Wheels 13 aug 2015

CARS WANTED

August 13, 2015

Witness

WHEELS

ADVERTISING: AVIR THULSIRAM ON 084 278 3447

Exotic,luxury and supercars WANTED FOR CASH must be low mileage and mint condition, email pics and brief description to ashgani@telkomsa.net

ASH EXOTICS Dealers in Superfine Exotic and Sports Cars Tel: 033 345 1971, 033 342 4717 Fax: 033 342 2900 - www.ashcarsales.co.za 534/550 Church Street, Pietermaritzburg 3201 • Ash 083 786 3377

… NOW YOU’RE MOTORING

Baynesfield goes massive in Midlands ALWYN VILJOEN

The largest tractor yet sold in the Midlands. Seen here with the John Deere 8425R are Baynesfield top tractor operators (from left) Samuel Mkhize, Thulani Mzimande and Jabulani Mncwabe, with Shane Holmes (second left), Mascor specialist from the group’s Greytown head office.

PHOTO: ALWYN VILJOEN

Ford’s plan to hold 15% market share in South Africa bears fruit ALWYN VILJOEN “OUR plan is working,” said Rob Crouse, Ford South Africa’s sales and marketing director.

Speaking at Ford’s second annual Go Further Africa event, held in Johannesburg on August 11, Crouse was referring to the 15% market share Ford now enjoys in South Africa.

Jeff Nemith, president and CEO Ford Motor Company of Sub­Saharan Africa region, predicts this share will grow on the back of eight new Fords coming to Africa, a new assembly plant in Nigeria, and even two Ford electric bicycles.

These eight models are the all­wheel drive Focus RS hatchback; the more fuel­efficient Ranger bak­ kie range; the Everest SUV, which arrives at dealer­ ships across Africa in the fourth quarter; the Mus­ tang; the affordable Figo sedan; the B­MAX with its sliding doors; the Edge sedan and, finally, the 3,7­litre, V6 Explorer Police Interceptor, the top­ selling law­enforcement vehicle in the United States and brought to southern Africa on the ad­ vice of the Ford Police Advisory Board in the U.S. Erica Klampfl, future mobility manager at Ford Motor Company, said the e­bikes form part of Ford’s plan to create “the next level in connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles, big data and an overall emphasis on improving the customer expe­ rience”.

“The eBike is designed for all types of commer­

The all­wheel drive Focus RS hatchback.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED cial uses and is aimed at reducing congestion by allowing small businesses and courier companies to deliver goods without negatively impacting on traffic,” said Klampfl.

She said to help change the way the world moves, Ford is also gathering and mining big data through an open source project called Ford X­Car Social Innovation Action Partnership (SIAP).

Nemeth said Ford is partnering with Coscharis Motors group in Nigeria to assemble Ranger bak­ kies in Ikeja, in the Lagos State. The bodies will be sourced from the Silverton plant in Pretoria and engines from Struandale plant in Port Elizabeth.

“This means more work for the plants and their suppliers,” said Nemeth, adding Nigeria will be the second African country to build Ford vehicles, To service its models across Africa, Ford also plans to have 22 Quick Lane Tyre and Auto Centre across Sub­Saharan Africa by 2018.

V ERICA KLAMPFL future mobility manager at Ford Motor Company

Ford’s eBike is aimed at reducing congestion by allowing small businesses and courier companies to deliver goods without negatively impacting on traffic.”

MASCOR Pietermaritzburg has sold the largest tractor yet in the Midlands to the Baynesfield Estate. Mascor manager for the Midlands region Brian Bennet said the John Deere 8­series tractor makes 245 horsepower and has all the trimmings to make the operator’s work easier, from GPS positioning of the tractor to a seat that swivels to facilitate over­the­shoulder steering.

The tractor cost close to R1,8 million and was fi­ nanced through John Deere finance.

Bennet said the 8245R is not the largest tractor in KwaZulu­Natal, as more farmers in KZN are opting to buy bigger units that can do more in the short planting and harvest times.

Bennet said a large tractor can plant 13 rows at a time, compared with four rows for smaller tractors, which is a three­fold increase in productivity, and of course ensures the planting and harvesting gets done in the optimum period.

While all large John Deere tractors are equipped for auto­steering and precision planting through real­time kinetic satellite towers, Bennet said operators will al­ ways be needed on tractors.

This massive 8245R tractor, as well as vintage steam tractors and a range of agricultural equipment that was used in the decades between them, will be demonstrat­ ed during the Baynesfield Fair to be held from Septem­ ber 26 to September 27.

2

WitnessWheels MOTORING

August 13, 2015

Volkswagen says the new Polo model range is now complete VOLKSWAGEN said it has now completed the new Polo model range with the introduction of the 1.0 TSI BlueMotion — the first Volkswagen BlueMotion with TSI engine, 1.4 TDI engines and GTI with manual transmis­ sion.

The refreshed Polo was launched in June 2014 with the introduction of fuel­efficient four­cylinder 1.0 TSI engines and class­leading driver assistance systems such as Automatic Post­ Collision Braking and Fatigue

Detection. For the interior, a new instrument cluster and infotain­ ment system were also intro­ duced.

Polo celebrated its 40th anni­ versary this April. The first­gen­ eration Volkswagen Polo was launched in Europe in 1975.

South Africa had to wait until October 1996 for its first Polo model, which plugged the gap be­ tween the Citi Golf and Golf. The first South African Polo was a se­ dan, which was based on the Seat Cordoba. The Polo Classic, as it

was known, became an immedi­ ate success and in July 1998, it was joined by the hatchback vari­ ant the Polo Playa, which was based on the Seat Ibiza.

In October 2002, the all­new Polo, this time based on the Ger­ man model, was launched in South Africa. In 2003, it became the first Volkswagen to be award­ ed the South African Car of the Year title. The new Polo Classic was launched in March 2003.

Polo is one of the world’s best­ selling compact models, with

over 14 million units produced and sold worldwide to date.

The Volkswagen factory in Uit­ enhage is one of two plants in the Volkswagen network that assem­ bles the Polo hatch. In South Af­ rica, the Polo is produced for the local and export markets. Since its launch in 2010, the Polo hatch has consistently been the second best­selling passenger car in SA. The best­selling passenger car in SA since 2010 has been the Polo Vivo, which was launched in the same year. — Supplied.

The full family of Polos, now with the new 1.0 TSI BlueMotion, which adds the most frugal engine to SA’s second best­selling hatch.

PHOTO: QUICKPIC

For hot hatch enthusiasts The dynamic and versatile hatch has driving dynamics expected of the new Germans OPEL has added a 110 kW Corsa hatch to its product line­up, which is aimed squarely at the Polo buyers and Opel said its German product is tuned for the more enthusiastic driver.

The Corsa Sport slots in just above the three­cylinder 1,0 litre turbocharged Cosmo model and rounds off a Corsa line­up of five models, namely the 1,0T Cosmo, 1,0T ecoFlex Enjoy, 1,0T Essentia and 1,4 six­speed Automatic.

The new model is a dynamic and versatile hatch equipped with a 1,4 turbo­charged ecoTec engine boasting a 110 kW at 5 000 rom and 220 Nm at 3 000 rpm. The 1,4 Turbo weighs just 118 kg and features a cast­iron block and aluminium cylinder head.

“Opel’s engineers have done an outstanding job with the Cor­ sa Sport. It’s an exciting vehicle which looks good without being over the top and of course the driving dynamics exhibit the key characteristics we have come to expect of all our new Germans,” said Opel brand manager Chris­ topher Cradock.

State­of­the­art drivetrain The Corsa 1,4T Sport is equipped with the latest engine from Opel’s ecoTec family of small petrol engines. Combining both performance and efficiency, the engine propels the Corsa from a standing start to 0­100 km/h in 9,6 seconds, with a top speed of 204 km/h.

The 1,4T Sport’s tested fuel consumption is 7,4 l/100 km in

Apart from the plush interior, the Corsa hatch boasts several optional driver­assistance systems that are unique in this class.

The new Opel Corsa hatch is aimed squarely at VW Polo buyers.

PHOTOS: QUICKPIC city driving.

Some of the engine’s notable features include a 16 valve cylin­ der head with natrium­cooled exhaust valves which allow for in­ creased airflow, optimised inlet port and reduced component temperatures, thereby increasing performance.

Another key feature of this en­ gine is the Double CamPhaser (D — CVCP) for increased airflow and optimised valve timing. This feature allows for reduced fuel consumption and increased per­ formance.

Furthermore, as is the trend with Opel for downsizing en­ gines, turbocharging is used to create low­end torque, enabling

FILM YOUR RIMS

longer ratios to reduce fuel con­ sumption and increase driver en­ joyment.

Fuel consumption is further reduced by optimising oil pres­ sure, reducing friction and con­ trolling engine heat up, and cool­ ing.

The Corsa Sport comes with a six­speed manual transmission with synchronised gears, includ­ ing reverse, with short­shift trav­ el. The gearbox has a cable shift system for improved shiftability, sync reverse gear, hydraulic clutch actuation, and low­viscos­ ity oil.

Dynamic handling To further optimise the ride and handling performance of the

Corsa, the front suspension ge­ ometry has been optimised via changes on the front knuckle to improve vehicle roll behaviour, steering response and understeer behaviour. The vehicle has a low­ er centre of gravity and front spring rates adapted to axle loads to improve vehicle ride and pitch behaviour.

The changes are engineered to offer a significant improvement in ride, more stable and safer han­ dling, better steering feel and precision as well as an improved NVH­behaviour.

To further improve refine­ ment, the new Corsa has a Neu­ tral Torque Axis (NTA) engine mounting system with two load­

carrying mounts to the body and one torque mount attached to the sub frame. This system con­ tributes to the driving comfort, improves fuel economy since idle can be lowered, has excellent idle shake insulation performance and improves the NVH behav­ iour.

Driver­assistance options The Corsa Sport comes standard with six air bags and a five­star NCAP safety rating, but also has several optional driver­assist­ ance systems that are unique in this class.

These include 25 Watt bi­xe­ non headlamps with cornering light control and LED daytime running lights. The static corner­

There is money in that old scrap

One person’s scrap is another’s profit: Petro Townsend offers a rusted metal Coca­Cola cooler box for R3 000 and a new plastic John Deere tractor for R400.

PHOTO: ALWYN VILJOEN

ALWYN VILJOEN Hydrographic coating — also known as water transfer coatings, has become all the rage among car pimpers, who cover especially rims and mirror housings in this long­ lasting film. Skulls (seen on the left) and camouflage coatings are very popular, said Alison Pheiffer, who coats just about anything as well as sells DYI kits in Pietermaritzburg. Because the films are non­flammable, an entire helicopter has also been coated in camouflage film, at a cost of over R25k. For Wheels readers, Pheiffer now has a discount price on a DIY kit with extra film for four rims at R1 235, while stocks last. Find her shop opposite the Chinese Mart, next to Makro.

PHOTO: ALWYN VILJOEN

WITH a decent hatch retailing for a quarter of a bar these days, many people wonder if it wouldn’t be cheaper to rebuild an old car?

Not so, say Pietermaritzburg’s fraternity of greasy car restorers.

They have a saying: “It is not scrap, it is just an old part not currently in use.”

Wheels writer Amil Umraw, who has skinned his knuckles many times fixing up an old Ford Prefect with his father, warns

ing lights are triggered when the indicators are activated or when reverse gear is selected, providing added illumination of corners and obstacles.

Opel’s new­generation Ad­ vanced Park Assist 2 (APA2), available as an option on Enjoy, Cosmo derivatives and Sport, identifies suitable parking spaces under 30 km/h and automatically parks the vehicle, without the driver touching the wheel.

The ultrasonic sensor­based system, which uses front and rear parking sensors and a rear­view camera, measures parallel or per­ pendicular parking spots, calcu­ lates the vehicle’s trajectory and automatically steers the Corsa into a space. The driver just con­ trols acceleration, deceleration and gear selection.

APA2 partners with Side Blind Spot Alert, which also uses the ultrasonic sensors to warn the driver of an imminent collision when changing lanes.

The sensors have a range of three metres to the left and right of the car, enabling them to de­ tect objects or other vehicles in the driver’s blind spot. Whenever another vehicle comes within range of the sensors, a warning LED illuminates in the relevant exterior door mirror. The system is active up to 140 km/h. — WR. MODEL LINE­UP AND PRICING Corsa 1,0T Essentia R185 500 Corsa 1,0T Enjoy R216 200 Corsa 1,4 Enjoy AT R216 500 Corsa 1,0T Cosmo R236 300 Corsa 1,4 T Sport R255 200

that it is a long and expensive road to recovery when one is bit­ ten by the car restorers’ bug.

Even collectors of auto memo­ rabilia do not get off cheaply.

This is because old parts are not made anymore. Those who have the old part you need or want, can charge even more than car

sellers do for their new parts. One company that has long profited from this reality is Kobus van der Merwe and Sons, whose staff man the company’s fascinating stalls at large gatherings of petrol heads, such as the weekend’s Cars in the Park at the Zwartkops Race Track in Pretoria West.

Petro Townsend showed Wheels a rusted metal Coca­Cola cooler box selling for R3 000, and a new plastic John Deere tractor, which was R400. A lot cheaper are chrome­plated car logos. A Valiant logo sells for R350 a set and a square of metal stating the engine is V8 is R250.

MOTORING WitnessWheels

August 13, 2015

3

Eye­catching, elegant and fills the gap BRIAN BASSETT takes all the short cuts he knows through the city in the new Honda HRV.

THE SUV and crossover market has expanded significantly both in the world and in South Africa over the past five years, and Hon­ da, with its already successful CR­V and Jazz, has built a consid­ erable reputation as a maker of good, durable and well­designed vehicles.

The Jazz is a favourite with re­ tired people and the CRV serves families who can afford a larger SUV. What Honda did not have in the South African market until recently was a compact crossover that could compete with the likes of the Nissan Qashqai, Opel Mokka and Hyundai ix35 —a product which combined the best features of the Jazz with those of the CR­V at a realistic price. Enter the Honda HR­V (Hybrid Recreational Vehicle).

My thanks to Gary Stokes, dealer principal of Honda Fury, Pieter­ maritzburg, for allowing me a few days to get to know the car.

Styling Honda designers have ensured that the HR­V is distinctive. The exterior is eye­catching and ele­ gant, with a design that blends together a sleek cabin and dy­ namic lower body.

The body shape and tapering rear windows add a sporty side profile complemented by rear­ door handles integrated into the side windows, giving a sporty, al­ most coupé­like profile.

The sporty motif is carried through by the sharply cut swage

lines along the body, which pro­ vide decided agility and youth­ fulness to the overall design.

The HR­V is distinctively a Honda, with its bold, flowing wing design of the unified front grill and headlamps. Foglamps are built into the front bumper and punctuate the car’s feeling of toughness and durability. The rear is crisply styled with the large, molded tail­gate allowing easy access to rear storage space.

Interior Access to the interior is easy with the hip­height seats. The overall impression is of spaciousness, quality and excellent ergonom­ ics.

The use of quality, soft­touch surfaces subtly accented with brushed­chrome highlights pro­ vides a premium ambience. The cockpit has a sports­car like en­ veloping feel, with a high deck console that houses the auto­ matic gear lever. The combina­ tion of analogue dials and digital information readouts provide adequate, but not overwhelming driving information, with a light­ ed floating ring around the

speedometer that indicates by changing its colour whether the driver is driving economically or not. The dashboard is framed by the multi­function steering wheel with flappy paddles, which are fully adjustable, and control the usual radio and Bluetooth functions as well as the cruise control. A central touch screen in the upper dash is a useful infor­ mation tool.

The four­speaker radio/CD/ Aux system has plugs for all your electronic toys. The interior houses four adults easily, five with a slight squeeze. The HR­V also has the so­called “magic seat” system which made the Jazz so well­liked and the boot pro­ vides 393 litres with all seats in place and 1 006 litres to the win­ dow line with the rear seats fold­ ed away in 60/40 fashion.

Safety The HR­V is a car for young fami­ lies and those who need a little more than the Jazz. Therefore it has the whole alphabet soup of safety devices including ABS, EBD, EBA, Vehicle Stability As­ sist, Hill Start Assist, Auto Brake

hold and a whole lot more. If you are like me, you will spend a little while looking for the electric hand brake. I am old enough to be used to a conventional hand brake and as with most things electronic, I am a little nervous.

Like most cars these days, the HR­V has central locking, speed­ sensitive locking doors and an alarm that wakes the neighbours when my two well­fed cats decide to jump onto the vehicle in the middle of the night.

The HR­V also has six front, side and curtain air bags, and seatbelts for all, with IsoFix child­seat anchors. It also has a five­star Asean­NCAP rating and so is safe for family consumption.

Performance and handling The HR­V Comfort CVT is a pleasant and inviting car to drive.

I liked the high ride, which makes parking and manoeuvring in the city easy, and the four­cylinder, 1,5­litre, 88 kW/145 Nm engine puts out enough power to move you out of danger if necessary.

Cruising on the highway is al­ so pleasurable as the kick­in gear provides enough power to pass

“Cruising on the highway is also pleasurable as the kick­in gear provides enough power to pass easily any articulated vehicle. On D roads in the Midlands the HR­V is stable, even at speed. The CVT gearbox is so smooth that you are not aware of gear changes and sound proofing is really good.”

easily any articulated vehicle. On D roads in the Midlands, the HR­V is stable, even at speed. The CVT gearbox is so smooth that you are not aware of gear changes and sound proofing is good.

I was tempted to take the HR­V off­road, but for that you need a CR­V and most people do not take their cars on Camel Trophy­ type rallies, the riskiest we get is the school run. Performance is SUV­like, with the 0­100 km/h coming up in about 12 seconds and a top speed of 180 kmh.

Fuel consumption is difficult because so much depends on how and where you drive. The manufacturers suggest a con­ sumption of 6,2 l/100 km, but the vehicle I drove suggested that I was getting more like 7,9litres.

Costs and guarantees The 1,5 Comfort will cost you R299 900, or just over R300 000 with on­road costs.

The 1,8­litre i­VTEC due later this year is likely to be around R355 000. The car comes with a three­year or 100 000 km war­ ranty and five­year or 90 000 km service plan. Servi­ ces are every 15 000 kms. This is one of the most hotly contested segments of the South African car market, so negotiate and also look at the Kia Soul 1,6 Start Au­ tomatic, the Ford Ecosport 1,5 Titanium Powershift, the Toyota Rav4 GX CVT, the Nissan Qash­ qai and the new Renault Captur (see page 6), to name but a few.

Car seat that can read your gestures RESEARCHERS at the Fraunhofer Institute for Sili­ cate Research ISC, in collabo­ ration with Isringhausen GmbH & Co. KG, have engi­ neered a driver’s seat that can be calibrated intuitively through gestures.

The research was driven by the number of drivers who de­ velop back pain from spend­ ing on average nine hours a day behind a steering wheel.

Back pain can be alleviated by simply adjusting the seat to fit the person at the wheel.

Johannes Ehrlich of the Centre for Smart Materials (Cesma) at Fraunhofer ISC said most truck seats can be adjusted widely, but most drivers don’t have time to fid­ dle with their seats during a day’s journey.

To make it easy to adjust the seat, Ehrlich said Cesma used a sensor­based gesture control system that senses movement or registers a quick finger press to move the seat forwards and backwards, as well as up and down.

“In addition, he or she can also custom­set the incline of the thigh support and back rest in the same manner,” said Ehrlich.

The piezosensors are built into the side of the seat and are activated with brief pres­ sure on a certain point on the side cover. “This way we pre­ vent the motion control from being triggered accidentally,” said Ehrlich.

In addition, seat positions can be stored through this point by pressing several times, which is a useful option if multiple drivers are using the same truck. Proximity sensors that are likewise built into the side cover are used to detect gestures.

They can track the smallest changes in electrical fields in the environment, such as when they are triggered through hand motions. An­ other software program engi­ neered at ISC reads these sen­ sors and determines the hand’s direction of motion from this.

The arrangement of the sensors in the side panel is therefore of decisive impor­ tance. “We have attached electrodes to the relatively limited space, so that the nec­ essary control gestures are easy and ergonomically fa­ vourable,” said Ehrlich.

An intelligent algorithm in the software guarantees that multiple electrodes can be evaluated simultaneously, thereby reducing incorrect operation. Once the operator has performed the settings, the gesture control automati­ cally shuts off as soon as the hand is moved away from the sensor area. The driver then receives confirmation that the gestures were stored suc­ cessfully through an LED in­ strument.

Isringhausen GmbH, to­ gether with the ISC scien­ tists, has already realised a fully functional prototype of the sensor seat. It will be un­ veiled at the IAA in Frankfurt this year. — WR.

4

WitnessWheels MOTORING

August 13, 2015

Next­generation design All­new models are a revolutionary step forward for dirt champions of tomorrow HUSQVARNA has announced its 2016 motocross line­up, stat­ ing it represents a revolutionary step forward in dirt bikes.

“Every detail of this new from the ground up motocross range has been specifically designed to improve performance,” said the company in a statement.

Husqvarna said its new six­ model range for 2016 ensures racers and riders alike have the perfect machinery to achieve their goals. The range comprises the FC 450, FC 350 and FC 250 four­stroke models, and the TC 125.

A frame like nothing before Rethinking torsional rigidity and longitudinal stiffness, the hydro­ formed, laser­cut and robot­ welded chromium molybdenum steel frame is lighter and more compact to offer better handling and feeling than its predecessor.

Coupled with its new, three­piece carbon­fibre subframe, which is one kilogramme lighter than the previous subframe, and a new cast­aluminium swing arm, it en­ sures a motorcycle with unri­ valled ride ability and ease of use.

Perfectly matching the new chassis characteristics, the new CNC machined triple clamps, WP’s 4CS forks, and new shorter and 500 grams lighter WP rear shocks are mated to a new rear­ link geometry, which improves both damping and balance. It en­ sures optimum traction and con­ trol across all riding situations and terrains.

Smaller, lighter engines In the engine department the FC 450, FC 350 and FC 250 enjoy further developments and im­ provements, and together with the TC 125, benefit from a signifi­ cant reduction in engine weight.

Across all four­stroke models, a new Keihin engine manage­ ment system processes data fast­ er, while a 44 mm throttle body – compact and 100 grams lighter – provides immediate throttle response thanks to the elimina­ tion of a throttle linkage. New for MY16 is launch control, integrat­ ed into the standard handlebar map switch. With the ability to alter engine characteristics, the launch­control feature seeks out maximum traction to deliver consistently perfect starts as standard.

The two­stroke range, in par­ ticular the TC 125 eighth­litre machine, received a significantly

Husqvarna’s all­new Swedish design is across six models, with much lighter four­ or two­stroke engines.

PHOTO: QUICKPIC smaller and lighter engine.

Redesigned and repackaged with a new power valve and ex­ haust, it has an increased power output from 38 hp to 40 hp. The 2016 TC 125 is 3,2 kg lighter com­ pared to the previous model.

For the youngest racers in the Husqvarna family, the agile and powerful TC 85 is the ideal entry machine into motocross.

Adorned with stylish colours and graphics, it is the perfect motor­

SPECIAL PACKAGE ON OFFER

Ahead of the launch of the all­new Audi A4 early in 2016, Audi South Africa will be releasing four models of the current Audi A4 with the Sport Edition Plus package for R8 250. Only the 1,8T FSI SE and 2,0 TDI 130 kW SE models get this design enhancement, which is valued at R65 000 and includes 19­inch alloy wheels, the S­line sport suspension, four Audi RS4 exterior colours and integrated rear boot spoiler and S line rear bumper, front and rear park assist. Audi said only 1 400 Sport Edition Plus models will be available in SA. Pricing starts at R421 250 for the 1,8T manual and goes up to R446 750 for the 2,0 TDI SE. PHOTO: QUICKPIC

cycle for the champions of to­ morrow. Refinements to the TC 250, including new CNC triple clamps with rubber damping, a new seat cover and new disc brakes, make it a formidable competitor to its four­stroke brothers.

All models went banting Overall weight savings have been significant. The FC 450 is now 5,2 kg lighter than the previous model, while the FC 350 is 4.7 kg

less than the 2015 machine. The FC 250 has been lightened by 4,0 kg. Importantly, the exhaust system has been completely rede­ signed to improve mass centrali­ sation and reduce sound levels in keeping with Fim limits. Notably shorter and sleeker, the FC 450 sees its resonance chambers inte­ grated into the header pipe.

Inspired design Keeping in line with a more com­ pact and sleeker generation of

motorcycles, the distinctive and futuristic bodywork, with strik­ ing pearl­blue and electric yellow colours and graphics, marks a new era in Swedish­inspired de­ sign. The revised ergonomics and new seat provide greater comfort and superior control in all riding situations.

Finally, new GSK brake discs, Pro Taper handlebars, ODI lock­ on grips, new WP radiators, new seven­litre polythene fuel tanks,

a new air box design with tool­ less air­filter access, as well as black DID alloy rims, CNC ma­ chined hubs and Dunlop MX52 tyres, further ensure that the all­ new MY16 motocross line­up is one of the most sophisticated on the market.

The new Husqvarna MY16 motocross range will be available from all authorised European Husqvarna dealers from Septem­ ber. — WR.

Study reveals habits of electric fortwo drivers WHEELS has been keeping track on how the big car sellers are pre­ paring to make and sell cars to a new generation of car buyers who would rather share than own a car, and who don’t want to be held hostage to high oil prices.

Mercedes­Benz conducted an eMerge study that looked at how 146 drivers of smart fortwo elec­ tric cars used their vehicles over a two­year period.

In total, the cars covered more than 997 700 km. The most effi­ cient car in the group used just 10,4 kWh of electricity per 100 kilometres and the car that went the furthest on a full charge covered 161 kilometres.

Official numbers for the cars are 16,3 kWh per 100 kilometres and 145 kilometres of range.

The eMerge study collected data concerning when and where the cars were recharged. Data such as charging time and charg­ ing frequency were also collected and evaluated. The drivers were also interviewed regularly.

The study revealed several in­ teresting conclusions that will help the electric car industry un­ derstand the marketplace for its cars.

It found that the typical sup­ porter of electric mobility is edu­ cated and tech­savvy, with an above­average income. It also found that the less an interviewee knew about electric mobility, the more negative their opinion, which supports the idea that to gain general acceptance of elec­ tric cars, it is important to get

more of them on the road so that others can see them and learn about them.

Not surprisingly, the purchase price is a key criterion for or against an electric car, but many people do not know how much an EV can save in fuel costs.

The ideal target group in the study turned out to be commut­ ers who drive a daily distance of 48 kilometres or more. People in that group are able to fully appre­ ciate the low operating and main­ tenance costs of an electric car.

The key factors in the decision to drive an EV are range, perform­ ance, space and charging time.

Access to a public charging infra­ structure is deemed important as well. Image was very important to the study group, whereas envi­

ronmental awareness was of mi­ nor importance. That last point should come as no surprise as our cars are often an extension of our personality; what we drive says who we are.

Mercedes is about to begin the eMerge2 study, which will in­ volve 200 cars, including the B Class EV and various Mercedes plug­in hybrids. The new study is designed to identify differences in how usage patterns vary be­ tween drivers of battery electric cars and those with plug­in hy­ brid capability. In a press release about the new study, Mercedes said that it plans on having 10 plug­in hybrid models by 2017. It also says it is contemplating more battery electric and fuel­ cell cars. — WR.

Be your own woman. Own your own Volkswagen.

By Pieter from Maritzburg My family celebrated Women’s day wholeheartedly. It was a great opportunity to teach the kids how unquestionably deserving women are of admiration, let alone equality. “Women should be celebrated every day, not just once a year” we explained to our son. Of course our daughter milked this and demanded his respect the whole day.

after-sales, service. And for any woman living between Durban and the Drakensburg they’ll get just that from the ‘Bespoke Volkswagen Dealers’ at Barons Pietermaritzburg – they’ll tailor the deal to suit your budget and needs. So you can continue to be your own woman and own your own Volkswagen.

The day got me thinking how all too often advertising of cars is geared more towards the man.

Surely women would appreciate a good buy as much as the next guy. And I believe nothing shouts ‘good buy’ as much as the quality and reliability of Das Auto Engineering and the fuel efficiency and economy of BlueMotion Technology. Women also have a right to the best sales, and

Barons VW Pietermaritzburg can be found at 9 Armitage Road. They are committed to bringing you quality cars and excellent service at the best possible prices ALL year round! To start hunting for your dream vehicle, visit www.baronsvwpmb.co.za. And to book a test drive or service call (033) 845 3100. Open Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm, and Saturdays 8am – 1pm.

New Polo GTI. It’s not just a car. It’s a Golf.

Ultimate Performance = Ultimate Confidence.

Adventure calls.

service plan 5 year / 90 000km warranty m 0k 00 0 12 / 3 year

5 year / 60 000km

New Golf SV 81kW Trendline from R293,900* incl. VAT

Maintenance Plan

Tiguan 2.0 TDI 81kW Trend & Fun for R329,999* incl.

VAT and save R32,500.

The New Golf SV 81kW Trendline standard features include:

The Tiguan 2.0 TDI 81kW Trend & Fun standard features include:

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Air bags: Driver and passenger Leather multifunction steering wheel Front and rear electric windows Electric and heated side mirrors Black roof rails Front centre armrest

6-speed manual Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) Front, side and curtain Airbags Electronic Park Brake with Auto-hold

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High-Beam Control “Light Assist” Cruise Control Start-Stop with Brake Energy Recuperation 16” Portland alloy wheels

Offer exclusive to Barons Pietermaritzburg.

Visit us on www.baronsvw.co.za

An optional cost of R900 incl VAT will be charged for metallic paint. Note: *Linked to FNB prime rate, currently 9.5%. Note: Offers calculated on the New Golf SV 81kW Trendline model in standard specifications. Price excludes optional extras and delivery fee, but includes monthly administration fee of R57. Subject to bank approval. Information subject to change without prior notification.

All finance offers are subject to credit approval from Volkswagen Financial Services. Volkswagen Financial Services South Africa Proprietary Limited trading as Volkswagen Financial Services an Authorised Financial Services and Credit Provider. NCRCP6635. Terms and Conditions apply. All the above is subject to price increase and valid until 28 August 2015.

An optional cost of R2150 incl VAT will be charged for metallic paint. Note: *Linked to FNB prime rate, currently 9.5%. Note: Offers calculated on the Tiguan 2.0 TDI 81kW Trend & Fun in standard specifications. Price excludes optional extras. Subject to bank approval. Information subject to change without prior notification. All finance offers are subject to credit approval from Volkswagen Financial Services. Volkswagen Financial Services South Africa Proprietary Limited trading as Volkswagen Financial Services an Authorised Financial Services and Credit Provider.

NCRCP6635. Terms and Conditions apply. All the above is subject to price increase and valid until 25 August 2015.

Polo Vivo 2012 Polo Vivo 1.4 5 Door 2013 Polo Vivo 1.4 Trendline 5 Door 2014 Polo Vivo Sedan 1.4 Trendline 2014 Polo Vivo 1.6 Trendline 5 Door 2014 Polo Vivo 1.4 5 Door 2014 Polo Vivo 1.6 GT Polo 2012 Cross Polo 1.6 TDI 2012 Polo 1.4 Comfortline 2013 Polo 1.4 Trendline 5 Door 2014 Polo GP 1.2 TSI Trendline 2015 Polo GP 1.2 Comfortline 5 Door 2015 Polo GTI 1.8 DSG 2015 Polo GP 1.2 TSI Highline 2015 Polo GP 1.2 TSI Highline 5 Door Golf 2011 Golf 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Comfortline 2011 Golf 6 GTI 2.0 TSI 2011 Golf 6 GTI 2.0 TSI R DSG 2014 Golf 7 2.0 TSI R DSG 2015 Golf 7 1.4 TSI Comfortline 2015 Golf 7 1.4 TSI Trendline 2015 Golf 7 GTI 2.0 TSI DSG Amarok 2011 Amarok Double Cab 2.0 BiTDI 4Motion 2015 Amarok Double Cab 2.0 TDI 4x2 132kW Other VW 2012 Jetta 1.6 TDI Comfortline 2012 Jetta 1.6 TDI Comfortline 2014 Jetta 1.2 TSI 2015 Jetta 1.6 TDI Comfortline Other 2010 Kia Cerato 2.0 Koup 2012 NissanX-Trail 2.0 4x2 2012 BMW 320i Sportline 2013 Chevrolet Utility 1.4 Sport 2013 Honda Jazz 1.3 Comfort

Mileage certified • Full Service history • 7-day exchange plan • Vehicle Customization • 24 Hr roadside assistance •

80-point mechanical check 2-year / unlimited km warranty* Vehicle History Integrity Check Balance of VW Automation Plan Professional Vehicle Reconditioning

White White Silver Red Beige Red

R 109 900 R 124 900 R 129 900 R 149 900 R 125 900 R 137 900

73 000 25 000 25 000 35 000 26 000 36 000

km km km km km km

Silver Red Grey White Silver White Black White

R 159 900 R 149 900 R 146 900 R 174 900 R 199 900 R 319 900 R 225 900 R 209 900

94 000 62 000 34 000 22 000 7 000 6 000 15 000 5 000

km km km km km km km km

White White Red Black White Silver Grey

R 189 000 R 269 000 R 309 900 R 499 900 R 287 900 R 249 900 R 419 900

77 000 89 000 66 000 25 000 6 500 5 300 5 000

km km km km km km km

Grey White

R 299 000 R 420 000

105 000 km 4 800 km

Silver White Silver White

R 189 900 R 194 900 R 209 900 R 253 900

42 000 76 000 15 000 6 500

Red White White White White

R 134 900 R 169 900 R 295 900 R 142 900 R 129 900

91 000 84 000 54 000 15 000 71 000

3 year / 45 000km

– Guaranteed future value** – Choose your vehicle** – No deposit**

km km km km

Barons

Pietermaritzburg

9 Armitage Road, Pietermaritzburg, 3201 • Tel: 033 845 3100

Model

Vehicle Price

Polo 66kW TSI Comfortline

R225,900

Polo 77kW TSI Highline

km km km km km

R246,700

Monthly No. of Instalments Instalments

R3,724* R4,068*

36 36

Interest Rate Linked / Variable

Deposit

8.7%*

0%

65% (R146,835)

R280,889

0%

65% (R160,355)

R306,789 R326,090 R407,244

8.79%*

Guaranteed Total Cost Incl Future fees & VAT Value

Polo 81kW TSI Highline DSG

R262,200

R4,324*

36

8.84%*

0%

65% (R170,430)

Polo GTI 141kW TSI DSG

R328,800

R5,741*

36

9.01%*

0%

61% (R200,568)

Visit us on www.baronsvwpmb.co.za

e&oe

Visit us on www.baronsvwpmb.co.za and find us on facebook.com/BaronsPietermaritzburg

service plan

Polo 66kW TSI Comfortline from R3,724* per month.

*The advised price exclude the 2 year Mastercars Warranty. The Mastercars Warranty is available as an option and is a contract between the customer, an insurer and administrator. This extended Warranty is not available for all Amarok and Light Commercial Vehicle models. Terms & conditions apply. While stocks last.

Mastercars Sales Consultants After hours: Laurie: 082 783 8040 • Rajen: 072 228 9834 Sanjay: 083 639 0989 • Barry: 072 235 4244 • Phumlani: 073 017 1294

Drive confident more often, for less.

An optional cost of R900 incl VAT will be charged for metallic paint. Note: *Linked to FNB prime rate, currently 9.5%. Note: Offers calculated on the Polo 66kW TSI Comfortline, Polo 77kW TSI Highline, Polo 81kW TSI Highline DSG and Polo GTI 141kW TSI DSG models in standard specifications. Instalment excludes optional extras, but includes delivery fee and monthly administration fee of R57. Subject to bank approval. Information subject to change without prior notification. All finance offers are subject to credit approval from Volkswagen Financial Services. Volkswagen Financial Services South Africa Proprietary Limited trading as Volkswagen Financial Services an Authorised Financial Services and Credit Provider. NCRCP6635. **Terms and Conditions apply. All the above is subject to price increase and valid until 28 August 2015.

New Sales Consultants

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15” Lyon alloy wheel with full alloy Decorative dashboard & door side trim inserts Dark Silver Silk-Mat ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) with Brake Assist and EDL Multi-collision brake system

6

WitnessWheels MOTORING

August 13, 2015

Mégane RS 275 Trophy: ‘most accomplished sports hatch available’

The half­a­million rand interior of the new Mégane Renault Sport 275 Trophy.

PHOTO: QUICKPIC

SELLING for R499 900, the new Mégane Renault Sport 275 Tro­ phy is the second Mégane Ren­ ault Sport (RS) to be introduced to SA in 2015.

Following in the footsteps of the Mégane RS 265 LUX 2.0 Tur­ bo which motored into Mzansi in February, it succeeds the Mégane RS 265 Trophy which debuted in SA in May 2012 and takes up the mantle of flagship of the Mégane Renault Sport range.

A powerful, sporty, yet sophis­ ticatedly­styled addition to the highly acclaimed and perennially popular RS line­up in South Afri­ ca, it boasts a multitude of inno­ vative and intelligent technology features and fitments as standard and is sure to meet — and exceed — the expectations.

Since the launch of Mégane

Renault Sport in 2004, Mégane RS has set the pace for sports cars and amassed a host of accolades locally and internationally.

At the heart of the new flag­ ship Mégane RS 275 Trophy are well­proven sporting and techni­ cal credentials that have been re­ worked, up­scaled and taken to the next level, according to Brian Smith, vice­president of market­ ing and communications at Ren­ ault South Africa.

“This is an all­round perform­ ance car that combines everyday driveability with an even sharper track performance. The CUP chassis fully taps the potential of the F1­inspired upgraded Ren­ ault Sport 2.0, four­cylinder tur­ bocharged petrol engine. Pre­ miering on the Megane RS 275 Trophy, it has undergone signifi­

cant fine­tuning and been opti­ mised to produce maximum power of 275 bhp,” says Smith.

With 38 years of Formula 1 ex­ pertise under its belt, the RSTs engineering team have success­ fully transferred its technical know­how to Renault’s produc­ tion cars.

Patrice Ratti, CEO of Renault Sport Technologies, explains, however, that when a Mégane RS undergoes an upgrade, “our ob­ jective is not only to improve the technical specs but also to devel­ op a vehicle that is more distinc­ tive both visually and from a per­ formance perspective. A car that performs even better on the track but which is still suited to every­ day motoring”.

Ratti adds, “Reflecting our ap­ proach to motorsports, the RS

Technologies (RST) team seek to make progress in every area in or­ der to develop innovative solu­ tions that make our car the mar­ ket reference and, with its moder­ ate fuel consumption and CO² emissions, the new Mégane RS 275 Trophy is also a car that ad­ dresses today’s environmental concerns.

“Continuing in the tradition of exclusive sports performance cars, RST has allied exceptional dynamic qualities with advanced versatility that provide an even more exhilarating and dynamic edge to this class­leading hatch­ back. New Mégane RS 275 Tro­ phy is a vehicle that we believe to be the most accomplished sports hatch currently on the market,” adds Smith.

— imotoonline.

Capturing envious glances Renault adds a feminine touch SIBONELO MYENI LOOKING for a small SUV with hatchback looks and MPV func­ tionality?

Renault says the Captur ticks these boxes and more, so we test­ ed it to find out.

On the design front, the Cap­ tur takes the sexy lines from the Clio and manages to keep that sexiness on a bigger, higher rid­ ing car.

The sunset orange body colour and black roof, mirror combo is stunning and works best for the Captur and the 17­inch black wheels, LED daytime lights and rear privacy glass tint add to that.

During the week of the test, we got envious glances from the la­ dies and that proved our feeling that the Captur is more a femi­ nine option.

Inside, the Captur retains the functional layout of the Clio with a gloss black centre console and steering wheel inserts.

The Dynamique standard kit is extensive with leather seats, heated front seats, park assist, electric windows all round, cli­ mate control, USB/radio system,

Navigation, multi­function steering controls, cruise control all coming standard.

Interior space is good front and rear, however storage space around the cabin could be better for a car with MPV aspirations.

Our test unit had Renault’s 1,2­litre, four­cylinder engine credited with 88 kW/190 Nm and mated to a six­speed dual­ clutch auto transmission.

The engine proved powerful in everyday highway driving. The gearbox, however, can be frus­ tratingly (sometime dangerous­ ly) sloppy on pull­away.

On the open road the engine noise proved very low also owing to very good sound insulation throughout the cabin. Wind and road noise is minimal at best and the Captur proved relaxing on a long­distance drive.

Handling on tar is safe and on rough or dirt roads, our test unit handled itself well barring an oc­ casional trim rattle (probably owing to tough drives by fellow journos).

We averaged 7,7 l/100 km, which is higher than the 5,4 l/100 km claimed by Renault,

The sunset orange body colour attracted envious glances from the ladies, hinting the Renault Captur will yet capture the heart of many a female owner.

PHOTO: QUICKPIC but still decent for the package.

At R279 900, the Captur 1.2 EDC Dynamique is good value, if you take into account its exten­

SCIROCCOS JUST GOT A WHOLE LOT MEANER The new Scirocco model range has been given a power upgrade with the introduction of two new engines. The entry engine, 1.4 TSI 118 kW has been replaced with the 2.0 TSI 132 kW engine.

Meanwhile, the 2.0 TSI 155 kW is now fitted with the new Golf GTI 2.0 TSI engine that delivers 162 kW. The latter also gets the exclusive GTS interior and exterior trim. Prices (VAT and emissions tax included) 2.0 TSI Scirocco Highline 132 kW Manual R369 900 2.0 TSI Scirocco GTS 162 kW DSG R439 000 2.0 TSI Scirocco R 188 kW DSG R494 200. The Scirocco model range comes standard with a five­year/90 000 km service plan, three­year/120 000 km warranty.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

sive standard features against the competing cross­overs, where the Ford EcoSport leads the pack with the Nissan Juke also popular

and the new Honda HR­V well worth a look (see page 4).

The standard five­year or 150 000 km warranty; three­

year or 45 000 km service plan and a six­year anti­corrosion warranty add to the package.

• imotoonline.co.za

‘BACK­UP SENSOR’ WITH HIGH­PITCHED SQUEAL MOST of the newest cars have a “Back­Up Sensor” that warns the driver before the rear bumper actually comes in con­ tact with something.

Most people probably think that this valuable feature came out of the minds of engineers, but it was recently disclosed that the concept was first de­ veloped by a Chinese farmer.

His invention was simple and effective.

See photo of his back­up sensor.

It emits a high­pitched squeal when the vehicle backs into something.

R

122 250

* Limited to the Renault Sandero Expression (From Rl 999 PM or R139 900), Renault Clio Expression (From R2 999 PM or R199 990) or Renault Captur Expression (From R3 249 PM or R219 900). Deal is subject to the credit approval terms and conditions of Renault Financial Services. A product of Wesbank.

A division of FirstRand Bank Limited. An Authorised Financial Services and Credit Provider. NCRCP20.

The financial offers are only applicable to the advertised vehicle derivatives, and are valid for this month only. Retail prices are in accordance with pricelist 10 June 2015. Prices exclude “on the road” costs and optional extras. * Terms and Conditions apply.

Yagan Padayachee 084 555 7456

Andries (Sbu) Hadebe 082 672 6618

Darryl Smith 078 120 6861

Hector Mkhwanazi 078 739 6392

Gerard Chetty 071 192 1609

*Terms and conditions apply. Repayments calculated on balloon of 35%, over 72 months, at 10,25% linked interest rate with )% deposit. Subject to bank approval. Excludes mandatory on-road charges and metallic paint. Vehicles depicted may differ to actual models. While stocks last. Above offers available for the month of June 2015. E&OE.

ALL TRADE-INS WELCOME - FINANCE AVAILABLE

Full service history

101-point vehicle compliance check

Vehicle integrity check

On Road Fees Excluded.

Terms and Conditions Apply. E&OE 2-year Renault assistance 30-day guarantee

ISHAAD RAHIMAN 084 274 7867 (SALES MANAGER) ishaad@mcmotor.co.za • Nicholas Mduli 082 977 0058 • Ruzaid Mahomed 073 786 1368 • Neil Pandaram 072 650 7108

McCARTHY RENAULT PIETERMARITZBURG 9 Armitage Road • Tel: 033 341 7600 • www.renaultpmb.co.za

8

WitnessWheels MOTORING

August 13, 2015

KZN’s fast and the furious 2015 CTH Rallysprint Series round held in Dalton saw some spectacular racing in all classes BRIAN CLIFTON DALTON — Rallying is KZN has been really hot lately, and the boys (and girls) cranked the heat right up to boiling point at Satur­ day’s round of the 2015 CTH Ral­ lysprint Series.

A time space of less than a min­ ute covered the first four cars.

Chris de Wit and Brian Clifton really wound up their Tazz to build up a small gap at the front of the field for the entire event, whilst big drama was developing right behind them. The new Scotty’s Plant Hire Polo of Brian Scott and Eric Lelyveld started

fast, ahead of KZN Rallying’s own “Beast” — the roaring Sky­ line of Trevor Graham and Glen Goddard.

Lying menacingly in wait just behind this duo was the Polo of Bertus Labuschagne and Peter Chadwick. These three cars duked it out over the next couple of stages, with the Scotty’s Polo being steadily hunted down.

Once the dust settled after the last stage it turned out that the Beast had failed, by 0,9 seconds, to catch the Scotty’s Polo.

Of course, this “gap” was in­ stantly the topic of discussion in the pit area. This until the arrival

of the other Polo. Labuschagne and Chadwick had turned them­ selves inside out, and passed both their rivals. Starting the stage in fourth place, they were now the proud owners of second place overall.

A truly remarkable finish.

The S3 class went to the Mk1 Escort of Vaughn Robinson and Yari Brunings. They had the Mk1 Golf of Greg and Gary Heine, and the Citi Golf of Clyde Chal­ lenor and Roger de Charmoy to keep their efforts honest on every stage.

In the Quad category, Matt­ hew Hendy really put the ham­

mer down this time. He not only won the Quad section, but set the fastest overall aggregate time of the day in a great performance.

Arnie Meiring had a fast and steady ride into second place, ahead of another three­way squabble for third.

Hugo Timmerman had to work hard to keep things under control, but he held on to third, despite the spirited attacks from Bronson Burger and Johannes Horn. Those Quads are really spectacular to watch.

• The next round of the series takes place in the Umlaas Road area on Saturday, August 29.

Chris de Wit and Brian Clifton are literally flying in the local rally championship.

PHOTO: CLAIRE CLIFTON

Hot race car comes home

Defending cross­country champions Anthony Taylor and Dennis Murphy led for the bulk of the Nkomazi 450, but a swerve to hit a rock instead of a driver forced them to retire in the second loop of the 350 km­long race.

PHOTO: QUICKPIC

Poulter, Howie take charge with solid win at Nkomazi 450 CURRENT Donaldson Cross­ Country Championship leaders Leeroy Poulter and navigator Rob Howie extended their lead at the top of the table with a win on the Nkomazi 450, round four of the six­round championship.

The pair have so far dominated the 2015 season, having now won three of the season’s four races, as well as the first heat of the gru­ elling Toyota 1 000 Desert Race.

“Leeroy and Rob have really stepped up and taken charge of this season,” beamed team prin­ cipal Glyn Hall after the race fin­ ished at the Riverview Preparato­ ry School in the Mpumalanga town of Malalane.

“The win here in Malalane puts them in a very strong posi­

tion for the championship.”

Poulter/Howie are now well clear of team­mates Anthony Taylor and navigator Dennis Murphy, who retain their second place in the championship de­ spite not finishing the Nkomazi 450. The pair suffered damage to the steering of the Castrol Team Toyota Hilux after swerving to avoid a stricken fellow competi­ tor and hitting a rock in the proc­ ess.

“It was a disappointing week­ end for Anthony and Dennis, es­ pecially considering that they qualified in such a strong posi­ tion, and were all but matching Leeroy and Rob’s pace during the race,” continued Hall.

The two Castrol Team Toyota

Hilux race vehicles qualified in first and second place during the prologue of the Nkomazi 450 — a qualifying race over a distance of 100 km, used to determine the starting order for the main event.

Poulter/Howie went fastest of all on the day, and as a result pulled away 1:32 ahead of Taylor/ Murphy. Defending champions Taylor/Murphy initially lost a bit of time to the flying Poulter/ Howie, but then managed to sta­ bilise that gap to roughly five minutes for the bulk of the race.

Disaster struck during the sec­ ond loop of the 350 km­long race, and the Taylor/Murphy were forced to retire.

It wasn’t all plain sailing for Poulter/Howie either, despite

winning by nearly 20 minutes over Jurgen Schröder and naviga­ tor Max Schröder (Nissan Nava­ ra). On the second loop of the race, the pair picked up a length of barbed wire fencing, together with four steel droppers, that be­ came entangled around the left rear wheel of their vehicle. They suffered a puncture as a result, and struggled to get the new tyre onto the wheel hub, as the barbed wire was in the way.

“The wire was so tightly wrapped around the wheel and drive shaft that we couldn’t get it untangled. We just managed to replace the tyre and off we went — hoping for the best. As it turned out our lead was big enough to allow us to slow down

somewhat, and make sure we got home safely.”

Follow the fortunes of Castrol Team Toyota on motorsport. toyota.co.za • The next round in the Donald­ son Cross­Country Champion­ ship is the Vryburg Enduro, which takes place on Septem­ ber 11 and 12 around the North West province town of Vryburg.

The route covers near­ Follow us ly 650 km — on the second of the 2015 season’s so­ called en­ durance rounds. @WitnessKZN — Supplied.

THERE is a happy ending to the theft of a unique rac­ ing car reported in Wheels last week.

A man from Pretoria north who buys, repairs and sell classic cars, bought the Sana RD11 F5000 race car days after it was stolen in Johannesburg.

The unique car was towed away in broad daylight after thieves had broken the gate to the house of Dr Greg Mills, head of the Brenthurst Foundation in Parkview, Jo­ hannesburg.

The Sana is worth more than R1 million. Mills bought the car in the UK in 2008 and repaired it locally.

Only two Sana RD11 F5000 race cars were built in the 1970s.

Spokesperson for the Parkview police station, Sergeant Lloyd Ramovha, confirmed the car was re­ ported found on Thursday after it was reported stolen on Tuesday.

A friend of Mills went to the station on Thursday morning to say he received a call from a classic car deal­ er in Kameeldrift, north of Pretoria, who said he had unwittingly bought the Sana.

Detective Sergeant Timmy Rikhotso said the man bought the car from an unknown man, and did not know it was stolen.

When he found out the en­ tire racing fraternity was looking for the Sana, he found Mills to say he had his car.

Ramovha said the man was co­operating fully with police to find the thieves, but no one has yet been arrested. — WR.

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