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The original Volkswagen Golf GTi may not have been the very first of the hot hatches, but it is undoubtedly the most recognized. Known to many simply as The GTi, it has become one of the most enduring automotive icons of the last thirty-plus years – and for very good reasons.
Performance For Everyone
The secret to the GTi’s longevity is its remarkable all-round ability. Volkswagen may have refined the car over the decades, smoothing out the rough spots and adding ever-greater levels of comfort and equipment, but you don’t have to look very hard to find the boy-racer lurking beneath the cultured surface.
The Ford Focus has always had an interesting history in South Africa – Ford aficionados were always impressed by its interesting looks and good engines. The VW and Toyota faithful – not so much. There was just not enough to make these buyers sit up and notice.
But Ford had a long hard look at what the Germans and Japanese were doing in this space, and decided to change their current lineup with somewhat better options and the new SYNC systems.
The looks (more…)
Written by: Neil Hilden
As you have probably guessed, the new Mercedes Benz GL 63 AMG comes with all the luxury and comfort that you would expect from this German car. And it doesn’t disappoint. The new Mercedes Benz GL 63 AMG fully carries on the Mercedes tradition in that it offers the best performance oriented all-wheel-drive experience. The AMG comes with top of the line features and equipment that embraces innovation and superb attention to detail, providing a perfect mix of luxury and comfort.
The new Mercedes Benz interior is a breathtaking work of art with high quality leather upholstered seats. The new AMG is the big daddy compared to those archaic and somehow absurdly powerful off-roaders. Then a look under the hood presents to you the source of the power.
When you first look at the Ford Ranger, it is quite a daunting machine. The sheer size of the thing makes you wonder what it would be like to use in everyday life. But this Ford is not alone – other bakkies in SA are also starting to stretch in size. South Africa is currently being flooded with great new choices in the bakkie market, and the new Ford Ranger might just make the most compelling argument of the bunch. While the VW Amarok was the big new entry in the last few years, the new Ranger is the bakkie that will be trying to persuade the Hilux faithful.
We spent the week with the new high end 3.2 litre TDCi XLT model, and the new Ranger did not disappoint.
In one of his latest reviews, Chris Harris test drives the Mercedes Benz SL63 AMG Bi-Turbo in St. Tropez.
Harris describes the car as “the ultimate go anywhere, roof up or roof down sports car” and acknowledges its ‘bi-polar’ nature as it simultaneously offers comfort and sport, quiet and noise, excitement and calm. Interesting.
For more figures and performance information watch Harris in action in the video below:
German tuning house Novitec Automobile GmbH has decided to do some tweaking on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. The company, known for their tuning of Ferrari’s, has experience with Alfa and decided to make some exciting improvements on the Italian hatchback. The vehicle prides itself on offering power and speed with a reasonable price tag attached.
Beginning in the engine bay, Novitec made adjustments with the full range of gasoline and diesel engines available, to squeeze out an extra 15-30 horsepower depending on the model. Additional features include stainless steel sport mufflers, wheels with diameters of up to 20 inches and an aerodynamic-enhancement package.
The front of the vehicle will undergo some changes that will result in a reduced lift on the front axle, the rear will be fitted with a bumper with integrated diffuser and the side skirts will create a more sleeker appearance.
Alfa Romeo Giulietta
Renault have recently officially released the details of their latest limited edition Megane RS 250 Grand Prix model. The French auto manufacturer pays homage to the Monaco GP circuit with this luxurious award winning Megane that is reflected in its looks and drive.
Renault has packed the hatch with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four producing 246 horsepower and 251 lb/ft of torque. Other features include a panoramic glass roof, 19-inch alloys, red Brembo brake calipers and bi-xenon headlights. The interior shows off a black-and-white leather trim with white accents on the center console, dash-strip, and door handles. The Pearlescent White paint, in which the car is currently only available, reflects its exclusive status.
Unfortunately the limited edition hatch is only available for the Australian market.
Justin Hocevar, Managing Director Renault Australia has stated that “this incredibly luxurious version of the Mégane R.S. 250 will appeal to lovers of hot hatches who don’t want to compromise on their everyday creature comforts.”
Ever looked at a VW Polo and thought, “Hmmm, that thing is just far too large. I wish Volkswagen made something much smaller.” No? Me neither. But if tiny cars are your thing, you’re in luck, as VW has confirmed that new up! (yes, lower case and exclamation mark are part of the model name) will be on sale in Europe by the end of the year.
Gallery and Specs after the jump.
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