Ford Ranger gets added safety technology

Ford has announced that selected Ford Ranger 2.2 4×2 variants will now be fitted with Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) as standard and the previously available differential lock is available as an option. A complete range of control features accompany models fitted with ESP.

Ford Ranger with Improved Handling and Safety Features

Models fitted with ESP come with the Traction Control System (TCS) which is able to control wheel spin or avoid it completely by adjusting the engine torque provided to the wheels. The TCS also provides active safety measures by preventing wheel spin in extreme situations such as cornering. The ESP includes off-road logic which modifies the system according to the road conditions to provide the best traction and stability in a given situation.

In addition to ESP, the Ford Ranger also features Hill Descent Control, Hill Launch Assist, Trailer Sway Control, Adaptive Load Control, Roll-Over Mitigation, Emergency Brake Assist, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and an Emergency Brake Light. The Ford Ranger was the first pick-up to receive a 5 Star Euro NCAP rating.

Nissan Juke Midnight Edition in South Africa?

The Nissan Juke has received a number of styling updates in the form of the exclusive Midnight Edition which has been specifically designed for the South African market. The Nissan Juke Midnight Edition is a limited production model and only 100 units are available.

Nissan Juke Midnight Edition brings out the dark side

Styling Features??

The Nissan Juke Midnight Edition uses the 1.6 DIG-T Tekna as its base and is fitted with a 1.6-litre DIG turbocharged petrol engine that produces 140kW and 240Nm of torque. The Juke Midnight Edition is differentiated from the standard model with the addition of an attractive styling package which includes black 17-inch alloy wheels, red or black spoilers and side mirrors, a front styling plate and tinted anti-smash-and-grab for all the windows and enhances the rear privacy glass which is fitted as standard on the Tekna model.

The Nissan Juke has sold almost 300 000 units worldwide and Nissan South Africa has secured an increase in supply to meet the growing demand for the Juke in South Africa.

Nissan Juke Midnight Edition – Price

Nissan Juke Midnight Edition R272 500
Nissan Juke Midnight Edition (Leather) R278 500

New Ford Kuga coming to South Africa

The new Ford Kuga has been confirmed for launch in South Africa in 2013. The new Ford Kuga combines a striking design with functionality and will offer a rewarding driving experience for customers. The new Ford Kuga will be powered by either an EcoBoost or TDCi engine.

New Ford Kuga to impress South African Motorists

??Engine Capability??

The new Ford Kuga will be available with a 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, mated to a 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. Alternatively customers can opt for the 2.0-litre TDCi turbo diesel engine which is mated to a PowerShift automatic transmission.

The EcoBoost technology features turbocharging and direct injection to rival power and performance of a larger engine while consuming less fuel. The new Ford Kuga will also introduce a ‘smart’ All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system that assesses road conditions and adjusts the AWD power split to provide the best combination of handling and traction according to the road conditions.

??Styling Features

The new Ford Kuga is 10% more aerodynamic than the outgoing model which can be attributed to its sleeker exterior design. The Kuga’s Active Grille Shutter system enhances fuel economy by reducing wind resistance. The grille slats stay open when additional engine cooling is required, particularly when driving at low speeds. When driving at higher speeds the grille slats close automatically to enhance aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.

The new Ford Kuga will also be fitted with Ford’s voice activated in-car SYNC connectivity system as standard. The Kuga will also for the first time feature ‘open sesame’, which is a hands-free automatic tailgate that opens and closes by sweeping a foot under the rear bumper making loading easy with the Kuga key fob in hand.

Safety Features

A wide range of safety technology will be optionally available and these include Active Park Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Information System, Lane Keeping Aid and Active City Stop.

Full details regarding the new Ford Kuga line-up, specifications and features will be made available closer to the Kuga’s launch in 2013.

Suzuki Swift Special Edition in South Africa

Suzuki Auto South Africa has added a Special Edition model to its line-up of Swift compact hatchbacks. The new Suzuki Swift Special Edition (SE) offers a range of exterior and interior features seen on the flagship Swift Sport. The Swift SE, according to Suzuki, will boost the popularity of the latest-generation Swift which has sold over 6 000 units since its South African launch in April 2011.

??Suzuki Swift Special Edition (SE) – Features

Engine Capability

The Suzuki Swift Special Edition is powered by a 1.4-litre, four-cylinder engine that produces 70kW at 6 000rpm with a maximum torque figure of 130Nm at 4 000rpm. Fuel consumption is rated at 5/5-litres/100km with a corresponding CO2 emissions figure of 132g/km. The Swift SE is offered with a choice of a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission.

The manual variant accelerates to 100km/h in 10.9 seconds while the automatic takes 12.3 seconds. The top speed for the manual is 170km/h while the automatic reaches 165km/h.

Exterior and Interior Styling??

The Suzuki Swift Special Edition features a roof spoiler and cylinder-type rear tail light clusters as seen on the Swift Sport. The Swift SE is also fitted with exclusive 16-inch alloy wheels as well as silver-hued door handles and front fog lights which are integrated into the front bumper.

The interior benefits from an integrated CD receiver with MP3 playback capability and USB connection for mobile storage devices. The steering wheel is thick-rimmed and trimmed in leather with silver stitching and features satellite controls for the audio system. The Suzuki Swift Special Edition also features sculpted sport seats in silver fabric while the instrument panel is finished with chrome trim.

Suzuki Swift Special Edition (SE) – Price

Suzuki Swift 1.4 SE Manual R169 900
Suzuki Swift 1.4 SE Automatic R184 900

Prices include a standard 3-year/100 000 km warranty and a 4-year/60 000 km service plan.

Top 5 Selling New Cars in South Africa for October 2012

The month of October 2012 reflected moderate growth in the new passenger car market with a total of 41 636 units sold in South Africa. The new passenger car market increased by 5.4% compared to September 2012. In terms of new passenger car sales, Volkswagen came out on top in October 2012 with a sales figure 9 426 units, closely followed by Toyota with 8013 units sold.

The Top 5 Selling new Cars in South Africa – October 2012



1 – Volkswagen Polo Vivo – 3 341 units


The VW Polo Vivo is the best-selling passenger car in South Africa for the fourth consecutive month. In September 2012, the Polo Vivo sold 3 386 units. The Polo Vivo is an attractive option for entry-level car buyers and is available either as a hatchback or sedan with engine options including the 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre petrol engines offering between 55kW and 77kW. Various trim levels and options are available. Depending on the model, prices range from R108 300 for the 1.4-litre 2-door hatchback and R154 700 for the 1.6 Trendline sedan.


2 – Volkswagen Polo – 2 883 units

The VW Polo experienced yet another successful month having sold 500 units more compared to September 2012 and has sold consistently well throughout 2012. Available as either a hatchback or sedan, the Polo offers a wide range of engine options and trim levels with prices starting from R157 000 for the 1.4-litre Trendline to the top of the range Polo GTI priced at R274 900.

3 – Toyota Etios – 2 625 units



The Toyota Etios has done remarkably well in South Africa since its launch in May 2012. The Etios performed exceedingly well in October 2012, selling an additional 889 units compared to September’s 1 736 units. The Etios is proving to be a popular entry-level passenger car and is available as either a hatchback or sedan in two trim levels namely, Xi and Xs. Pricing for the Etios hatchback starts at R115 800 for the 1.5-litre Xi and R120 900 for the 1.5-litre Xs. The 1.5-litre Xi sedan sells for R121 800 while the 1.5-litre Xs sedan is priced at R126 600.

4 – Toyota Hilux – 2 283 units



The Toyota Hilux remains a popular choice for South Africans in the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segment and has sold consistently well throughout 2012. However, in October 2012 the Hilux sold 530 units less compared to September 2012.
The Toyota Hilux is available in three body styles namely Single Cab, Xtra Cab and Double Cab. A wide variety of engine options are available and prices range from R182 800 to R466 300, depending on the model. 



5 – Chevrolet Utility – 1 763 units



The Chevrolet Utility is a well-rounded small pick-up that has experienced notable success in the South African Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) market. In October 2012 the Chevrolet Utility sold 347 units more compared to September 2012. The Chevrolet Utility is available in three well equipped models with engine options including a 1.4-litre and a 1.8-litre petrol engine as well as a 1.3-litre diesel engine. Prices range from R119 900 for the Utility Base model to R147 700 for the Utility Club and R166 500 for the higher spec Utility Sport model. 



Click here to view South African New Car Sales – October 2012

Custom Ford GT sets 456kmh Guinness World Record

Performance Power Racing, based in West Palm Beach, USA, has re-set the Guinness World Record for the fastest Standing Mile for a road legal street car, in this case a custom Ford GT, by reaching a speed of 455.82km/h at NASA’s Shuttle Landing Facility Runway.

Breakthrough materials used for custom Ford GT

The custom BADD Ford GT produces 1 267kW and incorporates Pandalloy which is a high strength, high temperature tolerant Aerospace Aluminium Alloy that effectively reduces emissions, fuel consumption and the vehicle’s carbon footprint. ?Parts were specifically designed and manufactured out of Pandalloy Aluminium Alloys for the record-breaking custom Ford GT.

“Automotive Racing is the perfect channel to introduce some of the new technologies we are working on in to the mainstream market. The Pandalloy™ Aluminum Alloys Project through Performance Power Materials, Inc is very exciting. The multiple series of Aluminums are vastly outperforming what is on the market today and we are excited to see how far we can push the limits of performance, and more importantly efficiency to have a positive impact worldwide. We break records to prove that these systems and designs really do function and can be implemented on vehicles of all types.” said Johnny Bohmer, owner of Performance Power Racing. Bohmer and Lead Design Tech, Matt Lundy piloted the custom Ford GT to break the record.

“Our entire team has worked very hard to get here and we are proud to be able to put an American car in the record books as the fastest street car in the world. By NASA allowing us access to a one of a kind facility, we are given the opportunity to explore these technologies and share their benefits. An immense amount of research and development went in to this 3-year project and we are just scratching the surface of where these systems can be utilized outside of the racing arena.”

2013 Nissan GT-R gets performance enhancing updates

Nissan will be applying performance enhancing updates to its 2013 Nissan GT-R that will, according to Nissan, feature ‘improved response, better stability and sharper handling’. The suspension system has also been upgraded to improve ride quality and handling.

2013 Nissan GT-R better than ever before

?Engine

The 405kW twin turbo 3.8-litre V6 will feature new high-output injectors to concisely control fuel injection to improve mid-range and high-rpm response. The engine will also feature a new relief valve for the turbocharger bypass which will help sustain engine response as well as a new oil pan baffle which will help maintain a more stable oil pressure and reduce rotational friction during high-performance driving.

Chassis?

The suspension system has been updated with revised dampers, springs and a front anti-roll bar to lower the GT-R’s centre of gravity. New cam bolts have been installed on the front suspension to improve camber accuracy and stability when cornering. The torque carrying capacity of the driveshafts to the hub bearings has also been increased to enhance reliability, particularly under race track conditions.

Body??

The rigidity of the Nissan GT-R has been increased with reinforcements added to the dash panel and instrument panel member. The increased body rigidity also enhances suspension control.

Nissan will reveal exact performance details before the 2013 Nissan GT-R goes on sale in the UK early in 2013. The updated 2013 Nissan GT-R can be expected in South Africa after its UK launch.

Ford Focus range gets new Models, Tech

The Ford Focus range has expanded to a total of 12 models with the addition of four new models to complete the range. The Ford SYNC software platform is now also available for the Trend and Sport derivatives and a capless refuelling system is available across the range.

Ford Focus offers more choice for customers

?Engine Options??

The Ford Focus range offers a choice of both petrol and diesel engines. The 1.6-litre Duratec Ti-VCT petrol unit produces a maximum power output of 92kW at 6 000rpm with a maximum torque figure of 159Nm at 4 000rpm. Fuel consumption for this unit is rated at 6.2-litres/100km with a corresponding CO2 emissions figure of 145g/km.

The 2.0-litre GDi petrol engine produces 125kW and 200Nm of torque with a fuel consumption figure of 6.6-litres/100km and a CO2 emissions figure of 154g/km. The 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine produces 120kW and 340Nm of torque. Fuel consumption for this unit is rated at 5.1-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 134g/km. All engine options can be mated to Ford’s PowerShift transmission.

New Models and Standard Features??

Joining the Ford Focus range is the 2.0-litre TDCi Trend hatchback with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed PowerShift automatic transmission, the 1.6 Ti-VCT Ambiente sedan with a 6-speed PowerShift automatic transmission and the 2.0 GDi Trend with a 5-speed manual transmission.

Ambiente is the entry-level trim option and standard features include manual air conditioning, front power windows with driver one touch up/down functionality, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Hill Launch Assist, Torque Vectoring Control and dual front airbags. Ambiente models will now also feature body colour door handles and mirrors, while the PowerShift transmission system is now available in Ambiente guise.

The Trend trim level, which features curtain airbags, front and rear power windows with driver one touch up/down functionality, will now offer Ford’s SYNC In-Car Entertainment system. Customers can also opt for the Trend Option Pack which includes rain sensing wipers, auto headlamps, follow-me-home lighting, and an automatic dimming rearview mirror. The Trend Option Pack has been further enhanced with the addition of a styling pack including a sporty spoiler, 17- inch alloy wheels and a full leather interior.

The Sport trim level features sport suspension, partial leather sports seats, keyless entry with Power Start button, dual zone air conditioning, auto dimming rearview mirror, automatic headlamp feature, follow-me-home lighting, rain sensing wipers, global close on front windows as standard and front and rear 12V power points. Ford’s SYNC system is now available on the sport range as well as a sporty styling pack which includes body colour side skirts, front and rear bumper extensions an a ST-inspired spoiler.

Ford SYNC In-Car Entertainment System??

Ford SYNC is a software platform that offers hands-free, voice-activated in-car connectivity. Customers can connect a mobile phone or digital media player via Bluetooth or USB and the system recognises up to 150 voice commands and allows the driver to make voice activated phone calls and adjustments to the audio controls mounted on the steering wheel.

SYNC also retrieves text messages and reads them out aloud while the driver can reply using voice activation and 15 pre-determined responses. “SYNC has enjoyed a huge uptake globally with more than three million Ford Motor Company vehicles running the system. It’s smart yet simple technology that ensures a safer driving experience for Focus customers,” says Gavin Golightly, Ford Marketing Manager.

2013 VW Amarok gets Power Boost

The Volkswagen Amarok will receive a number of updates for the 2013 model year. The VW Amarok will benefit from a more powerful BiTDI engine, increased towing capacity, an 8-speed automatic transmission and the introduction of BlueMotion Technology models and new features.

2013 VW Amarok gets more powerful engine

The 2013 VW Amarok will see its 120kW BiTDI engine replaced with a more powerful 132kW BiTDI engine. This engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission in Startline, Trendline and Highline trim levels with selectable 4MOTION all-wheel drive.

The VW Amarok with BlueMotion Technology, which includes low rolling resistance tyres, Stop/Start and regenerative braking, will be 10% more powerful than the previous model and 3.9% more economical with a combined fuel consumption figure of 7.6-litres/100km. CO2 emissions are rated at 199g/km, 10g/km less than before. The 8-speed automatic transmission is available only for the Amarok Highline with BlueMotion Technology and torque for this model is rated at 420Nm at 1 750rpm.

New Features

New features for the 2013 VW Amarok include Bluetooth, front and rear parking sensors, heated washer jets, tachograph preparation, cornering fog lights and 19-inch alloy wheels. Towing limits have also been increased from 2 800kg to 3 000kg for the manual models and the 8-speed automatic variant now has a towing capacity of 3 200kg.

The updates are currently being rolled out in Europe and South Africans can expect the updated Amarok in 2013.

BMW 1 Series achieves 2.3 litres per 100km

The 2012 RAC Future Car Challenge took place in the UK on 3 November 2012 to showcase low energy use vehicles including electric, hybrid, hydrogen, petrol and diesel vehicles which travelled a 102km route from Brighton to London.

BMW 1-Series impresses with low fuel consumption

The five-door BMW 1 Series 116d Efficient Dynamics hatchback won the Best Internal Combustion Engine class by achieving 2.3-litres/100km, with a 39% improvement on the official 3.1-litres/100km. The route included uphill sections and busy London traffic and the BMW 116d was driven by Green-Car-Guide.com editor Paul Clarke and Oaktec engineering specialist Paul Andrews who between them have won nine eco-driving events and 24 class wins in special stage rallies.

The Green-Car-Guide team also drove the BMW 1 series 116d Efficiency Dynamics over 800km from north-western England to the southern coast returning an impressive fuel consumption figure of 2.6-litres/100km.

Paul Clarke said, “It is an incredible achievement for a BMW to achieve over 100mpg on a busy Saturday morning drive from Brighton into central London. Hybrids and electric cars certainly have an important future, but it shows that people shouldn’t write off the internal combustion engine yet, as its efficiency is improving all the time.”

The BMW 116d Efficient Dynamics accelerates to 100km/h in 10.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 195km/h. CO2 emissions is rated at 99g/km. The BMW 116d Efficient Dynamics was the only premium brand vehicle in its class.