Weekly SA Motoring News wrap-up
Polo Vivo range gets a stylish special edition derivative
Volkswagen has updated the Polo Vivo model range by adding a stylish special edition to the range. The Polo Vivo Mswenko, which is based on the 1.4 63kW Comfortline manual, is a fashion-inspired derivative which features unique styling details and serves to appeal to customers that are dynamic and young at heart. Mswenko (pronounced m-swe-nkoh) is the isiZulu expression for the slang word “swag”. Swag is an expression of attitude and confidence. A self-confident and stylish person is said to have swag. Mswenko, which is unique to South Africa, refers to a person’s style, attitude and general demeanour.
Ford Ranger takes top honours in latest JD Power quality awards
The Ford Ranger has received the highest award for quality in the midsize pickup segment in the US, according to the 2020 JD Power Initial Quality Study (IQS) report. The Initial Quality Study, now in its 34th year, is based on responses from 87,282 purchasers and lessees of new 2020 model year vehicles in the US who were surveyed after 90 days of ownership. The study took place from February through to May 2020.
Jaguar Land Rover will use plastic waste in next-generation sustainable luxury interiors
Next-generation Jaguar and Land Rover models will feature floor mats and trims made with ECONYL® fibre from recycled industrial plastic, fabric offcuts from clothing manufacturers, fishing nets from the farming industry, and those abandoned in the ocean– known as ‘ghost nets’.
Toyota's global sales recover to 90% of its year-on-year sales figures
Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) has announced that its global sales were down 10.6% in August compared to 2019, but the company also said its retail activities were recovering at a faster pace than expected. While most countries reported dwindling year-on-year sales due to the global impact of COVID-19, China’s sales were up 27.2% compared to last year. The uptick is attributed to the successful hosting of motor show events that are geared towards stimulating local automotive retail in that market. That has helped to push Toyota sales 3.5% up in the Asian region. However, year-on-year sales in other parts of Asia – including Indonesia and Thailand – were still reeling from effects of COVID-19.
The new Audi A4: major upgrade now sportier and even more cutting edge
It used to be Audi’s mainstay model, but, over the years, the A4 has gradually become a fringe player in its model range. On top of buyers increasingly turning to SUVs and crossovers, the Audi A4 also faces stiff familial competition from the impressively capable Q3 and Q5, and feels the squeeze from the A3 Sedan and A5 Sportback at the same time. But now the Audi A4 is fighting back, with a fresh look and a comprehensive array of new available technology.
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