MAZDA2 FACELIFT LAUNCHED IN JAPAN

A refreshed new Mazda2 has been launched in Japan. The tiny hatch is now fitted with Mazda’s new SKYACTIV-G engine, the first application for the motor. Mazda2 is one of our favourite small cars hands-down, and we cannot for the facelift to hit Mzansi.

RENAULT MEGANE RS TROPHY BOOMS OUT

Renault won’t be resting on its laurels as it announces the arrival of the Mégane Renault Sport Trophy, something more angry than the normal RS Sport or Cup. We’ve driven both Sport and Cup, and they are awesome hatchbacks, the sportiest in their class. And now Renault says they aren’t enough? Wow!

OFFICIAL! ALL-NEW 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ ML-CLASS

Mercedes-Benz has removed all covers from the 2012 ML-Class SUV. The all-new vehicle will be publicly unveiled at the Frankfurt International Motor Show, shortly before heaving over to Mzansi for JIMS 2011. We have some details and pictures to get you all excited and bringing out the old cheque book.

IS GENERAL MOTORS SELLING OPEL?

General Motors has apparently refused to comment on speculation that it is considering selling its Opel division. Two years ago a sinking GM said Opel would go up for sale, along with its HUMMER, SAAB and other brands. Later it backtracked and kept Opel within its own ranks.

ZF INTRODUCES 9-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

ZF, one of the world’s foremost producers of automotive gearboxes, has announced the world’s first 9-speed automatic transmission. The ‘box is apparently well-suited to front-wheel-drive (FWD) cars with transversely mounted engines. Additionally it will be able to handle all-wheel-drive (AWD) and hybrid powertrains. Volkswagen Group will be delighted as it specialises in these types of layouts.

CRUZE IS CHEVROLET'S BEST SELLER

Worldwide acceptance of the Chevrolet Cruze has made a significant contribution to Chevrolet’s best ever global first quarter sales performance. Figures published for automobile sales in the first quarter of 2011 show total Chevrolet sales in excess of 1.1 million vehicles, up 15% on the same quarter in 2010.

AUDI Q3 PRODUCTION BEGINS IN SPAIN

Audi has started producing the Q3, its sub-compact SUV, at the Volkswagen Group’s Martorell plant in Spain. The Q3 falls below the bigger Q5, and is aimed squarely at the highly-successful BMW X1. The X1 sold about 100 000 units in 2010, or 8% of all BMW sales. Audi fans in South Africa will be able to snap up their own Q3s before April 2012.

MAZDA BT-50 FREESTYLE CAB TO DEBUT IN AUSTRALIA

Mazda’s BT-50 Freestyle Cab will debut at the 2011 Australian International Motor Show in Melbourne next month. The freestyle Cab stands out mainly because it uses the same door style as the old Mazda RX-8, which basically only allow the rear doors to open once the corresponding front ones are open. This seems rather restrictive for a vehicle that’s meant to exude practicality.

2012 OPEL ASTRA GTC DETAILED

Opel’s all-new Astra GTC is coming to Mzansi in 2012. These are the first official pictures of the car, along with engine and performance details. The GTC is derived from the normal 5-door Astra but features only 3-doors (two passenger and one rear). This is the second-generation GTC we’ve seen.

RALPH GILLES NAMED CEO OF CHRYSLER SRT

Ralph Gilles has been named President and CEO of the new Street Racing Technology (SRT) brand, Chrysler Group LLC announced yesterday. Gilles has so far been President and CEO of the Dodge Car Brand and Senior Vice President of Design at Chrysler.

UPDATED: ALL-NEW 2011 BMW 1 SERIES HATCH!

It’s out! The first pictures of the all-new BMW 1 Series hatchback are out! These are them. BMW has not officially released these; they were leaked all over the interweb for your own satisfaction. While this is an all-new car, we cannot help but to recognise a couple of others, like the 5 Series GT and 7 Series on its front end.

TWO-SEAT MINI COUPE COMING TO MZANSI THIS YEAR!

To put one up on spy photographers and speculators, BMW has released the first official pictures and details for the MINI Coupe range. MINI Coupe is based on the MINI Coupe Concept of 2009. We think the car is really awesome and cannot wait to try it out ourselves at the launch and on a road test. Meanwhile, here’s some snippets.

FREEBIES GALORE AT TIGER WHEEL & TYRE

Road Safety is top priority for the leaders in wheel & tyre fitment, Tiger Wheel & Tyre, and this Winter is no exception. Together with Michelin, Tiger Wheel & Tyre is going the extra mile to enhance safe road travel for their customers, with their giveaway of nifty Michelin Branded Safety Kits on the purchase of any Michelin Tyres.