2014 Volvo XC90 to feature World-Class Safety and Support Features
Volvo has announced they will be introducing all of its latest and most advanced safety and support features into their all-new 2014 Volvo XC90 which is set for its official debut at the end of 2014. The current XC90 is a very popular, successful model, and the next generation is eagerly anticipated.
New technology advancements for 2014 Volvo XC90
One of the newly developed technologies that will be available on the 2014 Volvo XC90 is Pedestrian Detection In Darkness, which will allow the car to detect objects (vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists) in advance even in the dark. It is combined with auto brake technology a first in the industry.
Road Edge and Barrier Detection with Steer Assist is a feature similar to a lane-departure warning system as it can detect if the car is about to drive off the road. If this happens, the system autonomously applies steering torque to bring the vehicle back on track. This system will work even on roads without side markings.
Adaptive Cruise Control also with Steer Assist will help the car stay in lane and also follow the rhythm of the traffic.
Animal Detection will also be implemented after the launch of the 2014 Volvo XC90 and will be able to brake the car in daylight and dark to avoid a collision with an animal.
Safety is top priority
As part of Volvo Car Group’s continuous aim towards its Vision 2020, to ensure that no-one should be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo car, the manufacturer has demonstrated its latest Car 2 Car communication. This system is based on communication between transmitters in vehicles and the road infrastructure (traffic lights, road signs).
Thomas Broberg, who is Senior Safety Advisor for Volvo explains: When the first XC90 was introduced in 2002, it featured a number of groundbreaking safety features, including a world-first solution that helps prevent rollovers. By revealing a number of systems for the 2014 Volvo XC90 we once again confirm our leadership in automotive safety.”
Further, Volvo announced in June that they working on a system for Autonomous Parking that will see the car find and park in a vacant space by itself, without the driver inside. The speed and braking are adapted for smooth integration in the parking environment.
Broberg added, Volvos approach is based on autonomously driven cars being able to move safely in environments with non-autonomous vehicles and unprotected road users.
2013 VW Golf GTI Driving Impression
Well this is a first for me. Writing a driving impression of a car after having been part of its destruction. Ive written quite a lot about what its like to crash the latest 2013 VW Golf GTI, but Id really like to write about what its like to drive while its still in one piece.
2013 VW Golf GTI reviewed by Ciro De Siena
New Golf GTI DSG gearbox
Sadly I didnt get to drive the manual version on the launch, but Im okay with that, because the DSG box is so damn good these days anyway. Id imagine though that given the new generation Golf is lighter and more powerful than its predecessor, that the manual would be very fun indeed. But in an age of traffic jam nightmares, the DSG box is a very nice compromise indeed.
Plus, on upshifts, the DSG gets the engine to make that characteristic BRAARP sound, which makes grown men giggle (I witnessed this first hand). Were an easy to please bunch, us car journos.
New VW Golf GTI Power and Performance
Much is being made of the fact that the Golf GTI seems underpowered compared to its key rivals, especially the Opel Astra OPC with its monstrous 206kW, and the Ford Focus ST with 184kW. I havent driven the Astra yet, but the Focus is very good indeed. But, the Focus needs that power; its a big car.
Numbers dont tell the full story, but for what its worth, here are the acceleration times for the GTI and its rivals:
Theres two ways to look at this. Yes, the Golf is underpowered, if out-and-out speed is what youre after, but it doesnt suffer in the acceleration stakes. However, all of these cars are front wheel drive, and I dont care how much electronic trickery youve got managing the power, too much power through the front wheels is just too much power through the front wheels. The Focus ST suffers from torque steer all the way into third. Dont get me wrong, its fun fighting the car, and I imagine this is the key reason many people will buy the ST. Its exciting. But everyday? I dont know so much.
Id imagine there are the GTI faithfuls out there who will want to crucify me after this next paragraph, but the GTI doesnt need to be more powerful. Its a fantastic, planted, well sorted drive, with sweet handling and enough power to make life interesting. The car is light and you can feel that spritelyness. So relax, therell be a performance pack and an R version, so if you sleep at night dreaming of kilowatts, theyre on their way.
2013 VW Golf GTI handling is superb
The latest generation Golf is very refined indeed. While the car cruises comfortably, it also manages to be incredibly good fun in the corners, while inspiring confidence. This is not raggedy-edge motoring. The Golf GTI likes to have its shirt tucked in. But with Active Chassis Control, you can change the ride to suit your mood. Rip that shirt out and go for it.
Part of that feeling is the confidence that the nose is not going to wash wide when you get on the power midcorner. Youd have to be very silly indeed to unsettle the new GTI, it just feels like youll never run out of grip. Again, the purists will shout that that isnt the point, but I assure you the GTI has what it takes to push the right buttons.
Nailing the throttle from standstill results in really satisfying acceleration, with the most noticeable aspect of the new engine being that it pulls so cleanly right through the rev range. There is a good deal more torque, 70Nm in fact, its all available from just 1500rpm and you can feel it.
In-gear acceleration is even more impressive, it feels like all the engines got to give is available all the time, and overtaking manouvers are no hassle at all.
The VW Golf GTI’s interior
The interior is classic GTI, brought right up to the modern era. The standard smartphone like touch screen is a treat, and the other part of the car youll interact most with, the steering wheel, is exclusive to the GTI and makes piloting this vehicle feel quite special indeed. Rear space is comfy and boot space is perhaps down on cars like the ST.
At R368 000, just over R10 000 more than the outgoing model, with loads more kit as standard, the GTI is a relatively expensive exercise compared to its rivals, but the answer to that quandary is quite simple. If all the hot hatches are hooded teenagers, tearing about the streets in barely-reigned in fury, the GTI has grown up and wants to go study engineering. Its a more mature car, better executed than many cars that cost twice as much.
For all that, Im happy to leave a few kilowatts behind.
Lexus IS 350 Revealed
The Lexus IS 350 has been completely redesigned for the latest model year, giving it a rich-looking cabin, a more finely tuned suspension and, most visibly a bold new look.
Lexus IS 350 brings boldness to the road
Engine Capability
Carried over from its predecessor, the new Lexus IS 350 with its advanced, 3.5litre V6 petrol engine has been overhauled and now features D-4S direct and port injection, and Dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent) to both intake and exhaust camshafts, significantly enhancing engine performance and reducing fuel consumption.
The engine features a lightweight, die-cast aluminium cylinder block, and develops 228kW of power at 6400rpm and 375Nm of torque at 4800rpm. This makes the IS good for a 0-100km/h of 5.9 seconds, reaching a maximum speed of 225km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at 9.7/100km in the combined cycle.
All new South African-spec IS models are now equipped with the eight-speed, Sport Direct Shift (SPDS) automatic transmission from the Lexus IS F. The new Drive Mode Select system features up to five switchable driving modes ECO, SNOW, NORMAL, SPORT/SPORT S and SPORT S+ (available on the F Sport model).
Interior Design Features
Stepping inside you are met with a low dashboard and a sloping centre console, a new multi-display screen with Remote Touch Interface, quilted drivers seat, LFA (that incredible V10 supercar) inspired 3-spoke steering wheel, aimed at creating a snug, driver focused, and ergonomical interior environment.
The combination of the extended wheelbase and a thinner front seat design has resulted in best-in-class knee room and improved accessibility, while the new, 60:40 split/folding rear seats provide expansive luggage capacity. The increased width and longer wheelbase also provide a significant improvement in rear seat comfort.
In addition, the new Lexus IS 350 dashboard is divided into two distinct zones: a display zone and an operation zone. An upper display zone houses the 7-inch multi-display screen, while a lower operational zone allows access to system controls such as the remote touch interface and the electrostatic switches that control the air conditioning temperature with the swipe of a finger. Silver metallic trim detailing throughout the cabin is complimented by the latest advances in HMI technology and a high quality analogue clock with surface-emitting illumination.
The new interior design is available in a choice of three smooth leather colour schemes; Black, Ivory, and, Dark Rose, an F SPORT exclusive.
Exterior Design Features
The front of the Lexus IS 350 features an evolution of the spindle grille from the GS and LS models and a unique lighting arrangement that features separate LED strakes beneath irregularly-shaped headlights. A character line that rises from the side sills and is picked up by the taillights lends a unique element to the flanks, and the overall style.
The design has been made more three-dimensional, and its shape accentuated by a chrome plated frame and the muscular projection of horizontal bars (E and EX models) which follow the curvature of the vehicle front. Integral foglamps are housed within secondary sculpted side air intakes which control the flow of air out through the wheel arches to enhance aerodynamic performance.
The grille of the range-topping F Sport package has a higher ‘waistline’ than on the E and EX models, increasing the area of the lower section, with a special L-shaped mesh, winglets at the bottom corners of the deeper front bumper and special dark-coated Y-spoke 18-inch rims. The package is further equipped with 18-inch F Sport alloy wheels, upgraded brakes, a Sport+ mode that can adjust the variable ratio steering and adaptive suspension, an LFA-inspired gauge cluster and Power heated mirrors with memory and auto retractable function.
The Lexus IS 350 compact sedan is available in a range of nine exterior colours, of which three, Nova White, Electric Blue and Sonic Titanium, are exclusive to the F Sport model.
Standard and Optional Features
Standard kit on the Lexus IS 350 includes an electrochromatic mirror, fully integrated satellite navigation with automatic screen zoom and 3-D functionality, Lexus Park Assist with Back Guide Monitor (BGM), Park distance sensors, Rain-sensing wipers, 17-inch alloy wheels, full leather upholstery, Daytime Running Lights (DRL), Illuminated Entry System, Cruise Control, Dual-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, Eight-speaker Lexus display audio with audio input terminal, iPod integration and Bluetooth connectivity, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRC), ABS with Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management (VDIM).
New Lexus IS 350 Price
Lexus IS 350 E
R449 900
Lexus IS 350 EX
R499 900
Lexus IS 350 F Sport
R553 900
As with the rest of the Lexus range, all models in the IS range are covered by a four-year/100 000 km warranty. The Lexus IS 350 E Model comes standard with the Lexus Distance plan, the EX model gets Distance Plan Plus and the F-Sport comes with a Distance Plan Complete full maintenance plan.
New VW Golf GTI: The Ultimate Road Test
I’ve been at this car journo gig for a fairly long time now. As journalists, we write endlessly about the features of the cars we drive, but some of them we never, ever want to test. Yesterday I tested those features. And they are phenomenal. I walked away from a horrible, violent accident in the new VW Golf GTI, an experience that I would never wish on anyone.
This was an accident in the truest sense of the word. The driver of my vehicle executed a safe manoeuvre in clear road conditions. The driver of a bakkie in a rural farming area was going about his day. He chose a bad time to U-turn he didn’t see us coming. No one wants to cause something like this. Its an accident, plain and simple.
New VW Golf GTI put to the test
The new Volkswagen Golf GTI launch was pretty much a standard issue car launch, pair up with a driver and hit the road. The accident happened after lunch. It was in the grape growing region of the Western Cape, very rural but great roads and great visibility.
We weren’t pushing hard, genuinely around the speed limit of 120km/h. The bakkie (pick-up) was way ahead of us and crawling, if not stationary, on the left hand side of the road. My driver had a perfectly clear road ahead to overtake, and moved to the right to pass.
Closing on the bakkie, with I’d say less than 80m to go, he just U-turned. No indicator. We didn’t stand a chance. My driver moved further right to try and get around the front of the bakkie, but our options very rapidly narrowed to either running into a big ditch or hitting the vehicle. If we were on anchors for 20m it was a lot.
And then the impact. It’s quite possibly the most awful feeling imaginable. My mind was fairly calm but my body panicked, and for a moment I felt an awful horror, this was going to be a big one, and I was going to get hurt. Properly hurt. It shakes up a very primitive part of your brain and its a trauma Id quite like to never experience again.
A very loud series of noises followed, and everything was very white. I was totally winded and in quite a bit of pain. It wasnt a specific pain, more a total body shock. The driver asked me if I was okay, I replied yes and he immediately climbed out to go help the other driver. The sweeper car pulled up and so did the medics. Amazing efficiency and professionalism from everyone at VW. I was extremely happy to be in such calm and capable hands.
I sat in the car for about 10 minutes. My sunglasses were in the back, my iPad, which had been on my knee, had somehow become lodged between the drivers seat-upright and the central console. I couldnt get it out without kneeling and yanking it out. The airbags were out, a sight I never thought Id see from where I was sitting. The windscreen was very badly cracked but intact, and I couldn’t open my door.
After a few minutes I realised nothing was seriously wrong with me, which was a nice feeling to say the least. But for a few minutes I was very dazed and frightened. My chest felt very tight. As soon as I saw the bakkie driver pop out of his side window like a meerkat, chatting on his cellphone, I knew everyone was okay. I wiggled my fingers and toes and my immediate thought was, “I’m fine, but this is going to hurt tomorrow”.
Excellent safety in the new VW Golf GTI
The passenger side of the car took the brunt of the impact but the passenger cell was resolute. In a 5, 8, 10 year old car, maybe Id be writing this from hospital with a broken leg who knows. The seatbelt pre-tensioner worked perfectly. The latest Golf can sense when an accident is about to happen, and yanks you quite forcefully into the safest position possible. I think this system could be one of the best new safety systems in the motoring world, and I hope it makes it into more and more cars.
The belt exploded into place and prevented me from moving around too much. The airbag hit me, but not very hard. This was either because of the seatbelt, or the force of the crash throwing me more sideways than forward. But your head is a very heavy object, and the G’s have a lot of opportunity to swing it around. I’m really stiff now all the way down my back, but Ill be fine.
And I am fine. My neck’s a bit sore, I’ve got some bruising on my collarbone from the seatbelt and my shin took a little knock. But that’s about it. I pretty much hopped out of a horrendous accident, where my side of the car took the majority of the impact. Every single safety system worked perfectly, and I am so happy I was in a modern car of that calibre.
Accidents are awful for everyone involved; no one wants this. But we have to get around and we have to drive something. And that incredible piece of engineering is what kept me out of hospital today.
In a weird way, I am glad I got to test arguably the most important features of any car, and the fact that Im sitting here, enjoying a coffee and writing about it, is testament to how clever and well-engineered todays vehicles can be.
I would like to heartily recommend that if you can, get yourself into a modern car as soon as possible. Any new car today is better at looking after you than an older car, and the tech is getting better all the time. Not only are they cleaner and more efficient, but when it really matters, they are the only thing standing between you and potentially permanent injury.
This is a story that needs to be told, these are images that I hope will remind everyone who ever uses a road that accidents do happen, and to please be very careful.
MINI JCW Countryman Review
What do you need out of a hot hatch? Unique stand out looks, stiff suspension, uprated engine and exhaust tone, but with the practicality of that models everyday functionality. Step in John Cooper Works motorsport tuning, who tackled MINIs largest MINI.
MINI JCW Countryman review by John Beale
Engine & Ride
The familiar 4cylinder 1.6litre twin scroll turbo unit, after some JCW tinkering, now produces 160kW and 280NM (with 300NM available on overboost) which is 5kW more than other JCW motors but shamefully boasts the same acceleration times as normal Cooper S. This is caused by the weight penalty of size and transmission tunnel running to the rear.
The additional power is immediately noticeable, with a lot more shove from 2500RPM, and it doesnt run out of steam till over 6000RPM. It doesnt have the gutsy feel of the Golf VI R, but theres more than enough punch to justify the JCW badge. Sadly, as Ive said before, the steptronic automatic does the MINI JCW Countryman no favours. Slow to change and it rides the clutch a little on initial pull off. It also takes some of the fun of really driving a MINI out when mated to an Auto, so if you dont really need to, dont spec it. Its nowhere near as good as the DSG units from Audi / VW.
The Countryman’s handling
That said, in my view, this is the best JCW incarnation yet, which sounds ridiculous, but let me explain. The MINI JCW Countryman is the only model that boasts All4 drivetrain, which can send up to 100% of the power to the rear. For anyone who has driven a MINI, youll know the fight you have with the front wheels, and general mania that ensues when cornering, with the front wheels scrabbling to keep traction, and thats with far less than 160kW. Now some might say thats the fun of it all, but here in the Countryman, the system offers much more confidence.
All4 makes a huge difference when throwing the MINI JCW Countryman into a corner, the familiar spinning inner wheel is smacked down by the neutral confidence-inducing drive from All4. With sport mode on (which stiffens steering, throttle response and engine mapping) and launch control off the line and the steering wheel doesnt rip out your hand and send the car careening into the nearest pavement. Win!
Throw her into corners and the firm suspension shows the finger to body roll. So its a JCW but surprisingly, its not as harsh as normal Cooper S suspension, even though it rides on sexy 18 inch wheels. This is why its the best JCW yet: It brings a balance between ride and outright performance, not being a one trick pony like the Cooper S JCW which rides too hard and is really focused. These days a halo performance hatch needs to be more dynamic, and the MINI JCW Countryman does just that. Sadly, it doesnt have the exhaust and engine note youd want to scare the folk on the pavement.
The exterior and interior
Besides the mechanic 10mm lower suspension, engine tweaks and uprated brakes, JCW performance pack ads front and rear aero kit, aggressive side sills that have vents in them, larger rims and JCW badging pretty much everywhere. Id opt for all black with red stripes, which gives a particularly aggressive look.
The interior is standard Countryman, being a lot bigger than the Cooper S, but familiar airplane style toggle switches adorn the interior. An interesting choice of chocolate brown all-leather seats against the silver paintwork was odd. That however wasnt the real problem, but rather the lack of side bolstering and support in the front seats. The Countryman trick is that there is comfortable seating for four adults, with a boot you can use.
Features and Tech
The Connectd (no typo) system is however starting to show its age, and wouldnt work with the latest iPhone. Standard kit is good, but in typical MINI style there are a variety of add-ons and customization options (like fun customizable interior ambient lighting), available at the peril of your budget. My test unit had over R100 000 worth of optional extras, from BMW Connectd with Sat-Nav, heated seats to adaptive bi-xenon headlamps. Many of these you could leave off, but youll find you want to spec some options to get comfortable, and take advantage of making it unique as possible.
Conclusion
The MINI JCW Countryman ticks all the boxes, and with four-wheel traction, is possibly the best handling MINI on sale today. That said, the competition is considerably faster, and when BMWs own M135i is priced so keenly you need to be a real MINI aficionado to slpash out on performance that isnt much better than a standard Cooper S. The best work from JCW yet, in isolation, but price could push many into more powerful rivals.
MINI JCW Countryman – Price
MINI JCW Countryman 160kW / 280NM – R450 900 (As tested – R540 000 with all extras)
Audi S3 Quattro Steptronic (old shape) 188kW/350NM R440 975
VW Golf VI R (second hand) 188kW/350NM R360 000 (estimate)
Reborn Datsun brand gives first glimpse of new model
Ahead of its official unveiling, Nissans Datsun has released sketches of the first car to bear the revived nameplate, giving a preview of the first new generation model which also marks a significant milestone and a new chapter in the history of this legendary brand. Aimed for high-growth markets like India, Indonesia, Russia and South Africa, the brand is excitingly on its way back to our shores.
Although Datsun models will be individually developed for different markets, the concept will follow a common inspiration. Datsun’s first model will likely compete in a segment where the Kia Picanto, Chevrolet Spark and Hyundai i10 are already popular.
However according to the head of Datsun, Vincent Cobee, the brand promises to bring competitive products and services that are modern and aspirational, providing superior value and specifically developed for the emerging and ambitious new middle class in high-growth markets.
In addition, the brand maintains it will deliver a rewarding brand experience with no compromise in terms of accessibility, reliability and durability values it says are deeply rooted in the Datsun heritage.
More details and specifications will emerge closer to the launch later in the year.
New legislation may increase car insurance premiums
Government is planning a raft of changes to the National Road Traffic Management Act that could indirectly affect the insurance premiums the average consumer has to pay to protect their car in the case of accident damage.
The change to legislation is aiming to ban the sale of used car parts of accident damaged vehicles. When a car is permanently written off, it is declared a Code 4. This means the car can never be licensed again as it is, but under current regulations, parts may be salvaged and sold to repair other vehicles. As is often the case in accidents, one side of the car may be badly damaged, but a significant portion of the car remains salvageable.
It is a lucrative industry but one that leaves the door open for crime. Stolen cars are stripped for parts and those parts are hidden in the network of legitimate parts. It is this aspect of the industry the government is hoping to tackle, but the insurance and salvage industry have voiced complaints that they have not been properly consulted, or that the legislation is potentially damaging.
The effect on the South African motorist will be felt more directly, as the changes may potentially raise the monthly cost of running a vehicle, by pushing up insurance premiums, particularly when insuring older cars.
If 2nd hand car parts are banned for the repair of damaged cars, insurers will have to use much more expensive new parts. This in turn pushes up the price of repair generally. Additionally it may result in more cars may have to be written off as the repair becomes uneconomical.
Insurers will factor this into their pricing models and it will likely raise the average car insurance premium.
The South African Insurance Association (SAIA) met just a few days ago on July 1st to discuss the issue, and released a statement saying the draft legislation, if implemented, would have severe and unintended consequences to customers and the insurance industry.
The SAIA is due to meet the Department of Transport to further discuss the issue. The association has sent there proposals to the DoT. Clearly, the matter requires much debate.
Well keep tabs on this issue and break down the likely or possible effects it will have on your pocket as the story evolves.
Mitsubishi Lancer gets upgrade
The compact Mitsubishi Lancer sedan which offered crisp styling and sharper handling than almost anything else in its segment when it launched back in 2007, has been upgraded to provide added value to customers without an increase in the selling price.
Mitsubishi Lancer Sedan Features
The Mitsubishi Lancer exterior and interior remain unchanged, however, the model receives a higher level of standard specification and extra features such as a temperature controlled air conditioner, a multi-function steering wheel with hands-free Bluetooth voice control and steering audio controls, a high resolution reversing camera, central touch screen for audio settings and a USB port, Keyless entry, and an auto-on/off feature for the headlamps. The front and rear independent suspension ensures good handling and road holding with attractive 16 inch alloys wheels.
As before, the Lancer is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that delivers 110kW of power at 6000 rpm and 197Nm of torque at 4200 rpm. Drive is through a five-speed manual transmission which achieved an average of 7litres/100km during a combined cycle drive.
We listened to our customers in terms of specification improvements they wanted to see on Lancer and now we are pleased that we have been able to bring a much-improved medium size car to market in South Africa, said Jaco Oosthuizen, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors SA.
As with all Mitsubishi Lancer models, the upgraded Sedan comes standard with seven airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake force distribution, brake- assist and halogen headlights with front fog lamps.
The Mitsubishi Lancer is covered by a 3-year/100,000km warranty and a 5-year/100,000km service plan with servicing every 15 000km.
Most popular new car brands for June 2013
Figures released by the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA) show sales in the first six months of the year are up by 6.8% which is a substantial increase considering the market might weaken in the next coming months due to fuel price hikes and threatening toll fees.
Regardless of indications of a slow down in economic growth, industry sales of 53562 units for June 2013 reflected an increase of 3.3% from the 51872 units sold in June last year. Here is a breakdown of the best selling new car brands for June 2013 in comparison with May 2013, as well as each brands top 5 selling vehicles.
The German company outsold its Japanese rival Toyota by 533 units in June, while Audis market share has grown in the premium segment during the past six months. Locally built Polo Vivo is still the best-selling passenger car in South Africa and surpasses the Toyota Hilux as the best selling car in June 2013.
Model
June Sales (Compared to May 2013)
VW Polo Vivo
3681 (▲ 2654)
VW Polo
2652 (▼ 2688)
Audi A4
598 (▲ 534)
VW Golf 7
572 (572)
VW Amarok
430 (▲ 503)
2. Toyota 10 087 units
Despite the high level of competition the industry is showing, Toyota continues to lead the way with vehicle exports. Along with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW 3-Series and Ford Figo, Toyotas Corolla and Etios topped the 1000 sales mark, ensuring the brand continues to power ahead with total sales of 10 087 new vehicles in June.
Model
June Sales (Compared to May 2013)
Toyota Hilux
3070 (▼ 3076 )
Toyota Corolla/Auris
1655 (▲ 1458)
Toyota Etios
1644 (▲ 1507 )
Toyota Fortuner
915 (▼ 940)
Toyota Quantum
903 (▼ 1210)
3. Ford Motor Company 5186 units
Ford continued to forge ahead during the first six months of the year, increasing sales by four times the market growth during the same period last year. The recently launched Ford Fiesta ST accounted for 184 units of Fiesta sales, 79% ahead of the best previous generation Fiesta ST sales month. Ford sold a total of 5186 units indicating strong consumer sentiment for the products, and across the range of existing models and new product introductions.
Model
June Sales (Compared to May 2013)
Ford Ranger
1627 (▲ 1621)
Ford Figo
1184 (▼ 1247)
Ford Fiesta
685 (▼ 829)
Ford Kuga
585 (▲ 404)
Mazda 3
337 (▼ 515)
4. GMSA 5111 units
Within the GMSA product range the Chevrolet Utility continued to be a favourite amongst buyers in the sub-1 ton market with 1 672 of the popular small pick-ups delivered during June. GMSA sales of 5 111 units accounted for 53 562 total industry sales for June.
Model
June Sales (Compared to May 2013)
Chevrolet Utility
1672 (▼ 1853)
Isuzu KB
1012 (▼ 1364)
Chevrolet Cruze
511 (▼ 546)
Chevrolet Spark
484 (▲ 464)
Chevrolet Aveo
232 (▼ 357)
5. Nissan 4273 units
Nissan South Africa ended the first half of the calendar year on a high note, selling a total of 4 273 vehicles in June 2013, and increasing volume by 744 units or 21% compared to May. The NP200 enjoyed a very strong month with 1 682 sales, making it the best-selling half-tonner locally, while the NP300 Hardbody one-tonner workhorse showed an increase over May.
Model
June Sales (Compared to May 2013)
Nissan NP200
1682 (▲ 1476)
Nissan NP300 Hardbody
600 (▲ 517)
Nissan Micra
414 (▼ 422)
Nissan Juke
395 (▲ 336)
Nissan Qashqai
389 (▲ 263)
New Maserati Ghibli in perspective
If you’re in the market for a midsize luxury saloon, things are about to become a little more confusing for you. Ciro De Siena has a look at the new Maserati Ghibli, and provides an overview of the entire segment to help understand where the newcomer fits in.
New Maserati Ghibli enters luxury sedan segment
Quite simply, a gorgeous Italian will soon be wandering into the segment, flirting with the Germans, taunting the Japanese and getting the British a bit hot under the collar.
The Maserati Ghibli has been launched in the UK, and given the popularity of the marque in SA, I see no question about it’s possibility of reaching local shores. Although it may sound like the noise a small child makes while eating, the Ghibli is Maserati’s first proper crack at the mainstream worth writing about.
Drawing on styling from the Quattroportte, which is a bit like drawing on the looks of Penelope Cruz, the Italian starlet will be up against some very well respected, well entrenched competition, as well as solid products from Japan. With a choice of three engines at launch in the UK, including a diesel and two petrol turbo V6s, from first reports in the overseas press, Maserati have got this one right.
While we wait for news of its arrival, I’ve put together an overview of the segment, so you’re well armed with information when the sultry mistress of midsize luxury arrives.
The newest competitor in the market, the GS is large, comfortable and actually more sporting than it lets on, especially the bigger GS350, which has a rather sonourous sounding V6. The GS250 is smoother and perhaps more of an everyday option, while the Hybrid will confuse your mind as it creeps around completely silently under 20km/h. It’s like being in the world’s most expensive, most luxurious golf cart. The interior has the largest info screen fitted to a production car, wider than an iPad, and rear space is quite incredible, with a huge boot to, er, boot.
Prices start at R524,700. The Hybrid is the most pricey at R818,900. View the Lexus GS range
Ostensibly British but feels very German indeed, although it does seem to take itself less seriously. The 2.0litre diesel is fantastically economical, while the 3.0 diesel is quite frugal while providing petrol-levels of thrills. A range of petrol engines, all the way up to a bonkers V8 in the XFR are all smooth, solid choices. The interior, although ageing now, still has that party trick on ignition where the vents rotate to reveal themselves and the gearknob, literally a huge knob, rises out of the console like the control for warp drive on your favourite fictional space ship.
Prices start from R499 300, and cruise all the way up to R1,076,900 for the madmax R version. View the Jaguar XF range.
With a heritage of being the sporty choice, BMW has a solid offering in this segment with the 5 Series. The 530d was SA car of the year in 2011, and while not a cheap exercise, it is an exceptional all-rounder. With a huge range of options, engines, aesthetic kits and detailing variations, you can almost spec an entirely unique 5 Series so that the neighbour’s one always looks a little dated. Rear wheel drive fans almost insitinctively go with the Beemer, however the E-Class is very nearly a level competitor these days in the dynamic stakes. But somehow the Beemer always feels that little bit more exciting.
Another sensible German competitor, which in this company is starting to look a little Plain Jane. However, if you’re in for understated, the Audi does that superbly, while if you spec an S-Line kit, it really does look the sporting part. Front wheel or Quattro drive are your only options, so if drifting on the way to the shops is your thing, look elsewhere. Audi’s diesels are fantastic, with the 3.0l my pick of the bunch, as it delivers sportscar punch but will also save you at the pumps if you can reign in your right foot. A massive boot should swallow everything you need for a family holiday. Just keep an eye on that options list, if you’re not careful you can end up with a very expensive car indeed. But that’s generally the German way of things.
Prices start at R501 000 for the range. View the Audi A6 range.
The current E Class has just received a midlife cycle refresh a facelift to you and me, but this was quite an extensive upgrade which we’ve covered here. The changes have at the very least been an aesthetic success, the latest E-Class is now a real looker. The AMG models continue to be rightfully bonkers, although the naturally aspirated massive V8s are now a thing of the past. Smaller displacement with turbos are now the weapon of choice. I think the E-Class wagon is a solid, luxurious family cruiser, but not many South Africans agree, manufacturers sell very few wagons each year in SA.
