Most popular new cars in South Africa

New vehicle sales for April 2013 continued to reflect improved demand. This is according to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA) which also confirmed that 34 346 new cars were sold in April 2013. This represents an improvement of 16.4% compared to the 29 516 new cars sold in April last year. Here are the top five best-selling new cars in South Africa for March 2013.

1. Toyota Hilux – 3 227 units

Once again South Africa’s most popular bakkie is at the top, selling a total of 3 227 units. The Toyota Hilux is available in three body styles including the Single Cab, Xtra Cab and Double Cab. Prices range from R186 700 to R475 900, depending on the model.

2. Volkswagen Polo Vivo – 2 762 units

Strengthening its top position in the passenger car market is the Polo Vivo. Having been very popular in 2012, the Vivo continues to be the best selling new car in the passenger car segment. Depending on the model, prices range from R11 900 for the 1.4-litre 2-door hatchback and R158 500 for the 1.6 Trendline sedan.

3. Volkswagen Polo – 2 160 units

Following quite closely with 2 160 units sold, the Polo takes the third spot amongst South Africa’s most popular new cars. Starting price for the 1.4-litre 2-door hatchback is R111 900 while the 1.6-litre Trendline sedan is available from R158 500.

4. Ford Ranger – 1 787 units

The Ford Ranger continued to show large demand in South Africa off last month’s all-time record sales with 1 787 units sold, the second-best month for Ranger sales since its launch. It also won the 2013 International Pick-Up Award and has been praised for its engine line-up, payload capacity, towing capacity, safety and performance both on and off the road. Prices range from R174 000 for the single cab, from R228 000 for the supercab, and from R259 400 for the double cab.

5. Chevrolet Utility – 1 628 units

The Chevrolet Utility dominated the sub-1 ton LCV market with 1 628 units sold. In 2012 the Chevrolet Utility range was expanded to a total of ten models offering three new efficient diesel variants available in Base AC, Club and Sport trim levels. Starting price for the 1.3 diesel Club is R172 400 and R189 100 for the 1.3 diesel Sport.

Most popular new car brands in South Africa for April 2013

According to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa, a total of 50 920 new vehicles were sold in April 2013, representing a substantial increase when compared to April 2012 which was affected by the Easter holidays. Here is a breakdown of the best selling new car brands for April, as well as each brand’s top 5 selling vehicles.

Car Brand Volume Market Share
Toyota 9 896 19.4%
Volkswagen 9 342 18.3%
GMSA 5 110 10%

South Africa’s Top 3 selling new car brands

1. Toyota – 9 896 units

Toyota still maintains the title for South Africa’s best-selling car brand for April with a total market share of 19.4%. The brand sold well in both the passenger vehicle segment (4770 units) and in the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segment (4833 units). The best selling vehicles in the Toyota division include the Hilux bakkie which sold 3221 units, while the Toyota Etios proved to be popular in the passenger car segment with 1581 units sold.

Toyota top 5 selling new cars

Model April Sales (compared to March 2013)
Toyota Hilux 3 221 (3 637)
Toyota Etios 1 581 (1 736)
Toyota Quantum 1 354 (1 142)
Toyota Corolla/Auris 897 (1 224)
Toyota Fortuner 852 (993)

2. Volkswagen – 9 342 units

Volkswagen strengthened its leadership in the South African car passenger market in April 2013 and claims second place in the new vehicle sales rankings selling a total of 9342 units. The Polo Vivo and the Polo were the best selling vehicles for the Brand in April and remain popular choices among new car buyers.

Volkswagen top 5 selling new cars

Model April Sales (Compared to March 2013)
VW Polo Vivo 2 762 (2 939)
VW Polo 2 160 (2 596)
VW Amarok 589 (510)
VW Golf 7 551 (405)
VW Tiguan 538 (324)

3. GMSA – 5 110 units

GM South Africa accounted for 5110 of the total car sales with a market share of 10%. Within the GMSA range the Spark continued to attract buyers in the small car sector selling 433 units, remaining as one of the most popular vehicles in its class. The Chevrolet Utility dominated the Light Commercial segment with 1628 units while the recently launched Isuzu KB accounted for sales of 1047 units.

GMSA top 5 selling new cars

Model April Sales (Compared to March 2013)
Chevrolet Utility 1 628 (1 465)
Isuzu KB 1 047 (897)
Chevrolet Spark 474 (416)
Chevrolet Cruze 429 (382)
Chevrolet Aveo 325 (322)

Cars.co.za launches App for iPhone and iPad


Cars.co.za app
Cars.co.za is proud to announce the launch of our brand new App for iPhone and iPad!

The Cars.co.za App, which has been in development since 2012, plans to take car buying in South Africa to the next level, and comes with many groundbreaking features.

Cars.co.za App functionality

Powerful used car search

As the backbone of the Cars.co.za offering, the latest search technology has been incorporated into the Cars.co.za App’s used car search facility. The revamped search facility offers the following functionality:

  • Simple “Quick search” facility
  • Advanced search facility
  • Multiple criteria support
  • Comprehensive sorting options
  • Favourite tagging
  • Multiple images
  • Tilt for full screen images
  • Simple contact form

New cars support

The Cars.co.za App is one of the first Apps in South Africa to support new car buying. The App comes with a new car research tool, comprising of a full database of new cars available in South Africa. A list of new car specials is also available.

Latest motoring news

To complement our research tools, the Cars.co.za App also provides users with all the latest motoring news and reviews. Find out everything you need to know about your car of choice prior to purchase.

Other services and tools

The Cars.co.za App’s tools section includes a car finance calculator and insurance quote generators as supplementary services.

Download the Cars.co.za App now

South African iStore
United States iStore

Renault Clio 4 Expression Review

Allow me to start off this review with the announcement that my own car is a Renault Clio II and my parents have owned two other Renaults in the time I’ve been around. This means I personally have high hopes for this all-new Renault Clio 4 Expression and much is expected of it.

Renault Clio 4 Expression Review by David Taylor

Best-looking B-segment car

For starters it looks damn good. In this particular segment of the market, car buyers appear to be more concerned with reliability and satisfying the need for basic transportation than owning something which could be construed as fashionable and fun. Compared to average B-segment cars, the fourth generation Renault Clio is a work of art. With a big Renault diamond slapped into the middle of the front bumper which also features daytime running lights, the new Renault Clio 4 Expression looks rather aggressive from head on. The flame red paintjob also helped contribute to the Clio’s visual appeal.

Super-small engine is adequate

The all-new Renault Clio 4 Expression is powered by one of the smallest engines to see duty in a passenger car. It’s a 0.9-litre three cylinder with 66kW and 135Nm. Don’t be put off by the fact it’s not even a 1.0-litre as it has just enough grunt to match most of its 1.4 and 1.6 rivals. The upside of such a small engine is it’s supposed to be much lighter on fuel and it is, once you get the hang of driving it correctly. It also features start/stop technology to help save a bit of petrol while sitting at intersections.

The thing is, while it doesn’t feel under powered; you do need to give it a bit of a booting to keep up with traffic which will hurt the fuel consumption figure. If you do a lot of open road/highway driving, you’ll enjoy how the little Clio trundles along at the national speed limit while sipping around the 5L/100km mark. I had the car for a week and I drove on both urban and highway roads very gently and came away with 5.9L/100km. That said, if you drive it even slightly aggressively, you’ll see it climb to around 6.5L/100km.

Entertaining to drive

Clios are renowned for the way they drive. Even the entry level models are fun and involving, and the new one is no different. It feels quite sporty to drive and a few blasts down some twisty roads underlined the fact Renault is marketing this car as a fun and funky city runabout. The top-of-the-range Dynamique model rides on 17-inch alloys, whereas my test unit was the Expression version which features 16-inch wheels with higher profile rubber. On the launch I found the Dynamique was a little on the firm side for my liking, but the Expression with the smaller wheels is more pleasant. Look, it’s still firm and sporty but I like that in a hatchback.

Everything you’ll ever need comes fitted standard

The ace in Renault’s hand is the specification level of the new Clio. It’s well-and-truly loaded with everything you’ll ever need in a vehicle. I’ve seen cars costing double which don’t have as much in them. There’s cruise control with speed limiter, Bluetooth phone pairing, air conditioner, digital speedo, comprehensive trip computer, satnav, front and rear fog lamps, daytime running lights, LCD touchscreen infotainment system with MP3/USB/Aux radio and auto start/stop. There are also controls on and behind the steering wheel for cruise control and audio respectively. Renault is one of the safety-conscious brands and the new Clio receives a full whack of safety features too.

Renault Clio 4 Expression – Conclusion

Yes, I am impressed with how the new Clio turned out. It doesn’t have quite the same amount of go as its predecessors, but there are hotter versions on their way. The bottom line is I think Renault has done a terrific job here. There’s a desperate need for fun, affordable motoring and the Clio ticks the boxes. It has all the gadgets and toys you’ll ever need, yet won’t break the bank. I wouldn’t bother going for the top of the range Dynamique. Save yourself R10k and lose the low profile 17-inch wheels for a softer ride.

Based on the fact that three of my friends (one of them a motor journalist) have purchased Clio 4s shows I’m not the only one who thinks this car is great. I think we have a strong contender for a Car of The Year award…

Renault Clio 4 Expression – Price

Renault Clio 4 Expression – R169 900

  • Why you should: Best looking car in its class, supreme levels of specification, astounding value for money, a fun car to drive.
  • Why you shouldn’t: it’s not the fastest thing around, fuel efficient only when driven gently.
  • It would be better if: it had a proper key not the silly credit card thing.
  • View the Renault Clio: New / Used
  • Competitors worth checking out: Kia Rio, Chevrolet Sonic, Volkswagen Polo, Hyundai i20, Ford Fiesta, Honda Jazz

Chevrolet Spark celebrates first year of local production

General Motors South Africa’s (GMSA) locally-produced Chevrolet Spark celebrates its first year of South African production this month with five different and distinct models to choose from.

Chevrolet Spark is the small business solution vehicle

The Chevrolet Spark Pronto is fitted with a 1.2-litre petrol engine producing 60 kW of power and 108Nm of torque and is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. Fuel consumption is rated at 5.4-litres/100 km on the combined average cycle and CO2 emissions of 129 g/km.

The Chevrolet Spark Pronto is a perfect solution for small businesses, and serves as a practical and versatile city runabout. The Spark Pronto still features the same high levels of passenger comfort and safety as found in other Spark models, which include dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, power steering, remote central locking and air conditioning all available as standard.

“Thanks to the flexibility afforded to us due to the local manufacture of the ever-popular Chevrolet Spark, we have been able to tailor the local range and offer South Africans really unique options to suit their tastes. The new Spark Pronto fills a gap in the market where small businesses may not have been able to afford or require a bona fide bakkie like the Chevrolet Utility – now they can enjoy a purpose-built compact commercial vehicle which not only offers generous practicality but also comes with the verve offered by other Spark derivatives,” said Chevrolet Brand Manager, Tim Hendon.

Chevrolet Spark offers option for every need

Complementing the Spark Pronto and Campus models, the revised range consists of the new Spark, Spark LS and Spark LT derivatives. Each of these vehicles offer enhanced levels of specification and added allure.

The Chevrolet Spark range is further enhanced by the new premium look and feel of the LS and LT models, which continue along the strong lines created in the A-segment by the original Spark L and LS models.

The Spark LS features chrome detailing, 14-inch alloy wheels, electric front windows and mirrors, auto-locking doors and steering wheel-mounted audio controls. The range-topping Spark LT sports 15-inch alloy wheels, extra colour-coding on the body, electric windows at the rear, side airbags, rear parking sensors and an optional decal package.

Chevrolet Spark – Price

View the Chevrolet Spark

Chevrolet Spark Pronto R101 500
Chevrolet Spark Campus R106 100
New Chevrolet Spark R113 600
Chevrolet Spark LS R123 00
Chevrolet Spark LT R136 500

The comprehensive new Chevrolet Spark range comes standard with a 5-year/ 120 000 km warranty and comprehensive Roadside Assistance, as well as five years’ anti-corrosion cover. A service plan is available on all models as an optional extra on purchase.

Audi RS4 Avant Review

There are few cars on the market that offer the space and practicality of a station wagon while delivering genuine supercar performance. I would imagine owning an Audi RS4 Avant would be like having a personal assistant that will fetch the kids from school in record time, collect furniture and gardening equipment on the weekend and then casually enter a boxing tournament, defeating everyone while doing some light calculus between rounds. And also happens to be a lingerie model. The latest Avant from Audi is an extremely capable and beautiful machine. Here’s why.

Audi RS4 Avant review by Ciro De Siena

Engine Capability

The Audi RS4 Avant borrows the same naturally aspirated 4.2 litre V8 petrol engine from its coupe sibling, the RS5. Audi has decided to keep the RS4 free of superchargers and/or turbochargers, for enhanced driving experience. This is about as close to a racing engine for the road as Audi will sell you, and the feel of a naturally aspirated engine is sought after in this segment of the market. Additionally its closest rivals, the BMW M3 and Mercedes C63 AMG, both feature naturally breathing engines. There is no M3 wagon in SA, but there is a C63 AMG wagon available.

Redlining at a rather incredible 8500rpm, and providing 331kW and 430Nm, the Audi RS4 Avant is a little light on torque compared to the C63 AMG, but has more power than the outgoing M3. The moderate torque means you have to work the engine to get the most out of it.

However, the dual clutch gearbox (the only option on this model) is particularly talented at always being in the right gear for the conditions, especially in Sport mode, and rapid-fire flappy paddles are at your disposal for manual shifts. Downshifts are a particular highlight; the throttle is blipped on each shift (manual or auto) resulting in an angry but incredibly enjoyable bark from the exhausts.

Exterior Styling

Audi design has always been accused of being a little too subtle. The last RS4 looked the part, but felt a little shoulderless next to its rivals. The latest generation looks fantastic. Uniquely flared wheel arches give it an incredibly muscular stance, while also setting it apart from lesser Avants in the range. The car sits lower, and features a lower and unique front air dam, giving it a more aggressive head on appearance.

I personally love a station wagon’s appearance, and there is no wagon quite like the Audi RS4 Avant. The whole car emanates athleticism, even while it’s parked. Just staring at it feels like watching an Olympic athlete warming up for a race. With standard 19 inch rims or optional 20’s, the RS4 Avant manages to be as visually exciting as the driving experience it delivers.

Interior Styling

Interior styling is modern yet classic German sports saloon affair. The thick, flat-bottomed RS leather steering wheel has been carefully designed to instantly make you feel like you’re about to drive something quite special. The front seats are extremely sporting, making use of Audi’s one piece design philosophy, and decked out in an alcantara/leather combo, they look superb.
The centre console is perhaps a little dated now, but all controls have been refreshed and are well thought out and positioned.

Audi’s human interface system, MMI, is one of the easiest to use on the market, and owners will get to grips with it in no time at all.
The rear seats fold almost completely flat, resulting in massive load space. With the rear seats up, owners can easily fit all sorts of canines and/or luggage back there. The sound system is superb and should handle all the latest music devices, although they have done away with the traditional Aux jack. Audi’s WAN system turns your car into a WiFi hotspot; simply slip a SIM card into the dash the car turns into the world’s fastest internet café.

Safety Features

Featuring an array of airbags, the Audi RS4 Avant also features new Sideguard© technology, which deploys head and torso level airbags in side-impact collisions. The vehicle features Anti slip regulation, ABS and EBD, to manage traction at all speeds and in all conditions. On each outer rear seat, ISOFix child seat anchors are standard. The performance braking system is designed to handle frequent heavy use.

Driving Capability

There are faster cars on the market than the Audi RS4 Avant, but they either say Porsche on the back or feature a prancing horse on the front. There’s not much out there that would run away from an RS4, and it’s for one fairly simple reason, the way this car corners defies both the laws of physics and the law of the land. To get anywhere near the limit, you have to be brave and throw the car into corners at silly speeds. Very few cars provide this level of confidence to the average driver, and in the real world on real roads, I would say the RS4 is one of the quickest cars money can buy.

That high revving V8 provides a constant soundtrack of angry bellows, sporting snorts and barking downshifts. Pushing the engine to the red line in every gear is guaranteed to provide goosebumps every time; just ensure that you have a lot of road ahead of you. 0 – 100km/h takes just 4.7 seconds, and the next 100km/h doesn’t take much longer than that.

The speed is intoxicating and much like when you’re having fun and accidentally run up a massive tab at the bar, enjoying yourself in the Audi will hurt your wallet. On one particularly quick run the car averaged 20.6 litres/100km – that’s Range Rover territory. Behaving and locking in Eco-mode will help achieve its claimed figures, but in a car with this much power, Eco-mode feels very boring indeed.

The Audi RS4 Avant – Conclusion

Driving the Audi RS4 Avant makes you feel like you can accomplish anything. The car offers equal parts practicality and genuine supercar performance, at a fraction of the price of a supercar. In that sense it’s a bargain. In fact the only thing wrong with the Audi RS4 Avant is that it is so capable, it doesn’t provide any drama until you are at aeroplane speeds. If you want a hairier and scarier drive, look to its rivals. But if you want comfort, safety, performance and real world pace, this is a very unique proposition from the four ringed brand.

Audi RS4 Avant – Price

Audi RS4 Avant – R875 500

  • Emissions tax: Approximately R17 500
  • View the Audi RS4: New / Used
  • Competitors worth checking out:
    • BMW M3 (No wagon available) –
      Similar power, RWD, more drama. Same sort of lunatic V8.
      R882,000
    • Mercedes Benz C63 AMG (wagon available): Old-school V8 brute. Don’t ever turn the traction control off. Laugh-a-minute motoring.
      R908,893
  • Likes:
    • Intoxicating power, high revving V8 makes you feel like you’re participating in Le Mans. Excellent gearbox with supercar-like downshifts
    • Practicality, interior space
    • Looks and design – there’s no cooler wagon on earth
  • Dislikes:
    • Fuel consumption


CO2 Emissions249 g/km
Audi RS4 Avant – Quick Specs
Engine 4.2 litre petrol V8 naturally aspirated
Transmission S-Tronic dual clutch
Power Output 331kW
Torque 430Nm
Fuel Efficiency 10.7 litres/100km (claimed)
0 – 100km/h 4.7 seconds
Top Speed 250km/h limited

 

 

Mercedes-Benz GL Class available in three variants

The new Mercedes-Benz GL Class is now available in three high performance variants, setting new standards in comfort, dynamics, safety, and elegance in the SUV world.

Mercedes-Benz GL Class offers three powerful engines

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL Class features a range of engines including the V6 350 BlueTEC, the 500 BlueEfficiency and the 63 AMG. All these engines are mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission.

The 350 six cylinder BlueTEC engine delivers 190kw of power at 360 rpm and 620Nm of torque from 1600-2400 rpm. Acceleration from 0-100km/h takes just 7.9 seconds reaching a top speed of 220km/h.

Fuel consumption is rated at 7.4 to 8.0-litres/100km with an emissions figure of 209g/km.

The V8 500 BlueEfficiency produces 320kW at 5250rpm and a torque figure of 700Nm from 1800-3500Nm. It sprints from 0-100km/h in 5.4 seconds and has a limited top speed of 250km/h.

Fuel consumption is rated at 11.4 litres/100km with CO2 emissions of 269g/100km.

The AMG 5.5 V8 biturbo produces 410kW of power and a maximum torque figure of 760Nm. Acceleration from 0-100km/h takes just 4.9 seconds, reaching an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.

Fuel consumption is rated at 12.3 litres/100km with CO2 emissions of 288g/km.

The GL will also be offered in six driving modes: Comfort, Auto, Off-road 1 (light off-road terrain and sand), and Offroad 2 (tough off-road and climbing), Winter and Sport.

Exterior Styling Features

On the outside, the front design is dominated by the GL’s typically upright radiator grille with its central star and the clear high-quality design of the headlamps.

The Intelligent Light System headlamps across the range, give a high quality exclusive and innovative impression. The well balanced proportions of the side view, and the long wheelbase also show-off the vehicles on-road emphasis. These details further emphasise the GL-Class as a typical member of the Mercedes Benz SUV family. The daytime running lamps also in LED technology are integrated in a chrome clasp in the bumper and underneath the radiator grille. The large under-body panel also in chrome look, rounds off the self-confident appearance of the front.

Completing the appearance of the full size SUV are the two-piece LED rear lamps which use light wave technology, a large roof spoiler, the bumper with its modern ‘wing design’ and the large chromed area of the under-body panel.

Interior Styling Features

The elegant interior is fitted with high quality materials, including wood or aluminium as well as controls covered in silver-chrome and upholstery in high quality leather. The seating offers plenty of space for seven passengers in a 2-3-2 layout. As a standard feature, the third row of seats can be folded down and up electrically.

As a first for a series SUV model, Mercedes Benz is offering an optional Bang & Olufsen sound system for the GL 63 AMG.

Safety Features

Safety features for the Mercedes-Benz GL Class include adaptable two-stage airbags for the driver and front passenger, driver knee bags, side bags for both front passenger and driver and window bags for all three rows of seats.

For better visibility, the GL is equipped with Bi-Xenon headlamps with Intelligent Light System and new off-road light, adaptive Main Beam Assist or adaptive Night View Assist plus. The optional 360 degree camera is fitted with four cameras which calculate a bird’s eye view of the vehicle and its surrounding area and then relays it together with other views to the large Comand display.

Additionally there are 3 point seat belts for all seven seats. As part of the standard package, there are pyrotechnical inertia reel tensioners and constant belt force-limiters as well as electrically reversible belt reel-in tensioners at the front.

Mercedes-Benz GL Class – Price

View the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC R 966 246
GL 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY R1 106 859
GL 63 AMG R1 669 636

Land Rover LXV celebrates 65 years of technology

The Land Rover LXV Special Edition will debut at the original testing ground for Land Rover, where around 150 heritage vehicles will attend the celebratory event.

Land Rover LXV Special Edtion – Features

Derived from the iconic Land Rover Defender, the LXV will be available in five different body styles. It will be equipped with a 2.2-litre diesel engine and 6-speed manual transmission producing 90kW of power at 3500 rpm and 360Nm of torque at 2000 rpm.

Striking exterior features of the Land Rover LXV will include 16-inch Sawtooth alloy wheels that come in Santorini Black or Fuji White, a contrasting Corris Grey roof, grille and headlight surrounds and facia.

The interior will feature exclusive full leather seats with LXV embossed front headrests and unique orange contrast stitching on the seats. The steering wheel and centre cubby compartment complement exterior LXV decals, with an optional union flag decal that can be located on the rear of the vehicle.

Celebrating 65 years of proud heritage

The celebratory event will take place at Packington Estate which was the original testing ground for the original 1947-48 Land Rover prototypes through to the Range Rover development vehicles of the late 1960’s and 70’s.

According to Land Rover, the desire to create a vehicle that will tackle any terrain has been at the forefront of the brand since the foundations were first sketched by automotive and aeronautical engineer Maurice Wilks.

Global Brand Director John Edwards said “Land Rover is celebrating proud heritage. It is in fact a dual celebration, as March saw Land Rover deliver the strongest ever monthly and quarterly sales performance in its history.”

The 150 heritage vehicles attending the event will showcase key milestones in Land Rover’s 65-year history. They will also show some 4×4 world firsts such as anti-lock brakes, adjustable air suspension, Electronic Traction control, Hill Descent Control, Terrain Response and Stop/Start technologies.

Edwards added “Since 1948, every component in our vehicles has been designed and engineered with intent and Land Rover continues to this day, to build the world’s most capable all-purpose vehicles. A blend of refinement, performance and unmatched all-terrain capability make Land Rover vehicles distinctive and unique, ready to tackle the world’s most challenging and inhospitable terrain.”

“The all-new Range Rover and Range Rover Sport are the result of unprecedented investment in technology, in engineering and in our manufacturing facilities to produce the world’s first SUVs with a lightweight aluminium body structure. Investing in innovation has always been the lifeblood of Land Rover and we will continue to develop innovative new technology and sustainable motoring solutions for the future, whilst retaining the class-leading and legendary breadth of capability that Land Rover’s heritage is built upon.”

Toyota Me.We Concept car revealed

The Toyota Me.We Concept car was created together with designer Jean-Marie Massaud to create the ‘anti-crisis’ vehicle  targeted at contemporary human, economic and environmental issues.

The mechanics behind the Toyota Me.We Concept

The Toyota Me.We Concept is electric powered, using the same in-wheel motors as the Toyota i-Road, with batteries located under the floor. This means the concept can be operated in two or four-wheel drive and can tackle rougher terrain without the weight penalty of a 4×4 transmission system.

Massaud and Toyota defined three primary aims for the concept; Pertinence, Synthesis and Modernity and this resulted in a car that reflects a quest for change in personal mobility.

Distinctive design features

The Toyota Me.We concept has a tubular aluminium structure covered in recyclable polypropylene body panels which weigh 14kg each. The overall weight of the car is 750kg which is 20 percent lighter than a regular steel supermini.

Inside, the Toyota Me.We is fitted with Bamboo floors for attractive designing and easy cleaning. Minimal entertainment features include a touchscreen oriented cockpit, a screen above the steering wheel that displays vehicle speed, battery charge, journey information and navigation instructions.

The heating and air conditioning are delivered by a low-energy air pump and electric seat heaters to minimise power consumption. To achieve a cabriolet-like open air feel, the windows and windscreen can be opened.

Cabin space is devoted to occupants, so luggage can be carried on the roof beneath a fold-out, weatherproof neoprene cover. The rear bench seat is mounted on the roof rails and can be stored under the front seats when not in use. It can also be removed to create a load compartment area just like in a van.

New Honda CR-Z now available in South Africa

Honda first unveiled the updated CR-Z hybrid hatchback at the Paris Motor Show with improved performance and fuel efficiency. In its updated version, the powerful new Honda CR-Z features desirable combinations of style, performance and driving pleasure.

New Honda CR-Z offers higher levels of enjoyment

Engine Capability

The new Honda CR-Z utilises a 1.5-litre petrol engine with Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (i-VTEC) that receives additional power from the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system’s DC brushless electric motor.

The IMA hybrid drivetrain combines the petrol engine to an electric motor and a battery pack. Together, these produce a total power output of 101kW and a torque figure of 190NM, with acceleration from 0-100km/h taking just 9 seconds.

Combined fuel consumption is rated at 5.2-litres/100km, with CO2 emissions of 124g/km.

Enhanced Design Features

The new Honda CR-Z features a host of subtle updates to the exterior styling and the interior execution. These include a new front bumper, a revised grille and a panoramic glass sunroof. Also, Honda’s sculpted wheel arches are fitted with new 17-inch-alloy wheels with a striking design that emphasizes the athletic character of the car. In addition, the CR-Z will be available in a new colour which is Premium Northern Lights Violet Pearl. The rear features a new and more aerodynamic diffuser.

Inside the cabin is a new interior colour scheme, leather fittings for the sculpted bucket seats and the door panel inserts which create a smart and sporty ambience. The door panel casings allow for extra storage space, while the cabin lighting makes use of LEDs. Standard features include Bluetooth, heated seats, rain sensing wipers and auto headlights.

“The 2013 Honda CR-Z further underscores Honda’s strength and innovation in the burgeoning hybrid car market,” says Graham Eagle, director of HSAF. “The additional output places even greater emphasis on the sporty hybrid’s dynamic prowess, with its impressively low emissions levels. “

In addition the keener styling and upgraded interior contribute to hybrid motoring package that is both compelling and entertaining to drive – proof that eco-friendly cars can be exciting and satisfying too,” Eagle adds.

New Honda CR-Z – Price

View the 2013 Honda CR-Z

Honda CR-Z – R332 800

The New Honda CR-Z will be available with a three-year/100 000 km warranty, a five-year/90 000 km service plan and a one-year AA roadside assistance package. Services are at 15 000 km intervals.