Renault Twizy Cargo revealed

The all-new Renault Twizy Cargo has been introduced and is the second version of their single seat city run-around electric vehicle. The Cargo loses a seat to feature a sizable boot, which according to the automaker makes it a Light Commercial ‘van’ designed for business owners.

Renault Twizy Cargo is a versatile mover

The standard white Twizy van is aiming to change/shake up the commercial vehicle world with its stylish features and ability to be used for multiple business needs. The model swaps its rear tandem seat behind the driver for a 75 kg boot that is accessible through a door that opens to 90 degrees. While the front seat is still movable, the door features a locking system that also works with the ignition key.

The Renault Twizy Cargo is equipped with a 12kW electric motor that can reach a limited top speed of 90 km/h and has a real world range of 50 km.

With a real world range of around 50 km, once at its destination, the Twizy Cargo can be fully recharged in just three and a half hours by simply using a standard three-pin plug by way of the built-in charging cable.

The Renault Twizy Cargo is likely to be of interest to businesses offering callout or support services, and also provide businesses with the opportunity to showcase its green credentials using a zero-emission vehicle in cities where air quality is a concern.

Ideal as a run-around in all conditions, Renualt Twizy Cargo keeps the easy to get in and out of feature of the passenger version as the driver can get in from either side. It can also be parked easily and in the tightest of spots.

Renault confirmed that there is unfortunately no plan at this stage to launch the Twizy Cargo in South Africa.

New Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupes and Cabriolets

Mercedes-Benz has carried out a revamp to its E-Class family, including the Coupe and Cabriolet models which draw on the new Mercedes Benz design idiom and feature powerful and efficient BlueDirect four-cylinder engines. The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class range features exciting engine options and upgraded design features for the 2013 model year.

New Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet hit the streets of SA

Engine Capability

The three highly efficient and powerful petrol engines available for the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet are also equipped with the ECO start/stop function. A new element is the BlueDirect four-cylinder petrol engine with spray-guided direct injection, based on the same groundbreaking technologies used in the latest generation of six- and eight-cylinder engines from Mercedes-Benz.

The E 500 Coupe is powered by a V8 engine producing 300kW of power at 5000-5750 rpm and 600Nm of torque at 1600-4750 rpm, resulting in acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds (4.9 seconds for the Cabriolet) and a top speed of 250 km/h. Combined fuel consumption is at 8.9-litres/100km (9.1-litres/100 km for the Cabriolet) with CO2 emissions of 209 g/km (213 g/km for the Cabriolet).

The E 400 Coupe is powered by a V6 engine producing 245kW of power at 5500 rpm and 480Nm of torque at 1400-4000 rpm, resulting in acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 5.2 seconds (5.3 seconds for the Cabriolet) and a top speed of 250 km/h. Combined fuel consumption is at 7.6-7.4-litres/100km (7.9-7.6-litres/100 km for the Cabriolet) with CO2 emissions of 177-172 g/km (185-178 g/km for the Cabriolet).

The E 250 Coupe is powered by a L4 engine producing 155kW of power at 5500 rpm and 350Nm of torque at 1200-4000 rpm, resulting in acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 7.1 seconds (7.5 seconds for the Cabriolet) and a top speed of 250 km/h (245 km/h for the Cabriolet). Combined fuel consumption is at 6.1-5.7-litres/100km (6.5-6.2-litres/100 km for the Cabriolet) with CO2 emissions of 142-132 g/km (150-144 g/km for the Cabriolet).

Exterior and Interior Design Features

The redesigned E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet comes with a fresh front-end and a new single-rib front grille with central Three-Pointed Star. On either side there are sleek new headlamps fitted with LED technology in the main beams as well as LED daytime running lamps fitted as standard. The inside of the headlamps features flowing LED fibre-optic cables which resemble the typical four-eyed look of the E-Class.

Adding an extra dose of aesthetic aggression to the front apron is a new bumper with large air intakes and wing design with chrome details, and a sports car grille, while at the rear new tail lights and a broad-looking rear bumper also in wing design and chrome-look trim finish off the look. The models can be further accentuated with the optional Sports packages including a two-pipe exhaust system with trapezoidal tailpipes.

The inside of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet is furnished with stylish wood/aluminium materials and structured surfaces like the two-part trim element that stretches across the entire dashboard and a new three-tube instrument cluster with white dials, a trapezoid-shaped full-colour TFT display with a high-gloss frame and sport seats with integrated head restraints.

Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive Features

The new E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet models feature sophisticated safety technology like Agility Control and sport-tuned Dynamic Handling suspensions, 4MATIC all-wheel-drive technology, Next-generation Attention Assist system, and a new Pre-Safe Plus system. The optional Driver Assistance Package features Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control with Steering Assist and PRE-SAFE Brake, plus Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist.

New Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet – Price

View the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E 250 Coupe R582 554
Mercedes-Benz E 400 Coupe R774 632
Mercedes-Benz E 500 Coupe R938 465
Mercedes-Benz E 250 Cabriolet R657 211
Mercedes-Benz E 400 Cabriolet R858 032
Mercedes-Benz E 500 Cabriolet R999 445

The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet and Coupe come standard with the leading PremiumDrive maintenance package 6-years/100 000 km without any customer contribution.

Ford Kuga EcoBoost Review

If you’re looking for a SUV for under R350K, you cannot ignore the performance and value from the Ford Kuga EcoBoost.

Ford Kuga EcoBoost review by John Beale

After giving us the Kuga 2 years after international launch a few years back, Ford finally brought us the updated Kuga right on time, just when things are hotting up in the mid-size SUV category. All new look, a heap of tech and two new engines, one of which was the 1.6-litre turbo Ecoboost unit that also does justice in the Fiesta ST!

Performance

Detuned in the FWD Trend model to deliver 110kW and 240NM, the unit is plenty powerful to pull the larger Ford Kuga around. It competes here quite nicely against rival 2litre units, sporting more torque than most of them, and larger overall interior. There’s even considerable kick back and torque steer from the front wheels during pull off! The torque curve is strong enough to keep the Kuga going at highway speeds and overtake with ease.

Only, as with the Ecoboost unit in the Fiesta, 2nd gear pull-away can lead to the unit stalling too easily. The other benefit of smaller capacity turbocharged units is their frugal nature, and I achieved around 8.4l/100km, which is just over claimed figures. You do have to drive quite carefully to achieve this as the nippy unit begs to be driven.
A superb 6 speed manual box that is now familiar in the Ford range, does justice in the FWD units, and it’s a perfect fit with the Ecoboost engine.

The Kuga’s handling

Handling shows typical front wheel characteristics and the weight of the Kuga does come as a surprise which is where the plethora of safety systems, including Curve Control which brakes wheels individually if you’re cornering too quickly to slow the vehicle down, comes into play. Brakes show good feel, and the steering is meaty at speed but light enough when parking, which is a huge difference to the lifeless steering from Kia and Hyundai.

Safety features

The Ford Kuga EcoBoost will more than likely be bought by those looking for a leisure / family focused vehicle so safety is a key priority. Ford sports the highest NCAP crash rating for the Kuga in class, thanks to 7 airbags, ISOFIX child seat attachments as well as Antilock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) and Electronic Stability Control (ESP).
The Kuga boasts the largest load area, and ample rear legroom with tray tables for the little ones in the rear. As a whole the Kuga feels big and spacious with generous large windscreen and big dash.

Impressive interior

Interior quality and materials are probably some of the best of all of the Ford Range. Doors shut with a solid thud, and buttons feel quality when touched. A healthy dose of standard spec includes leather electric heated seats that are exceptionally comfortable and supportive, keyless start, SYNC Bluetooth streaming audio system, steering wheel and voice control, auto folding mirrors, rear parking sensors and dual zone climate control. Eight cupholders adorn the interior and the centre console swallowed a 1.5litre coke bottle and closed! My only gripe here is the overcomplicated SONY sound system with its plethora of unnecessary buttons.

Ford Kuga EcoBoost conclusion

The Kuga is an exceptional little vehicle, and offers the functional size, with more standard spec than even the Koreans can muster up. Don’t be put off by the 1.6litre, this little Ecoboost unit is more than capable and delivers good fuel consumption. It’s no surprise there are over 440 units leaving showroom floors a month, so if you’re looking for an SUV for under R350 000, this has to be on your list. One of the few SUVs in this price range that reward both passengers and driver.

Ford Kuga EcoBoost – Price

Ford Kuga 1.6 EcoBoost Trend price – R324 900 (110kW / 240 NM)

  • Service plan – 4-year 80 000 km’s is standard.
  • View the vehicle: New Ford Kuga / Used Ford Kuga
  • Competitors worth checking out:
    • Hyundai iX35 2,0 Executive – 122kW / 197 NM – R314 900
    • VW Tiguan 1.4TSI Trend&Fun 4×2 Bluemotion – 118kW/ 240NM – R325 300
    • Toyota Rav4 2,0 GX – 104kW 187NM – R279 900

Mercedes-Benz E 300 BlueTec Hybrid is a frugal runner

The Mercedes-Benz E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid is the brand’s first diesel hybrid passenger car which obtained its Environmental Certificate in accordance with ISO standards and is considered to be the world’s most economical luxury-class model rated in energy efficiency class A+.

Mercedes-Benz E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid is super efficient

The Mercedes-Benz E 300 BlueTec Hybrid sedan is fitted with a four-cylinder diesel engine that develops 150kW of power and 590Nm of torque and is mated to a 7G-Tronic Plus transmission.

The compact electric motor which is installed in a space saving configuration in the clutch housing between the engine and transmission, is a three-phase AC internal rotor magneto motor which produces 20kW and 250Nm of torque at an operating voltage of 120 volts.

The hybrid drive’s electrical energy comes from a high-voltage lithium battery specially developed to use in vehicles. It has an output of 19kW and an energy content of 0.8kWh which allows the E-Class to run on electric power alone at up to 35 km/h and for up to one kilometre.

Compared with the equivalent E 300 CDI BlueEfficiency diesel model, the consumption of the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID has been reduced from 6.1 and 5.8-litres/100 km to between 4.3 and 4.2-litres/100 km with CO2 emissions of 109 g/km – depending on the tyres fitted.

Mercedes-Benz hybrid technology offers a wealth of extra functions that enhance comfort and efficiency, as well as helping to deliver a special driving experience underpinned by accomplished sportiness. Some of these notable technical features of the Mercedes-Benz E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid include Boost function, Hold function, a Lithium-ion battery, Wet start-up clutch, and Kinetic energy recuperation.

“After introducing the S 400 HYBRID in 2009, Mercedes-Benz is now setting new standards for luxury-class business vehicles with the E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid. The modular hybrid technology is opening the way for us to quickly expand other model series with the addition of hybrid models,” explained Professor Herbert Kohler, Chief Environmental Officer for Daimler AG.

Mercedes-Benz E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid – Price

Mercedes Benz E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid Sedan – R 634 000

ISUZU KB 3.0 D TEQ 4×4 Review

Improved from the previous model, tough as nails, but still off the mark in terms of comfort and spec from the competition, meet the Isuzu KB 3.0 D TEQ 4×4.

Isuzu KB 3.0 D-TEQ 4×4 reviewed by John Beale

March finally saw the arrival of the new ISUZU KB range to a very competitive bakkie market. On test was the KB 3.0 D-TEQ 4×4 EXTRA CAB, (cab and a half) which now ads two extra suicide doors that aid access to the half cabin behind the front seats. The Extra Cab range consists of 3 diesel units in three trim levels: Base, LE & LX. New look shiny chrome grille and larger overall size and stance takes after the rest of the competition. The only directly competing “Extra-Cab” units are the Ford Ranger, Hilux and BT-50.

On the inside

A slight change in materials and dials, but otherwise the exact same dash used in the Trailblazer, which is a good thing. Harder plastics are used, but functional spaces for goods in and around the KB are welcome additions. The round-startrek-looking climate control (only one of competitors to feature auto climate control) unit from the Trailblazer is used here, which works well except when in direct sunlight you can’t read the digital dial. Steering wheel controls with cruise-control is standard.

In binnacle on-board computer displays all the necessary fuel consumption averages etc. Seats are cloth covered with a lockable load-box behind drivers seat. The interior is an upgrade from previous model, but not as much of a jump as I expected. Thankfully the vibrating gear-lever from previous KB is all but gone as the gearlever sits right above the gearbox, negating larger linkages.

Engine Performance

Under the bonnet is the updated diesel D-TEQ unit, which now pushes out 130kW and 380NM from 1800RPM. It’s still a noisy unit that sounds rough and requires a lot more work than competitor units to keep on the boil, feeling a lot more agricultural than them too. I averaged just over 11l/100km on the 80litre tank, which is reasonable.

On dust roads I had to switch to full time 4-wheel drive, as the torque would kick the rear out way too easily, leaving some pretty interesting fishtailing happening. A very simple rotary knob in between the seats is used to switch between 4Hi & 4LOW and can be done at high speeds with no fuss.

A lockable diff-lock is switched out using a button on the dash. Sadly, it has the lowest ground clearance of the competitors at 220mm, and the running boards didn’t help break-over angle at all. It does however have the highest rated towing ability (heavy duty towbar fitted) at 3500kg.

Off road the engine seems very willing with a lot of muscle in low range, which means there was very little wheelspin. Off-road enthusiasts will be happy to hear traction control or stability control is not available… It’s old school select diff (unlike the limited slip unit in the Trailblazer), with no electronic gadgetry. It definitely shows the tough off-road focus ISUZU has put on the vehicle. (5yr/120 000km best-in-class warranty is standard here).

Ride and handling

It is in town where the ride and handling is not up to the high standards set by the Ranger. It is still surprisingly rigid and stiff, even though steering has lightened up a bit, there is no disguising the utilitarian focus of the new Isuzu KB. For old KB drivers there are definite improvements, but in terms of ride comfort it seems it has caught up to a pack that has just run away again.

When you start to compare spec to spec, you’ll see the Ford trumps all on standard safety and equipment, sporting 7 airbags, stability and traction control, and highest ground clearance (same as the BT-50). The Hilux sports auto lights and wipers as well as a touch screen multimedia unit with Bluetooth audio. The Ford / BT-50 has the largest and deepest load-bed, with the ISUZU and Hilux battling it out for second place. The ISUZU did not have standard rubberized load-bed or tonneau cover hooks, which is standard on other units.

Isuzu KB 3.0 D-TEQ 4×4 – Conclusion

An improvement on the previous model, but not as much of a jump as you’d expect. Tough as nails, and is probably the only Extra Cab of all to go toe-to-toe against the Hilux on reliability. That said, with the highest price in category it is tough to justify the additional R15 000 for less specifications than the Ford.

Isuzu KB – Price

Isuzu KB 3.0 D-TEQ 4×4 EXTRA CAB – R412 300 (130kW / 380NM)

New Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG S Unleashed

Mercedes-Benz has launched a new high performance S-model with even more attractive proposition than the popular AMG Performance packages, and forms an integral part of the new AMG model range constellation as distinctive model variants. The new Mercedes-Benz E 56 AMG S boasts impressive performance along with a fresh design that redefines the meaning of power and luxury.

New Mercedes Benz E 63 AMG S features brutal engine

The new Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG S is powered by a 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine delivering 430kW of power at 5500 rpm and 800Nm of torque at 1750-5000 rpm. Acceleration from 0-100km/h takes just 4.1 seconds to reach an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at 9.9-litres/100km with CO2 emissions of 232 g/km.

At 410kW and 720Nm, the basic Sedan E 63 AMG model boasts an increase of 24kW of power and 20Nm of torque over its predecessor. The Sedan with rear-wheel drive runs on 9.8-litres/100km and CO2 emissions of 230 g/km and reaches the same top speed as the S model but in 4.2 seconds.
Both models are mated to an AMG Speed Shift MCT seven-speed sports transmission with a four mode – ‘C’ (Controlled Efficiency), S’ (Sport), ‘S+’ (Sport plus) and ‘M’ (Manual) personal set-up.

Exterior Design Features

The new sculptural design of the  new Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG S model is defined by the new ‘A’ wing in the AMG front apron, the ‘twin blade’ radiator grille with two louvres in silver chrome and a large, centrally positioned Mercedes-Benz star. The front splitter is also finished in silver chrome, as are the side sill panels and trim strip.

The three dimensional design feature in the form of the stylised AMG signature ‘A’ also serves as an air deflector for the two large air intake openings at the sides, with the black flics above the openings ensuring an ideal inflow of air into the cooling modules.

The E 63 AMG is further styled with LED High-Performance LED headlamps, special side sill panels and attractive 19-inch 10-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels painted in titanium grey with a high-sheen finish define the side view. Brake callipers in red painted finish and an AMG logo on the boot lid sporting an ‘S’ in contrasting black finish off the dynamic look of the car.

In contrast, the Convex and concave surfaces dynamically combine the new front end of the E 63 AMG featuring a sculptural design with distinctive flared wings ‘V8 BITURBO’ lettering alludes to the superior engine power on board.

Interior Design Features

The interior is furnished in standard-fit Nappa leather upholstery, and grey contrasting top stitching on the AMG sports seats with silver seat belts, the door centre panels, the door armrests, steering wheel and the centre console. Also the front head restraints of the AMG sports seats incorporate exclusive embossed AMG emblems, while the AMG instrument cluster in a new design features an ‘S AMG’ logo on the 320 km/h speedometer and red applications.

The standard scope of equipment and appointments further includes AMG door sill panels with white LED illumination, an electrically operated rear roller blind an anti-theft protection package, and a Bang and Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end surround sound system.

Innovative Technology Features

The S model is fitted with a new Stereo Multi-Purpose Camera, Collision Prevention Assist, Attention Assist, Distronic Plus with Steering Assist, Brake Assist system with Junction Assist (Driving Assistance package Plus as option), Active Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus, and Active Parking Assist.

New Mercedes Benz E 63 AMG S – Price

View the new Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG

Mercedes Benz E 63 AMG Sedan R1 275 604
Mercedes Benz E 63 AMG S R1 396 604

The new Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG S will only be available third quarter of 2013.

The E 63 AMG S comes standard with the standard class-leading PremiumDrive maintenance package of 6-years/100,000 km with no customer contribution.

Maserati Quattroporte available in South Africa

The recently launched sixth generation Maserati Quattroporte which is now available in South Africa is significantly larger than its predecessor, but aims to bring exotic flair to a segment which is typically dominated by conservative German brands.

Maserati Quattroporte – Features

The Maserati Quattroporte is the fastest, most powerful and economic four-door ever built by Maserati and comes with either a 3.8-litre V8 engine or a 3.0-litre V6 engine, both of which are new and twin turbo charged.

The 3.8-litre V8 engine provides Maserati’s new performance benchmark with a top speed of 307 km/h and sprints from 0 – 100km/h in just 4.7 seconds. It is 20km/h faster than the previous Quattroporte Sport as well as up to 200Nm more torque, while the V6 twin turbo boasts a top speed of 285km/h.

Both versions are mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox, while exquisite handling is ensured by a 50:50 weight distribution, double-wishbone front suspension and five-link rear axle.

Interior Features

The interior continues with luxurious and traditional hand crafted details like the Maserati Touch Control Screen, adjustable pedals, reversing cameras and the optional 15-speaker Bowers and Wilkins audio system.

The new Maserati Quattroporte can be ordered with either four or five seat configurations.

Subaru Outback Receives Diesel and CVT Boost

The new Subaru Outback is now available with a diesel and CVT boost, and according to the manufacturer, the model brings with it the same high levels of quality, equipment, safety and refinement that Outback customers and fans are already used to.

Subaru Outback – Specifications and Features

Engine Capability

The new Subaru Outback is equipped with a 2.0D Premium Lineartronic four-cylinder turbodiesel engine which produces 110kW at 3600rpm and 350Nm from 1800-2400rpm. Mated to the CVT, fuel consumption is rated at 6.5 litres/100km with emissions of 172g/km. Fuel requirements are strictly low sulphur or 50 ppm diesel.

The new Subaru Outback diesel CVT also has Subaru’s famous Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system, splitting power between the front and rear axles. The model’s 213mm ground clearance allows it to take on 4×4 trails.

Exterior and Interior Features

The Subaru Outback is stylishly fitted with standard 17-inch alloy wheels and a full-size spare, power sunroof, roof rails and HID xenon headlights, leather upholstery, an 8-way electrically-adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone automatic climate control with rear ventilation, keyless entry and start button, tilt- and reach-adjustable leather-bound steering wheel, cruise control, and an electronic handbrake.

The model is further equipped with a multi-information display screen, a premium audio system with six speakers and radio/CD unit with auxiliary, MP3 and USB support.

Safety features comprise of seven air bags including a driver’s knee airbag, a rear-view camera, seat belt warning buzzers for all five seats, a collapsible brake pedal, ISOFIX child seat anchor points and Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), ABS, EBD, TCS (Traction Control System), ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and LSD (Limited Slip Device).

“The new Subaru Outback diesel CVT not only complements the existing petrol-powered Outback perfectly, but it being the first model to feature our praised Lineartronic transmission and our renowned Boxer diesel technology is exceptionally important,” said Ashley Lazarus, Marketing Manager at Subaru South Africa.

“Subaru is widely regarded as being at the pinnacle of Japanese engineering and technology, and these are two assets within the company which put us there. This new model also means we are now able to plug a significant gap in our line-up, a gap where consumers tend to favour automatic diesel SUVs.”

Subaru Outback – Price

View the new Subaru Outback

Subaru Outback 2.0D – R459 000

The new Subaru Outback will be available with a three-year/100 000km warranty and three-year/60 000km maintenance plan.

New Nissan NV Panel Vans to shake up LCV segment

The already comprehensive Nissan Light Commercial Vehicle lineup is joined by the new Nissan NV Panel Vans, the NV200 and the NV350. The new Nissan NV200 Panel Van range will also be complemented by the new Combi variants later this year, and so will the new Nissan NV350 Panel Van variants due for release later in 2013.

Bright future for new Nissan NV Panel Vans

NV200 Panel Van

The Nissan NV200 joins the LCV line-up as a new-generation small van offering outstanding cargo space, compact body and low cost of ownership.

The NV200 1.6i Visia is powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine which produces 81kW at 6000rpm and 153Nm at 4400rpm and is mated to a five-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive. The 1.6i Visia returns an average fuel economy figure of 7.2 litres per 100km while producing 166g/km of CO2.

Featuring the same transmission, the turbocharged diesel NV200 1.5 dCi Visia develops 66kW of power at 4000 rpm and 200Nm of torque at 1750. Fuel consumption is rated at 4.9- litres/100km with CO2 emissions of 129g/km.

Features

The spacious NV200 Panel Van features a total cargo volume of 4.2 cubic metres, with a low floor sill measuring 520mm and a wide distance between the wheel arches (1220mm). Its unique front design brings out a spirited look while maintaining functionality and class. Easy access to the load area is ensured by sliding doors on either side of the vehicle and the clean and solid construction is enhanced by the new NV200 Panel Van’s wide range of colours, including white, silver, grey, black and red.

Additional standard equipment include 14-inch wheel covers, remote central locking with immobiliser, air conditioning, full metal mesh partition, French-style rear doors, tilt-adjustable steering, two speakers and a roof-mounted antenna in a radio-ready setup, as well as a full-size spare wheel. The passenger seat can be folded forward to enable the loading of longer items like ladders.

The NV200 Panel Van also features driver and passenger airbags, ABS with EBD and VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) as well as a driver’s seatbelt warning buzzer.

Nissan NV350 Panel Van

The Nissan NV350 Panel Van picks up where the old Nissan E20 left off back in 1995 and is available in two body styles and the choice of petrol or diesel engines.

The new NV350 2.5-litre Narrow Body with low roof and Wide Body with high roof petrol models produce 108kW of power at 5600rpm and 213Nm of torque at
4400rpm, and feature a five-speed manual gearbox. Fuel economy on the
Narrow Body’s average combined cycle is 11.8-litres/100km with CO2 emissions of 282g/km, and 12.5-litres/100km with CO2 emissions of 300g/km on the wide body.

The NV350 2.5-litre Wide Body and high roof turbocharged diesel model develops 95kW of power at 3200rpm and 356Nm of torque at 1400-2000 rpm and is also mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. Average fuel economy is rated at 8.3-litres/100km.

Features

The Wide Body features a high roof, offering 9.2 cubic metres of load volume, with 3 250 mm of length and 1 645 mm of height allowing for long and tall objects to be loaded with absolute ease.

The appearance of the new NV350 expresses the car’s modern and rich surface designs. The front end imparts a strong, bold and individualistic design with a rounded waistline that forms at the base of the windscreen and progresses down the flanks, while the squared-off rear alludes to its load carrying capacity. The crystal design tail lights further accentuates the NV350’s character lines. The NV350 is available in five standard colours – white, silver, black, gunmetal grey and dark brown.

The spacious interior features a two-tone robust dashboard, a large 10.6-litre glove box, a capacious upper cubby hole, two pull-out cup holders, and a large tray mounted on top of the dashboard. The instrument binnacle houses an array of analogue dials, as well as a classy 3.5-inch LCD display screen where the fuel and temperature gauges flank the full multi-functional information display.

Additional standard features across the NV350 Panel Van range include remote central locking with a panic alarm function, an immobiliser and alarm, electric windows, air conditioning, tilt adjustment for the steering wheel, head lamp battery savers, two speakers and a pillar antenna in a radio-ready setup as well as 15-inch steel wheels with wheel covers. The Narrow Body and low roof model features two sliding doors on its flanks, while the Wide Body models feature one sliding door and an extra pull handle on the tail gate.

Safety equipment includes ABS with Brake Assist, a driver’s airbag, pre-tensioned seat belts and a driver’s seatbelt warning buzzer.

New Nissan NV200 Panel Van – Price

Nissan NV200 1.6i Visia Panel Van – R187 000
Nissan NV200 1.5 dCi Visia Panel Van – R216 200

All new Nissan NV200 Panel Van models come standard with a 3-year/ 100 000 km warranty. Service intervals for both petrol and diesel variants are 15 000 km.

New Nissan NV350 Panel Van – Price

Nissan NV350 2.5 Petrol Narrow Body Panel Van – R279 500
Nissan NV350 2.5 Petrol Wide Body Panel Van – R316 250
Nissan NV350 2.5 Diesel Wide Body Panel Van – R334 500

All new Nissan NV350 Panel Van models come standard with a 3-year/ 100 000 km warranty, a 5-year/ 90 000 km service plan as well as a three-year anti-corrosion warranty. Service intervals for both petrol and diesel variants are 15 000 km.

Aston Martin Vanquish Volante roadster unveiled

The 2014 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante has been unveiled and is the first fully carbon fibre-skinned Volante in the brands 100-year history.

Aston Martin Vanquish Volante is a sexy stunner

Engine Capability

The Vanquish Volante is powered by a 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 421kW of power at 6750 rpm and 620Nm of torque at 5500 rpm, resulting in acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 294 km/h.

Exterior and Interior Design Features

In addition to being the first Volante model to feature a fully carbon fibre-skinned, the model also has the stiffest Volante body structure created by Aston Martin. Also unique to the Aston Martin Vanquish Volante is its triple-skin lightweight fabric roof that takes just 14 seconds to fold, and its full-height windscreen – another first for Aston Martin.

Inside, the 2+2 cabin is elegantly styled with sophisticated, authentic, and luxurious materials such as full grain Luxmil leather with optional quilting, metal controls and satin chrome trim that underscore the car’s well-appointed nature.

There is also a modern centre stack inspired by the version in the One-77 supercar, and the facia trim now stretches down the whole centre stack and is manufactured from a single piece of material giving a uniform finish.

Other technological features include Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Positive Torque Control (PTC), and an adaptive suspension damping system with three different settings (Normal, Sport and Track), speed sensitive power steering, and carbon ceramic brakes from Brembo.

“Vanquish Volante, like the Vanquish coupe before it, uses the very latest technologies employed in the very best ways to create a sports car which is easy to control, and to enjoy dynamic performance at the finest level,” said Aston Martin CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez.

“This is not simply a great-looking car – this is a great car engineered and crafted for the connoisseur by people dedicated to delivering exceptional sports cars with clearly defined characters.”

Aston Martin Vanquish Volante roadster gallery

View the gallery here