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.
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.
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 years 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 years 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 its 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 doesnt 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. Its 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.
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.
NSX driven by F1 champion headed to auction
The NSX was originally purchased by Sennas friend and manager Antonio Carlos de Almeida Braga. Braga apparently bought the black car for F1 legend to drive while he was visiting his family in Portugal.
Shortly after his tragic death in 1994, the NSX is said to have remained untouched for over two years before being sold to a collector who kept ever since.
Before his death, Senna was considered Honda’s main innovator in convincing the company to stiffen the NSX chassis further after initially testing the car at Honda’s Suzuka GP circuit in Japan.
The Brazilian Formula One World Champion apparently further helped refine the original NSX’s suspension tuning and handling spending a whole day test driving prototypes and reporting his findings to Honda engineers after each of the day’s five testing sessions. Senna also tested the NSX at the Nurburgring and other tracks.
The production car made its first public appearances as the NS-X at the Chicago Auto Show in February 1989, and at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 1989. But then after some revisions and before final production and sale, the vehicle’s name changed from NS-X to NSX.
The Honda NSX went on sale in Japan in 1990, and was sold under Honda’s flagship Acura luxury brand starting in 1991 in North America and Hong Kong.
The 1992 Honda NSX is powered by a mid-mounted 201 kW 3.0-litre V6 engine, which sends its power to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox.
According to Silverstone Auctions managing director Nick Whale, Very rarely does a car with such pedigree and provenance come to market, especially with such a powerful and personal link to arguably the greatest F1 driver of all time, and as such, were incredibly excited to offer it for auction.
The 1992 model has supposedly only covered 51177 kilometres and is expect to sell for around £85,000 (approximately over a million South African Rands) when it is auctioned at Silverstone Auctions Race Retro & Classic Car Sale on February 22.
Next generation NSX model
On a side note, sometime last year Honda introduced a new concept model for the NSX which is a profusely hi-tech, two-seater, four-wheel-drive hybrid supercar utilizing a petrol engine as well an electric motor to propel itself.
The exterior styling retains much of the original concepts styling with its low and wide stance and features edgy details that exude a supercar attitude and a high-tech feel.
The production version of NSX has recently gone on sale in the UK, ahead of a planned 2015 launch. We saw the NSX concept car at the Johannesburg Motor Show last year and we were blown away.
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.
News about the Gallardo replacement broke in bits and pieces late last year, where the brand confirmed that its new Huracan can complete the 0-100 km/h task in 3.2 seconds before hitting a top speed of 325 km/h.
And here in this short drifting scene you can hear the powerful and aggressive sound provided by the V10 5.2-litre engine which works together with a dual-clutch 7-speed gearbox and an AWD system.
The Lambos official public debut has been confirmed for March 6, which will most likely happen at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. For now you can enjoy listening to the impressive Huracan’s growls in the video below.
Lamborghini Huracan Video
Toyota Auris HSD XR Review
The thing with hybrids is it’s the automotive equivalent of liking your own Facebook status. As the joke goes, ‘how do you know someone drives a hybrid? They’ll tell you.’
Personally I have nothing against hybrids and I quite enjoy trying to get the most mileage out of them. The Auris HSD looks very similar to its normal siblings, except for a few subtle Hybrid Synergy Drive badges. This is perfect then as you’ll blend in nicely and won’t be the butt of any jokes.
Engine from a Toyota Prius
At the heart of the Auris HSD is a 1.8-litre engine which is paired with an electric motor. Clever technology will allow you to drive on battery power only at slower speeds such as bumper-to-bumper traffic. Once you reach around the 50km/h mark, the petrol engine kicks in and you drive normally. The car will then take this time to use the petrol engine to charge the battery. Further energy is recovered through the braking process, which is then sent to the battery. It’s all rather clever, but does it translate into great fuel economy?
Eco champion
The simple answer is yes. Once you’ve changed your driving style to suit the car’s nature, you’ll see some commendable fuel economy figures. The car makes brilliant sense if you’re a commuter and spend a fair portion of your time stuck in traffic. The petrol engine becomes redundant and you can get about on electric. During the few days I had the Auris HSD I saw 5.5l/100km on the readout. Given the fact I was doing long open road highway drives, this figure is good. Put the car into a congested city and I’ll be mighty surprised if you don’t go under 5l/100km. If the Lexus CT200h, which has the same engine as the Toyota Auris HSD, can do this then so can you.
Ride and drive
It’s not too bad to drive apart from being a little dull. If you’re after comfort and predictable, the Toyota Auris HSD delivers. If you’re after some excitement, you’re going to be disappointed. While there’s very little to fault, the car is just underwhelming to drive. It’s like an accountant in her office. She won’t talk about her weekend while making coffee on a Monday morning, but you know all her work and books will be up to date.
Features and specification
Standard features of the Toyota Auris HSD include seat warmers, reverse camera, park assist, LED daytime running lights, Bluetooth/USB connectivity, cruise control and steering wheel-mounted controls for audio. The ergonomics of the car aren’t bad either, and my only criticism is the cabin is a bland place to be. I thought Toyota was trying to make exciting and fun-orientated vehicles? Clearly the Auris HSD wasn’t included in that plan…
Summary and conclusion
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. It doesn’t put a foot wrong, except when you’re in a rush and the engine sounds a little strained, and it feels like you’re driving something that should hold its value and be reliable. If only the Toyota Auris HSD wasn’t boring to drive.
The debate of hybrid versus eco diesel is raised again with this vehicle. I recently had the rather good Honda Civic 1.6 diesel on test and was very impressed with the combination of frugal engine and sporty design. The Honda is significantly cheaper too, but you’ve got the guarantee of good servicing from the Toyota.
Toyota Auris HSD price in South Africa
The Toyota Auris HSD here is the XR version, which gives you some more features and specification. It retails for R336 400. The XS version sells for R310 200.
Toyota Auris HSD XR Specifications
Engine
1.8 litre inline-four petrol with electric motor
Power
73 kW @ 5 200 rpm (100 kW with electric)
Torque
142 Nm @ 4 000 rpm
Transmission
CVT
Wheels
17-inch
0-100km/h (Claimed)
11.4 seconds (claimed)
Fuel economy
4l/100km (claimed on the combined cycle)
We like: . Great fuel economy
. Decent ride
. Well kitted out
We dislike: . You may fall asleep during the drive because its so dull
. Engine noise when in a hurry
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.
The Swedish manufacturer only built six production cars and all of them have already been sold. Expected to become the fastest production car in the world, the One:1 boasts 1044 kW and weighs 1400 kg which will include all fluids and the weight of an average-sized driver.
The “One:1” nameplate refers to the vehicle’s power-to-weight ratio, which although incredible, is not as impressive as the aerodynamic redesign and redevelopment of the Koenigsegg One:1 compared to the Koenigsegg Agera R.
Koenigsegg’s engineers say the One:1 can theoretically reach top speeds of more than 450 km/h, which will most likely be limited by the tyres.
The Swedish company expects the One:1 to set new records for the sprint time from 0-200 km/h, 300 km/h, and they estimate hitting 400 km/h from standstill in approximately 20 seconds.
The car is further equipped with carbon fibre wheels, a new front fascia with a more aggressive lower front splinter and a fixed roof with a carbon fibre air scoop. The rear is completed by a large rear wing, a new diffuser and a central exhaust outlet.
More details concerning the Koenigsegg will be revealed at the special debut in Geneva in March. You can expect the One:1 to compete against the Mclaren P1, Porsche 918 and the Bugatti Veyron.
