Jaguar’s electric I-Pace keeps scooping the awards

Jaguar’s I-Pace electric SUV has scooped the European Car of the Year title and has been shortlisted for the World Car of the Year award.

Just as it was being launched in SA, priced between R1.7m and R1.9m, the luxury battery-powered car was announced as winner of the European title at the Geneva motor show last week. It is the first Jaguar to win the award in the competition’s 55 years and the I-Pace has been a global sensation, picking up awards in 15 different countries.

Also at the Geneva show, the I-Pace was named as one of the three final contenders for the World Car finals, alongside the Audi e-tron and the Volvo S60/V60.

A jury of 86 international automotive journalists whittled these down from a larger list, and the overall winner, along with six category victors, will be announced at the New York auto show in April.

Honda’s charming hatch nears production

The world fell in love with Honda’s 2017 Urban EV Concept, with its throwback styling to the first-generation 1972 Civic hatchback.

Now Honda has taken the car a step closer to production with the e Prototype unveiled at the Geneva motor show. Like many of the cars on Geneva’s stands it is electrically powered, claiming a range of over 200km and an 80% battery charge in 30 minutes, making it ideal for everyday commuting.

The urban commuter is part of Honda’s strategy to move 100% of its European sales to electrified powertrains by 2025. 

Onlookers who were charmed by the pint-sized Urban EV will be happy to see that the e Prototype has strayed little from the original concept, except it’s now morphed from a three-door to a more practical five-door car.

It still has the “human face” with its eye-like round lights. Other stand-out style elements include flush “pop out” door handles and compact cameras replacing traditional side-view mirrors – unique features for a vehicle in this class.

Honda says the rear-wheel drive car’s driving dynamics are focused on delivering a fun and emotive experience.

Production of Honda’s compact urban electric vehicle will begin later this year but there’s no word yet on whether it is destined for our shores.

Opel brings out Corsa special edition

Opel has launched a special-edition Corsa in SA to celebrate the brand’s 120th birthday.

The 120Y Special Edition is based on the Corsa 1.0T Enjoy but has a number of extra styling and specification features for an extra R10,000. The cosmetic work includes 16-inch gun-metal silver alloy wheels and chrome moulding on the beltline, while the interior is jazzed up with items such as upgraded Allure cloth trim, velour floor mats with an embroidered 120Y logo, and unique Opel door sill plates.

Standard conveniences in this special Corsa include a rear-view camera, front and rear park assist, remote-controlled central locking and a touchscreen infotainment system with six speakers and Apple Carplay and Android Auto capability.

Safety levels are generous, too, with six airbags, ABS brakes and stability control. The 1.0l turbo petrol engine has outputs of 66kW and 170Nm, and a claimed consumption of just 4.6l/100km.

The Corsa 120Y Special Edition is priced at R259,900.