Renault Sandero for 2014 Launched in South Africa

Renault South Africa has launched the second incarnation of its entry-level Sandero in Johannesburg, and on paper it looks to create a massive stir in the A-segment.

Let’s be honest, the previous generation Renault Sandero was an acceptable product at best. It wasn’t exactly a flagship offering from the French brand and despite it being made in South Africa alongside Nissan products, it didn’t do that well. That’s all in the past now and the all-new Renault Sandero for 2014 is miles ahead of its predecessor.

Gone is the South African production – this new Sandero is imported from Romania. Gone are the lacklustre and dated engines – the terrific 0.9-litre turbo three pot from the Renault Clio 4 is fitted. Finally the interior offers unrivaled specification and safety features for this class. On paper at least, the new Renault Sandero should wipe the floor with its competitors.

Sandero styling

It’s not unpleasant to look at either. Styling is decidedly Eurocentric and modern – something this segment desperately needs. The Sandero’s competition consists mainly of the Volkswagen Polo Vivo and Ford Figo. Both are vehicles which are based on previous generation models, whereas the Sandero is an all-new offering. This segment is hotly contested, with 60 000 vehicles sold each year.

Two specification levels

There are two specification levels available – Expression and Dynamique, with the only differences being the lack of driver/passenger side airbags, alloy wheels, front fog lights, body-coloured door handles, electric side mirrors, electric rear windows and a depth adjustable steering wheel on the bottom Expression model.

Standard features

The amount of specification you get is very impressive. I’ll focus on the 66 kW Turbo Dynamique – the range topper and the vehicle I drove on launch. As standard, you get air conditioning, remote central locking, electric windows all round, radio with CD/Bluetooth/MP3/USB port, radio controls behind the steering wheel, cruise control, speed limiter, eco mode button, leather steering wheel, alloy wheels and front fog lights.

It ticks all the boxes when it comes to safety too as it has ABS brakes, electronic brake assist, electronic stability programme, anti skid regulation as well as four airbags. It’s interesting to note that none of the Renault Sandero’s competitors offer this level of safety…

Renault Sandero powerplant

Then there’s that engine. The Renault Sandero makes use of the 66 kW / 135 Nm 0.9-litre turbocharged three cylinder motor seen in the Renault Clio. Thanks to its turbocharger, performance doesn’t drop at Johannesburg altitudes unlike its competitors. Performance is good considering the size of the vehicle and there’s a nice little surge of torque after 2 000 rpm. It’s also one of the few engines which sound quite good when you drive aggressively. Drive responsibly and you’ll see under 6.0 l/100km.

Our launch route took us from Lanseria airport through the Cradle of Humankind and then through to Pretoria for lunch.  The ride is good, the performance is acceptable and the car really doesn’t feel cheap. Given the large number of potholes we saw on the launch route, it’s reassuring to know the Renault Sandero comes with a full-size spare wheel in the boot.

Servicing and warranty

Finally, there’s a five year, 150 000km warranty and a two year 30 000km service plan thrown in. Some quick research has shown Renault parts have come down in price recently and are able to match Volkswagen and Ford. The dreaded cambelt service (trust me on this, I’m a Clio II owner) has fallen away as both the Renault Clio 4 and new Renault Sandero have timing chains which don’t ever need replacing.

Renault Sandero price in South Africa

In summary, the new Renault Sandero is a great piece of kit. It’s a pleasant drive with every comfort feature you need. It’s remarkably spacious inside and the boot space is worth mentioning. The product is a good one, but I feel the French diamond will put many people off. Those who are brave and buy one won’t be disappointed. The Renault Sandero Expression comes in at R133 900, while the Renault Sandero Dynamique retails for R141 500.

Renault Sandero gallery

2014 Chevrolet Trailblazer Upgraded – Specs and Prices

Chevrolet South Africa has introduced the 2014 Trailblazer with substantial specification enhancements including an updated engine line-up and a MyLink infotainment system which is now standard on all models.

Specification enhancements

For the 2014 model year, all Trailblazer models feature a new Dark Ash Grey interior colour scheme available along with front side airbags mounted in the seats. There is also a new multi-information central LCD display panel which features the usual trip computer readouts as well as two new menus for additional vehicle particulars.

The vehicle information display shows information such as battery voltage, an adjustable speed warning, transmission fluid temperature, engine hours and an oil life indicator.

The MyLink infotainment system which is available as standard, comes with a large 7-inch touch screen display, video and picture playback, full audio format support linked to six speakers, USB and aux integration, as well as Bluetooth for hands-free cellphone use and audio streaming. LTZ derivatives will also now feature a reversing camera as standard.

Safety features across the range still include ABS with EBD, PBA (Panic Brake Assist), HBFA (Hydraulic Brake Fade Assist), a limited slip differential, six airbags including the two additional side airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchors, a collapsible steering column and remote central locking with auto-locking doors.

LTZ models benefit from the addition of ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and TCS (Traction Control System), HDC (Hill Descent Control), TSC (Trailer Sway Control) and EDC (Engine Drag Control), the LTZ automatic models also featuring HSA (Hill Start Assistance).

Updated diesel engines

The 2014 line-up benefits from powerful turbocharged diesel engines.

The 2.5D LT model now delivers 120 kW (up by 9%) and 380 Nm (up by 8.5%), while the 2.8D LTZ models, available in either 4×2 or 4×4 guise, now produce 144 kW (up 9%). Automatic 2.8D LTZ models receive further enhancement in the form of a torque increase of 30 Nm to 500 Nm.

Fuel efficiency has also improved. The 2.5D LT derivative now returns an average fuel consumption figure of 8.0-litres/100 km, and the 2.8D LTZ models return consumption as low as 8.5-litres/100 km.

The 3.6-litre petrol V6 engine fitted to the range-topping Trailblazer 3.6 LTZ AT model remains unchanged.

2014 Chevrolet Trailblazer price in South Africa

2014 Chevrolet Trailblazer 2.5D LT 4×2 MT – R 386 500.00

2014 Chevrolet Trailblazer 2.8D LTZ 4×2 AT – R 456 400.00

2014 Chevrolet Trailblazer 2.8D LTZ 4×4 MT – R 489 800.00

2014 Chevrolet Trailblazer 2.8D LTZ 4×4 AT – R 506 400.00

2014 Chevrolet Trailblazer 3.6 LTZ 4×4 AT – R 516 700.00

All Chevrolet Trailblazer models come standard with a 5-year/ 120 000 km warranty and roadside assistance package, as well as a 5-year/ 90 000 km service plan, with service intervals scheduled every 15 000 km.

2014 Chevrolet Trailblazer gallery

Next Generation Porsche Panamera to Be Equipped With new V8 and V6 Engines

It has been revealed that Porsche plans to equip its second-generation of the Panamera with all-new V6 and V8 engines.

According to the report, the Porsche Panamera will ride on the new MSB platform and will feature its own new V8 engine that will apparently be sportier than Volkswagen offerings. MSB will underpin sporty and luxurious front-engine models with both rear and four-wheel-drive, largely from Porsche and possibly Bentley in 2017.

The report further mentions that the MSB platform is being developed to meet high-speed performance standards and include high-strength steel and lightweight aluminium components.

In addition to riding on a Volkswagen-derived platform, the next Panamera is said to borrow most of its electrical components from its parent company in order to benefit from economies of scale. The same structure could presumably be used on Bentley models as well as in a number of Audi vehicles including the A4 and A8.

Porsche will also reportedly expand the Panamera family with a two-door variant that has a soft and/or hard top roof and will be based on the same platform

The second-generation Porsche Panamera is expected to arrive in the second half of 2016 before going on sale later that year or early 2017.

Volvo Introduces New Driver State Estimation Technology

In addition to the three new active safety features that will be first available on the 2015 XC90, Volvo is said to be currently working on a driver awareness monitoring system that can recognise specific drivers, monitoring their behaviour, and activate safety technologies if necessary.

Volvo in-car safety technology

The new safety monitoring system is called ‘Driver State Estimation’, and using infrared light, sensors mounted to the dashboard in front of the driver can monitor aspects such as the direction in which the driver is looking, how open their eyes are, as well as their head position and angle. Volvo says that the LEDs that shine an infrared light at the driver that the system monitors, are just outside the wavelengths visible to the human eye – meaning the technology will work without disturbing the driver.

If the system detects that the driver is not paying attention and is at risk of crashing, the lane keeping, collision warning with automatic braking, and adaptive cruise functions will intervene automatically.

“This means the driver will be able to rely a bit more on their car, and know that it will help them when needed,” explains Per Landfors, engineer at Volvo Cars and project leader for driver support functions.

“Since the car is able to detect if a driver is not paying attention, safety systems can be adapted more effectively. For example, the car’s support systems can be activated later on if the driver is focused, and earlier if the driver’s attention is directed elsewhere.”

Volvo said the system would be able to recognize points on a person’s face to identify them, emphasising that these systems aren’t capable of photographing the driver, nor do they have any kind of driver surveillance function.

This technology is one of the many initiatives bringing Volvo Cars closer to its goal for 2020 – that no one shall be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo.

The company hasn’t announced a timeline for when the system could work its way into vehicles marketed to the public, but said today that it has already installed it in some of its test vehicles.

Jaguar XK66 Special Edition Launches In Germany

Jaguar recently confirmed it will be killing production of the outgoing XK model, and to send off the model in style, the firm has prepared a special edition model in celebration of the 66 years since the XK120 was first introduced at the London Motor Show.

Unique special edition features

Production will be limited to 66 units and all of them are going to be based on the XK Portfolio specification featuring the same 5.0-litre V8 engine delivering 283 kW.

The new Jaguar XK66 Special Edition will be available in either coupe or convertible specification while colour choices will be limited to just two: British Racing Green and Stratus.

The model additionally comes with a selection of special accents that differentiate it from all other XK models. These include XK66 special emblems, 20-inch Orona polished alloy wheels, chrome mirror caps, and a beige or black fabric roof for the drop-top variant.

The cabin is clothed with a unique “XK66 One of 66” plaque, aluminium shift paddles, Warm Charcoal leather with Ivory contrast stitching or Caramel soft grain leather with Warm Charcoal contrast stitching. Other features offered as standard equipment include a tyre pressuring monitoring system, rear-view camera and adaptive headlights.

The Jaguar XK66 Special Edition goes on sale in May in Germany.

Jaguar XK66 Special Edition gallery

Volkswagen Aims to Sell 10 Million Vehicles In 2014

German automaker Volkswagen has announced that they expect to sell more than 10 million vehicles in 2014, with hopes of overtaking Toyota as the world’s largest automaker in the process.

The prediction was made by group CEO Martin Winterkorn at the group’s presentation of its 2013 financial results in Berlin, Germany, where he also confirmed that the group exceeded its own targets during the 2013 financial year.

VW Group sold 9.72 million vehicles in 2013, which topped General Motors’ 9.71 million, to become the world’s second-largest carmaker. This showed an increase of 2.2% in sales revenue, a rise of 400 000 new cars over 2012.

“2013 was an extremely challenging year for European car makers in particular. We weren’t helped either by our home market or by exchange rates. Nevertheless, the group put up a strong showing despite the difficult conditions,” said Winterkorn.

“With rising volume and new models, we will increasingly see positive earnings effects as well,” he added.

The German automaker has already enjoyed a 4.7% increase in sales in the first two months of the year, giving it a good chance to meet the 10 million sales goal it outlined back in 2007 – four years earlier than originally planned.

VW further said deliveries are poised for further growth next year as the company plans to launch over 100 new models and facelifts in 2014 and 2015.

Volkswagen sales in South Africa

Locally, Volkswagen Group South Africa ended 2013 as the market leader of the passenger car segment for the fifth consecutive year with the total sales of 102 962 units (Volkswagen – 83 627 and Audi – 19 335). In the total vehicle market, Volkswagen delivered 111 722 vehicles and gained the market share of 17.2%.

In the passenger car segment, VW delivered 5.93 million vehicles to customers worldwide during the full year. In South Africa, 83 627 units were sold in this segment. The Polo Vivo (35 041) and Polo (27 953) – both locally produced – were the top selling models in the local passenger car market in 2013.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles delivered 551 900 vehicles to customers last year. In South Africa, 8760 light and medium commercial vehicles were sold, with the best sellers being the Amarok (4 767) and Crafter (945).

Toyota RAV4 Range Updated

Toyota South Africa has revised its RAV4 range with the introduction of an all-new diesel model and enhanced equipment levels – a year after the launch of the current generation model.

Drivetrain specifications

The RAV4 is available with three four-cylinder engines, starting with a 107kW 2.0-litre petrol for the two-wheel drive variants – which have either a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed Multidrive S auto transmission.

All-wheel drive models come with either a 2.2-litre D4-D turbodiesel outputting 110 kW/340 Nm with a choice of either the six-speed manual or multi-mode automatic transmission or a 132 kW 2.5-litre fitted with a six-speed multi-mode sequential-shift automatic.

The all-wheel drive system uses input from speed, steering angle and yaw rate sensors to control torque transfer between the front and rear wheels through an electromagnetically controlled coupling in front of the rear differential.

Front-to-rear torque distribution can vary from 100:0 to 50:50, with front-wheel drive (100:0) automatically engaged under normal driving conditions to improve fuel consumption.

New multimedia system

Changes across the range include a new touch-screen multimedia system as well as new 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels – available exclusively on the 2.5 VX variant.

The multimedia system comes with ergonomically-enhanced controls and a new high resolution screen. The package additionally comes with Bluetooth for hands-free phone calls, a rear-view camera (on VX models), vehicle information, including trip data, climate control, and management of settings for door locking and lighting.

Trim levels

The RAV4 is available with the GX and VX trim levels. The GX models feature standard roof rails, 17-inch alloys, Daytime Running Lights (DRL), integrated fog lamps, power windows, remote central locking, aircon, the new touchscreen multi-information display, a retractable tonneau cover with net barrier and rear parking sensors.

The flagship VX models gain a chrome insert in the front bumper, front and rear mud flaps, power retractable side mirrors, a moon roof with tilt and side function, 18-inch alloys, and High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with cleaning system.

Inside, the model boasts full leather upholstery, electrically adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, front seat heaters, automatic dual-zone climate control, a reversing camera display, a powered tailgate with memory function, cruise control and a keyless entry system (Smart Entry).

Toyota RAV4 price in South Africa

Toyota RAV4 2.0P 2WD GX – R290 300

Toyota RAV4 2.0P 2WD GX Multidrive S – R300 300

Toyota RAV4 2.2D AWD GX – R365 300

Toyota RAV4 2.5P AWD VX 6AT – R412 400

Toyota RAV4 2.2D AWD VX 6AT – R438 900 (new model)

The new RAV4 benefits from a three year/100,000km warranty and comes with a standard five-year/ 90 000 km service plan.

The new models are also supported by the ToyotaCare Roadside Assistance Programme which entitles customers to 24-hour roadside assistance, ensuring ultimate peace-of-mind motoring.

Toyota RAV4 gallery

Weekly News Wrap 14/03 2014

If you’ve missed any of our motoring news, here’s a weekly news wrap of all things automotive that happened this week.

Five Wildest Cars from the Geneva Motor Show

Nimrod Zero

Here’s a top five list of some of the wildest cars that made an appearance at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, including the radical orange two-seater Hyundai PassoCorto sporting futuristic styling, carbon fibre monocoque chassis, and a 1.6-litre twin-turbo engine outputting 201 kW of power.

Subaru Viziv 2 Concept Previews Future-Generation Crossover

Subaru Viziv 2 Concept

Subaru presented a follow up to its first Viziv Concept which launched a year ago at the Geneva Show and was followed by a Viziv Evolution Concept which debuted at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show.

SsangYong XLV Concept Unveiled

SsangYong XLV Concept

SsangYong unveiled its new XLV 7-seater Concept SUV which is another addition to the brand’s series of multi-interface concepts which were first seen with the XIV-1 shown back in 2011 at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class First Drive

Mercedes-Benz-C-Class

Stuart Johnston test drove the new 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class in France. You can read all about his experience here.

2014 Opel Meriva Unveiled In Geneva

2014 Opel Meriva

Opel’s Meriva MPV debut at the Geneva motor Show with new styling and a number of changes to its mechanical side including two new executions of a new 1.6-litre diesel engine.

Top Five Tuned Cars from the Geneva Motor Show

Tuned cars of Geneva

The Geneva Motor Show does not only bring you the latest production cars and concept vehicles, but there show also makes way for custom tuned cars, and we list our top five here.

Lexus RX and GS Range Updated

Lexus RX

Lexus South Africa announced its range upgrades for the GS Sedan and RX sport utility models for the 2014 model year.

GWM M4 Pricing Announced

GWM M4

Pricing has been revealed for the GWM M4 which first showed up on shores last year at the Johannesburg International Motor Show.

2015 Hyundai Sonata Spied Undisguised

2015 Hyundai Sonata

The first images of the 2015 Honda Sonata showed up on the internet, apparently taken at a Hyundai plant – a month before the model’s world premiere at the 2014 New York Auto Show.

Ford Ranger Spec Updates Announced

2013 Ford Ranger

Ford South Africa has announced additional value offerings and specification updates on certain Ranger derivatives, including all XLS models.

Jaguar XE Announced as New Name for Premium Sport Sedan

Jaguar XE

Jaguar has finally announced the XE entry-level sedan which will go on sale in the middle of next year, and will be the company’s first production model to ride on a newly developed aluminium architecture.

Next Generation Ford Focus to Have Sleek Coupe Styling

Ford Focus Facelift

In an interview with Edmunds, Ford global product development vice president Raj Nair confimed that the firm will be bringing a next-generation Focus which will build on Ford’s global design language.

Next Generation Ford Focus to Have Sleek Coupe Styling

Ford just recently unveiled the bold new looking 2015 Focus at the Geneva Motor Show equipped with the award winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine. And now the world’s best-selling nameplate is already talking about a next-generation model that will is likely to have the look of a sleek coupe.

Sleek coupe design features

In an interview with Edmunds, the firm’s global product development vice president Raj Nair suggested that the next generation Ford Focus which will launch in 2017 will have the “sleek look of a coupe.”

However, Nair declined to go into specifics but said that “Design is still critical. Owners talk about rational reasons for purchase but a fair percentage buy for emotional reasons like styling.”

Nair further acknowledged that the success of the Focus might lead Ford to reconsider its usual policy of refreshing a long-established model with a significantly altered look.

He added that the new face of the next generation Ford Focus is “part of Ford’s global design language,” and that “the direction of this language is currently a topical discussion. A family look and a global language are taking root.”

Details about the redesigned model are very vague at the moment, however it’s said that the model is currently under development and will likely follow in the evolutionary path of the current model.

The new 2015 Ford Focus features a restyled hood and grille, signature lighting for the headlamps and taillamps, new rear lamp clusters and a restyled trunk lid. It is also the first vehicle in South Africa to offer the new fuel efficient 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine which delivers between 110 kW and 132 kW of power.

Ford is also planning to refresh its Focus line-up with a new diesel version of the Focus ST.

Jaguar XE Announced as New Name for Premium Sport Sedan

Jaguar has announced the name of its new mid-sized premium sports sedan which will go on sale in the middle of next year.

First product from the new advanced aluminium architecture

The Jaguar XE will be the first production model in its segment to ride on the company’s newly developed aluminium architecture which was implemented on the C-X17 concept.

Speaking in Geneva, Dr Ralf Speth, Chief Executive Officer, Jaguar Land Rover, said: “We announced just a few weeks ago that our new Engine Manufacturing Centre would produce a new family of premium, lightweight, low-friction, low emission four-cylinder petrol and diesel units. The first of our Ingenium engine range will be used in our all-new mid-sized Jaguar sports sedan. That car will be called the Jaguar XE, and it will be unveiled in production form later this year.”

Its global rollout will begin in 2015, and it will also be the first car in its segment to use an aluminium monocoque. Jaguar says that power will be provided by engines with a wide range of capacities and output all offering the latest innovations in fuel-efficient technologies, including top speeds of over 300km/h and  CO2 emissions lower than 100 g/km.

The name of the Jaguar XE follows a logical progression, positioned alongside the XF and XJ saloons in the range.

Full XE technical and range details will be announced later in 2014.