FORD RANGER GAINS AUTOMATIC 'BOX

As the Ford Ranger’s popularity continues to grow additional derivatives have been added to the line-up to meet with strong customer demand.

In 2013 the popular Wildtrak derivative will now be offered in 4x2 and 4x4 automatic guise having previously only been available in 4x2 manual guise. The range topping Wildtrak derivative is powered by Ford’s 3.2-litre Duratorq TDCi five-cylinder diesel engine with a substantial 470Nm of torque and power rated at 147kW. 

The Wildtrak is fitted with extensive safety features that have seen the Ranger (XLT and Wildtrak derivatives) becoming the first ever pick-up to achieve a maximum 5 Star rating under the Euro NCAP crash test protocol. The Wildtrak is also comprehensively equipped with features normally associated with premium passenger vehicles. Among them Bluetooth with voice control, steering wheel mounted radio controls, dual zone climate control, rainsensing wipers, power windows front and rear, heated seats and more. 

Other changes to the Ranger line-up in 2013 include the addition of Bluetooth with voice activation, including steering wheel audio controls and a USB port to the Single, Super and Double Cab XLS derivatives, while all XLT models can now be fitted with Park Distance Sensors and a Reverse Camera as an optional extra. The Park Distance Sensor is fitted to the rear bumper with a Reverse Camera that appears in the review mirror when the vehicle is placed in reverse. 

Single Cab Base customers will now have the opportunity to fit airconditioning as an optional extra, while a Safety Pack will also be available as an option. The Safety Pack includes ABS brakes with EBD, beltminder and driver and passenger airbags. 

Built at Ford’s assembly plant in Pretoria the Ranger boasts all the toughness and rugged capabilities of a pickup truck, but also features smart technology, outstanding safety, superior fuel economy and high standards of quality and comfort normally associated with passenger cars.

STORY BY FORD

MCLAREN P1 CONFIRMED FOR GENEVA 2013

McLarenAutomotive has confirmed that its next big star, the P1 hypercar, will soon be unveiled officially for the first time at the 2013 Geneva International Motor Show. The P1, according to its makers, will be the best-handling, most fuel-efficient car in its class. Said class will consist of really big boys…

…such as the Lamborghini Aventador, Bugatti Veyron, the upcoming Ferrari Enzo replacement (some call it the F150), as well as the Pagani Huayraand Koenigsegg CCX-R. McLaren’s Formula One team leader Jenson Button is seen here alighting the car to the delight of on-looking guests that include South African Greg Levine (now McLaren global Marketing Director). These images also confirm something called Race Mode, which is pretty self-explanatory and is inspired by the brand’s F1 cars.

More info to be revealed closer to the Geneva Show.

FORD FIESTA ST PRODUCTION STARTS

Ford has started production at its assembly plant in Cologne, Germany, of the new Ford Fiesta ST – the first ever sub-seven second production Fiesta.

Developed by Ford Team RS, the European arm of Ford Motor Company’s Global Performance Vehicle group, the new Fiesta ST is powered by a 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol engine to achieve 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and offer 132kW and 240 Nm of torque, with a fuel consumption of only 5.9 l/100km and 138 g/km CO2 emissions. Top speed is 220 km/h.

Ford has further refined the Fiesta ST’s renowned global B-car chassis with new steering, suspension, braking components, configuration and tuning. An enhanced version of Ford’s Torque Vectoring Control system, and a three-mode Electronic Stability Control system contribute to a rewarding and secure driving experience. 

“The new Fiesta ST is a very modern performance car built on more than 30 years of fast Fiestas and a global development process,” said Juergen Gagstatter, chief programme engineer, Performance Cars, Ford of Europe. “This vehicle is a significant step forward, both in terms of our proud heritage of blending a powerful engine with a dynamic chassis, and also in achieving reduced fuel consumption and emissions.”

The new high-performance Fiesta ST is equipped with Ford’s turbocharged Twin-independent Variable Camshaft Timing EcoBoost engine to achieve faster acceleration and a higher top speed than the 2002 Ford Focus ST170. The second-generation Fiesta ST has been confirmed for launch in South Africa in the second quarter of 2013.

The new model features a unique new honeycomb mesh trapezoidal grille exterior and dramatic rear diffuser element. The high contrast interior is also equipped with Recaro seats.**

The new Fiesta ST is also equipped with MyKey, a Ford-exclusive technology that allows parents to encourage safer driving and limit their teenager’s exposure to risk at the wheel; and SYNC – Ford’s voice-activated in-car connectivity system.

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ENTRY-LEVEL AUDI TT PRICED UNDER R400 000

Audi South Africa is aiming to boost the sales of its rapidly ageing TT sports car by introducing a new entry-level model. The new car is immediately availablefrom Audi dealerships with a number of standard items. But what makes it entry-level is the engine installed.

The 1.8T FSIproduces 118kW of power and 250Nm of pulling torque. They say it drinks an average of 6.4 litres per 100km and comes either with a 6-speed manual or an S tronic gearbox. The standard items installed include Bluetooth connectivity, 17-inch wheels, a multi-function steering wheel and shift paddlesbehind the wheel for the S tronic.

TT is overdue for a complete replacement and we suspect such a car will appear before 2013 is over. In the meantime, here are prices for this new baby:

6-speed manual (R392 000)

S tronic (R409 000)

OPEL SA REFRESHES ASTRA RANGE

Opel has not quite caught fire with the South African buying public lately. Something happened along the way and buyers simply shunnedthe brand. Sad because it’s such a great badge with extremely competitive products. The Astra is one such item, and GMSAhas seen it fit to fight the fight in a different way. They’ve dropped prices!

We don’t often hear of such a thing happening in our landscape. A car manufacturer introduces an updated product, a facelift if you will, and simultaneously drops prices. Well this is it. The new updated facelift Astra is cheaper than the car it replaces.

It has a new facial appearance characterised by a revised front grille where the Opel badge is now centred top to bottom, while a new front bumper, fog lights and indicators are evident. The backsidealso went in for some treatment. New bumper, some chrome details and a different housing for the number plate.

The baseline 1.6 Essentia does not have cruise control or rear electric windows (a real downer for such a prestigious car). Its naturally aspirated engine is also not quite up there with the best, puffing out 85kW and 155Nm of torque. We believe it’s on its last tyre threads though, so don’t despair.

A better option is the 1.4T Essentia Plus which has what the 1.6 does not, as well as 103kW and 200Nm to play with. Opel claims a 9.8 second 0 – 100km/h sprint for it, and fuel economy of 5.9 litres per 100km. Stated C02 emissions are 138 g/km and drive is through a 6-speed manual gearbox.

Then you have a 1.4T Enjoy with added spec such as auto headlight control and automatic rain sensors.

Lastly the 1.6T Sport comes in with 132kW and 230Nm of torque, sprinting off from standstill to 100km/h in just 8.5 seconds using a 6-speed manual gearbox. Its’ not quite OPC though, but that’s ok because that 206kW monster arrives in Mzansi officially next week!

2013 Opel Astra facelift pricing

1.6 Essentia (from R235 200 down to R231 000)

1.4T Essentia Plus (R248 000)

1.4T Enjoy (R257 000)

1.6T Sport (from R301 900 to R298 500)