2013 Lexus ES Debuts In South Africa

Lexus South Africa is expanding its local line-up with the all-new ES 250 luxury sedan which is scheduled to make its first public appearance at the Johannesburg International Motor Show next week.

Newest expression of the Lexus signature design

Completely redesigned, the model adopts a bold new face with a dramatically sculpted spindle grille, strong shoulderline, daytime running lights, short front and rear overhangs, 17-inch alloy wheels and an extended wheelbase.

Inside, the cabin is equipped with the second-generation Remote Touch interface featuring an eight-inch deep-set colour monitor, fully integrated satellite navigation, wall-to-wall leather with high quality stitching and ambient lighting, Piano Black finishes and the Champagne Silver console trim. It also resembles many of the new GS such as the analogue clock and the Nano-e climate system.

Additional standard features include a moonroof, remote keyless entry, power seats with seat heaters (drivers seat memory), electrochromatic mirror, back guide monitor and PDC. Rear headroom has been increased by 20mm while rear knee space is up by 60mm.

Improved engine capability

The redesigned Lexus ES no longer directly shares the Toyota Camry platform, and instead is built on the Toyota Avalon platform which is 50 mm (2 inches) longer than the Camry.

Under the hood, two different engines are available. The ES 250 is fitted with a new 2.5-litre Dual VVT-i twin-cam four-cylinder engine that produces 135kW at 6000 rpm and 235Nm of torque at 4100 rpm. It is also equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission, which enables is to do the century sprint in less than ten seconds and can exceed 200 km/h.

The Lexus ES 300h which is available only on order, is powered by a 2.5-litre single VVT-i twin-cam Atkinson cycle four-cylinder unit delivering 118kW at 5700 rpm and 213Nm of torque at 4500 rpm. When combined with a 105 kW electric motor thats fed by a 650V nickel-metal hydride battery the engine produces 151kW of power. Equipped with an ECVT system, the Lexus ES 300h does 0-100 km/h in 8.5 seconds before reaching a top speed of 180 km/h.

Lexus says price-wise, the new ES slots in just below the IS range. The model will be unveiled at the Johannesburg International Motor Show, and will go on sale shortly after that, with the ES 300h available on order.

2013 Lexus ES gallery

Mazda CX-5 Introduced With Smart Idle Stop System

Mazda has announced a new start stop system for the CX-5 which promises fuel economy gains of 10% or more without the need for an electric motor.

Ensuring quick and consistent starts

Conventional idle-stop systems save fuel by automatically shutting down the engine when the driver brings the vehicle to a stop (at traffic lights, for example) and automatically restarting the engine when the driver subsequently pulls away.

Mazdas Smart Idle Stop System (SISS), on the other hand – restarts the engine through combustion. The system initiates engine restart by injecting fuel directly into the cylinder while the engine is stopped, and igniting it to generate downward piston force. (see diagram)

This apparently enables an SISS-equipped Mazda petrol engine to restart in 0.35 seconds, or half the time of start-stop systems using an electric motor. The brand further claims that the Smart Idling Stop System is more energy-efficient than an electrical motor restart, and can also restart the engine more quickly and quietly than a conventional idle-stop system.

Suited with SKYACTIV technologies

SKYACTIV engines were designed to make internal combustion as effective as possible. Engineers of the SKYACTIV-G petrol engine were aiming for a lightweight design that produced more from less.

Fully equipped with the SKYACTIV technology, Mazda says the CX-5 2.0-litre petrol engine uses as little as 6.8litres/100 km of fuel in manual guise and 6.9litres/100 km in automatic configuration.

A newly-designed 4-2-1 exhaust system and special pistons resolve the challenges associated with high compression, with an extraordinarily high compression ratio at 13:1. And as a result, the SKYACTIV-G has considerably less internal friction than a standard 2.0L petrol engine, developing 114kW of power at 6000 rpm and 200Nm of torque at 4000 rpm.

To further enhance the CX-5’s athletic character, Mazda is offering with it a brand new cutting-edge six-speed SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmission on the Dynamic and Individual derivatives, as well as a six-speed manual transmission for the Active model.

Mazda CX-5 Price

Mazda CX-5 2.0 L Active MT – from R316 600

Mazda CX-5 2.0 L Dynamic AT – from R344 100

Mazda CX-5 2.0 L Individual AT – from R397 400

Every CX-5 comes with a 3 year Mazda Roadside Assistance plan, a 5 year/90,000 km Service Plan and a 4 years/120,000 km warranty. Service intervals are every 15,000km.

New Turbocharged 2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS For SA

Due for South African release in the first quarter of 2014, GMSA is set to reveal the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS at the upcoming Johannesburg International Motor Show.

Although the sporty hatchback won’t compete against segment leaders such as the Ford Fiesta ST, it’s expected to provide an alternetive for those looking for performance and sporty looks.

Tuned for performance

The five-door hatchback will be powered by a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine packing 103kW of power and 200Nm of torque. Coupled to an uprated suspension, the Sonic RS also features improved handling to match the boosted performance and is the only vehicle in its segment to offer turbocharged power.

Besides the engine upgrade, the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS comes with a number of updated exterior features that give it the more-aggressive look inspired by the Aveo RS concept that debuted in Detroit in 2010.

Also, there are number of details that differentiate it from its siblings which include dark painted 17-inch alloy wheels sporting a unique design and additional RS badging, redesigned fog lights with an RS specific grille, red interior detailing with a new sports steering wheel, new aluminium sports dials and seats, as well as a Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system.

According to Chevrolet Brand Manager, Tim Hendon, the RS badge forms the first level of performance-oriented nomenclature within the model naming hierarchy at Chevrolet – making the Sonic RS a very special car. It will certainly add some interesting flavour to the Sonic product portfolio in South Africa next year.

2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS gallery

Nissan Sales Summary For September 2013

Nissans passenger car range helped maintain the brands momentum through a challenging month. The brand reported a total of 4129 sales, although sales of locally-produced light commercial vehicles severely undermined by industrial action.

Unfortunately strongest sales in September were not felt by the LCV contenders, as both the NP200 half-tonner and NP300 one-tonner ranges were simply absent from showroom floors. Production losses amounted to about 1600 units, due to the nation-wide strike which started in August and led to stoppages at the Rosslyn plant compounded by similar action at component suppliers.

According to Nissan, the newly released Almera and Sentra sedans greatly highlighted the sales impact in the B and C segments respectively, while Micra put in another strong performance in the supermini market, with sales of 495 sales.

Under the circumstances, the month turned out better than expected and we had half a year of steady growth in our passenger car sales this was our best performance since February. Almera and Sentra helped us to a nine percent market share, and in fact we only dropped 119 units compared to August, says Nissan South Africas Sales, Marketing and After sales Director Johan Kleynhans.

Here is a breakdown of the Nissan sales summary for September 2013 which includes key sales figures, top 5 model sales and the most popular used cars.

Nissan new car sales summary for September 2013

Total new car sales: 4129 units
Total market share: 7.6%
Total passenger vehicle sales: 2198 units
Total Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) sales: 1931 units

Top 5 Nissan new passenger car sales for September 2013 (compared to August 2013)

Nissan NP300 Hardbody 836 units (883)
Nissan NP200 726 units (1089)
Nissan Micra 495 units (391)
Nissan Almera 460 units (439)
Nissan Juke 356 units (323)

Top 5 used Nissan cars in South Africa for September 2013 (in terms of views on cars.co.za)

Nissan Hardbody
Nissan Navara
Nissan Tiida
Nissan X-Trail
Nissan NP200

Nissan in the news

New Nissan Almera Review

2014 Nissan X-trail Revealed

2014 BMW 4 Series Convertible Official Photos Released

Photos of the 2014 BMW 4 series convertible have sneakily surfaced onto the web. They’re claimed to be sourced from BMW’s accessories brochure, hence the bike rack feature.

BMW is yet to release full technical details of the model, however it’s quite obvious from the photos and previous spy shots that the larger and slightly lighter 4-Series Convertible will feature different headlights, a sportier front fascia and ventilated front fenders. The design mirrors the recently introduced 4-Series Coupe with the main obvious difference being the retractable metal roof.

The model lineup and engine choices will also supposedly be identical to that of the 3-Series Convertible. Meaning there will be a 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo unit with about 180kW and 350Nm, as well as a more powerful 3.0-liter, inline-six TwinPower Turbo engine delivering around 225kW and 400Nm of torque.

The 2014 BMW 4-Series Convertible will celebrate its debut at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show.

2014 BMW 4 Series Convertible gallery

Perfomance Driven Hyundai Legato Concept Unveiled

In partnership with ARK Performance, Hyundai has developed a new Legato Concept based on the Genesis Coupe but features more power and conveys the seamless integration of exotic design.

Dynamic ARK Perfomance Styling

The Legato Concept retains the integrity of the original Genesis Coupe design and features a dynamic body kit that includes modified bumpers, revised side skirts and a rear deck lid spoiler. A racing silver exterior color maximizes the surface visibility of the concept’s nuanced design. The car also has an ARK DT-P coil-over suspension and lightweight alloy wheels coupled with Nitto NT05 tyres that ensure outstanding dynamic grip.

“The ARK Legato Concept demonstrates the compelling appeal and versatility of the original Genesis Coupe production concept,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president, product planning, Hyundai Motor America. “ARK Performance has taken this original concept and expanded its appeal to the most demanding premium coupe owners at a whole new level.”

The interior features an AiM Sports Strada GT steering wheel, Takata Drift Pro LE seats, a digital instrument cluster and a Rockford Fosgate premium sound system.

Modified engine

Power will come from a production-based 3.8-liter Lambda V6 engine stroked out to 4.0-liters with much of the internal components having been replaced by new pistons, a BC 4340 crankshaft and upgraded connecting rods. The engine has also a lightweight pulley kit, new headers and an ARK air intake. All these modifications will enable the engine to produce 298kW of power and 575Nm of torque.

The performance luxury coupe concept will be showcased at the 2013 SEMA show in Las Vegas, November 5-8.

Hyundai Legato Concept gallery

Renault Duster Detour Concept To Be Unveiled In SA

Renault has announced its plans to unveil the Duster Detour Concept next week, during the 2013 Johannesburg International Motor Show.

Duster Detour Concept – a little Mad Max with a touch of the Terminator

The model will be based on the recently facelifted Duster off-roader which was developed by Renault Design Central Europe in collaboration with a Johannesburg-based design studio. The Duster Detour Concept is also said to be covered in a two-tone pearl yellow and matte grey paint, and is the result of mixing “a little Mad Max with a touch of the Terminator” and some Dakar influences.

Very little is known about the Detour Concept, but from this teaser photo, it looks likes the fog lights have been moved right under the front grille, and there’s LED technology for the taillights and five-spoke black alloy wheels with orange accents and a revised cabin.

Additional details on the Renault Duster Detour Concept are limited for now, but will be announced during the 2013 Johannesburg Motor Show, on the 16th of October.

South African New Car Sales Summary For September 2013

The strike action during September severely damaged South Africas status as a reliable supplier to international export markets and could well negatively affect future export contracts being awarded to South African automotive manufacturers.

However, despite labour disputes, low GDP growth and exchange rate volatility suppressing the efforts to increase vehicle sales, there were some positive signals.

After four years of growth in the domestic market, aggregate sales continued to reflect modest growth on a year to date basis which showed an improvement of 5.0% compared to the corresponding nine months of 2012.

In addition, sales of vehicles in the medium and heavy truck segments of the Industry largely unaffected by strike action recorded an increase of 108 units or 13.9% in the case of medium commercial vehicles, and an increase of 46 units or 3.0% in the case of heavy trucks and buses compared to the corresponding month last year.

Overall, out of the total reported Industry sales of 54 281 vehicles, 42 408 units or 78.1% represented dealer sales, 15.3% represented sales to the vehicle rental Industry, 3.6% to Industry corporate fleets and 3.0% to government.

Going forward, it is going to be extremely difficult, for manufacturers to make up for all of the loss in vehicle and component output. However, they are expected to put into place action plans to make up for some of the lost production and to enable the Industry to supply the needs of customers in highly competitive international markets.

Bellow is a South African new car sales summary for September 2013, which includes stats on the top 5 Passenger and Light Commercial Vehicles, as well as export figures.

South African new car sales summary for September 2013

Total new vehicle sales: Total Industry sales of 54 281 units for September 2013 reflected a decline of 1.5% or 812 vehicles from the 55 093 units sold in September last year.
Total export sales: Due to the prolonged automotive strike action, new vehicle exports during September 2013 registered a substantial decline of 20 024 units or a fall of 75.1% compared to the 26 646 vehicles exported in September last year.
A total of 39 792 new cars were sold in September 2013, which represented a marginal improvement of 303 units or small gain of 0.8% compared to the 39 489 new cars sold in September last year.
Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) including bakkies, and mini busses buses at 12 014 units during September 2013 reflected a decline of 1269 units or -9.6% compared to the 13 283 light commercial vehicles sold during the corresponding month last year.

South Africas best-selling car brands for September 2013

Car Brand	Volume RSA	Volume Export
Toyota	9751	1913
Volkswagen Group SA	8961	1582
Ford Motor Company	6152	938
GMSA	5096	204
Nissan	4129	794

Top 5 selling new cars

Model	Volume RSA	Volume Export
Toyota Hilux	2739	1844
Volkswagen Polo	2634	1582
Volkswagen Polo Vivo	2435	0
Toyota Etios	2358	0
Ford Figo	1690	0

Top 5 Selling Passenger Vehicles

Model	Volume RSA	Volume Export
Volkswagen Polo	2634	1582
Volkswagen Polo Vivo	2435	0
Toyota Etios	2358	0
Ford Figo	1690	0
Toyota Corolla/Auris	1005	7

Top 5 Selling Light Commercial Vehicles

Model	Volume RSA	Volume Export
Toyota Hilux	2739	1844
Ford Ranger	1435	934
Chevrolet Utility	1329	1
Isuzu KB	1049	126
Nissan NP300 Hardbody	836	243

Kia Cerato Hatchback – Specs And Prices For SA

Kia has launched yet another C-segment competitor following the launch of the Cerato Sedan in May this year.

The all-new Cerato Hatchback will be offered in 3 different equipment levels across two engines the 1.6 EX, 2.0 EX and 2.0 SX featuring increased cabin space and dynamic styling.

European design language

The new generation of the Cerato is longer, lower and wider than the current car and has a sleeker profile, as well as an increased wheelbase that makes for a spacious cabin.

There isnt much difference between the two versions, except the South Korean company mentions that the new model boasts an aggressive front fascia with larger bumper and grille openings, black gloss grille inserts, large front brakes, alloy sport pedals as well as front and rear seats with carbon fibre-style accents.

Inside, the 5-door hatch features easy-to-read white-on-black gauges nestled deeply into the instrument cluster, chrome accents around the HVAC controls and carbon fibre-like textures on the dash and seats. There is also a sporty leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, and a new large 4.3-inch TFT LCD screen.

New levels of specification

Powertrains and transmissions are the same as in the sedan model as are the safety features.

The 1.6 EX comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic light control, Bluetooth, cruise control, electric windows and side mirrors, LED daytime running lights, a radio with MP3, iPod and USB compatibility, rear air-vents, six speakers and steering wheel mounted controls.

The 2.0 EX trim further features a Flexsteer system, leather seats and an optional sunroof, while the 2.0 SX comes with standard 17-inch alloy wheels, front and rear park distance control, LED tail-lights, a smart welcome home system, a smart key with a stop/start button, a rear view camera and Xenon headlamps.

Kia Cerato Hatchback Price

Kia Cerato hatchback 1.6 EX R229 995

Kia Cerato hatchback 1.6 EX AT R239 995

Kia Cerato hatchback 2.0 EX R259 995

Kia Cerato hatchback 2.0 EX AT R269 995

Kia Cerato hatchback 2.0 SX R289 995

Kia Cerato hatchback 2.0 SX AT R299 995

The Cerato range comes standard with a 5-year /150 000km warranty, 5-year/90 000km service plan and a 3-year/unlimited km roadside assistance plan.

Kia Cerato Video

Kia Cerato Hatchback gallery

The Cars.co.za September Motoring Report Infographic

The Cars.co.za September infographic has launched and features all the important information you need in the South African motor industry.

This months infographic features the release of the highly anticipated Renault Duster, which we had the pleasure of recently reviewing. Read our Renault Duster review right here.
Also included in the report are the following features:

Top 5 motoring brands
Results of our poll
New car market share
Most popular new cars in South Africa
Most popular used cars – based on views on Cars.co.za

*The new car statistics included in the infographic were sourced from the Naamsa new car sales report.
**The used car statistics used in the infographic are sourced directly from Cars.co.za

View last month’s report: August 2013 Motoring Report Infographic

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