2014 SA Car Of The Year Finalists Announced At JIMS

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

The evaluation procedure

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

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

The candidates

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

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

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

2014 SA Car Of The Year candidates gallery

BMW 4 Series Coupe Prices Announced For South Africa

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

Outstanding performance features

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

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

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

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

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

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

BMW 4 Series Coupe Price

BMW 435i Series Coupe – R796 527.40

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

BMW 4 Series Coupe gallery

BMW X4 Concept impresses at Joburg Motor Show

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

BMW X4 Concept shows sporty side

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

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

BMW X4 Concept Gallery

The Monstrous Mercedes-Benz Unimog Concept Shows Up At JIMS

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

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

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

Mercedes-Benz Unimog Concept Specifications

Engine: OM 924 LA In-line 4-cylinder

Output power: 160kW at 2200 rpm

Torque: 810Nm at 1200 rpm

Transmission: UG100 8 Forward 6 Reverse

Brakes: Disc Brakes All Around

Suspension: Front Coil Spring, Telescopic Shock Absorbers and Stabilisers

Fuel tank: 160L

Gross Vehicle Mass: 33 000kg

Gross Combined Mass: 33 000kg

Mercedes-Benz Unimog Concept gallery

Volkswagen Cross Coupe Concept at 2013 JIMS

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

VW Cross Coupe maximises hybrid technology

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

Volkswagen Cross Coupe Concept is attractive to the eye

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

Interior offers plenty space

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

Volkswagen Cross Coupe Concept Gallery

Mercedes Benz ML 500 Guard offers protection at 2013 JIMS

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

M Guard SUV stands its ground

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

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

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

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

Mercedes Benz ML 500 Price

Mercedes Benz ML 500 Guard – R2 295 000

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

Mercedes Benz ML 500 Gallery

Volkswagen Scirocco GTS Unveiled in SA

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

Exclusive interior with red contrasting stitching

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

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

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

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

Volkswagen Scirocco GTS Price

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

The Scirocco GTS package is available as option at R19 000

Volkswagen Scirocco GTS gallery

Honda Club Brio at JIMS 2013

Honda has spiced up the image of their budget offering with the Honda Club Brio.

Honda Club Brio creates a vibe at JIMS

At the Johannesburg Motor Show, Honda broke the mould with their nightclub-themed stand titled “Club Brio”. The Japanese motoring giant, famous for its impeccable build quality, is targeting a much younger audience with this new campaign.

The Honda Club Brio is home to some pretty special cars… Honda Brios complete with custom exterior designs and over the top sound systems.

The stand plays a constant stream of funky music, while effective lighting and alcohol free cocktails create a club-like ambience.

“Club Brio” will be open this week at the Johannesburg Motor Show, make sure you pop in for a visit.

Honda Club Brio Gallery

Toyota 86 convertible concept shown at JIMS

The 2013 Johannesburg Motor Show was the venue of choice for Toyota to officially unveil their latest showstopper, the Toyota 86 convertible concept, to South Africa. The two door cabriolet on show is a vision in white, with blue trimmings and showcases what we could likely expect should the popular Toyota 86 be available in a convertible version.

Toyota 86 Convertible in South Africa

There has been widespread speculation as to whether this beauty will be on sale in South Africa, but Toyota has yet to give an official statement. With all the interest generated at the show, it would be a terrible shame if the Toyota 86 Convertible was not brought to the local market.

The Toyota 86 has been well received in the South African market since its launch in 2012 and has been recognized worldwide for ‘recapturing the classic sports car experience’. Consequently, in 2012 the Toyota 86 won the Sports Coupe Car of the Year at the 2012 Vehicle Dynamics International Awards and chief engineer Tetsuya Tada was honored as Dynamicist of the Year for his role in making the Toyota 86 dream a reality.

Toyota 86 Convertible Concept Gallery

Jaguar XFR-S shown at 2013 Johannesburg International Motor Show

The fastest Jaguar sports saloon ever, the XFR-S, is showing it’s pretty face at the Johannesburg International Motor Show. The Jaguar XFR-S made its global debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed earlier this year and is now in South Africa to impress all who gaze at it.

Fitted with a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine that produces 405kW and 680Nm of torque, the Jaguar XFR-S is capable of sprinting to 100km/h in 4.6 seconds before reaching an electronically limited top speed of 300km/h, all in the blink of an eye. Want to see the Jaguar XFR-S in the flesh? Head over to the Johannesburg International Motor Show (JIMS) in Nasrec from 18-27 October or you can simply see it in our gallery below.