New Kia Sorento available in South Africa

Kia has launched the newly refreshed third-generation Sorento SUV in South Africa. The new Kia Sorento has undergone significant improvements including a new exterior design, a re-engineered bodyshell, an enhanced powertrain, improved handling and additional conveniance and luxury features.

“Although the refreshed Sorento is not a brand new model, the changes to the vehicle are dramatic, resulting in an improvement of the overall driving experience. We are confident that this remodelled vehicle will continue the success of the Sorento name badge in South Africa, and that customers will be delighted by the new features and improvements on the vehicle”, comments David Sieff, National Marketing Manager, Kia Motors South Africa.

New Kia Sorento refreshed for the better

Engine Capability

The new Kia Sorento retains its 2.2-litre turbo charged diesel engine that delivers 147kW at 3 800rpm and 436Nm of torque at 1 800rpm. Acceleration from zero to 100km/h will take 9.9 seconds for the AWD automatic model. The new Kia Sorento also features a new exhaust gas recirculation system that reduces CO2 emissions and cuts the production of nitrogen oxide. A six-speed automatic tranmission is offered on all Sorento models with a choice of either 4X2 or 4X4 drive formats.

Exterior Styling Features

The new Kia Sorento features a restyled front and rear that creates a larger area of body colour surfaces while the boldly sculpted profile remains unchanged. The Sorento features new front and rear bumpers with vertical-axis fog lights, a new front grille, headlamps with LED positioning lights and a new tailgate with reshaped LED combination lamps.

Furthermore, the Sorento AWD model includes a new optional two-part glass panoramic roof and 10-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels. The 2WD model rides on 18-inch alloy wheels.

The new Kia Sorento is available in 10 exterior colours including Clear White, Bright Silver, Snow Pearl White, Aurora Black, Temptation Red, Mahogany Brown, Glittering Metal, Golden Beat, Cosmic Blue and Sage Green.

Interior Styling Features

The AWD model features a new centre stack touch screen display with the heating, ventilation, audio and auxiliary controls set out in logical horizontal bands with distinct detailing.

Additionally, the new Kia Sorento now features a Supervision cluster on the AWD model with a colour TFT LCD information panel. The new centre console has a straight-gate gear selector with a booted leather lever for the automatic transmission. The model further features a standard rear-view safety camera as well as a Start/Stop button with a smart key. A Bluetooth hands-free system is standard on all models.

Safety Features

Safety features include six airbags and various active and passive safety features including Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist System (BAS), Traction Control (TC), Roll-over Protection (ROP), active head restraints and ISOFIX child seat anchors.

New Kia Sorento – Price

Model Price
Kia Sorento 2.2 Diesel 2WD R 399 995
Kia Sorento 2.2 Diesel AWD R479 995

The price includes a 5-year/150 000km warranty, a 5-year/100 000km maintenance plan and 3-year Roadside Assistance.

Lexus LS 460 launched in South Africa

The Lexus LS 460 has been launched in South Africa, and according to the Lexus it is the “most profound statement that we can make about our brand” says Chief Designer Hideki Watanabe. The exterior door panels are the only parts to remain the same while more than 3 000 major parts and components have been redesigned or improved, making the Lexus LS 460 the ‘most comprehensive and dramatic vehicle enhancement ever done in the Lexus Group.’

Lexus LS 460 – Specifications and Features

Engine Capability

The Lexus LS 460 is equipped with an upgraded 4.6-litre V8 engine with 32 valves and dual intelligent variable valve timing (Dual VVT-i) that produces 285kW at 6 400rpm and 493Nm of torque at 4 100rpm. This unit is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift mode.

Acceleration to 100km/h will take 5.7 seconds before reaching a governed top speed of 250km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at 10.7-litres/100km which is 3% less than the predecessors 11.1-litres/100km.

Exterior Design Features

The Lexus LS 460 features an extra-large Spindle Grille, which is known internally as the ‘King Spindle’. The grille is completely framed in chrome and is flanked on two levels by LED light detailing. New horizontal LED fog lights are seen on the lower level while the upper level features LED daytime running lights with micro-engineered LED’s that form a single light row with high intensity lighting. The high impact discharge (Bi-HID) headlights feature an intelligent adaptive front lighting system (AFS) that uses sensors to adjust front light coverage based on ambient light, pedestrians and weather conditions.

The rear-end features new three dimensional ‘L-Finesse’ rear light clusters with L-shaped light guides for increased visibility. The exterior mirrors have been restyled and incorporate LED turn indicators. The boot lid incorporates a reverse camera and rear sensors that work in combination with the vehicles blind spot monitoring system. The Lexus LS 460 is built using a fair amount of new types of high tensile steel and aluminium in the body construction while under-body stabilisers reduce wind drag and improve stability, contributing to a drag coefficient of only 0.26. The Lexus LS 460 rides on 19-inch alloy wheels.

Interior Design Features

The interior is adorned with leather and bamboo inserts while the new dashboard and instrument binnacle uses minimalist design cues and adaptive mood lighting to create an attractive interior setting. The new Lexus LS 460 features a Climate Concierge system which uses sensors to determine differing temperatures in the cabin and adjusts the four-zone climate control, seat heating and cooling and the heated steering wheel accordingly.

The driver has access to several information displays including a 5.8-inch colour display in the central instrument binnacle and a 12.3-inch electro multi-vision (EMV) display above the analogue clock. The EMV screen is operated with the next-generation of Lexus’ Remote Touch Interface (RTI) and fulfils numerous functions including the display of the satellite navigation and iPod cover art. The Lexus LS 460 is also equipped with a Voice Control System. A Mark Levison sound system with 19 speakers and a 15 channel amplifier is compatible with Bluetooth, Blu-Ray discs, iPods, USB and MP3 discs. Rear seat occupants have access to a roof-mounted rear seat screen with in-built entertainment and connecting ports for most auxiliary entertainment systems.

Safety Features

The Lexus LS 460 is equipped with the world’s most advanced pre-crash avoidance system (PCS) with a stereo millimetre wave radar system. The PCS monitors the vehicle’s surroundings, including pedestrians, and warns the driver of any dangers. The system prepares the cabin safety equipment such as headrests and seatbelts if an accident looks probable. The PCS also features facial recognition to monitor and counteract driver fatigue. The PCS system works in conjunction with the other safety features which include Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Tyre Pressure Monitoring (TPM), rain sensing wipers and side Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM). The Lexus LS 460 is also equipped with 10 airbags.

Lexus LS 460 – Price

Lexus LS 460 – R1 236 700

The price includes a 4-year/100 000km Lexus Distance Plan Complete full maintenance plan and warranty with roadside assistance. Service intervals are set at 15 000km.

Mercedes-Benz 6X6 G63 AMG revealed

This is the Mercedes-Benz 6X6 G63 AMG near-series show vehicle which draws inspiration from the G-Class series-production models while Mercedes-AMG has contributed engine expertise and luxury refinement to the interior. The Mercedes-Benz 6X6 G63 AMG features three axles, 6 driven wheels, low-range ratio, five differential locks, portal axles, a tyre pressure control system and a special chassis that makes it perfectly compatible to tackle almost any off-road situation.

Mercedes-Benz 6X6 G63 AMG  is a versatile off-road master

Engine Capability

The Mercedes-Benz 6X6 G63 AMG is powered by a 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine that is mated to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission. This engine produces 400kW of power and 760Nm of torque. The transmission is paired with the front drive system from the G63 AMG and a rear twin drivetrain from the 6X6 version. The portal axles are a technical highlight of the vehicle.

Exterior and Interior Styling Features

The G63 AMG 6X6 stands 5.87m long, 2.1m wide and 2.3m tall with a distinct AMG face featuring a ‘twin blade’ radiator grille. Carbon fibre has been used for the integrated LED light strips above the windscreen and for the large flared wheel arches which house massive 37-inch wheels. The rear load section features a stainless steel roll-over bar and the load area floor is lined with durable bamboo.

The interior features classic red or light brown designo leather with contrasting topstitching and diamond pattern quilting. The four electrically adjustable individual seats are heated and ventilated. The rear compartment features a special centre console and the pillars are finished in an Alcantara covering while the rear panel is covered in leather trim.

The Mercedes-Benz 6X6 G63 AMG is currently only a show vehicle and has not been confirmed for production.

Ford sales summary for February 2013

Ford was ranked fourth as South Africa’s best-selling new car brand for February 2013. According to Ford, February 2013 was the company’s best retail sales month since September 2011. Ford sales experienced 15% growth compared to January 2013. Here is a breakdown of Ford sales as well as individual vehicle sales figures for February 2013.

Ford sales summary – February 2013

  • Total sales: 4 556 units
  • Total market share: 9.8%
  • Passenger vehicle sales: 2 481 units ( 8.1% Market share)
  • Total Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) sales: 2 075 units ( 15.6% Market share)

Top 5 Ford new passenger car sales – February compared to January 2013

Model Sales
Ford Figo 982 (1 202)
Ford Focus 596 (423)
Ford Fiesta 573 (488)
Ford Kuga 79 (68)
Ford Everest 68 (57)

Ford new light commercial vehicle sales – February compared to January 2013

Model Sales
Ford Ranger 1784 (1 255)
Mazda BT-50 290 (320)

Top 3 Ford used cars on Cars.co.za – February 2013

Model Vehicle views
Ford Focus 15 706
Ford Fiesta 12 786
Ford Ranger 7 962

Ford in the News

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Ford Fiesta ST rolls off production line

The Ford Focus ST reviewed

New Ford Fiesta in South Africa

Volkswagen e-up! electric vehicle revealed

The Volkswagen e-up! has made its first appearance at the Annual Press and Investors Conference in Wolfsburg and represents the company’s first fully electric production vehicle. The Volkswagen e-up! operates with nearly zero noise, has a range of up to 150km and is designed for practical everyday use.

Volkswagen e-up! for green motoring

The all-electric VW e-up! is powered by an electric motor that produces 60kW and 210Nm of maximum torque. The lithium-ion battery has a storage capacity of 18.7kWh, allowing for a range of 150km and can be charged to 80 percent of its capacity in 30 minutes. The VW e-up! accelarates to 100km/h in just 14 seconds before reaching a top speed of 135km/h.

Interior and Exterior Features

Exterior features include distinctive curved LED daytime running lights in the front bumper and an e-up! logo at the rear. The vehicle is also fitted with 15-inch alloy wheels and Volkswagen emblems with blue backgrounds. The charging port for the battery is hidden behind the fuel door. The Combined Charging System (CCS) is available as an option.

The inside of the e-up! is styled with light grey seat covers with blue top-stitched seams. Special leather and chrome accents have been used to match the vehicle concept of a fully-fledged urban electric car.

The e-up! will officially premiere at the 2013 Frankfurt International Auto Show in September.

Used Car Analysis for February 2013

Statistics derived from Cars.co.za provide valuable insight into the interests of the South African public towards particular used car brands and used car models. In February 2013 a total of 926 831 vehicle views were made on Cars.co.za. Here is a breakdown of the most popular used cars in South Africa for February 2013 as well as the most popular used car brands.

Top 10 most popular used cars in South Africa for February 2013

Model Total views Used car market penetration
1. BMW 3-Series 55 536 5.00%
2. Volkswagen Polo 47 209 5.00%
3. Volkswagen Golf 39 099 4.00%
4. Mercedes-Benz C-Class 31 485 3.00%
5. Audi A4 27 525 2.00%
6. Toyota Corolla 21 283 2.00%
7. Audi A3 19 719 2.00%
8. Volkswagen Polo Vivo 18 048 1.00%
9. Toyota Hilux 16 599 1.00%
10. BMW 1 Series 16 274 1.00%

The BMW 3-Series is South Africa’s most sought after used car with a market penetration percentage of 5%. The BMW 3-Series was the brand’s best selling new vehicle in 2012. The Volkswagen Polo is in second place with a market penetration percentage of 5% but with marginally less views for month. The VW Polo is ranked fourth as South Africa’s most popular new car for February 2013 and was rated as the best-selling new car in 2012.

The VW Polo Vivo, which is South Africa’s best-selling new passenger car for February 2013, is in eighth place in the used car market with a market penetration percentage of 1%. Interestingly, South Africa’s best-selling bakkie, the Toyota Hilux, is placed ninth in the used car market with a market penetration percentage of only 1%.

Top 5 most popular used car brands in South Africa for February 2013

Used car brand Total views Used car market penetration % New car market penetration*
1. VW 153 616 16.00% 19.70%
2. BMW 110 603 11.00% 5.20%
3. Toyota 92 685 10.00% 23.80%
4. Mercedes 58 773 6.00% 4.70%
5. Ford 48 992 5.00% 9.80%

* According to official NAAMSA sales figures for February 2013.

According to Cars.co.za, Volkswagen is considered to be the most popular used car brand in South Africa with a used car market penetration percentage of 16%. In the new car market Volkswagen is ranked second with a market share of 19.7%. Interestingly, BMW is ranked second as the most sought after used car brand in the used car market with a penetration percentage of 11% while in the new car market it only accounts for 5.2% of new car sales. Toyota on the other hand is the most popular new car brand with a market share of 23.8% but is placed third in the used car market with a market penetration percentage of 10%. Mercedes-Benz has a larger penetration in the used car market which could be indicative of its popularity in the used car market. Ford, however is ranked fifth in the used car market while it is ranked fourth in the new car market with a market share of 9.8%.

Cars.co.za will continue to collate used car statistics throughout the duration of 2013 with the emphasis of expanding existing knowledge of the used car market in South Africa.

MINI Countryman reaches 250 000 production milestone

MINI reached an impressive production milestone this week when the 250 000th Countryman rolled off the production line in Graz, Austria. The MINI Countryman is the first model in the 50-year history of the brand to feature four doors, a large tailgate, up to five seats and a variable-use load compartment that offers between 350 and 1 170-litres of space.

MINI Countryman celebrates worldwide success

“The strong global demand for the MINI Countryman represents a compelling endorsement of the rigorous expansion strategy implemented for the MINI range,” said Harald Kruger, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, MINI, Motorcycles, Rolls-Royce, Aftersales BMW Group.

The roll-out of the 250,000th MINI Countryman follows the start of MINI Paceman production which is the seventh model in the brand’s line-up.

The MINI Paceman is designed for a target group that appreciates extra functionality and who want to experience a “balance of agility and driving comfort that comes into its own over long journeys”, say MINI. The capability of the Countryman is realised in the fact that it’s the brands first model to feature the ALL4 all-wheel-drive system.

The most popular version of the Countryman in 2012 was the MINI Cooper S Countryman followed closely by the MINI Cooper Countryman. Although the diesel models are not sold in all markets, they managed to pull off approximately 37 percent of MINI Countryman sales in 2012.

Nissan sales summary in South Africa for February 2013

Nissan South Africa had a positive sales month in February 2013 and was ranked as the third best-selling new car brand in South Africa for the month, after Toyota and Volkswagen. Here is a breakdown Nissan sales which includes critical sales figures as well as sales figures for indivudual Nissan models.

Nissan sales summary – February 2013

  • Total new car sales: 4 703 units
  • Total market share: 10.2%
  • Passenger vehicle sales: 2 438 units (7.9% market share)
  • Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) sales: 2 265 units (17% market share)

Top 5 Nissan new passenger car sales – February compared to January 2013

Model Sales
Nissan Micra 806 (598)
Nissan Juke 506 (449)
Nissan Qashqai 450 (310)
Nissan Tiida 234 (189)
Nissan X-Trail 167 (128)

Nissan new light commercial vehicle sales – February compared to January 2013

Model Sales
Nissan NP200 1 245 (1 553)
Nissan NP300 Hardbody 699 (949)
Nissan Navara 306 (195)

Top 5 Nissan Used Cars on Cars.co.za – February 2013

Model Vehicle views
Nissan Hardbody 5 996
Nissan Navara 4 446
Nissan Qashqai 2 856
Nissan Tiida 2800
Nissan Micra 2220

Nissan in the News

Nissan Juke NISMO debuts at Chicago Auto Show

Nissan LEAF smashes 50 000 global sales target

Updated 2013 Nissan GTR available in South Africa

Datsun returning to South Africa in 2014

New Nissan Pathfinder SE ready to order in South Africa

Lamborghini Aventador Limo Concept revealed

A luxury car hire company in the UK, Cars-For-Stars, has unveiled a concept Lamborghini Aventador limo which is a stretch version of the original model. The project is still in its first stages as the car will remain a concept until funding can be raised to create the Lamborghini Aventador Stretch Limo.

Lamborghini Aventador Limo – Design Features

The concept car known as the Lambo, features exaggerated sleekness and sophistication of the Aventador. It’s innovative and futuristic design is a step out of the ordinary and is sure to create massive hype in the world of luxury motoring.

The Lamborghini Aventador Limo features a fiery orange chassis framed with four scissor doors. Inside the car are two Italian-built seats and an interior covered in plush leather and decorated with the Cars-For-Stars logo. Other features include heated seating, rear plasma screens; surround sound, iPod docks and champagne bars, providing a luxurious limousine experience.

Ferrari LaFerrari prances to success

Only 499 examples of the Prancing Horse Ferrari LaFerrari will be built and in just over a week since its official reveal at the Geneva Motor Show, the LaFerrari has received more than twice that number in requests. As the successor to the Ferrari Enzo, the LaFerrari consumes less fuel and Co2 emissions have been reduced by as much as 50%.

Ferrari Chairman, Luca di Montezemolo, spoke of the LaFerrari at its presentation, “It is the highest expression of excellence of our company, technological innovation, performance, futuristic style, driving pleasure. It is an extraordinary car, destined to our collectors. A car with technical solutions, which in the future will be integrated in our range and which are the benchmark for the entire sector. LaFerrari represents the best planning and building capacities in our Company, including those acquired in Formula One, knowledge, unique in the world.”

Ferrari LaFerrari performance figures

The Ferrari LaFerrari is powered with HY-KERS hybrid technology which includes a 6.3-litre V12 engine and an electric motor. The power output of the V12 engine is a hefty 588kW with a torque figure of 700Nm. The electric motor however delivers an additional 120kW while the combined output of the system totals 708kW with a maximum torque figure of 900Nm. All that power is put to the tar using a 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT).

As a result, the Ferrari LaFerrari can sprint to 100km/h in less than 3 seconds and from zero to 200km/h in less than 7 seconds before reaching a top speed exceeding 350km/h.

Ferrari LaFerrari – Price

Ferarri LaFerrari – R15.3-million