New Opel Corsa Revealed

Opel Europe has revealed details of its most frugal Corsa to date, the diesel powered Opel Corsa 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX, which is considered to be the “most economical and fuel efficient diesel model Opel has ever built”.

Low Fuel Consumption for new Opel Corsa

The 70kW three-door Opel Corsa 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX with Start/Stop technology consumes only 3.3-litres/100km with a low corresponding CO2 emissions figure of only 88g/km. The five door version is equally impressive with a fuel consumption figure of 3.4-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of only 89g/km.

The Opel Corsa ecoFLEX has undergone a number of enhancements to improve fuel consumption and reduce emissions. One of these enhancements is the use of a variable displacement oil pump that delivers only the necessary oil pressure and varies the oil volume depending on the load, thereby reducing the energy needed for oil circulation. The use of low-viscosity transmission oil has also contributed to reduced fuel consumption. In addition to this, adjustments to the engine mappings in the engine control module have further aided lower fuel consumption.

The Opel Corsa ecoFLEX will also be available with a new generation of manual transmissions that offer smooth and precise gear shifting as well as new 185/65 R15 low-rolling resistance tyres. The chassis has also been optimised for all Corsa variants and the suspension and damper system now compensates for uneven road surfaces and provides enhanced ride quality.

The Opel Corsa 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX will not be available in South Africa.

Mitsubishi Outlander GLX launched in South Africa

Mitsubishi South Africa has launched a competitively priced GLX version of its Outlander SUV in South Africa. The Mitsubishi Outlander GLX now stands alongside the high-spec Outlander GLS.

“The Outlander is an important member of our product line-up in terms of its size and pricing, hence the decision to extend the range with the launch of a GLX derivative in addition to the current GLS,” explained Mitsubishi SA marketing manager, Braam Faul. “The Outlander is aimed at a growth market in South Africa so we see the GLX as contributing to our volume growth plans for the future.”

Mitsubishi Outlander GLX – Features

Standard Features

The Mitsubishi Outlander GLX offers a Multi Select 4WD system with electronically controlled 2WD with 4WD and 4WD Lock on demand as well as a ground clearance of 215mm. Other specification features include a rear park distance warning system, keyless operating system and electric exterior rear-view mirrors. Safety features include Automatic Stability Control (ASC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution and six airbags.

Both Outlander variants are powered by a 2.4-litre petrol engine that produces 125kW with a maximum torque figure of 226Nm. This engine is mated to a 6-speed continuously variable transmission with Sports Mode. The existing Outlander GLS adds additional equipment such as a sunroof, hill start assist, leather seats, Rockford Fosgate audio system with 9-speakers, CD/MP3 player and a 6-CD automatic changer.

A new Mitsubishi Outlander range is expected to be launched in South Africa at the end of 2013.

Mitsubishi Outlander GLX – Price

Mitsubishi Outlander GLX R349 900
Mitsubishi Outlander GLS R399 900

Both Outlander models are covered by a 3-year/100 000km warranty and a 3-year/60 000km maintenance plan, with servicing intervals set at 15 000km.

New Tata Indigo MANZA in South Africa

Tata Motors has launched the new Tata Indigo MANZA sedan in South Africa. The new Tata Indigo MANZA, built on a new platform, offers a completely new exterior design as well as an all-new interior and will initially be offered only in petrol form while a diesel derivative will be made available at a later stage. The Indigo MANZA is available as the base model INI, or the top-end IGNIS.

New Tata Indigo MANZA – Specifications and Features

??Engine Capability

The new Tata Indigo MANZA is fitted with a 1.4-litre Fiat sourced Safire petrol engine that produces 66kW. The engine features a Continuous Variable Cam Phaser which adjusts valve timings and intervals while the electronically controlled Intelligent Port Resizer (IPR) delivers balance between power and economy. Fuel consumption for the new Tata Indigo MANZA is rated at 6.9-litres/100km.

??Exterior and Interior Styling??

The new Tata Indigo MANZA is 4.4m long, 1.7m wide and with a wheelbase of 2.52m and features wrap-around three-barrelled headlights, 15-inch alloy wheels and angular shaped tail lights. The interior is spacious and the right inclination rear seats with a centre armrest afford passengers a comfortable ride and the seats are covered in two-tone fabric. The Indigo MANZA features tilt adjustable power steering with a height adjustable driver’s seat. The boot offers 460-litres of space.

The outer rear view mirrors are electronically adjustable and the driver information system on the centre console provides information on fuel consumption and ambient temperature while the ‘soft-feel’ dashboard incorporates a sporty instrument cluster. The new Tata Indigo MANZA also features a 2 DIN Music System with Bluetooth and USB connectivity. The audio controls are mounted on the steering wheel for easy access. The Indigo MANZA is available in five colours.

Safety Features

Safety features for the new Tata Indigo MANZA includes a collapsible steering column, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and dual frontal airbags. A Critical Rev Indicator turns red when the engine crosses its critical RPM and an engine immobilizer and central locking offer additional security.

New Tata Indigo MANZA – Price

Tata Indigo MANZA INI R119 995
Tata Indigo MANZA IGNIS R134 995

The price includes a 3-year/100 000km factory warranty, standard 3-year/unlimited kilometre Roadside Assistance as well as a 4-year/100 000km service plan.

2013 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S Revealed

Porsche has revealed details of its most powerful SUV offering, the new 2013 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S. Combining advanced active chassis technologies, the Cayenne Turbo S delivers enhanced driving performance and ride comfort both on and off the road.

2013 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S – Specifications and Features

Engine Capability

The 2013 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S is powered by a 4.8-litre V8 that has been tweaked to produce more power and torque compared to the Cayenne Turbo. The Cayenne Turbo S now produces 405kW, 37kW more, and 750Nm of torque, an increase of 50Nm. Acceleration to 100km/h is 0.1 seconds faster at 4.3 seconds, while the top speed is 282km/h, 5km/h faster than the Cayenne Turbo.

Exterior and Interior Styling

The Cayenne Turbo S features front air intakes and rear view mirror trim painted in high-gloss black. 21-inch 911 Turbo II wheels are fitted as standard and feature coloured Porsche badges with the inside surfaces also painted in high-gloss black. The dual twin-tube sport tailpipes are finished in polished aluminium while the wheel arches extensions and rear spoiler separation is painted in the exterior colour.

A two-tone interior package is available in either Black/Carrera Red or Black/Luxor Beige combinations. The front and rear seats feature the Porsche crest which is embossed into the headrests. The roof is covered in Alcantara while the instrument panel, doors and centre console trim are finished in carbon fibre.

Standard Features?

The 2013 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S is equipped with Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus), power steering and air suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) as standard. The Sport Chrono package is also standard and includes an analogue and digital timer in the centre of the dashboard. Information such as total driving time, lap distance, lap times, latitudinal and longitudinal acceleration are displayed on a TFT display in the instrument cluster.

The 2013 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S can be expected in South Africa in the first quarter of 2013.

Top Parts Performers in 2012 Kinsey Report

The cost of car parts is an often overlooked aspect when deciding what new car to buy. The annual Kinsey Report surveys car parts pricing for new vehicles in South Africa and this year, the Kinsey Report covered a total of 64 vehicles in 8 categories. The parts pricing assessment is carried out in three parts sections for each vehicle and these include service parts, repair parts and crash parts. Together, these parts form a ‘parts basket’ which is represented as a percentage value in relation to the purchase price of the vehicle.

The eight categories in the 2012 Kinsey Report are City Cars, Entry Level, Super Mini, Family Favourites, Auto Executives, Compact Crossover, Crossover and Double Cabs. The top parts performers in each category are as follows,

Category Model Purchase Price Parts Basket (%) Total Parts Cost (R)
City Cars Nissan Micra 1.2 Acenta R132 900 24.15 % R32 094.33
Entry Level Ford Figo 1.4 Trend R130 080 26.43 % R34 383.91
Super Mini Ford Fiesta 1.4 Ambiente 5dr R171 040 26.94% R46 086.05
Family Favourites Nissan Tiida 1.6 Visia+ R200 900 22.31% R44 823.19
Auto Executives Hyundai Sonata Exec R309 900 26.88% R83 302.61
Compact Crossover Toyota Avanza 1.5 SX R177 300 30.17% R53 488.47
Crossover Toyota Fortuner 3.0 D4D Raised Body R408 900 20.04% R81 958.12
Double Cabs Tata Xenon 2.2 R228 495 18.44% R42 123.70

Kia Batman Optima Makes World Debut

Kia Motors America (KMA), in collaboration with DC Entertainment and RIDES Magazine have created a Kia Batman Optima that will be on display this week at the Time Warner Center in New York.

The Kia Batman Optima forms part of a 10 month partnership based on the iconic characters that make up the Justice League and with inspiration from the comic book icon, Jim Lee, the Kia super hero vehicles aim to raise awareness of DC Entertainment’s ‘We Can Be Heroes’ campaign. The campaign is a relief effort to fight hunger in the Horn of Africa.

Kia Batman Optima features ?unique styling

The Kia Batman Optima SX Limited features unique Batman elements. The exterior is finished with a matte and piano black paint scheme and the Kia Batman Optima features lowered coilover suspension, muscular ground effects kit, large Ksport performance brakes, 20-inch black wheels and a performance exhaust system. The custom front grille is shaped like a batwing with ‘bat signal etched’ HID headlights. Yellow LED lighting is used throughout the vehicle for added effect.

The interior features custom black leather and suede with bold, contrasting yellow stitching. A Batman suit and cowl can be found in the trunk and ‘utility throwing stars’ are installed in the centre console. With the intention of raising awareness about hunger, two video screens mounted in the front headrests will feature a custom ‘We Can Be Heroes’ video that demonstrates how “one small act can make anyone a hero”.

New BMW 7-Series in South Africa?

The new BMW 7-Series has been launched in South Africa and features a wide range of updates compared to its predecessors. Models in the 7-Series include the flagship 760i, 740i, 750i, 730d and the second-generation ActiveHybrid 7. The new BMW 7-Series benefits from new exterior and interior styling as well as upgraded engines with enhanced performance and efficiency.

New BMW 7-Series offers a range of powerful engines

The flagship 760i is fitted with a TwinPower Turbo 6.0-litre V12 engine that produces 400kW and 750Nm of torque. Acceleration to 100km/h takes only 4.6 seconds and the 760i will reach an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h. The 760i achieves a fuel consumption figure of 12.8-litres/100km with a corresponding CO2 emissions figure of 299g/km.

The 750i debuts the revised TwinPower Turbo 4.4-litre V8 engine. Power for this revised unit is bumped up by 10% to 330kW with an 8.5% increase in torque to 650Nm. The 0-100km/h sprint is achieved in 4.8 seconds while reaching an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at 8.6-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions rating of 199g/km.

The diesel powered 730d is fitted with a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine that develops 190kW with a maximum torque figure of 560Nm. Acceleration to 100km/h is achieved in 6.1 seconds and the 730d will reach an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h. Combined fuel consumption for the 730d is 5.6-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions rating of 148g/km.

The second-generation BMW ActiveHybrid 7 uses the same 235kW 3.0-litre V6 engine used in the 740i. This unit is combined with a 40kW synchronous electric motor and a lithium-ion battery that together create a balance between performance and fuel efficiency. The system produces 260kW and 500Nm of torque and the ActiveHybrid 7 accelerates to 100km/h in 5.7 seconds while reaching a top speed of 250km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at 6.8-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 158g/km.

All 7-Series models are fitted with an 8-speed automatic transmission as well as Auto Start-Stop function, Brake Energy Regeneration and the Driving Experience Control switch with ECO PRO mode.

??New BMW 7-Series is elegant and luxurious

The new 7-Series sits 8mm lower than its predecessor and now features a revised grille with larger chrome surrounds and a nine-slat arrangement compared to the previous twelve slats on the outgoing model. Full LED headlights with accent strips and BMW corona rings define the new 7-Series. The front apron has been modified with large full width air intakes and chrome bars that add depth to the new design. Indicators are now integrated into the lower section of each exterior mirror. The rear-end features L-shaped rear lights linked with chrome strips which enhance the overall elegance of the vehicle.

The interior of the new BMW 7-Series is luxurious and combines luxury materials. Customers can choose between Dakota leather and Nappa leather in Ivory White with world colour Black and Veneto Beige. The interior is intently focused on the driver and the newly designed seats offer lateral support and comfort. Sports seats are available as an option as well as the Rear Seat Entertainment package which offers two 9.2-inch screens that ‘float’ on the front seats and are minimalistic and lightweight in design. Sound entertainment is offered by the new Bang & Olufsen High End Surround System with a power output of 1 200 watts and 16 speakers.

A multifunctional instrument display measuring 10.25-inches is available as an option and offers a wider range of display options. Infotainment is provided by BMW ConnectedDrive with the new-generation Professional navigation system.

BMW 7-Series Price

BMW 7-Series 760i R1 702 000
BMW 7-Series 750i R1 248 000
BMW 7-Series 740i R975 500
BMW 7-Series 730d R998 000
BMW 7 Series ActiveHybrid 7 R1 034 500

New Volkswagen Beetle in South Africa

The new Volkswagen Beetle is now available in South Africa. Based on the iconic Beetle that sold over 21.5 million units since 1938, the new Beetle is both a tribute and an embodiment of the original Beetle, retaining its classic design, the new Beetle is sporty and refined, a Beetle for the 21st Century.

New Volkswagen Beetle offers two engine choices

The new Volkswagen Beetle is available with the choice of two TSI petrol engines. The turbocharged 1.2-litre TSI engine offers 77kW available at 5 000rpm with a maximum torque figure of 175Nm available from 1 550rpm. Acceleration to 100km/h is achieved in 10.9 seconds with a top speed of 180km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at 5.9-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 137g/km. This engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.

The 1.4-litre TSI engine is both turbocharged and supercharged to offer 118kW at 5 800rpm with 240Nm of torque available from 1 500rpm. The 0-100km/h sprint will last 8.3 seconds and will reach a top speed of 208km/h. Fuel consumption for this variant is rated at 6.6-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 143g/km. This variant employs a 6-speed manual transmission or can be had with an optional 7-speed DSG transmission.

Exterior Styling

The new Volkswagen Beetle is longer, wider and lower than the original Beetle, giving it a more sporty appeal. Classic features such as the flared wings, rear-light design, shape of the bonnet, side and door sills and large wheel arches are reminiscent of the original Beetle. The new beetle incorporates a rear spoiler in black with the underside in body colour. The Beetle is also the only VW model equipped with round headlights while bi-xenon headlights are available as an option and come with Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) which include 15 LEDs arranged along the outer edge of the headlight housing.

The new Beetle is offered in two new equipment lines namely ‘Design’ and ‘Sport’ which offer varying design features. With the ‘Design’ equipment line, the Beetle is fitted with 16-inch ‘Whirl’ alloy wheels with ten spokes. In ‘Sport’, the Beetle rides on 17-inch ‘Spin’ alloy wheels with five spoke design. 18-inch, five spoke ‘Twister’ wheels can be ordered as an option. Ten colours are available for the new Beetle.

??Interior Styling

The interior combines classic and modern styling cues and the Beetle features elegant leather upholstery fitted as standard on the 1.4-litre version with a two-tone variation available as an option. The shape and colour of the dashboard are either in body colour or ‘carbon look’ depending on the model and trim level. The new  Volkswagen Beetle has an additional glovebox integrated into the front fascia and features a specially designed three-spoke steering wheel. ??Luggage space is ample with boot space of 310-litres. With the rear seats folded down, cargo capacity increases to 905-litres. A panoramic sunroof is available as an option.

New Volkswagen Beetle – Price

VW Beetle 1.2 TSI Design R235 400
VW Beetle 1.4 TSI Sport R296 600
VW Beetle 1.4 TSI Sport DSG R311 100

WOW announces 2012 Women’s Car of the Year

Women on Wheels (WOW), a South African female motoring supplement, has announced the winners of the 2012 WOW Women’s Car of the Year Awards, the only car awards in South Africa decided by women.

The 2012 WOW Women’s Car of the Year Awards consisted of 12 categories and more than 79 000 votes were received from readers. The judging panel consisted of WOW editor Charleen Clarke, Mail & Guardian motoring editor Sukasha Singh, Linsay Vine from DSTV’s Ignition, motoring blogger Vuyi Jabavu, award-winning motoring journalist Peta Lee, MotorMania editor Mabuyane Kekana and City Press motoring editor Janine-Lee Gordan. The winning cars in each category are as follows,

  • Budget Buy: Kia Picanto
  • Sensible Sedans: Hyundai Elantra
  • Hot Hatches: Citroën DS3
  • Pocket Rockets: Volkswagen Golf GTI
  • Executive Cars: BMW 5 Series
  • Green Vehicles: Toyota Auris HSD
  • Convertibles: Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet
  • Dream Drives: Aston Martin V8 Vantage S
  • MPVs: Mercedes-Benz B-Class
  • Wagons and Crossovers: Volvo V60
  • Compact SUVs: Range Rover Evoque
  • Large SUVs: Land Rover Discovery

The overall 2012 WOW Women’s Car of the Year was awarded to the Range Rover Evoque.

When we conceived this year’s WOW, we wanted to offer the readers more – more cars, more choices, more usable information and a better all-round magazine. Feedback from readers has proved that we achieved our goals. We have catered for a wide variety of women, from those who are just staring out to those who need to load the kids, dogs and lots of luggage,” said Charleen Clarke.

Nissan Bolt Performance GT-R revealed

Olympic sprinter and gold medallist, Usain Bolt, has joined forces with Nissan to develop a limited edition Nissan Bolt Performance GT-R. In addition to this ongoing development, Nissan has unveiled a unique gold-painted GT-R which will be auctioned to benefit the Usain Bolt Foundation.

Nissan Bolt Performance GT-R built for a good cause

The one-off GT-R will be embossed with Bolt’s signature and will feature bespoke interior fittings finished in real gold. The proceeds from the auction will benefit the Usain Bolt Foundation’s work to create educational and cultural opportunities for the youth in Jamaica.

Usain Bolt has extended his role as Nissan’s brand ambassador and has become the honorary ‘Director of Excitement’ as part of the company’s global “WHAT IF_” marketing drive. “Racing is my inspiration, and I want to help Nissan become an even more exciting brand for everyone” said Bolt at Nissan’s world headquarters. ??Bolt will start work with Nissan product specialists to develop a limited edition Nissan Bolt Performance GT-R which will be available in relevant markets at a later stage.