New Chevrolet Spark Campus available in South Africa

Chevrolet has introduced a third model into its entry-level Spark range with the addition of the Spark Campus now available in South Africa. Although the new Chevrolet Spark Campus retains the latest styling and technology virtues of the Spark L and LS offerings, it cuts back on some of the non-essentials and styling options available in the L specification level.

New Chevrolet Spark Campus is an affordable urban runaround

Engine Capability

Like the Spark L and LS models, the Chevrolet Spark Campus is also fitted with a 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine that produces 60kW at 6 400rpm and displays a maximum torque figure of 108Nm at 4 800rpm. The Spark Campus exhibits a combined fuel consumption figure of 5.4-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of only 129g/km. The Spark Campus will accelerate to 100km/h in 13.3 seconds while reaching a top speed of 164km/h. Power is transferred to the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox.

Standard Features

Standard features for the Chevrolet Spark Campus include ABS brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), driver and passenger front airbags with de-activation for the passenger system. Security features include a transponder immobiliser system and key activated central locking.

Convenience features include a manual air conditioner, power steering, height adjustment for the driver’s seat, tinted glass all round, rear window de-fogger, cup holders and interior courtesy and map lights. Styling includes colour coded door handles, bumpers and exterior rear view mirrors.

Chevrolet Spark Campus – Price

Chevrolet Spark 1.2 Campus – R99 900

The Chevrolet Spark Campus is covered by a 5 year/ 120 000km warranty with roadside assistance for the full warranty period. Anti-corrosion warranty protection is provided for a period of five years with no kilometre limit. Service intervals are 12 months or 15 000km. An optional 3 yr/60 000km Service Plan is available.

VW Polo clocks one million kilometres

Veteran salesman Gerrie Esterhuizen (67) and his South African built 2004 VW Polo has achieved one million kilometres of fault-free and accident-free driving.

VW Polo goes the distance

Gerrie and his wife, Magriet (47) always wondered what would happen to the speedometer once they reached a million kilometres and they found the answer, “After 999999.9 kilometres, the speedometer just shows six dashes, although the trip meter carries on working,” said Magriet. The couple clocked up the mileage during work runs from their home in Soutpan near Bloemfontein across the Free State, Northern Cape, North West and Lesotho.

“We travel up to 800km a day from our home and back, often spending more than 10 hours on the road and seeing clients, mainly in small towns in our sales territory,” Gerrie said. “These days we average between 8 000km and 10 000km a month. In previous years we drove more than 12 000km a month.” Over the years the couple have kept meticulous records of their travels.

“We reckon the VW Polo used 66 666 litres of fuel to get to the million mark. That’s an excellent figure of about 700km per 50-litre tank, or 15km a litre (6.6km/l). Working out the cost over the years at an average of R8/l, that’s about R533 000 in fuel costs.”

What’s more is that the VW Polo has only had two new fuel pumps fitted in its lifespan and the clutch, starter, alternator, exhaust system, radiator and oil pump are all original.

The couple received VIP treatment and were invited to the VW Plant in Uitenhage where the VW Polo was treated to an overnight paint, dent removal and brush-up package. Gerrie and his wife were also presented with a new dashboard cluster by the Managing Director of Volkswagen Group South Africa, David Powels.

New Mazda BT-50 available in South Africa

The new Mazda BT-50 is now available in South Africa. The BT-50 is offered in either petrol or diesel guise and features increased space and comfort with a wide range of active and passive safety features. The new Mazda BT-50 incorporates the versatility of a pick-up truck but with the comfort of a passenger car and is available in three body types including the Double Cab, Single Cab and the Freestyle Cab.

New Mazda BT-50 – Specifications and Features

Engine Capability

The engine line-up for the BT-50 consists of a 2.2-litre and a 3.2-litre diesel derivative along with a 2.5-litre petrol variant. The 2.2-litre common-rail diesel engine is available in two power versions. The 88kW version produces 285Nm of torque while the 110kW version produces 375Nm of torque. The 3.2-litre diesel engine produces 147kW and 470Nm of torque. The diesel engines, except the 88kW 2.2-litre version (5-speed manual), are mated with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The 2.5-litre DOHC petrol engine delivers 122kW with a maximum torque figure of 225Nm. Like the 88kW 2.2-litre diesel engine, this engine is also mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.

Styling Features

The new Mazda BT-50 features a bold, wedge shaped profile with a five-point grille and boomerang-design headlamps with either 16-inch or 17-inch aluminium wheels. All the body types are longer, wider and higher than the outgoing model thereby increasing both passenger and loading space. Black is the keynote colour used for the interior that is highlighted with silver accents on the door trim, floor, centre console gear lever, parking brake button, door handles, climate-control levers, meter rings and dials. The new Mazda BT-50 is available in nine colours with three upholstery options including vinyl, fabric and leather for the Double Cab SLE models.

Safety Features

Active safety features for the new Mazda BT-50 include 4W-ABS, Traction Control System, Driver Stability Control, Emergency Brake Assist, Brake Override System, Load Adaptive Control, Trailer Sway Assist, Roll Stability Control, Hill Launch Assist and Hill Descent Control (4×4 only). Passive safety features include a rigid cabin, front, side and curtain airbags, shock absorbing steering column and a crushable brake pedal.

New Mazda BT-50 – Price

Single Cab

Mazda BT-50 2.5 5MT 4×2 Petrol R190 330
Mazda BT-50 3.2 6MT 4×4 Diesel R354 200

Freestyle Cab

Mazda BT-50 2.2 5MT 4×2 Diesel R231 950
Mazda BT-50 3.2 6MT 4×4 Diesel R398 970

Double Cab

Mazda BT-50 2.2 6MT 4×2 DieselR340 480

Mazda BT-50 3.2 6AT 4×4 Diesel R462 210

Mitsubish Pajero Sport 3.2 Review

The off-roader market is one of the most important to South Africans and if you wish to compete, your product has to be tough-as-nails and offer value-for-money. Currently dominated by the Toyota Fortuner and Chevrolet Trailblazer, this market is hotly-contested between the two. But what if you wanted an alternative, like the Mitsubishi Pajero?

Mitsubish Pajero Sport 3.2 review by David Taylor

Mitsubishi is stepping up to the plate and reckons its Pajero Sport can match these two. For whatever reason, Mitsubishi is a brand that doesn’t get that much media attention these days. Sure it’s a different story when the latest incarnation of the legendary Evo rally sedan is launched, but even that’s old news now and there’s not much to look forward to.

Not a good start then when it comes to brand awareness and perception. Nevertheless the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 3.2 DI-D GLS to give its full name looks alright on paper. The vehicle received a gentle facelift in 2012 which brings the design of the front more in line with the rest of the company’s offerings. The interior also received some love in the form of a new instrumentation cluster. It’s not a bad looking offroader and keen-eyed readers will notice it looks a lot like the current Triton bakkie.

Strong diesel motor

There’s a decent 3.2-litre turbodiesel engine and it offers 120kW and 343Nm. It’s not fast by any stretch, but it has enough power to reach the national speed limit without too much effort. What’s interesting to note is this particular engine can work on any diesel. Unlike most modern oil-burning cars which are especially fussy and need special 50ppm diesel, the Pajero Sport can run on even the poorest quality fuel. It’s not the most economical, but you should see around 11L/100km appear on the trip computer.

It has a five-speed manual gearbox, which while adequate, could have done with an extra ratio just for highway cruising. The gearbox has two levers, with the second smaller one controlling the four-wheel drive system.

Decent off-road ability

Did I test out the off-road ability of the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport? Absolutely. It has enough ability to match its rivals when it comes to thick beach sand, dunes and gravel. Ground clearance is rated at 215mm – great for negotiating obstacles and not bottoming out.

One of the Pajero’s strengths is the interior space. There are three rows of seats which are all leather. This means seven people plus luggage can be carried, but note that when the third row of seats is in use boot space is reduced. You can see some thought has gone into ensuring the second and third rows are comfortable as there are numerous cup holders as well as air conditioning vents mounted in the ceiling.

Good level of specification

Earlier I mentioned the new instrumentation formed part of the facelift and this comes with some cool gadgets which will make the enthusiast quite happy. There’s a compass, an altimeter, thermometer as well as your usual trip computer suspects like fuel range and consumption.

Despite it being spacious, the cabin itself feels a little dated which is a pity considering it’s rather comfortable. That said, the materials used are durable and designed to last and easy-to-clean. It still has a decent amount of features such as USB connectivity in the glovebox, keyless entry, and leather steering wheel with multiple functions, park distance control, auto headlights, auto wipers, electronically adjustable driver’s seat and single zone climate control. Safety features include six airbags and ABS.

Summary – Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 3.2

Has the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport done enough to be able to rub shoulders with its accomplished rivals? In my opinion, it just about has. While it may not excel in any particular department, it is one of the best all-rounders and does everything reasonably well. It’s a bit big and cumbersome in town though, which some may find annoying.
Ask anyone with a large vehicle how challenging it is to park in an urban environment. That said, the Pajero Sport is a good offering from Mitsubishi and the vehicle makes a good name for itself.

View the new Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 3.2

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport – Price

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport – R435 900

  • Why you should: Good off-road ability, spacious, tough, surprisingly economical.
  • Why you shouldn’t: Average looks, huge dimensions some may find daunting in urban situations, tough competition from rivals like Chevrolet and Toyota.
  • It would be better if: A modern-looking interior would be nice, as would a sixth gear please.
  • Competitors worth checking out: Toyota Fortuner, Chevrolet Trailblazer

New Mercedes-Benz B-Class in South Africa

The new Mercedes-Benz B-Class has rolled into South Africa with the addition of two new four-cylinder petrol engines, a four cylinder diesel engine and a new transmission offering in the form of a 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission and a 6-speed manual transmission.

New Mercedes-Benz B-Class offers new engines, more choice

Engine Capability

The new petrol engines include the 1.6-litre B 180 and the 1.6-litre B 200. The B 180 petrol variant produces 90kW at 5000rpm with a maximum torque figure of 200Nm available between 1 250 and 4 000rpm. The B 180 will accelerate to 100km/h in 10.4 seconds with a top speed of 190km/h. Fuel consumption is rated between 5.9 and 6.2-litres/100km with a corresponding fuel emissions figure of between 137 and 144g/km. The B 180 is mated with a 6-speed manual transmission.

The 1.6-litre B200 petrol variant produces 115kW at 5 300rpm with a maximum torque figure of 250Nm available between 1 250 and 4 000rpm. The 0-100km/h sprint is completed in 8.6 seconds and displays a top speed of 220km/h. Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are identical to that of the B 180. The B 200 is also mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.

The B 180 CDI diesel variant produces 80kW at between 3 200 and 4 600rpm and offers 250Nm of torque available between 1 400 and 2 800rpm. 100km/h is achieved in 10.9 seconds with a top speed of 190km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at between 4.4 and 4.6-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure between 114 and 121g/km.

The B 200 diesel variant on the other hand offers 100kW at between 3 600 and 4 400rpm with a maximum torque figure of 300Nm available between 1 600 and 3 000rpm. The top speed for the B 200 is 210km/h and will sprint to 100km/h in 9.5 seconds. Fuel consumption is rated at between 4.4 and 4.6-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of between 115 and 121g/km. Both diesel variants are fitted with a six-speed manual transmission. The new 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission is available as an option.

Equipped with the new 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission, the driver can choose between three driving modes namely Economy, Sport and Manual.

B-Class Trim Levels

Four Trim Levels are offered with the new Mercedes-Benz B-Class and these include Chrome, Sports, Exclusive and Night which allow for personalisation of the vehicles interior and exterior.

Chrome – The Chrome package is standard for the B-Class and includes three silver slats on the radiator grille with chrome applications on the front and rear bumpers. Additional exterior features include daytime driving lights with a chrome ring, beltline chrome trim strip, electroplated load sill protector and oval stainless steel tailpipe trim. The interior benefits from Matrix-look trim, air outlet vents nozzle ring and cross silver chrome, chrome rings for the rotary light switch, central operating unit and controller on the centre console, a gear lever in silver shadow and the arm rests feature contrasting stitching.

Sport – The Sport package includes double silver slats on the radiator with chrome applications. The bumper incorporates a diamond-pattern air intake grille with chrome applications. Chrome is also to be found on the rear bumper and 17-inch alloy wheels with 5-spoke design are standard.

The front brake discs are perforated and the front callipers feature ‘Mercedes-Benz’ lettering. The sport suspension with selective damping and Direct-Steer system provide dynamic handling and can be deactivated by the driver if necessary. The interior benefits from ARTICO man-made leather with contrasting stitching, honeycomb-pattern trim, air outlet vents with ring and cross in silver chrome, high-gloss black rotary light switch with silver chrome ring, 3-spoke multi-function leather steering wheel, leather gear lever with chrome applications, door sill panels in extruded stainless steel and stainless steel sports pedal with rubber studs.

Night – The Night package includes double slats on the radiator grille in high-gloss black with chrome applications, roof trim strip in high-gloss black, beltline strip in high-gloss black, heat-insulating dark tinted glass as of B-pillar and 18-inch alloy wheels with black 5-spoke design.

Exclusive – The Exclusive package includes contrasting stitching with ARTICO leather for the door panels and brown silk matt burr walnut trim. Other features include a 3-spoke multi-function steering wheel, infrared comfort locking system and electric 4-way lumbar support for the front and heated seats.

New Mercedes-Benz B-Class – Price

Mercedes-Benz B 180 R 299 600
Mercedes-Benz B 200 R 319 600
Mercedes-Benz B 180 CDI R 325 000
Mercedes-Benz B 200 CDI R358 000

All Mercedes-Benz models come standard with a 6-year/120 000km MobiloDrive maintenance contract.

Subaru XV 2.0 Lineartronic CVT Review in South Africa

I’ve always thought of Subaru as a Jekyll-and-Hyde car company. On one hand you have sensible and clever vehicles like the Forester and Outback which are driven by a bunch of easy-going outdoor types. On the other, you have the Impreza STI, the WRX and the BRZ which make the right noises, look the part and offer red hot performance. These cars are driven by youngsters who either think they’re professional rally drivers, or want to be extras in the next Fast and The Furious movie.

Subaru XV 2.0 Lineartronic CVT Review by David Taylor

The thing is Subaru doesn’t quite have a vehicle which is in the middle of the road. What if you can blend some performance with the offroad ability Subaru is so well known for? The company claims you can with the Subaru XV crossover.

For starters it looks quite good and it’s rather eye-catching. The Subaru XV attracted a fair bit of attention, mainly from other Subaru owners. The best way to describe the looks is by thinking of it as a hatchback on stilts. I particularly like the black glossy alloy wheels which look sporty.

Lacklustre engine

Sadly that’s where the sportiness ends, as the Subaru XV doesn’t feature the same turbocharged goodness under the bonnet which makes Subaru so unique. This particular engine is still a flat four, but lacks the turbocharger. It’s optimised for economy and to be blunt, doesn’t feel like any Subaru I’ve driven. I was expecting so much, and the lack of sudden urge was disappointing. That said, the 2.0-litre flat four with 110kW and 196Nm is adequate at sea level. Subaru points out that the engine is tuned for economy and it did not disappoint in that department as it went on to record an impressive 7.6L/100km.

Subaru XV is light on fuel

This fuel consumption figure was aided by the CVT (Continual Variable Transmission) which basically keeps the engine to run at its most efficient revolutions per minute. There are paddles behind the steering wheel, but I found it best to just leave the XV to do its own thing. Unlike other CVT gearboxes, the XV’s unit doesn’t whine when pushed hard which is a common complaint.

Well thought out interior

The interior of the Subaru XV is a textbook example in ergonomics. While its design may be simple, everything is where it should be and it feels upmarket. The seating position is good and it feels like you’re higher up than a normal passenger car. There’s also a smart LCD screen which displays real-time driving data such as status of the wheels as well as your usual trip functions. This particular option had satellite navigation and leather seats as options – both of which are worthy of a tick.

Cabin space is good and rear legroom is to be applauded. However the boot suffers and it’s surprising to see a Subaru with such a shallow rear storage area. Other noteworthy features fitted to the Subaru XV are a high quality audio system with iPod and USB, climate control and a reverse camera.

While some have gone on to suggest the Subaru XV is a prime case of selling out by going mainstream, I beg to differ. Yes it’s a hatchback on stilts, but it retains legendary Subaru engineering. It still has that extreme capability factor and is excellent when it comes to offroading.

XV retains Subaru offroad ability

It may lack outright speed, but once you’ve switched from tar to gravel you’ll understand why this vehicle suddenly feels perfect. The same can be said when you’re driving in heavy rain. While most other cars aquaplane all around you, the XV’s all-wheel drive system keeps it glued to the road and the stability is outstanding. The vehicle doesn’t even bat an eyelid when you take it onto a dune.

The all-wheel drive is superb and is aided by the heightened ground clearance. It may not have low-range, but the when the all-wheel drive system cleverly splits the power between the front and rear wheels it feels like you’re unstoppable. It appears to have inherited the same legendary offroad ability from its Forester and Outback siblings.

Subaru XV – Conclusion

This is a good car which happens to very capable on all terrain types. Be it sand, gravel or tar the Subaru XV will stay glued to the road, and it gets both thumbs up from me when it comes to how it drives. What it won’t do is please the Subaru purist crowd. They’ll see it as a slow wannabe, which I think is doing th Subaru XV a bit of a disservice. Personally I don’t think they’re the target market anyway and the XV will do exactly what Subaru want, which is bring a new market to the brand. This market will see the Subaru XV for what it is – a stylish, economical, reliable and competent light offroader

View the new Subaru XV

Subaru XV CVT Price

Subaru XV 2.0 Lineartronic CVT – R345 000 (Manual: R299 000)

  • Why you should: Great off-roader, amazing fuel consumption, cool interior, looks good.
  • Why you shouldn’t: Not the fastest Subaru, boot is a little on small side.
  • It would be better if: A diesel engine and a bit more pace please.
  • Competitors worth checking out:Nissan Qashqai,Suzuki SX4

Chevrolet Utility Club 1.8 Review

The sub-one ton bakkie market in South Africa is understandably huge, with a massive need for something that offers passenger car features yet has the ability of carrying just about anything and everything. Let’s check out the Chevrolet Utility.

Chevrolet Utility Club 1.8 – Review by Dave Taylor

Bye Bye Opel Corsa, hello Chevrolet Utility

If you’re reading this you’ll probably know about this vehicle’s heritage. It’s an Opel Corsa Utility. Or it was, until Chevrolet got their hands on it. This is the third generation of the working-class hero and despite it being labelled a commercial vehicle, is actually rather popular amongst the recreation addicts as well as the youth.

Attractive for a light commercial

A lot has changed when you compare this to the previous version. Gone is the curvy front end and in its place is a face which is not too dissimilar to the bigger and brawnier Lumina SS Ute. It’s about time commercial vehicles had a bit of personality added to the design, as opposed to some form-follows-function bean counter’s business plan.

Gutsy performance from the 1.8-litre

On test is a white Chevrolet Utility Club 1.8 which I reckon has both bases of power and economy covered. The 1.8-litre 8-valve engine pushes out 77kW and 161Nm which offers respectable unladen performance. The engine revs freely and it feels slightly racy. I put this down to a short-ratio gearbox, which gives it plenty of low down grunt. There’s a smaller 1.4-litre as well as a 1.3-litre diesel in the range. This engine is good in terms of performance and fuel economy, with Chevrolet claiming 8.1L/100km.

Due to the small size, the Utility is quite fun to drive and the suspension is adequate when it comes to soaking up the road’s imperfections. Once you start loading it up, performance does drop slightly.

Load bay takes everything, and the kitchen sink

The load bay of the Utility is very good, and this is probably one of the reasons why this vehicle sells well. The 1.8 Club version is able to haul 733kg worth of cargo. This vehicle is popular with all walks of life, and the load bay will see a huge variety of stuff thrown in. Florists, plumbers, builders and surfers would love this vehicle. Personally, I think the Utility is best suited to carrying surfboards, a Weber braai and cooler boxes to the beach. In terms of versatility, the Utility is a winner.

Passenger car spec in a bakkie

The Utility’s cabin feels a lot like a passenger car as opposed to a light commercial vehicle. The features list is impressive and seeing Bluetooth/USB/iPod audio system was a pleasant surprise. There’s a digital air conditioning unit, remote central locking and the dashboard looks like something out of the Tron movie with its blue-green lighting. The car comes standard with an airbag for both driver and passenger.

Space in the cabin is to be commended too. One of the big problems I often encounter with bakkies is that there is no space to store things like laptop bags out of sight. We all know what happens when you’re driving in town and you leave a laptop bag or a mobile phone lying on the passenger seat…
However, there’s just enough room behind the driver and passenger seats to squeeze in some luggage

Chevrolet Utility – Conclusion

It may have a light commercial vehicle sticker on it, but you cannot help but think about how good this car would be for students. You don’t need to be a plumber or electrician to consider one of these. You could still fulfill your business obligations if you need a small bakkie, but I reckon this is just perfect for someone’s first car. It’s safe, offers good performance plus there’s a practical load bay which would be very handy.

Then there’s that price. Chevrolet has priced it exceptionally well and your Rands get you something decent. This is a very good package, and now you know why there are so many of them on the roads.

View the new Chevrolet Utility

Chevrolet Utility Club – Price

Chevrolet Utility – R161 200

  • Why you should: Cheap to buy, cheap to run, good performance, decent spec, useful payload
  • Why you shouldn’t: Some aspects of the cabin feel a little too cheap.
  • It would be better if: the safety features were present across the entire range. Not every Ute model receives ABS with EBD.
  • Competitors worth checking out: Nissan NP200

New Toyota 86 now in South Africa

The new Toyota 86 sports car is now available in South Africa with three models on offer, namely the 86 Standard 6-speed manual, 86 High 6-speed manual and the 86 High 6-speed automatic. The new Toyota 86 offers a spirited sport driving experience along with an eye-catching design and accessible pricing to make it a well-rounded product for sport car enthusiasts.

New Toyota 86 brings fun back in driving

Engine Capability

The new Toyota 86 is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre Subaru engine with Toyota’s D-4S technology that produces 147kW at 7 000rpm and displays a maximum torque figure of 205Nm available between 6 400 to 6 600rpm. This translates into a 0-100km/h sprint time of 7.6 seconds for the manual while the automatic variant will take 8.2 seconds. The top speed for the manual variant is 226km/h while the automatic will reach 210km/h.

Combined-cycle fuel consumption is rated at 7.8-litres/100km for the manual and 7.1-litres/100km for the automatic. Corresponding CO2 emission figures are 181g/km and 164g/km respectively.

Exterior Styling

The new Toyota 86 is 4.24m long, 1.285m tall with a wheelbase of 2.57m, making it the “world’s most compact four-seater sports car”. The 86 takes on a road hugging stance with a 400mm driver hip-point, the lowest for any Toyota thus far. The new Toyota 86 only weighs 1220 and its lightweight design means that it is more than capable of handling tighter bends. The 86 incorporates two key design elements namely ‘Under Priority’ and ‘Keen Look’. ‘Under Priority’ places emphasis on an enlarged lower grille with attention paid to the lower sections for a more assertive appearance. ‘Keen Look’ expresses vibrancy and clarity throughout the 86’s design.

Interior Styling

The new Toyota 86 displays a distinctly driver-focused cockpit with functional instrument arrangements to make driving as ‘natural’ as possible. The horizontal dashboard design helps communicate the 86’s roll posture to the driver while its symmetrical construction allows the driver to perceive the centre line while driving. The 365mm buckskin steering wheel is also the smallest steering wheel ever fitted in a Toyota.

The seats are designed for maximum comfort during spirited driving and under normal driving conditions. The High models feature a combination of Alcantara and leather while the standard model benefits from newly designed non-slip, suede-like fabric that is both breathable and durable. The one-piece rear seatback can also be folded to create more space. All models have seven airbags including driver, passenger, side, curtain and driver knee airbags.

Standard Features

The Standard 86 includes 16-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning, remote central locking, electric windows, multi-information system, leather steering wheel, six speaker CD sound system with USB, MP3 and Auxiliary compatibility, ABS and Stability Control. The High 86 models add HID headlamps with LED accents, 17-inch alloy wheels and headlamp cleaners fitted as standard. The High 86 models also include a frameless rear-view mirror, digital speedometer, cruise control, Smart Start with push start button and fully automatic climate control.

New 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.

New Chrysler 300C Luxury Series in South Africa

Chrysler has revealed details of its all-new flagship Luxury Series sedan that is now available in South Africa. The new Chrysler 300C Luxury Series includes the petrol-powered 3.6-litre V6, the diesel-powered 3.0-litre V6 and the high performance SRT8 6.4-litre V8.

New Chrysler 300C Luxury Series set to impress

Engine Capability

The 3.6-litre V6 Pentastar engine produces 210kW at 6 350rpm and displays a maximum torque figure of 340Nm at 4 650rpm. The combined-cycle fuel consumption figure for this model is 9.7-litres/100km with a CO2 emission rating of 227g/km. 0-100km/h is achieved in 7.7 seconds with a top speed of 240km/h. This engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel variant is mated with a 5-speed automatic transmission and produces 176kW at 4 000rpm with a maximum torque figure of 550Nm available from 1 800 and 2 800rpm. The 0-100km/h sprint is accomplished in 7.8 seconds with a top speed of 232km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.2-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 192g/km.

The SRT8 on the other hand is fitted with a powerful 6.4-litre HEMI V8 that produces 347kW at 6 100rpm and has a maximum torque figure of 631Nm available at 4 150rpm. The SRT8 makes use of a 5-speed automatic transmission and will sprint to 100km/h in 5.0 seconds and reach a top speed of 280km/h. Fuel consumption for the SRT8 is rated at 13-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 303g/km.

Styling Features

Interior features for the new Chrysler 300C Luxury Series Sedan includes a leather wrapped instrument cluster, cluster brow, centre console side panels and door panels. Nappa leather covers the door armrest, bolster and centre console armrest. The seats are wrapped in Nappa Leather. Natural Pore Mocha wood trim finishes off the interior.

On the outside, 20-inch aluminium wheels add to the 300C’s design along with platinum chrome fascia accents, exterior mirror caps and door handle accents. The platinum-chrome mesh grille gives the Luxury Series a distinct appearance.

Standard Features

Features for the new Chrysler 300C Luxury Series sedan include a large 8.4-inch touchscreen with Uconnect infotainment system, LED-illuminated instrument cluster, power tilt and telescoping steering column with memory, power sunshade, ambient lit foot well lighting, power mirrors, LED-illuminated interior door handles, front and rear map pockets and dual heated and cooled cup holders.

Safety features include ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Brake Assistance, Hill Start Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Rear Cross Path Detection (RCP) and seven airbags.

New Chrysler 300C Luxury Series – Price

Chrysler 300C Luxury Series 3.6L V6 8spd R479 990
Chrysler 300C Luxury Series 3.0L CRD V6 5spd R539 990
Chrysler 300C SRT8 6.4L V8 R629 990

New Lexus LS Range coming to South Africa

The new Lexus LS range will be introduced to South Africa at the end of 2012. However, details regarding the model line-up and pricing will only be available closer to launch. The new Lexus LS range has undergone a remarkable revamp that incorporates a refreshing bold design with high levels of luxury, refinement and enhanced driving dynamics. Possible models on offer are the LS 460, LS 460L, LS 600hL Hybrid and the first-ever LS 460 F SPORT.

New Lexus LS Range – Styling and Features

Exterior Styling

According to Lexus, more than 3 000 detail changes were made to the new LS range. Similar to the recently launched Lexus GS, the LS also incorporates Lexus’ ‘spindle’ grille design which adds to its road presence and perpetuates Lexus’ bold design language.

The ‘spindle’ grille is accented with new headlights and vertical L-shaped fog lights. LED lights are available all-round, including head, tail, fog lights and daytime running lights. The new Lexus LS range also benefits from a sharper and more refined exterior design. Using laser screw welding, body adhesives and other reinforcements, the body of the LS is more rigid which enhances its stability on the road as well as handling and steering feel. The LS also makes use of adaptive variable suspension that improves handling along with revised steering that enhances accuracy and turn-in response. The new Drive Mode Select offers five driving modes including Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport+ modes.

Interior Styling

The driver-orientated interior is divided into two distinct zones. The upper zone incorporates a large 12.3-inch LCD multi-display screen while the lower zone allows access to system controls such as the second generation Remote Touch Interface (RTI). The all-new Lexus Climate Concierge offers maximum comfort for all passengers. The customisable system uses multiple sensors to automatically regulate the cabin temperature as well as the climate control seats and heated steering wheel.

Safety Features

The new Lexus LS range offers an Advanced Pre-Collision Safety System (APCS) that can detect stationary or moving pedestrians and brings the vehicle to a stop if an imminent collision is detected. An upgraded Lane-Keep Assist system (LKA) assists the driver to remain in the intended lane.

New to the LS is the Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) which uses radar to detect vehicles in blind spot areas which includes Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) which helps detect vehicles while reversing from a parking bay. The Automatic High Beam system uses a camera that detects light sources in front of the vehicle and automatically switches the high beams on and off.

Further details regarding the launch of the new Lexus LS range will be made later in the year.