New Kia Soul launches in South Africa

Kia Motors South Africa has launched the new Kia Soul in South Africa. The new 2.0-litre Soul compact crossover expands on the existing 1.6-litre Soul offering and comes with more power and improved fuel efficiency.

New Kia Soul offers more power and improved efficiency

Engine Capability

The 2.0-litre Soul produces 122kW of power at 6 500rpm and displays a maximum torque figure of 200Nm at 4 800rpm. The 2.0-litre is mated with either a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox.

The manual variant is capable of accelerating to 100km/h in 9.6 seconds while the automatic version will take 9.2 seconds. The 2.0-litre Soul will obtain a top speed of 186km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.0-litres/100km for the manual and 7.1-litres/100km for the automatic variant. The 2.0-litre Soul exhibits a CO2 emissions figure of 165g/km for the manual and 168g/km for the automatic.

Exterior Styling

The new Kia Soul Soul features new front and rear bumpers with a revised bonnet. The Soul has been fitted with projector headlamps with front LED Daytime Running Lights and rear LED tail-lights. The 2.0-litre Soul is available with 18” alloy wheels. The side mirrors are colour coded and electrically adjustable. A sunroof is optional for the 2.0-litre Soul.

Interior Styling

The Soul’s interior is both modern and spacious offering 14 storage zones and rear foldable seats to accommodate bigger loads. Interior features include climate control, automatic light control, cruise control, rear-view camera, electric windows, CD player with MP3/Aux/USB connectivity, Bluetooth connectivity, automatic locking doors, leather trimmed seats and a Start/Stop button with a smart key.

Safety Features

Safety features for the new Kia Soul include dual front, side and curtain airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). Further safety features include Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM).

New Kia Soul – Price

Kia Soul 1.6 Manual R193 995
Kia Soul 1.6 Automatic R203 995
Kia Soul 2.0 Manual R229 995

Mazda MX-5 GT Concept goes to Goodwood

The Mazda MX-5 GT Concept will be showcased at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this weekend in the UK. The MX-5 GT Concept, inspired by the MX-5 GT race programme will be seeking customer and public feedback that might see the MX-5 GT into production.

Mazda MX-5 GT – Specifications and Features

Performance Features

The Mazda MX-5 GT Concept is fitted with a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre Mazda petrol unit that produces 153kW of power and is mated to a standard manual gearbox. The suspension has been uprated to improve handling and can be adjusted to suit different track conditions.

A carbon-fibre front splitter, a rear diffuser and boot spoiler offer aerodynamic assistance to the Mazda MX-5 GT which also features a sports exhaust system with a central tailpipe. On the inside, numerous carbon-fibre finishes help reduce weight and Recaro seats offer stability for the driver. For track racing purposes, the Mazda MX-5 GT Concept is fitted with road slicks and roll hoops behind the seats.

The Mazda MX-5 GT can accelerate to 100km/h in 3 seconds and reach a top speed of 257km/h.
There is currently no official indication that the Mazda MX-5 GT Concept will go into production.

Mini Clubvan details revealed

Details of the world’s first premium compact delivery van called the MINI Clubvan has been released. The two-seater, five-door MINI Clubvan is a panel-style version of the MINI Clubman, offering a discernible delivery vehicle alternative for urban-based operations.

MINI Clubvan perfect for business

Engine Capability

The MINI Clubvan will be offered in three models with varying power ratings. The entry-level MINI One Clubvan features a 1.6-litre petrol engine that produces 72kW and accelerates to 100km/h in 11.1 seconds with a top speed of 185km/h. Fuel consumption for this model is rated at 5.5-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 129g/km.

The MINI Cooper Clubvan produces 90kW of power while achieving 100km/h in 9.8 seconds with a top speed of 201km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at 5.5-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 129g/km. The range topping Mini Cooper D Clubvan features a turbocharged diesel unit that is capable of 82kW and reaches 100km/h in 10.2 seconds with a top speed of 197km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at only 3.9-litres for this model with a CO2 emissions figure of 103g/km.

All models feature six-speed manual transmission as standard. However, six-speed automatic transmission is optional.

Loading Capability

The functionality of the MINI Clubvan is achieved with the omission of the rear seats, offering ample loading space. The flat loading floor and side walls are trimmed in high-quality carpeting with 12-Volt sockets providing power for electrical equipment.

Six attachment loops are used to secure cargo and minimise movement while driving. A mesh partition separates the loading bay from the passenger cabin. The loading compartment allows for loading right up to the roof and displays a load capacity of 860 litres with a maximum payload capacity of 500kg. The loading compartment can be accessed from the rear split-doors or from the Clubdoor on the right-side of the vehicle.

The MINI Clubvan will go on sale in Europe in August 2012 and there is no indication that the Clubvan will be available in South Africa.

New Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT

Mercedes-Benz has released details of the new SLS AMG GT with advanced driving capabilities both on and off the track. The SLS AMG is available as a Coupé or a Roadster.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT – Specifications and Features

Engine Capability

The SLS AMG GT is fitted with an AMG 6.3-litre V8 petrol engine that is capable of 435kW at 6 800rpm. Maximum torque is 650Nm at 4 750 rpm. The engine is mated to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission. The SLS AMG GT displays a combined-cycle fuel consumption figure of 13.2 litres/100km and has a CO2 emissions rating of 308g/km.

The SLS AMG GT will accelerate to 100km/h in 3.7 seconds and reach 200km/h in 11.2 seconds before reaching an electronically limited top speed of 320km/h.

Exterior Styling

The SLS AMG GT features impressive gullwing doors as seen in previous models. The headlamps and tail lights have been darkened for aesthetic appeal and the brake callipers have been painted red to match the GT’s sporty design. The overall styling is both masculine and athletic.

Interior Styling

The SLS AMG GT features a sporty black interior combined with red seatbelts, centre console, door panels and contrasting stitching on the AMG sports seats. Alcantara finishes can be found in the centre section and on the door panels. The AMG Performance steering wheel has a flattened lower section and the grip area is also finished in Alcantara. The instrument cluster is fitted with a black faceplate and features an upshift indicator with LED’s.

AMG designo Exclusive STYLE leather is available as an optional extra and comes in single or two-tone finishes with diamond design and contrasting stitching.

Suspension and Handling

The SLS AMG GT makes use of AMG RIDE CONTROL Performance suspension offering dynamic handling capabilities. The Performance suspension has been combined with twin aluminium wishbones and variable electronically controlled damping. ‘Sport’ and ‘Sport Plus’ mode can be selected using a button on the AMG DRIVE UNIT.

Optional Extras

Optional extras for the SLS AMG GT include,

  • AMG carbon-fibre exterior mirrors,
  • AMG carbon-fibre engine compartment cover,
  • AMG Interior Carbon-Fibre package,
  • AMG ceramic high-performance composite braking system,
  • AMG Performance Media,
  • AMG 10-spoke forged alloys in varying colours,
  • AMG carbon-fibre trim,
  • AIRSCARF (Roadster),
  • Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG surround sound system.

Five models currently complete the SLS AMG range and include the SLS AMG Coupé, SLS AMG Roadster, SLS AMG GT3 and the SLS AMG GT Coupé or Roadster. The sixth SLS AMG model will be the SLS AMG E-CELL which will be seen in 2013 and will be a purely electric-driven super sports car.

Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Black Series Coupe in South Africa

The Mercedes-Benz  C 63 AMG Black Series Coupé has been launched in South Africa. The new C 63 AMG high performance vehicle is the most powerful C-Class ever made, incorporating high level driving dynamics with styling and technology derived from AMG’s 44 years of motorsport heritage.

Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Black Series Coupe is powerful and elegant

Engine Capability

The C 63 AMG Black Series Coupe is equipped with a powerful AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine that produces 380kW at 6 800rpm and exhibits a peak torque figure of 620Nm available at 5 200rpm. The engine weighs only 195 kg and displays a combined-cycle fuel consumption figure of 12.2 litres / 100km and a CO2 emission figure of 286g/km.

The Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Black Series Coupe is capable of reaching 100km/h in just 4.2 seconds and will forge on to reach an electronically limited top speed of 300km/h.

Exterior Styling

The C 63’s low and broad appearance draws inspiration from the SLS AMG GT3 sports car. The arrow-shaped front end has large air intakes to ensure reliable airflow through the large cooling modules. Light 19 inch titanium grey alloy wheels offer greater suspension response and improve steering precision. The rear end incorporates a black diffuser and chromed twin tailpipes complete the rear view. Racing inspired styling is evident throughout the Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Black Series Coupe.

Interior Styling

The Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Black Series Coupe’s motorsport theme transcends into a black cabin with red highlighted elements. Two AMG sport bucket seats offer maximum lateral support while driving on the road or on the track. The rear bench has been omitted but rear seats are available as an option. The AMG Performance steering wheel features flattened top and bottom sections with aluminium shift paddles for manual gear changing. The dashboard has three autonomous round dials and a 3-D TFT colour display.

Handling and Suspension

The sophisticated AMG coil-over suspension offers numerous setting options that allow the driver to adjust the suspension as required. Increased front and rear track width along with modified torsion-bar stabilisers offer advanced driving dynamics, high grip and low roll angle. The standard AMG rear axle differential lock offers reliable traction on the track.

Optional Extras

Extra options for the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series include AMG Performance Media offering motorsport-style telemetry displays viewed on a 17.8 cm colour display, AMG Track Package, AMG Aerodynamics Package and the AMG exterior Carbon-Fibre Package, all of which enhance the C 63’s track and road performance.

Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Black Series Coupe – Price

Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series R1 425 000
AMG Aerodynamics Package R80 000
AMG Track Package R70 000
AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre Package R65 000
AMG Performance Media R20 000

Aston Martin Vanquish unveiled

The luxurious Aston Martin Vanquish has been unveiled by the British auto manufacturer and represents its iconic visual language. The Vanquish embodies performance, presence and style.

Aston Martin Vanquish unleashed

Engine Capability

The Aston Martin Vanquish is fitted with a revised, naturally aspirated 6.0-litre V12 petrol engine that is mated to a Touchtronic 2 six-speed automatic gearbox that delivers impressive performance figures. The V12 petrol engine is capable of producing 421kW at 6 750 rpm with a peak torque figure of 620Nm available at 5 500rpm.

This translates into a top speed of 294km/h and the Vanquish is able to accelerate to 100km/h in just 4.1 seconds.

Styling Inspiration

The styling of the Vanquish embodies Aston Martin’s rich sport car heritage. Styling cues such as the elegant waist, elongated side strakes and rear LED light blades are inspired by the One-77 supercar. The new Aero Duct visible on the rear boot lid is designed to counteract rear lift while the Vanquish travels at speed.

Spacious Cabin

The Aston Martin Vanquish features a spacious cabin and is available as a 2+2 or a 2+0. Boot capacity is at 368 litres offering ample luggage space. The Vanquish also incorporates impressive technology systems including a new infotainment system.

Peugeot 4008 SUV launched in South Africa

Peugeot has launched its first ever four-wheel drive Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) in South Africa. Meet the Peugeot 4008, combining Peugeot’s latest styling cues and versatile all terrain capability. The all-new Peugeot 4008 is offered in two specification levels namely the Active and Allure, with both models featuring a wide range of luxury, convenience and safety features.

Peugeot 4008 – Specifications and Features

Engine Capability

Both the Active and Allure variants are fitted with a four-cylinder 2.0 litre petrol engine that is transversely mounted featuring electronic fuel injection, dual overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder for maximum response and efficiency. This 2.0 litre petrol engine is capable of a maximum power output of 110kW at 6 000rpm with a maximum torque figure of 197Nm available at 4 200rpm.

A six-speed Constantly Variable Transmission (CVT) is offered for both variants. The Peugeot 4008 is available only in all-wheel drive and the all-wheel drive system offers three driving modes that include two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive and locked four-wheel drive. These driving modes offer versatile off-road capability depending on the driving conditions.

The Peugeot 4008 reaches 100km/h in 10.9 seconds and achieves a top speed of 188km/h. The combined-cycle fuel consumption is 8.1 litres/100km and CO2 emissions is rated at 191g/km.

Exterior Styling

The Peugeot 4008 features a distinct Peugeot design language that is evident in the trapezoidal shaped floating grille with chrome surrounds, slanted headlights with LED daytime running lights and contoured bonnet. Lower apertures, body mouldings, wheel arch extensions and lower side moulding protectors give the 4008 a robust look.

The Peugeot 4008 makes use of 18” alloy wheels with a ride height of 200mm. The steeply raked windscreen and sloping roofline add to the 4008’s SUV styling. The rear end incorporates wrap-around tail lights with the trademark ‘clawed’ LED strips.

Interior Styling

The Peugeot 4008 interior is both classy and elegant while offering ample space and comfort, making use of high grade materials and soft-touch finishes. A thick-rimmed adjustable steering wheel provides integrated controls for the sound system, Bluetooth hands-free connection and cruise control. Luggage capacity is 384 litres but can be increased when folding the rear seats down. Additional storage compartments can be found throughout the cabin.

The Peugeot 4008 Active is fitted with durable cloth upholstery as standard while the top-end Allure variant is fitted with trimmed genuine leather.

Standard Equipment

The Peugeot 4008 Active model comes with fully automatic climate control air conditioning, remote central locking, multi-speaker audio system with CD player and auxiliary audio and USB inputs. Other features include electric windows and mirrors, rear parking sensors, auto-dipping electro-chromatic rear view mirror, remote central locking, trip computer and automatically activated headlights and windscreen wipers.

The flagship 4008 Allure adds leather upholstery, a Cielo panoramic glass sunroof, LED-based ambient lighting and heated electronically adjustable front seats.

Safety Features

The Peugeot 4008 is fitted with all-disc ABS anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assistance (EBA). Also included is ESP stability control with anti-skid and traction control functions.

Passive safety features include a rigid passenger cell with deformation and side impact protection zones, seven airbags including column, knee, side, curtain and passenger airbags. Five three-point inertia reel seatbelts are fitted as standard along with two sets of ISOFIX child seat tethers on the rear outer seating positions.

Peugeot 4008 Price

Peugeot 4008 2.0 CVT Active R363 900
Peugeot 4008 2.0 CVT Allure R388 500

Toyota 86 price revealed for South Africa

Toyota South Africa has announced that the highly anticipated Toyota 86 will make its debut in South Africa on 9 July 2012, with two high-spec versions becoming available later in the month. Pricing for the Toyota 86 starts from R298,500.

The unique two-door 2+2 Toyota 86 offers a sporty alternative to the hot hatches currently available in the South African car market.

Toyota 86 specs and features

Engine Power

All Toyota 86 models are fitted with a newly-developed Subaru 2.0-litre, four cylinder engine capable of producing 147kW at 7 000rpm. Peak torque stands at 205Nm available at between 6 400rpm and 6 600rpm. The engine is the world’s first horizontally opposed engine and makes use of Toyota’s revolutionary Direct Injection 4-stroke petrol System (D-4S).

Standard Features

The two top-end variants include a manual and a six-speed automatic with paddle shift and standard features include Smart Start keyless entry system, leather Alcantara upholstery, fully automatic climate control system and 17” alloy wheels.

Toyota 86 Price in South Africa

Variant Price
Toyota 86 R298 500
Toyota 86 High Spec Manual R329 400
Toyota 86 High Spec Automatic R346 500

All Toyota 86 models are backed by a 4 year / 60 000km service plan as standard.

Follow up on the Twitter Blanket Drive

Last month Cars.co.za organised an event for the Twitter Blanket Drive held in Kensington. The event was a huge success and over 600 blankets were donated in total. Chevrolet South Africa got involved and not only donated R10 000 worth of blankets but also provided 2 bakkies from their UTE Force division to help transport the blankets.

The blankets were donated to a number of charities including the SPCA and the Ukwakha Isizwe Foundation. The Ukwakha Isizwe Foundation recently visited the Rosedeep informal settlement to deliver the blankets. They addressed the community and community leaders and included the word of the gospel. After which, the leaders got the crowd to form to lines and the blankets were handed out.

A huge thank you goes out to the Ukwakha Isizwe Foundation for the work they are doing and we are glad we could support their cause. Once again thank you to everyone who supported the drive and to Chevrolet South Africa as well for their huge contribution.

Nissan Juke Box Concept moves to the beat

Nissan has partnered with global youth entertainment group Ministry of Sound to create the world’s ultimate mobile sound system, the Nissan Juke Box. The Nissan Juke Box concept has been fitted with a powerful custom sound system and has embarked on a ‘Summer Sessions’ tour across Europe, starting at the world famous Le Mans 24 Hour endurance race last weekend.

Nissan Juke Box features Ultimate Sound System

Ministry of Sound have installed a custom-built 19 kilowatt sound rig into a standard Nissan Juke. Custom made cabinets and Mid Hi enclosures house two 18” sub-woofers that are capable of producing 150dB without compromising sound quality. The sound system in the Nissan Juke Box is considered to be louder than a 747 aircraft at take-off. The Nissan Juke Box also features an integrated radio studio that allows anything played on the system to be captured for broadcast using Ministry of Sound’s digital radio application.

The Nissan Juke Box is also capable of transforming into a fully functioning PA system and comes complete with a DJ booth and lighting, making it the ultimate mobile party venue.

A six month radio partnership will be launched which will highlight the Nissan Juke Box’s ‘Summer Sessions’ tour across Europe.