New Honda Concepts for 2013 Geneva Motor Show

It has been revealed that two new Honda concepts will be shown at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show alongside the CR-V with a new 1.6 i-DTEC diesel engine. The new Honda concepts include the Honda Civic Wagon Concept Model and the new Honda NSX Concept.

New Honda Concepts hint at future design

Honda Civic Wagon Concept Model

The Civic Wagon Concept Model provides strong cues for the exterior design of the final mass production model and is expected to strengthen the current Civic range when it goes into production.

Honda NSX Concept

The new Honda NSX Concept hints at the possible direction of the next-generation NSX’s interior design. The exterior styling retains much of the original concept’s styling with its low and wide stance and features ‘edgy’ details that exude a supercar attitude and a high-tech feel.

Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V will highlight Honda’s new Earth Dreams Technology 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel engine. The CR-V 1.6 i-DTEC will be available in two-wheel drive with manual transmission. The 1.6 i-DTEC diesel engine is the lightest in its class and helps the CR-V achieve energetic performance, agile handling and low running costs.

More details on the new Honda concepts will be made available when the Geneva Motor Show kicks-off on 5 March 2013.

Suzuki to show new C segment crossover at 2013 Geneva Motor Show

Suzuki has announced that it will be showcasing its all-new C-segment crossover at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show on 5 March 2013. Suzuki has provided two teaser images of the crossover ahead of its world premier in Geneva.

New crossover from Suzuki

Suzuki’s new crossover is based on the S-Cross concept first shown at the Paris Motor Show in September 2012. Suzuki’s new crossover is said to feature a roomy interior with one of the largest luggage areas in the crossover segment and will offer outstanding versatility according to Suzuki. The crossover will feature Suzuki’s advanced four-wheel drive technology which is expected to enhance handling and driving enjoyment.

Further information will be provided when the crossover is unveiled at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

Suzuki will also be showcasing the Alto, Splash, Swift, SX4, Jimny, Grand Vitara and Kizashi at the show.

Audi A7 range gets new entry level model

Audi has announced that a new entry-level Audi A7 model is now available in South Africa. In addition to the launch of S7 Sportback last year and the imminent arrival of the RS 7 Sportback later in 2013, the new entry-level Audi A7 offers a more affordable entry-point into the premium C-segment market and adds more choice to the Audi A7 range.

Audi A7 3.0TDI gives buyers more choice

Engine Capability

The new entry-level Audi A7 is powered by an advanced 3.0-litre TDI engine that produces 130kW and is coupled with a multitronic transmission. This unit consumes 5.3-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 139g/km. The engine comes with a recuperation system, thermal management and start-stop system as standard.

Standard Features

The entry-level Audi A7 features Xenon headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), electrically adjustable and heated exterior mirrors as well as a electrically operated tailgate. The interior includes an interior lighting package, Audi Drive Select with efficiency mode, Audi Music Interface, driver information system, MMI Radio Plus with active speakers and pop-up display as well as Bluetooth cell phone preparation and wireless with audio streaming. The upholstery is in Milano leather seat trim and a sideguard airbag system is also included. Cruise control and front and rear Park Distance Control are also standard features.

Audi A7 – Price

Model Price
Audi A7 3.0 TDI R649 500
Audi S7 Sportback R919 600

The high-performance Audi RS 7 Sportback will be available to order in South Africa in August 2013 and the price will be announced closer to launch.

2014 Volkswagen Beetle GSR limited edition revealed

The 2014 Volkswagen Beetle GSR Limited Edition is being showcased at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show and is inspired by the 1970’s Beetle GSR, also known as the ‘Yellow Black Racer’. Volkswagen has announced that, like its predecessor, only 3 500 VW Beetle GSR models will be made available worldwide, with more than half to be sold in the U.S.

2014 Volkswagen Beetle GSR is a special model

The 2014 Volkswagen Beetle GSR boasts an up-rated version of the award winning EA888 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder TSI engine that generates 157kW of power with a maximum torque figure of 281Nm at 1 700rpm. The Beetle GSR accelerates from 0-100km/h in 6.6 seconds and reaches an electronically governed top speed of 209km/h.

The GSR is fitted with a standard 6-speed manual transmission, while a dual clutch DSG 6-speed automatic transmission will be available as an option.

Exterior Features

The bodyshell of the 1973 GSR (Gelb Schwazer Renner) Beetle was painted yellow while the hood, trunklid and bumpers were finished in matte black. Rounding off the look were black trim strips underneath the side windows and black rocker panels.

On the new Beetle GSR, the R- line bumpers are predominantly yellow and the hood is mainly black. The trunklid, roof and exterior caps are all black. Completing the look is a large rear spoiler and yellow/black stripes with GSR lettering above the side skirts and a panoramic sunroof. The three-color ambient lighting consists of Bi-Xenon headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights and LED license-plate lighting. The 2014 Beetle GSR rides on 19-inch ‘Tornado’ alloy wheels with black-painted brake callipers.

Interior Features

The interior of the Beetle GSR continues with the unique yellow/black theme and is fitted with sport seats and a leather sport steering wheel. The black trimmed leather sport seats and high grip leather steering wheel both have contrasting yellow stitching. Other changes to the interior include an R-Line dash pad, a GSR shift lever, a leather handbrake lever, aluminium-alloy pedals and black floormats with yellow embroidery.

To further emphasise the car’s uniqueness, a badge on the steering wheel is marked with the special-edition number 1 through to 3 500. The GSR is also comprehensively equipped with the Fender Premium Audio System, keyless access with push button start and Bluetooth connectivity. The Media Device Interface (MDI) with iPod cable also includes three auxiliary instruments that include a clock with a stopwatch function and a boost gauge.

Volkswagen shows performance inspired R-Line Beetle Convertible

Volkswagen is also showcasing the all-new Beetle Convertible with R-Line trim at the Chicago Auto Show. The Beetle Convertible R –Line joins the CC R-Line, Beetle R-Line coupe, Tiguan R-Line and Touareg R-Line at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show and will also be added to the Volkswagen line-up for the 2014 model year.

Interior and Exterior Features

The R-Line features unique 19-inch aluminium alloy wheels on lower profile all-season tyres. Additional enhancements include an R-Line badge on the front grille and Bi-Xenon headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights.

Inside, the Beetle Convertible R-Line features a sporty flat-bottom R-Line multi-function leather steering wheel. The dash and door trim are in ‘metallic-finish’ while stainless steel R-Line scuff plates, aluminium sport pedals, and leather sport seating surfaces further add to the interior’s appeal. .

Other interior features include the RNS 315 navigation system, Keyless access with push-button start, and the award-winning Fender Premium Audio System which delivers rich sound through a 10-channel, 400W amplifier with eight speakers and a rear subwoofer.

It is not confirmed whether the 2014 Beetle GSR and Beetle Convertible R-Line will be sold in South Africa.

VW Amarok Review

It’s the most comfortable bakkie yet, but small capacity engines are putting off buyers. It shouldn’t be the case though; the Amarok is capable and pretty.

VW Amarok review by John Beale

The Amarok in itself is not new to the roads, but VW did recently give it a slight update in the form of 12 more kW to the 2litre biturbo diesel engine, and changes to the clutch to make it more drivable in town. Sales haven’t been as high as they’d hoped, with around 500 units per month, which pales in comparison to the 2900 Toyota Hiluxes or 1500 Ford Rangers sold.

Design and interior features

There’s very little not to like about the looks. Manly square wheel arches, massive rear tailgate and familiar VW grille, but the wheels (18inch) are still too small for the arches. This however not the trump card of the VW Amarok bakkie. Get in and you’d swear you’re in a raised CrossPolo. High quality soft touch plastic, typical VW switchgear that thuds and feels just right. Comfortable seating (leather option) for driver and passenger and ample space in the rear for 5. No less than three 12V sockets, including one placed on top of the dash for GPS! Specification in the interior is rather slim; besides climate control and decent sound it’s bare. When compared to the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux, there’s no Bluetooth, USB / Aux for radio, auto lights / rain sensor, heated seats, PDC or reverse camera. (Isuzu omitted, as the new model is imminent) Most of these can be fitted as options but then the price shoots skywards. Also, there is no ‘canopy window’ in the rear glass, but there is a high level light that illuminates the loadbed. It is a much more comfortable and quiet place to be than the Hilux or Navara, but it’s a tie against the Ranger from an interior perspective.

VW Amarok performance and handling

In what is probably the segment leading suspension and chassis set up for on-road dynamics in a bakkie, the VW Amarok is both confidence inspiring and comfortable. It doesn’t scuttle and shake around corners and the usual jitters and vibrations from a diesel bakkie aren’t there at all. The steering is perfectly weighted, without being too light, and turning circle is acceptable. It now puts out 132kW and 400NM between 1500 – 2000RPM, and is adequate for town driving. That said it puts out more power and torque than the Hilux D-4D! The bi-turbo makes it an extremely easy unit to drive, but I found it’s still a relatively small band of power to work with. Thankfully the 6-speed gearbox shifts easily in true VW fashion, and the tough “hump” on the clutch from the pre-update model is gone. The brakes with ABS and BAS (brake assist) were more than up to the job. ESP and Traction control was standard in Highline trim.

The 4×2 I had comes standard with diff lock as well as a button for off-road, which enables hill descent control and off road ESP and ABS. Basically it dials in the ideal amount of ABS and traction control which can be detrimental in mud or soft sand. With over 250mm ground it measures up well, but unfortunately I didn’t have a chance to take it for the full grilling off-road.

VW Amarok bakkie conclusion

The VW Amarok is the most comfortable, and best-looking bakkie on the road today. It has its weak points, with limited interior spec, and a fairly hefty price sans optional extras. There might also be the “concerns” about the yet untested long-term reliability of the smaller capacity engines, that said, I can’t say I’ve heard any horror stories, and word is there might be a larger 3-litre diesel on the way (rejoice). I’d be hard pressed to choose between the VW and the Ford as a “city” bakkie, but if you told me we were going anywhere out in the sticks, Hilux would be my choice, as reliability has been proven for decades and it’s not as ridiculously expensive or clunky as the Navara.

VW Amarok Price

VW Amarok BiTurbo Highline 4×2 –  R384 000

  • Includes: 5yr /90 000km service plan.
  • Optional up-weighting of GVT to 3Ton is possible.
  • View the VW Amarok: New / Used

Ford Ranger gets 4×2 and 4×4 automatic derivatives and new features

The Ford Ranger line-up has expanded, with the popular 2013 Wildtrak model now available in additional variations. The Wildtrak was previously available only in 4×2 manual guise and will now be offered in 4×2 and 4×4 automatic guise. The 2013 Ford Ranger has also been equipped with an array of new features normally associated with premium passenger vehicles.

Ford Ranger Wildtrak offers more choice for customers

Engine Capability

The range-topping Ford Ranger Wildtrak is powered by a 3.2 litre Duratorq TDCi, five-cylinder diesel engine with a maximum torque figure of 470Nm and power rated at 147kW.

Standard Features

The Ford Ranger Wildtrak is fitted with extensive safety features that have made the Ranger XLT and Wildtrak derivatives the first ever pick-up to achieve a maximum 5-star safety rating under the Euro NCAP crash test protocol.

The Ford Ranger Wildtrak now features Bluetooth with voice activation including steering wheel mounted radio controls and dual zone climate control. Other new features include rain-sensing wipers, front and rear power windows and heated seats.

Other additions to the 2013 Ranger line-up include steering wheel audio controls, Bluetooth with voice activation and a USB port for the Single, Super and Double Cab XLS derivatives. All XLT models can be optionally fitted with Park Distance Sensors on the rear bumper. The Reverse Camera which is available as an optional extra appears in the rearview mirror when the vehicle is placed in reverse.

Single Cab Base customers can now fit air-conditioning as an option and a Safety Pack, which includes ABS brakes with EBD, beltminder and a driver and passenger airbag is also available as an option.

A 4-year/120 000km warranty is standard on all models while a 5-year / 90 000km Service Plan is available as an option on entry-level models and is standard for XL models up. Service intervals are stationed 15 000km’s apart on diesel and petrol models. Customers will also benefit from 3-year Roadside Assistance and a 5-year corrosion warranty. Free off-road driver training is also offered to all Ford Ranger 4×4 customers.

Mercedes-Benz traffic sign assistance system developed

The new Mercedes-Benz traffic sign assistance system warns drivers if they are driving the wrong-way into oncoming traffic. The traffic sign assistance system is able to recognise no-entry signs and issues an acoustic and visual warning to prevent drivers from driving into oncoming traffic. The new system will be available in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the facelifted E-Class this year and will be implemented into other models in the future.

Mercedes-Benz traffic sign assistance system designed to prevent accidents

The high number of fatal accidents caused by wrong-way drivers, inattentiveness and stress resulting from heavy traffic, has resulted in Mercedes-Benz developing the traffic sign assistance system.

A camera on the inside of the windscreen visually identifies no-entry signs and sends the information obtained to the computer in the on-board electronics. If the system detects that the vehicle is about to pass the relevant prohibitory signs and is entering a motorway slip road, the system warns the driver. Three loud beeps are issued and a red no-entry symbol lights up in the display in order to make the driver aware of the danger.

To further improve the reliability of the system, the electronics compare the data from the camera with data from the navigation system. Other functions of the new Mercedes-Benz traffic sign assistance system includes the detection and display of speed limits and no overtaking signs as well as signs that indicate the end of these particular restrictions.

“On our journey towards the vision of accident-free driving, Mercedes-Benz orientates itself on real-life accident situations in order to provide the best possible protection to all road users. The very idea that we will be using the Mercedes Benz Intelligent Drive system to reduce the risk of vehicles unintentionally travelling against the flow of traffic once again brings us one big step closer to this goal,” said Professor Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development:

The system has initially been designed for use in Germany. However, Mercedes Benz is working intensively on adapting the system for use in other countries.

PSA Peugeot Citroen acknowledged for its environmental performance

The 2012 Ecobest award was received by PSA Peugeot Citroen for a wide range of technologies designed to improve its vehicles’ environmental performance.

The award was presented to Christian Chapelle, Vice President and Chassis Engineering by a jury of automotive journalists from 15 countries in Central and Eastern Europe, in the presence of Kostis Hadjidakis, Greek Minister for Transport and Infrastructures.

The jury particularly acknowledged the Group’s world premiere launch of Hybrid4 diesel hybrid technology as well as its marketing of micro-hybrid solutions.

Substantial sums are allocated each year to reducing the CO2 emissions of the Groups vehicles. The goal is to offer a clean car for every type of use. PSA Peugeot Citroen has lowered its corporate average CO2 emissions to 122.5g/km and met the European Commission’s 2015 target in 2011, once again becoming European leader in low carbon vehicles in 2012. This was all possible by means of advances in powertrain technology combined with work to reduce vehicle weight and improve aerodynamic performance.

An array of ground breaking technology for PSA Peugeot Citroen

PSA Peugeot Citroen offers a broad array of technologies, ranging from conventional engines to pure electrics.

  • Internal combustion engines are continuously being improved, as seen in the1-litre, 3-cylinder EB engine, which is both compact and efficient.
  • Extended e-HDi micro-hybrid technology across the line-up. This technology can reduce fuel consumption and produce fewer CO2 emissions in city driving by up to 15% by shutting down the engine when the vehicle is at a standstill.
  • In 2012, the Group introduced its HYbrid4 technology for the world’s first diesel hybrids. HYbrid4 is already available on the Peugeot 508, 508 RXH and 3008 and the Citroen DS5.
  • PSA Peugeot Citroen leads the electric vehicle market in France and ranks second in Europe as a whole, with more than 6,500 Peugeot iOns and Citroen C-Zeros sold in 2012. Light commercial vehicles will be added to the EV line-up in 2013.

Research on breakthrough innovations

Engineers at PSA Peugeot Citroen are pursuing innovations that will further improve environmental performance. Particularly the recent world first revolutionary technology that include:

  • Hybrid Air, an innovative petrol/compressed air full-hybrid solution. This technology represents a major step in the drive to a 2l/100km car.
  • Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), which helps eliminate NOx emissions from diesel engines and reduces fuel consumption, and will be fitted as standard on all Euro VI diesel engines from 2013.

South African new car sales for January 2013

The National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA) has reported ‘substantial’ gains in January 2013 vehicle sales following the positive sales performance experienced in 2012. Vehicle sales in January 2013 saw a 14.1% increase compared to January 2013 and all major segments recorded double-digit year on year growth. Exports in January 2013 experienced an increase 49.9% compared to January last year.

South African new vehicle sales summary for January 2013

  • Total January 2013 sales – 55 007 units, up 14.1% compared to January 2012
  • Export sales total 17 399 units, up by 49.9% compared to January 2012
  • New car sales total 39 738 units, up 12.3% compared to January 2012
  • Car rental industry accounts for 22.5% of new car sales
  • Light commercial vehicle sales up by 20.0% to 13 346 units

NAAMSA states that despite indications of slower economic growth, the South African automotive sector continued to surprise on the upside. The short-term outlook for the industry remains relatively positive. Domestic sales will be supported by a low interest rate environment, replacement demand, a highly competitive trading environment with attractive incentives, low debt servicing costs, high technology new model introductions and strong demand by car rental companies. Factors that will impede on vehicle sales is increasing inflationary pressures which will limit real disposable income and the anticipated rise in new vehicle prices as a result of the weaker exchange rate over the course of the year. Industry production, largely as a result of higher vehicle exports, should however experience encouraging growth in 2013.

Top Five Selling Vehicles – January 2013

Model Units Sold
1. VW Polo Vivo 4 037 (&#9650 1 890)
2. VW Polo 2 790 (&#9650 483)
3. Toyota Hilux 2 634 (&#9660 75)
4. Toyota Etios 2 515 (&#9650 794)
5. Nissan NP200 1 553 (&#9650 734)

Most Popular Car Brands – January 2013

Car Brand Volume Market Share %
1. Volkswagen Group SA 10 511 19.1
2. Toyota 10 219 18.6
3. General Motors SA 5 585 10.2
4. Nissan 4 645 8.4
5. Ford Motor Company 3 969 7.2

Mercedes-Benz A-Class voted Most Beautiful Car of the Year for 2012

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class has been voted for by more than 100 000 fans from 52 countries as the Most Beautiful Car of the Year for 2012. Voting was carried out via seven mini-websites, provided in various languages by the TV channel Eurosport.

The award was accepted by Marc Langenbrinck, Director General of Mercedes-Benz Cars in France on 29 January 2013, at the International Automobile Festival in Paris.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class gets numerous awards

The new Mercedes-Benz A-Class has received a number of awards for its progressive design and was named ‘Germany’s Most Beautiful Car’ at the 2012 Auto BILD Design Award. Readers of the German ADAC Motorwelt and users of the ADAC internet site also showed their support for the A-Class. The A-Class was also awarded the Yellow Angel 2013 by Europe’s largest automobile club.

Public votes were accepted from 6 December 2012 to 20 January 2013.