2011 BMW X3 ARRIVES IN SOUTH AFRICA

BMW South Africa launched the all-new X3 in Mpumalanga, along a variety of roads, including gravel (dirt) and tar. Thankfully South Africa is in summer during the Christmas period so there was no snow. You’ll be forgiven for staring at the X3; not everyone will instantly recognise that this is an all-new vehicle, that it’s not another facelift of the old one.

CRICKETER KALLIS ALLEGEDLY CRASHES AUDI R8

Jacques Kallis has reportedly crashed a white Audi R8 early this morning in Cape Town. A man told Sport24.com that he heard a very loud bang outside his home and rushed to see what was happening, only to be confronted by the cricket superstar’s sports car crashed through his neighbour’s front gate. The man’s wife then called the police, who apparently arrived in three squad cars. He says Kallis had at no time left the car, which was later towed away by a tow truck.

"GREEN" MERCEDES-BENZ S350 BLUETEC LAUNCHED

Mercedes-Benz has launched what is now termed the cleanest diesel car in its class, the new S350 BlueTec. Notice there is no CDI anywhere near the name, although this is a diesel car. Its cleanliness is guaranteed by a liquid substance called AdBlue emission control which is added to the car.

FORD FIGO IS 2011 INDIA CAR OF THE YEAR

The phenomenal Ford Figo was selected as Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) 2011 today, earning the country's top automotive award in the fiercely competitive and rapidly growing Indian market. Now in its sixth year, the ICOTY is awarded to a new vehicle after comprehensive testing by a jury of leading automobile journalists in India. 

VIVACIOUS VAUXHALL VXR8 LAUNCHED IN UK

Vauxhall, the UK’s Opel brand, is up to its old tricks again. The company has introduced an almighty VXR8 model at an entry price of £49 500 (R534 000) including VAT. It is available through only six dealerships in the UK, making it very exclusive. As if the price alone wasn’t enough to convince us of that.

SAFE AUDI A1 COULD COST AN ARM AND A LEG

Audi’s A1 is set to be launched in South Africa at the end of January 2011. The small, short premium hatch is Audi’s answer to cars like the Alfa Romeo Mito and the Citroen DS3. Good news for those who’ve already put their names down is that it has received a five-star rating at the Euro NCAP safety tests, which means it is one of the safest cars not only in its class, but in the world in general.

OLD BMW DESIGN HORSE RETURNS TO STABLE

Karim Habib will take on the post of Head of Exterior Design BMW Automobiles, replacing Anders Warming. The 40-year-old designer already spent the first 10 years of his career working for the BMW Group, during which time he was responsible for the current BMW 7 Series range and the BMW Concept CS. Habib now returns to the Group following an absence of two years.

TOYOTA THE RAIN MAKER

What started as a recent informal discussion between staff of Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) and service suppliers escalated in a matter of days to a massive water collection effort for the drought stricken Beaufort West area.

This initiative was completed today (14 December 2010) when a Hino 700 truck, loaded with the first load of 30 000 litres of water, arrived in Beaufort West. The water is transported in 5 litre bottles and strapped onto pallets for easy delivery.

MONSTER MINI RALLY CAR UNVEILED

The Monster Energy X-raid Team unveiled the exciting new MINI All4 Racing at its rollout in Trebur, near Frankfurt.

X-raid’s MINI All4 Racing will take part in the 33rd Personal Dakar Argentina-Chile from January 1st-16th, 2011. The new car has a power output of 235kW and 700Nm of torque and has impressed team driver Guerlain Chicherit from the outset.

MAZDA FIGHTING RHINO POACHING

The Mazda Wildlife Fund together with the Mazda Dealer Network demonstrated their support in the fight against rhino poaching by donating a Mazda BT-50 as a prize in Primedia’s call to raise funds for the SANParks’ Honorary Rangers.