AUDI LAUNCHES STONKING A7 SPORTBACK BITURBO DIESEL

Audi South Africahas introduced a fourth engine derivative to the A7 Sportback. The car launched in Mzansi back in March 2011 with only two engines. Since then an “entry-level” diesel with 150kW and 400Nm was added, as well as the S7 Quattro pushing forth 309kWand 550Nm. The new engine is also a turbo diesel. A BiTurbo diesel to be exact.

The A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI BiTurbo comes with a diesel V6strapping two turbos on the side and not taking any prisoners. At its best it delivers an uncompromising 230kW between 3900rpm and 4500rpm. Creamy torque of 650Nm appears between 1450rpm and 2800rpm, which is a relatively short band. However, the car can rev all the way up to 5200rpm if driver so desires. Making the moves is an 8-speed Tiptronic gearbox driving all four wheels using the quattro all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. A 0 – 100km/h sprint time of 5.3 seconds is claimed, with top speed limited to 250km/h. our experience with Audi products is that both figures are understated, especially the top speed one.

Despite being somewhat of a hot premium people /utility wagon, Audi claims it will sip diesel at a rate of 6.3 litres per 100km, giving it a theoretical tank range of about 1 030 km. That’s quite something. We understand also that a special exhaust note has been designed to get the blood nice and warm if you are feeling sporty on the day.

Thankfully there is a raft of standard items that somewhat help to justify the sticker price. Such items include 19-inch alloy wheels, a sports suspension, Xenon headlightswith LED daytime running lights, 4-zone climate control, Bluetooth connectivity and MMI Navigation Plus with MMI Touch.

Price

A7 3.0 TDI BiTurbo (R855 000)

Post Title → AUDI LAUNCHES STONKING A7 SPORTBACK BITURBO DIESEL

NEW KIA CONCEPT FOR 2013 FRANKFURT

Playful but gutsy, sturdy yet impish – Kia’s dramatic new European concept to be unveiled at the IAA in Frankfurt on 10 September hints at a possible future B-segment contender ready to take on the urban environment with style and tenacity.

Accepting any challenge that the assured modern motorist may throw at it, this concept car combines a mischievous character in a clearly robust and substantial yet stylish bodyshape featuring a mix of contrasting materials in compact, purposeful dimensions.

Born out of Kia’s determination to seek new compact-car options for the individualistic and demanding driver for whom size is an issue, the concept features intriguing elements not always associated with smaller cars and has been created in Europe with European tastes and expectations very much in mind.

Although there are no current plans for production the vehicle’s unveiling in Frankfurt will be used to gauge potential customer response for future showroom models.

STORY BY KIA

Post Title → NEW KIA CONCEPT FOR 2013 FRANKFURT

NISSAN JUKE GETS FRUGAL DIESEL MOTOR, CVT AUTOMATIC AND AWD

Nissan has been having a fun time selling the Jukesmall crossover vehicle. So much funin fact that the little oddball has been selling an average of about 380 units per month since October 2011. One might even say it’s been a class leader, where there isn’t a class.

Now they’ve addedmore Juke to the basket to help it become more popular in the face of upcoming competition from Ford and Peugeot among others. In addition to the existing models, Nissan has introduced the Juke CVT, which, as the name suggests, uses a CVT automatictransmission instead of the standard 6-speed manual. There’s also a new all-wheel-drive (AWD) model for those who feel they want to feel the Duke in their Juke.

And better still, a new 1.5-litre dCi Acenta+ is now also in the mix. This is very good news to those who found the 141kW petrol a little too eager to visit petrol pumps, like we did. The engine has done its time for sure, this being its 6^th generation incarnation in many different applications, including those of Nissan’s sister brand Renault.

Maximum power of 81kWis applied at 4000rpm, while 260Nmof torque is available from 1500rpm. As such, Nissan claims the Juke diesel is capable of returning 4.2 litres per 100km in 50 ppm clean diesel, with C02 emissions sitting at a mere 109 g/km. The front wheels are pulled forward via a 6-speed manual gearbox.

The three driving modes of Normal, Eco and Sport can be engaged. In Eco mode torque is limited to 220Nm in order to take full advantage of its fuel economy, while the Sport button has that extra 40Nm of dollop for extra wallop. Although it isn’t a sports SUV, Nissan seems confident it will delivery similar driving pleasure to the 141kW version.

Kit is quite comprehensive, even as delivered from the factory. Here we can list niceties like 17-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, keyless entry, rain-sensing wipers, electrically-adjustable mirrors, Bluetoothconnectivity, a USB port, cruise control, six cup holders and others. Yes ABSand VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) are also thrown in at the listed price.


Prices
Nissan Juke 1.5 dCi (R263 800)

Post Title → NISSAN JUKE GETS FRUGAL DIESEL MOTOR, CVT AUTOMATIC AND AWD

NEXT MINI TEASED. HEADING TO MZANSI IN 2014

MINI has revealed this teaser picture of the upcoming all-new 2014 model. The car will be officially unveiled to the public at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show and Tokyo Motor Show at the very same time. Both shows kick off on 22 November. The new MINI hatch will launch in Mzansi in the second half of 2014.

As you can tell from the silhouette under the stretchedsock, MINI should retain its usual BMW-created shape, but feature brand new styling cues, including LED lightsboth front and rear. The other traditional bit to be kept is the round speedometer, but this time straight in front of the driver.

BMW has been developing new 1.5-litre turbo engines with varying power outputs of up to 165kW. We don’t know though, if this mill will make it into the little one, or if the 1.6-litre will be kept instead. 

Post Title → NEXT MINI TEASED. HEADING TO MZANSI IN 2014