Weekly SA Motoring News wrap-up
Lexus SUV range to get spec upgrade
The recently-advanced models mainly include interior and technology-focused upgrades that are sure to impress any Lexus customer. Lexus has gone further to combine the traditions of Japanese culture and aesthetics with improved technologies for some of the models in their product range. With that in mind, Lexus’ has applied several specification changes in its SUV line-up encompassing the LX, RX and NX models.
Stellantis unveils their new logo
Peugeot S.A. ("Groupe PSA") and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. today reveal the new logo of Stellantis, the new group that will result from their 50:50 merger. The logo symbolises the rich heritage of Stellantis’ founding companies and the unique combined strengths of the new group’s portfolio of 14 storied automotive brands, as well as the diversity of professional backgrounds of its employees working in all the regions. Along with the Stellantis name – whose Latin root “stello” means “to brighten with stars” – it is the visual representation of the spirit of optimism, energy and renewal of a diverse and innovative company determined to be one of the new leaders in the next era of sustainable mobility.
New Land Rover Discovery to get straight-six engines, enhanced connectivity and more comfort
New Discovery combines an exceptional design evolution with a versatile and intelligently packaged interior which embodies the spirit of family adventure that has characterised Land Rover’s premium family SUV for more than 30 years. Featuring the latest generation of powerful and efficient six-cylinder Ingenium petrol and diesel engines, advanced Pivi Pro infotainment and superior comfort and practicality, New Discovery remains one of the most capable, connected and versatile full seven-seat premium SUVs in the world.
The Mahindra KUV100 NXT is the country’s most budget-friendly compact crossover
The Mahindra KUV100 NXT remains the cost-king of the compact crossovers. The 2020 AA-Kinsey Report, which is compiled and published independently of any manufacturer support, found that the Mahindra KUV100 NXT is one of the most affordable compact crossovers to repair and service. The report also found that the KUV has the most affordable crash-replacement parts, making it the overall price winner in the compact crossover segment of the study. The crossover segments remain the most crowded and hotly contested segments of the Kinsey report.
Porsche provides a glimpse of unreleased concept cars
Under the title “Porsche Unseen”, Porsche is for the first time publishing design studies from 2005 to 2019 which have until now been kept under lock and key. The sports car manufacturer is showing spectacular visions of 15 different cars. The early studies cover the segments “Spin-offs“, “Little rebels“, “Hyper cars“ and “What’s next?”. In this way, Porsche is offering an exclusive insight into its design process – from the very first drawing to the finished model ready for series production.
Four car team for Toyota at 2021 Dakar Rally
Toyota Gazoo Racing will be entering four crews in the 2021 Dakar Rally, scheduled to start on January 3 in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah. The works team will consist of Nasser Al-Attiyah and navigator Mathieu Baumel; Giniel de Villiers and navigator Alex Haro; rookie Henk Lategan and navigator Brett Cummings; and Shameer Variawa and navigator Dennis Murphy.
Volkswagen brand leads passenger car market in the first 10 months of 2020
In the first 10 months of 2020, the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand sold 42 354 vehicles in the local market. The passenger car market is down year-on-year by 33.3% and Volkswagen’s sales showed a 29% year-on-year decline. Volkswagen’s Passenger Car market share increased by 1.1% to 21.5% when compared to October 2019’s figure of 20.4%.
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