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NamWheels www.namwheels.com
NAMIBIAN MOTORING FOCUS
EDITION 28 | FEB - MAR 2022
A GALIMOTO MEDIA PRODUCT
90
Living with a New Defender
NEWS & NEW MODELS
TOP 5 LIST
TEST DRIVES / REVIEWS
SAFETY & DRIVING TIPS
LATEST VIDEOS
CLASSIFIEDS
DRIVE A SUPERCAR FROM R 2 999
021 813 6060 www.giftexperience.co.za
PERFECT FOR PETROLHEADS
MAKES A GREAT GIFT
GAUTENG & WESTERN CAPE
2
INDEX
FEB - MAR 2022
NamWheels ...is a motoring portal for petrolheads, by petrolheads, in our beautiful Land of the Brave, Namibia. We aim to bring you a fairly regular boost of all things automotive which should be exciting for viewers, beneficial to advertisers and something all Namibian car lovers can be proud of. Some copyright and regional issues may apply. Unless otherwise stated, tests are conducted in South Africa at (or near) sea level while all prices and specifcations were correct at the time of being published. Please confirm local availability and pricing with your nearest dealer! We take great care during publishing, yet cannot be held liable for the results of incorrect data. Publisher: Galimoto Media cc Distribution: The Interwebs Editor: Hanjo Stier Sub: Agent M Design: 825 Media Contributors: Franco Theron Nico Boshoff Karl-Heinz Eisenberg Advertise: 081 348 3348 info@namwheels.com www.namwheels.com
@ / GalimotoMedia @ / NamWheels
Pg 2 You’re looking at it Pg 3 News & New Models Pg 4 Our latest Youtube Videos Pg 5 NamWheels top5 List Pg 6 Review: VW T-Cross Pg 8 Safety: When to buy tyres Pg 10 Sprint Review: Defender 90 Pg 11 Joint Review: Lexus IS300h Pg 12 Review: Toyota Prado VX-L
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NEWS
FEB - MAR 2022
NEWS AND... HYUNDAI DONATES ANOTHER H-100
SUZUKI SMASHES RECORDS IN 2021
RENAULT, NISSAN & MITSUBISHI ALLIANCE
TOYOTA’S 42 YEARS OF SALES SUCCESS
VWSA BUILDS THE 100,000TH POLO VIVO
Hyundai Automotive South Africa has donated another H100 “Bakkie” to the Gift of the Givers Foundation to assist them in distributing food and household items to people who are in dire need. It is the fourth H-100 Bakkie donated by Hyundai SA to Gift of the Givers, which uses the vehicles to deliver food to communities where families don’t have an income and suffer food shortage. Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, Hyundai Automotive SA has donated ten vehicles – including an H-1 Bus and two Grand i10 Cargo panel vans – to Gift of the Givers and FoodForward S.A., another organisation that distributes food where there is a desperate need. All the H-100 Bakkies have been fitted with canopies donated by Beekman, which shares a holding company (”Motus”) with Hyundai Automotive South Africa.
An impressive sales figure achieved in a traditionally quiet month has capped a fantastic year for Suzuki, the Japanese automotive and lifestyle giant. Suzuki Auto South Africa sold 2 102 new vehicles in Dec. 2021 for a passenger vehicle market share of 8,18%. This means Suzuki delivered 27 583 new Suzuki models to customers last year, which is the highest on record. En route to its new all-time sales record for a full year, Suzuki Auto reported five new dealer sales records and four overall monthly market share records. Since September 2021 nearly one in ten passenger vehicles sold was a Suzuki. The brand also set new sales and market share records in its Suzuki Marine division, while Suzuki Motorcycles dominated the hyperbike segment in 2021 with the Hayabusa selling unheard-of numbers in the fourth quarter.
Renault Group, Nissan Motor Company Ltd. and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, are the members of one of the world's leading automotive alliances, and they recently announced common projects and actions to accelerate and shape their shared future towards 2030, focusing on the mobility value chain. Within a year and a half of announcing new cooperation business models to support member competitiveness and profitability, the Alliance is based on solid foundations, and benefits from efficient operational governance and from intensified as well as flexible cooperation. The new Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi motor Alliance has defined a common roadmap for 2030 on pure-electric vehicle and on Intelligent & Connected mobility, sharing investments for the benefits of its three-member companies and their customers.
Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) marked 42 years as the best-selling automotive brand in SA with a remarkable market share of 25.4%. This means that one in every four vehicles sold locally last year was a Toyota product. Out of the industry total of 464 122, an aggregate of 117 659 units were delivered by TSAM. The last time TSAM registered a market share higher than 25% was back in 2003, not necessarily a good year for the industry as total automotive sales were just slightly above 380 000. This was followed by a few years where Toyota garnered a market share just above 19%. For the past five years, Toyota punched above 20% an unprecedented success by any local automotive brand in recent history. Hilux retains its title as the country's best-selling vehicle with a total of 36 085 units sold – most of which were double cabs.
Starting 2022 off on a strong note, the Volkswagen Group South Africa celebrated a production milestone with the 100 000th unit of the current Polo Vivo rolling off their production line at the plant in Kariega (formerly Uitenhage). This milestone was achieved on 25 January, just over four years after the plant began manufacturing the current Vivo model in 2018. Before this, VWSA built the first generation Vivo from 2010 to 2017, with a total of 254 683 units built in this generation. This means the plant has built over 354 000 Vivos to date. The Vivo is built exclusively in Kariega for the South African market. In turn, consumers have shown their appreciation consistently for this uniquely South African vehicle: the Vivo has been the best-selling vehicle in the passenger car market every year since its introduction in 2010. A total of 350 289 Vivos have been sold between 2010 and 2021.
NEW MODELS CHERY TIGGO 8 PRO ON ITS WAY TO S.A.
MERCEDES-BENZ S.A. IS GOING ELECTRIC
The success of Tiggo 4 Pro and rapid growth in customer and dealer demand has prompted Chery S.A. to expedite the launch of its Tiggo 8 Pro range. Chery committed to deliver the first Tiggo 8 Pro models to S.A. dealers within weeks, preceded by a comprehensive media and marketing launch. “The success of the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro has surprised our dealer network, who reports increasing interest and sales of all models in the range. “We have also welcomed five more dealers in the short few months since its introduction, which means that customers can now choose from one of 42 dealers across South Africa to test drive and purchase their new Chery,” says Tony Liu, Executive Deputy General Manager of Chery S.A.
Through the introduction and inauguration of Mercedes-EQ products to the South African market, the all-electric world of Mercedes-Benz and the brand which represents all electric powered vehicles, Mercedes-Benz has provided further proof that the age of electric mobility has arrived. Five new EV models will be launched during the course of 2022 in South Africa as part of a clear strategy to position the brand as a global and local leader in the electric vehicle market. The range for 2022 includes the EQA, the family-sized EQB, mid-sized EQC, the EQE sedan and the luxury EQS. These fully electric vehicles from the Mercedes-EQ family are part of a transformation that's gaining momentum rapidly.
FIRST VOLVO XC40 P8 RECHARGE ARRIVES
HI-TECH AUTOMOTIVE CLASSIC CARS
NEXT-GEN RANGE VERSATILITY
The highly anticipated Volvo XC40 P8 Recharge has been spotted on South African roads, marking the local arrival of the Swedish firm's first all-electric vehicle (EV). A mere four days after order books opened for the batterypowered XC40 in May 2021, all initial slots were sold out. In order to meet growing local demand, Volvo has secured an additional allocation of units, with orders now being taken and deliveries expected in June 2022. The XC40 P8 Recharge sits at the summit of the popular XC40 range and is priced at R1.2 million.
For many avid motoring enthusiasts the thought of owning a classic car is likely to feature high on their bucket list, but credible motorsport names like the iconic Ford GT40, the Shelby Cobra and the Daytona Coupé are often considered closer to fantasy than reality. However, that is exactly what Jimmy Price set out to change with Hi-Tech Automotive in Gqeberha (former P.E.), which specializes in the construction and customization of Shelby's most revered and iconic cars with immaculate attention to detail and authenticity.
Whether the next-generation Ranger is being used for work, family or play, Ford knows its customers rely on a pickup that is functional, convenient and durable. And next-gen Ranger goes allout with its wider cargo box and features to transform the load space into a total cargo management makerspace. Customer-centered design led to some innovative features throughout the new pick-up , while relentless testing and engineering ensured every facet of the new Ranger's versatility was truly Built Ford Tough.
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LATEST VIDEOS
FEB - MAR 2022
NEW ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL
THIS is a new Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi
HERE OTHER VIDEOS
is where you can watch our crosscontinent report
Timed 0-100km/h acceleration runs, random tests, silly drag races and many more automotively-flavoured clips!
ANNUAL Video Re-cap for YouTube
ACCELERATION Citroë n C3
VW KOMBI TRANSPORTER Review
ACCELERATION Toyota C-HR 1.2T
ARCHIVE FOOTAGE: C63 acceleration
HYUNDAI i20 1.0T Review
ACCELERATION VW Citi Golf 1.4i
MERCEDES E200 Autonomous Drive
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TIPS & LISTS
the NamWheels Welcome to a regular NamWheels feature: our top 5 car-related list. Uh-oh, there’s a road block ahead and you want to speed off in the opposite direction... we give you our list of the top 5 problems you may encounter at one of our country’s road blocks; and how to avoid them. The problems, not the road block!
FEB - MAR 2022
top5
ROAD BLOCK ETIQUETTE VEHICLE IS UNLAWFUL
The fastest way to get yourself into trouble is to pull up with a vehicle which is obviously not very roadworthy. This could include anything from a broken light, worn tyres, sagging suspension or anything else which is in plain sight.
Road block officers are a neccessary presence for safety on our nation’s roads so the easiest way you can get yourself into trouble is by having a car that doesn’t comply with the law. Also, make sure your license and number plates are up to date.
DRIVER IS NAUGHTY
Although this could be combined with the next point, illegally driving a vehicle is a problem which could even get your arrested. The offences can range from unlicensed, expired or suspended driving licence, plus the biggest and
most lethal danger of them all: drunk driving. If you pull up to a Namibian road block smelling of booze with some beer bottles on the passenger seat, we guarantee that your journey will end right then and there.
DRIVING OR ATTITUDE
Here’s a rather important tip - take notes if you have to: a police officer may be a public official but s/he is not your servant. Getting stroppy by telling them that you (or your taxes) pay their salary is an extremly fast way of
getting stuck at that roadblock for a while. Other attitude problems include swearing, verbal abuse, sexual inuendos or racial slurs. Also, loud music, tyre skids or revving will get you more attention than you wanted.
PASSENGERS OR LOAD
It’s very noble to be a designated, sober driver but make sure that your passengers - no matter what state they are in - are not offending or irritating the road block officials. If you have dangerous animals in the vehicle, keep them securely away from the
official/s merely wanting to do their duty. It also goes without saying that having too many friends (or too much cargo) in your vehicle will also get you into hot water. Or worse still, you may have to leave some of them behind...
SMALL STUFF
Never bribe an official. It’s OK to offer them a drink or snack, but never with a wink and a N$50 note wrapped around it. Only engage in friendly banter, jokes or chit-chat if THEY initiate it.
Don’t hang around and talk all day when there’s a queue of vehicles lining up behind you. Obey any instructions as quickly as you can, don’t question or belittle the official’s requests. Smile, greet them and please - THANK them! :-)
Because at the end of the day, our police officers are doing their duty: to uphold the law and protect us all. Feel free to send us your comments or feedback: info@namwheels.com
THE CORRECT RESPONSE Should you suddenly be in trouble at a road block, we recommend that you comply with the official’s immediate instructions as this will put you in a good light if there should ever be legal action. If you believe that you are being wronged, politely request if you may receive legal assistance.
DISCLAIMER
We mean well by helping you deal with stressful driving situations but this information is given without guarantees nor can we be held responsible for any unfortunate incidents arising from its use.
ALWAYS WEAR YOUR
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SPRINT REVIEW
FEB - MAR 2022
Volkswagen
T-Cross Text: Hanjo Stier Images: Nico Boshoff
1.0 TSi 70kW Comfortline Manual
Fresh on the heels of my last anecdote-laden review, this trendy Vee Double You gave me plenty of chances to load this article with pleasant stories.
SPRINT REVIEW
First and foremost is the fact that I inally got my turn behind the wheel of what must be the most hotly-anticipated VW of 2019. And 2020. You see, although I was given plenty of chances to get behind the wheel, fate had other ideas and lummoxed my plans on at least three occasions. For starters, there was the media launch. VWSA kindly invited us to attend the car's South African press event and – although the exact reasons escape me right now – I couldn't attend. Never mind, I thought, I'll just drive the press vehicle when it arrives. And so, as is often the case at NamWheels, my younger colleague attended the T-Cross launch. He was impressed. He was very impressed. So much so that we immediately jumped on the blower to the local press leet and booked our week-long slot with the irst available model. However, when the car arrived sometime in November, both our travel schedules illed up with such severity that I would've only driven the car for one night. Never mind, I thought (again), we'll get another one with some different spec and I can drive that. My colleague agreed and wouldn't you know it, we were pencilled in for a different model in early December of that year. Which is when… 12 hours before the car was due to arrive… I went in for an emergency operation. To begin wrapping up this sop-story, you can't drive a car after a groin hernia op. You can't even walk properly for a few days. Which meant that, upon my insistence, my kind young co-worker picked me up at home and gingerly drove around the block a few times so I could at least experience the T-Cross as a bent passenger. And that was it. We'd driven all the cars they had. And by “we” I mean not-me. Despite my best attempts, and even though we have a great relationship with VW's local keepers, I'd missed every single chance of driving this car. So you could say that the Volkswagen T-Cross was my professional unicorn. Before we get to suggestions of dealer cars or private vehicles, I also remember how I was recovering from my op and ielding regular calls from family, friends and acquaintances: “Have you driven the new T-Cross?” No. “Is it
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any good?” Yes. “Should I buy one?” Most probably, yes. One such enquiry came from the brother of my folks' neighbour's wife (I think) who was keen on one but somehow craved my inal blessing. After he learnt that there was a long waiting list at the time, it was easy to convince him about signing for the perfect specimen standing at his town's best dealer. How they had an unsold unit, and why he brie ly hesitated, is still beyond me... Which inally brings me to the review bit of my T-Cross article. You could argue that it's just another sub-compact city SUV – and you'd be right – but there's something more going on here. It doesn't possess insanely superior tech, or power, or looks, but the combination of what it has seems to be an absolutely winner. Sure, that badge also helps to seal deals and let's not forget about its favourable pricing at the time of its local introduction. I also think that its design (and beautifully brash “Checkers Trolley” colours like this one) helped to imprint this as the coolest car to come out of 2019. It's a mini Tiguan but looks like the handsome Volvo XC40. At half the price… Just look at those stubby proportions. The chunky front bumper and almost nonexistent rear overhang. The creases, those wheel arch contours, the grill and headlight chrome play, those Bauhaus rear-view mirrors, and its most distinguishing feature: the futuristic rear light clusters lanked by a bold black light bar. Geez Louise, it's good-looking. That also goes for the interior, where VW's more simplistic design language has you observing smoother surfaces and minimalist design. Sure, it's not quite on the quality levels of a Volvo but for the price you simply can't go wrong. The cloth seats in our test unit felt spongy yet supportive, while cabin build quality was also commendable. As for driving this mini-SUV, besides a tricky initial clutch bite-point, I cannot report about any true negatives. All pedals, its steering mechanism, and the manual gearbox of this model are super easy to operate and provide suf icient feedback for a vehicle of this ilk.
FEB - MAR 2022
Ride quality? Textbook split between sporty handling and acceptable comfort. The manual gear shift is a clue, by the way. Most of the more posh and powerful T-Cross models can only be had with automatic transmissions, while this 1.0 TSi 70kW Comfortline derivative is shipped with ive do-it-yourself gears. And an optional R-Line kit, as itted here. More important for any potential buyers will be this model’s price of R365,100 with a 3year/120 000km warranty and optional service plan. Other vital stats are the 377L boot, 1 130 kerb weight, 590kg max. payload, 5.4L/100km claimed average consumption from the 40L petrol tank and a total length of just 4.23 meters. Performance? VWSA claims v-max of 180km/h and 0100km/h in 11.5 seconds – our best time was 11.58 seconds. Braking from 100km/h took an equally acceptable 3.07 seconds and 39.22 meters. And yes, those aren't sports car values but no, unless you're a complete speed demon, this car's 175Nm won't disappoint. That fairly impressive chunk of twisting power comes on song from 2,000rpm which is slightly higher than the usual 1,500 but I adjusted my driving style quite quickly. The torque curve also remains fairly lat (or stable) unlike the clumpy power delivery of some T-Cross competitors. Which means that, if you stay in this car's optimum power band/s, it never leaves you wanting more. Overtaking at (or above) highway speeds may test your patience, but that's also why VW didn't it a sixth gear; and kept this car's inal ratio at a comparably high engine rpm*. (*the cruising revs are higher but it pulls better when trodden on) So. Final verdict – should you buy a Volkswagen T-Cross? Well, I think that this compact SUV is very deserving of its initial hype. It's funky, stylish, reasonably luxurious, good value, easy to live with, drives well, has a decent amount of kit and looks fantastic. Even though it took me four attempts to con irm that.
SAFETY
8
WHEN TO BUY NEW
TYRES
New rubber for your vehicle can be an expensive exercise but the results of driving with worn or damaged tyres can be much, much more expensive in the end... WITH OBVIOUS WEAR
VISIBLE DAMAGE
If the tyres of your vehicle are heavily worn, badly damaged, in complete shreds or forever pap, you should definitely replace them.
If you can see canvas, blank patches, bubbles, cracks or missing chunks on your tyres, it’s time to visit your nearest rubber reseller.
Each vehicle and driver is different, so you may find that not all tyres need to be replaced but there is a golden rule which most shops will confirm: swap a PAIR (2) or SET (4) of tyres at a time, never just replace one tyre unless your vehicle (or other tyres) are brand new, too.
WHEN IN DOUBT... Not sure where these tyres came from? Or did you got the vehicle with this set but are unsure of their quality? We say: when in doubt, err on the side of caution with a new set.
NOT WORKING ANYMORE
UPCOMING TRIP
Even if they look absolutely fine, some tyres suffer slow punctures or have perished to the point where they no longer hold sufficient pressure. They can also adversely affect the grip or traction levels of your vehicle, which, in both cases, can lead to you losing control and causing an accident. Have them replaced!
Don’t drive until those tyres are blank, rather invest in a new set before your holiday trip.
AGE RECOMMENDATION Most experts recommend: after 10 years.
FEB - MAR 2022
THE BASICS • If they are very worn or badly damaged • When they no longer hold air or provide traction • If they have visible signs or damage, wear or age • When you are unsure of the tyres’ heritage (if they came with a vehicle you just bought) and are in an unsatisfactory condition • If your current set of tyres doesn’t have much life left but you want to go on a long trip. Don’t take that chance! • Tyre manufacturers and car dealerships all recommend buying new tyres after about 10 years
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SPRINT REVIEW
FEB - MAR 2022
VIEW THE ACCELERATION & BRAKE TESTS HERE
Land Rover
Text: Hanjo Stier Images: Nico Boshoff
Defender 90 D300 Shattered. Broken. My illusion of one day buying a Defender 90 for my little family lies in tatters. But it's not for the usual reasons… You should know: I think that whole “not a real Defender” argument has been severely dealt by now. Also, I honestly thought I could buy one of these shorter, two-door Defender 90's in a few years; when they re-entered the market as preowned and more affordable specimens. However, a weekend with this silver 90 D300 x-dynamic press car has ruined my dreams… More info: I have a wild child and a horsey wife, what better car could I wish for than this trendy new Landy? It's stylish, it's sophisticated, it'll tow a horsebox like nobody's business and it will easily conquer any adventure we can think of. And this 3L in-line 6-cylinder turbo-diesel engine must be the pick of the bunch. Maximum power of 221kW and up to 650Nm of torque are respectable sports car numbers, so they make light work of moving this 3-ton monster along to a limited top speed of 191km/h; smashing past 100km/h in just 6.7 seconds. T'is absolutely true, we measured exactly
6.75 seconds and a ¼ mile time of 14.88 seconds at 93.46mph. What else? The 90's brakes are also excellent, as are the headlights, the interior, the media screen, the intelligent all-wheel drive system, that clever air suspension and the car’s customisation options. I've spent hours on the online con igurator, dreaming up different versions of what I thought would be our ultimate family ride… No thanks: But the deal breakers, in my real world test, were the Defender 90's unbelievably long doors. Never mind my own big bum, wrangling a toddler in and out of the rear seats in a tight parking lot… that put the nail in this car's cof in. You simply cannot get anything done unless there's an empty bay next to this vehicle. Rear (and rear three-quarter) visibility is also scary, although L-R has equipped this urban tank with plenty of cameras and sensors to warn you of impending disaster. Like accidentally backing over
the neighbour's house. Although it's a bit shorter than a 110, this is still a huge machine. Also, there's the equally huge price of roughly 1.5 bar. Yes please: If you are single, or dinks, or a retired couple, please buy this car immediately and smile every time you see a lustered father ighting to strap something stroppy into a Graco. While holding up half the Kwikspar shoppers. But I reiterate: it's not the 90's fault. The 90 D300 is almost perfect.
FULL SPEC SHEET 3L i-6 turbo-diesel Engine: 8-speed Auto, AWD Drive Train: 221kW Max. power 650Nm Max. torque: 7.6L/100km* Avg consumption: 6.75 seconds (6.7*) 0-100km/h: 191km/h* Top speed: R1,466,000 List Price: * manufacturer claims
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JOINT REVIEW
VIEW THE ACCELERATION & BRAKE TESTS HERE
Lexus
IS300h EX
We asked two of our journalists for their opinions on this white Lexus hybrid sedan… Text: Hanjo Stier & Nico Boshoff Images: Nico Boshoff Do you like the design?
This... or a turbo-diesel?
H: Most certainly. Even though white is my least favourite colour for a luxury vehicle, there are plenty of sharp angles and bold design elements to contrast it. N: This car is made up of 2 432 triangles… but I like it, especially the Darth Vader sword styled rear lights. The ‘force’ is with you!
H: Depends on your needs. I could happily live with this setup because I rarely do big mileage. Hint: that’s what you want a TDi for! N: I will accept the hybrid, without a CVT spoilyour-drive gearbox.
How about the interior? H: Emm, not such a fan. It’s certainly unique but Lexus cabins always set off my OCD as they’re predominantly asymmetrical. N: I will forgive the dash design if the red seats from Lexus are included. Having said that, all buttons and analogs will last a century. IS, 3-Series or C-Class? Hanjo: They all have their strengths. At the moment, the Germans don’t offer the same hybrids. Lexus for individualism, BMW for fun driving, Mercedes to enjoy luxury. Nico: Shame, poor Audi not even mentioned here… ouch! For raw N/A performance I will choose an ISF. A 330i has its place, and then probably a C300d will be a joy to drive. Does the hybrid system work? H: Mostly, yes. Parent company Toyota’s vast experience shows in the mild hybrid system. Pure EV driving is fairly limited, though. N: In town, yes. On the highway, not sure. We will need a long term test unit to con irm.
Anything you didn’t like? Hanjo: The touch pad! Please, Lexus, I know you want to be unique but it’s a deal breaker for me. Some buyers may also walk away because of the droning CVT. Nico: The CVT, then the CVT and also the CVT. And your favourite feature? Hanjo: The hybrid system is pretty seamless and although it doesn’t always make a huge difference, Sport mode changes the energy gauge to a tachometer. Nico: The reliability factor. The sporty, yet soft ride. Lexus somehow does not care about the opposition. They seem very authentic in who they are. Your inal verdict? Hanjo: This IS300h EX is stunning to look at, decent to drive and very clever. It’s not bad value at R871,000 because Lexus includes a lot of goodies in their (escalating) speci ication levels. Nico: An IS350 or ISF I will have any day, that comes with a proper gearbox and an old school N/A drive train.
FEB - MAR 2022
12
REVIEW
Toyota Land Cruiser
FEB - MAR 2022
Prado VX-L
Dit is die jaar 2021 en ons het twee pandemies wat ons in die gesig staar. Die eerste is natuurlik die COVID-19 virus, terwyl die motor-bedryf met ‘n nog ‘n drukkende pandemie sit. Dit bleik dat daar ook ‘n globale tekort aan normale silwer wiele is... Text & Images: Franco Theron Dus het omtrent elke tweede nuwe Sportsnuts voertuig (SUV) swart wiele. Enige SUV eienaar, wat gereeld die grondpad of die bosveld aanpak sal vining wees om te noem wiele op hierdie oppervlak baie maklik krap en dat ‘n swart wiel dit die vinnigste sal vertoon. Die probleem eindig egter nie hier nie… Met die aanvraag na hoë r ryvlakte om veiliger te voel, gebeur juis die teenoorgestelde. Hoë r algehele gewig maak hierdie voertuie geneig om meer onstabiel te wees, mits dit nie die regte suspensie het nie.
swart wiele nie. Dis asof hierdie kleur (in meeste gevalle) die voertuig se algehele probleme onmiddelik kan voorspel. Die koms van die die eerste kouefronte langs die Weskus van Suider-Afrika, om die winter te verwelkom, het met dit ‘n magdom reë n gebring. Nadat my kantoor ure afgehandel was, het ek die Prado vir swemlesse geneem in naby geleë modder baddens. Iets wat ek nie sommer met dieselfde gemak in ander SUV’s sou aanpak nie.
En met ‘n fokus op die “Sport” gedeelte van SUV, raak bandpro iele laer en die suspensie harder. Sonder om te veel in diepte te gaan kan hierdie ‘n resep vir ‘n ongeluk wees.
Met 150kW (teen 3000 tot 3400 opm) en 500Nm (tussen 1600 – 2800 opm), vier-wiel trek, ‘n ses-spoed outomatiese ratkas, verstelbare ryvlak-hoogtes en kinetiese hidroliese suspensie (KDSS), was die mooi gewasde Prado binnekort vol modder.
Gelukkig het Toyota realisties gebly in hierdie verband. Die Land Cruiser Prado het nie laepro iel bande nie, het ‘n uitstekende suspensie en het net genoeg krag om 3 ton te trek en gemaklik die langpad aan te durf. Dit is ook goedkoper as enige “Sports” SUV en kan ‘n grond- of modder-pad aandurf met gemak; te danke aan ‘n 220mm ryvlak.
Met sewe sitplekke (drie rye) en 974 liter se pakplek (met vyf sitplekke opgeslaan) en 104 liter as al die sitplekke opgeslaan is, het insittendes in al drie rye genoeg beenspasie. Sou dit egter te min wees in die derde ry, kan die tweede ry na vore geskuif word.
Die feit dat Toyota ook die nuwe Prado verkoop sonder swart wiele, beteken dat hierdie produk dus onmiddelik vertrou kan word. Ek vertrou nie sommer ‘n SUV met
Elk van die drie rye het ook lug panele, met die twee voorste sitplekke, wat ook verkoel en verhit kan word. ‘n Koelboks tussen die voorste twee sitplekke sorg ook dat koeldranke goed verkoel kan bly.
In terme van tegnologie aan die binneruim, word net een skrale USB skakel verskaf, maar kan Android Auto en Apple CarPlay ook met of sonder ‘n kabel gekoppel kan word. Laastens kan die Prado VX-L met ‘n algehele brandstof-verbruik van 10 liter per 100km (9 op die oop pad) ook ‘n reuse afstand a lê , te danke aan die enorme 150 liter tenk. Opsomming Die nuwe Prado mag dalk groot en ietwat meer ongemaklik voel as die (ironies genoeg) groter Land Rover Defender. Terselfdetyd is die lugsuspensie in die Defender ook sagter en die tegnologie aan die binneruim meer op datum. Een oorhewende plus punt bly egter staan met die Prado. Nie net is dit goedkoper in meeste gevalle as die kompetisie nie (R1 127 900), maar verskaf die 2.8 liter enjin ook net soveel krag en gemak as die ouer V6 enjin. Toyota het met die Prado weg gebly van die rooi tapyt en eerder ‘n produk ontwikkel, wat net so betroubaar soos die vorige Prado’s is. Sou die volgende model meer tegnologie aan die binneruim hê , sal die Prado beslis as een van die voorstaanders bly as ‘n lang-termyn produk.
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