RMI PEEVED BY LOOMING "UNFAIR" CO2 TAXES

South Africa’s Retail Motor Industry organisation has reacted strongly to Government’s statement that CO2 tax, scheduled to be levied on passenger cars from September 1, will be charged as a flat rate as part of the selling price of vehicles.

In news reports, National Treasury spokesman Jabulani Sikhakhane has been quoted as saying that Government intends the tax to be applied to all passenger cars – including double cab pick-ups, which traditionally have been classified as commercial vehicles.

M SPORT PACKAGE FOR NEW BMW X3

The M Sport Package for the all-new BMW X3 was leaked ahead of its official launch. M Sport Package is meant to make the cars look cooler and much sportier than their standard brethren. Engines are not touched though, so changes are only cosmetic aerodynamic.

FIERY FORD FOCUS RS CONFIRMED FOR SOUTH AFRICA

Performance Ford enthusiasts will now have the opportunity to own the legendary Ford Focus RS. Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) has confirmed that a limited run of the ultimate hot hatch will be made available in South Africa later this year.

“There has been a great deal of demand for the Ford Focus RS,” says Ben Pillay, Ford Marketing Manager. “It’s an iconic model and we are very excited that South African customers, who are so passionate about performance, will now have the opportunity to own one.” 

R2.4 MILLION SLS AMG NOW IN MZANSI

Prices for the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG “Gullwing” have been announced for the South African market. The supercar will cost R2 425 000 in standard form and is available immediately from selected AMG dealers across Mzansi. There are some options of course, such as bucket seats and ceramic brakes.

The SLS AMG is powered by a 6.2-litre V8 naturally aspirated engine making 420kW and 650Nm of torque. The gearbox is a 7-speed automatic that can be changed via paddles. Merc claims a 3.8 second 0 – 100km/h sprint time and a top velocity of 317km/h.

VIDEO: BRAND NEW BMW X3 REVEALED

The brand new, all-new BMW X3 has been unveiled and will be at South African dealerships before the end of 2010. This is not a facelift, it is a completely new car. What used to be BMW’s baby SUV (yes, I know, it’s an SAV in Bavaria) is now only second-smallest, no thanks to the new X1. Of course it’s grown larger and wider, and should now appeal to a more mature audience as well.

Two engines will be available at launch. The first is a four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbo diesel making 135kW at 4000rpm and maximum torque of 380Nm between 1750rpm and 2750rpm. They say it will accelerate from 0 – 100km/h in 8.5 seconds but return just 5.6 litres per 100km of diesel fuel. It will be badged X3 xDrive20d.

JAGUAR TO TAKE ON 3 SERIES/ C-CLASS/ A4. AGAIN.

According to a report filed by Autocar, emanating from the German publication Automobilwoche, Jaguar is preparing to replace the small X-Type with a new car. You’ll remember the X-Type was built to take on primarily the BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Good car as it was, it failed in its mission.

SA SPRINTERS TAKE THE BENZ

As part of the Olympic Solidarity program, Daimler AG handed over a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter to the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee.

The vehicle was jointly presented by Dr Jacques Rogge, president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Dr Hansgeorg Niefer, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa, to Gideon Sam, president of the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee.

ADVANCED DRIVING LESSONS RECOMMENDED

In the latest available global statistics, South Africa ranks third highest in the fatality rate per 10 000 vehicles.  A sobering enough thought, but just this week CARS (Committee Form More Road Safety) revealed that a new study suggests that our road death toll has been under-estimated by more than half.  While the Department of Transport gives a figure of 10 000 each year, CARS says in reality it is nearer 18 000.

SEB LEADS CITROEN'S FIRST 1 - 2 - 3 -4

Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena laid the foundations of their victory during the first two days of the rally. At the end of the final stages of Rally Bulgaria they racked up their 58th world championship win. Despite being under constant pressure from Petter Solberg, Dani Sordo and Marc Marti held on to their second place giving the Citroën Total World Rally Team its first double of the 2010 season. Thanks to Petter Solberg and Sébastien Ogier, Citroën scored the first one-two-three-four in its history in the FIA World Rally Championship.

NEW PEUGEOT 508 : PICTURES AND DETAILS

A replacement for the 407 has showed its claws. The new, upcoming Peugeot 508 sedan and SW (Estate) are coming to South Africa sometime in mid-2011. And we have pictures. And some details. Peugeot and Citroen, sister brands, are both going after the same sweet German trio of chocolates (3, A4, C) with the 508 and C5 respectively.

We thought the 407 would represent itself quite well in the market when it launched a few years ago. But a combination of factors, including the advent of the NCA, fierce brand loyalty and the recession blocked the car’s progress.