Volvo S60 Polestar Concept debuts at 2012 LA Auto Show

Volvo Cars Official Motorsport, in partnership with performance partner Polestar has developed the Volvo S60 Polestar Concept car which is currently being showcased at the LA Motor Show. The Volvo S60 Polestar Concept was built for one specific client, but a small series of Polestar modified S60’s may be built depending how it’s received by the market.

“The Volvo S60 Polestar Concept, is a car developed with our own preferences in mind which from experience we know are shared by a group of active drivers.” said Christian Dahl, founder and CEO of Polestar.

Volvo S60 Polestar Concept – Features and Specifications

Engine Capability?

The four-door Volvo S60 Polestar Concept was developed with the aim to combine a comfortable and genuine Volvo driving experience with a high level of power and handling. It is fitted with a turbocharged T6 inline six-cylinder engine designed to deliver a considerable increase in power and torque producing 379 kW at 6500rpm with a maximum torque figure of 575Nm and is mated to a manual 6-speed gearbox. Acceleration to 100km/h will take 3.9 seconds and the car will reach a top speed of more than 300km/h.

Interior and Exterior Styling Features?

On the inside, the Volvo S60 Polestar Concept features designed Alacantara sports seats with increased support and an Alcantara finished steering wheel and gear lever. The centre console has also been lowered for optimised gear-lever ergonomics.

The exterior of the Volvo S60 Polestar Concept features unique 19-inch alloy wheels, a quad performance 3.5-inch Ferrita stainless steel exhaust and a rear air diffuser and has a widened chassis, uprated brakes, Haldex four-wheel drive system and Ohlins 3-way shock absorbers.

Commenting on the driving experience of the Polestar, Robert Dahlgren, Volvo Polestar racing driver said, “To me the Volvo S60 is a very well sorted car from start. In our concept car we have developed chassis, engine and transmission just like we want it, and the result is a huge leap forward in terms of handling and performance. It is, by far, the most impressive street Volvo I’ve ever driven. But I must also say that the genuine Volvo feeling is still there.”

2014 Subaru Forester introduced at LA Motor Show

Subaru has lifted the wraps off its new 2014 Subaru Forester Crossover SUV at the 2012 LA Motor Show and can be expected in South Africa mid-2013. The new Forester features a new, bolder exterior design and a more spacious interior, while its performance and fuel economy has also been improved.

2014 Subaru Forester – Specifications and Features

??Engine Capability??

The new 2014 Subaru Forester will be fitted with either a 2.0-litre BOXER engine or a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre BOXER engine. The 2.0-litre, direct-injection turbocharged engine produces 186kW while the 2.5-litre engine produces 127kW. All new Forester models will also be equipped with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard.

The 2.5i model with Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) will achieve a combined fuel consumption figure of 8.7-litres/100km. The 2.5i model is also available with a new 6-speed manual transmission in addition to the CVT. For the 2.0-litre models, a high-torque version of the CVT is standard and features a 6-speed and 8-speed manual shift mode with steering wheel paddle switches.

?Exterior and Interior Styling Features

The exterior design of the 2014 Subaru Forester has been revised to include a sporty front bumper and a one-piece mesh-style grille with chrome-rimmed fog-light bezels. Being larger than the outgoing model, the new Forester offers more space for passengers, particularly in the rear seat area. The 2014 Subaru Forester is available with a touch screen navigation system that offers smartphone integration with Aha smartphone integration features. The navigation system and a 440W Harmon Kardon audio system is standard on the Touring models.

New Features

New features for the 2014 Subaru Forester includes a rear vision camera, colour multi-function display, power rear tailgate, Keyless Access and Start and EyeSight driver assist system which integrates Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking and Vehicle Lane Departure Warning using a stereo camera. All 2014 Subaru Forester models also include anti-whiplash front seats, a driver’s knee airbag, Brake Overide and an impact-sensing fuel system cutoff.

New Honda Brio unleashed in South Africa

The new Honda Brio hatchback has been launched in South Africa and offers a wide range of features and likable styling, at an affordable price. The India-built Honda Brio is available as the 1.2 Comfort and can be had with a choice of either a manual or automatic transmission.

New Honda Brio is dynamite in a small package

Engine Capability

The new Honda Brio hatchback is fitted with a 1.2-litre SOHC i-VTEC, 16-valve engine that develops 65kW at 6 000rpm with a maximum torque figure of 109Nm available from 4 500rpm. The Brio exhibits a combined fuel consumption figure of 5.6-litres/100km in 5-speed manual guise and 6.3-litres/100km with the 5-speed automatic transmission. CO2 emissions are rated at 133g/km and 150g/km for the manual and automatic respectively. The new Honda Brio will accelerate to 100km/h in 12.2 seconds with the manual and 14.7 seconds with the automatic transmission.

Exterior Styling

The exterior features a front chrome grille with a trademark double triangle which adds to its appeal. Character lines give the new Honda Brio a streamlined look while the rear-end features a glass tailgate which increases rear-view visibility and rear combination lamps merge with the rear hatch for a composite look. The Brio rides on 14-inch steel rims and a full-size spare wheel is also included.

Interior Styling

On the inside, the new Honda Brio features a sporty three-spoke steering wheel with mounted controls for the USB/AUX/MP3 audio system. The dual tone dashboard features chrome and silver accents while the steering wheel is tilt adjustable. The side mirrors are electrically adjustable and manual air-conditioning is also included. Storage options include a glove box, five cup holders, rear shelf and seat back pockets.

Safety Features

The new Honda Brio is equipped with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) as standard. The driver is protected with an intelligent SRS airbag and the seatbelts feature an automatic pre-tensioning system. Remote central locking and immobiliser add to the safety level of the Brio.

New Honda Brio – Price

Honda Brio 1.2 Comfort M/T R119 800
Honda Brio 1.2 Comfort A/T R129 800

Top 5 selling new cars in South Africa for November 2012

In November 2012, a total of 36 686 new passenger cars were sold in South Africa with Volkswagen holding majority of the market share in the passenger segment. However, in the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segment, a total of 13 949 units were sold in November with Toyota claiming the majority market share. The top five selling new vehicles across both segments are as follows.

1. Toyota Hilux – 3 100 units



South Africa’s favourite bakkie performed exceedingly well in November 2012, moving up into first place from fourth place in October 2012. The Hilux sold 817 units more compared to October 2012. 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. 



2. Volkswagen Polo Vivo – 2 697 units



The VW Polo Vivo moved into second place as South Africa’s best selling new car in November 2012 and sold 644 units less compared to October 2012. However, the VW Polo Vivo remains the best selling passenger car in South Africa for November. The Polo Vivo is offered as either a hatchback or sedan with various engine options available with power outputs ranging 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.



3. VW Polo – 2 376 units

The VW Polo remains to be a popular choice for new car buyers but has moved from second place in October to third place in November 2012. The VW Polo sold 457 units less compared to October 2012 but has however sold consistently well throughout 2012. 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. Toyota Etios – 2 132 units

Since its launch in South Africa earlier in 2012, the Toyota Etios has been making waves in the new passenger car market and has proven to be a popular choice for entry-level car buyers. In November, the Etios sold 493 units less compared to October 2012 and moved from third place into fourth place in the sales rankings. The Etios is available as either a hatchback or sedan in two trim levels and prices start from R115 800 for the 1.5-litre Xi and R120 900 for the 1.5-litre Xs. The 1.5-litre Xi sedan sells for R121 800 while the 1.5-litre Xs sedan is priced at R126 600.



5. Chevrolet Utility – 1 667 units



The Chevrolet Utility maintains its position as South Africa’s fifth best selling vehicle. In November 2012, the Utility sold only 96 units less compared to October with its closest competitor being the Ford Ranger with 1 662 units sold. The Chevrolet Utility is available in three well equipped models with engine options including a 1.4-litre and a 1.8-litre petrol engine as well as a 1.3-litre diesel engine. 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. 



Click the link to view the Top 5 Selling New Cars in South Africa for October 2012

2014 Jaguar XFR-S Unleashed in LA

The 2014 Jaguar XFR-S, the fastest and most powerful Jaguar sedan ever, has been revealed at the LA Motor Show and is the second model in Jaguar’s ultra-high performance R-S range, following the XKR-S.

“Sporting character is evident in all Jaguar sedans. In the XFR-S that character has been amplified, the result being a truly engaging car with a combination of technical innovation, assertive design and staggering performance that will satisfy the most demanding of drivers,” said Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar.

2014 ??Jaguar XFR-S takes performance to a new level

??Engine Capability??

The 2014 Jaguar XFR-S sedan is fitted with a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine that produces 410kW with a maximum torque figure of 680Nm. These performance figures are made possible through revisions made to the engine management system and improvements made to the air intake and exhaust flow. Acceleration to 100km/h will take 4.6-seconds and the XFR-S will reach an electronically limited top track speed of 300km/h. This powerful engine is mated to a ZF 8-speed Quickshift automatic transmission.

Combined fuel consumption is rated at 13.0-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 270g/km. The 2014 Jaguar XFR-S is also equipped with an Intelligent Stop/Start system.

Exterior Styling Features

The 2014 Jaguar XFR-S features an uprated suspension system than delivers enhanced driving dynamics. The XFR-S rides on lightweight, forged 20-inch Varuna alloy wheels and features a new deeper front bumper that incorporates the lower central (carbon fibre) and side air intakes. Carbon fibre is also used for the front splitter at the lower edge of the bumper. Extended sills and aero blade mouldings are seen behind the front and rear wheels and enhance airflow.

The rear-end features an extended rear bumper that incorporates a central, carbon fibre diffuser that helps reduce lift. A rear spoiler manages airflow from the top of the vehicle. Two spoiler designs are available and the combined result of the bodywork revisions has resulted in a 68% reduction in overall lift.

Five exterior colours are available including French Racing Blue, Ultimate Black, Stratus Grey, Polaris White and Italian Racing Red.

Interior Styling Features

Various materials are used in the interior and these include carbon leather on the seat bolsters, and armrests while the fascia is finished in dark mesh aluminium. Contrasting colour stitching and micro piping adds a unique touch to the already sporty interior and can be matched to the exterior paint scheme.

The 2014 Jaguar XFR-S also features Warm Charcoal leather trim on the seats and doors. The seats are embossed with the R-S logo and can be finished with a choice of red, blue or ivory micro piping and contrasting stitching. The XFR-S is also fitted with an 825W, 18-speaker Meridian Surround Sound System that uses the proprietary Meridian Trifield System to place every occupant at the centre of the focussed surround-sound area.

Only 100 units will be made available in the US and it’s unclear whether the 2014 Jaguar XFR-S will be available in South Africa.

South African new car sales for November 2012

The National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA) has released South African vehicle sales for the month of November 2012. According to NAAMSA, November reflected another solid performance compared to November 2011, with an improvement of 7.3%. Total domestic sales for the eleven months of 2012 remained 9.8% ahead compared to the corresponding eleven months of 2012.

South African new vehicle sales summary for November 2012

  • Total November sales – 53 134 units (October 2012 – 57 845 units).
  • November sales down by 8% or 4 711 units compared to October 2012.
  • Year-To-Date sales 9.8% ahead compared to 2011.
  • November sales 7.3% or 3 636 units up compared to November 2011.
  • November export sales up by 8 088 units or 39.5%.
  • Total November new car sales – 36 686 units.
  • November new car sales down by 11.9% compared to October 2012.
  • November new car sales up by 3 615 units or 10.9% compared to November 2011.
  • Year-To-Date new car sales 11.6% ahead compared to 2011.

Despite signs of weakness in the economy, the South African automotive sector continues to show positive growth. Domestic sales were still supported by low interest rates, strong replacement demand, a competitive trading environment, attractive incentives and new model introductions. In terms of aggregate domestic sales, the automotive industry remained on track during 2012 for growth of around 10%.

Negative factors that could affect the industry in the medium term include a slow down in the economy, rising inflationary pressures and the weakness of the exchange rate. NAAMSA predicts that the modest new vehicle price increases experienced over the past two years might not be sustainable going forward and the industry can expect modest growth of between 6% and 8% in 2013.

Top 5 selling new vehicles – November 2012











Model Units Sold Compared to Oct ’12 Position change
1. Toyota Hilux 3 100 &#9650 817 &#9650 3
2. VW Polo Vivo 2 697 &#9660 644 &#9660 1
3. VW Polo 2 376 &#9660 457 &#9660 1
4. Toyota Etios 2 132 &#9660 493 &#9660 1

5. Chevrolet Utility 1 667 &#9660 96 Same


Most popular car brands – November 2012


Car Brand Volume Compared to Oct ’12 Market Share %
1. Toyota 11 240 &#9660 899 21.2
2. Volkswagen Group SA 9 056 &#9660 1 069 17
3. General Motors SA 5 997 &#9660 719 11.3
4. Ford Motor Company 4 779 &#9650 305 9
5. Nissan 4 569 &#9660 72 8.6

For the full release from Naamsa, click here

New 2013 Ford Fiesta Shown at LA Motor Show?

Ford is currently showcasing the new 2013 Ford Fiesta at the 2012 LA Motor Show. South African customers can expect to see the new Fiesta in showrooms early in 2013. The new Fiesta features revised styling and will feature Ford’s acclaimed 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine and will for the first time introduce the MyKey system which will allow owners to set parameters for younger drivers. A high-performance Fiesta ST derivative is also a strong possibility for South Africa.

New ??2013 Ford Fiesta boasts EcoBoost tech

Engine Capability

The new 2013 Ford Fiesta will be fitted with Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine that will produce 91kW of power and return a fuel consumption figure in the region of 5.9-litres/100km. This engine allows for fuel economy gains of up to 20% with a 15% reduction in CO2 emissions.

The high-performance Fiesta ST will be fitted with a 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine that will produce 147kW and 290Nm of torque.

Exterior and Interior Styling Features??

The exterior design has been revised with the most notable difference coming in the form a sporty new grille that effectively reflects the new face of Ford. A range of new colour options will also be available.

The new 2013 Ford Fiesta will also be fitted with a range of in-car technology including a new MyFord Touch system that incorporates a 6.5-inch touch screen that features enhanced voice control and offers functionality for navigation, communication and entertainment. The Ford SYNC AppLink, which allows drivers to access and control Ford smartphone apps with voice commands and vehicle controls, is still available with the new Fiesta.

The new Fiesta will also be equipped with the MyKey feature which gives parents the opportunity to pre-set maximum speed and audio volume limits and will mute the audio system until seatbelts are fastened. Driver aids and safety systems cannot be deactivated when the MyKey system is in use.

Safety Features

The new 2013 Ford Fiesta will feature Advance Trac with Electronic Stability Control (ESC), dual-stage first-row airbags, driver knee airbag, side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags, four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH), Tyre pressure monitoring system, child-safety rear locks and an anti-theft engine immobiliser.

The new2013 Ford Fiesta can be expected in South Africa in the first-quarter of 2013.

Hyundai i20 Motion launched in South Africa

Hyundai has expanded its 5-door hatchback offering with the addition of a new entry-level, value-for-money model, the Hyundai i20 Motion. The Hyundai i20 Motion now stands alongside the i20 1.4 Fluid and i20 1.4 Glide derivatives and boasts a full features list that will entice entry-level car buyers.

“After the launch of the refreshed i20 earlier in 2012, it was a logical step to see how we can expand the range and to offer an entry-level derivative with a good specification level, but at a price that would appeal to many people out there who have shown an interest in one of Hyundai’s best-sellers,” says Stanley Anderson, marketing director of Hyundai Automotive South Africa.

Hyundai i20 Motion for budget-friendly motoring

Engine Capability

The new i20 Motion is equipped with a 1.2-litre, 16-valve, double overhead camshaft petrol engine that produces 64kW at 6 000rpm with a peak torque figure of 120Nm available at 4 000rpm. This engine is available with a 5-speed manual transmission.

Exterior Styling Features

Differentiating exterior styling features of the i20 Motion include black door handles and black exterior mirror housings, 14-inch steel rims with silver covers and side indicators fitted to the front side panels. The i20 also features a hexagonal grille complemented with halogen headlamps. The suspension in the front and rear has been fine-tuned to deliver ‘taut and alert driving dynamics’. The electrically assisted rack and pinion steering has also been tuned to offer quick and accurate response that enhances the i20’s agility.

Interior Styling Features

The interior offers passengers both comfort and space. With the seats in the upright position, the boot offers 295-litres of space. The three-spoke steering wheel is telescopically adjustable and features remote audio control buttons that controls the Radio/CD/MP3 sound system. The sound system can integrate with an iPod or iPhone and an AUX cable or USB memory stick can be used to play music. The Hyundai i20 Motion is also fitted with an air-conditioner with an anti-bacterial pollen filter and the front windows operate electronically at the touch of a button.

Safety Features

The Hyundai i20 Motion features a robust body shell structure made of high-tensile steel and offers front airbags for occupant protection. The front passengers benefit from 3-point inertia reel safety belts with pretensioners while the rear seats are also equipped with 3-point inertia reel safety belts. ISOFIX child seat mounts are also included. The Hyundai i20 Motion comes with front and rear fog lights to improve vision at night or in inclement weather situations while 4-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) are standard safety features.

Hyundai i20 Motion – Price

Hyundai i20 Motion – R144 900

The price includes a 5-year/150 000km warranty, a 2-year/30 000km service plan and a 5-year/160 000 perforation warranty and roadside assistance. Service intervals are set at every 15 000km.

Fiat Abarth Punto Scorpione Limited Edition in South Africa

Fiat’s Abarth range now offers the Limited Edition Fiat Abarth Punto Scorpione which is currently available in South Africa. The Limited Edition Fiat Abarth Punto Scorpione is aimed at driver’s who seek high performance and only 99 vehicles have been produced world-wide with a limited run of 10 vehicles available in South Africa.

Fiat ??Abarth Punto Scorpione Limited Edition is big on performance

??Engine Capability

The Limited Edition Fiat Abarth Punto Scorpione is fitted with a 1.4-litre MultiAir engine with a Garret turbo that develops 132kW at 5 750rpm with a maximum torque figure of 270Nm available from 2 500rpm. This engine is mated to a 6-speed closed-ration manual transmission. 0-100km/h acceleration takes 7.5 seconds to achieve and the Limited Edition Fiat Abarth Punto Scorpione reaches a top-speed of 216km/h.

Exterior Styling??

The Limited Edition Fiat Abarth Punto Scorpione is finished in Scorpione Black while the roof and bonnet are matt. The braking system features floating, perforated and self-ventilating front disk brakes with oversize four-piston yellow brake callipers and perforated rear disc brakes that are complemented with glossy black 18-inch alloy wheels. The exhaust pipe is oversized in the central and rear sections and is taken from the famous ‘Esseesse’ kit. The front and rear Koni shock absorbers with Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) valve and lowered springs offers improved handling on the road.

Interior Styling

On the inside, the Limited Edition Fiat Abarth Punto Scorpione features ‘Abarth Corsa by Sabelt’ black technical fabric and partially Alcantara trimmed seats. The red and yellow stitching and matt black back rest with is type-approved and lightened to highlight the vehicles sporting spirit. The interior is further enhanced with an aluminium kick plate, a stainless steel pedal unit with a Abarth shield and a leather steering wheel with complementing red and yellow stitching.

??Fiat Abarth Punto Scorpione – Price

Fiat Abarth Punto Scorpione Limited Edition – R365 000

The Limited Edition Fiat Abarth Punto Scorpione is available exclusively from Arnold Chatz cars in Johannesburg.

New car releases for November 2012

A number of new models were released in November 2012 with the majority of releases being limited edition models from various car brands. Although not many new models were released in November 2012, South African new car buyers can expect a marked increase in new model introductions in 2013. The new car models released in the month of November 2012 are as follows.



Suzuki Swift Special Edition from R169 900



The new Suzuki Swift Special Edition (SE) has been added to the Swift hatchback range and features both interior and exterior enhancements found on the Swift Sport derivative. The new Swift SE is fitted with a 70kW/130Nm 1.4-litre, four-cylinder engine and is mated to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. Fuel consumption is rated at 5.5-litres/100km. Features include an integrated CD/MP3 player with a USB connection, sculpted sports seats in fabric and a thick rimmed, leather trimmed steering wheel with mounted controls for the audio system. 



Ford Focus ST from R309 645


The Ford Focus ST, the company’s first global performance model, is now available in South Africa. The Focus ST hot-hatch is powered by an 184kW/360Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged EcoBoost engine and is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.2-litres/100km. The Focus ST is available in two trim levels namely ST1 and ST3. The Ford Focus ST is fitted with Ford’s SYNC in-car connectivity system and provides hands-free, voice activated functionality. 



Nissan Juke Midnight Edition from R275 500



The popular Nissan Juke Midnight Edition is now available in South Africa and only 100 units are currently available. The Juke Midnight Edition is powered by a 140kW/240Nm 1.6-litre DIG turbocharged petrol engine. This limited edition model features a styling package that includes 17-inch alloy wheels, red or black spoilers and side mirrors, front styling plate and tinted anti-smash-and-grab windows.

Infiniti M Sedan from R649 000





Infiniti has released its new M luxury sedan in South Africa. The M sedan is powered by a common-rail turbocharged 175kW/550Nm 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine. Fuel consumption is rated at 10.2-litres/100km. Features include semi-aniline leather upholstery, wood and metal interior trim, Connectiviti+ infotainment system and a 30GB Hard Disk Drive satellite navigation system. 



Geely MK2 Limited Edition from R109 990



Geely South Africa has launched an affordable, value-packed limited edition model of its MK2 hatchback in South Africa. The MK2 is fitted with a 69kW/128Nm 1.5-litre DOHC 16-valve engine and is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.3-litres/100km. Standard features include power steering, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), electric windows, central locking, air-conditioning, Radio/CD player with MP3 and USB ports, alloy wheels, driver’s airbag and a Reverse Radar to assist with parking. The interior is finished in customised leather and the MK2 also features a sports exhaust system, lowered suspension and vinyl decals.



Fiat Abarth Punto Scorpione Limited Edition from R365 000



Fiat has expanded its Abarth range with the new Limited Edition Abarth Punto Scorpione and only 10 models are available in South Africa. The Limited Edition Abarth Punto Scorpione is fitted with a 132kW/270Nm 1.4-litre MultiAir engine with a Garret turbo and is mated to a 6-speed closed-ratio manual transmission. Limited Edition Abarth Punto Scorpione is finished in Scorpione Black and rides on 18-inch alloy wheels. 




Mercedes-Benz G-Class from R786 900 



Apart from styling revisions, the new G-Class has been expanded to include the G 500 and the range-topping G 63 AMG. The G 500 is powered by a 285kW/530Nm 5.5-litre and is mated to a 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission. The G 63 AMG is powered by a 400kW/760Nm 5.5-litre V8 bi-turbo engine and is mated to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G TRONIC automatic transmission. An ECO start/stop function is fitted as standard on this model.