2014 Peugeot 3008 Facelift Revealed

In addition to the Peugeot 308 R Concept, Peugeot will be showing the 2014 3008 and 3008 HYbrid4 crossover sporting a new front fascia and revised grille, restyled headlights and additional chrome trim.

For individualisation the 3008 will be available in no fewer than nine exterior colours including new ruby red and a three-layer coating in pearl white. While its hybrid counterpart is available in six colours, such as in Shark Grey. The 2014 Peugeot 3008 facelift also includes new taillights, enhanced 16 to18-inch alloy wheels highlighted by elegant diamond gloss accents. Interior improvements include revised upholstery, additional metallic trim and updated switchgear.

A wide range of engines

The Peugeot 3008 facelift and 3008 HYbrid4 will be available in a variety of engine options including:

– 1.6-liter e-HDi FAP with 84 kW using an electronically controlled six-speed manual
– 1.6-liter HDi FAP with 84kW
– 2.0-liter HDi FAP with power outputs of 110 kW and 120 kW
– 1.6-liter VTi with 88 kW
– 1.6-liter THP delivering 114 kW and 120 kW

In the 3008 HYbrid4, the 2.0-liter HDi FAP engine powers the front wheels while a 27kW electric motor powers the rear wheels. This enables the model to produce a combined maximum output of 147 kW with claimed fuel consumption of just 3.4-litres/100km.

All three models form part of a 30-car exhibit which will also feature the new 208 HYbrid FE ‘demonstrator’ built in partnership with Total.

2014 Peugeot 3008 and 3008 HYbrid4 Gallery

Volkswagen e-Golf and e-Up! specs officially released

Volkswagen has announced that they will officially unveil the production-ready electric Golf and Up for the first time at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Both the Volkswagen e-Golf and e-Up! are exclusively available with four doors and are said to offer “unlimited everyday practicality, are attractively equipped, and are new leaders in energy efficiency.” The electric Golf and Up! also share standard features like automatic climate control with parking heater and ventilation, radio-navigation system, windscreen heating, and LED daytime running lights. The e-Golf will be the first Volkswagen with LED headlights.

First Electric Golf specs

The e-Golf is powered by an electric motor delivering 85kW and 270Nm, which powers the front wheels. The model reaches 100km/h in 10.4 seconds. On a motorway, top speed is limited to 140 km/h. With a 24.2kWh battery the e-Golf has a maximum range of 190 km.

e-Up specs

The e-Up! will be sold with a 60kW electric motor that transmits 210Nm of torque to the front wheels. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes 12.4 seconds reaching a limited top speed of 130 km/h. The electric city car further comes with an 18.7kWh battery with a range of 160 km.

Electric VW Cars Charging times

Volkswagen mentions that filling up the batteries of both cars to an 80 percent level from CCS charging stations (direct current) will take approximately 30 minutes. Driving dynamics can be controlled through two driving modes and four regenerative brake modes. It will be interesting to see how VW’s first foray into the electric mainstream plays out, but with the popularity of the Golf already firmly established, this will be an electric vehicle to watch.

e-Golf and e-Up prices for South Africa have not been announced, but additional details and availability on both cars will be disclosed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

Volkswagen e-Golf and e-Up Gallery

Peugeot 308 R Concept Official Images Revealed

Almost every automaker has leaked, teased and released images of their new models set to debut at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show – including French automaker Peugeot, who have just officially released images and details of the Peugeot 308 R Concept.

Peugeot 308 R Concept – Features

The model comes complete with a dropped suspension, beefed-up aero kit with larger bumpers, side skits, lowered ride height with huge 19-inch double-spoke alloy wheels, upgraded brakes and a two-tone gloss red and matte black paint job.

Peugeot say the “pure and sleek style” 308 R Concept is “a hatchback which carries the Marque’s upmarket ambitions, and radicalises this boldness and enriches the expertise of Peugeot Sport to obtain extreme sensations.”

Power comes from the same 1.6-litre turbo four-cylinder engine as in the RCZ R, delivering 201kW of power at 6000 rpm and 330Nm of torque at 1900 rpm. Fuel consumption is rated to be at 6.3-litres/100km with CO2 emissions of 145 g/km.

Power is deployed to the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox and harnessed to fully exploit its potential through the front axle via a Torsen differential. Stopping power is provided by Alcon discs measuring 380mm up front and 330mm at the back with four-piston callipers.

Peugeot 308 R Concept Gallery

Mercedes-Benz Edition C Unveiled

Mercedes-Benz has added a new addition to their C-Class line-up which is available for any C-Class Sedan, Coupe, and Estate models. This Mercedes-Benz Edition C model features extensive modifications to the interior and in the areas of multimedia and telematics.

Mercedes-Benz Edition C – Engine Capability

A new addition to the C-Class range is the C300 for sedan and estate admirers, which is equipped with an engine that delivers 185kW of power and 340Nm of torque. It accelerates in 6.9 seconds and has a top speed of 250 km/h. The C 300 is further enhanced with Command Online Multimedia system that delvers data in real time.

Distinctive Avant-garde Designs

The special-edition includes a new grille with glossy black louvers and chrome trim, darkened headlamps, AMG front and rear aprons and side sills, 17-inch five spoke alloy wheels, chrome tailpipes and special badging. The Coupe model as well as Sedan and Estate models can be ordered with the avant-garde design/equipment line including special 18-inch wheels.

Inside, the Mercedes-Benz Edition C is upgraded with sports seats with two-tone contrasting stitching, dark aluminium trim, microfibre upholstery, a sports wheel and shifter wrapped in Nappa leather and a 4.5-inch multifunction display.

Mercedes Benz Edition C – Price

Mercedes-Benz C 300 Edition C – R499 443

All Edition C models come standard with the class-leading PremiumDrive 6-years/100 000 km maintenance package with no customer contribution. The C-Class Edition C equipment and appointments add R5900 to the price of the Coupe, Sedan, and Estate models.

Mercedes-Benz Edition C Gallery

Cars.co.za Releases Powerful Car App for Android

Bank queues, home affairs, doctor’s waiting rooms. Traditionally, the least interesting activities known to mankind. Thankfully you don’t have to page through that tatty copy of Huis Genoot anymore.

Following a very successful launch of an exciting car app for iPhone and iPad, Cars.co.za has developed a unique car app for Android that puts the site’s massive database of cars for sale in South Africa into your pocket – available anytime, anywhere.

The app is fast, convenient and features clever tools to help you find the perfect car for your budget.

Get the latest car news, research new car prices and specs, and tag your favourites to view later. It’s all at your fingertips.

Cars.co.za is proud to present our local app tailored for the Android platform.

Powerful Android App feature functionality includes:

  • Simple “Quick search” facility
  • Advanced search facility
  • Multiple search criteria support
  • Comprehensive sorting options
  • Favourites tagging
  • Multiple images
  • Simple contact form

New Car Research

The new Cars.co.za Android app is a first for South Africa in offering a comprehensive new car database that is constantly updated with pricing and specs. You’ll find everything you need to know about that new model right here. An exclusive list of new car specials is also available.

The Latest Local and International Car News

Our team of writers bring you the latest from the world of cars everyday – direct to your app. Car news, reviews and industry analysis, with fresh content every single day.

Additional Service and Tools

The Tools section of the new app offers a handy vehicle finance calculator and insurance quote generator – providing all the information you might need to make the best purchasing decision.

Download the Cars.co.za Android App

Download the App here

Cars.co.za App Gallery

Five Car Optional Extras To Avoid

Where some manufacturers make sure that everything is standard, others offer a long list of optional extras. If you’re not careful, ticking those boxes can quickly raise the price of your car by hundreds of thousands of Rands. A few weeks back I suggested the five options you need on your next car, but this week I highlight the top five car options to avoid.

Five Car Optional Extras To Avoid

1. Satellite Navigation

Current satellite navigation systems are clumsy, have terrible user interface and are outdated too quickly. More importantly, none in South Africa support traffic integration – which is where the applications from TomTom, Google and native app maps on your smartphone, or simple Garmin plug in GPS are the way to go. Also, because satellite navigation in a vehicle can run up to R25 000, where most of the apps are free or a tenth of the price, updated more regularly and integrate the voice turn by turn by streaming through your car’s sound system. Until they integrate satellite navigation from your smartphone, don’t bother.

2. Lane Departure Warning – Upwards of  R8K

This safety system warns you of other vehicles in your cars’ blind-spot using radar. The warning is usually displayed in the side view mirrors and also has an audible warning. That said, the systems I’ve used rarely work properly, and at the current price for the technology, you could rather just crane your neck like the rest of us.

3. Adaptive/ intelligent headlights – Upwards of R10K

Adaptive or “intelligent headlamps” as they are also called, are coupled with Xenon headlamps to ensure better visibility at night around corners and in other areas. The headlamps can turn and vary their spread, as well as automatically switch on high-beam (brights), and off again, using light sensors. The technology is fairly new and expensive, and LED headlamps making their way into the market will do all this without it being an option. Unless you live on the twistiest bit of road in SA, I’d say don’t go for it. For the cost the benefit isn’t that much better.

4. TV functionality – Upwards of R8K

Let’s be honest, if you can afford a car with TV functionality, you’re probably not watching our terrestrial offerings, which is all it can accommodate (SABC and alike). In most cases it can only be used when you’re stationary, and even if you’re in the back seat, I’d say you’d probably be using a DRIFTA from DSTV for real news. Give it a skip, and watch on the couch like the rest of us.

5. Bigger rims – Upwards of  R4K

This is bound to cause a lot of consternation but hear me out. Unless you’re using your car on track days or the standard tyre and rim combination uses a hubcap and looks poor, I’d steer clear. Bigger rims more often than not take the ride from comfortable to terrible, as they crash over bumps and imperfections in our wonderful South African roads. Let alone their inability to handle potholes, which means you’ll be forking out money for low profile tyres and replacing buckled rims in no time. Yes they look better, and definitely allow better handling, but at the end of the day, public roads aren’t a racetrack, so go for whatever came standard, and drive comfortably.

Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Unveiled

General Motors has unveiled its updated fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro Convertible which originally debut as a concept in 2006. The redesigned sports car is set to make its European debut at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show.

Chevrolet Camaro Convertible – Engine Capability

Boasting new and enhanced high-performance aerodynamics, the Camaro is equipped with a 6.2-litre V8 engine that delivers 318kW of power and 569Nm of torque. Connected to either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission will enable the convertible to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds, which is 0.2 more that it takes the coupe.

Enhanced Exterior and Interior Features

Changes to the 2014 Camaro Convertible, like the Coupe, are distinguished by modified bumpers, a revised grille and new headlights and taillights. At the rear it features a sculptural deck lid, horizontal lamps and diffuser, and a spoiler with integral antenna.

The interior offers modern convenience and connectivity with its standard remote keyless entry (on the automatic variant), leather appointed power-adjustable Recaro sport bucket seats, and the new Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system with a seven-inch touchscreen display and Bluetooth/USB/AUX connectivity.

The 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible will be joined at the Frankfurt Motor Show by the coupe version which was introduced to the world at the New York Auto Show earlier this year.

Audi A8 Facelift Revealed

After a series of sneak previews the facelifted 2014 Audi A8 and S8 range has been officially unveiled ahead of its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The range features a host of updated technologies and engine options.

Dynamic Handcrafted Designs

Exterior Design Features

The latest design of the A8 flagship has been revolutionised to combine weight-optimised, predominantly aluminium body with a raft of technological advances, including the slightly revised front bumper, front grille and a more sculpted hood.

The Audi A8 is offered with standard LED headlights for V8-powered models with optional Matrix LED headlights which use 25 individual LEDs that can be individually lit or dimmed depending on driver needs. There are also sequentially illuminated LED turn signals with illuminated LED turn signals with 18 LEDs in the headlights and 24 LEDs in the taillights.

The rear design features flatter LED taillights, along with a reworked bumper that incorporates two rhomboid tailpipes (except for the S8), new chrome strips and high-gloss black window surrounds and five new paint schemes, while the wheels will be available in sizes of up to 21-inches.

Audi A8

Interior Design Features

Inside the lavishly trimmed interior customers can choose from a new range of upholstery and inlays in exciting colour schemes. These include fine-grain brown-silver poplar and brown-gold ash veneers, as well as the natural looking, soft and breathable leather Unikat. There are ventilated front seats with massage function, along with individual electrically-adjustable rear seats optionally available for the A8 and A8 L, which can also be configured with a continuous, leather-wrapped centre console. Other optional features include four-zone automatic AC and relaxation seat with power footrest.

For entertainment Audi has included a Bang & Olufsen sound system and a rear seat entertainment system featuring a DVD player, two screens and Bluetooth headphones.

Improvements have also been made to the optional assistance systems like active lane assist, park assist system with 360 degrees display head-up display and night vision assistant.

Audi A8 Interior

Engine Capability

The seven petrol and TDI engines have been revised to improve performance and efficiency, including the 3.0-litre TSFI engine delivering 228kW, a 4.0-litre V8 TSFI twin-turbo engine delivering 320kW, along with a 3.0-litre TDI producing 190kW, and a 4.2-litre TDI engine outputting 283kW.

The range-topping A8 L W12 Quattro comes with a 6.3-litre W12 petrol engine which runs on six cylinders and delivers 368kW at an average 11.7-litres/100km, while the S8 sports sedan boasts a 4.0-litre TSFI V8 engine delivering 380kW and sprints from 0-100km/h in 4.2 seconds, on an average of 10.1-litres/100km.

The 2014 Audi A8 Hybrid makes use of a lithium-ion battery, 2.0-litre TSFI and an electric motor to provide a combined output of 180kW and 480Nm of torque, at an average of 6.3-litres/100km, and can run solely on electric power for about 3km at which it can hit a top speed of 100 km/h.

The revised Audi A8 and S8 models (except the Hybrid) can be expected in South Africa earlier next year.

 

The Ferrari 458 Speciale To Debut At Frankfurt

Ferrari has revealed a feisty new version of the 458 Italia known as the Ferrari 458 Speciale. This new release is  scheduled to publicly debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Ferrari 458 Speciale – Engine

Ferrari says that it has built its most powerful naturally aspirated V8 ever, managing to provide the Speciale with 99kW per litre. This is the highest ever achieved by a road-going naturally aspirated engine. The 4.5-litre V8 engine delivers 445kW of power at 9000 rpm and 540Nm of torque at 6000 rpm. With a dry weight of 1290 kg, the Ferrari 458 Speciale can sprint from 0 to 100km/h in just three seconds and from 0 to 200km/h in 9.1 seconds.

Speciale styling for drag reduction

In cooperation with Pininfarina, the new car’s styling is a result of various aerodynamic nip and tucks as it gets front and rear movable aerodynamics that automatically adapt to balance down-force and cut drag.

Side Slip angle Control

One other notable feature of the Ferrari 458 Speciale is the Side Slip angle Control system (SSC) which makes it easier to achieve car control on the limit and improving driving dynamics. Further, the SCC performs instant-to-instant analysis of the car’s side slip, comparing it with the target value and then optimising both torque management and torque distribution between the two wheels.

Performance

The Ferrari 458 Speciale has also been equipped with specially developed Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 tyres which boost performance and provide maximum available grip in wet conditions. In fact, the 458 Speciale has also managed to lap the Fiorano test track in 1 minute 23.5 seconds, making it quicker than the 458 Italia.

Ferrari 458 Speciale Gallery

Volkswagen Golf R Revealed

Details of the 2014 Volkswagen Golf R have officially been revealed. VW’s new car is set to take the stage at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month, alongside the new Toyota Yaris Hybrid R  and Audi Quattro Concept.

Volkswagen Golf R Specs and Features

The range topping Golf is powered by a 4-cylinder 2.0-litre turbocharged engine which delivers 221kW of power, making it 22kW more powerful than its predecessor. The torque has gone up from 350Nm to 380Nm. Improvements to the engine based on the EA888 TSI unit found in the latest GTI include new cylinder heads, exhaust valves, valve seats and springs, turbocharger, high-pressure injection valves and pistons.

Power is delivered between 5500 rpm and 6200 rpm and torque between 1800 rpm and 5500 rpm, and is transferred to the latest 4Motion system with fifth-generation Haldex coupling through a six-speed manual gearbox. This enables the Golf R to sprint from 0-100 km/h in 5.1 seconds or in 4.9 seconds when mated to the optional six-speed DSG. Top speed is at an electronically limited 250km/h.

Fuel consumption is rated at 7.1-litres/100 km and has CO2 emission of 165 g/km with the manual, while the DSG-equipped version has a fuel consumption of 6.9 litres/100 km emissions at 159 g/km.

Exterior Design

Further enhancements that distinguish the VW Golf R from its predecessor and the Golf GTI include a new front bumper design with large air inlets, side skits, rear diffuser, smoked LED taillights, a chromed quad exhaust, modified radiator grille with ‘R’ logo and newly developed daytime running lights that are integrated into the standard bi-xenon headlights.

Interior Design

Inside the sports seats are covered in a combination of cloth and Alcantara carbon like leather, bespoke instrument dials with typical touches such as blue needles. The car further benefits from a MacPherson front suspension and an improved multi-link rear arrangement to provide better handling and stability.

We will keep you updated with the latest details on the Volkswagen Golf R as they are released.

Volkswagen Golf R Gallery