Monthly Archives: January 2010

2010: a great year for Alfa Romeo

Posted on by

Alfa Romeo Mita 3

It’s official – the Alfa Romeo MiTo 1.4 TBi is one of just eight finalists in the SA Guild of Motoring Journalists / Wesbank Car of the Year for 2010. All the finalists will be put through their paces in a rigorous testing programme that takes place in February – the winner will then be announced at a glittering function on the 18 March. But win or lose, the fact that the Alfa MiTo has made it to the finalists’ list is in itself an outstanding achievement, as the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists could select from well over 100 all-new models that made their way onto our roads during 2009.
The MiTo has been a success for the Alfa Romeo brand in South Africa with an average of 30 new MiTos per month finding new homes. This year, the MiTo range will be expanded with a 100 kW and 127 kW engine version (both revolutionary Multiair 1.4 turbo units). The 127 kW version will badged Quadrofoglio Verde and befitting its flagship status it will boast sportier styling, dynamic chassis mods plus a few other luxury add-ons. The newcomers are expected to debut in the 2nd quarter (April/May).
Of course, though, the really big news for Alfa Romeo in 2010 will be the launch of the much-anticipated Milano. This Golf-sized, five-door will set the proverbial cat amongst the hatchback pigeons thanks to its exquisite architecture and Multiair-based engine line-up. The SA line-up is not yet finalised but will most likely include two models at launch – a 127 kW 1.4 Turbo version and a range-topping 170 kW 1.8 Turbo Multiair (likely to be badged Quadrofoglio Verde). ETA is between 3rd & 4th quarter (October) – afterall we don’t want to steal any of the Soccer World Cup’s thunder!

It’s official – the Alfa Romeo MiTo 1.4 TBi is one of just eight finalists in the SA Guild of Motoring Journalists / Wesbank Car of the Year for 2010. All the finalists will be put through their paces in a rigorous testing programme that takes place in February – the winner will then be announced at a glittering function on the 18 March. But win or lose, the fact that the Alfa MiTo has made it to the finalists’ list is in itself an outstanding achievement, as the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists could select from well over 100 all-new models that made their way onto our roads during 2009.

The MiTo has been a success for the Alfa Romeo brand in South Africa with an average of 30 new MiTos per month finding new homes. This year, the MiTo range will be expanded with a 100 kW and 127 kW engine version (both revolutionary Multiair 1.4 turbo units). The 127 kW version will badged Quadrofoglio Verde and befitting its flagship status it will boast sportier styling, dynamic chassis mods plus a few other luxury add-ons. The newcomers are expected to debut in the 2nd quarter (April/May).

Of course, though, the really big news for Alfa Romeo in 2010 will be the launch of the much-anticipated Milano. This Golf-sized, five-door will set the proverbial cat amongst the hatchback pigeons thanks to its exquisite architecture and Multiair-based engine line-up. The SA line-up is not yet finalised but will most likely include two models at launch – a 127 kW 1.4 Turbo version and a range-topping 170 kW 1.8 Turbo Multiair (likely to be badged Quadrofoglio Verde). ETA is between 3rd & 4th quarter (October) – afterall we don’t want to steal any of the Soccer World Cup’s thunder!

Source: Alfa Romeo

The BMW 3 Series in the 2010 Model Year

Posted on by

P90054797

Driving pleasure in the BMW 3 Series is reaching new heights yet again in the 2010 model year. Carefully conceived modifications in design, a thoroughly updated and extended range of engines, as well as innovative model features give both the new BMW 3 Series Coupé and the new BMW 3 Series Convertible even greater appeal and style. And at the same time the Saloon and Touring now also come with new power units offering even greater qualities than before.
Benefiting from all these innovations in the powertrain, the BMW 3 Series is able to further strengthen its status as an outstandingly dynamic and exceptionally efficient range of models in the mid-market segment.

Driving pleasure in the BMW 3 Series is reaching new heights yet again in the 2010 model year. Carefully conceived modifications in design, a thoroughly updated and extended range of engines, as well as innovative model features give both the new BMW 3 Series Coupé and the new BMW 3 Series Convertible even greater appeal and style. And at the same time the Saloon and Touring now also come with new power units offering even greater qualities than before.

Benefiting from all these innovations in the powertrain, the BMW 3 Series is able to further strengthen its status as an outstandingly dynamic and exceptionally efficient range of models in the mid-market segment.

Optimised in all key areas: the new BMW 3 Series Coupé and the new BMW 3 Series Convertible.

New design features at the front, side and rear precisely integrated into the car give even greater emphasis to the sporting and elegant character of the BMW 3 Series Coupé and the BMW 3 Series Convertible. At the same time the modifications in design make the silhouette of both models even sleeker and more dynamic as a sign of superior performance.

New diversity in the BMW 3 Series engine range.

Entering the 2010 model year, all engines in the BMW 3 Series fulfil the EU5 emission standard. At the same time the range of engines is being expanded by new entry-level variants for the Coupé and Convertible, as well as a new entry-level diesel for the BMW 3 Series Touring.

The market launch of the new BMW 3 Series Coupé and the new BMW 3 Series Convertible also marks the introduction of the BMW 318i powered by a straight-four 2.0-litre 105 kW/143 hp petrol engine. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel in the new BMW 316d Touring delivers maximum output of 85 kW/115 hp.

The top-of-the-range BMW 335i available on all body variants of the BMW 3 Series now comes with a 3.0-litre straight-six featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology, High Precision Injection and VALVETRONIC valve management combining supreme output of 225 kW/306 hp with fuel economy and CO2 management once again enhanced by a significant margin.

Source: BMW

JEEP® Brand broadens vehicle lineup with a new model

Posted on by

2010 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Mountain Edition

Available second quarter 2010, Jeep Wrangler Mountain edition boasts rugged outdoor theme, with 32-inch tyres and unique wheel, grill and bumper appliques.
Jeep Wrangler Mountain
Further expanding the iconic Wrangler brand’s reach, Jeep delivers another high-impact, limited-edition model with the Jeep Wrangler Mountain edition.
The Jeep Wrangler Mountain edition is based on the Wrangler Sport S package, and is available in Wrangler Unlimited 4×4 models.
Exterior features include a unique “Mountain” decal on the hood with latitude and longitude coordinates that represent an actual location relating to the “Mountain” theme of the vehicle; grill and bumper appliques;  tabular side steps; 32-inch tyres; black tail lamp guards and a fuel-filler door from Mopar.
Available exterior colours include Rescue Green Metallic Clear Coat, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat and Deep Water Blue Pearl Coat.
Interior features include an embossed seat insert with embroidered “Mountain logo”, and anodized graphite heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) rings.
The Jeep Wrangler Mountain option package will be available in South Africa.

- Available second quarter 2010, Jeep Wrangler Mountain edition boasts rugged outdoor theme, with 32-inch tyres and unique wheel, grill and bumper appliques.

Jeep Wrangler Mountain

Further expanding the iconic Wrangler brand’s reach, Jeep delivers another high-impact, limited-edition model with the Jeep Wrangler Mountain edition.

The Jeep Wrangler Mountain edition is based on the Wrangler Sport S package, and is available in Wrangler Unlimited 4×4 models.

Exterior features include a unique “Mountain” decal on the hood with latitude and longitude coordinates that represent an actual location relating to the “Mountain” theme of the vehicle; grill and bumper appliques;  tabular side steps; 32-inch tyres; black tail lamp guards and a fuel-filler door from Mopar.

Available exterior colours include Rescue Green Metallic Clear Coat, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat and Deep Water Blue Pearl Coat.

Interior features include an embossed seat insert with embroidered “Mountain logo”, and anodized graphite heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) rings.

The Jeep Wrangler Mountain option package will be available in South Africa.

Source: Chrysler

Volkswagen of South Africa leads tough passenger car market in 2009

Posted on by

Volkswagen Polo

“Volkswagen of South Africa lead the passenger market in 2009 with total sales of 49 902 units, thereby securing 19.3% of the total passenger market,” said Mike Glendinning, VW of SA Director of Sales and Marketing.

“Volkswagen of South Africa lead the passenger market in 2009 with total sales of 49 902 units, thereby securing 19.3% of the total passenger market,” said Mike Glendinning, VW of SA Director of Sales and Marketing.

“The Polo range proved to be South Africa’s favourite passenger Brand with sales of 18 288 units in 2009”.

“The Audi Brand recorded sales of 9 234 units in the premium segment, securing a very satisfactory 3.6% share of the total 2009 passenger market. Audi sales in December exceeded 1 000 units for the first time in 2009 which was a very positive end to 2009 for the Brand”.

During December 2009 a total of 19 161 new passenger cars were sold in South Africa.

Total new passenger car sales in December, including sales not reported in detail to NAAMSA, decreased by -16.4 percent when compared to November 2009, and by -8.8 percent when compared to December 2008.

The full year 2009 new passenger car market recorded sales of -21.6 percent below the market achieved in 2008.

Source: Volkswagen

Toyota Unveils Compact Dedicated Hybrid Concept

Posted on by

Toyota FT-CH Concept 2

DETROIT, January 11, 2010—Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A, Inc., today unveiled the FT-CH dedicated hybrid concept at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.  The FT-CH is a concept that would address Toyota’s stated strategy to offer a wider variety of conventional hybrid choices to its customers, as it begins to introduce plug-in hybrids (PHVs) and battery electrics (BEVs) in model year 2012, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCHVs) in 2015 in global markets.

“Within the next 10 to 20 years, we will not only reach peak oil we will enter a period where demand for all liquid fuels will exceed supply,” said Jim Lentz, TMS president.   “A century after the invention of the automobile, we must re-invent it with powertrains that significantly reduce or eliminate the use of conventional petroleum fuels.  One of many alternatives is through what is commonly called the electrification of the automobile.  By far, the single most successful example of this has been the gas-electric hybrid.

The CH stands for compact hybrid as in compact class and it’s a concept that can best be defined by comparing it with the mid-size class Prius.  The FT-CH captures the spirit and functionality of a car that thrives in the inner-city environment; sized right to be nimble, responsive and maneuverable.

Toyota FT-CH Concept

Source: Toyota

An exciting year in the motor industry awaits

Posted on by

2010 is finally here and it is shaping up to be massive year, not only because of the Fifa world cup but for the motor industry in South Africa as well. The country will see a boom in the economy and most industries will benefit from it.

Carsblog will be here to document all the latest releases of new car models, big developments in the motor industry, first sightings of prototype vehicles and all other bizarre news and information relating to the motor industry world wide.

Not to be left out, the used car market is also shaping up for a big year with Cars.co.za already showing sings of growth and an influx of visitors looking for bargains on used cars.

Best wishes for the new year and be good!

New Branding, New Mobility

Posted on by

New Peugeot logo

For 200 years, Peugeot has uniquely combined emotion and the pursuit of perfection in all its activities. This twofold
approach is in the Marque’s genes.
For example Peugeot has combined:
- wood and steel to create its first peppermills,
- the saloon and diesel to democratize progress,
- the coupé and the cabriolet to invent the coupé-cabriolet segment and become its leader,
- the saloon and the SUV to launch the 3008,
- diesel and electric to pioneer the diesel hybrid,
- the saloon and the scooter to develop the BB1.
Peugeot is a unique alliance of the pursuit of perfection and emotion. Peugeot’s aim is to ensure that emotion is always
at the heart of the motoring experience: a Peugeot will never be purely functional.
A NEW SIGNATURE
To broadcast and illustrate its brand project around the world, Peugeot is taking on a new international
claim:

For 200 years, Peugeot has uniquely combined emotion and the pursuit of perfection in all its activities. This twofold

approach is in the Marque’s genes.

For example Peugeot has combined:

* Wood and steel to create its first peppermills,

* The saloon and diesel to democratize progress,

* The coupé and the cabriolet to invent the coupé-cabriolet segment and become its leader,

* The saloon and the SUV to launch the 3008,

* Diesel and electric to pioneer the diesel hybrid,

* The saloon and the scooter to develop the BB1.

Peugeot is a unique alliance of the pursuit of perfection and emotion. Peugeot’s aim is to ensure that emotion is always

at the heart of the motoring experience: a Peugeot will never be purely functional.

A NEW SIGNATURE

To broadcast and illustrate its brand project around the world, Peugeot is taking on a new international

claim:

The Lion, associated with Peugeot since 1858, is changing. Created by Peugeot designers, the Lion on the radiator

grille:

* Is simpler in its design,

* More dynamic, with a new posture and a new fluidity,

* Creates a bimetallic effect through the contrast of its mat/lustrous finish.

This Lion is also the Marque’s new logo:

* Three-dimensional for greater modernity,

* It discards its blue flag for a more forceful effect,

* The Peugeot blue becomes darker and is now combined with the new typography of the Marque’s name.

The first vehicle to display the new Lion is the Peugeot RCZ which will be launched in the spring of 2010.

Source: Peugeot

Nissan Releases Revised Skyline Sedan and Coupe

Posted on by

Nissan revised Skyline

The current generation Skyline Sedan and Coupe, introduced in 2006 and 2007 respectively, have enjoyed a strong reputation for their sporty designs, high-quality interiors and exhilarating performance. Both Sedan and Coupe models receive a number of significant changes for the revised model, including a revised exterior for the Skyline Sedan and a refined interior, enhanced navigation system and upgraded air conditioning for both body configurations. In addition, the model grading system has been revised to includes new, more affordable Skyline Sedan 250GT A package and Skyline Coupe 370GT A package models.
Mechanical refinements include the availability of a 7-speed automatic transmission with the 2-wheel drive Skyline Sedan equipped with the 2.5-liter V6 engine. Previously offered only with the 3.7-liter V6 engine, the 7-speed automatic provides an expanded lockup area and neutral idle control for improved fuel efficiency and smoother, seamless acceleration (versus the previous 5-speed automatic-equipped 2.5-liter Sedan). This model achieves the “2010 standards plus 15%” target and qualifies for Japan’s preferential program for environment-friendly vehicles*1, with the acquisition tax and weight tax both reduced by half. Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) is also now standard across the entire Skyline range.

The current generation Skyline Sedan and Coupe, introduced in 2006 and 2007 respectively, have enjoyed a strong reputation for their sporty designs, high-quality interiors and exhilarating performance. Both Sedan and Coupe models receive a number of significant changes for the revised model, including a revised exterior for the Skyline Sedan and a refined interior, enhanced navigation system and upgraded air conditioning for both body configurations.

In addition, the model grading system has been revised to includes new, more affordable Skyline Sedan 250GT A package and Skyline Coupe 370GT A package models.

Mechanical refinements include the availability of a 7-speed automatic transmission with the 2-wheel drive Skyline Sedan equipped with the 2.5-liter V6 engine. Previously offered only with the 3.7-liter V6 engine, the 7-speed automatic provides an expanded lockup area and neutral idle control for improved fuel efficiency and smoother, seamless acceleration (versus the previous 5-speed automatic-equipped 2.5-liter Sedan).

This model achieves the “2010 standards plus 15%” target and qualifies for Japan’s preferential program for environment-friendly vehicles*1, with the acquisition tax and weight tax both reduced by half. Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) is also now standard across the entire Skyline range.

Nissan revised Skyline 2Source: Nissan