Wwheels 20150226

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Dealers in Superfine Exotic and Sports Cars

Witness

Tel: 033 345 1971, 033 342 4717 Fax: 033 342 2900 - www.ashcarsales.co.za

2012 VW POLO VIVO 1.4 TRENDLINE TIPTRONIC AUTO

WHEELS

ADVERTISING: AVIR THULSIRAM ON 084 278 3447

FOR South Africa’s automotive parts price guru, Porsche this year turned up the biggest surprise among the 11 cars nominated for the 2015 Car of the Year (Coty) title.

Pinetown resident Malcolm Kinsey told Wheels that compared with other premium vehicles in its class, “the Porsche Macan parts are very well­priced”.

The air filter on the Macan is, for example, half the price of that in the Corolla 1,4 D4­D and the big Ger­ man’s rear brake pads are almost R60 cheaper than that of the Japanese sedan.

Still, said Kinsey, overall, the Corolla’s parts basket is the least expensive of the 11 cars.

“This is because Toyota aims to make all their models affordable throughout their life cycle,” he said, adding that the Prospecton factory works hard to make all the vehicle components — from the typical wear­and­tear parts to panel­beater parts — affordable for the average South African.

Kinsey revealed that perception plays a strange part in parts pricing.

“Cheap does not always make clients happy.

Some people actually want to pay more for the same make of parts if it is fitted to more expensive cars,” he said.

Kinsey is still the only man to have towed a four­berth caravan up Sani Pass in a 3,0­litre Ford Saphire auto and he holds several fuel­consump­ tion records in various sizes of car.

Asked if the perception that French cars have expensive parts is still valid, Kinsey said this idea is long outdated.

He pointed out that the parts basket of the Citroën C4 Picasso e­HDi 115 Intensive on the Coty shortlist is just over R21 k more than that of the Corolla. He said that in the past few years, the local French representatives have done a huge amount of work to reduce their parts prices in

every way possible.

“They, for example, now ship smaller parts in the same box as what a bumper gets packed in. This has reduced their number of ship­ ping items by about 25%, which correspondingly has reduced their freight costs and of course, some of their parts prices by about the same margin.”

He said the real price shock for most people lurks in the panel­ beating lists. Replacing a hail­dam­ aged bonnet can range from R2 301,72 on the Co­ rolla to R20 234,87 for the BMW M4 Coupé.

Replacing a hail­damaged front windscreen will cost the least in a Renault Duster (R2 679,89) and about R10 500 in both the Subaru WRX and Honda Accord 3,5 V6 Exclusive.

As always, Kinsey warns buyers that his price lists are averages and he urges all car owners to shop around when they service or panel­beat a car.

“The manufacturers cannot enforce their recom­ mended prices. We have, for example, found the same parts in Durban are up to 10% more expen­ sive than in Johannesburg or Cape Town,” said Kinsey.

• More on www.kinseyreport.co.za

2015 Car of the Year parts basket prices R71 898,64 — Toyota Corolla 1.4 D­4D Prestige R74 969,61 — Renault Duster 1.5dCi Dynamique AWD R93 190,47 — Citroën C4 Picasso e­HDi 115 Intensive R104 916,74 — Nissan Qashqai 1.6 dCi Acenta AT R132 262,83 — Audi A3 Sedan 1.4T FSI SE S Tronic R133 426,12 — Lexus ES 250 EX R141 428,14 — Porsche Macan S Diesel R154 874,12 — Honda Accord 3.5 V6 Exclusive R170 595,77 — Mercedes­Benz C 200 AT R224 956,83 — BMW M4 Coupé AT

Wheeled events in KZN TOMORROW and Saturday, Scottburgh is again hosting the first leg of the national rally champion­ ship with the Tour Natal Rally.

• March 1: Xtreme­fun­draisers hosts a Car and Bike Show at The Farm, which is at 53 Pope Ellis Drive in Ashburton. Take the 69 off­ramp from

the N3). Entry fee is R10 per person.

Vehicle exhibitors can enter free of charge from 7 am.

• March 7 to March 8: National Enduro and Junior Enduro at Creighton. See more on www.wforacing .co.za

R119 995

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534/550 Church Street, Pietermaritzburg 3201 PO Box 8390, Cumberwood 3235

… NOW YOU’RE MOTORING

Shop around for parts ALWYN VILJOEN learns not everyone likes to pay less for their car’s oil filters and brake pads

53 000 km, jazz blue, FSH at agents, bal of warranty till June 2015, front electric windows, A/con, P/steering, MP3 player, airbags, remote central locking, ideal ladies/students car

Maria Sharapova helped launched the Porsche Macan, which has surprised SA’s parts price guru Malcolm Kinsey (left inset) with its well­priced parts among the 11 Coty finalists.

PHOTO: AUSIEEXOTICS.COM

The efficient helper.

Caddy 2.0 TDI 81kW Panel Van from R237,900* incl. VAT The Caddy 2.0 TDI 81kW Panel Van standard features include: -

81kW @ 4200rpm 149g/km CO emissions � 5-speed manual ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)

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TCS (Traction Control System) Daytime running lights Rear fog light Height adjustable head restraints Remote-controlled central locking

Exclusive to Barons Pietermaritzburg: Purchase 2 Caddy 2.0 TDI 81kW Panel Vans and we will include a free aircon and radio on your second purchase.

Visit us on www.baronsvwpmb.co.za An optional cost of R3850 incl VAT will be charged for metallic paint. Note: *Linked to FNB prime rate, currently 9.25%. Note: Offers calculated on the Caddy 2.0 TDI 81kW Panel Van model in standard specifications. Information subject to change without prior notification. All finance offers are subject to credit approval from Volkswagen Financial Services. Instalment includes initiation and monthly administration fee of R57. Volkswagen Financial Services a division Volkswagen Financial Services South Africa (Pty) Ltd Authorised Financial Services and Credit Provider. NCRCP6635. Terms and Conditions apply. All the above is subject to price increase and valid until 13 March 2015.

Barons Pietermaritzburg

9 Armitage Road, Pietermaritzburg, 3201 • Tel: 033 845 3100 New Sales Consultants: Alison Wiltshire – Sales Manager 082 783 8855 • John Brown – 082 645 4396 Merglin Rama – 083 382 4589 • Menzi Ngubane – 073 534 8545 • Bahle Bhengu – 082 337 5825 Erica Neff – 082 858 7749 • Thando Gumede – 078 969 8072 • Keshnee Pillay – 073 372 1452

e&oe

Load shedding and the eevee.

ASH EXOTICS

February 26, 2015

2

WitnessWheels MOTORING

February 26, 2015

Halfway goes all the way Toyota Shelly Beach gets recognised for exceptional performance and wins dealer of the year HALFWAY Toyota Shelly Beach is the 2014 Toyota Dealer of the Year.

Halfway Toyota Shelly Beach was rec­ ognised for their exceptional perform­ ance in 2014 and awarded the 2014 To­ yota Dealer of the Year.

This marks a first for this dealership and for the Halfway group.

“This award to Brian Jones and his team at Halfway Toyota Shelly Beach is richly deserved. Their consistent per­ formance over the years has finally edged this dealership to the ultimate prize in the Toyota stable,” said Calvyn Hamman, Toyota South Africa Motors senior vice president of sales and mar­ keting.

“Leading from the front, Halfway To­ yota Shelly Beach continuously exceeds customer expectations and has achieved exceptional results in all the development programmes ensuring that it is a beacon of service excellence in the Toyota dealer family and also in their region of operation,” said Ham­ man, adding that the Toyota Dealer Awards are always hotly contested and the competition is fierce.

Awarded annually, the Toyota Dealer Awards are based on a comprehensive set of metrics on which each dealer is measured throughout the preceding year. These measurements include cus­ tomer service, environmental protec­ tion, financial performance and vehicle sales.

In selecting the 2014 Toyota Dealer of the Year, Toyota identified the best performing dealership in the small, me­ dium, large and mega categories. Brian Jones and Halfway Toyota Shelly Beach were recognised in the Large category and received the overall award; while Calvin Parry of Algoa Toyota Uiten­ hage, Danny Govender of Thekwini To­ yota Durban and Johann Folscher of Barloworld Toyota Centurion were awarded for their outstanding achieve­ ments in the small, medium and mega categories respectively.

Toyota recognised several dealers and dealer groups during its award cere­ monies which concluded last week; in­ cluding the coveted Chairman’s Achievement Award. Awarded at the discretion of Dr Johan van Zyl, the presi­ dent and CEO of Toyota South Africa Motors and managing officer, for ex­ ceptional service to the Toyota brand, Marius de Bruin of the Barloworld Mo­

(From left) Calvyn Hamman, senior vice president: Sales and Marketing of Toyota South Africa Motors; Rob Newton, Halfway Group CFO; Brian Jones, Toyota Dealer of the Year at Shelly Beach; George Baikie, Halfway Group CEO and Johan van Zyl, CEO and President of Toyota South Africa Motors.

PHOTO: QUICKPIC tor Retail Group took the honours.

Following the special Chairman’s Award, Toyota celebrated the dealer­ ship with the best environmental initia­ tives. For innovative environmental projects — both in the dealership envi­ ronment and in the surrounding com­ munity — and for keeping true to the global Toyota Earth Charter, Toyota recognised Charl Venter from Werda Toyota for his hard work.

Apart from the Chairman’s and Envi­ ronmental Awards, Toyota also singled out the dealer with the highest level of customer service. For an exceptional customer experience score for the past year, Toyota recognised Martinus Ross­ ouw of Status Toyota, Cradock.

In a related category Toyota recog­ nised its best performing monitor ser­ vice dealer. Toyota’s monitor service dealers act as specialist resolution deal­ ers for complex problems or problems that do not have an apparent solution.

Anthony Baraball of Mortimer Toyota Newcastle received the Monitor Dealer

of the Year award.

Toyota Financial Services (TFS) also recognised the best performing Toyota dealer and this year Martin Klopper of Halfway Toyota Fourways received the Toyota Financial Services CEO award for the second consecutive year.

Other awards: Vice President’s Awards: The Toyota Vice President’s Awards recognise the best overall achievements in various functional categories, includ­ ing vehicle sales, vehicle marketing, parts and servicing. Toyota recognised the following dealers for their outstand­ ing achievements: • Vice President’s Award: Vehicle Mar­ keting — Halfway Toyota Shelly Beach (Brian Jones) • Vice President’s Award: Customer Service — Carnival Toyota (Nic Muller) • Vice President’s Award: Automark — Barloworld Centurion (Johann Fol­ scher) • Vice President’s Award: Combined Customer Experience

Mega: Hillcrest Toyota (Warren Dem­ mer) Large: Halfway Toyota Shelly Beach (Brian Jones) Medium: Humansdorp Toyota (Johan Brits) Small: Status Toyota Cradock (Marti­ nus Rossouw) Toyota South Africa Motors also rec­ ognised the most proficient Divisional Group Managing Director and Group Managing Director of Dealer Groups in the Toyota network. Jimmy Loubser of the Locross Toyota Group was recog­ nised in the Divisional category, while Andrew Miller received the Group Managing Director of the Year award.

• Toyota South Africa Motors has the largest network of dealers in Southern Africa, with 190 dedicated Toyota deal­ ers serving customers in South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Botswana and Swa­ ziland.

Chrysler South Africa Dealer Awards

Chrysler South Africa (Pty) Ltd, im­ porter of Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge brand vehicles locally held its annual Dealer of the Year awards banquet last Friday night. The event celebrated the success of the Chrysler and Fiat brand dealerships countrywide.

The gala evening function, held un­ der starry skies at Hayward’s Grand Sa­ fari in the Dinokeng Region (Place of Rivers) east of Pretoria, saw the hand­ ing­out of a number of awards to the leading dealerships, recognising the best of the group’s network.

The luxury African safari lodge pro­ vided the perfect backdrop to the awards for Chrysler South Africa’s top achievers.

Dealer of the Year • Category A — Metro: Chrysler Jeep Dodge Bedfordview • B — Urban: M & Z Motors, Windhoek • C — Rural: McCarthy Inyanga • Managing Director’s Award: M & Z Motors, Windhoek.

— Wheels Reporter.

A beaut of a car … and some bloke The Aston Martin DB10 is set to be the star of the 24th film James Bond movie Spectre alongside some human … name of Danie or Danny or some such.

Aston CEO Andy Palmer said at the unveiling only 10 of the DB10 models will be built for the movie franchise. “Aston Martin doesn’t quite have a new product ready to debut, this is an extremely limited production vehicle done as a ‘bespoke’ product.

In the same year that we celebrate our 50­year relationship with 007, it seems doubly fitting that today we unveiled this wonderful new sports car created especially for James Bond,” said Palmer.

Spectre is being filmed in London, Mexico City, Tangier and Erfoud in Morocco, and Sölden, Obertilliach and Lake Altaussee in Austria, as well as Rome, where the plot calls for one of the DB10s to sink in the river Tiber. Luckily this will only be a shell.

PHOTO: AP­SPORTAUTO­SUPPLIED

MOTORING WitnessWheels

February 26, 2015

3

A splash of genius BRIAN BASSETT dives into the deep end with the Suzuki Slash 1.2GA RISING oil prices, a worldwide trend by governments to use petrol as a cash cow by taxing it heavily and the growth in of the number of people who can af­ ford cars has led to manufacturers to produce a wide range of small vehicles.

At first the motoring press respond­ ed arrogantly to these entry­level vehi­ cles by calling them “econoboxes” and perhaps the first generation of these ve­ hicles deserved that title but, over time, the miracle of industrial design has turned these small cars into highly de­ sirable additions to any private garage and these days they are filled with a high level of technology relating both to per­ formance and safety.

The Suzuki Splash is one of the latest offerings in this market segment and I am grateful to Gary Stokes, dealer prin­ cipal of Honda Fury in the city for allow­ ing me a few days with the car.

STYLING The Splash is a good looking four­seater hatchback with easy flowing lines and a chic presence. At the front end it re­ minded me of the Honda Jazz, but with larger headlight clusters and fog lamps.

From the curvaceous front end the roofline rises towards the rear allowing for generous windscreen and window spaces, which give enhanced visibility.

At the rear the roof cuts off dramati­ cally to the tailgate, which gives the ve­ hicle an aerodynamic look. The rear is largely dominated by the tail light clus­ ters, which frame the rear window and give a sense of completeness to the rear design.

INTERIOR The interior of the Splash is much larger than I expected and the ergonomics are exceptional. The driver’s seat is fully adjustable and comfortable and this is enhanced by an adjustable steering column. Passenger seats are also com­ fortable and a higher seating position for all passengers promotes safer driv­ ing and easier parking.

I have always been a little suspicious about legroom in the rear of small cars, so I borrowed two sons of a friend, who

The Suzuki Slash 1.2GA is a city car ideal for the school and shopping run and will not break the bank.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED at 15 and 17 respectively, are taller than I am. The front seats required some ad­ justment, but in a short while everyone was comfortable and no one had any complaints after a 40­minute drive, The dashboard slopes away from the passengers to create an airy feeling. In­ terior plastics are robust and would ap­ pear durable, and seat coverings and in­ terior upholstery are executed in a good quality, if somewhat dark patterned cloth. The dashboard is finished in a metallic­silver border with a large, cir­ cular speedometer, located centrally be­ hind the steering wheel. An LCD display in the speedometer includes a wide vari­ ety of information like temperature, odometer, fuel consumption and range.

There is also a separate rev counter placed above the dash, which looks like an afterthought, but works well.

The radio/CD/Aux/MP3 player with speed sensing volume control will ap­

peal to younger owners, as will the three­spoke steering wheel with built­ in radio controls. The dashboard con­ trols are easily operated without driver distraction. All windows are electric, as are the side mirrors and a master con­ trol panel for these is built into a shelf in the driver’s door.

Boot space is 236 litres with the rear seats in place, but with the rear seats folded down in a 60/40 split this expands to a generous 462 litres.

SAFETY AND SECURITY These days anyone who has ventured on to the N3 knows the importance of safety. The Splash is equipped with a range of safety devices including front dual airbags and ABS, as well as seat belts for all with the front belts having pretensioners and force limiters.

There are head restraints for all pas­ sengers, front and side door beams, as

well as multi reflector, manually­lev­ elled headlamps. From a security point of view the Splash has an alarmed, key­ less entry system, power door locks an electric back door lock and driver acti­ vated child locks.

PERFORMANCE AND HANDLING The Splash is a city car ideal for taking the kids to school, shopping and com­ muting to the office without breaking the bank. The 1,2 litre, four­cylinder, 16 valve engine offers 63 kW of power and 113 Nm of torque. Zero to 100 km/h comes up in about 12 seconds and top speed is around 160 km/h. The power steering is precise and you feel in con­ trol at all times, while parking the vehi­ cle even at peak shopping times, is no problem. On the highway, as with most small engines, I found I had to work the gears, but passing articulated vehicles and ascending steep hills is easily done.

Midlands scribes win two Hilux bakkies TWO men in Midlands recently won Hilux bakkies after entering essay competitions in travel magazines.

The most recent winner was Jeremy Farquharson, who received a Hilux Legend 45 from Toyota after writing 300 “esoteric” words on a family road trip to explore most of Namibia south of Windhoek.

He said he had entered the competition, hosted by Leisure Wheels, Getaway and Popular Mechanics, so long ago that he had almost forgotten about it. But on on January 16 he got the news media fundi Chris Moerdyk had judged his entry the best from 1 685 in total.

Farquharson said his family had toured Namibia in 2010 in a 4x2 Mazda bakkie and that spacious desert country was “a game changer” for his entire family.

One of the changes he made on their return was to convert his 4x2 into a 4x4 and join the very active Midlands 4x4

Hilux winner Jeremy Farquharson (left) receives the key to a Legend 45 model from Leon Naicker, Business and Sales manager at Toyota SA Motors.

PHOTO: ALWYN VILJOEN

Club. The club’s members were on hand when Toyota South Africa handed the keys to the new Hilux to Farquharson in KZN’s capital on Tuesday night.

Deon Olivier, new vehicle sales

manager at Toyota in Pietermaritzburg, said the daily pleasure of selling SA’s most popular bakkie became that much more enjoyable with the bakkie as a prize.

After the ceremonies, Farguharson told Wheels the Midlands adventure scribes were doing well, as his neighbour had also recently won a Hilux in a writing competition for an Afrikaans travel magazine. “But mine is so much nicer,” he said, adding he had been smiling so broadly and so often ever since he got the news of his big win, it felt as if the top of his head would come off.

His first long road trip in the new Hilux will be back to Namibia. — WR.

“These days anyone who has ventured on to the N3 knows the importance of safety. The Splash is equipped with a range of safety devices including front dual airbags and ABS, as well as seat belts for all with the front belts having pretensioners and force limiters.”

The Splash also comes in an auto op­ tion, which will further enhance the driving experience. Fuel consumption is claimed to be 5,6 litres per 100 km.

The vehicle I drove recorded 6,6 litres, but then I have a heavy foot.

COST, GUARANTEES AND THE COMPETITION The entry level Splash 1.2 GA will cost you about R125 000 and the range top­ ping 1.2lGL auto comes in at R150 000.

There is a three­year/100 000km man­ ufacturer’s guarantee, a six­year anti­ corrosion cover and a two­year 30 000 km service plan. This is a com­ petitive market segment so also consid­ er the Chev Spark, Kia Picanto, Hyun­ dai Grand i10 and Peugeot 107.

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4

WitnessWheels MOTORING

February 26, 2015

Volvo takes the next leap Volvo to integrate self­drive cars in real traffic VOLVO Cars presents a unique, complete system solution that makes it possible to integrate self­driving cars into real traffic, with ordinary people in the driver’s seat. The solution was presented last week via an interactive, online press conference.

“We are entering uncharted territory in the field of autonomous driving,” said Dr Peter Mertens, senior vice president of research and development at Volvo Car Group. “Taking the exciting step to a public pilot, with the ambition to enable ordinary people to sit behind the wheel in normal traffic on public roads, has never been done before.”

As the Drive Me project enters its second year, Volvo Cars is moving rapidly towards the aim of placing 100 self­driving cars in the hands of cus­ tomers on selected roads around Gothenburg by 2017. The public pilot, a one­of­a­kind collabora­ tion between legislators, transport authorities, a major city and a vehicle manufacturer, is a central component of Volvo Cars’ plan to achieve sustain­ able mobility and ensure a crash­free future.

Based on an extensive analysis of potential tech­ nical faults, Volvo Cars has designed a complete production­viable autonomous driving system.

The key to making this leap is a complex network of sensors, cloud­based positioning systems and intelligent braking and steering technologies.

“In the future, you will be able to choose between autonomous and active driving,” said Mertens. “This transforms everyday commuting from lost time to quality time, opening up new opportunities for work and pleasure.”

Volvo Cars’ autopilot system is designed to be reliable enough to allow the car to take over every aspect of driving in autonomous mode. The technology advances a crucial step beyond the automotive systems demonstrated so far since it includes fault­tolerant systems.

“It is relatively easy to build and demonstrate a self­driving concept vehicle, but if you want to create an impact in the real world, you have to design and produce a complete system that will be safe, robust and affordable for ordinary custom­ ers,” said Dr Erik Coelingh, a technical specialist at Volvo Cars.

The main challenge is to design an autopilot that is robust for traffic scenarios as well as for technical faults that may occur. It cannot be expected that the driver will be ready to suddenly intervene in a critical situation. Initially, the cars will drive autonomously on selected roads with suitable conditions. For example, without oncom­ ing traffic, cyclists and pedestrians.

“Making this complex system 99% reliable is not good enough. You need to get much closer to 100% before you can let self­driving cars mix with other road users in real­life traffic,” said Coelingh.

“Here, we have a similar approach to that of the aircraft industry. Our fail­operational architec­ ture includes back­up systems that will ensure that autopilot will continue to function safely, also if an element of the system was to become disabled.”

For example, the probability of a brake system failure is very small, but a self­driving vehicle needs a second independent system to stop the vehicle, as it is unlikely that the driver will be prepared to press the brake pedal.

On the road, the complete technology solution will handle even the most complicated scenarios, from smooth commuting to heavy traffic and emergency situations.

“Just as good drivers would do, potentially criti­ cal situations are approached with sensible cau­ tion. In a real emergency, however, the car reacts faster than most humans,” said Coelingh.

When autonomous driving is no longer availa­ ble — due to exceptional weather conditions, technical malfunction or the end of the route has been reached — the driver is prompted by the system to take over again. If the driver is incapaci­ tated for any reason and does not take over in time, the car will bring itself to a safe place to stop.

In addition, Volvo Cars expects that autono­ mous driving will cut fuel consumption. The tech­ nology could also improve traffic flow as well as open up possibilities for urban planning and more cost­efficient investments in infrastructure.

— Supplied.

Setting a high standard for all beggars A juggler entertains drivers on a busy intersection in Ciudad Juarez in Mexico, setting a standard of roadside entertainment which South Africa’s road­ side mimes and other assorted beggars will be hard­ pressed to follow.

PHOTO: REUTERS

Has load shedding killed the electric car?

TWO years ago, Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies announced a whopping 35% reimburse­ ment on production costs over three years as an incentive for local electric car manufacturers.

Thus far, only Ethiopia and South Africa have attempted to launch electric cars on the African continent which some have hailed as an environ­ mental victory for both countries. Eskom has al­ ready taken delivery of electric cars and installed charging stations at its head office and research facility to test the infrastructure demands these cars would place upon the grid.

However, against the backdrop of recent power outages, we have to beg the question: does the electric car still have a future in South Africa?

“Sadly, the future is not bright for electric cars in South Africa,” says Jeff Osborne, head of Gum­ tree Automotive. “At least not for the time being.”

A battery­reliant electric car can use more pow­ er than all your televisions, computers, air condi­ tioning and swimming pool pumps in the home combined. “You may save on petrol, but consid­ ering the increase in electricity prices, there really is no cost­benefit as of yet.”

The additional demand placed on the electrici­ ty grid is another concern.

INCENTIVES FOR CONSUMERS Other countries have incentivised users to charge their cars overnight with off­peak rates, when de­ mand is low. However, most of us want our cars to be ready at any moment.

“These cars aren’t typically widely dispersed — you will find clusters of car owners in affluent neighborhoods. If all of them decide to power up before work or on a Friday in preparation for the weekend, you could run into real problems.”

But the challenges are more far­reaching than our erratic power supply, Osborne explains, in­ cluding the fact that owning an electric car can be impractical for the average South Africa.

V JEFF OSBORNE, Head of Gumtree Automotive

“Sadly, the future is not bright for electric cars in South Africa … You may save on petrol, but considering the increase in electricity prices, there really is no cost­benefit as of yet.”

“The average electric car is quite expensive to purchase and to run (with purchase prices of be­ tween R200 000 and R250 000 per vehicle), and time­consuming to charge. If you are using a nor­ mal household plug, it can take eight to 12 hours to fully charge a flat battery, and the range of a charged battery is limited to about 150 to 200 km at best. Hopefully there will a quick recharge sta­ tion nearby — and even if there is, a quick recharge takes up to half an hour. You will have to plan every trip very carefully.”

Batteries also need to be replaced every four to five years, which can be extremely costly.

FINANCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT In other countries where the uptake of electric cars were more favourable, governments incen­ tivised buyers by covering the bulk of the cost of custom home charge point installation and granting tax write­offs.

“South Africa has made no mention of doing this locally, although there has been a push by the Department of Environmental Affairs for public charging stations that will be powered by solar panels. Of course, quick charging draws huge cur­

rents, which photo­voltaic panels may not be able to provide,” says Osborne. “It will take a huge capex investment from filling stations to intro­ duce charging stations and the profit motive is low at the moment.”

We should also not assume that electric cars are the most effective means of “greening” our roads. “The car itself does not generate any car­ bon emissions, but the primary source of electric­ ity in South Africa is coal, which is a significant pollutant. You have to look at the environmental costs for the cars’ entire life cycle, including where the power is going to come from. If the grid is cleaner, the car would be cleaner.”

However, Osborne says it is still worth pursu­ ing research into electric cars.

Practically, if you hope to lower your carbon footprint, consider buying a hybrid vehicle. “Hy­ brid vehicles entered the South African market about five years ago, and we are seeing quality secondhand cars entering this market.”

Osborne adds that the automotive industry has placed great emphasis on encouraging and developing the production of hybrid vehicles.

— Supplied.

Kia in seventh heaven ALWYN VILJOEN ONE of the main questions asked at the re­ cent launch of the new Hyundai i20 was why such old­fashioned transmissions, especially a four­speed autobox?

The latest news from Hyundai’s sister brand Kia, serves to reassure Hyundai loyalists: Soon there will be a modern seven speed available.

Kia on Monday announced a seven­speed, dual­clutch transmission (DCT) for the cee’d GT Line. Thanks to our weak rand, the cee’d is not available in SA but chances are that the

new fuel efficient 1.0 T­GDI engine matched to this seven­speed DCT transmission will be sold here not too many months after its global launch at the Geneva Auto Show next week.

The new DCT can transfer up to 300 Nm without bending out of shape. It has two shafts, like the sequential shift transmission in VWs, with a hollow shaft to engage the even gears and a solid shaft that runs through the middle to operate the odd­numbered gears.

The new transmission was developed in­ house by KIA’s research and development teams at its Namyang, Korea R&D centre.

Kia’s seven­speed gearbox shows the Korean take on the sequential gearbox made popular by VW. PHOTO: QUICKPIC

In the market for a seamless motoring experience?

By Pieter from Maritzburg Quality, reliability, fuel efficiency and economy are the key principles that drive the Das Auto Engineers at Volkswagen. All of their innovations, such as BlueMotion Technology, are the product of strict processes that ensure every facet of every Volkswagen seamlessly and flawlessly integrates all four of these principles – right down to the last bearing.

Long story short, if you are in the market for a seamless motoring experience that offers quality, reliability, efficiency and economy from the moment you enter the showroom, then I recommend you visit The Bespoke Volkswagen dealers at Barons Pietermaritzburg – they will tailor a deal to suit your budget and needs.

The result is a seamless motoring experience from the moment you open your car door to the moment you close it behind you at your destination. Barons Pietermaritzburg strive to ensure that seamless experience starts the moment you walk in to their dealership. Every facet of their business is run in line with the Volkswagen brand you know and trust.

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.

0% Deposit deal.

Live confident. Drive confident.

Polo Vivo 1.4 55kW Conceptline New Polo TSI 66kW Comfortline from R2,597* per month from R1,999* per month The Polo Vivo 1.4 55kW Conceptline standard features include: 55kW @ 5,000rpm Fuel-injected 5-speed manual Air conditioning Driver and passenger airbags Model

Vehicle Price

Polo Vivo 1.4 55kW Conceptline

R143,800

Monthly No. of Instalments Instalments

R1,999*

72

The New Polo TSI 66kW Comfortline standard features include:

Power steering Height and reach adjustable steering column Digital clock and trip recorder 3 cup holders (1 in front 2 in rear console) Body colour bumpers

-

66kW @ 4,800rpm Fuel injected 5-speed manual

-

Electronic stability control (ESP) incl. ABS with brake assistant, ASR, EDL and EDTC Dual front and side airbags

-

Interest Rate Linked / Variable

Deposit

Balloon Payment

Total Cost Incl fees & VAT

Model

Vehicle Price

7.4%*

0%

R50,330

R194,275

New Polo TSI 66kW Comfortline

R221,200

Monthly No. of Instalments Instalments

R2,597*

Interest Rate Linked / Variable

Deposit

Balloon Payment

Total Cost Incl fees & VAT

9.25%*

20% (R44,240)

30% (R66,360)

R253,315

72

Visit us on www.baronsvwpmb.co.za

An optional cost of R900 incl VAT will be charged for metallic paint. Note: *Linked to FNB prime rate, currently 9.25%. Note: Offers calculated on the Polo Vivo 1.4 55kW Conceptline model in standard specifications. Information subject to change without prior notification. All finance offers are subject to credit approval from Volkswagen Financial Services. Instalment includes initiation and monthly administration fee of R57. Volkswagen Financial Services a division Volkswagen Financial Services South Africa (Pty) Ltd Authorised Financial Services and Credit Provider. NCRCP6635. Terms and Conditions apply. All the above is subject to price increase and valid until 13 March 2015.

An optional cost of R900 incl VAT will be charged for metallic paint. Note: *Linked to FNB prime rate, currently 9.25%. Note: Offers calculated on the New Polo TSI 66kW Comfortline model in standard specifications. Information subject to change without prior notification. All finance offers are subject to credit approval from Volkswagen Financial Services. Instalment includes initiation and monthly administration fee of R57. Volkswagen Financial Services a division Volkswagen Financial Services South Africa (Pty) Ltd Authorised Financial Services and Credit Provider. NCRCP6635. Terms and Conditions apply. All the above is subject to price increase and valid until 13 March 2015.

• • • • •

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

• • • • •

e&oe

Visit us on www.baronsvwpmb.co.za

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

e&oe

-

It’s not just a car. It’s a Golf.

Polo Vivo

2013 2014 2015 2015 2015 2015

Polo Vivo 1.6 Trendline 5 Door Polo Vivo 1.4 Trendline 5 Door Polo Vivo 1.6 Comfortline Polo Vivo 1.6 Comfortline 5 Door Polo Vivo 1.6 Comfortline 5 Door Polo Vivo Maxx

Silver Red Silver White White Beige

R139 900 R149 900 R159 900 R159 900 R169 900 R177 000

40 000 9 000 1 500 1 000 1 000 4 000

km km km km km km

Polo 1.4 Trendline 5 Door Polo 1.4 Comfortline 5 Door Polo 1.2 TSI Comfortline Polo 1.2 TSI Highline Polo 1.2 TSI Trendline

White Silver Silver Red White

R152 900 R179 900 R229 000 R239 000 R185 900

25 000 6 500 2 100 3 000 900

km km km km km

Golf 6 GTI DSG Golf GTI DSG Golf 7 2.0 TDI Highline DSG Golf 7 1.4 TSI Comfortline DSG

Black White White Silver

R299 900 R298 900 R349 900 R319 900

59 000 66 000 23 000 3 500

km km km km

Amarok Double Cab BiTDI 4Motion 132kW Amarok Double Cab DSG 132kW

White White

R339 000 R449 000

48 000 km 13 000 km

Scirocco 2.0 TSI Jetta 1.4 TSI DSG Tiguan 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Passat 2.0 TDI DSG 21st Century Beetle 1.2 TSI Touareg 3.0 TDI BlueMotion Tiptronic Tiguan 2.0 TDI

Silver Beige Grey White White White Silver

R259 900 R279 000 R299 000 R329 900 R259 900 R839 900 R339 000

45 000 58 000 6 500 15 000 5 000 1 000 5 000

Ford Figo 1.4 Trend BMW 320D F30 Sportline

Beige White

R79 900 R379 000

127 000 km 20 000 km

Polo

Golf

Golf TSI 77kW Trendline from R3,447* per month

Amarok

2012 2014

The Golf TSI 77kW Trendline standard features include: -

Other VW

2010 2012 2014 2014 2014 2015 2015

km km km km km km km

-

Model Golf TSI 77kW Trendline

Other

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

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

-

-

ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) with Brake Assist and EDL (Electronic Differential Lock) 15” Lyon alloy wheels Start-Stop with Brake Energy Recuperation

Interest Rate Monthly No. of Vehicle Price Instalments Linked / Instalments Variable

R270,200

R3,447*

60

7.98%*

Deposit

Balloon Payment

15% 35% (R40,530) (R94,570)

Total Cost Incl fees & VAT

R301,392

Visit us on www.baronsvwpmb.co.za

e&oe

2010 2014

6-speed manual Multi-collision brake system Climatic air conditioner Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Anti-Spin Regulation (ASR) Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)

An optional cost of R900 incl VAT will be charged for metallic paint. Note: *Linked to FNB prime rate, currently 9.25%. Note: Offers calculated on the Golf TSI 77kW Trendline in standard specifications. Instalment includes delivery, initiation 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 13 March 2015.

New Sales Consultants

Alison Wiltshire – Sales Manager 082 783 8855 • John Brown – 082 645 4396 Merglin Rama – 083 382 4589 • Menzi Ngubane – 073 534 8545 Bahle Bhengu – 082 337 5825 • Erica Neff – 082 858 7749 Thando Gumede – 078 969 8072 • Keshnee Pillay – 073 372 1452

BP Advertising

2012 2012 2015 2015

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2013 2014 2015 2015 2015

6

WitnessWheels MOTORING

February 26, 2015

Bid for the best postal van Contract for next­gen mail truck could be one of the most lucrative of its kind in recent times THE U.S. Postal Service is seeking bids for a new vehicle that will be better suited to the job and return better fuel economy.

The contract for the next­generation mail truck could be one of the most lu­ crative of its kind in recent memory, ac­ cording to industry trade journal Auto­ motive News (subscription required).

Specifications released to bidders on January 20 call for 180 000 new vehi­ cles at $25 000 (R290 000) to $35 000 (R407 000) apiece — valuing the con­ tract at $4,5 billion to $6,3 billion.

Officials are also reportedly looking for more convenience features — like backup cameras — and greater cargo capacity to handle the increasing amount of packages generated by

online shopping.

Like all previous postal vehicles, the new van will also have to be right­hand drive, so mail carriers can easily place items in mailboxes.

A group of bidders will be picked this summer to build prototypes, which will undergo testing in 2016.

The final contract will be awarded in 2017, with the first deliveries expected in 2018.

Models like the Ford Transit Con­ nect, Nissan NV200, and Ram ProMas­ ter City seem better suited to delivery duty than full­size, truck­based vans.

Nissan told Automotive News it won’t bid on the contract, but other compa­ nies haven’t made statements on the matter.

U.S. Postal Service is on the hunt for the postal van of the future.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Green Car reports the current Long Life Vehicle was built by aircraft manufacturer Grumman, now part of Northrup Grumman.

With its boxy aluminium body and General Motors­derived chassis and four­cylinder engine, the little truck doesn’t cut quite as heroic a profile as the fighter planes Grumman built be­ fore this brief foray into cars.

It also has a few design flaws that have become apparent over the years. Ex­ haust systems are easily scraped on curbs, and mail falls into crevices in the cabin. In real­world use, the vehicles of­ ten struggle to return their rated 14,7 km/100 km. The current fleet con­ sumes as much as 583 million litres of gasoline annually. — Witness Reporter.

CARS AS SEEN AROUND THE WORLD THIS WEEK

New Opel Corsa a tar­bender

Kia bakkie as trusted by soldiers

To launch the new Corsa, Opel has commissioned the British building twisting artist Alex Chinneck to do something in his usual weird way for the hatch. Chinneck and a team of structural engineers, welders, carpenters, road surfaces and painters worked for weeks to create the artwork, which was then installed overnight on London’s Southbank Centre car park earlier this week and removed yesterday. More of his building twisted art on alexchinneck.com.

PHOTO: GIZMAG.COM

Question: How do you know the Kia bakkie has become a truly trusted workhorse? Answer: Soldiers start to use it as a rocket platform in the desert instead of the Toyota Hilux. In this 2014 photo, Iraqi security forces and Shiite militiamen fire at Islamic State positions during an operation outside Amirli, some 170 kilometres north of Baghdad in Iraq.

PHOTO: AP

Ozzie firm solves children unbuckling AUSTRALIAN company Buckle Me Up has launched a sensor that will make an alarm when the child in the back seat unbuckles his or her seat belt.

The kit has an alarm will sound and a light that flashes red when any backseat passenger unbuckles during a journey. The light is green when all passengers are buckled up.

The company quotes a Yale Medical School study in 2010 that showed of half of 378 parents surveyed, had report­ ed at least one of their children had

managed to unbuckle their seatbelt at some point. 40% of those “unbuck­ lers” did so while the car was moving.

All the mothers surveyed as part of the company usability study conducted in 2014 remembered an incident when their own child had unbuckled their seatbelt without permission.

The company said a study conducted last year by the Australian Centre for Road Safety and Transport in New South Wales had showed more children are seriously injured as passengers in

cars rather than as pedestrians, adding children between the seven and 12 are at greatest risk of serious injury.

The Buckle Me Up kit costs AU$189 (R1 712). Two extra cartridges can be ordered for $39,95 (R362), including shipping. — WR. All the mothers surveyed said their children had unbuckled themselves without permission at one point during a journey.

PHOTO: SCREEN GRAB

For more information on Witness Wheels advertising Contact Avir on 084 278 3447 or Avir@witness.co.za

Company car taxed more THE tax on new or used company cars benefits have been amended and, with effect from Sunday, March 1 the fringe benefit tax will be based on the higher, listed retail value of vehicles, not their discount­ ed fleet prices.

Vehicles bought on or before Saturday will still be taxed on the lower value.

The monthly fringe benefit, for tax purposes, for employees is deemed to be 3,5% of the “deter­ mined value” of the vehicle.

National Treasury/the SA Revenue Services are expected to is­ sue the Taxation Laws Amendment Act 2014 regulations next week to define “retail market value”.

— Witness Reporter.

353 Pietermaritz Street •Tel: 033 392 9970 GWM H5 CITY

normal price R229 900 our price

STAZZ

VEHICLE RENTAL NOW OPENED IN PMB 104 Boshoff Street, Pietermaritzburg at Derby Shell Motors Tel: 033 811 1681 • Cell: 060 786 5566

199 900

R

MANUAL KIA RIO/SIMILAR

GWM C20R

R299

normal price R149 900 our price

139 900

R

*Contract fee + 100 km free *R1,99/km thereafter *Deposit required (Payable on pick up

COMMERICAL MITSUBISHI TRITON/ SIMILAR

R399 GWM H6 CITY

GWM C30

GWM C50 T R

our price

normal price R179 900

normal price R219 900 our price

normal price R259 900

184 900

our price

239 900

R

144 900

R

*Contract fee + 100 km free *R2,50/km thereafter *Deposit required (Payable on pick up

Website: www.stazzpmb.co.za E-mail: bookings@stazz.co.za ENQUIRE INSTORE ABOUT OUR GREAT LONG TERM DEALS

353 Pietermaritz Street • Tel: 033 392 9970 GWM STEED 5 S/CAB 2.2 MPi

e R135 877 normal pric R our price

GWM STEED 5 D/CAB 2.2 MPi e R184 900 normal pric R our price

169 900

128 859

+ VAT

GWM STEED E XCAPE

GWM STEED 6

our price

our price

R

284 900

R

299 900

Workshop and spares 353 Pietermaritz Street • Tel: 033 392 9970 available shortly

PIETERMARITZBURG

MOTORS

XENON XT

Range

Take it to the XTreme . . .

R239 995

R132 995

8

WitnessWheels MOTORING

February 26, 2015

Karting just got a lot quicker THE 2015 South African National Karting Championship season fires up in Port Elizabeth on Saturday in a fresh season set to dish up even more innovation and a new top class.

2014 was a watershed year for the local sport when all classes raced together for the first time in over a decade of split championships. The move to those single, blockbuster nationals brought a new gravity to karting and while the blockbuster theme continues into 2015, there are a few more changes this year.

NEW X30S SET TO THRILL The new IAME X30 shifter class gains national championship status for the first time this year with these high­powered 125 cc six­speed ma­ chines set to become karting’s quickest class, driv­ en by among the country’s top racing names.

X30 and the Rok classes start their seasons in Port Elizabeth this weekend before they join up with the new Evo­powered Rotax Max classes for the Cape round in April at Killarney. All classes then move on to KZN at iDube in June and Veree­ neging in Gauteng in August, which will be the X30 and Rok finals. Rotax Max then wraps up its year at Zwartkops in October.

The IAME X30 class begins its first season as a national karting class with a star­studded field set to deliver premium action this weekend, with

Johannesburg’s world championship runner­up Nathan Parkins heading an entry list that also includes local hero and triple SA Production Car champion Michael Stephen.

Add Cape drivers, double SA Max Challenge champion Luke Herring, Julian vd Watt and Kohen Bam and Reef stars Keagan Masters who steps up to X30 at 14 years old, Connor Rogers, Shayur Harpal and Kyle Lawrence, plus 10 other most ca­ pable drivers to that and we have a recipe to thrill.

SOLID AS A ROK Moving over to the Vortex Rok classes, SA champion Chassen Bright will be out to defend his Super Rok 125 cc title from the likes of last year’s runner­up Jason Smith, brothers Jason and Luke Hill, Keagan Blackensee and Junior Max graduate Henry Bam. Teenagers Stuart White from Bloemfontein, Jo’burg’s Luca Munaretto and KZN lad Chayse Augustus will have to deal with Jozi lass Neha Harpal among a competitive field in the high school age Junior Rok 125 cc class that is always on for a good battle.

The smallest national class this weekend is the 60 cc primary school gang racing in Mini Rok, where you can rest assured there will be war as usual, in perhaps the purest racing class anywhere.

It will also be a case of revenge this year as upcoun­

The Mini Rok promises top action in 2015 South African National Karting Champion­ ship in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

PHOTO: QUICKPIC try drivers seek revenge over Cape lads who domi­ nated the 60s last year. The Cape certainly will be well represented though, by the likes of Aidan Strydom, Charl Visser and Alex Oelz, but upcountry rivals Jordan North, Kwanda Makoena, Altan Bouw, Cameron O’ Conner, Jarrod Waber­ ski, Dillon van Vuuren and Dominic Lincoln will be out to stop them, while local PE lad Joshua Coertze is always a tough nut to crack at home.

There will also be regional championship Cadet races for drivers under eight years of age as well

as a NF100 junior motorcycle demonstration races through the day.

THE CELSO SCRIBANTE CIRCUIT The weekend’s action happens at the Celso Scrib­ ante Circuit is at the intersection of the M18 Victo­ ria Drive and Sardinia Bay Road Port Elizabeth.

The action starts with practice on Thursday (with a spit braai for competitors that evening) and Fri­ day, with qualifying on Saturday morning before the race action commences at 10.50 am.

— Supplied.

ABOVE: Double national champions Mark Cronje and co­ driver Robin Houghton are keen to take the Yaris down a peg or two.

PHOTO: QUICKPIC LEFT: Defending champs Toyota has given its rally­spec Yaris S2000 a new nose to make it look like the Yaris on sale on shopfloor.

PHOTO: MARC BOW

It’s the Yaris vs the Fiesta Expect an epic battle when the national rally champs starts with the Tour Natal at Scottburgh ALWYN VILJOEN IF the sugar cane fields around Scottburgh were a giant boxing ring, the one corner has the rally­ spec Toyota Yaris, while the other corner has the all­wheel drive Ford Fiesta.

These two brands are the favourites in the na­ tional rally championships, which starts tomorrow with the Tour Natal, again based at Scottburgh.

The exciting championship pit the crews against each other in eight flat­out races across SA through to mid October, when the last leg of the rally takes place in Polokwane.

Behind the wheel of the S2000 four­wheel drive Fiesta are double national champions Mark Cronje and co­driver Robin Houghton.

The pair has established themselves as the team to beat in recent years, having claimed consecutive S2000 titles in 2012 and 2013. Although their chal­

lenge for a third title was dogged by bad luck last year, they were consistently fast and are keen to reclaim “their” title.

Houghton said the team will start off their sea­ son on the Tour Natal with the same spec vehicle they used last year, but they will have the benefit of the latest specification for the Sasol Rally in April. “We sent one of our Fiesta body shells back to M­Sport in the UK at the end of last year, and it is currently being updated to the latest level. This will ensure we have the new upgrades for the rest of the season as we fight for championship glory.

“We have the best car out there and know that we will be right at the front challenging for stage wins and overall victories,” said Mark Cronje.

“It is fantastic having the backing and support of Ford Performance and Ford South Africa, and we hope to add even more silverware to the trophy cabinet throughout the season.”

Ford Motorsport manager John Nagel said this year sees Ford’s strongest assault yet on the respec­ tive titles. “We have every confidence that the crews will be challenging for victory in every round and doing Ford and its loyal supporters proud.”

IN THE CASTROL TEAM TOYOTA CORNER Leeroy Poulter, who won his first South African National Rally Championship in 2014, will again campaign the proven Toyota Yaris S2000 rally car partnered with Elvéne Coetzee, who in 2014 be­ came the first female navigator to win the champi­ onship in more than five decades. The pair have now proven their mettle by winning four rounds of the eight­round championship in 2014, backed up by two second­place finishes.

They will be joined in the second Yaris by Dakar veteran and multiple national motorsport champi­ on Giniel de Villiers. Fresh from a stunning second­

place finish on this year’s Dakar Rally in South America, De Villiers will have highly experienced navigator Carolyn Swan alongside him in the Toyota Yaris S2000.

Toyota South Africa Motors is also proud to be associated with a number of privateers, who campaign a variety of Toyota products.

The most notable performances in 2014 were

by Guy Botterill and navigator Simon Va­ cy­Lyle in their Toyo­ CV JOINT ta Etios R2 S1600.

SPECIALISTS They won six of the eight rounds and had for CV joints, ball joints, the title in the bag tie rod ends, wheel bearings. with a round to spare.

339 GREYLING STREET Their S1600 Etios is locally developed and Pmb. 033 342 9174/75 supported by Yato.