Mahindra XUV500 gets Micro-Hybrid Technology

Mahindra has announced that its XUV500 SUV will now be fitted with fuel-saving ‘micro-hybrid’ technology as standard. The Mahindra XUV500 will also receive a black interior compared to the previous beige colour as per customer feedback.

Mahindra XUV500 – Features

Engine Capability

The Mahindra XUV500 is fitted with a 2.2-litre common rail diesel engine with a Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT). This unit produces 103kW at 3 750rpm with a maximum torque figure of 330Nm and is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.

Micro-Hybrid Technology??

The new fuel-saving system, which saves fuel and cuts emissions, automatically activates a stop-start operation when the vehicle is standing still and when the gearbox is in neutral. The engine stops after 2.5 seconds and restarts when the clutch pedal is engaged. A button on the dashboard disengages the system when required.

“The introduction of the seven-seater XUV500 to the range of vehicles marketed by Mahindra SA provided a positive boost for the company’s overall brand image last year, as well as increased the company’s monthly retail sales significantly, according to the CEO of Mahindra SA, Ashok Thakur. “Prior to the launch of this striking new model at the end of September and its display at the Johannesburg Motor Show in October, our range was largely populated by vehicles that were aimed more at utility, durability and reliability. The XUV500, with its stylish, feature-packed looks has helped redefine this image to a large extent,” said Thakur.

Mahindra XUV500 – Price

Mahindra XUV500 DE W6 4×2 MT R249 900
Mahindra XUV500 DE W8 4×2 MT R279 900
Mahindra XUV500 DE W AWD MT R299 900

South African new car sales for October 2012

South African new car sales for October 2012 has reflected another ‘encouraging performance’ according to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA). NAAMSA also stated that disruptions at various industrial manufacturing plants caused by transport sector strikes in October have affected vehicle production and exports.

South African Vehicle Sales Summary for October 2012

  • Total October sales – 57 845 units (September 2012 – 55 097 units)
  • October sales up by 10.5% or 5 519 units compared to October 2011
  • Year-To-Date sales 10.1% ahead compared to 2011
  • October export sales down by 3.3% or 859 units.
  • New car sales up 13% compared to October 2011 to 41 621 units
  • New car sales Year-To –Date 11.7% ahead compared to 2011
  • Car rental industry accounted for 18.4% of new car sales

Despite weak momentum in the overall economy, the South African car market performed well in the month of October 2012. Numerous factors would continue to support domestic sales and these include historically low interest rates, replacement demand, competitive trading environment, attractive incentives and variety of choice and new model introductions. The South African automotive industry remains on track to achieve growth of 10% for 2012. NAAMSA also stated that rising inflationary pressures and the rand weakness on modest vehicle price increases may impact the market negatively in the remainder of 2012 and into 2013.

Top selling vehicles – October 2012

Model Units Sold Sales compared to September Position change
1. VW Polo Vivo 3 341 -45 Same
2. VW Polo 2 883 +500 ↑1
3. Toyota Etios 2 625 +889 ↑1
4. Toyota Hilux 2 283 -530 ↓2
5. Chevrolet Utility 1 763 +347 ↑2

Most popular car brands – October 2012

Car Brand Volume Market Share %
1. Toyota 12 139 21
2. Volkswagen Group SA 10 125 17.5
3. General Motors SA 6 716 11.6
4. Nissan 4 641 8
5. Ford Motor Company 4 474 7.7

For the full release from Naamsa click here

2014 Subaru Forester to Debut at LA Auto Show

Details of the 2014 Subaru Forester crossover SUV have been revealed and it will make its international debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show which will take place from 30 November to 9 December 2012. The fourth generation Forester features a bolder profile as well as a more spacious interior compared to its predecessors.

2014 Subaru Forester – Specifications and Features

Engine Capability

The 2014 Subaru Forester will be offered with a choice of two engines. A 2.0-litre, 4 –cylinder engine with direct injection, turbocharging and intercooler will offer 186kW and 349Nm of torque and will be mated to either a 6-speed CVT or 8-speed manual transmission. The 2.5-litre normally aspirated engine will produce 126kW with a maximum torque figure of 235Nm and will be mated to either a 6-speed manual or Lineartronic CVT transmission.

New Features

The new five-seater Forester features a new suspension system to provide car-like handling and improved ride quality. The 2014 Subaru Forester has a ground clearance of 221mm inches making it suitable for ‘off-pavement’ driving capability.

On the inside, the Forester will offer a roomy interior with increased rear seat legroom and a larger cargo area. Other features will include smartphone integration, navigation, rear view camera and a Harman Kardon audio system with amplifier and speakers.

Reports indicate that the new 2014 Subaru Forester can be expected in South Africa in the second quarter of 2013.

New Audi A3 coming to South Africa

Audi South Africa has published details of its new Audi A3 which is due to launch in South Africa in November 2012. Seven models will complete the new Audi A3 range and these include the 1.2T FSI manual, 1.4 TSI manual, 1.4 TSI S Tronic, 1.6 TDI S tronic, 1.8T FSI manual, 1.8T FSI S tronic and the 1.8T FSI quattro S tronic.

New Audi A3 ready to rock SA

??Engine Capability

Power varies from 77kW in the 1.2T FSI manual variant to 132kW in the top-end 1.8T FSI quattro with S tronic transmission. The 1.8T quattro with S tronic has a maximum torque figure of 280Nm and will accelerate to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 228km/h. Combined fuel consumption for this model is rated at 6.6-litres/100km with a corresponding CO2 emissions figure of 131g/km.

The 1.8T FSI with a 6-speed manual transmission produces 132kW and 250Nm of torque. Combined fuel consumption is 5.8-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 113g/km. 100km/h is achieved in 7.1 seconds with a top speed of 232km/h.

The 1.6 TDI with S tronic transmission delivers 77kW with a maximum torque figure of 250Nm. Acceleration to 100km/h will take 10.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 195km/h. Combined fuel consumption is rated at 3.9-litres/100km with a corresponding CO2 emissions figure of 89g/km.

The 1.4T TSI with a 6-speed manual transmission produces 90kW and 200Nm of torque and consumes 5.2-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 102g/km. 100km/h is achieved in 9.3 seconds while reaching a top speed of 203km/h.

Details for the 1.2T FSI manual, 1.4 TSI S tronic and the 1.8T FSI S tronic are yet to be made available.

Exterior Styling Features

The exterior design of the new Audi A3 is slim and masculine with a tornado line below the side windows and above the side sills. The new A3 also features a flatter coupe-like roofline to emphasise its sporty demeanour. The front-end features narrow headlights which are optionally available as xenon plus headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) with a choice of adaptive lights with variable headlight range.

The side mirrors are attached to the doors rather than to the body, further enhancing the sportiness of the new A3. The rear-end features slim divided rear lights available with LED technology in combination with xenon plus. The rear-end also includes an integrated roof edge spoiler.

Interior Styling Features

The interior features a horizontal instrument panel and 3D inlays that embrace the driver. The air vents are in jet design and can be adjusted according to preference. Optional deluxe automatic air conditioning and leather sports seats are available as an option. A key interior feature is the optional MMI Navigation Plus with MMI touch which incorporates a touch-sensitive control panel and rotary/push –button for easy control and information is presented on a 7-inch colour display. A large panoramic sunroof is also available as an option as well as the 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system with LED lighting.

??Audi A3 – Price

Audi A3 1.2T FSI manual (S) R267 000
Audi A3 1.4 TSI manual (S) R274 500
Audi A3 1.4 TSI S Tronic (S) R291 500
Audi A3 1.6 TDI S tronic (S) R302 500
Audi A3 1.8T FSI manual (SE) R305 000
Audi A3 1.8T FSI S tronic (SE) R322 000
Audi A3 1.8T FSI quattro S tronic (SE) R351 500

New Renault Fluence Revealed

The new Renault Fluence sedan has been revealed at the Istanbul Motor Show today. The new Fluence features improved styling bringing it in line with Renault’s latest design cues as well as a range of in-car technologies and a new 1.6-litre engine.

New Renault Fluence packed with features

??Engine Capability

The new Renault Fluence is powered by a new 1.6-litre, 16-valve petrol engine that now produces 86kW compared to the previous 81kW. This engine is mated to the new X-Tronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) automatic transmission. Fuel consumption has improved to 6.4-litres/100km, an improvement of 1.3-litres compared to its predecessor. The Fluence also has a reduced CO2 emissions figure of 149g/km, an improvement of 15%.

Depending on the market, the Fluence will also feature a new 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine that produces 97kW. This diesel variant consumes only 4.6-litres/100km with a corresponding CO2 emissions figure of 119g/km.

??Styling Upgrades

The new Renault Fluence features a revised front-end which now incorporates a vertically set logo against a black strip with chrome beading. LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) with chrome and gloss black inserts add to the dynamic appeal of the Fluence.

On the inside, digital instrumentation is now available for all models and the Fluence benefits from the use of new upholsteries. The Fluence is also equipped with the Renault R-Link multimedia system that incorporates a touch screen display with voice commands. The Renault R-Link system features navigation and telephony functions and can be connected to portable music devices. Access to the R-Link Store catalogue for downloadable automotive applications will be made available soon after launch. ?All Renault Fluence models are equipped with Bluetooth radios with USB and jack sockets.

The new Renault Fluence will go on sale in Turkey in January 2013 before it’s launched in 55 other countries throughout 2013. The new Fluence can be expected in South Africa in the first half of 2013.

The Durban Motor Show

The city of Durban will light up this weekend when the Durban Motor Show rolls into town from 2-4 November 2012 at the Durban Exhibition Centre. The Durban Motor Show will have entertainment for the whole family with a wide range of exciting activities and exhibits. Exhibitors at the 2012 Durban Motor Show will include car brands such as Aston Martin, Rolls-Royce, McLaren, BMW, Chevrolet, Toyota, Volkswagen, Mazda, Ford and GWM.

2012 Durban Motor Show

Activities

Activities for the 2012 Durban Motor Show will include:

  • Chevrolet Trailblazer – Chevrolet will be giving visitors a sneak preview of the all-new Trailblazer before its official public reveal next week.
  • Totoya Urban Trax – Toyota will be hosting their Urban Trax demonstration which will showcase the capabilities of Toyota vehicles.
  • Aucor Live Supercar Auction – Aucor, Africa’s auction authority will be hosting a live supercar auction on Saturday.
  • Lightstone – Lightstone will be launching a smart phone scanner which allows users to access the history of a vehicle by scanning the license disc barcode.
  • Through the Ages – The Durban Early Car Club and the Veteran Car Club, the founders of the Durban Motor Show, will display cars of the past including a 1901 Clement Panhard which was brought in from Johannesburg especially for the show.
  • KZN Car Clubs Display – KZN’s top car clubs such as the Ferrari Club, IBV, Cobra GT40 and East Coast Cruisers will be displaying unique vehicles.
  • SupaDrift Series – The new Outdoor Arena will host the first national SupaDrift Series endorsed by Motorsport SA and is the first time a race of this nature has taken place in a city CBD in South Africa. The SupaDrift Series will see 16 of South Africa’s top drivers drifting to win.
  • Suicide Ride – The Outdoor Arena will also host the Suicide Ride where visitors can experience the thrill of drifting.
  • Skate My Ride – A modified VW Beetle will host a skateboarding competition.
  • Spur Outdoor Experience – Spur will host a free outdoor experience for children. Activities will include a jumping castle and Playstation islands.
  • Epic Go-Karting – Visitors can test their driving skills on a go-kart track with fast sweeping corners and technical tight turns.

Show Details



Durban Exhibition Centre

Friday 2nd November 10:00 – 21:00
Saturday 3rd November 10:00 – 21:00
Sunday 4th November 10:00 – 18:00



Price: R80 for adults, R50 for pensioners and children under the age of 12 enter for free.

Ticket can be purchased online at www.webtickets.co.za

New MINI Countryman gets Summer Refresh

The new MINI Countryman has received upgrades that will be rolled out across all Countryman models from November 2012. The upgrades include new interior elements, new interior and exterior colours as well as the ALL4 all-wheel drive system which is now optionally available for the MINI Cooper S Countryman.

New MINI Countryman – Specifications and Features

Engine Capability??

Customers have the choice of four Countryman models in South Africa and these include the MINI Cooper Countryman, the MINI Cooper S Countryman, the MINI Cooper S ALL4 Countryman and the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman.

The new MINI Cooper Countryman produces 90kW and 160Nm of torque with a combined fuel consumption figure of 6.5-litres/100km. The MINI Cooper S Countryman and the Cooper S ALL4 Countryman deliver 135kW and 240Nm of torque with combined fuel consumption figures of 6.6 and 8.1-litres/100km respectively. The Cooper S Countryman is now also available with ALL4 all-wheel drive. The top of the range John Cooper Works Countryman produces 160kW and 280Nm of torque with a combined fuel consumption figure of 8.0-litres/100km.

All models can be ordered with a 6-speed automatic transmission, which is standard on the Cooper S ALL4 Countrymen, as an alternative to the standard 6-speed manual transmission. The manual version of the MINI Cooper Countryman will also meet the stipulations of the EU6 exhaust emissions standard which comes into effect in 2014.

Styling Upgrades

Styling upgrades for the new MINI Countryman includes newly designed rings for the ‘Centre Speedo’ and four air vents which are now finished in Carbon Black with an inner ring in high-gloss black or chrome as part of the Chrome Line interior option. The new MINI Countryman also benefits from newly designed door inserts with re-modelled door armrests for maximum comfort. A control panel is now integrated into the driver’s armrest and has switches to control the windows, rear window deactivation and adjustment of the exterior mirrors.

In addition to changes of the interior colours, trim elements and Colour Lines, the new MINI Countryman will also come with a choice of two new exterior finishes and these include Brilliant Copper metallic and Blazing Red metallic.

New Cars that were released in October 2012

The month of October 2012 has seen a number of exciting new car releases in South Africa, particularly in the hatchback and Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) segments. The new car releases for the month of October are as follows.

The Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback

 from R212 400

In addition to its revised five-model Cruze sedan range, Chevrolet has included a Cruze hatchback offering for 2013. The Cruze hatchback is offered with a choice of two engines including a 1.6-litre engine that produces 91kW and 155Nm of torque and a 1.8-litre engine that delivers 104kW and 176Nm of torque.



The New Peugeot 208 Range from R154 900


Peugeot launched its new 208 hatchback range in South Africa with three attractive models on offer. Engines range from a 60kW/118Nm 1.2-litre engine to the 88kW/160Nm 1.6-litre engine.

The New Volkswagen Beetle

 from R235 400

The new Beetle, based on the iconic Beetle that sold over 21.5 million units worldwide since 1938, is now available in South Africa. A choice of two TSI engines is on offer including a 77kW/175Nm 1.2-litre TSI engine and an 118kW/240Nm 1.4-litre TSI engine.

The New BMW 7-Series from R975 500

The updated BMW 7-Series is now available in South Africa with a choice of both petrol and diesel variants as well as the second-generation ActiveHybrid 7.



The New Tata MANZA from R119 995


The new Tata MANZA sedan is available in South Africa and is fitted with a 66kW 1.4-litre Safire petrol engine. The Indigo MANZA is available in two trim options namely INI and IGNIS.


Chevrolet Trailblazer from R364 000


The new Trailblazer was launched in South Africa this month and expands on Chevrolet’s SUV offering alongside the Captiva. The Trailblazer is offered with the choice of two diesel engines and a petrol engine.

The New BMW X1 from R342 400


BMW has launched the revised X1 in South Africa with a choice of seven variants, three petrol engines and two diesel engines ranging from 110kW to 180kW.

Mitsubishi Outlander GLX from R349 900


Mitsubishi has added the competitively priced GLX version of the Outlander GLS SUV into its local offering in South Africa. The GLX Outlander is powered by a 2.4-litre petrol engine that produces 125kW and 226Nm of torque.



Infiniti EX from R595 000

The EX compact SUV is Infiniti’s latest model to be launched in South Africa and is offered with a choice of two engines including a 175kW/550Nm 3.0-litre V6 and a 235kW/360Nm 3.7-litre V6.

Mitsubishi Triton Single Cab from R179 000

Mitsubishi has launched its single cab Triton in South Africa with a choice of three new models. A 2.4-litre petrol engine is available for two models and produces 87kW and 205Nm of torque. The diesel model is fitted with a 2.5-litre turbo diesel engine that produces 100kW and 314Nm of torque. All models feature a 5-speed manual transmission. The petrol derivatives are available in two trim levels namely the GL and GLX while the diesel option is only available in GLX trim.

New Honda Brio coming to South Africa

The new Honda Brio hatchback will be launching in South Africa in December 2013. The Brio is Honda’s first entry into the highly competitive entry-level car market in South Africa and will offer budget-conscious buyers affordability, style and value for money.

New Honda Brio to offer value for money

The new Honda Brio will be fitted with a 1.2-litre i-VTEC engine that produces 65kW and 109Nm of torque and comes with electronically controilled Variable Valve Timing (VVT). A choice of manual and automatic gearboxes will be available. According to Honda, the Brio employs the latest generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering which delivers a robust structure to enhance safety.

Yoshiaki Nakamura, managing director of Honda Motor Southern Africa said, “We are extremely excited to be able to offer the new Honda Brio to our South African and Southern African customers. The Brio is poised to become a trend-setter in the entry-level segment, and will allow Honda to introduce the Honda motoring experience to a wider audience for the first time. The Brio’s combination of styling, affordability, quality – and, above all, motoring fun – will offer young first-time buyers an attractive budget motoring option.”

Further details regarding pricing and specifications for the new Honda Brio will be made available closer to its launch in December 2012.

New Audi A4 Allroad Quattro to launch in South Africa

Audi South Africa has announced that the new Audi A4 allroad quattro will join the A4 family in February 2013. The allroad was first introduced in South Africa in 2001 as the A6 allroad and the A4 allroad Quattro recently won America’s Active Lifestyle Vehicle of the Year Award in the Luxury On-Road category.

New Audi A4 Allroad Quattro perfect for any adventure

?Engine Capability

The South African engine line-up will include two engine options including a 130kW/380Nm 2.0-litre TDI engine and a 155kW/350Nm 2.0-litre T FSI engine. Both options are offered with an S tronic transmission, permanent all-wheel drive and Electronic Stability Program (ESP). The 2.0-litre TDI has a fuel consumption figure of 6.0-litres/100km while the 2.0litre T FSI variant consumes 7.3-litres/100km. Automatic Stop-Start and recuperation is standard on both models.

Styling Features

The new Audi A4 allroad quattro features a raised ride height with a ground clearance of 180mm and additional stainless steel under-body protection making it suitable for off-road driving conditions. The front-end features a single-frame grille with vertical chrome bars and redesigned headlights. Luggage space ranges from 490-litres to 1 430-litres and a load-securing set and electromechanical rear tailgate is available as an option. The new Audi A4 Allroad Quattro is also equipped with Off-Road Detection (ORD) which detects the condition of the road and adjusts the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) to suit the road conditions.

Standard Features

Standard features for thenew Audi A4 Allroad Quattro will include 17-inch seven-arm design alloy wheels, quattro all-wheel drive system, raised rough road suspension, headlight washers, driver information system in colour, cruise control, auto dimming interior mirror, rain and light sensor and Bluetooth. The aluminium package is also standard and includes roof rails, window trim surround, and additional stone covers.

The new Audi A4 Allroad Quattro is available to order now but pricing will only be made available closer to launch in February 2013.