Innholdsfortegnelse for March 2017 i CAR

CHRISTMAS WISH LIST Editor Steve Smith’s Christmas wish list contained three things (Porsche excluded) that are very dear to my own heart: fewer idiots on the road; fewer trucks; and cheaper cars. I have increasingly noticed that trucks frustrate motorists, causing idiots to take unacceptable risks and overtake multiple cars, risking head-on collisions with unsuspecting oncoming traffic. Speed traps and road blocks do not address this problem. I have also noticed that speed cameras are very well camouflaged, confirming their purpose is revenue and not safety based. As for car prices, it is my understanding that money halves in value roughly every 10 years. So I took the VW Golf as an example and did the numbers. I remember that, in 1980, a VW Golf GTS Mk 1 sold for…

MAYBACH TO BUILD SUV Bentley has the Bentayga and Rolls-Royce is preparing the Cullinan, so it seems only logical that Mercedes-Benz’s ultra-luxury arm would follow suit. The leviathan off-roader will be a stretched version of the GLS (pictured) with more sumptuous inner trimmings and possibly a V12 engine. NEXT FOCUS MORE FOCUSED Reports have emerged that Ford has taken heed of criticism that the current Focus, which was developed under the One Ford global programme, has lost its dynamic sparkle. The next car, therefore, will boast suspension and steering with “European” driving (read sportier) in mind. 4,0-LITRE FLAT-SIX FOR NEXT 911 GT3 The upcoming 991-series GT3 will reportedly feature a 4,0-litre flat-six engine with around 373 kW on tap. This unit will not be based on the GT3 RS’ engine,…

“NISSAN AND RENAULT PLANTS CONSTANTLY BENCHMARK ONE ANOTHER” What I do I am responsible for the acceptance, processing and distribution of all vehicles built either at our Rosslyn plant, or inbound from various source plants across the globe. My team and I manage various stakeholders, from the port authorities to our yard-management team and freight forwarding and receiving partners. We are responsible for an average of 1 700 South African-bound vehicles a month coming from various global source plants, as well as an average of 4 000 vehicles a month from our own CKD [completely knocked down/manufacturing] plant in Rosslyn. We also export an average of 900 vehicles monthly to various African countries, as well as the Middle East. What gives me grey hair The short notice we sometimes get…

MITSUBISHI TRITON DC 2,4 Di-D 4x4 PRICE: R539 900 ETA: now WE ARE HERE MITSUBISHI has been in the doldrums the past few years, with little in the way of new models to combat the torrent that has come from its competitors. However, the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s recent acquisition of a 34% stake in the Japanse carmaker will see welcome product development. The new Triton range is the first of three new model ranges for Mitsubishi in our market this year: the bakkie will soon be followed by the new Pajero Sport and Outlander. Long a favourite from its days as the Mitsubishi Colt, the Triton range garnered a reputation for reliability and toughness. In recent years, though, the leisure double-cab goal posts have been significantly shifted by the likes of…

COMPANY OF THE YEAR Mercedes-Benz In recent years, we’ve given this award to automotive companies that have punched above their weight in our market. This year, however, we are recognising a bona fide heavy hitter that has not only shaped the South African automotive landscape, building cars here from 1958, but also offers a range of cars that successfully competes in an impressive variety of market segments. Not only is Mercedes-Benz a significant and respected employer in the local automotive industry, investing roughly R600-million in its East London plant over the last two years, but this production facility has consistently won international awards for the quality of the vehicles it produces. In 2016, Mercedes-Benz exported 109 767 C-Class vehicles and, with the C350e, the East London factory is also the…

The slightly gruff TDI didn’t bother me. My pick of the range Steve Smith A tempting alternative to the A4, although the 1,4 TSI is the engine to choose Ryan Bubear Whisper it, but this might just be better than an A4 2,0 TDI, 320d and C220d Terence Steenkamp “Relaxed” and “sensible” would be two adjectives that describe the ride and handling well Price: R522 400 0-100 km/h: 8,43 sec Power/Torque: 130 kW/350 N.m Top speed: 232 km/h CAR fuel index: 6 L/100 km CO2: 132 g/km THE Volkswagen Passat has had a stellar career. In the 40 years that the model has been around, VW has sold over 22 million examples, and there’s no question that this latest, eighth generation, underpinned by the largest version of the group’s acclaimed…

One of the best Harley engines I've encountered Wilhelm Lutjeharms LARGE Harleys are steeped in tradition, which is not something you mess with unless you are pretty sure of the feedback from loyal customers. And that meant plenty of experimentation, prototyping and discussions with HOG (Harley Owners Group) members before the new Milwaukee 8 engine was put into production. Rather than asking what could be changed, it was more a case of what could not be changed. This list included the V-twin layout, the appearance, the sound and the feel. As far as vibration goes, the engineers experimented with full primary balance using a gear-driven counter-balance shaft, but this was frowned upon by the HOGs as it would lack the character and feel of a V-twin. Eventually, Harley-Davidson’s engineers settled…

FUEL FIRES (HIGH RISK) Most vehicle fires can be attributed to fuel leaks, which makes sense as fuels are designed to combust and release energy. Petrol is the main culprit (diesel is much safer) because of its low flashpoint temperature, plus in vapour form (like the atomised spray from a pierced, high-pressure fuel pipe) it is highly combustible. Liquid petrol is harder to ignite on a hot surface than you’d expect, as it tends to evaporate rapidly before it reaches auto-ignition temperature. ELECTRICAL FIRES (MEDIUM RISK) In an electrical system, fuses protect against over-current. However, when there is a short in an unprotected circuit, the temperature of the wire may increase beyond the plastic’s insulation autoignition temperature and that can start an electrical fire. This type of fire is usually…

Mitsubishi Bedfordview was strategically placed in the heart of Edenvale and Bedfordview’s shopping suburbia in December 2012 as part of the flagship Cargo Motors Bedfordview multi-franchise dealer in the area. This prime location offers easy access off, both the N12 and R24 highways via the M37 off ramp and is perfectly situated to offer you all their Mitsubishi products and services at one convenient location. Mitsubishi Bedfordview has built a reputation as the efficient one-stop Mitsubishi shop, through their uncompromising service levels and different monthly special offers. Their showroom houses the entire range of new Mitsubishis; from the budget beating Mirage, through to the legendary Pajero models. The ASX (Active Smart Crossover) is also living up to its namesake and is exceptionally popular as the ‘smart choice’ in its segment.…

Please include your physical address and telephone number. Diverse ideas and opinions are welcome, but publication of your letter doesn’t necessarily mean we agree. Please stick to a maximum of 300 words. CAR reserves the right to edit and shorten letters owing to space constraints. PORSCHE DATA I would like to know why the Porsche Boxster’s track data was not published in Performance Shootout 2017? GABRIEL OTTO Pretoria [Unfortunately, Porsche SA’s press-fleet insurance does not cover track driving, Gabriel. For us to take out short-term insurance for the day would have been prohibitively expensive – editor.] ECONOMY SHOOTOUT It must have been an extremely enjoyable experience driving high-powered cars along straight and winding Karoo roads for Performance Shootout. However, considering the fact that not one of the cars taken on…

The tipping point where electric vehicles become a serious mainstream choice is fast approaching, according to Volkswagen sales boss, Jürgen Stackmann. Speaking at the Detroit Motor Show, he said a combination of cool, desirable cars and a viable infrastructure would soon propel the technology into the mainstream. VW wants to sell a million EVs a year by 2025, a target that Stackmann admitted seems optimistic when looked at today. The new family of EVs will be developed alongside VW’s existing range of petrol and diesel-powered vehicles, and VW wants the million sales to be additional ones, not taken from its existing sales of internal-combustion-engined models, such as the new Golf. “One million, looked at today, is an optimistic view, but the view I have is very different,” said Stackmann. “The…

IN my line of work, I meet many automotive designers, usually at international car launches. Over the years, at these events I have heard all manner of explanations to justify why their latest pride and joy looks the way it does. I suspect part of their studies involves a course on the use of evocative terminology, and there are some favourites that are repeatedly drafted into service. “Athleticism” is popular, as are “tensed” and “tension”; “strength” is thrown around easily; and “dynamism” is looking particularly worn out. In long, drawn-out presentations, designers try to explain the complex thought processes and artistic inspirations behind a car that can also count on aerodynamic requirements and crash-safety legislation as equally important design parameters. They wax lyrical about anything from the radii of chamfers…

A solid effort from Hyundai in an important sector, but the Creta lacks sparkle Ryan Bubear Roomy, well-made crossover makes a strong case in a competitive segment Steve Smith With Tucson prices heading north, this may be the next big seller for the brand Nicol Louw Price: R369 900 0-100 km/h: 11,97 sec Power/Torque: 94 kW/260 N.m Top speed: 179 km/h CAR fuel index: 9,0 L/100 km CO2: 155 g/km IF there’s one vehicle that helped Hyundai gain widespread popularity on the local front, it has to be the original Tucson. The plucky Korean SUV found favour with the SA-buying public by offering an affordable and well-specced alternative to the established brands. As a result, young families flocked to Hyundai showrooms in their droves. Through its subsequent generations, from ix35…

A regal proposition that almost renders the SL obsolete Sudhir Matai Simply the most accomplished four-seat convertible you can buy Nicol Louw Benz does big brilliantly. A truly special car Terence Steenkamp All this contributes to an indulgent sense of luxury, reinforced by the interior Price: R2 333 388 0-100 km/h: 5,23 sec Power/Torque: 335 kW/700 N.m Top speed: 250 km/h CAR fuel index: 10,2 L/100 km CO2: 212 g/km FOLLOWING any road test of a vehicle, scoring sheets are distributed among the 10-member strong CAR editorial team that factor in a range of criteria, from ride and comfort to packaging, performance, dynamics and fuel efficiency, to ultimately arrive at that score out of 100 points you see atop the specifications box. On these sheets, too, is a section where…

"I'VE LEARNT WHAT TO LOOK FOR, TO ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS AND ANALYSE A CAR ON ITS HISTORY" IT did not take long for the bug to bite Bloemfontein resident Douw Raimondo. And, when it did, it bit hard. After a brief flirtation with a Boxster eight years ago, he swapped this baby Porsche for a 997-model 911 Carrera S and, in doing so, took the first step to what would become a 20-vehicle-strong 911 collection. Stuttgart’s iconic sportscar isn’t the only Porsche variant that Douw and his business partner, Waldo own, though; they count 24 cars in their collection. “After I bought the Carrera S, I started reading up on the history of the 911 and the development of these cars over the years. This led to my next…

We spoke to well-known forensic scientist Dr David Klatzow (pictured above; klatzow.co.za) about his findings after investigating the Jimmy case. Here’s what he concluded: 1. The fire that resulted in Reshall Jimmy’s death is different to most of the other Kuga engine fires (there was little fire damage to the engine in the Jimmy vehicle). 2. The doors were locked. 3. Jimmy’s seatbelt was still fastened. 4. The fire started in the front-passenger compartment (with video and eyewitness accounts supporting this theory). This is different to the investigation by Ford that claims the fire started at the rear. According to Klatzow, Ford did not take into account the additional load in the form of fuel and tyres in the rear of the vehicle. 5. The danger exists that toxic gases…

This month, it’s delicious pies, runaway engines and the intricacies of fully floating axles that occupy Garageman’s time One Pie disagreed and said the engine needed two cans of oil... RUNAWAY ONE Sally Peterson owns and runs what can best be described as a working-class eating house. I sometimes go there just for her famous meat pies. Regulars tell me that you should avoid busy times, when her rasping voice can be heard every few seconds asking the kitchen staff through a hatch for “one pie”. When One Pie Peterson turned up on the forecourt in her old Nissan bakkie a few weeks ago to fill up with diesel and check the oil level in the sump, nobody suspected that we would witness a dramatic event. One of our…

AMAROK CAMBELT FAILURES I had my 2012 VW Amarok TDI DC serviced at Southey Street Motors in Kimberley in August 2016. It was at 75 000 km and under the service plan. The bakkie was returned the same day with the usual high-quality service from the dealership. A week and 200 km later, under normal driving conditions, the bakkie switched off with a noise from the engine. It was towed to the dealership and diagnosed with a failed cambelt. I received the first eye-watering quote of R59 000, which was later reduced to R37 000 when I complained to VWSA. My point in refusing to accept the quote for my account is that the bakkie was just serviced a week before. Why did the technician not inspect it and advise…

Congratulations to PETER BURGESS, who wins an eight-channel DIY home-security camera kit, worth R3 499 This home-security kit comes with eight waterproof cameras that feature 1,3-megapixel, 720 p resolution and 25 frames per second record and playback. The system allows for simultaneous record and playback, with mobile phone live view. Each kit comes with 8 x 18 metres worth of cabling for installation, along with a power supply adaptor, remote control, USB mouse and operating manual. For more info, email info@cctv-direct.co.za or visit www.cctv-direct.co.za…

A midlife refresh has seen the Mustang undergo a number of cosmetic alterations, including LED headlamps, a redesigned grille, bonnet and taillamp arrays. The interior receives a greater variety of colours and finishes along with a configurable digital instrument cluster. Mechanical changes are similarly expansive, with new shock absorbers and revisions to the rear suspension among the number. The engines also receive an overhaul, with the 2,3-litre getting a shot in the arm torque-wise, while Ford claims that the GT’s 5,0 V8 has been “thoroughly reworked”, with a new fuel-injection system that ups power and torque. The manual gearbox has been revised and will be joined by a 10-speed automatic transmission. ETA: early-2018…

# 1 MERCEDES-BENZ MEN’S CLASSIC STEEL WATCH R2 878 The bevelled dial and crocodile-like calfskin strap recall detailing on classic Benzes of the 1920s and ‘30s, giving this timepiece a retro elegance. # 2 FORD CHRONOGRAPH WATCH R1 353 The contrasting black-and-blue colour scheme and stainless-steel casing will appeal to those who live by the “Built Tough” lifestyle. # 3 AUDI AUTOMATIC POWER GENERATOR R5 250 Made of stainless steel with a diamond-like carbon coating, this Audi piece has a mechanical movement and is water resistant. # 4 BMW SPORTS CHRONOGRAPH WATCH R3 923 Featuring a Swiss Ronda movement, the blue dial has the BMW logo laser engraved on its base. # 5 MINI CHRONOGRAPH WATCH R1 567 A satin-finished stainless-steel casing gives this watch a fashionable persona to match…

THE forthcoming season is all about change in F1, but there is none greater, or more unexpected, than the sudden departure of Bernie Ecclestone (86) after four decades at the helm. Following the first stages of F1’s acquisition by Liberty Media last September, it was suggested that Ecclestone would stay on as de facto head of the sport, at least for as long as it took the American organisation to find its way around such a complex business. But when Liberty’s first detailed look prompted stark conclusions, none of which matched Ecclestone’s unique business model, it was clear his tenure as acting chief would be brief. A description of F1 as “dysfunctional” was just the beginning. In fact, the irony was that the same summary could have been uttered by…

Along with a turbodiesel arriving here in Q3 is another first for the Mini brand in South Africa when the Countryman All4 hybrid hits our shores in the first quarter of 2018. It will feature a 65 kW electric motor that directs its power via a single-speed transmission to the rear axle, while a three-cylinder, 1,5-litre turbopetrol with an output of 100 kW/220 N.m and connected to a six-speed Steptronic transmission drives the front wheels. Together, they produce a system output of 165 kW. The result is effectively an all-wheel-drive system that Mini says will provide an optimum balance between driving fun and efficiency. In pure electric-drive mode, the hybrid has a top speed of 125 km/h and a range of up to 40 km. At a wall box with…

JUDGING CRITERIA Only vehicles that the CAR team has driven We factor in the findings of road tests and driving impressions we’ve published during the last year. Ranges, not individual models Except in the Budget and Performance Car segments, we consider an entire range, not merely one outstanding example. Consider all the facets We look at package, personality, performance and, this year more than ever, price. The bun fight … and then the vote We set aside a day for the team to debate, argue and arm wrestle over the contestants. And then we vote. Suzuki Celerio 1,0 GA Prices: R132 900 Reader's choice by 33% – Renault Sandero 66 kW Turbo Expression (Suzuki Celerio 1,0 GA – 1%) With last year’s winner, the Volkswagen Up! 1,0 Move, out of…

Packaging, safety equipment and infotainment system are standout features Nicol Louw Well packaged and suitably robust. Should sell well Ian McLaren A proper Fortuner competitor; you won’t go wrong buying either Steve Smith Price: R501 900 0-100 km/h: 14,06 sec Power/Torque: 118 kW/385 N.m Top speed: n/a CAR fuel index: 8,76 L/100 km CO2: 193 g/km WHILE 2017 is gearing up to be the year of the double cab, an intriguing sub-plot involves the lifestyle vehicles that share their underpinnings (and, to a large extent, reputation) with their bakkie-based siblings. Based heavily on the Ranger double cab that continues to provide a monthly sales-chart irritation to the traditionally all-conquering Toyota Hilux, Ford’s recent expansion of its previously limited Everest range looks set to, by reputation alone, challenge the Fortuner’s market…

INJECTORS FOR LIFE Modern diesel injectors are precise, complex and costly components. Imagine then if you could buy a diesel-engined vehicle with injectors that are guaranteed to last at least 1,6 million kilometres. This, says Delphi, will be possible with its next-generation DFU 21 injectors (running at 3 000 bar) that are due to hit the market in 2021. At the heart of these heavy-duty injectors aimed primarily at the commercial market are 1 mm control valves that allow up to nine injection events per combustion sequence. A closed-loop system monitors exactly when the valve needle starts to open and when it reaches its maximum opening position (which is a first). This measurement, combined with the diesel pressure in the fuel rail, is used to calculate exactly how much fuel…

After the recall announcement made on 17 January 2017, there were still some questions that needed answers. We put them to Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (via email only, as per its request), and you can make up your own mind as to how convincing the answers are. CAR: What are the technical differences between the 1,6-litre EcoBoost engine in the Ford Escape that also experienced head-cracking issues and engine fires in 2013, and the 1,6-litre EcoBoost engine in the local Kuga displaying the same symptoms? Ford: The field data in the United States with the US-built Escape and in the South African Kuga 1,6-litre vehicles are different; we’re not going into all the different technical differences between the engines at this time. If the two engines (US versus…

BOLT-ON SUPERCHARGER? I own a 2004 Mercedes-Benz C55 AMG, which I recently bought as a V8 toy. The car has only 66 000 km on the odo, but no service history. It has, however, been well looked after and I enjoy it tremendously. What are the differences between the naturally aspirated V8 in my C55 and the supercharged unit found in the SL55 AMG? The specs appear very similar, with the bolted-on supercharger the obvious difference. You can probably guess where this is going … can I fit a supercharger and increase the power output of my C55 AMG without changing engine internals? Would the chassis, brakes and suspension of the C55 cope with the additional power? It was designed as a sportscar, so my feeling is that it would…

NOTES The PRICES shown are the latest available at the time of going to press. Our deadline occurred before 27 January 2017. Readers should check with a dealer before making a decision. The HP payment calculations are based on a 10% deposit, the current interest rate and a 54-month repayment period with no residual at the end. Under ENGINE we list the number of cylinders and the cubic capacity in cm3 . Here, V = V-shaped engine layout; H = horizontally-opposed engine layout; The absence of an initial symbol implies an in-line engine layout. FUEL SUPPLY abbreviations are P = petrol-engined; D = diesel-engined; T = turbocharged, a compressor driven by exhaust gases; S = supercharged, a compressor driven by the engine; P/H = petrol-hybrid and E = electric.…

RICCIARDO vs. VERSTAPPEN Stand by for fireworks at Red Bull. It could hardly be any other way when you have a free spirit such as Max Verstappen setting himself against Daniel Ricciardo. The Australian is considered by Fernando Alonso to be the best all-round talent in F1; which is why Verstappen sees Ricciardo as the man to beat, not simply to win races but also to lay down a mark over who rules to roost within the team. The problem for Red Bull is that Verstappen is very much his own man and not guaranteed to heed instructions that don’t suit him. Ricciardo has already proved that he will not be cowed by either the precocious speed of his young team-mate or the hype that surrounds him. HAMILTON vs. BOTTAS…