New Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG gets power boost

The new Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG high performance model will be available for both the Saloon and Estate from June production.

New Mercedes Benz E 63 AMG offers more power and style

Engine Capability

The new E 63 AMG model benefits from a 21kW and 80Nm increase over the standard E 63 AMG, and is 0.1 seconds faster, reaching 100km/h in 4.1 seconds for the Sedan and 4.2 seconds for the Estate version.

The combined fuel consumption for the new Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG S Model Saloon is 8.2-litres/100km, with CO2 emissions of 232 g/km, while the Estate achieves 8.3-litres/100km with CO2 emissions of 234 g/km, which is the same as the standard E 63 AMG Estate.

Enhanced Exterior and Interior Features

The S model features exclusive exterior design elements which include a high gloss black front apron with silver-shadow splitter, side sill panels and rear trim strip with silver-shadow inserts. The S model also sports an AMG spoiler in body colour, 19-inch AMG alloy wheels painted in Titanium matt grey, red brake callipers, and the ‘S’ is labelled on the boot lid.

The distinctive interior includes black Nappa leather upholstery with grey contrast stitching, silver seat belts, an AMG emblem in the headrests, an electric rear roller blind for the Saloon, AMG door sills with white LED illumination, and an AMG instrument cluster with red applications and an S Model badge.

Other features include a choice of seven standard metallic paints and one none-metallic paint in Polar White for the S Model, complimented by two additional metallic paints, Diamond White and Hyacinth Red, two designo metallic paints, Mocha Black and Graphite and two designo Magno matt paints, Allanite Grey and Cashmere White.

It is unclear whether the new Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG S model will be available in South Africa.

Toyota Sales Summary for April 2013

Toyota sales for remained strong as it was the best-selling automotive brand in South Africa for April 2013. The brand also retained its market lead for the year to date after selling 9896 cars, with Hilux being South Africa’s most popular car with local sales of 3227 units. Here is a Toyota sales summary including critical sales figures, Top 5 model sales and the most popular Toyota used cars for April 2013.

Toyota sales summary in South Africa – April 2013

Total new car sales 9 896
Total market share 19.4%
Total passenger vehicle sales 4 770
Total Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) sales 4 833

Top 5 Toyota new car sales – April 2013

1. Toyota Hilux 3 221 units
2. Toyota Etios 1 581 units
3. Toyota Quantum 1 354 units
4. Toyota Corolla/Auris 897 units
5. Toyota Fortuner 852 units

Most popular used Toyota cars in South Africa – April 2013

  1. Toyota Corolla
  2. Toyota Hilux
  3. Toyota Yaris
  4. Toyota Fortuner
  5. Toyota Tazz

Toyota in the news

Toyota creates the cultured MeWe Concept car

The Toyota Fortuner 2.5D Auto reviewed

All new Toyota Verso launched in South Africa

Lamborghini Egoista Revealed

Celebrations for Lamborghini’s 50th anniversary ended with a bang with the reveal of the Lamborghini Egoista concept designed by Walter De Silva.

“This is a car made for one person only, to allow them to have fun and express their personality to the maximum. It is designed purely for hyper-sophisticated people who want only the most extreme and special things in the world. It represents hedonism taken to the extreme, it is a car without compromises, in a word: egoista (selfish),” said De Silva.

The power, technology and design behind the Lamborghini Egoista

The Lamborghini Egoista is powered by a V10 5.2-litre engine delivering an impressive 441kW. Like many modern Lamborghini products the Egoista is inspired by fighter jets, in particular the Apache helicopter with a heads up display dominating the front view.

The cockpit design is like a tailor made suit for the driver, with movable sections that create a perfect technical, mechanical and aerodynamic unit. The exterior is characterised by a highly muscular structure of a bull preparing to charge with its horns lowered. The two rear flaps were integrated into the bodywork profile and act automatically depending on the driving conditions.

The lighting of the Lamborghini Egoista carries through with the theme of an aircraft with LED clearance lights that determine its position in three dimensions rather than on a single plane. These lights that make the Egoista even unique in the dark include two white front lights, two red rear lights, a red flashing light in the upper part of the tail, two orange bull’s eyes as side markers and a further two lights on the roof; red on the left and green on the right.

Additionally, two powerful xenon headlamps are fitted behind the front air intakes at the base between the central body and the two side sections. The Lamborghini symbol is integrated where the central hull forms a unique section with the cockpit, underlined by the carbon-fibre cover on the front hood.

Interior Design

A heads-up display is the focal point of the interior. The rest of the interior is fitted with a removable steering wheel which allows the driver to exit and enter the cockpit while the dome opens with an electric command. The centre stage is taken by a racing seat accompanied by a four-point seatbelt with each strip in a different colour.

“The cockpit, made completely of carbon fibre and aluminium, represents a sort of survival cell, allowing the driver to isolate and protect themselves from external elements,” explained De Silva.
“We kept an eye on the future when designing the Egoista, with the idea that its cockpit could have been taken from a jet aircraft and integrated into a road vehicle, to provide a different travel option.”

New Renault Fluence models available in South Africa

New Renault Fluence models are now available in South Africa and come in the form of the revitalised Expression and new phase Dynamique, fresh from their international debut at the 2012 Istanbul Motor Show.

Fresh styling for new Renault Fluence

Engine Capability

The new Renault Fluence Expression is equipped with a 1.6-litre engine which produces 82kW at 6000 rpm and 151Nm of torque at 4250 rpm. The engine is mated to a five speed manual transmission and is capable of accelerating from zero to 100km.h in 11.5 seconds before reaching a top speed of 185km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at 6.8-litres/100km in the combined cycle with CO2 emissions of 155 g/km.

Under the hood of the new Renault Fluence Dynamique is a 2.0-lire 16V engine producing 103kW at 600 rpm and a torque figure of 195Nm at 3750 rpm. With its six speed manual gearbox, acceleration from 0-100km/h takes 9.9 seconds reaching a top speed of 200km/h. Combined cycle consumption is rated at 7.9 litres/100km and a Euro 4-compliant CO2 emissions of 182g/km.

Exterior Design Features

The front-end of the new Renault Fluence is inspired from the brand’s design renaissance, the focal point being the prominent Renault diamond shaped badge set vertically against a gloss black background. The model’s curvier lines and full surfaces ensure a more dynamic, assertive stance while chrome strips on either side of the badge underscore its status-enhancing look.

The bumper is now bolder with large lower air intakes that broaden towards the base. The fog lights are set against a gloss black surround and give the front a sporty touch, while the wheel arch openings provide the new Renault Fluence with an even more dynamic allure.

Interior Design Features

The interior dashboard panel incorporates a large round LCD screen with main functions that include a digital speed display and the visual component of the parking assistant function. The LCD screen also features white segments around the circumference which indicate the cruise control and the speed limiter systems’ settings. In the centre of the dashboard, the large 18cm touch screen emphasises the high-tech ambience of the interior providing the driver easy and safe connectivity to the navigation system and entertainment system.

Quality Technology Features

The new Renault Fluence Expression boasts high value features and equipment level advantages as standard. These features include: dual zone fully automatic climate control air-con, Bluetooth radio, MP3 compatible CD player, steering wheel controls, cruise control/speed limiter, rear parking distance control, automatic speed windscreen wipers with rain sensor, class leading boot capacity, front and rear curtain airbags, front fog lamps, Renault hands-free key card (entry/start/lock/) and leather steering wheel/gear knob.

The Fluence Dynamique is also equipped with high value features and equipment levels some of which outclass competitor models in its segment. These include Electronic Stability Control, LED daytime running lights, front and rear park distance control, and lumbar setting on driver’s seat and connectivity to a host of applications such as Tom-Tom navigation, 3D Sound by Arkamys, MP3 compatible CD player, and Bluetooth.

Safety Features

Optimum levels of protection systems for the new Renault Fluence include ABS braking, EBA and EBD, while Electronic Stability Control (ESP) is standard on the Dynamique. Front driver/passenger airbags, side bags and curtain units, as well as anti-whiplash height-adjustable front headrests are standard. The safety belt is fitted with a double pre-tensioner in the front seats and load limiter in the rear, while the two rear side seats are fitted with an ISOFIX fastening system. Automatic central locking of all doors and the boot occurs when the car pulls away.

New Renault Fluence – Price

View the New Renault Fluence

Renault Fluence Expression 1.6-litre 16V R214 900
Renault Fluence Dynamique 2.0-litre 16V R249 900

Both models are available with Renault’s standard 5-year/150 000km mechanical warranty, there is also a 5-year/90 000km service plan (optionally upgradeable to a full maintenance plan), comprehensive roadside assistance plan for the duration of the warranty period, fixed-price servicing costs (15 000km intervals) and guaranteed parts availability or a mobility solution until parts become available.

New vehicle launches for April 2013

The month of April 2013 saw a number of new and exciting models introduced in South Africa. Here is a breakdown of new car launches that took place during the month.

Nissan Pathfinder SE from R450 900

Nissan has launched two new Pathfinder SE models which are joining the existing Pathfinder LE and Pathfinder V9X models to complete the brand’s medium SUV range.

Fiat Doblo from R280 000

Fiat Group Automobiles South Africa launched the new seven seat Doblo Panorama family car, which offers the best-in-class storage capacity, a reduction in fuel emissions, and state-of-the-art technical features.

Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet from R397 900

The first open top version of the iconic Volkswagen Golf GTI was launched with an electric soft-top, Climatronic dual zone air conditioning, XDS transverse electronic differential lock and a roll-over protection system.

Toyota Auris HSD from R297 900

Adding to its growing range of hybrid vehicles, Toyota launched the new Auris Hybrid Synery Drive (HSD) available in mid XS trim and high-grade XR models.

Toyota Verso from R261 900

The new Toyota Verso sporting a new face and revised interior was also launched in South Africa this month in three derivatives (the S-Entry, SX-Mid and TX-High).

Toyota RAV4 from R279 900

Toyota also launched the fourth generation RAV4 available in four models with a choice of three engines and two trim levels.

New Renault Clio 4 from R149 900

Renault South Africa took the wraps of the latest version of its popular B-segment runabout, the fourth generation Clio which sold around 12-million units since the first version was shown off at the Paris Motor Show back in 1990.

Mercedes Benz GL-Class from R966 246

Mercedes Benz unveiled its new high performance GL-Class variants, setting new standards in comfort, dynamics, safety, and elegance in the SUV world.

Mercedes Benz A-Class from R275 000

The Mercedes Benz also launched its latest A-Class model which has been a bestseller for a number of generations. The new A-Class features three different variants – Urban, Style and AMG Sport.

Hyundai Veloster from R259 900

Hyundai launched the new Veloster, packed with attractive and innovative features.

Ford Transit Custom from R265 526

Ford launched another commercial vehicle in the one-tonne van market, which offers local businesses an unmatched combination of style, driver appeal and functionality.

Honda CR-Z from R332 800

Honda unveiled the updated version CR-Z hybrid hatchback in South Africa featuring desirable combinations of style, performance and driving pleasure.

New Isuzu KB for South Africa

A team of highly qualified and specialised designers were given an opportunity to create a vehicle for a specific South African market, and the result is the new Isuzu KB.

New Isuzu KB embodies iconic heritage of innovation, toughness, and functionality

The sixth generation Isuzu represents years of experience, modern technologies, forward-thinking design, and clever engineering. The new Isuzu KB was built in Port Elizabeth for local consumption and for export into sub-Saharan Africa, this formed part of a R1-billion GMSA three-model investment.

With a towing capacity of 3500 kg and engine performance of 380Nm, the new Isuzu KB can handle anything a South African driver can throw at it including traversing a dirt road to the most remote customer’s factory depot, climbing the Sani Pass into Lesotho or launching a boat into the Vaal River.

Engines for any occasion

The all-new Isuzu’s engines and drivetrain configurations are equipped to suit any needs. The engine range includes a 2.4-litre petrol motor accompanied by the 2.5-litre D-TEQ turbocharged diesel engine and the range topping 3.0-litre D-TEQ turbocharged diesel unit. Also on offer are the 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains along with manual or automatic gearboxes.

Local crafty design implementation

The new design configuration of the new Isuzu KB features improved handling while still maintaining excellent off-road ability and adaptability. Depending on the model, the front end is styled with the fitment of an independent wishbone setup with coil springs and gas-filled dampers. The cleverly constructed overslung leaf springs at the rear ensure the new KB maintains its legendary bakkie capabilities.

The new Isuzu KB is available with different body styles including Single Cab, Double Cab and Extended Cab with rear-hinged ‘Flex Doors’.

“The all-new Isuzu KB is a great milestone for GMSA and we see it as a huge step up from the trusty previous-generation KB which found favour with thousands of South Africans in years gone by,” said Mlungisi Nonkonyana, Isuzu Brand Manager.

“Not only are we proud to have been able to customise the new Isuzu KB in its design and engineering phases but with left-hand drive production for our new sub-Saharan Africa export markets also part of the PE production investment, we really expect big things from the new KB. In its local context, it is the quintessential South African bakkie – designed by South Africans, for South Africans. And, being as capable as it is in any environment, it’s a true go-anywhere, do-anything vehicle with exceptional value to boot.”

With a massive 23-model line-up, there is certainly a new Isuzu KB for any comprehensible purpose.

View the new Isuzu KB Series bakkie

 

GMSA Sales Summary for April 2013

April was a month of growth for GMSA. Strong performances came from the brand’s Spark range which continued to attract buyers in the small car sector. The Spark accounted for 433 sales and was one of the most popular vehicles in its class. Here is a breakdown of GMSA sales, including key sales figures, Top 5 model sales and the most popular GMSA used cars for April 2013.

GMSA sales summary – April 2013

Total new car sales 5 110
Total market share 10%
Total passenger vehicle sales 2 040
Total Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) sales 2 748

Top 5 GMSA new passenger car sales – April 2013*

1. Chevrolet Utility 1 628 units
2. Isuzu KB 1 047 units
3. Chevrolet Spark 433 units
4. Chevrolet Cruze 429 units
5. Chevrolet Aveo 325 units

Most popular used GMSA cars in South Africa – April 2013*

  1. Opel Corsa
  2. Opel Astra
  3. Isuzu KB Series
  4. Opel Corsa Utility
  5. Chevrolet Cruze

GMSA in the news

*New car sales statistics via Naamsa
*Used car statistics via Cars.co.za

Geely Emgrand EC7 launched in South Africa

The new Geely Emgrand EC7 luxury sedan has been launched in the local South African market.

Geely Emgrand EC7 brings affordable luxury to market

Engine Capability

The new Geely Emgrand EC7 is fitted with a GeTec-series 4-cylinder 1.8L 16V DOHC petrol engine. The engine is based with an all aluminium construction and other light weight technologie such as the plastic intake manifold. The engine produces 102kW of power at 6000 rpm and 172Nm of torque at 4200 rpm and is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. Acceleration from 0-100km/h takes 10.5 seconds reaching a top speed of 185km/h.

Key features of the new Geely Emgrand EC7 include a wheelbase of 2650mm, a rear seat 40/60 split configuration with load through ability and 16-inch alloy wheels with McPherson struts and trailing arms at the rear.

High-end active and passive safety features

Active and passive safety features include ABS with EBD, driver and front passenger airbags and side impact beams in all four the doors. There are also pre-tensioners with force limiters for the front seatbelts, three-point seat belts for each of the seats front and rear, an intelligent reversing sensor, and a built-in mini fire extinguisher.

Furthermore, the Geely Emgrand EC7 is fixed with around 15 bright LEDs, and has a one-touch locking and unlocking system via a button on the driver’s arm rest. Both rear doors have tamperproof child safety locks. Both Geely Emgrand EC7  models have a seat belt warning indicator to remind the driver of any seatbelts not fastened.

The new Geely Emgrand EC7 is the first sedan to achieve five stars in the Chinese NCAP collision test, which is followed by a near perfect four out of five stars in the stringent European NCAP test program.

Geely Emgrand EC7 – Price

  • Geely Emgrand EC7 1.8 GL Luxury – R149 990
  • Geely Emgrand EC7 1.8 GT – R164 990
  • 5 year warranty is included, service plan is optional.

Volkswagen Sales Summary for April 2013

New passenger car sales in South Africa decreased by 8.6% when compared to last month, however the market is up by 5.7% in comparison to the same period in 2012. Sitting at the top of the new car passenger market for April was a familiar sight though with VW once again taking the top spot. Here is a Volkswagen sales summary including critical sales figures, Top 5 model sales and the most popular Volkswagen used cars for April 2013.

Volkswagen sales summary for April 2013

Total new car sales 8 463 units
Total market share 18.3%
Total passenger vehicle sales 8 463 units
Total Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) sales 817 units

Top 5 Volkswagen new passenger car sales for April 2013

1. VW Polo Vivo 2 762 units
2. VW Polo 2 160 units
3. VW Amarok 589 units
4. VW Golf 7 551 units
5. VW Tiguan 538 units

Most popular used Volkswagen cars in South Africa – April 2013

  1. Volkswagen Polo
  2. Volkswagen Golf
  3. Volkswagen Polo Vivo
  4. Volkswagen Citi
  5. Volkswagen Jetta

Volkswagen in the news

*New car sales statistics via Naamsa
*Used car statistics via Cars.co.za

Used car analysis for April 2013

Statistics derived from Cars.co.za show that the South African public’s interest in particular used car brands and used car models has increased from the previous month. In April 2013 a total of 1 241 316 views were made on Cars.co.za. Here is a breakdown of the most popular used cars in South Africa for April 2013 as well as the most popular used car brands.

Top 10 most popular Used cars in South Africa for April 2013

Model Total views Used Car Market Penetration
1. BMW 3 Series 66 051 5.3% 2. Volkswagen Polo 58 012 4.7%
3. Volkswagen Golf 50 864 4.0%
4. Toyota Corolla 39 433 3.1%
5. Merc C-Class 36 893 3.0%
6. Audi A4 35 155 2.8%
7. Audi A3 26 965 2.1%
8. Toyota Hilux 26 581 2.1%
9. Volkswagen Polo Vivo 23 481 1.9%
10. Ford Focus 20 042 1.6%

The most sought after used car in South Africa is the BMW 3-Series with a market penetration percentage of 5%. In second place is the Volkswagen Polo with a market penetration of 4.7% with a fair amount of views for the month. However, South Africa’s best selling car for April 2013, the Toyota Hilux is the not nearly as popular in the used car market and only ranks 8th with a market penetration percentage of 2.1%.

The VW Polo Vivo, which is South Africa’s best-selling new passenger car for April 2013 has gone down from 7th place in March to 9th in April 2013 with a market penetration percentage of 1.9%.

Most popular used car brands in South Africa for April 2013

Used Car Brand Total Views Used Car Market Penetration % New Car Market Penetration*
Volkswagen 192 367 15.5% 18.3%
Toyota 156 378 12.6% 19.4%
BMW 136 340 11.7% 4.5%

* According to official NAAMSA sales figures for January 2013 statistics

Statistics from Cars.co.za also reveal that Volkswagen is considered to be the most popular car brand in the used car market in South Africa with a market penetration percentage of 15.5%. In the new car market in April 2013, Volkswagen holds second position with a market share of 18.3%, while Toyota holds the top position with a market share of 19.4%. Further BMW holds a greater market presence in the used car market with a penetration percentage of 11.7% compared to a low 4.2% in the new car market for April 2013.

Cars.co.za will continue to collate used car statistics throughout the duration of 2013 with the emphasis of expanding existing knowledge of the used car market in South Africa.