Tata Super Ace, the Business Mover

The Tata Super Ace is designed to offer performance, reliability and flexibility for businesses in need of an affordable light commercial vehicle. The Tata Super Ace is available in two variants and both are powered by a fuel efficient diesel engine.

Tata Super Ace – Features

??Engine Capability

The Tata Super Ace is fitted with a four-cylinder, turbocharged 1.4-litre diesel engine that produces 52kW at 4 500rpm with a maximum torque figure of 135Nm available at 2 500rpm. This engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission. Fuel consumption for the Super Ace is rated at 7.2-litres/100km and can reach a top speed of 125km/h.

Styling Features

The Tata Super Ace features a signature Tata grille and multi-reflector headlights with halogen bulbs. The loading deck is the longest in its class measuring 2.63m long and 1.46m wide with a 1-tonne load carrying capacity. The load area can be opened from all three sides for easy loading and can also be customised for different requirements. Various body types can be built and these include a plumber rail, saver cargo and canopy.

Interior features include sliding and reclining bucket seats with adjustable headrests, head lamp levelling, digital clock, laminated windscreen, lockable glove box and an external power socket. The high-spec DLE version benefits from electric windows, power steering and air-conditioning.

??Tata Super Ace – Price

Tata Super Ace DLS R109 995
Tata Super Ace DLC R117 995

Volkswagen BlueMotion for eco-friendly motoring

The Volkswagen BlueMotion range, which makes use of a variety of energy and fuel saving technologies, exhibits reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared to standard vehicles and represents a commitment to eco-friendly motoring. Depending on your driving style, a Volkswagen vehicle with BlueMotion technology can save up to 10% on fuel and emissions.

Volkswagen BlueMotion Technology

Volkswagen incorporates a number of different energy-saving technologies into its BlueMotion vehicles to achieve reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. These technologies include:

    • TDI engines – TDI diesel engines offer power while still being fuel efficient. TDI engines are also fitted with Diesel Particulate Filters to trap carbon particles.
  • TSI engines – TSI engines are smaller and lighter while still offering power and fuel efficiency.
  • Energy Recuperation – This technology uses less energy for battery charging while accelerating and continues to charge the battery while braking, effectively saving energy that would otherwise be lost.
  • Stop-Start Technology – This technology saves fuel by switching the engine off when the vehicle is stationary. In automatic variants, the engine re-starts when the brake pedal is released. For manual vehicles, the engine re-starts when the clutch pedal is engaged.
  • *Low Rolling Resitance Tyres – Low rolling resistance tyres require less engine power to move the car forward and therefore save fuel and reduce emissions.
  • Engine Management – This technology features revised engine management software which optimises engine performance according to driving conditions and improves fuel efficiency.
  • *Longer Gear Ratios – BlueMotion models feature longer gear ratios in higher gears which contribute to economical fuel consumption.
  • *Improved Aerodynamics – BlueMotion models feature enhanced aerodynamic features such as lowered suspension, a closed front grille, light alloy wheels and an aerodynamic spoiler.
  • *Reduced Body Mass – BlueMotion models weigh less than standard models, thereby reducing fuel consumption.

*These BlueMotion features are currently only available for the Polo and Golf BlueMotion models.

Volkswagen BlueMotion Range

Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion from R189 000

The Polo BlueMotion is powered by a 1.2-litre TDI engine that develops 55kW and is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. Fuel consumption for this model is rated at 4.4-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of only 89g/km. In comparison, the 1.4 Polo Comfortline has a fuel consumption figure of 6.1-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 144g/km.

Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion from R284 600

The Golf BlueMotion is fitted with a 1.6-litre TDI engine that produces 77kW and is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. Fuel consumption for the Golf BlueMotion is rated at 3.8-litres/100km with a corresponding CO2 emissions figure of 99g/km. In comparison, the 1.6 TDI Golf Comfortline has a fuel consumption figure of 4.5-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 119g/km.

Volkswagen CC BlueMotion from R377 500

The CC with BlueMotion technology is powered with a 2.0-litre TDI engine that produces 125kW and is mated to a 6-speed DSG transmission. Fuel consumption for the CC with BlueMotion technology is rated at 5.5-litres/100km with a corresponding CO2 emissions figure of 144g/km. The 2.0-litre TSI CC in comparison, has a fuel consumption figure of 7.8-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 182g/km.

Volkswagen Tiguan BlueMotion from R283 600

The Tiguan 4×2 Trend & Fun with BlueMotion technology is powered by a 1.4-litre TSI engine that produces 90kW and is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. Fuel consumption for this model is rated at 6.5-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 152g/km. In comparison, the standard 1.4 TSI Tiguan Trend & Fun has a fuel consumption figure of 8.4-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 178g/km.

Volkswagen Touareg BlueMotion from R661 000

The Touareg with BlueMotion technology is powered with a 3.0-litre TDI V6 engine that produces 180kW and is mated to an 8-speed Tiptronic transmission. Fuel consumption for this model is 7.2-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 189g/km. In comparison, the 3.6 V6 FSI Touareg has a fuel consumption figure of 10.4-litres/100km and a CO2 emissions figure 248g/km.

For more information visit vw.co.za

Nissan GT Academy in South Africa

Nissan recently launched its GT Academy programme in South Africa. The Nissan GT Academy is a ‘virtual-to-reality’ racing competition that has experienced success in Europe and America since 2008 and serves as a platform into the world of motor sport for emerging talent.

Nissan GT Academy looking for talent across SA

In collaboration with Playstation, the Nissan GT Academy went live on 15 October 2012 with an exclusive, free downloadable gaming format that will remain open until 10 December 2012. Any person with a Playstation 3 (PS3) and using Gran Turismo 5 as a base can attempt the eight step qualification programme online.

The fastest gamers will join a pool of winners from various live events around the country to compete in the national final in January 2013. Winners of the national competition will then make the transition from PS3 to real Nissan sports cars when they are invited to take part in the International Race Camp competition at the Silverstone Circuit in March 2013. The overall winner will then take part in an intensive Driver Development Programme to prepare for a chance to race in the Silverstone 24 Hours in 2013.

Lucas Ordoñez, the 27 year-old Spaniard who won the Nissan GT Academy competition in 2008, went on take second place on the podium at the 2011 Le Mans 24 Hour race and contested in the full European Le Mans Series in the Greaves Motorsport Zytek-Nissan LMP2 race car.

“Winning the Nissan GT Academy has changed my life,” says Lucas. “It was by chance that I came across the competition in a motoring magazine and decided to give it a go. I wasn’t a very serious gamer, but when I played my friends I usually won, so I had a bit of a feeling for it, I think.”

Nissan GT Academy – Live Events Dates

City Date Venue Time
Durban 2nd November 2012 Gateway Theatre of Shopping 09:00 – 21:00
Durban 3rd November 2012 Gateway Theatre of Shopping 09:00 – 21:00
Durban 4th November 2012 Gateway Theatre of Shopping 09:00 – 18:00
Cape Town 9th November 2012 Tyger Valley Shopping Centre 09:00 – 19:00
Cape Town 10th November 2012 Tyger Valley Shopping Centre 09:00 – 19:00
Cape Town 11th November 2012 Tyger Valley Shopping Centre 09:00 – 17:00
Johannesburg 17th November 2012 Fourways Crossing 11:00 – 15:00
Pretoria 18th November 2012 Menlyn Park 11:00 – 15:00
Johannesburg 23rd November 2012 Sandton City 09:00 – 20:00
Johannesburg 24th November 2012 Sandton City 09:00 – 20:00
Johannesburg 25th November 2012 Sandton City 09:00 – 18:00
Pretoria 1st December 2012 Mall @ Reds 11:00 – 15:00
Johannesburg 2nd December 2012 Maponya Mall 11:00 – 15:00

Details of how to enter Nissan GT Academy 2012 can be found on gtacademy.nissan.co.za

Hyundai HB20X Crossover revealed at 2012 Sao Paulo Motor Show

Hyundai Motor Brasil (HMB) has revealed the HB20X crossover at the 2012 Sao Paulo Motor Show. The Hyundai HB20X has been specifically developed for the Brazilian market and will be launched early in 2013. The HB20X forms part of the HB family, which stands for Hyundai Brasil, and stands alongside the HB20 hatchback which was the first vehicle in the family launched last month.

Hyundai HB20X Crossover hits Brazil

Styling Features?

Based on the HB20 hatchback, the HB20X features a re-designed bumper with a hexagonal grille that reflects Hyundai’s ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ design philosophy. The headlights feature a black bezel finish with chrome details. The sides feature black moldings and the roof bars offer flexibility to carry extra luggage. The rear-end also has a re-designed bumper with black moldings and the HB20X rides on 15-inch dark-alloy wheels.

The interior features much of the same qualities found on the HB20 hatchback with the addition of sports pedals, chrome finishing on the door handles and air conditioning controls and blue double stitching for the steering wheel and seats.

The HB20X will be powered by Hyundai’s GAMMA 1.6 16V FLEX engine with a power output of 95kW, featuring Continuous Variable Valve Timing (CVVT). The engine will be mated to either a manual or automatic transmission.

Volkswagen Taigun Concept shown at Sao Paulo Motor Show

The Volkswagen Taigun Concept has been unveiled at the São Paulo Motor Show in Brazil. The Volkswagen Taigun Concept is a small SUV based on the New Small Family platform, which is the same platform used for the acclaimed Volkswagen Up!. Volkswagen is using the São Paulo Motor Show to gauge public interest before deciding to put the Taigun into production.

??Volkswagen Taigun Concept is small with big looks

The four-seat Taigun concept is powered by a new 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that produces 81kW at 5 000rpm and 175Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. Based on latest EA211 series and using direct fuel injection and turbocharging, the 1.0- litre engine returns a combined fuel consumption figure of 4.7-litres/100km. Acceleration to 100km/h takes 9.2 seconds and the Taigun can reach a top speed of 186km/h. Exterior and Interior Styling The Volkswagen Taigun concept incorporates distinct Volkswagen styling and is only 3.86m long, 1.73m wide with a wheelbase of 2.47m. The Taigun concept draws inspiration from larger SUV’s such as the Tiguan and the Touareg with its rugged side panels, underbody protection and roof rails with LED spotlights. The Taigun concept is fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels and has a high ground clearance. On the inside, a high driving position gives the driver an optimum view of the road. The load area offers 280-litres of space which increases to 987-litres with the rear seats folded down. The tailgate is split with the top two thirds opening upwards while the bottom third folds down, allowing for easy loading of luggage items. The central infotainment system can pair with most smartphones creating an intuitive interface. Auxiliary instrument gauges display oil pressure, coolant temperature and turbo charge pressure and are mounted above the central infotainment system.

Nissan EXTREM Concept at Sao Paulo Motor Show

The Nissan EXTREM concept will make its world debut at the 2012 São Paulo Motor Show in Brazil this week. The EXTREM concept was designed by Nissan Design America (NDA) in collaboration with Brazilian designers and was produced in Brazil. The Nissan EXTREM concept represents Nissan’s commitment to Brazil along with a new manufacturing facility in the state of Rio de Janeiro that will start production in 2014 and produce 200 000 units annually.

Nissan EXTREM Concept is big on design

The Nissan EXTREM Concept is aimed at young car enthusiasts who are keen to make a bold statement on the road. The EXTREM concept features a raised body with dynamic contour lines defining its muscular presence while a sloping roof line gives it a sporty look. The combination of wrap-around glass, ‘floating’ roof rails and detached C-pillars give the Nissan EXTREM concept a sense of roominess while the unique see-through A-pillar structure enhances outward visibility.

The headlamps and tail lamps feature Nissan’s signature graphics with LED technology and an embossed aluminium skid plate houses the centrally mounted exhaust. The compact 2+2 EXTREM concept also features a two-tier storage system with a removable cargo bin for everyday items. ??The Nissan EXTREM concept is finished in a deep metallic orange colour called ‘Solar Cortex’ representing Brazilian nature and the concept rides on six-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels.

The EXTREM concept, according to Nissan, would be powered by turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine, sharing its technology concept with the Nissan Deltawing Le Mans race car.

The Nissan EXTREM is strictly a concept car and there are no plans for production. Nissan has however said that ‘elements of EXTREM’s styling offer a glimpse into future Nissan products, for Brazil, and beyond’.

2013 Dakar Rally Toyota Hilux revealed

Toyota South Africa has unveiled the striking 2013 Toyota Hilux that will compete in the 2013 Dakar Rally in South America come January. The new Toyota Hilux is considered to be the best racing Hilux ever built.

Big hopes for Toyota Hilux in 2013 Dakar Rally

Driver Giniel de Villiers and navigator Dirk von Zitzewitz will crew the Hilux in search for another victory after winning the 2009 Dakar Rally. Duncan Vos and Rob Howie, who are currently leading the South African Off Road Championship for production vehicles will also be competing in the 2013 Dakar Rally alongside their teammates.

Since Toyota announced that Toyota Motorsport and its partners would be competing in the 2013, 2014 and 2015 editions of the race, the Toyota Imperial South Africa Team’s workshop has been under growing pressure. Team Principal, Glyn Hall had the following to say, “It’s been a very busy period for the lads. With new Dakar rules for 2013 and the ongoing need to develop and improve our racing vehicles, we’ve had to come up with a better Dakar contender while at the same time continuing with our national championship off road and rally campaigns”.

Ford Fiesta Magnet Limited Edition in South Africa

The Ford Fiesta Magnet Limited Edition will be introduced in South Africa in November 2012. Only 75 models of the Limited Edition Fiesta Magnet will be available and Ford dealers are now taking orders for the special model.

Ford Fiesta Magnet Limited Edition is a special ride

Engine Capability

The Ford Fiesta Magnet Limited Edition is powered by a 1.6-litre Duratec engine with Twin Independent Variable Cam Timing (Ti-VCT) that produces 99kW and 160Nm of torque. The racy Ford Fiesta Magnet Limited Edition also features a specially designed sports suspension. ??Exterior Styling??Unique features include the grille surround, painted fog lamp rings, halogen projector headlamps with black bezel and privacy glass for the rear windows and tailgate glass. The Fiesta Magnet Limited Edition features body-colour front and rear bumpers, side skirts, aerofoil, rocker panel mouldings, rear spoiler in black and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Interior Styling

The interior features black leather sports seats with silver stitching and front seat heaters. The steering wheel features gloss black spoke shells and is finished in leather with silver stitching. Additional interior styling features include alloy pedal capping, front and rear Magnet door mats and a heated windshield.

The Ford Fiesta Magnet Limited Edition features an In Car Entertainment (ICE) system with Bluetooth and voice control. Other features include heated power mirrors with integrated indicators, remote central locking, power windows, cruise control and Electronic Air Temperature Control (EATC).

??Safety Features

The Ford Fiesta Magnet Limited Edition is equipped with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Traction Control, seven airbags, driver and passenger belt minders and seatbelt pre-tensioners. Rain-sensing wipers, automatic dimming rear-view mirror and automatic headlamps are also included.

Ford Fiesta Magnet Limited Edition – Price

Ford Fiesta Magnet Limited Edition – R229 000

The price includes a 4-year/120 000km warranty and a 4-year/60 000km service plan. Service intervals are at 20 000km and customers will also benefit from 3-year Roadside Assistance and a 5-year corrosion warranty.

Volvo Car 2 Car Communication to improve safety

Volvo Car Corporation recently joined the CAR 2 CAR Communication Consortium and signed a memorandum of understanding regarding the implementation of standardised technology for communication between cars from 2016.

“In the future we will have advanced exchange of vital information between vehicles such as their position, speed and direction,” says Erik Israelsson, Project Leader Cooperative ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems) at Volvo Car Corporation.

Smart technology for Car 2 Car Communication

Car 2 Car Communication between cars will take place using a wireless network and utilises existing systems such as GPS navigation systems and road infrastructure such as traffic lights and road signs.

CAR 2 CAR Communication has been granted a separate frequency allowing cars within a certain radius to automatically link to each other and share information.

“There is considerable potential in this area as well as opportunities for many benefits in many spheres over and above road safety, such as a more uniform flow of traffic and additional comfort for road users,” says Erik Israelsson.

CAR 2 CAR Communication can be applied in the following areas:

    • Green Light Optimum Speed Advisory – Provides optimum speed information to the driver to make the next green robot as well as the time it will take for the robot to change.
    • Emergency Vehicle Warning – Alerts the driver of the presence of emergency vehicles in the area.
    • Road Works Warning – Warns the driver of road works in the area, including speed reduction and distance information.
    • Slow Vehicle Warning – Warns drivers of slow moving or broken down vehicles.
    • Traffic Jam Ahead Warning – Warns drivers of upcoming traffic jams.
    • Weather Information – Warns drivers of bad weather conditions.
    • In-Vehicle Signage – Provides information regarding regular or temporary speed limits on a given route.
    • Emergency Electronic Brake Light – Warns drivers if a vehicle suddenly slows down.
    • Motorcycle Approaching Indication – Warns drivers of any motorcycles in the immediate area.
  • Red Light Violation Warning – Warns drivers of an approaching red light.

“When the system is fitted into future cars it will be of considerable benefit to drivers and next-generation infrastructure, and will help improve traffic safety,” says Erik Israelsson.

New Chevrolet Trailblazer in South Africa

Chevrolet is expanding its SUV offering in South Africa with the introduction of the new Trailblazer which now stands alongside the Captiva in this highly competitive segment. The new Chevrolet Trailblazer is available in five models offered with the choice of two trim levels namely LT and LTZ as well as diesel and petrol engines. Customers may also choose between two-wheel drive (2WD) and four-wheel drive (4WD).

Bright future for new Chevrolet Trailblazer

Engine Capability

The new Chevrolet Trailblazer is offered with a choice of two diesel engines and one petrol engine. The 2.5-litre Duramax diesel engine produces 110kW with a maximum torque figure of 350Nm. This engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission and is only available in two-wheel drive (2WD) format with LT trim. This engine returns a combined fuel consumption figure of 8.2-litres/100km.

The 2.8-litre Duramax diesel engine delivers 132kW with a maximum torque figure of 470Nm when mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and 440Nm when mated to the manual 5-speed transmission. In manual guise this engine consumes 8.8-litres/100km while the automatic version consumes 9.8-litres/100km. This variant is available as either a two-wheel drive (2WD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). The 6-speed automatic transmission comes with Driver Shift Control (DSC).

The petrol variant is powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine that produces 176kW with a maximum torque figure of 329Nm. Combined fuel consumption is rated at 11.9-litres/100km. This engine is mated to an electronically controlled 6-speed automatic transmission with Driver Shift Control (DSC) and is available only in four-wheel drive (4WD) format.

Exterior Styling

Built on a Body-On-Frame (BOF) architecture, the new Chevrolet Trailblazer is both ‘rugged’ and ‘sophisticated’ with an agile and athletic exterior appearance. The front-end of the Trailblazer features a ‘dual-port’ grille with three-dimensional honeycomb mesh backing. The grille is complemented with a power-dome bonnet and high-mounted headlight clusters. Chrome detailing on the grille surrounds, door handles, mirror covers and lamp clusters offer a feel of sophistication. A spear-like, embossed styling line runs the length of the Trailblazer while wrap-around glass treatment complements the squared-off rear end. The Trailblazer also features a notable class-leading towing capacity of up to 2 950kg.

Interior Styling

The Trailblazer’s interior is spacious and offers flexible seating for seven passengers and load requirements can easily be altered as required. Load space ranges from 205-litres with all the seats in the upright position to 1 830-litres with the seats folded down. The two rear seat rows feature raised seat heights that offer rear passengers ‘theatre-style’ seating.

The cockpit design with its flowing instrument panel creates a ‘floating wing’ effect that serves as a comfortable driving environment for the driver. The steering wheel features various mounted controls for added convenience for the driver. The new Chevrolet Trailblazer features contrasting trim with leather covering for premium models while high quality cloth is used for lower specification levels. The interior features Chevrolet’s signature ‘ice blue’ LED backlight illumination which provides high definition for the displays, controls and instrument cluster.

New Chevrolet Trailblazer – Price

Chevrolet Trailblazer 2.5 LT 4×2 R364 000
Chevrolet Trailblazer 2.8 LTZ 4×2 AT R423 500
Chevrolet Trailblazer 2.8 LTZ 4×4 MT R454 500
Chevrolet Trailblazer 2.8 LTZ 4×4 AT R469 900
Chevrolet Trailblazer 3.6 LTZ 4×4 AT R479 500

All prices include VAT and CO2 Tax. The new Chevrolet Trailblazer is covered by a 5-year/90 000 Service Plan and a 5-year/120 000km warranty.