Smart ForStars Concept to debut at Paris Motor Show

The electrically driven Smart ForStars concept will be shown at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. Smart refers to the ForStars as a Sports Utility Coupe or SUC that seats two people and offers generous stowage space. Its name is derived from its glass roof that offers passengers a clear view of the sky.

Smart ForStars Concept – Specifications and Features

Engine Capability

The electric drive of the Smart ForStars Concept is based on the innovative drive concept of the Smart ForTwo BRABUS electric drive. The magneto-electric motor offers 60kW and 135Nm of torque. The zero-emission Smart ForStars makes use of a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 17.6 kWh. The ForStars top speed is rated at more than 130km/h.

Exterior Styling

The Smart ForStars Concept exhibits a recognisable Smart design and features rhombic-shaped lights at the front and rear. Outer rings illuminate the indicators and Daytime Running Lights with a large number of LEDs. ‘Eyebrows’ above the headlights are an added feature giving the headlights a U-shaped look. The right hand tail light houses the socket for the battery while the left tail light has space for a beverage can.

The Smart ForStars Concept is longer and wider than the Smart ForTwo and short overhangs make it look more compact. A unique feature of the Smart ForStars Concept is the integrated video projector on the bonnet which allows for video projections using an iPhone. The ForStars is finished off in red ‘Alubeam Rouge’ which has a wet and modern look.

Interior Styling

The ForStars interior is finished in ‘mother-of-pearl’ white with ‘Alubeam Rouge’ accents that provide a visual link to the exterior. The two seats, which are open in the middle, are covered with a soft fabric with graphics and red tones. In addition, the seats are trimmed with high quality ‘white bag leather’ with white piping. The cockpit is orientated towards the driver and features a two-spoke steering wheel that is open at the top.

In place of the conventional rear-view mirror, the Smart ForStars Concept features a smartphone in a holder at the top of the windscreen which allows the driver to look at traffic with the help of an integrated camera. The smartphone also acts as a media source and controls the projector in the bonnet. The 900mm cargo area offers ample space for luggage.

Cars.co.za makes Top 40 in South African eCommerce Awards

Cars.co.za has made it into the Top 40 websites for the South African eCommerce Awards 2012. The South African eCommerce Awards is designed to recognise and reward South African websites that have demonstrated excellence in their use of the Internet as a platform for eCommerce.

The eCommerce Awards, now in its seventh year, consists of three rounds. Round One incorporates nominations and public voting where the Top 40 websites and The Public’s Favourite eCommerce Website are determined for Round Two. Using the public votes together with design evaluations, the Top 20 websites are determined in Round Two. In Round Three, the Top 20 websites receive a comprehensive assessment which assesses their ordering processes, customer service, design standards and usability. The winners and runners-up will be announced on 15 November 2012.

As in 2011, Cars.co.za is the only automotive website to make the Top 40 websites of the 2012 eCommerce Awards.

BMW Concept Active Tourer for 2012 Paris Motor Show

BMW will be showcasing its Concept Active Tourer plug-in hybrid at this year’s Paris Motor Show at the end of the month. The BMW Concept Active Tourer is the first vehicle in the premium compact segment to combine comfort and space functionality with dynamic performance and style.

BMW Concept Active Tourer showcases hybrid potential

As a plug-in hybrid, the Concept Active Tourer combines BMW’s eDrive with a 1.5-litre engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology. BMW’s eDrive consists of an electric motor, a lithium-ion battery and the intelligent engine control unit. Together, a total power output of 140kW is produced, while maintaining low fuel consumption and emissions levels. The Concept Active Tourer achieves less than 2.5-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions rating of only 60g/km.

In terms of performance, the Concept Active Tourer accelerates to 100km/h in less than eight seconds and reaches a top speed of 200km/h. With a fully charged battery, the Concept Active Tourer has a range of 30 kilometres running on electric power alone. The lithium-ion battery is charged through any 220V household power socket.

BMW Concept Active Tourer brings style to compact hybrid segment

The BMW Concept Active Tourer combines compact dimensions with sporty design offering generous space and comfort. The front-end features a front-tilted radiator grille with striking twin headlines with LED positioning lights stretching to the side panels. High Reflection Silver paintwork gives the Concept Active Tourer a refined appearance. The rear-end features large light clusters that run into the side panel and a large, wide opening tailgate offers easy access to the storage compartment.

On the inside, open-pore laminated wood provides a visual link to the upper and lower décor surfaces of the instrument panel. The door trim panels and seats are covered in soft full-grain leather. The interior is both spacious and luxurious with the cockpit orientated towards the driver providing easy access to the main controls. The BMW Concept Active Tourer also features a panorama sunroof which extends across the entire roof and the desired brightness can be adjusted at the push of a button.

The BMW Concept Active Tourer incorporates three displays including a 10.5 inch multifunctional instrument display, a head-up display and an 8 inch central information display.

MINI Cooper Paceman coming to South Africa

It has been announced that the MINI Cooper Paceman will be launching in South Africa in the second quarter of 2013. Two models will be available in South Africa namely the MINI Cooper Paceman and the MINI Cooper S Paceman. A MINI John Cooper Works Paceman is in the pipeline and will be available at a later date.

MINI Cooper Paceman – Specification and Features

Engine Capability

The MINI Cooper Paceman is fitted with a four cylinder, 1.6-litre petrol engine with fully variable valve management based on BMW Group’s VALVETRONIC technology. This unit produces 90kW at 6 000rpm with a maximum torque figure available from 4 250rpm. All variants are fitted with a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard with a 6-speed automatic gearbox available as an option.

Acceleration to 100km/h is achieved in 10.4 seconds for the manual and 11.5 seconds for the automatic with top speeds of 192km/h and 184km/h respectively. Fuel consumption for the manual version is rated at 6.0-litres/100km while the automatic consumes 7.2-litres/100km. The corresponding CO2 emissions are 140g/km for the manual and 168g/km for the automatic.

The MINI Cooper S Paceman is fitted with a four cylinder 1.6-litre petrol engine with a twin-scroll turbocharger, direct injection and fully variable valve management based on BMW Group’s VALVETRONIC technology. This unit produces 135kW at 5 500rpm with a maximum torque figure of 240Nm available between 1 600 and 5 000rpm. An overboost function increases the torque to 260Nm for short periods of time.

Acceleration to 100km/h is completed in 7.5 seconds for the manual and 7.8 seconds for the automatic with top speeds of 217km/h and 212km/h respectively. Fuel consumption is rated at 6.1-litres/100km for the manual while the automatic consumes 7.1-litres/100km with corresponding CO2 emissions figures of 143g/km and 166g/km respectively. The ALL4 all-wheel drive system will be available for this model.

Styling Features

The front-end of the MINI Cooper Paceman features a hexagonal radiator grille with a broad chrome surround and black bordering on the lower edge of the body. The Paceman features a downward sloping roofline and flared wheel arches which house standard 16” light-alloy wheels, while the MINI Cooper S Paceman gets 17 inch alloys. 18” and 19” light alloy wheels will be available as an option. The roof can be specified in body colour, white or black.

The interior is distinctly sporty with two slightly raised front sports seats, while the two individual back seats follow a lounge character with ample space and armrests in the side panels. The sports seats are covered in Diagonal Track cloth as standard but customers can opt for the Hot Cross cloth and leather combination, Gravity leather or the exclusive Lounge leather variant.

Standard and Optional Features

Standard features include air-conditioning, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, Centre Rail, door sill lettering and the MINI CD audio system. Optional features include a sports leather steering wheel with multifunction buttons and cruise control, heated seats, automatic climate control, electric glass roof, Comfort Access, xenon adaptive headlights, automatic dimming mirrors, Park Distance Control, front fog lamps and a rain sensor.

Customers can also choose between the radio MINI Boost CD, MINI Visual Boost, Harmon/Kardon hi-fi loudspeaker system or the MINI Navigation System. A voice control system, hands-free system/mobile phone preparation and DAB tuner will also be available on request.

Audi Q3 2,0T FSI Quattro S tronic (2012) Driving Impression

Right now the global automotive market’s appetite for crossovers and smaller SUVs knows no limits. For premium brands such as Audi and BMW, this offers massive opportunity for growth, as they can develop smaller, more affordable (for the consumer) but highly profitable vehicles confident that selling them will not be a problem. After all, a great many consumers would happily sacrifice the extra space, features and practicality of a mainstream offering just to get the “right” badge on the nose… Now the Audi Q3 has arrived, and it looks set to cause something of a riot.

Trendy styling

Audi does not often venture out of the bounds set by its strict design language rulebook, but when it does the result is usually spectacular – think A7 Sportback, TT and R8. The Audi Q3 is a similarly successful effort, eschewing the traditional wagon-esque body shape of a compact SUV for a sportier silhouette and a particularly rakish rear end. As is usually the case, Audi offers a load of options, including bigger wheels and LED lamps, to further improve the appearance but even in its most basic form the Q3 offers great showroom appeal. The overhangs are short, the ground clearance relatively high at 170 mm and it stands proud on the standard 17-inch wheels. There’s not much that’s not to like.

Based on the Golf platform and boasting a 2 603 mm wheelbase, the Q3’s cabin is more spacious than the slinky looks would lead you to expect. The slope of the rear roof hasn’t even impacted too badly on headroom for rear occupants and leg-room in the back is good too. The only slight compromise is in boot space. The floor is relatively high and the quoted 460 L figure is perhaps a bit misleading. Nevertheless, for smaller families and couples, it would be sufficient. The rear seats also split and fold down to accommodate bigger items.

Up front is another Audi masterpiece in facia design. With its compact and very neat instrument cluster, pop-up display screen and facia-mounted MMI controller, the Audi Q3 looks “techy” and sophisticated, a design that will undoubtedly appeal to the trendy target customer. As is to be expected from Audi, the trim quality and general fit and finish also get top marks. As befits this type of vehicle, the driving position is elevated, even in the height-adjustable driver’s seat lowest setting. With a rake/reach adjustable steering wheel that boasts a nice-to-hold, leather-wrapped rim, most drivers will immediately feel at home.

Other standard features include climate control, auto lights, auto wipers, radio/CD player, multi-function steering wheel, six airbags and ESP (electronic stability system). You pay extra for electric seat adjustment, cruise control, navigation and even leather. Some of the features are also quite pricey, so the purchase price of an Audi Q3 can quickly escalate – pick carefully.

Surprisingly perky performance

This particular test unit is powered by the “baby” in the current Audi Q3 engine line-up, the so-called “low-output” 2,0-litre turbopetrol that delivers a still impressive 125 kW and meaty 280 Nm of torque from only 1 700 rpm. The engine is mated with the brand’s seven-speed dual-clutch s-tronic transmission, and drives all four wheels. Given the fact that this Audi Q3 is not exactly lightweight at 1 510 kg, a claimed 0-100 km/h time of 8,2 seconds is mighty impressive. You have to wonder whether the more powerful petrol version is worth the extra cost! It remains punchy at higher speeds and the gearbox impresses, too, with only a hint of lag when you floor the throttle. Combined with the excellent fuel efficiency (7,3 L/100 km), it really is a very impressive showing.

On the go the Audi Q3 displays hatchback-like ride and handling characteristics with excellent resistance to body roll. There’s lots of grip, the result of those fat tyres and quattro all-wheel drive. And while those low-profile tyres, good body control and relatively short wheelbase would usually contribute to a choppy ride quality, that’s not the case here. The Q3’s suspension is supple and the ride stays comfortable on most surfaces. As is the case with most quattro-equipped Audis, and particularly ones with a high-centre of gravity, ultimately understeer will set in earlier than with some sporty hatchbacks, but for the Q3’s purpose, it’s more than good enough.

Although the Audi Q3 boasts permanent all-wheel drive and reasonable ground clearance (as well as good approach/departure angles), it’s not really aimed at the off-road market. It can, however, within reason head off the beaten track.

Audi Q3 – Verdict

Although the Audi Q3 is a premium product and hardly cheap, we see it making a sizeable impact on the local market. In fact, it may even lure some shoppers away from the more conservative, but larger Audi Q5. Its blend of dynamism, performance, design appeal and quality is hard to match, and certainly it has the measure of BMW’s X1 on most fronts. As a premium crossover aimed at trendy urbanites, the Audi Q3 doesn’t do much wrong.

We like:

  • Good looks
  • Comfortable cabin
  • Build quality
  • Ride/handling balance
  • Performance


We don’t like:

  • Expensive with options added
  • Boot quite small


Fast facts

Engine: 2,0-litre, four-cylinder, turbopetrol
Power: 125 kW @ 4 300 rpm
Torque: 280 Nm @ 1 700 rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch
Wheels: 17-inch alloy
Top speed: 212 km/h
0-100 km/h: 8,2 seconds
Fuel economy: 7,3 L/100 km

Source: www.um.co.za

Also consider:

  • BMW X1 xDrive20i Steptronic: This BMW hasn’t quite grabbed the public’s attention as BMW may have hoped. The awkward styling is but one reason. The interior finish can’t stand comparison with the Audi Q3.
  • Subaru Forester 2,5 S-Edition Turbo SportShift: Something a bit different – the Forester is a quality product though not quite a premium one. Then again, it offers exceptional ride/handling, a full specification sheet and stupendous performance.
  • Volvo XC60 T5 Elite PowerShift: A very underrated product that offers exceptional comfort, safety and build quality. Of course, the resale value is unlikely to match the Audi’s so it could be worth considering a nearly new used example. Offers similar performance, but more space and spec.

 

South African Vehicle Sales for August 2012

The steady growth trend of South African vehicle sales continued in the month of August 2012 with an improvement of 9.4% or 4 844 units when compared to the same period in 2011. A total of 56 253 vehicles were sold in August 2012 compared to the 51 409 units sold in August last year.

In addition, domestic sales for the first eight months in 2012 remained 11.3% ahead of the corresponding eight months in 2011. Export sales in the month of August 2012 totalled 25 024 units and registered a marginal improvement of 0.8% or 188 units compared to the same period last year.

Of the total detailed reported industry sales of 53 725 vehicles (excluding MBSA), 81.1% of sales were attributed to dealer sales, 11.5% represented sales to the rental industry, 3.9% for industry corporate fleets and 3.5% for government.

New car sales during August 2012 experienced an 11.5% improvement when compared to August 2011. Year to date new car sales remained 12.5% ahead when compared to the first eight months of 2011. The new car market for August 2012 was supported by strong demand from car rental companies who accounted for 15.2% of total new car sales, which according to NAAMSA, will continue for the next few months as the car rental industry continues to re-fleet.

“Despite prospects of a lower economic growth environment, the automotive sector continued to perform remarkably well. Factors that would continue to support domestic sales included historically low interest rates, ongoing improvement in vehicle affordability in real terms and improving demand for credit by households and businesses” said NAAMSA.

A highly competitive trading environment, attractive incentives and new model introductions would continue to support demand. In terms of domestic sales, the industry remained on track to achieve growth of 10% for 2012. However, NAAMSA predicts a difficult trading environment and subdued growth in 2013 due to inflationary pressure, rising food and fuel costs and the weakness of the Rand on new vehicle pricing.

Top 3 Selling Cars in South Africa for August 2012

Model Units sold
Volkswagen Polo Vivo 3 714
Toyota Hilux 2 942
Volkswagen Polo 2 355

Peugeot RCZ gets Facelift

The popular Peugeot RCZ has undergone an extensive facelift and will make its debut at the Paris Motor Show at the end of the month. The Peugeot RCZ Sports Coupé has received a range of design updates as well as offering an extended range of colours and material combinations that allows for extensive customisation.

Peugeot RCZ – Specifications and Features

Engine Capability

The current engine options are carried over to the updated Peugeot RCZ and include the 1.6-litre THP 200 which produces 147kW and 275Nm of torque and is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. Fuel consumption for this unit is rated at 5.6-litres/100km with a corresponding CO2 emissions figure of 155g/km.

The 2.0-litre HDi 163 FAP produces 120kW and 340Nm of torque and is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. Fuel consumption is rated at 4.4-litres/100km with a corresponding CO2 emissions figure of 139g/km.

The 1.6-litre THP 156 produces 115kW and 240Nm of torque and is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. Fuel consumption for this engine is rated at 5.3-litres/100km with a corresponding CO2 emissions figure of 149g/km. This engine is also available with an automatic transmission and fuel consumption for this variant is rated at 6.0-litres/100km with a corresponding CO2 emissions figure of 168g/km.

A 194kW, 1.6-litre THP 260 version is planned for next year and will be previewed as the ‘RCZ R Concept’ at the Paris Motor Show at the end of this month and will be the most powerful production model in Peugeot’s history.

Styling Features

The most striking change to the Peugeot RCZ can be seen on the front-end which features a revised grille. The central air intake features two satin chrome bars which signify ‘strength and refinement’. The lower air intake has been extended on each side to accommodate six LEDs that are ‘sculpted in the form of claws’ behind a smoked lens that blends into a gloss black surround. The new styling also complements the rear-end and the ‘double-bubble’ roof.

Two headlamp options are available including halogen headlamps with aluminium background or xenon headlamps with a titanium background. The interior benefits from a lacquered black gear lever surround and the GT models get leather inserts for the door trim pads and two aluminium inserts for the dashboard. The Peugeot RCZ also features a large boot capacity of 384 litres with additional storage compartments under the boot floor which add an extra 30 litres. With the rear seats folded down, storage capacity increases to 760 litres.

The new Peugeot RCZ offers a wide range of customisation options including black grille bars, three roof arch colours, a ‘Black Pack’, three new decals, two carbon roof options, ten alloy wheel designs (18”/19”) and a Sports Pack.
Standard Features

The new Peugeot RCZ is fitted with an acoustic windscreen and Visibility Pack as standard which includes automatic wipers, automatic headlamps, electrochromatic interior mirror, guide-me-home lighting and approach lighting on unlocking.

Audio and Navigation is provided by the Peugeot Connect Navigation which was first introduced in the Peugeot 508 and incorporates navigation on a large 7” screen, Radio/CD player which is MP3 compatible, Bluetooth connectivity and a Jack and USB socket in the central armrest.

The new Peugeot RCZ can be expected in South Africa in 2013.

Volvo V40 R-Design coming to South Africa

Volvo will be launching the all-new V40 in South Africa with sales starting on 15 November 2012. Test drives will be available from 15 October 2012. The exciting  Volvo V40 R-Design, geared towards the performance-minded individual, will be available in South Africa in February 2013.

Volvo V40 R-Design – Features

Engine Capability

Two Volvo V40 R-Design engine derivatives will be made available in South Africa including the V40 D3 Geartronic which produces 110kW and 350Nm of torque and the high performance T5 petrol turbo that offers 187kW and 350Nm of torque.

The Volvo V40 R-Design also features a lower and firmer Sport chassis. The springs and shock absorbers are also firmer, offering greater response and a sense of control while driving. McPherson struts with 25mm piston rods are fitted at the front while monotube dampers are fitted at the rear.

Exterior and Interior Styling

The front-end of the Volvo V40 R-Design features a silk-metal framed high gloss grille while an ironstone diffuser, silk-metal finished details and twin exhaust tailpipes further enhance the R-Design’s sporty appeal. The R-Design is further enhanced with five-spoke 18-inch diamond-cut wheels. A total of six exterior colours are available including the launch colour, ‘Rebel Blue’.

The Volvo V40 R-Design features a blue interactive dashboard and offers the option of three layouts with different configurations including Elegance, Eco, and Performance, all of which are the same blue colour. Customers will also have the choice of Nubuk textile seats or full leather seats with an embroidered R-Design logo and a blue ‘R’. The interior also includes a specially designed steering wheel, gear shifter, handbrake and sport pedals. The interior is finished off with ‘perforated’ aluminium inlays, black leather with matching stitching and a black headliner.

Volvo V40 R-Design – Price

Volvo V40 R-Design D3 Geartronic R363 300
Volvo V40 R Design T5 Geartronic R397 100

Joburg

Joburg’s Finest Toyota 2012 is an event dedicated to Toyota owners and fans of the brand and this year’s event will be held at Rand Stadium Toyota, Johannesburg South, Orphen Rd, Eastcliffe and will run from 9am-2pm. Joburg’s Finest Toyota 2012 is hosted by Rand Stadium Toyota in association with the Toyota Twincam Club.

Joburg’s Finest Toyota 2012 – Categories

Toyota owners interested in entering the Joburg’s Finest Toyota 2012 Competition may enter into the following categories,

  • Pre 70’s Toyota
  • Pre 80’s Toyota
  • Highest Mileage Toyota
  • Lowest Mileage Toyota
  • Most Exotic Toyota
  • Most Pimped Toyota
  • Best 4×4 Toyota.

Last year’s event proved successful with over 200 entrants participating and highlights included overall winner, Donovan Horn with his 1975 Toyota Corolla SR5, a Toyota TRD Liftback, a Toyota Twin Turbo Supra, an imported Toyota Celica and a Toyota MR2.

Event highlights

  • The first 50 entrants will receive a 3 month CAR magazine subscription and a personalised cover magazine with their vehicle
  • The Lexus LFA (one of 4 in the country) is confirmed as a showcase vehicle for the event
  • The 1000HP Supra has been confirmed as a showcase vehicle for the event
  • The gymkhana event will end with the Lexus IS-F burnout- V8 monstrosity!
  • Toyota South Africa endorsed 4×4 Urban Trax is confirmed as a special treat for 4×4 enthusiasts – See Prado FJ and Hilux do the unbelievable!
  • Rob Green Motorsport is confirmed with his modified beasts!

Joburg’s Finest Toyota 2012 – Event Details

Joburg’s Finest Toyota 2012 promises to be an enjoyable event where Toyota owners and fans can experience the nostalgia and history of the Toyota brand. This year’s event will host the Toyota 4×4 Urban Trax which showcases the incredible capabilities of Toyota 4×4’s and the Gymkhana Event is a ‘sound-off’ and ‘rev-it’ event hosted by the Toyota Twincam Club.

Lexus will be showcasing the unique Lexus LFA supercar and Rand Stadium Toyota will be featuring the much acclaimed Toyota 86. Joburg’s Finest Toyota 2012 will offer entertainment in the form of a top South African band as well as a Pop Idol finalist, live DJ, bull riding machine, kiddies entertainment and accessory and supplier demonstrations.

Date: 15 September 2012
Time: 9am-2pm
Place: Rand Stadium Toyota, Johannesburg South, Orphen Rd, Eastcliffe

For more information check out www.randstadiumtoyota.co.za

Porsche Cayenne S Diesel Launched

The Porsche Cayenne S Diesel has been launched and is the most powerful diesel model on the market. The Porsche Cayenne S Diesel will be launched in Germany in January 2013 and can be expected to reach South Africa in the same year.

Porsche Cayenne S Diesel – Features

Engine Capability

The Porsche Cayenne S Diesel is fitted with a 4.2-litre V8 diesel engine with bi-turbo charging that produces 281kW and a maximum torque figure of 850Nm. 0-100km/h is completed in 5.7 seconds while reaching a top speed of 252km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at 8.3-litres/100km with a corresponding CO2 emissions figure of 218g/km. With a 100-litre fuel tank, the Porsche Cayenne S Diesel can travel up to 1 200km before re-fuelling. Efficiency can be largely attributed to the automatic start/stop function and the Cayenne S Diesel is the only SUV to offer this function.

The Porsche Cayenne S Diesel also features PTM active all-wheel drive which produces the qualities of a rear-wheel drive vehicle with its benefits of handling and precision, while front-wheel drive actions are adapted to the driving situation to offer stability and traction. The optional Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) further enhances driving dynamics. The Cayenne S Diesel has a maximum towing capacity of 3.5 metric tonnes.

Further details of the Porsche Cayenne S Diesel will be released when the information becomes available.