Innholdsfortegnelse for April 2019 i Leisure Wheels

A shed at the bottom of the garden or an extra garage is a great space to have, a place to mend and make, invent and create. While my garage is used largely for tinkering on old cars and motorcycles, a garage has many uses. Some may use this space to escape a grumpy partner or noisy kids but garages have been used to do more ambitious things. Large companies like Harley-Davidson and Lotus cars were started in similar spaces. If real estate space prohibits you having your own garage, look around as the communal workspace concept is starting to grow in South Africa. The Woodstock Man Cave is one of the most successful and has been a catalyst to the expansion of the Cape Town custom motorcycle scene. These…

One of the best things to do on a Saturday morning is spend some quality time with your 4×4. Either you’re in your garage, fitting a new gadget to your canopy, or you visit your local fitment centre to browse through their shelves and see what’s new. What is there that you may, perhaps, buy yourself for Christmas? But this is an activity reserved for blue beard overlanders. There are others who, up until now, have been armchair 4×4 enthusiasts, only travelling with the Voetspore team on TV. But there is a way of getting them into the market and this is through the rapidly growing 4×4 rental market. Anyone who recently travelled to Namibia, the Kgalagadi, Moremi or perhaps even the Richtersveld will testify to the massive increase in…

This fear is more commonly known as range anxiety and we reckon it’s the main hindrance standing between electric cars and mainstream success. We drive long distances in South Africa and 120km between recharges just doesn’t cut it, as both the Nissan Leaf and BMW i3 found out. Fortunately, in addition to having a network of charging points readily available, the I-Pace has the highest claimed mileage between recharges we’ve ever seen: 470km. That’s nearly enough to get you between Johannesburg and Pretoria for an entire working week. Charging at home is made easier by the fitment of the optional Jaguar Wall Box. This unit can fully charge the car overnight and you can even set the times you want it to charge. The I-Pace is also equipped with a…

BMW will be expanding its high-performance SUV line-up with the all-new X3 M and X4 M. In addition to these already blistering variants, BMW will be launching Competition variants of both models, featuring even more power. These mid-size SUVs will feature the most powerful version of BMW’s straight-six petrol engine yet. In standard guise, they deliver 353kW and 600Nm of torque while the Competition model produces 375kW. The standard car sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds, while Competition variants hit 100km/h from rest in just 4.1 seconds. The engine is mated to an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic and uses the new M xDrive all-wheel-drive system which made its debut in the BMW M5. The M xDrive system has a rear-wheel bias and offers owners two…

Ford’s Silverton Assembly Plant in Pretoria has officially commenced production of the new Ford Ranger, bringing a raft of product upgrades and refinements to the Ranger in the process. “Following the investment of over R3 billion in our local operations and extensive upgrades to our plants over the past 18 months, we are delighted to see the first of the new Ford Ranger models coming off our production line,” says Neale Hill, managing director, Ford Motor Company sub-Saharan Africa. “This is an extremely important and exciting year for the Ford Ranger, which will see the launch of the first-ever Ranger Raptor that is undoubtedly one of this year’s most highly anticipated new models,” Hill adds. A few of the range-topping models, including the Ranger Raptor, will be powered by the…

While out hiking (or on the 4×4 trail) have you ever found yourself with the need for a saw to clear fallen logs or a tree? While carrying a fixed blade saw or chainsaw is impractical, there is a solution. The Nordic pocket saw is a hand-powered saw that comprises two handles on the ends of a two-way chainsaw blade, making it possible of cut through large logs in minutes. The heat-treated high carbon steel chain makes short work of logs thanks to a smooth cutting action while the heavy-duty nylon webbing strap handles are easy to grasp. Packable into a nylon sleeve that is smaller than most wallets, the Nordic pocket saw is ideal for your door pocket, cubbyhole or backpack. Thanks to its unique design the saw can…

From the passenger seat, it seems as if everything is happening in slow motion. The ankle-high shrubbery next to the road ambles past at a sedate pace. The horizon stays remarkably the same for a very long time. IT’S the small things. The small things that you normally take for granted, and maybe don’t appreciate as much as you should. Until, that is, you are forced to make do without that supposedly insignificant thing. Let’s use a random example like, er, say Eskom. Just about everything we do is somehow connected to 220 volts of electrical current. When some anonymous Eskom employee flips a switch in a control room to activate a load-shedding schedule, and those 220 volts are gone, you realise exactly how dependent of those volts you really…

THERE’S Kingsley’s highly experienced son Ross, a veteran of countless expeditions who has adventure flowing in his veins and faces the daily challenges of being expedition leader; his wife Anna, who ably assists with the humanitarian work and juggles home base and children with expedition life and red-bearded Bruce Leslie, who coaxes his heavily-laden 130 Defender through thick and thin, helps manage logistics and has not only become an accomplished photographer, but also bangs out a great camp stew commonly known as ‘Imodium and Goat’. Sheelagh Antrobus is Kingsley’s partner and somehow, while on the move, transcribes his scribbles and ‘bush notes’ into despatches and stories and also plays a key role in the expedition community conservation work; and then there’s ‘Shova Mike’ Nixon, a crazy adventurer in his own…

Isuzu South Africa The main sponsor that essentially made this event possible. Isuzu also supplied a fleet of Isuzu MU-X SUVs which the teams got to drive. More information: isuzu.co.za Opposite Lock 4WD Accessories The accessory company not only supplied prizes for each event, but also a grand prize for the final. This prize is a set of Australian-made Light Force Striker LED driving lights worth more than R10 000. More information: oppositelock.co.za Front Runner Outfitters SA’s leading roof rack manufacturing company, which supplies many other 4×4 and lifestyle accessories, provided winners with the company’s handy ‘Flat Pack’ storage solutions. For the final, Front Runner will provide even more prizes. More information: frontrunneroutfitters.com A-Line Wheels The overall winners of GAS will take home a set of A-Line Outback 4×4 rims…

Lexus recently introduced the smallest member of its SUV clan, named the UX. Lexus claims it combines charismatic design and ultra-efficient powertrains in an attractive crossover package. The UX is available in two front-wheel-drive versions. The UX 200 introduces a new two-litre four-cylinder engine, which is coupled with a CVT transmission while the UX 250h makes use of the same engine but is coupled to a new fourth-generation hybrid drive system. The 200 UX is also available in top-spec F Sport guise. The UX 200 produces 126kW and 205Nm of torque. The Hybrid delivers 107kW of power at 6000r/min and 180Nm of torque at 4 400r/min (total system output of 135kW), equating to a 0–100km/h sprint time of 8.5 seconds, topped off by a maximum speed of 177km/h (governed). It…

Land Rover recently introduced an all-new in-line six-cylinder petrol unit for the Range Rover Sport. The new powerplant produces 294kW and 550Nm of torque, which is enough for it to sprint to 100km/h in 6.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 225km/h. The engine uses an electric supercharger to deliver immediate power response. Able to spool fully in just 0.5 seconds at up to 120 000r/min via a direct connection with the throttle, the new technology claims to virtually eliminate turbo lag. It’s supported by a twin-scroll turbocharger and continuous variable valve lift, which boosts power and helps the engine breathe with maximum efficiency. Land Rover claims this increases power and decreases fuel consumption. These performance-boosting technologies work alongside a new mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) powertrain that…

The Mazda CX-5 has received interior and exterior specification updates applicable across the entire model line-up, with the most significant being the inclusion of Android Auto and Apple Carplay as standard equipment on all derivatives. Interior design updates include a new air-conditioner panel pattern, chrome accents introduced to door mirror and window dials as well as redesigned commander and volume controls. Exterior updates include a colour change for the 17-inch alloy wheels available on the Active derivatives and a new wheel design on the 19-inch alloy wheels from the Dynamic model. Mazda’s flagship model line-up remains unchanged with eight available derivatives.…

THE Namaqua West Coast is unlike any place else in South Africa, that’s for sure. It’s a region that incorporates both vast desertscapes and endless stretches of shoreline, making for a destination of truly breathtaking divergence and jaw-dropping contrasts. Geologically and ecologically, the area is situated upon that tipping point where the coastal plains butt up against an inland escarpment. Travellers who trip into this place will find themselves surrounded by a minimalist landscape where, over many eons, the onslaught of extreme elements have shaped a space rugged beyond belief. Terra firma bristles with a profusion of bulbs and succulents, while stark quiver trees and enormous granite outcrops spike high against the blue sky. During spring – and seemingly overnight – the sand-blown ridges and plains are transformed into a…

In addition to electrifying all kinds of cars ranging from the tiniest city runabout to the most ferocious supercar, the list of electric movable objects is growing by the day. The current global trend leader is Norway, where electric vehicles account for nearly 30% of new car sales. To be fair, the Norwegian government makes it hard not to go the electric route thanks to incentives and tax cuts. According to Norway’s climate and environment minister, Ola Elvestuen, it should be cheaper overall to own an electric car, so he goes out of his way to make life easier for the people who buy them. Our minister of environmental affairs, Nomvula Mokonyane, on the other hand, is allegedly one of the many politicians who got caught with her hand in…

YOU simply pack your clothes and supplies and, of course, your camping coffee gear, and you hit the road. No need for tents, mattresses or any other camping gear because it is all waiting for you. This spot is perfect for a quick, meaningful camping experience, including luxury tents and warm water, and is just waiting to spoil you and your family in an environment made for relaxing. It is called Hooikraal and is situated right next to the N2, a few kilometres before Heidelberg in the Western Cape, just three hours from the city rush. The biggest surprise is that it is such a well-kept secret. Hooikraal Tented Camp is hidden away in a kloof in the Overberg region, on a working farm. It is an eco-friendly, off the…

ON PAPER, the Ford Everest 3.2TDCi 4×4 XLT seems to have it all in the 4×4-ing department. A transfer case coupled to the slick six-speed automatic gearbox. A rear differential lock. Hill descent control. A Terrain Management system with settings for normal, grass/gravel/snow, sand and rock. A claimed 225mm ground clearance. And, finally, a powerful 3.2-litre turbodiesel engine that delivers 147kW and 470Nm of torque, peaking at 1 750r/min. The Everest has all the 4×4 tricks you’d need and then some. In standard nick, it certainly can go the off-road mile, too. We’ve driven 4×4 Everests extensively, with no issues. We’ve even had the rare opportunity of driving the Everest in a patch of snow recently and it did a grand job. But here’s the thing: if you’ve forked out…

DESPITE Edison’s discovery, the high potential strength of carbon fibre was only realised in 1963 at the Royal Aircraft Establishment at Farnborough. The process was then patented by the UK Ministry of Defence and licensed to three companies including Rolls-Royce, which was already producing it. After successful use in 1968 of a Hyfil assembly in the Rolls-Royce Conway Jet engines of the Vickers VC10, Rolls-Royce took advantage of the new material properties to break into the American market with its RB211 aero-engine that featured carbon fibre compressor blades. Unfortunately, the blades proved vulnerable to damage from bird strikes, causing the company a number of setbacks that saw it being nationalised in 1971. With motorsport teams always looking to add lightness, as first suggested by Sir Colin Chapman, it wasn’t long…

Renault launched the all-new Duster in South Africa and it’s been selling up a storm. Local sales nearly doubled and the 4x2 version was selected as a finalist in the South African Car of the Year competition. The model we’ve been waiting for has finally arrived and it looks like it is set to build on the reputation of its predecessor. We did a lot of off-roading in our previous long-term Dusters, including dune driving in Namibia. As is the case with the 4×2, Renault stuck to the previous Duster’s well-proven recipe: it has the same sturdy underpinnings and engine as before but is now wrapped in a much nicer package. The 4×4 is available only in Dynamique trim and only with a six-speed manual gearbox. The 1.5-litre dCI engine…

Mitsubishi officially unveiled the all-new ASX compact crossover at the Geneva Motor Show. Since its launch in 2009, Mitsubishi Motors has sold 1.32 million ASX units overall in around 90 countries, so the new car has a lot to live up to. The exterior is noticeably different, which is a good thing. The current model is getting a bit long in the tooth and this new model is definitely a step in the right direction. In Europe, the ASX will be offered with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol, available with either a five-speed manual or a CVT with a six-speed sports mode. Both two- and four-wheel-drive versions will be available. The interior features a smartphone-link display audio system with advanced connectivity. The size of the display has been increased from seven…

Mahindra is celebrating its recent surge in vehicle sales with the launch of the Pik Up S10 Karoo Edition. “The Mahindra Pik Up S10 Karoo Edition is an encore to the special S6 Karoo Edition launched in December last year and which sold out quickly. With the higher S10 specification level, this model is sure to sell out as fast,” says Rajesh Gupta, CEO of Mahindra South Africa. The S10 will include sat nav, cruise control and a multi-function steering wheel and everything that comes with the Karoo trim package. This includes a special black cosmetic package, which includes blacked out off-road alloy wheels, a dark nudge bar and a dark, branded roll bar. Mahindra also added a tonneau cover, flared rear wheel arches that complement the front arches and…

Charging an automotive battery has reached a new level of convenience thanks to CTEK’s CT5 Time to Go, which provides an indication of exactly how long it will take until important charge thresholds have been reached. A series of lights indicate when your battery is sufficiently charged to disconnect and start the engine but it also has a ‘Try’ function for when time is limited; it lets you know when you can safely attempt a start. With the guesswork out of the equation you can plan accordingly, knowing how much charging time is still needed. With its smart electronics the CT5 Time to Go will detect when polarity is inadvertently reversed (negative lead to positive terminal, or vice versa). The CT5 Time To Go is fully automatic and can be…

HYUNDAI CRETA 1.6D EXECUTIVE The recently facelifted Creta accounts for a large chunk of Hyundai sales and it’s not hard to see why. It’s spacious, comfortable and luxuriously equipped. It also doesn’t mind getting dirty every once in a while. The top-spec model is only available with a diesel engine which is mated to a smooth six-speed automatic transmission. There’s some initial lag at first but nothing out of the norm for a small turbocharged diesel crossover. At higher speeds, the engine settles down but in bumper-to-bumper conditions the average consumption tends to increase dramatically. It evens out on the combined cycle, however. On our standard route, which includes open road, highway driving and busy traffic conditions, the Creta diesel returned a figure of 8.12 litres/100km. It’s not bad, nor…

DESPITE what you may have heard, passenger drones are not about to take the world by storm. Not that they don’t exist, the technology is already there to fly someone from one side of a city to the other. Rather, the laws regarding such a thing are what’s preventing this thing from, ahem, getting off the ground. Early estimates say it should be about two years before legislation surrounding the use of passenger drones is completed that will allow people to fly in reasonable safety without the fear of someone slamming into them in midair. When those laws are passed, these are the current frontrunners to take up the drone-transportation business reins. EHANG 184 The Ehang 184 claims to be the safest, smartest and most eco-friendly low-altitude autonomous aerial vehicle (AAV),…

Regular readers will know we recently added a bit of oomph to our Haval H6C. Our mission was to add a bit of vrr phaa to the mix but we might have overshot the mark. OUR office is situated on the third floor, next to a busy street. Occasionally, we hear an Alfa Giulia QV bomb up the street but for the most part, it’s no louder than the usual drone of bumper-to-bumper traffic. Or at least it was that way until the Shesha arrived… From where we are, you can hear it pull away from a stop street, 800m down the road. It’s quite useful, because we know exactly when the boss is arriving. “Okay, guys. He’s nearly here. You’ve got five minutes to get to your desk and…

BIG GAME PARKS - SWAZILAND 13-18 APRIL, 3-8 AUGUST This unspoilt wilderness is a haven for endangered African wildlife. Mkhaya lies in the tranquil heart of the lowveld in the south-east of Swaziland, a refuge to animals that are now threatened with extinction. Mlilwane is Swaziland’s oldest protected area, situated in the Ezulwini Valley (Valley of Heaven) between Mbabane and Manzini and located in the vast bushveld expanse of eastern Swaziland, Hlane is the Kingdom’s largest protected area. The Royal National Park is home to the largest herds of game in the Kingdom and four of Africa’s Big Five. Accommodation: Self-catering chalets and B&Bs Cost: On application ZAMBIA: FROM AWESOME TO ZEST 23 MAY TO 13 JUNE We are particularly excited to introduce the ‘revamped’ itinerary for Zambia. It is…

AN estimated 550 000 new vehicles are expected to be sold in SA this yeas, says president and CEO of Toyota SA Motors, Andrew Kirby. Kirby is talking 2019 new car market and unfortunately his prediction again represents a market decline of around 1% over 2018. Some interesting sales statistics were presented. For one, the sport utility vehicle segment has grown by a massive 33% over the last five years. New crossover models such as Toyota’s CH-R, Rush and Fortuner have played a big role. Similarly, the one-ton double cab market has grown by 17%. The formerly very popular C-Segment (Corolla, Jetta, etc) has declined by 33% over the last five years. The premium segment has also taken a knock and has shown a 40% decline. “Our roads are not…