you compare the Datsun GO with its competitors.
Second Opinion
The Datsun GO has had a choppy re-introduction to SA as its overall safety has come under fire. Whilst most of us adults grew up in cars even less safe we’ve come to expect more from our modern day budget wheels. As a city car where speeds are lower the GO probably suits just fine but if you’re going to be doing a lot of mileage on freeways or higher speed roads then it may be best to look elsewhere. – Ashley Oldfield
Datsun GO Price in South Africa
The base model Datsun GO Mid is priced at R89 500 while the Lux version is priced at R99 500. A 3-year / 100 000 km warranty is standard while service and maintenance plans are optional. Service intervals are at 15 000 km.
The covers have finally been lifted off the roofless 2+2 Lexus LF-C2 Concept said to preview the company’s future styling design direction.
“The LF-C2 concept shows whats in store for our brands future design direction, said Jeff Bracken, Lexus group vice president and general manager.
This concept shows consumers around the world Lexus devotion to emotional designs as well as our passion for an exceptional driving experience.
Lexus LF-C2 Concept explores brands future styling direction
Previous teaser images hinted that the vehicle will feature a protruding rear bumper, as well as an integrated trunk spoiler. Its bolder styling direction comes in the form of its open-air design, an aggressive front fascia characterised by LED headlights and a unique spindle grille that has a “braided mesh theme, and a deep front bumper fitted with air vents that cool the front brakes.
Other features include a rear diffuser, L-shaped taillights, an exhaust system with chrome-covered quad exhaust tips and 20-inch five-spoke alloy wheels.
Inside the Lexus LF-C2 Concept you find some elements taken from the RC Coupe, such as the full-length centre console, an analogue clock and new touchscreen controls. The model also has room for up to four passengers, with seats upholstered in a two-tone combination of white and grey leather. Theres also a thick leather-upholstered multi-function steering wheel fitted with small touch pads that replace the conventional buttons, painted trim and LED ambient lighting.
Theres been no mention of what the concept is packing under the hood, but its rumoured the car could have the 5.0-litre V8 engine, 2.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid and 3.5-litre V6 units included in the engine line-up.
