In an interesting turn of events American manufacturer General Motors has pulled Chevrolet from Europe, citing a difficult economic situation.
Chevrolet’s Corvette to stay in Europe
This is fascinating because just a few years ago it was rumoured that Opel would be the brand which would receive the axe. However the past few months have been fantastic for Wir Leben Autos. Sadly it’s Chevrolet which will be gradually be phased out from 2016 onwards. Chevrolet’s flagship brands like the Corvette will still remain for sale. You can say goodbye to the Spark, Trax and Captiva if you live in Europe.
General Motors implications for South Africans
Europe is a key region for GM that will benefit from a stronger Opel and Vauxhall and further emphasis on Cadillac, said GM Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson in a statement. For Chevrolet, it will allow us to focus our investments where the opportunity for growth is greatest, he added.
You can read that last part as relevant to South Africa, a country which has been on the receiving end of some strong marketing and launches of Chevrolet models. There’s no need to worry if you’re a Chevrolet owner as General Motors has no intentions of pulling any of its three brands (Chevrolet, Isuzu, Opel) out of South Africa.
2014 should be a bumper year for General Motors if the Johannesburg Motor Show is anything to go by. The company showed off a fleet of vehicles which ranged from the funk Opel Adam, to the performance-orientated Chevrolet Sonic RS.
2014 BMW X5 Pricing Announced Ahead Of South African Launch
BMW has disclosed South African pricing information for the 2014 BMW X5 which is expected to launch in January next year.
South African buyers will have to wait until January next year to get their hands on the luxurious BMW X5 which carries a starting price of R769 900 for the xDrive35i version equipped with an engine producing 225 kW and 400 Nm of torque and completes the 100 km/h task in just 6.5 seconds.
It is then followed by the xDrive30d which kicks off at R831 000 and is equipped with a 3.0-litre TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder diesel engine that produces 190 kW and 560 Nm of torque. This allows the model to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 6.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 230km/h.
Next up is the xDrive40d model priced at R886 014 and offers a power output of 230 kW and 630 Nm and accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds.
Optionally available is the V8 330 kW/650 Nm xDrive50i which costs R984 517, while the current flagship model, the M50d goes for R 1 031 848 and features a 3.0-litre, six-cylinder diesel engine which produces 280 kW and 740 Nm of torque enabling the model to run to 0-100km/h in 5.3 seconds.
All models feature a five-year/100 00 km maintenance plan.
2014 BMW X5 gallery
Comprehensive New Vehicle Sales Info In South Africa – November 2013
New vehicle sales figures for November reflected a continued weaken in demand for new vehicles as the year comes to an end. Total vehicle sales reported for the month were 50 806. 34 267 of those were passenger vehicles and 13 719 light commercial vehicles.
According to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA) the new sales data further reflects the effects of a slowing economy which can be attributed to the moderation in consumer demand and supply disruptions due to the ongoing strike in the car carrier industry.
The total number of new vehicles sold during November 2013 showed a decline of 4.6% from the 53 265 vehicles sold in the same month last year, while export sales also experienced a year-on-year drop of 4.8% compared to the 28 520 vehicles exported in November last year.
The new vehicle sales graph below shows how the brands performed throughout November 2013 compared to the corresponding month last year. Toyota maintained its top position yet again, while Mercedes-Benz has taken the fifth spot from Nissan who are sitting at sixth place with a total of 2657 units. Ford moved up one spot to third place and reported total sales of 5602 units, a slight decrease of 90 vehicles from last month’s 5692 vehicles. GMSA’s sales were again boosted by their light commercial vehicles which resulted in total sales of 5042.
*Click the graph to view in full
Passenger Vehicle Segment
The new passenger car sector experienced the steepest decline last month, as sales dropped by 5.9% year-on-year, or 2164 units, when compared to sales of 36 431 new cars during November 2012. The graph further demonstrates how each of the vehicle’s sales have fluctuated over the past year to now.
The Toyota Etios took over the number one spot leading with 2591 units, while Ford Figo dropped from third place to fifth with a total of 1172 units. The BMW 3 Series although not in the top 5 best selling passenger cars reported the second highest export sales ( 5917 units) after the Volkswagen Polo which exported a total of 7567 vehicles.
Top 5 Passenger Cars In SA For November 2013 (Compared to November 2012)
*Click the graph to view in full
Light Commercial Vehicle’s Segment
New light commercial vehicles fared slightly better with sales of 13 719 units during November, reflecting a decline of 610 units or year-on-year drop of 4.3% compared to the 14 329 vehicles sold during the corresponding month last year.
The graph below shows that the Toyota Hilux remains at the top of the top 5 list with an increase of 667 vehicles from last month’s 2894 vehicles sold. While the Ford Ranger aggressively moved up to second place with an increase of 421 vehicles from last month’s 1516 sales, surpassing both the Toyota Quantum which has moved down to third place and the Isuzu KB which didn’t make it to the top 5 but increased by 939 vehicles from last month’s 1232 vehicles. The Chevrolet Utility made it back into the top 5 list, slotting in at number 4 with a total of 1279 units.
Top 5 Light Commercial Vehicles In SA For November 2013 (Compared to November 2012)
*Click the graph to view in full
“Expectations of lower economic growth and above-inflation new vehicle price increases would contribute to a more difficult trading environment and further moderation in sales growth momentum.”
“But despite a less promising outlook for the automotive sector, the year as a whole would still represent the second or third best year on record in terms of domestic sales” says the association.
McLaren P1’s Controversial Nurburgring Lap Time
McLaren P1’s Controversial Nurburgring Lap Time
McLaren Automotive has caused a stir by posting a beautifully-shot video of its P1 hypercar charging through the Nurburgring circuit, but then not disclosing the full lap time.
The Nurburgring Nordschleife lap time is regarded as the unofficial benchmark for testing a car’s performance credentials and many have been eagerly awaiting the McLaren P1’s race against the clock. The good news is that the P1 in the hands of McLaren test driver Chris Goodwin has completed a timed lap. The bad news is McLaren isn’t telling us the full time. Instead, in a YouTube video the company just mentions the lap was completed in under seven minutes on standard road tyres.
This is infuriating seeing as the P1’s rival, the Porsche 918 set a time of six minutes and 57 seconds, and many were wanting to see if the British brute could match its German counterpart. Some have suggested the P1 couldn’t match the Porsche, while others say McLaren is waiting for Ferrari to test its LaFerrari. Currently the Nurburgring is undergoing maintenance, so we won’t know for a few months.
All-new 2014 Audi A3 Sedan Launched In South Africa Specs and Prices
The 2014 Audi A3 Sedan shown earlier at this year’s New York Auto Show has arrived in South Africa.
The A3 Sedan is also the third instalment of the A3 range after the new-generation A3 in -3-door guise which was launched in November 2012 and has since sold 1200 units in first 11 months of being available locally.
Engines
The 2014 A3 Sedan will be available with two petrol engines and one diesel one, all in SE specification. The 1.4 TSFI engine produces 92 kW and 200 Nm of torque (90 kW for the S tronic, while the more powerful 1.8T FSI engine produces 92 kW and 250 Nm of torque. The 2.0 TDI diesel engine delivers 110 kW of power with 350 Nm of torque.
All three engines will be offered in a choice of manual or S tronic.
2014 Audi A3 Sedan specification and pricing
The new Audi A3 sedan will further be launched with a number of standard specifications including MMI Radio with full colour, slide out LCD screen, an LED Interior lighting package, front centre armrest, light/Rain sensor, Bluetooth with voice control and audio streaming, and knee airbag.
There will also be 17-inch 5-spoke cast aluminium alloy wheels, sports suspension, front sports seats, front fog lights, Audi Drive Select with Efficiency programme, an exterior aluminium package, leather covered multi-function 3-spoke sports steering wheel with shift paddles for S tronic models, fully automated, dual zone air-conditioning, Driver Information system in colour, and an Audi Sound System.
For more details on the exterior and design elements of the 2014 Audi A3 Sedan click here.
2014 Audi A3 price in South Africa
Audi A3 Sedan 1.4T FSI SE manual R323 500
Audi A3 Sedan 1.4T FSI SE S tronic R340 500
Audi A3 Sedan 1.8T FSI SE manual – R341 500
Audi A3 Sedan 1.8T FSI SE S tronic – R358 500
Audi A3 Sedan 2.0 TDI SE manual – R355 500
Audi A3 Sedan 2.0TDI SE S tronic – R372 500
Pricing for the 2014 Audi A3 Sedan includes the standard five year/100 00 km Audi Freeway plan.
The Audi S3 Sedan is due for local introduction in mid-2014. Further details on pricing and specification of this model will be released closer to its introduction.
2014 Audi A3 Sedan gallery
2015 Ford Mustang Confirmed For South Africa
The all-new sophisticated 2015 Ford Mustang featuring an all-new sleek design, innovative technologies, and ‘world-class’ performance has just been confirmed for launch in South Africa – this will be the first time that this model enters the South African market.
This launch of a 2015 model marks 50 years of the iconic pony car’s heritage which according to Ford has evolved to attract a wider array of customers and expand global market availability. Since its first launch in 1964, 9 million units have been sold.
Improved classic Mustang designs
Looking very similar to renderings that have cropped up on the web, the 2015 Ford Mustang features the iconic signature shark-bite front fascia with a prominent grille that is flanked by three-dimensional tri-bar taillamps. It is further equipped with a front splitter, aerodynamic side skits and a bulging hood.
The sporty styling is carried over to the sides as the Mustang has been given muscular fenders, a more dramatic roof-line and weighs about 90.7 kg less than its predecessor.
The rear end has a bold design with an all-new integral-link independent rear suspension which Ford says improves handling, ride and steering precision.
The 2015 Mustang is will be offered with a variety of engines including a four-cylinder 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine with 205kW to 231kW of power, a 3.7-litre V6 engine with 227kW and a 5.0-litre V8 unit that develops 313kW.
Improvements have also been made to the interior including the addition of a large instrument panel with easily accessible ergonomic and tactile switches and knobs to provide better control for the driver.
The front seats now also feature ‘memory recline’ which will return to the driver’s preferred seating position after being moved forward in order to get the rear passengers out of the coupe. The vehicles width and new rear suspension contribute to improved shoulder and hip room for passengers and a boot space that can accommodate two golf bags.
The fast-back coupe will be launched alongside a convertible model which Ford says it drops its top in half the time of the current Mustang. South African fans can look forward to seeing the completely redesigned and re-engineered Mustang on local roads in 2015, however models destined for local debut have yet to be confirmed.
The 2015 Mustang is also one of the 15 new vehicles that Ford plans to launch in South Africa by 2017.
Volkswagen Touareg X Special Edition Officially Revealed
Volkswagen has announced plans to introduce a new member of the Touareg line the Touareg X Special Edition, which commemorates the Touareg SUV’s decade long history of offering advanced fuel saving technologies and a premium driving experience.
Engine capability
The Volkswagen Touareg X Special Edition is powered by a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 engine that produces 179kW of power and 550Nm of torque, and is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system.
Volkswagen says its ‘cleaner diesel burning’ Touareg X will drink 8L/100km on the open road.
Special design features
Based off the TDI Clean Diesel Lux trim, the Touareg X Special Edition features a Moonlight Blue Pearl exterior with 19-inch Moab-style alloy wheels, LED tailights and Touareg X-specific badging.
Inside the car you will find Vienna leather seats finished in Black Anthracite, which are further complemented by a black head-liner and engineered ebony wood trim.
There’s also illuminated sill plates and faux aluminium pedal covers, and a centre console finished in piano black accents and a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel. In addition, the model comes packed with standard equipment including a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats and GPS navigation.
To celebrate the anniversary, Volkswagen will sell 1000 Touareg X models. It is not yet clear whether these models will be available in South Africa. However we will keep you updated on any developments regarding this.
The Porsche Cayenne Platinum Edition features Platinum Silver Metallic details on the outside and has been designed to combine style, safety and exclusivity.
The model is equipped with bi-xenon headlights, privacy glass, 19-inch Cayenne Design II wheels with full-colour Porsche Crest, and eye-catching air intake slats on the front fascia. The side window surrounds and rear bumper trim strip emphasize the sporty shape of the car, while the spoiler separation edge adds another striking element to the rear.
The Cayenne Platinum Edition is further enhanced with standard colours of Black and White. Optional colours are Meteor Grey Metallic, Jet Black Metallic and Mahogany Metallic. The car is also available with a White Metallic paint finish a colour reserved exclusively for the Cayenne Platinum Edition.
Other standard features include the automatically dimming exterior and interior mirrors and dark tinted privacy glass which provides privacy for the rear seats and luggage compartment.
Performance
The Porsche Cayenne Platinum Edition is fitted with a 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine that develops 220kW and 400Nm of torque, and has an average fuel consumption of 9.9 litres/100 km with CO2 emissions of 236 g/km.
Also on offer is a Cayenne Diesel Platinum Edition with a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine that produces 180kW of power and 550Nm of torque, and a consumption level of 7.2 litres over 100 kilometres with CO2 emissions of 189 g/km.
Interior features
The two-tone interior is packed with partial leather seats in Black and Luxor Beige, a Porsche Crest embossed on the head rest of the front and outer rear seats, SportDesign steering wheel and a Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system with GPS navigation.
The Cayenne Platinum Edition also features the standard Bose Surround Sound System or optional Burmester High-End Surround Sound System, anti-dazzle interior mirrors, special floor mats and “Platinum Edition” sill plates. Other highlights include ParkAssist and a Power Steering Plus system.
The new models are available for order as of now, with first units being delivered in February of 2014. Basic retail prices will be announced closer to launch.
Porsche Cayenne Platinum Edition gallery
Opel Astra OPC review
Simply put, the Opel Astra OPC is one of the most uncivilised hot hatches to grace South African roads. Theres no subtlety or civility about it. It was designed to look fast, be fast and dominate the track as well as the road.
Opel Astra OPC aggressive looks and styling
Have you ever seen a more aggressive, unruly hot hatch? It sits lower and wider than its lesser-powered GTC coupe sibling, and thanks to great touches like 20-inch alloy wheels, gaping air intakes and a bright paintjob, it really looks the part. Daytime-running LEDs add to the visual appeal. As for that colour, the OPC looks like it drove over some Smurfs. Its certainly eye-catching.
Powerful 2.0-litre engine
So it looks mean, but can it deliver in the performance stakes? How does 206kW and 400Nm from a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder sound?
Mechanically 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines have never really satisfied in terms of noise, but thanks to some clever tweaks to the exhaust and intake the Astra OPC offers a weapons-grade soundtrack. As the revs start to build, the turbocharger starts powering up and the resulting sound can be compared to a fighter jet with full afterburners.
This noise is greatly exaggerated when you fold the back seats down, allowing the exhaust note to reach the cabin. Lift off the gas or blip the throttle on downshift, and youre treated to some small backfires out the twin pipes. As far as hot hatches go, the Astra OPC is an audio treat. Ive never encountered such a violent sound upon hard acceleration and Opel is to be commended for being unsubtle in its quest to make a candidate for the ultimate hot hatch.
Performance-orientated driving experience
Those performance figures mean the Astra OPC is no slouch and gets up to the national speed limit in a brisk and loud fashion. While it impressed in overtaking ability and acceleration, I enjoyed how composed it was on a tight and twisty road. Most front-wheel drive hot hatches would understeer themselves into the nearest tree, but the OPC has a brilliant suspension setup called FlexRide and HiPerStrut as well as a mechanical limited slip differential.
Space limitations mean I cant explain how these systems work but to put it simply, you can put your foot flat in a corner and theres no loss of grip. Its frightening how fast the Astra OPC can go around the tightest of bends without any hint of wheel spin or loss of grip.
When you look at the component suppliers for this vehicle you can see Opel only wanted the best in the high-performance business. Brembo brakes, Drexler specially developed the mechanical limited-slip differential and ZF Sachs-tuned suspension settings all mean the OPC is very fast. Lets not forget the Pirelli-supplied tyres either
Then there are the three driving modes. Eco mode is self-explanatory, Sport sharpens up the throttle response and makes the suspension a little firmer. OPC mode is best saved for the smoothest of open roads or a race track, as the results are brutal. The dashboard lighting goes from white to red: a sign that things are going to become extreme. The accelerator pedal becomes very responsive and the suspension stiffens to rock hard: a little uncomfortable for the public road, hence my suggestion to head to a race track.
The downside of this performance is that you pay for it at the pumps. The Opel Astra OPC has fuel-saving tech in the form of Start/Stop and an ECO mode, but that wont see your fuel consumption figure dip below 11L/100km. I tried my best and could only get 11.8L/100km. Do I care? Not a chance. Its worth it.
Opel Astra OPC cabin and features
The interior is decent, but doesnt feel luxurious a problem when youre spending near R500k for a hot hatch. While the Nappa leather adjustable bucket seats are quite easily the best in class, the intense myriad of buttons is daunting at first glance and it took me some time to figure out which button does what. Then theres that LCD screen. While its adequate for lesser-powered Astras, I feel the flagship OPC deserves something better like a colour screen. Surely the touchscreen infotainment system from sister brand Chevrolets Lumina would be more appropriate?
You get a decent amount of kit fitted as standard to the Astra OPC. Theres a USB port, Bluetooth connectivity, high-quality audio system, automatic Xenon lights which swivel as you turn, auto wipers, G-force meter, lap timer, rear park distance control as well as a double decker boot. It also features back seats which are usable by adults.
Plenty of boot space comes at a price though, as you dont get a spare wheel. There is a tyre repair kit in its place. Its safe too with six airbags, stability control, brake assist as well as an electronic park brake which offers hill hold assist.
Opel Astra OPC price in South Africa
You can get yourself an Opel Astra OPC for only R453 500.
Opel Astra OPC review conclusion
Many who saw the OPCs R450k price tag expressed horror and I too was a little disappointed in how much it cost. When you consider other offerings like the Ford Focus ST and Volkswagen Golf GTI, the OPC looks silly. Then I had a revelation. Opel couldnt care less about the GTI and the ST. Those cars offer less in terms of ability and sheer enjoyment, and the Astra OPC is actually aimed at the likes of the new Audi S3, BMW M135i and Volkswagens R products. When you consider the R498 000 price tag of the BMW and the R474 500 for the Audi, you have to wonder how much more car youre getting for the extra money.
Why you should:
One of the most badass cars around, superb handling, stellar power combined with addictive engine note, one for the enthusiasts.
Why you shouldnt:
Raw power may be too much for day-to-day, thirsty, the front lip scrapes on speedbumps and driveways.
It would be better if:
That dated LCD screen in the centre dashboard. Surely theres a more modern version lying around in the GM parts bin? Make that fuel tank bigger.
Nissan NP300 Hardbody Silver Anniversary Limited Edition Launched In SA
Nissan has announced they will be launching limited edition versions of their iconic NP300 Hardbody one-ton bakkie in South Africa to commemorate 25 years of continuous sales of the Hardbody nameplate.
Unique versions feature special extras
NP300 Hardbody Product Manager at Nissan South Africa, Vishaan Naidoo, says that the new limited editions in the NP300 Hardbody range are an expression of the proud heritage of the Hardbody in the country.
He further said that in keeping with the NP300 Hardbody’s reputation for reliability, durability and most importantly its attractive cost of ownership, they have created the “Silver Anniversary” Limited Edition models which feature a host of functional additions and unique touches, while retaining a very attractive price.
“For 25 years the Nissan NP300 Hardbody one-ton pick-up has been a significant part of the South African motoring landscape, so it is only fitting that we celebrate this important milestone appropriately.”
The Nissan NP300 Hardbody Silver Anniversary Limited Edition will be available in single- or double-cab body styles. Each boasting unique special features set to differentiate them from the rest of the range. They will also be equipped with the 2.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine and 4×2 drive trains.
According to Nissan, the NP300 Hardbody 2.5 TDi Silver Anniversary Limited Edition Single Cab derivative includes over R15 000 worth of accessories and detail changes. These include “Silver Anniversary” branded leather seats, rubberised load box, black nudge bar, black running boards, leather door panels, branded carpets and tinted windows.
The double-cab version includes all of the extras of the single-cab, along with an integrated DVD and satellite navigation system with reversing camera, branded leather seats, silver nudge bar, leather door panels, tonneau cover, Bluetooth, USB and iPod connectivity all of which Nissan says equates to almost R30 000 worth of extras.
Nissan NP300 Hardbody Silver Anniversary price in South Africa
