Jaguar Land Rover Sales Summary for February 2013

Jaguar Land Rover sales remained stable in the month of February 2013 with both the Discovery 4 and Evoque leading the charge for the brand in South Africa. Here is a breakdown of Jaguar Land Rover sales performance for February 2013.

Jaguar Land Rover sales – February 2013

  • Total sales: 824 units
  • Total Market Share: 1.8%
  • Passenger vehicle sales: 751 units (segment share: 2.4%)
  • Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) sales: 73 units (segment share: 0.5%)

Top 5 Jaguar Land Rover new car sales – February 2013 compared to January 2013

Model Sales
Land Rover Discovery 4 248 (251)
Range Rover Evoque 240 (333)
Land Rover Freelander 2 89 (76)
Jaguar XF 81 (84)
Land Rover Defender 73 (54)

Top 5 Jaguar Land Rover used cars on Cars.co.za – February 2013

Model Views
Land Rover Discovery 4 4 798
Land Rover Range Rover 3 877
Land Rover Defender 2 489
Land Rover Freelander 2 065
Range Rover Evoque 1472

Jaguar Land Rover in the News

Range Rover Evoque Black Design Pack launched

Land Rover electric Defender revealed

Land Rover introduces world’s first 9-speed automatic transmission

2014 Range Rover gets new V6 engine

Honda Sales Summary for February 2013

Compared to January 2013, Honda had a relatively positive sales month in South Africa in February with the Accord, Civic and Ballade posting increases in sales for the month. Here is a breakdown of Honda sales for February 2013.

Honda sales summary – February 2013

  • Total new car sales: 1 325 units
  • Total market share: 2.9% (segment share: 4.3%)

Top 5 Passenger Honda sales – February 2013 compared to January 2013

Model Sales
Honda Brio 334 (357)
Honda Jazz 308 (332)
Honda Civic 224 (121)
Honda CR-V 222 (260)
Honda Ballade 165 (135)

Top 5 Honda used cars on Cars.co.za – February 2013

Model Views
Honda Civic 3 946
Honda CR-V 3 437
Honda Jazz 2 931
Honda Accord 2 165
Honda Ballade 1 864

Honda in the News

Honda Civic Tourer Concept hints at its future

Honda to showcase two new concepts at 2013 Geneva Motor Show

Honda Urban SUV Concept makes Detroit Auto Show debut

Renault Ross Lovegrove concept to show new design language

Renault and Ross Lovegrove of Lovegrove Studio have collaborated to explore a new design language. The new Renault Ross Lovegrove concept will be unveiled at the Triennale of Milano on 8 April 2013 which will underline Renault’s design strategy.

Renault Ross Lovegrove concept taps into nature

According to Renault, the design of the concept car will based on the workings of nature. “By examining nature, its systems and energy transactions this project intends to bring awareness and understanding of those phenomena and their current impact.”

Ross Lovegrove and his studio will use contemporary computational design with the intention of revealing nature’s underlying blueprints and transfer them into a new design language.

Further details regarding the Renault Lovegrove concept car will be made available once the vehicle has been unveiled at the Triennale of Milan from 8-14 April 2013.

Mahindra e2o is the future of mobility

Mahindra has launched the all-electric, zero emission e2o in India this week. The Mahindra e2o is the manifestation of Mahindra’s vision of the Future of Mobility and incorporates the 5C’s framework of Clean, Convenient, Connected, Clever and Cost Effective. The e2o will be ready for sale in international markets in 2014 with an expected price of approximately R100 000.

Mahindra e2o is a city car

The Mahindra e2o is Mahindra’s contribution to offer customers a clean, smart and economical personal mobility solution in the face of larger issues such as environmental degradation, pollution, climate change, energy security and rising oil prices.

The Mahindra e2o is a city car that is powered by lithium-ion batteries and a three-phase induction electric motor. The e2o has a range of up to 100km and can be charged using a standard 15A household socket in five hours. The e2o is fully automatic and features a Boost Mode to enhance acceleration while the special ABS body panels are scratch and dent resistant.

Mahindra e2o uses clever technology

The control interface of the vehicle can be made available on a smartphone by downloading an app and gives the owner the opportunity to remotely manage several functions of the e2o. For instance, the app can help lock the car by sending a lock command or the air conditioning can be turned on remotely using the app. A trip planner integrates distance to empty information into the maps and helps plan each journey according to the available charge.

The Mahindra e2o features 10 onboard computers that provide feedback on the vehicles functions and alerts the owner to any problems. The e2o can also alert the owner when the charge plug has not been turned on, despite being plugged in. The e2o also provides graphical details of your drive efficiency over the past six days and provides tips on how to improve efficiency.

“The Mahindra e2o is our humble effort to usher in positive change in the lives of our customers. EV’s have always had the potential to emerge as a serious alternative to fossil fuel driven vehicles. With the Mahindra e2o we have taken the lead in not only creating a comprehensive ecosystem to nurture sustainable mobility solutions, but have also firmly placed a choice in the hands of our consumers. They now have the opportunity of shaping the future of mobility as we know it today”, said Dr Pawan Goenka, Chairman, Mahindra Reva Electric Vehicles Pvt. Ltd.

New Ford Kuga launched in South Africa

The new Ford Kuga has been launched in South Africa, which for the first time features EcoBoost engine technology. The Kuga’s body has been restyled to match Ford’s latest design philosophy and the Kuga range includes six derivatives with three specification levels on offer.

“The all-new Kuga line-up is well-rounded and comprehensive with a host of fantastic features that make it the perfect choice for families. Ford’s smart technologies offer extensive safety and convenience benefits that will be welcomed in this market,” says Ford Marketing Manager Gavin Golightly.

New Ford Kuga brings intelligent style to SUV segment

Engine Capability

The new Ford Kuga introduces two new engines including a turbocharged 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine and a 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine. The 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine comes in two power versions. The 110kW version delivers 240Nm of torque and is available in FWD and mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. Fuel consumption for this engine is rated at 6.6-litres/100km on the combined cycle while emitting 154 g/km of CO2.

The 134kW version also delivers 240Nm but is available in AWD and mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.7-litres/100km on the combined cycle while emitting 179 g/km of CO2.

The new Ford Kuga is also available with a 2.0-litre TDCi Duratorq engine producing 120kW with a maximum torque figure of 340Nm. It features AWD and Ford’s 6-speed PowerShift automatic transmission with SelectShift and uses 6.2- litres/100km with CO2 emissions of 162 g/km.

Exterior Styling Features

The angled windshield, dynamic roofline, pronounced wheel arches and raised beltline of the Kuga add to the athletic feel of the car. The slim upper grille opening emphasizes the vehicles width, while the three dimensional hood and three-section trapezoidal grille highlight and signify the Ford oval.

The all-new Kuga is available in Metallic Paint or the Titanium pack.

Interior Styling Features

The new Ford Kuga features sophisticated soft-touch surfaces, contoured seats and electroplated metal finishes. The Kuga also offers ample luggage space with the rear seats able to fold down in one movement. The centre console offers different storage solutions and features USB ports and a 230-volt power converter which is located at the back of the floor console for easy plug-in for laptops, cellphones and other electronics.

Ford Kuga Range Features

The Ambiente version is equipped with power heated side mirrors, front and rear fog lamps, 17-inch alloy wheels, Auto-Start-Stop (FWD models only) , Ford Keyless push button start, EcoMode, SYNC with Bluetooth and Voice Control, steering wheel audio controls and cruise control.

The Titanium models feature 18-inch alloy wheels, BiXenon headlamps, auto headlamps with auto high beam, auto headlamp levelling, static cornering lights and Daytime Running Lights, rear LED tail lamps, rain sensing wipers, Roll Stability Control with Curve Control and smart keyless entry with handsfree ‘open sesame’ tailgate.

The Trend models are styled with auto folding mirrors with puddle lamps, rear parking sensors, leather sports seats, Sony Audio system with nine speakers, 4.2-inch TFT (Thin-Film Transitor) screen and Dual Electronic Air Temperature Control.

New Ford Kuga – Price

Model Price
Ford Kuga 1.6 EcoBoost Ambiente FWD R289 900
Ford Kuga 1.6 EcoBoost Trend FWD R324 900
Ford Kuga 1.6 EcoBoost Trend Auto AWD R364 900
Ford Kuga 1.6 EcoBoost Titanium Auto AWD R398 900
Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi Trend Powershift AWD R384 900
Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi Trend Powershift AWD R418 900

The all-new Ford Kuga comes with a 4-year/120 000km warranty, a 4-year/80 000km service plan for petrol derivatives with service intervals set at 20 000km. Diesel models come with a 4-year/90 000km service plan with service intervals set at 15 000km. A 3-year/unlimited km’s roadside assistance plan is also included.

New Kia Sorento available in South Africa

Kia has launched the newly refreshed third-generation Sorento SUV in South Africa. The new Kia Sorento has undergone significant improvements including a new exterior design, a re-engineered bodyshell, an enhanced powertrain, improved handling and additional conveniance and luxury features.

“Although the refreshed Sorento is not a brand new model, the changes to the vehicle are dramatic, resulting in an improvement of the overall driving experience. We are confident that this remodelled vehicle will continue the success of the Sorento name badge in South Africa, and that customers will be delighted by the new features and improvements on the vehicle”, comments David Sieff, National Marketing Manager, Kia Motors South Africa.

New Kia Sorento refreshed for the better

Engine Capability

The new Kia Sorento retains its 2.2-litre turbo charged diesel engine that delivers 147kW at 3 800rpm and 436Nm of torque at 1 800rpm. Acceleration from zero to 100km/h will take 9.9 seconds for the AWD automatic model. The new Kia Sorento also features a new exhaust gas recirculation system that reduces CO2 emissions and cuts the production of nitrogen oxide. A six-speed automatic tranmission is offered on all Sorento models with a choice of either 4X2 or 4X4 drive formats.

Exterior Styling Features

The new Kia Sorento features a restyled front and rear that creates a larger area of body colour surfaces while the boldly sculpted profile remains unchanged. The Sorento features new front and rear bumpers with vertical-axis fog lights, a new front grille, headlamps with LED positioning lights and a new tailgate with reshaped LED combination lamps.

Furthermore, the Sorento AWD model includes a new optional two-part glass panoramic roof and 10-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels. The 2WD model rides on 18-inch alloy wheels.

The new Kia Sorento is available in 10 exterior colours including Clear White, Bright Silver, Snow Pearl White, Aurora Black, Temptation Red, Mahogany Brown, Glittering Metal, Golden Beat, Cosmic Blue and Sage Green.

Interior Styling Features

The AWD model features a new centre stack touch screen display with the heating, ventilation, audio and auxiliary controls set out in logical horizontal bands with distinct detailing.

Additionally, the new Kia Sorento now features a Supervision cluster on the AWD model with a colour TFT LCD information panel. The new centre console has a straight-gate gear selector with a booted leather lever for the automatic transmission. The model further features a standard rear-view safety camera as well as a Start/Stop button with a smart key. A Bluetooth hands-free system is standard on all models.

Safety Features

Safety features include six airbags and various active and passive safety features including Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist System (BAS), Traction Control (TC), Roll-over Protection (ROP), active head restraints and ISOFIX child seat anchors.

New Kia Sorento – Price

Model Price
Kia Sorento 2.2 Diesel 2WD R 399 995
Kia Sorento 2.2 Diesel AWD R479 995

The price includes a 5-year/150 000km warranty, a 5-year/100 000km maintenance plan and 3-year Roadside Assistance.

Lexus LS 460 launched in South Africa

The Lexus LS 460 has been launched in South Africa, and according to the Lexus it is the “most profound statement that we can make about our brand” says Chief Designer Hideki Watanabe. The exterior door panels are the only parts to remain the same while more than 3 000 major parts and components have been redesigned or improved, making the Lexus LS 460 the ‘most comprehensive and dramatic vehicle enhancement ever done in the Lexus Group.’

Lexus LS 460 – Specifications and Features

Engine Capability

The Lexus LS 460 is equipped with an upgraded 4.6-litre V8 engine with 32 valves and dual intelligent variable valve timing (Dual VVT-i) that produces 285kW at 6 400rpm and 493Nm of torque at 4 100rpm. This unit is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift mode.

Acceleration to 100km/h will take 5.7 seconds before reaching a governed top speed of 250km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at 10.7-litres/100km which is 3% less than the predecessors 11.1-litres/100km.

Exterior Design Features

The Lexus LS 460 features an extra-large Spindle Grille, which is known internally as the ‘King Spindle’. The grille is completely framed in chrome and is flanked on two levels by LED light detailing. New horizontal LED fog lights are seen on the lower level while the upper level features LED daytime running lights with micro-engineered LED’s that form a single light row with high intensity lighting. The high impact discharge (Bi-HID) headlights feature an intelligent adaptive front lighting system (AFS) that uses sensors to adjust front light coverage based on ambient light, pedestrians and weather conditions.

The rear-end features new three dimensional ‘L-Finesse’ rear light clusters with L-shaped light guides for increased visibility. The exterior mirrors have been restyled and incorporate LED turn indicators. The boot lid incorporates a reverse camera and rear sensors that work in combination with the vehicles blind spot monitoring system. The Lexus LS 460 is built using a fair amount of new types of high tensile steel and aluminium in the body construction while under-body stabilisers reduce wind drag and improve stability, contributing to a drag coefficient of only 0.26. The Lexus LS 460 rides on 19-inch alloy wheels.

Interior Design Features

The interior is adorned with leather and bamboo inserts while the new dashboard and instrument binnacle uses minimalist design cues and adaptive mood lighting to create an attractive interior setting. The new Lexus LS 460 features a Climate Concierge system which uses sensors to determine differing temperatures in the cabin and adjusts the four-zone climate control, seat heating and cooling and the heated steering wheel accordingly.

The driver has access to several information displays including a 5.8-inch colour display in the central instrument binnacle and a 12.3-inch electro multi-vision (EMV) display above the analogue clock. The EMV screen is operated with the next-generation of Lexus’ Remote Touch Interface (RTI) and fulfils numerous functions including the display of the satellite navigation and iPod cover art. The Lexus LS 460 is also equipped with a Voice Control System. A Mark Levison sound system with 19 speakers and a 15 channel amplifier is compatible with Bluetooth, Blu-Ray discs, iPods, USB and MP3 discs. Rear seat occupants have access to a roof-mounted rear seat screen with in-built entertainment and connecting ports for most auxiliary entertainment systems.

Safety Features

The Lexus LS 460 is equipped with the world’s most advanced pre-crash avoidance system (PCS) with a stereo millimetre wave radar system. The PCS monitors the vehicle’s surroundings, including pedestrians, and warns the driver of any dangers. The system prepares the cabin safety equipment such as headrests and seatbelts if an accident looks probable. The PCS also features facial recognition to monitor and counteract driver fatigue. The PCS system works in conjunction with the other safety features which include Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Tyre Pressure Monitoring (TPM), rain sensing wipers and side Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM). The Lexus LS 460 is also equipped with 10 airbags.

Lexus LS 460 – Price

Lexus LS 460 – R1 236 700

The price includes a 4-year/100 000km Lexus Distance Plan Complete full maintenance plan and warranty with roadside assistance. Service intervals are set at 15 000km.

Mercedes-Benz 6X6 G63 AMG revealed

This is the Mercedes-Benz 6X6 G63 AMG near-series show vehicle which draws inspiration from the G-Class series-production models while Mercedes-AMG has contributed engine expertise and luxury refinement to the interior. The Mercedes-Benz 6X6 G63 AMG features three axles, 6 driven wheels, low-range ratio, five differential locks, portal axles, a tyre pressure control system and a special chassis that makes it perfectly compatible to tackle almost any off-road situation.

Mercedes-Benz 6X6 G63 AMG  is a versatile off-road master

Engine Capability

The Mercedes-Benz 6X6 G63 AMG is powered by a 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine that is mated to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission. This engine produces 400kW of power and 760Nm of torque. The transmission is paired with the front drive system from the G63 AMG and a rear twin drivetrain from the 6X6 version. The portal axles are a technical highlight of the vehicle.

Exterior and Interior Styling Features

The G63 AMG 6X6 stands 5.87m long, 2.1m wide and 2.3m tall with a distinct AMG face featuring a ‘twin blade’ radiator grille. Carbon fibre has been used for the integrated LED light strips above the windscreen and for the large flared wheel arches which house massive 37-inch wheels. The rear load section features a stainless steel roll-over bar and the load area floor is lined with durable bamboo.

The interior features classic red or light brown designo leather with contrasting topstitching and diamond pattern quilting. The four electrically adjustable individual seats are heated and ventilated. The rear compartment features a special centre console and the pillars are finished in an Alcantara covering while the rear panel is covered in leather trim.

The Mercedes-Benz 6X6 G63 AMG is currently only a show vehicle and has not been confirmed for production.

Ford sales summary for February 2013

Ford was ranked fourth as South Africa’s best-selling new car brand for February 2013. According to Ford, February 2013 was the company’s best retail sales month since September 2011. Ford sales experienced 15% growth compared to January 2013. Here is a breakdown of Ford sales as well as individual vehicle sales figures for February 2013.

Ford sales summary – February 2013

  • Total sales: 4 556 units
  • Total market share: 9.8%
  • Passenger vehicle sales: 2 481 units ( 8.1% Market share)
  • Total Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) sales: 2 075 units ( 15.6% Market share)

Top 5 Ford new passenger car sales – February compared to January 2013

Model Sales
Ford Figo 982 (1 202)
Ford Focus 596 (423)
Ford Fiesta 573 (488)
Ford Kuga 79 (68)
Ford Everest 68 (57)

Ford new light commercial vehicle sales – February compared to January 2013

Model Sales
Ford Ranger 1784 (1 255)
Mazda BT-50 290 (320)

Top 3 Ford used cars on Cars.co.za – February 2013

Model Vehicle views
Ford Focus 15 706
Ford Fiesta 12 786
Ford Ranger 7 962

Ford in the News

Ford Ranger gets 4X2 and 4X4 automatic derivatives and new features

Ford Fiesta ST rolls off production line

The Ford Focus ST reviewed

New Ford Fiesta in South Africa

Volkswagen e-up! electric vehicle revealed

The Volkswagen e-up! has made its first appearance at the Annual Press and Investors Conference in Wolfsburg and represents the company’s first fully electric production vehicle. The Volkswagen e-up! operates with nearly zero noise, has a range of up to 150km and is designed for practical everyday use.

Volkswagen e-up! for green motoring

The all-electric VW e-up! is powered by an electric motor that produces 60kW and 210Nm of maximum torque. The lithium-ion battery has a storage capacity of 18.7kWh, allowing for a range of 150km and can be charged to 80 percent of its capacity in 30 minutes. The VW e-up! accelarates to 100km/h in just 14 seconds before reaching a top speed of 135km/h.

Interior and Exterior Features

Exterior features include distinctive curved LED daytime running lights in the front bumper and an e-up! logo at the rear. The vehicle is also fitted with 15-inch alloy wheels and Volkswagen emblems with blue backgrounds. The charging port for the battery is hidden behind the fuel door. The Combined Charging System (CCS) is available as an option.

The inside of the e-up! is styled with light grey seat covers with blue top-stitched seams. Special leather and chrome accents have been used to match the vehicle concept of a fully-fledged urban electric car.

The e-up! will officially premiere at the 2013 Frankfurt International Auto Show in September.