Faster Fords

Not long after die first Ford Mustang rolled out of the factory, tuned versions of the pony car started to appear. And more than 50 years on, that's still the case. The new Mustang doesn't arrive here until November so you've still got time to order a few hot-up parts to make your new ride gallop along a little faster.
CTB Performance Accessories in Auckland is now the official NZ distributor for Ford Performance Racing Parts, and can supply go-faster kits for both the four- and eight-cylinder Mustangs. The parts can be ordered from your local Ford dealer and are either fitted there, or at CTB's Auckland workshop. And as it's an official Ford deal, all parts carry a warranty.

AMG biturbodiesel

Electric turbo technology is rolling out, with Audi and VW about to launch product, and Volvo, Ford and GM working with prototypes. Now AMG says it is jumping on the bandwagon. A spokesperson said the company is evaluating electric turbos primarily for lowering fuel consumption and emissions, while improving performance by reducing turbo lag.

Volkswagen Polo VIVO

In September last year, Volkswagen revised one of Mzansi’s most-loved vehicle ranges and quietly slipped in anti-lock functionality on the braking system across the line-up. Previously we relegated the Polo Vivo range to the “also consider” category due to a lack of ABS on all models (except in the Budget Car and Performance Car categories, we vote for a range instead of individual models), but this crucial safety enhancement brought the Vivo back into contention. Come voting day, it went on to edge the Rio as our pick in the light-sedan category, and it’s not difficult to see why.

Look out for

Opel will reinvigorate its line-up with two highly anticipated hatches. The Adam has just been launched (see next month’s CAR for a road test), while the more practical Corsa arrives as this issue goes to print. We’re also expecting the Mazda2 to vie for class honours when it lands next month, while an update to the ever-popular Kia Rio has just been launched.

Datsun no go?

I would like to respond to all the negative reports on the Datsun GO. I have owned many vehicles in my time – Opels, Fords, VW Beetles, Golfs and, my best ever, a Datsun 180 U – all with no airbags and ABS, but most importantly, reliability. So, I feel that your report on the Datsun GO is not a fair one.

Seat Ibiza Cupster vs Fiat Punto

All about beheading at Wurthersee this year. To celebrate 30 years of Ibiza production. Seat decapitated its Polo-rivalling city car to create the oddly named (and oddly shaped) Cupster, replacing roof and windows with a wraparound strip of glass like in Fiat Punto. Up from, VW's turbo 1.4 bungs B2kW to the front wheels. "The Ibiza has agood head for the practical things in lire, Seats president cryptically tells us. Unless you chop it clean off, that is.

Skoda Cityjet

At most firms, interns make tea. At Skoda, they make cai The Citijet - a speedsterised version of the tiny Citigo - was devised and built by 16 Skoda apprentices in just six months. Looking like nothing so much as a pram that's suffered a terrible accident in Autostyle's accessories department, the CitiJet is more mouth than two-tone trousers: power comes courtesy of a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol making just 56kW.