New Fiat Punto shown in Frankfurt

The Frankfurt Motor Show brings us another new model, this time the new Fiat Punto has been revealed. While it is debuting this year, the new Fiat Punto will only hit South African Fiat dealerships in early 2012 and not all the models variants will be available at launch. The newFiat Punto comes with some aesthetic changes, new colour options as well as a number of improvements and updates to the technology used in the car.

Fresh styling for new Fiat Punto

The styling of the new Fiat Punto starts with a new bumper which is now the same colour as the body, with indicators now sitting alongside the air intake. The dashboard is new and comes with deep-dished instruments along with new upholstering on the seats. The rims are now 15 alloy with three new metallic bodywork colours that include: Turquoise, Ruby Red and Graphite Grey. The 500 model Punto will not only come with the TwinAir 2-clylinder engine but also a new trim style and unique look.

Engine Choice

Engine innovation was a big factor for Fiat when designing the new Fiat Punto and this is reflected by the impressive MultiJet and MultiAir engines. The LPG engine not only comes with Start&Stop with Gear Shift indicator to increase efficiency but the system will automatically cut the engine and prompt the best gear choice to further reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

Three Trim Levels

The range of models of the new Fiat Punto has also been redesigned and now includes 3 trim levels; Pop, Easy and Lounge. The Pop trim is the entry level option and comes with the option of three different combinations of interior fabrics. The Lounge option is the top of the range and comes with a host of features and equipment for added comfort and sportiness.

Look for more information on a local release of the new Fiat Punto as it becomes available.

Smart Forvision Revealed

Smart are pushing the boundaries of what can be expected in a zero-emission car with their new Smart Forvision. Yet another vehicle that will be debuting at the Frankfurt Motor Show and will showcase a number of interesting technologies aimed at being as energy efficient as possible.

Smart Forvision offers smart, efficient technology

On the roof of the Smart Forvision are hexagonal transparent areas which are covered in transparent solar cells. These cells are based on organic dyes which are light-activated. These cells generate enough solar-power to power the multimedia components of the car and the three fans which assist in maintaining the climate management of the interior. There are also transparent OLEDs under the solar cells which automatically turn on and illuminate the interior when the door is opened. During the day these OLEDs result in a glass-roof effect.

Lightweight Construction

Another vital element of the Smart Forvision is the use of lightweight materials to ensure an ultra-lightweight car to further increase its efficiency. The wheels are all-plastic, which is the first of its kind and results in a weight reduction of 3kg per wheel. The plastic used in the wheels contains long reinforcing fibres which improve the mechanical properties and give the wheels excellent thermal and chemical stability as well as dynamic strength and toughness. The doors are made of carbon fibre reinforced epoxy resin, which has also helped with weight reduction.

Unique Interior

The Smart Forvision maintains temperature control in the car through a number of innovative technologies. E-textiles have been used on the seats in place of conventional seat heating; these textiles heat the body in the middle and lower back specifically. The same technology is used in the armrests of the doors. The foam used in the seats is around 20% lighter than other materials and allows for different degrees of hardiness in different areas of the seat.

The temperature is further managed by ensuring that heat stays on the outside of the vehicle, as maintaining an air-conditioned car uses a lot of energy. The windscreen and side windows have a heat shield with an infrared-reflective film on them which protects the interior of the car from heating up. Because it only reflects the infrared rays of the sun, radio waves needed for GPS devices and Bluetooth are not affected. The doors have high-performance foam fitted into the body panels which keeps the car cool in summer, as well as insulating it against cold temperatures in the winter.

The Smart Forvision is already looking very impressive, look for more information on this car as it becomes available.

Ford Evos concept showcases impressive design

Looking to make its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September, the new Ford Evos concept car has some very ambitious design elements that are sure to cause a huge splash. The Evos concept is looking to incorporate a number of new technologies and while the car will never be seen on the road, it represents what is possible and what Ford hope to achieve with their vehicles in the future.

Ford Evos concept gets personal

One of the main features that the Ford Evos concept is looking to showcase is the customization of the car to the driver. And while Ford are not looking to create a smart phone they are looking to create a driver experience that has never been seen before, by connecting the car to the driver.

Ford are calling this connectivity; the drivers personal cloud. The Ford Evos concept can then take information from the cloud and create the same experience that the user has at home or at the office. Based on the information gathered, the car can then adapt certain elements to suit the specific driver and what they are looking for. The car can adjust the handling, the steering and the engine controls to suit the specific driver.

The concept is also able to gather additional points of information in the cloud which then allows the car to monitor the drivers work schedule, the traffic and the weather conditions. It can then make your life more comfortable, by potentially playing the same song or news broadcast that the driver was listening to at home, or automatically adjust the temperature before the driver even gets into the car based on a calendar date. Additionally the car could communicate with the drivers house and automatically close the garage door, or turn off the garage lights as the car pulls away.

It will be very interesting to see how many of these new features actually come to pass and how long they take to be developed into the main stream. Still it is great to see Ford pushing the envelope of what is possible in a car and looking to develop new original technologies.

Citroen DS4 coming to South Africa

The Citroen DS4 debuted at the Paris Motor show in 2010 and has since been the recipient of a number of awards, including being named the most beautiful car of the year in a poll by over 60 000 motoring enthusiasts, as well as being awarded the most beautiful interior award as well.

Citroen DS4 offers exceptional styling

The new Citroen DS4 has sleek coupe styling with 2+2 door practicality with the rear doors having their handles hidden in the frames. The interior has space for 5 with 3 full seats in the rear. The luggage compartment is decent as well measuring 370 litres along with a number of storage solutions.

The Citroen DS4 is decked out in chrome, with the waistline chrome-trimmed, along with the lower part of the rear bumper and a number of the instrument dials receiving the same chrome treatment. The pedals are aluminum, the door handles are leather embossed and the dials are all focused towards the driver.

Engine Options

Under the hood the Citroen DS4 comes with a number of different petrol and diesel engines to choose from. The 1.6 litre petrol engine, developed along with BMW, comes as a VTi 120 which develops 120 hp and the turbocharged THP 200 which develops 200 hp. The diesel variant HDi 2 litre turbo produces 163 hp. Efficiency is also impressive in the DS4, with the HDi clocking in at just 5.11 litres/100km and a CO2 rating of 134g/km. The VTi 120 models come with a 5 speed manual gearbox, while the THP 200 and HDi 160 come with a 6 speed manual transmission.

All Citroen DS4 models come with a 5 year/100 000km service plan and 3 year/100 000km manufacturer warranty.

Citroen DS4 – Price

Citroen DS4 VTi 120 Style: R254 900
Citroen DS4 VTi 120 Style Pack R272 900
Citroen DS4 THP 200 Sport R319 900
Citroen DS4 HDi 160 Sport: R319 900

Latest Mercedes-Benz B-Class to debut in Frankfurt

The latest Mercedes-Benz B-Class will be debuting, along with a host of other cars, at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in September. The vehicle comes with a long list of improvements and changes as well as a new 4-cylinder engine. The list of changes is so impressive in fact, that according to the company, no other Mercedes-Benz has ever seen so many new developments to a new model.

Latest Mercedes-Benz B-Class gets new styling

The exterior of the new B-Class comes with a wide grille and headlamps that extend to the side of the vehicle, along with the rear of the vehicle featuring a wide window. The bonnet flows into the A-pillar with the roof line descending into the roof spoiler. The whole look of the vehicle is more sporty and aerodynamic, further emphasized by the pronounced wheel arches with feature lines running under the belt line.

Additional improvements to the aerodynamic properties of the new B-Class come in the form of improvements to the air flow around the front wheels as well as the design of the underbody of the car. The optional ECO technology package comes with a serrated wheel arch spoiler, to further push the aerodynamic properties of the vehicle to the point where it is on par with the E-Class coupe. The drag coefficient in the new B-Class is cd = 0.24 which is impressive for a vehicle with a station wagon rear end.

Space is also another issue that is addressed with the new B-Class. Even with a reduction of height compared to the previous model, the new B-Class has improved headroom and is one of the most spacious cars in the segment in this regard. The legroom in the B-Class is also very impressive, to the point where it is also the segment leader.

New Engines

Under the hood the new model comes with a completely new engine series which is based on the 3rd generation Mercedes-Benz direct injection system. The B 180 petrol engine produces up to 90 kW (122 hp) and 200 Nm of torque with the B 200 clocking in at 115 kW (156 hp) and 250 Nm. The diesel B 190 CDI generates 80 kW (109 hp) and 250Nm of torque, with the B 200 CDI generating 100 kW (136 hp) and 300 Nm of torque.

Another new feature is the 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission which features an electronic oil pump that enables the start/stop tech and allows for gear shifting without any interruption in tractive power. There is also an option for a 6-speed manual transmission.

New safety features start with a radar-based collision warning system with adaptive Brake Assist. There is also Collision Prevention Assist which warns the driver via a visual and acoustic signal regarding possible obstacles as well as preparing the brake assist. There are also a host of other new safety features in the new B-Class.

Look for more information regarding a local release of the latest Mercedes-Benz B-Class in South Africa.

Renault Megane 1,4 TCe Dynamique (2011) Driving Impression

You have to feel for Renault. This brand is certainly not afraid to try new things to lure people out of their Volkswagens and Toyotas. Take the second-generation Renault Megane as an example. Featuring a near-vertical rear window and a shapely derriere, it was certainly a very adventurous design. But it was always going to be somewhat bizarre, seeing as it was born under the watchful eye of designer Patrick Le Quement, a man who also brought us the downright loony Avantime and awkward Vel Satis models. Unfortunately for Renault, however, it would appear that consumers shopping in the C-segment are really rather conservative. They want subtlety, and peace of mind. And because, in addition to weirdo looks, the previous Meganes electronics were prone to melt-down, it could offer neither.

So, for the new-generation Renault Megane, reviewed here, Renault has been far more cautious. The flamboyant Le Quement is now retired and there is evidence of this in the styling of the new Megane, which is rather bland, if not unattractive. Has Renault over-reacted to criticism of the previous model? Perhaps but then again conservatism has not exactly stopped the Volkswagen Golf from being a smash-hit sales success, again and again. More importantly, does the new Renault Megane pull off the upmarket, classy and quality impression the previous model could not?

The Renault Megane cabin

Swing open the solid-feeling drivers door, and first impressions are good. The sweeping facia is largely covered with soft-touch plastics. A metallic swish stretches the width of the dashboard and adds some welcome contrast. Fit and finish seem of a very high standard and there are no quirky design highlights, such as the previous models aircraft throttle-style handbrake. It is also immediately obvious that this Dynamique model boasts a very high standard specification level. Theres a full-colour navigation screen on top of the facia, as well as dual-zone climate control and automatic headlights and wipers. Featuring a height-adjustable drivers seat as well as a steering wheel that can adjust for rake and reach, finding a comfortable driving position in the Renault Megane is a straightforward task. Once seated, the driver is faced with a very slick looking digital speedometer. Finally, and very crucially, all the controls work with an almost Germanic feeling of solidity and refinement. So far, so good

The Renault Megane rides on one of the longest wheelbases in its segment, but somehow the packaging has not quite worked. The boot is certainly decently sized (and includes a full-size spare wheel), but rear legroom is among the tightest in this segment. Headroom is also quite restricted for taller folk. Up front there are no such qualms, but its also not perfect the control interface for the TomTom navigation system can be confusing at times. Familiarity, of course, should eliminate this.

On the road

This Megane is powered by Renaults advanced 1,4-litre turbocharged petrol engine that delivers 96 kW and 190 Nm of torque. Renault promises excellent performance coupled with good fuel economy. They didnt lie. The Renault Megane is a brisk performer, with a 0-100 km/h time of below 10 seconds. Just as impressive is its mid-range punch. Theres always sufficient grunt to overtake. And while youll struggle to match the claimed fuel economy figure of 6,6 litres/100 km, a real-world figure of around 8 litres/100 km is not to be sniffed at. If theres one gripe to be levelled at the drivetrain, it would somewhat predictably be the transmission. In typical Renault style, shifts are somewhat clunky and slow.

Although the Renault Megane rides on 16-inch alloy wheels and makes use of a torsion beam rear suspension (Golf uses more sophisticated multi-link), it generally offers good ride quality. Only on rippled road surfaces does it loose some composure. Renault says it paid a lot of attention to NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) with this car. It shows the Meganes cabin is a quiet place wind, road and mechanical noises are well suppressed. The emphasis on comfort and refinement does, however, have a downside. The steering is light and lacks any meaningful feedback, and theres plenty bodyroll in the corners. Not a hatch for enthusiastic drivers, then

Renault Megane – Verdict

The Renault Megane has grown up. The benefits are obvious it is more refined, more comfortable and makes more of a lasting quality impression than its predecessor. But there are downsides, too. It has become somewhat of a bland car; one that does little wrong, but one which also does not excel in any particular area. Yes, it is better equipped than its rivals, but the basics of what lies underneath are no better than what youll find in a Golf. Or an Astra, a Hyundai i30, Ford Focus, Mazda3 etc As such, the Renault Megane is somewhat of an also-ran in this segment. Pity.

We like:

Boot space
Long warranty/service plan
Trim quality
Standard features

We dont like:

Rear legroom
Resale value
Ergonomics

Fast facts

Engine: 1,4-litre, four-cylinder, turbopetrol

Power: 96 kW @ 5 500 rpm

Torque: 190 N.m @ 2 250 rpm

Transmission: Six-speed manual

Wheels: 16-inch alloy

Top speed: 200 km/h

0-100 km/h: 9,7 seconds

Fuel economy: 6,6 litres/100 km

Source: www.um.co.za

Also consider:

Volkswagen Golf (6) 1,4 TSI Comfortline: In Comfortline trim the Golf doesnt quite match the Renaults standard specification (it lacks navigation, for example), but it is soundly beats the Renault Megane in just about every other area, offering superior refinement, quality and trade-in value.
Opel Astra 1,4T Enjoy: A really smart competitor, and quite similar to the Renault Megane in overall profile, but the German car is more economical, packs more power and also strikes a better balance between comfort and driving enjoyment.
Fiat Bravo 1,4 T-Jet Sport: If youre looking for something a bit different, dont ignore this Fiat, one of the brands best products in a long time. Very attractive styling is not its only plus. The cabin is neat and quality is good. With 110 kW under the bonnet, its also sporty to drive. Criminally overlooked

Audi A8 Hybrid set for release

The luxury Audi A8 sedan will soon be available as a hybrid. There is no word yet on whether or not the Audi A8 Hybrid will be hitting South African dealerships but it is set for release in Europe in 2012. The hybrid version of the A8 comes with impressive fuel consumption figures as well as some decent output as well.

Impressive fuel consumption for Audi A8 Hybrid

Audi note that the hybrid A8 has the power of a 6-cylinder car with the fuel consumption of a 4-cylinder. The vehicle comes with a 2.0 TFSI gasoline engine and an electric motor, which combined generate a peak output of 180 kW (245 hp). Fuel consumption is obviously one of the biggest factors for a hybrid vehicle and the Audi A8 hybrid does not disappoint, coming in at just 6.4 litres/100km. The car can travel up to 100km/h on just the electric motor although it has a range of only 3km while traveling on electric power and at a constant speed of 60km/h.

The performance is impressive in the Audi A8 hybrid and it completes 0-100km/h in just 7.7 seconds before topping off at 235km/h. CO2 emissions are also quite low at just 148 grams/km. Audi do note though that all figures are so far provisional.

The lithium-ion battery sits in a crash-proof area of the trunk and by itself produces up to 40 kW of power. The battery is cooled via air that is blown from the passenger compartment by a fan and by a separate cooling circuit coupled to the aircon. This cooling allows the battery to be kept at temperature that allows full function.

Look for more information on a local release of the Audi A8 Hybrid should it become available.

New Hyundai Elantra hits South Africa

The first Elantra came out in 1990 and the car has since sold more than 6 million units. The new Hyundai Elantra, now in its 5th generation, looks to build on these impressive sales which continues Hyundais fluidic sculpture styling, which was first seen in the ix35 SUV.

Revised styling for new Hyundai Elantra

The styling of the new Hyundai Elantra has looks more refined and has more of a sporty feel. The roofline has been lowered, the wheel arches look more muscular and the new hexagonal grille is present, which leaves no doubt as to what vehicle brand you are looking at. Inside the car Hyundai have maintained the same refined look, with silver garnish on the crash pad and the console featuring a windblown shape. High-gloss black and metallic colours are used within the cabin which continues this theme and emphasis a feeling of technology.

Under the hood the new Hyundai Elantra comes with a choice of two petrol engines; the Nu 1.8 litre MPI D-CVVT and the 1.6 litre MPI D-CVVT. Both options are mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, with the option of an automatic 6-speed available in the 1.8 Nu engine.

The 1.8 litre 4-cylinder engine produces 110 kW of power at 6500 rpm with a peak torque of 178 Nm at 4700 rpm. The Nu 1.8 litre also has improved fuel efficiency, with a gain of 18% (Highway) compared to the previous Elantra. The fuel consumption in the 1.8 litre option clocks in at 6.5 litres/100km with the manual transmission and 7.1 litres/100km using the automatic transmission.

The 1.6 litre 4-cylinder engine produces 96 kW of power at 6300 rpm and a peak torque of 157 Nm at 4850 rpm. Fuel efficiency has also been improved in this option thanks to a Mechanical Lash Adjuster (MLA). The intake/exhaust manifold system has improved engine performance due to its structural design and has enhanced the durability. Fuel economy in this engine clocks in at 6.1 litres/100km.

Look for the new Hyundai Elantra in South African dealerships now.

New Mercedes-Benz SLK Roadster in SA

The new Mercedes-Benz SLK Roadster enters its 3rd generation and looks to take open-top driving pleasure to a new level. The latest SLK Roadster has an unmistakable sporty design, with impressive comfort and as always; improved efficiency. This time around it features something special as well, a new panoramic vario-roof with Magic Sky Control.

New Mercedes-Benz SLK is big on style

As far as styling goes, the new Mercedes-Benz SLK Roadster comes with the long bonnet you have come to expect from the brand, with a compact passenger compartment and a short tail end. Much of the front styling of this SLK, with its wide radiator grille and clearly defined headlamps, was taken from the 190 SL, a vehicle which many consider to be the original SLK, all the way back in the 1950s.

The vario-roof in the SLK Roadster will now come in 3 variants: The base version where the roof is painted the same colour as the car, a version with tinted glass or the version with the Magic Sky Control. This option switches from light to dark with the press of a button, allowing for the feeling of open-top driving even when the top is still very much on. The dark option for this version allows the passengers to turn on shade if needs be.

At launch the car will be available in 2 models, the SLK 200 and the SLK 350, with both options coming with BlueEFFICIENCY. Fuel saving has been improved on both these models, with the SLK 200 gaining 19% efficiency and the SLK 350 gaining a huge 28%.

The SLK 200 comes with a 4-cylinder engine that develops 135 kW which along with the optional 7-speed automatic transmission, consumes just 6.5 litres/100km. The Sporty model is able to complete 0-100km/h in just 7 seconds, before topping off at 237km/h.

The SLK 350 comes with a V6 engine that generates 225 kW and is able to complete 0-100km/h in a blistering 5.6 seconds before reaching its max speed of 250km/h. This results in a combined fuel consumption of 7.1 litres/100km.

New Mercedes-Benz SLK Roadster – Price

Mercedes-Benz SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY – R 555 700
Mercedes-Benz SLK 350 BlueEFFICIENCY – R 734 100

New Porsche 911 Carrera Revealed

The latest offering from Porsche comes in the form of the slick new Porsche 911 Carrera, which has been completely redesigned and will debut at the Frankfurt motor show. The new Porsche 911 Carrera comes with a flat silhouette but is still instantly recognizable as a Porsche 911.

Styling updates for new Porsche 911 Carrera

Looks-wise there are a number of other changes, including: The wheelbase has been lengthened and the height has been reduced to give the new Porsche 911 Carrera more of a sporty look. The front track has been widened and the exterior mirrors now sit in the upper edge of the door as apposed to being on the mirror triangle.

The body has been constructed using light-weight aluminum-steel and has resulted in a weight reduction of around 45kg. The rigidity of the body has also been increased, the aerodynamic properties of the car have been improved and the rear spoiler is now wider as well as being variably extending. All of this has resulted in reduction of lift in the vehicle.

Fuel economy and efficiency has also been looked at and is improved in this updated version with all model variants clocking in under the 10 litres/100km mark. Emissions have also been reduced by up to 16% compared to the previous model. These improvements in fuel efficiency are thanks to auto start/stop, thermal management, electrical system recuperation, the worlds first 7-speed manual transmission and a number of other features.

Engine Power

The engine of the new Porsche 911 Carrera is a 3.4 litre boxer engine and pumps out 350 hp (257 kW) with a fuel economy of 8.2 litres/100km. This engine allows the 911 Carrera with PDK to complete 0-100km/h in just 4.6 seconds. The Carrera S with PDK ups the ante with a 3.8 litre boxer engine that is capable of 400 hp (294 kW) and completes 0-100km/h in just 4.3 seconds and in 4.1 seconds once the Sport Plus is on (optional Sport Chrono package). All that power and the S model with PDK still maintains a decent fuel economy, coming in at 8.7 litres/100km.

The new Porsche 911 Carrera will be launched on the 3rd of Decemeber 2011. Look for more information on a local release should it become available.