BMW At The 2013 Johannesburg International Motor Show

BMW wowed crowds with their innovative technological vehicles at the Johannesburg International Motor Show (currently in full swing for another full week). The manufacturer unveiled a number of new models showing how theyve been pushing the envelope of technology in recent years and what we can expect to see in months and years to come.

The present and future of driving pleasure

The highlight of the stand was both the good looking i8 and electric city i3 vehicle appearing in road ready form. Intended as a sports car, the i8 provides a forward-looking, revolutionary interpretation of BMWs driving experience that rarely fails to disappoint, while the i3, scheduled to be introduced in South Africa in 2014 heralds a new era in mobility with its eDrive technology. View the full report here.

Also included in the line up was the eco-friendly Concept X5 eDrive vehicle, the locally produced BMW 3 Series Sedan and the recently launched BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo, as well as BMWs Z4, which represents an alluringly contemporary interpretation of the traditional roadster concept. The brand further offered a preview of the future of the X family in the form of the new BMW Concept X4.

The third generation of BMW X5 was also unveiled, while the ActiveHybrid 7 showcased BMW Groups groundbreaking EfficientDynamics innovations, and taking the development of intelligent hybrid drive systems to the next level.

The BMW stand also features the M135i, M5 Sedan with the new Competition Package as well as the BMW M6 Gran Coupe and X5 xDrive 30d.

BMW JIMS 2013 gallery

Audi At The 2013 Johannesburg International Motor Show

Audi is always a popular stand at motor shows and its presence at this years Johannesburg International Motor Show showcased the power and prowess of the Audi model range with the South African debut of several high performance machines.

Striking model line-up

Although theres a bit of disappointment that the Audi Nanuk Quattro Concept didnt bless us with its presence, Audi more than compensated by presenting the pinnacles of its performance vehicles such as the A3 Sportback, the A8 RS7 Sportback, RS5 Cabriolet, RS4 Avant, and S6.

Prior to the show we reported on the refreshed 2014 A8 and S8 models which are due in South Africa earlier next year. However, we only got to see the exclusive Audi A8 L W12 Security the long wheelbase high-security version of the Audi A8 which features a host of special security modifications in addition to its heavy armouring.

Audi also presented to the crowd the powerful RS 7 Sportback and their first high-performance model in the A SUV segment the RS Q3. The later is equipped with an engine that produces 228kW and 420Nm of torque while mated to a seven-speed S tronic gearbox. While the 4.0T FSI engine in the RS 7 Sportback delivers 412kW and 700Nm. Audi announced that both the RS 7 Sportback and RS Q3 will be introduced to the market in January 2014.

Further on, Audi revealed the A3 Sedan which is the third model in the successful Audi A3 range, combining striking and sporty styling with impressive handling abilities also due to arrive in 2014. There was also the highly-anticipated new generation Audi A3 Sportback fitted with a powerful engine delivering 206kW and 380Nm. Audi says this model will be introduced to the market in time for the festive season.

Other models completing the stand were the Audi R8 V10 plus, S6, S3 Sportback, RS4 Avant, and RS 5 Cabriolet.

Famous faces at Audi stand

In the mix of all the stunning cars, Audi A1 ambassadors and media personalities Anele Mdoda and Cameron van der Burgh were there to support the brand, so was international motorsport icon Emanuele Piro who has won the Le Mans 24 hour race five times and is now an international Audi Ambassador.

Audi JIMS 2013 gallery

GWM Steed 6 Debuts At JIMS, Arrives In SA In 2014

GWM followed the save the best for last school of thinking when they pulled the covers off their macho Steed 6 pick-up after a thrilling presentation of their new passenger cars at the Johannesburg International Motor Show (JIMS).

Improved leisure-oriented features

First revealed at the Shanghai Auto Show in China earlier this year, the Steed 6 (which will not replace the Steed 5) features bold styling and rides on 17-inch alloy wheels, emphasised by boldly flared wheelarches. Measuring 5 430 mm in length, 1 800 mm in width and 1 755 mm in height, the biggest pickup yet to come from GWM is further differentiated by its ground clearance of over 200 mm and a long wheelbase that measures 3 200 mm.

At launch, the GWM Steed 6 will be offered with a range of engines and transmissions. However the concept vehicle currently on show at JIMS is fitted with GWMs proven 2.0-litre VGT powerplant that delivers 110 kW and 310 Nm of torque.

In terms of equipment, the premium interior features a touch-screen info-tainment system, climate control, one-button start-up, stitched leather inserts on the facia and six airbags. Improved safety and comfort systems include ESP, hill-start and descent assistance, a differential lock and an intelligent four-wheel drive system.

Year on year growth

With 32 per cent year-on-year sales growth in the first six months of 2013, GWMs impressive performance in its domestic market has continued unabated. As one of Chinas largest automakers the brand employs about 42 000 people around the world and also builds around 800 000 vehicles every year – among them – the Steed, which has been Chinas best selling pickup since 1998, shifting 120 000 examples each year.

Now ranked 8^th overall in the Chinese market (including joint-venture operations) star performers in GWMs product line-up (all of which are on show at JIMS) were the H6 SUV (88 800 sold in first six months), M4 crossover (58 700 sold) and C30 compact sedan (71 400).

The Steed 6 will be positioned as a premium-segment vehicle aimed at upmarket, leisure-oriented shoppers in the double-cab market.

The leisure double-cab segment remains an important one in South Africa, to such an extent that the Steed 6 will perform an important flagship role for us. It will take the fight straight to the current market leaders. We cant wait to introduce it, said GWM Brand Manager, Hannes Oosthuizen.

Set to go into production in China in early 2014, South Africans can expect to purchase the pickup during the course of next year, however showgoers can have a good look at this important new player for the duration of JIMS.

GWM Steed 6 gallery

2014 SA Car Of The Year Finalists Announced At JIMS

The jury of the 2014 WesBank/SAGMJ Car Of The Year has announced the nine candidates who will battle for the award which will be presented to one winner next year in February. The announcement of the finalists took place in the Nasrec Arena on the second day of the 2013 Johannesburg International Motor Show.

The evaluation procedure

The judging process will include a two-day evaluation session to be held in Gauteng at the world-renowned Gerotek test facility near Pretoria in January 2014. This is where the jury will asses the cars independently under the conditions individual vehicles would be expected to perform under, with routes and modules designed to test the vehicles in a similar way the average consumer would use them.

The evaluation days will further offer the Jury the opportunity to reacquaint themselves with the vehicles and specific aspects such as aesthetics, build quality, ergonomics, fuel consumption, environmental friendliness, safety features and value for money. They will also have access to independent performance test data, comparative pricing and specification data from RGT Smart as well as comparative parts pricing data, compiled by Malcolm Kinsey.

The candidates

Here are the nine 2014 SA Car Of The Year finalists of which some are already available or will be by the end of the year.

2013 Audi A3 Sportback 1.4T FSI Manual
2013 Jaguar F-TYPE 3.0 V6 S
2013 Lexus IS 350 F-Sport
2013 Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG
2013 Peugeot 208 GTI
2013 Porsche Cayman S
2013 Renault Clio4 66kW Turbo Dynamique
2013 Volkswagen Golf 7 1.4 TSI 90kW Comfortline DSG
2013 Volvo V40 D3 Geartronic Excel

The winner of the 2014 WesBank/SAGMJ Car the Year will be revealed at a gala banquet in February 2014.

2014 SA Car Of The Year candidates gallery

BMW 4 Series Coupe Prices Announced For South Africa

BMW has officially released South African pricing for the 4-Series Coupe.

Outstanding performance features

The 2.0-litre four cylinder engine produces 179kW of power in the 428i coupe while the performance oriented 435i is fitted with a 3.0-litre that delivers 224kW of power and can sprint from 0-100km in 5.3 seconds, reaching an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h, whereas the 428i reaches that speed in 5.7 seconds.

The hefty BMW 4 series coupe price tag gets you a host of standard equipment including a sport automatic transmission, alarm system with radio remote control, Rear view camera, Velour floor mats, Seat adjustment for the sport seats (electric with memory for driver’s seat), Rain sensor and automatic headlight control, and a Hi-Fi loudspeaker system.

Optional equipment includes 19 inch light alloy wheels with star-spoke 407 mixed tyres, electric glass sunroof with sliding and vent function, lumbar support for driver and front passenger(electrically adjustable), seat heating for driver and front passenger, additional 12-V power sockets, BMW Live Apps, and an instrument cluster with extended contents.

A Sport package comes with gloss black accents, a sport-tuned suspension and 18-inch twin-spoke alloy wheels

A Luxury package comes with chrome accents, leather seats and high-gloss wood trim.

An M Sport package comes with an aerodynamic body kit, shadow line trim and 18-inch M-style wheels. There’s also a sports suspension, high-performance brakes and M-spec interior.

BMW 4 Series Coupe Price

BMW 435i Series Coupe – R796 527.40

Included in the selling price of all new BMWs is a 5years/100 00km Motorplan as well as a two-year warranty and unlimited mileage.

BMW 4 Series Coupe gallery

BMW X4 Concept impresses at Joburg Motor Show

BMW is showcasing its X4 concept at the Johannesburg International Motor Show and represents the future of the BMW X family. The BMW X4 concept blends qualities shared by previous X models with the appealing contours of a coupe. The X4 concept will go to market in 2014 and will be built at the BMW plant Spartanburg in the USA.

BMW X4 Concept shows sporty side

The long bonnet, set-back passenger cell and short overhangs are the first give away signs to the X4 concept’s sporty looks. The front-end features the classic BMW kidney grille with twin circular headlights and is bordered with a high-gloss frame and flanked by full LED headlights. Large air intakes allude to the X4’s performance beneath the hood.
From the side, the X4’s coupe styling is undeniable with its gently sloping roofline and low sitting stance. To match its athletic appearance, the BMW X4 Concept rides on large 21-inch light alloy wheels.

Not convinced? Check out the gallery of images below and decide for yourself.

BMW X4 Concept Gallery

The Monstrous Mercedes-Benz Unimog Concept Shows Up At JIMS

Not many people know Mercedes-Benzs special trucks division (MBS) which builds trucks like the Unimog Concept based on the U 5000 Unimog. This monster concept wowed crowds at the Johanesburg International Motor Show with its crisp green exterior paint, very large wheels and the fact that it’s a two seater with very smooth leather seats.

The first Unimog rolled off the assembly line back on June 3, 1951. The Mercedes-Benz Unimog Concept design although based on the U 5000 was inspired by the poison dart frog with stage like headlights, red painted coil springs, and green mudguards.

According to Mercedes-Benz, the concept vehicle shows that even after 60 years – and including the 26 product ranges during this period – the Unimog is still able to renew itself. Mercedes-Benz has confimed – to our disappointment, that this very unique model was not planned for production. Check out our JIMS image gallery of the concept.

Mercedes-Benz Unimog Concept Specifications

Engine: OM 924 LA In-line 4-cylinder

Output power: 160kW at 2200 rpm

Torque: 810Nm at 1200 rpm

Transmission: UG100 8 Forward 6 Reverse

Brakes: Disc Brakes All Around

Suspension: Front Coil Spring, Telescopic Shock Absorbers and Stabilisers

Fuel tank: 160L

Gross Vehicle Mass: 33 000kg

Gross Combined Mass: 33 000kg

Mercedes-Benz Unimog Concept gallery

Volkswagen Cross Coupe Concept at 2013 JIMS

The Volkswagen Cross Coupe concept now on display at the Joburg Motor Show aims to prove that an SUV does not have to guzzle gas and can actually be extremely fuel efficient. The VW Cross Coupe concept certainly demonstrates that with its 1.8-litre/100km fuel consumption figure and corresponding CO2 emissions figure of 46g/km.

VW Cross Coupe maximises hybrid technology

At the heart of these impressive fuel consumption figures lies a 140kW TDI engine in combination with two electric motors including a 40kW front E-motor and a 85kW rear E-motor and a lithium-ion battery. The VW Cross Coupe concept makes use of a 6-speed DSG transmission which allows the concept to accelerate to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds and can reach a top speed of 220km/h. The TDI engine produces torque of up to 400Nm alone, but with both electric motors engaged, the drive system can supply torque of up to 700Nm at the push of a button. The Cross Coupe Concept therefore produces performance associated with sports cars but consumes less fuel than any other small car on the market, impressive.

Volkswagen Cross Coupe Concept is attractive to the eye

Apart from its notable hybrid drivetrain and resulting consumption figures, the Volkswagen Cross Coupe concept is also beautiful to the eye with its clean lines and coupe design. The long bonnet, re-designed front-end and streamlined windows sets the Cross Coupe apart from other SUV’s. It’s bold yet elegant image is further entrenched with its 20-inch alloy wheels.

Interior offers plenty space

The interior of the VW Cross Coupe is refined and offers four individual seats with permanently integrated head restraint with lots of space for passengers in every direction. The rear seat backrests, with exterior plastic shells, can be folded forward to create a durable cargo bay for large or bulky items. With the seats upright, the boot offers 380-litres but when folded down, capacity increases to 1 230-litres.

Volkswagen Cross Coupe Concept Gallery

Mercedes Benz ML 500 Guard offers protection at 2013 JIMS

If it’s protection you seek then look no further than to the Mercedes Benz ML 500 Guard SUV which is currently on display at the Johannesburg International Motor Show and it’s the latest edition to the Merc Guard family.

M Guard SUV stands its ground

The Mercedes-Benz ML 500 Guard is built according to the brand’s integrated protection design principle which means that individual protection elements are incorporated into the raw vehicle bodyshell, creating a comprehensive protection system against ballistic attacks.

The M Guard bodyshell features specific adaptations for the fitting of armour elements as well as a front structure with reinforcing elements. The armour includes windows with special laminated glazing and uniform thickness with a polycarbonate layer for protection against shards. Tight-fitting special formed steel is used throughout the body which helps increase strength. All the components used comply with defined ballistic requirements. The M-Guard SUV meets the requirements of Vehicle Resistance 4 (VR4), which means the M Gaurd SUV is able to withstand certain real life danger situations, like gunfire and explosives.

Mercedes Benz ML 500 Guard SUV still packs a punch on the road

Despite the increase in weight due its protective armour, the ML 500 Guard still delivers an exhilarating ride, especially considering that it’s hiding a 300kW/600Nm V8 under its hood. As you would expect from Mercedes-Benz, comfort isn’t compromised and the interior still offers the same quality as seen on standard production M-Class models. The interior features leather upholstery, infotainment systems and a high-end sound system.

Mercedes Benz ML 500 Price

Mercedes Benz ML 500 Guard – R2 295 000

The ML 500 Guard comes standard with a PremiumDrive 6-year/100 000km maintenance plan including a full factory warranty. Other vehicles in the Guard range include the E 500 Guard and the S 600 Guard.

Mercedes Benz ML 500 Gallery

Volkswagen Scirocco GTS Unveiled in SA

Volkswagen has just pulled the cover off its third generation Scirocco GTS based on the iconic Mark II Scirocco GTS from 30 years ago.

Exclusive interior with red contrasting stitching

The latest model is equipped with a 2.0-litre turbo engine that produces 155kW of power and features the sporty racing style of the 70s and 80s with racing stripes that cover the hood, roof, roof spoiler and tailgate.

The stylish Scirocco further gets custom front and rear bumpers, flared side skirts, matching mirror caps to the racing stripes, rear diffuser, and roof spoiler, as well as glossy 18-inch Thunder alloy wheels with black trim and bright red callipers with GTS badges on the fenders.

On the inside, the Volkswagen Scirocco GTS is embellished with black leather interior features with red trim accents and stitching while the dimpled golf ball shift knob pays homage to the original 1982 Scirocco GTS.

Standard features also include sport seats in a combination of fabric and alcantara, climate and cruise control, and the RCD 210 radio/CD system. View our gallery from the Johannesburg International Motor Show below.

Volkswagen Scirocco GTS Price

Volkswagen Scirocco 2.0 TSI 155 kW (DSG) – R388 100

The Scirocco GTS package is available as option at R19 000