The 7 Best Design Details from Cars of the 2015 New York Auto Show

It’;s always in the details

Having established that this year’s New York auto show lacked a coherent, overarching theme, we did actually discover one sub-theme running strong throughout: Attention to sweet details in design. Specifically, the collection of debuts had a veritable treasure trove of features and widgets that left us staggered. The devil—or at lease a threadbare connection—is always in the details, they say, and these are some fun things eggs we saw in New York.

1) Lincoln Continental concept: Absolutely ridiculous 30-way seats

The Lincoln Continental concept’;s derivative look may have irked some folks, but everyone could appreciate the car’;s outrageous interior. Our favorite feature? The epic 30-way power seats, which have an equally impressive 50 engineering patents associated with them. That the seats look like robotic centipedes reaching out to give you an awkward hug, well, that’;s pure gravy.

Lincoln Continental concept: Absolutely ridiculous 30-way seats

For seats with 30 possible adjustments, the controls appear fairly straightforward.

Lincoln Continental concept

2) 2016 Range Rover SVAutobiography: Electrically deployable tables

Nothing says “business class” like tiny tables that deploy from next to your ultra-luxury SUV’;s comfy, reclined rear perch. The 2016 Land Rover Range Rover SVAutobiography’;s trays kick things up a notch extra by deploying under their own power at the press of a button. Pass the bubbly, Jeeves.

2016 Range Rover SVAutobiography

3) 2016 Porsche Boxster Spyder: Folding roof mechanism

Why are we celebrating a manually folding roof on an $ 80,000-plus sports car? Because the previous-generation Porsche Boxster Spyder’;s lightweight design ethos and gorgeous rear-deck fairings dictated the use of a convertible top of such diabolical complexity as to make a Swiss watch blush. While your timepiece wept with embarrassment, you probably were getting wet during the 5-to-10-minute process of erecting the old Spyder’s tent-like cloth roof. The new Boxster Spyder’s top, which folds beneath a tonneau cover, is far simpler. Of course, Porsche didn’t remove all of the complexity—raising or lowering the top still requires a number of steps—but we dig how it improved the roof while still keeping it relatively basic and light-w7

2016 Porsche Boxster Spyder

4) Honda Civic coupe concept: Properly done wrap-around taillights

Today’;s Civic looks a bit like like a sad tadpole with headlights. The 2016 Civic Coupe concept, on the other hand, looks like a real car that we’;re actually attracted to. Our favorite feature? The Civic concept’;s highly sculpted, wraparound taillights that look like nothing else on the road. This is the sort of wow factor the production Civic desperately needs to regain the interest of buyers—and us.

Honda Civic coupe concept

Honda Civic coupe concept

5) 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club: Pure, undisguised engine

These days, it’;s rare to open a car hood and find . . . an engine. Sure, the lion’;s share of new cars sold the globe over are powered by internal-combustion engines, but few are visible to the naked eye. Manufacturers, whether to quell noisy direct fuel-injection system noises or simply to prevent their hapless customers from becoming overwhelmed when trying to top off their windshield-wiper fluid reserves, have begun slathering engines with plastic and felt covers. That’s why we were so happy when we happened across the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club’s gloriously naked engine bay. Is that a . . . a valve cover we see? Ignition coils? An exhaust manifold? Fun fact: Even the regular 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata’s engine bay looks like this. Long live the naked engine!

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club

6) 2016 Nissan Maxima: 4DSC taillight branding

The original Nissan Maxima had tiny “4DSC” lettering molded into its exterior lights, and so, too, does the all-new 2016 version. For the uninitiated, “4DSC” stands for “4-Door Sports Car,” a boast Nissan has long made about the Maxima sedan. It remains to be seen whether the new car will live up to the title, though.

2016 Nissan Maxim

7) 2016 Cadillac CT6: Streaming-video rearview mirror

Cadillac’;s CT6 luxury sedan is understated, handsome, and long overdue. That said, one of our favorite features—besides the CT6′s epic-sounding (no pun intended) 34-speaker Bose audio system—is its fancy digital rearview mirror. At the flip of a switch, the rearview mirror transforms from a reflective surface showing what’s behind you to a screen showing—wait for it—what’s behind you. The cool part is how it shows your aft surroundings: Thanks to a wide-angle video feed, all you see is what’s behind the car, no rear pillars, no headrests, no back-seat passengers.

2016 Cadillac CT6 streaming video mirror

2016 Cadillac CT6

The 7 Best Design Details from Cars of the 2015 New York Auto Show

House courts from abroad: EU states pursue errant Brit drivers

Think you can get away with breaking the speed limit or operating a red light when driving your UK car abroad? Feel again!

The European Parliament is cracking down on drivers who commit visitors offences whilst in other European Union countries. Foreign governments will be able to pursue the errant driver in their residence state, making use of that country’s judicial system.

Finders keepers

And they’ll be in a position to go after the registered keeper of the vehicle, which indicates you could be fined for an offence even if you weren’t driving at the time it was committed.

The new law was passed in February and ratified this week. It will come into impact across most of the EU in May, despite the fact that Brits (along with the Danes and the Irish) will have some breathing space – the government is nevertheless negotiating with the EU to iron out a quantity of ‘discrepancies’.

British, Danish and Eire drivers will feel the force of the new legislation from Might 2017.

Quel dommage

An estimated 500,000 Brit drivers a year commit site visitors offences in France alone, so this improvement will have main implications for UK motorists.

It indicates the registered keepers of autos exactly where the driver has been caught drink- or drug-driving, speeding, making use of a mobile phone at the wheel or ignoring red lights or traffic signs even though abroad will be tracked down and fined at their residence address – in our case, courtesy of records held by DVLA.

If the vehicle’s keeper refuses to stump up the fine, the foreign authority will be capable to apply to the courts in his or her residence country for redress.

Fast & loose

The law adjust comes soon after a European Commission study discovered that, even though non-resident drivers only account for about 5% of total road site visitors offences, they commit 15% of speeding offences across the EU and a quarter of these recorded in France.

The EU has also pledged to reduce road deaths by 50% by 2020.

The UK government has stated that the changes will aid British authorities pursue foreign drivers who flout UK visitors laws and then attempt to escape punishment.

House courts from abroad: EU states pursue errant Brit drivers

How long can I use my vehicle from the expiry of the disc with load on?

Question:

I have a rig comprising of a mechanical  horse and a lowbed trailer.

Now the operators permit and annual license expires on say the 28^th of February 2015.

This vehicle however is on the road going through Harrismith  , when a Provincial inspector stops the vehicle.

The inspector sees that the permit/license expires on the 28^th, the same day.

Now this inspector claims the vehicle may not be on the road and he issues a fine  of R2500.00  for the so called offense.

Surely the inspector can’t write a fine before 1200 hrs midnight?

Also is there not a 21x day grace period after expiry date?

Actually  this is a true incident one of our vehicles experienced recently.

What is so disturbing about it, is that the traffic  cop actually tried to get KFC  money out of the driver, then we saw the driver was not

Going to give in, he retaliated by issuing the ticket.

Answer:

You are allowed to use the vehicle for 21 days after expiry of the disc with a load on. The relevant regulations are 23, 145 and 267 for the licence, RWC and OP card.

Alta Swanepoel & Associates

;

How long can I use my vehicle from the expiry of the disc with load on?

Penn. Man Accused of Purchasing Auto Insurance From Scene of Auto Wreck

Authorities say a Pennsylvania man known as an insurance coverage company from a crash scene to purchase auto coverage and later claimed his wreck happened after he got the policy.

The Altoona Mirror reports that the insurance fraud charges filed this week against 33-year-old Michael Traveny stem from an Aug. 21 crash in Duncansville, Pennsylvania.

State prosecutors say Traveny didn’t have insurance coverage when he crashed that evening so he known as Secure Auto Insurance from the scene and bought coverage with out mentioning the wreck.

Prosecutors say Traveny filed a $ 3,900 claim the subsequent day claiming the crash happened soon after the policy took impact.

On the web court records do not list an attorney for Traveny. He faces a preliminary hearing March 17.

Copyright 2015 Related Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Get Insurance coverage Journal Each Day

Penn. Man Accused of Purchasing Auto Insurance From Scene of Auto Wreck

Penn. Man Accused of Buying Auto Insurance From Scene of Auto Wreck

Authorities say a Pennsylvania man called an insurance coverage business from a crash scene to buy auto coverage and later claimed his wreck happened right after he got the policy.

The Altoona Mirror reports that the insurance coverage fraud charges filed this week against 33-year-old Michael Traveny stem from an Aug. 21 crash in Duncansville, Pennsylvania.

State prosecutors say Traveny didn’t have insurance when he crashed that evening so he named Protected Auto Insurance from the scene and purchased coverage without mentioning the wreck.

Prosecutors say Traveny filed a $ 3,900 claim the next day claiming the crash happened after the policy took effect.

On the web court records do not list an attorney for Traveny. He faces a preliminary hearing March 17.

Copyright 2015 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Get Insurance coverage Journal Each and every Day

Penn. Man Accused of Buying Auto Insurance From Scene of Auto Wreck

Penn. Man Accused of Getting Auto Insurance From Scene of Automobile Wreck

Authorities say a Pennsylvania man called an insurance organization from a crash scene to buy auto coverage and later claimed his wreck happened following he got the policy.

The Altoona Mirror reports that the insurance coverage fraud charges filed this week against 33-year-old Michael Traveny stem from an Aug. 21 crash in Duncansville, Pennsylvania.

State prosecutors say Traveny didn’t have insurance when he crashed that night so he called Protected Auto Insurance from the scene and purchased coverage without mentioning the wreck.

Prosecutors say Traveny filed a $ 3,900 claim the next day claiming the crash occurred after the policy took impact.

Online court records don’t list an attorney for Traveny. He faces a preliminary hearing March 17.

Copyright 2015 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Get Insurance coverage Journal Every Day

Penn. Man Accused of Getting Auto Insurance From Scene of Automobile Wreck

Like Some Cat from Japan: Honda’s N-TRUCK/N-CAMP Is a Goldmine of Tiny Recreation

We enjoy miniature things. We really like things we can not have. Offered the bent of this publication, you’d be excused for pondering that our existing obsession is a 1/3-scale Ferrari FXX K with a functional KERS technique built from a coffee can, some rebar, and a wall wart. But it is not. Our present dork-frenzy is attributable to the incredible Japan CampingCar Show and one of its stars, the Honda N-TRUCK/N-CAMP.

Positive, yesterday, we have been all about Toyota’s fabulous new Alphard and Vellfire twins. Some saw fit to front on our adore of the avant-garde wheeled boxes. Thankfully, we’re automotive polyamorists, so our love of the Alphard/Vellfire burns undiminished in the presence of our new sweetheart. Jalopnik’s Jason Torchinsky—an idiosyncratic man if ever there was an idiosyncratic man—hipped us to the existence of this wondrous show of vehicular recreation, and we share his ardor for the N-Box–derived mini-pickup and its attendant trailer.

Hunting for all the planet like a Ford Centurion fifth-wheel hauler that motored directly into the path of some secret shrink ray out at White Sands, the N-TRUCK tows with a conventional hitch, leaving its minuscule bed totally free to carry a handful of bento boxes and a Shiba Inu. The trailer itself is wonderfully and stylishly appointed, with a zazzy green velour chair that we’d happily have in our living room.

---

---

Sadly, the roughing-it-in-absurd-style duo is merely a notion, a figment of Honda’s florid imagination. 1-off or not, it is just about perfect—the only change we’d make would be to make sure there was space to bring along a Grom.

---

Like Some Cat from Japan: Honda’s N-TRUCK/N-CAMP Is a Goldmine of Tiny Recreation

More active style from 2015 Mitsubishi ASX

;

• Exterior enhancements up style factor


• Revised CVT improves fuel economy


• ASX success set to continue in South Africa

20 JANUARY 2015 - The Mitsubishi ASX compact crossover is tackling the 2015 model year with a number of design and equipment updates, enhancing value and keeping in line with market trends.

Born out of core Mitsubishi brand values including reliability, integrity and practicality, the ASX (Active Smart Crossover) now features an enhanced, sleeker exterior look matched by an improved centre console design with a more upmarket feel on the inside.

All derivatives benefit from new black roof rails, chrome highlights inside and out, tinted windows and emergency stop signal brake lights. On GLX and GLS derivatives, new LED daytime running lights highlight redesigned front fog lamp surrounds, and new 17-inch alloy wheels add pizzazz to the side profile.

A bold new Lightning Blue paint hue is also available, allowing the striking design to be further exhibited. On the mechanical side, an updated CVT system enhances driveability and lowers fuel consumption in the automatic model.

“The ASX represented a new market for the Mitsubishi brand when we originally launched it in South Africa in 2011, where our renowned SUV roots could be experienced by a new buying audience for the brand,” comments Mitsubishi Motors South Africa COO, Wynand Pretorius.

“ASX has done well for us and with the 2015 model year enhancements, is set to continue to competitively attract younger, more upwardly-mobile buyers to our brand – it’;s a vehicle which possesses the SUV appeal and driving style valued so highly by South Africans, wrapped in the compact proportions and easy-to-drive nature most commonly experienced in compact hatchbacks.”

Pricing on the 2015 Mitsubishi ASX models remains ultimately competitive as well, and in the United States, the ASX has been named as one of the authoritative Kelley Blue Book’;s ’;10 Most Affordable SUVs’;.

ASX virtues continue unabated

Continuing as a 5-model range, the ASX line-up features GL, GLX and GLS derivatives, all powered by Mitsubishi’;s trusted 2.0-litre normally-aspirated petrol engine. The multi-point fuel injection MPi unit produces 110 kW at 6 000 rpm and 197 Nm at 4 200 rpm.

All derivatives are front-wheel drive, 3 of which feature a 5-speed manual gearbox, alongside the 2 range-topping GLS automatics which feature a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) which has the ability to simulate a 6-speed automatic gearbox.

For 2015, the CVT in particular has received extra attention. The most notable technical design change was made to CVT internals, where a larger-spectrum lock-up range provides for greater driving pleasure and enhanced fuel economy due to the bigger selection of theoretical ‘gear ratios’; available to the driver in auto mode, adaptive to driver input and driving style. As with the existing CVT derivative, manual shift mode is available, allowing the driver to manually override the transmission with 6 simulated gear ratios. NVH reduction has also been achieved with the new CVT.

Fuel economy is admirable on all derivatives, the manual models realising an average of 7.5-litres per 100 km on the combined cycle with carbon emissions of 175 g/km. The CVT model’;s fuel consumption is now lower at 7.4-litres per 100 km, with carbon emissions of 178 g/km. A 63-litre fuel tank ensures long driving ranges – around 800 km on typical mixed driving.

Embodying SUV design and practicality, the Mitsubishi ASX has excellent visibility for the driver and great agility with 195 mm of ground clearance available. The raised ground clearance means the ASX is equally at home on tarred city roads as well as out-of-town dirt roads, where superior ride comfort also contributes to a can-do attitude, thanks to the suspension design. Front suspension is an independent MacPherson setup with a stabiliser bar, and at the rear a multi-link independent system is employed, along with a stabiliser bar. The suspension configuration results in reduced NVH levels being achieved as well as a smoother ride.

Conducive to holiday trips as much as being expertly practical for the school run, the ASX features a spacious boot with a large, uninhibited opening for easy loading, with 442 litres of boot space available with the rear seats up. When the 60/40 split rear seats are folded down, a total of 1 193 litres are available.

The roomy cabin also features generous head- and leg room for all occupants, as well as ample storage compartments for ultimate practicality.

High specifications for all model grades

All ASX derivatives maintain high levels of standard specification, enhanced for 2015. Most importantly, the Mitsubishi hallmark of no compromise on safety sees all models featuring high safety levels.

The ASX features 5-star Euro NCAP and ANCAP safety ratings thanks to 6 airbags (including a driver’;s knee airbag), ABS with EBD and BAS, as well as Mitsubishi’;s Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body construction, whiplash-mitigating seats, a collapsible steering column and brake pedal recession protection. The electric power steering also features an anti-backlash system for smoother and safer steering control.

All ASX derivatives, from the entry level GL to the range topping GLS, are full specification SUVs – perfect for the family.  The list of standard specifications is impressive – even for the entry level GL version.

The ASX 2.0 GL’;s feature highlights include dusk-sensing headlights, rain-sensing wipers, LED tail lights, a rear spoiler, front fog lamps, 16-inch alloy wheels with 215/65 tyres, electric windows all round, electric folding side mirrors, a multi-function leather-bound steering wheel with rake and reach adjustment, manual air conditioning, cruise control, a multi-info trip computer, rear parking sensors, remote central locking and a 6-speaker multi-media audio system which includes CD, radio and USB support as well as Bluetooth and voice control.

The mid-range Mitsubishi ASX 2.0 GLX features enhanced specifications on top of standard GL equipment, including the new LED daytime running lights, new 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/60 tyres, a panoramic glass roof with switchable LED illumination, leather upholstery, electric driver’;s seat adjustment, heated front seats, automatic climate control, heated side mirrors, touch screen radio, a reversing camera and a keyless operation system with one-touch start.

The range-topping ASX 2.0 GLS models raise the bar even higher with the addition of HID headlamps (CVT derivatives only), an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, integrated lights on the side mirrors, Active Stability Control and Electronic Traction Control, and Hill Start Assist for inclined pull-offs. In typical Mitsubishi tradition, the GLS manual is also available as standard with a fully-fledged 9-speaker Rockford Fosgate premium audio system – available as an option on the CVT.

All derivatives in the Mitsubishi ASX range come standard with a 3-year/ 100 000 km warranty and a 5-year/ 90 000 km service plan, linked to service intervals of 15 000 km.

2015 Mitsubishi ASX	Retail price incl. VAT
ASX 2.0 GL	R299 900
ASX 2.0 GLX	R329 900
ASX 2.0 GLS with Rockford Fosgate	R342 900
ASX 2.0 GLS CVT	R354 900
ASX 2.0 GLS CVT with Rockford Fosgate	R364 900

More active style from 2015 Mitsubishi ASX

More active style from 2015 Mitsubishi ASX

;

• Exterior enhancements up style factor


• Revised CVT improves fuel economy


• ASX success set to continue in South Africa

20 JANUARY 2015 - The Mitsubishi ASX compact crossover is tackling the 2015 model year with a number of design and equipment updates, enhancing value and keeping in line with market trends.

Born out of core Mitsubishi brand values including reliability, integrity and practicality, the ASX (Active Smart Crossover) now features an enhanced, sleeker exterior look matched by an improved centre console design with a more upmarket feel on the inside.

All derivatives benefit from new black roof rails, chrome highlights inside and out, tinted windows and emergency stop signal brake lights. On GLX and GLS derivatives, new LED daytime running lights highlight redesigned front fog lamp surrounds, and new 17-inch alloy wheels add pizzazz to the side profile.

A bold new Lightning Blue paint hue is also available, allowing the striking design to be further exhibited. On the mechanical side, an updated CVT system enhances driveability and lowers fuel consumption in the automatic model.

“The ASX represented a new market for the Mitsubishi brand when we originally launched it in South Africa in 2011, where our renowned SUV roots could be experienced by a new buying audience for the brand,” comments Mitsubishi Motors South Africa COO, Wynand Pretorius.

“ASX has done well for us and with the 2015 model year enhancements, is set to continue to competitively attract younger, more upwardly-mobile buyers to our brand – it’;s a vehicle which possesses the SUV appeal and driving style valued so highly by South Africans, wrapped in the compact proportions and easy-to-drive nature most commonly experienced in compact hatchbacks.”

Pricing on the 2015 Mitsubishi ASX models remains ultimately competitive as well, and in the United States, the ASX has been named as one of the authoritative Kelley Blue Book’;s ’;10 Most Affordable SUVs’;.

ASX virtues continue unabated

Continuing as a 5-model range, the ASX line-up features GL, GLX and GLS derivatives, all powered by Mitsubishi’;s trusted 2.0-litre normally-aspirated petrol engine. The multi-point fuel injection MPi unit produces 110 kW at 6 000 rpm and 197 Nm at 4 200 rpm.

All derivatives are front-wheel drive, 3 of which feature a 5-speed manual gearbox, alongside the 2 range-topping GLS automatics which feature a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) which has the ability to simulate a 6-speed automatic gearbox.

For 2015, the CVT in particular has received extra attention. The most notable technical design change was made to CVT internals, where a larger-spectrum lock-up range provides for greater driving pleasure and enhanced fuel economy due to the bigger selection of theoretical ‘gear ratios’; available to the driver in auto mode, adaptive to driver input and driving style. As with the existing CVT derivative, manual shift mode is available, allowing the driver to manually override the transmission with 6 simulated gear ratios. NVH reduction has also been achieved with the new CVT.

Fuel economy is admirable on all derivatives, the manual models realising an average of 7.5-litres per 100 km on the combined cycle with carbon emissions of 175 g/km. The CVT model’;s fuel consumption is now lower at 7.4-litres per 100 km, with carbon emissions of 178 g/km. A 63-litre fuel tank ensures long driving ranges – around 800 km on typical mixed driving.

Embodying SUV design and practicality, the Mitsubishi ASX has excellent visibility for the driver and great agility with 195 mm of ground clearance available. The raised ground clearance means the ASX is equally at home on tarred city roads as well as out-of-town dirt roads, where superior ride comfort also contributes to a can-do attitude, thanks to the suspension design. Front suspension is an independent MacPherson setup with a stabiliser bar, and at the rear a multi-link independent system is employed, along with a stabiliser bar. The suspension configuration results in reduced NVH levels being achieved as well as a smoother ride.

Conducive to holiday trips as much as being expertly practical for the school run, the ASX features a spacious boot with a large, uninhibited opening for easy loading, with 442 litres of boot space available with the rear seats up. When the 60/40 split rear seats are folded down, a total of 1 193 litres are available.

The roomy cabin also features generous head- and leg room for all occupants, as well as ample storage compartments for ultimate practicality.

High specifications for all model grades

All ASX derivatives maintain high levels of standard specification, enhanced for 2015. Most importantly, the Mitsubishi hallmark of no compromise on safety sees all models featuring high safety levels.

The ASX features 5-star Euro NCAP and ANCAP safety ratings thanks to 6 airbags (including a driver’;s knee airbag), ABS with EBD and BAS, as well as Mitsubishi’;s Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body construction, whiplash-mitigating seats, a collapsible steering column and brake pedal recession protection. The electric power steering also features an anti-backlash system for smoother and safer steering control.

All ASX derivatives, from the entry level GL to the range topping GLS, are full specification SUVs – perfect for the family.  The list of standard specifications is impressive – even for the entry level GL version.

The ASX 2.0 GL’;s feature highlights include dusk-sensing headlights, rain-sensing wipers, LED tail lights, a rear spoiler, front fog lamps, 16-inch alloy wheels with 215/65 tyres, electric windows all round, electric folding side mirrors, a multi-function leather-bound steering wheel with rake and reach adjustment, manual air conditioning, cruise control, a multi-info trip computer, rear parking sensors, remote central locking and a 6-speaker multi-media audio system which includes CD, radio and USB support as well as Bluetooth and voice control.

The mid-range Mitsubishi ASX 2.0 GLX features enhanced specifications on top of standard GL equipment, including the new LED daytime running lights, new 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/60 tyres, a panoramic glass roof with switchable LED illumination, leather upholstery, electric driver’;s seat adjustment, heated front seats, automatic climate control, heated side mirrors, touch screen radio, a reversing camera and a keyless operation system with one-touch start.

The range-topping ASX 2.0 GLS models raise the bar even higher with the addition of HID headlamps (CVT derivatives only), an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, integrated lights on the side mirrors, Active Stability Control and Electronic Traction Control, and Hill Start Assist for inclined pull-offs. In typical Mitsubishi tradition, the GLS manual is also available as standard with a fully-fledged 9-speaker Rockford Fosgate premium audio system – available as an option on the CVT.

All derivatives in the Mitsubishi ASX range come standard with a 3-year/ 100 000 km warranty and a 5-year/ 90 000 km service plan, linked to service intervals of 15 000 km.

2015 Mitsubishi ASX	Retail price incl. VAT
ASX 2.0 GL	R299 900
ASX 2.0 GLX	R329 900
ASX 2.0 GLS with Rockford Fosgate	R342 900
ASX 2.0 GLS CVT	R354 900
ASX 2.0 GLS CVT with Rockford Fosgate	R364 900

More active style from 2015 Mitsubishi ASX

Suspect in court for theft of vehicle from the parking lot of a shopping centre in Pretoria

A 40 year old man appeared in the Bela Bela Magistrates’ Court on a charge of possession of a suspected stolen vehicle, after he was found hiding a vehicle which was stolen from the parking lot of a shopping centre in Pretoria last year.

The suspect, Cornelius Jansen van Rensburg was arrested over the weekend after police members followed up information about a Toyoya Hilux double cab which was hidden in a shack at the Donosa informal settlement just outside Bela Bela. The vehicle was recovered and when circulated it was found to have been stolen from the Sinoville Mall where it was parked in the parking lot during October last year.

The case against the suspect was remanded to 26 January 2014 for further investigation – he was not released on bail and will remain behind bars until his next court appearance.

Investigations to determine whether the suspect might be involved in more cases of vehicle theft are currently underway.

Suspect in court for theft of vehicle from the parking lot of a shopping centre in Pretoria

World-first technology from Volvo connects cycle helmets with cars

• Accident data reveals: 50 per cent of all cyclists killed in European traffic have collided with a car


• Nearly 50,000 cyclist fatalities and injuries in the US every year


• Unique partnership between Volvo Cars, POC and Ericsson aims to end crashes between cars and bikes 

In a ground-breaking collaboration, Volvo Cars, protective gravity sports gear manufacturer POC and Ericsson recently presented an innovative safety technology that, for the first time ever, can connect drivers and cyclists. This new technology was unveiled at the International CES in Las Vegas from 6-9 January 2015.

The technology consists of a connected car and helmet prototype that will establish 2-way communication offering proximity alerts to Volvo drivers and cyclists and thereby avoid accidents. No car manufacturer has previously put a stake in the ground to help address the problem of cyclist/vehicle safety by using Connected Safety technology – until now.

The global growth in cycling, including South Africa, continues unabated as commuters and sport cyclists take to their bikes. This has resulted in an increase in serious cycling accidents, an issue that Volvo Cars and POC believes is unacceptable and requires an innovative and concerted effort to address.

Volvo Cars’; City Safety system – standard on the all-new Volvo XC90 as well as the rest of the Volvo range – is a technology that can detect, warn and auto-brake to avoid collisions with cyclists. It was the industry’;s first step to seriously address cyclist safety. This commitment has paved the way for the innovative helmet technology concept, presented at the International CES 2015.

Using a popular smartphone app for bicyclists, like Strava, the cyclist’;s position can be shared through the Volvo cloud to the car, and vice versa. If an imminent collision is calculated, both road users will be warned – and enabled to take the necessary action to avoid a potential accident. The Volvo driver will be alerted to a cyclist nearby through a head-up display alert – even if he happens to be in a blind spot, e.g. behind a bend or another vehicle or hardly visible during night time. The cyclist will be warned via a helmet-mounted alert light.

The innovative concept is the result of an all-Swedish partnership between Volvo Cars, POC – the leading manufacturer of protective gear for gravity sports athletes and cyclists – and Ericsson, the world leader in communications technology and services. The innovative, cloud-based safety concept has exciting development opportunities and will ultimately help save lives across the whole spectrum of unprotected road users.

Klas Bendrik, VP and Group CIO at Volvo Cars commented: “The partnership between Volvo Cars, POC and Ericsson is an important milestone in investigating the next steps towards Volvo Cars’; vision to build cars that will not crash. But now, by exploring cloud-based safety systems, we are getting ever closer to eliminating the remaining blind spots between cars and cyclists and by that avoid collisions.”

Stefan Ytterborn, CEO and Founder of POC added: “Our mission is to do the best we can to possibly save lives and to reduce the consequences of accidents for gravity sports athletes and cyclists. The partnership with Volvo Cars aligns very well with our mission and we are excited to see how we can contribute to cyclist safety and increase interaction between cars and cyclists alike”.

Per Borgklint, SVP and Head of Business Unit Support Solutions at Ericsson said: “There is perhaps no greater promise that the Ne2rked Society holds than its ability to create connections that save lives. Our latest work with Volvo Cars to explore protecting the millions of cyclists on the road is just the latest example of innovation that can change the world. We are proud to support this critical initiative in conjunction with POC and remain committed to the pursuit of connectivity-driven advancements that create limitless new possibilities.”

Cycling statistics:

• Globally, 132.3 million bicycles were sold in 2013 (source: NPD Group 2013)


• Beijing government hopes, ¼ of people would use cycling to commute in 2015 (source: The Guardian, November 2013)


• In the Swedish city of Gothenburg alone, the number of bikers raised 30% in 2013 (source: Göteborgs Posten, November 2014)


• 4,533 cyclists were injured in Berlin only in 2012 (source: The Guardian, November 2013)


• 55% of cyclist fatalities in EU-23 countries occur in urban areas (source: CARE Database, European Commission 2012). In US 69% of all cyclist deaths in 2012 occurred in urban areas (source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration/Traffic Safety Facts April 2014)’;


• (On the road) serious injuries for UK cyclists in 2013 were 31% higher than in 2009 (source: Department for Transport, Reported Road Casualties Great Britain: 2013 Annual Report)


• In US 726 cyclists were killed in 2012, an increase in 6.5% compared to 2011 and 49’;000 were injured, +2.1% vs. 2011 (source: NHTSA/Traffic Safety Facts, November 2013)


• The total cost of bicyclist injuries and deaths is over $ 4 billion per year in the US (source: National Safety Council 2012)


• In Germany, The Netherlands and Poland more than 85% of cyclist fatalities occurred at crossroads (source: CARE Database, European Commission 2012)


• In some countries, pedestrians and cyclists constitute more than 75% of road deaths (source: WHO Fact Sheet # 358, March 2013)

;

Volvo City Safety

Since spring 2013, all new Volvo cars are equipped with Auto brake for cyclists. Volvo Cars’; system, a world first, uses radar and camera to detect cyclists and based on advanced sensor technology can apply full automatic braking should the car come close to a collision.

Volvo Cars Vision 2020 – and beyond

Volvo Cars believes that fatalities and severe injuries in traffic are unacceptable. The Swedish safety pioneer has therefore declared its Vision 2020 – Nobody should die or be seriously injured in a new Volvo by the year 2020 -, and beyond this, to build cars that do not crash any more.

World-first technology from Volvo connects cycle helmets with cars

The 5 Trends and Takeaways from the 48 Hours of Detroit

As the premier auto show in North America, Detroit is where automakers can be expected to pull out all the stops. At Car and Driver, we mobilize our worldwide staff to attend and report on the 20-plus automaker press conferences in addition to covering a lot more than a dozen evening events. And we do it all in service to you, the reader. From Sunday afternoon via Tuesday, it’s a blizzard of activity, which afterward starts to coalesce into clear themes—and pounding hangovers. Here, then, are our 5 takeaways from the 48 Hours of Detroit:

The Horsepower Ratings Are Unreal

Advances in technology—such as the widespread adoption of turbocharging—are fueling an extraordinary horsepower race. And it is getting accomplished with smaller sized engine displacements. Ford’s GT supercar concept debuted with a twin-turbocharged V-6 that is stated to make far more than 600 horsepower. The V-8 isn’t dead, of course: The 2016 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R promises much more than 500 horsepower from its naturally aspirated flat-plane-crank V-8, and Cadillac’s CTS-V ultra sedan’s supercharged 6.2-liter LT4 V-8 proffers an insane 640 horsepower. That latter figure, with each other with the BMW M5’s 560 horsepower and the Mercedes-AMG E63’s 550 ponies, set the bar at such a nosebleed level that the new Lexus GS F, which also produced its debut at Detroit, was immediately dismissed for having just 467.

The power madness extends to trucks, as properly, with the new Raptor anticipated to deliver 450 to 500 horsepower—again, from Ford’s EcoBoost V-6—easily surpassing the 411-hp figure from the preceding model’s 6.2-liter V-7 And overmuscled SUVs are represented, too, with Porsche taking the wraps off the 570-hp Cayenne Turbo S and Mercedes trotting out the 577-hp GLE63 AMG (which will be sold right here only in extrapotent S kind).

Plug-In Hybrids Are a Issue, Too

But for practically each large-energy beast that blitzed Cobo Center, there was also a plug-in hybrid introduced—and often from the very same brand. The purpose is straightforward: Companies require these electrified models to meet ever-tightening fuel-economy requirements both here and abroad. European producers are specifically keen on the technologies, even as numerous of their executives have gone on record as hating it, due to the fact PHEVs can accomplish ridiculously lofty—and almost unobtainable in the real world—fuel-economy numbers on a special Euro test cycle. But plug-ins also offer bonus credits for manufacturers in their quest to meet U.S. CAFE regulations.

The headline PHEV was, of course, the all-new Chevrolet Volt, which has increased EV variety and a new 4-cylinder range-extending engine. Honda also announced a stand-alone plug-in model set to arrive by 2018. The VW Group, which significantly prefers diesel technology to hybridization, plugged in with the Volkswagen Cross Coupe GTE notion and the production Audi Q7 e-tron, whilst Mercedes countered its wild GLE63 AMG SUV with a sensible plug-in C-class sedan. Finally, Hyundai added a Sonata plug-in to its lineup to counter corded loved ones sedans from Ford and Honda.

Truckin’ Trucks to Motown

It utilised to be that, on the automotive calendar, the Chicago auto show was known as “the truck show.” It was there that manufacturers for whatever purpose decided to debut their latest and greatest workhorses, industrial autos, and boulder-bashers. That seems to have definitively changed here in Detroit: With gas costs still hovering about $ 2.00 per gallon in the location, this year saw not only the gnarly second-gen Ford Raptor take the stage, but also new trucks of all sizes from Toyota (Tacoma), Nissan (Titan), and Ram (Rebel). And what’s this? Even Hyundai showed a truck? And it was shockingly cool and probably headed to a dealer close to you? It is true—as is the truth that Motown is down with trucks.

Detroit Diesels

Regardless of the truth that nearby gas stations were promoting unleaded for significantly less than $ 2.00 per gallon, Detroit was a hotbed of diesel enthusiasm this year. The largest headline came from Nissan, whose all-new—and somewhat curiously styled—Titan XD packs a 5.-liter turbo-diesel V-8 built by Cummins. Nissan’s betting large on purchasers who want massive-time torque (555 lb-ft of it in this case, alongside 310 horses) but do not want to step up to a heavy-duty pickup.

Nissan wasn’t the only automaker showing off compression ignition on the show floor, even so. Land Rover introduced the Variety Rover and Range Rover Sport powered by the JLR Td6, a torquey powerplant promising up to 28 mpg in the posh SUVs. Hyundai got in on the game, as well, sneaking an oil-burner beneath the hood of the charmingly wacky Santa Cruz concept. And there had been a lot more-familiar diesel-powered faces, as effectively, like Volkswagen’s Golf TDI SportWagen and Ram’s EcoDiesel 1500. Someday, anthropologists may refer to the 2015 Detroit show as a turning point in Americans’ acceptance of diesel technologies.

No Indicators of Forced Entry, But Ford Clearly Stole the Show

Just 2 hours into the show, with only a handful of vehicles debuted, Ford ushered a horde of journalists and sector insiders into Joe Louis Arena—home of the Red Wings and adjacent to Cobo Center—dimmed the lights, and blew us all away.

Ford may as nicely have turned out the lights in the entirety of Cobo, since after introducing the wicked F-150 Raptor, sliding the flat-crank-V-8–powered GT350R across the stage, and right after dropping jaws with the mid-engine GT hypercar, what was left to see? Even at a show positively packed with crucial and impressive debuts—including the new Acura NSX and the stunningly beautiful Buick Avenir concept—everything paled in comparison to the Blue Oval’s power trio. While the rest of the automakers file a police report for this theft, we’re already wondering what subsequent year’s event will hold and no matter whether anyone can prime Ford’s utterly dominant Detroit displaying. A mid-engine Corvette, perhaps?

The 5 Trends and Takeaways from the 48 Hours of Detroit

How Alfa Hopes to go From Zero to Sales Hero in the U.S. by 2018

The last time Alfa Romeo sold a mainstream car in the U.S. was 1995. A lot has changed since then in the luxury market, a reality that Alfa will have to reckon with as it plans to more than quadruple global sales to 400,000 by 2018 and ramp up North American sales from (effectively) nothing to 150,000 units per year. That would put Alfa roughly on par with where Audi is in the U.S. today, which means Alfa needs more cars, more dealers, a couple of SUVs, and buckets of money.

Fiat-Chrysler has committed to spending $ 6 billion by 2018 on its lagging Italian luxury marque, which today offers 2 hatchback models in Europe plus the 2-seat 4C sportster, none of which are prescriptions for sales volume in the U.S. That will begin to change with a mid-size sedan to debut this June 24 at the reopening of the new Alfa Romeo museum in Milan, Italy, and go on sale sometime in 2016.

The as-yet unnamed car, about the size of a BMW 3-series and with similar pricing, debuts Fiat-Chrysler’s new Giorgio platform, a premium rear-drive component set with its own family of gasoline and diesel engines that will be a workhorse for Alfa. “To have credibility in this market, you can’t mix in mass-market components,” said Alfa’s new U.S. president and CEO, Reid Bigland. “Nobody is going to want to buy an Alfa Romeo made out of a mass-market car.”

With a north-south powertrain and a joint Italian-American design team based in Milan, Giorgio is a rear-drive architecture that has the flexibility for all-wheel-drive, a likely option on the sedan and a certainty on a derivative SUV that will appear within a year. That vehicle will take on the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and other luxury ute competitors. Beyond that, Alfa is said to have a future product portfolio that includes 8 vehicles, one of will be a compact SUV along the lines of the Audi Q3 and BMW X1.

---

---

At the Detroit auto show, Bigland and Alfa-Maserati global director Harald Wester described a “pragmatic” approach to reestablishing Alfa. That involves targeting new products at the luxury segments where there’s the most volume, taking advantage of unused capacity at existing plants in Italy, and more than doubling the U.S. dealer count from its current 100 stores by mixing sales points with both Fiat and Maserati showrooms and also establishing some stand-alone Alfa Romeo dealerships. The initiative will concentrate, at least initially, on the Sunshine Belt running down both coasts of the U.S., plus Texas.

Bigland and Wester were tight on the details before the June debut of the new car, but Bigland did say that in the U.S., Alfa will likely stick with gasoline and that diesels are a low priority.

How Alfa Hopes to go From Zero to Sales Hero in the U.S. by 2018

Ram Rebels from Restraint With, Um, Intriguing New Trim Level

“It’s not for absolutely everyone.”

That  understatement comes from Bob Hegbloom, chief of Ram Truck, in reference to the Ram Rebel, the newest trim level for the brand’s most well-liked model, the 1500. Chrysler designed the blacked-out, lifted, extroverted Rebel to appeal to the many clients who modify their pickups immediately following taking delivery. You know who you are.

The list of particular touches on Ram’s new factory custom is expansive. This is the very first Ram pickup because 1990 to be without a crosshair grille. Hegbloom says they’ll “check acceptance of the look” to figure out how typically Ram strays from the signature styling trait in the future. We’re not fans.

The “interlocking” grille is black, as is pretty significantly all of the exterior trim on the  truck. Front and rear bumpers are powder-coated. Wheel flares come from the Energy Wagon (a far more intense off-roader). The hood comes from the Ram 1500 Sport. There’s no mistaking who builds this truck, thanks to the huge RAM lettering on the grille and on the tailgate (the letters on the back are a full 5 inches high).

The Rebel package isn’t solely about looks, though. 6teen-inch cast-aluminum wheels hold meaty, 33-inch Toyo Open Nation A/T tires designed to help the Rebel make the most of its skid plates, tow hooks, and ground clearance. All Rebels have the 1500’s optional air suspension, but on this truck it is raised a single inch higher than usual and has Bilstein dampers all around.
The Rebel will be obtainable only as a crew cab with the 5-foot-6-inch bed, but owners can pick between the 305-hp 3.6-liter V-6 and the 395-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 2 rear-end ratios are accessible, also. 4-wheel drive is not normal, but 2WD Rebels will have the identical simple suspension.

5 paint colors are offered—including monotone remedies, you may possibly be pleased to find out if you find the truck in these photographs to be on the tacky side. The standard—and only—Rebel interior setup is black with red and gray highlights. And lots of Rebel and Ram logos. The seats are decorated with prominent depictions of the tread on the truck’s Toyo tires it sounds dubious, but the seats are arguably the coolest of the a lot of custom touches on the Rebel.

Pricing hasn’t been released for the Rebel, which goes on sale in the second quarter of 2015. For these who are counting, the Rebel is the tenth trim level for the Ram 1500. We figure that’s at least 5 as well many.

Ram Rebels from Restraint With, Um, Intriguing New Trim Level

Wait, What? To Increase Road Safety, Russia Bans Transsexuals and Other individuals with “Sexual Disorders” from Driving

Russia has a road security problem, and it is performing one thing about it by decreasing the quantity of drivers on the road. While not the most nuanced strategy, statistically speaking the move sort of checks out. The country’s selected criteria for paring down the quantity of licensed drivers, on the other hand, is as illogical as it is appalling. According to the BBC, the notoriously anti-gay and discriminatory state has decided to ban transsexuals, these with “sexual problems,” and a host of other individuals from acquiring drivers’ licenses. Dilemma solved?

Skill—or the lack of it—should be the only arbiter when it comes to figuring out who deserves the privilege of handling a vehicle. Russia’s attempt at legislating its way out of a spiraling road-safety problem is little a lot more than bigotry, a deployment of a politically well-known conservative Russian ideology targeting a minority group who clearly aren’t the root cause of site visitors accidents. No doubt Russian lawmakers are hoping to gain points for the look of pro-safety action whilst also notching a win with the seemingly huge number of intolerant Russians.

In addition to transsexuals, any person with a rash of “mental disorders” that includes such not-mental issues as fetishism, exhibitionism, pathological gambling, and kleptomania. (The World Health Organization classifies these as “impulse” and “sexual” disorders.) You do not need us to explain that these proclivities have extremely, really little to absolutely no bearing whatsoever on the operation of a motor automobile. Intriguingly, Russia’s driving ban also covers “voyeurism” it is not presently clear how this article of the government’s driving order jibes with Russians’ widespread use of dash cams.

---

---

While the Russian law positively drips with discrimination, it is not as if the nation woke up one day and realized it was suffering too many traffic-associated deaths—estimated at about 30,000 folks per year—and went in search of an individual to pin it on. Only just signed into law, the bill arrives at a particularly hard time for Russia’s government. Those low gas costs every person here is dancing about? They’re pinning Russia’s fossil-fuel-dependent economy to a wall. Blaming an unpopular issue on an unpopular minority is an straightforward “win” for a country bent on distracting its men and women from bigger problems. Ironically, the these larger problems, including the tumbling worth of the Russian ruble, might have the ultimate limiting effect on the pool of drivers: Automakers recently suspended Russian sales until the economic climate improves.

Other Stories You May well Like

---

Wait, What? To Increase Road Safety, Russia Bans Transsexuals and Other individuals with “Sexual Disorders” from Driving