New VW Golf 7 voted 2013 European Car of the Year

The new VW Golf 7 has been voted as the European Car of the Year for 2013. The renowned international ‘Car of the Year’ Award is an important achievement in the automotive industry and the winners were announced on 4 March 2013 in the run-up to the Geneva Motor Show.

Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen AG, stated, “This is a superb result and we are very proud of it. This most significant European award is the perfect final touch to the list of prizes we have already won. Over 29 million customers have made the Golf into the icon that it is. The new Golf will continue this success story.”

New VW Golf 7 outshines the competition

The panel of judges, consisting of 58 automotive journalists from 22 countries, nominated eight cars for the final judgement. The finalists were compared and evaluated according to a wide range of criteria including fuel efficiency, comfort, safety, driving properties, functionality, design and technological progress.

After the final vote, the VW Golf 7 came out as the winner with a total point score of 414. The Toyota GT-86 came in a distant second place with a score of 202 points, while the Volvo V40 came third with 189 points. The Golf 7 scored well for most of the criteria, including safety. The Golf 7 features a new Multi-Collision Braking System which slows the vehicle down automatically after an accident to reduce the remaining kinetic energy and thereby avoiding further collisions.

The Golf 7 was launched in South Africa in February 2013 and has since sold in excess of 760 units.

New VW Golf 7 – Price

Model Price
Volkswagen Golf 1.2 TSI Trendline R233 800
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI Trendline R246 700
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI Comfortline R264 900
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI Comfortline with DSG R279 400
Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TDI Comfortline R282 300
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI Highline R293 600
Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TDI Highline R334 800

The new VW Golf 7 model range comes standard with a 5-year/90 000km Service Plan, a 3-year/120 000km warranty and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. Service intervals are set at 15 000km.

Volkswagen Golf 7 GTI blitzes into Geneva

The Volkswagen Golf 7 GTI has made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show and will be launched in Europe with a choice of two power levels. The new Golf 7 GTI offers up to 18% improvement in fuel economy when compared to the outgoing GTI.

Volkswagen Golf 7 GTI top of hot-hatch pile

The new Golf 7 GTI is fitted with a 2.0-litre turbocharged direct-injection TSI engine that develops 162kW and 350Nm of torque. The performance pack allows for a power increase to 169kW. Transmission comes in the form of either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission. Both models are fitted with a Stop-Start system.

Styling Features

The new Volkswagen Golf 7 GTI features red-painted brake callipers, twin chrome tailpipes, a lowered sport suspension, special side skirts, a rear diffuser, smoked LED tailights and LED license plate illumination. The GTI rides on 17-inch ‘Brooklyn’ GTI wheels. On the inside, the sports seats are finished in ‘Clark’ tartan pattern while the headliner is in black and red ambient lighting sets the mood. Special GTI features include a sports steering wheel, GTI gear lever, instrument cluster, special trim inserts, stainless steel pedals and a foot support.

Standard features include a progressive steering system, ‘Climatronic’ automatic climate control, park assist and VW’s latest touchscreen infotainment system. A winter pack includes heatable front seats and customers can choose between three body colours including ‘Tornado Red’ , ‘Black’ and ‘Pure White’.

South African launch and specification details will be made available at a later date when the information becomes available.

Rolls Royce Wraith unveiled at Geneva Motor Show

Rolls-Royce has presented the elegant and powerful Wraith at the 83rd Geneva Motor Show. The Rolls-Royce Wraith is the most powerful Rolls-Royce ever made and features a dynamic Satellite Aided Transmission which uses GPS mapping data to ensure that the correct gear is pre-selected to suit the road conditions ahead.

“Today we launch the ultimate gentlemen’s gran turismo, a car that embodies the spirit of Charles Stewart Rolls,” commented Torsten Muller-Otvos, CEO Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “The most powerful Rolls-Royce in history, Wraith promises the sense of adventure and speed that drove our founding forefather. But of course, Wraith’s starting point is luxury, refinement and quality, traits that remain as important to Rolls-Royce customers today as they were more than a century ago,” he added.

2014 Rolls Royce Wraith – Specifications and Features

Engine Capability

The Rolls-Royce Wraith is powered by a V12 engine producing 465kW and 800Nm of torque. The engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic ZF transmission and is able to sprint from zero to 100km/h in 4.4 seconds. In comparison, the Rolls-Royce Ghost produces 420kW and sprints from zero -100km/h in 4.7 seconds.

Exterior Styling Features

The Rolls-Royce Wraith is outlined by a sweeping fastback design with bold lines emphasizing the car’s unique character. The suspension has been tuned to minimise body roll and enhance feedback when cornering.

Other features include a deeply recessed grille, a wide rear track, a two-tone paint job and advanced mechanical and electrical technology with systems like head-up display, adaptive headlights and a Wraith keyless opening boot.

Interior Styling Features

The interior is fitted with four seats covered in Phantom grade leather while extensive use of wood Canadel Panelling completes the interior feel. There’s also a ‘starlight headliner’ which has 1 340 fibre-optic lights hand-woven into the roof lining to set a glittering cabin ambiance.

Additional features include a voice-activation command with a one-touch call button located on the steering wheel. The infotainment area sports the latest iteration of the Spirit of Ecstasy Rotary Controller which allows navigation of on-screen functions using a touch pad with pinch and pull functionality.

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray convertible officially unveiled

The 2013 Geneva Motor Show has set the scene for the official unveiling of the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray convertible. The Corvette Stingray coupe was first shown at the Chicago Auto Show earlier this year and all the performance technology and capabilities have been transferred to the convertible version.

Top-down fun with Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible

Engine Capability

The Corvette Stingray convertible is powered by a new LT1 6.2-litre V8 engine that produces 335kW and 610Nm of torque. The engine integrates direct injection, Active Fuel Management and continuously variable valve timing to deliver maximum power and efficiency. Fuel consumption is expected to improve on the current model’s 13.6-litres/100km. The engine is mated to a 7-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Matching that is designed to anticipate gear selections and matches the engine speed for a perfect shift.

Exterior and Interior Styling Features

The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray convertible is built on a rigid aluminium frame structure which is 57% stiffer and some 45 kilograms lighter than before. Carbon fibre is used for the hood while composite fenders, doors, rear quarter panels and carbon-nano underbody panels help reduce weight for an optimum power-to-weight ratio. High-intensity discharge and light-emitting diode lighting is a standard feature. The retractable roof is made of a thick, three-ply fabric with sound-absorbing padding with a rear glass window. The fabric roof can be operated at speeds of up to 50km/h.

The interior features a combination of carbon fibre and aluminum trim, as well as hand-wrapped leather materials. Two 8-inch screens provide vital vehicle information and access to the infotainment system. Two new seat choices are also available and are made from lightweight magnesium frames.

The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray convertible is also available with a track-capable Z51 Performance Package that includes an electronic limited-slip differential, a dry-sump oiling system, integral brakes, differential and transmission cooling, as well as an aerodynamic package that further improves high-speed stability.

Most popular new car brands in South Africa for February 2013

New car sales in February 2013 slowed by 7.2% compared to January 2013 with the month’s sales totalling 51 005 units. A total of 35 092 units were sold in the passenger vehicle segment which is 11.6% less when compared to January 2013. The Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segment however experienced a sales increase of 6.2% compared to January 2013 with sales totalling 14 153 units. Here is a breakdown of South Africa’s Top 3 new car brands along with each brand’s best selling vehicles.

Car Brand Volume Market Share
1. Toyota 11 027 21.60%
2. Volkswagen 9 100 17.80%
3. Nissan 4 703 9.20%

South Africa’s Top 3 selling new car brands – February 2013

1. Toyota – 11 027 units

Toyota is South Africa’s best-selling car brand for February 2013. Toyota sold equally well in both the passenger vehicle segment (5 676 units) and in the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segment (5 012). The best-selling vehicles in the Toyota stable include the ever-popular Hilux bakkie which managed to sell 3500 units, while the Toyota Etios proved to be a popular choice in the passenger car segment with 2 204 units sold.

Toyota Top 5 best-selling new cars – February 2013

Model February Sales (compared to January 2013)
1. Toyota Hilux 3 500 (2634)
2. Toyota Etios 2 204 (2 515)
3. Toyota Corolla 1 298 (1 345)
4. Toyota Quantum 1 209 (997)
5. Toyota Fortuner 927 (734)

2. Volkswagen – 9 100 units

Volkswagen has performed well in February 2013 and claims second place after being the best-selling car brand for January 2013. Volkswagen dominated sales in the passenger vehicle segment with sales totalling 8 516 units, making it the most popular brand in this segment. The best-selling Volkswagen vehicles for February were the Polo Vivo and the Polo, which remain popular choices amongst new car buyers.

Volkswagen Top 5 best-selling new cars – February 2013

Model February Sales (compared to January 2013)
1. VW Polo Vivo 2 742 (4 047)
2. VW Polo 2 192 (2 790)
3. VW Golf 7 767 (0)
4. Audi A4 459 (509)
5. VW Jetta 6 366 (340)

3. Nissan – 4 703 units

Nissan is South Africa’s third most popular car brand for February and like Toyota, Nissan sold well in the passenger vehicle segment (2 438) and the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segment (2 265). The Nissan NP200 bakkie and the Nissan Micra were top-sellers for the brand.

Nissan Top 5 best-selling new cars – February 2013

Model February Sales (compared to January 2013)
1. Nissan NP200 1 245 (1 553)
2. Nissan Micra 845 (598)
3. Nissan NP300 699 (949)
4. Nissan Juke 506 (449)
5. Nissan Qashqai 450 (310)

Porsche 911 GT3 stuns at Geneva Auto Show

Porsche has unveiled the fifth-generation Porsche 911 GT3 at the Geneva Motor Show. The Porsche 911 GT3 features the first active rear-wheel steering in a production Porsche and also benefits from a new engine, transmission, body and chassis.

Porsche 911 GT3 – Specifications and Features

Engine Capability

The fifth-generation Porsche 911 GT3 is fitted with a 3.8-litre boxer engine that produces 354kW at 9 000rpm and sprints from 0-100km/h in just over 3.3 seconds before reaching a top speed of 314km/h. The 911 GT3 also features a specially developed Porsche dual-clutch transmission (PDK), which drives the rear wheels.

The six-cylinder boxer engine is based on the same engine used for the 911 Carrera S, but only share a few common parts. All the other components, including the crank shaft and valve gear, were specifically adapted or designed for the Porsche 911 GT3.

Exterior Styling Features

Exterior alterations include distinctive front and rear fascias, fully optional LED headlights and 20-inch forged alloy wheels with center-locking hubs which replace conventional wheel bolts. The 2014 Porsche 911 GT3 uses the same light and stiff hybrid steel and aluminium body of the 911 Carrera but adds unique front and rear parts unique to the 911 GT3. Furthermore, the Porsche 911 GT3 is wider than the 911 Carrera S at the rear and has a large rear wing which contributes to enhanced aerodynamics.

Subaru VIZIV Concept shown in Geneva

Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI), the manufacturer of Subaru automobiles, has unveiled the Subaru VIZIV Concept at the 83rd Geneva Motor Show. The Subaru VIZIV Concept envisions the future design direction of Subaru and represents the ‘Vision for Innovation’ philosophy adopted by the brand.

Subaru VIZIV Concept – Specifications and Features

Engine Capability

The Subaru VIZIV Concept features a plug-in ‘Boxer Diesel Hybrid’ powertrain which consists of a 2.0-litre Subaru Boxer diesel engine that is mated to a CVT with a front motor and two individual rear motors. The motors are mostly used for low-speed, urban driving while the Boxer engine takes over for highway driving.

Exterior and Interior Design Features

The Subaru VIZIV Concept features a large, outward projecting grille that is the pinnacle of the vehicle’s design. The design is both lean and bold while still conveying a sporty and athletic appearance. The VIZIV Concept is painted in ‘Mistral Silver Metallic’. On the inside, the Subaru VIZIV Concept features a refined interior which has been spacially optimised for maximum comfort. The cockpit features an instrument panel that is easily accessible to the driver and the tachometer and speedometer features a unique cylindrical design. Custom information displays are found in the rear seating area for passengers.

Volkswagen Golf 7 Variant Wagon shown in Geneva

The new Volkswagen Golf  7 Variant station wagon has been unveiled at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. Like its hatchback sibling, the Golf Variant is some 105kg lighter than it predecessor and will be introduced into the European market in August 2013. The Volkswagen Golf 7 Variant will not be launched in South Africa.

Volkswagen Golf 7 Variant gets BlueMotion

The Golf Variant will also be offered in the form of a TDI BlueMotion model that will provide 82kW of power with a combined fuel consumption figure of 4.0-litres/100km when equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. The BlueMotion Golf Variant will therefore be the most fuel efficient wagon ever produced by Volkswagen.

The all-wheel drive 4Motion Golf Variant is also currently being showcased at the Geneva Motor Show and will be made avaialble as a TDI Clean Diesel model with either a 78kW engine or a 112kW unit.

Volkswagen has also announced that a Golf Variant TGI BlueMotion model with natural gas drive (CNG) is in development.

Lamborghini Veneno unveiled in Geneva

The Lamborghini Veneno has been revealed, which marks the company’s 50th anniversary, and only three units of the Veneno will be made. The name Veneno refers to one of the strongest and most aggressive fighting bulls in Spain, where it fatally wounded a matador in 1914. The Lamborghini Veneno was unveiled at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

Lamborghini Veneno is one-of-a-kind supercar

Engine Capability

The Lamborghini Veneno is fitted with a 12-cylinder, 6.5-litre engine that develops 552kW and is mated to a fast-shifting 7-speed ISR transmission with five driving modes and permanent all-wheel drive. The Veneno sprints from 0-100km/h in just 2.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 355km/h.

Exterior Design Features

The Lamborghini Veneno features a racing chassis with push-rod suspension and horizontal spring/damper units. The complete chassis is a Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) monocoque while the interior features materials such as Lamborghini’s Forged Composite and CarbonSkin. The Veneno’s body has been optimised to provide maximum aerodynamic efficiency and optimum downforce. The arrow-shaped front-end serves as an aerodynamic wing with channels guiding air to the outlets in the hood and in front of the windscreen.

The rear-end features a diffuser that frames the four large exhaust tailpipes and is divided by a splitter to increase the level of downforce peak. Large openings help ventilate the engine while the engine cover extends into a large central ‘shark fin’ which enhances efficiency and rear-end stability during braking.

The Lamborghini Veneno is fitted with 20-inch alloy wheels at the front and 21-inch wheels at the rear. The Veneno is painted in an all-new, grey-metallic colour. The car on display in Geneva is the only car to display all three colours of the Italian flag while the other three units will each feature a single colour from the flag, which includes white, green and red.

Interior Design Features

The interior is also dominated by carbon fibre and the two lightweight bucket seats are made from Lamborghini’s patented Forged Composite. The woven carbon fibre CarbonSkin is used throughout the cockpit, on the seats and for the headliner. This unique material is versatile and helps reduce weight. The instrument panel has been redesigned and provides all necessary information to the driver.

The vehicle on show at the Geneva Motor Show is number 0 and is a Lamborghini test vehicle and will most likely be used to continue testing. The three exclusive Veneno models will be built throughout 2013 and have already been sold to customers.

New Ferrari LaFerrari bows in Geneva

The new Ferrari LaFerrari has been unveiled at the Genvea Motor Show. Only 499 of the new LaFerrari’s will be built. According to Ferrari, the LaFerrari embodies ‘excellence in terms of technological innovation, performance, visionary styling and the sheer thrill of driving’.

New Ferrari LaFerrari showcases hybrid tech

Engine Capability

The new Ferrari LaFerrari features HY-KERS hybrid technology which includes a 6.3-litre V12 engine that produces 588kW and 700Nm of torque. This engine is coupled to a 120kW electric motor which offers a combined power out of 708kW with a combined maximum torque figure 900Nm. The hybrid system is mated to a 7-speed DCT transmission. Accelaration to 100km/h will take less than 3 seconds before the LaFerrari reaches a top speed exceeding 350km/h.

Exterior and Interior Design Features

The Ferrari LaFerrari  design was headed by the Ferrari design team and led by Flavio Manzoni to create an extreme and innovative design which stays true to Ferrari tradition. The side profile highlights the sharp, downward-sloping nose with a very low bonnet which accents the large wheel arches. On the inside the LaFerrari features a newly designed steering wheel with integrated command buttons and gear-shift paddles that are now longer and more ergonomic. The signature bridge on which the F1 gearbox functions has now taken the form of a sleek, suspended wing-like shape. The Ferrari LaFerrari is fitted with 19-inch front wheels while the rear wheels are 20-inches in size.

It’s not clear whether the Ferrari LaFerrari will be sold in South Africa.