The next VDubb meeting at the Vintage Sports Car Club in Pietermaritzburg is on July 14, starting from 11 am. All Beetles, Kombis, Ghias or any VW older than 20 years welcome. More events on page 4.
June 21, 2018
Witness
WHEELS
EDITORIAL: ALWYN VILJOEN 082 4589 332
ADVERTISING: AVIR THULSIRAM 084 278 3447
Butt-kicker Prepare to see many new Micras, it’s that good LUNGA SIBAYA NISSAN said its all-new Micra is ready to revitalise the hatchback segment, but having driven it in haste after getting a bit lost in a wet Cape, I think they are going to kick butt with it. It drives better than my VW Polo, makes the Toyota Etios look bucolic and even challenges the new Opel Corsa. What it cannot do — and none of the cars in the R160k price range can — is to beat the outgoing Nissan Micra on its basket of parts. As a mechanic, this is the first question I ask when it comes to cars — not what it costs, but what it will cost to fix, and the old Micra is the cheapest in its class. Which is why Nissan will continue selling the 2017 Micra Active 1,2 for R161 500 alongside the all-new Micra.
So, why pay more for the new when the old is proven? Well, just look at it! Apart from those GT-R inspired lines, the new Micra learned some ergonomic tricks from its Renault alliance and the cabin now sports two-tone soft-touch materials and ambient lighting. Thanks to a steering wheel with rake and reach and heightadjustable driver’s seat, both short and tall people can get a comfortable seating position. Boot capacity is a very competitive 300 litres and it expands to 1 004 litres when the 60:40 split rear seats are folded down. A USB port and 12v sockets power digital devices, and there are lots of places to store bottles, keys and cellphones. The seveninch touch-screen colour display on the Acenta and Acenta Plus allows the driver to access fea-
tures such as music, messages and maps through Apple CarPlay in addition to the MP3, USB and Bluetooth in the Visia model. Apart from the old Active, there are three specification levels available — the Visia, the Acenta and the Acenta Plus. The Visia is the entry level, but you won’t think so looking at its list of standard features, which include 15-inch steel wheels, daytime running lights, front power windows, a manual aircon, a Bluetooth and MP3 compatible audio system, cruise control, automatic headlights and six airbags. The Acenta adds 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights among other features while the Acenta Plus has 17-inch alloy wheels, a leather steering wheel and an Energy Orange interior. Electronic safety systems include Vehicle Dynamic Control,
The new Nissan Micra is ready to apply boot to the derriere of any competing small hatch. PHOTO: MOTORPRESS Anti-locking Braking System, Electronic Brake force Distribution and Hill Start Assist. None of the above is why I think Nissan will kick butt with the new Micra. The little 900cc turbocharged petrol engine is. Mated to a five-speed box, this mill makes 66kW at the usual high revs, but it churns out its 140Nm from a relatively low 2 250 rpm. This makes for easy
city driving in third gear and — thanks to firm suspension and responsive steering — a fun drive on a twisty road. To my mind, only the Opel Corsa 1,0 T Enjoy can give the new Micra a go. Yes, the lil’ Nissan now competes with the Germans. The Corsa has more Newtons from 1 800 rpm and rides on wider tyres for a really enjoyable drive, but the Micra is 350kg lighter, so it keeps up. And the
Micra costs R23 000 less. But where Nissan really hits the competition for a six is with the Micra’s six-year or 150 000 km warranty; a three-year or 90 000km service plan;. This warranty is a year longer than Hyundai’s vehicle warranty. New Micra prices Visia: R233 500 Acenta: R257 400 Acenta Plus R272 400.
MaD SaTuRDay in ConJunCTion WiTh Discounted prices on all Liqui Moly products
• Freebies with every purchase of a 5l oil • Jetclean Demonstration • Wors Rolls & Cool drinks • Car Demo and loads more ... Save the date Saturday 30 June 2018
146 Greyling Street • Pietermaritzburg Tel: 033 342 0669 • 033 345 6990
2
WitnessWheels
MOTORING
June 21, 2018
CAR POOLING, THE FRENCH WAY
French artist Benedetto Bufalino is known for having fun with vehicles and his latest work turned an old caravan into a functional, mobile swimming pool. His other works range from a soccer field with hip-high walls for lines, to station-wagon-pizza-oven, to a very bling cement truck (below), which he uses as a fully functioning mirror ball at parties. PHOTO: BENEDETTOBUFALINO.COM
Fierce competition and a lack of transparency have seen the wheels coming off South Africa’s towing industry, but the Automobile Association plans to hook up operators with a charter that will fix things. PHOTO: ARRIVE ALIVE
AA plan to fix SA’s towing industry Service Charter outlines four areas to improve service
EAST COAST
ENGINE IMPORTS
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
NOW WITH OUR OWN IN HOUSE WORKSHOP
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 is ready for installation with only 6 wires to connect • All units are bench tested
• Top Quality used low mileage engines and gearboxes for most makes and models of cars and light delivery vehicles • Heads • Turbos • Diffs • Lexus spares • New and Second hand • We stock local stock as well
Our friend dly sales s team m is s equip pped to de eal with h all en nqu uiries and ha ave a weallth of know wledg ge in the moto orin ng field d. We pride e ou ursellves in n deliveriing exception nal serv rviice and d products to o our clie ents and thereforre have a stringent qua ality check process s in plac ce to make sure that every produc ct complies s with our requirem ments an nd is in to op order. Tel:
035 789 0464 Unit 1 No 13 Dianne 071 677 0799 035 789 0754 Betastraal Street Ntuthuko 082 704 5330 Craigh: 084 357 1082 Alton, Richards Bay Fax 086 459 6725 sales@eastcoastengines.co.za
The Automobile Association (AA) last week said service standards in South Africa’s towing industry are deteriorating and announced a Server Charter in an effort to get tow operators to lift their game. Speaking alongside the AA’s industry partners at a media briefing in Midrand, the association’s CEO, Collins Khumalo, said the towing industry has developed an unfortunate reputation for being non-inclusive, resistant to transformation, and lacking customer focus. “This has been an issue for us for a long time and something we needed to look at very closely. “What we’re doing now is committing ourselves to ensure transformation in our sector, and hold not only ourselves but our partners accountable to the South African public through to a Ser-
CEO of the Automobile Association, Collins Khumalo, signs a charter that aims to fix the towing industry. PHOTO: SUPPLIED vice Charter which we will sign,” explained Khumalo. The Service Charter outlines four key areas which the AA believes are essential first steps towards fixing the industry’s reputation. These are: • Always being available to members and customers, • Ensuring member and customer satisfaction is a priority, • Being accountable to members and customers, and,
• Valuing its partners and suppliers. “An important element of how we will operate going forward is through driving transformation in our industry. “We will do this by assisting previously disadvantaged towing companies with skills training, development plans, and a fair and equitable allocation of income,” said Khumalo.
He added he hoped the charter would influence the tow-in industry as a whole to by commit to high levels of service and transparency in the way it does business. “With this charter, we are encouraging our industry colleagues to join us in making meaningful and sustainable changes to the way we operate. “This industry must change and we are taking the first steps to ensuring this happens. “It’s a move we think is to the benefit of everyone in this sector but, more importantly, to the benefit of all road users in the country,” Khumalo said. He said customers would ultimately reward good honest service. “Customers will build up the most customerfocused providers and prune those who put petty profit and ego above customer and road user interests.” — WR.
Ghosn to retire as Renault CEO by 2020 RENAULT’S Carlos Ghosn is likely to step down as chief executive of the French carmaker before the end of his term in 2022, the Financial Times reported recently. Ghosn would remain the chairman of Renault and also continue as chief executive and chairman of the RenaultNissan-Mitsubishi alliance responsible for driving the three groups closer towards being a single global entity, the FT reported. “You can suspect before 2022 I will stop being CEO of Renault,” Ghosn told the FT. Renault was not immediately available for a request for comment. Last September, the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance unveiled a 2022 midterm plan which targeted increasing annual synergies to more than €10 billion, up from €5 billion in 2016.
Leisure Wheels took the Foton bakkie over the Road to Hell pass on the SA Namibia border with no difflock. PHOTO: LEISURE WHEELS
Carlos Ghosn. PHOTO: RENAULT Besides heading Renault, Ghosn serves as chairman of all three carmakers and is described as CEO of their expanding alliance, piloted by a Dutch-registered management company with no direct shareholder oversight or independent administrators — a sore point for some investors. — Reuters.
End of the line for Foton and Chery MOTUS will no longer import the cheap but ageing Chery or the Cumminspowered Foton bakkie. The division of the Imperial Group, which represents 22 Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in South Africa, said it will continue to honour warranties on Fotons and Cherys, and pro-
vide after-sales support along with spare parts through 700 owneed and franchised stores. Motus also offers vehicle finance services and operate in southern Africa, with distributorships in 6 African countries, 38 commercial dealerships in the UK and 5 dealerships in Australia. — WR.
THE
BULLETIN
June 2018
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR CAR DURING WINTER Be prepared this winter, and ensure that you take care of your vehicle during these cold days ahead. Here are a few tips from us to ensure that your vehicle performs optimally during the winter months.
JUNE DELIVERIES
- Remember your lights As the days get shorter, and the nights get longer, many motorists will leave for work in the morning while it is still dark outside and they will need to use the car’s headlights. Ensure the car’s headlights are working properly. Also ensure that you switch the headlights off when you reach your destination as you may have left them on after the sun came out during your journey. -Windscreens and wipers If your car is parked outside overnight, you may have a layer of frost on the windscreen. Do not use warm water to clean this layer, your windscreen may crack. Instead use a scrapper (an old credit card will do) to remove the ice. Using the air-conditioner to demist the interior of the car will also help. Make sure it is clear before you drive.Avoid using the windscreen sprayers when driving in cold conditions as the water from the reservoir will freeze onto the windscreen, and the wipers will not be able to clear the ice.Importantly, check the condition of your wiper blades and replace them if needed.
MEET OUR FRONTLINE SERVICE TEAM
-Tyres Always ensure your tyres are in a good condition and not worn down. Worn tyres are extremely dangerous in all conditions but this danger can be multiplied in wet, snowy, and icy conditions. Check that your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure , as this will ensure optimal road holding and tyre life.
Brendan Schmid Service Manager
Danny Ramaser Service Advisor
Denzil Moodley Service Advisor
Jeanine Schnoor Motoring Advisor
Angela Schorn Motoring Advisor
Nishen Kanavathy Warranty Clerk
- Batteries Check the water (electrolyte) level. Make sure the level is not too low (it must cover the fluid plates) and, if necessary, top it up. Keep the battery clean and ensure that it is secured properly. Service your car. Poor engine condition can overload the battery, so ensuring your car is maintained according to the manufacturer’s specifications will extend the battery’s life.
Book your service for your Isuzu, Opel or Chevrolet at Key Pietermaritzburg for the month of June and let us do a free safety check on your vehicle. Tel: 033 345 2542
Fax: 033 394 3199
Email: pmburg@keygroup.co.za
2 Peter Kerchhoff Street, Pietermaritzburg www.keypietermaritzburg.co.za
4
WitnessWheels
MOTORING RACING
June 21, 2018
Rebuilt for Botswana Maritzburg’s Ranger racers hunting third win in gruelling Toyota Desert Run COLIN MILEMAN MARITZBURG’s Ford Neil Woolridge Motorsport (NWM) team head to Botswana next week with the aim of claiming their third consecutive victory in the 2018 South African Cross Country Series (SACCS). The annual Toyota Kalahari Botswana 1000 Desert Race is the third round of the championship and takes place in Jwaneng from 22 to 24 June. It is Botswana’s biggest sporting event of the year, with a massive turnout of enthusiastic spectators all along the route. “The Botswana Desert Race is always extremely tough on the vehicles and the crews as it’s basically two races in one weekend,” says Neil Woolridge, NWM team principal. “The terrain is very challenging with a mix of extremely tight sections through dense bush, along with long, flat-out roads with soft sand. “We have totally rebuilt all three Rangers in preparation for Botswana as the muddy conditions experienced in the first two races is very hard on components, and we need to make sure there aren’t any reliability issues. Tyres play a huge role in this race, and in the past two years we’ve had to settle for second place due to punctures,” Woolridge adds. “Our pace is really good this season, so as long as we can minimise our tyre troubles, we should be able to do well.” Lance Woolridge and Ward Huxtable (T34) are in the enviable position of leading the Class T standings, having shown impeccable form by winning the first two races of 2018 in their NWM Ford Ranger. With the prospect of double points up for grabs on the only threeday 1 000km marathon race on the calendar, they are aiming to maximise the advantage and will begin the
Desert Race with 60 points — 25 more than reigning champions and second-placed Johan and Werner Horn (Malalane Toyota). “We’re hoping to carry our winning form into the Desert Race this year, and finally take the top step of the podium after finishing second to the Horn brothers in 2017,” Lance Woolridge adds. “We have great momentum this season, and this event is a crucial one for the championship.” Having rounded off the Desert Race podium last year with third place overall in Class T, Gareth Woolridge and co-driver Boyd Dreyer (T77) are focusing on transforming their outstanding qualifying pace into a decent points haul. They are currently seventh in the fiercely competitive championship after retiring at the season-opener in Mpumalanga, and limping home to fifth place at the Battlefields 400 in Dundee. The X Rally Team of Marcos Baumgart and Kleber Cincea (T20) return to the SACCS in the third NWM Ford Ranger full of confidence after extending their lead in the Brazilian cross country championship. Having scored a clean sweep of victories thus far in their domestic series in a near-identical Ranger, they were also rewarded with a third-place finish at the Mpumalanga race. Accordingly, Baumgart and Cincea are keen to make up lost ground after missing the Dundee event due to a clash of calendars. According to the organisers, the 2018 Desert Race route mixes the old with the new. Friday’s short qualifying session comprises a 50km time trial, with the main race comprising two 225 km loops and the second part on Sunday of two loops of a 220km route. Fans can follow the action on the free RallySafe app.
BIKING DATES National Cross Country • June 23-25, Botswana (double header). • October 14, Terra Topia in Gauteng. National Enduro • July 8, Port Elizabeth • August 12, KZN. • September 28–30, Lesotho (double header). • June 28-30, Impi WFO. • June 29-30, Regional Enduro, Impi WFO. • July 7, Powasol Extreme Enduro. • July 7-8, Tbone Racing at Ixopo. • July 15, KZN Racing XCountry at Jolivet. • August 10-11, WFO National Enduro at Umzumbe. • August 19, KZN Racing XCountry at Bishopstowe.
Lance Woolridge and Ward Huxtable aim to bring home to Maritzburg a third consecutive win from the annual Toyota Kalahari Botswana 1000 Desert Race next weekend. PHOTO: QUICKPIC
Racing simulator for the fans at KZN Road Racing COLIN WINDELL PIETERMARITZBURG features heavily in the upcoming race meeting at Dezzi Raceway on Saturday, with Oslo Beach with Caitlin McElvey making a one-off return on a KTM Supermotard and Grant Duckham pitting his skills against the super quick Kinsgley Wood Power King Golf. Aside from the hot action expected on track at Dezzi Raceway, Oslo Beach, for the next round of the KZN Road Racing Championship, race fans have a treat in store with the Volkswagen Racing Simulator making an appearance. Head of Volkswagen Motorsport, Mike Rowe, says everyone is invited to come along and to try and set a time on the very realistic system, used extensively by the company for training. Two other notable appearances on the day will be Kingsley Wood in the impressive Power King Volkswagen Golf that was originally built for Manufacturer’s Challenge racing back in the 70s. This super fast car has been invited by the Retro Racing community to join their events on the day. This class will be fielding 28 cars, including the impressively quick Ford Escort driven by Grant Duckham, the Ford Capri of Wesley Naidoo, the Mercedes driven by Ollie Broome and Rohan Jarvis’ Alfa Romeo GT among them. KTM Durban North have also pro-
NOW AVAILABLE AT LAND ROVER PIETERMARITZBURG Superbike racer Caitlin McKelvey will be taking on the boys at Dezzi’s. PHOTO: SUPPLIED vided a motorcycle for Pietermaritzburg’s McKelvey as a one-off guest ride as part of the Supermotard category where she will run against the likes of Craig Bishop (KTM 450), Petyer Blofield (Husqvarna 450), Bryce Hills (Husqvarna 450) and the Etzel brothers Karl and Hein on their 450 Yamahas. U11 riders will also race a Mini GP on a shortened circuit. Tickets are R150 for a family of four, or R80 per adult, R50 for teens and pensioners, CV Joint while children speCialists U12 enter for CV joints, ball joints, free. tie rod ends, wheel bearings. • Racing starts at 341 GReYlinG stReet 10 am.
Pmb. 033 342 9174/75
The Discovery Sport is our most versatile compact SUV to date. Intelligent technology including class-leading Terrain Response makes the Discovery Sport perfect for the great outdoors. A generous storage space of 1,698 litres and clever 5+2 seating makes for a great indoors too.
Model
Discovery Sport 18MY 2.0D 132kW SE
Retail Price (incl VAT)
R766 104
Principal Debt
R652 396
Deposit (15%) Period Monthly Instalment Rate
R114 916 72 months R7 999* 5.16%
Balloon Payment (30%)
R229 831
Total Cost of Finance
R797 757
Offer available from Land Rover Financial Services. Deal parameters are felxible but will affect rate and payment. Contact dealer F&I manager for options. These payments are indications only and may change depending on date of first payment, etc. Changes in the prime rate, currently 10%, will cause changes to this schedule unless calculated on a ‘Fixed Rate’ basis. Customer responsible for Balloon Payment when and if applicable. Subject to normal credit approval as per Land Rover Financial Services credit criteria. Retail prices subject to change without notice. Advertised monthly payment includes initiation fee of R 1 207.50 and R 69.00 monthly service fee. Terms and conditions apply and while stocks last. Land Rover Financial Services, a product of WesBank. WesBank is a division of FirstRand Bank Limited. A Registered bank. An Authorised Financial Services and Credit Provider. NCRCP20.