RENAULT JOINS CARGO BOYS WITH TRAFIC VAN

Following the recent launch of the Renault Kangoo Express, the arrival of the new Trafic Panel Van demonstrates how serious Renault is about offering light commercial vehicle (LCV) solutions to businesses in South Africa.

BRAND NEW HYUNDAI ACCENT A SURE HIT

The new Hyundai Accent is really nothing like the car we saw being dumped into Mzansi during the mid-1990s. For one it’s got style. Secondly, it actually doesn’t feel like it will fall apart within the next 5 kilometres. Thirdly, so packed with features is the Accent that you could mistake it for a movie theatre.

BRAND NEW CHEVROLET UTILITY BAKKIE FOR JIMS

While its public launch is scheduled for some time at the end of the year, Chevrolet’s new Utility is being shown at the Johannesburg International Motor Show (JIMS) anyway. That’s to whet all your appetites and get you interested. The little bakkie that could, in itscurrent form, is still leading its segment in sales, which it’s done for the past 6 and a half years. When it was first launched it was called the Opel Corsa Utility.

SAUDI KING STOPS WOMAN DRIVER BEATING

Saudi Arabia king Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud has overturned a court decision that would have seen a woman lashed/ whipped 10 times for driving. The king’s decision to stop the lashing was quite a surprise and will surely have far-reaching implications for all the Saudi women who want to start driving cars themselves.

MAZDA5 WOWS WOMEN

Women on Wheels, published by Associated Magazines, named the Mazda5 the best MPV in SA as part of its 2011 WOW Women’s Car of the Year Awards. More than 5 000 women voted via SMS and on-line voting. Readers’ votes and those of the expert judging panel decided the eventual winners.

CHINA-MADE TUNLAND BAKKIE FOR JIMS 2011

The Tunland high end one-ton bakkie, which is coming to South Africa next year, will be previewed on the Foton stand at the Johannesburg International Motor Show that takes place at Expo Centre, Nasrec, from October 8 - 16. 

TOYOTA PLANS MORE EXCITING FUTURE DESIGNS

New head of design at Toyota Motor Corporation Akihiro Nagaya, has vowed to tackle his company’s “boring” design reputation head-on. The 50 year old, also known as Dezi, admits Toyota hasn’t quite lived up to its sales status in the design department, having chosen the middle-to-mediocre ground when it comes to styling.

FERRARI 458 ITALIA SPIDER PRICED

When it comes to the world of cars, life outside of Mzansi appears very cheap. Evidence presented is enormous, and Ferrari isn’t saying the opposite either. Just look at the sticker price for the 458 Italia Spider. In Europe, the rich will be able to buy this sweet machine of desire for the sweet price of a Porsche 911 GT3.

KIA OPTIMA COMES TO SA IN 2012

Kia South Africa is riding high on the back of successful products like the Picanto, Sorento and Sportage. With the new Optima it hopes to keep the wave 9 metres high. To kick off, the four-door sedan will launch at the 2011 Johannesburg International Motor Show (JIMS 2011).

MAZDA BT-50 IS ONE FOR JIMS 2011

Mazda’s following quite closely on the heels of sibling Ford by confirming it will unveil the all-new BT-50 bakkie (pickup) at JIMS 2011 next week. The big utility will go on sale locally sometime in 2012, and will offer two new diesel engines, according to Mazda.

LEXUS IS 350 PLANNED FOR SA DEBUT

Lexus will add another IS model when it launches the IS 350 to the Mzansi market later next month. The car will also be shown at JIMS 2011. It comes at a time when the IS is etching towards the end of its lifecycle. A replacement should appear within the next 18 months.

2012 BMW 1 SERIES HATCH: WE GOT PRICES!

Prices pertaining to the all-new BMW 1 Series hatch are now out, well before the car’s official media launch in October. All three variants will have turbocharged engines, including both petrols. Available from the word go are the 116i, 118i and 120d.

TOYOTA FORTUNER FACELIFT OUT!

Mzansi’s most popular SUV just got its midlife facelift. Toyota Fortuner, the runaway SUV success, is now proudly the wearer of a new face plus a new engine. Currently it holds about 35% of the total SUV market, which is exceptional. The new one aims to keep this going, or even surpass it.