The Mokka has proved quite successful for Opel and the new Mokka X represents the next generation of this German compact crossover.
The Opel Mokka has tallied up half a million sales in Europe alone and has proven to be fairly popular in South Africa too. This new Opel Mokka X will premiere at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show and is expected to go on sale in South Africa during the fourth quarter of the year. Essentially, this is a facelifted version of the Opel Mokka, but there are changes, both inside and out.
Starting from the outside, the Opel Mokka X features a completely new look, refreshed engine as well as all-wheel drive. Most prominent are the LED daytime running lights and the revised bodywork gives it a wider and more muscular stance. The cabin gets an overhaul too and it now features an interior which is not too dissimilar to that of the all-new Opel Astra. The key features are the 7- and 8-inch touchscreens which represent the new generation infotainment systems. The cabin is also a cleaner and minimalist place to be with fewer buttons.
Engine and Transmission Upgrades
There will be a new 1.6-litre diesel which comes in two states of tune: 81 kW or 100 kW. There's an all-new petrol engine too, and this 1.4-litre Direct Injection motor has 112 kW on tap. All models will be available with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. This system is clever in the way it uses front-wheel drive in dry conditions, but when things get wet and slippery, the rear axle gets called into action. The system can spread 50% to the front and rear axle which will keep the car stable. This 1.4-litre petrol engine is claimed to consume just 6.6L/100km too.
Technology
Opel has introduced Adaptive Forward Lighting LED headlamps which can illuminate the road without dazzling other cars. The new Opel Mokka X is also able to detect cars in front of it and alert the driver to impending collisions if he/she does not react in time. There's also lane departure warning and traffic sign recognition too. The car also features Opel OnStar services will be available as well as a newer version of the IntelliLink infotainment system which now has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone connectivity.
Toyota Fortuner – 2016 model year details (with video)
The evergreen Toyota Fortuner is so popular that it still sells up a storm – even though it is about to be replaced. The all-new version is waiting in the wings, and here's what to expect from the second-generation version.
Due for launch in April, the all-new Toyota Fortuner replaces a model that has become part of the South African automotive landscape. Whether you're venturing to the Southern Cape for a December holiday, or queuing in traffic during the school run in Sandton, you’re likely to be surrounded by Toyota’s iconic Hilux-based SUV.
The drivetrain
As was the case with its predecessor, the new Fortuner will be built in South Africa, so it should be competitively priced against its direct (imported) competitors, the new Ford Everest, Chevrolet Trailblazer and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, which itself is due for replacement this year.
In Australia, the newcomer is initially sold only with the brand’s new 130kW/450Nm 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine, but it has already been stated that the South African market will receive a bigger line-up. Note that the 2.8-litre engine’s torque output drops to 420Nm when coupled with a six-speed manual transmission.
The automatic transmission is also a six-speed unit, and is offered in Australia with steering-mounted shift paddles. The manual transmission features a system called iMT, which blips the throttle on downshifts to allow for rev matching and smoother progress.
With regard to fuel consumption, Toyota claims a very impressive 7.8L/100km for the manual model, and 8.6L/100km for the automatic.
The popularity of the outgoing 2.5-litre D-4D model makes a very strong case for a more affordable model powered by the new 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine. In the new Hilux this engine develops 120kW and 400Nm of torque. Sales of the 4.0-litre V6 petrol unit were extremely limited last year, so a big question mark hangs over that derivative.
Class-leading off-road ability is a major focus area (Australian model shown).
In Australia, all models feature switchable four-wheel drive (2/4H/4L), but rear-wheel drive Fortuner derivatives were also popular in South Africa in the past, and can be offered at a lower price point. We expect such derivatives to remain part of the local offering. Australian-specification Fortuners also offer a manually lockable rear differential and hill-descent control, which we expect to also be the case in South Africa. The ground clearance is rated at 225 mm, the wading depth at 700 mm and the tow rating is 3 000 kg for automatic 2,8-litre Fortuners (2 800kg for manual versions).
Improved cabin
Fortuner cabin offers soft-touch materials and more premium detailing than Hilux (Australian model shown).
Judging by initial reports coming from overseas, Toyota has done a very good job of giving the Fortuner a more upmarket, refined interior than the Hilux pick-up, which itself is dramatically improved over its predecessor. Not only is the facia design different, but more premium materials such as soft-touch plastics and leather inserts (on some spec levels) add a healthy dose of luxury appeal. In fact, some reviewers have stated that the Fortuner now looks and feels more like a Prado inside!
Interestingly, Toyota has stuck with the somewhat controversial third-row seating design that sees the chairs flip up against the luggage compartment’s sidewalls when not in use. In the Chevrolet Trailblazer and Ford Everest the third-row seats fold flat into the floor. Note that even the third-row seats in the Fortuner now boast a reclining function. In Australia, there are ventilation outlets for all three rows of seating, and multiple 12V power sockets. The second row also boasts IsoFIX child seat anchors.
On some models the luggage compartment can be accessed via a powered tailgate that can be operated by a switch on the dashboard, the tailgate itself, or by pressing a button on the very smart-looking new keyfob. A memory function is also offered, so owners can programme the height to which the tailgate should open – ideal for low-roofed garages or when parking under trees regularly. The tailgate can open to a maximum height of 1.91m.
Very smart-looking new keyfob for Fortuner.
Focus on safety and refinement
The new Ford Everest has set a high standard for technology in this segment, particularly with regards to safety features. Toyota has responded swiftly and equipped the Fortuner to follow suit.
In Australia, all models have a reverse-view camera and seven airbags, including driver's knee airbag, front-seat side airbags and side curtain-shield airbags. Standard electronic safety features include vehicle stability control, active traction control, trailer sway control, hill-start assist control and ABS with brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD).
Then there is also trailer sway control that uses brake control and engine output control to suppress lateral trailer movement caused by factors such as cross winds or variable road surfaces. Finally, active traction control is designed to prevent the wheels from spinning on low-friction surfaces. It also provides high levels of control in off-road situations by distributing torque to the wheels that have traction.
Another major focus area was ride refinement and NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) control. The new, stiffer platform and all-coil suspension is said to contribute to an on-road ride quality that’s significantly less bakkie-like.
To see the new Fortuner in action, view this overseas television commercial.
Lexus GS updated for 2016
The Lexus GS sedan has been updated. It now offers a bolder look as well as a new turbocharged engine.
Lexus has introduced a range of updates for its mid-size GS sedan, including more refined exterior styling and a GS200t EX model powered by a new 2.0-litre turbo engine.
Glenn Crompton, Vice President of Marketing for Lexus South Africa says: “The GS features a range of noteworthy updates and the addition of the GS 200t EX model will deliver new levels of performance and efficiency in Lexus’s mid-size sedan segment.”
Styling updates
The Lexus GS now features a bolder frontal design, featuring a more pronounced spindle grille framed in satin chrome trim. Furthermore, the grille is flanked by new Bi-LED headlights while at the rear, the tail-light clusters and rear bumper have been restyled.
Several updates have occurred on the inside, too. Lexus has adopted full-width metal ornamentation across the facia that anchors the redesigned air vents and the new analogue clock with automatic (by GPS) time adjustment. There’s also a revised audio panel with milled aluminium knobs and the climate control console has a high-contrast electro luminescent display (ELD) for improved visibility of the temperature settings.
The gear selector, steering wheel, air vents, door handles and switchgear are adorned with metal ornamentation; the seats sport a horizontal quilted back panel with a unique stitching.
Interior lighting has improved too, and the GS now gets a centrally-mounted rear LED lamp and the hue has changed from "silky white" to "warm white", Lexus says.
Buyers can choose between two interior colours (ivory or black) and the GS 350 F-Sport is available in F-Sport black or F-Sport Red specifications.
Lexus has also added a 12.3-inch multimedia screen, which offers full-screen map capability, while the voice recognition function and graphics have been enhanced. The display can split in two to cater for various functions such as navigation, audio and climate control. The Remote Touch Interface controller now has new side "enter" buttons for improved usability.
New engine
The Lexus GS 200t EX is fitted with a new 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that is mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission and offers 180 kW and 380 Nm of torque. The claimed 0-100 kph time for the model is 7.3 seconds before topping out at 230 kph.
The GS 350 F-Sport, on the other hand, is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 that delivers 233 kW and 378 Nm through the same 8-speed automatic transmission. This derivative is a reportedly a bit more brisk: a 0-100 kph sprint time of 6 seconds is claimed and the model is said to go on to a top speed of 235kph.
The double wishbone front- and multi-link rear configuration of the GS now features a new coil-spring calibration. What's more, the dampers and front stabiliser bar have been tweaked for improved ride response. Aerodynamics have improved too – the front edge of the bumper now sits 10mm further forward.
The GS’s body has been refined with an additional 188 spot welding points on the frame. Sound-absorbing material has also been added to the upper cowl for improved NVH levels.
Features
The Lexus GS is fitted with a range of features including a tyre pressure monitor, park distance control, hill assist control and vehicle dynamic integrated management, which manages the vehicle stability control system, ABS and electric power steering. Three-point safety belts, Daytime Running Lights, anti-theft system and 10 airbags are fitted as standard.
The GS 350 F-Sport is fitted with signature elements such as an F-Sport steering wheel, F-sport seat material, 19-inch alloy wheels, adaptive variable suspension, rear spoiler, F-Sport badging and four-wheel active steer.
Lexus GS pricing in South Africa
Lexus GS 200t EX – R688 600
Lexus GS 350 F-Sport – R777 700
Spy Shots: 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe
Picture credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan has just been officially revealed and as expected, variants such as a coupe and a cabriolet are in the pipeline. Here's a first look at the new coupe.
This pre-production prototype was spotted in Scandinavia undergoing winter testing and there are very few clues that this is a Mercedes-Benz. It appears to be the coupe version and a convertible derivative is expected as well (we should see the newcomers make their public debuts in about two years time), so expect an arrival in South Africa around 2018.
The model line-up will feature turbopetrol, turbodiesel and petrol-electric hybrid powerplants as well as a raft of technology features and autonomous driving systems.
The standard Mercedes-Benz E-Class will be launched in February/March 2016 and we'll be attending the event in Portugal. Read more about the E-Class here.
Top Selling Cars – South Africa’s Favourites of 2015
Which vehicles did South Africans buy most in 2015? With the help of Lightstone Auto we can now reveal the top 20.
Monthly sales figures released by NAAMSA are certainly interesting, but they don’t accurately reflect the number of new vehicles sold to private buyers and fleets. The NAAMSA numbers usually include rentals, as well as cross-border sales to Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland, and only drill as deep as model ranges.
What follows here are the top 20 best-selling model derivatives of 2015, excluding rental sales and exports to the countries listed above. The data was supplied by Lightstone Auto.
Volkswagen Polo tops the charts
With more than 10 000 sales in a single year, the Polo 1.2 TSI Comfortline (66kW) is comfortably the most popular vehicle on sale in South Africa at present. The top-selling sedan on the local market, and one that is clearly favoured by the likes of Uber operators, is the Toyota Corolla Quest 1,6, which sits at fifth overall.
The top selling double-cab on the market is the Ford Ranger 2.2 HP XL (8 381 sales), which is significantly more than the second-placed double-cab, the Toyota Hilux Legend45 3.0 D-4D Raised Body Raider on 1 774 units.
South Africa's favourite Double-Cab is the Ranger 2,2 HP XL (Higher-spec shown on image)
The best-selling SUV/crossover is Ford’s EcoSport, which has two derivatives in the overall top 20. We’ve excluded single-cab and extended-cab pick-ups from this list, but the best seller in that segment is the Chevrolet Utility 1,4 Base AC (5 533 sales).
For the chart above, we’ve excluded rental sales, as well as sales to the following countries; Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho and Swaziland
For 2015, all Mercedes-Benz sales are estimated.
Single-cab pick-ups and minibus taxis have not been included
GWM and the AMH & AAD brands Chery, Daihatsu, Faw, Foton, Hyundai, Kia and Proton sales volumes, since August 2015, reflect estimates calculated from the aggregated volumes reported and financial data. The AMH 2006 volumes exclude Citroën.
Opel will use the upcoming Geneva Motor Show to resurrect one of its most iconic cars, the GT.
Last week Opel teased us with a vague video of the GT Concept, and now most of the details have surfaced. According to Opel, the GT concept is a "direct descendant" of the iconic Opel GT and Monza Concept and will be shown at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2016. The front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive Opel GT concept adopts the brand’s sculptural design philosophy with the intention of showcasing Opel’s pioneering spirit, which was so evident when the first GT hit the streets way back in 1968.
“We are taking the next step towards even more emotion and driving pleasure with the Opel GT Concept. The GT Concept shows what Opel stands for now. We are confident, ambitious, innovative and we want win over more customers with every new car,” said Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann.
Futuristic Styling for the Opel GT Concept
The original Opel Experimental GT was first shown as a design exercise at the Geneva Motor Show in 1965 and it was such a hit with the public that Opel decided to put in into production three years later. Now, this very futuristic-looking GT Concept will also make its first appearance in Geneva and we can only wonder whether this GT concept will ever make production. We have our doubts…
The Opel GT concept features a prominent red signature line and comes fitted with red tyres, both of which are references to the 1928 Opel Motoclub 500 motorcycle that also had red tyres. The only design elements linking this GT concept to the original GT is the long bonnet, absence of a boot lid, central dual exhausts, and its name.
"We created the GT Concept to capture the bold, emotional spirit of the Opel brand. It is dramatic, sculptural and full of innovations, which is our great tradition that we intend to continue. Back in 1965, Opel developed the Experimental GT, a thoroughly modern vehicle that also boasted a pure sculptural shape. It’s certainly difficult to reinvent an icon but just as the Experimental GT was avant-garde back then, so too is this GT Concept today – absolutely pure, minimalistic, yet bold and uncompromising. This coupé impressively demonstrates the continuous development of our Design philosophy – ‘Sculptural Artistry meets German precision’,” said Mark Adams, Vice President, Design Europe.
The Opel GT concept has no door handles on the large electric doors with integrated side windows. Passengers access the cabin by pressing a touchpad found on the red signature line on the roof. You will also notice that this GT Concept has no side mirrors. Opel have instead mounted two cameras behind the wheel arches which relay images onto two screens inside the cockpit. The windshield also blends into the panoramic glass roof which gives occupants maximum visual pleasure of the outside world.
The Opel IntelliLux LED matrix headlights on the GT Concept are quite unique too in that they feature ‘ultra-modern projection technology’ and shine three-dimensionally. They also allow for glare-free high-beam driving and are also found on the latest Opel Astra. The rear tail lights also feature a 3D design, giving the GT concept a distinct look when the sun goes down.
Small capacity engine
This Opel GT concept is fitted with a 1.0-litre 3 cylinder turbopetrol engine based on the 1.0-litre engine used in other Opel products such as the Adam, Corsa and Astra. This small capacity engine, which delivers 107 kW and 205 Nm of torque, powers the rear wheels via a 6-speed sequential transmission operated by shift paddles on the steering wheel.
With a total weight below 1 000 kg’s, the GT concept can achieve 0-100kph in under 8 seconds with a top speed of 215kph.
Does it live up to its predecessor?
The original Opel GT relied on dramatically curvaceous looks to win over buyers. It was popularly referred to as a "mini-Corvette", as it resembled a downscaled version of that American icon. Underneath the exotic skin, however, it used a lot of Opel Kadett parts to keep costs down. It was produced from 1968 to 1973.
Cars.co.za's Consumer Experience Manager, Hannes Oosthuizen, previously owned a 1971 example of the Opel GT and is ideally placed to comment on the rebirth:
"Resurrecting a classic name can fall flat very easily if a new car is too far removed from the one that inspired it," says Oosthuizen. "Overall, however, I think Opel has done a pretty good job, and certainly much better than the 2007 attempted rebirth by rebadging the Saturn Sky.
"The combination of a long bonnet and short tail has been retained in this new concept, and even though the contemporary legislation doesn't allow Opel to copy the trademark rotating headlamps of the original, this new concept is pretty true to the original in overall appearance.
"I like it a lot more than I thought I would! It also appears to mechanically follow in the footsteps of the original, by using an engine from mainstream Opels and by keeping the weight down. They don't seem to have any plans to build it just yet… but I wish they would!"
Airbag recall affects 8 000 Mazdas in SA
Approximately 8 000 Mazda6 and RX-8 units (produced between 2003 to 2007) in South Africa are affected by Mazda's airbag recall campaign
Mazda has issued a formal global recall following investigative recalls by Mazda in Japan and North America for three different types of Takata Corporation manufactured airbag inflators. During the investigative recalls, no cases of abnormal deployment or dangerous flaws were found in any Mazda vehicles, but the concern has resulted in a formal recall campaign.
Some 8 000 units are affected in South Africa and the recall is limited to Mazda6 and RX-8 models produced from 2003 to 2007 with VIN numbers starting with JM6GG or JMZSE. The recall includes Mazda6 and RX-8 models fitted with the PSDI-4 driver-side airbag inflator, the SDI-160 driver-side airbag inflator and the SPI passenger-side airbag inflator.
Mazda Southern Africa stated: “The recall is due to an inappropriate production condition and storage of the propellant in the inflator. The density of the propellant may be insufficient on the inflator for the passenger-side airbag. This might cause the propellant to ignite abnormally at the time of airbag deployment and potentially result in extremely high inner pressure of the inflator causing a rupture of the inflator case. In a case of a rupture, the airbag might not deploy as designed and may lead to passenger injury.”
Mazda Southern Africa will initiate a repair procedure to replace the driver-side airbag and the passenger-side airbag inflator with an improved unit on the affected vehicles. Mazda also states that the number of affected vehicles is subject to further review and may change.
Mazda Southern Africa urges all owners with possibly-affected Mazda6 and RX-8 vehicles to make contact with the Mazda SA Dealer Network or call the Mazda SA Customer Care Centre on 0860 069 700 or email [email protected]
Suzuki Ertiga Receives Upgrades
The versatile Suzuki Ertiga has received a number of upgrades to make this light MPV even more competitive
There's a lot to like about the Suzuki Ertiga. It's surprisingly spacious with a comfortable and practical interior, good ride quality and it comes reasonably equipped for the price. Thanks to its Suzuki Swift running gear and underpinnings, the Ertiga is rather pleasant to drive as well.
For the 2016 model year, the Suzuki Ertiga has been on the receiving end of some upgrades, both visual and features. On the outside, there's a new-look front grille and bumper, and rear end gains integrated reflectors. The GL models also receive chrome exterior trim, a new wheel cover designe and colour-coded electrically-adjustable folding side mirrors.
The interior receives a boost too, in the form of upgrades to the cabin trim. Suzuki claims the quality and feel of the upholstery and door panels have been improved. The audio system has been upgraded with Bluetooth functionality as standard along with the Mp3/USB/iPod connectivity.
A handy convenience feature for the top-spec GL model is the addition of rear park distance control, while those in the second row of seats will benefit from the 12V socket in the centre console. For those who are practically-minded, the 3rd row of seats can now be folded in a 50/50 configuration as opposed to the outgoing model which was one single unit. For those customers who wish to tow a trailer, the Suzuki Ertiga now has an approved tow rating of 550 kg.
The Suzuki Ertiga's engine remains unchanged and that 1.4-litre powerplant offers 70 kW and 130 Nm. Power reaches the front wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox, but a four-speed automatic is available.
The Suzuki Ertiga comes with 4-year/60 000 km service plan and 3-year/100 000 km warranty.
Model
Price
Ertiga 1.4 GA Manual
R176 900
Ertiga 1.4 GL Manual
R202 900
Ertiga 1.4 GL Auto
R218 900
Ertiga 1.4 GLX
Discontinued
Used car sales climb in tough market conditions
The new vehicle market has taken quite a battering due to numerous factors, but while the outlook for the rest of 2016 isn't great, it's not all doom and gloom. Activity in the used car market has started to pick up…
2016 is going to be remembered as the year the South African new vehicle market was at the receiving end of some major punishment. Thanks to market forces such as an unstable currency and an increase in the prime lending rate, new vehicle sales are dropping. It's simple economics: many people cannot afford to buy new vehicles and those who have recently purchased a car will feel the effect of the interest rate hike in the shape of costlier monthly payments.
The forecast for the rest of the year isn't good. Despite the fact that some manufacturers such as Volkswagen, Toyota, Ford and BMW have manufacturing plants in South Africa, the credits they receive for producing vehicles locally are not enough to lessen the impact of the Rand's weak exchange rate, let alone the duties levied on (pricier) imported products.
To add insult to injury, the global oil price has come down dramatically, but our currency decline is preventing this saving being passed onto consumers. Read: Fuel Prices at the Mercy of Sliding Rand
Financing house WesBank has picked up on a trend in January 2016. Out of all the financial assistance applications that came in, 70% were for used vehicles with the remaining 30% being for new cars. On a year-on-year basis, new vehicle finance applications have dropped by 6.4%.
“The decline in new vehicle sales comes as no surprise in the current economic climate, with consumer and business confidence at very low levels as a result of a number of macroeconomic factors,” said Simphiwe Nghona, CEO of Motor Division at WesBank. “The spike in rental sales is an anomaly, most likely due to rental companies choosing to re-fleet ahead of new car price increases. Despite this positive activity in the rental market, total industry sales still saw a decline.”
According to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA), new car sales weakened in line with predictions during January 2016, while export sales took a significant knock due to logistical and shipment issues
Toyota (Brand of the Year in Cars.co.za's inaugural Consumer Awards) came out on top as South Africa’s best-selling manufacturer, while the Volkswagen Polo Vivo took the top spot as the best-selling vehicle for the month of January 2016.
New car sales summary – January 2016
48 615 aggregate new vehicle sales down by 6.9% (3 613 units) compared with January 2015.
13 057 export sales down by 21.9% (3 652 units) compared with January 2015.
34 936 passenger car sales down by 6.1% (2 272 units) compared with January 2015.
12 074 light commercial vehicles down by 8.3% (1 090 units) compared with January 2015.
Top-selling car brands in South Africa January 2016
Brand
Total sales
Market penetration %
1. Toyota
10 888 (+1 771)
22.4%
3. Volkswagen
8 714 (-155)
17.9%
3. Ford Motor Company
6 524 (+179)
13.4%
4. Nissan
5 231 (+681) 3 616 (+581)
7.4%
5. GMSA
3 437 (- 1 804)
7.1%
Top selling new cars in South Africa – January 2016
