New Volvo V40 Cross Country Price Released

Following the successful launch of the new Volvo V40 in South Africa, Volvo has revealed prices and details of the new Volvo V40 Cross Country that is due in South Africa in March 2013. The new Volvo V40 Cross Country will be available for test drives at all Volvo dealers from 8 March 2013.

New Volvo V40 Cross Country – Features

??Engine Capability

The T5 V40 Cross Country is powered by a 2.5-litre T5 engine that produces 187kW and 400Nm of torque with 40Nm of overboost delivered during acceleration. This unit is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and acceleration to 100km/h will take 6.5 seconds. Combined fuel consumption is rated at 7.8-litres/100km.

The T4 V40 Cross Country is powered by a 1.6-litre GTDi engine that produces 132kW and 270Nm of torque with a 30Nm overboost. This unit is mated to either a 6-speed automatic Powershift transmission or a 6-speed manual gearbox. Combined fuel consumption is rated at 5.5-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 129g/km.

As a diesel option, customers can opt for the 2.0-litre D4 turbodiesel engine that develops 130kW and 400Nm. Combined fuel consumption for this unit is 5.2-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 137g/km. This unit is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. A 2.0-litre D3 diesel option will also be available, producing 110kW and 350Nm of torque and is also mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. ?All-wheel drive is available on the T5 petrol turbo derivative.

??Exterior Styling Features??

The new Volvo V40 Cross Country features a Raw Copper exterior launch colour and the driver rides 40mm higher compared to a standard V40. The front-end features a dark contrasting bumper with a honeycomb mesh grille and upright DRL-headlights. The new Volvo V40 Cross Country features sculpted contrasting sills while the contrasting rear bumper features an integrated skid plate. The V40 Cross Country rides on 19-inch wheels.

Interior Styling Features?

The interior of the new Volvo V40 Cross Country is extremely versatile with a wide range of storage options available to suit any lifestyle. The two-piece rear seat backrest can be folded in a 40/60 configuration to create extra space. The load compartment can be equipped with a practical hanging load net and a soft safety net is optional while a steel version will be available as an accessory. A versatile ‘extra floor’ can be added to the rear load compartment if required. A ‘Cargo Mat Organiser’ and ‘Load Organiser’ are available as options. Seven mood lighting themes provide theatre-like lighting inside the new Volvo V40 Cross Country.

New Volvo V40 Cross Country – Price

Model Price
V40 Cross Country T4 Manual Essential R319 900
V40 Cross Country T4 Manual Excel R326 600
V40 Cross Country T4 Powershift Essential R335 700
V40 Cross Country T4 Manual Elite R340 500
V40 Cross Country T4 Powershift Excel R342 400
V40 Cross Country D3 Geartronic Excel R353 700
V40 Cross Country T4 Powershift Elite R356 300
V40 Cross Country D3 Geartronic Elite R367 600
V40 Cross Country D4 Geartronic Excel R368 200
V40 Cross Country D4 Geartronic Elite R382 100
V40 Cross Country T5 Geartronic Excel R390 200
V40 Cross Country T5 Geartronic Elite R404 100
V40 Cross Country T5 Geartronic AWD Excel R405 900
V40 Cross Country T5 Geartronic AWD Elite R419 800

Opel Astra GTC 1.4 Enjoy Review

While most petrolheads drool over the hugely-popular OPC hot hatch, the sad fact is that the fiery flagship of the Astra lineup may be out of budget for many of its fans. The good news is that there is a solution if you’re after a fun, attractive Opel Astra GTC.

Opel Astra GTC 1.4 Enjoy review by David Taylor

The Opel Astra GTC looks sporty

Meet the new Opel Astra GTC. It’s aimed at bridging the gap between the family-orientated five-door hatchback and the OPC. The Opel Astra GTC is all about the passion of driving and sportiness and this is clearly evident with its looks. The Opel Astra GTC when compared to the five-door is considerably different. It sits lower to the ground, is wider and benefits from numerous go-faster bits. With redesigned tail lights, rear boot spoiler and sporty alloy wheels, the GTC certainly looks the part.

Reasonable power from a small engine?

Underneath the bonnet is a 1.4-litre turbocharged four cylinder engine. While most will scoff at the size of the engine, let it be known that the power output matches some of the naturally aspirated 2.0-litre motors. On paper, there’s 103kW and 230Nm which isn’t bad. There’s a more potent 1.6-litre engine available if you want a bit more oomph.

Fun and affordable driving to be had

The sporty looks are combined with good performance and the Opel Astra GTC, while not breaking any acceleration records, at least feels fast. Look, you’re not going to be able to take on any hot hatches but there’s no shortage of grunt when you need it. When driven sedately, you can expect the Opel Astra GTC to consume about 7L/100km. The main difference between the GTC and the standard five-door model is the suspension and ride. Put the car through its paces on some turns and the handling is excellent while the six-speed gearbox has a solid feel. As a fan of affordable cars that are fun and entertaining to drive, the GTC ticks all the boxes.

The Opel Astra GTC Has most features and is safe too

Interior-wise, the GTC has most of the creature comforts that you’d need. There are fabric seats, a radio/CD that features iPod/USB connectivity, rear park assist, electronic handbrake, cruise control and dual zone climate control. The interior continues with the sporty theme and yet it’s still practical. It is considerably spacious despite being a two-door coupé and actually can squeeze two adults into the back. The clever Flex Floor layered boot means that there’s a lot more space in the Astra GTC’s trunk than you’d expect. Safety is not neglected either and there are driver/passenger airbags, seat airbags, curtain airbags as well as electronic stability control. It’s reassuring to know that if you do want to play around, the car will try keep all four wheels on the road.

The Opel Astra GTC 1.4 Enjoy – Conclusion

Overall, I liked the Opel Astra GTC and I think it makes a decent sporty coupé. It’s a good drive and for the young at heart out there, balances sporty performance without any practical compromises. If you want a car that is fun to drive and cheap to own, then the GTC may just be the car for you. You may get laughed at by the hot hatch brigade but then again you’re paying two thirds for almost the same amount of fun.

Opel Astra GTC – Price

Opel Astra GTC 1.4 Enjoy – R294 000

  • Why you should: Good to drive, cheap, looks great, finally a coupé version.
  • Why you shouldn’t: No complaints.
  • It would be better if: Upgrade that LCD screen – it looks outdated. Leather seats would be nice as an option.
  • View the Opel Astra GTC 1.4 Enjoy: New / Used
  • Competitors worth checking out: Renault Megane GTLine, Honda Civic hatch, Volkswagen Scirocco.

Toyota and BMW join forces to develop new technologies

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) and BMW Group have signed binding agreements to pursue their strategic long-term co-operation in the field of sustainable mobility. The companies will collaborate for the joint development of a fuel cell system, architecture and components for a sports vehicle and joint research and development of lightweight technologies. Research will also be conducted to develop lithium-air batteries which are a post-lithium-battery solution.

Toyota and BMW to jointly develop Fuel Cell Technology

Toyota and BMW are convinced that fuel cell technology is one of the solutions necessary to achieve zero emissions. Both Toyota and BMW will share their technologies to jointly develop a fundamental fuel-cell vehicle system including a fuel cell stack and system, hydrogen tank, motor and battery. Completion of the project is slated for 2020. The companies will jointly assess hydrogen infrastructure development and create codes and standards necessary for the popularisation of fuel cell vehicles.

BMW and TMC to share sports vehicle platform

BMW and Toyota have agreed to set-up a feasibility study to define a joint platform concept for a mid-sized sports vehicle that is to be completed by the end of 2013. Both companies will combine technologies and knowledge at a high level to maximise customer satisfaction. Both companies are to share the vision to further collaborate in the field of sports vehicle development.

Lightweight technology?? for BMW and Toyota vehicles

BMW and TMC will jointly develop lightweight technologies for vehicle bodies using cutting-edge materials such as reinforced composites and will use these technologies in the development of a sports vehicle platform as well other BMW and TMC vehicles.

BMW and TMC to improve Post-lithium-battery technology

Both companies will jointly develop a lithium-air battery with energy density greatly exceeding that of current lithium-ion batteries.

Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG said, “TMC and the BMW Group share the same strategic vision of future sustainable mobility. In light of the technological changes ahead, the entire automotive industry faces tremendous challenges, which we also regard as an opportunity. This collaboration is an important building block in keeping both companies on a successful course in the future.”

Akio Toyoda, President of TMC said, “It is just over a year since we signed our collaborative MoU, and with each day as our relationship strengthens, we feel acutely that we are making steadfast progress. Now, we are entering the phase that promises the fruit. While placing importance on what we learn from the joint development, we will work hard together in reaching our common goal of making ever-better cars.”

BMW Group and TMC first agreed to form a medium-to-long-term collaborative relationship for developing next-generation environment-friendly vehicles and technologies in December 2011, at which time the two companies also signed a contract under which BMW Group is to supply highly efficient diesel engines to Toyota Motor Europe. BMW Group and TMC, as long-term strategic partners, have since continued their joint efforts to realize sustainable mobility for the future.

Mercedes-Benz W 125 world speed record remains unbroken

The Mercedes-Benz W 125 set a world speed record which is still valid today on 28 January 1938 on a public road between Frankfurt am Main and Darmstadt, Germany. A speed of 432.7km/h was achieved by Rudolf Caracciola, who at that time was the lead driver for the Mercedes-Benz racing department.

?Mercedes-Benz w 125 achieved extraordinary achievement for its time

To pull off a speed of precisely 432.692km/h over one kilometer with a flying start, the Mercedes-Benz was based on the all conquering W 125 Silver Arrow. It was not only equipped with a specially optimised 5.6-litre 12-cylinder engine with two superchargers, but also featured a flat, completely covered aerodynamic body with a wedge shape and tapered tail end.

Using a wind tunnel, engineers reduced the aerodynamic drag to an astounding coefficient value of 0.157. Engineers also used a radically scaled down air intake on the front end.

“Time and again our visitors talk about the spectacular presentation of the Mercedes-Benz W 125 record breaking car, which is hanging on a vertical wall. Together with six other record breaking vehicles, the streamlined car adds the impressive finishing touch to the high-bank curve in Legend Room 7‚ ‘Silver Arrows – Races and Records’. Acoustically, there is even an atmosphere similar to that found on the race track”, explained Michael Bock, Head of Mercedes-Benz Classic.

The impressive record-breaking Mercedes-Benz W 125 is being showcased at the Mercedes-Benz Museum among six other record breaking cars.

New 2013 Toyota Auris available in South Africa

The new 2013 Toyota Auris is now available in South Africa.  The new Auris features dynamic interior and exterior styling along with improved handling and steering. The new Auris is available with two petrol engines and three trim grades to satisfy customer needs. The new Auris HSD hybrid models will be launched in February 2013.

Glenn Crompton, Vice President of Marketing said, ““It now looks a lot sharper and more distinctive. It’s lower and visually has a more dynamic stance but the revisions are much more than just skin deep. The whole package is lighter, the handling and steering are sweeter thanks to tweaks to the suspension and electric power steering and the car generally feels more nimble and responsive, but I’m happy to say it still rides exceptionally well – if anything it’s even more compliant.”

New ??2013 Toyota Auris is lighter and more efficient

??Engine Capability

Both engine options feature Toyota’s economy-enhancing Optimal Drive technologies which include weight reduction, Valvematic, combustion efficiency and a Charging Control system. The base-level engine offering is the 1.3-litre engine with Dual Variable Valve Timing-intelligent (VVT-i) that produces 73kW and 128Nm of torque. Combined fuel consumption for this unit is 5.8-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 134g/km.

The 1.6-litre Valvematic petrol engine develops 97kW and 160Nm of torque with a combined fuel consumption figure of 6.1-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 143g/km. This unit is available with either a six speed manual transmission or a Multidrive S CVT unit.

??Exterior Styling Features??

The weight of the new 2013 Toyota Auris has been reduced by 50kg while it sits 55mm lower than the outgoing model. The new Auris features Under Priority grille design and Keen Look eyebrow-shaped headlamps. The Under Priority design features a large trapezoidal lower grille set within the front bumper while a smaller upper grille runs the full width between the new headlamps. The upper grille features a central chrome-plated horizontal trim bar which extends into the headlamp clusters. The lower grille is flanked by integral fog lamp housings with chrome surrounds. The lower grille combines a piano black finish with a floating, lower chrome accent to the lip spoiler.

The rear-end features a wider opening tailgate with an integral roof spoiler and is flanked by wrap-around rear combination lamp design. Indicators are integrated into the rear bumper’s extremities, emphasising the breadth of the vehicle. The Auris comes with a new 15-inch wheel cap design wheels for the 1.3 variant while the 1.6 variant rides on 16-inch alloy wheels.

??Interior Features

On the inside, the dashboard has been ergonomically designed and is intently focussed on the driver with controls and switches perfectly placed. The new instrument binnacle features a two or three dial design with white needles and numerals. The meter surrounds, centre stack, transmission tunnel trim, air conditioning and audio controls and door handles are finished in a high quality satin silver finish. The air vents, audio panel, transmission tunnel and steering wheel are trimmed in silver paint finish. Higher grade models feature genuine leather on the dashboard with baseball stitching.

The steering wheel is finished in Nappa leather while the newly developed seats offer excellent comfort. A newly developed sports seat offering with additional lateral support is available as standard on the XS and XR grades. The 60:40 split folding rear seats offer an increased luggage capacity of 360-litres, up from 283-litres found in the outgoing model.

New 2013 Toyota Auris – Price

Model Price
Toyota Auris 1.3 X R195 000
Toyota Auris 1.6 Xi R217 500
Toyota Auris 1.6 XS R228 600
Toyota Auris 1.6 XR R253 200
Toyota Auris 1.6 XR CVT R265 600

The new 2013 Toyota Auris comes with a 3-year/100 000km warranty. All models come standard with a 5-year/90 000km service plan. The Auris is also supported by ToyotaCare Roadside Assistance Programme which entitles customers to 24-hour roadside assistance.

McLaren reveals P1 supercar in testing

The McLaren P1 supercar was first shown to the world as a design study at the 2012 Paris Motor Show and great strides are being made to prepare the P1 for its next appearance. The goal for the McLaren team is to develop the ‘best driver’s car in the world, on road and track’.



McLaren P1 to set supercar benchmark



Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) aerodynamic modelling and bespoke Formula 1 derived dynamics simulation tools were used to set developmental targets before the first P1 prototype was even built. Detailed analysis now continues hand-in-hand with physical testing to accelerate the development of the McLaren P1.



A dedicated team of McLaren engineers, technicians and racing drivers are running a fleet of XP-codenamed vehicles around the clock in demanding conditions on roads and circuits all over the world. The McLaren P1 is set to deliver truly outstanding road and track dynamics and performance coupled with levels of drivability and refinement never before achieved in a supercar.



The camouflage used in the developmental cars were designed in-house by the team responsible for the P1’s design and the graphics incorporate outlines of famous circuits around the world, each being significant in the history of the McLaren brand.



“The race is now on for the McLaren P1 ahead of its next public appearance…”

MINI Clubman Bond Street to debut at 2013 Geneva Motor Show

MINI has announced that the new Clubman Bond Street design model will make its official debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. The MINI Clubman Bond Street design model bears the name of the most exclusive shopping street in London and was designed with style-conscious customers in mind.

MINI Clubman Bond Street is an exclusive ride

??Engine Capability

Four engine variants will be available depending on the market and these include the 90kW MINI Cooper Clubman, the 82kW MINI Cooper D Clubman, the 135kW MINI Cooper S Clubman and the 105kW MINI Cooper SD Clubman. All engine variants are mated to a 6-speed manual transmission as standard while a 6-speed automatic transmission will be available as an option.

Exterior Styling Features

The MINI Clubman Bond Street features a Midnight Black metallic paint finish with a Cool Champagne contrasting colour for the roof, exterior mirror caps and lower sections of the C-pillars while bonnet stripes further accent the vehicles exterior design. The MINI Clubman Bond Street rides on 17-inch light alloy wheels in Twin Spoke Black design with an exclusive Cool Champagne trim ring. The side indicator surrounds and door sill strips display ‘Bond Street’ lettering.

Interior Styling Features

The interior features Lounge Leather sports seats in Carbon Black with piping and stitching in Deep Champagne while the leather-covered instrument panel is finished in Black/Carbon Black. Furthermore, the interior surfaces are finished in Deep Champagne while the Colour Line and armrests feature leather in Deep Champagne. The floor mats feature black piping and contrasting stitching in Deep Champagne.

Options will include climate control, an onboard computer, Sport Button, rain sensors with automatic headlamp activation, a leather steering wheel with multi-function buttons, cruise control and height adjustment for the front passenger seat. A storage package and a lighting package will also be available for the MINI Clubman Bond Street.

MINI Hyde Park

Another MINI design model, the MINI Hyde Park, named after prime real estate in London will feature a combination of a Pepper White exterior with the contrasting Cool Champagne for the roof, exterior mirror caps and bonnet and side stripes. This design model comes with the same engine options offered for the MINI Clubman Bond Street.

The MINI Clubman Bond Street will go on sale worldwide after its debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

PSA Peugeot Citroen reveals innovations for the future

PSA Peugeot Citroën has revealed various ‘game-changing’ technologies at its recent Innovation Day held at the group’s Automotive Design Network (ADN) R&D centre in Vélizy, France. Some of the new technologies include a revolutionary technology called Hybrid Air as well as a new global modular platform.

??New technologies for the future for PSA Peugeot Citroen

The technologies created by PSA Peugeot Citroën have been developed to meet the challenges facing the car of the future which include urbanisation, climate change, consumers’ shifting mobility choices and new ways of using vehicles. The new technologies revealed are as follows.

Hybrid Air – Hybrid Air is a new type of full-hybrid powertrain that combines a petrol engine and compressed air for energy storage, eliminating the need for batteries and represents a key step towards a 2-litres/100km car by 2020. Cars using this technology could operate as a zero emission vehicle for 60 to 80% of the time during city driving.

Efficient Modular Platform 2 (EMP2) – The groups new global modular platform will provide effective solutions in terms of modularity, equipment and carbon reduction. The new platform is expected to cover 50% of total production in the long term. The new Citroen C4 Picasso and Peugeot 308 will be the first models produced using the platform. The platform will be used for vehicles in the C and D segments as well as for hatchbacks, sedans, coupes, cabriolets, estates, MPVs and SUVs.

Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) – In 2013, PSA Peugeot Citroën will introduce SCR to maintain its leadership position in diesel efficiency and lower NOx emissions. This technology makes it possible to eliminate NOx and reduce fuel consumption by 2 to 4%. ??Eco Hybrid – This technology will be used on petrol and diesel vehicles in the B, C and D segments and will reduce CO2 emissions by 15g and cut fuel consumption by up to 15%.

Dedicated Exhaust Gas Recirculation System (EGR) – This technology is designed to optimise fuel efficiency and deliver significant fuel savings.

Hydole – This is a plug-in hybrid demonstrator that tests the potential uses of the car of the future with the aim of meeting customer expectations for driving range, comfort and affordability.

VelV – VelV is a light electric vehicle project designed to meet city and suburban driving needs with a record power consumption level of just 85Wh/km travelled.

Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series in South Africa

The Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series has been launched in South Africa. The C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series is reminiscent of the successful SLS AMG GT3 customer sports car and represents technology transfer from the world of motorsport into a dynamic sports car offering.

??Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series brings racing tech to the road

Engine Capability

The C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series is powered by a 6.3-litre V8 engine that develops 380kW and 620Nm of torque while the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission puts that power to the road. Combined NEDC fuel consumption is rated at 12.2-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 286g/km. The C 63 AMG will accelerate to 100km/h in 4.2 seconds before reaching an electronically limited top speed of 300km/h.

Exterior Styling Features

The Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series features an arrow-shaped front section with air intakes in the front apron. Openings in the aluminium bonnet help expel engine heat while a black front splitter helps enhance the aerodynamic properties of the vehicle. The side view features air outlets behind the wheel arches reminiscent of racing cars. Black inserts feature on the restyled AMG side skirts. The 19-inch AMG light alloy are painted in titanium grey and weigh 7kg less than conventional wheels and enhance suspension response and steering precision.

The rear apron features a black diffuser insert that creates a broad effect. The black grille on the upper end of the diffuser and the AMG sports exhaust with chromed twin tailpipes integrated into the rear apron define the rear-end look of the C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series. The spoiler lip is painted in body colour and helps reduce lift and provides stability at high speeds. The AMG logo with discreet ‘Black Series’ lettering is reserved exclusively for the C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series.

Interior Styling Features

The interior of the C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series is black with red highlight elements. Two AMG sports bucket seats provide maximum lateral support on the road or on the track. The omission of the rear bench highlights the vehicle’s sporty character while also reducing its weight. The C 63 Coupe Black Series is optionally available as a four-seater and includes AMG sports seats with single seats in the rear.

The AMG Performance steering wheel with a flattened top and bottom features aluminium shift paddles for manual gear changes. Red seatbelts and red contrasting stitching on the steering wheel, seats, door centre panels, armrests, centre console and gear lever add to the interior appeal. The dashboard features an exclusive ‘AMG Black Series’ logo and is finished in a high-gloss black piano-lacquer. The dashboard with its three autonomous round dials features a 3-D TFT colour display which displays oil temperature, ESP mode and gear selection in the AMG menu. The rotary switch for the C, S, S+ and M transmission modes and RACE START is located on the centre console alongside the gear lever.

The Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series is also available with optional packages including the AMG Performance Media, AMG Track package, AMG Aerodynamics package and the AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre package which all enhance the overall look and feel of the C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series.

Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series – Price

Model / Package Price
Mercedes Benz C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series R1 425 000
AMG Aerodynamics package R 80 000
AMG Track package R 70 000
AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre package R 65 000
AMG Performance Media R 20 000

2013 Dakar Rally comes to an end

The dust has settled, the dunes have been reshaped and South Africa’s best-selling bakkie for more than 30 years continued to make a big impact on the global stage of the world’s toughest motor race. The 2013 Dakar Rally officially came to an end on Sunday 20 January 2013, after a very successful race for the Toyota Imperial SA team who finished second overall.

The race started in Lima on the Pacific west coast and took entry to 449 cars, trucks, motorcycles and quads, on a 250 kilometre liaison section followed by a 13-kilometre special stage that ended in Pisco.

Summary of 2013 Dakar Rally

Dakar Rally Stage 1 – Confident start by team Toyota’s De Villiers and Vos

2009 Dakar winners Giniel de Villiers and Dirk von Zitzewitz in a #301 Hilux completed the special stage in a time of 8 min 15 sec, 35 seconds behind 2010 Dakar winner Carlos Sainz of Spain and Timo Gottschalk of Germany in a buggy.

Dakar Rally Stage 2 – Several top contenders lose time with navigating problems

Giniel de Villiers and Dirk von Zitzewitz completed the 242 kilometre special stage 2 min 35 seconds behind Stephane Peterhansel and Jean Paul Cottret of France, who lead the rally overall by 2 min 38 sec from the South Africans. Duncan Vos and Rob Howie finished 14th at 22 min 40 sec behind Peterhansel and Cottret.

Dakar Rally Stage 3 – Dakar Rally takes its toll

Giniel de Villiers and Dirk von Zitzewitz suffered a navigational setback, while Vos and Howie were forced to retire with a damaged roll cage.

Dakar Rally Stage 4 – De Villiers and navigator von Zitzewitz improve their overall position to third

After suffering a 30 minute navigational set back on special Stage 3, Giniel de Villiers and navigator Dirk von Zitzewitz managed to master the longest and toughest stage of the rally and improved their overall position to third.

Dakar Rally Stage 5 – Top ten positions remain unchanged

The top 10 overall positions remained unchanged but Argentineans Lucio Alvarez and Roland Graue in their South African built Toyota Hilux improved by two places to settle at 25th overall after losing three hours on Tuesday with a damaged suspension.

Dakar Rally Stage 6 – De Villiers holds on to third place

The stage totalled 767km with a 454km special stage that was expected to shake-up the leader board but Giniel de Villiers and Dirk von Zitzewitz were able to hold on to their overall third position. They ended the stage 42 minutes 31 seconds behind Peterhansel and Cottret.

Dakar Rally Stage 7 – Trouble free run for De Villiers and another successful finish

After a demanding week, Giniel de Villiers and Dirk von Zitzewitz still managed to retain their overall third place position in the seventh stage which was between Calama in Chile and Salta in Argentina.

Dakar Rally Stage 8 – Rain causes delay

Although rain caused a delay, the stage was won by Guerlain Chicherit and Jean-Pierre Garcin of France in a two-wheel drive SMG Buggy. De Villiers and Von Zitzewitz were 44 minutes 3 seconds behind the leaders still maintaining the third position.

Dakar Rally Stage 9 – De Villiers and Von Zitzewitz move up to 2nd overall

Giniel de Villiers and Dirk von Zitzewitz had an excellent start to Stage 9 as they led the first half of the two-part 593km special stage between San Miguel de Tucuman and Cordoba in Argentina, which moved them into second place overall, 49 minutes behind leaders Stephane Peterhansel and Jean Paul Cottret (Mini).

Dakar Rally Stage 10 – Toyota Imperial South Africa team consolidates 2nd place

The 632km Stage 10 will took place on the field north from Cordoba to La Rioja in Argentina and saw the Toyota Imperial South Africa Team’s Giniel de Villiers and Dirk von Zitzewitz consolidate their second place in the general classification of the Dakar Rally.

Dakar Rally Stage 11 – Rain brings race to a halt

Rain stopped play and Giniel de Villiers and Dirk von Zitzewitz were leading at the 110 kilometre mark but race officials declared the stage result as per the positions at the earlier CP1 (control point 1).

Dakar Rally Stage 12 – De Villiers and Von Zitzewitz in third place

Giniel de Villiers and Dirk von Zitzewitz placed third on the 319km special stage between Fiambala and Copiapo in Argentina and were within 50 minutes of the overall leaders and defending champions Stephane Peterhansel and Jean Paul Cottret of France.

Dakar Rally Stage 13 and 14 – De Villiers and Von Zitzewitz close in on second successive Dakar podium

The duo completed the penultimate special stage 13 between Copiapo and La Serena in Chile in fourth place, then cemented their second place overall in stage 14 , closing the gap on leaders and defending champions Stephane Peterhansel and Jean Paul Cottret of France.

Dakar Rally Final Stage 15 results – Second place for De Villiers and Von Zitzewitz

It was their second successive podium finish in an Imperial Toyota Hilux in the world’s longest and toughest motor race – they were third last year at Toyota Motorsport’s first attempt – and they won the T1.1 class for petrol-powered 4×4 improved cross-country vehicles for the second year in succession.