Wheels_20_Oct2016

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ASH EXOTICS

October 20, 2016

Witness

Dealers in Superfine, Exotic and Sports Cars 534/550 Church Street, Pietermaritzburg

WHEELS

104 FM

L A T I P CA ays Saturd 9­10 am

Contact Ash 083 786 3377 • Tel: 033 342 4717 / 033 345 1971 Rafik: 083 786 3311 • Email: ashgani@telkomsa.net www.ashcarsales.co.za

EDITOR: ALWYN VILJOEN 082 45 89 332 ADVERTISING: AVIR THULSIRAM ON 084 278 3447

INSIDE: Ivana Cetinich is one of SA’s lucky 13 karters who are competing in Italy this week.

Read more on page 8.

PHOTO: MOTORPRESS

KTM riders (from left) Jonathan Mlimi, Kerim Fitzgerald and Nate MClellan did the brand of Kronreif, Trunkenpolz, Mattighofen proud during the 2016 season. More biking news on page 7. PHOTO: KTM

Barloworld Ford salesperson Shandré du Plessis really, really likes the Ford Focus ST. See why on page 2.

PHOTO: ALWYN VILJOEN

Honda’s Kabuku is a lil’ van with big plans, and most of its panels are 3D­printed.

More on page 6.

PHOTO: HONDA

BMW announced its way forward, and it’s electrying.

Page 5.

PHOTO: BMW

The Vivo Storm adds a limited edtion to the Polo range and we test the Polo Blue Motion TSI. Page 3.

PHOTO: QUICKPIC

The all-new Audi A4.

Progress is intense

R229 900 2013 Ford Focus Ambiente 1600 Poweshift (Auto) White, 57 000 km

R159 900

2012 Mini Cooper Coupe 1600 Auto 70 000 km

R219 900 2015 Hyundai ix35 2.0 Premium 44 000 km

R279 900

79 VICTORIA ROAD Also at 47 Main Street Howick Craig Pickering: 082 781 7740 Charmaine Els: 082 325 3323 Thembeka Hlela: 073 030 4325 Grenville Manton, Dealer Principal Tel: 033 345 0982 • Cell: 082 492 6666 • Email grenville@fedauto.co.za

Even more powerful, more efficient, more intelligent...the new Audi A4 Sedan impresses with a path-breaking synthesis of technology and aesthetics.

INTEREST RATE LINKED/

DEPOSIT

48

10.60%

22.84% (R108 833)

56.2% (R267 793)

R 511 530

R 5 350

48

10.60%

22.16% (R109 581)

56.2% (R277 909)

R 534 721

R 5 849

48

10.60%

21.04% (R110 986)

56.2% (R296 455)

R 577 198

10.60%

21% (R109 935)

56.2% (R294 207)

R 573 134

MODEL

VEHICLE PRICE

Audi A4 FSI 110kW Manual

R 476 500

R 5 078

Audi A4 FSI 110kW S tronic

R 494 500

Audi A4 FSI 110kW S tronic Sport

R 527 500

Audi A4 FSI 110kW S tronic Design

R 523 500

MONTHLY NO. OF INSTALMENTS INSTALMENTS

R 5 811

48

TOTAL COST GUARANTEED INCL. FEES AND FUTURE VALUE VAT

Offers calculated on the Audi A4 models specified, in standard specification over 4 years. *Linked to FNB prime rate, currently 10.75%. Instalment amount as specified, and includes initiation and monthly administration fee of R68.40. Total Retail Price as above with a Deposit Protector based on 48 months/80 000 km p.a including Guaranteed Future Value based on the same period. Information subject to change without prior notification.

All Finance offers are subject to credit approval from Audi Financial Services. Audi Financial Services - a division of Volkswagen Financial Services South Africa (Pty) Ltd. An Authorised Financial Services and Credit Provider. NCRCP6635. Terms and Conditions apply.

Audi Centre Pietermaritzburg 9 Armitage Road, Pietermaritzburg, 3201. Tel: 033 397 8800. www.audipietermaritzburg.co.za

New Vehicle Sales | Nathi Mncube • Cameron Govender • Imdaad Hoosan Pre-owned Vehicle Sales | Mandla Mkhize • Mark van Rijsbergen Anwar Charfaray • Pre-owned Manager: Riaz Mahomed

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MOTORING WitnessWheels

October 20, 2016

3

Punching above its weight BRIAN BASSETT drives the new VW Polo Bluemotion one­litre TSI THE most popular of the VW range in this country is the Polo series, which is a Supermini produced by VW since 1975, and is now in its fifth generation.

In 2010, it was World Car of the Year and it is built on the tried and tested VW AO platform. Recently, the one­litre Bluemotion TSI was in­ troduced. This makes good sense as in a recession, with falling currency, the average South African family is buying down. It is, however, good to know that the VW badge means that the car retains its quality and durabil­ ity, while Bluemotion technology re­ duces fuel consumption and lowers emissions.

Styling The Volkswagen Design Studio in Wolfsburg is known for its distinc­ tive designs and the Polo is certainly distinctive.

The front end is aggressively styled with swept back head lamps connected by a black upper grill and centrally placed VW badge. Below the colour­coded bumper the car has fog/running lights, separated from a lower grille by chrome underlining.

The bonnet sweeps up to a large, raked windscreen, which gives the car a sporty feel and the sides have folds that add interest.

The rear tail­gate is badged Blue­ motion and the centrally placed VW badge doubles as the tailgate handle, while the large tail lights lend dyna­ mism to the tailgate area.

The colour­coded, electrically­op­ erated side mirrors complement the exterior design and the 16­inch alloys are quite sporty.

Interior The interior is typical VW simplicity and almost minimalist. Every aspect speaks of quality and attention to de­ tail, as well as good design.

The front seats are easily moved back and forth and a roller­type ad­ justment deals with the seat back.

Both front seats are height adjusta­ ble. The interior finishes are fine quality and in the car we drove the leather seat finishes were very well crafted.

The leather­covered, three­spoke, multi­function steering wheel, which is height and reach adjustable, looks to come straight out of a Golf 7.

It controls the CD/aux/radio/MP3/ USB audio system, which includes space for an SD card. The car also has Bluetooth as part of its connec­ tivity pack and there is a 12V plug for your electronic toys.

Below the vents on the central stack is a 5,8­inch touchscreen with colour display, which provides a range of information and operates easily at fingertip touch.

Below the screen there are sensibly placed controls for the effective air­ conditioning unit. Interestingly enough, running the air­con affects the car’s performance very little, which is a compliment to the power of the small engine.

Rear­seat space is not bad consid­ ering the nature of the car, but some­ one of my bulk and height will need the front­seat passengers to adjust

their seats for comfort. The Polo is billed as a four­ or five­seater. Four adults will, however, be more com­ fortable than five on longer journeys.

The boot provides 280 litres of storage space, which is about average and the rear seats fold down in 60/40 fashion to create 952 litres of space.

Safety and security The Polo has a five­star NCAP rating so it is as safe as your driving can make it. It has a whole host of safety features, as one would expect from Volkswagen and we mention a few of those here.

The car has discs all round, as well as a multi­collision system, which you won’t notice until you need it, at which stage it could save your life.

There is also Hill Hold Assist and Electronic Stability Control, ABS with EBD, Isofix clips to hold the kids’ seats and seat belts and head restraints for all. There are also four front and side air bags for all­round protection.

The car has central locking and a built­in alarm system, which the cats in my area set off at midnight and sent me rushing outside brandishing a heavy walking stick.

Performance and handling The Polo Bluemotion’s turbo­petrol, three­cylinder, 999cc engine roars delightfully whenever you put your foot down.It delivers 70 kWs/ 160 Nm via a five­speed manual gearbox and zero to 100 km/h comes up in about 10,5 seconds, with top speed being around 190 km/h.

The Polo Bluemotion is a great city car. Using the gears, you can easi­ ly slip in and out of traffic.

Parking is easy and parallel parking is simple with the dashboard display.

On the N3 the engine is peppy and cruising at 120 km/h is no problem.

However, with a small engine, if you let the revs drop you are going to need to use the gears and the same applies to long hills.

Using the gears always makes me feel in control, so it was no problem.

The car is stable on tar and gravel even at speed, and the Macpherson struts at the front and the twist beam rear suspension, well dampened, kept me out of trouble.

Costs and competitors The Polo Bluemotion will set you back around R260 000. It comes with a three­year or 120 000 km manufacturer’s guarantee, a 12­year corrosion warranty and a three­year or 45 000 km service plan.

Also look at Toyota Yaris, Ford Fi­ esta, Mazda2 and Kia Rio among sev­ eral others.

Historic fuel test Fuel consumption is a claimed 4,9 li­ tres per 100 km, but during next week, Wheels will be marking the 112th year of motoring in Maritzburg with an economy run done with Bar­ ons Pietermaritzburg to determine the real world consumption of the Polo Bluemotion.

We look forward to the result of six runs to Durban and back with all of the trucks, traffic jams and mad driv­ ers on the N3.

Watch this page.

Next week, Wheels will follow in the pioneering tracks of a former Witness editor Horace Race, who in 1904 was a passenger in the first car journey from Pietermaritzburg to Durban, in a 4Hp Orient Buckboard, with a maximum speed of 25 km/h. This year, we will see how many times the new one­litre Polo Bluemotion can do the journey on 45 litres of fuel, aiming to beat the 4,3 litres per 100 km achieved in Europe. PHOTO: YOUTUBE

4

WitnessWheels MOTORING

October 20, 2016

Euro electric car sales on the up Evee market matures, with e­tron a collectors’ piece and ebike subsidies ALWYN VILJOEN AS sales of electric cars in Europe look to put half a million units on the road by year­end, Audi has reportedly pulled the plug on its Tesla competitor, the all­electric Audi R8 e­tron supercar.

Launched to great excitement at the Geneva Motor Show last year, the Audi R8 e­tron was an exclusive offer to Eu­ ropean customers only, with the elit­ ism having all to do with a price tag of $1,1 million, or a current amount of close to R16 million, once import taxes have been paid.

It seems the price proved too steep even for the sheiks who normally buy cars just because it is very, very expen­ sive and Audi has now stopped making the R8 e­tron after pre­orders for the electric car were well below 100 units, according to a report from Car and Driver.

“We could have built more than we did,” the unnamed Audi representative told Car and Driver.

The anonymous source did not ex­ plain why the e­tron is being discontin­ ued, but regulars at the The Klink, (the Word War 2 holding cell for drunk and disorderly soldiers ironically turned in­ to a pub by the Veteran Sports Car Club in Pietermaritzburg), know a few things about old cars and predict two outcomes going forwards: first, this electric supercar will become a collec­ tors’ piece; and, second, that it will sell at prices even higher than R16 million, But it is time to put the e­tron out to pasture.

When it was unveiled as a concept car at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, Audi quoted a zero to 100 km/h in 3,9 seconds and an all­electric range of up to 460 km.

The Grimsel, an all­electric car built by students in Switzerland, has already halved Audi’s acceleration to 1,5 sec­ onds, while the “economy” Tesla 3, which can be ordered for well under R600 000, or 28 times less than the e­tron, can still deliver a range of over 426 km from its 85 kWh battery pack.

Which is why the company that promises to stay ahead through tech­ nology has already started working on the next e­tron quattro, the concept of which was launched at the 2015

Frankfurt Motor Show.

Depending on the state of batteries by 2018, when Audi plans to make an­ other limited run, the next e­tron will have a range of around 480 km.

Electrics growing in Europe A report by Transport & Environment (T&E) states Europe will see more than half a million electric vehicles on its roads by year­end.

The European Union doubled the sales of plug­in hybrid and electric ve­ hicles in 2015 reaching 145 000 units sold, the biggest sales increase for any year to date.

Including Norway (and other non­ EU members) Europe is the second largest market for purely electric cars in the world.

The Netherlands tops the list of EV sales for the third year in a row, with a 8,8% share of plug­in vehicles. Nor­ way is second in terms of absolute sales but has a much higher market share, 18,7%.

The Dutch market is mainly plug­in hybrid (PHEVs) models, while those in Norway are mainly battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

The UK sells the third highest level of EVs, although it is notable that PHEVs predominate in sales even though the purchase incentive offered is markedly less.

Boost for electric scooters The Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA), meanwhile, announced that the public will soon be able to enjoy a subsidy for electric motorcycles and scooters, which has so far only been available for four­wheel vehicles.

Unlike cars, electric motorcycles and scooters can be charged at home or work using normal plug sockets, which makes them more accessible.

The price of each two­wheeled vehi­ cle will be reduced by £1 500 or 20% of the retail price, whichever is the smaller number.

The grant will be made available for new road­registered electric motorcy­ cles and scooters reaching certain quality criteria, which include having a battery with a five­year warranty and a good range.

• alwyn.viljoen@witness.co.za The electric Audi R8 e­tron will now go to collectors’ heaven after a lot fewer than 100 units of the R16 million super car were sold.

PHOTO: AUDI

BMW predicts electric cars will, for the next decade at least, use a mix of power sources to drive the motors.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

BMW maps out its electric car journey BMW AG expects sales of its electrified vehicles to surge in the next decade as the technology hits the mainstream, but don’t see prices coming down in the next four years.

In his talk at the 26th Aachen Colloqui­ um Automobile and Engine Technology, Klaus Fröhlich, board member at BMW AG development, presented the full spec­ trum of drive technologies possible in the future.

One of the key messages of his speech centred on how the challenge of keeping both customers and lawmakers happy by meeting all their requirements would call for a wide variety of different drive sys­ tems. “There will be no such thing as a ‘one­size­fits­all’ solution,” stated Fröhl­ ich confidently. “We see the approach of using myriad technologies continuing for many years.”

Although it is true that internal com­ bustion engines will decline in impor­ tance in the medium term, they will play a vital role for a long time to come and still offer potential that could be tapped into with additional investment.

However, a wide spread of evolutionary advances will be needed to meet future requirements with respect to CO2 and other emissions, and 48 V energy recu­ peration systems will play an increasingly important role in this regard.

The proportion of electrified vehicles on the roads is growing steadily. In the U.S. and a number of European countries, demand is increasing at a faster pace than in Germany. Here, too, sales figures re­

V KLAUS

FRÖHLICH, board member at BMW

‘A significant fall in electric vehicle costs is not expected until after 2020.’ ceived a major boost from the launch of the BMW i3 with new 94 Ah battery. Au­ gust saw worldwide sales of the BMW i3 rise by over 70% compared to the previ­ ous 12 months.

There is tremendous potential for elec­ tric mobility in China, although this is subject to considerable local variation.

Electric mobility will continue to be mul­ tifaceted in nature for a long while yet, guided by the particular concept and mar­ ket at hand. A total of 34 664 BMW i and BMW iPerformance models had been sold in 2016 up to the end of August. A significant fall in electric vehicle costs is not expected until after 2020.

It will be a few years before the battery electric vehicle (BEV) becomes the all­en­ compassing solution for customers and model classes across the board.

Pure battery­electric drive systems al­

low customers whose daily journeys don’t generally exceed 100 kilometres to enjoy zero­emission electric driving in small­ to medium­sized vehicles.

When it comes to medium­length journeys and mid­size vehicles, the BMW Group offers an extremely wide choice of plug­in hybrid models (PHEVs). These all­rounders offer an entry point into cus­ tomer­focused e­mobility in many seg­ ments.

Meanwhile, hydrogen­powered fuel­ cell electric vehicles offer the ideal combi­ nation of zero­emission motoring and ev­ eryday practicality when extended ranges and high running resistances are required.

What is lacking here, though, is the requi­ site hydrogen infrastructure and produc­ tion set­up, and the large­scale manufac­ ture of hydrogen fuel­cell technology is only expected to become viable by 2026.

The latest demonstrator and research vehicle with a hydrogen fuel­cell electric drive system is derived from the BMW Group’s modular electrification toolkit.

Partner networks, such as the one that exists between the BMW Group and To­ yota, are an excellent way of arriving at objectives more quickly and cost­effec­ tively. Fröhlich outlined the road map to hydrogen­powered fuel­cell electric driv­ ing as follows: “BMW will enter the fuel cell market early in the next decade, start­ ing with very small production runs.

However, until 2025 at least costs will re­ main too high and the hydrogen infra­ structure too sparse to allow broad­based market penetration.” — WR.

Future drivetrains on show AT the International Suppliers Fair (IZB) being held in Wolfsburg, Germa­ ny, this week, GKN Driveline is showcas­ ing its latest electric driveline technolo­ gies.

Joachim Seubert, vice president of the German vehicle customer group at GKN, said the group’s systems already feature in BMW, Daimler and VW. He said GKN has been advancing the development of electrified vehicles since 2002 and more than 300 000 cars on the road contain GKN eDrive technolo­ gies today.

At IZB, the company will showcase the technology helping to propel some of the world’s most exciting electric and hybrid vehicles, including the electric ax­ le (eAxle) launched on the Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine, the world’s first hybrid premium SUV. The new system which makes its debut in the Volvo XC90 deliv­ ers new levels of torque in a significantly smaller package, saving space and mak­ ing integration into global vehicle plat­ forms simpler, while also enhancing driveability.

GKN will also showcase the eAxle on

the recently launched BMW Active Tourer 225xe, designed for integration into C­segment vehicles, as well as sys­ tems that feature on iconic vehicles such as the BMW i8 and Porsche 918 Spyder.

Meanwhile, GKN will give an insight into eDrive technology of the future by demonstrating its eTwinster concept, which brings torque vectoring capa­ bilities to electrified vehicles.

GKN will also demonstrate how it is removing the fuel penalty normally as­ sociated with AWD through its intelli­ gent connect system.

GKN’s technology reacts to road con­ ditions and driver inputs to switch seam­ lessly between two­wheel drive and AWD as required. The technology is util­ ised on vehicles such as the Range Rover Evoque, Jeep Renegade and Fiat 500X, reducing emissions and reducing driv­ ers’ time at the pump.

Meanwhile, the Twinster AWD sys­ tem on the Ford Focus RS will be on dis­ play, highlighting GKN’s ability to tune the Twinster according to brand’s specif­ ic requirements.

Compact and lightweight, GKN’s eAxle replaces most of what now occupies the space under a car’s floor pan and hood. PHOTO: SUPPLIED GKN will also show its Pace Award­ winning VL3 side shaft at IZB, which is lighter, more efficient and smaller than competing systems, yet delivers more torque to the wheels.

The technology has launched on the BMW 7 Series and can save over four kilograms per car set.

This will be complemented by an se­ lection of GKN production­ready and prototype side­shaft and prop­shaft technologies.

— Wheels Reporter.

MOTORING WitnessWheels

October 20, 2016

5

Part switching during services: is it a reality?

SO the scenario goes like this: “I took my car in for a service. I had just put a new battery in. When I collected my car after the service, my battery lasted a few days and then stopped working. I’m convinced my new bat­ tery was switched for an older battery during the service. But I have no proof.”

Les McMaster, chairperson of the Motor Industry Workshop Associa­ tion (MIWA), says this complaint crops up from time to time and for the large part is a perception. “Repeat business is essential for repair work­ shops so breaking a customer’s trust through switching parts doesn’t make good business sense, besides the fact that it is a criminal act.

“Having said that, there have been instances where workers have stolen or exchanged parts in the workshop without the owner or management’s knowledge. This is punishable with summary dismissal and charges of theft.”

Looking at the battery switch ex­ ample, McMaster says that custom­ ers need to understand that there may be times when a vehicle has been in the workshop for a while and the lights or other power consumables have been left on. In such cases, the battery can discharge. “This, on an old battery, causes the regeneration of the charge state to fail and the bat­ tery has to be replaced. The work­ shop will then contact the customer to replace the battery.”

So how do car owners guard against this threat? Should they be marking items that could be stolen in their vehicles? McMaster says do­ ing this secretly affects the trust be­ tween the customer and the business and could tarnish the relationship.

He suggests that when booking the vehicle into a workshop for a ser­ vice or repairs, have it mentioned on the job card and booking­in sheet that the battery, tools, jack and spare wheel are marked for your and the workshop’s benefit. “Being upfront about it does no harm,” he said.

He adds that it is also essential to remove all valuables and loose items from the vehicle such as cellphone car chargers and the like. “We’ve found, on many occasions, valuables in cars and I’m talking about Rolex watches, large sums of money in plastic bags, rings and so on. Remove the tempta­ tion,” he said.

The best way, however, to guard against part switching is to use a rep­ utable and accredited workshop.

“Using an accredited workshop means, firstly, that checks and balan­ ces are in place to ensure that a level of customer service is adhered to.

Secondly, it means that the work­ shop can and will be held accountable by the accrediting body. MIWA, for example, has an ethics committee that deals with workshops that are suspected of fraudulent activity.

Customers have a go­to channel with complaints and can be assured of a resolution.” If you find yourself in a situation where you feel a part has been switched without your consent, McMaster says it’s important to speak up immediately so that the workshop owner knows and under­ stands your concerns.

“In many instances, the issue can be resolved through a frank discus­ sion. If found to be substantiated, lay a criminal charge or insist that the owner does.” — Supplied.

Tuning you straight

The Hyundai Sonata 2011

The Ford Focus ST, 2L Ecoboost has the grunt to shunt, all while sounding civilised outside and roaring inside the cabin, which is a masterclass in ergonomic design. PHOTO: ALWYN VILJOEN

For fast parents Ford has a mature cure for when old age starts to bite ALWYN VILJOEN and BRIAN BASSETT IF you thought the lives of motoring hacks are a constant swirl of pink caviar in champagne glasses at motoring launches in trendy cities, well, spare a thought for your hard­working team of vehicular scribes in the slightly more bucolic setting of Maritzburg.

There we were, striving to keep up the motoring reporting standards set by then Natal Witness since 1904, and both of us showing our combined 120 years of age as we hobbled painfully into positions at the historic Roy Hesketh race track, lens aimed and pencil poised for the verdict of our own “Stig”, in the form of Desmond Govenden, aka Dizzy of DY Tuning, who was blitzing Barlow­ rod salesperson Shandré du Plessis around the track.

The real thrill in the ST is the four­ cylinder 184 kW/360 Nm engine, which has to be held back in town, as the car roars up to 80 km/h in first gear.

One of the first things we noticed was how the howl of the engine did not

raise the ire of the residents around Hesketh. For while the exhaust is tuned to roar inside the cabin, it is very quiet outside. Quiet or not, the engine does have the grunt, as Dizzy said after his first two rounds that saw him clock 180 km/h down the straight.

“But I was going slow because of the wet track,” he admitted.

Dizzy pointed out the layout of the cockpit is a masterclass in ergonomic design. Even the handbrake is where you need it for a quick 180° turn, as he promptly demonstrated, in which case the bucket seats also hug your hips against the pull of the G­forces.

Normally, bucket seats are torture for our less­than­svelte shapes, but we both agreed that the seats in the Focus are comfy for the more mature driver.

And mature he — or she — has to be, for while the spacious Ford ST is mar­ keted overseas at the young, the local price of R420 000 means only 30­ something parents can afford it.

The price gets them a 316­litre boot, that grunt, excellent handling and — bonus — a lot of friends, as is testified

by the ST owners’ clubs in Maritzburg and Durban who organise regular fami­ ly outings to exercise their cars, as well as do work for charity in the process.

The car we drove was finished in Race Red with 17­inch alloys. Outside, the car looks racy with everything from head­ lights to roof swept back. Inside, the Recaro leather seats give great shoulder and torso support and are designed for high performance driving.

The Sync 2,8­inch touchscreen has Bluetooth and voice control, as well as USB port and SD card slot.

The car is also packed with technolo­ gy to help you cope with the power.

The new Electronic Transitional Sta­ bility Function improves response and cornering and improves balance at speed. The multi­function steering wheel is a pleasure to handle and a full set of controls surround the driver for whom the car is designed. At the rear there is adequate space for the long leg­ ged. The rear seats fold down in 60/40 fashion to increase the already­ade­ quate boot space considerably.

We loved it.

WHEN buying used cars for the execu­ tive, few vehicles offer as much as the Hyundai Sonata, especially when dressed in glossy black as the one currently on the floor at Metro Cars.

Sales manager Elvis Naidoo is offer­ ing the saloon at only R179 990 and after taking it on a test drive, we can confirm few other cars turn as many heads as this limousine’s on­road presence. It will surely enhance any arrival, as proven by the people who walked over and commented on the car in various parking lots.

Inside the leather seats have worn well and remind me of armchairs in a gentleman’s club.

The huge interior is one of the most comfortable around and easily accommodates five adults and the boot is simply cavernous, with rear seats that fold down in 60/40 fashion to provide more space. The previous owner looked after his car very well and even the carpeting is like new.

Hyundai’s excellent seven­speaker au­ dio system pairs easily with Bluetooth but also has a USB port and socket for an audio cable. The four­cylinder, 2,4 litre petrol engine delivers 148kW/250Nm, giving around 9.6l/100km in the combined cycle.

The auto box with flappy paddles on the leather, multi­function steering provides a quiet, powerful, smooth ride.

This car is a great cruiser in excel­ lent condition and worth a test drive, especially as the price includes a dis­ count that takes it well below its TransUnion book value.

• Brian Bassett

Another tough year for motor industry CAPE TOWN — The South African motoring industry faced yet another challenging quarter, according to the latest TransUnion SA Vehicle Pricing Index (VPI) for used and new vehicle sales.

The Q3 2016 VPI found that the rate of new and used vehicle pricing in­ creased further to 9,9% and 2,8% in Q3 2016, from 8,4% and 2,7% in Q2 2016 respectively, which suggests used­ car sales volumes will continue to rise.

The VPI measures the relationship between the year­on­year increase in “This has, however, seen the demand for used vehicles contin­ ue to increase considering the af­ fordability challenges in the new vehicle market.

“Consumers tend to look for cheaper cars or hold on to their existing vehicles for longer than normal. This yearly trend contin­ ues with a new to used vehicle ra­ tio of 2,93 in Q3 2016, as com­ pared with 1,71 in Q3 2015.

“This means that for every one new vehicle financed, there were 2,93 used vehicles financed.”

— WR.

vehicle pricing for new and used vehi­ cles, from a basket of passenger vehicles that incorporates the top 15 volume manufacturers. Vehicle sales data col­ lated from across the industry is used to create the index.

According to the report, the further increase of new vehicle prices can be attributed to a delayed reaction to the rand weakness and ongoing poor eco­ nomic conditions.

Derick de Vries, CEO: Auto Informa­ tion Solutions at TransUnion, said: “The ongoing recession in the domes­

tic new­vehicle market, combined with an extremely difficult economic envi­ ronment, points to an unfavourable short­ to medium­term outlook.

“Household cash­flow measures show that it is the weakest it’s been since 2010, and is reflecting no room for consumers to take on additional debt. Low levels of both consumer and business confidence, combined with new­vehicle pricing remaining above CPI [Consumer Price Index], will con­ tinue to add severe pressure to the new vehicle market.

Even with the Sonata’s seat pushed back as far as it will go to accommodate Wheels car connoisseur Brian Bassett, there remains a lot of space for the rear passengers in the Hyundai Sonata.

PHOTO: ALWYN VILJOEN

For more information on Witness Wheels advertising Contact Avir on 033 355 1152 or 084 278 3447 Avir@witness.co.za

6

WitnessWheels TRANSPORT MOTORING

October 20, 2016

Access to the BR­V’s sixth and seventh seats is through a wide door.

PHOTO: QUICKPIC

Teacher’s pet from Honda BR­V is perfect to ferry pupils around DAVE FALL THE Fury dealership in Pietermaritz­ burg launched the new BR­V, a seven­ seater which features bold, distinctive styling and a sporty, agile appearance on a very useful raised stance that gives it 210 mm of ground clearance.

The BR­V’s predecessor, the Mobil­ io, is already a legend among those in the know, like Maritzburger and all­ round gearhead Layton­Craig Fourie, who drives a Mobilio with seven adults to Pinetown and back each day. Fourie told Wheels he gets a well­tested aver­ age of 14,1 km/l (7 l/100 km) but what impressed him even more is the service he has to date enjoyed at Fury.

“They even called me to remind me my licence disk is about to expire and ask if they could update it,” Fourie said.

Honda’s latest seven­seater comes in five models and in three trim levels: Trend, Comfort and Elegance, with the prices starting at R238 900.

Power across the range is courtesy of a 1,5­litre i­VTEC motor (88 kW/145 Nm), while buyers get to choose between a six­speed manual gearbox and Honda’s refined continu­ ously variable transmission (CVT). In the case of the latter, paddle shifts are provided for manual shifting between the CVT’s virtual ratios.

Keeping the ground clearance at that dirt­road­eating 210 mm are 16­ inch steel or alloy rims shod with pot­ hole­beating, 195/60 R16 tyres.

That four­cylinder mill, incidentally, has already proven its mettle in several of Honda’s other popular models, in­ cluding the Jazz, the Mobilio, the Bal­ lade, and the HR­V — although the Mobilio is soon to be dropped from the Honda line­up with the arrival of the BR­V. With many teachers buying the cheapest seven­seaters they can get to help transport their pupils, we looked closely at the entry level BR­V Trend.

It comes with a comprehensive equipment list, with premium materi­ als and finishes that gives it a smart, upmarket ambience.

Active and passive safety features in­ clude ABS anti­lock brakes, dual front airbags, and inertia reel seat belts for all seating positions, except the centre seat in the middle row (which gets a two­point lap belt).

Creature comforts include air­con­ ditioning, front and rear electric win­ dows and remote keyless entry.

And most important for the young passengers, a four­speaker audio sys­ tem, a classy centre stack, with silver accents and piano black surfaces, where a USB slot or easy Bluetooth pairing will allow the teacher to also listen to the latest inspiring songs from the hard­working Kazi star Cassper Nyovest.

The dashboard has a digital multi­ function information display that of­ fers information on average fuel con­ sumption, remaining range, current fuel level, odometer, a trip meter and temperature.

At the launch, a short drive around the outskirts of Cape Town suggested the BR­V is one capable vehicle, rug­ ged, lively and at least as economical as Fourie reported.

The cargo area is much reduced with the third row of seats in place; but tum­ bled forward in 50:50 style reasonable stowage space is possible.

The prices below also include a stan­ dard Honda five­year/200 000 km warranty and three­year AA Roadside Assistance. (Comfort and Elegance models include a two­year/30 000 km service plan.) Servicing is required ev­ ery 15 000 km.

Honda BR­V prices: 1.5l Trend manual R238 900 1.5l Comfort manual R252 900 1.5l Comfort CVT R268 300 1.5l Elegance manual R272 900 1.5l Elegance CVT R288 300.

The Honda Kabuku (inset) is a little van with big plans for future car assembly, with 3D­printed parts fitted around a roll cage in small, local factories, just like we have been predicting at Wheels since 2012.

PHOTO: HONDA

3D­printed to deliver shortbread in Japan STU ROBARTS WHERE 3D printing vehicles is con­ cerned, Local Motors and their Olli bus get most of the headlines, but that’s not to say others aren’t dabbling with the technology.

Last week, Honda and Kabuku un­ veiled a custom­designed electric vehi­ cle for making deliveries, the body panels of which have been 3D­printed.

The micro commuter was created for confectionery firm Toshimaya, which needed a vehicle it could use for short­ bread deliveries around its hometown of Kamakura in Japan and on which adver­ tisements could be displayed. It was also necessary that the vehicle be able to ne­ gotiate Kamakura’s narrow roads.

Working with digital fabrication out­

fit Kabuku, Honda developed the deliv­ ery vehicle over the course of about two months. It is based on the micro com­ muter concept, which was first shown off in 2011, and employs Honda’s Varia­ ble Design Platform. This sees key com­ ponents — like the battery, motor and control unit — positioned together so that they can be easily used as the basis for other vehicles. The chassis, mean­ while, is constructed from a rigid light­ weight pipe frame structure.

Where the Micro Commuter delivery vehicle differs from its forebears is the provision of space in the rear for trans­ porting produce. This is in place of the two rear seats and means that the only seat in the vehicle is for the centrally­po­ sitioned driver. The vehicle also makes use of Kabuku’s “ Rinkak Mass Customi­

sation Solutions”, which provide rapid 3D design, mold­less 3D printing and a network of factories for fabrication.

The 3D printing is used to produce the vehicle’s exterior panels, making it relatively quick and straightforward to customise them as required.

Under the hood is an 11 kW electric motor that gives the micro commuter a top speed of 70 km/h and a range of around 80 km.

According to Honda, the battery can be charged in under three hours at AC 200 Volt or under seven hours at AC 100 Volt.

The Micro Commuter delivery vehi­ cle was demonstrated last week at the Combined Exhibition of Advanced Technologies (Ceatec) IT and electron­ ics trade show in Japan. — New Atlas.

Avanza gets more leg and knee­room THE Toyota Avanza has come a long way since its initial introduction as a com­ fortable and affordable multi­purpose vehicle (MPV) that moved many people from one place to another. True to its name (Avanza is derived from an Italian word “avanzata”, which means ad­ vance), the Avanza has — over the years — evolved into a more sophisticated MPV that boasts a lot of passenger car­ like qualities.

Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) is proud to announce the addition of Ve­ hicle Stability Control (VSC) — includ­ ing Brake Assist System and Traction Control — as a standard safety feature on all Avanza models. ABS is standard across the range.

The latest safety enhancements come exactly a year after the addition of Elec­ tronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), three­point centre seatbelt, driver and passenger airbags, Isofix restraint points and centre headrests for the second seat­ ing row.

“The current generation Avanza has been remodelled continuously, with a variety of improvements in style and ca­ pabilities, since its launch in 2012. While

Ready to load, the Toyota Avanza.

PHOTO: QUICKPIC it has become smarter on the inside, its exterior looks have not been neglected.

The Avanza is definitely more refined, but it’s still the multi­faceted and multi­ functional MPV that our customers fell in love with a decade ago,” said Kerry Roodt, general manager of marketing communications at Toyota South Africa Motors.

The Avanza features a lowered instru­ ment panel which has improved driver visibility, and a centrally located cluster.

Occupant luggage space was also ad­ dressed and all three rows have ample legroom and knee­room. The extra space was created by adjusting the shape and placement of the seatbacks and door trim.

Despite these improvements, the Avanza has always maintained its status as a value­for­money proposition.

The peace of mind that comes with owning any model in the Toyota range cannot be understated.

The Avanza came second in this year’s Kinsey Report, which is produced by Pinetown­based veteran journalist Mal­ colm Kinsey to provide motorists with real market costs to service, maintain and repair a vehicle based on prices quot­ ed by parts retailers in the KZN area.

Pricing Avanza 1.3 S 5MT: R219 100 Avanza 1.3 SX 5MT: R235 900 Avanza 1.5 SX 5MT: R243 100 Avanza 1.5 SX 4AT: R261 600 Avanza 1.5 TX 5MT: R277 100 Avanza 1.3 S Panel Van 5MT R224 400

Trucks must get low windows for London

The new BR­V seven­seater promises to be as economical a transporter as its Mobilio predecessor.

PHOTO: QUICKPIC

AFTER a video went viral of an unwit­ ting truck driver pushing a man in a wheelchair for several blocks in Michi­ gan, U.S., the city of London an­ nounced plans for floor level windows in trucks.

In June, Ben Carpenter was pushed for four miles in Michigan after his wheelchair got hooked onto the long nose of a Freightliner truck while he

was crossing the road in his slow, electric wheelchair. Carpenter was not hurt in the short but high­speed ad­ venture that followed, but both tyres were burned off his chair’s rims.

In London, Mayor Sadiq Khan now wants all truck cabs to have windows at the driver’s feet so that they can see the street directly below the windscreen. Trucks that don’t have

such windows will be banned from London by 2020.

Khan cited statistics that showed large lorries were involved in 22,5% of pedestrian fatalities and 58% of cy­ clist fatalities on London’s roads in 2014 and 2015, despite only making four percent of total road miles driv­ en. Khan’s plan adds to similar plans by previous mayor Boris Johnson.

MOTORING WitnessWheels

October 20, 2016

7

SA’s most frugal bike Bike Econorun records lowest consumption in 12 years, at over 40 km per litre DRIES VAN DER BERG CAPE TOWN — For more than three decades, the RFS (Retirement Fund So­ lutions) Bike Econorun has been an an­ nual fixture on the South African motor­ cycling calendar.

The 2016 edition was no exception, with the fuel consumption of a variety of bikes tested under controlled condi­ tions. The Econorun is a solid indication of how well the various bikes in the local market do.

Capetonian Gareth Floweday, on a Yamaha YZF­R15, was the overall winner of the 2016 RFS Bike Econorun with an average consumption of 2,54 litres per 100 km, the lowest consumption achieved since 2004. Making his debut in last year’s event, Floweday already showed promise by taking second place overall, and he cemented his reputation with this year’s win.

He was also one of only two riders to return a sub­three litre/100 km average consumption over the 973 km route from Brakpan to Thaba ’Nchu on Sep­ tember 23 and September 24.

The second rider to break the three­li­ tre barrier was Mike Peel on a Honda NC750X, with an average of 2,7 litres per 100 km. First timer Gerard Dehlen, on a Yamaha YZF­R3, grabbed third place overall with 3,03 litres per 100 km.

Dave Leech on a BMW F800S and Willie Duvenhage on a BMW G 650 GS Sertao, completed the top five places with averages of 3,20 652, 3,21 870 and

Capetonian Gareth Floweday was the overall winner of the 2016 RFS Bike Econorun, with an average consumption of 2,54 litres/100 km on a Yamaha YZF­R15.

PHOTO: MICHAEL PRETORIUS

3,03 769 litres per 100 km, respectively.

The most contested category, Adven­ ture Motorcycles above 1 000 cm³, was won by Reg Gurnell on a BMW R 1200

GS with 4,1 litres per 100 km, while Grant Scott managed 4,29 litres per 100 km on a KTM 1050 Adventure to earn him second place. Louis Alberts, al­

so on a BMW R 1200 GS, finished third with 4,37 litres per 100 km.

A charity raffle raised R27 000 for the benefit of the Lethoteng Community Centre in Ladybrand.

This was made possible by donations by the likes of Bavarian Motorcycles, Bike SA, Biking Accessories, Bike Crazy, Dyna Beads, Hotel Numbi, 4×4 Mega World Zambesi, Rupert’s Bike Inn (Sa­ bie), Scott Motorcycles, Wildman Hunt­ ing and Outdoors Montana and Wind­ mill Wine Shop and Cottages.

Not to be outdone by business, com­ petitors managed to raise R12 000.

Team Burly donated a further R10 000 and a competitor donated his R5 000 lucky draw prize money as well.

The results of the Econorun are not just important to the industry, but also extremely valuable to the buying public who are looking to shave as much off their fuel bills as possible.

“Given the nature of the route and the fact that day one was a 677 km slog that kept riders in the saddle for over nine hours, the results were impressive,” said clerk of the course Francois Jordaan.

The Econorun, which has been orga­ nised by the Pretoria Motor Club since the event’s inception in 1982, is an im­ portant platform for the local motorcy­ cle industry in South Africa because it highlights the fuel efficiency of properly maintained and well­ridden motorcycles over a long distance.

The dates for next year’s event will be announced in due course. — Wheels24.

Before you invest in an actual classic …

DRIES VAN DER WALT

The bicycle bell that talks to other cyclists and guides the cyclist to quicker, safer routes.

PHOTO: BLUBEL TECH

THE SMART BICYCLE BELL BLUBEL Tech successfully raised £36 356 (R630 594) with 411 back­ ers to launch its bicycle bell with built­in Satnav.

The system links to and learns from the cycling community to find the safest routes, and helps navi­ gate the cyclist’s every turn.

“Our mission is to make cycling easier, safer and stress­free. We want cycling to be the main mode of transport in cities across the world,” said the 30­something founder Sasha Afanasieva.

Her concept was awarded the Venturespring Smart City Challenge award in 2015, which invited devel­ opers to create technology solu­ tions to some of the most serious problems facing modern cities.

Afanasieva said she broke quite a few smartphones trying to check a map on the screen while cycling in London. After a few narrow scrapes with buses, potholes and generally getting lost in traffic, she told herself there had to be some­ thing better than using Google maps on a dim screen.

The result is a bell that guides the cyclist with little lights, con­ nected via Bluetooth to a smart­ phone. Thus the Bluetooth bell, or Blubel was born, she posted on Linkedin. Crowd funding raised the R630 594 and the Blubel is now being couriered to buyers. — WR.

CAPE TOWN — Retro bikes have be­ come very popular lately and many man­ ufacturers have a retro offering in their line­up.

But what if you want to go the whole nine yards — buy an actual classic rather than a modern bike made to look old?

If you plan to venture into the world of classics for the first time, there are a few things you need to consider.

One of the first is to decide what you want to buy, not just brand and model, but also age. As a rule, the older the bike, the rarer and more expensive the spares will be.

Limited­production exotics may be more valuable than mass­production machines, but spares for those may be much harder to come by.

For your first classic it is a good idea not to go too old or rare. The late sixties and the seventies are good periods for a first classic.

An expert in your own right Once you have decided what you want, become an expert. Read everything you can find on the specific bike and chat to members of forums or owners’ clubs dedicated to the model.

There are many unscrupulous sellers out there and having good background knowledge will help prevent you from buying a lemon.

Becoming a member of an owners’ club is also a good idea, as it will help you source spares and resolve technical problems once you have bought your classic.

For a first­timer it is almost always better to buy a complete, running bike rather than one that needs massive res­ toration. As with any second­hand bike, carefully check out the bike’s mechanical and structural integrity, and have a po­ lice check done to ensure that you don’t inadvertently buy a stolen bike and risk forfeiting your investment.

Remember that many classics are more maintenance intensive than mod­ ern bikes, but the hands­on nature of

A bike from the seventies, like this 1977 Kawasaki Z1­R, is ideal for the classic rider who wants a bike that is easy to maintain.

PHOTO: MBIKE.COM owning a classic is part of the appeal.

Older bikes are usually easier to work on than their modern counterparts and get­ ting to know your classic inside out is a rewarding part of owning one.

Motorcycles don’t take well to just standing, and when you own a classic much of the experience is in actually rid­ ing it. I (and I assume many other riders) love the feel of an older bike. To me, they seem to have more character than many modern machines. That said, there are safety considerations to bear in mind when riding a classic.

Know what you’re buying While older bikes have much less per­ formance than their modern counter­ parts, they lag even further behind in terms of braking and handling. You also don’t have the additional safety net of modern electronic rider aids such as ABS and traction control. Take the time to familiarise yourself thoroughly with your classic’s handling, braking, balance and performance before you do any kind of spirited riding.

As mentioned before, maintenance is an important part of owning a classic,

and sooner or later you will need to find spares. Some of the bigger owners’ clubs have their own suppliers of parts and even commission the remanufacture of hard­to­find spares, so joining one of them might be worth much more than the membership dues.

Alternatively, take advantage of the ease of finding and importing things via the Internet. This has the advantage of allowing you to source spares from re­ gions with climates that have been kind to the old stuff.

Lastly, a vibrant industry has grown from supplying the classic motorcycle industry. There are specialist suppliers that have a good selection of remanufac­ tured and replacement parts for many popular models of older bikes to make your spares buying a lot easier.

Owning a classic can be either ex­ tremely rewarding or extremely frustrat­ ing — which experience you will be in for will depend on the level­headedness with which you approach it.

If you do decide to take the plunge and buy your first classic, here’s to hop­ ing it will bring you many years of pride and joy. — Wheels24.

Last year’s 125cc High School champion Jonathan Mlimi, was thrown into the competitive MX2 class this year, and the rookie managed a very good fourth place over all.

PHOTO: QUICKPIC

Three titles for Red Bull KTM riders THE newly designed and recently opened Terra Topia MX Track north of Fourways, Gauteng, played host to the final round of the South African National Motocross championship, a seven­round season with all seven races to count towards the champi­ onship.

With most titles still up for grabs, the motocross fraternity was looking forward to an epic showdown on what turned out to be a heated day, on and off the track.

85cc Junior class With more and more talented young­ sters coming through the ranks, the pressure in the 85cc Junior class was on between Red Bull KTM’s Jonathan Mlimi and his team­mate Nate McLellan. Both set a strong perform­ ance during the 2016 season with Mlimi leading the championship go­ ing into round seven and McLellan 30 points behind him in second place.

Mlimi ended the season off on a high with an impressive 1­1 finish at Terra Topia, being crowned the 2016 85cc Junior champion ahead of Nate McLellan, both racing their trusty KTM 85 SX weapons.

Red Bull KTM’s Camden McLel­ lan, older brother to Nate and 2016’s 65cc Junior champion, made a big step in 2016, when he went straight from the 65cc Junior class to the com­ petitive Pro Mini class.

Camden had secured the 85cc Pro Mini title at the previous round at Harrismith. He finished the season off with a great second place in heat one and an average result in heat two where he battled with brake prob­ lems at Terra Topia. He had clinched his title with overall wins at Pieter­ maritzburg and Harrismith, and now looks forward to competing in the Mini Os in the U.S. for the first time and next year he plans to defend his Pro Mini title in South Africa.

“Besides that, I will be heading off to Europe for a few events, so it’s go­ ing to be a busy season,” said McLel­ lan.

Mlimi, who was crowned 125cc High School champion in 2015, was thrown in the deep end when he moved up into the highly competitive MX2 class, which can be quite intimi­ dating. He quickly got to grips chang­ ing from two­stroke to four­stroke and finished 2016 in fourth place in the MX2 class.

Looking back at his 2016 season, he is proud of winning a heat at Har­ rismith and said he now knows what he needs to improve on for next year.

In the premier classes Kerim Fitz­ Gerald was untouchable, after get­ ting both titles in the bag early on in the season, he set himself a goal to win both the MX1 and MX2 cham­ pionship in the same season and came oh­so­close.

He now heads off to Red Bull Straight Rhythm in the U.S. — WR.

8

WitnessWheels MOTORING RACING

October 20, 2016

Team SA’s lucky 13 in Italy South Africa’s fastest karters ready to take on others from 50 countries in Rotax Max Finals STUART JOHNSTON A 13­DRIVER team from South Africa are in Italy this week to compete in the 17th running of international karting’s most competitive championship — the Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals.

Jonathan Pieterse from Pine­ town is back to racing, now in the DD2 Masters Category after a decade’s layoff.

Pieterse began racing at the age of 11 and won numerous im­ portant South African races as a youngster, including what was then known as the Natal (KZN) Championship. He then took a 10­year break from karting to es­ tablish his own automotive re­ pair business in Pinetown, called Vertex Auto.

After competing in the 2003 Grand Finals as part of the South African team in Egypt, Pieterse is enjoying the thrill of racing again. Married with two chil­ dren, Pieterse’s other interests are mountain biking and BMX, and he plays golf off an impress­ ive nine handicap.

“I’m really looking forward to competing at the highest level of karting competition in the world, in Italy. Participating in the 2003 Grand Finals in Egypt after a 10­ year break from karting, and in the 2016 Grand Finals are my best achievements.

“What I look forward to the most at World Finals this year is that I get to compete at the high­ est level there is, after so many years.”

Pieterse and his fellow South African racers have been measur­ ing themselves against 360 top karters from 50 countries.

As all drivers in the Grand Fi­ nals have to qualify for this world championship in their respective countries, the standard of driving is acknowledged to be the highest in the world in international kart­

FROM LEFT: Fabienne Lanz, Kwando Moekena and Jonathan Pieterse are among 13 karters from South Africa competing this week in the world’s toughest karting race, the Rotax Max Challenge, being staged in Sarno, Italy.

PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

V ED MURRAY, Rotax importer

‘South Africans have a huge legacy to live up to in the Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals’ ing. The pressure will be on com­ petitors from the moment they arrive in Sarno, near Naples.

With 360 karters competing in six categories, track time famili­ arisation practice, qualifying and elimination races have been tak­ ing place since Monday to the lead up to the Grand Finals, which will be run on Saturday.

“We have a large team this year, comprising a good mix of experience and young talent,” said South African Rotax import­ er Ed Murray, who accompanied the team to Italy.

“And, of course, we have a huge legacy to live up to in the Rotax Max Challenge Grand Fi­ nals. Since the first event in Peur­ to Rico 16 years ago, South Afri­ cans have won no fewer than 12 world titles. And in Spain in 2014, we won the prestigious Nations Cup.” The event officially started last Saturday, with registration at the Circuito Internazionale Napoli, followed by various pre­event functions. Unique to any other

racing series in the world, each driver is presented with a new kart chassis and engine, as well as tyres, fuel, a kart trolley and tools.

The kit is awarded in a raffle, which was held on Sunday. This ensures absolute parity of equip­ ment in this karting series, as all karts are checked for legality after each on­track session.

The pressure on drivers to learn the circuit and find a good chassis set­up was intense all week. They will today start racing in elimination heats, with pre­ final races run tomorrow.

On Saturday, the finals start from 10 am (SA time). Local en­ thusiasts can watch live stream­ ing of the event on www.rotax­ kart.com (click on the Grand Fi­ nals button).

Another driver with high hopes for Italy is the current Afri­ can Maxterino Karting champi­ on, Kwanda Mokoena.

The 12­year­old from Pauls­ hof, Sandton, has worked flat out in the build­up to the Big Week

in Italy, often racing and winning in three classes in regional races on a single race day and fighting hard en route to ending up run­ ner­up in both the SA national Maxterino and Mini Rok cham­ pionships, which Mini Rok class world title the Rivonia Primary pupil will now chase.

“I am upbeat and ready to step up my game, and most of all, I am honoured to be going to Italy to represent South Africa in the Mini Rok World Finals,” Kwanda said.

“But I am under no illusions — there will be 170 of the best drivers from all over the world chasing just 30 places on the final grid, so it’s going to be a hell of a job all week long!”

That especially considering that there will be names like Fitti­ paldi, Barrichello, Montoya, Tru­ lli and Badoer — all sons and grandsons of those F1 racers — among that all­star field.

“I’m hoping for a bit of luck though. It’s been a hard year — we lost two national champion­

ships by a point or less each, so I am so thankful for all the love, support and belief my team, Thabs my mechanic, my parents and family have had in me when it felt like I had such a heavy load on my shoulders.

“But now it’s time for the Rok World Finals and I’d like to wish every one of my countrymen competing the best of luck. Let’s make South Africa proud!”

The Europeans are not the on­ ly ones to take inherited driving skills to the track.

South Africa’s Fabienne Lanz will be competing in the DD2 Category with all the genetic and practical back­up her motorsport family can provide — with her fa­ ther, Peter, being a former SA sa­ loon car champion.

Lanz currently leads the 2016 Northern Regions Senior Max championship, and was runner­ up in the 2012 African Open.

She has been three times run­ ner­up in the South African Na­ tional Max Challenge Champi­ onship.

Lanz also has extensive over­ seas racing experience, which will stand her in good stead in Italy, although she has never raced at the Sarno track.

Among international success­ es she was the first woman to step onto the podium (fifth place) at the 2007 World Rok Finals, and has also won in the UAE Senior Max category.

Karting is Lanz’s life and she currently runs a team of 25 young karters just starting out in the sport. “Growing the sport is the aim,” she said. When not karting, she loves being in nature, and al­ so competes in the Jeep Warrior Race each year.

As for Italy, she said: “Going into these Grand Finals is excit­ ing and a bit nerve­tingling, as I have never been to Sarno and there are only five sessions to get in the groove. But at the same time, I am at my best under pres­ sure!”

The youngest driver on the SA team, Joshua de Paiva, is only nine, and will compete in Micro Max Category against drivers be­ tween the ages of seven and 10.

Despite his tender years, Josh­ ua already has five years of top­ level karting behind him, having competed since the age of four.

He won the Micro Max cate­ gory in the 2016 African Open meeting at Zwartkops, and he is currently lying second in the re­ gional Maxterino series for driv­ ers aged eight to 13.

Last year, he represented Por­ tugal (he has dual citizenship) in a non­championship Micro Max race at the Grand Finals, so he has international experience too.

“I’m looking forward to the 2016 Grand Final because Rotax makes me feel like a Formula One driver, or a famous rock star. I feel special and proud to represent my country, and I even get my own personal umbrella girl!” said the young racer.

Audi A3 dominant in GTC championship

Peugeot ready for Hilux battle Team Peugeot Total recorded the fastest stage times in the recent Rallye du Maroc in the 3008 DKR and 2008 DKR vehicles, and expressed themselves confident of defending their Dakar crown against the very fast new rear­wheel drive, made­in­SA Hilux models that Toyota Gazoo Racing will fly to South America for a enduro battle that promises to make the 2017 Dakar one to remember come January.

PHOTO: MOTORSPORT, QUICKPIC

THREE rounds have been com­ pleted in the 2016 championship title fight and the Engen Xtreme team hold first and third in the national Sasol GTC Africa cham­ pionship with their Audi A3 GTC race cars.

Michael Stephen leads with a significant advantage of 183 points, with his team­mate Si­ mon Moss in third spot.

The Engen Xtreme team com­ pete at the upgraded Kyalami cir­ cuit in Johannesburg on Sunday, October 23, with two more ac­ tion­packed races — which could also see the first race win for Moss.

The first half of the inaugural season has seen Stephen and his Engen Audi A3 GTC the domi­ nant competitor so far. Stephen has won all but one race of the eight that have already taken place.

Moss has appeared on the po­ dium three times in two events, twice in second­place finishes.

He currently holds third place in the championship, with basi­ cally two completed race meet­ ings since his very first round was plagued with technical problems.

The Kyalami event provides another opportunity for the En­ gen Xtreme team racers to show

Unburnt fuel from the racing exhaust of Michael Stephen’s Audi A3 flares as he adds to his leading tally of 183 points in the Sasol GTC Africa championship.

PHOTO: MOTORPRESS

their competition how it should be done.

“My results have been getting better all the time,” said Moss.

“Fastest practice laps, fastest race laps, grid starts from the front row and podium finishes.

“It is all going in the right di­ rection and I’m working for bet­ ter results with each race. I can’t wait for Kyalami and the chal­ lenge that represents.”

For the championship leader, Kyalami will be his next opportu­ nity to continue with his winning strategy, another step in his cam­

paign to claim the first GTC title.

“The GTC season has been a crowded one, getting the cars ready in time and then managing a six­round season with little time between events,” said Ste­ phen.

“From the outset, we arrived prepared and ready to win. We’ve proved that at each round and our goal for the season is to be the team to beat.”

Competition on one of South Africa’s most popular motor­ sport circuits is going to be in­ tense among the GTC racers at

round four of the championship.

The Engen Xtreme team will ar­ rive as the leading team in the se­ ries — ready to deliver another exciting and action­packed race day for motorsport fans. — WR.

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