NEW 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ A-CLASS LAUNCHES IN MARCH

Mercedes-Benz has handed over more than a million A-Class models of the current generation to customers worldwide since the market launch in autumn 2004. Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Mercedes-Benz Cars Sales & Marketing: “With the A-Class, 15 years ago Mercedes-Benz established the premium compact car segment.  We already sold over one million vehicles of the second generation and with the new A-Class we will again set new standards in the segment and will fascinate our customers once again.” 

CHEVROLET ANNOUNCES DIESEL CAPTIVA

Chevrolet South Africa has heeded calls from certain quarters, including the motoring media, for a more frugal Captiva SUV. The new Captiva 2.2D is now available at your local dealership, sporting a turbo diesel engine promising good power, hearty torque and long, uninterrupted journeys.

405KW JAGUAR XFR S CONFIRMED FOR MZANSI

A South African Jaguar dealer sales executive says he and his colleagues are getting ready to welcome the fastest, most powerful sedan ever produced by the brand. The man, who spoke anonymously to IN4RIDE, says the XFR S is on its way here, along with the XKR S Convertible. Both these products point to an aggressive stance on the kitty’s part, especially considering that the German rivals aren’t sitting on their laurels either.

CITROEN DS5 AMONG WORLD'S BEST CARS

The finalists for the 2012 World Car of the Year Award have been announced and the Citroën DS5 is honoured to be one of them.
 

NEW MERCEDES-BENZ A-CLASS CAUGHT SHOOTING

Carscoop reports that a guy riding his bicycle along the road, chanced upon a fleet of Mercedes-Benz personnel, apparently lining up for a shoot of the brand new 2012 A-Class hatchback. The guy proceeded to take a video of the thing and posted it online. We have a still shot from that video.

SA'S TOP-SELLING CARS IN JANUARY

January car sales showed some positive growth as car companies continued with rallies seen last year, following a very tough 2009/ 2010 selling season. Sales increased by 15.4% over December 2011. But remember that these figures are guesstimations because companies like Daimler SA and Associated Motor Holdings, are not telling what they are selling. The two distribute Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai/ Kia brands in SA respectively.

DRIVEN: ALL-NEW HONDA CIVIC SEDAN

It feels like just yesterday when Honda South Africa introduced the Civic for the first time, replacing the well-loved Ballade name. It was 2005. Now in 2012 a brand new version, the 9^th generation of the name, has come to Mzansi shores. I drove it down in the George and was suitably impressed with all the improvements. All except the powertrain.

LEAKED: AUDI RS 4 AVANT IS A GO!

A leaked document doing the rounds on the internet claims that Audi is almost ready to pounce on the market with a brand new RS 4 model and will unveil it next month at Geneva. The previous RS 4 was the first of its kind and featured a reworked 4.2-litre V8 model installed under the bonnet of either a sedan, Cabriolet or Avant (station wagon) variant. It made a very satisfying 309kW.

BMW 3 SERIES GT COMING IN MARCH?

Two rumours are currently doing the rounds, and they are quite related. One is that BMW is preparing a 3 Series GT, which is similar in concept to the existing 5 Series GT. The other rumour is that this particular car is going to be launched this coming March at the 2012 Geneva International Motor Show.

MATURE FORD KUGA BREAKS INTO MZANSI MARKET

Ford South Africa is reinventing its fleet quite steadily, adding model after model at an easy pace. The latest to join them is the Kuga, a car that’s been on the European market since 2008, making it four years old or so. It’s relatively new, but still not brand new. Nevertheless, it’s Ford’s local flagship model in the absence of something like a Mondeo.