Volkswagen Amarok gets engine upgrade

Volkswagen has upgraded the entry-level engine of the Amarok Double Cab Trendline model which is available in either rear wheel drive (4×2) or selectable 4Motion derivatives.

Volkswagen Amarok Double Cab Trendline adds more power

The Volkswagen Amarok Double Cab Trendline comes fitted with an uprated four-cylinder 2.0-litre TDI engine that delivers 103kW and accelerates from zero to 100km/h in 12.6 seconds (previously 13.2 seconds) and reaches a top speed of 168km/h (previously 162km/h). The maximum torque figure of 340Nm at 1600rpm to 2250rpm remains unchanged.

Features

Customers will be able to choose from a number of optional features such as 17, 18 and 19-inch alloy wheels as well as a communication package that includes a multi-function steering wheel and Bluetooth cell phone preparation. Other options will include front and rear Park Distance Control and an RCD 310 Radio/CD player with six speakers.

Volkswagen Amarok Price

Model	Price
Volkswagen Amarok Double Cab 2.0 TDI 4×2 Trendline	R364 200
Volkswagen Amarok Double Cab 2.0 TDI 4Motion Trendline	R415 200

The Amarok Double Cab model range comes standard with a 3 year/100 000km manufacturer warranty, a 5 year/90 000km Automotion Service Plan and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty with service intervals at 15 000km.

New Isuzu KB rumbles into South Africa

The all-new and locally made 6th generation Isuzu KB bakkie is now available in South Africa with a choice of 26 models across four specification levels including Base, Fleetside (High Ride configuration), LE and LX. The new Isuzu KB features new styling, higher levels of comfort, safety and more powerful engines.

New Isuzu KB means business

Engine options

An all-new 2.4-litre petrol engine is available for the Base, Fleetside and LE models. This new engine produces 112kW with a maximum torque figure of 233Nm. The combined-cycle fuel consumption figure for this engine is rated at 10.4-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 245g/km.

A low pressure 2.5-litre turbo diesel engine is also available for the Base and Fleetside models. This engine produces 58kW of power with 170Nm of torque. The proven 2.5-litre D-TEQ engine is available for the Base, Fleetside and LE specification levels and produces 85kW and 280Nm. This engine has a fuel consumption figure of 7.7-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 203g/km.

The top-of-the-range engine is the 3.0-litre D-TEQ engine that is available for the LX specification in all three body styles in either 4X2 or 4X4 format. This engine delivers 130kW and 380Nm of torque while returning a combined fuel consumption figure of 7.7-litres/100km and CO2 emissions of 204g/km.

Exterior Styling Features

The new Isuzu KB is 260mm longer, 60mm wider and 60mm taller than the previous model, resulting in an increase in interior space and a more spacious load box. Aerodynamic changes have been made to help reduce drag and improve overall fuel efficiency. The A-pillar now sits 100mm further forward and at an increased angle which further improves the seating position of front-seat passengers.

All four-wheel drive (4WD) and High Ride models feature integrated wheel arch flares which replace the plastic overfenders used on the previous model. Larger wheel openings are a new feature of the new Isuzu KB. The roof, sides and door structure have all been redesigned. The LX specification benefits from a chrome grille and bonnet garnish while the LE specification gets a body coloured grille. Base and Fleetside models feature a black grille.

Interior Styling Features

The increase in overall size has created a more spacious interior with reduced noise, vibration and harshness levels (NVH). More space is available under the dashboard with shoulder room increasing by 10mm. Rear seat passengers now have 25mm of extra space and the styling of the doors for all three body styles have been optimised for shape, size and opening angle to make entry and exit as easy as possible.

Vehicle controls are logically placed before the driver for optimum use. The three-spoke steering wheel features a soft grip cover while the LX variants feature a leather covered steering wheel with satellite audio controls as standard.

New Isuzu KB Price

Model	Price
Isuzu KB 250 D-TEQ Diesel Single Cab	From R229 300
Isuzu KB 250 Diesel Extended Cab LE	From R290 700
Isuzu KB 250 Diesel Double Cab LE	From R363 200
Isuzu KB 240 Petrol Single Cab Base	From R218 900
Isuzu KB 240 Petrol Double Cab LE	From R309 100

Mitsubishi Concept G4 set for Bangkok reveal

The Mitsubishi Concept G4 will be unveiled at the Bangkok Motor Show at the end of March. The Concept G4, which stands for ‘Global 4-door’, is a concept model for a compact sedan which Mitsubishi plans on rolling out worldwide.

Mitsubishi Concept G4 Features

According to Mitsubishi, the Concept G4 uses a ‘high-clarity brilliant-cut diamond motif for the front grille, headlamps and rear combination lamps’ which gives the vehicle a unique presence on the road.

The Mitsubishi Concept G4 features next-generation compact sedan styling which includes a short nose which provides better visibility and manoeuvrability, a flowing side profile and generous interior cabin space.

Fuel efficiency is enhanced with the Concept G4’s Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body which is lightweight and made of high-tensile steel. In addition, the Concept G4 will be powered by the lightweight and compact 1.2-litre MIVEC engine which will be mated to a CVT with a sub-geartrain along with weight reduction throughout.

The Mitsubishi Concept G4 offers notable passenger comfort with a high hip point and large door openings for easy entry and exit as well as offering generous rear seat legroom.

The Mitsubishi Concept G4 will be on display at the 2013 Bangkok Motor show which starts on 25 March 7 April 2013.

Volvo Active High Beam Control makes night driving safer

The new Volvo S60, V60 and XC60 models which are currently on show at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show can be fitted with the new Volvo Active High Beam Control, making night driving safer and more comfortable for the driver, as well as for other motorists on the road.

Our aim with the renewed Volvo Active High Beam Control technology is to enhance visibility in the dark by making it possible to use high beam permanently, without having to switch to low beam when meeting or catching up with other cars, says Prof. Lotta Jakobsson, Senior Technical Specialist Safety, Volvo Cars Safety Centre.

Volvo Active High Beam Control Features

The main advantage of the Volvo Active High Beam Control is that the traffic environment outside the shaded area is still illuminated by the high beam and allows drivers to detect objects on the roadside such as parked cars, pedestrians and animals.

The shading mechanism prevents dazzling of oncoming motorists. When an oncoming car approaches or when catching up to another car from behind, the mechanism shades out just enough light as is necessary. The Active High Beam Control uses the same camera used for detection and automatic braking and is located by the rear-view mirror at the top of the windscreen. The camera detects vehicles and identifies the area that needs to be shaded. The Volvo Active High Beam Control technology is accurate enough to frame an object with a 1.5 degree margin.

The control unit relays the information to an ingenious projector module mechanism integrated into the headlamp. A small cylinder with metal pieces of different sizes allows the possibility of shading just as much beam as is necessary.

The Volvo Active High Beam Control features Xenon lamps and is active from speeds up to 15km/h.

Most read motoring news articles for February 2013

Missed the news? If so, take a look at some of the most popular motoring articles on Cars.co.za for February and get up to speed. The most read read articles are as follows…

Renault Captur makes Geneva debut

The production version of the Renault Captur is currently on display at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. The Captur is a urban crossover that combines the styling and driving position of an SUV with the cabin space of an MPV while driving like a sedan.

Renault Captur captures the driving essence

The Renault Captur comes with an original exterior two-tone colour which adds contrast between the roof and pillars from the rest of the body and features design themes inspired by the concept version, like the front fascia and forward position of the steeply raked windscreen. Other exterior features include a raised ground clearance, large wheels and sill guards.

The new Renault Captur crossover measures 4.12 metres in length offering ample storage and boot space. The exclusive and colourful compartment enforces a warm and relaxing atmosphere while the selection of interior customisation solutions comes with a choice of colours and motifs for the different trim features.

Additionally, the Renault Captur boasts comfort and refinements normally found on an MPV, such as a high-up driving position, large boot, and modular interior and innovative stowage solutions.

Standard equipment specifications include hands free entry, Hill Start Assist and rear parking sensors. Entertainment comes in the form of an in-dash Renault R-Link touch-screen multimedia tablet and a sound system that includes six loudspeakers, Bluetooth connectivity, audio-streaming and Arkamys hi-fi sound.

The Renault Captur will be manufactured at Renault’s Valladolid plant in Spain.

Honda Civic Tourer Concept hints at its future

The Honda Civic Tourer Concept is being showcased at the Geneva Motor Show. The concept hints at the design direction for the Honda Civic Tourer production model which will make its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2013.

Honda Civic Tourer Concept Design Features

The Honda Civic Tourer Concept shares many styling features with the ninth-generation Honda Civic hatchback which was launched in 2011. The Honda Civic Tourer Concept has a low and wide stance for a sporty appearance and is complemented with a sleek cabin, much like the Civic hatchback.

The concept follows the same design direction as previous Honda Tourer derivatives such as the Accord Tourer and the Civic Aero deck which offer a smooth design combined with class-leading cargo space.

Honda has also confirmed that the production version of the concept will be available early in 2014 and that track testing of the new Civic Type R will start at the Nurburgring in 2013.

Range Rover Evoque Dynamic Black Design Pack launched

Land Rover has used the Geneva Motor show to launch a new Black Design Pack for the popular Range Rover Evoque ‘Dynamic’ derivative.

Range Rover Evoque Dynamic Black Design Pack – Features

The Black Design Pack enhances the exterior styling of the Range Rover Evoque Dynamic with the addition of 20-inch, 9-spoke forged wheels painted in gloss black while all the exterior bright finishes have been removed to create the desired effect. The dark exhaust finishers are painted in Santorini Black and complemented with a gloss black rear bumper and an inner and outer sump guard which is carried through on the front.

The front headlights and fog lights have been darkened while the rear lights have been modified to give a clear effect so that they don’t appear permanently red. ‘Range Rover’ lettering in Santorini Black can be found across the bonnet, tailgate and rear sport spoiler.

“With over 100,000 vehicles sold in its first full year of sales – more than any other previous Land Rover model, and 124 global awards, the Range Rover Evoque has proved itself as our most desirable product and continues to show rapid growth worldwide,” said John Edwards, Land Rover Global Brand Director.

“Offering our customers even greater choice with the option of the striking Black Design Pack can only make the Evoque appeal to an even bigger audience. With its dynamic and sporty handling, formidable all-terrain performance, choice of premium luxury interiors and colour and feature combinations, customers truly can personalise their Evoque to suit their personality,” added John Edwards.

Opel ADAM Rocks concept in Geneva

Opel has revealed the three-door, urban mini-crossover study called the Opel ADAM Rocks concept at the Geneva Motor Show. The Opel ADAM Rocks concept explores new ways of enhancing the individualisation potential of the funky urban runabout.

Opel ADAM Rocks concept Design Features

The Opel ADAM Rocks concept features a higher and wider stance as well as a powerful, compact appearance that is enhanced with a prominent grille structure, LED headlamps, boomerang-shaped turn indicators and 18-inch wheels with specially designed clips.

Additionally, the three-door mini crossover boasts a fabric roof that offers a feeling of personal freedom with a clear view of the sky. The fabric also extends across the entire width of the roof right back to the C-pillars.

The roof is linked to a special weather app that is displayed on the colour touch screen of the IntelliLink driver information centre and determines when a weather front is imminent and consequently iniates the closing of the roof.

There are no plans to bring the Opel ADAM to South Africa.

New SsangYong Rodius Turismo launched in Geneva

The SsangYong Rodius Turismo is currently on show at the Geneva Motor Show. According to SsangYong, the new Rodius has been designed with the aim to combine multi-role flexibility and driving comfort and appointments of a luxury saloon within an all-new shape.

New SsangYong Rodius Specifications and Features

Engine Capability

The new SsangYong Rodius Turismo is fitted with a 2.0-litre e-XDi200 turbo diesel engine that produces 114kW at 4 000rpm with a torque figure of 360Nm at 2800rpm. The engine can be mated to a six-speed manual gearbox or a T-Tronic five-speed Mercedes Benz automatic transmission.

Exterior Styling Features

SsangYong designers created a distinctive and innovative look to the Rodius Turismo, incorporating a sporting feel but at the same time blending the cars numerous roles with a luxurious and dignified tone.

By further combining the strength and fluidity of the car, the front has a robust stance due to a hexagonal shaped radiator grille and trapezoidal bumper. The new SsangYong Rodius also utilises a double wishbone front suspension and rear independent multi-link suspension for executive saloon-style ride quality.

Interior Styling Features

The interior is fitted with seven seats in a three-in-a-row seating arrangement. The second row can be folded individually and used as tables while the third row can be removed completely. The 300mm wheelbase provides large internal space that can fit seven passengers together with their luggage, and without having to compromise on passenger capacity and comfortable travelling.

Other interior features include leather upholstery, a heated windscreen, air conditioning, air quality system, eco cruise control, electrically-adjustable and heated front seats, USB / AUX / Bluetooth support and a MP3 CD & RDS radio.

Safety Features

The new SsangYong Rodius is fitted with a comprehensive package of active safety features such as Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Active Roll Over Protection (ARP) and Brake Assist System (BAS), along with dual front and side airbags. The ISOFIX and tether anchorage points for child seats are fitted on the second row.