Hyundai has revealed a new generation i20 Coupe set to go on sale in 2015 as a unique first ever three-door B-segment car featuring a dynamic exterior and striking interior design.
New Generation i20 Coupe extends appeal to younger customers
Although the coupe shares its platform with the standard i20, it has its own unique silhouette that gives it a sportier and more muscled appearance. Distinctive features include a new C-pillar design, extra creases in the rear wheel arches, a sloping roofline that sits 25mm lower, and a sporty rear-mounted spoiler.
Additional enhancements to further differentiate the three-door coupe include fresh 17-inch alloy wheels and a Tangerine Orange exterior paint that can be matched with an orange interior.
Engine specs
The choice of Euro6 engines includes petrol and diesel power units from 62 kW to 73 kW. A new 1.4-litre Kappa petrol engine will be available from launch, with a new 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine joining the range later in 2015.
The New Generation Hyundai i20 Coupe is expected to go on sale in March or April next year.
A Volkswagen representative speaking to the Dutch Telegraph confirmed that the Polo R is not on the cards. The main reason for it not going into production seems to be that it would sit too closely to the Golf GTI and possibly suck sales from the indomitable hatchback.
Volkswagen Polo R hopefuls will have to live with the fact that VW did produce a Polo R WRC Street edition that was sold in limited numbers.
The range topping Polo GTI has had a change of engine from the pre-facelift derivative and features a 1.8-litre turbochaged petrol engine capable of 141 kW and 320 Nm. Thats a considerable step up from the pre-facelift model that coped well with 132 kW and 250 Nm. We should see the new Polo GTI on our streets early in 2015.
White Voted Most Popular Car Colour For 2014
According to a recent study released by PPG Industries, white was the most popular car colour choice in 2014.
White continues to dominate as popular car colour choice
The study was conducted on over a quarter of the vehicles sold in 2014 of which white was the most popular car colour, with 28% of all new cars sporting the shade. Coming in second was black with 18%, while silver and grey tied for third place with 13%.
In addition, PPG says silver’s popularity has decreased in the last two years by 7%. White continued to grow in popularity with 25% of vehicles sold in 2013 finished in white. Two years ago, white accounted for 22 percent of new vehicle sales.
In fourth place was what PPG calls ‘natural’ colours, which include gold, beige, yellow, orange and brown. All colours make up 10% of new car sales while nine percent of new cars sold in 2014 were red.
Car manufacturers across the world are continually seeking new ways to create a unique appearance for models and vehicle brands. As colour selection takes place two or three years in advance of a model year, it is important for auto makers to combine colour popularity with global consumer trends, said Jane E. Harrington, PPG manager, colour styling, automotive OEM (original equipment manufacturer) coatings.
Today, automotive manufacturers can choose from a broad array of colours as well as a wide assortment of variations of conservative hues such as white, silver, black and grey, and distinct effects such as micas, glass flakes, fine bright aluminium and hue-shifting pigments.
Regional trend highlights from the 2014 data
In North America, white remains most popular (23%), followed by black (18%), grey (16%) and silver (15%).
In South America, silver and white lead in popularity (32% each), followed by black (13%), grey (11%), red (8%) and blue (2%).
In Europe, white remains most popular (25%), followed by black (15%) and grey (14%), and natural shades such as golds, beiges, yellows, oranges and browns continue to grow in popularity (12%).
In Asia Pacific markets, white remains most popular (31%), followed by black (20%) and silver (12%).
Looking to 2015 models, Harrington said PPG believes drivers will continue to see an increase in natural tones such as coppers, oranges and browns.
New models also may be influenced by metal tones such as bronze, pewter and rose gold, which have had a significant influence across fashion, jewellery, furniture and industrial design in recent years.
New Volkswagen Crossover Concept To Debut In Detroit
A new Volkswagen Crossover concept is said to have its world premiere at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show next month, designed to increase the companys range in the crossover segment and boost sales.
Volkswagen Crossover
The car is expected to hit production 2016 and go on sale later that year or early in 2017. According to Reuters, the concept will be a five-seat variant of the seven-passenger SUV that VW plans to build at its assembly plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
The company has not yet confirmed any additional details on the crossover concept. The North American/Detroit International Auto Show takes place on January 12th 2015, so expect more details then.
Please note pictured is the Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupe concept.
Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe Officially Unveiled In Germany
The Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe has been officially unveiled with distinctive styling, on-road vehicle dynamics and striking characteristics of a robust SUV.
In terms of engines, there are three to choose from. The entry-level GLE350 diesel 4Matic has 190 kW and 620 Nm, while the GLE400 AMG 4Matic comes with a petrol biturbo 3.0-litre V6 that makes 245 kW and 480 Nm of torque. Finally, there is a GLE 450 AMG 4Matic with 270 kW and 520Nm.
The coupe-styled SUV is additionally equipped with a 4Matic all-wheel drive system that provides a nominal 50:50 front-to-rear apportioning of drive, and has further been tuned to deliver a more sporting 40:60 front-to-rear. Theres also a nine-speed automatic transmission with five modes; individual, comfort, slippery, sport and sport+, that can be set via a rotary control on the centre console.
The GLE model also features Mercedes AIRMATIC air suspension that is now available with the continuously variable damping system ADS Plus. Steel suspension is standard with selective damping system.
Styling and interior equipment
On the styling front, standard equipment includes AMG body styling with a front and rear apron, a rear-spoiler lip and larger 21-inch light alloy wheels and tyres. The single bar grille on the front is flanked by LED headlights. Additional features include plastic body cladding, a distinctive rear end with chrome trim, and a dual exhaust system.
Inside, the model is fitted with a new infotainment display, a sports steering wheel, and sport seats. It is further adorned in silver shadow accents and aluminium or wood trim. The latest version of Mercedes COMAND infotainment system combines a tablet-style 8.0-inch screen with a console-mounted touchpad.
The list of safety features includes Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control with Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot, Pre-Safe Brake with pedestrian detection, Active Blind Spot and Lane Keeping Assist, Cross-Traffic Assist, 360-degree camera and Active Parking Assist.
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe will be unveiled officially at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show before going on sale later next year. We can also expect a potent AMG version in the near future.
1967 Ford Mustang Eleanor Up For Auction
The 1967 Ford Mustang fastback dubbed ‘Eleanor’ by Nicholas Cage’s character in the 2000 remake of Gone in 60 Seconds, is said to go up for auction at Mecum’s Austin event scheduled for December 12th and 13th of this year.
Eleanor, the 1967 Ford Mustang could be yours
Eleven fictional Eleanor Mustangs were created for the movie, but only three of these were working cars, of which two were destroyed during filming. The cars were built by Cinema Vehicle Services, with key features of the 1967 Ford Mustang including a custom body kit, 17-inch wheels, air conditioning, a Lecarra steering wheel and an Auto Meter Sport Comp tachometer. Under the bonnet, the car houses a Ford Racing 351 CI crate engine with Holley 700 CFM 4-barrel carburettor with a high-volume fuel pump and 4-speed manual transmission. It is connected to a four-speed manual transmission which sends power to a Positraction rear end. The 1967 Ford Mustang ‘Eleanor’ will go up for auction at the Austin collector car auction, alongside other notable models including a 1969 Corvette L88 Coupe and a 1967 Corvette Convertible owned by astronaut Gus Grissom.
Common Driving Mistakes
As we head into the festive season, more traffic aims for the coastal areas and the national roads see a heavy increase in traffic. With that in mind we thought we would come up with a list of driving rules that are often forgotten about.
The main aim behind our list is to remind road users to be considerate of others on the road and that the simplest rules are often the ones most neglected. The Arrive Alive website has some great road safety tips as well as statistical info if youre keen to up your road safety knowledge. If you have any tips of your own, leave a comment at the bottom and we could add them to the list.
Common Driving Mistakes in SA
1. Keep Left Pass Right
This is the most simple of rules but somehow its extremely rare to find anyone who obeys it. The idea is that you stay as far left as you can and only move right to overtake, then return to the left, this aids traffic flow. If you do happen to have a faster car come up behind you then do your best to let the faster through by moving to the left when safe to do so. Dont hog the middle lane either, the inside lane when clear is where you should always aim to be driving.
2. Traffic Circle Usage
This rule is seemingly impossible to fathom, and is a particular sore spot for me as there is one situated on my drive to and from work. Look at the graphic above, it really is that simple, plan ahead, get in the correct lane and indicate your direction. Traffic circles are an upgrade from stop streets as you shouldnt ever need to come to a full stop, thus traffic flow is better and you save a bit of fuel by not having to accelerate from a standstill.
3. The Solid Line
Theres no reason to cross a solid line, they put them there for a reason. The classic mistake is when entering a freeway to cross the solid white line before it ends so you can get a jump on the traffic ahead of you. All this does is then hold up the people who waited patiently and backs up traffic as they all have to slow down. Wait your turn and be a courteous driver, no point in infuriating a bunch of other road users for your personal gain.
4. The Flashing Red Traffic Light
We all know how stop streets work right? With all the load shedding at present, its quite likely youll come across a few out-of-order traffic lights. When this happens treat it as a stop street. Stop streets in themselves prove to be a bone of contention for most road users so heres a quick refresher: the first vehicle to arrive at a 4-way stop has priority, dont sneak through with the vehicle in front of you, thats just criminal. When arriving at the same time as someone else you can either take the initiative and go first or give the other driver safe passage, just dont do that awkward roll thing where you both end up trapped in the middle of the intersection upset at one another.
5. Tailgating
Not leaving enough space to the car creates a multitude of problems, worst of all, increasing the likelihood of an accident and increasing the number of casualties involved. Arrive Alive states that the human reaction time to recognise a potential hazard is 0.75 seconds. It then takes a further 0.75 seconds to react to hazard and press the brakes. The vehicle then takes 0.05 seconds to apply the brakes. Studies have indicated that when a driver follows another vehicle at 100kph and the vehicle in front suddenly applies the brakes, the driver following will need about one and a half seconds to react. So be patient and apply the two-to-three second rule by watching the vehicle in front of you pass a landmark and then counting off three seconds.
Ferrari Sergio Unveiled; All Six Units Sold Out
The Ferrari Sergio, a production version of the Pininfarina has just been unveiled and the first car has already been delivered to its new owner, the SBH Royal Auto Gallery in the UAE, at Abu Dhabis Yas Marina Circuit.
The first Ferrari Sergio arrives in the UAE
Unveiled earlier at the 2014 Geneva Auto Show, the Ferrari Sergio has now entered its limited production run of six vehicles all of which have been sold. The car was created to celebrate the spirit and core values of the historic Cambiano Company in the 60th anniversary year of its collaboration with the Prancing Horse. It was also designed to pay tribute to Sergio Pininfarina, who helped to forge the company’s longstanding partnership with Ferrari.
A genuine radical roadster
The production model is based on the 458 Spider, retaining the latters technological content as well as all of the functional aspects of its cockpit. The main styling of the design is two bodyshell masses melded together via a longitudinal black insert.
Theres also a semi-floating front spoiler which helps to balance down force and optimises heat exchange, while at the rear, there’s a ventilated rear engine cover, circular taillights and a dual exhaust system. There’s also a rear diffuser and Sergio-specific forged alloy wheels.
The Ferrari Sergio delivered to Abu Dhabi features a three-layer red exterior paintwork and a sporty cockpit with black leather upholstery with contrasting red stitching, Alcantara seat inserts, and extensive carbon dash and door well trim. It also features Sergio-specific forged wheels, on this car gold in colour with a diamond finish.
Performance specifications are yet to be revealed, but Ferrari confirmed power will be provided by a 4.5-litre V8 engine that develops 445 kW, enabling the roadster to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in three seconds.
Each one of the six Ferrari Sergios was configured by its owner in dedicated sessions at the Tailor Made atelier in Maranello, which means each car will be unique.
Volkswagen Cross Caddy (2014) Review
Most of us know the Volkswagen Caddy as a worker bee, utility vehicle. Usually the Caddy comes fitted with a set of seats up front and from there backwards its all load bay. Its low loading height and dual sliding doors make the Caddy perfect for small business owners looking to ferry goods around under a closed roof. Now though, the VW Cross Caddy has morphed into a family van, complete with rear seats. Does the Cross Caddy work as an MPV? We spent a week with the family-based van to decide.
Family Caddy?
Yes, thats the idea, you get rear seats in the Caddy, a spiced up interior to make it look less like a workmans shed and some cladding on the exterior that makes it look a bit funkier. The exterior gains some black plastic body armour around the wheel arches and side sills. The silver roof rails are also added for the Cross Caddy as is some privacy glass for the rear window. The interiors spruce up includes some colour-coded door trim that can match some pretty vibrant exterior colours such as Viper Green or Honey Orange. The trim is backed up with a leather steering wheel and a few high gloss bits of material surrounding the air vents. Storage compartments are abundant and the roof lining compartment runs the width of the entire cabin, just dont load any heavy items there or you could have it tumble down onto your head.
If youre looking for space in your MPV then look no further, the Cross Caddy maintains its low loading height and makes use of 750-litres of boot space, fold the rear seats up and that increases to 2852-litres. You can just keep packing in the wife and kids bags until they get tired or they run out of things in the house. Rear legroom is adequate and once the seats are folded up theres room to roll a mountain bike in upright an industry standardised test. The Cross Caddy can be ordered as a seven-seater, but comes standard as a five-seater.
Powering up
The Cross Caddy gets a 2-litre turbodiesel engine that generates 81 kW and 250 Nm of torque. Its still focused at more commercial use rather than passenger use. Usually a 2-litre turbodiesel is good for over 100 kW and around 350 Nm so you might feel a little short-changed by the grunt of the Cross Caddy, but the fuel efficiency makes up for it. VW claims it will return 5.7L/100km on the combined cycle and we were able to achieve this figure easily. I racked up 450km before handing over the keys to the other guys in the office and there was still just over half of the 60-litre tank left.
Ride and Drive
VW has played with the exterior and the interior to make the Cross Caddy feel more home-like, but once you get behind the wheel it still feels like youre driving a van. The seating position is low, but still feels like a cab-forward design where you sit on top of the front wheels. Its not a bad daily driver, its quite comfortable although the longer wheelbase means the rear end tends to jolt more than the front, although its better under load.
The Cross Caddy comes standard with ABS, traction control and an electronically-controlled differential. Theres the added bonus of hill-hold and front and side airbags as well. For the people who like high tech interiors the Cross Caddy may not quite meet their expectations. Theres no USB port or fancy multimedia display unit but there is a radio/CD/MP3 player that has an AUX port. From the options list, the only thing worth having would be the rear parking sensors that come in handy with a vehicle of this size.
VW Cross Caddy – Verdict
The Cross Caddy does a decent job of hiding its commercial skeleton with some colourful tricks like the plastic cladding and colour-coded interior, but once driven its still a van at heart. Thats not to say it isnt good, theres space in here that most large SUVs can only dream about with hidden compartments that you can lose just about anything in. The engine isnt as powerful as youd expect but it copes with everyday driving relatively well and gets good mileage on a full tank. Price may just be the Cross Caddys downfall as it will set you back R340 600 and that puts it up there with some quite nice SUVs that carry more desirability and in some cases 4×4 capabilities.
Second Opinion
As an MPV, the Cross Caddy has lots to offer. With the extra row of seats, the Cross Caddy is a great option for medium-sized families with active lifestyles who place value on having a versatile vehicle that can carry just about anything. When Monday comes around, the Cross Caddy easily transforms into a work horse with the benefit of a comfortable and flexible interior. I enjoyed driving the Cross Caddy, it felt solid and handled well on some of the twisties around Cape Town and the power and torque was enough to get around briskly. Yes, there are many alternatives on the market, but the Cross Caddy excels in terms of versatility and you can’t ignore the excellent fuel range which will come in handy when the family sets off on those long distance holidays.-Gero Lilleike
We like:
. Storage compartments everywhere and ample space
. 1000km range on a single tank is possible
. Cool colour palette and new look
We Don’t Like:
. Still makes you feel like a van driver
. Pricey
. Lack of engine power and torque for a 2-litre turbodiesel
In September 2014 we looked at how South African petrol prices compare with the rest of the world and at the time South Africa ranked 42nd (now 43rd) in the world with a petrol price of R13.66. The highest petrol price in 2014 in South Africa was in April at R14.39 per litre and today we are paying about R12.06 per litre, which is still expensive. In comparison, fuel prices in Venezuela are the cheapest at R0.12 per litre and Norway the most expensive at R27.27 per litre.
According to Bloomberg, South Africa ranks poorly in terms of affordability at 8th in the world and ranks 1st in terms of income spent on fuel. With an average daily income of about R196, South Africans spend the highest percentage of their annual income on fuel, 5.17% in fact. In comparison, Cyprus ranks 2nd with an annual spend percentage of 3.60% and Mexico 3rd with a spend percentage of 3.44%.
Check out the infographic below to see how South Africa’s fuel spend percentage compares to some other countries. If you’re looking to cut down on your fuel costs then check out our list of most fuel efficient cars in SA for some handy tips.
