New Hyundai Elantra Revealed

Hyundai has revealed preliminary details for the all-new 2016 Elantra… 

Hyundai teased the forthcoming Elantra a while back and now more details have emerged. The Hyundai Elantra, known as the Avante in South Korea, is now in it’s sixth generation and has undergone significant changes in terms of styling and packaging. We tested the Hyundai Elantra 1.6 GLS a few months back and it proved to be a solid offering, let’s hope the new model follows in the same footsteps.

New Look for Hyundai Elantra

The new Hyundai Elantra is 20mm longer and 25mm wider than the outgoing model which has resulted in a more spacious interior but the wheelbase has remained the same. The large hexagonal grille is flanked by slim headlights to give the Elantra an ‘energetic’ look.

In terms of comfort, the new Elantra features an Integrated Memory Seat (IMS) as well as a Smart Trunk which opens automatically as the Smart key approaches the car. Safety features for the new Elantra include Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), High Beam Assist (HBA), Blind Spot Detection (BSD) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).

The 2016 hyundai Elantra is also fitted with a Harman audio system with eight speakers, amplifier and mounted tweeters.

Engines

In terms of engines, it’s expected that the 2016 Hyundai Elantra will be powered by a 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine offering 100 kW mated to either a 6-speed manual or optional 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. There will also be a 97 kW 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated engine, a 88 kW 1.6-litre unit and finally a larger 110 kW 2.0-litre engine.

We can expect to see the new Hyundai Elantra in South Africa next year, but local specs and pricing have yet to be confirmed. We will keep you updated as more details emerge.

 

Ford – The Next 5 Years

 With several new models due before the end of the year, Ford is in great shape for 2016 and beyond. But even more is coming…

Ford has been on a real roll in South Africa, with a raft of new model introductions having taken it from 8% market share five years ago to around 15% at present. It is vital that it keeps this momentum going, as Volkswagen, as one example, has some major plans for the next five years. Read more about Volkswagen’s five-year product plan here.

Before year-end, Ford plans to unveil some very exciting metal in South Africa, but we’ll have to wait until 2017/18 before the core of its passenger line-up will be significantly updated. Nevertheless, we also expect some presently unconfirmed surprises to reach the local market during 2016, including an updated Kuga and EcoSport.

The Edge premium SUV has been considered for South Africa but at present there are no confirmed plans. It would, however, give Ford a more road-biased crossover to battle the likes of the Audi Q5 should it make its debut locally. It reached the European market recently.

For the fans of the new GT supercar… sorry, it is a no-go as there is no right-hand drive production. Other vehicles not included in this report are those that are unlikely to make it to local shores, including the Ka supermini and C-Max and S-Max MPVs.

HIGHLIGHTS

 

FORD EVEREST – SA LAUNCH IMMINENT

Ford Everest

The dated previous-generation Everest was an also-ran in the bakkie-based SUV segment, but the new Ranger-based model looks to be a serious threat to the likes of the upcoming Toyota Fortuner and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.

Although still bakkie-based, the Everest has a far more road-biased and refined suspension, yet offers serious off-road ability with a ground clearance of 225 mm and a wading depth capability of 800 mm. It also boasts a new Terrain Management system (think Land Rover’s TerrainResponse) and a low-range transfer case.

The local line-up has not yet been announced, but expect to see the proven 2,2- and 3,2-litre turbodiesels to do duty. A number of high-tech features that are usually reserved for premium vehicles will also be offered in the Everest – announced at the launch in Thailand were such items as Curve Control, Blind Spot Information with Traffic Alert etc.

Read more about the Everest here and watch a video here.

FORD RANGER UPDATE – SA LAUNCH MID OCTOBER 2015

Ford Ranger Wildtrak

The very eagerly anticipated updated Ranger launches in South Africa next month and is expected to put the Blue Oval in a very strong market position before the arrival of the all-new Toyota Hilux early next year.

The upgrade goes beyond that of a mid-life facelift, with the Ranger benefitting not only from stylistic changes, but also a significantly upgraded interior (in terms of materials as well), and a raft of high-tech features usually found in luxury vehicles. Items offered on some Ranger models will include Lane Keep Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Alert etc.

Click here to read more about the new Ranger and to watch a video of the Wildtrak version.

FORD FIGO – SA LAUNCH LATE 2015

New Ford Figo

We snapped the second-generation Figo undergoing testing in Johannesburg earlier this year, and now it has been confirmed for local market introduction in the fourth quarter.

With far sleeker looks and a more inviting, higher-quality cabin sourced from the current Fiesta, the Figo should continue its predecessor’s good showing in the budget car segment of South Africa. Indeed, the newcomer looks perfectly poised for an intense battle with the current crop of budget cars, most notably the top-selling Toyota Etios. The Figo will be offered in sedan and hatchback bodystyles, as well as petrol and diesel engines, and with the choice of manual or automatic transmissions.

Read more here.

FORD MUSTANG – SA LAUNCH LATE 2015

2015 Ford Mustang

Arguably the most exciting bit of motoring news for South African petrolheads this year is that the Mustang is finally reaching local shores in right-hand drive form. Due for a media launch at year-end, the Mustang will be available in very limited numbers, and be offered in coupe and convertible form.

From the start, the 2,3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder, and a more fitting V8 engine option, will be offered, with prices said to be extremely competitive. The BMW 4-Series has apparently been targeted in terms of pricing and positioning. Local models will be offered as standard with the eye-catching GT pack.

Interesting news for future derivatives of the new Mustang, is that a 10-speed automatic transmission should debut around 2018.

Due to demand far outstripping supply, Ford has introduced a lottery system that will see one lucky winner get a shot at owning one of the first vehicles in South Africa. Read more about the lottery here.

An interesting bit of Mustang-related news is that Shelby Automotive, the Las Vegas-based company that specialises in performance upgrades to the Mustang, recently announced through Automotive News that it will start selling its wares in China, England and… South Africa. Stay tuned for the Super Snake!

FORD FOCUS RS – SA LAUNCH FIRST-HALF 2016

Ford-Focus-RS

Another very hot Ford to reach us soon is the hardcore Focus RS, due for local launch during the first-half of next year.

This fearsome hot hatch is powered by the 2,3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine from the new Mustang, which in this instance delivers a whopping 257 kW and 440 Nm of torque. There is also a 30 Nm overboost function for short bursts.

Putting all that power down on the tarmac is an advanced all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring technology. A six-speed manual transmission is fitted.

Click here to read more about the Focus RS’s clever underpinnings and to view a video.

FORD ECOSPORT FACELIFT – 2016 LAUNCH (UNCONFIRMED)

Ford EcoSport

An updated version of the very popular Ford EcoSport has already been unveiled in Europe but Ford South Africa remains tight-lipped on when this will become available in South Africa. We expect it to reach local dealerships during the earlier parts of 2016.

The major change appears to be the removal of the spare wheel from the rear tailgate and a significantly upgraded interior.

Read more about the changes here.

FORD FIESTA – WORLD LAUNCH 2017

First prototypes of the next-generation Fiesta are already pounding test routes in Europe and elsewhere. The current-generation compact Ford is currently still a good contender in the market, but it is starting to lag the class leaders in certain respects, notably cabin space and ergonomics.

The first spy images seem to indicate a wider track width, so there will very likely be an overall increase to the key dimensions (length/width). And those photographers that have managed to peer into the cabin report of a radically different, and more minimalistic, control layout.

It has been rumoured that production of this model could move to Thailand or even Mexico.

FORD FIESTA RS – WORLD LAUNCH 2017

Ford remains tight lipped about the likelihood of this car making it to market, but rumours persist and are fuelled by the recent statement that the Ford Performance division will launch 12 new models by 2020.

In theory a Fiesta RS would sit just below the Focus ST in the Ford hierarchy, but could be even hotter to drive… which is kind of the dilemma in the first place. At present it looks like the 1,6-litre turbocharged engine from the Fiesta will be retained, but boosted to over 180 kW! And then there is also talk of all-wheel drive… Hold thumbs!

FORD FUSION – WORLD LAUNCH 2017

Ford-Fusion

Although the sedan market is not terribly big for non-premium brands in some markets (including South Africa), the brand will continue to aggressively pursue success in this segment. The current Fusion, pictured above, is still relatively new, but an updated model is likely in 2017 and should also see the introduction of Ford’s new nine-speed automatic transmission.

FORD FOCUS – WORLD LAUNCH 2018

There are precious few details available yet on the next-generation Focus, but early rumours suggest it is due in 2018 and will spawn a variety of other models, including the next-generation Kuga, a raised-body “X-Track” derivative and even a coupe. The so-called “X-Track” will target the European-market Volkswagen Golf Alltrack – essentially a Golf Estate riding on a raised suspension.

With regards to the “meat-and-potatoes” hatchback models, early talk is of a weight loss of about 50 kg, which is precious little compared with what Volkswagen and others are chasing for their next-generation models. As is to be expected, electric and plug-in hybrid derivatives will become part of the range, but the bulk of the model line-up will continue to be powered by upgraded and refined EcoBoost engines.

Ford has started working closely with companies such as Intel and NVIDIA to develop next-generation control interfaces, including even facial recognition and gesture control. A very important new model such as Focus would be a great vehicle to debut such technologies.

FORD FOCUS COUPE – WORLD LAUNCH 2018

Ford

Current talk suggest that Ford may be getting back into the compact coupe market. It has flirted with the idea of bringing a “Capri” back to the market before, but what is most likely to happen is that a spacious coupe model will be spun off the Focus platform for the American market.

As mentioned in our recent report on Volkswagen’s five-year product plan, the American market likes these coupes (the Honda Civic coupe is popular there), and Volkswagen is considering a Jetta coupe for similar reasons. Whether this model will then be restricted to the American market or also travel to Europe and elsewhere remains to be seen, but the company’s One Ford strategy suggests that it should be developed for worldwide consumption.

FORD KUGA – WORLD LAUNCH 2018

The Kuga has done very well for Ford, but in this crucial market resting on one’s laurels can lead to a rapid decline in fortunes. The all-new next-generation model will be based on the Focus platform and benefit from the same weight-reduction and efficiency measures as the donor vehicle.

It is also likely that the design of the next Kuga will be brought more in line with Ford’s other SUVs, which suggest a more macho look overall is on the cards. We’d also be surprised if a seven-seat version is not being considered.

The 1,5-litre EcoBoost engine will power the majority of the volume models, and a nine-speed automatic transmission will be part of the mix.

Golf GTI Clubsport Announced with 195kW

To celebrate the 40th birthday of the Volkswagen Golf GTI, a hotter version has been announced. 

Volkswagen has this tradition of anniversary models and milestones such as the 20th, 25th, 30th and 35th all resulted in special editions. The limited-edition 35 Golf GTI is a proper collectors item and many made their way to South Africa.

Performance Engine

Meet the new Golf GTI Clubsport, the most powerful production Golf GTI ever. Packing a direct injection and turbocharged 2.0-litre engine tuned to deliver 195 kW, this GTI is claimed to hit 100kph in just 6.0 seconds for the manual version. With the quick-shifting DSG transmission, you’re looking at 5.9 seconds for the same sprint. The torque figure hasn’t been announced, but we estimate around 380 Nm should be available.

That’s not all though. Using some clever mapping, the Golf GTI Clubsport offers 10% more power for 10 seconds, taking it to 213 kW! This overboost function is activated when the throttle is fully depressed. It’s not always about performance though as the Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport is claimed to consume just under 7L/100km.

It’s arguably the best-looking Golf GTI yet, with a number of tweaks in terms of design, aerodynamics and equipment. Clad in bright Oryx White paint with a contrasting black roof, the Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport looks menacing. It also features a completely new front bumper, new side skirts, a new rear diffuser, a new roof spoiler and exclusive forged aluminum-alloy wheels.

It also features Clubsport decals and a wide black trim stripe on the side between the front and rear wheel arches at skirt level. This stripe is replicated on the side of the anniversary model and pays homage to the original 1976 Golf GTI.

Inside the Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport are racing bucket seats featuring tartan fabric upholstery, red stitching, a golf-ball-shaped shifter knob and black headliner. The seat belts have a red line down the middle and there’s plenty splashes of Alcantara around the cabin.

Compare an older Golf GTI to a Polo GTI. Which is the better buy?

Golf GTI Clubsport Coming To SA?

When approached for comment on the availability of the Golf GTI Clubsport in South Africa, the reply from a Volkswagen SA representative was, “We will only know after its European launch in the first quarter of 2016 if we can introduce it in SA.” Let’s hold thumbs.

New Toyota Prius Revealed For 2016

The Toyota Prius went on sale way back in 1997 and became the first ever mass produced hybrid car. Meet the new one.

Since 1997 Toyota has sold 3.5 million Prius’ across the globe. This latest model features a new chassis, advanced hybrid systems and improved dynamics.

Prius Hybrid details

Toyota has annoyingly released zero details about the powertrain and hybrid system, but mentioned that it is vastly improved. Almost every internal component of the Prius engine is new or substantially revised.

A comprehensive program of size and weight reductions for major hybrid components was achieved while maintaining overall performance. As a result, the Prius has achieved over 40% thermal efficiency and a huge boost in fuel economy.

New Prius architecture

The Prius will feature Toyota’s new global platform. The chassis claims to improve basics such as handling and safety. It is also 60 percent stiffer than before with the engine sitting lower down, reducing the centre of gravity.

Design

It seems that much of the fuss made about this Prius has been over the styling. The top of the roof has been lowered by 20mm and moved forwards, while the bonnet has also been lowered. All improvements have been achieved with no sacrifice to interior space.

The use of new headlamps minimizes the Prius’ frontal area and, at the same time, provides a striking lighting display. Meanwhile, the rear combination lamps express the distinctive lines of the Prius from the rear spoiler to the trailing edges of the sides.

Up to eight exterior colours are available, including “Emotional Red” which utilizes a newly developed treatment process to achieve a “deep, vibrant luster.”

On Sale

This latest generation of Prius will go on sale later this year in Japan before heading to markets around the world soon after.

2015 Polo GTI vs Golf GTI – Which Should You Buy?

SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO

The new Volkswagen Polo GTI is pretty good, but is it R320 000 good? Worth it, or is a preowned Volkswagen Golf 6 GTI better?

When the latest Volkswagen Polo GTI arrived at the office, I have to confess to liking it. Quite a lot actually. It has the essential hot hatch elements: large wheels, sporty bumpers and skirting, an unnecessary engine with unnecessary power.

And with the manual gearbox, the Polo GTI is even more fiery; with 70 more Nm over the DSG version. With it’s vital stats now standing at 141kW and 320Nm, this was all shaping up very nicely.

Out on Cape Town’s backroads, the new little GTI didn’t disappoint. It’s one of the sharpest drives you can get in a car with a VW on the front. It’s the kind of car which seems to enjoy being pushed, and in a refreshing way, it feels light on its feet. It’s all very…un-Volkswagen.

Until you look at the price. With a starting price of R313 000, the new Polo GTI is cheaper in manual guise, but still, we’re north of R300 000 here. For a Polo. And to make matters worse, our test unit was specced to R352 000. For a Polo.

And that got me thinking. How much could I pick up a good, used, Golf 6 GTI for these days? I began trawling through Cars.co.za’s vast database and I came up with some gems:

2013 Golf 6 GTI DSG Edition 35 (173kW special edition)
36 000km
R329 989
https://www.cars.co.za/for-sale/used/2013-Volkswagen-Golf-Vi-Gti-2.o-Tsi-Dsg-Ed35-Gauteng-Edenvale/1167222/#.Ve_XZRGqqko

2013 Golf 6 GTI 2.0 DSG
45 500km
R315 000
https://www.cars.co.za/for-sale/used/2013-Volkswagen-Golf-Vi-Gti-2.0-Tsi-Dsg-Mpumalanga-Lydenburg/1175661/#.Ve_XTBGqqko

There are literally hundreds more to choose from, to suit just about every budget. In this video, we set out to answer what seems to be quite an interesting question: If you have about R330 000 burning a hole in your pocket, which you should you buy? The 2015 Polo GTI, or a used Golf 6 GTI?

Specs: 2015 Polo GTI Manual vs Golf 6 GTI DSG

  2015 Polo GTI Manual VW Golf 6 GTI DSG
Price From R313 000 See Cars.co.za
Engine 1.8 litre 4-cyl turbo petrol 2.0 litre 4-cyl turbo petrol
Power 141kW 155kW
Torque 320Nm 280Nm
0 – 100km 6.7 seconds 6.9 seconds
Top Speed 236kph 238kph
Fuel consumption 6.0 litres/100km 7.3 litres/100km
Boot space 280 litres 312 litres

2015 Polo GTI vs Golf GTI Video

Bentley Bentayga Officially Revealed (Video)

Bentley has dipped its foot into the premium SUV market with the launching of the new Bentayga.

In true Bentley fashion however, it has made sure that the Bentayga will be the best of the best. Bentley describes the Bentayga as “the fastest, most powerful, most luxurious and most exclusive SUV in the world.”

Bentayga Details

Reading through Bentley’s release on the Bentayga it’s hard not to notice that it has used the statement “in the world” almost as much as an episode of Top Gear. For instance the interior is the finest “in the world”, with handcrafted wood and leather throughout – engineered with precision to deliver absolute perfection.

The dashboard takes the iconic Bentley ‘wing’ design as its inspiration, with the beautifully finished surfaces flowing from door to door over the top of the instrument binnacles, down under the centre console and back up around the passenger side fascia and foot well.

Engine Details

The 12-cylinder engine beneath the Bentayga’s bonnet is also the technologically advanced 12-cylinder engine “in the world”. It does develop 447 kW though with 900 Nm of torque. It’s sprint time from 0-100kph is 4.1 seconds making it marginally quicker than the seemingly less crazy BMW X5 M that manages just 4.2 seconds. The power is sent to the wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox that has been strengthened to deal with the excessive torque load. The four-wheel drive system has also been strengthened.

Extra handling prowess

In order to make the Bentayga handle all the power and subsequent cornering loads, Bentley will introduce a system called Dynamic Ride. It is an electric active roll control technology. Inherent in larger vehicles with a higher centre of gravity, this system instantly counteracts lateral rolling forces when cornering and ensures maximum tyre contact. It improves cabin stability, ride comfort and handling.

Bentley spec

In order to make sure the Bentayga sits above all other SUVs, it comes standard with 20-inch wheels. These can be increased to 22-inches if needed. Optionally available is a Naim sound system that offers 18 speakers and super tweeters that can put out 1950 watts. Rear passengers get a cool 10.2-inch detachable Android tablet. It has 4G, WiFi and Bluetooth for use on the road.

First deliveries of the Bentayga are set for early in 2016.

Bentley Bentayga Video

BMW M6 Competition Pack (2015) Review

The hot BMW M6 just got hotter. Meet the BMW M6 Competition Pack.

It’s hard to understand why there would be many people that buy a BMW M6 complete with 412 kW and 680 Nm of torque and think, “I wish it had more power.” Well, if you’re that person then walk this way please. This is the BMW M6 Competition Pack and it’s mental. It’s also terrifying and more addictive than the comments section of a bad Youtube video.

Turned up to 11

Power in the M6 Competion Pack is cranked up to 441 kW and BMW has also added 20 Nm more torque, meaning that the 4.4-litre V8 turbo engine delivers a nice round 700 Nm. Included as part of the Competition Pack deal is an upgraded suspension and some specialised electronics for the differential and stability control systems.

Oh, there’s also an even louder than normal Akrapovic exhaust system. The resulting increase in performance is notable, as the M6 Competition pack shaves 0.3 seconds off its 0-100kph time. Subsequently it penetrates the four second barrier with a 3.9 second claimed time. The top speed limiter gets lopped off as well allowing it to hit a mesmerising terminal speed of 305kph.

All this excess comes at no fuel efficiency loss with the M6 Competition Pack claiming just 9.9L/100km. Range, thanks to an 80-Litre tank is over 800km although we didn’t manage much more than 450km, if we’re entirely honest. Much of the test team’s salary was spent at fuel stations around the Western Cape during our tenure with this car.

Where to drive it?

The M6 Competition Pack is built for places that have no speed limits. Places like Germany’s Autobahn or the Isle of Man – that’s about it though. That doesn’t mean you can’t have fun in it around town or out in the hills. In-gear acceleration is where you can explore much of the performance on offer. Use more than gentle downward flex of your ankle and the M6 senses your need for speed.

It will shuffle through a few gears momentarily before assaulting multiple senses simultaneously. The sound of the Akrapovic exhaust system barks aggressively like a defensive German Shepard. You’re thrown into the enveloping seats like ‘The Rock’ has just dropped a huge elbow onto your chest while your eyes struggle to cope with where to focus as the scenery begins to blur beside you.

Just don’t look anywhere near the speedo on the heads-up display because it will frighten you how fast you’re actually going. It may have been easier for BMW just to make the digital speedo readout on the heads-up display read out in batches of 20kph because that’s just about all you’ll ever see.

Singular focus, multiple personalities

BMW fits many of its cars with adaptable suspension that can be electronically adjusted by a simple switch in the cabin. In the M6 Competition Pack it’s no different, you can potter around in ECO mode or Comfort and it’s reasonable. It may even fool you into thinking it can be used every day on everything except a particularly bad stretch of road.

That’s not what it’s for or how it expects to be used. That would be like throwing a ball for your hyper Collie and then expecting it to walk calmly to the ball, pick it up and walk back to you. What it really wants is to run absolutely flat out everywhere and then pass out in a ditch from exhaustion. That’s exactly how life in an M6 Competition Pack is lived.

Only Sport and Sport+ modes matter and the amount of slip that M-differential will allow before catching you. It’s probably a wise move to leave the electronic leash on as well as this machine has a tendency to bite if you run out of talent. Mostly this has to do with the big lump of metal that’s being hurled about at raucous speeds. It’s still a 6-Series after all and its primary focus is being a big GT cruiser rather than a sports car.

Verdict

The M6 Competition Pack is not a simple add-on kit thrown at an M6, the price alone reflects that. It’s R147 600 more than a ‘normal’ M6. Is the tweaked suspension, power upgrade and bragging rights worth that much? Well, if you’re thinking of spending more than R1.6 million on a car then it probably is worth it.

The M6 Competition Pack also gains you that little bit of extra exclusivity whilst turning it into more of a driver’s car that can still cope with the day to day hustle – albeit in a more hardcore manner than the M6. You have to be a serious BMW fan though to go down this route if you look at what’s available at this price range. Think Jaguar F-Type R Coupe and Mercedes-AMG GT…

Compare the BMW M6 Competition Pack with the Jag and the Merc here

BMW M6 Competition Pack Price in South Africa

The BMW M6 Competition Pack costs R1 838 091 in South Africa and comes back with a two-years/unlimited km warranty and a five-years/100 000 km Maintenance Plan.

Click here to buy a BMW M6 Competition Pack!

Team Opinion

“The BMW M6 Competition Pack is one of the smoothest and most brutal cars around. Few cars are this quick and it doesn’t feel compromised like an out-and-out supercar. It’s a pity that it’s not as aurally dramatic as the X5M.” – David Taylor

We Like: Incredible performance, can still cruise like a GT car

We don’t Like: Can feel heavy in the corners, pricey

Also consider: Jaguar F-Type R Coupe, Mercedes-AMG GT

BMW M6 Competition Pack – Quick Specs

M6 spec sheet

Frankfurt Motor Show 2015 Preview

Frankfurt motor show always produces the goods when it comes to big manufacturer releases. This year looks like no exception and we are in for a few surprises along the way. We’ve compiled a quick A-Z list of what’s coming from all the main marques. Hopefully they’ll also produce some awesome concepts to get the petrol (although now mostly hybrid) in our veins pumping.

Alfa Romeo

alfa romeo giulia

Giulia – A proper C-Class/3 Series/A4 rival from the Italians. We expect to see more models shown alongside the 375 kW Qudrifoglio Verde.

Audi

A4 – Fifth generation A4.

Q6 E-tron – SUV with sporting credentials and huge hybrid power.

Bentley

Bentayga – Bentley’s first ever SUV.

BMW

2016-bmw-7-series-1

X1 – Second generation compact SUV looks promising.

3 Series – The facelifted 3 Series that’s launching in SA end of September.

7 Series – Playing catch up to S-Class, but it looks promising.

Bugatti

Bugatti Concept

Vision Gran Turismo concept – Shows the new styling language of Bugatti’s upcoming Veyron successor.

Citroen

Citroen-Cactus-M-Concept

Cactus M Concept – Proper beach convertible in the spirit of Mohari.

DS 4 Crossback – A slightly more rugged looking DS 4 with a few styling tweaks.

Ferrari

488 Spider – 488 goes topless, with almost zero drawbacks.

Fiat

500 – A facelifted version finally arrives but it may be too late.

Hyundai

I20 WRC car – Rally-spec car for the 2016 WRC season.

Vision G Concept – A concept apparently showing Hyundai’s design language for the future.

Infiniti

Infiniti Q30

Q30 – Smart looking premium hatchback to take on 1-Series, A-Class and A3.

Jaguar

F-Pace – After much delay, the mid-size SUV will be unveiled.

Kia

Sportage – A much needed new compact SUV which will hopefully catch up to Qashqai.

Lexus

RX – Fourth generation model features more hybrid engines.

GS – Facelifted model.

Maserati

Levante – SUV performance machine that blends Quattroporte and Ghibli.

Mazda

Mazda Koeru

Koeru – Larger SUV that plans to be dynamic and practical. Sort of like the CX-7.

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe

S-Class Cabrio – Because people asked for a drop top luxury sedan?

C-Class Coupe – Includes C63 AMG in a coupe body style.

GLC Coupe – Like an X4.

Mini

Clubman Estate – Max-sized Mini with a barn-door style boot. Also has four-doors now.

Nissan

Navara – Why is this not on Sale in SA yet?

Leaf – upgraded batteries mean more range. Up from 180km to around 250km.

Opel

Astra – Debut of the long-awaited hatchback.

Peugeot

Peugeot Fractal

Fractal – Concept shows the wild side of Peugeot. Also shows a new styling direction.

Porsche

911 – Facelifted version of the current 911 with an all-turbocharged engine lineup.

Renault

Megane – All-new Megane is a well-kept secret, this will be its debut.

Espace – Not so much a spacious MPV anymore, it’s more like a 7-seater SUV.

SsangYong

XLV- Air – SsangYong is still taking this and the Tivoli concept around the world, threatening to actually build one. One day, maybe.

Suzuki

Suzuki Baleno

Baleno – Golf-sized Suzuki with new 1.0 turbo engine called BOOSTERJET.

Volkswagen

Tiguan – All-new version but in conceptual form.

All-New Renault Megane Shows its Face

The brand new Renault Megane has been revealed a week before its major debut at the 2015 Frankfurt motor show.

Only a few details are available at the moment but right from the outset, Renault plans for the Megane to be a stylish model that stands out from the crowd.

New Megane boasts a specific lighting signature at the front with, C-shaped headlamps whose surround continues into the bumper. At the rear, the new lighting signature, goes right across the car to increase the perceived width. “On the highly competitive market of compact saloons, it was vital that New Megane should stand out right from the first glance”, says exterior designer Franck Le Gall.

New Megane comes in at 25mm lower at the front with a 47mm wider front track. It’s also 39mm wider and has a wheelbase that’s 28mm longer. Franck goes on: “The precise, taut lines, which draw the whole design towards the front, are part of the side surfaces. In combination with the sculpted shoulders, these lines give New Megane dynamism and character.”

Megane GT version available from launch

The new Renault Megane GT has a redesigned front bumper to look sportier. It incorporates a broader air intake and the new grill has a honeycomb design.

At the rear, the design of New Megane GT is underscored by two chromed tailpipes. New Megane GT has a “Renault Sport” badge at the rear, on the wings and in front.

This sports version will be available with new “Iron Blue” paintwork, combined with “Dark Metal” touches at the front and on the body-coloured door mirrors.

The Renault Megane GT also has 18-inch aluminium wheels developed especially for the model by Renault Sport.

We are likely to get more details regarding engines and model derivatives in the coming week.

Porsche 911 Facelift Revealed For 2016

Porsche revealed its facelifted version of the evergreen 911 now featuring turbocharged engines.

The latest version is set to feature a turbocharged lineup of engines, a new infotainment system and even more chassis genius. Topping off the changes is rear axle steering that is now available as an option on Carrera models.

Porsche 911 Details

The exterior update includes new headlights with four-point daytime running lights, a redesigned rear lid with vertical louvres and new rear lights. The interior update is limited to an overhaul of the infotainment system that is apparently much more user friendly and intuitive.

The new engine lineup consists of bi-turbo units complete with an extra 15 kW in the Carrera as well as the Carrera S. That means the 3-Litre flat-six turbo in a Carrera puts out 272 kW whilst the same engine in the Carrera S is uprated to unleash 309 kW. Torque also increases significantly (around 60 Nm) in both models. The standard Carrera shifts to 450 Nm and the Carrera S to 500 Nm of torque. Porsche still maintains quite a revvy engine with the redline set at 7500rpm. Farewell to the naturally-aspirated engines that have served the 911 range for many years!

More Fuel Efficient

Across the range, the 911 boasts performance and efficiency enhancements compared with predecessors. Fuel consumption is reduced by up to a litre per 100 kilometres. The 911 Carrera PDK claims just 7.4L/100km (a reduction of 0.8L/100 km), while the 911 Carrera S with PDK consumes 7.7L/100 km (1.0L less per 100 km).

The new 911 also improves in the performance department: the 911 Carrera Coupe with PDK and Sport Chrono Package sprints from zero to 100kph in 4.2 seconds – making it two tenths of a second faster than its predecessor. The 911 Carrera S with PDK and Sport Chrono Package performs its showcase discipline in just 3.9 seconds (also 0.2 seconds faster). This makes it the first 911 in the Carrera family to undercut the magic four second mark. Top speeds for both models have also increased further; the 911 Carrera now has a top speed of 295kph, while the 911 Carrera S now reaches 308kph.

Added Safety Systems

Porsche will also be offering a whole load of new equipment and safety systems with the facelifted 911. The optional Adaptive Cruise Control now has a coasting function with the PDK transmission. When driving behind a slower car, the clutches are disengaged, thus saving fuel. There’s also blind-spot detection and post-collision automated braking.

Porsche will be showing the facelifted 911 at the 2015 Frankfurt motor show.