Kia Superman Optima Hybrid for 2013 Chicago Auto Show

Kia, in partnership with DC Entertainment, will be unveiling a new Justice-League-inspired vehicle at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show. The Kia Superman Optima Hybrid will take to the stage from the 9-18 February 2013.

Kia Superman Optima Hybrid supports a good cause

The 10-month long partnership between Kia and DC Entertainment has already resulted in five character-themed Kia vehicles including the Batman Optima, Aquaman Rio, The Flash Forte Koup, Cyborg Forte and the Green Lantern Soul. The partnership is in support of DC Entertainment’s giving campaign called “We Can Be Heroes” which aims to help and provide hope to the children, women and families affected by drought and famine in the Horn of Africa.

Although only one teaser image has been provided of the Kia Superman Optima Hybrid, more information and images will become available when the Kia Superman Optima Hybrid is unveiled at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show, so stay tuned.

Lamborghini Aventador Roadster gives high speed demo at Miami Airport?

Five new Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Roadsters sped down the south runway at the Miami International Airport on Tuesday 29 January 2013. Special authorisation was obtained from the Federal Aviation Administration (F.A.A) and the Miami-Dade County. The five 515kW Lamborghini’s, for the first time ever, exceeded the passenger airliner take-off speed on a runway which is between 241 and 290km/h by clocking a speed of 338km/h.

Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster launched

Prior to the high-speed demonstration, the five Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Roadsters were joined on the runway by an American Airlines Boeing 777 for an exclusive photo shoot. The high-speed demonstration formed part of a 10-day media launch and dealer education program which began with an unveiling press conference in Lummus Park in Miami Beach. The press conference was followed by a 50-vehicle parade down Collins Avenue in South Beach before the high-speed demonstration commenced.

Lamborghini executives hosting the press conference included Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini as well as Maurizio Reggiani, Director of Research and Development, Raffaello Porro, Director of Communications and External Relations and Filippo Perini, Chief Designer.??“

It has been a great pleasure to work with the Miami-Dade Aviation Department and South Beach teams on today’s amazing demonstrations. I have never seen something similar at a Lamborghini event,” said Stephan Winkelmann. “The Aventador Roadster is our most exciting production car ever and I can think of no better place to celebrate its launch than here in Miami.”

Big power for Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster

The Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster is the company’s newest open-top version of the Aventador and is powered by a 6.5-litre V12 engine that develops 515kW and 690Nm of torque. Acceleration to 100km/h is achieved in 3 seconds before claiming a top speed of 350km/h. The Aventador Roadster features a removable top made from high-tech, lightweight carbon fibre technologies and weighs 11.8kgs.

“Lamborghini is a forward-thinking brand, and today’s event on our runway was an all-around success,” said Ken Pyatt, Miami-Dade Deputy Aviation Director. “Both our organizations are focused on efficient performance and providing our customers with innovations.”

Toyota best selling car brand in the world

Toyota has been recognised as being the world’s best-selling vehicle brand with sales totalling 9.75 million in 2012. This translates into one new vehicle sale every three seconds somewhere in the world in 2012. Total group sales, including Hino, Lexus and Daihatsu reached a record of 9 748 000 units which is and improvement of 22.6% compared to 2011 and surpasses Toyota’s previous sales record of 9 367 000 units sold in 2007.

Toyota production and market share on the rise

Toyota also experienced increases in production and market share in its major markets. Production increased for the first time in two years as a result of increases in virtually all regions.

Exports from Japan to North America, Latin America, Asia, Oceania, the Middle East and Africa, which was severely interrupted by the March 2011 tsunami, increased dramatically and added to the overall increase.

In South Africa, Toyota improved its market share to 19.4% after selling 121 276 cars and trucks in 2012. Toyota was therefore crowned as the market leader for the 33rd consecutive year.

“In 2011 we launched our new global vision, which built on Toyota’s strengths of quality, durability and reliability and put our ultimate focus on customer satisfaction. I believe that our sales success in 2012 proves that we are on target, but in the spirit of kaizen (continuous improvement) we will work hard to improve it in 2013,” says Dr Johan van Zyl, President and CEO of Toyota South Africa Motors.

In 2013, Toyota aims to sell 9.91 million vehicles worldwide which is an expected improvement of 1.6% over 2012. Toyota believes that its exciting next-generation of products including the Toyota 86, the new Auris, the forthcoming RAV4 and the new Lexus IS will help achieve its goal in 2013.

New Audi TT Coupe launched in South Africa

Audi South Africa has announced the launch of a new, cheaper entry-level Audi TT Coupe in South Africa. The new Audi TT Coupe provides customers with a more affordable entry into the compact sports car segment. The Audi TT was first introduced in South Africa in 2000 with the second-generation launched in 2006 and was named the ‘World Design Car of the Year’ in 2007.

New Audi TT Coupe gives bang for your bucks

??Engine Capability

The new Audi TT Coupe is powered by a 1.8-litre TFSI petrol engine that develops 118kW and 250Nm of torque. Thanks to its lightweight aluminium body, the 1.8T FSI Audi TT delivers a combined fuel consumption figure of 6.4-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 149g/km. The 1.8T FSI Audi TT Coupe is now available with both manual or S tronic transmission and is only available in Coupe body style.

Exterior and Interior Styling Features

Weighing only 1 240kg in total, the 1.8T FSI Audi TT Coupe exhibits lightweight construction with the body weighing 206kg. The body is made from 140kg of aluminium (68%) and 66kg of steel (32%). The Audi Space Frame used on the TT is extremely light but also very strong with low-vibration properties, providing the foundation for precise handling, a quiet ride and high passive safety.

The radiator grille is finished with black polish and features a re-styled single-frame grille. Xenon Plus headlights and LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) are part of the package. The 1.8T FSI Audi TT Coupe rides on 17-inch alloy wheels. On the inside, the TT Coupe will benefit from Bluetooth as standard and is equipped with a multi-function steering with paddle shifters available on the S tronic model.

New Audi TT Coupe – Price

Model Price
Audi TT Coupe 1.8T FSI M/T R392 000
Audi TT Coupe 1.8T FSI S tronic R409 000

Kia hot hatches to debut at 2013 Geneva Motor Show

New Kia hot hatches will be showcased in the form of the  pro_cee’d GT and cee’d GT models at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. The pro_cee’d GT and cee’d GT are the most performance-focused models to come from the Kia stable and will be manufactured at Kia’s Zilina plant in Slovakia.

Kia Hot Hatches – Special Features

The two models will feature athletic styling, LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), dual exhaust pipes, Recaro seats and 18-inch alloy wheels with red brake callipers.Both the Kia pro_cee’d GT and cee’d GT will be powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre GDI petrol engine that produces 150kW and 265Nm of torque that will result in a 0-100km/h time of 7.2 seconds.

The Kia hot hatches were designed in Europe under the direction of Kia president and Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer. Production of the Kia pro_cee’d GT and cee’d GT is due to start in mid-May with UK delivery expected by mid-2013. There is no indication whether the Kia pro_cee’d GT and the five-door cee’d GT will be available in South Africa.

Volkswagen Golf 4MOTION launched

The new Volkswagen Golf 4MOTION  expands the new Golf range following the launch of the front-wheel drive models in 2012. Volkswagen is therefore continuing the tradition of four-wheel drive Golf models, with the first all-wheel drive Golf making its debut back in 1986. The permanent four-wheel drive system with an enhanced fifth-generation Haldex coupling is one of the most modern and efficient of its kind in the world.

??Volkswagen Golf 4MOTION – Special Features

The Volkswagen Golf 4MOTION all-wheel drive system weighs 1.4kg less than the previous system and requires no pressure accumulator and reacts ‘extremely quickly to every conceivable influence on it’, according to Volkswagen. The result is greater active safety and improved handling.

The Golf 4MOTION is being offered with a choice of two turbo diesel engines in Europe with trim levels including the Trendline, Comfortline and Highline. The 1.6-litre TDI produces 77kW and 250Nm of torque with an average fuel consumption figure of 4.5-litres/100km. The 2.0-litre TDI engine on the other hand produces 110kW and 320Nm of torque with an average fuel consumption figure of 4.7-litres/100km.

The Volkswagen Golf 4MOTION is equipped with a Stop/Start system and battery regeneration as standard. Other features include the four-wheel EDS (Electronic Differential Locks on both axles), XDS front and rear axle transverse lock, Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP), Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, seven airbags, Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), air conditioning, front and rear electric windows, multi-function display and a TFT display with touchscreen operation.

The Volkswagen Golf 4MOTION is currently on sale in Europe and there is no indication whether it will become available in South Africa.

Ford Nissan and Daimler collaborate to develop fuel cell technology

Daimler AG, Ford Motor Company and Nissan Motor Co. have signed a three-way agreement for the joint development of a common fuel cell system to accelerate availability of zero-emission technology and reduce investment costs. The collaboration is expected to result in the launch of the world’s first affordable, mass-market fuel cell electric vehicles by 2017. The agreement sends a clear signal to suppliers, policymakers and industry to encourage further development of hydrogen infrastructure worldwide.

Zero Emission Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) by 2017


The goal of the collaboration is to jointly develop a common fuel cell electric vehicle system while reducing investment costs associated with the engineering of the technology. Each company will invest equally towards the project with the aim to maximise design commonality, leverage volume and derive efficiencies through economies of scale to ensure the launch of the world’s first affordable mass-market FCEVs by 2017.

The three companies, together, have over 60 years of cumulative experience in developing FCEVs. The partners plan to develop a common fuel cell stack and fuel cell system that each company can use to launch differentiated and separately branded FCEVs which will produce zero emissions while driving.

The FCEVs will be powered by electricity generated from hydrogen and oxygen and will only emit water while driving. FCEVs are considered to be complementary to today’s battery electric vehicles and will help expand the range of zero emission transportation options available to customers.

“We are convinced that fuel cell vehicles will play a central role for zero-emission mobility in the future. Thanks to the high commitment of all three partners we can put fuel cell e-mobility on a broader basis. This means with this cooperation we will make this technology available for many customers around the globe”, said Prof. Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, Group Research & Mercedes-Benz Cars Development.



Engineering work on both the fuel cell stack and the fuel cell system will be done jointly by the three companies at several locations around the world. The partners are also studying the joint development of other FCEV components to generate even further synergies.



The unique collaboration across three continents and three companies will help define global specifications and component standards, an important prerequisite for achieving higher economies of scale.



How does a Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) work?



Like battery-electric vehicles, FCEVs are more efficient than conventional cars and diversify energy sources beyond petroleum. The electricity for an FCEV is produced on board the vehicle in the fuel cell stack where it is generated following an electro-chemical reaction between hydrogen, which is stored in a purpose-designed, high pressure tank, and oxygen from the air. The only bi-products resulting from the reaction are water, vapour and heat.

Nissan e-NV200 gets thumbs up from fleet industry

The Nissan e-NV200, a 100% electric van, has received positive feedback from the fleet industry as Nissan prepares the vehicle for mainstream production. Five leasing companies, six major fleet operators and three used value guides visited Nissan’s Barcelona production facility to test the e-NV200, a diesel NV200 and the Nissan LEAF. The Nissan e-NV200 is due to go on sale in 2014.

Positive response for Nissan e-NV200

The delegates had the chance to meet the Nissan e-NV200 development team and offered their thoughts on all aspects of the vehicle, including how they envisage it fitting into a fleet strategy. Nissan also provided an overview of its overall Electric Vehicle (EV) vision which includes production creation, development and future EV plans. All the delegates reacted positively to the e-NV200 electric van and its performance characteristics with many wanting to put the vehicle to immediate use.

“We were blown away with the response and we already have leasing companies and fleet operators who want to trial the vehicle, and some who want to order a fleet of vehicles for urban delivery use. After driving the vehicle on the two-day trip they could immediately see the business benefit of running electric vans across specific parts of a fleet. Commercial vehicles are working tools and our guests recognised both the savings in fuel costs and reduced emissions offered by the Nissan e-NV200,” explained Matthew Dale, Nissan’s national LCV sales manager.

From a residual value perspective the used guides could see a definite role to play for the Nissan e-NV200 and that used prices should be strong based on the vehicle’s practicality and whole life costs, which will give it a second and third life in the used market.

“Residual values are key to the success of any commercial vehicle so we were pleased to hear some very positive initial comments from the used vehicle experts,” said Dale.

The  Nissan e-NV200 has already participated in trials with major fleets such as British Gas, FedEx and the Japan Post Service in 2011 and 2012.

New Hyundai Santa Fe launched in South Africa

The new Hyundai  Santa Fe SUV, now in its third generation, has been launched in South Africa. The new Hyundai Santa Fe SUV is offered in three derivatives namely Premium, Executive and Elite. The Santa Fe SUV is both a practical urban vehicle and is well equipped to tackle the outdoors in comfort and style.

New Hyundai Santa Fe SUV offers quality and comfort

Engine Capability

All three Santa Fe derivatives are powered by a 2.2-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine that features an advanced third-generation common-rail fuel injection system and a high-efficiency electronic turbocharger. This unit produces 145kW at 3 800rpm with a maximum torque figure of 436Nm available between 1 800 and 2 500rpm. Combined fuel consumption for the Premium four-wheel drive derivative is 8.0-litres/100km while the all-wheel drive Elite and Executive models consume 8.3-litres/100km. All derivatives make use of a 6-speed automatic transmission that offers the option for manual shift control.

Exterior Styling Features

The exterior design of the new Hyundai Santa Fe builds on Hyundai’s ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ design philosophy and incorporates unique ‘Storm Edge’ styling. The Santa Fe features a bold hexagonal grille flanked by Xenon headlights with rectangular lenses while the rear light clusters feature LED repeaters. A twin muffler with double exhaust tips and a diffuser-style moulding beneath the rear bumper further defines the Santa Fe’s exterior appeal. The Premium derivative is fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels as standard while the Executive and Elite models ride on 18-inch and 19-inch alloy wheels respectively. A full alloy spare wheel is stored under the cargo floor.

Interior Styling Features

The interior is reminiscent of a luxury sedan with a 3D sculpted dashboard and centre console as well as an eye-catching steering wheel. Information is displayed on a TFT LCD instrument cluster housed in a cylindrical shell along with a separate information screen. The upholstery is in leather while satin and high-gloss chrome accents complete the modern interior. Space abounds in the new Hyundai Santa Fe and a 12-way power adjustable seat is a unique feature available for the Elite model. The seating arrangements are versatile and seats can be shifted, folded or reclined depending personal requirements.

The Premium 5-seater has 1 003-litres of space while the 7-seater Executive and Elite models offer 994-litres of space. The Santa Fe also features a new centre console storage box, deep door pockets and a sizable lockable glove box. All models are fitted with Dual Zone Climate Control as standard. A full-length panoramic sunroof is standard on the Elite model. A radio/CD audio system with four speakers and two tweeters is also included and offers ports for AUX cables, iPod and USB connections.

??Safety Features???

Safety features for the new Hyundai Santa Fe includes Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Hill-start Assist (HAC) system, Downhill Brake Control (DBC), Traction Control System (TCS) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM). Six airbags are also part of the safety package and includes a driver and front passenger airbag as well as side impact and curtain airbags. All passengers are further protected with 3-point inertia reel seatbelts. All models come with an alarm and transponder immobiliser. Remote keyless entry is standard on all models while the Executive and Elite models offer a Smart Key with push-button start. All models feature central locking and auto-locking doors at speeds of 15km/h. The new Santa Fe has been awarded a 5-star safety rating from Euro NCAP.

New Hyundai Santa Fe – Price

Model Price
Hyundai Santa Fe Premium FWD 5-seater R434 900
Hyundai Santa Fe Executive AWD 7-seater R459 900
Hyundai Santa Fe Elite AWD 7-seater R499 900

All models come with a 5-year/150 000km manufacturers warranty, 5-year/150 000km roadside assistance and a 5-year/90 000km service contract with service intervals set at 15 000km.

Renault Sandero Stepway Roxy Louw Limited Edition launched in South Africa

The 2013 Renault Sandero line-up has been bolstered with the addition of the exclusive Renault Sandero Stepway Roxy Louw Limited Edition which is now available in South Africa. International surfer and model Roxy Louw is the official ambassador for the Renault Sandero range and brings a new perspective to the meaning of adventure.

Roxy Louw said, “I love everything about my Renault Sandero Stepway. It’s nippy, economical to run and does everything it needs to. Spacious beyond belief, my surfboards, bicycle, wetsuits – you name it – everything fits on it or in it. That said, it’s also a super sexy, hot hatchback and for where I am in my life right now, it’s the perfect car for me.”

Renault Sandero Stepway puts the fun back into motoring

Only 100 Renault Sandero Stepway Roxy Louw Limited Edition vehicles will be available with 50 in red and 50 in black. Each model will feature Roxy’s signature turtle and hibiscus Cowabanga emblem which lends her distinctive stand-out look and feel to the Limited Edition. Other extras include a new Blaupunkt Bluetooth MP3 radio with USB and auxiliary inputs as well as a TomTom LIVE navigation unit.

2013 Renault Sandero Stepway Range updates

Upgrades for the 2013 Renault Sandero Stepway include a new trendy bumper spoiler lip and an updated rear bumper with a black insert on the 1.4 Ambiance and 1.6 Dynamique models. In addition the 1.6 Dynamique features a sporty chrome exhaust tailpiece. Two new colour options are available for the Stepway including metallic black and techno-grey.

In terms of safety, the Renault Sandero Stepway is fitted with the latest Bosch 8.0 Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). The Stepway features a collapsible steering column, dual front airbags, inertia reel seatbelts and front and rear head restraints. An engine immobiliser and Renault Anti Intrusion Device (RAID) are standard.

??Renault Sandero Stepway – Price

Model Price
Renault Sandero 1.4 Ambiance R112 900
Renault Sandero 1.6 Dynamique R129 900
Renault Sandero 1.6 Stepway R149 900
Renault Sandero 1.6 Stepway Roxy Louw Limited Edition R149 900

All models come standard with a 5-year/150 000km mechanical warranty and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty. Renault’s 24-hour Roadside Assistance Plan covers all new Renault vehicles for 5-years or 150 000km.