BMW i3 and i8 electric vehicles revealed

BMW has unveiled the exciting new i3 and i8 concept cars which are aimed at sustainability and zero-emissions. These vehicles will be the first electrically powered cars from the BMW i sub-brand, with the launch of the i3 coming in 2013 and the i8 in 2014.

BMW i3 and i8 display impressive electric capability

The i3 concept has a range of 150km and is intended for use in an urban environment. It comes with a 125 kW electric motor, rear-wheel drive and impressive handling. Weight was a kept to a minimum in this vehicle thanks to the LifeDrive architecture, allowing the vehicle to weigh in at just 1 250kg. It also comes with 4 seats and 200 litre luggage compartment. The BMW i3 is able to complete 0-100km/h in less than 8 seconds and can reach 80% charge (off a high speed charger) in just one hour.

The BMW i8 comes with a 260 kW engine which allows it to complete 0-100km/h in just 5 seconds with a top speed of 250km/h. It boasts a fuel economy of less than 3 litres/100km, a figure other sports cars would love to emulate. The i8 comes with a plug-in hybrid drive and has a range of 35km in electric mode, with a 3-cylinder petrol engine taking over for more dynamic driving.

The BMW i3 and i8 will be built in Germanys Leipzig plant. Look for more information on these vehicles closer to their release date.

Mercedes-Benz Viano Vision Pearl to break cover

The Mercedes-Benz Viano Vision Pearl has been dubbed as a Yacht on 4 wheels as it took a design cue from modern yachts, where the theme is of travel as the experience. The Viano Vision Pearl is set to make its debut at the 2011 International Motor Show in September and aims to increase what is possible in the van segment.

Mercedes-Benz Viano Vision Pearl offers luxury at its best

Luxury while traveling is a key focus point of this vehicle and there is onboard W-LAN connectivity, enabling passengers to connect to the internet on the road. The exterior paint colour for the Viano Vision Pearl is magno pearl grey and marks the first time that this paint option has been used on a van. The interior is decked out in a choice of white or grey leather, the floor is wood and there is brushed aluminum trim and the windows are chromatically tinted.

The sound system in the vehicle is a Bang & Olufsen, delivering high quality audio with very little sound escaping, as the loudspeakers each have their own housing. The output of the sound system is a huge 1320 watts, with 18 integrated hand-built loudspeakers.

Look for more information on the Mercedes-Benz Viano Vision Pearl when it becomes available.

New Nissan Qashqai N-Tec Special Edition unleashed

Riding on the success of the Qashqai, Nissan now bring us the N-Tec special edition, which is set to shake things up in the crossover segment. The new Nissan Qashqai N-Tec special edition has improved on the styling and is now available from Nissan South Africa.

New Nissan Qashqai N-Tec Special Edition is packed with new features

The first option is a 1.6 litre petrol model which comes with new roof rails and black 18 inch alloy wheels. The interior is decked out in high quality leather upholstery, with a glass roof optional. The 1.6 litre 4-cylinder petrol engine produces 81 kW of power at 6000rpm and 154 Nm of torque at 4400rpm. The gearbox is a 5-speed manual and the combined-cycle fuel consumption of the vehicle sits at 7.1 litres/100km.

The second model option comes with a 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder engine that produces 102 kW of power at 5200rpm and 198 Nm of torque at 4400rpm. This increase in performance though results in a combined-cycle fuel economy of 8.1 litres/100km. Using the latest ECU has improved the delivery of torque in the vehicle and that combined with improving the aerodynamics of the vehicle has resulted in low fuel consumption as well as low CO2 emissions.

Interior Features

Inside the new Nissan Qashqai, the main display has been upgraded with increased clarity. The drive-computer has also been upgraded and redesigned and is positioned between the 2 dials. The drive computer displays average and instantaneous fuel consumption, mileage, time, cruise control and speed limiter settings. The interior noise levels have been reduced in the Qashqai N-Tec thanks to a multi-layer insulation material used in the vehicles construction. Wind-noise has also been reduced thanks to revised window seals and the implementation of acoustic glass.

New Nissan Qashqai N-Tec Special Edition – Price

Nissan Qashqai 1.6 Acenta n-tec R259 900
Nissan Qashqai 2.0 Acenta n-tec w/o Glass Roof R293 900
Nissan Qashqai 2.0 Acenta n-ted with Glass Roof R299 900

Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series breaks cover

The Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series has been described as the the most powerful C-Class ever made. Mercedes-Benz have designed the car with performance in mind and based the looks on the SLS AMG GT3. The first of the Black Series models debuted in 2006 and Mercedes-Benz are looking to continue this tradition of seriously powerful sports cars with the latest in the line up.

Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series bring power and style to the road

Powering this machine is a 6.3 litre 8-cylinder V8 engine that produces 380 kW (517 hp) at 6800 rpm and 620 Nm of torque at 500rpm. The engine was specifically developed for the 2-door model which lends many of its features from the SLS AMG and allows it to complete 0-100km/h in just 4.2 seconds. The transmission is an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sport and comes with 4 modes. In Sport Plus mode as well as Manual mode, the gear changes take only 100 milliseconds.

The Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series comes with an AMG sports suspension which has been designed as a coil-over suspension. This suspension comes with a number of setting options which allows the driver to customize their own personal set-up. The track width of the axles has been widened by 40mm at the front and 79mm at the rear. The torsion-bar stabilizers have been modified and have resulted in impressive driving dynamics, high grip and low roll angle. The ESP is 3-stage and offers the driver varying control options. The driver can choose between: ESP ON, Sport Handling Mode and ESP OFF. Adding to this, the anti-lock braking system has been retuned, along with the high performance braking system. The braking system is now larger and the discs feature compound technology in the front axle with integral discs in the rear axle.

Look for more information on the Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series as it becomes available.

New Chevrolet Orlando MPV in South Africa

The MPV segment in South Africa just got a new entry with the introduction of the new Chevrolet Orlando. Chev have designed the Orlando with a bit of a twist, aiming to be a MPV at heart but Crossover vehicle in style. With Chevrolet recently hitting a global sales record, it seems they are not slowing down at all and are looking to compete in as many vehicle classes as possible.

Likable styling for new Chevrolet Orlando

Styling-wise, the new Chevrolet Orlando keeps with the Chev style split radiator grille and bow-tie badge. It has a low roof-line with a crossover inspired silhouette and prominent wheel arches. Inside the Orlando lends from other Chev cars, with its dual cockpit layout being taken from the Corvette. The 3 rows of seats are theatre-style, which maximizes the interior space for up to 7 passengers and a large load carrying area. These theatre-style seats in the 2nd and 3rd rows can be raised and lowered to provide the passengers will improved views out of the vehicle.

As well as having the raising capability in the 2nd and 3rd row of seats, they can also be folded down independently to create a flat load area and further improve the load space of the vehicle. With these seats folded down the capacity of the Orlando is 1 499 litres, making it one of the best in the monocab MPV segment.

At launch the new Chevrolet Orlando comes with a 1.8 litre fuel-efficienct 16-valve petrol engine with multi-point fuel injection. The engine produces 104 kW at 6200rpm and 176 Nm of torque at 3800rpm. The transmission is a 5-speed manual and the fuel economy clocks in at 7.2 litres/100km with 171g/km of CO2 emsissions.

New Chevrolet Orlando – Price

Chevrolet Orlando 1.8 LS MT – R254,400
Chevrolet Orlando 1.8 LT MT R295,000

BMW 1-Series Coupe and Convertible in South Africa

Along with the release of the latest 1-Series hatch, BMW has launched the updated 1-Series Coupe and Convertible models. There arent many changes compared to the current Coupe and Convertible models and the changes BMW have made to the front, especially the front lights, have caused quite a stir, so time will tell just how well the latest model is received.

BMW 1-Series Coupe and Convertible offer sporty ride

The top of the range engine options in the new BMW 1-Series Coupe and Convertible models develop a maximum of 225 kW at 5800 rpm and a peak torque of 400 Nm at just 1200 rpm. The 7-speed double-clutch gearbox with Sport Automatic shifts gears without any interruption in power or torque. The Coupe is thus able to complete 0-100km/h in just 5.2 seconds and has a decent fuel consumption figure of 8.5 litres/100km. The 135i Convertible completes 0-100km/h in just 5.5 seconds and clocks in at 8.6 litres/100km fuel consumption, which is 0.8 litres better than the model its replacing.

The improved fuel economy figures on the new BMW 1-series Coupe and Convertible comes from the combination of TwinPower Turbo Technology, High Precision Injection and VALVETRONIC valve management. Also adding to the improvement in fuel economy is the double-clutch gearbox.

New styling give BMW 1-Series Coupe and Convertible the edge

Regarding the front of the new BMW 1-Series Coupe and Convertible, the front apron has been restyled and now includes the fog lamps, the central under-bumper air intake has been enhanced with a black trim strip and the vertical air intakes are mounted on the outside. These ventilation slits in the front apron channel air into the wheel arches, which creates an air curtain effect across the face of the front wheels, this helps to reduce drag in this area and also improves on overall efficiency.

BMW 1-Series Coupe and Convertible Price

BMW 120d Coupé – R350 000

BMW 120i Convertible – R370 500

BMW125i Coupé – R364 500

BMW 125i Convertible – R423 000

BMW 135i Coupé – R443 500

BMW 135i Convertible – R510 000

New Peugeot 308 in South Africa

Peugeot South Africa have unveiled the latest model for their impressive new Peugeot 308 range. Peugeot note that the current trend in the motor industry has buyers favouring more compact and affordable cars and have tailored the new Peugeot 308 accordingly. The segment is particularly competitive though and the updated 308 will have its work cut out for it.

New Peugeot 308 – Features

With the introduction of the new Peugeot 308, some of the previous models will be re-branded. The existing 308 Comfort 1.6 now becomes the 308 Access 1.6 while the 308 Premium 1.6 will become the 308 Active 1.6. The GTI and 308 CC will however retain their current designations.

The exterior of the new Peugeot 308 comes with a number of changes to the front. The bonnet is now shorter with smoother headlight fairings which are mated to a reshaped air intake. The floating front grille features horizontal strakes and a black surround on the hatchback 308s while the CC models come with a chrome surround. The Peugeot badge now sits at the edge of the bonnet, below which is the front bumper with incorporated fog lamps. At the back the rear bumper now features a wraparound lower panel with little else being changed.

The wheels on the Access 1.6 are 16-inch 7-spoke Santiaguito alloys, while the Active 2.0 HDi comes with 17-inch Melbourne 8-spoke wheels. The GTi comes with 18-inch Lincancabur finished in anthracite.

Engine Options

There will be 7 models available in the new Peugeot 308 range, with 3 petrol engines, a turbodiesel and a choice of transmissions. The Access and Active are both powered by a 1598cc 5-cylinder 16valve engine with electronic fuel injection. This results in a power output of 88 kW at 6000rpm and 160Nm of torque at 4250rpm. Which brings the car from 0-100km/h in just 12.5 seconds, topping off at 195km/h. The fuel economy clocks in at an impressive 6.4 litres/100km and a CO2 rating of 147g/km.

At the top of the 308 performance range comes the GTi 1.6 THP which produces 147 kW at 5 500rpm and 275 Nm of torque. Which allows the GTi to complete 0-100km/h in a blistering 8.3 seconds before reaching a top speed of 237km/h.

New Peugeot 308 Price in South Africa

Peugeot 308 Access 1.6 VTi 5-door R199 000
Peugeot 308 Active 1.6 VTi 5-door R219 900
Peugeot 308 Active 1.6 Auto 5-door R252 000
Peugeot 308 Active 2.0 HDi 5-door R259 000
Peugeot 308 GTi 1.6 THP 5-door R293 300
Peugeot 308 CC 1.6 THP Manual R340 500
Peugeot 308 CC 1.6 THP Auto R354 800

New Kia Picanto Revealed

Kia have an extremely strong presence in the A-segment and this update to the ever-popular Picanto is sure to enhance this presence further. The first thing you notice about the new Kia Picanto is its styling, a far more aggressive look compared to the previous model. There have been further changes to the performance, fuel economy and interior.

Fresh styling and performance for new Kia Picanto

The front face of the new Kia Picanto has adopted the Tiger nose grille, as Kia call it, which definitely helps to bring the Picanto into the modern era of car design. The rear of the car has also been re-done, also to emphasize the modernity of the car, with a large rear window and strong bumper section. Size-wise, the updated Picanto is 3.6 metres long, with overall vehicle length increasing by 60mm and an increase in the wheelbase of 15mm. This has resulted in increased cabin space and more front legroom.

Engine Performance

The new Kia Picanto features the highly efficient Kappa engine which has improved fuel consumption and a reduction in CO2 emissions. There will be 2 engine options available; a 4-cylinder 1.2 litre that generates 65kW and 120 Nm of torque and a 3-cylinder 998 cc unit that produces 51 kW and 94 Nm of torque. The regular models in the new Kia Picanto range will have a CO2 rating of just 117-114g/km and the fuel economy will range from 4.9 litres/100km to 6.0 litres/100km. To further improve the fuel economy, the Picanto will come with an ECO indicator. This system will inform the driver how to drive more economically and will light up when the car is being driven correctly.

The new Kia Picanto range comes with Kias High suspension setup which has raised the ground clearance by 10mm to 152mm. This is to ensure that there is a comfortable ride on rough or cambered roads. This has also raised the height of the vehicle by 10mm as you would expect. Lastly the braking system in the new Kia Picanto features 241mm ventilated front discs and 180mm rear drums, with ABS available in the 1.2 EX model. This gives the car a minimum stopping distance from 100km/h at 41 metres.

Look for the new Kia Picanto at South African Kia dealerships soon!

New Mercedes-Benz C-Class revealed

Details of the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class have been released. This new C-Class comes with a host of new and improved features, improvements to the fuel economy and performance, some styling updates as well as a number of driver assist features.

New Mercedes-Benz C-Class boast many improvements

The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class has over 2000 new components compared to the previous generation, noting Mercedes effort to fully distinguish this model from the 2007 model it will be replacing. The styling has also been updated to be more in-line with Mercs new design idiom. The shape of the radiator grille is supported by the bumper, the central air intake is a V-shape with side sections on the bumper extending from this V and blending into the feature lines along the vehicle.

The total fuel consumption of the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class has been reduced by up to 29% compared to the previous model. This impressive fuel economy has been achieved in part by the saloon and estate models now coming with an aluminum bonnet which has reduced the overall weight of the car and ultimately the fuel consumption as well. All of the 4-cylinder diesel models now come with the ECO start/stop function as standard and the ratio of all the new powertrain variants have been optimized for fuel economy.

Improved Efficiency

The petrol engines in the new series will now all have direct injection, with the new V6 petrol being particularly impressive. The new V6 in the C 350 BlueEFFICIENCY has had its power increased by 25 kW and 20nM compared to the previous model and now totals 225 kW and 370nM. The gain in power has not meant an increase in fuel consumption though, the C 350 BlueEFFICIENCY clocks in at just 7 litres/100km which is 29% less consumption than the previous C 350 model.

Comprehensive Driver Assistance Systems

Mercedes-Benz has spared no expense on the driver assistance systems in the new C-Class, with a total of 9 new systems being implemented. These systems are based on the latest radar, camera and sensor technology, aimed to combat accidents caused by driving too close, fatigue and darkness. The list of new driver assistance features in the new C-Class looks as follows:

Adaptive Highbeam Assist
Active Lane Keeping Assist
Active Blind Spot Assist
Attention Assist
Distronic PLUS
PARKTRONIC
PRE-SAFE Brake including BAS PLUS
Lane Keeping Assist
Blind Spot Assist

New Mercedes-Benz C-Class – Price

Mercedes-Benz C 180 BlueEFFICIENCY – R359 000
Mercedes-BenzC 200 BlueEFFICIENCY – R379 000
Mercedes-Benz C 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY – R380 000
Mercedes-Benz C 250 BlueEFFICIENCY – R469 000
Mercedes-Benz C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY – R470 000
Mercedes-Benz C 350 BlueEFFICIENCY – R520 000
Mercedes-Benz C 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY – R520 000

The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class comes standard with MobiloDrive 120 maintenance plan, six years/ 120 000 km and a full vehicle warranty/unlimited km.

New Toyota Hilux vastly improved

With massive sales figures throughout Europe and here at home in South Africa, the Toyota Hilux sets the benchmark that other bakkies in the segment aim for. With the release of the new Toyota Hilux model for 2012 things have gone from good to better, with a number of improvements to the interior, the styling of the bakkie as well as performance and a reduction in fuel consumption.

A whole new Toyota Hilux experience

The interior of the new Toyota Hilux has been revised; there is a new upper dashboard design with a horizontal centre instrument cluster, which increases the space in the cabin. This centre instrument panel now comes with the Toyota Touch 6.1 inch full colour touch screen multimedia unit. The finishes have been made darker and the ornamentation now comes in silver.

Regarding the styling of the new Toyota Hilux bakkie; the front has been completely redesigned from the A pillar forwards. The bonnet has been redesigned, as well as the radiator grille, headlamps and front bumper. The front and rear wings have also gone under the knife, along with the door mirrors and redesigned 15 and 17 steel and alloy wheels.

More options, more power

The new Toyota Hilux aims to cater for a wide customer base, with a large number of models and body types available. The new DLX+ grade will be available in 2WD or 4WD 2.5 D-4D powertrains, with a manual transmission as a single cab, extra cab and double cab. The 4WD 3.0 D-4D option also comes with a manual transmission and is only available as a double cab.

The power has been increased by 24 hp in the 2012 2WD 2.5 D-4D models thanks to the variable nozzle turbocharger. The power now clocks in at 144 hp at 3600 rpm and 343Nm of torque at 2000rpm. Not to be overlooked, the fuel economy of the 2012 Hilux bakkie has also been improved, the combined cycle fuel consumption now clocks in at 7.3 litres/100km, a reduction of 1.0 litres/100km. CO2 emissions have also been reduced to a total of 193 g/km.

Lastly the 2WD models are now equipped with a more robust chassis design that has improved the bakkies ground clearance as well as its towing capacity, which now sits at 2.5 tons. Look for the latest update to one of South Africas favourite bakkies coming soon.