Kia will officially reveal the Sportspace concept at the Geneva motor show in March 2015. The concept showcases a grand tourer type vehicle thats comfortable over a long journey and stylish to behold.
Sportspace Design Showpiece
I will admit to being a fan of the station wagon shape and this Sportspace concept is really hitting the right notes as far as looks go. According to Kia the Sportspace is designed at Kia’s Frankfurt design studio, under the direction of Gregory Guillaume, Chief Designer Europe, the Sportspace features a unique and captivating body shape. The car is born out of a commitment to provide stylish and exciting transportation for four which is also spacious and functional, without sacrificing the performance, sustainability and economy that Kia is known for.
“We set out to design a car that is a totally new breed of grand tourer – one for active people who need reasonable cargo space on the weekend, but don’t want to compromise moving around in style, comfort and with an element of sportiness,” explains Gregory Guillaume, Chief Designer Europe.
Whilst Kia may not have mentioned it in its release, it is widely believed that this concept shows that Kia may offer its next generation Kia Optima in a station wagon as well.
The Mercedes-Benz SL Mille Miglia 417 Edition
Mercedes-Benz has revealed the seventh-generation SL Mille Miglia 417 Edition set to make its public premiere at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show next month.
60th anniversary of a memorable motor racing success
Designed to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Mercedes-Benz’s victory win at the 1955 Mille Miglia road race in Italy, the special edition two seat roadster adopts the race number 417 won in its class at Mille Miglia while British driver Stirling Moss took the overall win in the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR.
The “SL Mille Miglia 417” will be available as a package limited to 500 units with a magnetite black metallic paint scheme and three optional colours: night black magna, cashmere white magna matte and diamond white.
The car also boasts a number of cosmetic tweaks including red accents on the front and rear bumpers, brake callipers and also on the standard 19-inch front and 20-inch rear alloys. Inside there are red and matte carbon accents, as well as red and black leather seats with “Mille Miglia 417” lettering embroidered on the headrests.
The SL-class Special Edition “Mille Miglia 417” is available as an SL 400 equipped with a V6 twin-turbo 3.0-litre engine developing 245 kW and as an SL 500 model powered by a V8 twin-turbo 4.6-litre delivering 320 kW. Both SL Mille Miglia 417 models come standard with adaptive dampers while the Active Body Control (ABC) system is available at an additional cost.
Hyundai ix35 1.7 CRDi (2015) Review
Hyundai has added a brand new diesel engine to its popular ix35 model range. The 1.7-Litre turbodiesel comes just in time as competitors such as the Nissan Qashqai have begun offering downsized turbodiesel motors at really enticing prices. The Hyundai ix35 has been around since 2010 with the facelifted version appearing last year, but has this new engine planted in the ix35 got what it takes to keep Hyundai at the forefront of SUV buyers minds?
All-New Diesel Engine
As diesel technology and fuels improve, manufacturers have found ways to extrapolate more power and more torque from less capacity. Hyundais 1.7-litre diesel by modern standards actually comes out a touch on the average side as it puts out 85 kW and 260 Nm. As a comparison Volvo and Nissan pump out more power and torque from smaller capacity diesels.
Its not all about figures though and the new diesel feels quite smooth and capable. Theres a touch of turbo lag low down in the rpm range so you need to have a few more revs when pulling off and theres a slight hesitation after every gear change before the power comes in. The quick-shifting six-speed manual gearbox has a light action so that helps to minimise the lag as well. Fuel efficiency wise the ix35 diesel claims 5.3L/100km and during our week of pounding it around the Cape we averaged 7L/100km so its quite an efficient driver.
Spacious Interior
The ix35 doesnt skimp on space, the boot is one of the largest in its class and the rear legroom and headroom is spacious too. The seats fold flat conveniently and it swallows a large mountain bike with ease. The dashboard and surrounds all seem quite well put together and the materials used are solid and durable rather than soft and premium.
If anything the interior is starting to look a little on the old side as theres no large centralised screen that controls your entire life at the touch of a button. The rear-view camera displays on the tiny radio screen that condenses the rear visibility and I resorted to looking over my shoulder and ignored the camera altogether. Its still quite well specced though and comes with Bluetooth, USB, an aux port and the CD/MP3 player slot. Dual zone climate control would be nice, but Ill settle for the standard air conditioner available. The steering mounted controls are all easy to understand and fathom as well.
Ride and Drive
The ix35 is starting to lose out in terms of ride quality to the newer models in the segment as its not as comfortable or as well planted as the likes of the Qashqai or VW Tiguan. The newer cars have really managed to smooth out the ride of a compact SUV over bumps and tarmac notches. The ix35 can feel a bit bumpy over the same surface, but I have no doubt that Hyundai will catch up when the next ix35 breaks cover.
For the average user though the ride will be more than suitable and its by no means uncomfortable. On the freeway at 120kph its stable and holds on reasonably well when the road turns bendy. On the safety side theres a decent array of airbags and stopping power is aided by ABS and EBD. Strangely though its missing stability control or traction control which is a bit odd. This sort of system is becoming compulsory in Europe as its proven to save lives, hopefully Hyundai makes it available sooner rather than later.
Hyundai iX35 – Verdict
The new diesel motor is a welcome addition to the Hyundai ix35 range. As far as the range offering goes its probably the motor of choice as it offers the best combination of power and efficiency. At R359 900 it plonks itself right in the middle of the compact SUV segment, directly competing with the 1.5dCI Nissan Qashqai and the Volkswagen Tiguan 2-litre turbodiesel. I would go for the Qashqai at that price point as theres not much in terms of spec difference and the Qashqai is newer, has a better ride and is nearly R30k cheaper. The Hyundai iX35 is worth looking at if you value space over all else at the price point but other than that factor, the other compact SUVs offer more.
Second Opinion
This new engine makes a good case for itself thanks to reasonable performance and impressive economy. Despite Ashley’s racing tendencies, he was averaging in the mid 7s, and I think its easily capable of low 6s if you try hard. The Hyundai ix35 is a good product, and if you can’t afford the flagship diesel all-wheel drive model, then this makes a perfect alternative.-David Taylor
We Like: Engine, Space and practicality
We Don’t Like: Starting to age inside, no traction control
Also Consider: Nissan Qashqai, Volkswagen Tiguan, Toyota RAV4
The upgraded 2015 Citroen DS 5 is the first model to be badged solely under the DS brand and is scheduled for its first public appearance at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show early next month.
Unique creation with expressive, hypnotic styling
Changes to the model include a new hexagonal grille surrounded in chrome, and features a large DS logo in its centre. The new DS 5 also features the brand’s new light signature, with headlights combining LED and Xenon technologies, along with scrolling indicators. The rear sports wide tracks, slightly modified taillights and twin tailpipes integrated within the rear bumper.
Inside, the cabin showcases a new seven-inch touchscreen and a new colour touchdrive interface which has eliminated 12 physical buttons to enable a less cluttered layout. The cockpit roof features three light wells which crate a unique ambience that can be tailored to individual requirements. The car also offers massaging front seats with memory function, heated side mirrors, keyless entry & start, electrochrome interior mirror, Denon audio system and dual-zone AC system.
Safety features
The 2015 Citroen DS 5 has also gained a range of advanced equipment including a blind spot monitoring system, lane departure warning, automatic high beam function for the headlights, intelligent traction control, head-up display, reversing camera, hill-start assist, adaptive headlights and stability control.
Engines
The DS5’s engine range has also been completely revised. The line-up consists of the latest engines from the PSA Group, including a 121 kW 1.6-litre THP 165 petrol fitted with a six-speed auto, while a THP 210 with a manual gearbox is said to arrive later in the year in 2015.
Theres also a BlueHDi 120 producing 88 kW and 300 Nm of torque through a standard six-speed manual, while a more powerful BlueHDi 180 delivers 133 kW and 400 Nm of torque and is also available with the six-speed auto. The Hybrid 4×4 flagship model has been carried over with no changes, delivering a total of 149 kW from a 163 HP 2.0-liter diesel working with a 28 kW electric motor.
The facelifted 2015 Citroen DS 5 will be unveiled to the public on March 3 during the Geneva Motor Show.
The All-New Lexus NX Specs and Prices
The All-New Lexus NX has been launched in South Africa. Here are the specifications and pricing for this new model.
Engine line-up
Powering the Lexus NX 200t is an innovative turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine that delivers 175 kW of power from 4800-5600 rpm and 350 Nm of torque from 1650-4000 rpm. This translates into a 0-100km/h sprint time of 7.1 seconds and a top speed of 200 km/h. Combined fuel consumption is rated at 7.9-litres/100km with CO2 emissions of 184g/km.
The Lexus NX 300h has total system output of 145kW (114 kW from the petrol engine and 105 kW from the 650-volt electric motor) from the 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle engine. Torque sits at 210 Nm from 4200-4400rpm, while acceleration from 0-100km/h takes up to 9.2 seconds and top speed is capped at 180 km/h.
Three model grades
The NX 200t is available at launch in three model grades E, EX and dramatic F-Sport apparel. Its offered alongside the highly efficient NX 300h hybrid which sports EX livery.
E Grade
EX Grade
F-Sport Grade
Headlight cluster LED for low beam and Halogen for high beam / LED DRLs
18-inch split-spoke alloys
18-inch turbine F-Sport alloys with high-gloss burnt metallic finish
LED taillights and Front fogs and driving lights
Auto-retractable heated outside mirrors
Mesh Spindle Grille
17-inch multi-spoke alloys
Rain-sensing wipers
Deeper front bumper treatment with contrasting metallic silver lower section
Smart Entry
Electrochromatic rearview mirror
Full glossy black cladding for outside mirrors
Cruise Control
Heated front seats
Auto-retractable heated outside mirrors with reverse shift, memory and electrochromatic function
Electric steering column adjustment
Lexus Remote Touch System
Headlight cluster Full LED
Leather multi-function steering wheel with paddle shift
EMVN (Electro Multi-Vision Navigation) display system with 3D SatNav and reverse camera
Linear illumination style for the DRLs which also double up as turn signal lamps.
Power windows/mirrors
Park distance control
Sunroof (one-touch tilt and slide with jam protection)
Auto headlamp levelling
Active Sound Control (Hybrid only
F-Sport nomenclature
Touch-sensitive cockpit lighting in overhead console
F-Sport smooth leather upholstery (with sport seats)
Overhead console
Wood trim garnish
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Heated and ventilated front seats
8-speaker display audio with large 7.1-inch screen
Extra Sport+ Mode available in Drive Mode Select (DMS) thanks to Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS)
4.2-inch Multi-Information display
Boost Meter measures turbocharger pressure levels and displays info in Multi-Information Display
Bluetooth
G Sensor measures the vehicles lateral and longitudinal forces and displays info in Multi-Information Display
Stop & Start System
All-new Lexus NX price in South Africa
Lexus NX 200t E – R539 900
Lexus NX 200t EX – R579 900
Lexus NX 200t F-Sport – R659 900
Lexus NX 300h EX – R633 000
All Lexus NX models are covered by a four-year/100 000 km warranty and service plan (Lexus Distance Plan for the E grade model, Lexus Distance Plan Plus for the EX grade models and Lexus Distance Plan Complete for the F-Sport
Aston Martin Vulcan Teased (Video)
The track-only limited run Aston Martin Vulcan has been confirmed for a Geneva Motor Show debut.
‘Aston Martin Vulcan – coming soon’
No additional official details of the Vulcan are available at this stage, and the video gives nothing away other than the sound of the car, and the YouTube channel calling it something very special.
However, its rumoured that the Vulcan will be a track-only hypercar model to rival the likes of the McLaren P1 GTR and LaFerrari FXX K.
More details on the Aston Martin Vulcan expected to emerge closer to the 2015 Geneva Motor Show happening on March 3rd.
Audi Prologue Avant Concept Teased
A few sketches of the Audi Prologue Avant have been revealed ahead of the concept’s unveiling scheduled for next month at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show.
Sleek Audi Prologue Avant previewed
Following as a shooting brake version of the prologue coupe that debuted last November at the Los Angeles Motor Show, the Avant is said to preview design cues for future Audi estate models. This includes the A6, A7 and A8 line-ups, as well as point towards a future range-topping A9 variant.
The elongated stylish concept features Audi’s large hexagonal front grille, signature LED lighting designs and large front air intakes. It also comes with a roof mounted spoiler, five-spoke alloy wheels and big hexagonal exhaust pipes incorporated into the rear bumper.
Just as the coupe, the Prologue Avant is fitted with a simple yet futuristic cockpit with a fully digital instrument cluster and a large, full-width OLED display which does away with virtually all control buttons.
Full details about the Audi prologue Avant concept will be revealed at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show in March.
Mazda2 Specs and Pricing Announced
The highly-anticipated Mazda2 will be launched in South Africa in the next few weeks and we’ll be in attendance. The pricing of the Japanese hatchback has been revealed ahead of its launch as it hopes to compete with the likes of the VW Polo, Renault Clio, Ford Fiesta and Honda Jazz.
The latest Mazda2 has proved to be quite impressive having walked away with the Japanese Car of the Year in 2014. Mazda South Africa is currently going through a rebuilding process as they look to make a name for themselves away from the Ford/Mazda amalgamation of before. For details on the Mazda2, take a look at the international launch here.
Mazda2 Specs and Price
Mazda2 Active Manual 1.5L from R188 000
1.5 litre in-line 4-cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol (SKYACTIV-G)
Maximum power: 82 kW@6 000 rpm
Maximum torque: 145 Nm@4 000 rpm
Fuel consumption: 5.5L/100km
15-inch steel wheels
Headlamps (Halogen)
Power windows
Air-conditioning
Mazda2 Dynamic Manual R199 900 Auto 1.5L R211 300
15-inch alloy wheels
Front fog lamps
7-inch full colour touch screen display (MZD Connect)
Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio capability
Internet radio integration (Pandora, Sticher and Aha)
Multi-function commander control
Audio system with: 6 speakers
Seat colour: Black/Blue (unique pattern for Dynamic)
Centre console side panels: High-gloss black
Front decoration panel: High-gloss black
Front door armrest panels: High-gloss black
Power fold mirrors
Leather-wrapped: Gear shift knob, handbrake handle and steering wheel
Mazda2 Individual Manual 1.5L R211 400 Auto 1.5L R222 800
16-inch alloy wheels
Exhaust extension (chrome)
Front upper grille decoration (body coloured)
Headlamps auto on/off function
Seat colour: Black/RedCentre console side panels
Front decoration panel: Soft-touch black with red stitch
Front door armrest: Soft-touch black with red stitch
Mazda2 Hazumi Auto 1.5L DE R259 900
1.5-litre in-line 4-cylinder turbodiesel (SKYACTIV-D)
Maximum power: 77 kW@4 000 rpm
Maximum torque: 250 Nm@1 500-2 500rpm
Fuel consumption (combined): 4.4L/100km
Air-conditioning (climate control)
Half leather seat trim
Satellite navigation
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Rolls-Royce Phantom Serenity Headed To Geneva
The one-off Rolls-Royce Phantom Serenity set to celebrate the “historical role played by silk as a symbol of regal and imperial power,” will be fully revealed at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.
2015 Rolls-Royce Phantom Serenity
The company further revealed that the car will set a new benchmark for luxury individualisation in the motor industry, and reaffirm that Bespoke is Rolls-Royce.
The Bespoke model is headlined by silk-blossom in pistachio green and is paired with mother-of-pearl marquetry woodworking. There also seems to be smoked cherry wood trim and unique floor mats with silk accents. The teaser image doesnt give much away but confirms the model might be a four door sedan.
The luxury brand added that it will use “interpretations of European furniture combined with Japanese Royal Kimono designs to deliver a truly innovative, modern and tranquil Rolls-Royce interior”.
The Rolls-Royce Phantom Serenity will be unveiled on 3rd March 2015, more details will be revealed then.
MINI Coupe and Roadster Production Ends
MINI has announced that production of its Coupe and Roadster models is about to come to an end at its Oxford plant in the United Kingdom, confirming the announcement made last November by MINI USA Product Planning Manager Patrick McKenna.
Changeover at MINI Plant Oxford
This comes after numerous rumours in the past year, suggesting that both the models were not doing as well as expected in sales, and termination of their production will come with no replacements.
However, the British premium car manufacturer continues to conquer the small car segment with the recent introduction of the new MINI five door and three door both produced at the UK plant in seven engine variants.
It was also reported last year that MINI plans on expanding its line-up to ten models. The line-up is said to include some new models based on BMWs UKL front-wheel-drive architecture. The current line-up now sits at five models, considering the end of the Coupe and Roadster. These include the Hardtop, Clubman, Convertible, Countryman and Paceman.
The brand is also said to continue to offer the Mini Convertible in three petrol and two diesel engine variants globally, in addition to the John Cooper Works Convertible.
