July 14, 2021 - Heels & Horsepower Magazine

Kia pulls the cover off the all-new Sportage, the ultimate urban SUV

vuyi on July 14, 2021

The fifth-generation Kia Sportage has been carefully crafted from the ground up and features premium safety features to make it the ultimate family SUV.

The all-new Sportage symbolises the pioneering DNA of the Kia brand. The past success of the Sportage is deeply rooted in a mindset of constant reinvention. Under the new Kia brand, a fifth generation Sportage once again brings an innovation that elevates the brand to the next level.

Advanced powertrains – the heart of all-new Sportage

The all-new Sportage will be launched with a comprehensive range of powerful, responsive and efficient powertrains, including the very latest-generation clean gasoline and diesel IC engine technology.

A high-tech 1.6-litre TGDI powertrain will be offered in the all-new Sportage line-up, generating 132 kW and 265 Nm of torque.

The 1.6-liter TGDI engine is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (7DCT), while a 6-speed manual transmission is also available.

Also included in the launch line-up is a new and highly efficient R2.0-liter diesel engine featuring an advanced variable geometry turbocharger that helps it to develop 137 kW and 416 Nm of torque.

The 2.0 four-cylinder unit has been designed in response to tightening emissions regulations and features an array of sophisticated technologies to drive down emissions output and enhance real-world fuel efficiency. The new R2.0-liter diesel engine comes with an extensively re-engineered 8-speed automatic transmission.

Leading the way in safety

With safety being a top priority during development, the fifth-generation all-new Sportage is one of the safest vehicles in its class; safety restraint and structure system applications, including driver airbag, passenger airbag, side curtain airbags and low-side airbags.

The all-new Sportage feature Kia’s acclaimed Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) technology helps the Sportage to avoid potential hazards. This includes:

Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA),which helps avoid collisions with objects in front of the vehicle while driving.
Highway Driving Assist (HDA),which helps maintain a set distance and speed from the vehicle ahead when driving on a highway, while also helping centre the all-new Sportage in its lane.
Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC),which helps drive the all-new Sportage at a safe speed on the highway using real-time navigation data.
Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA),which provides a warning to the driver when operating the turning signal to change lanes, should there be a risk of collision with a rearside vehicle.
Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA),which helps the driver to remotely park or exit a parking spot from outside the vehicle

Due for global market launch later this year, more information on the all-new Sportage will be made available in due course.

Stellantis South Africa scoops first ever Most Admired Car Company Award

vuyi on July 14, 2021

Stellantis South Africa has been recognized as the most-admired car company in the country by the South Africa Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ).

Stellantis South Africa has been recognised as the most-admired car company in the country by the South Africa Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ). The accolade was announced at the media group’s Annual General Meeting on 26 June.

Awarded for the first time in the SAGMJ’s 59-year history, the accolade recognises Stellantis’ professionalism and commitment to customers and media alike across all its brands.

Stellantis is the result of a historic merger of equals (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Peugeot S.A. ‘Groupe PSA’) in one of the largest motor industry deals in the last decade. Combining two strong business entities with diverse backgrounds, wide-ranging talents, and inspiring heritage has created a broad-based platform of iconic brands to exceed customer expectations.

We’re delighted by the South African media’s recognition and admiration of Stellantis
– Leslie Ramsoomar, Managing Director of Stellantis South Africa

As a result, Stellantis is now a major motor industry force in the South African landscape. Representing 72 dealerships across the country selling eight brands (Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Citroën, Fiat, Fiat Professional, Jeep, Opel and Peugeot) and there are growth plans to open 12 new facilities by the end of the year.

“We’re delighted by the South African media’s recognition and admiration of Stellantis,” said Leslie Ramsoomar, Managing Director of Stellantis South Africa. “Not only is the media an important constituency for us, enabling us to get our story out to South African consumers and industry stakeholders, but it is a proud endorsement for us of the efforts that go into creating the ultimate customer experience across our brands.”

All the brands in the global Stellantis stable

Speaking at the SAGMJ’s AGM, Chairman Carl Wepener cited Stellantis’ professional managerial style and incredible knowledge displayed during all launches, the company’s commitment to journalists and customers alike, and passionate commitment to all the brands in the group amongst the criteria considered for the award.

“Stellantis’ vision to become a globally recognised entity in South Africa and their management’s commitment to going the extra mile to ensure that journalists are informed of the long-term strategies envisaged, contributed to the success of the Stellantis brand introduction into the local market,” said Carl Wepener, Chairman, SAGJM. “The professional conduct and attention given by senior management to every journalist, irrespective of stature and seniority, when attending vehicle launches as well as granting interviews is a sign of their dedication.”

Kimi Räikkönen gives the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA and GTAm the thumbs up

vuyi on July 14, 2021

Finnish race car driver Kimi Räikkönen recently tested the highest-performing sports sedan at the Balocco Proving Ground, the site of development and testing of all Alfa Romeo sports cars since the 1960s.

Kimi Räikkönen recently put his stamp on the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA and GTAm after paying special attention to the work done on the highest-performing sports sedan the Italian brand has ever produced.

Analyzing the changes made to the car, the world champion racer highlighted the aerodynamics of the 4-door sports sedan saying, “I really like it. We’re looking at a car that can be used on an everyday basis, but that can also be taken onto the track, a car you can really enjoy yourself in.”

It seems the front of the car is lower, making the steering faster. It’s fast, easy to drive, and responsive.
– Kimi Räikkönen

“Of course, it’s better at high speeds in terms of balance. It seems the front of the car is lower, making the steering faster. It’s fast, easy to drive, and responsive,” he added.

The GTA and GTAm also benefit from a special new air extractor capable of increasing the car’s ground effect, thus guaranteeing excellent road holding at high speeds. Once he takes off his racing suit and is away from the spotlight, Kimi Räikkönen is back playing the role of father, taking his children to school. He therefore believes that the Giulia GTA represents the ideal mix for use every day and on the track

Follow the rules to avoid losing your licence

vuyi on July 14, 2021

The Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) Act that was expected to come into effect on 1 July 2021, will now be rolled out in a phased approach over the next twelve months. The rollout is expected to take a minimum of a year, with demerits and rehabilitation for bad drivers expected to come into effect between July 2022 and June 2023.

According to Lebogang Gaoaketse, WesBank Head of Marketing and Communication, AARTO remains in principle a much-needed initiative, the purpose of which is to promote safe driving and significantly reduce accidents, injuries, and fatalities on our roads.

“It is well known that most road accidents are preceded in some form or another by a road traffic transgression, so improving our attitudes and behaviour on the road is indeed a matter of extreme importance. The AARTO Act aims to do just that,” says Gaoaketse.

Road traffic injuries and road offences place a massive strain on national economies, but they also have an enormous effect on households
– Lebogang Gaoaketse, WesBank Head of Marketing and Communication

Many road incidents are avoidable, and history provides us with evidence that the right interventions can make a substantial positive impact. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) – each year, more than 1.3 million people are killed on roads worldwide, and as many as 50 million are injured. It forecasts that there will be almost 1.8 million traffic fatalities annually by 2030.

We encourage road users to please abide by the rules of the road and by so doing, to play a much-needed and positive role in improving safety on our roads
– LEBOGANG GAOAKETSE, WESBANK HEAD OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION

“Not only do road traffic injuries and road offences place a massive strain on national economies, but they also have an enormous effect on households. Families may be driven into debt by the loss of a sole income earner in the household, the expenses of prolonged medical care, or the added pressure of caring for a family member who may be disabled as the result of a road traffic injury. The costs also impose significant impact on the health, insurance, and legal systems, and overwhelming sadness and economic consequences to families,” says Gaoaketse.

When the demerit system comes into play, drivers will run the risk of having their drivers’ licences suspended. If they continue to break the rules, they may be required to redo their learners’ and drivers’ licences. In extreme cases they will be permanently banned from driving. Under the AARTO Act, fines will also be significantly increased in an effort to deter drivers from breaking the rules.

“While there have been delays, we support the principles of AARTO. We encourage road users to please abide by the rules of the road and by so doing, to play a much-needed and positive role in improving safety on our roads,” says Gaoaketse.