New MINI JCW Paceman details revealed ahead of 2013 launch

Details of the new MINI  JCW Paceman have been revealed and will premier at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit in January 2013 and will make its way to South Africa in June of 2013. The new MINI JCW Paceman will be the seventh model in the John Cooper Works range and combines ‘mouth-watering sporting flair and inimitable style to introduce a new dimension in driving fun to the premium compact segment’, according to MINI.

New MINI JCW Paceman – Specifications and Features

Engine Capability

The ALL4 all-wheel-drive MINI JCW Paceman exerts power from a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged engine with a power output of 160kW at 6 000rpm and a maximum torque figure of 280Nm on tap between 1 900 and 5 000rpm which can be increased to 300Nm by using the overboost function. Top speed stands at 226 km/h with its 6-speed manual transmission or 224 km/h when using a 6-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration to 100km/h will take 6.9 seconds.

Average fuel consumption is 7.4-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 172 g/km. All models can be ordered with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard or a six-speed automatic as an alternative.

Exterior Styling Features

The exterior of the new MINI JCW Paceman is fitted with 18-inch light-alloy wheels finished in a Twin Spoke Black Burnished design, polished spoke fronts, standard black rim wells and a sports exhaust system with chrome tailpipes.

To maintain the car’s identity, the John Cooper Works logo is placed on the radiator grille, tailgate and door sill strips and next to the side of the indicators.

There are nine exterior finishes available, including the Chili Red Shade exclusive to John Cooper Works, along with a contrasting colour roof, exterior mirror caps and Sport Stripes which can be specified as an option.

Interior Styling Features?

On the inside, you are met with a sports steering wheel with red contrasting stitching, dark coloured dials for the speedometer and rev counter, an anthracite coloured roof liner and a gearshift lever with red shift pattern lettering. The gearshift lever gaiter and floor mats have red contrasting stitching and are part of the standard equipment for the new extreme sports model. The rear bench features a pair of individual seats which offer passengers an unmistakeable racing feeling in lounge-style surroundings. The interior is finished with Standard Piano Black interior trim strips.

Standard and Optional Features

Standard features include an aerodynamic kit, a DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system that also comprises of DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) mode, a Sport Button on the centre console which allows the driver to tweak the engine’s responses, soundtrack and power assistance provided by the steering.

Optional features include an automatic Steptronic function, 19-inch light-alloy wheels in Cross-Spoke Crusher design and exclusive Chili Red trim consisting of red elements for the cockpit and doors and a red stripe for the black trim strips on the centre console and lounge leather sports seats in Carbon Black Championship Red.

The new MINI JCW Paceman will reach South Africa in June 2013.

Toyota Hilux gets new engine

The Toyota Hilux, South Africa’s most popular bakkie for 2012 will now benefit from a technologically advanced Variable Nozzle Turbo (VNT) engine. This engine, taken from the Toyota Fortuner 2.5, will find its home in the Hilux 2.5 D-4D Raised Body Raider Double Cab and will offer more power, better fuel economy and refinement.

New Toyota Hilux VNT engine

The new Variable Nozzle Turbo (VNT) engine fitted in the Hilux 2.5 D4D Raider Double Cab will now produce 106kW compared to the previous 75kW with a maximum torque figure of 343Nm compared to the previous 260Nm. This new power unit is only mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.

In addition to this new engine, all Toyota Hilux Raider models including the Xtra Cab SRX are now offered with electronically retractable exterior mirrors and manual headlamp levelling.

Toyota Hilux – Price

Toyota Hilux Raider 2.5 D-4D Double Cab – R358 000??

This model comes with a standard 5-year/90 000km service plan.

Toyota Fortuner range gets automatic?

The Toyota Fortuner range now includes an ‘entry-level’ automatic variant. The new Fortuner 2.5 D-4D automatic slots in just above the 2.5 D-4D manual which is the cheapest entry point for Fortuner ownership.

New Toyota Fortuner range includes D-4D Automatic

The Toyota Fortuner 2.5 D-4D VNT automatic delivers 106kW from its four-cylinder engine and produces 343Nm of torque. The 4-speed automatic transmission offers smooth power transfer from a low rev range with maximum torque available from 1 600rpm while peak power can be reached at 3 400rpm.

The Toyota Fortuner is the best selling privately bought SUV vehicle in South Africa and can seat up to seven passengers and has an 80-litre fuel tank which is beneficial on longer journeys.

Toyota Fortuner – Price

Toyota Fortuner 2.5 D-4D Raised Body A/T – R350 400??

A 5-year/90 000km service plan is include in the price.

South Africas most popular new cars for 2012


The year of 2012 has been an exciting year for the South African automotive industry. Despite global and local economic woes, the automotive industry experienced moderate growth in 2012 and according to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA), the industry is on track to achieve approximately 10% growth in 2012.

A total of 603 642 new vehicles have been sold in South Africa up to the end of November 2012 which is an increase of 8.5% compared to 2011. Here are the top 5 best selling vehicles in South Africa for 2012. The results exclude sales figures for December 2012 and the best selling vehicles in the passenger and Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segments are considered.

South Africa’s best selling new cars for 2012

1. Volkswagen Polo Vivo – 32 726 units



The VW Polo Vivo is South Africa’s most popular new car for 2012. The VW Polo Vivo has sold consistently well throughout 2012 with its best selling month being August 2012 with 3 714 units sold. The Polo Vivo’s success can be largely attributed to consumer confidence in the Volkswagen brand and because the Polo Vivo is a well rounded, well priced offering aimed at the entry-level car market. 



The VW Polo Vivo is available as either a hatchback or sedan with a variety of engine options ranging from between 55kW and 77kW. Depending on the model, prices range from R108 300 for the 1.4-litre 2-door hatchback and R154 700 for the 1.6 Trendline sedan.
 


2. Toyota Hilux – 31 687 units



Close on the heels of the Polo Vivo is the ever popular Toyota Hilux which like the Vivo, has sold considerably well throughout 2012, with its best selling month being February 2012 with 3 384 units sold. Not only is the Hilux one of South Africa’s best selling cars for 2012, it’s also the biggest seller in the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segment, making it South Africa’s most popular bakkie. 



The Toyota Hilux is available in three body styles namely Single Cab, Xtra Cab and Double Cab. A wide variety of engine options are available and prices range from R182 800 to R466 300, depending on the model. 



3. Volkswagen Polo – 26 360 units



The VW Polo is one of South Africa’s best selling passenger cars for 2012 with its best selling month being October 2012 with 2 883 units sold. Like the Vivo, the Polo is a well equipped and reasonably priced option for new car buyers in South Africa. The VW Polo is also offered as either a hatchback or sedan and prices start from R157 000 for the 1.4-litre Trendline to the top-of-the-range Polo GTI which is priced at R274 900.

4. Chevrolet Utility – 17 927 units



Much further down the pecking order is Chevrolet’s prize fighter, the Utility, which sold relatively well throughout 2012 with its best month being May 2012 with 1 898 units sold. Not only is the Chevrolet Utility one of the top sellers in the LCV segment, it’s also Chevrolet’s best selling vehicle in South Africa.



The Chevrolet Utility is available in three well equipped models offering both petrol and diesel options. Prices range from R119 900 for the Utility Base model to R142 700 for the Utility Club and R166 500 for the higher spec Utility Sport model.



5. Nissan NP200 – 16 990 units



Like the Chevrolet Utility, Nissan’s most popular workhorse, the NP200, has sold relatively well for the duration of 2012 with its best selling month being March 2012 with 1 829 units sold. The NP200 is also Nissan’s best selling vehicle in South Africa for 2012.



The Nissan NP200 is available with a choice of five petrol variants powered by either an 8-valve 1.6-litre engine (64kW) or a 16-valve 1.6-litre petrol engine (77kW). Prices for the NP200 start at R119 450 for the 8V 1.6 Base model and R168 050 for the 16V 1.6 High model.







Live Brilliant with the Hyundai i30 1.8 GLS

What does the Hyundai Elantra 1.8 GLS and the Hyundai i30 1.8 GLS have in common? Firstly, both models are powered by the same 1.8-litre petrol engine. Secondly, the Hyundai Elantra 1.8 GLS was voted as the 2012 South African Car of the Year while the Hyundai i30 1.8 GLS has been nominated as a finalist for the 2013 South African Car of Year. Let’s take a closer look at what makes the Hyundai i30 1.8 GLS a strong contender to be the 2013 South African Car of the Year.

Hyundai i30 goes all the way

Engine Capability

The Hyundai i30 1.8 GLS is powered by a 1.8-litre petrol engine that produces 110kW at 6 500rpm with a maximum torque figure of 178Nm available from 4 700rpm. This unit is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. The i30 1.8 GLS returns a fuel consumption figure of 6.5-litres/100km and has a CO2 emissions figure of 157g/km. The Hyundai i30 will accelerate to 100km/h in 9.7 seconds and go on to reach a top speed of 190km/h.

??Exterior and Interior Styling Features??

The Hyundai i30 1.8 GLS follows Hyundai’s ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ design philosophy that’s defined by the hexagonal shaped grille and dynamic body lines running the length of the vehicle. The jewel-like headlights compliment the hexagonal grille and give the i30 1.8 GLS a refined and luxurious look. The Hyundai i30 1.8 GLS rides on sporty 17-inch alloys wheels.

On the inside, the Hyundai i30 1.8 GLS utilises black partial-leather seat upholstery while the accelerator, brake and clutch pedal are made from aluminium. The Radio/CD/MP3 sound system features four speakers and two tweeters and includes AUX, iPod and USB connections. An on-board computer monitors average fuel consumption, average speed, distance to empty and features a trip meter. Dual Zone Climate Control is a standard feature. Cargo capacity is at 378-litres with the rear seats folded up, representing an increase of 10% compared to the first-generation i30.

Safety Features

The Hyundai i30 1.8 GLS is fitted with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM). Other safety features include driver and passenger airbags including side and curtain airbags. Front and rear fog lights are fitted as standard as well as a high-mounted stop light in the rear boot spoiler. The i30 1.8 GLS also features central locking, an alarm system and a Transponder immobiliser.

Hyundai i30 – Price

Model Price
Hyundai i30 1.6 Premium R229 900
Hyundai i30 1.6 Premium A/T R243 900
Hyundai i30 1.8 GLS R249 900

The Hyundai i30 is covered by a 5-year/150 000km warranty, a 5-year/150 000km anti-perforation warranty, 5-year/150 000km roadside assistance and a 5-year/90 000km service plan with service intervals at 15 000km.

New BMW M6 Gran Coupe coming to South Africa in 2013

The re-invented four-door BMW M6 Gran Coupe which is a third body variant of the BMW M6 high-performance sports car is expected to grace South African shores in 2013 and will feature ‘customary M performance characteristics and extra helpings of luxury and aesthetic appeal’, according to BMW. The BMW M6 Gran Coupe will stand alongside the existing Coupe and Convertible models in the line-up.

New BMW M6 Gran Coupe delivers power

The new BMW M6 Gran Coupe is fitted with a high revving 4.4-litre V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo Technology that produces 412kW at 7200rpm with a maximum torque figure of 680Nm available between 6 000 and 7 000rpm. This powerful engine is mated to a 7-speed M Double Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic.

The BMW M6 Gran Coupe maintains a top speed of 250km/h and can accelerate to 100km/h in a time of 4.2 seconds. Average fuel consumption stands at 9.9-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 232g/km.

Stylish exterior design for new BMW M6 Gran Coupe

The exterior of the new BMW M6 Gran Coupe exposes a 113mm longer wheelbase, a Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) roof panel, painted brake callipers, 20-inch M light-alloy wheels in double spoke design and automatically dimming rear-view and exterior mirrors. The front-end of the car features optional Adaptive LED Headlights and an M kidney grille which was designed especially for this model.

Underlying the car’s distinctive appearance are twin exhaust tailpipes which are positioned on the outer edges of the rear apron. A diffuser that is made from Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) optimises airflow with the car’s underbody.

BMW M6 Gran Coupe boasts luxury interior

On the inside, the new BMW M6 Gran Coupe features an anthracite-coloured Alcantara roof liner that provides an eye catching feature, a three-spoke steering wheel, well bolstered Merino leather wrapped seats with integral belt guides with stitching that emphasises the segments of the seats as well as an M logo embossed into the shoulder area.

The rear bench offers two or three seats with backrests that can split and fold down increasing the boot capacity from 460 litres to 1 265 litres. The BMW Professional sound system will also be included.

Safety features? abound in M6 Gran Coupe

The BMW M6 Gran Coupe is equipped with High Beam Assistant, Park Distance Control, a rear-view camera, Surround View ,Top View and Side View, BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition, Head-Up Display, Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning including Collision Warning, Speed Limit Information with No Passing Information and Advanced eCall.

The BMW M6 Gran Coupe will go on sale in South Africa in the second quarter of 2013.

Mercedes-Benz sales summary for 2012

Mercedes-Benz launched a wide range of new vehicles onto the South African market in 2012. Mercedes-Benz sales were consistent over the duration of 2012 with total sales, including commercial sales, amounting to 28 142 units from January to November 2012 with a market share of 4%. Mercedes-Benz is currently ranked 6th as South Africa’s best selling brand for 2012. Here are the new model introductions from Mercedes-Benz for the year as well as a look at what you can expect from Mercedes-Benz in 2013.

Mercedes-Benz new model introductions for 2012

Month New model that was introduced
March Mercedes-Benz launches new B-Class in South Africa
April Mercedes-Benz launches new SLK 55 AMG in South Africa
Mercedes-Benz G-Class returns to South Africa
June Mercedes-Benz launches new M-Class in South Africa
Mercedes-Benz launches C 63 AMG Black Coupé Series in South Africa
September Mercedes-Benz launches CLS 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY in South Africa
Mercedes-Benz launches new SL range in South Africa
November Mercedes Benz G Class gets makeover and new models
December Mercedes-Benz launches CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake in South Africa

Mercedes-Benz: Looking forward to 2013

Mercedes-Benz will launch its new GL Class in South Africa early in the year which will be followed by the introduction of the A-Class. Later in the year, you can expect the E-Class to receive a significant facelift with the new S-Class planned for introduction towards the end of 2013.

Best Selling Car Brands In South Africa for 2012??

According to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA) a total of 603 642 new vehicles were sold in South Africa up to the end of November 2012 with growth of 10% expected for the year. The new passenger car market experienced 405 349 sales from January to November 2012 while the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segment generated 144 965 sales. South Africa’s three most popular car brands for 2012 are as follows.

South Africa’s best selling car brands for 2012

Toyota – 112 215 units

Toyota is South Africa’s most popular car brand for 2012. Toyota experienced consistent sales figures throughout the year with August yielding the most sales with 12 220 units sold. Toyota’s success is largely due to its dominance in the LCV segment and impressive sales in the passenger car segment. Toyota’s best selling vehicle is the Toyota Hilux which has sold more than 31 687 units between January and November 2012.

Toyota – Best selling models for 2012?

Model Sales: Jan-Nov 2012
1. Toyota Hilux 31 687
2. Toyota Corolla 15 839
3. Toyota Etios 13 229
4. Toyota Quantum 12 082
5. Toyota Fortuner 11 025

?2. Volkswagen – 100 533??

Volkswagen can be considered to be South Africa’s second most popular car brand for the year and much like Toyota, has sold very well throughout 2012. Volkswagen recorded its highest sales month in October 2012 with sales totalling 10 125 units. In the new passenger car segment, Volkswagen remains a firm favourite amongst South African car buyers and is the number one selling brand in this segment. Volkswagen’s best selling vehicle for 2012 is the Polo Vivo which sold a total of 32 726 units between January and November 2012.

Volkswagen – Best selling models for 2012

Model Sales: Jan-Nov 2012
1. Volkswagen Polo Vivo 32 726
2. Volkswagen Polo 26 360
3. Volkswagen Golf 6 460
4. Volkswagen Amarok 5 415
5. Audi A4 5 095

3. General Motors South Africa (GMSA) – 64 859

In distant third place, GMSA is South Africa’s third most popular car brand for 2012. GMSA posted its highest selling month in October 2012 with sales totalling 6 716 units. Although not quite in the same league as Toyota and Volkswagen in terms of sales, GMSA however sold consistently well throughout 2012. GMSA’s best selling model for 2012 was the Chevrolet Utility which sold a total of 17 927 units between January and November 2012.

GMSA – Best selling models for 2012

Model Sales: Jan – Nov 2012
1. Chevrolet Utility 17 927
2. Isuzu KB 12 386
3. Chevrolet Aveo 6 519
4. Chevrolet Spark 6 059
5. Chevrolet Sonic 5 941

Used Car Analysis for South Africa 2012

The new car market in South Africa is well documented, especially in terms of sales and market share. However, information regarding the used car market in South Africa is scarce. Used car statistics derived from Cars.co.za therefore provides a unique perspective on the used car market in South Africa.

In 2012, a total of 17 569 998 views were made on Cars.co.za between January and November 2012, offering valuable insight into the interests of the South African public towards used vehicles and used car brands.

Top 10 most popular used cars in South Africa for 2012

Make and Model Total Views Used Car Market Penetration %
1. VW Polo 1 104 375 6%
2. BMW 3-Series 839 852 4%
3. VW Golf 585 606 3%
4. Toyota Corolla 499 493 2%
5. Mercedes-Benz C-Class 492 799 2%
6. VW Polo Vivo 485 289 2%
7. Audi A4 418 838 2%
8. Opel Corsa 360 485 2%
9. Toyota Hilux 359 120 2%
10. Toyota Yaris 357 558 2%

According to Cars.co.za, the VW Polo is South Africa’s favourite used car for 2012 with a used car market penetration percentage of 6%. This achievement can be attributed to the VW Polo’s affordability in the used car market and general consumer confidence in the Volkswagen brand. Not only is the VW Polo South Africa’s most popular used car, it’s also ranked third as South Africa’s most popular new car for 2012.

The BMW 3-Series claims a distant second place with a used car market penetration percentage of 4% and is BMW’s best selling new vehicle for 2012. Interestingly, South Africa’s best selling new car for 2012, the VW Polo Vivo, is ranked 6th in the used car market with a market penetration percentage of only 2%. Similarly, the Toyota Hilux, South Africa’s most popular new bakkie for 2012, is ranked 9th in the used car market with a market penetration percentage of 2%.

Top 5 most popular used car brands in South Africa for 2012

Used Car Brand Total Views Used Car Market Penetration % New Car Market Penetration %*
1. Volkswagen 3 426 174 19% 16%
2. Toyota 1 615 596 9% 18%
3. GMSA 1 229 743 6% 10%
4. BMW 1 216 288 6% 4%
5. Ford Motor Company 900 072 5% 7%

* According to official NAAMSA sales figures for 2012

Volkswagen is South Africa’s most popular used car brand for 2012 with a used car market penetration percentage of 19%. When compared to the new car market where Volkswagen holds 16%, it’s evident that the German automaker has a firm footing in the used car market in South Africa. In the new car market, Volkswagen is South Africa’s second most popular car brand.

Toyota on the other hand, only has a 9% used car market penetration compared to 18% in the new car market where it’s South Africa’s most popular car brand for 2012. Like Toyota, GMSA (10%) and Ford (7%) have a larger presence in the new car market when compared to the used car market. BMW, like Volkswagen, has a larger reach in the used car market with a penetration percentage of 6%.

Cars.co.za will continue to monitor and collate used car statistics in 2013 with an emphasis on expanding existing knowledge of the used car market in South Africa.

Volkswagen Polo R WRC Street revealed

The Volkswagen Polo R WRC rally car was revealed in Monaco recently, heralding a new era in motorsport for Volkswagen. Volkswagen also shed light on its exciting street version of the rally racer, the Polo R WRC Street.

Volkswagen Polo R WRC Street – Features

The Volkswagen Polo R WRC Street is a production version of the Polo R WRC rally car and is powered by a 2.0-litre TSI engine that generates 162kW and 350Nm of torque. This power translates into 0-100km/h acceleration in 6.4 seconds while reaching a top speed of 243km/h. A short-shift 6-speed manual transmission drives the front wheels.

The exterior design features a white paint exterior with blue and grey stripes which pays tribute to the Polo R WRC rally car’s racing genes and is fitted with WRC-style bumpers. The Polo R WRC Street rides on 18-alloy wheels. On the inside, the seats features WRC-badged seat covers, an Alcantara wrapped steering wheel, racing-style pedals and a black roof liner.

The Polo R WRC Street will be limited to 2 500 units and orders for the Polo R WRC Street begin in December 2012 with first deliveries expected in September 2013. The VW Polo R WRC Street will unfortunately not be available in South Africa.