October 18, 2018
Witness
WHEELS
Rally fans can buy rides in rally cars at the inaugural Dalton Zane Rencken Tribute Rally on October 27. MORE ON PAGE 4
ADVERTISING: AVIR THULSIRAM ON 084 278 3447
Best 7-seat value ALWYN VILJOEN TWO advertisements have become classics in South Africa. The best known is Cremora’s, “It’s not inside, its onnnn ... top,” followed by Lunch Bar’s “I am a Makhathini... from Maritzburra”. Now, Wheels confidently predicts Mahindra’s new tongue-incheek ad for its Scorpio bakkie will be a strong contender for a third classic advert among farmers. Award-winning agency Joe Public created the ad that draws inspiration from the Indian manufacturer’s first 14 years in South Africa. Rajesh Gupta, CEO of Mahindra South Africa, said the advertisement is based on the group’s windmill philosophy: “When the winds of change blow some people build walls, we build windmills,” he explained. Gareth Leck, the CEO of Joe Public, said the new campaign
will help deliver on Mahindra South Africa’s “right to win” strategy. It is with this right in mind that Mahindra last week launched the new XUV500 and the small KUV100 NXT in Johannesburg. Two new XUV models The XUV500 gets two models on both sides of the range. The XUV500 W6 seven-seater sells for only R359 999. There is not another new seven seat ute at a lower price in SA. The new XUV500 W10 rangetopper continues the value offer, but with more bells and whistles. First launched in South Africa in 2012, the XUV500 quickly gained popularity among SUV buyers for its unique design that emulates the lines of a crouching cheetah, down to the teardrop lights. The big wagon grew further in popularity when Mahindra introduced additional features and upgrades in 2015.
Today’s XUV500 W4, complete with mHawk turbodiesel engine and seven seats, enters the market at a very competitive R299 999. Mahindra Finance has a balloon-payment option that will charge drivers R4 999 per month with a guaranteed future value after four years. Balloon payments are basically rental agreements that require drivers to rent the vehicle and return it after a contracted period, when they can buy the vehicle, or trade it on a newer model. In markets where cars are not taxed as highly as South Africa, balloon payments are a cheap way to drive a new car. In SA, balloon payments offer an affordable way to rent a new vehicle, but consumers are not always aware they are not paying to buy the vehicle, merely renting a depreciating asset. That said, Mahindra offers the XUV500 with a five-year or
150 000 km standard warranty and five-year or 100 000 km service plan. Features The Stylish New XUV500 is equipped with an infotainment system, with air conditioning controls or a full climate control system, depending on the model grade. On W8 and W10 variants, this infotainment system also includes a full turn-by-turn satellite navigation system with voice prompts as standard. Under the rear is a full-size spare wheel and we especially like Mahindra’s Tyre-tronics tyre pressure and temperature sensors on all tyres.
The mHawk-engine delivers 103 kW and 330 Nm of torque and Mahindra worked with Lotus to further improve what was already very good handling on dirt roads. Safety All versions of the new XUV500 feature two airbags, while the W8 and W10 offers six airbags. All models also have electronic brake-force distribution on all four disc brakes, additional sideimpact beams and crumple zones for crash protection. On the W6 models and above,
Mahindra has also added Hill Hold and Hill Descent Control and electronic stability programme (ESP) with rollover mitigation. No competitors at this level Selling from R300k, no other seven-seater SUV can compete with Mahindra’s offering. XUV500 rounded prices W4 6-manual — R300 000 W6 6-auto — R360 000 W8 6-manual — R375 000 W8 6-auto — R404 000 W10 6-auto — R420 000
SPECIALIST REPAIRERS OF GERMAN LUXURY VEHICLES
Tel: 033 032 0040 CALL OR WHATSAPP ON : 033 342 0669
2
WitnessWheels
READERS’ QUESTIONS
tion, from where I took the Gautrain and cheap Gautrain bus to the final destination. But Prasa’s clumsy electronic booking forced me to buy a ticket the old fashioned way, handing over cash at the station, and after an all-night journey with many a juddering stop and clanging start, the toilets were full to overflowing. Also, the next week, cables were stolen and the Meyl halted in some industrial part of the West Rand for most of the day. This happens rather a lot, the conductor told me. Hence, I recommend driving your own car with four people in it. Even if they are not paying passengers, the total cost to Jozi now amounts to R250 per person, making a family car the most cost effective and — more importantly — the most comfortable way to get to GP. (This of course excludes the monthly expenses one has to pay on a car regardless of whether it is parked or in use.) Instead of spending all your savings on roadside snacks, I also suggest boiling up some eggs and making sarmies. This way you can stop at scenic spots (where it is safe to do so) to turn the journey into the destination. • Have a travel-related question in southern Africa? Send it to Alwyn.Viljoen@witness.co.za
EAST COAST IENGINE MPORTS QUALITY USED LOW MILEAGE ENGINES AND GEABOXES
WE OFFER DELIVERY INTO DURBAN AND PMB ON ENGINE AND GEARBOX PURCHASES
Brand New Turbos for most makes of vehicles
October 18, 2018
Budget beaters
Cheapest way to Jozi? A READER who has to go to Jo’burg on a weekly basis on a contract job asked me what is the cheapest way to get to the Big Smog from our fair PMB? Bear in mind the toll fees one way amount to R218. A three-quarter tank of fuel for the 500km trip costs over R700. Add a can of oil and snacks from any of the expensive forecourts along the N3, and the luxury of driving one way to Jo’burg in splendid isolation will cost around R1 000. So, I told the reader a long distance taxi is the cheapest, fastest way to get to Gauteng from PMB. Taxi divers tell me December prices will likely go up to R300 for a one-way seat (and all the Maskandi you can listen to for mahala). The next best bet is a bus. Booked well in advance, long distance bus tickets cost as much (or as little) as a seat on a taxi, and their comfort is on par with that of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. Despite 15 million people a day using public transport, the friend was a bit dubious on safety. “What about the train?” he asked. So I rode the Shosholoza Meyl, which cost about the same as a Greyhound bus ticket. Because it was mid-week, I had a double bunk coupe to myself and with no cables stolen that day, the train arrived on schedule at the clean and modern Park Sta-
MOTORING
FOR THE LEXUS V8 ENTHUSIASTS WE OFFER
• Pre-Wired Lexus V8 1UZ VVTI complete with automatic gearbox • Pre-Wired Lexus V8 3UZ VVTI complete with automatic gearbox • Brand new and second hand original spares and service parts • Our pre-wired original OEM mnagement ready for installation with only 6 wires NOW WITH OUR OWN IN HOUSE WORKSHOP is to connect FOR ALL YOUR FITMENT REQUIREMENTS • All units are bench tested
Honda takes on Suzuki Dzire with bigger, better Amaze ALWYN VILJOEN IN a world which sees highriding sport utility vehicles (SUVs) outselling traditional, low-slung sedans, Honda still sees a market for its Amaze, a 900-kg car with a boot that the Japanese automaker said was designed from the ground up to define a new standard. As with all facelifts, the new Amaze is larger in every dimension, but the company’s bullet-proof i-VTEC engine delivers unchanged fuel efficiency when driven with a light right foot. It is exactly the Honda’s reputation for reliability and frugal fuel use that attract two of the most demanding car buyers — retirees and rental car agencies. Those who rent the Amaze or borrow it from the grandparents are, well, amazed when they discover that unlike all top-heavy SUVs that have “almost car-like handling” the Amaze is a car, and therefore comes with a car’s handling built into its DNA. Jekyll and Hyde-the-fines Honda’s proven 1 199 cc iVTEC engine drives all three Amaze models, but we will not be getting the diesel that also powers the Amaze in India.
Think of it as Jekyll and Hyde unit. At low revolutions, you will be all like “ja well, no fine”. But push the go-faster pedal to 6 000 revs to reach the maximum power output of 66 kW, and you will have to Hyde the ensuring speeding fines from your grandma. Note, with a relatively slow 0-100 km/h time of 12,3 seconds in the manual and a positively glacial 13,5 seconds with the CVT, the Amaze will not win any quarter mile races. Drivers who can do corners will find Honda’s suspension engineers know a thing or two about handling. In keeping with all budget cars, the Amaze is set up to deliver a soft ride on struts up front and torsion bar at the rear. This means it will understeer into corners, but keep the revs up going in and it will also reward braver drivers with a smidgeon of lift-off oversteer. But only try this on smooth tracks. For our potholed public roads, both models ride on 15-inch tyres with sidewalls that are a sensible 113 mm high. Thanks to that kerb mass of just over 900 kg and short gear ratios, the Amaze also feels swift between the lights, and it just sips fuel at cruising
speeds — Honda said one can expect over 17 km from each litre on average. When sitting in traffic, a decent torque of 110 Nm at 4 800 rpm allows moving about in third gear. Two spec levels The new Amaze comes in two equipment levels — Trend and Comfort, with a choice of either a five-speed manual or constantly variable transmission (CVT). Both models have all the usual active and standard safety features. Toshiaki Kusakari, head of Automobiles at Honda Motor Southern Africa, said he expects the car to appeal to a broad and varied motoring audience, ranging from young singles and start-up families to mature motorists. “All will be attracted by the Amaze’s value-added purchase price, excellent fuel efficiency and low operating cost. “In addition, the new Amaze is exceptionally roomy and offers a generous luggage compartment, while Honda’s revered reputation for reliability and good resale value will also add to the Amaze’s attraction,” Kusakari-san said. Interior execution In keeping with the demands of more conservative buyers,
the Amaze has cloth upholstery. It also still has piano black detailing. Car makers say this adds a sophisticated ambience, but in reality, shiny surfaces show dust motes. The boot capacity is an impressive 420 litres for all those renting the Amaze on holiday. For grandparents who drive sticky grandkids around, genuine Honda synthetic leather seat covers can be had as a nocost option. We recommend this, as the fold-down rear seat armrest also incorporates cup holders for rear occupants, who are sure to spill the contents at some point. The sound system plays MP3 files via Bluetooth, which also allows hands-free calls once the phone is linked. The four-speaker system also provides USB connectivity and an AUX socket. The range is supported by a full five-year/200 000 km warranty, as well as a two-year/30 000 km service plan, and three-years roadside assistance. The Amaze competes head on with the Suzuki Dzire, which starts at R161 900. Pricing Trend: R179 900 Comfort: R193 900 Comfort CVT: R208 900
WE HAVE A LARGE VARIETY OF ENGINES AND GEARBOXES TO CHOOSE FROM
• Top Quality used low mileage engines, gearboxes & Lexus parts • Heads AFFORDABLE • Turbos ENGINE • Diffs • Lexus spares • New and Second hand
MASHININI BACK AT FORD
Our friendlly sales teaam is equippedd to deaal withh all enquiiriess annd havve a weaalth of knowleddge in the mootoring fielld. We pride ourselvess in deliivering exceptionnal serrvice and products to our clliennts and therefforre have a stringent quality check process in placee to make sure thaat every ry prodduct complies with our requirements and is in top order. Tel: Craigh: Dianne: Ntuthuko:
035 789 0464 035 789 0754 084 357 1082 071 677 0799 082 704 5330
Unit 1 No 13 Betastraal Street Alton, Richards Bay Fax 086 459 6725 sales@eastcoastengines.co.za
FORD Motor Company has appointed Doreen Mashinini (pictured) as general manager of marketing for South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. The Durban Westville B.Com graduate takes over the position from Tracey Delate, who is now general manager, consumer and dealer experience. Mashinini started out at Ford as fleet business manager in 2000, and became district sales manager two years later. In 2004, she was appointed Mazda brand manager at FMCSA before returning to the Ford fold. — Wheels Reporter.
People movers VW has added the luxurious PanAmericana to the Caravelle line up. A 2.0 turbo diesel makes 132 kW and 400 Nm from a very low 1 500 rpm and the 4MOTION system can send this power to all wheels through a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. Selling for R955 400 with a five-year/60 000km maintenance plan, a three-year/120 000 km warranty, the PanAmericana faces stiff competition from Merc’s V-Class 250 D and Hyundai’s H1 Bus. Merc currently offers R25 000 deal assist on their van’s R949 020 price, with service intervals of up to 40 000 km, a more powerful turbo diesel (140 kW and 440 Nm) and a six-year/100 000 km maintenance plan. The nine-seater, automatic H1 sells for R639 900, with a best-in-class seven-year or 200 000 km warranty.
4
WitnessWheels
MOTORING RACING
October 18, 2018
VW Motorsport Polo racer Jonathan Mogotsi.
THREE-WAY TITLE FIGHT IN POLO CUP THE 2018 South African Engen Polo Cup championship chase will go down to the wire at the Zwartkops Raceway near Pretoria on Saturday. The season’s final two races will see three title contenders fighting for the overall driver accolade, with little to choose between them in terms of pace around the 2,4 kilometre Zwartkops venue. Going to Zwartkops, Jeffrey Kruger (Universal Health Polo) tops the points ladder, with his closest challengers being Tasmin Pepper (Electric Life Polo) and Jonathan Mogotsi (VW Motorsport Polo). Any of the three drivers could still finish the final round of the year’s Extreme Festival as the 2018 Engen Polo Cup champion. Having experienced a test session and two race meetings at the venue earlier this year, the Engen Polo Cup contingent know Zwartkops well, and the season-concluding races there should both see incredibly close competition. Joining Engen Polo Cup at Zwartkops will be an exchange driver from India, Karminder Pal Singh. “The previous two Engen Polo Cup outings at Zwartkops this year produced savage competition and unbelievably close results,” said Volkswagen’s head of motorsport Mike Rowe. “That should again be the case next weekend, with the stakes extremely high at the front end. “In the process, the Engen Polo Cup contingent will again entertain the Extreme Festival crowd to the hilt, while concluding what is probably the country’s toughest fought circuit racing title chase,” he added. The Engen Polo Cup comprise three open test sessions tomorrow, with the official qualifying session and two 10-lap races on Saturday. — WR.
ABERDEIN MAKES UP 16 PLACES KZN Road Racing Club honoured 54 years of racing by Willie Hepburn (76) with a Ford and Friends race day at Dezzi Raceway at the weekend. PHOTOS: COLIN WINDELL
Fun in the wet Dezzi fans enjoy ‘red mist’ action at Ford and Friends Day COLIN WINDELL
decided.
RAIN made for super slick racing at Dezzi Raceway at the weekend but did nothing to stop a large crowd from turning out. The Ford and Friends race day honoured Willie Hepburn’s 54 years as a racing driver. Hepburn (76) conquered the hearts of the fans, but victory was elusive against an on-form Mike McLoughlin in the Backdraft Cobra replica. The pair engaged in some scintillating cut-andthrust racing in the opening heat, with McLoughlin taking the chequered flag ahead of Hepburn and Darron Gudmanz third in a Ford Capri V8. The track was dry for the second heat and the spectators were on the edge of their seats as the pair lined up on the starting line again. McLoughlin was fastest off the line but Hepburn took a gap in the second lap, to the delight of the spectators. McLoughlin regained the lead and then Hepburn attempted to dive through on the inside going into the first corner, which was where the front left-wheel bearings on McLoughlin’s Cobra replica failed. “As I went into the corner I could see he was trying to move to the right to give me racing room but his car suddenly turned left and we collided,” said Hepburn. “The damage was not extensive but the impact broke the steering rack on my car and gave
300 Masters class Gona Pillay wrapped up the 300 Masters class on his Kawasaki 300, although he was beaten on the day by a hard-riding Mark Jansen (Kawasaki 300) with Mark Desmond-Samuel, also Kawasaki, finishing third.
Elton Fuchs dominated the KZN Road Racing Club’s Super Modified Class, where no quarter is given, nor asked. me a flat tyre.” With both out, Gudmanz became a happy, if surprised, winner of the heat. McLoughlin had done enough to take overall honours for the day from Hepburn, Gudmanz and retro racer Colin Ellison in his mighty Ford Fairlane, with David Hoal (Ford Escort) fifth overall. Super GT title For Duncan dos Reis (Pirelli Porsche) it was a happy day as he clinched the 2018 Super GT title, winning the opening heat of the day from Willie de Beer (Porsche) and Jade Gutzeit (Mazda MX 5). Mike McLoughlin failed to finish the first heat with mechanical issues, but came back strong in
the second to take the Cobra replica to an overall win and a stunning 1:15,57 best lap (average speed of 118,8 km/h). Dos Reis finished second and that secured the title, with Gutzeit third. 300 Class With just one round of two heats left in the 2018 series, Nikolai Conci finally put the 300 Class out of reach of his brother Jessie, although both Concis were beaten by Hein Etzel, having his first outing in the series this season. The Etzel brothers each won a heat on their matching Husqvarna 450 machines, with Hein ahead on points and Karl confirmed in second place, and third overall for the season still to be
Retro cars A large field entered the retro category. Franco Donadio’s immaculate Ford Escort won both heats with Louis Powell (Meissner Escort) finishing second overall. Another Ford Escort in the hands of Meredith Willis finished third for the day, and was the first of the Retro Association cars home. Perhaps most spectacular was the monster Chev SS owned by Ollie Broome but driven on the day by Mike O’Sullivan. The beast shredding a tyre in the opening heat, throwing O’Sullivan off the track at one point with the Johannesburg driver needing all his skill to catch, tame and get the monster back on course. Super Modified Class Elton Fuchs (VW Golf) dominated the Super Modified Class with Ronald van Rensburg taking honours in Modifieds Class A despite a massive moment at turn five with Clinton Bezuidenhout in the opening heat. Class B went the way of Rodney Potgieter with Quentin Lessing the victor in Class C.
Help raise funds by riding in a rally car
BIG FINAL FOR DUMINY
ALWYN VILJOEN
BALLITO racer Daniel Duminy wants to end his Engen Polo Cup season with his best results yet when the series visits Zwartkops for the season finale on Saturday. “We have had a tough season and luck has not always been on our side, but they say you make your luck and we have been putting the effort in so let’s hope it starts paying off soon.” He said his team is ready and Zwartkops being a home race, they will be giving it their all. — WR.
IT is all systems go for the first rally in SA to pit some 40 drivers affiliated to either Motorsport South Africa (MSA) or the World of Motorsport ZA (Womza) against each other in a tribute rally at Dalton on October 27. Organiser Dean Redelinghuys told Wheels the race is a tribute to KZN rally racer and all round gentleman Zane Rencken, who died earlier this year in a work-related accident. The event will live stream action from the eight stage to a screen in the club house — a first for SA. Fans will also be able to buy white-knuckle rides in two
Clyde Challenor and Graham Bishop show what it will feel like for punters who buy a seat at R150 each to raise funds for Reach for a Dream as well as Newton School’s rally car plans at the Dalton Zane Rencken Tribute Rally on October 27.
Redelinghuys said the rally entails eight “invigorating stages” over some 100 km through sugar cane fields and plantations, thanks to the patronage of the local Dalton farmers. The main service park will be accommodated by the Dalton Farmers’ Club, providing a great venue with all the amenities and KZN’s best farm fare. “This is the best event for rally lovers — and novices to the sport — to experience first hand why all motorsport fans agree, rally racing offers the most thrills per minute,” said Redelinghuys.
rally cars over a short stage to raise funds for Reach for a Dream
• To get involved, contact Dean Redelinghuys at 083 657 1526.
as well as the Newton School Rally Car Project.
South Africa’s Jonathan Aberdein (pictured) closed off his rookie FiA European Formula 3 season with a podium in Sunday’s final as he added a silver lining to a cloudy weekend at Hockenheim in Germany. On a day when Michael Schumacher’s son Mick sealed an emotional title win, Aberdein was set on the back foot by brake issues in qualifying and started Race 1 in 23rd. From there he made up a total of 16 places in the three races. “We found good pace for my last race in the 2018 European FIA Formula 3 Championship,” Jonathan wrapped it up. “I finished seventh in today’s final, scored some good points and stood on another rookie podium. “Our qualifying problem made for a tough weekend, but I enjoyed climbing from 23rd to 16th, from 13th on the grid to ninth in Race 2 and 12th to seventh in the final. “We struggled with the balance of the car for most of the weekend and I completely ran out of rear tyres in the final, which was a pity as I was running comfortably in sixth and challenging Daniel Tictum, who finished fourth when my tyres fell off the cliff. “Fortunately I had good enough pace to hang on for another rookie podium. Aberdein said it was quite an emotional moment when Mick Schumacher won the title. “Huge congratulations to him, that was a mega result and it has been an honour to race against him. “My dad also raced against his dad in karts many years ago and I hope to race against him for many seasons to come.” Jonathan ended up sixth in the rookie title race and 12th overall. — WR.
‘My dad also raced against [Mick’s] dad in karts many years ago and I hope to race against him for many seasons to come.’ CV Joint speCialists
for CV joints, ball joints, tie rod ends, wheel bearings.
341 GReYlinG stReet Pmb. 033 342 9174/75