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  • Ford unveils Mustang Dark Horse
    Uploaded 3 weeks ago

    Ford unveils Mustang Dark Horse

  • 5 Tips to help you find a vehicle that will fall in love with your budget!
    Uploaded 9 hours ago

    5 Tips to help you find a vehicle that will fall in love with your budget!

  • Tips to avoid getting stranded this winter with a flat car battery
    Uploaded 9 hours ago

    Tips to avoid getting stranded this winter with a flat car battery

  • Pre-owned BMW X7 vs. X5: Your Drive, Your Decision
    Uploaded 1 day ago

    Pre-owned BMW X7 vs. X5: Your Drive, Your Decision

  • The Kia Sonet vs The Hyundai Venue vs The Suzuki Grand Vitara
    Uploaded 4 days ago

    The Kia Sonet vs The Hyundai Venue vs The Suzuki Grand Vitara

  • The dangers of running out of fuel
    Uploaded 6 days ago

    The dangers of running out of fuel

Ford unveils Mustang Dark Horse

Uploaded 3 weeks ago

Ford unveils Mustang Dark Horse

Ford unveils Mustang Dark Horse

The Mustang Dark Horse is the culmination of a three-year project that saw the Mustang transformed into a street and track capable machine that features the visual cues to go along with the upgraded performance.

The Ford Mustang line up has been expanded with the addition of the Dark Horse, featuring the most powerful 5.0-litre V8 boasting 500 horsepower and as such setting a new benchmark for American street and track performance.

The Mustang Dark Horse is the culmination of a three-year project that saw the Mustang transformed into a street and track capable machine that features the visual cues to go along with the upgraded performance, all the way down to the availability of carbon fibre wheels from Carbon Revolution.

The Mustang Dark Horse is based on the 2024 Mustang, which has been transformed with a digitally immersive cockpit, as well as new engines and styling to make it the most exhilarating and fun-to-drive Mustang ever.

Sophisticated, yet functional styling

Upfront a bold, shadow graphic surrounds the darkened LED headlamps, which compliment a unique, gloss black grille with trapezoidal nostrils and Mustang Dark Horse unique lower front bumper. Lower side skirts and a fixed rear wing, new race inspired diffuser and darkened quad exhaust tips demonstrate the car’s track focused design cues.

Mustang Dark horse badges adorn the fenders, boot and door sills while a dark anodised pony retains pride of place upfront.

Under the bonnet

The 5.0-litre Coyote V8 engine has been upgraded with components such as specially modified pistons and connecting rods that were first used in the 760hp Ford Performance Mustang Shelby GT500 ensuring that the Dark Horse will deliver the highest level of performance of the all-new Mustang family. A dual throttle-body intake design improves engine breathing and is accentuated by the open nostrils in the front grille.

Shifting is handled by a unique six-speed TREMEC manual transmission featuring a 3D-printed titanium shift ball. Alternatively it can also be paired with Ford’s advanced 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters for fast and precise shifting, from the highway to the racetrack.

Track focussed additions include brake cooling NACA ducts, an auxiliary engine oil cooler, a rear axle cooler and a unique lighter weight radiator with improved cooling capability and more powerful cooling fans.

Under the skin the Dark Horse has been treated to unique chassis tuning in the form of larger rear sway bars, heavy-duty front shocks, 19-inch Brembo front brakes, a Ford Performance strut brace, a K-brace, a Torsen rear differential and standard Pirelli P Zero tyres.

A Handling Package is available to further improve aerodynamics, which includes a unique rear wing incorporating a Gurney Flap, stiffer springs, larger front and rear sway bars and wider Pirelli Trofeo tyres.

Driver focussed cockpit

Performance inspired style and functionality has been added to the driver-centric cockpit. A thick, flat-bottomed steering wheel finished in suede along with Bright Indigo Blue accent stitching incorporates anodised silver paddle shifters on the models ordered with the 10-speed automatic transmission and a dedicated drive mode button at each thumb for quick selection of the desired driving setup. A 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster with customisable screens also includes a variety of drive modes.

This digital instrument cluster flows seamlessly into a 13.2-inch SYNC 4 centre stack behind the same piece of integrated glass and angled towards the driver.

Contrasting blue stitching across the door panels and seats, gearshift gaiter and centre console as well as blue seatbelts add to the ambience of the cabin. The latest B&O Sound System provides crisp audio through 12 speakers and a subwoofer.

 

Uploaded 9 hours ago

5 Tips to help you find a vehicle that will fall in love with your budget!

5 Tips to help you find a vehicle that will fall in love with your budget!

It’s funny how love works! Imagining your ideal partner will have a certain hair colour, be a certain height or body shape – only to find the person you fall in love with has completely different attributes!

The same thing goes for finding your ideal car.  You may have imagined a red convertible as the love of your life, but if you had to buy one, would the relationship last?

There are many aspects to consider when purchasing a vehicle, and one of the most important is choosing one that your budget will love. Especially now as we find ourselves in uncertain times and economic restraints.

In the excitement of falling in love and shopping for a new car, many people forget about this especially important thing! It's amazing how few take the time to actually figure out what they can comfortably afford.

Here are 5 important tips to consider before you buy your next car:

 

1. Review your budget

Before you start researching the latest models and test-driving vehicles, you first need to determine your budget and how you’ll pay for your new car.

  • How much money do you have saved for a deposit?
  • What’s the best interest rate you can you find?
  • What fees and licensing costs will you have to pay?

 

Look at your recent bank statement and monthly bills to determine your budget. Add the trade-in value of your current vehicle to this budget — you can use this to make a larger deposit that will lower your monthly payment and interest.

The cost of purchasing a vehicle is more than just the price of the car itself, so make sure to plan for additional expenses such as the registration fee or add-ons you might want such as an extended warranty, as well as the monthly running costs like fuel and insurance.

Establish what you are willing and able to pay using our finance calculator.

 

2. Determine your wants vs needs

Once you have figured out how much you can comfortably spend on your car, it is a good idea to assess what you want and need at this stage of your life. A single person in their twenties will have a vastly different checklist than that of a family of five.

Make a list of non-negotiables such as vehicle size, safety features and fuel economy to determine what kind of vehicle will best satisfy your needs. Then list everything you want but do not necessarily need, like technology, colour preference, conveniences, and style. Keep this list in mind when researching specific models.

3. Do your research

Once you  know what you need, you can choose the exact brand and model that best meets your requirements. Compare listings online to find vehicles that come with the specs you are looking for.  Take a look at used and demo options before deciding what will be best for you.

Take your top two or three choices for a test drive.  Pay attention to the car’s acceleration, comfort, and handling. This is also a great time to ask any questions you may have about the engineering or functionality of the vehicle.

4. Consider ongoing costs

You have found one or two cars you love, and you’re almost ready to make your decision. But before you sign the paperwork, make sure your budget will love it too by taking into consideration the ongoing costs. For example, some models have parts that cost more to repair, which means your maintenance costs will be higher. Others are not so efficient on fuel which will cost you more every time you fill up and some have a higher insurance price tag. Make sure you can afford the car you choose throughout its lifetime.

 

5. Financing your car

We would all like to pay cash for our new car , but most of us cannot afford it, so we have to finance the purchase of our car. Make sure that you shop around. Try and choose a short-term repayment plan with the lowest interest rate possible. Be wary of balloon payments, as they can make repayments seem small, but could leave you still owing quite a sizeable amount on your car by the end of your term. Try to make as big a deposit as you can (ideally anything from 10% to 20% of the purchase price), as this will help lower your monthly instalments.

Uploaded 9 hours ago

Tips to avoid getting stranded this winter with a flat car battery

Tips to avoid getting stranded this winter with a flat car battery

If your battery is running out of time or you can’t remember when it was last replaced, it is a good idea to have it checked to ascertain if it still has some life left in it. Most battery retailers will perform this check free of charge.

Winter is not a great time for your car battery and if it is not in a good condition, it will probably fail during these colder months.

Why is that?

A vehicle’s engine requires more power to start when it is cold and at the same time the colder temperatures make it more difficult for a car battery to provide the power that it normally does.

Getting stranded with a flat battery is more serious than in years gone by. Cars these days are equipped with a myriad of electronics that all rely on the correct battery voltage to perform optimally. Automatic gearboxes found in most cars these days also mean that it is not possible to push start your car and sensitive electronics can be damaged by jump-starting vehicles incorrectly.

“In normal circumstances a car battery needs to be changed approximately every three years. With many people driving less or infrequently due to the on-going work-from-home trend, the normal three-year lifespan could be considerably shorter,” says the CEO of Motus Retail and Rental SA, Corné Venter.

As batteries get older they require a longer running time to fully recharge after the heavy load of starting a vehicle, so if you generally only travel short distances the battery will not have enough time to sufficiently recharge.

If your battery is running out of time or you can’t remember when it was last replaced, it is a good idea to have it checked to ascertain if it still has some life left in it. Most battery retailers will perform this check free of charge.

Prolong the life of your battery with these handy tips:

1. Keeping your car warm by parking it under cover or in a garage will lessen the strain on the battery as you try and start your car on cold mornings.

2. If your car is struggling to start, don't keep cranking it over for long periods of time. Rather take a break of a few minutes between starting attempts.

3. Ensure that all ancillaries including the lights, radio and heater are turned off to free up extra power for the starting process.

4. A well-serviced vehicle will start easier. Ensure that your vehicle is maintained and that the engine oil and belts are replaced in line with the manufacturers recommendations. A well-maintained car will place less strain on the battery, as the vehicle will start easily, no matter the temperature.

 

Find your nearest Motus dealer, and book a service here.

Uploaded 1 day ago

Pre-owned BMW X7 vs. X5: Your Drive, Your Decision

Pre-owned BMW X7 vs. X5: Your Drive, Your Decision

Renowned for its elevated sportiness, BMW has established itself as a leading manufacturer of automotive excellence. It has perfected their product lineup, captivating both enthusiasts and the mass market alike. 

This legacy has extended to their range of SUVs - promising sleek modern lines and agile engineering for a stealthy contender that will meet all your needs in a car. It’s no wonder that the pre-owned BMW range has caught your eye. Particularly their X5 and X7 offerings, two highly competitive SUVs that are superior in every way. 

BMW has built its name on the ethos of uncompromising power, performance, and style. How does this fare when comparing the grand X5 and glorious X7? 

Balancing Builds 

SUVs are popular because they are the ideal vehicle for larger families seeking comfort along with space. The BMW X5 is slightly more compact with standard seating, but the addition of the panoramic sunroof provides a sense of openness and fluidity—a highlight on newer models. 

On the other hand, the BMW X7 easily seats six passengers towards the middle and rear-end of the cabin, with an optional 7th seat. It boasts a whopping 750 litres of boot space, which is more than enough for those much anticipated long weekends away. 

Performance Parity 

When it comes to a brand like BMW, you can rest assured that you are getting powerful engine options and a driving experience of note.

The BMW X5 is equipped with either a petrol, diesel, or plug-in hybrid engine in the latest generation range. It has an acclaimed 9.3L/100km fuel consumption rate and can go from 0 to 100km in 4.8 seconds. 

The BMW X7 comes in with robust power in the petrol and diesel engines. It has a slightly lower fuel consumption rate of 8.0 litres per 100 km and delivers 250 kW of power on the road. 



Technology Talk 

Besides the ultra-modern exteriors and ergonomically designed cabins, you can expect cutting-edge technology and innovative features from BMW. The driving experience is unlike any other, with contemporary leather upholstery and well-thought-out space. 

The BMX X5’s current range includes systems that are supportive of the driver. These include a four-off-road driving mode selector, trailer assist, driving assist, and parking assist. The BMW X7 hosts features such as smartphone integration, automated air conditioning with 5-zone control, and integral active steering to emphasise an elevated cabin experience no matter the journey. 

In the end, choosing between the BMW pre-owned range of X5s and X7s can prove to be a tough task because they both offer so much. But focusing on your needs, lifestyle, and budget can help make it that much easier. 

There is no easy comparison when it comes to Motus Select’s exclusive variety of BMW pre-owned SUVs, with each contender guaranteeing the perfect blend of size, performance, and luxury.

Uploaded 4 days ago

The Kia Sonet vs The Hyundai Venue vs The Suzuki Grand Vitara

The Kia Sonet vs The Hyundai Venue vs The Suzuki Grand Vitara

The expansive compact SUV market is constantly diversifying, with new and exciting models to choose from. This evolution is fueled by the ever-increasing demand for versatile vehicles. With good reason, consumers are on the quest for functionality that fits in with all aspects of their lives. 

Many are looking for a balance between work and leisure, with these compact companions perfectly heeding the call to deliver. Three ideal contenders stand out: the Kia Sonet for sale, the Hyundai Venue, and the Suzuki Grand Vitara. 

These personality-packed, pocket-friendly, nimble-sized SUVs will navigate the busiest of intersections to the serene coastal towns with ease. Each offers a compelling range of strengths, from features to fuel efficiency, we explore these SUVs below. 

Dynamism Dynamo: The Kia Sonet 

The Kia Sonet is a firm favourite on our roads due to how well the brand is perceived in the South African market. This crossover compact SUV range carries six variants, fitted with varying petrol engines and transmission options like manual and CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). 

A top selling point is the Kia Sonet’s fuel consumption rate of an astoundingly low 7.0 litres per 100 km for its 45-litre fuel tank. Manual models can go from 0 to 100km in 11.3 seconds, which is reasonable for the overall segment. 

From a feature perspective, the latest generation Sonet is fitted with smartphone integration, an 8-inch touch-screen display, and 16-inch alloy wheels for a finishing touch. The car also boasts safety systems such as its ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), ESC (Electronic Stability Control), rearview camera, and parking distance warning sensor. 

Standout design and advanced features are highlights of the Kia Sonet for sale. It offers South Africans an all-in-one compact SUV that will deliver on efficiency and economy. 

 

Ingenious Innovator: The Hyundai Venue

The Hyundai Venue is steadily growing in popularity because of how much it offers the everyday consumer seeking space, comfort, and economy on a budget. It is a subcompact SUV, if we’re getting technical, but it competes exceptionally well with its bigger counterparts. 

The range is distinguished by six variants, fitted with either a 1.0L or 1.2L petrol engine. It also comes in manual and DCT (Dual-Clutch Transmission) gearbox options. Base cars in the latest generation produce an incredible 115 Nm at 4000 r/min torque. 

The higher-spec models from the newest offering have distinctive smart safety systems. These include keyless entry, a rear-view monitor, impact-sensing door unlocking, and a parking distance warning. The instrumentation cluster is also a highlight of the Venue, with its 4.2-inch LCD cluster screen, onboard computer, ambient temperature display, and digital clock—all of which are supportive aids for easy handling and improved responsiveness.

With Hyundai, there’s more than just exceptional economic efficiency to consider. The Venue is proof of this with its modern exteriors, contemporary design, and smart driving features, intended to elevate every drive. 

Versatility Vanguard: The Suzuki Grand Vitara

The Suzuki Grand Vitara is a bold SUV that deserves its praise, in our opinion. A formidable competitor in the compact segment, it gives consumers affordable practicality. The latest range consists of five variants, fitted with a 1.5-litre petrol engine and manual and automated transmission options. 

The Grand Vitara is also offered in a 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrain for those in need of a more powerful vehicle off-road. Its impressively low fuel economy rate of 5.6 litres per 100 km makes it vastly superior to others in the segment. 

Further, the features are a real value-add for the price tag, such as its LED projector headlights, LED daytime running lights, an incredible 210mm ground clearance, a reverse camera, and keyless entry with push start. Interior highlights include an infotainment touchscreen display, wireless smartphone compatibility, USB functionality, and voice recognition. 

Suzuki has asserted itself as a brand for budget-bound consumers, but that in no way detracts from their high-quality vehicles. Their compact SUV lineup is highly capable, and their off-road prowess is worth considering. 

Making the Right Purchase Decision

From the colosseum of compact SUVs, you are presented with a dilemma of the ages. Dynamic, innovative, or versatile? Rest assured, with these SUVs, no matter your choice, you are buying quality you can trust. 

The reality of choosing between these three compact SUV champions is that you really can’t go wrong with any of them. With our low prices and these high-quality brands, your choice comes down to your personal preference. From the Kia Sonet to the Hyundai Venue and the Suzuki Grand Vitara, you are guaranteed style, agility, and value for your money. 

Motus Select offers the best prices on luxury compact SUVs like the Kia Sonet for sale—no matter your pick, you walk away a winner.

Uploaded 6 days ago

The dangers of running out of fuel

The dangers of running out of fuel

The best practice is to plan ahead and fuel up at the start of your journey with enough fuel for how far you plan to drive and by doing so avoid any risk to your person, vehicle or safety.

With the rising cost of fuel prices many motorists are pushing their cars to the limit in terms of trying to get the most out of a tank at the risk of running out of fuel.

However running out of fuel is a dangerous situation for a variety of reasons. Firstly, in terms of your personal safety you place your self and passengers at risk by running out of fuel. Being stranded on the side of the road in one of the most dangerous countries in the world could make you vulnerable to criminals. Running out of fuel could also put you at an additional risk of being involved in an accident, especially if you run out in a dangerous place like in the middle of an intersection or on a busy road with no shoulder.

By running out of fuel you also risk damaging your vehicles fuel system or contaminating it. As a car gets older it builds up debris at the bottom of the tank, which is usually blocked by fuel filters, but when you run your car nearly empty or completely empty this debris could move through the system and clog up sensitive components like the carburettor or fuel injection system. This could prevent the car from starting again and result in a costly repair bill.

In addition vehicles with sensitive fuel injection systems like modern direct injection vehicles and many diesel vehicles require a certain amount of pressure before they will start. Running out of fuel could mean that these cars will need to be towed to a service centre in order to purge the system of any air, before it can be started again.

What do you do if you run out of fuel?

If you do suspect that your car is about to run out of fuel, such as if it starts spluttering, turn on your hazards as soon as possible and move to the left of the road or into the emergency lane as soon as possible so that you come to stop out of harms way.

If you were able to come to a stop in a safe location, the best practice is to remain in your car and call for help. If you belong to a roadside assistance programme or if your vehicle’s service plan includes roadside assistance you can give them a call. If not make contact with a friend or family member who could come to your aid.

Plan ahead

If your cars fuel light comes on it generally means that you can drive between 30 and 50km, but it is a good idea to fuel up as soon as possible once this light comes on.

In addition while fuel is generally readily available, fuel stations can run out especially ahead of fuel price increases. It is a good idea to keep your tank topped up as much as possible to give yourself a buffer should fuel not be available.

The best practice is to plan ahead and fuel up at the start of your journey with enough fuel for how far you plan to drive and by doing so avoid any risk to your person, vehicle or safety.

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