New Opel Corsa offers more power, greater comfort, less fuel

The new Opel Corsa range has been rejuvenated to provide more power and more driving fun with less fuel consumption. Opel engineers have given the Corsa a complete make-over, introducing an enhanced powertrain line-up that reduces fuel consumption by up to 13 percent, significant chassis improvements and a new steering calibration. In addition to its agile handling and greater ride comfort, drivers will appreciate engines that give more pulling power.

Pleasing styling for new Opel Corsa

The new Opel Corsa comes in two distinct body styles, the coupé-like three-door and the family friendly five-door. Inside the cabin, the Corsa continues to offer one of the roomiest and most attractive interiors in its class. True to Opel’s philosophy, it also features innovative technologies at an affordable price, including halogen Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL), a heated steering wheel, active front head restraints, Hill Start Assist, a Panorama sunroof or the integrated FlexFix bicycle carrier which is unique to Opel.

More power with improved fuel economy

The powertrain line-up for the new Opel Corsa consists of a wide offer of gasoline engine from the 1-liter 3 cylinder (48 kW/65 hp ) entry level version to the turbo charged 1.6-liter on the new Opel Corsa OPC (141 kW/192 hp). On the diesel side, different versions of the 1.3 and 1.7 CDTI motors offer outputs ranging from 55 kW/75 hp to 96 kW/130 hp all with fuel consumption under 5 liters per 100 kilometers. The Corsa ecoFLEX 1.3 l CDTI offers exceptionally low CO2 emissions of just 98 g/km for the 3-door variant, 99 g/km for the 5-door.

Opel engineers have developed the engines to give greater torque, while at the same time reducing their appetite for fuel and lowering CO2 emissions. All gasoline engines, and the new 1.7 CDTI diesel, comply with Euro 5 emissions standards.

Upgraded chassis and steering

Opel chassis engineers have upgraded all major suspension components and the steering system. The result is improved ride comfort, more precise steering feel and greater directional stability – without compromising new Opel Corsa acclaimed agility.

Dampers, springs, anti-roll bars, the rear axle, the electric steering gear and its calibration software all have been optimized. All the changes apply to Essentia, Enjoy and Cosmo variants, while versions equipped with the Sport chassis, GSi and ecoFLEX models benefit from additional improvements to the rear axle and steering. The Corsa OPC took over the changes applied to the steering gear.

Aprilia struggles at Phillip Island GP

The Aprilia Alitalia Racing Team experienced a weekend of ups and downs at the debut of the SBK 2010 World Championships. Following a difficult Superpole, which ended with Max Biaggi in eleventh position and Leon Camier in sixteenth, the Aprilia RSV4s returned to their competitive nature out on the track.

Aprilia fights for position

In Race 1 Max Biaggi recovered from tenth position and ended up with a good fifth place finish after a long battle for fourth position. Leon Camier took his Aprilia RSV4 to eleventh place after overshooting and being forced to re-enter the race and catch up. In any case, both of the Aprilia Alitalia Racing Team drivers showed that they are able to keep up with the times turned in by the top drivers.

Something quite similar also occurred in Race 2. This time both Biaggi and Camier paid their dues for running of the track (during the fourth lap for Max and during the ninth for Leon). Despite the severe handicap, both re-entered the tight group that was following the five leaders and battling it out the sixth to twelfth positions, and managed to race once again after setting excellent paces. The race ended with Biaggi in eighth position and the young Brit finishing eleventh.

The results left somewhat of a bitter taste, but they also provide some important points in a world championship that even this early on is proving to be extraordinarily balanced.

“It didn’t go very well,” stated Biaggi. “In Race 2, I went straight for the little curve, where Camier went off the track twice, because I was at my limit, and in these situations, a mistake is right around the bend. There’s still a lot of work to be done, but I’m not going away disheartened or discouraged because we are aware of our own potential and we know we can surely do better when once we have eliminated these problems.”

Ferrari California for Green Performance Motoring

Ferrari at Geneva: a stand dedicated to innovation and the environment

Unveiled the Ferrari California with Stop & Start and the HY-KERS Hybrid vettura laboratorio

Geneva, 2 March – After the huge success enjoyed by the 458 Italia, a car that combines performance and sportiness with maximum efficiency to the extent that it boasts class-leading emissions and specific power output – 307 g/km of CO2 and 127hp/litre respectively – Ferrari is showcasing two major additions to its green credentials at the Geneva Motor Show. The first of these is the Stop & Start system sported by the Ferrari California, an industry first on a high-performance sports car, while the second is the HY-KERS, a “vettura laboratorio” (experimental vehicle) which reveals to the public for the first time the hybrid solutions being developed by Maranello’s engineers.

Ferrari California with reduced Fuel Consumption and CO2 Emissions

Introduced with effect from March for the Ferrari California, the Stop & Start System cuts both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 6 per cent in the ECE + EUDC combined cycle, emitting around just 280 g/km, an excellent value for a high performance naturally-aspirated sports car. The Stop & Start cuts in virtually instantaneously – just 230 milliseconds, a time so fast that the driver barely notices the engine restarting.

This solution is a further step in Ferrari’s on-going strategy to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by working 360 degrees on all aspects of the cars. For example the Ferrari California direct-injection V8 boasts very low levels of friction. Purge valves in the crankcase counteract the differences in pressure below the pistons which normally increase losses. Other solutions also reduce friction, such as the DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) treatment of the valve followers and the highly polished cam lobes, an innovation that has now been adopted across the range.

Porsche 918 Spyder Concept Shown in Geneva

Presenting a high-performance mid-engined concept sports car with ultra-efficient, low-emission drive technology, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is further increasing the Company’s competence in hybrid technology.

The Porsche 918 Spyder concept combines high-tech racing features and electro-mobility to offer a fascinating range of qualities: An emission level of just 70 grams CO2 per kilometre on fuel consumption of three litres/100 kilometres (equal to 94 mpg imp) truly outstanding even for an ultra-compact city car, on the one hand, combined with the performance of a super sports car and acceleration from a standstill to 100 km/h in just under 3.2 seconds, top speed of 320 km/h (198 mph) plus, and a lap time on the Nordschleife of Nürburgring in less than 7:30 minutes, faster than even the Porsche Carrera GT, on the other.

Porsche 918 Spyder – Features

Engine Power

This open two-seater is powered by a high-speed V8 developing more than 500 bhp and running at maximum speed engine of 9,200 rpm as well as electric motors on the front and rear axle with overall mechanical output of 218 bhp (160 kW).

The V8 combustion engine is a further development of the highly successful 3.4-litre power unit already featured in the RS Spyder racing car and positioned midship in front of the rear axle, giving the car the right set-up for supreme performance on the race track through its good balance.

Power is transmitted to the wheels by a seven-speed Porsche-Doppelkupplungs-getriebe also feeding the power of the electric drive system to the rear axle. The front-wheel electric drive powers the wheels through a firm transmission ratio.

The energy reservoir is a fluid-cooled lithium-ion battery positioned behind the passenger cell. The big advantage of a plug-in hybrid is that the battery can be charged on the regular electrical network. A further point is that the Porsche 918 Spyder kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy fed into the battery when applying the brakes, thus providing additional energy for fast and dynamic acceleration.

Driving Modes

A button on the steering wheel allows the driver to choose among four different running modes: The E-Drive mode is for running the car under electric power alone, with a range of up to 25 km or 16 miles. In the Hybrid mode the Porsche 918 Spyder uses both the electric motors and the combustion engine as a function of driving conditions and requirements, offering a range from particularly fuel-efficient all the way to extra-powerful.

The Porsche 918 Spyder also comes with further innovative functions such as the Range Manager. After being activated in the Center Display, the Range Manager uses the map in the navigation system to present the remaining range the car is able to cover, naturally allowing the driver to influence that range through the appropriate choice of power and performance. In cities with environmental alert areas the Range Manager also states whether the driver is able to reach a certain destination on electric power alone.

Applying this information and using further info on the availability and location of special energy filling stations, the driver is then able to choose his personal style of driving as well as the right battery charge and filling strategy.

Offering a unique combination of extremely low fuel consumption, supreme performance and long electric range, the Porsche 918 Spyder represents an essential milestone in Porsche’s strategy on the way to genuine electro-mobility.

MINI at 80th Geneva Motor Show 2010

Celebrating the world debut of the brand’s fourth model, MINI is setting one of the outstanding highlights at the 80th Geneva Motor Show 2010.

MINI in the spotlight

The MINI Countryman carries over the driving pleasure so typical of the brand into a new dimension. This is the first MINI with four doors and a large tailgate as well as a variable interior offering space for up to four occupants. At the same time the MINI Countryman is the brand’s first model measuring more than four metres (157”) in length and available as an option with ALL4 all-wheel drive.

Given all these qualities, the world’s one and only premium car of its kind exceeds the limits to urban mobility, adding new features to that feeling so characteristic of MINI and winning over additional target groups.

The new MINI One Convertible is another of the new models being presented to the public at the Geneva Motor Show from 4 – 14 March 2010. With its 72 kW/98 hp four-cylinder power unit, this new version of the Convertible offers a particularly economical opportunity to enjoy the thrilling openness and fascinating agility on the road again so characteristic of the open-air MINI.

MINI Engines

Like all other petrol engines available for the MINI, the MINI Clubman and MINI Convertible, the power unit of this new model has also been optimised in the spirit of MINIMALISM for superior performance and efficiency all in one. All of the brand’s petrol engines now fulfil the EU5 emission standard and offer a – in some cases significantly – improved balance of performance and fuel economy on the road.

The MINI One MINIMALIST also making its debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show is a particularly outstanding example of sustainable driving pleasure the owner will enjoy for a long time. The new entry-level model is available with either 55 kW/75 hp or 72 kW/98 hp and in both cases offers an outstandingly low CO2 rating of just 119 grams per kilometre quite exceptional on a petrol engine car.

Western Cape

The Western Cape Province of South Africa is an extremely diverse place. It has a great mix of individuals ranging from the who’s who of international celebrities to the simple fisherman. This makes the range of cars for sale extremely large. Often the rich and famous opt for buying new cars ahead of second hand cars for sale in the Western Cape. The recent recession however has made car buyers across South Africa reconsider how best to invest their precious Rands. This has lead to a surge in the used car market and resultantly the used cars for sale in Western Cape.

Cars.co.za has a selection of over 1400 used cars for sale in Western Cape. Naturally this makes us a great place for Western Cape residents to find the ideal second hand car. January 2010 saw a huge increase in users visiting the website and below is a chart representing the most popular used car brand trends in the Western Cape for the month:

Brand Search Percentage

* Volkswagen 17%
* Toyota 13%
* Opel 7%
* Ford 5%
* BMW 5%
* Audi 4%
* Nissan 3%
* Any 18%




2010 sees Volkswagen continue to build on their ever growing popularity. Volkswagen used cars in the Western Cape have moved from a previous solid second place to a convincing top spot amongst Western Cape used car browsers. The dominance of both the Volkswagen Polo and Volkswagen Golf brands contributed largely to the success of the Volkswagen brand within the online used car sector. Cars.co.za lists over 400 used Volkswagen cars for sale in the Western Cape.

Whilst Toyota has dropped from the coveted top spot, the brand has still increased in overall searches and command a solid second place on the Western Cape used car brand popularity rankings. Toyota used cars for sale in Western Cape still attract a huge number of potential buyers. The Toyota Yaris is the most popular model under the Toyota used car banner. Cars.co.za currently lists almost 200 Toyota used cars for sale in the Western Cape.

Opel used car searches in the Western Cape have increased significantly in 2010. The Opel brand has moved up to a solid third position. Pre-owned Opel cars are increasing in popularity in the Western Cape, lead by the Opel Corsa which dominates the Opel used cars for sale in the Western Cape statistics. Cars.co.za has over 150 used Opel cars for sale in the Western Cape.

Ford has remained consistent in used car search percentage for the Western Cape Province over 2010. The number of searches has increased however and this increase has helped Ford to move up the ranks to fourth. The Ford Bantam, Ford Fiesta and Ford Focus are the major used car models searched for in the Western Cape.

BMW, Audi and Nissan comprise the final brand rankings in the Western Cape. BMW has managed to maintain a top 5 position in the Western Cape, but has decreased in search percentage. Audi has remained consistent and has moved up a position. Nissan used cars searches in the Western Cape have also decreased percentage wise over 2010.

Cars.co.za Awards!
Biggest Increase in search volume: Volkswagen
Most used cars for sale in Western Cape: Volkswagen
Western Cape’s top manufacturer: Volkswagen

All stats are generated from the Cars.co.za website

Click here to view our full stock list of second hand cars for sale in Western Cape

New Porsche Cayenne makes Geneva Debut

Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is presenting the brand-new generation of the Porsche Cayenne Sports Utility at the Geneva Motor Show in early March.

New Porsche Cayenne – Features

The absolute highlight of this new generation is the world debut of the new Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid with its technically highly sophisticated parallel full hybrid drive and fuel consumption in the New European Driving Cycle of just 8.2 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 34.4 mpg imp), which means CO2 emissions of just 193 g/km. The Cayenne S Hybrid therefore combines the performance of an eight-cylinder with the economy of a six-cylinder running on much less fuel.

Led by the new Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid, all models in the new generation are trendsetters in efficiency and performance in their respective segments. Compared with the former models, fuel consumption is down by up to 23 per cent, since the new Cayenne, like every Porsche, has been developed according to the principle of “Porsche Intelligent Performance”: more power on less fuel, greater efficiency and lower CO2 emissions.

This also applies to the new Porsche Cayenne Turbo, with its 500 bhp (368 kW) 4.8-litre V8 biturbo consuming just 11.5 ltr/100 km (equal to 27.6 mpg imp) in the New European Driving Cycle, again 23 per cent less than its predecessor (14.9 ltr/100 km or 19.0 mpg imp).

New Porsche Cayenne – Price

The prices of the new Cayenne models in Germany including national specifications and 19 per cent value-added tax (Euro base prices without national specifications and 19 per cent VAT in brackets) are as follows:

Porsche Cayenne 55,431 Euro (46,400 Euro)
Porsche Cayenne Diesel 59,596 Euro (49,900 Euro)
Porsche Cayenne S 72,686 Euro (60,900 Euro)
Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid 78,636 Euro (65,900 Euro)
Porsche Cayenne Turbo 115,526 Euro (96,900 Euro).

The retail price and market launch date vary by region or country. Please contact the Porsche PR Manager of your country in order to receive country-specific information.

Opel Flextreme GTE Concept shows future

The Opel Flextreme GTE concept car will be unveiled at the 80th Geneva Motor Show (March 4 – 14), that will boost the company’s credentials as a leader in green technologies, offering expressive design with efficient environmental performance – and engineered with German precision.

Electric innovation for Opel Flextreme GTE Concept

In Opel’s strategy for achieving more independence from fossil fuels, electricity plays a key role. The 4.7-meter long Opel Flextreme GTE concept illustrates how extended-range electric vehicle (E-REV) technology can be plugged into large or mid-size vehicles, as well as compact cars such as the upcoming Ampera.

Opel calls this strategy e-mobility unlimited: adapting the highly efficient E-REV drive system – which removes the limitations of battery-only power – to vehicles across all market segments. To enjoy zero CO2 driving emissions, the Opel Flextreme GTE concept shows that size doesn’t matter.

The purposeful design also enables the Opel Flextreme GTE to achieve a projected drag co-efficient of just 0.22, which helps it reach a 200 km/h-plus top speed as well as conserve energy and extend its driving range. Stand-out visual features include a low and wide stance, wing-shaped lights front and rear, a distinctive nose and grille, floating C-pillars and muscular, sculptured bodywork.

“The Flextreme GT/E concept shows the shape of things to come from Opel,” says Frank Weber, Vice President, Corporate and Product Planning. “Bold, expressive and highly efficient, it represents the product strategy we will apply to all our future vehicles, large and small, across all market segments.”

Honda 3R-C Concept makes debut at Geneva

The Honda 3R-C Concept, a revolutionary one-person battery electric vehicle concept, will make its world debut in Geneva alongside the EV-N concept, to be displayed for the first time in Europe. The three-wheeled Honda 3R-C concept, which envisions a single occupant vehicle for zero emission commuting, and the EV-N urban concept, draw on Honda’s vast working knowledge of vehicles utilising electric motors.

Honda 3R-C Concept imagines emissions free future

This revolutionary three wheeled battery electric vehicle concept shows what a future minimal urban transport vehicle for one person might look like. The battery electric drivetrain is mounted low in the three wheeled chassis, therefore keeping the centre of gravity low and thus improving stability.

The Honda 3R-C Concept has a clear canopy that covers the driver’s seat while it is parked and not in use. When Honda 3R-C concept vehicle is in motion, the canopy becomes an enveloping wind-shield that provides the pilot, who sits low in the vehicle, with significant protection from the bodywork and doors.

The high sides of the safety shell seat give greater safety to the occupant, reducing the threat from side impacts and improving weather protection. In front of the driver is a lockable boot area, which gives significant secure storage for luggage or other items. The 3R-C’s designers created a flexible cover that surrounds the upper torso to reduce exposure to bad weather and improving comfort.

The Honda 3R-C Concept was created by European designers working at Honda’s Research and Design facility in Milan.

Bakkies in South Africa

Bakkies in South Africa are a common sight and it doesn’t look they will be going away any time soon. Whether it’s off-road’ing on a farm in the Free State, to sitting in traffic in town or picking up the kids in Sandton, these cars fit the bill and are perfectly suited to the job. This is largely due to the fact that they are so reliable and tough and are adept at maneuvering past potholes and having masses of space to carry a whole family or a herd of sheep on the back.

The other option, for people looking for something a little smaller, and cheaper, are a number of single cab trucks or bakkies. These have similarly proven to be popular among South Africans, especially in the used car market. The prime example is the Opel Corsa Utility, which for its limited size, still packs a big punch. The biggest selling point for these Corsa’s is their cost, you can pick up a used Corsa Utility for around R70 000 – R90 000 with a decent year and mileage.

Double-cab bakkies in South Africa

The Toyota Hilux double cab bakkie

The Toyota bakkie has been a firm favourite in South Africa, especially in the used car market and has undergone quite a few facelifts over the years. As previously mentioned the bakkie is almost indestructible, a point which was proven by TopGear, a popular BBC car program that attempted a number of tasks to destroy the Toyota which ended with the car being placed atop a building that got demolished. And yet the car still started and could drive, paying testament to the reliability and hardiness that is the Toyota bakkie.

Nissan Hardbody / Navara

The Nissan Hardbody is another equally popular bakkie which, like the Toyota, relies on an image of indestructibility and toughness that will last many years and a number of kilometers on the clock. This is shown by the fact that there are many used Nissan bakkies with a few hundred kilometers on the clock that are still doing the rounds in the used car market.

Mitsubishi Triton

While not as popular as the previous models, the Mitsubishi Triton still provides all the space, reliability and performance that South Africans have come to expect in their bakkies. The price range of used Mitsubishi Bakkies is very similar to the other two brands, and remains competitive within the industry.

The new Volkswagen Amarok

As one of the biggest car manufacturers in the world it was surprising that Volkswagen was not a competitor in the double cab, truck and bakkie market in South Africa for so long. This however has all changed now with the introduction of the Volkswagen Amarok, Volkswagen’s venture into the Bakkie market.

The Amarok will come with 2 diesel engine options, a 120kw 2.0 TDI and a 4 cylinder 90kw TDI. The turbo charged engines boast low fuel consumption stats with the 90kw TDI consuming just 7.6 liters per 100km. There will be 2 variants available, the Trendline and the Highline, with the Highline including far more features and comforts. Another selling point of the Amarok is its space, especially in the interior. It also boasts the widest load space in its class which should be a strong selling point for buyers looking for a load-bearing vehicle.

The Amarok has great looks, and matches the VW front end styling and curves. The Amarok will be available in South Africa later in 2010 and I’m sure it will be a hit. South Africans love pretty much love all the Volkswagen models and the Amarok should be no exception, even in later years when it is doing the rounds in the used car market.

What does this mean for the South African bakkie market?

Plainly put, more competition and more variation, which for all parties involved is a good thing as it keeps prices down and gives buyers more options when looking for a bakkie that suits their exact needs. The Amarok will probably be popular among a younger crowd who still need the space and utility of a large double cab along with good looks, however those buyers who are looking for straight-up quality, reliability and toughness will probably still favour the Toyota.