New Mazda5 to Premiere at 2010 Geneva Motor Show

HIROSHIMA, JapanMazda Motor Corporation will hold the global premiere of the new Mazda5 (known as the Mazda Premacy in Japan) during the press days of the 2010 Geneva Motor Show on March 2 and 3, 2010. Embracing dynamic and elegant Nagare design, the new Mazda5 emits approximately 15 percent less CO2 than the current model thanks to Mazdas i-stop idling stop system, a direct injection gasoline engine and other technologies. European sales of the all-new Mazda5 will commence during fall 2010.

New Mazda5 big on efficiency

Based on its long-term vision for technology development, Sustainable Zoom-Zoom, Mazda is striving to improve the eco-friendly performance of its products. Whether stuck in traffic or cruising on the highway, the new Mazda5 with 2.0L direct injection gasoline engine and i-stop significantly reduces CO2 emissions thanks to the effective combination of i-stop, the high combustion efficiency provided by direct injection, and a six-speed manual transmission with optimized gear ratios. The new Mazda5 cuts CO2 emissions by roughly 15 percent compared to the model it replaces and provides a more comfortable ride with linear and smooth performance characteristics. It is now one of the most eco-friendly minivans in its class in Europe.

The new Mazda5 with its green credentials are further enhanced by its other available powertrains, which include a 1.8L gasoline engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

New BMW R 1200 RT with powerful boxer engine

The BMW R 1200 RT has always been acknowledged as the epitome of comfortable and dynamic motorcycle touring in grand style. And now the new BMW R 1200 RT active sport tourer, with its significant innovations, offers even more touring qualities and dynamic benefits thanks to its new Boxer engine.

Boxer engine gives new BMW R 1200 RT more torque

In its configuration and basic structure, the new flat-twin Boxer engine is similar to the Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) engine featured in the BMW HP2 Sport. However, it has been further upgraded and optimized for the BMW R 1200 RT to meet the specific requirements of an outstanding touring bike.

Arguably, the 1,170-cc boxer engine on the former model already offered superior power under all conditions and in almost all riding situations. Nevertheless, the new engine offers an increase in maximum torque of 88 ft-lb at 6,000 rpm, for even greater acceleration and passing power. The range of useful engine speed has been increased by 500 rpm to 8,500 rpm. There is also a significant increase in torque where it really counts, at low and medium engine speeds. Maximum engine horsepower is the same as the prior model at 110 hp but occurs now at a higher rev range of 7,750 rpm.

While these improvements seem minor, there is a noticeable difference in acceleration and responsiveness throughout the power-band.

Honda Jazz best for holding its value

The Honda Jazz is Britains best car for retaining its value according to Parkers annual depreciation report which surveyed almost 300 model ranges.

The latest version of the Honda Jazz picks up where the previous model left off as a very desirable used car, said Kieren Puffett, editor of Parkers. A combination of incredible flexibility for a vehicle of its size, the interior space of a much larger car and low running costs make it just as appealing to used car buyers as it does to those choosing new. It proved to be the safest investment on four wheels during 2009.

Honda Jazz depreciates less than other cars

The Parkers survey uses the value of cars, as if they were being sold privately, in good condition with 10,000 miles on the clock and compares this to their cost as new, 12 months earlier.

Small cars showed they are certainly the safest bet for depreciation, taking 35 of the top 40 places in the index.

The best performers of 2009

1 Honda Jazz (08 on) £1379

2 Fiat 500 (08 on) £1460

3 SEAT Ibiza (08 on) £1552

4 Hyundai i10 (08 on) £1650

5 Mazda 2 (07 on) £1702

The biggest losers of 2009

1 Maybach 62 (03 on) £127,526

2 Maybach 57 (03 on) £115,253

3 Rolls-Royce Phantom (03 on) £81,183

4 Bentley Arnage (98 on) £66,040

5 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti (05 on) £51,627

Alfa Romeo MiTo for SA Car of the Year

Its official the Alfa Romeo MiTo 1.4 TBi is one of just eight finalists in the SA Guild of Motoring Journalists / Wesbank Car of the Year for 2010. All the finalists will be put through their paces in a rigorous testing programme that takes place in February the winner will then be announced at a glittering function on the 18 March. But win or lose, the fact that the Alfa Romeo MiTo has made it to the finalists list is in itself an outstanding achievement, as the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists could select from well over 100 all-new models that made their way onto our roads during 2009.

Alfa Romeo MiTo a hit in South Africa

The Alfa Romeo MiTo has been a success for the brand in South Africa with an average of 30 new MiTos per month finding new homes. This year, the MiTo range will be expanded with a 100 kW and 127 kW engine version (both revolutionary Multiair 1.4 turbo units). The 127 kW version will badged Quadrofoglio Verde and befitting its flagship status it will boast sportier styling, dynamic chassis mods plus a few other luxury add-ons. The newcomers are expected to debut in the 2nd quarter (April/May).

Of course, though, the really big news for Alfa Romeo in 2010 will be the launch of the much-anticipated Milano. This Golf-sized, five-door will set the proverbial cat amongst the hatchback pigeons thanks to its exquisite architecture and Multiair-based engine line-up. The SA line-up is not yet finalised but will most likely include two models at launch a 127 kW 1.4 Turbo version and a range-topping 170 kW 1.8 Turbo Multiair (likely to be badged Quadrofoglio Verde). ETA is between 3rd & 4th quarter (October) afterall we dont want to steal any of the Soccer World Cups thunder!

BMW 3-Series improved for 2010

Driving pleasure in the BMW 3-Series is reaching new heights yet again in the 2010 model year. Carefully conceived modifications in design, a thoroughly updated and extended range of engines, as well as innovative model features give both the new BMW 3-Series Coupé and the new BMW 3-Series Convertible even greater appeal and style. And at the same time the Saloon and Touring now also come with new power units offering even greater qualities than before.

Benefiting from all these innovations in the powertrain, the BMW 3-Series is able to further strengthen its status as an outstandingly dynamic and exceptionally efficient range of models in the mid-market segment.

Sporty and elegant design for new BMW 3-Series

New design features at the front, side and rear precisely integrated into the car give even greater emphasis to the sporting and elegant character of the BMW 3-Series Coupé and the BMW 3-Series Convertible. At the same time the modifications in design make the silhouette of both models even sleeker and more dynamic as a sign of superior performance.

New diversity in the BMW 3-Series engine range

Entering the 2010 model year, all engines in the BMW 3-Series range fulfill the EU5 emission standard. At the same time the range of engines is being expanded with new entry-level variants for the Coupé and Convertible, as well as a new entry-level diesel for the BMW 3-Series Touring.

The market launch of the new BMW 3-Series Coupé and Convertible also marks the introduction of the BMW 318i powered by a straight-four 2.0-litre 105 kWpetrol engine. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel in the new BMW 316d Touring delivers maximum output of 85 kW.

The top-of-the-range BMW 335i available on all body variants of the BMW 3-Series now comes with a 3.0-litre straight-six featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology, High Precision Injection and VALVETRONIC valve management combining supreme output of 225 kW with fuel economy and CO2 management once again enhanced by a significant margin.

Jeep Wrangler Mountain Revealed

Available in the second quarter of 2010, the Jeep Wrangler Mountain edition boasts a rugged outdoor theme, with 32-inch tyres and unique wheel, grill and bumper appliques.

Jeep Wrangler Mountain taps into adventure

Further expanding the iconic Wrangler brands reach, Jeep delivers another high-impact, limited-edition model with the Jeep Wrangler Mountain edition.

The Jeep Wrangler Mountain edition is based on the Wrangler Sport S package, and is available in Wrangler Unlimited 4×4 models.

Exterior features include a unique Mountain decal on the hood with latitude and longitude coordinates that represent an actual location relating to the Mountain theme of the vehicle; grill and bumper appliques; tabular side steps; 32-inch tyres; black tail lamp guards and a fuel-filler door from Mopar.

Available exterior colours include Rescue Green Metallic Clear Coat, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat and Deep Water Blue Pearl Coat.

Interior features include an embossed seat insert with embroidered Mountain logo, and anodized graphite heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) rings.

The Jeep Wrangler Mountain option package will be available in South Africa.

Toyota Hilux takes on Arctic

The company Arctic Trucks runs expeditions and tours through the Arctic, using the Toyota Hilux. The tours gained huge popularity when they were used by Jeremy Clarkson from Top Gear when he attemped (successfully) to be the first car to reach the magnetic north pole. Now anyone can follow in their hero’s footsteps and do their own Arctic tour driving a Toyota Hilux.

Tour Iceland in the Toyota Hilux

The tours last between 2 and 5 days going throughout Iceland. The Toyota Hilux bakkies used are specially setup to endure the harsh conditions. Along with special 38-inch tires which allow the truck to drive in thick snow and ice. The Toyota Hilux was an obvious choice and since it’s launch in 1972 more than 12 million have been sold making it the most popular pickup in Europe according to sales.

Toyota FT-CH unveiled in Detroit

DETROIT, January 11, 2010Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A, Inc., today unveiled the FT-CH dedicated hybrid concept at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The Toyota FT-CH is a concept that would address Toyotas stated strategy to offer a wider variety of conventional hybrid choices to its customers, as it begins to introduce plug-in hybrids (PHVs) and battery electrics (BEVs) in model year 2012, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCHVs) in 2015 in global markets.

Toyota FT-CH to meet global hybrid demands

Within the next 10 to 20 years, we will not only reach peak oil we will enter a period where demand for all liquid fuels will exceed supply, said Jim Lentz, TMS president. A century after the invention of the automobile, we must re-invent it with powertrains that significantly reduce or eliminate the use of conventional petroleum fuels. One of many alternatives is through what is commonly called the electrification of the automobile. By far, the single most successful example of this has been the gas-electric hybrid.

The CH stands for compact hybrid as in compact class and its a concept that can best be defined by comparing it with the mid-size class Prius. The FT-CH captures the spirit and functionality of a car that thrives in the inner-city environment; sized right to be nimble, responsive and maneuverable.

Volkswagen sales best in 2009

Volkswagen sales in South Africa lead the passenger market in 2009 with total sales of 49 902 units, thereby securing 19.3% of the total passenger market, said Mike Glendenning, VW of SA Director of Sales and Marketing.

Volkswagen sales shine in tough market conditions

The Polo range proved to be South Africas favourite passenger car with sales of 18 288 units in 2009 said Glendenning.

The Audi Brand recorded sales of 9 234 units in the premium segment, securing a very satisfactory 3.6% share of the total 2009 passenger market. Audi sales in December exceeded 1 000 units for the first time in 2009 which was a very positive end to 2009 for the Brand. During December 2009 a total of 19 161 new passenger cars were sold in South Africa.

Total new passenger car sales in December, including sales not reported in detail to NAAMSA, decreased by -16.4 percent when compared to November 2009, and by -8.8 percent when compared to December 2008.

The full year 2009 new passenger car market recorded sales of -21.6 percent below what the market achieved in 2008.

New Branding, New Mobility

For 200 years, Peugeot has uniquely combined emotion and the pursuit of perfection in all its activities. This twofold

approach is in the Marques genes.

For example Peugeot has combined:

* Wood and steel to create its first peppermills,

* The saloon and diesel to democratize progress,

* The coupé and the cabriolet to invent the coupé-cabriolet segment and become its leader,

* The saloon and the SUV to launch the 3008,

* Diesel and electric to pioneer the diesel hybrid,

* The saloon and the scooter to develop the BB1.

Peugeot is a unique alliance of the pursuit of perfection and emotion. Peugeots aim is to ensure that emotion is always

at the heart of the motoring experience: a Peugeot will never be purely functional.

A NEW SIGNATURE

To broadcast and illustrate its brand project around the world, Peugeot is taking on a new international

claim:

The Lion, associated with Peugeot since 1858, is changing. Created by Peugeot designers, the Lion on the radiator

grille:

* Is simpler in its design,

* More dynamic, with a new posture and a new fluidity,

* Creates a bimetallic effect through the contrast of its mat/lustrous finish.

This Lion is also the Marques new logo:

* Three-dimensional for greater modernity,

* It discards its blue flag for a more forceful effect,

* The Peugeot blue becomes darker and is now combined with the new typography of the Marques name.

The first vehicle to display the new Lion is the Peugeot RCZ which will be launched in the spring of 2010.