Koenigsegg has confirmed that it will introduce a new version of its Agera supercar the Agera RS at next months Geneva Motor Show.
The Swedish hypercar manufacturer is still shying away from revealing any details about the car, which they are rumoured to be referring to as a “megacar”, which possibly means that the car will be packing quite a substantial amount of output.
The Koenigsegg Agera supercar was first shown at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, packing a Koenigsegg developed 5.0-litre variable geometry twin-turbo V8 engine capable of 679 kW, coupled to a newly developed 7-speed gearbox.
Currently holding the fastest production car in the world title is the Koenigsegg One:1 which boasts 1044 kW and weighs about 1341 kg, providing the vehicle with a 1:1 power-to-weight ratio.
The One:1 is also said to complete the 0-400 kph run in about 20 seconds while stopping from that speed takes around 10 seconds. It apparently needs only 28 metres to come to a full stop from 100 kph.
Details on the Koenigsegg Agera RS will be revealed at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show.
All-New Renault Koleos SUV Expected in 2016
According to Motoring.com.au, Renault is working on the second-generation Koleos which will be larger than the Kadjar and feature seven seats.
Second-generation Renault Koleos to debut in 2016
CarAdvice previously reported that Renault’s Australia managing director Justin Hocevar confirmed the French brand will offer a second generation all-new Renault Koleos by 2016.
Last year the automaker introduced its latest Renault Koleos SUV in South Africa, featuring an exclusive new in-dash R-Link navigation and media system, as well as a sophisticated front grille design which features Renaults latest styling identity.
The Koleos was first introduced in 2008, and according to Hocevar, the Koleos is getting a little old, and its getting towards the tail end of its cycle.
The next gen Koleos is also said to too sit on top of the SUV range, being approximately five metres long making it possible to accommodate a third row of seats, further turning the SUV into a seven-seater.
Like the current model, the all-new Koleos is rumoured to ride on an extended version of the CMF platform which has also underpinned the smaller Kadjar as well as Nissans Qashqai and X-TRAIL. The Nissan X-Trail which is the fifth compact crossover SUV produced by the Japanese automaker and is assembled in Tennessee is also the first vehicle to be built on the jointly developed Nissan/Renault Common Module Family platform architecture.
In addition, the company hopes the all-new Renault Koleos will increase sales of the SUV and will be more popular since the Captur is doing a good job at boosting the company’s crossover presence.
Comparison: Honda Mobilio vs Suzuki Ertiga
Comparing a Honda Mobilio MPV to a Suzuki Ertiga MPV isnt the most exciting, adrenalin infused shootout Ive ever had to put together. The usual cornerstones of speed, handling and fun factor dont really make for relative indicators in an MPV test. Things like practicality, space, durability and value for money were thrown into the mix as we got down to determining exactly what you should buy instead of a Toyota Avanza.
Practicality
There isnt much to separate the Mobilio and Ertiga size wise, the Mobilio is a bit longer, the Ertiga a touch taller. They both have three rows of seating, but the Mobilio has a slightly bigger boot with all the seats upright. The deciding factor in loading capability though comes down to what happens when you start folding the seats down. The Ertigas back row of seats fold flat neatly providing a flat, larger load bay, the Mobilios have to be folded and then lifted in order to get the flat boot section.
If you tend to load long and large items into your car like a bike or surfboards then the Ertiga makes life easier as the whole rear section can folded flat. The Mobilios seats when folded dont provide a flat load bay as the seats stick out in their half-folded position. Both rows in the Mobilio can be tilted forwards but that reduces the overall loading length.
If you just want to use the seats to sit on then both vehicles are extremely flexible. The middle row of seats on both cars can slide forwards and back and recline to provide a more comfortable seating position. Access to the back row is a simple one lever pull and the seats will either fold or tilt in the Mobilio, or half fold and slide forward in the Ertiga. The systems both work well, but the Mobilios is the easier to access the rear seats. Comfort wise its the Suzukis last row with the cinema-style seating thats the most comfortable, the Mobilios rear row is not best suited for larger people as your knees tend to line up with your ears while in the back.
Engine
If you are looking for a technologically advanced engine then this is not the segment for you. The Mobilio uses a naturally aspirated 1.5-Litre petrol with 88 kW and 145 Nm of torque while the Suzuki uses a petrol 1.4-Litre with 70 kW and 130 Nm. They also both make use of a standard five-speed manual gearbox.
The Honda obviously feels the better when loaded due to its torque and power advantage, its also a bit more fuel economic, claiming 6.1L/100km to the Suzukis 6.6L/100km. The Ertigas downfall though lies in its freeway cruising rpm, it sits at 4000 rpm at 120kph and that makes it a bit noisy in the cabin, by contrast the Mobilio sits at about 3200 rpm, which most likely means it uses less fuel on the freeway sprint to the airport.
Interior
From a solidly built point of view the Ertiga feels a lot better put together, the dashboard running gear is straight from the Suzuki Swift, albeit in a disappointing beige colour. The seats too are coloured in the beige and seem to be decorated with gold tinsel strips as a throwback to its Indian heritage. It is well specced though, complete with a USB port, 12V port and air conditioning both for the front and the rear passengers.
The Mobilio doesnt feel as well assembled as the Ertiga, the shut lines are a bit iffy and the glove box closinging gap is so large it looks like the whole unit is open. It also rattles badly on uneven roads. It is equally as well specced as the Ertiga and as a major plus, the dashboard comes in black as do the cloth seats.
Ride and Drive
Out in the traffic where these two are likely to spend much of their time, the Mobilio has a more comfortable ride, its lower overall height also helps it to sit better in the corners meaning passengers wont have to brace themselves against the windows every time you make a turn.
The Ertiga is by no means bad, it feels a bit bigger and top heavy out on the road, especially on the freeway where youre changing lanes and avoiding slower traffic. They both ride reasonably well too for their size, bumps or holes in the road dont really crash through to the cabin and you feel confident as you hustle around town that the passengers wont be in any discomfort. Both do a better job here than a Toyota Avanza.
Verdict
The Mobilio and the Ertiga are both extremely practical MPVs, they also hit the market with value-oriented pricing making them easy sells to public in the market for seven seats on a budget. The Mobilio has the better engine and copes better fully loaded than the Ertiga, but the Ertiga takes top honours in the practicality department as well as vastly superior build quality. The downside is the beige interior.
Factor in the pricing difference between the Mobilio 1.5 Comfort and this Ertiga 1.4 GLX we have here and the Ertiga is R10 300 cheaper than the Honda. Thats probably going to be more than enough to convince me into an Ertiga. The Mobilio despite being more expensive, still does enough to coax me away from a Toyota Avanza.
Second Opinion
It’s a super close competition this. Both of these vehicles are vying for a share of the market and both offer great elements of practicality. However, based on the fact that it’s cheaper, feels more solid and better built, I’m going for the Suzuki Ertiga.
Perhaps more importantly, the Ertiga comes with a better after sales plan: 3 year/100 000km, 6 year corrosion, 3 year road assistance, 4 year/60 000km service plan, as opposed to Honda’s: 3 year/100 000km, 2 year/300 00km service plan. – David Taylor
In this video well save you the hassle of driving to an Opel dealership with a detailed look inside, outside and under the bonnet of the new Opel Adam.
In 2015, be prepared for an onslaught of new models from Opel as the German brand attempts to reclaim some of the South African market. The first of which is a compact, city car called the Adam.
Before you start with Garden of Eden jokes, the Adam is actually named after Adam Opel, the man who started it all back in 1862. Naming a product for the companys founder can only mean that Opel has big ambitions riding on the Adams little shoulders.
In this video, well take you through the base model Adam and the more highly-specced Jam model:
– Styling: The Adam is very customisable, find out how you can personalise yours
– Engines: We detail the two engines available in the range, and the fuel economies of each – Interior: The basic radio setup and fancy touch screen system are both discussed – Boot space: It is small car, so what is the boot space like, and can you fold the rear seats?
We test drove the two Opel Adam models when prices werent yet available, so please see pricing below.
This is the second of our All You Need to Know videos, a series of short, highly informative videos that we conceived to give you, the car buyer, a detailed, visual understanding of new cars available on the SA market.
We feel its much better and much more convenient than visiting your local dealership; you dont have to leave the comfort of your home or office, you dont have to decline a cup of instant coffee and no one with a name badge is going to pressure you into buying anything.
We have plenty of these useful videos in the pipeline, so stay tuned for everything you need to know about your favourite cars.
1.4 Base model – R189 900 1.0T Jam – R209 900 1.0T Glam – R232 900
Comparison: Renault Clio vs Volkswagen Polo
Hatches sell like hot cakes in South Africa. Take a glance through the top sales figures of passenger cars and youll see what I mean. Weve pitted the brand new VW Polo (2014) against an up and coming head-hunter in the form of the Renault Clio. The two rivals are still new offerings and as far as were concerned are your best choices if youre looking for an affordable, modern and refined hatchback.
Looks Matter
The Renault Clio IV has shown that a stylish car can sell well, especially if you have a very vibrant colour palette for buyers to choose from. The Clio has got one over on the competition here, we have the mid-spec Expression model and its got all the smart add-ons that make it look the part. The blackened rear diffuser comes together nicely with the metallic side-sill inserts and the front grille. It looks sporty and very attractive for what is essentially an entry-level hatchback.
The Polo has continued with the time old Volkswagen tradition of chiselling away at the details and refining the design. Theres a slight redesign to the front bumper and the rear bumper has had a bit of a fiddle as well. As with any facelift the Polo also has a new set of wheels to differentiate it from its predecessor. Its a slight tweak to the overall look, but it cant match the Clios style and full-bodied design.
Pocket Power
Both of these hatches use modern turbocharged petrol engines. The Clio has a Formula One inspired three-cylinder turbo petrol and is all of 899cc. Despite its small size, it produces 66 kW along with with 135 Nm. Not bad if youre in the city, stuck in traffic or just want something to shuttle to the shops. It works ideally in those situations as its built for fuel efficiency, Renault claims it will average 4.5L/100km and you can get close to that figure if you drive extremely diligently and merely breathe on the throttle pedal. Every day driving though is a bit different and the Clio feels a little on the slow side if you want to get somewhere quickly, also on the open road theres not much in the way of overtaking ability from the puny three-pot.
Volkswagen has added a new turbocharged engine for the facelifted Polo. It hasnt gone the three-cylinder route, but stuck with four and downsized capacity to 1.2-Litres. It produces an identical power figure of 66 kW, the torque though is higher at 160 Nm. That extra 25 Nm makes a big difference, it gives you the confidence to overtake quickly and spices up the whole driving experience. It feels more alert and more willing to get going around town and doesnt make a fool of itself on the freeway. It comes at a slight cost to fuel economy as the Polo claims to average 4.8L/100km, but its worth it if you ask me.
Cabin Fever
The Clio has upped the ante in the small car market as far as interiors go, theres so much standard kit and most of it accessible through the seven-inch iPad style touchscreen. Everything from satellite navigation to cruise control, USB and Bluetooth compatibility is available. Theres not much missing from the Clio and thats what makes it such an excellent value proposition. The materials used in the Clio arent bad either, mostly soft touch and theres decent room for four passengers.
The Polo may not be able to match the Clio on standard spec, but you can always pay in a bit more for certain options if you want. You still get a touchscreen multimedia unit, but it feels more like a touchable head unit than a full-on touchpad system. The cabin does feel extremely well put together and solid, its no work of art styling-wise but it certainly isnt ugly.
Drive Alive
Both cars are fun to put through the bends and offer decent thrills in the handling department. The Clio has a good chassis that corners accurately and the thick steering wheel provides good feel for what the wheels are doing. The smaller 16-inch wheels are a better option than the 17s as the ride is more comfortable over bumps and youre less likely to ding a rim in a pothole.
The Polo is perhaps a little more fun though as its just that little bit quicker. It delivers more punch out of the corners and feels more athletic. The ride is adequately firm and there isnt much in the way of body roll to deflate your enthusiasm.
Verdict
In the small hatchback segment, price has to be taken into account and though the Polo may have the better engine and feel a little more solid, it lacks the value for money the Clio offers. For nearly R20k less the Clio offers far more in the way of standard kit, an equally specced Polo can be around R30k more than the Clio.
If youre looking for a bargain in this segment that offers great looks, excellent safety and all the interior goodies you can ask for, then the Clio is the best choice. If you can afford the extra R30k for a fully specced Polo then the added 25 Nm of torque is well worth it.
The 2015 Geneva Motor Show is scheduled to take place in less than a month, and with that, many automakers are giving us a glimpse into what theyll be showcasing including Suzuki, which has just released the first teaser images for the iK-2 and iM-4 concepts.
Suzuki describes the iK-2 concept as an ideal compact sized car, developed with an innovative theme of Harmonized Force. And from the image it looks like the model will compete in the C-segment as a hatch.
On the other hand, the iM-4 looks to be a mid-size SUV which Suzuki says will feature a compact 4×4 DNA and new technologies, as well as distinctive styling that will give real inspiration to drivers.
Detailed information on both concepts will be disclosed at the motor show in March 2015.
Hyundai i20 (2015) First Drive
Hyundai new model launches in Gauteng follow a pattern: quick in, quick out, an insightful industry and model-related talk by Stanley Anderson, Marketing Director at Hyundai Automotive SA, a drive that takes half the morning, and apart from lunch, thats pretty much it.
The new i20 launch on February 5 was no different, and the interesting bit was analysing just how important i20 sales are to Hyundai here. Last year saw Hyundai lose some passenger market share as a whole in this country, and although Anderson put this down to a lack of new product compared to some of the Korean-based companys main rivals, pricing definitely had something to do with it.
And the sales figures of this car over the past five years also tend to be an eye-opener. Since 2009, the previous-gen i20 sold 68 631 units. Do the math and you realise thats a solid average of over 1 000 units a month, impressive for a car that only had a mild face lift in its life cycle.
The style is evolutionary rather than revolutionary, and there is far less of the Fluidic Sculpture approach on this car than there has been on the current Elantra and Accent models. Its rather been a case of stretching the little hatchback slightly, creating shorter overhangs, freeing up more interior space and modernising key elements like the distinctive trapezoidal grille. On the flanks, Hyundai mentions key elements like the high styling line just below the windows and sculptured undercuts on the body panels to get away from a slap sided appearance.
At the rear, the cars most distinctive design feature is found in the tail lamps positioned at the outmost edges of each side of the rear, with a blistered look blending into the rear wheel arches and giving the car a staunch, planted look from the rear, with the wheels placed close to the body panels and thus avoiding the soft, tucked-in look that afflicted some previous examples of Hyundai hatch-dom.
Improvements Inside
The biggest changes, perhaps are inside, where there has been a huge effort to use premium-level plastic in areas like the door, switch-gear surrounds, and on the dashboard, which is now mounted higher and further forward, to free up leg space for the front passengers.
Talking of space, the boot is quite impressive for a hatch of this size at just under 300 litres and there are large stash-spaces in the cabin too for outsized cans of energy drinks or giant cups of coffee.
Same Engines
Engine-wise, there has been no change from the previous offerings on the i20, although the 1.6-litre model is no longer in the line-up. Power outputs are competitive without being earth-shaking: the 1.2-litre is rated at 61 kW and 115 Nm, with the 1.4 (which we drove) at 74 kW and 133 Nm.
The car used for the launch drive was the 1.4 manual, which is a six-speeder, and on level open road cruising it is possible to use sixth regularly, with down-shifts only required for gradients or for overtaking. It is interesting to note that none of the journos present at the launch asked about performance, and there was scant mention of it in the media release. This is not a performance car, but a utility vehicle with the required level of creature comfort and sophistication now demanded by this market.
i20 Positioning
And indeed, the new Hyundai achieves a level of sophistication in terms of ride and steering feel that is now very close to the best of Europeans in this market. The chassis is not quite there yet but its so close that the target-market customers probably wouldnt notice the difference between this car in the way it handles, compared, say, to the benchmark Polo or the excellent, but ageing Suzuki Swift.
The thing is, Hyundais are no longer the inexpensive cars that they were a decade ago, thanks to the globalisation of the brand. They have to compete head to head with the best, and yes, the i20 is a pretty good bet in this market. One of the indications that exchange rate movements have affected Hyundai is to be found in the fact that, while the five-year/150 000 km warranty is still in place, the sticker pricing only includes a two-year/30 000 km service plan on the 1.2-litre Motion model, while the 1.4 Fluid model gets a slightly more generous, but still frugal three-year/60 000 km service plan as part of the deal. Extended service plans are available at extra cost.
Pricing
Thus the new i20 range comes in with a model line-up pretty much at the lower end of the range available internationally. Right now there are three models: the 1.2 Motion manual at R184 900, the 1.4 Fluid manual at R204 900 and the 1.4 Fluid Automatic at R214 900.
Pricing Update: 2015 Hyundai i20 in SA
The all-new 2015 Hyundai i20 hatchback has been launched in South Africa and is ready to make its mark in the competitive B-segment and continue as one of the bestsellers in its local range.
The new model makes its entry into South Africa in three derivatives: the i20 1.2 Motion, the i20 1.4 Fluid and the i20 Fluid equipped with an automatic gearbox.
The new i20 does not only look fresh from the outside, with its clean and exciting lines, but the interior reflects a feeling of luxury and excellent ergonomic design. Customers are also in for a pleasant surprise when they take this new model in our stable for a test drive: The engineers have done a fine job of creating a car with solid, surefooted dynamics on the road, and a well-tuned, direct steering setup that gives good feedback, says Stanley Anderson, marketing director of Hyundai Automotive South Africa.
To read up more on the 2015 Hyundai i20 click here
2015 Hyundai i20 price in South Africa
Hyundai 1.2 Motion Manual R184900
Hyundai i20 1.4 Fluid Manual R204900
Hyundai i20 1.4 Fluid Automatic R214900
Included in the prices are the Hyundai Warranty and Roadside Assistance for 5 years or 150 000 km. Theres also a 2 year or 30 000 km Service Plan is included in the 1.2 Motions price, while the 1.4 Fluid derivatives include a 3 year or 60 000 km Service Plan.
Final Bugatti Veyron To Show Up In Geneva
Bugatti is said to roll out the 450th and final Veyron in Geneva next month.
Bugatti Veyron to bid farewell at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show
The report comes from a German publication Auto Motor Und Sport, which spoke to Bugatti president Wolfgang Durheimer who said that production of the final Veyron will be completed this year. He also recently revealed that there were only eight Veyron models left, which have now been sold.
Apparently, when asked whether the Veyron will be a 2016 model, Durheimer stated that the brand’s production cycle cannot be compared with other car companies.
While details on the supercar are still scarce, the CEO confirmed that the Veyron successor faces a unique challenge as the model “must do everything better than its predecessor”, in essence “make the best even better.’
“Bugatti is unique. Our super sports cars are not only in terms of vehicle dynamics and technology particularly, each car is equally a work of art in itself. Many of our customers are art collectors, and they know that it takes time to create a work of art,” he added.
The final Bugatti Veyron will be introduced next month during the 2015 Geneva Motor Show.
*Please note pictured is the 2011 Bugatti Veyron Super Sport
Infiniti QX30 Concept Teased For Geneva
Infiniti has teased its QX30 concept which set to premiere next month at 2015 Geneva Motor Show.
QX30 Concept foreshadows an urban explorer
According to the automaker, the QX30 concept will reignite the premium compact segment with a distinctive approach to design that looks beyond the practicality and conformity expected of the segment.
Details are yet to be revealed, however, Infiniti has issued a teaser image showing the cars distinctly and dramatically styled backside with a mixture of contoured lines and curves. You can also see a prominent tailgate, trapezoidal exhausts housed on a large bumper, and large wheels possibly fitted with wide wheel arches with plastic body cladding.
Apparently the crossover will also follow in the footsteps of the Q30 concept which was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2013, and make use of Mercedes-Benz’s MFA platform which is currently used for the A-Class and GLA.
More details will surface once the QX30 concept premiers next month.
