2014 Toyota Corolla gets five stars from Euro NCAP
The new generation Toyota Corolla said to make its way to South Africa in 2014 has just earned the impressive maximum five-star rating from Euro NCAP and measured an impressive 94% score for adult occupation which is apparently the highest result from that category.
While the EuroNCAP tests a wide range of cars, the only car due in SA soon from the August round of testing was the Toyota Corolla. For full results, see the organisation’s website.
The new Corolla is equipped with Whiplash Injury Lessening front seats that reduce whiplash injuries during rear end collisions. In its testing for Adult occupation, the Corolla demonstrated good protection of all body regions and also showed that a similar level of protection would be provided to occupants of different statures and those who sat in different positions.
The standard safety features list in the Corolla includes ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRC) and an emergency brake signal function. However, the Corolla only achieved 66% for Safety Assist, barely meeting the 65% required by Euro NCAP for any 5-star car.
Mitsubishi has unveiled an updated Pajero Sports SUV featuring a few cosmetic changes and interior revisions as well as a more powerful common rail turbo diesel engine with improved fuel consumption and lower emissions. The 2014 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, as a contender against the popular Toyota Fortuner, Ford Everest, Nissan Pathfinder and Chevrolet Trailblazer, is expected to be more competitive with lower pricing and even better stylish rugged looks.
Powerful new engine with Variable Geometry Turbocharger
The new generation engine replaces the previous 3.3-litre power unit with a more powerful 2.5-litre unit that delivers an increased 131kW of power at 4000 rpm and maximum torque that moves up from 343Nm to a healthy 400Nm at the same engine speed of 2000 rpm. Models using the 5-speed automatic transmission will have a torque figure of 350Nm at 1800 rpm.
The engine uses a Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT) that works to optimise the turbine flow rate in order to achieve high torque at low speeds and maximise power at high speeds.
Fuel consumption for the manual version is a claimed 7.8-litres/100 km with CO2 emissions of 206 g/km, and 8.5-litres/100km with CO2 emissions of 225 g/km for the automatic.
Super select with rear differential lock
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport comes with 215mm ground clearance and departure angles of 36 and 25 degrees. The renowned Super Select 4×4 system is used to control the 4×4 system drive facility of the Pajero Sport. The system provides a choice of four different driving modes, 2H, 4H, 4HLc and 4LLc. The Super Select 4WD lets you move from smooth 2H mode highway performance to rugged 4H mode traction without breaking stride, and offers a convenient shift-on-the-fly of up to 100km/h.
Stylish rugged design features
Designed to perform best through natures toughest terrains, the Pajero Sport features a revised front grille, bumper and tail lights, redesigned 17-inch alloy wheels, a rear licence plate garnish, as well as body colour door handles and electric rear view mirrors which incorporate repeater indicator lenses. The Pajero Sport models will be available in a choice of five colours which include Eison Grey Mica, Cool Silver Metallic, Quartz Bronze Metallic, Medium Red and White Pearl.
The model further benefits from plenty of interior space, featuring seven seats and luggage space of 1149 litres with the third row of seats folded flat. The seats are covered in black leather, while the steering wheel is also leather lined and incorporates multi-function switches, including cruise control, Bluetooth control and audio control.
Additional features include climate control with separate rear controls, multi-function steering wheel, cruise control and a six-speaker touch-screen audio system with reverse camera, six airbags and Active Stability and Traction Control.
2014 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Price
Prices start at R435 900 for the manual and R445 900 for the automatic, featuring a three-year/100 000km warranty and five-year/90 000km service plan.
2014 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Gallery
The Cars.co.za August Motoring Report Infographic
South Africa’s new and used car market produces reams of data every month, it can be a minefield to make sense of it all. We’ve tried to trim it all down for you, squeezing all the important information into this easy-to-read, easy to share infographic.
Starting off with our Hot Release of the Month, the astonishing Mercedes Benz A45 AMG, the Cars.co.za August motoring report infographic covers the following sections:
Most popular used cars – based on views on Cars.co.za
*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
Ford enjoyed a year to date sales rise of 33% to 36 584 units in August 2013. Strong performances came from the rugged Ford Ranger and the all-new EcoSport urban SUV with 522 sales in its first month selling in South Africa. Continuing Fords successful SUV-themed month, was the Kuga with a total of 445 sales which was also voted Womans Car of the Year and continues to be the segment leader for the third month in a row.
Here is a breakdown of Ford sales summary for August 2013, including the top 5 model sales and top 5 used cars.
Ford new car sales summary August 2013
Total new car sales: 5893 units
Total market share: 10.5%
Total passenger vehicle sales: 3891 units
Total Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) sales: 2002 units
Top 5 Ford new car sales for August 2013 (compared to July 2013)
Ford Ranger 1695 units (1876)
Ford Figo 1200 units (1313)
Ford Fiesta 824 units (885)
Ford EcoSport 522 units
Ford Focus 448 units (391)
Top 5 used Ford cars in South Africa for August 2013
Toyota recorded sales of 10 398 units and was the only manufacturer to break through the 10 000 sales mark in August 2013. Sales for the Light Commercial Vehicle segment were spearheaded by the market leading 3339 sales of the brands Hilux bakkie.
According to Calvyn Hamman, Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing at Toyota, sales momentum is starting to slow, having dropped to below 6% for the year to date.
He added that dealer sales remained strong in August despite the strike in the automotive industry which is currently in its third week. This is because there is normally 6 weeks of stock in the network between the manufacturer, the vehicle delivery network and the dealer network. With this is mind we will only see the effect of the strike in coming months sales.
Despite this Toyota doubled their efforts and exported 7 253 locally manufactured vehicles.
Here is a breakdown of Toyota sales summary for August 2013 including Top 5 model sales, and the brands top 5 used cars according to views on cars.co.za.
Toyota new car sales summary for August 2013
Total new car sales: 10 398 units
Total market share: 18.5%
Total passenger vehicle sales: 5114 units
Total Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) sales: 4973 units
Top 5 Toyota new car sales August 2013 (compared to July 2013)
Toyota Hilux 3339 units (3159)
Toyota Etios 1852 units (2122)
Toyota Quantum 1122 units (1351)
Toyota Fortuner 945 units (943)
Toyota Corolla/Auris 821 units (2014)
Top 5 used Toyota cars in South Africa for August 2013
Volkswagen reported total sales of 8910 for August, and although the brand didn’t surpass the 10 000 sales mark, it is still the second most popular brand in South Africa. The positive impact on new vehicle affordability of low interest rates and low growth in new vehicle prices continued to further enhance Volkswagen sales in positively. The Audi brand contributed 1662 units sold, the top seller being the A4 sedan which sold 628 units.
Here is a breakdown of Volkswagen sales summary for August 2013 including top 5 model sales and the top 5 used cars.
Volkswagen new car sales summary for August 2013
Total new car sales: 8910 units
Total market share: 15.8%
Total passenger vehicle sales: 8250 units
Total Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) sales: 569 units
Top 5 Volkswagen new passenger car sales for August 2013 (compared to July 2013)
VW Polo 2625 units (2618)
VW Polo Vivo 2324 units (3574)
Audi A4 628 units (653)
VW Golf 7 587 units (908)
VW Amarok 365 units (412)
Top 5 used Volkswagen cars in South Africa for August 2013
Nissan reported a total 4248 sales in August, with best results in the passenger car segment. In its first full month of sales the Almera sold well as a B-segment contender with total sales of 439 – an improvement from July.
Nissan says severe stock shortages of the locally-manufactured light commercial vehicles the NP200 and NP300 affected deliveries in the second half of August, costing an estimated 750 sales and causing huge frustration for dealers and potential customers alike. However, in the first eight months of the year Nissan has increased sales by 2.1% compared to the same period last year, and remains on track to have a full-year market share of just over nine percent.
Here is a breakdown of Nissan sales summary for August 2013 which includes key sales figures for both the passenger and LCV segments, top 5 model sales and the brands top 5 used cars.
Nissan new car sales summary for August 2013
Total new car sales: 4248 units
Total market share: 7.5%
Total passenger vehicle sales: 1892 units
Total Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) sales: 2356 units
Top 5 Nissan new car sales for August 2013 (compared to July 2013)
Nissan NP200 1089 units (1663)
Nissan NP300 Hardbody 883 units (916)
Nissan Almera 439 units (367)
Nissan Micra 391 units (312)
Nissan Juke 323 units (364)
Top 5 used Nissan cars in South Africa for August 2013 (in terms of views on cars.co.za)
John Beale spent some time in the baby Land Rover with the latest 4-cyl engine. Photos and pricing included at the end of his Freelander Si4 review.
The Freelander received an update towards the end of last year: a slight update to the exterior bringing eye catching new LED headlamps, a new grille and bumper, as well as revised tail-lights. A new Dynamic model has been added to the line-up and adds new colours and interior identity. It has definitely helped spruce up the Freelander, seeing as most of the competition is fairly new in design.
Updated Freelander engine
Most important to the update is the addition of the 2litre turbocharged engine (that does justice elsewhere in the Jaguar-Land Rover stable) has made it to the Freelander. The Si4 turbo charged 4-cylinder petrol now replaces the i6 V6 fuel hog.
With 177kW and 340NM the new unit offers better fuel consumption and smart regenerative technology too. Theres enough power and torque on offer, but the 6-speed automatic gearbox struggles to get the most out of it with slow shifts and what seems to be a love affair with 5th gear. No matter how fast or slow, it kicks into 5th, and then to accelerate you have to jam the accelerator down causing numerous shifts and much noise. Not ideal, for fuel consumption or driving style.
Once youre into the turbo band the 4cylinder moves the all wheel drive Freelander along nicely. Its a great unit, and a huge improvement on the V6. Unfortunately I couldnt get anywhere close to claimed figures, with over 20l/100km on solely town driving, which is um, fairly high.
Interior Updates
The interior also received an update, with revised dash, new colour instrument binnacle digital screen, keyless start, a larger 7-inch touch screen for navigation and multimedia as well as an optional high performance Meridian Sound System (standard sound is excellent enough!).
It does however have the smallest boot out of the BMW X3 and Q5, but its boxy and high so is practical to fill. Rear seats are bench like but offer good legroom. The front captains chairs with armrests are a little oldschool and offer very little lateral support. Otherwise the cabin now follows even more closely to the Discovery, and new centre console with improved hidey spaces works well. Besides the slow 7inch screen, there is little to fault.
Off-road ability
The familiar Terrain response system, which sets the Freelander apart in between the competition as the most competent off-road, has moved to button style operation. With class leading ground clearance, articulation and brakeover and departure angles comes less dynamic on-road prowess.
Where its the most competent of all small SUVs off-road, it pitches, wallows and rolls on road. It makes for a comfortable ride, but not one thats made for speed.
Brakes are squishy but work well, albeit pitching the nose of the Freelander into the tar when breaking hard. That said, the familiar Terrain Response system is unique in this category, and makes soft-roading a terribly easy operation. There is no low-range but rather brakes which arrest the wheel spinning when theres no traction. Also included is hill-descent and hill-start assist.
No more mechanical handbrake
The update also now features an electronic handbrake, which might deter some buyers, as now theres very little mechanical actuation left on the vehicle, so technically just more to break without the ability to fix it in the bush, which might concern some buyers. It is however intelligent in that it actuates force based on incline and temperature of the brakes.
Freelander safety features
A host of standard safety systems include ABS, EBD, BAS, ETC, DSC, RMC and received a 5star euro NCAP rating with its new Knee-Bag.
Overall, the updated Freelander is an excellent buy for those wanting a bit more confidence off the tar, and a bit more power in town. With updated looks it now fits with the familiar Range/Land Rover face, while we wait for the new model. That said, you do pay a premium for the quality interior and features, and when looking at the competition, its a tough choice.
Of the total 56 112 industry sales reported in South Africa, 6029 were GMSA vehicles. The brand has improved demand across its Chevrolet Spark range which achieved record sales of 1086 units, and is number six on the top 10 best sellers for August.
According to GMSAs Vice President for vehicle sales, marketing and service, Vehicle sales reported for August reflect a softening of the market that has been expected and built into forecasting models for growth for the full year.
The Chevrolet Trailblazer drew a high level of interest in the SUV market with 271 sales for the month, while the new Isuzu KB continued to grow its presence in the market with 1439 sales.
Here is a breakdown of GMSA sales summary for August 2013, including key sales figures, Top 5 model sales and the most popular GMSA used cars according to views on cars.co.za.
GMSA new car sales summary for August 2013
Total new car sales: 6029
Total market share: 10.7%
Total passenger vehicle sales: 2701 units
Total Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) sales: 2999 units
Top 5 GMSA new passenger car sales August 2013 (compared to July 2013)
Chevrolet Utility 1485 units (1587)
Isuzu KB units 1439 (1379)
Chevrolet Spark 1086 units (737)
Chevrolet Cruze 401 units (356)
Chevrolet Sonic 309 units (167)
Top 5 used GMSA cars in South Africa for August 2013 (in terms of views on Cars.co.za)
Audi has gone back to the future with this, the Quattro Concept, which looks even closer to a possible future production version. While the concept drawings showed an angry, aggressive look, the “in-the-metal’ version is understandably toned down, yet still looks squat and purposeful.
Famed for dominating the World Rally stages, Audi will be hoping to trade on some of that nostalgia with this new model, most likely reaching showroom floors in late 2015.
New Audi Quattro Engine Specs
And it will be quite the performer. A plug in hybrid, the Quattro will feature a 411kw twinturbo petrol V8, coupled to a 110kW electric motor for a combined output of 521kW and 800Nm of torque. To put that in perspective, the most powerful R8 in the current line up, which uses a larger V10 motor, offers 404kW and 540Nm.
New Audi Quattro Performance Figures
Audi is claiming acceleration of 0 – 100km/h in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 302km/h. However the plug-in hybrid set up gives the car astonishing fuel consumption; Audi claims 2.4litres/100km and CO2 emissions of just 59g/km.
Those figures are curiously close to the figures claimed by BMW’s i8 which we featured yesterday; a new future rivalry is certainly on the cards, but for the moment, the Audi trumps the i8 on power and performance, while the BMW will most likely get closer to it’s stated efficiency claims.
Although extensive aluminium and carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) have been used throughout, the Quattro Concept still tips the scales at 1850kg, including the battery pack. That’s a fair bit of weight to carry around, and gives a clue as to why the car has so much power.
Audi Quattro Concept Video
We’ll certainly be keeping an eye on this new supercar from Audi, and bring you the latest details as they become available.
