2014 Ford Figo Concept Unveiled

The 2014 Ford Figo Concept was revealed by the American car manufacturer at the Taj Hotel in Delhi, India. Cars.co.za was one of the few media invited to attend the live unveiling.

The Ford Figo is an important model for the brand and represents a big chunk of both local and Indian B-segment sales. Given the fact this segment is rapidly growing, the future of the Figo needs to be secured. This question of longevity is partly answered by the 2014 Ford Figo Concept.

2014 Ford Figo Concept design

It features the same aggressive styling on the front end as the current generation Ford Fiesta, but if you were expecting a stylish hatchback, you’re going to be a little disappointed. The Indian market has a special emphasis on practicality, so the car you see here is a sedan. Usually there’s a negative aspect to B-segment sedans as they tend to be rather boxy,  but this is rather pleasant and disapproves the thought process of sedans compromising intellectual design. The 2014 Ford Figo concept design is refreshing and upmarket and was penned by Egyptian-born US-based Ford designer Ehab Kaoud.

Currently there’s no talk on engines or detailed specification, but I can tell you the Americans are keen on putting in a fair whack of technology into the 2014 Ford Figo concept. Things like places to charge and mount mobile Mp3 players and phones are considered through use of a rather clever device dock and there’s a strong emphasis on space. Given the current crop of great motors found in the Ford EcoSport and Fiesta, it would be no surprise to see the little 1.0-litre Ecoboost motor doing duty.

Watch this space. I predict we’ll see a production version of the 2014 Ford Figo concept within a few months. It’s great to see cheap and affordable vehicles which don’t look cheap and affordable. In the meantime, Cars.co.za will be heading to the Delhi Auto Show on Wednesday to bring you the latest concepts and news.

Mitsubishi Pajero SWB Updated For 2014 Model Year


The Mitsubishi Pajero SWB has been given a number of improvements for the 2014 model year, including the addition of advanced safety features.

Updates for 2014

Updates to the car include a rear diff-lock as part of the standard specification. This feature is linked to the shift-on-the-fly Super Select system which offers 2WD and 4WD (4H) without locked centre differential, where the power is split 33/67 between front/rear wheels giving the driver the benefits of an all-wheel drive vehicle, including better control for high-speed driving.

The Pajero SWB is powered by a 3.2-litre common rail turbodiesel engine producing 140 kW of power and 441 Nm of torque which drives the wheels through a five-speed automatic transmission with the Super-Select all-wheel drive system.

Additional off-road enhancements

Other upgrades to the 2014 model include the addition of a rear-view camera, privacy glass, colour-coded door handles and side-mirrors, as well as a USB port.

Standard safety features include six airbags, Active Stability and Traction Control (ASTC) and high intensity discharge headlamps with automatic levelling. Convenience and comfort features include a rear-view camera, park distance control, glass sunroof, multi-function steering wheel with remote controls for the audio system and cruise control.

There are also heated seats for driver and front passenger, Bluetooth with hands-free voice-control, as well as an easy-to-read central information system with multiple read-outs, including a compass, altimeter and barometer.

Mitsubishi Pajero SWB price in South Africa

Mitsubishi is offering 30 limited edition Pajero SWB Legend models, which include an extensive range of added value items to further enhance the rough off-road driving experience.

The Pajero SWB Legend costs R30 000 more than the standard model, but includes off-road tyres, tyre-monitoring system, air compressor built into the engine compartment, nudge bar, 6-inch LED spotlights, under-body protection plates, heavy-duty seat covers, dual battery system, rock sliders, and roof rack.

Mitsubishi Pajero SWB – R549 000

Mitsubishi Pajero SWB Legend – R579 000

Included are a 3 Year/100 000km Manufacturer’s Warranty, 5 Year/100 000km Maintenance Plan, and Service intervals every 10000km.

Mitsubishi Pajero SWB gallery


BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe Officially Unveiled


The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe has finally been officially revealed after numerous leaks hit the web last week.

Design features

The 4 Series Gran Coupe shares the same dimensions as the two-door 4-Series Coupe however the roof is 12 mm higher and 112mm longer, which offers more headroom in the interior as well as more boot space.

The stretched roofline, four frameless doors and a wide, electrically operated tailgate provide the functionality of a sedan within the silhouette of a coupe. The cargo compartment can hold 480 litres, making it 35 litres more spacious than what its two-door sibling has to offer. The back of the rear seat can be folded down in a 40:20:40 configuration to increase the load capacity to 1300 litres.

Engine line-up

In addition to the minor exterior changes, the 4-Series Gran Coupe borrows the engine line-up from the 3-Series Sedan and recently launched 4-Series Coupe.

The 428i is powered by a 4-cylinder, 2.0-litre engine with 179 kW and 345 Nm which enables the car to sprint from 0-96 km/h in 5.7 seconds. The 435i is fitted with a six-cylinder 3.0-litre engine with 224 kW and 406 Nm and can reach 96 km/h in 4.9 seconds.

There will also be a 420i model which will be fitted with a 2.0-litre turbo with 135 kW of power, as well as a 418d and 420d using a four-cylinder turbocharged 2.0-litre motor outputting 105 kW and 135 kW respectively.

Transmission choices include six-speed manual, eight speed Steptronic and eight speed sport Steptronic.

Sporty interior

The mid-sized performance luxury model has a stylish and functional interior which is highlighted by prominent round instruments with a black panel look and the free- standing flat-screen iDrive monitor.

The cockpit and rear passenger compartment are visually joined by trim strips originating in the instrument panel and extending along the upper sections of the door panels into the rear, and embellished by dual-colour window sills.

BMW also revealed that the M Sport package will be available at model launch with special body elements, exterior colours, light-alloy wheels and interior elements.

The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe will make its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2014 and makes its US debut at the New York International Auto Show in April 2014.

The model is due to arrive in South Africa in July 2014.

BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe gallery

All New Kia Cerato Koup Launched In SA


The third and final member of the completely redesigned Cerato range, the all new Kia Cerato Koup has been launched in SA following the launch of the Cerato Sedan and five-door hatchback models.

Engine and transmissions

The all-new two-door Cerato Koup boasts European-inspired design with matching performance delivered by the 1.6-litre direct-injected (GDI) turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 152 kW of power at 6000 rpm and 264 Nm of torque between 1750 and 4500 rpm.

Acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h varies from 7.4 seconds to 7.7 seconds between transmissions, while top speed is up to 222 km/h.

Power is transferred to the front wheels via a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox.

To help further improve performance, the Cerato Koup features a sport-tuned suspension with a McPherson strut setup in front and a torsion beam rear design, ensuring an enhanced and exhilarating driving experience.

Styling and design

The Koup features an aggressive front fascia with swept headlights that stretch deep into the front fenders, a swooping roofline, large wheel arches and a large bumper with black gloss grille inserts.

The model’s profile is further enhanced by the adoption of frameless doors, flush side glazing, black-gloss door mirrors, door handles (with chrome inserts), added body-coloured side-sill mouldings, LED taillights and sporty 18-inch alloy wheels.

Optional goodies include navigation system with HD radio, HID headlights, heated steering wheel, sunroof, heated front seats, push-start button, dual-zone automatic climate control, electric chromatic rear-view mirror and leather seating surfaces.

Interior features

The interior of the Cerato Koup is equipped with premium materials and soft touch points.

Inside the driver-focused cabin you will find large white-on-black gauges cushioned deeply into the instrument cluster, a leather wrapped steering wheel, chrome accents around the HVAC controls along with carbon fibre-like textures on the dash and seats.

The front seats continue to offer excellent comfort, space in the rear of the cabin is improved, with increased headroom (up 28 mm), legroom (up 51 mm) and shoulder room (up 15 mm).

There’s also a Supervision TFT colour LCD cluster with a built-in 4.2-inch centre screen resulting in an improved and ergonomically designed GUI (graphics user interface).

Safety features

Active safety technologies standard on the new Koup include active headrests, Isofix child seat anchors, ESC (Electronic Stability Control), HAC (Hill-start Assist Control), VSM (Vehicle Stability Management), front and rear parking sensors, HID (High Intensity Discharge) Xenon headlamps with built-in LED daytime running lights and front LED bordered fog lamps.

All New Kia Cerato Koup price in South Africa

Kia Cerato Koup 1.6 GD1 – R334 995

Kia Cerato Koup 1.6 GDi automatic – R346 995

Included are a five-year or 150 000km warranty, a five-year or 90 000km service plan and three-years’ roadside assistance.

All New Kia Cerato Koup gallery

 

Global Concept Teased By Ford


We’re in India this week as guests of Ford South Africa. The reason for this trip is to see the Global Concept vehicle for 2014.

Global Concept could be new Figo

Global concepts are an interesting point of discussion from both a customer and a manufacturer point of view. Essentially this will be a car for the world, with a special focus on the newer and developing markets, of which both South Africa and India form a part of. Ford’s Global Concept is basically a look at the brand’s design language for an all-new affordable, entry-level vehicle. This car could be the all-new Ford Figo or Ford Ikon…

Ford claims its Global Concept will look good and aims to have a quality product in the compact vehicle market.  “We’re excited to welcome visitors to our stand at the New Delhi Auto Expo 2014, to let them experience first-hand the global products that we are creating to meet and exceed their expectations,” said Vinay Piparsania, executive director of Marketing, Sales and Service at Ford India.

Ford products for 2014

The brand has released a number of global products in 2013. The great thing about these is that many will come to South Africa. For the fanatics the 2015 Ford Mustang will make its way to our shores, while the Fusion will tackle the D-Segment of the market. We can promise you this is just the tip of the iceberg and Ford will be launching many more products during 2014.

The Ford Global Concept will be revealed at the 12th New Delhi Auto Expo at the India Expo Mart, Greater Noida, Delhi to the media. However, we have been granted a viewing of this vehicle later today and will update as soon as we have more information.

Weekly News Wrap 31/01/2014


Here’s your end of the week summary, featuring all the news and car reviews which was written this week.

2014 Mercedes-Benz V-Class Officially Unveiled In Germany
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz V-Class which replaces the Viano has officially been unveiled in Germany and boasts an extensive range of features unique to its segment.

Special Edition Hyundai Veloster Model To Debut In Chicago
Hyundai has announced plans to present the “newest addition to the Veloster line-up” at this year’s Chicago Auto Show.

New Renault Concept Teased Ahead Of Official Debut In Delhi
Renault has released a teaser video for a new concept scheduled to be unveiled at the 2014 Auto Expo in Delhi on February 5.

BMW 2-Series Active Tourer Confirmed For SA Launch
A BMW insider has told a local publication the BMW 2-Series Active Tourer will be coming to South Africa and will be launched in October.

1992 Honda NSX Owned By Aryton Senna Up For Sale
A 1992 Honda NSX once owned by Aryton Senna will be going up for sale at Silverstone Auctions’ Race Retro & Classic Car Sale.

Lamborghini Huracan Spied In Action
An orange Lamborghini Huracan has been spotted tearing up the streets somewhere in the United States during what looks like an ad shoot of some sort.

Toyota Auris HSD XR Reviewed
Clever technology from the Toyota Prius bundled into a Toyota Auris makes this quite a sensible vehicle. It has enough gadgets and specification, and the price tag is justified when you look at the fuel consumption and emissions.

Limited Edition Koenigsegg One:1 To Debut In Geneva
The boutique hypecar builder Koenigsegg has confirmed that the limited edition Koenigsegg One:1 will be specially exhibited in March at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show.

2014 Volkswagen Polo Updated With New Engines
A mid-cycle facelift for the 2014 Volkswagen Polo has just been revealed by the German automaker and is scheduled to make its public debut in March at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show.

Opel Astra Sedan Automatic Reviewed
At R265 500, this is a lot of car for your money. And it is a solid car. Not a rattle or squeak was to be heard, and the drivetrain and chassis feel very solid indeed.

First 2015 Ford Mustang Sold At Auction
The first 2015 Ford Mustang sold for a whopping $300 000 at the Barrett-Jackson collector auction in Scottsdale.

Audi RS Models Now Available In South Africa
Audi has introduced both the RS 7 Sportback and RS Q3 models locally – extending the sporty RS range to six models.

Infiniti M30d Sedan Reviewed
At R672 000, it might not represent a saving over the rivals, but if you are interested in a high spec level, it would cost a small fortune to spec a similar car with this level of kit.

All-New Peugeot Concept Car Teased
Peugeot has announced plans to introduce an all-new concept car that will publicly debut at this year’s Beijing Motor Show.

Toyota Retains Crown As Worlds Largest Automaker In 2013
In 2013 Toyota managed to sell more vehicles than any automaker in the world – maintaining its title as the worlds largest automaker title after sales of about 9.98 million cars.

Judging The 2014 Car Of The Year
Veteran motoring journalist Stuart Johnston is a jury member on the Car of The Year panel, and shares his thoughts on the 2014 competition.

2014 Mercedes-Benz V-Class Officially Unveiled In Germany


The 2014 Mercedes-Benz V-Class which replaces the Viano has officially been unveiled in Germany and boasts an extensive range of features unique to its segment.

Dynamic appearance

According to Mercedes, the V-Class “combines room for up to eight people and exemplary functionality with the high-class appeal, comfort, efficient driving pleasure and safety that distinguish the automobiles bearing the three-pointed star.”

The front boasts a prominent grille that is flanked by LED-infused headlights. The sculptured V-shaped bonnet merges elegantly into the chrome frame of the radiator grille, while the lower air intakes and the radiator grille feature narrow louvres.

The interior continues with the high-class appeal with premium leather upholstery, wood trim, individual rear seats and rear centre consoles.

The MPV is also equipped with Crosswind Assist and ATTENTION ASSIST as standard. Also available as options are a 360-degree camera, active parking assistance systems, and the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission.

Another new feature is the latest-generation multimedia system, which comes with a touchpad for operating all of the telematics functions in the vehicle.

Cutting-edge turbodiesel engine in three output ratings

Engine line-up will include the entry-level 200 CDI has a 2.1-litre four-cylinder engine that develops 100 kW and 330 Nm of torque. There will also be a 220 CDI engine with 120 kW and 380 Nm of torque, as well as the 250 BlueTec which produces 140 kW and 440 Nm of torque.

At market launch in late May 2014, the new V-Class will be available as a long-wheelbase model with a length of 5140mm, a wheelbase of 3200mm and lengthened overhang.

It will be available to order from 6 March 2014. The compact and extra-long variants will follow shortly after that.

Pricing and confirmation of engine ranges to be confirmed closer to the local South African launch, expected at the end of the second quarter of 2015.

2014 Mercedes-Benz V-Class gallery

Special Edition Hyundai Veloster Model To Debut In Chicago


It has only been a short while since the introduction of the Turbo R-Spec model at the LA motor Show, and now Hyundai has announced plans to present the “newest addition to the Veloster line-up” at this year’s Chicago Auto Show.

The special edition Hyundai Veloster

The company is yet to release any preview images declined to release pictures but the model is likely a new special edition.

Nothing is official however Hyundai has previously mentioned that the success of the Veloster RE:MIX has spurred them to develop new special editions which will be brought to market soon.

So it’s highly possible that like the RE:MIX model, the new special edition will boast a sportier exterior look with an exclusive paint job, unique LED accents and taillights, as well as a more powerful engine and distinctive interior features.

The Special Edition Hyundai Veloster is expected to be unveiled on February 7th at the 2014 Chicago Motor Show.

*Please note that pictured is the Hyundai Veloster R-Spec.

New Renault Concept Teased Ahead Of Official Debut In Delhi


Renault has released a teaser video for a new concept scheduled to be unveiled at the 2014 Auto Expo in Delhi on February 5.

The video doesn’t reveal much itself, but the concept seems to showcase a futuristic styling approach with bright yellow trims and accents, as well as large tail-lights.

Renault says through this concept it is presenting the firm’s ambitions to enter new markets and release models which take into account the specific needs of customers.

The new concept is expected to slot into the sub-light or ‘city car’ segment – a category, similar to the new Renault Twingo.

More details will be disclosed on February 5 when the new Renault concept is introduced in New Delhi, India at 2014 Auto Expo.

New Renault Concept video

BMW 2-Series Active Tourer Confirmed For SA Launch


A BMW insider has told a local publication the BMW 2-Series Active Tourer will be coming to South Africa and will be launched in October.

The Active Tourer will be the first front-wheel model in BMW’s line-up and will be launched not only as a five-seater but also with a seven-seat layout.

Using the front-wheel drive UKL platform, the 2-Series Active Tourer will apparently be equipped with 3-cylinder, 1.5-litre TwinPower Turbo petrol and diesel engines which are also available in the new MINI.

Outputs for the petrol engines will range from 90 kW to 165 kW, while the diesels will start at 60 kW to 135 kW of power. It’s also rumoured that the Active Tourer might be fitted with another engine – a 2.0-litre turbodiesel delivering 135 kW of power and 380 Nm of torque.

The model will probably carry over some of the styling from the five-door hatchback concept that debut in Paris in 2012. Such as a prominent grille, LED-infused headlights, a sporty front fascia, an upward sweeping character line, a tailgate-mounted spoiler and 20-inch alloy wheels.

The production version of the Active Tourer is expected to be officially unveiled at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show in March.