Ford Ranger Is SA’s Best-Selling Vehicle

The Department of Trade and Industry has released the figures for the new car sales in South Africa for the month of November which saw the Ford Ranger dethrone the Toyota Hilux of title “best-selling bakkie” and also took the crown as the best-selling vehicle in the country.

Ford Ranger – top selling LCV in November

The National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa) figures for November 2014 reveal that since its introduction about three years ago, the Ford Ranger has finally reached the top with 3054 sales – kicking off the Toyota Hilux (2897) which has been at the number one spot in the LCV segment for a very long time.

A range of new and updated Ranger bakkies are currently available, including the locally built limited-edition Ford Ranger Odyssey which offers a 2.2-litre Duratorq turbodiesel engine that delivers 110 kW, black 17-inch wheels and the XL-Plus’ updated componentry that help it tow a load of 3500 kg.

Commenting on their success, Mark Kaufman, Vice President, Marketing, Sales and Service, FMCSA said: “We’re thrilled that South Africans continue to show such confidence in Ford’s products, especially our locally produced Ranger. We are exceptionally proud of our Ranger’s achievement as it was South Africa’s best-selling pick-up for the first time and topped 3000 unit sales for the second consecutive month.”

Click here for more on the Ford Ranger models

A drop in sales

Further, the Association reported that aggregate industry sales rose 0.9 percent to 51 098 vehicles in November 2014, when compared to the same period a year ago. However, compared to October 2014 total industry sales of 59 380 in November reflected a decline of 13.9%.

Naamsa expects the performance of the automotive sector for the balance of 2014 and into 2015 to remain under pressure for the foreseeable future, particularly at dealer level, thanks to subdued economic growth and above-inflation vehicle price increases.

Top ten best-selling cars in South Africa

  1. Ford Ranger
 3054
  1. Toyota Hilux
 2897
  1. Volkswagen Polo Vivo
 2285
  1. Nissan NP200
 1964
  1. Volkswagen Polo
 1781
  1. Toyota Corolla/Quest/Auris
 1749
  1. Toyota Quantum
 1478
  1. Isuzu KB
 1186
  1. Toyota Etios
 1182
  1. Chevrolet Utility
 1038

 

Audi S1 Driven

Audi launched the new Audi S1 in South Africa during a track session at a revived Kyalami race circuit. The S1 will line up as the premier, top of the range model in the A1 range. It’s also the only vehicle in the supermini market that can boast all-wheel drive handling credentials. It wasn’t easy to get all-wheel drive into such a small platform, hence why it’s taken Audi three years to introduce its top model.

Manual only

The reason why it’s taken so long to get the S1 into the Audi range is because the platform the A1 runs on was only ever meant for small front-wheel drive vehicles. When Audi decided to reignite the S1 moniker they penned in all-wheel drive as a must-have. The S1 then has an A1 chassis at the front and then a heavily modified rear end that has had to fit a propshaft and a rear axle capable of handling 50-percent of the maximum torque. Space became an issue and that’s why the S1 is only offered in a manual six-speed gearbox, the S-tronic just wouldn’t fit.

Detuned S3 Motor

The 2-litre turbo engine from the S3 and Golf R makes a return in the S1 but in a lesser state of tune. It puts out 170 kW, but matches the 370 Nm of torque that its big brothers have. That decrease in power doesn’t mean that it lacks any go, it feels fast due to its small frame but still weighs just over 1300kg. Zero to 100kph takes 5.8 seconds and the S1 will run all the way to 250kph if allowed. All that torque available is impressive on freeway runs, overtaking in sixth gear from 100kph upward happens immediately, in that regard it’s a particularly easy car to drive at speed.

New Kits

The S1 gets xenon plus headlights in the front and a new set of LED lights at the rear. The front and rear bumpers have also been modified to give the S1 a more aggressive look whilst the rear end houses four tailpipes for good measure. The interior has its own unique style with a special sports seat as standard but the optional colour matched inserts are a real standout. There was a yellow S1 with colour matching inserts in the back of the seats that looked particularly impressive, so if you want the optional seats go for a strong colour to make them really standout. The pedals are stainless steel and perfectly positioned for the easiest of heal-and-toe manoeuvres.

Track Handling

Whilst it’s particularly difficult to get a road car to handle on track the S1 makes for a fun car on circuit. Its short wheelbase and clever electronic diff work to create better initial turn-in in a lift-off oversteer type way. From then on you wait until it’s time to plant your right foot again and the diff makes sure the power gets sent to the right places. The all-wheel drive system combined with the torque-heavy engine do a good job of holding a tight line. The brakes have been uprated for the S1 but lack initial bite and feel.

Audi S1 Competitors

Audi considers its products as premium purchases so the price will no doubt match that notion. There are just 75 S1 models available to South Africa although if they are scooped up quickly enough, this could be increased to 100. Competitors for the S1 are quite difficult to pick but I don’t think you could discount something like a Mini Cooper S on size and power specs, also it’s not priced too far away from an S3 or a Golf R for that matter.

Pricing for Audi S1:

Audi S1 3-door                  R442 000

Audi S1 Sportback            R449 500

Maserati Alfieri Confirmed For 2016

A new report from Autocar shows that the anticipated production version of the Maserati Alfieri coupe will be launched in 2016 and will likely be followed up by a convertible in the following year.

Maserati Alfieri Coupe put into production

In an interview with the magazine, UK marketing director James Cowan said the Alfieri will “sit at the core of the brand.” However, he mentioned that they “don’t expect it to be a big seller” but “to anchor all values that are core to Maserati, and have a halo effect in drawing customers to us.” The model is also said to keep its name when it goes on sale, while the sports coupe will be a core model for the brand, which aims to sell 75 000 cars in 2018.

“While our sales target of 75 000 cars by 2018 is ambitious, it is important that people recognize Maserati’s core values of exclusivity and luxury remain. The Alfieri is the perfect car to do that job – it will be as desirable as a Jaguar F-type or Porsche 911 but considerably more exclusive, and as a result special,” said Cowan.

The Alfieri is further said to be based on a modified platform that underpins Maserati Ghibli and Quattroporte models. The entry-level model will supposedly be equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine delivering 301 kW, while the range-topping variant will have an adapted all-wheel-drive system and will have outputs ranging from 331 kW and 382 kW.

50 000 milestone achieved

In addition, the Alfieri is part of a major expansion plan by the company which will see a six-model range and annual production volume of 50 000 units until 2018.

Coinciding with the 100th centennial festivities, just yesterday the company celebrated the milestone of 50 000 units produced at the Avv. Giovanni Agnelli Plant, in Grugliasco.

The 50 000th car to roll out was a Quattroporte S Q4 painted in the new Grigio Maratea, with red and black interior upholstery and was built for the US market.

Audi S1 And S1 Sportback Unleashed In SA (Pricing Update)

Audi has been very busy this week both locally and internationally with its performance models. The German car maker is launching its S3 Sportback, SQ5 SUV and has recently announced the arrival of the RS Q3 and RS7.

The product offensive continues today with the announcement that the baby of the Audi range receives a flagship model. A source at Audi South Africa said the Audi S1 and S1 Sportback are due to arrive in South Africa around July 2014. The rally fans amongst you will remember the Audi S1 rally car from the 1980s and this 2014 version will carry on the legend of fearsome turbocharged quattro performance.

Audi S1 engine

Nestled in the Audi S1’s engine bay is a 2.0-litre TFSI four-cylinder motor boasting 170 kW and 370 Nm. Power is transmitted through the quattro all-wheel drive system using a manual transmission and combined with the low weight, performance should be rather entertaining. Audi claims its new S1 hits 100km/h in 5.8 seconds  and will go onto a top speed of 250 km/h. While it may scream performance, the Audi S1 is claimed to be quite light on petrol. A figure of 7.0l/100km (7.1 for Sportback) and an emissions output of 162g/km (166 for Sportback) have been reported.

Aggressive looks

Both the Audi S1 and the S1 Sportback are quite eye-catching and there’ll be no mistaking them for anything other than the top of the range A1. Xenon headlamps and redesigned LED rear lights are fitted as standard, while four bright new colours will make the Audi S1 stand out. An aggressive front grille, quad exhausts and rear roof spoiler further underline the performance of this new pocket rocket.

The model will also come standard with 17-inch 5-parallel-spoke design cast aluminium alloy wheels in S design, Audi drive select with adaptive damping, Bluetooth connectivity with audio streaming, an all-round, independent S sports suspension, progressive Steering system with dynamic ratio, and brushed stainless steel pedals with rubber inserts.

Optional extras

Standard features for the Audi S1/S1 Sportback are quite comprehensive, however you may add the high-quality MMI satnav, Bose audio system, Audi connect which turns the car into a mobile WiFi hotspot, red brake calipers as well as larger 18-inch alloy wheels.

Audi S1 and S1 Sportback price in South Africa

Audi S1 2.0T quattro manual – R442 000

Audi S1 Sportback 2.0T quattro manual – R449 500

The Audi S1 range will come standard with the 5 year/100 000 km Audi Freeway Plan.

Check out the Audi S1 Sportback video which was filmed in the Western Cape.

Range Rover Evoque Cabrio On The Cards

A report indicates that Land Rover is getting ready to introduce a Range Rover Evoque Cabrio, which was previewed as a concept at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

Range Rover Evoque Cabrio could become a reality

According to Autocar, which has managed to get a snap of the prototype testing in the UK, the launch of the Range Rover Evoque Cabrio will coincide with a major mechanical update for the standard Evoque. It seems the update will include the fitment of JLR’s all-new Ingenium four-cylinder engines.

There has been little official news on the model itself, however Land Rover bosses have admittedly said that they were keen on the idea. While the image doesn’t reveal much it’s rumoured that the Evoque Cabrio Convertible will be based on the three-door model, and will supposedly measure about the same in length and width.

Mercedes-Benz Reveals SL63 AMG World Championship 2014 Collector’s Edition

Mercedes-Benz drivers dominated this year’s F1 season, and to celebrate this achievement the Stuttgart-based company has unveiled two limited-run SL63 AMG World Championship 2014 Collector’s Edition models.

Sporting competitiveness demonstrated in the SL63 AMG

Both Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg are said to have assisted in the development of the special edition SL63 AMG.

The first version which is Hamilton’s, is covered in a bespoke designo night black magno exterior paint complemented by gold lettering, fins and stripes while the tailpipe trim is in a chromed black finish. The same black and gold theme dominates the interior which features black nappa leather seats stitched in gold trim. The instrument panel and centre console are also covered in black designo Exclusive nappa leather, with the trim parts gleaming in gold.

Rosberg’s version is a designo cashmere white magno SL63 AMG with a designo himalayas grey finish for the spoiler lip, window trim, daytime running lights surround, lettering, wheels, door handles and the insert in the front bumper. This model also has chromed black tailpipe trim. Inside there is a designo exclusive style leather in titanium grey and with a few trim parts finished in designo cashmere white magno.

In addition, the black SL63 comes with special badging and floor mats depicting the Silverstone track configuration where Hamilton took the win while the white car designed by Rosberg comes with the Hockenheim circuit where Rosberg won this season.

Both vehicles will also receive AMG Driver’s package, numerous assistance systems, AMG sports suspension, AIRSCARF, the Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG sound system, a panoramic vario-roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL, as well as AMG sports seats.

Under the hood is a 5.5-litre biturbo V8 which provides 430 kW and 900 Nm of torque for racecar-like excitement. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes just about 4.1 seconds, reaching an electronically-limited top speed of 300 km/h.

Each version of the Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG World Championship 2014 Collector’s Edition will be limited to 19 units.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the 2014 Women’s World Car of the Year

Twenty female motoring journalists from 15 countries around the world have chosen the Mercedes-Benz S-Class as the Women’s World Car of the Year for 2014. Are we surprised? Not in the least. After all, it’s considerably difficult to fault a car of this caliber and it embellishes just about all the characteristics that would appeal to women (and men), which include, superb comfort features, next-level class, impressive performance, a rather large price tag and dare we say, sex appeal.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class reigns supreme

The S-Class was competing with cars across six categories and received more points than all the category winners and scooped the ultimate ‘Supreme Award’ in the process. The S-Class was judged on design, technical capability and comfort, among other criteria, as well as ‘wow factor’ and value for money.

We recently spent some time with the S65 AMG and it was nothing short of phenomenal. The technology, interior, performance and attention to detail was mind-blowing. As you would expect, the recently revealed Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is in a class of its own when it comes to luxury.

Mercedes-Benz also recently announced South African pricing for the S-Class Coupe due in 2015, which will add variety to the range. Now would be a good time to make friends with your bank manager.

Limited-Production Chevrolet Utility UteForce Edition Introduced In SA – Specs and Prices

The Chevrolet Utility UteForce Edition has been introduced in South Africa as the last of the three special edition vehicles Chevrolet set to launch this year.

Limited-production Chevrolet Utility UteForce Edition offers exclusivity

Based on the 1.4 model, the mini bakkie follows the Black and White limited edition Chevrolet Sonic and Spark models which were launched in August and September this year, to pay homage to Chevrolet’s work in the upliftment of underprivileged communities in South Africa.

“The UteForce campaign was introduced in 2010 at the launch of the current Chevrolet Utility. The idea behind the concept was to become an enabling platform from which skilled experts from various backgrounds could launch sustainable community upliftment projects,” said Tim Hendon, Brand Manager at General Motors South Africa (GMSA).

“The Chevrolet Utility has proved to be a reliable and trustworthy companion over thousands of kilometres through the past four years to get the UteForce team to where it is needed the most.”

All of the 300 Chevrolet Utility UteForce Edition models were built at the Struandale plant in Port Elizabeth, ensuring great exclusivity. The Utility 1.4 Base A/C benefits from special upgrades which includes 15-inch gunmetal alloy wheels, a stainless steel sports bar, special black UteForce Edition decals, a tonneau cover and a standard audio system.

In addition, the new Utility UteForce Edition is available exclusively in Vector Blue, Athenian White or striking Maranello Red, and reinforces the ‘You B’Ute’ campaign surrounding the Chevrolet Utility range in South Africa.

Chevrolet Utility UteForce Edition price in South Africa

Chevrolet Utility UteForce Edition – R160 900

The new limited-production Chevrolet Utility UteForce Edition is available with GMSA’s 5-year/120 000 km warranty, with a service plan available as an option.

New Turbodiesel Hyundai IX35 Added To Range

A new trimmed turbodiesel Hyundai ix35 has been added to the ix35 range, expanding the range to seven derivatives and adding a Euro 5 emission compliant engine as well as “well-positioned specification levels.”

“The ix35 has been one of the strongest pillars in Hyundai Automotive SA’s vehicle range, and when we were given the opportunity to bring the 1.7 Premium turbo-diesel to the South African customers, there was no hesitation,” said Stanley Anderson, Marketing Director at Hyundai Automotive SA.

“We expect this derivative to appeal to an SUV buyer who is looking for the benefits of a frugal turbo-diesel engine, but at a more affordable price and with a specification level that still offers the luxury driving experience that made the ix35 a top-seller for us.

Hyundai ix35 range expanded

“The ix35 1.7 Premium comes from Hyundai’s ultra-modern factory in Nosovice in the east of the Czech Republic, where four of the other derivatives in our ix35 range gets built too. With a mid-cycle facelift that was introduced in South Africa earlier in 2014, it remains one of the most popular, most versatile SUVs in our market with an excellent list of features on the specification list,” added Anderson.

The turbodiesel Hyundai ix35 1.7 Premium is equipped with a 1685cc four-cylinder engine that delivers 85kW at 4000rpm and 260Nm between 1250rpm and 2750rpm. Combined fuel consumption is rated at 6.5-litres/100 km, with CO2 emissions of 139 g/km.

An improved six-speed manual gearbox with slightly different ratios to the 2.0-litre turbodiesel delivers the power to the front wheels. Acceleration from zero to a 100 km/h is claimed to take just 12.4 seconds, while top speed is rated at 173km/h.

Other notable features of the ix35 can be found inside, where it boasts seats covered with a combination of cloth and leather. The SUV is also fitted with a 160-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers and iPod/USB auxiliary inputs housed in the centre console underneath the air conditioner controls. The audio system information is displayed on a 4.3-inch colour touchscreen, which is also the display screen for the standard rearview park-assist camera.

New Turbodiesel Hyundai ix35 price in South Africa

Hyundai ix35 2.0 NU Premium – R324 900

Hyundai ix35 2.0 NU Premium (auto) – R 339 900

Hyundai ix35 2.0 NU Executive – R359 900

Hyundai ix35 2.0 NU Elite (auto) –  R385 400

Hyundai ix35 1.7 CRDi Premium – R359 900

Hyundai ix35 R2.0 CRDi Elite – R409 900

Hyundai ix35 R2.0 CRDi Elite 4×4 (auto) – R469 900

Part of the new Hyundai ix35 package is a 5-year or 150 000 km warranty, a 5-year or 90 000 km Service Plan, and 5-year or 150 000 km Roadside Assistance.

Fuel Price Cut for December in South Africa

Motorists in South Africa will be happy to know that the fuel price will decrease with effect on Wednesday, 3 December 2014. The Department of Energy stated that the main contributing factor to fuel price decreases is the continual drop in crude oil prices, which dropped to about $80 per barrel during the period under review.

Fuel Price Adjustments in South Africa

As a result of fuel price data, fuel margins and the slate levy of zero cents per litre, the fuel price decrease will be as follows:

– Both grades of petrol decrease by 69 c/litre

– Diesel (0.05% Sulphur) decrease by 53.50 c/litre

– Diesel (0.005% Sulphur) decrease by 54.30 c/litre

To further help you save money while driving, read 5 Ways to Improve Fuel Efficiency