Audi RS Q3 concept revealed

Just before the Audi RS Q3 was set to debut at the China Auto show, the details on this remarkable car have been made available. The Audi RS Q3 compact SUV comes with a lowered body and has been widened to reflect its dynamic performance.

Refined styling for Audi RS Q3

The engine in the Audi RS Q3 is a 2.5 litre TFSI which produces 265 kW (360hp). The car flies from 0-100km/h in just 5.2 seconds and has a top speed of 265 km/h. The transmission is a 7-speed S tronic which can redistribute the force between the front and the back of the car if a slip is detected. This is done via a hydraulic multi-plate clutch with electronic control.

Other features of the styling that differentiate the RS from the standard Q3 include: The headlights are slightly tinted, the bumper has been redesigned, there are powerful edges around the outer air intakes, the front spoiler is made of CFRP and the entire lower section of the bumper has been coated in clearcoat paint. The interior of the Audi RS Q3 is done in blue and black, with the seats done in Nappa leather.

Look for more information on the Audi RS Q3 concept when it gets properly revealed.

New Kia Optima in South Africa

The new Kia Optima is not just an upgrade of the previous version but rather an entirely new car which has been redesigned from the ground up. The new Kia Optima comes with a host of standard features that sets it apart in the segment. Some of the impressive standard features available include: 8-speaker Infinity sound system, heated and ventilated driver + passenger seats, keyless entry with Start/Stop button and 18 inch alloy wheels.

Vast improvements for new Kia Optima

The new Optima has been designed based on Kias design DNA which blends simple and fluid lines with elegant uncomplicated shapes. The face of the car features a bold signature grille, with projector-style headlamps alongside and LED daytime running lights. Kia have noted how the design of the Optima has resulted in a coupe-style which is enhanced by a chrome arc that extends from the A to the C pillars which also visually lowers the car. Overall the car looks distinguished and stylish.

Engine Performance

Under the hood the new Kia Optima comes with the Theta II engine, which has been improved substantially compared to the previous version. It comes with 2-stage variable induction system, dual continuously variable valve timing, upgraded electronics and low friction components. The breathing of the engine has been improved, thanks to the VIS, which has increase the amount of air sucked into the combustion chamber to create the optimal air-to-fuel mix.

Performance-wise, the Optima is no slouch. The engine produces 132 kW along with 231 Nm of torque which allows the car to complete 0-100km/h in 9.5 seconds before topping out at 210km/h top speed. Fuel economy comes in at 8.7 litres/100km with CO2 emissions as low as 207 g/km. The car also comes with the Active ECO System as standard, which, when activated will optimize the driving settings to increase fuel savings by as much as 7.5%.

New Kia Optima – Price

Kia Optima – R305 995

Price includes 5-year/90 000 km service plan and 5-year/100 000 km warranty.

New Porsche Cayenne GTS Pre-Launch Information

The new Porsche Cayenne GTS is set to make its world debut at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition in China on the 24th of April but the initial details of the vehicle have already been made available. The new Porsche Cayenne GTS is based on the Cayenne S but comes with additional horse power, a lower ride as well as improved driving dynamics.

New Porsche Cayenne GTS – Features

Powering the new Porsche Cayenne GTS is a V8 engine that produces 420 hp which enables it to complete 0-100km/h in 5.4 seconds and a max speed of 260km/h. It comes with an all-wheel drive system and an 8 speed Tiptronic S transmission, with integrated start/stop function.

To differentiate the GTS, it comes with high-gloss black trim, prominent side skirts and wider wheel arches. It travels on 20 inch RS Spyder wheels with a unique offset. 2 additional colour options will also be available; including Peridot Metallic and Carmine red. Standard features also include a sport exhaust system with matt black twin tailpipes.

Inside the vehicle there are 8-way adjustable front sports seats, as well as a Sport Chrono package which monitors the performance of the vehicle. There is also a Sound Symposer which channels authentic intake sounds into the cabin.

More details will be available on the new Porsche Cayenne GTS once it makes its world debut.

New Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG is most powerful SLK yet

The new Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG continues to improve and has been labeled as the most powerful SLK of all time. Not only has the engine been newly developed but there have also been significant advancements in the fuel economy of the car.

New Mercedes SLK 55 AMG is more powerful and more frugal

This newly developed engine is a 5.5 litre V8 and produces 310 kW and a maximum torque of 540 Nm. This allows the new SLK 55 AMG to complete 0-100km/h in just 4.6 seconds before topping off at an electronically limited 250km/h. The fuel consumption is rather impressive for what the car is and clocks in at 8.4 litres/100km with a CO2 emissions rating of 195 g/km. This makes it the most fuel efficient V8 in the world.

Safety Features

The new Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG comes with a host of safety features as standard, including: Fibre-reinforced roll-over bar, 2-stage driver and front passenger airbags, headbags, thorax airbags, seat belt tensioner, Neck-Pro crash-active head restraints, automatic child seat recognition, 3-stage ESP and Attention Assist drowsiness detection. There are a number of additional features as well.

Design

The design of the new Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG is what you would expect from the brand. The front apron has large air inlets and AMG-specific LED daytime driving lights. The slats in the radiator grille as well as the lower cross strut are painted in a high-gloss black finish. The vent grilles come with chrome-plated fins in the front wings and there is V8 AMG lettering beneath the grille points. The spoiler lip on the boot lid comes painted in the same colour as the body and acts to reduce lift at the rear axle.

New Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG – Price

SLK 55 AMG: R975 000
AMG Performance package: R35 000
AMG Drivers package: R25 000
(increased top speed to 280 km/h)

VW UP named 2012 World Car of the Year

The VW UP continues to impress and has been named the 2012 World Car of the Year. The award was given by a jury consisting of 64 international motor journalists from a number of countries and was announced at the New York International Motor Show.

Premium feel for VW UP

In 2011 the Nissan Leaf won the prestigious award, with the VW Polo winning it in 2010 and the Golf in 2009. Volkswagen have taken home the award in 3 out of the last 4 years, a rather impressive feat. This is what the jury had to say regarding the VW UP Of note are the responsive steering, sophisticated suspension set-up, new efficient engines and the quality of materials and finish. Never before in this economy segment have owners felt so premium.

Just behind the VW UP was the BMW 3-Series and the Porsche 911. In other awards, the Porsche 911 was named the World Performance Car of the Year, the Range Rover Evoque won the World Car Design of the Year and the Mercedes-Benz S250 CDi BlueEfficiency was named the Green Car of the Year.

Interestingly enough, VW South Africa have still not announced any plans to bring the UP to South Africa.

BMW i8 Spyder concept for sustainable motoring

The BMW i8 Spyder concept continues to impress and BMW are looking to target the changing needs of drivers with their latest concept offerings, while also focusing on sustainability. Initially BMW unveiled the i3 and i8 concept cars, now the i8 Spyder takes it one step further, adding a sporty element in an open-top 2 seater.

BMW i8 Spyder concept is a sporty and frugal vehicle

The BMW i8 Spyder is powered by a 96 kW electric motor as well as a turbocharged 3-cylinder petrol engine that produces 164 kW. Together the two engines generate around 260 kW of power along with a peak torque of 550 Nm. Performance wise, that allows the BMW i8 Spyder concept to complete 0-100km/h in just 5 seconds before topping off at 250km/h. Most impressive though is the fuel economy, which comes in at just 3 litres/100km, a truly impressive feat on a car with such power. The electric battery can be fully charged in only 2 hours from a standard power outlet and has a range of 30km on electric power alone.

Lightweight build for BMW i8 Spyder Concept

The passenger cell of the i8 Spyder is built with carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) to give it an extremely lightweight body, while the drive modules have been built with aluminum components. This use of light-weight high-tech materials in the construction of the i8 Spyder has created impressive structural rigidity and crash safety. This light-weight design also translates into the fuel consumption of the vehicle and has cancelled out the additional weight brought on by the hybrid drive train.

High-Tech gadgetry thrown into the mix

As can be expected from such an advanced car, there are a number of impressive features. The driver assistance features include a camera-based proactive collision warning system, a parking assistant and traffic jam assistant. The CarFinder system allows the driver to locate the vehicle in large car-parks using their smartphone. There are also a number of route-planning programs installed, including one that assists the driver with directions even on foot via their smartphone and even provides information on the parking availability at the destination.

The BMW i8 Spyder concept comes with a host of impressive features and provides insight into the future of hybrid cars.

Daihatsu Terios Diva for the ladies

Unlike many other manufacturers who never explicitly target a particular vehicle for women, the Daihatsu Terios Diva does just that. Daihatsu mention how most vehicles are designed by men and for men, so it is quite refreshing to have a vehicle that aims to cater to women and their specific requirements for a car.

Daihatsu Terios Diva designed for women in mind

They also mention that the Terios is already a very popular car with female drivers but the Diva takes it one step further. The Daihatsu Terios Diva comes with heel-protecting carpets to ensure the drivers shoes remain intact. There are also alloy wheels, fog lamps, roof rails and colour-coded bumpers. Following on with the female theme, there are Diva decals on the front, rear and side of the car.

Interior Features

The interior comes with orange-stiched leather seats, tilt adjusting steering, driver seat height adjustment, air conditioning and 6 cup holders, as well as many other features. To appeal to the tech-savvy driver, the Daihatsu Terios Diva comes with Bluetooth, iPod support, steering wheel controls, GPS, reverse camera and DVD/CD/MP3 playback together with an onboard hard drive which can store up to 60 songs.

To make life that much easier, the Daihatsu Terios Diva comes with a seat organizer. The seat organizer hangs behind the front seat and ideal for storing whatever it is the driver needs quick and easy access to. There is also a boot organizer which helps to partition items in the cargo area.

Safety Features

Safety and security have been identified by Daihatsu as being prime concerns for female drivers, thus the Daihatsu Terios Diva comes with a number of features. These features include a reversing camera, air bags, ABS, smash and grab ISOFIX baby seat mounting points and safety film window coasting.

Daihatsu Terios Diva – Price

Daihatsu Terios Diva – R244 995

New Mercedes-Benz B-Class rolls into South Africa

The new Mercedes-Benz B-Class maintains the spaciousness of the previous model but comes with more efficiency, improved agility, a lower height and a host of other improvements. Mercedes-Benz are calling it a new era in the compact class, as it comes with the most new developments they have ever made at a single time. The new B-Class comes with a completely new drive programme, a new 4-cylinder engine, dual clutch transmission and manual transmission.

New Mercedes-Benz B-Class goes all out

Fuel consumption has been a major improvement for the new B-Class. The latest model comes with a 21% reduction in fuel consumption when compared to the previous model. With the engines and transmissions all being built in house, Mercedes was able to coordinate them to ensure the maximum efficiency. The 2 diesel options now achieve 4.4 litres/100km with the petrol options coming in at 5.9 litres/100km.

Powering the new Mercedes-Benz B-Class will be a choice of petrol or diesel engines. The B 180 CDI BE produces 80 kW and 250 Nm of torque, with the B 200 diesel producing 100 kW and 300 Nm of torque. The petrol variants are quite similar, with the B 180 BE producing 90 kW of power and 200 Nm of torque. The higher end B 200 BE petrol engine produces 115 kW of power and 250 Nm of torque. Not that it will likely be much concern to a B-Class driver, but the acceleration range throughout the models goes from 8.6 seconds to complete 0-100km/h in the B 200 petrol, all the way to 10.9 seconds in the B180 CDI.

Safety features are another big factor for the B-Class and it comes with the following features as standard: Attention Assist, Brake HOLD function and Hill Hold function. Optional safety features include: Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Blind spot and lane keeping assist, Active Parking Assist, Linguatronic, Reversing camera and Distronic plus.

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 R 358 000

Chevrolet Trailblazer heading to South Africa

The new Chevrolet Trailblazer made its world debut today in Thailand. Chevrolet are looking to cause some waves in the midsize SUV segment and have already announced that the Trailblazer will be coming to South Africa.

Exciting future for new Chevrolet Trailblazer

Powering the new Chevrolet Trailblazer is the new 4-cylinder Duramax turbo diesel engine. Options include a 2.5 litre and 2.8 litre engine and come with a number of new technologies to improve power and fuel economy. The 2.8 litre engine comes with variable-geometry turbocharger which has done just that, as well as a balancer-shaft to improve smoothness.

The 2.8 litre engine produces 132 kW (180 hp) and 470 Nm of torque. The 2.5 litre engine produces 110 kW (150 hp) and 350 Nm of torque. The transmission will be available as a 5 speed manual or a 6 speed automatic with electronic shift-control, clutch to clutch capability and electro-hydraulic control module.

Safety Features

Safety features are another great aspect of the new Chevrolet Trailblazer. It comes with a host of them including: Electronic Stability Control, Anti-lock braking system, Hydraulic Brake Assist, Traction control, Dynamic rear brake proportioning, Panic brake assist, Engine drag control, Hill decent control and Driver + occupant airbags.

Interior Features

The interior is particularly spacious, a trademark of Chevrolet cars. The layout is designed for 7 passengers and offers a 3-row tumble and/or fold-flat seat versatility. The second row comes as a 60/40 split with single latch forward fold capability. The third row is a 50/50 split with centre console and fold-flat capability. As can be expected, the load space when all seats are folded flat is particular large.

Look for the new Chevrolet Trailblazer in South Africa this year.

New Opel Meriva MPV in South Africa

The new Opel Meriva gains flexibility, innovation and style with its latest offering. Aimed at being affordable and yet incredibly versatile, the new Opel Meriva looks to build on the impressive run the previous model had, which was the sales leader in its segment.

Value and Flexibility for new Opel Meriva

The FlexDoors feature is still around, with a rear-hinged door system to make loading and unloading that much easier. Safety and comfort were another feature Opel were sure to pay special attention to in the new Opel Meriva. The FlexSpace rear seat layout has been redesigned, with the front seats offering the most adjustment settings of any vehicle in the segment. The seats are now ergonomically designed to ensure sufficient support and maintain comfort for long drives.

The new Opel Meriva has been designed to focus on dynamic elegance as Opel describe it. It is now sleeker and lower, with improved window treatments which add improved visibility for rear seat passengers. The wheelbase is 15mm longer than the previous model, the front track has increased by 39mm and the rear track by 45mm, this has resulted in improved handing, stability and ride comfort. Electro-hydraulic power steering comes as standard, as well as ABS brakes, electronic stability control and traction control.

Engine Performance

Powering the new Opel Meriva is a 1.4 litre turbo-charged petrol engine with a max power output of 103 kW and a max torque figure of 200 Nm. There is an increase in power of around 12% when compared to the previous model as well as a 10% reduction in CO2 emissions. The transmission is a 6-speed manual.

New Opel Meriva – Price

Opel Meriva Enjoy – R234 000
Opel Meriva Cosmo – R254 000