February 2017 by Motor Monthly

UPDATED

Top selling Toyota Hilux and Fortuner

VW Golf GTI Clubsport S

The ultimate hot hatchback

Alfa Romeo Giulia lands in SA

Kia Stinger makes world debut

INSIDE: Market review, Lexus IS, VW Golf GTI Clubsport S,

Ford Kuga recall, Alfa Romeo Giulia, Kia Stinger, Porsche 911 GTS, Hyundai i20, Opel Mokka X, Concours SA, Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom, Kawasaki ZX-10R, Dakar 2017

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2016 vehicle market in review was the 15.9% increase in sales to the rental companies, despite this channel showing a 19.3% decline in December. Overall, WesBank was on par with a very accurate forecast of a 12% decline in new car sales in 2016,” says Rudolf Mahoney, Head of Brands and Communication. “We will be announcing our forecast for 2017 sales at the Car of the Year banquet in March. Consumer demand for new cars has decreased sharply as a result of price increases, underperforming GDP growth and household budgets becoming more stressed. During 2016, new car prices increased 11.03% (as measured by WesBank’s average transaction value) against used car price inflation of 6.83%, driving consumers into the pre-owned market he latest aggregated since 2010. with Passenger cars losing sales data from the The decline in December sales ground by 12.4% for the period. where better value is being National Association reflects the rest of 2016’s perThe effects of dwindling con- realised. This is also supported by WesBank’s used car finance of Automobile Manufacturers formance. Passenger car sales sumer confidence are evident of South Africa (Naamsa) show were 14% lower at 28 331 units, in the decline of dealer channel applications increasing 4.2% that the decline in new vehicle while Light Commercial Vehicle sales numbers, which fell 15.4% during 2016, resulting in 2.39 sales continued in December. sales slowed 17.8% to 11 303 in December and by 11.7% over used car applications for every new car finance application. A total of 41 639 vehicles were units. This is in contrast to the the course of the year. This is “We expect 2017 to be ansold last month, a year-on-year overall numbers for the year, also reflected in WesBank’s exdecline of 15.3%. New vehicle which show LCVs performing perience of 12.1% fewer applica- other challenging year for the industry, but slightly better sales for the year are down better than Passenger cars with tions for new vehicle finance. 11.4%, ending the year on 547 an 8.9% decrease in sales volOne of the saving impacts for than 2016,” says Mahoney. “The the new vehicle market in 2016 Rand/Dollar exchange rate 442 units; the lowest levels seen ume for the year ending 2016,

remains fairly stable at the moment, which should mean less aggressive car price increases. The South African Reserve Bank has a more positive GDP outlook for 2017; we also do not anticipate significant interest rate movements up or down, making affordability considerations easier for consumers. One of the biggest risks will be rising fuel prices, which stand to impact individual’s monthly mobility costs. OPEC (Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Companies) has, for the first time, agreed on production cuts which resulted in an immediate increase in the price of oil. Should the price of oil move anywhere near the historical benchmark level of between $80 and $100 per barrel, compounded by the prevailing weak rand, motorists will see the price of fuel increase to new record highs.” All is not lost for motorists looking for a new car. Consumers can expect to benefit from aggressive marketing initiatives by the manufacturers and dealers as they compete to maintain or grow their sales numbers in 2017. “When looking at buying a car this year, look for the deal, not the car,” says Mahoney.

New Model

What’s new in the 2017 Lexus IS?

ever out of place, and never out of sight. That is the beauty of owning a Lexus IS. There are some things common to many human beings, regardless of their creed. A sense of style and good taste, and products that are like an extension of their personality or lifestyle are just some of these. Lives of modern men and women are in a permanent state of transition: from work to the gym and then on to the grocery stores… or from doing school runs to golf days and football matches. The 2017 Lexus IS takes it all in its stride – it looks sporty without taking away from its class. Locally, the Lexus IS lineup is available as an IS 200t with the recently launched two-litre turbo motor, and the IS 350 F Sport utilising the revered 3.5-litre quad cam V6. There’s an option of an E or EX grade for the 200t. The big news though is that these 2017 models receive a more aggressive exterior and an upscaled interior with updated infotainment system. The upgrades also include a more imposing grille with new headlights. The rear gets more pronounced LED taillights and all-new rectangular-styled chrome exhaust tips. The revised 2017 Lexus IS range follows a celebration of one million global sales. However, it’s not difficult to understand its global success: the IS model line-up starts out with features we appreciate every day, including comfortable, quiet cabins and confidence-inspiring driving manners. These are all packaged in a body that is just the right size: big enough

for occupants and their luggage yet compact enough to make life simple in standard parking spaces and tight city driving. The entire front fascia of the IS has undergone a transformation, highlighted by new headlamps, larger air intakes in the front bumper, and a daring evolution of the Lexus spindle grille. The air intake elements seem to flow off the fenders and frame a new grille that folds back at a higher point, changing its proportions and emphasising a more road-hugging stance. The reshaped hood appears more sculptured, with the raised centre portion flowing rearward from the top of the spindle grille and standard LED headlamps. Beneath these, the L-theme LED daytime running lights give a dramatic daytime glow. On the IS F Sport, the grille features an exclusive three-dimensional F-mesh pattern, with jet-black metallic coating that is also used on the functional brake ducts. The IS model change uses new LED headlamps. The lamps now extend inward to bring out their characteristics and enhance continuity with the DRLs, while sharpening the headlamp profile. E and EX grade models have a single LED low/high beam headlamp and bulb-type turn-signal lamp. The F Sport has a three-lamp low-beam system and separate LED high-beam lamps as well as LED signal lamps. The DRLs/clearance lamps are LED on all models. The threelamp low-beam unit fitted to the F Sport is arranged in an L-shape, indicative of Lex-

us’ new generation design to represent the evolution of the vehicle. Further reinforcing and evolving the L-shape, IS rear combination lamps have been redesigned with the turn signal lamps moved to the inside to create a wider look. Layered L-shapes with bold lines create tension to accentuate the firmly planted stance. A sense of depth has been achieved by utilising three overlain L-shapes. Many carefully considered improvements have been made to the new IS’s cabin. For example, the multimedia display screen has been increased in size from seven to 10.3” (EX and F Sport grades), and a new, high-resolution monitor provides a larger and clearer image of the multimedia system’s various functions. Lexus has also improved the user-friendliness of the IS interior. A customise mode has been added to the Drive Mode Select for F Sport that is activated by pressing the dial switch, and the Active Cruise Control switch has been simplified to one-step activation with a prolonged (at least one second) press of the main cruise control switch. An ‘Enter’ button has been added to the side of the Remote Touch Interface (EX and F SPORT) on the centre console, making it easier to use. On the centre of the dashboard, the audio and ventilation control panel has been revised so that it fits neatly between the knee bolsters; a new hairline finish to its surface provides both a high-quality feel and improved appearance. New stitching on the top of

the instrument binnacle hood adds to the sporting feel of the cockpit, as do refinements made to the speedometer and tachometer of the E and EX grades. There are also new cup holders, a larger, leather-wrapped and stitched palm rest for the Remote Touch Interface and new dial markings for the analogue clock on the dashboard. Both E and EX grades get a new interior colour: Chateau. The IS instrument panel and meter cluster have been redesigned to increase cockpit refinement, sportiness and a sense of luxury. Black metallic paint has been adopted for the ornamentation at the back of the displays on top of the instrument panel. The bezel area of the clock has been changed to two-tone silver and black, and a premium panel with stitching has been adopted on top of the meter cluster. The content layout of the Multi-Information Display (MID) has also been improved. The tab display area at the top of the MID now shows ambient temperature as the default display, with the other displays accessible using the switch on the steering wheel. The 2017 IS model line-up continues with three grades, including the IS 200t E and EX, and IS 350 F Sport – all available in RWD. The IS 200t models feature a 2.0-litre twin-scroll turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with intercooler. This super-smooth powerplant produces 180kW and quickly builds up a wide torque plateau of 350Nm@4400rpm. Variable Valve Timing intelligent – Wide (VVTi-W) allows the engine to switch between

the Otto and Atkinson combustion cycles to maximise efficiency. The D-4ST fuel injection system combines a high-pressure direct fuel injection system with a low-pressure port-injection system. The IS 200t comes equipped exclusively with the eightspeed Sport Direct Shift (SPDS) automatic transmission that integrates advanced G-force Artificial Intelligence (G-AI) system to choose gears intuitively. Steering wheel paddle shifters are also available for those who prefer to do the shift themselves. The IS 350 F Sport delivers dazzling performance from a 3.5-litre V6 that produces 233kW and 378Nm of peak torque. This model uses the eight-speed SPDS automatic transmission. A Drive Mode Select system features up to four driving modes to tailor the car’s combination of economy, comfort, performance and handling characteristics. All IS sedans feature Eco, Normal, and Sport modes. But the F Sport also adds Sport S+, Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS), and Adaptive Variable Suspension for optimal handling and superior ride quality. The front double wishbone suspension has a new forged aluminium lower arm assembly which delivers a 49% increase in rigidity compared to the steel member it replaces, and a new No1 bush. Together these elements offer a marked improvement in steering response at cruising speeds. The front system also has a new upper support bush, a revised coil spring rate, new shock absorber components and a revised damper setting.

New Model

Clubsport S is the realisation of the perfect Golf

he exclusive Golf GTI Clubsport S has arrived in South Africa. This limited edition Golf GTI boasting 228kW is only available as a two-door body variant with two-seats. As the most powerful Golf GTI ever, it holds the lap record for a front wheel drive production cars on the Nürburgring Nordschleife race track with a time of 07:49:21. Only 400 units have been built and 47 of them were allocated to South Africa thanks to SA being one of the biggest markets of the Golf GTI in the world. All of the 47 units were pre sold by the Volkswagen dealer organisation turning the Golf GTI Clubsport S into an instant icon and collectors’ item. Something that was confirmed further by the price premium that those that got their hands on one of these cars are now selling them for. What makes this car special? For starters, the South African units are only offered in Pure White with the roof painted in black. The Clubsport S comes standard with the Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) driving profile selector which includes a setting for the Nürburgring Nordschleife race on this model. To keep the weight down, the Golf GTI Clubsport S is only available in a manual transmission. Additional components that were removed to reduce weight include rear seats, insulating material, the variable luggage compartment floor, the rear parcel shelf and bonnet damping. A smaller battery is fitted to reduce the weight further down while an aluminium

subframe on the front axle and aluminium brake components rounded off the weight savings. Exterior details include semi-slick Michelin Sport Cup 2 tyres mounted on 19-inch black painted “Pretoria” alloy wheels, tinted rear windows (65 per cent light-absorbing), “Clubsport S” type plates, the black painted roof as well as Xenon headlights with cornering lights and LED daytime running lights. The 17-inch brake system has been modified to enhance stability on racing circuits and to withstand the high temperatures of the brake components. An important factor for the car’s dynamic handling is that the unsprung mass of each wheel is a whole kilogram lower thanks to lighter brake components. To further improve the hot braking performance, the Golf GTI Clubsport S is factory-fitted with special brake pads. Each of the 400 Golf GTI Clubsport S units have its production number (001/400 to 400/400) on the ashtray cover beneath the front centre console. The driver and the front seat passenger sit in racing bucket seats that provide the necessary lateral support. Also on board is the GTI insignia as featured in the standard Golf GTI Clubsport, including the iconic golf ball gear knob with Velour trim, a red line in the safety belts, “Honeycomb 40” decorative inserts for the dashboard and door trim panels. The grippy Velour-trimmed sport steering wheel with a chrome GTI emblem, red stitching and 12-o’clock mark has been ergonomically designed for optimal performance on the racetrack.

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News

Ford recalls fire-plagued Kuga models

ord South Africa has announced a recall of 4 556 units of its 1,6-litre Kuga model, sold between December 2012 and February 2014. Affected cars require components in the cooling system to be replaced and software updated. The recall has been implemented following an approach to the company by the Government’s National Consumer Commission (NCC) in the wake of media reports of under-bonnet fires in a number of Kugas. The role of the NCC is to ensure the safety of products sold locally. “A product that poses a risk to consumers has no place in South Africa,” said its director, Ebrahim Mohamed. “If Ford had not issued its voluntary recall now, the NCC would have made it mandatory.” He said the NCC would monitor Ford’s progress for the duration of the recall period, and had issued instructions to the company for a report back on a bi-weekly basis. Jeff Nemeth, CEO of Ford South Africa, said that, based on current data, engines of affected models had been found to be overheating due to a lack of coolant circulation which, in turn, could cause the cylinder head to crack, resulting in an oil leak. “If the leaking oil reaches a hot engine surface, it can potentially catch fire,” he said. In a statement, Ford said it

was aware of 39 incidents of under-bonnet fires involving the Kuga 1,6 and had examined all units, sending engines and even entire cars to its headquarters in the United States for analysis. “There have been zero injuries to drivers or passengers in these 39 cases,” Nemeth said. “At this point, the case in which Reshall Jimmy burnt to death in his Ford Kuga in 2014 is not believed to have been caused by an under-bonnet fire.” However, Jimmy’s family has established through private forensic investigators that the fire in the vehicle started behind the dashboard on the passenger side. They have vowed to make Ford accept responsibility for the death of Reshall and have instituted civil proceedings against the company. According to Nemeth, inspection to the 39 units with fire damage as well as other 1,6-litre models examined as part of voluntary safety inspections allowed Ford to pinpoint the cause of the fires. However, the company was still trying to determine exactly why the cooling problem had manifested itself only in South Africa and not in other markets where the derivatives, which are manufactured in Spain, had been sold. Nemeth said Ford was committed to keeping customers mobile and would provide

courtesy cars for owners of Kugas whose vehicles were affected by the recall. He said repairs could take some time as Ford was currently experiencing a shortage of required parts. Improvements to affected vehicles had been designed to make cooling systems more robust and would include improved early warning systems for indications of engine overheating. However, a Ford representative said data was still being gathered, pointing to the possibility that modifications needed were more substantial than those disclosed by the company – an indication that customers could find themselves behind the steering wheels of courtesy cars for longer than anticipated. On the question of whether

the overheating fault could affect the lifespan of the vehicles, Ford representatives responded that they did not believe it would. In response to questions on how the company would deal with the cars that had suffered fire damage, Nemeth said that each case would be assessed on merit. “Our top priority at this stage is the safety of our customers,” he said. Though other derivatives in the Kuga range were said not to have be affected by the overheating problem, company representatives said anything learnt from on-going investigations could be used to improve all models if necessary. Ford representatives declined to comment on the cost implications of the recall programme.

In the wake of the recall, Ford South Africa – which ranks third in the country’s vehicle sales charts – will need to work hard to win back the favour of affected customers and the motoring public in general. The lethargy with which it is perceived to have reacted to initial reports of a potential problem regarding the Kuga – and the prodding needed by NCC before it issued a voluntary recall – doesn’t augur well for the company’s standing as a proactive, progressive motoring entity. It is up to Ford to make right what is wrong, and the way the company deals with fallout from the recall will determine the extent of its reputational damage. – Reuben van Niekerk

New Model

Alfa Romeo Giulia makes exclusive premiere Both the Launch and the Race Editions are available in limited numbers affording their buyers a unique and exclusive purchase experience well in advance of the rest of the range which expected in March 2017. The Race Edition features Carbon ceramic brakes that offer fade-free braking under all driving conditions, as well as the unique Tri-coat paint colour; Mineral White or Red Competition.

iat Chrysler Automobiles, importers of the Alfa Romeo brand in South Africa hosted an exclusive premiere of the highly-anticipated Alfa Romeo Giulia at a gala event held at the Inanda Club in Sandton this past week. The event, hosted by FCA managment and dealer representatives, was held exclusively for confirmed buyers of the new Giulia Launch and Race Editions due for arrival on local shores in early 2017. The first 46 orders for Alfa Romeo of this remarkable new model were snapped up within three

days of the order book opening at local dealerships. The exclusive premiere comes almost three months ahead of the official launch of the entire Giulia range in South Africa, illustrating the importance of the first vehicles and their buyers. Marco Melani, CEO of FCA South Africa, presented an audiovisual preamble to the red carpet live reveal of the car. The red and silver decor added to the ambience of the event along with three vintage Alfa Romeo cars on loan from members of the Alfa Romeo club. Italian inspired food, live

entertainment and the roar of the engineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exhaust ensured an exciting evening was had by all. The Launch and Race Edition vehicles are based on the top-of-the-range Giulia Quadrifoglio Verde derivative. Powered by a Ferrari developed 2.9l V6 Bi-Turbo engine, the Giulia QV powerplant produces 375kW of power and 600Nm of torque driving the rear wheels through an eightspeed automatic transmission that returns performance figures of 0-100km/h in 3.9 seconds and a top speed governed to 307 km/h (190 mph).

The complete Alfa Romeo Giulia range will feature the Giulia QV as well as the Giulia 2.0l in three derivatives; Base, Super, and Super Lux. The entry-level variants feature a 2.0l four cylinder petrol engine with 147kW of power and 330 Nm of torque driving the rear wheels through an eight speed automatic transmission. The full model line-up is expected locally from early March 2017

New Model

Kia Stinger makes world debut

t an event typically dominated by introductions from American auto companies, Kia Motors America (KMA) stole the spotlight with the world debut of the all-new 2018 KIA Stinger at the North American International Auto Show. A five-passenger fastback sports sedan poised to redefine a segment currently dominated by European automakers, the Stinger promises to be the highest-performance production vehicle in the company’s history, and is backed by Kia Motors’ industry-leading quality and reliability. Offered with multiple engine and drivetrain configurations and luxurious accommodations, the Stinger is planned to go on sale in the U.S. late this year. Pricing will be announced closer to the vehicle’s launch date. Instantly recognisable as a direct evolution of the concept that preceded it, the all-new

2018 Kia Stinger design was overseen by Peter Schreyer, KIA Motors’ Chief Design Officer, and his talented team of designers in Frankfurt. Ride and handling development was looked after by Albert Biermann, head of KIA’s Vehicle Test and High Performance Development and his group of engineers in Korea and on the gruelling Nurburgring racing circuit. Once the Stinger was green lighted, that gran turismo question became a mantra as development commenced. Coming from Kia, the design had to be bold. And it was. But it also had to be nimble and fast while also luxurious and quiet. It had to achieve the perfect balance of ride and handling and seat five comfortably with room for luggage. It had to be a lot of things, but most of all, it had to be an authentic gran turismo. And it is. Turning a concept into a production car is no small task and

Schreyer looked no further than KIA’s Frankfurt studio – the birthplace of the GT Concept – to bring the Stinger to life. “A true gran turismo, a car for spirited long-distance driving, is not about outright power, hard-edged dynamics and brutal styling, all at the expense of luxury, comfort and grace,” notes Gregory Guillaume, Chief Designer, KIA Motors Europe. “The Stinger has nothing to do with being the first to arrive at the destination – this car is all about the journey. It’s about passion.” From its sleek front clip through its svelte flanks, and up to its powerful haunches, the Stinger exudes a muscular confidence. Key to its road presence is the rear-wheeldrive proportions; a long hood and short front overhang, an extended wheelbase to deliver a spacious cabin, and a long rear overhang with strong shoulders. The Stinger’s stance and

visual balance are designed to lend the car an air of elegance and athleticism, rather than boy-racer aggression. The wide front and rear track, along with the recessed contours along the doors, enhance the visual power of the Stinger’s shoulder line as well as its fastback silhouette. Other purely functional elements of the exterior design – the front air curtains, wheel arch gills, smooth underbody, and integrated rear diffuser – aid its aerodynamic efficiency. The rear valance houses four oval exhaust pipes. Kia’s signature ‘tiger-nose’ grille sits proudly between complex LED headlamps. The low-slung cabin with its steeply raked windshield and backlight, sits toward the rear of vehicle, creating a fast silhouette. Inside is a space dedicated to the thrill of driving while cossetting the occupants in luxury. Available ultra-soft Nappa leather covers the deeply

contoured seats and the driver’s seat has available air-cell bladders in the seatback and bolsters for optimal support and comfort. A confident dashboard creates a strong horizontal plane for the driver to work. If the chassis symbolizes the bones of a gran turismo, then surely the available powertrains represent its heart. Oriented longitudinally and set rearward beneath the long, sculpted hood, a choice of two turbocharged engines are available. While both engines are still under development, the standard 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder Theta II engine produces an estimated 255 horsepower (approximately 190 kW) at approximately 6 200 r/min. Max torque of 353 Nm is available between 1 400 and 4 000 r/min. Performance credentials are further enhanced through the available 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 Lambda II engine, which is anticipated to produce 365 horsepower (approximately 272 kW) at an estimated 6 000 rpm and offer max torque of 510 Nm between 1 300 and 4 500 r/min. KIA is targeting 5.1 seconds to 100 km/h and a top speed of 270 km/h with the twin turbocharged V6. The Stinger features a second-generation eight-speed rear-drive automatic transmission. Offering luxurious amenities and unexpected features have become part of Kia’s DNA and the Stinger continues that tradition. Multiple Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) seamlessly work together to enhance the driving experience. Connectivity, entertainment and vehicle information can be as important as a dynamic driving experience and the Stinger comes to market with the latest infotainment systems.

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New Model

911 range expanded with GTS models

orsche is expanding the 911 product line with a range of new GTS models. A total of five variants will be launched, this includes: the 911 Carrera GTS (with rearwheel drive), the 911 Carrera 4 GTS (with all-wheel drive) – both available as a Coupé or Cabriolet – along with the allwheel drive 911 Targa 4 GTS. A newly developed turbocharger for the 3.0-litre six-cylinder flat engine increases power to 331 kW, delivering 22 kW more than the 911 Carrera S and 15 kW more than the naturally aspirated engine of the corresponding prior GTS model. All newly launched variants are available with a manual seven-gear transmission or the optional Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK). With a maximum torque of 550 Nm, available between 2150 and 5000 rpm, the new GTS models provide even better acceleration and elasticity figures. Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) is included as standard on all GTS models, whilst the Coupés feature the PASM sports chassis, which lowers the vehicle’s body by ten millimetres. The fastest sprinter in the family is the 911 Carrera 4 GTS Coupé, with Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) and the Sport Chrono Package as standard, the variant races from zero to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds. All GTS models feature a top speed in excess of 300 km/h, with the frontrunner of the

range at 312 km/h being the Coupé, with manual transmission and rear-wheel drive. Despite the increase in performance, the GTS remains efficient – the 911 Carrera GTS with PDK for example, consumes only 8.3 l/100 km according to the NEDC. This corresponds to CO2 emissions of 188 g/km. GTS models traditionally stand out within the 911 model line not only in terms of technology, but also in relation to their visual design. All of the vehicles are based on the wide all-wheel-drive chassis, which measures 1852 mm, including on the rear-wheeldrive models. The new Sport Design front apron emphasises the sporty model’s character. An aerodynamically optimised front end featuring a low front spoiler, as well as the increased rear spoiler extension height, all further reduce the lift forces on the front and rear axles, in comparison to existing Carrera S models. At the rear, the GTS is unmistakeable, thanks to smoked tail lights, silk-gloss black air intake grille and central black twin tailpipes for sports exhaust system, which is included as standard. A new black trim strip between the tail lights characterises the rear-wheeldrive models, with a light strip reserved for the all-wheel-drive models. Sport Design exterior mirrors, 20-inch wheels with central locking device painted in silk-gloss black and GTS

logos on the doors complete the side view. The characteristic Targa bar, which is supplied in black for the first time on the GTS, also lends the 911 Targa a particularly distinctive look. GTS genes also shape the interior, this includes the Sport Chrono Package stopwatch

which is integrated as a central component of the dashboard. Meanwhile, driver and passenger sit on Alcantara seats with a new stitching pattern. The Sports seats Plus with GTS logos on the headrests can be adjusted in 4-ways electrically and provide increased lateral

support and comfort. Other features include brushed, black anodised aluminium trim strips on the instrument cluster, as well as a high proportion of Alcantara, which can be found on the steering wheel rim, centre console and armrests.

News

Hyundai adds auto to i20 range

yundai has expanded its popular i20 range with the addition of a new 1,4-litre engine derivative, fitted with an automatic gearbox and an attractive package of standard features. The new i20 1.4 Motion Automatic, with a recommended retail price of R249 900, takes its slot in the middle of one of the bestselling model ranges in Hyundai’s local product line-up, and - as with the other i20 derivatives - comes with a comprehensive list of features. The other derivatives are the i20 1.2 Motion and Fluid (both with a 5-speed manual gearbox); the i20 1.4 Fluid (with a 6-speed manual and 4-speed automatic gearbox respectively); and the i20 1.4 Sport with a 6-speed manual gearbox. The fresh looks and neat design lines of Hyundai’s i20 hatchback model were introduced in the local market in 2015, and it has since been a backbone in Hyundai’s impressive sales that has earned it the 4th position among automotive brands in South Africa. Power in the new i20 1.4 Motion comes from its Kappa 1,4 litre engine that delivers 74 kW at 6 000 r/min., with the torque output reaching its limit at 133 Nm, delivered at 3 500 r/ min. Power is delivered to the front wheels through a 4-speed automatic gearbox. The 1,4 litre engine delivered fuel consumption of 7,5 litres/100 km in a combined test cycle, and CO2 emissions of 160 g/km. Apart from its power source, the new i20 1.4 Motion derivative shares the specification level of its sibling in the i20

range, the i20 1.2 Motion manual, which is equipped with the smaller 1,2 litre engine that delivers maximum power of 61 kW at 4 000 r/min, and maximum torque of 115 Nm at 4 000 r/min. The distinctive design of the i20 is a creation of Hyundai Motor’s Design Centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany, and was influenced by the latest interpretation of Hyundai Motor’s design philosophy, Fluidic Sculpture 2.0, with the clean and elegant lines giving it a sophisticated appearance. The European team has created a bold front aesthetic with a distinctive dual-element grille. The upright chrome-framed hexagonal grille stretches down low for design and engineering purposes, while a thin, horizontal grille, connecting the headlamps, emphasises the width of the car. The wheel arches flow into the long hood, reinforcing the i20’s purposeful stance. At the rear, the i20 features a wrap-around black C-pillar which gives the impression of a floating roofline. The feature line that runs the length of the vehicle connects at the rear dropping subtly below the rear window to improve visibility. The lamp clusters wrap around the rear wing into the trunk lid and feature a “boomerang” LED design. The purposeful appearance of the new i20 is emphasised by its long hood, low roofline and sharp crease line that combine to achieve a streamlined vehicle with an aerodynamic drag figure of 0,34 Cd. The Hyundai i20 features a large tailgate for ease of loading into its generous boot space of

294 litres, with a convenient wide boot opening. With a large cabin and a generous list of standard technologies, the i20 offers a sophisticated and luxurious occupant environment. The i20 offers combined front and rear legroom of 1 897 mm, a class-leading figure. Front-seat occupants enjoy 1 027 mm headroom and 1 084 mm legroom. In the rear of the cabin, headroom of 968 mm, legroom of 813 mm and shoulder room of 1 350 mm allow three adults to be seated in comfort. The i20 is also one of the most accommodating in the segment with a trunk volume of 294 litres with the rear seats upright. The rear bench can fold fully flat, boosting trunk capacity to 1 010 litres. The rear seats can also fold flat in a 60:40 split. Hyundai Motor’s engineers and designers have selected high-quality, high-durability

materials to ensure the cabin provides lasting comfort and good looks. On many of the cabin’s key surfaces a highgrade, highly durable Thermal Plastic Olefin (TPO) material has been applied, including on the vehicle’s dashboard and door trims. The i20 has been developed using lightweight, high-strength steel to yield stiffer torsional rigidity. The result is outstanding ride quality, reduction in core weight and gains in damping to mitigate noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). Throughout the i20, Hyundai engineers have applied technologies aimed at reducing the intrusion of noise and vibration to the cabin. The i20 rides on fully independent MacPherson strut suspension at the front and a semi-independent coupled torsion beam axle at the rear. A motor-driven power steering (MDPS) system delivers great accuracy with 2,7 turns

lock-to-lock for a 5,1m turning radius - making the car easy to navigate around the urban environment. At the core of the i20, safeguarding above-average impact resistance, is the strong chassis and body shell, which benefits from the extensive use of advanced high-strength steel. Every i20 model is fitted, as standard, with a 4-wheel electronic 4-channel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), as well as Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD). Ventilated disc brakes are used on the front wheels, while the rear wheels are equipped with solid discs for the brakes. The i20 1.4 Motion auto features passive safety equipment to protect occupants, including a driver and front passenger airbag, with front and rear seatbelt pre-tensioners and a lap belt for the middle passenger in the rear. The height-adjustable head restraints provide protection against whiplash.

New Model

Mokka X signals new direction for Opel

pel Mokka X signals new direction for Opel Opel’s compact SUV got a makeover late last year and remains the ideal vehicle for the young at heart who want the solid quality and precision of a German-engineered product in a compact package. Already well-established as an urban warrior with over 600 000 sales globally and 2 672 in South Africa, part of the update is a name change – it’s now the Mokka X. The uppercase style is illustrative of an even bolder approach to modern motoring, while the X in the nomenclature is the new global identifier for future Opel

SUV and crossover vehicles. Speaking at the launch of the new Opel Mokka X, Ian Nicholls, President and Managing Director, GM Sub-Saharan Africa, said “Opel is on its way to achieving its vision of becoming the second largest passenger car brand in Europe by 2022. Part of this success is a renewed focus on bringing competitive new products to market, in fact the Mokka X is the 13th new or refreshed Opel to be launched in South Africa since 2012.” Aimed at drivers who are looking for a vehicle that is safe, family oriented and powerful, the Mokka X merges functionality, connectivity,

technology and safety in a vehicle which is just 4.28-metres from bumper to bumper. A key highlight and most obvious change is the move to new headlight clusters that combine daytime running lamps and LED technology. Opel is a leader in this field, and the Mokka X takes advantage of this to provide owners with a dusk to dawn safety advantage and 24-hour illumination. The mechanicals remain unchanged along with the four model lineup of Enjoy and Cosmo trim choices in either manual or automatic. Powering all four Mokka X derivatives is Opel’s proven 1.4-litre four-cyl-

inder turbocharged Ecotec petrol engine, which produces 103 kW between 4 900 and 6 000 rpm and 200 Nm between 1 850 and 4 900 rpm. Zero to 100 km/h is reached in 9.8 seconds with a top speed of 196 km/h for the 6-speed manual models. For the two models equipped with the 6-speed automatic transmission, the 0-100 km/h sprint is achieved in 10.7 seconds and they carry a top speed of 191 km/h. Average fuel economy on the new MOKKA X 1.4T Enjoy manual is 5.9-litres per 100 km, the Mokka X 1.4T Enjoy automatic consuming 6.2-litres per 100 km on the combined cycle. The Mokka X 1.4T Cosmo manual sips 6.0-litres per 100 km, with the Mokka X 1.4T Cosmo automatic returning a combined cycle average figure of 6.5-litres per 100 km. Carbon emissions are rated at 139 g/km for the Mokka X 1.4T Enjoy manual and 154 g/ km for the Mokka X 1.4T Enjoy automatic. The Mokka X 1.4T Cosmo manual is rated at 145 g/km with the Cosmo automatic at 160 g/km. Interior trim is revised too. The Enjoy model is dressed in Milano Jet Black upholstery, the Cosmo in Jasmin Jet Black. Dashboard architecture from the new Astra has also been

seamlessly integrated, for a more modern look and feel, along with improved ergonomics. The Cosmo now boasts a high-end infotainment system with R4.0 IntelliLink and a driver display – this connectivity package is compatible with a wide range of media platforms via a USB input and is offered as an option on the Enjoy. Optional on the Cosmo is Navi 900 IntelliLink, which includes a full colour display. The seamless integration of the user’s mobile device makes the MOKKA X the best-connected compact SUV in South Africa. In addition to the optional Navi 900 IntelliLink system Cosmo owners can upgrade to a premium LED lighting package which adds rear LED clusters and auto-levelling headlights with full Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL) technology and integrated cornering lights for maximum safety - without negatively impacting other road users. The recent Mokka X update will help it to remain a popular choice and all the winning design cues remain unchanged. Compact packaging with clever proportions along with the high seating position, extra space, versatility and go-anywhere nature of an SUV have been well-received.

News

It’s all go for Concours SA 2017

oncours South Africa, held for the first time last September at Sun City, is stepping up a gear for 2017. The response to the inaugural event has seen overwhelming interest amongst both car owners and sponsors for this year’s Concours South Africa. “Concours South Africa was the realisation of a dream we had nurtured for a number of years,” says organiser Ross Crichton. “The amazing response we had to the first event has seen special-interest car owners, sponsors, finance houses and the classic car fraternity already embrace the event for 2017. This has

encouraged us up to bring the event to an even higher level for 2017.” One of the major changes for Concours South Africa 2017 is to effectively move the event a month earlier. The new date for the ultimate car collector’s fest is now 3 - 6 August 2017. “We were extremely happy with Sun City as our venue for the maiden Concours”, says co-organiser Paul Kennard. “But by hosting the car show in early September, we found ourselves somewhat curtailed, space-wise, by preparations then taking place for the annual Nedbank Golf Challenge. “By choosing an early August date, we free up much

more space for a bigger event in 2017. Last year we had just shy of 60 cars actually taking part, which was perfect for our debut Concours. This year will see at least double that figure in the Concours-proper, with the Show & Shine category probably extending that figure by a fair margin.” Kennard, however, was keen to point out that he would not like to see the event grow to much more than 150 cars. “We feel this is a realistic figure for our judges to cope with. Incidentally, we are retaining the same judging team headed up by Wayne Harley, curator of the Franschhoek Motor Museum, but (and we are very excit-

ed about this) augmented by judges with vast international concours experience! They will be especially flown into South Africa for the event.” However, for Concours South Africa 2017 there will be a slight revision of the categories, after feedback from the inaugural event, to make the categories easier to understand for entrants, and for the public, who have also shown huge interest in the event. Keen-eyed observers of last year’s Concours South Africa will have noted that the duration of the event has now extended from three to four days. The reason for this is that renowned classic car index company , HAGI – The Historic Automobile Group

International - will be hosting a special conference on trends in international classic car values at Sun City on Thursday 3 August. Entrants and interested classic car cognoscenti will be encourage to sign up for this conference, as a prelude to the concours proper, which again begins on the Friday, this year being 4 August. For enthusiasts wishing to enter their classic and collectors’ cars in this year’s Concours, they can visit www. concourssa co.za. for more information. Additional information may be found on Facebook on the Concours South Africa page. Organiser Paul Kennard can be contacted on 082 851 3300.

Motorcycling

You had me at ‘vroom’...

he movie Jerry Maguire spawned quite a few cringe worthy quotes. “Show me the money!” was one of them. There is also one scene where Jerry confesses his love for Dorothy, and she responded with “You had me at ‘Hello’”. Well, I have to admit, when I got on board the Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom, the connection was instant. It had me at the press of the go-button. Everything just seemed right. I personally own a 650 V-Strom, so I assume I am a bit biased. That being said, the DL1000, although tall, is a light and nimble bike. I have ridden heavier superbikes. Released in 2014, the big Suzuki remains a viable alternative to the heavier and bigger adventure bikes, and this particular model was not just a “slap on different plastics” exercise. The new DL1000 was reimagined from the ground up. The 998cc was uprated to 1037cc and from there, the DL1000 is all new. It sports upside down forks, and radial mounted front discs. These are ABS units, and for the first time, we have a Suzuki with traction control. The fuel tank loses 2 liters from its predecessor, but this makes for a slim tank, and makes the bike look smaller than it is. The definitive “beak” first seen on the DR750 that took part in the Paris-Dakar rally in

the late 80s has been retained. This feature has become synonymous with adventure bikes of late. The instrumentation is comprehensive, and includes a temperature gauge as well as a gear indicator. The rev-counter sits on the left, with a handsome digital display for the rest of the information. The seat is comfortably wide and soft enough for you to go long distances. The screen is adjustable for angle with a simple three-stage ratchet system but for height, you need some tools. As I said in my opening line, this bike suits me to a tee. The handlebars are wide, and my legs are not too far back. Once you fire it up, you have a gentle hum emanating from the massive muffler, but it sounds aggressive enough to hint at the power at hand. Speaking of which, the power delivery is smooth and does not kick you in the groin as some overpowered duallies tend to do. The engine also does not feel strained at all, and it does feel like it can do 160, two up, all day long. This is an honest bike. It will deliver what the brochure says, reliably. I have spent a few days with the bike, and I fell for it in the first 100m. So maybe, this is my Dorothy, and I am Jerry, saying: “You complete me.” – Brian Cheyne

Motorsport

Three SA-built Toyotas in Dakar top 10

akar 2017 drew to a close in the Argentine capital of Buenos Aires, after Stage 12 of the world’s toughest motor race. The event, run over thirteen days in Paraguay, Bolivia and Argentina, saw three SA-built Toyota Hilux race vehicles finish in the top 10. Nani Roma and navigator Alex Bravo (#305) were the topplaced Toyota crew, while newcomer Conrad Rautenbach and navigator Rob Howie (#320) finished in ninth place overall. It was an up-and-down event for Toyota Gazoo Racing SA’s

Giniel de Villiers and navigator Dirk von Zitzewitz (#302), who trailed Stage 12 winner, Sebastien Loeb (Peugeot) by just 30 seconds on the final stage of the event, posting the third-fastest time of the day. In the end this was more than enough to hold off Orlando Terranova (MINI), who mounted a late charge to challenge De Villiers/Von Zitzewitz for their fifth position in the overall standings on Stage 11. Stage 12 signaled the end of Dakar 2017, which saw Stephane Peterhansel notch up

his 13th Dakar victory – 6 on motorcycles, and 7 in the car category. Teammate and multiple WRC champion, Sebastien Loeb was in second place, with Cyril Despres, also in a Peugeot, rounding out the podium. They were followed home by Roma and De Villiers, the best of the non-Peugeot crews. Roma/Bravo managed to fly the flag for Toyota, maintaining a fourth position in the overall standings throughout the bulk of the race. The pair was the fastest non-Peugeot in the field, and reported no technical

issues with their Toyota Hilux throughout the race. “At times we may have been a bit too cautious,” said the Spanish driver from the end podium in Buenos Aires. “But on the Dakar it is important to pace yourself, and make sure you reach the finish. We managed not only to finish, but to finish as the fastest Toyota Hilux in the field.” Zimbabwean driver, Conrad Rautenbach, paired with experienced navigator Rob Howie for Dakar 2017, completed the grueling race in ninth place overall. This was a stellar performance, in Rautenbach’s first Dakar Rally, and won him the Rookie of the Year award. His finishing position meant that three SA-built Toyota Hilux race vehicles completed Dakar 2017 in the top ten. “Dakar 2017 will be long remembered for a variety of reasons,” said Hall after the race. “The extreme weather certainly played a massive roll, with stages cancelled and modified, reducing the competition’s overall race distance significantly.” At the same time, the extreme altitudes of the Bolivian Altiplano counted against the normally aspirated Toyota V8 engines, and route director Mark Coma’s latest route truly tested the navigators as much as the drivers.

“To us at Toyota South Africa Motors, taking part in the Dakar is the ultimate showcase of the legendary reliability and toughness of the Toyota Hilux,” explained Calvyn Hamman, Senior Vice-President of Sales and Marketing at Toyota SA Motors. In addition to the three Toyota Hilux vehicles in the top ten, 24 other similar vehicles completed the race – more than any other manufacturer. Toyota also took top honours in class T2.2 for modified diesel vehicle, where the Toyota Land Cruiser 200 GX crews finished first and second in class. The Hino crews also proved their mettle once again, by finishing first and second in class T4.2 for modified trucks. Despite the tough conditions, President and CEO of Toyota South Africa Motors, Andrew Kirby, who attended the finish podium in Buenos Aires, was positive about Toyota’s results. “In the end this is the ultimate challenge, because it is undoubtedly the toughest motor race in the world. We may not have achieved what we set out to do this year, but we can certainly be proud of our performance. We were first in class T1 4x4, proving once more just how tough our Toyota Hilux is in these extreme conditions.”

Motorcycling

Kawasaki’s one-litre king

n the world of motorcycle racing, MotoGP is the flagship series where riders compete on purpose built machines that are a far cry from what you can buy at your local dealer. For a more representative racing series, you need to look at World Superbikes. It features a few different classes, but the common denominator is the fact that all these machines are based on standard production bikes. The top class allows some modifications but it does mean that any major changes to the bike need to be applied to the road-going version as well. Kawasaki has dominated the World Superbike Championship for the last few years. In 2016, the two Kawasaki pilots, Jonathan Rea and Tom Sykes, obliterated the field. Their combined points meant that Kawasaki took the Constructors championship as well. Rea and Sykes finished first and second in the 2016 championship. So what is this beast that roams racetracks and devours all comers? It is called the ZX10R. For all intents and purposes, the ZX-10R is a heavier version of what Sykes and Rea ride on a weekend. Heavier, because

it actually has to have lights that work, indicators and wing mirrors and an exhaust that conforms to European standards. Setting up the bike is like choosing a character in a Playstation game. Only, you do not respawn when you end up in a ditch. The 998cc engine’s output can be set to Full, Medium and Low. Tractions control has 5 levels. The front callipers are from Brembo and feature ABS, but at the rear sits a dinky Nissin caliper. It looks like an afterthought. The front SHOWA forks can be adjusted at both ends. All has to be set for mere mortals like me to ride it safely. After an eternity of fiddling, I was satisfied that the ZX would be as docile as a lapdog. I hit the go-button and the ZX settled into an uneasy idle. As I set off, the poor ZX spluttered through the gears as it protested the restraints I laboured it with. I realised soon enough that this beast does not want to be restrained and the only time you would do all that fiddling is when you are riding in a downpour. I stopped, fiddled some more and the freedom of movement was immediately evident. The throttle response was immediate and the engine note urged me,

almost mocked me, to just let it fly. And flew it did. To make matters even easier for you, the ZX is fitted with a quickshifter which means you use the clutch to pull away and from there, you just click up through the gears. The engine blips and the next gear is available instantly. I wished it had a 17 speed gearbox, because the noise it makes is just glorious to behold. I can wax lyrical all day about how much fun this bike is to ride, and how addictive the acceleration can become. At a smidgen over 200kg the ZX has roughly 1 horsepower for each kilogram of weight and it pulls smoothly from anywhere in the rev range at any speed. It is, however when the revs start to climb that the ZX rejoices and from 7000rpm the fun really kicks in. The Pirelli Rosso tyres are confidence inspiring in the corners, adding to the package of a bike that is reassuring to ride. You are also safe in the knowledge that the electronics will be there to help, should things start to go wrong. The ZX is a class-leader and a worthy wearer of the one litre crown. Rumour has it that next year Kawasaki will be releasing the lighter, faster RR so things can only get better. Price: R290 000 – Brian Cheyne

Hyundai HD72 Tipper

Hyundai Wonderboom 57 Lavender road, Annlin West

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Johan Theron â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Cellphone: 061 448 3915 Email: johant@hyundai.co.za