June 28, 2018
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Celebrating in style Aseel Al Hamad celebrated the end of the ban on women drivers in Saudi Arabia with a lap of honour in a Jaguar F-Type. Aseel, the first female board member of the Saudi Arabian Motor Federation, had never driven on a track in her home country before. Aseel joined Jaguar in a call for June 24 to be known as World Driving Day — a day when finally, the whole world can enjoy the thrill of being behind the wheel of a car. On World Driving Day Jaguar invited people to share a memory of their best driving moment (image or anecdote) using the hashtag #worlddrivingday By creating World Driving Day, Jaguar urged people to remember this historic day and what it means to women, to Saudi Arabia and to world progress in general. PHOTO: MOTORPRESS
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THE Right to Repair (R2R) campaign is celebrating the decision by Volkswagen (VW) to make several changes in relation to the independent aftermarket. The campaign hopes that this move signals a willingness by manufacturers to start opening up the after-sales market to independent providers. “Thanks to the process started by the Competition Commission, we believe VW is also being guided by practices in the European Union,” said Gunther Schmitz, spokesperson for Right to Repair SA. In a submission to the Competition Commission, VW stated that it would commit to ensuring that warranties will remain in place if service, maintenance or repair work is performed by independent third parties. Along with that, it has committed to making tools and
equipment, as well as the technical literature that is required for the servicing and repair of VW vehicles, available from approved dealers. Lastly, it stated that VW is prepared to consider offering training for independent service providers. “This is a great step forward,” said Schmitz. “We understand that the Competition Commission is still busy with finalising the code of conduct and due to the complexity of the topic, many stakeholder engagements are required. “In the meantime, the submission by VW shows that some vehicle manufacturers are open to allowing the same competitive environment as is standard in Europe, and it will benefit the South African consumer.” He said that the R2R campaign aims to allow consumers to select
where their vehicles are serviced, maintained and repaired at competitive prices in the workshop of their choice. “There is a need for a fair and competitive regulatory environment that enables freedom of choice for consumers and gives aftermarket small- and mediumsized enterprises a chance to stay in business. “South African legislation needs to follow the international Right to Repair trends, which promote South Africa’s existing consumer and competition laws. “We applaud Volkswagen for taking the first step and we are looking forward to seeing other manufacturers follow suit, as has happened in other countries where R2R has been active,” he said. For more details, see www.right2repair.org.za — R2RSA.
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June 28, 2018
MUX lands in PMB Isuzu’s long-awaited seven-seater wows fans with a quiet ride in the bush ALWYN VILJOEN KEY Pietermaritzburg last weekend leveraged its ideal position in the Midlands by launching the Isuzu MUX sport utility vehicle to customers on the forest roads that surround the city. “For a while there it was like the Le Mans here — as soon as one car stopped, a fresh crew jumped in,” said dealer principal Mike Hall-Jones. He told Wheels regular dirt road users were most impressed by the MUX’s noise insulation in the cabin and the pliant ride — thanks to a five-link rear suspension. The full size sevcn-seater SUV has now been around for several years and comes with a proven reputation. LED Daytime Running Lights distinquish the MUX by day, while Bi-LED projector headlights with auto-levelling functionality light the way at night. Like the Fortuner, which is built on the Hilux chasiss; the MUX shares underpinnings with the Isuzu KB bakkie, which means it will drive over the toughest of terrains on 18-inch wheels. These tyres give the SUV a groundclearance of 23 cm, but if this is not high enough, a steel sump and transfer case guard are standard on the MUX. Under the hood, Isuzu’s 3-0-litre fourcylinder turbo diesel makes 130 kW and 380 Nm, more than enough to tow the
Bright light idea on Kickstarter ALWYN VILJOEN
Key Pietermaritzburg launched the new Isuzu MUX to customers on Saturday. PHOTO: ALWYN VILJOEN three-ton braked trailer the car is licensed for. The Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest camp will scoff at this power, saying it’s lot less than their wagons make, but as Hall-Jones pointed out, Toyota bought into Isuzu’s diesel drivetrain technology because its not how many Newtons your vehicle makes, but for how long it can
maintain its peak torque at low revs. As Wheels has learned while towing over 800 km with this engine, Isuzu’s torque kicks in from just under 2 000 revs, which is low enough to engage auto cruise and pull a heavy load in fifth gear up hill and down dale. But low down power is not the MUX’s only strong selling point — that prize
goes to low insurance premiums, as the MUX does not, yet, come burdened with the Fortuner’s best-selling, most-stolen status. The MUX does come with a fiveyear or 90 000 km service plan and a five-year or 120 000 km warranty. Prices for the MUX 3.0 4X2 AT6 R568 000 3.0 4X4 AT6 R629 100
NEXT-GENERATION ACV SIXTEEN prototypes and 18 months after accepting the first prototypes, the U.S. Marine Corps has awarded BAE Systems and its partner Iveco Defence Vehicles a $198 million contract to deliver the first 30 of the Corps’ next-generation Amphibious Combat Vehicles (ACV). The contract for the fully amphibious, ship-launchable troop carrier includes an option of up to $1,2 billion for a total of 204 vehicles. ACV is built to carry 13 Marines inside a blastresistant hull designed to take on mines, IEDs, kinetic energy rounds, and overhead blasts as they ride in a suspended interior seat structure. The crew of three have their own blast protection and there is a fire suppression system. The 8x8 vehicle is powered by a six-cylinder engine belting out 522 kW (700 American horsepower). — WR.
A BRILLIANT idea on Kickstarter is struggling for support. Called the ALLight (for Always Level Light), its inventor, bike rider and motorcycle technician Peymon Hashimoto, said he wanted to illuminate the dark spots all riders face when leaning a bike into a turn. Because a bike’s handlebars do not turn into a lean, the motorbike’s light bead tilts into the sky and into the road, leaving the space the rider is entering momentarily in the dark. Hashimoto said in his Kickstarter pitch he realised he could solve this problem when he saw a gimbal motor stabilise a camera to keep the beam level. He proved the concept in March last year and has since improved the design four times to produce the “design protype” in April. The self-levelling, super-bright projector beam can be retrofitted to all bikes. The ALLight simply slips into the place of the H4 type light bulbs used in most bikes, but for H7 and H11 type bulbs, the headlight cover has to be removed to plug in the unit’s standard three-pin connector. And because the light cannot blind other motorists, he used superbright LEDs to create the brightest lights on bikes, both on low beam and high beam. One reason why Hashimoto’s campaign has at the time of print garnered less than $4 000 (R54 375) of his $92 500 goal may be because he is asking rather a lot for tech which he calls a “design protype”. And maybe because he deems one of his ALLight stickers a bargain at over R130 each. Still, the first 20 early bird special offerings have been snapped up at just over R2 000 ($150) each. Latecomers who want an ALLight will pay over R2 700 ($200) each. This includes worldwide shipping and two stickers. Bike retailers can order a batch of 10 at some R1 900 ($140) each, also including shipping and two stickers thrown in. More on Kickstarter.
There is simply no safe way to use a phone while you’re driving ACCORDING to a report by the International Transport Forum (ITF), as many as 25% of crashes on South African roads are caused by the use of cellphones while driving. Hands-free kits and Bluetooth devices let drivers keep both hands on the wheel when talking on cellphones, but do they really make driving while using a cellphone safer? Kirstie Haslam, partner at DSC Attorneys, says that studies suggest the answer is no. “Having a phone conversation, even if you don’t have to hold the phone, is a distraction,” she said. “Much like daydreaming, it takes your mental focus away from driving. If you’re concentrating on a conversation, you’re not paying enough attention to the road.” She points out that some studies have even found that drivers talking
on phones using hands-free devices were likely to drive faster than those using phones they had to hold. “This may be because the hands-free systems gave the drivers a false sense of security,” she said. COMPARING CELLPHONE AND PASSENGER CONVERSATIONS Haslam says that studies indicate that it’s much less dangerous for a driver to talk to a passenger than to talk on a cellphone while driving. “Although the conversation itself can be distracting, having an extra pair of eyes to see potential threats mitigates the danger.” Also, Haslam says that passengers know to stop talking when it’s clear you need to concentrate on the road. “In fact, a good percentage of the conversation between drivers and their
passengers tends to be about road conditions and what other drivers are doing. In contrast, a person on the other end of a phone is oblivious to your surroundings. He or she can’t help identify potential driving dangers and won’t stop talking because you’re encountering difficult road conditions.” Why is it so dangerous? Because cars travel at high speeds, Haslam says that you typically have very little time to react in the event of an accident. “Collisions happen in split seconds. This makes any form of distraction while driving very dangerous.” According to data collected by the Discovery Insure Driver Challenge app, using a cellphone involves an average of 52 seconds of distracted driving. If you’re driving at a speed of just 60 km/h, Haslam says that this is equivalent to driving “blind” for one
full kilometre. “It’s estimated that roughly 90% of all vehicle crashes are caused by driver error, and a large percentage of these accidents are due to driver distraction,” she said. MINIMISING THE RISK Talking on a cellphone while driving without a hands-free kit is illegal in South Africa. Many newer cars feature integrated Bluetooth connectivity, meaning you can connect your cellphone and make calls on the go. This may make cellphone use while driving legal, but it doesn’t make it safe. If you need to make a call, Haslam advises to do so before you start driving. “And, if you must answer a call you receive when you’re already on the road, carefully pull over in a safe spot before doing
so.” There is simply no safe way to use a phone while you’re driving. CLAIMING FOR A ROAD ACCIDENT CAUSED BY CELLPHONE USE If you’re seriously injured in a road accident that was caused by another driver, for example because that person was using a cellphone, Haslam says you may be able to claim from the Road Accident Fund. Haslam says that should you be involved in a road accident, it is worthwhile seeking advice from a law firm that specialises in road accident claims. “Their personal injury attorneys and medico-legal team can assess your claim, help prepare supporting evidence and represent you in legal proceedings, giving you the best chance of receiving the compensation you deserve,” she said.
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June 28, 2018
Like a fitted suit Giulia wins top award, first edition already priced for collectors ALWYN VILJOEN A BESPOKE Savile Row suit starts at over R90 000 — and despite the price, there is a waiting list. The Alfa Romeo Giulia reminded me of this fact not because of its price, but for how tailored it feels. It is snug in the cabin, the same way a tailored pair of pants feel snug. And it needs to be, because the Giulia has the 3-series in the eye and therefore has to handle. Which it does. As Alfa puts it, “the engine and mechanical components are arranged to ensure perfect balance of weights”. This puts the cabin close to the front axle, which ensures a short overhang and a lower centre of gravity, but also means the front wheel arches bulge deep into the footwells. This is a car for drivers who wear pointy shoes rather than steel cap boots then. To compete with the Beemer the Giulia also has to turn heads. Which it also does, as it showed by winning the “Compasso d’Oro ADI” award last week. ADI stands for Italian Industrial Design Association — the kind of guys who understand the hundreds of hours that go into tailoring a bespoke suit. They see in the Giulia the highest
expression of Italian style in the automotive world. The interior pivots towards the driver with all the elements designed to add to the feeling of space and power, with a central console covered by a rakish lid the size of a chest plate. It looks gorgeous, until one tries to open it to dig something out. This is a car for drivers, not fiddlers. And the engine to do the driving with is the race-tuned V6 BiTurbo petrol engine. The road going version already makes 380 kW and 600 Nm, with a weight-to-power ratio 2,99 kg/hp. This engine propelled the Nürburgring Edition Stelvio Quadrifoglio — a big SUV mind — around the German test track’s Nordschleife in seven minutes and 51,7 seconds. No other SUV has done it faster yet. Alfa is building only 108 each of the Nürburgring Edition Stelvio and Giulia models. The normal Giulia sells from R616 900. This pits it against a lot of very capable cars. But only the Giulia feels like a bespoke suit. Which may explain why a launch edition Giulia V6 was advertised at twice this price on social media at the time of print. Style never goes out of demand.
The Alfa Romeo Giulia has won the Italian Industrial Design Association’s coveted Compasso d’Oro ADI award. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
A CORNER IS A TERRIBLE THING TO WASTE
NOW AT JAGUAR PIETERMARITZBURG
Huyndai’s H1 nine-seater van now sports more creature comforts. PHOTO: QUICKPIC
Makeover for Hyundai van HYUNDAI has given the popular H1 nine-seater bus a makeover, which includes 17-inch alloys and a new infotainment centre with a large touchscreen. The steering wheel now adjusts for reach as well as height a rear camera is an option on the H1 2.5 Turbodiesel Bus. “The H1 has never really aged since we launched it in 2009, but the new makeover has really given it a modern look and a bold exterior that will attract many more buyers in this segment,” said Stanley Anderson, sales and operations director of Hyundai Automotive South Africa. He said
the six-seater Multicab derivative has been discontinued from the range, but individual orders can still be placed. The refreshed H1 Bus is still available two engines: A 2 359 cc petrol engine, (126 kW/224 Nm) with a fivespeed manual gearbox; and a 2 497 cc turbocharged diesel engine (125 kW/441 Nm with a five-speed automatics. Prices for the three models start at R499 900 for the H1 2.4 Executive Bus petrol, which includes Hyundai’s five-year or 150 000 km warranty, and a five-year or 90 000 km service plan. — WR.
With its advanced driving technologies the New E-PACE will have you seeking out every curve. Featuring Torque Vectoring by Braking, which increases steering control, you’re assured of precise, agile handling. With intelligent AWD*, which continually varies torque between front and rear wheels, you’re given optimum grip and balance. And with Active Driveline**, for improved dynamics plus greater traction, corners suddenly become even more inviting. Responsive handling. Supreme control. The E-PACE bends the rules, so you can rule the bends. Jaguar Pietermaritzburg 9 Armitage Road, Bird Sanctuary 033 897 8860 pietermaritzburg.jaguar.co.za
*Ts and Cs apply. AWD is standard with D240, P240 and P300 engines. Optional with D150 and D180 engines. **Active Driveline is available with D240 and P300 engines.
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June 28, 2018 Dakar Rally expert Giniel de Villiers and his navigator Dennis Murphy led a 1-2-3 win for Toyota in the Desert 1000. PHOTO: MOTORPRESS
Action in the desert De Villiers comes out tops in tough and tight race CHARMAINE FORTUNE THE Toyota Kalahari Botswana 1000 Desert Race, round three of the 2018 South African Cross Country Championship, again claimed its share of victims in a tough and tight race over three days and 1 000 kilometres that tested man and machine. It was, however, the Dakar Rally expert Giniel de Villiers and his navigator Dennis Murphy who came out tops with
their Toyota Gazoo Racing SA Hilux to conquer the demanding Botswana desert overall for the second consecutive year. A victory for De Villiers/Murphy also ensured that Toyota continued their winning streak at this iconic event with a seventh straight win while De Villiers/ Murphy claimed their hat-trick of wins this season. Another bonus was a 1-2-3 for Toyota in the Production Vehicle Category while they also walked away
with the laurels in the FIA Class, Class T, Class S and the Manufacturers award. “It was rough and fast and it’s always good to win,” De Villiers said on Sunday after receiving the chequered flag at the Jwaneng sports complex. Class T leaders were Lance Woolridge/Ward Huxtable (NWM Ford Ranger did not finish on the final day due to the transfer case failing on their Ford Ranger 29 kilometres into the final loop).
Gareth Woolridge/Boyd Dreyer (NWM Ford Ranger) were fifth on Saturday, but lost time when they ran out of fuel about 10 kilometres before DSP on the final day. They finished the race in 10th place and fifth in Class T. After finishing the first heat on Saturday in eighth place in the Production Vehicle category, Gary Bertholdt/Geoff Minnitt (Atlas Copco Toyota Hilux) clawed their way up the leader board to finish second in Class T and third over-
all. They showed real sportsmanship when they helped fellow competitors Johan van Staden/Mike Lawrenson (Elf Renault Duster) back on their wheels after a roll during the final section of the race. Bertholdt/Minnitt were followed by the Brazilian team in the NWM Ford Ranger, and Marcos Baumgart/Kleber Cincea who also rounded off the Class T podium. The Class S victory went to Heinie Strumpher/Henri Hugo (Toyota Hilux) who led the class by posting the fastest qualifying time on Friday. They were 10th overall after Saturday’s racing section and a class win in both heats and final fifth place overall earned them a healthy amount of points, making their TDR 1000 experience worthwhile. The Class S winners were in a battle for overall results with Terence Marsh/ Riaan Greyling (Red-Lined Motorsport Nissan Navara) and just pipped them on the final results. Marsh/Greyling worked hard for their well-deserved second place in the FIA Class and finished sixth overall after a tough 1 000 kilometres. The pair also won the sought-after Road to Dakar Challenge, which gives them a free entry into the world’s toughest motorsport event. Behind them, desert race stalwart Jannie Visser and his son Chris (Toyota Hilux) finished second in Class S after a trouble-free weekend, with David Huddy/Gerhardt Schutte (Nissan Navara), rounding off the Class S podium and in eighth place on the overall standings. The 27th running of the distinguished Toyota Kalahari Botswana 1000 Desert Race under the Toyota banner, regarded as the toughest cross-country event in southern Africa, tested competitors over 1 000 kilometres, and those who survived were rewarded with well-earned points towards the various championships. Upcoming events August 3 to 4, Bronkhorstpruit 400. August 4, Northern Regions Round 5. August 11, KZN Underberg. September 14 to 15, Harrismith 400.
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Ollie Broome’s Ford Mustang is a crowd favourite at Dezzi’s Raceway. PHOTO: COLIN WINDELL
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Huge crowd enjoys the action at Dezzi COLIN WINDELL THE biggest crowd yet at Dezzi Raceway (10 000), cheered mightily every time Ollie Broome brought the ex-Basil van Rooyen Ford Mustang around. The Retro racers shared track time with the Sports and Super GT cars, and Vaughn Robinson found a Lotus 7 bouncing around the rear wheel well of his Escort at one point. With Pietermaritzburg hero Grant Duckham sidelined by electrical problems on his super quick Ford Escort, it was the Class D Ford Escort of George Economides that took top honours overall, with Meredith Willis (Class E Ford Escort) second overall. In the Super GT and Porsche categories, Duncan dos Reis was simply in a class of his own in his Pirelli Porsche, winning overall in both categories, ahead of Zaheed Hassim (Porsche) and Charl
Momsen in the Alfa-engined Noble in the Super GT class. Doug Fear in the Backdraft Cobra replica was third in the Super GT class. Swopping the Mustang for his trusty Mercedes-Benz 2,3 litre turbo, Broome raced to victory in the first heat of the Modified Class, beating off the strenuous efforts of Ronald van Rensburg (Volkswagen Golf), Paul Tarboton (VW Golf) and Elton Fuchs (VW Golf). Fuchs made a comeback in the second heat to win from Van Rensburg and Tarboton, with Denver Branders sneaking his Toyota Corolla into fourth place ahead of Broome. Van Rensburg topped the Class A tables for the day, with Shiren Raipaul (VW Golf) second and Branders third. In Class B, Leo Branders (VW Golf) took the honours from John Montanari (VW Golf) and Pierre-Richard Potgieter (VW Golf). Class C went the way of
Gary Brown (Ford), with Tim Kinsey (VW Golf) second ahead of Richard Loynes (VW Golf). In championship terms, Elton Fuchs leads the Super Modifieds on 181 points from Dieter Ziesing (BMW) on 91 and Tarboton on 80. Van Rensburg leads Class A (190) from Clinton Bezuidenhout (104) and Shiren Rajpaul (83). Class B is the domain of Potgieter (120) followed by Montanari (111) and Leo Branders (90), while Kinsey rules Class C on 146 with Brown at 141 and Barry Liggins (102). In most classes the CV Joint points race is speCialists close and for CV joints, ball joints, with three tie rod ends, wheel bearings. rounds to go, it is 341 GReYlinG stReet still all to play Pmb. 033 342 9174/75 for.
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