The new Citroen DS4 is the second model in the DS range, and Citroen is hoping the DS4 makes quite a splash when it gets released. The DS4 is aimed at practically and daily running around but Citroen do note that the DS4 can still fit the driving style of a number of different driver needs. With a coupe-like body style and 2+2 door styling, the DS4 combines utility with practically, noted by 3 full size rear seats for taxi’ing passengers around town if needed.

Getting to the back seats is something of an interesting point though. The rear seats are accessed by the rear doors but the rear door handles have sneakily been hidden to blend in to shape of the car. While this does maintain a slightly sleeker look to the car overall, it is too minor to be justified and the DS4 ends up looking like a 2-door hatch.

Under the hood, the DS4 will be available in 5 different engine types, including 3 petrol and 2 diesel models which include Citroen’s diesel Particulate Filtering System. The 1.6 liter petrol engine produces 147kW, 275Nm of torque at 1700rpm. Following most new nippy car models, the DS4 has low CO2 emissions, coming in at just 149g/km with many new technologies pulling their weight and reducing the fuel consumption by up to 15% in urban driving.

Citroen’s new DS4 is going to debut at the Paris Motor show later this year and is looking to go on sale later in Europe in 2011.

Source: Citroen

The new Nissan Murano model for next year has seen the light of day and while there aren’t any ground-breaking changes there are some nice improvements. The 2011 Murano is set to be released in mid October in the US with a later release date expected in South Africa, check back for more details when they become available.

Headlining the list of improvements for the new Nissan Murano are a number of interior goodies. Including: new center stack colours, power lumbar support for the drivers seat, rear-view monitor, auto-dimming rear-view mirror with compass and a heated steering wheel. These improvements are mostly for the SV model with the heated steering wheel being for the SL model. Regarding the in-car entertaining, the new Murano comes with an impressive audio setup, including: a Bose audi system with 9 speakers and dual subwoffers for the SL model.

The other most significant change, in what is a rather small list of changes, is the exterior styling of the Murano. Most notably the grille has been redesigned and accompanies wide front-headlights. Nissan note that the look of the new Murano has a “modern-art” feel and yet still retains a “Murano-ness”. I have no idea what that means though, other than it looks like Murano, which one would naturally expect from the next generation Murano. Still on the exterior, buyers will have one additional option regarding the exterior paint job in the form of “Graphite Blue”.

As standard the 2011 Nissan Murano comes with a VQ-Series 3.5 liter DOHC V6 which produces 260 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque. The new Murano will be available in a total of 8 models, with the addition of a SV FWD and a SV AWD. Also on the list of standard features are; Vehicle Dynamic Control and Traction Control Systems.

While there is nothing too impressive with the list of changes, the Nissan Murano is already a good vehicle, so perhaps it didn’t need that much of a change.

Source: Nissan

Jeep have released details on their updated Wranger model for the 2011 year and it is as impressive as one could expect. There aren’t any sweeping changes but the subtle changes they have made all improve on what was already an impressive vehicle.

The interior has received the most love, with new storage areas, redesigned instrument panels and a center stack that has also been revamped for easier usage. To help with visibility, the new Jeep Wrangler is fitted with heated power mirrors and much larger rear windows. Further improvements regarding the interior come in the form of improved functionality on the steering wheel. The driver is now able to control the radio, cruise-control and hands-free phone while still keeping his/her hands on the wheel.

The noise levels in 4×4 vehicles can often be one of the negative aspects but Jeep have attempted to combat this by working on the acoustics that should significantly reduce interior noise. So the driver is able to listen to whatever music that Jeep drivers listen to in perfect clarity, while navigating the arduous terrain of Sandton City.

The 2011 Jeep has begun production and should be available in the near future in South Africa. When it arrives, it will be available in a number of new paint coats including: Detonator Yellow, Deep Cheery Red, Sahara Tan, Cosmos Blue and Bright White.

Source Jeep

Volkswagen have finally released the 2011 Touran and it has become available in the UK, with the first deliveries arriving on the 22nd of September. Which would hopefully mean it will be arriving in South Africa some time soon as well, as no one likes to wait too long for the next generation VW models to hit our shores. The 2011 Volkswagen Touran shows styling inspired by VW’s other mainstays, the Polo, Golf and Touareg, with this being most obvious in the front end. Which has retained the unmistakable Volkswagen grille, front bumper and lights found in most new VW models.

As one can expect, the biggest selling point of the Touran is it’s space and amount of passengers that can climb aboard. The new Touran has 7 seats as standard, with the third row of seats able to fold down to increase the load-space even further.

The most impressive of the engine choices in the 2011 VW Touran is the 1.6 liter 105 PS diesel which can be specified with Volkswagen’s BlueMotion technology and start/stop which combine to make the new Touran the most efficient MPV they have ever produced. Also on the list of impressive new additions is a Park-assist, which helps the driver park in parallel parking bays as well as end-on spaces.

Further engine options will be available as time goes on and as always look out for further information on the 2011 Volkswagen Touran arriving in South Africa.

Source: Volkswagen

Hyundai have released details on their new 2011 Elantra. The Elantra, which is known in Korea as the Avante is already on sale and can be expected to hit overseas markets by the end of 2010. Previous generations of the Elantra have been a huge sales success for Hyundai and they hope to see continued success with the next generation, as Hyundai note the Elantra/Avante is one of their most important models.

These stats do refer to the Avante and could possible change when the Elantra hits overseas markets. Looks-wise, Hyundai have designed the 2011 Elantra with the term “Wind-craft” in mind. They mention that the term refers to the flowing movement of air and artistic sculpture used in the design of the front grille and swept-back headlamps. The design influence continues to the interior, which has a “wind-blown” shape for the center console and futuristic design elements throughout. Talking of the interior, the cabin space has been increased by 18 liters compared to the previous model.

The 2011 Hyundai Elantra will be powered by a 4-cylinder 1.6 liter Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine which helps the Elantra to complete the 0-100km/h in 10.4s. As always, fuel efficiency has been a huge concern for the manufacturer and in the 2011 model it has further been reduced, even though power has been improved thanks to the new GDI engine. The fuel efficiency is further improved by the 6-speed automatic SHIFTRONIC gear box or a standard 6-speed manual. The fuel economy has been improved by 8% to 16.5km/l compared to the previous model Elantra and is now about 10% more fuel efficient than its nearest competitors.

Look for further details on a South African release date of the 2011 Hyundai Elantra.

Source: Hyundai

Mercedes-Benz have released details on the latest model of their CL 63 AMG high performance coupe. There have been updates to the styling and look as well as a performance boost and a reduction in fuel consumption. As you can expect from Mercedes, the CL 63 AMG features state of the art technology and design to provide a truly unique and luxurious sports performance coupe.

The CL 63 AMG packs a 5.5 liter V8 AMG biturbo engine that develops 400kW (554hp), however with the AMG Performance package the engine produces 420kW (571hp). This allows it to complete 0-100km/h in just 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 250km/h while the AMG Performance package shaves 0.1 seconds off the 0-100km/h mark and comes in with a top speed of 300km/h electronically limited.

As what seems to be the main concern for all vehicle manufacturers these days; the fuel economy in the new CL 63 AMG has been improved by 25% compared to the current model. Which is particular impressive considering that is produces 14kW more power. The CO2 emission rate has been reduced by 29% as well and now clocks in at 244g per km.

As far as safety and driver assist features, the CL 63 AMG is no slouch. As optional extras you can include an Active Lane-keeping assistant which detects if the car has unintentionally crossed over a solid line to the right or left or a lane or bend. When this occurs, the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) kicks in and applies brakes to the wheels on the opposite side of the car to prevent it from straying out of the lane.

Also on the list of optional driver assist features is the Active Blind-spot assist. This feature uses radar technology to determine when it is not safe to move into an adjacent lane, when this occurs the system produces a red warning image on the exterior mirror on the relevant side. If the driver continues changing lanes the system will kick in and automatically apply to brakes to the wheels once again on the opposite side of the vehicle.

The new Mercedes-Benz CL 63 AMG will be launched in September this year in Europe and as always we await further details on a South African release.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

Audi’s A7 Sportback is the latest offering from the legendary German auto-powerhouse. Audi describe the A7 as combining the “Sporty elegance of a coupe, the comfort of a sedan and the practicality of a station wagon”. Audi could have added “the rear-end of something quite bizarre” but it seems to fit well with the overall style of the car and it’s growing on me.

Under the hood the Audi A7 will initially be released with 4 different V6 engines, 2 petrol and 2 TDI. The highest range engine in the lineup will generate 220kW (300hp) which is rather juicy. The 3.0 TDI generates 150kW (204hp) and has some impressive efficiency stats. With an average fuel consumption of just 5.3 liters per 100km and a CO2 emission rating of 139g per km, not too bad for it’s class.

As can be expected the Audi A7 comes with a host of safety systems and driver assists, including: Navigation system, pre-sense system, and lane assist. However, without doubt the most useful new driver assist feature comes in the form of a Park assist system. This system takes control of the steering when parallel parking, and does it for you. I can’t think of a more useful device to have on a new car.

Another useful component is the MMI operating system, control panel, offering the driver a host of functionality. Most impressive being the option for any important information to be projected in the form of a heads up display onto the windshield, so the driver never needs to take their eyes off the road.

The new Audi A7 Sportback is expected to hit dealerships in Europe in their fall, with an estimated base price tag of 51 600 Euros. We await further details for the South African release.

Source: Audi

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG comes with a number of improvements on the current model, as one would naturally expect. Some of the new features are optional and some of them not ground breaking, including an option to deck the the interior out in nappa leather styling but there are obviously more serious and important changes.

The engine is a AMG 6.3 liter V8 but thanks to efforts from Mercedes-Benz, the fuel consumption in this newer model has been improved by almost 12%. Its output stands at 386kW (525 horse power) which matches the SL 63 AMG and is a somewhat subtle improvement over the previous model by 8kW. The new E 63 AMG completes 0-100km/h in just 4.5 seconds and a limited top speed of 250km/h, this performance is kept under control and at a comfortable temperature by an advanced high-performance water cooling system.

Regarding the fuel consumption, the new Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG comes in at just 12.6 liters per 100km. This reduction in fuel consumption is thanks to the following features: On-demand delivery of fuel and recuperation of breaking energy. The 7-speed sports transmission also contributes to the fuel saving and comes in 4 modes; Controlled efficiency, Sport, Sport Plus and Manual.

When it gets released it will come with the price tag of: 105 791 Euros for the saloon model and 108 409 Euros for the Estate model. We await further information on the price in South Africa.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

Peugeot have released some tasty details on their soon to be released large touring car, the 508. The first news we saw of the 508 was at the Geneva International Motor show where the 508 was shown as the SR1 concept and its good to see the car moving along the production line. The next time the 508 will be on display is at the Paris Motor Show later this year.

While Europe can expect to see the new Peugeot 508 in the beginning of 2011, South African consumers can expect to pick it up some time in the middle of 2011. The car is being produced in France for the European market as well as China for the rest of the world production. The 508 will be released in both a sedan model as well as a station wagon.

As for the car itself, Peugeot note that the suspension was designed with a high level of comfort and road holding in mind. The interior has been maxed out for space and likewise, the boot also has a generous size. As with seemingly all new cars these days, in order to achieve an impressive environmental performance, the car has been made aerodynamic, the weight has been optimized and the engine has been tuned for minimum environmental impact.

At a later stage a hybrid version of the 508 will be released which will feature an impressive 99g/km emission rating and obviously 0g/km when in electric mode. The launch version will feature the e-HDi system which gives the car new start and stop technology to further improve driveability and economy.

Source: Peugeot.

Nissan have released details on the upcoming X-Trail model expected to go on sale on the 16th of July 2010 in Japan, there are no details available on a local release date though. Since the X-Trail went through a model change in 2007, it has been the best selling SUV in Japan from the past 3 years. Nissan attribute this to the X-Trails many impressive features, including: Spacious luggage area, improved driving stability, off-road capability as well as a environmentally friendly clean diesel engine.

What can we expect for the next generation X-Trail model? The changes are not huge but they are all improvements. Regarding the exterior, the front end has been made sportier and bolder, with changes to the front grille, bumper and headlights. With seemingly all new vehicles these days, the new X-Trail will now come with LED lights, for improved visibility.

The interior has only a few subtle changes but a big change comes with the vehicle information display panel. This display will show the driver the current fuel consumption as well as when any upcoming maintenance date are. Nothing ground breaking but a nice addition none the less.

There have also been improvements to the engine performance as well improving the environmental impact. Another useful feature comes with a “advanced hill decent control” to assist in driving in various road conditions and depending on the incline of the hill.

Source: Nissan