Mercedes-Benz G-Class gets makeover, new models

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class off-roader has received a significant upgrade with new exterior details and a newly appointed interior. The G-Class range has also been expanded to include the G 500 variant as well as the range-topping G 63 AMG.

“Our G-Class has been a force to be reckoned with for the last 33 years and in its latest evolutionary stage, offers state-of-the-art, powerful engines, and further improved range of luxurious appointments and the very latest safety features. With its now legendary off-road capabilities, the design of the G-Class remains true to its routes and unmistakable styling,” says Selvin Govender, Divisional Manager, Mercedes-Benz Cars.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class is a powerful off-roader

??Engine Capability??

The base model G 350 BlueTEC is fitted with a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine that produces 155kW at 3 400rpm with a maximum torque figure of 540Nm available between 1 600 and 2 400rpm. The petrol alternative is the G 500 which is fitted with a powerful 5.5-litre V8 engine that develops 285kW with a maximum torque figure of 530Nm. Both these models are fitted with a 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission as standard.

The top-end G 63 AMG is fitted with a 5.5-litre V8 bi-turbo engine that produces 400kW and 760Nm of torque. This model is fitted with an AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G TRONIC automatic transmission and comes with ECO start/stop function as standard.

Exterior and Interior

Styling ??Exterior modifications are minimal and include LED daytime running lights and new exterior mirrors for all the engine variants. The G 63 AMG however features a new AMG radiator grille with double louvres and is fitted with distinctive bumpers with large air intakes. This model features red brake callipers and 20-inch wheels to complement its styling.

On the inside, the instrument panel has been redesigned to include new controls and trim elements. A TFT colour display is now found in the instrument cluster between the two round dials. A larger colour display screen forms part of the COMAND Online system which incorporates a DVD changer and COMAND Controller and is fitted as standard on all G-Class models. The system offers internet access, navigation, Bluetooth wireless connectivity and the LINGUATRONIC voice operated control system.

Standard Features??

Standard features for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class includes Blind Spot Assist and the parking aid PARKTRONIC. The standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP) has been revised and now includes Trailer Stability Assist and HOLD Function. Safety features such as DISTRONIC PLUS and a reversing camera are available as an option.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class – Price

Mercedes-Benz G 300 CDI Professional R786 900
Mercedes-Benz G 350 BlueTEC R1 335 000
Mercedes-Benz G 500 R1 494 000
Mercedes-Benz G 63 AMG R2 047 000

Mercedes-Benz Ener-G-Force Concept at LA Auto Show

The Mercedes-Benz Ener-G-Force concept design study, based on the iconic G-Class off-roader, will be entering the Los Angeles Design Challenge at the Los Angeles Auto Show at the end of the month. The theme for the Los Angeles Design Challenge takes a look into the future to find the ultimate ‘Highway Patrol Vehicle 2025’.

??Mercedes-Benz Ener-G-Force Concept is police car of the future

To meet the changing demands of the future, the Mercedes-Benz Ener-G-Force Concept is envisioned to be a reliable and fast police vehicle that is environmentally friendly using alternative energy and would be fully capable of supporting police and emergency services around the world. The Ener-G-Force concept also gives a hint to the future of Mercedes-Benz off-roaders.

Gorden Wagener, Director of Design at Mercedes-Benz Cars said, “The Ener-G-Force is the vision of an off-roader that, while reflecting tomorrow’s adventures, also invokes the genes of the Mercedes-Benz off-road icon, the G model. Modern and cool, it could also be a clue about a new beginning for the off-road design idiom of Mercedes-Benz”.

Design Features

The Ener-G-Force, which is modelled after the G-Class with proportions and design elements, was re-designed and updated to create a car of the future. Hubert Lee, Ener-
G-Force Designer said, “Of course we wanted to take a clear step forward, but we also wanted the G’s characteristic features”. The Ener-G-Force has a similar profile but with a higher shoulder line and scaled-down glass areas.

The Ener-G-Force features an expressive radiator grille that incorporates the headlamps. The LED’s in the headlamps form units in the shape of a ‘G’ while the front indicators and position lights are mounted on top of the wings, which is a classic G-class element.

The Ener-G-Force features a G-Class inspired mounted roof with a tripartite glass area and rides on 20-inch rims. At the rear, the Ener-G-Force features a pull-out tool box which holds a variety of tools without opening the tailgate.

Alternative Energy??

The Ener-G-Force stores recycled water in tanks on the roof which is transferred to a ‘hydro-tech converter’, where natural and renewable resources are converted into hydrogen to operate the fuel cells. The electricity generated is stored in storage units in the side skirts. The Ener-G-Force only emits water and has a range of 800km. Four hub-wheel motors are able to adapt individually to the terrain and provide the pulling power for the Ener-G-Force.

The Mercedes-Benz Ener-G-Force Concept is also fitted with a ‘Terra-Scan’ 360-degree topography scanner on the roof which scans the surrounding terrain and adjusts spring and damping rates and other suspension parameters to suit the terrain or the road. The side skirts house either the energy storage units or the hot-swappable battery packs. Changes in the colour illumination of the side skirts indicate the operating and charge status of the battery packs. The Ener-G-Force also features a roof carrier and additional lamps integrated into the roof.

Most popular car brands in South Africa for October 2012

In October 2012, a total of 57 845 vehicles were sold in South Africa, representing an increase of 2 748 vehicles compared to new car sales in September 2012. The passenger car market was dominated by Volkswagen (9 426 units) and closely followed by Toyota (8 013 units). However, the overall market was topped by Toyota with a total sales figure of 12 139 units. The top 3 most popular car brands in South Africa are as follows:

Car Brand Volume Market Share %
1. Toyota 12 139 21
2. Volkswagen Group SA 10 125 17.5
3. General Motors SA 6 716 11.6

Top 3 most popular car brands in South Africa – October 2012

??1. Toyota – 12 139 units

Toyota is considered to be South Africa’s most popular car brand for October 2012 and although Toyota was marginally behind Volkswagen in the passenger car market, Toyota dominated the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segment with sales amounting to 3 724 units.

Toyota’s success in the LCV segment is largely based on the achievements of the popular Hilux which sold 2 283 units in October while the Fortuner sold particularly well with 1 754 units compared to the 967 sold in September 2012. In the passenger segment, the Toyota Etios was the best selling vehicle with sales amounting to 2 625 units and represents a notable increase compared to September’s sales figure of 1 736 units.

Toyota – Best selling models – October 2012

Model Sales: October 2012
1. Toyota Etios 2 625 (&#9650 889)
2. Toyota Hilux 2 283 (&#9660 530)
3. Toyota Fortuner 1 754 (&#9650 787)
4. Toyota Corolla 1 551 (&#9660 36)
5. Toyota Quantum 1 238 (&#9650 77)

2. Volkswagen – 10 125 units??

Although not a threat to Toyota in the LCV segment, Volkswagen is the dominant brand in the passenger vehicle market in South Africa. Volkswagen’s dominance in the passenger vehicle market can be largely attributed to the combined success of both the Polo Vivo and Polo models.

In October 2012, the Polo Vivo was the best selling car in South Africa with a sales figure of 3 341 units. The VW Polo was the second best selling vehicle in October with 2 883 units sold.

Volkswagen – Best selling models – October 2012?

Model Sales: October 2012
1. Volkswagen Polo Vivo 3 341 (&#9660 27)
2. Volkswagen Polo 2 883 (&#9650 500)
3. Volkswagen Golf A6 626 (&#9650 19)
4. Audi A4 Avant 541 (&#9660 132)
5. VW Jetta 6 368 (&#9650 43)

3. General Motors South Africa (GMSA) – 6 716

General Motors South Africa (GMSA) performed well in both the passenger and LCV segments in October 2012. GMSA sales in the passenger segment amounted to 3 458 units, while the LCV segment accounted for 2 994 units.

In the LCV segment, the Chevrolet Utility was the best selling vehicle with 1 763 units sold, followed by the Isuzu KB which sold 1 199 units. The passenger vehicle segment was dominated by the Chevrolet Sonic with 969 units sold while the Chevrolet Spark sold 688 units.

GMSA – Best selling vehicles – October 2012?

Model Sales: October 2012
1. Chevrolet Utility 1 763 (&#9650 347)
2. Isuzu KB 1 199 (&#9650 41)
3. Chevrolet Sonic 969 (&#9650 244)
4. Chevrolet Spark 688 (&#9660 323)
5. Chevrolet Aveo 674 (&#9650 4)

Toyota safety technologies revealed

Details of new Toyota safety technologies that will be made available in its production vehicles to reduce common low-speed parking collisions and high-speed rear-end shunts have been revealed. The announcement was made at the annual Safety Seminar in Japan this week. Toyota also recently announced the opening of its new proving ground for testing its Intelligent Transport System (ITS) that uses radio communications between vehicles, road infrastructure and pedestrians to improve road safety.

New Toyota safety technology to prevent accidents

Toyota has developed two systems to prevent collisions in parking situations where drivers either push the wrong pedal or select the wrong gear. The first Toyota safety system is called the Intelligent Clearance Sonar which detects obstacles that are out of the driver’s sight and automatically applies the brakes if a potential collision is detected. The system will set off an alarm, reduce engine power and apply the brakes to prevent a collision.

The second system is Drive-Start Control which recognises if the wrong gear has been selected when the driver applies the throttle. A warning light will flash and the engine output will be reduced to limit a sudden start or acceleration. Both systems will be introduced in future vehicles.

Pre-Crash Safety System with Collision Avoidance Assist

Toyota has further developed its Pre-Crash Safety (PCS) System with Collision Avoidance Assist that helps reduce the consequence of rear-end impacts, particularly at high speeds.

PCS is already available on various Toyota and Lexus models and uses a millimetre-wave radar to monitor the risk of a collision with the vehicle ahead. In the event of an imminent collision, an alarm goes off along with a warning display to urge the driver to apply the brakes. When the brake pedal is pressed, the system increases the braking force up to twice the average level achieved by drivers, actively reducing speed. The system can slow the vehicle down by up to 60km/h and if the driver does not apply the brakes, the system will automatically do so to minimise the impact.

Intelligent Transport System Proving Ground

Toyota has developed a new 3.5 hectare site to evaluate its Intelligent Transport System technology. The new proving ground simulates an urban environment complete with traffic signals. The site will allow Toyota to test road-vehicle communications using a 700Mhz radio frequency in controlled but authentic road conditions.

Toyota will accelerate its research and development of environmental systems to improve fuel efficiency and driver support systems that can help reduce the risk of accidents with pedestrians and other road users in urban traffic. Safer vehicles and the elimination of road accident injuries and deaths form part of the ongoing Toyota safety strategy.

Cars.co.za excels in 2012 eCommerce Awards

The annual South African eCommerce Awards is designed to recognise and reward South African websites that demonstrate excellence in their use of the Internet as a platform for eCommerce. This year, Cars.co.za did exceedingly well, making it into the Top 20 websites and being placed as the second runner up in the Best Classifieds Website category.

In the Best Classifieds Website category, Property24 was announced as the winner for 2012 while OLX was the first runner-up. Cars.co.za was praised for its fast and accurate search facility as well as its helpful responses to customer queries from both Cars.co.za and the dealerships. The Cars.co.za mobile website was also highly rated for its efficiency and the user product reviews and recommendations of similar products provide additional information which proves to be useful when choosing a car to buy.



The Cars.co.za team would like to thank all its users for their loyal and ongoing support throughout the year. Without you this remarkable achievement would not have been possible, thank you. Cars.co.za will continue to strive for excellence to provide the best online platform to buy and sell cars in South Africa, now and beyond.

Chevrolet Spark EV for LA Auto Show

Chevrolet will debut its Spark Electric Vehicle (EV) at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show on 29 November 2012. The Chevrolet Spark EV is designed to offer industry-leading EV power with notable range and fast charge capability.

??Chevrolet Spark EV embraces electric power

The Chevrolet Spark EV will be fitted with a oil-cooled, permanent magnet motor that develops 100kW and will be able to accelerate to 100km/h in 8.0 seconds. A 20kWh lithium-ion battery pack will be capable of handling multiple daily DC Fast Charges. The industry-first SAE combo charger will allow DC Fast Charging of up to 80% of battery capacity in about twenty minutes while a full charge using a 240V socket will take less than seven hours. A 120V charge cord will be available as standard and charging can be monitored remotely using a smart phone application provided by OnStar.

Larry Nitz, executive director of GM’s global electrification engineering team said, “Spark EV’s battery has undergone more than 200,000 hours of testing in our global battery systems labs. This testing paved the way to allow our customers to do multiple DC Fast Charges daily to help alleviate range anxiety and improve convenience.

”??The Spark EV team used expertise gained from the Chevrolet Volt Program for its components and systems and the Spark EV uses about 75% of propulsion system components derived from Volt and GM’s hybrid truck programs.

“Spark EV is the latest demonstration of our growing expertise in electric motor and battery technologies – expertise we will need as we grow our portfolio of electric vehicles to address the needs of our global customers,” Nitz said.

The Chevrolet Spark EV will go on sale in the United States in 2013 and there is no indication that the Spark EV will be available in South Africa.

McLaren GT confirms MP4-12C Can-Am Edition for limited production

McLaren first showed the one-off design study of the MP4-12C Can-Am Edition at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance earlier in the year. Now, McLaren GT, the race car manufacturing arm of the McLaren Group, has confirmed that the track-focused 12C Can-Am Edition will go into a limited production run of only 30 cars with production starting in March 2013.


The ‘ultimate track car’



Based on the 12C GT3 race car, the 12C Can-Am Edition will be fitted with an unrestricted version of the familiar 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 engine that features unique calibration and an optimised cooling system that boosts power output to 470kW. The 12C GT Can-Am Edition will be the most powerful 12C to date.



The 12C Can-Am Edition pays tribute to Bruce McLaren and Denny Hulme who raced a series of McLaren models in the Can-Am series and won numerous championships between them for Bruce McLaren Racing.

Unique Styling



The 12C Can-Am Edition features a large carbon fibre rear wing which increases downforce by up to 30%, forming part of the aerodynamic package. Various carbon fibre components differentiate the Can-Am Edition from the GT3 race car and these include door mirror mounts and covers, engine cover vents, side radiator intake vanes and sill cover and badges.



The 12C Can-Am Edition shares the same carbon fibre MonoCell chassis as the 12C and 12C Spider and is fitted with a FIA-approved race specification rollcage. The interior features two black race seats with six-point harnesses and a unique McLaren GT steering wheel carried over from the 12C GT3 race car. The grip and shape of the steering wheel is derived from the McLaren MP4-24 Formula 1 car. The 12C Can-Am Edition is also fitted with an integrated motorsport air conditioning system in the carbon fibre dashboard. 



Andrew Kirkaldy, Managing Director of McLaren GT said, “The 12C Can-Am Edition concept shown at Pebble Beach earlier this year was purely that, a one-off design study. However, the reaction and response following the unveil was remarkable. It is a real testament to the performance and results of the McLaren GT customer teams this year, still only in the debut competitive season, that there is such a strong demand for this type of track-day special.”

Ipsos Quality Awards produces record scores in 2012

The 2012 Ipsos Quality Awards, previously known as the Synovate Quality Awards, has revealed the lowest scores and the best results in the history of the survey. The Ipsos Quality Awards is considered to be the benchmark in measuring customer perspective on experiences and vehicle quality in the South African automotive industry.

Ipsos Quality Awards reveal ??less problems for South African cars

The Ipsos Quality Awards is the largest survey of its kind in South Africa and forms part of Ipsos’ Competitive Customer Experience which is a study that examines vehicle product quality and sales and service experience. The study gathers information from 22 000 South African vehicle owners annually. Respondents are interviewed three months after purchasing a vehicle to ascertain if any problems have been experienced in the first three months of ownership. The score is calculated as ‘Problems Per 100 (PP100) vehicles’ which is a globally recognised approach.

“The problems per 100 vehicles index (PP100) in South Africa has shown a sharp decrease with an overall improvement in quality of 52% in the last four years” states Patrick Busschau, Ipsos Automotive Business Unit Director. The overall score for the passenger vehicle market is 41 Problems Per 100 vehicles.

??Top Quality Cars

The winner in the passenger vehicle segment was the Toyota Yaris 1.0 with a score of 24 PP100. In the small hatchback segment the Toyota Auris and Toyota Yaris 1.3 came out on top with a score of 13 PP100. The Mercedes-Benz took first place in the top hatchback segment with a score of 21 PP100. In the small sedan segment the Toyota Corolla reigned supreme with a score of 32 PP100 while the Audi A4 came out tops in the medium sedan segment with a score of 26 PP100. The top sedan went to the Toyota Corolla 1.6 and 2.0 with a score of 19 PP100.

The top executive was awarded to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class with a score of 13 PP100. The Audi A5 and Mercedes-Benz SLK tied in the sports coupe segment with scores of 28 PP100 and 29 PP100 respectively. The small recreational vehicle segment was headed by the Nissan X-Trail with a score of 13 PP100 while the large recreational vehicle segment was won by the Mercedes-Benz M-Class with a score of 12 PP100. The top performing Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) was the Mercedes-Benz B-Class with a score of 10 PP100.

The Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segment was awarded to the Isuzu KB Petrol Single Cab and the Diesel Single Cab with scores of 21 PP100 and 38PP100 respectively. The Nissan NP200, with a score of 34 PP100 came out on top in the three-quarter ton segment.

Best Brands

The Brand Category awards were dominated by Toyota who won The Best Volume Passenger Car Brand (tied with Mazda), Best One Ton Double Cab LCV Brand Overall, Best Local Plant Manufacturing Passenger Vehicles and Best Overall Light Commercial Brand. Mercedes-Benz won Best Premium Passenger Car Brand. Nissan and Toyota tied to win Best Local Plant Manufacturing Light Commercial Vehicles and Isuzu won the Best Single Cab Light Commercial Brand.

MINI breaks two Guinness World Records?

MINI has broken two Guinness World Records by cramming the most number of people into both a classic MINI and a 2012 MINI Cooper. The record breaking attempt took place at Potters Fields Park in London as part of the 8th annual Guinness World Records Day.

MINI breaks records

A team of 28 female gym members from East Sussex crammed themselves into a 2012 MINI Cooper, breaking their previous record of 27 set last year in Eastbourne. The ladies made full use of the entire vehicle including the dashboard and footwells while four people managed to squeeze into the boot.

After celebrating the first record breaking attempt, the team proceeded to the ITV studios where they successfully managed to squeeze 23 people into a classic MINI live on television for the This Morning show. They beat the previous record by two additional people.

More than 400 000 people worldwide took part in record-breaking attempts for the 8th annual Guinness World Records Day which commemorates the day in 2004 when Guinness World Records became the world’s best-selling copyright book.

VW Beetle Exclusive models launched

The VW Beetle and Beetle Cabriolet range has been expanded to include the Exclusive model line that is characterised by ‘elegance and stylish design’. The VW Beetle and Beetle Cabriolet Exclusive are optionally available as the ‘Exclusive’ Design or ‘Exclusive’ Sport and are based on the ‘Design’ and ‘Sport’ equipment lines.

Exclusive VW Beetle models get special treatment

The two new ‘Exclusive’ models were designed by Volkswagen R GmbH and according to Volkswagen, focus on ‘perfection and uniqueness’. The exterior styling includes four black polished 18-inch ‘Twister’ model alloy wheels, wheel lock with extended anti-theft protection and a tyre pressure monitoring display fitted as standard. 19-inch ‘Tornado’ model alloy wheels are available as an option in either white or black.

The interior features three different coloured leather seating systems available in Pepper Beige, Amber Brown and Black and features ‘diamond stitching’. The dash panel is finished in ‘Black Uni’ and the stainless steel door sills feature ‘Volkswagen Exclusive’ lettering. The centre panel and lateral supports of the front sports seats are covered in ‘Nappa’ Cool Leather. The front and rear textile mats feature coloured edging while door and side trim features a leather look. The three-spoke steering wheel, gear lever, handbrake lever and armrest are covered in leather with the stitching matching the seats.

The ‘Exclusive’ Design models are powered by a 1.2-litre TSI engine that produces 77kW while the ‘Exclusive’ Sport models are fitted with a 1.4-litre TSI engine that develops 118kW.

The Exclusive  Beetle and Exclusive Beetle Cabriolet are currently available in Europe and it has not been confirmed whether these models will become available in South Africa.