The Cars.co.za May Motoring report infographic

The Cars.co.za Motoring report is a monthly infographic that details the South African automotive scene. We will be covering a number of features and statistics and presenting them to you in a format you can use.

Motoring report sections

The inaugural Cars.co.za motoring report covers the following sections:

Top 5 motoring brands
Most popular international brands
New car market share
Most popular cars in South Africa
Hot release of the month

*The new car statistics included in the infographic were sourced from the Naamsa new car sales report.
**The used car statistics used in the infographic are sourced directly from Cars.co.za

Cars.co.za – May motoring report

* Click the below image to view the full infographic

Chevrolet Captiva revised for 2013

The seven-seat Chevrolet Captiva SUV has been enhanced for the 2013 model year. The model is fitted with a styling and features package and an extended range of factory fitted options.

2013 Chevrolet Captiva gets fresh look

Engine Capability

The Chevrolet Captiva is powered by either a 2.4 litre Ecotec engine with variable valve timing that produces 123 kW and 230 Nm of torque, or a common rail direct injection 2.2 litre diesel engine that produces 135 kW with 400 Nm of torque. Both units are the latest generation engines from Chevrolet that offer exceptional economy during operation.

Combined cycle fuel economy is rated at 8.8-litres/100km for the front wheel drive 2.4 litre model and 8.0-litres/100km for the 2.2 litre diesel all-wheel drive model.

The Captiva 2.4 LT with front wheel drive is available with a choice of 6-speed manual transmission or 6-speed automatic with electronic control, while the Captiva 2.2 LTZ has a 6-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with on-demand four-wheel-drive.

Enhanced Styling Features

As before, Chevrolet has continued to revamp the Captiva with contemporary styling enhancements. New design features across the range of 2.4 LT FWD (Front Wheel Drive) manual and automatic and the top of the range 2.2 LTZ AWD (All Wheel Drive) models include a refreshed front bumper, fog lamp surrounds and grille, a revised rear bumper, exhaust outlets, and a new set of LED taillights.

Furthermore, the Chevrolet Captiva variants now feature a ‘touch-pad’ tailgate mechanism and passenger seat belt warning, while dual-zone climate control air-conditioning is standard on the 2.2 LTZ AWD and available as an option on the 2.4 LT manual and automatic models. The flagship 2.2 turbodiesel LTZ model gains keyless start system as well as illuminated door-sill covers, a tyre pressure monitor, and engineers have fiddled with the final drive ratio to improve acceleration.

The entry-level 2.4 petrol LT model comes optional with a new Luxury Package that adds an on-board computer and dual-zone climate control systems to the model.

2013 Chevrolet Captiva Price

View the new Chevrolet Captiva

Chevrolet Captiva 2.4 LT FWD Manual	R322 100
Chevrolet Captiva 2.4 LT FWD Automatic	R337 900
Chevrolet Captiva 2.2 LTZ AWD Automatic	R443 000

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive sets new record

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive circled the Nurburgring Nordschleife in a record time of 7:56.234, making it the first electric vehicle to master the legendary race track in less than eight minutes.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive offers dynamic performance

The record was hit in the Grune Holle SLS AMG Coupe Electric Drive which is currently the strongest AMG high performance car. It has four electric motors with a total output of 552kW and maximum torque of 1000NM. The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive Coupe accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and can reach an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.

Mercedes-AMG impressively shows the potential of the SLS AMG Coupe Electric Drive with the new record on the Nurburgring Nordschleife, said Ola Kallenius, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. Mercedes-AMG is the first vehicle manufacturer which makes it possible to circle the Nordschleife in under eight minutes with an electrically-powered series production vehicle. This record run is another proof for our constant innovative vigour.

The extremely powerful 400 volts battery voltage for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupe Electric Drive is the result of the collaboration between Mercedes AMG and Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains in Brixworth, UK, and is setting the pace in energy density, power density and efficiency. The gullwing car is fast becoming the strongest and fastest electrically-powered series production vehicle in the world.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive Gallery

View the Gallery here

MG back in South Africa with expanded MG6 range

After nearly two years British brand MG is set to return South Africa. Its initial offering will comprise of an expanded range of its MG6 fastback and sedan models.

During its two years of absence, MG has built a network of 15 dealers across South Africa, and as the dealer network has expanded, so has the management with the appointment of a new CEO of Mandarin Motors which covers MG and Maxus.

MG3 coming to SA

South Africans can look forward to the arrival of the MG3 later in 2013, with at least two new products joining the line-up in 2014. It will initially only be available with a four-cylinder petrol engine, mated to a five-speed manual transmission.

Until the arrival of the MG3, MG is focusing on its MG6, which is available in both hatchback and sedan versions with prices from R239 900 for the 1.8T Comfort model with a three-year/90 000km service plan, one-year AA Roadside Assistance and a three-year/100 000km warranty.

Ipsos announces 2013 Quality Award winners

The 2013 Ipsos Quality Awards has seen some of South Africas popular car brands maintain their top positions in the customer sales and service categories. These awards have been awarded to the industry for the past nine years and remain the benchmark in measuring customer perspective on experiences and vehicle quality in the South African automotive industry.

In contrast to new vehicle sales statistics for 2012 in which Volkswagen dominated, the top performing passenger car brands according to Ipsos include Chevrolet, Audi and Volkswagen while in the Light Commercial segment Chevrolet, Isuzu and Toyota have delivered the strongest performances.

These rankings are based on Ipsoss Competitive Customer Experience (CCE) where the questionnaire covers all elements of both the sales and service process, from the appearance and staff at the dealership itself to the financing or pricing aspects of the sale or service and then to the post-sale or post-service follow up.

The study gathered information from more than 22 000 South African vehicle owners between January and December 2012, while the survey represents approximately 83% of all new vehicles sold in the Passenger Car market and 98% of the Light Commercial Vehicle market.

The top achievers

The Passenger Vehicle Purchasing Experience received the highest average score for the quality of customer experience at 93.8%, with all the Gold award winners attaining a score of no less than 94.4%

According to Patrick Busschau, Automotive Business Unit Director at Ipsos South Africa, there have been significant advances in technology, facilities, systems and financing processes which have not only made the consumer experience more pleasant but have also contributed to improvements in the product itself.

He added that manufacturers and dealerships are increasingly focusing on the interpersonal and emotional elements of the customer experience. Its become a matter of providing customers with what they want and need from a product perspective, but in order to do so, really spending time understanding the customer and who they are is becoming increasingly important.

The average score in the Passenger Vehicle Servicing Experience category is at 85.8% which is an increase from last years 84.8%. Top winners include Audi, Chevrolet, Volkswagen and Lexus which have maintained Gold in this category for four years in a row.

The Light Commercial Vehicle Purchasing Experience category ranked a very high average of 92.7% which is also a substantial increase from last year, because this category has traditionally performed at a slightly lower level than the Passenger Vehicle Purchasing Experience, however it is catching up to the performance of the Passenger Vehicles.

Lastly, the average score in the Light Commercial Vehicle Servicing Experience category has improved again from last year to 86% in 2013 which is very similar to the passenger car service average.
The service areas of dealers have become very good at standardising processes and delivering consistently to customers. Again the zone for improvement in recent times is in the softer skills dealer staff is developing to really make the customer feel important to the dealership and that they are receiving value for money with as little inconvenience as possible, said Busschau.

Passenger Vehicle Purchasing Experience top achievers

Audi
Volkswagen
Chevrolet
Toyota

(Brands excluded from the Passenger Vehicle Purchasing Experience include Mitsubishi, Citroen, CJD, and KIA)

Passenger Vehicle Servicing Experience top achievers

Audi
Chevrolet
Volkswagen
Lexus

(Brands excluded from the Passenger Vehicle Servicing Experience include Kia, CJD)

Light Commercial Vehicle Purchasing Experience top achievers

Isuzu
Toyota
Chevrolet
Nissan
Volkswagen

(Brands excluded from the Light Commercial Purchasing Experience include Ford, Mitsubishi, and Mazda)

Light Commercial Vehicle Servicing Experience top achievers

Volkswagen
Toyota
Isuzu
Nissan
Chevrolet

New Toyota Corolla Sedan revealed

With nearly 40 million units sold worldwide, Toyota has revealed the 11th generation best-selling Corolla. The new Toyota Corolla sedan comes with dramatically amplified elements of style, design, quality and craftsmanship.

The all-new 2014 Toyota Corolla was unveiled in two distinct guises on two continents. The Corolla sedan exhibiting European style was unveiled in Istanbul, Turkey, while another version, with a markedly different frontal design, debuted in Santa Monica, California. Both models retain styling cues from the Corolla Furia Concept which debuted earlier this year at the Detroit Auto Show.

New Toyota Corolla Sedan is the best ever

The 2014 Toyota Corolla L, LE and S trim levels will be powered by a 4-cylinder, 1.8-litre engine producing 98kW, and depending on the trim level, various gearboxes will be available with a six-speed manual for the L and S models, a seven-speed CVTi-S for LE, LE Eco and S, and an obsolete four-speed automatic for the entry-level L model.

Expressive Exterior and Interior Design

The new design was implemented to satisfy customer needs to shape key elements of the product on a global scale. The four-door sedan features clean lines and balanced proportions that impact a more sophisticated and contemporary look.

The front styling is based on Toyotas two key design pillars a narrow elongated upper grille that extends into the scalpel-sharp headlamp clusters and the now characteristic trapezoidal lower grille. All versions of the new Toyota Corolla sedan will feature LED low beam headlamps with LED daytime running lights. Three wheel sizes will be offered in 15-inch, 16-inch and 17-inch diameters.

The elevated interior experience comes in the form of a new horizontal dashboard design that dominates the centre stack and looks both more modern and sophisticated than the outgoing model.

Other dramatically enhanced interior features include the rear seat which has been pushed back 2.95 inches, a thinner front seat back which adds more legroom for rear passengers, and a flatter rear floor because the exhaust pipe is routed beneath the vehicle. Two different gauge clusters will be offered; one for L, LE and ECO models, and one for S model.

Standard Equipment

Standard equipment for the new Toyota Corolla sedan includes eight airbags, Bluetooth hand-free phone and audio-streaming connectivity, and depending on the trim level equipment such as back-up monitor, power moonroof, touchscreen radio, smart key / push-button start, SofTex seats, apps accessible via the audio head unit, heated front seats, and navigation will be optional.

Toyota SA Motors Lettie Labuschagne, General Manager of Product Planning, confirmed that visually the European car is very similar to the model that will be launched in South Africa early in 2014.

Geely Emgrand EC7 EV Revealed

Geely has revealed an all-new electric vehicle which is an expansion of its Emgrand EC7 which was launched recently in South Africa. The Geely Emgrand EC7 EV is aimed at expanding the Chinese market and will be developed in conjunction with Detroit Electric, an American company who have entered into a strategic partnership with Geely to co-develop electric vehicles and powertrains.

Geely Emgrand EC7 EV is electric all the way

The Geely Emgrand EC7 EV will feature an electric motor, a twin-speed gearbox and an advanced battery pack with two options. the vehicle will feature medium range with up to 165 km and a long range with up to 258 km. The car is expected to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in less than eight seconds, with a top speed in excess of 200 km/h.

EV market grows in China

The Geely Emgrand EC7 EV will initially be aimed at fleets and local government in China with sales expected to reach 3 000 units in its first full year on the market. The partnership also calls for Geely and Detroit Electric to work together to jointly engineer and develop all areas of the EV power train solution, including the electric motor, the vehicle management system, advanced thermo-managed battery packs, battery management systems and a twin-speed high-torque gearbox.

Our partnership with a leading electric vehicle technology provider such as Detroit Electric will enable us to enhance and accelerate our own expertise and knowledge in this area. The Geely Emgrand EC7 EV will enable us to provide a wider vehicle choice to our customers and it also reiterates our commitment to providing alternate energy vehicles to the market in China, said Emgrand President Mr. Feng.

The Geely Emgrand EC7 EV Detroit Technology is expected to go on sale in 2014.

International Engine of the Year award winners

The International Engine of the Year awards judged by a panel of 67 automotive journalists from 35 countries has named the three-cylinder EcoBoost engine by Ford as the Engine of the Year.

Other noteworthy victories included Ferraris 6.3-litre V12 engine found in the F12 Berlinetta which took the Best Performance Engine as well as winning the over 4.0-litre category. Audis 2.5-litre turbocharged five cylinder took an award in its category for the fourth straight year.

Here is a list of the different category winners

International Engine of the Year

Ford 999cc three-cylinder turbo which can be found in the Ford Fiesta, B-Max, Focus, C-Max, and Grand C-Max.

Best New Engine

Volkswagen 1.4-litre turbo which can be found in the Volkswagen Polo, Beetle, Golf Variant, Golf Plus, Golf Cabriolet, Scirocco, Eos, Jetta, CC, Tiguan, Touran/Cross Touran, Passat, Audi A1 and A3.

Best Green Engine

Fiat 875cc two-cylinder turbo CNG available in Europe in the Fiat Panda and 500L and Lancia Ypsilon models.

Best Performance Engine

Ferrari 6.3-litre V12 which can be found in the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta.

Sub 1.0-litre

Ford 999cc three-cylinder turbo found in the Ford Fiesta, B-Max, Focus, C-Max, and Grand C-Max.

1.0-liter to 1.4-litre

Volkswagen 1.4-litre TSI Twincharger which can be found in the Volkswagen Polo, Beetle, Golf Variant, Golf Plus, Golf Cabriolet, Scirocco, Eos, Jetta, CC, Tiguan, Touran/Cross Touran, Passat, Audi A1, A3 and Seat Ibiza.

1.4-litre to 1.8-litre

BMW-PSA 1.6-litre turbo petrol available in the Mini Cooper S, Clubman Cooper S, Paceman Cooper S, Cooper Works, Clubman Cooper Works, Coupe/Roadster Cooper Works, Paceman Cooper Works, Peugeot 207cc, 208, 308, 3008, 508, 208 GTI, RCZ, Citroen DS3, C4 Picasso/Grand Picasso, C5/DS5, C4/DS4.

1.8-litre to 2.0-litre

BMW 2.0-litre twin-turbo four cylinder which can be found in the BMW 125i, 320i, 328i, 520i, 528i, Z4 20i, Z4 28i, X1 28i, and X3 20i.

2.0-litre to 2.5-litre

Audi 2.5-litre turbo available in the Audi TT RS, RS3, and Q3 RS.

2.5- to 3.0-litre

Porsche 2.7-litre DI available in the Porsche Boxter and Cayman models.

3.0-liter to 4.0-litre

McLaren 3.8-litre V8 found in the McLaren MP4-12C.

Above 4.0-litre

Ferrari 6.3-litre V12 available in the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta

Ford EcoBoost wins International Engine of the Year award

The 1.0-litre Ford EcoBoost engine has won the International Engine of the Year award for the second consecutive year, a remarkable achievement for the Ford Motor Company. The company is set to double production of the winning engine at its Engine Plant in Germany from mid-August to more than 1000 engines a day to meet demand.

Breakthrough tech in Ford EcoBoost engine

With a technology as mature as the internal combustion engine, its very rare to achieve a true breakthrough, but that is exactly what the team accomplished with this engine, said Joe Bakaj, Ford vice president, Global Powertrain. You have to drive it to believe a small three-cylinder engine can deliver such performance and fuel economy.

To provide lower fuel consumption without sacrificing power, the 1.0-litre EcoBoost combines direct fuel injection, turbocharging and variable valve timing. The engine also won the Best Engine Under 1.0-litre category at the annual awards presented by Engine Technology International magazine.

The awards were judged on drivability, performance, economy, refinement and the success application of advanced engine technology. In the 15-year history of the awards, Ford is one of the brands to record back-to-back victories. The Ford 1.0-litre EcoBoost also has won the International Paul Pietsch Award 2013 for technological innovation at German magazine Auto Motor und Sport Best Cars Awards and the Dewar Trophy from the Royal Automobile Club in Great Britain, a Breakthrough Award from Popular Mechanics magazine in the U.S.

In South Africa, the 1.0-litre Ford EcoBoost engine is currently offered in the Fiesta and will also be a part of the EcoSport range, coming later this year.

New car launches for May 2013

A host of new, upgraded and exciting cars were launched in South Africa during the month of May 2013. Here is a list of the new cars that were launched.

Mercedes Benz GL from R966 246

Mercedes Benz launched the new high performance GL-Class variants which come in three engine options and are fitted with high quality interior materials and feature a host of safety options.

Chevrolet Spark from R101 500

The Chevrolet Spark celebrated its first year of South African production with a revised range consisting of five different and distinct models featuring the same high levels of passenger comfort and safety.

Geely Emgrand EC7 from R149 990

Geely launched the luxurious EC7 featuring high end active and passive safety features, and is the first sedan to achieve five stars in the Chinese NCAP collision test.

Renault Fluence from R214 900

Renault launched the revamped the Fluence sporting modern styling and on-board technologies perfectly in phase with the needs of international markets. The Fluence is available in two variants, the Expression or Dynamique.

Fiat Panda from R139 990

Fiat launched the third generation Panda available in 2 trim levels (Pop and Lounge), 7 body colours, 3 interior trim colours and 14-inch steel and 15-inch alloy wheels.

Toyota Yaris from R141 000

Toyota fine tuned its Yaris line-up which is available exclusively in five-door format and will have the previous Xs specifications at a lower cost.

Citroen DS3 Cabrio from R219 900

Citroen launched the DS3 Cabrio as an addition to its DS line. The Cabrio is fitted with sophisticated features and uses intelligent design innovation to make the top-down attractive and enjoyable to drive.

BMW 5-series from R506 975

BMW unveiled the updated its 5-series line-up which now features more power in form of 167kW 3.0-litre engine, and enhanced styling to the cabin. All variants will also be available with an optional M Sport Package which features a new M steering wheel LED fog lights, and Nappa leather upholstery.

Nissan Juke from R249 900

Nissan introduced the new CVT automatic and All-Wheel-Drive versions of the Juke to join the existing four-model line-up. The new models sport bold looks, a sporty interior and an electrifying drive with the new transmissions.

Land Rover Discovery 4 R598 600

Land Rover launched the Discover 4 XS model which according to the brand is essentially an expedition vehicle designed for robust, overland work and to cater to the adventure market.

Kia Cerato from R219 995

Kia launched the all-new Cerato sporting a plush profile with futuristic and dynamic styling. The model is available in a choice of two petrol engines and features three different types of instrument cluster designs across the range.

Ford Everest R447 900

Ford upgraded the seven-seat SUV featuring a number of exterior and interior enhancements, including an electronic shift-on-the-fly system that allows the driver to shift the driving mode from 2WD to 4WD at high driving speeds of up to 100km/h.

Ford Fiesta ST R254 500

Ford launched the current popular version of its Fiesta range, the ST which is said to deliver remarkable levels of performance, design, and quality to offer an unsurpassed driving experience.

BAW Sasuka R275 990

BAW announced the introduction of a new 16-seater Sasuka minibus taxi which will be assembled in South Africa and will be equipped with a 110kW 2.7-litre engine.