tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59411589389584046362024-03-19T07:14:29.207+02:00My South African Car BlogCars Administratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08639914200868374924noreply@blogger.comBlogger216125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5941158938958404636.post-70586735231803449012014-03-05T09:24:00.002+02:002014-03-05T09:25:31.601+02:00Aston Martin Rapide S Video Review by Ciro De Siena<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/wp-content/themes/carstheme/timthumb.php?src=/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/aston-martin-video-review.jpg&w=428&h=320.71002710027&zc=1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/wp-content/themes/carstheme/timthumb.php?src=/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/aston-martin-video-review.jpg&w=428&h=320.71002710027&zc=1" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Aston Martin is a brand synonymous with sports cars. The iconic brand has produced some of the most famous cars in history, and was even used by the legendary James Bond.<br />
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What then are they doing playing in the four door space? <a href="https://plus.google.com/107269054658123043371">Ciro De Siena</a> from Cars.co.za took a drive in the latest four-door Aston Martin Rapide S to find out.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/TNB6lbrO-cQ?rel=0" width="560"></iframe>
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<h3>
About the Rapide S</h3>
<div>
The luxury Rapide S is the latest creation from Aston Martin, with a 6 litre V12 engine... every bit a sports car. 0-100 will be achieved in 4.9 seconds and the car produces 620Nm of torque. </div>
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<a href="https://astonmartin.blob.core.windows.net/sitefinity/dragon-88/rapideengine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://astonmartin.blob.core.windows.net/sitefinity/dragon-88/rapideengine.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.astonmartin.com/cars/rapide-s">Click here for full information on the Aston Martin Rapide S</a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/aston-martin-rapide-video-review/11734/">Cars.co.za</a>Rizzlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00441335102161510245noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5941158938958404636.post-45846989581947554572014-02-14T08:45:00.004+02:002014-02-14T08:45:53.316+02:00South African Range Rover Autobiography video review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/wp-content/gallery/range-rover-autobiography/land-rover-range-rover-autobiography-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/wp-content/gallery/range-rover-autobiography/land-rover-range-rover-autobiography-3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Range Rover Autobiography is the "corner office of motoring" according to South African motoring journalist and TV personality Ciro De Siena. Costing almost the same as a family home, I should hope so!<div>
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But is the car really worth the money (and hype)? Watch Cars.co.za's latest video review on the Range Rover Autobiography to find out.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/2IB-z8J2T6c?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<div>
<a href="http://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/range-rover-autobiography-reviewed/9804/">http://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/range-rover-autobiography-reviewed/9804/</a></div>
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Rizzlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00441335102161510245noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5941158938958404636.post-80310065013314128022013-08-15T10:49:00.000+02:002013-08-15T10:49:35.611+02:00July motoring report - South Africa<b>Cars.co.za</b> has released their <a href="http://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/The_Cars.co.za_July_Motoring_report_infographic/5246/">July motoring report infographic</a>.<br />
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Headlined by the release of the <a href="http://www.cars.co.za/newcars/Jaguar/F-Type/">Jaguar F-Type</a>, which apparently has an exhaust which mimics the sounds of a warzone, the infographic takes a look at the major players in the South African new and used car markets.<br />
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<b>Full motoring report infographic</b><br />
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<a href="http://images.cars.co.za/articles/Motoring%20Infographic%20July.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.cars.co.za/articles/Motoring%20Infographic%20July.jpg" width="600px" /></a></div>
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<br />Rizzlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00441335102161510245noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5941158938958404636.post-63866403262016898852013-08-14T21:44:00.002+02:002013-08-14T21:44:16.393+02:00The rise and rise of the petrol price in South AfricaIt's no secret, <b>the price of petrol is constantly on the rise</b>, but just how much has fuel spiked in the last 10 years? The answer is a lot, in fact over <b><u>339%</u></b> in South African according to an infographic released by Cars.co.za earlier this month.<br />
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The graphic plots the South African price of both petrol and diesel over the last 10 years, from humble beginnings around the R3.00 mark in 2003, up to their astronomic recent figures of over R12.00 per litre.<br />
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<h3>
Petrol price infographic</h3>
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<a href="http://images.cars.co.za/articles/Petrol-price-south-africa-infographic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://images.cars.co.za/articles/Petrol-price-south-africa-infographic.jpg" width="544" /></a></div>
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Full story source: <a href="http://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/Petrol_price_in_South_Africa_over_the_last_10_years_infographic/1447/">Cars.co.za fuel infographic</a>:Rizzlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00441335102161510245noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5941158938958404636.post-53047365628851518232013-07-13T18:47:00.000+02:002013-07-13T18:47:23.576+02:00Ford Focus ST 2.0 Reviewed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s3.amazonaws.com/assets.myfordmag.com/production/attacheds/1383/original/40_2013-focus-st_01.jpg?1341240904" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/assets.myfordmag.com/production/attacheds/1383/original/40_2013-focus-st_01.jpg?1341240904" width="400" /></a></div>
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Ford’s ST range has become an icon in the hot hatch segment,
and the new range continues to build on this legacy. I recently drove the 2013
Ford Focus ST.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<h3>
<b>Exterior -
unmistakably Ford Focus</b></h3>
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The <b>new 4-door Ford Focus</b> has a bulky, chiseled chassis, and
though a hatch, is by no means a small car. This gives the car a very powerful
look and instills a feeling of invincibility while driving. My test car came in
Tangerine Scream, the newest addition to Ford’s rather ostentatious orange-palette.
This is arguably the most unique and eye catching colour on the road and,
coupled with the tank-like chassis and the letters “ST” scrawled across the
rear of the car, mean that you are guaranteed to be noticed.</div>
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<h3>
<b>An enigmatic interior</b></h3>
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The interior space of the Focus is still a conundrum to me, managing
to create a somewhat intimate and almost claustrophobic feeling for the driver in
what is rather a large space; on attempt, I struggled to place both elbows
comfortably on the armrests simultaneously… they were simply too far away. This
tight feeling is created by the acute angle of the sloping windscreen and snug bucket
seats.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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The back seat has ample space, seating three average sized
adults comfortably, and the boot can only be described as cavernous. There is
then, no shortage of space in the Focus.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<h3>
<b>Focus on technology </b></h3>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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The new Focus ST comes with plenty of gadgetry to enhance
the driving experience. The keyless entry and driving system is rather nifty,
and is especially helpful when carrying items to and from the car. The interior
dashboard is full of buttons and dials, resembling the cock-pit of a fighter
plane, and it appears as if there is nothing you cannot do in the car. For the
most part I ignored the dash as it felt like there was simply too much on it,
which was rather intimidating and ironically, as touched on above, it also felt
too far away. There are shortcut buttons on the steering-wheel to access the
onboard computer, but these were oddly placed and difficult to use while
driving.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<h3>
<b>Unleashing the Focus
ST</b></h3>
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The <a href="http://www.cars.co.za/newcars/Ford/Focus/ST-3/">new Ford Focus ST</a> is a beast. With a 2.0 litre engine,
184Kw and a six speed gear box, putting your foot down results in the car jerking
forward with such unbridled enthusiasm, that keeping the gears ticking over
becomes a challenge. Gear-up too slowly, a rather common occurrence, and the
car feels wobbly and uncontrollable. Accelerating in the ST can be likened to
taking an excitable Rottweiler for a run, it simply wrenches you along. This feeling
passes as you get into the higher gears, and the Focus ST begins to glide. <o:p></o:p></div>
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It’s no secret, the Focus ST is built for speed, and this it
handles wonderfully. The braking on this Ford is also phenomenally sharp, and
takes a lot of getting used to. On my initial drives, anything left on my
leather seats invariably ended up on the floor due to my rather ambitious use
of the brake pedal.<o:p></o:p></div>
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All in all, the new Focus is immensely fun to drive, and
being an ST, the biggest challenge is trying to stay within the local speed
limit. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<h3>
<b>Ford Focus ST Conclusion</b></h3>
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The Ford Focus ST speaks volumes about its owner and thus
targets a very niche market. If you want a big, bold car with immense power and
all the latest technology, the new Focus ST is definitely worth considering.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<h3>
<b>Quickspecs: Ford Focus ST vs Notable
Competitors</b></h3>
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<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
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<b>Ford
Focus ST<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: .3in; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 119.7pt;" width="200">
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<b>VW
Golf 7 GTI<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: .3in; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 119.7pt;" width="200">
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<b>Opel
OPC<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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</tr>
<tr style="height: .3in; mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: .3in; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 119.7pt;" width="200">
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<b>Price<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
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<b>R363,300<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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R368,300<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: .3in; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 119.7pt;" width="200">
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R435,000<o:p></o:p></div>
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<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: .3in; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 119.7pt;" width="200">
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<b>Engine
size<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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2.0 Petrol<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
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2.0 Petrol<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: .3in; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 119.7pt;" width="200">
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2.0 Petrol<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
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<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: .3in; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 119.7pt;" width="200">
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<b>Power
max<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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184Kw<o:p></o:p></div>
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162Kw<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>206Kw<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: .3in; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 119.7pt;" width="200">
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<b>Torque<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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360Nm<o:p></o:p></div>
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350Nm<o:p></o:p></div>
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<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: .3in; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 119.7pt;" width="200">
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<b>400Nm<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Acceleration
(0-100km)<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
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6.5s<o:p></o:p></div>
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6.5s<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: .3in; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 119.7pt;" width="200">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b>6.2s<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: .3in; mso-yfti-irow: 6;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: .3in; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 119.7pt;" width="200">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b>Top
speed<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: .3in; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 119.7pt;" width="200">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
248Km/h<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: .3in; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 119.7pt;" width="200">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
246Km/h<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: .3in; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 119.7pt;" width="200">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b>250Km/h<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: .3in; mso-yfti-irow: 7;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: .3in; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 119.7pt;" width="200">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b>Fuel
consumption<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: .3in; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 119.7pt;" width="200">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
7.2l / 100km<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: .3in; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 119.7pt;" width="200">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b>6.0l
/ 100km<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: .3in; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 119.7pt;" width="200">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
8.1l / 100km<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: .3in; mso-yfti-irow: 8; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: .3in; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 119.7pt;" width="200">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b>Safety
rating<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: .3in; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 119.7pt;" width="200">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
5<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: .3in; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 119.7pt;" width="200">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
5<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: .3in; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 119.7pt;" width="200">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
5<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<h3>
<b>Focus ST Rating</b></h3>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Performance - 5<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Style - 3<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Drive comfort - 4</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Running Costs - 3</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Rizzlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00441335102161510245noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5941158938958404636.post-85819555875613439452013-07-13T18:13:00.000+02:002013-07-13T18:13:04.160+02:00First VW Golf GTI crashed in South Africa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/18sxihwhdoel5jpg/k-bigpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/18sxihwhdoel5jpg/k-bigpic.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The first crash of the <b>new VW Golf 7 GTi</b> has been recorded. The incident happened on a launch in South Africa, where local website editor Ciro De Siena (<a href="https://twitter.com/CiroDS">@CiroDS</a>) was an unfortunate passenger. The journalist produced the following story depicting his ordeal and how the safety features of the new car saved his life.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">Closing on him with I'd say less than 80m to go, he just U-turns. No indicator. We didn't stand a chance. My driver moved further right to get around the front of the bakkie, but our options very rapidly narrowed to either running into a big ditch or hitting the vehicle. If we were on anchors for 20m it was a lot.</span></blockquote>
For the full story: <a href="http://jalopnik.com/crashing-a-press-car-is-the-ultimate-road-test-677137579">Saved by a car</a>Rizzlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00441335102161510245noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5941158938958404636.post-61051788723133724782013-07-13T18:04:00.001+02:002013-07-13T18:04:44.508+02:00Win a VW Golf 7 with Cars.co.za and Justplay.co.za<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cars.co.za/newsimage/just-play-golf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://www.cars.co.za/newsimage/just-play-golf.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://cars.co.za/">Cars.co.za</a> and Justplay.co.za are giving away a new <a href="http://www.vw.co.za/en/models/new-golf.html">Volkswagen Golf 7</a>. The Golf 7, which was released earlier this year to much acclaim, is one of the most sought after cars in South Africa and retails for R265,000.<br />
<br />
Entering this car giveaway is easy and its free!<br />
To enter simply sign up for an account of Justplay.co.za and complete the entry form!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://m.justplay.co.za/signupnow"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Enter Now!</span></b></a>Rizzlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00441335102161510245noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5941158938958404636.post-10257877779105780602013-07-13T17:52:00.001+02:002013-07-13T17:52:55.314+02:00Most popular cars in South Africa for June 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cars.co.za/newsimage/cars-motoring-report-final(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://www.cars.co.za/newsimage/cars-motoring-report-final(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Cars.co.za has compiled and released an infographic depicting the most popular cars in South Africa for the month of June. The infographic focuses on the following sections and presents information is an easy to digest format.:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Top 5 motoring brands according to new car sales & used car views</li>
<li>Used car popularity based on vehicle type</li>
<li>New car market share</li>
<li>Most popular new cars in SA</li>
<li>Most popular used cars in SA</li>
<li>Hot new car release for June</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
Click here to view the full <a href="http://images.cars.co.za/articles/Cars%20motoring%20infographic%20June.jpg">Motoring report infographic</a><br />
Source: <a href="http://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/The_Cars.co.za_June_Motoring_report_infographic/1378/">Cars.co.za</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Rizzlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00441335102161510245noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5941158938958404636.post-32984975158255379172013-05-06T21:24:00.000+02:002013-05-06T21:24:12.589+02:00Cars.co.za creates Apple iPhone and iPad App<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cars.co.za/newsimage/cars-app-main-image-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://www.cars.co.za/newsimage/cars-app-main-image-small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Johannesburg, South Africa. Local car sales website Cars.co.za released their new App for iPhone and iPad today. Incorporated in the App are many of the same tools available on the full website. The App enables users to browse used cars, new cars and new car specials. There are also a number of other useful tools packaged within the App - motoring news, finance calculators and insurance quote generators.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/Cars.co.za_launches_App_for_iPhone_and_iPad/1241/">Full press release </a><span id="goog_2026117222"></span><span id="goog_2026117223"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><br />
<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/za/app/cars.co.za/id626789511?mt=8">Download the App</a><br />
<br />Rizzlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00441335102161510245noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5941158938958404636.post-3212420682541120702013-02-12T11:53:00.000+02:002013-02-12T11:53:04.648+02:00Golf 7 coming to South Africa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cars.co.za/newsimage/volkswagen-golf-vii-2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://www.cars.co.za/newsimage/volkswagen-golf-vii-2013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The new Volkswagen Golf 7 is coming to South Africa! Received with mixed feelings in the country, many people feel that it is "more of the same", while others are desperately looking forward to its arrival. The VW Golf is somewhat of an icon in South Africa, so regardless of the hot and cold initial reactions, I am certain that the product will be another hit for the German manufacturer.<br />
<br />
Full article: <a href="http://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/The_new_VW_Golf_7_now_in_South_Africa/1023/">The new VW Golf now in South Africa</a>Rizzlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00441335102161510245noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5941158938958404636.post-61122950253776742792012-11-15T21:39:00.001+02:002012-11-15T21:39:45.232+02:00Cars.co.za launches new mobile site<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cars.co.za/newsimage/cars-mobi_launch_low_res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.cars.co.za/newsimage/cars-mobi_launch_low_res.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Yesterday Cars.co.za launched their new mobile website. The site has a completely new design and has plenty of added features. The site feels clean and easy to navigate.<br />
<br />
According to the press release <span style="font-family: inherit;">"...<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14px;">our goal was to create a lightning fast mobile website, which looked good and enabled users to find their next car easily. The site underwent a complete redesign as we identified key features that the new mobile site needed to include."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span></span>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14px;">Enhanced mobile site features</span></span></h3>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0cm;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Improved
design and layout</li>
<li>Improved
navigation</li>
<li>Improved
used car browsing interface</li>
<li>Powerful
refine search feature</li>
<li>Multiple car
images supported</li>
<li>Simplified
enquiry process</li>
<li>Complete
database of new cars available in South Africa</li>
<li>Browse for
new cars on your mobile phone</li>
<li>Book a test
drive / Enquire on new cars</li>
<li>Browse
monthly new car specials</li>
<li>View the
latest motoring news</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="line-height: 14px;">Quicklinks</span></h3>
<div>
<span style="line-height: 14px;"><a href="http://www.cars.co.za/mobile/">Cars.co.za mobile site</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="line-height: 14px;"><a href="http://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/Cars.co.za_launches_powerful_new_mobile_site/869/">Cars.co.za mobile site launch press release</a></span></div>
Rizzlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00441335102161510245noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5941158938958404636.post-4011630107735008612012-10-15T18:53:00.000+02:002012-10-15T18:53:46.329+02:00A visit to Mercedes-Benz in Stuttgart, Germany<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E9c2i_q5Bs0/UHw1ruXV98I/AAAAAAAAAd4/ms06fClyylQ/s1600/Mercedes-Benz-AMG-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E9c2i_q5Bs0/UHw1ruXV98I/AAAAAAAAAd4/ms06fClyylQ/s1600/Mercedes-Benz-AMG-03.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Visiting Germany was always going to result in a brush with a motoring giant. Today I took the time to travel to Neckerpark in Stuttgart, a place synonymous with Mercedes-Benz, literally - the train station is called Neckarpark (Mercedes-Benz).<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h2>
<b>Mercedes Benz Museum</b></h2>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Upon alighting from the train, I was confronted with a myriad of options - Mercedez Benz arena, Porsce arena or Merc museum. I headed straight for the <a href="http://www.mercedes-benz-classic.com/content/classic/mpc/mpc_classic_website/en/mpc_home/mbc/home/museum/overview_museum.flash.html">Mercedez-Benz museum</a> to familiarise myself with the history of the motoring brand. This was easy enough to find, as there are signposts from the train station right the way to the museum. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2zpTMk-9GEU/UHw1mrPrciI/AAAAAAAAAdg/cUODxIfLGaU/s1600/Mercedes-Benz-Museum-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2zpTMk-9GEU/UHw1mrPrciI/AAAAAAAAAdg/cUODxIfLGaU/s1600/Mercedes-Benz-Museum-01.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mercedez-Benz museum in Stuttgart Germany</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Unfortunately, the museum is closed on Mondays, the very day I had chosen for my visit. The friendly lady who informed me of this gave my a brochure with some Mercedes facts and pointed me in the direction of the adjacent dealership. Here I would be able to view all the latest <a href="http://www.cars.co.za/usedcars/Mercedes-benz/">Mercedes-Benz cars for sale</a>. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h2>
Mercedes Benz fact timeline</h2>
<div>
<ol>
<li>In June 1967, Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher founded the company AMG.</li>
<li>The first major motor sports success - 1971: Hans Heyer and Clemens Schickentanz piloted the AMG 300 SEL 6.8 to a class victory at the 24 hour race in Spa</li>
<li>In 1986 the AMG 300 E 5.6 - affectionately known as "The Hammer" became the fastest production four-door saloon car in the world</li>
<li>In 1988 AMG and Mercedes-Benz join forces in the DTM racing series. Two years later, the collaboration would be extended to road vehicles.</li>
<li>In 1993 the first vehicles of the official co-operation, the Mercedes Benz C 36 AMG is introducted to the market and becomes a top seller.</li>
<li>AMG wins the 1997/98 FIA GT World Championship with the CLK-GTR. The team achieves even greater success in 1998 winning all the races in the series.</li>
<li>Success on the racetrack and in the showroom is undeniable. In 1999, Mercedes takes a controlling stake and AMG becomes Mercedes-AMG GmbH.</li>
<li>The first vehicle devised, designed and developed independently by AMG: the SLS AMG 'Gullwing' sees the light of day in 2009.</li>
<li>In 2011, the C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series - pushing road-legal performance to extremes with the latest in the line of super-exclusive Black series models.</li>
</ol>
<h2>
<b>Mercedes Benz showroom</b></h2>
</div>
<div>
With not much else to do, I headed down to the rather impressive Mercedes showroom. The showroom spans 3 floors and has just about everything one could possible need - plenty of the latest Mercedes cars to view, an exclusive coffee shop, a cinema, a kids playground... and did I mention the cars? Everything from the A-Class to the exclusive S-Class. Stationwagons and sports cars. This was certainly the most impressive car showroom I have ever entered.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6mWRY4BwZnc/UHw1yKlU3bI/AAAAAAAAAek/p6mgdxq4_ZM/s1600/Mercedes-Benz-Showroom-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6mWRY4BwZnc/UHw1yKlU3bI/AAAAAAAAAek/p6mgdxq4_ZM/s320/Mercedes-Benz-Showroom-10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pZAXFRfP530/UHw1wlLnTTI/AAAAAAAAAeg/sp9tkA6LpA0/s1600/Mercedes-Benz-Showroom-06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pZAXFRfP530/UHw1wlLnTTI/AAAAAAAAAeg/sp9tkA6LpA0/s320/Mercedes-Benz-Showroom-06.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RtsDfhWIaAI/UHw1ubLssjI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/8BslfTSCqj4/s1600/Mercedes-Benz-Showroom-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RtsDfhWIaAI/UHw1ubLssjI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/8BslfTSCqj4/s320/Mercedes-Benz-Showroom-02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2RgavHaJoI0/UHw1v1U_mrI/AAAAAAAAAeU/rU8QkVaFCic/s1600/Mercedes-Benz-Showroom-05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2RgavHaJoI0/UHw1v1U_mrI/AAAAAAAAAeU/rU8QkVaFCic/s320/Mercedes-Benz-Showroom-05.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YMuc69tMK1c/UHw10e6kKtI/AAAAAAAAAe0/aFBva5VAyM4/s1600/Mercedes-Benz-Showroom-Cinema-08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YMuc69tMK1c/UHw10e6kKtI/AAAAAAAAAe0/aFBva5VAyM4/s320/Mercedes-Benz-Showroom-Cinema-08.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P0QiYkO1CWg/UHw11DAcH7I/AAAAAAAAAfA/dhE4QZR3hsQ/s1600/Mercedes-Benz-Showroom-Playground-09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P0QiYkO1CWg/UHw11DAcH7I/AAAAAAAAAfA/dhE4QZR3hsQ/s320/Mercedes-Benz-Showroom-Playground-09.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Mercedes Benz cars inside the showroom</h2>
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Here are some of the photos of the cars / stands within the Mercedes-Benz showroom in Stuttgart.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X4GI4zBQJxQ/UHw1p6fttbI/AAAAAAAAAdo/dt97Nk3wTIc/s1600/Mercedes-Benz-A-Class-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X4GI4zBQJxQ/UHw1p6fttbI/AAAAAAAAAdo/dt97Nk3wTIc/s320/Mercedes-Benz-A-Class-12.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3HfqNZpBRSE/UHw1q0I7cHI/AAAAAAAAAds/PFjU5xwnrk4/s1600/Mercedes-Benz-A180-BlueEFFICIENCY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3HfqNZpBRSE/UHw1q0I7cHI/AAAAAAAAAds/PFjU5xwnrk4/s320/Mercedes-Benz-A180-BlueEFFICIENCY.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E9c2i_q5Bs0/UHw1ruXV98I/AAAAAAAAAd4/ms06fClyylQ/s1600/Mercedes-Benz-AMG-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E9c2i_q5Bs0/UHw1ruXV98I/AAAAAAAAAd4/ms06fClyylQ/s320/Mercedes-Benz-AMG-03.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eBZ9wZgfBvg/UHw1smEO9rI/AAAAAAAAAd8/CSsX9wlvkSI/s1600/Mercedes-Benz-AMG-Stand-04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eBZ9wZgfBvg/UHw1smEO9rI/AAAAAAAAAd8/CSsX9wlvkSI/s320/Mercedes-Benz-AMG-Stand-04.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Rizzlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00441335102161510245noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5941158938958404636.post-58400607558894604742012-08-28T09:30:00.001+02:002012-08-28T09:30:40.439+02:00The impressive new BMW Zagato Roadster<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cars.co.za/newsimage/2012-bmw-zagato-pic-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://www.cars.co.za/newsimage/2012-bmw-zagato-pic-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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BMW have once more teamed up with Zagato to create the all new <b>BMW Zagato Roadster</b>. The car was on display at the 20120 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in the United States last week.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“This car is not designed only as an elegant convertible, but also as a masculine and extremely dynamic sports car which evokes a powerful driving experience” says Norihiko Harado, the chief designer.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I think the car looks brilliant, like an upgraded BMW Z4. How the car drivers will remain to be seen.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For full information read Cars.co.za article on the <a href="http://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/The_BMW_Zagato_Roadster/730/">BMW Zagato Roadster</a></span></span>Rizzlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00441335102161510245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5941158938958404636.post-90052110449360225222012-08-22T15:45:00.001+02:002012-08-22T15:45:42.572+02:00Toyota 86 causing a buzz in South Africa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The all new Toyota 86 has been the cause of a major stir in South Africa. The new sports car has been the talk of the town with its stylish looks, great performance, and the fact that it is very well priced for the market. Whether you are taken in by this new release from Toyota or just want more information on the vehicle, here are two great articles featured on Cars.co.za:<br />
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Toyota 86 articles</h2>
<a href="http://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/Toyota_86_price_revealed_for_South_Africa/683/">Toyota 86 price revealed for South Africa</a><br />
<a href="http://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/New_Toyota_86_now_in_South_Africa/717/">New Toyota 86 now in South Africa</a><br />
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The Toyota 86 is currently for sale in South Africa.Rizzlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00441335102161510245noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5941158938958404636.post-40740619889406599172012-08-07T16:25:00.001+02:002012-08-07T16:25:19.185+02:00Snow in South Africa - Cars.co.za advertHistory was made in South Africa today as for the first time in recorded history it snowed in all 9 provinces. In parts of the country, snow has forced many major roads to be closed and many motorists were trapped in their cars waiting for assistance.<div>
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Other parts, including the greater Gauteng region, were in high spirits at the rare sighting of snow. The snow storm covered the majority of the region in a white blanket and social media channels have been going berzerk with posts and photos.<div>
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The cold weather has kept many South African's indoors, and lead to this <a href="http://www.cars.co.za/">Cars.co.za</a> advert, targeted at house or office-bound people who are looking to buy cars. </div>
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Feeling snowed-in? Luckily you can search for your next car online.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fak-T67wZTA/UCEkPtnl7uI/AAAAAAAAAdI/rMUYDIl-t6A/s1600/cars--snow-twitter1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fak-T67wZTA/UCEkPtnl7uI/AAAAAAAAAdI/rMUYDIl-t6A/s1600/cars--snow-twitter1.jpg" /></a></div>
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</div>Rizzlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00441335102161510245noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5941158938958404636.post-26524137219187711602012-05-08T10:37:00.003+02:002012-05-08T10:37:35.977+02:00Cars.co.za launches awesome new car website<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QR1vPXkRAjc/T6jbBicT2aI/AAAAAAAAAUw/30KHlMEMucQ/s1600/Cars-new-website-screenshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QR1vPXkRAjc/T6jbBicT2aI/AAAAAAAAAUw/30KHlMEMucQ/s1600/Cars-new-website-screenshot.jpg" /></a></div>
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Cars.co.za has released a new state of the art website for the South African car buying and selling community.<br />
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"Our goal was to keep the site as simple as possible for users to use, while adding new functionality and aesthetics" said a Cars.co.za spokesperson. The site combines colour and white space effectively to create a very clean look.<br />
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New website functionality</h3>
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<li>New car section </li>
<li>Advanced new wishlist</li>
<li>Enhanced "Browse used cars" functionality</li>
<li>Social media integration </li>
<li>Car information articles</li>
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Raising the bar for Car websites</h3>
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Cars.co.za believe that they have taken a huge leap forward, and that the new Cars website will set the standard for the motoring industry in South Africa. </div>
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What do you think of the new site? <a href="http://www.cars.co.za/">http://www.cars.co.za</a></div>Rizzlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00441335102161510245noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5941158938958404636.post-4836763941567820032012-03-22T10:27:00.000+02:002012-03-22T10:27:01.286+02:00The Ford Mustang! What a beauty<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cZCp96vkPrU/T2cxbTIo-0I/AAAAAAAAANc/W92nihL_YxE/s1600/mustang1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cZCp96vkPrU/T2cxbTIo-0I/AAAAAAAAANc/W92nihL_YxE/s1600/mustang1.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ford Mustang</td></tr>
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There is something special about old school muscle cars. They exude both beauty and power. They represent freedom. Oh, and that's just looking at them. Driving one is another experience altogether, something that I hope everyone may experience in their lifetime.<br />
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I stumbled upon this article the other day: a <a href="http://allyoncars.blogspot.com/2012/03/tribute-to-muscle-car.html" target="_blank">tribute to muscle cars</a>, and for a while I reminisced as I scanned the ample pictures of the Ford Mustangs of old. The final question was posed... Do you like old or new <a href="http://www.cars.co.za/usedcars/Ford/" target="_blank">Ford</a> Mustang? I think for me its a no brainer, old school is cool! Muscle cars for me will always be represented by the old school beauties, and while the new cars are lovely in their own regard, they do not hold the same nostalgic power over me.<br />
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I cant wait for the next muscle car day in South Africa, so that I can once more delight in the sights and sounds of good old school muscle cars, especially the Ford Mustang.Rizzlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00441335102161510245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5941158938958404636.post-3427916290897580682012-03-22T10:13:00.003+02:002012-03-22T10:13:59.462+02:00The effects of car depreciation<h2>
Car depreciation</h2>
Car depreciation is a nasty reality, one which we as South Africans would much rather not talk about, but alas we cannot ignore it. Depreciation can cost us a lot of money over time and is something that needs to be addressed very seriously. While there is nothing one can do to stop one's car from decreasing in value over time, there are definitely ways to control the effects. <div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Controlling car depreciation</span></b></h2>
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Cars.co.za has put together a comprehensive article on <a href="http://www.cars.co.za/car-information/Buying/How_car_depreciation_affects_the_value_of_a_car/9/" target="_blank">the effects of car depreciation</a>. This article looks at car depreciation as a whole, the factors affecting depreciation and what one can do as a car buyer to control the effects of car depreciation. It is a great read for anyone planning on buying a car in the near future.</div>
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More reading on car depreciation</h2>
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Here are some other helpful resources on Car depreciation:</div>
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<a href="http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/auto/20011226a.asp">http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/auto/20011226a.asp</a> - discusses car depreciation from an international perspective.</div>
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<a href="http://www.free-online-calculator-use.com/car-depreciation-calculator.html">http://www.free-online-calculator-use.com/car-depreciation-calculator.html</a> - online car depreciation calculator</div>
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<a href="http://editorial.autos.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=435652">http://editorial.autos.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=435652</a> - 10 best and worst cars for car depreciation.</div>
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Conclusion</h2>
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Car Depreciation is here to stay, hopefully with the aid of the above mentioned resources, we can get the best car value going forward.</div>Rizzlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00441335102161510245noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5941158938958404636.post-40364897727680623672012-03-12T11:28:00.000+02:002012-03-12T11:28:21.921+02:00Korean cars making wavesKorean car manufacturers <a href="http://www.cars.co.za/usedcars/Hyundai/" target="_blank">Hyundai</a> and <a href="http://www.cars.co.za/usedcars/Kia/" target="_blank">Kia</a> have been steadily making waves in the South African Car Market. The motoring giants have all but dominated the budget section with the <a href="http://www.cars.co.za/usedcars/Hyundai/i10/" target="_blank">Hyundai i10</a> and <a href="http://www.cars.co.za/usedcars/Kia/Picanto/" target="_blank">Kia Picanto</a> respectively. While these two models shuffle between first and second positions on various ranking or best buy list I have seen, they are always up there.<br />
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This is not the only segment of the car market under attack from the Korea. Both Hyundai and Kia are having great success in other sections, including the SUV market with the Hyundai Ix35 and the Kia Sportage. Hyundai have also taken the sedan market by storm with their new Elantra, which met with raving reviews.<br />
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It will be interesting to see how the new car and used car landscapes in South Africa change in the future, but I will not be surprised if we continue to see these top Korean brands growing in leaps and bounds.Rizzlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00441335102161510245noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5941158938958404636.post-61147543545639911182012-02-24T15:00:00.001+02:002012-02-24T15:00:23.522+02:00Over 17500 used cars for saleSouth African used car advertising portal Cars.co.za has reached another vehicle stock milestone. The website, which services clients from all over South Africa, has now got over 17 500 <a href="http://www.cars.co.za/usedcars.php" target="_blank">used cars for sale </a>listed on it. This means more choice for car buyers, and variety comes with its own host of advantages - getting the exact car what you want, negotiating power on car prices, ability to get a car closer to your home town - though sometimes secondary in their benefits ... every little bit helps. <br />
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If you are looking for a used car in South Africa, take a little gander at <a href="http://www.cars.co.za/">www.cars.co.za</a>Rizzlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00441335102161510245noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5941158938958404636.post-14607279550424329592012-02-20T09:14:00.000+02:002012-02-20T09:14:38.715+02:00New car specials - February 2012Cars.co.za have launched their South African new car specials for February 2012. This month there are a few interesting specials, including a few from Renault which include free items with the purchase of the vehicle.<br />
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Here is the complete list of new car specials available:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ford specials</b></span><br />
<b>2012 Ford Figo 1.4 Ambiente from R115 000</b><br />
Includes a 3 year / 60 000 KM Service plan.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Lexus specials</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">2012 Lexus CT200h from R355 400</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Includes an IPad or Galaxy tab of your choice</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Nissan Specials</b></span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">2012 Nissan NP200 Base model from R106 000</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Excludes Service and delivery</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Renault Specials</b></span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">2012 Renault Sandero from R129 000</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Includes 3 in 1 safely pack and shopping spree to the value of R2000</span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">2012 Renault Clio S from R179 000</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Includes 32" Plasma screen and DSTV installation</span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">2012 Renault Megane Shake It</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Includes free SPA day </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Suzuki Specials</b></span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">2012 Suzuki Swift from R148 900</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Save up to R7000 </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Volkswagen Specials</b></span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">2012 Volkswagen Polo 1.4 Sedan Comfortline from R2 459.62 per month </span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">2012 Volkswagen Golf 6 1.4 TSi from R254 500</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Includes 5 years / 90 000km maintenance plan</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">To view more information about these specials or to enquire with the relevant South African car dealerships, visit the Cars.co.za <a href="http://www.cars.co.za/new-car-specials.php" target="_blank">new car specials</a> page.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> </b></span><br />
<br />Rizzlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00441335102161510245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5941158938958404636.post-46660895847750397862012-02-19T10:44:00.000+02:002012-02-19T10:44:41.982+02:00Acura NSX Concept Car ... Wow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i.i.com.com/cnwk.1d/i/tim/2012/01/09/Acura_NSX_610x405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://i.i.com.com/cnwk.1d/i/tim/2012/01/09/Acura_NSX_610x405.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.acura.com/" target="_blank">Acura</a> (Honda) have taken their time in releasing a followup to the original Honda NSX. Many have begun wondering if they ever would. In December 2011 the announcement came that Acura were working on a concept car and in January 2012 this concept car was unveiled to the world... and what a concept car it would prove to be.<br />
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Though still in concept, which invariably means it will change completely, recent pictures of the Acura NSX from the Detroit motor show reveal a car which is jaw droppingly beautiful. Visually it is everything a sports car should be, showcasing a sleak, rounded chassis with beautiful curves, yet the front still appears mean, powerful and somewhat untameable. The back is simple and clean and while not stealing the show, it doesn't detract from the rest of the vehicles uber high standards. The NSX is beautiful to behold, certainly one of the nicest concept cars I have seen to date.<br />
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<a href="http://images.thecarconnection.com/med/acura_100376806_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://images.thecarconnection.com/med/acura_100376806_m.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.carunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Acura-NSX-Concept-rear-three-quarter-view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.carunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Acura-NSX-Concept-rear-three-quarter-view.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The two door coupe, made from the latest lightweight materials will carry a V6 mounted behind the seats and an electric motor making this car (rather surprisingly from the looks of it) a hybrid! The NSX is rumoured to have 3 electric motors and a new all wheel drive system. This is said to have incredible acceleration while maintaining extreme efficiency.<br />
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Production of the all new Acura NSX is not scheduled to begun until 2015, which gives us a long time to wait before we are able to see just what this amazing concept car will actually come out of the factory as.<br />
<br />Rizzlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00441335102161510245noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5941158938958404636.post-6446875978912041562012-02-19T10:05:00.003+02:002012-02-19T10:05:54.426+02:00Kia Picanto 1.1 driven<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cmYqffms0lA/T0CosXD56CI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/jmWkl-CiXJY/s1600/IMG00327-20120218-1945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cmYqffms0lA/T0CosXD56CI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/jmWkl-CiXJY/s320/IMG00327-20120218-1945.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Korean motor manufacturing giant <a href="http://www.kia.co.za/" target="_blank">Kia</a>'s new Picanto has been welcomed with some great reviews. And upgrade from their former Picanto, the car looks and feels better and with a price tag starting at under R100 000 is definitely one of the front runners in the market in the small car market. A rental courtesy of Europcar this weekend, I was able to become better acquainted with the vehicle.<br />
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It all starts at the check in counter. My helpful attendant, seeing my surfboard, decided to give me the Picanto ahead of other similar vehicles (The Hyundai i10 and Chevrolet Spark), citing additional room as the deciding factor. This was a check mark in the cars favour before I had even seen it.<br />
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Arriving at my very own <a href="http://www.cars.co.za/usedcars/kia/picanto/" target="_blank">Kia Picanto</a>, I must admit I was not overly impressed with the design. Parked next to the other cars in the rental lot, it certainly stood out, though I'm not sure this was in a positive way. It looked more round and less menacing, a very unassuming car. Still, it was offensive to the eye. Concerns about space also began to circle in my head... it didn't look very big.<br />
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A good few bags and a surf board later I was once more impressed with the Picanto. It seemed to swallow up both our luggage and our persons without too much fuss. Behind the wheel, the car took a little bit of getting used to - the clutch seemed to take late, the brakes were very responsive and the indicators were on the "wrong" side, but soon enough these were negotiated and complementary mint in mouth, we were headed towards the open road.<br />
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The drive in the Picanto was very pleasant. Fully aware of the diminutive engine, I was very rarely disappointed with the power output, even when the air conditioner was on. The car was very responsive and certainly felt nippy and powerful (for its class). At higher speeds it handled well and the breaks too were very solid. The seats were comfortable and spacious. There was nothing that the car lacked and all things considered I was impressed with the car. Price seriously considered and the Kia Picanto definitely seems like a fantastic automobile, and certainly one well worth considering for the budget buyer. <br />Rizzlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00441335102161510245noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5941158938958404636.post-53419743608308038242012-02-17T13:37:00.000+02:002012-03-05T16:45:44.510+02:00Driving the Renault Megane 1.6I recently had the pleasure of loaning a friend's snazzy champagne coloured Renault Megane 1.6 for a pleasant drive down <a href="http://travelling2places.blogspot.com/2011/12/durban-north-coast-vibes.html">Durban's North Coast</a>. Having recently <a href="http://carszainfo.blogspot.com/2012/01/driving-renault-sandero-16-united.html">driven the Renault Sandero United 1.6</a> this proved to be the perfect opportunity to compare two Renault's from different classes and to see just what the difference between the two is.<br />
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The first thought that crossed my mind when seeing the Megane was how much prettier it is than the aforementioned Sandero. Although its unique appearance is not loved by all, the Renault Megane just looks like a much more upmarket car, as rightly it should. The interior of the car is also much slicker and it certainly has more features. The Megane is also very spacious inside, which was surprising to me as I really had expected the Sandero to take the cake here, however I did have to remind myself that this is a different class of vehicle, one where space is a lot more readily available.<br />
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After figuring out how to start the vehicle with the newer key card system, I was off, and it was in the drive that the <a href="http://www.cars.co.za/usedcars/Renault/Megane/">Renault Megane</a> really outshone its cheaper counterpart. The Meganes ability to accelerate far outshone that of the Sandero, whether from stationary or in motion. It also suffered less from the Air Conditioner being switched on, which on a hot Durban day was an absolute must. For the better part of the journey I was not even aware that the air con was on, such is the difference in power. The drive was also a lot smoother at higher speeds, and it was very quickly apparent that this was a performance machine. The brakes too where crisper and once or twice I was "fortunate" enough to have to put them to the test.<br />
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All round the Megane just felt like the better <a href="http://www.renault.com/en/pages/home.aspx">Renault</a>. This was too be expected as it is the more expensive vehicle, but does it justify the price difference? Certainly, my experience in the Megane felt completely different to that of the Sandero, and for all their similarities, it definitely felt like I was driving a much more upmarket vehicle. I even felt proud standing next to the vehicle, half expecting people to notice me as someone of consequence.Rizzlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00441335102161510245noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5941158938958404636.post-48763045647948382512012-02-14T19:25:00.001+02:002012-02-19T10:06:53.658+02:00Chevrolet Trailblazer in South Africa in 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cars.co.za/newsimage/chevrolet-trailblazer%281%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://www.cars.co.za/newsimage/chevrolet-trailblazer%281%29.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.gmsa.com/">General Motors</a> (GM) South Africa have announced that the much anticipated Chevrolet Trailblazer will be released to the South African market in 2012. From the images released from various international motor shows, the Trailblazer looks to me like a winner. An aesthetic powerhouse, the Trailblazer manages to remain stylish whilst looking both mean and tough. Heck, even the very name "Trailblazer" manages to encompass these characteristic.<br />
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Chevy have also created the 7 seater Trailblazer SUV with an additional row of seats, allowing even more passengers to enjoy the experience that the car promises.<br />
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I personally think that the <a href="http://www.cars.co.za/usedcars/Chevrolet/">Chevrolet</a> Trailblazer will be well received in South Africa and will do very well in our car market. Fortunately, with the release set for later this year, we will not have to wait all to long to see if the theory translates well and if Chevrolet can deliver on what promises to be a practical, powerful, versatile and beautiful SUV.Rizzlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00441335102161510245noreply@blogger.com2