Nissan LEAF smashes 50 000 global sales target

The Nissan LEAF has broken a global sales milestone with 50 000 units sold worldwide, making it the best selling electric vehicle of all time since its introduction in December 2010.

Nissan LEAF goes the distance

Owners of the Nissan LEAF have travelled a total distance of 260-million kilometres which is a greater than the distance from the earth to the sun. These kilometres were covered with zero tailpipe emissions contributing to efforts to reduce levels of harmful NOx and particulate matter in cities.

The Nissan Leaf is sold in 17 European countries with 7 000 vehicles driven every day. The biggest distance covered in a LEAF was by a Japanese customer who has covered more than 175 000km in a car that has only been on sale for two years and another customer in Spain has reached up to 43 000 kilometres in one year.

Figures are based on all Leafs registered with the Carwings telemetry system, which is not mandatory and not all vehicles are registered. The Nissan LEAF is expected in South Africa later in 2013.

2014 Chevrolet SS V8 performance car unleashed

Official details of the 2014 Chevrolet SS have been revealed. The Chevrolet SS made its debut at the Daytona International Speedway this past weekend at the Nascar Daytona 500. The SS is Chevrolet’s first V8, rear-wheel drive performance sedan since 1996.

“The Chevrolet brand was largely built on the strength of rear-drive performance sedans, yet it’s been 17 years since we’ve offered one.” said Mark Reuss, president of General Motors North America. “The all-new Chevrolet SS fills that void and fills it better than any other vehicle in the brand’s rich history. The comfort, convenience, spaciousness and V8 power make the SS a total performance package unlike any other on the road today.” he added

2014 Chevrolet SS is big on power

Engine Capability

The 2014 Chevrolet SS is powered by the LS3 Chevrolet V8 engine which delivers 415kW of power and a maximum torque figure of 563Nm. The LS3 displaces 6.2 litres, more than the 5.5-litre V8 powering the Chevrolet SS NASCAR competitors. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, and accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in about five seconds, making it one of the quickest sedans on the market.

Exterior Styling Features

The 2014 Chevrolet SS features staggered front and rear wheels that are pushed out to the corners, giving the vehicle a powerful stance. The aluminium hood features a ‘power bulge’ which hints at the engine under the hood. The tapering ‘tear drop’ shape towards the rear improves aerodynamic performance. Chrome accents and high-density discharge headlamps with light-emitting diode Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) form part of the overall exterior design.

The Chevrolet SS is fitted with 19-inch aluminium wheels that are wrapped in ultra-high performance Bridgestone tyres.

Interior Styling Features

On the inside there is space for five people with 42-inches of front legroom. The seats are covered in leather and eight-way power adjustable front bucket seats with additional side bolstering provide comfort for the driver and front passenger in tight handling situations.

The SS logo is stitched onto the soft touch dashboard which features a satin gloss and bright chrome finish. The interior is illuminated with ice blue ambient lighting at night. The SS also offers a list of technology features such as the colour in-dashboard touchscreen that supports Chevrolet MyLink and the next-generation navigation system, Bose nine-speaker premium sound system, colour heads-up display, push-button start, StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control and Automatic Park Assist.

The 2014 Chevrolet SS will go on sale in the U.S. later in the year and it will not be available in South Africa.

Citroen DS3 range expands with entry level model

Citroen has expanded its DS range with the addition of the Citroen DS3 VTi 82 Design which represents a new entry-point to the range. The Citroen DS3 VTi DS3 82 Design introduces Citroen’s PureTech petrol engine technology which delivers greater levels of efficiency with less impact on the environment.

Citroen DS3 VTi 82 Design has lots to offer

Engine Capability

The Citroen DS3 VTi 82 Design is fitted with a 1.2-litre PureTech petrol engine that produces 60kW of power and 118Nm of torque. Fuel consumption for this engine is rated at 4.6-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 107g/km. This engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission. Acceleration to 100km/h will take 14.2 seconds before reaching a top speed of 174km/h.

Citroen’s General Manager, Marketing, Grant Bowring said, “The Citroen DS3 is a highly desirable car, with unrivalled emotional appeal and now it is far more attainable thanks to the introduction of the 1.2 VTi Design. It is a worthy bearer of the DS badge, and combines style, innovation and technology in equal measure.”

Design Features

The Citroen DS3 range is offered with a wide range of colour choices including the new Moondust metallic grey and Infini blue for the roof, over and above the black and white roof options. A key differentiator for this model is the striking 3-D effect of the LED lighting for the rear light clusters.

In terms of space, the boot offers 285-litres of luggage space which increases to 980-litres with the rear seats folded down.

Citroen DS3 VTi 82 Design – Price

Citroen DS3 VTi 82 Design – R199 900

The price includes a 4-year/60 000km service plan as standard. A Freedrive programme maintenance plan is available as an option.

Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG set for Geneva Motor Show debut

The Mercedes-Benz  A 45 AMG has been added to the range of unique high-performance AMG vehicles. The entry level A-Class hatchback with full AMG features will make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show which kicks off on 5 March 2013.

Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG is dynamite in a small package

The Mercedes Benz A 45 AMG is fitted with an AMG 2.0-litre turbo engine that produces 268kW and a torque figure of 450Nm, making it the most powerful four-cylinder series production engine in the world. Fuel consumption is rated at 6.9-litres/100km on the combined cycle. Using the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission, 0-100km/h is achieved in 4.6 seconds, taking the A 45 AMG to an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h. The exclusive AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive features a 3-stage ESP with ESP Curve Dynamic Assist.

Exterior Features

The exterior of the Mercedes Benz A 45 AMG is enhanced by a sporty and muscular design with a sculptural character with feature lines on the sides. Painted in matt titanium grey, the front view is characterised by the AMG ‘twin blade’ radiator grille and the cross strut in the AMG front apron.

Also finished in matt titanium grey are AMG light-alloy wheels fitted with 235/40 R18 tyres in twin-spoke design with red-painted brake calipers. Two square, chrome-plated tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system with an exhaust flap add an appropriately bold finishing touch. ‘TURBO AMG’ lettering on the wing is exclusive to the top model of the A-Class.

Interior Features

Inside, the A 45 AMG boasts ARTICO man-made leather seats in DINAMICA microfibre with red contrasting stitching and red seat belts. A multi function steering wheel with shift paddles and the AMG DRIVE UNIT set new standards in both appearance and quality.

The dashboard trim comes in a carbon fibre look, matching the five air vents in black/red and AMG door sill panels. Information is presented by means of a central colour display with an AMG main menu and RACETIMER.

Optional Features

Optional features include a selection of individual AMG products like the AMG Aerodynamics package with rear aerofoil, additional flics in the front apron, larger front splitter, carbon-fibre exterior mirror housing and 19-inch wheels with 235/35 R 19 tyres available in two variants including titanium grey with a high-sheen finish or in matt black with a high-sheen rim flange.

The AMG Night package includes privacy glass, a black anodised waistline trim strip, black tailpipe trims with a chrome finish, radiator fins in silver chrome and a high-gloss black painted finish for the front splitter, exterior mirrors, side sill panel inserts and the rear apron trim.

The Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG will be available in South Africa later in 2013.

Alfa Romeo Gloria concept for Geneva Motor Show

The Alfa Romeo Gloria concept will be showcased at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show on 5 March 2013. The Gloria concept was developed by the European Design Institute (IED) of Turin with the assistance of the Alfa Romeo Style Centre where young car designers were tasked with ‘conceiving an Alfa Romeo saloon to communicate to the American and Asian markets’.

Alfa Romeo Gloria concept comes to life

The Alfa Romeo Gloria concept is 4.7 metres long, 1.92 metres wide and 1.32 metres tall with a wheelbase of 2.9 metres. The sports saloon features lines running the length of the vehicle towards the rear and would be powered by either a V6 or V8 turbo engine, according to Alfa Romeo. While the bonnet evokes the Alfa Romeo shield through the lines of the car, highlighting its 3-D form, the leather strips at the front are reminders of the leather straps used for the luggage compartments of the brand’s historic cars.

The Alfa Romeo Gloria concept is a result of the work of 20 students on the Master programme from Italy and other countries. The Alfa Romeo Centre provided the brief for the concept and twenty design proposals were presented as 1:4-scale clay models. The model that corresponded most closely to the brief was chosen. The class, divided into groups, then set out to work on the final project, in full scale.

“The possibility of developing a concept car in collaboration with the Alfa Romeo Style that we were offered was a great opportunity to demonstrate that the IED is, first of all, an Italian school that aims to generate beauty,” states César Mendoza, Director of IED, Turin. “What better brand than Alfa Romeo to teach our students how form and volume can convey strong emotions, fuelling the desire to design a car. The passion that the brand evokes had a powerful impact on the students and teaching staff, allowing them to push themselves within tight deadlines to achieve the final delivery of a project which was unquestionably complex. Today, the European Design Institute is proud to represent Italian teaching excellence internationally.”

Interactive display for Alfa Romeo Gloria Concept

The model will be reproduced on an iPad in a virtual environment where interaction with the concept will be possible by choosing between five models of rims and five body colours. The five rims are a result of a teaching project developed in collaboration with OZ Racing, who sponsored Gloria’s 20-inch rims, and asked Master students to design a series of proposals, where the best five rims were chosen for interactivity. The five rims will also feature in a talent contest that will be launched by IED and OZ Racing at the Geneva Motor Show via an app to decide on the winning project.

New Qoros 3 Sedan to premiere at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show

The Qoros 3 Sedan will debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show on 5 March, under a new automotive brand known as Qoros. The brand will use the show to introduce itself to the world and launch the 3 Sedan as well as two other concepts, the Qoros 3 Cross Hybrid Concept and Qoros 3 Estate Concept. The Qoros 3 Sedan will be launched in China in the second quarter of 2013 before going on sale in Europe later in the year.

Qoros 3 Sedan – Specifications and Features

Engine Capability

The Qoros 3 Sedan will be offered with a choice of two four-cylinder 1.6-litre engines that feature Variable Valve Timing (VVT). The naturally-aspirated variant delivers an output of 93kW and a torque figure of 155Nm at 3900 rpm. The turbocharged version offers 115kW and a torque figure of 210Nm at 2500 rpm.

Both engines are combined with a six speed manual transmission and with an optional six speed dual clutch transmission and a stop start system. Acceleration is rated from zero to 100km/h in 11.0 seconds.

Exterior Styling Features

With one of the longest wheelbase in the compact segment, the Qoros 3 Sedan features a striking contour edge running continuously from the headlamps to the door handles and on to the rear light clusters that emphasise the seamless clean sculptured bodysides. An accentuation strip in matt aluminium runs above the side sill between the wheel arches.

The front is styled by the contours of the bonnet which form a dynamic curve. The rear doors feature a ‘hockey stick’ rear window line that extends into the C-pillar. Wheel sizes start at 16-inches and up to 18-inches for the Qoros 3 Sedan and feature triple-split 8-spoke alloy wheels with a gloss black inner and a matt silver outer surface.

Other distinctive features include the grille which has been designed with a mesh of matt black. The radiator grille forms an equal-sided trapezoid with a wide chrome bar as its upper edge and a second chrome bar at the bottom edge of the lower air intake. The front and rear lamp clusters are defining features of the Qoros 3 Sedan and daytime running lights are horizontally positioned LED bars at the upper edge of the headlamp modules. Three horizontal LED light bars are found in the wide rear lamp clusters.

Interior Styling Features

Inside, the steering wheel features a flat lower edge and sits in front of a ‘floating dashboard and centre console’ that maximise the feeling of interior spaciousness. On the edge of the centre console is a combination of thin red LED light strips while the door handles feature discreet red LED lighting.

In addition, a high resolution TFT display at the centre of the dashboard provides information to the driver, including vehicle range and next turn directions from the navigation system. The model also boasts a 2.8-litre glovebox and a range of storage compartments, including storage in the front centre console, front arm rest, as well as wide door pockets in all four doors and rigid front seatback pockets for rear seat passengers. There are bottle holders in the front door pockets, two large cupholders in the front centre console and two cupholders in the rear centre armrest. The advanced touchscreen infotainment system comes as standard across the range and includes software.

The Qoros 3 Sedan will not be available in South Africa.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Price revealed

Prices for the new Mercedes-Benz  A-Class which is due in South Africa in April 2013 has been revealed. A select number of journalists from the financial sector attended the company’s Annual Business Results conference at the Mercedes-Benz East London plant, where they were privy to a sneak preview of the new A-Class.

New Mercedes-Benz A-Class coming to South Africa

An enthusiastic Dr Zimmermann said, “The A-Class falls in a very competitive segment, however, Mercedes-Benz is no stranger to this segment as we invented it over 15 years ago with the first A-Class. To date we’ve sold more than 2.1 million A-Classes. Sales of the new A-Class commenced in Europe in September 2012 – just five months ago – a total of 90 000 orders have already been received – this is what I call a great start!”

The A-Class will appeal to a new and modern target market who have taken interest in the brand. Dr Zimmerman continued, “The target group for our new generation compact cars definitely includes our existing customer base as well as the new middle class and progressive mainstream individuals who have started to make the brand part of their consideration set. With our latest introductions to the compact car segment we have an opportunity to attract young and discerning consumers who are also looking for power and performance embodied in a sporty and stylish design, with all the traditional Mercedes-Benz values of safety and reliability.”

The new A-Class will aim to set new standards in the premium compact car segment and Mercedes-Benz will launch the A-Class with the A-revolution campaign. The new Mercedes-Benz A-Class will arrive in South Africa in April 2013 with the following prices.

New Mercedes-Benz A-Class – Price

Model Price
Mercedes-Benz A 180 BlueEFFICIENCY R275 000
Mercedes-Benz A 200 BlueEFFICIENCY R298 000
Mercedes-Benz A 180 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY automatic R310 000
Mercedes-Benz A 180 BlueEFFICIENCY manual R300 000
Mercedes-Benz A 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY R355 000
Mercedes-Benz A 250 Sport R395 000

Audi A1 gets Amplified package

The Audi  A1 will now be offered with the Amplified package which combines popular customisation features into a single package. The Amplified package is based on the Ambition line with a choice of four engines for both the three-door A1 and the five-door A1 Sportback.

Audi A1 Amplified package enhances customisation

The Amplified package is a limited edition styling package that is available exclusively with the choice of Misano Red or Glacier White exterior colours. The Amplified package also includes a high-gloss black roof arch for the three-door A1 and a full dome on the A1 Sportback. Other features include an S line roof spoiler, exterior mirror housings and a single-frame grille. The exterior also benefits from 17-inch alloy wheels with a five-arm design with black inserts and a matt, transparent film for the engine hood, roof and rear hatch.

The interior receives air vent sleeves in body colour, black sports seats with stitching in Parade Red or Rock Gray and floor mats with the piping in matching colours.

“We believe that the introduction of the Audi A1 Amplified package will provide the model range with a new dimension to its customisation. Although subtle, the package definitely provides some stand-out value from the standard vehicle, while keeping to the intrinsic brand values of Sporty, Sophisticated and Progressive”, said Ryan Searle, Head of Audi South Africa.

Audi A1 – Price

Audi A1 1.2T Attraction R219 900
Audi A1 1.4T Attraction R235 000
Audi A1 1.6TDI Ambition R247 000
Audi A1 1.4T Attraction auto R252 500
Audi 1.4T Ambition R253 000
Audi A1 1.4T Ambition auto R270 500
Audi A1 1.4T S-line R312 000
Package cost
Audi Amplified package R20 580

The Audi A1 is priced from R219 900 for the three-door A1 1.2T FSI manual to R319 500 for the A1 Sportback 1.4T FSI S line S tronic.

Mitsubishi Concept GR-HEV and CA-MiEV shown ahead of Geneva Motor Show

Mitsubishi is further expanding its line of hybrid vehicles and is now exploring the full electro-mobility engineering palette namely, the Pure Electric (EV), Hybrid Electric (HEV) and the Plug-in Hybrid Electric (PHEV). Two concept cars, namely the Mitsubishi Concept GR-HEV and the Concept CA-MiEV, will premiere alongside the new Outlander PHEV at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

Mitsubishi Concept GR-HEV – Features

This new creation of a ‘Dual Design’ vehicle is introduced with an all-new exclusive HEV solution that features a Clean Diesel engine and electric motors.

The Mitsubishi Concept GR-HEV is a sport-utility hybrid pick-up truck that uses Mitsubishi’s renowned full-time 4WD technology, featuring Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) integrated vehicle dynamics control system driveline to deliver high stability, traction and driving performance under all road conditions. CO2 emissions are estimated to be rated below 149 g/km which is far better than the segment average.

Mitsubishi Concept CA-MiEV

To showcase their various technologies, Mitsubishi will introduce the concept CA-MiEV across its global range of vehicles. This compact and lightweight EV model with advanced aerodynamics can accommodate next generation EV systems and high density batteries.

Other features for this concept include magnetic resonance wireless charging technology and smartphone activated functions.

Most popular car brands in South Africa for January 2013

According to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA), a total of 55 007 new vehicles were sold across South Africa in 2013. This figure represents a 14.1% increase in sales when compared to the 48 211 new vehicles sold in December 2012. New passenger vehicle sales increased by 14.1% in January 2013 while Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) sales increased by 19.3% in the same period. Here is a breakdown of the best-selling car brands and models for January 2013.

The top 3 most popular car brands in South Africa for January 2013.

Car Brand Volume Market Share %
1. Volkswagen 10 511 19.1%
2. Toyota 10 219 18.6%
3. General Motors SA 5 585 10.2%

1. Volkswagen – 10 511 units

Volkswagen is South Africa’s most popular new car brand for January 2013. Volkswagen performed particularly well in the passenger vehicle segment with sales totalling 9 781 units. Volkswagen was South Africa’s second best selling new car brand in 2012. In January 2013, the Polo Vivo was South Africa’s best selling vehicle followed by the VW Polo in a distant second place. Volkswagen is the most popular brand in the passenger vehicle segment.

Volkswagen – best selling models – January 2013

Model Sales: January2013
1. Volkswagen Polo Vivo 4 047 (+1 900)
2. Volkswagen Polo 2 790 (+483)
3. Audi A4 509 (+179)
4. VW Jetta 6 340 (-147)
5. VW Tiguan 316 (+19)

2. Toyota – 10 219 units

Toyota is South Africa’s second most popular new car brand for January 2013 and was South Africa’s best selling car brand for 2012. Like Volkswagen, Toyota sold well in the passenger vehicle segment with sales totalling 5 969 units. Toyota also dominated the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segment with sales amounting to 3 986 units. The Toyota Hilux bakkie and the Toyota Etios remain top sellers for the brand.

Toyota – best selling models – January 2013

Model Sales: January 2013
1. Toyota Hilux 2 634 (-75)
2. Toyota Etios 2 515 (+794)
3. Toyota Corolla 1 345 (+735)
4. Toyota Quantum 997 (+114)
5. Toyota Fortuner 734 (-245)

3. General Motors SA – 5 585 unit

General Motors South Africa (GMSA) is South Africa’s third most popular car brand for January 2013. GMSA was also South Africa’s third best selling car brand for 2012. In January 2013, GMSA sold 2 465 new passenger vehicles and 2 922 vehicles in the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segment. The Isuzu KB bakkie and the Chevrolet Utility are top selling vehicles in the GMSA stable.

General Motors SA – best selling models – January 2013

Model Sales: January 2013
1. Chevrolet Utility 1 528 (+371)
2. Isuzu KB 1 351 (+345)
3. Chevrolet Cruze 551 (+121)
4. Chevrolet Spark 449 (+41)
5. Chevrolet Aveo 426 (-47)