After numerous rumours suggesting the Focus RS will be coming in 2016, Ford has confirmed via a teaser video that the 2016 Focus RS will be officially revealed on February 3.
The car is still wrapped in camouflage, and details are yet to be revealed. The only thing available is the video, which shows the RS being put through the paces at one of Fords testing circuits.
While we dont have the official details as yet, it has been previously mentioned that the car will be equipped a 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine that delivers between 242 and 261 kW. This unit will supposedly be mated to a six-speed manual transmission and an all-wheel drive system.
Ford further confirmed that the 2016 Focus RS will be offered in “major markets around the world for the first time.”
Preview of the 2016 Focus RS
Ford Fusion Launched In SA Specs and Prices
The all-new Ford Fusion has been launched in South Africa, with a choice of four engines and is dubbed as the “most technologically advanced” vehicle to come from Ford.
Refined unique designs
Our design goal for the new car was to give the mainstream sedan buyer a top-drawer visual experience, adding some emotional appeal to an already sensible choice, said Chris Hamilton, chief exterior designer.
The model features a sleek profile characterised by sweeping lines, thin roof pillars, as well as polished exhaust tips and adaptive LED headlamps and taillights, combining full-LED headlamps with Ford’s “Adaptive Front Lighting System” to enhance the driver’s view of surroundings.
The sophisticated and technical front-end design features Fords more prominent trapezoidal grille, a power-dome bonnet and adaptive, slim-line, laser-cut headlamp design.
Inside, Fusion drivers are greeted by a digital analogue instrument cluster, while a sleek, wrap-around centre console design delivers a sporty, cockpit-like feel.
Advanced materials help improve vehicle strength
Advanced materials have also been used on the model, including high-strength steels, magnesium and smart plastic, as well as innovative hydro-forming production method which is used to produce the A-pillars, B-pillars and roof rails further improving the vehicles strength.
The recycled Front Energy Absorber designed to meet pedestrian protection requirements also helped in delivering body structure weight savings of up to 115kg for the 1.5-litre EcoBoost model.
The weight saved during development has been carefully re-invested into fuel-saving features such as aero-shields and Auto-Start-Stop technology; comfort and convenience features; and a stronger and safer body structure, said Ulrich Koesters, vehicle line director, Ford of Europe.
Weve improved the strength of safety relevant areas by 40%, and verified the performance with thousands of computer simulations and more than 180 real-world crash tests.
The all-new Ford Fusion offers a number of driver assistance and convenience technologies based on sensors, cameras and radar that enable the car to see and respond. These include the Lane Keeping System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Active Park Assist and Blind Spot Information System.
The Fusion also enhances comfort and convenience for drivers with a power-adjustable, memory-equipped steering column, Ford Multi-Contour Seats with unique Active Motion massage function, Fords SYNC 2 connectivity system, and an enhanced MyKey technology which will enable Fusion owners to programme a secondary key to restrict particular vehicle functions.
Engine range
Engine options include a 1.5-litre EcoBoost (132kW and 240Nm) and two 2.0-litre EcoBoost engines (one with 149kW/300Nm and the other with 177kW/340Nm), as well as a 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine delivering 132kW and 400Nm. Combined with the brand’s Active Shutter Grille system, which provides aerodynamic benefits, Ford says these new engines deliver low carbon-dioxide emissions and “excellent consumption”.
Claimed combined fuel economy ranges from 5.1-litres/100km (diesel) to 8.5-litres/100 km (the 2.0-litre petrol), with all four models mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Ford Fusion price in South Africa
Ford Fusion 1.5 EcoBoost Trend – R349 900
Ford Fusion 2.0 EcoBoost Trend – R369 900
Ford Fusion 2.0 EcoBoost Titanium – R424 900
Ford Fusion 2.0 TDCi Titanium Powershift – R449 900
Service intervals are set at 20 000 km for petrol versions and 15 000 km for the diesel. Theres also a four-year/120 000 km, four-year/80 000 km service plan (five-year/90 000 km for the diesel) and three years of roadside assistance.
Suzuki Celerio (2015) First Drive
Suzuki was on a roll in 2014, with a number of new and updated vehicles introduced into the local market, and the trend continues into 2015 with the launch of the new entry-level Suzuki Celerio hatchback. Marketed as an ‘XL Small Car’, the addition of the Celerio to the Suzuki family has resulted in the Alto being kicked out of the nest for good.
I attended the launch of the Celerio in Durban this week and had a chance to acquaint myself with the newcomer.
Surprising Performance
After a brief product overview at the Empangeni Hotel, we were introduced to a fleet of cute-looking Celerios and proceeded on our launch route, about 95 km north of Durban, to the seaside resort of Blythedale. Apart from highway driving, the Suzuki Celerio had to perform on some poorly maintained rural roads, which it did with relative poise and composure.
The Suzuki Celerio is fitted with a 1.0-litre three cylinder engine offering 50 kW of power and 90 Nm of torque. On paper those numbers are small, but in the real world the Celerio holds its own and performs admirably. I was pleasantly surprised with the Celerio’s eager performance on the highway – small cars often get skittish at highway speed, but the Celerio felt confident and keen to push on. The steering, however, did feel a bit light for my liking .
I sampled the 5-speed manual transmission which felt smooth throughout. Suzuki also offers a five-speed automated manual transmission which allows for clutchless gear changes and improved efficiency. A creep function is also part of the package making stop-start traffic situations a breeze. Unfortunately, I was unable to test this transmission on the day, but I did receive mixed reactions from fellow journalists regarding this automatic gear shift transmission. We will hopefully get to the bottom of it when we review the Celerio in the coming weeks.
Suzuki Celerio Features
On the styling front, the Celerio features a chrome grille with broad horizontal bars accented by large headlights. The Celerio also features a ‘Curve-in Curve-Out’ (CICO) design, seen on the flanks and shoulder line of the car.
Two Suzuki Celerio models are on offer, namely the base-spec GA and the full-spec GL model. Both are offered with a five-speed manual transmission, but the automatic gear shift transmission is only available in GL trim. Dual front airbags and ABS are standard fare, which is always welcome and 14-inch wheels can be had in either steel or alloy.
In terms of niceties, the GL model comes equipped with a trip computer, electric windows and exterior mirrors, air-conditioning CD MP3 player, USB /auxiliary ports and mounted audio and Bluetooth controls on the steering wheel.
Interior space is claimed to be best-in-class and the Suzuki Celerio felt particularly spacious during my brief stint on the rear bench. Suzuki hasn’t skimped on boot space either, which is generous at 235-litres.
In terms of fuel efficiency, Suzuki claims 4.6-litres / 100 km for the automatic gear shift derivative and 4.7-litres / 100 km for the five-speed manual. I easily averaged 5.2-litres / 100 km behind the wheel and I felt I could’ve done better.
Suzuki Celerio Price in South Africa
Suzuki Celerio 1.0i GA MT (no service plan) R109 900
Suzuki Celerio 1.0i GA MT Alloy (no service plan) R112 900
Suzuki Celerio 1.0i GL MT R124 900
Suzuki Celerio 1.0i GL MT Alloy R127 900
Suzuki Celerio 1.0i GL AMT R135 900
Suzuki Celerio 1.0 GL AMT Alloy R138 900
Prices include a two-year/30 000 km service plan.
Mitsubishi ASX Refreshed For 2015 Model Year – Specs and Prices
Mitsubishi has refreshed the ASX city-sized SUV for the South African market with a number of exterior enhancements and equipment updates.
Revised exterior design
For the 2015 model year, all derivatives will benefit from new black roof rails, chrome highlights inside and out, tinted windows and emergency stop signal brake lights. The GLX and GLS derivatives will additionally feature new LED daytime running lights highlight redesigned front fog lamp surrounds, and new 17-inch alloy wheels. There will also be a new Lightning Blue paint colour available.
Revised CVT to improve fuel consumption
The Mitsubishi ASX will continue with a five model-range including GL, GLX and GLS derivatives, all powered by the companys 2.0-litre normally-aspirated petrol engine. The unit produces 110 kW at 6000 rpm and 197 Nm of torque at 4200 rpm.
All derivatives are front-wheel drive, three of which feature a five-speed manual gearbox, alongside the two range-topping GLS automatics which feature a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) which has the ability to simulate a six-speed automatic gearbox.
Fuel consumption on the manual models is rated at an average of 7.5-litres/100 km on the combined cycle with carbon emissions of 175 g/km, while the CVT models fuel consumption is now rated at 7.4-litres/100 km, with carbon emissions of 178 g/km.
High specifications for all model grades
Specification levels on all derivatives have been improved for 2015, with no compromise on safety features which include seven airbags (including a drivers knee airbag), ABS with EBD and BAS, as well as Mitsubishis Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body construction, whiplash-mitigating seats, a collapsible steering column and brake pedal recession protection. The electric power steering also features an anti-backlash system for smoother and safer steering control.
The ASX 2.0 GL features dusk-sensing headlights, rain-sensing wipers, LED tail lights, a rear spoiler, front fog lamps, 16-inch alloy wheels with 215/65 tyres, electric windows all round, electric folding side mirrors, a multi-function leather-bound steering wheel with rake and reach adjustment, manual air conditioning, cruise control, a multi-info trip computer, rear parking sensors, remote central locking and a six-speaker multi-media audio system which includes CD, radio and USB support as well as Bluetooth and voice control.
The mid-range Mitsubishi ASX 2.0 GLX features enhanced specifications on top of standard GL equipment, including the new LED daytime running lights, new 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/60 tyres, a panoramic glass roof with switchable LED illumination, leather upholstery, electric drivers seat adjustment, heated front seats, automatic climate control, heated side mirrors, touch screen radio, a reversing camera and a keyless operation system with one-touch start.
The range-topping ASX 2.0 GLS additionally feature HID headlamps (CVT derivatives only), an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, integrated lights on the side mirrors, Active Stability Control and Electronic Traction Control, and Hill Start Assist for inclined pull-offs. In typical Mitsubishi tradition, the GLS manual is also available as standard with a fully-fledged nine-speaker Rockford Fosgate premium audio system available as an option on the CVT.
2015 Mitsubishi ASX price in South Africa
Mitsubishi ASX 2.0 GL R299 900
Mitsubishi ASX 2.0 GLX R329 900
Mitsubishi ASX 2.0 GLS with Rockford Fosgate R342 900
All derivatives in the Mitsubishi ASX range come standard with a 3-year/ 100 000 km warranty and a 5-year/ 90 000 km service plan, linked to service intervals of 15 000 km.
SA Bound SsangYong Tivoli Revealed
The SsangYong Tivoli scheduled to launch in South Africa later this year has been officially revealed in Seoul, South Korea, featuring a compelling combination of innovative style and remarkable value.
SsangYong Tivoli stylishly designed
The Mahindra-owned company has developed a totally new product based on the new X100 platform. The design of the SsangYong Tivoli is heavily influenced by the XIV Air and XIV Adventure concepts from 2014 Paris Motor Show. The model features aggressive bumpers, black plastic wheel arches and LED daytime running lights integrated in the headlamps. The rear sports muscular shoulders, as well as clear-lensed tail light clusters.
Exceptional interior space
The interior is equipped with a leather-trimmed flat-bottomed steering wheel, seven airbags, well-bolstered front bucket seats, dual-zone climate control system, rearview camera and infotainment system with a touchscreen display and Bluetooth connectivity. Theres also a recessed instrument binnacle with an 8.9 cm colour display.
An HDMI connection allows passengers to enjoy superior rendition of sound and images played back from smart devices on the 18 cm display, which is also employed by the rear reverse camera, while a six-speaker sound system ensures excellent audio quality.
The Tivolis class-leading width of 1795 mm allows a roomy interior space with two seating rows and 423 litres of luggage space. The cabin trim is also available in a choice of three different colour schemes including black, beige and red.
New e-XGi engine and class leading safety features
The SsangYong Tivoli is powered by a newly developed 1.6-litre e-XGi unit generating 94 kW and 157 Nm of torque. It is mated to either an automatic gearbox or a manual transmission, both with six gears. Average fuel economy is rated at 8.1-litres/100 km for the manual version and at 8.3-litres/100 km for the auto.
Standard across all specification levels is SsangYongs new SmartSteer system, which allows steering effort to be adjusted in three steps normal, comfort and sport depending on driver preference. Dual-structure panels between the cabin and the engine compartment have reduced NVH levels significantly by minimising engine noise.
Passive safety measures include a knee airbag, for optimum occupant safety, large disc brakes front and rear equipped with ABS anti-lock control ensure incisive braking performance, while active safety systems include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and LED daytime running lights.
The South Korean manufacturer aims to sell around 100 000 units of the model per year. The South African launch is set to take place in the second half of the year.
Suzuki Celerio Lands In SA Specs and Prices
The all-new Suzuki Celerio hatch has been introduced in South Africa, and will be replacing the popular Alto mini hatchback.
New Suzuki Celerio Xtra large small car
Claimed to have the best-in-class interior space, the Suzuki Celerio sports an upscale modern design measuring 3.6 metres long, 1.6 metres wide, and has a 2425 mm wheelbase. The car also features Suzukis CICO (Curve In, Curve Out) design, which further incorporates a chrome grille with broad horizontal bars, as well as expressive bold headlights. Theres also a large tailgate which opens down to bumper level for convenient access to the cargo compartment.
There’s only one engine option which is a 1.0-litre unit delivering 50 kW at 6 000 rpm, combined with a torque peak of 90 Nm at 3 500 rpm. The combined fuel consumption figure is rated at 4.6-litres/100 km, with CO2 emissions of just 108 g/km. Power is sent to the front wheels through either a five-speed manual gearbox or a five-speed ‘automated manual’ transmission.
The Celerio is the first Suzuki model to be fitted with the marques new automated manual gearbox, which allows clutchless operation of a manual gearbox without the energy losses usually associated with conventional torque converter-based automatic transmissions.
Instead, the model uses an electro-hydraulic clutch actuator to change gears without the need for a clutch pedal, synchronising clutch control, gearshift and engine speed, to allow smooth operation.
Suzuki Celerio price in South Africa
Suzuki Celerio 1.0i GA MT (no service plan) – R109 900
Suzuki Celerio 1.0i GA MT Alloy (no service plan) R112 900
Suzuki Celerio 1.0i GL MT – R124 900
Suzuki Celerio 1.0i GL MT Alloy R127 900
Suzuki Celerio 1.0i GL AMT R135 900
Suzuki Celerio 1.0 GL AMT Alloy – R138 900
Prices include a two-year/30 000 km service plan.
MINI One First 5 Door Unveiled
MINI has announced an expansion to its model program, with the inclusion of the MINI One First 5 door which will further include a range of seven engine types ranging from 55 kW to 141 kW.
Five doors and a new basic engine type
Starting from March 2015, the entry-level MINI One First 5 Door will be available with a brand new 1.2 three-cylinder engine featuring cutting-edge MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology, combining it with petrol direct injection and variable camshaft control on the intake and exhaust side (double VANOS).
The engine further delivers 55 kW and a maximum torque of 150 Nm at 1400 rpm, which according to MINI allows the model to complete the 0-100 km/h run in 13.4 seconds.
Power is sent to the front wheels through a newly developed six-speed transmission, which offers optimised efficiency, reduced weight and a high level of shift comfort. The average fuel consumption of the new MINI is rated at 5.2-litres/100 km with CO2 emission level of 121 g/km.
Apart from the new engine and the extra door, the wheelbase has been extended by 72mm when compared to MINI 3 door, while the luggage compartment has been expanded up to 941 litres.
Lotus To Reveal Exciting New Car In Geneva
Lotus is set to reveal an ‘exciting new car’ at the upcoming 2015 Geneva Motor Show.
Exciting reveal from Lotus
Details remain scarce at the moment, however the automaker mentioned that the product will remain true to its core pillars of lightness, performance and driving purity by embodying all of them in a most desirable package.
Besides confirming a new model set for Geneva reveal, Lotus said that they have added 25 new dealers and sales have climb by 54% globally. “Our sales growth and dealer expansion is performing to plan and demonstrates the confidence that our customers have in Lotus. The positive reception that all our new Lotus cars are receiving in both new and established markets shows that our product development strategy is heading in the right direction, said Lotus CEO Jean-Marc Gales.
Gales further added, Our sales growth and dealer expansion is performing to plan and demonstrates the confidence that our customers have in Lotus. The positive reception that all our new Lotus cars are receiving in both new and established markets shows that our product development strategy is heading in the right direction.
According to the rumour mill, this ‘exciting new car’ is likely to be a refreshed Evora, which is expected to feature an upgraded engine, weight saving measures and revised styling.
Look out for more details when the car debuts in March at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show. Lotus is one of the more interesting brands and there are always doubts as to the long-term sustainability and profitability of such a small-volume manufacturer. Let’s hope this new model can give the brand a bit of a shot in the arm as the heritage surrounding Lotus is considerable.
Mini 5 Door Cooper S (2014) Reviewed
Mini has made the smart move to broaden the appeal of the range, by adding four doors to its Cooper range. Prior to this, the options you had were the diminutive two-door Cooper and the much larger (and pricier) Countryman / Paceman duo.
The Mini 5 door fits into the range nicely, as you still have that quintessential Mini effect combined with the added practicality of five doors. Those five doors are useful too. Let’s be honest, while most taller folk like me will find the rear space and access a little tight, children will be able to slip in and out with ease. Legroom is just about adequate too. To get the four doors fitted properly, Mini extended the wheelbase by 161mm. It doesn’t like much, but the benefits are obvious. The boot for instance, gains some extra carrying capacity.
Model on test
The model we had on test was a 6-speed manual Cooper S 5 Door. The flagship if you will. Combined with a vibrant Volcanic Orange paint-job and exceptionally pretty circular daytime running lights, it’s a seriously eye-catching vehicle.
Powering the Mini Cooper S is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder motor with 141 kW and 280 Nm. In something as small as a Mini Cooper, this amount of power is tremendously good fun. Combined with some delicious turbo noises and exhaust pops, the little Mini is a delight to drive. Despite the additional weight from the doors (I’m told it’s 60kg) the car still handles like a toy and is most amusing to drive. Fuel economy is rated at 6L/100km for the combined cycle and during its week with us, the trip computer sat around the 8L/100km mark. I put this down to some spirited moments…
Pricing
This is the only sore point for an otherwise great little offering. I shouldn’t actually say little, as this Mini 5 door offers great practicality. The Mini 5 Door range starts from R312 500 for the 1.5 Cooper manual. The Cooper S manual range starts at R381 000. Throw in some extras and you’re starting to climb well into R450 000 territory. Our test Mini Cooper S came with a mind-blowing amount of kit, such as head-up display, reverse camera, auto parking, radar-guided cruise control and so on, and the total bill came to R481k!
Summary
Despite its high price tag, the Mini is one of those cars that you simply cannot be unhappy in. It oozes charm and has a fun factor that can’t be matched. The new Mini 5 Door adds some sensible practicality to the range and if you’ve been putting off a Mini purchase on the grounds of it being a two-door, then your excuse is now invalid. Having driven the fantastic 1.5-litre three cylinder turbo Cooper in two-door guise, I’d advise taking this model over its more expensive and faster Cooper S sibling.
Second Opinion
The Mini as a car is an absolute blast to drive, every time I got behind the wheel I felt the car channeling my inner lunatic. It’s a great little machine to fly around town or on the highway or on just about any road, but I can’t say too much really changes by having rear doors. Most buyers pick cars in this segment based on style and customisation capability, and the back doors on the Mini make it look a bit odd as it looks out of proportion. I’ll stick with a two-door thanks and if I need four-doors there’s a Ford Focus ST or a Volkswagen Golf GTI at similar price points. – Ashley Oldfield
Images of what seems to be the official Kia KX3 have been leaked online.
Kia KX3 minor details revealed
The Kia KX3 was first showcased at the Guangzhou Auto Show last year in concept form. The production version is said to be based on the Hyundai ix25 (coming to SA later this year) with styling cues heavily influenced by the concept.
However, in contrast to the concept, the model is said to be slightly larger with modified headlamp and taillamp design, as well as a new skid plate and fog light design.
Inside, the car gets a two-tone interior with brown leather upholstery, silver trim on the leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel, around the gearshift console, and door handles, while the dashboard gets some glossy accents.
Although details are very limited at this point, according to rumour mill, the Kia KX3 production car will be powered by two 1.6-litre petrol engines.
One will be naturally aspirated with 90 kW and 151 Nm of torque, while range topping version will be turbocharged and generate 147 kW and 264 Nm of torque. Both units will be mated to a seven-speed DCT gearbox.
