GWM C10 launches in South Africa

The new GWM C10 compact hatchback has recently been launched in South Africa. The C10 is GWM’s second passenger car offering in South Africa alongside the Florid hatchback. The GWM C10 is an ideal urban car offering a unique design, performance, safety and comfort features.

GWM C10 offers style at an affordable price

Engine Capability

The new GWM C10 is fitted with a 1.5-litre petrol engine with Variable Valve Timing (VVT) that delivers 77kW at 6 000rpm with a maximum torque figure of 138Nm at 4 200rpm. The C10 is offered with a 5-speed manual transmission and comes with hydraulic power steering.

Exterior and Interior Styling

The GWM C10 features a unique V-shaped grille and rides on 15-inch alloy wheels. The rear-end features an integrated exhaust tip and rear spoiler with a high mounted brake light to complement its styling.

The C10’s interior is fitted with a six-way adjustable driver’s seat and height-adjustable headrests. Other features include electric windows, a multi-function steering wheel, air-conditioning and radio/CD/MP3 audio system with USB and Auxiliary capability.

Safety Features

Safety features for the GWM C10 include dual front airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), central locking, seatbelt unbuckling alarm, opening door alert, low fuel warning, rear child door lock, immobiliser and reversing radar. A rear windshield defogger and front and rear fog lights aid visibility.

GWM C10 – Price

GWM C10 1.5 VVT – R134 990

The GWM C10 comes with GWM’s standard 3-year/100 000km warranty, two-year 24-hour Roadside Assist service.

Citroen DS3 Cabriolet goes to Paris

The Citroen DS3 Cabriolet, the latest addition to the DS line, will be shown at the Paris Motor Show at the end of September 2012. The Citroen DS3 Cabriolet shares the same styling, detail refinement and driving dynamics as the DS3 hatchback which has sold over 180 000 units worldwide since its launch in 2010.

Citroen DS3 Cabriolet set to impress

The new Citroen DS3 Cabriolet will be offered in three soft-top roof selections including Black, Infinite blue and DS Monogramme. The DS3 Cabriolet also features the innovative 3-D rear light signature and unique tailgate opening motion. The soft-top roof is manoeuvrable up to speeds of 120km/h and the Citroen DS3 Cabriolet is able to seat five passengers comfortably and exhibits a best in-class boot capacity of 245-litres.

The Citroen DS3 Cabriolet will be available in South Africa in the first quarter of 2013. Further details regarding specifications and features will be made available closer to launch.

Volvo V40 coming to South Africa

The all-new Volvo V40 premium hatchback is coming to South Africa and will be available for test drives from 15 October 2012 before going on sale from 15 November 2012.

Initially, Volvo will be launching with the all-new Volvo V40 in T3 manual, T4 manual, D2 manual and D3 Geartronic derivatives. The remainder of the local line-up, including the Volvo V40 R-Design, will be available from March 2013.

Volvo V40 – Safety

The Volvo V40 recently received an overall record-breaking 5-star Euro NCAP rating. As of 2009, the European safety institute Euro NCAP presents an overall rating for each model it tests. Separate tests are carried out in four different sub-categories which are ranked to produce an overall grade. The four categories include adult occupant protection, child protection, pedestrian protection and safety assist.

Apart from scoring the best overall result, the V40 also scored 98% for adult protection, the best result ever recorded in the test. Maximum points were also achieved in the safety assist and pedestrian protection categories.

“The new V40 was launched as the most intelligent and the safest car in its segment, and it is truly packed with active safety systems such as auto brake, Pedestrian Detection to shield pedestrians, Lane Keeping Aid which helps the driver stay within his or her lane, and BLIS which helps the driver detect vehicles in the offset rear ‘blind spot’,” says Thomas Broberg, Senior Technical Advisor Safety at Volvo Car Corporation.

Volvo V40 – Price

All prices include VAT and Emissions Tax.

Volvo V40 T3 Manual Essential R281 200
Volvo V40 D2 Manual Essential R283 200
Volvo V40 D2 Manual Elite R315 200
Volvo V40 T4 Manual Excel R316 800
Volvo V40 T4 Powershift Elite R346 500
Volvo V40 D3 Geartronic R-Design R363 300

New Mazda6 debuts at Moscow Motor Show

The new Mazda6, now in its third generation, is currently on display at the Moscow Motor Show. The 2014 Mazda6 sedan draws inspiration from the Takeri concept car shown at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show and adopts the full range of SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and the ‘KODO – Soul of Motion’ design philosophy.

New Mazda6 – Specifications and Features

Engine Capability

The Russian specification models include the SKYACTIV-G 2.0-litre engine that offers 110kW at 6 000rpm and 210Nm of torque at 4 000rpm. This engine is mated to a 6-speed SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmission or a 6-speed SKYACTIV-Drive manual gearbox.

The SKYACTIV-G 2.5-litre petrol engine, used for the first time in the new Mazda6, offers 141kW at 5 700rpm with a maximum torque figure of 256Nm available from 3 250rpm. This engine is mated to the SKYACTIV-Drive 6-speed manual or automatic transmission.

The new Mazda6 is the first model to adopt the ‘i-ELOOP’ brake energy regeneration system which along with SKYACTIV technology drastically improves fuel efficiency in real world driving conditions. The ‘i-ELOOP’ is the first passenger car brake energy regeneration system in the world to utilise a capacitor. Mazda’s ‘i-stop’ idling stop system is also introduced to the Mazda6 with a class-leading restart time of 0.35 seconds.

Exterior Styling

The new Mazda6 stands low and wide to convey an “animalistic tenacity, dignity and a sporty flare through its smooth and powerful physique”. The front-end incorporates the ‘signature wing’ into the deeply sculpted face. Hood creases flow from the tips of the signature wing into the character lines to express the feeling of motion.

Signature LED headlights and halo light guides are used for the first time in a Mazda passenger car as well as the new body colour ‘Soul Red’. The new Mazda6 is fitted with 19-inch alloy wheels that further assert its presence.

Interior Styling

The interior is spacious and offers a comfortable environment where the driver can experience the ‘joy of driving’. The driver’s seat is adjustable and the adjustable tilt and telescopic steering wheel makes driving adjustments simple. A multi commander allows control of the audio, navigation and windshield wiper sensitivity. Trip management information is displayed on a 3.5-inch multi-information display while navigation information is displayed on a 5-inch screen.

Safety Features

Safety features for the new Mazda6 include High Beam Control (HBC), Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), Hill Launch Assist (HLA), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Rear Vehicle Monitoring (RVM), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) and Smart City Brake Support (SCBS).

The new Mazda6 is expected in South Africa in the first quarter of 2013. South African specifications and prices will be announced closer to launch.

Toyota GT86 CS-V3 Race Car Launched

Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG) has launched the cost-effective TMG GT86 CS-V3 race car. The Toyota GT86 CS-V3 has been refined and packaged as an entry-level race car for easy maintenance, low running costs and great fun.

Exciting racing package in Toyota GT86 CS-V3

The Toyota GT86 CS-V3 has been specifically developed for the V3 class of Nürburgring-based VLN series and features a stiffened chassis, optimised weight distribution for racing as well as a racing exhaust, suspension and brakes.

TMG President, Yoshiaki Kinoshita said “The Toyota GT86 is a perfect car for production-based motorsport. It already looks fantastic and has superb handling, so with further performance and safety upgrades we have created a really exciting and competitive car which is extremely cost effective.”

The Toyota 86 was recently launched in South Africa and is offered in three models namely the 86 Standard 6-speed manual, the 86 High 6-speed manual and the 86 High 6-speed automatic. The Toyota 86 is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre Subaru engine that produces 147kW at 7 000rpm with a maximum torque figure of 205Nm. The Toyota 86 will accomplish 0-100km/h in 7.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 226km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.8 litres/100km for the manual variant, while the automatic achieves 7.1-litres/100km.

Toyota 86 – Price

Toyota 86 Standard 6-speed Manual R298 500
Toyota 86 High 6-speed Manual R329 400
Toyota 86 High 6-speed Automatic R346 500

All models include a 4-year/60 000km Service Plan with service intervals at 15 000km, 3-year/100 000km warranty and 24hr ToyotaCare roadside assistance.

Mercedes-Benz B180 CDI BlueEfficiency 7G-DCT (2012) Driving Impression

For a lot of people the B-Class is the most misunderstood of all the Mercedes-Benz vehicles (along with the bigger R-Class). It competes in its own little niche by combining the general on-road dynamics and exterior size of a typical C-segment hatchback with the interior packaging of a compact MPV. Well, that was always the idea… In the end the B-Class’s lofty driving position, packing space and relaxed demeanour saw it appeal mostly to older buyers or well-to-do moms on the school run, which may not quite be what Mercedes had in mind originally. Now the second-generation B-Class has arrived, and it attempts to lure younger, sportier customers to the fold. Does it succeed? We take a closer look at the Mercedes-Benz B180 to find out.

Identity crisis?

Mercedes’s attempts to up the B-Class’s sex appeal are very evident on the outside. Ultimately the level of sportiness depends on which of the three trim packages you settle on, but even in its most conservative form it is still a far more dynamic-looking vehicle.  The roofline is 50 mm lower, the consequence of Mercedes finally dropping the much hyped sandwich-floor design of the first-generation model – this double-floor design was supposedly developed to cater for the fitment of future alternative energy engines that never quite materialised. With its long wheelbase, squat body and dramatic side panel sculpting, the B-Class is certainly now less mom’s taxi, and more quasi sports hatch, if only just.

The cabin is even more dramatic. Forget for a moment the big boot, clever, sliding rear seats (by 140 mm) and vast load area when the seats are folded down, and concentrate instead on the SLS AMG-like facia design. Again, various trim options are offered, but even in its most “conservative” iteration you still get a sweeping facia peppered with round ventilation outlets that seem to come straight from Mercedes’s hardcore roadsters. There’s also a nifty, free-standing TFT (thin-film transistor) display screen (various sizes offered) that does a lot to lift the level of perceived sophistication in the cabin.

Overall, the driving position is a world removed from the previous-generation car. The seating position is more than 80 mm lower and the driver grips a sporty steering wheel that wouldn’t look out of place in a more performance-oriented model. Other stand-out features include attractive, deep-set instrumentation and a clutter-free transmission tunnel due to the gearlever being fitted to the steering column.

So, the Mercedes-Benz B180 is certainly sportier. And yet the brand has also maintained its superb interior packaging. While the roofline may be lower, actual headroom has been improved. People wearing large hats (or perms) can therefore still be comfortably accommodated. The rear seats are split 33/66 and when they are folded flat the floor is flat and vast.

Excellent economy

Powering this Mercedes-Benz B180 is the company’s 1,8-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine. As the BlueEfficiency moniker indicates, the focus is very much on lowering consumption. This, of course, is somewhat at odds with the B-Class’s supposed sportier persona, and certainly the 0-100 km/h time of 10,7 seconds is not really going to set anyone’s pulse racing. That being said, the B-Class feels a bit sprightlier than the figures suggest, with the slick and fast-acting seven-speed dual-clutch transmission doing a good job of accessing the maximum torque (250 Nm) in the 1 400 to 1 800 rpm rev range. But yes, the economy is outstanding, with the claimed figure of 4,7 L/100 km not being entirely ridiculous.

Mercedes has worked hard to endow the B-Class with improved dynamic ability compared with its somewhat dull predecessor. The ride is lower and firmer, with a stabiliser at both ends. A sports suspension pack is also offered, which lowers and stiffens the ride even further, but perhaps by too much. The standard set-up strikes a better compromise between comfort and sharpness. But, while the driving experience is certainly a bit more “fun”, the Mercedes-Benz B180 remains a vehicle that prioritises safety. As such, it features not on an ESP (electronic stability system) as standard, but also hill-start assist and even attention assist which monitors the driver’s alertness. Also included in the extensive safety package are seven airbags.

Mercedes-Benz B180 – Verdict

The Mercedes-Benz B180 (B-Class) remains a unique competitor in the local market with few (if any) direct rivals. The price is reasonable given the quality of the vehicle, its interior packaging and especially the Mercedes badge on the nose. Even the standard features list is fairly comprehensive, and the prices of most options are not too outrageous – including leather, for less than R3 000 extra.

In the final analysis, the B-Class is likely to continue to appeal primarily because of its badge, but some younger families may be swayed by its new-found sportiness and particularly the appealing interior design. Think of it, in fact, as a premium-finished, bigger Honda Jazz and you’re not too far off the mark. And that’s nothing but a compliment…

We like:

  • More personality than before
  • Exceptional economy
  • Striking and practical interior
  • Mercedes badge


We don’t like:

  • Pick your options carefully


Fast facts

Engine: 1,8-litre, four-cylinder, turbodiesel
Power: 80 kW @ 3 200 rpm
Torque: 250 Nm @ 1 400 – 1 800 rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch
Wheels: 18-inch alloy
Top speed: 190 km/h
0-100 km/h: 10,7 seconds
Fuel economy: 4,7 L/100 km

Source: www.um.co.za

Also consider:

  • Volkswagen Golf 1,6 TDI Comfortline DSG: Cheaper than the Mercedes, and obviously can’t quite match its packaging, but the Golf is an excellent all-rounder that offers similar performance and economy.
  • Audi A3 Sportback 2,0 TDI Ambition S-tronic: A very hard car to fault, even though the Mercedes offers superior interior space. If you don’t need the quasi-MPV practicality of the B-Class, then the A3 is arguably superior in most areas.
  • Kia Sportage 2,0 CRDi 4×2 Auto: For similar money you can get a very nicely sorted soft-roader such as Kia’s popular and highly rated Sportage 2,0 CRDi. The Kia can’t match the B-Class in terms of refinement and on-road manners, but is a practical, comfortable family hold-all that can go more places…

 

New Porsche 911 Carrera 4 to debut at Paris Motor Show

Porsche has revealed details of the new Porsche 911 Carrera 4 which will make its debut at the Paris Motor Show on 27 September 2012. The new all-wheel drive Porsche 911 Carrera 4 will be launched on the market in four versions, as the 911 Carrera 4 and the 911 Carrera 4S, each as a Coupé and Cabriolet.

Porsche 911 Carrera 4 – Specifications and Features

Engine Capability

The new Porsche 911 Carrera 4 benefits from an active all-wheel drive system known as Porsche Traction Management (PTM) and exhibits the same traits as the rear-wheel drive versions with lightweight body design, suspension, engines and gearboxes being identical. The new models also consume up to 16% less fuel.

The new Porsche 911 Carrera 4S is fitted with a 3.8-litre rear-mounted boxer engine that develops 294kW and 0-100km/h is achieved in 4.1 seconds for the coupé and 4.3 seconds for the cabriolet. The top speed for the coupé is 299km/h while the cabriolet tops out at 296km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at 9.1-litres/100km for the coupé and 9.2-litres/100km for the cabriolet.

The 911 Carrrera 4 Coupé produces 257kW and will sprint to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds while the cabriolet version will take 4.7 seconds. The top speed for the coupé is 285km/h while the cabriolet will reach 282km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at 8.6-litres/100km for the coupé and 8.7-litres/100km for the cabriolet. All models are fitted with a 7-speed manual gearbox as standard while the Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) gearbox is available as an option.

Styling Features

The new Porsche 911 Carrera 4 weighs up 64kg less than its rear-wheel drive counterparts and features a wider rear section. The rear wheel housings have been extended outwards by 22mm and the tyres are 10mm wider. The traditional red light band that connects the two taillights has also taken on a new form.

The new Porsche 911 Carrera 4 features a new menu in the instrument cluster which informs the driver how the Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel drive is distributing engine power. All models will benefit from optional Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). Porsche also offers a new sliding glass sunroof as an optional feature for the 911 Carrera Coupé.

The new Porsche 911 Carrera 4 will go on sale in Europe at the end of the year. There is no indication if or when the new Porsche 911 Carrera 4 will be available in South Africa.

2013 Land Rover Freelander Revised

The 2013 Land Rover Freelander has received a complete makeover which includes new colours, revised exterior design features, upgraded interior equipment levels and a new, more powerful and efficient engine.

2013 Land Rover Freelander – Features

Engine Capability

Like the Evoque, the 2013 Land Rover Freelander is now powered by a lightweight 2.0-litre, direct-injected, four cylinder engine that produces 177kW at 5 500rpm and 340Nm of toque at 3 200rpm. This engine replaces the previous 3.2-litre six cylinder engine. Transmission comes in the form of a six-speed Aisin automatic transmission and is coupled to a full-time four-wheel drive system which features a Haldex rear axle differential.

The 2013 Land Rover Freelander is equipped with Land Rover’s Intelligent Power System Management (IPSM) which features Smart Regenerative Charging. This feature ensures that where possible, the alternator only charges the battery when the vehicle is decelerating, recovering kinetic energy from deceleration, rather than consuming energy during engine operation.

Interior Features

The Freelander features grained leather covered electric seats and dual sun roofs as standard. A new centre console with a 7-inch colour touch screen allows the driver to control the Meridian surround sound system as well as the optional satellite navigation system.

A new instrument cluster with a 5-inch screen displaying vehicle information is positioned between the dials across the Freelander range and is complemented with steering wheel toggle switches to operate the menus.

Other new features include an intelligent electric parking brake which adjusts brake force according to the slope the vehicle is parked on and Passive Start replaces the key docking system where now the key only needs to be present in the car and can be started at the touch of a button. A new ‘Say What You See’ voice activation system will prompt the driver visually with specific commands to be spoken to control audio, navigation and phone systems.

Exterior Features

The changes to the exterior are mainly cosmetic and three new colours are available namely Aintree Green, Havana and Mauritius Blue. Xenon and LED technology is incorporated into the re-styled headlights and tail lights giving the Freelander a new look. The grille and fog lamp bezels now have a bright finish and paint detailing changes to the front grille surround, insert bars and fender vent harmonize the different elements. The 2013 Freelander rides on 18-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels as standard with two additional 19-inch wheel options.

The newly revised Land Rover Freelander will make its debut at the Paris Motor Show on the 27 September 2012 and can be expected in South Africa in the first quarter of 2013.

New Nissan Navara Titanium in South Africa

Nissan has revealed that it will produce a limited 200 units of the new Nissan Navara Titanium and will go on sale in September 2012. Customers can expect a host of styling and other upgrades for the new Navara Titanium that sets it apart from the current SE model.

New Nissan Navara Titanium packed with features

Engine Capability

The Nissan Navara Titanium will be available as either a 4×4 or 4×2 and will be fitted with a 2.5-litre common-rail turbo diesel engine that produces 128kW and 403Nm of torque in the 4×4 derivative. The 4×4 version exhibits a fuel consumption figure of 9.0-litres/100km with a 3 000kg towing capacity with a braked trailer. The new Nissan Navara Titanium has a ground clearance of 233mm, an approach angle of 29 degrees and an impressive departure angle of 22 degrees. The Navara Titanium is fitted with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

Styling Features

Special styling features include titanium-coloured wheels and satin-smoked-finish front grille, rear step, bumper, side mirror covers and door handles, all complementing the titanium metallic theme. The new Nissan Navara Titanium also benefits from all-terrain tyres, a tow bar, front bull bar, tonneau cover, embossed carpets and a special Titanium branded key ring. Three colours are available for the Navara Titanium including white, black and silver.

New Nissan Navara Titanium – Price

Nissan Navara Titanium 4×4 R415 000
Nissan Navara Titanium 4×2 R374 000

2013 Toyota Auris to debut at Paris Motor Show

The new 2013 Toyota Auris will make its debut at the Paris Motor Show at the end of September 2012 with petrol, diesel and hybrid derivatives to be displayed. The new Auris offers improved driving dynamics, more distinctive styling and higher equipment levels than the current model.

2013 Toyota Auris wears new face

Exterior Styling

The 2013 Toyota Auris sits 55mm lower than the current model while a low front-end helps deliver improved aerodynamic performance which supports better handling and lower fuel consumption. The grille design represents the new ‘face’ of Toyota and is complemented with sharp-edged headlights and LED Daytime Running Lights which give the Auris a more powerful road presence. The side profile features an extension of the side glazing into three panels while the rear-end exhibits a wider opening tailgate, wrap-around tail lights and a new bumper profile.

Interior Styling

The interior has been completely revised to offer more space and comfort and Toyota has paid particular attention to the sensory quality of the cabin while achieving a greater sense of visual unity through consistency of lighting, colours, finishes and even the font used for graphics. The 2013 Toyota Auris also introduces Skyview, one of the largest panoramic roofs in its segment.

The air vent, meter surrounds, centre console and transmission tunnel share a high quality satin silver finish, while a leather trim dashboard is offered on higher grade models. Interior quality has been improved with a baseball-stitched Nappa leather trimmed steering wheel, soft-touch materials on the instrument panel , assist grips and door handles, as well as padded armrests and fabric trimmed pillars.

The interior offers increased space for the driver with an additional 20mm of rear seat knee room and 360 litres of boot space.

Driving Capability

The 2013 Toyota Auris benefits from a lower ride height, driving position and centre of gravity for enhanced driving dynamics. The steering and suspension has been revised contributing to a more comfortable, responsive and enjoyable drive.

Further improvements include greater use of high tensile steel, particularly in the upper part of the body structure, which has increased body stiffness by 10% and resulted in a weight saving of 40kg while also lowering the Auris’ centre of gravity.

In terms of engines, visitors to the Paris Motor Show will see 1.3 and 1.6 litre petrol variants, a 1.4 diesel and the Auris Hybrid. The 2013 Toyota Auris is destined for South Africa in the first quarter of 2013, however, further details regarding the model line-up for South Africa will be made available closer to launch.