Toyota South Africa has introduced a revised model range with a distinct sporty flair for the Auris-range, now referred to as the Auris X range. The most notable change in the new Auris X line-up is the introduction across the range of Toyota’s Optimal Drive Technology. The new 97 kW 1.6 litre Valvematic engine, fitted to certain models in the Auris X range as an element of Toyota’s Optimal Drive strategy, has the distinction of offering the highest power for a naturally aspirated engine in its class in South Africa.

Sure to pique the interest of style- and cost-conscious drivers alike comes an important addition to the Seat Ibiza range in the shape of the Seat Ibiza FR TDI, available in either sporty SC or practical 5-door bodystyles with prices starting at just £16,465 (ZAR 205,000 / US$ 26,300).

AC Schnitzer, the well-known BMW tuning house, has earned the bragging rights for having the world’s fastest street-legal diesel car. The German firm’s BMW 335d-based ACS3 3.5d Coupe reached a top speed of 288.7 km/h or 180 mph at the 13 kilometer-long Nardo test track in southern Italy breaking the previous record set in 2006 by an additional 8.7 km/h.

The tuner did not release technical details on the specific model, but we assume that it features the standard 310HP upgrade to the twin-turbocharged straight-six diesel engine.

General Motors’ UK arm Vauxhall is celebrating the retail launch of the all-new 2010 Astra today as the first customers who placed their orders soon after the model went on sale in September received the keys to their cars.

The Ford Bantam has always been a success story for Ford. From the glory days of the fabled 2.0 EGi to the “You need a Bantam, boet” days, the Bantam has become a South African mainstay, with it being known as the definitive half-ton workhorse. While the Bantam shape might have changed in recent years, it stays true to its roots by being rock solid and reliable as ever, offering exceptional valve for its price. And now with more models being launched by other manufacturers to contest this competitive market, its no surprise that Ford has upped the ante with an all-new Bantam, that they hope will once again make this segment their own.