Opel Corsa wins prestigious AUTOBEST 2015 award

;

• “Best Buy Car of Europe for 2015″: Opel’;s new small car wins over expert jury


• First car in AUTOBEST history to win with consecutive model generations

26 JANUARY 2015 - Rüsselsheim. Just 3 months after its European launch, Opel has already received over 55 000 orders for the fifth generation Corsa. In addition to the enthusiastic reception from European buyers, the Corsa has been recognised by a panel of judges who have bestowed it with the AUTOBEST 2015 award.

At the large test finale in Belgrade, Serbia, the newcomer prevailed with a total of 994 points over similarly brand-new competitors including the Hyundai i20 (906 points), Skoda Fabia (871 points) and Citroën C4 Cactus (830 points) making it the first ever car in AUTOBEST history to win the prestigious award with consecutive model generations.

The AUTOBEST expert jury is made up of leading motoring journalists from 15 central and eastern European countries. Comprising around 300 million people, the award is extremely popular and highly respected in this market. Only cars with a compelling price-performance ratio can win this title, because next to classic vehicle characteristics, the jury also carefully considers maintenance costs, spare-parts distribution and dealers’; range of services.

Ultimately the best deal for the normal, average customer is victorious – and the Opel Corsa proved to be unbeatable. Dan Vardie, chairman of the AUTOBEST jury, stated: “The new Corsa proved to be a great small car. All the jury members noticed the arguments that made the new Opel `The Best Buy Car of Europe in 2015′. The new generation Corsa is a meaningful evolution of the Opel model that won AUTOBEST award 6 years ago.”

“We are convinced that the Corsa is the best new small car, and now the AUTOBEST jury has confirmed this,” commented Opel Group CEO, Dr Karl-Thomas Neumann. “We are very proud of this. The new-generation Corsa stands for the art of German engineering, emotional design and excellent value for money. Safety and assistance systems as well as new, state-of-the-art engines and transmissions are real technological highlights.”

The Corsa is one of Opel’;s most important models and accounts for around one-4th of the tradition-rich brand’;s total sales. In the 32 years since the first-generation Corsa was introduced to the market, over 12.4 million units of the small car have been sold. The 4th-generation alone, the Corsa D, sold around 3 million units between 2006 and 2014 and won the AUTOBEST award in 2007. The new Corsa is also a cornerstone of Opel’;s ongoing product offensive: to 2018, the brand will introduce 27 new cars and 17 new engines to the market.

The all-new Corsa reaches South African roads during the first quarter of 2015.

Opel Corsa wins prestigious AUTOBEST 2015 award

All-New Mazda2 Wins Good Design Gold Award 2014 In Japan

The soon to be launched in South Africa, all-new Mazda2 wins Good Design’;s Gold Award in Japan

After just recently winning Car Of The Year Japan, Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that the all-new Mazda2 received the Good Design Award’;s Good Design Gold Award (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Minister’;s Award), sponsored by public interest incorporated foundation, Japan Institute of Design Promotion.

Following the Mazda CX-5, Mazda6 and Mazda3 the soon to be launched in South Africa, all-new Mazda2 is the 4th in Mazda’;s line-up of new-generation products which feature the full range of SKYACTIV technology* and KODO-Soul of Motion design.

Aspiring to create a new-generation subcompact that would shatter people’;s preconceived notions about this class of vehicle, Mazda packed all the new technology and design ideas that have defined the automaker’;s new-generation models into the compact body of the Mazda2. KODO design has been evolved to give the model a sense of life and an undeniable presence that belies the vehicle’;s compact size. With the interior, Mazda designers aimed to set a new global benchmark for the segment. Every element, from spatial composition and forms, through to colour coordination and textures, was drastically transformed to realize a feeling of quality that exceeds the class.

The Japan Institute of Design Promotion said about the Mazda2, “Mazda has taken all of the KODO design from the last few years and condensed it into this compact body. The tense undulations of the body surfaces remind one of a wild animal in pursuit of prey, and every line expresses a sense of speed. The exterior is so dynamic it is hard to believe this form was achieved on a small city car. Not only does the quality feel of the interior exceed the standards of the class, the natural driving position made possible by moving the front wheels forward means you never feel like you are driving a small car. Along with the SKYACTIV clean diesel engine this model lets you enjoy the most fundamental pleasure of the automobile-moving your own hands and feet to get where you want to go-with all 5 senses.”

Established in 1957, the Good Design Award is Japan’;s only comprehensive program for the evaluation and commendation of design. In 2014, a total of 1,258 designs were awarded the Good Design Award, among which the highest scoring 100 were named to the Good Design Best 100. The Good Design Gold Award is awarded to the most outstanding designs among the Good Design Best 100.

For more information about the Japan Institute of Design Promotion’;s Good Design Award:

http://www.g-mark.org/?locale=en

“Mazda Southern Africa is inspired and enthusiastic about launching this now multi award winning all-new Mazda2 in South Africa early 2015.” Says David Hughes – MD of Mazda South Africa

*SKYACTIV is the umbrella term for Mazda’;s range of next-generation technologies-including gasoline and diesel engines, transmissions, body and chassis – developed under Mazda’;s Sustainable Zoom-Zoom vision to provide both driving pleasure and outstanding environmental and safety performance.

All-New Mazda2 Wins Good Design Gold Award 2014 In Japan

All-New Mazda2 Wins Good Design Gold Award 2014 In Japan

The soon to be launched in South Africa, all-new Mazda2 wins Good Design’;s Gold Award in Japan

After just recently winning Car Of The Year Japan, Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that the all-new Mazda2 received the Good Design Award’;s Good Design Gold Award (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Minister’;s Award), sponsored by public interest incorporated foundation, Japan Institute of Design Promotion.

Following the Mazda CX-5, Mazda6 and Mazda3 the soon to be launched in South Africa, all-new Mazda2 is the 4th in Mazda’;s line-up of new-generation products which feature the full range of SKYACTIV technology* and KODO-Soul of Motion design.

Aspiring to create a new-generation subcompact that would shatter people’;s preconceived notions about this class of vehicle, Mazda packed all the new technology and design ideas that have defined the automaker’;s new-generation models into the compact body of the Mazda2. KODO design has been evolved to give the model a sense of life and an undeniable presence that belies the vehicle’;s compact size. With the interior, Mazda designers aimed to set a new global benchmark for the segment. Every element, from spatial composition and forms, through to colour coordination and textures, was drastically transformed to realize a feeling of quality that exceeds the class.

The Japan Institute of Design Promotion said about the Mazda2, “Mazda has taken all of the KODO design from the last few years and condensed it into this compact body. The tense undulations of the body surfaces remind one of a wild animal in pursuit of prey, and every line expresses a sense of speed. The exterior is so dynamic it is hard to believe this form was achieved on a small city car. Not only does the quality feel of the interior exceed the standards of the class, the natural driving position made possible by moving the front wheels forward means you never feel like you are driving a small car. Along with the SKYACTIV clean diesel engine this model lets you enjoy the most fundamental pleasure of the automobile-moving your own hands and feet to get where you want to go-with all 5 senses.”

Established in 1957, the Good Design Award is Japan’;s only comprehensive program for the evaluation and commendation of design. In 2014, a total of 1,258 designs were awarded the Good Design Award, among which the highest scoring 100 were named to the Good Design Best 100. The Good Design Gold Award is awarded to the most outstanding designs among the Good Design Best 100.

For more information about the Japan Institute of Design Promotion’;s Good Design Award:

http://www.g-mark.org/?locale=en

“Mazda Southern Africa is inspired and enthusiastic about launching this now multi award winning all-new Mazda2 in South Africa early 2015.” Says David Hughes – MD of Mazda South Africa

*SKYACTIV is the umbrella term for Mazda’;s range of next-generation technologies-including gasoline and diesel engines, transmissions, body and chassis – developed under Mazda’;s Sustainable Zoom-Zoom vision to provide both driving pleasure and outstanding environmental and safety performance.

All-New Mazda2 Wins Good Design Gold Award 2014 In Japan

All-New Mazda2 Wins Good Design Gold Award 2014 In Japan

The soon to be launched in South Africa, all-new Mazda2 wins Good Design’;s Gold Award in Japan

After just recently winning Car Of The Year Japan, Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that the all-new Mazda2 received the Good Design Award’;s Good Design Gold Award (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Minister’;s Award), sponsored by public interest incorporated foundation, Japan Institute of Design Promotion.

Following the Mazda CX-5, Mazda6 and Mazda3 the soon to be launched in South Africa, all-new Mazda2 is the 4th in Mazda’;s line-up of new-generation products which feature the full range of SKYACTIV technology* and KODO-Soul of Motion design.

Aspiring to create a new-generation subcompact that would shatter people’;s preconceived notions about this class of vehicle, Mazda packed all the new technology and design ideas that have defined the automaker’;s new-generation models into the compact body of the Mazda2. KODO design has been evolved to give the model a sense of life and an undeniable presence that belies the vehicle’;s compact size. With the interior, Mazda designers aimed to set a new global benchmark for the segment. Every element, from spatial composition and forms, through to colour coordination and textures, was drastically transformed to realize a feeling of quality that exceeds the class.

The Japan Institute of Design Promotion said about the Mazda2, “Mazda has taken all of the KODO design from the last few years and condensed it into this compact body. The tense undulations of the body surfaces remind one of a wild animal in pursuit of prey, and every line expresses a sense of speed. The exterior is so dynamic it is hard to believe this form was achieved on a small city car. Not only does the quality feel of the interior exceed the standards of the class, the natural driving position made possible by moving the front wheels forward means you never feel like you are driving a small car. Along with the SKYACTIV clean diesel engine this model lets you enjoy the most fundamental pleasure of the automobile-moving your own hands and feet to get where you want to go-with all 5 senses.”

Established in 1957, the Good Design Award is Japan’;s only comprehensive program for the evaluation and commendation of design. In 2014, a total of 1,258 designs were awarded the Good Design Award, among which the highest scoring 100 were named to the Good Design Best 100. The Good Design Gold Award is awarded to the most outstanding designs among the Good Design Best 100.

For more information about the Japan Institute of Design Promotion’;s Good Design Award:

http://www.g-mark.org/?locale=en

“Mazda Southern Africa is inspired and enthusiastic about launching this now multi award winning all-new Mazda2 in South Africa early 2015.” Says David Hughes – MD of Mazda South Africa

*SKYACTIV is the umbrella term for Mazda’;s range of next-generation technologies-including gasoline and diesel engines, transmissions, body and chassis – developed under Mazda’;s Sustainable Zoom-Zoom vision to provide both driving pleasure and outstanding environmental and safety performance.

All-New Mazda2 Wins Good Design Gold Award 2014 In Japan

All-New Mazda2 Wins Good Design Gold Award 2014 In Japan

The soon to be launched in South Africa, all-new Mazda2 wins Good Design’;s Gold Award in Japan

After just recently winning Car Of The Year Japan, Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that the all-new Mazda2 received the Good Design Award’;s Good Design Gold Award (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Minister’;s Award), sponsored by public interest incorporated foundation, Japan Institute of Design Promotion.

Following the Mazda CX-5, Mazda6 and Mazda3 the soon to be launched in South Africa, all-new Mazda2 is the 4th in Mazda’;s line-up of new-generation products which feature the full range of SKYACTIV technology* and KODO-Soul of Motion design.

Aspiring to create a new-generation subcompact that would shatter people’;s preconceived notions about this class of vehicle, Mazda packed all the new technology and design ideas that have defined the automaker’;s new-generation models into the compact body of the Mazda2. KODO design has been evolved to give the model a sense of life and an undeniable presence that belies the vehicle’;s compact size. With the interior, Mazda designers aimed to set a new global benchmark for the segment. Every element, from spatial composition and forms, through to colour coordination and textures, was drastically transformed to realize a feeling of quality that exceeds the class.

The Japan Institute of Design Promotion said about the Mazda2, “Mazda has taken all of the KODO design from the last few years and condensed it into this compact body. The tense undulations of the body surfaces remind one of a wild animal in pursuit of prey, and every line expresses a sense of speed. The exterior is so dynamic it is hard to believe this form was achieved on a small city car. Not only does the quality feel of the interior exceed the standards of the class, the natural driving position made possible by moving the front wheels forward means you never feel like you are driving a small car. Along with the SKYACTIV clean diesel engine this model lets you enjoy the most fundamental pleasure of the automobile-moving your own hands and feet to get where you want to go-with all 5 senses.”

Established in 1957, the Good Design Award is Japan’;s only comprehensive program for the evaluation and commendation of design. In 2014, a total of 1,258 designs were awarded the Good Design Award, among which the highest scoring 100 were named to the Good Design Best 100. The Good Design Gold Award is awarded to the most outstanding designs among the Good Design Best 100.

For more information about the Japan Institute of Design Promotion’;s Good Design Award:

http://www.g-mark.org/?locale=en

“Mazda Southern Africa is inspired and enthusiastic about launching this now multi award winning all-new Mazda2 in South Africa early 2015.” Says David Hughes – MD of Mazda South Africa

*SKYACTIV is the umbrella term for Mazda’;s range of next-generation technologies-including gasoline and diesel engines, transmissions, body and chassis – developed under Mazda’;s Sustainable Zoom-Zoom vision to provide both driving pleasure and outstanding environmental and safety performance.

All-New Mazda2 Wins Good Design Gold Award 2014 In Japan

Subaru Levorg wins coveted 2014 Good Design Award

The Subaru Levorg has won the coveted 2014 Good Design Award from the Japan Institute of Design Promotion (JDP). Following the 2013 award bestowed on the Subaru Forester and the 2012 awards for the Impreza and XV, this marks the 3^rd consecutive year that Subaru has been honoured with the Good Design Award, which reflects JDP’;s high praise for the Subaru design that fuses style and functionality.

The JPD comments: “True to its product concept as the fusion of sports car and wagon features, the Subaru Levorg has a dynamic form with fender blisters and a roof line which is sloped more sharply than the traditional wagon-style Legacy while maintaining the brand’;s strengths of good visibility and a versatile cargo space. On the inside, Subaru has gone so far as to set up a special design team to complete finishing touches, where we can see the attention that they’;ve given to details in the feel of materials and the sound quality of moving parts.

“With further advances made on the brand’;s unique technologies such as the horizontally-opposed Boxer® engine and EyeSightT driver assist system, the Subaru Levorg has been completed as a vehicle which ensures a secure, enjoyable driving experience.”

Subaru Levorg wins coveted 2014 Good Design Award

Opel Debuts New Corsa Hatchback in Paris, Nails Most Confusing Engine Lineup Ever Award

Mainstream automobile, hot entrance: This is the script Opel followed for the introduction of its new fifth-generation Corsa hatchback. The profitable subcompact Opel debuted with a small aid from German supermodel Claudia Schiffer at the 2014 Paris auto show. Oh, and the less blonde and even less leggy Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann, Opel’s CEO, also was there.

In Europe, the Corsa competes with automobiles like the Ford Fiesta, the Volkswagen Polo, the Renault Clio, and the Fiat Punto, the final of which shares its platform with the now-defunct 4th-generation Corsa. The little Opel will go on sale in other markets, too expect to see it in locations as diverse as Latin America and China, where it will be supplied below the Chevrolet and Buick monikers, also. At launch, the Corsa lineup will consist of 3- and 5-door physique styles, but a notchback version may possibly join these 2 choices later.

Unlike some of its competitors, the new Corsa can be fitted with a number of high-finish systems such as HID headlights, auto-dimming mirrors, speed-limit recognition, lane-departure warning, a panoramic sunroof, ambient cabin lighting, and an auxiliary heating method. That’s all effectively and great, but the car’s breadth of decision gets a little out of hand when it comes to powertrain options.

Opel offers the new Corsa with 2 naturally aspirated 4-cylinders (a 1.2-liter with 68 horsepower and a 5-speed manual and a 1.4-liter with 89 horsepower and a 5-speed manual, a 5-speed automated manual, or a 6-speed torque-converter-style automatic) and a turbocharged 1.4-liter 4 with 99 horsepower and a 6-speed manual and 2 turbocharged 1.-liter 3-cylinders with 89 and 114 horsepower that each come mated to a 6-speed manual. With us? Great, due to the fact there’s a lot more: Diesel-lovers can decide on between 2 1.3-liter 4s with 74 and 94 horsepower, both of which get a 5-speed manual. Oh, and there are positive to be larger-overall performance possibilities in the future.

---

---

Layering on the option, Opel delivers 4 curiously named trim levels: Selection, Edition, Colour Edition, and Innovation. But wait, there’s more: The German-engineered Corsa also will be rebadged as a Vauxhall for the U.K. industry. The Brits get a lowered engine portfolio but an even much more creative set of trim-level designations: Life, Sting, Sting R, Design and style, Excite, SRi, SRi VX-Line, SE, and Restricted Edition.

If the Opel Corsa ever comes to the States as a Buick—no word on that as of now—we suspect the portfolio will be severely de-cluttered. If only to avoid salespeople and consumers alike from diving off the deep end.

Opel Debuts New Corsa Hatchback in Paris, Nails Most Confusing Engine Lineup Ever Award

Opel Debuts New Corsa Hatchback in Paris, Nails Most Confusing Engine Lineup Ever Award

Mainstream auto, hot entrance: This is the script Opel followed for the introduction of its new fifth-generation Corsa hatchback. The productive subcompact Opel debuted with a tiny assist from German supermodel Claudia Schiffer at the 2014 Paris auto show. Oh, and the less blonde and even less leggy Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann, Opel’s CEO, also was there.

In Europe, the Corsa competes with cars like the Ford Fiesta, the Volkswagen Polo, the Renault Clio, and the Fiat Punto, the final of which shares its platform with the now-defunct 4th-generation Corsa. The tiny Opel will go on sale in other markets, also count on to see it in locations as diverse as Latin America and China, exactly where it will be offered under the Chevrolet and Buick monikers, too. At launch, the Corsa lineup will consist of 3- and 5-door body styles, but a notchback version may possibly join these 2 choices later.

As opposed to some of its competitors, the new Corsa can be fitted with a quantity of high-finish systems such as HID headlights, auto-dimming mirrors, speed-limit recognition, lane-departure warning, a panoramic sunroof, ambient cabin lighting, and an auxiliary heating technique. That is all nicely and great, but the car’s breadth of decision gets a little out of hand when it comes to powertrain alternatives.

Opel gives the new Corsa with 2 naturally aspirated 4-cylinders (a 1.2-liter with 68 horsepower and a 5-speed manual and a 1.4-liter with 89 horsepower and a 5-speed manual, a 5-speed automated manual, or a 6-speed torque-converter-style automatic) and a turbocharged 1.4-liter 4 with 99 horsepower and a 6-speed manual and 2 turbocharged 1.-liter 3-cylinders with 89 and 114 horsepower that each come mated to a 6-speed manual. With us? Very good, simply because there’s a lot more: Diesel-lovers can choose in between 2 1.3-liter 4s with 74 and 94 horsepower, both of which get a 5-speed manual. Oh, and there are certain to be higher-overall performance choices in the future.

---

---

Layering on the option, Opel offers 4 curiously named trim levels: Selection, Edition, Color Edition, and Innovation. But wait, there’s far more: The German-engineered Corsa also will be rebadged as a Vauxhall for the U.K. industry. The Brits get a reduced engine portfolio but an even much more inventive set of trim-level designations: Life, Sting, Sting R, Design, Excite, SRi, SRi VX-Line, SE, and Limited Edition.

If the Opel Corsa ever comes to the States as a Buick—no word on that as of now—we suspect the portfolio will be severely de-cluttered. If only to avert salespeople and customers alike from diving off the deep finish.

Opel Debuts New Corsa Hatchback in Paris, Nails Most Confusing Engine Lineup Ever Award

Subaru BRZ earns IIHS Top Safety Pick Award

Subaru of America, Inc. today announced that the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded the 2014 Subaru BRZ a 2014 Top Safety Pick award. The Subaru BRZ achieved a ‘good’; rating in the Institute’;s crashworthiness evaluations of front moderate overlap, side impact, roof crush and rear impact.

The vehicle also received an ‘acceptable’; rating in the institute’;s front small overlap test. This is the first time the IIHS has rated the BRZ in the small overlap test since it was launched in 2012.

With the addition of the 2014 BRZ, Subaru now has 6 models that have earned 2014 safety awards from IIHS – 4 with Top Safety Pick and 3 with Top Safety Pick+ ratings, including the Forester, Outback and WRX models. Subaru continues to hold more 2014 IIHS Top Safety Pick awards than any other brand.

Powered by Subaru’;s new-generation, naturally aspirated Boxer® petrol engine and featuring rear-wheel drive, the BRZ is a sports car which does not sacrifice everyday comfort and practicality, combining ultimate driving fun with the Subaru brand’;s renowned safety and quality.

“This latest IIHS safety accolade is another medal the Subaru brand can wear proudly,” comments Subaru Southern Africa Marketing Manager, Ashley Lazarus. “It also goes to show that not only is the Subaru BRZ bundles of fun, but it maintains the highest no-compromise Subaru safety standards as well.”

Subaru BRZ earns IIHS Top Safety Pick Award

Subaru BRZ earns IIHS Top Safety Pick Award

Subaru of America, Inc. today announced that the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded the 2014 Subaru BRZ a 2014 Top Safety Pick award. The Subaru BRZ achieved a ‘good’; rating in the Institute’;s crashworthiness evaluations of front moderate overlap, side impact, roof crush and rear impact.

The vehicle also received an ‘acceptable’; rating in the institute’;s front small overlap test. This is the first time the IIHS has rated the BRZ in the small overlap test since it was launched in 2012.

With the addition of the 2014 BRZ, Subaru now has 6 models that have earned 2014 safety awards from IIHS – 4 with Top Safety Pick and 3 with Top Safety Pick+ ratings, including the Forester, Outback and WRX models. Subaru continues to hold more 2014 IIHS Top Safety Pick awards than any other brand.

Powered by Subaru’;s new-generation, naturally aspirated Boxer® petrol engine and featuring rear-wheel drive, the BRZ is a sports car which does not sacrifice everyday comfort and practicality, combining ultimate driving fun with the Subaru brand’;s renowned safety and quality.

“This latest IIHS safety accolade is another medal the Subaru brand can wear proudly,” comments Subaru Southern Africa Marketing Manager, Ashley Lazarus. “It also goes to show that not only is the Subaru BRZ bundles of fun, but it maintains the highest no-compromise Subaru safety standards as well.”

Subaru BRZ earns IIHS Top Safety Pick Award