Author: Ray Stewart

Kia Picanto Coming soon(2023)

Ray Stewart
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Coming soon to a Kia dealership near you, the all-new Kia Picanto. With so many options to choose from in the small entry level car segment the Kia Picanto is often overlooked. I would advise any potential buyer looking for a small economic runaround to go test the new Picanto when it arrives in South Africa later this year. The new look exterior design has certainly improved, turning this little four door gem into an eye catcher when seen on the road. A modern compact hatchback with lots to offer…

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Mercedes Benz A-Class(2023)

Ray Stewart
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Mercedes Benz A-Class   Rumors have been circulating recently regarding Mercedes Benz possibly considering dropping the A-Class models and concentrating its line-up on the larger luxury vehicles. Well, if that is true, it is not happening immediately as the new updated A-Class has just been introduced and is now available in South Africa. Geared to consumers who need an every-day car but still want to drive a German marc, the A-Class in both Sedan and Hatchback fits this requirement. Projecting a sporty muscular design, the front view is dominated by…

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Range Rover Evoque 2024

Ray Stewart
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The latest Range Rover Evoque has been enhanced with a range of design changes, the latest technologies and sophisticated material choices. The model receives a new grille and super-slim Pixel LED headlights. New exterior colours complement the characteristic floating roof, unbroken waistline and flush deployable door handles that have defined the Range Rover design. Arroios Grey, Tribeca Blue and Corinthian Bronze add to the colour palette while contrast roof options enable clients to express their individuality with Narvik Black and Corinthian Bronze to choose from. Select from eight alloy wheel…

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New Range Rover Sport SV

Ray Stewart
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The new Range Rover Sport SV is the most powerful and dynamic Range Rover Sport ever produced. Blending performance, capability, refinement, and enhanced technology to produce an icon SUV at the next level. Powered by a new 467kW, 750Nm 4.4-litre Twin-Turbo MHEV V8 petrol engine, 44kW and 50Nm more than the previous RR generation.  Accelerating from 0-100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds and reaching a top speed of 290 km/h. This outstanding performance is assisted by weight saving features including the world’s first 23-inch Carbon Fibre Wheel option which saves…

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Lexus RZ 450e RZ battery-electric SUV

Ray Stewart
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The first ever RZ battery-electric SUV built on a dedicated electric vehicle platform will be launched in South Africa in the first quarter of 2024.  Powered by an efficient 71.4kWh lithium-ion battery producing 230kW of power and 435Nm of instant torque to all four wheels. A full charge will provide a driving range of 400 km. The all-new electric powertrain with e-Axle electric motors and DIRECT4 all-wheel drive adds to the renowned Lexus electric driving qualities including zero exhaust emissions. The Lexus designers ensure the all-new RZ maintains the Lexus…

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All New Toyota VITZ

Ray Stewart
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The latest entrant in the small-car segment from the Japanese automaker Toyota is the all-new VITZ. Aimed at the cash-strapped consumer, affordability and low running costs are very much top of mind to this segment’s buyers. The small car market comprising A, Sub-B and B segments make up 64% of the South African market, compared to 53% in 2018. Joining its forerunners, the Aygo and Agya the Vitz is the latest offering and again Toyota has partnered with Suzuki to produce this exciting new option. Funky styling, large cabin, class-leading…

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Range Rover Personalised Luxury.

Ray Stewart
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The Range Rover is arguably the world’s most desirable luxury SUV, having led the field in status for more than 50 years. Now the company is setting a new benchmark in personalisation by offering its clients the facility to choose from a wide range of options to create a unique and individual vehicle built to the owners wishes, blending enhanced personilastion with peerless refinement. Bespoke commissioning service is the name given to this capability and allows the client access to a vast range of materials and exterior and interior finishes.…

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Maserati, another Auto manufacturer goes electric!

Ray Stewart
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At the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show Maserati introduced its first full-electric SUV the Grecale Folgore its new GranTurismo to the Asian market. A historic moment for this iconic brand being the first Italian luxury car maker to produce 100% electric vehicles. Folgore is the name of the trident’s electric range and represents luxury, functional beauty and a vision which unites the past with the future. Maserati has committed to produce electric versions of all its models by 2025 and full-electric vehicles alone by 2030. 

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New Mercedes Benz GLC SUV released for 2023

Ray Stewart
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Moving forward with a range of SUV vehicles, Mercedes Benz is putting its money behind the GLC model. Luxury lifestyle with bold appearance and plenty of digitalisation and driving performance. For the South African market, we will start with the GLC 220d, GLC 300d and the GLC 300, all enhanced by mild-hybrid technology. The Avantgarde exterior is fitted with the chrome package including chrome window surrounds and chrome under guard. New radiator grille with headlamp connected directly to the grille to emphasise the vehicles width. 18-inch to 20-inch wheels with…

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VW Golf 8R ready to go end April 2023

Ray Stewart
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At last, following many delays in the official launch, the new VW Golf 8R is ready for sale in South Africa at the end of April 2023. Production constraints and parts shortages have severely derailed the heavily anticipated launch plans, but buyers can now purchase from your local dealer from 25th April 2023. The most powerful production series Golf R hatch (and maybe even the last) develops 235kW of power and 400Nm of torque.  First introduced to SA in 2007, the Golf R has sold 6 000 units and is considered…

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Suzuki Eeco bound for South Africa

Ray Stewart
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The Suzuki Auto company has made massive gains into the South African passenger market since opening a head office in Johannesburg in 2007. Every year the business consistently increases its vehicle sales and in February 2023 the Suzuki brand held 14% of the passenger vehicle sales in the country. As the  company continues to expand through dealer network and introducing new models to its line-up, it has now spotted an opportunity to fill a gap in the commercial vehicle sector. The more on-line shopping grows in South Africa the more…

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Suzuki Flagship Vitara For 2023!

Ray Stewart
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Following the success of the Suzuki Grand  Vitara, the company has now introduced a latest version which becomes the Flagship vehicle Suzuki sells in South Africa. Filled to the brim with the latest technology, luxury features and eye-catching design the all-new Suzuki Grand Vitara is now officially on sale in South Africa. Available in a choice of two different drivetrain options, including the first ever mild hybrid petrol – electric powertrain with three gearbox options and a choice between two and four wheel drive. The new Grand Vitara is the…

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Toyota Fortuner updated for 2023, here’s the details!

Ray Stewart
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Toyota in an effort to counter the launch of the all new Ford Everest has introduced a pile of enhancements to its best selling Fortuner. It will maybe not have the desired impact as the Everest it’s competing with is not just a simple facelift, it’s a completely new modern vehicle bursting with design and technical features.  Let’s have a look at the main areas Toyota have improved the current Fortuner.  The exterior design styling projects a bolder more aggressive look with catamaran-inspired looks mimicking catamaran’s twin hulls. The all-new…

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Kia EV9 – Superior design and technology

Ray Stewart
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Over the last few years, we have seen many automobile manufactures show their intentions in the race to dominate the fully electric driven cars of the future. It was only a matter of time before one such manufacturer sprinted ahead with a winner in this market. Kia is definitely going for this trophy and has seriously put its cards on the table with the all new Kia EV9, a vehicle considered to have exceptional qualities in both design and technology. A first in offering a three-row seat electric EUV, based…

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Toyota Hilux Xtra

Ray Stewart
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The King of the light commercial vehicle market in South Africa, the Toyota Hilux, has a model to suit everyone offering four body shapes, the single-cab,  the xtra-cab, the chassis-cab and the double-cab. To ensure the Hilux remains as the number one seller, Toyota has applied some key changes to the Hilux product line to cater for the ever-evolving needs of its loyal customers.  Let’s firstly look at the Xtra features now available in the Xtra-cab version. Most notable is the Legend grade Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.0, which brings…

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Toyota Corolla Cross Range Expansion

Ray Stewart
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The GR-S Hybrid joins the Corolla Cross range and more specifications are added to the X1 and Xs models.  Following the introduction of the Cross GR Sport in 2022, its Hybrid sibling is the latest model to receive the GR-S touch. This package sharpens the aesthetics and adds improved driving dynamics. The Hybrid features; Revised front grille design finished in gloss black. Gloss black lower apron with signature GR Mesh. Vertical air ducts incorporating fog lamps. Black exterior mirrors paired with black roof and black roof rails. Black roof spoiler,…

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Volvo C40 Recharge.

Ray Stewart
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Volvo continues its charge into the future with fully electric vehicles, in its race to only sell electric vehicles by 2030, opening its order books in South Africa for the C40 at a retail price from R1 285 000 with only 50 units allocated, estimated delivery in June 2023.  Buyers need to bear in mind the purchase price includes the Volvo Care package, which comprises a five-year maintenance plan and warranty (with the battery pack covered for eight years or 160 000km), a home charging wall-box and a public charging cable. The C40…

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Suzuki Jimny 5-Door Fun

Ray Stewart
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Car and Bike SA had the pleasure to test drive the Suzuki Jimny a few years ago which left us impressed by the all-round performance of this funky vehicle especially when taken off-road. Today we are excited to learn the popular Jimny will soon be available in a five-door version. Revealed at the Auto Expo in India yesterday the five door variant is currently in production and will be heading to SA as soon as available. Keeping the 1.5 petrol engine and choice of five-speed automatic transmission the engineers have…

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Suzuki Electric Concept Car

Ray Stewart
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The all new 4×4 SUV all-electric Suzuki has been shown in concept form at the 12th annual Auto Expo in India, with an expected global launch in 2025. The new Suzuki eVX is a concept SUV that combines 4×4 DNA with the latest advanced features currently available in electric vehicles. From an exterior design point of view the model is instantly recognisable as a Suzuki SUV joining the current line-up which includes the Grand Vitara which offers both traditional combustion engines and a modern hybrid option.  The concept design has…

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The new Suzuki Fronx is a true cross over vehicle, combining the comfort and luxury of an SUV with the fun and maneuverability of a hatchback

Ray Stewart
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Over the past decade the Suzuki Auto company has consistently made year on year progression into the South African market. If you just look at the top three best-selling manufacturers in SA for last month, December 2022, you may be surprised to realise……………. No 1: Toyota          11 250 units sold N0 2: Volkswagen    5 331 units sold No 3: Suzuki              3 058 units sold (It is also interesting to note BMW or Mercedes do not feature anywhere in the top ten for…

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