New Peugeot 208 GTi to debut at Paris Motor Show

The new Peugeot 208 GTi will be revealed to the world at the Paris Motor Show at the end of September 2012. The three-door 208 GTi aims to ‘regenerate’ the values of the 205 GTi. The new Peugeot 208 GTi offers striking design coupled with a powerful but economical engine that will make it an attractive option in the hot-hatch segment.

New Peugeot 208 GTi – Specifications and Features

Engine Capability

The new Peugeot 208 GTi is fitted with a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine that is capable of 147kW with a maximum torque figure of 275Nm. Transmission comes in the form of a 6-speed manual gearbox with close gear ratios to enhance driving performance. Acceleration to 100km/h will take the 208 GTi less than seven seconds to achieve with a top speed of 225km/h. CO2 emissions are rated at 145g/km. The 208 GTi only weighs 1160kg.

Exterior and Interior Styling

The new Peugeot 208 GTi stands lower and wider than the standard 208 which is due in South Africa in October 2013. The 208 GTi features new halogen headlamps with the latest generation light guide. LED technology is used for the indicators and Daytime Running Lights (DRLs). A gloss black grille with chrome inserts imitates a 3D chequered flag. The 208 GTi rides on 17-inch diamond Carbon wheels with Storm paint and matt varnish.

The new Peugeot 208 GTi features a refined, sporty interior with a high mounted instrument panel. The dials are surrounded with satin chrome beads that are backlit with LED’s. The sporty interior is further enhanced with the combination of Club Nappa Leather and Caro Weave cloth upholstery with red line details. Interior colour schemes include red, black, satin chrome and red GTi overstitching throughout.

The new Peugeot 208 GTi is expected in South Africa towards the end of 2013.

Land Rover Discovery 4 HSE Luxury Limited Edition in South Africa

The Land Rover Discovery 4 HSE Luxury Limited Edition makes its debut in South Africa with only 100 units on offer and 2 000 units available globally.

New look for Land Rover Discovery 4 HSE

The Land Rover Discovery 4 HSE Luxury Limited Edition is powered with 3.0-litre LR-SDV6 engine that produces 180kW and is mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission with command shift that delivers improved fuel efficiency and enhanced low-end torque.

The Limited Edition Discovery 4 features a new exterior look with the use of bright silver detailing along the full length of the roof rails and complements the satin chrome plated mirror caps, silver bonnet script and tailgate badge. The grille treatment is the opposite of the existing style with the grille surround and fender vents finished in Indus Silver and the grille veins in body colour.

The rear-end is enhanced with a bright, stainless steel bumper tread strip and a bright metal badge showcasing ‘HSE Luxury’. The door handles are in body colour and the Land Rover Discovery 4 HSE Luxury Limited Edition rides on 20-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels. Three body colours are available and include Santorini Black, Orkney Grey and for the first time on the Discovery 4, Havana. The Land Rover Discovery 4 HSE Luxury Limited Edition also features Xenon Adaptive Front Headlamps which include Cornering Lamps.

The interior is adorned in Premium Windsor Leather, showcasing Ivory with contrasting stitching for the first time. The Arabica seat colour, inspired by the Range Rover, is also a first for the Discovery 4 HSE Luxury Limited Edition. The fascia top, instrument panel binnacle, door top rolls, armrests and pull benefit from an extended Windsor Leather Pack. The perforated heated steering wheel is finished in Arabica or Ebony with bright switch tips from the Range Rover Sport Autobiography. The interior is completed with a dark Zabrano wood veneer and twist pile luxury carpet mats with contrasting edging. A Harmon/Kardon LOGIC7 Premium Audio system offers 825W of power.

Land Rover Defender gets Upgrades

The iconic Land Rover Defender now comes with additional options for customers who are seeking a higher level of specification. Options include two new body colours, four new contrasting roof colours, premium seat design and an upgraded Alpine sound system.

Land Rover Defender – Specifications and Features

The Land Rover Defender is fitted with a 2.2-litre diesel which replaced the 2.4-litre diesel engine in 2012 and produces 90kW at 3 500rpm with a maximum torque figure of 360Nm at 2 000rpm. The Defender 90 displays a CO2 emissions figure of 266g/km while the Defender 110 and 130 emit 295g/km. The Land Rover Defender transfers power using a GFT MT 82 6-speed gearbox.

Upgrade Features

Two new body colours are available for the Defender namely Barolo Black and Havana. In addition to the standard Fuji White, four new contrasting roof colours are now available and these include Santorini Black, Indus Silver, Orkney Grey and Firenze Red.

Premium part leather seats are available for the driver and front passenger seats and exhibit the Land Rover logo on the backrest. The new seats offer enhanced driving support and comfort. A leather steering wheel is also available for all body styles except 130 derivatives. The Alpine sound system now offers the option for Bluetooth connectivity with a remote microphone and features a single-slot CD player, USB, Auxiliary compatibility and 4x50W amplification.

2013 Volkswagen Golf 7 unveiled

The 2013 Volkswagen Golf 7 has been unveiled ahead of its official debut at the Paris Motor Show at the end of the month. The new Golf 7, according to Volkswagen, offers more features, better safety, more performance and is significantly lighter than the current model.

2013 Volkswagen Golf 7 is lighter and more fuel efficient

The 2013 Volkswagen Golf 7 is 56mm longer, 13mm wider and 28mm lower than the outgoing model and is 100kg lighter. Careful attention has been paid to saving weight in all aspects of the car’s construction, from electrical architecture to engines and the body-in-white. A significant portion of the weight loss can be attributed to the extensive use of high and ultra-high strength steel for the bodyshell.

Less weight means better fuel economy and the European market 1.4 TSI petrol unit displays a combined-cycle fuel consumption figure of 4.9-litres/100km. The 1.6-litre TDI engine exhibits a combined-cycle fuel consumption figure 4.1-litres/100km.

The 2013 Volkswagen Golf 7 interior benefits from more space for both front and back seat passengers and comes with a new infotainment system incorporating a five-inch touchscreen while top-end models will benefit from a navigation system with a large eight-inch touchscreen.

More details will be made available when the new Golf 7 makes its debut at the Paris Motor Show on 27 September 2012.

GWM C10 launches in South Africa

The new GWM C10 compact hatchback has recently been launched in South Africa. The C10 is GWM’s second passenger car offering in South Africa alongside the Florid hatchback. The GWM C10 is an ideal urban car offering a unique design, performance, safety and comfort features.

GWM C10 offers style at an affordable price

Engine Capability

The new GWM C10 is fitted with a 1.5-litre petrol engine with Variable Valve Timing (VVT) that delivers 77kW at 6 000rpm with a maximum torque figure of 138Nm at 4 200rpm. The C10 is offered with a 5-speed manual transmission and comes with hydraulic power steering.

Exterior and Interior Styling

The GWM C10 features a unique V-shaped grille and rides on 15-inch alloy wheels. The rear-end features an integrated exhaust tip and rear spoiler with a high mounted brake light to complement its styling.

The C10’s interior is fitted with a six-way adjustable driver’s seat and height-adjustable headrests. Other features include electric windows, a multi-function steering wheel, air-conditioning and radio/CD/MP3 audio system with USB and Auxiliary capability.

Safety Features

Safety features for the GWM C10 include dual front airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), central locking, seatbelt unbuckling alarm, opening door alert, low fuel warning, rear child door lock, immobiliser and reversing radar. A rear windshield defogger and front and rear fog lights aid visibility.

GWM C10 – Price

GWM C10 1.5 VVT – R134 990

The GWM C10 comes with GWM’s standard 3-year/100 000km warranty, two-year 24-hour Roadside Assist service.

Citroen DS3 Cabriolet goes to Paris

The Citroen DS3 Cabriolet, the latest addition to the DS line, will be shown at the Paris Motor Show at the end of September 2012. The Citroen DS3 Cabriolet shares the same styling, detail refinement and driving dynamics as the DS3 hatchback which has sold over 180 000 units worldwide since its launch in 2010.

Citroen DS3 Cabriolet set to impress

The new Citroen DS3 Cabriolet will be offered in three soft-top roof selections including Black, Infinite blue and DS Monogramme. The DS3 Cabriolet also features the innovative 3-D rear light signature and unique tailgate opening motion. The soft-top roof is manoeuvrable up to speeds of 120km/h and the Citroen DS3 Cabriolet is able to seat five passengers comfortably and exhibits a best in-class boot capacity of 245-litres.

The Citroen DS3 Cabriolet will be available in South Africa in the first quarter of 2013. Further details regarding specifications and features will be made available closer to launch.

Volvo V40 coming to South Africa

The all-new Volvo V40 premium hatchback is coming to South Africa and will be available for test drives from 15 October 2012 before going on sale from 15 November 2012.

Initially, Volvo will be launching with the all-new Volvo V40 in T3 manual, T4 manual, D2 manual and D3 Geartronic derivatives. The remainder of the local line-up, including the Volvo V40 R-Design, will be available from March 2013.

Volvo V40 – Safety

The Volvo V40 recently received an overall record-breaking 5-star Euro NCAP rating. As of 2009, the European safety institute Euro NCAP presents an overall rating for each model it tests. Separate tests are carried out in four different sub-categories which are ranked to produce an overall grade. The four categories include adult occupant protection, child protection, pedestrian protection and safety assist.

Apart from scoring the best overall result, the V40 also scored 98% for adult protection, the best result ever recorded in the test. Maximum points were also achieved in the safety assist and pedestrian protection categories.

“The new V40 was launched as the most intelligent and the safest car in its segment, and it is truly packed with active safety systems such as auto brake, Pedestrian Detection to shield pedestrians, Lane Keeping Aid which helps the driver stay within his or her lane, and BLIS which helps the driver detect vehicles in the offset rear ‘blind spot’,” says Thomas Broberg, Senior Technical Advisor Safety at Volvo Car Corporation.

Volvo V40 – Price

All prices include VAT and Emissions Tax.

Volvo V40 T3 Manual Essential R281 200
Volvo V40 D2 Manual Essential R283 200
Volvo V40 D2 Manual Elite R315 200
Volvo V40 T4 Manual Excel R316 800
Volvo V40 T4 Powershift Elite R346 500
Volvo V40 D3 Geartronic R-Design R363 300

New Mazda6 debuts at Moscow Motor Show

The new Mazda6, now in its third generation, is currently on display at the Moscow Motor Show. The 2014 Mazda6 sedan draws inspiration from the Takeri concept car shown at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show and adopts the full range of SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and the ‘KODO – Soul of Motion’ design philosophy.

New Mazda6 – Specifications and Features

Engine Capability

The Russian specification models include the SKYACTIV-G 2.0-litre engine that offers 110kW at 6 000rpm and 210Nm of torque at 4 000rpm. This engine is mated to a 6-speed SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmission or a 6-speed SKYACTIV-Drive manual gearbox.

The SKYACTIV-G 2.5-litre petrol engine, used for the first time in the new Mazda6, offers 141kW at 5 700rpm with a maximum torque figure of 256Nm available from 3 250rpm. This engine is mated to the SKYACTIV-Drive 6-speed manual or automatic transmission.

The new Mazda6 is the first model to adopt the ‘i-ELOOP’ brake energy regeneration system which along with SKYACTIV technology drastically improves fuel efficiency in real world driving conditions. The ‘i-ELOOP’ is the first passenger car brake energy regeneration system in the world to utilise a capacitor. Mazda’s ‘i-stop’ idling stop system is also introduced to the Mazda6 with a class-leading restart time of 0.35 seconds.

Exterior Styling

The new Mazda6 stands low and wide to convey an “animalistic tenacity, dignity and a sporty flare through its smooth and powerful physique”. The front-end incorporates the ‘signature wing’ into the deeply sculpted face. Hood creases flow from the tips of the signature wing into the character lines to express the feeling of motion.

Signature LED headlights and halo light guides are used for the first time in a Mazda passenger car as well as the new body colour ‘Soul Red’. The new Mazda6 is fitted with 19-inch alloy wheels that further assert its presence.

Interior Styling

The interior is spacious and offers a comfortable environment where the driver can experience the ‘joy of driving’. The driver’s seat is adjustable and the adjustable tilt and telescopic steering wheel makes driving adjustments simple. A multi commander allows control of the audio, navigation and windshield wiper sensitivity. Trip management information is displayed on a 3.5-inch multi-information display while navigation information is displayed on a 5-inch screen.

Safety Features

Safety features for the new Mazda6 include High Beam Control (HBC), Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), Hill Launch Assist (HLA), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Rear Vehicle Monitoring (RVM), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) and Smart City Brake Support (SCBS).

The new Mazda6 is expected in South Africa in the first quarter of 2013. South African specifications and prices will be announced closer to launch.

Toyota GT86 CS-V3 Race Car Launched

Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG) has launched the cost-effective TMG GT86 CS-V3 race car. The Toyota GT86 CS-V3 has been refined and packaged as an entry-level race car for easy maintenance, low running costs and great fun.

Exciting racing package in Toyota GT86 CS-V3

The Toyota GT86 CS-V3 has been specifically developed for the V3 class of Nürburgring-based VLN series and features a stiffened chassis, optimised weight distribution for racing as well as a racing exhaust, suspension and brakes.

TMG President, Yoshiaki Kinoshita said “The Toyota GT86 is a perfect car for production-based motorsport. It already looks fantastic and has superb handling, so with further performance and safety upgrades we have created a really exciting and competitive car which is extremely cost effective.”

The Toyota 86 was recently launched in South Africa and is offered in three models namely the 86 Standard 6-speed manual, the 86 High 6-speed manual and the 86 High 6-speed automatic. The Toyota 86 is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre Subaru engine that produces 147kW at 7 000rpm with a maximum torque figure of 205Nm. The Toyota 86 will accomplish 0-100km/h in 7.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 226km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.8 litres/100km for the manual variant, while the automatic achieves 7.1-litres/100km.

Toyota 86 – Price

Toyota 86 Standard 6-speed Manual R298 500
Toyota 86 High 6-speed Manual R329 400
Toyota 86 High 6-speed Automatic R346 500

All models include a 4-year/60 000km Service Plan with service intervals at 15 000km, 3-year/100 000km warranty and 24hr ToyotaCare roadside assistance.

Mercedes-Benz B180 CDI BlueEfficiency 7G-DCT (2012) Driving Impression

For a lot of people the B-Class is the most misunderstood of all the Mercedes-Benz vehicles (along with the bigger R-Class). It competes in its own little niche by combining the general on-road dynamics and exterior size of a typical C-segment hatchback with the interior packaging of a compact MPV. Well, that was always the idea… In the end the B-Class’s lofty driving position, packing space and relaxed demeanour saw it appeal mostly to older buyers or well-to-do moms on the school run, which may not quite be what Mercedes had in mind originally. Now the second-generation B-Class has arrived, and it attempts to lure younger, sportier customers to the fold. Does it succeed? We take a closer look at the Mercedes-Benz B180 to find out.

Identity crisis?

Mercedes’s attempts to up the B-Class’s sex appeal are very evident on the outside. Ultimately the level of sportiness depends on which of the three trim packages you settle on, but even in its most conservative form it is still a far more dynamic-looking vehicle.  The roofline is 50 mm lower, the consequence of Mercedes finally dropping the much hyped sandwich-floor design of the first-generation model – this double-floor design was supposedly developed to cater for the fitment of future alternative energy engines that never quite materialised. With its long wheelbase, squat body and dramatic side panel sculpting, the B-Class is certainly now less mom’s taxi, and more quasi sports hatch, if only just.

The cabin is even more dramatic. Forget for a moment the big boot, clever, sliding rear seats (by 140 mm) and vast load area when the seats are folded down, and concentrate instead on the SLS AMG-like facia design. Again, various trim options are offered, but even in its most “conservative” iteration you still get a sweeping facia peppered with round ventilation outlets that seem to come straight from Mercedes’s hardcore roadsters. There’s also a nifty, free-standing TFT (thin-film transistor) display screen (various sizes offered) that does a lot to lift the level of perceived sophistication in the cabin.

Overall, the driving position is a world removed from the previous-generation car. The seating position is more than 80 mm lower and the driver grips a sporty steering wheel that wouldn’t look out of place in a more performance-oriented model. Other stand-out features include attractive, deep-set instrumentation and a clutter-free transmission tunnel due to the gearlever being fitted to the steering column.

So, the Mercedes-Benz B180 is certainly sportier. And yet the brand has also maintained its superb interior packaging. While the roofline may be lower, actual headroom has been improved. People wearing large hats (or perms) can therefore still be comfortably accommodated. The rear seats are split 33/66 and when they are folded flat the floor is flat and vast.

Excellent economy

Powering this Mercedes-Benz B180 is the company’s 1,8-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine. As the BlueEfficiency moniker indicates, the focus is very much on lowering consumption. This, of course, is somewhat at odds with the B-Class’s supposed sportier persona, and certainly the 0-100 km/h time of 10,7 seconds is not really going to set anyone’s pulse racing. That being said, the B-Class feels a bit sprightlier than the figures suggest, with the slick and fast-acting seven-speed dual-clutch transmission doing a good job of accessing the maximum torque (250 Nm) in the 1 400 to 1 800 rpm rev range. But yes, the economy is outstanding, with the claimed figure of 4,7 L/100 km not being entirely ridiculous.

Mercedes has worked hard to endow the B-Class with improved dynamic ability compared with its somewhat dull predecessor. The ride is lower and firmer, with a stabiliser at both ends. A sports suspension pack is also offered, which lowers and stiffens the ride even further, but perhaps by too much. The standard set-up strikes a better compromise between comfort and sharpness. But, while the driving experience is certainly a bit more “fun”, the Mercedes-Benz B180 remains a vehicle that prioritises safety. As such, it features not on an ESP (electronic stability system) as standard, but also hill-start assist and even attention assist which monitors the driver’s alertness. Also included in the extensive safety package are seven airbags.

Mercedes-Benz B180 – Verdict

The Mercedes-Benz B180 (B-Class) remains a unique competitor in the local market with few (if any) direct rivals. The price is reasonable given the quality of the vehicle, its interior packaging and especially the Mercedes badge on the nose. Even the standard features list is fairly comprehensive, and the prices of most options are not too outrageous – including leather, for less than R3 000 extra.

In the final analysis, the B-Class is likely to continue to appeal primarily because of its badge, but some younger families may be swayed by its new-found sportiness and particularly the appealing interior design. Think of it, in fact, as a premium-finished, bigger Honda Jazz and you’re not too far off the mark. And that’s nothing but a compliment…

We like:

  • More personality than before
  • Exceptional economy
  • Striking and practical interior
  • Mercedes badge


We don’t like:

  • Pick your options carefully


Fast facts

Engine: 1,8-litre, four-cylinder, turbodiesel
Power: 80 kW @ 3 200 rpm
Torque: 250 Nm @ 1 400 – 1 800 rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch
Wheels: 18-inch alloy
Top speed: 190 km/h
0-100 km/h: 10,7 seconds
Fuel economy: 4,7 L/100 km

Source: www.um.co.za

Also consider:

  • Volkswagen Golf 1,6 TDI Comfortline DSG: Cheaper than the Mercedes, and obviously can’t quite match its packaging, but the Golf is an excellent all-rounder that offers similar performance and economy.
  • Audi A3 Sportback 2,0 TDI Ambition S-tronic: A very hard car to fault, even though the Mercedes offers superior interior space. If you don’t need the quasi-MPV practicality of the B-Class, then the A3 is arguably superior in most areas.
  • Kia Sportage 2,0 CRDi 4×2 Auto: For similar money you can get a very nicely sorted soft-roader such as Kia’s popular and highly rated Sportage 2,0 CRDi. The Kia can’t match the B-Class in terms of refinement and on-road manners, but is a practical, comfortable family hold-all that can go more places