As I mentioned in last week’s news, Kia Motors South Africa launched their new Sportage in Mozambique. The new car features an entirely new design language and looks nothing like its predecessor, in fact, you may be forgiven for thinking the Sportage is a concept car that’s driven straight off the motor show stand and onto the road. A winning combination of bold curves, lines and surfaces, the new Kia Sportage is a looker from any angle and the interior has moved far more upmarket too.

There are three engine choices: a 122 kW 2.0-litre petrol; 130 kW 2.4-litre petrol and 130 kW 2.0-litre turbo-diesel. There are also three levels of trim specification, namely ‘Ignite’, ‘2WD’ and ‘AWD’. To give you some idea of the equipment list, all 2WD and 4WD models – excluding the entry-level ‘Ignite’ – feature ‘Welcome home’ escort lights and LED day-time running lights. The AWD models also benefit from a tailgate-mounted reversing camera with interior mirror display monitor; 18-inch alloy wheels; Smart Card (for keyless entry, together with an engine start/stop button); radio/CD/MP3-player with 6-disc changer, subwoofer and amplifier. Inside, the Sportage offers enough space for four adults with luggage, while the driving position is comfortable and the instrumentation is ‘clean’ and easy to read. On the move the Sportage handles well thanks to its wider front and rear tracks (74 mm / 75 mm), as well as a 23 mm lower ride height at 172 mm. The Kia Sportage offers practicality, comfort, on-road composure, head turning looks and competitive pricing, to the extent that it may just be the jewel in Kia’s crown. You can read full details here.

In celebration of Alfa Romeo’s centenary year, the Italian company has announced the availability of a commemorative version of the Alfa Romeo GT 3.2, aptly named the GT Limited Edition. Just 30 of these Bertone-designed beauties are destined for South Africa, with each one wearing a unique number to mark its individuality. The car is set apart from the standard GT model with a new 5-spoke 18-inch alloy wheel design; red brake calipers; a satin metallic finish on the side mirrors, door handles and front grille; red stitching on the leather covered sports seats; aluminium sports pedals and instrument cluster. Power output from the 3.2-litre V6 engine remains unchanged, at 176 kW. Despite the additional equipment and its limited edition status, the GT’s price remains unchanged at R395 100.

The Renault Mégane ‘Shake It!’ has made a return to the latest Mégane model range. The new Mégane ‘Shake It!’ features the same practical five-door configuration as the existing Mégane Dynamique hatchback. Despite the ‘entry-level’ positioning, the Mégane ‘Shake It!’ boasts 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps and retains the hatchback’s contemporary cabin layout, with upmarket soft-touch finishes and classy, dark charcoal upholstery. The ‘Shake It!’ specification includes a single-CD/MP3-compatible/RDS radio linked to satellite controls mounted on the steering wheel column. Bluetooth connectivity is provided, along with connectivity for a MP3-player via a USB adapter, auxiliary audio jack or iPod connection. Air-conditioning is standard, while added comfort is assured by means of height-adjustable driver and front passenger seats, with further adjustment extending to the steering wheel (height and reach) and headrests. Renault’s 1.6-litre 16-valve engine, urges the Shake It! along with 83 kW of power – good for the 0 – 100 km/h dash in 10.5 seconds and a 195 km/h top speed. At R199 900, the Shake It! is an alluring alternative in this price segment, both in styling and its features list.

If you’re not aware, the government’s new carbon emissions tax came into effect on 1 September. South African buyers will now pay an ad valorem CO2 emissions tax on their new passenger vehicles. The emissions tax will initially apply to passenger cars, but will be extended to commercial vehicles once agreed CO2 standards for these vehicles have been set. The main objective of this emissions tax is to influence the composition of South Africa’s vehicle fleet to become more energy efficient and environmentally friendly, while generating an estimated R1 billion in revenue. New passenger cars will be taxed based on their certified CO2 emissions. Any new passenger vehicles with a CO2 rating of above 120 g/km will attract a tax of R75 (excl. VAT) for every g/km over that value.

German tuner Brabus has revealed the first details of their tuning program for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. Changes are largely cosmetic at this stage, but no less spectacular. Brabus have given their SLS AMG a new front spoiler, with two Brabus covers for the upper air inlets in the bumper that make for better cooling. The rear of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG features a Brabus rear spoiler and a new diffuser, with cutouts for the bespoke Brabus sport exhaust system. All components are available either made from clear-coated carbon fibre or can be painted to match, or contrast, the car’s exterior colour. The Brabus SLS wears a new set of forged aluminium wheels, which are 12 percent lighter than those of the standard SLS. The front wheels are 20-inch in diameter and are wrapped in 275/30 profile rubber, while out back the Brabus SLS is fitted with a 21-inch, 295/25 profile wheel and tyre combination. While engine tuning for the 6.3-litre V8 is still in the final development phase, a light weight titanium sport exhaust system is available. This exhaust system weighs 12 kgs or 40 percent less than the production exhaust and Brabus claims it adds an extra 7 kW to the engine’s output.?