New 2013 Ford Fiesta Shown at LA Motor Show?

Ford is currently showcasing the new 2013 Ford Fiesta at the 2012 LA Motor Show. South African customers can expect to see the new Fiesta in showrooms early in 2013. The new Fiesta features revised styling and will feature Ford’s acclaimed 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine and will for the first time introduce the MyKey system which will allow owners to set parameters for younger drivers. A high-performance Fiesta ST derivative is also a strong possibility for South Africa.

New ??2013 Ford Fiesta boasts EcoBoost tech

Engine Capability

The new 2013 Ford Fiesta will be fitted with Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine that will produce 91kW of power and return a fuel consumption figure in the region of 5.9-litres/100km. This engine allows for fuel economy gains of up to 20% with a 15% reduction in CO2 emissions.

The high-performance Fiesta ST will be fitted with a 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine that will produce 147kW and 290Nm of torque.

Exterior and Interior Styling Features??

The exterior design has been revised with the most notable difference coming in the form a sporty new grille that effectively reflects the new face of Ford. A range of new colour options will also be available.

The new 2013 Ford Fiesta will also be fitted with a range of in-car technology including a new MyFord Touch system that incorporates a 6.5-inch touch screen that features enhanced voice control and offers functionality for navigation, communication and entertainment. The Ford SYNC AppLink, which allows drivers to access and control Ford smartphone apps with voice commands and vehicle controls, is still available with the new Fiesta.

The new Fiesta will also be equipped with the MyKey feature which gives parents the opportunity to pre-set maximum speed and audio volume limits and will mute the audio system until seatbelts are fastened. Driver aids and safety systems cannot be deactivated when the MyKey system is in use.

Safety Features

The new 2013 Ford Fiesta will feature Advance Trac with Electronic Stability Control (ESC), dual-stage first-row airbags, driver knee airbag, side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags, four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH), Tyre pressure monitoring system, child-safety rear locks and an anti-theft engine immobiliser.

The new2013 Ford Fiesta can be expected in South Africa in the first-quarter of 2013.

Hyundai i20 Motion launched in South Africa

Hyundai has expanded its 5-door hatchback offering with the addition of a new entry-level, value-for-money model, the Hyundai i20 Motion. The Hyundai i20 Motion now stands alongside the i20 1.4 Fluid and i20 1.4 Glide derivatives and boasts a full features list that will entice entry-level car buyers.

“After the launch of the refreshed i20 earlier in 2012, it was a logical step to see how we can expand the range and to offer an entry-level derivative with a good specification level, but at a price that would appeal to many people out there who have shown an interest in one of Hyundai’s best-sellers,” says Stanley Anderson, marketing director of Hyundai Automotive South Africa.

Hyundai i20 Motion for budget-friendly motoring

Engine Capability

The new i20 Motion is equipped with a 1.2-litre, 16-valve, double overhead camshaft petrol engine that produces 64kW at 6 000rpm with a peak torque figure of 120Nm available at 4 000rpm. This engine is available with a 5-speed manual transmission.

Exterior Styling Features

Differentiating exterior styling features of the i20 Motion include black door handles and black exterior mirror housings, 14-inch steel rims with silver covers and side indicators fitted to the front side panels. The i20 also features a hexagonal grille complemented with halogen headlamps. The suspension in the front and rear has been fine-tuned to deliver ‘taut and alert driving dynamics’. The electrically assisted rack and pinion steering has also been tuned to offer quick and accurate response that enhances the i20’s agility.

Interior Styling Features

The interior offers passengers both comfort and space. With the seats in the upright position, the boot offers 295-litres of space. The three-spoke steering wheel is telescopically adjustable and features remote audio control buttons that controls the Radio/CD/MP3 sound system. The sound system can integrate with an iPod or iPhone and an AUX cable or USB memory stick can be used to play music. The Hyundai i20 Motion is also fitted with an air-conditioner with an anti-bacterial pollen filter and the front windows operate electronically at the touch of a button.

Safety Features

The Hyundai i20 Motion features a robust body shell structure made of high-tensile steel and offers front airbags for occupant protection. The front passengers benefit from 3-point inertia reel safety belts with pretensioners while the rear seats are also equipped with 3-point inertia reel safety belts. ISOFIX child seat mounts are also included. The Hyundai i20 Motion comes with front and rear fog lights to improve vision at night or in inclement weather situations while 4-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) are standard safety features.

Hyundai i20 Motion – Price

Hyundai i20 Motion – R144 900

The price includes a 5-year/150 000km warranty, a 2-year/30 000km service plan and a 5-year/160 000 perforation warranty and roadside assistance. Service intervals are set at every 15 000km.

Fiat Abarth Punto Scorpione Limited Edition in South Africa

Fiat’s Abarth range now offers the Limited Edition Fiat Abarth Punto Scorpione which is currently available in South Africa. The Limited Edition Fiat Abarth Punto Scorpione is aimed at driver’s who seek high performance and only 99 vehicles have been produced world-wide with a limited run of 10 vehicles available in South Africa.

Fiat ??Abarth Punto Scorpione Limited Edition is big on performance

??Engine Capability

The Limited Edition Fiat Abarth Punto Scorpione is fitted with a 1.4-litre MultiAir engine with a Garret turbo that develops 132kW at 5 750rpm with a maximum torque figure of 270Nm available from 2 500rpm. This engine is mated to a 6-speed closed-ration manual transmission. 0-100km/h acceleration takes 7.5 seconds to achieve and the Limited Edition Fiat Abarth Punto Scorpione reaches a top-speed of 216km/h.

Exterior Styling??

The Limited Edition Fiat Abarth Punto Scorpione is finished in Scorpione Black while the roof and bonnet are matt. The braking system features floating, perforated and self-ventilating front disk brakes with oversize four-piston yellow brake callipers and perforated rear disc brakes that are complemented with glossy black 18-inch alloy wheels. The exhaust pipe is oversized in the central and rear sections and is taken from the famous ‘Esseesse’ kit. The front and rear Koni shock absorbers with Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) valve and lowered springs offers improved handling on the road.

Interior Styling

On the inside, the Limited Edition Fiat Abarth Punto Scorpione features ‘Abarth Corsa by Sabelt’ black technical fabric and partially Alcantara trimmed seats. The red and yellow stitching and matt black back rest with is type-approved and lightened to highlight the vehicles sporting spirit. The interior is further enhanced with an aluminium kick plate, a stainless steel pedal unit with a Abarth shield and a leather steering wheel with complementing red and yellow stitching.

??Fiat Abarth Punto Scorpione – Price

Fiat Abarth Punto Scorpione Limited Edition – R365 000

The Limited Edition Fiat Abarth Punto Scorpione is available exclusively from Arnold Chatz cars in Johannesburg.

New car releases for November 2012

A number of new models were released in November 2012 with the majority of releases being limited edition models from various car brands. Although not many new models were released in November 2012, South African new car buyers can expect a marked increase in new model introductions in 2013. The new car models released in the month of November 2012 are as follows.



Suzuki Swift Special Edition from R169 900



The new Suzuki Swift Special Edition (SE) has been added to the Swift hatchback range and features both interior and exterior enhancements found on the Swift Sport derivative. The new Swift SE is fitted with a 70kW/130Nm 1.4-litre, four-cylinder engine and is mated to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. Fuel consumption is rated at 5.5-litres/100km. Features include an integrated CD/MP3 player with a USB connection, sculpted sports seats in fabric and a thick rimmed, leather trimmed steering wheel with mounted controls for the audio system. 



Ford Focus ST from R309 645


The Ford Focus ST, the company’s first global performance model, is now available in South Africa. The Focus ST hot-hatch is powered by an 184kW/360Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged EcoBoost engine and is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.2-litres/100km. The Focus ST is available in two trim levels namely ST1 and ST3. The Ford Focus ST is fitted with Ford’s SYNC in-car connectivity system and provides hands-free, voice activated functionality. 



Nissan Juke Midnight Edition from R275 500



The popular Nissan Juke Midnight Edition is now available in South Africa and only 100 units are currently available. The Juke Midnight Edition is powered by a 140kW/240Nm 1.6-litre DIG turbocharged petrol engine. This limited edition model features a styling package that includes 17-inch alloy wheels, red or black spoilers and side mirrors, front styling plate and tinted anti-smash-and-grab windows.

Infiniti M Sedan from R649 000





Infiniti has released its new M luxury sedan in South Africa. The M sedan is powered by a common-rail turbocharged 175kW/550Nm 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine. Fuel consumption is rated at 10.2-litres/100km. Features include semi-aniline leather upholstery, wood and metal interior trim, Connectiviti+ infotainment system and a 30GB Hard Disk Drive satellite navigation system. 



Geely MK2 Limited Edition from R109 990



Geely South Africa has launched an affordable, value-packed limited edition model of its MK2 hatchback in South Africa. The MK2 is fitted with a 69kW/128Nm 1.5-litre DOHC 16-valve engine and is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.3-litres/100km. Standard features include power steering, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), electric windows, central locking, air-conditioning, Radio/CD player with MP3 and USB ports, alloy wheels, driver’s airbag and a Reverse Radar to assist with parking. The interior is finished in customised leather and the MK2 also features a sports exhaust system, lowered suspension and vinyl decals.



Fiat Abarth Punto Scorpione Limited Edition from R365 000



Fiat has expanded its Abarth range with the new Limited Edition Abarth Punto Scorpione and only 10 models are available in South Africa. The Limited Edition Abarth Punto Scorpione is fitted with a 132kW/270Nm 1.4-litre MultiAir engine with a Garret turbo and is mated to a 6-speed closed-ratio manual transmission. Limited Edition Abarth Punto Scorpione is finished in Scorpione Black and rides on 18-inch alloy wheels. 




Mercedes-Benz G-Class from R786 900 



Apart from styling revisions, the new G-Class has been expanded to include the G 500 and the range-topping G 63 AMG. The G 500 is powered by a 285kW/530Nm 5.5-litre and is mated to a 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission. The G 63 AMG is powered by a 400kW/760Nm 5.5-litre V8 bi-turbo engine and is mated to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G TRONIC automatic transmission. An ECO start/stop function is fitted as standard on this model.

New Toyota RAV4 coming to South Africa

The new Toyota RAV4 has made its international debut at the LA Motor Show and will be on display until 9 December 2012. The new Toyota RAV4 will be launched in South Africa in 2013 and, according to Toyota, will offer improved performance, greater refinement, smart packaging, convenience technology systems and value for money.

??New Toyota RAV4 offers exciting package

Engine Capability

Internationally, the new Toyota RAV4 is offered with a choice of two four-cylinder petrol engines and a four-cylinder common-rail diesel engine. The 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine is the stand-out engine and exhibits a fuel consumption figure of only 6.0-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure below 150g/km when using a manual transmission. Peak torque for this unit is rated at 300Nm.

All three units incorporate Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) which helps enhance performance, fuel economy, emissions and smooth operation of the vehicle. All three engine units are mated to a 6-speed manual transmission as standard. The 2.2-litre diesel and the 2.5-litre petrol engine can also be mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission while the 2.0-litre engine is available with Toyota’s MultiDrive Sport CVT with 7-speed sequential manual mode.

New Styling

The new Toyota RAV4 now has the spare tyre placed under the cargo floor and the tailgate is now hinged at the roof, which differentiates it from the previous model. Other enhancements include an advanced all-wheel drive system, an improved driver position, enhanced all-round front and rear vision and a more rigid body and the inclusion of seven airbags.

Premium features on high-grade models includes a power-operated tailgate, blind-spot monitor, rain-sensing wipers and an electro-chromatic rear-view mirror.

The South African engine and transmission line-up as well as the specification levels will be announced closer to the South African launch of the new Toyota RAV4 in 2013.

New Range Rover shows off at LA Motor Show

The exciting new Ranger Rover has made its US debut at the LA Auto Show and is the world’s first SUV with a lightweight aluminium body. The new flagship Range Rover offers greater luxury and refinement with enhanced all-terrain capability. The new Range Rover can be expected in South Africa early in 2013.

??New Range Rover in Hollywood

Making its entrance alongside the much acclaimed Jaguar F-TYPE, the new Range Rover was revealed at a VIP celebration at the world-famous Paramount Pictures Studio in Los Angeles. The new Ranger Rover took to the streets of Los Angeles for the first time and visited famous landmarks such as the Hollywood sign.

The new Range Rover was designed at Land Rover’s UK development centres and will be manufactured in a state-of-the art facility at Solihull, UK. The new Range Rover is powered by a choice of refined V8 petrol engines and TDV6 and TDV8 diesel engines.

The South African Range Rover line-up and prices will be announced closer to launch in 2013.

BMW ActiveHybrid power in South Africa

In 2012, BMW launched three ActiveHybrid models in South Africa, namely the ActiveHybrid 5, which was the first BMW ActiveHybrid model to be launched locally, followed by the ActiveHybrid 3 and ActiveHybrid 7. Here are some performance figures for each of these environmentally conscious vehicles from BMW.

??BMW ActiveHybrid 3

Engine Capability

The BMW ActiveHybrid 3 is fitted with a 3.0-litre, TwinPower Turbo engine that develops 225kW of power and 400Nm of torque and is the same unit used in the BMW 335i. This unit is coupled with an electric motor, lithium-ion battery and an 8-speed automatic transmission that together produces a power output of 250kW and 450Nm of torque. The ActiveHybrid 3 can travel in all-electric mode at speeds of up to 75km/h. ECO PRO mode further enhances efficiency along with coasting and intelligent energy management.

The ActiveHybrid 3 accelerates to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds and has a fuel consumption figure of 5.9-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 139g/km.

??BMW ActiveHybrid 5

Engine Capability??

The combined power output of the ActiveHybrid 5 is 250kW and it’s fitted with a 3.0-litre TwinPower Turbo engine that alone develops 225kW and 400Nm of torque and is the same unit used in the BMW 535i. It too is coupled with a 40kW electric motor, lithium-ion battery and an 8-speed automatic transmission. Maximum torque is rated at 450Nm. The ActiveHybrid 5 can be driven in all-electric mode at speeds up to 60km/h. The ActiveHybrid 5 also makes use of ECO PRO mode, coasting and intelligent energy management to improve economy and efficiency.

Acceleration to 100km/h takes 5.9 seconds and fuel consumption is between 6.4 and 7.0-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure between 149 and 163g/km, depending on the tyre format specified.

BMW ActiveHybrid 7

Engine Capability

The ActiveHybrid 7 is also fitted with a 3.0-litre TwinPower Turbo engine and produces 235kW and 450Nm of torque and is the same engine used in the BMW 740i. The combined system output is 260kW. This engine unit is combined with a 40kW synchronous electric motor, lithium-ion battery and 8-speed automatic transmission. Together, maximum torque is at 500Nm. ECO PRO mode, coasting and intelligent energy management also forms part of the ActiveHybrid 7’s notable economy and efficiency.

The Activehybrid 7 will power to 100km/h in 5.7 seconds with a average fuel consumption figure of 6.8-litres/100km and a CO2 emissions figure of 158g/km. The ActiveHybrid 7 therefore consumes 14% less fuel than a BMW 740i with a conventional drive system.

BMW ActiveHybrid Price

BMW ActiveHybrid 3 R625 000
BMW ActiveHybrid 5 R757 300
BMW ActiveHybrid 7 R 1 034 500

Ford MyKey System for new Fiesta

Ford has announced that the new Ford Fiesta, which will be launched in South Africa in 2013, will feature the innovative MyKey technology. The Ford MyKey System allows parents to place certain restrictions on younger drivers to promote safety.

Ford MyKey System to promote safety

The Ford MyKey System will allow Fiesta owners to program a key for younger drivers that will restrict and limit the top speed of the vehicle and will reduce the maximum volume of the audio system and even disable the audio system if the passengers are not using safety belts. The Ford MyKey system can also prevent the driver from deactivating safety technologies such as the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) which assists in avoiding and preventing collisions.

Ford Marketing Manager, Gavin Golightly says, “Parents will love MyKey. It’s a tool that will allow them to reduce their children’s’ exposure to risk at the wheel. Conversely young drivers may initially be sceptical but when they learn that it may ultimately improve the chances of their parents allowing them to drive in the first place, they too are likely to see the benefits.”

Surveys reveal demand

A survey conducted in Europe has revealed that drivers under 25 years of age are twice as likely to be involved in an accident, while a Ford-commissioned survey has shown that 46% of parents of children under the age of 20 say that speeding is their number one concern.

The survey of more than 6 000 parents of young drivers across Europe found that 53% of parents would be more willing to let their teenager’s drive if their car was equipped with the Ford MyKey System.

The MyKey system works by recognising different keys for the same car and adjusts the vehicle settings according to the owner’s requirements. The owner can programme chimes to sound at set points between 70-140km/h and prevent seatbelt reminders from being disabled as well as delivering an earlier low-fuel warning.

??New Ford Fiesta for South Africa??

The new Ford Fiesta will be launched in South Africa in 2013 and will also be equipped with the Ford SYNC voice-activated in-car connectivity system. The new Fiesta will be powered by Ford’s award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine that will deliver impressive fuel economy while providing performance usually associated with a larger displacement engine. ??Further details will be announced closer to the Ford Fiesta’s launch in South Africa in 2013.

Nissan Dark Knight Rises Juke Nismo inspired by Batman

Nissan, in collaboration with Warner Bros, is celebrating the launch of the latest Batman movie, The Dark Knight Rises, on Blu-Ray and DVD by producing a one-off Batman-inspired Juke Nismo. The Nissan Dark Knight Rises Juke Nismo features a range of Batman detailing and is based on the Juke Nismo which goes on sale next year.

Nissan Dark Knight Rises Juke Nismo is one of a kind

??Engine Capability??

The Nissan Dark Knight Rises Juke Nismo is fitted with the same 147kW 1.6-litre turbocharged engine used in the new Juke Nismo which goes on sale in 2013. Power is transferred to the front wheels via a 6-speed manual gearbox allowing for a 0-100km/h sprint time of 7.8 seconds.

Exterior and Interior Features

The Nissan Dark Knight Rises Juke Nismo is finished in matt black paint which is reminiscent of Batman’s Tumbler while a shark fin antenna replaces the standard vehicles aerial. Besides the Juke Nismo’s badging, the Nissan Dark Knight Rises Juke Nismo features aluminium Bat badges on the front grille and tailgate. The 18-inch alloy wheels feature red detailing which matches the pinstripe on the bumpers and sills of the vehicle.

On the inside, the Nissan Dark Knight Rises Juke Nismo features Bat logo’s on the kickplates and reflective Bat badges on the headrests of the suede-trimmed Nismo sport seats. Downlighters mounted under the door mirrors projects the Bat signal onto the floor area around the doors while a uplighter projects the same image onto the black headlining on the inside of the vehicle.

The Nissan Dark Knight Rises Juke Nismo was developed by Nissan Design Europe based in London. The only way to stand a chance of owning The Dark Knight Rises Juke Nismo is to enter a special competition at www.builttothrill.co.uk. The competition is open until 28 February 2013 and the winner will be announced in March 2013.

Jaguar XFR-S Sedan and F-TYPE shown at the LA Auto Show

Jaguar is currently showcasing two significant models at the LA Auto Show namely the new Jaguar F-TYPE which made its debut at the Paris Motor Show and the Jaguar XFR-S sedan. The Jaguar XFR-S sedan makes its global debut at the LA Auto Show and is considered to be the fastest and most powerful sports sedan Jaguar has ever built.

??The Jaguar XFR-S Sedan?? is all about power

The Jaguar XFR-S sedan, developed by Jaguar Land Rover’s specialist ETO division, features a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine that produces 405kW and is mated to an 8-speed Quickshift transmission. The Jaguar XFR-S sedan is capable of achieving 0-100km/h in just over 4.4 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 299km/h.

The Jaguar XFR-S sedan was unveiled by Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar Cars and he had the following to say, “Sporting character is evident in all Jaguar saloons. In the XFR-S that character has been amplified, the result being a truly engaging car with a combination of technical innovation, assertive design and staggering performance that will satisfy the most demanding of drivers.”

The Jaguar F-TYPE with ‘black’ pack??

Jaguar’s all-new two-seater F-TYPE is making its North American debut at the 2012 LA Auto Show and is shown here for the first time in special-order Firesand paintwork and equipped with optional ‘Design’ and interior and exterior ‘black’ packs. This particular individual V6 S model F-TYPE demonstrates the range of personalisation options that are available for the new F-TYPE.

Ian Cullum, Director of Design, Jaguar, said, “For me, good automotive design should be about creating excitement, so being here in LA to witness the positive reaction to both the XFR-S and F-TYPE – two highly distinctive performance cars – is very satisfying.

“??The Jaguar F-Type can be expected in South Africa in the second half of 2013 and prices will be made available closer to its South African launch. It is unclear when the Jaguar XFR-S sedan will become available in South Africa.