NamWheels Edition 21

FR EE

NamWheels www.namwheels.com

DIGITAL

EDITION 21 DEC 2017

A GALIMOTO MEDIA cc PRODUCT

NNIVER SA DA IR

EDITION RY

FREE TO READ

SPECIAL TH

MONTHLY MOTORING FOCUS

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Is your car ready for the upcoming

Holiday Trip?

Read more on page

3

NEW VIDEOS

4

KILLARNEY WRX RACE

5

RANGE ROVER VELAR LAUNCH

PLUS Lots of New, Demo, Certified and Pre-Owned Vehicles in our relatively new

NamTrader

9

NEWS, NEW MODELS

9

GOLF RACE

8

THE BEST INTENTIONS

10

section or online at www.namtrader.com

SAVE BIG WITH TATA! Leather Seats Mags / Rims Bluetooth

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INDICA FLAS

INDICA FLASH from

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N$ 1995p/m*

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while stocks last FACTORY WARRANTY: 5 years or 100 000km SERVICE PLAN: 2 years or 30 000km (extendable)

* 10% Deposit • 54 months • Interest rate determined by bank application • To qualify for this special, financial application must be done by our F&I manager. TERMS AND CONDITION APPLY • E & OE Windhoek Showroom: Ongwediva Showroom: 174 Mandume Ndemufayo Ave, David Shikomba, Southern Industrial Area Main Rd, Ongwediva Tel: +264 61 431 5000 Tel: +264 65 235205

Keetmanshoop Showroom: Ferro Str, Southern Industrial Area Tel: +264 63 225414

Swakopmund Showroom: c/o Leutwein & Lüderitz Str, Swakopmund CBD Tel: +264 64 406293

Gobabis Showroom: Roesener Street, Erf 1286 Tel: +264 62 564 421 081 470 8200

Make it your choice

2

@NAMWHEELS

NamWheels Galimoto Media cc brings you the latest car news, reviews, launch reports, safety tips and motoring knowledge in NamWheels. You're most likely to find a copy at selected automotive shops, convenience shops as well as cool café s; but only while stocks last. In which case, simply visit www.namwheels.com! The content of this publication is strictly copyrighted but if you ask us nicely, we won’t mind.

Unless otherwise stated, road tests are conducted in South Africa at sea level and all specifications were correct at the time of going to press. Great care is taken to publish correct information, yet NamWheels and Galimoto Media cc cannot be held liable for the results of incorrect data.

If you’d like to buy one of the cars in this issue, please consult your nearest dealer for pricing and availability. Not many tyres were harmed in the making of this publication. NamWheels promotes fun, responsible driving. Always buckle up, be a considerate road user and please don't drink and drive!

ADVERTISE & CONTACT US Advertise: 081 272 3535 info@namwheels.com

S.A. Office: www.galimoto.co.za info@galimoto.co.za

Publisher: Galimoto Media cc Printing: If you ask nicely, maybe Distribution: The Interwebs

Editor: Hanjo Stier Subs: Pat & Michele Design: 825 Media

@ / GalimotoMedia

www.namwheels.com

DECEMBER 2017

INDEX - EDITION 21 Page 2

Index & Stuff

You are looking at it

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News

News & New Models

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Page 4

Videos

Our Youtube Channel

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Page 5

Special Report

World Rallycross

Click here

Page 6

Launch Report

Range Rover Velar

Click here

Page 7

Public Announcement DO NOT DRINK & DRIVE

Click here

Page 8

Special Report

VW Golf Race

Click here

Page 9

Safety Feature

Holiday Trip Check

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Page 10

Commentary

The best intentions

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Page 11

Reader Survey

Car of the Year 2017

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Page 12

Classifieds

CarSearch.com.na

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EDITOR’S NOTES

Dec‘14 / Jan‘15

Feb / Mar 2015

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Aug / Sept 2015

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Dec‘15 / Jan‘16

Feb / Mar 2016

Apr / May 2016

Jun / Jul 2016

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Oct / Nov 2016

November 2016

December 2016

January 2017

Three years and 21 editions - that’s how This, of course, is a good problem to have long NamWheels has been around. What and it makes me very proud to glance at started out as an occasional newspaper every edition (just look left) on the many for publishing some of our car reviews digital platforms we use to publish this has become much bigger than free car newspaper. Of course “Thank you I have a few people to thank...

I would have ever imagined!

for your

April 2017

May 2017

Jun / Jul 2017

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View them all here: http://issuu.com/galimotomedia

Oct / Nov 2017

My team and I first sensed • My wife, parents and friends continued • The Galimoto Media team this after a few months and support of • All advertisers and partners about four to five editions, at which point the product also NamWheels.” • And of course, YOU, dear reader! Thank you for your became self-sufficient. That was also when I started losing track of continued support of NamWheels. which vehicles were featured in what Hanjo Stier editions.

Editor

info@namwheels.com • 081 272 3535 • www.namwheels.com

3

@NAMWHEELS

DECEMBER 2017

NEWS & NEW MODELS

TOYOTA shows strong sales again Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) took the lead again in November, recording 11441 deliveries and amassing a yearto-date tally of 117, 486 units.

This sees sales registering a year-to-date growth of 7.8% compared to the same time in 2016.

Leading the charge is South Africa’s best-selling bakkie of all

time – the legendary Toyota Hilux – recording total sales of 3243 units in the penultimate month.

Hilux remains 2935 units ahead of its closest competitor yearto-date. The second best-selling manufacturer after TSAM in November managed to post 7438 units – more than 4000 adrift of Toyota.

SUZUKI hits new highs

NISSAN’s new Patrol

VOLVO XC40 here soon

Suzuki Auto South Africa is set to end its blockbuster year with the highest annual sales on record.

The Japanese compact vehicle specialist sold 1045 vehicles in November 2017, making it the company’s best-ever sales month and the second instance this year that it has reached sales of over 1 000 units.

Suzuki first broke the 1 000unit-per-month barrier in August this year, the same month it welcomed its 50000th South African customer.

Prior to establishing this new record, Suzuki’s best-ever sales month was a mere month earlier, when it welcomed 744 new customers in July 2017.

It’s the epitome of advanced technology, performance and unrivalled luxury. Like a private jet, the all-new Patrol can take you anywhere in superlative style, privacy and comfort.

“We are extremely proud of the Nissan Patrol because it shows off just how advanced Nissan is when it comes to Intelligent Mobility. This executive SUV t a ke s s o p h i s t i c a t i o n a n d capability to whole new level with an amazing array of smart technology that keeps you safe in premium comfort while revitalising your passion for driving,” said Xavier Gobille, the Managing Director of Marketing and Sales at Nissan Group of Africa.

The new XC40, the Swedish car maker’s answer to the very popular premium compact SUV segment, is on its way to us.

Due for S.A. launch in April 2018, the new SUV is set to create yet another stir for the Volvo brand in Southern Africa where the XC90, S90 and V90 Cross Country have paved the way for new-era Volvo cars.

The new SUV will arrive with the choice of two trim levels (RDesign and Momentum), two engines (D4 or T5), and allwheel drive on all models.

Inscription models arrive later in 2018 with a broader engine line-up of D3 diesel, T3 and T4 petrols, as well as a selection of all- and front-wheel drive.

FORD updates Ranger Fo r d M o t o r C o m p a n y o f Southern Africa has introduced a raft of new enhancements on the Ford Ranger, which is locally produced at Ford’s Silverton Assembly Plant in Pretoria.

“The Ranger has cemented its status as one of South Africa’s best-selling vehicles overall and in the light commercial vehicle category, having topped the monthly vehicle sales charts on various occasions this year,” says Tracey Delate, General Manager, Marketing, at FMCSA.

“The 2.2 TDCi Auto has been a great success for us, offering s u p e r b p e r fo r m a n c e a n d e c o n o my m a tc h e d to t h e convenience and ease-of-use of the refined six-speed automatic transmission.

“With the latest enhancements introduced for the 2018 model year, we are delighted to offer our customers even greater va l u e fo r m o n ey, d r iv i n g convenience and safety, as well as trend-setting style,” Delate adds.

MITSUBISHI’s limited-edition Triton Extreme Mitsubishi Motors S.A. has launched a thrilling and limited edition of the Triton Xtreme, available in in 4x4 and 4x2 double-cab body styles.

A personalised bakkie, with a host of additional (practical) equipment, the latest Xtreme Limited Edition model from the Mitsubishi family caters for the needs of the discerning bakkie

buyers who want to stand out from the crowd and be unlike other drivers in their everyday bakkies.

“This Xtreme Limited Edition is a local development, based on customer research from the launch of the new Triton earlier this year,” says Nic Campbell, General Manager of Mitsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA).

TICK YOUR BUCKET LIST Amazing Experiences | Unforgettable Memories.

Available instantly | 24 hours | 7 days a week.

www.giftexperiencesouthafrica.co.za

4

@NAMWHEELS

DECEMBER 2017

NEW ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

THIS

is Franco, he’s our motorsport journo and loved the ride!

THIS

is the brand-new 2017 WRX (Rallycross) track at Killarney, Cape Town

THIS

is a cool racing driver who took Franco for a spin around the track.

CLICK HERE to watch now!

LATEST ACCELERATION VIDEOS The best of a few runs on a quiet, level road. Results are in the description of each video.

BMW X5 xDrive40e Hybrid

FIAT Tipo 1.6 Easy Auto sedan

AUDI A5 Coupé 2.0 TDi

TOYOTA Etios Sprint 1.5

EXHAUST SOUND

DATSUN Go 1.5 Lux hatchback

AUDI S3 Cabriolet

INFINITI EX37 V6

NEWwebsite we are very proud to introduce our brand-new Namibian car portal at

www.namwheels.com featuring news, reviews, tips, lists, launch reports, historic articles, comparisons, videos, local stories AND MUCH, MUCH MORE!

EXHAUST SOUND

OPEL Astra OPC

Audi

RACE REPORT

5

@NAMWHEELS

DECEMBER 2017

WRX

in Cape Town

P Crazy about fast cars and heated rally action? You may be a WRX fan...

South Africa recently hosted its first International motorsport event since 1993 on the weekend of 11 & 12 November 2017. This event was an ideal investment opportunity for the International motoring community, with the backdrop of Table Mountain, as the World RX cars raced on the Killarney International Raceway, Cape Town. But what did it mean for the S.A. motoring community?

As the weekend started, many were still unsure as to what the rallycross format implied and how it worked. A public session at the Waterfront, with some of the best drivers in the world, helped to make this a bit clearer. Many were intrigued by this “new” racing format and its mass appeal.

Text Franco Theron Images Galimoto Media

These races are short (less than six minutes), fast, sideways and action-packed. RX follows the philosophy of: “Rubbing is racing”.

There was some light to extreme rubbing in literally every race, especially the first corner. A long sprint to the first corner provided some interesting battles, with Was Cape Town’s RX weekend a drivers like Reinis Nitiss and Toomas (Topi) Heikkinen being success? In short… Yes. victims of some hard shunts.

Johan Kristoffersson and PSRXVolkswagen already clinched the Even Kevin Hansen, who pulled titles in round 10. Round 11 took off a superb outside-powerslide place more than a month before manoeuvre, had his fair share of Cape Town so the drivers were shunts in the first corner. itching to climb back into the cars and have some proper fun. There Yet the action would not stop was no need for anyone to take a there. High kerbs and dusty gravel conservative approache towards sections catered for two- (even the championship title points. one) wheel action, with Dan Rooke taking this a bit too literal This would be the last race of the in the last RX2 race, rolling his season and probably the last time Ford in front of the screaming crowd. that the cars would be used.

Different from the normal rally Secondly, Ken Block has a very stages large fan base in South Africa, thanks to being a Gymkhana Rallycross is one of the fastest Youtube sensation, as well as growing types of motorsport in travelling with the previous Top the world. Although the format is Gear trio to Johannesburg in 50 years old, it grew significantly 2015. It would be Block and in 2014. Scandinavian countries Hoonigan Racing’s last race as the also use it as a cost-effective way team will not participate in the to develop young talent.

2018 championship. Therefore, many fans came to see Block race.

Secondly, as our attention spans shorten, rallycross (from here on The spectator numbers definitely referred to as RX) ticks all the showed this. Around 28 200 of the right boxes to be as attractive as 30 000 available seats were taken possible. One race weekend can for the season finale on Sunday feature about 40 races, with a afternoon. Not one of the races in recent RX weekend even hosting the World RX, RX2 or even MSA 80 races. In one weekend! rally categories went smoothly.

The action during each race would continue up to the last second, as a long, yet fast and traction-happy joker section helped cars to finish alongside each other. Petter Solberg, Mattias Ekströ m and the two Hoonigan Fords were victims of this on multiple occasions.

Such was the roar of the crowd, that even the Italian Tifosi during the Monza Formula 1 would not be able to lift a candle. The drivers also mentioned this on multiple occasions. Not only did they like the fast and flowing, yet technical circuit, but also the passion within the crowd itself.

If our readers need a reminder, Most international motorsport just watch the action again on the only takes place in the northern World Rallycross Youtube page. hemisphere, thus only accessible to us through TV (an expensive Satelite Television account), a A new passion for motorsport good internet line, or potentially a This might be a simple analysis, large travel budget. but as I ran back to the media centre after every session to Now South Africa and Cape Town upload the newest sideways or can boast about having one of the three-wheeled action, I would fastest-growing and the mostpass children mimicking the loud watched motorsport events right on their doorstep. Accessibility is anti-lag sounds of the RX cars. again very easy.

It might be socially unacceptable or frowned upon if a 20+ year-old Although the RX round may only did the same. Yet, I could not stop visit South Africa once a year, the thinking that some fans might influence will be quite large. have wanted to, such was the It is believed that this will bring anticipation and excitement. back the passion for motorsport, I also felt that the City of Cape developing young talent and Town, Motorsport South Africa, staging similar international Western Province Motoring Club events. and the Killarney International Raceway did an excellent job in The motorsport passion and working with the FIA and IMG in culture has always been in South staging this event.

Africa (and Namibia), but due to accessibility, might have been For too long, motorsport has been gathering dust during the past a dying sport in southern Africa. few years. With this new FIA Ironically, motorsport kept event in Cape Town, the motoring growing to a large extent on other culture is once again alive and continents. The reasons for this growing. It will do even more so in are multiple factors, with the the coming years. The motorsport South African economy being bug has bitten, and has bitten relatively unstable and thus hard. making motorsport participation Tickets for the 2018 round of RX quite costly. races in Cape Town are already on Yet, the most important reason sale and we suggest you secure yours soon! can be seen as accessibility.

Supercar

RX2 car

0-60 MPH / 1.9 S 600 BHP / 900Nm Torque 8,000 RPM / AWD Manual shift {no driver aids}

310 BHP Mid-engined AWD

6

@NAMWHEELS

Audi

LAUNCH REPORT

DECEMBER 2017

Velar

RangeAudi Rover

Meet Bold the fourth member of the luxury Land Rover line-up...

Text Hanjo Stier Images Various sources

Style and sophistication. Two attributes which used to be alien at Land Rover but made a slow and graceful entrance in the seventies when the Range Rover appeared. That first luxury SUV from the green oval paved the way for many successors of which the latest one is called “Velar”.

“Comfort” setting or – at a push – left it in the predictive “Auto” mode. This setting also controls the ride height and water / wading sensors.

For the sake of clarification, this sleek model does not replace anything and slots into the range as such: Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Velar, Range Rover Evoque, Discovery, Discovery Sport. Land Rover execs were adamant that Velar would conquer sales from other brands more than cannibalise those of its stable mates.

They were also quick to point out the newcomer's unique selling points. Where other Landies have seven seats or posh luxury, Velar is big on simplistic elegance and customizable chic. And by decluttering its design (including

flush door handles), the Velar penciling in quite a wad of time to power output resulting in the looks as if it just hatched. Which I dive into the myriad of menus and line-up of D180, D240, D300, guess it did... countless drive modes, parking, P250, P300 and P380. navigation or media options?

So overwhelming is the reduced All Velars are fitted with fourperfection of its exterior styling Of course the Velar is crammed wheel drive and the firm’s latest that it looks like a motor-show full of active and passive driver intelligent ‘Terrain Response’ prototype. Land Rover excels in aids, some of which live in the system. Adaptive Air Suspension this discipline as the Evoque did options list or form part of a is an optional extra on some much the same a few years ago. package. Specifications may also models.

And just like the more compact depend on which model and and affordable Evoque, this Velar engine you choose – at the time of During its rather damp and is a torch-bearer for future design writing, there are two trim levels muddy launch, I drove three Velar and a delicious “First Edition” versions back-to-back: the 3L elements and technology. available. turbo-diesel, 3L Kompressor V6 Besides the sleek nose, chiseled petrol and 2L turbo-diesel. While profile and regal rear end – all of Marketing speaks of six engines the last one was probably the which contain Jus de Evoque – but physically there are four – a most sensible, economical and this luxury SUV will gift its stylish two-litre four cylinder in turbo- certainly a future sales champion, cabin elements to other Range diesel or turbo-petrol form, as I enjoyed the rev-happy petrol V6 Rovers in due course. Highlights well as a three-litre V6 turbo- but fell in love with the turboinclude a tilting main screen and a diesel or supercharged petrol. diesel six pot. floating vehicle / ventilation Both 2L motors come in two screen with multi-function dials. states of tune each and that totals Every Velar felt sure-footed, six outputs ranging from 132kW smooth and responsive on- and I'd love to explain it better but (180hp) to 280kW (381hp) or off-road while the air suspension would probably do it a huge 365 to 700Nm. Land Rover gave provided a most comfortable injustice. It's best you explore it each model a unique badge ride. My elderly co-driver and I yourself; and might I suggest identifying its fuel type and horse always opted for the suave SUV's

P e r f o r m a n c e w a s a l w a y s satisfactory with only slight hesitation on full kick-down from the Velar’s adaptive eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Like most prospective owners, we did not explore serious terrain and all launch vehicles were fitted with road-biased 20-inch wheels which also led to someone asking “Why did you make it a 4x4?”

The car's caretakers were quick to admit that most customers would never reach (or need) its impressive off-roading potential but the ability to ford rivers and climb mountains is a core Range Rover value; much like safety and luxury. And if it says Velar on the automated rear tailgate, it wears a perfectly-tailored suit, too.

C/o Hosea Kutako & Pavlov Streets, Windhoek • www.webuycars-nam.com • Tel (061) 258 840 / 1

Want to buy, sell or trade your vehicle?

We buy your car for CASH! (no imports, please) Contact us on 061 258 840 / 1 or get in touch with:

Wessel de Jager 081-242-9942 • wessel@webuycars-nam.com Visit us today to view the rest of our exciting stock! Wide variety from hatch, sedan, estate, SUV, D/C, 4x4 and more!

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON... PLEASE

DO NOT DRINK & DRIVE

8

Audi

SPECIAL REPORT

VW Golf

@NAMWHEELS

DECEMBER 2017

Amazing Race

Road B trips are the best, especially in a line-up of hot Volkswagen Golfs...

VW recently invited us for yet another fun launch. Technically this was not a launch, but rather a fun two-day excursion to end off 2017. Joining us would be the topthree Golf models, namely the GTD, GTi and the R. We couldn’t say no to this as the newest Golf range crept its way into our hearts during this year.

For clarification, the last two tasks were not really necessary, but my teammate had other ideas. Her creativity definitely helped us secure the “most creative team” prize that evening.

The cars Although the event focused on the road trip itself, the idea from Volkswagen was to reacquaint us The Amazing Race with the new Golf range. It would Starting from the O.R Tambo test durability, fuel economy, International Airport, the road comfort and power. would take us on a 900km trip to Bloemfontein. Along the way, we The performance diesel (GTD) would get a few challenges, with accompanied us from Jo’burg to prizes up for grabs at the end of Kroonstad and from Kroonvaal day one. Luckily, my teammate back to Johannesburg. In total, we had a “never say die” attitude. drove 360km with this car. The Golf R took us from Kroonstad to Driving over the Freestate border, Bloemfontein (250km) and the our first stop was in Parys GTi from Bloem’ to Kroonvaal (without the Arc de Triomphe). (290km). Each of these three cars Here we were tasked to find the made it difficult to pick a winner, old suspension bridge and locate yet the aim was not to choose a a very specific lock (amongst favourite. All of them stand out in terms of comfort, practicality and hundreds of other locks). fuel consumption.

Driving an additional 360 km through Kroonstad, Bultfontein, GTD Soutpan and Bloemfontein, the The GTD really surprised us upon next few hours would go down as arriving in Kroonstad. Between one of the most interesting road sitting in the bumper-to-bumper trips I ever had. From searching Johannesburg traffic and cruising the huge silos where corn is on the long road, our GTD had an compressed for use in Kellogg’s average fuel consumption of 5.4 and Bokomo products, to the litres per 100 km. extremes of licking the salt floor And although it’s slower from of the Florisbad church and standstill to 100km/h, the GTD fighting over the Golf R key outperforms the R and GTi against my teammate. between 80-120km/h.

Text Franco Theron Images Galimoto Media

Overtaking trucks is easy with the six-speed DSG automatic gearbox running very well through the gears. The only criticism with this might be the adaptability of the DSG within the city itself.

However, it still outperforms many other rivals in this regard.

The 2.0l turbo-diesel kicks out 130kW, but 350Nm (between a very low and effective rpm range of 1500 – 3500). Boot space is similar to the GTi; 380L without the rear seats folded down.

GTi Rhe second largest distance of our trip was covered with the GTi; which is already well-known to us as we drove it on the launch itself and during a one-week review period. To be reacquainted with these articles, follow these links: -GTi week test -GTi launch

cylinder engine, while keeping traction incredibly well in tight corners, the GTi can also be quite soft, comfortable and quiet in “Eco” or “Comfort” mode.

Golf R We received the keys to the R just in time. Dark clouds were making their way towards us and as we closed in on Bultfontein, the heavens opened with certainly the biggest thunderstorm that I ever came across.

The time was ideal to see what the heavier (plus 100kg) and allwheel drive Golf could do. As visibility became quite difficult, speeds were kept low, but an uneven road surface catered for a constant aquaplaning effect.

Similar to our off-road gravel excursion between Soutpan and Florisbad, the traction control held very nicely, with the ride quality somewhat hard and loud.

Although these 19” wheels may bring more road noise, it should be understood that the Freestate roads were not of the best quality.

candidate for any Rice Crispies advert, yet it is similar to the GTi when it comes to the “eco” and “comfort” modes.

0-100km/h will be dealt with in 4.6 seconds and the 2.0 turbopetrol will kick out 213kw and 380Nm. The seven-speed DSG transmission will also run very smoothly on the longer stretched roads.

In terms of dimensions, the R has a bit less boot space than the GTi / GTD (37 litres), but also has a higher ground clearance (extra 9mm). The R might have a stiffer suspension to the GTD / GTi, yet it feels comfortable enough to drive on gravel.

Some of the competition in this hot-hatch segment may seem to have a joint-business model with dentists, while this is certainly not the case with the R. Each of these Golfs proved themselves well on the long- and sometimes scarcely paved roads.

The GTi has similar dimensions to the GTD but its 2.0 turbo-petrol will kick out 169kW and 350Nm. This does affect fuel use but on Volkswagen didn’t rely on long our road section it produced a and boring presentations, they figure of 6.9L/100km. The range therefore drops from a claimed The locals have a joke saying that created a fun and interactive way cops will nick a driver for being to show what their performance 943km (GTD) to 781km (GTi). intoxicated if the driver follows cars are capable of.

More kilowatt mean more speed, one straight line. Driving like a *Each Golf has a 3-year/ 120 resulting in a 0-100km/h figure crab to miss all the potholes will 000km warranty and 90 000km service plan. While the GTD is of 6.4 seconds. Yet, the GTi has not provoke any suspicion. sold at R506 900, the GTi is sold at chameleon tendencies. Making some of the best popping sounds The Golf R has a louder exhaust R545 900. The R will come in at that you can get from a four- tone and may stand as the ideal R657 000.

Golf GTD

Golf GTi

Golf R

2.0L i-4 Turbo-diesel 130kW 350Nm 6-speed DSG 0-100km/h: 7.4 s v-max: 230km/h 5L/100km

2.0L i-4 Turbo-petrol 169kW 350Nm 6-speed DSG 0-100km/h: 6.4 s v-max: 248km/h 6.4L/100km

2.0L i-4 Turbo-petrol 213kW 380Nm 7-speed DSG 0-100km/h: 4.6 s v-max: 250km/h 7L/100km

SAFETY FEATURE

9

@NAMWHEELS

DECEMBER 2017

HOLIDAY TRIP CHECK

You’ve booked the place, your kids are driving you nuts and the little wife is already applying sunblock - that holiday at the coast can’t come fast enough but speaking of which, your car has started making some rather weird noises.

We at NamWheels strongly advise that you have these following items checked out, preferably by the most reputable workshop you can locate...

IN ORDER OF IMPORTANCE

TYRES

BRAKES

ENGINE

COOLING

These provide the only contact your car has with the road so make sure they are in good nick. Check tread depth, age and general condition of your car’s rubber!

Trust us on this - you will miss your brakes when you hit the brake pedal and nothing (or very little) happens so check all discs, pads, hoses, cables, lines, cylinders and other items.

A pretty obvious one but we suggest that any hard starting or inconsistent performance should be dealt with BEFORE you venture out onto our busy seaside highways.

The Namibian summer is no joke, especially for a car which has to carry loads of people and luggage for many kilometers - give your car’s cooling system a thorough check!

GEARBOX

CLUTCH

LIGHTS

THE REST

Even if you don’t intend traveling at night, give all the lights, indicators and other light bulbs in the car a quick once-over to ensure that you are not suddenly left in the dark.

There are LOTS of other things that could go wrong on a car so maybe it’s best that you book your car in for a full inspection at the workshop of your choice? We recommmend it!

You know that guy who crawls along at running speed and holds everyone up while going on holiday? Yeah, his gearbox is probably messed up and you don’t want to be that guy!

This is strictly for those of us who own a manual car but perhaps our automatic driving friends can get their torque convertors checkout out at the same time?

10

@NAMWHEELS

JULY 2017

THE BEST INTENTIONS

COMMENT

H Who composes these ridiculous car emails?

Text Anonymous Image Various sources

The basis for my rants is usually an annoying event that becomes downright intolerable or repeats itself too often.

So I'm not ranting about my awesome friends wanting to share jaw-dropping car porn, but have reached boiling point when it comes to the brainless text or The latter occurred recently with description of said mail messages. two emails about BMW's.

Case in point: an email I received I'd like to pose the question: who regarding a BMW Z4 that was initially composes emails about speeding at 225km/h in Australia cars? It matters not if the subject and hit a Kangaroo. When the matter is a new car, exotic car, driver got out to investigate the classic car, crashed car, slightly damage, he found the images dented car, diamond-crusted car, following this description. pearlescent luminous tangerine car, or a car of any make or model To start with, the initial image of really; the resulting email is the Z4 was anything but. It was a guaranteed to have been brutally BMW 6-series convertible; an M6 blown out of proportion. convertible, to be more precise.

Having received “car guy” status in my group of immediate friends, I sincerely appreciate their best intentions with any automotiveflavoured emails.

This moronic error gives car fundies a good idea of what's about to follow. The disgusting images of what (apparently) are t h e m a n g l e d re m a i n s o f a Kangaroo jammed inside the Even if the wheels happen to be engine bay of the Aussie Z4 clearly 66 inches in diameter and made depict a 3-series with a Frankfurt (German) number plate. of Kryptonite.

Last time I checked there were no 'Roos in Germany, no German 'plates in Australia, and no Z4's that look deceptively like a 318i with the E46 2.2 16-valve 4cylinder engine.

the retarded author pointed out as the “new” SLR (production ceased years ago, Einstein) and mentioned that it was coated in pure “White Gold” or Platinum.

And the “new” SLR is already here; it's called the GT (or the SLS before it) and is built by AMG, since Mercedes and McLaren have broken ties.

This idiotic claim is only outdone The owner of the amazing car was Why, why, oh why, would you by the dim-witted mention that it obviously some rich gazillionaire make up such an elaborately has the latest V10 quad-turbo 50- sheik who owns every Ferrari in stupid story when the photos million horsepower engine. the world ever, all the oil on the can't back up your claim?

Earth and Moon, and Antarctica.

It might have had more power but It's the same for the succeeding I purposefully forgot. I'd also love This leads me to believe that any BMW email about their new to know how you quad (four) car email is composed by a school Vision concept car, which the turbo-charge a V10 engine? of 11-year-old habitual liars who author has brainlessly christened have nothing better to do than the “Anaconda”.

With five cylinders on each of the give the latest and greatest cars cylinder banks, how could you stupid names and improbable Why? Thank Goodness the genius attach two turbochargers to five specifications. didn't include any specifications, cylinders? Huh? Two-and-a-half because then they would have per turbo? I would give anything Stop it. I beg you. surely committed the second- (like, a trillion dollars) to see that worst motoring email sin… exhaust plumbing.

Otherwise Bill Gates won't send you a cheque, and you'll never get …which is, complete exaggeration Mercedes and McLaren have a free (15-year-old) Ericsson and an annoying habit of bottling never built a V10, nor are they cellphone. Ericsson, by the way, the specs of a car. The last one I planning to in the near future and was unceremoniously swallowed received was of a chrome-wrap the only turbo plans are for their up by Sony and ceased mobile McLaren Mercedes SLR, which V8 engines. phone production years ago.

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11

@NAMWHEELS

DECEMBER 2017

CAR OF THE YEAR 2017

READER SURVEY

Each year we list our favourite new vehicles in the December / January issue of NamWheels.

From this selection of cars we drove this year, we would like to know which one of these is YOUR Car of the Year 2017?

Click on the vehicle name to read our launch report online. Clicking anywhere else will take you to our Facebook post where you may submit your choice.

To visit the post directly, click on this link:

Click here to comment

We want YOUR opinion please!

THESE ARE THE CARS WHICH IMPRESSED US MOST IN 2017:

BMW 4-Series Cabrio

Ford Fiesta ST200

Hyundai Creta

Mercedes-AMG E43

Mini Clubman JCW

Range Rover Velar

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Toyota CHR

Volkswagen Amarok V6

Volvo S90

Ap

r

Audi A5 Coupé

Suzuki Ignis

OR FOLLOW THIS LINK TO VOTE: www.facebook.com/pg/NamWheels/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1604928696216878

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