To replace the Tazz, Toyota conducted a massive amount of market research to create the new Toyota Etios. They looked at customer car needs relating to performance, quality and reliability and created a car with a good balance of the lot. The new Toyota Etios comes in particularly cheap, has decent performance and should sell very well for Toyota.
Bright future for new Toyota Etios in South Africa
The name Etios comes from the Greek word Ethos which means spirit, character and ideals. It comes with the biggest space in its class, the largest engine capacity in its price segment and perhaps most importantly, the grille is shaped like a smile.
Under the hood, the new Toyota Etios has a 1.5 litre 4-cylinder 16-valve petrol engine that produces 66kW. The Etios completes 0-100km/h in 11.3 seconds with a maximum speed of 165 km/h. Fuel economy is not ground-breaking but is still pretty good, it clocks in at 5.9 litres/100km for the sedan variant and 6.0 litres/100km in the hatchback.
There are a number of safety features as standard: ABS (anti lock brake system) with Electronic brake-force distribution as well as Supplemental restraint system airbags for the driver and front passenger.
New Toyota Etios – Price
Toyota Etios 1.5 HB Xi R115 800
Toyota Etios 1.5 HB Xs R120 900
Toyota Etios 1.5 SD Xi R121 800
Toyota Etios 1.5 SD Xs R126 600
BMW 1-Series 3-door variant available in South Africa
The new BMW 1-Series 3-door variant is the second body variation in the range. The entry level model will begin with the 114i, which is something different for BMW, all the way to the flagship model the popular M135i. The side line of the car has been stretched, the doors are wide and the windows are frameless, all of which adds to the unique styling of the BMW 1-Series 3-door model.
BMW 1-Series 3-door delivers impressive performance
The impressive M135i comes with a 3-litre 6-cylinder engine that produces 235 kW. The car also comes with M-characteristic suspension and aerodynamic body features. The M135i completes 0-100km/h in 5.1 seconds before hitting a top speed of 250km/h. The most peculiar model on the list is the entry level 114i which comes with decent efficiency. The composite fuel economy clocks in at 5.5 litres/100km along with a highway fuel economy rating of 4.6 litres/100km.
BMW 1-series 3-door styling revised
Unique packaging will be available with the Sport line, Urban line and M Sport package. The body length has been extended by 85mm, the wheelbase increased by 30mm, the width by 17mm, while the height of the car has remained the same. All the engine variants will come with a 6-speed manual transmission as standard with the option of an 8-speed automatic sports transmission.
A wide range of driver assistance features as well as mobility features will be available. These features include High-beam assistance, adaptive headlights, rear view camera, lane departure warning, parking assistant, internet access as well as integration with smartphones and many more.
There are already a large number of new BMW 1-Series models on South African roads and the number will no doubt continue to increase with the introduction of the 3-door variant.
Toyota RAV4 EV revealed
The Toyota RAV4 EV was revealed at the Electric Vehicle Symposium in Los Angeles and shows another vehicle heading the way of the electric motor. Toyota have noted that the RAV4 EV does not compromise on performance, comfort or versatility, showing how modern electric vehicles will compete as the technology improves.
Electric potential shown in Toyota Rav4 EV
The Toyota RAV4 EV is the only all-electric SUV currently on the market and comes with a driving range of around 160km. On a 240v charger the RAV4 EV takes about 6 hours to fully charge. The car will be controlled with 2 drive modes; Sport and Normal. In Sport mode it completes 0-100km/h in around 7 seconds and has a max speed of 160 km/h. In normal mode acceleration drops to 8.6 seconds and a max speed of 137 km/h.
There are some styling changes as well compared to the petrol RAV4, the front bumper, upper and lower grille, side mirrors, rear spoiler and under body have all been restyled. The new styling was not just for aesthetics though, as the new sections are all optimized for air flow around the vehicle.
The Toyota RAV4 EV is set to go on sale in the U.S. and there are no plans for the vehicles release in South Africa.
The New and Improved Cars.co.za Website – What has changed
South Africas premier car website, Cars.co.za, has re-defined the meaning of simplicity, featuring improved functionality and a user friendly interface that makes buying and selling cars simpler than ever before. Here are some of the major improvements to the new Cars.co.za website,
New Cars
Cars.co.za now offers a New Cars section where you are able to choose from a wide range of new cars. An added benefit to the New Cars section is that you can now compare critical car specifications such as prices, fuel economy, CO2 emissions and acceleration.
To view new cars click on the New Cars tab on the menu bar and select New Cars. Choose the car brand you are interested in and select a model. Each new model is accompanied with a detailed specification sheet that provides useful information so that you can make the best possible decision when shopping for a new car.
In addition to searching for cars by make, model, area and price, you are now able refine your search with search criteria including vehicle type (hatchback, SUV, double-cab etc.)
To search for cars, you can either make use of the Search Cars facility that is visible on the left hand side of the Cars.co.za webpage and select the relevant search criteria you desire. Click on More Options to select additional search criteria. Alternatively, you can browse a wide range of used cars by simply clicking on the Used Cars tab in the menu bar. Select used cars either by brand, type or area.
Improved Customer Service
Cars.co.za offers an improved feedback process. Once you have filled out the Dealer Contact Form for the car you are interested in, Cars.co.za will follow-up with the dealership to ensure that your request has been received and processed. If you are unsure whether your Dealer Contact Form has been received and processed, you can alert Cars.co.za on Facebook or Twitter , where you will promptly receive customer service feedback.
Improved Request Service
If you are unable to find the car you are looking for, simply click on the Request a Car tab on the menu bar. Fill in the Request a Car Form and Cars.co.za will search its database on a daily basis and email you if your car has been found. The Cars.co.za car request system now offers a wider range of search criteria which means that you will be notified of more relevant cars until you find the car you are looking for.
Cars.co.za now features a New Car Specials section which is updated on a monthly basis. This section allows you to view new car specials that are available from our dealer partners and offers great deals on new cars. New car specials expire at the end of every month, at which point a new batch of specials will be featured.
To view New Car Specials, click on the New Cars tab on the menu bar and select New Car Specials. Click Enquire for the special you are interested in and fill in the Dealer Contact Form. Your details will then be sent to the relevant dealer who will get in contact with you.
Cars.co.za now offers a new Car Reviews section. People from across South Africa can read and write car reviews and share their car experiences with the community. Cars are reviewed according to reliability, performance, drive comfort, running costs and style.
To access Car Reviews, click on News on the menu bar and select Car Reviews. Click on the car brand you want to read about and select the model you are interested in. You can also write your own car review by clicking on the write a review link at the bottom of the Car Reviews page.
The new Cars.co.za website provides a user-friendly platform that simplifies the process of buying and selling a car. If you have any feedback that you want to share with us, please click on the Feedback tab on the right hand side of the Cars.co.za webpage or feel free to contact us on 011 614-5612. Cars.co.za, the simple way to buy and sell cars.
2013 BMW X1 details released
Details for the upcoming 2013 BMW X1 have been released along with images of the face-lifted vehicle. Packages available for the new X1 will include the Sportline, the xLine and the M Sport Package.
2013 BMW X1 offers wide range of engine options
The 2013 BMW X1 model range has been extended with 11 variants in total to choose from. The list is comprehensive, from the BMW X1 xDrive28i which produces 180 kW and has a max torque of 350Nm (0-100km/h in 6.1 seconds) to the sDrive 16d 4-cylinder diesel engine that produces 85 kW and 260Nm of torque (0-100km/h in 11.5 seconds). Fuel economy ranges from around 4.5 litres/100km to 7.7 litres/100km depending on the model variant.
New 2013 BMW X1 packed with standard features and equipment
The 2013 BMW X1 will come with a host of impressive features and standard equipment. The list includes; climate control, heated exterior mirrors, fog lamps, onboard computer and more. Optional equipment comes in the form of a Harman Kardon Surround sound system, panorama glass roof, automatically dimming exterior and rear-view mirrors, rain sensor, and a heated steering wheel to name a few.
Going even further down the list, there are a number of optional driver assistance systems to choose from, these include High-beam assistant, adaptive headlights, rear-view camera, cruise control, internet connectivity, real-time traffic info and BMW apps.
The new BMW X1 goes on sale in South Africa from September.
Volkswagen Polo R-Line unveiled
The Volkswagen Polo R-Line has just been launched overseas and comes with a number of changes to the look of the vehicle. This is not the performance model though and simply offers unique styling along with R-Line badges.
Volkswagen Polo R-Line puts on sporty face
The styling pack for the Volkswagen Polo R-Line includes sportier front and rear bumpers and a black glossy radiator grille, which includes the R-Line badge. The wheels are 16 inch Mallory alloy and the front foglights include static cornering function. On the inside there are sports seats donned in Kyalami cloth upholstery. The steering wheel is 3-spoke and done in leather trim while the pedals are aluminum capped. The R-Line badging continues on the scuff plates, on the headrests and on the steering wheel.
Standard equipment includes an RCD 310 radio/CD player with iPod connectivity and 6 speakers, aircon, electrically operated and heated door mirrors, illuminated vanity mirrors, reading lights, tyre pressure monitor and central locking. Under the hood is a 1.2 litre 105 PS TSI petrol engine and a 6 speed manual gearbox. The VW Polo R-Line is able to complete 1-100km/h in 9.7 seconds.
Chevrolet Spark price reduced
Good news for South Africans as it is announced that the Chevrolet Spark will now be locally produced and dealers have already received their first shipments of the new models. This means that the Chevrolet Spark price has been reduced, making the Spark even more competitive in its segment.
Reduced Chevrolet Spark price welcomed by entry-level buyers
The entry level Chevrolet Spark will now retail for R107 500 (including VAT). This is a reduction of 7% compared to the imported model. The Chevrolet Spark LS has also received a price drop and now comes in at R116 500 (including VAT) which is a massive 9.7% saving compared to the imported model.
The GM plant in South Africa is looking to produce 50 000 vehicles annually, phase 1 began with the Chevrolet Utility that arrived in 2011. The Spark will be the 2nd locally produced vehicle in GMs lineup, with the Isuzu light commercial vehicle planned as the 3rd phase which will arrive in 2013.
The new Chevrolet Spark price structure began on the 26th April and is currently in effect.
Renault Megane 1.6 Dynamique Limited Edition in South Africa
Now available in South Africa, the Renault Megane1.6 Dynamique limited edition will be available as both a 5-door hatch and as a coupe. What sets it apart from the standard Dynamique it is based on though?
Limited Edition Renault Megane 1.6 Dynamique offers unique ride
First up, the limited edition Dynamique will have LTD badging on the door pillars as well as checkered roof decals. There are also 16-inch alloy wheels and the Carminat TomTom navigation system as standard. It also comes with automatic headlight and windscreen wiper activation, keyless entry and starting, and dual-zone climate control. On the safety side, there are dual front, side and curtain airbags along with ABS braking.
Powering the Renault Megane 1.6 Dynamique limited edition is the same 1.6 litre 16-vale engine. It produces 83 kW at 6000rpm and 151 Nm of torque at 4250rpm. The transmission is once again a slick-shifting 6-speed manual. The fuel economy clocks in at 6.9 litres/100km with a CO2 emissions rating of 163g/km.
Limited numbers of this special edition will be available, so don’t miss out.
Lamborghini Urus SUV Concept Revealed
Details of the Lamborghini Urus SUV concept at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show. Lamborghini aim to redefine the segment with the Urus and are calling it the ultimate super athlete in the SUV segment. The name Urus is taken from the urus bull, which is similar to the Spanish fighting bull.
Sharp styling for Lamborghini Urus SUV
The Lamborghini Urus SUV will have a length of almost 5 meters and a height of just 1.66 meters. Lamborghini did make a very conscious effort though to ensure the vehicle was as light as possible, this has resulted in very low CO2 emissions which they mention will be unrivaled in the segment. This ultra light weight was achieved by using an intelligent mix for the structure and bodyshell of the vehicle as well as parts of the interior. The light weight of the Urus also results in improved fuel economy as well as improved handling and driving dynamics.
As you can expect from Lamborghini, the design of the Urus comes with sharp lines and an aggressive stance. The headlights are in a horizontal hexagon form and feature full LED technology, with LED fog lamps positioned below the air intakes. The Urus rides on 24 inch wheels with a double-spoke design and in stead of side mirrors, it has aerodynamic cameras.
The interior of the Lamborghini Urus SUV maintains the same lightweight design and has space for a driver and 3 passengers. Behind the steering wheel there are shift paddles to control the dual clutch transmission with all other functions incorporated into the multi function steering wheel or centre console. There is a touchscreen for navigation and the like, as well as an additional touchscreen for the rear passengers.
Look for more information on the Lamborghini Urus SUV as it becomes available.
Mini Green Park and Hyde Park Introduced
Offered as variations for the Mini and Mini Clubman, the Green Park and Hyde Park come with exclusive colour combinations and trim to further help you differentiate yourself on the road.
Mini Hyde Park and Green Park – Special Features
The Mini Hyde Park variant comes with a Pepper White body colour combined with Hot Chocolate contrasting paintwork on the roof and exterior mirror caps. The same paint work continues on the sports bonnet and the side stripes. The interior comes with optional Colour line draw on the seat upholstery as well as being in either leather or cloth. The dashboard is also lined in leather with a Black/Polar Beige combination.
The Mini Green Park comes with more of a sporty theme. The roof and exterior mirror caps are done in British Racing Green paintwork, with the body colour maintaining the same Pepper White. The racing theme continues with the bonnet stripes which are done in the same racing green. The interior of the Green Parks shares most of the same design elements with the Hyde Park.
The Mini Hyde Park and Mini Green Park will be available in South Africa closer to the end of 2012.
