Mitsubishi Triton Single Cab unleashed in South Africa

Mitsubishi South Africa has expanded its Triton range with the addition of three 4×2 single cab models. The new single cab Mitsubishi Triton now stands alongside the existing Triton offering of two Club Cabs and three premium Double Cabs. The new Mitsubishi Triton single cab is available with the choice two petrol engines and one diesel engine.

Mitsubishi Triton Single Cab Specifications and Features

Engine Capability

Two of the new Mitsubishi Triton single cab models are fitted with a 2.4-litre petrol engine that produces 97kW and 205Nm of torque. These two models are available in either GL trim or the more equipped GLX trim. The diesel derivative in GLX trim, is fitted with a 2.5-litre turbo diesel engine that produces 100kW and 314Nm of torque. Power is transferred to the rear wheels using a 5-speed manual transmission for all models. The diesel model however features a rear differential lock for enhanced off-road performance.

Standard Features

The Mitsubishi Triton single cab is fitted with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) as standard as well as dual front airbags. The interior takes on a modern and luxurious appearance with an ergonomically designed dashboard. The 60:40 split front bench seats three people and is covered in hard-wearing vinyl. The seat is adjustable for backrest incline and the steering column is tilt adjustable. A glove box, two door pockets and a bottle holder offer storage capacity.

The load box measures 2.22m in length and is 1.47m wide and 405mm high with a load capacity of one ton and a maximum towing capacity of 1 200kg. Two speakers are fitted as standard and the GLX models come with power windows, air-conditioning and central locking.

Mitsubishi Triton Single Cab Price

Mitsubishi Triton 2.4 GL	R179 000
Mitsubishi Triton 2.4 GLX	R189 000
Mitsubishi Triton 2.5 GLX	R239 000

The petrol models are covered by a 3-year/100 000km warranty and a 5-year/75 000km service plan with service intervals at 15 000km. The diesel model is covered by a 3-year/100 000km warranty and a 5-year/70 000km service plan with service intervals at 10 000km.

The 2013 SAGMJ Wesbank Car of the Year Finalists Announced

The South African Guild of Motoring Journalists (SAGMJ) has announced the 12 finalists for the 2013 SAGMJ Wesbank Car of the Year Awards. The SAGMJ Wesbank Car of the Year Awards is the most coveted accolade in the motoring industry and finalists are rigorously judged on value for money, safety, dynamics, technology and aesthetics by respected professionals in the motoring industry. The 12 finalists for the 2013 SAGMJ Wesbank Car of the Year Awards are as follows, in no particular order.

The SAGMJ has run the South African Car of the Year competition since 1986 and Wesbank has sponsored the competition since inception. The winner of the 2012 South African Car of the Year was the Hyundai Elantra 1.8 GLS. Further details regarding the 2013 SAGMJ Wesbank Car of the Year Awards will be released as soon as the information becomes available.

2013 Green Car of the Year Finalists Announced

Green Car Journal, the sponsor for the 2013 Green Car of the Year have announced the five finalists, with the winner to be announced at the Los Angeles Motor Show on 29 November 2012. The finalists include the Dodge Dart Aero, the Mazda CX-5 SkyACTIV, the Toyota Prius c, Ford C-Max and the Ford Fusion.

  ”This is a very exciting time for the Green Car of the Year program,” said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of the Green Car Journal and president of the Green Car Institute. “For two decades now, Green Car Journal has documented the ‘greening’ of the auto industry, from a time of mere concepts and demonstration programs to today, when the sheer number of environmentally positive production vehicles available to consumers is just eye-opening.”

  Green Car Journal has also named the finalists as the Top 5 Green Cars for 2013. The winner of the 2013 Green Car of the Year will be selected by an esteemed jury including Sierra Club executive director Michael Brune, Ocean Futures Society president Jean-Michel Cousteau, and Global Green USA president Matt Petersen as well as Tonight Show host and auto enthusiast Jay Leno and Green Car Journal staff.

  The LA Motor will take place from 28 November to 9 December 2012.

The 5 cheapest new cars in South Africa

If you are a new car buyer on a budget, you have a couple of options to save money. Firstly you may want to take a closer look at the cheapest new cars in South Africa today – this will save you money on your initial purchase. Alternatively, you could take a look at the most fuel efficient cars in South Africa, with the view to save money in the long run.

The five cheapest new cars in South Africa

All of the cheap cars on this list can be bought brand new in SA for under R100,000, which in this day and age, is rather impressive.

??1 – Chery QQ3 0.8 TE from R79 900

The Chery QQ3 0.8 TE is currently the cheapest new car available in South Africa. This budget beater is powered by a three-cylinder, 0.8-litre petrol engine that develops 38kW with a maximum torque figure of 70Nm. This engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission and fuel consumption is rated at 6.8-litres/100km with a corresponding CO2 emissions figure of 156g/km. The QQ3 0.8 TE is fitted with 13-inch steel wheels and air-conditioning is available as an option. The QQ3 0.8 TE with air conditioning is priced at R84 900.

2 – Chevrolet Spark Lite from R86 200

The reasonably priced and locally built Chevrolet Spark Lite is fitted with a 1.0-litre SOHC four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 49kW and 91Nm of torque and is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. Fuel consumption for the Spark Lite is rated at 5.8-litres/100km with a corresponding CO2 emissions figure of 135g/km. The Spark Lite is available with power steering, front electric windows, air-conditioning, front bucket seats and cloth upholstery. Other features include a driver airbag, collapsible steering column, fog lamps and key operated central locking.

3 – Geely LC 1.3 GS from R88 990

The Geely LC GS is powered by a 1.3-litre DOHC petrol engine that develops 63kW and 110Nm of torque and is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. Fuel consumption is rated at 6.9-litres/100km with a corresponding CO2 emissions figure of 164g/km. The LC 1.3 GS comes standard with front and rear electric windows, remote central locking, electric side mirrors, air conditioning and fabric upholstery. Safety features include Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), a third brake light and a collapsible steering column.

4 – Tata Indica B-Line 1.4 LE from R93 995

The Tata Indica LE is fitted with a four-cylinder 1.4-litre petrol engine that produces 55kW and 110Nm of torque. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.4-litres/100km with a corresponding CO2 emissions figure of 168g/km. This engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. Standard features include hydraulic power steering, collapsible steering column, tinted glass windows, fabric upholstery, front adjustable head restraints and 60/40 split rear seats.

5 – Hyundai Atos Prime 1.1 GLS from R94 900

The Hyundai Atos Prime GLS is fitted with a 1.1-litre SOHC petrol engine that develops 45kW and 87Nm of torque and is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. Fuel consumption is rated at 6.2-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 147g/km. Standard features include manual air-conditioning, front electric windows, radio/CD/MP3 player, central locking, reclining rear seats, height adjustable front and rear headrests, a high-mounted brake light and front fog lights.

Suzuki Grand Vitara gets Updates

Suzuki Auto South Africa has implemented a series of updates for its Suzuki Grand Vitara compact SUV. The updates for the Grand Vitara include revised exterior and interior styling, two new specification levels offered as the Dune and Summit variants as well as a significant reduction in price.

Suzuki Grand Vitara Features

Engine Capability

The Suzuki Grand Vitara is powered by a 2.4-litre, normally aspirated petrol engine with twin overhead camshafts and Variable Valve Timing (VVT) that produces a power output of 122kW at 6 000rpm with a peak torque figure of 225Nm at 4 000rpm. This engine is mated to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. In manual guise, the Suzuki Grand Vitara accelerates to 100km/h in 11.7 seconds with a top speed of 180km/h. For the automatic variant, 0-100km/h will take 12 seconds and will reach a top speed of 170km/h.

Combined fuel consumption for the manual variant is 8.9-litres/100km while the automatic consumes 9.9-litres/100km. CO2 emissions are 112g/km for the manual while the automatic expels 234g/km. The Suzuki Grand Vitara is equipped with an advanced all-wheel drive system which incorporates a low-range transfer case and electronic switching between 4×4 modes for varying driving conditions.

Styling Upgrades

The updated Suzuki Grand Vitara features a revised grille as well as a new front bumper that incorporates revised fog lamps and a more pronounced lower air intake. 17-inch alloy wheels are standard on the Dune variant while the higher spec Summit rides on 18-inch alloy wheels. A new exterior colour called Gaia Bronze pearl metallic is also now available. On the inside, the Grand Vitara gets new black fabric for the seats and door panel inserts.

Standard Features

The Dune specification level features a radio/CD player with a MP3 playback function and speed-sensing volume adjustment, electric windows for the front and rear, remote central locking, automatic air-conditioning and cloth seat upholstery. In terms of safety, the Dune is equipped with all-disc Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), front and side curtain airbags, front and rear head restraints, five inertia reel seatbelts, front belt pre-tensioners and load limiters. ISOFIX rear child seat mounts are fitted as standard.

The Summit specification level benefits from a sunroof and chrome side models which are standard features. The Summit gets auto-sensing HID headlights with headlight washers and automatic headlight levelling while fog lights come standard. On the inside, the Summit features Cruise Control with steering wheel-mounted switching, keyless start, a six-dix in-dash CD receiver with MP3 playback function and speed-sensing volume control. Leather upholstery is standard for the Summit.

Suzuki Grand Vitara – Price

Suzuki Grand Vitara Dune M/T	R298 900
Suzuki Grand Vitara Dune A/T	R313 900
Suzuki Grand Vitara Summit M/T	R358 900
Suzuki Grand Vitara Summit A/T	R373 900

Prices include a 3-year/100 000km warranty and a 6-year/90 000km service plan.

Tata Super Ace, the Business Mover

The Tata Super Ace is designed to offer performance, reliability and flexibility for businesses in need of an affordable light commercial vehicle. The Tata Super Ace is available in two variants and both are powered by a fuel efficient diesel engine.

Tata Super Ace Features

??Engine Capability

The Tata Super Ace is fitted with a four-cylinder, turbocharged 1.4-litre diesel engine that produces 52kW at 4 500rpm with a maximum torque figure of 135Nm available at 2 500rpm. This engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission. Fuel consumption for the Super Ace is rated at 7.2-litres/100km and can reach a top speed of 125km/h.

Styling Features

The Tata Super Ace features a signature Tata grille and multi-reflector headlights with halogen bulbs. The loading deck is the longest in its class measuring 2.63m long and 1.46m wide with a 1-tonne load carrying capacity. The load area can be opened from all three sides for easy loading and can also be customised for different requirements. Various body types can be built and these include a plumber rail, saver cargo and canopy.

Interior features include sliding and reclining bucket seats with adjustable headrests, head lamp levelling, digital clock, laminated windscreen, lockable glove box and an external power socket. The high-spec DLE version benefits from electric windows, power steering and air-conditioning.

??Tata Super Ace Price

Tata Super Ace DLS	R109 995
Tata Super Ace DLC	R117 995

Volkswagen BlueMotion for eco-friendly motoring

The Volkswagen BlueMotion range, which makes use of a variety of energy and fuel saving technologies, exhibits reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared to standard vehicles and represents a commitment to eco-friendly motoring. Depending on your driving style, a Volkswagen vehicle with BlueMotion technology can save up to 10% on fuel and emissions.

Volkswagen BlueMotion Technology

Volkswagen incorporates a number of different energy-saving technologies into its BlueMotion vehicles to achieve reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. These technologies include:

TDI engines TDI diesel engines offer power while still being fuel efficient. TDI engines are also fitted with Diesel Particulate Filters to trap carbon particles.

TSI engines TSI engines are smaller and lighter while still offering power and fuel efficiency.
Energy Recuperation This technology uses less energy for battery charging while accelerating and continues to charge the battery while braking, effectively saving energy that would otherwise be lost.
Stop-Start Technology This technology saves fuel by switching the engine off when the vehicle is stationary. In automatic variants, the engine re-starts when the brake pedal is released. For manual vehicles, the engine re-starts when the clutch pedal is engaged.
*Low Rolling Resitance Tyres Low rolling resistance tyres require less engine power to move the car forward and therefore save fuel and reduce emissions.
Engine Management This technology features revised engine management software which optimises engine performance according to driving conditions and improves fuel efficiency.
*Longer Gear Ratios BlueMotion models feature longer gear ratios in higher gears which contribute to economical fuel consumption.
*Improved Aerodynamics BlueMotion models feature enhanced aerodynamic features such as lowered suspension, a closed front grille, light alloy wheels and an aerodynamic spoiler.
*Reduced Body Mass BlueMotion models weigh less than standard models, thereby reducing fuel consumption.

*These BlueMotion features are currently only available for the Polo and Golf BlueMotion models.

Volkswagen BlueMotion Range

Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion from R189 000

The Polo BlueMotion is powered by a 1.2-litre TDI engine that develops 55kW and is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. Fuel consumption for this model is rated at 4.4-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of only 89g/km. In comparison, the 1.4 Polo Comfortline has a fuel consumption figure of 6.1-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 144g/km.

Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion from R284 600

The Golf BlueMotion is fitted with a 1.6-litre TDI engine that produces 77kW and is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. Fuel consumption for the Golf BlueMotion is rated at 3.8-litres/100km with a corresponding CO2 emissions figure of 99g/km. In comparison, the 1.6 TDI Golf Comfortline has a fuel consumption figure of 4.5-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 119g/km.

Volkswagen CC BlueMotion from R377 500

The CC with BlueMotion technology is powered with a 2.0-litre TDI engine that produces 125kW and is mated to a 6-speed DSG transmission. Fuel consumption for the CC with BlueMotion technology is rated at 5.5-litres/100km with a corresponding CO2 emissions figure of 144g/km. The 2.0-litre TSI CC in comparison, has a fuel consumption figure of 7.8-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 182g/km.

Volkswagen Tiguan BlueMotion from R283 600

The Tiguan 4×2 Trend & Fun with BlueMotion technology is powered by a 1.4-litre TSI engine that produces 90kW and is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. Fuel consumption for this model is rated at 6.5-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 152g/km. In comparison, the standard 1.4 TSI Tiguan Trend & Fun has a fuel consumption figure of 8.4-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 178g/km.

Volkswagen Touareg BlueMotion from R661 000

The Touareg with BlueMotion technology is powered with a 3.0-litre TDI V6 engine that produces 180kW and is mated to an 8-speed Tiptronic transmission. Fuel consumption for this model is 7.2-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 189g/km. In comparison, the 3.6 V6 FSI Touareg has a fuel consumption figure of 10.4-litres/100km and a CO2 emissions figure 248g/km.

For more information visit vw.co.za

Nissan GT Academy in South Africa

Nissan recently launched its GT Academy programme in South Africa. The Nissan GT Academy is a virtual-to-reality racing competition that has experienced success in Europe and America since 2008 and serves as a platform into the world of motor sport for emerging talent.

Nissan GT Academy looking for talent across SA

In collaboration with Playstation, the Nissan GT Academy went live on 15 October 2012 with an exclusive, free downloadable gaming format that will remain open until 10 December 2012. Any person with a Playstation 3 (PS3) and using Gran Turismo 5 as a base can attempt the eight step qualification programme online.

The fastest gamers will join a pool of winners from various live events around the country to compete in the national final in January 2013. Winners of the national competition will then make the transition from PS3 to real Nissan sports cars when they are invited to take part in the International Race Camp competition at the Silverstone Circuit in March 2013. The overall winner will then take part in an intensive Driver Development Programme to prepare for a chance to race in the Silverstone 24 Hours in 2013.

Lucas Ordoñez, the 27 year-old Spaniard who won the Nissan GT Academy competition in 2008, went on take second place on the podium at the 2011 Le Mans 24 Hour race and contested in the full European Le Mans Series in the Greaves Motorsport Zytek-Nissan LMP2 race car.

Winning the Nissan GT Academy has changed my life, says Lucas. It was by chance that I came across the competition in a motoring magazine and decided to give it a go. I wasnt a very serious gamer, but when I played my friends I usually won, so I had a bit of a feeling for it, I think.

Nissan GT Academy Live Events Dates

City	Date	Venue	Time
Durban	2nd November 2012	Gateway Theatre of Shopping	09:00 – 21:00
Durban	3rd November 2012	Gateway Theatre of Shopping	09:00 – 21:00
Durban	4th November 2012	Gateway Theatre of Shopping	09:00 – 18:00
Cape Town	9th November 2012	Tyger Valley Shopping Centre	09:00 – 19:00
Cape Town	10th November 2012	Tyger Valley Shopping Centre	09:00 – 19:00
Cape Town	11th November 2012	Tyger Valley Shopping Centre	09:00 – 17:00
Johannesburg	17th November 2012	Fourways Crossing	11:00 – 15:00
Pretoria	18th November 2012	Menlyn Park	11:00 – 15:00
Johannesburg	23rd November 2012	Sandton City	09:00 – 20:00
Johannesburg	24th November 2012	Sandton City	09:00 – 20:00
Johannesburg	25th November 2012	Sandton City	09:00 – 18:00
Pretoria	1st December 2012	Mall @ Reds	11:00 – 15:00
Johannesburg	2nd December 2012	Maponya Mall	11:00 – 15:00

Details of how to enter Nissan GT Academy 2012 can be found on gtacademy.nissan.co.za

Hyundai HB20X Crossover revealed at 2012 Sao Paulo Motor Show

Hyundai Motor Brasil (HMB) has revealed the HB20X crossover at the 2012 Sao Paulo Motor Show. The Hyundai HB20X has been specifically developed for the Brazilian market and will be launched early in 2013. The HB20X forms part of the HB family, which stands for Hyundai Brasil, and stands alongside the HB20 hatchback which was the first vehicle in the family launched last month.

Hyundai HB20X Crossover hits Brazil

Styling Features?

Based on the HB20 hatchback, the HB20X features a re-designed bumper with a hexagonal grille that reflects Hyundais Fluidic Sculpture design philosophy. The headlights feature a black bezel finish with chrome details. The sides feature black moldings and the roof bars offer flexibility to carry extra luggage. The rear-end also has a re-designed bumper with black moldings and the HB20X rides on 15-inch dark-alloy wheels.

The interior features much of the same qualities found on the HB20 hatchback with the addition of sports pedals, chrome finishing on the door handles and air conditioning controls and blue double stitching for the steering wheel and seats.

The HB20X will be powered by Hyundais GAMMA 1.6 16V FLEX engine with a power output of 95kW, featuring Continuous Variable Valve Timing (CVVT). The engine will be mated to either a manual or automatic transmission.

Volkswagen Taigun Concept shown at Sao Paulo Motor Show

The Volkswagen Taigun Concept has been unveiled at the São Paulo Motor Show in Brazil. The Volkswagen Taigun Concept is a small SUV based on the New Small Family platform, which is the same platform used for the acclaimed Volkswagen Up!. Volkswagen is using the São Paulo Motor Show to gauge public interest before deciding to put the Taigun into production.

??Volkswagen Taigun Concept is small with big looks

The four-seat Taigun concept is powered by a new 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that produces 81kW at 5 000rpm and 175Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. Based on latest EA211 series and using direct fuel injection and turbocharging, the 1.0- litre engine returns a combined fuel consumption figure of 4.7-litres/100km. Acceleration to 100km/h takes 9.2 seconds and the Taigun can reach a top speed of 186km/h. Exterior and Interior Styling The Volkswagen Taigun concept incorporates distinct Volkswagen styling and is only 3.86m long, 1.73m wide with a wheelbase of 2.47m. The Taigun concept draws inspiration from larger SUV’s such as the Tiguan and the Touareg with its rugged side panels, underbody protection and roof rails with LED spotlights. The Taigun concept is fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels and has a high ground clearance. On the inside, a high driving position gives the driver an optimum view of the road. The load area offers 280-litres of space which increases to 987-litres with the rear seats folded down. The tailgate is split with the top two thirds opening upwards while the bottom third folds down, allowing for easy loading of luggage items. The central infotainment system can pair with most smartphones creating an intuitive interface. Auxiliary instrument gauges display oil pressure, coolant temperature and turbo charge pressure and are mounted above the central infotainment system.