New Volkswagen Touareg with Hybrid Powertrain

Showcased at the 2010 New York International Auto Show, the new Volkswagen Touareg boasts some impressive new stats. The focus is largely on fuel consumption and low co2 emissions across the 3 available engines which include the V6 FSI petrol engine, the V6 TDI Clean Diesel engine and the V6 TSI Gasoline Hybrid engine.

Low fuel consumption for new Volkswagen Touareg

The focus point for the new Touareg falls in line with the ‘green’ movement that is happening world-wide. The 8-speed automatic gear box runs at 21 mpg during inner city driving. Added to this is the clutch which can disengage the transmission from the engine when the engine is not powering the Touareg, further reducing emissions and fuel consumption.

The styling of the Touareg has also been updated, with a narrower grille and a muscular appearance. Like many new cars these days, the Touareg has a chrome finish and LED illuminated lights. Compared to the previous Touareg, the 2011 Touareg is wider and shorter and has a longer wheelbase for a strong sturdy feel. Also the space inside the cabin has increased and the overall weight of the car has decreased, thanks largely to use of new materials

Audi cars win design competition

Audi cars have taken top spot in a design competition held by the Auto Zeitung magazine. Voters could vote on which cars they felt were the most beautiful and could choose from the top 50 best selling car brands in Germany.

Audi cars considered to be most beautiful

Audi came in with 26% of the vote for the brand with the most beautiful cars, which gave them the majority percent and thus the award. Also among the winners was the Audi R8 Spyder, which won the most beautiful convertible car and finished 3rd in the overall car model category.

This was the first competition held by the magazine, they intend to run the competition annually.

New Mercedes-Benz R-Class refreshed

The new Mercedes-Benz R-Class comes with a completely redesigned front as well as more space, and various styling elements taken from other Mercedes-Benz SUV’s and saloons. Another new addition is the option of various diesel options for the R-Class. These engines boast a fuel consumption of 7.6 liters / 100km. The various low emission models provide much of the same power that the previous R-Class models had, yet with less fuel consumption and less co2 emissions.

Loads of choice in new Mercedes-Benz R-Class

With 9 basic model variants provided by the new Mercedes-Benz R-Class, you can truly customize the vehicle to your exact needs. These models come with many features as standard, including many of the safety features.,including:

PRE-SAFE – “a unique anticipatory occupant protection system”
A complete restraint system with 8 airbags
Crash active NECK-PRO Head restraints
Tyre pressure loss warning system
Adaptive break lights

Other comforts include thermatic automatic climate control systems and an AUX-in cable to enable the driver to connect audio devices to play through the cars audio system. The R-Class comes with many more features to increase comfort, driving pleasure and style of the ride. Look for the new Mercedes-Benz R-Class in 2011.

VW Polo named 2010 World Car of the Year

The finals of the World Car of the year were held at the New York International Motor Show and the Volkswagen Polo came out on top as the 2010 World Car of the Year. The field was initially made up of 30 cars that were voted on by 59 jurors from around the world. These jurors were all selected based on their expertise and experience within the car market.

VW Polo Cream of the Crop

The field of 30 cars was initially voted down to 10 and from those 10, the World Car of the Year was chosen. The top 3 cars were as follows: The VW Polo (MkV), The Toyota Prius and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

The VW Polo was ultimately named the 2010 World Car of the Year, noted for its handling, classy looks, reliability and safety.

Previous winners include:

2009: Volkswagen Golf
2008: Mazda 2
2007: Lexus LS460

2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport makes New York Debut

Suzuki has chosen the New York International Motor Show to debut their new 2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport. The Kizashi Sport is set to go on sale in America in August with pricing being announced close to the time that the car is available for sale.

2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport – Features

There have been a few modifications done to the 2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport compared to it’s 2010 predecessor. It comes with quite a few changes in its looks, with chrome finishes, sill extensions and a trunk mounted spoiler. Added to this are custom light-weight 18 inch allow wheels.

Inside the 2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport is a specially designed sport steering wheel with perforated leather grip. Following the design of the car, the seats are form-fitting leather sports seats with a driver-centric cockpit. The 2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport will be available in 4 levels, from entry level to luxury models.

It’s still not known if the 2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport will be made available for South Africa, guess we will just have to wait and see.

BMW 5-Series ushers in long-wheelbase sedan

BMW adds to its comprehensive model range with the all new 5-Series long-wheelbase sedan. This BMW5-Series has been designed exclusively for China and the Chinese driving market. The Long-Wheelbase BMW 5-Series sedan is a combination of style, luxury and a sporty design which provides added space in the back for more luxury and comfort for all passengers.

BMW 5-Series long-wheelbase sedan offers power and style

The Long-Wheelbase BMW features a sportier engine and increased power from it’s varying engines. The different engine ranges generate 150KW/204hp up to 225KW/306hp at the highest range. The top model in the range is the 535Li which comes fully customizable to suit the individual’s driving requirements.

For such a big car, the BMw 5-Series still maintains a sleek look, with chiseled features and slender curves. The wheelbase is up by 14 cm to create proper balance and proportion. The day-time headlights are LED with the rear lights being L-shaped further adding to the overall style of the car.

The interior of the 5-Series is once again focused on comfort and luxury with a driver-oriented cockpit that features a high-tech instrument cluster. At the back there is a cooler box, entertainment system, automatic sun-blinds and a folding table, however some of these features are extras.

The new Long-Wheelbase BMW 5-Series sedan continues BMW’s commitment to sustainability, quality and safety. This car is aimed at the luxury business market and should feature well in the competitive Chinese automobile market.

2011 Nissan Juke makes debut at New York International Auto Show

The 2011 Nissan Juke Sports crossover has been unveiled at the New York Auto Show. The Juke joins the Murano and Rogue crossovers and will be available in the fall of 2010.

2011 Nissan Juke is big on style and fun driving

The styling influence of the 2011 Nissan Juke was taken from many areas, including motorcycles and rally cars. The engine is a 1.6 litre Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) turbo, with all wheel drive. The aim of the Juke was to create something unique, in that is is part hatch, part SUV while keeping a sportiness and sleek design.

The interior further compliments the sport styling. With motorcycle inspired features and a short-shifter gear lever to add to the sporty feel. There are many optional features, ranging from entertainment options and other luxury additions. Many of the safety features though are standard, including 6 airbags, ABS breaks and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)

The most interesting feature is the Integrated Control (I-Con). This feature allows the driver to control the climate settings as well as rotating between the various driving modes. The modes include:

Normal, for every day driving
Sport, for better performance
Eco, for maximum efficiency

The New 2011 Nissan Juke is a great all-round car and caters to a market that requires a car with both space, performance and style, without being too big or costing too much.

New Ford Focus RS500 ready for launch

The new Ford Focus RS500 limited edition is launching in Leipzeg Germany in April. As the successor to the Focus RS, the RS500 features a 350 PS 2.5-litre 5-cylinder engine.

New Ford Focus RS500 is one-of-a-kind

Only 500 RS500 models are being made, and each is custom labeled from 001 to 500. The New Ford Focus RS500 is finished with a unique matte-black foil paint further adding to the unique and one-of-a-kind feel that the car will bring.

Additional of the Ford Focus RS500 include:

Dual-zone automatic climate control
Heated windscreen
Rear parking distance sensors
Tyre deflation detection system
Automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers
Auto dimming rear-view mirror
Ford key-free start
Enhanced connectivity with Bluetooth®, voice control and USB port
Sony 6-CD audio system
Recaro sports front seats with partial leather trim

The new Ford Focus RS500 will be available in 20 different European countries and demand is expected to exceed supply.

Geely acquires Volvo Cars from Ford

28, 2010 Ford Motor Company today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell Volvo Car Corporation and related assets to Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Company Limited. The sale is expected to close in the third quarter of 2010, and is subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of applicable regulatory approvals.

Geely to provide new future for Volvo

The purchase price for Volvo Cars and related assets (primarily intellectual property) is $1.8 billion (U.S.), which will be paid in the form of a note in the amount of $200 million (U.S.), and the remainder in cash. The cash portion of the purchase price will be adjusted at close for customary purchase price adjustments relating to pension deficits, debt, cash and working capital, the net effect of which could be a significant decrease in the cash proceeds to Ford.

Volvo is a great brand with an excellent product lineup. This agreement provides a solid foundation for Volvo to continue to build its business under Geelys ownership, said Alan Mulally, Fords president and CEO. At the same time, the sale of Volvo will allow us to further sharpen our focus on building the Ford brand around the world and continue to deliver on our One Ford plan serving our customers with the very best cars and trucks in the world.

Ford to support Volvo during transition

Ford will continue to cooperate with Volvo Cars in several areas after the sale has been completed in order to ensure a smooth transition, but will not retain any ownership in the Volvo Cars business.

Following completion of the sale, Ford will continue to supply Volvo Cars with, for differing periods, powertrains, stampings and other vehicle components.

As part of the sale, Ford also has committed to provide engineering support, information technology, access to tooling for common components, and other selected services for a transition period to ensure a smooth separation process.

Ford and Geely have established agreements to govern the use of intellectual property; these agreements will allow both Volvo and Ford to deliver their business plans and provide appropriate safeguards against misuse. These agreements also will allow Volvo Cars to grant sublicenses to certain portions of Fords intellectual property used by Volvo Cars to third parties, including Geely.

The Volvo team has done an exceptional job of restructuring its business and remaining focused on delivering its plan during the sale process, said Lewis Booth, Fords chief financial officer. With Fords continued investment in Volvo, it has launched its best-ever product range and remained true to its core values safety, quality, environmental responsibility and modern Scandinavian design.

We look forward to continuing to work with Volvo Cars, and wish the management team, employees and new owners every success for the future.

Zhejiang Geely would like to pay tribute to Fords stewardship of the Volvo brand, and we look forward to continued cooperation as Volvo embarks on the next stage of its evolution with Geely, said Li Shufu, chairman of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Company Limited.

Stephen Odell, CEO of Volvo Cars, added, The Volvo management team fully endorses Fords sale of Volvo Cars to Geely. We believe this is the right outcome for the business, and will provide Volvo Cars with the necessary resources, including the capital investment, to strengthen the business and to continue to move it forward in the future.

Geely has been very supportive of Volvo Cars business plans and management team. We look forward to building a strong relationship between Volvo Cars and Geely, and to maintaining a strong relationship with Ford in those areas where we will continue to work together to ensure a smooth transition.

Toyota Hilux Legend 40 is born

As a sign, written in the stars, the first Toyota Hilux Legend 40 rolled off the production line on the same day that Chuck Norris celebrated his birthday.

Toyota Hilux Legend 40 celebrates long history in SA

The Toyota Hilux, the countrys top selling vehicle, celebrates 40 years in South Africa. The Toyota Hilux Legend 40 adds visual appeal which includes a Legend 40 roll bar, side steps, nudge bar and rear bumper with towbar all from high gloss stainless steel. Legend 40 decals and a special tonneau cover are also included.

The high level of interior specification includes a Legend 40 carpet set, full leather trim (including doors, steering wheel and gear knob), sound system, electric windows and alloy wheels.

The Hilux Range expanded to include two single cab models and seven double cab models. The Toyota Hilux Legend 40 range also covers 4×2 and 4×4 models. A limited production run will ensure the exclusivity and collectability of the Legend 40.

The Toyota Hilux Legend 40 builds on the success of the Hilux Legend 35, which appeared halfway through the first decade of the new millennium. The Legend 35 celebrated 35 years of Hilux market dominance and it carried those achievements proudly as a badge on its bull bar, roll bar and rear load bay.

Five years on, and forty years since first introduction, the Hilux remains the most popular and one of the toughest bakkies in the business. To be exact it ended 2009 as the countrys most popular vehicle choice, bar none. Built to the highest standards at Toyotas Prospecton plant in KwaZulu-Natal it also represents South African build quality in other parts of the world.

Toyota Hilux – Price

Single Cab

3.0D-4D 4X4 Raider R 334,900
3.0D-4D Raised Body Raider R 288,600
2.7 VVTi Raised Body Raider R 314,400
2.7 VVTi Raised Body Raider R 359,500

Double Cab

3.0D-4D Raised Body Raider R 406,600
3.0D-4D 4×4 Raider R 370,900
3.0D-4D Raised Body Raider AT R 417,900
4.0 V6 Raised Body Raider AT R 366,300
4.0 V6 4×4 Raider AT R 434,100