Mazda to Increase CX-5

The new CX-5 is proving to be a bright spot for Mazda, which has announced plans to increase production capacity of the compact crossover by 20 percent, from 200,000 to 240,000 units per year. This will be achieved by expanding production from Mazda's Ujina Plant No.2 in Japan to also include Ujina Plant No.1.

The news follows a previous announcement from the automaker that it would expand production of the CX-5 from 160,000 units to 200,000 units. 

The Japanese brand said that since sales began in February this year, demand has far surpassed initial estimations and that it has upgraded its annual global sales target from 160,000 to 190,000 units for the fiscal year that ends on March 31, 2013. 

According to the company, as of July 1, it has received 24,000 orders in Japan, more than doubling the annual domestic sales target in less than five months from the beginning of sales, while in Russia, there are more than 10,000 orders compared to an annual sales target of 12,000 units. In the States, Mazda has sold a little over 16,000 CX-5s from the end of February through June. 

In related news, Mazda announced it will be doubling production capacity of its SKYACTIV-D diesel and SKYACTIV-G gasoline engines, which are offered on several models including the CX-5 and Mazda3 (only the petrol unit), from 400,000 units to 800,000 units per year in October 2012. 

Both types of engines will be offered on the brand-new Mazda6 coming next year. 

Mazda is targeting annual sales of 1,700,000 vehicles globally in the fiscal year ending March 2016, with 80 percent of these cars to employ SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY. 

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Gimmick Cars

It has been getting more and more under my skin as time has gone on, with motoring manufactures producing cars with no purpose or reason other than to fill a gimmick market for people with too much money or too little sense.

These worthless monstrosities haunt the roads in all their overpriced “facebooked” up hype. They serve no purpose; no segment of the market no ingenuity. They are there simply to exploit the person with money and no sense, the person that likes to buy clothing from a certain brand that puts rhinestones and big gaudy tigers on their clothing. So I will have to pick on two cars to make my point, two cars that have been bugging me since their first inception and every time I see some dim-witted person driving them around. Drum rolls are not needed here more like a firing squad, for the Polo Cross and the Toyota Prius.

So let start with the Cross, so just when you thought that the Polo range was too small and limited VW bring on the Cross, an off-roading Polo. So when you think of and off road car you think rugged and tough with plenty of ground clearance and 4WD. Not a Polo with slightly raised suspension, and some plastic bits covering the bottom half of the body work. Not to mention the on-off road 17” low profiles that makes it that much easier to hit the beaten track and absorb those rocks and ditches. And when you think off road you know, just know it must come with a 4WD system of some sorts like the Suzuki Jimmy that cost considerably less… Well no, the standard gearbox is good enough with front wheel drive to boot, once again just what you need when you hit the muddy hills and snowy roads. Okay I know I am going on a bit but, when a Standard Polo 1.6 costs around R20, 000 less and is just as capable off-road as the Cross and probably more suited to doing the dual role you have to ask yourself what’s going on. The reason I think they called it the Cross is because that’s what you’ll be when the light bulb finally turns on.

Now for the Toyota Prius, an eco friendly car for people that want to save the world one litre of fuel at a time. Well no not really let’s be honest it is shockingly ugly, like the designers got bored at the roof and gave up. Yes, I know it’s to help aerodynamics but a Ferrari 458 Italia is aerodynamic and doesn’t look like aerodynamically shaped loaf of bread. The goal of the car is to save fuel with its hybrid drive but, it doesn’t. You’ll never ever hit the Toyota’s claims, well unless you drive everywhere at 20km/h downhill. You would be much better off buying a Euro hatch with tiny a turbo petrol and much better looks. But I suppose then you will not get the adoring looks from the tree hugging ladies out there. In my mind the only hybrid that should be allowed on this planet is the Jaguar C-X75 which uses jet turbines to power electric motors and the Audi R18 e-tron Quattro Le Mans car. These serve a purpose push the limits and progress us as humans, the latter only seems to show how dumb we still can be and how easily we are convinced. This all knowing  that your are destroying the environment even faster by buying this “eco-friendly” nonsense

So to sum up you have to really, really know nothing about cars at all to spend your hard earned cash on these gimmick cars. And I know that these aren’t the only ones out there, I just chose to pick on these two because, I see so many of them out there. They are cars that serve no purpose other than to rob you of your hard earned money and make you seem extremely gullible. You have to completely believe the brochure and everything the salesman tells you. While ignoring facts, research and commonsense walk right past everything else (which there is a lot of) and go for a “Gimmick Car”. I know there are going to be people throwing toys out of their cot that I insulted their car that they have spent their hard earned money on. Well “Mr Eco Smug” and “Ms Urban off-roader” if you are going to do the crime then be prepared for the hail of sniggers and pointing fingers, as passers-by stair at you. And I don’t mean stare like ooooooh there goes a Lamborghini but, the other kind like you’re back at school and you have a piece of toilet paper sticking out of your pants… You have been Warned even though I know that no one will take a blind bit of notice of this and  these will still continue to fly out of the showrooms and clog up our roads.

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New Jaguar XJ_e Plug-in Hybrid

Jaguar chose the Goodwood Festival of Speed that runs from June 28 to July 1 for the world premiere of a new technology study based on the XJ limousine. 

The new XJ_e was created to exhibit Jaguar-Land Rover's (JLR) capabilities and future plans as in theory, the concept's plug-in hybrid drivetrain can be used in most of the group's models. The study follows other hybrid research demonstrators from JLR including the Limo Green and Range_e vehicles. 

Before we dive into more details, we should note that the XJ_e project was part funded by the UK Government’s Technology Strategy Board through the REEVolution project, and engineered in partnership with several UK technology companies "to help develop expertise for ultra-low carbon vehicles within the supply chain". 

The XJ_e is fitted with a parallel, plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) system, which combines the JLR's 2.0-litre turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine with a hybridised 8-speed automatic transmission for a combined output of 329hp (334PS). 

The hybrid system makes use of a 69kW motor/generator and a 12.8kWh Lithium Ion battery pack, which can be fully charged by a 240V domestic supply in about four hours. 

Jaguar says the XJ_e can run on pure electricity for up to 40km (25miles), on gasoline power alone, or a combination of both. 

The plug-in hybrid version of the XJ is capable of completing the 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint in under 6.5 seconds and has a limited top speed of 250km/h (150mph). 

According to the British company, the XJ_e achieves CO2 emissions of "less than 75g/km" and an average fuel consumption of 3.2lt/100km (88.3mpg UK or 73.4mpg US). 

The XJ_e will be displayed in the FoS-TECH Technology Pavilion at Goodwood over the weekend.  

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Audi TT S Line competition

Audi has introduced an S Line Competition version of the TT that dresses things up with the S Line sport and exterior packages, plus a few extra features at reduced cost. Globally, it can be fitted to any TT with up to 211 horsepower, which for us means the standard 2.0 TFSI coupe since we don't get the diesel or smaller gas engines.

New bumpers, sills, badging, Xenon headlights, rear diffuser, matte black trim and exhaust finishers are among the kit, capped at the back by a spoiler that calls to mind the TT RS. The package sits 10 millimeters lower on the S Line suspension on black, 19-inch Rotor wheels. Inside, the S Line shout-out continues with the logoed sills, aluminum-look bits, leather and Alcantara with contrasting stitching, a reshaped steering wheel and a short shifter on models equipped with manual transmissions.

It's available now in four colors, Samoa Orange metallic, Glacier White metallic, Daytona Gray pearl effect and Misano Red pearl effect, and adds €4,300 ($5,410 U.S.) to the price in Europe. We're still awaiting U.S. pricing, but it probably won't be far off $4,300 in dollars since package prices are numerically close here and in Europe; the S Line pack is €1,400 in Germany and $1,200 here.

Scroll down to read the release from Audi about the TT's latest trim. Audi TT Coupé S line competition:
Exclusive dynamics at an attractive price

- Special edition of the Audi sports car now available
- S line sport package, S line exterior package and other exclusive equipment
- Package price of just €4,300 with price benefits

Ingostadt, 2012-07-03 -- Audi is boosting the character of its sports car with the TT Coupé S line competition special edition. Available for all engine versions up to 155 kW (211 hp), the special edition of the Audi TT combines all the elements of the S line sport package and the S line exterior package, and adds new and exclusive features – all for an attractive package price of just €4,300.

The TT Coupé S line competition special edition makes no secret of its exclusive status. The S line exterior package includes specially designed bumpers, air inlets and side sills, S line badges, tailpipe trims and a distinctive diffuser insert. There is also a fixed rear wing like on the Audi TT RS. Xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights provide excellent visibility in the dark.

The paint finishes Samoa Orange, metallic, Glacier White, metallic, Daytona Gray, pearl effect and Misano Red, pearl effect are available at no extra charge. With the sporty black styling package, the radiator grille is framed in high-gloss black while the radiator grille insert, the license plate frame and the applications on the front fog light grille are matt black. Other S line competition elements in high-gloss black are the exterior mirror housings, the blade below the front bumper, the diffuser insert, the tailpipe trims and the rear wing spoiler. The imposing 19-inch wheels in a five-arm "Rotor" design are also painted black and shod with 255/35 series tires. The taut S line sport suspension lowers the chassis by 10 millimeters (0.39 mm).

The interior of the TT Coupé S line competition also offers the features of the S line sport package, including the special door sill trims, the extended aluminum-look trim, the leather package, the sport seats and the short shift travel for the manual transmissions. As in the TT RS, the rim of the leather multifunction sport steering wheel is more strongly contoured and flattened at the bottom. Piping surrounds the floor mats.

The seats come standard with perforated Alcantara upholstery in combination with black leather and silver contrast stitching. S line logos adorn the backrests. The color black dominates the interior. The inlays are made of matt brushed aluminum; with the Samoa Orange exterior finish, these are replaced by inlays with a reflex finish in the body color.

The TT Coupé S line competition special edition is now available worldwide and can be combined with additional options and trim lines. The package price of €4,300 saves customers roughly 50 percent versus the price of the options ordered separately.

This offer boosts the sports car character of the TT and complements the attractive Audi exclusive line packages already available: from the Audi exclusive line Black, which is painted exclusively in Panther Black, crystal effect, to the Audi exclusive line Ice with black and silver seat upholstery to the Audi exclusive line Color, in which the exterior colors red, blue or gray are carried over into the interior in the form of colored inlays and contrast stitching.

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2012 Jeep Wrangler Freedom Edition

Paying homage to its military roots, and also as a tribute to the U.S. Army, Jeep unveiled the Wrangler Freedom Edition. The Jeep brand as we know it started life with the Willys Quad, a small and agile reconnaissance vehicle for the army. Today’s Wrangler is not small or agile, but it’s very very capable – kinda like the U.S. army! The Freedom Edition comes in red, red, white or blue.

Apart from the exterior paint, these model are distinguished by a military-inspired star decal on the hood, and a very cool ‘Oscar Mike’ badge on the fenders. That is military talk for “on the move.”

Jeep Wrangler Freedom Edition is priced from $28,165 for Wrangler two-door models and $30,670 for Wrangler Unlimited four-door. Jeep will donate $250 from each Wrangler Freedom Edition it sells to charities that benefit U.S. military members. What’s more, there is also a $500 cash allowance to military members who buy selected Chrysler Group models.

The car is based on the best-selling Sport model, and is available as a two-door Wrangler or four-door Wrangler Unlimited model. Features on the outside include Gray-painted 17-inch alloy wheels borrowed from the Wrangler Rubicon, Mineral Gray-painted grille and front and rear bumper inserts, body-color wheel arches and side steps, black sidesteps with matching black tail lamp guards and a Mopar fuel fill door, and a Sunrider soft top with deep-tint rear windows.

Inside the cabin you get more “Oscar Mike” logo embroidered on the tectonic fabric, seat backs in silver stitching, French Silver accent stitching on the steering wheel, doors, seats and front arm rest, and “Quick Silver” accents on the front passenger grab handle, door pulls and dash vent rings. Standard features include power windows and locks, remote keyless entry, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, and UConnect infotainment.

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New Chevrolet Spin is an MPV Version of the Cobalt

Less than a year after the introduction of the new Chevrolet Cobalt sedan for select markets around the globe, General Motors pulled the sheets off a new compact minivan called the Spin. 

The MPV was designed and developed by GM Brazil with the automaker stating that the car underwent tests in four continents around the world. The Spin is built at GM's factory in São Paulo, Brazil and will be sold across South America and Asia starting from July. 

The Spin shares its platform architecture including its 2,620mm (103.1-inches) long wheelbase, mechanical hardware and design language with the Cobalt. 

If you were not impressed with the Cobalt's styling, then we are going to guess that you will not warm up to the Spin either as it looks awkward, as if someone took the Cobalt and stretched its height on Photoshop…

The interior, which can seat five or seven people, depending on the trim model, also shares many parts with the Cobalt including the partially digital instrument cluster, steering wheel and center console designs. 

Chevrolet says that with seven occupants, the Spin's load capacity is 162 liters, which can be increased to 710 liters in a five-seat configuration and 1,668 liters with the middle row seats folded down. 

There are two available models, the five-seater LT that comes equipped with standard air-conditioning, power steering, ABS, EBD, dual airbags, power windows and locks, plus height adjustable driver's seat and steering wheel. 

The LTZ adds a third row of seats, trip computer, parking sensors and steering wheel controls.

A 1.8-liter four-cylinder Econo.Flex engine delivering 108 horsepower when running ethanol and 106 horsepower on gasoline powers both models. Transmission choices include a five speed manual gearbox and a six-speed automatic transmission. 

GM has not yet announced pricing for the Spin.  

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2013 Mercedes GLK

There is no denying that the new face-lifted Mercedes GLK is uglier than the previous model. Those blessed with the gift of sight can easily notice that if they look at the pictures of the cars side by side. Now, this new commercial they released for the car tries to kind of justify that by delivering the message that it might be ugly, but it’s got a strong character. It’s about a couple searching for a new house. The look at some pretty nice ones, but at end settle for one that doesn’t look very brilliant, but has character.The ad also showcases the GLK’s capabilities on and off the road. 

The comprehensive range of equipment and appointments for the GLK includes details which are generally the reserve of higher classes of vehicle. With a total of seven model versions, the GLK-Class furthermore offers one of the most comprehensive model ranges in the compact SUV segment (Prices for the German market, incl. 19% VAT):

GLK 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY: € 36,235.50GLK 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY: € 38,377.50GLK 220 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY: € 42,721.00GLK 220 BlueTEC 4MATIC: € 44,149.00GLK 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC: € 46,142.25GLK 350 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY: € 49,742.00GLK 350 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY: € 50,099.00

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Audi SQ5 TDI

So you want a small SUV with Quattro, a 5 second run to 100Km/h and  fuel efficient diesel engine? Well look no further than the all new half super-SUV, half Eco-diesel. The SQ5 has Audi’s BiTDi 3 liter V6 motor which is a tower of power producing 230Kw and a massive 650NM of torque while boasting avg. fuel consumption of 7.1l/100km. The SQ5 has Audi’s brand new 8 speed DSG, the suspension is dropped 30mm and it runs on 20inch rims as standard with 21's as an option. This is the first ever “S” model to be powered by diesel and it was debuted alongside the R18-Quattro’s at Le Mans. If you were worried about the noise made by the diesel power plant, have no fear, Audi developed a sound actuator in the exhaust to give it the sound to match the go and it will tow 2.4tons to boot.

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Kia Rio Sedan

Kia has really been upping their game over the past few years and I still had to reserve my judgment since I have not had a chance to drive any of them, just look at them. On the design side of things Kia gets top marks, the looks of the Rio Sedan are fresh modern and clean. The lines are great on the hatch and have crossed over well onto the sedans larger shape. Kia really made a smart move snapping up Peter Schreyer after he left Audi. His signature Tiger Nose design is fresh and has really brought Kia to the fore in the looks department. Where some of the Rio’s competitors have become a much of a much-ness, the Rio really stands out.

Inside this continues, the cabin is spacious, clutter free and everything laid out logically. I do wish they had used more soft touch materials than there appears to be but this doesn’t detract from it being a nice place to be. There was a good amount of space in the back even with the front seat in my driving position. I felt comfortable enough to sit there over an extended journey. It’s no luxury limo but, you will not be wanting for space. The seats are comfortable and with the great array of standard equipment, make it easy to chew away the miles in comfort. The satellite controls on the steering wheel means you never have to take your eyes off the road.

A nice touch is the two twelve volt power points in the front and the tray were you put your iPod has a perfect cut out for your iPhone or iPod to fit snugly and not slide around. The controls are easy to fathom and the Bluetooth is easy to pair, making it easy no matter if you’re 18 or 80.

I know that a lot of cars these days come with beeps and bongs mostly for the American market I guess and the Rio is no different. There is a bong from the seatbelts and then a bong when the key is in the ignition and you open the door, to tell you the key is there so you don’t leave it behind. Well I think that is just plain idiotic. Who leaves their keys in the ignition and walks away from their car to go shopping I ask? Boot space is huge and you will manage to get plenty of luggage in there with 389litres of space

The Rio rides well, feeling firm but not harsh and bumpy. It gives you a lot of confidence in the car and the chassis. The steering is light and easy to manuver in those tight parking lots, which I am sure it will spend a considerable amount of time in. The 1.2 litre unit powering  this base model won’t set any timing sheets on fire, we tested the 0-100 time at 17seconds which is slow by any means but this doesn’t really matter, let’s be frank  you’re not buying a car like this to race around in like Lewis Hamilton . The motor has good torque in the lower RPM range but, the power does seem to die off after 5000RPM. Fuel savings are part and parcel of this car, if you follow the trip computers and the prompts to change gears on the in dash display, you can see fuel figures coming down to as low as 4.3l/100km. Most of the time those figures will be around the 5.5l/100km which is great when you consider the ever rising fuel costs. The Rio’s clutch is light and easy to use but I did find it stalled far too easily pulling off in first. This can get very frustrating and you find yourself over revving just to compensate.

In summary the new Rio Sedan really impressed with its styling, good ride and cabin. Kia has become a real force to reckoned with that better have the other established marques really worrying how they are going to fight back. For the money and what you get as standard there is nothing right now that I would rather spend my hard earned cash on in this segment.

Pros:

Great styling

Bang for your buck motoring

Build Quality

Standard Features

Cons:

Too easy to stall in first gear

Engine needs more oomph

Steering is void of all feel

Specs:

Engine:  1248cc In-line, 4 Cyl 16 valve DOHC CVVT

Power: 65KW @ 6000RPM

Torque: 120NM @ 4000RPM

Standard Features:

Bluetooth, iPod, AUX, Mp3

Electric Windows

Air Con

Power Mirrors

Trip Computer

Special Thanks to Ian Little

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Audi A6 2.0T to get eight-speed auto and Quattro for 2013

Not much gets written about the Audi A6, which is a shame because we have found it one of the most enjoyable models in German automaker's lineup to drive. A report in Car and Driver as to the future of the A6 2.0-liter turbo might not get the model much more press, but could get it more sales. The 211-horsepower four-cylinder has only been available with a CVT and front-wheel drive; now an eight-speed automatic and Quattro appear on the option sheet. 

C/D says will be a surprisingly modest $2,200 premium to move up from the FWD model to the Quattro, with $45,295 needed for the 2.0's base Premium trim – but since the front-drive CVT model will continue to be offered, we're not sure if the eight-speed Tiptronic will be a cost option as well. Even if so, there should still be a healthy stack of Benjamins between it and its German competition, and the addition of Quattro isn't expected to knock it from the top spot in fuel economy among its luxury foes. The upspec'd A6 should appear in dealerships this August. 

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