MOTORING - The African Mirror

May

2024

VW Polo sedan model range extended with the addition of the fuel efficient TSI engine

VOLKSWAGEN Polo - one of the most popular vehicles in South Africa - has a new edition to its sedan range. The VW Polo Sedan model range has been expanded with the addition of the 85kW 1.0 TSI engine. The new engine will be offered with the Life and Style derivatives. The Polo Sedan Life comes standard with keyless entry and start, rear view camera, 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless mobile charging, wireless App-Connect, power adjustable and folding exterior mirrors, climatronic air conditioning, ambient lighting, leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, front fog lamps and cornering lights, a chrome package and 16-inch…

May

2024

By The African Mirror

Family-Friendly Ford Territory takes on new and familiar roads

MOTORING

THE new Ford Territory marks the brand's highly-anticipated return to the five-seater small Sport Utility Vehicle segment, offering a blend of style and substance perfect for families who value space, comfort, and safety on their travels, whether on familiar roads in the city, or exploring new landscapes. Designed with Ford’s ‘Progressive Energy in Strength’ philosophy, the Territory exudes a commanding presence on the road. Its contemporary design features innovative LED lighting technology, including distinctive headlamps and 3D taillights, adding to its unique identity. “The Territory is an exciting addition to our South African line-up, with a modern design and advanced…

May

2024

By The African Mirror

BMW 7 Series Wins 2024 SA Car of The Year Competition

MOTORING

THE BMW 7 Series clinched the 2024 SA Car of the Year (COTY) title at a prestigious gala event held on the 8th of May in Johannesburg. Among 18 finalists, it emerged as a standout contender, impressing COTY jurors from the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ) throughout the evaluation process. The Suzuki Fronx secured second place overall, with the BMW M2 claiming third. Charles Nortje, Managing Director of Old Mutual Insure (OMI), a leading insurer in South Africa and a main sponsor of COTY for the past two years, expressed his delight at the outcome of this year's…

Apr

2024

By The African Mirror

JAC Motors introduces new T8 2.0L CTi

MOTORING

JAC Motors announced the expansion of its T-Series double-cab range by introducing a T8 2.0L CTi 4x2 Lux derivative priced at R399,900. This expansion addresses intensified competition in the double-cab bakkie market, with new brands entering the local market facing significant competition from established competitors. "As the market shifts towards lifestyle double-cabs, and with new brands entering the market, bakkie buyers now have additional options they can choose from," says Karl-Heinz Göbel, Chief Executive Officer of JAC Motors South Africa. "Market research indicates that prospective double-cab buyers prioritise established local brands with extensive dealer networks and competitive pricing." Since its…

Apr

2024

By The African Mirror

Opel Unveils Stunning Next Generation Grandland SUV

MOTORING

Stylish and dynamic, spacious and versatile with a fully electrified drivetrain portfolio – this the new Opel Grandland that has been unveiled by the Rüsselsheim-based carmaker. The newcomer brings many design features first seen on the Opel Experimental concept car to life for the first time on a serial production model. These features include the 3D Vizor with illuminated Blitz logo proudly sitting at the centre and the permanently illuminated “OPEL” lettering at the rear. Further highlights include the Intelli-Lux Pixel HD lighting system with over 50,000 individual elements, plus the BEV-native STLA Medium platform and new flat battery packaging design which…

Mar

2024

By The African Mirror

Chery South Africa launches new flagship all wheel drive

MOTORING

CHERY South Africa has unveiled its long-awaited new flagship, the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro MAX with all-wheel drive. The new model joins the growing Tiggo Pro line-up as the top of the range model and promises to welcome even more customers to this fast-growing family. With the addition of this model, the Tiggo 8 Pro range grows to three models, the Tiggo 8 Pro Executive with a turbocharged 1.6 litre petrol engine, the Tiggo 8 Pro MAX with a turbocharged 2.0 litre petrol engine and the new all wheel drive model. At the heart of the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro…

Feb

2024

By The African Mirror

Volkswagen presents new models to be launched in 2024

MOTORING

VOLKSWAGEN is set to make a significant impact on the South African passenger car market with the launch of three new models in 2024. The new T-Cross, new Tiguan, new Touareg and the ID.4 were unveiled at a special media event hosted at the Volkswagen manufacturing plant in Kariega, in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. “As we embark on the journey that is 2024, we cannot help but feel a positive sense of anticipation for the exciting year ahead. For the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand, 2024 holds immense significance as we set our sights on re-establishing our presence in the…

Jan

2024

By The African Mirror

New Look: Honda FIT gets a facelift

MOTORING

IN addition to the recently facelifted FIT eHEV, Honda has refreshed the rest of the FIT range with new and sporty styling, in addition to enhanced specification levels. New design elements such as revised bumpers create a more cohesive, characterful aesthetic, which better reflect the car’s dynamic personality, while retaining the iconic shape of the FIT with the clean, crisp horizontal lines with dynamic touches that give it a new personality. These enhancements stay true to Honda’s original Japanese 'Yoo no bi’ design philosophy – recognising the beauty in everyday items refined over time, to make them even more beautiful…

Nov

2023

By The African Mirror

As it turns 100, Ford reveals new products to expand model range in South Africa

MOTORING

FROM the Model T to the Mustang Mach-E, innovation, reimagination and reinvention define Ford’s commitment to creating the most desirable products and services globally. “For 100 years, Ford South Africa has been bringing customers must-have products. We’ve gone beyond just helping people meet their basic transport needs to helping them fulfil their aspirations and dreams,” says Kay Hart, president, Ford International Markets Group. Ford has manufactured and sold a vast range of trend-setting cars that have shaped the local motor industry and popular culture over the past 10 decades, including the likes of the Fairlane, Anglia, Granada, Capri, Escort, Bantam…

Oct

2023

By The African Mirror

Mitsubishi South Africa launches GLX double cab

MOTORING

Local is lekker for Mitsubishi South Africa as it launches new GLX double cab model.Throughout the lifespan of the current Triton, Mitsubishi Motors South Africa has continued to offer models that cater for the exacting needs of South African customers. This has resulted in a variety of locally developed special edition models including the Triton Xtreme in 2020 and the launch of the Triton GL single and double cab derivatives and the Triton Heritage Edition in 2022. The Triton Xtreme was shown earlier this year at Nampo and just recently the café racer inspired Triton Athlete hit the road in…