Suzuki’s Brand of the Year milestone

By being named the 2017/18 Brand of the Year in the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank, Suzuki Auto SA became the first company in the history of the awards to retain this prestigious award and the only brand to win the award more than once.

BMW M8 Gran Coupe Concept Shown in Geneva [w/Video]

BMW has revealed a concept of the M8. It's imposing, wild and outright mean.

Take note to remember that what you see here in the images is just a concept and will be dulled down somewhat for final production. The 8 Series is the flagship model for BMW and the M8 the pinnacle of what the brand is capable of producing. Interestingly BMW doesn't care if you don't like how this M8 looks, “The BMW Concept M8 Gran Coupe is designed to stir things up, to polarise – it should move you emotionally,” explains Domagoj Dukec, Vice President Design BMW M and BMW i.

Some neat touches in the design include headlights that are positioned slightly higher than the kidneys and give them the impression of sitting lower, which further emphasizes the car’s low slung look. The roof is made from carbon fibre reinforced plastic, reducing weight and the centre of gravity. If you're wondering about the paint finish, the Salève Vert paint appears to change from green to grey/blue in certain light. It works in contrast with the gold coloured brakes, M gills and tailpipes to create a menacing looking machine.

No performance figures will be available for some time, but you can take a look at what we speculated a while back here. The M8 is likely to only make production in 2019, with the 8 Series Gran Coupe proceeding it.

BMW M8 Gran Coupe Concept Video

SA’s Hijacking Hotspots & How to be best prepared

A vehicle hijacking isn't something any of us would ever want to deal with. South Africa, unfortunately, has a high rate of highjackings, so it's best to be as prepared for it as you can in case it happens to you. Here are the areas where you should be particularly vigilant and a few things to take note of.

32 minutes! In this amount of time, one hijacking will occur somewhere in South Africa. And one will keep happening every 32 minutes after that. That’s 46 cars a day. It is a frightening statistic!

Hijackings increased by 14.5% in 2017, that is 2 115 more hijackings than in 2016. If you work it out, a total of 16 717 cars were hijacked between April 2016 and March 2017. This is according to the 2017 National Crime Statistics.

Certain cars are high up on the list for hijackers, such as the Volkswagen Polo and more than half of hijackings occur in Gauteng. This is why you need to know where the hijacking hotspots are and how to be best prepared.

We chatted to Advanced Driver training company, MasterDrive, about what to do if you are hijacked.

MasterDrive's top tips on how to be best prepared for a Hijacking

Pay attention: While the majority of hijackings occur outside your home, this is not the only place it can happen. A large percentage of hijackings occur at intersections which is why drivers should be as aware at intersections as what they are arriving home. Keep an eye on people at intersections. Be careful of people who might be trying to distract you. Never disregard someone because they are well dressed. Many hijackers are the well-dressed, inconspicuous people possibly reading newspapers at the corner.
Don’t pull in to your driveway and stop: You need to be stationary to be hijacked. Many drivers still come to a complete standstill when they don’t need to. You should never pull into your driveway until the gate is open. Wait in the road parallel to your driveway, ready to go at any moment, while the gate opens. Also, avoid stopping completely at intersections. If conditions allow, anticipate traffic light changes and drive slowly up to the intersection to avoid stopping at all.
Reverse parking: When at a shopping centre find a parking space against a wall. Then reverse your car into the parking space. When you return to your car you can offload your purchases while keeping an eye open for potential threats. The wall at your back also prevents someone from surprising you from behind.
Practice: Before you find yourself in a hijack situation with your children, teach them where to sit in the car and what to do if it does happen. Agree on a keyword which will mobilise car occupants into action. Babies should be behind the passenger seat so you can reach over and unbuckle them without exiting the car. Teach older children how to assist the younger ones

Pro-Active South Africa is a vehicle tracking app which gathered information from SAPS, tracking Companies and South African Insurance Crime Bureau (SAICB) to compile a list of hijacking hotspots around South Africa.

Johannesburg Hijacking Hotspots

Pretoria Road, CR Swart
Elgin Road and Pretoria Road, Johannesburg
Linksfield Road, N3
Booysens Road, M1
Nelson Mandela Bridge
Wolmarans Road, Johannesburg
Saratoga Road, Johannesburg
Abel road, Johannesburg
Houghton Drive, M1
Jan Smuts Avenue, Johannesburg
Krause Street, Pageview
Heidelberg Road, Johannesburg
Kyalami Drive, Johannesburg
Beyers Naude road and N1
Sunninghill, N1, Rivonia
Midrand, Clayville
Grayston, Rivonia, 11th Street.
Empire Road, Johannesburg
Jan Smuts Avenue, William Nicol Drive, Hyde Park
Witkoppen Road
Bramley, Johannesburg
Yeoville, Johannesburg
Norwood, Johannesburg
Sandringham, Johannesburg
11th avenue and 7th Avenue, Johannesburg
Hillbrow Precinct, Upper Houghton, Killarney
Saxonworld, Parkwood
Christiaan de Wet and Wilgerood road
Louis Botha Avenue, M11, Hillbrow, Alexandra
Riviera Road and M1
11th Avenue, Fairland
1st Avenue and Pretoria Main road, Johannesburg
New road and N1, Midrand
William Nichol, N1 highway
Nelson Mandela Drive, Johannesburg
Outside Eskom’s MegaWatt Park. (Maxwell Drive, Sunninghill)
Midrand Road and Cedar Road

Cape Town Hijacking Hotspots

Military Road and Prince George Drive, Cape Town
St Stephens Road, Cape Town
Alice Street and Voortrekker Road, Cape Town
Station Road, Cape Town
Klipfontein Road, Cape Town
Prestwich Road, Ebenhezer, Cape Town
Vanguard Drive, Cape Town
R300, N1 Cape Town

Tshwane Hijacking Hotspots

Es’kia Mphahlele Drive
Paul Kruger Street
R55
Burnett Street
Delfi Avenue and Garsfontein Road
Stormvoel Road Traffic Lights
Watermeyer Street Traffic Lights
Nelson Mandela Drive
Simon Vermooten Rd & Lynnwood Rd
Lynwood Drive and Solomon Mahlangu Drive
Justice Mahomed Street (Walker Street)
Duncan Street
Lynnwood Rd & University Rd
Rigel and N1 Off-Ramp
Pretoria St & Simon Vermooten Rd
Simon Vermooten Road and Furrow Road
Lynwood Road and N1 Off-Ramp
Solomon Mahlangu Drive (Hans Strydom) and N4 Off-Ramp
Solomon Mahlangu and R21
Atterbury Road and N1 Off-Ramp
Pretorius Street Traffic Lights
Francis Baard Street & Festival Street
Francis Baard Street and Hilda Street
Francis Baard Street and Grosvenor Street

Durban Hijacking hotspots

AN Centre, 16 Chestnut Cres, Marianhill,
1 Justice St, Chatsworth
Umlazi V
2 Police Station Rd, Isipingo
36 Deodar Ave, Umbilo
Julius Nyerere St & Anton Lembede St, Greyville
Dr Pixley Kaseme St,
182 Botanic Gardens Rd, Musgrave
Sherwood
Alpine Rd
2 Marbleray Dr, New Dawn Park
Park Hill, Durban North

What to do if you are hijacked

Please note this is a very simplified version and every situation is unique

Remain calm
Keep your hands visible at all times.
Use your left hand, rather than your right, to remove your seatbelt and put the car in neutral
Give your keyword to the kids if they are in the car.
The idea is to get everyone in the car to exit through the driver’s door – no matter their age or size
In this way, the hijacker cannot jump into the seat and drive off before everyone is out of the car.
Once everyone is out, move slightly away from them and the car so that you remove yourself from the path of the car
Both yourself and the hijacker want it to be over as quickly as possible – follow these tips to do that. Never refuse to hand over the key or try bargain with the hijacker
The most important tip is to do what the hijacker tells you to. Your life is not worth the price of your car.

Parting tips:

These techniques can only be effective if you are aware of your surroundings and spot a potential threat before it reaches your window.

Remember a car is replaceable, but a life isn’t. Your primary objective should be to get yourself and your family out the car as quickly and safely as possible.
Anyone, at any time, in any car can be hijacked. Thus, never fall into the trap of believing that you are completely safe in your particular car or in the area where you live or the time of day that you drive. Always be alert and follow the above tips as a matter of habit.

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Range Rover unveils two-door limited edition SUV

Range Rover has created the limited-edition two-door SV Coupé which is hand-crafted by JLR's Special Vehicle Operations. Let's see what it's all about.

There'll be just 999 units which will be hand-crafted by SVO for clients worldwide. It's a flagship product and will be marketed as the ultimate. It boasts power-close doors with frameless glass, a panoramic roof, option for 23-inch alloy wheels and each SV Coupe will be hand-assembled to the client's individual specification.

The cabin detailing is extraordinary. Clients will be able to choose from four front-to-rear contrast interior colours or a range of single-tone interior colours. There's a choice of three elegant wood veneers. For those seeking the ultimate in paint finishes, Liquesence brings a liquid metal finish to the party. Being a vehicle from the Special Vehicle Operations division means you can go wild with the customisation.

Range Rover claims its SV Coupe is the fastest full-size Range Rover, with a claimed top speed of 264 kph. Power comes from the 5.0-litre supercharged V8 motor which does duty in numerous JLR applications. It offers up 415 kW and 700 Nm, and it'll get to 100 kph in just 5 seconds. Despite its performance credentials, it's still a capable offroader. It can wade through 900 mm of water and has a tow rating of 3.5 tons.

The suspension is tuned to provide a more driver-focused edge than the standard Range Rover, with a ride height lowered by 8mm, but will remain composed and comfortable at all times. Plus, the SV Coupé loses none of Range Rover's legendary all-terrain ability, with 900mm maximum wading depth – and a maximum towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes.

As for the price, well Range Rover says sales will be starting towards the end of 2018 and the new SV Coupe will cost £240 000. JLR South Africa has confirmed that a limited number of units have been made available and those prospective customers should register their interest on the local website.

Buy a Range Rover on Cars.co.za

Hyundai Le Fil Rouge Concept Revealed

Hyundai showcases its new design language with an all-new concept called Le Fill Rouge.

The Hyundai Le Fill Rouge concept, which means common thread, focusses on where Hyundai plans to take its design in the future. Hyundai wants to design cars that look sporty and have 'heightened emotional' appeal. The Fill Rouge concept was designed using the golden ratio, a long wheelbase and short overhangs.

The concept adopts ‘Light Architecture’ for its exterior which makes it look like it's in forward motion even when standing still. This approach also has the effect that the concept was drawn with one smooth line.

There are no performance details available as the concept focusses purely on the design language Hyundai is interested in pursuing. On that note, just enjoy the pictures.

Nissan IMx Kuro Concept Knows What You’re Thinking

Nissan has shown the IMx Kuro concept in Geneva. The model has had a few updates from the model shown in Tokyo last year and now features a brain awareness system.

The IMx Kuro follows on from the model shown in Tokyo last year. The new tech installed for the Kuro model is a Brain to Vehicle (B2V) system that improves driver's reaction times and driver enjoyment. By catching signs that the driver’s brain is about to initiate a movement – such as turning the steering wheel or pushing the accelerator pedal – driver-assist technologies can begin the action quicker. This can improve reaction times and enhance manual driving. The driver wears a device that measures brain wave activity, which is then analyzed by autonomous systems. By anticipating intended movement, the systems can take actions – such as turning the steering wheel or slowing the car – 0.2 to 0.5 seconds faster than the driver, while remaining largely imperceptible.

Built on Nissan’s EV platform, the sleek and sporty-looking IMx Kuro Concept is powered by 2 electric motors, one over each axle with a combined power output of 320 kW and 700 nM of torque. Power is supplied by a high-capacity battery that will allow the IMx to travel over 600 km, which substantially more than the 400 km offered by the second-generation Nissan Leaf.

Fully autonomous driving

The IMx Concept features the latest version of Nissan ProPilot, allowing for fully autonomous driving. When the system is activated, the steering wheel retracts and is stored in the dashboard and the seats recline so that you can you read the morning newspaper. When ProPilot is disengaged, the steering wheel and seating positions return back to normal so that the driver can take control of the vehicle again.

The IMx Concept features a futuristic and spacious interior. What's next?

The IMx Concept features a spacious cabin and according to Nissan, was designed to deliver sharp handling.

Buy a Nissan on Cars.co.za

Bentley Bentayga Showcases new Hybrid

Bentley has revealed its first plug-in hybrid model for the Bentayga. It claims to have started a new sector in the market called the luxury hybrid.

Obviously, Bentley doesn't regard the Porsche Panamera or Cayenne as luxury enough to be considered for its newly created sector as both are also equipped with hybrid systems. Anyway, the Bentayga hybrid makes use of a V6 petrol engine and an electric motor that is capable of 50 km of pure electric drive.

Bentley says the need for a hybrid is crucial if the company wants to comply with forthcoming regulations on CO2 emissions, especially in city driving. The hybrid Bentayga comes with its own app suite within the infotainment system that allows the driver to monitor the state of electric power and consumption. The battery usage can also be managed through multiple driving modes that include EV Drive, Hybrid Mode and Hold Mode. To maximise efficiency, the vehicle uses satellite navigation information to calculate the best usage of electric motor and engine for every journey. Inputting a destination into the navigation system will command the car to automatically engage the correct E Mode for each part of the journey, constantly calculating the most efficient use of battery charge and storing electrical energy for sections of the journey where it is most useful – such as when arriving in the city.

The electric motor can be charged from a normal wall socket but can be charged via an industrial connection installed in your home in just 2.5 hours. The unit that is installed in your home is not just a normal wall-mounted charge station. Bentley has partnered with Philippe Starck, to create a concept for a highly desirable recharging unit. The power dock, as it calls it, showcases the exquisite attention to detail, using sustainable and elegant materials. The stylish surround is formed from pressed eco-linen with bio-sourced thermosetting resin, while the domed frontage is fashioned using a hot-pressure aluminium casting.

The Bentayga Hybrid is expected to go on sale later in 2018, but only in selected markets.

New Bentayga hybrid video

New Renault EZ-GO concept takes shared urban mobility to a new level

Renault's goal is to provide mobility for the masses in a clean and efficient manner, and the brand has unveiled the EZ-GO to help alleviate congestion and pollution in modern cities.

With cities experiencing pollution and traffic congestion, it makes perfect sense to ride share and with the age of the electric car and autonomy upon us, this concept from Renault appears to make a lot of sense. The new Renault EZ-GO concept doesn't even look like a car. EZ-GO is not just a car, but also a service. It can be ordered through an app or via an actual station. It offers the comfort and privacy of a normal car, without anyone having to actually drive. The vehicle is autonomous which means you can read a book, browse the Web with your device or even sleep.

Renault's EZ-GO can carry up to six people and it travels around completely autonomously as it has level 4 capability. EZ-GO can control the distance from the vehicle in front, stay in lane and change lanes. The cabin has been cleverly designed to maximise the space and the light entering, so it never feels claustrophobic. It has a top speed of 50 kph, which is ample in the confines of a modern city. The cabin is fitted with the latest creature comforts like Wi-Fi connectivity and induction charging.

The Renault EZ-GO is a new take on ride-sharing and public transport.

New Ford Mustang Bullitt Appears in Geneva

Ford has recreated the iconic Mustang from the movie Bullitt in a modern Mustang.

In an attempt to breathe a bit more heritage and prestige into the current Mustang model, Ford has recreated the 1968 Mustang GT Fastback driven by Steve McQueen in the movie Bullitt. The special edition comes with a bit of a power hike taking the 5.0-litre V8 from 306 kW to 340 kW. Ford includes a new rev-matching technology, which is said to deliver smoother downshifts accompanied by an engine blip, and an active valve performance exhaust system enhances the V8’s signature burble.

To recreate the exterior of the Bullitt car, this Mustang includes 19-inch Torq Thrust-style wheels, red Brembo brake callipers and a faux BULLITT fuel-filler cap. The interior features Recaro sports seats, and each Mustang Bullitt will have an individually numbered plaque in place of the traditional Mustang emblem on the passenger-side dashboard. As a nod to the original car’s interior, the gear shifter features a white cue ball gearshift knob.

Nissan SA expands Navara Range

Nissan South African has expanded its Navara double cab line-up to incorporate a more affordable 4×2 derivative. Here are the specifications and pricing for the newcomer.

The recently introduced Navara hasn't quite lived up to expectations – it shows in the bakkie's new vehicle sales figures. However, we've found it to be a good product that's more than capable on the rough stuff. This week Nissan expanded its Navara family with a new 4×2 double cab derivative, which should bolster the bakkie's appeal.

The new Nissan Navara 4×2 features the same multi-link rear suspension as the rest of the range and it's still capable of towing up trailers of up to 3.5 tonnes. It further retains the rest of the range's 1-tonne payload capacity. Power comes from the 2.3-litre turbocharged and intercooled 4-cylinder diesel engine, with peak outputs of 140 kW and 450 Nm (the latter from just 1 500 rpm). The new Navara 4×2 is available with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 7-speed automatic transmission.

In terms of features, Nissan's new 4×2 Navara benefits from further reductions in engine noise, vibration, and harshness, which means it should be a little quieter to drive. The 2-wheel-drive derivatives come equipped with, inter alia, Bluetooth audio streaming, satellite navigation, USB connectivity, keyless stop/start, 360-degree camera, LED headlights, dual-zone air conditioning, cruise control and a complement of 7 airbags.

Nissan Navara Price in South Africa (March 2018)

The Navara 4×2 DC has a warranty valid for 6 years/150 000 km and a 3-year/90 000 km service plan (all quoted prices include VAT).

Nissan Navara 2.3 4×2 SE DC MT – R457 900

Nissan Navara 2.3 4×2 SE DC AT – R471 900

Nissan Navara 2.3 4×2 LE DC – R519 900

Nissan Navara 2.3 4×2 LE DC + Leather seats – R532 900

Nissan Navara 2.3 4×2 LE DC AT – R538 900

Nissan Navara 2.3 4×2 LE DC AT + Leather seats – R551 900

Nissan Navara 2.3 4×4 SE DC MT – R523 900

Nissan Navara 2.3 4×4 LE DC MT – R573 500

Nissan Navara 2.3 4×4 LE DC MT + Leather seats – R586 500

Nissan Navara 2.3 4×4 LE DC AT – R594 900

Nissan Navara 2.3 4×4 LE DC AT + Leather seats – R605 900

Suzuki’s Brand of the Year milestone

By being named the 2017/18 Brand of the Year in the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank, Suzuki Auto SA became the first company in the history of the awards to retain this prestigious award and the only brand to win the award more than once.

SPONSORED ARTICLE

Related content:

BMW M8 Gran Coupe Concept Shown in Geneva [w/Video]

BMW has revealed a concept of the M8. It's imposing, wild and outright mean.

BMW M8 Gran Coupe Concept Video

Related content

SA’s Hijacking Hotspots & How to be best prepared

MasterDrive's top tips on how to be best prepared for a Hijacking

Johannesburg Hijacking Hotspots

Cape Town Hijacking Hotspots

Tshwane Hijacking Hotspots

Durban Hijacking hotspots

What to do if you are hijacked

Parting tips:

You may also be interested in:

Children on the back of a bakkie – new law falls short 4 Simple Ways to Cut the Cost of Motoring 5 Ways to Ensure Car Loan Approval Causes & tell-tale signs of engine wear

Range Rover unveils two-door limited edition SUV

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Nissan IMx Kuro Concept Knows What You’re Thinking

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Fully autonomous driving

Related Content

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Related content

New Renault EZ-GO concept takes shared urban mobility to a new level

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Further Reading

New Ford Mustang Bullitt Appears in Geneva

Ford has recreated the iconic Mustang from the movie Bullitt in a modern Mustang.

Related content

Searching for a used Mustang?

Nissan SA expands Navara Range

Nissan South African has expanded its Navara double cab line-up to incorporate a more affordable 4×2 derivative. Here are the specifications and pricing for the newcomer.

Nissan Navara Price in South Africa (March 2018)

Further Reading

Children on the back of a bakkie – new law falls short
4 Simple Ways to Cut the Cost of Motoring

5 Ways to Ensure Car Loan Approval

Causes & tell-tale signs of engine wear