The Renault Clio RS Red Bull Racing special edition was made in honour of the two companies partnership in Formula 1 racing and to celebrate their 2011 constructors title. This special edition will be released in a number of countries around Europe but is unlikely to be seen in South Africa.
Renault Clio RS is race inspired, for the road
The limited-edition Renault Clio RS comes with 18-inch black interlagos wheels and Bridgestone RE050A tyres, the same tyres that are used on the Renault Megane R.S. Trophy. The design sees the Clio decked out in black, with yellow stripes to emphasize its sporting nature. There are Red Bull Racing badges on the doors and a checkered pattern on the roof.
Under the hood of the Renault Clio RS Red Bull RB7 has a tuned 2 litre engine that produces 203 hp. Inside the car there are yellow fabric Recaro bucket seats, a sport-branded gear lever knob, a personalized numbered plaque and audio connection box. Another impressive feature is the RS Monitor, which acts as an onboard driving coach for the driver. It displays performance related data, including 0-100km/h times and other useful data for fine tuning ones driving.
Hyundai Elantra 1,8 GLS named 2012 SA Car of the Year
The HyundaiElantra 1.8 GLS has been named as the 2012 South African Car of the Year. The award was chosen by the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists and WesBank following the announcement last year of the top 10 finalists. This notes the first time that a Korean car has won this award and even more surprising, the runner up was also a Korean manufacturer.
Hyundai Elantra comes out tops
The Hyundai Elantra is having quite an impressive run, as it was previously named as the North American Car of the Year as well the overall winner in the Canadian Car of the Year. The Hyundai Elantra 1.8 GLS starts at R224 900 and was released in Aug 2011 in South Africa.
Here is the top 10 list for the South African Car of the Year
Another reveal at the Geneva Motor Show sees the introduction of the Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II. This updated model comes with design enhancements and new technology that have improved the drive-train, drivability and overall luxury.
Improved luxury and style for Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II
The new front-end of the Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II comes with a re-styled bumper, rectangular light apertures and full LED headlamps as standard. There is also curve light functionality which uses electronically controlled reflectors to focus the headlamps beams in the direction the car is traveling. This ultimately provides improved illumination of the road ahead while cornering.
Adding to the driving experience of the new Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II are a number of driver assistance features as well as an upgraded user interface and multi-media controller. The sat nav system now includes 3D maps with landscape topography, guided tours and enhanced points of interest. There are also front, rear and top-view cameras on the car which can be viewed via the 8.8 inch centre display to make parking that much easier.
Under the hood is a V12 direct injection engine and a new 8-speed automatic gearbox as well as a new rear differential which have enhanced the driving dynamics. Fuel consumption has also been looked at and improved by around 10% when compared with the previous model, with CO2 emissions also dropping.
Toyota FT-Bh concept shown in Geneva
The ToyotaFT-Bhconcept made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show and comes with some insight into Toyotas future hybrid technology. The Toyota FT-Bh concept is an ultra-light full hybrid vehicle and is aiming at some impressive efficiency figures in the family supermini segment.
Toyota FT-Bh concept is a light runner
The target weight for the GT-Bh concept was 25% less than the 1.0 litre Toyota Yaris which weighs in at 1030kg. To achieve this, the Toyota FT-Bh concept uses a combination of high-tensile steel, aluminum and magnesium which has resulted in a weight of just 786kg. Other components could be downsized as a result of this weight reduction as there was less load on the body structure and suspension.
Powering this ultra-efficient concept car is a 1.0 litre 2-cylinder Atkinson cycle petrol engine that produces high efficiency and low thermal capacity. As a result the FT-Bh concepts fuel economy clocks in at just 2.1 litres/100km and it has a CO2 emissions rating of 49 g/km.
Another factor Toyota addressed to increase the efficiency of the concept was to ensure it had the lowest driving resistance possible. To this end the aerodynamic properties had to be as advanced as possible. It has air curtain intakes on the front extremities of the bodywork, it has air-stream alloy wheels, there are no door mirrors but cameras instead, there are no door handles just latches as well as having the body designed as aerodynamically as possible.
Lastly the Toyota FT-Bh concept incorporated new improvements in thermal energy recovery. To do this, the aircon now only focuses on areas of the car where people are sitting and the amount of electricity used by the LED headlamps, the interior lighting and other electrical components have been reduced drastically. There are a number of other areas as well where the designers have ensured maximum efficiency, even to the point of selecting a matt paint based on its excellent heat insulation characteristics.
Volkswagen Polo Blue GT combines economy and power
The Geneva Motor Show comes with yet another reveal, with the Volkswagen Polo Blue GT. As can be expected, the Blue GT aims to cram as much power and drive as possible into a hatch, all the while making it incredibly efficient. The VW Polo Blue GT comes with a completely new generation engine and for the first time in a Volkswagen car, it comes with the cylinder deactivation system.
Maximum Fuel Efficiency for Volkswagen Polo Blue GT
The cylinder deactivation system shuts down the second and third cylinders under low and medium load states which results in a reduction of fuel consumption. The system becomes active at engine speeds from 1 250 to 4 000rpm and at torque levels of 25 to around 100 Nm. This state represents around 70% of normal driving. The 2 cylinders which are deactivated can instantly be reactivated once the driver presses on the accelerator pedal. The driver is notified how many cylinders are currently active via the multi-function display.
Performance wise, the Polo Blue GT has some impressive figures. The 1.4 litre TSI pushes out 103 kW and yet maintains a combined fuel consumption of just 4.7 litres/100km. Fuel consumption is reduced even further if the optional 7-speed dual clutch gearbox is chosen, with the figure now clocking in at 4.5 litres/100km. This fuel economy is achieved by downsizing of the car, the BlueMotion technology and the cylinder deactivation system. The Polo Blue GT completes 0-100km/h in just 7.9 seconds before reaching a top speed of 210 km/h.
The styling of the car has taken elements from a number of sources. The rear spoiler, rear bumper with diffuser, front bumper and fog lights were all taken from the GTI. The side sills and front rain channels were both taken from the Polo BlueMotion. The wheels are 17 inch alloy with spoke styling. There is also GT signatures on the front and rear of the car, a black painted radiator grille and R-line ventilation screen in the bumper.
New Hyundai i20 Remix in South Africa
Improving on what is already a very good vehicle, the new Hyundai i20 Remix will look to offer something a little more to the South African market. The new Hyundai i20 Remix is aimed at a young audience and comes with a number of funky additions and styling elements.
Fresh styling and extras for new Hyundai i20 Remix
There are now 15 inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler on the top of the hatch, a large steeply raked windscreen and an angled bonnet. The interior is quite spacious and becomes even more spacious once the rear seats are folded down. Other additions come in the form of park distance control, 6-speaker sound system as well as Bluetooth and iPod connectivity.
The list goes on with the inclusion of seatbelt warning buzzers and lights and a passenger airbag which can be turned off if needed.
Engine Capability
Under the hood, the new Hyundai i20 Remix is fitted with a 1.6 litre multivalve Gamma engine and a 5-speed gearbox. The engine produces 91 kW of power and 156 Nm of torque. The top speed is 190 km/h and the acceleration is decent as well as the Remix completes 0-100km/h in 9.5 seconds. The engine features Continuously Variable Valve Timing coupled to dual overhead camshafts which has resulted in impressive efficiency as well as additional performance at higher revs. Fuel economy is kept in check and Hyundai mention it should not exceed 6 litres/100km.
New Hyundai i20 Remix – Price
Hyundai i20 Remix 1.6 – R169 900
The new Hyundai i20 Remix comes with a with a 5 year/150 000km warranty, 3 years/60 000km service plan and roadside assistance for 5 years/150 000km.
Jeep Wrangler Review in South Africa
For the 2012 model year, the brand with the seven-slotted grill has updated its iconic 4×4 which actually remains a real 4×4 and not a play-play one. I took a call from the people at Chrysler Group who asked if Id like to try out the latest Jeep Wrangler. The man on the phone insisted it was a different car altogether since the upgrades.
Colour me interested.
Why update the Jeep Wrangler?
The 2011 and earlier Wranglers had a bit of a reputation for being underpowered and sluggish on the road, not ideal for a 4×4 in todays age of school runs and pavement climbing outside the rugby.
Not only that but the 4.0-litre straight six, popular with people who like to climb over boulders in forests for YouTube, had the fuel consumption of a punctured oil tanker. Something needed to be done.
Jeep has responded and literally put the car on steroids, adding over 40% more power and a new gearbox to this edition. And despite the extra power, the car is also much kinder to your wallet.
The new oily bits
Your Jeep Wrangler will still have six cylinders burning your precious petrol but now theyre arranged in a V and they only displace 3.6-litres. Still nothing to sniff at. The aluminum Pentastar V6 is lighter than the unit it replaces and drives all four massive tyres through a new five-speed automatic gearbox.
0 100km/h drops to 8.1 seconds, which doesnt sound fast, but in a car thats noticeably high off the tarmac, with less than optimal offroad-biased tyres and suspension, that 8.1 seconds feels relatively frightening. In-gear acceleration is even more impressive and to be honest I ran out of bravery a few times after putting my foot to the floor.
Acceleration is aurally enjoyable though, with a gnarly V6 growl filling the cabin, and suddenly youre going a lot faster than your brain thinks is a good idea. Its actually quite fun.
New Jeep Wrangler 3.6 V6 power specs
With 209 kW and 347 Nm available, its no slouch. However, even though the engine is more efficient, the car is still not set up for ideal consumption. With the aerodynamic properties of a shed, coupled with offroad tyres, claimed consumption is 11l/100km on average, but I saw around 15 as a result mostly town driving (and stabbing the throttle).
However, customers can choose between various axle gear ratios, to optimize for on-road efficiency or offroad prowess. The Jeep Wrangler is available with 3.21, 3.73 or 4.10 to 1 ratios depending on the model.
Its much quieter
The engine is noticeably quiet at idle. Apparently, the new engine has all-new externals (power steering pump, alternator and air-con compressor) to be mounted directly to the engine with no accessory brackets. That worries me a little come servicing time but it does make the car more pleasant to live with.
The interior has also been upgraded
If youre the sort of person who has a power-hose tucked away in the garage for spraying the dog or your kids or whatever, youll love the Wranglers utilitarian interior spec. Its a little plasticky in places but it feels pretty bulletproof and of course hose-downable.
All the creature comforts are stacked in a huge centre, um, stack, which lords over the top of the dash like a Michigan skyscraper. Newly redesigned for this model, it certainly brings the range more up to date while retaining that indestructible feel.
Im not a huge fan of the seats. Theyre very upright, quite thinly padded and I dont think Id want to travel from Johannesburg to Pretoria sitting in them, never mind Durban. They look the part but my arse doesnt care about looks.
The roof panels are not just roof panels. Theyre FREEDOM PANELS, ya hear. They can be clipped on and off to give you more FREEDOM. Why do Americans love spreading the idea of freedom so much? Anyway, theyre actually damn cool and you can then drive past Camps Bay and everyone can see your face better, you good looking so and so.
4×4 features and capability
The Jeep Wrangler still offers much to the serious off road enthusiast. With a lowered first gear and customisable axle ratios as mentioned, coupled with excellent approach (35degrees), breakover (22) and departure angles (28), you can feel confident in going out and making Youtube videos for yourself.
I do like the way the tyres protrude from the car at each corner. The bodywork is well out of the way. Sticking the tyres to the rest of the car of the Wrangler Sport and Sahara models are the Dana 30 front axle and Dana 44 rear axle.
The Command-Trac® NV241 part-time, two-speed transfer case features a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio. The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon model features heavy-duty Dana 44 front and rear axles and the Rock-Trac® NV241 two-speed transfer case with a 4.0:1 low-range gear ratio. Rubicon also includes electric front and rear locking differentials and disconnecting front sway bar.
Should you buy a Jeep Wrangler?
I do believe that most, if not all, of the time people buy cars that fit their personality. The Jeep Wrangler has a lot of personality. It remains a very cool 4×4 in world full of German luxo-barges and our dear South African bakkies. It has strong presence on and offroad and remains a seriously capable machine.
That said, it is difficult to live with one a day to day basis, unless you have very large biceps and enjoy being uncomfortable. As a daily drive, I couldnt live with it, but to disappear into the wilderness, I dont think it gets much better than this.
Jeep Wrangler Price in South Africa
The range starts at R450 990 for the 2-door Sahara.
Jeep Wrangler 3.6L V6 Quick Specs
Engine
3.6 litre V6 petrol
Power
209 kW @ 6 350 rpm
Torque
347 Nm @ 4 300 rpm
Transmission
Five-speed auto
Wheels
18-inch
0-100km/h (Claimed)
8.1 seconds (claimed)
Fuel economy
11l/100km (claimed on the combined cycle)
15.1l/100km (tested mainly in urban conditions)
We like: – Solid feel, new interior
– All that American muscle
– Speed!
We dislike: – Clumsy on road manners
– Plasticky feel in places
– Engine thirst around town
Jeep Wrangler Gallery
Lamborghini Aventador J Revealed
The incredible Lamborghini Aventador J was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show and is truly a one of a kind vehicle. The Aventador J is fully road legal, although its possibly not the most practical vehicle and has been described more as art. Based on the Aventador, the J from its name comes from the rules of FIA world motorsport, where appendix J defines the technical specification of race cars in various classes.
Lamborghini Aventador J is one of a kind
The engine is taken from the Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4, which is a 12 cylinder 6.5 litre engine that produces 515 kW (700hp). It is permanent all-wheel drive, along with pushrod suspension which results in awesome power and exceptional handling.
It was important for Lamborghini to ensure the car was as light-weight as possible, which meant there had to be changes in the design. Weight reduction was made easier with this model, as there is no roof, no large windscreen, no aircon and no navigation system. Along with carbon fibre construction, the Lamborghini Aventador J weighs in at 1575kg.
The Aventador J comes with a number of interesting features, including the rear-view mirror which is more like a periscope. With no windscreen, just 2 small wind deflectors, driving in this car will require the appropriate headgear. The front of the car comes with a distinctive carbon fibre air scoop, with central fixing braces and upward tilting winglets on the outer edges. The wheels are rather impressive as well; the 20 inch rims at the front and 21 inch rims at the rear have an additional carbon fibre insert that functions like a small fan for optimum brake ventilation.
Unfortunately the Lamborghini Aventador J is not even a prototype, only one was made and it has already been sold; for over 2.1 million euros.
VW Cross Coupe concept redefines fuel economy
The Volkswagen Cross Coupe concept is a SUV with incredible fuel economy and high performance. It would seem Volkswagen has achieved this goal as the Cross Coupe concept comes with an unbelievable combined fuel economy of just 1.8 litres/100km and a CO2 emissions rating of just 46g/km.
VW Cross Coupe concept boasts supreme hybrid drivetrain
Powering the VW Cross Coupe concept is a turbodiesel direct-injection (TDI) engine and 2 electric motors. The amazing fuel economy of this vehicle has not resulted in sluggish performance though, as the engines are able to produce 225 kW of power. Acceleration is equally impressive, with the VW Cross Coupe able to complete 0-100km/h in just 6.5 seconds before topping off at 220km/h top speed. The TDI engine develops 400 Nm of torque with the 2 electronic motors developing 180 Nm at the front and 270 Nm at the rear, for a combined maximum torque output of around 700 Nm (during boosting).
In electric mode, the VW Cross Coupe concept is limited to 120km/h and will have a range around 45km at zero emissions. In this mode, the driver can choose between optimising the electric driving range or dynamic performance, with the driving range mode only activating the rear electric motor. The batteries of the electric motors can be charged by while driving via the TDI engine, this is done at the flick of a switch.
The VW Cross Coupe concept looks very exciting and reveals what is possible for future cars.
New Renault Clio range in South Africa
The new Renault Cli0 range has been updated for 2012 and is now available in South Africa. The new range focuses on being great value for money. The focus is still on young customers and the cars are still trendy and sophisticated. However, the big push for the new Clio range is on connectivity.
New Renault Clio connects passengers to the world
The new Renault Clio range features a standard Parrot Bluetooth system, with the top spec model; the 1.6 Avantage featuring the latest TomTom Live integrated nav system. This system comes with Live services which include: Google Local Search, real-time HD traffic and weather updates. The interactive and connected theme continues on the entry level Yahoo! Model which features an MP3 Radio/CD player with RCA aux audio jack.
Engine capability
Powering the entire new Renault Clio lineup is a 1.6 litre 16-valve engine. It produces 83 kW of power at 6 000rpm and has a max torque of 151 Nm at 4 250 rpm. The Clio is able to complete 0-100km/h in 10.2 seconds before topping off at 190km/h. Efficiency has not been forgotten either, the combined fuel consumption clocks in at 6.7 litres/100km and has a CO2 rating of 157 g/km.
Features
The Clio Yahoo! Is the entry level model but still comes with aircon, cruise control and many other features. The Yahoo! Plus comes with multi-spoke 15 inch alloy wheels, front fog lights and roof spoiler. There is also leather trim on the seats and steering wheel. The top of the range Avantage model comes with automatic rain and light sensors, full climate control, the TomTom Live navigation system, 15 cm colour screen and 80W audio system. On the outside the Avantage has 16 inch alloy wheels and aluminum door handles.
The transmission is a 5-speed manual on the Clio Yahoo!, Clio Yahoo! Plus and Clio Avantage, with an additional Avantage model available with a 4-speed automatic.
New Renault Clio – Price
Renault Clio 1.6 Yahoo! R159 900
Renault Clio 1.6 Yahoo! Plus R169 900
Renault Clio 1.6 Avantage R189 900
Renault Clio 1.6 Avantage Atomatic R199 900
