WeeklySA_AdminEXCITING TIMES AHEAD: Compact hatchback segment hots up
By Ali Mphaki
Whilst we were still digesting news of Opel unveiling its all-new eighth-generation Astra family hatchback that will go on sale in the UK next year, comes news of the launch of the iconic Golf GTi 8 in South Africa.
This will no doubt cause serious thinking for compact hatch lovers not sure which brand to go for. If a picture indeed does not lie, it is evident Opel engineers have outdone themselves in up-marketing the Astra, a car once popular which has become a shadow of itself in recent times. Breaking cover into a terrain that has undergone seismic changes, it does not need a traffic cop to check out how much speed the new Astra has to gather in catching up with especially the likes of Mercedes-Benz A-Class and the bitter rival, the Ford Focus.
What is of interest with the new Astra is that it is being built on the same platform as the new third generation Peugeot 308. This after Group PSA owners of Peugeot and Citroen bought Vauxhall from General Motors in 2017) and Fiat’s holding group, FCA. bringing a total of 14 brands under one banner. Whether it’s a good thing or not, products from this stable are likely to be similar in mechanics, even though with different brands.
Like the new Peugeot 308, the Astra will be available with a choice of two plug-in hybrid powertrains, alongside a more conventional range of petrol and diesel motors. From R325 000
GTi 8 IMPORTANT FACTS:
The iconic Golf GTi 8 has been given 11kW more power than its predecessor. The 2.0l turbocharged front-wheel drive engine now develops 180kW and a torque of 370Nm. The four-cylinder engine is coupled with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. It takes 6.4 seconds to complete the 0 – 100km/h sprint.
South Africans will only enjoy one derivative. Standard features include; 18-inch Richmond alloy wheels, Lights and Vision Package including high-beam control light assist, sports steering wheel with touch control and shifting paddles, GTI Vienna leather seats, keyless locking and starting system, Black Styling Package with black 18-inch Bergamo alloy wheels, Head-up Display,
Available in three solid paint exterior colours (Pure White, Urano Grey, and Moonstone Grey), four metallic colours (Dolphin Grey, Atlantic Blue, Kings Red and Reflex Silver) and two pearlescent colours (Deep Black Pearl and Oryx White Pearl).
Prices to be announced.
Extraordinary XBUS modular electric van
Ahhhhhhh. Isn’t this adorable? It’s called the XBUS and it “is the most innovative and modular light vehicle in the world” according to its German manufacturer
It might just be the most versatile vehicle we’ve ever seen, too. ‘
A modular setup allows you to build whatever you like onto the back – everything from flat-bed pick-ups through to passenger-carrying buses, big boxy vans or even the cutest campervan you ever did see.
Solar panels allow it to accrue up to 200km (124 miles) of range, we’re told,
ElectricBrands plans to expand availability outside of Europe sometime around mid-2022, and an alert that appears atop its website indicates US reservations will open in September.- TopGear.
BMW’s LIMITED X5, X6, and X7
German luxury carmaker BMW recently introduced its Sports Activity Vehicles (SAV) X5 and X6 limited editions in Black Vermilion and Sports Activity Coupe (SAC) X7 limited editions in Frozen Black metallic to be made available in the US and Europe. The models can be ordered with immediate effect, with the market launch beginning in August 2021. BMW X5 and X6 Black Vermilion editions get a double kidney grille with model-specific red bars that create an effective contrast to the BMW Individual special paint finish Frozen Black metallic. “With the M headlights Shadow Line with BMW laser light, including accented lighting with blue X signature, complete the distinctive look of the front end,” the release said.
EVERYTHING KEEPS GOING…
Tokyo: Japan’s Toyota reclaimed the title of world’s top-selling automaker in 2020, according to data released by the firm on Thursday, pushing Volkswagen into second place for the first time in five years.
Toyota said it had sold 9.53 million vehicles around the world last year, overtaking the 9.3 million sales made by its German rival.
The Japanese giant took the lead despite a decline in global sales of more than 10 percent as the auto industry suffered the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
“Despite the Covid-19 pandemic… Toyota was able to continue corporate activities through comprehensive implementation of various infection prevention measures, and by working together with partners including suppliers and dealers,” it said in a statement.
The last time Toyota held the top spot was in 2015, with VW edging it out in the following years.
MEN DON’T ASSIST …
Most women couldn’t care less about the workings of a motor vehicle and how to change a tyre. Unfortunately most modern men are as helpless in this respect as most women.
This may come as a surprise, but studies also show that unfortunately the males of this generation don’t seem too keen on helping women in need.
So, if you’ve got a flat tyre as a woman and are expecting a chivalrous man to stop and help you, a damsel in distress, you might be left waiting for a long time.
A survey done in the UK revealed that 52% of the men admitted they would keep on driving if they spotted a woman with a puncture – despite feeling guilty about it. The survey also found that younger men are more reluctant to stop due to ignorance of basic car maintenanceI
Anyone can easily change a tyre, even a woman or a girly-boy.
What’s important is to get your punctured or flat tyre fixed or replaced as soon as possible. – WomenonWheels
