Severe suits and sombre gazes were the order of the day at the sprawling GMSA stand on the media day of the Auto Africa… The General was on the warpath, and unveiled exciting additions to its local Chevrolet, Saab, Cadillac and Opel ranges.
By Hailey Philander
Severe suits and sombre gazes were the order of the day at the sprawling GMSA stand on the media day of the Auto Africa. Under the direction of MCs Nimrod Nkosi and Rob Vega (doing a rather sad infomercial-type parody), journalists were shown around the stand.
Apart from the eagerly-awaited Hummer H3, two vehicles commanded the most attention on the Chevrolet stand. The first was the new 6,0-litre Lumina SS – its lightweight V8 powerplant produces a lethal 270 kW at 5 700 r/min and a massive 530 N.m of torque at 4 400 r/min. What’s that about no replacement for displacement?
Its redesigned interior features all the luxury equipment drivers have come to expect from flagship models, including climate control, power adjustable front seats with lumbar support and cruise control. ABS with EBD, ESP, and traction control are some of the driver aids on hand.
The sports saloon is available with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. Expect this car to go on sale in the first quarter of 2006, priced between R350 000 and R370 000.
CARtoday.com reported earlier this month that the new Captiva SUV, which is touted by Chevrolet to offer a convincing fusion of off-road ability and occupant comfort, will be a starring attraction at Auto Africa – and it sure is. The Captiva will be available in third quarter of 2007 with prices hitting the R200 000 to R300 000 mark.
Meanwhile, the Saab 9-5 Hot Aero enjoys its local début at the show. Revealing the new face of Saab with its swooping wraparound headlamp cluster, the new flagship model also boasts the prestigious five-star NCAP rating. Powered by a turbocharged 2,3-litre powerplant producing 191 kW at 5 200 r/min and 350 N.m from 2 500 r/min, the saloon is capable of a top speed of about 250 km/h and will comes with a three-year/100 000 km warranty and a five-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
General Motors also reiterated that the Cadillac BLS and STS saloons and SRX crossover SUV would be on sale from first quarter of 2007. Prices range from the mid-R200 000 to R300 000s for the BLS, sub-R400 000 for the STS luxury saloon, and from the mid- to upper R400 000s for the 7-seater SUV with all-wheel drive.
Hummer, Cadillac and Saab will be sold from dedicated dealerships next year. The five franchises available at launch will be eventually expand to 14 or 15 dealerships countrywide.
From the Opel camp, the Astra TwinTop is heading to South Africa will be powered by a 1,8-litre and 147-kW turbocharged 2,0-litre engine. Available from the first quarter of 2007, indicative pricing is between R260 and R300 000.
While the Meriva OPC was on the stand but will not be available in South Africa, the Zafira OPC will be launched in the first quarter of 2007 alongside the recently launched Astra OPC. Expect to pay around R275 000 for this super seven-seater…
