Lamborghini Aventador Roadster drops its top

Details of the new Lamborghini Aventador Roadster have been revealed. The Aventador LP700-4 Roadster is, according to Lamborghini, the “most exciting series production Lamborghini ever built and the new benchmark in the world of open-top luxury super sports cars”.

??Lamborghini Aventador Roadster is fast, very fast

??Engine Capability

The Lamborghini Aventador Roadster is fitted with a 6.5-litre V12 engine that generates 522kW and accelerates to 100km/h in 3.0seconds before reaching a top speed of 350km/h. This engine is mated to an ISR 7-speed gearbox for maximum performance. The 6.5-litre V12 engine also features a cylinder deactivation system and a Stop & Start system with high-performance capacitors known as supercaps, a first in the super sports car segment.

Styling Features

The Lamborghini Aventador Roadster features a two-piece roof made from carbon fiber. The two parts are easy to remove, handle and re-attach and can be stored in the front luggage compartment. The rear pillar has been redesigned to offer support for the removable roof, provide safety for passengers and offers ventilation to the engine compartment. The hood of the Aventador LP700-4 Roadster features a central ‘spinal column’ with two pairs of hexagonal windows connected at the sides to enhance rain runoff and provides a view of the engine.

The Aventador LP700-4 Roadster also features a powered rear windshield and wind deflector which can be adjusted according to preference while the wind deflector can be stored in the luggage compartment if necessary. The Lamborghini Aventador Roadster has a two-tone finish with the windshield pillar, two roof sections and rear window area finished in gloss black while the main colour is Azzuro Thetis, a light metallic blue colour that varies with the light. The Aventador LP700-4 Roadster rides on light, aluminium forged 20-inch front and 21-inch rear alloy wheels. The interior is finished off in Sabbia Nefertem leather to complement its exterior design.

The Lamborghini Aventador Roadster is available to order from Lamborghini dealerships worldwide.

New Infiniti M sedan launched in South Africa

The new Infiniti M luxury sedan has been launched in South Africa and offers bold styling, advanced safety features and passenger comfort technologies. The rear-wheel drive Infiniti M sedan draws styling inspiration from the 2009 Infiniti Essence concept and employs aluminium construction to reduce weight and enhance performance.

New Infiniti M Sedan takes luxury to the road

??Engine Capability

The new Infiniti M sedan is initially available as the M30d which is fitted with a common rail turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine that produces 175kW at 3750rpm and has a maximum torque figure of 550Nm available at 1 750rpm. Acceleration to 100km/h will take 6.9 seconds and its top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h. Average fuel consumption is rated at 7.5-litres/100km with a corresponding CO2 emissions figure of 199g/km. The M30d achieves a range of 1 300km’s from its 80-litre fuel tank.

A second model, the M37, will become available before the end of 2012 and will be fitted with a 3.7-litre V6 petrol engine that will produce 235kW and 360Nm of torque. Fuel consumption for this model is rated at 10.2-litres/100km. Acceleration to 100km/h will take 6.2 seconds for the M37 while reaching an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h. Both models will feature a 7-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC). The S model features solid magnesium shift paddles mounted behind the steering wheel.

Styling Features

The new Infiniti M sedan takes on a classic sport sedan look with a short front overhang, a long bonnet that meets a pushed-back A-pillar and a rear-end that is more coupe-like. The passenger compartment is spacious and incorporates semi-aniline leather and real wood and metal trim while the cockpit is designed to offer a comfortable driving environment.

The new Infiniti M sedan features the Connectiviti+ infotainment system which is fitted as standard on Premium grade models and includes an 8-inch, high resolution touch screen interface which includes a 10GB Music Box for storing music. A 30GB Hard Disk Drive satellite navigation system is also included.

??Safety Features

Safety features for the new Infiniti M sedan include six airbags, active front head rests, ISOFIX child seat mounting points, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP). Other features include rain-sensing windscreen wipers, automatic headlights, automatic dimming rear-view mirror and tilting side mirrors. The Dynamic Safety Shield (DSS) Package includes Blind Spot Warning and Intervention, Intelligent Cruise Control with Low Speed Following, Distance Control Assist, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention and Intelligent Brake Assist.

New Infiniti M sedan – Price

Infiniti M30d GT Grade R671 000
Infiniti M30d GT Premium Grade R728 051
Infiniti M30d S Grade R695 254
Infiniti M30d S Premium Grade R752 305
Infiniti M37 GT Grade R649 000
Infiniti M37 GT Premium Grade R706 051
Infiniti M37 S Premium Grade R730 305

Ford EV+ feature for hybrid vehicles

The patent-pending EV+ feature developed by Ford engineers will allow its hybrid vehicles to drive in electric mode more often by learning frequent destinations and adjusting the powertrain accordingly. The Ford EV+ feature uses GPS data from Ford’s SYNC system and uses a predictive software algorithm that automatically adjusts powertrain controls based on location to deliver electric-only driving.

Ford EV+ Intelligent Technology

The Ford EV+ feature will be used in Ford plug-in hybrids (C-MAX Energi and Fusion Energi) as well as hybrid versions of the C-MAX and Fusion. Ford EV+ forms part of SmartGauge which is a standard feature on these vehicles. Once a frequent destination has been learned, such as home or work, the EV+ will adjust how the electric power is used to power the vehicle. When Ford EV+ determines that the vehicle is nearing a frequent destination, it will have the capability to remain in electric mode only.

“We already have a GPS unit in every Ford with SYNC, so really it was just a matter of tapping into that the right way,” said Kevin Layden, Ford director of Electrification Programs and Engineering. “This is one of the first examples of how we’re looking to make the car smarter, by leveraging on board data to provide features and services that add value to the driving experience.”

EV+ was developed by two Ford engineers, Ken Frederick and Matt Smith. “We realized that harnessing data already available was the way we could achieve our goal of improving the entire hybrid vehicle driving experience,” said Frederick. “Once we had access to the data, we applied machine learning principles to predict frequently visited locations that would determine what powertrain controls should be applied to achieve our goal.”

Isuzu KB bakkie rewards owners

Earlier in 2012, the Isuzu team at General Motors South Africa (GMSA) invited South African Isuzu fans to enter a competition to find the highest verified mileage and oldest Isuzu in South Africa to celebrate Isuzu’s heritage in the country. Thousands of entries were received and the Isuzu KB bakkie was deemed to be the toughest and most durable Isuzu bakkie in the land.

??Highest Mileage Isuzu in South Africa

The winning Isuzu Bakkie was a 1997 Isuzu KB bakkie, owned by Mr Douglas Smith from the Eastern Cape with 1 004 000 km on the clock. Smith is the vehicles second owner and uses it mainly for farm work and delivering goods. “I have had my Isuzu for 12 years now and the amount of hard labour this vehicle has done has astounded me. It has transported almost 300 tons of rock and gravel to help me build a road on my farm and probably another 200 tons of sand and cement. I have also used it to transport tons of fuel drums all over South Africa for helicopter support and towing horse trailers in the Baviaanskloof,” said Smith. Smith was rewarded with a R100 000 travel prize to visit the United States.

Oldest Isuzu KB Bakkie in South Africa

The winner for the oldest Isuzu in South Africa was awarded to Mr Singh Samsunder from Kwa-Zulu Natal who has owned his Isuzu KB bakkie since 1979 and still owns it today. “The bakkie was used mainly to transport batteries on a daily basis. I then decided to hold onto it after selling the business as it is a part of the family. It is like a samurai warrior. I feel like it will last me forever. I have been very lucky with this Isuzu KB bakkie. I have had no problems whatsoever with it,’ said Samsunder.

Samsunder’s Isuzu KB bakkie has covered an impressive 537 670 kilometres to date, 16 000km per year from new. Samsunder has received a R 25 000 fuel voucher as a reward for his oldest working Isuzu in South Africa.

MINI Goes to Santa Claus to break world record

The MINI Goes to Santa Claus is an international project that will see the MINI family travel more than 3 000km to Rovaniemi in the Arctic Circle to deliver Christmas letters to Santa Claus, written by children and adults from all over the world.

MINI Goes to Santa Claus to break ??Guinness World Record

MINI will be competing for the official Guinness World Record attempt by trying to assemble the longest wishlist for Santa Claus. To make the attempt possible, MINI has included 16 markets in the project, including Germany, Italy, UK, Portugal, Belgium, Bulgaria, Greece, Poland, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Hungary Romania and Slovakia. Other countries such as Russia, USA and Singapore will also be taking part.

A convoy of MINI’s will depart from BMW Group Headquarters in Munich on 24 November 2012 to make the journey to Rovaniemi. Vehicles that will make the journey include the MINI Clubman, MINI Countryman, MINI Hatchback, MINI Coupe, MINI Roadster and the MINI Cabrio. The convoy will be welcomed by the MINI Paceman in Rovaniemi and will be driven by 1967 Monte Carlo Rally winner Rauno Aalten, who will demonstrate his driving talent in the Paceman.

Ford Ranger gets added safety technology

Ford has announced that selected Ford Ranger 2.2 4×2 variants will now be fitted with Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) as standard and the previously available differential lock is available as an option. A complete range of control features accompany models fitted with ESP.

Ford Ranger with Improved Handling and Safety Features

Models fitted with ESP come with the Traction Control System (TCS) which is able to control wheel spin or avoid it completely by adjusting the engine torque provided to the wheels. The TCS also provides active safety measures by preventing wheel spin in extreme situations such as cornering. The ESP includes off-road logic which modifies the system according to the road conditions to provide the best traction and stability in a given situation.

In addition to ESP, the Ford Ranger also features Hill Descent Control, Hill Launch Assist, Trailer Sway Control, Adaptive Load Control, Roll-Over Mitigation, Emergency Brake Assist, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and an Emergency Brake Light. The Ford Ranger was the first pick-up to receive a 5 Star Euro NCAP rating.

Nissan Juke Midnight Edition in South Africa?

The Nissan Juke has received a number of styling updates in the form of the exclusive Midnight Edition which has been specifically designed for the South African market. The Nissan Juke Midnight Edition is a limited production model and only 100 units are available.

Nissan Juke Midnight Edition brings out the dark side

Styling Features??

The Nissan Juke Midnight Edition uses the 1.6 DIG-T Tekna as its base and is fitted with a 1.6-litre DIG turbocharged petrol engine that produces 140kW and 240Nm of torque. The Juke Midnight Edition is differentiated from the standard model with the addition of an attractive styling package which includes black 17-inch alloy wheels, red or black spoilers and side mirrors, a front styling plate and tinted anti-smash-and-grab for all the windows and enhances the rear privacy glass which is fitted as standard on the Tekna model.

The Nissan Juke has sold almost 300 000 units worldwide and Nissan South Africa has secured an increase in supply to meet the growing demand for the Juke in South Africa.

Nissan Juke Midnight Edition – Price

Nissan Juke Midnight Edition R272 500
Nissan Juke Midnight Edition (Leather) R278 500

New Ford Kuga coming to South Africa

The new Ford Kuga has been confirmed for launch in South Africa in 2013. The new Ford Kuga combines a striking design with functionality and will offer a rewarding driving experience for customers. The new Ford Kuga will be powered by either an EcoBoost or TDCi engine.

New Ford Kuga to impress South African Motorists

??Engine Capability??

The new Ford Kuga will be available with a 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, mated to a 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. Alternatively customers can opt for the 2.0-litre TDCi turbo diesel engine which is mated to a PowerShift automatic transmission.

The EcoBoost technology features turbocharging and direct injection to rival power and performance of a larger engine while consuming less fuel. The new Ford Kuga will also introduce a ‘smart’ All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system that assesses road conditions and adjusts the AWD power split to provide the best combination of handling and traction according to the road conditions.

??Styling Features

The new Ford Kuga is 10% more aerodynamic than the outgoing model which can be attributed to its sleeker exterior design. The Kuga’s Active Grille Shutter system enhances fuel economy by reducing wind resistance. The grille slats stay open when additional engine cooling is required, particularly when driving at low speeds. When driving at higher speeds the grille slats close automatically to enhance aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.

The new Ford Kuga will also be fitted with Ford’s voice activated in-car SYNC connectivity system as standard. The Kuga will also for the first time feature ‘open sesame’, which is a hands-free automatic tailgate that opens and closes by sweeping a foot under the rear bumper making loading easy with the Kuga key fob in hand.

Safety Features

A wide range of safety technology will be optionally available and these include Active Park Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Information System, Lane Keeping Aid and Active City Stop.

Full details regarding the new Ford Kuga line-up, specifications and features will be made available closer to the Kuga’s launch in 2013.

Suzuki Swift Special Edition in South Africa

Suzuki Auto South Africa has added a Special Edition model to its line-up of Swift compact hatchbacks. The new Suzuki Swift Special Edition (SE) offers a range of exterior and interior features seen on the flagship Swift Sport. The Swift SE, according to Suzuki, will boost the popularity of the latest-generation Swift which has sold over 6 000 units since its South African launch in April 2011.

??Suzuki Swift Special Edition (SE) – Features

Engine Capability

The Suzuki Swift Special Edition is powered by a 1.4-litre, four-cylinder engine that produces 70kW at 6 000rpm with a maximum torque figure of 130Nm at 4 000rpm. Fuel consumption is rated at 5/5-litres/100km with a corresponding CO2 emissions figure of 132g/km. The Swift SE is offered with a choice of a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission.

The manual variant accelerates to 100km/h in 10.9 seconds while the automatic takes 12.3 seconds. The top speed for the manual is 170km/h while the automatic reaches 165km/h.

Exterior and Interior Styling??

The Suzuki Swift Special Edition features a roof spoiler and cylinder-type rear tail light clusters as seen on the Swift Sport. The Swift SE is also fitted with exclusive 16-inch alloy wheels as well as silver-hued door handles and front fog lights which are integrated into the front bumper.

The interior benefits from an integrated CD receiver with MP3 playback capability and USB connection for mobile storage devices. The steering wheel is thick-rimmed and trimmed in leather with silver stitching and features satellite controls for the audio system. The Suzuki Swift Special Edition also features sculpted sport seats in silver fabric while the instrument panel is finished with chrome trim.

Suzuki Swift Special Edition (SE) – Price

Suzuki Swift 1.4 SE Manual R169 900
Suzuki Swift 1.4 SE Automatic R184 900

Prices include a standard 3-year/100 000 km warranty and a 4-year/60 000 km service plan.

Top 5 Selling New Cars in South Africa for October 2012

The month of October 2012 reflected moderate growth in the new passenger car market with a total of 41 636 units sold in South Africa. The new passenger car market increased by 5.4% compared to September 2012. In terms of new passenger car sales, Volkswagen came out on top in October 2012 with a sales figure 9 426 units, closely followed by Toyota with 8013 units sold.

The Top 5 Selling new Cars in South Africa – October 2012



1 – Volkswagen Polo Vivo – 3 341 units


The VW Polo Vivo is the best-selling passenger car in South Africa for the fourth consecutive month. In September 2012, the Polo Vivo sold 3 386 units. The Polo Vivo is an attractive option for entry-level car buyers and is available either as a hatchback or sedan with engine options including the 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre petrol engines offering between 55kW and 77kW. Various trim levels and options are available. 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 – Volkswagen Polo – 2 883 units

The VW Polo experienced yet another successful month having sold 500 units more compared to September 2012 and has sold consistently well throughout 2012. Available as either a hatchback or sedan, the Polo offers a wide range of engine options and trim levels with prices starting from R157 000 for the 1.4-litre Trendline to the top of the range Polo GTI priced at R274 900.

3 – Toyota Etios – 2 625 units



The Toyota Etios has done remarkably well in South Africa since its launch in May 2012. The Etios performed exceedingly well in October 2012, selling an additional 889 units compared to September’s 1 736 units. The Etios is proving to be a popular entry-level passenger car and is available as either a hatchback or sedan in two trim levels namely, Xi and Xs. Pricing for the Etios hatchback starts at 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.

4 – Toyota Hilux – 2 283 units



The Toyota Hilux remains a popular choice for South Africans in the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segment and has sold consistently well throughout 2012. However, in October 2012 the Hilux sold 530 units less compared to September 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. 



5 – Chevrolet Utility – 1 763 units



The Chevrolet Utility is a well-rounded small pick-up that has experienced notable success in the South African Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) market. In October 2012 the Chevrolet Utility sold 347 units more compared to September 2012. 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 R147 700 for the Utility Club and R166 500 for the higher spec Utility Sport model. 



Click here to view South African New Car Sales – October 2012