Rugged Fiat Panda Cross Shows Up Ahead Of Geneva Debut
A more rugged-looking Fiat Panda Cross with typical SUV styling has been revealed ahead its first public outing at the Geneva Motor Show early next month.
Brand new look
The 4×4 version of the Panda receives a beefed up body kit with redesigned fog lights integrated with the logo holder bonnet trim, and to the new daytime-running lights with LED technology, an offroad-like front bumper, flared wheel arches and more pronounced roof bars.
It also comes with 15-inch alloy wheels with a five-spoke V design and burnished metal finish. The rear end is characterised by a highly distinctive look which comprises of a new bumper with under-body protection, a new burnished light cluster and the chrome tail pipe.
Inside, the Panda Cross gets leather trimmed seats, a dashboard in a new copper colour which is also used for the central console, a multifunction steering wheel and a leather gear knob. Theres also a Blue&Me infotainment system and climate control.
Two powerful engines
Power comes from a choice of either 0.9-litre turbo two-cylinder with 66 kW and 145 Nm of torque or a 1.3-litre MultiJet with 59 kW and 190 Nm of torque. More powerful than the rest of the Panda range, these engines are offered with a six-speed manual transmission with a stronger first gear to handle rough terrain.
In addition, the Fiat Panda Cross is equipped with the torque-on-demand system which sends power to the rear axle only when it senses slip at the front.
Its also fitted with a variety of assistance modes such as Hill Descent Control and a MacPherson front suspension system and a new torsion beam rear.
The Fiat Panda Cross will be unveiled next month during the Geneva Motor Show and is said to go on sale towards the end of 2014.
Fiat Panda Cross gallery
Range Rover Evoque Autobiography Dynamic To Debut In Geneva
Scheduled to debut at the Geneva Motor Show next Month, the Rover Evoque Autobiography Dynamic comes with an upgraded version of the existing 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine which delivers 209 kW of power and 400Nm of torque up 33 kW and 60Nm.
The engine is mated to a new nine-speed ZF-sourced automatic gearbox. The Autobiography Dynamic also gets an uprated steering which, according to the manufacturer, has been specially tuned for greater on-centre precision.
Bold styling
Both derivatives have been enhanced with dynamic body styling, a new premium grille design, lower front valance, jewel-like headlights and tail lamps and 20-inch forged alloy wheels. Theres also a new premium metallic exterior colour called phoenix orange, as well as Autobiography badging on the tailgate and front fender vents.
Moving inside the cabin, there aren’t any significant changes however the model is equipped with a dynamic plus leather interior with either sports or premium climate seats and a choice of four colours, as well as illuminated tread plates on the door and Autobiography embossed headrests.
New technology
The new model is also the first to get the brands new InControlTM Apps which make their debut across the range. These specially designed apps enable vehicle-optimised smartphone apps to be displayed and controlled with their original look and feel from the vehicle’s touchscreen.
The Range Rover Evoque Autobiography Dynamic will receive its public debut in March at the 84th Geneva Motor Show.
2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Officially Revealed – Specs and Prices
Following several leaks and spy shots on the web, Mercedes-Benz has finally taken the wraps off the lighter and more powerful new C-Class which debut at the Detroit Motor Show.
Powertrain line-up
Four engine variants are available at the market launch. A diesel in the guise of the C 220 BlueTEC which delivers 125kW/400Nm, and the three petrol models, the C 180 with 115kW/250Nm, the C 200 with 135kW/300Nm and the C 250 with 155kW/350Nm.
Engines will be mated to a 7G-TRONIC PLUS seven-speed automatic transmission or the new six-speed manual transmission.
Lightweight bodyshell
Despite the 95 mm increase in length and 40 mm in width, Mercedes-Benz says the new C-Class is up to 100 kg lighter than the previous model – thanks to some intelligent and innovative lightweight construction. About 80 mm of the increase in length is in the wheelbase which now stands at 2840 mm. Cargo capacity has also been increased to 480 litres.
Additionally, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class will be the first vehicle in this segment to be offered with air suspension in the form of an optional self-levelling AIRMATIC on the front and rear axles and features continuous variable damping.
The standard steel suspension comes with a selective damping system offered in four modes: comfort, eco, sport and sport plus and a sports suspension which lowers the car by 15mm as part of the Sport Package.
2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class innovative design features
Design wise, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class represents a bold departure from its predecessor. It features a long hood and shorter overhangs along with a narrower glasshouse and more flowing lines.
There is a choice of two different faces: sporty with centrally positioned star or the classic sedan radiator grille featuring Mercedes star on the hood. The model further comes with H7 halogen headlamps as standard and two energy-saving LED variants: a static system and a dynamic version with LED Intelligent Light System.
The cabin is fitted with the COMAND infotainment system, installed in either the standard 7-inch display or the optional 8.4-inch display offered as part of the Multimedia package.
The dashboard features less buttons, as many of them have been replaced by a free-standing screen placed on top of the dashboard and can be accessed via a rotary controller offered as standard. Theres also an optional touchpad with same functionality as on a smartphone.
Optionally available will be the company’s 4MATIC all-wheel drive setup and a number of safety systems such as Active Parking Assist, Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus and Traffic Sign Assist with Wrong-Way Alert.
2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class price in South Africa
2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 180 – R415 900
2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 200 – R436 600
2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 220 BlueTEC – R459 000
2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 250 – R502 600
As with all Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, the new C-Class comes standard with the class-leading PremiumDrive maintenance plan – 6-years/100 000 km – with no customer contribution.
2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Video
2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class gallery
2014 Volkswagen Scirocco Facelift Revealed
Set to be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show next month, the new Volkswagen Scirocco benefits from updated styling and a wide array of engines with more power but up to 19% more economical.
Updated styling with high-tech exterior lighting
Exterior changes which carry over to the Scirocco R include newly designed front and rear sections with redesigned H7 or bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, LED rear taillights, along with a reworked bumper and boot lid.
Five of the 13 available colours are new to the line-up. The exterior paints are called Pyramid Gold, Urano Grey, Flash Red, Pure White and Ultra Violet. There are also new alloy wheel designs ranging from 17-inch to 19-inch (on the Scirocco R.)
The interior of the Scirocco has also been developed further in several areas including a redesigned flat-bottomed leather-wrapped steering wheel, optimised instrument panel trim, new air vents and gauges copied from the Golf GTI as well as sporty décor, materials and colours. The three auxiliary instruments integrated above the centre console are included as a standard: charge pressure, chronometer and engine oil temperature.
Additionally, the Scirocco cabin can now host a “Dynaudio Excite” audio system, a ParkAssist system and has a covered storage compartment next to the handbrake lever.
Scirocco engine line-up
All engines now come as standard with stop/start and battery regeneration mode, and except for the base engine (1.4 TSI, all Scirocco models can be combined with an optional dual-clutch gearbox (DSG).
Petrol engines
1.4 TSI outputting 92 kW with a fuel consumption of 5.4 l/100 km / 125 g/km CO2
2.0 TSI outputting 132 kW with a fuel consumption of 6.0 l/100 km / 139 g/km CO2
2.0 TSI outputting 162 kW with a fuel consumption of 6.0 l/100 km / 139 g/km CO2
2.0 TSI outputting 206 kW with a fuel consumption of 8.0 l/100 km / 187 g/km CO2
Diesel engines
2.0 TDI delivering 110 kW with a fuel consumption of 4.1 l/100 km / 107 g/km CO2
2.0 TDI delivering 135 kW with a fuel consumption of 4.3 l/100 km / 111 g/km CO2
The 2014 Volkswagen Scirocco facelift is scheduled to go on sale internationally in August 2014, and will shortly after that be available in other markets.
2014 Volkswagen Scirocco gallery
New Face for Renault Koleos SUV
The French automaker has introduced the arrival of the latest Renault Koleos SUV in South Africa which comes with an exclusive new in-dash R-Link navigation and media system, as well as a sophisticated front grille design which features Renaults latest styling identity.
Enhanced exterior design
The facelifted model has a new front bumper with a revised grille and a larger Renault badge. Bumpers and side mouldings are body-coloured, door-mirror housings are equipped with LED indicators while the chrome finish of the side protective strips adds a touch of elegance.
The crossover also has two-tone 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome and platinum grey finishes and an expanded colour palette that includes a distinctive Ebony Brown paint.
Interior features
Interior changes are limited but the Koleos benefits from charcoal leather upholstery, heated front seats and an electrically adjustable driver’s seat.
It also comes nicely equipped with top-of-the-range features which include leather steering wheel and gear knob, satin chrome door handles, electric windows, and Renault keycard and remote central locking.
For the first time, the model is fitted with an exclusive new in-dash R-Link navigation and media system which comprises of a seven-inch touchscreen display, steering wheel-mounted remote controls and console-mounted joystick.
It features real-time traffic optimisation and high-definition maps.
Renault Koleos SUV price in South Africa
Renault Koleos 2.5 Dynamique (manual) 4×2 R309 900
Renault Koleos 2.5 Dynamique (manual) 4×4 R334 900
Renault Koleos 2.5 Dynamique (auto) 4×4 R349 900
Five-year or 150 000km warranty and five-year or 100 000km service plan (intervals of 15 000km).
Renault Koleos SUV gallery
Mclaren 650S Gallery And Details
Last week a teaser image of the new Mclaren 650S was sent out, but over the weekend proper images and some more details were leaked.
According to Mclaren, F1 driver Jenson Button has had a hand in the development process. Power comes from the 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 unit from the current Mclaren Mp4-12C – a car we at Cars.co.za adore for its power and ease of use. The engine now pushes out 484 kW and 657 Nm while the go-faster parts like brakes, gearbox, suspension and aerodynamics have all been upgraded.
Despite people suggesting this is the replacement model for the 12C, Mclaren has said the older model will still be produced, but is expecting sales to dip a little as the market always demands the fastest and latest.
Visually, the Mclaren 650S looks like the standard Mp4-12C but with the nose of a P1. This isn’t a bad thing, and as you’ll see further down the page, the car looks exquisite.
Mclaren 650S Walk Around Video
Mclaren 650S Gallery
Spyshot: BMW i8 Spotted In Cape Town
It’s clearly testing season in South Africa at the moment. On the back of spotting some of the latest Mini Cooper test mules running around Swellendam, we were sent more pictures of BMW products. This time a BMW i8 hybrid sportscar was spotted cruising down Somerset Road in Cape Town.
We can clearly see it’s a German-registered BMW i8 and this vehicle should be making its way to our shores before the end of the year.
Also spotted that day (by me) was a four-door BMW 3-Series with camouflage on the front bumper. Given the size of the wheels, the red brake calipers and the noise from the exhausts, I’m guessing this was the all-new BMW M3.
Weekly News Wrap 14/02/2014
In case you missed out on any of the motoring news and reviews for this week, here’s a weekly news wrap to help you catch up.
The first image of the production 2015 Mercedes-Benz S Class Coupe leaked on the Internet ahead of a public debut scheduled for next month at the Geneva Motor Show.
Renault at Delhi Motor Show
At the Auto Show in New Delhi, India, Renault surprised everyone with a rather insane-looking concept called the KWID. You can read more about the concept and what else the brand had to offer.
Suzuki showcased some rather innovative models specially marketed for the Indian market. Such as the the Suzuki Omnilicious Cafe, a vehicle designed to be a little restaurant on the go. It features two fridges for drinks as well as kitchen equipment to prepare food.
BMW unveiled their new BMW X3 which cuts a visually more powerful figure than its predecessor, and boasts an upgraded interior as well as a revised engine line-up.
Spyshot: 2014 Minis Spotted In SA
The 2014 MINI Cooper was spotted in full camouflage in Swellendam. Unfortunately we still dont know whether its the new Countryman or just a four-door Cooper. We will keep you updated on any further developments.
Audi had some rather eye-catching products on its stand at the Auto Show in Delhi. One of them was the head-turning quattro sport laserlight which boasts over 500 kW of power.
The Audi S model range was extended with two new models both of which are available for purchase in South Africa at just over 600k.
Chevrolet Sonic RS Arrives In SA
Ciro attended the launch of the Chevrolet Sonic RS and was impressed by the cars ability to look like its moving quickly while standing still, the 17-inch mags which help transform its look, and the 7-inch high resolution touch screen dominating the dash.
The Volkswagen Taigun concept was first unveiled in Sao Paulo in 2012, and it has now been revised to look more modern with a new rear design and is fitted with a high tech engine.
Volkswagen apparently doesnt have much presence in India, however, that didnt stop the German car-maker from having one of the biggest and flashiest stands at the Auto Expo in Delhi.
2015 Mercedes-Benz S Class Coupe Officially Breaks Cover
Following several leaks, Mercedes-Benz has officially unveiled the 2015 S-Class Coupe ahead of its scheduled debut at next month’s Geneva Motor Show. And the latest images give the best view of the car.
The Audi range received two new models of which a source at Audi South Africa said both the Audi S1 and S1 Sportback are due to arrive in South Africa around July 2014.
The Honda Civic Type R Concept model has been included to the Japanese automakers line-up for the 2014 Geneva Motor Show happening in March.
Ferrari California T Revealed
Meet the Ferrari California T, the next generation of California GT/sportscars which now looks like a shrunken F12 Berlinetta and boasts a brand-new twin turbocharged V8.
Finalists for the World Car of the Year awards have been announced. The awards, in their 10th year are to be hosted by the New York International Auto Show on April 17, will be voted on by a jury of 69 international motoring journalists.
The South African Car of the Year competition has been around for over 25 years and the strictest criteria apply to the finalists. Our 2014 infographic gives you a rough idea of how the cars match up to one another.
Ciro had the pleasure of driving the 11the generation of the Toyota Corolla and actually started to think of it as more of a Lexus than a Toyota. Which is like spending some time with the girl next door, only to realise she is actually Anna Kournikova.
After renewing its offering in the B and C segments, PEUGEOT presents its new city car the Peugeot 108 which will be unveiled as a world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show and will reach South African shores towards the end of 2014.
2014 Peugeot 108 Introduced In Two Distinct Body Styles
The 2014 Peugeot 108 all-new compact city car has officially been revealed and will for the first time be offered as a convertible with a retractable fabric roof, but will also be offered as a hatchback model.
Engine line-up
The French city car engine line-up is made up of four efficient three-cylinder engines including a 1.0-litre e-VTi delivering 51 kW to the front wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox and accounts 88 g/km of CO2 emissions when using the stop/start system.
There’s also a larger 1.2-litre PureTech VTi petrol which emits just 99g/km CO2 and is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox as standard, although a five-speed automatic transmission is available on the standard 1.0-litre VTi petrol model.
Exterior features
At 3470mm long and 1620mm wide, the 108 is a little longer, but slightly narrower than the outgoing 107. The front end is dominated by its bold grille, central beam and lower air intake, while the front lamps are firmly set into the bodywork. Theres also black and chrome accents and LEDs with daytime running lights.
It will be sold not only as a three- and five-door hatchback, but also as a cabrio (called 108 TOP!) with a retractable fabric roof and comes with a curb weight of just 840 kg.
Peugeot has also equipped the 108 with an open-air version with an aero-acoustic deflector which automatically deploys in order to diminish cabin turbulence. Depending on the selected trim, the 2014 Peugeot 108 will be fitted with 14-inch alloy wheels shod in 165/65 R14 ultra-low rolling resistance tyres or 15-inch rims wrapped around in 165/60 R15 rubbers.
Interior features
The inside of the Peugeot 108 has been designed to be intuitive to use, with each area being allocated to a specific function and information brought together for easy and quick reading.
It has a height-adjustable driver’s seat, automatic air conditioning and a seven-inch touchscreen display. Behind the steering wheel are controls for the speed limiter, while the fuel filler flap opening and heated electric mirror controls are easily accessible on the dashboard. The controls for the front electric windows fall readily to hand, grouped together on the drivers door panel.
Theres also an Open and Go system, six airbags, and electric power steering along with the electronic control switch for the retractable soft top.
Safety systems
All versions come as standard with a hill start assist system along with an indirect tire under-inflation system. Stopping power is provided by 247mm front ventilated discs and 200mm rear drums, as well as systems such as ABS, Emergency Collision Braking System, switchable ESP and Electronic Brake Force Distribution.
The 2014 Peugeot 108 will officially debut next month at the Geneva Motor Show. We should see the 2014 Peugeot 208 reach South African before the end of the year.
2014 Renault Twingo Revealed
Five years after the launch of the second generation model, Renault Twingo became the first model in the range to show the brands new design identity following extensive restyling.
Now the French automaker has revealed yet another new Twingo set to be officially unveiled at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show.
Vibrant design features
The 2014 Renault Twingo was created from a blank sheet of paper and draws inspiration from the original Twingo and the Renault 5. It features a rear-mounted engine and rear-wheel drive, freeing up the front end and considerably improving the turning circle.
Combined with the use of a smaller block and the positioning of the wheels at the car’s corners, the rear-mounted engine also frees up extra cabin space.
The model has been further equipped with a sporty and playful front fascia which has a prominent Renault logo set to a black background and circular LED daytime running lights which combine a hi-tech feel with an echo of the models predecessors. It also has hidden rear door handles and distinctive taillights that are described as a “natural prolongation of the tailgate.”
The redesigned model also features five doors, rather than three and comes in a choice of four vibrant pop colours (light blue, white, yellow and red).
Additional spec and interior details and images will only be released on March 4 at the Geneva Show, but Renault says customers can expect a “colourful and cheerful cabin which has been ingeniously thought through to deliver user-friendly, everyday versatility.”
A source at Renault South Africa said the new Twingo won’t be coming to our shores at this point. Fingers crossed Renault South Africa changes its mind.
