New 2014 BMW X5 officially revealed

After months of blurred photos and teaser images, BMW has officially revealed the new 2014 X5 and its here to set new standards for luxury, versatility and driving dynamics.

New 2014 BMW X5 brings more power to the mix

The new 2014 BMW X5 will be offered with three engine variants. The X5 xDrive50i features a twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 engine that develops 330KW and 650Nm of torque, allowing the model to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 5.0 seconds before reaching a top speed of 250km/h.

The BMW X5 xDrive30d is equipped with a 3.0-litre TwinPower Turbo six cylinder diesel engine that produces 190kW and 560Nm of torque. This allows the model to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 6.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 230km/h.

For a balance between performance and fuel economy, the X5 M50d features a 3.0-litre, six-cylinder diesel engine which produces 280kW and 740Nm of torque enabling the model to run from 0-100km/h in 5.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 250km/h. All three power units are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Exterior and Interior Design Features

The overall redesign of the BMW X5 is emphasized with Air Curtains, Air Breathers and Aero Blades for the rear window. The hallmark four round headlights are trimmed with LED accent rings, while the sweeping chrome inserts and prominent three dimensional design of the lights underline the car’s sophisticated character.

The twin circular headlights now extend to the signature grilles and further individualization is offered through the Design Pure Experience, Design Pure Excellence and M Sport packages.

The interior continues to adopt high quality materials, cutting-edge functionality and an improved design. Key features include the trim strip and accent strip that extend into the front door panels and are picked up again in the rear door panels, LED ambient lighting, a freestanding iDrive display, gloss accents and Oxide Silver, Aluminium Hexagon or Popular Grain wood trim.

The seating position has been raised which has resulted in increased interior space. The low-set instrument panel has horizontal lines that extend into the door trim and the boot can hold up to 1870-litres of luggage.

Optional extras include comfort/sport seats, a reclining second row and heated/ventilated front seats. The model can also be equipped with four-zone automatic climate control, a third row seat, a Harman Kardon or Bang & Olufsen audio system as well as a new rear seat entertainment system with two “tablet-style” displays.

Additional available features include a sports leather steering wheel, heated steering wheel, four-zone automatic climate control, doors with Automatic Soft Close function, Comfort Access and aluminium running boards.

To further enhance the handling capabilities of the X5, you can choose between Comfort, Dynamic, and Professional adaptive suspension packages as well as the Adaptive M suspension.

New BMW X5 Gallery

View the 2014 BMW X5 gallery here

New Subaru Forester awarded 2013 Top Safety Pick

The Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded the new Subaru Forester with the Top Safety Pick (TSP) award. Having been also awarded a five-star safety rating from the Australian ANCAP as well as the Euro NCAP, the new Subaru Forester is regarded as one of the safest SUVs on our roads.

Subaru Forester is big on safety

The Institute’s 2013 TSP+ award requires ‘good’ ratings for occupant protection in at least four of five IIHS evaluations, with no less than “acceptable” in the fifth test. The new Subaru Forester underwent four of five of these evaluations including rollover testing, head restraint effectiveness and occupant protection. Subaru is the manufacturer which has a Top Safety Pick winner for each model across its entire range.

Some notable safety features all of which are standard across the range, even in the entry-level Forester 2.0 X include Subaru’s Ring-Shaped Reinforcement, a reversing camera, Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), seven airbags and a collapsible brake pedal and steering column. There is also ISOFIX child seat mounts with tether anchors, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Limited Slip Device (LSD) and Brake Assist (BA).

Subaru has been recognized by IIHS for four consecutive years as the only automotive manufacturer with a Top Safety Pick (TSP) winner in its entire line-up models—Subaru Legacy, Subaru Outback, Subaru Forester, Subaru Tribeca, Subaru Impreza, Subaru XV Crosstrek and Subaru BRZ.

“The Subaru ‘experience’ aims to ensure that enjoyment and peace of mind are offered by our products at all times, giving purpose to our brand slogan, ‘Confidence in Motion’. This cannot be achieved without the crucial element of safety and with its impressive Top Safety Pick+ win in America, the new Subaru Forester continues to impress in all facets. The Forester is now the most award-winning SUV, out-performing thirteen other brand new compact SUV competitors and being the only SUV to receive a top-level ‘Good’ score in this IIHS test, and for that we are extremely honoured,” said Ashley Lazarus, Marketing Manager at Subaru Southern Africa.

In addition, IIHS introduced the small overlap test in 2012 to further improve occupant protection in frontal crashes. The small overlap test is a demanding crash which replicates what happens when the front corner of a car collides with another vehicle or an object like a tree or utility pole.

Mercedes-Benz QR codes system to help accident victims

The Mercedes-Benz QR code system may help emergency workers to respond quickly and safely rescue trapped occupants in wrecked vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz QR Codes can save lives

The Mercedes-Benz QR codes can be scanned by a camera-equipped smart-phone or tablet and will provide a rescue map for every vehicle type, and also direct emergency personnel to a website with the specific rescue sheet they need to reference.
The idea is that fire-fighters, paramedics and police don’t accidentally cut through a power line or trigger an airbag and so that they know where important parts like the battery and tanks are located.

The Mercedes-Benz QR codes identify the vehicle reliably, make fundamental information about the vehicle visible immediately and automatically direct to the website with the specific rescue sheet.

In order to make it easy to find the label with the potentially lifesaving QR code, Mercedes-Benz places one on the fuel tank flap and the other on the B-pillar on the opposite vehicle side. For it seldom occurs that both these parts are badly damaged at the same time in an accident, and they are furthermore easily accessible from the outside.

Mercedes-Benz has introduced many technological and safety innovations that later became common in other vehicles, and the QR code system will be no different. The brand is considering retrofitting the QR Codes to older vehicles and is waiving the right to patent the innovation so that other automakers can also take advantage of it.

Aston Martin V12 Vantage S sports car unveiled

The Aston Martin V12 Vantage S model has been officially unveiled and is powered by an updated 6.0-litre V12 power unit that’s mated to a new seven-speed Sportshift III AMT gearbox.

The new Aston Martin V12 Vantage S replaces the outgoing V12 Vantage and is the fastest road-going model the British automaker has yet to offer, with exception of the One-77 supercar.

Aston Martin V12 Vantage S offers ‘power, beauty and soul’

The Aston Martin V12 Vantage S is equipped with the new AM28 6.0-litre V12 engine delivering 421kW of power and 620Nm of torque available at 5750 rpm. The top speed clocks in at 330km/h.

Another exciting new feature of the car is the new Sportshift lll AMT gearbox which is a hydraulically-actuated automatic transmission with paddle shifters and is 55 pounds lighter than the outgoing six-speed manual transmission. The sports car also debuts a three-stage adaptive damping system which is a first for the Vantage series. Three modes are available: Normal, Sport, and Track. The system also controls the level of power steering assistance offered.

Exterior Features

The new Aston Martin V12 Vantage S retains the same compact proportions of its predecessor, yet draws the distinction with its new front grille with a carbon fibre arrangement that includes sporty black carbon fibre or titanium silver mesh. Other styling cues include new lightweight forged alloy 10-spoke wheels adorned with a black painted roof and subtle yet distinctive exterior graphics pack.

Interior Features

On the inside, new style Sport seating features revised stitching and welt detailing with optional leather grade options: Luxmill and semi-aniline. The optional Carbon Fibre Interior package accents the door pulls with carbon fibre and for the first time, the V12 Vantage S will have the option of black pedals.

Further, the interior is fitted with an Alcantara-trimmed sports steering wheel with black airbag ring, and a 700W Aston Martin premium audio system with six-CD auto charger.

“The new V12 Vantage S is our most extreme Vantage to date – engineered to bring race car performance and technology to the open road,” said Aston Martin CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez. “It is our most powerful engine in a beautifully tailored suit. It is elegant, yet brutal, and it is at the same time easy to control. It has everything that sums up Aston Martin: power, beauty and soul!”

Aston Martin V12 Vantage S gallery

View the full gallery here

Ford Fiesta ST Review

Priced to go, with little to fault, the Ford Fiesta ST is leaps and bounds ahead of its predecessor in terms of refinement, and specification.

Ford Fiesta ST review by John Beale

Ford arrived a little late to the party, the VW Polo GTI, Renault Sport Clio and Opel Corsa OPC have already been around the block a few times, but at least they brought the goods. Ford are hoping to get a share of the combined 1600 units the three competitors sold in the last year. The totally redesigned Ford Fiesta ST is the company’s fastest small production car ever, and it looks good too, with big trapezoid front grille, ST badging and sports kit which adds the colour-coded diffuser in the rear.

What’s under the hood?

Running a brand new 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, delivering 134kW and 240NM (or 290NM on overboost) to get the little pocket rocket to 100km/h in 6.9seconds. That matches all the competition, and that overboost function gives a decent amount of torque especially in 3rd gear. You don’t need to ring the hell out of it, changing through the slick 6 speed gearbox, way before the rev limiter, and just riding the strong torque curve. It does however have less urgency or skittishness than the Renault, or similar (but not competing) MINI Cooper S engine. It’s a lovely little engine and thanks to Ford Sound Symposer that channels engine note into the cabin, it sounds a lot more impressive than it should. I would however like to hear a bit more exhaust note, inside. Top speed is 220km/h and Ford claims an average of 5.9l/100km, but we averaged closer to 9l/100km, which is still good considering.

Can it handle?

Yes, but as with any front wheel drive vehicle, there’s only so much the front wheels can do without an actual diff. Ford employs their Enhanced Torque Vectoring Control (eTVC) here as with the Focus, which is an electronic system that brakes wheels instead of locking the differential. In theory it works, but on the track all that action on the brakes left them soft and squishy like marshmallows after a few laps (rear disc brakes, and uprated front discs are standard for the first time). It’s a lot of fun to chuck around, and I was surprised at the level of grip, but the back wheel cocks up nicely when pushing hard into corners running the nose wide, so the ESC (three modes to play with) control does have its hands full when really pressing on.
Steering is electronic, but gave decent feedback. The ride was on the extremely firm side over Joburg tar, but suited the track just fine.

What about the interior?

It’s standard fare, but included on the Ford Fiesta ST (only available in 3-door spec), is those amazing Recaro bucket seats (praise the man that made these), ST badging and the usual aluminum smatterings in and around. Xenon headlamps with DRL, SYNC 6 speaker sound (with Bluetooth and voice command), Auto lights and wipers, Climate control, 6 airbags + knee bag and MyKey keyless entry and start, which also allows parents to put certain restrictions on the vehicle, such as not allowing the ESC to switch out, or putting on a speed limit. A very smart addition, considering the target market. For some unknown reason, there are no grab-handles, vanity mirror light, and most “alarmingly”, only an immobilizer. An alarm is an optional extra (!), so make sure you check / spec it.

Ford Fiesta ST conclusion

This said, the price is still massively appealing. At R254 500 including 4yr/60 000km service plan, a similarly specced (Albeit DSG & standard leather) Polo GTI will cost R60 000 more. For that price saving, the Fiesta is a no brainer, has the right options for a boy racer, and mostly looks the part.

Ford Fiesta ST – Price

Ford Fiesta ST – R254 500

Nissan and Eskom enter into 3-year electric vehicle research project

The fledging electric car market is yet to see success in South Africa, as electric cars are still being made in limited numbers and delivered to very specific test markets. However, Nissan South Africa have announced they’re entering into a unique three-year research project with Eskom that will include testing the Nissan Leaf which is due to launch in South Africa later this year.

Nissan explores electric future in South Africa

This project follows a pilot programme to promote public awareness with the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) and the technology Innovation Agency (TIA) with a view to creating a commercially viable infrastructure for the use of electric vehicles.

“Eskom has been doing EV research for several years with the intention of understanding the impact of EVs on our grid, and we also want to understand usage patterns and charging characteristics of the cars themselves in order to design grid solutions and tariffs for e-mobility,” Barry MacColl, Eskom’s General Manager for research testing and development.

MacColl also added that while South Africa uses fossil-based fuels for many of its energy processes, a new approach is in the sights of all concerned. E-mobility is a way of moving people around in a more effective and cleaner fashion which is critical for the economy. Eskom is intent upon finding technology options suitable for implementation within the energy body.

Since its introduction in 2010, Nissan has sold 60 000 Leaf vehicles worldwide, with the car available in Japan, the US and Europe.

BAW launches 16 seater minibus to conquer local taxi market

BAW South Africa has announced the introduction of its new 16-seater minibus taxi, which will be assembled in South Africa.

According to John Jessup, BAW SA’s Head of Sales in marketing and after sales, the brand’s three major objectives with the model are to provide Innovation, Passenger Orientation and Value. The minibus is known in China under the internal name of ‘009’ but will be locally known as ‘Sasuka’, which means “we are departing” in IsiZulu.

BAW Sasuka 009 – Features

The Sasuka will be equipped with a 2.7-litre petrol engine that delivers 110kW of power at 5200 rpm and 235Nm of torque at 4000 rpm.

Jessup added that the needs of passengers, drivers and operators seem to have been ignored within the taxi market when compared with the general market. With intent to give superior value, Jessup says their vehicles will be priced 15% below that of their main competitor but with many features and service plans catered for the customers.

The Sasuka taxi will be offered with a touch screen on the console which is not only a CD/radio but also a DVD player, a GPS navigation system built into the front console screen, and factory-fitted air-conditioning with units in both the front and forward ceiling area as standard. Further the vehicle will feature ABS brakes with EBD, retractable seat belts, remote (keyless) central unlocking, and integrated tracking hardware equipment.

Additional standard features include alloy wheels, wider white wall tyres, an additional 110 mm of space in the passenger seating area and ‘high back’ two tone UV resistant PVC seating with an 8 degree rear tilt capability.

BAW Sasuka 009 – Price

BAW Sasuka 009 – R275 990

BAW will include a two-year/200000 km service plan, which also covers maintenance of the entire braking system. Service intervals are every 10 000 km and will be undertaken via a one-hour express service concept. The warranty period is for two-years or 100 000km.

Range Rover Evoque Review in South Africa

It’s hard to imagine the Range Rover Evoque has been on sale on South African shores since late 2011. The actual launch was rather low-key with Range Rover choosing to show off its new product to the thousands of car fans that descended upon the Johannesburg International Motor Show. Two years on the Evoque is still fresh and relevant.

Range Rover Evoque Review by David Taylor

A visual work of art

Car design is one of those subjective topics which no-one can nail down. One man’s work of art is another’s source of indigestion. Yet the Range Rover Evoque which was in my care for a week was admired by everyone. Perhaps it’s the combination of being futuristic and so radical which sets it apart from the rest of the luxury market. Personally I hate concept cars and when the LRX was unveiled I laughed it off as one of those cruel temptations which never sees the light of day. Amazingly Range Rover actually built it and the road-going Evoque is still strikingly similar to its concept. In coupé guise the Evoque should automatically win every design competition hands down. It’s a vehicle which I could happily admire from any angle and I’m certain this lime green SD4 features on many onlookers’ social media pages.

The Range Rover Evoque has a beautiful interior

The mind-blowing looks aren’t just skindeep. Underneath the gorgeous bodywork is one of the neatest and most stylish of car interiors. It’s flawless in terms of ergonomics and everything is right where you expect it to be. There’s a touchscreen LCD interface which controls the audio system, satellite navigation, Bluetooth-connected mobile phone amongst other things. The downside of this system is many of the controls become inoperable once you reach a certain speed. I’m assuming Range Rover wants you to be focused on the road and not looking down at the screen here…

Speaking of audio system, this particular Evoque had the Meridian surround sound option ticked. If you’re in the market and considering the Evoque, this is a must-have. Few car audio systems are this clear, even at full volume. The Range Rover Evoque comes with some brilliant features such as the glass panoramic roof which makes the cabin feel really spacious, rear parking camera, two USB ports, keyless operation and auto handbrake. Everything you’d ever need in a car can be found in the Evoque.

Strong diesel engine

The Range Rover Evoque is powered by a 2.2-litre diesel engine with 140kW and 420Nm which drives all four wheels through a six-speed automatic ‘box. The steering wheel has paddle shifters and I advise using these to ensure you have a smooth drive. You see the on/off nature of the turbodiesel engine means nearly all the power comes at once. When left in a fully automatic mode the gearbox will change down a gear for you, resulting sudden bursts of power which makes the Evoque lunge. It’s a little disconcerting, especially when you wish to overtake and the vehicle changes down two gears. By using the paddleshift mode, you have a much smoother drive and it’s quite enjoyable driving the Evoque in this fashion. Being a diesel, it’s not too heavy on fuel consumption either. I was sitting at 9L/100km – not too bad for a big luxury SUV.

Ride and handling

This particular Evoque was fitted with optional big and fashionable shiny alloy wheels which aren’t meant for serious offroad duty. They looked impressive and coupled with the adaptive dynamic system, turned the Evoque into a nimble and agile SUV.
Look, it’s no racer but it felt sure-footed. The downside of this is the ride bordered on firm and uneven sections of road could be felt. It’s lovely on longer journeys and few cars will be this comfortable when cruising at the national speed limit.

Being a Land Rover, it is strong offroad. I didn’t really test its bundu-bashing credentials, but I can say the photoshoot location featured soft and wet sand which was easily crossed without any need for the fancy Terrain Response System. I don’t think any Range Rover Evoque owner will want to take this artwork into the wild, but if you do the vehicle comes fitted with Hill Descent Control and is able to tackle scenarios like gravel, mud and snow at the touch of a button.

The Range Rover Evoque – Conclusion

It’s easily one of the best vehicles I’ve ever driven. The easy on the eye looks are coupled with a well-built and luxurious interior. It can go offroad, but I think most Evoque owners won’t be too bothered about that. The downside though, is the price. This is not a cheap vehicle and the options list means your starting price of around R630k can quickly reach close on R700k without too much effort.

Range Rover Evoque – Price

Range Rover Evoque Coupé Prestige SD4 – R633 100

  • Why you should: Simply one of the most attractive cars ever built, effortless to drive, foolproof offroad systems, attention to detail is supreme.
  • Why you shouldn’t: Expensive, pricey options.
  • It would be better if: it was cheaper when compared to its rivals.
  • View the Range Rover Evoque: New / Used
  • Competitors worth checking out: BMW X3, Audi Q5, Infiniti EX, Lexus RX

Toyota Hilux the best selling bakkie in South Africa

South Africa’s most loved bakkie is popular in more ways than one but especially in topping the monthly industry new vehicle sales. The Toyota Hilux was South Africa’s most popular bakkie in 2012 with 31 687 units sold and was the second most popular all-round vehicle in 2012 behind the VW Polo Vivo.

Toyota Hilux sales

Nearly 860 000 Hilux vehicles have been sold in South Africa since its introduction in 1969. Despite there being some quality competition from the Ford Ranger, Isuzu KB Series and Mazda BT-50. Around 2 500+ units of the Hilux are sold every month.

The Hilux has been dominating sales since the beginning of the year, with February being its best selling month with a total of 3500 units sold. In January it sold 2634 units, 3189 units in March and 3227 units in April.

Toyota Hilux – designed for work and pleasure

The Toyota Hilux comes with three body styles; Single cab, Double cab and the Xtra cab which is relatively new on our roads. All these three designs have a variety of models ranging from a 2.0 VVT- i to a 4.0 V6 4×4 Raider Auto/ Raised Body Raider Auto.

The Toyota Hilux also offers a myriad of styling cues developed to enhance the vehicle’s modern design, emphasise its tough underpinnings and keep the vehicle truly appealing.

When it comes to advancing technology, the model features systems, including an integrated USB and iPod connectivity feature that enables the driver to connect their iPhone, iPod or MP3 player to the audio system for an on-the-go music experience. There is also an automatic air-conditioner, an anti-lock Braking System (ABS) that features load sensing technology as well as emergency brake assist system (BAS), head curtain shield side airbags and vehicle stability control functionality as standard.

Toyota Hilux Single Cab Toyota Hilux Double Cab Toyota Hilux Xtra Cab
Price From: R182 800 From: R259 500 From: R327 800
Features Power steering on all models
Front and rear mud guards
Load area (mm): 2315 x 1520 x 450
Redesigned Taillights		 Power steering and air conditioner and two airbags
Electrically adjustable windows and exterior mirrors
Secure storage space
Load area (mm: LxWxD): 1805 x 1515 x 450		 Six airbags on all Raider models
17-inch alloy wheels on all Raider models
Load area (mm): 1520 x 1515 x 450
Transponder key immobiliser and alarm
Engine 2.5 litre diesel 2.5 litre diesel3.0 litre diesel 2.5 litre diesel
Transmission Manual Manual (2.5 & 3.0 litre)
Automatic (3.0 litre only)		 Manual

BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe officially unveiled

BMW has unveiled the outcome of its first collaboration with Pininfarina and the result is the Gran Lusso Coupe which has been designed as a  luxury coupe that exhibits top quality craftsmanship.

Dynamic Exterior Styling for Gran Lusso Coupe

As part of the front-end design, the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe features the trademark BMW kidney grille as well as road focussed headlights with a twin circular look, while distinctive Pininfarina elements have been interpreted with Italian elegance.

Above the kidney grille the bonnet stretches across the front of the car, with subtle contours appearing from the BMW emblem and giving the bonnet a dynamic elegance. The Gran Lusso Coupe’s convex features on the side add visual elegance and give the body a taut, athletic shape.

The model is also equipped with slender taillights, matte aluminium trim and exclusive 21-inch alloy wheels whith five spoke rims.

Sophisticated Interior offers class and elegance

The interior of the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe is fused with modern elegance and authoritative dynamics displayed on the exterior. The four-seat coupe is styled with Tobacco Brown leather upholstery, kauri wood trim and black chrome accents. There’s also a sport steering wheel, LED ambient lighting and a virgin Italian wool headliner with a distinctive “Principe di Galles” pattern.

The soft deep-pile carpet in dark grey adds a subtle sense of wellbeing, while the freestanding B-pillars create a homogeneous glazed area and frameless doors appear  light when viewed from the outside.

“The result of this cooperative venture is far greater than the sum of its parts,” said Fabio Filippini, Head of Design at Pininfarina.

“When two such tradition-rich and experienced brands join forces to turn a vision into reality, something utterly new and exciting emerges. From start to finish, this project was defined by a mutual respect for the identity of the other company.”