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.

New car launches in South Africa for January 2013

The New Year is well underway and car buyers in South Africa are being spoilt for choice with 10 new models launched in the month of January 2013. The year of 2013 will see a number of exciting models launched in South Africa, but for now, take a look at the new models that were launched last month.   

Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 Alpine Edition from R864 990

 Only 95 units of the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 Alpine Edition are available to the local market. Unique features include a Bright White paintwork and Black Vapor Chrome finish on the split 5-spoke 20-inch alloy wheels. The SRT8 Alpine Edition also features a Jeep hood badge, Grand Cherokee door badge, front grille surround and inserts, a rear light bar and step pad as well as a SRT8 badge accent on the rear tailgate.
 
Jeep Altitude Compass Limited Edition from R295 490

 Features unique to this limited edition model include seven-slot Jeep grille with the headlights finished in black gloss surrounds. Black roof rails and a black step pad are also included and the Limited Edition Altitude Compass rides on 18-inch black gloss aluminium wheels. The model benefits from power heated exterior mirrors, heated seats, CVT transmission and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Only 199 units are available to the local market.
 
Toyota Auris from R195 000

 The revised Auris has arrived in South Africa with a choice of either a 73kW/128Nm 1.3-litre engine or a 97kW/160Nm 1.6-litre variant. The Auris rides on 15-inch wheel-cap design wheels for the 1.3-litre variant while the 1.6-litre variant rides on 16-inch alloy wheels. Apart from the revised interior and exterior styling, the new Auris now offers 360-litres of boot space compared to the outgoing model.   

Audi Q5 from R464 000

 The new Audi Q5 SUV is offered with a choice of five engines including two TDI engines and three TFSI engines with power ranging from 130kW to 200kW depending on the variant. The Audi Q5 features a high-gloss black single-frame with bevelled upper edges and vertical chrome struts. The interior has been refined and two trim levels namely S and SE are available. Luggage space ranges between 540 and 1 56-litres depending how the seats are folded.  

Audi RS 4 Avant from R875 000

 The third-generation RS 4 Avant is offered with a 331kW 4.2-litre V8 engine, combining high-performance with practicality. The hexagonal single-frame grille with a honeycomb insert finished in high gloss anthracite is complemented with Xenon Plus headlamps and Daytime Running Lights (DRLs). Standard features include MMI Navigation Plus, S sports seats with Alcantara and leather trim, flat-bottomed multi-function steering wheel, Audi Parking System Plus and 19-inch wheels.
 
Audi 1.8T FSI TT Coupe from R392 000

 Audi has expanded the TT coupe range with an entry-level offering seen in the 118kW/250Nm 1.8T FSI TT Coupe. The 1.8T FSI TT Coupe features a lightweight Audi Space Frame which helps enhance handling and driving dynamics. 17-inch alloy wheels are standard as is Bluetooth connectivity and a multi-function steering wheel. A re-styled single-frame grille with Xenon Plus headlights and Daytime Running Lights completes the package.  

Hyundai Santa Fe from R434 900 

The third-generation Hyundai Santa Fe has arrived offering three models namely the Premium, Executive and Elite with all three powered by a 145kW/436Nm 2.2-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine. All derivatives use a 6-speed automatic transmission with the option of manual shift control. The Premium model rides on 17-inch alloy wheels as standard while the Executive and Elite models ride on 18 and 19-inch alloy wheels respectively.   

Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series from R1 425 000

  The C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series is powered by a hefty 6.3-litre V8 that produces 380kW and 620Nm of torque and is mated to a AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission, translating into an electronically limited top speed of 300km/h. The C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series rides on 19-inch AMG light alloy wheels painted in titanium grey. Optional packages include AMG Performance Media, AMG Track package and the AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre package.

  Renault Sandero Stepway Roxy Louw Limited Edition from R149 900  

Inspired by international surfer and model Roxy Louw, the Renault Sandero Stepway Roxy Louw Limited Edition features Roxys signature turtle and hibiscus Cowabanga emblem. Other additions include a new Blaupunkt Bluetooth MP3 radio with USB and auxiliary inputs as well as a TomTom Live navigation unit. Only 100 units are available with 50 in red and 50 in black.

  Mitsubishi ASX from R279 900  

The revised 2013 ASX compact crossover has arrived and is powered by a 2.0-litre petrol unit that produces 110kW and 197Nm of torque. The trim levels are available namely GL, GLX and GLS. The upholstery in the GL version is made of honeycomb knit fabric while the both the GLX and GLS benefit from leather upholstery. Luggage capacity is between 442 and 1 193-litres depending on how the seats are folded and a full size spare wheel is standard. All models are fitted with Mitsubishis voice activated Link system.

New Toyota Concepts and models to be shown in Geneva

New Toyota concepts and models will be showcased at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show on 5 March 2012. The Toyota line-up includes the FT-86 Open and Toyota i-Road concepts as well as the British-built Auris touring Sports and the fourth-generation RAV4.

Exciting new Toyota concepts and models set to impress

The Toyota FT-86 concept

The Toyota FT-86 concept will preview the possible future development of the much praised GT86 sports coupe, also known as the Toyota 86 in South Africa. The FT-86 concept will be used to gauge public reaction. Toyota is meanwhile carrying out engineering tests on a prototype.

Toyota i-Road concept

The Toyota i-Road was conceived as a compact, fun and emissions-free, personal mobility concept and was designed to offer quick and efficient urban transport for two people.

Toyota Auris Touring Sports

After previewing the estate version at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, Toyota will unveil the production-ready Auris Touring Sports in Geneva. Toyota is yet to publish specifications, dimensions and performance data for the model which goes on sale later in 2013.

The Auris Touring Sports is set to become the new reference point for medium-sized estate cars which is supported by its styling, luggage capacity and full hybrid powertrain. A special design study called the Auris Touring Sports Black will accompany the Auris Touring Sports in the spotlight.

??Toyota RAV4

The fourth-generation RAV4 will be showcased, coinciding with its market launch in Europe. The new RAV4 offers distinctive styling, a high quality interior, greater efficiency and enhancements to its all-wheel drive system. The new RAV4 will be accompanied by two design studies at the Geneva Motor Show and these include the RAV4 Premium and the RAV4 Adventure. The new RAV4 will be launched in South Africa later in 2013.

Further details will be made available when the Geneva Motor Show commences on 5 March 2013.

Opel Astra Hatch range revised with less cost

General Motors South Africa (GMSA) has introduced a number of styling and specification changes to the Opel Astra Hatch range. The changes include revisions to the exterior styling, interior trim and technical specification as well as a marginal reduction in price.

With the introduction of the Opel Astra for the 2013 model year we have adopted a number of external, and internal styling changes that refresh the inherent continental styling appeal of the Astra, says Malcolm Gauld, GM South Africas Vice President Vehicles Sales Service and Marketing.

??Opel Astra Hatch Specifications and Features

??Engine Capability

Four models are available in the Opel Astra Hatch range including the Astra 1.6 Essentia, the Astra 1.4T Essentia Plus, the Astra 1.4T Enjoy and the Astra 1.6T Sport. The flagship Astra 1.6T Sport is powered by a 1.6-litre turbo engine that produces 132kW and 230Nm of torque. Acceleration to 100km/h will take 8.5 seconds before reaching a top speed of 221km/h using a 6-speed manual transmission. Combined fuel economy for this model is 6.8-litres/100km.

Exterior and Interior Styling Features

The Opel Astra Hatch range now features a revised grille and a redesigned front bumper with a more pronounced lower grille section. The fog lamps and indicators have also been revised. The rear-end sees the addition of chrome detailing, a revised rear bumper design and new treatment for the license plate holder. The alloy rims have also been redesigned across the range and the interior benefits from the introduction of new contemporary trim materials and mouldings.

??Standard Features

The Opel Astra 1.6 Essentia comes with heated power mirrors in body colour, Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), Power front windows, remote power door locks, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), two cup holders, open storage space, front and side airbags, pedal release system and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Standard features for the Opel Astra 1.4T Essentia Plus are as per the 1.6 Essentia but adds a 1.4-litre turbo engine, rear electric windows, cruise control and side curtain airbags. The Opel Astra 1.4T Enjoy includes front fog lamps, Radio CD with graphic information display, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, leather steering wheel, rain sensing wipers, anti-dazzle rear view mirror, auto headlight control and seat pockets on the back of the front seats.

The 1.6T Sport comes standard with a sports chassis, premium leather trim, translucent instrument accent lighting, dual-zone electronic climate control, two cup holders, covered storage and an adjustable front armrest. Other features include an electronic parking brake, Hill Start Assist, Rear Park Assist, On-board computer, 12V power outlet in the rear console and 18-inch alloy wheels.

??Opel Astra Hatch Price

Model	Price
Opel Astra 1.6 Essentia	R231 000
Opel Astra 1.4T Essentia Plus	R248 000
Opel Astra 1.4T Enjoy	R257 000
Opel Astra 1.6T Sport	R298 500

The Opel Astra is covered by a 5-year/120 000km warranty with Roadside assistance for the warranty period. A 5-year/90 000km Service Plan is also included in the price.

New Ssangyong Rodius Teased

Ssangyong has released a teaser image of its new 2014 Rodius model which has been named as the A150 project during its two-year development period. The new Ssangyong Rodius is based on the Robust, Premium, Specialty design philosophy and features a new bold front line and a spacious body that combines dynamics with sophistication, according to Ssangyong.

New SsangYong Rodius for the great outdoors

The new ??Ssangyong Rodius is an all-round vehicle ?? and has been styled to suit the outdoors, off-road-driving as well as on-road driving making it a versatile all-rounder with its streamlined radiator grille and headlights. The new SsangYong Rodius, according to Ssangyong, offers a whole package of convenience and practical values by fulfilling various needs from business, leisure and travel.

The new Ssangyong Rodius will be equipped with a 2.0-litre diesel engine and a 3.2-litre petrol engine. The Rodius is scheduled to be launched globally early in 2013, so it may very well make its way to South Africa in the near future.

Opel ADAM set for success

The funky urban Opel ADAM is set to make waves in Europe after taking over 20 000 orders a week after its launch, with most of the orders placed in Germany. The Opel ADAM made its debut at the Paris Motor Show in October 2012 and is set to be a major success in the European market.

Deputy Chairman of the Opel Management Board Dr. Thomas Sedran says, This is an outstanding start for our new small lifestyle car from Eisenach especially if one considers that the market launch in many European markets is yet to come. The ADAM sparks excitement and is a popular new ambassador for our brand.

Diversity a big plus for Opel ADAM

The Opel ADAM offers a staggering amount of personalisation options for customers with over 61 000 variations for the exterior and 82 000 for the interior, ranging from a vast selection of colours and rims to special details like different headliners.

Dr Sedran commented, Whoever orders an ADAM today can be quite certain that he/she wont see an identical car. Almost every Opel ADAM will be unique.

Apart from its attractive personalisation potential, the Opel ADAM also features clever and affordable technology as part of the package. For example, its IntelliLink infotainment system integrates the owners smartphone (Apple iOS and Android) in the vehicle. The system will soon be available with the innovative Apple voice recognition software SIRI Eyes Free. The Opel ADAM also adopts innovations usually found on higher class vehicles and these include the newest-generation automatic Park Assist, a heated steering wheel, Side Blind Spot Alert and the Opel-exclusive, fully integrated rear bicycle carrier FlexFix.

As it stands, the Opel ADAM will not be available in South Africa. Opel however plans to introduce a total of 23 new vehicles and 13 new engines to the market between 2012 and 2016.

Kia Cross GT concept teased ahead of 2013 Chicago Auto Show

Kia has provided a sneak peek of the Kia Cross GT concept that will be making its appearance at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show next week. According to Kia, the Cross GT concept is inspired by nature and driven by technology and hints at the future of Kias design language in the form of a premium Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) that is larger than the new 2014 Sorento.

Unfortunately, Kia has not provided any further details. More information will become available when the Kia GT Cross Concept is unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show which starts on 7 February 2013, so stay tuned.

Kia Motors goes solar in South Africa

Kia Motors South Africa will be opening its first eco friendly solar powered dealership in Weltevreden Park. This will be Kias flagship dealership and a first on the local automotive industry.

The official construction for this new Kia Motors dealership started in January 2012 and will be completed at the end of January 2013.

Kia Motors solar-powered dealership – Details

The new Kia Motors dealership will be powered by 288 roof mounted solar panels which will create a daily maximum power of 69kW, enough to power an average of 22 households per day. Then as required, the panels will generate energy between three converters which will go directly into the load providing electricity at a capacity of 50Hertz and 240 Volts. The remaining electricity will be stored in three state of the art battery banks. Should the load be affected by a power outage or bad weather conditions, the banks will serve as a back up system.

The building is fitted with low wattage fluorescent and compact fluorescent lamps, used in the major areas of the dealership. Standard high base 400 watt lamps are replaced with 4 x 54 Watt lamps which provide the same light but use less energy. To further save energy, occupancy sensors have been installed which will automatically switch on and off if no movement is detected.

Eco-friendly Kia Motors dealership will also save water

As an additional contribution to eco-friendliness, Kia has fitted a filtration system to recycle rain water collected from the facilitys roof. This water will then be distributed into six containers each with a holding capacity of 10000 litres. The filtered water will be used at the facilitys car wash. Thereafter it will be pumped back into the water filtration system which purifies the water from oil, soap or any other dirt. This water is then filtered and pumped back into the containers, to be re-used in the car wash bay.

Kias move to eco-friendly products is well underway with vehicles ranging from electrical, hybrid electric and fuel derivatives. As the demand for eco dynamic vehicles increases, these will be made available to markets outside of North America and Europe.

Although these vehicles are not currently available to the South African market, we have decided to focus our efforts on making the operational side of Kia Motors South Africa as eco-friendly as possible, with Kia Weltevreden being the blueprint for future eco-friendly dealerships. We are very excited about the opening of this new solar-powered dealership, and look forward to Kia consumers experiencing the brands true power to surprise, Said David Sieff, National Marketing Manager of Kia Motors South Africa.

Revised Mitsubishi ASX Crossover launched in South Africa

The revised 2013 Mitsubishi ASX Crossover has been launched in South Africa. The 2013 Mitsubishi ASX combines a sleeker, more contemporary design with a smarter interior while improved specification levels provide a better value-for-money offering. Three trim levels are offered for the Mitsubishi ASX and these include the GL, GLX and GLS.

Mitsubishi ASX Compact Crossover offers more value

Engine Capability

The 2013 Mitsubishi ASX is powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine that delivers 110kW at 6 000rpm with a peak torque figure of 197Nm at 4 200rpm. Acceleration to 100km/h will take 9.6 seconds before reaching a top speed of 196km/h. A 5-speed manual transmission is offered on the GL and GLX models while the GLS flagship version gets a 6-speed CVT transmission. Combined fuel consumption for the manual GL and GLX derivatives is 7.5-litres/100km while the CVT-equipped GLS consumes 7.6-litres/100km. The Mitsubishi ASX compact crossover is equipped with a 63-litre fuel tank with an approximate range of more than 800km.

Exterior Styling Features

The revised Mitsubishi ASX features a re-designed front grille along with new front and rear bumpers with chrome accents and revised fog light surrounds. The revised rear styling matches the smoother lines towards the front while the new bumper and contrasting lower apron add further appeal. The 2013 ASX retains its raised SUV-inspired stance and features a pronounced shoulder line, sculpted flanks and bold wheel arches. Generous glass areas and a high seating position enhance all-round visibility and the GLX and GLS models are fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels.

Interior Styling Features

The 2013 Mitsubishi ASX sees the addition of soft-touch surfaces and chrome detailing for a more sophisticated interior. Ergonomic efficiency is enhanced with an all-new steering wheel with multi-function controls including Bluetooth telephony controls across the range while the GLX and GLS models gain cruise control switchgear. A honeycomb knit fabric is standard upholstery for the GL version while the GLX and GLS derivatives feature leather upholstery.

The Mitsubishi ASX features a five-seat layout with front bucket seats. The rear bench splits in a 60/40 configuration to offer versatile seating and loading options. Luggage capacity is at 442-litres with the seats upright and expands to 1 193-litres with the rear bench folded down. A full size spare wheel is standard.

Hands-free Bluetooth connectivity is standard across the ASX range as is USB-based iPod/iPhone and flash drive functionality. All these features are in sync with Mitsubishis voice-activated Link system which allows control of the radio and phone via voice commands. The GL and GLX models incorporate an improved CD receiver sound system while the GLS is fitted with an infotainment system featuring a 6-inch touch screen display. A class leading, 9-speaker Rockford Fosgate premium sound system is offered as an option.

Safety Features

The Mitsubishi ASX has been awarded with a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP. The ASX features Mitsubishis Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body construction resulting in improved collision safety for all occupants, regardless of the impact direction.

The ASX includes no less than seven airbags across the range and includes two front airbags, two side airbags, two curtain airbags and a knee airbag. Dynamic safety features include all-disc ABS brakes with Emergency Braking Assistance (EBA) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) across the range. The flagship GLS includes Active Stability Control (ASC) and Hill Start Assist (HSA).

2013 Mitsubishi ASX Price

Model	Price
Mitsubishi ASX 2.0 GL	R279 900
Mitsubishi ASX 2.0 GLX	R304 900
Mitsubishi ASX 2.0 GLS	R334 900
Mitsubishi ASX 2.0 GLS with Rockford	R342 900

Prices include a 5-year/90 000km service plan, a 3-year/100 000km warranty with service intervals set at 15 000km.

Bosch helps make autonomous driving a reality

Bosch, the global supplier of automotive technology and services, is set to expand its range of driver assistance systems in the years to come and will play a growing role in guiding vehicles through traffic jams. The traffic jam assistant will brake, accelerate and steer completely autonomously and will step in when the vehicle is moving at speeds of up to 50km/h and will operate in most stop-and-go traffic situations. The first generation of the traffic jam assistant is expected to enter series production in 2014.

The traffic jam assistant helps drivers arrive more relaxed at their destination, even in dense traffic, says Gerhard Steiger, president of the Bosch Chassis Systems Control division.

  A step closer to autonomous driving

  In the next few years the traffic jam assistant will be enhanced to cover even faster speeds and more complex driving situations. Eventually the traffic jam assistant will serve as a highway pilot, making fully autonomous driving a reality, according to Bosch.

Today, Adaptive Cruise Control already tracks vehicles ahead and adapts the distance and speed of the vehicle accordingly. Acting in combination with the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) system and with the additional support of lane-detection cameras and electromechanical steering, this forms the technical basis for autonomous driving. Automatic lane changing is the next logical step and calls for two additional features including a rear-mounted radar sensor that detects fast-moving vehicles and a dynamic navigation map which keeps the driver informed of current roadwork sites and local speed limits. Although drivers remain responsible for driving, they can limit themselves to monitoring the actions of the driver assistance system.

However, two major challenges remain, with the first being-inner city driving, since automated vehicle functions have to deal with dense traffic involving a large number of road users travelling in every direction. Secondly, a concept needs to be developed to ensure that the systems functions operate reliably in all types of driving situations.

  Fully autonomous driving will come about one step at a time, Steiger says.