VW Passat gets sporty R-Line trim

Volkswagen has added the sporty R-Line trim level to the VW Passat and is based on the entry-level Passat S, adding sporty flair to the range.

VW Passat R-Line gets new engines and styling

The VW Passat R-Line will be equipped with new engine options including a 1.6-litre 77kW TDI diesel engine with a six speed manual gearbox, a 2.0-litre 103kW TDI diesel engine with a six speed manual or DSG gearbox, and a new turbocharged and supercharged 1.4-litre 117kW TSI petrol unit with either a six speed manual or seven speed DSG gearboxes.

All R-Line models feature BlueMotion Technology modifications with engine stop-start and battery regeneration systems.

Improved Styling Features

The VW Passat R-Line trim adds more style to the Passat range with a customised bodykit that gives a sleek and sporty image. At the front, the unique bumper includes fog lights with cornering function, and a 15mm lower ride height.

Standout features include bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights and LED taillights, chrome bumper trim, and dark-tinted rear windows. At the rear, a bootlid spoiler (tailgate spoiler on the Estate) completes the look, while side skirts give a ground-hugging look that’s enhanced by the distinctive rear bumper and 18-inch ‘Kansas’ alloy wheels, wrapped in low-profile 235/40 tyres.

The interior is fitted with standard equipment based on the Passat S and includes Bluetooth, USB and iPod connectivity, DAB digital radio and a leather-trimmed multi-function steering wheel.

VW Passat Price

Volkswagen Passat 1.8 TSI 118kW Manual R330 200
Volkswagen Passat 1.8 TSI 118kW DSG R345 200
Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TDI 103kW Manual R346 900
Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TDI 103kW DSG R361 900

The Passat comes standard with a 5-year/100 000km Volkswagen Automotion Plan.

Mazda MX-5 aims to set new Guinness World Record

Mazda is hoping to set a new world record for the largest parade of Mazda cars using the Mazda MX-5 Miata sports car. The current record of 459 Mazda MX-5’s was set in Essen, Germany in 2010.

A fun day with the Mazda Mx-5

IMAX-5 2013 is aiming for as many as 800 Mazda MX-5 vehicles at the RDW Test Centrum in Lelystad to join the procession. There will be a variety of activities offered at the event such as test driving Mazda’s new SKYACTIV models and experience their cutting-edge iActivesense safety technology.

Participants will be given the opportunity to test their skills on different race simulators, take in a special display of some of the finest MX-5’s on hand and receive a free inspection of their own roadsters.

Further activities include track demonstrations of the Ribank Mazda MaX5 Cup racers as well as Van Herck Racing’s three-rotor-engined Mazda3 20B. The day will end with a feature film shown at Europe’s largest drive-in cinema.

24 years of continued excellence

The Mazda MX-5 made its first debut in 1989 at the Chicago Auto Show, with the second generation model launching in 1998. The current model has been in production since 2005, and continues to be the best-selling two seat convertible sports car in history. Over 900 000 MX-5s have been built and sold around the world.

New Peugeot 308 unveiled ahead of Frankfurt Motor Show

Peugeot has revealed the new Peugeot 308 based on the PSA-developed EMP2 platform.

“The new Peugeot 308 has a pure and technological exterior design that speaks of high strength and high quality,” said Gilles Vidal, Design Director for Peugeot.

Classy and contemporary design for new Peugeot 308

The 4.25 metre hatchback, which is based on the firms EMP2 platform benefits from Peugeot’s new signature styling cues. These include the slim floating grille, full-LED headlamps, and unique LED tail lamps that resemble three claws of a lion – homage to Peugeot’s emblem. The new Peugeot 308 is 140 kg lighter than the previous model and will feature CO2 emissions of as low as 85 g/km.

The interior of the new Peugeot 308 has been designed around the concept of the i-cockpit. It features the same sporty steering wheel and instrument panel, as well as the 9.7-inch touchscreen interface, with dynamic trims around the consoles. Many of the infotainment controls are in one place, which creates a contemporary and uncluttered cabin.

Attention to detail has been placed in every element of the vehicle. The choice of high quality interior materials and the satin chrome or gloss black detailing add to the feeling of sophistication and maturity in the car’s design and assembly.

Further detail specifications will be revealed when the new Peugeot 308 makes its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show happening in September 2013.

New Fiat Panda launched in South Africa

Fiat Group Automobiles South Africa has introduced the new Fiat Panda to South Africa, which is now in its third generation. The Fiat Panda has sold more than 6.4-million units and is Fiat’s best seller in the small car segment.

New Fiat Panda combines practical design

Engine Capability

The new Fiat Panda is fitted with a 1.2-litre EVO ll engine producing 51kW of power at 5500 rpm and a torque figure of 102NM at 3000 rpm. The engine is mated to a five speed manual transmission. Fuel consumption is rated at 5.2-litres/100km with CO2 emissions of 120 g/km.

Exterior Design Features

The new Fiat Panda is simplicity personified with practicality and usefulness. To ensure that it meets the highest standards of safety and improves on the generous levels of interior space, the Panda has grown a few centimetres in length, width and height. The five door car can accommodate five people and has one of the most spacious boots in its segment.

Furthermore, the exterior can be distinguished by an unmistakable ‘Italian style’ and ‘Mediterranean’ stylistic language where smooth shapes give it an appealing, solid and protective look. The slightly convex bonnet joins with the elegant horizontal grille and the new front headlamps with a rounded shape resembling a smiling face. The new Fiat Panda also offers a unique front suspension with McPherson strut layout.

Interior Design Features

Inside the new Fiat Panda, designers added a touch of personality to make it a solid, functional and spacious car. The passenger compartment is designed with graphic patterns that decorate the door panels and roof of the car, creating an attractive ‘sky’ over the heads of the passengers. The radio interface sports an intuitive look with all the controls and buttons grouped into two ‘Islands’ for easier use.

Functionality and comfort are provided by the slim front seats which provide plenty of leg space for the rear passengers. The squares welded to the backrest circulate air between the passengers back and the seat fabric to improve comfort.

Additionally, the new dashboard is designed as a practical, multipurpose shell containing a roomy storage pocket along with the glovebox in the lower section. It is wrapped in a colourful frame which serves as a single perimeter to the steering wheel, radio and main controls.

Sophisticated technological and safety solutions

Technology features in the new Fiat Panda satisfy both the concrete needs of everyday mobility and the growing social awareness of the environment and safety issues. Safety features include the Blue&Me handsfree with Bluetooth, voice recognition, USB port, MP3 player and SMS interpreter.

Safety features include four airbags standard (front and window protecting the head), ABS complete with BAS (Brake Assist System), front seat belts with pretensioner and load limiter, ESC (Electronic Stability Control) complete with Hill Holder system.

In addition, the front seats are equipped with an anti-whiplash system that reduces the risk of injury in case of impact, while the rear seats are fitted with ISOFIX attachments for child seats.

At its launch the new model will be available in two trim levels (Pop and Lounge), 7 body colours, 3 interior trim colours and 14-inch steel and 15-inch alloy wheels.

New Fiat Panda – Price

Fiat Panda Pop R139 990
Fiat Panda Lounge R154 990

The new Fiat Panda comes standard with a 3-year/100 000km full maintenance plan and warranty for peace-of-mind driving.

2013 Toyota Yaris line-up more refined

The 2013 Toyota Yaris range has been fined tuned to increase its competitiveness and focus on the most popular models.

New features and price cut for 2013 Toyota Yaris

The 2013 Toyota Yaris range will be available exclusively in five-door format yet still feature the 51kW 1.0-litre and 73kW 1.3-litre petrol engines. The range topping 1.5-litre petrol-hybrid option will continue to be badged ‘XS HSD’ and ‘XR HSD’ respectively.

According to Glenn Crompton, Vice-President of Marketing, the importance of the re-aligned Yaris range should not be underestimated: “Superminis account for approximately a quarter of all the new cars sold in SA with more than 20 models from Europe, Japan and Korea all vying for a share of the market,” said Crompton.

“The 2013 Yaris is tasked with flying the Toyota flag in this ultra-competitive B segment and with the pared-down line-up and new pricing structures for this model, it now perfectly meets buyers’ ever more demanding requirements for smaller cars that are affordable to run, easy to live with, yet are still stylish, safe, comfortable and fun to drive.

He further added “We’re confident that the Yaris is going to win a lot more fans – after all the Castrol Team Toyota Racing Yaris is the brand new South African Rally Championship challenger taking up the mantle from the outgoing Auris.”

The three Yaris models will now have the previous Xs specification but at a lower cost. The 1.0 petrol has 15-inch alloy wheels, colour-coded body, Multi-Information Display, air conditioning, remote central locking, front electric windows and mirrors, audio system with input terminal and steering wheel switches.

The 1.3 CVT model adds a leather steering wheel and gear lever. The two hybrid models are equipped with the following equipment upgrades: Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Hill Ascent Control; Driver kneebag and Curtain Shield airbags (XR); Front spoiler, Rear spoiler (XR); Projector headlamps; LED Daytime running lights; Front fog lamps; Keyless entry (XR); Automatic climate control; Electric rear windows (XR); Touch screen audio system; Bluetooth compatibility; Rain-sensing wipers (XR) and more features.

2013 Toyota Yaris – Price

View the new Toyota Yaris

Toyota Yaris 1.0 5-door R141 000
Toyota Yaris 1.3 5-door R169 900
Toyota Yaris 1.3 CVT 5-door R181 000

New Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG gets power boost

The new Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG high performance model will be available for both the Saloon and Estate from June production.

New Mercedes Benz E 63 AMG offers more power and style

Engine Capability

The new E 63 AMG model benefits from a 21kW and 80Nm increase over the standard E 63 AMG, and is 0.1 seconds faster, reaching 100km/h in 4.1 seconds for the Sedan and 4.2 seconds for the Estate version.

The combined fuel consumption for the new Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG S Model Saloon is 8.2-litres/100km, with CO2 emissions of 232 g/km, while the Estate achieves 8.3-litres/100km with CO2 emissions of 234 g/km, which is the same as the standard E 63 AMG Estate.

Enhanced Exterior and Interior Features

The S model features exclusive exterior design elements which include a high gloss black front apron with silver-shadow splitter, side sill panels and rear trim strip with silver-shadow inserts. The S model also sports an AMG spoiler in body colour, 19-inch AMG alloy wheels painted in Titanium matt grey, red brake callipers, and the ‘S’ is labelled on the boot lid.

The distinctive interior includes black Nappa leather upholstery with grey contrast stitching, silver seat belts, an AMG emblem in the headrests, an electric rear roller blind for the Saloon, AMG door sills with white LED illumination, and an AMG instrument cluster with red applications and an S Model badge.

Other features include a choice of seven standard metallic paints and one none-metallic paint in Polar White for the S Model, complimented by two additional metallic paints, Diamond White and Hyacinth Red, two designo metallic paints, Mocha Black and Graphite and two designo Magno matt paints, Allanite Grey and Cashmere White.

It is unclear whether the new Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG S model will be available in South Africa.

Toyota Sales Summary for April 2013

Toyota sales for remained strong as it was the best-selling automotive brand in South Africa for April 2013. The brand also retained its market lead for the year to date after selling 9896 cars, with Hilux being South Africa’s most popular car with local sales of 3227 units. Here is a Toyota sales summary including critical sales figures, Top 5 model sales and the most popular Toyota used cars for April 2013.

Toyota sales summary in South Africa – April 2013

Total new car sales 9 896
Total market share 19.4%
Total passenger vehicle sales 4 770
Total Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) sales 4 833

Top 5 Toyota new car sales – April 2013

1. Toyota Hilux 3 221 units
2. Toyota Etios 1 581 units
3. Toyota Quantum 1 354 units
4. Toyota Corolla/Auris 897 units
5. Toyota Fortuner 852 units

Most popular used Toyota cars in South Africa – April 2013

  1. Toyota Corolla
  2. Toyota Hilux
  3. Toyota Yaris
  4. Toyota Fortuner
  5. Toyota Tazz

Toyota in the news

Toyota creates the cultured MeWe Concept car

The Toyota Fortuner 2.5D Auto reviewed

All new Toyota Verso launched in South Africa

Lamborghini Egoista Revealed

Celebrations for Lamborghini’s 50th anniversary ended with a bang with the reveal of the Lamborghini Egoista concept designed by Walter De Silva.

“This is a car made for one person only, to allow them to have fun and express their personality to the maximum. It is designed purely for hyper-sophisticated people who want only the most extreme and special things in the world. It represents hedonism taken to the extreme, it is a car without compromises, in a word: egoista (selfish),” said De Silva.

The power, technology and design behind the Lamborghini Egoista

The Lamborghini Egoista is powered by a V10 5.2-litre engine delivering an impressive 441kW. Like many modern Lamborghini products the Egoista is inspired by fighter jets, in particular the Apache helicopter with a heads up display dominating the front view.

The cockpit design is like a tailor made suit for the driver, with movable sections that create a perfect technical, mechanical and aerodynamic unit. The exterior is characterised by a highly muscular structure of a bull preparing to charge with its horns lowered. The two rear flaps were integrated into the bodywork profile and act automatically depending on the driving conditions.

The lighting of the Lamborghini Egoista carries through with the theme of an aircraft with LED clearance lights that determine its position in three dimensions rather than on a single plane. These lights that make the Egoista even unique in the dark include two white front lights, two red rear lights, a red flashing light in the upper part of the tail, two orange bull’s eyes as side markers and a further two lights on the roof; red on the left and green on the right.

Additionally, two powerful xenon headlamps are fitted behind the front air intakes at the base between the central body and the two side sections. The Lamborghini symbol is integrated where the central hull forms a unique section with the cockpit, underlined by the carbon-fibre cover on the front hood.

Interior Design

A heads-up display is the focal point of the interior. The rest of the interior is fitted with a removable steering wheel which allows the driver to exit and enter the cockpit while the dome opens with an electric command. The centre stage is taken by a racing seat accompanied by a four-point seatbelt with each strip in a different colour.

“The cockpit, made completely of carbon fibre and aluminium, represents a sort of survival cell, allowing the driver to isolate and protect themselves from external elements,” explained De Silva.
“We kept an eye on the future when designing the Egoista, with the idea that its cockpit could have been taken from a jet aircraft and integrated into a road vehicle, to provide a different travel option.”

New Renault Fluence models available in South Africa

New Renault Fluence models are now available in South Africa and come in the form of the revitalised Expression and new phase Dynamique, fresh from their international debut at the 2012 Istanbul Motor Show.

Fresh styling for new Renault Fluence

Engine Capability

The new Renault Fluence Expression is equipped with a 1.6-litre engine which produces 82kW at 6000 rpm and 151Nm of torque at 4250 rpm. The engine is mated to a five speed manual transmission and is capable of accelerating from zero to 100km.h in 11.5 seconds before reaching a top speed of 185km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at 6.8-litres/100km in the combined cycle with CO2 emissions of 155 g/km.

Under the hood of the new Renault Fluence Dynamique is a 2.0-lire 16V engine producing 103kW at 600 rpm and a torque figure of 195Nm at 3750 rpm. With its six speed manual gearbox, acceleration from 0-100km/h takes 9.9 seconds reaching a top speed of 200km/h. Combined cycle consumption is rated at 7.9 litres/100km and a Euro 4-compliant CO2 emissions of 182g/km.

Exterior Design Features

The front-end of the new Renault Fluence is inspired from the brand’s design renaissance, the focal point being the prominent Renault diamond shaped badge set vertically against a gloss black background. The model’s curvier lines and full surfaces ensure a more dynamic, assertive stance while chrome strips on either side of the badge underscore its status-enhancing look.

The bumper is now bolder with large lower air intakes that broaden towards the base. The fog lights are set against a gloss black surround and give the front a sporty touch, while the wheel arch openings provide the new Renault Fluence with an even more dynamic allure.

Interior Design Features

The interior dashboard panel incorporates a large round LCD screen with main functions that include a digital speed display and the visual component of the parking assistant function. The LCD screen also features white segments around the circumference which indicate the cruise control and the speed limiter systems’ settings. In the centre of the dashboard, the large 18cm touch screen emphasises the high-tech ambience of the interior providing the driver easy and safe connectivity to the navigation system and entertainment system.

Quality Technology Features

The new Renault Fluence Expression boasts high value features and equipment level advantages as standard. These features include: dual zone fully automatic climate control air-con, Bluetooth radio, MP3 compatible CD player, steering wheel controls, cruise control/speed limiter, rear parking distance control, automatic speed windscreen wipers with rain sensor, class leading boot capacity, front and rear curtain airbags, front fog lamps, Renault hands-free key card (entry/start/lock/) and leather steering wheel/gear knob.

The Fluence Dynamique is also equipped with high value features and equipment levels some of which outclass competitor models in its segment. These include Electronic Stability Control, LED daytime running lights, front and rear park distance control, and lumbar setting on driver’s seat and connectivity to a host of applications such as Tom-Tom navigation, 3D Sound by Arkamys, MP3 compatible CD player, and Bluetooth.

Safety Features

Optimum levels of protection systems for the new Renault Fluence include ABS braking, EBA and EBD, while Electronic Stability Control (ESP) is standard on the Dynamique. Front driver/passenger airbags, side bags and curtain units, as well as anti-whiplash height-adjustable front headrests are standard. The safety belt is fitted with a double pre-tensioner in the front seats and load limiter in the rear, while the two rear side seats are fitted with an ISOFIX fastening system. Automatic central locking of all doors and the boot occurs when the car pulls away.

New Renault Fluence – Price

View the New Renault Fluence

Renault Fluence Expression 1.6-litre 16V R214 900
Renault Fluence Dynamique 2.0-litre 16V R249 900

Both models are available with Renault’s standard 5-year/150 000km mechanical warranty, there is also a 5-year/90 000km service plan (optionally upgradeable to a full maintenance plan), comprehensive roadside assistance plan for the duration of the warranty period, fixed-price servicing costs (15 000km intervals) and guaranteed parts availability or a mobility solution until parts become available.

New vehicle launches for April 2013

The month of April 2013 saw a number of new and exciting models introduced in South Africa. Here is a breakdown of new car launches that took place during the month.

Nissan Pathfinder SE from R450 900

Nissan has launched two new Pathfinder SE models which are joining the existing Pathfinder LE and Pathfinder V9X models to complete the brand’s medium SUV range.

Fiat Doblo from R280 000

Fiat Group Automobiles South Africa launched the new seven seat Doblo Panorama family car, which offers the best-in-class storage capacity, a reduction in fuel emissions, and state-of-the-art technical features.

Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet from R397 900

The first open top version of the iconic Volkswagen Golf GTI was launched with an electric soft-top, Climatronic dual zone air conditioning, XDS transverse electronic differential lock and a roll-over protection system.

Toyota Auris HSD from R297 900

Adding to its growing range of hybrid vehicles, Toyota launched the new Auris Hybrid Synery Drive (HSD) available in mid XS trim and high-grade XR models.

Toyota Verso from R261 900

The new Toyota Verso sporting a new face and revised interior was also launched in South Africa this month in three derivatives (the S-Entry, SX-Mid and TX-High).

Toyota RAV4 from R279 900

Toyota also launched the fourth generation RAV4 available in four models with a choice of three engines and two trim levels.

New Renault Clio 4 from R149 900

Renault South Africa took the wraps of the latest version of its popular B-segment runabout, the fourth generation Clio which sold around 12-million units since the first version was shown off at the Paris Motor Show back in 1990.

Mercedes Benz GL-Class from R966 246

Mercedes Benz unveiled its new high performance GL-Class variants, setting new standards in comfort, dynamics, safety, and elegance in the SUV world.

Mercedes Benz A-Class from R275 000

The Mercedes Benz also launched its latest A-Class model which has been a bestseller for a number of generations. The new A-Class features three different variants – Urban, Style and AMG Sport.

Hyundai Veloster from R259 900

Hyundai launched the new Veloster, packed with attractive and innovative features.

Ford Transit Custom from R265 526

Ford launched another commercial vehicle in the one-tonne van market, which offers local businesses an unmatched combination of style, driver appeal and functionality.

Honda CR-Z from R332 800

Honda unveiled the updated version CR-Z hybrid hatchback in South Africa featuring desirable combinations of style, performance and driving pleasure.