Ford Ranger gets 4×2 and 4×4 automatic derivatives and new features

The Ford Ranger line-up has expanded, with the popular 2013 Wildtrak model now available in additional variations. The Wildtrak was previously available only in 4×2 manual guise and will now be offered in 4×2 and 4×4 automatic guise. The 2013 Ford Ranger has also been equipped with an array of new features normally associated with premium passenger vehicles.

Ford Ranger Wildtrak offers more choice for customers

Engine Capability

The range-topping Ford Ranger Wildtrak is powered by a 3.2 litre Duratorq TDCi, five-cylinder diesel engine with a maximum torque figure of 470Nm and power rated at 147kW.

Standard Features

The Ford Ranger Wildtrak is fitted with extensive safety features that have made the Ranger XLT and Wildtrak derivatives the first ever pick-up to achieve a maximum 5-star safety rating under the Euro NCAP crash test protocol.

The Ford Ranger Wildtrak now features Bluetooth with voice activation including steering wheel mounted radio controls and dual zone climate control. Other new features include rain-sensing wipers, front and rear power windows and heated seats.

Other additions to the 2013 Ranger line-up include steering wheel audio controls, Bluetooth with voice activation and a USB port for the Single, Super and Double Cab XLS derivatives. All XLT models can be optionally fitted with Park Distance Sensors on the rear bumper. The Reverse Camera which is available as an optional extra appears in the rearview mirror when the vehicle is placed in reverse.

Single Cab Base customers can now fit air-conditioning as an option and a Safety Pack, which includes ABS brakes with EBD, beltminder and a driver and passenger airbag is also available as an option.

A 4-year/120 000km warranty is standard on all models while a 5-year / 90 000km Service Plan is available as an option on entry-level models and is standard for XL models up. Service intervals are stationed 15 000km’s apart on diesel and petrol models. Customers will also benefit from 3-year Roadside Assistance and a 5-year corrosion warranty. Free off-road driver training is also offered to all Ford Ranger 4×4 customers.

Mercedes-Benz traffic sign assistance system developed

The new Mercedes-Benz traffic sign assistance system warns drivers if they are driving the wrong-way into oncoming traffic. The traffic sign assistance system is able to recognise no-entry signs and issues an acoustic and visual warning to prevent drivers from driving into oncoming traffic. The new system will be available in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the facelifted E-Class this year and will be implemented into other models in the future.

Mercedes-Benz traffic sign assistance system designed to prevent accidents

The high number of fatal accidents caused by wrong-way drivers, inattentiveness and stress resulting from heavy traffic, has resulted in Mercedes-Benz developing the traffic sign assistance system.

A camera on the inside of the windscreen visually identifies no-entry signs and sends the information obtained to the computer in the on-board electronics. If the system detects that the vehicle is about to pass the relevant prohibitory signs and is entering a motorway slip road, the system warns the driver. Three loud beeps are issued and a red no-entry symbol lights up in the display in order to make the driver aware of the danger.

To further improve the reliability of the system, the electronics compare the data from the camera with data from the navigation system. Other functions of the new Mercedes-Benz traffic sign assistance system includes the detection and display of speed limits and no overtaking signs as well as signs that indicate the end of these particular restrictions.

“On our journey towards the vision of accident-free driving, Mercedes-Benz orientates itself on real-life accident situations in order to provide the best possible protection to all road users. The very idea that we will be using the Mercedes Benz Intelligent Drive system to reduce the risk of vehicles unintentionally travelling against the flow of traffic once again brings us one big step closer to this goal,” said Professor Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development:

The system has initially been designed for use in Germany. However, Mercedes Benz is working intensively on adapting the system for use in other countries.

PSA Peugeot Citroen acknowledged for its environmental performance

The 2012 Ecobest award was received by PSA Peugeot Citroen for a wide range of technologies designed to improve its vehicles’ environmental performance.

The award was presented to Christian Chapelle, Vice President and Chassis Engineering by a jury of automotive journalists from 15 countries in Central and Eastern Europe, in the presence of Kostis Hadjidakis, Greek Minister for Transport and Infrastructures.

The jury particularly acknowledged the Group’s world premiere launch of Hybrid4 diesel hybrid technology as well as its marketing of micro-hybrid solutions.

Substantial sums are allocated each year to reducing the CO2 emissions of the Groups vehicles. The goal is to offer a clean car for every type of use. PSA Peugeot Citroen has lowered its corporate average CO2 emissions to 122.5g/km and met the European Commission’s 2015 target in 2011, once again becoming European leader in low carbon vehicles in 2012. This was all possible by means of advances in powertrain technology combined with work to reduce vehicle weight and improve aerodynamic performance.

An array of ground breaking technology for PSA Peugeot Citroen

PSA Peugeot Citroen offers a broad array of technologies, ranging from conventional engines to pure electrics.

  • Internal combustion engines are continuously being improved, as seen in the1-litre, 3-cylinder EB engine, which is both compact and efficient.
  • Extended e-HDi micro-hybrid technology across the line-up. This technology can reduce fuel consumption and produce fewer CO2 emissions in city driving by up to 15% by shutting down the engine when the vehicle is at a standstill.
  • In 2012, the Group introduced its HYbrid4 technology for the world’s first diesel hybrids. HYbrid4 is already available on the Peugeot 508, 508 RXH and 3008 and the Citroen DS5.
  • PSA Peugeot Citroen leads the electric vehicle market in France and ranks second in Europe as a whole, with more than 6,500 Peugeot iOns and Citroen C-Zeros sold in 2012. Light commercial vehicles will be added to the EV line-up in 2013.

Research on breakthrough innovations

Engineers at PSA Peugeot Citroen are pursuing innovations that will further improve environmental performance. Particularly the recent world first revolutionary technology that include:

  • Hybrid Air, an innovative petrol/compressed air full-hybrid solution. This technology represents a major step in the drive to a 2l/100km car.
  • Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), which helps eliminate NOx emissions from diesel engines and reduces fuel consumption, and will be fitted as standard on all Euro VI diesel engines from 2013.

South African new car sales for January 2013

The National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA) has reported ‘substantial’ gains in January 2013 vehicle sales following the positive sales performance experienced in 2012. Vehicle sales in January 2013 saw a 14.1% increase compared to January 2013 and all major segments recorded double-digit year on year growth. Exports in January 2013 experienced an increase 49.9% compared to January last year.

South African new vehicle sales summary for January 2013

  • Total January 2013 sales – 55 007 units, up 14.1% compared to January 2012
  • Export sales total 17 399 units, up by 49.9% compared to January 2012
  • New car sales total 39 738 units, up 12.3% compared to January 2012
  • Car rental industry accounts for 22.5% of new car sales
  • Light commercial vehicle sales up by 20.0% to 13 346 units

NAAMSA states that despite indications of slower economic growth, the South African automotive sector continued to surprise on the upside. The short-term outlook for the industry remains relatively positive. Domestic sales will be supported by a low interest rate environment, replacement demand, a highly competitive trading environment with attractive incentives, low debt servicing costs, high technology new model introductions and strong demand by car rental companies. Factors that will impede on vehicle sales is increasing inflationary pressures which will limit real disposable income and the anticipated rise in new vehicle prices as a result of the weaker exchange rate over the course of the year. Industry production, largely as a result of higher vehicle exports, should however experience encouraging growth in 2013.

Top Five Selling Vehicles – January 2013

Model Units Sold
1. VW Polo Vivo 4 037 (&#9650 1 890)
2. VW Polo 2 790 (&#9650 483)
3. Toyota Hilux 2 634 (&#9660 75)
4. Toyota Etios 2 515 (&#9650 794)
5. Nissan NP200 1 553 (&#9650 734)

Most Popular Car Brands – January 2013

Car Brand Volume Market Share %
1. Volkswagen Group SA 10 511 19.1
2. Toyota 10 219 18.6
3. General Motors SA 5 585 10.2
4. Nissan 4 645 8.4
5. Ford Motor Company 3 969 7.2

Mercedes-Benz A-Class voted Most Beautiful Car of the Year for 2012

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class has been voted for by more than 100 000 fans from 52 countries as the Most Beautiful Car of the Year for 2012. Voting was carried out via seven mini-websites, provided in various languages by the TV channel Eurosport.

The award was accepted by Marc Langenbrinck, Director General of Mercedes-Benz Cars in France on 29 January 2013, at the International Automobile Festival in Paris.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class gets numerous awards

The new Mercedes-Benz A-Class has received a number of awards for its progressive design and was named ‘Germany’s Most Beautiful Car’ at the 2012 Auto BILD Design Award. Readers of the German ADAC Motorwelt and users of the ADAC internet site also showed their support for the A-Class. The A-Class was also awarded the Yellow Angel 2013 by Europe’s largest automobile club.

Public votes were accepted from 6 December 2012 to 20 January 2013.

New Renault Scenic and Grand Scenic to debut in Geneva

The new Renault Scenic and Grand Scenic are set to debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show to coincide with the launch of the new Renault Scénic XMOD. The new models have been re-styled to take on Renault’s new design identity. The changes include exterior design improvements, new ENERGY engines and Renault R-Link available for both models.

New Renault Scenic and Grand Scenic get a makeover

Exterior styling improvements include a larger Renault logo set against a gloss black background that emphasises the revised grille. Both the Renault Scenic and Grand Scenic dashboard now has an area dedicated to navigation and multimedia along with a TFT screen which can be customised to display key vehicle information. Renault’s R-Link will be available on both models and includes an easy-to-reach joystick control and a touchscreen display positioned in the driver’s field of vision. The Bose sound system is present on the higher spec models.

In terms of engines, the new Renault Scenic XMOD, Scenic and Grand Scenic models will be available with a choice of three new ENERGY powertrains, all of which reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions while improving driving enjoyment and reliability. Notably, the new ENERGY TCe 130 boasts 15% improvement on fuel consumption over the previous TCe 130 unit, saving up to 1.0-litre/100km on the combined cycle.

Further details regarding the new Renault Scenic XMOD, Scenic and Grand Scenic models will be made available when they are unveiled at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show on 5 March.

2013 World Car of the Year finalists announced

The 2013 World Car of the Year finalists have been announced. Categories for this year’s award include the 2013 World Car of the Year, World Performance Car of the Year, World Green Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year. The top three finalists in each category will be announced at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show and the winners will be announced at the New York Auto Show on 28 March 2013.

2013 Car of the Year Awards

A jury of 66 distinguished international automotive journalists have selected the following top ten finalists in the 2013 Car of the Year category and World Performance Car of the Year category by secret ballot, based on their experience with each candidate as part of their professional work. The top ten finalists in these categories are as follows, in alphabetical order.

2013 World Car of the Year

Audi A3
Land Rover Range Rover
Mazda6
Mazda CX-5
Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Peugeot 208
Porsche Boxster / Cayman
Scion FR-S / Subaru BRZ / Toyota GT 86 / Toyota 86
Volkswagen Golf
Volvo V40

2013 World Performance Car of the Year

Aston Martin Vanquish
Audi RS 5
BMW M6 Coupe / Convertible
BMW M 135i
Ferrari F12 Berlinetta
Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster
Porsche Boxster / Cayman
Renault Clio Sport
Scion FR-S / Subaru BRZ / Toyota GT 86 / Toyota 86

The jurors will re-evaluate the top ten cars in both classes in preparation for the final round of voting in February. The vehicles will be rated according to overall merit, value, safety, environmental responsibility, emotional appeal and significance. The Volkswagen Up! won the World Car of the Year award in 2012 while the Porsche 911 was named the 2012 World Performance Car of the Year.

The 2013 World Green Car of the Year award is handled differently and five experts in ‘green’ technology were appointed to create a short list of finalists to be judged by the 66 jurors in February. The finalists in this category are as follows.

2013 World Green Car of the Year

Renault Zoe
Smart Electric Drive
Tesla Model S
Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid
Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid Diesel

The cars eligible for the 2013 World Car Design of the Year award are taken from the list of World Car candidates or are included as a stand-alone entry. Again, a panel of five highly respected design experts were chosen to provide a short list for the jurors. The finalists in this category include the following vehicles.

2013 World Car Design of the Year

Aston Martin Vanquish
Renault Clio
Jaguar F-Type
Land Rover Range Rover
Mazda 6
Volkswagen Golf

Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Edition 507 to make Geneva debut

Mercedes-Benz will reveal the C 63 AMG ‘Edition 507’ at the Geneva Motor Show on 5 March 2013. The Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG ‘Edition 507’ is ‘designed to appeal to ambitious drivers who take pleasure in top-class technology, as well as exclusive design and appointment details’. The C 63 AMG ‘Edition 507’ will be available in Coupe, Sedan or Estate variants.

Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG ‘Edition 507’ is unique and stylish

Engine Capability

The Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG ‘Edition 507’ is powered by a 6.3-litre V8 engine that has been modified to produce 378kW at 6 800rpm with a maximum torque figure of 610Nm available at 5 200rpm. Combined fuel consumption for the Coupe and Sedan versions is 12.0-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 280g/km. The estate version consumes 12.2-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure 285g/km. Acceleration to 100km/h will take 4.2 seconds for the Coupe and Sedan while the Estate will take 4.3 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 280km/h as the C 63 AMG ‘Edition 507’ is fitted with the AMG Driver’s package as standard.

Exterior Styling Features

The Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG ‘Edition 507’ features an aluminium bonnet originating from the C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series with two openings to expel engine heat. The model also benefits from new 19-inch AMG light-alloy cross-spoke wheels. The wheels are available in two variants including titanium grey with a high-sheen finish and matt black with high-sheen rim flanges. AMG sports stripes in matt graphite grey are seen above the side sill panels for added exclusivity.

The spoiler boot lid (Sedan and Coupe only), exterior mirror housings and the surrounds on the radiator grille and daytime running lights are finished in high-gloss black while darkened headlamps add a sporty touch. The C 63 AMG can also be had in designo Magno Platinum paint finish as an option. An AMG high-performance composite braking system with red brake callipers is fitted as standard for enhanced braking performance.

Interior Styling Features

Customers will have the choice between three different equipment and appointment levels including Porcelain designo leather/DINAMICA, Black designo leather/DINAMICA and black designo leather. The AMG Performance steering wheel is finished in Alcantara with light-coloured contrasting stitching and a 12-o’clock marking. The instrument cluster is differentiated from other models with red applications while the trim in high-gloss Black Piano Lacquer look and the ‘Edition 507’ badge completes the sporty interior.

According to Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, “”The C 63 AMG with the classic AMG 6.3-litre high-revving V8 naturally aspirated engine is one of the most popular AMG high-performance cars in the world. With the new Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG “Edition 507″, we are offering our loyal customers an attractive model variant which boasts even higher performance and at the same time is visually exciting.”

Geely GX 7 to undergo transformation

The Geely GX 7 utility vehicle is set to undergo a number of changes in the future which will include an extra row of seats which will increase seating capacity to seven passengers. The Geely GX 7 will also become a ‘full-blown’ SUV with All-Wheel Drive models to compete with the likes of the Toyota RAV4. The new upcoming 7-seater version is also expected to feature Geely’s 6-speed automatic DSG transmission.

Geely GX 7 coming to South Africa

The Geely GX 7 was first shown at the 2012 Beijing International Motor Show and earned a 5-star safety rating in the Chinese New Car Assessment Programme (C-NCAP), making it China’s safest SUV.

Geely has continually introduced new products to the market over recent years and has improved its management systems and brand profile. Geely recently opened a state-of-the-art Research and Development Centre at its Midrand head offices to evaluate new models to be launched in South Africa.

The Geely GSX 7 is expected to be launched in South Africa ‘in a year or two’ according to Geely and is currently powered by a 1.8-litre and 2.0-litre petrol versions. However, a new 2.4-litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesel units are expected to be introduced this year. The South African line-up will include the front-wheel drive derivative as well as the full SUV with All-Wheel Drive and the future 7-seater versions.

New VW Golf 7 price and specs for South Africa

The highly anticipated VW Golf 7 has been launched in South Africa. Weighing up to 100kg less and consuming up to 23% less fuel, the new Golf 7  is available with a range of new engines and in three trim levels namely Trendline, Comfortline and Highline.

New VW Golf 7 Specs and Features

Engine Capability

VW’s new Golf 7 is available with a choice of three petrol engines and two diesel engines. The petrol TSI engines include the 1.2-litre TSI engine that produces 77kW with a maximum torque figure of 175Nm. Combined fuel consumption for this engine is rated at 4.9-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 114g/km. This engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. The 1.4-litre TSI engine develops 90kW and 200Nm of torque with a combined fuel consumption figure of 5.2-litres/100km and a CO2 emissions figure of 120g/km. A 7-speed DSG transmission is optionally available for this variant. The more powerful 1.4 TSI develops 103kW with a maximum torque figure of 250Nm. Combined fuel consumption is rated at 5.3-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 121g/km.

The diesel engines include the 2.0-litre TDI with 81kW and 250Nm of torque with a fuel consumption figure 4.5-litres/100km. CO2 emissions are rated at 119g/km and this engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. The second diesel engine on offer is the 2.0-litre TDI offering 110kW and 320Nm of torque. This unit consumes 4.5-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 119g/km. This engine is available with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

All Golf 7 engines, except the 81kW 2.0-litre TDI, are equipped with Volkswagen’s BlueMotion Technology which includes a Stop/Start system and a battery regeneration mode.

Exterior Styling Features

The new Golf is 4.255m long, 2.027m wide, 1.452m tall with a wheelbase of 2.637m. The front wheels have been shifted 43mm forward and the C-pillar runs along one homogenous surface from the start of the roof all the way to the rear wheel arch. The Golf 7 also features a V-shaped bonnet accented with redesigned headlights and a narrow radiator grille. The Trendline derivative rides on 15-inch ‘Lyon’ alloy wheels while the Comfortline derivatives ride on 16-inch ‘Toronto’ alloy wheels. Highline variants are fitted with 17-inch ‘Dijon’ alloy wheels.

Interior Styling Features

The larger proportions of the VW Golf 7 translate into a more spacious and comfortable interior. Cargo capacity has grown by 30-litres to 380-litres and overall knee has legroom has also improved. The centre console features a 5-8-inch infotainment touchscreen and all information and entertainment systems have been re-styled. All the seats have also been re-designed to offer maximum comfort for the driver and passengers. The Trendline and Comfortline derivatives are fitted with a ‘Composition Colour Radio’ (5-inch) and offers a SD slot, aux-in interface, two push dials and 8-speakers. The Highline derivative is fitted with a ‘Composition Media Radio’ (5.8-inch) and includes Bluetooth telephone preparation and a USB interface. A Radio-navigation system is available as an option.

New VW Golf 7 Price

Model Price
Volkswagen Golf 1.2 TSI Trendline R233 800
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI Trendline R246 700
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI Comfortline R264 900
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI Comfortline with DSG R279 400
Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TDI Comfortline R282 300
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI Highline R293 600
Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TDI Highline R334 800

The new Volkswagen Golf 7 model range comes standard with a 5-year/90 000km Service Plan, a 3-year/120 000km warranty and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. Service intervals are set at 15 000km.