New car launches in South Africa for February 2013

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

Volkswagen Golf 7 from R233 800

The new Golf 7 has finally arrived in South Africa and is available with a choice of three petrol engines and two diesel engines. Power output ranges from 77kW to 110kW across the range with fuel consumption averaging between 4.5-litres/100km and 5.3-litres/100km.

Subaru Forester SUV from R329 000

The new Subaru Forester is available with a choice of five models and equipped with Subaru’s Boxer engines. The Subaru Forester is considered to be the safest and most efficient Forester to date and has achieved a five-star safety rating from the Australian ANCAP and Euro NCAP.

Opel Astra OPC from R435 000

The OPC is the most powerful Astra ever produced and is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged direct injection engine that produces 206kW and 400Nm of torque. Fuel consumption is rated at 8.1-litres/100km.

Volkswagen Polo Vivo Maxx from R160 300

The Polo Vivo range has been expanded to include the Maxx which is available in hatchback form only. The Maxx features a raised suspension, 17-inch ‘Budapest’ alloy wheels and is powered by a 1.6-litre engine that produces 77kW and 155Nm of torque. The Maxx makes use of a 5-speed manual transmission.

Audi A7 3.0 TDI from R649 500

Audi has introduced a new 130kW entry-level 3.0 TDI to its A7 range. Fuel consumption for this new model is rated at 5.3-litres/100km. Standard features include xenon headlights, electric tailgate, MMI Radio Plus, Audi Music Interface, Milano leather trim, cruise control and Park Distance Control

Citroen DS3 VTi 82 Design from R199 900

The Citroen DS3 VTi 82 Design is the new entry-level model in the DS3 range and is powered by a new 1.2-litre PureTech engine that develops 60kW and 118Nm of torque.

Fiat Qubo from R177 990

The Fiat Qubo is a new Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV) that offers high levels of functionality and practicality. The Qubo is powered by either a 55kW/190Nm 1.3-litre Multijet turbo-diesel engine or a 54kW/118Nm 1.4-litre petrol engine. Both engines are mated to a five-speed manual transmission.

Geely 1.5 MK Sedan from R99 990

The Geely 1.5 MK sedan is a comprehensive budget offering from Geely and comes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), dual airbags, air-conditioning, electric windows, CD/Radio, Rear Park Assist and alloy rims as standard.

Nissan Pathfinder SE from R450 900

Nissan has added the entry-level Pathfinder SE to its range. The Pathfinder SE is powered by a 2.5-litre dCi diesel engine that produces 140kW and 450Nm of torque and is mated to a choice of either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission.

New Ford Fiesta from R164 400

The new Ford Fiesta has arrived and is available with Ford’s acclaimed 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine that delivers 92kW and 170Nm of torque. A 1.4-litre engine and a 1.6-litre engine are also available. The new Fiesta also features revised exterior and interior styling and is equipped with the SYNC in-car connectivity system and the MyKey system.

New Nissan GT-R from R1 398 200

The updated Nissan GT-R is now available in South Africa. The GT-R is powered by a 3.8-litre V8 that produces 397kW and 628Nm of torque. The GT-R is now also available as a track-ready ‘Track Pack’ model which includes a variety of racing features including carbon fibre recaro bucket seats and 20-inch RAYS wheels finished in black chrome quartz.

New Chevrolet Captiva SUV to debut in Geneva

The redesigned new Chevrolet Captiva SUV will be launched at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. The model will boast several changes to both the exterior and interior.

Fresh styling for new Chevrolet Captiva

Exterior Features

The front of the new Chevrolet Captiva features new LED tail lamps, angular chrome exhaust tips and a re-modeled bumper. Other features include a lower front bumper, a new grille mesh and restyled fog-lamps. Completing the look are new 18-inch alloy wheels, which further enhance the Captiva’s road presence.

Interior Styling Features

The seven-seat Captiva’s interior features a range of fresh seat colours, new fabrics including leather and restyled trims in the instrument panel. A dual-zone climate control system, an ambient lighting package and heated rear seats will be available on select specifications.

Additionally, the Captiva will come standard with a keyless entry and start feature.

The Chevrolet Trax

Chevrolet will launch the Trax edition as a contender in the fast growing small SUV segment and South Africans can expect its arrival before the end of 2013. The model will be available in three engine options including a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol unit delivering 103kW of power, a 1.6-litre petrol engine as well as a 1.7-litre diesel engine which produces 96kW.

The Trax will also be available in front and all-wheel-drive configurations and all manual transmission variants will come with Start/Stop technology. Other features include a 7-inch high-resolution full-colour touch-screen display with the standard Chevrolet MyLink Technology feature that enables users to navigate by means of BringGo, a smart phone app which allows access to TuneIn internet radio.

“With Captiva and Trax, Chevrolet will offer two very distinct SUV’s in Europe, both featuring Chevrolet’s iconic design, “ says Susan Docherty, President and Managing Director of Chevrolet and Cadillac Europe. “Trax combines the agility of a small car and the versatility of an SUV, making it perfect for today’s urban explorer. The larger and more powerful Captiva has a more upscale presence. Captiva is the ideal companion for those who want to have some adventure, but feel that they could do with more space, capability and that extra bit of convenience, “added Docherty.

Land Rover Defender goes electric

Land Rover has built seven electric Defenders that will be unveiled at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show next week. The research electric Land Rover Defender delivers zero emissions while still retaining its proven off-road capability.

“Investing in innovation has always been the life-blood of our business and our engineering teams are working hard to develop innovative new technology to provide sustainable motoring solutions,” said John Edwards, Land Rover Global Brand Director.

Land Rover Defender Electric – Features

The electric Land Rover Defender is fitted with an electric motor that produces 70kW and 330Nm of torque and is coupled with a 300-volt lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 27kWh. In typical low-speed off-road conditions, the battery can last for up to eight hours with an estimated range of 80km. The battery can be fully charged with a 7kW fast-charger in four hours while a portable 3kW charger takes 10 hours. The 410kg battery is mounted in the front of the Defender and replaces the diesel engine.

Each electric Land Rover Defender features a single speed 2.7:1 reduction gearbox combined with the existing Defender four wheel drive system and differential lock. A modified version of Land Rover’s Terrain Response System has also been incorporated.

“This project is acting as a rolling laboratory for Land Rover to assess electric vehicles, even in the most arduous all-terrain conditions. It gives us a chance to evolve and test some of the technologies that may one day be introduced into future Land Rover models,” said Antony Harper, Jaguar Land Rover Head of Research.

The all-terrain electric Land Rover Defender will serve as research vehicles for now as they won’t go into production. However, the seven EV’s will go into service in specialist real world trials later this year.

Toyota 86 Open Concept to be shown in Geneva

The Toyota 86 Open Concept has officially been unveiled ahead of its showing at the Geneva Motor Show next week. The Toyota FT-86 Open Concept shows 86 enthusiasts what the car may look like as a convertible.

Toyota 86 Open Concept goes topless

The Toyota FT-86 Open Concept is based on the rear-wheel-drive 86 sports car and features a range of new and sleek alterations including an electrically operated soft-top roof. The interior and exterior of the Toyota Open Concept is styled with high-contrast white and navy blue liveries that emphasise the vehicles proportions and the integrated nature of its design. Additionally, yellow-gold stitching in the floor mats and seats also convey a sporty feel to the interior.

Further details on the Toyota 86 Open Concept will be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show on 5 March 2013.

Annual Classic Car Show happening at Nasrec Expo Centre

Petrol heads and car enthusiast are invited to experience a festival of passion at the second annual Classic Car Show which takes place this Sunday 3 March 2013 at the Nasrec Expo Centre, Johannesburg. The event drew 22 000 spectators last year and is expected to house an even bigger audience this year. “We’ve already had 1 500 people who’ve submitted their registration forms for our show, making it one of the biggest single-day car events in Africa,” said organiser Paulo Calisto. “The show is very family orientated too, and this year we will have various entertainments going on all day,” he added.

The Entertainment

  • Helicopter rides
  • A mechanical bull
  • A mini theme park
  • Rock band Ballyhoo Elvis impersonator Charl van Tonder and his backing band
  • Morgan the beat boxer
  • Gift boxes presented to car owners with cars exhibiting the most passion for “petrolheadonism”

“The clubs are supporting too, and one of our headline displays will be from the Jaguar Club, whose British line-up of classics will provide an interesting contrast to all the glamour of the muscle-cars and chromed ‘50s classics,” said Calisto. The Rolling Thunder Club will display over 90 cars headed up by the Pontiac GTO. The Daytona exotic car dealership will be showcasing two Lamborghinis, a few Aston Martins and a McLaren super-car. Among the classics that will be shown are Ferrari and Porsche latest models.

Entrance Fee

Admission will be R60 for adults, while children under 12 will have free entry. Anyone driving a classic car will also be admitted free as well as one adult passenger, but additional adult passengers will have to pay the full admission fee. Doors will open at 8am. For further information contact Paulo Calisto by e-mail at [email protected]

Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale to debut at Geneva Motor Show

The new four-seater Maserarti GranTurismo MC Stradale at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show next week. The Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale will be built in Viale Ciro Menotti, Modena Italy.

Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale – Specifications and Features

Engine Capability

The Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale is fitted with a 4.7-litre V8 engine, the same engine found in the GranTurismo Sport, which produces 338kw and 520Nm of torque. This engine is mated to a robotised MC Race Shift 6-speed manual gearbox and takes the car to a top speed of 302km/h.

Styling Features

The Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale features a carbon fibre bonnet that frames the central air intake along with two rear extractors and newly forged 20-inch alloy rims. The interior features four comfortable seats and makes use of new materials and styles.

New Nissan Pathfinder SE ready to order in South Africa

Nissan has added the SE specification level to its Pathfinder SUV range which is now available in South Africa. The new Nissan Pathfinder SE serves as an affordable entry point to the medium SUV segment and is both a capable off-roader as well as a comfortable on-road vehicle.

New Nissan Pathfinder SE hits SA roads

Engine Capability

The new Nissan Pathfinder SE is fitted with Nissan’s proven 2.5-litre dCi common-rail turbocharged diesel engine that delivers 140kW and 450Nm of torque. This unit is mated to either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. In terms of fuel consumption, the manual version consumes 8.5-litres/100km while the automatic variant consumes 9.0-litres/100km on the combined cycle. Towing capacity for the Pathfinder is 3 000kg for additional practicality.

Styling Features

The  Pathfinder SE’s independent suspension with multi-link suspension at the rear makes the vehicle suitable for all environments while still being a capable urban vehicle. The new Nissan Pathfinder SE offers 515-litres of boot space while the total cargo volume is 2 091-litres. The SE features a ground clearance of 232mm, with critical angles kept to a minimum with short front and rear overhangs.

Standard Features

The new Nissan Pathfinder SE is fitted with cruise control, privacy glass, hands-free Bluetooth and dual-zone climate control as standard. The intelligent ALL-MODE 4×4 system features several drive modes and come with Active-Brake Limited-Slip (ABLS). Safety features include Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and six airbags.

New Nissan Pathfinder SE – Price

Nissan Pathfinder 2.5 dCi 4×4 SE – R450 900

Land Rover introduces world’s first 9 speed transmission

Land Rover will demonstrate the world’s first 9-speed transmission for a passenger car at the Geneva Motor Show next week. Developed by ZF, in partnership with Land Rover, the ZF 9HP transmission was designed for transverse applications and is one of the most efficient and technically advanced transmissions ever used in a production vehicle.

New Land Rover ZF 9HP Transmission – Features

The Land Rover ZF 9HP gearbox benefits from the increase in the number of gear ratios from six to nine which helps reduce emissions and improves efficiency and response during acceleration while also improving shift quality and refinement.

The ZF 9HP transmission is 6mm longer and weighs 7.5kg less than the outgoing six-speed transmission. The compact packaging is accomplished by using a number of innovative design features such as a new hydraulic vane-type pump, two patented dog clutches, and a nested gear set.

The lowest ratio in the ZF 9HP is lower than the existing six-speed transmission and is designed for off-road use, towing and on-road conditions like steep gradients.

Other benefits include an adaptive shift system that matches and ‘remembers’ customer driving style for a tailored driving experience and a skip-shift function for speedy down shifting to meet rapid deceleration demands.

The ‘Fast-Off’ mode measures the rate of throttle release and anticipates further requests by the driver for high power and then holds the gear if necessary. Additionally, the torque converter incorporates a multi-stage damper system for smoother pull-away and improved refinement.

Land Rover and ZF have jointly developed transmission solutions for the Range Rover, Land Rover LR4 and Range Rover Sport. The new 9-speed transmission will be produced at ZF’s Grey Court facility in South Carolina, USA.

New 2014 Jeep Cherokee Shown

Jeep has revealed what the new 2014 Jeep Cherokee will look like with the release of official images. The new 2014 Jeep Cherokee will make its debut at the New York Auto Show at the end of March 2013.

Plenty to look forward to in the new 2014 Jeep Cherokee

Jeep states that the new Cherokee offers ‘best-in-class capability, exemplary on-road driving dynamics and fuel economy improvements of more than 45% versus the outgoing mid-size SUV model.’

The new 2014 Jeep Cherokee will be built in the United States at Chrysler Group’s Toledo Assembly Plant in Toledo, Ohio. Further details will be made available when the 2014 Jeep Cherokee makes its debut at the New York Auto show.

McLaren P1 supercar revealed ahead of Geneva debut

McLaren has officially revealed all the details pertaining to its P1 supercar ahead of its production debut at the Geneva Motor Show on 5 March 2013. For the purpose of maintaining exclusivity, McLaren says only 375 units will be produced.

McLaren P1 supercar – Specifications and Features

Engine Capability

The hybrid powertrain of the P1 consists of an enhanced mid-mounted 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 engine and an electric motor that together produce 674kW and 900Nm of torque. The race-inspired Instant Power Assist System (IPAS) allows for impressive performance. The P1 will accelerate to 100km/h in less than 3 seconds, 200km/h in less than 7 seconds and 300km/h will be achieved in no more than 17 seconds, five seconds faster than the McLaren F1 road car. The P1 has an electronically-limited top speed of 350km/h.

Styling remains largely unchanged

The only difference between the P1 concept car shown at the Paris Motor Show last year and the production version, is the addition of LTR ducts ahead of the front wheels which further aid cooling and optimise downforce.

The P1 is equipped with specification that is suitable for use on both the road and track. The P1 comes with a choice of various colours and trim alternatives and carbon-fibre trim is visible throughout the cabin.

The price for the McLaren P1 starts at approximately R11.6-million.