New Ford Fiesta ST launched in South Africa

The much anticipated new Ford Fiesta ST, boasting more power and revised styling, has been launched in South Africa.

“The new Ford Fiesta ST delivers remarkable levels of performance, design and quality to offer an unsurpassed driving experience,” said Ford Marketing Manager Gavin Golightly.

“South African’s have an affinity for performance and the Fiesta ST speaks directly to that passion.”

New Ford Fiesta ST impresses with EcoBoost Engine

In contrast to the previous Fiesta model, the ST now offers more power with a 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission and offers 134kW of power and 240NM of torque. Acceleration from 0-100km/h takes just 6.9 seconds before reaching a top speed of 220km/h. Fuel efficiency is rated at 5.9-litres/100km with CO2 emissions of 138 g/km.

The Ford Fiesta ST powertrain has been fine tuned with features only previously found in larger performance cars, including enhanced Torque Vectoring Control (eTVC) and three-mode Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and rear disc brakes.

Interior and Exterior Features

The sporty and more distinct Fiesta ST is styled with a unique body-kit which includes a new large trapezoidal grille with honeycomb construction, dynamic headlight design and dramatic rear diffuser element. Also there are new Recaro sports seats and a Sound Symposer to filter engine noise, giving the driver a real sporting experience.

Other features include the MyKey and Sync technology functions, alloy metal pedals and gear shifter, an ST steering wheel, as well as 17-inch alloy wheels. The model is available in five exterior paint colours including Race Red, Frozen White, Molten Orange and Spirit Blue.

New Ford Fiesta ST – Price

Ford Fiesta 1.6 GDTi ST 3 door – R254 500

View the New Ford Fiesta

Options

  • Metallic Paint – R750
  • Rear Parking Sensors – R1710
  • Thatcham Alarm with volume sensing and perimeter alarm including inclination sensor – R1070

The new Ford Fiesta ST is available with a fully comprehensive four-year/120 000km warranty and four-year/60 000km service plan. Service intervals are staggered at 20 000km. Customers will also benefit from three years of roadside assistance and a five-year corrosion warranty, both of which are available with unlimited mileage.

New Ford Fiesta ST gallery

View the Ford Fiesta ST Gallery here.

Renault TwinRun concept unveiled

Following its release of the third generation Twingo TwinZ concept, Renault has released yet another concept vehicle to take the city car to the next level.

Like its twin, the new Renault TwinRun Concept cultivates the sporting spirit of the brand and pays homage to the legendary R5 Turbo and Clio V6.

Renault TwinRun boasts sporty persona

Engine Capability

The two-seat Renault TwinRun concept is equipped with a 3.5 V6 engine delivering 238kW at 6800 rpm and maximum torque of 380Nm at 4850 rpm and is mated to a 6-speed sequential gearbox. The TwinRun accelerates from 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds reaching a top speed of 250km/h

Exterior and Interior Design Features

The Renault TwinRun features styling of Renault’s future city car. The blue paint finish on the car is enhanced by graphic lines drawn with emphatic shoulders with touches of red on the strip, the roof, the ultra-slim door mirrors and parts of the rear airfoil.

The design of the headlights and the “5” on the doors pay homage to the emblematic R5 Turbo 1980’s rally car, while the four additional, extra-flat headlights with LED technology enhance the concept’s modern design.

The Renault TwinRun Concept also benefits from air intake vents positioned at the level of the rear wheel arches, and red surrounds on the circumference of the black and white wheel rims. It’s fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels shod in Michelin 205/40 front and 245/35 rear tyres.

The motorsport theme is carried through to the interior with the tubular chassis and Sparco padded bucket seats, as well as the door panels and dashboard upholstered in black and red “alcantara effect” suede. Other features include sequential gear lever and handbrake levers installed close to the steering wheel, and a 5.5-inch LCD instrument cluster positioned in a white lacquer console.

Ford Everest refreshed and ready for adventure

The Ford Everest has been upgraded with a number of exterior and interior enhancements designed to offer exemplary off-road credentials and outstanding on-road comfort.

Ford Everest ready for the big outdoors

The seven-seat SUV is powered by a 3.0-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine delivering 115kW and 380Nm of torque at 1800 rpm and uses a five-speed manual transmission. The Ford Everest XLT is available in either 4×2 or 4×4 guise, and the Everest LTD is available in 4×4 with only a five-speed automatic transmission.

The automatic model features an electronic shift-on-the-fly system, allowing a driver to shift the driving mode from 2WD to 4WD at high driving speeds of up to 100 km/h. The 4×4 system features a proven-tough Borg-Warner transfer case.

Exterior and Interior Design Features

The refreshed Ford Everest boasts bold styling which has been further enhanced with a new front grille complemented by subtle modifications to the front bumper, the headlamps, fog lamp bezels and door mirrors.

The wheel arch flares give the Everest a muscular stance. Its ready-for-adventure ready character is further defined by the full size spare wheel mounted on the tailgate and high-mounted taillight clusters. Other exterior enhancements include a new Copper Red exterior colour, and improved quarter back windows.

The interior has been enhanced with a darker tone trim called Basalt (black), a USB input standard across the range, and cruise control.

“Combining rugged off-road ability and the luxury of a seven-seat configuration, the Everest is not only the perfect family vehicle but is ideally suited to South Africa’s environment and our general sense of adventure,” said Ford Marketing Manager Gavin Golightly.

“The Ford Everest is a fantastic family vehicle that offers comfort, safety, off-road competence and practicality,” concluded Golightly.

Ford Everest – Price

Ford Everest 3.0 TDCi LTD 4×4 Auto – R447 900

View the new Ford Everest

The Ford Everest comes with a 5 year / 90 000km Service Plan and a comprehensive 4 year / 120 000km warranty with service intervals of 10 000kms. There is also a 3 year Roadside Assistance and a 5 year corrosion warranty as part of the Ford Everest package. Free off-road driver training through De Rust Outdoor is offered on all 4×4 derivatives.

McLaren marks 50 years with the limited edition 12C Coupe and 12C Spider

As part of the continued celebrations for their 50th anniversary, McLaren is to produce a maximum of 50 examples of the groundbreaking 12C and 12C Spider models, featuring unique styling and specification enhancements.

Celebrating five decades of race-winning technology and unique styling

Designed by McLaren Special Operations (MSO), enhancements on the models include a remodelled Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) optimised front bumper, additional carbon fibre trim and a black McLaren F1-inspired heritage badge which also features on the bonnet.

The models will also be fitted with the carbon ceramic brake upgrade with 394x36mm discs at the front, and uniquely designed 19-inch front and 20-inch rear Ultra Lightweight wheels finished in Satin Black, with an option of Super Lightweight wheels.

Inside, the models are upholstered with a full leather upgrade, while subtle branding to the carbon fibre sill panel and floor mats is complimented by an anniversary dedication plate on the driver’s door. They will also be available in three colour finishes, Carbon Black, Supernova Silver or heritage McLaren Orange.

The special editions will also come with a monogrammed car cover, a specially commissioned print and a bespoke key that resides in a carbon fibre presentation box.

Best Car Brand in UK goes to Jaguar

Jaguar has been named as the best car brand in the UK, and Land Rover has leapt up from 12th last year to 6th place in 2013 according to data collated by the J.D Power and Associates in the Vehicle Ownership Satisfaction Survey.

Jaguar also claimed first position in the Executive Car category for its XF model which has received more than 100 international awards since its launch. It was given five-star ratings for performance, service, and running costs.

The study measured the opinions of over 16 000 UK car owners who rated car models from 28 brands. Among the list of brands that made it to the top 10, Lexus, Honda and Skoda, while Chevrolet, Peugeot and Fiat were among the brands that ranked lower.

Jaguar comes out on top as Best Car Brand

  1. Jaguar – 82.7%
  2. Lexus – 81.8%
  3. Honda – 81.0%
  4. Skoda – 80.9%
  5. Mercedes Benz – 80.4%
  6. Land Rover – 79.0%
  7. Volvo – 78.9%
  8. Toyota – 78.8%
  9. Nissan – 78.7%
  10. Seat – 78.7%
  11. Volkswagen – 78.7%

The Best Executive Car

  1. Jaguar XF – 82.7%
  2. Mercedes Benz E-Class – 81.1%
  3. BMW 5 Series – 80%
  4. Volvo V70/XC70 – 80%
  5. Mercedes Benz E-Class Coupe – 79.4%

Alfa Romeo Giulietta Collezione special edition launched

The special edition Alfa Romeo Giulietta Collezione has been introduced to the Alfa range. The special edition model features a contrasting roof, premium body styling and elegant interior finishes.

Alfa Romeo Giulietta Collezione – Features

The Alfa Giulietta Collezione is powered by four engine options. A 1.4 TB engine producing 89kW, a 1.4 TB MultiAir engine producing 126kW, a 1.6 JTDM-2 engine producing 78kW and a 2.0 JTDM-2 diesel engine delivering 104kW.

Fuel consumption is rated at 3.6-litres/100km with CO2 emissions of 114 g/km on the combined cycle.

Exterior Styling

The Alfa Romeo Giulietta Collezione is available in three signature Alfa colours which include Solid Black, Alfa Red and Ghiaccio White, all featuring a contrasting roof as standard. The Solid Black models are complimented by a matte magnesio grey roof while the Alfa Red and Ghiaccio models feature a solid black roof.

The dynamic look is finished in 17-inch Titanium alloy wheels, Titanium effect wing mirrors and darkened headlight surrounds, as well as chrome door handles.

Interior Styling

The interior is also finished with contrasting features including new black and red competizone cloth upholstery with contrasting stitching and titanium finish inserts on the door inserts, centre console and on the dashboard. To ensure driver comfort, the air conditioning and Blue&Me come as standard on the Collezione.

New Kia Cerato Revealed

The new Kia Cerato is now available in South Africa, and will be offered in three different equipment levels across two engines – the 1.6 EX, 2.0 EX and 2.0 SX. The third generation Kia Cerato sports a sleeker profile with futuristic and dynamic styling.

New Kia Cerato – Specs and Features

Engine Capability

The new Kia Cerato will be available in a choice of two petrol engines. The 2.0-litre Nu engine produces 118kW and is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox that results in a 0-100km/h time of 8.5 seconds or 9.3 seconds with the automatic model. The top speed comes in at 210km/h.

The popular 1.6-litre Gamma engine produces 95kW and has a top speed of 200km/h and reaches 100km/h in 10.1 seconds and 11.6 seconds on the automatic model.

Exterior Design Features

The new Kia Cerato features cutting edge design and boasts improved quality, upgraded equipment and a host of additional convenience and safety features.

The new model is 25mm lower than before and rides on a 50mm-longer wheelbase. At the rear, the boot lid is shaped to reduce aerodynamic drag, while the rear combination lamps smooth the airflow, reinforcing the wide stance of the Cerato. Front and rear overhangs are 15mm and 5mm shorter respectively, yet boot space increases to 67 litres from 415 to 482 litres.

Notable features include distinctive eye-catching concave door contours and a rising beltline with a chrome window moulding extending into the C-pillar to project an aura of elegance. The lower coupe-like roofline and cab-forward styling bring out the car’s ‘dynamic muscularity’.

The new Kia Cerato will be available in a range of 10 exterior colours, and these include: Clear White (solid), Snow White and Aurora Black (pearl), plus Bright Silver, Glittering Metal, Golden Beat, Temptation Red, Planet Blue, Abyss Blue and Milky Beige (metallic).

Interior Design Features

Emphasis to quality and comfort has been placed to the interior of the Cerato including the driver-focused cockpit with easy-to-reach controls, the soft touch materials applied to the upper door trims, dashboard, door armrests, door centre trim panels and the centre console.

The new Kia Cerato also features three different types of instrument cluster designs across the range. A segment type LCD cluster is standard on the 1.6 EX model, while a dot-matrix LCD cluster is standard on the 2.0 EX model and offers a broader range of information.

The 2.0 SX model is fitted with a high-tech TFT colour LCD cluster featuring a new and more ergonomically designed GUI (graphics user interface) with a 4.2-inch screen and high-intensity white lighting.

The new Kia Cerato 1.6 EX model is equipped with a manual air-conditioner, automatic light control, built-in Bluetooth, steering wheel mounted cruise control, front and rear electric windows, LED daytime running lights, an MP3/iPod/USB compatible radio with CD front loader, rear air vents, six speakers, steering wheel mounted remote controls and 60/40 rear split seats.

By upgrading to the 2.0 EX model you will get a dot-matrix LCD cluster, leather seats as well as the option of a sunroof. The top of the range 2.0 SX model features various high tech features including HID xenon headlamps, a rear view camera, a smart key with stop/start button, a smart welcome lighting system, front and rear park distance control and a supervision TFT LCD cluster.

Safety Features

Safety technologies standard on all models include ABS (Anti–lock Braking System) with built-in EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), active headrests, impact sensing auto door unlock, a passenger airbag on/off switch, six airbags consisting of driver, front passenger, side and curtain airbags, Isofix child seat anchors and fog lights.

The SX model features ESC (Electronic Stability Control), HAC (Hill-start Assist Control), and a VSM (Vehicle Stability Management).

New Kia Cerato – Price

View the new Kia Cerato

Kia Cerato 1.6 Manual R219 995
Kia Cerato 1.6 Auto R229 995
Kia Cerato 2.0 Manual R249 995
Kia Cerato 2.0 Auto R259 995
Kia Cerato 2.0 SX Manual R279 995
Kia Cerato 2.0 SX Auto R289 995

All models will be available with a five-year or 150 000km warranty and five-year or 90 000km service plan.

Toyota surpasses BMW as most valuable global car brand

An annual ranking of the world’s top brands by Millward Brown shows Toyota has overtaken BMW as the most valuable global car brand due to the new models introduced in the hybrid market.

Sales breakdown

The study revealed Toyota’s 2013 brand value rose 12% to $24.5 billion largely because of its significant inroads in the hybrid market, in contrast BMW’s brand value dropped by 2% to $24 billion. This was due to the European slowdown which impacted BMW’s earnings and was in part responsible for the swap at the top of the rankings.

Toyota was also the most popular car brand for 2012 in South Africa with a total of 112 215 units sold. This year, the brand has maintained the number one spot for the past three months, March being its highest with a total market share of 21.9%.

BMW faired reasonably well in 2012 and ranked in 7th place for total new vehicle sales in South Africa for 2012 with 26 446 vehicles sold between January and November 2012. However, the brand is not slowing down as it posted reasonable sales for the month of February 2013, with a total market share of 5.2%.

Furthermore, the study showed that German premium brands such as Mercedes Benz increased by 11% in value. Audi also saw its brand value rise 18% to $5.5 billion.

The brand value of the Top 10 brands improved 5% in the 2013 BrandZ ranking compared with a 7% decline last year. Brand value remained at only 71 percent of its pre-recession level.

Here are the world’s most valuable car brands in $billion rank according to BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands study released by market research company Millward Brown.

Top 10 car brands worldwide

Brand Brand Value 2013 $M Brand value % change 2013 vs 2012
Toyota 24 497 &#9650 12%
BMW 24 015 &#9660 2%
Mercedes Benz 17 952 &#9650 11%
Honda 12 401 &#9660 2%
Nissan 10 186 &#9650 3%
Volkswagen 8 790 &#9650 3%
Ford 7 556 &#9650 8%
Audi 5 545 &#9650 18%
Hyundai 4 000 &#9650 11%
Lexus 3 472 &#9650 2%

Source: Millward Brown

Land Rover Discovery 4 XS ready for adventure

The new Land Rover Discovery 4, designed to cater to the adventure market, is now available with coil spring suspension in the Discovery 4 XS.

“In response to customer demand we are pleased to introduce the Discovery 4 XS,” said Peter Biven, Marketing and Communications Director for Land Rover South Africa and sub-Sahara Africa. “The XS is essentially an expedition vehicle designed for robust, overland work.”

Land Rover Discovery 4 is the ultimate all-purpose vehicle

The Land Rover Discovery 4 XS is equipped with Land Rover’s 3.0 TDV6 engine delivering 155kW of power. It is mated to an 8-speed transmission with Drive Select and rotary shifter, Hill Decent Control and Low/high range gear selection.

What makes the Land Rover Discovery 4 XS the perfect on and off road companion is the extensive list of features. These features include; 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, cruise control, a tow bar, and Trailer Stability Assist.

The XS is only available in five seat configuration with standard cloth seats but can be upgraded to leather as an option, as well as an optional privacy glass.

Driver controls include steering wheel paddles as standard. The rotary switch selects park, reverse, neutral, drive or sport modes, the last of these optimising the gearbox response times for maximum acceleration, improved response and sharper upshifts.

“We are excited about the introduction of the new Discovery XS. It is a more affordable option in the Discovery line-up and caters to a market with very demanding requirements,” concluded Biven.

Land Rover Discovery 4 – Price

View the new Land Rover Discovery

Land Rover Discovery 4 XS – R598 600

The Land Rover Discovery 4 XS comes standard with a 5-year/100 000km maintenance plan.

2014 Mitsubishi Attrage Uncovered

Mitsubishi has unveiled the production version of the Concept G4 which debuted at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show. The model is described as a ‘next generation global sedan, named Attrage.

2014 Mitsubishi Attrage – Features

The 2014 Mitsubishi Attrage will be fitted with a 1.2-litre MIVEC engine paired to either a five speed manual transmission or a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) which offers a combined fuel consumption of approximately 4.5-litres/100km.

The model’s styling features are slightly different from the Concept G4. It features a prominent grille, sweptback headlights, and smaller alloy wheels. Other distinguishing features include an upward sweeping character line, chrome accents, and side mirrors with integrated turn signals.

Similar to the Concept G4, the 2014 Mitsubishi Attrage offers notable passenger comfort with a high hip point and large door openings for easy entry and exit as well as generous rear seat legroom.

Mitsubishi South Africa has no confirmed plans to launch the vehicle in South Africa at this stage.