Author: Ray Stewart

All new Kia Sportage SUV(2021)

Ray Stewart
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The Kia Motor company (Korean Industry of Automobile) first launched in South Africa in December 1997 through a division of the Imperial group. Since launch the brand has increased in sales and penetration achieving a place in the top-ten automakers in South Africa. The latest model to be given a re-design is the larger SUV in the family the Kia Sportage. The fifth generation Sportage projects cutting edge sleek yet muscular exterior design along with new design features in the interior. Kia’s acclaimed “Opposites United” design philosophy is at the heart of the new Sportage youthful appearance. The…

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Range Rover Velar ( 2021) spec and pricing

Ray Stewart
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The Range Rover model line-up has always been the vehicle of choice for Royalty and celebrities. The newest variant to join is the Range Rover Velar introduced in September 2017 and now available with an expanded array of power and tech. This update includes new infotainment technology, new design features and a choice of five powertrains including an electric plug-in hybrid option, all available in South Africa. Exterior enhancements include a black contrast roof, matching 20-inch black alloy wheels, sliding panoramic roof and for the buyers of the special edition Landmark model exterior colours of Lantau Bronze, Hakuba…

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New Jaguar E-Pace now available(2021) Spec and Pricing

Ray Stewart
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The new Jaguar E-Pace with feature enhancements, improved exterior and more powerful engines arrives in SA. So, what is the difference from the outside. A new mesh grille design with diamond detailing and the Jaguar heritage logo featuring Noble Chrome finish. New side fender vents with the iconic Leaper emblem and new front all-LED headlights with Double J Daytime Running lights. Rear bumper features a mesh insert sitting between the integrated tail pipes that are standard with four-cylinder petrol engines. The R-Dynamic trim has additional black Exterior Pack, which delivers an even more dynamic appearance with bespoke elements…

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All New Kia Sonet( 2021) Spec and Pricing

Ray Stewart
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The B-SUV Segment in South Africa contains Urban Compact SUV’s and is one of the most active and burgeoning segments amongst the many Auto categories. Built in Anantapur in India the new Kia Sonet is one of the vehicles of choice in this segment. The new Sonet has been re-developed and engineered from the ground up and has been designed as the compact SUV which ticks all the boxes offering many features and remaining value for money. Engineers from India and South Korea have tested the new Sonet covering over 100 000km across diverse driving terrain, situations and climatic…

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Land Rover Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque special editions for South Africa

Ray Stewart
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Two of South Africa’s most popular compact SUVs, the Land Rover Discovery and Range Rover Evoque, will be offered in a special edition model. Firstly, the new Discovery Sport Urban Edition based on the current R-Dynamic specification will feature distinct design elements including shadow aluminium finishes, non-leather Luxtec Suedecloth seats and a black contrast roof. Available in six colours, Namib Orange, Carpathian Grey, Firenze Red, Santorini Black, Ostuni White and Hakuba Silver. Also included are Land Rover’s latest technology such as the powered tailgate, ClearSight Interior Rear View Mirror which switches between a video feed and mirror allowing…

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First Volkswagen Golf 8 GTi lands in South Africa

Ray Stewart
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The generation eight Golf Gti will launch in SA from the third quarter of 2021, delayed as a result of the global shortage of the semiconductor chips. Some new Golf 8 Gti units started arriving in the country from the middle of April 2021. These units will be held until enough vehicles are available for the launch estimated to be at the beginning of the third quarter of 2021. South Africa is one of the Golf GTi’s largest markets outside of Europe selling over 14 000 units of the Golf 7 Gti since its introduction in July…

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New Look Suzuki Swift (2021)

Ray Stewart
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The model which is driving the success for Suzuki in South Africa is the Suzuki “Swift”, selling 749 units in March 2021 from a total number of units sold of 1 962 (38% of total sales). The Swift is also South Africa’s top award-winning Budget car of the year. Introduced to the SA market in 2018 the Swift has become a best seller and notched up Car of the year nominations in South Africa, Japan, and Europe. Now its time to give this winner an updated fresh face to ensure it stays on top of the…

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Introducing the new Jaguar I-PACE Black(2021)

Ray Stewart
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  As car manufactures accept the future of the automobile lies in all-electric powered vehicles they know they need to produce more appealing styled cars to ensure customers continue to buy their brand. Jaguar is one manufacturer which has pushed the boundaries in car design producing the I-Pace full electric model. This vehicle has achieved global recognition and won multiple awards for its outstanding design. In a further bid to up the tempo Jaguar is now launching the I-Pace Black edition. The Black variant includes a panoramic roof, privacy glass, and black gloss treatment on the mirror…

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Nissan Magnite (2021) Pricing and Spec

Ray Stewart
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The highly anticipated arrival to South Africa of the compact utility SUV the Nissan Magnite has been confirmed and is now available for purchase. The B-Sport Utility vehicle will compete with the likes of the newly introduced Suzuki Vitara Brezza and the Toyota Urban Cruiser. The Nissan Magnite comes with many first-in-class and best-in-segment features that will surely attract new buyers in this category to the Nissan brand. The Around View Monitor (AVM) is one of these features which provides the driver with a virtual bird’s eye view from above the vehicle. Other Best-in class…

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Toyota Prius (2021) Spec and Pricing

Ray Stewart
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The Toyota Prius is no stranger to the automobile market especially on the global stage where celebrities have made it an icon. Now in its 4 th – generation it continues to stand out from the crowd. Going into 2021 the Prius has been outfitted with some notable upgrades and enhancements aligning it with other premium models in the Toyota stable. Keeping Safety top of mind Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) has been added bringing with it an array of safety aide including Pre-Crash System (PCS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Automatic High Beam (AHB), Blind Spot Monitor…

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Powerful Volkswagen Amarok now Bullet Proof

Ray Stewart
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The New VW Amarok not only produces 190 kW and 580 Nm but also offers the ultimate civilian level of armoured protection namely B6 that can stop bullets fired from assault rifles including AK47. The conversion is also available in handgun protection level on the Amarok the B4. The conversion entails stripping the interior to the bare metal and meticulously building the vehicle up as an armoured unit. Special steel armoured plates are used for the body and 38mm thick armoured glass for the glazing. The suspension needs to be upgraded to support the 650…

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Ford EcoSport BLACK added to EcoSport line-up (2021) Price

Ray Stewart
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The compact sport utility vehicle segment (C-SUV) has had an unrivalled leader in South Africa since its launch, the Ford EcoSport. To ensure this model holds its number one position Ford have now introduced the limited edition EcoSport Black. As the name would suggest, the popular Ambiente 1.5 Auto has been used as the base model and given many enhancements in black to create the new limited edition. The EcoSport has always been a familiar face on South African roads and the new Black model will be easily recognisable first by the front grill and skid plate…

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V8 Engine for Jaguar F-Type in South Africa(2021)

Ray Stewart
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The new Jaguar V8 P450 model will be available in both Coupe and Convertible body styles in SA in the second half of 2021. With 331 kW and maximum torque of 580 Nm generated from just 2 500rpm. Presented in all-wheel drive with intelligent Driveline Dynamics or for the purists, rear-wheel drive. Both powertrains achieve 0-100km/h in just 4.6 seconds with maximum speed of 285km/h. All F-TYPEs feature eight-speed Quick-shift transmission with full manual control using either the Sportshift gear selector or gearshift paddles. To enhance the new F-Type, a special edition P450 R-Dynamic Black model will…

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Suzuki Continues to Break Sales Records March 2021

Ray Stewart
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It was only in October 2020 when Suzuki first broke through the 2 000-sales level selling 2 032 units from dealerships, rental, and government sales. Now in March 2021 the Japanese vehicle manufacturer has smashed that record by selling 2 397 units which was a 12% increase on the previous record and a massive 92% increase over March 2020. (Note: Covid would have had an impact on March 2020 sales). Reports from Naamsa indicate Suzuki now has 8,54% market share of passenger vehicles and 5,23% share of the total industry. This means Suzuki is outperforming the general vehicle sales…

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The number of 500s made in Poland reaches 2.5 million!

Ray Stewart
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You see them on the road in South Africa and in Italy, UK, France, Germany, Spain, Belgium, Netherlands and Japan to mention just a few countries in the world. The Fiat 500 just achieved 2.5 million models produced at Stellantis the Fiat plant in Tychy Poland. This is a record for a single model production at this factory. The actual 2.5 million model manufactured was a 500 Hybrid equipped with a 70 – hp mild hybrid engine, an efficient compact lightweight hybrid power unit reducing consumption and emissions. This variant was Fiats entry-point into the world…

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Mercedes Benz Vito Facelift(2021) Spec and Pricing

Ray Stewart
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In 1996 Mercedes first launched the compact Vito, a van in the 2.6 to 2.8 tonne class which heralded the start of a new age for light-weight commercial vehicles. 25 years and 1.8 million units later the latest facelift Vito is available in Panel Van and Tourer variants with a maximum payload of 1 369 kilograms. The updated Vito has not only been made sportier and more stylish; it is also packed with value-added enhancements. In a time where more and more companies are offering on-line home deliveries the new Vito is an ideal choice as a…

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New RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback(2021) Spec and Pricing

Ray Stewart
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  Audi has refined the RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback to make it even more suitable for everyday use. The RS 6 Avant is now fourth generation and the RS 7 in its second generation officially available in South Africa from 1 st April 2021. Both models have had body enhancements with the 6 gaining 40 mm in width on each side from its broad flared wheel arches. The 7 sits lower and is now 1,950mm wide at the front fenders. Both models have a new hood together with a power dome and…

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Toyota Urban Cruiser(2021) Spec and Pricing

Ray Stewart
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In South Africa Toyota dominates the large business and Leisure SUV segment with the Hilux and Fortuner line-up. To address a gap in the small SUV segment, Toyota SA will extend its model offering by introducing the Toyota Urban Cruiser. It’s important to note at this time like the recently launched Starlet, the new Urban Cruiser also comes from the Toyota-Suzuki alliance and is really a re-badged Suzuki Breeza. The customer advantage of this partnership is the comprehensive dealer support, customer service and parts supply network Toyota SA can deliver. The new variant aims at the…

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Ford Everest Sport SUV(2021) Specs and Pricing

Ray Stewart
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In todays auto sales market one of the most lucrative segments to be in is the Sport Utility Vehicle market. More and more South African consumers are buying into this sector and leaving the four-door saloon segment in the past. The Ford Motor Company has a major contender in the Ranger range and through its Everest offer Ford is bolstering its line-up. Based on the popular Everest XLT, the new Sport derivative includes a host of features and enhancements to the exterior and inside the cabin. Available in 4×2 and 4×4 guise equipped with an…

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Volkswagen Golf GTi MK8(2021) specifications

Ray Stewart
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  As the hot hatch segment becomes more competitive in South Africa, VW is set to launch the eighth generation Golf GTi which will arrive in the second quarter of 2021. The original GTi was launched at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt 45 years ago, and in South Africa in July 2013, selling 14 252 units since that date. Our local market is the biggest Golf GTi market outside of Europe, 34% of the total seventh generation Golf sales were the GTi derivative and the Golf model range contributes 29.1% of the A Hatch segment in SA.…

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