BRAND NEW RENAULT CLIO 4 REVEALED

The new Renault Clio 4 arrives in South Africa some time in 2013. Meanwhile, have a look at some of the car’s details, as revealed by Renault in Europe. The design is inspired by the DeZir Concept car of 2010, with a wing-like front grille, big headlights, LED daytime running lights and piano black applications on the grille.

Inside there is a Tom Tom Carminat navigation system that is a standard feature in all the new Renaults (apart from Logan and Sandero) sold in South Africa. More impressiveis something called Renault R-Sound Effect, an app that can simulate up to 6 different engine sounds for your car. So in effect, one could make an entry-level Clio sound like a V6 RS.

A number of engines will be available on order, and Mzansi will be getting at least two of these on launch. After all, the Clio was once Renault South Africa’s bread and butter, and it sold in very good numbers. The first is a 900cc (0.9-litre) 3-cylinder with a turbo, releasing 66kW and 135Nm of torque. Its average fuel consumption is 4.3 litres per 100km. The other petrol is a 1.2-litre turbo TCe 120 making 88kWand 190Nm. For diesel fans, the 1.5-litre dCi 90 delivers 66kW and 220Nm, plus a claimed 3.2 litres per 100km.

JAGUAR XF 2.2 DIESEL GOES GAUTENG TO DURBAN AND BACK IN ONE TANK!

Jaguar’s XF 2.2 has used just 4,9 l/100km to get from Pretoria to the Durban Beachfront and back. Jaguar South Africa set out from the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Sunday to attempt to do the round trip on a single tank of diesel. 

Two Jaguar XF 2.2–litre four-cylinder diesel models completed the journey with seasoned economy run expert Roger Rouessart and IGNITION GT presenter Marius Roberts doing driving duty under the watchful eye of Richard Carstens from Motorsport South Africa. 

The pair of XFs arrived back in the capital city on Monday afternoon having each completed 1 265.8km on a single tank of diesel. The frugal luxury sedans used 64 461 litres (Marius Roberts) and 62 351 litres (Roger Roussaert) over the two-day journey. 

“Traditionally a Johannesburg to Cape Town run is attempted but we wanted to do something different to demonstrate the efficiency of our cars,” explains David Barns, Jaguar Brand Manager and organiser of the attempt. “Pretoria to Durban and back is far more challenging in that one has to contend with the numerous toll gate stops and high traffic volumes; however, the cars were up to the challenge and completed the task with little fuss.” 

The N3’s multiple toll gates – which increase fuel consumption due to accelerating back to speed - as well as the city driving elements in and out of Pretoria and Durban, made it a realistic, real-world attempt the ‘ordinary’ driver would be able to replicate. This was proven by Roberts’ 5.1 l/100km accomplishment compared to Roussaert’s 4.9 l/100km.

Jaguar’s acclaimed 2.2-litre diesel engine delivers 140kW and 450Nm of torque to allow 8.5-second acceleration to 100km/h and a top speed of 225km/h yet the luxury sedan remains frugal at the fuel pumps. The vehicles used received no special preparations ahead of the event and both cars managed to match Jaguar’s extra-urban cycle claimed fuel consumption figure. 

"Our aim was to demonstrate what Jaguar drivers would be able to achieve for themselves, it was therefore important that we didn’t try to optimise the vehicles or the conditions in anyway,” adds Barns. 

IGNITION’s Marius Roberts represented the ‘ordinary’ driver and demonstrated that even without specialist knowledge one is able to achieve exceptional fuel consumption figures.  IGNITION will broadcast the efforts of Marius and the rest of the Jaguar team later this month.

MCLAREN 12C SPIDER BREAKS OUT!

McLaren, less than a week after sending us a teaser image of the drop-top slahla, a nice flurry of pictures has landed on our desk. The 12C Spider is of course a toplessversion of the MP4-12C which made its debut last year, and pretty much features the same types of mechanics as the Spider. Except this one will most probably drop more panties (or undies as the case may be).

“I am really excited to announce that the new 12C Spider is now available to order at new McLaren retailers worldwide. The launch of our second model is an exciting milestonein the growth of our company,” says Antony Sheriff, McLaren Automotive Managing Director. “While the 12C is the technological essence of a race car, the 12C Spider incorporates an additional dimension. 12C Spider owners will love the opportunity to lower the roof and hear the unhindered howl of a V8 twin turbo engine at full throttle. It undoubtedly enhances an already euphoric 12C driving experience. The 12C Spider delivers all the thrills characteristic of a high performance roadster, and yet transforms into a raucous track beast at the flick of a switch. I can’t wait to see it on road and track with customers later this year.”

Power remains at 460kWat a howling 7500rpm, and peak torque is 600Nmbetween 3000rpm and 7000rpm. Again, same gearbox in the form of a 7-speed SSG double-clutch. The rear-wheel-driven (RWD) 12C is said to accelerate quite rapidly from 0 – 100km/h in 3.1 seconds, 0 – 160km/h in 6.1 seconds and complete the quarter mile in 10.8 seconds. Maximum speed is 329km/h, while McLaren claims an average fuel consumption of 11.7 litres per 100km.

At the centre of the 12C Spider is its retractable hard top (RHT) that adds only 40kg overall and can open or close in 17 seconds using a switch inside the cabin. It can be operated at speeds of up to 30km/h. A small electrically-operated rear windscreen is fitted behind the two seats and it acts as a wind deflector.

Orders for the 12C Spider start in November and in South Africa it can be ordered from Daytona Group in Sandton.

FORD FOCUS ST ON TRACK FOR MZANSI LAUNCH

The new Focus ST will deliver a unique balance of outstanding performance, handling, refinement and style  when it goes on sale in the fourth quarter of this year as Ford’s first global performance car.

Equipped with a turbocharged EcoBoost engine, the new Focus ST is expected to achieve exceptional performance figures while remaining frugal at the fuel pumps.  This uncompromising performance is complemented by enhanced dynamics and a comprehensive range of driver assistance features.

“This is the car that performance Ford fans across the world have been waiting for,” said Matthias Tonn, Chief Program Engineer, Ford of Europe. “We’ve worked hard to make sure drivers will experience the true essence of what the ST badge represents -- wherever they are.”

The ST (Sport Technologies) badge was introduced first in Europe in 1997 and is reserved for sports-tuned variants of key Ford models. Customers have come to appreciate that cars carrying the unique Ford ST badge balance high performance with real-world practicality and refinement.

The One Ford approach to delivering an all-new, global Ford Focus paved the way for the new Focus ST.

Ford’s Global Performance Vehicles group established the DNA of the ST as a key part of its global performance car strategy following close collaboration between Ford Team RS in Europe, and the Special Vehicles Team (SVT) in the United States. Ford engineers from the Asia-Pacific region also provided input to ensure all new ST models would please drivers in key Focus markets.

“It’s the same car everywhere, from the engine to the suspension to the styling – right down to the tyres,” said Dieter Schwarz, head of Ford Team RS. “Now, you will be able to drive a Focus ST in Beijing and it will be the same dynamic experience as driving one in Los Angeles, London or Rome.”

“Our performance strategy is based on the fact that performance fans globally want the same thing,” added Schwarz. “For the Focus ST, that means combining a rewarding driving experience with the ability to ride to work in comfort.”

New Focus ST is powered by Ford’s 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine that delivers the power of a larger displacement unit (184kW) with the fuel efficiency of a smaller engine. It achieves this through a combination of high pressure direct injection, low-inertia turbocharging, and Twin-independent Variable Cam Timing (Ti-VCT), as well as redesigned intake and exhaust systems, and unique calibration.

The Focus ST’s six-speed manual transmission produces maximum punch from each gear shift throw using specially-revised gearing. The sixth gear helps drivers achieve excellent fuel economy on longer runs.

Tangerine Scream, the new signature colour, matches the Focus ST’s exciting and energetic character. Spirit Blue, Race Red, Panther Black, Frozen White and Moondust Silver will also be available.  

JUNE 2012 CAR SALES: NEW LEADER TAKES OVER!

Car sales are still steaming ahead, as evidenced by the 10.5% rise in the first half of the year, compared to 2011. So far this year 301 499vehicles have been sold in the Mzansimarket, including passenger cars and light commercial vehicles (LCVs). Passenger car sales were 35 918 in June, up 14.3%, while the total market was 51 891 units.

There is a new leaderin the passenger market in the form of the Toyota Etios, which was launched two months ago. The little entry-level “starter pack” retailed just over 2 100 units in June, thus snatching the lead from long-time leader Volkswagen Polo Vivo.

Other notable performers included the Ford Figo and Ranger, the Toyota Hilux and the BMW 3 Series.

“Strong demand for LCVs continues, which is good news for our Silverton Assembly Plant and workforce,” said Ford Vice President Marketing, Sales and Service, Dean Stoneley. “Ranger is sustaining interest at consistent volumes and we will be able to capitalise more on the segment when introducing the new Mazda BT-50.”

“…a closer analysisof the market performance in June shows a subtle but important shift in the distribution of sales between the dealer and other channels,” says Malcolm Gauld, GMSA’s Vice President, Sales and Marketing. “Through the first five months of the year activity within the dealer channel was indicative of a high level of private buyer participation in the market.

During June the balance changed with the dealer channel lower than the previous month’s volume and with the rental and government channels correspondingly higher – both month-on-month and year-on-year. The dealer channel volume has also been propped up by continued intense competitor activity and new product introductions. A trend that has become evident through the first six months of the year is a re-distribution of passenger vehicle sales into the bottom end of the market with significant shift of activity in this highly competitive area.”

These were the top-selling cars in June 2012.

Model                             Units
1.    Toyota Etios             2 105
2.    VW Polo Vivo           2 092
3.    VW Polo                   2 048
4.    Ford Figo                 1 371
5.    BMW 3 Series         1 280
6.    Toyota Fortuner       1 030
7.    Toyota Corolla            854
8.    Renault Sandero        603
9.    BMW 1 Series            528
10.    VW Golf                    481

Model                                   Volume
1. Toyota Hilux                       3 067
2. Chevrolet Utility                  1 737
3. Nissan NP200                    1 530
4. Ford Ranger                       1 437
5. Isuzu KB                             1 237
6. Toyota Quantum                 1 085
7. Nissan NP300                        673
8. VW Amarok                            517
9. Toyota Land Cruiser PU        195
10. Nissan Navara                     170