Drive Kenya March/April 2016

VOL. 2 ISSUE 3 | MARCH/APRIL 2016

The

Spirit Of Luxury!

The Mercedes S-Class Cabriolet

Contact us for more details and options P.O.Box: 1911 – 00606 Westlands, Nairobi

Email: info@drivekenya.co.ke tripletwoholdings@gmail.com

+254 718 221 222 +254 732 221 222

www.drivekenya.co.ke

Triple Two Holdings Ltd.

Editorial & Design Team:

Vivek Kothary

It seems like 2016 is whizzing by at a frenetic pace. There is a lot of action taking place globally in relation to politics, the global economy and oil prices.

We estimate that, given the precipitous oil price drop, a litre of petrol should be retailing for Kshs 55 to 58. Motorists should at least appreciate the brief respite we have been given from the global oil glut.

This month’s main feature is the superlative S-Class Cabriolet. This new member of the S-Class family, reintroduced after a decades long break, is going to start selling this year. We certainly expect DT Dobie to be selling a few units of these luxurious vehicles. It combines a beautiful silhouette with incredible performance.

In the bikes section we feature the ‘semi-cruiser’, the Indian Scout Sixty.

This unique bike is ‘relatively’ pocket friendly in price too, for the discerning enthusiast.

Once again it is the beginning of the rally season in Kajiado, which got off to a fantastic start with the ‘Flying-Finn’, Tapio Laukkanen, who is one of the fastest rally drivers ever seen on the Kenyan scene. He commanded the field, and it will be interesting to see who can challenge him this season.

Published By:

Amit Soni

Greetings Dear Reader,

We also take a close look at the recent Top 10 Cars of 2015, that the highly influential Consumer Reports released. Although the list is applicable to US roads and conditions, there are certainly a few Kenyan favourites there, including the Subaru Impreza and Forester. Consumer Reports has a rigorous testing methodology, and Japanese vehicles tend to dominate the list, something both, Kenyan and US consumers are familiar with.

Tel:

Amit Kwatra

Welcome

We are eagerly awaiting the start of the F1 and MotoGP season. The preseason testing is well underway, and fans are waiting for the race action to begin. Mercedes looks heavily dominant already, while MotoGP looks explosive with Yamaha teammates Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi, set for a titanic battle for the title. Last season was thrilling to say the least!

We have got tyre tips for you, courtesy of our friend, the Kenya Car Guy, and weird and quirky automotive factoids, which make for an amusing read.

In our classic car category, we have the lovely VW Karmann Ghia, that has also graced the presence of the local Concours d’Elegance.

Enjoy the ride!

Quality Car & Home Care Products Available at all leading supermarkets

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NEW PACK

OLD PACK

Helplines: 0703333777, Tel: 020 2165703/4/6

Contents Cover Story 10

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Top 10 Consumer Reports 16

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Indian Scout Sixty 14

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Other Topics The News Pg 6

WRC Sweden

Weird & Quirky Pg 8 Classic Car Pg 9 Kenya Car Guy Pg 15

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2016 Motorsport Calender Pg 20 Kajiado Rally Pg 22 KNRC Calender Pg 23

Motor Private Q. What is covered under a motor private policy?

Q.

Documents required for an accident claim

A.

A.

National ID, Logbook, Copy of DL and statement by driver, police abstract, executed claim form

Q.

What is policy Excess

A.

This is the amount you pay towards repairs or replacement of the vehicle after accidental damage or theft occurs respectively. In the event accidental damage occurs, the excess is usually a percentage of the vehicles’ value and ranges from 2.5% to 10% depending on the use of the vehicle.

Accident collision and / or overturning Theft of vehicle Fire Riot and strikes Malicious damage by another person with ill motive Flood and natural perils Damage to other peoples property Injury to pedestrians Windscreen Radio cassette Towing

Q. Documents required for a motor cover?

A. National ID, Logbook, drivers license, pin number, proposal form, postal address, valuation of the vehicle and abstract Q. Am i covered against Political violence & terrorism?

In the case of a theft claim, the percentage can go as high as 20%, this can however be reduced up to 5% if risk mitigation measures such as, installation of Anti-Theft devices, tracking devices and fleet management systems are installed. However, one can purchase excess protection benefit to guard against the above.

A. Political risk and terrorism can be covered by paying a Q. How is our claims management process small supplementary premium in addition to your normal A. Our claims process is quite fast having a wide range of annual premium. Also covered would be strikes, riots and garages and assessors among other service providers at civil commotion. our disposal. We are able to repair your vehicle and have Q. Is it cheaper to pay annually or monthly? it back on the road within the shortest time possible.

Also, our team of well-experienced staff is always A. It's almost always cheaper to pay up front annually for at hand to your unlimited support ensuring your claims motor vehicle Insurance. process runs smoothly.

Q. Can i pay my premium in installments?

Q. Why GA? A. Yes! We have partnered with I&M Bank Ltd for A. GA is a strong Brand in the market with strong financial competitive rates on Insurance Premium Financing (IPF). stability, years and years of experience dating back to This is a facility provided by the bank where they pay the 1979 as well as the experienced staff who are always insurance company the full premium amount and you as willing to assist. the insured get to pay the bank back in flexible installments that can run up to 10 months Q. What do i need for a cover outside the country?

Customer satisfaction is our key pillar and we will leave no stone unturned until all your insurance demands are met.

A. COMESA yellow card which needs to be requested and premium paid.

With GA Insurance, our clients are assured GA Insurance Limited 4th floor, GA Insurance House, Ralph Bunche Road P.O. Box 42166 Nairobi 00100 GPO Kenya Tel 2711633 www.gakenya.com

DRIVE KENYA

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THE NEWS TOTAL ENHANCES BON VOYAGE FUEL CARD FEATURES

DAIMLER OPENS REGIONAL CENTER COMMERCIAL VEHICLES FOR EAST, CENTRAL AND WEST AFRICA

Total Kenya Limited has been enhancing the company’s TOTAL Bon Voyage card by introducing new features. The latest digital makeovers are vehicle tagging and web based extranet tools.

Nairobi, Kenya – Just four months after the opening of Daimler’s first Regional Center for commercial vehicles in Dubai, UAE, the launch of the second Regional Center in Nairobi, Kenya, marks the next step in the rollout of Daimler’s Regional Center strategy. The concept is designed to consequently expand the company’s presence close to customers and markets, with a clear focus on the commercial vehicle business. Covering East, Central, and West Africa, the new unit Daimler Commercial Vehicles Africa (DCV Africa) will be responsible for the complete commercial vehicle portfolio, ranging from the light-duty truck FUSO Canter, to the heavy-duty Mercedes Benz Actros. Its scope will also include Mercedes Benz buses.

Speaking about the innovations, Gerald Matola, Total Kenya’s Card Sales Manager, explained, “The card now comes equipped with a tagging microchip which is permanently fixed on windscreens. This means vehicle authentication will no longer be human, but automated to ensure only the right vehicle for a specific card can be fueled at TOTAL service stations.”

“This technology uses Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID), which enables a point of sale terminal, to scan the card on the microchip before dispensing fuel. The tags are tamper proof, meaning, any attempt to remove it renders the same useless, in which case the card will not transact.”

The TOTAL Bon Voyage card is the pioneer fuel card in Kenya, with over 15 years of experience of controlling and monitoring fuel consumption, for any size of fleet. The card can be configured to suit the needs of individuals, corporates and fleet owners. Credit transfer services from one prepaid card to another, via the point of sale terminal at the service stations, is also available. Customization or change of parameters for existing cards can be done remotely, without having to present the cards to Card Centre.

markets in the region. Rajaram K, Head of DCV Africa said, “Kenya is not only one of the region’s most dynamic economies, but also the business and transport hub of Eastern Africa and the ideal launching pad for Sub-Saharan Africa. This makes it the perfect location for increasing our business in this promising part of Africa.

We are convinced that we have the right set of products and services to win more and more customers in this economically growing region.”

Long-term growth potential in the region

“Our new Regional Center for East, Central and West Africa, will bring us even closer to our commercial vehicle customers and their needs. It will allow us to benefit further from the growth potential of this region in the sales and customer service business,” said Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard, member of the Board of Management responsible for Daimler Trucks & Buses. “Today’s opening in Nairobi, therefore, represents a win-win situation for Daimler, our business partners and the entire region”, Dr. Bernhard added.

Eastern, Central, and West Africa is a promising growth region for Daimler’s commercial vehicles business. After one decade of growth of 5%, experts predict and even greater growth. With 68% of its overall population of 770 million being below 25 years old, the region continues to be an attractive location for foreign direct investment, which has increased six-fold since the year 2000. Daimler’s CV sales in the region totaled to about 5,900 units in 2015.

Clear focus on the needs of commercial vehicles customers

DCV Africa steers the commercial vehicle business in 41 markets

Based in Nairobi, DCV Africa enjoys excellent facilities and connections for doing business, e.g. it is directly connected to the port of Mombasa and other neighboring countries. Its establishment allows for an even stronger focus on the specific characteristics of East, Central, and West Africa’s commercial vehicles business, and even a closer sector specific engagement with customers and

Daimler looks back on more than 50 years of serving customers in the region in cooperation with local distributors. Many of its current General Distributors have been long standing partners. In addition, FUSO is also engaged in kit assembly of FUSO vehicles in Kenya with local partners.

TOP QUALITY ISO 9001: 2008 CERTIFICATION AND FRANCHISE LAUNCH From left: Top Quality Auto Limited- Director, Rose Kendi Ndegwa, Top Quality Auto Limited, Managing Director, Eng Benard Ngore M’Mutirithia, Morris Maina from Crown Paints and Top Quality Auto Limited Finance Manager, Samuel Githinji.

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SME INSURANCE If your business provides a range of products and services, you may face a number of risks. We tailor the Business Combined policy around your needs, so you're covered for any exposures you may face.

Single insurance policies may not be flexible enough for your needs, so a business combined package will give you peace of mind, knowing that your business has the cover it deserves, very convenient and cost effective.

With a Business Combined Insurance package, you can choose from a wide range of insurance options that will suit your business as follows:-

(b) All Risks The product provides cover against loss or damage to specified items (portable items) which include laptops, cameras, projectors and all other portable items as a result of any cause within the business premises.

3. Cover For Liabilities (a) Public Liability Public insurance provides protection against claims arising from: Accidental bodily injury to any third party person.

Accidental loss of or damage to third party property.

1. Cover for Assets

(b) Professional Liability (a) Fire & Perils This insurance covers assets such as buildings, plant & machinery, business stocks, furniture, fixtures & fittings and office equipment.

Provides cover to the Insured from issues of professional negligence and errors & omissions in relation to their profession. It covers legal liability for damages, claimant’s costs and litigation expenses (c) Employer’s Liability

(b) Fire Loss of Profits A viable business continues to incur expenses after a fire loss, these reduction of gross profit, additional wages and audit fees, these costs are covered by the loss of profits policy. (c) Burglary

This policy offers protection to employers for their legal liability (under Common Law), for damages and claimant’s costs and expenses of lawsuits filed by an employee. The liability would arise if an employee in the insured’s immediate service dies or is injured out of or in the course of their work, through any perceived negligence on the employer’s part.

The Burglary policy provides cover against loss or damage to property following forcible or violent entry or exit from insured premises or through hold-up.

4. Financial Risks

This will protect the client against theft of stocks while in the premises, the damage to building as the thieves break in and it is even extended to cover goods in the open to a certain limit.

Money insurance policy covers loss or damage to money by robbery or theft while in transit, premises and safe.

(a) Money

(b) Fidelity Guarantee (d) Machinery Breakdown Machinery Breakdown Insurance provides cover against sudden and unforeseen physical loss or damage to the insured machinery, plant and equipment (g) Political & Terrorism Risks

Cover for loss of money or insured’s property caused by fraud or dishonesty of an employee or employees.

5. Cover For Employees (a) Work Injury Benefits Policy

Provides cover against loss or damage to property caused by the following incidents: Sabotage Mutiny, Insurrection, rebellion, or Coup d'Etat Strike, Riot or civil commotion Looting Malicious damage Terrorism Acts

This is Compulsory for ALL employees by Workmen’s Compensation Law: WIBA 2007 compensation per employee.

Death Permanent Total Disablement Temporary Total/Partial disablement Medical Expenses Funeral Expenses:

2. Cover For Computers and Portable Items

(b) Group Personal Accident

(a) Electronic Equipment Insurance

This cover provides compensation if the insured person shall sustain bodily injury caused by solely or directly by accident, violent, external and visible means which injury shall solely and independently of any other cause result in death or disablement both permanent and temporary, it can be extended also to cover medical expenses and funeral expenses.

This cover is suitable for electronic items usually to be found in an office accessories .These will include computers, cameras, printers, PABX and other office equipment’s.

GA Insurance Limited 4th floor, GA Insurance House, Ralph Bunche Road P.O. Box 42166 Nairobi 00100 GPO, Kenya Tel 2711633 www.gakenya.com

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VW Karmann Ghia American industrial designer Walter Dorwin Teague, included the Karmann Ghia in his list of the world’s most beautifully designed products

Image Source - Flickr/Tom

I

n the early 1950’s, Volkswagen was focused on producing its economy model, the VW Beetle, but, with an increase in prosperity, executives suggested that VW add a high end model to their line-up. The VW Karmann Ghia was born as a result and made its debut at the October 1953 Paris Auto Show. The name Karmann comes from the German coach builder, Karmann, who was designated to build the vehicle. Ghia was an Italian firm that Karmann in turn, outsourced the work to. Ghia adapted styling themes from Chrysler and Studebaker for the vehicle, and expanded the base Beetle chassis floorplan by 300mm. In contrast to the construction process of the VW Beetle, which had a machine-welded body with bolt-on fenders, the Karmann Ghia’s body panels were welded, hand-shaped, and smoothed with English pewter, in a time-consuming construction process, commensurate with higher-end manufacturers, resulting in the Karmann. Ghia’s higher price - the equivalent of two VW Beetles.

The Karmann Ghia was initially available as a 2+2 coupe sports car, in 1955, and later on, as a convertible. The Ghia shared an engine with the Beetle, and ultimately, over a period of time, arrived at a displacement of 1584 cc, producing 60-hp. In 1961, VW introduced the Type 34 variant, which was based on the newly introduced Type 3 chassis and featured angular bodywork.

American industrial designer Walter Dorwin Teague, included the Karmann Ghia in his list of the world’s most beautifully designed products. It is estimated that more than 445,000 Karmann Ghias were made over the lifetime of the vehicle in Germany, and another 42,000 in Brazil. In late 1974, the car was superseded by the Porsche 914 and the Golf/Rabbit based Scirocco. The Karmann Ghia was represented at the local Concours d’Elegance by Paul Chemngorem’s 1962 model.

We agree with Mr. Walter, that it is a good looking classic.

DRIVE KENYA

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Cover Story

All Media images - daimler media

Mercedes S-Class Cabriolet The Spirit of Luxury

he new S-Class Cabriolet is the sixth variant of the current S-Class family, and the first open-top, luxury four-seater from Mercedes-Benz since 1971! The Cabriolet made its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show last year, and according to Mercedes, is intended to offer a distinctive, sensual and exclusive design. The cuttingedge technology of the S-Class displays a comprehensive warmth and wind protection concept, which includes intelligent climate control for convertibles. “With its sensual and pure design idiom, our new S-Class Cabriolet is one of the most beautiful and exclusive S-Class cars of all time!” said Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Daimler AG. The centerpiece of the front end is the black diamond radiator grille, featuring the Mercedes star and a single louvre in silver and chrome inserts. The bonnet adds dynamic touches with two powerful character lines. The striking front bumper incorporates large air intakes, in the middle and at the sides. The chrome trim adds a sporty finishing touch to the front end. The optional LED Intelligent Light System showcases the car’s elegance in glittering style, with exquisite Swarovski crystals for the direction indicators and daytime running lamps.

Inside the S-Class Cabriolet, boasts a luxuriously sporty design setting and a choice of fine materials, that Mercedes so lavishly included alongside their exceptionally classy interior setting. The soft top opens up to create an open-air lounge that is designed to exude a yacht-like atmosphere. To enable the broadest scope for individualization and exclusivity, there is a choice of leather, nappa leather or designo exclusive nappa leather, plus six different interior color concepts, including a maritime-inspired combination of deep-sea blue and porcelain. The materials per Mercedes, feature the highest standard of workmanship and are hand-crafted in character. This is one immensely powerful car, with a V8 engine that has an output of 455-hp. The engine displacement stands at 4663 cc and the engine produces peak torque of 700 Nm from 1800 rpm.

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Key Features 4.7-liter V-8 biturbo engine-449 hp, 516 lb-ft of torque - S550 Cabriolet or a hand-built AMG 5.5-liter V-8 biturbo engine-577 hp, 664 lb-ft of torque AMG S 63 Cabriolet

9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission AIRMATIC semi-active air suspension system THERMOTRONIC climate control technology, AIRCAP automatic wind protection system and AIRSCARF neck-level heating system Intelligent Drive systems such as DISTRONIC PLUS, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist

0-60 mph

in 4.5 seconds S550 Cabriolet

3.9 seconds AMG S63 4MATIC Cabriolet

Available design nappa leather upholstery Optional ENERGIZING massage function with 6 different programs and optional hot-stone massage function

MAGIC VISION CONTROL

Soft top that can open or close in less than 20 seconds at speeds up to 37 mph, available in four different colors - black, dark blue, beige and dark red

DRIVE KENYA

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Bikes

Indian Scout Sixty Image Source - Indian Motorcycle Media

Quick Specs Engine Type

Liquid Cooled V-Twin

Engine Displacement

999cc

Bore

60 mm

Primary Drive

Gear Drive Wet Clutch

Fuel System

Closed loop fuel injection

Exhaust

Split dual exhaust with crossover

Max. power 75-hp

Max. torque 65 ft-lbs

Suspension

Front Telescopic Fork/120 mm Rear Dual Shocks/76 mm

Tires

Front 130/90-16 72H Rear 150/80-16 71H

Brakes

The Indian Scout Sixty is described as, giving a first impression of lightness and friendliness and we agree. This is not an intimidating bike: it looks good, is well-built and provides an affordable entry point into the authentic cruiser market, from one of the world’s oldest motorcycle firms. The seat, at a low height of 642mm, allows the option of placing both feet firmly on the ground for maximum control, when stopped. The ride is described by critics as, “easy, but not perfect”. The tyres are said to be good, but could be replaced with a more mainstream manufacturer of cruiser rubber. The engine has a displacement of 999c with 78-hp of power, a class-leading performance.

Reviewers view this bike as comfortable, smooth, and with free revving. In terms of appearance, this bike looks sleek, with blacked out engine parts, fork bottoms, a modified headlight, clock surround, crackle-finish black frame and black wheels. We used the term ‘semi-cruiser’ in our intro editorial, as the Scout Sixty has a small fuel tank, of only 12.5-litres, which means more breaks on longer runs. ABS is standard in European versions and there is very easy handling, requiring less tech support to operate. The layout is simple and clean. As Indian says, “Scout Sixty is the perfect motorcycle to start your legend.” Going for a reasonable price of, £8,999 ex-UK…it is not a bad start.

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Front Single/298 mm Rotor 2 Piston Caliper Rear Single/298 mm Rotor 1 Piston Caliper

Rake and Trail

29°/119.9 mm

Dry Weight

247 kg

Fuel capacity 12.5-litres

Seat Height

643 mm

Road Safety

Tires

To send in your questions to the Kenya Car Guy

Contact: info@drivekenya.co.ke Mobile: +254 733 666 597

Kenya Car Guy

E-mail: info@kenyacarguy.com

We have all grown used to Kenya’s ever changing weather patterns. You are boiling in your seat while driving to work one morning and next thing you know you are struck with Nairobi’s ever so unpredictable rain and traffic. You have scrapped together your savings for those tyres you have been meaning to get after your Christmas splurge, but which type of tyre do you need? We asked Kenya Car Guy to tell us a thing or two about tyres and hopefully make it simple for us.

There are many types of tyres available, different brands and different patterns. It all boils down to one question, what conditions are you mostly driving in? I’ve listed a few common threads, to help narrow it down for you.

All Season Tyres The “all season” tyre is hard to define specifically, as it has a lot of variation in design. Generally speaking, most passenger car and SUV tyres would fall under this category, but their applications vary widely. All terrain tyres perform well in wet and dry conditions throughout the year, and can be used in winter, but usually are not the best performing in snow. Their compounds are a little harder for a long tyre life, and continuous grooves are common (which help water flow through the tread). These tend to be the best choice for the city traveler who occasionally travels off road.

Summer Tyres Although not commonly found locally, your imported car may have these fitted on them when it came into Kenya. Summer tyres are probably the closest relative to all seasons, as they are usually made to work well in both, wet and dry conditions. However, they are not designed to function in snow.

These tyres tend to have less grooving’s and utilize softer compounds, in order to improve contact patch and grip for high performance applications.

Winter Tyres Winter tyres are composed of rubber compounds that are specifically designed to work in cold temperatures and snowy/slick/wet conditions.

Their tread patterns are specifically designed to make sure the tyre can “bite” the snow to gain traction, giving winter tyre tread, a jagged look. Some winter tyres come with studs which increase traction in icy conditions. It is important to remember that because this rubber compound is designed for cold temperatures, the performance in warmer temperatures is not optimum. Therefore, even if your shiny BMW came with them, they are not recommended for tropical climates and should be changed to a type, more suitable with our weather conditions.

Mud Terrain These off road tyres are less efficient, but are excellent at grabbing at soggy and muddy terrain and ideal for going off tarmac during the heavy rains. Mud terrains generally have large blocks of rubber with big spaces in between, and may even have small tread on the sidewall for additional grab in loose conditions.

DRIVE KENYA

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Top Picks

Consumer Reports Top 10 Picks The influential Consumer Reports recently released their best US cars of 2015 and a number of vehicles available in Kenya were on the list. The way CR defines “best” is based on a number of tests that include performance, reliability of 740,000 vehicles, owner satisfaction and safety.

Image Source - Honda Media

Best Subcompact Car Honda Fit The Honda Fit is a great choice for a first car. It is light on fuel, has nimble handling, which does not give off a “compromise car” vibe.

It has a surprisingly large interior space with second-row seats, that elegantly stow away or flip up to hold more cargo. A rear-view camera is also standard.

Image Source - Subaru Media

Best Compact Car Subaru Impreza The Subaru Impreza is a smart and practical car, with expansive window glass, lots of interior space, intuitive controls, great safety technology, superb All-WheelDrive and great crash-test safety results, for a comfortable ride.

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Top Picks

Image Source - Toyota Media

Best Midsized Car Toyota Camry The Camry has a fuss-free driving experience, outstanding reliability, great outward visibility, easy controls, a roomy interior, a quiet cabin, a comfortable ride with good handling and a solid powertrain. The hybrid version offers excellent fuel economy at a reasonable price too.

Economical, Fast, Trendy, Stylish, Big, Loved. We have a wide choice of the latest cars which would match your style.

Image Source - Subaru Media

Best Small SUV Subaru Forester The Forester is roomy, rides very comfortably, handling is unflappable, and the AWD system is top of the class. Fuel economy is amongst those of its class leaders and, “It also has the best sight lines from the driver’s seat of any model on the market.” Crashtest scores are superb as well.

DRIVE KENYA

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Top Picks

Image Source - Lexus Media

Best Luxury SUV Lexus RX Lexus created the luxury crossover segment almost twenty years ago. The RX has an edgy Origami styling alongside a “Predator” grille. The cabin is quiet and comfortable, power delivery is effortless and calm, the ride is smooth, and the interior is reported as tasteful.

The hybrid RX has a superb fuel economy of 29 mpg overall.

Image Source - Mazda Media

Best Sports Car Under $40K Mazda MX-5 Miata The MX-5 Miata, “Nobody packs more fun-per-dollar into a pint-sized package than Mazda.”

The MX-5 Miata is reported to have “lithe, precise handling”, a wonderfully speedy engine that gets an incredible 34mpg with a crisp manual gearbox. The ride is a bit jumpy due to the firm suspension and the cabin is loud.

It is not an everyday car, but is reliable and fun to drive.

Image Source - Chevrolet Media

Best Large Car Chevrolet Impala The Impala is described as an outstanding car for the masses, dynamic and comfortable with responsive handling.

The controls are said to be, “refreshingly intuitive, without resorting to overcomplicated interfaces.” Cabin space can fit five easily and comfortably.

Top Picks

Image Source - Kia Media

Best Midsized SUV Kia Sorento The KIA Sorento is a “great SUV hiding in plain sight.” It offers above class elegance, with a superlative interior design at a similar price to peers. The Sorento has great reliability and good crash-test results. The smooth 290-hp V6 is responsive with competitive fuel economy, and the suspension absorbs the worst bumps and ruts with dignity.

Image Source - Ford Media

Best Pickup Truck Ford F-150 The F-150 has an all aluminium body construction that enables this Ford pick-up to weigh less, thus, engendering greater fuel-efficiency and quick responsiveness. The cabin is described as, “extremely quiet and spacious, with large windows and relatively narrow windshield pillars to aid outward visibility.” The infotainment system is updated and easier to use.

The F-150 has Top-notch crashtest results and the best predicted reliability of any domestic truck.

Image Source - Toyota Media

Best Minivan Toyota Sienna The Sienna minivan is a superreliable transport vehicle with all the modern features, a connected family would want. It has a spacious and modern multifunctional interior. It seats up to eight people and has an “energetic” powertrain, coupled with the Sienna’s “magic carpet ride”. It is also available in an AWD version.

Motorsports

2016 Motorsport Calenders

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Find out every date you want to know.

Motorsports

WRC Sweden Masterful Ogier wins in Sweden

Image Source - Red Bull Media

A

s a start to the 2016 FIA World Rally Championship, Sebastian Ogier led from start to finish to secure his third Rally Sweden victory and preserve his maximum points.

The reigning world champion drove his Volkswagen Polo R to a 29.8sec success, in the Karlstad-based snow and ice rally, to add to his 2013 and 2015 triumphs.

Ogier also claimed full bonus points for winning the final Power Stage and just after two of the 14 rounds, the Frenchman has maximum championship points.

A slushy start threatened the season’s only pure winter rally, as the frozen gravel roads turned to mud. By the time the cold weather returned, nine of the 21 speed tests in Sweden and Norway had been axed. Thankfully though, due to the 10cm of snow and -10˚C temperatures, the event went ahead.

Ogier’s dominance was challenged during Saturday’s second leg, when he had to sweep fresh snow from the roads, to create a cleaner line for those behind.

His half-minute lead was slashed to less than 10sec

by Hayden Paddon, before he could again reassert his authority.“Two wins from the first two rallies – it can’t get any better. Yesterday was a little bit too crazy and I took risks like I had never done in my life,” said Ogier, who survived a massive sixth gear slide.

A holed radiator gave Paddon cause for concern after the Power Stage. Commenting Paddon said, “Conditions were terrible at the beginning of the week,

but the organizers did an impressive job, so that we had a good rally.” Paddon hatched his career-best results on his debut in Hyundai’s new i20 and became the first non-European driver, to finish on the Sweden podium, surviving a late scare after hitting a wooden post, metres from the finish.

The impact damaged the radiator causing a small hole to stem a fluid leak, forcing Paddon and co-driver to drive cautiously for the 85km liaison section to the finish.

Mads Østberg completed the podium in a Ford Fiesta RS, 25.8sec behind Paddon and 15.2sec ahead of fellow Norwegian, Andreas Mikkelsen. Mikkelsen ran as high as second, but a time-consuming spin ended his podium hopes.

Ott Tänak and Dani Sordo completed the top six, in a Fiesta RS and i20 respectively, though, a front left puncture ended the latter’s top three challenge. Henning Solberg and Craig Breen, driving Citroën’s DS 3 for the first time, were next up with WRC 2 winner Elfyn Evans and Teemu Suninen, completing the leaderboard.

Jari-Matti Latvala, Thierry Neuville and Kris Meeke, all, finished down the order after opening day problems.

Next month we have a different terrain to look forward to. The Championship heads to a gravel track for the first time, with León hosting the Rally in Guanajuato Mexico.

Source: Red Bull Media

DRIVE KENYA

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Motorsports

Kajiado Rally Tapio Laukkanen, secures the opening round of the Kenya National Rally Chamiponship.

The flying Finn, Tapio Laukkanen, secured the opening round of the Kenya National Rally Chamiponship (KNRC) in fine form, with a commanding performance from start to finish. The former British and Finnish rally champion, driving in a Subaru Impreza, won three of the four stages of the race in Kajiado, Il-Bissel and Parane. Laukkanen spoke of the fact that his car handled well, and he didn’t experience any major mishaps.

1. Tapio Laukkanen (Subaru GVB13) 1.17.42

2. Ian Duncan (Evolution 10) 1:19.20

Ian Duncan, in his Mitsubishi Lancer EvoX, tried to challenge Laukkanen, but could not match the frenetic pace set by the Finn and finished 1.38 minutes, off the pace. Laukkanen himself was surprised by the margin with which he beat Duncan. Out of the thirty-nine cars that entered the race, 26 managed to finish, under challenging conditions, while Carl Tundo, Karan Patel and Issa Amwari, were forced to retire. Reigning KNRC champion Jassi Chatthe finished third overall, while former Uganda champion, Jas Mangat, finished fourth and also won the 10km Marble-Parane section. The Ford Fiesta ‘super car’ driven by Manvir Baryan and Rajbir Rai, came fifth and eighth, respectively. The next KNRC event is the Safari rally, which is scheduled for the Easter weekend.

3. Jaspreet Chatthe (Evolution 10) 1:19.59

4. Jas Mangat (Evolution 10) 1:20.53

5. Manvir Baryan (Ford Fiesta R5) 1:21.18

CMONCY Images / Simon Mulumba

6. Baldev Chager (Evolution 10) 1:22.01

7. Onkar Rai

(Evolution 10) 1:22.27

8.Rajbir Rai

(Ford Fiesta R5) 1:22.43

9. Jasmeet Chana (Evolution 9) 1:26.24

10. Izhar Mirza (Evolution 9) 1:28.45

Driver: Tapio Laukkanen Kajiado Rally

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Motorsports

KNRC Calender This years local rallies that are a must to attend.

CMONCY Images / Simon Mulumba

Kajiado rally

27th - 28th February

Safari rally

26th - 28th March

Eldoret rally

7th - 8th May

Nakuru rally

11th - 12th June

Mombasa rally

23rd - 24th July

Nanyuki rally

20th - 21st August

Kisumu rally

8th - 9th October

Guru Nanak rally

26th - 27th November

DRIVE KENYA

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