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INDEX
THE NEW TOYOTA COROLLA Finally the design has caught up to the times with more cutting edge looks.
Citroen C3
Lexus & The Others The Lexus ES250 is aimed at the consumer that requires an accessible premium specked car that meets consumer’s needs at every level
The Johannesburg International Motoring Show
Citroen have been the first to offer a lot ofinnovative technology
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The New Opel Corsa
According to
Honda
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THE NEW
TOYOTA COROLLA
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he Toyota Corolla is an iconic car, that has notonly revolutionized the motor industry, but probably has so many stories to share about the longroad to success in the automotive industry. The corolla has always been known for reliability and durability through the years. It is a car that has won the hearts of many across the globe. So what exactly has been its winning recipe? And what does the 11th generation have to offer? Finally the design has caught up to the times with more cutting edge looks. The new corolla looks a lot more appealing than its predecessor with lines and curves on the body that show the tried and tested ingenuity that have come together to make an aerodynamically smooth yet cutting edge design. The interior is also a new and improved designed cockpit that has been carefully put together to create a more premium look and feel. Controls and buttons are easily accessible, making it convenient for the driver
to keep most of his attention on the road. This shows that the corolla has matured gracefully over the years. Cabin space is remarkable and boot space is class leading. The corolla will seat fi ve adults easily, meaning that long trips will be more comfortable. The new engine line up for the new corolla’s have reasonable outputs and have now included CVT transmissions on selected models. The models range for the new corolla include the dual VVTI 1.3, 1.6 and 1.8 on the petrol models, with a 1.4 D4D diesel model. Fuel economy fi gures on the petrol models range from 6.0 to 6.6L to a 100km and 4.5L on the diesel models. The standard safety features include ABS, EBD and Brake assist. Driver and passenger airbags are also standard. The car also comes with a 5 year 90000 km service plan. Overall the new corolla sounds like one would expect, reliable and durable.
TOYOTA COROLLA 1600 MODEL LINE
LEXUS AND THE OTHERS Well, it’s not just a familiar auto manufacturer that we’ve become accustomed to. Lexus has come a good couple of years with outstanding features, reliability and good performance against the likes of BMW, Mercedes and Audi. Many will remember the IS250; which had real aggressive looks and well mated engine and is still today a great car to drive L exus South Africa has just announced that the new ES will be available soon, but is this just another IS250, or have Lexus changed their recipe? For starters, it gives one piece of mind to know that Lexus ES models, have been great sellers in the US and European markets for years with positive feedback from consumers. The Lexus ES250 is aimed at the consumer that requires an accessible premium specked car that meets consumer’s needs at every level. Upon
entry of the car, the cabin offers a combination of sophistication, well laid out ergonomics and high-end technology that is easy to use. It feature remote touch interface, which will display its functions on eight –inch monitor. Standard features include, satellite navigation, Nano-e climate system and high quality leather interior with ambient lighting and piano black fi nishes that add warmth and class to the cabin. The new ES features advanced passive and active safety features. To name a few; ABS, EBD, brake assist, blind spot monitor, lane change assist and vehicle stability control. There are 10 airbags as standard. The driver is also able to select different driving modes and change the settings to ECO, NORMAL or SPORT. This allows the driver to experience different driving dynamics; for example; ECO would allow for more passive
and relaxed driving. Air conditioning and throttle are moderated for better effi ciency. SPORT- allows for a quick throttle response. The illumination of the instrument cluster light up in red for SPORT and blue for ECO. The ES250 is powered by a 2.5 Dual VVT-I twin-cam four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 135KW at 6000 rpm and 235 Nm of torque at 4100 rpm. It is mated with a six-speed auto and does the 0-60 in under ten seconds. It also exceeds 200 km/h. The overall styling, performance and features are the perfect recipe, that make the Lexus ES 250 stand out from the others. It is the perfect balance between premium luxury and an accessible vehicle, that offers more than one would expect. Lexus plan to launch vehicle in the last quarter 2013 (dates to be confi rmed). So for the consumer who is in the ma ket for a new vehicle, you may want to widen you options and consider a Lexus. Information courtesy of motoring press.co.za
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THE NEW CITROEN EPITOMISES FRENCH FLAIR
o you’re an individual in the market for a reliablenew car, but you would like something unique, compact, stylish and modern. Standing out from the crowd is important to you, but where does one begin to look for a car that offers just that? It’s hard to find a set of wheels that offer the complete package. However, the French have managed to achieve this. Citroen. Is it worth considering? Well, the answer lies in the Citroen DS from the 1950s. Back in the day, Citroen made headlines with its launch of the DS. Immediately the car set the benchmark in terms of innovation,safety, comfort and great handling. Citroen have been the fi rst to offer a lot of innovative technology; for example, Citroen was the fi rst auto manufacturer to introduce selfleveling hydropnuematic system, which allowed the driver to
adjust the suspension. Citroen is also offered the fi rst production car to feature front disc brakes, directional headlamps and semiautomatic transmission. Impressive innovation for a car from the 50s. Made in the past, but has a place in the future. Most of the innovation used back then, is still being used in today’s Citroen cars. Safety, fuel economy, styling and good engineering are still very evident, showing that Citroen don’t compromise on their products. Citroens have always had a practical cabin layout and trim equipped with interesting gizmos on the dash. Driver cantered controls have always been a Citroen trait. Comfort levels are outstanding and one easily gets taking in by the convenience and thought that Citroen has put into their vehicles. Citroen styling has always been head turning. I guess one could describe it as
“terribly French” arrogant, soft, easy going, conservative yet very practical. Citroen also have very reliable engines that deliver good outputs of power and torque even on their
smaller cars. The combination of higher outputs on smaller engines create good fuel efficiency and a responsive throttle when needed, thus making it a radical and dynamic drive. The safety levels are class leading.
Stability controls on their cars show how Citroen has come a long way with ride suspension and driver aids, which include ABS, EBD, ESP and passenger airbags as standard on their vehicles. Other safety options include cruise control with speed limiter, front seat belt pre tensioners with force limiters and automatic activation of hazard warning lights incase of rapid braking or impact. By now, one gathers that Citroen go the extra mile in offering a compact package with a high specifi cation level overall. So for the individual that would like a car that offers a little extra, is it worth considering? Or
is it more of a fashion statement? Well, this French auto manufacturer may just have the answers. References: Motor Press, Citroen South Africa, Wikipedia and December
THE JOHANNESBURG INTERNATIONAL MOTORING SHOW
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n a recent visit to the JIMS, (Johannesburg international Motor show), the stiff competitionand advanced technology that auto manufacturershave come up with is clearly apparent. There is a sense of competitive edge and general testosterone as auto manufacturer’s come together to show off and challenge each other by continually raising the bar. Lets take a look at some of the showstoppers and see who dared to be refreshingly different: Toyota showed off its new 86 Convertible robed in pure white, the 86 will be using the same boxer engine with 147KW. No set dates as when it will arrive. The new Corolla was also on show and I must say it looks much better then the current model. Honda showed a concept of their high performance sports car, the NSX, as well as the new Honda Accord. Honda’s Brio
pulled a great show with CLUB BRIO, where by standers could listen to some hardcore music from a Honda Brio. On the red carpet, Mercedes Benz showed a metallic matt fi nished version of their new SL Class convertible, and not afar off was the new S Class AMG. Many fans were ecstatic on the new engine on the powerful S Class AMG V8 with biturbo. BMW was proud to show off the new X4, a concept that just may go into production to fi t a niche segment. The much awaited 4 series was also on show, and many fans enjoyed the view of this newly structured coupe. Lexus was also proud to show off their new Lexus ES250, of which replaces the current IS250. The car is scheduled to go on sale in November this year. The LFA was also on show and is quite
the looker. Nissan also showed off their concept car in a plated gold, and the fi rst thing that you notice, is that the car doesn’t have any side mirrors. Nissan showed off a lot of innovation in the concept car it displayed. Mitsubishi fi nally revealed their New EVO with double clutch technology. Mitsubishi also had an interesting looking concept, but no real information was given behind the concept. Opel had fi nally announced a Nurburgring edition of their Opel Corsa OPC, with Outstanding performance from a 1.6 turbo charged engine producing 154KW. That sounds like a real pocket rocket. Those are just a few of the show stoppers that had the crowd wild. Overall the JIMS motor show is a must see for all car enthusiasts and buyers. It is a nice way to keep up with the latest motoring trends. Looking forward to the next one.
According to
HONDA This year has marked the arrival of a new luxury sedan from Honda. The new Honda Accord.
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any motorists may be famil- rious car? torque and fi nally a 3.5L V6 with VCM iar with the Honda’s Accord, For starters, the Honda Accord is aestheti- technology; with outputs of 207kW and but just how many people have cally pleasing, as it appears militant yet 339Nm torque. The 2.0L and 2.4L are taken the time to know the Accord? The conservative, which have always been the equipped with a 5 speed Automatic gearHonda Accord has been overlooked over Accords image. The car has a new grill and box and the 3.5L has a 6-speed auto. the years in the D segment, as many have LED lights that make the car futuristic. A Honda is also packed with loads of active preferred the likes of the dominating combination of sleek lines, smooth edges and passive safety. To mention a few; adapGerman Trio, but why would Honda con- and aerodynamic design, give the car and tive cruise control (ACC) lane keeping astinue to bring in this model to South Af- authoritative yet composed look, maksist (LKAS) which alerts the driver when rica? ing the car look approachable yet aggresdrifting off course; collision mitigation Well, as proven, Honda has been manufac- sive at the same time. Skilled engineering turing well engineered and and Honda know how, braking system (CMBS) which will autoreliable vehicles for years The new Accord is now have made the new Ac- matically apply braking force to reduce and Honda are not afraid of also built to the American cord proportionate and driver speed when approaching a hazard the competition. Against all standard in terms of vehicle appealing in every way, such as a stationary vehicle, the system odds, Honda has managed specifi cation... putting form and func- helps minimize hitting or avoiding the vehicle ahead; vehicle stability assist (VSA) to stay ahead of their comtion well into play. petition in a lot more ways that one would Once on the cabin of the Accord, one gets a and trailer stability assist (TSA), These imagine. sense of tranquility, with an interior fi nish are just a few innovative active safety sysThe previous generation Honda Accord that is neutral and high tech, with easy and tems. Passive safety systems include dual was a great car in terms of looks and over- sensible convenience. All controls are ergo- and front passenger airbags, seatbelt preall specifi cation and had considerable nomically centred around the driver, with tensioning, ISOFIX anchors and seatbelt warning systems. amounts of power, which were competi- technology that is intuiA combination of sleek lines, Vehicle specifi cations tive to other leading brands. It also offered tive and easy to use. The smooth edges and aerodyvary according to model premium luxury, which was built to take on fascia of vehicle creates namic design, give the car ranges, Elegance, Executhe likes of BMW, Mercedes and Audi, as it a feeling of quality and and authoritative yet comtive and Exclusive. was built to European specifi cation stand- comfort, which are conposed look Honda also offers a range ards. stant and rewarding. This new Accord is now built in Honda’s Extra features include Multi information of extra accessories to custom you Accord. United States plant under tight Japanese Display, Audio with touch screen display, There are seven colors to choose from supervision, ensuring that Honda’s quality smart entry and start/stop buttons (options when ordering you accord. Honda offers a standards are still being adhered to. The vary according to model variants). The Ac- 5-year 90,000Km service plan on the 2.0L new Accord is now also built to the Ameri- cord has a leather interior and piano black and 2.4L models and a 5-year 100,000km on the 3.5L model. All cars come with a can standard in terms of vehicle specifi cat- finishes. ion, so what exactly does that mean? For the engine line up, Honda have three 3-year 100,000Km warranty. Every one knows that the Americans love petrol engine motors. A 2.0L with 114KW And that’s motoring according to Honda. luxury and comfort, but just how much and 190Nm of torque, a 2.4L Earth Dreams Technical specs provided by Honda Easluxury has been added to an already luxu- motor pushing out 132kW and 225Nm of trand.
Sculptured Engineering blade signature throughout the body of the car flows harmoniously with the lines of the car and compliment the sporty look. The car is aerodynamic and has a seamless with an athletic sporty approach. The taillights add masculinity and also give the car strong apparel. The overall appearance of the car, both 3 and 5 door options are appealing and fitting to a new generation.
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his is a work of art that is so well sculptured and tasteful; that it’s almost hard to believe it rides on wheels. Opel’s Corsa has been in production from the 1980’s and was very popular amongst young and energetic young adults. Most South Africans would be more familiar with the Corsa B from the 90’s, which stole the hearts of both young and old alike and changed the way we look at the super mini class. The little motorcar offered reasonable pricing, reliability, fuel economy and performance. One could look at the Opel Corsa as a cheeky and arrogant, yet reliable and endearing at the same time. As the new Corsa arrives, there are a lot of noticeable changes that are very appealing to a consumer. Will this new Opel Corsa capture the market? Lets find out. The New Car appears more bolder, sophisticated and more premium. The exterior of the car, Opel’s passion for sculptured artistry and design. The wing signature lights and bold grill give the car a wide and steady stance that is both sporty yet elegant. The
Once inside the cabin of the new Corsa, it is evident that sculptural artistry is integrated and flows harmoniously throughout the interior. The cockpit is a cocktail of innovation and clarity that is both functional and has premium characteristics. The ambience from the chrono analogs, sporty steering wheel and black finishes on the dash create a sense ease, comfort and convenience. Head and legroom are sufficient for a car of its class. This innovative pioneer is packed with features that will surprise you. The infotainment featured in the new Opel Corsa is one of the most desirable features on this car. There are different package options that may specify on your new car such as hands free parking, navigation, safe blind zone to name a few. Passive safety features include driver and passenger airbags, curtain airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchorage, pedal release system, seatbelt reminder as well as Hill start assist and ESP to name a few. You may also
choose optional packages to customize your needs. The model line up comes in Essentia; which is your entry-level model, Corsa Enjoy and Enjoy Auto, which has a higher-level specification and the Cosmo model which it the top of the range. Performance is outstanding. The engine lineup for the new car if now featuring 1.0Litre 3 Cylinder turbo engines and a 1.4 4 Cylinder naturally aspirated engine. The outputs on the 1.0Litre motor are pushing out 85kw@5000-6000rpm, which is equipped with a 6 speed manual transmission. The 1.4Litre is pushing out 66kw@6000rpm and comes a 6 speed Auto, with manual shift mode. Fuel consumption figures are between 5-6Litres to 100kms combined across the range. It also has a 45Litre tank. The car comes with a 5-year/120-000km warranty and roadside assistance and service plan of 3 years/60 000km. Service intervals are 12 month/ 15 000kms. Pricing should start from about R187 000 to R239 000. The premium approach on the new Opel Corsa shows once again that Precise German engineering and craftsmanship can create a work of sculptured art that drives perfection, passion and innovation.