March 14, 2019
Witness
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Toyota has launched the new Corolla with Toyota’s New Global Architecture chassis as its basis. The new Corolla is longer and lower than its Auris predecessor and like all Corolla hatches, comes standard with a service plan covering six services within 90 000 km, as well as a threeyear or 100 000 km warranty. Service intervals are set at 12 months or 15 000 km. A 1,2-litre, four-cylinder turbo petrol engine makes 85 kW and 185 Nm from 1 500 to 4 000 rpm, sending the power to the front wheels trough either a six-speed manual or a new 10-speed continiously variable transmission (CVT). The engine is the same power unit found in the Toyota C-HR, with Toyota posting a combined fuel consumption of 6,1 litres per 100 km for both manual and CVT variants. The three models start at R336 800 for the Xs 6MT and tops out at R367 100 for the Xr CVT. The new and old Suzuki Ertiga in their natural habitat — the airport pick-up area, from where the seven-seater can ferry the family or — at a squeeze — the colleagues, to where they need to be next. The sculpted new Ertiga offers a bigger boot and arguably the most attractive design among the competing people movers. PHOTO: ALWYN VILJOEN
A seven-seat looker ALWYN VILJOEN compares notes with other dads waiting to fill the 7-seater family lugger
Mahindra has created a special edition Thar by loading the standard model with all the off-road accessories an off-road enthusiast needs. Selling for R293 999 compared to the standard Thar’s price of R229 000, the Thar Adventure Series adds off-road bumpers, a steel canopy, off-road ready alloy wheels and a snorkel to the standard Thar 2.5 CRDe 4x4 SE. The engine is unchanged, making 78 kW and 247 Nm from 1 200 rpm to 2 000 rpm. Mahindra also added a steel canopy from Getec, which can be used instead of the canvas canopy in places where lions and tsotsis prowl. Both the steel canopy and roof section above the front seats can be removed for an open-top driving experience. The Bundu Gear front bumper also sports built-in LED lights. “The Thar is a firm favourite among Mahindra and off-road enthusiasts alike for its 70-year pedigree and no-frills focus on off-roading. With the Adventure Series, we have added the most popular Thar accessories at a discounted price to create a model that is sure to find favour with this group of fans,” says Rajesh Gupta, CEO of Mahindra South Africa.
SUZUKI said at the launch of the new Ertiga in Johannesburg last week the seven-seat people mover “is ready for everything that a busy family or active business can throw at it”. If that active business only employs short people, seven of them will fit at least as comfortably in the Ertiga as in a seven-seat Fortuner, because both rows of seats in the Suzuki move to allow the occupants equal knee room. André Venter, divisional manager for sales and marketing at Suzuki South Africa, said the second-generation Ertiga is worlds apart from the first-generation that was launched in 2010. “Extended families are now more common, mobile phone integration is a given and good ground clearance is a requirement. Our engineers and designers have worked hard to create an MPV that truly delivers on its paper promises. There is more space, and
even adults can comfortably use the third row of seats,” said Venter. Having squeezed into the Ertiga with six not exactly svelte fellow journalists at OR Tambo airport, I can agree it is comfortable enough in there for adults — but only for commuting distances. I compared the new Ertiga against the predecessor at Oribi Airport in Pietermaritzburg, where Zamane Ndlela, a pensioner who gets to drive the grandkids about in his first generation Ertiga, was keen to inspect the new model. The new Suzuki Ertiga is only 13 cm longer, 5 mm higher and four centimetres wider than its predecessor, but the designers have used every cubic centimetre to add interior space. Ndlela agreed the new model certainly looks the part and offers a lot more luggage space, 199 litres and up to 2,820 metres with the front passen-
ger seat also folded flat. Ndlela especially liked how there is more shoulder room for passengers in all three rows of seats, with the middle row sliding forward and the rear seat backs tilting 15 degrees for more comfort on long roads. Despite the extra length and width, Suzuki has kept the wheelbase unchanged at 2 740 mm, which means that the new Ertiga shares the nimble turning circle of 5,2 metres with its predecessor. Ndlela also like the dark cloth seats in the new Eriga. The beige interior of his older model has been stained and blackened after some 75 000 km of use. I liked that the seat backs are all backed by metal plates under the cloth to make them more durable when the large interior is used to cart stuff instead of people. I also liked the full size spare wheel at the back.
Matriculants told: ‘Mechanics wanted’
Volkswagen announced it will in June start selling its first compact SUV, the T-Cross, which slots between the smaller Tiguan and bigger Touareg. The T-Cross is based on the same platform as the new Polo, with prices to start below R300 000.
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CHAIR of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (Miwa) Dewald Ranft (pictured) advised 2018 matriculants still wondering what they should be doing this year to look at the auto sector. “The good news is that the motor industry has much to offer enthusiastic young people eager to learn and wanting to make money,” said Ranft. “Typically, automotive service technicians and mechanics maintain and fix cars and light trucks. “However, the type of work we do has changed over the years. It used to be simple mechanical repairs. Today it is a highly technical job since vehicles today are run by electronic systems and computers,” he says. He explains that to do the job, technicians must know a lot about how complex parts of the vehicle work together. “Mechanics must be able to work with electronic equipment and be able to read and understand manuals and machines that are computerbased. At the same time, they must be able to use the power- and hand-tools we’ve used in the past. “Because there are so many parts to a vehicle some mechanics specialise in fixing only one certain part of it. For
example, some technicians will only fix brakes while others will solely work on problems with the air-conditioning system. It’s a hands-on job that is very rewarding,” he says. Ranft says problem solving is a vital skill if you are considering a career as a mechanic. “Maths and computer science are good subjects to do if you have an interest in this field,” he says. Formal and on-the-job training is essential. “There are some good courses you can take to become certified. Practical training is obviously also vital. While studying, it is highly recom-
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inclines. A four-speed automatic is available, but most people in this price sensitive range opt for manual. Competition The Ertiga competes with the sevenseat models from Datsun Go+, Honda BR-V and Toyota Avanza. While the Toyota and Honda ride a little higher and Honda has more power, to my mind the Ertiga beats all comers in value and looks. Buyers can choose between three versions, all sold with Suzuki’s promotional 200 000-km or five-year warranty and a four-year or 60 000 km service plan. Suzuki Ertiga 1,5 prices GA manual R214 900 GL manual R239 900 GL auto R254 900 • alwyn.viljoen@witness.co.za
I-PACE COMES WITH RAPID CHARGE
JAGUAR can claim to be introducing South Africa’s first electric vehicle launched together with a rapid public charging network to enable long distance travel between city centres. Jaguar, in partnership with electric vehicle charging authority GridCars, announced the rollout of the Jaguar Powerway in September, 2018. The national matrix of rapid public charging stations currently sees more than 85 stations in the country’s major hubs and along frequently-travelled holiday routes. The I-Pace’s range of up to 470 km is already more than most commuters need, but if this falls
short, the 60-kW, rapid public charging in South Africa will charge an I-Pace from 0-80% in 72 minutes and add 100 km range in 20 minutes. Jaguar said the R30-million infrastructure investment makes long journeys possible for owners of all electric vehicles. The I-Pace is available in S, SE and HSE derivatives alongside a First Edition, all inspired by the design of the original concept. I-Pace pricing: S: R1 687 200 SE: R1 745 400 HSE: R1 820 900 First Edition: R1 920 700
Kanu equips Isuzu truck to fight fires
WE HAVE A LARGE VARIETY OF ENGINES AND GEARBOXES TO CHOOSE FROM
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.
mended that you do an apprenticeship at a workshop.” Most mechanics will start out working for a workshop and get several years of practical experience under their belt before considering venturing off to open their own business. A large number of qualified technicians in South Africa go on to own their own independent workshops while the others work for dealerships, workshops, parts and supplies retailers, and so on. “We acknowledge our responsibility as Miwa to assist with development of skills in South Africa,” says Ranft, and for this reason Miwa has identified training as one of its priorities. “The association has ventured into establishing excellent relationships with top accredited training service providers in South Africa like Bidvest McCarthy Training Academy and Imperial Technical Training Academy, to name a few. “We offer a much-needed service and as long as people drive cars there will be a need for skilled mechanics. “If you are considering getting into the industry and need some advice, contact Miwa for assistance,” he concludes. — WR.
Up front, the new Ertiga boasts added cup holders with vents from the airconditioner to keep drinks cold, a 12V charging socket and USB port. A second charging socket behind the front seats serves the middle row. Reverse parking sensors are standard on the GL model. I drove the Ertiga back to KZN from Gauteng and en route had to answer several questions from moms who drive a lot of farm roads. The answer to their main worry, whether the Ertiga will last on dirt, is answered by Suzuki’s extremely rigid but light body structure, which architecure has been proven in the new Suzuki Swift and Vitara. The new engine makes 77 kW at 6 000 rpm and 138 Nm at 4 400 rpm. In city traffic, this is good for 7,2l/100 km, but on the highway with a full load, one tends to select fourth instead of fifth to maintain speed on
LESS than a year after starting a three-man company to build electric bicycles in vintage styles, Desmond Soekoe is looking to expand to open Soekoe Bicycle offices in Durban and Cape Town, as well as in Portugal and Spain. While still small — Soekoe builds only five to 10 bikes a month from its base in Germiston — the made-in-SA bikes sell from R6 000 for a simple motorised bicycle to R22 000 for the CV Joint first true Soekoe vintage bicycle with a 49 cc speCialists petrol engine from China that gives it a top for CV joints, ball joints, speed of 45 km/h (pictured). tie rod ends, wheel bearings. Soekoe said the bikes for Europe will be electric, and the plan is to launch in May, 341 GReYlinG stReet selling from R25 000, using SA-sourced Pmb. 033 342 9174/75 batteries and controllers.
THE Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has set an example for other municipalities that need new fire fighting equipment — buy local. Isuzu Motors South Africa’s truck plant in Port Elizabeth built the Isuzu FXZ 26-360 6x4, fitted with an Allison 4430PR automatic transmission. The fire fighting truck was modified by Isuzu’s subsidiary, Kanu Commercial Body Builders in Marksman Township. “The conversion included the truck being fitted with a 13 500-litre water tank, high pressure pump equipment, two hose reels, fire-fighting equipment and a host of other items,” explained Michael Corney, Kanu general sales manager. He said these 6x4 trucks are able to extinguish fires in rough terrain and will help fire fighters access challenging areas. While it was the first fire-fighting water truck of its kind supplied to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality by Isuzu and Kanu Commercial Body Builders, Corney said it formed part of an ongoing supplier partnership with the local government of the city where Isuzu Motors South Africa’s bakkie and truck production plant is situated. “We will continue to work with various departments within the municipality to advise on product solutions that are best suited for their needs,” Corney said.
Ready to fight fires are Nelson Mandela Bay fire fighters (from left) Vuyo Marele, Doreen Jim and Mteza Mqopi. PHOTO: QUICKPIC Nelson Mandela Bay municipal spokesperson Kupido Baron said although the legislatively prescribed process was followed with this award, it remains pleasing to do business with a company based locally as it is in line with the municipality’s local economic development initiatives. “The success of Isuzu Motors South Africa with this acquisition and the fact that these specialised vehicles are able to negotiate much tougher terrain than normal fire engines, will
assist our brave firefighters in their continuous quest to keep our citizens and property safe,” Baron said. Isuzu Motors South Africa holds the position of South Africa’s bestselling truck brand in the Medium Commercial and Heavy Commercial Vehicle segment for the past six years. Isuzu offers a wide range of truck models in this market segment and is the leading brand for chassis/cab applications for application of a cargo body suited to the payload and task. — WR.