After several months of renovations, the Jaguar Land Rover Bryanston dealership has re-opened featureing a state-of-the-art look and features.
The well-known Jaguar Bryanston dealership at the corner of William Nicol and Peter Place has undergone a complete renovation and reopened as a dual-brand retailer selling and servicing both Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles.
First opened in 1999, the dealership has serviced Jaguar customers in Johannesburg’s northern suburbs for more than 20 years.
The facility was closed temporarily in October 2020 for refurbishments, and has re-emerged as a new, 7,000 square meter premises to continue delivering world-class experiences to customers in the area.
The new dealership’s 1,300 square metre showroom floor is large enough to showcase 20 new and approved pre-owned vehicles, and visitors can relax or work in a comfortable lounge area complete with a complimentary coffee barista.
A delivery bay adjacent to the showroom offers an intimate and private atmosphere for the handover of customers’ new luxury vehicles.
The site’s overhauled service centre is equipped with 22 workshop bays and lifts, including areas dedicated for Jaguar Land Rover’s growing selection of electrified vehicles.
The spacious parking area is also prepared for the future of emissions-free motoring with two dedicated electric vehicle (EV) parking bays with 22kW AC charging stations. These chargers are available to the public with any EV or plug-in hybrid vehicle during business hours.
In celebration of the new Polo with IQ.DRIVE, Volkswagen, the People’s Car brand has launched South Africa’s first NFT (Non-Fungible Token) brand campaign
In celebration of the new Polo with IQ.DRIVE, Volkswagen is taking things to the next level while embracing the future of mobility. The People’s Car brand has launched South Africa’s first NFT (Non-Fungible Token) brand campaign, with a future-focused commercial incorporating Volkswagen’s first collections of NFTs.
“Our new Polo NFT campaign and Mzansiverse commercial is testament to Volkswagen’s eye on the future, not only in the innovation of our vehicles but in embracing the passions of our fans and driving evolution in how we engage with them,” said Bridget Harpur, Head of Marketing for the Volkswagen Passenger Car Brand.
Inspired by the virtual realm and gaming trends, the new commercial portrays the innovative new Polo navigating through a futuristic and gamified version of Mzansi – the Mzansiverse – with digital avatar characters to match.
The ad offers fans a window into a future South Africa like they’ve never seen it before. Inspired by the metaverse and powered by the new Polo with IQ.DRIVE, Volkswagen has created a real-meets-virtual world where anything is possible.
Like Volkswagen, the commercial is leading the way as the first brand ad, globally, to incorporate NFTs in the creative. To celebrate the game-changing arrival of the new Polo, Volkswagen has created five unique collections of NFTs and dropped them into the commercial to gamify the fan experience.
With the Polo being locally manufactured and in the spirit of Volkswagen’s continued commitment to ‘Drive Local, Support Local’ the entire campaign, commercial and NFT Collections are all proudly locally created.
Hyundai’s all-new, fourth-generation Tucson SUV has arrived in the local market.
Hyundai’s all-new, fourth-generation Tucson SUV has arrived in the local market with a revolutionary and ambitious new look that follows the company’s “Sensuous Sportiness” design identity, and larger dimensions to offer a spacious, luxurious interior and a superior drive.
Since its first launch 16 years ago, the Tucson has become Hyundai’s best-selling SUV with 7 million sales globally. In South Africa, the 1st-generation Tucson was one of the models that placed the Hyundai brand squarely on the map. Its popularity continued, because 15 346 units of the previous, 3rd-generation Tucson were sold locally.
Design
The all-new Tucson features a bigger and wider body than its predecessor and has a muscular stance combined with sharp angles and dynamic proportions. It is the first Hyundai SUV to be developed according to the company’s “Sensuous Sportiness” design identity.
The most prominent highlight is the vehicle’s front grille, where Parametric Hidden Lights provide a strong first impression. When the lights are off, the front of the vehicle appears covered in dark, geometric patterns, with no distinction between the signature LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), which are seamlessly integrated into the grille.
Thanks to new half-mirror lighting technology, when the DRLs are switched on, the dark chrome appearance of the grille transforms into jewel-like shapes, bringing an eye-catching element to an otherwise sleek appearance.
To the rear, wide tail lamps with parametric hidden light details continue the design theme. The new Tucson’s rear bumper integrates parametric pattern detail with a three-dimensional effect, coupled with a sporty trim. It is the first Hyundai model to apply a hidden rear wiper, which sits under the spoiler.
Inside, a new Audiovisual Navigation (AVN) touch screen fills the centre of the vehicle. Hyundai’s designers dispensed with physical knobs and buttons, so all AVN, heat, ventilation and air conditioning functions are controlled via touch, making it the first Hyundai model to feature a full touchscreen console.
The Premium derivative features a cloth seat covering, while the Executive and Elite variants have artificial leather seats.
Customers can choose from seven exterior colours, Shimmering Silver, Silky Bronze, Phantom Black, White Cream, Crimson Red and Deep Sea.
Comfort and convenience
The all-new Tucson is equipped with a range of comfort features, including Multi-Air Mode, three-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats, and ventilated front seats for the Executive and Elite derivatives. Other features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a premium sound system, a wireless charging pad in the centre console, and front and rear USB ports.
The Elite variants are equipped with a panoramic glass sun roof.
Safety
The new Tucson is fitted with a six-airbag system: front and side airbags for the driver and front passenger, and curtain airbags which also offers protection for rear occupants. The outer seats on the rear bench have ISOFIX latching points for fitment of child protection seats.
The latest Tucson is also equipped with the latest Hyundai SmartSense active safety and driving assistance features which include:
In the Executive derivative:
Blind-spot Collision Warning (BCW)
Rear Cross-traffic Alert (RCA)
In the Elite derivatives:
Blind-spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA)
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA)
Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
Lane Follow Assist (LFA)
Smart Cruise Control (SCC)
Rear Cross-traffic Collision Assist (RCCA)
Rear Cross-traffic Alert (RCA)
Fatigue Detection/Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
High Beam Assist (HBA)
Powertrains
Two 4-cylinder engines – a naturally aspirated 2-litre petrol and a 2-litre turbodiesel – are used as powerplants for the new Tucson in South Africa.
The Smartstream G 2.0 MPI petrol engine, linked to 6-speed automatic transmission, does duty in the Premium, Executive and one of the Elite variants, while the Smartstream D 2.0 turbocharged diesel engine, coupled with an 8-speed transmission, is used in the other Elite derivative.
The 2-litre petrol engine delivers 115 kW peak power at 6 200 r/min and 192 Nm peak torque at 4 500 r/min. The turbodiesel boasts 137 kW peak power at 4 000 r/min and 416 Nm maximum torque between 2 000 and 2750 r/min.
All four variants feature four drive modes – Eco, Smart, Normal and Sport.
The Smart driving mode offers a blend of economical driving, switching to Sport mode when the system senses the driver’s urgency.
Pricing
The suggested retail prices of the variants in the new Tucson range are:
Tucson 2.0 NU Premium AT
R 519 900
Tucson 2.0 NU Executive AT
R 569 900
Tucson 2.0 NU Elite AT
R 634 900
Tucson R2.0 Elite Turbodiesel AT
R 699 900
All new Hyundai Tucsons are sold with a 7-year/200 000 km manufacturer’s warranty, a 6-year/90 000 km service plan and roadside assistance for 7 years or 150 000 km.
Honda Motor Southern Africa announces the return of Honda Dream Days with an exciting CASH BACK SALE!
From 14-31 March 2022 Honda Dream Days CASH BACK SALE will offer customers great deals on *selected Honda vehicles!
For many years, Honda Dream Days Sales events have been affording customers the opportunity of joining the Honda family by offering great deals on selected Honda vehicles.
Honda Dreams Days has become an important event on Honda’s sales calendar and this year’s event, taking place from 14-31 March 2022 will be offering attractive CASH BACK deals on selected vehicles for a limited period of time.
The Honda Dream Days CASH BACK Sales event also gives customers the opportunity to *structure their cash back deal according to their financial needs.
Honda has a variety of vehicles to offer potential customers depending on their requirements and budget. The Honda Dream Days CASH BACK Sales event will feature deals on a range of Honda vehicles including the versatile WR-V, *FIT and the recently updated Amaze.
The Honda Dream Days event gives customers the opportunity to purchase a high quality, Fuel-Efficient and reliable Honda vehicle at a reduced price. Honda encourages customers to visit their nearest Honda dealership to take advantage of these exciting CASH BACK Sales offers!
“Through Honda Dream Days Events we give new customers the opportunity of joining the Honda brand and family, says Dinesh Govender General Manager of Honda Motor Southern Africa. We understand that customers are looking for value for money in the vehicles they purchase and through Honda Dream Days Sales Events we offer potential customers the opportunity of purchasing a high-quality Honda vehicle at a reduced price!”
To participate in Honda Dream Days, members of the public with an interest in Honda are invited to visit any Honda dealership during business hours and are reminded that the Honda Dream Days CASH BACK sales event is only applicable from 14 – 31 March 2022.
*Terms and conditions apply.Offer excludes FIT Hybrid. While stocks last.
Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) has appointed a new Human Resources Director and Board member.
Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) has appointed a new Human Resources Director and Board member, to be based in Kariega, Eastern Cape.
Russell Coleman will join the VWSA Board of Management from 1 April 2022. Russell brings with him over 20 years of experience in the manufacturing space, both in the automotive and FMCG industries.
Russell Coleman joins VWSA Board of Management
Born and raised in Gqeberha, he joins VWSA from Beiersdorf in KwaZulu Natal, where he held the position of HR Director Southern Africa. Before this, he occupied various Human Resources positions with companies such as Danone, Parmalat, Mondelez International and Faurecia Automotive.
“We are excited to welcome Russell to the Board of Management,” said VWSA Chairman and Managing Director, Robert Cisek. “I have no doubt that his decades of knowledge and experience of people operations within a manufacturing environment will greatly benefit VWSA and our employees.”
Not all car features work to make driving easier and can instead be more irritating than helpful
Cars are fitted with numerous features aimed at making travel safe and convenient for both drivers and passengers. Most of these features serve that purpose but there are a few which work well in principle but fall short in reality.
Here are the 5 features which annoy me the most.
Inaccurate GPS
Satellite navigation is great for guiding you to your destination – provided it’s up-to-date and is accurate. Nothing irritates me more than trying to find my way using an ineffective navigation system, particularly when it comes as a standard feature in a freshly minted vehicle.
Sure, roads change all the time but it is inexcusable that some manufacturers release cars with outdated GPS, leaving motorists to navigate using their phones.
2. Voice-control systems
Voice control systems are a pain in the you-know-what and nothing can be more irritating than a computerized voice parroting your commands inaccurately. Granted, voice control systems weren’t designed with African languages in mind and unless the system is fitted in a premium ride, they can be exasperating to use.
3. Auto Stop/Start system
Although they have been around for a while, the jury (comprised of everyday motorists), is still not unanimous on the overall effectiveness of auto Stop/Start systems. While they are great for saving fuel and are environmentally friendly, the general concern of many motorists is the amount of strain exacted on the engine as a result of the constant stopping and starting.
The other concern relates to the increased friction on some components within the engine and ignition system which can take quite a bit of strain when the car is in constant stop-and-go traffic as you consistently engage the brakes under heavy traffic conditions. At any given time in Johannesburg, congestion on the road could be caused by motorists slowing down to rubberneck an accident site, merging lanes dues to roadworks, a vehicular breakdown, or just plain ol’ bumper-to-bumper traffic; all of which could cause the engine to stop and start hundreds of times.
In my opinion, though, the inclusion of an auto stop/start system in a car results in better fuel efficiency and emissions figures (which is advantageous to manufacturers) than it provides a good driving experience for drivers.
4. Non-adjustable steering wheels
It is difficult to assume a safe seating position when you can’t adjust the steering wheel to suit your posture. Most steering wheels can be adjusted up and down but I think all steering wheels should come with the option of being pushed inwards towards the dash and outwards towards your chest as well.
A non-adjustable steering wheel is uncomfortable and can make driving dangerous which is why it’s one of my biggest bugbears.
5. Low-quality reverse cameras
Reverse cameras are generally a good idea but some manufacturers fit units that simply do not meet the basic quality standards of a mid-grade mobile phone. Poor visuals, fuzzy images, and low lighting (even after you’ve made the necessary adjustments) all result in a headache for the driver. In some instances, it would be better to just look over your shoulder!
Volvo Car South Africa has announced that its local range of vehicles is now almost entirely electrified.
Volvo Car South Africa has announced that its local range of vehicles is now almost entirely electrified as the Swedish luxury firm moves a step closer to its global ambition of transforming into a fully electric car company by 2030.
The updated South African line-up now comprises predominantly all-electric, plug-in hybrid and mild-hybrid options.
Greg Maruszewski, Managing Director at Volvo Car South Africa, said the move is in line with the Gothenburg-based company’s global strategy and affords South African motorists the opportunity to experience the various benefits of the three stages of vehicle electrification.
“Our mild-hybrid vehicles boast reduced tailpipe emissions, improved fuel economy and stronger on-road performance, making them ideal stepping stones to our plug-in hybrids – which add the major advantage of a pure-electric driving mode – and ultimately our all-electric offering. In short, our completely renewed line-up covers all of the electrification bases,” said Maruszewski.
According to Maruszewski, Volvo Car South Africa’s decision to shift its primary focus to hybrid vehicles is based on the belief that this type of powertrain currently represents the ideal solution for the majority of the company’s local customers.
With the S90 and V90 Cross Country line-ups now also featuring exclusively mild-hybrid powertrains, the only purely petrol-powered options that remain in Volvo’s local range are the T-badged derivatives in the popular XC40 line-up.
Maruszewski further pointed to not only the world-class safety technology intrinsic to Volvo’s vehicles but also the class-leading connectivity available in various models, including the company’s latest Android-powered infotainment system, which ships complete with built-in Google apps and services.
In global terms, Volvo’s electrified line-up continues its rapid growth, with Recharge models making up 34 percent of the company’s global sales volume in the fourth quarter of 2021 and plug-in hybrids accounting for 28 percent.
Tiger Wheel & Tyre is driving the green initiative with the launch of the company’s first solar-powered store.
South Africa’s much-loved automotive parts and fitment brand marks another milestone in its journey towards a healthier environment – and its drive for carbon neutrality.
The Company’s Fourways store is very proud to be the first of the Tiger Wheel & Tyre family to complete the move to solar power. This is just the first store to go solar, as the Company continues its mission to prioritize a carbon-neutral footprint, with all stores running on solar energy within the next three years. Tiger Wheel & Tyre’s other fitment centres are currently in various phases of this transition.
The Company cemented its decision to use renewable energy for a number of reasons. The most important of these is the brand’s stated responsibility to ensure a healthier future for generations to come.
Other important factors that informed this decision include soaring energy prices and the uncertainty of load-shedding in South Africa.
Alex Taplin, TiAuto Investments CEO, is passionate about the project. “Society and that includes us, our shareholders and financiers have a duty to take active steps towards using clean renewable energy sources to lessen our impact upon the environment. State-of-the-art technology that embraces sustainability is now readily available, so it would be highly remiss of us were we not to incorporate these technologies and obvious benefits into our everyday operations.”
“The advantages of solar power are tangible and measurable. By way of example, if we take just the initial Fourways store pilot project, we’re looking at a reduction of over 28,000kg of reduced CO² emissions per annum. That’s the equivalent of 64 trees saved.”
“And that’s just one store! Once we have fully executed stores in Phase 1 to solar power, representing 16 stores, we will be reducing emissions equivalent by over 560,000 kg of CO², as well as reducing our oil equivalent by 80,000 litres a year. That’s the same as saving 1,200 trees a year. We call on other businesses to move to sustainable energy, as we will all benefit in the end.”
Tiger Wheel & Tyre’s solar solution is all the more impressive as it enables stores to continue full operation at normal capacity, without any reduction in our product or superior service offerings. What’s more, thanks to being increasingly self-sufficient from a power supply perspective, Company’s power system is now even more stable, and in a small way, we can assist by reducing reliance on an already overburdened Eskom Grid.
The South African sun can be harsh, making it difficult to drive safely.
There are a few ways you can reduce the heat levels within your car either by using sun shades or window tinting.
Here are a couple of ways you can cool your car down quickly so that you and your passengers can enjoy a comfortable drive as soon as possible.
If you drive a car that enables you to open your windows remotely, do so as you approach your vehicle.
If not, simply open all the windows all the way down as soon as you get in it.
Turn the air conditioner on to the coldest setting and crank it all the way up.
Make sure you set the air con to fresh so that air from outside comes into the vehicle. Avoid recycling the air which is already inside the car.
Adjust the airflow so that blows through the footwells and not directly towards your face
Drive like this for a few minutes until all the hot air has been pushed out of the car.
Only put your windows up when the air inside is cooler than the air outside.
Change the air-con setting to recycle so that the cool air circulates within the car.
Adjust the aircon temperature to your desired setting
Enjoy a cool drive!
Remember that the interior of a car can reach dangerously high temperatures very quickly which is why it is never a good idea to leave small children, the elder, or pets unattended in a car.
The first locally engineered and produced 7th generation ISUZU D-MAX bakkie rolled off the production line today.
The first locally engineered and produced 7th generation ISUZU D-MAX bakkie rolled off the production line today.
This signifies the beginning of Isuzu Motors South Africa’s (IMSAf) mass production of their soon-to-be-launched bakkie. High-ranking officials, led by the Premier of the Eastern Cape, Oscar Mabuyane, and Naamsa CEO, Mikel Mabasa, attended the proceedings at the OEM’s manufacturing plant in Gqeberha.
Premier of the Eastern Cape: Oscar Mabuyane, President and CEO: Billy Tom
This is a key milestone for ISUZU as this 7th generation bakkie is the culmination of a R1.2 billion investment the business announced in 2019.
“ISUZU’s Struandale plant and the new generation ISUZU D-MAX programme is crucial to the communities in the Nelson Mandela Bay metro and the livelihoods of thousands in South Africa and Africa,” said Billy Tom, President and CEO of ISUZU Motors South Africa. “We are delighted to see our significant investment in the motor industry come to fruition, and to secure the jobs of so many citizens while simultaneously bringing a vehicle re-engineered for African conditions to market.”
Image Credit: @billy.tom (Instagram
The investment was also crucial in ensuring the plant is upgraded to include state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment. The ISUZU manufacturing plant in Struandale now boasts a new body shop at the Struandale Manufacturing Plant, a new chassis assembly line at Isuzu’s Kempston Road facility, significant modifications to the paint shop and general assembly areas.
“The new vehicle programme is dependent on more sophisticated tooling, technologies and increased automation, in line with technological advancements and improved efficiencies,” said Dominic Rimmer, IMSAf Senior Vice President Technical Operations. “We have had to make significant changes to our facilities to accommodate new manufacturing techniques where we have invested in complete new machinery and equipment in both our body shop and chassis assembly line.
Image Credit: @billy.tom (Instagram
In addition to preparing new facilities for the assembly of the new ISUZU D-MAX, ISUZU engineers have been hard at work doing validation, homologation, and durability testing in preparation for the new bakkie’s introduction to the South African and Rest of Africa (ROFA) markets.
ISUZU Motors South Africa will officially launch the ISUZU D-MAX on the 7th April 2022 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha. Dubbed the ISUZU City, the OEM has appointed the services of local suppliers to ensure the launch benefits surrounding businesses.
Image Credit: @billy.tom (Instagram
The new ISUZU D-MAX is the seventh generation ISUZU light commercial vehicle to be produced in Port Elizabeth over a period of 42 years.
Jaguar South Africa recently conducted a week long experiment in a bid to prove just how much cheaper owning an electric vehicle is, compared to one driven by an internal combustion engine. Here are the results of that test.
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