Porsche has revealed pricing for the 2014 Macan which first debuted late last year at the 2013 Los Angeles Motor Show.
2014 Porsche Macan Pricing in South Africa
The entry-level Macan S Diesel will cost you R912 000, while the Macan S goes for R923 000 and the top-of-the-range Macan Turbo sits at R1 289 000.
It was also announced that the compact crossover will now be offered with a base four-cylinder engine which will be available by the end of 2014. Apparently the last time Porsche offered the four-cylinder engine was in 1995 when the 968 model went out of production.
The all-new Macan is fitted with an extensive range of equipment including the all-wheel drive system, PDK, multi-function sport steering wheel with shift paddles, large wheels, high-performance audio system and an electrically operated tailgate.
The list of optional special equipment further includes the air suspension system, Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus system (PTV Plus), and the much sought-after dynamic high beam forming part of the Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS Plus), which continuously adjusts the headlight level in keeping with the traffic ahead and any oncoming traffic.
All pricing includes a 5-year/90 000 km maintenance plan.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-440 MR Announced For the UK
Mitsubishi has announced details of its forthcoming Lancer Evolution X FQ-440 MR special edition designed to celebrate the brand’s 40th anniversary in the UK.
Special edition features
The special edition is offered exclusively in Frost White and is additionally equipped with bi-xenon headlights and 18-inch forged BBS alloy wheels.
The model also features Recaro leather bucket seats, a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, GPS navigation with 7-inch LCD touch screen and a Rockford Fosgate premium audio system with 8 speakers and subwoofer, as well as a Bluetooth handsfree system with music streaming.
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is said to be the most powerful Evo ever sold by the company. It is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that has been equipped with an HKS turbocharger, high-flow fuel injectors and an optimized ECU.
The car also has a Janspeed exhaust system, intake and intercooler piping kit, all of which help the 2.0-litre turbo mill deliver an impressive 328 kW at 6 800 rpm and peak torque of 558 Nm at 3 100 rpm. It is connected to a six-speed dual-clutch Sports Shift Transmission.
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is lowered by 35 mm in the front and 30 mm in the rear, and is additionally equipped with Alcon brakes, and Eibach coil springs. There’s also a data recorder which can record details such as driving style, performance, vehicle diagnostics and present its location.
Production will be limited to 40 units.
BMW 2-Series (2014) Driven
BMW SA has launched its all-new 2-Series coupé to the South African market at a launch held in Kwa-Zulu Natal.
The current batch of newly-named BMWs are still confusing people, but essentially all the odd numbers are five doors, whereas the even numbers are two-door vehicles. The 4-Series coupé arrived in 2013 and now its smaller, more compact sibling, the 2-Series has made its way to South African shores.
Styling
I’ve always been a sucker for a small, attractive and sporty coupé, and the BMW 2-Series for me is one of the prettier cars in its arsenal. There’s a distinct sportiness about the car and this is exaggerated by the lovely red and blue paint jobs which our launch cars came in. The striking daytime running light halos are eye catching too. It really is a good looking little car.
BMW 2-Series engine options
Currently there are three engines available at launch. There’s the 220i with a 2.0-litre turbo motor pushing out 135 kW and 270 Nm to start off. For the diesel fans, you can get the 220d which has the same amount of power (135 kW) but torque is a hefty 380 Nm.
Finally, the M fans won’t be disappointed as the M235i offers terrific performance from its 240 kW 3.0-litre turbocharged straight six. The 180 kW 2.0-litre engine will make an appearance in the 228i around the September mark.
Driving the M235i on track
The launch was held in Kwa-Zulu Natal and gave us the chance to sample the all-new BMW 4-Series convertible too. We started in the convertibles on a long drive from Durban’s King Shaka airport, up to Pietermaritzburg and finally down the winding roads towards Port Shepstone.
Once at Port Shepstone, we had the opportunity to drive the M235i on the purpose-built race track of Dezzi Raceway. This track specialises in the art of drifting and the little M235i was eager to impress (and to light up its rear tyres). From the outside, the blue M235i is a really attractive car and when full throttle is applied, it sounds terrific. It’s a proper sports car requiring some talent to make the most of its abilities, but be warned: it’s an animal and with all the stability switched off, it will slide sideways with very little effort.
M235i on the public road
Once the driving shenanigans were over, we jumped into a BMW 2-Series to take us to our overnight stop. I had hoped to grab one of the oil-burning 220d models, but unfortunately my motoring journalist peers had the same idea. I landed up taking a second M235i and it gave me the chance to drive this hooligan on the public roads.
With its 240 kW straight six providing some awesome power driving through the rear wheels through a proper, short throw six-speed manual, the BMW M235i is not a car for sissies and it requires some proper driving skills to really appreciate it. Highway overtaking is a risky affair, even in the tame Comfort mode as you’ll find yourself exceeding the speed limit with no real effort at all.
BMW 2-Series 220i
The next morning I made a beeline for the diesel 2-Series, but was thwarted again! Instead, I landed up with a rather lovely red 220i. With its 135 kW 2.0 engine providing just enough power to be entertaining, the 220i impressed me the most. It’s a relaxing drive generally, but you can push sport mode which livens things up a little.
To be fair, with the amount of speed cameras in Kwa-Zulu Natal, you really don’t want to be driving over the speed limits anyway. I took the BMW 220i around the Valley of a Thousand Hills and on the roads used by the Comrades Marathon runners, and its capable chassis and rear-wheel drive was a great combination.
Summary
In summary, the BMW 2-Series is a delightful and attractive addition to the fleet. It looks great, has numerous features and some great engines to choose from. In my opinion and if I had the money, I would simply go for the 220i right now. A pretty, sporty and classy coupé for Volkswagen Golf GTI money? Yes please! Admittedly the M235i offers exciting and real sports car-like performance, but I couldn’t drive like that every day. If you had your eye on a base-model BMW Z4, then you’d be wise to reconsider and check out the 2-Series instead – you won’t be disappointed. It is that good.
*With all BMWs you get the car with some features. Go through the brochure carefully and check the options, as you can quite easily add R100 000 on top of the base price. That said, the 2-Series is quite generous with standard specification
BMW 2-Series price in South Africa
Model
Price
Power
Torque
220i
R376 000
135 kW
270 Nm
220d
R406 000
135 kW
380 Nm
M235i
R512 000
240 kW
450 Nm
228i
Coming in Sept
Coming in Sept
Coming in Sept
BMW 2-Series gallery
SEAT Confirms Development of Crossover Model Due In 2016
SEAT has finally confirmed that it will produce a new compact SUV model which will come to market in 2016
This will be the companys first ever crossover which has been in development for almost two years at the Martorell facility in Spain.
The model is said to ride on a modified version of Volkswagen Group’s MQB architecture which will offer the choice of either standard front-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive. Power is expected to come from an extended range of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines shared with the SEAT Leon.
This is an excellent piece of news, since it takes SEAT into a new territory, in one of the largest and fastest growing segments in the world, declared SEAT Chairman Jurgen Stackmann today in the Annual Results Press Presentation. The SUV is an important pillar in the future corporate strategy and is a major step forward on the road to reaching sustainable profitability for the company, he added.
Although it will be the first crossover/compact SUV to wear the SEAT badge, the Spanish company has previously produced such a body style with the Audi Q3 at its aforementioned Martorell factory since 2011.
*Please note that pictured is the Seat IBX Concept which debuted live in Geneva this year.
General Motors Reveals New Modular Engine Line-up
General Motors has unveiled their new generation of Ecotec small displacement engines which will be based around a series of common components in a bid to establish a global engine network.
New Ecotec architecture
Built on a modular architecture that broadens its adaptability to global markets, the engines promise to deliver “leading-edge efficiency, refinement and durability.” They will also be highly adaptable and less complex to produce.
The new engines were developed for GM’s global vehicle portfolio and will power many of the company’s highest-volume small cars and compact crossovers including the next-generation Chevrolet Cruze, which launches in 2014 as a 2015 model.
The line-up is said to include 11 engines with three- and four-cylinder variants ranging from 1.0-litre to 1.5-litre including turbocharged versions. GM confirmed that power ratings will range from 56 kW to 123 kW, and torque ranging from 95 Nm to 250 Nm. The architecture has also been designed to support hybrid propulsion systems and alternative fuel applications.
The company further said that the turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine recently introduced in the Opel Adam develops as much power as the naturally aspirated 1.6-litre engine it replaces, but with a 20% improvement in efficiency. While the new 1.4-litre turbo is up to 5% more efficient than the 1.4-litre turbo engine it will replace.
The turbocharged 1.4-litre four-cylinder will produce approximately 110 kW and 235 Nm of torque, while the naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder which will be offered in the next-generation Chevrolet Cruze is expected to develop 84 kW and 146 Nm of torque.
This Ecotec family is one of three new ranges planned or already confirmed by GM, and are the product of a clean-sheet design process. They feature common bore spacing, bore diameter and liners across both three- and four-cylinder blocks designed to reduce complexity and increase flexibility for new applications.
The engines will be built at five different plants – China, Hungary, Mexico, South Korea and the United States – and General Motors expects to produce more than 2.5 million annually by 2017. They will eventually be used in 27 different models by the 2017 model year.
“The new Ecotec architecture represents the most advanced and efficient family of small-car gas engines in GM’s history,” said Tom Sutter, global chief engineer.
“Along with performance and efficiency targets, we’ve also aimed for segment-leading refinement with low noise and vibration and we’ve hit the bulls-eye.”
2015 Audi A3 Sedan Earns IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has released crash-test results for the new 2015 Audi A3 sedan which fared quite well and took one of the top positions among all vehicles tested.
Midsize luxury car earns the IIHS Top Safety Pick Award
According to the IIHS, the A3 Sedan is in fact the first Audi model to earn the 2014 Top Safety Pick Plus moniker, as it scored ‘good’ rating in the small overlap test where a car is crashed into a barrier at 40 mph with 25 percent of the front end. That’s in addition to ‘good’ ratings for frontal and side impact, rear (head restraints), and roof strength (rollover).
The optional front crash prevention system was also taken into account, and received an advanced rating after successfully avoiding a crash in the Institutes 12 mph test.
The only place where the Audi A3 Sedan faltered was in the side impact test, where it scored two acceptable ratings (the second highest rating) for torso and pelvis/leg injuries. The report says that during the side impact test, the dummy shows that rib fractures plus a fracture of the pelvis would be possible in a crash of this severity.
Safety features on the 2015 Audi A3 sedan include side airbags: front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags (standard), rear seat-mounted torso airbags (optional), rollover sensor: designed to deploy the side curtain airbags in the event of an impending rollover, driver and front passenger knee airbags: separate airbags in the lower instrument panel designed to minimize knee injuries in frontal crashes, electronic stability control, antilock brakes, and daytime running lights.
“The Top Safety Pick Plus rating for the A3 sedan demonstrates the full Audi commitment to safety,” said Mark Del Rosso, Chief Operating Officer, Audi of America. “With a host of standard luxury features, industry-first technology and uncompromised design, the Audi A3 raises the bar as to what is expected out of entry-level luxury vehicles.”
2015 Audi A3 Sedan small overlap IIHS crash test
2015 Hyundai Sonata Goes Official
Hyundai has taken the wraps off their brand new mid-size Sedan in South Korea, following some rather revealing spy shots which circulated on the internet earlier this month.
Modern enhanced exterior features
The all-new 2015 Hyundai Sonata has been designed using Hyundai Motors evolved Fluidic Sculpture philosophy, displaying a refined, premium style, sleek exterior and intuitive interior design ethos, projecting a harmonious and athletic appearance.
Coming to dimensions, the 2015 Sonata is 35mm longer and 30mm wider than its predecessor, and Hyundai boasts this car will have superior driving dynamics thanks to MacPherson strut front suspension and a 41% increase in torsional rigidity for the chassis and its 35 percent bigger bending strength. The vehicle is additionally 4855mm long, 1865mm wide and 1475mm tall, with a 2805mm wheelbase and a 462-litre trunk.
According to Hyundai, the Sonata rides on a variety of 16- to 18-inch alloy wheels and benefits from a front MacPherson strut suspension combined with a rear multi-link arrangement. It comes fully equipped with bi-xenon headlights (with High Beam Assist) together with LED daytime running lights and taillights.
Engine line-up
Three engine units will be available for the 2015 Hyundai Sonata in the Korean market including a 2.0 CVVL engine producing 125 kW and 201 Nm, a 2.4 GDi delivering 144 kW and 247 Nm and a 2.0 LPi producing 112 kW and 194 Nm. Transmission options include a six-speed manual and six-speed automatic gearbox .
Interior features
Inside, the model benefits from improved ergonomics and more premium materials that create a more luxurious cabin for the passengers. Safety features include six airbags, ABS, EBD, ESP and TCS systems, along with Advanced Smart Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning System and Blind Spot Detection assistance systems.
Heated and ventilated seats will also be among the features offered, together with heated rear seats, electric rear window blind and rear side curtain blinds along with an eight-inch touchscreen display with support for USB, iPod and Bluetooth connectivity as well as smartphone integration.
The 2015 Hyundai Sonata is due to be introduced again at the New York International Auto Show, and is programmed to go on sale on international markets in the second half of the year. We are still unsure about local plans for this model, but we will keep you updated if any details emerge.
2015 Hyundai Sonata gallery
Alfa Romeo To Launch Seven New Models By 2018
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is apparently working on introducing seven new Alfa Romeo models by 2018 to increase sales of the sports car brand fivefold.
New models set to increase sales
According to a report, Alfa Romeo plans to release a convertible Spider by 2016, which will be followed by the sedan and wagon versions of the Giulia and Alfetta models in 2017 and 2018, respectively.
The Giulia sedan is said to be a rival of the BMW 3 series, while the Alfetta sedan will compete against the BMW 5 series. The seven models will also include the Italian marques latest crossover slated for a 2017 release and a larger SUV due most likely in 2018.
These new models will supposedly ride on a newly developed rear-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive architecture named Giorgio, which suggests the MiTo and Giulietta front-wheel drive hatchbacks will not get successors.
The report further said that Alfa Romeo wants to increase annual sales to at least 500 000 cars a year compared with around 100 000 units sold last year. The same report mentions that the re-launch of the 104-year-old Alfa Romeo is a key part of the groups plans to return to profit in Europe by 2016.
Official details are said to be announced on May 6 when Fiat is due to introduce a new industrial plan outlining investments and all the models the group will launch over the next three years.
Nissan Teases Next-Generation 2015 Murano
Nissan has released the first teaser video of their newest crossover – the 2015 Murano which will make its debut at the New York Auto Show next month.
The redesigned 2015 Murano Crossover
Official details about the car is still unannounced but the company said that as the halo vehicle for Nissan’s expanding range of bold crossovers and SUVs, the Murano previews a new Nissan design language for future Nissan production vehicles. The video reveals the redesigned crossover with boomerang-shaped headlights, LED daytime running lights and chrome accents.
Nissan further hinted that the 2015 Murano will have spacious, premium interior and advanced, purposeful safety and connective technology. Additionally, a number of spy shot images reveal the model will be heavily influenced by the Resonance Concept which debuted at the Detroit Motor Show earlier this year.
As a result it is rumoured then that the 2015 Murano might have also have a hybrid model and is expected to be equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine that produces 193 kW and 325 Nm of torque. It will likely be mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and an optional all-wheel drive system.
More details are said to follow leading to the models debut at the motor show.
2015 Nissan Murano teaser video
*please note that pictured is the Nissan Resonance Concept of which the 2015 Murano is heavily influenced.
Revised 2014 Nissan GT R Launched In SA
A year after the introduction of the 2013 model, Nissan has released the updated version of the revered GT-R supercar adding a host of improvements for the 2014 model year with the same engine specs as the previous model.
Exterior and Interior upgrades
For 2014, the Nissan GT-R benefits from new multi LED headlights which adjust the angle of the lighting beam according to speed and are available as standard. The four LED units have intensive LED high-beam and three different low-beam settings, including long distance and wide illumination; at higher speeds, actuators in the headlight cluster adjust the angle of the LED projectors to throw the light further. At the back, the four-ring tail-light clusters form coherent circles of light which are dramatically illuminated at the start-up procedure.
On the inside, a new red interior colour scheme is available, while the semi-aniline leather seats are now embellished with stitched accents which impart the ambience of a genuine GT designed for first-class cross-continental travel. The infotainment and satellite navigation unit has also been upgraded with the latest in-car entertainment and GPS technology.
New level of sophistication
In addition, the GT-R’s suspension is now symmetrical to reduce load fluctuation between the four wheels for improved stability and more consistent grip. Optimised electronic control of the shock absorber valves and modified front stabiliser spring rates ensure more consistent tyre contact with the road, while enhanced use of suspension stroke improves road holding for a poised and confident ride, continued outstanding traction and a reduction in NVH (noise, vibration and harshness), as well as better straight-line stability.
The Nissan GT-R further comes standard with Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT 600 DSST CTT 255/40 ZRF20 front and 285/35 ZRF20 rear tyres with stiffer sidewalls which reduce deformation and improve steering response under hard cornering. Braking calibration has been re-tuned for a firmer and more linear response at everyday speeds, allowing for smoother braking to be more intuitive, especially in the wet.
Steering has been revised to reduce the effort needed for in-town manoeuvring while maintaining exceptional feedback during high-speed driving. Also new for 2014 is an optional carbon-fibre boot lid and rear wing which replaces the standard boot lid, in order to reduce weight, and increase rear down-force.
2014 Nissan GT R price in South Africa
2014 Nissan GT R Range
Price
Nissan GT R Premium
R1 475 000
Nissan GT R Premium (red interior)
R1 526 000
Nissan GT R Black Edition
R1 527 000
Complementing the standard 3-year/ 100 000 km warranty, the 2014 Nissan GT R is available in South Africa exclusively with an optional 2-year extension to 5-years/ 100 000 km. A 3-year/ 50 000 km service plan is also included as standard.
