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.

Mercedes-Benz F 800 Style the sedan of tomorrow

The Mercedes-Benz F 800 Style is a synthesis of green technology and stylish-sporty design and impressively demonstrates Mercedes-Benz’ ability to harmonize automobile fascination and emotion with the continually increasing demands of environmental compatibility. Like its predecessor, the F 700 presented at the 2007 IAA motor show, the latest research vehicle from the brand with the star offers a clear idea of what we can expect in the future from premium automobiles “made by Mercedes-Benz.” Whereas the 5.18-meter F 700 provided a preview of the large touring sedan of the future, the much shorter F 800 Style (4.75 meters exterior length) points the way toward developments to come in the upper-range sedan segment.

Looking to the future in the Mercedes-Benz F 800 Style

“The F 800 Style combines the functionality of a groundbreaking upper-class sedan with the highly emotional formal idiom of the new Mercedes-Benz design,” says Mercedes-Benz Head of Design Gorden Wagener. “The long wheelbase and the model’s intelligent interior design ensure a generous amount of space and great freedom of movement for five occupants. The result is a distinctive harmony of form and function, whereby the Mercedes brand value of ‘cultivated sportiness’ can be seen and felt in every detail.”

With a total length of 4.75 meters, the Mercedes-Benz F 800 Style has both a longer wheelbase (2,924 millimeters) and a greater width (1,938 millimeters) than today’s upper-range sedans. All of the components of the vehicle’s extremely efficient and environmentally compatible alternative drive system (either Plug-in Hybrid or fuel cell drive) are installed in a space-saving manner in the engine compartment and in the gaps within the chassis. As a result, the entire interior space is preserved and offers plenty of room for up to five occupants.

Top car brands to impress at Geneva Motor Show

With the 80th Geneva Motor Show just around the corner (Starting on the 4th of March) we can expect to see a host of new information regarding many of the top car brands from around the world. As a sneak peak, here is some information from Ford, BMW and Nissan regarding what they will be showcasing at the event.

Top car brands take to world stage

BMW at Geneva Motor Show

The 2010 Geneva Motor Show also provides the appropriate setting for the European debut of the BMW Concept ActiveE. Based on the BMW 1-Series Coupé, this concept car comes with all-electric drive and innovative electric storage technology optimising both the range the car is able to cover as well as its supreme standard of functionality.

The BMW Concept ActiveE thus combines emission-free motoring with four seats and luggage capacity of approximately 200 litres. With its agility and driving pleasure so typical of the brand, the car offers all the electro-mobility one would expect of a trendsetter like BMW.

Nissan at Geneva Motor Show

Designed to bring a breath of fresh air to the B-segment, where customers are uninspired by the lack of originality on offer, Juke is a distinctive combination of SUV toughness and sporting style in a compact package.

It will be the third member of Nissan’s crossover family, reinforcing the company’s position as a pioneer of this increasingly popular configuration of vehicle.

The top of the range Nissan Juke will come with a new turbocharged direct injection petrol engine, developing 140kW and 240 Nm.

The 1.6 direct injection turbo engine is available with Nissan’s ALL-MODE 4×4-i system, updated to include torque-vectoring technology. As well splitting torque front to rear – up to a maximum of 50:50 – it can now be split from side-to-side across the rear axle too, enhancing agility and reducing understeer when cornering.

Ford at Geneva Motor Show

The all-new Ford C-MAX and Grand C-MAX, which go on sale later this year, will provide two of Ford’s star attractions at the Geneva Motor Show, bringing new levels of style and desirability to the compact Multi-Activity Vehicle (MAV) market.

Ford’s C-segment MAV customers now have the choice of a 5-seat C-MAX or 7-seat Grand C-MAX, which features twin sliding doors and innovative seat design to provide outstanding space and flexibility. The interior of the 5-seat C-MAX will be revealed for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show.

The all-new C-MAX cockpit will represent the next generation of Ford’s human machine interface (HMI) system. Key elements of this technology are two five-way toggle switches on the steering wheel, which control two main vehicle displays: one in the instrument cluster and the second mounted in a high position in the centre console. This simple, intuitive control system enables the driver to operate the key vehicle features while keeping both hands on the wheel, and with a minimum distraction.

“The launch of the new C-MAX range is highly significant, and shows customers worldwide that they can expect some truly exciting designs as we roll out our new global range of medium cars,” said John Fleming, Chairman and CEO of Ford of Europe”. “The new C-MAX is just the start – with the next-generation Focus coming quickly after, we look forward to revealing more of the story in the very near future.”

BMW F 800 GS is Triple Crown Winner

“In 3000 miles of riding the BMW F 800 GS nothing broke, came loose or rattled off. Heck, the mirrors didn’t even loosen over hundreds of off-road miles. My conclusion is the F 800 GS has written a very important chapter in the adventure bike rulebook. That git-er-done engine, with its spirited exhaust snarl, is like everybody’s favorite, diehard DJ who keeps the party going.”

 Impressive trifecta win in 2009 for the BMW F 800 GS

– “Motorcycle of the Year” from Rider Magazine
– “Best Adventure Bike” in 2009 from Motorcyclist Magazine
– “Best Dual-Sport Bike” for 2009 from Cycle World Magazine

On the heels of being named 2009 “Motorcycle of the Year” by Rider Magazine and “Best Dual-Sport Bike” for 2009 from Cycle World, BMW’s highly popular F 800 GS adventure tourer has earned a third prestigious honor by the Motorcyclist magazine as the “Best Adventure Bike” in 2009. The latest accolade was announced recently at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Salinas, CA.

With a lightweight design and eye-popping power, the F 800 GS is the most off-road oriented GS ever built. A vertical parallel-twin engine, based on the proven F 800 ST platform, offers 85 horses and 62 ft-lb of torque, delivering startling speed and acceleration.

Add a dry weight of just 392 lbs, switchable ABS, wide foot rests and a below-the-seat gas tank for a very low center of gravity, and the F 800 GS is a dual-sport bike with amazing handling and all the prowess of a GS in a lighter package.

Visit your favorite BMW dealer and take a F 800 GS for an extended demo ride and find out for yourself why it’s one of the most popular BMW’s ever launched.

“We rode the F 800 GS all day, covering over 100 miles of dirt road between Grand Junction, Colorado and Moab, Utah. The most severe sections were rocky jeep roads and shallow water crossings, but most of it was relatively smooth dirt. We can’t imagine a better bike for that. The power is excellent. It comes on low and strong, making the bike absolutely a gas in a high-speed drift.” – Dirt Bike

Most popular used car brands on Cars.co.za

As the business hub of South Africa, Gauteng has no shortage of high LSM residents. This additional spending power is often visible in the cars that residents of South Africa’s smallest province choose to drive. Gauteng has however not been completely oblivious to the effects of the global recession, and with the realization that money is a precious commodity, more locals of the Golden province are looking to invest in quality used cars as apposed to splashing out on fancy new cars.

Cars.co.za has a selection of over 3000 used cars for sale in Gauteng. Naturally this makes us a great place for Gauteng 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 brands in Gauteng for the month:

Most Popular Used Car Brands in Gauteng – Search Percentages

16% – Volkswagen
14% – Toyota
13% – Not Specified
8% – BMW
8% – Opel
6% – Ford
5% – Audi
3% – Nissan

Table: Cars.co.za – Gauteng Top Brands Search Percentage

2010 sees Volkswagen continue to build on their ever growing popularity. Volkswagen used cars in Gauteng have moved from a previous solid second place to a convincing top spot amongst Gauteng 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.

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 Gautend used car brand popularity rankings. Toyota used cars for sale in Gauteng still attract a huge number of potential buyers. The Toyota Yaris is the most popular model under the Toyota used car banner.

BMW maintains its consistent third place in the used car section on Cars.co.za. BMW being the highest ranking luxury car manufacturer is still a favourite amongst used car buyers in Gauteng. Second hand BMW cars for sale in Gauteng still constitute 8% of the search volume experienced over January 2010 on Cars.co.za, no small feat for a high end manufacturer, only in Gauteng!

Opel has been a strong performer in 2010 and has moved up through the brand rankings. Pre-owned Opel cars are increasing in popularity in Gauteng according to the huge increase in search volume experienced on Cars.co.za during January 2010. Cars.co.za has in excess of 300 Opel used cars for sale in Gauteng, largely comprised of the ever popular Opel Corsa.

Audi, Ford and Nissan have all increased consistently with Gauteng brand averages over January 2010. Ford used cars for sale in Gauteng have dropped a single position below Opel in the brand rankings, but maintained a top 5 position. Audi and Nissan have maintained their positions from last year.

Cars.co.za Awards

Biggest Increase in search volume: Volkswagen

Most used cars for sale in Gauteng: Volkswagen

Gauteng’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 Gauteng

Smart Drive App for iPhone Released

Smart is the first car brand to develop its own Smart Drive App for the iPhone. Together with the vehicle-specific smart cradle for the iPhone the popular phone becomes a multimedia trip computer that is optimised for the smart fortwo in terms of function and design. The Smart Drive App for the iPhone has all the important features needed whilst driving: phone calls via hands-free system, your own extensive music collection, internet radio and a clever navigation system with a special smart touch.

Smart Drive App comes with clever features

There are also smart extras – for example the Car Finder that will guide you back to wherever you parked your car. The new Smart Drive App for the iPhone boasts an outstanding design and is simple to operate thanks to extra large buttons. The new app makes urban mobility even easier and more fun – the declared objective of smart’s philosophy.

* The smart cradle for the iPhone with control unit and microphone serves as a stylish and functional holder. It charges the iPhone and also functions as a hands-free system using the loudspeakers of the smart radio for sound output and automatically muting it when phone calls are made.
* The Smart Drive App for the iPhone is the world’s first drive app on the market to be developed by a car brand. It combines all the features needed on the road in a single app. All the functions are extremely easy to use thanks to extra-large buttons and extra-large letters.