FAW V2 hatchback available in South Africa after 2013 JIMS reveal

FAW has shown its V2 hatchback at the Johannesburg International Motor Show which opens to the public from 18-27 October 2013. The FAW V2 hatchback is an affordable option for South Africans in the market for an entry level B-segment car.

We see this latest addition to the FAW range of passenger cars in South Africa as having strong appeal for first time buyers, students and those looking for an entry level model as a second car, explains Pedro Pereira, General Manager of FAW cars and light commercials in SA.

FAW V2 exhibits impressive fuel efficiency

Powered by its 67kW 1.3-litre engine, the V2 driven by FAW passenger and LCV technical manager Johan Ackerman returned impressive results on its five-day test run from Johannesburg to Cape Town via Upington and back. The FAW V2’s average fuel consumption was 6.1-litres/100km with four occupants in the car and travelling between 155 and 120km/h. The V2’s 37-litre petrol tank provided a range of 562km.

FAW V2 is packed with standard goodies

The V2 hatchback offers a wide range of standard features and these include air conditioning, power windows for all four doors, a Radio/CD player with MP3 compatibility, electrically adjustable rear view mirrors with indicator repeaters, remote central locking, remote fuel flap opener, four way adjustable driver’s seat and dual glove glovebox compartments. If you plan on reading and drinking in the V2 then cup holders can be found in the door panels and a reading light is at your disposal too.

The V2 is also equipped with driver and passenger airbags, ABS brakes with EBD, side impact bars, safety cell bodyshell, headlight levelling adjustment, high mounted rear brake light as well as front and rear fog lamps.

FAW V2 Price

FAW V2 Hatchback – R99 995

Price includes a 2-year/40 000km service plan, a 3-year/100 000km factory warranty and 1-year roadside assistance.

Check out images of the FAW V2 at the 2013 Johannesburg International Motor Show.

FAW V2 Gallery

Opel ADAM may be reality for South Africa after 2013 JIMS reveal

Every secret must come out, and it seems Opel has been hiding one. For a long time it was believed that the funky Opel ADAM would never reach South Africa, but we may have been wrong all along. If the 2013 Johannesburg International Motor Show is anything to go by, we could very well see the ADAM being launched in South Africa in the near future, and that is an exciting prospect.

Personalisation to the extreme

The major thing the Opel ADAM has going for it, is its staggering amount of personalisation options at the customers disposal. About 61 000 for the exterior and 82 000 for the interior, to be exact. Customers will therefore be sure to drive away in something completely unique and that’s a big plus. In terms of competition, the ADAM will go up against the Fiat 500 and may even be priced similarly but has the advantage of all those customization options.

Opel ADAM range powered by three engines

The Opel ADAM range will see three engines put to work and these include a 51kW 1.2-litre engine, a 64kW 1.4-litre engine and a 74kW 1.4-litre unit, all of which are mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Fuel consumption is rated at 5.0-litres/100km with a CO2 emission figure of 118g/km for the 1.2-litre variant.

Until Opel’s secret becomes reality, take a look at some pictures taken from the Opel stand at the Johannesburg International Motor Show.

Opel ADAM Gallery

New MG3 supermini to launch in South Africa after 2013 JIMS reveal

MG announced earlier in the year that it had a surprise in the bag for young South Africans in the form of the new MG3 supermini. Today, at the Johannesburg International Motor Show, this surprise materialised.

MG3 brings cute and feisty back into driving

The MG3 supermini not only looks cute, but it’s a nippy little run-around too. All four models are powered by a 1.5-litre DOHC VTi-TECH petrol engine that 78kW and 137Nm of torque which means the MG3 will sprint to 100km/h in about 10 seconds before reaching a top speed of 175km/h. The MG3 makes use of a 5-speed manual gearbox to zip around town.

The four models to be launched include the flagship MG3 3STYLE, the mid-range MG3 3FORM and MG3 3FORM SPORT and the entry-level MG3 3TIME. The MG3 comes with a wide range of options and accessories to personalise your choice.

For now, check out the images of the new MG3 posing at the 2013 Johannesburg International Motor Show. Launch details will be published once they are made available.

New MG3 Gallery

Hyundai Veloster Turbo unleashed at 2013 Johannesburg International Motor Show

The Hyundai Veloster Turbo has left its mark on the Johannesburg International Motor Show and South Africans can expect its arrival in the first half of 2014. The Veloster Turbo will be the first model in South Africa to feature Hyundai’s 1.6-litre T-GDI engine with a twin-scroll turbo charger.

Hyundai Veloster throws Turbo Power into the mix

The turbocharged 1.6-litre GDI unit kicks out 150kW at 6 000rpm while maximum torque output is rated at 265Nm from between 1 750rpm and 4 500rpm. Along with its 6-speed manual gearbox, these power figures translate into a 100km/h sprint time of 7.8 seconds while the automatic 6-speed transmission achieves this in 7.4 seconds. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.4-litres/100km for the manual model while the automatic achieves 7.8-litres/100km with CO2 emission of 176 and 187g/km respectively.

Veloster Turbo offers plenty style

With its 1+2 door layout and sporty demeanor, the Veloster Turbo is a head turner. The Turbo variant gains a new stylish front bumper, radiator grille and front fog lights. At the rear the Veloster Turbo sports a revised bumper which features a new fog lamp design including two twin exhausts and a diffuser. The Turbo Veloster also features two large free-flowing circular exhaust pipes which gives the engine a throaty roar. The Veloster rides on new 18-inch alloy wheel designed with chrome inserts and enhanced with a moulded side sill, adding to its sporty stance.

Hyundai Veloster Turbo interior goes the extra mile

The Hyundai Veloster Turbo features higher level of specification when compared with the standard model and benefits from re-designed leather seats with grey panels, while ‘Turbo’ is embossed on the front driver and passenger seats. A 7-inch touchscreen integrates the media centre and reversing camera. The vehicle is also fitted with a 450-watt Dimension Premium Audio System which comes with 8 speakers, an 8-inch subwoofer and external amplifier with iPod, USB and Auxiliary input jacks. An exclusive Supervision Cluster with two TFT screens offers a larger, more interactive format and are positioned between the tachometer and speedometer.

Check out the images of the Hyundai Veloster Turbo at the Johannesburg International Motor Show below.

Hyundai Veloster Turbo Gallery

Nissan RESONANCE Concept shown at 2013 Johannesburg International Motor Show

The Nissan RESONANCE Concept was on show at the Johannesburg International Motor Show (JIMS) this afternoon. The RESONANCE concept was first shown earlier this year in Detroit and offers an indication of what a future Nissan crossover could possibly look like.

RESONANCE Concept features superb styling

The interior is inspired by first-class international travel and features a VIP lounge environment which embodies pure class and luxury. The exterior is matched with innovative design cues which include a ‘floating roof’ at the rear. The Nissan RESONANCE Concept is definitely an eye opener and be sure to go see it when the JIMS opens to the public on 18-27 October 2013, but until then peruse our gallery of the RESONANCE Concept below.

Nissan RESONANCE Concept Gallery

MINI John Cooper Works Now With Frozen Black Metallic Paint Finish

MINI is extending its program of exterior paint finishes which sees the addition of an exclusive new limited edition variant Frozen Black, available in limited numbers in South Africa for the top of the range MINI John Cooper Works Countryman and MINI John Cooper Works Paceman models.

The Frozen Black metallic paint finish was created using a complex manufacturing process exclusive to BMW, which involves innovative technology and a high level of manual of manual craftsmanship.

The special surface treatment encompasses the base layer for grip and corrosion protection, the colour layer as well as the clear lacquer finish which has added silicates to create the matted impression as well as the velvet effect which can be seen and felt.

Exterior parts such as the model-specific front and rear aprons and the exterior mirror caps are finished separately in the paint finish Frozen Black metallic.

The finish is said to be completely weather resistant and car wash resistant, however with hand washing it would require special care as spot cleaning of the surface using wax or polish can leave an unwanted gloss effect. And for this reason BMW offers care products developed specially for treating the Frozen Black metallic paint.

MINI JCW with Frozen Black Paint

Infiniti Q50 shown at JIMS before South African launch

The Infiniti Q50 sports sedan has made its appearance at the Johannesburg International Motor Show (JIMS) and will be introduced in South Africa early in 2014. The Q50 range on display includes the Infiniti Q50 Hybrid and the 2.2-litre diesel variants. Once these models are launched, a turbocharged petrol will become available on the local market at a later stage.

Infiniti Q50 performance

The Infiniti Q50 Hybrid is fitted with a 3.5-litre petrol V6 engine with is mated to a full hybrid electric drive system and is considered to be the fastest accelerating hybrid vehicle, sprinting to 100km/h in only 5.5 seconds.

General Manager at Infiniti South Africa, George Stegmann said, Anticipation ahead of the arrival of the new Infiniti Q50 in South Africa has reached immense levels now the car has been seen in the flesh on local soil for the first time. The Q50s introduction to South Africa is a key part of our product expansion plan to successfully compete in the large and hotly-contested local Premium-segment. The new Q50s emotive design, inspiring performance and advanced technology make it a compelling alternative to traditional premium competitor brands.

The Infiniti Q50 will be the first new model to be introduced to South Africa after the successful launch of the brand in 2012 and is just the beginning of the Infiniti brands growth in South Africa. We are all very excited about its arrival!

Infiniti Q50 Gallery

Lexus LFA supercar blows cover at 2013 JIMS

Lexus is pulling out the big guns at the 2013 Johannesburg International Motor Show (JIMS) with the impressive LFA supercar donning the floor in all its glory. The Lexus LFA, with its striking good looks and brute power is just one of many highlights not to be missed at the 2013 JIMS which is opens to the public from the 18-27 October 2013.

Lexus LFA supercar is powerful and fast

Powering the beast that is the Lexus LFA is a naturally aspirated 4.8-litre V10 that delivers a whopping 412kW at 8 700rpm while maximum torque output is 480Nm at 7 000rpm, not shabby by any means. All this power translates into blistering fast speed on the road and the Lexus LFA is able to accelerate from standstill to 100km/h in only 3.7 seconds before smashing a top speed of 325km/h. These impressive performance figures are made possible with the use of a 6-speed automated sequential gearbox.

Striking exterior design

If there is one thing Lexus aced, it’s the exterior styling of the Lexus LFA supercar. Light and built for speed, engineers decided to extensively use Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) in the construction of the chassis and bodywork. The body features numerous air scoops, ports and air intakes which enhance the necessary airflow to maintain overall performance of the vehicle. The active rear wing with a Gurney flap is put to use at higher speeds to increase stability and adds racy appeal to the overall exterior design.

Luxury and performance meet in the interior

True to the Lexus name, the LFA supercar offers luxury at its very best. Being a supercar though, the LFA’s interior also reflects a sophisticated and performance orientated design that matches the overall persona of the LFA supercar. The cabin is finished in high quality materials including hand-stitched leather seats, carbon fibre elements and metallic finishes that creates a pleasant acomfortable interior for just about any driver.

Lexus LFA supercar gallery

Mercedes Benz SLS AMG Black Series Lands In South Africa

Unveiled at the Los Angeles Motor Show last November, the unrivalled Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series has landed in SA looking as fresh as ever in AMG solar beam exterior paint and optimised bucket tappets featuring a special coating which is otherwise exclusive to racing vehicles.

The Black Series model currently on show at the Johannesburg International Motor Show, is described by Mercedes-Benz as a spiritual successor to the 300SL Gullwing, and more than that, its packed with performance upgrades that resonate with its aggresive looks.

GT3-inspired body kit

The Black Series is further distinguished by an aerodynamic body kit that includes new bumpers, revised side skirts, flared fenders and a rear diffuser. The model also has darkened headlamps and black surrounds for the rear lights, carbon inserts in the side sills and the rear apron made of carbon fibre as well as 19- / 20-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres.

Power comes from a 6.2-liter V8 engine equipped with a fully revised high-speed valve train with modified camshafts, adapted cam geometry and optimized bucket tappets featuring a special coating that is typically used on race vehicles. This allows the engine to develop 464kW of power and 634Nm of torque. Its connection to a seven-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT dual-clutch transmission enables the supercar to sprint from 0-60 km/h in 3.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 315 km/h.

Other highlights include a carbon fibre torque tube, a CFRP drive shaft and a lightweight lithium-ion battery, rear aerofoil braced by aluminium elements on a special insert on the boot lid, and additional carbon-fibre flics on the front apron.

Click the link to read our detailed article on the Mercedes Benz SLS AMG Black Series and check out the full gallery from the motor show below.

Mercedes Benz SLS AMG Black Series gallery

Ford Evos Concept Gallery from 2013 JIMS

The Ford Evos Concept is on display at the 2013 Johannesburg International Motor Show (JIMS) which opens to the public on 18-27 October. Check out the gallery of images of the Ford Evos Concept at the JIMS below or read more about the Ford Evos here.