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New van

NISSAN is taking aim at the Volkswagen Caddy and Peugeot Partner with this new compact van contender. Revealed for the European market on Monday, the Nissan Townstar will replace the NV250 and there is also a fully-electric version to succeed the e-NV200.

Like its rivals, the Nissan Townstar will be available in both passenger-carrying station wagon and load-lugging panel van configurations, and in both petrol and electric formats. The former variants are powered by a 1.3-litre turbopetrol engine that offers 96kW and 240Nm. The electric version features a 44kWh battery said to offer a range of 285km. | IOL Motoring

Family

FORD Motor Company has named Alexandra Ford English, the great-great granddaughter of founder Henry Ford, to a newly created marketing position that will put the family name on a line of “lifestyle merchandise”.

Ford English, 33, is taking on the job of global brand merchandising director, the company said in a statement on Monday, after being elected to the carmaker’s board in May. In her latest role, she will expand and create a line of products built around Ford’s brands and its motorsport activities. The new position leverages Ford English’s background in retailing. | Bloomberg

Pik it up

THE Mahindra Pik Up Karoo Dusk S11 Automatic, to give its full name, has just hit local showrooms in limited numbers, offering some unique off-road kit and upgraded suspension.

Priced at R549 999, the new edition commands a R98 000 price premium over the regular S11 Karoo model. Based on the S11 Karoo double cab, it features a combination of accessories and parts, some of which are not available on the regular Pik Up models.

Beneath the special edition model you’ll find an off-road suspension system that features heavy-duty off-road shock absorbers and much more. | IOL Motoring

Touring

FANS of high-performance wagons will be pleased to know that a BMW M3 Touring model is in the works.

A teaser image of Bavaria’s new wild wagon was recently posted on the performance division’s Facebook page, but at this stage it’s not known when the full reveal will take place, although it’s surely not too far off.

The first-ever BMW M3 Touring will go up against the Audi RS4 Avant, and although the specifications have yet to be released, it is likely to mirror the M3 sedan in offering a milder 353kW variation as well as a more hardcore 375kW Competition model. | IOL Motoring

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