New Peugeot 208 coming to South Africa

The new Peugeot 208 will be launched in 2012 in South Africa as a 3-door and 5-door, with the 5-door option arriving in the second quarter of 2012. Peugeot have designed the 208 with the main focus being on agility and efficiency. This agility and efficiency has been achieved by creating a vehicle that is particularly light, 110kg lighter than the 207. The new Peugeot 208 is also very compact, with a reduction of 7cm in length and 1cm in height.

New Peugeot 208 – Features

The new Peugeot 208 comes with the new aesthetic codes that all new Peugeot cars have been built around. This translates to the floating grille, light signature and boomerang rear lamps. Peugeot describes it simply and bizarrely as: Sensuousness and energy, smoothness and mischief.

The specs for the new Peugeot 208 are impressive. CO2 emissions have been reduced by an average of 34g/km compared to the 207, which is the best in the segment. The diesel range of engines in the 208 is quite impressive, with the most impressive churning out 3.4 litres/100km fuel economy. The 3-cylinder petrol engines come as a 1.0 and 1.2 which also have some decent figures. They start at 99g/km of CO2 and deliver a fuel economy of 4.3 litres/100km. Another interesting fact with the new Peugeot 208 is that 25% of the vehicle is made up from recycled or natural origin materials.

Look for more information and pricing on the new Peugeot 208 closer to release date.

Mini Roadster available in South Africa early in 2012

The Mini Roadster is the 6th model in the current Mini lineup and is the first open-top 2-seater in the companys history. The Mini Roadster is also the only premium car of its kind in the small car segment, with powerful engine options and stylish open-top driving.

Mini Roadster offers unique features

The Mini Roadster is 20mm lower than the 4-seater Mini, which gives it a low-slung profile from the side view. The soft-top comes with a manual operating mechanism found on the windscreen. To open the soft-top, the release mechanism is turned 130 degrees and the soft-top is pushed back behind the seats, where it locks into place.

Powering the new Mini Roadster is a choice of 3 of the latest generation 4-cylinder engines. First up is a 1.6 litre engine with fully variable valve control system, this engine produces 90 kW at 6 000rpm and a max torque of 160 Nm. This allows the car to compete 0-100km/h in just 9.2 seconds before topping off at 199km/h. The average fuel consumption clocks in at 5.7 litres/100km.

The second option is the Mini TwinPower Turbo in the Mini Cooper S Roadster. This engine produces 135 kW at 5,500rpm and a peak torque of 240 Nm, which becomes 260 Nm with the Overboost system. 0-100km/h is done in just 7 seconds before hitting a top speed of 227km/h. Fuel economy clocks in at 6 litres/100km.

At the top of the pile is the Mini John Cooper Works Roadster. Its engine produces 155 kW at 6 000rpm and a peak torque of 260 Nm (280 Nm with Overboost). It completes 0-100km/h in 6.5 seconds and has a top speed of 237km/h. Average fuel consumption 7.3 litres/100km.

New Ford Ranger Bakkie aims high

The new Ford Ranger will be built in Pretoria, South Africa, to be sold across the globe. The new Ranger comes with a number of smart technologies, safety features and improved fuel economy.

Big future for new Ford Ranger

The new Ford Ranger is aiming to be the front runner in its class for a number of different features. The payload has been increased as well as the towing capacity of the vehicle. It is 5 274mm long, 2 163mm wide, which makes it bigger than the previous generation vehicle.

The interior space of the Ranger has been improved upon. The stowage sections have been made more practical, to the point where the glove compartment can house a 16 inch laptop. There are additional hidden storage compartments underneath the rear seats, perfect for tools etc.

Engine options available in the new Ford Ranger come with 3 new powertrains. These include:

2.2 litre Duratorq TDCI 4-cylinder diesel engine with 2 power outputs. The first produces 88 kW and 285 Nm while the other produces 110 kW and 375 Nm.

3.2 litre Duratorq TDCi 5-cylinder diesel engine that produces 147 kW and 470 Nm of torque.

2.5 litre Duratec 4-cylinder petrol engine that produces 122 kW and 226 Nm of torque.

New Ford Ranger – Price

Ford Ranger single cab – From R174 000 up to R296 300
Ford Ranger super cab – From R228 000 up to R380 200.
Ford Ranger double cab – From R259 400 up to R402 600.

Chevrolet Sonic launched in South Africa

The Chevrolet Sonic is the latest offering in the Chev range, which made its debut in South Africa at the Joburg Motor Show and has now been launched. The Sonic is a 5-door hatch and will be available in the choice of a 1.4 or 1.6 litre engine, with both being petrol.

Chevrolet Sonic offers two engine choices

As for the engine options, the 1.4 litre is a 4-cylinder and comes with variable valve timing. It produces 74 kW at 6000rpm and a maximum torque of 130Nm at 4000rpm. Fuel economy is quite decent as well and clocks in at just 5.8 litres/100km.

The 1.6 litre LS is a 4-cylinder 16 valve engine that produces 85 kW at 6000rpm. Max torque sits at 155Nm at 4000rpm and the combined fuel consumption is a decent 6.5 litres/100km.

The Chevrolet Sonic comes with a 5 year/120 000km warranty, roadside assistance (during the warranty period) and a 3 year/60 000km service plan. Options include an upgrade to the sound system, which includes 6 speakers, a USB port, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite steering wheel mounted audio controls and cruise control.

Chevrolet Sonic – Price

Chevrolet Sonic 1.4 – From R155 000
Chevrolet Sonic 1.6 – From R158 000.

New Volkswagen Tiguan Price for South Africa

The new Volkswagen Tiguan will once again be offered in 2 body versions, which change the angle of the vehicle. The base version comes with an angle of 18 degrees on the front end and is aimed at urban driving, while the other version comes with a 28 degree angle and is suited for off-road terrain. The 2 versions also have different lengths but they have the identical width.

New Volkswagen Tiguan serious about looks

As with new Volkswagen vehicles, the new generation Tiguan has been designed under their design DNA that emphasizes clear horizontal lines. The grille now comes with a double chrome louvres design as well as optional bi-xenon headlights.

Customization in the new Volkswagen Tiguan comes in a number of different versions. In the 18 degree Tiguan, the options include: Trend & Fun and Sport & Style. For the 28 degree Tiguan, the options include the Track & Field equipment line. This option comes with underbody protection, as well as a central air intake which is very flat, once again to aid in underbody protection.

Fuel economy varies from 6.5 liters/100km to 8.5 litres/100km in the petrol variants and 5.3 litres/100km to 7.5 litres/100km in the TDI variants depending on the engine model.

New Volkswagen Tiguan – Price

Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4 TSI 90kW 4×2 Trend & Fun with BlueMotion Technology – R272 600

Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TDI 81kW 4×2 Trend & Fun with BlueMotion Technology – R289 100

Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4 TSI 118kW 4×2 Trend & Fun with BlueMotion Technology – R299 500

Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4 TSI 118kW 4MOTION Trend & Fun – R318 200

Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TDI 103kW 4MOTION Track & Field DSG – R383 400

Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TDI 103kW 4MOTION Sport & Style DSG – R390 400

Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TSI 155kW 4MOTION Sport & Style DSG – R413 800

Volkswagen UP buggy concept oozes fun

The Frankfurt Motor Show came with a number of exciting new vehicle reveals but none as mouth-watering as the Volkswagen Buggy UP concept. The VW UP Buggy concept was inspired by the buggies of the 1960s that were based off the original Beetle chassis and driven along the beaches of California.

Volkswagen UP Buggy concept for all weather conditions

VW were keen to keep the same feel and vibe of these buggies with the new Buggy UP concept. Compared to the standard VW UP, the Buggy is 20mm lower, has no doors, no roof and in many ways is completely redesigned. The bonnet has also been made flatter, the bumpers have changed and the rear is also completely redesigned. Which begs the question why it was even based on the UP in the first place.

The seats are 58mm lower than the UP! along with the steering wheel which has had its angle adjusted as well which has created a go-cart driving position. While the Volkswagen UP Buggy concept does have a cover roof, it is not always necessary as the interior of the vehicle is completely waterproof. The seats, as well as the sills in the floor have drains built in to drain out any water, even the infotainment system is waterproof.

The VolkswagenW Buggy UP concept is a truly exciting prospect and we can only hold thumbs that it makes it into production.

New Toyota Yaris boasts impressive fuel economy

The new Toyota Yaris has not even been released yet in South Africa but is already causing quite a stir. One of standout aspects of the new Yaris is its fuel economy, which was reinforced with the vehicles impressive performance in the ALD Automotive/Shell FuelSave MPH Marathon. This event was held in Britain and is designed to teach motorists how driving techniques can save on the cars fuel consumption.

New Toyota Yaris comes out on top

The marathon had 38 vehicles competing in 2 vehicle classes, and the new Toyota Yaris ended in first place in its class. The Yaris used only 23.2 litres of fuel to complete the 560km course, with an overall consumption figure of just 3.91 litres/100km. The class the Yaris was in was contained vehicles that were petrol and emitted less than 120g/km of CO2.

The Yaris that competed in the event was powered by a 1.0 litre VVT-I 3-cylinder engine that has already been a multiple winner in the Engine of the Year awards. The impressive fuel consumption of the new Toyota Yaris was in part due to the Toyota Optimal Drive technology as well as the light weight of the vehicle.

The new Toyota Yaris is set to launch in South Africa next month, check back for more information as it becomes available.

New BMW 1-Series now available in South Africa

The 2nd generation BMW 1-Series has finally arrived in South Africa. To read the full review on this latest model, Click here. The new model comes with improved suspension, handling, a reduction in fuel consumption as well as improved power output. Two new BMW 1-Series models will be available at launch.

New BMW 1-Series offers refined performance

The BMW 116i features a 4-cylinder petrol engine, with 100 kW at 4400 rpm and a maximum torque figure of 220 Nm. 0-100km/h is achieved in 8.5 seconds before capping out at 210km/h. Fuel consumption clocks in at 5.5 5.7 litres/100km (combined cycle).

The 118i is powered by a 4-cylinder petrol engine, with 125 kW at 4800 rpm and a maximum torque figure of 250 Nm.
This model is able to complete 0-100km/h in 7.4 seconds with a maximum speed of 225km/h.bFuel consumption comes in at 5.8 5.9 litres/100km (combined cycle). The 120d diesel model will only be available later in the year.

New BMW 1-Series Price

BMW 116i – R268 500

BMW 118i – R287 500

BMW 120d – R325 000

New BMW 3-Series sedan coming to South Africa

The new BMW 3-Series will be launched in South Africa in February 2012. The 6th generation of the worlds most successful premium segment car will build on a legacy that has seen the model sell over 12 million units since it debuted in 1975.

New BMW 3-Series with petrol and diesel options

The 320d EfficientDynamics Edition produces 120 kW and runs at 4.1 litres/100km fuel consumption, with a CO2 emissions rating of 109 g/km. The 335i comes with a 6-cylinder engine and produces 225 kW of power and clocks in between 7.2 and 7.9 litres/100km fuel consumption. Start/Stop technology comes as standard for all the engine versions.

At launch the new 3-Series will be available as a 328i, a 335i as well as a 320d and 320d EfficientDynamics diesel option. Additional engine options will be available later in 2012 along with a full-hybrid model as well closer to the end of 2012. For the first time the 3-Series will also be available as Sport Line, Modern Line and Luxury Line configurations.

Compared to the previous generation 3-Series, the latest generation is 93mm larger, also there is more legroom for the backseat passengers, as well as more headroom. Fuel efficiency has, as you would expect, been improved in the new BMW 3-Series. This improvement in fuel efficiency is thanks to a reduction in weight and the EfficientDynamics technologies.

The release of the new BMW 3-Series will likely be in March 2012 in South Africa. Check back for more information as it becomes available.

Nissan LEAF ready for launch in South Africa

At the 2011 Car Conference, which was held at the Johannesburg International Motor Show, a big topic was sustainability and the effect that cars are having on global warming. Many countries, including South Africa, have already introduced a CO2 tax to act as a penalty for vehicles that exceed a certain CO2 emissions rating. Along these lines many vehicles manufacturers are looking to create vehicles which can ultimately reduce CO2 emissions and their dependency on fossil fuels and the Nissan LEAF does just that.

Green motoring for the Nissan LEAF

To this end Nissan are looking to introduce the LEAF into South Africa. The Nissan LEAF is a 100% electric vehicle, which does pose questions as to the charging infrastructure that is available in our country and to combat this, Nissan are looking into partnerships with electric mobility operators.

Nissan are looking to put 1.5 million electric vehicles onto roads throughout the world by the end of 2016 and are looking for electric vehicles to make up 10% of total new vehicles sold by 2020. Nissan are targeting drivers who make regular, short-distance, trips in urban areas and note that a large portion of new vehicles sold are used for exactly that purpose. Electric vehicles are generally able to drive around 160km on a single charge, which makes them ideal for daily short trips.

While there is no set date for the Nissan LEAF arriving in South Africa, Nissan do believe that along with South Africa hosting the Climate Change Conference in Durban this November, we are ready to embrace the LEAF in Africa.